February Ski News in Brief
1st February 2025
Last modified on February 27th, 2025
– British Ice Climber Dies in Norway
– Ski Patroller Killed by Avalanche in USA
– Increasing Number of US Deaths in the Back Country
– Austrian Ski Instructor Injured by Snowboarder
– Leadership Team for Salt Lake City 2034..UPDATED
British Ice Climber Dies in Norway
27th February 2025
He was with a companion when they were hit by an avalanche while on a frozen waterfall at Gaustatoppen mountain.
His identity has not been released.
The second man was treated in hospital and is in a stable condition.
The UK Foreign Office said: “We are supporting the family of a British man who has died in Norway, and a British man who has been injured, and are in contact with the local authorities.”
Ski Patroller Killed by Avalanche in USA
25th February 2025
A ski patroller who was seriously injured after getting caught in an avalanche at Mammoth Mountain in California has died.
Increasing Number of US Deaths in the Back Country
24th February 2025
In the last decade at least 234 people in the USA have been killed by avalanches.
The vast majority in the backcountry, according to data compiled by the Colorado Avalanche Information Center and the U.S. Forest Service.
Some victims were hikers and snowmobilers, but more than half were skiers.
Jack Dolan, fromthe Los Angeles Times, says that’s a shocking number given how small the community of hardcore backcountry skiers is.
Austrian Ski Instructor Injured by Snowboarder
20th February 2025
A 21-year-old ski instructor in Kuhtai was injured after being struck by a snowboarder who fled the scene in a hit-and-run incident.
According to the police report, the ski instructor was leading a group of students down the run, skiing in long, controlled turns along the left edge of the slope, when an unidentified snowboarder crashed into her from behind.
The force of the impact sent the instructor tumbling forward.
Despite stopping briefly, the snowboarder left the scene without providing assistance or identifying themselves.
The injured instructor was able to ski down to the valley independently and sought medical attention from a local doctor.
Leadership Team for Salt Lake City 2034
18th February 2025
The leadership team for the 2034 Winter Games has been set up.
At a formal announcement inside Utah’s State Capitol on Friday, Governor Spencer Cox and United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee (USOPC) Chief Executive Sarah Hirshland unveiled the team:
- Brad Wilson, former Speaker of Utah’s House of Representatives and a candidate for the US Senate, steps in as Chief Executive Officer of the Organising Committee.
- Fraser Bullock, a name synonymous with Salt Lake’s Olympic past, will serve as Executive Chairman.
- Businessman Steve Starks assumes the role of Vice-Chairman, ensuring a structured and strategic approach to what promises to be a defining moment for Utah.
“Strong leadership is vital—not just to deliver an unforgettable Games, but to leave a lasting legacy for Utah,” said Governor Cox.
“Fraser Bullock’s Olympic expertise is unparalleled, while Brad Wilson has proved himself a capable leader. I have no doubt they’ll elevate these Games to new heights.”
Ryding Comes 6th at World Champs
16th February 2025
The Rocket put in a great performance with team mate Billy Major 15th.
It was another good day for the GB slalom team.
And here’s his reaction to the results:
Dave Ryding sealed Britain’s best men’s World Alpine Ski Championships result since 1934.
The 38-year-old’s previous-best placing at the World Championship was ninth.
Ryding is the first British man to finish in the top six since CS Hudson who was fifth 91 years ago.
“It means a lot,” he said. “It just shows that you never give up and you keep fighting.
“It’s probably my last World Champs. I really wanted to take it in and enjoy it and that’s what I did. It’s been a good day.”
How Many BOAs Do You Need?
15th February 2025
Hank Köreshot & Slush Von Corduroy decided to tackle this hotly contested debate, through song.
A Rock Song.
So, tune your air guitars and ask “Does Boa rock your skiing?”
Italian Government Re-affirms Commitment to 2026 Winter Olympics
14th February 2025
With one year to go until the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics the government this week reaffirmed its commitment to infrastructure.
It pledged full cost recovery and highlighted the pride of hosting a 100% Italian event with a lasting legacy.
Some projects have seen an increase in costs, such as the Santa Giulia Arena and the Olympic Village, which will cost an extra €100 million.
The government is guaranteeing full funding and ensuring all competitions will take place on Italian soil between 6th and 22nd February 2026.
Image c/o Milan-Cortina 2026
Scottish Avalanche Information Service Suspended
11th February 2025
The organisation says that it is currently not needed as there is not enough snow.
SAIS reports for the six operational areas of Lochaber, Glencoe, Creag Meagaidh, Southern Cairngorms, Northern Cairngorms and Torridon regions are usually issued daily.
It has recorded 23 snow slides this winter.
The service’s co-ordinator Mark Diggins said at this point he would normally expect over 100.
“It is startling,” he said.
“We have had the same amount of precipitation, but it is the rapidity of temperature change and big storms that has caused the situation.
“You can’t have an avalanche without snow.”
See more in the John O’Groat Journal.
Glenshee, Scotland. Image c/o Simon Wilson.
Inghams Hosts Snow Camp Apprentices
10th February 2025
They come from London, the Midlands, the North-West and Scotland and are experiencing an incredible week in Val d’Isère thanks to the generosity of Inghams.
The Snow Camp charity offers a unique experience for each of them to gain an invaluable insight as to what it takes to work in the mountains, whilst gaining new skills, confidence, industry insight and memories to last a lifetime.
The the week coincides with National Apprenticeships Week in the UK.
Check out the Snow Camp social channels to see what they’re getting up to, or click here to read more on this unique partnership.
Snow Camp Image c/o PlanetSKI
More Avalanches in USA
9th February 2025
In Utah one person has died as three more are caught in a separate slide.
An avalanche near the ski resort of Alta a man.
Another avalanche near Park City Mountain buried three skiers, though none of them was hurt.
It follows a recent fall of around 30cm.
The authorities are urging extreme caution in the back country.
“We have a lot of concerns about the snowpack, and it’s going to remain dangerous for a while,” said local forecaster, Greg Gagne, to local media.
“It’s not going to heal in a day or two. It’s going to get a little harder and harder to trigger an avalanche over time, but this isn’t going to go away anytime soon.”
Alta, Utah. Image © PlanetSKI
In Jackson Hole in Wyoming seven skiers were caught but they manged to dig themselves out before the rescue services arrived.
The accident happened in the back country outside the resort’s boundary area.
Jackson, Wyoming. Image © PlanetSKI
PlanetSKI in Utah
6th February 2025
PlanetSKI reporter Nick Dalton is keeping up with world events.
Here he is in Deer Valley.
Image c/o Nick Dalton.
Look out for his reports for PlanetSKI shortly…
Another Fatal Avalanche in the Alps
3rd February 2025
The off piste skier was with a friend on the Bonneval-sur-Arc ski area in France in the Haute Maurienne region when an avalanche struck.
It was 200m wide and 1m deep.
It has been described as ‘massive’ by the authorities.
The friend found the victim using his avalanche transceiver and then raised the alarm.
He was beyond help and was pronounced dead at the scene.
After the recent snowfalls the authorities are urging people to exercise caution off piste and to carry all the necessary safety equipment.
Swiss Develop Device to Help Avalanche Forecasts
3rd February 2025
The Swiss Institute for Snow and Avalanche Research has granted a group of Swiss researchers a patent for a device named a ‘Snowimager’.
The device examines the length between different layers of snow in the snowpack.
According to the SLF, the device speeds up and standardises the process.
It has the potential to replace traditional, manual snow profiles in the long term.
Snow layers vary in density and the type of snow crystals.
Their boundaries and composition are crucial for avalanche warning services to identify weak layers, which can break spontaneously or under pressure.
The device uses invisible near-infrared light to analyse the density and grain size of snow layers.
See here for the full story on Swiss Info
Avalanche in the Alps. Image © PlanetSKI
Charlotte Bankes Takes Gold
1st February 2025
The GB snowboarder wins at the Beidahu Snowboard Cross World Cup.
Qualifying for Finals in first place, Bankes dominated throughout the competition.
She finished her Quarter and Semi Final races in first position, before executing a flawless Finals race to take her first World Cup podium of the season.
Up against Michela Moioli (ITA), Lea Casta (FRA), and Pia Zerkhold (AUT) in Finals, Bankes sat in third and fourth spot at each split in the Finals.
She came through in the final sector to take the 22nd World Cup victory of her career.
The result marks a second Chinese venue World Cup podium of the 29-year-old’s career, following a Silver medal winning performance at the 2021 Secret Garden World Cup.
Bankes will be back in action on Sunday in the second of the weekend’s Beidahu World Cup races.
Charlotte Bankes. Image credit Miha Matavz / FIS
Shortage of Avalanche Dog Handlers in Switzerland
1st February 2025
Training courses for handlers of avalanche dogs are struggling to recruit volunteers.
The dogs are essential to many rescue operations despite the advances in technology.
In the Valais canton, home to Verbier, Zermatt and other major resorts, there are around 50 trained dog handlers.
That’s 30% less than two decades ago.
The training course takes several days a week for three years.
“You have to be available to go into rescue work,” Yvan Morath, head of training for the French-speaking part of Valais, told Swiss public television, RTS.
“People prefer to do something else.”
“You have to commit yourself, attend compulsory training sessions and cantonal courses.”
Those interested in taking the course must also have a dog of a certain build as well as pass an entry test to meet certain requirements.
They need experience in the mountain environment and be physically fit.
They must have an excellent relation with their animal.
“People think that with today’s technology, dogs are no longer relevant,” added Morath.
“But in fact, they remain a key component of rescue operations.”
Switzerland. Image © PlanetSKI
FIS Freestyle Asian Cup Grows
1st February 2025
The International Ski & Snowboard Federation says the FIS Freestyle Asian Cup is entering a phase of expansion and stability.
It says there’s a refreshed calendar, new leadership, and groundbreaking venues.
The 2024/25 season launched in January, with Beida Lake, China, hosting aerial competitions on 7 January.
A week later, Almaty, Kazakhstan, continued the momentum with another prominent aerial event, further solidifying its status as a key freestyle venue.
The circuit is set to continue through February and March with three critical stops.
O2 Resort in South Korea will host moguls competitions on 13 and 14 February, followed by Sapporo Bankei in Japan on 1 and 2 March.
The season will conclude at Taira Ski Resort, also in Japan, with three consecutive days of action from 7 to 9 March.
New Cat Skiing in Deer Valley
1st February 2025
It promises to give skiers access to explore the resort’s new untouched terrain and starts in February 2025.
People have the option to reserve the entire snow cat operation for a private trip or book individual spots on a shared tour.
The private group option is available for $20,000 and accommodates up to 12 guests.
The per-seat option is available for $2,000.
The day begins at 8 a.m. in the 2002 Room at Deer Valley’s Snow Park Lodge, where breakfast by Deer Valley Etc. awaits.
After breakfast, the group heads to the Silver Lake Express lift to ski a quick warm-up run on Bald Mountain.
Then the group ascends to the top of Bald Mountain and skis off the backside into Park Peak Meadow.
At the bottom of this run, a Deer Valley snowcat awaits to transport guests to an untouched haven of exclusive skiing.
With a second snowcat stationed at the bottom of each run, skiers enjoy seamless transitions back to the summit for more exhilarating descents.
The snowcats are equipped with stocked coolers, offering guests snacks and refreshments to keep them energized throughout the day.
The day ends around 2 p.m at the Silver Lake Base Area.
More information on how to book your spot is available at deervalley.com/things-to-do/activities/deer-valley-cat-skiing.
Deer Valley, Utah. Image © PlanetSKI
La Plagne with Ski France
1st February 2025
La Plagne is in the Paradiski and offers 425 km of pistes across seven peaks.
There is also more than 180 km of cross-country paths and 40 km of ski touring trails.
Explore the different villages, take in the spectacular views, dine on delicious Alpine cuisine, and enjoy a well-deserved drink at the end of the day.
The self-catered apartments at Les Lodges des Alpages, have a ski-in, ski-out position near the central square of Plagne Soleil, and are a short, free shuttle ride from Plagne Centre.
Most of the apartments offer guests a terrace, and all come with a balcony and views of the resort and the mountains beyond.
A week’s stay, from 8 February 2025, costs from £1,875 total / £312 pp for up to six people sharing a one-bedroom cabin room apartment. Flights, transfers and lift pass extra.
La Plagne: https://en.la-plagne.com
Ski France (0203 475 4756, www.skifrance.co.uk)
La Plagne
