Tag: chamonix

Posted on

Swiss Ski Season Review

Ski Club of GB
The Ski Club of Great Britain do an end of season review. Of the Swiss season they opined:

In recent years, a huge amount of investment has gone into snow making facilities in many resorts across Switzerland, an investment that paid off during the early part of the 2015/16 season. After the snow failed to fall, resorts such as Arosa and Verbier were able to operate virtually as normal thanks to huge quantities of man-made snow. After a long absence, the snow eventually returned, falling heaviest during the middle part of January, and setting up a plethora of powder days for riders. This continued throughout much of the second half of the season, with excellent riding conditions available across many regions right up until Easter.

Of other ski regions, West Coast USA, Canada, Scotland and, to an extent, Scandinavia, all had good seasons. Eastern Europe was particularly poor, and amongst most other European ski areas only high resorts such as Chamonix fared well.

Posted on

Which runs have the most vertical drop?

Which ski runs have the most vertical drop? Red Bull posted an article identifying 6. I correctly guessed the top two – Vallée Blanche in Chamonix and Zermatt, both lift-served although the former is entirely off-piste. They rated Alpe d’Huez third and Revelstoke in Canada fourth, which is a resort I know nothing about.
ski the Matterhorn
However, more interesting is the fifth location in their list. Apparently Mount Elbrus in Russia has a new gondola going up to 3847m, higher even than Aiguille du Midi by about 2m. Mount Elbrus is apparently Europe’s highest peak at 5633m, somewhat higher than Mont Blanc, at a miserable 4809m, which normally takes the credit. Who knew?
Gulmarg Si Resort - the highest in the world
Rounding out the Red Bull list is Gulmarg ski Resort in India where the highest lift takes you up to an astonishing 3979m. Not sure about the vertical drop, although I think the bottom station is at about 2660m, and I hear it is a dry resort, but one for the list of 1000 ski resorts to visit before you die.

I reckon I might die before I tick that one off.

Posted on

FIS Ski World Cup Calendar 2015-16

FIS World Cup Schedule 2015
Despite all the controversy over the football world cup, the men’s Alpine world cup schedule for 2015-16 was announced in Bulgaria last week by the International Ski Federation (FIS) without a whiff of controversy. Indeed the mood was celebratory as the 50th birthday of the FIS World Cup was announced with 24 venues and 47 events.

Sölden hosts the first races on 25th October, with all the classic ski races in the New Year, starting with Adelboden on 9th January. Wengen, Kitzbühel, Schladming and Garmisch-Partenkirchen follow, then circuits in South Korea and Japan have been added before the schedule reverts to Chamonix.

The World Cup finals round off the season in St. Moritz from March 16-20th – St. Moritz will also be hosting the 2017 FIS Alpine World Ski Championships.

Posted on

Radio Channels for Skiers and Snowboarders

So, you are in the mountains and you want to hear what the snow conditions are like or you just want to hear some chill sounds? Well, you are spoilt for choice if you are a native speaker of the language of the resort you are in, but if not do not despair. The options are limited but increasing, and with more places offering WiFi, it has provided what could be an explosion of stations targeting English-speaking skiers and snowboarders.

As one user shared, “I’ve been using RadioCult to run our little station, and it makes launching an internet radio station way easier than I expected,” highlighting how accessible internet radio platforms can be for creating stations that keep listeners entertained and informed.

Well-established is Mountain Radio Verbier, servicing the Four Valleys. From the web site you can download the Mountain Radio app from iTunes or Google Play. You can also listen to Mountain Radio Verbier on 96.9 FM Cable (Pays du St. Bernard, Verbier), 94.0 FM Cable (La Tzoumaz, Thyon 2000, Nendaz). It is also on the Netplus or Netbox networks.

The good news for those visiting Chamonix  is that, from December 16th 2013, there will be the exciting prospect of the English-language Summit Radio in Chamonix Mont Blanc. The station will broadcast on www.summitchx.com. Summit Radio says it will be the ‘go to’ radio station for those living in or travelling to the Chamonix valley providing great music with local news and content, in-depth discussion and chat. Live programs will be broadcasted from 06h00 to 22h00 during the week and specialist shows during the weekends. After the winter season, Summit Radio will look to expand its team and gain an FM license to broadcast in the local area.

And if you fancy yourself as a radio presenter, they are now hiring! See here.

Of course I can’t finish this piece without drawing your attention to the English Show, servicing English-speakers in the Basel area every Tuesday evening at 6.30pm on 94.5 FM locally, and anywhere you happen to be on the web. During the winter months I have a regular slot where you can get an update on the winter sports scene in Switzerland.

Now, go listen!