Tignes opens for winter

The 2007/8 ski season kicks off today in Tignes as the Grande Motte glacier opens for winter.

You can ski or ride 20km (13 miles) of runs on the glacier, which has an impressive 750m (2,400ft) vertical drop.

The Espace Killy, which is the entired combined Tignes and Val d'Isere ski area, opens on 1 December.

Visit the official Tignes website.

Mt Ruapehu erupts, closing ski areas

The New Zealand resorts of Whakapapa and Turoa were forced to close after Mt Ruapehu erupted unexpectedly on Tuesday evening.

About 50 people were evacuated from mountain ski lodges, while roads and train lines were also closed.

A 22-year-old climber was seriously injured in the blast when rocks flew through his mountain hut and trapped him. He later had to have part of his leg amputated.

Although the ski areas were closed on Wednesday, they are expected to open again on Thursday. Volcanologists, however, warn there may be further eruptions over the next few days and are advising people to stay away from the upper part of the mountain.

In 1996, an eruption sent ash directly onto the ski fields, closing them for most of the season.

Read Mt Ruapehu's latest news.

VisitScotland uses "misleading" footage

VisitScotland has been accused of "misleading" the public by using decade-old footage in its latest ad.

The advert, shown in cinemas and online, promotes sports activities in Scotland, including climbing up a frozen waterfall and boarding on powdery pistes.

But some clever clogs has pointed out Scotland hasn't received heavy snow or cold temperatures for seven years. VisitScotland has admitted the ice-climbing footage was shot in the 1990s, but hasn't been able to date the skiing film.

I thought everyone realised Scotland isn't exactly blessed with copious amounts of powder, but apparently ski and snowboard enthusiasts down south might be duped into believing they should ditch their annual Colorado fortnight for a trip to Cairngorm.

Photo credit (date not known, but there is snow): Ski-Scotland.

'Stash' to open in Avoriaz

European snowboarders will be whooping with joy when the Burton-designed Stash run opens in Avoriaz this winter.

You may remember last year the first Stash run was built at Northstar-at-Tahoe, and good old Jake doesn't want the Euro boarders to miss out.

The new all-natural run will be constructed in the Lindarets forest, with logs and wooden tables for sliding on, a secret passage to explore and even a cabin to hang out in.

The run opens on 10 January 2008. To get an idea, check out the Northstar version at www.thestash.com.

Find out more about Avoriaz's terrain parks at www.snowparkavoriaz.com.

Read my story about last year's Northstar opening.

Image credit: Burton

Portes du Soleil offers 'lazybones' lift pass

If you've ever had one too many in the bars of Morzine or Chatel and staggered onto the slopes somewhere towards midday, you may be pleased to hear that the Portes du Soleil ski region has launched a 'lazybones' lift pass.

The ski pass is valid from 11am and costs €35, which is €4 less than the cost of a full-day ticket.

The resort reckons the days of rushing for first lift and skiing until they close are long gone, but I know some of you would beg to differ.

Photo credit: C Margot/www.portesdusoleil.com

Snow in Colorado!

Winter is on its way in Colorado. Take a look at yesterday's snowfall in Breckenridge. Not long to go until season opening on 9 November.

Photo credit: http//breckenridge.snow.com