Skiing The Alps.com News

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.

EASTER LOOKING GOOD

Mon, 29 Mar 2010 08:32:02 GMT

FRESH SNOW AND COLDER TEMPERATURES (29/03/10)

The Easter holiday period is looking very good for those enthusiasts fortunate enough to be heading out to the Alps this week. Following a spell of mild weather it has now turned colder again with snowfall forecast during the week leading up to Easter.

Traditionally, Easter is a time when families can head off to the slopes without the "fear" of the school turning down a request to take kids out of class during term-time. And there are always last minute bargains to be found so an increasing number of people - not too fussed about which ski resort as long as it is high enough to have snow - will shop around. However, many will have booked early enough to secure a booking at their favourite resort and it looks as if it will be a bumper year, despite Easter being in April.
www.skiinfo.co.uk is reporting a weather forecast of a cold front bringing 15-30cm of snow this week.

“Winter 2009-2010 is positioning itself as one of snowiest in the last thirty years. The snowfalls have been substantial and regular during this winter.” said Virginie Bernat of SkiInfo France. ”Most French resorts are still open, the ski season is not over!”

During the past week La Plagne and Chamonix reported the most new snow with 15-16cm (6 inches) each, La Clusaz had 8cm (3.5 inches).

Chamonix Mont-Blanc has the most snow lying with 400cm (13.3 feet), La Grave la Meije is second with 300cm (10 feet), La Rosière 1850 has 285cm (9.5 feet), Alpe d'Huez 275cm (9.2 feet) and Montgenèvre 240cm (8 feet).

It’s been a dry week in Italy where the snowfall forecast for last weekend in the North of Italy failed to arrive. Arabba and the Marmolada glacier has the country’s deepest snow still with 540cm (18 feet) on upper slopes – they must be using a very long stick to measure it. The Presena Glacier above Passo Tonale, which will most likely stay open for several more months, has four metres (13.3 feet) and Sella Nevea on the Slovenian border 320cm (10.6 feet).

In Switzerland it may be warmer now but it’s been a cold winter with temperatures one degree below a long-term average in the Central Plateau and biggest snowfalls in the Southern Alps. Top snow depths this week are Engelberg with 270cm (nine feet), Lötschental with 256cm (8.5 feet) and Saas Fee with 222 cm (7.3 feet). There were some small snowfalls in Switzerland in the last seven days with Gstaad reporting 10cm (four inches) of new snow in a week.

The biggest snowfalls in Austria were reported from the SkiWelt Wilder Kaiser. Ski resorts there – like Brixen or Going – typically received 30cm (a foot) in seven days. Brixental has a metre of snow on upper slopes and half a metre in the valley. The ski resorts with the top snow depths are still the glaciers: Mölltaler Gletscher 380cm (12.7 feet), Hintertuxer Gletscher 305cm (10.2 feet), Dachstein-Gletscher 290cm (9.7 feet).

In Germany a blanket of snow had covered some parts of the country for a period of more than two months this winter. For the ski resorts it has been a good season, though and it’s not over yet. The Zugspitze still reports up to 250cm (8.3 feet) of snow on its slopes and 110cm (3.7 feet) in Garmisch. The resort got 21cm (8.5 inches) of new snow in the last seven days. Another leading ski area, Oberstdorf - Nebelhorn has a snow depth of 180cm (6 feet).

SPRINGTIME SKIING OPPORTUNITIES

Mon, 22 Mar 2010 09:50:47 GMT

Hit The Spring Snow With Skiinfo!

With Spring here, it’s easy to forget that the ski season still has three months left to run at plenty of resorts around the world. 2010 has been a bumper year with record snowfalls in many resorts so, with Spring sunshine on the way and low prices and empty slopes the norm, here’s Skiinfo’s suggestions for 20 possible ski destinations in 10 countries right through to June!

Austria

Pitztal (http://www.skiinfo.co.uk/Ski-Resort-Info/PitztalerGletscher-EATXPITZTALE-103-en.jhtml )

The highest slopes in Austria are open until May 16 this year. The snow depth is currently more than 2m deep and supported by a new all-weather snowmaking system.

Stubai (www.skiinfo.co.uk/Ski-Resort-Info/Stubaital-StubaierGletscher-EATXSTUBAIER-103-en.jhtml

Usually open to mid-June with slopes reaching above 3,200m, this is one of the easiest resorts to reach from Innsbruck airport.

Tux (www.skiinfo.co.uk/Ski-Resort-Info/HintertuxerGletscher-EATXHINTERTU-103-en.jhtml )

One of the world’s two ski areas open 365 days a year and one of Europe’s largest Spring skiing destinations located in the beautiful Ziller Valley.

France

Chamonix (www.skiinfo.co.uk/Ski-Resort-Info/ChamonixMont-Blanc-EFRCHAMONIXM-103-en.jhtml

With 90% of the ski area located above 2000m, Chamonix enjoys excellent Spring snow conditions and the current base of four metres should last well in to spring. The Grands Montets offers skiing up to 3300m and is the last resort in France to close on the 9th May this year.

Les 2 Alpes (http://www.skiinfo.co.uk/Ski-Resort-Info/Les2Alpes-EFR2ALPES-103-en.jhtm )

Europe's largest skiable glacier is one of the last to close in France and then re-opens its 11 runs on 200 hectares from June 16th to August 28th.

Tignes (www.skiinfo.co.uk/Ski-Resort-Info/Tignes-EFRTIGNES-103-en.jhtml )

Offering some of the highest slopes in France at more than 3400m, Tignes, formerly open 365 days a year is open in to May and re-opens in June.

Italy

Passo Tonale (www.skiinfo.co.uk/Ski-Resort-Info/PassoTonale-AdamelloSki-EITPASSOTON-103-en.jhtml )

The Presena Glacier above Passo Tonale has had Europe’s deepest snow all this winter, with an average 5m (17 foot) base. It’s usually open in to June, with red and black graded runs for good skiers open to enjoy.

Val Senales (www.skiinfo.co.uk/Ski-Resort-Info/ValSenales/Schnals-EITVALSENAL-103-en.jhtml )

Open to early May, Val Senales then has a six week closure before re-opening in mid-June to offer snow sports right through the summer.

SPRINGTIME IN THE TIROL

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 14:57:22 GMT

HINTERTUX JUST ONE OF FIVE GLACIERS IN TIROL

Spring is in the air but don’t pack those skis and snowboards away just yet. Check out the Tirol Tourist Board’s top 10 reasons why spring skiing is the best!

1. It’s your last chance to get that final ski fix before hanging up your boots

2. As late season skiing ties in with Easter holidays, it’s a cheaper time for a family skiing holiday, without having to take the children out of school

3. There are fewer people on the slopes

4. You won’t find morning mayhem at the lift station – less people means fewer lift queues!

5. Looking to buy some new kit? Take advantage of end of season bargains

6. Weather is warmer and sunnier – some days you can ski in a t-shirt, get a tan and enjoy a beer on the sun terrace

7. Loads of end of season events such as Ischgl’s Top of the Mountain concert, Mayrhofen’s Snowbombing festival and Sölden’s Glacier Festival

8. Advances in snow making facilities have helped to extend late season snow cover on the pistes

9. Don’t forget that Tirol has five glaciers, including the Hintertux glacier, which is open for skiing 365 days each year - www.tirolergletscher.com <http://www.tirolergletscher.com>

10. And finally…..who needs an excuse to ski at any time of the year – just do it!

ALICIA KEYS WILL PERFORM AT ISCHGL

Fri, 08 Jan 2010 14:00:52 GMT

IT'S ALICIA KEYS FOR ISCHGL'S HIGH ENERGY END OF SEASON CONCERT

Alicia Keys is to perform Ischgl's legendary season closing concert at the resort's stunning open air mountain top arena, it was announced today (Friday 8 January).

The US star - whose album The Elements of Freedom is riding high in the UK charts - will perform at Idalp at 2,300m on Saturday 1 May on the penultimate day of the 09-10 ski season.

The lunchtime concert is expected to attract a crowd of 20,000 skiers and boarders and wrap up the resort's five month-long season, which was launched at the end of November by fellow American Katy Perry, who chose Ischgl as the location to introduce her parents to boyfriend Russell Brand - and it is now reported that the couple became engaged at New Year.

Alicia and Katy join a glittering list of stars to have performed at Ischgl's Top of The Mountain concerts, which have launched and closed every winter since the 94-95 season, with recent acts including Elton John, Kylie Minogue, Lionel Richie, Rihanna, Leona Lewis, Gabriella Cilmi and The Pussycat Dolls.

Grammy award winning singer-songwriter-pianist Alicia has had chart successes with hits such as Doesn't Mean Anything, No One and If I Ain't Got You.

The concert stage is constructed in a natural bowl at the top of the Fimba and Silvretta gondola lifts with the stunning backdrop of the Silvretta mountains. Entrance is by valid lift ticket. An adult day pass for 1 May is Euro 75 and a three day pass covering the final weekend is Euro 108.

Special packages are available from the reservation team at the Paznaun-Ischgl Tourist Office on incoming@paznaun-ischgl.com or through the resort website www.ischgl.com - with prices for 7 nights bed and breakfast accommodation plus 6 day VIP skipass from Euro 397.50 per person.

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:

You require Flash to view this movie.

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