17th May 2022
Skiing and snowboarding is going to carry on in the US resort until at least June 5th as good late season conditions continue. A few other resorts in North America are hoping to remain open for the next few weeks. UPDATED
15th May 2022
The bounce back from the pandemic was better than hoped for and came during a poor season for snowfall. Resorts claim it bodes well for the future, despite some concerns.
9th May 2022
The resort closed at the weekend, and we were there for The Grande Derniere ski race and more. We also assess VT’s winter with skier visits back to pre-pandemic levels. It was a fabulous way to end the season.
7th May 2022
PlanetSKI was in the French resort at the weekend for its end of season party – La Grand Derniere. We donned our race bib, waxed up the skis and sharpened our edges for a race that goes on piste and off piste. UPDATED
6th May 2022
More snow is falling in Colorado and one resort claims it now has the best conditions of the season. Snow is also falling across the globe in Australia as resorts prepare to open next month. UPDATED
5th May 2022
We’re in Val Thorens in France for its closing weekend – La Grande Derniere. We were in resort for its opening back in November when there were worries about Covid-19. Now things are back to near normal and we’ll be looking at how the winter went. UPDATED
3rd May 2022
11,000 people gathered for the Top of the Mountain concert in the resort in the Tirol. It capped off a successful season despite Covid-19. NEW
30th April 2022
We expected some fabulous skiing, but the area has far more to offer than simply sliding around on snow. In our latest adventures we’re climbing aboard the Arctic Train to Riksgransen, snow mobiling in Sweden & visiting the fascinating Polar Park.
28th April 2022
It looks at the winter of 2020/21 – a ski season we’d all rather forget with the impact of Covid-19. The 2022 International Report on Snow & Mountain Tourism has just been unveiled during the opening conference of Mountain Planet International Exhibition in Grenoble.
28th April 2022
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.
26th April 2022
We expected some fabulous skiing and stunning scenery, but the area in Norway has far more to offer than simply sliding around on snow. Arctic train rides, snowmobiling, historical WW2 sites, meeting polar animals and much more. It is a unique winter experience.
23rd April 2022
It’s a final spring fling on the slopes for PlanetSKI’s Chief Reporter. A couple of days in the resort that has the highest skiing in France seems as good a place as any to end the season. Even better if there’s some powder skiing to be had.
23rd April 2022
We’re about to ski in one of the most northerly ski resorts in Europe, Narvik in northern Norway. It is worth a visit for the flight alone.
21st April 2022
In the first move of its kind Vail Resorts is set to run the Swiss resort of Andermatt. We reported on the news last month and have now visited Andermatt to see what’s in store and assess the resort’s history while enjoying some late season conditions.
19th April 2022
Go to Val d’Isère for the 5-star experience, head to Tignes for the skiing. It’s what we often hear about these two lift-linked French resorts. But things are changing, and one property company is at the forefront of efforts to turn the ugly sister of Tignes into Cinderella. It’s expanding into other resorts too.
6th April 2022
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.
4th April 2022
The operator of the Scottish ski area has told a newspaper that high fuel prices have played a part in reducing the number of skiers and snowboarders attending this season.
3rd April 2022
PlanetSKI is on the last stage of a mini road trip visiting three lesser-known ski areas in the Isère region of France. We’re combining a bit of sightseeing in the region’s capital, Grenoble, with skiing in the city’s local resort, Chamrousse.
30th March 2022
We’re on a tour taking in three lesser-known ski resorts in the Isère region of France and the region’s capital city, Grenoble. Stop two: Les 7 Laux in the Belledonne Massif. Time to dig out the crampons, ropes and ice axes ready for a climbing and off-piste adventure.
29th March 2022
It is the first time a US resort operator has made such a move into Europe and it will be watched closely. Vail Resorts says it will invest in the resort and work with the local community.
26th March 2022
PlanetSKI is on a mini road trip, visiting some of the lesser-known ski resorts in the Isère region on the edge of the southern French Alps. First up, Villard de Lans. We discover some unexpectedly good late season skiing, a village with its place in history and some of the best food we’ve eaten in France – cooked by a Brit!
24th March 2022
They now need to be worn in all indoor public spaces including cable cars and gondolas. Alternatively people will need to show proof of vaccination, recovery or a negative test, the so-called 3G rule.
22nd March 2022
The resort in the Tirol is like a time capsule, but with a few modern twists. We were only in the resort for 24-hours but would like to return for so much more. Check out our take on an historic resort in the Alps where time simply stands still.
17th March 2022
It’s called The Mighty Coe and you may not be surprised to learn that it takes place at Glencoe in Scotland. There’s a packed programme and the great news is that there’s currently plenty of snow there. UPDATED
17th March 2022
It is the latest resort we have visited on our extended stay in the Tirol. We’re examining the secrets of the Tirol and why it is such a special part of the Alps. Step forward St Johann.
15th March 2022
PlanetSKI is currently touring the Tirol in an extended trip. So we thought we’d ask the Tirol Tourist Office for a few recommendations for restaurants. Here is their response.
13th March 2022
What can you do in a 5-day flying visit to the two biggest ski areas in France? An awful lot, and we don’t just mean skiing. The Paradiski and Les3Vallées in the Tarentaise have some of the best high-altitude slopes in the Alps and – as we discover – some of the best high-adrenalin activities.
13th March 2022
The US rock band will play the last of the closing concerts in the Austrian resort. Ischgl is changing its traditional end of season musical offerings.
7th March 2022
The US based ski resort company is spending $1 billion over the next 5 years for improvements to some of its resorts. $344 will be spend for next season. Which resorts are set to benefit?
5th March 2022
PlanetSKI is currently based in the Tirol, Austria. Skiing as many resorts as we can – from the big international ones, to others you have probably never heard of. There are adventures a plenty along the way as we reflect why we rate this part of the Alps so highly.
3rd March 2022
The UK’s biggest ski tour operator has come up with its top 5 picks for March and April skiing and snowboarding. Ready for one more trip to the slopes?
1st March 2022
In January 2021 the Top of the Mountain Motorcycle Museum in Hochgurgl burnt to the ground. Hundreds of irreplaceable vintage bikes were destroyed. It was feared the museum was gone forever, but that didn’t take account of the determination of co-founder Attila Schieber. He’s given a private tour of the refurbished museum to PlanetSKI.
27th February 2022
There is little better than late spring skiing, in our humble opinion. The days are long, the lifts are open late and the sun is strong. And in the French ski region Isère big dumps of snow in April are pretty common too.
23rd February 2022
A new book, detailing more than 200 off-piste routes in Val d’Isère is being launched in the resort next month and all the money raised will go to charity.
20th February 2022
If there is a better ski region for fabulous food and drink at low prices, we have yet to find it. Welcome to the Valle d’Aosta in the Italian Alps.
13th February 2022
It is an absolute favourite resort of ours at PlanetSKI and is just over an hour’s drive from our current winter base in Aosta, Italy. Perfect for a day trip.
10th February 2022
The Austrian resort is changing its end of season musical offerings. Instead of a single huge concert on the final weekend in May there will be four concerts starting in April. First up is Simply Red.
3rd February 2022
It’s an Italian resort perhaps not so well-known with UK skiers. Which is why PlanetSKI’s Ian Davis visited Passo Tonale with Crystal Ski Holidays. He also dropped in to the neighbouring resort of Madonna di Campiglio. UPDATED
19th January 2022
The flag is a physical sign of welcome to British skiers and snowboarders following the decision of the French government to lift the ban on non-essential travel from the UK. NEW
18th January 2022
The Swiss resort has been voted the World’s Best Ski Resort at the annual World Ski Awards. Val Thorens has picked up the gong for the best resort in France. Read on for more winners. UPDATED
5th January 2022
It’s not enough yet to allow for extensive skiing and snowboarding but resorts in Scotland are opening some slopes. They hope they’ll soon be able to open up more terrain. UPDATED
4th January 2022
Slope users will need to take out 3rd party liability insurance. The penalty for not doing so will be a fine up to €150 and the withdrawal of the ski pass.
27th December 2021
The French region is trialling 33 signed and secured ski touring routes in 12 ski areas this winter. The idea is to make touring more accessible and safe as it continues to grow in popularity.
27th December 2021
The Mighty Coe will take place at Glencoe Mountain in Scotland on the weekend of 26th and 27th March. Skiers & snowboarders will be able to test next season’s kit as well as take part in a full programme of events.
20th December 2021
This season will be pivotal to the recovery and future of the nation’s ski industry, according to Snowsport Scotland. After two years effectively lost to the Covid-19 pandemic, they’re hoping for a bumper year.
20th December 2021
The La Masse lift in Les Menuires is not all about speed. It opens up a superb skiing area to many more people with a host of attractions. PlanetSKI was at its official opening at the weekend.
19th December 2021
PlanetSKI reports from Les3Vallees on the impact as some resorts may see 40% of their business wiped out. The French government has promised some compensation, but not for UK companies and likely not for many seasonal and part-time workers. NEW
17th December 2021
There will not be closure of restaurants, bars and events, as had been forecast by some. Instead there are further restrictions mainly targeting the unvaccinated. Its intensive beds are more than 80% occupied.
17th December 2021
Unlike many other countries in Europe covid-19 cases are falling in Austria with restrictions easing. It follows a national lockdown, but there are growing concerns about the omicron variant as ski resorts open for Xmas. UPDATED
12th December 2021
They open after the national lockdown in the country ends. Restrictions remain in place with some of the provinces having their own tougher regional rules. NEW
11th December 2021
VIP SKI is opening a flagship property in the resort for this season, Bear Lodge. With heavy snow falling and superb early season conditions we have asked the VIP SKI’s Gareth Crump to update us from the resort.
10th December 2021
In book form that is. We have three copies of ‘Ultimate Skiing Adventures’ by our gear and equipment editor, Alf Alderson, to be won in a competition. All you have to do is answer one simple question.
27th November 2021
The referendum was held on Sunday as cases rise sharply. Switzerland has one of the lowest vaccination rates in western Europe. It is the second vote in the last 4-months on Covid19 measures. UPDATED
26th November 2021
Inghams has recently launched its Covid-19 Online Hub to guide customers through the various and complex rules. Here it looks at the situation in Switzerland.
25th November 2021
The Innsbruck state prosecutor has concluded its 18-month probe into criminal liability for the outbreak in the ski resort. There will be no charges for the authorities in Ischgl. There are accusations of a ‘cover up’ from some interested parties.
24th November 2021
It is no great surprise and it brings France into line with Austria and Italy. There have been further changes to mask wearing rules with more requirements. UPDATED
24th November 2021
The iconic US resort that is a firm favourite of PlanetSKI is firing up its lifts in time for Thanksgiving Day on Thursday. Here we look at the resort and what the season may hold in store. NEW
22nd November 2021
Ski resorts in the German alpine state were preparing to open in the next few weeks and are watching developments closely as Covid-19 spreads. The government says by the end of this winter everyone in Germany will either be ‘vaccinated, recovered or dead’.NEW
21st November 2021
Two more resorts have re-opened as others consider their position. Skiing has been classed as a ‘recreation outdoor’ activity but many resorts have chosen to remain closed. They are planning to open on December 13th after lockdown is lifted. UPDATED
16th November 2021
New rules have come into place across Austria this week with unvaccinated people ordered into lockdown. Ischgl will open for skiing as planned at the end of November but the concert is off.
