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New Delay for the Sillian-Sexten Ski Connection as Plan Is Reworked

New Delay for the Sillian-Sexten Ski Connection as Plan Is Reworked

The long-planned ski connection between Sillian in East Tyrol and Sexten in South Tyrol has hit another setback. An environmental review found the planned Austrian-side lift would cut through sensitive habitat, including breeding grounds for rock ptarmigan, so the Schultz Group has scrapped the single-lift plan for two separate lifts with a transfer at Leckfeldalm. New landowner agreements are needed and a fresh application isn't expected before 2027 - the South Tyrol side is unaffected.

Michael Fulton
Ischgl's Final D-Line Chairlift Takes Shape as Höllkarbahn C2 Construction Begins

Ischgl's Final D-Line Chairlift Takes Shape as Höllkarbahn C2 Construction Begins

The last piece of Ischgl's 50 million euro lift overhaul is underway. With the Höllbodenbahn and Sassgalunbahn already running since 2025, attention has turned to the Höllkarbahn C2 - a new 8-person Doppelmayr D-Line chair with heated seats, weather hoods and room for 89 chairs across 14 pylons. Helicopters have been hauling out the old towers since May, with a November 26 opening targeted. Here's where the build stands and what it means for the Silvretta Arena.

Michael Fulton
New Grafenberg Gondola to Replace Three Wagrain Lifts Spanning Four Decades

New Grafenberg Gondola to Replace Three Wagrain Lifts Spanning Four Decades

Snow Space Salzburg has released full specs for the new Grafenberg gondola opening winter 2026/27. The 10-person, ~3km system replaces three lifts dating back to 1985, doubles capacity to 4,000 per hour, and includes a new mid-station directly at the G-Link for faster Wagrain-Flachau connections. The old Grafenberg Express 1 gondola gets a second life at Monte Popolo ski area.

Michael Fulton
German Man Used Forged Documents to Ski for Free at Multiple Tyrolean Resorts

German Man Used Forged Documents to Ski for Free at Multiple Tyrolean Resorts

A 30-year-old German man spent last winter skiing for free across multiple Tyrolean resorts using a forged industry pass and an old employee ID - until he got caught at the Stubai Glacier in February. The total damage to lift operators came to almost €4,000. He avoided a criminal record through an Austrian diversion agreement, but will have to repay the outstanding damages plus an additional €600 penalty.

Michael Fulton
Samnaun's Iconic Twinliner Double-Decker Gondola Gets New Cabins for 2026/27

Samnaun's Iconic Twinliner Double-Decker Gondola Gets New Cabins for 2026/27

The Twinliner at Samnaun - the world's first double-decker aerial tramway cabin when it opened in 1995 - is getting a full cabin replacement this northern summer. Both cabins will be swapped out as part of a comprehensive modernisation ahead of the 2026/27 season, with the control system and platform doors also upgraded. It's part of a broader €50 million investment program at the Silvretta Arena Ischgl-Samnaun.

Michael Fulton
Resort Spotlight: Dachstein West - Austria's Family-Focused Intermediate Playground

Resort Spotlight: Dachstein West - Austria's Family-Focused Intermediate Playground

Dachstein West runs 48 lifts across 51km of terrain - an unusual ratio that hints at this Austrian resort's real character. With 65% intermediate terrain and a family-focused infrastructure, it's built for a specific market segment.

Michael Fulton
Samnaun Breaks Ground on New Gondola That Will Reshape Access to the Ischgl-Samnaun Ski Arena

Samnaun Breaks Ground on New Gondola That Will Reshape Access to the Ischgl-Samnaun Ski Arena

Construction has started on a new 10-person gondola at Samnaun, the Swiss entry point to the cross-border Silvretta Ski Arena Ischgl/Samnaun. The Laret-Champs-Muller lift connects lower-lying hamlets directly to the ski area with a midway station adding flexibility on the slopes. It opens for winter 2027. Here's what's being built.

Michael Fulton
Another gondola at St Johann in Tirol which is also a 10 seat gondola.

St. Johann in Tirol Replaces 45-Year-Old Chairlift With New 10-Person Gondola for 2026-27

A two-seater chairlift from 1981 is making way for a 10-person gondola in St. Johann in Tirol - and if you never rode the old Jodlalm double chair, you missed something. Construction is underway now, capacity jumps from a crawl to 2,400 people per hour, and the new gondola runs direct to the Harschbichl summit at 1,603m without a transfer. Opening planned for winter 2026-27. The chairs from the old lift were sold off - someone's getting a unique garden feature.

Michael Fulton
Resort Spotlight: Golm Ski Resort - Vorarlberg's Family-Focused Alternative to Arlberg Chaos

Resort Spotlight: Golm Ski Resort - Vorarlberg's Family-Focused Alternative to Arlberg Chaos

Golm occupies an interesting position in Austria's Montafon Valley - substantial vertical drop and legitimate terrain spread, but deliberately pitched at families and developing skiers. Whether that's a weakness or strength depends entirely on what you're after.

Michael Fulton
Zell am See Gets a New Kapellenbahn Chairlift on the Schmittenhöhe for Winter 2026-27

Zell am See Gets a New Kapellenbahn Chairlift on the Schmittenhöhe for Winter 2026-27

Construction has started on a new Kapellenbahn chairlift on the Schmittenhöhe above Zell am See, with the goal of having it operational for the 2026-27 ski season. The existing 4-seater from 2001 is being replaced by a detachable 8-seater with a capacity of 3,400 people per hour - a 42% increase on the current lift.

Michael Fulton
Resort Spotlight: Schladming Dachstein - Austria's Racing Pedigree Meets Intermediate Heaven

Resort Spotlight: Schladming Dachstein - Austria's Racing Pedigree Meets Intermediate Heaven

Schladming Dachstein hosts night races under floodlights every January, but the World Cup circus tells only part of the story. This Styrian resort spreads 123 kilometres across four interconnected mountains with surprisingly little genuine challenge for the grade on the lift pass.

Michael Fulton
Mayrhofen Ski Resort Review: Six Sectors, One Very Steep Groomed Run, and a Valley Pass That Changes the Maths

Mayrhofen Ski Resort Review: Six Sectors, One Very Steep Groomed Run, and a Valley Pass That Changes the Maths

Mayrhofen has a reputation that starts with one famously steep groomed run and ends with 548 kilometres of valley-wide terrain. Here's an honest breakdown of all six sectors, the lift system, pricing, and who this resort actually suits.

Michael Fulton
Epic Pass Adds Zillertal Valley Ski Resorts for 2026-27 Season

Epic Pass Adds Zillertal Valley Ski Resorts for 2026-27 Season

Epic Pass is expanding its Austrian coverage for 2026-27, adding Zillertal Arena, Hochzillertal-Hochfügen, and Spieljoch to its existing Mayrhofen and Hintertux Glacier partnerships. The Zillertal Valley additions bring 339 miles of runs and 118 lifts to the pass. Here's what Australian skiers need to know about the region and what the expansion means for trip planning.

Michael Fulton
Kaunertal Glacier Closes Early Despite Fresh Snow and More Forecast

Kaunertal Glacier Closes Early Despite Fresh Snow and More Forecast

Kaunertal Glacier is calling its 2025/26 season on May 17 - earlier than planned - despite picking up around 7 cm of fresh snow this week with more forecast before the weekend. Snow depths remain solid at altitude, but warm spells, operating costs, and low capacity utilisation have tipped the decision. The planned KTE snowpark event is also off.

Michael Fulton
Saalbach Hinterglemm to Host Men's World Cup Downhill and Super-G in February 2027

Saalbach Hinterglemm to Host Men's World Cup Downhill and Super-G in February 2027

Saalbach Hinterglemm is back on the FIS Ski World Cup calendar, with two men's speed races confirmed for February 2027. A downhill and Super-G on the Zwölferkogel will replace a scheduled Courchevel stop, following a late calendar adjustment proposed at the FIS Spring Conference. Less than two years after hosting the 2025 World Ski Championships, Saalbach is back in the racing business.

Michael Fulton
America Spent $317M on Ski Lifts. Europe Spent $1.09 Billion

Why North American Ski Resorts Don't Invest in Lifts Like Europe Does

In the 2025/26 season, the four core Alpine nations spent $1.09 billion on new lift infrastructure. North America managed $317 million. That's a 3.4x gap - and it has nothing to do with snow quality or resort size. After building a database of 226 new lift installations across 32 countries and a full financial comparative report, the answer comes down to ownership structures, regulatory constraints, and 150 years of European mountain history that North America simply doesn't have.

Michael Fulton
European Alps Snow Forecast: 20-30cm Expected This Week

European Alps Snow Forecast: 20-30cm Expected This Week

A modest cold front will deliver snow to high-altitude European resorts from Monday through Thursday, with the western and southern Alps favoured. Val Thorens and Cervinia could see up to 30cm, while many Austrian resorts miss out entirely. Snow levels fluctuate between 1,800-2,400 metres.

Michael Fulton
Global Skier Visits Hit Record 399 Million in 2024-25 - Here's Who's Leading

Global Skier Visits Hit Record 399 Million in 2024-25 - Here's Who's Leading

The 2024-25 ski season set a new global record with 399 million skier visits worldwide - more people on snow than ever before. Nine countries account for nearly 80% of that total, with the US, France, and Austria holding the top three spots. Japan posted the biggest jump of any major market, driven largely by Australian and North American visitors chasing powder.

Michael Fulton
St. Anton's White Rush Race: 555 Competitors on Slushy Moguls

St. Anton's White Rush Race: 555 Competitors on Slushy Moguls

St. Anton's annual Der Weisse Rausch race sends 555 skiers and snowboarders down 7.3 kilometres of slushy, mogulled terrain after the lifts close. The course includes uphill boot-packing and a final obstacle section that participants navigate with skis in hand.

Michael Fulton
Top 5 Runs at Obertauern: A Piste-by-Piste Breakdown of Austria's Snow-Sure Resort

Top 5 Runs at Obertauern: A Piste-by-Piste Breakdown of Austria's Snow-Sure Resort

Obertauern sits at 1,740 metres in Austria's Salzburg region, making it one of the most snow-reliable resorts in the country. With 100 kilometres of pistes and a unique ski circuit layout, there's plenty to explore. Here's a rundown of the five best runs from a day on the mountain - from mellow morning groomers to leg-burning steep stuff - plus a couple of honourable mentions that deserved a spot.

Michael Fulton
Top 5 Runs at Hintertux Glacier - Zillertal Valley, Austria

Top 5 Runs at Hintertux Glacier - Zillertal Valley, Austria

Hintertux Glacier in Austria's Zillertal Valley climbs to 3,250 metres with 60 kilometres of pistes and 21 lifts. The terrain covers everything from wide glacier cruisers to steep freeride gullies dropping into alpine valleys. Here are the five runs that stood out most during a day on the mountain.

Michael Fulton
Japanese Snowboarders Dominate Austrian and German Masters Big Air at Kitzsteinhorn

Japanese Snowboarders Dominate Austrian and German Masters Big Air at Kitzsteinhorn

The fifth edition of the Austrian and German Masters wrapped up at the Kitzsteinhorn on April 8, doubling as a European Cup Big Air event with 70 riders from 19 nations competing. Japan's Hiromu Watanabe took the men's win while Sofia Afanaseva claimed the women's title. National championship honours went to Niklas Huber and Heli Bockhorn for Germany, and Lennox König and Ilvy Paul for Austria.

Michael Fulton
Obertauern: Austria's Snow Bowl and the Sleeper Resort You Should Know About

Obertauern: Austria's Snow Bowl and the Sleeper Resort You Should Know About

Obertauern wasn't on the itinerary at all, but it turned out to be one of the highlights of a three-week Europe ski trip. Known as the "snow bowl of Austria," this circular resort surrounds the village with skiing on all sides and offers terrain that punches well above what you'd expect from a resort most Australians have never heard of. Here's an honest look at what we found on a full day exploring.

Michael Fulton
Freerider Found Dead in Avalanche Near Obertauern After Two-Day Search Involving 60 Rescuers

Freerider Found Dead in Avalanche Near Obertauern After Two-Day Search Involving 60 Rescuers

A 40-year-old Slovakian freerider has been found dead after being buried in an avalanche near Plattenspitze, above the Austrian ski resort of Obertauern. Around 60 mountain rescuers were involved in the two-day search before the skier was located roughly 2.5 metres deep using RECCO detection. He had deployed his avalanche airbag but was not carrying a transceiver. Austria's avalanche death toll this season now sits at 31 - more than double the 10-year average.

Michael Fulton
Schladming-Dachstein: An Unplanned Detour to Planai and Hauser Kaibling

Schladming-Dachstein: An Unplanned Detour to Planai and Hauser Kaibling

Sometimes the best ski days are the ones you didn't plan. A two-hour drive through heavy traffic led to an impromptu afternoon at Planai Schladming, one of four connected peaks in the Schladming-Dachstein region. Here's what a half-day of exploring turned up - from World Cup race pistes and eight-seater chairs everywhere to a 1,200-metre top-to-bottom run that justified the whole detour.

Michael Fulton
Snow Space Salzburg Day 2: Flachau, Zauchensee and the Absolute Park

Snow Space Salzburg Day 2: Flachau, Zauchensee and the Absolute Park

Day two in Snow Space Salzburg started from Flachau's free car park and covered the resort's other half - the Absolute Park terrain park, a bus connection to Zauchensee's World Cup arena, and a top-to-bottom run from 2,100 metres. Here's how the Flachau side stacks up, including what worked, what didn't, and why Austrian free parking deserves more credit than it gets.

Michael Fulton
Snowboarder Killed in Kühtai Avalanche After Group Enters Variant Terrain Without Emergency Gear

Snowboarder Killed in Kühtai Avalanche After Group Enters Variant Terrain Without Emergency Gear

A 49-year-old German snowboarder has died after being completely buried in an avalanche at Kühtai ski resort in Austria's Tyrol region. The group of three entered off-piste terrain without carrying any avalanche emergency equipment. One was partially buried and survived; the third escaped unharmed. A large-scale rescue operation involving mountain rescue, fire brigades, helicopters and police recovered the victim - but not until hours after the slide.

Michael Fulton
Snow Space Salzburg: A Day Exploring Wargrain, Flachau and the G-Link

Snow Space Salzburg: A Day Exploring Wargrain, Flachau and the G-Link

Snow Space Salzburg connects multiple resorts across 12 mountains on a single lift pass - but is it worth the trip? We spent a day exploring Wargrain, riding the massive G-Link aerial tram to Flachau, and testing everything from steep black runs to fun slopes. Here's what we found, including why Austrian chairlifts put everyone else to shame and where the snow was (and wasn't) holding up.

Michael Fulton
SkiGastein, Austria - First Impressions of the Gastein Valley on a Low Snow Day

SkiGastein, Austria - First Impressions of the Gastein Valley on a Low Snow Day

A first look at SkiGastein in Austria's Gastein Valley - one of Salzburgerland's biggest ski regions. With 83km of pistes and 25 lifts across the main area, it sounds great on paper. But a late start, thin February snow cover, and a lot of cat tracks made for a mixed first day on the hill.

Michael Fulton
American Skier Seriously Injured in Stubai Alps Avalanche, Austria

American Skier Seriously Injured in Stubai Alps Avalanche, Austria

Two American backcountry skiers were caught in an avalanche in the Stubai Alps near Neustift im Stubaital, Austria, on April 3. One skier sustained a serious shoulder injury after being swept 200 metres down a steep couloir. Rescue teams airlifted both skiers from the scene.

Michael Fulton
Ski Slope Burglary Getaway Foiled by Snow Groomer in Ischgl

Ski Slope Burglary Getaway Foiled by Snow Groomer in Ischgl

Two burglars who broke into a restaurant and attempted to escape down Ischgl's ski slopes at 2am were caught after an alert snowcat driver spotted them hiding in trees. Austrian police used snow groomers to reach the remote location and apprehend the suspects.

Michael Fulton
Italian Tourist Dies After Avalanche Buries Him on Off-Piste Run in Austria

Italian Tourist Dies After Avalanche Buries Him on Off-Piste Run in Austria

Federico Giubilato, 41, was skiing off-piste in Marchkopf, Austria when an 820-foot-wide avalanche buried him under 5.2 feet of snow. Rescue crews reached him within 30 minutes, but it was too late. His death is one of more than 60 avalanche fatalities across Europe this season.

Michael Fulton
Austria Avalanche Deaths Bring Season Total to 28 as Persistent Weak Layer Claims Two Experienced Backcountry Skiers

Austria Avalanche Deaths Bring Season Total to 28 as Persistent Weak Layer Claims Two Experienced Backcountry Skiers

Two experienced backcountry skiers died in an avalanche on Tamlspitze in Austria's Tux Valley on 28 February, pushing the country's seasonal death toll to 28—more than double the 10-year average. The fatalities underscore ongoing instability from a persistent weak layer affecting the Alps.

Michael Fulton
Europe's 2025–26 Avalanche Season: 119 Deaths and Why the Mountains Are More Dangerous Than They Look

Europe's 2025–26 Avalanche Season: 119 Deaths and Why the Mountains Are More Dangerous Than They Look

Europe's 2025–26 avalanche season has become one of the deadliest in modern history, with 119 confirmed deaths before the end of February and the season still far from over. A buried weak layer formed in December, combined with successive storms dumping metres of snow on top of it, has created conditions that aren't visible from the surface. Here's a full breakdown of what happened, why, and what it means if you're planning a trip to the Alps.

Michael Fulton
Freeride World Tour Georgia Pro Cancelled, Restaged at Kühtai in Austria

Freeride World Tour Georgia Pro Cancelled, Restaged at Kühtai in Austria

The third stop of the 2026 Freeride World Tour has been cancelled after unsafe snowpack conditions forced organisers to abandon the Georgia Pro at Tetnuldi resort. Rather than write off the round entirely, the FWT has moved quickly to restage the event at Kühtai near Innsbruck, Austria — a venue that already knows how to host a freeride competition.

Michael Fulton
SkiGastein Conditions Report February 2026: Eastern Alps Snow Shortage Bites Hard

SkiGastein Conditions Report February 2026: Eastern Alps Snow Shortage Bites Hard

First-time visit to SkiGastein in Austria's Gastein Valley reveals the harsh reality facing eastern Alpine resorts this season. After a week of powder in the Dolomites, the contrast was brutal. Weeks without fresh snow and freeze-thaw cycles have left terrain icy and challenging. Despite extensive cat tracks and €70 for four hours, higher elevation runs on Schlossalm offered redemption. Overcast skies didn't help. The resort's doing what it can, but I'm not rushing back until conditions improve.

Michael Fulton
Franzoni Claims Maiden Kitzbühel Downhill Win as Odermatt's Streif Drought Continues

Franzoni Claims Maiden Kitzbühel Downhill Win as Odermatt's Streif Drought Continues

Giovanni Franzoni delivered a career-defining performance to win the Kitzbühel downhill by seven hundredths of a second over Marco Odermatt, who remains winless on the sport's most famous course despite three runner-up finishes. The result caps a remarkable January breakthrough for the 24-year-old Italian.

Michael Fulton
Zauchensee Replaces 40-Year-Old Schwarzwandbahn With Doppelmayr 10-Person Gondola

Zauchensee Replaces 40-Year-Old Schwarzwandbahn With Doppelmayr 10-Person Gondola

After four decades of service, Zauchensee's Schwarzwandbahn has been replaced with a modern Doppelmayr gondola system. The new lift triples capacity to 2,300 people per hour and opens mountain access to pedestrians for the first time, addressing what was likely a significant bottleneck in this Austrian resort.

Michael Fulton
Ischgl Completes Two New Lifts as Austrian Resort Continues Infrastructure Overhaul

Ischgl Completes Two New Lifts as Austrian Resort Continues Infrastructure Overhaul

Ischgl has opened two new eight-seat chairlifts, including what it claims is the world's shortest heated eight-seater. The Höllbodenbahn and Sassgalunbahn installations mark the latest phase in the Austrian resort's ongoing lift replacement programme, with another project already scheduled for 2026.

Michael Fulton
Lucas Braathen as he finishes knowing he has won another podium for Brazil.

Marco Schwarz Wins Alta Badia Giant Slalom as Lucas Braathen Takes Second for Brazil

Austria's Marco Schwarz claimed his first World Cup victory in two years at Alta Badia's Gran Risa, holding off Brazil's Lucas Braathen by 0.18 seconds in a chaotic Giant Slalom that saw pre-race favourite Marco Odermatt finish sixth and Germany's Fabian Gratz nearly pull off a massive upset.

Michael Fulton
Kitzsteinhorn Glacier Resort Review: Salzburg's High-Altitude Skiing Destination

Kitzsteinhorn Glacier Resort Review: Salzburg's High-Altitude Skiing Destination

Austria's Kitzsteinhorn glacier resort operates from early October through late April, offering 61 kilometres of pistes reaching 3,029 metres above sea level. With reliable snow conditions, unique high-elevation beginner terrain, and access to three resorts through the ALPIN CARD system, this glacier destination delivers consistent skiing for Australian visitors seeking extended European ski seasons.

Michael Fulton
Teacher Dies After Tree Collision at Nassfeld During School Ski Trip

Teacher Dies After Tree Collision at Nassfeld During School Ski Trip

A 64-year-old Czech teacher has died after veering off-piste and striking a tree at Austria's Nassfeld resort, marking the third European ski fatality in less than a week. The incident occurred in front of students during a school trip, raising questions about supervision protocols.

Michael Fulton
Major Avalanche at Stubai Glacier Triggers Massive Rescue Operation Involving 250 Personnel

Major Avalanche at Stubai Glacier Triggers Massive Rescue Operation Involving 250 Personnel

A significant avalanche at Austria's Stubai Glacier on Thursday morning caught eight skiers in off-piste terrain, triggering one of the season's largest rescue operations. While all skiers managed to free themselves before emergency services arrived, three required medical treatment for injuries. The incident involved nearly 250 rescue personnel and highlights the elevated avalanche risk during early season conditions across Austrian ski areas.

Michael Fulton
Traditional champange shower at the podium in Gurgl, Austria.

French Underdog Takes First World Cup Win as Belgium Claims Historic Slalom Podium in Gurgl

The FIS Slalom World Cup in Gurgl delivered an unexpected shake-up as France's Paco Rassat claimed his first career win and Belgium's Armand Marchant secured his country's first-ever World Cup podium. With established contenders faltering on a technical second run, the result raises questions about form heading into the season.

Michael Fulton
Obertauern Resort in the sunrise

Obertauern Bans Uphilling as Austrian Resorts Crack Down on Ski Touring

Obertauern has issued a blanket ban on uphilling within resort boundaries for 2025-26, citing safety concerns after years of conflict. The decision adds the Austrian resort to a growing list implementing outright bans rather than managed access, despite local guides questioning the safety rationale.

Michael Fulton
Zillertal Arena Ski Resort Review: 150km of Terrain Across Four Austrian Villages

Zillertal Arena Ski Resort Review: 150km of Terrain Across Four Austrian Villages

After a week in Austria's Zillertal Valley, I finally understood why locals kept insisting I ski Zillertal Arena. This 150km interconnected area spans four villages with nearly 2,000m of vertical, yet remains relatively unknown internationally. From tackling the intimidating piste 10 to finding beer from a 500-year-old brewery mid-mountain, here's my February 2025 assessment.

Michael Fulton
Steinplatte's New Bäreck Lift: Comfort Upgrade or Unnecessary Extravagance?

Steinplatte's New Bäreck Lift: Comfort Upgrade or Unnecessary Extravagance?

Steinplatte ski resort announces plans for a new high-end chairlift to replace an existing route, raising questions about priorities and pricing in an era of climate uncertainty.

Michael Fulton
Kitzski Resort Review By SnowStash

Kitzski Kitzbühel Review: Why This Austrian Resort is Ranked Number One in the World

After a decade on my bucket list, I finally made it to Kitzski at Kitzbühel - ranked number one out of 6,000 global resorts. Having skied Mt Buller, Lake Tahoe, and Hokkaido, I approached the claim with scepticism. But after two days exploring 233 kilometres of pistes and skiing sections of the legendary Streif downhill course, I'm convinced. This might truly be the most complete ski resort experience on the planet, combining world-class terrain with authentic alpine village life.

Michael Fulton
Dachstein West Invests €22M in New Chairlifts: A Critical Look

Dachstein West Invests €22M in New Chairlifts: A Critical Look

Dachstein West is spending big on two new 6-seater chairlifts, but what does this really mean for skiers and the region's future? We analyse the investment beyond the marketing spin.

Michael Fulton
The 35 Coolest New Ski Lifts From This Season's 246 Global Installations

The 35 Coolest New Ski Lifts From This Season's 246 Global Installations

This season brings 246 new ski lift installations across North America and Europe - the biggest infrastructure boom in years. From the 65 North American upgrades and 181 European installations, we've picked the 35 coolest projects worth planning trips around. From Deer Valley's unprecedented seven-lift expansion to Switzerland's world-first Tri-Line gondola technology, here are the game-changing upgrades that'll transform your mountain experience.

Michael Fulton
The Mens 2025/26 FIS Calendar

FIS Alpine World Cup 2025-26: Men's Calendar Rebalanced After Speed Skier Complaints

The FIS has adjusted the 2025-26 men's Alpine World Cup calendar, adding more downhill events after speed specialists voiced concerns. The revised schedule aims to create a more equitable playing field for the Overall Season Trophy.

Michael Fulton
Global Ski Industry Rankings: Nine Countries Control 366 Million Annual Visits

Global Ski Industry Rankings: Nine Countries Control 366 Million Annual Visits

The latest international ski tourism data reveals stark industry concentration, with just nine countries dominating global skiing. The USA leads with 60.5 million visits, whilst China shows explosive growth and traditional Alpine destinations face different challenges from climate change to currency strength.

Michael Fulton
The glaciers of Solden ski resort in Austria.

Austria Gains Ground on Switzerland for U.S. Ski Tourists

Austria's winter tourism sees modest growth, with U.S. visitors increasing 15.4% to nearly 1 million overnight stays. However, Switzerland still leads with 1.2 million U.S. stays, despite Austria's larger ski industry and more competitive pricing.

Michael Fulton
Zeller Bergbahnen Is Ready For Modernization Of The Rosenalmbahn

Rosenalmbahn Cable Car Modernisation Set for Summer 2025

Zeller Bergbahnen plans to upgrade the Rosenalmbahn cable car, enhancing comfort and sustainability. The project will commence after the 2025 summer season, with minimal impact on winter operations.

Michael Fulton
Mayrhofen: New SkyRide Ahorn Opens

New SkyRide Ahorn Enhances Mayrhofen's Mountain Experience

Mayrhofen introduces the SkyRide Ahorn, offering an open-air gondola experience atop Austria's largest aerial tramway. This new attraction provides panoramic views of the Zillertal mountains and leads to the Greifen Bridge, enhancing the area's hiking options.

Michael Fulton
Marco Odermatt Honored With  His Own Gondola in Kitzbühel

Marco Odermatt's Gets A Gondola at Kitzbühel

Swiss ski champion Marco Odermatt was honoured with a personalised gondola at Kitzbühel Ski Resort, commemorating his 2025 Super-G victory on the Streif.

Michael Fulton
St. Anton am Arlberg Becomes A World Cup Classic: Joining The Renowned “Club 5”

St. Anton am Arlberg Joins Elite 'Club 5' World Cup Venues

St. Anton am Arlberg has been admitted to the prestigious 'Club 5', an association of top World Cup ski racing venues. This recognition bolsters the resort's bid to host the 2033 World Championships.

Michael Fulton
Vail Resorts CEO Rob Katz says European ski resorts would benefit from a megapass

Vail Resorts CEO Envisions European Megapass Potential

Rob Katz, CEO of Vail Resorts, discusses the potential for introducing a megapass system to European ski resorts, similar to the successful Epic Pass model in North America.

Michael Fulton
New Chapter At Ski Amadé: Change Of Leadership At Austria's Largest Ski Association

Leadership Change at Ski Amadé: Austria's Largest Ski Association Enters New Era

Ski Amadé, Austria's largest ski association, announces a significant leadership transition as Dr. Christoph Eisinger steps down after over two decades, with Manuel Schnell set to take the helm.

Michael Fulton
New 8-Beater Chairlift “Silberbrünnl” For Sölden

Sölden's Ski Infrastructure Upgrade: New 8-Seater Chairlift and Slope Connections

Sölden ski resort is set to enhance its lift system with a new 8-seater chairlift 'Silberbrünnl' and improved slope connections, offering skiers and riders better access and more diverse terrain options.

Michael Fulton
Tyrolean Tourism Reports Stable Winter Season Despite Challenges

Tyrol's Winter Tourism Season Shows Resilience Amid Challenges

Tyrol's 2024/25 winter tourism season faces ups and downs, with slight decreases in arrivals and overnight stays. Despite challenges, the industry remains stable, adapting to changing conditions and maintaining its role as a key economic driver for the region.

Michael Fulton
Hintertux Park Opening 2025: Freestyle Skiing and Snowboarding Event

Hintertux Park Opening 2025: Freestyle Skiing and Snowboarding Event

The Hintertux Park Opening returns for its 21st year, kicking off the winter season from October 3-5, 2025. This event brings together top riders, amateurs, and industry professionals at the Betterpark Hintertux.

Michael Fulton
The Silvretta Arena Ischgl/Samnaun Again Records More Than 2 Million First-time Visitors

Silvretta Arena Welcomes 2 Million Visitors for 2024/25 Season

The Silvretta Arena Ischgl/Samnaun has achieved a significant milestone, recording over 2 million first-time visitors for the 2024/25 winter season, marking a return to pre-pandemic levels of success.

Michael Fulton
Sölden Joins Epic Pass for 2025/26 Ski Season

Sölden Joins Epic Pass for 2025/26 Ski Season

Vail Resorts adds Sölden, Austria to the Epic Pass lineup for the 2025/26 ski season, offering pass holders access to this high-altitude resort known for its reliable snow and modern amenities.

Michael Fulton
Silvretta Montafon in Austria is Now Epic; Buy an Epic Pass by May 26 to Ski and Ride at the Lowest Price

Epic Pass Adds Silvretta Montafon to Austrian Ski Resort Lineup

Vail Resorts expands Epic Pass offerings in Austria, adding Silvretta Montafon for the 2025/26 season. Skiers and riders gain access to over 85 miles of slopes in the Montafon Valley, with Epic Pass sales available at the lowest price until May 26.

Michael Fulton
Vail Resorts Adds Another 2 Austrian Resorts to the Epic Pass Offering Unmatched European Access

Epic Pass Expands with Two Austrian Ski Resorts: Mayrhofen and Hintertux

Vail Resorts adds Mayrhofen and Hintertux to the Epic Pass for the 2025-26 season, offering skiers and riders access to over 120 miles of slopes in Austria's Zillertal Valley, including year-round skiing on the Hintertux Glacier.

Michael Fulton
Saalbach and Zell am See-Kaprun in Austria are Now Epic

Saalbach and Zell am See-Kaprun Join Epic Pass for 2025/26 Season

Vail Resorts expands its Epic Pass offering to include Saalbach and Zell am See-Kaprun in Austria for the 2025/26 ski season. This addition provides pass holders access to two of Austria's premier ski areas, enhancing the global appeal of the Epic Pass.

Michael Fulton
Austrian Ski Resort Adding Three New Eight-Pack Bubble Chairlifts

Ischgl Ski Resort Upgrading with Three New 8-Person Bubble Chairlifts

Ischgl, a popular Austrian ski resort, is investing €50 million to replace three existing lifts with state-of-the-art 8-person bubble chairlifts, enhancing guest comfort and transport capacity.

Michael Fulton
The Global Ski Industry Leaders: Top 9 Countries by Skier Visits

Global Ski Tourism: Top 9 Countries by Annual Skier Visits

Explore the world's most popular ski destinations as we analyse the top nine countries by annual skier visits. From the United States to Sweden, discover how these nations shape the global ski industry and attract millions of visitors each year.

Michael Fulton
Talks Underway in Austria to Merge KitzSki and SkiWelt to Create World’s Largest Ski Area

KitzSki and SkiWelt Merger Talks: Creating Austria's Largest Ski Area

Discussions are underway to merge KitzSki and SkiWelt, potentially forming Austria's largest interconnected ski area with over 500 kilometres of slopes.

Michael Fulton
Worldwide Ski Industry Report Claims Consolidation After the Pandemic

Global Ski Industry Shows Resilience in Post-Pandemic Season

The 2023/24 ski season demonstrated the industry's recovery with over 366 million skier visits worldwide, marking the third consecutive year of robust performance according to the latest International Report on Snow & Mountain Tourism.

Michael Fulton
Taking on the challenge at Saalbach Hinterglemm

I Took On "The Challenge": My 65km Ski Circuit Adventure at Saalbach Hinterglemm

Follow my journey as I tackle "The Challenge" at Saalbach Hinterglemm - Austria's most demanding ski circuit spanning 65km with 12,400m of vertical descent across 32 lifts. Starting at dawn and finishing by afternoon, this ultimate test for skiers and riders showcases why the Skicircus outranks even the famous Sellaronda and White Ring circuits.

Michael Fulton
Kitzbühel's Sound | Escape Festival Boosts Late-Season Tourism

Kitzbühel's Sound | Escape Festival Boosts Late-Season Tourism

Kitzbühel's Sound | Escape electronic music festival has successfully revitalised the resort's late March weekend, attracting visitors and boosting local businesses. The event featured top DJs and free admission across various venues.

Michael Fulton
Jungholz, Austria.

Jungholz Ski Area Acquired by German Company for $1.65 Million

WMM AG, a German company, has purchased the bankrupt Jungholz ski area in Austria for $1.65 million. Plans include reopening for the 2025-26 winter season with new features and affordable pricing.

Michael Fulton
New Intermodal Gondola Will Highlight Upcoming Alpine Trade Fair

Innovative ConnX Gondola System to Debut at INTERALPIN Trade Fair

INTERALPIN, the leading trade fair for alpine technologies, will showcase Leitner's groundbreaking ConnX gondola system, revolutionising urban and mountain transport.

Michael Fulton
Lower Austrian Ski Resorts: 660,000 Visits Despite Mild Winter

Lower Austrian Ski Resorts Thrive Despite Mild Winter

Lower Austrian ski resorts recorded 660,000 visits this season, marking a return to pre-pandemic levels despite challenging weather conditions. The new Lower Austria Mountain Adventure Pass has proven popular among skiers and riders.

Michael Fulton
Which Season Pass Offers the Best Alps Access?

Skiing in Europe Is Amazing, But Which Pass Takes You Further

Planning a ski trip to the Alps? This guide breaks down the European resort access offered by major ski passes, helping you choose the best option for your Alpine adventure.

Michael Fulton
Austrias Ski Resorts See Up to 70cm Snow, With May Openings Ahead

Austrian Ski Resorts Prepare For Spring With 70cms Of Fresh Snow

Austrian ski resorts see significant snowfall, with some areas receiving up to 70cm of fresh powder. Many resorts plan to stay open into May, offering excellent late-season skiing conditions.

Michael Fulton
Mayrhofen: From Family-Friendly to Austria's Steepest Run in One Massive Resort

Mayrhofen: From Family-Friendly to Austria's Steepest Run in One Massive Resort

Follow my journey through Mayrhofen's massive 10,751-acre terrain as I transition from the family-friendly Ahornbahn to conquering the infamous Harakiri—Austria's steepest slope with its intimidating 78% pitch. Discover a resort that rivals North America's giants with modern lifts, diverse terrain, and unexpected attractions like a birds of prey sanctuary.

Michael Fulton
Perfect Powder Day at Hintertux Glacier: Austria's Year-Round Ski Haven

Perfect Powder Day at Hintertux Glacier: Austria's Year-Round Ski Haven

Experience the magnificent Hintertux Glacier ski resort through fresh powder and bluebird skies. This remote Austrian gem offers impressive 1,750m vertical drops, untouched off-piste terrain, and breathtaking alpine vistas. Join us for a perfect day carving through pristine snow at one of Austria's most spectacular year-round ski destinations.

Michael Fulton
Salzburg Ski Tourism Breaks Records: January 2025 Sets All-Time High for Overnight Stays

Salzburg Ski Tourism Breaks Records: January 2025 Sets All-Time High for Overnight Stays

Salzburg's ski regions have achieved unprecedented tourism success with over 7.34 million overnight stays from November 2024 to January 2025. January 2025 set a new all-time record with nearly four million overnight stays, surpassing the previous high from 2020.

Michael Fulton
The huge cross at the top of the Gaislachkogl peak.

Fresh Powder at Sölden: Exploring the Gaislachkogl Peak

Experience day two at Sölden ski resort during a perfect powder day. Follow my journey as I swap skis for a snowboard and explore the massive Gaislachkogl area, discover James Bond filming locations, and complete Austria's longest connected ski run from 3340m down to 1363m.

Michael Fulton
The glaciers which can be seen from Sölden

Exploring Sölden: Austria's Massive Dual Glacier Resort

Discover the immense scale of Sölden ski resort with its impressive 31 lifts, 3 peaks over 3,000m, and 2 glaciers spanning 145km of varied terrain. Follow my journey through this Austrian giant that outclasses even North America's largest resorts.

Michael Fulton
Aerial view of Ischgl ski resort

Ikon Pass 2025/26: New Pricing, Resorts and Benefits Revealed

The Ikon Pass for 2025/26 ski season launches March 13 with price increases, adding Austria's Ischgl resort and unlimited access to Arapahoe Basin. New pass holders gain immediate spring skiing access at up to 17 resorts, alongside enhanced benefits including heli-skiing discounts and brand partnerships.

Michael Fulton
Harakiri Slope in Mayrhofen

Conquering Harakiri: Battling Austria's Steepest Ski Slope

Journey through an intense personal challenge on Mayrhofen's legendary Harakiri piste, Austria's steepest ski slope. This firsthand account chronicles a snowboarder's determination to conquer the infamous run, featuring dramatic falls, icy conditions, and ultimate triumph on one of the Alps' most intimidating slopes.

Michael Fulton
The 12er Nord base station

New 12-er NORD Gondola Transforms Saalbach-Hinterglemm For World Championships

The Skicircus Saalbach Hinterglemm unveils its revolutionary 12er NORD gondola, featuring comfortable 10-seater cabins and enhanced safety measures. This state-of-the-art lift system boosts capacity to 2,600 skiers per hour, marking a significant upgrade for the 2025 FIS Alpine Ski World Championships venue.

Michael Fulton
The new Streuböden gondola

New 10-Seater Gondola Upgrades Access at Skicircus Saalbach

The Skicircus of Saalbach Hinterglemm Leogang Fieberbrunn unveils its brand new 10-seater Streuböden gondola, doubling passenger capacity and offering direct slope access from the Fieberbrunn parking area. This state-of-the-art lift features panoramic cabins and sustainable design elements, marking a significant upgrade for the renowned ski resort.

Michael Fulton
Skiers on the slopes at Mayrhofen

Mountopolis: Complete Guide to Mayrhofen's World-Class Ski Areas for 2024-25

Discover Mountopolis in Austria's Zillertal region, where 142 kilometers of pristine slopes and 60 modern lifts await across Ahorn, Penken, Finkenberg, Rastkogel and Eggalm. From Austria's steepest slope to family-friendly runs, Mayrhofen offers a perfect blend of challenging terrain and leisurely skiing, all set against breathtaking Alpine views.

Michael Fulton
Revolutionary New Ski Lifts in Europe 2024: 8 Game-Changing Mountain Transport Systems

Revolutionary New Ski Lifts in Europe 2024: 8 Game-Changing Mountain Transport Systems

From the world's steepest aerial tramway in Switzerland to the innovative "Ropetaxi" in LAAX, Europe's ski resorts are unveiling groundbreaking lift technologies for 2024/25. Discover how these engineering marvels are transforming the mountain experience with faster speeds, greater comfort, and enhanced sustainability.

Michael Fulton
FIS Alpine Skiing World Cup Season Opener in Sölden, Austria

FIS Alpine Skiing World Cup Season Opener in Sölden, Austria

The 2024-25 FIS Alpine Skiing World Cup season kicks off this weekend in Sölden, Austria, featuring the women's and men's Giant Slalom events. Skiers and fans alike are gearing up for an action-packed weekend of world-class alpine racing, with competitions scheduled for October 26 and 27. U.S. viewers can catch the events live on Peacock, with additional coverage on various networks throughout the season.

Michael Fulton
Central Europe Faces Catastrophic Flooding: Rising Death Toll and Destruction

Central Europe Faces Catastrophic Flooding: Rising Death Toll and Destruction

Michael Fulton
Devastating Flash Floods Hit St. Anton: Austria's Premier Ski Resort Faces Nature's Fury

Devastating Flash Floods Hit St. Anton: Austria's Premier Ski Resort Faces Nature's Fury

Michael Fulton
COVID-19 Tests Now Required To Access Austrian Ski Resorts

COVID-19 Tests Now Required To Access Austrian Ski Resorts

Michael Fulton

Latest News

More from the SnowStash desk

Spain Moves to Ban Smoking at Ski Resorts Under New Tobacco Law

Spain Moves to Ban Smoking at Ski Resorts Under New Tobacco Law

Spain's government has approved a draft tobacco law that would ban smoking across a wide range of outdoor spaces, including sports venues - a category Spanish winter sports media expect to cover ski resorts, potentially extending to slopes and lifts themselves. The rules would also apply to e-cigarettes and vaping devices, even nicotine-free ones. The bill still has to clear the Spanish parliament before any ban, signage, or fines can take effect.

22 July 2026
South Tyrol Approves New 16-Person Ciampinoi Gondola in Val Gardena

South Tyrol Approves New 16-Person Ciampinoi Gondola in Val Gardena

South Tyrol has approved a full rebuild of the Ciampinoi cable car in Selva di Val Gardena, replacing the current 12-person gondola with a 16-person cabin and a new mountain-station restaurant. Capacity is capped at 3,200 people an hour rather than the 3,600 the operator wanted, and 250,000 euros must go toward compensatory measures. No construction or opening date has been set, though the upgrade is partly aimed at clearing bottlenecks before the 2031 Alpine Ski World Championships.

22 July 2026
Resort Spotlight: Hoshino Tomamu - Corporate Japan's Mountain Playground Revisited

Resort Spotlight: Hoshino Tomamu - Corporate Japan's Mountain Playground Revisited

Hoshino Tomamu is the ski resort equivalent of a conference hotel that happens to have excellent powder. Built for corporate retreats and package tourists, it offers genuine Hokkaido snow on surprisingly limited terrain - 29 runs spread across 585 vertical metres.

21 July 2026
La Thuile's New Cable Car Replaces Two Ageing Chairlifts

La Thuile's New Cable Car Replaces Two Ageing Chairlifts

La Thuile is spending 38.7 million US dollars on a new 10-person cable car linking Les Suches to Chaz Dura, replacing the La Combe and Chaz Dura chairlifts after nearly forty years of service. Built by Leitner, the new cable car runs 1,950 metres to a top station at 2,576 metres, carrying up to 3,000 people an hour with a six-minute ride. It also improves the connection to La Rosiere in France via the Petit-Saint-Bernard Pass, and is on track to open for the 2026/27 season.

21 July 2026
The Remarkables Adds Scarpa Bowl to Its Inbounds Terrain

The Remarkables Adds Scarpa Bowl to Its Inbounds Terrain

The Remarkables is adding new inbounds terrain for winter, bringing the Scarpa Bowl - known locally as the Toilet Bowl - into its lift-accessed network after years as backcountry-only ground. The roughly 500 metre run is reached by bootpacking from the top of the Sugar Bowl chairlift, with a shuttle picking skiers up from the road at the bottom. It's a smaller, faster addition than the resort's planned Doolans expansion, though the new terrain hasn't opened yet due to a lack of snow this season.

21 July 2026
Ski Portillo Cut Off After Storm Dumps More Than 4.5 Metres of Snow

Ski Portillo Cut Off After Storm Dumps More Than 4.5 Metres of Snow

Ski Portillo remains isolated after an extended storm buried the Chilean resort under more than 4.5 metres of snow, with both ground and air access suspended since Tuesday while crews monitor avalanche hazards and worsening weather. Resort officials say further snowfall is expected in the coming days and haven't set a timeline for reopening the mountain road. Once access resumes, the scale of the snowpack could set up a strong season at one of the Southern Hemisphere's most historic ski resorts.

21 July 2026
Resort Spotlight: Lotte Arai - Japan's Corporate Ski Anomaly With 22 Metres of Annual Snowfall

Resort Spotlight: Lotte Arai - Japan's Corporate Ski Anomaly With 22 Metres of Annual Snowfall

Lotte Arai receives 22 metres of annual snowfall - exceptional even by Japanese standards - but its corporate ownership model and limited terrain create an unusual cost-benefit equation. Here's what the numbers actually mean on the ground.

19 July 2026
Resort Spotlight: Banff Sunshine Village - Nine Metres of Snow and a Season That Runs Until May

Resort Spotlight: Banff Sunshine Village - Nine Metres of Snow and a Season That Runs Until May

Banff Sunshine Village sits at 1,660m base and receives 9.27m of snow annually. Inside Banff National Park, it offers a six-month season and terrain split that skews heavily advanced - though the crowds and lift infrastructure tell their own story.

18 July 2026