The Winter Issue of Skier and Snowboarder is out now…
As a new season dawns, in our latest magazine we take a look back at events that shaped the history of skiing and its resorts, from the first Winter Olympics in Chamonix and how war saw Ski Cooper nurture the state’s early ski industry, to literary links that helped bring Davos to the world’s attention and The Beatles’ impact on Obertauern – as well as seeing what the resorts have to offer for this season’s skiers.
Ski Beat rounds up its pick of places to head to for some great skiing as well as festive cheer…
La Rosiere 1850, an Alpine wonderland with Santa’s `Magic of Christmas’
Join in the Magic of Christmas in La Rosiere 1850, high in the French Alps, where Santa will arrive in the days before Christmas in a festive parade, before leading families to the heart of the festively lit Chemin de la Forêt.
Ski Solutions successfully completed its London to Val d’Isère charity bike ride on 30 August, raising £6,433 (including gift aid) for the Snow Sports Foundation (SSF). Over eight days, four team members cycled more than 1,000km across varied landscapes, facing steep mountain climbs to support the Snow Sports Foundation’s mission of providing inclusive snow sports opportunities for individuals with additional needs.
The world’s most iconic winter dance festival, Tomorrowland Winter, is returning to the French Alps in March 2025. For the fifth year running, ski tour operator Sunweb, festival organiser Tomorrowland and French ski resort Alpe d’Huez are coming together to organise the renowned event, which will take place from the 15-22 March 2025 in the mountains of the resort.
Why Canada’s Alberta Should Be Your Next Destination!
If you’re considering a ski holiday for the 2024–25 season, Alberta should be at the top of your list.
Its world-renowned ski resorts, including Banff Sunshine, Mount Norquay, Lake Louise, and Marmot Basin in Jasper, will take you beyond the incredible slopes, all four boasting stunning national park scenery, a range of non-ski activities, and vibrant après-ski scenes.
PHOTO: © L. Meyer
Petra Shepherd gets her funny bones tickled on a trip to Les Gets with apres-ski laughs at the Montreux Comedy Festival.
As apres-ski activities go, the Alpine version of the Montreux Comedy Festival makes a change from the usual one-too-many drinks with friends.
Skiing is often seen as being a group trip or family activity but Friendship Travel is providing sociable solo-ski trips for avid skiers who don’t have a travel buddy or partner to shred the slopes with.
Action Outdoors, the UK arm of not for profit UCPA, has launched an expanded programme of ski and snowboard holidays for young people for the 2024-25 winter season.
Like all of its holidays, the emphasis is on all-inclusive value for money in UCPA centres in some of the top French ski resorts including Val d’Isère, Val Thorens and Les Arcs.
PHOTO: © Archives municipales de Chamonix-Mont-Blanc Fonds Gay-Couttet
Iain Martin celebrates 100 years since Chamonix hosted the Olympics.
In the century since Chamonix hosted the first Winter Olympics, the depth of the Mer de Glace has shrunk by more than 100 metres. The change is so great that in February 2024, a new gondola was opened from the glacier back to Montenvers to save skiers who have taken on the famous Vallée Blanche off-piste run from having to tackle the 580 steps that now exist back to the top.
Enter Now & Win the Ski Getaway of A Lifetime For Two!
Surrounded by the majestic Purcell mountain range in British Columbia, Panorama Mountain Resort boasts stunning views and breathtaking runs, making it a hidden gem. Despite its quaint village ambience, there is an extensive amount of terrain, ensuring spacious slopes and minimal queuing.
PHOTO: © JENS VOEGELE I 360-KOMMUNIKATION
Mark Nicholls meets Italian ski champion Florian Eisath to talk about racing and running a “boutique-style” ski resort in the Dolomites.
The Carezza Ski Area sits between Cortina and Bolzano in the Rosengarten mountain range where the stunning Dolomites glow a warm red at dawn and dusk.
PHOTO: © Vincent Colin
Action Outdoors, the UK arm of the not for profit UCPA holiday organisation, has launched its new 2024-25 winter season family holidays in six French ski resorts.
The holidays have gone on sale to the general public after being offered first to previous UK customers of the UCPA – some holidays have already sold out but there’s still availability across Christmas, New Year, February half term and Easter dates.
Nestled amidst the iconic Swiss Alps, Verbier has long been celebrated for its crisp alpine air and breathtaking peaks, attracting winter enthusiasts seeking the thrill of its slopes. Yet, beyond the adrenaline rush, Verbier is silently but steadfastly embracing sustainability, recognising the urgent need to protect its mountain haven.
Ikon Pass has welcomed St. Moritz to the Ikon Pass community for winter 24/25, joining Zermatt, in Switzerland for a total of six incredible European destinations – and now offers access to 59 global destinations and spring skiing at select destinations across North America.
PHOTO: Sylvain Aymoz
Hils Everitt takes to the skies for a unique experience – paragliding on skis in the French Alps
Suddenly out of the almost silence, interrupted by the gentle whistling of the wind, came my pilot’s voice: “Are you OK; don’t feel sick?! Most people do. Just tell me when to stop if you need,” followed by a cheeky giggle.
With the end of the 2024 ski season approaching in Aspen Snowmass, families can make the most of the resort’s last-minute ski deal, welcoming kids to ski for free on holidays booked before 30 April 2024.
Independent travel agent Iglu Ski say that skiing in Italy in April is all about making the most of increasingly frequent bluebird days and quieter pistes. The best way to do that is to book a trip to one of the snow-sure, higher altitude resorts, which offer a great variety of runs for skiers of all abilities, as well as glorious glaciers, fresh powder, plenty of sunshine, and, of course, Italian food.
In Avoriaz, revellers can celebrate the culmination of the winter season in style. With skiing at the forefront, the closing week promises a thrilling line-up including iconic après-ski sessions, lively concerts, festive parties, and the exhilarating soapbox race on snow known as the Fine-Cup.
This winter season, ski and snowboard holiday provider Inghams Ski continued their partnership with young person’s charity Snow Camp. For the second year running, young people from Manchester, London, Birmingham and Glasgow completed a UK-based apprentice scheme with Snow Camp, before travelling to Val d’Isère ski resort in France with Inghams.
PHOTO: © Lorenzo Belfrond
Courmayeur Mont Blanc, nestled in the Italian Alps, is thrilled to introduce the return of Family Easter Ski Week, scheduled to run from 25 March to 1 April 2024, tailored for children aged 4 to 13. Teaming up with Momentum Experiences and Archy Events, the resort, just 90 minutes from Geneva and Turin airports, has curated a week-long itinerary for families over the Easter holidays.