November’s Ski News
1st November 2023
Last modified on November 29th, 2023
– Pat Sharples Named Coach of the Year
– Gastro Day in Gurgl raises €28,660 for Local Families
– From Pow, Pow to Woof, Woof
– Swiss Sports Federations Back Winter Olympic Bid
– Avalanche in Iran Kills 5 Climbers… LIVE
Here we cover anything that takes our fancy.
Short news stories, stunning 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 earlier summer & autumn ski news:
Wednesday 29th November
Pat Sharples Named Coach of the Year
🏆 Huge congratulations to Pat Sharples for clinching the Coach Award at the 2023 UK Sport PLX Awards!🇬🇧https://t.co/JWexAs8nVT pic.twitter.com/Sv0QkBAn6P
— GB Snowsport (@GBSnowsport) November 29, 2023
Gastro Day in Gurgl raises €28,660 for Local Families
The event is in its 17th edition as the local hotel industry meets, and gives back to the local community.
130 restaurant and gastronomy partners came to Gurgl in the Austrian Tirol for a winter start and exchange of ideas.
There was skiing, eating, drinking and entertainment.
Among them was former Tirolean Governor, Günther Platter, who is now chairman of Netzwerk “Tirol hilft”.
He once again emphasized the great importance of the Tirolean Gastro Day.
“Initiatives like the Tirolean Gastro Day are simply fabulous. Everything is done here to help other people who have to struggle during everyday life,” he said.
Image © Ötztal Tourismus
After the start at Top Mountain Crosspoint, the day was spent at various locations in the ski area such as Top Mountain Star, Hohe Mut Alm and finally Nederhütte.
In addition to culinary treats, visitors enjoyed plenty of variety with live music and entertainment.
The money will be distributed among people throughout Tirol in the form of unbureaucratic direct aid.
Gurgl, Tirol. Image © PlanetSKI
Tuesday 28th November:
From Pow, Pow to Woof, Woof
At the weekend one of our regular readers, Zac Brown from Ski France, was in Val Thorens for its official opening weekend – La Grande Premiere.
Val Thorens. Image c/o Zac Brown.
“It was fantastic to be back on skis again! I was really surprised by quite how many people were there on Sunday especially, it felt like the Feb holidays almost,” said Zac.
“Whilst I’d rather an empty piste, it was fabulous to see how many people were excited to be back on skis again.
“The snow was good, the sun was shining, and it’s got me excited for the season ahead.
“Hopefully with more snow this week, we’re in for a great start to the season.”
The next day Zac was slightly lower down the mountains.
“I’ve been enjoying the different seasons down the valley, autumn hikes with ‘Chili’ the dog through the forest have been wonderful.
Image c/o Zac Brown
“It’s such a lovely time to be in the alps, best of both worlds.
“We’re based in Les Chavonnes, just up the hill from Brides les Bains, we’re about a 5 minute walk from the telecabine in Brides, so I’m looking forward to that starting in a couple of weeks,” added Zac.
PlanetSKI reporter Simon Wilson was also in Val Thorens at the weekend.
Simon is now back in the UK.
Guess what he also did on his return home?
Image c/o Simon Wilson
Monday 27th November
Swiss Sports Federations Back Winter Olympic Bid
A vote took place at the General Assembly of Swiss Olympic, which supported a Swiss bid to host the Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games in 2030 or 2034.
It is being seen as a major boost.
“I am fully convinced by this project with its new sustainable approach. It is a great opportunity for Switzerland, and also for the Olympic movement,” said . Swiss Federal Councillor Viola Amherd, Head of the Department of Defence, Civil Protection and Sport.
She is the current Vice-President of Switzerland and the future President.
Switzerland says its plans aim to make the Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games into a driving force for innovation, social cohesion and pride, with a positive impact on Swiss society as a whole.
“The delegates of the Swiss sports federations have sent a strong message of support for a project that could give a unique boost to Swiss sport as a whole and to our country,” noted Swiss Olympic President Jürg Stahl.
See here for an earlier PlanetSKI story on the 2030 Olympics:
IOC flag – photo © IOC
Sunday 26th November
Avalanche in Iran Kills 5 Climbers
State-run news agency IRNA said five bodies have been recovered from San Boran in Lorestan, around 186 miles southwest of Tehran.
Four others were injured and have been taken to hospital.
The nine-strong mountaineering team started their ascent on Thursday, despite local authorities warning them about risks.
There had been recent heavy rain and snow in the area.
In a statement, the Iranian Red Crescent said: “Yesterday, following the avalanche in Oshtorankuh, Lorestan, nine people had an accident, of which four people were taken to the hospital with the efforts of aid workers, and unfortunately five people were also missing.
“The bodies of two of the missing people were found yesterday. The bodies of three more missing climbers were found a few minutes ago with the efforts of the Red Crescent rescuers.”
Val Thorens, France. Image © PlanetSKI
Saturday 25th November
Jackson Hole Opens for Winter
Here on PlanetSKI we are mainly concentrating on resorts opening in Europe.
But let’s not forget one of our favourite resorts in the USA:
OPENING DAY 2023/24 🎉 Link in bio for our recap blog ✍️ + full 📸 gallery.#jacksonhole pic.twitter.com/5rzBt0z92d
— Jackson Hole (@jhski) November 24, 2023
Jackson Hole. Image © PlanetSKI
The World’s Biggest Iceberg Is On the Move
The iceberg, called A23a, has been attached to the ocean floor for three decades after splitting from the Antarctic coastline in 1986.
At almost 4,000 sq km (1,500 sq miles) in area – more than double the size of Greater London.
The past year has seen it drifting at speed, and the iceberg is now about to move out of Antarctic waters.
It is now passing the northern tip of the Antarctic Peninsula, driven by winds and currents.
All icebergs, however big, will eventually melt.
See here for the full, fascinating and worrying story on the BBC.
Friday 24th November
Frogs on the Slopes of France as You Have Never Seen Them!
The extraordinary film footage comes from Planet Earth III, narrated by Sir David Attenborough.
In the French Alps, male common frogs come out of hibernation – single and ready to mingle.
But we all know, “the course of true love never did run smooth”, and that’s especially true when you have to battle predators, ski slopes and plenty of competition.
Thursday 23rd November
GB Snowsport Head Coach Short-listed for Award
Step forward the one and only Pat Sharples.
🏆 Honored to announce that our GB Snowsport Head Coach, Pat Sharples, is on the shortlist for the Coach Award at the 2023 UK Sport PLX Awards! 🇬🇧⛷️
An incredible recognition for his dedication to achieving exceptional performances. https://t.co/K5cGORTYRQ pic.twitter.com/DBCFOnUNyx
— GB Snowsport (@GBSnowsport) November 23, 2023
Now we should declare an immediate interest here at PlanetSKI.
Pat and our editor James go back for more years than they probably care to remember.
Here they are in New Zealand back in the day.
Team GB head coach, Pat Sharples with PlanetSKI’s James Cove. Image © PlanetSKI
Wednesday 22nd November
Solar Panels at Altitude in the Alps Produce More than Lower Systems
That’s just one finding from 5-years of research carried out at test facility in the Davos-Parsenn ski area in Switzerland.
Other findings include:
- Alpine solar systems can produce up to four times as much electricity in the winter months as systems in the Central Plateau.
- The most productive months in the year are April and May.
- The yield from an alpine solar system is divided roughly equally between winter & summer.
- If the modules are tilted between 60 and 90 degrees, the losses caused by any snow cover can be practically ignored because the snow slides off.
“They can make a significant contribution to security of electricity supply,” says to ZHAW researcher, Jürg Rohrer.
“The construction of alpine solar systems can protect the reservoirs and therefore also make fossil reserve power plants superfluous.”
Many large Alpine systems are currently being planned in Switzerland as part of the so-called ‘Solar Express’ that is to be funded by central government.
Tuesday 21st November
More US Resorts Opening
Today Heavenly Mountain Resort in California opens.
Northstar follows Thursday, November 23.
Kirkwood Mountain Resort is scheduled for December 1, conditions permitting.
The Colorado resorts of Beaver Creek and Crested Butte will open for the season on 22nd November.
Beaver Creek will celebrate in typical American style with cookies and hot chocolate to kick start the first few runs of the season.
Whilst Crested Butte will open for its 62nd season with more than three feet of natural snowfall already this season.
It looks likee being an El Nino year (the first in 5 years), with predictions of a bumper year of snow especially across the Eastern resorts.
Skiing in the USA. Image © PlanetSKI
Monday, 20th November
Powder in Jackson Hole
The cult ski resort in Wyoming is set to open this week – Friday November 24th.
Time to look back at last season when 595” (15.1m) of snow made the 2022-23 season the snowiest, deepest ever recorded.
We reported on it at the time on PlanetSKI:
Teton Gravity Research captured some of the deepest snow it has filmed during this monumental winter.
Featured Athletes: Alex Armstrong, Griffin Post, Tim Durtschi, Jake Hopfinger, Kai Jones, Parkin Costain, Simon Hillis.
And talking of Jackson Hole opening this weekend, we’ll have reports from the day so do check back on Friday.
And don’t forget this one in early December:
Dec. 9 is going to be fun 😎 #jacksonhole https://t.co/ijxqmUMTKF pic.twitter.com/rib1rVW5Y7
— Jackson Hole (@jhski) November 1, 2023
Sunday 19th November
Spanish Authorities End Grant to Private Catalan Resorts
In 2020 an annual grant of €1.2 million was approved for losses suffered during pandemic closures for such resorts in the Pyrenees.
The money was used for financing the production of artificial snow, improving/renovating facilities, incorporating technological innovations and reducing environmental impact.
Now the funds will be redirected towards increasing social housing in some towns in the Pyrenees.
Saturday 18th November
Switzerland Launches Strategy to Fight Winter Covid Spike
The Swiss government has launched a long-term strategy it has called ‘Endemic Covid-19’.
The Covid-19 pandemic is over, but the virus continues to circulate.
It can cause waves of infections and serious developments, particularly among the elderly and those suffering from certain illnesses, said the Federal Office of Public Health.
If it co-incides with a rise in winter flu and influenza it is feared medical facilities could be strained.
The Federal Office of Public Health says it wants to avoid any strain on the national healthcare system.
It has a 3-pronged approach:
- Surveillance – via wastewater in particular.
- Prevention – vaccination.
- Infection control – particularly in nursing homes.
Switzerland. Image © PlanetSKI.
Friday 17th November
Dog Survives Ten Weeks in Mountains After Owner Died
The Jack Russell terrier stayed with her owner after he died of hypothermia in mountains in Colorado.
71-year old Richard Moore and his dog, Finney, set out to climb Blackhead Peak back in August.
They never returned.
Despite an extensive search no trace of them was found
At the end of last month a hunter came across human remains, with Finney nearby.
Finney survived likely by hunting small animals such as mice.
She also managed to avoid mountain predators like bears, coyotes and lions.
Finney has now been re-united with Mr Moore’s family.
Thursday 16th November
New Ski Flight to the Dolomites Set for Takeoff
Italian airline Sky Alps has announced flights to Bolzano in South Tyrol in Italy from London Stanstead.
It gives access to resorts in the Sella Ronda, a 60-minute drive from the airport.
The flights will operate on Wednesdays and Sundays from December 13th on 76-seater Dash DHC-8-Q400s aircraft.
The service will run until April 14th.
“The new London Stansted – Bolzano route will whisk passengers directly to the Dolomites,” said SkyAlps President, Josef Gostner.
“Until now, those visiting South Tyrol have had to take lengthy, two hour transfers.”
The Dolomites. Image © PlanetSKI
Wednesday 15th November
IOC Calls for Unity in World Sport
The President of the International Olympic Committee, Thomas Back, said “The current geopolitical tensions are extremely complex. In such moments, the unifying power of sport is more important than ever.”
He made his comments at the International Federations Forum taking place in Lausanne, Switzerland.
“Today, millions of people worldwide yearn for a unifying force that brings us all together in our confrontational world.
“Our role is clear: to unite and not deepen divisions.
“Therefore, we bear a significant responsibility: to come together using the power of sport and fulfill our shared mission of making the world a better place through sport.”
His remarks have been reported on Inside the Games.
IOC flag – photo © IOC
Tuesday 14th November
Next Round of Rail Tickets in France Set to Go On Sale
Tomorrow, Wednesday November 15th, tickets for trains in France will go on sale for dates between 10th February and 24th March 2024.
In France rail tickets can only be bought a few months before scheduled departure dates.
So, if you are looking at purchasing rail tickets in France for the second half of the ski season then the moment is approaching.
There is growing interest in train travel to the Alps and the Pyrenees as we have reported earlier:
- New rail map to access French ski resorts
- Inghams launches new rail packages to 22 resorts across 4 countries
Bourg St Maurice, France. Image © PlanetSKI
Monday 13th November
Ice Climber Killed in Avalanche in Canada
A 29-year-old man from British Columbia died following an avalanche in Peter Lougheed Provincial Park in Kananaskis Country in Alberta.
A 26-year old woman survived.
The accident happened on Saturday.
We are deeply saddened to hear of a fatal avalanche accident in Kananaskis Country yesterday. Although it’s early in the season, it’s essential to factor avalanche hazard into your trip planning.
1/2 pic.twitter.com/luZ6fYqH1A— Avalanche Canada (@avalancheca) November 12, 2023
According to an incident report from Avalanche Canada’s website, the climbers were on the Lone Ranger ice climb in the park’s Ranger Creek when they were struck by an avalanche.
The park is near the Alberta/British Columbia border.
The two ice climbers were swept into a gully below, where the deceased was fully buried.
Will Ski Resorts Survive Climate Change?
It’s a question some in the Alps and other mountainous areas around the world are asking.
Warmer temperatures and melting glaciers have led ski resorts to look at new ways of attracting tourists.
FRANCE 24’s Clovis Casali and Thibault Jeanpierre report from La Plagne in the French Alps.
President Macron Warns of Melting Glaciers
He was addressing a conference on the polar regions and glaciers and said melting glaciers are an “unprecedented challenge for humanity,”
“It’s clear that we must act, and make the poles and glaciers privileged spaces for peace, scientific and environmental cooperation”
He said mankind faced a “civilisational” challenge and called for “an unprecedented level of cooperation” despite the “resurgence of geopolitical tensions”.
He said that a united effort is desperately needed, even though the war in Ukraine and the latest Israel-Hamas war are taking away much of the international focus and hamper global unity and cooperation.
He announced that France would build an ice-capable vessel as part of a billion-euro plan to boost polar research.
He also said Paris would closely coordinate with its European partners on a major research project in East Antarctica.
Saturday 11th November
Mammoth Mountain in California Opens
It had record breaking snow last winter with skiing continuing into July.
Joani Lynch, Vice President of marketing and sales from the resort has been speaking to US TV about opening day festivities and current snow conditions.
Mammoth Mountain. Image © PlanetSKI
Friday 10th November
Swiss Villagers Complain of Noisy Cow Bells at Night
Complaints have been made to the village council of Aarwangen, in the Bernese Alps.
It has a population 4,700 but some complain the cow bells keep them awake at night and should be removed.
A counter petition has been organised to keep the bells because they believe removing cow bells is an attack on their traditional culture.
The petition says “we, the Swiss want to preserve and maintain our lived traditions in the future”.
The issue has come to the attention of the BBC.
See here for the full story.
The petition has been handed to the village authorities at a formal ceremony, accompanied by traditional sausages donated by the farmers.
Next month, Aarwangen’s population will gather for a public meeting to vote on the future of their cow bells.
Switzerland. Image © PlanetSKI.
Thursday 9th November
Matterhorn Alpine Crossing Wins Award
The lift that links Cervinia in Italy with Zermatt in Switzerland has won an award for a particularly innovative achievement in the cable car industry.
Every two years, Cable Cars Switzerland (SBS) honours outstanding, innovative achievements or projects in the Swiss cable car industry with the Swiss Mountain Award.
The prize goes to Zermatt Bergbahnen AG is endowed with CHF 10,000 (£ 9,050).
The 3S cable car opened last summer and is a year-round connection between Italy and Switzerland.
Cervinia, Italy. Image © PlanetSKI
“In addition to the added value for our guests, this visionary cable car project also brings an increase in value for tourism development on both sides of the border by establishing cross-border partnerships,” said the CEO of Zermatt Bergbahnen, Markus Hasler.
“Not only Zermatt and Cervinia benefit from this, but also the Aosta Valley and Valais as well as the whole of Switzerland.”
And look what’s coming this weekend:
Counting down the moments until the adrenaline kicks in! 🚀
Roy Steudle is geared up to represent Britain in the Downhill World Cup opener at Zermatt in just 3 days 🏔️✨
The downhill training started today—let the speed games begin! 🎿💨#gbsnowsport pic.twitter.com/cE4Y5XhHAq
— GB Snowsport (@GBSnowsport) November 8, 2023
Wednesday 8th November
Kitzsteinhorn Glacier Park Opens Tomorrow
The freestyle playground opens on Thursday 9th November.
The ski area itself opened last weekend.
The creative jib park includes tubes, rails and boxes.
Depending on the snow conditions, further obstacles and lines will be added on an ongoing basis.
Glacier Park. Image c/o Kitzsteinhorn
Glacier Park. Image c/o Kitzsteinhorn
Glacier Park. Image c/o Kitzsteinhorn
Monday 6th November
Verbier Opens for Skiing This Friday
The Lac des Vaux area + Attelas to Ruinettes will be open after the recent fresh snow.
See more here: More snow is on its way to the Alps
Verbier, Switzerland. Image c/o Steve Sparks.
Friday 3rd November
Mia Brookes is Sunday Times Young Sportswoman of the Year
Mia, 16, became the youngest world champion in snowboarding history when she won slopestyle gold in Bakuriani, Georgia.
She became the first woman to land the first cab 1440 double grab trick in competition:
Our very own history maker 🏆🥇
Congratulations, Mia – Sunday Times Young Sportswoman of the Year 2023. 😍
#SWOTY | #GBSnowsport@TimesSport @fissnowboard @uk_sport @TeamGB pic.twitter.com/h9ZVr1mqyl
— GB Snowsport (@GBSnowsport) November 2, 2023
Congratulations to Mia Brookes for winning the Young Sportswoman of the Year Award!
Mia, 16, became the youngest world champion in snowboarding history when she won slopestyle gold in Bakuriani, Georgia. She became the first woman to land the first cab 1440 double grab trick in… pic.twitter.com/WM0hhf9Tr0
— Times Sport (@TimesSport) November 2, 2023
GB’s Mia Brookes, snowboard slopestyle World Champion 2023. Image © Miha Matavz/FIS
Thursday 2nd November
World Record Attempt for Skiing in Jeans
Jackson Hole in Wyoming is to hold its first ‘Ski in Jeans Day’ in an attempt to break the world-record for the most people skiing and snowboarding in denim.
The current world record is held by the Remarkable Ski Area in New Zealand, with 102 people on the slopes wearing denim.
There will be discounted lift tickets and rentals on the day.
The resort will offer $25 lift tickets throughout the day as well as $25 performance equipment rentals, $100 off group lessons and live music to kick off the season.
Break the World Record
FOR THE MOST PEOPLE SKIING/RIDING IN JEANS
Saturday, Dec. 9
High Noon (12pm)
Base of Sweetwater Gondola
Please note: meet at the base of Sweetwater at noon to be included in the official count. Once counted, meet at the top of Sweetwater for a group photo and to receive swag to commemorate your part in this record-breaking experience.
Jackson, Wyoming. Image © PlanetSKI
Jackson, Wyoming. Image © PlanetSKI
Wishing the best of luck to Mia Brookes, who’s up for Young Sportswoman of the Year at #SWOTY this evening 🤩✨🍀https://t.co/xcnKcw1rcs
@TimesSport @fissnowboard @uk_sport @Mia_brookes
#SWOTY #GBSnowsport pic.twitter.com/vPbdoekU1U— GB Snowsport (@GBSnowsport) November 2, 2023
Wednesday 1st November
First Ski Resort in Norway Opens This Weekend
Norfjell is first out the blocks as the ski season is set to get underway in Norway.
PlanetSKI passed through Norefjell last winter on a rail trip round a few Norwegian resorts.
See here for more about the resort:
Norefjell, Norway. Image © PlanetSKI
Norefjell, Norway. Image © PlanetSKI
Norefjell, Norway. Image © PlanetSKI
Norefjell, Norway. Image © PlanetSKI
DSUK is Official eBay Charity for this Week
The partnership will allow anyone in the UK who makes any purchase on eBay during the seven-day window to make a charitable donation to support DSUK at the point of sale.
It is also a good opportunity to get rid of some of you old ski gear.
See more here:
Image c/o DSUK
Free Ski Lessons with VIP SKI
We have partnered with the ESF in Les Arcs and Oxygene in Val d’Isère to provide 2 mornings of complimentary ski guiding when staying with us in Bear Lodge or in selected Hameau de Bellevarde chalets ✨
Please get in touch if you would like to reserve your space.#skiing pic.twitter.com/05aD3kSb7D
— VIP SKI (@VIP_SKI) October 25, 2023
Bring Children to the Snow Claims Success
It has held its 10,000th event after starting a decade ago.
This summer, in Italy, Equipe Sci e Snowboard School completed its Festa Degli Scoiattoli events in Falcade to reach the milestone.
“There is clear commitment from the global snow sports community to bring a new generation to snow sports,” said Bring Children to the Snow Coordinator Andrew Cholinski.
Across its two programmes, SnowKidz and World Snow Day, Bring Children to the Snow has seen innovative but impactful actions to bring new kids to skiing and snowboard.
Some examples include:
- Nationwide tours in Sweden, Finland, Germany, Portugal and the USA with free ski lessons in schools.
- Free lift passes for kids in resorts throughout Japan, Canada, Norway and Austria.
- Free ski and snowboard lessons to kids in celebration of World Snow Day
- Kids open days or snow festivals in China, Australia, Romania, Switzerland, Spain, Slovenia, Italy, Lithuania, Latvia, Cyprus, Greece and more
- Miniature ski resorts being built in cities in Croatia, Canada and Switzerland.
The International Ski & Snowboard Federation has been supporting the initiative with onsite materials, event planning materials and best practices, financial support, international communication, certification, and more.
Over the coming years FIS will continue to introduce new tools to hopefully reach 20’000 events and actions as quickly as possible.
For more information on SnowKidz visit www.snowkidz.com
For more information on World Snow Day visit www.worldsnowday.com
Image c/o World Snow Day
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