27th February 2022
Norway won the most medals at the Beijing Winter Olympics. Its stance contradicts the initial policy of the International Ski Federation. FIS has been criticised in some quarters for its reaction to the unfolding crisis in Ukraine.
24th February 2022
It’s the last major European ski nation to require visitors from the UK to take pre-travel Covid-19 tests. PlanetSKI reacts from the ski slopes of Italy as the news is widely welcomed. UPDATED
23rd February 2022
Bookings are almost at pre-pandemic levels according to a new report. PlanetSKI has been on the slopes of France and can report it has been busy over the February holiday period. UPDATED
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.
21st February 2022
People arriving to ski will just need proof of double vaccination or recovery or a negative test when entering Austria. It has been widely welcomed in the snowsports world, and will give a boost to the second half of the season and spring skiing. NEW
19th February 2022
Resorts and Tour Operators report growing interest as Covid rules ease. A new report backs up the situation for France. EasyJet has put on an extra 50,000 additional seats on flights departing to ski destinations. UPDATED
17th February 2022
People in Switzerland will no longer have to show a Covid certificate to enter bars, restaurants and other indoor venues. Ski resorts will continue to get back to normal, but masks remain needed in cable cars & gondolas. Border restrictions to enter Switzerland have been dropped.
15th February 2022
If you want to get away later in the season now is perhaps the time to book. Easter is nearly sold out in some places. We look at the easing of restrictions, the reality of skiing under current rules & growing pressure on holidays.
14th February 2022
Two men died in Switzerland and others were caught in separate slides in Austria but were rescued. With the busy half-term week underway the danger is ‘considerable’ in places with caution urged. UPDATED
8th February 2022
There are warnings of a continued high risk of deadly avalanches in the Alps with the authorities in the Tirol saying have had an unprecedented number of incidents. The warnings follow the deaths of 13 people in avalanches in the Alps since Friday. The latest fatalities are two young Dutch skiers who died in France. UPDATED
5th February 2022
In the worst incident 5 people died near the town of Spiss in the Tirol near the Swiss border. The people caught were a group of Swedish ski tourers. Investigations are underway into all three fatal avalanches. UPDATED
2nd February 2022
France loosened some rules on Wednesday with Switzerland easing some of its restrictions on Thursday, plus outlining a path to end all measures. We report from the slopes of the two alpine nations and assess the likely impact on skiing for the rest of the winter. NEW
2nd February 2022
Karen Darke, a Paralympic Champion who has completed gruelling challenges on skis and bikes, despite being paralysed from the chest down, has received the Scottish Award for Excellence in Mountain Culture.
1st February 2022
– Bulgaria to Ease Covid-19 Restrictions
– PlanetSKI Reports from the Ski Resort of Lofer
– Planning a Ski Trip to Canada Before Winter Ends?
– GB Ski Cross Athlete is Esprit Brand Ambassador.. LIVE & UPDATED
31st January 2022
The Austrian government has announced it will take more steps to ease restrictions gradually in February. Some relaxation has already taken place, making it easier for skiers and snowboarders to travel from the UK. UPDATED
31st January 2022
The incident took place at a ski resort in South Korea. The chaotic scenes have been captured on video. The resort has apologised to all involved and an investigation is underway. NEW
29th January 2022
Prices have fallen in two thirds of the ski areas surveyed for the latest Post Office Travel Money Ski Resort Report. So, which resorts offer best value?
27th January 2022
After Covid-19 delays the new holiday inclusive rail service to the French Alps is finally heading to France. So, what’s on offer?
27th January 2022
The change came into force on Wednesday and applies to all visitors. It means skiers and snowboarders heading to the Scandinavian country will no longer have to quarantine, regardless of their vaccination status or whether they have a Covid-19 certificate.
25th January 2022
The need to test for Covid-19 when you arrive in England or Scotland is being scrapped for fully jabbed travellers from 4am on 11th February. The other home nations say they will follow suit. The change comes in time for the school half-term break and bookings are already said to be up. UPDATED
25th January 2022
From this week a vaccination pass will be needed by everyone over 16. A negative test will not be enough. Cases continue to grow but ski resorts remain open. PlanetSKI reports from the slopes of La Rosiere in France.
24th January 2022
The Rocket’s triumph in Kitzbühel was the first by a Brit in the 55-years of the Alpine World Cup. But you need to look behind the headlines to fully appreciate its historical and sporting significance.
20th January 2022
Austria removed the UK from its so-called ‘virus variant list’ on Monday. Triple jabbed skiers and snowboarders are now allowed to enter without the need for a test. It has been widely welcomed by the Austrian ski resorts and those eligible wanting to head to Austria. UPDATED
19th January 2022
Testing rules for entering Switzerland were relaxed on Saturday. It’s been welcomed by the ski resorts & UK operators that offer ski holidays in Switzerland, but cases in the country remain high with health services under pressure. UPDATED
19th January 2022
It was the ambitious target the country sought to achieve before the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics. It claims it’s done it. Some are sceptical about Chinese claims.
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
16th January 2022
Canada is open for skiing and, if you’re up for the trip of a lifetime, there is a whole lot on offer this winter with the adventure ski specialist Mabey Ski.
16th January 2022
A French man in his 40’s was arrested shortly after the accident in Flaine and has been has been in custody since Saturday in Bonnevile. There are growing concerns about collisions on the slopes and people out of control. UPDATED
14th January 2022
The news that France is now open for vaccinated skiers and snowboarders travelling from UK has led to a spike in bookings and enquiries. Ski holidays in France are back on and it seems there’s a huge pent-up demand, though some are angry at the ban in the first place.
14th January 2022
Many people are now eager to return to the slopes of France as the border opens up from today. However pressure on options is mounting.
12th January 2022
Travellers from the UK are now welcome in France. It’s a huge relief to the UK ski industry. The decision was announced by the French tourism minister in a tweet. There are still some restrictions in place but it means the remainder of the season looks set to go ahead. UPDATED
12th January 2022
The principality in the Pyrenees is a great alternative to the Alps for your next winter holiday according to the UK tour operator.
9th January 2022
Two people were taken to hospital. An investigation at Beech Mountain Resort in the USA is underway into one of the strangest ski accidents we have seen.
9th January 2022
Italy is now in the grip in a surge of cases with new measures coming into force on Monday 10th January. The Aosta Valley and Abruzzo head into the Yellow Zone, joining Piedmont Lombardy, Veneto and Trentino. The Trentino region may soon become an Orange Zone.
8th January 2022
That is the question from the UK ski agent, Absolutely Snow. We asked the company to provide some answers. There are plenty of hoops to jump through, but skiing and snowboarding remains entirely possible. NEW
8th January 2022
We have been in Zell am See, Saalbach and Kaprun. Experiencing skiing under the Covid rules and enjoying some fresh powder on empty New Year slopes. Has it been worth it? You bet!
6th January 2022
Another lockdown is not ruled out as the country’s Covid Crisis Coordination Commission meets. Masks are now needed outdoors & other measures are tightened. Ski resorts are watching developments closely with World Cup ski racing called off. NEW
5th January 2022
It has been widely welcomed by skiers, snowboarders and the wider snowsports industry. The risk of testing positive out in the Alps and being unable to come home until a period of self-isolation is completed has been removed. UPDATED
5th January 2022
Exact details have not been revealed but France has eased restrictions on ‘work travel’ to and from the UK with immediate effect. It follows earlier remarks from the French government spokesman. There is no easing of border rules for skiing and tourism. UPDATED
5th January 2022
It seems so judging by the briefings and media reports. The travel industry is urging for the change with renewed gusto, If so it will be very welcome by skiers, snowboarders and the UK snowsports industry. UPDATED
4th January 2022
When will France reopen its borders to UK skiers? Will Switzerland continue it open-door policy? What about Austria and Italy? What is the situation in the Pyrenees and Scandinavia? UPDATED
3rd January 2022
It was a lucky escape for Apollo who was out with his owner and friends in the powder in Colorado. The dog ran onto some steeper terrain and was swept away.
2nd January 2022
The International Olympic Committee President, Thomas Bach, said the Games must be ‘beyond all political disputes’. He made the remarks in a New Year message.
2nd January 2022
Shona Brownlee is recognised in the New Year’s Honours as she became the UK’s No 1 monoskier and is in the World Top Ten. She serves in the RAF.
31st December 2021
– It’s Never Too Early to Book a Ski Holiday
– Beijing 2022 Slopestyle Course Unveiled
– First GB Female for Summer & Winter Olympics
– UN Calls for Olympic Truce to be Observed … LIVE & UPDATED
30th December 2021
Snowsports will be taken to the ‘next level’ as a result of ‘groundbreaking proposals’ that are being worked on. That’s the word from Johan Eliasch in his first New Year Message as the head of the sport’s world governing body.
28th December 2021
The gateway airport to ski resorts in the Austrian Tirol turned more than 100 travellers from the UK away at the weekend. They are reported to have failed to follow newly-imposed Covid-19 restrictions. UPDATED
28th December 2021
New rules are being introduced in response to the Omicron variant as the number of cases in France continues to rise and hits record levels. It does not bode well for British skiers wanting to head to France. UPDATED
24th December 2021
The re-introduction of the rule comes as Omicron continues to spread. High quality masks will need to be worn at certain venues at ski resorts including cinemas, theatres, sporting events and on public transport.
22nd December 2021
The UK and three other European countries have been added to Austria’s virus variant list. It comes into force on December 25th. The measures are less stringent than had been feared.
19th December 2021
Austria introduces new entry rules for UK visitors as Switzerland continues to welcome British skiers. France & Germany have imposed travel restrictions & worries continue for further travel rules to the ski nations. We have indications that further border controls are coming. UPDATED
16th December 2021
People need ‘compelling reasons’ to travel with mandatory tests for departures and arrivals. It deals a heavy blow to those planning to ski in the French mountains over Christmas and the resorts waiting to welcome them. The key question is how long the rules will remain in place. UPDATED
16th December 2021
We have reaction from skiers, resorts, UK tour operators and local businesses in the French mountains that will be impacted. Some have described it as a ‘hammer blow’ with most angry and bewildered.
16th December 2021
It is a complex yet simple situation in reality out in the mountains. PlanetSKI has reporters in Les3Vallees and Les Arcs in the Paradiski area this final week of people from the UK being able to ski in France. NEW
16th December 2021
People need ‘compelling reasons’ to travel and there are mandatory tests for departures and arrivals. It deals a heavy blow to those planning to ski in the French mountains over Christmas and the resorts waiting to welcome them.UPDATED
14th December 2021
It comes as omicron cases grow in the UK with predictions of a sharp rise in new cases. The French government says it is looking at new measures and will reach a judgement ‘in the coming days.’ UPDATED
14th December 2021
The UK government has announced that the under-16s are now eligible for an NHS Covid Pass for international travel. It’s good news for families planning a ski holiday, though only if the children are double jabbed. UPDATED
13th December 2021
With so many choices, how do you decide where to go on your next snowsports holiday? Inghams can help.
10th December 2021
Brides-Les-Bains in Les3Vallees is added to the existing portfolio of Meribel, Les Arcs, Les Menuires, Val d’Isere, Tignes and La Plagne. All are now on offer as part of a package reaching the Alps by train.
8th December 2021
Snow-Camp, the charity that helps inner-city youngsters get into snowsports, is running a big new fundraising event in Crans-Montana this winter. It’s looking for teams to enter. Fancy it?
