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Ikon Pass to include Zermatt and Cervinia for the 2019/20 ski season

Matterhorn at dusk. Photo credit: Marc Weiler. Zermatt Tourism Office. Ikon Pass to include Zermatt and Cervinia for the 2019/20 ski season.

Ikon Pass to include Zermatt and Cervinia for the 2019/20 ski season

Ikon Pass expands into Europe with the addition of Zermatt in Switzerland and Cervinia Valtourneche in Italy for the 2019/20 ski season

Soak up the magic of the Matterhorn as Zermatt in Switzerland becomes the first European destination partner on the Ikon Pass. Now Ikon Pass holders have access to snow at 41 global destinations across five continents.

The iconic Matterhorn towers over more than 3,500 acres (1,416 hectares) of terrain that spans both Switzerland and Italy, offering Swiss hospitality coupled with Italian lifestyle, in the highest skiable terrain offered in the picturesque Alps. Connected lift service offers Ikon Pass holders access to Rothorn, Gornergrat and the Schwarzsee-Matterhorn glacier paradise within the Zermatt ski area, plus Cervinia-Valtournenche ski areas in Italy, collectively known as Matterhorn ski paradise.

The IKON Pass extends into Europe. Ikon Pass to include Zermatt and Cervinia for the 2019/20 ski season.
The IKON Pass extends into Europe. Ikon Pass to include Zermatt and Cervinia for the 2019/20 ski season.

Ikon Pass holders will have seven-day access to Zermatt and the Matterhorn ski paradise network on the Ikon Pass with no blackout dates, and five-day access on the Ikon Base Pass, also with no blackout dates.

“The Matterhorn is a true icon known around the world, so we are thrilled to have Zermatt join the Ikon Pass community,” said Erik Forsell, Chief Marketing Officer for Alterra Mountain Company. “Ikon Pass strives to continually offer pass holders unique experiences in the mountains. Now they can experience Zermatt’s glacier skiing, traditional Swiss fondue, plus its infamous European après ski across two countries, on one pass.”

“Zermatt and Matterhorn ski paradise are pleased to be the first European destination on the Ikon Pass, and we look forward to offering our best Swiss quality and Italian lifestyle to Ikon Pass holders everywhere. We are excited to share our passion and devotion to skiing within the Ikon Pass community and its impressive destination partners across the globe,” said Sandra Zenhäusern, Director of Marketing, Zermatt Bergbahnen AG.

Continue reading “Ikon Pass to include Zermatt and Cervinia for the 2019/20 ski season”

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Second fire at Chapelco Ski Resort within a couple of weeks.

Second fire at Chapelco Ski Resort within a couple of weeks. Ski Map of Chapelco ski resort.

Second fire at Chapelco Ski Resort within a couple of weeks.

The ski resort of Chapelco, in the Lake Region of the Argentine Patagonia, has suffered a second fire within a couple of weeks. The resort located just outside the village of San Martín de los Andes recorded a fire this morning, around 9.30 AM local time, in the equipment rental shop called Austria, located at the entrance of the resort.

Fire of the rental shop Austria in the base of Chapelco, in San Martin de los Andes. Second fire at Chapelco Ski Resort within a couple of weeks.
Fire of the rental shop Austria in the base of Chapelco, in San Martin de los Andes. Second fire at Chapelco Ski Resort within a couple of weeks.

For unknown reasons, the flames consumed in minutes the whole rental shop, while the tourists where running away barefoot. Three groups of firemen went to put the fire out.

A big dense cloud of smoke can be seen from the city, located 5 km from the resort. The skiers and tourists have been posting all day photos and videos on social media.

The fire occurred in the parking lot where the rental shops for picking up and leaving ski and snowboard equipment are located, and the shop called Austria was completely burnt. The firemen where working to avoid the fire to spread out.

Continue reading “Second fire at Chapelco Ski Resort within a couple of weeks.”

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Arapahoe Basin is now part of the IKON Pass

Arapahoe Basin photo: Dave Camara. Arapahoe Basin is now part of the IKON Pass.

Arapahoe Basin is now part of the IKON Pass

Arapahoe Basin has made the news recently for leaving the alliance with Vail Resorts and being part of the Epic Pass due to major problems with overcrowding, including parking on US6 that was making it just dangerous for visitors and drivers alike.

Arapahoe Basin Cam. Arapahoe Basin is now part of the IKON Pass.
Arapahoe Basin Cam. Arapahoe Basin is now part of the IKON Pass.

I guess it is difficult to be an independent resort in the current climate of concentration of the ski market in the US, so now A Basin will be part of the competitor of the Epic Pass – the IKON Pass. The IKON Pass can be used in 40 global ski destinations, including six in Colorado, now with A Basin:

Aspen Snowmass, Steamboat, Winter Park Resort, Copper Mountain, Arapahoe Basin Ski Area, and Eldora Mountain Resort.

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Stream bursts banks and floods Zermatt

Matterhorn with an imposing ram in front of it. Photo Leander Wenger. Zermatt Tourism Office. Stream bursts banks and floods Zermatt.

Stream bursts banks and floods Zermatt

From Swissinfo.ch

A torrent of water in the Triftbach stream caused unexpected flooding in the Swiss resort of Zermatt. A pocket of meltwater in the glacier above is believed to be the cause.

Despite it being the hottest day of the year without a drop of rain in sight, the Triftbach stream took Zermatt by surprise on Wednesday when it transformed into a gushing torrent of grey water for a while. News website 20 Minuten was able to source footage from readers.

(Keystone / Philippe Mooser) Swissinfo.ch. Stream bursts banks and floods Zermatt.
(Keystone / Philippe Mooser) Swissinfo.ch. Stream bursts banks and floods Zermatt.

No one was injured, the municipality said.

A glacier is probably at the origin of these torrents of water carrying sand and stones, said mayor Romy Biner-Hauser, who described it as “an unpredictable whim of nature”.

Continue reading “Stream bursts banks and floods Zermatt”

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FIS CAMP- South America Chile July, 2019

FIS CAMP- South America Chile July, 2019. Photo Courtesy: FIS Camp, Chino Martinez.

FIS CAMP- South America Chile July, 2019

By Chino Martinez- Coach and Pro Skier

The FIS Camp is a classic event every season, with one version in Europe and one in South America.  The International Ski Federation supports this fantastic camp to create the future World Champions and FIS racers from all over the world.

FIS CAMP- South America Chile July, 2019. Photo Courtesy: FIS Camp, Chino Martinez.
FIS CAMP- South America Chile July, 2019. Photo Courtesy: FIS Camp, Chino Martinez.

16 kids, ladies and men spent 21 days in a ski resort in South America; this year it was the chance for EL Colorado, in Chile at the base of the Andes to host the camp. El Colorado is located one hour from Santiago City. It is a great ski resort, with lots of experience in ski racing and race training, which hosted many amazing athletes over the years of the likes of Ilka Stuhec, Lindsey Vonn and Mikaela Shiffrin.

The FIS race camp is about skiing and much more: the camaraderie between the kids and coaches while staying at the same Hotel and sharing ideas and techniques is invaluable and creates a great vibe for the entire group.From 6;45 am breakfast is served, in order to start skiing at 7:30 am for 3-4 hours. Then is time for lunch all together, with a second short session in the afternoon.

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Vail Resorts to Acquire Peak Resorts, Owner Of 17 U.S. Ski Areas

A great powder day at Mount Snow, part of Peak Resorts.Vail Resorts to Acquire Peak Resorts, Owner Of 17 U.S. Ski Areas

Vail Resorts to Acquire Peak Resorts, Owner Of 17 U.S. Ski Areas

Vail Resorts, Inc. (NYSE: MTN) today announced it has entered into a definitive merger agreement to acquire 100 percent of the outstanding stock of Peak Resorts, Inc. (NASDAQ: SKIS) at a purchase price of $11.00 per share, subject to certain conditions, including regulatory review and Peak Resorts’ shareholder approval.

Liberty Mountain. Photo: Peak Resorts. Vail Resorts to Acquire Peak Resorts, Owner Of 17 U.S. Ski Areas
Liberty Mountain. Photo: Peak Resorts. Vail Resorts to Acquire Peak Resorts, Owner Of 17 U.S. Ski Areas

Through the acquisition, Vail Resorts will add 17 U.S. ski areas to its network of world-class resorts. Located near major metropolitan areas, including New York, Boston, Washington, D.C., Baltimore, Philadelphia, Cleveland, Columbus, St. Louis, Kansas City and Louisville, the resorts include:

  • Mount Snow in Vermont
  • Hunter Mountain in New York
  • Attitash Mountain Resort, Wildcat Mountain and Crotched Mountain in New Hampshire
  • Liberty Mountain Resort, Roundtop Mountain Resort, Whitetail Resort, Jack Frost and Big Boulder in Pennsylvania
  • Alpine Valley, Boston Mills, Brandywine and Mad River Mountain in Ohio
  • Hidden Valley and Snow Creek in Missouri
  • Paoli Peaks in Indiana

Continue reading “Vail Resorts to Acquire Peak Resorts, Owner Of 17 U.S. Ski Areas”

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Stranded tourists heli-ported after Stanserhorn CabriO cable car breakdown

The Stanserhorn Cabrio cablecar. A double decker. Different types of lifts on resorts (I can think of) and how to ride them.

Stranded tourists heli-ported after Stanserhorn CabriO cable car breakdown

From Swiss.ch

Around 150 tourists stranded at the top of the Stanserhorn mountain in central Switzerland had to be rescued by helicopter after the cable car they came up with broke down.

On Friday evening, the monitoring system of the open-air cable car triggered an emergency shutdown due to a technical defect, said the operators. Passengers in the cabins were able reach both ends thanks to a backup mechanism. However, those who were at the top of the mountain were stranded. They had to be transported by three helicopters to the valley below.

The Stanserhorn Cabrio is arriving to the top station in Stanserhorn mountain. Stranded tourists heli-ported after Stanserhorn CabriO cable car breakdown.
The Stanserhorn Cabrio is arriving to the top station in Stanserhorn mountain. Stranded tourists heli-ported after Stanserhorn CabriO cable car breakdown.

“At no time were they in any danger,” said the Stanserhorn cable car operators.

Repairs were scheduled for Saturday morning and the cable cars are expected to return to service Sunday morning. A similar incident took place a week ago on the Niesen mountain in the Bernese mountains. The breakdown of the funicular railway had necessitated a rescue by helicopter.

More information: Swiss.ch

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Delta slashes price of overlarge sports gear.

Delta slashes price of overlarge sports gear.

Delta slashes price of overlarge sports gear.

Delta Airlines is making it cheaper to travel with large sports equipment. It is eliminating the USD 150 specialty sports bag fee, copying what American Airlines did earlier this year.

Travellers will be paying normal baggage fees for sporting equipment as long as it meets the weight and size requirements of Delta. Delta charges USD 30 each way for the first checked bag and USD 40 for the second on domestic flights.

Delta slashes price of overlarge sports gear. Aerial view of Lausanne and Lac Leman.
Delta slashes price of overlarge sports gear. Aerial view of Lausanne and Lac Leman

This policy takes place for tickets purchased on or after July 17th. Alaska Airlines was the first carrier to slash the oversize sports equipment fees in 2017. United did the same in 2018, but only on nonstop flights to and from California for surfboards.

Delta Airlines stated: “Delta customers traveling with surfboards, bicycles, golf clubs, scuba gear and other large-sized sporting equipment will now be allowed to check them as part of their standard baggage allowance.

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The new Future of Ski Bindings is here: Howell 880 Pro ACL friendly ski binding.

Gear Tests- the new Howell 800 Pro ACL Friendly. The new Future of Ski Bindings is here: Howell 880 Pro ACL friendly ski binding.

The new Future of Ski Bindings is here: Howell 880 Pro ACL friendly ski binding.

We all know how important ski bindings to skis are. You don’t want them to pre-release, making it dangerous while coming fast down the mountain.  On the same way, you don’t want them not to release, as this implicates potential damage to your limbs.

Howell Ski Bindings 800 Pro. The new Future of Ski Bindings is here: Howell 880 Pro ACL friendly ski binding.
Howell Ski Bindings 800 Pro. The new Future of Ski Bindings is here: Howell 880 Pro ACL friendly ski binding.

The typical binding has a lateral toe release and upward heel release. The Howell 880 Pro has both characteristics, PLUS a lateral heel release.

These bindings will be releasing end of October 2020 and you can pre-reserve with a USD 80 deposit here.

Rick Howell, owner of Howell SkiBindings has been in the business of creating bindings for over 4 decades. He was involved in the release of the Salomon 555, what became the number 1 selling alpine throughout the mid-1970’s. He has a fascinating story about his life – it did grip me and read it all – you can check it here.

He was involved with a group of technicians from Stuttgart on what is now called the ‘‘DIN’ System’, used worldwide for 37 years, by 20 million skiers, including today. Rick worked many years for Geze ski binding company and received the ‘Glass Award’ for successful business accomplishments that caused ‘over 100,000 pair of bindings to be sold in a single year. ‘

Continue reading “The new Future of Ski Bindings is here: Howell 880 Pro ACL friendly ski binding.”

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Swiss village plans to sell ‘houses for one franc.’

Monte Sciaga - Swiss village plans to sell 'houses for one franc.'

Swiss village plans to sell ‘houses for one franc.’

From The Local

A municipality in Switzerland’s Italian-speaking canton of Ticino is looking at selling off nine properties for the symbolic price of one Swiss franc (€0.90). 

The aim of the plan (here in Italian) is to breathe life back into the far-flung but picturesque hamlet of Monti Scìaga, right near the Italian border.

Monte Sciaga - Swiss village plans to sell 'houses for one franc.'
Monte Sciaga – Swiss village plans to sell ‘houses for one franc.’

The Italian border is a virtual stone’s throw from Monti Scìaga.

The local council wants to build a hut for hikers and cyclists while nine further properties could be up for grabs for one franc each if local building authorities sign off on the project this autumn.

The catch

But there is a catch. The stone houses – or rustici as they are known locally – are little more than ruins, and anyone buying them would have to fully renovate them in line with local laws.

Continue reading “Swiss village plans to sell ‘houses for one franc.’”