Austria is postcard pretty under the latest snowfall. It’s been cold for a week and the snowmaking machines have been working day and night, putting down a solid base. We’ve had 40cm of fresh snow in the valley, more in the mountains, the temperature is minus 10 degrees in the car park and the sun is shining. Most resorts won’t be open for another week or so, but the Fleckalmbahn gondola between Kitzbühel and Kirchberg is operating, along with a pair of chairlifts between the Ehrenbachhöhe and Steinbergkogel. Officially, two blue runs are open, but a short red and several sections of black runs are easily accessible, and the fresh powder is skied out by mid-day – helped by snakes of 10-year-old wannabe Franz Klammers, who slalom past me while doing exercises with their poles as if I’m standing still.
Saas Fee, Wednesday 17th November 2010
The 5.30am departure from Morzine was a rather rude start to the winter season. Living here all year round, we are constantly teased by the snow-tipped mountains of the Portes du Soleil. But the three-hour journey to Saas Fee seemed like a small price to pay for some early season action.
"It’s been an interesting last month or two since I passed my BASI 2 ski instructor exams and got myself a job teaching in Morgins this winter. I seem to have spent the last two months preparing for this winter, catching up with people and tying up loose ends.
Two weeks ago one gondola, one chair lift, one red piste and one blue piste opened on the Resterhöhe range above Pass Thurn, at the far end of the Kitzbühel ski area. The runs are high, north facing, and well served by snow-making equipment, so once the temperature drops towards the end of October the runs are ready for the rest of the season. Through November they are only open at weekends, but the pisteurs are hard at work through the week making new snow, and bulldozing fresh snow falls into position. The predominantly artificial snow is firm rather than icy first thing in the morning, and sugary by early afternoon if the sun comes out – but for an hour or two in the middle of the morning it feels like real snow.
The summer has long gone, taking with it the open air concerts, the coach loads of tourists, the pole wielding mountain walkers and the lycra-clad cyclists. The town itself is having a well-earned holiday before the madness of the winter season arrives. Many hotels, bars and restaurants are closed for a month or more, the staff and owners recharging their batteries in the warmer climes (at this time of year) of Italy or the south of France. Meanwhile, the town is relaxing, but expectant – waiting for the ski season to start. As am I.
Experienced skiers who want to put their skills to the test are being sought by Austrian based ski specialists, Redpoint (www.redpoint.co.uk). As part of their 15th anniversary celebrations, the independent company will be running a special ski challenge in the Ziller Valley. Skiers who take part will be attempting to ski all the runs in the valley in just six days – that’s over 600kms of runs.
Winter Wonderland awaits; La Nina and incredible snowmaking infrastructure deliver early start to the season at Whistler Blackcomb
WHISTLER, BC, Friday, November 12, 2010 – Few things get skiers and riders more excited than the words “early opening,” which is why Whistler Blackcomb is thrilled to announce that Whistler Mountain will open six days early, on Friday, November 19. Blackcomb Mountain will open on Thursday, November 25, Whistler Blackcomb’s official opening day.
This Spring Hemel Hempstead Snow Centre is celebrating its 4th year as one of the UK’s top destinations for indoor skiing and snowboarding. They’ll be throwing a party over May bank holiday weekend, with all sorts of freebees, offers and special events.
Here is the latest snow report from J2Ski and as the weather seems to be finally warming up in the UK there have been snowfalls in Europe, Canada and even Scotland. There are a number of resorts still open across Europe, to make the most of the late snow, and things are gearing up over in New Zealand and Australia.
There is still snow falling in North American resorts and some French resorts are reporting fresh snowfall. Scotland is still open for skiing, this cold weather everybody is complaining about has some good side effects! Here is the full roundup from J2Ski for this weeks weather events.
The wonderful weather over in Canada has meant the the resort will be open this year until 27th May - and with some great spring weather this results in some fabulous conditions. There are good deals to be had so if you have always hankered after a trip to Canada this might just the right time to take the plunge. Read on for more information about conditions and activities for the extended season.
Traditionally the ski season ends after Easter but the weather has different ideas this year. The snow is still falling across the Alps and many operators are extending their season into May. Here are late ski deals, however it looks like they may not be the last!
The snow is still falling in parts of the Alps and the season is far from over in many places. Chalets Direct have some great deals for this season including:
If you are a fan of rock then this is an opening night you won't want to miss. The fabulous ski resort of Ischgl will have a wild rock night to kick off the season for 2013/14 with Nickelback. This current season will be closed by the legendary Deep Purple so dig out those old denims and head on out to Ischgl for the party of the season.
The snow may be on the way out and the season slowly sinking into Spring but there are still some great ski deals to be had. Go on, you know you want to....
The conditions in the Alps are still great for a spot of Spring skiing and with fresh powder now falling in Courchevel 1850 here are some fabulous deals from courchevelapartment.com.
The season is coming to an end with just a few weeks left but there is still snow on the hills so why not grab a bargain and head out for some super spring skiing? Here are some great discounts for spring skiing in France, you just need to sort out your travel and if you are flying why not check out our SkiFlightWizard for information on where you can fly to and fro.
This Spring Hemel Hempstead Snow Centre is celebrating its 4th year as one of the UK’s top destinations for indoor skiing and snowboarding. They’ll be throwing a party over May bank holiday weekend, with all sorts of freebees, offers and special events.
