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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.
Tignes Could Lose Summer Skiing on the Grande Motte Glacier Within a Decade
Tignes has long been known for summer skiing on the Grande Motte Glacier, more than 3,450 metres up in the French Alps, but resort officials now say that may not last another decade. Altta chairman Clement Colin told AFP the glacier is losing 2 to 4 metres of thickness a year and could be almost completely melted within ten years. The resort's summer season has already shrunk to a single month, ticket sales are down, and Tignes is now planning for life after glacier skiing.
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.
Resort Spotlight: Arber - Bavaria's Highest Resort Without the Alpine Crowds
Arber bills itself as the Bavarian Forest's premier ski destination, which sounds optimistic until you realise it's also the only proper resort in the region. At 406 vertical metres and 11.5km of trails, this is weekend skiing territory - but that doesn't mean it isn't worth considering.
Resort Spotlight: Savognin - Switzerland's Least Pretentious Ski Valley
Savognin sits in Switzerland's Surses valley with 1,545 metres of vertical and none of the Engadine's inflated pricing. The terrain split heavily favours intermediates, but the vertical drop and consistent snowfall make it worth consideration if you're shopping the Grisons region.
Resort Spotlight: Hindelang Oberjoch - Germany's Highest Village Offers Reliable Intermediate Terrain
At 1,200 metres, Oberjoch claims the title of Germany's highest mountain village, which matters more for marketing than actual skiing. What does matter: 32 kilometres of well-maintained intermediate terrain, substantial snowmaking, and a notably lower-key atmosphere than the Bavarian circus further east.
Resort Spotlight: Boí Taüll - High-Altitude Skiing in the Catalan Pyrenees
Spain's highest ski resort sits at 2,035 metres base elevation in the Catalan Pyrenees. Boí Taüll trades extensive terrain for altitude and a longer potential season - a calculated bet on reliable snow when lower resorts struggle.
Resort Spotlight: Kreuzberg - Bavaria's Low-Key Alternative to the Alpine Circus
Kreuzberg delivers something increasingly rare in German skiing - uncrowded slopes at sensible prices. This Rhön Mountains resort offers 318 metres of vertical across 13 kilometres of trails, targeting families and intermediates who've had enough of Alpine weekend queues.
Resort Spotlight: Elm im Sernftal - Switzerland's Quietly Impressive Family Resort in the Sernf Valley
Elm im Sernftal offers something increasingly rare in the Swiss Alps: legitimate vertical drop without the crowds or price tag of major resorts. With 40km of trails spread across 1,085 metres of elevation, it's a solid mid-sized option in the Glarus region.
Resort Spotlight: LAAX - Where Switzerland's Freestyle Culture Meets Serious Terrain
LAAX built its reputation on terrain parks and freestyle culture, but the resort's 214 kilometres of trails and 1,918-metre vertical drop tell a more complete story. The question is whether the park-forward identity still defines the experience.
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.
Resort Spotlight: Hoch-Ybrig - Central Switzerland's Low-Key Family Alternative
Hoch-Ybrig sits an hour from Zürich with 50 kilometres of pistes and none of the crowds that plague bigger Swiss resorts. It's a workable option for families and intermediates who prioritise convenience and groomed runs over vertical or challenging terrain.
Resort Spotlight: Ordino Arcalís - Andorra's Northern Outpost Puts Terrain Ahead of Village Charm
Ordino Arcalís sits in Andorra's northwest corner, trading après-ski polish for terrain that actually challenges. With 685 vertical metres and nearly 6 metres of annual snowfall, this is where Andorra's serious skiers come when the lower resorts turn slushy.
Resort Spotlight: Les Mosses - Family-Friendly Swiss Skiing Without the Altitude or the Hype
Les Mosses sits in the Vaud Alps with 40 kilometres of exclusively beginner and intermediate terrain spread across 495 vertical metres. This is Swiss skiing for families who want reliable conditions without fighting lift queues or navigating expert-only couloirs.
Resort Spotlight: Arabba Marmolada - The Dolomiti Superski's Quiet Gateway to Endless Cruising
Arabba Marmolada sits at the intersection of the Sella Ronda circuit and access to the Marmolada glacier. With 1,823 metres of vertical and direct links into the Dolomiti Superski, it's a base village that prioritises ski touring over après.
Resort Spotlight: Adelboden/Lenk - Where the Bernese Oberland Meets the Beginner's Plateau
This linked Bernese Oberland resort spreads 86 kilometres of trails across classic Swiss villages, with over half the terrain marked for beginners. The statistics raise questions about whether there's enough here for accomplished skiers.
Resort Spotlight: Saas Fee - The Glacier Resort That Opens in July
Saas Fee runs one of Europe's most extensive summer ski operations on the Fee Glacier, then expands to 100 kilometres of terrain when winter arrives. The car-free village and high-altitude setting create a specific type of resort experience that suits some skiers better than others.
Slovenia's Kanin Ski Resort Launches International Investor Tender With July Deadline
Slovenia's Kanin ski resort - closed since autumn 2023 when its ageing cable car lost its operating permit - has launched a formal international investor tender with binding offers due by 20 July 2026. The Slovenian government has pledged up to €30 million toward a replacement cable car, and the resort's snowfall data makes a compelling case: up to 1,200cm of annual accumulation may make it the snowiest ski area in the Alps.
Resort Spotlight: Todtnauberg - Black Forest Skiing Without the Crowd
Todtnauberg delivers 400 vertical metres of intermediate skiing in the Black Forest, backed by cross-country trails and woodland hiking. The terrain is modest, but the location works for families avoiding the Alps pricing.
Resort Spotlight: Wendelstein - Bavaria's Cogwheel Railway Ski Area
Wendelstein runs six trails accessed by a cogwheel railway built in 1912. The 932-metre vertical drop and north-facing aspect make this 11km Bavarian ski area worth considering for anyone within day-trip range of Munich.
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.
Resort Spotlight: Grands Montets (Chamonix) - Chamonix's Steep Learning Curve
Grands Montets offers 1,513 metres of vertical in the Chamonix Valley, with nearly half its terrain marked advanced or expert. The catch: when it's good, it's very good - but this is a mountain that closes sectors regularly, and you'll need to plan around both weather and lift operations.
Resort Spotlight: Hörnle – Bad Kohlgrub - Bavaria's Family-Scale Alternative to the Garmisch Crowds
This small Bavarian resort delivers exactly what its stats suggest: straightforward skiing on nine kilometres of primarily beginner terrain, served by two lifts. An honest look at who Hörnle works for and who should look elsewhere.
Tomorrowland Winter Returns to Alpe d'Huez in 2027 - Dates Confirmed
Tomorrowland Winter is coming back. The seventh edition of the ski and electronic music festival is confirmed for Alpe d'Huez from March 20 to 27, 2027. Skiing and snowboarding during the day, international DJs across mountain and village stages at night. Pre-registration for tickets and packages is open now.
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.
Resort Spotlight: Willingen - Germany's Sauerland Workhorse Delivers More Than Expected
Willingen punches above its weight for a central German resort. With 260 vertical metres, extensive night skiing, and snowmaking across nearly every run, it's built for consistency rather than bragging rights.
Resort Spotlight: Arnsberg - Where the Ruhr Valley Goes Skiing
An hour from Dortmund, Arnsberg offers something increasingly rare in European skiing - genuinely modest ambitions. With 9.5 kilometres of predominantly beginner terrain and €21 day tickets, this is skiing stripped back to essentials.
Zermatt Replaces Its Oldest Chairlift: New Patrullarve Six-Seater Ready for 2026-27 Season
Zermatt's Matterhorn Ski Paradise is replacing the Patrullarve chairlift this summer - the oldest lift in the ski area, having operated since 1989. The replacement is a detachable six-seater built on Leitner's Ropera technology, targeting completion before the 2026-27 season. Construction is underway now in the Patrullarve-Sunnegga-Blauherd area.
Schilthornbahn AG Posts Record Visitor Numbers in 2025 Despite Summit Closure
Schilthornbahn AG has reported its best visitor numbers on record for the 2025 financial year, with a 21.9% increase over the previous year that surpassed the prior peaks of 2018 and 2019. The result is notable given the Schilthorn summit was closed for construction until mid-March 2025, cutting early-season visitors by 22%.
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.
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.
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.
Resort Spotlight: Monterosa Ski - Three Valleys, One Pass, No Crowds
While skiers queue at Chamonix and Cervinia, Monterosa Ski's three valleys offer 132km of largely intermediate terrain spread across an impressive 2,063 metres of vertical. It's not a household name, which is precisely the point.
Resort Spotlight: Gitschberg Jochtal - South Tyrol's Family Favourite Without the Dolomite Price Tag
Gitschberg Jochtal occupies an odd spot in South Tyrol's ski map - too small to draw the Dolomiti Superski crowds, too well-groomed to be ignored. The 1,203-metre vertical spread across two valleys offers predictable intermediate terrain at prices roughly 15% below Kronplatz next door.
Resort Spotlight: Crans Montana - Where Switzerland's Sunny Side Meets Serious Skiing
Crans Montana markets itself on sunshine and sophistication, but beneath the resort town polish lies 140 kilometres of genuinely varied skiing. Two hours from Geneva, this south-facing plateau delivers the unusual combination of reliable snow and 300 days of sun.
Resort Spotlight: Neuastenberg Postwiesen - Low-Altitude Skiing That Actually Works
At 730 metres summit elevation, Neuastenberg Postwiesen shouldn't work as a ski resort. Yet this Sauerland area 150km from Cologne has cracked the low-altitude code through aggressive snowmaking and realistic expectations about what it offers.
Resort Spotlight: Plose Brixen - South Tyrol's Sunny Side with Dolomite Views
Plose Brixen sits on the opposite side of the valley from the main Dolomite ranges, trading dramatic rock faces for south-facing slopes and wider views. It's a compact area above a proper town rather than a purpose-built resort village.
Resort Spotlight: Nesselwang Alpspitzbahn - Bavaria's Perfectly Scaled Family Resort
With just six runs spread across 563 vertical metres, Nesselwang Alpspitzbahn isn't trying to compete with Bavaria's larger operations. Instead, it delivers exactly what learning families need: uncrowded slopes, reasonable pricing, and terrain that builds confidence without intimidation.
Vialattea and Bardonecchia Invest €28 Million in Snowmaking and Snow Reliability
Vialattea and Bardonecchia are rolling out a €28 million multi-year upgrade to snowmaking infrastructure across their combined 500+ km of terrain in the Italian Alps. Over 100 new snow cannons are already operating at Bardonecchia, with system upgrades extending to Sauze d'Oulx, Cesana-Sansicario, and Cesana-Claviere from summer 2026. All systems run on renewable energy.
One&Only to Open Luxury Resort at Courchevel 1850 in 2030
Ultra-luxury hotel brand One&Only is coming to Courchevel 1850, with a new resort scheduled to open in 2030 on the site of the historic Courcheneige Hotel in the Jardin Alpin enclave. The development will include a hotel, spa, dining venues, and a limited collection of branded private residences - with direct ski-in/ski-out access onto the Bellecôte piste.
Levi Ski Resort Records Best-Ever Season and Launches €19.5 Million Investment Program
Finland's Levi ski resort has wrapped its 2025/26 winter with record visitor numbers - 599,000 skiers across 220 days - and is immediately ploughing €19.5 million back into the mountain. A new chairlift, upgraded beginner terrain, and a revamped restaurant headline the biggest investment program in the resort's history. Next season opens October 2.
Resort Spotlight: Abetone - Where Tuscany Meets Serious Apennine Terrain
Straddling the Tuscan-Emilian border with 44 kilometres of terrain and 652 metres of vertical, Abetone offers something increasingly rare in Italian skiing: genuine terrain variety without Alpine pretensions. The resort's four-valley layout and moderate pricing make it worth considering if you're already in central Italy.
Grandvalira Plans Worker Village to Tackle Andorra's Housing Crisis
Grandvalira is considering building its own residential complex to house seasonal workers, as soaring rents across Andorra make staff recruitment and retention increasingly difficult. The project would initially accommodate 200 to 300 employees in modular, sustainable apartments - and the resort says it may fund the whole thing itself. It's a significant move, and one that reflects a growing problem across the global ski industry.
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.
Dolomiti Superski Proposes €30 Million Refund Plan Amid Antitrust Probe While Consumer Groups Push Back
taly's competition authority is investigating Dolomiti Superski over alleged price fixing across its 12-resort network. The consortium has proposed a €30 million compensation plan covering three seasons - but consumer groups are calling it symbolic, warning that a first-come, first-served portal will leave many eligible skiers empty-handed.
Europe Records 146 Avalanche Deaths as Persistent Weak Layer Drives Dangerous Season
Europe's 2025-26 ski season ended with 146 avalanche fatalities across the Alps and other mountain ranges - more than double last year's toll. A persistent weak base layer formed early in the season and never stabilised, creating months of elevated danger that caught even experienced backcountry users off guard.
Top 5 Ski Runs in Grindelwald: A Guide to the Best Pistes in the Jungfrau Ski Region
Grindelwald sits beneath the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau in Switzerland's Bernese Oberland, and the skiing more than matches the scenery. Here are my top five runs from a day exploring the Jungfrau Ski Region - from wide-open groomers with all-day snow quality to the famous Lauberhorn World Cup downhill course.
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.
Vail Resorts Closes Crans-Montana Early Despite Great Snow, Drawing Anger From Swiss Locals
Vail Resorts has shut down Crans-Montana's 2024-25 ski season on Easter Monday despite strong snow conditions, sparking a backlash from local businesses, ski schools, and residents. A Change.org petition gathered over 1,200 signatures calling for an extension, but the American operator stuck to its scheduled closing date. Other resorts in the same Swiss canton are staying open - some for weeks longer - adding fuel to growing frustration with Vail's management since acquiring the resort in 2024.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Two Skiers Killed in Val Ridanna Avalanche as 25 Tourers Caught on Same Slope
An avalanche at Val Ridanna in South Tyrol, Italy, struck a group of 25 ski tourers on Saturday morning, killing two and seriously injuring three others. Despite a moderate danger rating of Level 2, wind-packed snow and persistent weak layers proved deadly on the Hohe Ferse peak.
Tomorrowland Winter 2026 Returns to Alpe d'Huez With New Stages and 100+ Artists
Tomorrowland Winter is back at Alpe d'Huez for its sixth edition, bringing more than 22,000 attendees, over 100 artists across seven stages, a brand-new Mainstage, and the debut of the Orbyz stage at 2,100 metres. Here's what to expect from one of the more unusual things you can do on a ski mountain.
European Alps Snow Report: Multiple Resorts Record Over 1 Metre in 24 Hours — March 2026
The European Alps have just been hit with one of the more significant late-season snowfall events in recent memory. OpenSnow's Powder Finder is showing 24-hour totals ranging from 69cm to 107cm across more than 20 resorts, with the Italian Alps leading the charge. If you've got a late-season European trip coming up, the timing couldn't be much better.
First Day Skiing Val Gardena in the Dolomites: Fresh Snow, Flat Light, and Finding My Feet
A snowing first day in Val Gardena wasn't exactly the Dolomites debut I'd planned, but fresh snow across the Sellaronda terrain and a cross-resort explore from Selva to Corvara made for a solid introduction to one of the Alps' most expansive ski areas.
The Inferno Race at Mürren: Inside One of the Alps' Most Historic Amateur Ski Events
The Inferno race at Mürren has been running since 1928, caps at 1,850 skiers from 29 countries, and covers 9.5km from 2,790 metres down to Winteregg. Here's what it's actually like to compete — and why this race matters well beyond the results sheet.
Skiing Grindelwald Day Two: Bluebird Conditions and the Lauberhorn Race Course
A cloudy first day at Grindelwald left a few things unfinished. The second visit delivered bluebird skies, better snow, and a crack at the Lauberhorn — the World Cup downhill course that's considerably less forgiving when you're not wearing a race suit.
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.
Schilthorn Mürren Ski Review: World's Steepest Aerial Tramway and an Inferno Race Recon
I headed to Schilthorn Mürren in Switzerland for a recon mission before competing in the Inferno ski race — and ended up doing one of the more memorable ski days I've had in a long time. From the world's steepest aerial tramway at Stechelberg all the way up to Piz Gloria, here's what the resort is actually like.
Grindelwald Ski Resort Review: Eiger Views, the Eiger Express, and a Luggage Disaster
My first day skiing in Switzerland started with missing luggage and ended with one of the better days on snow I've had in a while. Grindelwald is a big resort with serious terrain, iconic views of the Eiger North Face, and enough variety to keep you busy for several days. Here's how day one played out.
Milano Cortina 2026 Day 10 Recap: Gold, Drama and a Bittersweet Day for Australia
Day 10 at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics delivered some of the most dramatic moments of the Games so far — a 41-year-old American finally completing her Olympic set in the monobob, a Norwegian favourite's spectacular blowup on the slalom course, Dutch short track dominance continuing, and Canada claiming big air gold. For Australia, it was a day of what-ifs, with Bree Walker falling short of the podium despite being one of the pre-race favourites in the bobsleigh.
Milano Cortina 2026 Day 9 Recap: Klaebo Makes History, Matt Graham Wins Bronze and Bree Walker Eyes a Medal
Day 9 at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics was one for the history books. Norway's Johannes Høsflot Klæbo became the most decorated Winter Olympian of all time, Australia's Matt Graham added a bronze medal to a remarkable career, and Federica Brignone gave the home crowd their loudest roar yet with a second gold of the Games. Meanwhile, Bree Walker's monobob campaign got underway with mixed results.
Val d'Isère Avalanche Kills Three Skiers as Storm Nils Batters the French Alps
Three skiers — two British nationals and one French citizen — were killed after an avalanche swept through the Manchet valley near Val d'Isère on Friday, 13 February 2026. The incident occurred during a period of severe weather driven by Storm Nils, which had already prompted multiple French resorts to close their pistes. A manslaughter investigation is now underway.
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.
Helicopter Crash at Russian Ski Resort Kills Two After Striking Lift Cables
A Robinson R44 helicopter struck ski lift cables at Ashatly Park recreation centre in Russia's Perm region, killing two oil and gas industry executives. The incident raises questions about flight authorisation and safety protocols at ski resorts with helicopter operations.
Panticosa Ski Resort Avalanche: Three Basque Skiers Dead, One Critical
Three Basque Country ski mountaineers have died in an avalanche on Pico Tablato near Panticosa Spa in the Spanish Pyrenees. The group of six was caught in a slab avalanche at 2,700 metres altitude. One survivor remains in critical condition with severe hypothermia while two escaped unharmed. The avalanche risk was rated level 3 (considerable) at the time.
Pila Opens Stella del Couis Summit Station and Complete Gondola System
Italian ski resort Pila has completed its ambitious Pila-Couis gondola project, opening the architecturally striking Stella del Couis summit station on 14 December. The new 10-seater gondola system now connects the Roman city of Aosta to an alpine summit at 2,723 metres in just 30 minutes, transforming both the skiing experience and year-round mountain tourism in the Aosta Valley.
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.
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.
Garmisch Classic Ski Resort Review: Olympic History and Bavarian Skiing at Its Best
Garmisch Classic combines Olympic heritage, varied terrain across 40km of trails, and authentic Bavarian culture at prices significantly lower than other European destinations. With a massive 1,350m vertical drop and terrain for all abilities, this German resort offers exceptional value for Australians seeking European skiing without Swiss or French price tags.
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.
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.
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.
Eurostar Expands Routes with New Train Fleet
Eurostar announces plans for direct services to Geneva and other European destinations with a new fleet of up to 50 trains, set to begin operations in the early 2030s.
Swiss Ski Resorts See Significant Growth in 2024/25 Season
Swiss cable car companies report an 11% increase in visitors for the 2024/25 winter season, marking the best performance in a decade. Lower altitude and smaller resorts saw substantial gains.
Madonna di Campiglio Ski Area to Limit Daily Visitors
Madonna di Campiglio Ski Area in Italy will introduce a cap on daily skier entries from next winter season to address overtourism and improve slope safety.
Massive Spring Snowstorm: Over 2 Metres (6.5 Feet) of Fresh Powder Heading to European Alps
A significant spring snowstorm is set to blanket the European Alps this week, with forecasts predicting up to 2 metres (6.5 feet) of fresh powder at high-elevation ski resorts. Southern and western Alpine regions will receive the heaviest snowfall, with Zermatt, Saas Fee, and Gressoney-la-Trinite topping the charts for projected accumulation.
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.
Garmisch Classic's Kreuzwankl Ski Express Upgrade: Boosting Capacity and Comfort
The Kreuzwankl Ski Express at Garmisch Classic is set for a major upgrade, transforming from a 6-seater to an 8-seater chairlift. This renovation aims to increase capacity, reduce wait times, and enhance the overall skiing experience.
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.
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.
Hoch-Ybrig's Weglosen-Seebli Cable Car Makes Way for New TRI-Line
After 55 years of service, the Weglosen-Seebli cable car in Hoch-Ybrig, Switzerland, has been decommissioned to make way for the world's first TRI-Line, set to open for the 2025/26 ski season.
Vail's Andermatt-Sedrun-Disentis Resort Upgrading Chairlifts
Vail Resorts is set to modernise two key chairlifts at Andermatt-Sedrun-Disentis, doubling capacity and enhancing the ski area's connectivity. The ambitious project will commence after the 2024/25 season, marking a significant development for the Swiss ski destination.
Courmayeur Ski Run Named After Alpine Star Federica Brignone
Courmayeur ski resort in Italy's Aosta Valley has honoured Federica Brignone by naming a ski run after her, celebrating her outstanding career and recent World Cup triumphs.
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.
Les 2 Alpes: A Spring Skiing Mecca with Impressive Snow Depths
Les 2 Alpes boasts exceptional snow conditions this April, with over 5 metres of cumulative snow at 2,600m altitude. Discover why spring skiing here offers a perfect blend of great snow, sunny days, and fewer crowds.
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.
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.
2024-2025 Ski Season Chairlift Incidents Review
The 2024-2025 ski season saw an unusual concentration of chairlift malfunctions across global ski resorts, raising important questions about infrastructure maintenance and safety protocols. From mechanical failures to weather-related accidents, these incidents highlight the critical importance of ongoing vigilance at ski resorts worldwide.
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.
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.
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.
French Ski Legend Candide Thovex Honoured with Named Run at La Clusaz
Legendary freeskier Candide Thovex has been honoured by his home resort La Clusaz with a ski run bearing his name. The newly designated run is located in the Massif de Balme sector where Thovex first developed his revolutionary skiing style and filmed many of his most famous segments.
Epic Australia Pass Now Includes Switzerland's Verbier 4 Vallées for 25/26 Season
Epic Australia Pass holders will gain five consecutive days of skiing at Switzerland's renowned Verbier 4 Vallées for the 2025/26 season. This addition brings one of Europe's premier freeride destinations to the already impressive lineup of international resorts available to pass holders.
A Day at Garmisch Classic: Germany’s Best Ski Resort
Follow along on a personal journey through Germany's renowned Garmisch Classic ski resort, from morning coffee in the parking lot to conquering the legendary 1,350-meter descent. Experience the challenges and triumphs of skiing European slopes through the eyes of an Australian skier discovering the unique character of Bavarian Alps.
Zugspitze Ski Resort Review: Germany's Only Glacier Skiing Experience
Experience Germany's last remaining glacier ski resort at Zugspitze, where world-record-breaking cable cars transport you to 3,000m of Alpine splendour. This intimate ski area offers perfect terrain for beginners and intermediates, complemented by panoramic views of four countries and the stunning Bavarian Alps.
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.
Deadly Fire at Kartalkaya Ski Resort Claims 76 Lives in Turkish Hotel Tragedy
A devastating fire at the Grand Kartal Hotel in Kartalkaya ski resort has resulted in 10 fatalities and 32 injuries. The blaze, which began in the early hours of Tuesday morning, rapidly engulfed the 12-story wooden-clad structure, leading to one of the most severe accidents in Turkish ski resort history.
Sofia Goggia Dominates Cortina d'Ampezzo Downhill With 19th World Cup Victory
Italian skiing sensation Sofia Goggia secured her 19th World Cup Downhill victory at Cortina d'Ampezzo, outpacing Norway's Kajsa Vickhoff Lie and fellow Italian Federica Brignone. The victory showcases Goggia's masterful technique on one of the most challenging courses in women's skiing, while Team USA delivered impressive performances.
Chairlift Collapse at Spain's Astún Ski Resort Leaves Dozens Injured
A major chairlift malfunction at Astún Ski Resort in northern Spain has resulted in over 30 injuries, with nine people in critical condition. The incident occurred when a support cable issue caused the top station bullwheel to fail, leading to a large-scale emergency response including helicopter evacuations.
Four Seasons Takes Over Historic Park Gstaad: $110M Swiss Alps Luxury Hotel Transformation
The legendary Park Gstaad Hotel, a cornerstone of Swiss luxury since 1910, is set for a remarkable $110 million transformation under Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts. The property will reopen in May 2026, featuring 71 rooms, luxury penthouses, and world-class amenities that blend historic charm with modern sophistication.
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.
A Guide To Choosing The Right Thermal Base Layers For The Southern Winter Snow Season 2023
Master cold-weather comfort with expert guidance on thermal base layers for skiing in Australia, New Zealand, Europe, Canada, Japan and beyond. From merino wool benefits to fit tips, learn how to stay warm and dry on the slopes with the right foundation layers.
Marco Odermatt Dominates Val Gardena Downhill: Swiss Star Claims First Victory on Legendary Saslong
Swiss skiing phenomenon Marco Odermatt achieved a historic first win on Val Gardena's renowned Saslong course, leading a Swiss 1-2 finish with a masterful performance that launched him to the top of both downhill and overall World Cup standings. His flawless execution through the challenging Ciaslat section sealed a memorable victory in the 2024/25 FIS Alpine Ski World Cup.
World's Steepest Cable Car Unveiled at Switzerland's Schilthorn Resort
Switzerland's Schilthorn Piz Gloria has launched the world's steepest cable car, achieving a remarkable 159.4% gradient. This groundbreaking addition transforms the journey between Stechelberg and Mürren into a swift four-minute ride, marking a major milestone in the resort's comprehensive SCHILTHORNBAHN 20XX upgrade project.
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.
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More from the SnowStash desk
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.