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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Picture Credit: Telluride ski resort

Backpack your snowboard

HEADING off to the slopes this winter then pack light with this latest backpack for your snowboard. 

Board Bootie is the lightest, most convenient protective cover for a snowboard which can also be used as a backpack for carrying the board. Developed

 to protect a rider’s investment in a snowboard and to provide a more convenient way to transport a board to the slopes.

www.boardbootie.net

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Ski Japan: resort news

WITH a positive exchange rate for British travellers this year, additional daily flights from London to Tokyo, and the guarantee of plentiful powdery snow, it’s clear to see why #ski holidays to #Japan are growing in popularity.

Whether you’re keen to visit the snow monsters of little-known resorts such as Zao Onsen in Tohoku, or hit the famed slopes of the 1998 Winter Olympics venue in Hakuba – Japan has resorts of all sizes, with slopes aplenty for any level of skier.

Niseko, Hokkaido
The Ace Family Chair Lift has undergone an overhaul which will see its capacity double per hour. 

Niseko Annupuri International Ski Resort has announced the construction of a new ski lift – the Dream Quad Lift #1 specifically for beginner skiers and snowboarders. The new lift will be built at the bottom of Annupuri Gondola and will be complete in December 2017. The lift will be 433 metres long.

Hakuba, Nagano

A new Hoshino Resorts property, KAI Alps, will open on 21st December 2017. Within close proximity to Hakuba’s slopes, this property will offer the incredible service and 5* food that marks these Japanese properties out from the crowd. This stylishly cosy ryokan will offer hot springs with views over the Alps beyond, as well as authentic Japanese winter experiences such as snuggling up under kotatsu (heated tables with over-top blankets) eating winter delicacies. 

Mountain Side Hakuba – a new ski in, ski out condominium resort – opened in January 2017. The accommodation offers incredible views of the Olympic chair, and provides ski-in ski-out access to over 200 ski runs.

Tomamu, Hokkaido
Club Med will introduce their brand new hotel – Club Med Tomamu – in December 2017. Sprawled across the Tomamu mountain, this resort will allow skiers and boarders to immerse themselves in the layers of powder snow, perfect for thrill-seekers hunting down their next adventure. Nearby activities will entertain all the family, with Mina Mina – the largest indoor wave pool in Japan - an ice village and hot springs with a panoramic forest views all in close vicinity. Tomamu has a total of 29 ski runs, five lifts and one gondola.


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Kitzbühel crowned “Austria’s Best Ski Resort”

Kitzbühel was crowned “Austria’s Best Ski Resort” at this year’s World #Ski Awards, a title was also awarded to the Bergbahn AG Kitzbühel as “World’s Best Ski Resort Company”.

The Bergbahn AG Kitzbühel invested no less than €26.5m last season – the largest amount in its history. The Brunn Project was the main point of investment, opening up a whole new world of quality and standards of comfort. For even better skiing in Winter 2016/17, there have also been major improvements to the artificial snowmaking facilities.

The renowned Hahnenkamm races and the Snow Polo World Cup take place in Kitzbühel. A further bonus is Kitzbühel’s accessibility from the UK. Situated in West #Austria in the middle of the Tirolean Alps, it is within easy reach of three international airports – Salzburg (80km), Innsbruck (95km) and Munich (125km).

To find out more, visit www.kitzbuehel.com/en or www.kitzski.uk

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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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Let it snow . . .

WAKE up this New Year to the fresh Alpine air in Italy’s beautiful Madonna Di Campiglio region, Switzerland or France?

Madonna Di Campiglio, Italy: seven nights at the three-star Hotel Touring on a half board basis over New Year from £1,455 per person. A charming, family run hotel offering breathtaking views and direct access to the nearest Belvedere blue run.

Flims Laax, Switzerland: seven nights over New Year staying at the four-star Sunstar Alpine Hotel Flims on a bed and breakfast basis from £1,330 per person. Situated in a stunning Art Nouveau style building, constructed over 100 years ago, it is located on the edge of the forest near Lake Cauma.

Five-star Christmas Val d’Isère, France: seven nights bed and breakfast accommodation during Christmas staying at the five-star Hotel Le Blizzard from £2,400 per person. This luxurious chalet style property features a spa, indoor and outdoor pools, a hot tub and restaurant.

www.skisolutions.com

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Snowsports Shenanigans

FOLLOWING the success of this year's inaugural event, Groove CairnGorm returns for 2017 between Friday 24th and Saturday 25th February.

Groove CairnGorm – the resort-based #Snowsports #Festival will take place over the weekend of February 24-25 in #Aviemore in the Scottish Highlands. The event takes place over the same weekend as the Scottish Alpine Series at CairnGorm, so some of the country's top riders will be in action in the area.

There will be après-ski with live music and DJs until the early hours in a big top in Aviemore. Shuttle busses will operate between Inverness and Aviemore.

Tickets on sale now, available from www.skiddle.com

www.cairngormmountain.org

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Ski Japan

#JAPAN is expecting a La Nina winter which usually means heavy snowfalls across Japan - so what better time to organise yourself a #skiing holiday to the Japanese Alps.

Japan has a reputation for being expensive, but resort prices are actually more affordable than at many top resorts in Europe and America.

If that’s not enough to tempt you away from Chamonix or St. Moritz, skiing in Japan also offers comparatively uncongested lifts and slopes and extensive night skiing in addition to fantastic food, revitalizing hot springs, warm-hearted hospitality, and amazing cultural experiences and festivals.

http://www.seejapan.co.uk

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Ski Solutions celebrates

Ski Solutions is the UK’s original specialist ski tour operator and travel agency, with 30 years’ experience of arranging hotel and chalet holidays to the Alps and North America.

Craig Burton, Managing Director of #Ski Solutions, said: “As we’re celebrating our 30th birthday, Ski Solutions has its most comprehensive and exciting ski programme in its 30-year history.

“New for winter 16/17 we have launched a short break programme to world-famous St. Anton. The Wednesday-Sunday short break will prove really popular among people who want to go away for a long weekend.

“New flights with Delta to Salt Lake City mean skiers can fly direct from the UK, while good-value flights with WestJet give skiers in Banff the option to splash out a little more on top-notch accommodation. Plus, brand new hotels including the only five-star property in Les Arcs ”

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Aids for safe skiing

TO help safety-conscious skiers plan ahead. Airport Parking & Hotels has created a guide comparing safety regulations at some of the world's most popular resorts.

The research compares regulations and insurance options at 14 #ski resorts, including Breckenridge in Colorado, 3 Vallees in France, and Verbier in Switzerland, and looks at call-out costs for skiing accidents.

Ski insurance policies vary between each resort, with 12 of the 14 resorts included in the research offering specific cover options for visitors. French resorts including Chamonix, La Plagne, and Les Deux Alps provide the Carte Neige Insurance from £29 to £44, which covers medical and rescue fees for on and off-piste skiing and immediate replacement of lost lift passes. Alternatively, Verbier in Switzerland offer Snow Assist insurance for £3 per day or £66 per season, which covers refunds for rescue costs, ski rentals, lift passes, and skiing lessons.

Three of the resorts – La Plagne, St Moritz in Switzerland, and Valle d'Aosta in Italy – charge a call-out rescue fee. The fee varies from £140 at Valle d'Aosta to £569 at La Plagne. In Vail, Colorado, fees apply when a traveller has to be taken to hospital by ambulance, whereas rescues are free across the Mont Blanc Massif in France unless an airlift has to be arranged.

The Italian resort Cortina d'Ampezzo has the 'SkiCortina' app including the resorts' essential telephone numbers and ski slope details as well as displaying any risk of avalanches.

The research can be found in the Know Before You Go section of the APH website at www.aph.com/skisafety

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Ski discounts

SPECIALIST ski tour operator and travel agency #Ski Solutions is offering #discountdeals on bookings made before February 25 and 26, and March 4 for Champoluc, Tignes, Courchevel, and Val d’Isère. 

 Offers include:

Book by February 26 to save up to £375pp on seven nights chalet board in Tignes. Seven nights chalet board accommodation at the four star Chalet Hotel L’Ecrin du Val Claret. www.skisolutions.com/countries/france/resorts/tignes/accommodations/l-ecrin-du-val-claret

Book before March 4 to save up to £210pp on four-star ski holiday in Val d’Isère. Seven nights chalet board accommodation at the four star Chalet Hotel Le Val d’Isère. The price includes flights and transfers from London Gatwick departing March 13. http://www.skisolutions.com/countries/france/resorts/val-d-isere /accommodations/le-val-d-isere

www.skisolutions.com

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Iceland gears up for its Winter Games

2016 will see the third #Iceland #WinterGames, said to be one of the world's biggest winter festivals.  

Based in Akureyri, the ski capital of Iceland and the country’s second-largest city, the games attract some of the biggest names in winter sports and hosts events unseen anywhere else. These includes ski jumps in the shape of volcanoes, mountain top to sea skiing, Arctic horseback riding, and dog sledding championships.

Spectators can take tours in superjeeps, helicopters, snowmobiles, and green-energy powered schooner boats.

The festival runs from March 24 to April 3.

www.icelandwintergames.com

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Snow sports first for Britain

MARCH 2016 will see a first for the UK with the launch of Groove CairnGorm – the first resort-based Snowsports Festival to take place on British snow. The festival, which will take place over the weekend of March 11-12, will be hosted in conjunction with Natural Retreats CairnGorm Mountain Ltd. in Aviemore in the Scottish Highlands. 

The event takes place over the same weekend as the Scottish Freestyle Championships at #CairnGorm, so some of the country's top riders will be in action in the area.

There will be après-ski with live music and DJs until the early hours in a big top in Aviemore. Shuttle busses will operate between Inverness and Aviemore.

Tickets on sale now, available from www.skiddle.com

www.cairngormmountain.org

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