Winter Sports Archives | Sports Tourism News

Les Gets celebrates milestone 90th year: what’s new for winter 2026-2027?

11Oct

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Destination Guides, Europe, Winter Sports

Les Gets celebrates milestone 90th year: what’s new for winter 2026-2027?

The French Alpine resort of Les Gets is preparing for a milestone winter as it celebrates 90 years since the installation of its first ski lift in 1936. Located in Haute-Savoie, Les Gets has grown from a traditional farming village into a popular ski destination while retaining its Alpine heritage and character. The resort forms part of the vast Portes du Soleil ski area, connecting 12 resorts across France and Switzerland. Together with neighbouring Morzine, Les Gets offers 120 kilometres of ski runs, 74 pistes and 50 lifts. Here's what's new in Les Gets for winter 2026-2027. Main image credit: Quentin Chopard https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b0Tj87Q0-Q0 90 years of skiing in Les Gets The story of Les Gets as a ski resort began in 1936 with the installation of its fi...

The Ski Lodge: new boutique hotel opening in Verbier for 2026-2027 ski season

10Oct

By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Europe, Hotels & Resorts, Winter Sports

The Ski Lodge: new boutique hotel opening in Verbier for 2026-2027 ski season

The Swiss Alps will welcome a new hotel for the 2026-2027 winter sports season, with The Ski Lodge set to open its doors in Verbier this December. Located in the centre of the popular mountain resort, the privately owned boutique hotel will feature 36 rooms and suites, a spa with an indoor swimming pool, a restaurant and a bar. As well as providing accommodation for skiing and snowboarding holidays, The Ski Lodge is designed around relaxation and recovery after a day on the slopes. The hotel is the creation of Frédéric Mydske, a property developer who grew up skiing in Verbier and previously founded Swiss aparthotel brand BASE. “I grew up skiing these mountains, and every good day in Verbier ends the same way – tired, but happy, and looking for somewhere good to land,” said Myd...

Snow polo in the Austrian Alps: The winter sporting spectacle worth travelling for

7Oct

By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Bucket List, Europe, Events, Winter Sports

Snow polo in the Austrian Alps: The winter sporting spectacle worth travelling for

The regal sport of polo is traditionally associated with manicured grass pitches and warm-weather destinations, but in the Austrian Alps it takes on a very different form. For a winter sports trip with a difference, the Bendura Bank Snow Polo World Cup in Kitzbühel offers the chance to watch some of the world’s leading polo players compete on snow, surrounded by the spectacular mountain scenery of the Austrian Tirol. The 24th edition of the tournament will take place from 15-17 January 2027, bringing three days of equestrian action and entertainment to one of Europe’s best-known winter destinations. Snow polo in the Austrian Alps Set against the backdrop of the Wilder Kaiser mountains, the Bendura Bank Snow Polo World Cup combines high-speed sporting action with the stylish atm...

Ski mountaineering confirmed for Alpes 2030 Olympic Winter Games

29Jun

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Europe, Events, Winter Sports

Ski mountaineering confirmed for Alpes 2030 Olympic Winter Games

Ski mountaineering has been officially included as an additional sport on the programme for the Alpes 2030 Olympic Winter Games. The decision was taken by the 146th International Olympic Committee (IOC) Session in Lausanne. This decision by the session follows a recommendation from the IOC Executive Board, based on a proposal submitted by the French Alps 2030 Organising Committee (OCOG) and reviewed by the IOC’s Olympic Programme Working Group (OPWG). OPWG Chair Karl Stoss said: "We recognised the sport's potential to add meaningful value to the programme, supported by its strong presence in Alpine regions, and its ability to enhance diversity, authenticity and appeal, while building on its growing Olympic momentum. “The emphasis for the French Alps [OCOG] is on the individual dis...

Austria’s Ötztal Valley is filled with surprises to peak your interest

4May

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Europe, Trips & Experiences, Winter Sports

Austria’s Ötztal Valley is filled with surprises to peak your interest

The Ötztal Valley connects Hannibal, James Bond and high-altitude ski challenges, peaking the interest of Ramy James Salameh who returned back to a landscape that also covets around 250 peaks over 3,000m. At the entrance to the Ötztal Valley you will find a sign pointing towards ‘AREA47’, an eye-catching name and one that could easily be mistaken for a military training base for secret agents! It is, in fact, Austria’s largest outdoor adventure park; a thrill-seekers haven maybe even heaven, most definitely a training ground for adventurists and the odd professional 'cliff diver' courtesy of a 27m high dive-board, the centre-piece of a 20,000sqm swimming lake within Austria’s. Area47 is the introduction to one of Austria’s most exhilarating valleys. One that is surrounded by about 25...

Sports travel bucket list: a ski touring weekend in Norway’s Lofoten Islands

22Nov

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Bucket List, Europe, Outdoor & Adventure, Trips & Experiences, Winter Sports

Sports travel bucket list: a ski touring weekend in Norway’s Lofoten Islands

With travellers already mapping out their 2026 ski escapes, Norway has emerged as one of the world’s trending luxury destinations – ranking third among the “on the rise” hotspots in the 2026 Virtuoso Luxe Report. As active travel continues to surge, a new ski touring weekend in the Lofoten Islands by high-end Norwegian travel brand Norrøna Adventure is the kind of bucket list experience drawing global attention. For sports travellers seeking pristine slopes, rugged landscapes and authentic Nordic culture, this four-day journey offers a rare chance to ski where mountains meet the sea. Set for 12-15 March 2026, the experience in northern Norway blends world-class ski touring with the storied charm of Henningsvær, a fishing village known for its colourful houses, artistic heritage and ...

Ultimate ski bucket list: skiing under the Northern Lights tops poll

18Oct

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Bucket List, Trends, Trips & Experiences, Winter Sports

Ultimate ski bucket list: skiing under the Northern Lights tops poll

A survey by ski holiday specialist Heidi has revealed the No.1 ski bucket list experience for UK skiers. Topping the list by a considerable margin is skiing under the Northern Lights, voted the must-do adventure across all age groups. Participants rated 30 iconic ski experiences they’d love to tick off at least once in their lifetime. The magic of gliding across snow while the aurora dances overhead scored almost twice as highly as the average activity – making it the undisputed favourite. In second place was another nocturnal thrill: night skiing under the stars, followed by tackling the world’s longest on-piste run – the legendary 22km descent from Klein Matterhorn to Valtournenche in the Zermatt-Cervinia ski area, crossing the Swiss-Italian border. Interesting...

Verbier, Switzerland: a winter sports travel guide for 2025-2026

12Oct

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Europe, Winter Sports

Verbier, Switzerland: a winter sports travel guide for 2025-2026

Verbier, an Alpine village in Switzerland’s Valais Canton, is set to deliver one of its most ambitious ski seasons yet. From November 2025 right through to the end of April 2026 – a total of 151 skiable days – winter sports lovers will have half a year to carve up Switzerland’s most iconic terrain. Weekend-only access starts the season in November before the full lift system opens daily from early December. High-altitude pistes up to 2,700m and extensive snowmaking (63% coverage) make for reliable conditions from the first snowfall to spring’s final après-ski. Two rapid gondolas whisk skiers from the 1,500m village to summit terrain in under 11 minutes – meaning powder laps before breakfast are practically a given. Verbier anchors the 4 Vallées, Switzerland’s largest linked ski ar...

Sports travel bucket list: rent an ultra-luxury ski chalet for €550,000 per week

6Oct

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Bucket List, Hotels & Resorts, Trips & Experiences, Winter Sports

Sports travel bucket list: rent an ultra-luxury ski chalet for €550,000 per week

If your winter sports dreams include carving down world-class slopes by day and retreating to your own private Alpine palace by night, this one’s for the bucket list. London-based The Luxury Chalet Company has unveiled its most opulent winter portfolio yet – a collection of chalets so lavish they redefine what après-ski luxury means. With properties starting from €30,000 per week and soaring to an astonishing €500,000 per week (and sometimes beyond), these chalets are the ultimate in mountain indulgence. Guests can expect indoor swimming pools, private spas, cinema rooms, gyms, games lounges, wine cellars, and even grand pianos, alongside butlers, chefs, chauffeurs, and personal concierges. Cameron Temple, founder of The Luxury Chalet Company, said: “Our clients are looking for the u...

Sports travel bucket list: an Alpine winter ice driving and ski adventure

7Sep

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Bucket List, Europe, F1 & Motorsport, Trips & Experiences, Winter Sports

Sports travel bucket list: an Alpine winter ice driving and ski adventure

Luxury driving tour company HunterMoss has launched a seven-day winter adventure for supercar and ski enthusiasts in January 2026. The Luxury Winter Ice Driving Tour starts in Munich, Germany, where guests will embark on a small group tour that traverses over 750km of the Austrian and Bavarian Alps, cruising in a convoy of luxury SUVs, settling into a series of rejuvenating five-star spa retreats and experiential fine-dining. Midway through the tour, travellers can opt to take on a two-day Porsche Ice Driving Experience, mastering snow and ice circuits at speed behind the wheel of Boxsters, Caymans, 911s and GT3s. The itinerary also opens the door to Salzburg’s celebrated winter landscape, where guests can explore some of Austria’s finest ski terrain at the peak of the season, befor...

Sports travel bucket list: 10-day Japan ski and culture tour

18Aug

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Bucket List, Trips & Experiences, Winter Sports

Sports travel bucket list: 10-day Japan ski and culture tour

As Japan’s popularity for luxury skiing continues to grow, Wayfairer Travel has launched a 10-day Japan ski and culture tour to meet rising demand. Projected to become the luxury travel company’s most popular destination in 2025, bookings to Japan have increased by 32% since 2024. Japan is the world’s most sought-after skiing destination due to its exceptional snow conditions and unique cultural experiences. Influenced by cold Siberian winds, the region consistently receives light, dry powder snow known as ‘JaPOW’, which, combined with Japan’s distinctive tree skiing, sets it apart from other winter destinations around the globe. Wayfairer’s new itinerary is packed with both metropolitan city exploration and off-the grid adventure – a fantastic tour for travellers seeking immersiv...

Snowsport Scotland & England sign partnership with the High Tatras & Liptov regions of Slovakia

8Dec

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Editor's Pick, Enjoy Tatras, Europe, Sports Business, Winter Sports

Snowsport Scotland & England sign partnership with the High Tatras & Liptov regions of Slovakia

Snowsport Scotland and Snowsport England have announced a new partnership with the High Tatras & Liptov regions of Slovakia for the forthcoming winter season, which will bring the destination into focus for UK clubs, athletes and the recreational snow sports community, offering an exciting and affordable opportunity for winter holidays and training camps. The Slovak Tatra mountains are a relatively unexplored area for Brits, however they offer several world-class ski resorts, exceptional value for money and the very latest technology in lift infrastructure. The region hosts the Alpine World Cup and boasts a season that can run right through to May. Flights with WizzAir and Ryanair, from UK airports start from as little as £15 with transfer times from the nearest ai...

Courmayeur Mont Blanc set for 2024-2025 ski season

2Nov

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Destination Guides, Europe, Winter Sports

Courmayeur Mont Blanc set for 2024-2025 ski season

Courmayeur Mont Blanc, nestled in the heart of the Italian Alps, will launch its eagerly awaited 2024-2025 ski season on 5 December 2024. A charming ski resort boasting a rich calendar of events set against a backdrop of breathtaking snow-capped mountains, Courmayeur is an ideal destination for sports travellers in search of adventure and outdoor experiences. Activities in Courmayeur include heliskiing, off-piste and cross-country skiing, ice skating, fat biking in the scenic Val Ferret, hiking, dog sledding, snowshoeing, and climbing. The Italian ski resort is conveniently accessible from major international airports in Geneva, Turin, and Milan. With more than 43km of pistes and elevations approaching 2,800 metres, it features enticing ski packages from top tour operators like Mome...

Les 3 Vallées: a winter sports travel guide

10Aug

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Destination Guides, Editor's Pick, Europe, Winter Sports

Les 3 Vallées: a winter sports travel guide

Les 3 Vallées, nestled in the French Alps, is the largest interconnected ski area in the world, encompassing seven resorts: Courchevel, Méribel, Saint-Martin-de-Belleville, Les Menuires, Val Thorens, Orelle, and Brides-les-Bains. Renowned for its stunning landscapes, diverse ski terrains, and luxurious accommodations, Les 3 Vallées is a paradise for winter sports enthusiasts. Main image: Courchevel (credit: Les 3 Vallées/Alexis Brot) Top resorts in Les 3 Vallées Courchevel Overview: Courchevel is the most prestigious resort in Les 3 Vallées, known for its upscale hotels, MICHELIN-starred restaurants, and high-end shopping. It’s composed of four villages, each at different altitudes, with Courchevel 1850 being the most glamorous. Sports appeal: The resort offers access to 1...

Your invitation to winter in Slovakia’s Tatras region

30Oct

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Bucket List, Destination Guides, Enjoy Tatras, Europe, Trips & Experiences, Winter Sports

Your invitation to winter in Slovakia’s Tatras region

Ryanair now flies to the Tatras Mountains Great news for ski-loving families looking for amazing winter sports holidays at amazing prices. Ryanair, one of Europe's premier airlines, has launched a brand new route between Poprad and London starting from 1 November 2023, further connecting Slovakia and the UK. The carrier will operate four weekly flights between Poprad-Tatry Airport and London Stansted, making it easier and cheaper than ever to take your family on a dream ski holiday. Ryanair will now join Wizz Air as the two major airlines flying to Poprad from the UK. World-class skiing in the Tatras and Liptov region Slovakia's Tatras and Liptov region offers world-class ski infrastructure, terrain and après-ski to rival the western Alps, while also being exceptional value ...

Lonely Planet releases new ‘Epic Snow Adventures of the World’ book

10Sep

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Winter Sports

Lonely Planet releases new ‘Epic Snow Adventures of the World’ book

Guidebook publisher Lonely Planet has released a new travel-inspired lifestyle book – “Epic Snow Adventures of the World” – which reveals 50 incredible stories from Olympians and athletes to inspire a lifetime of snowy challenges. The collection features some of the world's most thrilling wintery adventures, including: powder-hunting in Hokkaido a deep freeze dip in Finlandskate-skiing in Canadafat-biking in the Rockiesback-country boardingSub-Saharan skiingmushing through the Andesan Alpine odyssey in Australiaice-climbing in Coloradoheli-skiing in Alaska ice-skating in New Yorksnow safari in Yellowstone There are also first-person accounts from legendary winter sports stars such as Jonny Moseley (Olympic gold medalist freestyle skier), Sage Kotsenburg (Olympic gold medal...

Ski travel book: Around The World in 50 Slopes by Patrick Thorne

30Oct

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Destination Guides, Winter Sports

Ski travel book: Around The World in 50 Slopes by Patrick Thorne

The new book from veteran snow travel writer Patrick Thorne – Around The World in 50 Slopes – takes skiers on a journey between ski runs located in 30 countries across six continents. Available to buy in bookstores and online, each of the 50 featured slopes includes a fact box and a hand-drawn map which marks each run’s location. Thorne's last book – Powder: The Greatest Ski Runs on the Planet – topped Amazon’s ski-books best-seller list for more than six years. For his new title, he has taken a different approach in choosing his 50 runs. “There are lots of lists online covering the world’s steepest, most challenging runs and it’s normally the usual suspects, but I’m more interested in runs that have a story to them, an added dimension beyond just being great runs,” he said. “In short, ...

Sport + Travel interview: Holger Gassler, head of markets & events, Tirol Tourist Board

14Jun

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Sports Business, Winter Sports

Sport + Travel interview: Holger Gassler, head of markets & events, Tirol Tourist Board

Holger Gassler is head of markets & events at the Tirol Tourist Board in Austria. He grew up in the Alpine village of Nassereith in the Tyrolean “Lake District”, right on the border to Bavaria. Travelling the world for Holger, continues to be a lifelong passion, in order to "learn about new cultures and gain new insights"; he has lived and worked in Chicago and Melbourne too. With nearly 20 years' experience under his belt with the Tirol Tourist Board and a passionate sportsman who hikes, mountain bikes, road cycles, swims, skis, ski-tours and dives, we are delighted he has found time to be our next interview guest. Here at Sports Tourism Media we love to cover anything related to Austria, one of Europe's great active, adventure and sports travel destinations and have found the ri...