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.

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!

 

 

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Feldberg Open for Winter Sports

Feldberg skiing

Feldberg is open for the 2013/4 season, albeit only one side of the resort, around Feldbergerhof. This is the less exciting part of the resort, but for a chance to try out your ski legs or to begin learning, it is perfect. The snow is pretty good, and with temperatures falling quite substantially over the next few days, the outlook for a long season in Feldberg looks promising.

The ski shops and schools are in business, but the catering facilities seem a little slower in offering service. Still, it is early days and the delight of being able to ski good snow with stunning views over the Alps and the Black Forest only a short drive from Basel is irresistible. I suspect that the Fahl area will open up at the weekends, possibly not until later in the month, before the resort is in full swing for the Christmas period.

For people who don’t ski but enjoy a seasonal walk in a winter wonderland, especially with those exceptional views, Feldberg can’t be beat. And there are even a few folk out ski-kiteboarding and out on cross-country skis.

Details on the resort are here and some footage of me skiing the resort on 4th December is on Youtube: Snow in Feldberg.

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