9th Glacier Bike Downhill Race in Saas-Fee

On March 24th, 2012 the 9th annual Glacier Downhill Bike Race will be held in Saas-Fee. This is no usual ride over hill and dale. Rather this race goes over ice and snow down to the glacier village. The riders will start en mass at 3’500m. During the first half of the race, enthralling fights are guaranteed to ensue for the lead position. It’s a race without spikes and of high velocity, with riders reaching speeds of 144 km/h. This year, the prize pool has a total value of 5‘000 Swiss Francs.

The mass start is on the Mittelallalin station at an altitude of 3’500m and goes down over the snowy and icy slopes to the glacier village at 1’800m. The riders have to manage 1’700 metres of altitude difference and 7 km of distance. First they ride on a narrow trail along the Fee glacier, which leads them to the panorama hill. For less experienced racers this is a real challenge. The hill is steep and has to be crossed at high speed. On this part of the trail, riders have been measured, per GPS, travelling at speeds of about 144 km/h.

Further down, the ride leads past the restaurant Morenia before entering the Valley run. This is going to be a very exciting part of the race with extremely steep passages, flat transits and narrow curves, and it is a real assessment of the rider and his material. The last part of the ride, a very flat passage, needs strength to be managed. The outcome of the race is often decided during this section of the course.

Shortly before the finish, the route becomes a little steeper. After reaching the desired end of the race, the award ceremony will take place and in the evening the riders party will be held at the Metropol Nightlife.

Saas-Fee To Host Again The Ice Climbing World Cup

From 12 to 19 January 2013, Saas-Fee will once again play host to the Ice Climbing World Cup. This year the famous week-long iceclimbing event will be even more spectacular thanks to new climbing features. Audiences will also be able to witness the first-ever youth world championship. The evenings will be packed, too, as athletes and spectators get together for the already-legendary Ice Parties.

Athletes from around the world will compete on ice walls up to 30 metres in height, leaving spectators enthralled. This year the Saas Valley also has the honour of hosting the first youth world championships in the history of ice climbing. Held in Saas-Grund over two days, the event will showcase around 50 young athletes competing in "Speed" and "Lead" disciplines.

This year, the Ice Night ski-touring race (Swiss Cup) is open to both professional and amateur skiers. So whether you’re an elite athlete, or an upand-coming talent, or ski just for fun, you are very welcome to take part. The race starts on the Saas-Fee village square, where spectators can enjoy raclette and wine while they wait for the competitors to return to the finish line.

It is not only participants that will enjoy the Ice Climbing World Cup & Swiss Masters event; spectators are also guaranteed to get their money’s worth. The new climbing features make for more difficult, even more spectacular routes that will really put competitors to the test. So that the event is a treat for the palate as well as the eyes, various food stalls will be offering Valais specialities, and the Vins de Chevaliers wine cellar from Salgesch will be hosting a tasting at the wine bar. And there’s no need to worry that you might get chilly. At the World Cup Ice Parties, the electric atmosphere during the live climbing demonstrations is sure to keep anyone warm!

This action-packed event will keep you energised all week long. With competitions from morning till night and wild parties until dawn, it probably won’t even occur to you to hit the sack.

Program 2013

•  12.01. UIAA Ice Climbing Youth Woldcup & Swissmasters, Saas-Grund
• 13.01. UIAA Ice Climbing Youth Woldcup & Swissmasters, Saas-Grund
• 16.01. SAC Ice Night Ski-Touring Race (Swisscup), Saas-Fee
• 18.01. UIAA Ice Climbing Worldcup & Swissmasters, Saas-Fee
• 19.01. UIAA Ice Climbing Worldcup & Swissmasters, Saas-Fee
• 18. & 19.01. World Cup Ice Parties

Livestream and additional information available from: www.iceclimbingworldcup.ch

or www.saas-fee.ch

Saas-Fee Named Best Swiss Ski Resort

by Raúl Revuelta

Yesterday the results of a questionnaire for "Best ski resort" with over 40‘000 guests were presented. Saas-Fee / Saastal was voted best Swiss ski Resort. Internationally it was even voted to second rank out of 55 top ski destinations in Austria, Germany, Italy, France and Switzerland. In terms of snow reliability, slope preparation and cosiness, Saas-Fee / Saastal hit top status. Together with Aletsch Arena and Zermatt, 3 of the first 5 ranks are taken by valaisian destinations.

Right on time for the start of the winter season 2012/13, Saas-Fee / Saastal is climbing to the top with the best ski resorts of the Alps. The independent guest satisfaction study "Best Ski Resort" is counted as one of the biggest and most significant studies in the alpine area and has questioned more than 41’000 winter sport guests. The guests appreciated the high snow reliability, great slope preparation and the cosy feeling of Saas-Fee / Saastal. The top placement in these three categories led to the gold medal in Switzerland. Internationally, the winter sports guests voted Saas-Fee / Saastal onto second place out of 55 ski resorts in the European alps.

Snow is guaranteed
"About 70% of all ski slopes in Saas-Fee are guaranteed for snow", says Rainer Flaig, CEO of the Saas-Fee cableways. The top rank in snow security is due to the unique glacier area and the unmatched height of the area, which is offering fun in the snow up to a height of 3’600 meters altitude. Above this, Saas-Fee cableways invested strongly into the artificial snow production over the last years.

Slopes are fulfilling highest demands
Also in the area of slope preparation, Saas-Fee / Saastal is in first place across Europe. "The Saas-Fee cableways has strongly invested in the infrastructure for preparing the slopes. This top rank was achieved with the help of our highly qualified and experienced teams who secure the quality of the slopes. That even in summer the slopes are living up to the highest expectations are demonstrated through the numerous national and youngster teams, which train in Saas-Fee for competitions regularly since many years", said Flaig.

Authenticity essential
The car free vacation resort in the southern canton Valais convinces also in the category cosiness (1st place) and ambience (2nd place). Pascal Schaer, Director Tourism, is convinced: "The top ranks achieved in these two categories clearly shows that authentic and decelerated vacation resorts are en vogue. Further are the historic and landmarked `Stadel’ made out of sun blackened larch wood, the narrow alleys and stone covered roofs are unique for the guests experience. Here it shows that product quality and authenticity are looked for by guests".

Saas-Fee / Saastal even more attractive in winter 2012/2013
In the coming winter season, Saas-Fee / Saastal is raising the attractiveness even further. Already for the coming weekend on November 10th /11th 2012 the slopes and facilities are going back in service up to Morenia (2’500 meters altitude). Additionally the Saas-Fee cableways is the only Swiss mountain cable car and railway company which lowers their prices for kids and adults – according to a questionnaire of 20 of the largest Swiss ski resorts conducted by a Swiss TV broadcast. The 6-day destination ski pass is lowered by over 10%, daily passes by 5.5%.

Saas-Fee / Saastal is on course for growth
Pascal Schaer is optimistic for the future:"After the decline of the overnight stays, the downward spiral was stopped in summer 2012. The successfully initiated ‘cable cars and bus included’ in the past summer has made the Saastal the largest all-inclusive destination in Switzerland. This was crowned by a guest growth of over 30%. The big challenge is now to return to the growth path also in the Euro area and to unlock new guest segments". This has already begun in the far markets, were the guest numbers in summer show a drastic increase from Japan (+78%) and Russia (+22%).

Zermatt. A Gastronomic Paradise in the Swiss Alps

By Raúl Revuelta

There is no greater pleasure after a long day of skiing than sitting down to enjoy a traditional raclette.
But Zermatt (Valais) offers much more than that. Twenty Zermatt Restaurants have been included in the latest edition of the most popular Swiss restaurant guide, the Gault Millau 2013.

The Omnia, the "Heimberg" Restaurant, and the Hotel Matthiol have entered for the first time in the prestigious guide.

"The residents of Zermatt and their guests are spoiled by the very best mountain restaurants in the Alps. Hotels with ambitious chefs…" The Gault Millau (GM) is full of praise for Zermatt in its 2013 edition. The restaurants included in the 2013 guide (18 up to now) have amassed a total of 248 points (246 up to now). The publishers of the Gault Millau write in their press release: "Gastronomic power continues to rise as before in Zermatt: the cuisine in the wonderful restaurants lining the ski runs is consistently good. There has been some change in the village but the density is impressive". The Gault Millau tasters have designated the boys from the isle of Capri as the undisputed "top dogs", who never cease to "amaze us every year" in the Mont Cervin Palace (Le Capri Restaurant).

The Omnia has been waiting a long time for its Gault Millau entry and now it's a case of "Welcome to the Club!" states the restaurant guide, referring to the 14-point performance by its chef Patrick Weber. The "Heimberg" Restaurant was also able to climb up the rankings. Christian Geisler garnered praise with the entry, "What the young chef from Salzburg, Christian Giesler, serves up, deserves to earn great praise", gaining the "Heimberg" 14 points (13 up to now). The press release goes even further: "Christian Geisler is the shooting star in the village. … we expect great things from him".

The Restaurant Dolce Vita is a new addition, although without an entry with points, as Roland Kilian only works in the Dolce Vita in Zermatt in winter. Like other chefs in Zermatt practically overwinters here like a migratory bird. He is now here for the second time (2012/2013 season).

The Hotel Matthiol also managed only an entry, as Chef Maria Gross is moving on with Patrick Zeh stepping into her shoes. He first needs to prove himself.

Nine Zermatt hotels included Tourists continue to seek out beautiful hotels where they can enjoy outstanding food. Of the 100 hotels designated by Gault Millau as "Gourmet Hotels", nine of them are now in Zermatt. This is because the Hotel The Omnia is now in the club, too. Zermatt has a total of over 150 restaurants, 50 of which are mountain restaurants plus a further 50 bars and nightclubs.

The 20 best restaurants in Zermatt
	Gault Millau points
Hotel Alpenhof, Restaurant Le Gourmet	15
Hotel Cervo	13
Restaurant China Garden	13
Restaurant Dolce Vita	-*
Findlerhof Mountain Restaurant	14
Restaurant Chez Heini	13
Restaurant Heimberg	14 (+1)
Hotel Matthiol	-*
Hotel Mirabeau, Restaurant Le Corbeau d’Or	15
Hotel Mont Cervin Palace, Ristorante Capri	16
Hotel Mont Cervin Palace, Grill “Le Cervin”	14
Restaurant Myoko	13
Hotel The Omnia	14 (new)
Hotel Post, Restaurant Portofino	13
Hotel Schönegg, Restaurant Gourmetstübli	15
Hotel Riffelalp Resort, Lounge / Al Bosco	13
Hotel Sonnmatten	13
Restaurant Zum See bei Max und Greti	14
Chez Vrony Mountain Restaurant	13**
Grand Hotel Zermatterhof, Restaurant Prato Borni	13

*Two Zermatt restaurants have not been awarded points but have still been included. This is because the chef's successor must first prove himself (Matthiol) and because Roland Kilian is "only" working as a guest chef (Dolce Vita). However, he has cooked his way to 16 points in his former Rebstock Restaurant in Tschugg (Berne).

**Chez Vrony (picture attached) is one of a few restaurants that serves their own organic produce. The cattle eat nothing but the grass that grows on the mountain pastures. The dried meat, homemade sausage and mountain cheese served at Chez Vrony is all made according to time-honoured recipes handed down from one generation to the next, just like the restaurant itself. Indeed, all dishes on the menu are natural and authentic regional fare, but are often combined with a cosmopolitan touch.

Gault et Millau is one of the most influential French Restaurant guides. It was founded by two restaurant critics, Henri Gault (1929–2000) and Christian Millau in 1965. Gault Millau rates on a scale of 1 to 20, with 20 highest (Restaurants below 10 points are almost never listed). The points are awarded based on the (1) quality and freshness of produce, (2) creativity and professionalism in food presentation, (3) harmony of the menu, (4) timing of service, (5) presentation and salubriousness of dishes, and (6) consistency of performance.

Based on this rating, high ranking restaurants may display one to four toques.
The Swiss guide was established in 1982. Recognition is highly prized and requires a minimum of 12 points summarised as follows:

12 points. Good kitchen offering conventional and traditional cuisine
13 - 14 points. Very good kitchen with more than conventional cuisine
15 - 16 points. High level of cuisine and quality
17 points. Award for the best quality and consistency
18 points. Award for exceeding quality of cuisine and creativity
19 points. Award for a groundbreaking and outstanding cuisine
20 points. Never awarded

Now Ski Vail Resorts and Verbier on the Epic Pass

By Raúl Revuelta

Vail Resorts announced an unprecedented partnership with Verbier, that will enhance the already incredible value of Vail Resorts’ Epic Pass, providing three days of free access to the Verbier ski resort, including Les 4 Vallées, the largest ski area in Switzerland, for new and renewing 2012-2013 Epic Pass holders. In addition to unlimited, unrestricted skiing and riding at eight world-class mountain resorts in the United States, Epic Pass holders will now have the opportunity to extend their winter from the U.S. to Europe, and experience four additional premier mountain resorts including the illustrious Verbier resort, as well as Nendaz, Veysonnaz and Thyon, Switzerland. This exciting new partnership allows 2012/2013 Epic Pass Holders to ski for up to 3 Free days at Verbier, including the 4 Vallées and for annual 4 Vallées pass holders to ski for up to 3 Free days at Vail, Beaver Creek, Breckenridge, Keystone, Heavenly, Northstar and Kirkwood.

The unrestricted three free days of skiing and riding will be reciprocated for Les 4 Vallées season pass holders, allowing more European guests to experience Vail Resorts, including the award-winning application EpicMix.

"Vail Resorts Epic Pass holders already receive an incredible experience with unlimited, unrestricted access to Vail Resorts’ seven world-class resorts in the United States, including Vail, Beaver Creek, Breckenridge, Keystone, Heavenly, Northstar and Kirkwood, as well as Arapahoe Basin, but we wanted to further enhance the value for our British guests by offering Epic Pass holders three free days of skiing at the legendary Verbier ski resort, including Les 4 Vallées, Switzerland", said Kirsten Lynch, executive vice president and chief marketing officer for Vail Resorts. "Verbier, including Les 4 Vallées, offers a truly exceptional ski and snowboard experience that offers the same incredible terrain and outstanding guest service that we provide at our seven world-class resorts. Now for the 2012-2013 ski season Vail Resorts Epic Pass holders can expand their experience of a lifetime from the U.S. to Europe, and we are thrilled to welcome Verbier pass-holders to our resorts".

"We are very pleased to announce our partnership with Vail Resorts, providing an exceptional added value for our pass holders and Epic Pass holders alike", said Eric A. Balet, chief executive officer of Téléverbier SA. "Our passes provide unparalleled benefits and access to the best skiing in Europe, and now in North America. We are thrilled to be working together with Vail Resorts to provide our clientele such incredible added value and excited that our pass holders will benefit as a result of this strong partnership".

The  Verbier "4Vallées" ski area connects the resorts of Verbier, Nendaz, Veysonnaz, and Thyon. Comprised of 92 lifts and 412km of ski runs, it is the largest ski area located entirely in Switzerland. The "4Vallées" ski area attracts snowsport enthusiasts of all ages and levels, and offers a magnificent setting thanks to its unparalleled sun exposure, and great snow quality. From Mont-Fort, the ski area’s culminating point (3,330m), visitors can take in breathtaking views of the Matterhorn, the Grand Combin and the Mont Blanc.

Vail Resorts is the leading mountain resort operator in the United States. Vail Resorts operate the mountain resorts of Vail, Beaver Creek, Breckenridge and Keystone in Colorado, and Heavenly, Northstar and now Kirkwood in the Lake Tahoe area of California and Nevada, and the GrandTeton Lodge Company in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. The Company's subsidiary, RockResorts, a luxury resorthotel company, manages casually elegant properties. Vail Resorts Development Company is the real estateplanning, development and construction subsidiary of Vail Resorts, Inc. Vail Resorts is a publicly heldcompany traded on the New York Stock Exchange.

 

Esquí estival en los Alpes

Publicado en el diario La Razón

Saas Fee Ride 2011

By Raúl Revuelta

Next Saturday July 23rdth will see a new edition of the Saas-Fee Ride. The competition will be held in the stunning glacial terrain park of Saas-Fee, the famous car-free glacier village at the foot of the Mischabel chain. The event took place for the first time in 2003 when Warren Smith, the event Director, established it to breach the gap between the winter seasons.

The Saas-Fee Ride 2011 is laying on a freesports festival packed with on-slope action from some of Europe top New School freestyle skiers from various international teams. Athletes will gather in Saas-Fee on the 23rd July 2011 to compete in a world class Big Air competition and a Rail Jam expression session.

The Saas-Fee Ride is going to be a unique summer freeski event with the Saas-Fee terrain park at 3300 meters providing the venue. You can enjoy latest international new school freeski tricks & action on the ‘Fee Glacier’ above the beautiful and ancient Saas-Fee, where you may want to lay back and relax in the calm of the noise free mountain village, surrounded by a unique scenery of 13 summits of 4000 meters.

Big Air might well be considered the most spectacular discipline in new school freestyle. Competitors jump off an enormous kicker (jump) and demonstrate their wildest tricks in the air: horizontal and vertical twists are not a rare sight. The best competitors achieve jumps of up to 25 metres.

This year edition also introduces a Rail Jam into the competition. Rails is one of the fastest growing aspects of skiing today and the Saas-Fee snowpark will be hosting one of the highest levels of performance.

The Saas Fee Ride is going to be a unique summer freeski event with the Saas Fee terrain park at 3300 meters providing the venue. The Saas-Fee park is renowned for its perfectly shaped kickers, world cup half pipe and innovative rails. The park team will work throughout the months of May and June to ensure a world class standard for the summer event.

A 3 minutes News Feed through Ride Freesport will be aired on Monday 25th of July through the website of the eventand will include the most spectacular action of the day & the winners interviews.Downloads of the full Internet TV broadcast resolution (720x576) news feed will be available through Vimeo and Youtube. Check out the Saas-Fee website for links to view the web media.

Saas Fee Ride - 24 minute TV program from Ride Freesport on Vimeo.