Sad to say that here at InTheSnow we do get a bit bored with running stories of fabulous snow and glorious skiing every day, year-round, year after year. Not.
We always look forward to the start of April which, for reasons unknown, always brings a plethora of much more exciting news from resorts than we get the other 364.5 days of the year.
We still don’t know why, after spending all year every year scouring the world for exciting news stories every morning, this one day always seems to deliver so many. It’s quite frustrating they are not spread out more through the year really.
Anyway, here are some of the big stories this year…
Flying Gondolas – Alpbachtal and Ski Juwel Alpbachtal Wildschönau, Tirol, Austria
“The Ski Juwel Alpbachtal Wildschönau Tirol introduces the first cable-free gondola (pictured top). We are already in the process of developing and planning the gondola drones for our guests! Instead of traditional gondolas, from 2026, drone-powered gondolas will be used, which will fly you directly from the hotel room to the runway or summit. This image was created with artificial intelligence and serves to illustrate our new project. It should convey our vision and serve to illustrate our new modern technology,” a spokesperson explained.
Donkey Lifts – Saas-Fee, Switzerland
“An Important announcement! Due to the rising electricity prices, we are making a sustainable turn: From now on, in Saas-Fee, we are relying on the proven donkey power! Set yourself up for a comfortable journey through our beautiful village, accompanied by our new, four-legged transport experts,” a spokesperson explained.
The First Tasting Piste – Montgenèvre, France
“Skiing is good, but skiing while enjoying wine and cheese is even better! Montgenèvre innovates with a unique experience: a track where every turn is a new gastronomic discovery! The concept? Every 200 meters, a stand awaits you with tastes from the High Alps. Apple juice, Cheese from our local producers, Handcrafted deli, a selection of wines from the High Alps and Italy, hot chocolate and an Alpine pie at the end of the course. It all opens on April 1, 2025! Come and sharpen your technique… and your palate! ” a spokesperson explained.
Dry Slope to Become Sand Slope – Glencoe, Scotland
“After much deliberation, we’ve decided to embrace Scotland’s unpredictable weather in the best way possible—by converting our dry slope into a sand slope! No more worrying about rain or snow—just the soft embrace of golden grains beneath your skis and boards. We’re officially launching Glencoe Sand Sports, bringing you the driest slope in the UK! Expect: Year-round skiing and boarding—no snow, no problem! The ultimate beach après experience. Sand-specific ski tuning (good luck waxing for this one) and a true test of your skills—carving in sand is next level! Who’s ready to ride the dunes?” a spokesperson explained.
Naked Skiing – Hintertux, Tirol, Austria
“Spring is here, the sun is tickling on the skin and you can be part of the first ever NAKED skiing at Hintertuxer Glacier! True to the motto “Less is more” we are happy to welcome you in your birthday suit with us – just don’t forget your helmet! The highlight of the nude skiing: Best Dressed Award for the most original sunscreen pattern! Look forward to a ski day with no restrictions!” a spokesperson explained.
World’s New Longest, Fastest Zipline – Winterberg, Germany
“From summer 2025, you can slide directly to the centre of Winterberg with our new XXL-zipline from Kahler Asten! With 4.5 km length and a top speed of up to 120 km/h, the longest and fastest zip slide in the world awaits you,” a spokesperson explained.
Finally, Fast food in La Clusaz, France
“Mountains tremble, cows bow, groundhogs melt with pleasure. To counter McDonald’s strategy to setting up restaurants less than 20 minutes away from every Frenchman, Burger King lands at La Clusaz.
World’s New Longest Conveyor Lift – Cairngorm Mountain Resort
“We are delighted to release our plans to install what is probably the world’s longest double magic carpet system. Running from the base area to mid mountain it will take skiers and boarders up to the mid-mountain ski lifts and take pressure of the railway at peak times. It will also provide uplift in the summer to our Bike Park, Mountain Cart trails and walking trails. One conveyor will provide uplift and the other will be for down access in the winter, when there is poor snow cover below mid station,” a spokesperson explained.
Rainbow Slopes, Paradiski, France
“New for 2026: The first rainbow track lands in Paradiski! No more monotone white, place for high descent in colour. And yes, the pigments are natural and ski-friendly!” a spokesperson explained.
New Coat of Arms – Engelberg-Titlis, Switzerland
“The municipality of Engelberg has decided after careful examination to modernize the traditional village coat of arms. The new coat of arms continues to show the well-known silver-clad angel on a red ground above a green triberg. In his left hand, he is holding a flower, and the curly hair is decorated with a golden forehead with a beam cross. In the upper left corner there is a six-ray golden star. However, a significant change has been made: the angel is now holding a golden ski in his right hand. This adaptation takes into account Engelberg’s deep-rooted ski culture. Skiing – whether it is on the slope, in the freeride terrain or on the ski jump slope – shapes the identity of the monastery village and unites locals as guests. The symbolism is clear: The Angel of Engelberg is no longer wearing a scepter, but the passion of the region in his hand. Skiing is celebrated like a religion in Engelberg. The naming of Engelberg goes back to an old legend: The angel, who gave the village its name, once floated over Engelberg, which was later called “roosters” by the people again. While the name of the mountain changed, the name of the place remained throughout the centuries – as did the deep connection to winter sports. With the golden ski in hand and the enthusiasm for winter sports in the heart, the new village coat of arms is arriving in Engelberg from today. We ask that you take over the updated coat of arms on all channels and use the new coat of arms exclusively in the future,” a spokesperson explained.
