1. Obergurgl, Austria; One of Europe's Best Kept Secrets
2. Fresh Snow in The Alps!
3. Destination Snow: Chamonix, France
4. Europe’s Best Kept Secrets: Gstaad, Switzerland
5. Still More Heavy Snow In Europe; Report
6. FIS Cancels Ski Races in The Alps- Too Much Snow!
7. Good Snow Start To Winter Ski Season 2008-9!
8. Ski Resorts Open Early Around The World (continued)
9. Resort Survey: Favorite French Resorts

Obergurgl, Austria; One of Europe's Best Kept Secrets

Obergurgl is a perfect example of why it’s important to shop around for ski resorts.

While some dedicated fans of this Austrian resort love nothing better than its snowsure beginner and intermediate runs, expert skiers or those with a taste for a high level of nightlife will most likely find themselves bored here.

Obergurgl’s greatest attractions are its slopes and the thick blanket of snow that covers them every season.

Obergurgl consists of two large skiing resorts, Obergurgl and Hochgurgl, which are connected by an eight-seater gondola that opens the magnificent view on the Ferwalltal and the Königstal. The resort includes 110 kilometers (68 miles) of north and south exposed alpine trails of which 35 kilometers (22 miles) are beginner, 55 kilometers (34 miles) intermediate, and 20 kilometers (13 miles) are expert.

Obergurgl is one of the Alps’ most reliable resorts for snow. During its long season that stretches from mid-November until the beginning of May, the resort keeps its runs covered with a coating of the white stuff all the way down to the village. The snow is a collaborative effort between Mother Nature and man. Mother Nature provides the altitude of 1,800 to 3,080 meters (5,905 to 10,105 feet) and man has installed snowmaking on 90 percent of the slopes.

Cross-country skiing in Obergurgl is possible on three tracks that each stretch about 10 kilometers (6.2 miles). Each track runs close to a village. A two-kilometer (1.3-mile) course is found in Hochgurgl above the tree line at about 2,150 meters (7,054 feet); the trail gives a spectacular view down into the valley.

Other Winter Wonderland activities include tubing on the slopes or on a steep run from a local restaurant, taking a sleigh ride, ice skating on the village’s rink or going for a hike in the woods (with or without snowshoes, depending on the trail).

For those days of rest off the slopes, visitors can check out local tourist attractions. Two not to miss are the highest church-village of Europe, the church of Saint John (Johannes) Nepomuk and the monument to Piccard, a Swiss professor and balloonist who, in an emergency, landed in Obergurgl on May 27, 1931 because his oxygen supply was running out.

The church is a large part of the charm this village retains despite it being a primarily modern development. Only about four hundred live year round in Obergurgl, but as many as 4,000 skiers can invade the village on the weekends. There aren’t many beds, so you need to book early to avoid disappointment.

Although it is a small village, Obergurgl is home to 28 restaurants serving regional and international cuisine.

In the evening, visitors will find the nightlife to be quiet by Austrian standards. Rather than a raging party scene, nightlife is more traditionally Austrian; offering cozy atmosphere, drinks, and the music the region is known for.

Serious party lovers can head to nearby Sölden, which is known for its nightlife. Other possible excursions include Innsbruck, Salzburg, or even a hop over to Italy for the day.

by Chryss Cada

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Fresh Snow in The Alps!

After a dry and sunny start to the year in large parts of Europe, large snowfalls have returned to the Alps, and continued in the Pyrenees.

North America is experiencing unusually warm and unusually cold temperatures on west and east coasts respectively and there’s been heavy snow in Scandinavia, plus all five Scottish ski areas are open today for the first time this winter.

Heavy snow is dumping down in France, which is good news for resorts like Chamonix which has been blessed with a great base from pre-Christmas falls but had not seen any fresh powder for nearly three weeks since New Year.

The biggest snowfalls have been in the North Alps (up to 50 cm/20 inches) at resorts including Châtel and Avoriaz. The latter is claiming the biggest accumulation in the country over the past week with 55cm, (nearly two feet) of fresh powder.

The good snowfall has led to high visitation numbers according to Laurence Girard, manager of the Taninges - Praz de Lys - Sommand tourist office who said, “This year we’re benefiting from an exceptional quality and quantity of snow and conditions have been perfect since the end of November. The resort has seen excellent visitor numbers, the best for December and January for a long time. ”

In Switzerland it’s resorts in the French-speaking west of the country that have seen the best of the new snow although there has been plenty of fresh across most of the nation with the Flims Laax Falera - Alpenarena reporting 28 cm (11 inches) of new snow. Anzère has claimed the most new powder with 55 cm (22 inches) whilst Les Crosets, lift-linked over the border to the afore-mentioned Avoriaz on the Portes du Soleil pass, has 40cm (16 inches). Zermatt reports the most snow with 660cm (22 feet) on Europe’s highest ski slopes.

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In Austria the Montafon Silvretta area posted the most fresh powder with 60cm (24 inches). Other beneficiaries include Solden with 36cm (14 inches) Lech Zürs with 20cm (eight inches) of new snow, St. Anton am Arlberg with 18cm (seven inches) and Saalbach Hinterglemm Leogang both with 15cm (six inches). It’s still snowing in Austria and up to 40cm (16 inches) of fresh snow is expected through the current 24 hours.

Rolf Köberle of Kleinwalsertal Tourismus said, “Although there has been a lot of sunshine during the past few weeks, we’ve had the best conditions for winter sports. Last night the snow started falling again making the valley a dreamlike winter scene and bringing up to 35cm (14 inches) of fresh snow.”

Although it has warmed up a little recently, Germany to the north is reporting its coldest January to date for 22 years with average temperatures of minus 5.3 Celcius.

Italy has also had some healthy snowfall. Passo Rolle and San Martino Di Castrozza both reported 50cm (20 inches) of new snow yesterday with Aprica, Bardonecchia and Livigno also adding more than a foot (30cm) to their bases. Arabba still has the most snow in the country with 480cm (16 feet) on upper slopes. The FIS cancelled training in Cortina D’Ampezzo for world cup racing later this week due to the heavy snow, they hope that training will be possible tomorrow and that the races will go ahead as planned ...more >

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Destination Snow: Chamonix, France

The mystique of Chamonix, captured in photographs and vintage ski posters, reflects the ruggedly spectacular scenery and over 200 years of mountaineering history. The legendary Mont Blanc peak draws climbers and sightseers while the picturesque town, complete with babbling river, provides an excellent base for skiing and snowboarding on the surrounding slopes.

The Chamonix Valley was settled by mountain farmers when two Englishmen “discovered” it in 1741. The stories of their travels sparked a new interest among Europeans to experience this scenic paradise in person. The first guest house was opened in 1770 and the first luxury hotel was built in 1816. The village of Chamonix has come a long way since then. While the year-round population is about 10,000, the village opens itself for up to 60,000 guests in the winter and 100,000 during the summer season.

The scenic Chamonix Valley, known as the “Cradle of Mountaineering,” is nestled among some of the highest mountain peaks in the Alps, including the Mont Blanc massif (4,810 meters/15,632 feet). The valley is situated in the crossroads of three countries. It’s just a 25-minute trip to Italy through the Mont Blanc tunnel and about the same amount of time from Chamonix to Switzerland traveling over the Col des Montets.

Skiers and snowboarders have the run of 145 trails adding up to 140 kilometers (87.5 miles). Forty-nine percent of the area’s trails are marked for beginners. The best areas for children and beginners include La Vormaine, Les Chosalets, Le Savoy, and Les Planards. Fifty-two percent of trails are best suited for intermediates. The La Tour and Les Houches areas provide good intermediate terrain as well as the more difficult Les Grands Montets, Le Brevent, and La Flégère ski areas. While only 12 percent of trails are designated for experts, the off-trail terrain is extensive. Locals recommend skiing off-trail only with a guide, though. The Les Grands Montets area offers some steep vertical drops and spectacular glacier skiing. Recently, upgrades have been completed replacing double-seater lifts with quad lifts in the new parking area in Le Brévant.

Snowboarders flock to Chamonix for on and off-trail thrills. The Argentière and the Grand Montets provide a challenge for advanced boarders. Chamonix is recommended for experienced boarders rather than beginners. The Le Tour area has a natural half-pipe and at Grands Montets there is a snowpark and a half-pipe. Cross-country skiers have 45 kilometers (28 miles) of trails to explore in two scenic areas designated for classical and skating style skiing. One runs through the Argentière and the other area starts from the center of Chamonix.

Chamonix is well-known for its good ski schools. One of the most popular is the Ecole du Ski Français. Not just beginners benefit from the ski schools as there are specialized courses in ski touring, glacier and couloir skiing, off-trail, cross-country skiing, and snowboarding. The Ski Assis Evasion and the Association Handi-challenge are ski schools for the disabled.

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Non-ski activities abound at Chamonix and include snowmobiling, ice climbing (also best done with a guide), ice hiking, snowshoeing, sleigh riding, and dog sledding, among others. Snow hikers can explore trails from the foot of the Drus, La Verte, and Les Grande Jorasses peaks. From the arrival station, visitors can see the crystal gallery, the Alpine fauna exhibition, and the ice grotto.

Those who would like to do a little sightseeing in the area may want to visit the Alpine Museum and the Mont Blanc Observatory. Take an unforgettable cable car ride to the Aiguille du Midi (which rises to the elevation 3,482 meters/11,316 feet). A red cog-wheel train climbs to the scenic Mer de Glace (Sea of Ice) glacier. There are historic churches and villages nearby to explore and with more than 280 shops and boutiques in Chamonix, there’s lots of shopping to be done. On March 1, 2006 adults and children will dress up and parade through the streets of Chamonix to celebrate carnival week.

Après-ski is an art form in Chamonix. Restaurants, cafés, pubs, bars, and even a casino fill time not spent on the slopes. There are more than 100 restaurants in Chamonix and 14 mountain restaurants. Choices range from the Chalet le Cerro, a quaint wooden chalet serving traditional foods of the region with a view of Les Bossons glacier, to L’Eden which serves classic French food with a modern twist. Cafés offering a fantastic array of pastries should not be missed. The Casino of Chamonix is popular with both visitors and locals. A free restaurant guide is available at the Chamonix tourist office.

It is no surprise that Chamonix continues to be one of the most popular resorts in the Alps. With the combination of exceptional winter sports opportunities and the beauty of this high-altitude alpine town, it is hard to beat. Not to mention the parties . . .

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Europe’s Best Kept Secrets: Gstaad, Switzerland

by Chryss Cada

Gstaad is one of Europe’s great places to see and be seen.

However, the shimmering stars who inhabit this Swiss ski village aren’t the only attraction—the skiing isn’t to be missed. Known for its intermediate and novice skiing, the resort is part of a massive ski circuit called Ski Gstaad. When you buy a lift ticket in Gstaad, or at one of the ten smaller resorts in the area, you can use any of more than 70 lifts opening up about 250 kilometers (150 miles) of prepared trails. The highest vertical descent is 1,969 meters (6,400 feet), on a 15-kilometer (nine-mile) advanced intermediate run from the top of the Glacier des Diablerets. The Glacier is nearly three kilometers (two miles) high.

Snowboarding is almost as prevalent as skiing in Gstaad. Snowboarders are able to use all the same slopes as skiers. Snowboarders also revel in the abundance of off-trail boarding. There is a snowboard park on the top of the Eggli Mountain—part of Gstaad.

This winter wonderland offers a host of other activities. Cross-country is popular here, with the Gstaad Super Ski Region boasting more than 170 kilometers (106 miles) of cross-country skiing. There are world-class toboggan runs here, two of which are a lengthy six kilometers (four miles). To see the Alps from the air, visitors can arrange for hot air ballooning or paragliding. Ice skating, curling and horseback riding are also available. When you are ready to shed a few layers and come indoors, check out Gstaad’s covered swimming pool.

The village itself is also a shining star. Think of the kind of place you dreamed of when you read fairy tales as a child and that’s what Gstaad looks like. Surrounded by the Alps, the town’s most prominent feature is a romantic, picturesque castle that sits on a hill overlooking the village. At night, the Palace Hotel is lit by spotlights and the eaves of every chalet in the village are illuminated by strings of small white lights. Adding to the charm of this winter wonderland is that the entire town is car free and all destinations are a close walk away.

Après-ski wandering in the pedestrian zone of Gstaad is an adventure in people watching. Come in from the cold and you will discover a thriving nightlife scene. Of course, Gstaad is best known for its luxury hotels, with star-studded lobbies and excellent shopping where you can pick up something to “be seen in” the rest of your trip.

A string of villages, St. Stephan, Zweisimmen, Saanenmöser, Schönried, Gstaad, Saanen, Rougemont, Chateau d’Oex and Les Moulins stretch along the railway line. Lauenen, Gsteig and Reusch are accessible by bus up the valleys fanning out from Gstaad. Gstaad is in a good location for train or auto excursions to Montreux, Geneva, Lausanne, Interlaken and Bern, all within approximately two hours by train.

It is also possible to visit two distinct cultures from Gstaad. The dividing line between the French and German parts of Switzerland is only a few miles from Gstaad, enabling those venturing a short distance from the resort the opportunity to experience both cultures.

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Still More Heavy Snow In Europe; Report

• The heavy snowfall continues, resorts in the Pyrenees post new record for accumulations.
• Snow depths in Italy touch five metres (16 feet).
• Healthy snowfall at last in western North America.
• Summer skiing canceled in southern hemisphere due to warm weather.

It’s now ten weeks since the first heavy snowfalls were reported in the Alps and the snow is continuing to come down by the bucket load in many areas. Apart from the duration of the snowfall obviously setting ski resorts up for a memorable season, what’s also unusual is that almost all of the world’s major ski regions have received well above average preseason snowfall. Usually one area will do better than another. However this time almost everywhere has above average snow.

Along with the Alps, there have been huge falls in the Dolomites, resorts in the Pyrenees have reported record accumulations for this early in the season.

France continues to receive heavy snowfalls in the Alps and Pyrenees with powder alarms of up to 60cm (two feet) of new snow at some areas. Montgenèvre got another 40cm (16 inches) and Val d’Isère 20cm (eight inches) more on Tuesday alone. But all the snow means there is a high risk of avalanche everywhere. The greatest snow depths are reported at Valberg 260cm (8.7 feet) and Isola 2000 250cm (8.3 feet), but many resorts have base depths of more than two metres (6.7 feet), including Méribel, where the Freestyle World Cup is being staged today ...more »

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FIS Cancels Ski Races in The Alps- Too Much Snow!

Ski races in the Alps are being cancelled again, but unlike two years ago when inadequate snow cover sparked off stories that the end of the ski industry was upon us due to climate change, this time it’s because there’s too much snow.

The FIS Alpine Ladies Europa Cup Downhill races were cancelled in St Moritz on Friday when several days of heavy snowfall added at least a foot of snow a day taking base levels up past the 180cm (six feet) mark.

The Slalom and Super G races were still scheduled to go ahead at the weekend. In Val d’Isere the men’s World cup slalom race had to be cancelled on Sunday 14 December due to strong winds.

Good Snow Start To Winter Ski Season 2008-9!

Andorra Opens Early, Livigno Offers Free Skiing

Spectacular early snow in the Pyrenees has broken a three year-cycle of a slow start in the region. Resorts on the southern European range have opened early, or are about to. Spain was first off the mark with Baqueria Beret and Formigal amongst 10 resorts now open. Andorra’s GrandValira and VallNord resorts will join them this weekend, both deciding to open a week ahead of schedule with upper base depths in excess of a metre of powder snow, and most with a foot of snow even at resort level.

In Switzerland the big opening this weekend will be Crans Montana, which top’s Skiinfo.com’s snow depth table with a remarkable 270cm (nine feet) of snow on upper slopes and even 170cm (nearly six feet) on lower slopes. It joins many other Swiss resorts already open and similarly bathed in deep powder including Engelberg, Lenzerheide, Saas Fee, St Moritz, Verbier and Zermatt.

French resorts mostly stick to a rigid opening schedule even when they have huge snowfalls and Tignes, the only resort open in the country for two months now, is reaping the benefits with another 10cm (four inches) falling at the end of last week topping up base depths to 155cm (five feet, two inches).

Austria’s glacier resorts, some of which have also already been open for months, are being joined by an increasing number of lower altitude ski areas. The Tux glacier near Mayrhofen in the Ziller Valley which has seen huge snowfalls in October and November, still has the most snow in the country with 135cm (four feet, six inches) of snow on upper slopes. Conditions are looking great across the country with heavy snow expected down to 200m and areas including the Zugspitzarena and Pitztal Glacier both expecting up to a metre (three feet, four inches) of fresh powder later this week.

Italy’s Passo Tonale has the biggest base in Europe right now with 2.8m (nine feet, four inches) of snow. Alagna Valsesia and Gressoney in the Monterosa Region will open this weekend thanks to great snowfalls bringing depths up to 180cm (six feet) on upper slopes . Madonna di Campiglio will also open this weekend with 45 cm (18 inches) of snow on upper slopes. Elsewhere in the country Cervinia is also open, with its cross-border connection to Zermatt. Livigno opened early last weekend and is currently offering free skiing to anyone who visits this week.

from: skiinfo.com

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Ski Resorts Open Early Around The World

(continued from homepage) Skiinfo.com reports that about 100 ski areas around the planet are now operational (the last southern hemisphere resort, Mt Ruapehu in New Zealand, winds up its 2008 record-snow season this weekend).

New openings in Europe this weekend (November 14 – 16) include Hemsedal in Norway, Obergurgl in Austria, Laax and Lenzerheide in Switzerland.

“Hemsedal has between 20-30 cm nature snow above the tree line and the snow conditions in the high mountain are excellent.” said a resort spokesman. Half of the world’s open ski areas at present are in Scandinavia where competition focus in on Levi in Finland this weekend for World Cup racing.

However some of the deepest snow depths – with over 1.5 metres (five feet) of fresh powder are at glacier resorts that are already open, amongst them Saas Fee and Zermatt in Switzerland, Tignes in France, Tux in Austria and Passo Tonale in Italy – setting up for a spectacular 2008-9 season in the Alps.

The Pyrenees, which has had a challenging start to the season in recent years, has seen superb snowfalls on French, Andorran and Spanish resorts. Midweek it was St Lary on the French side that topped Skiinfo’s powder fall league.

“Hemsedal has between 20-30 cm nature snow above the tree line and the snow conditions in the high mountain are excellent.” said a resort spokesman. Half of the world’s open ski areas at present are in Scandinavia where competition focus in on Levi in Finland this weekend for World Cup racing.

In Canada, Alberta is the place to ski right now, the third of Banff’s ski areas, Sunshine, joins the other two, Lake Louise and Mount Norquay, which opened last weekend. Sunshine boasts the largest amount of terrain open in the country at present. Nearby Marmot Basin by the town of Jasper is also opening, on the earliest date in its nearly 50 year history.

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Resort Survey: Favorite French Resorts

France has long attracted skiers to its slopes and even hosted the first Winter Olympic Games in Chamonix in 1924. The skiers, and now the ‘boarders, are still coming. Whether they’re looking for glamour and upscale accommodations or a more down to earth setting, the resorts of France don’t disappoint. And there’s more than skiing that makes a winter vacation in France a special event. Visitors can take side trips to Paris or Lyon, visit museums and art galleries, and of course, enjoy fantastic French cuisine.

Take a look at a few of the great resorts of France:

Chamonix

The scenic Chamonix valley is nestled among some of the highest mountain peaks in the Alps, including the famous Mont Blanc massif (4,810 meters/15,632 feet). The valley is situated in the crossroads of three countries. It’s just a 25-minute trip to Italy through the Mont Blanc tunnel and about the same amount of time from Chamonix to Switzerland traveling over the Col des Montets.

There are 145 trails weaving throughout the area adding up to 140 kilometers (87.5 miles). The favorite runs in the area are Le Brevent, Vallée-Blanche, and the Grands Montets. Chamonix is known for its fantastic off-trail skiing and snowboarding opportunities, as well. Including the off-trail slopes, the area offers up to 30,000 acres of skiable terrain.

Courchevel

Beautiful Courchevel is part of the giant Trois Vallées Ski Area. There are four levels to the resort, based on their elevation. Courchevel 1300 offers the lowest prices and the most traditional Savoyard village. Courchevel 1850, the highest of the four, is the upscale resort. Filled with top quality hotels, restaurants, clubs, and shopping, 1850 attracts the rich and famous from across the world.

Beginning skiers enjoy the Courchevel Valley’s 100 miles of trails designated for them. Gentle, well-groomed beginner runs are found near the Jardin Alpin lifts. Great cruising runs popular with intermediates are located near the Courchevel 1850 gondola. There are more slopes to lure the advanced skier than there is time to ski them. Experts choose from runs with names such as the Ugly Sisters, Sous Pylons, Emile Allais, and Téléphérique, just to name a few.

Méribel

Méribel, a popular purpose-built resort, is filled with slate-roofed, wooden chalet-style buildings and raised walkways. The resort is also located in Les Trois Vallées ski area, and welcomes skiers to a winter playground like no other. With access to the vast ski area’s 200 lifts and more than 600 kilometers of trails, Méribel is an attractive base for skiers and snowboarders. And the partiers love it, too!

While Méribel is often called an “intermediate’s paradise” there’s plenty for beginners, as well. France’s famous ski school, L’Ecole Du Ski Français, is an excellent place for those beginners to upgrade their skills. The resort offers great trails for experts as well as some awesome off-trail areas. Other winter sports abound including cross-country skiing, some of the best ice hiking in the Alps, dog sledding, tobogganing, and even bobsledding on an Olympic run.

Val d’Isère

This resort succeeds at combining spine-tingling skiing and vivacious après-ski for the maximum effect. Skiers and snowboarders have the run of the vast L’Espace Killy, named for the famous French skier, Jean Claude Killy. As the venue for 1992 Winter Olympic ski events, Val d’Isère has seen some of the best skiers in the world.

Beginners have plenty of space to practice their skills with 30% of trails suited for them. Forty-seven percent of Val d’Isère’s trails are devoted to intermediates and provide lots of altitude. Experts enjoy on and off-trail skiing at the resort including the Bellevarde Face, considered one of the most difficult men’s downhill courses in the world.

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