J2Ski Forum Posts and Replies by J2SkiNews

A spectacular new very-black rated ski run is set to open in the next few weeks at the Glacier 3000 ski area above Diablerets near Gstaad.

Among the things making the run very special is that it incorporates a specially cut 265m long tunnel through the rock face, linking the Cabane des Diablerets to the Col du Pillon.

That opens up a 3km long descent over 1,000 vertical metres and one of the world's steepest marked ski runs reaching a 41° gradient at its steepest part.

The new run, first announced last autumn, means that the area's Pierres Pointes sector is once again open to skiers.

Obviously only suited to very good skiers and boarders only, the plan is to leave it ungroomed for a few days after snowfall, and to use the tunnel to access additional freeride terrain. One winch groomer driver has agreed to groom the run once the fresh snow is skied out. It will be maintained as avalanche safe however.

The tunnel through the Rocher Jaune connects the summit of Scex Rouge to the Col du Pillon via Red Run, Martisberg and this new piste. From the summit of the Scex Rouge to the Pillon pass descents of up to 6km and 1,500 vertical metres will be possible.

It's reported the plan is to create a ski slope legacy for future generations as Glacier 3000's glaciers rapidly thaw away.

Les Arcs has announced plans to break its own world record of 2,887 skiers simultaneously skiing holding torches. The new attempt will take place later this month on the evening of Wednesday, 22nd February 2023. All skiers who can ski to a basic standard with parallel turns, without needing poles on a blue run who are in the resort at the time are welcome to take part.

"As holders of the torchlight ski descent world record with 2,887 skiers set in 2016, will we be able to beat our own record and consolidate our position? Several resorts in Austria, France and Italy have tried to break the record, but in vain," a resort spokesperson said.

Would be world record participants are invited to meet from 4pm on the 22nd to register at the base of the Vagère lift at Arc 1800, with the event proper beginning with the lift rides up beginning an hour later at 5pm and the descent itself at 6.30pm. Participation is free and to create a party atmosphere les Arcs are laying on hot chocolate, a DJ set and fireworks display. Anyone wishing to take part can sign up in resort at the tourist office.

Participants are advised to wear very warm clothing as well as a helmet regardless of age but not to bring their ski poles as they get in the way when carrying the torch. Transport back to the various les arcs bases will be available after the event.

Here's our report from the original record-setting in 2016: https://www.j2ski.com/ski-chat-forum/posts/list/0/16733/les-arcs-sets-record-biggest-torchlit-descent.page

Silverton Mountain in Colorado, famous for its deep powder, cat skiing, cheap heliskiing and hike-to freeriding terrain, has announced plans to install a second chairlift.

When Silverton opened in 2002 it had permission to create up to three lifts on the land, as well as limited base facilities, but for the past 21 years has operated with one fixed-grip double chairlift, bought second-hand from Mammoth Mountain.

Little detail on the new lift has been published yet, however Aaron Brill, Silverton Mountain's founder commented:

"We are really excited for the future of Silverton Mountain and our second chairlift that will access phenomenal terrain!."

A large number of ski areas in Quebec, New York state, Vermont and Maine have announced they're closing for up to four days due to an intense Polar vortex that is currently descending on the area.

Temperatures widely in the -30 Celsius (-20s Fahrenheit) and likely to feel like -40s (-40s F) with wind chill are just beginning to take hold. Some areas in Quebec expect the windchill to reach -50+C (-58F) or even -60C (-76F).

Along with increasing the likelihood that machinery like ski lifts will stop operating, these temperatures can cause frostbite within minutes.

For much of December and January ski areas in the region have been battling a different winter weather temperature issue – repeated warm spells and rain – with temperatures well above freezing rendering the extensive snowmaking arsenals in the region impotent and making it difficult to build bases and open much terrain.

However last week more consistent cold temperatures and heavy snowfall finally got the season in the region into good shape with up to two feet of snowfall reported.

A new study, carried out for Post Office Travel Insurance, has found that more than three-quarters (77%) of over 64s didn't take out winter sports cover on their last ski trip. The study also found 23% had a trip-ending accident on the slopes.

The Post Office poll of 1000 UK holidaymakers found that, surprisingly, nearly two-thirds (62%) of what they term "senior adventurers" are unaware of winter sports insurance existing and 23% are unsure what it covers.

"The data suggests that over-64s may be less inclined to purchase the correct cover due to their piste experience, with 47% claiming they are 'very experienced' in their respective sports," a Post Office Travel Insurance media release states, warning that winter sports activities generally aren't covered as standard under many travel insurance policies and often require this cover to be added on.

"The data we've discovered was very surprising as we wouldn't expect the number of over 64s in the UK who don't adequately insure themselves before going on winter sports holidays. This year a lot of holidaymakers are looking forward to finally getting back to their favourite winter slopes but, even with all that excitement, it's still vital to remember all the risks," said Paul Paddock Head of Travel and Protection at Post Office.

Latest data suggest that a foot injury requiring surgery, common for skiers, can cost uninsured holidaymakers in France up to €800, or up to €3000 in Germany and in the US medical bills can cost thousands of dollars just to fix ruptures and strains. Repatriation to the UK from holidays in Europe, could cost between £22,000 – £35,000.

"The chances of injury, damage or loss of expensive equipment are potentially much greater, and the costs likely higher, than when taking a regular holiday, even if you're experienced. Winter sports insurance is there to cover people for activities such as skiing, snowboarding, and air boarding accidents that can result not just in stressful situations, but in extremely high bills too," added Mr Paddock.

Full report https://www.postoffice.co.uk/travel-insurance/winter-sports-travel-insurance-survey

Snowfall that's expected to continue for at least a week - on and off - has arrived in Austria from the north, and is also dumping on the mountains of the Czech and Slovak Republics.

Among the ski areas posting 15-25cm (6-10") of fresh snowfall in the past 24 hours are Saalbach Hinterglemm (pictured) and Zell am See - Kaprun.

But similar snowfalls are expected daily in many Austrian areas meaning some resorts could see over a metre of snowfall by this time next week.

The snowfall is being accompanied by strong winds however and resorts are warning there's a danger they'll have to partially or fully close for periods if the winds become too strong for safe lift operations.

Jasna in Slovakia was partially closed on Wednesday for that reason.

The snowfall is currently expected to remain largely confined to the eastern Alps with most French ski areas expected to remain dry and sunny. For some in the northern French Alps it is now approaching a fortnight since the last snowfall on January 19th.

However, although snow levels have dropped a little due to settling, temperatures have remained low and mot resorts have more terrain open than they have had all season. Most opening at least 90% of their slopes and lifts.

Considered the 'Super Bowl of Skiing', but in reverse, the Streif Vertical Up sees hundreds of competitors pulling on their head torches and powering up the famous Kitzbühel Hahnenkamm World Cup run.

The course we reported Lyndsey Vonn became the first woman to ski down, earlier this month, in the dark.
(https://www.j2ski.com/ski-chat-forum/posts/list/0/20212/lyndsey-vonn-first-woman-ski-legendary-streif-course-kitzbuhel.page)

The aim of the Streif Vertical Up is to conquer the original Streif, climbing 860 vertical metres as quickly as possible to reach the top at 1,665 metres.

This year, the 3,312 km race will take place on 25 February 2023, and will feature competitors from across Europe and many different types of equipment, from cross-country skis to spikes.

If you're up to it you can join in with the fun Backpack Event or the challenging Speed Event, plus, there's also a fancy-dress competition. Registration costs from €47 / £41 pp.

A three-night stay at Hotel-Restaurant Vordergrub, arriving 24 February 2023, costs from €425 / £374pp, based on two people sharing a room, on a B&B basis. Return flights to Innsbruck cost from £131 pp with easyJet.

www.kitzbuehel.com/en/ www.visittirol.co.uk

Polmonthill dry ski slope near Falkirk in Scotland is under threat of closure as the local council say that they can no longer afford to run it.

It's the latest in a long list of dry ski slopes in the British nations to be faced with closure. The large centre at Bracknell has gone, although two threatened slopes, Exeter and Gosling Sports Park in Welwyn Garden City, appear to have been reprieved for now.

The centre, located next to the M9 motorway, has a 100 metre main slope and a small nursery slope. It's used by around 300 people every week.

More than 2000 people have signed a petition against the proposed closure of Polmonthill, with parents warning it would mean skiing and snowboarding became unaffordable for local people.

"People say that skiing and snowboarding are elitist sports but this centre is so reasonable and so handy for so many people," local parent Karolina Surmacz, who set up the petition, told Scottish media, adding that dry slopes also helped I the battle against obesity, to get children active and promoting positive mental health which she said was particularly important after the pandemic.

Falkirk Council have plans to close or transfer out of council control over 130 council-run properties to cut costs in a bid to fill a £67m funding gap. It says many of the properties are dated and it would face a £200m repair bill on top of its existing funding gap, to fix them. It hopes many on the list will be run as charitable trusts by local groups.

Scotland's only indoor snow centre, Snow Factor at Braehead near Glasgow, closed in the autumn.