April’s Ski News in Brief – Live & Updated

1st April 2023

Last modified on April 28th, 2023

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.

See here for:

• January’s Ski News in Brief
• February’s Ski News in Brief
• March’s Ski News in Brief

We’re mixing it up.

Friday 28th April

Huge Congrats to Jasmin Taylor

Thursday 27th April

Interested in the History of GB Skiing?

From past to present, the legacy of British Alpine skiing continues to inspire and amaze us 🤩

Let’s take a moment to reflect on the rich history of this sport and the incredible athletes who paved the way, like Peter Goldstern, winner of the GB Alpine Championships back in 1964 pic.twitter.com/QMtThUaVIV

— GB Snowsport (@GBSnowsport) April 25, 2023

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Wednesday 26th April

Afriski Will Not Open for Ski Season

The ski area in Lesotho is one of only two ski area in Southern Africa.

The other is Tiffindell in South Africa.

Both use snowmaking to create runs up to 1km long and are usually open from June to  August.

“We regret to inform you that Afriski’s ski slopes will not be open for the Winter 2023 season,” said the operators in a statement.

“This is the first time since 2009 that Afriski is not able to provide a winter adventure.”

No explanation has been given.

Tiffindell hasn’t operated for the past three season due to the pandemic.

There have been reports that it might reopen for winter 2023 later this year, but there is no confirmation of this.

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Tuesday 25th April

More Avalanches in North America

One person has died in Lake Louise in Canada and there have been 15 human triggered avalanches in Utah.

A man died on Saturday after he and two others were caught in an avalanche in a closed-off area of Lake Louise Ski Resort in Alberta.

Three people were on the slope when it slid.

None of the people was wearing avalanche safety equipment.

The police said the deceased was a 21-year-old man who was under the snow for roughly 45- minutes.

He has been identified as Cale Stecyk from Red Deer, and was a keen ice hockey player.

Avalanche Canada said the avalanche was skier-triggered, and was 200m wide and 550m long with a crown depth of 40-50 cm.

The avalanche happened in an area of Lake Louise closed due to avalanche concerns.

In the USA, the Utah Avalanche Center reported 13 human-triggered avalanches last Saturday alone.

Eight people were caught in the slides.

There were no serious injuries.

“Luckily everyone was fine and uninjured,” said the Utah Avalanche Centre.

Avalanche danger. Image c/o PlanetSKI.

Monday 24th April

Faster WiFi on Norwegian Flights

It is the first airline outside North America to launch Anuvu’s new high-speed in-flight WiFi servic.

“Having a seamless, stable Wi-Fi experience is critical to many of our customers,” said Christoffer Sundby, CMO at Norwegian.

The airline says it offers up to twenty times faster speeds  than is currently available.

Ten times as many customers will be able to access the internet simultaneously without compromising performance.

In 2011, Norwegian was the first airline to offer Wi-Fi on single aisle aircraft in Europe.

PlanetSKI used it at the time:

Wifi on Norwegian. Image © PlanetSKI

Sunday 23rd April

Know the Feeling?

Saturday 22nd April

EasyJet Bounces Back After Covid

The airline is expected to post a profit though some passengers complain about delays, rising prices and the whole airline and airport experience.

The airline that is used by many skiers says it has significantly reduced H1 ‘seasonal’ losses and increased capacity throughout the quarter, growing 40% from January to March.

Many of its flights to ski hub aiports have been at capacity

It operates 1,600 flights on average per day.

“Demand for easyJet’s flights and holidays has continued to grow, resulting in more than a £120 million pound improvement in our performance,” said CEO Johan Lundgren.

Overall capacity for peak months is set to reach pre-pandemic levels.

Image © PlanetSKI

Friday 21st April

Indian Climber Found Alive After 3 Days in a Crevasse

Anurag Maloo fell into a crevasse on Mount Annapurna in Nepal on Monday.

“While coming down, he slipped and fell into a crevasse between Camp III and Camp II,” his father Om Prakash told the Indian Express newspaper.

A search was launched.

Amit Chowdhury, from the international mountaineering and climbing federation, UIAA,  told the BBC that it was possible for climbers to survive after falling into a crevasse.

“A crevasse is warmer and well protected from wind. So if he was not badly injured, it’s not unusual that he survived in a crevasse,” he said.

See more on the BBC.

We commend Adam Bielecki @AdamTheClimber for his unwavering courage and professionalism in the face of danger. Thank you for your incredible bravery and expertise in rescuing Anurag Maloo from the crevasse on Annapurna I (8091 m). Your help in rescuing Anurag Maloo from the… pic.twitter.com/bHrJj0Gq52

— Everest Today (@EverestToday) April 20, 2023

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Thursday 20th April

Swiss Athlete Receives Olympic Bronze 14 months after race

Fanny Smith competed in the ski cross in the Beijing 2022 Winter Games..

She finished third but was judged to have impeded another racer and was shown a yellow card.

After a lengthy appeal it has been decided she did not cause an infringement and she has been awarded the bronze medal.

The existing bronze medalist, Daniela Maier of Germany, gets to keep hers and they have been given joint third place.

The Presidnet of the International Olympic Committee, Thomas Bach, made the presentation in a short medal ceremony at the Olympic Museum in Lausanne.

@swissteam ski cross ⭐️ @SmithFanny was awarded her @Beijing2022 bronze medal 🥉 during a ceremony at the Olympic Museum in Lausanne 🇨🇭 today! pic.twitter.com/gpEq93cLCl

— The Olympic Museum (@olympicmuseum) April 18, 2023

Wednesday 19th April

Scottish Avalanche Information Service Ends for Winter

SAIS provides information of the avalanche danger in six mountain areas:

• Lochaber
• Glen Coe
• Creag Meagaidh
• Torridon
• Northern Cairngorms
• Southern Cairngorms

More than 150 avalanches have been recorded since mid-December.

SAIS said there were still potential avalanche hazards high on Ben Nevis and mountains in the Northern Cairngorms.

Over the past 13 seasons the highest number of avalanches recorded by SAIS was 350 in 2013-14.

The lowest was 90 in 2016-17.

Glenshee, Scotland. Image c/o Dianne Frazer

Tuesday 18th April

GB Racer Alex Tilley Retires

Alpine trailblazer, @AlexSkiTilley , announces retirement ‼️

Thank you Alex, for your significant contributions to British Alpine Skiing over the past decade ❤️https://t.co/qRD5JQFA4c#gbsnowsport pic.twitter.com/BD0wPNyu75

— GB Snowsport (@GBSnowsport) April 18, 2023

Friday 14th April

Another resort joins the Ikon Pass

The Good Stuff just got better 🙌 The 23/24 #IkonPass has a new place joining the crew: @resortalyeska. Get The Goods at 50+ destinations worldwide before prices go up & promos go away on April 21. Learn more by visiting: https://t.co/acvgVDqBv1 pic.twitter.com/ECgOXhbMNQ

— Ikon Pass (@IkonPass) April 13, 2023

Family of Czech Billionaire Who Died in Alaska Helicopter Crash Sue

The family of Petr Kellner is suing Soloy Helicopters; Triumvirate LLC, which owns and operates Tordrillo Mountain Lodge; and Third Edge Alaska LLC.

At the time of the crash Petr Kellner was the richest man in the Czech Republic with an estimated wealth of £17.5b.

The family claim he survived the accident but succumbed to his injuries in the hours between the crash and when a rescue was launched.

Five people died in the crash in the Chugach Mountains in 2021.

We reported on it at the time on PlanetSKI:

• Five dead in Alaska heliski crash

It is claimed safety protocols were not followed.

The defendants reject the allegations.

See more on CBC.

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Thursday 13th April:

Bear Kills Jogger in Italian Alps

Italian authorities are searching for a bear that killed a 26-year-old jogger in the alpine region of Trentino last week.

Andrea Papi was running when he was attacked.

The 17-year-old female bear that killed him is known as JJ4 and has been identified through genetic testing.

The same bear also attacked a father and son in June 2020.

Bears are a protected species in Italy, and their population has been increasing in recent years.

The species was re-introduced in the area about twenty years ago.

Since then the number of bears bear population in Trentino has risen from three to around 100.

See more on the story on the BBC.

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Wednesday 12th April

Park City Open into May

ALL THE WAY TO MAY! Our new closing date will be Monday, May 1! After snowstorms delivering more than 610″ this season, we’re finally enjoying spring skiing. So we’re going to keep the party going! Join us for an extra eight days and a celebration on May 1. #ThisIsYourMountain pic.twitter.com/Apa6DxDe6K

— Park City Mountain (@PCski) April 12, 2023

Monday 10th April

Dates Confirmed for the SIGB Snow Test 2024

The SIGB Snow Test 2024 has now been confirmed for 22nd – 26th January 2024 in La Clusaz, France.

“We are currently working hard to secure deals on accommodation as well as refining other elements of the test, so stay tuned for further details on the way very soon,” said a statement from the organisers.

It follows on from a successful event this year.

La Clusaz, France. Image © PlanetSKI

Sunday 9th April

13-Year Old British Girl Dies in Ski Fall

The teenager was skiing with her father in Laax in Switzerland when she fell on a steep slope.

She was unable to stop her slide and hit a rock.

Emergency services were on the scene swiftly but were unable to revive her and she was declared dead at the scene.

An investigation is underway.

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Saturday 8th April

Inquest Hears How GB Doctor Swept to Death in Avalanche

Alison Dawson died in January 2023 while hiking on Mont Blanc.

She was on the Rive Droit Glacier D’Argentiere with her partner Robert Holt and a mountain guide when the avalanche struck.

She was pronounced dead at the scene.

We reported on it at the time on PlanetSKI:

• British woman dies in Chamonix avalanche

The inquest in Shrewsbury concluded  that “there can only be one conclusion, and that is that her death was an accident.”

Senior coroner for Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin, John Ellery, offered his condolences to the family.

Mont Blanc, France. Image © PlanetSKI

Gottard Road Tunnel in Switzerland Re-Opens After Protests by Climate Activists

The 10.5 mile tunnel was blocked on Friday as protestors sat down and glued their hands to the road.

They were from the group, Renovate Switzerland.

It caused lengthy delays to one of the main crossings between the German-speaking Swiss area to the Italian-speaking Ticino region.

Six activists aged 19 to 60 were arrested.

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Friday 7th April

Ukraine Freestyle Ski Coach Speaks Out

The head coach of the Ukrainian freestyle skiing team has said that a failure to ban Russian and Belarusian athletes from international competition will represent a loss for his country.

The International Olympic Committee has recommended Russians and Belarusians be allowed to return to international competition as neutrals.

They have been banned since the Russian invasion of Ukraine last year.

“Every effort must be made to ensure that they are not allowed to participate in international competitions,” said coach Enver Ablaev to Ukraine’s public broadcaster Suspilne.

“If we do not achieve this, it will be our loss. If they compete and if our athletes are allowed to compete next to them, it will also be a loss. If we decided to ban our athletes from competing alongside the Russians, then this is also a loss.”

Russian and Belarusian athletes remain banned from skiing but some Olympic sports have readmitted them as neutrals.

Thursday 6th April

Warnings of Cross-Channel Easter Travel Chaos

The Foreign Office has warned of more cross-channel travel chaos this weekend due to looming strikes in France.

It may impact those driving for an Easter ski break to the Alps.

The FCO says there is a ‘possibility of delays over the Easter holiday weekend as high levels of cross-channel traffic on all routes are expected.’

It urges travellers to check for the latest update from their travel operator before leaving.

“Where possible, make sure you have a confirmed booking before you travel.

“There is also ongoing France strike action affecting multiple sectors including transport networks.

“Coordinated strike action and large-scale demonstrations are next planned for Thursday 6th April.”

There were huge problems last weekend at Dover as we reported at the time on PlanetSKI.

• Travel disruptions at Dover hit skiers heading to the Alps

These were mainly caused by new rules caused by Brexit rather than industrial action by French workers.

France border controls. Image © PlanetSKI

Wednesday 5th April

FWT Reacts to Avalanche at Event in Verbier

Two riders were caught in a mid-sized avalanche this week, on the south face of the Mont-Fort (Verbier, Switzerland), while accessing the FWT Challenger competition venue.

One athlete remained on top of the slide, the second rider was half-buried and rapidly dug out by the FWT safety team and other riders nearby.

“Both riders were conscious and their state was assessed to be in stable conditions with no severe trauma, and were taken to Sion hospital for a medical check,” the FWT said in a statement.

Due to high winds and changing conditions, the FWT Challenger will not take place at present.

Freeride World Tour. Image © PlanetSKI

Do You Have What It Takes?

We are seeking an outstanding leadership figure to help guide Britain’s World Class Ski and Snowboard programmes as our new Chair.

Join us and help build on the most successful season in British snowsport history.

Applications close 21 April.https://t.co/HzUKlyTD3R pic.twitter.com/JmAHHr3s6D

— GB Snowsport (@GBSnowsport) April 5, 2023

Tuesday 4th April

London City Airport Scraps 100ml liquid limit

It is now using high-tech scanners which also allow electronics to be kept in hand luggage at security.

Travellers can now carry on up to two litres of liquid, and toiletries no longer have to be put in separate bags.

It is the second UK airport to use this technology in all its security lanes, after Teesside introduced it in March.

The airline is a handy one for those who live in the area to access the Alps.

Swiss has a number of flights per day to Geneva and Zurich.

Swiss at London City. Image © PlanetSKI.

See more details on the BBC.

The government has set a June 2024 deadline for most UK airports to install the machines.

Skier Falls to Death from Gondola in Les2Alpes

A 29-year old Frenchman, apparently under the influence of alcohol, fell 40m.

According to the local prosecutor’s office he was taking the lift down and ‘messing about’ in it with a friend when he crashed through the plastic screen after he threw himself at it.

An investigation is underway.

Les2Alpes, France. Photo © PlanetSKI

Monday 3rd April

Warnings of Easter Travel Disruption in France

The Foreign Office issued a fresh travel warning due to another day of planned France strikes.

Unions called for another strike for 6th April, which could impact the busy Easter weekend holiday.

“Coordinated strike action is next planned for 6 April. It may start the evening before the strike day and run for several days,” said the FCO.

“You should monitor the media and check the latest advice with operators before travelling.”

“Avoid demonstrations and follow the advice of local authorities.”

“Spontaneous protests in central Paris and elsewhere have been staged since the middle of March.”

France border controls. Image © PlanetSKI

Sunday 2nd April

The International Biathlon Union Bans Fluor Wax

It follows a similar move from the International Ski and Snowboard Federation that we reported on in last month’s Ski News in Brief.

The wax has a detrimental environmental impact as it makes its way into the water supply when the snow melts, harming plants and animals.

Fluorinated wax has already been banned by US Ski and Snowboard.

Image © PlanetSKI.

Saturday 1st April

Cervinia and Zermatt Linked Throughout the Year

On July 1st 2023 the Matterhorn Glacier Ride II will open and create the highest continuous Alpine crossing by cable car.

It will link the peak Matterhorn Glacier Paradise with Testa Grigia in Italy.

Following the opening of the Matterhorn Glacier Ride I in the autumn of 2018, the completion of the Matterhorn Glacier Ride II will see the two resorts joined by a continuous link.

The cabins cover the 1.6 km stretch over the Theodul glacier in suspension with no pylons needed.

There is a 363-metre difference in altitude.

PlanetSKI has passed by many times during the construction phase:

Lift construction in Cervinia. Image © PlanetSKI.

And while we are in the area, the dates have been revealed for the opening ski speed races of next season:

Chamonix Ski Area Extends Its Ski Season

The Brévent ski area is to extend its winter opening by one week with a partial opening of the facilities and slopes.

It was originally due to close on April 16th but now goes through to April 23rd.

Ski lifts open:

• Planpraz gondola
• Parsa chairlift
• Altitude 2000 ski lift
• Funi 2000

Open slopes:

• Blankets
• Giant
• Combe des Vioz
• Green 2000
• Back to Planpraz

It will open at 8:50am and close at 5:00pm.

There will be a special daily rate for the lift pass.

Brevent, Chamonix, France. Image c/o PlanetSKI

Brevent, Chamonix, France. Image © PlanetSKI

Impact of Climate Change on the Mountains

The BBC has taken a long look at the issue as the permafrost melts and rockfalls become increasingly common.

Permafrost is soil and rocky material that stays frozen continuously and normally lies beneath an “active layer” that melts and freezes depending on the season.

As the frozen “glue” that helps hold the rock faces of the Alps together begins to thaw, mountaineers face a growing risk of sudden rockfall.

Aiguille du Midi, Chamonix, France. Image © PlanetSKI

It has implications beyond the climbing community as in the European Alps, more and more of the permafrost is thawing each year – and it is threatening the very mountains it is found in.

There were incidents of unexpected rockfalls in the Alps and Dolomites last summer as we reported at the time:

The BBC reports extensively from Chamonix in France.

Aiguille du Midi, Chamonix, France. Image © PlanetSKI

Aiguille du Midi, Chamonix, France. Image © PlanetSKI

See here for the full article on the BBC website.

It is a long but worthwhile and interesting reading in our view.

Mont Fort glacier, Verbier. Image © PlanetSKI

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