Why skiers should go to extra lengths to check their facts
Take care when you plan a ski holiday this winter, because the chances of running out of snow may be greater than you realise.
According to guidebook Where To Ski And Snowboard 2014, many resorts claim their marked ski runs are longer than they actually are – with some exaggerations boasting an extra 34%. As a prime example, France’s Three Valleys region claims 600km (373 miles) of piste, when it actually has only 493 km. Val d’Isere, another British favourite, claims 300km of pistes- and actually has only 232km.
The Guide says skiers and snowboarders often choose a destination on the total length or area of available runs, but, clearly, some resorts grossly overstate true figures – the biggest culprits are said to include Portes du Soleil (Avoriaz etc), Milky Way and Grand Massif (including Flaine).
It’s not all bad news though, resorts with accurate figures include Kitzbuhel, Lech-Zurs, St Anton-Stuben and Saalbach.
:: Where to Ski and Snowboard 2014 (NortonWood Publishing) is priced at £18.99, or available online at a discounted price from www.wheretoskiandsnowboard.com


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