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Explore the latest and greatest ski stories with Roula Khalaf, Editor of the prestigious Financial Times, in this exclusive weekly newsletter. Get ready to hit the slopes with her handpicked selection of captivating articles.
Colorado’s Snowy Marvels: Unleash Your Inner Hero
Prepare to be overwhelmed by Colorado’s thriving ski industry, fueled by last year’s extraordinary snowfall. A staggering 14.8 million skiers flocked to the state’s resorts during the remarkable 2022-23 season, smashing previous records by a million and surpassing the five-year average by 18 percent. Colorado Ski Country, the trade association, reveals that two of the largest resorts are now launching exciting expansions to kick off the new season.
Aspen Snowmass, nestled amidst breathtaking scenery, is unveiling a brand new lift that promises to transport skiers to a high, north-facing portion of Aspen Mountain for the very first time. This expansion represents the mountain’s most significant growth since 1985, increasing the terrain served by lifts by a remarkable 153 acres, or 20 percent. Skiers can look forward to discovering 19 thrilling chutes (known as couloirs in Europe), three enchanting gladed areas for tree-skiing, and four exceptional pistes.
Not too far away, in the enchanting nearby town of Steamboat, a breathtaking $220 million investment is transforming the resort’s offerings for beginners and experts alike. This ambitious project aims to establish Steamboat as more than just a destination for intermediate skiers. The enhancements include the addition of a new gondola and chairlift, the relocation of the beginners’ area to the mid-mountain “Greenhorn Ranch,” and a sprawling 650-acre expansion of expert terrain at Mahogany Ridge. These exciting developments will establish Steamboat as the second-largest resort in Colorado, right after the iconic Vail.
Both Aspen and Steamboat acknowledge that their high-altitude expansions also serve as a strategic response to the challenges posed by global warming. Jeff Hanle, Aspen Snowmass’s Vice President of Communications, explains that these efforts act as a “hedge against climate change.” Aspen has also been diligently moving its snow-making operations higher up the mountain. To keep up with the latest news and plan your Colorado adventure, visit aspensnowmass.com and steamboat.com.
Revolutionizing Ski Lifts: Introducing the ‘Uber of the Slopes’
Prepare to be amazed by the world’s first “on-demand” ski lift, set to debut in the picturesque Swiss resort of Flims Laax this winter. Breaking away from the conventional approach of continually circulating gondola cabins, the groundbreaking FlemXpress offers a revolutionary alternative. Roland Bartholet, the chief of Bartholet Maschinenbau, the company responsible for this innovation, explains that traditional gondola lifts often operate with 90 percent of their cabins empty. FlemXpress, however, ensures that each cabin will have at least one passenger, effortlessly taking them wherever they desire.
The route of this marvelously designed ski lift resembles a T-shape, with four stations seamlessly connecting the village of Flims at 1,095m to the breathtaking Segnes at approximately 2,100m in a straight line. From there, two branches emerge, one ascending to Nagens Sura and another taking skiers to the incredible freeride-only area of Cassons, located at an awe-inspiring altitude of 2,500m. Passengers can simply press a button to select their destination before making their way into a stationary cabin, which gracefully maneuvers under its own electrical power before attaching to the main cable.
In addition to showcasing the immense potential of multi-destination ski lifts, this innovative system claims to reduce energy consumption by an astounding 50 percent compared to the traditional chairlifts it replaces. This visionary project, with a budget of CHF 80 million (£72 million), has been in development for an impressive 15 years. The first two stages, connecting Flims to Startgels, are set to open this winter, followed by the completion of the full route next year. Prepare to witness ski lift history in the making at flemxpress.ch.
Revolutionizing Boot Rentals: Vail Resorts’ Visionary Approach
Vail Resorts, the undisputed leader of ski operations in North America, is about to shake up the equipment rental market with an innovative new scheme. Say goodbye to traditional rental shops and hello to a cutting-edge experience. Vail Resorts plans to introduce a pilot program that eliminates the need to try on boots in person. Instead, customers can simply use a smartphone app to scan their feet, and voila! Boots and skis will be conveniently delivered right to their doorstep.
Membership in this groundbreaking program costs $50, and daily rental fees for skis and boots are set at $50, delivery within the resort area is free. The program is currently being tested at Vail, Beaver Creek, Breckenridge, and Keystone resorts this winter, with a grand launch planned for next year. While this exciting initiative aligns perfectly with Vail Resorts’ goal to “increase guest capture and spend,” some industry skeptics raise concerns about the importance of trying on ski boots to ensure a perfect fit. Truist Securities’ analysts also highlight the potential for tension, suggesting there might be blowback from local businesses and mountain communities, which already have strained relationships with Vail. Learn more about this groundbreaking program at vailresorts.com.
Embrace Eco-Friendly Adventures: Take the Train to the Snow
Award-winning British tour operator Inghams is revolutionizing the way we travel to the Alps by offering sustainable rail options for ski holidays. In their quest to halve carbon emissions by 2030, Inghams has identified flights as the primary contributor, accounting for a staggering 59 percent of emissions associated with a ski holiday. While booking train transport from the UK to the Alps is traditionally more expensive, Inghams has gone above and beyond by keeping prices the same on many trips.
Travelers can now embark on a remarkable journey to the breathtaking resorts across France, Austria, Switzerland, and Italy through various rail alternatives. Some adventurers choose the iconic Eurostar’s “Snow Train” from London to Moûtiers and Bourg-Saint-Maurice in France, with a picturesque stopover in Lille. Others opt for regular high-speed services via Paris, Zürich, or Lausanne. By embracing these sustainable travel options, skiers can enjoy guilt-free vacations while reducing their ecological impact. Explore sustainable travel options and book your eco-friendly adventure at inghams.co.uk.
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