January’s Ski News in Brief
1st January 2026
Last modified on January 31st, 2026
– Why Glaciers Are Melting More than Thought
– USA to Send ICE Agents to Winter Olympics
– Closest Finishes in Winter Olympics
– People Stuck on Canada Ski Lift for 5 Hours
– Pitztal Needs Environmental Assessment to Expand
– US Delegation for Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics …UPDATED
Why Glaciers Are Melting More than Thought
29th January 2026
See this video from PBS News on its report on the ice loss now taking place.
USA to Send ICE Agents to Winter Olympics
28th January 2026
The US immigration agency has said it is sending agents to help support American security operations during the Milan-Cortina Winter Games.
Agency officers have been involved in two fatal shootings in Minneapolis.
Confirmation of the agency’s role came from the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), after reports prompted alarm and anger in Italy.
“This is a militia that kills… of course they’re not welcome in Milan,” the city’s mayor, Beppe Sala, told Italian radio.
An ICE spokesperson stressed that “all security operations remain under Italian authority”.
The agency’s statement explained that “ICE’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) is supporting the US Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service and host nation to vet and mitigate risks from transnational criminal organisations”.
It would “obviously” not conduct immigration enforcement operations outside the US, it said.
Olympic Rings.
Closest Finishes in Winter Olympics
27th January 2026
Watch some of the closest finishes in Olympic alpine skiing history, where medals were decided by just hundredths or even thousandths of a second.
Skiers Stuck on Chairlift for Five Hours
23rd January 2026
Lutsen Ski Resort in Minnesota, Canada, is known for its superb views of Lake Superior.
But it might not be a view you’d want to enjoy for five hours, while stuck on a ski lift in sub-zero temperatures.
The skiers had to be winched down in a long and time-consuming operation.
There were no reported injuries and an investigation is underway.
See this report on CBS News:
Pitztal Needs Environmental Assessment to Expand
22nd January 2026
The Austria Supreme Court has ruled that expansion plans for additional slopes and lifts on the glacier ski area in Pitztal must undergo an environmental impact assessment, EIA.
The controversial plans would mean an expansion of the Pitztal ski area and a potential merger with the Ötztal glacier ski area, which would also include previously untouched areas around the Karlesferner glacier.
A formal application was first submitted to the Tirol state government in May 2015.
Strong resistance emerged from environmental organisations and alpine associations, who warned of the massive encroachment on glacier and high-mountain habitats.
The project has become a symbolic conflict between the economic interests of winter tourism and the protection of alpine natural areas.
The Austrian Alpine Club has welcomed the ruling, in which the Supreme Court explicitly emphasises the protection of glaciers and high-alpine regions.
Pitztal, The Tirol, Austria. Image © PlanetSKI
FWT Returns to Val Thorens
21st January 2026
The Freeride World Tour is in the high-altitude French resort for the Val Thorens Pro.
The weather window is set from Saturday January 24th to Thursday 29th.
It marks the Tour’s return to Val Thorens for the second consecutive year and signals the revival of elite freeride competition on French soil after a long absence.
PlanetSKI was in the resort last year for the buildup to the event:
Val Thorens is in Les 3 Vallées, the world’s largest ski area, and it has once again been named World’s Best Ski Resort in the World Ski Awards.
Its altitude of 2,300m, coupled with steep couloirs and dynamic faces, offers the perfect canvas for bold freeride performances.
FWT at Val Thorens. Image c/o @freerideworldtour +J.Bernard.
The Val Thorens Pro is the second edition on this season’s FWT with the first event taking place in Baqueira Beret in Spain last week.
PlanetSKI’s Jane Peel reported live from the event:
PlanetSKI’s Jane Peel at the 2026 Baqueira Beret FWT. Image © PlanetSKI
The Val Thorens Pro will take place during the weather window of January 24–29, 2026, with the exact competition day selected based on safety and snow conditions.
Fans around the world can watch the event live at www.freerideworldtour.com, and follow exclusive athlete stories, highlights, and updates across FWT’s social media platforms at @freerideworldtour.
See more about Val Thorens:
Val Thorens, France. Image © PlanetSKI
US Delegation to Attend Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics
20th January 2026
The US Vice-President, JD Vance, will be the official representative following its military operation in Venezuela, claims on Greenland and threatened tariffs on EU countries.
JD Vance will attend the ceremony alongside Second Lady Usha Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio and United States Ambassador to Italy Tilman Fertitta, according to a White House statement.
President Trump will not attend.
There have been calls to impose sporting sanctions against the USA.
The IOC has issued a statement rejecting any move to bar American athletes from Olympic competition.
“In a world shaken by conflict and division, the International Olympic Committee stands firm in its belief that sport must remain a beacon of hope, a force that brings the whole world together in peaceful competition.
“This is at the very heart of the Olympic Movement and derives from the Fundamental Principles of Olympism,” the IOC said, in comments quoted by BBC Sport.
Olympic Rings.
Strike Closes Canadian Resort for Season
20th January 2026
Le Massif de Charlevoix has announced it will not reopen for the remainder of the 2025-26 ski season.
It says it is forced to do so due to an impasse in contract negotiations with its unionised workforce.
The strike has been taking place since early January, but it is unclear if this is an escalation in order to secure a better negotiating position.
We have reported on the dispute earlier:
The decision comes after 300 workers rejected both a final contract offer and a management proposal to submit the dispute to binding arbitration.
“We note today with great sadness that Le Massif de Charlevoix… is once again facing an uncertain future,” said Claude Choquette, president of Groupe Le Massif.
“The refusal to return to work prevents us from providing artificial snow coverage across the mountain to ensure safe conditions, making the continuation of the season unviable.”
Pay is the central sticking point in negotiations.
The two sides have offered different accounts of how negotiations broke down.
Le Massif de Charlevoix, Canada. Image © PlanetSKI
Epic & Ikon Re-Shape Skiing
20th January 2026
Vail Resorts, under CEO Rob Katz, and Alterra, led by CEO Jared Smith, have used season passes such as the Epic Pass and Ikon Pass to lock in customers before the snow falls.
The model has brought bigger crowds and a backlash from workers and locals.
Bloomberg’s Scarlet Fu examines how Epic and Ikon reshaped the ski industry and why some mountains are choosing to stay independent.
Verbier Ultimate Session Returns
18th January 2026
Verbier’s ski season will come to a close in style with the Ultime Session, an end-of-season tradition that this year extends over two days for the first time.
Taking place on 25 and 26 April 2026, at the Snowpark de la Chaux, the Ultime Session brings together high-energy snow sports, live entertainment and a festival-style atmosphere on the mountain.
The day features a packed programme of fun, including:
- Big air displays
- A water slide contest
- Banked slalom
- Equipment testing
- Fancy-dress skiing
- Food and drink stalls
- DJs and live music throughout the day
It’s a lively celebration that attracts skiers, boarders and spectators alike, all keen to squeeze the most out of the final days of the season.
PlanetSKI has enjoyed many great trips at the end of the season in Verbier:
Verbier ends its season on a high
Verbier, Switzerland. Image © PlanetSKI
Warren Smith & James Cove enjoy end of season beer in Verbier, Switzerland. Image © PlanetSKI
Back down in resort, the Ultimate Session 2026 continues with live music and entertainment in bars.
An après-ski DJ set at the Médran Café provides a great place to keep the party going as the lifts close and the sun sets on another winter in Verbier.
A four-night stay at Shed Hotel arriving 23 April 2026 is priced at £1,474 total based on two sharing a classic double room with breakfast included.
Flights and transfers extra.
See more here: www.verbier.ch
Verbier, Switzerland. Image © Heather Jefferies/PlanetSKI.
Man Dies in Gondola in French Ski Resort
16th January 2026
A 53-year-old man is thought to have had a cardiac arrest during a lift ride in Val Cenis.
Gondola operators found the man & alerted the ski patrol who tried tried to revive him using a defibrillator.
Efforts proved unsuccessful and he was declared dead at the scene.
Higher altitudes pose a greater risk of cardiac arrest to people with existing heart conditions as a result of lower oxygen levels and added strain on the body.
According to the American Heart Association sudden cardiac death is the most frequent non-traumatic cause of death in the mountains.
Holiday Deals from OVO Network
15th January 2026
Chalet rental specialist OVO Network has discounts of up to €2600 off seven night stays this winter.
With huge snowfall sweeping across the Alps at the end of last week, there are some great conditions. is enjoying incredible conditions for skiers.
OVO Network is making it more affordable to take advantage of the fresh snow thanks to its latest offers from partner chalets.
The company, which specialises in authentic mountain destinations across the French and Swiss Alps, features over 230 beautiful, hand-picked chalets on its website.
These include over 80 properties with its popular Cool for Kids label.
Designed to make family holidays easier, they provide essentials including bottle warmers, stair gates and night lights, as well as fun extras such as board games, Playstations and table tennis.
Aravis-Mountains-La-Clusaz-HD©C.HUDRY
The latest offers are available at selected chalets throughout January, February and March 2026, and include:
JANUARY 2026
SAVE €1400 at Chalet Stellaone in La Clusaz – seven nights rental for up to 12 guests (max eight adults) now costs €4790 from 31 January. This is a luxury, five-star chalet with a sauna, gym and hot tub.
SAVE €1222 at Chalet Ellambra in Combloux – seven nights rental for up to 12 guests (max 11 adults) now costs €3668 from 25 January. A family-friendly chalet with a sauna, steam room and Cool for Kids facilities.
SAVE €900 at Chalet Aravista in Le Grand-Bornand – seven nights rental for up to 10 guests now costs €3390 from 24 January. A stylish four-star chalet with a sauna and Cool for Kids Extra facilities.
Chalet-Aravista-OVO-Network
FEBRUARY 2026
SAVE €2600 at Chalet Timan in La Clusaz – seven nights rental for up to eight guests now costs €4790 from 7 February. A fabulous five-star ski-in ski-out chalet with a sauna and fitness area.
SAVE €978 at Chalet Nahuel Huapi in Samoëns – seven nights rental for 12 guests (max eight adults) now costs €3912 from 7 February. A spacious chalet close to the village centre and offering wonderful views.
SAVE €1570 at Chalet Levant Blanc in Seytroux – seven nights rental for up to 14 guests (max 13 adults) now costs €4720 from 7 February. Enjoy a games room and hot tub at this chalet in the Portes du Soleil with Cool for Kids Extra facilities.
Chalet-Timan-OVO-Network
MARCH 2026
SAVE €897 at Chalet Chantalhys in Saint Gervais – seven nights rental for up to 10 guests now costs €2693 from 7 March. This stylish chalet has a hot tub, games room and Cool for Kids Extra facilities including table tennis and a Wii.
SAVE €500 at Chalet Paralpin in Manigod – seven nights rental for up to 12 guests now costs €2890 from 7 March. Discover the picturesque ski resort of Manigod at this five-star chalet with hot tub and sauna.
SAVE €1991 at Sundance Kid Loft in Megève – seven nights rental for up to nine guests (max seven adults) now costs €3699 from 21 March. Escape to stylish Megève at this superb apartment with gym access.
Other resorts, chalets and dates are available.
To discover the full range of offers visit ovonetwork.com
The Ultimate Snowsport Obstacle Course
15th January 2026
Four world-class freeskiers and snowboarders take on an extreme challenge on a narrow ridge in the Julian Alps in Italy.
Felix Georgii, Max Hitzig, Fabian Bösch, and Ian Matteoli deliver a spectacular performance on a narrow mountain ridge in Italy – 1m wide, with a 110m drop.
Every jump, landing, and decision matters.
On January 13th, 2026, the winter sports athletes took on a 350m-long course along the Sella Nevea Pass in Italy.
The alpine ridge required precision and left no room for error – a true “no-fall zone” with rocky edges and drops of up to 110m.
- Felix Georgii (GER) – Wakeboard pro and passionate snowboarder
- Max Hitzig (GER) – 2024 Freeride World Tour Champion
- Ian Matteoli (ITA) – Member of the Italian Olympic team
- Fabian Bösch (SUI) – Olympian and freestyle skier
GB Takes Bronze in Para World Cup Downhill
13th January 2026
Neil Simpson secured his first career Downhill podium with a 3rd place in the men’s Downhill Para-Alpine (Vision Impaired) event in Saalbach Austria.
He was guided by his brother, Andrew Simpson.
Simpson clocked a time of 58.07 seconds to claim his first podium since 2024.
With just over a month to go until the Winter Paralympic Games in Milan-Cortina, this result marks an important milestone as Simpson builds towards a Games which he enters as a defending medallist in the Super-G and Super-Combined events.
The result comes on Simpson’s second World Cup appearance of the season and marks his first podium since taking victory in the Courchevel Giant Slalom World Cup in December 2024.
Full Podium
- Johannes Aigner (AUT) – 54.97s
- Giacomo Bertagnolli (ITA) – 55.08s
- Neil Simpson (GBR) – 58.07s
“This is a great result for Neil and Andrew in their first World Cup Downhill of the season,” said the GB Snowsport head coach, Pat Sharples.
“We couldn’t have asked for better conditions which is always a huge bonus when athletes are competing in Speed disciplines.
“Super proud of the whole team who’ve done a fantastic job.”
Simpson brothers on the World Cup podium at Saalbach, Austria. Image c/o GB Snowsport.
Bear Dog Eating Competition in Jackson Hole
13th January 2026
The Battle of the Bears Bear Dog Eating Competition returns to Jackson Hole Mountain Resort on 15th March 2026.
Competitors test their appetite and speed at the Bear Flats Snack Shack at the base of the Sublette chairlift.
Participants aged 18 and over have 12 minutes to devour as many “Bear Dogs” (bovine and swine sausages) as possible.
But what exactly are Bear Dogs, you might ask? Think of them as the quintessential ski hill snack: a bovine & swine sausage within a warm, toasted bun.
It’s the kind of comfort food that fuels both body and soul during a day on the slopes.
There’s bragging rights and a free pair of skis on the line for both the male and female winners.
Jackson Hole: www.jacksonhole.com/
Jackson Hole, USA. Image © PlanetSKI
Val Gardena to Welcome Olympic Torch
11th January 2026
On Wednesday, 28th January the Olympic Torch will pass through the ski resort of Val Gardena in The Dolomites.
The selected torchbearers will start at 8:00 a.m. in Ortisei, at the “Lokomotive” on Plaza dla Stazion, and proceed through the pedestrian area.
Along the way, they will encounter ski instructors, groups in traditional costume, and “fans” gathered in front of the entrance to the permanent art exhibition “Art52,” accompanied by a brass band.
Specially crafted Olympic ice torches will be displayed along the route.
In Piazza Sant’Antonio, ten “Unika Fans” carved by local artists will be on display.
Five of these “fans” were created especially for the Olympic Games and will later be presented during the biathlon competitions in Antholz.
Brass band musicians will welcome the Olympic Torch with a ceremonial fanfare at around 8:20 a.m. near Hotel “Villa Park.”
Afterwards, a shuttle will take the torch and the torchbearers to the Dantercepies gondola lift in Selva di Val Gardena at around 8:40 a.m., from where they will ski down the slope into the center of Selva.
The torchbearers will then take the Ciampinoi gondola lift and continue their journey to the “Città dei sassi,” where a skijoring activity is planned.
They will be accompanied by children and young people from Ski Club Gardena, which has produced many athletes and champions in past Olympic Games.
The torch will then continue its journey over the Passo Sellatoward the Val di Fassa, via Canazei, to reach the day’s destination of Cavalese.
Among the torchbearers of Milan–Cortina 2026 will also be Val Gardena natives Carolina Kostner (figure skating, bronze medal at Sochi 2014) and Isolde Kostner (alpine skiing, two bronze medals at Lillehammer 1994 and a silver medal at Salt Lake City 2002).
Image c/o Val Gardena tourist office.
Telluride Strike is Over
9th January 2026
The industrial action taken by the ski patrol in the US resort ends as slopes re-open.
Another Strike at Ski Resort in North America
8th January 2026
This time its Le Massif de Charlevoix in Canada. It follows industrial action at Telluride in the USA
300 unionized workers have launched an unlimited general strike at the resort in Quebec.
It is one of the busiest weeks of the season and has left thousands of skiers and snowboarders unable to reach the slopes.
The dispute centers on several issues that the union says have been ignored by the resort’s administration:
- Wages: The primary sticking point, with the union seeking increases they claim are necessary to meet the cost of living.
- Working Conditions: Demands include more sick leave, increased vacation time, and improved safety protocols for equipment.
- Subcontracting: Workers are pushing for protections against the outsourcing of resort roles.
Le Massif de Charlevoix, Canada. Image © PlanetSKI
As negotiations continue, visitors are advised to check directly with the resort and local businesses for the latest information on trail access, refunds and safety notices.
Le Massif de Charlevoix, Canada. Image © PlanetSKI
The dispute highlights broader tensions in the tourism sector in North America over wages, benefits and workplace safety during a busy season.
Tribute to Crans-Montana Victims
7th January 2026
Dozens of skiers stood in the shape of a heart on the slopes of Crans-Montana to pay tribute to the victims of last week’s fire.
New Film Marks One Month Until 2026 Winter Olympics
6th January 2026
The Games start on 6th February in Milan-Cortina, Italy, and the International Olympic Committee has released ‘Ti Amo’ to mark the occasion.
Sit back, enjoy and look forward to the sporting spectacle to come…
Set to the classic song “Ti Amo” [I Love You], the film captures the powerful emotions that sport awakens – desire, devotion, anticipation, wrapped in the unmistakable passion, warmth and humour of the Italian spirit to give a glimpse of the Olympic Winter Games, Italian style.
The film also features a special appearance by winter superstar Eileen Gu, double Olympic champion, freestyle skiing, Beijing 2022.
“Soon, the best winter athletes from all across the world will gather in Italy to live out their Olympic dreams at the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games,” said IOC President, Kirsty Coventry.
“Italy’s passion for sport, its iconic landscapes, culture, fashion and food will deliver an incredible backdrop for them to show off their talents.
“The athletes performances and Milano Cortina’s new Italian spirit will connect people through inspiring and emotional sporting moments, infused with Italy’s passion and famous hospitality, which will cause people to fall in love with Italy and winter sport all over again.”
Second Deadly Avalanche in the Pyrenees
2nd January 2026
An avalanche near a mountain resort in the Spanish Pyrenees has killed a snowshoer.
It follows another avalanche in the area killed three skiers this week.
We reported earlier on the first incident:
The body of the man was found in the Bielsa Valley in the Aragon region.
Two men were caught and one escaped unharmed and was able to alert the rescue authorities.
The authorities are advising caution in the mountains with continuing avalanche risk.
Investigation After Cable Car Malfunction in Italy
1st January 2026
The incident at the Macugnaga ski resort in northern Italy injured four people and left around 100 passengers stranded at around 3,000m.
One cabin failed to stop properly and hit a barrier.
It led to evacuations by helicopter that brought all passengers down safely.
Verbier Freeride Week returns for 2026
1st January 2026
Verbier Freeride Week returns from 7 to 16 February 2026 with a freeride competition for youngsters coming through.
Verbier provides a stage for young athletes from the Freeride World Qualifier (FWQ) and Freeride Junior Tour (FJT).
Each year, the event attracts around 3,000 emerging freeriders, all aiming to make their mark and progress towards the top level of the sport.
Over the course of the week, competitors take part in one FWT Junior (2) event and three FWQ competitions at 2, 3 and 4 level, offering the opportunity to earn valuable ranking points and move closer to qualification for the Freeride World Tour.
Verbier: www.verbier.ch
Verbier, Switzerland. Image c/o Steve Sparks.
Check Out the Jackson Hole Video
1st January 2026
Some of the most progressive riders on the planet—John Jackson, Parkin Costain, Maggie Voisin, McRae Williams, Kai Jones, and Kelly Hilleke—take on the steep spines, deep landings, and perfectly sculpted natural features that make the Tetons legendary.
Each athlete brings their own style and approach, but what unites them is progression.
From massive freeride lines to technical precision, this segment is fast, heavy, and pure mental.
Dive into the full feature film for FREE on Red Bull TV and get stoked: https://www.tetongravity.com/from-ala… #tgrpressuredrop
PlanetSKI will be visiting Jackson Hole at the end of February.
Do check back for our reports – though we are not quite sure if our reporter, Nick Dalton, will be taking the same lines.
Family Night-Time Nature Experience in Stubai
1st January 2026
At Klaus Äuele, visitors can enjoy a unique night-time nature experience, wandering through a magical winter landscape illuminated by the warm glow of torches and lanterns.
Along the trail, stations offer traditional music and the chance to sample genuine Stubai specialties, creating an enchanting atmosphere.
Highlights of the evening include:
- A torchlight hike through the snowy wonderland,
- Dog sledding adventures for all ages,
- Curling as a taste of Tyrolean tradition
- Horse-drawn carriage or pony rides for romantic moments.
Guests can also glide across a lit ice rink, watch live ice carving demonstrations, and savour regional delicacies.
The event begins at 7:30 pm, with late arrivals welcome, and offers free shuttle buses from Schönberg.
A new return option allows guests to head back to Stackler at 9:30 pm, with additional shuttle services at 9:00, 10:00, and 10:30 pm via Milders.
Stubai Valley, Tirol. Image © PlanetSKI
Complimentary Geneva Road Transfers with VIP SKI
1st January 2026
VIP SKI is offering complimentary scheduled transfers from Geneva every Sunday throughout the Winter 2025/26 season.
With four departures and return transfers each Sunday, the journey is seamless and stress-free.
For those seeking a more exclusive experience, groups can upgrade to private transfers starting at just £12 per person return to Portes du Soleil, or £48 to the Tarentaise region.
‘Graciosa’, La Plagne,. Image c/o VIP SKI.
