What’s New in the Alps for 2020?

If you’re a keen skier, it’s likely you’re no stranger to the Alps. But what’s new in the Alps for 2020?

From winter festivals to record-breaking ski lifts, 2020 might just be the most event-packed season yet. For all you snow lovers, here’s the only guide you’ll need for resort updates and events this year.

Sustainable Skiing Updates

With the ever-increasing demand for sustainable slopes, 2020 brings us some exciting developments;

• In Les Gets, France, electric snowmobiling is becoming popular as a kids’ activity
• In Val Thorens, a 4WD self-driving shuttle bus will be used to transport skiers around the resort
• The German firm Kassbohrer is set to release an electric piste-basher to encourage emission-free slope preparation

Another new trend which has gained traction recently is the synthetic ice rink: made from recyclable materials and without the need for electricity or water, it’s popular among our eco-friendly skiers. A new one opens in Orelle, in Les Trois Vallees, this winter.

Affordability in the Alps for Under 40s

If you’re a young person looking for a cheap holiday on the slopes, there are plenty of affordable options opening up for 2020.

Action Outdoors is a French not-for-profit activity holiday organisation who are introducing trips specifically tailored to young people. Their target audience is 18-25 year-olds and they focus on French resorts celebrated for après-ski and varied terrain, such as Chamonix, Tignes and Val d’Isere. All three resorts can be easily reached by Geneva airport transfer.

Similarly, the Ski Club of Great Britain has selected 12 new resorts this winter to inspire young members with fun-focused group holidays for under-39s.

Looking for more ways to save on your ski season? Travelling midweek can save up to 50% on your ski transfer with us!

BOOK YOUR SKI TRANSFER

Resort Expansions and Record-Breaking Ski Lifts

Fly into Munich airport and head to the resorts of Kaprun and Zell am See in Salzburg to witness the much-awaited major lifts that have been built in anticipation of winter 2020.

‘3 K K-onnection’ will transport skiers from a beginner’s area in Kaprun to slopes on the 3,029- metre Kitzsteinhorn glacier, which could previously only be reached by taking a bus to another resort. This lift is the final stage – in a line of six gondolas – that will cover a total of 12km, becoming the longest run of connected lifts in the Alps!

Alongside Salzburg, there are a further 95 resort expansions and brand-new ski lifts being built for 2020 to ensure the freshest snow is reached in the most efficient way possible. These include Latemar, Italy’s high-speed chair lift and the 270 person Funicular in Paradiski, France.

Alpine Skiing World Cup 2019/20

The Alpine Skiing World Cup is in full swing and there are plenty of exciting events happening throughout January to March across the Alps.

Here’s what’s taking place over the next few months;

January Events

March Events

• Alpine Combined – La Thuile – 1 March
• Downhill (men) – Cortina d’Ampezzo – 18 March
• Downhill (women) – Cortina d’Ampezzo – 18 March
• Super G (men) – Cortina d’Ampezzo – 19 March
• Super G (women) – Cortina d’Ampezzo – 19 March
• Giant Slalom (men) – Cortina d’Ampezzo – 21 March
• Slalom (women) – Cortina d’Ampezzo – 21 March
• Slalom (men) – Cortina d’Ampezzo – 22 March
• Giant Slalom (women) – Cortina d’Ampezzo – 22 March

New to the Winter Festival Calendar: Tomorrowland Winter

The ski-season wouldn’t be complete without a ski festival to dance the night away.

Tomorrowland, a summertime dance festival which originated in Belgium, has been introduced this winter in France. Hosting the likes of Armin van Buuren and Martin Garrix, it’s definitely not one to miss this winter. Alpe d’Huez resort is offering Tomorrowland Winter tickets, accommodation and lift-pass packages for revellers.

Airport ski transfers from the nearby Grenoble Airport to Alpe d’Huez should take no more than 40 minutes (road-condition dependent).

Summer Holidays in the Alps: The Haute Route Time Trial

What: New Haute Route Time Trial & event for Cyclists
When: 22nd-28th August
Where: Megève – Nice
Total distance: 800km

In August, the Haute Route in the Alps is widely known amongst keen riders as a gruelling 7-day cycle in the mid-summer heat; 2,000 metres above sea level, to test stamina and endurance across long point-to-point stages.

Adding a competitive edge to the mix, a time trial will be introduced for the first time on the final day of the series, up the Col d’Èze.

A new event has also been added to the Haute Route Cycling Series for 2020. The Crans-Montana ski resort in Valais Central, Switzerland has been included to incorporate an impressive 8300m of climbing and descending.

This course is not for the faint-hearted, beginning in the heart of the Alps and finishing in the French Riviera, over the Mediterranean Sea. From mountains to beaches in 7 awe-inspiring days!

A Decadent French-Alpine Hotel Coming in 2020

If a weekend of opulence is necessary before the demands of the Haute Route, book yourself into the luxurious Grand Hotel du Soleil d’Or 5* in Megève, newly opening in 2020. Nothing short of a haven for the sweet-toothed; famous chocolatier Jean-Paul Hévin is based within the hotel providing sugary treats all-day-everyday. This indulgent chalet also boasts mouth-watering views with a panoramic champagne bar overlooking Megève.

New Ski & Snowboard Equipment for Hire

Ready for 2020, we’re offering a shiny new selection of ski and snowboard equipment to hire for your ski holiday. From new boards to skis from Rossignol find out what’s on offer from our ski rental service here.

Why wait..

What better way to bring in the New Year than a trip to the Alps? From festival events to bike rides, the Alps is the place to be in 2020. Fly into one of the four main airports: Geneva, Grenoble, Chambery or Zurich and book a reliable and affordable ski transfer to conveniently get you from A to B.