×

James Cove

Investigation Continues after Ten People Feared Caught in Austria Avalanche

Four people were injured, one seriously, after the slide struck on Xmas Day in Zurs in the Arlberg area in western Austria. A huge search operations was launched. First videos have been posted on social media. UPDATED

Heavy Snow & Rain Hits the Alps Affecting Xmas Skiing

There has been heavy snow at altitude in the Alps with up to a metre falling in places. Lower down rain has harmed the snowpack. UPDATED

Santa on the Slopes

He has been dashing around lately – paraponting over Avoriaz in France + pounding the powder in Sunshine Village in Canada. We look at his travels round the ski resorts of the world. UPDATED

‘Chalet Owners’ Offers Some of the Best Chalets in the Alps

Looking to book your next luxury ski chalet? You could do worse than take a look at Chalet Owners, a curated collection of luxury chalets and apartments aimed at the discerning skier.

New Sports & Conference Centre Opens in Val Thorens

‘So what?’ you may ask. It sits in the centre of town & is set to be the diamond in the crown of the high-altitude French resort – an integral part of its future. PlanetSKI was at the official opening on Wednesday.

PlanetSKI Discount Code for Ski Hire with Intersport

Intersport has over 700 ski hire shops across the Alps. With the special PlanetSKI discount code rent award-winning skis & snowboards at fabulous prices.

Pointe de la Masse Ski Lift Appears to be Victim of its Own Success

The lift in Les Menuires draws huge crowds as people head to the viewing platform at the top & enjoy the varied skiing on offer. PlanetSKI went for a ride to see if all the attention is warranted.

Fresh Warnings for Off Piste Skiers as More Avalanche Deaths in France

Seven people have already died in avalanches this season in France alone. The authorities are urging people to exercise caution and follow the rules. UPDATED

Harsh Weather Hits the Alps with Powder at Altitude but Heavy Rain Lower Down

The temperature has been fluctuating wildly bringing snow and rain. Xmas is looking good in high-altitude rski areas but not so good lower down as the snowpack deteriorates. UPDATED

Discover the Affordable Ski Resort of Roccaraso in Italy with Ski Abruzzo

Roccaraso is Italy’s fifth biggest ski area with over 100 km of linked runs and 700m vertical drop. With three nearby airports – Naples, Pescara and Rome.

Three Ski Days in Arc 1950 (+1 bonus morning)

PlanetSKI has been for a quick visit to check out the award-winning hotel, Bear Lodge, and see what Arc 1950 has to offer. After 3 days we planned to move on to Les3Vallees. Or not.

Les Gets Bans Smoking on Ski Slopes

The French resort is banning smoking on ski lifts and on the slopes except in 5 designated areas. It is the first resort in Europe to do so. NEW

Maison Sport Buys Supreme Ski School

New meets old. One of the new ski school digital platforms buys one of the oldest British ski schools in the Alps.

What Makes an Award-Winning Ski Hotel?

VIP SKI’s Bear Lodge in Arc 1950 has been named the ‘World’s Best New Ski Hotel’ at the World Ski Awards. PlanetSKI’s James Cove is currently staying there, he reports on what it offers & if it is worthy of the accolade.

French Government Urges People to Wear Masks in Ski Lifts this Winter

The French Health Minister has urged people to wear masks on public transport. In France ski lifts are seen as public transport.

Spain Announces New Digital Nomad Visa

If you want to base yourself in the mountains for the season to work from abroad then Spain may be your best bet.

Snow in UK Causes Travel Disruption for Skiers Heading to the Alps

Stansted airport was closed on Sunday evening while Heathrow & Gatwick are experiencing delays. Road and rail travel has also been affected. PlanetSKI spent 7-hours at Gatwick as we headed to the Alps for a pre-Xmas ski. UPDATED

Investigation Underway After Fire Destroys Hotel in Les2Alpes

A major fire broke out on Sunday evening at the Hotel Le Souleil’Or in Les 2 Alpes, France. There were no injuries but the building has been gutted. PlanetSKI reports from the resort. UPDATED

More Ski Resorts Open With Good Conditions as Xmas Approaches

There’s been more snow with the temperature fluctuating wildly. PlanetSKI is out in the Alps where conditions are generally good as Xmas approaches. UPDATED

Innsbruck: City & Ski

PlanetSKI has been on a pre-Xmas city and ski break to Innsbruck. Hitting the city then the slopes of Kuhtai, Stubai and Schlick 2000. We round up the visit with more information and fresh photos.

Avalanches Warnings Across US Ski Areas

Heavy snow is falling with increased danger of avalanche.  There have been 600 recorded avalanches in Colorado alone this winter.

Skiers & Snowboarders Face Airport Disruption at Xmas

Planned strikes by UK border staff could cause delays and cancellations. The government is urging people to ‘think carefully’ before travelling by air. UPDATED

Freeride World Tour Merges with International Ski and Snowboard Federation

FIS is acquiring the FWT properties for an undisclosed amount. The two organisations will join forces starting from the 2022-2023 season.

City & Ski: Innsbruck & Schlick 2000

PlanetSKI’s City & Ski trip in the Tirol draws to a close. It seems we may have saved the best till last. Opening Day at Schlick 2000.

City & Ski: Innsbruck & Stubai

PlanetSKI has started its winter with a week long visit to the Tirol. We’re now in Innsbruck – sampling the city life & the ski life. Today it’s a visit to the Stubai glacier.

FIS Claims to be Climate-Positive Organisation

The International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS) has said it will be a climate-positive organisation for the second consecutive season.

Innsbruck: A City Made for Skiing

As PlanetSKI starts its season we have moved on from the Otztal Valley in the Tirol in Austria to Innsbruck. It’s the self-proclaimed capital of the Alps and for good reason. NEW

Sustainable Ski Holidays in the Tirol

From public transport to environmentally friendly accommodation, regional produce to winter activities with a small carbon footprint – the Tirol claims to have plenty of options for skiers keen to enjoy the Austrian Alps while at the same time helping protect the planet.

December’s Ski News In Brief – Live & Updated

– Two German Teenagers Die After Skiing Off Edge of Slope
– Border Force Strikes Resume Today
– Shiffrin Edges Closer to Women’s Record
– A Mountain Guide’s Life
– Narrow Escape in Avalanche…UPDATED

Around 125 Ski Resorts Now Open in Europe

More resorts and ski areas open this weekend. There has been some fresh snow & cold temperatures have allowed the snow cannons to pump out artificial snow as the main season approaches. PlanetSKI was in Schlick 2000 in the Tirol as it opened. UPDATED

PlanetSKI is Back On Snow!

PlanetSKI is in the Tirol to start our season. Five resorts in a week. Or maybe more, & longer. UPDATED

PlanetSKI Gear Reviews: Winter 22/23

In the first of a sporadic series of gear reviews over the winter our gear editor Alf Alderson checks out a few skiing essentials.

Change to Avalanche Warnings in Switzerland

Starting this winter, the SLF is enhancing the precision of its reporting by subdividing the danger level in its avalanche bulletins. It will indicate whether the danger is towards the bottom end, in the middle or towards the uppermost end of the reported level.

Travel by Train To Morzine & Save Money in Resort

Skiers and snowboarders opting for a low-carbon ski holiday to Morzine, in the French Alps, can save money when choosing to travel to resort by train thanks to the AlpinExpress Pass.

US Ski Resorts Open + More Snow in Canada

The Thanksgiving Holiday weekend in the USA has seen a multitude of ski resorts open for the season. Some have the best early season conditions in years. UPDATED

Absolutely Snow – The One Stop Holiday Shop

Are you stuck in a rut when it comes to ski holidays, lacking inspiration for which country and which kind of accommodation to choose? Absolutely Snow claims it can help.

Snow Sculptures Back in Ischgl this Winter

The slopes of Ischgl in the Austrian Tirol will see the 29th anniversary of the resort’s Shapes in White exhibition.

The Ski Season of 2022/23 Starts

Around 40 resorts in the Alps are offering some skiing, with dozens now open in North America.

GB’s Millie Knight to Take a Break

The paralympic skier is taking a rest. She has been one of GB’s most successful winter athletes. NEW

As Jackson Hole Opens PlanetSKI Looks at its Season Ahead

Jackson Hole Mountain Resort has opened with the early season snow conditions the best in many years. What makes the resort so iconic? UPDATED

Alpine Fleet – the New Transfer Service from Geneva

Airport transfers to the Alps have often involved either costly private transfers or cheaper but less flexible and far longer, shared bus transfers. Alpine Fleet plans to shake things up.

More Snow is Falling in the Alps

Another storm is hitting, starting off the season nicely in many places. At last winter is here folks. UPDATED

Obergurgl Celebrates its Season-Opening

The resorts of Obergurgl and Hochgurgl in the Tirol have opened for the season. PlanetSKI was amoung the lucky ones making their first turns of the winter.

World Ski Awards Announced

Verbier takes the crown for the world’s best resort with Bear Lodge, Les Arcs named ‘World’s Best New Ski Hotel’. We look at the winners across all the categories.

Warren Miller Film Premieres in the UK

‘Daymaker’ is the 73rd annual Warren Miller film and has opened with three premieres in Glasgow, London and Birmingham. PlanetSKI has been in the audience.

Fancy a More Affordable Base for the 2023 Alpine World Championships?

They take place in Meribel & Courchevel next February. The neighbouring resorts of Les Menuires and Saint Martin de Belleville are stressing their advantages.

Scotland’s Only Indoor Ski Slope Closes

Snow Factor at XSite Braehead, in Renfrewshire, will be shut until further notice following a court order.

Testing Set to Start on Cairngorm Funicular

The series of repair works is nearing completion and final testing is about to start. It should be open for skiers and snowboarders in early 2023 and is part of wider improvements to the Scottish ski area.

Snow Falls in the Alps as More Resorts Open

Some much needed snow is falling with more forecast. PlanetSKI is in the Austrian Alps. UPDATED

Travelski Express Reverts to Overnight Departure

The direct weekend train service will now depart from London St Pancras for a Friday overnight service to the French Alps. It means skiers will still get 7-days on the slopes with a daytime return the following Saturday.

More US Ski Resorts Open Early After Fresh Snow

Heavy snow is falling in the USA with many resorts opening early to take advantage of conditions. We look at the state of play in North America as the season gets off to a great start. UPDATED

Maison Sport Goes for Growth

The independent ski and snowboard instructor provider is partnering with a number of providers in the UK and across the world. It says this will enhance the booking experience and drive growth.

Another French Resort Delays Opening Due to Lack of Snow

Val d’Isere has followed Val Thorens in announcing a delay to the start of the season. Warm weather is to blame, but there is snow in the forecast. UPDATED

The Best Ski Resorts in the World?

A new survey rates the major ones & make a fascinating read. What’s your favourite resort & why?

Xmas Treats in the Tirol

Tirol’s villages, towns & ski resorts are famous for their traditional customs and celebrations, plus a home for museums & other cultural attractions. This is perhaps never truer than during the Christmas period.

World Cup Ski Race Moved Due to Energy Costs

A cross country sprint ski race is being moved from Milan in Italy to Livigno as making artificial snow has been deemed to be too expensive.

Back on Snow – Addiction Heaven

One of our regular readers, Kostantinos Valtadoros, has been out on the glacier slopes of Soelden in the Tirol. It’s an addiction. Plain and simple.

World Cup Ski Racing in Levi Gets the Green Light

It comes as seven out of eight World Cup races of the season have been cancelled due to unfavourable conditions.  Warm temperatures have played havoc with the schedule and some question whether the season should start later.

Les3Vallees: What’s New for Next Season

It’s the largest linked ski area in the world with 600kms of ski runs. It never rests on its laurels and has a host of new developments for the winter of 2022/23. We look at all the improvements.

First Non-Glacier Resorts Open in the Alps

Verbier was first out of the blocks on Friday, followed by Arosa/Lenzerheide, Sulda & Kitzbuhel. UPDATED

Snow report

X

Load More...

Instagram

platinum partners

gold partners

silver partners