Messages posted by : J2SkiNews
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A multi day snowstorm has begun impacting Australia with resorts there reporting 20-25cm accumulations in the first 24 hours of the storms.
It's the latest in a series of storms over the past three months that followed predictions of a warmer and drier than average winter. In fact, Australia has had one of its best winters of the 21st century and, unusually, posted better snowfall totals than ski areas in the other major southern hemisphere ski nations, Argentina, New Zealand and some ski areas in Chile. Falls Creek's season total to date, last reported at 294cm, is about to pass 3 metres. The snow, expected to arrive until Saturday, is arriving as part of an active weather system that's also bringing gale force winds at times and at time hail and low visibility to some areas. Most arrivals need chains on their vehicles at Mt Hotham warned yesterday conditions on the mountain were currently only suitable to advanced to expert level skiers.
Accumulation totals of at least 50cm are expected by the weekend. |
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Les Arcs will debut its new high-speed Plan des Violettes gondola this December, transforming access from Villaroger to the 2,119m summit in just 6 minutes 45 seconds, down from around 20 minutes on the old lifts it replaces, the ageing Replat and Plan des Violettes chairlifts. The €19 million upgrade features 40 ten-seat cabins with external ski racks, boosting comfort and efficiency across the Paradiski area. Beyond speed, the project delivers major environmental gains. Over 3,000 trees have been replanted, a wetland created to support biodiversity, and redundant tracks removed to reduce ecological impact. Measures to protect the Black Grouse's habitat have also been integrated, with ongoing monitoring by specialist consultants. The gondola anchors a broader infrastructure upgrade, including a new reception hub housing ski school, tourist office, ticketing, and vending services. An underground car park with 112 spaces, 114 ski lockers, and modern facilities completes the transformation. Les Arcs forms part of the 425km Paradiski domain, linking with La Plagne and Peisey-Vallandry via the Vanoise Express. The new lift enhances access to this vast terrain while aligning with sustainable development goals—offering skiers faster ascents and a lighter footprint on the alpine environment. |
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There's been a huge snowfall in South America, with centres reporting between 50cm and a metre of fresh snowfall over the past three days. Chile's Portillo reported it had reached 85cm at the end of its ski day on Friday, 50cm of it in the preceding 24 hours, with snowfall continuing and yet to be added to the total overnight. The Andes had seen snowfall levels well below average up to date and few of the famous big powder dumps like this for which its renowned, although most of Chile's larger centres had most of their terrain open already. In Argentina though only southerly Cerro Castor, the world's most southerly resort, was close to full operations, other resorts were at 50% operations or less. Several smaller centres without snowmaking had temporarily closed, including Caviahue in Argentina's Patagonia which says it will now reopen for the season today, Saturday 23rd August, thanks to the snowfall. It's pictured above on Friday. Chile's, Antillanca, which had postponed staging of a major international freeriding contest, says that has now been rescheduled for 6-7 September, thanks to the snowfall. Most ski areas in South America are due to end their seasons in about a month's time in late September, however thanks to the new snowfall a number, including Cerro Castor and the continent's largest buy uplift, Cerro Catedral near Bariloche, have reported they're extending operations into October. |
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Northern Snow, Northern England's consumer ski and board show on snow, is back at Chill Factore, Manchester, on 4–5 October 2025—offering two days of real snow action, gear testing, coaching, and community vibes. Free to attend and bigger than last year's launch event, it will run run 10:00am–6:00pm Saturday and 10:00am–4:00pm Sunday. After a successful launch last year, Northern Snow 2025 expands its footprint with more brands, more coaching, and more experiences. Whether you're a first-timer or prepping for your next alpine adventure, the show delivers hands-on access to the snowsports industry—on actual snow. Highlights include: • Coaching sessions and athlete talks from Olympians and pros • Skills clinics for skiers and snowboarders led by top UK coaches • Try-and-buy access to the latest gear from Burton, Salomon, Oakley, Head, Bollé, and more • Exclusive retail offers across Alpine Street and the Mezzanine • Travel inspiration from Neilson Holidays, Crystal Ski Holidays, and others • Discounted lift passes and expanded group lessons • Après-style food, drink, and live music in The Lodge John Robinson, Head of Marketing, commented, "Snowsports are hugely popular in the North, and we wanted to create something special for our community. With only one snow show in London this year, Northern Snow fills a vital gap—bringing people and brands together in a fresh, exciting way." For brands, the event offers direct engagement with their audience, both on-site and through digital channels. For visitors, it's a rare chance to connect, learn, and shop on snow — all before the season begins. The show's website for more info is: https://www.northernsnowshow.com/ |
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Norway's largest ski resort, Trysil, is set to unveil a new state-of-the-art gondola for the 2025/26 winter season. Climbing 2,460 metres from the children's area Eventyr to just north of the Hesten lift base, the Trysil gondola will carry up to 3,000 skiers per hour in 81 cabins, each seating 10 passengers. The project marks the single largest investment in the resort's history and includes upgrades to snowmaking infrastructure and slope development around the Eventyr zone. The ski area is run by Scandinavia's largest resort operator SkiStar, whose CEO Stefan Sjöstrand describes the gondola as "an investment for the future" that will reduce wait times and enhance accessibility for families, beginners and seasoned skiers alike. The lift is expected to operate during winter initially, with summer biking and hiking trail adaptations to connect to it planned for 2026. Located in eastern Norway near the Swedish border, Trysil is renowned for its wide, well-groomed pistes, family-friendly terrain and ski-in/ski-out accommodation. With over 70 kilometres of slopes and a vibrant après-ski scene, it caters to all levels—from first-timers to freeride enthusiasts. |
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The London Snow Show, the UK's largest consumer ski and snowboard event, will return to Olympia for the first time in 15 years. This year's event will take place from 18-19 October. The London Snow Show's move to Olympia reflects the venue's growth and regeneration project. The second half of 2025 will see a £1.3bn regeneration aiming to make the Kensington venue at the heart of London's events, according to Olympia. Olympia first held The London Show Show back 1976 (then called The London Ski Show). Now, the show will return to Olympia's National Hall following its acquisition by The Mountain Trade Network in 2024. Last year's show saw 10,000 visitors, 38% of which from the Greater London area. Furthermore, 85% were of an intermediate to advanced level of skiing or snowboarding.
Nick Graham, director of exhibitions at Olympia Events added: "We're thrilled to welcome London Snow Show home to Olympia. It's an event that shares a rich history with this venue and sparks a lot of interest with our visitors and the local community. We're excited to once again serve the passionate snow sports audience based in and around West London, as well as the wider London community, and look forward to seeing its exciting relaunch." |
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After 45 days and over 800 miles on foot, British adventurers Matt Brinkley and Reuben Gray have completed a remarkable journey from London to Val Thorens—Europe's highest ski resort—wearing ski boots and carrying skis throughout. Their route spanned four countries, with the final leg winding through the French Alps. Battling heat, fatigue, and blisters, they reached Val Thorens on Saturday, August 2 at 6pm, greeted by friends, family, and locals with live music and free drinks. The trek has raised nearly £10,000 for Macmillan Cancer Support and Snow Camp, a charity helping disadvantaged youth through snow sports so far.
Starting in early June, their route took them through the UK, France, Luxembourg, and Switzerland, with real-time updates shared on social media.
The journey also spotlighted their new app, King of the Hill, which blends adventure planning, gamified GPS challenges, and AI-powered trip tools.
Vincent Lalanne, Director of the Val Thorens Tourist Office, praised the duo's achievement:
Donations can still be made here: https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/walk-to-the-alps-in-ski-boots |
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The Hintertux Glacier, one of only two remaining year-round outdoor ski areas in the world, has suspended its ski operations through August. Hintertux says it will reopen on an unspecified date in September, but has not given a reason for closure. Last week it was reporting more terrain open than the other three glacier ski areas currently offering summer skiing. It also reports snow depths of 25-65cm which exceeds those it has had in previous years when it has stayed open. The centre is also believed to be unique in having snowmaking on its glacier and had reported, like other glaciers, some fresh snowfall in recent days (the picture top is from last Friday) after a hot period earlier in July. It's therefore unclear if this is a planned switch from 365-day operations or a reaction to current conditions. It's not the first time in the past five years that the centre has closed around this time of year due to the impact of climate change. The other year-round centre, Zermatt's Matterhorn Glacier Paradise, closed for around two months from July 29, 2022, after very warm weather melted glacial snow cover there. It's currently open along with neighbouring Saas Fee and Italy's Passo Stelvio however. There's nowhere currently open in France and its unusual that there's nowhere in Austria, which usually has the most centres open in Spring and Autumn. Although season opening dates have slipped a week or two towards the very end of September or early August, about six Austrian glaciers are usually open for Autumn skiing, which is often more than is open in the rest of Europe combined in October and early November. The Kauntertal, Kitzsteinhorn, Molltal, Pitztal Solden and Stubai glaciers usually join Hintertux during that period. |
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