A season on the slopes | 2016
The 2016 ski season has drawn to a close and our SkiBound resort team have returned home. We want to say a big ‘thank you’ to all our resort staff, schools, ski schools, and Head Office team for another great season on the slopes. Here we round up some notable news from the Continent…
Snow conditions in France
Something we all love seeing is of course great snow conditions. Mr Frost was on our side with the slopes remaining covered right up until the end of the season. A team from the Head Office made their way to the slopes of Les Menuires in April where they were greeted by a green light on almost all the runs.
Continual developments in Austria
Earlier on in the season, we focused on the big changes Austria has seen in recent years leading to a rise in popularity by skiers seeking greater variety on the slopes and value for money. The Austrian resort of Stubai has continued its development with a new gondola in place for the 2016/17 season. SkiBound groups will therefore be able to access more of the mountain on their school ski trip to Austria. The glacier at Stubai is typically open for an incredible 10 months of the year and this €58m investment will see the famous Eisgrat cable car replaced after 40 years of service. Along with the new gondola, which will have the capacity to transport just over 3,000 skiers per hour, there will also be a completely new base building and dramatically expanded mid-station. Expected to open on the 1st October 2016, Stubai is sure to become a resort to watch over the next few years.
Summer at our Clubhotels
Many of us struggle to pull ourselves away from the Alps and with the snow quickly melting away, it can seem as though the next ski season is a world away. Luckily for our Clubhotel staff, the heartache is made that much easier with our Alpe d’Huez accommodation options preparing for the summer. A cycler’s paradise in the summer, those staying at our French Clubhotels can expect the hype and excitement of Le Tour de France. The French have had a fair amount of success at this stage of the race with 2013 seeing Christophe Riblon triumphing in the first double climb.
Although the 2016 ski season is now over, it is not too late to start planning your next school ski trip and be a part of the memories next year.
Need help planning your school ski trip? Undecided whether to choose France, Austria, Italy or North America? Speak to the experts on 01273 244570 or Contact Us here >>
About the Author
Tim Jenkins
A former primary school teacher, Tim has been writing for educational travel websites, educational publications and leisure magazines for the past three years. His first-hand experience in leading adventure residential trips and seeing the benefits of learning outside the classroom has further fuelled his interest into studying the impact of outdoor education on young learners. Always seeking his next trip to the slopes, Tim’s favourite ski resort is Les Menuires from where you can explore the Three Valleys ski area.