Michael Fulton (SnowStash)
LEITNER is transforming two major Swiss ski resorts with innovative retrofit projects that prioritize sustainability and guest comfort. The upgrades at St. Moritz-Corviglia and Arosa Lenzerheide showcase how existing infrastructure can be modernized with cutting-edge technology while minimizing environmental impact.
Michael Fulton (SnowStash)
Michael Fulton (SnowStash)
Michael Fulton (SnowStash)
Michael Fulton (SnowStash)
Michael Fulton (SnowStash)
Michael Fulton (SnowStash)
Michael Fulton (SnowStash)
Michael Fulton (SnowStash)
Michael Fulton (SnowStash)
Michael Fulton (SnowStash)
Michael Fulton (SnowStash)
Michael Fulton (SnowStash)
A groundbreaking rail project is set to transform access to Zermatt, one of Switzerland's most beloved ski resorts. The Mattertal Tunnel, running underground from Täsch to Zermatt, promises to provide a safer, more reliable connection to this alpine paradise. With construction slated to begin in 2028, skiers and riders can look forward to weatherproof travels by 2035.
Michael Fulton (SnowStash)
Michael Fulton (SnowStash)
Hoch-Ybrig, Switzerland, is set to revolutionize mountain transport with the world's first Doppelmayr TRI-Line Ropeway. This cutting-edge system replaces a 55-year-old tramway, offering an impressive capacity of 8,000 passengers per hour in each direction. The TRI-Line combines high-performance tricable technology with D-Line advantages, featuring compact stations, a new trolley design, and spacious 20-person cabins. With enhanced wind stability, barrier-free entry, and potential for near-autonomous operation, this innovative ropeway is poised to transform the Hoch-Ybrig ski experience while maintaining budget efficiency
Michael Fulton (SnowStash)
Michael Fulton (SnowStash)
Vail Resorts, the American ski industry powerhouse, might be eyeing expansion into Austria's Alpine resorts. With a track record of revitalising struggling ski areas, Vail's attention could be turned to Heiligenblut, a picturesque but financially troubled resort. Could this potential acquisition breathe new life into Austrian skiing, or will local resistance stand in the way of American investment?
Michael Fulton (SnowStash)
Michael Fulton (SnowStash)
Vail Resorts, Inc. has announced its acquisition of Crans-Montana Mountain Resort in Switzerland, solidifying its presence in the heart of the Swiss Alps. With over 1,400 meters of skiable vertical terrain and 140 kilometres of trails, Crans-Montana is renowned as one of Europe's premier ski destinations, offering breathtaking views and hosting prestigious events. Vail Resorts plans to integrate the resort into its Epic Pass lineup for the 2024-25 season, providing added value for pass holders. The acquisition includes significant ownership stakes in key resort entities, reflecting Vail Resorts' commitment to the region's growth. With projected investments of CHF 30 million over the next five years, Vail Resorts aims to enhance the guest experience, expand snowmaking capabilities, and foster sustainable tourism, setting the stage for Crans-Montana's future success. The transaction is expected to close in the 2023-24 ski season, promising an exciting new chapter for this iconic Swiss destination.
Michael Fulton (SnowStash)
Ruka Ski Resort in Finland is set to make a grand winter debut with its first 8-person chairlift, the Masto III, offering a speedy and high-capacity experience for skiers and snowboarders. The resort's newest addition will open in December, coinciding with Finland's Independence Day, and includes four new ski slopes and 40 snow cannons to boost snowmaking capacity. This €14 million project represents a significant expansion, increasing Ruka's slope count by 10% and its ski lift capacity by 15%. While the chairlift is ready, work on the slopes is ongoing, with a festive opening planned for the long weekend of December 6-10. Ruka's commitment to family-friendly amenities and its status as an early-season ski destination make it an alluring choice for winter adventurers.
Michael Fulton (SnowStash)
Vail Resorts is in advanced negotiations to purchase Switzerland's Crans-Montana ski resort, as reported by Les Temps. The resort, known for its rich history and world-class events, had faced challenges in recent years, including disputes with its current owner, Czech billionaire Radovan Vitek. With a proposed asking price of CHF 225 million (USD 202 million), the outcome hinges on whether Vail Resorts is willing to meet this figure, which includes CHF 80 million (USD 72 million) for the lift infrastructure alone. Should the deal proceed, it could revitalise the iconic Swiss resort and leverage Vail Resorts' extensive experience in the ski industry.
Michael Fulton (SnowStash)
Finland's Levi and Ruka ski resorts are making history by opening on October 6th, 2023, becoming the first non-glacial resorts in the northern hemisphere to do so. They achieve this early opening through the innovative practice of snow farming, preserving snow from the previous season under insulating covers, which can save up to 75% of the snow. This method provides a reliable snow source amid climate change challenges, ensuring a full winter sports experience regardless of weather conditions, and underscores the resorts' adaptability and commitment to their guests' enjoyment in an ever-changing climate.
Michael Fulton (SnowStash)
Levi Ski Resort in Finland, renowned for its proximity to the Arctic Circle and snow-resistant practices like 'snow farming,' has witnessed the first snowfall of the 23/24 season, with plans to open on October 6, 2023, making it one of Europe's earliest ski season starters. The resort offers attractions including the Levi Glacier slope, early season park, and cross-country ski tracks, and it annually hosts the women's FIS Alpine World Cup. The Levi slalom is a highlight, featuring top female athletes who vie for the unique prize of a reindeer from Santa Claus himself. Nearby, the Santa Claus village in Rovaniemi adds to the allure, as last year, U.S. ski racer Mikaela Shiffrin won her fifth and sixth Levi World Cups and expanded her reindeer herd to six, surpassing the previous record of Slovakia's Petra Vlhová with five reindeer.
Michael Fulton (SnowStash)
The closure of La Sambuy ski resort near Annecy in the French Alps, after 60 years of operation, highlights the profound impact of climate change on winter sports. Last year, a mere four-week ski season due to a lack of snow prompted the resort's decision to dismantle its iconic ski lifts. Rising temperatures, diminishing snowfall, and financial constraints were cited as the main culprits. The town council's move to indefinitely close the lifts in June, effective September 10th, marked a shift away from a summer tourism-centric model previously adopted to offset winter losses.
Michael Fulton (SnowStash)
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