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General News

US Announces Diplomatic Boycott of 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics

American athletes will be competing but no official delegation will be sent to the Winter Games because of concerns about China’s human rights record. The UK is considering its position.

Three Dead in Austria as First Avalanche Deaths of Season Reported

Eleven people were skiing off piste in Salzburgerland when the accident happened. Eight of them were caught in the slide. Two were injured. The authorities are urging caution after fresh snow falls on an unstable base. UPDATED

UK Skiers Heading to France Will Need Negative Covid Test

The French government has announced that being double jabbed is not enough. The new measure applies to all people from non-EU countries. UPDATED

December’s Skiing Snippets – See What Catches our Eye in the World of Snowsports…

– For When We Can Get to Ski in France
– Colorado Orders Compulsory Masks as Omicron Surges
– Ice Cathedral in the Swiss Alps
– Jackson Hole Tram Opens.. LIVE & UPDATED

The London Ski & Snowboard Festival is Back

It will take place in October 2022 and claims to be a great event and launchpad for the season – bigger, better, brighter. Will it live up to expectations? PlanetSKI reports from the launch event.

Black Friday Ski Deals

You may love it or you may loathe it, whatever your view Black Friday is upon us. And there are some rather good ski and snowboard deals out there. UPDATED

The Tirol Answers Your FAQ as Austria Enters Lockdown

The Austria Province which is home to some of the major ski resorts in Austria has provided PlanetSKI with the answers to some of its Frequently Asked Questions to keep people informed.

France Confirms Covid Rules for Ski Resorts

The 250 French ski areas now have a roadmap for opening and the measures needed. Much is known already but this is final confirmation. Resorts in France are already starting to open over the next few weeks. However cases are rising sharply and further measures are expected shortly. UPDATED

Unvaccinated People in Austria Locked Down

Cases are surging in the Alpine nation with health services coming under growing pressures. It comes as ski resorts open and others are preparing for the approaching season. UPDATED

Austria Tightens Covid-19 Rules as Cases Rise

The alpine nation is battling a surge in cases as its ski resorts begin to open. Unvaccinated people will need to follow further constraints as the government implements Level 4 restrictions. UPDATED

November’s Skiing Snippets – See What Catches our Eye in the World of Snowsports…

– Japan to Close Borders to All Foreigners
– Covid Rules for Ski Resorts in British Columbia, Canada
– Drug-Taking Ski Instructor Responsible for GB Surgeon’s Death
– Ski Season Starts in the USA …LIVE & UPDATED

Tirol Tightens its Covid-19 Rules as Cases Rise

The Austrian province is implementing the so-called ‘2G rule’ for late-night dining and events with over 500 people. Masks will also need to be worn in more locations.

Celebrating Independent Ski Resorts in the USA

Teton Gravity Research Releases ‘In Pursuit of Soul’ featuring Indy Resorts. PlanetSKI has visited a few of them.

Switzerland Launches New Vaccination Campaign

61% of the population are fully vaccinated with a significant number of people declining a vaccine. It has the lowest take up of the main skiing nations with some worries growing for winter.

Half Term Mountain Holidays Made Easier

People returning to England will now need to take a lateral flow test rather than a PCR test. It follows the ending of the traffic light system and has given a further boost to people booking a ski holiday.

FIS Presidents to Have Time in Office Limited

The International Ski Federation has had just four presidents in its 97-year history. That is about to change. Also more women will need to be on the ruling council.

SnowDome Indoor Ski Centre Reopens After Death of Child

12-year-old Louis Watkiss was seriously injured in an accident at the end of last month. The slope has reopened after an investigation was carried out.

New for the 2021/22 Ski Season

Do you want to find all the news for the approaching season in one place? If so then look no further than our new section on PlanetSKI. In a post-pandemic season it is perhaps even more important to keep across all the news.

Maison Sport Launches in Scotland

The expansion will support self-employed ski instructors in Scotland as working legislation is affected by Brexit. Many ski instructor jobs in Europe have now gone for British instructors as the free movement of labour ends.

October’s Skiing Snippets – See What Catches our Eye in the World of Snowsports…

– Olympic Train Line Nears Completion
– GB Paralympian Kelly Gallagher Retires
– EU Recognises UK’s NHS Covid Pass
– Big Air Chur Highlights … LIVE

Tamworth Snow Dome Remains Closed After Death of 12-year old Boy

The indoor ski centre in Staffordshire cannot resume full operations following orders from the Health & Safety Executive. The child who died has been named as Louis Watkiss from Sutton Coldfield. Investigations are continuing. UPDATED

US Athletes at Beijing 2022 Must Be Vaccinated

The United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee has said that all athletes competing at the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics and Paralympics must be vaccinated against Covid-19. NEW

Ski Resorts in Australia Shaken by Earthquake

A 5.9 magnitude earthquake hit Victoria with Mt Hotham, Mt Buller and Falls Creek all feeling its force.  It was felt as far away as New South Wales where the country’s other resorts are located.

Austria Government in Court over Reaction to Covid-19 in Ischgl

Court proceedings are beginning in Vienna in a civil case against the Austrian government over its alleged mishandling of the coronavirus outbreak at the ski resort of Ischgl in March 2020. It is seen as a test case for many other cases. UPDATED

More Ski Resorts in Australia Re-Open

The resorts in Victoria were allowed to open to locals only earlier this month, now the lifts are firing up in New South Wales. NEW

Swiss Health Official Supports Calls for Covid-19 certificates in Ski Resorts

This week Switzerland increased its restriction as Covid-19 continues to surge and there are growing fears for next winter with some tighter rules. UPDATED

Ski Resorts Saved from California Wildfire

Kirkwood and Heavenly say they are ‘cautiously optimistic’ as the battle against the Caldor fire appears to have been won – so far. The resorts, volunteers and fire crews have put in an heroic effort and there is now hope as the wind eases. UPDATED

September’s Skiing Snippets – See What Catches our Eye in the World of Snowsports…

– How to Measure a Shrinking Glacier
– Big SNOW Indoor Slope in USA Shut Due to Fire
– Para Skiers Show Freestyle Skills
– Vaccinated Children Exempt From Norway Quarantine … LIVE

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

Alterra Buys Purcell Heli-Skiing

It will incorporate the business that operates in British Columbia, Canada into CMH Heli-Skiing & Summer Adventures.

Hospitals in Switzerland Could be Overrun in Weeks

The stark warning comes from the federal government as cases continue to surge. The health authorities describe the situations as ‘very worrying’ and new containment measures are being considered. In a surprising move the UK has put Switzerland on its Green list. UPDATED

Sheffield Ski Village Revival Under Threat

The local council has decided to end an agreement with the developer. There were plans to turn the derelict slope and area into a major sport and leisure destination.

Patagonia Boycotts Jackson Hole over Right-Wing Fundraiser

The outdoor clothing company has pulled its products from shops in the Wyoming resort after the resort’s co-owner hosted a fundraiser for the ‘House Freedom Caucus’.

Covid Cases Continue to Rise Sharply in Switzerland

There has been double the number of cases compared to last week with some scientists expressing growing concern. Hospital cases are rising and the government has launched a campaign to encourage more people to get vaccinated ahead of winter. UPDATED

Excitement Grows for National Snow Show

Ticket sales have passed the 11,000 mark with the easing of covid rules in the UK and lifting of travel restrictions for vaccinated people coming from abroad helping. PlanetSKI has met the organiser and looks ahead to the autumn event.

Ski Resorts in Australia Close as Pandemic Spreads

New South Wales has imposed a state-wide lockdown meaning resorts such as Perisher and Thredbo have shut. Previously they had been open to locals. Ski resorts in Victoria remain open, but only for local skiers and snowboarders.

Alpine Coach Crash Survivor Graduates with Physiotherapy Degree

27-year old Catrin Pugh suffered 96% burns and was given a one in 1,000 chance of survival after the crash in 2013 descending from Alpe d’Huez.

August’s Skiing Snippets – See What Catches our Eye in the World of Snowsports…

– New Zealand Sees First Death Linked to Pfizer Vaccine
– 1,000+ Australian Covid Deaths as Resorts Remain Shut
– Forest Fire Threatens California Ski Resort
– Swiss Cow Rescued by Helicopter … LIVE & UPDATED

Tributes to Scottish Climber Killed in Avalanche on K2

The 68-year old Scottish mountaineer, Rick Allen, was attempting to open a new route on the southern face of K2. UPDATED

Tributes Continue After Death of Heliski Pioneer Mike Wiegele

Mike Wiegele developed heliskiing in British Columbia in Canada in the 1970s and a whole new area of adventure skiing spread across the remote mountains of the world. He was 82. PlanetSKI looks back at his life and his legacy. UPDATED

Tributes Continue After Death of Former Head of International Ski Federation

Gian Franco Kasper has died at the age of 77. He was admitted to hospital early last month during a FIS Congress to elect his successor. UPDATED

Partner of Snowboard Legend Who Died is Pregnant With His Child

The partner of Australian snowboarder Alex Pullin has announced she is pregnant after retrieving his sperm when he died a year ago.

July’s Skiing Snippets – See What Catches our Eye in the World of Snowsports…

-France Extends Health Pass Requirements
-Australian Family Fined After Breaking Lockdown to go Skiing
-Reduced Winter Games NZ Confirmed
-GB Snowsport Supports Fundraising efforts of BSSNF..UPDATED

GB Snowboarders Pass on Tips to Novice Skateboarders

Britain’s top snowboarding talent have joined with young Londoners for a special event to mark GB Snowsport’s Project Balance initiative.

Birmingham Snow Show Goes Ahead

The London show has pulled the plug on this autumn’s event but the organisers of the one planned for Birmingham have confirmed to PlanetSKI it’s going ahead, with new brands joining the line-up. UPDATED

London Ski & Snowboard Festival Postponed Until 2022

It was due to have taken place this October but uncertainties over travel restrictions and Covid-19 rules have led the organisers to put it back. A snowsports party will take place this November instead.

Ski Industry in USA Unites to Fight Climate Change

The four largest ski corporations in the US have come together in what they say is the first unified effort to combat climate change with shared commitments.

USA Ski Areas Report Strong Season Despite Covid

Ski resorts in the USA had their fifth best season on record in 2020-21, according to the latest figures produced by the National Ski Areas Association. Some areas had their best season ever. UPDATED

25-Year Masterplan for Cairngorm

The landowners of the Cairngorm Mountain ski area have published their long-term masterplan to turn the whole 3,500-acre estate into a ‘world-class mountain environment’.

FIS to Elect First New Leader in 23 Years

A new President will be chosen to head the International Ski Federation at the governing body’s online Congress. A British former alpine racer is hoping to be the first woman to take on the role.  UPDATED

39 Died in Avalanches in France Last Winter

It is much higher than previous years and is nearly double the average over the past 50 years. Covid-19 restrictions, the growth in ski touring and unstable snow are to blame.

June’s Skiing Snippets – See What Catches our Eye in the World of Snowsports…

-Italy Ends Mask Wearing Outdoors
-Summer Season Starts At Park City in Utah
-Ski Race Series Kicks Off in GB
-Covid Outbreak in Sydney Means Ski Resorts Out of Bounds for Some
-Quarantine-free Travel for the Fully Vaccinated?….UPDATED

New Ski Podcast on the Blocks

It is hosted by Amin Momen from Momentum Ski and Ski Sunday’s Chemmy Alcott. It mixes music with ski banter and will be featuring a host of celebrity guests who will be selecting some of the tunes.

National Snow Show To Get Indoor Slope

SnowDome, the snow centre in Tamworth, is joining forces with The National Snow Show to sponsor an ‘epic’ indoor slope and offer coaching to visitors to the show.

Roll Out of Indoor Snow Centres Planned for USA

The company Alpine-X has ambitious plans as it reveals a flagship venue in Washington DC. There are plans for 20 more, but will the US learn to fall in love with skiing and snowboarding indoors?

Leading US Politician Calls for Diplomatic Boycott of Beijing 2022

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Nancy Pelosi, is urging the US government not to attend the Winter Olympics in China next year.

Fresh Avalanche Warnings After Further Fatalities

In the latest accident two Italian skiers have died off piste in the Mont Blanc Massif in France.  Two others died last week in the same area. Caution is urged by the authorities after fresh spring snow.

Investigation after 14 people die in cable car accident in Italian Alps

It happened on Sunday near the town of Stresa in Piedmont near Lake Maggiora. 2 children survived. An investigation is underway. UPDATED

Maison Sport Expands

The online platform that allows you to book independent ski and snowboard instructors is branching out after raising £1.25m in new funding.

Alps Coach Driver Given Posthumous Bravery Award

The coach driver who died saving the lives of 51 people returning to the UK from the French ski resort of Alpe d’Huez, has been awarded the Queen’s Commendation for Bravery.

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