New Transport from Center-City Innsbruck to the Slopes
Section One of a new high-tech, high-style funicular is opening this season to whisk skiers from the Congress Center in the center of Innsbruck (tel. + 43/512- 59850; www.innsbruck-tourismus.info) to Hungerburg, in less than seven minutes. Partly above ground and partly underground, it is not only a ski transportation breakthrough but also an architectural gem, designed by superstar architect Zaha Hadid. Innsbruck boasts nine ski areas wiithin day-trip distance. Packages and multi-day ski passes include ski bus transportation to all.
Family Lessons at Sierra-at-Tahoe
Sierra Resort (tel. 530/659-7453; www.sierraattahoe.com), a Lake Tahoe South Shore ski area, offers private, customized ski lessons geared for multi-age, multi-ability family members. It enables parents to understand their children's skill and endurance levels so that they can ski together harmoniously.
Silver Mountain Upgrades
Up in the Idaho Panhandle, Silver Mountain (tel. 800/204-6428; www.silvermt.com) has undertaken on-mountain and base area improvements. Trees in the Chair 2 Basin have been thinned to create gladed terrain, while skiers and riders can now make their first turns on a beginner area that has been doubled in size. Snowboarders and new-school skiers play in a terrain park that is likewise doubled and equipped with a moving carpet for uphill transport. Gondola Village at the base welcomes the Phase II of the Morning Star Lodge, a condominium property, and also Noah's Canteen, a new restaurant and bar that harkens to the town of Kellogg's mining past.
Improvements Abound at Ski Bromont
Ski Bromont (tel. 866/BROMONT or 450/534-2200; www.skibromont.com) in Quebec's Eastern Township has added 25 new trails (for a total of 129), a new moving mat to ease boarding of lift #3, and redesigned its terrain park with one new trail and 20 new terrain features and added lights to an additional trails (for a total of 60 available for night skiing). In fact, Ski Bromont claims to be North America's largest night-skiing area.
Teen Instructor Training at Stratton
Teens with dreams of teaching skiing or snowboarding can join Stratton, VT's (tel. 800/STRATTON or 802/297-4076; www.stratton.com) five-weekend Train to Be an Instructor at Stratton program. TIPS includes classroom, on-snow training, and personal technique improvement, as well as a series of tests at the conclusion. It is open to ages 13 to 17. At age 16, those who have completed the program are eligible to become junior instructors. Sessions are schedule for Nov. 24-Dec. 23 and Jan. 19-Feb. 17.
More Surface Lifts Replaced in France
North Americans put off by the longstanding European fondness for surface lifts can think about skiing the Alps again. In France, Flaine (tel. + 33/4 50 90 80 01; www.flaine.com) is the latest resort to replace Pomalifts with a high-speed lift. The new six-passenger Têtes des Verdes six-passenger lift rises more than 1,600 feet and has an hourly capacity of 3,000 riders. In addition to greater efficiency and comfort, replacing several lifts with one de-clutters the slopes.
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