July’s Ski News in Brief

World’s Largest Indoor Snow Centre Set to Open in China

30th July 2024

The Shanghai L*SNOW Indoor Skiing Theme Resort in coastal Lingang area will begin inside testing in August.

Hirscher is Back

29th July 2024

Five years after retiring from racing the Austrian ski legend, Marcel Hirscher, is back.

He plans to race for the Netherlands and is heading to New Zealand this summer in preparation.

We reported on his likely return back in April on PlanetSKI:

• Hirscher is back & aims to be racing for the Netherlands

“There wasn’t much time to think because of the official reporting deadlines,” said Hirscher in a recent news conference.

“Thanks to my mother, I am an Austrian-Dutch dual citizen, which made the best solution possible for everyone.

“As an Austrian skiing for the Netherlands, I don’t take resources away from young ÖSV athletes and, conversely, I might be able to contribute something to skiing and the ski youth here in Holland, as well as to the connection between both countries through winter tourism.”

Hirscher says he is very much looking forward to “a few races for my Motherland, after having raced so many for my Fatherland in the past.”

He says he is cautious with the term ‘comeback’.

“A comeback for me is when someone, for example after an injury break, wants to continue where they left off.

“My career has been over for five years, I am 35 years old, I have two children, two companies.

“Unlike before, now ski racing has to fit into my life and not the other way around.”

He will be training in New Zealand this summer.

South Island, New Zealand. Image © PlanetSKI

“I am extremely looking forward to testing and training – and if I feel it makes sense, also to one or the other race.”

In mid and late August, two slalom and giant slalom races are scheduled in Coronet Peak.

“At least for the second event, I plan to be at the start of a ski race again,” Hirscher added.

GB Snowsport Announces Ski Cross & Snowboard Cross Squads

28th July 2024

At the World Cup Squad level, Charlotte Bankes and Huw Nightingale will continue to compete in the individual and Team snowboard cross World Cup events.

Bankes is a seasoned competitor with multiple podium finishes, and Nightingale, known for his speed and agility, will be key contenders in their events.

Ollie Davies remains the sole representative for the nation in ski cross at the World Cup level, bringing his experience and competitive spirit to the forefront.

The Europa Cup squad introduces two new athletes for the first time: 2023 Youth Olympian Axel Rose Green and seventeen-year-old Elizabeth Pragnell, highlighting the growing talent in British ski cross.

CONFIRMED ✅

We are proudly announcing the 2024-2025 Ski and Snowboard Cross Squad! We look forward to a season of excellence, dedication, and remarkable achievements. 🏂⛷️https://t.co/jtOBiGTYhD#gbsnowsport

— GB Snowsport (@GBSnowsport) July 22, 2024

Full Squad Selections:

World Cup Squad

• Charlotte Bankes – snowboard cross
• Ollie Davies – ski cross
• Huw Nightingale – snowboard cross

Europa Cup Squad

• Gregory Baillie – ski cross
• Tommy Dade – ski cross
• Faith Davie – ski cross
• Axel Rose Green – ski cross
• Scott Johns – ski cross
• Alannah Lawrie – ski cross
• Elizabeth Pragnell – ski cross

NZ Glacier Keeps its Miss-spelt Name

27th July 2024

The Franz Josef Glacier on the South Island was named in 1866 after then-emperor of Austria Kaiser Franz Joseph.

It was named by the geologist, Julius von Haast.

The erroneous spelling crept in and has stuck.

Franz Josef glacier, New Zealand. Image © PlanetSKI

In November 2023 the New Zealand Geographic Board started consulting on plans to correct the spelling.

After consideration it has been decided to keep the ‘F’ rather than change it to ‘PH’.

Franz Josef glacier, New Zealand. Image © PlanetSKI

Teenager Dies In Lightening Strike on Germany’s Highest Mountain

26th July 2024

The 18-year-old German national was with two friends on the Zugspitze summit at 2,962m after they took the lift up.

The summit is 80m from the top lift station

Lightning struck repeatedly as they descended from the summit and the 18-year-old suffered a fatal electric shock.

An investigation is underway.

FIS Races Start in South America

25th July 2024

Chile will host races during July, August, September, and October.

It has had one of the best starts to the season in decades with plentiful snow

The first race to open the season will be at El Colorado, with two FIS GS races on the 25th and 26th of July.

These races are part of Ford Chile Winter Series Visa, a snow sports circuit that includes several disciplines such as Para Alpine, Cross Country, Ski, and Snowboard Cross.

“We are excited to open the 2024/2025 competitive season and to receive athletes from South America and the world,” said the head of Chile Winter Series, Jorge Mandru.

“South American races are a platform for South American and world athletes to prepare for this 2024/2025 season and to share in the unique Cordillera de los Andes.”

Last year, some of the best World Cup Teams raced here, and the conditions are world-class.

The South American Cup circuit will begin and continue with competitions in Chapelco (Argentina) and will have seven stops at different ski resorts in Chile and Argentina, setting to end in Corralco (Chile).

The Andes. Image © PlanetSKI

Threadbo Celebrates Opening of More Terrain

24th July 2024

The Australian resort in New South Wales is leaving no stone unturned as it marks Supertrail opening after recent fresh snow.

“Skiers and snowboarders now can access the longest run and Australia’s highest lifted point by riding up to Karel’s T-Bar, ringing the bell, and then enjoying an incredible leg burner down the groomed Supertrail and Village Trail,” said the resort.

PlanetSKI in Thredbo. Image © PlanetSKI

12 lifts out of 14 are now open.

Meet the Teams

22nd July 2024

CONFIRMED ✅

We are proudly announcing the 2024-2025 Ski and Snowboard Cross Squad! We look forward to a season of excellence, dedication, and remarkable achievements. 🏂⛷️https://t.co/jtOBiGTYhD#gbsnowsport

— GB Snowsport (@GBSnowsport) July 22, 2024

Allow us to introduce you to your 2024 – 2025 GB Moguls World Cup team 🔥⁠
⁠https://t.co/Tc8Q0wMvUS#gbsnowsport pic.twitter.com/BgoLdJYCl9

— GB Snowsport (@GBSnowsport) July 19, 2024

The National Brotherhood of Snowsports Heads to Keystone Next Season

19th July 2024

The NBS aims to increase participation in winter sports while developing and supporting athletes of colour.

The organisation was founded in 1973 by Art Clay & Ben Finley and is comprised of over 58 clubs throughout the United States.

Membership includes approximately 7,500 snow sports enthusiasts.

Each year, the organisation hosts the NBS Black Summit, the largest gathering of skiers and snowboarders in the USA.

National Brotherhood of Skiers 50th summit. Image c/o NBS

We have posted about the Brotherhood in the past on PlanetSKI:

• •  Black skiers celebrate 50 years of ‘Soul on Snow’
    

“We are excited to return to a mountain owned and operated by Vail Resorts following the experience of a lifetime they created for NBS at Vail Mountain to celebrate our 50th anniversary,” said Henri Rivers, president of The NBS.

“Our annual summit is our most important event of the year, and Keystone Resort has something to offer each of our dedicated members and their families – from the incredible employees at Keystone who create the guest experience every day, to unbeatable high alpine views atop the brand-new Bergman Express chairlift, to the ice skating, sleigh rides and more in the resort’s villages, there are so many ways to embrace snow sports at Keystone.”

The NBS summit is scheduled for February 22 to March 1 2025 with 1,500 skiers and snowboarders expected to attend.

Art Clay & Ben Finley, US Ski & Snowboard Hall of Fame – photo c/o National Brotherhood of Skiers

ISPO Set For Early December

17th July 2024

The global trade fair for the sports industry will take place at the Munich Riem Exhibition Center, December 3^rd – 5^th.

ISPO Munich annually attracts over 2,400 international exhibitors and approximately 60,000 visitors from nearly 120 countries.

The snowsport industry is a key sector.

Attendees include brands, retailers, start-ups, investors, suppliers, solution providers, consultants, agencies, media, and athletes.

Two Die in Glider Accident in the Alps

16th July 2024

A French man, aged 45, and a Swiss man, aged 58, perished after their glider crashed.

The aircraft took off from the Aspres-sur-Buëch airfield in the Hautes-Alpes in France.

The French man was the pilot.

The cause of the accident is unclear, and an investigation is underway.

Three Czech Mountaineers Scale Highest Unclimbed Peak

15th July 2024

Muchu Chhish in the Karakoram Mountain in Pakistan stands at 7,453m and until now has never been climbed.

Zdenek Hak, Radoslav Groh and Jaroslav Banksy reached the summit in earlier this month.

They climbed via the south ridge to the main ridge and from there west towards the summit.

US Authorities Examine Purchase of A-Basin by Alterra

14th July 2024

The U.S. Department of Justice cites potential anti-trust concerns.

Alterra already owns and runs Steamboat and Winter Park in Colorado.

Some fear that adding Arapahoe Basin to the portfolio would potentially limit consumer choice and drive prices up.

In 1996 the Department of Justice blocked an attempt by Vail Resort to acquire Arapahoe Basin.

Vail Resorts owns Breckenridge, Beaver Creek, Vail and Crested Bute in Colorado.

At the time it said it would “lessen competition substantially in the Front Range skier market.”

“The DOJ is committed to ensuring a fair and competitive marketplace,” said a department spokesperson.

“We will thoroughly investigate this proposed acquisition to determine its potential impact on skiers and snowboarders in Colorado.”

Arapahoe Basin, Colorado. Image © PlanetSKI

Alterra appears  to be confident the purchase will go through.

“We believe this acquisition will benefit skiers and snowboarders by providing them with more access and greater value,” said an Alterra spokesperson.

Arapahoe Basin, Colorado. Image © PlanetSKI

Milan Cortina 2026 Launches Ticketing Programme

13th July 2024

It has been announced that tickets for the 2026 Olympic Winter Games go on sale to the general public in February 2025.

People can now register on the Ticket Portal for the ballot that will allow them to be among the first to purchase the tickets.

By registering on the Ticket Portal people book a slot to buy Olympic tickets.

The service is free and there is no obligation to buy.

For tickets for the Milan Cortina 2026 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, please visit: tickets.milanocortina2026.org.

Melting Glacier in Peru Reveals Body of US Climber 22 Years On

12th July 2024

William Stampfl, 59, was reported missing in June 2002 after an avalanche buried his climbing party on Mount Huascarán, Peru’s highest peak.

Peruvian police said ice melt had exposed Stampfl’s mummified and clothed body.

He was identified by the passport found among his belongings.

Police said Stampfl’s body was well-preserved by the Peruvian ice, with his clothes in good condition, the AFP news agency reported.

He was still wearing his boots and harness.

See here for more on the BBC.

Kitzbuhel Re-brands Itself

11th July 2024

The Austrian resort has ditched its famous Chamois logo that has been used for the past 50 years:

This is the new logo:

“With the rebranding of the Kitzbühel brand, we are redefining the future of alpine tourism,” said the Kitzbühel Tourism chairman, Dr Christian Harisch.

“We bear responsibility for a unique tourist habitat and want to inspire guests and locals with new, future-oriented concepts for nature, sport and tradition and to set ourselves apart from the competition in the long term.”.

Here is further news of the re-brand:

Views From Swiss Glacier Expert

10th July 2024

Travelski Express Adds Two More French Ski Resorts

8th July 2024

The company offers a rail/ski package to parts of the French Alps.

The line-up of resorts has been expanded to now include Chamonix and La Clusaz.

Chamonix, France. Image © PlanetSKI

They join:

• Tignes
• Val d’Isère
• Val Thorens
• Méribel
• Brides les Bains
• Courchevel
• Les Ménuires
• Les Arcs
• La Plagne
• La Rosiére

The train service will again be operated by Eurostar.

The packages run from London on Saturday mornings (from 21th December) and return the following Sunday with daytime train travel in both directions and 8 nights of accommodation (to facilitate a full 7-days of skiing) as standard.

“We are once again very pleased to be the biggest provider of rail inclusive ski packages and with our innovative 7+1 accommodation option we are able to offer UK skiers the full range of accommodation options across all our featured resorts,” said the CEO of Travelski, Nicolas Delord.

“Skiers taking that option can also enjoy a later start on their return travel day”

Tickets are now on sale.

Image © Eurostar

New Avalanche Control System in Utah

5th July 2024

A remote system is to replace howitzers in Little Cottonwood Canyon, that gives access to the resorts of Snowbird and Alta.

Currently the guns are used to set off avalanches and make the road safe.

Now 16 towers are to be built that will drop charges to the ground to trigger avalanches.

“By using this technology, we will enhance safety and become even more effective at preventing avalanches from reaching our roads,” said a statement from the area’s Avalanche Safety Programme.

The military howitzers have been in used since 1949.

Over the 75 years 33,000 rounds have been fired.

The new system should be up and running for next season.

Little Cottonwood Canyon, Utah. Image © PlanetSKI

New Crystal Ski Holiday Flights

4th July 2024

Crystal Ski Holidays will operate new winter flights from Belfast to Salzburg and Turin from this December.

The Belfast to Salzburg flight will fly each Saturday from 21 December to 22 March.

It gives access to Austrian resorts including Badgastein, Bad Hofgastein, Ellmau, Fieberbrunn, Hinterglemm, Kaprun, Kitzbuhel, Nassfeld, Obertauern, Rauris, Saalbach, Schladming, Soll, St Johann in Tirol, Wagrain and Zell am See.

Zell am See/Kaprun. Image © PlanetSKI

The Turin flight will operate on Sundays from 22 December to 23 March.

It will serve the Italian resorts of Bardonecchia, Cervinia, Courmayeur, Gressoney, La Thuile, Pila, Sauze D’Oulx, Sestriere and Sansicario.

La Thuile, Aosta, Italy – photo © PlanetSKI

Crystal has also launched a ‘Buy One Lift Pass, Get One Free’ promotion, which is valid on all European ski holidays from all departure points for 2024-25.

The offer is valid on lift passes up to 13 days.

 E-Bike Festival Returns to Verbier

3rd July 2024

The Swiss resort will host the Verbier E-Bike Festival this summer from 15 – 18 August 2024.

Visitors can expect the biggest event yet, with more routes, more participants, and new challenges to discover.

The Valais resort will be alive with the buzz of e-biking, with more than 500 e-bikes on-site, more than 30 exhibitors expected to attend and over 15 courses to try out.

The Rando Gourmande at the E-Bike Festival in Verbier offers an exciting adventure for those seeking a more engaging trail while savouring local specialties.

Similar to the Rando Gourmande Classique, this experience includes four stops to taste local delicacies, but with longer hikes and fewer stops.

Participants will enjoy breathtaking mountain views and delicious food from the Val de Bagnes region, along with engaging climbs and technical trails for an intense riding experience.

There are six gourmet trails to choose from, ranging from 33 to 43 kilometres, with varying ascents and descents:

• Les 4 Cols Bleu (43 KM, 760 M, 2130 M),
• Champex-Lac Blue (41 KM, 1020 M, 2350 M),
• Brunet Cabin Blue (41 KM, 1200 M, 1900 M),
• Les 4 Cols Red (42 KM, 970 M, 2620 M),
• Champex-Lac Red (40 KM, 1200 M, 2500 M),
• Cabane Brunet Red (33 KM, 1200 M, 1900 M).

The bike routes are priced from 45 CHF (£39 pp) and prior registration is required.

A seven night stay at Hotel la Rotonde, is priced from £555 pp based on two sharing a double room with breakfast included.

Verbier: www.verbier.ch

Biking in Verbier in the summer. Image © PlanetSKI

Body of British Hiker Found in Spanish Pyrenees

1st July 2024

A British hiker who went missing in the mountain range on Monday has been found dead.

The 70-year-old man, from London, was discovered after his disappearance sparked a search-and-rescue operation.

Mountain rescue specialists from the Spanish Civil Guard said he was found at 13:00 local time on Thursday near the Aspe peak in the western Pyrenees, in the north-east of the country.

The Civil Guard said the hiker was located by three members of the search-and-rescue team who contacted an air unit, which transferred him to a nearby mountain refuge.

Next-of-kin are being informed.

The Pyrenees. Image © PlanetSKI

A Quarter of European Flights Delayed Last Year

1st July 2024

Some of them were winter ski flights with a quarter of overall flights not arriving within 15 minutes of their scheduled time.

The figures come from Performance Review Report (PRR) from Eurocontrol.

En-route Air Traffic Flow Management (ATFM) delays in 2023 were the second highest over the past 20 years.

The figure was higher than pre-covid levels in 2019 even though that year higher levels of air traffic.

ATFM delays in 2023 reached 18.1 million minutes which is the equivalent of 301,000 hours.

“Airspace is a critical infrastructure for Europe and the latest performance review shows that it is creaking at the seams,” said the MD of A4E, Ourania Georgoutsakou.

“Over one in four flights delayed is simply unacceptable for airlines and their passengers.”

Innsbruck airport. Image © PlanetSKI

Avalanches in Utah Last Winter

1st July 2024

The Utah Avalanche Center reports that 902 avalanches were reported from the backcountry during the 150-day forecast season.

Utah received 131% of its average snowfall, with the statewide snow water equivalent peaking at 18.8 inches on April 2.

The report said the mountains remained “mostly dry” until mid-October the first storm rolled through, followed by smaller storms which left 1-2 feet of snow.

November conditions were similar to those in October, bringing a few storms “and things were shaping up for a potentially stable snowpack to remain in place,” the report said.

A relatively mild December had the Utah Avalanche Center thinking “we had it made;” a feeling that ended in January when a high pressure system remained over the Intermountain West for three weeks.

“We watched our snowpack morph into a thick layer of weak, faceted, sugary snow,” said the UAC.

“Snowfall returned around the second week of January and the proverbial wheels fell off the bus.”

From mid-January 300 avalanches were recorded with several people buried.

Two skiers died.

They were the only fatalities of the season.

Powder Mountain, Utah. Image © PlanetSKI

Swiss Rail Tunnel Under the Alps Set to Reopen

1st July 2024

The world’s longest railway tunnel, the Gotthard Base Tunnel, will reopen on 2nd September.

The tunnel closed on 10th August 2023 following the derailment of a freight train, and the Swiss Railway Service, SBB, has since been conducting repair and safety work.

An interim report states that a broken wheel disc led to the derailment.

Once the tunnel reopens, services will resume at the frequency they operated before the derailment and will reduce travel times for customers crossing the Alps by rail by an hour.

The tunnel is 57 kilometres long and more than 2400 metres underground at its deepest.

Switzerland. Image © PlanetSKI.