×

General News

Tirol May Go Into Quarantine as Variant Virus Cases Rise

The Austrian province has seen worrying increases in the mutations and concerns are mounting. The authorities are studying the data and will make a decision shortly. Ski resorts and alpine areas are watching closely. UPDATED

Fresh US Avalanche Warnings as Pro Snowboarder Becomes Latest Victim

Heavy storms are leaving more snow on a very unstable and weak snowpack. It has been a record season for avalanche fatalities in the US with 26 deaths.  Conditions remain extremely dangerous across large parts of North America.

UK Snowsport Bodies Start Post-Brexit Negotiations with EU Alpine Nations

There are serious concerns over the ability of UK citizens to work abroad in the mountains and whether qualifications will be recognised. A joint statement has been issued by the Home Nations governing bodies and BASI.

Austrian Government Meets Today to Decide on Whether to Extend or Ease Lockdown

An announcement is expected this afternoon with the current restrictions due to end on February 7th. It is likely there will be some easing of measures, but lockdown will stay & most restrictions in ski resorts will remain. NEW

More Miraculous Avalanche Rescues in the Alps

One man was rescued in Tignes after being buried for 4 and a half hours. In Switzerland a couple was buried and their dogs barked for help and attracted the attention of people nearby. Extreme caution is urged across many parts of the Alps after new snow falls on an unstable snowpack.

Coronavirus Impact on Skiing & Snowboarding

The team at PlanetSKI is reporting all the news & developments as it affects the snowsports world in our ever-popular rolling blog. If you want to see its impact and the response of skiers & snowboarders then read on…

Majority of Swiss Want Ski Resorts to Close if Covid-19 Worsens

That’s one of the findings of a recent survey where 55% of those polled wanted ski areas to shut if the epidemiological situation deteriorates. In Switzerland the rate of infection is currently improving. In a wide ranging survey many other questions are asked. We look at the current rules & regulations in Switzerland.

Police Carry Out Checks on Foreigners in St Anton with 96 in Breach of Covid-19 Rules

Several British nationals are reported to be among those in breach of pandemic-related rules on entering the country and the national lockdown regulations. 44 hotels & lodges were checked. 133 people were interviewed with 96 given ‘notices.’ Some were ordered to take a COVID PCR test.

France Introduce Tough New Covid-19 Border Restrictions

It has closed its borders to most non-EU travel, but has stopped short of imposing a third national lockdown. The ski resorts are breathing a small sigh of relief as at least domestic tourism can continue albeit with ski lifts remaining shut.

Miracle Under the Snow

A 50-year old man out walking in the snow with his family in Val d’Isere was dug out after 2 hours and 40 minutes under the snow after an avalanche hit the group. He was located by the signal from his mobile phone.

Coronavirus Impact on Skiing & Snowboarding

The team at PlanetSKI is reporting all the news & developments as it affects the snowsports world in our ever-popular rolling blog. If you want to see its impact and the response of skiers & snowboarders then read on…

Two Mountain Guides Die in Separate Accidents in Switzerland

One died in a huge avalanche Verbier and the other had a fatal fall in Torgon in the Portes du Soleil. It brings the death toll on the slopes to 4 in the Verbier area alone in the past week and 11 in Switzerland in the past 11 days. The conditions off piste are described as some of the most dangerous in recent years. UPDATED

Another Ski Instructor Course in Austria With Britons Attending Sees Outbreak of Covid-19

The outbreak happened in a group of 172 people on a course in Flachau in the Ski Amade region in Salzburg. Two Britons are among dozens on the course who have tested positive for coronavirus. All instructor courses in Salzburg have now been suspended.

Swiss Ski Lift Operator Sacked for Revealing Poor Coronavirus Compliance

Marco Eberhard worked at the resort of Bergun in the canton of Graubunden. He was fired  for breaking his relation of ‘loyalty’ to the company by speaking to the media about his concerns.

One of the World’s Top Freeriders Searches for Friend In Verbier Avalanche

Xavier de Le Rue is an Olympian and a Freeride World Tour winner, but this week he was another rider searching desperately for a friend under the snow.  His friend was one of 8 people that died in Switzerland in a tragic 4-day period. The authorities continue to urge extreme caution.

Ski Tech Revolution Ramps Up

A study involving more than 50 winter sports experts has concluded that digital technology is set for a bigger role in the ski industry, thanks to Covid-19.  But many don’t expect a return to pre-pandemic levels of skiing until 2023.

Fire Destroys Historic Motorbike Museum in Austria Ski Resort

It was the highest museum in Europe and perhaps the best motorcycle collection in the world. It housed 100s of historic vintage bikes in Hochgurgl in the Tirol. UPDATED

Second Fatal Avalanche in Verbier

A 29-year old man from Ireland has died. It follows the death of 38-year old Englishman. . Eight people have died in four days In Switzerland – all in different accidents. There have been fatal avalanches in France too.

Coronavirus Impact on Skiing & Snowboarding

The team at PlanetSKI is reporting all the news & developments as it affects the snowsports world in our ever-popular rolling blog. If you want to see its impact and the response of skiers & snowboarders then read on… UPDATED

Austria Extends Lockdown

It was due to end on January 25th but has been extended until February 7th at the earliest. Ski resorts remain open, but for locals only.

38-year old British Man Dies in Avalanche in Verbier

He is the latest in a string of separate avalanche deaths across Switzerland after recent snow. Seven people have died in four days. 10 people were caught in the latest accident. A man died in Tignes in France on Saturday and it follows a fatality in Courchevel earlier last week. Extreme caution is urged in many parts of the Alps.

‘WHO’ Warns of Spread of Coronavirus with British Getting Some Blame Out in the Alps

It comes as a British infection contributes to the cancellation of the Lauberhorn race in Wengen, a group of UK skiers was stopped at St Pancras station in London heading to Switzerland + other outbreaks in the Alps involving UK citizens occur. Some anti-British feeling rises as the UK variant spreads into the alpine nations.

Cross Country Skiing Takes Off In France

More and more skiers are clipping into long, skinny skis to get their snow fix.  PlanetSKI has been talking to a Nordic skiing instructor in the French Alps about the surge in demand for cross country lessons as the lifts remain closed.

GB Trainee Ski Instructors at Centre of Covid-19 Outbreak in Austria

The authorities in Austria have identified a cluster of 17 cases in the resort of Jochberg in the Tirol. They are reported to be mainly from a ski instructor training course. UPDATED

Coronavirus Impact on Skiing & Snowboarding

The team at PlanetSKI is reporting all the news & developments as it affects the snowsports world in our ever-popular rolling blog. If you want to see its impact and the response of skiers & snowboarders then read on… UPDATED

Europe Faces Tipping Point in Battle With Covid-19

The virus is having a huge impact on skiing and snowboarding this winter, with the season perhaps over for UK-based skiers before it has even started. The World Health Organisation makes a stark assessment of the situation in Europe though there is some cause for hope.

Snowmen in St Anton for World Cup Racing

The public is not allowed to gather to watch the races but that doesn’t mean there can’t be a crowd. A crowd of snowmen and snowwomen. By the course, in the grandstand area and around town.

All Travellers to UK Set to Require Negative Covid-19 Test

It is a further blow to travel whether from ski nations or anywhere else. It comes as the South African variant is circulating.  It is seen as a necessary measure to beat coronavirus with much international travel at a halt.

Switzerland Plans to Extend Its Lockdown Measures Until End of February

Restaurants, gyms and cultural venues will likely remain closed.  There is no word on the fate of ski resorts that remain open in some cantons. Talks are ongoing with final decisions made in a week’s time. NEW

Coronavirus Impact on Skiing & Snowboarding

The team at PlanetSKI is reporting all the news & developments as it affects the snowsports world in our ever-popular rolling blog. If you want to see its impact and the response of skiers & snowboarders then read on… UPDATED

PlanetSKI is Back!

Regular readers will have noticed the web site was down over the weekend. Why? We are pleased to say things are getting back to normal service.

Ski Resorts Shut in Slovakia as Covid-19 Surges

The government has introduced new restrictions as cases continue to rise.  It is a scene that will likely be played out across ski resorts in Europe this winter as cases fall and rise, with resorts opening and closing. The main resort of Jasna has seen growing numbers from the UK in recent years.

Norway Lifts Ban on Flights from UK

The Scandinavian country lifts its ban at the weekend, but most other ski nations are keeping their bans in place. We look at the situation in the alpine nations, though lockdown restrictions mean overseas travel is not allowed for most people in the UK.

Reaction as 100s of UK Skiers Reported to Have Fled Quarantine in Verbier

420 people were contacted by the authorities and told to isolate in their location but only ten are left. Most people’s quarantine has now expired and the reported exodus took place over a week ago. The restrictions were put in place after the UK reported the new variant of the virus.

Coronavirus Impact on Skiing & Snowboarding

The team at PlanetSKI is reporting all the news & developments as it affects the snowsports world in our ever-popular rolling blog. If you want to see its impact and the response of skiers & snowboarders then read on… UPDATED

Covid-19 Regulations in the Ski Nations of Europe & Beyond

Which ski resorts are open, what are the restrictions and when might we see the others opening? Check out our weekly review of where we now stand as the situation changes across the Alps, the Pyrenees & beyond. UPDATED

Norwegian Ski Hero Jailed for Driving at 125mph High on Cocaine

Two-time Olympic cross-country skiing champion Petter Northug is as famous in his country as David Beckham is in the UK. He drove at speeds of 125mph in his Jaguar and filmed the episode on his phone.

Austria Ski Resorts Open for Locals Only

It comes ahead of a third national lockdown on December 26th.  Details of the new restrictions and the path forward have been released, but the lucky locals are on the slopes. UPDATED

Coronavirus Impact on Skiing & Snowboarding

The team at PlanetSKI is reporting all the news & developments as it affects the snowsports world in our ever-popular rolling blog. If you want to see its impact and the response of skiers & snowboarders then read on… UPDATED

Covid-19 News from Ski Nations of Europe

There are new lockdowns announced in Italy and Austria, travel bans on UK tourists into Switzerland and Sweden announces more rules on facemasks. Resorts in France are opening even though the ski lifts cannot run.

World Health Organisation Urges Caution for Ski Resorts

The WHO has issued wide ranging guidance as Covid-19 spreads again. It has specific advice for ski resorts and skiers in Europe as the season gets underway.

Skiing in Scotland – Ski Areas Prepare To Open

The Scottish snowsports season is here – just. But, for the time being at least, only skiers and snowboarders in Scotland will be allowed on the slopes, and the weather this weekend has postponed things. UPDATED

Covid-19 Impact on Skiing & Snowboarding

The team at PlanetSKI is reporting all the news & developments as it affects the snowsports world in our ever-popular rolling blog. If you want to see its impact and the response of skiers & snowboarders then read on… UPDATED

Skiing, Snowboarding and Working in the EU After January 1st

Whether there is a deal between the UK and the EU, or whether there isn’t, travel and working will look very different in three weeks. The free movement of labour is ending and for many UK nationals working in the mountains will be a thing of the past.

French Ski Resorts Take Government to Court Over Ski Lift Closures

The organisation Domaines Skiables de France has taken its case to the courts this week. Observers believe it will have little chance of success. NEW

GB Snowsport Athletes In Action

There’s alpine skiing, ski cross and cross-country. Check out who’s in action, and where, in snowsport competitions in Europe over the coming days.

More Ski Resorts Open in Spain

The Catalan ski areas in the Pyrenees are opening. Last week’s planned openings were delayed. Some smaller ski areas in Spain have fired up their lifts with skiing underway for locals only. UPDATED

Alpine Elements Plans Relaunch

The ski tour operator has been going for 23 years. It went into administration on Tuesday, blaming Covid-19 and a lack of government support. But the owner has bought the brand and hopes to continue trading. He’s been speaking to PlanetSKI.

Investigation Underway after Five Dead in Helicopter Crash in French Alps

It was carrying out a training rescue operation in poor weather in the Savoie area. A pilot survived the accident. UPDATED

Demand Grows To Ski In England

We could all be looking to ski closer to home this winter. One ski area in England has already had unprecedented demand and is turning skiers and snowboarders away.

Round Up of Resorts Open/Closed + What Rest of Ski Season May Look Like

Most have closed but some are open after a hectic week of decision making and high drama.  Which are open, what are the restrictions and when might we see the others opening?

Covid-19 Impact on Skiing & Snowboarding

The team at PlanetSKI is reporting all the news & developments as it affects the snowsports world in our ever-popular rolling blog. If you want to see its impact and the response of skiers & snowboarders then read on… UPDATED

Italian Mountain Areas Placed Out of Bounds to Visitors Amid Fears of Third Wave

Italy has just had its highest daily death toll, surpassing the number at the height of the pandemic in March. New restrictions are announced, with more to follow, to try to beat the current spread with ski resorts closed. Other alpine countries except Switzerland have closed ski areas as Covid-19 spreads across the Alps. NEW

December’s News in Brief

– Jeff Shiffrin Athlete Resiliency Fund Approaches $3m Target
– Avalanche Danger in USA as 3 die in Colorado
– Sanctions on Russians Competing at Beijing 2022
– Val Thorens Ski Cross World Cup Called off Due to Strong Winds …UPDATED

More French Resorts Protest about Plans to Close the Ski Lifts

Several more demonstrations have been held today in the French Alps. Resorts are urging the government to change its mind. The authorities say the closure is about stopping hospitals becoming overwhelmed and saving lives. UPDATED

Coronavirus Impact on Skiing & Snowboarding

The team at PlanetSKI is reporting all the news & developments as it affects the snowsports world in our ever-popular rolling blog. If you want to see its impact and the response of skiers & snowboarders then read on… UPDATED

Crucial Week for Ski Season Start in the Alps

Some ski nations want the slopes to remain closed until January in a co-ordinated effort to fight Covid-19. Others say ‘No Way’. Talks this week will likely decide the outcome.

Indoor & Outdoor Slopes in England Reopen Today

All five indoor slopes in the England are set to open as the country comes out of lockdown and goes into the Tier System. The outdoor ones can open too.

Jobs for British Ski Instructors & Resort Staff Under Threat

Thousands of ski workers who thought they would be able to work in the EU after the Brexit transition period ends on 31st December are being told that may not now be the case.

Coronavirus Impact on Skiing and Snowboarding

The team at PlanetSKI is reporting all the news & developments as it affects the snowsports world in our ever-popular rolling blog. If you want to see its impact and the response of skiers & snowboarders then read on…

Snow report

Twitter

Load More...

Instagram

platinum partners

gold partners

bronze partners