Ski News in Brief

1st October 2025

Last modified on October 29th, 2025

– VIP Offers Free Val d’Isere Lift Pass
– New Resort Set to Become Asia’s Largest
– Rossignol Expands Partnership with FWT
– Several Major Ski Equipment Companies Investigated
– More Americans Visit Switzerland…UPDATED

VIP Offers Free Val d’Isere Lift Pass

29th October 2025

Celebrate the start of the ski season with a free Val d’Isere lift pass with VIP SKI.

Book any Val d’Isere chalet for the weeks of 30th November or 7th December 2025 and VIP SKI will include a free 6-day Espace Killy lift pass.

No. 5 Bellevarde is a traditional stone-and-timber chalet in a prime ski-in, ski-out location, just a short stroll from the heart of Val d’Isère.

It is by the Santons piste that is only a few steps from the ski room door.

A gentle green/blue run leads down to the Olympique lift and ski school, though a driver service is also on hand.

The return at the end of the day offers options via red or black runs, or a short traverse across open snowfields, with easy access by foot or pick-up from La Daille if needed.

A seven night stay at No. Bellevarde, arriving 7 December 2025 is priced from £1,184 pp based on two sharing a room on a catered chalet basis, this includes transfers from Geneva and a six day Espace Killy lift pass.

VIP SKI (020 3538 3437, www.vip-chalets.com)

Val d’Isere, France. Image © PlanetSKI

New Resort Set to Become Asia’s Largest

26th October 2025

Ala-Too Resort in Kyrgyzstan is planning to open in December 2026 and will span three mountain zones and will eventually offer 250km of trails and 4km of lift infrastructure.

The resort’s initial phase will launch on the Jyrgalan peak, featuring newly built Doppelmayr gondolas, ski runs, and accommodation.

Ala-Too’s design blends modern ski facilities with Kyrgyz cultural elements, including an ethnovillage and wellness centres.

The resort will operate for up to seven months a year, using a mix of natural and artificial snow, and aims to meet international environmental standards.

It marks another step in Asia’s emergence as a winter sports destination.

Rossignol Expands Partnership with FWT

24th October 2025

Rossignol Snowboard joins Dynastar, Lange, Look, and Kerma as an Official Partner of the FWT through to 2028.

Rossignol Group signs a three-year agreement with the FWT through the 2028 season.
The partnership includes all FWT Pro events as well as the first-ever FIS Freeride World Championships in 2026 and a series of in-house Junior and Qualifier events.
FWT staff will be equipped with Dynastar skis and Look bindings, Lange boots, Kerma poles and Rossignol snowboards, snowboard boots and snowboard bindings throughout the duration of the partnership.

The partnership spans all six FWT Pro stops, along with a range of FWT Junior events, including Verbier Freeride Week, Bruson Freeride Week, and the Kappl Junior World Championships.

It also includes Official Supplier status for the inaugural FIS Freeride World Championships Andorra 2026, where the Rossignol Group will play a role in supporting the global freeride community at the sport’s highest level.

As part of the agreement, the Rossignol Group will provide in-kind product contributions across its portfolio, equipping FWT staff, media, and partners with premium skis, snowboards, boots, bindings, and poles throughout the season.

Rossignol Snowboards continues to be the brand of choice for top FWT athletes.

Verbier Xtreme, Image c/o @Freeride World Tour + JBernard.

These include Anna Martinez (FRA), Enzo Nilo (FRA), and Michael Mawn (USA), as well as former FWT Champion Ludovic Guillot-Diat (FRA), winner of the 2023 Snowboard Men title, and Xavier de Le Rue (FRA), a three-time FWT Champion, Marion Haerty (FRA), a four-time FWT Champions, both icons of freeride competition.

Their ongoing trust in Rossignol reflects the brand’s performance, durability, and legacy in elite freeride competition.

“The Rossignol Group has been a cornerstone of innovation and performance in the mountains for decades,” said the FWT Founder and CEO, Nicolas Hale-Woods.

“We’re proud to deepen this relationship and welcome Rossignol snowboards as an official partner brand, solidifying our shared commitment to the progression of freeride skiing and snowboarding worldwide.”

Xtreme Verbier. Image © Freeride World Tour/J Bernard

About the FWT

FWT Management SA is based in Verbier, Switzerland, and has been organizing premier sports events globally in mountain resorts since 1996.

The company founded the Xtreme Verbier, an iconic event in freeride skiing and snowboarding and, in 2008, it turned this single competition into a prestigious series of worldwide events, called the Freeride World Tour (FWT).

The company has since grown to include multiple competition series that fall under the FWT brand – including FWT Challenger, FWT Qualifier and FWT Junior – with events across all formats taking place in Europe, North America, South America and Oceania.

Since December 2022, FWT is part of the International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS).

Several Major Ski Equipment Companies Investigated

23rd October 2025

The European Commission is carrying out unannounced inspections at several ski equipment companies suspected of violating antitrust rules.

The companies have not been named.

Officials are looking for potential cartel and restrictive business practices with the help of local authorities, the Commission said in a statement.

The regulator explained that the companies “may have violated EU antitrust rules that prohibit cartels and restrictive business practices.”

The inspections were carried out in coordination with national authorities across member states.

The Commission emphasized that the operation marks an early stage of the inquiry and does not imply that the companies involved are guilty of wrongdoing.

According to Bloomberg, any company ultimately found in breach of EU competition laws could face substantial penalties, with fines reaching up to 10% of annual global turnover.

The European Commission’s probe adds to a growing list of actions by EU antitrust enforcers seeking to maintain fair competition across industries.

Marcel Hirscher Pulls Out of Opening Race

22nd October 2025

The Austrian-born Dutch ski racer has withdrawn from this weekend’s World Cup opener in Sölden, Austria.

The 36-year old is suffering from a virus that has kept him off snow for the past three weeks.

He made his comeback last season after retiring in 2019 and then ruptured his ACL in training and was out for the season.

Hirscher out for season after tearing ACL

He has recently been training on an artificial indoor slope in Germany and on real snow in Zermatt Switzerland.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Marcel Hirscher (@marcel__hirscher)

Hirscher is back on snow

According to his team, the decision is a precautionary one rather than a setback, with his focus on the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics.

Hirscher has World Cup wins and has eight overall World Cup championships.

He has won two Olympic golds, in combined and giant slalom at the 2018 Pyeongchang Games, plus a silver in slalom at the 2014 Sochi Games.

More Americans Visit Switzerland

20th October 2025

The number of visitors to Switzerland from the United States has rebounded strongly since Covid.

Since the pandemic, their numbers have increased every year.

In 2023 overnight stays by Americans rose by 26%, and in summer 2024 they booked almost 3.5 million overnights – almost 300,000 more than the previous year.

In the winter more Americans are coming, in part as a number of major Swiss resorts are on the Epic Pass offered by Vail Resorts or the Ikon Pass from Alterra.

Epic Pass:

Andermatt
Crans-Montana
Verbier

Ikon Pass

Zermatt

Zermatt, Switzerland. Image c/o PlanetSKI.

Zermatt Lift Company Takes £102m in Sales

16th October 2025

For the first time in its 23-year history, Zermatt Bergbahnen AG has achieved sales in excess of CHF 100 million – that’s £102.5m.

The Matterhorn Glacier Paradise also set a new record with 897,268 visitors to the Klein Matterhorn.

The winter of 2024/25 yielded a record result for transport revenue.

The dynamic pricing system and an increase in first-time entries of over 8% were major factors in the success, along with good weather conditions with plenty of sunshine.

“The season got off to a positive start thanks to early natural snowfall in November,” said a statement from the lift company.

“However, visitor numbers were subdued from the beginning of December through to the festive holiday period.

“A lack of natural snow and poor snowmaking conditions (in terms of temperatures and wind) further exacerbated the situation.

“After Christmas, the resort enjoyed perfect weather for snow sports and a wonderful winter atmosphere.

“January, February and March saw a marked surge in growth.

“This trend was only disrupted by the difficult period over Easter, with heavy snowfalls and a 48-hour power outage which cut the town off from the outside world.”

Zermatt hit by flash floods

Zermatt Bergbahnen achieved an increase in first-time entries in the 2024/25 winter season, with a rise from 1.3 million to 1.4 million or 8.4% over the mostly stable figures of previous years.

At the same time, sales rose by 12.2% from CHF 63.8 million to CHF 71.5 million compared with the winter of 2023/24.

Zermatt, Switzerland. Image c/o PlanetSKI.

Remains of Heliskier Identified

15th October 2025

The remains of a heli-skier killed in March in Alaska in an avalanche have been identified as 39-year-old David Linder of Florida, according to an Alaska State Trooper dispatch.

Two other men were killed in the avalanche but their remains have not yet been found, troopers say.

Mr Linder’s body was recently found as we reported earlier:

Body of missing heliskier found in Alaska

The remains of the two other men involved in the slide, 39-year-old Charles Eppard of Montana and 38-year-old Jeremy Leif of Minnesota, have not yet been identified.

Next of kin have been informed.

Mammut Sponsors FIS Freeride World Championships

14th October 2025

Mammut has been named as the Presenting Sponsor of FIS Freeride World Championships Andorra 2026

Mammut will serve as the event’s official clothing, backpack, airbag & safety (DVA, Probe, Shovel) Partner, reinforcing its dedication to mountain safety by outfitting riders and staff with snow safety equipment.

Freeride World Tour. Image c/o @freerideworldtour+ D.DAHER.

Set to take place from February 1–6, 2026, in the technical terrain of Ordino Arcalís, Andorra, the event marks the inaugural edition of the FIS Freeride World Championships, a new pinnacle in the sport sanctioned by the International Ski and Snowboard Federation, FIS.

Freeride World Tour. Image c/o @freerideworldtour+ D.DAHER.

This single-event championship will officially crown the FIS Freeride World Champions in freeride skiing and snowboarding.

Arcalis, Andorra. Image © PlanetSKI

Several Mammut-supported athletes will be competing in Andorra, further highlighting the brand’s deep roots in the freeride community.

Among them are Astrid Cheylus (FRA), Justine Dufour-Lapointe (CAN), Cesar Barin (FRA) and Oscar Mandin (FRA), all equipped with Mammut backpacks and safety equipment.

This partnership sets a strong foundation for the launch of the FIS Freeride World Championships, combining elite athleticism with a steadfast focus on safety, technical apparel and mountain culture.

Arcalis, Andorra. Image © PlanetSKI

“Safety should always be the top priority for athletes pushing their limits in freeride sports,” said the CEO of Mammut, Heiko Schäfer.

“For decades, Mammut has supported athletes and riders worldwide, providing them with the tools they need to tackle any terrain safely, no matter how challenging.

We are thrilled to partner with the FIS Freeride World Championships Andorra 2026, equipping all athletes and staff with our advanced technical apparel and safety gear to set new standards for protection and performance at this landmark event.”

About Mammut

Mammut is a Swiss outdoor company founded in 1862 that offers mountain sports enthusiasts worldwide high-quality products and unique brand experiences.

For 160 years, the world’s leading mountain sports brand has stood for safety and pioneering innovation.

Mammut products combine functionality and performance with contemporary design. With its combination of hard goods, footwear, and clothing, Mammut is one of the complete suppliers in the outdoor market.

Mammut Sports Group AG is active in around 40 countries and employs approx. 850 people.

£100 Bar Tab from VIP SKI

13th October 2025

Book a stay at the Bear Lodge in Arc 1950 this February and receive a €100 bar tab per room, with VIP SKI

VIP SKI are currently offering guests a €100 bar tab per room when booking one of The Bear Lodge’s 30 luxury bedrooms, for the week starting 8 February.

Mingle with others and relax at Bear Lodge’s stylish lounge after an idyllic day in Les Arcs and let VIP SKI cover the bar tab.

Families can choose from double or twin rooms, interconnecting family rooms and large rooms with bunks (children in bunks pay half price), all with en-suite bathrooms and many with stunning piste side views.

A seven night stay at the Bear Lodge, arriving 8 February, is priced from £2,024 pp based on two sharing a room on a catered chalet basis, this includes return transfers and a €100 bar tab.

VIP SKI (020 8001 018, www.vip-chalets.com)

Bear Lodge, Arc 1950. Image © PlanetSKI

New Indoor Ski Slope at Luton Hoo

12th October 2025

A state-of-the-art indoor snowsport training centre is to launch at Luton Hoo Estate on the Beds-Herts border.

InPiste will offer year-round training for skiers and snowboarders of all abilities, combining the Infinity Piste rolling slope with SkyTech Sport precision carving simulators.

There are:

Personalised lessons
Instant feedback
Data-driven performance analysis

InPiste is designed to support everyone:

Families preparing for their first ski holiday
Experienced athletes maintaining peak performance outside the winter season

InPiste Coach with young student on Infinity Piste. Image c/o Infinity Piste.

In addition to building skills, InPiste will provide an environment for maintaining fitness and ski and snowboard specific conditioning all year, as well as supporting injury rehabilitation through controlled, adjustable training sessions.

InPiste will provide all equipment needed, but visitors are welcome to bring their own ski or snowboarding boots for a familiar feel.

Training on the SkyTech Sport Simulator. Image c/o Infinity Piste.

The centre has free parking and the ‘Après Zone’, a dedicated lounge area offering a space to recover, review training feedback, or connect with coaches off the piste.

For parents and supporters, a viewing area provides the chance to watch sessions up close.

All sessions can be booked online for convenience with discounts for multi-lesson bookings.

Opening Date
– Saturday 18th October 2025.

Image c/o Infinity Piste.

Body of Missing Skier Found in Alaska

10th October 2025

Two other bodies are yet to be found after three American men died in an avalanche while heliskiing seven months ago.

They were buried under 30m of snow.

We reported on it at the time on PlanetSKI:

Three heliskiers die in avalanche in Alaska

David Linder, 39, Charles Eppard, 39, and Jeremy Leif, 38, were heliskiing together on March 4th when they were swept away by an avalanche.

Volunteers from the Alaska Mountain Rescue Group and Girdwood Volunteer Fire Department have now located the body of one of the men.

The remains have been taken to the state medical examiner’s office for identification.

Avalanche warning. Image © PlanetSKI

Surbiton Ski Sunday

9th October 2025

A winter event which involves skiing, a soup party and the odd bathtub rolling down the “slope” is set to return to South London.

Surbiton Ski Sunday takes place at St Mark’s Hill, near the Pickled Pantry in Surbiton, from 11am to 1pm on Sunday, October 12th.

It has been running since 2009.

The event typically sees between 30 and 50 participants tie blocks of ice to their feet and use two wooden poles as crutches, before sliding down a slippery lino along the road.

As many as 500 people come along to watch and laugh at the event.

It is followed by The King’s Soup at Claremont Gardens from 1.15pm to 4.30pm, with participants asked to bring their own soup bowl and a leek or potato for the pot.

The events are free and the skiing is open to anyone over the age of 18.

See more here: Surbiton Ski Sunday

“Surbiton Ski Sunday is a way to free up skiing from a sport of privilege and make it fun for everyone,” said organiser, Robin Hutchinson.

“The whole idea is to raise a smile and bring together the community, if you can get people laughing together, you have a chance.

“It’s just this ridiculous idea that instead of tying wood under your feed to slide down ice, if you tied two logs of ice under your feet, you could ski on anything.

“People actually come from as far as Sweden and Germany to take part.”

Image c/o Robin Hutchinson.

Three Climbers Die in Avalanche in Slovenia

7th October 2025

The three Croatian climbers were struck by an avalanche in the Julian Alps.

The men set off despite warnings of bad weather.

The body of one was found on Sunday before rescuers had to suspend the operation due to bad conditions.

A team of 45 rescuers continued the search on Monday and found the bodies of the other two climbers.

Snow fell on the mountains across south-east Europe last week.

“There has been quite a bit of snow … and conditions are extremely challenging so I advise against any trip to the mountains, as we do not want to put mountain rescuers and helicopter crews in danger,” said the Slovenia Interior Minister, Bostjan Poklukar.

Snowsport England Offers New Members Package

7th October 2025

Members can enjoy exclusive rewards, super savings and winter sports insurance with the new Snowsport England membership programme.

There’s money to be saved on winter sports holidays – from ferry crossings to flights, ski gear to winter tyres.

Discounts are available year-round, with up to 50% off big name brands including Adidas, Columbia, Berghaus and Nike, plus savings on Aviva, Hotel planner, Snowtrax, Garmin, Rayban, Michelin tyres, Irish Ferries and dozens more.

Membership also opens the door to a community of snowsports enthusiasts, with opportunities for every ability level to train alongside Snowsport England coaches through clubs and gives access to a full pathway for progression – from recreational sessions through to professional ski and snowboard coaching courses, as well as talent squads for up-and-coming athletes.

All membership fees invested back into growth and development of snowsports across England – from grassroots to elite levels.

There are a number of membership tiers to choose from – ranging from £19.99 (Blue level) to £119.99 (Black level) – each offering different benefits and insurance cover options.

All members benefit from public liability and professional indemnity worldwide with the option to upgrade to Blue membership to gain personal accident benefits in the UK and Europe.

In addition, Black level members get travel insurance for two weeks in Europe – with the option to extend up to four months.

“Our new membership packages mark an exciting step forward for Snowsport England,” said the CEO of Snowsport England, James Arnold.

“These offerings reflect our commitment to making snowsports more accessible and rewarding than ever before.

“Whether you are new to skiing and snowboarding or already a keen snowsports enthusiast, we have great value packages to meet your needs.

“Membership doesn’t just provide you with benefits – it’s a fantastic way to give back to the snowsports community, as your money will support the growth and development of the sport for the future.”

For more information or to join the Snowsport England community, visit www.snowsportengland.org.uk/membership/

Image c/o Snowsport England.

About Snowsport England

Snowsport England is the national governing body for snowsports (skiing and snowboarding) in England.

Its vision is to inspire participation in snowsports at every level – a strategy designed with long-term impact in mind and incorporating three fundamental strands: leadership, participation and talent.

Swiss Glaciers in Rapid Decline

6th October 2025

Dr Matthias Huss first visited Rhône Glacier in Switzerland 35 years ago.

“It’s really difficult to grasp the extent of this melt,”he said on his latest visit.

Now, images show how the glaciers of Switzerland have disappeared over the last three decades, from the ground and space.

See more on the BBC.

US Government Shutdown Impacts National Parks

5th October 2025

Conservationists have urged visitors to stay away from US national parks, as they called for the scenic attractions to close during the government shutdown.

The National Parks Conservation Association said skeleton staffing means visitors will be “probably on your own” with limited facilities available to them.

The National Park Service oversees 433 sites.

Conservation groups and former rangers have objected to the sites being kept open during the shutdown.

They say it puts both visitors and park resources at risk.

The Trump administration kept national parks open during the last shutdown in 2018.

It led to vandalism, as some visitors drove through protected landscapes, looted historical sites and left litter.

See more on the BBC.

FIS Expands Presence in Asia

3rd October 2025

The International Ski & Snowboard Federation has signed Memorandums of Understanding with the Hong Kong and the Shanghai Pudong Ski Associations.

New indoor facilities, in Guangzhou, Shenzhen and Shanghai, respectively, have been opened and certified by FIS for international standards.

This marks a step forward for winter sports across the continent, providing budding athletes with access to snow during the summer months and enabling Asian nations to train on approved courses.

“Asia, and China in particular, play an important role in FIS operations.,” said FIS Director for Development Programs, Dimitrije Lazarovski.

“All federations have expressed strong interest and committed to supporting FIS Development initiatives all over the continent, with a focus on Alpine Skiing, Snowboard, and potentially Cross-Country.”

The Ski Association of Hong Kong (SAHK) signed the same MoU with Bonski, who operates some of the largest indoor ski facilities in China, particularly the new Huafa Snow World in Shenzhen, which is now the largest in the world.

As a result, SAHK will be able to operate activities such as FIS training, competitions, educational programs, and safety programs, all over mainland China.

See more here on the FIS web site

The Hakuba Valley, Japan. Image © PlanetSKI

Two Events Set to be Axed From Olympics

2nd October 2025

Snowboard Parallel Giant Slalom & Nordic Combined will be at Milan-Cortina 2026, but they may not make it to France for the 2030 Olympics.

Parallel giant slalom and Nordic combined have been “approved postponement” by the executive board.

The news from a meeting between the French Alps 2030 Organising Committee and the International Olympic Committee Executive Board.

The move follows a recommendation by the Olympic Program Commission, following a review that was launched in June 2024 done to “shape a discipline program that is balanced, youth-focused, and cost-efficient.”

The final decision will be made after data from Milan-Cortina is evaluated and taken into consideration.

Disciplines are constantly under review with new ones added, so others have to make way.

Hope for Under 30s Wanting to Work in Ski Resorts

1st October 2025

The Labour Chancellor, Rachel Reeves, is pushing for an “ambitious” youth migration deal with the EU.

The Chancellor said an exchange scheme for young workers would be “good for the economy, good for growth and good for business”.

The UK agreed to work towards a “youth experience visa” with the EU in May this year but the specifics of the scheme are still being negotiated.

Glimmer of hope for would-be UK ski seasonaires

One of the consequences of the UK leaving the EU was the end of British people being able to work freely in Europe.

As well as the EU it included other ski nations including Norway and Switzerland that are outside the EU, but inside the Schengen area.

The UK is not in the Schengen customs area.

It had a damaging impact on young people from the UK who wanted to work in ski resorts, as we have reported:

Students at the Fresh Tracks Chalet Hosting & Cookery School. Image © Fresh Tracks

Skim City – London’s First Ski Skimming Event

1st October 2025

A massive snowsports event in London? On a Saturday? In October? Involving water?

Welcome to Skim City: London’s (and possibly the world’s) first urban ski skimming event.

New Zealand-born icebreaker – the leader of merino wool activewear – has arrived in the UK with a 30th anniversary to celebrate.

And they’re really going for it: by teaching the brave and the bold of the UK public to launch themselves across a frosty eight-metre pool wearing only skis and the brand’s moisture-managing base layers.

Ideally, without ending up neck-deep in cold water.

But it’s a very real possibility/certainty.

Taking place beneath London’s Tower Bridge and on top of tonnes of real snow, the best of the UK’s snowsports community will gather to show the crowds how it’s done, but also to tutor would-be pond riders towards skimming success.

Public tutorials will become available to book too, so feel free to bring along anyone else to give it a go.

Here are the details:

WHAT: Icebreaker’s Skim City

WHEN: 12-6pm, Saturday 11 October 2025

WHERE: Potters Fields Park, SE1 2UD

Here’s how to sign up.

Image c/o Icebreaker

Gries Glacier Melt Continues

1st October 2025

Switzerland’s Gries Glacier is melting at a frightening pace as climate change accelerates unprecedented ice melt nationwide, one expert says.

Between September 2024 and September 2025, the 5km-long ice cap, situated in Obergoms, Switzerland, has lost approximately six metres of ice, according to Matthias Huss, the Director of Glacier Monitoring Switzerland (GLAMOS).

“This is a dying glacier,” Huss said on a research expedition at the glacier.

“Where we are standing, there will be no ice maybe five years from now,” he added.

Though Huss said it will take roughly four or five decades for ice at higher altitudes of Gries to dissipate, he noted that consecutive dry years and warm summers have been key drivers to recent ice melt – adding that “much more snow” is needed to counteract those effects.

GLAMOS reports that around 100 glaciers have vanished between 2016 and 2022 in Switzerland alone.