Summer Ski News
1st May 2023
Last modified on July 17th, 2023
– Summer E-Bike Festival in Verbier
– New Ski Resorts Planned for Ukraine
– New Zealand Talks About A Winter Olympics Bid
– UK Airport Drop-Off Charges Soar
– 2022 Was Hottest Year On Record in Switzerland …LIVE & UPDATED
Here we cover anything that takes our fancy over the summer months.
Short news stories, eye catching videos, amusing cartoons, things that make us smile/things that make us shout at the screen… anything that catches our eye in the world of skiing and snowsports.
Monday 17th July
Summer E-Bike Festival in Verbier
The Swiss resort hosts the Verbier E-Bike Festival from 10th-13th August.
This year there are more routes, more participants, and new challenges to discover.
“With a 20% increase in sign-up compared to last year, the Valais resort will be alive with the buzz of e-biking, with more than 500 e-bikes on-site and more than 30 exhibitors expected to attend,” said the resort.
“This year participants no longer have to choose between food and sport with the Gourmet Tour,” it added.
There are three routes that combine sports, conviviality with friends, and culinary discoveries all in an authentic natural setting.
The itineraries include food stops, which offer a variety of local delicacies:
- Fresh pastries
- Aged meats
- Fine wines
This summer activity brings together local culture and the great outdoors.
Tickets are priced from 79 CHF / £64 pp.
See more here: www.verbier.ch
Biking in Verbier in the summer. Image © PlanetSKI
PlanetSKI was recently in E-biking in the Alps – in neighbouring Austria.
We rather liked it.
E-biking in the Tirol. Image © PlanetSKI
Summer in St Johann. Image © PlanetSKI
Summer in St Johann. Image © PlanetSKI
Sunday 16th July
New Ski Resorts Planned for Ukraine
Despite the continuing war started by Russia there are plans afoot for ski areas that could accommodate 65,000 skiers and snowboarders.
It was first mooted in 2016 and now there are plans for three resorts near the Romanian border:
- Bystrytsia
- Turbat
- Bukovel.
The government says it will bring an economic boost once the war is over.
In Ukraine the fighting disrupted the manufacture of skis as we reported at the time.
Ukraine is one of the main centres for ski production in Europe.
PlanetSKI logo
Friday 14th July
New Zealand Talks About A Winter Olympics Bid
The former New Zealand Olympic Committee vice-president Bruce Ullrich says the country could hold the Winter Olympics in 2034 or 2038.
He claims the South Island would make a suitable location for the Games and has called for a feasibility study to be conducted into the possibility of a combined Christchurch and Queenstown bid.
He says New Zealand could hold ice events around Canterbury while Mount Hutt could host downhill competitions.
See more on Inside the Games
South Island, New Zealand. Image © PlanetSKI
Thursday 13th July
UK Airport Drop-Off Charges Soar
The RAC says charges for drivers have gone up by by almost a third at UK airports over the past year.
Stansted airport remains the most expensive at £7 for 15 minutes.
The biggest rises are at Southampton and Belfast.
Southampton International airport raised its fee from £4 to £6 for 20 minutes.
Belfast International airport has hiked prices from £1 to £3 for 10 minutes.
- London’s Heathrow costs £5 with no time limit
- London’s Gatwick charges £5 for 10 minutes
- Manchester airport costs £5 for 5 minutes
- London Luton charges £5 for 10 minutes
- Edinburgh costs £4 for 10 minutes.
Airports say the higher fees are to stop drivers from lingering and they help to keep flight costs down.
The Airports Operator Association told the BBC the increased revenue helped “keep charges to airlines lower” and helped “maximise the range of flights that can be offered to all passengers.”
Gatwick airport. Image © PlanetSKI
2022 Was Hottest Year On Record in Switzerland
It led to its glaciers melting at three times the rate previously considered extreme.
“For Switzerland, 2022 was the hottest year in history,” said the Swiss Environment Ministry.
“The year 2022 was the warmest and sunniest year since measurements began in 1864. While the annual average temperature for 1991 to 2020 was 5.8 degrees Celsius (42.4 degrees Fahrenheit), that of 2022 was climbed to 7.4C (45.3F)”.
In the summer of 2022 Swiss glaciers lost 6% of their mass.
We reported on it at the time last year:
Mont Fort glacier, Verbier. Image © PlanetSKI
There used to be around 1,500 glaciers in the Swiss Alps.
All have shrunk and many no longer exist.
Wednesday 12th July
British Man Dies in Mont Blanc Fall
The man, in his 50s, was hiking on the Nid d’Aigle (Eagle’s Nest’) path.
It is a steep track near the Bionnnassay glacier in France.
He fell 50m but didn’t survive the fall, the emergency services said.
The UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office said: “We are supporting the family of a British man who died in France.”
Chamonix in the summer. Image © PlanetSKI
Sunday 9th July
The Passage Exhibition in Verbier
This year’s Palp Festival exhibition in Verbier will take on a subject as fascinating as it is frightening: death.
Whether creating a playlist for a funeral, writing a death notice, going on a tour of flowers that can kill or visiting a haunted house, this year’s exhibition in Bruson will give you a different perspective.
It will offer various points of view on the theme of death and that of funeral rites, to give visitors a moment to immerse themselves in how the dead have influenced us through time and in the present.
The exhibition will take place until 10th September 2023 and is free to attend.
PlanetSKI logo
Saturday 8th July
Chinese Use Blanket to Try to Stop Glacier Melt
Thursday 6th July
Jenny Jones Becomes a Mum
Bouldering in Ischgl, the Austrian Tirol
As well as being physically demanding bouldering is also social; no surprises then that it’s becoming a popular alternative to lifting weights.
It’s a healthy whole-body workout that trains coordination, body awareness, mobility, grip strength and is mentally stimulating.
This summer Ischgl are launching 300 newly developed routes in Silvapark Galtur bouldering park at the foot of the Ballunspitze.
Tirol’s largest natural rock boulder arena (1,800 to 2,000 metres) features 445 different routes and is aimed at beginners as well as experienced climbers.
“With beginner-friendly slabs, technically challenging elevation cracks and far overhangs, it’s a great for all abilities,” said the resort.
Crash pads and climbing shoes are available for rent.
Ischgl: www.ischgl.com
Austrian Tirol: www.visittirol.co.uk
PlanetSKI logo
Wednesday 5th July
New Boss of Milan Cortina 2026 Coordination Commission
Kristin Kloster has been appointed as chair of the Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games Coordination Commission.
She takes over from Sari Essayah who resigned after becoming the Minister of Agriculture and Forestry in Finland.
“Kristin Kloster was a member of the Evaluation Commission for the Olympic Winter Games 2026, and also brings the experience of having chaired the Future Host Commission for the Games of the Olympiad from 2019 until 2021,” said the IOC.
Milan-Cortina 2026
Tuesday 4th July
Summer Ski Jumping World Cup
The event in Courchevel takes place on the 29th and 30th July 2023.
110 athletes from 15 countries will take part, with around 5,000 spectators expected.
The world’s best male and female ski jumpers will be competing on the K120 Olympic ski jump in Le Praz.
Competition Saturday 29 July – HS 132
Morning – Ladies Competition
8:30 am: Officiel practice
9:15 am: Qualifications
10:15 am: Competition
12:00 pm: Women’s prize-giving ceremony
Afternoon – Men’s Competition
4:00 pm: Officiel practice
4:45 pm: Qualifications
6:00 pm: Competition
08:00 pm: Men’s prize-giving ceremony
Competition Sunday 30 July – HS 132
Morning – Ladies Competition
9h00 am: Qualifications
10h00 am: Competition
12h00 pm: Women’s prize-giving ceremony
Afternoon – Men’s Competition
4:30 pm: Qualifications
6:00 pm: Competition
8:00 pm: Men’s prize-giving ceremony
© PlanetSKI
Sunday 2nd July
Bronze Age Artefacts Found in Switzerland
Around 80 rare artefacts from the late Bronze Age, including jewellery, sickles and axes, have been unearthed in the Albula region in southeast Switzerland.
The objects date from the 11th and 12th centuries BC.
Most of the metal objects are made of cast iron or copper.
There are several Bronze Age sickles, axes, a fragment of a saw and pieces of jewellery and clothing.
It is described as “by far the largest and most important” find from this period in the Swiss canton.
See here for further details and images.
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Saturday July 1st
Water Wars Loom in the Alps
Switzerland wants to retain more water for its own electricity production.
Other nations, including France and Italy, are unhappy at the move.
Much water used in Europe comes from meltingsnow and ice in the Alps that flows into the major rivers of Europe.
Its water flows into the Rhône, the Rhine and the Inn, a tributary of the Danube.
River Inn, Austria. Image © PlanetSKI
The Po in Italy is also fed by water from the Swiss mountains.
For centuries, the Alps have provided tens of millions of people in Europe with water.
But as water becomes more scares, its importance rises.
The Swiss government says the situation carries “a significant potential for conflict”, particularly in light of global warming.
See more in this article on Swiss Info.
Thursday 29th June
Skiing Continues in Mammoth Mountain
According to the Californian resort there is still plenty of skiing and snowboarding left after the huge amounts of snow that fell last winter – more than 18m.
That’s four times the height of a double-decker bus.
The lifts open at 07.30 and closed at 13.00.
PlanetSKI was there in May this year, after the resorts in the Alps closed.
Mammoth Mountain. Image © PlanetSKI
Mammoth Mountain. Image © PlanetSKI
Tuesday 27th June
Mikaela Shiffrin Nominated for ESPY Awards
The ESPY Awards are known as the Oscars of Sports and celebrate the best of the best in the world of sports.
Athletes from various sports are rewarded for their exceptional performances and contributions to the sporting world.
This season Shiffrin recorded the highest number of World Cup wins by any skier, beating the legendary Ingemar Stenmark from Norway.
She has been nominated for two ESPY Awards.
The first nomination comes in the category of Best Athlete in Women’s Sports in recognition of Shiffrin’s dominance in alpine skiing, including her 88 World Cup victories.
It is her third nomination in the category.
Shiffrin’s second nomination comes in the category of Best Record-Breaking Performance.
The public can participate in the awards and you can vote here
Image © PlanetSKI
Sunday 25th June:
Oh, the Irony from The Telegraph!
The Telegraph was a cheer-leading newspaper for Brexit back in 2016 and for many years earlier.
It told us of unspecified benefits over the horizon.
Now it has published an article in its travel section revealing what some in UK snowsports see as the real impact on the UK snowsports industry.
It has been a disaster.
We should reveal an immediate interest as PlanetSKI was, and remains, opposed to Brexit due to its impact on the snowsports and travel industry.
We also haven’t read the article in detail – just the headline and the opening paragraphs as it is behind a paywall and we prefer not to subscribe to The Telegraph.
Here is what we know:
The Brexit rule posting an ‘existential threat’ to ski holidays – The Telegraph.
The number of Britons filling jobs in European ski resorts has dropped by 69 per cent since 2017, creating a lost generation of seasonaires.
Post-Brexit legislation poses an “existential threat” to traditional British ski holidays according to Charles Owen, managing director of Seasonal Businesses in Travel (SBiT), which, together with Abta, is pressuring the government for change.
For decades chalet holidays have been a staple on the calendar of thousands of British skiers, but Owen claims that the frontline of the British ski industry has suffered “devastating” consequences since 2021, leaving the future of winter escapes in limbo….
The rest is behind its paywall.
It will likely have a load of wriggle room in how the article is written, but ultimately the Telegraph supported Brexit – a policy that has caused untold harm to the UK ski industry.
As a leading figure quoted in the article says ‘the frontline of the British ski industry has suffered “devastating” consequences’.
Oh, the irony!
PlanetSKI logo
Saturday 24th June:
New Team Event for 2026 Winter Olympics
The alpine skiing combined will become a team event at the Milan-Cortina Games.
It sees skiers compete in speed and technical events with the fastest aggregate time determining who wins in the men’s and women’s races.
At previous Games, the men’s and women’s Alpine combined event would see each skiers compete in speed and technical races, with the quickest aggregate times determining the winner.
There will now be two athletes of the same gender, with one racing the downhill run and the other skiing slalom.
The International Olympic Committee has agreed on the proposed change made by the International Ski and Snowboard Federation.
Alterations have also been made to the formats of Nordic combined and ski jumping.
Men and women will race the same distance in the cross-country skiing competition for the first time at Milan Cortina 2026.
PlanetSKI logo
Friday 23rd June
Video of Huge Avalanche in China
A video taken by tourists recorded an avalanche in the snowy mountains of Oytagh Glacier Park in northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region on June 19th.
Workers at Oytagh Glacier Park believe the recent rise in temperature caused the snow to melt, resulting in the avalanche.
There are no reports of casualties or damage to property.
Thursday 22nd June
New Zealand Ski Fields Head for Private Ownership
Mount Ruapehu’s ski fields are heading for private ownership after a series of fiery meetings.
It has divided Ruapehu’s mountain users.
Ruapehu Alpine Lifts, RAL, has been given back to its directors and is to be liquidated.
Creditors voted down a proposal to save the business operations of Whakapapa and Tūroa on the north island.
Ruapehu District’s mayor says the move leaves only a 50/50 chance there’ll be skiing and snowboarding this winter.
See here for an earlier PlanetSKI report:
Wednesday 21st June
International Luge Federation Continues Ban on Russia
It voted to continue the ban at its 71st Congress that is taking place in Bucharest in Romania.
Members voted 22 in favour of the ban on Russian athletes, coaches, trainers and other officials.
1 voted against.
There were 5 five abstentions.
“In view of the ongoing war of aggression of the Russian Federation against Ukraine, it is decided to suspend all participation rights of athletes, coaches, trainers and other officials of the Russian Luge Federation in FIL-sanctioned competitions until further notice in order to ensure safe and peaceful sports competitions with integrity,” the International Luge Federation said in a statement.
This year’s Congress was due to have taken place in the Ukrainian city of Lviv, but it was relocated to Bucharest due to the war.
PlanetSKI logo
Tuesday 20th June
Swiss Interest in Holding FIS Games 2028
St. Moritz/Engadin has expressed an interest in holding the inaugural FIS Games in 2028.
The Games will be a major new Wintersports event covering all disciplines and will last 16 days.
We have the full details in this earlier report on PlanetSKI:
Swiss Ski has informed the International Ski & Snowboard Federation, FIS, of its interest.
No other area has so far expressed an interest.
Image c/o FIS
Sunday 18th June
Line Up for Altitude Comedy Festival Unveiled
Get Ready for an avalanche of laughter as Altitude Comedy Festival returns to Mayrhofen, Austria 1st – 5th April 2024.
With Dara O’Briain, Daniel Sloss, Paul Smith, Maisie Adams and Zoe Lyons and many more.
Image c/o Altitude Festival
“We are thrilled to announce our Altitude Comedy Festival dates and first wave of acts for 2024,” said Brett Vincent, Managing Director of Altitude Comedy Festival.
“2024 promises to be our funnest and most sensational yet.
“The lineup of comedians we’ve got in store are all utterly brilliant – we are beyond excited for next year.
“There’s a reason we were named BEST OVERSEAS FESTIVAL and that we consistently receive 5 star reviews from our guests.
“Altitude is the ultimate feel-good trip and there is truly no better setting to laugh your (ski) socks off in.”
Saturday 17th June
Proposed Rail Link Through French Alps Sparks Protests
12 police were wounded on Saturday in violent clashes with demonstrators in the Savoie area in France.
Around 3,000 protestors were in the Maurienne Valley objecting to construction of a rail link including a tunnel between Lyon in France and Turin in Italy.
They argue it will wreck the sensitive Alpine environment.
Rocks were thrown at police and they responded with tear gas.
The proposed tunnel is 36-miles long and will cost at an estimated £22 billion.
Supporters say it will ease freight road traffic.
Opponents say the environmental damage risk is too high a price to pay.
PlanetSKI logo
Friday 16th June
Snowbird Calls it a Day
Wednesday 14th June
Developments in Saving Two New Zealand Ski Areas
Whakapapa and Turoa ski resorts went into voluntary administration last season with debts of $45m.
We reported earlier that rescue deals are near to completion.
Here is the latest:
Tuesday 13th June
Family Adventure Holidays in Ischgl
Families can enjoy an adventurous holiday in Ischgl, in the Austrian Tirol this summer.
The resorts advises to start with an ascent on the Silvrettaseilbahn cable car up to 2,320m where the ‘Vider Truja’ adventure park is located.
The adventure park was renovated in 2021 and offers numerous play opportunities for children and plenty of sitting and reclining areas for parents to relax and enjoy the fresh mountain air.
Take the gondola back to the Silvrettaseilbahn middle station from where a short walk leads to the Adventure Stage between two small lakes.
Children can let off steam and put their sense of balance and skills to the test.
The route back into the valley leads via the Walk of Lyrics which crosses the two ‘Kitzloch’ and ‘Bärafalla’ suspension bridges.
This day of adventure last for approximately four hours and is priced from €5 / £4 pp or free with a Silvretta Premium Card.
See more here:
Ischgl: www.ischgl.com/en
Inghams (01483 698099, www.inghams.co.uk)
Austrian Tirol: www.visittirol.co.uk
30th Anniversary of Verbier Festival
For several years, music lovers from all over the world have been gathering in Verbier for the annual Verbier Festival.
It has always aimed to encourage interaction and exchange between the great masters and young musicians from all over the world.
The 2023 edition marks the 30th anniversary of the Festival.
The stars of the international classical scene, both regulars and newcomers, will converge on Verbier as will young emerging talent who often come from the Verbier Festival Academy.
“Whether it is the multitude of stars, or the highlights organised over a period of more than two weeks, this edition will undoubtedly be remembered for a long time to come,” said the organisers in a statement.
Verbier: www.verbier.ch
Monday 12th June
Explosives Used to Clear Avalanche Debris in Utah
The authorities near Provo in Utah, have been using controlled demolitions to clear out avalanche debris near Bridal Veils Falls.
Earlier on PlanetSKI we reported on the damage left behind by the avalanches in Little Cottonwood Canyon in Utah:
Little Cottonwood Canyon. Image © PlanetSKI
The US state saw record numbers of skiers and snowboarders last winter with record-breaking levels of snow.
Park City, Utah. Image © Rob McAteer
Sunday 11th June
El Nino Has Begun in the Pacific Ocean
It will likely make 2024 the world’s hottest year and this will speed up the melting process of the world’s glaciers.
There will be other impacts on the mountain ranges of the world.
This natural phenomenon is the most powerful fluctuation in the climate system anywhere on Earth.
The hot phase, called El Niño, occurs every two to seven years and sees warm waters come to the surface off the coast of South America and spread across the ocean pushing significant amounts of heat up into the atmosphere.
There could be impact on the coming ski season in the southern hemisphere.
The impacts of the onset of El Niño will likely follow behind by a few months and will be felt all over the world.
It is expected to bring drier weather in Australia and parts of Asia, with potential weakening of the monsoon in India.
The southern US states will likely be wetter in the coming winter.
See here for more on the BBC.
Mont Fort glacier, Verbier. Image © PlanetSKI
Saturday 10th June:
Ski Rossendale Celebrates 50th Birthday Without Eddie the Eagle
Special guest was to have been Eddie the Eagle, but he had to pull out due to “unforeseen circumstances”.
The slope is also known as The Hill.
Today sees skiing and snowboarding taster sessions, 50-minute tubing sessions, as well as kids’ rides, face painters and food and drink.
Manager of The Hill Dave Fuller said: “Due to unforeseen circumstances, Eddie the Eagle is no longer able to attend our 50th anniversary celebrations in person. We are deeply disappointed.
“On Saturday June 10 there will be attractions, events, taster sessions, activities, fun rides and demonstrations by Rossendale Drum Majorettes and Lighthouse Tai Chi and we are looking forward to seeing loads of people joining with the staff to celebrate an amazing 50 years of the ski slope and to share their memories.”
Friday 9th June:
Ski Airline Offers Flights for 24/25 Season
Jet2.com has flights to the French, Swiss, Austrian and Italian Alps.
It’s programme for Winter 24/25 is now on sale.
It flies to Chambery, Geneva, Grenoble, Salzburg, Innsbruck, Lyon and Turin.
The ski flights have been put on sale from mid-December 2024 to 31st March 2025, representing 34 ski routes and over 60 weekly ski flights during peak periods.
Its UK bases are Belfast International, Bristol, Birmingham, East Midlands, Edinburgh, Leeds Bradford, Glasgow, Manchester, Newcastle International and London Stansted.
Lyon airport, gateway to the French Alps. Image © PlanetSKI.
Thursday 8th June
The Clear Up Continues in California
Views from Tioga Pass Road this morning – June 7, 2023! ⚠️
@caltransd9 crews are about 1.5 miles from the @yosemitenps east gate entrance. pic.twitter.com/kLCWeEDiLA
— Mono County Tourism (@EasternSierra) June 7, 2023
Monday 5th June
Looking Good In Hintertux; PlanetSKI in Resort Later in June
We are heading to the glacier resort in the Tirol in the last week of June.
It has soe of the best early summer conditions for years – look out for our reports.
The season never ends 3,250m up at Austria’s Hintertux glacier, pictured this morning. pic.twitter.com/hZJh8cHUof
— Snow Forecast.com (@SnowForecast) June 5, 2023
Air New Zealand Weighs Passengers Before Flying
If you are heading to New Zealand with the airline for skiing this summer, you may be asked if you can be weighed as part of a survey to improve fuel efficiency.
The airline is weighing passengers on international flights, as part of a survey to determine average passenger weight.
The information will be recorded anonymously and participation in the survey is voluntary.
Knowing the weight of everything that goes on its aircraft is a “regulatory requirement”, said the airline.
“We know stepping on the scales can be daunting. We want to reassure our customers there is no visible display anywhere,” the airline continued.
“By weighing in, you’ll be helping us fly safely and efficiently every time.”
Air New Zealand will be asking more than 10,000 customers travelling on its international network to take part in the survey.
South Island, New Zealand. Image © PlanetSKI
Skiing Continues in USA
There’s still SO. MUCH. SNOW!
We’ll be open at Alpine every weekend in June, Friday-Sunday! 🗓️ The fun doesn’t stop there, as we wrap up the season with Freedom Fest July 1st – 4th 🇺🇸
For more info, head over to: https://t.co/1uplCoLdS0 pic.twitter.com/erLJmTEoRf
— Palisades Tahoe (@palisadestahoe) June 4, 2023
Sunday 4th June
Snow on Final Weekend of Colorado Ski Season
Fresh snowfall in June for the final
weekend of Colorado’s 22-23 ski season @Arapahoe_Basin pic.twitter.com/doqNbuKmyO— Snow Forecast.com (@SnowForecast) June 3, 2023
See here for further details of where skiing & snowboarding is still on offer in the USA:
Summer Mono-Ski Competition In Norway
It is taking place in the the summer resort of Stryn.
Saturday 3rd June
Hiker Discovers Body of Missing Climber in USA
A hiker came across the body of a missing climber on a mountain in Washington state.
It is more than three months since 60-year old Jeannie Lee was swept away in an avalanche with three other people.
She was part of a group of six climbing Colchuck Peak last February.
Four people were carried nearly 200 yards down the mountainside in an avalanche.
A 56-year-old man survived the avalanche and hiked back to camp with the two other climbers.
The body of one other climber has been found, with the third still missing.
The authorities have deemed it unsafe to carry out a full search and are waiting till more of the snow in the area melts.
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Friday 2nd June
Italian Ski Resort Opens for Summer Skiing
Italy’s 2023 summer ski season is underway with the opening of Passo Stelvio this morning. Some digging out of base buildings in May was required… @CerviniaValt will join it later this month. pic.twitter.com/e08bD5e1QV
— Snow Forecast.com (@SnowForecast) June 2, 2023
easyJet Launches New Winter Route from Manchester to Grenoble
It will give access to many ski resorts in the southern French Alps.
The flights will go once a week from Sunday 10th December.
Tickets are now on sale.
Ali Gayward, easyJet’s UK Country Manager said: “We are delighted to announce a new route from Manchester to Grenoble, adding a further winter holiday option for our customers.
“Sitting at the heart of the Alps, it’s known as a base for winter sports, but also offers hiking and outdoor activities and has a collection of museums to explore.”
EasyJet. Image © PlanetSKI.
Thursday 1st June
Father of Skier Criticises Transgender Athlete’s Victory
The US California-Nevada highschool girls’ skiing championship title was won by a transgender athlete.
The father of one of the other competitors said it is ‘not fair’.
“You ruin women’s sports by allowing males to compete in women’s sports,” the father added.
The parent remains anonymous due to potential any backlash against him or his daughter.
The parent blamed the organisers of the competition, rather than the transgender athlete.
See more of the story on Fox News.
Skiing in the USA. Image © PlanetSKI
Wednesday 31st May
Italian Court Spares Life of Killer Bear
The bear, Jj4, attacked and killed a jogger who was running on a mountain trail in the Alps.
The 26-year old man, Andrea Papi, died from his injuries.
A court in Trentino suspended an order by local authorities to have the 17-year old animal euthanized.
The court has requested more information before final decisions are taken.
The suspension lasts until June 27th.
Animal rights advocates have proposed transferring the bear to a secure refuge.
Mr Papi’s family has said they are against the bear being killed.
PlanetSKI logo
Tuesday 30th May
Fancy a Summer Job at a Scottish Ski Resort?
Some are hiring…
Monday 29th May
Still Skiing in Jackson Hole as Tram Opens for Summer
The Aerial Tram opened for the summer on May 20 and local skiers wasted no time enjoying springtime snow conditions outside the boundaries of the Resort. Read our latest blog chronicling a warm weather ski adventure up on Cody Peak.
👉 https://t.co/VR1MqPZStn#jacksonhole pic.twitter.com/mKEg4JAg25— Jackson Hole (@jhski) May 26, 2023
Sunday 28th May
New Zealand Ski Resorts Announce Opening Dates
Coronet Peak is the first to open on June 16th, followed by the Remarkables & Cardrona the next day, then Treble Cone a week later.
Dates for Alpine Ski World Cup Races Announced
The timetable for the races in 2023/24 is out:
Rev your engines 🏁
Set up your phones 🗓️
Buy tickets 🎟️
Start planning ✈️🚗🚝
Sharpen your ski edges 🎿
Get ready to cheer 📣
2️⃣0️⃣2️⃣3️⃣ 2️⃣0️⃣2️⃣4️⃣ Calendars Are Released!!! #fisalpine pic.twitter.com/79ijcSfsjd— FIS Alpine (@fisalpine) May 25, 2023
Saturday 27th May
1,000+ Artillery Shells Used to Trigger Avalanches in Canyon in Utah
The figures have just been released after record-breaking mounts of snow in the Little Cotton Wood canyon.
The road leads to Snowbird and Alta – Snowbird is still open for skiing and snowboarding.
Some figures have been released by Utah;s Department for Transportation:
- Artillery rounds fired: 1,072
- Remote avalanche control (RAC) detonations
- Hand-thrown explosives: 110
- Full canyon road closures: 34
- Avalanches hitting the road: 98
The season saw the most substantial road closure in the canyon’s history
The road was closed fully 34 times.
There were 1,480 hours of full canyon road closures, that equates to nearly two months of restricted access.
Not a single person was injured or killed traveling in Little Cottonwood Canyon
PlanetSKI in Little Cottonwood Canyon. Image © PlanetSKI
Thursday 25th May
Russia’s Ban on Competing in FIS Events Continues
The current FIS policy, which does not allow the participation of Russian and Belarusian athletes and officials in FIS events, will remain until further notice.
The decision was taken at the current FIS Council Spring meeting.
It follows the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 that was backed and supported by Belarus.
The International Ski & Snowboard Federation. Image c/o FIS.
The International Olympic Committee has recommended that athletes from Russia and Belarus be allowed to return to international competition as neutrals as long as they did not support the war or were not affiliated with the military.
“We are pleased that FIS maintains the same stance and does not want Russia and Belarus to participate in international competitions,” said the President of the Norwegian Ski Federation, Tove Moe Dyrhaug.
Flash Floods in Italian Mountains Will Do Little to Ease Drought
Recent heavy rain in the Alps and Dolomites affected 43 towns with flooding and landslides, and that more than 500 roads were closed or destroyed.
However, the authorities say it will be little to tackle the drought after two winters of poor snowfall.
Without that normal snowfall in the mountains many rivers, lakes and reservoirs have receded.
They cannot recover even when it rains because the ground is essentially impermeable and the rain just washes over the topsoil.
We have reported on the drought earlier on PlanetSKI:
The easing of the drought depends more on snow being stored in the Alps over the long-term than on sudden rain.
The Aosta Valley, Italy. French Alps. Image © PlanetSKI
Wednesday 24th May
Investigation After 3 Dutch Climbers Die in Swiss Avalanche
The accident happened near Mt Grosshorn in the Bernese Alps near Lauterbrunnen.
The rescue services were alerted last weekend after the group failed to check with friends.
The three people were two men aged 32 and 40, and a 30-year-old woman.
While the identity of the two men hasn’t been released, the woman who died was Line van den Berg who was a highly accomplished alpine climber.
Their bodies were found at the base of the Jegi glacier that is in the neighbouring Valais Canton.
They were pronounced dead at the scene.
It is likely they were caught in an avalanche.
The investigation is being carried out by the Bernese cantonal police under the leadership of the public prosecutor of the canton of Valais.
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Saturday 20th May
Only in America
Meet Gordon.
He started skiing 40 years, he started juggling 30 years ago and put the two together 5 years ago.
He can do it backwards too.
PlanetSKI spotted Gordon up to his tricks in Palisades Tahoe in California on our current Spring ski trip:
Friday 19th May
New Organiser Sought for SIGB Ski Tests
Long-time organiser, Rare Management, is stepping aside.
It is where UK retailers and media test skis, snowboard and other kit for the following season.
PlanetSKI was at last season’s event in La Clusaz in France and the event will take place in the resort again in 2024.
La Clusaz, France. Image © PlanetSKI
Tender documents are being prepared and the successful organisation will be expected to attend the 2024 SIGB Snow Test.
Any individuals or organisations interested in the Tender documents, with a view to submitting a proposal, should register their intention at info@sigb.org.uk
Thursday 18th May
Olympic Snowboarder Stages Plane Crash for You Tube
Trevor Jacob pleaded guilty to pretending his Taylorcraft BL-65 had malfunctioned forcing a midair bailout in November 2021.
Prosecutors said Jacob took off from Lompoc City Airport with a flight plan to go to Mammoth Lakes in California.
He had GoPros mounted on multiple places on the plane but suspiciously wore a parachute for the flight.
Jacob was over the national park when the plane appeared to stall and he jumped out.
The FAA determined the crash was intentional and stripped Jacob of his pilot’s license.
He faces up to 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
Here’s the video in question:
Wednesday 17th May
Dan Keeley Runs Over the Alps
See here for more on Dan’s run from London to Rome:
Ski Rossendale Celebrates its 50th Birthday
When the artificial slope near Blackburn opened in September 1973 it had the longest slope in the UK at 500m and was the largest facility of its kind.
It is now known as The Ski Hill and plans are in place for a 50th anniversary celebration event.
There will be an open day on Saturday, June 10th from 10am to 5pm and a limited ticket evening after-party.
There will be taster sessions in skiing, snowboarding and tubing that will be on offer at £10 for 45-minutes.
Monday 15th May
Gurgl To Host FIS World Cup Races for First Time
In autumn 2023, the Ötztal Valley in the Tirol sees the traditional Giant Slalom on the Retternbach glacier in Soelden and then there is a new slalom event in Gurgl, further up the valley.
On 18th November, the slope of Kirchenkar in Hochgurgl will host the first slalom race of the season.
GB’s Dave Ryding should be in action – he is sponsored by Gurgl.
Dave Ryding. Image © PlanetSKI
He is sponsored by neighbouring Obergurgl and has confirmed he will be racing again next season.
“This is a truly unique opportunity for us,” said the Managing Director of Ötztal Tourism, Oliver Schwarz.
“In addition to the opening event on the glacier, we are now also putting our winter sports and snow expertise in the spotlight of the international public in Gurgl.”
“Our ambition is to establish Gurgl as an annual venue. We will prove that we are capable of doing so.”
Sunday 14th May
Drought Conditions in Switzerland Ease
The water levels of many rivers and lakes in Switzerland are high again thanks to recent heavy rains and the melting snow of the winter.
That’s according to Swiss public radio, SRF.
Parts of Switzerland were on a drought alert over the winter, but this has now been lifted.
Heavy rains have fallen north of the Alps at the weekend affecting the Bernese Oberland, the central and eastern northern slopes of the Alps and the central and eastern Plateau region, according to the Federal Office for the Environment.
Snow is still lacking at higher altitudes and the amount of snow is still below the long-term seasonal average.
Switzerland in the summer. Image © PlanetSKI
Saturday 13th May
GB Snowsport Unveils Alpine Squad for Next Season
Fly to Australia in Four Hours?
It could be possible in the 2030s if new a new hydrogen-powered airline start up is successful.
That would open up the Australian ski areas for an easier summer visit.
We have earlier reported on heavy snow falling in Australia as the season approaches.
The Swiss based company Destinus is set to test a new prototype aircraft this year.
Mach 5 hypersonic flights would be five times faster than the speed of sound.
The company’s BDM, Martina Löfqvist told CNN it aims to launch in the 2030s.
“We try to go very, very ultra-long range,” Löfqvist said.
“That is to fly from Europe all the way to Australia at Mach 5.”
Skiing in Perisher, Australia. Image © PlanetSKI
Friday 12th May
Lost 8-Year Old Boy Survives on Snow
An eight-year-old boy lost in woodlands in Michigan survived for two days by eating snow and hiding beneath a log for shelter.
Nante Niemi told police he “ate clean snow for hydration”.
He went missing on Saturday while camping with his family in the Porcupine Mountains state park.
He got lost while walking to gather firewood, sparking a 150-person search effort to rescue him.
On Monday he was found underneath his log “in good health”, about two miles from his camp.
See here for more on the BBC.
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Thursday 11th May
IOC Donates $10.4 million to Chinese Olympic Committee
It is its share of $52 million surplus fron the 2022 Winter Games.
The IOC President Thomas Bach said the money is intended to support in particular the continued engagement of 346 million Chinese people in winter sports, with a special focus on young people.
“The truly exceptional Olympic Winter Games Beijing 2022 were a showcase for incredible sporting performances, they broke ground as the most gender balanced Olympic Winter Games in history, and they attracted record new audiences,” said Thomas Bach.
“They gave a huge boost to international winter sport by having engaged 346 million Chinese people in winter sport.
“All of this in spite of a global pandemic.
“Congratulations to the Organising Committee of the Olympic Winter Games Beijing 2022 for this success and for delivering these Games with a financial surplus even under these extremely difficult circumstances.”
Beijing 2022. Image c/o IOC.
“The success of the Olympic Winter Games Beijing 2022, which achieved a financial surplus against the backdrop of a global pandemic, is the result of a concerted effort from the entire Olympic family, led by the IOC, in the spirit of solidarity,” said the President of the Chinese Olympic Committee, Mr Gao Zhidan.
“It will serve as a working model for future Games.”
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Wednesday 10th May
The Culinary Way of St. James returns to Ischgl
This summer will see the 15th edition of the Culinary Way of St. James open its gourmet trails once again in Ischgl, in the Austrian Tirol.
The food festival will start on 7th July with a gourmet market in the evening at the St. Nikolaus Cultural Centre in Ischgl.
Visitors will be able to taste all the dishes from this year’s festival.
The evening begins at 7 pm, with smooth jazz music greeting visitors as they arrive and local brass band, Musikkapelle Ischgl, will perform at 8:30 pm as the evening gets underway.
A ticket to the gourmet market is priced from €25/£22 pp and includes food, drinks and musical entertainment.
Make the most of a trip to Ischgl and stay at the homely Hotel Jagerhof.
A seven-night stay, from 1 July 2023, is priced from £1,083 pp based on three sharing on a half board basis, this includes flights to and from London Gatwick and transfers.
Ischgl: www.ischgl.com
Inghams (01483 698099, www.inghams.co.uk)
Austrian Tirol: www.visittirol.co.uk
Ischgl in the summer. Image © PlanetSKI
Tuesday 9th May
New Organisers for Slide Trade Show
The Snowsport Industries of Great Britain, SIGB, has announced the appointment of MCS PR & Event Management as the new organisers of the 2024 winter trade show.
It takes place at the Telford International Centre 9th– 11th January 2024.
Slide & OTS Winter is the UK’s winter trade show aimed at all snowsport, outdoor and actionsport retailers.
The Rare Management team of Lesley Beck and Mike Jardine stepped down from the role earlier this year following a highly successful 22 years as show organisers.
“In MCS, we are so pleased to have found the perfect partners to build on the continued success of the Slide & OTS Winter Show,” said SIGB joint President, Sonia Prior.
“Their knowledge, track record and practical experience of running other successful trade focused events will help us to stage another great show in 2024 and beyond.
“Everyone on the SIGB exhibition sub-committee welcomes the appointment of MCS as our new show organisers and we look forward to a long-term future together.”
The Snowsport Industries of Great Britain (SIGB) is the trade body that owns and runs Slide & OTS Winter.
SIGB membership consists of 167 organisations involved in snowsport retail, supply and travel.
A committee of 16, representing all aspects of the trade heads up the running of SIGB.
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Monday 8th May
11 Avalanche Deaths in Colorado this Winter
It is the joint second highest figure since records began in 1951.
The figures come from the Colorado Avalanche Information Service.
The most deadly avalanche years came in 1993 and 2021 when 12 people died.
This season’s total ties the 1983 and 2013 death toll.
The winter has seen record amounts of snow in the state.
With some resorts and ski areas still open the authorities advise extreme caution as the snowpack melts.
Avalanche danger. Image c/o PlanetSKI.
GB Snowsport Congratulates Dave Ryding
See here for PlanetSKI’s report on his podium in Kitzbuhel last January:
Dave has confirmed he will return for another season on the World Cup circuit.
“I told my wife I was doing another one, I’ve got to get these questions past her,” he said to his local TV station after the season ended.
“I’ll just take it year by year. If it’s my last one next year, we’ll see.”
Dave Ryding. Image © PlanetSKI
Sunday 7th May
Drone Pilot Captures Amazing Footage of Huge Avalanche
The action takes place in the mountains on Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada.
There aren’t many huge avalanches captured using a drone quite like this one.
The drone pilot, who goes by the handle Mactac, was out at Mount Nahmint on Vancouver Island when he perfectly timed a flight as he noticed the big avalanche.
Here is his account of the filming.
“We were out for a day of long range mountain surfing in British Columbia on Vancouver Island with our long range drones, hoping to get some nice cinematic footage.
“There was a ‘severe avalanche warning’ a couple of days prior, but things seemed to have calmed down.
“Just when were were getting ready to leave, I looked up and saw a huge avalanche coming down the mountain right in front of us!
“I scrambled to get a battery on my long range FPV drone, fumbled with my GoPro, and booked it out towards the mountain as fast as I possibly could.
“I got there just in time to see an absolutely scary amount of snow from an avalanche hitting the bottom of the mountain.
“What looks like water in this video is actually a huge amount of snow, with some chucks as big as my truck.
“Since I had the goggles on, I couldn’t see what was going on around me, and I was pretty paranoid about the avalanche coming down the mountain, through the valley and up the other side where we were sitting, all without me knowing.
“I was also worried that the road would get obliterated and we’d be stuck way out in the back country.
“Luckily, it wasn’t even close.”
Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mactac/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mactacfpv/
Saturday 6th May
Three Resorts Bid for 2028 & 2029 Alpine Ski World Championships
They are:
- Narvik, Norway
- Soldeu, Andorra
- Val Gardena, Italy
It is the second application for the Alpine candidates of Narvik and Soldeu, while Val Gardena is a first-time candidate.
A detailed concept for each candidates’ bid is due by 1st August 2023 based on a specific Questionnaire from the International Ski & Snowboard Federation, FIS.
The questionnaire asks for details regarding plans for sports organisation, venue and facilities, legacy, workforce and volunteers, sustainability and environment, sports integrity, accommodation, transportation, security, commercial rights and marketing, broadcast operations and media services, communications and promotion, ceremonies, spectator services, the ski festival, legal aspects, organisation structure and financing.
There is then a formal meeting with each of the candidates in autumn 2023 with the FIS Inspection Group.
Then each Candidate will finalise its concept for its bid.
In April 2024, the Candidate Questionnaire and FIS Inspection Group report will be published and distributed to the National Ski Associations, Technical Committee chairs and the FIS Council.
On June 4th at the 55th International Ski Congress in Reykjavik in Iceland each candidate will make its final presentation to the FIS Council, which will then elect the Organisers of the FIS World Championships 2028 and 2029.
Image © PlanetSKI
- One application for the 2029 FIS Nordic World Ski Championships was submitted by Lahti, Finland.
- One application for the 2028 FIS Ski Flying World Championship was submitted by Planica, Slovenia.
Friday 5th May
First Fully Disabled Team Crosses Europe’s Largest Ice Cap
Three men from the UK crossed Iceland’s Vatnajokull Glacier to raise funds for mental health charity Millimetres 2 Mountains.
Former professional rugby player – Ed Jackson [34], ex mountaineer and Army Reservist – Darren Edwards [32] and biologist specialising in endangered species – Dr Niall McCann [41], each had an accident which resulted in a spinal cord injury and a set of disabilities unique to them.
They set off in mid-April as we reported at the time on PlanetSKI.
The team completed the challenge in just 11 days.
The weather pushed the men’s physical strength and mental resilience to the limit.
They faced 100kph winds, temperatures of -27C (-17F) and sometimes driving rain.
See here for a report on the BBC.
Image c/o Millimetres 2 Mountains
More adventures could also be on the horizon.
“We have all bought into that life of adventure – it’s part of our recovery, it’s an important part of all of our lives and it is not something that is going to end in a hurry.”
For more information and to donate, please visit – https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/back2back
Thursday 4th May
Snowsport Scotland Unable to Use Braehead Indoor Centre
Gwyneth Paltrow Will Not Recover Legal Fees in Ski Crash Case
The Hollywood actress received $1 after successfully defending herself against a lawsuit over a ski crash in 2016, but she won’t recover any of her legal costs.
The final court judgment read: “The parties have stipulated that Ms Paltrow will agree not to seek recovery of her attorneys’ fees and costs, and the plaintiff agrees not to appeal the verdict or file any post-verdict motions.”
We reported on the case at the time:
The incident took place at Deer Valley in Utah.
Deer Valley, Utah. Image © PlanetSKI
Wednesday 3rd May
Mammoth Bike Park Remains Shut – too much snow
The US resort says that bike park operations will be ‘significantly delayed’ as the snowpack is still too deep.
The resort is not currently selling bike park season passes as an opening date cannot be set.
Mammoth Mountain has seen a record 17.9m of snow this season with more possible through early-May.
It’s annual average is 10.1m of snowfall.
The resort is currently reporting a base depth range of 4.5m – 6.2m.
Nearly all of that will need to melt before the bike park can be opened.
Here at PlanetSKI we are heading to Mammoth next month to go skiing:
Mammoth mountain. Photo c/o Peter Morning
Look out for our reports, but it doesn’t sound like we’ll be hopping on a bike in Mammoth.
PlanetSKI is also heading to Palisades Tahoe – where it is still snowing:
May 2nd, 2023: still snowing ❄️
Weather blog: https://t.co/LD1AkLzFZR pic.twitter.com/lGcnvLe1Ud
— Palisades Tahoe (@palisadestahoe) May 2, 2023
Tuesday May 2nd
Park City Calls It A Day
Skiing into May…
What an amazing season! With over 636″ of snow, an early opening, and a twice-extended season, THANK YOU for making this a record-breaking winter at Park City and going ALL THE WAY TO MAY with us! pic.twitter.com/zCJz1e4mx0
— Park City Mountain (@PCski) May 1, 2023
Twice is Nice on Cody Peak, Jackson Hole
“The snow was so perfect and smooth, I decided to just point it straight down the chute,” said the skier.
And he did..
Monday May 1st
Cairngorm Commemorates Coronation
Just a heads up to all our customers and visitors that we will be closed next Monday 8th May to honour the King’s coronation weekend. We will re-open as normal on Tuesday 9th May. pic.twitter.com/6CHYnXGsf4
— Cairngorm Mountain (@CairngormMtn) May 1, 2023
Solo Skier Dies in Colorado Avalanche
A 31-year-old man was caught in a small but long-running avalanche Saturday on Bald Mountain near Breckenridge, according to the Colorado Avalanche Information Centre.
He has not been named as next-of-kin are informed.
He was reported missing after failing to return home.
Rescue teams have recovered his body.
He is the 11th person to have died in an avalanche this winter in Colorado after huge amounts of snow.
A video that was recently shared to Facebook by the Colorado Avalanche Information Center (CAIC), shows a snowboarder being carried by an avalanche.
“You can push small wet avalanches in previously dry, recently wind-drifted snow. While most of these avalanches will be small in size and only several inches deep, in continuously steep terrain, a ride in one could produce a very bad outcome,” said the Colorado Avalanche Information Centre.
The snowboarder can be seen coming to rest on the snow surface, and was reportedly not injured.
Swiss Lift Companies Match 5-Year Average
With lower levels of snow and other alpine nations without Covid-19 restrictions, Swiss cable car companies have reported ‘average’ results.
There were 13% fewer guests in the ski areas throughout Switzerland by the end of March.
Two thirds of the companies did not raise their prices this past winter.
The results correspond to the average of the last 5 years.
Bernese Oberland, Switzerland. Image © PlanetSKI.
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