A cross between a rollercoaster and a mini funicular railway will be the most stylish mode of transport going in the Swiss Alps this winter.
The Tschuggen Grand Hotel in Arosa is opening its very own private mountaincoaster to whisk guests 500m from the hotel reception to the slopes. The natty little cabins will carry up to six passengers each from 1 December.
This is the first project for manufacturer Coaster Verkehrssysteme Vertriebs GmbH. The company hopes its new product will also take off in cities. I think this would be a fine way to cruise above Regent Street and Piccadilly Circus.
Wednesday, October 25, 2006
Tuesday, October 24, 2006
Snowy start to Colorado season
Colorado is looking like the best option for early season boarding. Loveland and Arapahoe Basin (or A-Basin to the locals) have both opened already and Copper Mountain has announced a 3 November opening.
In September I was reporting 2ft dumps in Breckenridge and the current images on the resort's site suggest the snow is showing no signs of abating. Aspen reported 10 inches of the fresh stuff last week, while Snowmass saw 16 inches, and more pow is forecast over the next couple of days.
Keep an eye on all the Colorado snow reports and opening days at www.coloradoski.com.
In September I was reporting 2ft dumps in Breckenridge and the current images on the resort's site suggest the snow is showing no signs of abating. Aspen reported 10 inches of the fresh stuff last week, while Snowmass saw 16 inches, and more pow is forecast over the next couple of days.
Keep an eye on all the Colorado snow reports and opening days at www.coloradoski.com.
Monday, October 16, 2006
Burton store opens in Tokyo
If you're planning to pound the slopes of Hokkaido or check out the latest wacky Japanese fashions in Nagano, you might have time for a little retail therapy in Tokyo's new Burton store, which opened this weekend.
I imagine those multi-coloured equestrian prints and all-in-one girls' white boiler suits will go down a storm in the Japanese market, but if you're looking for something a little more subtle, the 2006/7 range has plenty of stylish stuff in more muted shades.
If the weekend travel supplements are anything to go by, Japan is this year's must-do ski destination. If you can bear to join the package hordes, Crystal and Inghams have added it to their brochures.
OK, and I admit I secretly like the equestrian/houndstooth styling and have a little purse in the aforementioned print tucked away for a special occasion.
I imagine those multi-coloured equestrian prints and all-in-one girls' white boiler suits will go down a storm in the Japanese market, but if you're looking for something a little more subtle, the 2006/7 range has plenty of stylish stuff in more muted shades.
If the weekend travel supplements are anything to go by, Japan is this year's must-do ski destination. If you can bear to join the package hordes, Crystal and Inghams have added it to their brochures.
OK, and I admit I secretly like the equestrian/houndstooth styling and have a little purse in the aforementioned print tucked away for a special occasion.
Sunday, October 15, 2006
London premiere of latest ChunkyKnit film
The London premiere of Last Winter, the new girlie snowboarder film from ChunkyKnit productions, is taking place on 20 October at the Metro Ski and Snowboard Show, Olympia.
The film will kick off at 5pm in the Retro Retox Bar. To check out the latest antics of Lesley McKenna, Jenny Jones et al, arrive in plenty of time, as spaces are limited.
The girls visit Japan and Romania as well as the world's best snowboarding destination - Scotland!
The film will kick off at 5pm in the Retro Retox Bar. To check out the latest antics of Lesley McKenna, Jenny Jones et al, arrive in plenty of time, as spaces are limited.
The girls visit Japan and Romania as well as the world's best snowboarding destination - Scotland!
Wednesday, October 04, 2006
Mammoth savings at Mammoth
Here's a deal: California's Mammoth Mountain is offering a Silver season's pass for the bargain price of US$699. Compare that to the Gold Pass, which sells for a less-than-bargainous US$1,500.
The catch? There are 14 blackout dates when you can't ski or ride. But that's it - 14 days out of the whole season. The majority are around Christmas and New Year, with the remaining three over Presidents' Day weekend (a nightmare weekend for lift lines anywhere in North America).
Avoid those dates and you can ride to your heart's content for the rest of the season (which begins nice and early on 10 November by the way). Oh yes, and it covers you for riding at June Mountain too.
Bearing in mind the cost of a one-day lift pass from December to April is US$78, this is a pretty sweet deal if you're planning a couple of weeks out west.
Buy before 8 November, and those kind folks at Mammoth will throw in a couple of free passes to use on the aforementioned blackout dates. Check out the deal at www.mammothmountain.com.
The catch? There are 14 blackout dates when you can't ski or ride. But that's it - 14 days out of the whole season. The majority are around Christmas and New Year, with the remaining three over Presidents' Day weekend (a nightmare weekend for lift lines anywhere in North America).
Avoid those dates and you can ride to your heart's content for the rest of the season (which begins nice and early on 10 November by the way). Oh yes, and it covers you for riding at June Mountain too.
Bearing in mind the cost of a one-day lift pass from December to April is US$78, this is a pretty sweet deal if you're planning a couple of weeks out west.
Buy before 8 November, and those kind folks at Mammoth will throw in a couple of free passes to use on the aforementioned blackout dates. Check out the deal at www.mammothmountain.com.
Saturday, September 23, 2006
September dump for Breckenridge
Two feet of snow in two days. In September.
Fresh tracks for ski patrol. In September.
Snow from top to base. In September.
The photos on the Breckenridge website tell it all. Just click on the photo gallery and try not to let your chin drop to the floor.
Fresh tracks for ski patrol. In September.
Snow from top to base. In September.
The photos on the Breckenridge website tell it all. Just click on the photo gallery and try not to let your chin drop to the floor.
Vail voted no 1 in North America
Vail has been voted number one resort in North America by readers of Ski magazine.
No big surprise, as the mountain boasts four terrain parks, seven bowls and 5,289 acres of freeride terrain. Check out why it's so popular at vail.snow.com.
The readers' top ten resorts were:
1. Vail, Colorado
2. Deer Valley, Utah
3. Snowmass, Colorado
4. Whistler Blackcomb, British Columbia
5. Park City, Utah
6. Breckenridge, Colorado
7. Aspen, Colorado
8. Beaver Creek, Colorado
9. Steamboat, Colorado
10. Sun Valley, Idaho
Go to www.skinet.com for top tips on each resort.
No big surprise, as the mountain boasts four terrain parks, seven bowls and 5,289 acres of freeride terrain. Check out why it's so popular at vail.snow.com.
The readers' top ten resorts were:
1. Vail, Colorado
2. Deer Valley, Utah
3. Snowmass, Colorado
4. Whistler Blackcomb, British Columbia
5. Park City, Utah
6. Breckenridge, Colorado
7. Aspen, Colorado
8. Beaver Creek, Colorado
9. Steamboat, Colorado
10. Sun Valley, Idaho
Go to www.skinet.com for top tips on each resort.
Tuesday, September 19, 2006
Season's first snow in Whistler
Woo hoo! Winter is on its way in Whistler. The first snowfall of the season arrived last Thursday (14 September) - a respectable 15cm. Let's hope this is a good sign for the season ahead.
Check out the pics on the Whistler Blackcomb website.
Meanwhile, anyone who can wangle a visa to work in Canada (try BUNAC) will be interested to know the Whistler Blackcomb recruitment fair is being held from 23-26 October.
Check out the pics on the Whistler Blackcomb website.
Meanwhile, anyone who can wangle a visa to work in Canada (try BUNAC) will be interested to know the Whistler Blackcomb recruitment fair is being held from 23-26 October.
Monday, September 11, 2006
End of long drive to Fernie?
If you've ever arrived on the long haul flight from London to Calgary, only to be faced with a four-hour drive to Fernie, the news that Cranbrook Airport's expansion is nearly complete might be welcome news.
The expansion of the airport, soon to be renamed the Canadian Rockies International Airport, is due to be completed this winter. The airport will be able to accommodate both larger aircraft and more passengers.
Although the likes of BA and Air Canada are not likely to announce a direct UK flight quite yet, the new name and the construction of a Canada Customs and Immigrations facility suggest Cranbrook has its eye firmly on the international market.
The expansion of the airport, soon to be renamed the Canadian Rockies International Airport, is due to be completed this winter. The airport will be able to accommodate both larger aircraft and more passengers.
Although the likes of BA and Air Canada are not likely to announce a direct UK flight quite yet, the new name and the construction of a Canada Customs and Immigrations facility suggest Cranbrook has its eye firmly on the international market.
Board for a bargain in Kosovo
This could be one of the best deals around. A week's pass in Breznica, Kosovo's main ski area, will set you back a mere 60 euros. UN Special Representative Joachim Rücker has also announced plans to privatise the resort, so get there while it's cheap.
The slopes in Breznica, in the Dinarske mountains, range from 1718-2522m in altitude. Piribeg, a 3.5km black run, covers the entire vertical. The resort boasts seven lifts and eight other runs, with a total of 16km of trails. For not much more than the cost of a day in the snowdome, you can't go wrong.
The slopes in Breznica, in the Dinarske mountains, range from 1718-2522m in altitude. Piribeg, a 3.5km black run, covers the entire vertical. The resort boasts seven lifts and eight other runs, with a total of 16km of trails. For not much more than the cost of a day in the snowdome, you can't go wrong.
Saturday, August 19, 2006
New snowdome for Manchester
Work has begun on the new Chill Factore snowdome in Manchester, which is due to open in October 2007.
The new dome will be next to the Trafford shopping centre and will include three interconnecting slopes of varying difficulties. The combined slope length will be 180m (the longest in the country), with a vertical drop of 40m.
According to the Chill Factore website, this will be "a place where active lifestyle shops, themed bars and contemporary restaurants create an authentic alpine village".
I wonder if they'll have a few bell-wearing goats and sheep roaming the slopes in that case.
The new dome will be next to the Trafford shopping centre and will include three interconnecting slopes of varying difficulties. The combined slope length will be 180m (the longest in the country), with a vertical drop of 40m.
According to the Chill Factore website, this will be "a place where active lifestyle shops, themed bars and contemporary restaurants create an authentic alpine village".
I wonder if they'll have a few bell-wearing goats and sheep roaming the slopes in that case.
Tuesday, August 08, 2006
Serbia to open new ski resort
New lifts and runs are going to be constructed on Stara Mountain in Serbia, as part of the government's €50 million National Investment Plan.
Stara is one of 20 basic ski hills which operated for decades before the Balkan War, but will now be converted into an international ski destination.
Kopaonik ski area has already been reintroduced to the international market and has expanded successfully.
The first development at Stara will be the installation of two chairlifts.
Stara is one of 20 basic ski hills which operated for decades before the Balkan War, but will now be converted into an international ski destination.
Kopaonik ski area has already been reintroduced to the international market and has expanded successfully.
The first development at Stara will be the installation of two chairlifts.
Snowdomes in the sand
Not to be outdone by Ski Dubai, Abu Dhabi's Snoworld is due to open later this year, complete with ski slope, ice rink and shopping mall.
Snoworld will be part of the Marina Mall, one of the world's biggest malls, with 900,000 visitors each month.
Meanwhile Saudi Arabia is looking for a piece of the snow action and is examining the feasibility of constructing a Ski Trac, a rotating ski slope.
Back in Britain, plans for SnOasis in Suffolk, which would be the world's biggest indoor ski slope, have been put on hold by Ruth Kelly, Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government. A public enquiry into the planning application could take up to two years.
Snoworld will be part of the Marina Mall, one of the world's biggest malls, with 900,000 visitors each month.
Meanwhile Saudi Arabia is looking for a piece of the snow action and is examining the feasibility of constructing a Ski Trac, a rotating ski slope.
Back in Britain, plans for SnOasis in Suffolk, which would be the world's biggest indoor ski slope, have been put on hold by Ruth Kelly, Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government. A public enquiry into the planning application could take up to two years.
Saturday, July 29, 2006
Braving Whistler's bike park
Whistler's ski season may be coming to an end this weekend, but the good news is adventure seekers can still find fun on the mountain in the bike park.Blackcomb glacier closes to skiers and riders tomorrow, but the mountain bike park on Whistler mountain remains open until 9 October. There are over 200km of graded runs to test your nerves on.
Different levels of skills centres give riders the chance to practise ramps, jumps and teeter totters (see-saws). This is me wobbling my way over the tiniest ramp on the mountain.
Read all about my attempts at downhill mountain biking in my feature on the Sky Living website. Just click on the Canada story with the picture of a biker.
Wednesday, July 26, 2006
easyJet winter flights on sale
easyJet winter routes are now on sale for the 2006/7 season.
The flights have been on sale since 21 July, so there should still be plenty of deals around.
Remember though, the cheeky airline charges £15 each way for your snowboard (2005/6 price), even if it is your only piece of baggage.
British Airways, on the other hand, will carry your equipment free of charge, with a generous short-haul baggage allowance of 23kg.
The flights have been on sale since 21 July, so there should still be plenty of deals around.
Remember though, the cheeky airline charges £15 each way for your snowboard (2005/6 price), even if it is your only piece of baggage.
British Airways, on the other hand, will carry your equipment free of charge, with a generous short-haul baggage allowance of 23kg.
Snow Train 2007 timetable published
If you're feeling guilty about the environmental impact of flying to European resorts, Rail Europe has just launched next season's snow train timetable.
Beat the rush and book by 31 August for an earlybird deal. Prices start at £199, a saving of up to £30 on the regular fare.
The Eurostar trains run from London Waterloo and Ashford via Paris to Chambery, Albertville, Moutiers, Aime, Landry (I once did my laundry there actually) and Bourg St-Maurice.
The added bonus of taking the train is that you arrive on Saturday morning and leave on Saturday evening, allowing eight days of riding.
Book at www.raileurope.co.uk/snowtrains.
Beat the rush and book by 31 August for an earlybird deal. Prices start at £199, a saving of up to £30 on the regular fare.
The Eurostar trains run from London Waterloo and Ashford via Paris to Chambery, Albertville, Moutiers, Aime, Landry (I once did my laundry there actually) and Bourg St-Maurice.
The added bonus of taking the train is that you arrive on Saturday morning and leave on Saturday evening, allowing eight days of riding.
Book at www.raileurope.co.uk/snowtrains.
Wednesday, July 19, 2006
Himalayan ski packages offered
France - been there. Canada - done that. India - not yet? This year you could be the envy of your boarder friends and book a package to the world's highest resort.
Ski Himalaya is now taking reservations for winter 2006/7 trips to Gulmarg in Indian Kashmir, the only major Himalayan resort.
A new gondola covers 1350m of vertical, more than any lift in the USA.
The company is offering 15-night packages from US$960pp, including accommodation, transfers and most meals. For an extra US$500, skiers and riders can treat themselves to two weeks of guiding with Kashmir Powdercats.
Skier numbers are low, meaning plenty of fresh tracks for all. The snowfall looks pretty impressive too. Last season, almost 8m of snow fell in February alone.
Getting there involves a flight from Delhi to Srinigar (1 hour 30 mins) and a 56km drive. There are hotels near the base.
Ski Himalaya is now taking reservations for winter 2006/7 trips to Gulmarg in Indian Kashmir, the only major Himalayan resort.
A new gondola covers 1350m of vertical, more than any lift in the USA.
The company is offering 15-night packages from US$960pp, including accommodation, transfers and most meals. For an extra US$500, skiers and riders can treat themselves to two weeks of guiding with Kashmir Powdercats.
Skier numbers are low, meaning plenty of fresh tracks for all. The snowfall looks pretty impressive too. Last season, almost 8m of snow fell in February alone.
Getting there involves a flight from Delhi to Srinigar (1 hour 30 mins) and a 56km drive. There are hotels near the base.
Friday, July 14, 2006
No more getting stuck on the flat
Sick of unstrapping and breaking into a sweat as you skate along the flat, while skiers smugly fly past you? A new pole for boarders could change all that.
The Snowstik is a snazzy new gadget from snowboarder Richard Marks. The telescopic pole is designed to be clipped onto your boot and extends at the press of a button from 55cm to 140cm.
You can propel yourself along the flat or straight on and off the chairlift without ever needing to undo your bindings.
The pole comes in five colours, including a girlie lipstick pink (boys might prefer gunmetal or stealth) and is on sale for £55.
Snowclips cost £11.75, though it might be more comfortable if you bung it on the outside of your backpack.
Find out more at www.marxboarding.com.
The Snowstik is a snazzy new gadget from snowboarder Richard Marks. The telescopic pole is designed to be clipped onto your boot and extends at the press of a button from 55cm to 140cm.
You can propel yourself along the flat or straight on and off the chairlift without ever needing to undo your bindings.
The pole comes in five colours, including a girlie lipstick pink (boys might prefer gunmetal or stealth) and is on sale for £55.
Snowclips cost £11.75, though it might be more comfortable if you bung it on the outside of your backpack.
Find out more at www.marxboarding.com.
Thursday, July 13, 2006
UK skier numbers increase by 7%
Seven per cent more British skiers took an overseas ski holiday last winter than in the previous season according to the annual UK Ski Industry Report released this week.
The number of skiers and riders visiting the USA and Canada increased by 30 per cent. Other countries showing growth included Bulgaria, Serbia, Slovenia and Finland.
France is the most popular destination, taking just over a third of British skiers and boarders, followed by Austria and Switzerland.
The figures were released by British ski tour operator Crystal.
The number of skiers and riders visiting the USA and Canada increased by 30 per cent. Other countries showing growth included Bulgaria, Serbia, Slovenia and Finland.
France is the most popular destination, taking just over a third of British skiers and boarders, followed by Austria and Switzerland.
The figures were released by British ski tour operator Crystal.
Monday, July 10, 2006
2014 Winter Olympics shortlist
The 2014 Winter Olympics will be held in either Austria, Russia or South Korea.
The International Olympic Committee narrowed the shortlist from seven to three at a meeting in Lausanne, Switzerland, on Thursday.
The remaining candidate cities are PyeongChang in South Korea, Salzburg in Austria and Sochi in Russia.
The winner will be chosen in Guatemala City on 7 July 2007.
The International Olympic Committee narrowed the shortlist from seven to three at a meeting in Lausanne, Switzerland, on Thursday.
The remaining candidate cities are PyeongChang in South Korea, Salzburg in Austria and Sochi in Russia.
The winner will be chosen in Guatemala City on 7 July 2007.
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