Switzerland
This week one of the oldest ski clubs in the world, the Downhill Only Club, is celebrating its centenary. Here Brian Bollen, the current DHO Hon Editor, takes a look at how the club evolved.
The Downhill Only Club (DHO) in Wengen, in Switzerland’s Bernese Oberland, was founded on 7 February 1925, and is scheduled to celebrate 100 years since its creation with a Roaring Twenties (1920s)-themed dinner at the Hotel Regina in Wengen on Thursday.
Le Massif PHOTO: © Aosta Panoramica
Perfect for those seeking a quick escape without sacrificing comfort, Ski Solutions has curated a specialised list of luxury ski weekends that offer a refreshing dose of winter magic in Europe’s finest Alpine landscapes.
Last week, snow fell across all regions of Vail Resorts’ Northern Hemisphere resort operations, bringing with it the start to winter and the 2024/25 ski season.
Nowhere was this more exciting than at Whistler Blackcomb, where nearly 90 inches of snow (228cm) has fallen since 1 November, leading to an early opening on 21 November.
Skiing is one of the most exhilarating winter sports, but choosing the right destination as a beginner can make all the difference. For first-timers and those looking to build their confidence on the slopes, finding the right mix of gentle terrain, quality instruction, and a welcoming atmosphere is key.
SkiWeekends, the short and flexible break specialist skiing operator, has launched a number of new programmes for the 2024-25 winter season following its new website launch with a built in booking system. Holidays will also include a return airport transfer built into the price this season.
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.
On Thursday (14 March) skiers and riders can start their 24/25 winter adventures and seek the unique at 58 global destinations across the Americas, Europe, Australia, New Zealand, and Japan, when Ikon Pass goes on sale for the 24/25 season.
The anticipation mounts as the Boss des Bosses, renowned as the “Master of the Moguls”, prepares to grace the slopes of Verbier once again for an unforgettable spectacle. Boss de Bosses is set to take place on 20 March 2024, the 26th edition of this inter-resort freestyle ski contest promises an electrifying showdown not to be missed.
For those still undecided about where to ski this winter, Ski Safari has given the latest updates on snow conditions, availability and late-season savings across their programme. While many resorts in the Alps are already turning green, skiers willing to try somewhere different this spring are in for a snow-filled treat.
The Spring Issue of Skier & Snowboarder is out now – offering a great combination of first person experiences from resorts throughout the world, holiday news, the latest equipment, UK slope and club news and more!
Starting tomorrow and running until 24 February, Bruson Freeride Week returns to Verbier with a bang for the 2024 season, featuring an expanded programme of events. Following the resounding success of the previous edition and the overwhelming enthusiasm of riders, organisers have scheduled a total of four competitions – including three FWT Qualifiers and one Junior FWT event.
Nothing can beat the stunning scenery of the slopes, and there is no better way to spend a romantic trip than surrounded by breath-taking snow-capped mountains. With the European slopes calling to skiers given the increased snowfall across the mountains, February is the ideal time for a ski trip.
As part of its Mobility Plan, Verbier Tourisme has introduced a multi mode of transport booking service developed by Antidots. This innovative booking platform will incorporate all modes of transportation, covering entire journeys from any location worldwide. As a result, it will now be possible to plan, book, and pay for your journey to Verbier through a single platform.
PHOTO: © Luciano Miglionico
Vail Resorts, Inc. has announced that it has entered into an agreement to acquire Crans-Montana Mountain Resort in Switzerland from CPI Property Group (“CPIPG”). Crans-Montana Mountain Resort spans over 1,400 metres (approximately 4,593ft) of skiable vertical terrain, and 140 kilometres of trails.
Flexiski, the specialist tailor made ski holiday company that hand picks unique and special places to stay, has launched its new winter programme for the 2023-24 season, with a number of new properties and a selection of new destinations.
Switzerland’s Best Ski Resort 2023
Continuing with the success of winning awards in 2018, 2019, 2021 and 2022, Verbier has been voted Switzerland’s Best Ski Resort 2023 for the fifth time in six years during the World Ski Awards 2023.
This winter Switzerland’s beautiful car-free village of Mürren will host the 100th anniversary celebrations for the world’s oldest alpine ski racing club, the Kandahar, which was founded by the British in Mürren on 30 January 1924 and still has its HQ there.
As well as offering favourites such as Avoriaz, Tignes, Val Thorens and St. Anton, flexiski have added some fabulous new resorts such as Andermatt and Crans Montana in Switzerland and Alpe d’Huez in France with three-night breaks available from £320pp.
PHOTO: Panorama @raphaelsurmont
Verbier Tourism will be helping peak Londoners’ interest in the upcoming ski season with a rare chance to experience the resort’s famously fun apres-ski vibe on home turf.
Over two exclusive nights at the end of this month, the Iron Bloom Shoreditch will be converted into a winter wonderland, recreating the Alpine town’s world-famous party atmosphere and cementing Verbier’s reputation as a place to be seen after a day sloping about.