Posts

Posted on

Will the Green Pass be the new normal on the South Tyrolian and Aosta Valley lifts this coming season?

Alto Adige - Trentino. Photo Iuliia Boiun- Unsplash. Will the Green Pass be the new normal on the South Tyrolian and Aosta Valley lifts this coming season?

Will the Green Pass be the new normal on the South Tyrolian and Aosta Valley lifts this coming season?

 

The coming 2021-22 ski season might bring the use of the Green Pass to get on the lifts of Sudtirol and the Aosta Valley.

 
This is what it looks like at the moment. It is at least, as per what I’ve read on Neveitalia and as reported by ANSA, La Stampa and the portal Trentino.
Alto Adige - Trentino. Photo Iuliia Boiun- Unsplash. Will the Green Pass be the new normal on the South Tyrolian and Aosta Valley lifts this coming season?
Alto Adige – Trentino. Photo Iuliia Boiun- Unsplash. Will the Green Pass be the new normal on the South Tyrolian and Aosta Valley lifts this coming season?

The case of Alto Adige. Will the Green Pass be the new normal on the South Tyrolian and Aosta Valley lifts this coming season?

 
In Alto Adige (Sudtirol), the president of Dolomiti Superski wants to impose the Green Pass. Dolomiti Superski is a big carrousel of interconnected lifts that is located east of the Autopista del Brennero. It comprises 1,200 km of pistes, including Alta Badia, Val Gardena, Cortina d’Ampezzo, Val di Fassa, Val di Fiemme, Kronplatz, amongst others.
 
Helmuth Sartori, the president of Dolomiti Superski supports this motion. He said: “We support political efforts to introduce the Green Pass as a pre-requisite for access the ski lifts.” This was at the assembly of the Association of South Tyrolean cable car operators held in Bolzano. “Winter 2020/21 could have been a record season, considering the early snowfalls and the optimal Easter date, it will instead go down in history as a total failure – added Sartori – and we can no longer allow another to occur a situation of this kind”.
Alta Badia. Gruppo del Sella. Photo: IDM Südtirol- Alex Filz- Alta Badia. Will the Green Pass be the new normal on the South Tyrolian and Aosta Valley lifts this coming season?
Alta Badia. Gruppo del Sella. Photo: IDM Südtirol- Alex Filz- Alta Badia. Will the Green Pass be the new normal on the South Tyrolian and Aosta Valley lifts this coming season?
 
More than 360 million euros in turnover is missing. Companies that did not have been operating during the summer have been without income for 20 months. They are fighting for economic survival. All these solutions have to be looked in advance for the 2021/22 season. Sartori wants that the legal framework is set up in advance.
 
South Tyrolean lifts engineers estimate that lift capacity can be reduced to 80% in closed cablecars. This was reported on the online portal Trentino. They agree to the Green Pass and other measures such as obligation of use of masks and providing desinfectant gel. They want to act now to plan security in advance to the season.
 
 

Continue reading “Will the Green Pass be the new normal on the South Tyrolian and Aosta Valley lifts this coming season?”

Posted on

News of Cortina d’Ampezzo for the 2021-22 ski season.

News of Cortina d’Ampezzo for the 2021-22 ski season. Photo credit: Pietro Albarelli. Cortina Marketing.

News of Cortina d’Ampezzo for the 2021-22 ski season.

Cortina d’Ampezzo is preparing for the 2021-22 ski season. Here you have the news of the Queen of the Dolomites.

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

A classic in Cortina d'Ampezzo- Bombardino in a terrace absorbing great views! Photo credit: Cortina Marketing.
A classic in Cortina d’Ampezzo- Bombardino in a terrace absorbing great views! Photo credit: Cortina Marketing.

New chairlift: Ra Valles

There will be a new four-seater chairlift in the area of Ra Valles. This is the highest in Cortina. You reach it with the Freccia nel Cielo Gondola and cablecar from the town centre. This new chairlift will replace two lifts.
It will reduce transport time dramatically. You will be able to reach much faster the top of the Bus de Tofana slope. This is the highest slope in Cortina,starting at 2,743m.
Posted on

Our trip to the mountains for our summer holidays.

Our trip to the mountains for our summer holidays.Photo: The view just in the entrance to Lago d'Arpy- the view of the Catena di Monte Bianco.

Our trip to the mountains for our summer holidays.

After such a hectic year with Covid, and thinking that travelling should be easy by now, we got to know we were wrong. At least, we managed to do our trip to the mountains. Here I will recount how it went on our summer holidays.

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

Preparations. Our trip to the mountains for our summer holidays.

We had mixed messaging from the UK government, that we could travel and then not. This topped up with the Italian and French governments changing their minds weekly.
Getting onboard the Eurotunnel from Folkestone to Calais. Our trip to the mountains for our summer holidays.
Getting onboard the Eurotunnel from Folkestone to Calais. Our trip to the mountains for our summer holidays.
The last week before travelling, when I’ve thought that we were going to get finally away, we had to do the following. First, if double vaccinated, the French were allowing us to come in without quarantining. This was the same for the kids of fully vaccinated adults. The only thing that was not clear is if our boy of 12 needed or not a further test. Just in case, at the last moment, we went to get an antigenic test at a drive-through at the O2 in Greenwich. There was a line on the advice stating that self-administered tests did not count. At least, we could use antigen tests for both Italy and France.
I’ve bought a series of tests for the whole family for France and then for Italy. I was afraid of not being able to use one for both destinations, as we were sleeping over in France. Then France changed the advice that those needing tests from the UK, they had to have their test up to 24 hours prior travelling. So only my eldest son (maybe) required a test to travel into France.

Continue reading “Our trip to the mountains for our summer holidays.”

Posted on

The Must-Read Guide to the Rhône Alpes

Les Saisies. Photo: C. Martelet. Rhône Alpes Tourisme. The Must-Read Guide to the Rhône Alpes.

The Must-Read Guide to the Rhône Alpes

Here I have put together the must-read guide to the Rhône Alpes. It is pretty inclusive so I’ll do it as a bit of a bullet point. But it is a good start where to see all their ski resorts and which ones could tempt you for your perfect ski holiday.
The Rhône Alpes is an extensive area in the Central West of France. From west to east it offers the Auvergne Volcanoes to Lyon and the French Alps and Mont Blanc. This is the roof of Europe at 4,810 meters.
Pointe d'Ireuse. View on Mont Blanc. Chablais Massif. Photo: Christian Matelet. Auvergne Rhône Alpes Tourisme. The Must-Read Guide to the Rhône Alpes.
Pointe d’Ireuse. View on Mont Blanc. Chablais Massif. Photo: Christian Matelet. Auvergne Rhône Alpes Tourisme. The Must-Read Guide to the Rhône Alpes.
 

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

How to get there: The Must-Read Guide to the Rhône Alpes. 

 

By Air:

 
  • Paris Airport- transfer to Lyon is 45 minutes.
  • Geneva Airport
  • Chambery Airport
  • Grenoble Airport
 

By Train:

 
  • Paris – TGV (fast train)
  • London with the Eurostar
  • Brussels with the Thalis
 

By Car:

 
  • Lyon airport: 1-3 hours
  • Geneva airport: 1-3 hours
  • Chambery airport: 1-1.5 hours
  • Grenoble airport: 1-1.5 hours.
Sunset on the Grandes Jorasses. Mont Blanc Massif. Photo: Carmen Villa/Auvergne-Rhône Alpes Tourisme. The Must-Read Guide to the Rhône Alpes.
Sunset on the Grandes Jorasses. Mont Blanc Massif. Photo: Carmen Villa/Auvergne-Rhône Alpes Tourisme. The Must-Read Guide to the Rhône Alpes.
 
 

The French Alps – The Must-Read Guide to the Rhône Alpes

 
The French Alps are the most renown ski mountains in the world. Here are some specs to explain why:
  • It has been three times host of Winter Olympic games:
    • Chamonix in 1925 (first edition)
    • Grenoble, 1968
    • Albertbille, 1992.
  • The 3 Valleys is the world’s largest ski area, with 600 km of ski slopes and more than 200 cable cars. Most of the terrain is above 1800 m altitude.
  • There are different connected ski areas, or if you prefer to call them ski carousels.
    • Les 3 Vallées
    • Paradiski
    • Val d’Isère- Tignes.
  • It has the longest snow season in Europe, from November (October for Tignes this year!) to May.
  • It offers summer skiing from June to August at
    • Val d’Isére-Tignes
    • Les 2 Alpes
 
This guide will pinpoint the unique particularities of the different main ski resorts.
 

Continue reading “The Must-Read Guide to the Rhône Alpes”

Posted on

Relaunch of international route to Scandinavian Mountains Airport: -The Scandinavian ski resorts are once again more accessible for Dutch ski enthusiasts

Relaunch of international route to Scandinavian Mountains Airport: -The Scandinavian ski resorts are once again more accessible for Dutch ski enthusiasts. Photo: Skistar/BBYTravel.

Relaunch of international route to Scandinavian Mountains Airport: -The Scandinavian ski resorts are once again more accessible for Dutch ski enthusiasts

As of 19 December 2021, Dutch company BBI Travel is relaunching its flights from Groningen Eelde Airport to Scandinavian Mountains Airport. The Dutch can return to SkiStar’s Scandinavian ski resorts on Thursday and Sunday every week, giving them a more efficient and faster journey.

Great Dane Airlines will operate the route in collaboration with Scandinavian Mountains Airport. The type of plane that will be used is the Embraer 195, with a capacity of 118 passengers.

Scandinavian Mountains Airport can already offer several attractive routes for mountain and ski enthusiasts from several Danish, British and now even Dutch cities, with Groningen Airport Eelde.

Relaunch of international route to Scandinavian Mountains Airport: -The Scandinavian ski resorts are once again more accessible for Dutch ski enthusiasts. Photo: Skistar/BBYTravel.
Relaunch of international route to Scandinavian Mountains Airport: -The Scandinavian ski resorts are once again more accessible for Dutch ski enthusiasts. Photo: Skistar/BBYTravel.

In recent years, there has been an increased interest in Scandinavian mountain experiences, both summer and winter. The Netherlands are no exception.

– The Netherlands is an important market for us and showed increased interest prior to the Corona pandemic. The Dutch generally love snow and winter sports. With this route, combined with a simple and convenient journey to our ski resorts Sälen and Trysil, plus the offer of first-class, safe mountain experiences for the whole family, we hope and believe that even more Dutch people will want to spend their holiday with us, says Mathias Lindström, Commercial Director of SkiStar AB.

Continue reading “Relaunch of international route to Scandinavian Mountains Airport: -The Scandinavian ski resorts are once again more accessible for Dutch ski enthusiasts”

Posted on

EcoSki- a new way to think about ski clothing

Chemmy Alcott is charging down the mountain on skis. Chemmy is an ambassador of EcoSki. EcoSki- a new way to think about ski clothing. Photo: EcoSki.

EcoSki- a new way to think about ski clothing

EcoSki is a new concept that will help people to change the way to think about their ski clothing. Their aim is to stop unnecessary purchases and waste. There is a most cost-effective way of dealing with this.

They aim to do so with four different avenues. EcoSki- a new way to think about ski clothing. 

 

1. Repair– what you already own, they will do this on your behalf. Check Repairs (ecoski.co.uk)
2. Rent – this will be a new project that will go live any time. It will feature a full range of high performance items. Brands such as Patagonia, Ortovox, Mammut, Picture and Amundsen. Items will range from socks and water bottles to ski jackets, pants and mid-layers. Not to forget also about avalanche safety equipment. EcoSki will sterilise between uses (O Zone Treatment). This will work in conjunction with My Wardrobe HQ.
3. Buy New but Buy Better. Do so from responsible brands. These are working to reduce their social and environmental impact. You will have the option to trade in when you no longer need them. They will then sold again preloved.
4. Buy Preloved. EcoSki will repair and list any items you don’t need anymore. They will then go again and list it on their preloved page (Ecoski’d ). At this moment you can find the preloved stock on Instagram. They soon will have their own website. EcoSki works also with Bluebird Exchange and will start working with WhoSki.com . Both companies specialised in Preloved outdoor wear.
EcoSki- a new way to think about ski clothing
EcoSki- a new way to think about ski clothing

Continue reading “EcoSki- a new way to think about ski clothing”

Posted on

Travelling into Europe with your pet post-Brexit

Travelling into Europe with your pet post-Brexit. Ozzy on the Dora Baltea taking a dip next to some rafters.

Travelling into Europe with your pet post-Brexit

 
How is it now travelling into Europe with your pet in a post-Brexit scenario? Before the end of last year, we were expecting it to be worst than it will finally be. It is still a bit more difficult than before, as you need to do an extra step. But don’t despair! Keep on reading on!
 
Nothing better than your dog enjoying a snowy landscape. Travelling into Europe with your pet post-BrexitPhoto by Yuki Dog, Unsplash.
Nothing better than your dog enjoying a snowy landscape. Travelling into Europe with your pet post-BrexitPhoto by Yuki Dog, Unsplash.

First things first- Travelling into Europe with your pet post-Brexit

 
You can no longer use your pet passport issued in Great Britain (be it England, Wales or Scotland) to get into the EU or NI. You will need a new document, called the Animal Health Certificate. That will be for each trip.
 
 

What do you need now to take your pet into Europe.

 
So now you need to think on the following
 
1) Get your dog microchipped, if he or she is not, as a first thing.
2) get your vet to apply a rabies vaccine, if your dog does not have one. Have your microchipped first, so then they can record the vaccine to the microchip!
3) Get an animal health certificate (AHC) from your vet up to ten days before your trip. This is a requirement for each trip you do. If your pet passport was issued in any country of the EU or Northern Ireland, then you can use that one instead. An official vet (OV) can issue this type of certificate, so check with yours, to see if he or she can do so. If not ask who could do it for you.
Travelling into Europe with your pet post-Brexit. Photo: Lauren Guardala. Unsplash.
Travelling into Europe with your pet post-Brexit. Photo: Lauren Guardala. Unsplash.Travelling into Europe with your pet post-Brexit. Photo: Lauren Guardala. Unsplash.
Remember to do this up to ten days before your trip, so count at the time you are leaving and go backwards. When visiting your vet, you will need to take proof of your pet’s microchipping date and vaccination history.
 
This AHC will be valid after the date of issue for
 
a) up to ten days for entry in the EU or Northern Ireland
b) 4 months for onward travel within the EU
c) 4 months to re-entry in Great Britain.
 
So, as stated before, your pet will need a new ATC for each trip into the EU or Northern Ireland.
 

Continue reading “Travelling into Europe with your pet post-Brexit”

Posted on

Summary of a non-season, and how things are looking now for a summer in the mountains.

View from La Clusaz, comune di La Salle, Aosta Valley. Photo: The-Ski-Guru. Summary of a non-season, and how things are looking now for a summer in the mountains.

Summary of a non-season, and how things are looking now for a summer in the mountains.

After a non-season, which was different depending the country, I am looking forward. I want to focus more on the future than the past, and how things are looking now for a summer in the mountains. But will write a short summary of what happened before moving to the summer.

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

This past ski- season. Summary of a non-season, and how things are looking now for a summer in the mountains.

The case of  North -America. Summary of a non-season, and how things are looking now for a summer in the mountains.

It was the weirdest season- or non-season of my entire life. And I am 51 now. America had a season, albeit limitations. Canada too, even they had more limitations than America. It was a mixed patch. From Covid tests for those arriving into Vermont or Aspen, to a reservation system in most of the resorts. It must have been so difficult for resorts to organise it all. And for lodging, you sell the lodging. And you have to have an agreement with the lift company to be sure these people will be able to ski!
The Covid Ski Season. Photo by Florian Glawogger. Unsplash. Summary of a non-season, and how things are looking now for a summer in the mountains.
The Covid Ski Season. Photo by Florian Glawogger. Unsplash. Summary of a non-season, and how things are looking now for a summer in the mountains.

And what happened with Canada. Summary of a non-season, and how things are looking now for a summer in the mountains.

 
The Canadian provinces had lots of limitations so it was difficult travelling around. Whistler had to close earlier as a big cluster of Covid developed in the population.
 
You could eat inside and then not anymore. Owners and workers of restaurants kept on having disputes with the local authorities. But overall, the North Americans had a ski season.

Continue reading “Summary of a non-season, and how things are looking now for a summer in the mountains.”

Posted on

Aspen Snowmass Releases First-Ever Progress Report on Methane-to-Electricity Plant

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

Aspen Snowmass Releases First-Ever Progress Report on Methane-to-Electricity Plant

Aspen Skiing Company (ASC) today released a report that tells the story of how ASC and its partners – Oxbow’s Elk Creek Mine, Holy Cross Energy, and Vessels Carbon Solutions – turned a coal mine in Somerset, Colorado into a clean-energy production facility. It also documents how much electricity has been generated since the project began, how much harmful methane has been destroyed, and how much revenue the project generates annually.

Aspen Snowmass Releases First-Ever Progress Report on Methane-to-Electricity Plant. Photo Aspen Snowmass.
Aspen Snowmass Releases First-Ever Progress Report on Methane-to-Electricity Plant. Photo Aspen Snowmass.

“We recognize global warming as an existential threat to our business,” said Matt Jones, ASC’s Chief Financial Officer, who worked with representatives of Oxbow to make this project happen. “We can’t stand by and wait for others to solve this crisis. We’re trying to do what we can to make a difference.”

Continue reading “Aspen Snowmass Releases First-Ever Progress Report on Methane-to-Electricity Plant”

Posted on

30 Years in a White Haze- the new book by ski legend Dan Egan and Eric Wilbur will be available from March

Dan and John Egan vintage photo in bright onesies, which were the rage at the time! 30 Years in a White Haze- the new book by ski legend Dan Egan and Eric Wilbur will be available from March.

30 Years in a White Haze- the new book by ski legend Dan Egan and Eric Wilbur will be available from March

I am lucky to be pre-reading the 30 Years in a White Haze- the new book of my friend and ski legend Dan Egan and Eric Wilbur. It tells the story of Dan and his worldwide adventures and how the Extreme Skiing evolved in its heyday. It will be available in the United Kingdom from March and you can preorder now). Obviously it will be available in the US and in Continental Europe as well! So go ahead and check on Amazon.com now. 
Dan Egan with his Skis on a day in the job. 30 Years in a White Haze- the new book by ski legend Dan Egan and Eric Wilbur will be available from March.
Dan Egan with his Skis on a day in the job. 30 Years in a White Haze- the new book by ski legend Dan Egan and Eric Wilbur will be available from March.
Thirty Years in a White Haze chronicles the adventures, successes and losses of Dan. It also documents the evolution of Extreme Skiing and the growth of the outdoor media industry.
The book unravels history as Egan ties together his own family’s story, the ever-present mortality of his namesake. Also his grandfather’s involvement in desegregating Boston’s (his home town) school. And the rise of extreme skiing and technology into the new millennium. An ode to a life filled with curiosity, growth, freedom and its costs. Dan Egan and Eric Wilbur’s new book promises a heavy dose of humour, suspense, thrill, and documentary, as thirty years of haze dissipates to clarity.

Continue reading “30 Years in a White Haze- the new book by ski legend Dan Egan and Eric Wilbur will be available from March”