The US National Weather Service currently has severe winter weather warnings with heavy snow forecast in place for two states, Alaska and …Hawaii. The tropical islands are expected to receive at least 30cm (12 inches) of snow, driven in on 100 mph winds. "Travel could be very difficult to impossible. Blowing snow will significantly reduce visibility at times, with periods of zero visibility. The strong winds will likely cause significant drifting of snow," the alert warns. Although world famous for its sunshine and surf, Hawaii’s Mauna Kea (library pics used in this piece) is actually one of the world’s tallest mountains, rising around 9,300m from its base making it taller than Everest, and snow-capped year-round.  However about two thirds of

More than 50 Austrian ski areas are now open for the 21-22 season, although the country is currently closed to tourism. Austria went in to a 20 day lockdown in late November in a bid, which currently seems to be working, to cut down surging coronavirus infection levels in the country. Ski areas though are allowed to open to local people although restaurants and hotels must remain closed. But the 20 days is due to end next Sunday, 12th December – before the main ski season is due to begin – and many of the country’s leading ski regions are clearly hedging their bets that they will be able to reopen to tourism again in the same way that the

A famous ski coach and instructor who wrote several books that became ‘bibles’ for ski instructors have been killed in an on-slope collision in Colorado. Ron LeMaster, 72, was skiing at Eldora Mountain Resort on Tuesday, November 30th, when he was involved in a collision with a snowboarder and died at the scene. Police investigations in to the incident are ongoing. Ron worked as a ski instructor and race coach for more than three decades. His most influential books included “The Skier’s Edge” and “Ultimate Skiing.” He also wrote technical guides for the Professional Ski Instructors of America. “He was also a kind and generous person willing to drop everything to chat about skiing efficiency, mechanics and methodology,” Dave Schuiling,

The main ski season in France is getting underway despite a growing list of requirements skiers need to meet to get on to the slopes. Ski resorts have reported 20-60cm of fresh snowfall in the past week and as a result, great early season conditions, particularly up high. Tignes was the first to open, back in October, and half a dozen more centres opened at the end of last month. This weekend will  see more than 20 opening, some for ‘preview weekends’ earlier than their expected opening dates, thanks to the snowfall. Snow piling up at Avoriaz Rising pandemic levels in France, in common with most of Europe, means a covid pass is now required to get on the lifts,

Last Updated 5 December 2021 at 10.15 GMT (Updates so far since commenced on 5 May 2020: 1074) The web's most comprehensive guide of ski resorts opening around the world during the pandemic. An estimated 500+ Ski Areas Are Currently Open Worldwide in at least 18 Countries on 3 Continents including: Asia: China, Iran, Japan, Kazakhstan Europe: Andorra, Austria, Czech Republic, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Norway, Romania, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland. North America: Canada, USA Browse by country: North America: Canada USA Europe: Andorra Austria Bulgaria Finland France Germany Italy Norway Scotland Spain Sweden Switzerland Asia: China Japan NEW: UK joins list of countries requiring arrivals have negative test result before arrival back in the country or for international arrivals to ski in Scotland. (5 Dec).NEW: Canada and the US now require arrivals to have a very recent negative virus test, as well as being fully vaccinated, before entering the country. (4 Dec) Andorra requires everyone over