J2Ski Forum Posts and Replies by admin

A massive expansion of Avoriaz ski resort in France gets underway this month that will create two totally new resort districts, each with several new accommodation complexes.

Perhaps more exciting for guests staying in the existing resort, Avoriaz is also building a large new water park and a spectacular new lift to replace the cable car link between the resort and Morzine in the valley below. Much of the new development will be completed in time for the winter after next, in December 2011.

The two new resort districts are Crozats and Amara. Between them they will add nine new Maeva and Pierre and Vacances residences containing more than 40 new apartments.

Amara, which will open in two stages in December 2011 and December 2012, will also bring a new spa centre with swimming pool, Turkish bath and Jacuzzi, a day nursery and more restaurants, bars and shops.

Work is also due to begin in the next few days on a major new gondola which will replace the existing cable car link between Morzine and Avoriaz.

Finally, at the end of the summer season in September work is due to begin on 'Aquariaz' which the resort describes as, "the most innovative mountain water park facility with an atmosphere of natural tropical vegetation." The new complex will cover 2000 square metres and will feature a wide river meandering through the centre of the building, a pool, indoor climbing wall, a 'water playhouse' and a sidewinder – a water filled superpipe. The facility which is being developed in partnership with Center Parcs will be very eco friendly and is scheduled to open in July 2012.

Courtesy of and © Snow24 plc

Pablo Escobar wrote:On the left though...

Pabs, you would need a yellow one-piece to complete the "banana man" look... I reckon you could carry it off!


So, bandit, was it a one night stand or did those (rather gorgeous) skis happen to follow you out the door?

stoatsbrother over on snowheads pointed this one up; some great shots of a challenging day out...

http://www.tetongravity.com/forums/showthread.php?t=191656

Enjoy.

Laax has reported it received over a million visitors from 38 different countries this winter, making it one of the Swiss resort's most successful to date.

Britta Kaula, Head of Communication and Marketing of the Weisse Arena Gruppe said "It's been a really great season in LAAX and as always we are sad to see it end. There have been a number of highlights this season including a live gig by Dizzee Rascal which kicked off the season in style, being awarded Wallpaper's best "new ski resort" and this year's BRITS and Burton European Open. But next year will be even better, with construction of our new, indoor, freestyle training centre – the first in The Alps – already underway!"

The resort's growing reputation amongst freestylers and snowboards from the UK continues to grow with its celebrated rocksresort apartment complex gaining the best "New Ski Resort" accolade from Wallpaper magazine in early 2010. Then Jamie Nicolls from Bradford set the bar high for young snow sport enthusiasts at this year's British Snowboarding Championship (BRITS) in the resort, with a haul of gold medals bringing his total up to 101 – not bad for a 16-year old from Bradford.

Laax is located 90 minutes from Zurich and has 220km of slopes as well as what it believes to be Europe's largest half pipe. There are three Snow Wonderland children's ski villages at each of the base stations – Flims, Laax and Falera which this year saw over 7,000 children learn to ski under the care of English speaking instructors.
Courtesy of and © Snow24 plc

Les 2 Alpes in France is promoting its summer glacier slopes as the perfect place for first timers to learn to ski and board.

While summer skiing and boarding is generally seen as the preserve of hardcore skiers and boarders and national team training, Les 2 Alpes sees advantages for first timers,

"Summer skiing is open to everyone. Beginners can discover the sport on the glacier with its gentle descents and wide open slopes; perfect for learning to ski or snowboard." said a resort spokesperson.

The resort's sports shops provide ski and snowboard equipment rentals, just as they do in winter and around 50 ski instructors from 10 different ski schools are on hand to offer ski or snowboarding lessons.

Les 2 Alpes opens for the summer from Wednesday June 16 to Saturday August 28th during which time the ski lifts are open seven days a week, from 7.15 am to 12.30pm for skiers and until 4.30pm for walkers and mountain bikers.

There are 90 hectares of ski runs including two green nursery slopes and four more easy blues to progress on to. For the more advanced there are two red runs as a freestyle zone and off-piste area.
16 ski lifts operate in summer (51 in winter) comprising two gondola lifts, a cable car, four chairlifts, seven drag lifts, a snow tow, a funicular and an inclined lift.

From the top of the glacier skiers and boarders also enjoy a breathtaking 360 degree panorama, views over Mont Blanc and the Ecrins National Park and the chance to visit a glacier ice cave.

Summer lift tickets cost 33.50 Euros for an adult day pass, tuition and equipment are extra. Holiday passes which give unlimited access to summer ski and walker's lifts plus additional services (swimming pool, ice rink, tennis courts, archery, golf driving range, water sports and summer toboggan) and preferential rates on many other activities cost 167.50 Euros for six days for adults, 134 Euros for children aged up to and including 12, or seniors over 65.
Courtesy of and © Snow24 plc

Enjoyed that, cheers! April skiing really is pants isn't it?

Tony - Ally's been perfectly clear about how she's working out the cost to her, and her total costs are likely to pretty similar for anyone who doesn't live in Tignes! :roll:

Scotland's Cairngorm Mountain is entering its last full week of operations this season, which is widely regarded as having been the best for a generation. The season won't end with the May bank holiday however, as the ski centre above Aviemore will continue to operate at weekends through May as conditions permit. Glencoe is also open at weekends at present, the other three Scottish centres have closed for the season.

You can still ski top to bottom although lower runs are getting narrow and thin in places. The centre expects to operate the Ptarmigan, Ciste, Cas, M1, and West Wall uplifts along with the train.
The centre is currently offering winter season tickets for 2010/11 at the same rate as for 2009/10 until the 30th April 2010.

Currently the ticket Office, Hire and the Cas Bar will be open daily at 8:30am. The first train up will be at 9.00am, last train up at 3.45pm and last down at 4.30pm. Other uplift will be open for 8.30am.

Weekend snowsports from the 8th/9th May will take place from 10am - 4pm and tickets will be available for the whole day or for 3 hour sessions between 10am - 4pm. Last ski ticket sale will be at 1pm with prices as follows: 3 hours - with hire £25/without hire (ticket only) £20; Full day – with hire £30/without hire (ticket only) £25.

www.cairngormmountain.org