Category: Ski

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How Sustainable is Vail Resorts for the Future Years?

Family Ski School Instruction in Vail, CO. Photo: Jack Affleck. Vail Resorts. The Must-Read Guide to Vail.

These last weeks there were lots of news on Vail Resorts, for the wrong reasons, and got me thinking how sustainable is Vail Resorts for the Future Years?

I actually think this is a bigger problem, that can include Alterra and Powder Mountain and all the conglomeration that has been going on on the ski business worldwide.

Vail Mountain Wooden Clock, painting by Martina Diez-Routh in soft pastels, pan pastels and pastel pencils on pastel paper 80x60cm unframed, on sale framed.
Vail Mountain Wooden Clock, painting by Martina Diez-Routh in soft pastels, pan pastels and pastel pencils on pastel paper 80x60cm unframed, actually exhibiting at the QC Terme hotel in Courmayeur. Check it in my shop here. 

It is a love/hate relationship that one has now with Vail Resorts and all the conglomeration of ski passes. Part of me thinks is just plain wrong, that they are killing the character of resorts, and really gets me angry seeing these big companies trying to purchase European and Japanese resorts. But then, having studied Economics in my younger life, I can see that the scale economies work… but to whose advantage… not employees for sure, maybe the CEO of a public company, that has her job pretty well paid of.

This video below of Peak Rankings give you a thorough report on the state of Vail Resorts and what their last report might mean for its future.

You can see my Must-Read Guide to Vail here – even I am in two minds with the resort 🙂

More of PeakRankings here.

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The Women Ski World Cup is Returning to La Thuile

Audi FIS Ski World La Thuile.

Tickets will be available online from 21st December. You can watch the races of 14 and 15 March 2025 from an exclusive seat! A smart idea for your Christmas gifts.

In La Thuile next winter will really sparkle because the Women Ski World Cup will come back here after 5 years.

The queens of speed will challenge each other on slope “Number 3- Franco Berthod” on Friday, 14 and Saturday, 15 March 2025.

A unique show not to be missed: the slope is the steepest in Italy and the race is one of most difficult of the circuit.

Downhill on Friday, Super G on Saturday: this will be the last date before the Finals in the USA.

Skiing in La Thuile- Soft Pastels, Pan Pastels, Pastel Pencils and Charcoal on La Carte Pastel. 60 x 80 cm. In my shop!
Skiing in La Thuile- Soft Pastels, Pan Pastels, Pastel Pencils and Charcoal on La Carte Pastel. 60 x 80 cm. In my shop!

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Grandvalira, Pal Arinsal and Ordino Arcalis have opened thanks to the latest snowstorm.

A chairlift in Grandvalira full of snow. Photo Grandvalira. Grandvalira, Pal Arinsal and Ordino Arcalis have opened thanks to the latest snowstorm.

Thanks to the last snowfalls, Grandvalira, Pal Arinsal and Ordino Arcalis are now opened. The snowfall of 100 cm in parts has been celebrated by locals while more snow is expected. The descent of the temperatures allows to produce more man-made snow to touch the more tracked areas.

Grandvalira has started the 2024-25 ski season with partial opening in the sectors of Pas de la Casa and Grau Roig, and then it opened the sectors of Encamp, Soldeu, El Tarter and Canillo.

In numbers, the Andorran ski domain of Grandvalira Resorts look like this:

Grandvalira, Pal Arinsal and Ordino Arcalis have opened thanks to the latest snowstorm. Photo: Grandvalira Resorts.
Grandvalira, Pal Arinsal and Ordino Arcalis have opened thanks to the latest snowstorm. Photo: Grandvalira Resorts.

*308 skiable km, the biggest area of the Pyrenees mountains and the south of Europe.

*217 pistes of all different levels

*123 ski lifts with a transportation capacity of 180.115 skiers/hour

*3,135 hectares

*66% of terrain with snowmaking, to guarantee skiing conditions

*79.8 km of snow shoeing circuits

*81.3 km of circuits for ski mountaineering

*+25 activities of adventure

*87 restaurants/bars on the mountain.

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Empowering Fitness: Unlocking the Potential of People with Disabilities

Skiing on a sit ski. Photo: La Rosiere Tourism Office. Empowering Fitness: Unlocking the Potential of People with Disabilities.

Guest post by Martin Block. The Able Rise Group.

Living with a disability should never be a barrier to leading an active and fulfilling lifestyle. Physical activity is not only crucial for maintaining overall health but also contributes to improved mental well-being and enhanced quality of life. In this article, we explore a range of fitness options specifically tailored to meet the needs of individuals with disabilities. By embracing adaptive exercise techniques and inclusive fitness programs, we can empower people with disabilities to unlock their full potential and enjoy the numerous benefits of an active lifestyle.

The big rock in the river. See this oil painting in my shop here.
The big rock in the river. See this oil painting in my shop here.

Set Yourself Up for Success With a Healthy Breakfast

Starting the day with a nutritious breakfast sets the foundation for a successful workout session. Consuming a balanced meal rich in protein, whole grains, and fresh fruits helps fuel your body and provide sustained energy throughout the day. Whether you choose a hearty bowl of oatmeal topped with berries or a protein-packed smoothie, a healthy breakfast ensures you have the stamina and focus needed to make the most out of your exercise routine.

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Indy Pass becomes the temporary owner of historic Black Mountain in New Hampshire

Indy Pass acquires Black Mountain

For people following my blog, you know that I love the idea of the Indy Pass and I do prefer the small mountain vibe than the big conglomerate, so I always publish press releases from Indy Pass. Indy Pass is becoming the temporary owner of the historic Black Mountain in New Hampshire. The Indy Pass will ensure the ski area is open for its 90th season and will implement a community-operated (co-op) business model by the start of the 2025/26 season

Indy Pass is the temporary owner of Black Mountain to keep it running this season. Photo: Indy Pass.
Indy Pass is the temporary owner of Black Mountain to keep it running this season. Photo: Indy Pass.
Indy Pass, the independent ski areas season pass. Logo: Indy Pass.
Indy Pass, the independent ski areas season pass. Logo: Indy Pass.

The Indy Pass and Entabeni Systems have purchased Black Mountain, New Hampshire’s oldest ski area, from the Fichera family. For the past 30 years, the Fichera family has worked tirelessly to keep the mountain open for the community to enjoy. Indy Pass will own and operate the resort for this coming season and will transfer the ownership to a community co-op by the 2025/26 season. The family will continue to support the mountain as it  transitions to the co-op model.

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Plan your holiday to Les Gets this winter

Grand Cry Tipis Zone Ludique. Valentin Du Crettet. Les Gets Tourisme. Plan your holiday to Les Gets this winter.

If you are looking for a great place where to go skiing with your family, Les Gets it is a great contender.

With easy access, as you can fly into Geneva, and you are only at 1 hour 20 minutes away from Les Gets.

Snowboarding in the expanse area of Les Gets. Photo: Keno. Les Gets Tourisme. Plan your ski holiday to Les Gets this winter.
Snowboarding in the expanse area of Les Gets. Photo: Keno. Les Gets Tourisme. Plan your ski holiday to Les Gets this winter.

Or drive from London taking the ferry or the Eurotunnel and then after passing Geneva, take the A40 and then the D902 to get there.

In a nutshell, Les Gets is one of the 12 resorts of Les Portes du Soleil, that are in two countries (France and Switzerland) and cover more than 600 km of pistes.

Snowshoeing at dusk or dawn. One of the guided activities you can pre-book now for your Les Gets trip. Photo: Max Coquard. Les Gets Tourisme. Plan your holiday to Les Gets this winter.
Snowshoeing at dusk or dawn. One of the guided activities you can pre-book now for your Les Gets trip. Photo: Max Coquard. Les Gets Tourisme. Plan your holiday to Les Gets this winter.

Les Gets ski area is opening on Saturday 21st December 2024 through April Sunday 6th, 2025. On 14th December the resort will open the terrain with enough snow to ski, all depending on snow conditions.

This article may contain affiliate/compensated links. For full information, please see our disclaimer here.

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Indy Pass Adds Ten New Resorts

Indy Pass banner photo.

INDY PASS ADDS TEN NEW RESORTS, INCLUDING RAGGED MOUNTAIN. PASSES ARE NOW ON SALE IN CELEBRATION OF “INDEPENDENT’S DAY”

Ragged Mountain, NH, and nine other resorts will add capacity for the 2024/25 season, enabling a limited number of passes to be released today.

 

GRANBY, COLORADO—Indy Pass announced today that Ragged Mountain in New Hampshire, three others in New England, four in Japan, and one each in the Southeast and Nova Scotia will join the pass, adding skier capacity for the 2024/25 season. A limited number of passes will be available for purchase starting today.

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Review on the Dynastar M-Pro W 92 skis for women

Dynastar Skis at the Snow Centre - Photo: The-Ski-Guru

I have the chance to try the Dynastar M-Pro W 92 skis at the Ski Press event at the Snow Centre in Hemel Hempstead. I have tried already another pair last year which I really liked, and was keen to see how this ski would do.

A freestyle ski,  intended to be an all-mountain ski for advanced to expert skiers. Built with a wood core (hybrid core 2.0) –  it is designed to be great on powder and forgiving in piste.

Getting my skis ready by Scott Dobson of Dynastar skis. Photo: The-Ski-Guru
Getting my skis ready by Scott Dobson of Dynastar skis. Photo: The-Ski-Guru

It features a moderate waist width to ensure a smooth transition between groomers and fresh powder, and a dual rocker that enhances its manoeuvrability in soft snow while still giving you a grip on hard-pack, due to its traditional camber.

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Review of my Snow Finel’s Merino Jumper

Snow Finel Chevron Kitzbühel Jumper. Photo: The-Ski-Guru

I’ve got the luck to get a Snow Finel’s merino jumper after attending the Ski Press Demo day. I am so lucky about it as I was eyeing them for a while!

Snow Finel Kitzbühel Jumper with its characteristic chevron.
Snow Finel Kitzbühel Jumper with its characteristic chevron.

The one I got is a Kitzbühel chevron stripe jumper in navy with orange chevron stripes. I love the softness of the wool, and the seamless construction. It is not bulky at all, as it sits well hugging your body. What I like of merino wool (which I use a lot), is that it is great for exercising, as it wickers the sweat very fast and the fabric dries without making you cold. The fabric also does not stink, thanks to its antibacterial qualities.

This is a perfect second layer under a ski jacket, as it is not bulky. I would use it year round, as it is pretty light to use when is chilly in summer too!

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The Must-Read Guide to Valle Nevado

Valle Nevado at dusk. Photo Courtesy Valle Nevado.

Valle Nevado is one of those ski resorts that you should go and visit. That is why I have put together this must-read guide to Valle Nevado. Located high in the Chilean Andes, to the west of Santiago, this is the centre of the Tres Valles de Chile (the 3 Valleys of Chile). Here you feel that you are definitely skiing in high mountain.

The ski season runs from late June till early October, but it can be movable depending on snowing conditions.

The Andes are majestic, from whichever side you see them. Valle Nevado counts with the best sunsets you will ever see on the mountains. The pinks, oranges and yellows of the sky are jaw-dropping. This is caused by the smog in Santiago (believe it or not!), but even if smog is awful, up in Valle Nevado you have a spectacle of light. Plus the smog gets stuck down in the valley!

Endless possibilities in Valle Nevado. Photo courtesy of Valle Nevado.
Endless possibilities in Valle Nevado. Photo courtesy of Valle Nevado.

Location – The Must Read Guide to Valle Nevado

Valle Nevado is located 46 km west of Santiago. You need to take the road out of Santiago and the paved road to Farellones for 32 km until the diversion the last portion to  Valle Nevado.

How to Get There – The Must Read Guide to Valle Nevado

You do have to be careful driving up (and down!)- the 59 hairpin turns to get to the resort. Read beforehand the timing of going up and down the road, as depending on the time of the year, and during all weekends during the ski season, there are early hours to go up and hours in the day to go down. The road is a bit thin, and when there is heavy traffic, when people finish their ski week, it could be too tricky to have traffic both ways.

As you will not be driving while in Valle Nevado, you might be better off taking a shared or private transfer to get up the mountain and back.

Aiguilles des Drus et Aiguille Verte. Soft Pastels, pan pastels and charcoal on La Carte Pastel. 65x50 cm (20"x26") in my shop here.
Aiguilles des Drus et Aiguille Verte. Soft Pastels, pan pastels and charcoal on La Carte Pastel. 65×50 cm (20″x26″) in my shop here.

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