7th November 2022
Train Tickets to French Ski Resorts Now on Sale
The French national rail company, SNCF, has put tickets on sale for journeys between January 3rd and March 26th 2023. UPDATED
Environment
3rd November 2022
With Cop27 Underway Recent Report Paints Worrying Picture of Glacier Melt
UNESCO says some of the most well-known glaciers in the world will have melted by 2050. They include the Dolomites in Italy, Mt Kilimanjaro and those in the Yosemite & Yellowstone parks in the USA. Alpine glaciers will also be affected.
24th October 2022
Ski Resorts Around Queenstown in New Zealand Claim Bumper Winter
It has been a tale of two islands in New Zealand this winter. The South Island has claimed a record winter, but it has been somewhat different on the North Island. NEW
20th October 2022
Park City in Utah Goes For Sustainable Tourism Plan
The US mountain town aims to be at the forefront of sustainability and believes others can learn from its initiatives. PlanetSKI examines its plans and looks at what people may notice.
11th October 2022
Switzerland Aims for Greener Energy
Swiss ski resorts will use a deal of energy this winter and they have been asked to reduce consumption. For the future the country is looking to greater use of renewable energy with the debate now raging.
10th October 2022
Satellites Could be Used to Detect and Help Predict Avalanches
Swiss scientists are undertaking research to see if satellite technology and images taken from space could predict them and offer safety advice. The results so far are encouraging.
6th October 2022
Another Austrian Glacier Ski Area Opens + Skiing Starts in Finland
Kitzsteinhorn in SalzburgerLand opened on Friday with its Glacier Park opening on Saturday. Six glacier ski areas are now open in Austria with five others in Italy and Switzerland. Resorts in Finland have opened too with snowmaking starting in the USA. UPDATED
5th October 2022
Cairngorm Ski Resort Looks at Using Underground Geothermal Energy
A feasibility study is getting under way to explore the potential to use natural heat, miles below the Earth’s surface, as a renewable energy source at Cairngorm Mountain.
2nd October 2022
Full Extent of Summer Swiss Glacier Melt Revealed
Switzerland has the most glaciers of any country in Europe. This summer they lost 6% of their size. Several have virtually disappeared with the situation described as ‘disastrous’.
26th September 2022
Switzerland Launches Plan To Try To Save Glaciers
The government has agreed a CHF3.2 billion (£2.93 billion) climate action package. Swiss glaciers have lost half their volume in the past 80 years and some predict many may melt by the end of the century unless action is taken.
22nd September 2022
Full Details of National Snow Show Unveiled
The UK’s only national ski & snowboard show is set to kick off in just over three weeks. It takes place at the NEC in Birmingham on October 15th and 16th. We have the full details of what’s on offer. UPDATED
20th September 2022
See What’s New in Morzine For the Coming Season
The French resort that is situated in the heart of the Portes du Soleil is a firm favourite with British skiers and snowboarders. Check out what is on offer for next season.
20th September 2022
Zermatt Re-Opens for Skiing and Snowboarding
The Swiss resort that is normally open year-round closed its glacier ski area this summer. It was a symbol of the impact of climate change. Val Senales in Italy has also re-opened with Soelden in Austria set to fire up some lifts on its glacier at the weekend. UPDATED
15th September 2022
Dachstein Glacier To Remain Shut This Season as Climate Change Takes its Toll
The warm summer temperatures have reduced the size of the Austrian glacier. The lifts are now unstable as the ice has melted and the permafrost has been damaged. Large crevasses have also opened up.
15th September 2022
Climate Change Impacts Adventure Sports in the Mountains
Climate change is making adventure tourism more challenging and sometimes riskier. That’s the claim from travel industry bodies, tour operators and mountain experts.
13th September 2022
New Resorts + Saturday Morning Departure for Travel Ski Express
Val Thorens, Courchevel and La Rosiere are added to the ski packages by train to France with a daytime outward bound journey rather than a night one. There is growing interest in travelling by train to the Alps.
29th August 2022
Swiss Glaciers Have Lost Half Their Mass in Last 85 Years
Switzerland has nearly half the total number of glaciers in the Alps. The melt rate is accelerating and they may all have disappeared by the end of the 21st century according to a new report. The latest concerns centre on the impact on the water reserves of Europe with glaciers referred to as the ‘water towers of Europe’.
25th August 2022
New Overnight Ski Train From Holland to Austria
The German tourism business TUI has introduced the TUI Ski Express in cooperation with GreenCityTrip. Next winter there is also an overnight train from Holland to the French Alps.
18th August 2022
Water levels on Italy’s Lake Garda in the Alps at 15-year low
Water levels on Italy’s Lake Garda are at 15-year low as the drought continues. It comes as the body of a missing British man has been found under the waters.
13th August 2022
Some Glaciers in Himalayas Resisting Climate Change Melt
Some areas of glaciers in the Karakoram Range are defying the global trend of glaciers losing mass. The glaciers of the Himalayas are melting, but not in one area. It appears to be due to an increase in precipitation from the west. NEW
12th August 2022
Alpine Glaciers Set for Highest Ice Loss in 60 Years
The summer heatwaves in Europe are having a significant impact with glaciers shrinking sharply. This year is when many have woken up to the fact that on current projections it is likely many glaciers will disappear in the coming decades. UPDATED
10th August 2022
Another Glacier Resort in Europe Set to Close
The Fonna glacier resort in Norway is closing its summer season early on August 21st as conditions deteriorate. It had been the only place where summer skiing bore some semblance to normal conditions. NEW
10th August 2022
Melting Glaciers Reveal Human Remains
Two bodies have been found in separate sites in Switzerland as the glaciers recede under high summer temperatures. It follows the discovery of wreckage from a plane crash in 1968.
8th August 2022
Receding Glacier Reveals Wreckage from 1968 Swiss Plane Crash
A mountain guide has found wreckage of a plane that crashed in 1968 on the Aletsch glacier in Switzerland. As the glaciers melt across the mountains more of their secrets are being given up.
6th August 2022
French Mayor Says Climbers Should Pay €15,000 Deposit to Ascend Mont Blanc
The Major of Saint-Gervais, Jean-Marc Peillex, says it is needed to cover possible rescue and funeral expenses. Saint-Gervais sits at the base Western Europe’s highest mountain. UPDATED
3rd August 2022
More People Head To Mountains This Summer to Keep Cool
More and more people in France are choosing the mountains for their holidays this summer as temperatures soar. That’s according to The National Association of Mountain Mayors. UPDATED
2nd August 2022
Canadian Ski Resort Threatened by Wildfire
Apex Mountain Resort is evacuated and its snow guns are turned on as the Keremeos Creek Fire spreads. We have an updated video from the resort as the fire grows. UPDATED
29th July 2022
Zermatt Suspends Summer Skiing as Glacier Melts
It is the latest resort to call off summer skiing as the warm summer temperatures take their toll. Hintertux in Austria is now the only on summer ski resort in the Alps open to the general public.
26th July 2022
Great Salt Lake in Utah at Lowest Level Ever Recorded
The largest salt water lake in the Western Hemisphere has reached its lowest level since records began. The lake is claimed to have a significant impact on the quality of winter snow in Utah.
26th July 2022
Controversial Plans to Link Pitztal & Soelden Cancelled
It had been planned to join the two Austrian glacier areas in the Tirol. There has been much opposition from environmentalists and some locals. UPDATED
25th July 2022
Italian Resort Suspends Summer Skiing as Glacier Melts
Passo Stelvio is the latest summer ski resort to close as warm temperatures take their toll. Some question how many more years glacier skiing in Europe will be able to continue. The freezing level in Switzerland is currently over 5,000m – higher than any alpine peak. UPDATED
18th July 2022
Heatwave Takes Its Toll on Mountains of Europe
The current heatwave has accelerated the melting of the glaciers with summer skiing and snowboarding currently badly affected. Some glaciers resorts have closed their slopes, but the mountains are offering some respite from the heat and a wealth of great activities. UPDATED
7th July 2022
Les2Alpes Ends Summer Glacier Skiing as Temperatures Soar
It is the latest resort to end its summer skiing operations. There are continued high temperatures and a lack of fresh snow after a modest winter for snowfall. It raises questions about how long summer glacier skiing can carry on in alpine resorts. UPDATED
6th July 2022
Italy Declares State of Emergency Over Drought
It is the worst drought in 70 years and follows poor levels of winter snow and precious little rain since. The alpine areas are badly affected and it will impact on summer glacier skiing. UPDATED
5th July 2022
Final Death Toll in Italian Glacier Collapse Reaches 11
It was feared a 12th person could have been killed, but rescuers now say there is no reason to believe the toll will be higher. A day of mourning has been held. Rising temperatures have been widely blamed for the tragedy. UPDATED
5th July 2022
Warnings of Further Glacier Collapses as Climate Change Makes Mountains Unstable
In Switzerland scientists are monitoring the mountain above Kandersteg which is moving several meters a year. A new crack has been spotted on the Marmolada glacier in Italy that partially collapsed killing 11 people earlier this month. UPDATED
2nd July 2022
Fresh Warning on Alpine Snow Levels
A new study claims the number of snow days where snow lies on the ground in the Alps will halve by 2100 if greenhouse emissions remain high. Mountain seasonal snow cover is undergoing major changes due to global climate change, but action can be taken. NEW
23rd June 2022
State of Emergency Set to be Declared in Italian Alps as Drought Worsens
There has been no rain for almost 4-months in places. It follows a winter that saw snowfall levels down 70%, so there has also been precious little meltwater filling the rivers and reservoirs.
19th June 2022
Everest Base Camp Set to Move Due to Climate Change
The camp is on the Khumbu glacier that is melting rapidly. A new site needs to be found at a lower altitude where there is no year-round ice. Rising temperatures are hitting the glaciers in the Himalayas hard. NEW
17th June 2022
Low Levels of Winter Snow in Italy Lead to Worst Drought in 70 years & Water Rationing
Some people in the ski regions of Piedmont and Lombardy have been asked to ration water in the sharpest drought in the area for 70-years. It follows one of the worst winters for snow in recent years. UPDATED
17th June 2022
New Overnight Sleeper Train to the French Alps from Holland
The Dutch travel operator Sunweb Group and overnight train operator European Sleeper have announced plans to launch a new night train from the Netherlands. It should give another option for UK skiers who like train travel to the mountains.
16th June 2022
Summer Skiing Opens on Whistler/Blackcomb Glacier
It’s the first time the glacier has opened in the Canadian resort since 2019. There were fears that skiing and snowboarding in the summer might be over forever. However there are restrictions and worries for the future of glacier riding.
9th June 2022
Another Alpine Glacier Resort Calls Off Summer Skiing
The Molltaler glacier in Austria has announced it will not open this year. Earlier this month Val d’Isere said its glacier will remain shut.
3rd June 2022
The Alps Are Turning Greener But Native Plants Under Threat
A new report says the melting ice, diminishing snowpack & rising temperatures means non-native plant species are growing in the Alps. It is a further sign of increasing climate change.
25th May 2022
Lake Tahoe Clean Up Ends
The 72-mile shoreline of the Californian lake has been cleaned in a project that started in May 2021. Lamposts, phones and engagements rings were found.
15th May 2022
Austrian Glaciers Likely to Melt by End of the Century
That’s the stark warning from the head of the World Meteorological Organisation, WMO, as global warming takes its toll. Glacier skiing continues in the Alps this summer but there are worries about for how much longer.
28th April 2022
US Resort Uses Fully Electric Piste Basher
Taos Ski Valley in New Mexico is thought to be the first North American ski resort to use a fully-electric snow grooming machine. Other resorts are looking with interest with some claiming hydrogen power is the future.
6th April 2022
Skiing, Snowboarding & Sustainability
Much is talked about environmental initiatives and sustainability. But is it even possible for ski resorts to be ‘green’? They are in pristine mountain environments, use large amounts of resources and that’s not even mentioning international travel. PlanetSKI examines the issues in the Ski Welt in Austria.
3rd March 2022
Inghams Acts on Sustainability
The ski tour operator and its sister brands, Esprit and Santa’s Lapland, have announced they’re taking new steps towards sustainable travel as part of a Climate Action Plan.
11th December 2021
Eco Stays in Isère
More and more of us are trying to do our bit to ‘go green’ and still enjoy our snowsports. The Isère region in the French Alps has some great ideas for how you can make your visit more sustainable.
11th November 2021
International Ski Federation Launches New Environmental Initiative
It aims to become the first Climate Positive International Sports Federation by 2022 through its FIS Rainforest Initiative.
10th November 2021
Kite Skiing Across Antarctica
Justin Packshaw and Jamie Facer Childs are heading south to begin an 80-day expedition across 2,500 miles of the frozen continent. PlanetSKI is following their travels.
6th November 2021
North American Ski Industry Leaders Join Together to Fight Climate Change
Alterra Mountain Company, Boyne Resorts, POWDR and Vail Resorts have announced the Climate
Collaborative Charter. It is the ski industry’s first unified effort to combat climate change with shared commitments around sustainability and advocacy.
4th November 2021
A Greener Way to Get to the Alps
World attention is on the COP26 summit and how we can tackle the climate situation. Skiers wanting to head to France are being advised that train travel is perhaps better for the planet.
3rd November 2021
Climate Change Threatens Swiss Glaciers
In landlocked Switzerland temperatures are rising faster than in regions that benefit from the ocean’s cooling effect.The glaciers are under threat as world leaders meet for COP26 in Glasgow.
31st October 2021
IOC Commits to Cut Greenhouse Gas Emissions in Half by 2030
It comes as the UN Climate Summit, COP26, takes place in Glasgow. The International Olympic Committee claims a firm commitment to tackling climate change as snowsports is threatened.
31st August 2021
Snow Cannons Used to Battle Wildfires in California Ski Resorts
The cannons were turned on at Sierra-at-Tahoe ski resort and with the help of fire fighting teams the resort has been saved. Kirkwood is under threat, Heavenly has been evacuated and Squaw Valley has been partially closed due to smoke. UPDATED
28th August 2021
Summer Glacier Protection Continues
A handful of glacier areas in the Alps have once again been protected by coverings this summer in an attempt to slow the melt. It may though just delay what is looking increasingly inevitable and it comes at a cost.
18th August 2021
Sustainability Award for Morzine-Avoriaz Ski Resorts
The Flocon Vert sustainability label is awarded by the European organisation, Mountain Riders. It recognises destinations that demonstrate a commitment to a sustainable development policy.
22nd July 2021
North America Heatwave Devastates Glaciers
Scientists say the glaciers are melting at ‘worrying rates’. The temperature at 3,000m is 6 degrees above average with large amounts of ice melting. Glaciers are melting at alarming rates across the world. UPDATED
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