tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23510302564961164552011-11-27T15:15:42.455-08:00News and views.....Skigurunoreply@blogger.comBlogger331100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2351030256496116455.post-85220732347604781902009-09-11T06:47:00.001-07:002009-09-11T06:47:47.209-07:00

Hotels and easier-to-access tourist areas are now the likely target of terrorists, according to a global intelligence organisation. A report by STRATFOR said Al-Qaida is changing from a centralised organisation with global goals to regional ‘franchises’ with more parochial aims and strong grass-roots support. These smaller cells have less training and less money, so they set their sights lower,

Skigurunoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2351030256496116455.post-41263332118558632652009-09-11T06:43:00.000-07:002009-09-11T06:45:49.575-07:00

Thomas Cook’s share price closed up 10.8p yesterday at 245p after the threat of a takeover was removed. The banks speaking for 43.9% of the company announced that they have completed a placing of shares with institutional investors to raise almost £900 million. Following the collapse of TC's majority owner, Arcandor, in June, three creditor banks, Bayern LB, Commerzbank and RBS, took control of

Skigurunoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2351030256496116455.post-82955821587734355082009-07-13T08:53:00.000-07:002009-07-13T08:56:19.116-07:00

HOTELS4U.COM LAUNCHES ITS FIRST DEDICATED SKI PROGRAMMELeading bedbank website hotels4u.com is launching its first dedicated Ski programme on Friday 10 July. The new programme allows agents to benefit from the growing interest in dynamic packaging within the ski market by offering a fully flexible accommodation and transfer product.hotels4u.com’s new ski programme will feature as a separate

Skigurunoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2351030256496116455.post-32624395779837171242009-06-13T14:36:00.000-07:002009-06-13T14:37:35.351-07:00

KILLINGTON - Vermont's ski season weathered the winter, in spite of a sour economy and a temperamental climate.The Vermont Ski Areas Association announced Thursday the state's ski resorts recorded 4,068,696 skier visits for the 2008-09 season. The announcement came at the industry trade group's 40th anniversary annual meeting today at Killington Resort.The total reflected a 7.5 percent decrease

Skigurunoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2351030256496116455.post-19505434696606768102009-06-02T14:09:00.000-07:002009-06-02T14:14:26.841-07:00

THERE IS something very special about skiing in Italy. The scenery is stunning, the people hospitable, the food delicious and the pistes surprisingly well-maintained. Italian skiing is split into regions and the atmosphere varies considerably, depending whether the resort is near France, Switzerland or Austria.The Dolomites used to be part of Austria and is the most beautiful stretch of the Alps

Skigurunoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2351030256496116455.post-15742331529169911872009-05-22T07:08:00.000-07:002009-05-22T07:09:48.063-07:00

Not too many years ago, $1 million might have bought you a midrange house on the side of a slope of a midrange Western ski hill.Today, you could buy an entire ski resort for that price, as long as you have a few bucks left over for operating costs and some good lawyers to duke it out with investment bank Credit Suisse.Of all the bad loans made in 2002-06, Credit Suisse's Western resort loans have

Skigurunoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2351030256496116455.post-18193371208625818842009-05-08T13:32:00.001-07:002009-05-08T13:32:45.839-07:00

Are you looking to get away for a full season? We have a 3 Bedroom Apartment in Meribel available for the Winter 09/10 season. If you are interested email your contact details to meribel@skiguru.net

Skigurunoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2351030256496116455.post-74730788520958531432009-05-08T13:17:00.000-07:002009-05-08T13:26:07.798-07:00

Look out for the launch of a new Ski Accommodation Brand at the end of June. With a powerful technology behind it the next big brand to attack the ski accommodation-only section will literally blow the opposition into touch. Brand X will offer accommodation and transfers in top European and North American ski resorts via the trade,allowing them to package up with low-cost flying at unbeatable

Skigurunoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2351030256496116455.post-5028435334905358772009-05-01T02:48:00.000-07:002009-05-01T03:11:11.952-07:00

Here's your chance to play "Who wants to name a baby girl!"A chance for all you singletons to get it out of your system, all you married couples to practice for your next one... Have a quick look at the top ten and make your choice... Not often we get to "ask the audience" such an easy question, so make the most of it and click on the name that does it for you...If you are not sure where to go

Skigurunoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2351030256496116455.post-10420134556219604722009-04-30T03:22:00.000-07:002009-05-01T03:25:05.839-07:00

Eurozone holiday costs 'less than expected', poll showsThe cost of holiday items in Bulgaria has been rated as more than two times cheaper than Antigua.Meanwhile, the other non-eurozone countries of Turkey and Croatia have joined Bulgaria as Europe’s cheapest options for a bargain break.At around £42 for 10 holiday items, including drinks and meals, Bulgaria’s Sunny Beach resort was two and a

Skigurunoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2351030256496116455.post-23197079089174960792009-04-29T06:30:00.000-07:002009-04-29T06:34:38.442-07:00

And so the season ends on a hugely optimistic note, metres of fresh snow across most of the alpine destinations, showing clearly that nature has no patience with this man-made recession, I am sure is starting to get a little fed up with man altogether. Nevertheless, there are still a few resorts open if you feel like one last ride before the summer, Tignes, Val Thorens, Chamonix/Agentiere.

Skigurunoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2351030256496116455.post-51286697016562244542009-02-24T02:02:00.000-08:002009-02-24T02:10:36.021-08:00

Traffic can tell you a lot... And this year the traffic told me that there were definitely fewer skiers in the Tarentaise Valley than in previous years. They use a traffic flow control system on the main RN90, with traffic lights working generally from around 12.00 hrs to restrict access into Moutiers and the rest of the Tarentaise/3 Valley area. In the past this has resulted in extensive

Skigurunoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2351030256496116455.post-51516854870479144612009-01-05T09:09:00.000-08:002009-01-05T09:14:13.367-08:00

“There is a growing trend for short breaks in the UK – with short haul European breaks destined to be the main casualty of the current economic climate,” he said. “At a time when European resorts are seeing some of the best snow fall in years demand for ski holidays, often seen as an additional break, is also down this season, so for those planning time on the slopes tour operators have some

Skigurunoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2351030256496116455.post-6362480784590704342008-12-29T08:01:00.000-08:002008-12-29T08:07:52.683-08:00

Sure with the pound way down around 1.07€ and even some places on parity, France, Italy, Austria and Andorra are looking very pricey for UK skiers, whereas Bulgaria and the states are on the up. Last year around this time the euro was up at around 1.40 to the pound, and we were complaining them that it had dropped 7 or 8 points, to have dropped a further 40% in a year is very tough and for many

Skigurunoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2351030256496116455.post-28910457779064909122008-12-15T14:00:00.000-08:002008-12-15T14:04:40.715-08:00

Of course winter is nearly here, so you would expect it to be cold, but it is nearly double digits on clear nights, the first feedback on the quality of the snow is that it is fabulous, very soft ("douce" to be more precise), but there is very little base, so you go in up to your waist, but leaves you open to hit plenty of stuff with your new board or planks, so remember be careful when you go

Skigurunoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2351030256496116455.post-17357629353443586242008-12-10T06:28:00.000-08:002008-12-10T06:33:02.756-08:00

It must be starting to drive you crazy, all this news about snow... I don't want to rub it in, but it has been snowing for the past 2 days in Moutiers! So just imagine how perfect the conditions are in Mérbiel, Courchevel, Val Thorens and the rest of the 3 Valleys... Or Veysonnaz, Verbier, Haute Nendaz and the rest of the 4 Valleys... Val d'Isère, Tignes, La Plagne, Les Arcs and the rest of the

Skigurunoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2351030256496116455.post-71125447900195408792008-12-10T06:08:00.000-08:002008-12-10T06:15:39.560-08:00

What bad timing! Possibly the best start to the season for over 20 years and it has to happen in the middle of a credit crunch... So what do do? If skiing is what makes your bits tingle, then there is only one choice, ski now pay later... There are so many reasons to go skiing and so little reason not to! So what if you you can't make your mortgage repayments for a couple of months, invite you

Skigurunoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2351030256496116455.post-18869790321932114452008-12-01T12:52:00.000-08:002008-12-01T12:59:29.110-08:00

Summer is long gone, Autumn is slowly exiting stage right, and Winter waits in the wings to make its entrance cloaked in magnificent white. Snow has fallen in abundance in all of the major ski areas, with many resorts opening 2 weeks early after the best November snowfalls in over a decade. Skiers and riders across the globe have been waxing their planks lyrical, waiting for the first sniff of

Skigurunoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2351030256496116455.post-4168412116801661312008-07-14T14:46:00.000-07:002008-07-29T08:25:04.480-07:00

Ok, here's the lowdown on what could happen this winter... So everyone knows there is a credit crunch going on.. People are sacrficing summer holidays (Which is understandable, as there is no snow involved), but will they be able to go for a year without the white stuff? Well my feeling is that some will, but most won't! So what is the answer? Strapped for money, but desperate to get to the

Skigurunoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2351030256496116455.post-16499003715653994742008-06-24T14:13:00.000-07:002008-06-24T14:15:18.997-07:00

Skigurunoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2351030256496116455.post-56748566220431211882008-06-17T14:34:00.000-07:002008-06-17T14:41:18.530-07:00

Irvine, CA--(June 10, 2008)--Billabong is proud to announce its continued sponsorship of pro snowboarder sensation Jamie Anderson, re-signing a multi-year contract.This year Jamie Anderson proved to be without a doubt one of the most talented female snowboarders on the competition circuit. She rides with unmatched style and precision at every event. Her highest accolades include claiming her

Skigurunoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2351030256496116455.post-7084275179429949242008-06-12T03:40:00.001-07:002008-06-12T03:42:22.620-07:00

Opening this weekend! This weekend will be our earliest season opening since 1992! Thanks to our wonderful snowmaking teams, who have been working day and night whenever conditions allow, we will have the beginners' areas at both Turoa and Whakapapa up and running from 9am on Saturday. At Whakapapa we will also be running sightseeing chairlift rides. Happy Valley has a good solid snow base and

Skigurunoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2351030256496116455.post-34231760588709241092008-06-12T03:26:00.000-07:002008-06-12T03:33:24.973-07:00

KUMI YAMA FROM THE 4th to the 6th OF JULY… Following in the footsteps of Tahiti (Taravana Freestyle, www.taravana-freestyle.com), Japan is the latest country to transplant a little part of itself to Les 2 Alpes! Delight in the authentic Japanese environment, Japanese ladies, typical dishes, ways and customs, dancing, sumo and hordes of fans, etc. This event will bring together the European

Skigurunoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2351030256496116455.post-81198359616736681312008-03-27T10:56:00.000-07:002008-03-27T11:43:51.095-07:00

Ok... Here is how the winter season is going to go:1. This year the snow was great everywhere, so it means that people generally had a great ski holiday, so they will want to go again next year.2. Although there was some discounting this year, there was not as much as normal, so people got used to paying more respectable amounts for their holidays.3. Next year dates create a different pricing

Skigurunoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2351030256496116455.post-563403958373423792008-03-25T08:57:00.000-07:002008-03-25T09:04:02.947-07:00

As mentioned at the start of this month, next winter, the UK half-term has been condensed as never before, so the week starting the 14/02 is really, really, really mega... If you are expecting to go on holiday this week, make sure you book in the next 2 weeks, otherwise you may be disappointed. Remember that it is also Valentine's Day, so not only do you have to spend a bucketful on the holiday,

Skigurunoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2351030256496116455.post-77755139233638235332008-03-25T08:13:00.001-07:002008-03-25T08:15:43.593-07:00

Hope you all had a great Easter! If you over-indulged with the Easter bunny, then there is still time to get out for some calorie-burning piste action! Just had the word in from Louisa in La Tania telling us there is still over a metre in resort and well over 2 metres at the top... So get on down!

Skigurunoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2351030256496116455.post-61583792432591653892008-03-20T08:18:00.000-07:002008-03-20T08:19:46.062-07:00

The origins of tartiflette lie in the French region of Haute-Savoie, which borders Switzerland. It is essentially this region's interpretation of a potato gratin, made with the beloved Haute-Savoyard cheese Reblochon. This and a couple of other ingredients - namely, bacon and onions - are what distinguish tartiflette from its better-known cousin the gratin; and Reblochon has an interesting,

Skigurunoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2351030256496116455.post-19107097914953824372008-03-11T05:08:00.000-07:002008-03-11T05:13:56.828-07:00

If you get sick on airplanes, this doesn't have much to do with the altitude, as the cabins are pressurised. It may be more a question of nerves and excitement, or general travel sickness.Altitude sickness especially effects young children and babies (It is not recommended to take babies under 2 years to resorts over 1500m) and the elderly, and in most cases results in difficulty sleeping at

Skigurunoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2351030256496116455.post-67661514249536234132008-03-10T02:27:00.000-07:002008-03-10T03:26:24.608-07:00

Konrad Bartelski has called for stricter control in Europe's ski resorts after a series of fatal accidents. There have been 5 British fatalities in the 30 or so caused through avalanche and off-piste accident. However these figures, however tragic, pale into insignificance when you consider the thousands of on-piste collisions that result in serious injury (Last season, more than 14,500 skiers

Skigurunoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2351030256496116455.post-39961059565792184472008-03-08T07:07:00.000-08:002008-03-08T07:11:31.595-08:00

Jenny Jones hits the heights This time the Billabong Girls Team couldn't decide what step to get onto so they took all the steps of the podium!Jenny Jones (UK) wins the Nippon Open ParkStyle last week followed by Jamie Anderson (USA) and Izumi Amaike (Japan) and forth to complete the sweep Claudia Fliri (Austria).And that’s not all! The men are also showing a great performance during the tour

Skigurunoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2351030256496116455.post-3633978104956372962008-03-06T02:00:00.000-08:002008-03-06T02:50:30.498-08:00

For those of you after a bargain ski holiday, and despite my previous posts, this does happen every now and again, you need to be aware of a few things:1. When a tour operator puts together a package, there are two main elements, the flight and the accommodation, and within these two elements there are 2 further criteria; whether that element is guaranteed or on allotment; Basically this means

Skigurunoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2351030256496116455.post-83722549071191881592008-03-05T06:48:00.000-08:002008-03-05T06:58:14.382-08:00

Parents beware, next winter half-term is looking to be very popular, all schools are on the same week, so lots of demand for catered chalets, club hotels and childcare; and as always despite the exorbitant prices its flying out the door like hotcakes. Definitely don't leave it to the last minute.

Skigurunoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2351030256496116455.post-22439502546956243012008-02-25T07:23:00.000-08:002008-02-25T07:27:22.284-08:00

Before it's even started, the end is in sight. The winter season is like one of those beautiful butterflies, that sheds it's carapace to emerge brilliant and sparkling only to fade and wither a short time later... Before the snows disapear, yous till have time to enjoy what will probably be one of the best spring ski seasons on history, great base on all runs, and always the chance of fresh

Skigurunoreply@blogger.com0