The 2022/23 ski and snowboard season in Ischgl starts with the ever popular ‘Top of the Mountain Opening Concert’ on 26 November 2022. The live concert will kick off at 6 pm in front of an atmospheric nocturnal mountain backdrop.
Resort News & Reports
The Zermatt-Cervinia World Cup Downhill 2022: All you need to know
The Zermatt Cervinia World Cup Downhill race will start in Switzerland and finish in Italy
Ed Mannix of the Zermatt-based Matterhorn Chalets talks to Iain Martin about the World Cup Downhill races taking place in Zermatt and Cervinia in October and November – the first time in FIS history a cross border competition has taken place
Ski and snowboard holidays by train – Travelski Express adds three new resorts to its list
Travelski Express has added more packages to its programme and now includes the popular resorts of Val Thorens, Courchevel and La Rosiere.
Val Thorens
Skiers and snowboarders can choose between a range of accommodation in the three resorts with deals starting at £646 pp for a week in La Rosière – this price includes return direct Eurostar train travel, accommodation, local area lift pass and transfers to/from accommodation.
Zermatt joins list of glaciers temporarily closed for ski and snowboard activities because of ‘unprecedented’ high temperatures
The Swiss resort of Zermatt has temporarily suspended year-round skiing and snowboarding on its glacier due to high temperatures in the Alps during Spring and Summer.
The slopes have been open daily for many years now, except for a break of about three months at the start of the worldwide pandemic in spring 2020.
‘Growing concerns’ surrounding mental health prompts historic ski area to change its name
An historic Vermont ski area, whose name has raised concerns over mental health, is to be rebranded – although a new name has not yet been decided.
Suicide Six ski area announced it will be ‘retiring’ its current name this summer. A spokesperson said: “Our resort team embraces the increasing awareness surrounding mental health and shares the growing concerns about the insensitive nature of the historical name.
Teams challenged to compete for the 3 Valley Rally Cup as part of youth charity’s 20th anniversary celebrations
To celebrate the charity’s 20th Anniversary, Switch180 is putting on a special event to raise funds for its Snow Camp programme. The youth charity, which provides life changing services to young people claims the 3 Valley Rally will be its biggest, most exciting, and most ambitious alpine event yet.
New signs put cycling on the map in Chamonix Valley
Classic and electric mountain bike enthusiasts can explore the Chamonix Valley with more confidence this summer following the introduction of new signage and a dedicated bike map which can be picked up from all the tourist offices in the area
Take a voyage of discovery through all the activities on offer in Arc 1950 this summer
Mountain lovers can choose between eight weeks of action-packed activities when Arc 1950 opens for the summer on 2 July 2022.
Each week, guests booking at least five nights’ accommodation in the French Alpine resort can enjoy three free activities from a list of 12 ‘Wellness’, ‘Discovery’ and ‘Skills’ activities including fitness, zumba, aquabike, trail running, a half-day hike, an introductory mountain biking session for 8–12-year-olds, or an introduction to archery. Arc 1950 is also offering an introduction to Biathlon and Nature Orienteering activity sessions.
The exciting story of Franz Klammer’s dramatic and historic 1976 Olympic gold medal winning run captured in a new movie
by Skier & Snowboarder editor Frank ‘Scoop’ Baldwin
Back in November 2009, I was invited to interview Austrian ski legend Franz Klammer in front of a large audience during a weekend organised by Inghams in Warwickshire to celebrate the company’s 75th anniversary.
Travelski Express asks customers for feedback to enable it to offer an even better service this season
The tour operator Travelski Express will again be running its direct Eurostar train service from London to the French Alps this coming season.
Available as part of a Travelski Express package, the service will be running weekly with the first train due to depart on 17 December 2022 with the final return on the 15 April 2023. Packages are now on sale.
Kitzbühel gondola named in honour of Dave ‘the Rocket’ Ryding
The famous Austrian ski resort of Kitzbühel has named a gondola cabin on the Hahnenkamm-Bahn lift after British skier Dave Ryding – an honour bestowed on all winners of the famous race down through the years.
Ryanair to fly back into Klagenfurt airport making Austrian and Slovenian resorts more accessible
There will be more ways for British skiers and snowboarder to reach the resorts in southern Austria this coming season following an announcement by Ryanair that the airline is to reintroduce flights to Klagenfurt airport in Carinthia.
Get back to nature this summer in Livigno
The winter season may be over but the Italian resort of Livigno opens for the summer on 11 June with a whole host of activities to suit individuals, groups and families, whether you are looking for competitive activities or simply fresh air, long walks and enjoyable picnics in the beautiful mountains surrounded by nature.
Get away to a remote Alpine retreat with no mobile phone signal – just one of the eco attractions in SalzburgerLand this summer
Alpine areas are now committed to reducing the carbon footprint left by tourists, and visitors to the Austrian province of SalzburgerLand this summer can learn more about playing their part.
SalzburgerLand’s unspoilt landscapes make an inspiring backdrop to the fascinating old city of Salzburg, with all the elements of classic Alpine scenery – snow-capped peaks, ancient forests and spring-fed lakes and streams with water clear enough to drink.
Italian ski areas set to welcome runners and cyclists for some summer fun
Keen runners and cyclists can choose between four events taking place in Val Gardena this summer.
The Italian resort, which is part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site, has three main villages – Ortisei (1,236 m), Santa Cristina (1,428 m) and Selva di Val Gardena (1,563 m) – in the heart of the Dolomites. Between them they offer more than 600km of bike trails.
Les Arcs extends its summer season and there’s even more attractions
The Alpine resort of Les Arcs is already a popular spring and summer time destination for mountain bikers and families who like to stay active and this year there are even more attractions including a a high-altitude zip wire, a new children’s bushwhack walk and a slackline course with UCPA.
Early summer season start for skiers and snowboarders on Les 2 Alpes glacier
Les 2 Alpes claims it will be the first French resort to open its glacier for summer skiing this year. The slopes can be used from 28 May, the earliest the Isère ski area has ever opened its glacier.
Les 2 Alpes also claims it has Europe’s largest skiable glacier and SATA, the lift company, has been carrying out some work in the snowpark.
Whether you want to relax or get active, the French mountains have something for everyone this summer
The traditional ski and snowboard season may be over but during the rest of the year, French ski areas still have plenty to offer those who love being in the mountains – and especially those who enjoy their food.
Need more skiing and snowboarding? Head for the glaciers this summer
Many resorts extended their seasons this year to cater from the huge demand from skiers and snowboarders following the lifting of covid and travel restrictions.
PHOTO: Les 2 Alpes – Onevalefan/English Wikipedia
But for those who still need another ‘fix’ of skiing and snowboarding, there are still opportunities during the summer.
Springtime in Innsbruck – from the slopes to the sunny beer gardens
As well as offering access to some great ski resorts in the Tirol, Innsbruck also offers a variety of apres ski opportunities in its hip bars and restaurants, with everything from steakhouses to vegan burger joints