December’s Ski News in Brief

Ski Patroller Dies in Mammoth Mountain

30th December 2025

“The mountain was where Cole felt most alive. It was his place of purpose, his community, and his second home. Serving on ski patrol wasn’t just a role for him—it was a calling,” said Murphy’s family in a statement.

“To his ski patrol family, the ones who worked beside him, had confidence in him, and shared a bond shaped by snow, service, and unwavering camaraderie: thank you for loving him as one of your own.

That brotherhood meant more to him than words can ever express.”

The second patroller involved in the accident underwent a successful surgery and is recovering from his injuries, according to Mammoth Resort.

Back in February, another ski patroller died after being injured by an avalanche while doing mitigation work on the mountain.

 

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A post shared by Mammoth Mountain (@mammothmountain)

Five Year Old Boy Dies in Travelator Accident in Japan

30th December 2025

Hinata Goto was about to step off the travelator at a resort on Hokkadio island when he fell down and his right arm became trapped in the machinery.

The travelator was equipped with a safety mechanism, to deal with such a situation, but it failed to activate.

The machine stopped when the boy’s mother hit the emergency button.

Rescue workers spent 40 minutes trying to free the boy, who fell unconscious.

He was pronounced dead at a local hospital.

The Asarigawa Onsen Ski Resort in Otaru said that the travelator’s safety mechanism had worked earlier in the day.

The travelator was installed six years ago.

It is about 30m long and 60cm wide, with no hand rails.

It connects the resort’s car park to the ski slopes.

An investigations is under way.

Skiers on Mt Etna as it Erupts

28th December 2025

Huge plumes of ash and smoke were filmed erupting from Mount Etna, Sicily on 27 December as skiers used the slopes below.

Scientists at the Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia said volcanic activity at the site, which frequently erupts, had intensified, with craters continuously emitting ash.

In response, scientists issued a red Volcano Observatory Notice for Aviation, its highest level, though authorities said flights would continue to operate normally at a nearby airport unless ashfall increased.

Rendezvous Music Festival Returns to Jackson Hole

28th December 2025

The Rendezvous Music Festival will return to Jackson Hole on 28th March 2026, bringing a lineup of artists to the resort.

The 2026 edition will be headlined by Grammy Award-winning The Flaming Lips, alongside the jam-band Umphrey’s McGee and an opening set from DJ Blake Horseman.

The weekend’s celebrations begin a day earlier on Friday, 27 March, when skiers and music fans alike can ski directly to a free Souls of Mischief concert beneath the Jackson Hole Tram.

The performance marks the finale of the resort’s Road to Rendezvous music series, setting the stage for the main event.

General Admission tickets are priced from £30/$41 pp.

For those seeking an elevated experience, VIP tickets offer premium amenities including private viewing areas, an open bar, complimentary food and drink, and locally sourced cuisine and cost from £337/$452 pp.

Availability for VIP tickets is limited.

A three-night stay at Parkway Inn of Jackson Hole departing 26th March 2026 costs from £481 total for four people sharing a superior double queen room.

Jackson Hole: www.jacksonhole.com/

Jackson, Wyoming. Image © PlanetSKI

Telluride Ski Patrollers Strike on Saturday

26th December 2025

The US resort will be closed as the strike takes place.

It follows months of failed contract talks between patrollers and the resort management team.

The patrollers voted overwhelmingly to strike after negotiations over wages, benefits and staffing stalled, and the resort said it would close while it develops a plan to reopen safely.

The news was reported on Xmas Eve.

Weekend & Short Break Skiing with Absolutely Snow

26th December 2025

The ski operator specialises in weekend and short break skiing.

They are one of the fastest growing types of skiing as people maximise their time on snow and use up less time off work

Check out its live online booking system here.

Absolutely Snow offers a flexible approach to a ski holiday.

You chose where you want to fly from, what dates you want to travel, where you want to stay – narrow this down by clicking locations on the left-hand side of the search results.

Then add transfers or car hire, ski passes, and ski hire if you want to.

There are some great deals to be had.

For Pas de la Casa in Andorra flights, transfers, accommodation, ski pass and ski hire come in at £795 per person – take a look here 

Pas de la Casa, Andorra. Image © PlanetSKI

See more:

• Absolutely Snow in Andorra

Former German Footballer Dies in Chairlift Fall

24th December 2025

Sebastian Hertner, 34, fell from a lift in Montenegro after a double chairlift detached from its cable in the resort of Savin Kuk and collided with the chair behind it.

He died at the scene.

His 30-year-old wife was trapped in the chair and was rescued by emergency services.

She suffered a broken leg.

At least three other tourists are claimed to have been left stranded in their chairs for several hours.

Rescue teams were able to bring those people down safely.

The former defender played professionally in Germany, representing clubs including 1860 Munich, Erzgebirge Aue and Darmstadt in the second division.

An investigation is underway with the mayor saying “We insist on a comprehensive and transparent investigation to determine who is responsible.”

Increase in Flights to Smaller Ski Nations

23rd December 2025

Scandinavia, Slovenia and Poland are seeing a rise as the number of flights to the traditional ski destinations of Switzerland, France and Austria are down this winter.

The reduction in the number of flights and seats from the UK to the three alpine countries is disclosed in latest data produced by aviation analytics firm, Cirium.

Flights to Switzerland are down 3% year on year, France by 1.5% and Austria by 5%

By contrast air links to less traditional ski locations have increased, with Slovenia up 63.5% over last winter; northern Italy seeing a 9.3% rise; Poland 6.3% and the Nordic region 4.8%.

• New charter flight to Norway for 2025/26 season

• Skiing in Norway is this the season to visit?

Heading to the Arctic Circle, Norway. Image © PlanetSKI

28,052 flights are scheduled to depart UK airports for airports serving The Alps – almost million seats across the December 1 – April 30 winter sports season.

The most popular airport gateways to The Alps are Geneva, Zurich and Munich.

Heathrow has the largest number of departures, followed by Gatwick, Manchester, Stansted and Luton.

EasyJet is projected to be the largest airline to The Alps, followed by British Airways, Ryanair and Swiss.

The busiest single day for departures is February 14, the first day of school half term for much of the country, with 336 flights due to depart, equating to more than 62,000 seats.

March is projected to be the busiest month, with 6,249 flights scheduled, representing more than 1.1 million seats, according to Cirium.

International Hot Air Balloon Event Returns to Filzmoos

17th December 2025

The Austrian ski resort in SalzburgerLand will once again host the spectacular event in early 2026.

From 10 to 24 January, more than 50 teams from different countries will take part in the traditional International Hot Air Balloon Weeks.

It’s one of the world’s oldest and largest balloon festivals.

It begins with the Night of Balloons on Saturday 10 January.

The children’s and family programme opens at 4pm in the village square.  From 6pm the ballons will be assembled and then launched from the Hammerwiese, the Filzmoos Balloon Airfield. The evening will include music and fireworks.

The 17th Hanneshof Balloon Trophy – Austria’s largest balloon meeting – is from 10-17 January.

The 47th International Balloon Week – Austria’s oldest balloon meeting – is from 17-24  January.

As well as the competition , the public will also be able to experience balloon flights, with two-hour flights available from €298 per person.  There are also ‘balloon & ski’ packages.

Booking details and further information can be found here.

PlanetSKI Has Shrunk

17th December 2025

As we begin a 2-month ski trip in Canada it appears our editor, James Cove, has somewhat diminished in size.

“Apart from an RV I don’t think I have ever driven a vehicle where my nose just about reaches the top of the side mirror.”

PlanetSKI’s Chevrolet Silverado for our 2-month Canadian ski trip. Image © PlanetSKI

“Back in the UK I drive a 2-seater Mazda MX5 sports car which would almost fit in the back behind the driver’s cab.

“But there’s going to be a bit of mileage involved as we head round to report on some of the finest resorts that Alberta and British Columbia have to offer, so it seems an appropriate vehicle is needed.

“It’s a Chevrolet Silverado – armed with winter tyres, 4×4 drive and a 2.7L Turbo Max engine (whatever that is).”

PlanetSKI’s Chevrolet Silverado for our 2-month Canadian ski trip. Image © PlanetSKI

PlanetSKI’s Chevrolet Silverado for our 2-month Canadian ski trip. Image © PlanetSKI

PlanetSKI’s Chevrolet Silverado for our 2-month Canadian ski trip. Image © PlanetSKI

And for the petrol-heads amoung you:

• 310 hp [231 kW] @ 5600 rpm
• 430 lb-ft of torque [583 Nm] @ 3000 rpm
• Paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission

Ahead of Xmas, The Beast will be taking us round Lake Louise, Sunshine Village and Mt Norquay in Alberta.

After that, who knows.

A few more resorts in Alberta – Castle Mountain, Marmot Basin, Kanaskis, Powderkeg and Fortress Mountain.

Then into BC with Kicking Horse, Revelstoke, Fernie, Panorama, Red, Whitewater and Sun Peaks on the agenda.

We have taken the precaution of obtaining an Indy Pass that gives access to a whole bunch of small and independent resorts that we have never heard of.

Mainly we are going to be following our nose and finding the powder.

The Beast should be up to the task.

Canada awaits…

Glencoe Mountain Sells Ski Chairs

16th December 2025

The Scottish resort raised £36,000 as 120 chairs from the centre’s former access chairlift went for £300 each.

They were sold at the weekend and the resort said demand was huge with people travelling from across the country to but a slice of Scottish ski history.

The ski centre had only intended to sell 107 chairs, but it said that as it did not want to leave anyone disappointed it had sold an additional 13 that it had intended to keep.

The money raised will go towards the £200,000 refurbishment and upgrading of the new lift

Glencoe ski chairs. Image c/o Glencoe Mountain.

Poor Domestic Ticket Sales for 2026 Winter Olympics

16th December 2025

Domestic interest is well below expectations and a local market that is still not responding at the required pace according to media reports.

Just over 850,000 tickets have been sold so far of 1.5m that are available.

“That’s normal, local fans get interested closer to the date”, said the Chief Executive of the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics, Andrea Varnier.

International tickets sales are said to be nearer to predictions.

See more on Inside the Games.

7 Athletes Switch Nationality for 2026 Olympics

14th December 2025

Two move from representing to Canada to competing for Great Britain.

One is the Canadian, Caoimhe Heavey, who will represent Great Britain in freestyle skiing.

The Canadian, Dylan Morse, also joins the British team and will compete in the luge.

The approvals were formalised after verifying that each athlete met the criteria on national representation set out in Article 41 of the Olympic Charter

Article 41 governs both nationality requirements and possible waiting periods for those who have previously competed for another country.

Others are:

• In bobsleigh, Davidson Henrique De Souza moves from representing Canada to competing for Brazil.
• In figure skating, the Canadian, Laurence Fournier Beaudry, will compete under the flag of France.
• In alpine skiing, New Zealander Piera Hudson will compete for the United Arab Emirates. skiing.
• In ski jumping, Louis Obersteiner, an Austrian ski jumper who will compete for France.
• In Alpine skiing Nathan Tchibozó, moves from Togo to Benin.

See more on Inside the Games

Image c/o Milan-Cortina 2026

Christina Aguilera to Close Ischgl

12th December 2025

She will perform at the ‘Top of the Mountain Closing Concert’ on Saturday, May 2, 2026.

The seven-time Grammy Award winner, known as “Xtina,” will bring her stunning vocal range and a catalogue of chart-topping hits to the open-air stage on the Idalp.

The venue is situated at 2,320m and the concert closes the season.

Image Copyright © TVB Paznaun-Ischgl

The concert is a highlight of the resort’s “Spring Blanc” event series and is expected to draw tens of thousands of music and ski fans for a spectacular season finale.

“Christina Aguilera is an artist who has shaped and redefined the pop genre. Her unmistakable voice, her versatility, and her consistent stance on social issues make her an icon of modern pop culture,” stated a representative for the organizers.

“Her performance will crown the season finale and set new standards even in Ischgl’s legendary concert history.”

Aguilera joins an impressive roster of international stars who have previously graced the high-alpine stage in Ischgl, including Elton John, Tina Turner, Pink, Robbie Williams, and Mariah Carey.

PlanetSKI has seen several of the concerts including Elton John and Robbie Williams.

Robbie Williams. Image © PlanetSKI

Event Details:

• What: Top of the Mountain Closing Concert 2026
• Who: Christina Aguilera
• When: Saturday, May 2, 2026
• Where: Ischgl Stage on the Idalp, Ischgl, Austria
• Concert Start: 1:00 PM (13:00)

Access to the concert area requires a valid ski pass for the day, which includes the cost of admission to the show.

Tickets are now on sale, and given the star power, a high demand is anticipated for the final event of the winter sports season.

New Chair & Board Members for Cairngorm Mountain

11th December 2025

A new chair and two directors are set to join the board of Cairngorm Mountain (Scotland) Ltd (CMSL), the company that operates the popular mountain resort near Aviemore.

Mark Tate, former chief executive of the Cairngorms Business Partnership, is the new chair.

The two new directors are former Winter Olympian Lesley McKenna and Mountaineering Scotland snowsports director Alistair Todd.

Each of the appointments is for three years starting from January 2026.

See here for more:

New 8-Seater Chairlift for Zermatt

11th December 2025

The Gifthittli chairlift is an 8-seater and replaces an old 6-seater that has been in service since 2003.

Zermatt Bergbahnen claims it a modern system that boasts greater comfort, increased efficiency, and innovative technology.

It cost CHF 25m (£23.45m).

It has 75 chairs, each with eight comfortable seats and has a maximum speed of 6 meters per second.

It can transport around 3,400 people per hour.

It is one of the first eight-seater chairlifts in Switzerland.

“Alongside the Riffelberg Express, the chairlift plays a central role in connecting the southern, central, and northern areas,” said the Head of Technology North, Fabian Imboden.

“The lift represents a significant enhancement to the ski area, as it serves as a key link between the different sections.

“In the central area, it is the only lift and provides access to four varied slopes, offering guests a diverse skiing experience.”

Jackson Hole’s 60th Anniversary Party

8th December 2025

Jackson Hole Mountain Resort is marking its 60th anniversary in style on 19th December 2025, with a day full of festivities honouring six decades of world-class skiing, riding and après-ski.

Visitors can enjoy $60 lift tickets, live music, and a retro costume party and contest at the Tram Dock from 3–6 pm.

The celebrations continue with a block party featuring resort partners, retail discounts and the Village Lighting Ceremony, which also kicks off WinterFest.

PlanetSKI reported on the anniversary earlier:

• Jackson Hole celebrates 60th birthday

Capacity will be managed to ensure the best on-mountain experience, so guests are encouraged to book lift tickets in advance.

A one-day lift pass for the One Wild Ride: 60th Anniversary Kickoff costs £45/$60 pp.

Jackson Hole: www.jacksonhole.com/

Jackson Hole, USA. Image © PlanetSKI

Search for Missing UK Teenager Resumes

5th December 2025

The avalanche threat in the Romanian mountains has decreased and search teams are back out looking for 18-year-old George Smith.

He had been hiking in the Bucegi Mountains  and has been missing for more than a week said the Brașov Mountain Rescue.

The search was temporarily called off after seven days because of the concern about avalanches but has now resumed.

He made an emergency more than a week ago and the rescue services said “he was disoriented, physically exhausted, and already showing signs of hypothermia”.

His location was in a “very isolated and hard-to-access mountain area” and the weather conditions “were extremely severe with strong winds, heavy snowfall, and dense fog”.

His family has traveled to Romania to support the search teams.

See more on the BBC.

Swiss Lift Company Provides Affordable Accommodation for Staff

3rd December 2025

Employees of the Schilthorn Cableway have moved into 13 studios in the new team house in Mürren.

The building was constructed in response to the lack of affordable housing for staff.

“All studios were occupied by existing employees,” said the Head of Facility Management and Construction Projects, Simon Sauter.

“The new team house is not least a response to the shortage of affordable staff accommodation and the associated challenges in recruiting personnel – a problem that our company also has to contend with.

“The rapid occupancy, mainly by seasonal workers, clearly demonstrates the demand.”

The studios, ranging in size from 27 to 35 square metres, feature a functional kitchenette and a spacious bathroom.

All studios are fully furnished and equipped with all the usual everyday appliances and utensils.

Most units also have a balcony or a garden seating area.

Teamhaus, Murren. Image c/o Schilthorn Cableway Ltd.

Scientific Research into Glacier Melt

2nd December 2025

Glaciers are melting – but what remains uncertain is how quickly they are.

This poses a problem in not knowing how much and how soon sea levels around the world could rise.

One of the Arête Glacier Initiative’s aims is to predict just this, with a helping hand from technology and scientists in Lake Michigan, which was formerly a glacial site.

At the University of Wisconsin, a machine takes the samples from Lake Michigan to conduct experiments that could one day predict how fast glaciers in Antarctica and elsewhere in the world could disappear.

See more on the BBC:

Soelden Alcohol Ban Comes into Force

1st December 2025

The Austrian resort is known for its rowdy apres ski and it has now banned alcohol on the street between the Giggijoch and Gaislachkogel lifts.

The new rule is in force from December 1^st.

It seems locals have had enough of the rowdy and drunken behaviour of some.

The bars will continue to be open but the new ordinance says the consumption of alcohol and the carrying of open bottles or cups outdoors is prohibited in the designated zone.

See here for the full story on PlanetSKI:

• Soelden introduces alcohol free zone in town centre

IGLU Ski Runs Charity Ski Sale

1st December 2025

On Saturday, December 13th, 2025, skiers in south London are invited to buy used kit donated by others.

Setting up a pop-up stand in the Wimbledon Quarter, local holiday company Iglu Ski will host a sale in aid of Disability Snowsport UK.

The pop-up will be open from 10 am until 4 pm, or whilst stocks last.

All proceeds from sales will go directly to DSUK to support adaptive snowsports opportunities across the UK.

By purchasing an item through its  Gear for Good campaign, skiers are helping make the slopes more inclusive for everyone, regardless of ability.

In this way, together, we can all turn unused gear into real impact.

Anyone with ski gear to donate can drop it off at the ice rink in Wimbledon Quarter from December 9th.

All items must be suitable for resale; poor quality items cannot be accepted.

Second hand ski sale. Image c/o Iglu Ski

Items Not Accepted

• Used helmets

• Old-style “skinny” downhill skis (cross-country skis are accepted)

• Items that are dirty

• Items with holes or rips

• Boots or clothing with unpleasant odours

• Boots with heavily worn toes, heels, or base plates

• Skis with loose bindings

• Skis with cracked edges

See here for more: https://www.igluski.com/guides/ski-tips/dsuk

About DSUK

Disability Snowsport UK (DSUK) provides inclusive snowsport for everyone; regardless of disability, injury or experience.

DSUK is the UK’s leading adaptive snowsport charity and helps disabled children and adults to be more active, make friends and have fun by taking part in snowsport.

DSUK operate ski schools at various locations throughout the UK as well as providing opportunities to ski and snowboard in a mountain environment worldwide.

The charity is supported by a fantastic team of highly-qualified adaptive instructors as well as a brilliant network of passionate and skilled volunteers – working together to ensure that everybody has the opportunity to access snowsport.

Jackson Hole Ski Patrollers Aim to Set Up Union

1st December 2025

The Jackson Hole Ski Patrol has officially filed a petition with the National Labor Relations Board to hold a union representation election.

The filing comes after a campaign that saw 93% of the patrol’s eligible members sign cards in support of unionization.

The patrollers are seeking to join the United Mountain Workers (UMW), a growing coalition under the Communications Workers of America (CWA) Local 7781, which already represents patrols at resorts like Park City, Breckenridge, and Steamboat.

In a move that signals a significant shift for one of North America’s premier ski destinations.

Patrollers cited the inherent dangers of their work, the specialized institutional knowledge required to keep the mountain safe, and concerns about affordability and long-term career sustainability in the Jackson Hole community as central reasons for organizing.

Longtime patrollers described the effort as driven by a desire to professionalize the role and secure protections that reflect the risks they manage.

Jackson Hole, USA. Image © PlanetSKI

Jackson Hole Mountain Resort is privately owned.

It responded to the filing with a statement emphasizing its commitment to its employees.

“We are aware of the statement from Jackson Hole Ski Patrol,” said Ned Wonson, spokesperson for JHMR.

“We care deeply about every member of our team, and we value the important role ski patrol plays at our resort.

“We are committed to listening, engaging respectfully, and continuing open dialogue.”

Jackson Hole, USA. Image © PlanetSKI

Avalanches Feed Glaciers More Than Expected

1st December 2025

That’s according to a survey from the Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape.

It has been published in the open-access scientific journal Nature Communication.

See more here on Swiss Info

For the first time, researchers have estimated – for all of the more than 200,000 glaciers scattered across the planet – how much avalanches contribute to snow accumulation and thus to their mass balance, which is the difference between ice accumulation and melting.

• In the Alps about 11% of glacier snow comes from avalanches
• In the eastern Himalayas the share is 19%,
• In New Zealand it reaches 22%.
• In some cases, the contribution can exceed 50%

Swiss glaciers. Image c/o PlanetSKI

Swiss Snowsports Industry Forecast to Grow

1st December 2025

According to tourism forecasts by BAK Economics, commissioned by the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO), 18.7 million overnight stays are expected for this winter season.

That’s a rise of 161,000, (0.9%) compared to 2024/25

Growth from the USA is slowing, and demand from Asia remains weak.

However, other source markets such as Australia, Brazil, Canada, and Mexico are gaining importance in the long term and are among the most significant growth drivers among long-haul markets.

BAK Economics anticipates a slowdown in growth for summer 2026.

Wengen, Switzerland. Image © PlanetSKI