September’s Skiing Snippets – See What Catches our Eye in the World of Snowsports…

1st September 2021

Last modified on September 27th, 2021

– How to Measure a Shrinking Glacier
– Big SNOW Indoor Slope in USA Shut Due to Fire
– Para Skiers Show Freestyle Skills
– Vaccinated Children Exempt From Norway Quarantine … LIVE

PlanetSKI’s ‘Skiing Snippets’

Here we cover anything that takes our fancy.

Short news stories, eye catching videos, amusing cartoons, coronavirus updates, things that make us smile/things that make us shout at the screen… in fact anything that catches our eye in the world of snowsports.

Check out all the ‘snippets’ from the last couple of months:

We’re mixing it up…

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How to Measure a Shrinking Glacier

Glaciers are regarded as a key indicator of climate change.

Scientists warn that under the current melting rate, even major glaciers are at risk of disappearing.

This, in turn, will lead to catastrophic consequences, they say.

The BBC’s Abdujalil Abdurasulov joined an expedition that monitors glaciers in Kyrgyzstan to see the effects a warmer world is already having.

Climate Change: How to Measure a Shrinking Glacier

Big SNOW Indoor Slope in USA Shut Due to Fire

The US snow centre has only just re-opened in the American Dream shopping mall but has been affected by a fire in the complex.

“We can promise you that Big SNOW will be back and better than ever, just as soon as we can safely do so,” the company said on social media.

“At this point, we are uncertain of how long that will take.”

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Para Skiers Show Freestyle Skills

Canada’s Josh Dueck became the first sit skier to perform a backflip in 2012.

The Sochi 2014 men’s sitting combined Paralympic champion was one of the first decorated skiers to encourage others to do freestyle tricks.

Now more are showing interest in freestyle.

“The interest is there and the push is there,” said Jay Rawe to World Para Alpine Skiing.

“Realistically, we’re several years out from this becoming a sport.”

Norway’s Amelie Ericson from Norway is one of 20 or sit skiers who have turned to Rawe to learn freestyle sit skiing.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Amelie | SITSKI | WCMX | aMTB (@amelie_ericson)

See more here on Inside the Games.

Josh Dueck is Canada’s Chef de Mission for the Beijing 2022 Winter Paralympic Games.

He believes that although it is not near becoming a competitive sport yet, sit skiing freestyle has much potential.

“It’s new, it’s exciting, it’s bold, it’s brave, it takes talent,” said Dueck.

Image © PlanetSKI

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Vaccinated Children Exempt From Quarantine on Arrival in Norway

See here for details on skiing in Norway next winter:

Where to ski next winter: Norway

Skiing in Norway. Image © PlanetSKI

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Opposition Grows to Pyrenees-Barcelona Winter Olympic Bid

A group called ‘Stop JJOO’ (Stop the Olympic Games) has formed and is urging a No vote in any referendum on a 2030 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games bid from the Spanish regions.

Dialogue has opened between the International Olympic Committee and the Pyrenees-Barcelona bid team.

‘Stop JJOC’ claims it will harm the environment and the region.

See more here: GamesBids.com

Image © PlanetSKI

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Woman Flies With Geese Over French Alps

Nathalie Maniglier suffers from a degenerative eye condition and before she loses her sight she had a wish.

To fly with birds.

She went up in a microlight aircraft with a flock of young geese.

See here for the full story on Reuters.

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Lake Louise Ski Racing Likely Affected by Covid-19 Restrictions

The World Cup races take place in Alberta in Canada at the end of November.

Under the rules of the Province it looks like all attendees need to be vaccinated.or there will be limitations on hosting the event.

From Monday September 20th businesses and non-essential events in Alberta have been required to bring in the system or have restrictions.

Restaurants not part of the vaccine passport programme will be limited to outdoor dining.

Those over the age of 12 will be required to show proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test from the last 72-hours in order to access non-essential businesses and events.

The neighbouring ski province of British Columbia has already introduced similar measures.

Lake Louise, Alberta, Canada. Image © PlanetSKI

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Fancy a job in the ski industry?

Ski France is recruiting…

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All staff at San Francisco International Airport Must be Fully Vaccinated

The airport serves many of the main ski resorts in California

“As SFO prepares for the upcoming holiday travel season and the return of pre-pandemic passenger levels, we have an obligation to provide a safe airport facility for the traveling public and our on-site employees,” said airport director Ivar Satero.

Under the new rules, every airport tenant or contractor must ensure their on-site staff are fully vaccinated.

Employees can be granted exemptions based on “either medical disability or sincerely held religious belief”.

The airport offers free vaccines at an on-site medical centre.

San Francisco Airport. Image © PlanetSKI

The US Administration has recently announced a relaxation of its travel rules for international visitors:

US ban on travellers from the UK to be lifted in November

Some skiers are viewing next season as an opportunity to do a bucket list ski holiday after the disruptions of the last two seasons.

San Francisco Airport. Image © PlanetSKI

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Dusting of Snow in the Alps

There has been some autumn flakes falling high up in the French Alps.

Here is what it looks like in the highest resort in the Alps – Val Thorens in Les3Vallees.

“This morning we woke up to a snowy white Val Thorens, with 9cm on the summits at 3,200m and 4cm in the village at 2,300m. A first glimpse of what winter has to offer,” said a spokesperson from the resort tourist office.

And there’s been a spot of snow above neighbouring Les Menuires.

Les Menuires, Les3Vallees.

It will have no impact on the season ahead, but it’s always good to see the snow appearing on the peaks.

PlanetSKI is planning to be in Val Thorens at the end of November for its opening weekend.

In the meantime some of the glacier resorts in the Alps that are already open:

Austria: Hintertux, Piztal and Soelden.

Switzerland: Zermatt and Saas Fee.

Italy: Val Senales

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Snow-Camp 2020/21 Annual Review

It has been an unprecedented time for the snowsport charity that helps disadvantaged inner city young people.

Snow-Camp supported almost 1000 young people LIVE on its two-day beginner First Tracks programme in London, the Midlands, the North-West and Scotland this summer.

“Thanks to your continued support, we’ve not only been able to positively impact the lives of many more vulnerable young people across the UK with our snowsports-based programmes this past year, but we’ve even launched & established our brand-new Stop Breathe Think mental health service to offer our young people an even greater support package when progressing through our programmes,” said the charity as it published its annual review.

“When Covid hit, we quickly adapted to ensure that we could continue supporting those who needed us the most.

“As a team, and as a result of your invaluable support, we are immensely proud of all we have achieved during such a difficult period and we hope you enjoy reading the review.

See here for the full details: Snow-camp Annual Review

Dan Charlish, Snow-camp. Image c/o Snow-camp.

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Skiers at Lower Risk of Anxiety than Other Groups

Skiers had a nearly 60% lower risk of getting diagnosed with anxiety disorders compared to non-skiers.

That’s according to a study in the US journal Frontiers in Psychiatry

The authors compared 197,685 Swedish people who participated in Vasaloppet – at 56 miles long it is the world’s largest long-distance ski race.

They looked at data between 1989 and 2010 examining 197,684 adults who had similar health profiles but were not skiers.

The conclusion?

People who ski are less stressed.

See here for the full story on CNN.

Schladming mountain restaurant. Image © PlanetSKI.

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PlanetSKI Returns to the BBC

We were at Televison Centre for a press event hosted by Les3Vallees as it looked forward to the winter ahead.

It was a trip down memory lane.

Les3Valles at the BBC. Image © PlanetSKI

PlanetSKI’s founder and editor, James Cove, worked for BBC TV News, and was based at TV Centre, for 19-years.

PlanetSKI’s senior news reporter, Jane Peel, worked for BBC News for even longer, and was Home Affairs and Legal Affairs Correspondent.

“The event for Les3Vallees started at 6pm and I timed it to perfection and I cycled the route from my home in Putney for many years. 23-minutes it used to take,” said James as he left home at 5.30 sharp.

He was 12-minutes early, so the cycle lanes must have improved.

Les3Valles at the BBC. Image © PlanetSKI

Once inside, ‘the donut’ looked the same.

Les3Valles at the BBC. Image © PlanetSKI

And the view from the ‘smoking balcony’ brought back many memories of killing time on long overnight shifts on the TV and radio newsdesk.

Les3Valles at the BBC. Image © PlanetSKI

And the Les3Vallees event itself?

It was fabulous and we will be bringing you a full report soon on all that is new for next winter at the world’s largest linked ski area.

“When I worked as a news editor co-ordinating the coverage with vast resources at my disposal, I always knew that deploying quickly and well while spending wisely was the key to get results,” said James.

Like the BBC, Les3Vallees is a big beast.

“We are the largest ski area in the world and we try to be the best. Investment is crucial and we have continued in the pandemic,” said the manager of Les3Vallees, Olivier Desaulty.

The area has a host of new developments from lifts to sports centres for the coming winter.

Les3Valles at the BBC. Image © PlanetSKI

There is much to pass on from the evening’s event…

Les3Valles at the BBC. Image © PlanetSKI

We are pleased to say that we have plans for a trip to the area later in November for the opening of Val Thorens and we will be returning later in the season.

Hopefully taking the new ski train and staying in Les Menuires.

Further details revealed of new ski train to the French Alps

We will be updating you on all that is new from Les3Vallees soon….

PlanetSKI in Val Thorens, France. Image © PlanetSKI.

Preparations for winter are well underway with snow cannons being tested.

Testing, testing! The snow cannons on the new Eclipse run are working… #Courchevel #Les3Vallees #MyPlayground 📸 @Snow_Retreat pic.twitter.com/FUc15dFcAe
— Les 3 Vallées (@3Vallees_france) September 21, 2021

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Davos Economic Forum Set to Go Ahead Next Year

After going virtual in 2021it is set to take place in person January 17th – 22nd in the Swiss ski resort.

It seems the world’s leading politicians and business leaders gather.

The 2022 event will carry a theme of “Working Together, Restoring Trust” after the ravages of COVID-19 that “has exacerbated fractures across society,” the forum said.

Organizers will host next year’s event with appropriate and adapted health safety measures, it said.

“In a world full of uncertainty and tension, personal dialogue is more important than ever,” forum founder Klaus Schwab said in a statement. “Leaders have an obligation to work together and build trust, increase global cooperation and work towards sustainable, bold solutions.”

Image c/o World Economic Forum

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Ryanair hopes to create 5,000 jobs over the next five years

The airline used by many thousands of skiers and snowboarders across the winter is planning its recovery from the pandemic.

The CEO, Michael O’Leary says the carrier is in a good position and has been snapping up slots vacated by collapsed airlines.

Ryanair has upgraded growth forecasts for the next five years, with a belief that passenger numbers will grow by 50%, compared with 33% previously predicted.

Ryanair. Image © PlanetSKI.

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Val Gardena to be Italian nominee to host 2029 Alpine World Ski Championships

The resort in the Dolomites beat the resort of Sestriere for the nomination.

The FISI Federal Council heard presentations from both resorts with Val Gardena winning more votes.

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PlanetSKI Is Planning Pre-Xmas Trip to Isere Region

We’re taking the train and then staying in the city of Grenoble.

Spot of city action – bars, restaurants, site seeing and Xmas Markets.

Then one day skiing in Chamrousse, one day in Les 7 Laux and then a final day in Villard de Lans.

🚆 Depuis plusieurs années, on observe que le nombre de skieurs internationaux préférant voyager en #train augmente
🎞 #isereattractivite construit un film qui retrace le parcours d’un utilisateur, montrant la facilité de rejoindre nos stations de #montagne en #Isère #alpesishere pic.twitter.com/Py0Pxq7WiX
— Isère Attractivité (@alpes_ishere) September 14, 2021

See lower down this blog for details about the area…

Ski resorts in Isere. Image c/o Isere.

About Isere:

Isère is a department in the Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes region in south-eastern France.

It extends from the banks of the River Rhône to the summits of the French Alps.

The region is easily accessible from Grenoble Alpes Isère airport, including numerous flights from London and other major cities in the UK.

In winter, the resorts in the Vercors region, the major ski areas of Alpe d’Huez and Les 2 Alpesin Oisans or the resorts in Belledonne will delight mountain holiday fans.

The resorts are home to Nordic skiing, Alpine skiing on the major summits and glaciers, snowboarding, freeriding, snow shoeing and dogsledding.

The second mountain range, the massif of Belledonne, offers 250 km of slopes with an altitude difference up to 1200 m.

With state-of-the-art lifts, skiers are quickly transported up the mountain where incredible panoramic views await.

Les 7 Laux offers easily accessible off-piste areas, as well as a large network of marked pistes, including the famous ‘Casserousse’ in Chamrousse, where French sport legend, Jean-Claude Killy, won the Olympic gold medal in 1968.

Although Vercors is mainly known for cross country skiing, the landscape is different to Oisans or Belledonne: skiers can go through forests with much steeper and craggier terrain available.

The slopes are less challenging than in Oisans, yet good skiers can still find some serious black slopes, such as the ‘Carole Montillet’ piste (former ski champion) in Villard-de-Lans / Corrençon-en-Vercors, which is the main Alpine resort in Vercors with 125 km of runs.

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Squaw Valley Renamed ‘Palisades Tahoe’

The California ski resort has changed its name after the term ‘squaw’ was widely seen as derogatory.

The decision on a name change was made in 2020 after discussions with the local Washoe Tribe.

The tribe said the word is considered a racist and sexist slur against indigenous women

Squaw Valley to change ‘racist’ and ‘sexist’ name

“It is inspiring that after seven decades in operation, a company as storied and established as this resort can still reflect and adjust when it is the necessary and right thing to do,” said the Palisades Tahoe President and COO , Dee Byrne.

See here for the full story on PlanetSKI:

Squaw Valley in California Renamed ‘Palisades Tahoe’

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Proof of Glacier Melt (If Any Still Needed)

#Tschierva glacier and Piz #Bernina (4049 m a.s.l.) from Alp Ota (2257 m a.s.l.)
1895 | 2004 | 2021 pic.twitter.com/C1VbHTdyE0
— Melaine Le Roy (@subfossilguy) September 11, 2021

Summer glacier protection continues

North America heatwave devastates glaciers

Summer Glacier Skiing: Go While You Still Can

Summer glacier skiing in Les2Alpes. Image © PlanetSKI

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Mikaela Shiffrin Looks Forward to Next Season

6️⃣ weeks to @soelden❗️
Who else is excited for the start of the new season?🤙@mikaelashiffrin @usskiteam pic.twitter.com/oOTtgOnHtr
— Mikaela Shiffrin Fans (@shiffrinfans) September 11, 2021

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Colorado Supreme Court Refuses to Consider Case Against Ski Area Waivers

Ski resorts use the waivers to offer protection from lawsuits filed by injured skiers and snowboarders.

When hiring equipment people have to sign waivers and lifts tickets usually have the waiver in small print on the back of the pass.

It means skiers and snowboarders “assume all risks” when skiing at a resort and in certain circumstances excuses the ski area “for any and all liability” in claims for injury or death.

See the full details in the Colorado Sun which details the specific case involved at Loveland, Colorado:

Colorado Supreme Court Ski Resort Liability Waiver

Skiing in Colorado. Image © PlanetSKI

The Colorado Ski Safety Act has been amended several times since 1979.

It does not automatically protect resorts from lawsuits resulting from injuries sustained on chairlifts.

It requires resorts to mark the runs and inform skiers of closures, plus follow dozens of rules set by the Colorado Tramway Board.

The Ski Safety Act assigns most responsibilities for safety to skiers, requiring them to follow a responsibility guide created in 1966.

The legislation does allow skiers to sue resorts over injuries or deaths involving a ski area’s negligence.

Alaska, Montana and Utah, have legislation that prevent waivers from protecting resorts from lawsuits that involve gross negligence.

Skiing in Colorado. Image © PlanetSKI

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Loveland Tests its Snow Guns Ahead of Autumn Start

The Colorado resort is one of the first areas to open in the USA – sometimes the very first.

It has an annual battle with Arapahoe Basin to see who can open first.

Loveland fired up the snow guns this week, making sure everything is in working order for snowmaking proper to start.

Currently the temperatures are too warm to run the guns on a regular basis.

Snowmaking should start in early October and it takes around two weeks to cover a top to bottom run.

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Sweden to End Most Covid-19 Restrictions at End of the Month

Sweden, which never had a lockdown, now has one of the lowest Covid-19 infection rates in Europe.

It now has 64 cases per 100,000 people over a 7-day period.

Italy has a similar figure,65, with Andorra on 47.

Its Scandinavian ski neighbour of Finland has 70, though Covid is more prevalent in Finland’s other Scandinavia ski neighbour, of Norway, 182.

In March 2020 it was criticised by some for not closing its ski resorts as the virus spread:

More than 70% of Swedish adults are now fully vaccinated.

Sweden never had a lockdown but it did introduce some legally binding rules such as a rule of eight at tables in pubs and bars and a maximum of 50 people at public events.

With a population of 10.2m it has seen 14,702 deaths.

Norway and Finland did introduce lockdowns and has seen far fewer deaths.

Norway with a population of 5.4m saw 827 deaths.

Finland has a population of 5.5m and reports 1,042 deaths.

Skiing in Norway: A Covid-19 Success Story

The Swedish authorities have admitted that they got some things wrong and, it regrets the high death toll.

Ski resorts, including the main one of Are, are planning to open in early November.

With the ski season approaching the relaxation of Covid-19 measures in October will see the resorts operating under some sort of normality:

The limit on the number of people allowed at both public and private events will be removed

All remaining rules that apply to restaurants and bars such as limits on visitor groups and distance between tables will go. Previously the events and hospitality sectors were subject to strict legal limits, and could face fines if found in violation of these.

Some recommendations will remain:

Advice to avoid crowding.
People should meet each other outdoors rather than indoors.
To work from home where possible.
To practise good hand hygiene.

People will be advised to stay at home if they develop Covid-19 symptoms.

With regards to rates across the other ski nations of Europe Switzerland has the highest number of cases with 218 infections per 100,000 of population over a 7-day period.

France is at 131, Austria is 119 and Spain is at 79.

The UK remains one of the highest in Europe at 401 confirmed cases per 100,000 people over a 7-day period.

Image © PlanetSKI

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Another UK Mobile Network Reintroduces Roaming Charges

If you use your mobile phone when out in a ski resort next winter you will need to check which provider you use and what the terms are if you want to avoid extra charges.

Three is the latets network to announce it is reintroducing roaming charges between the UK and Europe.

From 23rd May 2022, customers who have taken out a new or upgraded contract after 1st October will have to pay £2 a day to use their monthly allowance of minutes, texts and calls in the EU.

EE and Vodafone made similar announcement earlier.

If you head to ski in the USA, Canada, Japan or any other resort outside Europe there will be a £5 daily roaming charge.

“The new charge ensures that customers are clear on what they will pay when using their phone in another country and only those who roam will pay for the service,” said a statement from Three.

“It will also ensure that we can continue investing in our UK network.”

Under EU rules people could use their contract’s minutes, texts, and data while roaming in the EU.

That is no longer the case after Brexit and the UK’s withdrawl from the European Union.

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Preparations for Winter Underway in Finland

Less than a month now until the 21-22 ski season starts if Finland at the resorts of @rukaskiresort and (pictured ready to roll out the snow stored from last winter on the hillside beyond) @LeviSkiResort pic.twitter.com/E5puPbyC4h
— Snow Forecast.com (@SnowForecast) September 9, 2021

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North Korea banned from 2022 Winter Olympics

The International Olympic Committee has made the ruling after the country backed out of Tokyo 2020.

The IOC said North Korea had breached the Olympic Charter by “failing to fulfil their obligation” to send athletes to the Toko Summer Games.

The Olympic ban run to the end of 2022, although the IOC reserves the right to reconsider the duration of the suspension at its discretion.

Athletes may be able to attend but will not be able to compete under their national flag.

The Beijing Winter Olympics is due to be held from February 4th to 20th with the Winter Paralympics from March 4th to 13th.

Beijing 2022

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Canada Opens its Borders to UK Travellers

Fully vaccinated foreign nationals are now eligible to enter Canada for discretionary (non-essential) reasons, such as tourism.

If things remain the same skiing is on the cards in Canada next winter with the country being on the UK’s Green List.

Switzerland, Finland and Canada Go on UK’s Green List

People entering Canada must be fully vaccinated at least 14 days prior to entering Canada

The need a negative pre-arrival molecular test taken no more than 72 hours before their arrival, or a previous positive test result taken between 14 and 180 days before departure to Canada.

Antigen tests, often called “rapid tests” are not accepted.

They must be asymptomatic and submit their mandatory information via ArriveCAN (App or website).

They need proof of vaccination in English or French and a quarantine plan in case it is determined at the border that they do not meet the necessary requirements.

They must also be prepared to take a test on arrival if selected to do so.

Further details are available on Transport Canada’s website, and Public Health Canada’s website.

Here at PlanetSKI we have an extended trip to Canada planned in the second half of next winter.

It remains one of our favourite places to ski and we might well be there for a couple of months.

Fingers crossed…

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GB Paralympic Gold Medalist Retires

Major Jen Kehoe Explains Why She Has Retired From Elite Sport –
The Paralympic Gold Medallist gave an exclusive interview to Forces News.
Congratulations @jennifleurski on an incredible career with Paralympic sport as @mennaandjen
Watch at https://t.co/MTzru7W7Yt @GBSnowsport pic.twitter.com/v17R7Nxahb
— British Army Sport (@ArmySportASCB) September 9, 2021

GB Snowsport Announces Parasnowsport Squads for this Winter

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Isere Region Prepares to Welcome UK Skiers As Covid Eases

The region in the southern French Alps has 22 ski resorts – the well-known ones of Les2Alpes and Alpe d’Huez, plus a host of smaller ones.

“The question on everyone’s lips is ‘How will Coronavirus affect ski holidays this winter?” said Nadine Chevalier from the region.

“The honest answer is that nobody can be truly sure, but the Isère region has every intention of delivering holidays to those willing to travel.”

She made the comments virtually to a press event in London this week, after she was unable to travel due to coronavirus travel restrictions.

After the UK Nadine had to go to Holland and there are restrictions in Holland on people arriving from the UK.

So, she joined the assembled UK ski journalists virtually.

We missed her, but needs must in these pandemic times.

“What can we expect this winter?” Nadine asked rhetorically.

“Our ski resorts have been waiting more than 18-months to welcome back UK ski and mountain fans and are prepared for the winter.

“We will do our utmost to make sure every holiday will be spectacular, whether guests plan to ski, sit back and watch, or just have fun.

“Between 800 m and 3,600 m, the spectacular mountain resorts and the people of Isère can’t wait to share their region with visitors again – this year, more than ever before.”

38% of visitors come from the UK.

“We love the Brits!”

See here for an earlier PlanetSKI feature on the region, that we posted ahead of last winter:

Isere beckons for this coming winter

Ski resorts in Isere. Image c/o Isere.

Here at PlanetSKI we plan to visit the area this coming December for a City & Ski break.

We are hoping to take the train to Grenoble December and report on a more environmentally way to travel, and one that also appears to be more relaxing than the current airport experience.

We’ll be enjoying a few days in the historic city and visiting its famous Xmas markets that sees more than half a million visitors over the festive season.

We then plan to hit a few of the smaller ski resorts that are under an hour from the city centre.

In a feature article later this month we will also be looking at what the area has to offer – looking in depth at the region and what is new for the winter of 2021/2020.