ARAPAHOE BASIN

ARAPAHOEBASIN.COM

Colorado’s Arapahoe Basin (or “A-Basin” to those in the know) always tops the world snow news in the early autumn and late spring when it’s one of North America’s (and indeed the whole northern hemisphere’s) first ski areas to open and last to close each season. In fact it’s so snow-sure it’s usually open for around eight months of the year – that’s around twice the average.

But those who know and love A-Basin know there’s so much more to this classic Colorado ski area. The resort has some of the Best High Alpine Terrain in Colorado including the East Wall, Zuma Bowl and some great steep gullies.

The big news this winter is the cool new Lenawee 6-pack chairlift which speeds up the lift and reduces lift lines on this route, which is particularly popular in autumn and spring when Lenawee sees lines. This fantastic lift means skiers and boarders can now access two thirds of the ski hill more quickly than ever before.

Il Rifugios, the highest restaurant in Colorado, has re-opened with more capacity. This European-style bistro, inspired by the breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains, reminiscent of the Alps, specialises in wine and charcuterie pairings featuring both imported and local-to-Colorado meats and cheeses. This restaurant concept was located close to Denver and on the Ikon Pass, A-Basin has a low-key vibe and limits ticket sales to make the guest experience the best it can be.

Stay In Courchevel For The World Championships

You can watch it on the telly of course, but nothing beats the excitement of actually being in Les 3 Vallées for the Alpine Skiing World Championships this February. All of the men’s races as well as the opening and closing ceremonies are taking place in Courchevel, which is also home to SkiWeekends.com’s Chalet Monique.

Subject to availability, you can arrive at the chalet whenever you like in February and stay as long as you like (arrive any day except Wednesday or Saturday) and enjoy the action. Once there you can either head to the spectator zones to watch the racing up close and personal, or just carry on skiing when the races are on – the slopes are likely to be a little quieter with 20,000 expected to be watching each race. The world’s biggest ski region promises that 99% of slopes and 100% of lifts will be open throughout the Championships, so it’s a great time to ski. Ski weekends.com

NIGHT-SKIING LIGHTS STAY ON

Despite the energy crisis, Manigod in the Annecy Mountains has committed to keeping its low-energy light-powered floodlighting on for night-skiing this winter. The ski area is big on night-skiing with eight floodlit slopes offering sliding under a starry sky while enjoying the magic and calm of the mountain. Slopes open from 4.30pm daily (except Sundays) in holiday periods, Fridays and Saturdays other times, until 11 March 2023. en.manigod.com

Ski Area Sinkhole

A huge sinkhole is reported to have appeared next to the Russian ski resort of Sheregesh. The 30m-wide smoking sinkhole, dubbed “the Gate to Hell” by locals, is being linked to a coal mine reported to be owned by oligarch Roman Abramovich. Sheregesh was previously best known for its annual spring mass skiing-in-swimsuits day, competing with Spain’s Sierra Nevada for the most participants world record each spring.

MOST LEFT-BEHIND ITEMS

A ski chalet holiday company has revealed which items are most often left behind by guests. “Taking too much is our biggest faux pas; forgetting to pack chargers and adapters comes a close second. On the return leg, other items most left behind in ski chalets also include odd socks, gloves and passports. One guest left an entire wardrobe of clothes behind, another diamond jewellery,” says Ski Beat’s Laura Hazell.