J2Ski Forum Posts and Replies by admin

There are presently huge delays on the major routes into the Kent Ferry and Tunnel terminals.

The A20 is very badly affected, and the M20 is shut between Junctions 8 and 9 (Operation Stack).

For the latest updates visit http://www.bbc.co.uk/travelnews/local/kent.shtml

IF YOU ARE DRIVING TO THE ALPS FROM THE UK THIS WEEKEND, THIS WILL AFFECT YOU

Following the breakdown of four Eurostar trains last night, due to weather conditions in Northern France, there is severe disruption to all Eurostar and Eurotunnel services.

Eurotunnel are currently claiming "a very limited service" for today, and advise that snow is causing major traffic problems in the Pas de Calais and Northern France. Operation Stack is in place on the M20 in Kent.

All Eurostar services today (Saturday) have been cancelled, with a limited service to run tomorrow (Sunday 20th).


For the latest information, see :-


http://www.eurotunnel.com/ukcP3Main/ukcPassengers/ukcTravel/ukpTravelInfo.htm

The Eurotunnel Customer Information Line is (from the UK) 08444 630000


http://www.eurostar.com/UK/uk/leisure/customer_care/service_disruptions.jsp

Eurostar Customer Information line is (from the UK) 08432 186186


If you're either side of the tunnel, and it is safe for you to do so, feel free to update us here.

We'll update this thread with any major announcements from either operator.

On Saturday 19 December 2009, Scotland's Nevis Range ski centre will celebrate its twentieth anniversary.

It re-opens for its winter season exactly twenty years after it first opened its doors on 19 December 1989. Originally operating as a ski resort, the business has grown and diversified since that day. Today it is a major player in the Scottish tourist industry and contributes significantly to the Outdoor Capital of the UK.

The mountain gondola, the only one of its kind in Britain, was originally constructed on the slopes of Aonach Mor as a way to transport skiers to the pistes. However, from day one, the gondola became a highly acclaimed visitor attraction in its own right, attracting around 200,000 visitors annually.

Marian Austin of Nevis Range said, "The past twenty years has been both exciting and challenging. We can't pretend that the ski industry has been an easy ride, but after twenty years, we're still in business, and we still offer winter skiing and snowboarding as well as many other activities."

"Today, we continue to employ some staff members who have been here since the beginning. As a business located in the 'Outdoor Capital' we are continually working to provide outstanding outdoor experiences for our visitors. We have our sights set firmly on the future and are working to improve existing facilities. We also have ambitious expansion plans that will add even more activities for our visitors over the next couple of years."

www.nevisrange.co.uk

Courtesy of and © Snow24 plc

Isola 2000 in the southern French Alps is opening a new six-seat chairlift this winter, thanks to investment from the local Alpes-Maritimes Council.

The new lift, named "La Valette," is 1,905m long and rises 500 vertical metres.

The lift improves people management on the slopes, reducing bottle necks, and providing a more comfortable uplift.

The 'skier flow' on the route increases to 3,200 passengers per hour thanks to the carrying capacity of the chairlift, which has a top speed of six metres per second.
Courtesy of and © Snow24 plc

A run of serious injuries in recent World Cup races has knocked several leading skiers out of the coming Winter Olympics, including the current defending downhill world champion, ahead of a scheduled meeting this week between downhill racers and International Ski Federation (FIS) officials in Val Gardena, Italy.

Racers Didier Cuche, Michael Walchhofer, Scott MaCartney, Marco Büchel, Werner Heel and Aksel Lund Svindal had what was described by the FIS as, "a productive meeting," this week. The athletes presented some points that they think are important for the development and safety of Alpine Ski Racing. The FIS representatives Günther Hujara, Helmut Schmalzl and Mike Kertesz listened to what the athletes presented.

The Canadian team has been particularly hard hit, although athlete from several countries are out of the Olympics. John Kucera, the defending downhill world champion, broke his leg at Lake Louise in November, while teammate Jean-Philippe Roy injured his right knee during World Cup men's action last week in Val d'Isere. Other Canadian team members due to miss the Olympics following crashes in Val d'Isere include Kelly VanderBeek who crashed during World Cup training on Thursday and Larisa Yurkiw who injured herself earlier in the week.

"This is a heartbreaking situation for the athletes, their families and all their supporters," Alpine Canada president Gary Allan told Canadian media.
"The Canadian team is not alone, almost all major ski racing nations have been affected by injuries this year," said Allan. "We were pleased to see the International Ski Federation taking the injury situation seriously, including meeting with athletes and coaches this week in Val Gardena, Italy. We look forward to impactful change occurring to help reduce the number of injuries occurring in our sport."

This Val Gardena meeting represented a continuation of the two meetings with the athletes on the FIS Alpine Ski World Cup tour initiated during the 2008/09 season in Val Gardena and Alta Badia. This time around, the Alpine male representatives on the newly elected FIS Athletes' Commission – Kilian Albrecht (Chair, BUL), Ivica Kostelic (CRO) for the men; Anja Pärson (SWE) and Marie Marchand-Arvier (FRA) for the women – facilitated the meeting, also selecting the participants and organizing the logistics.

Issues highlighted by the athletes includes Jumps, saying it is important that takeoff points are made easy to spot, and that there is a smooth preparation of the snow right before the takeoff. Flat landings must be avoided in the future.

In terms of speed control the athletes said turns do not automatically reduce speed. The combination of course setting and course preparation determines the speed. Smooth course means that the racers carry higher speed through turns.

For gate panels/gates the athletes believe it is important that panels are made to rip off easier in speed events.

For racing suits the athletes said there is a need to look for new technology in race suits and personal safety equipment. The question whether there should be one manufacturer for all teams of race suits needs to be investigated.

For course inspection racers suggested the inspection should be divided in to two groups so it's easier for them to inspect the line. Also coaches, media and others should not block the racers' view. Line inspection is a major safety issue for athletes.

For skis, bindings, boots and plates athletes say that if there is going to be a change in the rules for equipment, it should only be done after serious investigation by all stakeholders. Making the skis wider was most likely a mistake according to the athletes present. It is also time to proactively promote further development of safe bindings that open on impact. Since the bindings have developed little in the last 20 years, additional safety enhancements should be possible.

Athletes would like to see one professional medical team following the entire World Cup.
In terms of travel planning racers said that with athletes coming from different time zones/continents, there should be enough time to prepare fully before the next race.

Finally, the athletes feel that the course setting and preparation of the race hill are factors that should be possible to change at short notice. However, when it comes to equipment changes and changes in the protocol around races, these should be understood as long-term changes.
Courtesy of and © Snow24 plc

Dave Mac wrote:Admin practically owned up to a tear in his eye.

Yep, you're enough to make a grown man cry... 8) :lol: :P

You're on your way - that's what counts. Bon voyage and a safe onward journey. :D

RoseR wrote:Getting there next stop Ruka :lol:

RSN :oops: