H2Oski Latest News

UK flights Resume

H2Oski — Wed, 21 Apr 2010 08:30:10 +0000

UK flights Resume but programmes will take a while longer to get back on schedule.

We are in touch with all our partner airlines and will be contacting those guests affected as we know the impact on their holiday bookings.

Longer term all holidays are back on sale based on normal dates.

Volcanic eruption disrupts flights

H2Oski — Thu, 15 Apr 2010 10:45:10 +0000

An ash cloud from a volcanic eruption in Iceland has caused UK airports to close today.

All H2O guests affected will be contacted directly but if you are concerned please call or email us.

Nobody overseas should be affected but again if you are concerned please contact the duty phone number in your Travel Brief or speak to our local representative.

Choosing and Maintaining Climbing Skins

H2Oski — Fri, 26 Mar 2010 08:00:10 +0000

Maybe there's already plenty said about ski touring (backcountry) gear. A lot of it these days chatter from manufacturers it must be said, but some of it is handy stuff.

This short piece on Outside Online is quite a nice summary into 5 tips on choosing and maintaining climbing skins. From Tor Brown, product line manager ski accessories for Black Diamond, ofcourse.

Now all ready for your next Ski Touring holiday?

For more see Outside Online

Wow, 360 Video Slope Views

H2Oski — Thu, 25 Mar 2010 14:55:10 +0000

Ever think you'd like an interactive video and lift map?

No. Well neither had we but now we've seen this from onSnow can't wait until we see resorts adopting it. They're talking about also taking it inside lodges and restaurants. We think it could be a real winner if it can help in making the right choice of mountain ski resort.

For more see slopeviews.com

Quake misses Chile's Ski Resort's

H2Oski — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 19:50:10 +0000

OnTheSnow.com reports that Chile's ski resorts sustained only minor quake damage and are busy getting ready for the 2010 ski season commencing in June

Turismo Chile say that Chile's tourism infrastructure has, overall, fared well, reporting little damage.

Chile's Mountain Ski Resorts have been preserved and the Chilean ski resorts of Valle Nevado, Portillo, El Colorado, La Parva, and Ski Arpa are intact. News from Termas de Chillan and Villarrica/Pucon has not yet been verified.

For more information OnTheSnow.com

Know Before You Go

H2Oski — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 11:25:10 +0000

Now that you have Booked your Holiday check that you have got everything you need Before You Go?

Our 'Before You Go' pages are intended to provide you with information to help ensure your holiday goes as smoothly as possible. Take a few minutes to look through them as they contain general advice that you will need and may already be wondering about.

These pages are regularly reviewed and updated so if there is something you think we're missing please Contact Us and let us know.

For more information Before You Go

Recipes From Ski Town Restaurants

H2Oski — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 08:25:10 +0000

Outside's list of top recipes from 10 ski town restaurants in North America.
'All are ultra-decadent dishes, perfect for recovery. Because if nothing else, cold weather is the perfect excuse to bring on the heavy cream!'
Who needs an exuse.

For more information refer to:
Outside Online

Think before you drink on the slopes

H2Oski — Sat, 23 Jan 2010 08:16:10 +0000

More than half a million Britons will be unintentionally skiing at almost double the drink-driving limit this season as alcohol consumed the night before puts themselves and other skiers at risk, according to More Than insurance in this Telegraph article. They reckon that 568,000 Britons on the piste will have seven or more units of alcohol still in their bloodstreams from the night before when they set off. The drink driving limit is four units for a man.

For more information refer to:
Telegraph

Lake Tahoe leads US Snowfall

H2Oski — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 08:40:10 +0000

Tahoe has the most snow in the US with Kirkwood Mountain Resort ringing in 200 inches for a total season fall so far. Skiiers visting the mountain ski resorts of Lake Tahoe South Shore: Heavenly Mountain Resort, Sierra-at-Tahoe Resort and Kirkwood Mountain Resort will find 1-2 feet of fresh powder dropped in the last 24 hours.

“The base is solid and conditions have been exceptional all winter, but this weekend will arguably be the best conditions yet this season,” said Carol Chaplin from Lake Tahoe Visitors Authority. “The new snowfall means it just keeps getting better on the mountain during the day, which means there’s more partying at night. We lead the country in that category, too.”

For the most up-to-date information on snowfall, mountain base depths and road conditions at Heavenly, South Lake Tahoe, check the resort web cams on the link below:

For more information refer to:
Heavenly Web Cams

Vail Resorts make Safety Fun

H2Oski — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 09:40:10 +0000

The five US ski resorts operated by Vail Resorts are kicking off special safety awareness events and demonstrations at each resort to help raise ski and snowboard safety awareness on the mountains.

Activities at Vail, Beaver Creek, Breckenridge, Keystone and Heavenly are designed to be fun and interactive and also help skiers and riders of all levels learn more about safety on the slopes.

For more information refer to:
Vail Resorts

Video on Skiing Glacial Terrain

H2Oski — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 09:37:10 +0000

Filmed last winter on the famous Vallée Blanche above the Chamonix Valley by a team of experienced mountain guides. This video shows the basic principles of skiing on glaciers in terms of crevasse spotting and group management and general glacier safety.

We'd say this is a must watch before your next ski holiday. Particularly for those skiing the glaciers of France's Chamonix Valley or in the Espace Killy

For more information refer to:
News from Andy Perkins

Ski Safety: How to avoid avalanches

H2Oski — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 17:07:10 +0000

As we pack our gear & ready ourselves for a few days on the piste is there anything we need to remember?

Henry Schniewind, who runs Henry's Avalanche Talks (HAT) offers his top safety tips for skiing off-piste and avoiding avalanche danger.

For more information refer to:
Telegraph Snow & Ski

Airport Closures Lyon and Geneva

H2Oski — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 10:50:10 +0000

Due to heavy snowfalls in Geneva and the french alps both Geneva & Lyon airports had to be closed over the weekend causing some disruption to guest's flights.

We continue to monitor the situation and if any holidays of H2O guests are affected we will contact you directly.

Snow - A Matter of Perspective!

H2Oski — Fri, 08 Jan 2010 17:50:10 +0000

Here in the UK heavy we're looking for the snowfall and freezing temperatures to end. In the French Alps we have an altogether different perspective.

In the Chamonix Valley the Grands Montets 'top' lift was opened for the first time this season. The lift carries skiiers to 3275m, for endless off piste possibilities.

Meanwhile in the Espace Killy snow is expected to continue throughout the weekend (follow the link bellow to the Val d'Isere webcams).

For more information refer to:
Val d'Isere webcams

H2Oski now on Twitter

H2Oski — Thu, 07 Jan 2009 11:30:10 +0000

You can now stay intouch with H2Oski via Twitter @ H2Oski_Holidays

For more information refer to:
H2Oski_Holidays

Fresh Snow at Lake Tahoe

H2Oski — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 09:12:10 +0000

Storms have dumped up to 1 metre of fresh snow in Tahoe's higher altitudes with more expected in the next day or so.

With the storm passed the roads are clear providing access to epic powder skiing at Lake Tahoe's mountain ski resorts, including the likes of Heavenly Mountain Resort and Squaw Valley USA.

'Christmas is here' said Carol Chaplin, executive director of the Lake Tahoe Visitors Authority 'Obviously Santa and El Nino are working together to provide a solid base for the upcoming holiday season and beyond'

Val d'Isere Opens Tomorrow

H2Oski — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 21:09:10 +0000

Val d'Isere is opening on Saturday November 28th. And that's TOMOROW!

At Val d'Isere's opening weekend there will be tests of the latest ski and snowboard equipment. Some of the hotels, apartments, bars, restaurants and of course some of the Espace Killy slopes are ready and waiting for you.

So, why not start your ski season really early this year! See how good the snow looks on the webcams (see link below).

Val d'Isere Snow Report:
Top of the slopes (3.000 m.): 70 cm
Resort (1.850m.) : 20 cm
These slopes and areas will be opening tomorrow:
- 38 runs
- 36 ski lifts
- Ski right down to the resort in Val d'Isere ('Raye' slope - La Daille) and Tignes
- Ski from Val d'Isere to Tignes via Tommeuses, and get back over to Val d'Isere with Les Tufs & Aeroski
- 6 areas open : Solaise, Bellevarde, Grande Motte, Palet, Palafour, Toviere.

To view the Val d'Isere Web Cams Click Here

Whistler Mountain Opens Early

H2Oski — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 08:18:10 +0000

Whistler Blackcomb has announced that Whistler Mountain will open tomorrow, November 14, 12 days early. Blackcomb Mountain will open on Thursday, November 26.

Mother Nature has certainly been kind for to Whistler Blackcomb with a minimum of 70-100 centimeters of snow accumulating over the past seven days. And, with the cold front moving across the south Coastal Mountains, forecasts indicate another 65 centimeters of snow could fall by opening day. Combine that with the power of an arsenal of over 160 snow guns, and this early season is off to a very white start to skiing at Whistler Blackcomb.

Despite being early season snow by Saturday, skiers and riders will be able to head up Whistler Mountain via the Whistler Village Gondola, with Big Red Express, Emerald Express, and the Franz’s Chair.

Breckenridge Ski Resort Open

H2Oski — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 07:20:10 +0000

Breckenridge Ski Resort kicked off the 2009-2010 season yesterday, after serving over 3000 FREE pancakes and waffles to hungry skiers and riders from the base of Peak 8. Plus 108 acres of open ski terrain were served up for the feast.

Snow is forecast for Summit County tonight through Sunday, heralding more open ski terrain at Breckenridge by the weekend. With a triple jump line already open in upper Park Lane Terrain Park, this looks like a great start to the season for skiing Breckenridge.

What’s New at Breckenridge Ski Resort

Already home to four huge peaks and 2,350 acres, Breckenridge has debuted the new Peak 7 base area last season and reconstruction of the Peak 8 base area is on track with its first new building on Peak 8 opening in late spring 2010.

Also, 2009 marks 25 years of snowboarding at Breckenridge Ski Resort. Breckenridge now boasts four terrain parks and three pipes, including the top-ranked Freeway Terrain Park/Pipe, a park progression system for beginners and intermediates. In the 2009-10 season Breckenridge will be hosting major events such as the Winter Dew Tour, December 18-20, 2009.

H2O video, helping you choose

H2Oski — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 09:20:10 +0000

In order to help make the right choice for your next holiday look out for the H2O video logo on the holiday guides.

Click on the logo and a new page will open with video footage we hope will give you a true impression of what you might expect from your holiday.

Salomon Recall Notice

H2Oski — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 10:38:18 +0000

Salomon have decided to carry out a voluntary and precautionary recall of the toe pieces of certain models of Salomon-branded ski bindings. The ski binding models subject to the recall were produced between July and October 2008.

For more information refer to:
Salomon

Change to Snow Train

H2Oski — Fri, 28 Jul 2009 10:40:10 +0000

Rail Europe have announced that the traditional Snow Train won’t be running during the coming ski season due to the current economic climate.

H2Oski have other rail options to get you to the French Alps ski areas of Espace Killy, Les 3 Vallées and into the Chamonix Valley.

•On the Eurostar Direct Ski Train, convenient weekly services by day or overnight from London St Pancras or Ashford International stations direct to 3 stations in the French Alps. No flat-bed couchette are available on Eurostar.

•Take a Eurostar to Paris and then a connecting French Train direct to your resort. Many of the day services are high speed and connect with regional services to provide a comprehensive service to the Alps. Overnight services offer reclining seats or flat-bed couchette accommodation for a comfortable journey.

For more information refer to:
H2Oski/Eurostar

H2O add Eurotunnel Options

H2Oski — Fri, 22 Jul 2009 20:11:10 +0000

H2O have added Euro Tunnel's passenger shuttle to our Overland Self Drive travel options.

Now for our holidays to the French Alps ski areas of Espace Killy, Les 3 Vallées, Chamonix Valley we can pre-book return crossings ensuring all pre-booked elements will be covered by our Financial protection.

For more information refer to:
H2Oski/Eurotunnel

Ski Helmets for kids in Argentina

H2Oski — Fri, 24 Jun 2009 20:11:10 +0000

As an overall commitment to skier and snowboarder safety programs, and with the objective of promoting the enjoyment of the sport while also reducing the possibility of injury, Valle de Las Leñas, Argentina, has announced that from this winter (2009), all children, 12 years and under, who participate in group lesson through the resort's ski and ride schools will be required to wear a helmet.

Further, a helmet will become a required part of any child (ages 12 and under) ski and snowboard rental package offered at all of VLL Resorts’ retail and rental outlets, unless a parent or legal guardian signs a waiver to decline use of the equipment. Valle de Las Leñas Resort have purchased 600 helmets.

Valle de Las Leñas Resort management recommends the use of helmets for all its guests, regardless of their age or skiing skills level.

Take a dram with a clear concience

H2Oski — Fri, 18 Jun 2009 09:39:10 +0000

The WWF reports that Scottish distillers, makers of iconic Scotch whiskies, have agreed to ‘green’ their production processes, so that whisky drinking skiers everywhere will soon be able to sit back with a single malt and know they are helping to fight climate change.

For further information refer to

WWF News

Wear a helmet or not?

H2OSki — Sat, 20 Mar 2009 05:51:18 +0000

The Ski Club of Great Britain claims increasing numbers of skiers and snowboarders are seeing the benefit of head protection.

Skiing Magazine Senior Editor Sam Bass recently gave a personel Ode to the Helmet and the Daily Telegraph in two recent articles has put a Case Against and a Case For the compulsory wearing of helmets.

Whether countries introduce legislation to require the use of a 'lid' or not its a topic we think every skiier should have an opinion on. What's yours?

No new Luggage Charge with H2O

H2OSki — Sat, 21 Feb 2009 05:51:18 +0000

We have received an enquiry about the news that Thomas Cook Airlines is ending its free luggage allowances on flight-only bookings.

The new rules come in on March 2 and will end the current policy which allows passengers up to 15kg in the hold free of charge. Infuture all luggage will be charged for in line with standard practice in the ‘flight-only market’.

At H2Oski we use Thomas Cook Airlines’ charter flights, amongst others, into the French Alps. We’d like to reassure all H2Oski guests that this new policy has no affect on our holidays where we continue to include 20Kg checked luggage Free of charge on all our holidays.

For information on Airlines we use to other destinations go to our Airline Options page.

Safety gear mandatory in Piemonte

H2OSki — Thu, 12 Feb 2009 16:10:41 +0000

Its being reported that Piemonte Region, Northern Italy, has passed a law to make avalanche safety gear (avalanche beacon, shovel and probe) mandatory for all those wishing to ski off-piste, including ski mountaineering, in the region.

The previous law obliged ski tourers to use avalanche beacons if there was a clear risk of avalanche.

From a perspective of personel risk control all skiers venturing off-piste should not find this unreasonable, but just incase the law is backed by a Euro 250 fine. If that’s not enough skiers travelling to Piemonte might like to check their travel insurance as most policies include a clause to void cover if skiers don’t observe requirements set out in local law.

For more information:

http://www.guidealpinepiemonte.it/it/news/news103.htm

Val d’Isere – World Championships

H2OSki — Thu, 29 Jan 2009 10:05:51 +0000

The Solaise and Bellevarde mountains create a panoramic and breathtaking view, however do not let the idyllic scenery deceive you the notorious venue of Val d’Isere will be hosting the biggest ski event on the World calendar prior to Vancouver 2010 as the FIS World Ski Championships descend on the French Alps in less than a weeks time.

Running from the 3rd – 15th February

For more information go to:
Snowsport GB

Ski Sunday and High Altitude

H2OSki — Sat, 24 Jan 2009 07:49:55 +0000

Ski Sunday is back on BBC with 30-minutes of World Cup action BBC2 at 17:00 each Sunday.

It’ll be joined by a new ‘mountain adventure’ programme, High Altitude. The first one, tomorrow night, is in New Zealand, can’t wait!

Sad news for those of us who were old enough to be avid followers of Ski Sunday through the ’80s. Veteran BBC sports broadcaster David Vine, who fronted Ski Sunday, died of a heart attack earlier this month.

For more information go to:
www.bbc.co.uk/ski_sunday

Heavy snow falls

H2OSki — Wed, 21 Jan 2009 07:57:37 +0000

After a modest early December start to the season, January has had resorts in western North America reporting increasingly spectacular snowfall.

Europe is having a great week, with some resorts in France receiving up to 60cm of powder on Tuesday night. Another band of heavy snow is expected over the weekend, with falls of up to 90cm predicted in places.

Atomic bindings recalled

H2OSki — Wed, 31 Dec 2008 08:02:01 +0000

Atomic Austria GmbH and its distributors are carrying out a voluntary recall of the heel components of certain ski bindings produced between 1998 and 2002.

Heel components of 310, 311, 412 models of ATOMIC Race, Xentrix, Device, Centro and ADX, RD10 and 412 models of DYNAMIC bindings produced between 1998 and 2002…

For more info go to:
Atomic

Ski champions demand climate action

H2OSki — Fri, 05 Dec 2008 08:05:07 +0000

With snow and ski resorts under threat from climate change skiers and snowboarders are calling on governments attending the UN climate talks in Poznan to rapidly reduce global emissions.

For more information go to:
Panda News