Ski News In Brief – Live & Updated
1st November 2022
Last modified on January 4th, 2023
– New Boss for Milan Cortina 2026
– Details on New Lift for Jackson Hole
– Skiing Austria: The Place Beyond The Spines
– Digital Travel Scams on the Rise
– Avalanche Near Vail in Colorado…UPDATED
Here we cover anything that takes our fancy.
Short news stories, eye catching videos, amusing cartoons, 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.
Plus links to some of our main stories on PlanetSKI so you can keep up to speed on the ever changing world of snowsports.
We’re mixing it up:
Latest main news:
- Snow falls in the Alps as more resorts open
- World Ski Awards announced
- More US ski resorts open early after fresh snow
- Warren Miller films premieres in the UK this week
New Boss for Milan Cortina 2026 Organising Committee
He is Andrea Varnier and takes over from Vincenzo Novari, who left the job several months ago.
The delay has been caused by the collapse of Italy’s previous Government and continuing political delays.
The 59-year-old was the managing director of image and events for Turin 2006, the last time Italy held the Winter Olympics.
He has more than 30-years of experience in the communications, events and sports fields.
Image c/o 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics
More Details on New Thunder Lift for Jackson Hole
“The next era of our favourite chair on the mountain is here,” said the iconic US resort.
Thunder Chair has carried skiers and riders up the slopes since 1970 to access over 1,450 vertical feet of prime terrain.
Thunder Bumps, Tower 3 and Grand to name a few.
After decades of historic service, it’s time to usher in the next era for Thunder.
“The new detachable lift will cut ride time in half to 3.5 minutes, which means less lift line and more on-snow time,” said the resort.
We reported on the new lift earlier on PlanetSKI with links to a past PlanetSKI visit to Jackson Hole.
Here is a wider look at what’s new and going on for this season as the resort is set to open:
We’re going to be passing through Jackson Hole next winter on a US road trip, likely in March, and we look forward to riding Thunder.
And more importantly its terrain.
Skiing Austria: The Place Beyond The Spines
Worth a watch:
Digital Travel Scams on the Rise
People are being tricked out of tens of thousands of pounds for holidays that don’t exist.
The BBC has been looking into the matter and uses an example of a skier duped by the offer of a holiday to the Alps.
See here for the article.
Chalets in French Alps. Image © PlanetSKI
Avalanche Near Vail in Colorado
A group of backcountry skiers triggered an avalanche near Vail Pass on Saturday, according to a report from the Colorado Avalanche Information Center, CAIC.
No-one was injured.
The slide was reportedly triggered by a group of four skiers and occurred near Uneva Peak.
The avalanche risk for the area at the time was moderate – 2 on a scale of 5.
Photo Courtesy: Colorado Avalanche Information Center
Skiers and snowboarders heading into the backcountry this winter should have knowledge of avalanche safety and the correct safety equipment risk mitigation.
Visit the Colorado Avalanche Information Center website for more information.
Glacier Melt Could Release Vast Amounts of Bacteria
Large amounts of bacteria could be released as the world’s glaciers melt due to climate change, scientists have warned.
Potentially harmful pathogens are among the thousands of microbes that could leak into rivers and lakes.
Researchers at Aberystwyth University said their study highlighted the need to act quickly to curb global warming.
See here for more on the BBC.
The glaciers in the Alps took a hammering last summer with warm temperatures:
- Swiss glaciers have lost half their mass in last 85 years
- Zermatt suspends summer skiing as glacier melts
- Switzerland launches plan to try to save its glaciers
- Austrian glaciers set to melt by end of the century
- Skiing, snowboarding and sustainability
Mont Fort glacier, Verbier. Image © PlanetSKI
Scottish Avalanche Warning Service Resumes on December 15th
The Scottish Avalanche Information Service, SAIS, provides assessments for six mountain areas from mid-December to about mid-April.
Forecasts are given for:
- Lochaber,
- Glen Coe,
- Northern and Southern Cairngorms Creag Meagaidh,
- Torridon,
The forecasts are used by skies & snowboarders, walkers and climbers in planning trips into the mountains.
There has already been some fresh snow.
Fresh snow on Cairngorm 💙❄ pic.twitter.com/JefItxz8nQ
— wherestagsroar (@wherestagsroar) November 20, 2022
This year the start date for the avalanche bulletin has been announced for December 15th.
Nevis Range, Scotland. Image c/o Rod Frazer.
Wolf Attacks on the Rise in Swiss Alps
The number of fatal attacks on livestock by wolves has risen sharply in Switzerland in recent years.
It is expected to surpass 1,000 this year according to a Swiss wildlife group, Kora Foundation.
There are estimated to be around 200 wolves in the Swiss Alps.
“Within just a few years, wolf populations have increased massively across Switzerland. While there was just one pack in 2012, there are now 20,” Christian Stauffer, managing director of the Swiss-based Kora Foundation told Blick newspaper .
The animals attacked are mostly sheep and goats, but there are also attacks on cows and donkeys.
Wolves are a protected species in Switzerland.
Wolves in winter. Image © PlanetSKI
Marmolada Glacier in Italy Reopens after 11 Died
Four and a half months after the tragedy that killed eleven people the Marmolada glacier in the Dolomites in Italy is set to open to the public.
It re-opens on Friday 18th November.
The glacier was closed by the authorities on 3rd July after part of the glacier collapsed causing a landslide that killed 11 hikers and climbers.
Marmolada ice collapse. Image c/o Alpine rescue services.
New Lift for Ski Juwel Alpbachtal Wildschönau
The Top of Alpbachtal lift, Hornbahn 2000, in Austria comes with an observation tower and starts up as the resort opens on 3rd December 2022.
The €10.5m chairlift takes skiers up to the highest point in the ski area at 2,030m in 3.45 minutes.
Image c/o Ski Juwel Alpbachtal Wildschönau
A new blue slope was created so that the new lift can also be used by beginners.
The lift has a direct drive system that saves up to 10% energy.
The 13-metre-high observation tower has an interior with panoramic windows and a viewing platform with a 360-degree view.
Image c/o Ski Juwel Alpbachtal Wildschönau
Image c/o Ski Juwel Alpbachtal Wildschönau
PlanetSKI was in Alpbach in the Tirol at the end of last season.
See here for our report from the time:
Ski Juwel, Tirol. Image © PlanetSKI
Ski Juwel, Tirol. Image © PlanetSKI
Facts & Figures of the new Hornbahn 2000
Type of lift: 6-seater chairlift with weather protection bonnet and heated seats
Speed: 5 m/s
Difference in altitude: 391.00 m
Length of the trip: 3 min 45 sec
Capacity: 2600 persons per hour
Investment: approx. 10.5 million €
Manufacturer: Leitner GmbH, Telfs
Architect / Planning: Snøhetta, Innsbruck & Seilbahnbüro Gröbner, Kitzbühel
Start of construction: June 2022
Completion: Start of winter season 2022/23
Tuesday Tip from VIP Ski
With the 2022/23 ski season fast approaching, our #tiptuesday series is back! ❄️
And this week is a reminder to book your ski school early, especially for peak school holiday weeks which fill up quickly (and if you prefer morning lessons) … ⛷
pic.twitter.com/JYo7mLMB8K— VIP SKI (@VIP_SKI) November 15, 2022
Hot Air Balloon Accident in Austria as Pilot Thrown Out
Nine people were injured as the balloon landed heavily in a hilly part of eastern Austria.
It is reported by The Kurier daily newspaper that the pilot and co-pilot were thrown out, and the balloon then rose again into the air.
The pilot was able to contact the remaining passengers by mobile phone and talked them through an emergency landing.
They landed several miles from the original crash-landing site.
Two of the passengers are seriously injured and an investigation is underway.
PlanetSKI logo
Transatlantic Flights Almost Back to Pre-Pandemic Levels
One year on from the US reopening its international borders, transatlantic flights have almost recovered to pre-pandemic levels.
It comes as winter approaches with skiers and snowboarders planning trips to the USA and Canada.
Next season the direct flight from Heathrow to Salt Lake City offered by Delta is back, opening up all the ski areas in Utah.
Delta Airlines. Image © PlanetSKI
According to data from aviation analytics firm, Cirium, flights from the UK to the US have recovered to 92% of 2019 levels.
Heathrow remains the UK’s main transatlantic gateway with 88% of all UK-US flights departing from the airport.
BA is the largest transatlantic carrier out of the UK operating 35% of all flights .
Virgin Atlantic and United Airlines are next both with 17%, followed by American Airlines (15%) and Delta (8%).
More Lifts Likely to Open in Lake Louise By The Weekend
The Canadian resort opened early and good snow looks like ensuring further terrain will open.
Good news! Our crews are working hard and we expect to open 1 or 2 more lifts by the weekend. Stay tuned for updates! Which lift are you most excited for?#justlakeit #lakelouise #skilouise pic.twitter.com/csqy7USBfb
— Lake Louise Ski Resort & Summer Gondola (@SkiLouise) November 7, 2022
For more news about Lake Louise and its sister resort of Sunshine Village see here:
Lake Louise. Image © Ski Big Three
Sunshine Village. Image © Ski Big Three
Innsbruck Powder People – Ski & Snowboard Movie from the Capital of the Alps
There’s a reason so many of the world’s best skiers and snowboarders end up in Innsbruck.
It might be the mountains, it might be the snow… it might be the vibrant and eclectic community of likeminded people in one invigorating city.
In Innsbruck Powder People ‘imported local’ Neil Williman and filmer Timmy Schröder introduce this rag-tag collective of shredders, as they explore some of the biggest peaks, sendiest hits and rowdiest lines around the city.
And all accessed by public transport.
Learn more about skiing/snowboarding around Innsbruck, the 13 different ski resorts, and the Ski + City Pass here:
https://www.innsbruck.info/en/skiing….
CREDITS:
Riders: Neil Williman, Leo Rauch, Manuela Mandl, Sam Good, Christoph Schöfegger, Núria Castan Baron, Fabian Lentsch, Markus Ascher, Jules Zenzemaier, Konstantin Ottner, Dominique Heinrich, Dorian Konrad
Filmers: Timmy Schröder, Daniel Bear, Alex Fuchs, Markus Tonak
Regular readers of PlanetSKI will know we are big fans of Innsbruck and its surrounding ski areas.
We lived in the city for three months in the 2019 winter.
We were back in the Tirol last winter too:
Innsbruck, Tirol, Austria – image © PlanetSKI
Latest Warren Miller Film – Daymaker
Check out the trailer:
We’ve got our tickets for the UK tour and have heard they are selling fast – don’t miss out, grab yours now at www.warrenmiller.co.uk
Colorado Avalanche Information Centre Begins Daily Forecasting
It says a base layer is already being exposed to warmer temperatures, which could make for unstable conditions.
In Colorado several resorts including Arapahoe Basin, Keystone, Winter Park and Loveland are already open.
There were 17 avalanche deaths in the USA last season – seven were in Colorado.
There were 12 avalanche fatalities in Colorado alone the season before.
The Colorado Avalanche Information Centre will be releasing its forecasts in the afternoon, rather than the morning for this season.
It is hoped is that it will people more time to plan the next day’s skiing and snowboading.
The CAIC hopes to launch a new version of its website shortly.
In Utah no ski areas are officially open, but people are hiking up and there have already been several avalanches.
Three human-triggered avalanches have been reported:
Mt. Baldy (Near Alta Ski Area’s famous ‘Main Chute’): 8″ deep, 25″ wide.
High Greeley (Inside the Alta Ski Area boundary): skier caught and briefly carried.
Cardiac Ridge: 150′ wide, ran 250′.
All three of these avalanches were triggered on high-elevation North-Northeast aspects.
No one was reported injured or hurt.
The Utah Avalanche Centre is stressing that people heading into the backcountry should follow key points when it comes to early-season conditions:
“It doesn’t matter what you’re doing in the mountains-going for a hike, hunting, trying to ski, board, snowshoe, or firing up the snowmachine: be prepared for avalanches,” said a statement from UAC.
- Triggering any avalanche regardless of its size can produce serious trauma because of a thin snowpack.
- Hitting rocks and stumps is a real danger.
- Don’t end your season early by hitting one of these obstacles
GB Moguls Squad in Action in Austria
Courchevel Awarded Stage Finish for 2023 Tour de France
After the FIS Alpine World Ski Championships this winter, Courchevel will be in the international sporting spotlight again next summer, as the finish town for Stage 17 of the Tour de France 2023.
Courchevel hasn’t been part of the Tour de France for 18 years.
The riders will head from Saint-Gervais to Courchevel in a 166-km mountain stage, the last of the challenging mountain passages through the Alps.
They will tackle the 28.4 km Col de la Loze, the highest point of the 2023 Tour de France.
It has an average gradient of 6%.
At the top of the mountain pass at 2,304 m, the riders will then tackle a steep and technical 6.4 km section down to Courchevel 1850.
The finishing line will be at the altiport.
It’s official: @LeTour returns to #Les3Vallees in 2023, via Courchevel Le Praz, La Tania, Meribel & Col de la Loze to Courchevel Altiport! #cycling #cyclisme #ukcyclechat #InfiniteMountainExperiences pic.twitter.com/sGVDxQiYwA
— Les 3 Vallées (@3Vallees_france) November 3, 2022
“I am very proud that these major international sporting events are held in Courchevel,” said Courchevel’s Mayor, Jean-Yves Pachod.
“It is an opportunity for us to showcase our expertise in organising international events.
“After the World Ski Championships, it is an honour to host the Tour de France. We know that this is a much-awaited event in France.
“We hope that the cyclists will enjoy the beauty of our landscapes and the quality of this stage here.”
Tour de France
New Recreational Ski Areas in Morzine
The French resort of Morzine has invested €200,000 to improve some of it recreational areas.
It aims to make them more educational and fun.
The resort has recruited two members of staff to maintain them throughout the ski season.
There is the giant xylophone, totem poles, arches and more at the Pinguin Park.
There is the statues of mountain animals and new information panels and signposts at the Chemin des Zouzous.
Beginners can glide down the re-modelled beginner slope called La Chouette, meaning owl.
Named with Hedwig, from Harry Potter, in mind, guests can also meet Hedwig’s ‘niece’, and other birds of prey, at the restaurant Les Aigles du Léman.
Morzine, France. Image © PlanetSKI
Morzine, France. Image © PlanetSKI
There is the bigger snowpark at the top of Raverettes chairlift – new modules, rails and jumps have been added.
Those after a long descent can head to 1000D – starting from the summit of Nyon to ski or snowboard down 1,000 metres of piste without having to take any lifts.
See here for more in our wider PlanetSKI article:
Morzine, France. Image © PlanetSKI
World’s Longest Passenger Train Travels Through Swiss Alps
A Swiss railway company, The Rhaetian Railway company, ran the 1.9kms train (1.18 miles) with 100 coaches.
It travelled along the Albula-Bernina route that is 25kms long (15.5 miles), from Preda to Bergün in the Alps.
The world record attempt took place to highlight Switzerland’s engineering achievements, as well as to mark 175 years of Swiss railways.
There were 4,550 passengers on board and seven drivers.
“We really did it ! The world record on sat 29th October 2022 the longest travel train in the world is a success! We would like to thank all the helping hands, our partners, sponsors and guests! We would like to show you again the most beautiful pictures of the event.”
See the company’s Facebook post that can be translated:
The journey took more than an hour with people lining the route to watch the train.
Check out the video below:
Check out the BBC video below from a different photographic angle:
The Joys of Inbound Skiing
Cliffs, glaciers and peaks that most of us could never reach.
But not all.
‘Beauty Full Send’ is billed as a love letter to inbounds skiing
It comes from the award-winning production company Legs of Steel that teams up with Völkl to present its first film shot within the boundaries of a ski resort.
“This film expresses pure fun on groomed slopes and makes you look forward to skiing,” said Legs of Steel.
“It shows a new breed of skiers who redefine all mountain skiing, everywhere from moguls to crud to corduroy – the art to send it with style and beauty in any terrain.”
Check it out:
Beauty Full Send – A film by Legs Of Steel presented by Völkl
Madison Rose Ostergren (USA), Kenja 88
Jim Ryan (USA), M6 Mantra
Tim Fritz (GER), Kendo 88
Anne Kissling (GER), Deacon 72
Directed by: Christoph Thoresen
Cast: Anne Kissling, Madison Rose Ostergren, Tim Fritz, Jim Ryan
Locations: Davos Klosters (SUI), Madrisa (SUI), Stubaier Gletscher (AUT)
Filmed by: Christoph Thoresen, Andre Nutini, Mathias Kögel, Michael Haunschmidt
Edited by: Christoph Thoresen
Color Correction: Lukas Cairns
Sound design: Alex Haslinger
Tour de France Returns to Morzine in 2023
It will be the 22nd time the famous cycling race has passed through the ski resort in the Portes du Soleil.
The 110th Tour de France will take place in 2023, and Morzine will host a stage finish on 15th July 2023.
Morzine hosted a stage of the Tour de France last summer.
Tour de France. Image © PlanetSKI.
To reach Morzine riders will complete a gruelling route from Annamasse that comprises climbing two passes around the resort: the col de la Ramaz and the renowned col de Joux Plane.
“It’s very unusual to host the Tour de France two years in a row, so we’re incredibly proud that it’s returning to Morzine again in 2023. With 25 cols within 50 km, Morzine is the perfect spot to ride,” said the President of the Tourist Office, Georges Coquillard.
In addition, just six days before the tour arrives in Morzine on 15 July 2023, amateur cyclists will have the chance to ride the exact same stage as the professionals, in the Etape du Tour event.
The Etape du Tour gives amateur riders the opportunity to ride one of the mountain stages of the Tour de France, with the same stage towns, the same roads, the same mythical climbs, and also the same conditions as the Tour.
Tour de France
Staff at Park City Mountain Resort to Receive Pay Rise
Vail Resorts, which owns PCMR in Utah, is raising starting pay for all hourly employees to $20-per-hour.
It was previously $15-per-hour.
Jobs that require specific certification such as ski patrol, will start at $21-per-hour.
It is hoped the rise will attract more staff and ease some of the staff shortages seen last season.
Park City Mountain Resort. Image © PlanetSKI
Blow to Vancouver 2030 Olympic Bid
The Government of British Columbia in Canada has said it will not support a Vancouver bid to stage the 2030 Winter Olympics.
In a statement it said “the Province is declining to support a bid”.
It said that the billions of dollars in direct costs and indemnity liability risks could weaken its ability to address current problems.
It says it want to focus on “the cost of living, health care, housing, public safety and building a strong work force”.
“We are disappointed to hear that the Government of British Columbia has declined to support the indigenous-led efforts to bring an Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games back to Canada,” said the Canadian Olympic Committee in a statement.
Current likely bidders include Sapporo in Japan, but that has been weakened by corruption scandals over the recent Tokyo Summer Olympic Games.
Salt Lake City in the USA is in the running, but it is thought it would prefer to host the 2034 Games.
A Pyrenees/Barcelona bid has already folded.
100 Days To Go…
The Aline Skiing World Cup has just begun and the countdown to one of the season’s highlight has started.
The Meribel-Courchevel 2023 World Championships:
1️⃣2️⃣ days of competition 1️⃣3️⃣ races 6️⃣ disciplines 5️⃣4️⃣ medals 🥇🥈🥉 7️⃣5️⃣ participating countries 🌍 6️⃣0️⃣0️⃣ Athletes ⛷
Winter X Games is Sold
ESPN has sold its majority stake to MSP Sports Capital, a sports-focused private equity firm that also has stakes in McLaren Racing and some European football teams.
The Winter X Games pushed minority skiing and snowboarding disciplines into the mainstream and created some superstars.
The most well know being Shaun White.
GB athletes have shone too:
“We’re proud of what we’ve created with our employees and the athletes over nearly 30 years of world-class X Games events and content,” said Jimmy Pitaro, chairman of ESPN and Sports Content.
ESPN will remain a minority partner in the events and will continue to televise them.
Next winter’s Winter X Games are due to take place January 27th – 29th in Aspen, Colorado.
Logo c/o X Games
Tributes to Red Bull Co-Founder Who Has Died
Dietrich Mateschitz, the co-founder and owner of the Austrian energy drink, has died.
He was aged 78.
Red Bull has supported legions of ski and snowboard athletes.
Last Sunday at the opening alpine ski race of the season the winner, Marco Odermatt, pointed at the Red Bull logo on his helmet after the race.
“I hope I have given him something to take along,” said Marco Odermatt.
“We spoke with the Red Bull team here and I passed on my condolences.”
“He has done so much for our sport, for the skiers, for other sports. An incredible human being, and I am very grateful for what he has done for me and for other athletes,” said the Norwegian racer, Henrik Kristoffersen, who took third place in Soelden.
Image c/o Red Bull
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