“News Flash” is FREESKIER’s online column designed to keep you up-to-date with snippets of outdoor news you need to know about. This article is published weekly on Tuesdays and updated throughout the week.
Vail Resorts announces plan for re-opening
Vail Resort’s CEO Rob Katz sent a letter to employees this morning outlining the company’s approach to opening its resorts in the coming months. There will not be skiing at Whistler Blackcomb, Breckenridge or Heavenly, which was being considered previously. Many of Vail Resorts’ properties, including those Australian destinations welcoming winter, will plan to re-open in late June or early July. Read the full letter right here.
Timberline Lodge re-opens for skiing
Last week, Oregon’s Mount Hood hosted skiers for the first time in months. Longtime industry veteran, Josh Malcyzk, was on-site to ski—here’s his story of getting back on a chairlift after the world shut down.
Chamonix’s Aguille du Midi re-opens tram access
Big-mountain skiers rejoiced this weekend as the iconic tram in France allowed passengers to be shuttled to the top of the Aguille du Midi for the first time in more than 30 days. Skiers like Vivian Bruchez, Tof Henry and Léo Slemett were quick to reap the benefits.
This high school in New Hampshire is hosting graduation at the local ski hill
At Kennet High School, located just a few miles from Cranmore Mountain Resort, seniors will be treated to a unique graduation ceremony at the end of the semester. Each graduate will take a chairlift ride to the top of the mountain, where he or she will be handed his or her diploma and photos will be taken. Students across the country have been participating in virtual ceremonies in lieu of in-person events.
After a landmark celebration for the National Brotherhood of Skiers, coronavirus struck home
Founded in the 1970s, the National Brotherhood of Skiers is an all-black ski club that gathers once a year for its annual summit. This year, the group was celebrating its two founders being inducted into the Ski and Snowboard Hall of Fame in Sun Valley, Idaho. However, the celebration was overshadowed by numerous cases of COVID-19 affecting the group, including four deaths.
OnX Off Road offers Memorial Day Sale
The mobile app gives users off-line access to information about trails, access roads, campsites and more across the United States, allowing for hassle-free navigation of its Public Lands. Right now, the app-based subscription is 30 percent off the regular price, through May 26th.
Skiers return to the slopes in Slovenia
After early season shutdowns due to the COVID-19 outbreak, Slovenia’s highest ski resort was once again visited by skiers—hundreds of them. Last week, Slovenia became the first European country to declare an official end to its coronavirus epidemic.
Learn about steep skiing in Chamonix
During the free event, hosted by guiding service 57Hours, Chamonix veterans will chat about planning, executing and checking an epic adventure trip like this off the bucket list. Throughout the hour, they’ll cover gear, logistics, physical preparation and conclude with a live Q&A to answer any questions. The show will go live on May 21st, 2020, at 1PM EST.
What to watch:
