Ski News in Brief

1st April 2026

Last modified on May 1st, 2026

– Pyrenees Warms by 2°C Since 1959
– US Couple Face Charges After 5-year old Fell From Lift
– Milan-Cortina Olympics Faces Up To €300m Deficit
– Dry Slope Used by Eddie the Eagle For Sale… UPDATED

Pyrenees Warms by 2°C Since 1959

29th April 2026

That’s the finding of a new cross-border study led by the Catalan meteorological services, Meteocat.

It says the mountain range has lost three frost days per decade as the climate warms.

The research shows that average temperatures in the Pyrenees have increased by 1.9°C overall and by 2.7°C during summer months since 1959.

This means that the Pyrenees now has 20 fewer frost days than in 1959 and 32 more summer days over the same period.

According to Meteocat’s head of climate change, Jordi Cunillera, the data reflects a “clear trend” toward a climate that is increasingly warm.

“Snowy winters with spectacular depths like the one we have experienced this year will be less likely,” he said

In Catalonia, permanent glaciers disappeared years ago, and in the Pyrenees as a whole, very few remain.

Andorra, Pyrenees. Image c/o PlanetSKI

US Couple Face Charges After 5-year old Fell From Lift

27th April 2026

The child was allegedly riding the lift alone at Blue Knob Ski Resort in Pennsylvania.

Parents Micah Porter, 34, and Maya Porter, 37, are each charged with endangering the welfare of a child.

Both were released on unsecured bail, set at $50,000 for Micah Porter and $30,000 for Maya Porter.

It is reported that while the father and son initially rode the chairlift together, the boy eventually began boarding the lift solo.

It is reported that resort staff could not find the parents for 15 minutes after their child fell.

The child was put in a neck brace and taken by helicopter to UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh after the accident.

An employee from the resort told State Police that the boy said he was trying to adjust his goggles when he fell.

The employee also told police that when he spoke to the boy’s father he allegedly said “the child was able to ride the ski lift by himself.”

See here for the full story: WTAJ

Milan-Cortina Olympics Faces Up To €300m Deficit

26th April 2026

Much comes from infrastructure costs and lower than forecast ticket sales.

Overall organisational and infrastructure spending is estimated to have reached between €5.4-€5.9 billion.

Olympic officials maintain that funding is available.

A €310m gap, consisting of €230m in additional costs and €80m in reduced revenues, is expected to require intervention from shareholders, including the state, regions, autonomous provinces and host municipalities.

Final figures are due in spring 2027.

See more on Inside the Games.

Image c/o Milan-Cortina 2026

More US Ski Areas Close this Weekend

24th April 2026

They include Alta, Loveland and Big Sky that shut on Sunday, April 26.

One resort, Breckenridge, is re-opening for a day on Saturday 25 April.

There has been some late season snow and Breckenridge is re-opening an area this Saturday weekend after it closed last weekend on April 19th.

Peak 8 re-opens for one day on Saturday, April 25, for the Peaks and Beats event.

There will be skiing and riding off the Colorado Chair with access to Middle 4 O’Clock to Freeway and Park Lane and a small terrain park on Freeway.

There’s a free lunch for the first 500 Epic pass holders, plus free music all day and the Gold Runner coaster running.

The gondola will run from 9 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. for transfers between town and Peak 8.

Arapahoe Basin in Colorado has announced it is ending its season Sunday, May 3^rd.

The resort’s season will have lasted 194 days – the longest this season in Colorado.

A-Basin will tie with Copper Mountain Resort for the latest closing in Summit County this year, as Copper, originally slated to close April 26, announced last week it has extended its season through to May 3^rd.

Dry Slope Used by Eddie the Eagle For Sale

23rd April 2026

The Gloucester Ski and Snowboard Centre in Matson is on the market for £625,000.

The artificial slope was built in 1973

Eddie “the Eagle” Edwards, the first Briton to compete in Olympic ski jumping, began his training at the centre and said he hoped it could be kept open.

“I did hear it was up for sale a while ago and I was told there was a buyer involved but obviously that must have fallen through,” he said.

“It’s still going strong, I still miss it. I still go to Gloucester every once in a while. It was my home when I was a child.

“I have very fond memories of it and I hope somebody buys it and carries it on.”

Eddie the Eagle. Image © PlanetSKI

See here for more on the BBC.

The Centre manager, Cameron Singer, told BBC Radio Gloucestershire the owner is selling the centre to focus on his main business and staff hope new owners can be found.

“The owner has another business and he wants to focus on that – it’s his primary business,” he said.

“We’re hoping that we just move onto the new owners [and that] there will be no closure.”

And The Winner Is…

21st April 2026

Matthew Davies has won an all-inclusive holiday to Big White Ski Resort in Canada in a competition run by the Snowsport Industries of Great Britain, SIGB.

The contest, which ran from October 1st 2025 to April 1st 2026, offered skiers and snowboarders the chance to win the winter holiday by purchasing new ski or snowboard boots from participating SIGB retailers.

Matthew bought his new Tecnica Mach 1120 LV ski boots from Solutions4Feet, one of the UK’s most respected specialist ski boot fitting shops, run by Colin Martin in Bicester in Oxfordshire.

The prize includes:

Flights to Canada
Round trip airport transfers
7-nights luxury accommodation
6-day lift passes
First day guided tour of the slopes
Complimentary dinner at The Woods slopeside restaurant
Evening tubing experience

This competition aimed to reinforce the importance of supporting the UK’s snowsports industry.

“By choosing to shop locally, snowsports enthusiasts contribute to the sustainability of UK retailers, allowing them to continue providing their expertise and fostering a strong ski and snowboard community here in the UK,” said the Co-President of the SIGB, Tord Nilson.

Big White Ski Resort, renowned for its ski-in, ski-out village, deep snow and varied terrain for all skill levels, is excited to welcome Matthew and a companion for an epic week in the snow.

It was the second edition of the competition.

About the Snowsport Industries of Great Britain:

The Snowsport Industry of Great Britain represents the UK’s snowsport industry, including winter sport retailers, suppliers, media, and travel companies.

The trade body exists to support its members, foster trading relationships, and help to promote skiing and snowboarding across the UK.

Image c/o SIGB

2,000+ Instructors in Lawsuit Against Vail Resorts

20th April 2026

It is a class action case by ski and snowboard teachers as they claim unfair labour practices against the US resort giant.

The lawsuit, originally filed in December 2020, claims the resort giant failed to properly compensate instructors for required job duties and work-related expenses.

The core of the lawsuit centers on what instructors characterise as off-the-clock work for which they were not compensated.

Specific allegations include:

Travel time: Instructors claim they were not paid for time spent traveling between different job sites at resorts during their workday.
Equipment handling: The lawsuit alleges instructors were not compensated for time spent putting on and removing ski or snowboard equipment necessary for their work.
Mandatory training: Instructors say they attended required training sessions without pay.

The lawsuit also claims instructors were not reimbursed for necessary expenses including ski equipment and work-related cell phone use.

These are costs the instructors say are essential to performing their jobs.

See the full story in The Vail Daily.

Vail Resorts has denied all allegations and says it has complied with all state and federal wage laws.

The company asserts that its payroll systems are designed to ensure all employees are paid for every hour worked and that its compensation packages are in line with industry standards.

The outcome of the case will set a precedent for the US ski industry.

Skiing in the USA. Image © PlanetSKI

Director of Croatian Alpine Ski Team Under Investigation

17th April 2026

Vedran Pavlek, the longtime Director of the Croatian Alpine Ski Team has been arrested as part of a corruption investigation.

The inquiry centers on allegations of systemic financial misconduct involving tens of millions of euros.

The investigation is being led by Croatia’s Office for the Suppression of Corruption and Organised Crime.

Pavlek has led the national team and the Croatian Alpine Ski Pool since 1998, was reportedly taken into custody following a series of coordinated raids.

According to Austrian outlet ORF Sport and Reuters, the investigation centers on as much as €30m euros in potentially misused funds.

No charges have been proven in court, and all individuals remain presumed innocent as the investigation continues.

See more on Teton Gravity Research.

Head USA Recalls Ski Boots

16th April 2026

The company has announced a voluntary recall of approximately 1,890 pairs of high-end ski boots across North America.

The recall comes after reports that the boot’s shell and sole inserts can spontaneously deteriorate and break, potentially turning a smooth run down the mountain into a dangerous fall.

The issue specifically impacts the fluorescent yellow materials used in the construction of the boot shell and sole.

According to the brand, these components can become brittle and crack, compromising the structural integrity of the boot.

Units Affected ~1,365 in the U.S. / ~525 in Canada
Sales Period September 2015 – March 2026

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) confirmed that no injuries have been reported to date.

The affected boots were sold nationwide at specialized ski retailers and through various online platforms.

Head advises:

Stop using the boots immediately. Even if they look fine, the material degradation may not be visible until the boot is under the stress of a turn.
Check the model. Verify if your boots match the fluorescent yellow description provided by the CPSC.

Contact Head USA or a local authorised dealer.

Image c/o Head USA

Ski with Graham Bell & VIP SKI

13th April 2026

VIP SKI has announced that the former Olympic downhill racer turned Ski Sunday presenter, Graham Bell, will be returning to Bear Lodge in Arc 1950 from 14th March 2027.

This season’s week with Graham was fully booked.

Graham, who took part in five Winter Olympics, will take time out from his winter schedule to host another week-long holiday with VIP SKI.

Guests can ski or snowboard alongside him, attend a presentation and Q&A session, and chat about his life on the racing circuit, his Ski Sunday broadcasting career, and his experience working on reality TV show The Jump.

Awarded the title of “World’s Best New Ski Hotel” at the 10th annual World Ski Awards, Bear Lodge is a good base to explore Les Arcs.

What makes an award winning ski hotel?

Bear Lodge, Arc 1950. Image © PlanetSKI

Located next to the piste in Arc 1950, the lodge offers 30 bedrooms accommodating up to 80 guests.

Guests can enjoy ski-in, ski-out access, complimentary ski guiding, and a choice of three room types to suit all needs.

A seven-night stay at the award winning Bear Lodge, from 14 March 2027, costs from £1,664 pp, based on two sharing a double room.

Price includes daily breakfast, afternoon tea and a three-course evening meal for six nights with choice of wine, cheese and coffee, and return transfers from Geneva Airport.

VIP SKI (0203 892 4060, www.vip-chalets.com)

$60 Lift Tickets in Jackson Hole

8th April 2026

Winter 2025–26 marked the 60th anniversary of Jackson Hole, celebrating decades of deep powder, bold runs, and unforgettable moments shared among friends and family.

To commemorate this milestone, the resort is offering a special promotion to close out the season: lift tickets priced at just $60 for the final four days.

With limited daily capacity, visitors are encouraged to secure their tickets in advance and take part in this celebratory end to the season, beginning Thursday 9 April 2026.

Jackson Hole: www.jacksonhole.com

Jackson Hole, USA. Image © PlanetSKI

Rise in Ski Visits to Lower Austria

7th April 2026

The ski resorts in Lower Austria recorded 715,000 visits this winter season according to figures from the mountain railways.

That represents an increase of around 22% compared to the average of the three previous winters.

“This encouraging visitor figure underscores the regional economic importance of the mountain railways,” said Governor Johanna Mikl-Leitner, who is responsible for tourism.

“We can be proud of the businesses’ achievements and congratulate their employees.

“They make it possible for guests – from families with young children to competitive skiers – to enjoy snow sports close to home.

“For many people, this is an integral part of their lifestyle, and it’s something Lower Austria stands for.”

Lower Austria has a number of small ski areas/lift companies aimed mainly at families and locals:

Annaberger Lifte
Erlebnisalm Mönichkirchen
Hochkar Bergbahnen
Ötscherlifte Lackenhof
Wexl Arena St. Corona am Wechsel

“This year’s ski season is certainly one of the better ones, even in the long term,” said the Chairman of the Cable Car Association at the Lower Austrian Chamber of Commerce and Managing Director of the Jauerling Ski Arena, Michale Reichl.

“It is particularly noteworthy that we had no spell of warm weather from Christmas until the end of February and were able to offer consistently good slope conditions during this period.

“When it snowed in the lowlands, the ski resorts were also ready.

“Shorter visits during the floodlit evening skiing were very popular in this regard, offering a special experience and allowing us to utilize our infrastructure even more effectively.”

No Doping Offences at 2026 Olympics

4th April 2026

For the first time in 28 years, no athlete has been found to have taken a banned substance at an Olympics Games.

More than 3,000 samples were collected from almost 2,000 athletes during February’s Winter Olympic Games in Milan-Cortina, Italy.

No anti-doping rule violations have been reported.

It is the first Winter Games since the 1998 edition in Japan to not have a positive test during the event.

One reason for the drop in positive results is a significant increase in testing in the lead up to major events.

The International Testing Agency confirmed that 92% of participants were tested at least once in the six months before Milan-Cortina began/

The director general of the organisation, Benjamin Cohen, described it as “our most extensive program ever implemented”.

However, just because there have been no positive tests yet does not mean there may not be one in the future.

Samples from athletes are kept for 10 years to allow for retrospective testing when new techniques emerge.

Image c/o Milan-Cortina 2026

Indy Pass Sells Out in 37 minutes

4th April 2026

After remarkable demand from returning passholders, waitlisters, and newcomers, this was by far the fastest sellout in Indy Pass history.

To protect the independent, less-crowded experience, Indy Pass limits the total number of passes sold each season.

We reported on the sale earlier this week and details of new resorts added including once in Europe:

2026/27 Indy Passes On Sale On Friday

“This public sale lasted just 37 minutes before we reached capacity,” said Indy Pass Director Erik Mogensen.

“That says a lot about where skiing and riding are right now.

“People want affordability, they want independence, and they want a more authentic experience on the mountain.

“We are going to keep growing Indy with purpose and passion, because protecting that experience matters more than simply selling more passes.”

If you missed your opportunity to buy, get on the waitlist now.

“That is where any future purchase opportunities will begin.

“Over the summer, our team will be working hard to recruit more resorts and add more value to the pass for 26/27.”

Click here to join the waitlist

Passholders may request a refund before December 1st, 2026, if the number of Indy Pass resort partners is less than 300 by November 1st, 2026.

A passholder can also request a refund for an unused pass by December 1st, 2026, if their favorite resort from the 2025/26 season does not renew for 2026/27.

Image c/o Indy Pass

Seven More Resorts in Colorado Set to Close

3rd April 2026

Ten Colorado ski areas have closed already and seven more will shut down for the season on Sunday.

They have a small amount of terrain open in what has been once of the worst winters on record.

US resorts close early after very poor winter

Resorts closing:

Wolf Creek
Eldora
Snowmass
Crested Butte
Keystone
Steamboat

Telluride closed earlier this week, but it will re-open for the Easter weekend then close for good on Sunday.

Some ski areas in Colorado remain open next week, but have limited terrain on offer:

Vail
Loveland
Aspen Mountain
Copper Mountain
Breckenridge
Winter Park
Arapahoe Basin

Vail and Aspen are scheduled to close on April 19. Copper Mountain has a closing date of April 26^th.

The others say they will remain open as snow conditions allow.

Skiing in the USA. Image c/0 PlanetSKI

Peak Performance & FWT Renew Partnership

1st April 2026

As the Freeride World Tour comes to its close for the season in Verbier, Peak Performance and the FWT have announced the extension of their longstanding partnership through to 2031.

Freeride World Tour crowns its champions

Building on an existing agreement running until 2027, Peak Performance will continue the Official Presenting Partner for an additional four-year period, from 2028 to 2031.

It reinforces a shared commitment to the progression of freeride skiing and snowboarding.

The partnership began in 2016.

Beyond elite competition, both partners share a vision of growing freeride within the broader mountain community.

“The renewed partnership will continue to focus on athlete-driven product development, safety initiatives, and expanding the global freeride community,” said a statement from FWT.

“Together, Peak Performance and the Freeride World Tour remain committed to pushing the boundaries of the sport while staying true to its core values.”

Freeride World Championships 2026. Image c/o FWCH26 & DDAHER

Tax Cuts for Some 2034 Olympic Tickets

1st April 2026

The Games are set to be held in Salt Lake City in Utah and the state has opted to removed sales taxes for some organisatons.

It would have raised $88 million (€76m) for state and local governments.

The measure exempts the privately funded, nonprofit Organising Committee for the Games.

No decision has been made yet regarding any separate fee for tickets or hospitality packages.

The organisers of the Games have said they are relying on private funding rather than state or local revenues.

The money will come mainly from broadcast rights, sponsorships, and ticket sales.

Tickets are projected to account for 30% of overall revenue.

Easter in Verbier

1st April 2026

On Easter Saturday, Verbier invites visitors to enjoy a lively day on the slopes that blends skiing, entertainment, and surprises for all ages.

The festivities are divided into two parts, beginning at Les Esserts from 10:00 to 11:00, where a traditional Easter egg hunt takes place with Meïno and the Easter Bunny.

Chocolate eggs are hidden in the flat area, and if snow conditions are insufficient, chocolates are distributed so everyone can still take part.

The celebration continues in the Ruinettes sector from 13:30 to 14:30, where Meïno and the Easter Bunny hide somewhere within the Verbier ski area, challenging participants to find them before time runs out.

Once located, visitors can take a photo, scan a QR code, and complete a form to enter a contest for a chance to win prizes, with entry validated by uploading the photo.

Winners are selected through a draw and contacted directly, as Verbier looks forward to welcoming guests for a festive and friendly Easter celebration on the slopes.

Verbier: www.verbier.ch

Questions Over Saudi Ski Development

1st April 2026

Two major contracts for the ambitious Trojena ski resort in Saudi Arabia have been cancelled.

It raises questions about the future of one of the Middle East’s biggest construction projects.

Trojena is planned as a mountain leisure destination with facilities for winter sports.

According to a report in The Wall Street Journal, the cancellations mark a potential turning point for the high-profile project.

It was designed as a year-round destination to include bringing alpine skiing to the desert kingdom as part of the broader NEOM mega-development initiative.

Last week Malaysia’s Eversendai Corporation announced that its steel fabrication and construction contract with Trojena had been terminated.

Then the Italian infrastructure giant WeBuild confirmed that its contract to construct a multi-billion-dollar dam and freshwater lake had been axed.

We reported on the Trojena project earlier on PlanetSKI and the aim to hold the 2028 Asian Games: