Ski this Easter with your family in ‘snow sure’ Obergurgl-Hochgurgl and Sölden.

Innerötztal - Sölden with Obergurgl / Hochgurgl / Vent and Sölden. Ski this Easter with your family in ‘snow sure’ Obergurl-Hochgurgl and Sölden with The-Ski-Guru TRAVEL

Ski this Easter with your family in ‘snow sure’ Obergurl-Hochgurgl and Sölden with The-Ski-Guru TRAVEL

Planning your ski holiday later in the season? The best you can do is to think in high-altitude resorts to be sure of having snow. This year Easter is falling late, so this is even more important to think where to go.

Top of the Mountain Obergurgl-Hochgurgl. Ski this Easter with your family in ‘snow sure’ Obergurl-Hochgurgl and Sölden with The-Ski-Guru TRAVEL
Top of the Mountain Obergurgl-Hochgurgl. Ski this Easter with your family in ‘snow sure’ Obergurl-Hochgurgl and Sölden with The-Ski-Guru TRAVEL

Here I want to focus on two resorts in the Ötztal Valley: Obergurgl-Hochgurgl and Sölden:

Obergurgl-Hochgurgl. The “Diamond of the Alps” –

Obergurgl-Hochgurgl, high up in the Ötztal Valley in the Tirol, is a snow-sure resort. With a vertical drop from 1800 to 3080 metres above sea level, Obergurgl-Hochgurgl is one of the first resorts in Austria to open the season in mid-November, offering 25 mountain lifts and 112 immaculate km of slopes for skiing, snowboarding and free-riding. The resort closes by the end of April.

For a family of four (2 adults and 2 kids of up to 10 years old), for the week of April 7-14 you can ski for EUR 5,422.00 and you get:

7 nights including half board

6 days Ötztal Superskipass

6 days ski rental (ski, boots, poles)

free shuttle bus within the ski areas e.g. Sölden & Obergurgl-Hochgurgl

6 days group ski lessons incl. lunch and child care over the lunch hour (for the two kids)

Obergurgl-Hochgurgl. The Diamond of the Alps

Hotel Alpennausicht in Obergurgl ****. Ski this Easter with your family in ‘snow sure’ Obergurl-Hochgurgl and Sölden with The-Ski-Guru TRAVEL
Hotel Alpennausicht in Obergurgl ****. Ski this Easter with your family in ‘snow sure’ Obergurl-Hochgurgl and Sölden with The-Ski-Guru TRAVEL

Hotel Alpenaussicht****

1x double, Zirmkogel“ Typ F 50 m²

total costs Euro 5,422.00

Continue reading “Ski this Easter with your family in ‘snow sure’ Obergurgl-Hochgurgl and Sölden.”

A Gondola Accident happened in Hochzillertal today.

Hochzillertal ski map. A Gondola Accident happened in Hochzillertal today.

A Gondola Accident happened in Hochzillertal today.

From Unofficial Networks and Euro News.

A frightening incident unfolded this morning in Kaltenbach, Austria. Several 10-passenger gondolas on the”Wimbachexpress” at Hochzillertal got hung up on a tower and collided into one another. According to reports, the gondola cars were empty at the time and no one was injured. It is believed that high winds from a strong storm ranging across the Alps played a roll in the accident.

You can see the video here:

More: Unofficial NetworksA

The-Ski-Guru TRAVEL can organise your bespoke ski trip to the Americas, Alps or Japan, including for those going from Britain to Europe, booking your Eurotunnel trip, and for all trips: lodging, lift tickets, rentals, ski school, and all you need for an excellent vacation. Go to https://www.the-ski-guru.com/travel and upload your information – this page will be updated soon with more travel ideas.

Continue reading “A Gondola Accident happened in Hochzillertal today.”

What does Climate Change will mean to a Mountain Nation such as Switzerland by 2060.

ADELBODEN - Three friends taking their sledges up the slope. Copyright by Adelboden Tourismus By-line: swiss-image.ch/Anja Zurbruegg Adelboden Lenk Kandersteg: What does Climate Change will mean to a Mountain Nation such as Switzerland by 2060.

What does Climate Change will mean to a Mountain Nation such as Switzerland by 2060. From Swissinfo.ch – Climate Change in forty years in Switzerland will mean over 40C in the cities, long droughts and not too much snow in winter, Switzerland will be looking as a Mediterranean country. This will have consequences in this land-lock country.

Verbier - Valais - What does Climate Change will mean to a Mountain Nation such as Switzerland by 2060.
Verbier – Valais – What does Climate Change will mean to a Mountain Nation such as Switzerland by 2060.

By 2060 the typical weather forecast on a summer day can describe 45C in the cities and twenty days of sustained heat. MeteoSwiss (the federal department of meteorology and climatology) has devised different climate scenarios for Switzerland, in conjunction with the Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich (ETHZ) and publish edit in a report in mid-November. Peter Binder, the head of MeteoSwiss summarised that “Switzerland will be a hotter and drier place”.

Continue reading “What does Climate Change will mean to a Mountain Nation such as Switzerland by 2060.”

Listex’s State of the UK Snowsports Market Report 2018

James Gambrill, Founder of Listex talks at the Forum. Listex’s State of the UK Snowsports Market Report 2018.

Listex’s State of the UK Snowsports Market Report 2018. Listex is London International Snowsports Trade Exchange that gathers the UK andEuropean ski industry each year in May and September.

Its Forum covers lots of interesting topics, such as their annual State of the Snowsports Market. As a marketeer, I’ve found this report interesting as it focused in how buyers got inspired and went on to book their ski holidays, who they trust and what is important for them when booking a ski holiday.

Here is the executive summary of the report and if you go to the end, you’ll have a link to be able to read the entire report.

The Forum at Listex 2018. Listex’s State of the UK Snowsports Market Report 2018
The Forum at Listex 2018. Listex’s State of the UK Snowsports Market Report 2018

Inspiration, Information and trust:

Friends and families continue to be the most cited, and most trusted sources of information and inspiration for skiers when choosing a holiday. Social media continues to score very poorly, even amongst the under 35 demographics.

Important factors:

Price, snow and ski area size continue to be the most important factors when choosing a ski holiday destination, but below these headliners, there has been some shifts with accommodation and food quality making gains. Amongst the under 35’s, resort altitude scores as less important and après-ski climbs the table, suggesting some shifts in priorities.

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Deer Valley who was awarded Best US Ski Resort by the World Ski Awards for the sixth year, opens this Saturday December 8th

Skiing through the glades at Deer Valley Resort. Deer Valley who was awarded Best US Ski Resort by the World Ski Awards for the sixth year, opens this Saturday December 8th.

Deer Valley Resort was awarded Best US Ski Resort by the World Ski Awards for the sixth year and opens this Saturday December 8th.

Deer Valley Resort will open for the 2018-2019 ski season on Saturday, December 8, 2018. With over 40” of pre-season snow and optimal snowmaking conditions, Deer Valley® is able to open with at least 45 ski runs serviced by 16 chairlifts, including the new Homestake Express chairlift, upgraded this summer to a high-speed detachable quad. For updated mountain information, be sure to visit the On the Mountain page for the latest conditions and to sign up for Daily Conditions and Powder Alert emails.

Winter Ski Beach at Deer Valley Resort. Photo: Deer Valley Resort. Deer Valley who was awarded Best US Ski Resort by the World Ski Awards for the sixth year, opens this Saturday December 8th.
Winter Ski Beach at Deer Valley Resort. Photo: Deer Valley Resort. Deer Valley who was awarded Best US Ski Resort by the World Ski Awards for the sixth year, opens this Saturday December 8th.

New this year, lift tickets purchased three or more days in advance during non-holiday periods will receive “Advance Purchase” pricing. A full list of lift ticket pricing can be viewed here on deervalley.com. In keeping with the resort’s commitment to service and to ensure an exceptional on-mountain experience, Deer Valley limits the number of skiers on the hill each day. Deer Valley does reach capacity during the holiday periods such as December 26, 2018 through January 3, 2019 and February 16 through 20, 2019. Guests are encouraged to purchase their lift tickets in advance at deervalley.com. New this year, Ikon Pass holders are invited to reserve their daily lift tickets in advance at ikonres.deervalley.com to guarantee access during these peak holiday periods.

Continue reading “Deer Valley who was awarded Best US Ski Resort by the World Ski Awards for the sixth year, opens this Saturday December 8th”

Rusutsu, the Japanese Resort joins the EPIC Pass for the 2019-20 ski season.

Rusutsu will be EPIC for the 2019-20 ski season. Rusutsu, the Japanese Resort joins the EPIC Pass for the 2019-20 ski season. Photo: Rusutsu Resort.
  • Rusutsu joins the Epic Pass, Epic Local Pass and Epic Australia Pass in a long-term alliance, beginning with the 2019-20 winter season
  • Epic Pass, Epic Local and Epic Australia Pass holders will receive five consecutive complimentary days with no blackout dates at Rusutsu Resort in Hokkaido, Japan for the 2019-20 season
  • The Epic Pass, Epic Local Pass and Epic Australia Passes now offer 10 total days of Japanese access across 11 resorts in Japan, including the ten resorts in the Hakuba Valley
  • The industry-leading Epic Pass features 66 mountain resorts in eight countries for the 2019-20 season, more than any other season pass in the world

The Westin Rusutsu at Rusutsu Resort in Japan. Rusutsu, the Japanese Resort joins the EPIC Pass for the 2019-20 ski season.
The Westin Rusutsu at Rusutsu Resort in Japan. Rusutsu, the Japanese Resort joins the EPIC Pass for the 2019-20 ski season.

Vail Resorts, Inc. (NYSE: MTN) announced on 3rd December a long-term alliance with one of the most renowned resorts in the world for deep powder and tree skiing, Rusutsu Resort, located in Hokkaido, Japan, just 90 minutes from Sapporo and New Chitose Airport. Beginning with the 2019-20 season, the Epic Pass, Epic Local Pass and Epic Australia Pass will offer five consecutive complimentary days with no blackout dates at the three unique, interlinked mountains that make up Rusutsu Resort. The addition of Rusutsu to the Epic Pass, brings total pass access to 66 mountain resorts in eight countries in the 2019-20 season, significantly more than any other season pass in the world.
Continue reading “Rusutsu, the Japanese Resort joins the EPIC Pass for the 2019-20 ski season.”

A couple of lifts were sabotaged in Passo Rolle.

Ski map of Passo Rolle and San Martino di Castrozza. The Ferrari Chairlift has been reopened in record time at Passo Rolle, after being sabotaged.

A couple of lifts were sabotaged on Passo Rolle on the night of November 30th, between Friday and Saturday, on the eve of the opening of the season.

The first lift that the operators realised has been sabotaged during a test drive, was the Ferrari lift. The lift has to remain closed for opening day. One of the six trefoil, cables that make up the rope, has been cut. Checks were also taking place on the Paradiso lift, next to the Ferrari lift.

This has been a ‘considerable damage, changing the rope of that type costs hundreds of thousands of Euros’ said the President of the Engineering company Giacobbe Zortea, ‘but we will not die, we will guarantee the safety of the facilities for tourists and operators of the Passo (Rolle)’.

A couple of lifts were sabotaged in Passo Rolle.
A couple of lifts were sabotaged in Passo Rolle.

It is ‘fair’, he concluded, that these people pay for an ‘irresponsible gesture’.
Complaints were immediately raised to the Carabinieri of Primiero, which together with the colleagues of the Compagnia di Cavalese, have arrived at the site for an inspection. They were assessing the site soonafter, investigating the damage done.

Continue reading “A couple of lifts were sabotaged in Passo Rolle.”

What is new at La Plagne for the 2018 – 19 ski-season.

What is new at La Plagne for this coming season? La Plagne is getting ready for the 2018 – 19 ski season. Here we have a summary of what you can look for when going to La Plagne next!

Bains & Spa La Plagne

Deep Nature is opening a new 1500 m2 spa for guests of all ages in the centre of Belle Plagne. With its superb view of the mountains, it offers three different areas with a space for kids to try their first- of many, spa experiences.

La Plagne - The Vanoise Express links the 2 Massifs in a mere 4 minutes! What is new at La Plagne for the 2018 – 19 ski-season.
La Plagne – The Vanoise Express links the 2 Massifs in a mere 4 minutes! What is new at La Plagne for the 2018 – 19 ski-season.

H036 Hostels

A new hotel concept has arrived in La Plagne! The h036 in Plagne Centre will revolutionise the whole concept of room and board with this new hostel in La PLagne, a 21st century combination of a hotel and a guest house. This will be an atypical location with stylish decoration and a relaxed atmosphere where everyone will get together on the large living room, the bar or the restaurant.

This is a great value for money option where you can get lots of interactions. There are some individual and shared rooms with a range of possibilities for all budgets and lifestyles.

More info: www.h036hostels.com

La Plagne, Paradiski. What is new at La Plagne for the 2018 – 19 ski-season.
La Plagne, Paradiski. What is new at La Plagne for the 2018 – 19 ski-season.

A new look for Plagne Centre

After fully renovating its shopping gallery, now is the turn to get a new look for the entrance to Plagne Centre in order to improved guests’ reception and comfort. Place Albert Perrière is to become an animated ‘village square’ offering a dynamic and multi-service activity centre. There will be a covered bus station, the tourist office reception, a bar with panoramic views of the Mont Blanc, a 4-lane bowling alley, a natural skating rink in the winter and a Heritage and Mountain Mining exhibition room.

It took an investment of 8 Million Euros.

Continue reading “What is new at La Plagne for the 2018 – 19 ski-season.”

A gas explosion has taken place Friday at the Grand Hotel Zermatterhof.

A gas explosion has taken place Friday at the Grand Hotel Zermatterhof.

A gas explosion occurred early Friday afternoon in the kitchen of the Grand Hotel Zermatterhof in Zermatt (VS), which was still closed before the start of the season. Six people were injured. The Grand Hotel Zermatterhof is the iconic hotel in the middle of the town of Zermatt, one of the most renown iconic hotels there. You can read more of Zermatt in our recent guide here.

From Sivtelegram.media

#explosiongaz – 13:45 – Zermatt – gas explosion in the kitchen of a hotel – several-injured – fire-mastered – assistance on site – no danger for the population – Info will follow – Polcant VS

— Police in Valais (@PoliceValais) November 30, 2018

The Zermatterof is one of the most renown hotels in Zermatt - in the middle of town, in the Dorfstrasse, as shown in this picture. A gas explosion has taken place Friday at the Grand Hotel Zermatterhof.
The Zermatterof is one of the most renown hotels in Zermatt – in the middle of town, in the Dorfstrasse, as shown in this picture. A gas explosion has taken place Friday at the Grand Hotel Zermatterhof.

The severity of the injuries of the six people, including five kitchen employees, is not yet known, said Keystone-ATS Fernando Clemenz of the Matterhorn Group. The people affected have been delivered to hospitals in Sion, Visp and doctors of the station.

Forty firefighters, two helicopters and two ambulances were dispatched on the spot. The fire was quickly mastered. The population incurs no danger, said the police cantonale valaisanne.

Am Freitagnachmittag ist es in der Küche des Grand Hotels Zermatterhof im Zentrum von #Zermatt zu einer Explosion gekommen. Sechs Personen wurden dabei verletzt und mussten sich in ärztliche Behandlung begeben. https://t.co/oj8FOVLHrM

— 1815.ch (@1815_online) November 30, 2018

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20 Inches of New Snow at Aspen Snowmass in the Last Seven Days

Aspen Mountain from the town of Aspen. Aspen Snowmass Releases First-Ever Progress Report on Methane-to-Electricity Plant

20 Inches of New Snow have fallen at Aspen Snowmass in the Last Seven Days. Aspen Highlands Opens Early for the First Time Since 1992

Aspen Snowmass welcomed five inches of new snow in the last 24 hours with accumulations reaching up to 20 inches of snow in the last seven days.

Aspen Highlands opened early today for the first time since 1992 with five inches of new snow on a 40-inch base.

1st December on Aspen Mountain. Photo: Aspen Snowmass. 20 Inches of New Snow at Aspen Snowmass in the Last Seven Days.
1st December on Aspen Mountain. Photo: Aspen Snowmass. 20 Inches of New Snow at Aspen Snowmass in the Last Seven Days.

Aspen Mountain received five inches of snow and Snowmass received four inches in the last 24 hours and the forecast is predicting more snowfall by end of day.

Continue reading “20 Inches of New Snow at Aspen Snowmass in the Last Seven Days”