Skigebiete

The documentary "Snow of Tomorrow" was produced in 2016 and broadcast for the first time. By chance, I stumbled across a repeat in the 3sat media library yesterday, which can still be seen for a few more days. So if you have 70 minutes to spare at the weekend: it's time well spent, as the documentary offers a panoramic view of winter tourism in the Alpine countries.

The Caviahue ski resort in the province of Neuquén, which is rather unknown even within Argentina, offers a selection of impressively flat pistes nestled in a volcanic lunar landscape. The Caviahue volcano is interesting as a smoking ski tour destination, while the surrounding terrain mainly offers sled-access potential.

There has been concern about the legendary ski resort in the Hautes-Alpes for some time: since the closure of the Chambon Tunnel last year, visitor numbers in La Grave have fallen sharply. In addition, the lease for the gondola and ski area expires in June 2017. Many locals fear for the future of their local mountain if large investors from the neighboring mega resorts get involved.

Our long-time Japan correspondent Patrick reports back with a brief report on the conditions. At the PowderGuide Headquarters, we are now considering whether we should start a competition on the topic 'Where is the worst snow situation' under the motto 'Worse is always possible'. Who would like to throw more title candidates into the ring?

The WeatherBlog has various other commitments in addition to its weekly activity here on PG, in the course of which it occasionally engages in literature research on various topics.

After an extremely mixed start to February, the snow situation soon got much better and we were able to experience numerous perfect days. Even though the snow wasn't always at its best and the wind was particularly strong this year, we still got our money's worth. When it storms, almost all ski resorts are often affected and there is only an alternative program left.

I thought I had perfected the cat-and-mouse game with the Skipatrol by now: but this year the cat is doing better. The same Skipatrol caught me twice in the same place within a week. Luckily I was wearing different clothes each time and so he didn't recognize me. Uffz, otherwise that would have meant the withdrawal of my season ticket. I can probably put this downhill route out of my mind for this winter and watch my colleagues from afar while they continue to make their turns there. Everything else seems to be a little more difficult this year with the boys in red.

An overview of the ski resorts on the North and South Island of New Zealand...

As almost all ski resorts are at the end of forest roads, some of which are steeper (5 to 15 km), having your own vehicle is almost essential for unlimited winter fun. Check the notice boards in backpackers and other hostels or check the backpacker car market, preferably for a combo with four-wheel drive - but good sleeping bags are then a must!

Here are some ski resort tips from Alex Herbert, the maker of Kingswood Skis (bamboo skis made in Kiwi land)...