No Japow: Is Japan losing its powder snow?
A Japanese study dramatically highlights the impact of climate change on winter sports: If global average temperatures rise by four degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels, only seven out of 349 ski resorts in Japan are expected to operate entirely on natural snow. According to researchers, merely 26 additional resorts would still be able to open at least parts of their slopes.
Czech Republic: Ski resort upgrades
New cable car, new slopes, new identity: The Czech ski resort of Špindlerův Mlýn is connecting its Medvědín and Svatý Petr areas directly for the first time. Initially, the new link will only be accessible in one direction – the full bidirectional connection will follow in 2027. Additional innovations are also being introduced.
When do snowmakers actually run?
For the first time, TechnoAlpin evaluated anonymized operational data from 13,129 snowmakers across 112 Austrian ski resorts. The result: during the 2025/26 winter season, the systems were in operation for an average of 169 hours. Forty percent of the total snow produced was generated in just six days during November – the brief window in which the base snow layer for the season was established.
Inauen-Schätti: Avalanche protection is revenue protection
Not only cable cars, but also avalanche protection systems must operate reliably to guarantee uninterrupted ski resort operations. The Bergbahnen Sölden (Austria) therefore rely on equipment and services from Inauen-Schätti, with infrastructure upgrades currently underway.
Gondola with a Whirlpool: The Idea and Technical Design
A gondola as a floating spa experience: What initially sounds very unusual would actually be technically feasible according to Paul Demschar from the Montanuniversität Leoben - and could become an exclusive added feature for select destinations. By smartly separating stationary water treatment from mobile bathing technology, he safely brings whirlpools to the rope. An inside look at the concept and its implementation.
Vail Resorts unveils new plan to transform the ski experience
Vail Resorts has announced a multi-year plan aimed at improving the ski experience across its resorts. The “Epic Experience” plan focuses on improving every stage of a ski holiday.