May’s Ski News in Brief
1st May 2024
Last modified on May 31st, 2024
– Candidates for 2030 & 2034 Olympics Present Their Cases
– Social Media Used to Find Hit-&-Run Snowboarder
– Swiss Village Considers Tourist Tax to Limit Day Trippers
– NZ Resort of Cardrona Prepares for Winter
– Milan-Cortina Olympics HQ Raided by Police… LIVE & UPDATED
Preferred Candidates for 2030 & 2034 Winter Olympics Present Their Cases
31st May 2024
The French Alps and Salt Lake City in Utah have put forward their bids to the Winter Olympic Federations.
Both bids are reported to have been warmly received.
The Future Host Commission will send its reports and recommendations to the IOC Executive Board which meets from 12th -14th June.
The Board will decide whether to put both bids forward to the 142nd IOC Session in Paris on 24th July, two days ahead of the Summer Olympic Games.
The French Alps and Salt Lake City are expected present their bids to the IOC membership and a vote will be taken.
The vote will almost certainly approve both candidatures.
See more on Inside the Games
See here for an earlier article on PlanetSKI:
Olympic Rings.
Colorado skier tracks down alleged hit-and-run snowboarder on social media
30th May 2024
Anne Cassidy hired a private investigator to find the snowboarder who allegedly hit her on the slopes of Aspen and is now suing for medical expenses and punitive damages.
See here for more on Fox News
“This case is about skier safety awareness,” Cassidy’s attorney, Michael Fox, told Fox News Digital.
“Skier hit-and-runs are up across the state of Colorado, Aspen included. It needs to be known that you can’t ski into someone, cause obvious injury and then ski away. It’s common sense and the law.”
Skiing in the USA. Image © PlanetSKI
Swiss Village Considers Tourist Tax to Limit Day Trippers
28th May 2024
Lauterbrunnen the sits in the valley beneath Wengen and Murren and sees hundreds of people per day arrive in the village of 2,400 residents in busy periods.
Car parks are over-flowing with roads blocked.
“We feel like employees in an amusement park,” village priest Markus Tschanz told Swiss public radio SRF last year.
There area is known it’s scenic waterfalls – there are 72 in the valley, some of which are as high as 400m.
The village featured in the James Bond film, On Her Majesty’s Secret Service, that starred George Lazenby as the British secret agent.
007 sped through Lauterbrunnen in a car chase.
One proposal is to follow the Italian city of Venice and charge day- trippers from CHF5 (£4.30) to CHF10 (£8.60) as entry fee.
Guests who book overnight accommodation would be exempt.
The fee would not apply to those who arrive by public transport.
Any tax would not be imposed this summer with further feasibility studies to be carried out.
Switzerland. Image © PlanetSKI.
Cardrona in New Zealand Prepares for Winter
26th May 2024
It’s ski season kicks off next month with some improvements:
- Increased snowmaking capacity
- 200 spaces to the Valley View carpark
- Work has started on Soho Basin Development
The Soho Basin Development Project is due for completion in 2025.
It will make it New Zealand’s biggest ski area when the new lift and terrain opens.
Sustainability also remains a key priority for Cardrona.
The ski areas will continue their free access road shuttles this winter, as well as their zero-landfill waste initiative – no landfill products will be sold at any of the food and beverage outlets at either mountain.
Plus skiers and snowboarders will again be encouraged to take away their own litter rubbish.
Cardrona is set to open on June 15th.
Its sister resort of Treble Cone is to open two weeks later on June 29th.
South Island, New Zealand. Image © PlanetSKI
Milan-Cortina Olympics HQ Raided by Police
24th May 2024
The 2026 Winter Games organising committee’s offices are under investigation from Italy’s financial police according to the Associated Press news agency.
The authorities are looking into alleged irregularities over the selection of digital sponsors.
Milan’s Guardia di Finanza carried out searches, computer inspections, seizures, and the acquisition of documentation at the headquarters of the Milan-Cortina 2026 Foundation, which is controlled by the Italian National Olympic Committee.
According to AP and local media reports, the police looked into sensitive information regarding supplier companies and individuals involved in the procedures for the awarding of technological services for the Winter Olympics.
“The checks underway are aimed at procedures used for the selection of technological providers and sponsors as well as the hiring of employees by the foundation,” Milan prosecutors said in a statement.
“No current manager or employee of the foundation is under investigation.”
See Inside the Games for further details.
Burton Snowboards Axes Jobs
23rd May 2024
It is reported that the layoffs have taken place at the company HQ in Burlington, Vermont, plus other offices around the world.
Details are reported by NBC5.
There has been no official confirmation from Burton Snowboards
NBC5 reports on an email sent earlier this month to staff by the CEO of Burton Snowboards, John Lacy.
“This week, we will reduce jobs across the business. These decisions are not made lightly; they reflect our need to align our workforce with our current business,” the email is quoted as saying.
“Our business is not immune to the current challenging market, and we face other risks to our business–strong competition, climate change, and flat participation.
“Our commitment to tranformation is for the long term sustainability of our company.”
Image c/o Burton
Some Alpine Passes Sill Under Snow with Avalanche Threat
22nd May 2024
The Gotthard pass that links northern and southern Switzerland remains closed as snow clearing continues.
This time last year it was already open, and it is often cleared by mid-May.
Not this year following the heavy late season snow.
Currently the fastest road route is the Gotthard tunnel or over the San Bernardino Pass.
It is expected the Gotthard Pass will be open by the end of the month.
Last week it was announced that Stage 16 of the Giro d’Italia cycle race needed to be altered with the Stelvio Passed axed due to the risk of avalanches on the 2,758m Alpine pass.
“The recent snowfalls on the Passo dello Stelvio and the subsequent rise in temperatures are increasing the risks of avalanches,” the organisers, RCS Sport, said in a statement.
“The Giro d’Italia organisation, to safeguard the security of the Carovana Rosa, has thus decided to modify the route of the stage.”
Passo Stelvio summer ski area is currently preparing to open on May 31st.
There are currently some of the best summer skiing conditions in recent years and hopes are high for the beginning of the summer season.
Swiss Bees Under Threat
22nd May 2024
Today, World Bee Day, it is reported that almost half of the native wild bee species in the alpine country are endangered.
They are threatened by an insufficient number of flowers for collecting pollen and nectar, plus a lack of nesting sites.
The Swiss Federal Office for the Environment also said several species considered extinct 30 years ago have reappeared in the country as a result of climate change with warmer temperatures.
615 bee species were assessed, of which 279 (45.4%) were placed on the Red List, while 59 (9.6%) were found to be already extinct in Switzerland.
Of the species on the Red List, 40% are considered vulnerable, 30% are severely endangered and just under 10% are critically endangered.
Today we celebrate #WorldBeeDay! 🐝
Did you know that #Switzerland is home to 165,000 bee colonies?
More facts about beekeeping in 🇨🇭 👇 pic.twitter.com/bVh3tXEgq2
— About Switzerland (@AbtSwitzerland) May 20, 2024
Jackson Hole Tram Starts Summer Operation
22nd May 2024
The lift started running this weekend for summer activities.
It runs daily from 9am to 5pm.
The main summer season in the resort in Wyoming starts on June 15th
Current snowlines are currently around 2,438m depending on aspect of the slope.
Middle-Aged Men Most Likely to Have Fatal Accident on US Slopes
22nd May 2024
Most of the mountain fatalities during the 2022/23 season occurred to people who were between the ages of 51 and 60 according to the National Ski Areas Association.
NSAA compiles two reports after each ski season.
One reveals the number of on-mountain fatalities and the other the number of catastrophic injuries—defined as “life-altering injuries” such as paralysis.
This season’s figures are not yet out, but of the 46 people who died at NSAA ski areas in the 2022-23 season, 42 were male and 37 were on skis.
Of the 53 catastrophic injuries 42 were male and 44 were skiers.
The majority of incidents occurred on intermediate terrain.
See here for more in Ski Magazine.
Skiing in the USA. Image © PlanetSKI
Summer Roof Top Ride on a Zermatt Gondola
22nd May 2024
Fancy taking a summer ride on top of the lift from Zermatt to Furi, instead of inside it?
“Guests can enjoy the unrestricted view of the Matterhorn from the balcony, which is mounted on the roof of the cabin, with the fresh wind in their face,” says the resort.
“This unforgettable experience can be booked for a small surcharge from the 2024 summer season in our shop during the operating hours of the Zermatt – Furi aerial tramway.
“The cabin interior also offers a fantastic view and the large window fronts ensure a comfortable ride.”
Image © Zermatt Bergbahnen AG
Image © Zermatt Bergbahnen AG
Jungfrau Lift Company Reports Largest Ever Profit
22nd May 2024
For the financial year of 2023 it made CHF 79.6 million (£70m).
It serves the Swiss resorts of Wengen, Grindelwald and Murren in the Bernese Oberland.
Bernese Oberland, Switzerland. Image © PlanetSKI.
The Jungfrau Railway Group’s railways generated traffic revenue of 195.9 million francs (£172.4) in 2023.
It is the largest mountain railway company in Switzerland.
Profits were helped by an increase in international visitor across the year.
For the first time since 2019 and for the fifth time ever, more than 1 million visitors from all over the world traveled to Jungfraujoch – Top of Europe.
It is the highest railway station in Europe at 3,454m and is situated within the UNESCO World Heritage Site SWISS ALPS Jungfrau-Aletsch.
The traffic revenue in the Jungfraujoch – Top of Europe segment amounted to 136.5 million francs (£125.1).
Jungfraujoch – Top of Europe. Image c/o PlanetSKI.
With 1,007,000 guests, the number of visitors was 61.1% above the previous year and only 4.6% below the value of the last pre-crisis year 2019.
A strong increase was particularly noticeable among guests from Southeast Asia, India and the USA.
“The low-snow winter of 2022/2023 and the often warm weather affected the winter sports business in many regions, especially in the foothills of the Alps,” said the company in a statement.
“Despite the difficult meteorological conditions, the Jungfrau Ski Region recorded the second best result of the last ten years with 1.1 million skier visits.”
From the start of the new winter season to December 31, 2023, the Jungfrau Ski Region registered 207,800 skier visits.
Compared to the same period last season, this represents an increase of 28.1%, making it the best start to the season in history.
In the 2023/2024 winter season operations started on December 2nd, 2023.
From the beginning of the season to March 31st, 2024, 1,077,384 skier visits were registered.
That’s 6% more than in the same period in the 2022/2023 season.
Grindelwald, Switzerland. Image c/o Helen Gillespie.
13-year old Racer Wins Full Set of Fischer Race Equipment
22nd May 2024
Fischer Sports has given away a complete set of alpine race equipment to the budding young ski racer Hudson Lamb from Rhuddlan in Wales.
In the competition entrants had to demonstrate to the judges why they should be the winner of the equipment.
Entrants were able to include photographs and up to three videos to demonstrate their ability.
“I’m really excited to be chosen as the winner,” said Hudson.
“I want to go as far as I can in alpine and dry slope ski racing, and ultimately make the Welsh squad and/or Team GB.”
Image c/o Hudson Lamb
Hudson’s best achievements to date are:
- 2nd Welsh U14 boy in the Welsh Alpine Championships in giant slalom in Champery 2024.
- 11th U14 boy (overall) in the slalom in Bormio 2024 at the English Alpine Championships.
Image c/o Hudson Lamb
We reported on the Fischer competition earlier on PlanetSKI:
The judging panel included GB’s best alpine skier, Dave Ryding.
“Hudson has had the exact same route onto snow as myself,” said Dave.
“Limited weeks on snow, but making the most of what he has and the opportunities he’s been given.”
The winning prize is a set of RC4SL Skis, a set of RC4LT or Podium Ski Boots and a pair of ONE WAY Poles.
Image © Fischer Sports GmbH
“We are delighted to award this prize to Hudson, he shows great determination, learning on a dry slope in Wales from just four years old,“ said Jason Summerfield of Fischer Sports UK.
We look forward to following his progress.”
Hudson trains with Uniq Snowsports and the North Wales Flyers in Llandudno.
Austrian Authorities Clamp Down on Scams in Ski Resorts
22nd May 2024
The Financial Police made over 200 reports in the Styria and Carinthia ski areas alone last winter.
Numerous offenses were also uncovered in the west as part of targeted checks.
In one incident a Romanian man offered his services as a ski instructor via social media in the Kitzbühel area in the Tirol.
The check by the financial police revealed that he was neither registered under commercial law, social security nor tax and was also not registered as a ski instructor with the Tyrolean Ski Instructors Association.
The Financial Police said he can expect high penalties and additional payments.
A total of 126 administrative complaints and 15 cash register violations were identified in Tirol and Vorarlberg.
The affected companies can expect fines of around €150,000.
In total, 260 employees were found and checked on site by 29 financial police officers at 31 companies.
“The financial police take consistent action against black sheep who want to enrich themselves through tax and duty fraud at the expense of honest companies and the general public,” said Finance Minister, Magnus Brunner.
“The work of the financial police protects correct and tax-honest companies.”
Austrian Police. Image © PlanetSKI
Large Scale Solar Panel Project in Switzerland Set to Go Ahead
22nd May 2024
Initial planning permission for the solar plant on Alp Morgeten in the Simmental in the Bernese Oberlanwas has been granted.
The plant will produce electricity for 3,000 households.
Four environmental protection organisations campaigned against the planning application, but their objections were rejected.
The federal government now needs to approve the connection lines.
See more on SwissInfo.
Swiss Flag. Image © PlanetSKI
Les3Valleys Lift Company to Help Build Resort in Kyrgyzstan
22nd May 2024
A new ski resort called Three Peaks is set to open in the Issyk-Kul region of Kyrgyzstan.
Société Des Trois Vallées will build slopes with a total length of 200kms in the villages of Jyrgalan, Ak-Bulak and Boz-Uchuk.
The first stage of construction sees an investment of $165 million with 60kms of ski slopes and six cable cars.
It will have hotels, restaurants & conference facilities.
The works are planned to be completed by the end of 2026.
Snow Camp Celebrates Birthday Success
22nd May 2024
World Record for Skiing Backwards Broken
22nd May 2024
The Norwegian skier, Anders Backe, hit 82.9mph (133.46 km/h) on Vikersund Hill, a 240-metre-high ski jumping hill in Norway.
He went 1.38 mph faster than the previous record which was held Elias Ambüehl from Switzerland.
Anders Backe had initially set the world record for skiing backwards in 2012 when he hit 79.97mph (128.7 km/h).
“When you drop in, things are going so fast,” Anders Backe said afterwards.
“You are quickly up to around 100km/h in the in-run, doing the 180 out of the ski jump, and then focusing on stomping the landing and keeping the position and balance all the way down.
“And also getting ready for the G-force at the bottom!”
Fancy a 6-Day Hike Near Verbier?
22nd May 2024
The Tour des Combins in Verbier straddles Switzerland and Italy.
The hiking tour around the Massif des Combins, 4,314 m, promises breathtaking vistas and unforgettable experiences.
This isn’t just a hike; it’s a journey through awe-inspiring landscapes, quaint villages, and towering peaks.
Massif des Combins, Switzerland. Image © PlanetSKI.
Marvel at the grandeur of the Grand-Combin, traverse ancient trails offering panoramic vistas of the snow-draped peaks of the Grand-Combin, one of Western Europe’s highest mountains.
Delve into mountain village life, encounter welcoming communities and immerse yourself in local culture as you wander through unspoiled hamlets.
Quaint inns and eateries beckon, offering a taste of the region’s culinary treasures.
Push your boundaries, more challenging than its famed neighbour, the Tour du Mont-Blanc, the Tour des Combins tests both body and mind.
Conquer alpine passes, ford crystalline streams, and revel in the thrill of summit triumphs.
Massif des Combins, Switzerland. Image © PlanetSKI.
The route is as follows:
Day 1: Bourg-Saint-Pierre → Cabane de Mille: 12 km / 4h30 / Ascent 1,132 m / Descent 290 m
Day 2: Cabane de Mille → Cabane Panossière: 15 km / 5h30 / Ascent 1,064 m / Descent 900 m
Day 3: Cabane Panossière → Cabane Chanrion: 18 km / 6h30 / Ascent 1,111 m / Descent 1278 m
Day 4: Cabane Chanrion → Cabane Letey: 23 km / 7h50 / Ascent 1,135 m / Descent 1170 m
Day 5: Cabane Letey → Saint-Rhémy: 15 km / 5h15 / Ascent 464 m / Descent 1,135 m
Day 6: Saint-Rhémy → Bourg-Saint-Pierre: 18 km / 6h30 / Ascent 1,107 m / Descent 1,091 m
Massif des Combins, Switzerland. Image © PlanetSKI.
A six day hike of the Tour des Combins with Horizons Nature departing and finishing at Bourg-St-Pierre is priced from 940 CHF pp/ £849 pp.
Price includes a mountain guide, mountain hut- dormitory accommodation with half board, picnic lunch and luggage transport apart from days three and four.
Marathon Runner Raises £1,800 for DSUK
22nd May 2024
Philip Wright, the Head of Iglu Ski Sales and Service completed his first ever marathon, in support of Disability Snowsport UK (DSUK).
He crossed finishing line of the London Marathon last month in 3 hours, 53 minutes and 33 seconds.
He has since been adding up and collecting the money raised, and it has come to almost £1,800 for Disability Snowsport UK, Iglu Ski’s chosen charity.
“It was a huge privilege to run for DSUK in the London Marathon,” said Philip.
“Although the training was tough, and the race was extremely hard, the thought of enabling kids and adults to take to the slopes in the UK and abroad was very motivating.
“The crowds cheered me on, and the whole focus of the day on raising money for charities was incredibly uplifting.”
Image c/o Philip Wright.
CEO of DSUK, Virginia Anderson said, “We’re so grateful for Phil and appreciate all his time and effort in preparation for the big day.
“His passion to enable others is inspiring, and the sum raised means we can support many people living with disabilities to get into skiing, and gain confidence, across the UK.”
This is the second year Iglu Ski has had runners racing in the London Marathon to raise money for DSUK and in total have raised almost £6,000 in this way for the charity.
See here for more about DSUK.
Austria Lift Workers Receive 7.5% Pay Rise
22nd May 2024
The Vida union has achieved a real wage increase for 18,000 Austrian Lift Company staff.
“This results in an average wage increase of €207 from May 1st 2024,” said the head of the Vida union’s collective bargaining team, Walter Bacher.
Inflation in Austria stand at 6.8%.
Innsbruck Ski + City, Stubai. Image © PlanetSKI
FIS Votes to Centralise Media & Broadcast Rights
22nd May 2024
The council of the Internatinal Ski & Snowboard Federation, FIS, has voted in favour of the centralisation of media and broadcast rights.
It is to sign an exclusive agency agreement with Infront.
The agreement includes the distribution of the international media rights to FIS World Cup events for all platforms until and including 2033/34.
This decision by the FIS Council follows months of intensive debate.
A number of FIS member nations disagree with the move.
“The vote by the FIS Council enables FIS to move forward with the centralisation for the benefit of the sport and the athletes and to secure the future of snow sports,” said a statement from FIS.
In his campaign to lead FIS its President, Johan Eliasch, always made it clear that centralisation would be a core part of his Presidency.
“This decision by the FIS Council offers the opportunity to elevate our sport to new heights, to showcase the incredible talent and dedication of our athletes on a global stage and to establish a long-term calendar that provides stability for our World Cup hosts, while challenging us all to deliver events that captivate audiences and inspire generations,” said Eliasch.
“But perhaps most importantly, centralisation opens the door to a world of possibilities in media and content creation and will amplify our digital offerings, engaging fans like never before.”
The International Ski & Snowboard Federation. Image c/o FIS.
Swiss Racer Marco Odermatt Has Piste Named After Him
22nd May 2024
Engelberg has named a run the “Marco-Odermatt-Piste Rotegg”.
It is to congratulate the three-time overall World Cup winner on his outstanding achievements in the 2023/2024 season.
The steep descent is Rotstöckli and goes from the Titlis glacier down to Stand station.
The black piste was previously known as Rotegg.
“It is an honor to set up a piste for Marco Odermatt on the border of the cantons of Nidwalden and Obwalden,” said the CEO of the Engelberg lift company, Norbert Patt.
“Marco is undoubtedly one of the best athletes and ambassadors in our region.
“This dedication is a sign of our recognition for his achievements in skiing and should serve as an inspiration for future generations.”
Marco Odermatt has been the Titlis Bergbahnen brand ambassador since 2019.
As a youngster he trained regularly in the resort and took part in races.
Engelberg, Switzerland. Image c/o PlanetSKI.
Stelvio Pass Cut from Giro d’Italia due to Avalanche Risk
22nd May 2024
Stage 16 of the cycle race has been altered due to the risk of avalanches on the 2,758m Alpine pass.
The cyclists will now tackle the 2,489m Umbrail Pass, with the stage route heading into Switzerland for a loop around the Stelvio, rather than climb to the snow-covered summit.
“The recent snowfalls on the Passo dello Stelvio and the subsequent rise in temperatures are increasing the risks of avalanches,” the organisers, RCS Sport, said in a statement.
“The Giro d’Italia organisation, to safeguard the security of the Carovana Rosa, has thus decided to modify the route of the stage.”
Many of the alpine passes have high levels of snow after plentiful falls at the end of the ski season.
Passo Stelvio summer ski area is currently preparing to open on May 31st.
There are currently some of the best summer skiing conditions in recent years and hopes are high for the beginning of the summer season.
DSUK Offers Taylor Swift Ticket in Raffle
22nd May 2024
The adaptive ski and snowboard charity, Disability Snowsport UK (DSUK) is giving Taylor Swift fans the chance to win a highly sought-after ticket for the singers sold out show in Edinburgh on Saturday 8th June.
The online raffle provides an opportunity for one lucky fan to win a concert ticket for the star’s record-breaking Eras Tour at Murrayfield Stadium on the second night of three performances taking place in the Scottish capital.
The official ticket is a single seat in section E6 in the East Stand of the stadium, upper tier and does not include travel, accommodation, or expenses.
Raffle tickets are available to fans at £10 per entry, giving ticketless Swifties the chance to win a ticket to see one of the most celebrated artists of modern times.
Every raffle ticket sold will help Disability Snowsport UK in empowering people living with disabilities through skiing and snowboarding; enabling disabled people to be more active, make friends and have fun by taking part in snowsport, regardless of disability, injury or experience.
The raffle has raised £510 so far.
Entries are open now and will close at midnight on Thursday May 30th, with no limit on the number of entries that can be purchased per person.
The lucky winner will be drawn at random and contacted on May 31st, with a mobile ticket will be issued directly via the official Ticketmaster app.
The ticket is strictly non-transferable and not for resale as DSUK aim to provide a genuine fan with the chance to attend the event.
Raffle tickets can be purchased directly here.
Image c/o DSUK
Stolen Snowboards Reunited with Owners
22nd May 2024
Some snowboards that were stolen from a Lake Tahoe resort in California have been recovered.
The snowboards were stolen in January from Boreal Mountain Resort.
The Nevada County Sheriff’s Office used surveillance footage and ticketing technology to identity the thief.
Dates Announced for GB Ski Tests + Slide
1st May 2024
The SIGB Snow Test will return to La Clusaz between the 27th and 31st of January 2025.
It has been taking place in the French resort for the past two years, and will once again be in the area of La Balme.
It is being organised by the company, Hillside, and will see the following season’s gear put through its paces.
PlanetSKI was at the inaugural event in 2023:
La Clusaz, France. Image © PlanetSKI
Slide & OTS Winter will be returning to Telford on the 7th to the 9th of January 2025 with exhibitor booking available from June onwards.
“We’re working closely with MCS to make this our best show yet,” said Ski Industries of Great Britain, SIGB.
T-Bars: Do You Love them or Loathe Them
1st May 2024
In 1934, #Davos changed the face of skiing with a revolutionary Swiss invention: the T-bar ski lift ⛷️ 🇨🇭
Have you ever been on one of these? pic.twitter.com/SBhrGckM1o— About Switzerland (@AbtSwitzerland) April 25, 2024
Pond Skimming in Palisades Tahoe This Weekend
1st May 2024
Pond Skimming in Palisades Tahoe This Weekend
Not all pond skims are created equal. Cushing Crossing; the ORIGINAL pond skim returns Saturday, May 4th from 1-4pm 🏄♀️
For more info, please visit:https://t.co/oiNZYSwSG6 pic.twitter.com/RIMolMNqmf
— Palisades Tahoe (@palisadestahoe) April 28, 2024
