Summer Ski News in Brief
1st August 2026
Last modified on August 28th, 2026
-Body Found in Search For British Hiker in Pyrenees
-Fancy Owning a Ski Resort?
-New US Flight to Jackson Hole
-EasyJet Leaves Leeds/Bradford Airport
-Your Chance to Join Snow Camp…UPDATED
Body Found in Search For British Hiker in Pyrenees
28th August 2026
A body has been found in the search for a British tourist missing in Andorra in the Pyrenees.
The 28-year-old was last seen on Sunday morning after he left his accommodation.
He was booked in for a three-night stay and had left his luggage and other belongings at the property.
“This Thursday at midday the Fire Brigade located a lifeless body in the Tristaina area as part of the active search for a 28-year-old British tourist whom the police, with the collaboration of the Rescue Service, began searching for on Wednesday,” said the local police.
“From the moment the alert was raised about his possible disappearance, officers from the Public Security, Judicial Police and Criminal Investigation, and International Cooperation areas launched an investigation.
“With the support of the Fire Brigade, a search was begun in the urban area while efforts were made to reconstruct the route the young man might have taken.”
Next-of-kin are being informed and an investigation is underway.
The identity of the man has not been released.
The Pyrenees. Image © PlanetSKI
Fancy Owning a Ski Resort?
27th August 2026
Maine in the eastern USA is known for skiing, and now a small ski area is up for sale.
Mt. Jefferson Ski Area in the small Penobscot County town of Lee, just east of Lincoln, is for sale.
According to the listing from NextHome Experience, the property is listed for $3.5 million.
Mt. Jefferson opened in 1964 and comes with 152 acres of property.
New US Flight to Jackson Hole
27th August 2026
United Airlines has announced a new seasonal route from Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) directly to Jackson Hole Airport (JAC) in Wyoming.
It is set to launch on February 13th 2027 and is a Saturday-only service.
| Route Parameter | Flight Details |
| Aircraft | 126-seat Boeing 737-700 |
| Frequency | Saturdays only |
| Outbound Schedule | Departs BOS at 10:20 a.m. $\rightarrow$ Arrives JAC at 1:45 p.m. |
| Inbound Schedule | Departs JAC at 12:40 p.m. $\rightarrow$ Arrives BOS at 7:30 p.m. |
| Operated By | United Airlines (exclusive operator on this route) |
United already operates year-round service to Jackson Hole from Denver and seasonal flights from six other hubs—including Chicago O’Hare, Newark, Houston, San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Washington Dulles.
Jackson Hole, USA. Image © PlanetSKI
EasyJet Leaves Leeds/Bradford
26th August 2026
It stated operating from the airport in 2010 and it’s flights will cease after January 5th 2027.
It currently flies from the airport to Barcelona that gives access to ski resorts in the Pyrenees.
Geneva was previously offered as a seasonal service.
The carrier said its focus is on maintaining and developing routes that prove most popular with customers.
easyJet accounts for around 3% of flights at Leed Bradford, compared with approximately 48% for Jet2 and 29% for Ryanair.
People booked on easyJet flights after January 5th will be offered the option of transferring free of charge to a flight from another airport or receiving a refund.
EasyJet. Image © PlanetSKI.
Your Chance to Join Snow Camp
24th August 2026
Snow Camp is currently recruiting a Wellbeing Manager for its Scotland team.
The Wellbeing Manager will report to the Scotland Programme Manager and will be responsible for the delivery of wellbeing workshops and providing 1 to 1 wellbeing support sessions to young people.
The person will also work as part of the Scotland team to assist with the planning and delivery of snowsport and life-skills focused youth activities and assisting with the apprenticeship programme throughout each year.
Its accredited programmes take young people from beginner to qualified snowsports instructors in one year with volunteering and apprenticeship progression routes available at the end.
Alongside learning to ski or snowboard, young people also have access to wellbeing support with an emphasis on improving young people’s mental health and wellbeing.
Snow Camp charity. Image c/o Snow Camp
How to Apply
Click here to download the job description and here to download the application form.
Then send the completed form to Laura McIntyre, Scotland Programme Manager at laura@snow-camp.org.uk
Contact Laura McIntyre for an informal chat about the role on 07714 754 476.
- Closing Date: Tuesday 8th September 2026
- Interviews: Monday 14th September 2026 – They will be held at Snow Camp Scotland, Castlemilk Youth Complex, 39 Ardencraig Road, Castemilk G45 0EQ.
- Start date: ideally 1st October 2026 or sooner
- Hours: 18.75 hours a week (2.5 days) includes some evenings & weekends.
- Salary: £27,500 per annum pro-rata based on full time equivalent (actual for 2.5 days £13,750)
Snow Camp charity. Image c/o Snow Camp
Alterra Lays Off Workers
21st August 2026
The Alterra Mountain Company operates the Ikon Pass and has laid off an unspecified number of employees according to reports.
The company is currently without a CEO and there there is uncertainty over its HQ.
Last season was a poor one for many of its resorts with limited snow cover in the western USA.
The cuts have been reported by the Denver Business Journal and the Denver Gazette.
Affected employees include:
- Denver corporate staff
- Resort jobs
- The remote workforce
Alterra has not disclosed the number of people that may leave the company.
Its Ikon Pass is the main rival to Vail Resorts’ Epic Pass.
It offers access to 76 ski areas across North & South America, Europe, New Zealand and Asia.
Vail Resorts and Alterra Mountain Company are facing a federal antitrust class action lawsuit.
See here for more details:
Skiing in the USA. Image © PlanetSKI
Alberta Continues Funding to Avalanche Canada
19th August 2026
The Alberta government will continue funding Avalanche Canada for the next three years.
The not-for-profit organisation is based in Revelstoke, British Columbia and issues information on public avalanche safety and posts daily avalanche forecasts throughout the winter.
Alberta has renewed funding for Avalanche Canada with another three-year agreement at $250,000 a year.
“Avalanche Canada provides a good service for Albertans,” said Todd Loewen, minister of forestry and parks, in an interview with CTV News.
“It’s important that we provide that partnership we have with them.”
See more on CTV News:
Avalanche Canada also offers public education programs and training courses designed to help keep backcountry users safe.
“Having people aware of the risks and aware of things they can do to reduce those risks is important too,” Loewen added.
“It’s multifaceted, the service that they provide, and we appreciate it.”
Loewen said it’s important for multi-year funding deals to be reviewed before renewal to ensure the funding is in line with the government’s values.
“There was never a thought that we weren’t going to fund (Avalanche Canada), we just wanted to figure out level of funding we should do.”
Christopher Nicolson, president and CEO of Canada West Ski Association, says they appreciate the government continuing to support Avalanche Canada, calling it a “very important decision” in terms of safety for both the public and operators.
Sunshine Village, Canada. Image © PlanetSKI
Jackson Hole Announces Opening Date
18th August 2026
The US resort will open its slopes to skiers and snowboarders on Friday November 27th 2026.
It has launched its annual Winter 2026–27 Early Bird Lift Ticket Sale with discounts on offer.
- Single-Day Lift Tickets: Starting at $81 on select dates (saving up to 50% off standard peak pricing).
- Multi-Day Lift Tickets: Starting at $57 per day for purchases of three or more days (offering savings of up to 65%).
Guests booking qualifying flights, lodging, and activities through Jackson Hole Resort Reservations can secure an early booking bonus of up to $500 off airfare per person ($2,000 maximum per family).
“With walk-up or peak holiday daily tickets often reaching upwards of $280, the advance sale provides a substantial cost saving for non-passholders planning winter getaways,” said a statement from the resort.
Skiers and riders looking to take advantage of the Early Bird pricing can purchase tickets directly through the resort’s official portal at jacksonhole.com before the promotional rates end on August 31st.
Jackson Hole, USA. Image © PlanetSKI.
Italian Winter Olympics Inspire Possible Summer Bid
16th August 2026
Officials are looking at a bid within a decade following the organisational success of the Milan-Cortina Games last February.
Rome is a potential host city.
If so it is likely an Italian bid may be up against ones from India, Qatar and Germany.
Indonesia and an African bid are also possibilities.
The current head of the Italian National Olympic Committee, Luciano Buonfiglio, has been the driving force behind the bid.
If still in his position he will be the person responsible for putting it forward, having significantly refined his approach following the success of the 2026 Winter Games.
The choice would be between 2036 or 2040.
The latter would place the Games 14 years after the Milan-Cortina Winter Games and 34 years after theTurin 2006 Winter Olympics.
See more on InsidetheGames.
Cortina, 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics. Image © David Pearce/Team TB
EU Postpones ETIAS Border Controls
14th August 2026
The European Travel Information and Authorisation System was officially scheduled to begin operating in the final quarter of 2026.
It would impact skiers and snowboarders for next winter.
ETIAS is designed to work in a similar way to the US ESTA system.
Visa-exempt travellers will need to complete an online application before traveling to participating European countries for short stays.
The authorisation is expected to cost €20 and will involve security checks.
Once approved, it will generally remain valid for three years or until the traveller’s passport expires.
The system should cover 30 European countries, including all EU members except Ireland, as well as Iceland, Norway, Liechtenstein and Switzerland.
The latest uncertainty comes as Europe continues to deal with disruption linked to the Entry/Exit System, EES.
France border controls. Image © PlanetSKI
Changes at Top of Mammoth Ski Patrol After Death of Two Patrollers
13th August 2026
Cole Murphy, 30 years old, died in an avalanche on 26th December 2025 as he was carrying out control work.
A report found the resort “Wilfully At Fault”.
It was the second death of a patroller within a year after Claire Murphy (no relation) died in February 2025.
Mammoth has now changed the leadership and operations of its ski patrol.
Former ski patrol director Bobby Hoyt has stepped aside to a senior adviser role.
Mammoth has posted several job openings for leadership roles on ski patrol, including for a replacement director and new roles for assistant directors for operations and snow safety.
“These additions strengthen operational oversight, provide additional leadership support in the field, and reflect Mammoth’s ongoing commitment to continuously evaluating and improving mountain operations,” said a statement from the resort.
Mammoth Mountain. Image © PlanetSKI
At around 7.15 on December 26th 2025 Cole Murphy and a colleague set off an explosion and triggered a large avalanche in the Avalanche Chutes above a marked run.
They were swept him and the other patroller down the mountain.
We reported on it at the time on PlanetSKI:
Mammoth shut down operations, while ski patrol searched for Murphy using transceivers and probes.
He was found after 15 minutes and dug out.
Two of Murphy’s roommates were among the ski patrollers involved in the search.
Mammoth remained closed for the rest of the day.
Cole Murphy was taken to Mammoth Hospital and then flown to the Renown Regional Medical Center in Reno, Nevada, where he was put on a ventilator.
He later died from his injuries.
Cole Murphy was the second ski patroller at Mammoth to be killed by an avalanche in less than a year.
On February 14th 2025, 25-year-old ski patroller Claire Murphy was buried in an avalanche.
She was dug out but later died in hospital from injuries sustained in the avalanche.
Both of the avalanches that killed the patrollers occurred in the Avalanche Chutes off Lincoln Mountain.
See here for the full story in SFGATE.
Man Dies as Tree Hits Car in Australian Ski Resort
11th August 2026
Torchlight Descent of Argentine Glacier
11th August 2026
More than 120 skiers transformed Argentina’s Martial Glacier into a breathtaking river of fire during Ushuaia’s iconic Torchlight Descent.
The event saw skiers carrying flaming torches down the snowy slopes as hundreds gathered to watch.
The celebration ended with the burning of a giant effigy, symbolizing the changing of seasons and leaving the past behind.
Held in Ushuaia, the capital of Tierra del Fuego, the event showcased the unique mountain culture of the world’s southernmost city.
Curling Queen Makes Comeback
10th August 2026
GB’s Eve Muirhead is aiming to compete in the mixed doubles at the 2030 Winter Olympics.
The 36 year old is a four-time Olympian, Olympic gold medalist and world champion.
She partners up with Bobby Lammie who she won the world title with in 2022, her final year before retirement.
“People thought my story in curling was finished. Olympic champion. Chef de Mission. But standing alongside Team GB reminded me where I belong,” Eve Muirhead.
“So I’m coming out of retirement, chasing one last Olympic dream because I believe there’s one last Olympic chapter to write.”
View this post on Instagram
After the 2026 Winter Games, British Curling approached her with the chance to compete in mixed doubles.
She will train as a ‘decentralised athlete’ from her home in England, and will be travelling regularly to the National Curling Academy in Stirling, Scotland.
Winter Olympic Games. Image c/o PlanetSKI
Nine Victims of California Avalanche Died from Asphyxia
8th August 2026
That’s the conclusion of the Nevada County Coroner’s Office as they suffocated under the packed snow.
The majority of avalanche deaths however are due to asphyxiation, not trauma
The tragedy happened on February 17th 2026 and was California’s deadliest avalanche and the worst in the USA since 1981.
We reported on it at the time:
- Nine skiers missing after avalanche in USA
- Bodies of nine skiers recovered from US avalanche
- Report into worst US ski avalanche published
The nine fatalities included three guides from Blackbird Mountain Guides and six clients.
Five clients and one guide survived the avalanche.
The deaths happened after two groups of skiers decided to come together to return to the trailhead at the Castle Peak Snowpark on Donner Summit.
One group consisted of eight women staying at the nearby Frog Lake huts and two guides. The other group comprised three males and two guides.
A report by US Forest Service National Avalanche Center and Colorado Avalanche Information Center found that the guided group deviated from basic safety practices in crossing slide-prone terrain close together despite a warning that avalanches were expected.
The report stops short of assigning blame, but raises questions about the group’s decisions and the guiding company’s choice to travel as avalanche risk remained high.
The cause of the avalanche is still unknown and investigations are continuing, including possible prosecutions.
Skiing in the USA. Image © PlanetSKI
Full Metal Mayrhofen Returns
3rd August 2026
The festival returns for a third edition from March 29th to April 3rd, 2027.
The event combines metal concerts with winter sports.
Thousands of metal fans from all over the world transformed Mayrhofen into a vibrant meeting place for the international metal community for a week.
“Whether on the ski slopes, at après-ski, or in front of the stages – the entire town became part of the festival,” said the organisers.
“Unparalleled concerts, an electrifying atmosphere, and the palpable enthusiasm of the attendees characterized the event and underscored the unique nature of FULL METAL MAYRHOFEN .
Image c/o Full Metal Mayrhofen.
The event is “a striking example of how perfectly music, nature, and hospitality can come together,” said the Managing Director of the Mayrhofen Tourism Association, Andreas Lackner.
“The unique energy generated during the festival in Mayrhofen not only excites the guests but the entire town.
“We are already eagerly anticipating the third edition and look forward to welcoming the international metal community back to Mayrhofen!”
Folk metal heroes Feuerschwanz and heavy metal legends UDO will provide a spectacular start to the lineup, further solidified by the announcement of the New Jersey crossover band Dog Eat Dog and the Italian symphonic power metal band Rhapsody Of Fire.
Further acts to follow…
Plans for Former Sheffield Ski Village Advance
1st August 2026
A New Zealand adventure tourism firm has agreed plans to re-develop the site with Sheffield City Council.
Skyline Enterprises’ vision for Parkwood Springs includes a luge ride, a family playground and long-term plans for a zipline and surf wave experience.
The project is part of the council’s investment in the country park, funded by a £19.4m Levelling Up government grant.
“Our adventure and experience brand aligns perfectly with Sheffield’s renowned ‘Outdoor City’ ethos,” said Geoff McDonald, CEO of Skyline Enterprises.
The plan for the redevelopment of Parkwood Springs has been in the works since 2016.
£12m has already been allocated by Sheffield City Council to improve road access.
“We know that Parkwood Springs has been a challenging site to bring forward over the years, but with strong support from Sheffield City Council and an experienced project team on board, the pieces are now in place to deliver something truly special for the city,” McDonald added.
See this link for the full story on the BBC.
Sheffield Ski Village opened in 1998 and provided a training base for some of Britain’s most successful Winter Olympians.
It has been permanently closed since 2012, after it was destroyed by a fire.
A public consultation is expected in September to give local businesses and residents a chance to give feedback on the plans before a planning application is submitted later in the year.
Related Articles:
Jet2 Unveils Ski Flights for 2027/28
1st August 2026
The new Ski programme has gone on sale across 12 of Jet2’s UK airport bases.
The airline flies to Chambery, Grenoble, Geneva, Innsbruck, Lyon, Salzburg, Turin and Verona.
There are 470,000 seats on sale for its Winter 27/28 Ski programme.
Departing airports for Winter 27/28:
- Belfast International Airport – Salzburg (weekly Saturday services).
- Birmingham Airport – Chambery (Saturday and Sunday services), Geneva (up to 4 weekly services on Thursdays, Sundays and twice-daily on Saturdays), Grenoble (weekly Saturday services), Innsbruck (weekly Saturday services), Salzburg (weekly Saturday services) and Turin (weekly Sunday services).
- Bristol Airport – Chambery (weekly Saturday services), Geneva (weekly Saturday services) and Innsbruck (weekly Saturday services).
- East Midlands Airport – Geneva (weekly Saturday services).
- Edinburgh Airport – Chambery (weekly Saturday services), Geneva (Saturday and Sunday services), Salzburg (weekly Saturday services), Innsbruck (weekly Saturday services), Turin (weekly Sunday services) and Verona (weekly Saturday services).
- Glasgow Airport – Geneva (weekly Saturday services).
- Leeds Bradford Airport – Chambery (weekly Saturday services), Geneva (up to seven weekly services on Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays and twice-daily on Saturdays and Sundays) and Salzburg (weekly Saturday services).
- London Gatwick – Chambery (up to three weekly services on Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays), Geneva (up to four weekly services on Mondays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays), Grenoble (up to three weekly services on Saturdays and twice-daily on Sundays), Salzburg (weekly Saturday services) and Turin (weekly Sunday services).
- London Luton – Geneva (weekly Saturday services).
- London Stansted Airport – Chambery (up to three weekly services on Sundays and twice-daily on Saturdays), Geneva (up to seven weekly services on Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays and twice-daily on Saturdays and Sundays), Grenoble (weekly Saturday services) and Salzburg (weekly Saturday services) and the recent addition of weekly Saturday services to Innsbruck.
- Manchester Airport – Chambery (up to three weekly services on Sundays and twice-daily on Saturdyas), Geneva (up to six weekly services on Mondays, Thursdays and twice-daily on Saturdays and Sundays), Grenoble (up to two weekly services on Saturdays and Sundays), Innsbruck (up to three weekly services on Sundays and twice-daily on Saturdays), Lyon (weekly Saturday services), Salzburg (weekly Saturday services), Turin (up to two weekly services on Saturdays and Sundays) and Verona (weekly Saturday services).
- Newcastle International Airport – Chambery (weekly Saturday services), Geneva (up to two weekly services on Saturdays and Sundays) and Grenoble (weekly Saturday services).
Image c/o Jet2
Drought in Switzerland Intensifies
1st August 2026
Between April 1 and June 28, only 185mm of rain fell nationwide on average, about half of the norm, according to Meteo Swiss.
The Swiss government raised the drought alert for a large part of the country to the maximum level.
Numerous municipalities have introduced restrictions on water consumption.
Climate change is increasing the intensity and duration of periods of water scarcity, with sometimes unforeseen impacts that go beyond dried-up rivers and yellowing meadows.
Across much of Switzerland, river flow – even on the largest ones like the Rhine – is low to very low for the season.
Below-average snowpack in the mountains reduced the contribution from spring snowmelt, with effects on the main lowland rivers.
The levels of several lakes, including Lake Constance and Lake Lucerne, are unusually low.
Groundwater levels also range from normal to very low, especially in the Alps.
Glaciers are retreating, and the snowpack at the end of winter is decreasing.
“These natural reservoirs that used to compensate for the summer water deficit are disappearing,” Vincent Humphrey of MeteoSwiss told Swissinfo.
Summer in the mountains. Image © PlanetSKI
Glacier Shrink in Chile Accelerates
1st August 2026
A study by MapBiomas Agua-Chile has revealed that between 1998 and 2025 the country lost 344 thousand hectares of glaciers.
The most affected region was Ñuble, which lost 91% of its glacier surface.
Chile has about 80% of the glaciers in the Andes and their retreat impacts the supply of fresh water.
“Glaciers are tremendously relevant because they provide a continuous flow of water to the basins, especially in summer and drought periods, which is when we need water the most,” said Alexis Segovia from the University of Chile.
The loss of glaciers and surface waters in Chile reflects the impact of the climate crisis and the megadrought on ecosystems.
The retreat of these ice bodies compromises water security, biodiversity, and human activities that depend on them.
The challenge is to strengthen monitoring and conservation policies to ensure water and resilience in the face of climate change.
In Argentina one glacier has recently been cited as the only glacier in the world growing.
Now that is not the case.
The Perito Moreno Glacier lies in Los Glaciares National Park, in Santa Cruz Province, southern Argentina.
For decades, it showed few signs of retreat compared with many other Patagonian glaciers, but that pattern has changed.
Perito Moreno Glacier, Argentina. Image c/o European Union, Copernicus Sentinel-2 imagery
This Copernicus Sentinel-2 image taken on 30 June 2026, shows the glacier’s broad ice front between Lago Argentino and Brazo Rico, a southern arm of the lake.
The red line marks the ice front’s position in 2016, showing how far the ice moved back over the past decade.
Copernicus satellite data provide regular observations of remote glaciers, helping to track changes in ice extent over time.
These data support long-term climate assessments and environmental monitoring in glacial regions worldwide.
Canada to Spend $33.6m (£18m) on Winter Sport Venues
1st August 2026
It comes ahead of the 2030 Winter Olympics to be held in Salt Lake City, USA.
Officials say it will support athletes and strengthen the country’s ability to host major events.
The investment, made through a federal fund, will go towards the rehabilitation and modernisation of the Olympic Oval at the University of Calgary campus.
The Winsport halfpipe at the Canada Olympic Park, is set for upgrades, as is the Nakiska National Ski Cross Training Centre, where snowmaking and security measure improvements are planned.
The Canada Snowboard National Training Centre Network project is earmarked for up to CAD $4m.
The National Alpine Ski Training Centre Network project is set to receive up to $3.6m.
A senior vice president with Alpine Canada, Jeff Thompson, said that the investments “will strengthen the development pathway, creating lasting benefits for athletes and coaches at every level.”
“We’re grateful to the Government of Canada and all of our partners for believing in the future of our sport and helping create an environment where more athletes can chase their dreams right here in Canada,” said the CEO of Canada Snowboard, Dustin Heise.
Canada took home 21 medals at the 2026 games in Milan-Cortina, Italy.
At the Beijing Games in 2022, Canada won 26 medals, performing fourth best among the countries that competed.
Sunshine Village, Banff, Canada. Image c/o Ross Young.
