December Ski News in Brief

1st December 2024

Last modified on December 26th, 2024

– FIS & National Ski Associations Finalise Broadcast Rights
– Trump Says He’ll Rename Highest Mountain in USA
– 174 People Stranded on Colorado Gondola Lift
– Mont Blanc Tunnel Re-Opens in Time for Ski Season
– Park City Set for Upgrades … UPDATED

FIS & National Ski Associations Finalise Broadcast Rights

26th December 2024

It will allow the organization to commercialise the rights to the FIS World Cup competitions as a strong global package.

All major World Cup National Ski Associations, except for Austria, have reached an agreement on the centralisation of media rights.

The international media and broadcast rights for all FIS World Cup events, except those in Austria, will be marketed by Infront, with which FIS signed an exclusive agency agreement earlier this year.

This partnership will take effect starting from the 2026/27 season and will run through the 2033/34 season.

According to FIS the agreement guarantees increased revenues for all participating World Cup federations, greater control over rights management, and exciting new possibilities for fan engagement through innovative digital offerings.

“This is truly a historic day for snow sports,” says FIS President Johan Eliasch.

“There was never a doubt that a centralized rights approach is the most beneficial format for FIS and the NSAs – the question has been about how to set it up.

“FIS and the World Cup NSAs have been working diligently over the past 18 months to agree on a governance framework, and we are proud to have achieved this milestone together.”

Read on FIS-SKI.COM

FIS logo © International Ski Federation

Trump Says He’ll Rename Highest Mountain in USA

25th December 2024

In 2015 President Obama re-named Mt McKinley to Dinali, the Alaska natives’ name for North America’s 6,100m peak.

The mountain was nick-named Mt McKinley in 1896 after a gold prospector exploring the region heard that McKinley, a champion of the gold standard, had won the Republican nomination for president.

It had officially called Mount McKinley since 1917.

“They took his name off Mount McKinley,” said President-elect Trump in a speech in Phoenix.

“He was a great president,” and my administration will “bring back the name of Mount McKinley because I think he deserves it.”

Denali, the local Athabascan name, meaning “the High One,” was officially designated as the peak’s name in 1975 by the state of Alaska, which then pressed the federal government to also adopt the name.

Alaska Senator Lisa Murkowski, a Republican, criticised the re-naming on the mountain.

“There is only one name worthy of North America’s tallest mountain: Denali – the Great One,” Murkowski wrote in a post on X.

There is only one name worthy of North America’s tallest mountain: Denali – the Great One.https://t.co/eT248xLxJC
— Sen. Lisa Murkowski (@lisamurkowski) December 23, 2024

174 People Stranded on Colorado Gondola Lift

23rd December 2024

The incident happened in Winter Park as the lift stopped after a crack was detected in the the lift structure while people were in the gondolas.

The rescue operation took around five hours with people lowered down by ropes.

No-one was injured.

Ski patrol staff entered each gondola from above and then lowered people’s equipment to the ground before using a rope equipped with a seat to lower passengers.

“It’s a bummer for sure,” said resort spokesperson, Jen Miller, to local media.

“But malfunctions do happen and our teams are trained. It’s not an overnight fix. We’re not sure how long it’s going to take to fix it.”

Winter Park, Colorado. Image © PlanetSKI.

Mont Blanc Tunnel Re-Opens in Time for Ski Season

23rd December 2024

It has been closed for renovations for the past three months.

A 600-metre stretch of the 11-kilometre tunnel was completely reconstructed.

It links Chamonix in southeast France with Courmayer in northwest Italy.

We reported on the renovation works earlier on PlanetSKI:

Mont Blanc tunnel closes for 15-weeks

Mont Blanc Tunnel. Image © PlanetSKI

150 people worked on shifts 24-hours a day and put in more than 150,000 hours of work.

The Frejus Tunnel, the Grand-Saint-Bernard Tunnel and various mountain passes were used as alternative routes.

It is the world’s second deepest tunnel after the Gotthard Base Tunnel in Switzerland.

It is 2,480m beneath the Aiguille du Midi summit.

Mont Blanc Tunnel. Image © PlanetSKI

One Person Dies in Bulgaria Avalanche

22nd December 2024

The accident happened off-piste in an avalanche on Pirin Mountain as a group of off-piste skiers was descending.

Two others were dug out by the rescue services.

The Bulgarian Mountaineering and Skiing Association has warned that conditions for skiing outside designated slopes are dangerous.

The is a Level 4 risk of avalanche, High, in some areas after recent heavy snow.

The identities of the people caught has not been released as next-of-kin are informed.

An investigation is underway.

Park City Set for Upgrades

18th December 2024

The resort in Utah is already preparing for the 2034 Winter Olympics.

The Canyons area is seeing new facilities:

The Sunrise lift will be replaced with a 10-person gondola,
The Red Pine Lodge will be modified to “upgrade the dining experience for ski and ride school guests.”
A covered parking garage with more than 1,800 spaces will break ground in spring 2025.

“The transformation of Park City Mountain’s Canyons Village is underway to support a world-class luxury base village experience,” said the resort.

“These investments will support Park City Mountain in welcoming athletes and fans from across the world who visit the resort as it serves as a venue for the 2034 Olympic Winter Games.”

Its neighbour, Deer Valley, is seeing the biggest current expansion in the USA:

Deer Valley expands with much more to come

PlanetSKI’s Rob McAteer visited the Park City last winter:

PlanetSKI’s postcard from Park City

Park City, Utah. Image © Rob McAteer

Twelve Dead From Carbon Monoxide Poisoning at a ski resort in Georgia

16th December 2024

The bodies of 11 foreigners and one Georgian national were found in a sleeping area above an Indian restaurant at the ski area of Gudauri.

Gudauri is the largest and highest ski resort in the former Soviet state.

Police said ‘preliminary tests do not indicate any trace of violence on the bodies’ and it appeared to be an accident.

A statement from the Georgia Interior Ministry said that a generator, placed in the dormitory due to the power outage in the restaurant yesterday may have caused the deaths.

It is thought the dead were employees of the restaurant.

An investigation is underway.

One Dead and Three Injured in US Avalanche

16th December 2024

The tragedy happened at Pallisades Tahoe in California.

People are being urged to exercise caution after recent snow.

The avalanche, triggered by recent snowfall and unstable snowpack conditions, buried several skiers in its path.

Emergency responders, including ski patrol and local authorities, carried out a comprehensive search and rescue operation.

The accident happened in the GS gully area, to the skier’s right of the KT-22 chairlift.

It is a “black diamond” run for advanced skiers and snowboarders.

A man sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced dead by Tahoe Forest Hospital.

Three other skiers sustained non-life threatening injuries, and were released after treatment.

An investigation is underway.

Palisades Tahoe, California. Image © PlanetSKI

Body Found in Search for Missing Skier in Scotland

14th December 2024

40-year-old Sam Burns failed to return after skiing alone in the Cairngorms on Friday.

Friends reported him missing.

Sam had planned to ski Y Gulley or Diagonal Gulley from the Cairngorm Plateau.

His van was parked in the Cairngorm Mountain car park.

“Around 11am on Saturday, December 14th 2024, the body of a man was found in the Cairngorms,” said a statement from the police.

“Formal identification is yet to take place, but the family of 40-year-old missing man Sam Burns has been informed.

“There do not appear to be any suspicious circumstances, and a report will be submitted to the Procurator Fiscal.”

Image c/o Police Scotland

Italian Glaciers Melt Continues

14th December 2024

Italian glaciers continued to retreat due to climate change in 2024, according to a new report.

‘The effects of the climate crisis on glaciers, the Alpine environment and biodiversity’ was produced by the Glaciological Committee & Cipra Italia and has been unveiled at the Bicocca University, Milan.

Alpine glaciers are increasingly thinner and almost all in strong retreat across the entire Alpine arc, with significant impacts on ecosystems and biodiversity, said the report.

The largest glacier in the Italy, the Adamello, recorded a loss of thickness in the frontal sector of three meters and melting effects up to 3,100m above sea level in 2024.

Others are not doing well:

The Careser glacier has an average loss of thickness of 1.90m
The Vedretta di Ries Glacier has seen a 1.7m loss
The Vedretta Lunga Glacier has lost 1.5m

Daily Avalanche Reports for Scotland Start Today

12th December 2024

The Scottish Avalanche Information Service, SAIS, is covering six areas in its daily bulletin:

Lochaber
Glencoe
Creag Meagaidh
Southern Cairngorms
Northern Cairngorms
Torridon

It comes as skiing starts in Glencoe and heavy early season snow falls:

Skiing in Scotland begins for the season

In addition to the daily forecasts, the SAIS also have a free online resource for Scottish hillgoers to learn more about how to evaluate the avalanche hazard to help with decision making.

The Lecht, Scotland. Image c/o Dianne Frazer.

Melting Glaciers Continue to Give up their Past

12th December 2024

The retreating ice has revealed recent remains of missing climbers & skiers.

There have also been planes, historical artefacts dating back to pre-historic times and much more besides.

A new study, glacial archaeology – the study of ancient finds from melting glaciers – is developing.

“There’ve always been individual cases of bodies or objects emerging from the ice,” said Thomas Reitmaier, director of the archaeological service of the Canton of Grisons in Switzerland.

“Glaciers swallow people and things, and at some point, spit them out again.”

See here for a full and in-depth story on the BBC.

And here for some past PlanetSKI articles:

Skiing Continues to Boom in China

11th December 2024

In 2023/24 season 30 new areas opened in China – 15 outdoor and 15 indoor.

The total number of ski resorts in China is 719, an increase of 22 on the previous year.

There are 60 indoor ski resorts China, that account for 8.34% of the ski areas in the country.

The outdoor ones are generally small with a limited number of lifts and terrain.

See her for the latest report.

12.8 million took part in some skiing –a 14.49% increase compared to the previous year’s 11.8 million people.

Image c/o Beijing 2022

World Record for Skiing in Jeans Smashed

10th December 2024

3,320 people turned out in denim in Jackson Hole, a rise of 200 on last year.

“The first Ski in Jeans Day last year was such a runaway success, we knew we had to bring the event back this year. And our guests certainly didn’t disappoint,” said the Wyoming resort’s marketing director, Ned Wonson.

“We’re thrilled so many people showed up from all around the world to set the new record, and we can’t wait for more guests to experience Destination December events as the holiday season approaches.”

Ski in Jeans Day 2024 Recap 👉 . World Record ACHIEVED ‼️ with 3,320 denim-clad skiers and riders bringing to stoke for ski season to #jacksonhole! Thank you to everyone who came out in their👖, and to @pit_viper, @ripton_co, @monsterenergy and @ggaijackson for activating and… pic.twitter.com/0qBc4HriOv
— Jackson Hole (@jhski) December 8, 2024

The first “ski and ride in jeans” day in Jackson Hole was held in December 2023.

It broke the record of 102 skiers and snowboarders in jeans that was held by the resort of The Remarkables in New Zealand.

Avalanche Buries Three on Avalanche Safety Course

9th December 2024

They were amoung dozens of people participating in a safety course in the Oberalp Pass in eastern Switzerland.

The 30m slab avalanche hit some of the group and they were rescued by others in the group.

The forty people had been carrying out exercises as part of an avalanche course on a slope near the top of the pass in the canton of Graubünden.

“Practice became serious,” said the Swiss rescue service, Rega.

A rescue team was despatched but others in the group managed to dig the three out within 10 minutes before the team arrived.

“They were in good condition, given the circumstances,” added Rega.

One person was flown to a nearby hospital for a checkup.

Rega stressed that rapid rescue was the most decisive factor for the survival of people buried in avalanches.

Avalanche danger. Image c/o PlanetSKI.

La Plagne Emphasises its Green Credentials

8th December 2024

Last June La Plagne was awarded the Flocon Vert certification, affirming its commitment to sustainable development and eco-conscious tourism.

The award recognises resorts for their dedication to environmental responsibility.

La Plagne has implemented a range of initiatives:

Energy-efficient infrastructure
Robust waste management programs
Water conservation measures
Wildlife protection efforts

By encouraging visitors to embrace eco-friendly travel options, such as the Eurostar Snow Train and integrated bus services, La Plagne has reduced its carbon footprint.

The resort’s all-inclusive travel packages prioritise train or bus journeys.

La Plagne: https://en.la-plagne.com/

La Plagne, France. Image c/o PlanetSKI

Fancy Skiing With Mike Tindall for Charity?

6th December 2024

The ex-England rugby player and husband of royalty is leading a trip to Saalbach in Austria this winter and a prize has been donated through A Noble Gift, the charity web site.

Mike Tindall MBE is married to the daughter of Princess Anne, Zara.

Zara & Mike. Image c/o Wings for Life

“Make it a done deal – secure your two spots to ski hard and party in style with Mike and friends at Mikey’s Mountain Miles,” said A Noble Gift.

“Pack your bags for the ultimate ski adventure hosted by Mike Tindall MBE in Austria’s stunning Saalbach resort.”

Enjoy 4 nights stay in 5-star accommodation
Breakfast, group lunches and après ski celebrations
Ski hire and ski pass
Optional ski guides to guide you through the challenge and help you achieve your personal goals
Themed dinners and top-tier evening entertainment
Transfers to and from the airport
Whether you’re a seasoned skier, snowboarder, or adaptive skier, this adventure promises memories that will last a lifetime
So mark your calendars, gather your friends, and get ready to make unforgettable memories in one of the world’s best ski resorts. Remember, “What Happens in Saalbach, stays in Saalbach,” so you know this is going to be a legendary experience
Bid now to secure your two spots to ski hard and party in style with Mike and friends at Mikey’s Mountain Miles.

Saalbach holiday. Image c/o Wings for Life

See here for more details: A Noble Gift

Mike’s chosen charity is Wings for Life who is helping to find a cure for spinal cord injury.

A Noble Gift is one-off gifts and experiences platform, with 100% of the winning bid going to charity.

The platform is designed for consumers to purchase Gifts and Experiences donated by renowned brands and benevolent individuals who generously donate to support worthy causes.

Key Boxes Banned for Short-Term Rentals in Italy

5th December 2024

The nationwide decree will impact tourists in the Alps & Dolomites who will not be able to access short-term rentals using key boxes.

Owners must verify the identity of guests in person.

The move has been brought in as a security measure aimed at preventing risks from “the possible housing of dangerous persons and/or persons linked to criminal or terrorist organisations”.

For some, the boxes have become symbols of overtourism.

See here for more on the BBC.

La Thuile, Aosta Valley, Italy. Image c/o PlanetSKI

Protected Status of Wolves Downgraded by EU

4th December 2024

The number of wolves has grown in recent years in the Alps and elsewhere in Europe.

Their number in the EU has almost doubled, from 11,000 in 2012 to over 20,000 today.

Several thousand are thought to be in the Alps.

Now 45 years of strict protection for grey wolves in Europe has come to an end.

It follows a growing number of wolves attacking farm animals and livestock.

Wolves will be moved from Annex II (strictly protected) to Annex III (protected) of the Bern Convention.

This will remove many of the safeguards that have allowed the animals to flourish in Europe.

From the beginning of March next year, each EU country will be able to set an annual quota of wolves to kill.

We have reported on the growth of wolves in the Alps in the past on PlanetSKI:

Wolves return to the Alps

The Worldwide Fund for Nature, WWF, has called the decision “extremely disappointing”.

“Wolf populations have barely recovered after going extinct in most parts of Europe, and weakening their protection could jeopardise this fragile recovery,” said the WWF in a statement.

See more on the BBC

Utah Avalanche Awareness Week

3rd December 2024

The Utah Avalanche Center is focusing in avalanche awareness this week.

Six avalanches in the Salt Lake Mountains were reported over the Thanksgiving weekend.

Three Die in Bus Crash in Pyrenees Mountains

2nd December 2024

The accident happened near the ski resort of Porte-Puymorens in the French Pyrenees on Sunday evening.

Seven people remain critically injured and a total off 33 people are being treated.

The bus ran into the side of a cliff, but the cause is unknown.

The bus had come from L’Hospitalet de Llobregat near Barcelona in Spain.

The injured were taken to French hospitals in Toulouse, Perpignan and Foix and Puigcerda in Catalonia, Spain.

An investigation is underway.

Verbier Express Offers Discounts on Ski Passes

2nd December 2024

From 15 December 2024 to 27 April 2025, the Verbier Express offers a direct weekend rail link from Geneva to Verbier.

It’s an all-in package combining train travel and a day’s ski pass.

For even greater savings, Verbier has teamed up with RailAway to launch the Snow’n’Rail offer.

20% off train tickets and 30% off ski passes from 2 to 23 December 2024.
Up to 50% off train travel and 10% off ski passes from 1 January to 28 February 2025
30% savings on pre-booked April ski passes and ski passes for 1 to 27 April 2025.

Outside these dates, Snow’n’Rail continues to offer 10% off Verbier ski pass year-round.

Verbier: www.verbier.ch

Verbier, Switzerland. Image © Lucia Harrison.

Third of Swiss Alpine Huts Threatened by Melting Permafrost

1st December 2024

Permafrost is the frozen rocks and water at altitude that many structures are built into and rely on for stability.

As well high-altitude mountain huts some ski lifts may also be affected with pylons and lift stations built into the permafrost.

The Swiss Alpine Club, SAC, in a new study says the mountain huts could be unstable in the future due to thawing permafrost.

In addition, 42 huts are endangered by landslides from permafrost zones.

The supply of water to mountain huts is also set to reduce.

29 huts close to glaciers may lose the water supply from glaciers by 2030.

By 2050 a further 25 will lose access to water supplies.

See more on Swiss Info

A fund set up by SAC will not be sufficient to finance construction projects it says.

The Club is asking for partnerships and donations.

“While the retreat of glaciers in the 21st century has been widely recognised, permafrost changes in cold regions worldwide are far less visible despite being similarly important,” says a recent pan-European study published in Nature.com.

“This permafrost warming and degradation has implications for the stability of steep, perennially frozen mountain slopes with potentially far-reaching impacts and risks to both human safety and infrastructure, as well as effects on ecosystems and hydrological processes.”

Venezuela is First South American Country to Lose All Its Glaciers

1st December 2024

The final one was downgraded to an icefield earlier this year.

The change is blamed on global warming and has altered the landscape significantly.

CGTN’s Stephen Gibbs reports from the city of Merida.

How to Stay Safe When Skiing

1st December 2024

Dr. Payal Kohli offers some tips on how to stay safe while you ski or if you’re just visiting your favorite resort.

Snowboarding Legacy in Jackson Hole

1st December 2024

There’s a new generation of boarders in the valley that have been on a rampage since they stepped foot into Jackson Hole.

Cam FitzPatrick, Cooper Branham, and Yuki Kadono have been making their mark on Snowboarding and the Jackson scene over the last handful of years, and they are in the mix for the 29th annual film Beyond The Fantasy.

Dive into this On Location episode, where generations of snowboard culture and history rooted in Jackson Hole come to life.