Category: Resorts’ investment

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So you think that Jackson Hole is only for Extreme Skiers? Think again!

So you think that Jackson Hole is a haven for Extreme skiers only? That you need to be able to dive into the Corbet’s Couloir to say you’ve been there/done that?

This season Jackson Hole Mountain Resort is looking forward to open its 53rd ski season on November 22nd for holiday sightseeing rides on the Aerial Tram and then for skiing on the Saturday, November 24th. But this year, Jackson Hole has enhanced the mountain to make it more ‘family friendly’.

Jackson Hole is renowned for its amazing landscape. Photo: Jackson Hole Mountain Resort. You think Jackson Hole is only for Extreme Skiers? Think again. Also a haven for beginners now.
Jackson Hole is renowned for its amazing landscape. Photo: Jackson Hole Mountain Resort. You think Jackson Hole is only for Extreme Skiers? Think again. Also a haven for beginners now.

NEW! Solitude Station 

Solitude Station was thought and then built in Jackson Hole to create an easier skier progression and family experience. Dedicated entirely to kids and adults learning, this vast complex is accessed via a quick two-minute gondola ride from the base area.

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New investments in Whistler Blackcomb to enhance the guest experience will be ready for the 2018-19 ski season

Whistler- The effect that looks like a sea of clouds- Photo by Paul Morrison - Whistler Blackcomb - Vail Resorts. New investments in Whistler Blackcomb to enhance the guest experience will be ready for the 2018-19 ski season
  • Whistler Blackomb, owned by Vail Resorts, has invested CAD66 million (USD 52 million) at Whistler Blackcomb, including a new gondola-to-gondola-to-gondola connection.
  • This historic investment accelerates the Renaissance plan’s mountain improvements, with a focus on the heart of the resort, and defers consideration of new water park

Vail Resorts, Inc. (NYSE: MTN) announced last year that the historic investment of CAD$66 million (USD$52 million) at Whistler Blackcomb for the 2018-19 season which focused on three new lifts at the heart of the resort. This transformative investment featured the addition of a new gondola on the Blackcomb side of the mountain, as well as several other lift infrastructure upgrades, providing quicker, easier access to all levels of terrain. The plan also represented the largest single-year capital investment program in the resort’s history, and the Company’s decision to accelerate the mountain improvements included in the Renaissance plan, while deferring consideration of the new water park.

A family uses the Peak to Peak Gondola in Whistler Blackcomb. Photo by John Entwistle- Whistler Blackcomb- Vail Resorts. New investments in Whistler Blackcomb to enhance the guest experience will be ready for the 2018-19 ski season
A family uses the Peak to Peak Gondola in Whistler Blackcomb. Photo by John Entwistle- Whistler Blackcomb- Vail Resorts. New investments in Whistler Blackcomb to enhance the guest experience will be ready for the 2018-19 ski season

A new 10-passenger gondola is replacing the Wizard and Solar chairlifts and ascend from the base to the top of Blackcomb Mountain, terminating adjacent to the existing PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola, which transports guests to and from Blackcomb and Whistler. Upon completion for the start of the season, the new gondola will offer guests a more comfortable and weather-protected experience in the first three-gondola connection in the world, enhancing the longest continuous lift system. The new gondola is expected to represent a 47-percent capacity increase and move 4,000 people per hour, the highest capacity in North America.

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What is new in Gstaad for the 2018-19 ski season

Gstaad in winter. Quarantine Rules Removed in Switzerland as of 4 December

Gstaad is getting ready for the 2018-19 ski season and here is what is new in the resort.

LIFTS AND SNOW

A new gondola is commencing operations in Gstaad- The new Saanemöser-Saanersloch gondola will start running in the winter of 2018/19, and will transport in a quick and comfortable way skiers and boarders to the ski area and the Saanersloch ridge. This is a “D-line” gondola made by Swiss manufacturer Garaventa-Doppelmayer, a world’s first in its roof construction. The gondola is surrounded by glass, giving passengers amazing views of the Swiss Alps.

Rellerli- Skifahren- What is new in Gstaad for the 2018-19 ski season. Photo: Gstaad tourism office.
Rellerli- Skifahren- What is new in Gstaad for the 2018-19 ski season. Photo: Gstaad tourism office.

Fun in the snow at Weyerli – a little ski resort in the heart of Bern
When it is foggy in winter in the lowlands, Gstaad wants to encourage kids in Bern out into the snow with a children’s ski area that has a magic carpet allowing children access to snowsports in winter. The area opens end of November until the end of January/early February at the Weyermannshaus outdoor pool. This area is in association with the adjacent Weyermannshaus artificial ice rink where a small skiing and toboggan run has also been introduced.

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Continuity of Grandvalira guaranteed for the long term with the addition of Ordino Arcalís to their skiing experience.

Continuity of Grandvalira guaranteed for the long term with the addition of Ordino Arcalís to their skiing experience. - Photo: Grandvalira.

The Continuity of Grandvalira guaranteed for the long term with the addition of Ordino Arcalís to their skiing experience.

 An exciting new period for the ski sector and the Principality of Andorra has opened up with the biggest resort in southern Europe combining with the field of snow in Ordino to offer a pioneering ski experience with a total of 240 skiable kilometres

Nevasa will continue with brand marketing and communication, integrating the Arcalís products into their work. 

Grandvalira after a snowstorm. The continuity of Grandvalira guaranteed for the long term with the addition of Ordino Arcalís to their skiing experience. - Photo: Grandvalira.
Grandvalira after a snowstorm. The continuity of Grandvalira guaranteed for the long term with the addition of Ordino Arcalís to their skiing experience. – Photo: Grandvalira.

Yesterday good news came through for Grandvalira and Ordino Arcalís with the continuation of the agreement between the two companies that compose Grandvalira – SAETDE and ENSISA. The two have announced in 2017 that they were going to split, giving uncertainty to the Grandvalira umbrella brand, where one lift was used for the areas of Pas de la Casa, Grau Roig, Soldeu, El Tarter, Canillo and Emcamp. It was more a pity, as Grandvalira is a very successful brand that have increased the quantity of skiers days a lot in the last years. And I know the team behind Grandvalira, and they work their socks off! So I am glad, that thankfully, the two sides could come to an agreement, and what is also super exciting is that Ordino Arcalis have come along to their ski offer. Many locals that leave in Andorra la Vella or in the bases of Grandvalira, go on the weekend to ski Ordino as its freeskiing terrain is incredible. That is why Ordino Arcalis is a proud host of the Freeride World Tour.

  Continue reading “Continuity of Grandvalira guaranteed for the long term with the addition of Ordino Arcalís to their skiing experience.”

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What’s new in Chamonix for the 2018/19-ski season.

Le Brevent in Chamonix - ski with the views to the Mont Blanc. OT Vallée de Chamonix - Photo by Salome Abrial. What's new in Chamonix for the 2018-19-ski season.

What’s new in Chamonix for the 2018/19-ski season.

Chamonix is the capital of skiing, and it does not cater only to the daredevil, extreme skier, but also to families and beginners. Its different areas have something for everyone. Chamonix is a long valley within tall mountains, with a series of ski resorts on both sides of this valley.

Ready for the adventure - Vallée Blanche, Chamonix- what is new for Chamonix's 2018/19-ski season - Never ski the Vallée Blanche without a ski guide. Photo: Salome Abrial. OT Chamonix.
Ready for the adventure – Vallée Blanche, Chamonix- what is new for Chamonix’s ski season 2018-19 – Never ski the Vallée Blanche without a ski guide. Photo: Salome Abrial. OT Chamonix.

With 13,000 inhabitants Chamonix is a lively town that caters to tourists in all seasons. 400 shops opened all days, all year round and 130 restaurants can entertain the most discerning client, and those who don’t want to spend their bonuses. There are plenty of options for everyone.

Located in the border of France with Italy and just very near Switzerland, one can stay in Chamonix and ski the three countries with the Mont Blanc Unlimited pass. If you want to only ski in the Chamonix Valley Ski Areas, then purchase the Chamonix Le Pass.

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What’s new for the 2018/19-ski season at Skicircus Saalbach Hinterglemm Leogang Fieberbrunn – the home of Lässig.

Alpine skiing at the Skicircus Saalbach Hinterglemm Leogang Fieberbrunn. The skiers will not be affected because of the World Cup. Ski World Cup: Saalbach is in the Starting Gates

Read on to see what is new for the 2018/19 ski season at Skicircus Saalbach Hinterglemm Leogang Fieberbrunn- the home of Lässig. 

The Skicircus Saalbach Hinterglemm Leogang Fieberbrunn is one of the largest ski areas in Austria with 270 km of pistes, of which 140 km are blue runs for beginners, 112 km red runs for intermediates and 18 km of black runs for more advanced. This added to 70 lifts and more than 60 cosy mountain huts, various Snowparks, flood-lit pistes, toboggan runs and a Freeride Park.

Familiy at the Skicircus Saalbach Hinterglemm Leogang Fieberbrunn-
Familiy at the Skicircus Saalbach Hinterglemm Leogang Fieberbrunn-

New in winter 2018/19

Every summer the Skicircus Saalbach Hinterglemm Leogang Fieberbrunn undertakes investments to make the ski area more efficient.

This summer 2018 these projects were undertaken:

Continue reading “What’s new for the 2018/19-ski season at Skicircus Saalbach Hinterglemm Leogang Fieberbrunn – the home of Lässig.”

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3 Zinnen Dolomites will link its resort to Östirol in Austria for the 21/22 ski season

Drei Zinnen seen from the Drei Zinnen ski area - photo PXHere.com. Drei Zinnen will continue with its plan to install the Helmjet Sexten 10-seater cable car.

3 Zinnen Dolomites (3 Peaks Dolomites) will link their resort to Austria, making it a ski carousel of 2 provinces (Sudtirol, Belluno) and 2 countries (Italy and Ausria) when it builds a lift to link its area to the Thurnthaler ski area in Östirol for 21/22-ski season.

Thurnthaler has now 40 km of slopes and with the connection; the new combined ski area will have about 160 km of slopes, becoming the largest ski resort in the Dolomiti Superski carousel.

Drei Zinnen ski area - Copyright: 3 Peaks Dolomites. 3 Peaks Dolomites will link its resort to Östirol in Austria for the 21/22 ski season .
Drei Zinnen ski area – Copyright: 3 Peaks Dolomites. 3 Peaks Dolomites will link its resort to Östirol in Austria for the 21/22 ski season .

Since last year, the ski area was re-named 3 Peaks. Before it was known as Alta Pusteria Valley/Hochpustertal. This new name plays tribute to the region’s outstanding attractions: the UNESCO World Heritage site of the Dolomites and the Drei Zinnen.  The new denomination also includes the skiing area with its 110 kilometres of ski runs, with guaranteed snow and a panorama of peaks that will take your breath away.

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News from the Tirol’s ski resorts 2018/19

Ischgl - Copyright: Tirol Werbung- Jarisch Manfred. News from the Tirol’s ski resorts 2018/19.

News from the Tirol’s ski resorts 2018/19

Tirol, the renowned winter sports destination in the Alps, keeps investing in its infrastructure. The Tirolean lift companies are dedicated to ensuring the balance between nature and tourism. Here’s a quick look at the most important news and events this winter.

  • Ischgl invests €25 million in its ski area

The Gampenbahn, built in 1988, will be demolished and replaced by a six-person chairlift. It will start at 1924 m and carry up to 2,800 passengers per hour to 2,848 m above sea level. The 900 m height difference will set a world record for this kind of ski lift. In addition, two new restaurants will open in the area.

Valley Station Gampenbahn with restaurant. Copyright: Silvrettaseilbahn AG. News from the Tirol’s ski resorts 2018/19.
Valley Station Gampenbahn with restaurant. Copyright: Silvrettaseilbahn AG. News from the Tirol’s ski resorts 2018/19.
  • Two new lifts for Kitzbühel

In Kitzbühel, two new lifts within the existing ski resort boundaries will start running on 08.12.2018. These lifts will improve capacity in the increasingly popular Kitzbüheler Horn while maintaining its status as a quiet family ski area. The cost of this along with the expanded snowmaking facilities amounts to around €17 million.

The “6SB Brunelle” chairlift features special wind stabilisers, which will keep wind sensitivity to a minimum. The new lift will also be equipped with heated seats made from real leather, covers and mechanical safety bars.

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Vail Resorts closes it acquisition of Okemo Mountain Resort, Mount Sunapee Resort and Crested Butte Mountain Resort.

Crested Butte. Colorado, photo credit Robb Pennie. Crested Butte is now part of Vail Resorts and is EPIC, with Okemo Mountain Resort and Mount Sunapee Resort.

Vail Resorts closes it acquisition of Okemo Mountain Resort, Mount Sunapee Resort and Crested Butte Mountain Resort.

  • The Epic Pass, Epic Local Pass and Military Epic Pass now include unlimited, unrestricted access to Okemo Mountain Resort, Mount Sunapee Resort and Crested Butte Mountain Resort for the 2018-19 season
  • Passes for the 2018-19 season are currently on sale, with prices increasing Oct. 7
Okemo resort is one of the resorts sold by the Mueller's to Vail Resorts. Okemo Mountain Resort, Mount Sunapee Resort and Crested Butte Mountain Resort are now EPIC.
Okemo resort is one of the resorts sold by the Mueller’s to Vail Resorts. Okemo Mountain Resort, Mount Sunapee Resort and Crested Butte Mountain Resort are now EPIC.

Vail Resorts, Inc. (NYSE: MTN) today announced that the Company has closed on its acquisition of Triple Peaks, LLC, the parent company of Okemo Mountain Resort in Vermont, Mount Sunapee Resort in New Hampshire and Crested Butte Mountain Resort in Colorado. The Company purchased Triple Peaks from the Mueller family for a final purchase price of approximately $74 million, after adjustments for certain agreed-upon terms. As part of the transaction and with funds provided by Vail Resorts, Triple Peaks paid off $155 million in leases that all three resorts had with Ski Resort Holdings, LLC, an affiliate of Oz Real Estate.
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Launch of the new SCHILTHORN 20XX cableway project

The planned aerial shuttle cableway consists of 3 sections with 2 cabins each (Stechelberg – Mürren – Birg – Schilthorn). Its distinguishing feature is the replacement of the existing transport cableway from Stechelberg to Mürren by a new shuttle cableway as the 1st section, thus eliminating the need for a changeover.

Around 50 years after access to the Schilthorn – Piz Gloria was opened up by cable car, Schilthorn Cableway Ltd has presented the new project SCHILTHORN 20XX. The idea behind it is to replace the current cable car with a new aerial cableway. Based on the existing buildings and lines, the new infrastructure and cableway will ensure public transport connections to and from Gimmelwald and Mürren and optimize access to the Schilthorn – Piz Gloria excursion peak.

A model image of how the Schilthorn 20XX project will look like. Schilthorn 20XX.
A model image of how the Schilthorn 20XX project will look like. Schilthorn 20XX.

The current aerial cableway dates from 1965 (linking Stechelberg – Gimmelwald – Mürren – Birg) and 1967 (Birg – Schilthorn). While many electromechanical components have been continuously replaced, the structural infrastructure remains largely in its original state. The 2016 – 2026 financial plan includes age-related measures on the aerial cableway, which are due to be implemented in the next few years to comply with existing regulations. The cableway has also comprehensively exhausted its capacity reserves. Today, the 100-passenger cabins can only carry a maximum of 80 passengers, due to increasing space requirements (passengers now weigh more on average; rising transport volumes of equipment for leisure activities etc.) At the same time, passenger numbers have risen both in summer and winter in recent years.

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