Summer Ski News in Brief
1st June 2026
Last modified on June 22nd, 2026
– $300m Upgrade for Colorado Ski Road
– Urs Lehmann Back in FIS
– British Man Dies in Paragliding Accident in Pyrenees
– Rivella to Sponsor 2027 Alpine Ski World Championships
– X Games at Aspen For Next 3 Years…UPDATED
$300m Upgrade for Colorado Ski Road
22nd June 2026
The I-70 is the main interstate highway serving Vail, Breckenridge, Arapahoe Basin, Copper Mountain and many others.
The Colorado Department of Transportation has approved a 10-year plan to improve the road and reduce the bottlenecks.
Weekends in the winter are especially bad as people head from city of Denver to hit the slopes.
A weekday drive from Denver to Vail Pass typically takes about 90 minutes, severe weekend congestion and winter weather frequently lead traffic to a crawl or a standstill.
Millions of skiers and snowboarders can look forward to a safer and more efficient commute.
The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) has officially approved a comprehensive 10-year, $300 million investment plan aimed at executing major upgrades along the Interstate 70 mountain corridor and other critical alpine routes across the state.
The plan contains more than 250 individual projects.
The two main projects are:
- West Vail Pass Upgrades ($77 Million)
- Garfield and Eagle Counties ($34 Million)
The primary goals are:
- Repair deteriorated roadways
- Maximise motorist safety
- Enhance long-term environmental sustainability
Colorado ski road trip. Image © PlanetSKI
Urs Lehmann Back in FIS
21st June 2026
He is to be the Interim Secretary General of the International Ski & Snowboard Federation until March 2027.
Lehmann was CEO until he resigned ahead of the recent bitter election for the president of the International Ski Federation.
That election, at the 57th FIS Congress in Belgrade in Serbia, was won by Alexander Ospelt with the previous president, Johan Eliasch ousted:
The Secretary General Michel Vion announced his departure from FIS at the Congress .
The new president and the Council has made the temporary appointment of Lehmann to ensure the operational continuity of FIS’ activities.
It has been agreed that he will take on the role of Secretary General ad interim as of 1 July 2026 and serve in this function until the end of March 2027.
This corresponds to the nine-month contractual notice period under his existing agreement.
The FIS Council will establish a Working Group to review the future structure of the FIS executive leadership and to assess whether amendments to the FIS Statutes may be required.
In doing so, the Working Group will also take into account and carefully consider the proposals submitted to the Congress.
By March 2027, FIS will conduct an open and thorough application process for the position of FIS Secretary General.
This process will be accompanied by professional HR support to ensure a transparent and objective selection process.
The President and the Council have agreed to establish a separate Working Group to review the financial situation of FIS and to prepare proposals where necessary.
International Ski & Snowboard Federation. Image © FIS
British Man Dies in Paragliding Accident in Pyrenees
20th June 2026
A 63-year-old British man has died in a paragliding accident in Spain’s north-eastern Catalonia region.
The accidetn happened in the Palau de Noguera area on Wednesday.
The man was found seriously injured by rescuers and received first aid until medical teams arrived, but he later died.
The UK Foreign Office said it was “supporting the family of a British man who has died in Spain”.
Palau de Noguera is located near Àger – an area popular with paragliders and hang gliders on the edge of the Pyrenees in north-eastern Spain.
Local media reported that the man appeared to have become tangled in power lines before hitting the ground.
Authorities were expected to inform the man’s family through British consular channels, according to local media.
The Pyrenees. Image © PlanetSKI
Rivella to Sponsor 2027 Alpine Ski World Championships
19th June 2026
The event will be held in the Swiss resort of Crans-Montana from February 1st to 14th.
Rivella is ne of the best-known Swiss brands and the soft drink firm is reaffirming its long-standing association with Swiss skiing.
Rivella and Swiss-Ski will be celebrating their 50th anniversary of partnership in 2027.
“When an event of this magnitude and with such a wide reach takes place in Switzerland, in a sport that fits perfectly with the DNA of the Rivella brand, it is only natural for us to support it,” said the Co-CEO of the Rivella Group, Silvan Brauen.
World Cup racing at Crans-Montana. Image © PlanetSKI
According to the organizing committee, the 2027 World Ski Championships will bring hundreds of athletes, thousands of media representatives and tens of thousands of spectators from all over the world to Crans-Montana.
This event with international appeal offers Rivella a correspondingly large platform to position its brand in the context of alpine skiing.
“Rivella will be present at the various venues to provide the public with refreshing, authentic and convivial moments.
“This fits in perfectly with the values of the World Championships,” said the Managing Director of Crans-Montana 2027, Didier Défago.
Rivella is one of Switzerland’s best-known brands and is officially listed in the country’s inventory of culinary heritage.
The company was founded in 1952 and almost 100 million litres of Rivella, Focuswater and Michel brand soft drinks and fruit juices are consumed every year.
In 2025, the Group generated sales of 140 million Swiss francs and employed 267 people.
World Cup racing at Crans-Montana. Image © PlanetSKI
X Games at Aspen For Next 3 Years
17th June 2026
The X Games will take place at the Aspen Snowmass in Colorado over the next three years following a new agreement.
“Aspen Snowmass is where the best in freeskiing and snowboarding come to compete at the highest levels every year,” said Chief Business Development Officer at Aspen One, John Rigney.
“We’ve proudly partnered with X Games for more than 25 years because we love their commitment to showcasing the energy and vibrancy of our sports on a global scale, while delivering an elevated experience for athletes and spectators alike.
The dates and details for the X Games Aspen 2027 will be announced in the coming months.
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Edmonton Takes Action Against Canadian Snowboard Federation
14th June 2026
In 2023 the Canadian Snowboard Federation held the FIS Snowboard Big Air World Cup at the city’s Commonwealth Stadium.
Edmonton has filed suit against the federation and alleges it has missed multiple payment deadlines.
Edmonton charged the federation $139,000 (£74,087) to use the stadium.
This included a rental fee, electricity, and IT support, locker room services and security for the event.
So far it says it has only received $20,000 (£10,660).
The Canadian Snowboard Federation is the sport’s not-for-profit governing body in Canada.
It coordinates with the International Ski and Snowboard Federation for hosting events, building teams, and structuring competition.
The unpaid bill is being seen as a warning sign of the federation’s financial health.
Despite filing the legal suit Edmonton says it is “open to discussing a repayment plan to resolve the debt,” according to CBC
Canada. Image © PlanetSKI
Injured Hiker Rescued in the Tirol
12th June 2026
A severely injured German hiker was rescued after surviving a night in snow at around 2,200m.
The man set out alone on a hike near Bach close to the Bavarian border last Tuesday morning.
The police said he fell in mountainous terrain.
When he failed to return by evening the owner of his accommodation contacted the emergency services.
Police, firefighters, mountain rescue teams with search dogs and drones were despatched, but the rescue operation was suspended overnight due to poor weather conditions.
A helicopter resumed the search on Wednesday morning once fog lifted and dropped rescue teams into the area.
The man was found at a snow-covered mountain saddle near the 2,388m Strahlkopf Peak in the Allgäu Alps.
He had fallen down a steep and rocky slope.
The hiker was conscious but told the police he could not recall the circumstances of the accident.
“It borders on a miracle for everyone involved that the mountaineer survived the night under these conditions,” mountain rescuers said.
He was treated in hospital in Murnau, Germany.
The Tirol in summer. Image © PlanetSKI
The Remarkables Set to Be Largest Ski Area in New Zealand
12th June 2026
There is a proposed $150 million-plus expansion into the Doolans Basin which will increase the ski area from 449 hectares to 711 hectares.
The capacity of the ski area goes up from 290,000 visitors to 500,000 within the first five years.
It will have New Zealand’s longest gondola at 2.7km in length.
A new hospitality building will also be built in the Doolans Basin.
“Expanding into the Doolans Basin allows us to create more room to ski, ride and explore in a world-class, multi-valley ski resort that supports the long-term resilience of skiing in Queenstown,” said NZSki chief executive, Paul Anderson.
“It means more terrain, fewer lift queues and a better experience for everyone.
“This project caters both for our growing local community as well as the increasing number of ski tourists; it’s about meeting the demand in a responsible way while protecting the future of skiing.”
South Island, New Zealand. Image © PlanetSKI
Compagnie des Alpes Increases Sales
8th June 2026
Europe’s largest lift company has reported consolidated sales of €882.7m, representing a 3.9% increase compared with the first half of 2024/25.
Core sales from ski-lift operations accounted for more than 95% of the division’s sales and rose by 4.2%.
Growth was primarily driven by a 3.7% increase in average revenue per skier-day.
There was a 0.5% rise in the number of skier-days compared with last year’s historically high level.
The number of skier-days increased by 2.0%.
The weeks leading up to the February break were busy, confirming the growing importance, year after year, of the off-season period in January and early February.
As expected, performance during the February break was more subdued.
The start of the break was disrupted by a period of very heavy snowfall, which caused days of partial and total closures of ski resorts and areas, as well as the closure of connections between certain linked ski areas.
March turned out to be a successful month, as the Compagnie des Alpes’ high-altitude resorts enjoyed good snow conditions.
Overall, the strong performance recorded this season confirms the appeal of the resorts managed by the Group.
The company has invested in the modernisation of ski lift infrastructure, which has particularly benefited the resorts of La Plagne, Les Arcs and Méribel.
For the 2026/27 season, Travelski, a subsidiary of Compagnie des Alpes, will launch a new sleeper train service departing from Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Antwerp, and Brussels.
It will travel to Bourg-Saint-Maurice in the Tarentaise region via Moûtiers and Aime-la-Plagne.
The night train between Paris and Bourg-Saint-Maurice, which was introduced during the winter of 2024/25, will be offered again next season.
With an occupancy rate that reached 85% at the height of winter, the service has proven its technical reliability and commercial viability.
By train to the mountains. Image © PlanetSKI
Grand Targhee Set to Expand
8th June 2026
A 694-acre boundary expansion has been authorised that allows the US resort in Wyoming to have new skiable terrain into Teton Canyon.
It will also construct a new restaurant on the summit of Fred’s Mountain.
The final plan is smaller than the 866 acres originally requested by the resort.
Forest Service officials pared down the final boundaries to safeguard local ecology and resolve key issues brought forward by community members and cooperating government agencies.
The approved land package breaks down into two distinct development zones:
- Mono Trees Area: 459 acres designated for development southwest of the current base.
- South Bowl Area: 235 acres granted within the scenic Teton Canyon corridor.
The expansion aligns with current federal directives to upgrade public recreation infrastructure and stimulate mountain economies.
Forest officials noted that the evaluation was heavily guided by national mandates to drive economic growth through outdoor recreation, balanced against local scientific assessments regarding botany, migratory birds, and soil stability.
The resort was voted the best overall ski resort in the world by Snowmad last year.
Grand Targhee, Wyoming. Image © PlanetSKI
PlanetSKI visited Grand Targhee back in 2017:
Grand Targhee, Wyoming. Image © PlanetSKI
€60m Investment in Levi Ski Resort
4th June 2026
A new development in the Finnish ski resort will see a 4,000-square-metre hotel complex with approximately 250 rooms, as well as restaurants and other facilities.
It will be located next to Zero Point in the centre of Levi.
The resort has not disclosed which international hotel operator has secured the contract.
“The project attracted strong interest from a wide range of international hotel operators,” said the CEO of Levi Ski Resort, Jouni Palosaari..
“We are pleased that, in the end, we selected an operator whose clientele and concept align well with our ski resort’s target audience.”
Construction is due to start in spring 2027, with completion expected by spring 2029.
Other investments in 2026 in Levi amounted to €19.5m.
Current development projects include a new chairlift on the southern slopes, as well as a new gondola lift and a forest trail.
Once completed, the upgrades will give the resort two gondola lifts and two magic carpet lifts.
Image c/o Levi Ski Resort.
Lyon Set to Host Ice Events at 2030 Olympics
3rd June 2026
The city of Nice appears to be excluded from the plans after political and logistical disagreements.
The ice events include:
- Ice hockey
- Figure skating
- Curling
- Short track speed skating
Nice has been scheduled to hold all the events, as part of a decentralised four-hub model across the French Alps region.
It was due to have a large media centre and host the Closing Ceremony.
The mayor of Nice, Eric Ciotti, opposed constructing a temporary venue at the Allianz Riviera football stadium.
The Organising Committee of the Games has now said the events will likely be held in Lyon.
“The alternative solutions sought in Nice have proven unsatisfactory,” the committee said in a statement.
“The Lyon Metropolis now appears to be the solution capable of responding to this situation.”
Mayor Ciotti has strongly criticised the move and has called it politically motivated.
It remains to be seen whether it is a definite move or more political brinkmanship.
See more on Inside the Games
Winter Olympic Games. Image c/o PlanetSKI
Ski Resorts in Eastern Canada Claim Success
2nd June 2026
The Quebec Ski Areas Association says its resorts recorded a 5% increase in visitor numbers in 2025/26 compared to the previous winter.
It had 6.3m skier-days and there were ticket sales revenues of $263.7m – a record high for Quebec resorts.
Season pass sales also increased significantly, rising 11% compared to last year, totaling 334,580 subscribers .
Day ticket sales increased by 7%.
Other winter revenues saw the strongest growth among categories, rising 18%, largely thanks to the strong performance of ski schools, whose revenues increased by 13%. % to reach $35M.
The early start to the season at several resorts, thanks in particular to significant snowfall and investments in snowmaking, resulted in optimal skiing conditions for much of the winter.
“Preliminary results show that Quebecers continue to respond enthusiastically and that resorts have been able to offer a high-quality experience despite the challenges facing the industry,” said the President and CEO of the ASSQ, Yves Juneau.
“Quebecers want to be active in the winter, and ski resorts are excited to see that they are largely choosing snow sports offered in the ski mountains to enjoy the outdoors.”
Le Massif de Charlevoix, Canada. Image © PlanetSKI
British Hiker Dies in Pyrenees Fall
1st June 2026
A 42-year-old British woman who lived in Finland has died in Aragon in the Spanish Pyrenees.
A UK Foreign Office spokesperson said: “We are aware of a British woman who has died in Spain and are in contact with the local authorities”.
The accident happened at the weekend on the slopes of Pico Balaitús in the municipality of Sallent de Gállego in Huesca province.
She fell about 500m while descending a snowy section of the route.
Her companion, a 53-year-old man from Finland, was unharmed.
The woman, a British national who lived in Finland, was pronounced dead and her body was taken to Zaragoza’s Forensic Medicine Institute for a post-mortem.
An investigation is underway.
Rescue services in the area have carried out nine operations from May 26th to 30th
They include people with twisted ankles and dislocations, plus people suffering from exhaustion in the heat.
The increase in mountain incidents has coincided with the beginning of the summer season and a growth of tourists heading to the Pyrenees
The authorities are advising all people in the mountains to exercise caution.
Another Week to Go at Mammoth Mountain
1st June 2026
Mammoth Mountain in California has announced its spring skiing season will extend through to 7th June.
“In true Mammoth fashion, we’ll keep skiing and riding as long as conditions allow,” said the resort in an statement.
“With cold temps, solid coverage and fresh snow in the forecast this week, lifts are now scheduled to spin through Sunday, June 7.”
Mammoth is running six lifts with 40 of its 180 trails open after Memorial Day.
When the mountain announced its previous extension in the middle of May, the resort had nine open lifts and 70 open trails.
Communication Director for Mammoth Resorts, Emily Van Greuning, joins FOX Weather to discuss the extended ski season.
VIP SKI Opens Bookings for 2027/28
1st June 2026
VIP SKI has opened bookings for Winter 2028, giving guests the opportunity to secure their preferred chalet, resort and travel dates well ahead of the season.
This is a first in the ski industry to open so early.
VIP SKI has seen unprecedented demand in the past few weeks for its chalets and luxury ski hotels spread across four ski resorts in France for winter 2027 and is 50% sold already for winter.
The record early launch reflects growing demand for premium ski holidays, particularly during peak weeks such as Christmas, New Year and February half-term.
“By opening bookings earlier than many operators, VIP SKI offers guests the chance to plan ahead with confidence, lock in the most sought-after chalets and avoid the increasingly competitive rush for availability at peak periods,” said a statement form VIP SKI.
The company has properties located across high-altitude Alpine resorts including Val d’Isère, La Plagne, Arc 1950 and Avoriaz.
Ten years ago, VIP SKI Managing Director Andy Sturt set an objective to move all VIP SKI properties above 1,800m.
The average altitude of the chalets is now 1,967m.
Higher altitude means greater snow reliability, longer seasons, and quicker access to the slopes.
At a time when snow conditions across the Alps can vary, this elevation benchmark ensures VIP SKI guests enjoy the very best of the mountains, from first lifts to spring skiing.
It also reflects VIP SKI’s commitment to quality positioning chalets and suites where the snow is most dependable and the skiing most rewarding.
VIP SKI’s early release for Winter 2028 enables guests to plan, locking in the best accommodation, locations and travel dates before availability becomes limited.
VIP SKI (0203 892 4060, www.vip-chalets.com)
‘Graciosa’, La Plagne,. Image c/o VIP SKI.
Swiss Ski Hotels Undercut by Online Booking Platforms
1st June 2026
The industry body, Hotelleriesuisse, that says room are being offered at lower prices and often without hotel consent.
In 2025 around half of the 171 hotels surveyed said they had been affected – up from 40% the year before.
In 83% of cases, hotels had not approved the lower prices.
“Price cuts can force hotels to lower their own direct rates to stay competitive, creating a downward spiral,” said Hotelleriesuisse director, Christian Hürlimann.
Hotels also risk gradually losing control over their pricing and distribution.
While direct bookings still account for the largest share (59%), so-called online travel agencies (OTAs) remain influential.
For many businesses, these platforms are still their main digital distribution partners.
The market is also highly concentrated.
Booking.com alone accounts for more than 70% of online bookings, with Expedia at around 15%.
Zermatt, Switzerland. Image c/o PlanetSKI.
