There is plenty of new wear if you want to look good on the slopes.

It appears that skiers are once again spending money, this time with ski wear.

The Finnish based company which owns iconic ski brands Atomic and Salomon euro reported a 36.6 million Euro profit in the final quarter of 2009, more than double the figure for the same quarter in 2008.

Over the whole year, which the company described as the worst for more than 10 years, Amer’s overall profit fell 8 percent to 31 million Euros, and sales dropped from 1.57 to 1.53 billion.

Continue reading ‘Skiwear industry sales picking up’

Sun Peaks in British Columbia, Canada on October 27. Photo Credit: Corey Wiwchar

Big snow falls across Europe and North America have propelled several ski areas into early openings over the last two weeks, and many others are getting ready.

SOURCE: skiinfo.co.uk

THE ALPS:

In the Alps, many Austrian resorts and glaciers are open, including Kitzbuhel whose early opening SkiRebel.com reported on a few days ago. The heavy snowfall there last week has set up some great conditions with most areas reporting a three to five-foot base. The glacial areas are Dachstein, Hintertux, Molltal, Kitzsteinhorn (Kaprun), Pitztal, Solden, Stubai, and Tux.

Continue reading ‘Big snows launch northern hemisphere ski season’

Between 5,000 and 6,000 came out for the first day of skiing at Mammoth. Normally the first day attracts 500

At least a dozen ski areas in at least six countries have opened earlier than expected because of heavy snow, or consistent low temperatures to allow snow making, or a combination of both.
Austria saw the most of the heavy snowfalls in the latter half of last week with the glacier ski area of Tux claiming the biggest accumulated snowfall of an incredible 1.8 metres (six feet) over the past week, with the Molltal glacier not far behind with 1.4m (nearly five feet).
Although many regular Austrian resorts have reported up to two feet (60cm) of snow on their slopes, only one is reported to have started running their lifts early as a result, it was reported that the Planai above Schladming had its earliest ever opening this weekend. Continue reading ‘Heavy snow and lower temperatures lead to ski season jumpstart’

Guests at Pyhä resort in Finland will find a new ski run from the Family slopes to the Polar slope will be open next winter, conveniently connecting the two slope areas.

In addition the resort’s successful FunPark will be developed further by the park team members and the snowmaking system on the Family slopes will be made more efficient.
The Rosa & Rudolf children’s adventure route will also be developed further and new features will be added.
Pyhä is also expected to add a new fast six person chairlift in time for the 2010-11 season.

• Pyhä : More related stories by clicking here.

More than a dozen of the world’s top resorts have now opened for the winter – in most cases thanks to heavy snowfall which has brought several feet (60cm+) of fresh snow to some resorts in the Alps, as well as big falls in the Pyrenees and at least a foot (30cm) to most.
Continue reading ‘World’s biggest ski resorts kick off season’

World’s First Sauna Gondola to open in Yllas
Talk about innovation and bringing après-ski to new heights! The Scandinavian obsession with saunas has reached new heights in the Lappish ski resort of Ylläs where the world’s first ever sauna gondola will open this winter.
The gondola – wood clad inside and out – travels up to the top station at 718m, where there is a main sauna at the top of Ylläs Fell, which can be rented for private use. From here you can leave your belongings and rent the sauna gondola from 7-9pm and experience the most unique sauna ever!

The sauna gondola can take 4 people at a time, for up to 12 people during a two hour session. Take it in turns with two rounds each, whilst friends relax in the main sauna at the top station.
Inghams feature offer a seven night stay at the three star Akas Hotel in Ylläs where prices start from £393 per person in a self-catering one-room cabin for up to four people, including return flights from Gatwick, with alternative routes from Birmingham, Manchester or Bristol at small supplements.

Call 020 8780 4447 or visit www.inghams.co.uk. To book the sauna gondola and main sauna at top station 718m costs a total of €1500 ($2,500 US) or book the main sauna separately for €500 ($700 US).

Finland’s Ruka ski area, high up close to the Arctic Circle, will again stay open to mid-June this year, clocking up what the resort believes to be the longest winter for a non-glacier resort in Europe, probably anywhere.

Continue reading ‘Ruka open to mid-June, records 8 month season’