J2Ski Forum Posts and Replies by J2SkiNews

Significant snowfall is expected in the Alps over the next few days, hopefully improving conditions further in the run up to the start of the main ski season just a fortnight away.

Initially 5-20cm accumulations are expected in the northern Alps, today, Friday, then heavier and more widespread snowfall is expected from Sunday.

There are warnings though there could be rain as high as 2,000m altitude before the colder air following turns the precipitation to snow.

Over 100 centres are already open in the Alps and more are set to join them this weekend, including the main resorts in the world's largest ski area, the 3 Valleys.

Most of the natural snowfall to date this autumn is lying above around 2000m altitudes, but lower lying resorts have been able to open some lower-lying terrain thanks to snowmaking, with temperatures cold enough for systems to operate over recent weeks.

The Pyrenees, where centres have been unable to open so far for lack of snow with temperatures too warm for much snowmaking are forecast to see a big temperature drop and huge snowfalls of up to a metre over the next five days. Some centres have confirmed they will start their seasons tomorrow (Saturday 7th).

Pic top is Val Thorens a fortnight ago on 21 Nov 24.

The UK's largest ski holiday company, Crystal, has released details of how the market is shaping up this season so far.

The company says that they've got the most bookings of the season for December so far this year, with sales for holidays departing later this month up 10% on 2023.

They also note that although demand from families continues to be strong, they're seeing a jump in younger skiers and riders booking holidays without kids, and in solo traveller numbers.

"There has also been a rise in the younger demographics booking ski holidays this winter, with a significant year-on-year increase for those aged between 25-34 and double-digit percentage increase for the 35-44 age group. Moreover, solo traveller bookings have risen by 15% compared to last year, with 35% of this category choosing to book Austria as their go-to destination," a Crystal statement reports.

The company says that across all bookings, France remains the firm favourite amongst Brits and is particularly in demand by families (30%) and younger demographic groups (36%).

The high-altitude slopes of Tignes leads the way as the go-to resort, shortly followed by La Plagne and Val Thorens.

The company says bookings to Norway are up by 140% compared to last year but does not say what that number is from and to, noting that they've added more flights and resorts there.

Chris Logan, Managing Director at Crystal Ski Holidays, said they were pleased to see growing numbers of younger ski holiday bookers, commenting, "Cultivating the next generation of skiers is important to us, not only does this reflect a growing interest in ski holidays amongst younger skiers, but it also helps grow the overall market and ensure longevity for the industry's future."

Did do a post on a story on a new lift but not replacing a draglift... https://www.j2ski.com/ski-chat-forum/posts/list/0/21016.page#163114

But I looked at the piste map and zoomed in on the little box top left and it looks like it's still the long drags. I know that plateau is very prone to windy weather (capital of ski kiting!) so that maybe a reason why there's not a chairlift yet? https://z5y4f7y6.delivery.rocketcdn.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/DSR_PLANDESPISTES_2024_2025_WEB.pdf

Bansko in Bulgaria looks set to open a week earlier than planned thanks to big snowfalls in the Southern European nation over the past week.

Bansko reported around 50cm of snowfall and other Bulgarian ski areas have been reporting similar accumulations. Pamporovo posted the image above yesterday.

So far no Bulgarian ski areas are thought to have opened for their 24-25 seasons with most targeting either December 14th or 21st as their opening days.

However following the snowfall Bansko are hinting there'll be skiing there this weekend posting images of groomed slopes (below) and stating,

"The gondola lift will operate on December 6th, 7th and 8th! If the weather conditions are good we may open some slopes in the Ski Area before the official season launch on December 14th ...are you ready?!"on their social media feeds.

The situation in South-Eastern Europe is currently much better than in the South-Western corner where ski areas ion the Pyrenees had hoped to start opening a fortnight ago ahead of what is a major long holiday weekend coming up. One of the region's biggest, Baqueira Beret says they won't have any ski slopes open this weekend but hope to early next week as the weather is forecast turn colder and snowier.

Some other resorts in the region have announced they'll jhave at least some skiing open this weekend.

Polmonthill Snowsports Centre, a dry ski centre established more than 50 years ago, which had been earmarked for closure more than a year ago, has been taken over by the local community.

Local community volunteers have formed a charity, the Polmonthill Community Snowsports Centre, to run the slope with a short-term lease from Falkirk Council while they await the result of a Community Asset Transfer application, the decision on which is expected next year.

Michael Alexander, co Trustee of the new charity told the Falkirk Herald: "It's a very surreal moment to be standing here with keys to the centre in our hands – after what has been a long year of research, planning and hard work. A big thank you to everyone who has helped get us to this point, it's amazing what can be achieved when everyone comes together and works in the same direction."

The new Trust has a year to show that we can operate the slope and centre in a profitable manner. The charity has reviewed the slope's opening hours to ensure its available at times of greatest demand and has set up a new website when its possible to make bookings for lessons at http://www.polmonthill.co.uk

Polmonthill was the latest dry ski centre to be threatened with closure in the UK with numbers down from around 300 slopes at the peak 50 years ago to nearer 70 today.

"Skiing and boarding are such great sports and research even suggests that they really helps reduce stress, lower anxiety and build confidence. Skiing all year round means kids can enjoy being outdoors and learning a life-long skill. We are so lucky to be able to continue to have access to Polmonthill and enjoy snowsports in a more affordable way," Michael added.

A marketing battle is underway between ski areas in the Alps to see which can claim the most open terrain at the start of the season.

Recently opened Ischgl-Samnaun on the Austrian-Swiss border is the first to post over 100km of slopes open this winter, overtaking Solden, which had held the top spot for weeks, now up to 80km of runs. Ischgl/Samnaun is currently at 110km.

Zermatt-Cervinia on the Swiss-Italian has also leap—frogged Solden to reach 90km of slopes, about a quarter of its full domain.

Solden's neighbouring Obergurgl is in fourth place at present with 7-0kn of slopes giving the Austrian Otztal region 150km in total.

The only other areas posting around 50km of slopes open or more so far are italy's Kronplatz and the Swiss 4 Valleys region around Verbier.

In terms of snow depths, Zermatt is posting the most with 150cm, a few centimetres more than its neighbour Saas fee, with Solden again in third place on

The London ski show, currently known as Snow Show London, will be returning to Olympia and taking place over the weekend of October 18 and 19, 2025, it has been announced.

The show took plane in Olympia for over 20 years and its history at nearby Earl's Court, in various forms, dates back for the best part of a century, but it was moved by then organisers, the Telegraph Group, to Battersea in the early 2010s and has most recently been staged at the Excel Centre in Docklands by the latest operators, Raccoon Media Group.

It was announced last month that Mountain Trade Network, which organises B2B gatherings for winter sports businesses were taking over the show, and it's they that have announced that it's moving back to Olympia.

Olympia is currently undergoing a £1.3 billion transformation with the objective of becoming the capital's leading event space with both main exhibition halls fully refurbished.

"We feel Olympia brings a blend of history, quality and convenience that makes it the perfect home for the Snow Show, with natural light from the glass domed roof giving an outdoor feeling whilst removing the uncertainty of London weather!" a statement from Mountain Trade Network explained, adding,

"We'll be creating themed zones throughout the show based on MTN's extensive research and understanding of the priorities for UK skiers and snowboarders Downstairs will be the Ski Club exploration zone, main bar and theatre and an interactive feature in the centre of the hall. Upstairs, at one end of the balcony will be the fitness and wellness zone and at the other, equipment and instruction. Our vision is the show will be THE place to come and prepare for the season, with expert talks and guidance on fitness, injury prevention and recovery, kit and equipment, instruction, where to ski and so much more. The show is designed to aid UK skiers in properly preparing for the winter ahead. We are also planning on resources and attractions for seasonaires and other specific segments within snowsports."

You can find out more about the choice to move to Olympia in Episode 229 of The Ski Podcast, when host Iain Martin, spoke with James Gambrill, organiser of the new show.

Following the successful season start on schedule at Tignes and Val Thorens last weekend, with both resorts reporting the snow lying a metre deep up top, half-a-dozen more French areas are expected to start their seasons this weekend.

Amongst the areas expected to start their seasons this Saturday 30th November are Alpe d'Huez, Chamrousse, La Rosière, Les 2 Alpes, Montgenèvre (pictured above after the snowfall last week) and Val d'Isère.

Several ski areas in the French Pyrenees were also expected to open but with warm weather and webcams showing little snow cover there, its unclear if any will.

The Alps have had a drier week after the big snowfalls a week ago but it has largely stayed very cold at higher altitudes, allowing snowmaking to continue. There have been more lighter snowfalls too.

One unexpected opening is Avoriaz, which says that as its runs are complete it's opening for a special preview weekend ahead of its official opening.

Val d'Isère reports 50cm of snow lying at altitude and a 26cm depth in the village. It will run its First Tracks event this weekend, officially marking the opening of the winter season.

Visitors there can look forward to a showcase of the latest skis, snowboards, and accessories available to try, as well as a full program of festivities.

More than 20 of the best ski brands, including Rossignol, Salomon, and Atomic will be available, as well as mulled wine tastings, live music, raffles, and exclusive screenings of extreme sports films, kicking the season off.

Day passes over the Fast Tracks weekend are priced at €61, with special offers on two to six-night stays also available.