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Resort Spotlight: Savognin - Switzerland's Least Pretentious Ski Valley

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.

Michael Fulton
Resort Spotlight: Elm im Sernftal - Switzerland's Quietly Impressive Family Resort in the Sernf Valley

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.

Michael Fulton
Resort Spotlight: LAAX - Where Switzerland's Freestyle Culture Meets Serious Terrain

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.

Michael Fulton
Resort Spotlight: Hoch-Ybrig - Central Switzerland's Low-Key Family Alternative

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.

Michael Fulton
Resort Spotlight: Les Mosses - Family-Friendly Swiss Skiing Without the Altitude or the Hype

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.

Michael Fulton
Resort Spotlight: Adelboden/​Lenk - Where the Bernese Oberland Meets the Beginner's Plateau

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.

Michael Fulton
Resort Spotlight: Saas Fee - The Glacier Resort That Opens in July

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.

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
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
Lauterbrunnen-Grütschalp Cable Car Reopens 11 July 2026 After Major Renovation

Lauterbrunnen-Grütschalp Cable Car Reopens 11 July 2026 After Major Renovation

The cable car into Mürren just got a serious upgrade. The Lauterbrunnen-Grütschalp aerial cableway has been fully renovated and reopens 11 July 2026 - new 135-person cabin (up from 100), new drive systems, new valley station layout with separated passenger flows, and an on-site energy storage system. After 478,500 passengers in 2025 alone, the capacity boost is well overdue.

Michael Fulton
Zermatt Replaces Its Oldest Chairlift: New Patrullarve Six-Seater Ready for 2026-27 Season

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.

Michael Fulton
Schilthornbahn AG Posts Record Visitor Numbers in 2025 Despite Summit Closure

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%.

Michael Fulton
Resort Spotlight: Crans Montana - Where Switzerland's Sunny Side Meets Serious Skiing

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.

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
SWISS and SBB Launch Air Rail Service to Grindelwald for International Skiers

SWISS and SBB Launch Air Rail Service to Grindelwald for International Skiers

SWISS and SBB have added Grindelwald to their Air Rail network, allowing international travellers to book a single ticket from their departure city through to the Bernese Alps. The service is available immediately via swiss.com, with a single boarding pass covering the entire journey from flight to train.

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
Top 5 Ski Runs in Grindelwald: A Guide to the Best Pistes in the Jungfrau Ski Region

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.

Michael Fulton
Wind Gust Likely Caused Fatal Titlis Gondola Crash, Swiss Investigators Find

Wind Gust Likely Caused Fatal Titlis Gondola Crash, Swiss Investigators Find

Investigators and manufacturer Doppelmayr Garaventa believe an extreme wind gust caused the fatal Titlis Xpress gondola accident on March 18 in Switzerland. The cabin struck a support tower before detaching from the cable. No mechanical fault has been identified, but questions remain around operational timing.

Michael Fulton
Vail Resorts Closes Crans-Montana Early Despite Great Snow, Drawing Anger From Swiss Locals

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.

Michael Fulton
Gondola Cabin Detaches and Falls Down Mountain at Engelberg-Titlis

Gondola Cabin Detaches and Falls Down Mountain at Engelberg-Titlis

A gondola cabin detached from the Titlis Xpress lift system at Engelberg-Titlis ski resort in Switzerland on Wednesday morning, tumbling down the mountainside during high winds. Rescue crews were dispatched to the scene, though authorities have not yet confirmed whether anyone was inside the cabin or the extent of any injuries.

Michael Fulton
European Alps Snow Report: Multiple Resorts Record Over 1 Metre in 24 Hours — March 2026

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.

Michael Fulton
Swiss Men Lock Out Garmisch-Partenkirchen Downhill Podium as Odermatt Extends Dominant Season

Swiss Men Lock Out Garmisch-Partenkirchen Downhill Podium as Odermatt Extends Dominant Season

Switzerland claimed all three podium spots at Saturday's World Cup downhill in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, with Marco Odermatt taking victory ahead of Alexis Monney by just 0.04 seconds. The result extends Odermatt's commanding lead in the overall standings to nearly double his nearest competitor with three races remaining.

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
The Inferno Race at Mürren: Inside One of the Alps' Most Historic Amateur Ski Events

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.

Michael Fulton
Skiing Grindelwald Day Two: Bluebird Conditions and the Lauberhorn Race Course

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.

Michael Fulton
Corviglia ski resort in St Mortiz

Italian Worker Dies in St. Moritz Avalanche as Cross-Border Tensions Escalate

A 25-year-old Italian hotel worker has been found dead after an avalanche near St. Moritz, sparking allegations of inadequate response from Swiss authorities and adding to already strained relations between the two countries following the Crans-Montana fire disaster.

Michael Fulton
Schilthorn Mürren Ski Review: World's Steepest Aerial Tramway and an Inferno Race Recon

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.

Michael Fulton
Grindelwald Ski Resort Review: Eiger Views, the Eiger Express, and a Luggage Disaster

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.

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
Inferno Downhill Cancelled After Fatal Medical Incident at Mürren's 82nd Race

Inferno Downhill Cancelled After Fatal Medical Incident at Mürren's 82nd Race

The 82nd International Inferno Races in Mürren was cancelled mid-race on 24 January 2026 following a fatal medical incident. A 69-year-old competitor collapsed near the finish line and died despite immediate resuscitation efforts. After more than eight decades without a fatality, the tragic event marks the first death in the race's history.

Michael Fulton
Fatal Explosion at Crans-Montana Claims Multiple Lives on New Year's Morning

Fatal Explosion at Crans-Montana Claims Multiple Lives on New Year's Morning

A fatal explosion at a bar in the Swiss resort of Crans-Montana has killed multiple people and injured others in the early hours of New Year's Day. The cause of the blast at Le Constellation bar remains under investigation, with authorities yet to determine whether it was accidental or deliberate.

Michael Fulton
Zermatt Replaces Gifthittli Six-Seater with Eight-Seater Chairlift

Zermatt Replaces Gifthittli Six-Seater with Eight-Seater Chairlift

Zermatt has opened a new eight-seater chairlift to replace the 21-year-old Gifthittli six-seater. The CHF 25 million upgrade brings incremental capacity improvements and modern features to a critical mid-mountain connector, though the investment raises questions about priorities in an increasingly competitive Swiss market.

Michael Fulton
Verbier Opening Day for the 2025-26 Season

Verbier Opens Early for 2025-26 Season Following November Snowfall

Verbier has opened for the 2025-26 season on 1 November after receiving 40cm of snow at higher elevations. The early opening is notable for a non-glacier resort in the Alps, though questions remain about terrain coverage and snow depth sustainability.

Michael Fulton
Schilthorn Adopts AI-Powered Chairlift System: Doppelmayr-Garaventa's AURO Technology

Schilthorn Adopts AI-Powered Chairlift System: Doppelmayr-Garaventa's AURO Technology

The Winteregg chairlift in Mürren-Schilthorn will implement Doppelmayr-Garaventa's AURO technology for the 2025/26 season, promising enhanced safety and reduced staffing costs. But what are the real implications for skiers and the industry?

Michael Fulton
Looking direction up the terrain part at Pända Snowpark

Schilthorn's Early Freestyle Opening: Hype vs Reality

Schilthorn's rebranded Pända Snowpark opens for early season riding on September 27. We examine the practicalities behind the marketing push and what it actually means for freestyle skiers and snowboarders.

Michael Fulton
Les Portes du Soleil: New Lifts and Overpriced Upgrades for 2025-26

Les Portes du Soleil: New Lifts and Overpriced Upgrades for 2025-26

Les Portes du Soleil, the cross-border ski area straddling France and Switzerland, is rolling out several upgrades for the 2025-26 season. While some improvements offer genuine benefits, others seem more focused on marketing hype than enhancing the skiing experience.

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 new Faction Resort Skis

Faction's New Piste Ski: Genuine Innovation or Marketing Ploy?

Faction Skis has unveiled the Dancer 79, their first dedicated piste ski. We analyse the specs, pricing, and market positioning to determine if it's worth your attention.

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
Renderings of the Plateau Rosá at 3,480 m.

Cervinia's €200M Lift Overhaul: Tripling Capacity to Zermatt

Cervino S.p.A. unveils 'Cervino - The One' project, a €200 million upgrade set to transform the Italian-Swiss connection at Matterhorn Ski Paradise. The plan promises faster access and increased capacity, but questions remain about implementation and impact.

Michael Fulton
Mott Canyon at Heavenly Ski Resort

Vail Resorts Unveils 2025-26 Season Plans: New Lifts, Tech, and Pricing Strategies

Vail Resorts has announced opening dates and key developments for the 2025-26 ski season across its global portfolio. Notable changes include new lifts in Park City and Switzerland, expanded tech integration, and a revised friend ticket program aimed at boosting visitation.

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
Meltdown: Swiss glaciers hit annual tipping point weeks early

Swiss Glaciers Reach Annual Melt Point Weeks Early in 2025

Swiss glaciers have hit their annual tipping point for mass loss weeks ahead of schedule, signalling accelerated melting and potential impacts on water resources.

Michael Fulton
Swiss Skier Lara Gut-Behrami to Retire After 2026 Olympic Season

Lara Gut-Behrami Sets Retirement Date After 2026 Olympics

Swiss skiing champion Lara Gut-Behrami has announced her plans to retire following the 2026 Winter Olympics in Cortina d'Ampezzo, marking the end of an illustrious career in alpine skiing.

Michael Fulton
Looming Landslide Threat Forces Another Swiss Town to Evacuate

Another Swiss Alpine Village Evacuated Due to Landslide Risk

Brienz/Brinzauls, a small Swiss village near Davos, has been evacuated due to the threat of a massive rockfall. This event highlights the increasing risks faced by Alpine communities due to changing environmental conditions.

Michael Fulton
Swiss Resorts Airolo and Andermatt May One Day Be Joined by Gondola in Ambitious St. Gotthard Project

Ambitious Gondola Project to Connect Airolo and Andermatt Ski Resorts

A proposed 16-kilometre gondola system aims to link Airolo and Andermatt ski resorts across the St. Gotthard Pass, potentially transforming the region into a year-round tourism destination.

Michael Fulton
Swiss Lift Co’s Look Back On A Strong Winter Season

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.

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
Where Alpine Luxury Lives: Top 13 Most Expensive European Ski Home Markets

Top 13 Priciest European Ski Property Markets Revealed

UBS study uncovers soaring prices in Alpine ski home markets, with Swiss resorts leading in cost and French destinations boasting the largest markets.

Michael Fulton
Andermatt + Sedrun + Disentis: New Lifts, Slopes And Facilities For Winter 2025/26

Andermatt+Sedrun+Disentis Expands for 2025/26 Ski Season

The Andermatt+Sedrun+Disentis ski area in Switzerland is set to introduce new lifts, slopes, and facilities for the upcoming 2025/26 winter season, enhancing the overall skiing experience for visitors.

Michael Fulton
Crans-Montana Launches New Mountain Bike Vision, Cycling A Key Part Of The Destination's Future

Crans-Montana's Mountain Biking Expansion: A New Chapter for Alpine Tourism

Crans-Montana is set to transform its summer tourism with a major focus on mountain biking, including new trails, gravel routes, and hosting the 2025 UCI Mountain Bike World Championships.

Michael Fulton
Swiss Village Devastated by Massive Glacier Collapse

Swiss Village Devastated by Massive Glacier Collapse

The Swiss village of Blatten has been partially destroyed after a large section of the Birch glacier collapsed, burying homes and infrastructure. Despite prior evacuation, one person is reported missing.

Michael Fulton
Record Winter And Millions In Investments: Lenzerheide Bergbahnen Continues On Its Successful Path

Lenzerheide Bergbahnen AG Reports Record-Breaking 2024/25 Season

Lenzerheide Bergbahnen AG achieved unprecedented success in the 2024/25 season, with record-breaking visitor numbers and sales exceeding CHF 40 million. The company plans significant investments and faces leadership changes.

Michael Fulton
Why do Swiss mountains collapse? It’s complicated

Climate Change and Mountain Instability in Swiss Alps

Recent evacuations in Swiss Alpine villages highlight the increasing risks of landslides and debris flows. This article explores the complex factors behind mountain instability and the challenges of predicting such events in a changing climate.

Michael Fulton
Bodies of 5 Skiers Found On Swiss Glacier Near Zermatt

Five Skiers Found Dead Near Zermatt After Avalanche

In a tragic incident near Zermatt, Switzerland, the bodies of five skiers were discovered in avalanche debris. The group went missing during an ascent of the Rimpfischhorn, prompting a search operation.

Michael Fulton
Entire Swiss Mountain Village Evacuated as Serious Landslide Risk Looms

Landslide Risk Prompts Evacuation of Swiss Mountain Village

The village of Blatten in Switzerland's Valais canton has been evacuated due to significant landslide risk. Ongoing geological instability and recent rockfalls have forced authorities to take immediate action to ensure residents' safety.

Michael Fulton
Pro Snowboarder Eliot Dänzer, 23, Among 2 Killed in Eiger Avalanche

Tragic Avalanche Claims Life of Pro Snowboarder Eliot Dänzer on Eiger

Swiss professional snowboarder Eliot Dänzer, 23, was among two fatalities in a recent avalanche on the Eiger. The incident occurred during a ski touring expedition, highlighting the risks faced by even experienced mountain athletes.

Michael Fulton
Two Backcountry Skiers Killed in Avalanche Near Saas-Fee, Switzerland

Fatal Avalanche Claims Two Backcountry Skiers Near Saas-Fee

A tragic avalanche incident on the Alphubel peak in Switzerland's Valais region has resulted in the deaths of two backcountry skiers, highlighting the persistent dangers in high-altitude terrain.

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
2 Dead After 7 Swept Away and Buried by Avalanche on Eiger Peak, Switzerland

Tragic Avalanche on Eiger Claims Two Lives, Five Injured

A devastating avalanche on Switzerland's Eiger mountain has resulted in two fatalities and five injuries. Rescue teams responded swiftly to the incident, which occurred during a high-altitude ski tour.

Michael Fulton
After 47 Years and Multiple Breakdowns, Iconic Swiss Gondola Is Getting a $29 Million Replacement

Swiss Ski Resort Flims-Laax-Falera Upgrades Iconic Gondola

After 47 years of service and recent mechanical issues, the famous double-peaked gondola at Flims-Laax-Falera is being replaced with a modern 8-person system, enhancing capacity and reliability for skiers.

Michael Fulton
Why are American investors flocking to this Swiss Alps ski village? | Euronews

Swiss Ski Resort Andermatt Attracts American Investors

Andermatt, a small ski village in the Swiss Alps, is seeing increased interest from American investors due to its unique property regulations and growing appeal as a year-round destination.

Michael Fulton
FIS Men’s Alpine Season Review: Kristoffersen And New Swiss Stars Shine, But Odermatt Remains Quadruple King

Marco Odermatt Dominates 2024-25 FIS Men's Alpine Season

Marco Odermatt continues his reign in alpine skiing, securing four Crystal Globes for the third consecutive season. Henrik Kristoffersen claims the Slalom title, while emerging Swiss talents challenge the status quo.

Michael Fulton
Record-Breaking Snow Totals in Switzerland as 89 inches; Falls in 2 Days

Swiss Alps Hit by Massive 89-Inch Snowfall in 48 Hours

Switzerland's Simplon region experiences record-breaking snowfall, with 89 inches falling in just two days at Bortelsee station, setting new national records for short-term snow accumulation.

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
Titlis Connect: New Aerial Tramway Officially Inaugurated After Two Years Of Construction

New Titlis Connect Aerial Tramway Unveiled in Switzerland

The Titlis Connect, a new aerial tramway system, has been officially launched in Switzerland after two years of construction. This state-of-the-art cable car will initially support material transport for the TITLIS project and eventually serve tourists.

Michael Fulton
Avalanche Risk at Maximum as Season’s Biggest Snow Storm Shuts Down European Ski Areas

Major Snowstorm Closes Ski Resorts and Transport Routes in Swiss Alps

A powerful late-season snowstorm has shut down ski areas and major transport routes in southern Switzerland and northern Italy, raising avalanche risks to maximum levels and isolating mountain communities.

Michael Fulton
Verbier in the swiss alps

LEGO Executive Michael Halbye Dies in Swiss Alps Skiing Accident

Michael Halbye, vice chairman of LEGO's parent company Kirkbi, passed away after a skiing accident in Verbier, Switzerland. The 64-year-old business leader and royal family confidant suffered fatal internal injuries after falling off-piste.

Michael Fulton
Epic Pass 2025/26: A Comprehensive Buying Guide for Skiers and Riders

Epic Pass 2025/26: A Comprehensive Buying Guide for Skiers and Riders

Explore the various Epic Pass options for the 2025/26 season, including new resort access, pricing, and benefits for skiers and snowboarders looking to maximise their mountain time across multiple destinations.

Michael Fulton
Massive Spring Snowstorm: Over 2 Metres (6.5 Feet) of Fresh Powder Heading to European Alps

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.

Michael Fulton
Hoch-Ybrig - Last Ride Of The Weglosen-Seebli Cable Car

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.

Michael Fulton
Switzerland.

Two Fatal Avalanches in Swiss Alps Highlight Evolving Danger Scale

Recent avalanche incidents in Switzerland's Valais Alps underscore the importance of the new three-tiered danger scale developed by the Swiss Federal Institute for Snow and Avalanche Research.

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
New Chairlifts To Come To Vail’s Andermatt- Sedrun - Disentis

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.

Michael Fulton
Schilthorn Summit Is Accessible To Everyone Again

Schilthorn Cable Car Reopens: A New Era for Swiss Alpine Access

The Schilthorn-Piz Gloria cable car welcomes visitors again after a five-month hiatus, marking a significant milestone in the SCHILTHORNBAHN 20XX project. Skiers and riders can now enjoy improved access to the summit, with the promise of year-round operations on the horizon.

Michael Fulton
Verbier from high above.

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.

Michael Fulton
An aerial shot of the Park Gstaad Hotel in Switzerland

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.

Michael Fulton
World's Steepest Cable Car Unveiled at Switzerland's Schilthorn Resort

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.

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
LEITNER Modernises Swiss Ski Resorts with Sustainable Lift Technology

LEITNER Modernises Swiss Ski Resorts with Sustainable Lift Technology

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
Fire Destroys Berghaus Foppa at Flims-Laax-Falera Ahead of 2024-25 Ski Season

Fire Destroys Berghaus Foppa at Flims-Laax-Falera Ahead of 2024-25 Ski Season

Michael Fulton
Swiss Resorts Andermatt-Sedrun and Crans-Montana Announce 2024/25 Opening Dates

Swiss Resorts Andermatt-Sedrun and Crans-Montana Announce 2024/25 Opening Dates

Michael Fulton
IKON vs Epic Pass: The Race for Flims-Laax-Falera in Switzerland

IKON vs Epic Pass: The Race for Flims-Laax-Falera in Switzerland

Michael Fulton
Vail Resorts Eyes Flims-Laax-Falera: Potential Third Swiss Ski Resort Acquisition

Vail Resorts Eyes Flims-Laax-Falera: Potential Third Swiss Ski Resort Acquisition

Michael Fulton
Zermatt's Game-Changer: New Rail Tunnel Promises Safer Ski Access

Zermatt's Game-Changer: New Rail Tunnel Promises Safer Ski Access

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
Swiss Ski Area Is Building The World’s First TRI-Line Ropeway

Swiss Ski Area Is Building The World’s First TRI-Line Ropeway

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
St. Moritz Joins Ikon Pass: Swiss Skiing Giant Expands Global Access

St. Moritz Joins Ikon Pass: Swiss Skiing Giant Expands Global Access

Michael Fulton
Vail Resorts Purchases Second Resort In Europe

Vail Resorts Purchases Second Resort In Europe

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
Vail Resorts In Talks To Buy Another Swiss Resort

Vail Resorts In Talks To Buy Another Swiss Resort

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

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