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Features

Black Skiers Celebrate 50 Years of ‘Soul on Snow’

More than 2,000 people have gathered in Vail, Colorado, to mark a half-century of the National Brotherhood of Skiers, an organisation created by black ski and snowboard enthusiasts.

Best Value Food & Drink in Les3Vallées

It’s not a secret that eating and drinking out in the vast Three Valleys ski area in France can be an expensive pastime.  With that in mind – and with the busy February holiday period in full swing – our friends at Maison Sport give us their tips for the best value spots. NEW

A Day With A Chamonix Mountain Guide

The powder snow may not be there at the moment but a day out with a mountain guide is always a special experience. And so it proved to be.

What to do in Morzine Besides Snowsports

There are 600km of pistes to enjoy in the Portes du Soleil but if you want a break from the slopes – or are travelling with those less keen than you are on snowsports – what else is there to do? 

Tirol’s Local Secrets

If you’re off to the Tirol this season, we have some local secrets to let you in on.  Even if you’re heading to the Austrian region’s most famous resorts, we’re pretty sure there will be things you don’t know.  Let the locals tell you more.

Avoriaz: Love it or Hate it?

It’s one of those places that provokes strong feelings.  If you’re a fan of traditional mountain ski villages, then this 1960s purpose-built resort in the French Alps is possibly not for you.  But it has a lot going for it and we rather like it.

40 Hours in Vaujany

PlanetSKI packed a lot into a flying visit to the unknown – to us – ski village of Vaujany in the Isère region of the French Alps. Downhill skiing, a ski tour, a snowshoe trek to watch the sun go down and more.

PlanetSKI Spends a Day with the Verbier Piste Patrol

We started at dawn with avalanche bombing and ended at dusk with the final sweep of the pistes. There was much in between, in what was our most interesting days of the season so far.

PlanetSKI Hits the Jura Mountain Range

It is a range just north of the Alps that we have always wanted to visit but never have. Now snow has fallen and temperatures remain low.

First Tracks in Verbier

Want to be among the first ones down the slopes? You can every Friday when first tracks is on and you have the freshly groomed slopes to yourself. It’s new for this season.

PlanetSKI Hits Canada For a Bucket List Ski Trip

PlanetSKI’s Claire McAteer is hitting resorts in Alberta and British Columbia. The snow is not as good as it could be, but no matter. Canada is a dream come true. UPDATED

Powder Days in Verbier

There are currently the best conditions of the season in the Swiss resort. We have been in and out of the powder as the conditions allow. Wednesday was the best.

PlanetSKI Verbier Ski Blog

Our editor James Cove is back in town with the Warren Smith Ski Academy & Helly Hansen. There are loads of memories as he’s been skiing here for more than 20-years. Best of all new ones are being made. And it’s dumping with snow. UPDATED

Staying in Le Chable to Access Verbier & the 4 Vallees in Switzerland

It used to be a place you passed through to get to Verbier. Not anymore as the village down the valley becomes increasingly popular for a variety of reasons. PlanetSKI has been seeing what the fuss is about.

A Cancer Survivor’s Ski Story

When Catherine Bellsham-Revell was diagnosed with cancer, she reassessed her life. It led to her donning some race gear and joining the Ladies’ Ski Club which celebrates its 100th birthday on 23rd January. This is Catherine’s story.

Driving to the Alps for Skiing & Snowboarding

More people are driving to the Alps – it can be cheaper & more environmentally friendly than flying, plus there’s a host of other reasons. PlanetSKI has just driven to Verbier + we have reaction from readers who also like to drive.

Antarctica Ski World Record Attempt Abandoned

The British polar endurance athlete Wendy Searle has been forced to end her challenge to become the fastest woman to ski solo and unsupported from the Antarctic coast to the Geographic South Pole. NEW

Why Ski in Italy?

What have the Romans ever given us? If you’ve seen the satirical sketch from Monty Python’s Life of Brian, you’ll know the answer is quite a lot.  The same can be said for the Italians and their ski resorts.

Happy New Year Folks!

There is little doubt where the best place is to celebrate New Year’s Eve: a ski resort. This year was no exception. NEW & UPDATED

January’s Ski News in Brief – Live & Updated

– Casinos Continue in Liechtenstein
– World Champion Freestyle Skier Dies in Japan Avalanche
– Shiffrin Misses Out on Chance to Equal Record Number of Wins
– World Cup Moguls Bronze for GB
– PlanetSKI Is Out On The Scottish Snow…UPDATED

Skiing & Santa in Lapland

It is arguably the ultimate winter holiday for kids. A trip to see the elves and Santa himself, days before Christmas, in the snowy expanse of Lapland. Then flying home just in time to get the mince pies on the fireplace before the big guy comes down the chimney.

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

British Woman Aiming to Ski to a World Record in Antarctica

Wendy Searle began her record attempt on Monday 5th December.  Her goal is to become the fastest woman to ski solo and unsupported from the Antarctic coast to the Geographic South Pole.

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

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.

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.

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.

Ski News In Brief – Live & Updated

– New Boss for Milan Cortina 2026
– Details on New Lift for Jackson Hole
– Skiing Austria: The Place Beyond The Spines
– Digital Travel Scams on the Rise
– Avalanche Near Vail in Colorado…UPDATED

PlanetSKI Looks to Winter in The Tirol

The Austrian region is home to more than 80 ski areas with around 3,400 kms of skiable terrain. Tirol has options for everyone, both on snow and off snow, and the region has been telling us what’s new for this coming season.

Maison Sport Teams Up with Snow Camp

The ski instructor booking site has joined forces with the snowsports charity to try to make skiing more inclusive and accessible to all. PlanetSKI details what it all means.

Park City, Utah: One of the Great US Ski Towns

It is a favourite of ours at PlanetSKI. It gives access to some of the best ski resorts in Utah and has an atmosphere all of its own. We look back at some of PlanetSKI’s past visits.

Full Details of ‘3 Valley Rally’ for Snow Camp Unveiled

It aims to be the biggest Alpine Fundraiser for the Snow Camp Charity.  It all takes place in Val Thorens in April 2023 and promises an experience like no other.

New Viewing Platform for Mont Fort in Verbier

Viewing platforms and walkways are all the rage in the Alps with many being constructed.  They offer another activity out on the slopes and are perfect for the Instagram generation.

October’s Skiing Snippets

– Blow to Vancouver 2030 Olympic Bid
– 100 Days to Go
– Winter X Games is Sold
– Tributes to Red Bull Co-Founder Who Has Died
– Austria Ski Association Renews Partnership with Tirol…LIVE & UPDATED

PlanetSKI Is Back In The Mountains

We’ve ended our trip to hike some paths in the mountain ranges and ridges on the Isle of Skye on the west coast of Scotland. We’ve taken to the water too. Check out our updated final report and lookback to the visit. UPDATED

September’s Skiing Snippets

– Canada to Remove Covid-19 Border Restrictions
– IOC Has Faith in 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics
– German Glacier Disappears Leaving Four Left
– British Man Dies in Paragliding Accident in Pyrenees
– Serac Collapse on Mt Everest Caught on Camera… LIVE

James Bond Snowboard Goes on Display at Colorado Snowsports Museum

It was the mid-1980s and snowboarding was taking off. Endorsement of the new sport came from none other than 007 himself – check out the video of Bond on a board.

September Summer Action in the Tirol

There’s a classic car rally in Kitzbuhel and the Ischgl E-Bike World Cup. Summer in the mountains ain’t over yet. Not by a long way.

The National Snow Show Ups the Apres Ski

The UK’s only national ski & snowboard show is raising the apres ski bar with live DJ sets + mountain inspired food and drinks. Customer feedback from last year says people want a party vibe. PlanetSKI has some free tickets for readers. UPDATED

Praise for PlanetSKI from Across the Pond

The recognition comes from the global US based web site, Unofficial Networks, that calls us ‘One of the best European ski websites’. It is a USA Today company.

August’s Skiing Snippets

– Secret Swimming Pools in the Alps Provide Windfall for French Tax Authorities
– Air France Pilots Fight in Cockpit After Geneva Takeoff
– Switzerland Trials Wind Turbine with Solar Panels
– Mummified Chamois Found as Glacier Melts
– Glaciers in the Pyrenees Set to Disappear…LIVE

PlanetSKI at Latitude

You’ll normally find us at altitude in the winter, but in the summer months we’re mostly back in the UK. This time at latitude. We have been writing occasional articles to answer the question most asked at this time of year “What does PlanetSKI do in the Summer?”

July’s Skiing Snippets

– British Woman Dies in Dolomites Fall
– Two Climbers in New Zealand Survive Overnight After Avalanche
– Women & Men to Race Same Distances in Nordic Skiing
– Funding Confirmed for GB Winter Sports Ahead of 2026 Olympics
– Fancy a PR Job in the UK Snowsport Industry?… LIVE & UPDATED

Registration for World Snow Day Opens

The 12th edition of World Snow Day will take place on the 15th January 2023. The World Snow Day Awards will also be handed out. The events aims to get more young people into snowsports.

What Does PlanetSKI Do In The Summer? Part Two…

It’s the question we are asked most at this time of year. We’re currently hiking the South Downs Way in preparation for walking at altitude in the Alps later this summer. We’ve now done more than half the route, Eastbourne to Amberley. UPDATED

Franz Klammer Chasing the Line

The Kaiser is a legend in ski racing with 26 World Cup wins. The greatest moment of his career was gold at the 1976 Innsbruck Winter Olympics in front of a home crowd. A film on his victory had its UK premiere this week. Klammer was there and so was PlanetSKI. We also report from the resort of Patscherkofel where the race took place.

June’s Skiing Snippets

– Back in the Day in Verbier
– Eddie the Eagle Opens Indoor Ski Slope in Devon
– Scientists Investigate ‘Snow Blood’ in the Alps
– International Ski Marathon Federation Bans Russian Athletes
– Spain Backs Out Of Pyrenees 2030 Olympic Bid… LIVE & UPDATED

Sunshine Slush Cup is Back!

Many resorts have them but Sunshine in Alberta, Canada was one of the first. It’s three years since the last one took place due to Covid-19 & this season it ran for the 92nd time. UPDATED

What Does PlanetSKI Do In The Summer? Part One…

It’s the question we are asked most at this time of year. We’re currently hiking the South Downs Way in preparation for walking at altitude in the Alps later this summer. We’ve now done a third of the route, Eastbourne to Brighton. UPDATED

Time to Watch Some Ski Videos

The ski season is over so what better to do than watch some new snowsports videos? These come from our friends over at Marker, Dalbello, Volkl and Level. NEW

Black Folks Do Ski

50 years ago, two black American skiers were introduced by a mutual friend. It led to the ‘National Brotherhood of Skiers’. The two men, both in their 80s, have made it into the US Ski & Snowboard Hall of Fame. PlanetSKI has been speaking to them.

Race Day in Val Thorens As It Closes for the Season

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

Top Tens of the Freeride World Tour

It was a season of highs & lows. The 2022 Freeride World Tour season was one to remember. Here are the best moments of an unforgettable year of Freeride, all caught on video.

May’s Skiing Snippets

– 2 Dead & 9 Injured After Ice Fall in Swiss Alps
– ‘The Ultimate Run’ Wins Sports Emmy® Award
– Spring Ski Descent of Mont Blanc
– Foothills Above Montreux Turn White…LIVE & UPDATED

Skiing in Norway: PlanetSKI reports from Narvik, inside the Arctic Circle

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.

Skiers Trust Announces New Ambassador

Nickie Mabey, Founder and owner of adventure ski specialist Mabey Ski has become an ambassador of the charity, The Skiers Trust.

PlanetSKI Reports from Narvik  – One of the Most Northerly Resorts in Europe, Deep in the Arctic Circle

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.

A Last Blast in Les2Alpes

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.

PlanetSKI Heads to the Arctic Circle

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.

PlanetSKI Postcard from Andermatt – We visit as Vail Resorts is Set to Takeover

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.

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