Breaking into Switzerland

SIX Senses Crans-Montana marks the first resort and residential project in #Switzerland for Six Senses Hotels Resorts Spas.

Slated to open in 2021, the resort and residences will both be managed by the hotel group. With its sumptuously furnished 47 apartments and 17 residences, Six Senses Crans-Montana will be a unique comprehensive offering in what is one of the finest and most beautiful ski areas in the Alps – as desirable in the height of summer for walking and cycling as it is during the ski season.

The property is nestled in the heart of the spectacular Swiss Alps and has been built to blend harmoniously with its surroundings, providing residents and guests with stunning views and the perfect place to relax and retreat from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.



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Epic dream job from Ski.com

THE Epic Pass offers more access than ever, and Ski.com, the largest provider of ski vacations in North America, is searching for a candidate who can show what it's like to experience it all. 

One lucky person will be hired to travel the world for two months via United Airlines to seven countries on three continents, and ski or ride more than a dozen of the 65 destinations available on the Epic Pass. In addition to being introduced to unique experiences at world-class resorts, he or she will be decked out in head-to-toe gear from Helly Hansen, Rossignol and Oakley; capture enviable content with video equipment from GoPro; have a direct line to custom snow forecasts from OpenSnow and collect a paycheck of US$10,000.

The ideal candidate must have a serious desire to travel to some of the most amazing mountain destinations in the United States, Canada, Italy, Switzerland, Austria, France and Japan; must be able to ski and/or snowboard and must love après, mingling with locals and documenting new experiences.

To apply, interested job seekers must submit an application video between September 5 and October 15, 2018 explaining in 60 seconds or less what makes them the perfect candidate. For more information and to apply, applicants should visit www.ski.com/dreamjob or apply by posting an application video to Instagram tagging @skicom, @epicpass and using the hashtag #EpicDreamJob.


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1 Pass over 27 Destinations

IKON Pass, the new standard in season passes, announces Thredbo as its newest partner, now offering access to nearly 26,000 hectares (more than 64,000 acres) at 27 premier mountain destinations across the globe. The Ikon Pass is available for purchase at www.ikonpass.com and through selected travel partners. 

In addition to access to 26 destinations in North America, all Ikon Pass holders can enjoy skiing and riding throughout Thredbo’s 2018 winter season. Ikon Pass holders will have seven-day access to Thredbo on the Ikon Pass with no black-out dates, and five-day access on the Ikon Base Pass, with selected black-out dates. 

Thredbo, Australia’s premier snow destination, offers an incredible snow experience with its impressive mountain accessing 480 hectares of varied terrain and its 672 vertical meters providing the country’s longest snow runs, combined with its picturesque alpine village at the base of the mountain which creates a vibrant après atmosphere. 

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Polar Explorers

WHAT does it take to guide over 500 people to the North and South Poles? The answer is 25 years of experience and hundreds of days skiing in the world’s most extreme environment, where an average day "at the office" includes enduring minus forty degree temperatures and keeping everything you don't want to freeze on your body.

On April 14, PolarExplorers, the world’s leading polar expedition guiding company, will kick off their 25th anniversary. PolarExplorers’ reputation has been built over hundreds of expeditions and thousands of cold, frozen miles in some of the planet’s least forgiving environments.

To celebrate their 25th anniversary PolarExplorers is offering several exciting expeditions including a ski expedition from the coast of Antarctica to the South Pole, a ski traverse of the Greenland Icecap, Last Degree Ski Expeditions to both the North and South Poles, a ski traverse of Europe’s largest glacier, and numerous other polar expeditions. 

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The Epic Pass

THE Telluride Ski Resort will join the industry-leading Epic Pass in a long-term alliance beginning with 2018-19 winter season, bringing the total to 46 mountain resorts for #skiers and #snowboarders. Telluride has been rated the “#1 Ski Resort in North America” five of the last six years by readers of Condé Nast Traveller.

Colorado’s San Juan Mountains boast some of ski country’s most incredible terrain, and Telluride is its mecca, stashed amongst the highest concentration of 13,000- and 14,000-foot peaks in North America. The breathtaking scenery is undeniably some of the most beautiful in the Rockies. 

Living up to its reputation for legendary terrain, Telluride has something for everyone. The Plunge, Revelation Bowl and Gold Hill offer plenty of steeps for experts. See Forever and Prospect Bowl provide ideal terrain for intermediates and the wide open, gentle slopes of The Sunshine Express and The Meadows start beginners off right while enjoying the endless scenery of the San Juans.

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Winter phenomena: snow monsters

SURROUNDED by grand mountains and 1,900 years of venerable hot springs tradition, Zao is located in Yamagata prefecture only 3 hours away from Tokyo and known as a top-tier traditional skiing and snowboarding resort in Japan. Zao is known for its multiple winter phenomena. Because of the unique weather conditions, trees are covered with ice and snow, or as locals call them, Juhyo, or even Snow Monsters. 

The Snow Monsters winter scenery which combined with the wide panoramic scenery make Zao Onsen the best winter resorts in Japan for scenery. The Juhyo can be seen from morning till late evening if you board the Zao Ropeway, which starts at the foot of the mountain. Furthermore, on weekends until 4th March 2018, visitors are treated to, “Juhyo Corridor of Fantasy” tour where the Juhyo are lit up throughout the night and are visible from snowmobile.

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Ski green in Copenhagen

COPENHILL the artificial ski slope and recreational hiking area that is set to open in the autumn of 2018 – will be built on top of Copenhagen’s new green waste management centre. 

The building will stand some 85 metres high, and on the roof of the café at the top of the ski slope there will be a viewing platform with incredible views of the Danish capital. 

Ski equipment will be available to hire, and there will be a green adventure and play landscape on the roof where visitors can wander and explore.

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Club Med opens 8th retail outlet in Australia

ICONIC holiday operator Club Med opened its first Queensland in-store boutique at Snowscene in Woolloongabba. The holiday boutique is just Club Med’s 8th such retail outlet in #Australia. 

Snowscene’s General Manager, Emily Foy, described the partnership as “a perfect alignment of a pair of iconic holiday brands. We’re absolutely thrilled to welcome Club Med into our retail space, and look forward to delivering an authentic Club Med experience to our customers in store”, continued Ms Foy. 

Club Med’s boutique deepens a long term relationship between the two businesses. At a recent Club Med VIP conference in Bintan, Snowscene was recognised for delivering the ‘Highest Ski Growth’ for Club Med from Australia.

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New airline launches, opening up routes into heart of the Swiss Alps

NEW airline powdair has launched ticket sales through its website powdair.ski with a winter schedule that links Sion Airport with eight destinations in the UK, Germany and Belgium.

The skiers airline, based in Sion – the heart of Switzerland’s #wintersport region, the Valais, will offer skiers and snowboarders across the UK, Northern Germany and the Benelux Countries the chance to reach some of the world’s most famous winter sports resorts quickly and efficiently.

Flights commence from December 14, 2017 and will significantly cut transfer times to some of Switzerland’s most popular #ski resorts for winter sports enthusiasts including Zermatt, Verbier, Saas Fee, Crans Montana and Nendaz.

The eight airports that will be served by powdair are - London Luton, London Southend, Southampton, Bristol, Manchester and Edinburgh as well as Antwerp and Hamburg.

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Head to the Alps with Jet2

NO better time for snow bunnies to book a flight to the slopes from London Stansted, as Jet2 have slashed the price of ski carriage on ski routes from its newest base. The offer means skiers and boarders can take 22kg of ski carriage for just £1 return on featured flights.

With flights to some of the very best skiing destinations in Europe from London Stansted to four ski destinations this winter with the French and Austrian Alps well and truly covered. Flights operate to the following destinations, and the offer applies to these routes only:

Geneva (five weekly flights)
Grenoble (one service every week)
Salzburg (three weekly services)
Lyon (two weekly services)

Must book between Friday 1st September until Saturday 30th September 2017, and travel between Thursday 30th November 2017 and Monday 30th April 2018.

www.jet2.com/ski

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More snow means longer season for Perisher

PERISHER in #Australia has seen over two metres of snowfall throughout August and the four-resort area of Perisher, Blue Cow, Smiggin Holes and Guthega are all looking superb. Spring skiing and boarding conditions are the best that skiers have experienced since 2012 and with plenty more snow forecast through next week Perisher has extended the season through Sunday October 8.

Perisher is Australia’s most popular alpine holiday destination. Located in the picturesque Kosciuszko National Park which is home to Australia’s highest peak Mt Kosciuszko, the resort is just three hours’ drive from Canberra. Perisher boasts an incredible 47 lifts accessing an immense 1,245 hectares of varied snow-covered terrain, and has four resorts areas including Perisher Valley, Smiggin Holes, Blue Cow and Guthega to make it the Southern Hemisphere's largest alpine resort.

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Ski in Slovakia and stay at the Dragon's Lair

JASNA Adventures has launched its brand new built chalet in the #ski resort of Jasna, #Slovakia, opening in October 2017 in time for the winter season.

The Dragon’s Lair sleeps up to 19 people in five guest rooms, all with ensuite, that include two upstairs-downstairs family rooms, a double, a triple, and a large 2+2 room – there’s a fulltime chalet host, an outdoor jacuzzi, sauna and fitness area, plus a full bar downstairs.

Guests can choose whether they stay on a bed & breakfast or half-board basis. There’s also a private lift shuttle service that drops off and picks up guests at the slopes in as little as eight minutes drive.

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Gourmet Ski Safari

THE #Dolomites Gourmet Ski Safari, now on offer from #Ski Solutions combines the opportunity to indulge in world-class high altitude winter sports as well as the refined cuisine and fine wines of Northern #Italy.

Explore 12 different ski areas including the famous Armentarola run, one of the longest and most beautiful slopes in the Dolomites under the expert guidance of a qualified mountain ski guide.

Accommodation on this six-night safari includes a mix of comfortable four-star hotels and authentic Dolomite rifugi, the traditional and charming ‘shelter’ huts tucked away in the mountains. As the safari passes through the Trentino region, guests might sample mouth watering treats such as ravioli alle pere selvatiche (ravioli with wild pears), fagot da mont (tasty tortelli pasta with black mirtillo and braised deer), and la zuppa di porcini e patate (soup with mushrooms and potatoes).

The safari ends with a delicious dinner at a Michelin-starred restaurant on the final night.

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Last minute bargains from Ski Solutions

FANTASTIC late #deals from specialist operator #Ski Solutions, from breath taking glacier skiing and lively aprés-ski in Tignes to Mayrhofen’s vast multi-level network of runs with plenty of white-knuckle descents. Or indulge in a luxury getaway at Les Arcs’ first five-star hotel or a romantic ski break in beautiful Engelberg.

Tignes, France: seven nights self-catering accommodation at the three-star Val Claret Apartments from £545 per person, saving £220 per person.

Mayrhofen, Austria: seven nights chalet board accommodation at the four-star Chalet Stoanerhof from £480 per person, saving £470 per person.

Les Arcs, France: seven nights accommodation and half-board catering at the five-star Taj-i-Mah Hotel from £1515 per person, saving £315 per person.

Engelberg, Switzerland: four nights bed and breakfast accommodation and a free lift pass at the three-star Hotel Terrace from £695 per person, saving £100 per person.

Bookings must be made before February 3rd go to www.skisolutions.com

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Early bird bargains

ESTABLISHED in 1986, Ski Solutions are the UK’s original specialist ski tour operator and travel agency, celebrating 30 years of arranging hotel and chalet holidays to the Alps and North America, these great offers must all be booked by January 3rd.

Half-Term escape, Gressoney, Italy seven nights half board accommodation at the three-star Hotel De Gletscher.

New Year escape to the French alps, Courchevel, France seven nights chalet board accommodation at the three-star Chalet Elan.

Luxury chalet escape in January., Val d’Isère, France seven nights chalet board accommodation, at the four-star Chalet La Saulire.

Five-star service at the W Hotel, Verbier, Switzerland seven nights bed and breakfast accommodation at the five-star W Hotel.

www.skisolutions.com

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Ski off piste

TAKE the piste less skied, in order to maximise time on the slopes this season, try these recommendations from Ski Solutions for off the beaten track #ski #destinations where great conditions, empty slopes and small lift queues are guaranteed.

Warth, Austria:

There’s something for skiers of all abilities in the little known village of Warth, thought to be the snowiest resort in the Alps with an annual average of 11 metres of snow on its upper slopes; more than double that of Val d’Isère. There are plenty of slopes suitable for beginners and intermediates, whilst advanced skiers and snowboarders will enjoy exploring the off-piste terrain. Over recent years, the village has become linked with the nearby glitzy Lech-Zurs ski area and resorts, opening up a further 180km of pistes to visitors. The quiet, family-friendly village is very small, with a steepled church at its centre. With just 150 permanent residents, many of the local businesses are family run and owned.

Madonna Di Campiglio, Italy:

Guests to this sophisticated mountain resort will be living la dolce vita with its high altitude snowy conditions, world-class facilities, stylish hotels and chalets, superb dining, chic boutiques and fine Italian service. Whilst the snow-sure uncrowded slopes are best suited to leisurely intermediates, there’s plenty to do for all abilities across 150km of immaculately groomed pistes, which connect to nearby Pinzolo and Folgarida-Marilleva. Advanced skiers will also enjoy the challenging black runs and there are plenty of off-piste areas, which are easily accessible via the award-winning lift system. The traffic free resort centre is situated in a picturesque wooded valley surrounded by the magnificent peaks of the Dolomites.

Revelstoke, British Columbia, Canada:

This powder heavy resort is still one of Canada’s best kept secrets, featuring the longest skiable vertical descent in North America of 5,630 ft. over 9.5 miles. The terrain is vast with something to suit all abilities although for more adventurous skiers wanting to go off-piste, the resort offers excellent heli-skiing and cat-skiing. The charming mountain village is made up of traditional buildings with more modern hotels being developed as the resort becomes more popular each year. Just a short transfer away, the lively Kicking Horse resort also offers great off-piste conditions and features the fourth longest vertical in North America.

Telluride, Colorado, USA:

A historical mining town dating back over 100 years, Telluride’s Wild West roots have made it the stuff of legend. Today, the picturesque town, which is located in a glacial canyon at the base of the dramatic San Juan Mountain range, is home to a number of upmarket shops, restaurants and bars with a lively après ski scene. A favourite with celebrities due to its understated profile, the resort offers some of the most diverse terrain of any ski resort in North America. This makes it particularly well-suited for mixed ability groups or families with plenty of gentle green runs for beginners and long, rolling runs for intermediates. For advanced skiers, there are some double blacks, winding chutes and steep glades.


Further information can be found at www.skisolutions.com

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On the runway . . .

SWISS  has been named Official Airline of next year’s FIS Alpine World Ski Championships to be held in St. Moritz, Southeast #Switzerland, from February 6-19.

SWISS’s involvement in the event will include prize draws among #skiing fans for SWISS flight vouchers and admission tickets. 

Further off-piste highlights will include spectacular overflights by SWISS aircraft. And SWISS will also be supporting the Youth Camp project of the event’s organizers by flying tomorrow’s ski stars to #StMoritz from all over the world.

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Deals on the slopes

WITH the Alps and North America already experiencing heavy snowfall, the forthcoming #ski season is shaping up to be one of the best in recent years. For those who haven’t yet booked, there are still plenty of great deals available to those ‘in the know’, including peak school holiday dates over Christmas, February half-term and Easter.

Ski Solutions have put together their ‘Top Ski Hacks’, to ensure customers get the best deals on the slopes this season.

1. Be snow sure

Early birds wanting to bag the best deals and avoid the lift queues should head to the high-altitude resorts where the snow is guaranteed.Situated at an altitude of 1,907 metres, the village of Obergurgl, Austria enjoys excellent early snowfall and already has a base building covering of 45cm. The resort is a good all-round destination with pistes suitable for all ski standards.

Those willing to hop across the pond will enjoy excellent snow-sure conditions from late November at Park City in Utah. Thanks to the new direct Delta service from London in to Salt Lake City, it’s never been easier to ski Stateside. The hotel is centrally located, just minutes from the historic Main Street and offers breath-taking views over the mountains.

2. Time poor, budget poor or just unsure?

For nervous first timers, unsure how they will take to full days on the piste, or simply for those on a budget, a short break to the easily accessible resort of Courmayeur in Italy is the ideal choice. With excellent piste and off-piste skiing to suit all abilities, plus fantastic shopping, restaurants and nightlife away from the slopes, this high-altitude resort at the foot of Mont Blanc caters for all.

Experienced time poor skiers can now book short breaks to St Anton, Austria, one of the finest and oldest resorts in the Alps.

3. Don’t delay, book today for school holiday dates

With key dates for Christmas, February half-term and Easter already selling fast in light of the recent snowfall, the advice is to book now to avoid disappointment and to take advantage of early season offers.

4. Escape Europe to beat the plummeting Pound 

Whilst the value of the Pound against the Euro and USD remains low, in Canada, the Pound is still worth a staggering 1.7 CAD, which means holiday spend will go much further.

5. Go all-inclusive

Another way to beat the currency fluctuations and control holiday spend, whilst ensuring great value for money, is to book an all-inclusive ski package. Many now go beyond the traditional inclusive dining options to also include ski tuition and lift passes.

6. Ski longer for less this New Year

As New Year falls on a Sunday this year, a traditional transfer and change over day for ski resorts; many hotels have had to overcome this problem by offering nine night breaks for the price of seven, resulting in two free extra nights over the holiday period for skiers. .

7. Take advantage of opening offers

There are a number of new hotels set to open for the upcoming season including the five-star Taj-I-Mah in Les Arcs. By taking advantage of the early opening rates, skiers can enjoy top-notch accommodation and the opportunity to experience the hottest new hangouts, without the premium prices.

www.skisolutions.com

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Top 5 walking resorts in Europe

INGHAMS is one of the UK's leading specialist tour operators with over 80 years of operating Ski and Lakes & Mountains holidays, born out of Walter Ingham's enduring passion for ski, ski mountaineering and walking.

This is their list of the top 5 resorts for walking in Europe to help you plan ahead.

Best for Families - Hinterglemm, Austria: located in the scenic Glemm Valley, Saalbach and Hinterglemm offers 400km of stunning well-marked paths surrounded by rolling hills and countryside.

Best for Scenery - Merano, Italy: Merano, is a small town in northern Italy which offers Alpine landscapes and a Mediterranean climate, it provides fantastic walking opportunities from strolling to trekking surrounded by orchards and vineyards and extraordinary scenery.

Best for a Challenge - Zermatt, Switzerland: Zermatt has become one of Switzerland’s most iconic destinations. Its stunning mountain ranges are home to a range of challenging walks. The two and a half hour and half ‘Matterhorn Trail’ takes walkers from the lake at Schwarzsee and the ‘Mary in the Snow’ chapel back to Zermatt via Stafelap and Furi.

Best for Beginners - Kranjska Gora, Slovenia: located a few minutes’ drive from both the Austrian and Italian borders, the small village is surrounded by the magnificent scenery of the Julian Alps and the Karawanke Mountain peaks.

Best for Self-guided walks - Chamonix, France: take advantage of the Chamonix Valley Card and Mont Blanc Multipass which offers free use of local buses and trains plus reductions on many other services. With free use of buses and local trains, walkers in Chamonix can make the most of the area’s self-guided walking programme.

www.inghams.co.uk/lakes-mountains-holidays

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