Whatever it is, on the first day of September, several ski writers came out from behind their laptops, changed out of the PJs they have been wearing for the last year while working from home during covid, and donned some glad rags.
They then made their way to the first London ski launches they have been able to attend since the pandemic ruled out these gatherings more than a year ago.
Clare Meaney from the Skier and Snowboarder magazine was a guest at the Swiss Winter launch at the Academy of Medical Sciences in Portland Place. Clare, who is pictured here with Myriam Ziesack, Head of Media and Communications UK & Ireland, heard how sustainability is high on Switzerland’s agenda.
The country has a new initiative, Swisstainable, and is aiming to become a leader in sustainable tourism.
Mathias Fleischmann Markets and Production Director for Valais Promotion gives a presentation at the Swiss Winter launch while tourism director Alex Herrmann looks on
Clare also caught up with Mathias Fleischmann, the Markets and Production Director for Valais, who hosted the event. He told her that a new spa hotel called La Dixence is opening in Les Collons, one of her favourite resorts, which is part of The Four Valleys in the Swiss Canton.
The development also includes luxury apartments and chalets which are now on sale.
Clare’s Skier & Snowboarder colleague Lisa Edginton was also busy elsewhere. Lisa first attended a get together hosted by Les Arcs at the Design Museum, and then a meeting with representatives from Grifco who are now promoting Val d’Isère in the UK.
Those of you with long memories will remember about 30 years ago Les Arcs helped newbies on much shorter skis using the ski évolutif method.
The resort is now helping first-timers again in a three step-by-step progression area at the top of the new gondola in Arcs 1800.
The resort also has a new panoramic relaxation terrace and above this you’ll find a Mountain Animal Museum designed to raise awareness of the local biodiversity and the best ways of preserving it. Entry to the museum is free. In the Aguile Rouge area there is a new panoramic platform and an eco- responsible cafe.
Thrill seekers can try the new zip line which can reach speeds of 130km/hr and if you like to stay in the lap of luxury there is a new high-end residence being opened at 1950 by VIP Ski this winter called Bear Lodge hotel.
These were just the start of a plethora of ski launches over the next two months. Keep a look out for more news here on the Skier & Snowboarder website and in the Skier & Snowboarder magazine.