New off piste operator for Chamonix in 2008/9 Avalanche cords make a come-back Mixed opinions on CDA super lift pass Retrospective on the 2007-2008 ski season

Wednesday, 30 July, 2008

New off piste operator for Chamonix in 2008/9

If you were wondering how to start or improve you off piste skiing skills or get into backcountry skiing you may be interested to know that the British Alpine Ski School based in Chamonix is launching a programme of off piste, backcountry and performance courses for next winter. The courses will be run in partnership with other local providers.

Posted by davidof at 10:07 AM
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Monday, 07 July, 2008

Avalanche cords make a come-back

A new avalanche safety system is about to be launched onto the market. Called the “Flash Avalanche” the system is a development of the avalanche cords used by ski tourers before the widespread adoption of avalanche beacons. The main advantage is that is consists of four cords which are only deployed in the event of a slide. Aimed at off piste skiers the Flash Avalanche will sell for 55 euros.

Posted by davidof at 05:56 AM
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Wednesday, 02 July, 2008

Mixed opinions on CDA super lift pass

Here at PisteHors we’ve never understood the problems with roaming between domains in the massive Companie des Alpes group. The CdA currently 13 ski resorts in France having recently acquired stakes in Val d’Isère, Valmorel, La Rosière. After checking the shareholders register we recently discovered that they also have a large shareholding in l’Alpe d’Huez. However skiing different days in different resorts has always been a faff. Why don’t they just sell one lift pass for the whole area?

Posted by davidof at 04:06 PM
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Tuesday, 01 July, 2008

Retrospective on the 2007-2008 ski season

2007-2008 was a comeback year for French ski resorts which posted a record turnover of 1.2 billion euros. More than 20% up on 2007 and even up in real terms on the previous best 2006 season. However with even high altitude resorts like Val Thorens covered by 50% artificial snow cover what was the season like for real skiing?

November snow