The RAC (Royal Automobile Club) in London provided another great location for a recent lunch for ski and travel journalists, this time hosted by the Austrian ski area of Gurgl and the Tyrolean region of Ötztal.
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Relax or work out at Val Thorens’ new €40m state-of-the-art sports, aquatic and convention centre
Alf Alderson swaps his skis for a new ‘board’ of a different kind in Val Thorens which is celebrating its 50th anniversary this season
Le Board is shaped like a giant snowboard
It was one of those days in Val Thorens with low cloud and poor visibility making the skiing tricky at best, so what to do? Feel our way down the slopes in the murk, or try something different?
Les Gets says ‘no more butts’… (unless you are in one of the designated smoking areas)
The French resort of Les Gets claims to be the first in Europe to ban smoking both on and off the slopes – except in five designated areas.
The ban came into force on 17 December and Benjamin Mugnier, who is in charge of the project, said: “We want to showcase our number one asset which is the clean air of the mountain. This is why thousands of people visit us every year.”
Airports make plans to minimise disruption during Border Force strike action over festive holidays
Border Force staff who are members of the Public and Commercial Service (PCS) union plan to strike at six of the UK’s busiest airports, along with the seaport of Newhaven, over a 9-day period at the end of December that takes in two of the busiest weekends in the ski and snowboard season – Christmas and New Year.
Skiers and snowboarders willing to spend more this season despite cost-of-living challenges says Club Med survey
Despite the current economic climate, there still remains a real appetite for ski holidays according to Club Med’s annual ski report, The Economy of Ski: The Financial Factors Impacting the Upcoming Season.
Will skiers and snowboarders be using lift passes made of wood in the future? ‘Yes’ says Chemmy Alcott
A new eco-friendly ‘pay-as-you-go’ lift pass that the manufacturers claim will save skiers and snowboarders money, time and hassle, has been endorsed by former British ski racer and Olympian Chemmy Alcott (on the right of this photo).
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.
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.
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.
Subli’Cimes festival returns to the slopes of La Plagne
The sixth edition of Subli’Cimes will return to La Plagne from 13-18 April 2022 and is free for anyone who has a valid ski pass and health pass for those age 12+.
The wacky festival is held throughout all La Plagne’s five summits. At Plan Bois (1,600 m) guests will find a giant ball pool, a sweet bar, rubber rings and kites.
FRANCE: Open for business and ready to welcome back British skiers and snowboarders
The lifting of the restrictions on British skiers and snowboarders visiting France has seen new bookings to French ski resorts go through the roof. Many of the resorts have been quick to update the Skier & Snowboarder magazine with their latest news which you will find below. Make sure you check back to this website regularly as we will be adding more info as it comes in. Plus, go to our Holiday Offers page where you will find great bargains to French resorts being added all the time
UPDATE: Travelski Express cancels 21 January departure
Travelski Express, which this season reintroduced a ski train service to the French Alps, issued a recent statement concerning the travel situation to France which said: “With the continued restrictions on travel between the UK and France Travelski regrets to confirm the cancellation of the Travelski Express departure planned for the 21 January.
The Ikon Pass explained – perks and discounts have grown since launch in 2018
With many different ski passes now on offer, skiers and snowboarders could be confused over which one is best, or most cost effective, for them. Kristin Rust, VP Communications with the Alterra Mountain Company, provides some insights into the advantages of an Ikon Pass
Free ski lessons on offer in Chamonix this winter
From 7 January to 4 February and from 7 March to 1 April, 2022 the Chamonix-Mont-Blanc valley is offering its guests FREE group ski lessons
For all ages and all levels of expertise, guests will be able to benefit from free lessons in downhill skiing (both on and off-piste), cross-country skiing, ski touring and even kinder garden skiing.
Brand new hotel and chalets next to Arc 1950 piste
Researched and refined by VIP SKI’s guests over 30 years, Bear Lodge is a brand-new signature complex located at Arc 1950.
The 30-bedoom hotel, Bear Lodge, can accommodate 60-80 guests each week, and Bear Suites can cater to a range of 4 – 14 guests.
Bookings now open for ski and snowboard holidays by train from London direct to the heart of the Alps
European tour operator Travelski (www.uk.Travelski.com) has launched rail inclusive packages from St Pancras station direct to six major ski resorts in France.
The Travelski Express train will leave St Pancras on Friday evenings arriving into Moutiers and then Bourg St Maurice the following morning.
Ski France’s contactless catered chalets help keep interaction with staff down to a minimum
Covid-19 and Brexit have turned traditional chalet holidays upside down this season says Ski France. Therefore, the company has come up with a new concept – contactless catered chalets.
Ski France has more than 50 contactless catered chalets across the French Alps located in top resorts such as Val d’Isère, Tignes, Méribel, Courchevel, La Tania, La Plagne and Alpe d’Huez.
Inghams top scores in consumer survey
Ski specialist tour operator, Inghams has been named a Which? Recommended Provider for Ski Holidays 2021, after top scoring, in a consumer survey that asked people about their holiday experiences when travelling with package ski tour operators.