Goryu Ski Resort Review
Hakuba Goryu Ski Resort is a popular ski resort located in the Hakuba Valley of Japan. With a skiable terrain of over 200 hectares, the resort attracts skiers and snowboarders of all levels. Hakuba Goryu is linked to the nearby Hakuba 47 ski resort by lifts and can be accessed on the same lift pass.
GORYU SKI RESORT BACKGROUND
Goryu Ski Resort first opened in 1958 and has since been a popular winter destination for skiers and snowboarders. The runs at Hakuba Goryu are fairly evenly split between beginners, intermediates, and advanced skiers, as well as having a small terrain park. The resort is combined with Hakuba 47 and the resorts are joined by chairlifts or accessible by local resort shuttles.
GORYU SKI AREA
The Goryu ski area covers 220 hectares of skiable terrain, with a vertical drop of just over 900 meters. Hakuba Goryu is modest in size with only 16 pisted trails. It has 13 lifts, including one gondola, one quad chairlift, and 11 other chairlifts. The trail map is heavily favoured towards intermediates with some fantastic wide-groomed trails that lead to the base area.
Hakuba Goryu has three main zones; Limori, Toomi and Alps Daira Zones.
The upper mountain consists of the Alps Daira zone. In this zone, you can find some short red trails including a technical moguls course. The highest point of the Goryu ski resort is Zizou Peak. From Zizou Peak you can ski across into Hakuba 47.
The Toomi zone is best known for its wide beginner trails. The green runs in this area provide the perfect trails for learning to ski and snowboard. The Toomi area is also illuminated for night skiing.
The Limori area at Hakuba Goryu is the best suited for intermediate. This section of the resort has a dedicated moguls course. The area is also home to Hakuba Goryu powder trees. The dedicated tree section is small and can be tracked pretty fast despite the copious amount of snowfall in Goryu.
BEGINNERS TERRAIN AT GORYU
Beginners can enjoy skiing or snowboarding on the gently sloping runs located at the base of the resort. The Toomi area offers excellent beginner terrain, with wide runs and gentle slopes perfect for those just starting. The Toomi area allows for some long runs back to the base for beginners. Goryu would be a great place to learn to ski or snowboard.
INTERMEDIATE TERRAIN AT GORYU
Intermediate skiers and snowboarders will appreciate the long, well-groomed runs found throughout the resort. Toomi, offers a variety of runs catering to those at an intermediate level.
ADVANCED TERRAIN AT GORYU
.The resort's steeper runs, including the courses on the resort's backside, offer challenging terrain for experienced skiers and riders. In reality, Goryu only has a couple of advanced runs. Advanced skiers and snowboarders may want to test themselves on the dedicated mogul’s courses.
FREESTYLE TERRAIN AT GORYU
Although there is a small terrain park on the Hakuba Goryu side, the best freestyle terrain can be found at linked Hakuba 47.
OFF-PISTE AT HAKUBA GORYU
Like most Japanese ski resorts Goryu used to restrict all access to its tree-skiing zones. Attitudes in Japan are evolving and Goryu now has an open zone for tree skiing.
If tree skiing is your aim then there are more tree areas open on the Hakuba 47 side. Alternatively consider visiting Cortina, Iwatake or Tsugaike.
HAKUBA GORYU PISTE MAP
GORYU PISTE MAP
LIFTS AT GORYU SKI RESORT
Goryu Ski Resort has 13 lifts, including one gondola, one quad chairlift, and 11 other chairlifts. The lifts provide access to all areas of the resort and offer minimal wait times. The lifts at Hakuba Goryu are ok but are in need of updating. The weekends can be busy at Goryu and lift queues are not uncommon.
GORYU SKI RESORT PROS
Excellent ski and snowboard terrain for all skill levels
A wide range of lifts provides quick and easy access to the mountain
Good snow quality and consistent snowfall throughout the season
Affordable lift ticket prices compared to other Japanese ski resorts
Convenient location with easy access to local amenities and attractions
GORYU SKI RESORT CONS
Limited nightlife options compared to larger ski resorts
Crowded on weekends and during peak holiday periods
Limited off-mountain activities and entertainment options
TRAVEL TO GORYU SKI RESORT
The closest major airport to Goryu Ski Resort is Narita International Airport in Tokyo, which is approximately a 4-hour drive away. Alternatively, visitors can take the train from Tokyo to Nagano, followed by a bus or taxi to the resort. Shuttle buses and private transfers are also available from the airport or nearby cities.
GORYU SNOW RECORD
Goryu Ski Resort receives an average of 11 meters of snow per season, with the ski season typically running from late November to early May. The resort uses snowmaking to supplement natural snowfall, ensuring good snow conditions throughout the season.
GORYU LIFT PASS PRICES
Hakuba Goryu and Hakuba 47 are included on the same lift pass allowing you to ski both ski resorts on the same day. If you are buying your lift passes on the day, these are cheaper than purchasing the Hakuba Valley Pass. A one-day lift pass at Goryu Ski Resort costs 5,400 yen for adults,
The Hakuba Valley pass however will provide you with greater flexibility should you wish to explore other ski resorts in the area. During my Hakuba stay I used the Hakuba Valley pass as this also includes all the available inter-resort shuttle buses.
GORYU SKI RESORT VIDEOS
GORYU SKI RESORT GALLERY
ACCOMMODATION AT GORYU SKI RESORT
Goryu Ski Resort offers a variety of accommodation options, including hotels, ryokans (traditional Japanese inns), and rental apartments. The resort's base area has a range of ski-in/ski-out accommodation options, providing convenient access to the slopes.
Alternatively, visitors can choose to stay in the nearby town of Hakuba, which offers a wider range of accommodation options and nightlife. Shuttle buses run regularly between Goryu Ski Resort and Hakuba, making it easy to get to and from the resort.
SEASON DATES GORY SKI RESORT
The ski season at Goryu Ski Resort typically runs from late November to early May, depending on snow conditions. The resort's peak season is during the Japanese New Year holiday period (late December to early January) and the Chinese New Year holiday period (late January to early February).
Visitors should check the resort's official website for the latest information on ski season dates, lift pass prices, and snow conditions before planning their trip.
FINAL THOUGHTS HAKUBA GORYU
Hakuba Goryu has some of the most enjoyable pistes. The lower mountain with the mellow but wide pistes are fantastic for carving and the upper slopes have more steepness and challenge. I enjoyed Goryu for its link to Hakuba 47 meaning that you could mix things up throughout the day and ride between the two.
Andermatt Ski Resort Guide
The Andermatt ski resort, located in the Swiss Alps, is a breathtaking destination that offers convenient access to the slopes and a delightful village. This German-speaking village in Switzerland provides direct access to 120km of ski slopes. Moreover, the resort has recently been linked to Sedrun and Disentis, which can now be accessed using the same ski pass.
Andermatt Village with the Gemstock on the left.
ANDERMATT SKI RESORT BACKGROUND
Andermatt boasts a rich legacy in skiing and snowboarding, and its commitment to progress is evident in its outstanding lift infrastructure. Andermatt's freeride terrain is highly esteemed worldwide, attracting avid skiers and snowboarders for its off-piste skiing opportunities. Gemsstock stands out as one of the best spots in Andermatt, with top-notch terrain. The resort's extended ski season, which lasts until May, makes it easy to understand why Vail Resorts chose Andermatt as their premier European ski destination.
ANDERMATT SKI AREA
In Andermatt, the skiing area is divided into two distinct parts. The region that encompasses Andermatt, Sedrun, and Disentis is known for its sunny weather and can be accessed through the Gütsch gondola located at the train station. The Gemsstock is a popular choice for many skiing enthusiasts, boasting impressive 1500m descents and an exceptional off-piste skiing experience.
The Gemsstock is a popular destination for experienced skiers and snowboarders worldwide. You can easily confirm the quality of the terrain by observing the lift queue, where some of the world's top freeride skiers can be seen training. The Gemsstock has two cable cars that transport adventurous skiers and snowboarders to just below 3000m, where breathtaking scenery awaits.
Before, the only way to reach Andermatt from Sedrun was by train. However, with the introduction of new lift infrastructure, skiing across the two areas has become much easier and quicker. The lifts are modern and conveniently located, allowing for seamless travel throughout the region.
The slopes that span between the Gütsch gondola and the Oberalpass are perfectly groomed trails that would appeal to the advanced intermediate. Like the Gemsstock however, the Andermatt ski area has plenty of slack country with some interesting sections beneath the Schneehüenerstock gondola.
The Epic Pass allows you access as far as the Dieni chairlift (2022/23 season) but this is being reviewed for future years.
BEGINNERS TERRAIN AT ANDERMATT
The Nätschen area is where the never-evers will be found. Beginners should take the gondola to the Gütsch gondola mid-station accesses the kid’s arena with two covered magic carpets and mellow beginner slopes. When feeling more confident beginners can explore blue terrain with 1000m of vertical drop back to the village and gondola base station.
INTERMEDIATE TERRAIN AT ANDERMATT
Intermediates skiers and snowboarders are spoilt for choice in Andermatt. Epic red decent route 30 from Schneehüenerstock is a highlight but with many red graded routes from the top of the Oberalp flyer lift and the Cuolm Val, intermediates really are spoilt for choice.
ADVANCED TERRAIN AT ANDERMATT
Advanced skiers and snowboarders need to look no further than the Gemsstock. With red and black routes offering 1500m of decent back to the village, combined with off-piste everywhere you look the Gemsstock is unrivalled.
FREESTYLE TERRAIN AT ANDERMATT
Andermatt had two terrain parks open during my visit with the larger located near the mid-station on the Gemsstock. The other was located closer to Dieni and serviced by a rope tow. Both parks had a progression of features including jumps, boxes and rails. Freestyle at Andermatt probably wouldn’t be enough to draw you there… but was certainly good enough for a few park laps.
ANDERMATT SKI RESORT PISTE MAP
ANDERMATT PISTE MAP
LIFTS AT ANDERMATT SKI RESORT
Andermatt has overgone a face-lift in the past decade. Modern lifts have replaced old with new lifts not only faster but with higher capacity. The redesign of the ski area to ensure that the train ride through the Oberalppass is one that is possible but not essential for your ski day has reinvigorated the area.
Further improvement is needed with long queues still possible at the Gemsstock cable cars. An update to this situation would truly put Andermatt amongst the elite European ski areas.
ANDERMATT SKI RESORT PROS
Andermatt has world-class free-ride terrain
Recent investment in Andermatt has vastly improved the ski lifts in the resort
Andermatt now has a dedicated beginners area in Nätschen area.
Andermatt is well-connected by rail to major European airports.
The ski season in Andermatt is long with a fantastic snow record.
Access to Andermatt is included on Epic Pass so you can combine with many leading world ski resorts.
Andermatt was quieter than many ski resorts I have visited during the Easter period.
ANDERMATT SKI RESORT CONS
During poor weather, Andermatt lacks tree-skiing which can mean you are stuck out in the conditions.
Accommodation in the village of Andermatt can be very expensive.
TRAVEL TO ANDERMATT SKI RESORT
TRAIN TO ANDERMATT
Andermatt Sedrun ski resort has incredible transport connections with major cities across Europe. I accessed Andermatt by rail from Zurich which is 100km north of the ski area. From the trainstation in Zurich it was obvious that connections were available from pretty much every mainland European city. Flying to Milan would also be a fairly reasonable option.
The rail connections in Switzerland are fantastic and Andermatt is no exception to this. The route from Zurich required one stop in Goeschenen to change trains before joining the Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn. This train which passes through Andermatt links to Zermatt if you were looking for a multi-resort ski holiday.
Booking train travel is easy and I would highly recommend using the SBB app. The app is really intuitive and not only is really clear about your journey but also provides handy maps on how to walk to your connecting platform.
The train cost 50CHF (£45) each way from Zurich airport to Andermatt which I thought was reasonable.
DRIVING TO ANDERMATT
Driving to Andermatt seems pointless with the great rail connections but if you prefer to take the car then the 2-hour journey is very achievable. Beware of local restrictions and requirements to carry snow chains during the winter months.
ANDERMATT SNOW RECORD
Andermatt ski resort is renowned for its excellent snow conditions throughout the winter season. The resort typically receives an average of 5 meters of snowfall every year, making it one of the snowiest ski destinations in Switzerland. The snow season usually begins in November and lasts until late April, offering skiers and snowboarders a long season to enjoy the powder. The resort also boasts a high-altitude skiing area, reaching up to 3,000 meters, which ensures excellent snow conditions even during milder winters. Andermatt's snow history is one of the reasons why the resort has become a popular destination for winter sports enthusiasts, and why it has been recognized as one of the best ski resorts in Switzerland.
ANDERMATT LIFT PASS PRICES
To access the lifts at Andermatt I used the Epic Pass. The Epic pass is a lift pass product from Vail Resorts in the US. To use your Epic Pass in Andermatt you go to the ticket station with your Epic Pass and ID which is then traded for a local season pass. Use of the Epic Pass in Andermatt has not blackout days or restrictions.
A six-day ski pass for Andermatt is around 273CHF (£242) according to SNO.
Discount prices are available with a half-price subscription. After an initial outlay of 69CHF per season, you can then purchase your day tickets in Andermatt at a discounted rate. More information can be found here.
ANDERMATT VIDEOS
ANDERMATT SKI RESORT GALLERY
ACCOMMODATION AT ANDERMATT SKI RESORT
Andermatt is a picturesque village located in the heart of the Swiss Alps and is a popular destination for tourists who want to experience the beauty of the mountains. When it comes to accommodation in Andermatt, there are plenty of options to choose from, ranging from luxurious five-star hotels to cosy bed and breakfasts. One of the most popular options is the newly renovated Radisson Blu Hotel, which offers modern amenities and stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
I stayed in the Andermatt Alpine Apartments which had a great location close to the station and ski bus. The apartment was modern and the building had a spa area with a pool, sauna, steam room and relaxation area. I would stay here again.
For those looking for a more traditional experience, there are several charming chalets and guesthouses that offer a cozy and authentic Alpine atmosphere. Overall, Andermatt has a range of accommodation options that cater to different tastes and budgets, making it an ideal destination for anyone looking to enjoy the natural beauty of the Swiss Alps.
SEASON DATES ANDERMATT SKI RESORT
Andermatt Sedrun ski resort opens in November and the majority of the ski resort stays open until mid-April The Gemsstock however remain open on weekends through May ensuring that skiing and snowboarding in Andermatt is available six months of the year.
FINAL THOUGHTS ON ANDERMATT
I have developed a fondness for Andermatt, a ski resort that has everything I desire in a winter vacation spot. The village is charming, and getting there by air or train is incredibly convenient. Additionally, the resort boasts all the amenities I seek in a ski area. The fact that Andermatt accepts the Epic Pass further enhances its appeal, as it can make a trip or season more budget-friendly. I can envision myself returning to Andermatt in the future.
Yad Moss Ski Resort Guide
Nestled in the North Pennines, Yad Moss is a far cry from the French Alps but retains a certain charm. The locally run ski resort relies on the support of volunteers but has developed a thriving ski community in the north of England. Yad Moss is proud to have England’s longest ski lift.
YAD MOSS FIRST IMPRESSIONS
Arriving at Yad Moss, a short 5-minute walk follows roadside parking to the ski tow. The tow and the ticket office (shed) can be seen from the road and you soon realise that you are a world away from modern amenities, not that this is a bad thing. The single tow has been providing lift-served skiing in the Pennines for the last 40 years, I couldn’t wait to try it out.
YAD MOSS SKI AREA
Yad Moss has an optimistic piste map that includes 7 runs and 4km of pistes. I say pistes because Yad Moss actually has a piste basher! This means that when the conditions are right the skiing can consist of some epic groomers.
The ski area at Yad Moss relies on fences to ensure that drifted snow remains in the resort and isn’t swept across the Moors. The resort itself offers 120m of vertical descent with the highest point being at 720m.
LIFTS AT YAD MOSS
Yad Moss has a single poma lift which serves the ski area. This button lift has a claim to fame, it is England’s longest. It might also contest for England’s bumpiest with conditions along the lift tow being variable. Ensure you are comfortable riding a button lift before heading to Yad Moss. The Yad Moss Poma is 600m in length.
YAD MOSS SNOW RECORD
Unlike skiing and snowboarding in the Alps, the snowfall at Yad Moss is incredibly variable. The team of volunteers are reactive to changes in weather and does a great job of running the tow as and when it is possible.
RAISE LIFT TICKETS
MEMBER LIFT TICKETS
A new adult member season pass at Yad Moss costs £55. Renewing your membership is reduced to £40. Find more information on membership here.
DAY PASSES
A day of skiing at Yad Moss will cost £20 for non-members
TRAVEL TO YAD MOSS
WHERE IS YAD MOSS?
Yad Moss is located in Cumbria, England, just a few miles from the small town of Alston. While it may not be as well-known as some of the other ski resorts in the UK, it is still easily accessible by car.
If you’re driving, it’s about a two-hour drive from both Newcastle and Manchester, and there is ample parking available along the roadside at Yad Moss.
YAD MOSS PROS
Yad Moss is a Ski resort in England so gives us the chance to ski at home.
There is a great community feel at Yad Moss.
You can ski all winter as a member for £55 which is great value… if the snow comes.
Yad Moss is a spectacular setting with great views across the Pennines.
YAD MOSS CONS
Yad Moss has unreliable snowfall so you have to react rather than plan
Yad Moss has runs that are mellower than Raise in the Lake District.
YAD MOSS SKI RESORT INFO
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Outdoor Master Ultra XL Ski Goggle Review
Disclaimer: The goggles were #gifted by the brand for review however the opinions in the post and videos remain my own. I was not paid to make the review. If you found this review useful please consider using the buymeacoffee link to support future content.
Ski goggles can be the difference between a great day or a bad day on the snow. With the harsh weather that we can experience on the slopes, it is important to protect your eyes. Unfortunately, decent ski goggles can be pricey and great ski goggles can be unaffordable for many people. The Outdoor Master brand has grown massively off the back of this juxtaposition by designing quality ski goggles at affordable prices This has led to the Outdoor Master Ultra XL Ski Goggles being one of the best-selling ski goggles around the world. If you are looking for high-quality, durable, and comfortable goggles, consider the Outdoor Master Ultra XL. In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at these goggles and what makes them an excellent choice for your next winter adventure.
OUTDOOR MASTER ULTRA XL OVERVIEW
The Outdoor Master ski goggles offer the same quality that the major brands like; Anon, Dragon, Oakley, Smith, and Spy, but at a fraction of the cost. Want magnetic lenses, tick. Wide field of view, tick. Antifog that works… ok Outdoor Master throw that in as well. Essentially Outdoor Master have looked at what is working in other successful goggles and integrated that into their goggles.
COST
The Ultra XL ski goggle rrp is £120 but they are usually available at a discount. Included with the Ultra XL ski goggle are two lenses, the goggle, a hard goggle case and a microfibre bag.
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DESIGN
The Outdoor Master Ultra XL Ski Goggles are designed with a large Toric lens design that provides a wide field of view, giving you an unobstructed view of the mountain. The frameless construction also adds to this wide field of view and ensures that your vision is never obstructed. The large fit might not fit all face types in which case you may want to consider a smaller frame size from the Outdoor Master range.
THE LENSES
The Ultra XL lens is a Toric design. This means that the lens is curved both vertically and horizontally. The benefit of Toric lens designs are increased field of view with less distortion at the periphery of the lens.
Credit - Outdoor Master
The lens is made from impact-resistant polycarbonate, which is strong enough to withstand the toughest conditions. It’s also coated with a multi-layer anti-fog treatment, so you won’t have to worry about your vision being obscured by fog, even in the harshest conditions. The lens also provides 100% protection from harmful UV rays, so you can ski or snowboard with confidence, knowing that your eyes are protected.
The Outdoor Master Ultra XL Ski Goggles are also designed to be versatile, so you can use them in a range of different weather conditions. They come with a range of interchangeable lenses, so you can switch out the lens to suit the conditions. For example, you can use a low-light lens for cloudy days or a mirror lens for bright, sunny days. The lenses are easy to change, so you can quickly adapt to the changing conditions on the slopes.
COLOUR-OPTIMIZATION TECHNOLOGY
Similar to Smith Chormapop, Anon Perceive and Oakley Prizm Outdoor Master ski goggles have Color-Optimization technology in their lenses. COT filters blue light to increase contrast and context in the snow.
Color-Optimization Credit - OutdoorMaster
ANTI-FOG
You would expect that any half-decent ski goggle has an anti-fog coating but those who ski regularly will know that some anti-fog is better than others. The Outdoor Master claim that their lenses can absorb a ‘significantly higher amount of moisture’ which in turn means they fog less. I was impressed by the lack of fogging on these lenses which stayed clear at all times.
You will see from my video that I wear a goggle insert and at times this fogged up. The goggle lens however stayed clear. On reflection, this probably demonstrates the success of the anti-fog coating fairly well.
SUPER HD-TECHNOLOGY
Honestly… I thought this was marketing jargon when I first read it. However, having used the goggles I want to believe it. Whether my eyes (I wear glasses) are the best to judge this remains to be seen.
Watch the video below 3:20 which shows the comparison between four Toric goggles. I recognise the Brand 1 lens as Anon and Brand 3 as Smith. The Outdoor Master lens clearly performs well in this regard.
Check out the video below from Outdoor Master which explains all of the lens tech in more detail.
ULTRA XL LENS OPTIONS
The Ultra ski goggle from Outdoor Master has a range of lens options. Each goggle is sold with two lenses one for sunny days and one for cloudy conditions.
COMFORT
Comfort is key when it comes to ski goggles, and the Outdoor Master Ultra XL Ski Goggles do not disappoint. They feature a triple-layer foam padding that is comfortable against your face and helps to reduce the pressure of the straps. The straps are adjustable, so you can get a perfect fit, and they are also made from a flexible material, so they won’t dig into your head. The goggles have an ergonomic design that is compatible with most helmet styles, so you can wear them with confidence, knowing that they will stay in place
PROS
The Ultra ski goggle has a large spherical lens design that provides a wide field of view
The frameless construction gives you an unobstructed view of the mountain
The outdoor master lenses are really durable.
Multi-layer anti-fog treatment works really well.
The ultra ski goggle is comfortable to wear.
Adjustable straps for a perfect fit
The Outdoor Master Ultra fits well with a range of helmets due to its ergonomic design.
Interchangeable lenses for different weather conditions
Easy to change lenses for quick adaptation to changing conditions
CONS
The goggles are quite large, so they may not be suitable for those with smaller faces
FINAL THOUGHTS
Although I had previously felt dubious about stepping outside of the big-name brands in the goggle market I would recommend the Outdoor Master goggles. Having used these
Glacier 3000 Ski Resort Guide
Glacier 3000 ski resort has one of the longest ski seasons in Switzerland, is home to epic freeride terrain and boasts an impressive terrain park. A major reason why I purchased a Magic Pass, Glacier 3000 is close to the linked ski resorts of Les Diablerets, Villars and Gryon.
The view from the Tissot Peak walk
GLACIER 3000 SKI RESORT FIRST IMPRESSIONS
Glacier 3000 is accessed by a two-stage cable car and the journey to the top provides epic views of the resort. Glacier 3000 is big mountain skiing and snowboarding and is surrounded by some of the largest mountains in the Swiss Alps. One of my first experiences at Glacier 3000 was the Tissot Peak Walk which really puts the ski resort into perspective.
GLACIER 3000 SKI AREA
Glacier 3000 is a ski resort located in the Swiss Alps, offering skiers and snowboarders access to a wide range of terrain. The resort is known for its stunning views of the surrounding mountains and glaciers, making it a popular destination for winter sports enthusiasts. With over 30 kilometres of ski slopes, Glacier 3000 is the perfect destination for skiers and snowboarders of all abilities. Glacier 3000 has all you’d expect from a Swiss Alps ski resort. Its size is epic and has the added speciality of being situated across 3 Swiss cantons.
The ski area at Glacier 3000 has 1800m of vertical drop leading down to the base area. The resort might not seem like it has much to offer if you judge it by the relatively small 30km of pistes but just sit on any lift and you will see what Glacier 3000 is all about, the freeride. The long run to the base of Reusch can offer a 7km run along perfectly groomed runs.
BEGINNERS TERRAIN AT GLACIER 3000
First-timers won’t find much of interest at Glacier 3000 but if you know the basics there are plenty of mellow blues that will help you to refine your turns. Never evers should head to nearby Villars which will have more suitable terrain to learn to ski or snowboard.
INTERMEDIATE TERRAIN AT GLACIER 3000
Those with a little more experience, Glacier 3000 has a range of intermediate terrain that is ideal for building confidence and improving skills. The runs are well-groomed and offer a good challenge for those looking to progress their skiing or snowboarding. The upper slopes at Dôme and the Quille du Diable have a number of decent blues. There are also two reds for those feeling more confident.
ADVANCED TERRAIN AT GLACIER 3000
If you are looking for a real challenge, Glacier 3000 has a range of advanced terrain that will test even the most experienced skiers and snowboarders. The resort has a black run from Oldenhorn to Oldenalp which was stunning and quiet on my visit. The off-piste terrain at Glacier 3000 looks endless for those who want to explore the backcountry.
FREESTYLE TERRAIN AT GLACIER 3000
For those who love to hit the park, Glacier 3000 has a well-equipped freestyle area with a range of features including jumps, rails, and boxes. The park is regularly maintained and is perfect for those looking to try out some new tricks. Because of the long season, Glacier 3000 often hosts pros who are looking to refine their tricks on the high-quality of features.
GLACIER 3000 SKI RESORT PISTE MAP
Glacier 3000 Piste Map
LIFTS AT GLACIER 3000 SKI RESORT
Glacier 3000 has a range of lifts that are designed to get skiers and snowboarders up the mountain quickly and efficiently. The lifts are well-maintained and run smoothly, allowing for a smooth and enjoyable experience.
Initially, you will access Glacier 3000 by using cable cars from either Reusch or Col du Pillon. where you will find a number of surface lifts to access the blues on the glacier. The new surface tow (first i’ve used) made the connection to the black run simple.
Besides that the lifts that link the bottom of the black run at Oldenalp back to the Cabane are efficient if not slightly awkward. If you were looking to lap this epic run you would need to take two chairs, and go up the cable car to Scex Rouge, before traversing back towards the run. This can be frustrating but is the price you pay for skiing up on the glacier.
GLACIER 3000 SKI RESORT PROS
Glacier 3000 has a wide range of terrain for skiers and snowboarders of all abilities
The views from Glacier 3000 are beautiful and take in some of the most epic surrounding mountains and glaciers.
The long ski season at Glacier 3000 has a well-maintained freestyle area
GLACIER 3000 SKI RESORT CONS
Glacier 3000 can be crowded on weekends and during peak season
Can be expensive, especially for lift passes and accommodation
TRAVEL TO GLACIER 3000 SKI RESORT
Glacier 3000 is located in the Swiss Alps and can be easily reached by car or train. The closest airport is Geneva, which is approximately two hours away by car. There are also regular shuttle buses that run from nearby towns and cities to the resort.
You can access Les Diablerets by train from Geneva connecting in Aigle. If staying in Les Diablerets I would recommend having access to a car as it gives you the freedom to drive to Glacier 3000 as well as Leysin.
If you don’t want to drive, locally, the resort has bus services that run between Glacier 3000 and the nearby Les Diablerets.
GLACIER 3000 LIFT PASS PRICES
The cost of a lift pass at Glacier 3000 varies depending on the time of year and the length of stay. Lift passes can be purchased online in advance, which can save money and ensure that they are available during busy times.
The Magic Pass makes great sense for visitors to Glacier 3000, especially if you are planning to ski for 2 or more weeks a winter. The Local Area lift pass also includes; Leysin-Les Mosses-La Lécherette, as well as Villars-Gryon-Diablerets. All of these resorts are included on the Magic Pass which makes better value for money.
GLACIER 3000 VIDEOS
GLACIER 3000 SKI RESORT GALLERY
ACCOMMODATION AT GLACIER 3000 SKI RESORT
There is a range of accommodation options available at Glacier 3000, including hotels, apartments, and chalets. Accommodation can be expensive, especially during peak season, so it is recommended to book in advance to secure the best prices.
Staying in Les Diablerets made the most sense to me and will suit other Magic Pass users for its access to nearby ski resorts. If you would prefer to stay in Gstaad, this is also possible but doesn’t make the best use of the lift pass.
SEASON DATES GLACIER 3000
The ski season at Glacier 3000 typically runs from late November to late April, depending on the snow conditions. During this time, the resort is open daily and offers skiers and snowboarders access to a wide range of terrain. This is amongst the longest ski seasons in the Swiss Alps.
FINAL THOUGHTS ON GLACIER 3000
Glacier 3000 was one of my favourite stops on the Magic Pass. The views were epic and the terrain really enjoyable. I would love to revisit and explore more of the off-piste, including the run under the cable car back to the base.
Pila Ski Resort Guide
The setting of Pila ski resort, looking down upon the historic town of Aosta is special. A short gondola ride from the Aosta Valleys capital brings you to the sunny slopes of Pila. Quietly going about its business Pila delivers a fantastic skiing and snowboarding experience without the fanfare of larger name ski resorts.
PILA SKI RESORT FIRST IMPRESSIONS
Providing your first impressions of Pila is impossible without talking about Aosta. Aosta is the capital of the Aosta valley and is likely to be your base for a trip to Pila ski resort. Aosta in winter has a magical feel and taking a stroll along the cobbled streets of the old town and through the Christmas markets is the perfect start to an Italian ski trip.
Pila ski resort itself is accessible by gondola from Aosta and the car-free village remains crowd-free during the week. The weekends are different with a lively Apres Scene and a wide choice of restaurants to sample. My first day snowboarding in Pila was a Sunday and the queue for the lifts were quite long.
PILA SKI AREA
Pila ski resort is accessible straight from the city of Aosta via a short (20 minute) gondola ride. The resort boasts North Facing slopes and can be devoid of crowds Monday-Friday. Pila has 70km of pistes which are mostly marked red and would delight the intermediate skier of snowboarder.
The ski area at Pila has 1000m of vertical drop and a resort altitude of 1800m. Pila is a snowsure ski resort with the upper slopes at 2700m.
The views from Pila ski area take in some of the most impressive mountains in Europe. Mont Blanc, Monte Rosa, the Eiger, and the Matterhorn are all visible from Pila’s slopes.
BEGINNERS TERRAIN AT PILA
Beginners will enjoy the ease of learning to ski and snowboard in Pila. A designated beginner’s area is found just outside the top gondola station. Long green trails can be found at Pila ensuring beginners are not stuck in one area of the ski resort. Being able to explore, including being able to take the long green to the base of the gondola is a real highlight of learning to ski at Pila.
Never evers will start their lessons at the magic carpet around baby Pila and will progress to the Grimod area. The Grimod area has a fantastic wide blue piste which is great for beginners to get a feel for steeper more progressive ski slopes.
INTERMEDIATE TERRAIN AT PILA
Pila ski resort is perfect for intermediates with 70% of the Pila trail map designated as red runs. Intermediates have the choice to ski and snowboard from the very top of the Piatta de Grevon and the Pointe du Couis 2, descending via red-graded pistes.
The pistes at Pila compare favourably to other Italian ski resorts and can be incredible on sunny days. Luckily the lower mountain at Pila consists of mostly tree-lined runs which also makes Pila great for those low visibility days. My favourite runs in poor weather were off the Chamole chair which accesses red-graded terrain back to the base area and the bottom of the Pila gondola.
ADVANCED TERRAIN AT PILA
The advanced terrain at Pila ski resort is mostly found above the tree line and off the Couis 1 and Couis 2 chairlifts. Although there are only a few black-graded pistes at Pila there is challenge to be found in the trees. Sadly due to my visit being during early season, the upper mountain was not open. This provides motivation to return to Pila to further explore the upper resort.
Further to the listed trails at Pila, there are a number of designated splitboarding or ski randonnee trails, The off-piste in the region is well-regarded and the Aosta Valley offers opportunities to Heli-ski. Being able to embark on a ski tour from the upper lifts at Pila, saves some energy on the uphill which is never a bad thing.
FREESTYLE TERRAIN AT PILA
Pila has a dedicated freestyle area called Snowpark Area Effe. This terrain park was the first designated freestyle terrain in the Aosta Valley and has one awards for being amongst the best in Italy.
AreaEffe at Pila has a number of different lines that freestyle skiers and snowboarders can choose from with jumps and rails for all abilities.
The AreaEffe terrain park at Pila is situated alongside the Grand Grimod chairlift, a four-seater chair that provides the ability to lap the park effortlessly.
PILA SKI RESORT PISTE MAP
Pila Ski Resort Piste Map
LIFTS AT PILA SKI RESORT
A combination of 17 lifts are available at Pila ski resort with some upgrades needed. The lifts run fairly slowly which can cause major queues on the weekends. The small 3-person chair near the gondola top station is a particular bottleneck in the mornings. This lift is best avoided at peak times and heading up the Chamolè chair will help avoid the queues.
The gondola from Aosta is the main access point to the resort, and parking is available directly outside the base station. The Pila gondola comfortably fits 8 skiers and passes through two further stations before arriving into the resort at 1800m.
Grimod chair is a short 4-person chair that laps the park but as this area is also home to some learner’s terrain the lift is pretty slow.
The Gorraz - Grimod cable car is also available to skiers with journeys running every 15 minutes. This can be great for a quick break from the cold on those super chilly days.
PILA SKI RESORT PROS
Pila ski resort has direct access from Aosta via gondola
Intermediates will enjoy the amount of red graded terrain at Pila
Uncrowded weekday slopes - try to visit Pila on a weekday
The terrain park at Pila is great and would keep me coming back.
PILA SKI RESORT CONS
The infrastructure at Pila could do with updating. Modern lifts would improve lift lines during weekends and holidays.
PRO AND A CON
Pila ski resorts location close to Aosta brings both positives and negatives. The location close to the city provides a perfect base for a ski holiday with lots of accommodation and dining choices within easy access of the resorts gondola.
The downside of the easy access to Pila is crowds during holiday periods and weekends. Pila is a ski resort best visited outside of peak times.
TRAVEL TO PILA SKI RESORT
Getting to Pila ski resort can be much easier than my journey was, a horrid long coach trip. With that in mind, there are plenty of easier ways to access Pila and the resorts of the Aosta Valley.
International flights arrive into Torino, Milan and Bergamo with flight transfers also available from Geneva in Switzerland. From these airports self-drive is possible and I would recommend self-drive as this would allow you to visit the nearby resort of Courmayeur.
PILA SKI RESORT SNOW RECORD
Pila ski resort receives between three and four metres of snowfall per winter. The high-altitude base area at Pila (1800m) ensures that the snow lasts throughout the winter and the quality of snow on my visit was exceptional. Pila has invested in extensive snow making facilities that top up the natural snowfall in the resort.
PILA SKI RESORT LIFT PASS PRICES
A six day lift pass during peak weeks in Pila will cost €250 with day passes available for €50. To check out the latest prices and get a more accurate account of how much it costs to ski in Pila follow this link.
PILA SKI RESORT GALLERY
ACCOMMODATION AT PILA SKI RESORT
The first thing to consider when choosing your Pila ski resort accommodation is whether you want to stay in the resort or in the city of Aosta. For those wanting to stay in the resort, there are a couple of possible bases. The main resort of Pila sits at the top of the gondola at 1800m where there are a number of ski-in-ski-out options. Below the main village, there is further accommodation in the Plan Praz area. Plan plaz is the base of the ski area and provides close access to the slopes.
1200m below Pila ski resort and below the snow line is the historic city of Aosta. Aosta provides an alternative to staying in the resort and can add a certain charm to your stay. Wandering around the backstreets of the old town can result in you stumbling into some fantastic local restaurants and bars which can add to your stay but also to your waistline, so proceed with caution!
SEASON DATES PILA SKI RESORT
Pila generally opens in late November although this is rarely for the whole ski area which is more likely to open during December. The ski season in Pila runs into mid April with good snow conditions guaranteed by the resorts high altitude.
FINAL THOUGHTS ON PILA SKI RESORT
I really enjoyed visiting Pila in the early season and although parts of the resort were not open there was enough to keep me occupied. I enjoyed being based in Aosta as this meant that there were plenty of evening activities to entertain me and plenty of interesting places to eat. I would like to revisit Pila when the resort is fully open.
Budget Friendly European Ski Resorts
Skiing and snowboarding are awesome activities that should be accessible to everyone. The beautiful mountain scenery coupled with the adrenaline of turning down a pristine ski slope is hard to beat. That is why millions of people enjoy a European ski trip on a yearly basis.
Sadly one of the major barriers preventing potential skiers from trying a ski holiday is the price. Many people assume that skiing and snowboarding can only be enjoyed by the wealthy, but this is not the case. However, if extravagance and luxury are what you are after there are also plenty of European ski resorts that will fit the bill.
With this in mind, I have used my experience to handpick a selection of great-value ski resorts that won’t hurt your budget but still have great facilities. Could these be the best-value European ski destinations?
1. BULGARIA
Bulgaria is a great option as a budget-friendly ski and snowboard destination. With three main resorts; Bansko, Borovets & Pamporovo, not to mention a number of smaller resorts, there is plenty to choose from. Bulgaria is also a great option for those looking for a holiday with no stress.
Most accommodation options in Bulgaria offer attractive prices on half-board accommodation close to the slopes. The ski schools are fantastic and have English-speaking instructors. Your lessons will be much more affordable than learning in France.
A quick google search found a one-week ski holiday to Bansko on a half-board basis for £500pp. That’s; flights, transfers, accommodation and food all taken care of, allowing you to make the most of your stay.
To learn more about Bulgaria as a ski holiday destination click here
2. SLOVENIA
The secret is out and Slovenia is now a mainstream destination. Luckily for you, a lot of the focus on Slovenia surrounds summer travel to the famous Lake Bled. Therefore people neglect winter trips ensuring that Slovenia remains one of the cheapest European ski destinations.
Photo @grotandthemob Krvavec Slovenia
The location of the Julian alps is a beautiful setting for a ski resort and Vogel doesn’t disappoint. Close to the shores of Lake Bohinji and a short drive from Lake Bled, Vogel is a small ski area offering 22km of uncrowded, unspoilt slopes.
Vogel is a perfect resort to learn at with a number of gentle slopes .The more experienced will be able to take advantage of the off-piste and terrain park. The resort has a few places to eat at very reasonable prices with a large pizza costing around €7.
For those considering this idillic location expect to spend around €600 for a weeks half board accommodation, including flights and transfers. Cheaper options can be found by booking Airbnb stays and considering a self-drive transfer from the airport.
3. ITALY
Italy is a big hitter on this list. It is home to some incredible ski resorts, some of which can be the opposite of budget-friendly! That being said I have dived into the archives to find some Italian ski resorts that offer exceptional experiences but remain affordable.
Recently I took a trip to the Skirama Dolomiti ski area where I was able to have a week’s holiday living on a very strict budget. Booking my accommodation via Airbnb I stayed in a self-catering apartment in the town of Castillo near Marilleva ski resort. Castello was perfectly suited to access 150km of pistes that allow skiing in the more pricey Madonna di Campiglio. You can find the apartment here
Similarly, there are a number of great Italian ski resorts that allow cross-border skiing. This means the budget-savvy can get their accommodation in Italy where the Euros go further but still ski in France as well. Consider La Thuile as a base to ski between Italy and Frances La Rosière ski resort.
A number of factors for your ski trip will be cheaper in Italy without sacrificing the quality. The food, ski school and lift passes are all generally cheaper than across the border in France.
4. FRANCE
Ok, I get it. I have just spent the last three suggestions stating how a trip to Bulgaria, Slovenia or Italy will be cheaper than France. For the most part, I stand by that statement however there are resorts and options in France that will allow you to stretch your budget.
In general, a ski trip to France will work out more expensive due to the ski-in ski-out accommodation and the cost of getting food in those purpose-made villages. However, there are destinations in France that will allow you to ski some incredible resorts but at a fraction of the cost.
Grand Massif
The Grand Massif is a combined ski area with snowsure skiing in the resort of Flaine. Linked to Flaine are the resorts of Les Carroz, Samoèns, Morillon and Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval which offer great value for a trip to the Grand Massif. The resorts of the Grand Massif are linked by lift and free bus meaning that it is really easy to base yourself in Sixt but ski in Flaine. Similarly, Samoèns and Les Carroz have some great accommodation options. For example, I stayed in a small but convenient apartment in Samoèns. The apartment Les Rhodos was adjacent to the main gondola and above a brilliant French bakery.
The Three Valleys
Similarly to the Grand Massif, The 3 Valleys or Les Trois Vallees is a combined ski area. This world-renowned ski area is home to the resorts of Val Thorens, Meribel and Courcheval. These are fantastic but not for the budget conscience. If you are looking to save some money opt for Orelle or Brides Les Bains as your entry point to The 3 Valleys. A stay in Orelle offers access to the three larger ski areas via a gondola and lift links to Val Thorens. Once in Val Thorens your options are unlimited and allow you to explore the whole area. Staying in Orelle is great and you can see what this great ski area has to offer on a powder day here. Alternatively, a stay in Brides-Les-Bains means you are more central to the Three Valleys ski centres. A journey up the Télécabine De L’Olympe takes you into Meribel but at a much more affordable price.
5. ANDORRA
Andorra has favourable tax laws that bring down the cost of any trip to this beautiful mountainous region. There is no sales tax so consider the impact that will have on the cost of your lift passes, lessons, rentals and consumables.
A trip to Andorra still means modern resorts with fantastic facilities in an easy-to-reach location. Grandvalira offers 200km of pistes with a range of slopes to suit everyone. Set amongst the backdrop of the Pyrenees the views are stunning.
A real money saver for your trip to Andorra can be found in the cost of flights with the most popular access coming via Barcelona. Barcelona is an International airport where many budget operators will run multiple daily flights through. The transfer to the resort can be considered a little arduous at around 3 hours but buses run for around €15.
6. CZECH REPUBLIC
The Czech Republic is well known for cheap holidays with its capital city Prague a favourite amongst budget backpackers. Renowned for its nightlife and cheap beer, the Czech Republic should not be cast aside as a boozy city break destination but embraced as a winter treasure chest. There are a number of incredible mountain areas around the Czech Republic including; the Krkonoše Mountains, Šumava and the Jeseníky Mountains.
All offering something different, the resorts of; Špindlerův Mlýn, Kouty nad Desnou and Klínovec are amongst the most popular. The latter of which forms part of a linked ski area with 140km of pistes in the North West of the country.
Harrachov, another Czech resort even offers lift passes for €10 per day with Rokytnice and Jizero offering 6-day passes for £75. Throw in the costs of accommodation and cheap flights into Prague and the Czech Republic might be a great option for a European ski trip.
There are some suggestions for places to ski on a budget but i’d love to hear from you! Have you ever had a bargain ski holiday? What is your favourite budget ski destination? Let me know by commenting below.
Vercorin Ski Resort Guide
Vercorin does not have the international appeal of many Swiss ski resorts but that is actually a really good thing! Vercorin is tucked away in a quiet corner of the Val d’Anniviers, often bypassed for neighbours Griments and Zinal but with over 1000m of Vertical drop, some exciting groomed terrain and views across the Rhone River Valley, there is plenty in Vercorin to get excited about.
VERCORIN FIRST IMPRESSIONS
The village of Vercorin is a traditional Swiss village with quiet cobbled backstreets that are perfect for wandering in the evening. The village of Vercorin is linked to the ski resort by a two-stage gondola that rises 1000m to the Crêt du Midi. Even better is that the whole of that 1000m is skiable back down to the base area via the Sigeroulaz run. Looking at the piste map I was worried the 35km of pistes in Vercorin would not keep me occupied for very long, but my first impression of Vercorin ski resort was the opposite. The groomers were so fun and I loved lapping down to the newly installed Tracui-Mont-Major chair.
VERCORIN SKI AREA
The ski area at Vercorin is divided into two main areas. The area that runs from the top of the gondola down to the base area and a more advanced area underneath the new chair which is home to the more challenging terrain at the resort. In total, Vercorin has 35km of pistes which are accessed mainly by the gondola and newly installed high speed quad to Mont Major. These main installations are supplemented by a magic carpet in the beginners area, alongside a couple of surface lifts spread around the resort.
BEGINNERS TERRAIN IN VERCORIN
Real beginner’s terrain for those never-evers is hard to come by at Vercorin. The main beginner’s area can be found at the Crêt du Midi outside the gondola top station. A covered magic carpet lift serves this area, but the small learner’s area has one major issue, It is also the access point to the resort for every other skier and snowboarder. I think Vercorin gets away with this because it is a quiet ski resort, but I would be interested to see how this affects lessons on a busy day at Vercorin.
In addition to the small learner’s slope, lessons also occur on Crêt run and are serviced by a button lift of the same name. Although there is no green-listed terrain at Vercorin I can see the ski resort being great for advanced beginners who are looking to explore further around the mountain.
INTERMEDIATE TERRAIN IN VERCORIN
Intermediates will love skiing and snowboarding at Vercorin as the groomed terrain is well suited to this level of ability. Although certain pitches of the black run Tracui are steep, intermediates could navigate this by controlling their turns on a single edge. In essence, this means the whole of the resort is accessible to intermediate skiers and snowboarders looking to explore Vercorin to its fullest.
Of particular interest to intermediates will be the long 6km run from the Crêt du Midi down to the base of the gondola via the Sigeroulaz run. It is possible to mix this run between sections of red and blue terrain.
ADVANCED TERRAIN IN VERCORIN
Those looking for lots of challenge may be better considering nearby Grimentz and Zinal but that doesn’t mean that Vercorin doesn’t cater for advanced skiers and snowboarders. The steep pitches of Tracui and Sigeroulaz are really fun and are worth a few laps. Additional challenges can be found in the trees which are wide and open.
Backcountry skiers may enjoy the itinerary run between Grimentz and Vercorin. Although this does not start in Vercorin the Vallee Orzival run ends near the Tracui lift.
FREESTYLE TERRAIN IN VERCORIN
The terrain park at Vercoin is small but it has everything I was looking for. The small run of jumps is great for building confidence in the air and the ride on boxes and rails was fun not scary. For kids, the fun track which targets to ride through and big hands to high five was keeping the local school kids entertained.
VERCORIN PISTE MAP
LIFTS AT VERCORIN
Vercorin ski resort is mostly navigated by using either the gondola or the high-speed quad. The gondola originates at the village and allows you to ski from either the mid-station or the Crêt du Midi. The newly installed high-speed quad has replaced two concurrent surface lifts which makes the 500m journey from Tracui to Mont-Major much more enjoyable. You will also find a covered magic carpet for the beginners area, a button lift that runs adjacent to the terrain park and two further surface lifts including Cabamon which was not open during my visit.
VERCORIN PROS
Vercorin is a great ski resort to escape the crowds
Vercorin has some great groomed terrain
Vercorin ski resort is great for intermediates
The views from Vercorin are incredible
Vercorin is nearby to other ski resorts such as Grimentz-Zinal and St Luc Chandolin which are great for day trips.
VERCORIN CONS
The 35km of pistes at Vercorin may not be enough to keep you occupied for a whole week.
Vercorin lacks advanced terrain with two listed black runs.
TRAVEL TO VERCORIN SKI RESORT
Vercorin ski resort is close to the Swiss city of Sierre. Sierre is unlikely to be your entry point into Switzerland but the transport links to Sierre from major Swiss cities like Geneva are fantastic. From Sierre, you can connect to Vercorin by taking a bus to Vissoe and then onwards to Vercorin.
My preference for visiting Vercorin would be self-drive. The resort of Vercorin has a more infrequent bus schedule then nearby Grimentz-Zinal. Self-drive also gives you the freedom to explore other resorts in the Val d’Anniviers during your trip.
WHERE IS VERCORIN SKI RESORT?
Vercorin ski resort is near Sierre in the canton of Valais. This French-speaking region of Switzerland is home to many interesting ski resorts all available on the Magic Pass. Vercorin is a two to three-hour drive from Geneva airport which is likely to be your entry point.
VERCORIN SNOW RECORD
Vercorin ski resort is in an area of Switzerland renowned for the quality of its snow. The Val d’Anniviers is an area of Switzerland where backcountry enthusiasts have regularly headed in search of its famous powder snow. Bearing this in mind the stats for Vercorin on various snow record websites report between 2-3m of snowfall per winter. The lower slopes at Vercorin are covered by snow cannons which protect the runs into the village. The snowiest month in Vercorin is February.
VERCORIN LIFT PASSES
There are many great lift pass offers that will allow you to explore Vercorin and the surrounding ski resorts. My favourite of which is the Magic Pass. The Magic Pass is a multi-resort ski pass that covers 52 ski resorts across Switzerland. Learn more about the Magic Pass here.
The Val d’Anniviers lift pass is another great option including skiing and snowboarding at the resorts of Vercorin, St-Luc-Chandolin, Grimentz, and ZInal. You can find more information on this pass here.
For up-to-date Vercorin Lift Pass Prices check here.
VERCORIN VIDEOS
VERCORIN GALLERY
ACCOMMODATION IN VERCORIN
I was lucky enough to stay at the Swiss Peak Resort in Vercorin as a guest of @sierretourisme. The Swiss Peaks building is located right next to the gondola in Vercorin and is the perfect location to explore the resort. Even better for me was that Swiss Peak is also dog friendly so I was able to bring my dog with me.
Away from Swiss Peaks, the village is a short walk from the gondola and there are a number of other local accommodations available via the normal booking services.
SEASON DATES VERCORIN
The ski season in Vercorin runs between mid December to mid April with the snowiest month being February. I would opt to visit Vercorin mid-season so as to avoid sketchy conditions riding back down into town.
FINAL THOUGHTS VERCORIN
Vercorin shows the true value in the Magic Pass. A ski resort that I would normally have bypassed turned out to be one of my favourite stops on the road trip. Quiet, but with ample terrain to have a few days of fun, Vercorin is a resort I would advise everyone to get to if you are in the Val d’Anniviers..
NEARBY RESORTS
Coronet Peak Ski Resort Guide
Coronet Peak was New Zealand’s first commercial ski resort to open and is popular due to its proximity to bustling Queenstown. Coronet doesn’t receive huge amounts of annual snowfall but makes up for this with great snow cannon coverage. Coronet Peak ski area would be an ideal place to learn or to progress on the intermediate terrain before heading to the more challenging Remarkables ski area. Coronet Peak is the only Queenstown ski resort that offers night-skiing and it is popular with skiers and snowboarders every Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday throughout the season.
Coronet Peak Ski Resort
Coronet Peak First Impressions
The drive up to Coronet Peak is impressive and once parked you will find a modern ski resort. The base lodge has everything you would expect at a world-class ski resort. Walking through the base area and up the stairs, you are met by the Coronet Express Chair. Newly installed in 2019, the Coronet Express Chair takes you from base to summit in just a few minutes. After a couple of runs, it is obvious that the piste grooming at Coronet Peak is some of the best in New Zealand. The terrain at Coronet Peak is mostly aimed at intermediates however there are some steeps and a designated beginner area.
Coronet Peak Ski Resort
If you are used to the ski resorts of Europe you may be slightly dismayed when looking at the piste map for Coronet Peak. The Coronet Express Chairlift takes you from the base area to the top of the resort, a mere 460m of vertical drop. One positive is that the Express chairlift is fast so you can lap the terrain pretty quickly.
Coronet Peak has three chairlifts that provide access to its 40km of trails, including one to service the mellow beginner slopes. In addition, there are also surface lifts and T-bar at Coronet Peak. Although the majority of the trails at Coronet Peak are aimed at intermediate skiers and snowboarders, there is some fun to be had to the sides of the pistes should the conditions allow. Pay particular attention to the conditions report as you could easily find yourself with an issue. There are some steep runs around the resort with The Hurdle having a nice pitch.
Intermediates will love the Blue graded pistes of the Greengates Express Chairlift which take you back down to car park number 2. The runs off Greengates Express were quieter so this may be an area to head to get away from the crowds.
First-time skiers and snowboarders will find Little Easy and Big Easy runs the perfect place to practice those beginner turns at Coronet Peak. To have these slopes surfaced by the Meadows Express chair is a benefit to learning at Coronet over nearby Remarkables whose beginners area is serviced by magic carpets.
Coronet Peak Stats
Coronet Peak ski resort is one of two commercial ski resorts in the town of Queenstown on New Zealands South Island. In total there are 40km of slopes to ride at Coronet Peak and some of the key mountain stats are below.
Total Pistes - 40 km
Beg / Int / Adv - 8km / 16km / 16km
Highest Point - 1649m
Base Area -1229m
Coronet Peak Night skiing
Night skiing at Coronet Peak is pretty epic with runs open from the summit to the base area, live music, and competitions. Night skiing at Coronet Peak takes place every Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday between 4 pm and 9 pm. Night skiing is the perfect opportunity to watch the sunset over Lake Wakatipu just remember to wear that extra layer.
Views From Greengates Side
Coronet Peak Piste Map
Coronet Peak is divided into three main areas. To skiers right you have the Greengates Express chairlift, which has a number of great intermediate and advanced runs that are open during the day but not for night skiing. The main area of the resort is central and covers everything under the Coronet Express chairlift. This area is suitable for all abilities with advanced snowboarders able to access the Back Bowls and beginners heading to Arnolds way direct from the same chair. The final area is to skiers left and consists of some advanced runs only accessible via the Rocky Gully T-Bar.
Coronet Peak Ski Resort Piste Map
Lifts At Coronet Peak
At Coronet Peak ski resort there are three chairlifts; Coronet Express, Greengates, Meadows Express, and the Rocky Gully T-Bar. There is also further surface lifts in the beginner area.
Meadows Express is a slow quad chair that accesses the beginner terrain at Coronet Peak. This lift is mainly used for lessons so can become crowded during peak times. From the top of Meadows Express beginners can access Little Easy and Big Easy, two gentle green pistes to practice those turns.
The Coronet Express is the most popular lift at Coronet Peak and takes snowboarders and skiers from the base of the resort to the summit. This lift was newly installed in 2019 and is pretty effective at preventing queues even during peak periods. The Coronet Express is a six-seater chair and also is able to support gondolas.
Our favourite lift at Coronet Peak is the Greengates Express. The Greengates express is a fast six-seater chair that is less busy than the rest of the resort. Laps on the Greengates side can consist of a mixture of blue, red, and black terrain on the same lap.
Coronet Peak Snow Record
Ok, I am going to deliver a pretty disappointing stat here but don’t click away. Coronet Peak receives an average of 2m of natural snowfall a season. This doesn’t quite reflect the quality of snow at Coronet Peak as the resort team does a great job of snowmaking and grooming. The coverage on-piste during my extended visit was good, although the off-piste areas were pretty bare.
Coronet Peak Season Dates
The ski season at Coronet Peak runs from June - September although good years can see it remain open into October. As discussed earlier, Coronet is not blessed with a great amount of natural snowfall so it relies heavily on cold temps and snowmaking.
Coronet Peak Lift Tickets
A Coronet Peak ski pass can be expensive if you do not plan ahead. The most cost-effective way to enjoy a snowboard trip to Coronet Peak is to purchase the 3 Peak Season Pass. The Three Peak season pass offers access to both Queenstown resorts of The Remarks and Coronet Peak as well as Mt Hutt near Christchurch. When brought in advance the 3 peak pass will cost $699 NZD for unlimited winter access.
Alternatively, you can pay by the day however expect to pay upwards of $100NZD per day. For the latest lift pass prices click here.
Travel To Coronet Peak
Getting To New Zealand
With most international flights operating into Christchurch, this may be your best access point to the South Island. If you can, I would highly recommend flights into Queenstown as firstly you have direct access from Queenstown to the resorts of The Remarkables and Coronet Peak, but equally importantly it is one of the most scenic airports in the world. Flying into Queenstown is something I will not forget in a hurry. That being said if Mt Hutt is your only ski goal then flying into Christchurch makes more sense.
Check the latest flight prices here.
Where is Coronet Peak?
Coronet Peak is the closest ski resort to Queenstown and is a short drive from the town center. Expect a 20-30 minute drive, although this may increase after a snowfall. The drive is around 20 km and is on well-established roads.
Accessing Coronet Peak
Coronet Peak is a short drive from Queenstown and with the best access road out of the 3 Peak Pass resorts, driving is the best option. If you don’t have the option to drive then buses do run from various downtown Queenstown locations but I thought the prices were fairly steep. Hitching or rideshare is possible.
Coronet Peak Accommodation
Most people stay in downtown Queenstown which has accommodations ranging from hostels to more deluxe apartments on the Lake. One benefit of staying in Queenstown is that you also have the option to ski at the nearby Remarkables ski area.
During my trip, I split time between the Freedom Camping site at Kawaru Bridge where you are allowed 4 nights within a month.
Coronet Peak Pros
Coronet Peak offers night skiing three evenings a week.
Coronet Peak’s extensive snowmaking ensures the piste retains good coverage even in lean snow years.
Coronet Peak’s new Coronet Express chairlift is fast allowing for quick laps.
A 3 Peaks pass is value for money especially on the early bird deal and includes night skiing at Coronet Peak.
The views across Queenstown and Lake Wakatipu are worth the chairlift ride in itself.
Coronet Peak Cons
Low annual snowfall meaning Coronet Peak has a reliance on snow-making
Expensive coach transfer from Queenstown so if self-drive isn’t an option consider hitching to Coronet Peak.
With a very short vertical drop crowds can gather at the base during peak weeks. The new Coronet Express chairlift has helped reduce this during busy periods.
Nearby Coronet Peak Activities
Grab A Fergburger
Possibly New Zealand’s most famous burgers there are not many better places to have a post skiing dinner than Fergburger. Be sure to book in advance or be prepared to queue.
Adventure Capital Of The World
If you are taking a day off snow then Queenstown is the place to be. There is an endless list of activities to enjoy in Queenstown with the Shotover Jet Boat and the Skyline Luge particular favourites.
Lake Wakatipu
Lake Wakatipu is New Zealand’s longest lake at 50miles in length and is one of Queenstown’s most stunning natural landmarks. There are loads of great ways to see Lake Wakatipu from cruises to scenic lookouts, our favourite a bbq at the beach.
Sightseeing
Coronet Peak has more to offer than just skiing and snowboarding. A trip to the Peak as a foot passenger is a must to take in the views across Queenstown and Lake Wakatipu. From the sightseeing deck you will be able to see the Wakatipu Basin and the spectacular Southern Alps.
Tobogganing
Coronet Peak also offers Tobogganing in its snow play area with toboggans available to rent from the base area.
Coronet Peak Frequently Asked Questions
Which Is Better The Remarkables Or Coronet Peak?
This will completely depend on what you are looking for from your Queenstown ski experience. For us, snowboarding at both was worthwhile and pretty easy to do. The Remarks is great for terrain parks of hiking into off-piste areas whereas Coronet Peak is better for cruising the pistes. Coronet Peak also offers night skiing which is an added bonus.
How Far Is Coronet Peak From Queenstown?
Coronet Peak is 16kms from Queenstown making it the closest resort to the adventure capital of the world. The drive is easy and recommended as the resort buses are a complete rip-off.
Is Coronet Peak Good For Beginners?
The beginner's area under the Meadows Express chair is a great place to learn to ski or snowboard. Coronet Peak has its own ski school with instructors from around the world bringing a wealth of experience. One of the great parts of learning at Coronet Peak is there is green terrain accessible from the summit so beginners can explore the whole mountain.
Coronet Peak Videos
Coronet Peak Links
If you are planning to visit Coronet Peak then here are some useful links that can help you get the most out of your trip. If you want to check the Coronet Peak Webcam and stay on top of the Coronet Peak weather then click here. This link is where you will find the latest Coronet Peak snow information and equally important information about the Coronet Peak access road.
For more general information consider checking out the Coronet Peak Website or their social channels on Twitter and Instagram. If you have any general questions, I would be happy to help so drop them down in the comment section.
Hakuba Iwatake Ski Resort Review
Iwatake ski resort is a popular Hakuba Valley resort that is fantastic for intermediate and beginner riders. On my visit to Hakuba Iwatake, I was impressed by the wide cruisey blue runs and the mellow gated tree riding. On a clear day, the views from Iwatake are meant to be pretty impressive… unfortunately I didn’t get a clear day at Iwatake. One issue that Iwatake faces is its lower elevation and base area can mean that when it is snowing at other Hakuba resorts it can be raining at Iwatake. That being said Iwatake still gets its fair share of the snow and there are some great powder stashes to be found.
Hakuba Iwatake Base Area
IWATAKE SKI RESORT FIRST IMPRESSIONS
Arriving at Iwatake via shuttle bus you are dropped at the base of Noah Gondola. From here you can see a chairlift to the skier’s left which accesses a fairly decent beginner’s run that would be a good gradient for learning your first turns. Around the gondola base area, there are a few ski shops, accommodations and food vans that mean Iwatake is a fairly decent place to base yourself for a trip to Hakuba. When heading up the gondola it’s easy to see why intermediates love Iwatake, in each direction, you can see wide-open pistes and on my visits very limited crowds (potentially due to the weather).
IWATAKE SKI AREA
As previously mentioned Iwatake is lower than the other resorts in the Hakuba valley with a summit of 1,289m. This coupled with a rather pitiful 539m vertical drop (less than Thredbo in Australia) means that Iwatake is a fairly small ski resort. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing as Iwatake has some decent infrastructure with fast chairs that means although laps may be short, you can get multiple runs in rather quickly. In total, there are 26 courses at Iwatake with the majority of this terrain being beginner or intermediate terrain. There is only 20% of the piste map assigned as advanced terrain but there is nothing to really get the heart pumping.
SNOWBOARDING FOR BEGINNERS IWATAKE
Iwatake has a number of trails suitable for beginners with an international ski school offering instruction in English. The gradients at Iwatake are much more mellow than nearby Happo One or Goryu so beginners may feel less intimidated here. It is possible for beginners to access ski runs at the top of Iwatake without the need to ride to the base area. If beginners choose to, it is possible to down lift on the Noah gondola at the end of the day. At the base area, there is a green run that has its own chairlift, this would be my starting point as a beginner.
SNOWBOARDING FOR INTERMEDIATES IWATAKE
Iwatake is probably best suited to intermediate skiers and snowboarders. The groomed terrain across the mountain is generally wide and not too steep. Some of the runs at Iwatake are an amalgamation of other runs with a combination of colour ratings. The tree zones at Iwatake are open without requiring a course and offer some fun riding on mellower pitches.
SNOWBOARDING FOR ADVANCED IWATAKE
Iwatake ski resort has a designated off-piste tree skiing zone called The View. Japanese ski resorts take a pretty firm stance to riding outside of designated off-piste areas so be prepared to lose your pass for doing so. Sticking to The View and you will be fine with this area monitored by the Iwatake ski patrol. In all honesty, advanced skiers and snowboarders will likely get bored rather quickly at Iwatake with other Hakuba Valley ski areas offering more challenge.
FREESTYLE TERRAIN AT IWATAKE
Iwatake does have a terrain park that may be of interest to freestyle-inspired riders. The Iwatake terrain park has a number of jumps (various sizes) and some basic rails. The terrain park at Iwatake is serviced by its own two-person chairlift although this runs pretty slow.
LIFTS AT HAKUBA IWATAKE
Hakuba Iwatake ski resort has 8 chair ifts and a gondola. The Noah gondola at the base of the resort is the main access point to the rest of the ski area. The rest of the lifts at Iwatake are either Quads or Doubles, none of which are particularly speedy.
Lift queues at Iwatake ski resort are reserved for the weekend and peak periods. As more people learn about the Hakuba Valley the resort of Iwatake is becoming more popular and its location close to Happo doesn't help when avoiding crowds.
HAKUBA IWATAKE PISTE MAP
IWATAKE SKI RESORT PROS
Iwatake is perfectly spaced in between Happo One and Tsugaike which makes it really easy to visit for a day trip
Wide groomers at the Iwatake ski area will mean that intermediates will love riding around this resort.
Four gated tree areas are available to ski at Iwatake which is a nice step in comparison to other Hakuba resorts that close their tree areas.
Free shuttles run regularly to Iwatake from the Happo Bus Terminal and the train station
IWATAKE SKI RESORT CONS
Iwatake has a small vertical drop meaning the runs can be quite short.
Iwatake is rather low and its lower elevation can mean the quality of snow is not as good as at other Hakuba resorts.
TRAVEL TO IWATAKE SKI RESORT
Free shuttle buses run to Iwatake from both the train station and Happo bus terminal. The buses to Iwatake are probably amongst the more frequent as Iwatake is positioned between Happo One and Tsugaike.
Iwatake is under 5km from the Hakuba train station meaning connecting bus journeys take less than 10 minutes to reach the ski resort. There are plenty of regular bus services that run between Iwatake and other Hakuba ski areas; Tsugaike, Happo, Goryu, Hakuba 47 as well as to the Hakuba base area.
ACCOMMODATION AT IWATAKE
Basing yourself at Hakuba Iwatake would be a good option if you wanted a quieter base away from the main Happo Village but within a short bus or taxi ride. Iwatake accommodation would allow you quick access to most resorts in the Hakuba Valley. Alternatively, there are lots of accommodation options in Hakuba village and really depends on your preferences and budget. I stayed in a guesthouse which was fairly basic but provided a space to cook, wash and sleep.
If you are staying in one of the villages at the base of Iwatake you will need to access the resort via train or bus. It is possible to get a bus from Tokyo that directly passes Iwatake. Alternatively, a train to the Hakuba train station followed by a bus or transfer to your accommodation is recommended.
FINAL THOUGHTS ON HAKUBA IWATAKE
Unfortunately, on both my visits to Hakuba Iwatake ski resort, I wasn’t blessed with great weather. I was still able to have fun cruising around the wide pistes but the further down towards the base you went, the snow quality deteriorated. Iwatake location was great and because of the frequent buses, I was able to change resorts once I figured conditions would not improve. On a good day, I can see why people would enjoy visiting Iwatake, especially those who are looking to progress from the greens to the blues.
Zinal Ski Resort Guide
Like its neighbour Grimentz, Zinal ski resort is renowned for its epic freeride terrain. The traditional Swiss Village offers incredible charm and extensive off-piste terrain that will keep the most avid snowboarders in search of fresh lines.
ZINAL FIRST IMPRESSIONS
Accessing Zinal for the first time from Grimentz I took the Grimentz-Espace Weisshorn cable car. Not only does this cable car offer great views back over Grimentz village, it also gives you an incredible view down the Chamois off-piste run. The cable car ride was an eye-opener to everything that was possible in Zinal.
ZINAL SKI AREA
The combined Grimentz-ZInal ski area in the Val d’Anniviers region of Switzerland offers 115km of slopes, some insanely good freeride terrain and two authentic mountain villages. Popular with advanced skiers and snowboarders for high altitude skiing and an exceptional reputation for powder skiing. Getting between the two ski areas is easy via modern lifts.
In line with the freeride aspect of the resorts, you will find an avalanche training area to practice your beacon work that I hope you will never have to use for real.
BEGINNERS TERRAIN AT ZINAL
Zinal is less beginner-friendly than Grimentz although there are a couple of places for beginners to learn their turns. A magic carpet is situated near the base of the gondola next to the Swiss Peaks Resorts hotel. This area is small but well designed for your first ski or snowboard lesson. In the resort itself, there is no green graded terrain and all blues lead into reds. This can make Zinal a daunting place for beginners to learn.
INTERMEDIATE TERRAIN AT ZINAL
Intermediates will find plenty of fun blue and red graded pistes to enjoy in Zinal. L’arēte leads down from the Corne De Sorebois which has some great views across the valley. Intermediates looking to enjoy the off-piste should head to the Durand surface lift where options are aplenty either side of Crête and Durand pistes.
ADVANCED TERRAIN AT ZINAL
Zinal has a couple of nice steep black runs with the best pitch perhaps being Col. The Chamois run and the Dam run can be considered exhilarating with the freeride area offering some great off-piste options.
FREESTYLE TERRAIN AT ZINAL
Freestyle isn’t really a reason to head to Zinal. There is a small park with some ride on boxes and features.
LIFTS AT ZINAL
In the Grimentz-Zinal combined area you will find a total of 21 lifts. Zinal has a mix of modern lifts combined with older surface lifts. The village of Zinal is linked to the resort by a modern 8 seater gondola whereas the ski area is linked to Zinal via cable car. Within Zinal the Durand surface lift is long but offers some of the best runs in the resort. Corne 4-seater takes you to the top of the resort at 2896m.
ZINAL PROS
The terrain at Zinal offers plenty of easy access off-piste.
The village of Zinal has everything you would expect from a ski town.
There were no lift queues in Zinal despite visiting during the holiday period.
Zinal is part of the Magic Pass giving you access to other great Swiss ski resorts.
POV riding through the Zinal freeride zone
ZINAL CONS
Beginners don’t really have good options for learning to ski in Zinal.
Getting from Zinal to Grimentz feels more work than getting from Grimentz to Zinal. I would choose Grimentz as my base to explore both resorts.
TRAVEL TO ZINAL SKI RESORT
ZINAL BY CAR
Travelling to Grimentz-Zinal by car is fairly easy. It is likely that you will have arrived at one of the main airports. Geneva would be the closest option at just over 2 hrs drive to the village. The mountain road is well-maintained but you will have to look out for local drivers. I wouldn’t define myself as a slow driver and yet there was some mad overtaking happening around blind corners. If you plan to visit Grimentz-Zinal by car be sure to carry chains with you as this is a requirement for some roads.
ZINAL BY PUBLIC TRANSPORT
There are not many things in life more efficient than the Swiss transport system so why not try and reach Grimentz-Zinal by public transport. From Geneva to Sierre is the easy part, jump on the train and let it do the work for you. From Sierre, you will have to first take a bus to Vissoie before changing onto a bus to ZInal.
Honestly, although I am a big fan of Swiss public transport for me Grimentz-Zinal is a drive to resort.
ZINAL SNOW RECORD
The Grimentz-Zinal ski area is known for its freeride terrain and quality of snow. Surprisingly OnTheSnow list the average snowfall for Grimentz as 233cm per winter. 2m of snowfall in the area doesn’t seem like a realistic statistic so I would take that with a pinch of salt.
ZINAL LIFT PASS PRICES
In Zinal you have two main options in terms of lift passes. The first and my preferred option was to use The Magic Pass. The Magic Pass is a pretty sweet lift pass that combines 52 Swiss ski resorts on one lift pass. Buy it early enough and your Magic Pass could be available for as little as 399CHF.
Option number two is to purchase a local area pass for the Val d’Anniviers. The local area pass includes Grimentz-Zinal, as well as nearby St Luc and Vercorin. These local passes are available as 1 day, 2 days or multi-day options. A 6 day Val d’Anniviers pass will cost you 295CHF.
ZINAL SKI RESORT VIDEOS
ZINAL GALLERY
ACCOMMODATION AT GRIMENTZ-ZINAL
During my stay in Grimentz, I stayed in this pet-friendly rental apartment. It was a perfect location with a short walk to the Bendola gondola and the Zinal cable car. Located within walking distance of the supermarket, ski rentals and a great bakery it’s an ideal spot. Negatives… be careful not to get stung on paying for sheets etc which was added on at an additional cost. The village of Grimentz has lots of varied accommodation to choose from. Although I rented my apartment through Airbnb there are lots of locally run hotels that offer luxury stays or more budget-friendly options.
ZInal village has a Swiss Peaks Resorts hotel. Although I did not stay in Swiss Peaks in Zinal I did stay in their Vercorin location and was very impressed.
ZINAL SEASON DATES
The ski season in Grimentz-Zinal can begin as early as November with the season running through into mid-April. In the 2021-22 season, it is expected for the season to run until April 24th. In general, Grimentz-Zinal elevation at 1500m with skiing possible at near 3000m is a good guarantee of a suitable snow cover.
FINAL THOUGHTS ON ZINAL
I would love to revisit the Grimentz-Zinal ski area as I feel there is still lots of terrain left to ride. The terrain is more suited to advanced skiers and snowboarders with little in the way of beginner terrain. If I was to revisit the area I would probably opt to stay in Grimentz over Zinal. I feel a base in Grimentz gives you the best access to both resorts.
Salomon Taka Split Snowboard Review
Designed as part of Salomns hillside project the Taka split is an evolution of Takaharu Nakai’s solid board. The Japanese snowboarder has built his board around a powder shape that excels in the deep stuff. Now in split version the Taka Split is a take it anywhere on the mountain powder killer.
Disclaimer - I am not paid to write reviews about the gear I use and this board was purchased using my own money. I do not claim to be an expert just an average rider who is passionate about snowboarding and gear. If you find this review useful feel free to help me out and buy me a coffee using the button below.
SALOMON TAKA SPLIT OVERVIEW
SHAPE
The Salomon Taka Split has a directional freeride shape with a taper from nose to tail. The wider nose prevents the board from burrowing under the snow and sending you into a tomahawk. This is combined with the tapered tail which drops the tail of the board effortlessly preventing that powder leg burn. There is 12mm of taper from nose to tail.
CAMBER
The camber profile of the Salomon Taka Split is a hybrid camber with a combination of camber and rocker. The camber is under the insert packs ensuring control and stability of the Taka Split at higher speeds. Just after the front insert pack a long rocker starts which is perfect for ensuring extra float in pow. This rocker also helps turn initiation on-piste ensuring a less catchy ride.
FLEX
The Salomon Taka Split has a medium flex which is ideal for its powder performance. The nose feels soft and has some give in it which again helps it stay above the snow when needed. Despite not being overly stiff I found the Taka Split to hold an edge really well on harder snow.
CONSTRUCTION
The Taka split utilises Salomons Ghost Green Core. This core is constructed from their premium sustainable materials reducing board weight whilst being good for the environment. Salomon add what they call BA MD throughout the board which is a layer of fibreglass. The fibreglass weave keeps weight low whilst providing some predictability to the board’s performance.
SIZE GUIDE
The Salomon Taka Split is available in three sizes, 155, 158 and 161.
BASE
The Taka Split is fast thanks to its Sintered EG base. The sintered base on this board is one that I have had on a number of previous Salomon snowboards. The base does require regular waxing but if looked after performs brilliantly.
HOW DOES IT RIDE?
STABILITY
On piste and at speed the board feels solid despite being split down the middle. It holds an edge really well and wants to fly. This stability transferred into softer snow cutting through pow with ease and never feeling in danger of sinking.
FLEX
The Take Split has a medium flex under the feet but gets softer towards the nose and tail. The softness in the nose is perfect for keeping above deeper snow.
TURN INITIATION
The early rise rocker in the nose gives the Salomon Taka Split a loose feel rolling into and out of turns. I was taken back by how fun this board was to get on edge and turn with the expectation that performance in this area would suffer for powder performance.
ASCENT
The light construction of the Taka Split means it doesn’t feel heavy underfoot. The powder nose can be wider than the average skin track so you can find yourself cutting your own trail. Coupled with my Union Expedition bindings I was happy with the uphill performance.
POWDER
This board has a powder shape and a powder purpose. Without surprise, its designers Takahura Nakai and Wolle Nyvelt have hit the nail on the head with this one. Check out the videos below to see its powder performance.
PARK
This is not a freestyle board.
THE VERDICT
I really enjoyed riding this board although I did have a warranty issue with it. This has now been resolved by Salomon which is all you can ask for really. For accessing those areas close to the lifts this board was perfect and made my life a lot easier than boot packing it. I was really impressed with how this board floats in pow but more so how it rode around the rest of the resort. Its versatility meant I was happily riding it on a resort day just on the off-chance I would decide to get into hike mode.
Angletarn Pikes | Wainwrights Far Eastern Fells
ANGLETARN PIKES
Angletarn Pikes is a captivating fell, known for its distinctive twin peaks and the picturesque Angle Tarn nestled between them. The ascent to Angletarn Pikes is moderately challenging, making it accessible for most hikers while still offering a sense of accomplishment. The route typically starts from Patterdale, winding through lush valleys and ascending gradually to the tarn. Once you reach Angle Tarn, the landscape unfolds with stunning beauty—a tranquil body of water surrounded by rugged peaks. From there, a climb to the summit reveals panoramic views of the surrounding fells and valleys, making the effort well worth it. The twin peaks provide unique vantage points, each offering different perspectives of the Lake District. Angletarn Pikes embodies the essence of fell walking in the Far Eastern Fells, combining natural beauty with a rewarding hiking experience. It's a must-visit for anyone looking to explore Wainwright's routes in the Lake District.
ANGLETARN PIKES INFORMATION
HEIGHT IN METRES 567m
HEIGHT IN FEET 1860ft
RANGE Far Eastern Fells
GRID REFERENCE NY 413148
Have you walked Angletarn Pikes? Let me know what you thought of the views below.
ANGLETARN GALLERY
ANGLETARN PIKES RELATED POSTS
WAINWRIGHT’S GUIDES
ANGLETARN PIKES MAP
Prior Wildcard Snowboard Review
Hand-built in Canada just outside of Whistler Prior Snowboards have a fantastic reputation, although not yet globally renowned. They were formed in 1989 by the late great Chris Prior and have been doing their thing ever since.
Disclaimer - I am not paid to write reviews about the gear I use and this board was purchased using my own money. I do not claim to be an expert just an average rider who is passionate about snowboarding and gear. If you find this review useful feel free to help me out and buy me a coffee using the button below.
PRIOR WILDCARD OVERVIEW
There are lots of variations and customisations available with Prior Snowboards so first of all I will talk about the standard Prior Wildcard.
SHAPE
The Prior Wildcard is a true-twin shape that rides the same in both directions. This suits the board’s all-mountain freestyle focus as makes riding away in switch easy.
CAMBER
The Prior Wildcard utilizes a hybrid camber profile. The Wildcard has a camber under the feet with a rocker on the tip and the tail. This is actually my preferred camber profile as it provides stability and pop but with that bit of help floating in pow.
FLEX
The Prior Wildcard utilises what Prior call their Twin Flex. The Twin Flex means that the board flexes the same whether you are riding regular or switch. The flex of the wildcard is also dependent on the construction but more on that shortly.
CONSTRUCTION
Part of Prior snowboards uniqueness is the ability to customise their boards in a number of ways. When you buy a Prior choosing its construction is part of this process. Standard boards come with a Triax glass weave or you can upgrade to an XCE carbon construction. The XCE carbon shaves around 15% of the board's weight. As someone who owns a version of the Prior Wildcard with both constructions, the XCE is also a more damp ride although both versions are great at cutting through crud.
SIZE GUIDE
Check the size guide below for regular Prior Wildcard Sizing. As a brand that prides itself on providing customs it is possible to make adjustments to the below chart. I have a 156 standard sizing and a 159 with an increased waist width.
BASE
The Prior Wildcard has a sintered base that is fast but needs regular maintenance. I love the speed that you get out of these boards but the bases are quick to show dry marks after a couple of days riding.
HOW DOES IT RIDE?
STABILITY
Ultimately when I am looking for a board I really want something that feels stable and isn’t going to wash out on me. The camber under the bindings is reassuring throughout the turn and you can feel the board lock into a carve. Even on icy snow the Prior Wildcard feels stable.
FLEX
I am not really one for pressing and buttering boards but the Prior Wildcard makes you want to do it. With your hips shifted over your tip or tail you can hold your press with decent stability. Doing a tripod and you can lock it in and just go. The flex between your feet is stiffer than on the tip and tail which means you are not sacrificing performance for that more playful ride.
TURN INITIATION
Some of the earlier hybrid camber boards like the Salomon Mans Board still felt catchy when initiating turns. That’s is not the case with the Prior Wildcard. The rocker on the nose just seems to lift those pesky contact points enough that you can just roll into your turn. The Wildcard feels quick between edges and is easy to throw around some tight trees.
PISTE
The Prior Wildcard’s underfoot camber makes the board incredibly fun to turn whether arcing across the piste or performing short turns down the run the Prior Wildcard has you covered. Both the XCE carbon and standard construction have enough ummpfh to powder you into your next turn.
POWDER
I was surprised at just how well the Prior Wildcard performs in deeper snow for a true twin snowboard. The rocker helps keep the nose afloat and although powder performance is never going to be as good as a true powder board check out these videos to see how it performed.
PARK
The Prior Wildcard is touted as an all-mountain freestyle board so it is fair to say that you should expect good park performance, it delivered. The Prior Wildcard was really fun to throw off jumps knowing that it will handle the landings. Similarly it has helped my confidence grow on rail features although it is not a jib board.
THE VERDICT
I love this board and have ridden it for a number of years now. Although other true twin snowboards have caught my eye I cant see myself replacing my Wildcard’s in my quiver anytime soon.
Grimentz Ski Resort Guide
The Val d’Anniviers in Switzerland popped onto my radar when a Twitter follower posted a photo of a beautiful sidecountry ski run in Grimentz. The reputation that Grimentz holds for freeride is exceptional and it seems like every lift here opens up a new possibility. Arguably some of the best lift-accessible freeride terrain on my Magic Pass trip.
GRIMENTZ FIRST IMPRESSIONS
Waking up in Grimentz to a bucket load of new snow was exactly what was needed to start the trip on a good note. The Val d’Anniviers had endured around 10 days without snowfall prior to arrival so it was a pleasant surprise.
The Bendola gondola from the base area to the main resort area at 2112m gives you plenty of time to survey the tree lines runs that lead back to the village. It was here that I spent the majority of the afternoon escaping the cloud and seemingly finding every treestump hidden under the fresh snow cover.
GRIMENTZ SKI AREA
The combined Grimentz-ZInal ski area in the Val d’Anniviers region of Switzerland offers 115km of slopes, some insanely good freeride terrain and two authentic mountain villages. Popular with advanced skiers and snowboarders for high altitude skiing and an exceptional reputation for powder skiing, Grimentz is a paradise in the Valais.
In line with the freeride aspect of the resorts, you will find an avalanche training area to practice your beacon work that I hope you will never have to use for real.
BEGINNERS TERRAIN AT GRIMENTZ
This is where Grimentz doesn’t shine. There is a learners area at the top of the Bendola gondola but there is little in the way of suitable terrain to progress onto. A short run is accessible via the Marenda button lift and you also have the winding run from the top of Grands Plans chair.
INTERMEDIATE TERRAIN AT GRIMENTZ
Intermediate skiers and snowboarders will love Grimentz with plenty of long blue and red pistes. From the top of Orzival the Panorama run is popular along with Becs and Tsarva from the Becs De Bosson chair.
ADVANCED TERRAIN AT GRIMENTZ
Although the majority of challenging posted terrain is across in Zinal the advanced skiers will love Grimentz for its freeride opportunity. Lona is perhaps the most popular and famous option here, starting in the shadow of Becs De Bosson and running down to the village in the right conditions.
The Itinerary run, Abondance, is enjoyable in the right conditions with a number of chutes to drop into. This area is caked in sunshine and has been known to slide.
Also, consider Crēts a steep but short black piste that leads back to the top of the Bendola gondola.
FREESTYLE TERRAIN AT GRIMENTZ
Grimentz has a small terrain park accessible by the Orzival button lift. The larger features were still being constructed during my visit but the lower park was really nice with a couple of small jumps and some ride on rail features.
LIFTS AT GRIMENTZ
In the Grimentz-Zinal combined area you will find a total of 21 lifts. The Grimentz area is a mix of modern with some old surface lifts in place. The Bendola gondola is sufficient for ensuring there are no queues leaving the village. From the top of Bendola, the new Col Du Pouce chair is fantastic a large 6-person bubble lift that is modern and comfortable. From here you have the option to ride the Lona 2 surface lift but this is long and steep in places. Two further chairs Tsarva and Grand Plans link the area well, however replacing the Orzival surface lift could improve access to the Roc d’Orzival.
GRIMENTZ PROS
The terrain at Grimentz is exceptional with plenty of challenges to be found close to all the lifts.
Off-piste options in Grimentz seem endless!
The village of Grimentz is exactly what comes to mind when you think Swiss mountain village.
There were no lift queues in Grimentz despite visiting during the holiday period.
Lifts in Grimentz are modern and fast with further upgrades currently being planned.
Powder days in Grimentz were epic
GRIMENTZ CONS
Beginners are the ones that really miss out at Grimentz with a lack of real beginners terrain.
There are a number of long surface lifts that can feel arduous.
TRAVEL TO GRIMENTZ SKI RESORT
GRIMENTZ BY CAR
Travelling to Grimentz by car is fairly easy. It is likely that you will have arrived at one of the main airports. Geneva would be the closest option at just over 2 hrs drive to the village. The mountain road is well-maintained but you will have to look out for local drivers. I wouldn’t define myself as a slow driver and yet there was some mad overtaking happening around blind corners. If you plan to visit Grimentz by car be sure to carry chains with you as this is a requirement for some roads.
GRIMENTZ BY PUBLIC TRANSPORT
There are not many things in life more efficient than the Swiss transport system so why not try and reach Grimentz by public transport. From Geneva to Sierre is the easy part, jump on the train and let it do the work for you. From Sierre, you will have to first take a bus to Vissoie before changing onto a bus to Grimentz.
Honestly, although I am a big fan of Swiss public transport for me Grimentz is a drive to resort.
GRIMENTZ SNOW RECORD
Grimentz-Zinal ski area is known for its freeride terrain and quality of snow. Surprisingly OnTheSnow list the average snowfall for Grimentz as 233cm per winter. 2m of snowfall in the area doesn’t seem like a realistic statistic so I would take that with a pinch of salt.
Powder Day In Grimentz
GRIMENTZ LIFT PASS PRICES
In Grimentz you have two main options in terms of lift passes. The first and my preferred option was to use The Magic Pass. The Magic Pass is a pretty sweet lift pass that combines 40 Swiss ski resorts on one lift pass. Buy it early enough and your Magic Pass could be available for as little at 399CHF.
Option number two is to purchase a local area pass for the Val d’Anniviers. The local area pass includes Grimentz-Zinal, as well as nearby St Luc and Vercorin. These local passes are available as 1 day, 2 days or multi day options. A 6 day Val d’Anniviers pass will cost you 295CHF.
GRIMENTZ SKI RESORT VIDEOS
GRIMENTZ GALLERY
ACCOMMODATION AT GRIMENTZ
During my stay in Grimentz, I stayed in this pet-friendly rental apartment. It was a perfect location with a short walk to the Bendola gondola and the Zinal cable car. Located within walking distance of the supermarket, ski rentals and a great bakery it’s an ideal spot. Negatives… be careful not to get stung on paying for sheets etc which was added on at an additional cost. The village of Grimentz has lots of varied accommodation to choose from. Although I rented my apartment through AirBnb there are lots of locally run hotels that offer luxury stays or more budget-friendly options.
GRIMENTZ SEASON DATES
The ski season in Grimentz can begin as early as November with the season running through into mid-April. In the 2021-22 season it is expected for the season to run until April 24th. In general, Grimentz elevation at 1500m with skiing possible at near 3000m is a good guarantee of suitable snowcover.
FINAL THOUGHTS ON GRIMENTZ
As someone who prides themself on exploring new resorts around the world the biggest compliment I could offer Grimentz is that I would visit again and would happily look for an apartment here. The combined area of Grimentz-Zinal offers everything that I would want from a ski resort. The off-piste terrain here can be challenging, but even if you are considering your first forays into freeride then there are places you can explore. Perhaps the only people who miss out here are the true beginners with a lack of mellow runs.
Anzere Ski Resort Guide
Overlooking the Rhone Valley, Anzere ski resort not only offers incredible views but some great snowboarding that often gets overlooked for bigger-name resorts nearby. Seemingly next door to Crans Montana and across the valley from the 4 Vallees it is fair to say that Anzere can be the forgotten child. This is a bit unfair on Anzere, a ski resort that has plenty to offer both local and international skiers and snowboarders alike.
Duez - La Baté chair emerging from the clouds
ANZERE FIRST IMPRESSIONS
Anzere was having a dry spell during my visit with not much in the way of new snow over the course of the 10 days I was based there. This coupled with the south-facing aspect had left Anzere looking a little weathered. It made me think about the possibilities of this ski resort. There are plenty of peaks that would grab the interest of anyone freeride orientated, all that was needed was the right conditions.
From prior reading about Anzere, it had been mentioned that the slopes are often empty. This however was not my experience. The slopes were busy with sizeable lift queues but you have to accept this is going to be the case during major holiday periods.
ANZERE SKI AREA
In a beautiful setting a short drive from Sion, Anzere offers 60km of slopes that are suitable for all abilities. The village at 1500m provides access to 920m of vertical drop. with the highest point Le Bâte standing at 2420. The ski area is easy to navigate using the 12 available lifts. The majority of skiable terrain in Anzere is suited towards advanced intermediates with some great long red runs. The combination of pistes 20 (Combe d'Hérémence) and 21 (Les Rousses) makes for one of the longest runs in the resort.
BEGINNERS TERRAIN AT ANZERE
The beginner’s plateau is found at the top of the gondola at Pas De Maimbre. The area is serviced by magic carpets and has a decent gradient for learning those first turns. The is another beginner’s area in the village with another small magic carpet and rope tow. When beginners feel ready to leave the learners area and try some blue graded runs, their best option is to take the gondola to the mid-station, where they will find blue terrain.
INTERMEDIATE TERRAIN AT ANZERE
Anzere is best suited for intermediates with nice long blue and red graded runs across the whole mountain. Heading to any of the lifts in Anzere will give you the possibility to ski a nice long groomer! The lower section of Les Rousses run (Piste 21) was a particular favourite with the route lined by trees.
ADVANCED TERRAIN AT ANZERE
There is enough to keep the advanced skier or snowboarder entertained at Anzere. On piste, the pick is the long Les Masques run (Piste 1 & Piste 5) which takes you from Pas De Maimbre back down to the village. Elsewhere there are a number of itineraries if you prefer ungroomed terrain.
Touring within the resort is a possibility with dedicated routes marked on the Anzere piste map. You have to be fairly motivated to ski tour around Anzere with all of the paths easily accessible by lift. Exploring further away from the slopes remains a possibility.
FREESTYLE TERRAIN AT ANZERE
Anzere has a mini family park call FlyPark Anzere. The mini-park has some entry-level features perfect for your first foray into freestyle but little in the way of progressive features. Consider Leysin or Saas-Fee if you are more interested in Freestyle.
ANZERE PISTE MAP
Piste Map Anzere Ski Resort
LIFTS AT RESORT ANZERE
Anzere has 12 lifts, the majority of which are fast and modern. The main access to the resort is from the village via the gondola, although there is also parking at Les Rousses on the far side of the resort. Once in the resort, there are a number of modern quad chairs, a slow three-person and the interesting two-person Duez-Le Bâte lift which forms a crossroads with the Grillesses quad. The major bottlenecks and queues during my visit were found at the bottom of Les Rousses where the three-person chair also provides access for the toboggan run.
Anzere ski lifts
ANZERE PROS
Anzere ski resort gets plenty of bluebird days
The ski resort of Anzere is well-suited to intermediates skiers and snowboarders
The town of Anzere is well stocked with everything you would require.
Anzere has 60 km of slopes which is more than enough to keep most people entertained.
Getting to Anzere is easy via car or public transport.
The Wellness Centre in Anzere is great for soaking those muscles after a long day on the slopes.
ANZERE CONS
The close proximity to Sion can be a bit of a curse for lift queues on the weekend or during peak periods.
The sunny south-facing aspect can mean that snow quality deteriorates quickly if there is no regular snowfall.
TRAVEL TO ANZERE SKI RESORT
Anzere is a mere 20 minutes from Sion, although it is likely that you will fly into Geneva. Getting to Sion is no hassle at all using the Swiss rail network. From Sion there is public transport that runs up to the mountain village.
During my trip, I was driving so arrived in Anzere via car. Driving to Anzere is easy enough with some decent connecting roads. Be careful to avoid the sat navs requests to take you the back routes through the vineyards if you are of a nervous disposition. There are free car parks in the village that are connected to the ski resort by a complimentary bus service.
ANZERE SNOW RECORD
According to OntheSnow Anzere ski resort received an average of 4.49m of snowfall annually. More recently, there have been some bumper years with both 2019-20 and 2020-21 receiving over 6m of snowfall.
ANZERE PASS PRICES
Anzere is included on the Magic Pass. The Magic Pass makes for an affordable way to ski in Switzerland with 40 ski resorts included for 399CHF. To discover more about the Magic Pass click here
Anzere lift pass prices 2022
The Anzere lift pass prices for the 2021/22 season are detailed above. If you want to see the latest lift pass prices click here
ANZERE VIDEOS
ANZERE GALLERY
ACCOMMODATION IN ANZERE
During my stay in Anzere I stayed in this AirBnB. The Airbnb was perfect for a few days’ stay within a short 20-minute drive of the free car parking. If you would prefer to be in the village amidst all the amenities then Anzere offers plenty of accommodation from luxury hotels through to charming apartments. Search for your perfect Anzere ski resort accommodation by using the link below.
SEASON DATES ANZERE
Anzere ski resort opens in mid-December and closes in mid-April. In the 2021-22 season the ski resort of Anzere opened on the 17th December.
FINAL THOUGHTS ON ANZERE
Anzere is a picturesque ski resort perfect for a one-week trip or short weekend break. I need to revisit Anzere as I had a combination of ill health and bad snow during my trip.
Saas Fee Ski Resort Guide
Saas-Fee ski resort delivers a high-altitude snowsure resort partnered with a buzzing Swiss mountain village. The ski resort of Saas-Fee in the Valais region of Switzerland is world-renowned for skiing possible at 3500m and a long season that gets extended through the summer months. If you are looking for guaranteed snow then maybe Saas-Fee is the perfect destination for your next ski trip.
Saas-Fee Glacier early in the morning
SAAS-FEE FIRST IMPRESSIONS
Arriving in Saas-Fee at the bus station it doesn’t take long to notice that one thing is missing from Saas-Fee, cars! The pedestrian village is great and there are electric taxi’s if you don’t want to lug your ski gear around. In terms of the ski resort itself, the first thing that stood out was the size. There is nearly 1800m of vertical drop at Saas-Fee with the Pearl of the Alps also home to one of Europes largest glacier ski areas.
Looking back to the village from the Langfluh lift stations
SAAS-FEE SKI AREA
The ski area in Saas-Fee extends from 1800m at the village to 3600m up on the glacier. The resort feels fairly narrow all funnelling back down the village but there is more than enough terrain to keep you occupied for a longer trip. When you consider that nearby Saas-Grund and Saas-Almagell can be accessed fairly easily, this extends the possible skiing further. There is a good mixture of terrain at Saas-Fee with a dedicated beginner area near the base and some nice long runs around the rest of the mountain. It is possible to ski top-to-bottom at Saas-Fee in one run.
BEGINNERS TERRAIN AT SAAS-FEE
At the base of the slopes, there is a large beginners area. The area has a few different pistes for learning and is serviced by button lifts. At Saas-Fee, it is possible to find progression around the mountain with some nice blue terrain. Taking the Alpin Express to 3000m at Felskin will be the best area for this progression.
INTERMEDIATE TERRAIN AT SAAS-FEE
The Plattjen area is perfect for those intermediates looking for a longer red run. The lap from top-to-bottom of the Plattjen gondola allows you the choice to combine the red with either blue or black depending on your confidence level. The slopes on Plattjen tend to be quieter than in other parts of the resort.
Intermediates can’t ignore the great terrain on the glacier with snowsure pistes offering the perfect opportunity to practice that carving. Perhaps my favourite combination of runs in Saas-Fee is the combination of pistes 11, 11a, and 11b combines red and black pistes to make a long run under the Längfluh lift.
ADVANCED TERRAIN AT SAAS-FEE
With regards to the piste map, there isn’t much for advanced skiers and snowboarders at Saas-Fee. A few black runs are dotted about the mountain in addition to some marked itinerary routes. The layout of Saas-Fee and its position upon the glacier limits the off-piste options here.
FREESTYLE TERRAIN AT SAAS-FEE
Saas-Fee has a terrain park on the glacier. During my visit, the terrain park was not open as the jumps were still being built. The terrain park at Saas-Fee attracts professional skiers and snowboarders from around the world and is well known for it’s quality.
SAAS-FEE PISTE MAP
LIFTS AT RESORT SAAS-FEE
The lift infrastructure at Saas-Fee was my biggest downside to skiing in the resort. The lifts here are mainly gondolas or cable cars. This is a necessity for the resort, especially when you consider that the lifts travel large distances. For me though, I found it detrimental to my snowboarding experience as every lift it seemed required you to take your snowboard/skis off.
Despite my reservation about the number of gondolas and cable cars you are required to take the actual infrastructure is pretty good. The lifts are fast with options to depart at the mid-station or ride all the way to the top. Taking the positives from the gondola/cable car situation, they at least provide an opportunity to warm up on those colder days.
To access the glacier you will either take the Panorama T-bar from near the Längfluh lift or you will need to take the Metro Alpin. The Saas-Fee Metro Alpin is a funicular train that runs underground to the glacier. Actually, this was a pretty cool experience and something new for me. On the glacier, you will find only t-bars but that is perfect for the conditions up there. The use of surface lifts on the Saas-Fee glacier ensures this area can remain open even when the conditions are windy.
SAAS-FEE PROS
Saas-Fee is a snowsure ski resort
Saas-Fee is well suited to intermediate skiers and beginners
The car-free village of Saas-Fee is a great base for a ski holiday
Saas-Fee has plenty of other activities around the village, skating and curling are just some examples.
Saas-Fee has incredible scenery, surrounded by multiple 4000m peaks the views from Saas-Fee are great.
Saas-Fee is home to the worlds highest rotating restaurant which is a great dining experience
The Magic Pass combines Saas-Fee with Saas Almagell and the local pass also adds Saas-Grund ensuring there is plenty of skiing to keep most occupied.
SAAS-FEE CONS
Saas-Fee can be quite cold and spends a lot of the day in the shade. This is not one for the sun worshipers.
Due to the cold conditions, some of the main runs down to the village can get pretty icy in the afternoons.
The lift connections can feel clunky, it takes an hour to reach the glacier via the Alpin Express and the Metro Alpin, although this does open up 1700m of vertical drop.
Me sliding down an icy run in the afternoon
SNOWBOARDING IN THE SAASTAL VALLEY
Locally there are three resorts included on a single lift pass; Saas-Fee, Saas Almagell and Saas Grund. The ski areas are connected by bus routes which are free to use. Saas Almagell is the lowest of the three resorts but offers some fantastic intermediate terrain. The run from Heidbodme to the base is fantastic. Saas Grund offers further guaranteed snow with snowboarding possible between 3200m and 1570m. Saas Grund has some longer runs that are great for stretching those legs.
TRAVEL TO SAAS-FEE SKI RESORT
Saas-Fee is in the Saastal or Saas Valley in the canton of Valais in Switzerland. Reaching Saas-Fee will require either car hire or a combination of trains and buses. Most likely you will fly into Geneva although it is also possible to fly into Zurich.
When in Switzerland it is always worth travelling via train to your end destination. From Geneva, it is possible to travel to Visp by train where regular buses run between Visp and the towns of Saas Grund, Saas Almagell and Saas Fee. The 511 bus will take you to Saas Grund where you may need to change to the 513 to connect to Saas Almagell.
I was road tripping through Switzerland so arrived in the Saas Valley by car. The journey was simple and the roads were in great condition despite heavy snowfall. It is essential to carry snow chains, especially if not driving a 4wd car. It is worth noting that although cars are permitted in Saas Grund and Saas Almagell, they are not permitted in Saas-Fee. If staying in Saas-Fee you will need to park in the multi-storey and get to your accommodation either on foot or via electric taxi/hotel shuttle.
SAAS-FEE SNOW RECORD
According to OntheSnow the ski resorts around Saas-Fee receive an average of 5m of snow per winter. Saas Almagell has a much lower base elevation than Saas-Fee and Saas Grund so the quality of snow on the lower mountain can suffer.
SAAS-FEE LIFT PASS PRICES
Saas-Fee is included on the Magic Pass. The Magic Pass makes for an affordable way to ski in Switzerland with 40 ski resorts included for 399CHF. To discover more about the Magic Pass click here
A 7 day Saas-Fee Almagell lift ticket is 419CHF so that puts into perspective the value of the Magic Pass. For the latest ski pass prices check here.
SAAS-FEE VIDEOS
SAAS-FEE GALLERY
ACCOMMODATION AT SAAS FEE
During my stay in the Saas Valley, I stayed at the Montela Apartments in Saas Grund. The apartments were great with a fully functional kitchen, great facilities and a luxury feel. You can find the Montela Apartments here. There is also a great selection of luxury chalets in Saas Fee with The Luxury Chalet Company, they have a wide selection of rental properties for all types of groups and all types of holidays.
SEASON DATES SAAS-FEE
Saas-Fee ski resort has one of the longest ski seasons in Europe. The glacier opens in July for summer skiing. before the resort opens fully in November. The ski season in Saas-Fee lasts into late April with a short break in May and June before doing it all again.
FINAL THOUGHTS ON SAAS-FEE
I can see the appeal of Saas-Fee as a winter destination. The snowsure nature of the resort will appeal to most, especially those planning early or later season trips. On a personal note, I didn’t like the flow of the resort and for me I would opt to ski elsewhere in the future. I do think that Saas-Fee has a lot to offer and will be a great destination for most skiers and snowboarders.
Saas Almagell Ski Resort Guide
Saas Almagell ski resort, in the Valais region of Switzerland, is a small ski area that is linked to the larger Saas-Fee ski resort. Saas Almagell is a quiet escape from the world-renowned Saas-Fee with some pretty decent terrain of its own. You can ski top to bottom on a combination of red runs to descend over 700m to the base of the resort.
SAAS ALMAGELL FIRST IMPRESSIONS
Getting the local bus to Saas Almagell you are dropped a few minutes walk from the ski resorts base. The area surrounding the lowest lift has lots of hotels and chalets style accommodations. Saas Almagell is a quiet village with everything you need but no fuss or loud bars.
You load the two-man chair near the ticket office which takes you to mid-mountain. This chair is slow and indicative of the lift infrastructure at Saas Almagell. That is ok though as the slow lifts are probably what keep the crowds away. The terrain here is excellent and my first laps had me buzzing to ski more empty groomers throughout the day.
SAAS ALMAGELL SKI AREA
The Saas Almagell ski area is a small one with 14km of pistes. The ski area can be considered considerably bigger when you consider that the local lift pass also allows you to access Saas-Fee and Saas Grund. The Saas Almagell ski area is mainly suited to intermediate skiers and snowboarders with mostly red graded terrain. There is also a decent beginners area which has lots to keep young beginners happy.
BEGINNERS TERRAIN AT SAAS ALMAGELL
At mid-mountain, there is a small beginners area serviced by the Furggstolden button lift. This area has a nice gradient piste for learning to ski and snowboard at Saas Almagell. In addition to the beginner’s piste, there is an Adventureland to keep young learners entertained. The Adventureland has an Iglue, a tubing area and some mini skidoo’s.
INTERMEDIATE TERRAIN AT SAAS ALMAGELL
The whole mountain at Saas Almagell is well suited to intermediate skiers and snowboarders. The top to bottom run is excellent and allows for over 700m descent on red graded terrain. The red runs under Furggstalden chair running to the base can become icy in the afternoon due to being in the shade. There is also a long winding blue to the bottom from just below the mid-mountain however this is far less enjoyable than the reds.
ADVANCED TERRAIN AT SAAS ALMAGELL
There is little in the way of advanced terrain at Saas Almagell, a short black is available but the majority of the terrain is better suited to intermediates. If you are looking for a higher proportion of more advanced terrain then the larger Saas-Fee ski area might be of interest.
FREESTYLE TERRAIN AT SAAS ALMAGELL
There is no freestyle terrain at Saas Almagell. If you are interested in terrain parks then the Saas-Fee glacier is the place to go.
SAAS ALMAGELL PISTE MAP
LIFTS AT RESORT SAAS ALMAGELL
The lift infrastructure at Saas Almagell is sufficient for the terrain that is on offer, however, it cannot be considered modern. There are two main chairlifts at Saas Almagell both two-person chairs that run at fairly modest speeds. The Heidbodme chair takes 9.5 minutes to travel between mid-mountain and the top of the resort at 2400m.
In addition to the chairlifts, a few surface lifts are in operation. The Furggstalden button lift provides access to the beginner’s area. Whereas the Mittelwald button lift is fairly pointless and not entirely pleasant.
SAAS ALMAGELL PROS
Saas Almagell is much quieter than better known Saas-Fee
Saas Almagell has some exceptionally groomed pistes that are fun to bomb
The beginner's area at Saas Almagell is well-suited to young learners
The restaurant at the top of Saas Almagell has some incredible views of the surrounding valley
Transport between Saas-Almagell and neighbouring Saas-Fee and Saas Grund ski resorts is very good.
SAAS ALMAGELL CONS
Saas Almagell is over 1000m lower than Saas Fee and Saas Grund at their highest points. This can mean that snow quality is better in the over Saas valley resorts.
Limited terrain at Saas Almagell could mean you get bored after a few days of skiing there.
TRAVEL TO SAAS ALMAGELL SKI RESORT
Saas Almagell in the canton of Valais in Switzerland is part of the Saas Valley with ski resorts; Saas Fee, Saas Grund and small Saas Balen. Travelling to Saas Almagell by air is most likely going to be via Geneva airport where international flights are possible from London and other major airports.
When in Switzerland it is always worth travelling via train to your end destination. From Geneva, it is possible to travel to Visp by train where regular buses run between Visp and the towns of Saas Grund, Saas Almagell and Saas Fee. The 511 bus will take you to Saas Grund where you may need to change to the 513 to connect to Saas Almagell.
I was road tripping through Switzerland so arrived in the Saas Valley by car. The journey was simple and the roads in great condition despite heavy snowfall. It is essential to carry snow chains, especially if not driving a 4wd car. It is worth noting that although cars are permitted in Saas Grund and Saas Almagell, they are not permitted in Saas-Fee. If staying in Saas-Fee you will need to park in the multi-storey and get to your accommodation either on foot or via electric taxi/hotel shuttle.
SAAS ALMAGELL SNOW RECORD
According to OntheSnow the ski resorts around Saas-Fee receive an average of 5m of snow per winter. Saas Almagell has a much lower base elevation than Saas-Fee and Saas Grund so the quality of snow on the lower mountain can suffer.
SAAS ALMAGELL LIFT PASS PRICES
Saas Almagell is included on the Magic Pass. The Magic Pass makes for an affordable way to ski in Switzerland with 40 ski resorts included for 399CHF. To discover more about the Magic Pass click here
Below is a list of Saas Almagell lift pass prices for the 2021/22 season. For updated prices check this link
SAAS ALMAGELL VIDEOS
SAAS ALMAGELL GALLERY
ACCOMMODATION AT SAAS ALMAGELL
During my stay in the Saas Valley, I stayed at the Montela Apartments in Saas Grund. The apartments were great with a fully functional kitchen, great facilities and a luxury feel. You can find the Montela Apartments here.
SEASON DATES SAAS ALMAGELL
Saas Almagell ski resort is open between mid December and mid April snow dependent. In 2021/2022 season the predicted open and close dates are 18th December - 18th April.
FINAL THOUGHTS ON SAAS ALMAGELL
Saas Almagell is a nice alternative to the larger Saas-Fee. I actually really enjoyed the runs at Saas Almagell with the top to bottom run allowing for over 700m of vertical drop. The groomed terrain was exceptional despite a lack of early-season snow. If you are wanting to visit a Swiss mega-resort then Saas Almagell isn’t it. Saas Almagell has enough terrain to keep most people happy for a day or two but you will want to combine it with other resorts if you are staying for a week or more. Luckily, the bus service from Saas Almagell is brilliant and it is easy to combine your trip with ski days in Saas-Fee and Saas Grund.
Leysin Ski Resort Guide
Leysin ski resort combines with nearby Les Mosses and La Lécherette to make a fairly sizeable ski area. The 60km (local area) and 100km combined ski area are enough to keep most skiers and snowboarders happy for the duration of their ski holiday. Les Mosses is close to Geneva making it a great resort for hassle-free transfers.
LEYSIN FIRST IMPRESSIONS
Leysin has a famous revolving restaurant, Le Kuklos, that sits prominently at La Berneuse. Le Kuklos is one of the first things you will notice as you leave the gondola. Assuming you are heading straight to the slopes rather than the restaurant you will walk around 40 steps from the gondola to be met with a view across to Tour d’Ai. Under Tour d’Ai you will see the Leysin Park which is impressive.
One of the things that stands out at Leysin is the number of quality pistes for intermediates skiers and snowboarders. Pretty much from all lifts you can access a really cruise blue, so the whole resort has an accessible to everyone kind of feel.
View across to Leysin Park under Tour d’Ai
LEYSIN SKI AREA
Leysin ski resort has 100km of pistes if you include the combined ski area with Les Mosses and La Lécherette. Locally the 60km of pistes are well suited to intermediate skiers and snowboarders. There are plenty of well-groomed trails in Leysin to keep intermediates exploring the mountain. With the addition of terrain parks and boardercross tracks, Leysin would be a great place to progress your riding.
The Leysin ski resort is linked to Les Mosses and La Lécherette by ski bus, the journey takes 9 minutes and the service runs every 30minutes.
BEGINNERS TERRAIN AT LEYSIN
Beginners have two main options for taking their first turns in Leysin. Near La Berneuse gondola station at the bottom of the mountain is the Vallee Blanche beginners area. Serviced by a magic carpet this is probably the best spot in Leysin ski resort to have your first ski lessons. The pitch of the Vallee Blanche area is perfect for learning and the magic carpet makes it fairly hassle-free. The other beginner’s slope is found at the top of La Bernuese gondola and beside Le Kuklos restaurant. This area is convenient for use of nearby facilities but it is fairly small with only a rope tow to transport for back up the hill.
Around the rest of the mountain there are a number of nice blue runs for beginners to progress onto. However, proceed with caution and be sure to check the piste map before heading off as blues tend to merge into red runs in Leysin. I helped one poor lady down from a red after she had ended up their by mistake!
INTERMEDIATE TERRAIN AT LEYSIN
Leysin ski resort is really well geared up for intermediate skiers and snowboarders. The majority of the trails are either blue or red with plenty of long runs meaning you don’t need to keep stopping. The combination of runs that form a complete trail from La Berneuse top gondola station all the way to the bottom station is a leg burner. Although shorter, some of my favourite trails were found in Les Mosses with the Artet T-Bar accessing some nice runs. Within Leysin the red under the Solepraz chair is excellent, although the chair is slow and tedious.
There are two boardercross tracks within the ski area with the Leysin boardercross being fairly mellow.
ADVANCED TERRAIN AT LEYSIN
There is little in the way of advanced terrain with a singular black trail above the terrain park. The terrain park itself does have a large jump line and a half-pipe which should offer enough challenge for most. I mean if it’s good enough for Candide Thovex it is probably good enough for you and me.
FREESTYLE TERRAIN AT LEYSIN
The freestyle set-up in Leysin seems pretty good. Although my visit was early season there were a number of jumps and rails already set up and the construction of the large jump line and half-pipe was well underway.
LEYSIN PISTE MAP
LIFTS AT LEYSIN
The lift infrastructure at Leysin is pretty good with a majority of lifts being fast and modern. The notable exceptions are Solepraz and the terrain park chair, both slower two-person chairs. The chairs in place connect the ski area smoothly and ensure that it is easy to navigate Leysin.
Nearby Les Mosses and La Lécherette are linked to Leysin by ski bus. Be aware that when in Les Mosses and La Lécherette there are no chairlifts only surface lifts.
LEYSIN PROS
Leysin is a sunny resort with plenty of bluebird days
Intermediate terrain is aplenty at Leysin with some stunning red runs.
The terrain park at Leysin is renowned for its quality and is the best in the Vaudois valley.
Good lift infrastructure makes Leysin easy to navigate
LEYSIN CONS
Leysin has little in the way of advanced terrain and advanced skiers could get bored.
The link to nearby Les Mosses is via a ski bus that runs every half an hour, missing it can add a long wait to your day.
TRAVEL TO LEYSIN SKI RESORT
Leysin village is near the town of Aigle which is accessible by public transport from Geneva. The route by road is simple, a short 1hr 40min drive around Lac Léman leads you up to the village of Leysin via Aigle. Train routes are possible from Geneva airport with a change in Aigle before heading up to Leysin village.
LEYSIN SNOW RECORD
Leysin has an average yearly snowfall of 401cm according to OnTheSnow although this amount can fluctuate greatly.
LEYSIN LIFT PASS PRICES
If you are going to ski and snowboard in Leysin or any of the other Magic Pass resorts for more than a week, it makes sense to buy the Magic Pass at early bird prices. Below is a list of the Leysin ski pass prices in the 2021-2022 season.
LEYSIN VIDEOS
LEYSIN GALLERY
ACCOMMODATION AT LEYSIN
Leysin village is split across the mountainside with the majority of accommodation below the gondola in the main village. Some accommodation is available above the gondola in quieter areas of the village. In Leysin you can find everything from plush hotels, self-catering apartments to catered chalets.
SEASON DATES LEYSIN
Leysin opens in late November or early December and the season can last into mid-April. In 2021 its opening date was 4th December. The early and late season snow quality can suffer due to Leysin having a lower elevation.
FINAL THOUGHTS ON LEYSIN
Leysin is a popular resort with families with the location making it easily accessible by road or public transport. The 60km local area is enough for most people but the extended area that encompasses Les Mosses and La Lécherette will provide more terrain for those who really want to explore. Leysin receives an abundance of sunshine due to its orientation so a Leysin ski holiday should ensure a couple of bluebird ski days.
A Guide To Snowboarding In Switzerland
Snowboarding in the Swiss Alps offers you the opportunity to ski at some of the worlds best ski resorts within sight of the worlds most iconic mountains. Whether it is the Eiger or the Matterhorn there are resorts to suit all abilities. Welcoming of skiers and snowboarders alike, Swiss ski resorts have invested heavily in infrastructure to ensure they have not only some of the best lifts and terrain parks but also ease of access and resort accommodation is high quality as well.
Switzerland offers the convenience and grandeur of well-run mega-resorts alongside the charm of traditional chalets that throwback to simpler times. Of course, all of this comes at a cost with Switzerland being renowned for being an expensive place to ski. The luxury resorts of Verbier and Crans Montana are far from my comfort zone or my budget but visits to them have left me astounded as to the quality of snowboarding available in Switzerland.
Switzerland is home to some pretty impressive mountains. World-renowned Matterhorn and the Eiger particular highlights but with a large number of 4000m peaks, there is plenty of choices. With mountains running throughout central Switzerland the Swiss Alps also comes with a large choice of ski resorts.
Switzerland can offer a variety of ski experiences from small resorts in local villages up to the large Aprés towns with mega facilities. Here are some of my favourites that offer the best snowboarding in Switzerland.
THE 4 VALLEES
Combining together the resorts of Thyon, Veysonnaz, Nendaz, La Tzoumaz and of course Verbier the 4 Vallees is a sizeable ski area! Over 400km of pistes make the 4 Vallees the largest combined ski area in Switzerland and one of the largest European ski areas, behind the Three Valleys across the border in France. The 4 Vallees has some of Switzerland’s best freeride terrain and hosts the Freeride World Tour. The 4 Vallees is considered amongst the best snowboarding in the world.
GRINDELWALD
Grindelwald has to be amongst the most scenic mountain villages in the world. Its location in the shadow of the Eiger is awe-inspiring and taking the train to the resort adds a really cool element. Part of the linked Jungrau ski region Mürren, Grindelwald and Wenger are all included on one ski pass.
TRAVELLING TO SWISS SKI RESORTS
Travel to Swiss ski resorts is generally quite simple. Switzerland as a country is efficient and the transport is no exception. Most visitors will enter via the international airport in Geneva although flying to Zurich, Basel or Sion are also possible options. From Geneva, you will have your choice of options from; luxury private or shared transfers, self-drive or the world-famous rail network. Not only a sustainable choice but incredibly well run, the Swiss rail network will get you to resort quickly but also allow you to take in some of the worlds most scenic train journeys. You can search for train tickets at Rail Europe.
Geneva airport is conveniently located with easy access to; Verbier, Grimentz, Anzere, Leysin, Crans Montana, Grindelwald and many more.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is snowboarding allowed in Switzerland?
Switzerland welcomes all disciplines to its ski resorts so whether you are skiing, snowboarding, telemarking or yes… snowblading you will be welcome in Switzerland. Come on… this isn’t Deer Valley or Alta!
Is skiing in Switzerland Expensive?
Switzerland is an expensive country to visit in my experience but that doesn’t mean that you can not plan an affordable Swiss ski trip. When considering how much snowboarding in Switzerland costs you should keep an open mind to your ski destination. If planning your Swiss ski trip on a budget consider which resort you will visit carefully. Some of the mega-resorts will have higher prices for lift passes and accommodation but deals can be found when avoiding these larger ski areas. You can also save money on lift passes by booking them pre-season for discounts or using the Magic Pass which offers incredible value.
Can you ski year-round in Switzerland?
Switzerland is home to many high-altitude ski resorts that offer skiing and snowboarding in pristine conditions throughout the winter. Luckily though the fun doesn't need to stop when the winter ends as Switzerland is home to glacier skiing at some of its best-known ski resorts. Zermatt’s glacier is open 365 days a year and Saas-Fee operates from July right through until April.
Where should I ski in Switzerland?
Switzerland has plenty of choice when it comes to ski resorts. The big players in terms of name are of course Zermatt, St Moritz, Davos-Klosters, Verbier, Grindelwald, Wengen, Saas-Fee, Andermatt, Grimentz and many more! Why not check out some of the resort reviews below to find your perfect resort.
RESORT REVIEWS
WHY SKI OR SNOWBOARD IN SWITZERLAND
Switzerland is high on most skiers list of destinations they would like to ski but what is it that makes Switzerland such a fabulous winter destination.
Switzerland is an incredibly organised country and this means fewer headaches when it comes to exploring the country by public transport. From arrival airports, the transport links are great with efficient trains being a fantastic way to see the country.
The ski resorts themselves are abundant with beautiful mountain villages that maintain their rustic charm despite being modernised for lift infrastructure.
Swiss ski resorts have world-class facilities and encourage athletes to train year-round in their mountains. You too can have access to the fast lifts, the huge terrain parks but best of all some incredible mountain scenery.
SWISS SKI RESORT SNOW RECORD
Switzerland has enough snow for you to be able to ski year-round but that is more due to the altitude of the resorts than the magnitude of the snow. Verbier receives an annual average of 5.5m whereas Zermatt receives 3m according to sno.co.uk. When you compare these snow statistics to the resorts of Japan or even the likes of Kirkwood in the US there is no comparison. The Swiss resorts however do have altitude on their side which protects and maintains the quality of the snow for longer periods.
MULTI RESORT PASSES
Making a Swiss snowboard trip affordable can be helped massively by finding a good deal on a ski pass. Here are some of the best multi-resort passes to get you access to some of Switzerland’s best ski resorts.
MAGIC PASS
Not many ski passes have got me as excited to purchase them as the Magic Pass. Available on the early bird deal for as little as 399CHF the Magic pass provides access to 40 Swiss ski areas. Saas-Fee, Grimentz and Les Diablerets are a few on offer with this expansive pass. The Magic Pass does have some interesting add ons as well with Crans Montana, Glacier 3000 and a Spa Pools pass available to order.
SNOWPASS GRAUBÜNDEN
Laax, Davos and St Moritz are big pulls on the Snowpass Graubünden but with 40 resorts across Switzerland, there are plenty more that could pull your attention. Sadly, this pass fails to come in at anywhere near the same value as Magic Pass with a cost of over 1000CHF. Some may feel this is good value with resorts such as Ischgl also listed.
TOP 4 SKI PASS
Also available at a reasonable early bird price the Top 4 Ski Pass offers the best skiing in the Bernese Oberland. Ski and snowboard at the famous Jungfrau ski region, Gstaad and more with over 600km of slopes all for under 700CHF early bird price.
THE SWISS SKI SEASON
It is possible to have lift-assisted skiing 365 days a year in Switzerland but the main season runs alongside other European resorts. If you discount the glacier access at resorts like Zermatt and Saas-Fee the Swiss alps snowboarding season runs between November and April. The peak periods are as you would expect in the school holidays especially around Christmas and New Years weeks. February is also a busy time to ski in Switzerland.
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