Skiing The Alps.com News

THE KILLERS WILL PERFORM AT ISCHGL

Thu, 28 Apr 2011 12:10:25 GMT

American rock outfit, the Killers are due to play the famous closing party in Ischgl. The 'Top of the Mountain' gig will happen on Saturday 30th April.

Fronted by Las Vegas born Brandon Flowers, their hits include' Mr Brightside' and 'Somebody Told Me'. Formed in 2001, they will join a long list of music giants who've graced the slopes of Ischgl. Previous acts include Elton John, Kylie Minogue, Rhianna, The Gossip and last year Alicia Keys took to the stage at thge closing party.

See www.ischgl.com for full booking details.

About Us

Tue, 19 Oct 2010 15:56:58 GMT

SkiingTheAlps.com is now owned by DirectSki.com.

Fuel Price Guide

Wed, 31 Mar 2010 16:26:52 GMT

Skiing-The-Alps.com is now pleased to be able to offer the latest fuel prices for the following European countries. These have been converted into Euros (except the UK which is still £s Sterling).

The UK has STILL got one of the highest fuel prices in Europe! TAX ON FUEL IS NOW DOUBLE THAT OF OTHER EUROPEAN COUNTRIES!

UPDATED: 31/03/2010

Country	Unleaded	Diesel
Austria (€)	1.14	1.03.8
Belgium (€)	1.46.5	1.15.7
France (€)	1.328.4	1.23
Germany (€)	1.42.1	1.19.8
Great Britain (£)	1.17.9	1.17.9
Holland (€)	1.56.3	1.18.9
Italy (€)	1.32	1.24
Luxembourg (€)	1.16.6	0.96.9
Switzerland (€)	1.17	1.19

The above are to be used as a guide only. There may be variations due to currency fluctuations.

* Quoted in Swiss Francs
As of 1st January 2002, individual European currencies have "disappeared" and the EURO has taken over, except Switzerland which is not part of the Euro zone!

Currency Guide

Wed, 31 Mar 2010 16:20:34 GMT

Skiing-The-Alps.com is now pleased to be able to offer the latest exchange rates for the following European countries. These will be updated regularly to ensure you have the most accurate information when choosing you ski destination:

Country	Currency	Amount / £
Euro Zone	Euro	1.09
Switzerland	Swiss Franc	1.52

Last updated: 31/03/2010

The above are to be used as a guide only. There may be variations due to currency fluctuations.

Exchange Rates provided by Dover Eurochange.

MAJOR DEVELOPMENTS AT ST ANTON

Mon, 07 Sep 2009 07:30:40 GMT

ST ANTON’S NEW RENDL-BAHN OPENS

Major developments are currently underway in St Anton on the new Rendlbahn, with the opening still on track for December 2009. The key improvement is that the base station has been moved to a new location close to the Galzigbahn. The new 8-seater gondola, with heated seats, will be able to carry up to 2000 people an hour in only seven and a half minutes, making it over a third faster than the original 1974 Rendlbahn. Linking both the Galzigbahn and the Rendlbahn from a central location in the heart of the resort is a great triumph for skiers and boarders wanting to access the Rendl slopes. For more information visit www.stantonamarlberg.com

Be Visible - By Law!

Sat, 05 Sep 2009 06:35:54 GMT

when travelling within Austria.

All motorists must wear the waistcoat in case of vehicle break down, when stopping in the middle of country lanes, whenever a warning triangle is used and in case of poor visibility. On motorways and dual carriageways it must be worn whenever leaving the car, however not when stopping on allocated parking places.

Failure to comply with these rules will incur a hefty fine, however for a maximum of three months from introduction; the Austrian authorities will be tolerant towards visitors from the UK and Ireland.

Clothing guidelines:
Essential is a reflective, fluorescent colour (yellow, orange or red) in conjunction with white reflective stripes. Logos and any writing should not dominate. The waistcoats must comply with the European standard EN471, visible on a sewn-in label.

For more information, please call our Holiday Information Centre on 0845 1010 1818 or send an e-mail to holiday@austria.info

Travel Safely Through Snow and Ice

Mon, 27 Jul 2009 12:38:09 GMT

The law throughout Alpine regions of Europe is VERY strict and insists that snow chains MUST be carried in the vehicle when travelling on mountain roads. This even applies to 4 x 4 vehicles and how often have I found myself arguing with owners of these powerful vehicles who claim they can go anywhere, anytime, without chains! That maybe but the law quite clearly states that chains MUST be in the vehicles even if not required. You can be stopped by the police on a mountain road and asked to show them your set of chains. They have the right to turn you around and send you back to the valley if chains are NOT in the vehicle!
Modern snow chains are extremely easy to fit but when selecting the right snow chains for your car it is essential to let the supplier know details oif your vehicle including the tyre size so that the right chains can be supplied. It is also important when purchasing to ensure you are buying a quality chain that will last and not disintergrate at 25mph as you drive along!
The leading manufacturer of quality chains is RUD Chains of Germany whose UK headquarters is at Whitstable in Kent and they have a complete range of car chains with four different fittings.
A NEW product available for the 2009-10 season is the RUDmatic Hybrid which gives perfect instant protection against skidding in wintry weather conditions. It can be easily fitted and is constructed using a combination of textile and metal chain. It is designed so as not to damage wheel rims.
The Rud Chains Centrax is the top-of-the-range model and is no ordinary snow chain. It pulls itself onto the wheel when the vehicle drives off and this chain is suitable for cars with low clearance wheel arches and wide, low profile tyres.
The Disc RUD chain is designed for cars with allow wheels so a robust ring protects the wheel rim and avoids any scratching to the alloy wheel. The Disc is suitable for front and rear-wheel drives and provides very smooth running.
RUD's top of the range conventional snow chains meet the hgihest demands for traction and the patented chain mesh provides full gripping power at every wheel position. The Kantenspur chain shows its strength under extremely heavy snow conditions and meets the highest expectations for traction performance and quiet running. It is suitable for front and rear-wheel drive vehicles of all sizes.
An ever increasing number of cars now have front-wheel drive and the Easy2Go offers easy fitting to these cars and offers effective protection against wear.
The Grip is RUD's starter model and is an effective snow chain at an extremely attractive price. This simple cable chain provides top quality and easy fitting.
RUD Chains can be contacted at: alan@RUD.co.uk

See how easy the RUD Chains are to fit, even in snowy conditions:

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Snow Chains Must Be Carried

Mon, 20 Jul 2009 09:59:47 GMT

Driving to the Alps has never been easier with an excellent network of motorway links direct from the ports of Calais and Dunkirk through to Austria, France, Bavaria, Italy and Switzerland. But it is important to remember than when motoring in the Alps, and regardless of which country, snow chains must be carried at all times when driving along mountain roads. You can be stopped by the police at any time on a mountain road and if you cannot produce snow chains, you will be FINED!

You will find motorway and first class roads are kept clear of snow throughout the winter as the European countries are extremely well geared up to dealing with the "white stuff" quickly and efficiently. So you should get to within a few miles of your destination without too many problems.

However, Even if you do not need to fit chains - and this ALSO applies to drivers of 4 x 4s - you MUST carry chains. The police are especially hot on this in France and even if the roads are clear they can demand to see chains. At best, they will turn you around and send you to the nearest town to buy/hire or at worst they will put a bit of a dent into your holiday wallet!

If you are going to drive time after time it is a good idea to purchase. Snow chains are not expensive and a very good supplier of quality chains is RUD Chains of Whitstable in Kent. The chains - German made - have been used by the Editor for more than 23 years without mishap. Even with special snow tyres, the Editor carries RUD Chains just in case the police, or the weather intervene.

RUD Chains have an excellent range of chains for the 2009-10 winter period. A NEW product on the market from RUD is the RUDmatic Hybrid gives perfect instant protection against skidding in wintry conditions. It is an innovative, high-tech combination of textile and metal chain which can be fitted quickly, easily and intuitively to the DRIVE wheels so you can continue your journey in safety. What is more it does not damage the wheel rims.

The RUD Centrax is the "automatic snow chain" which is incredibly fast and easy fitting. The CENTRAX pulls itself onto the wheel when the vehicle starts moving with all parts in sight and no parts of the chain on the inside of the wheel. The continuous chain net provides a very smooth ride and these chains can be tightened or released using one hand. They are suitable for both front and rear-wheel drive vehicles and are light to carry.

RUD Chains can be contacted in the UK at Whitstable on: 01227 276611 or see the rud website

Drive or be Driven?

Tue, 23 Sep 2008 12:14:03 GMT

If you are planning a DIY ski trip and considering your options. One major consideration for your trip is travel to and from your resort, with the onset of budget airlines and forever changing airports, the cost of a flight to your alpine getaway is often very affordable and by far the quickest way to the slopes.

However when you arrive at the airport what next? Well there are two main options; drive or be driven.

The options come down to personal preference however a full understanding of the options will lead to a sure choice.

Airport transfers can be booked as soon as you have booked your flight (be sure to look for airports closest to resort and not just the cost of the flight), from any popular airport a private car can be arranged to meet you from your flight and with enough baggage space to fit all your skis and boards. Shared vehicles are available too, which means cheaper travel. The driver will then take you direct to your accommodation; these drivers are professionals that know the road ahead, with knowledge of the quickest way to your resort. The driver will also be informed of your accommodation address meaning resort arrival time and actual arrival time are the same! Many hotels (such as those in Austria) will arrange to collect you from your airport and take you back there at the end of your stay for a small charge).

All transfer vehicles and drivers are fully insured and licensed meaning the price you pay includes security. The vehicles will be equipped for the mountain roads, with special snow tyres and a set of chains when the snow really starts falling.

The second option is car rental which also can be booked at the time of reserving your flight. With most popular airports having car rental desks. A range of vehicles will be offered but ski-racks/ snow tyres/ chains will be at an extra cost. The service allows freedom to drive yourself to your resort as you want, however journeys can often be troublesome.

Driving yourself to the mountains requires some preparation, knowledge of the route - where the nearest petrol station is, practise of putting on snow chains, etc. There have been many reports of holiday makers driving up one side of a mountain only to find the pass is closed throughout the winter and there is no option but to turn around. The reports of trouble don't stop there, one family decided to economise on car insurance and on arrival at their ski resort, parked the car. On the return to the car they found the snow lodged on the roof of a nearby building had fallen and crushed the car, causing not only a dent in the car but in the wallet too.

Considering the average holiday makers travel needs for a winter holiday; the desire to arrive at the resort as soon as possible, the fact that transport within a resort is rarely needed and the amount of luggage that skiing involves.

This all leads to one sensible solution, book a transfer...

Austria Flights Schedule Winter 2008-09

Tue, 23 Sep 2008 12:07:50 GMT

Austria By Air

Travelling to Austria by air couldn't be easier. With an average flying time of only 2 hours to a choice of popular Austrian destinations, flights to Austria are probably the quickest, easiest and most cost effective travel option.

Flights to Austria

Austrian Airlines www.austrian.com
Austrian hospitality begins the moment you step on board an Austrian Airlines flight. The national provider of flights to Austria offers the best in quality, service, reliability and security.

While many airlines now offer flights to Austria, including a number of direct destinations, the national airline, Austrian Airlines, currently operates 29 return flights per week from London Heathrow to Vienna and two return flights per week from Dublin to Vienna.

Austrian Airlines offers convenient connecting flights to Graz, Linz, Innsbruck, Klagenfurt and Salzburg from Vienna, ensuring unrivalled flexibility when travelling to Austria by air. A new fare structure for flights to Austria from Austrian Airlines offers greater flexibility and choice, with basic fares starting as low as £99 return, including all taxes and surcharges!

WINTER 2008/09 FLIGHT SCHEDULE INFORMATION

Below, please find a list of downloadable (PDF format) WINTER 2008/09 flight schedule information. Arriving in Austria from the UK and Ireland is quick and convenient with the current flight routings by both scheduled and low cost carriers.

There are departures from the following airports:
Bournemouth (From £55)
Bristol (From £51)
Coventry (From 73)
Doncaster (From £79)
Exeter (From £171)
Leeds/Bradford (From £150)
Liverpool (From £88)
London/Gatwick (From £55)
London/Heathrow (From £157)