Snow Train Cancelled for Winter 09/10
July 2nd, 2009 - Posted by: Powder Monkey
Rail Europe announced yesterday that there would be no Snow Train service to the French Alps during the coming ski season. According to an official statement on Rail Europe’s website, the overnight sleeper service is another casualty of the recession:
We’re really sad to announce that the Snow Train won’t be running during the coming ski season. Unfortunately, the current economic climate and poor exchange rates along with an increase in our operating costs, has meant that the service would not be financially viable.
Tags: Eurostar, Recession, Snow Train
Posted in News from the Alps, Skiing in France, Travel to the French Alps | No Comments »
Summer Skiers Favour the Two-Piece Suit
July 1st, 2009 - Posted by: Powder Monkey
Even while the UK is sweltering in a heat wave there’s still snow in Europe. In fact, the summer ski season is just kicking off. So if you are already suffering snow withdrawal, you might want to check out one of these resorts.
Tignes made some noise when the lifts opened on 20th June with its annual bikini slalom. Participants, apparently undeterred by fresh temperatures of 9°C, happily stripped off for the race held on the Grande Motte glacier at 3000m of altitude. While there’s generally still some debate about whether it’s cooler to be seen on the slopes in a one piece suit or two, summer skiers appear to favour the two piece.
Tags: Deux Alpes, Heat Wave, Summer Skiing, Tignes, Val d'Isere
Posted in News from the Alps, Skiing in France | No Comments »
Last Minute Market’s a One Season Wonder
June 15th, 2009 - Posted by: Powder Monkey
Winter 08/09 will be remembered not only for the outstanding snow conditions but also for the incredible last minute ski holiday deals. While we can keep our fingers crossed that we’ll see a repeat of the snow conditions next season, it’s unlikely we’ll see the same heavy last minute discounting. In fact, it’s the early birds who’ll be getting the best deals for ski in 09/10. And here’s for why…
Tags: Credit Crunch, Low-cost Airlines, Ski Deals, Ski Flights, ski holidays
Posted in Airline Industry, News from the Alps, Skiing on the Cheap, Snowjet, Special Offers | No Comments »
Winter 08/09 - Officially a Record Breaker
June 10th, 2009 - Posted by: Powder Monkey
Meteo France’s roundup of the winter 08/09 snow conditions proved what I had suspected, having skied more powder than piste, that the season was exceptional. Reading the article I reflected on some of my best days on the hill.
Tags: Bessans, Chamonix, Montgenevre, Queras, Saint Veran, Snow Depth, Snowfall
Posted in News from the Alps, Weather & Snow Conditions | 2 Comments »
An end to misleading airfares?
May 22nd, 2009 - Posted by: Powder Monkey
Ironically, in the same week that the European Commission declared its 18 month crackdown on misleading adverts and unfair practices in the airline industry a success, a leading low-cost airline announced the introduction of controversial new charges for check-in.
Tags: Airline Extras, Chambery Airport, Low-cost Airlines, Snowjet
Posted in Airline Industry, News from the Alps, Snowjet | No Comments »