Summer Ski News
1st September 2023
Last modified on September 28th, 2023
– Swiss Ski Museum Set to Open
– New Disabled Ski World Record Set
– Glacier Melt Continues in Canada
– What the FWT
– Andorra Bans Foreigners from Buying Homes…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.
Mainly it is just plain news stories to keep you updated.
It is also anything that catches our eye in the world of skiing and snowsports.
See here for the earlier summer ski news:
Thursday 28th September
Swiss Ski Museum Set to Open
It is in Le Boechet in the canton of Jura and remembers the history of downhill and cross-country skiing.
The permanent exhibition looks at the history of skiing, offering a chronological view of Alpine and Nordic skiing.
One pair of skis dates back to 1870 while another was used by the Swiss racer, Didier Cuche.
The exhibition also looks at the development of wax and the future of skiing.
Much is the property of an individual, Laurent Donzé.
See here for further details on Swiss Info.
Zermatt, Switzerland. Image © PlanetSKI
Wednesday 27th September
New Disabled Ski Record Set
🏆 NEW WORLD RECORD ALERT! 🏆Our incredible athletes have set a record for the greatest distance skied by seated skiers in 8 hours! 🌟Thank you for your support! Donations are still open to make dreams come true for disabled children and adults.https://t.co/xmdSMljcEJ pic.twitter.com/3QLBG7qjZ2
— Disability Snowsport UK (@dsuksnowsport) September 26, 2023
See here for a PlanetSKI preview article:
Image c/o DSUK
Tuesday 26th September
FIS Joins Sports for Nature Framework
The Sports for Nature Framework was launched 2022 at the UN Biodiversity conference in Montreal, Canada, and now has 40 sports organizations among its signatories.
The International Ski & Snowboard Federation is the latest.
The organisations are committed to take measurable action for nature.
The Framework has four principles that signatories agree to:
- Protect nature
- Restore nature
- Green their supply chains
- Raise awareness
“FIS is delighted to join Sports for Nature,” said the FIS President Johan Eliasch.
“We are deeply committed to protecting the environments that are essential not just to our sports but to our lives.
“We are acutely aware of the urgency of the task we face.
“We look forward to working with Sports for Nature – for the good of snow sports, and the good of our planet.”
Johan Eliasch. Image c/o FIS
Sunday 24th September
Glacier Melt Continues in Canada
In the Canadian Rockies, intense heat and a devastating wave of droughts have sparked a historic glacial melt at the Athabasca glacier.
The monumental glacier had a downward melt of more than nine metres this year.
On top of that, a lack of rain has made the situation even worse.
Global’s Jayme Doll reports.
Friday 22nd September
What the FWT
What the FWT is a film presented by Alpina Watches that unveils the story of the Freeride World Tour.
It includes a behind-the-scenes look into the colossal effort it takes to run an event.
For over 15 years, the FWT has been at the center of freeriding, helping to launch the careers of some of the biggest names in freeriding history.
It has also been an integral part of the evolution of the sport itself, owing to the endless stream of young talent each year that brings new tricks and novel approaches to competition.
Freeride World Tour. Image © PlanetSKI
Thursday 21st September
Andorra Bans Foreigners from Buying Homes
The temporary ban comes as property prices have gone up 20% since January 2022.
It has priced many locals out of the market.
The Principality is popular with British skiers and snowboarders in the winter and is a favourite area of PlanetSKI.
Andorra has low-tax rates and is popular with foreigners.
The three-month ban applies apply to non-residents, but does not apply to foreign residents already in Andorra.
Customs control leaving Spain. Image © PlanetSKI
84,000 people live in Andorra.
There are 800 British people.
Britons are the fifth-largest community out of 55,000 foreign residents after Spaniards, Portuguese, French and Argentinians.
Soldeu, Andorra from the gondola. Image © PlanetSKI
Wednesday 20th September
British Man Dies in Via Ferrata Fall in Austrian Alps
The 42-year old died in the Dachstein mountains after falling 100m.
He was climbing alone on the 35m iron path when he fell.
His name has not been released.
His body has been recovered as next-of-kin are informed.
Salzburg police have ruled the incident ‘an accident’.
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Tuesday 19th September
More Ski Flights To Geneva Next Winter
The airline Jet2 is adding more flights from Leeds Bradford and Manchester next ski season.
There will be eight weekly flights from each airport.
Jet2 will be operating 34 weekly ski flights to Geneva from nine UK airports during winter 2023/24.
Geneva flights are also available from London Stansted, Birmingham, Edinburgh, East Midlands, Glasgow and Newcastle
Geneva airport – photo © PlanetSKI
Monday 18th September
Verbier Comes to London
The Swiss resorts is bringing its attractions to Shoreditch in London at the end of September.
It is having a week long residency culminating with two public days at the end.
Before that it’s industry events.
The Iron Bloom Shoreditch will recreate Verbier’s party atmosphere with 120 people attending on Friday 29th and Saturday 30th September.
Londoners will enjoy access to some of Verbier’s authentic flavours as they unwind in the city.
The pop-up will be open from 6.30-10pm, serving up local flavours, from Verbier beers and alpine gin, to Swiss wine.
Expect plenty of raclette too.
There’s the chance for a masterclass with Verbier’s biggest cheese connoisseur and Raclette maestro Eddy Baillifard, one of the region’s unmissable personalities, who has turned his dairy skills into a delicious art form.
Swiss DJ’S will be spinning the tunes in what looks like being a memorable Verbier-style night out in the heart of London.
To find out more and reserve your place on the exclusive guest list at Verbier’s London event , visit https://www.eventbrite.com/o/verbier-tourisme-70188674383
Image c/o Verbier Tourism
PlanetSKI is on the guest list, but there is only one problem.
We’re going to be in Verbier that week.
We are spending the next few weeks at the Rugby World Cup in France and touring some of our favourite ski resorts in some Autumn alpine trips between the matches.
We were though in Verbier several times last winter.
- Verbier ends its season on a high
- PlanetSKI spends a day with the Verbier piste patrol
- First tracks in Verbier
- Powder days in Verbier
We hope to be based in the resort for a couple of months next winter.
One of the reasons for our September visit is to check out somewhere to live.
Maybe even in Le Chable down in the valley:
Bruson, 4 Vallees, Switzerland. Image © PlanetSKI
Saturday 16th September
Innsbruck invites Milan Cortina 2026 to use Igls sliding track for Winter Olympics
Innsbruck’s mayor has offered the track to host the bobsleigh, luge and skeleton events at the 2026 Winter Olympic Games.
It follows doubt over plans to construct a Sliding Centre at Cortina.
Mayor Georg Willi has sent a letter to Andrea Varnier, chief executive of the Milan Cortina 2026 Foundation, proposing that the sliding events be held at the Igls track in Austria.
It is reported by the Italian news agency, ANSA.
In Italy there have been rows and protests over the cost of a new venue and the environmental impact.
It is unclear whether it could now be built in time with the Games just two and a half years away.
Friday 15th September:
Burton Snowboards Faces Class Action Lawsuit After Data Breach
The company faces a proposed class action after the company was targeted by cybercriminals during a 2023 data breach.
We reported on it at the time on PlanetSKI:
Hackers breached Burton’s computer systems and accessed personal information belonging to more than 5,000 people.
The data included:
- Names
- Social Security numbers
- Driver’s license details
- State-issued identification numbers
- Passport numbers
- Financial account information
According to the lawsuit, the cyberattack stemmed from Burton’s failure to employ reasonable cybersecurity measures to adequately secure the sensitive information stored in its network.
So far, Burton has not responded to the proposed lawsuit.
Image c/o Burton
Thursday 14th September
Olympic Charter Set to Change on Human Rights
The idea is to send out a “strong message” on human rights and freedom of expression.
The President of the International Olympic Committee, Thomas Bach, claims that the proposed chages present “a major step in our commitment to the respect for human rights in the Olympic Movement”.
Under the proposals, the IOC wants to add the words “internationally recognised human rights” and “within the remit of the Olympic Movement”.
Should the changes be approved at the IOC Session, the Fundamental Principle of Olympism 1 will read: “Olympism is a philosophy of life, exalting and combining in a balanced whole the qualities of body, will and mind.
“Blending sport with culture and education, Olympism seeks to create a way of life based on the joy of effort, the educational value of good example, social responsibility and respect for internationally recognised human rights and universal fundamental ethical principles within the remit of the Olympic Movement.”
Fundamental Principle of Olympic 4 by replacing the words “the possibility of practising sport” with “access the practice of sport” and adding “in respect of internationally recognised human rights within the remit of the Olympic Movement”.
The proposed wording for the article reads: “The practice of sport is a human right.
“Every individual must have access to the practice of sport, without discrimination of any kind in respect of internationally recognised human rights within the remit of the Olympic Movement.
“The Olympic spirit requires mutual understanding with a spirit of friendship, solidarity and fair play.”
See further details of the proposals on Inside the Games.
IOC flag – photo © IOC
Wednesday 13th September
Swiss Voters Reject Plans to Fund Large Solar Power Projects in the Valais
A referendum has taken place in the Valais canton, home to many of the major ski areas such as Verbier and Zermatt.
The proposal was part of the federal government’s plans to developed re-newable energy and will come as a blow.
- 54% voted against the proposal.
- Turnout was almost 36%.
The construction of large scale solar parks with generous government support could now happen in other cantons.
All solar projects in the Valais will now face a longer approval process.
Swiss federal authorities have set a target of 2 billion GWh for solar energy across the country.
The country has also approved a plan that requires Switzerland to achieve “net-zero” emissions by 2050.
It has set aside more than 3 billion CHF ( €3.14 billion) to help wean companies and homeowners off fossil fuels.
Switzerland. Image © PlanetSKI
Tuesday 12th September
Switzerland Closes Gotthard Road Tunnel
As one alpine tunnel announces it is re-opening, another one closes.
The Frejus tunnel that connects France and Italy and is set to re-open.
See below for our ealier report today.
Now concrete has fallen from roof of the Gottard tunnel in Switzerland and it has been shut.
The Swiss Federal Roads Office said there was a crack in a slab of concrete of the false ceiling near the north end of the tunnel.
It needs to be taken down and replaced.
The damage was caused by stress redistribution and pressure changes in the mountain.
The tunnel links Switzerland with Italy.
Vehicles are being redirected over the Gotthard pass and the San Bernardino route
The Gottard road tunnel should re-open by the end of the week once repairs have been carried out.
Frejus Tunnel Re-Opens After Rockfall
It connects France and Italy is set to re-open this weekend
The tunnel is 8.1 miles long and was closed at the end of the month after this rockfall.
A significant landslide occurred in the Maurienne valley (Alps), France at around 5:15 pm (local time) today. It is estimated to have involved 700 cubic meters of rock. pic.twitter.com/t3KfavMu1V
— Nahel Belgherze (@WxNB_) August 27, 2023
We reported on it at the time on PlanetSKI:
It delayed planned repairs to the Mont Blanc tunnel as it was deemed prudent to keep the alternative alpine tunnel open.
It remains to be seen when work on the Mont Blanc tunnel will now start.
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Monday 11th September
Record Number of Hikers & Climbers Die in Swiss Alps This Summer
27 have died in the Valais canton alone – 20 climbers and seven hikers, a record number of deaths for this period.
The authorities in the canton have strengthened the search and rescue teams.
At the beginning of 2000 17,000 people had did in the Swiss Alps since records began, according to the Accident Prevention Bureau.
That figure is now 36,000.
It is mainly due to increasing numbers of people in the mountains.
“The peak of accidents observed in recent days is linked to the very large number of people in the mountains at the same time,” Pierre Matthey, secretary general of the Swiss Guides Association, told Le Temps.
Climate change is playing its part with the rocks becoming more unstable as the permafrost melts.
See more in The Local, Switzerland.
The BPA advises all climbers and hikers, regardless of their fitness level and experience, to follow these guidelines:
- Choose a trail that matches your abilities and don’t go over your limits.
- Plan your hike or climb carefully: route, duration, level of difficulty, forecast, weather, and other conditions.
- Have adequate equipment: rope, possibly helmet and, for emergencies, mobile phone, survival blanket and first-aid kit.
- Eat and drink enough, and take regular breaks. Consider the schedule and the weather; if necessary, turn back in time.
Swiss Alps in the summer. Image c/o PlanetSKI
Sunday 10th September
FIS President Joins Olympic Sustainability Committee
Johan Eliasch, President of the International Ski & Snowboard Federation is to become a member of the International Olympic Committee’s Sustainability and Legacy Commission.
“As President of FIS he is working to ensure that climate action is at the heart of the federation’s strategy,” said FIS.
His measures include:
- Overseeing a Sustainability Strategy to inform how the snow sports calendar is constructed and how major events are hosted.
- Creating the FIS Rainforest Initiative to off-set emissions.
- Appointing a Sustainability Director to oversee these changes.
“The Olympic Movement enjoys a unique position in the world’s imagination,” said Johan Eliasch.
“It is through it that dreams are inspired, passions ignited and new standards set.
“This gives the movement a unique power to persuade and inspire, which can be used for the good of our planet.
“The Commission has the opportunity to make a meaningful difference to global attitudes, and I look forward to playing a part in that.”
Johan Eliasch. Image c/o FIS
Saturday 9th September
France Considers Limiting Ultra Cheap Airfares
The French government wants to impose a minimum ticket price and is to present its ideas to the EU. The aim is to reduce carbon emissions.
It could have an impact on flights to airports that serve the Alps and the Pyrenees.
Minimum air fares would ‘fight against social and environmental dumping,’ said the Transport Minister, Clement Beaune.
“€10 cheap airfare isn’t possible anymore. It doesn’t reflect the price for the planet.”
See more on Euronews.
France has taken some measures to ban short flights where train travel can be used.
In general European train tickets are often twice as expensive as flights.
Some commentators claim the real target should be frequent fliers.
- 2% of French people take half of all flights.
- 15% of Brits take 70% of flights
- 8% of the Dutch take 42%.
Lyon airport, gateway to the French Alps. Image © PlanetSKI.
Friday 8th September:
4 New easyJet Ski Routes Next Winter
- There are two new routes from London Stansted to Geneva and Zurich in Switzerland.They start on 16th December and operate twice a week throughout winter
- Another new route from London Southend airport to Grenoble starting on 14th January and operating once a week throughout the winter season.
- There is a fourth route from Birmingham to Salzburg in Austria.The new route will operate once a week throughout winter starting on 13th January 2024.
“We’re delighted to be launching even more new routes and holidays from our airports across the UK to a range of fantastic destinations, providing even more choice for our customers this winter who are looking to visit the Alps region whether that’s for skiing and other winter sports, or soaking in the culture and we can’t wait to welcome more customers on board,” said easyJet’s UK Country Manager, Ali Gayward.
EasyJet. Image © PlanetSKI.
Thursday 7th September
Retreating Glacier in Norway Reveals Its Secrets
An archaeologist with Secrets of the Ice have found a “scaring stick” between rock boulders left by the retreating ice.”
The sticks were used by ancient hunters to trap reindeer.
“Reindeer are very sensitive animals and tend to shy away from human-like silhouettes or moving objects,” archaeologists said.
Knowing reindeer avoided such “potentially dangerous” shapes, ancient hunters would put lines of sticks with movable objects attached in the snow.
The sticks would scare reindeer, directing them toward archers who would be lying in wait.
Chile’s Glaciers Are Melting
Climate change is having it impact on the Andres with the glaciers in Chile fast disappearing because of climate change.
See here for a recent report:
Wednesday 6th September
First Snow of Season In Utah
The resort of Snowbird has seen some of the white stuff as the seasons begin to change.
One powder hound was out enjoying it all.
Tuesday 5th September
Maison Sport Supports GB Ski Racer
Monday 4th September
Winter is Coming Folks!
Tickets for first Alpine World Cup ski of the 23/24 season are on sale.
It’s a sure sign that winter is approaching.
Sunday 3rd September
Snow Camp Charity Seeking Auction Prizes
The snowsport charity is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year and holding a Charity Ball in London on October 12th.
It has sent out this email:
Dear Friends, Partners and Snow Camp Supporters,
If you haven’t heard already, Snow Camp are turning 20 this October and we’re ready to celebrate in style!
We invite you to join us on Thursday 12th October at The Underglobe, London, for a very special black tie evening to celebrate our shared impact from the past two decades.
Expect a warm Snow Camp welcome, amazing food and wine, entertainment, auctions and apres-ski bands to see us into the early hours – all hosted by our wonderful patrons Chemmy Alcott, Graham Bell and Jenny Jones.
With Derek Redmond as our guest speaker, and many Snow Camp young people in attendance, it promises to be a very special occasion.
Visit the event link here to find our more and book your tickets.
We hope you can join us!
We would also like to invite you to be a part of this momentous event by considering a donation of an auction item.
We’ve been fortunate over the years to receive some fantastic prizes ranging from winter & summer holidays to sporting memorabilia and experiences, family days out, festival tickets and West End musicals; aviation and motorsport prizes to fine wines, clothing, ski hardware, lessons, artwork and much more.
Every generously donated item will play a significant role to help us raise even more funds on the night, and ultimately turn many more young lives around with the power of snowsports over the coming years.
All auction donors will receive logo placement and recognition in our event materials and social media content, plus recognition with the wider Snow Camp audience who’ll be able to bid remotely for your item as you can see on our live auction page here.
Thank you for considering this unique request, we hope to see you in October if not before, and we’re grateful in advance for any items on offer.
With our very best wishes,
Dan
Image c/o Snow Camp
The 20th anniversary celebrations started out in the Alps at the end of last season with the 3 Valleys Rally in Val Thorens.
3 Valleys Rally. Image c/o PlanetSKI
PlanetSKI was at the event:
Saturday 2nd September:
Closure of Mont Blanc Tunnel for Maintenance Postponed
It was due to close from Monday 5th September for 15-weeks but this has been delayed after a landslide in the Mauriene Valley in France which has affected another major alpine crossing.
The Mont Blanc tunnel is 11.6kms long and connects France and Italy.
It is a major route for freight and passenger traffic.
We reported on the landslide in the Maurienne Valley in this earlier article:
A significant landslide occurred in the Maurienne valley (Alps), France at around 5:15 pm (local time) today. It is estimated to have involved 700 cubic meters of rock. pic.twitter.com/t3KfavMu1V
— Nahel Belgherze (@WxNB_) August 27, 2023
A decision on when the work on the Mont Blanc tunnel can commence is expected in the next week or so.
Mont Blanc Tunnel. Image © PlanetSKI
Friday 1st September
Plastic levels in Lac Leman as High as in World’s Oceans
The lake, more commonly referred to as Lake Geneva, has shorelines in France and Switzerland.
Oceaneye, a Geneva-based non-profit, says that its plastic pollution levels are as high as those in the oceans.
“We compared the levels with the ocean data and reached the conclusion that the microplastic pollution on the lake surface is the same order of magnitude as the oceans,” said Pascal Hagmann, the founder and director of Oceaneye.
Lac Leman is the largest lake in western Europe covering 580 square kilometers (224 square miles).
See here for more on the story on Reuters.
Lac Leman. Image © PlanetSKI
Is it Possible to Surf on a Snowboard?
The short answer is “Yes”.
See more in this 8 minute and 34 second video from Brad Jacobson:
Schweitzer Resort in Idaho Offers Unlimited Ikon Pass Skiing
The Scandinavia Airline Norwegian Posts Profit
It gives access to the main ski resorts of Norway and posted a second quarter operating airline profit of NOK651 million (about £48m).
Norwegian has 81 aircraft.
Heading to the Arctic Circle, Norway. Image © PlanetSKI
It carried 5.6 million passengers in the quarter, up from five million passengers in the same quarter of 2022.
Gatwick is its main UK base.
Gatwick airport. Image © PlanetSKI
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