New Nova Scotia Ski Helmet Law set to be World’s Toughest

From next winter, visitors to Nova Scotia’s slopes will be met with stringent new laws regarding the use of safety helmets, said to be the world’s strictest. Skiers and snowboarders not wearing the correct safety equipment would be hit with a $250 fine from officers enforcing the new law. The law is in response to the statistic that 11 people have experienced traumatic brain injuries since the year 2000 that were related to skiing or snowboarding without using a ski helmet.

Activities that “Should be enjoyed safely”

Maureen MacDonald, the Minister of Health and Wellness is a staunch supporter of the new law, stating, “Many Nova Scotians enjoy activities like skiing and snowboarding, but these are activities that should be enjoyed safely.” MacDonald went on to assert that the use of correct safety equipment could “greatly reduce the risk of suffering a traumatic injury and could be the one thing on the hill that saves a life.”

Not Just Whilst Skiing

The use of helmets in Nova Scotia is not just helping those who prefer to strap on a set of ski boots. The Canadian province boasts the highest proportion of cyclists using helmets, and in turn has the lowest rate of injuries related to cycling. The law for those on the slopes is intended to reduce the risk for winter sports enthusiasts, whilst not impinging too much on their enjoyment of the pastime.

Lost Hiker “Didn’t Think he’d Survive”

82-year-old Bruce Charity did not expect to be out for too long when he set off for one of his regular strolls last Monday afternoon. After his walk took a disastrous turn, and he ended up lying down to sleep in a soaking jacket, Charity did not expect to wake up the following morning. At one stage, he remembers looking at his watch, seeing that the time was 10 p.m. and thinking “what the heck? I’m 82 years old; I’ve got to go sonetime.”

A Near Fatal Wrong Turn

Charity’s problems began when he got a bit lost in the woods close to his home, taking a trail “that really wasn’t a trail.” Hoping to find another trail, Charity kept going, but instead got hopelessly lost, and darkness, along with the temperature was falling. In attempting to seek help from a fellow walker with a torch, Charity made what could have been a grave mistake, in misjudging the depth of a stream. He initially believed it to be around a foot deep, but quickly found he was mistaken as he became submerged. Thankfully a police helicopter found him after his wife raised the alarm when Charity did not return home.

Do not Make the Same Mistakes

Going for a lone winter hike can be fantastic, but can be fraught with dangers. Ensure that you have sufficient outdoor clothing for the cold weather, and make sure you have notified somebody of your intended route, and expected time of return. A good torch can also help you to be found if you get lost.

Swindon’s Hikers get Surfing to Find New Routes

A brand new website detailing some of the best routes for hikers around Swindon has been launched. The Get Walking in Swindon site is aimed at all those who want to get (or indeed remain) healthy, as it promotes the aims of leading a healthy lifestyle. The site is the result of a partnership between Swindon Council’s leisure services department and the local Ramblers, with some funding coming from an NHS funded project, Walk Swindon. Containing routes and information about walking groups, the site is designed to inspire people to pull on their outdoor clothing and get active.

Encouragement to Enjoy Walking

At the heart of the project is the idea that people should find walking enjoyable, and if they do, they are more likely to continue. The site follows similar projects that have proved popular in Durham, Manchester and Sheffield, and contains routes that have been created by a group of local volunteers. Whilst the first routes have been posted, more are expected in the New Year.

A “Wonderful Project”

The bulk of the routes are short, between one and three miles, but others go up to the five-mile mark. Routes that are accessible to wheelchair users are flagged up on the site, allowing all to get involved and get active. Pat Crabb of the local Ramblers group called the site a “wonderful project. We’ve really enjoyed working with the council to encourage people to get to their feet and experience the benefits of walking.”

British Explorer Finally Begins Epic Antarctic Voyage

The 33-year-old British explorer Felicity Aston has at last set off on her epic and historic voyage, as she hopes to become the first woman to cross the frozen continent alone. With no more than a pair of skis, rather a lot of outdoor clothing and her supplies, Aston is attempting a journey of over 1,000 miles, which is expected to take around 70 days. After waiting in her base camp for the weather to improve, the conditions have finally relented, allowing the voyage to begin. Aston announced via her Twitter feed that the epic journey had begun, “having breakfast looking at the mountains. The quiet will take some getting used to. With the first step of my journey, I start the long road home.”

Historic Trek

If she completes the trek, Aston will become the first person to have crossed the continent using muscle power alone, in doing so setting the record for the longest solo polar expedition carried out by a female explorer. In 1997, Norwegian explorer Boerge Ousland took 64 days to cross Antarctica, but harnessed the power of the wind when it blew in his favour using a large parachute style sail.

Heading for the Transantarctic Mountains

Aston’s first challenge on her long journey will be to tackle the Transantarctic Mountains. This will lead her onto the continent’s central plateau. Aston is an experienced adventurer, having previously explored the Canadian Arctic, and crossing the Greenland ice sheet, but this is by far her largest and toughest challenge yet.

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Head East for Skiing Bargains

Holidaymakers heading towards the slopes this winter are being advised to head east in order to keep costs down, avoiding pricier destinations such as Switzerland. As the pound has slumped against the Swiss franc, this already-expensive country for skiing has become dearer still for holidaymakers. Resorts in countries such as Bulgaria are likely to benefit from this situation, offering top quality skiing, and much more bang for your buck.

Costs of Skiing
The Post Office’s annual Ski Resort Report assesses European resorts against a number of criteria, ranking them in order of cost. Various elements, including lift passes, equipment hire, ski tuition, food, and drink are used to determine the most economical ski resorts by the report. Top of the pile is the Bulgarian resort, Bansko, which was £100 cheaper than its nearest rival, Arinsal in Andorra was. Both of these resorts have seen their prices decrease by five per cent since the last report, whereas Swiss resorts have endured a 26 per cent increase, mainly due to currency fluctuation as well as resort charges.

Go East, Skiing’s Cheaper There
If your idea of a great holiday is putting on your ski wear and heading for the slopes, your most economical route is therefore going to be to head away from some of the more established Swiss resorts. Sarah Munro, Post Office’s head of travel money thinks that as pressure on budgets increases, “resort costs are likely to be a key factor in determining resort choice this year.”

Columbia Sportswear Skiing Expert Zach Crist

Shark Attack Victim Receives Emotional Farewell

Those in the surfing community will be well aware of the fate met by the unfortunate Kyle Burden last weekend. Whilst surfing in Bunker Bay, the 21-year-old was fatally mauled by a shark. By way of a tribute, over 100 of Burden’s friends, family and members of the wider surfing community attended his memorial service, before around 50 surfers donned their wetsuits and took part in a paddle-out, joining hands at the spot where he was attacked on Sunday.

A Good Time to Cry

Sharon Burden, Kyle’s mother paid tribute to the police and emergency services who had helped the family deal with their loss, as well as thanking friends and the local community for their support. The occasion was labelled a “good time to cry” by police chaplain Keith Carmody, before stressing that it was also “a good time for people to laugh and share memories.” As well as remembering Kyle, the paddle-out also served a reminder of the constant presence of the ocean’s inhabitants.

Vigilance is Key

The paddle-out was joined by sea rescue craft, as there were shark sightings on Monday afternoon around 50 kilometres south of the area. A great white shark is thought to be responsible for the attack on Kyle last weekend. Surfers signed a surfboard in memory of Kyle, whilst all those present felt that the send-off was fitting for a young man who loved the ocean so much.

“Sick Jumps” Capture the Imagination

The rise of freestyle ski and snowboard events that has culminated in the addition of new events for 2014’s winter Olympics is built on the audience’s insatiable desire for thrills. When a competitor has hurtled down a slope to catch “the big air”, the audience usually descend into a silent rapture, which only erupts once the jump has been landed. These so-called “sick jumps” are the cornerstone of events in the Winter Games New Zealand, which concluded last week, and are sure to be among the standout images when the Olympic roadshow touches down in Sochi in 2014.

Courage and Skill

Two of the biggest attributes of a successful freestyle skier are courage and skill. A quick and agile mind is almost as useful as a quick and agile body, as calculations of speed, wind, and distance are needed to ensure the jump is not only landed, but the required tricks and combos are pulled off. Such is the importance put on such events nowadays that nations such as China are providing former divers and gymnasts with ski goggles and ski wear to try to get their hands on some Olympic medals.

Have a Go Yourself

For those of us not fortunate, brave or mad (delete as appropriate) enough to be taking part in the Winter Games, the prospect of strapping on a pair of skis and having a go yourself is not too daunting. With quality ski facilities up and down the country, including flagship centres at Milton Keynes and Manchester, there is no excuse not to blast down a couple of slopes.

Teen’s Hiking Death Latest in a Long Line at Yosemite

A 17-year-old boy, Kao Kue, was last week rushed to hospital with severe head injuries after taking a plunge in his walking boots at Yosemite National Park – the world famous nature reserve in California, USA.

He was out hiking last Saturday when he lost his footing on the steep, rocky Mist Trail, which is renowned for its difficult terrain, despite its popularity amongst visitors.

After four days of fighting for life, the young man passed away at Doctor’s Medical Center in Modesto, Central California the following Wednesday.

Before Kao, 14 outdoors enthusiasts have died this year alone at Yosemite National Park. There have been six drownings, two falls resulting in death, a car accident that led to a death, and five deaths of natural causes, according to a park ranger.

Controversially, Yosemite will not be including the teenager’s death in its annual statistics for Yosemite fatalities as, although the accident took place within the park, the death itself occurred in hospital and not inside park boundaries, so the official total for 2011 still stands at 14 so far. The official total of deaths within Yosemite park boundaries in 2010 was 15.

Perhaps even more controversially, when interviewed, park officials say they do not feel it is necessary to install more warning signs and/or protective measures to safeguard their visitors.
"We are adamant about educating all of Yosemite's visitors about potential dangers, as well as ensuring that it remains a wild place," said the park ranger.

Hiker in Intensive Care After Rattlesnake Attack

A 47-year-old man from Fayette County, Pennsylvania, USA is currently in intensive care in Ruby Memorial Hospital in West Virginia after he crossed paths with an aggrieved rattlesnake whilst hiking in the picturesque Dunbar Mountains last Sunday with his wife and two teenage children.

The man, who is a resident of Perryopolis in Pennsylvania, was bitten on the hand as he bent over to pick up the walking stick he had just dropped in the undergrowth, according to the chief of Fayette County Emergency Medical Services, Rick Adobato. He was able to hike for another hour to return to his car with his family, who drove until they obtained a phone signal and dialled 911 at around 2.30pm.

The family then drove another mile to the county fairgrounds to meet an ambulance, by which point the injured man was beginning to lose consciousness.

About the incident, Abodato said, "Much longer and this guy probably wouldn't have made it. You got to add to the walking, you've been bitten. Your pulse rate goes up. The venom is circulating through your body even faster at that point.”

The ill-fated hiker, named Richard Lawson, is said to now be in a stable condition.

The Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources have advised that, while timber rattle snakebites are certainly rare, it is always wise for hikers to take precautions in the form of high-topped leather walking boots and an eagle eye for snakes before sitting down or reaching to the ground around brushes, logs, or rocks. All of these simple measures are ones that may save your life.

Hiker in Intensive Care After Rattlesnake Attack

A 47-year-old man from Fayette County, Pennsylvania, USA is currently in intensive care in Ruby Memorial Hospital in West Virginia after he crossed paths with an aggrieved rattlesnake whilst hiking in the picturesque Dunbar Mountains last Sunday with his wife and two teenage children.

The man, who is a resident of Perryopolis in Pennsylvania, was bitten on the hand as he bent over to pick up the walking stick he had just dropped in the undergrowth, according to the chief of Fayette County Emergency Medical Services, Rick Adobato. He was able to hike for another hour to return to his car with his family, who drove until they obtained a phone signal and dialled 911 at around 2.30pm.

The family then drove another mile to the county fairgrounds to meet an ambulance, by which point the injured man was beginning to lose consciousness.

About the incident, Abodato said, "Much longer and this guy probably wouldn't have made it. You got to add to the walking, you've been bitten. Your pulse rate goes up. The venom is circulating through your body even faster at that point.”

The ill-fated hiker, named Richard Lawson, is said to now be in a stable condition.

The Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources have advised that, while timber rattle snakebites are certainly rare, it is always wise for hikers to take precautions in the form of high-topped leather walking boots and an eagle eye for snakes before sitting down or reaching to the ground around brushes, logs, or rocks. All of these simple measures are ones that may save your life.

Body of Missing Skier Discovered in Washington

Paul Melby, a 40-year-old man from Lakewood in Washington, took his ski wear to the slopes of Crystal Mountain on March 1st and was last seen skiing by himself on the mountain's High Campbell area, a known spot for advanced skiers.

Repeated attempts were made by search and rescue teams to find the missing skiing enthusiast, however the searches were not successful. The mission was temporarily abandoned, but started again at the beginning of June as the deep snow began to melt.

Last Wednesday afternoon the body of the man was discovered in dense woods known to locals as the 'Mine Shaft' at an elevation of around 5,600 feet by an employee who was skiing through the woods and spotted Melby's skis and semi-buried body amongst the trees, said Crystal Mountain Ski Patrol director Paul Baugher.

His remains were discovered in a tree well and it is presumed he fell in whilst skiing and suffocated. The conditions on the day he went missing have been said to be treacherous: stormy and with heavy snowfall.

Baugher went on to say, "This didn't fit the profile where he would go, but the problem is when you're not with anybody you can be anywhere. A guy like that can ski anything.

“The message is not to ski alone. This could have had a different outcome if he'd had someone there," he continued. "When you're by yourself, there's no margin for error. Our thoughts are with all of Melby’s friends and family as they finally get to say goodbye. He will be deeply missed.”

Naked Hiking is a Hit in Germany

Just over a year ago, Germany opened its first ever 'nude hiking trail' near the town of Dankerode to cater for the country's growing network of outdoors loving naturists. It has been widely reported that this controversial attraction has been a popular hit with its visitors ever since its opening.

Walking boots and rucksacks will be just about all the outdoor wear you will need if you ever choose to take the 11 mile trek through this designated nudist area. Prepare to see signs warning you “Anyone who doesn’t want to see naked bodies may not proceed further!” as you enter the reserved trail, in a bid to protect any clueless, fully dressed passersby from an unexpected shock.

The move to create the country's first official naturist hiking trail came as a response to the growing number of altercations between clothed hikers and nude hikers encountering one another in the great outdoors. It is no great surprise that the trail, set against the beautiful backdrop of the Harz Mountains, has proved to be so popular, given that the German Society of Nudists sports an impressive membership base of 50,000.

Enthusiasts describe naked hiking as like being in paradise and state that the experience is one of freedom and one that floods you with happiness.

Nudist hiking is also a popular pastime in nearby Switzerland, however this country as of yet lacks any designated trails for the uninhibited naturists out there. This may be soon set to change, however, as the issue of nude hiking is set to be raised in Switzerland’s Supreme Court.

National Parks Good for the Economy and Public Health

Statistics have recently been released revealing that the UK's 15 National Parks receive more than 70 million visitors each year who spend over 160 million days visiting the parks, which contributes an impressive £4.5 billion to the economy annually. Some of the most sought after National Parks, entry to which is free of charge to the public, include (but are by no means limited to) the Peak and Lake Districts, Snowdonia, the Yorkshire Dales and the Cairngorms.

The chairman of the UK Association of National Park Authorities, Carl Lis, commented, "In such financially austere times it’s good to see the significant value and economic benefits that National Parks deliver for society as a whole and our figures support and reinforce the conclusions of the recently published National Ecosystem Assessment by Government.

"Together with others National Park Authorities make sure that National Parks are kept beautiful, open, and accessible so that everyone can take time out from the stresses of daily life to refresh mind, body, and spirit in stunning natural surroundings."

He also went on to note the many benefits that local businesses and communities see as a result of the tourism in the these unspoilt beauty spots in the form of revenue generated in B&Bs and hotels, shops, eating and drinking establishments and local services.

From the 25th to the 31st of July, it will be the annual National Parks Week again in Britain, in celebration of these awe-inspiring beauty spots and in an attempt to raise awareness of their existence and appeal. Various exciting events and activities will be on offer around the country, so why not strap on your walking boots, and get involved?

Famous Rapper Injured in Jet Ski Accident

World famous hip hop and rap artist Sean Kingston was seriously injured on Sunday in a jet skiing accident at Miami Beach in Florida, USA.

Both he and an unnamed female passenger crashed head on into a bridge at around 6pm local time whilst riding their jet ski, and went into the sea. Crew on a passing boat raced over in their life jackets and hauled the pair out of the water.

The two victims were rushed to Jackson Memorial Hospital in Miami and reports say both were taken to the trauma ward, suggesting that they might both be in a critical condition. Official reports are vague, however, with one of Kingston's representatives releasing the following short statement: "Sean Kingston was in an accident today. No further details are available at the moment. He and his family thank everyone for the well-wishes."

Police are investigating the incident and have reported that they do not suspect that alcohol has played a part in the incident.

People around the world will be praying for a full recovery for the 21-year-old “Beautiful Girls” singer and his female friend. After news of the accident surfaced, social micro blogging site Twitter erupted with get-well messages for the star, from both fans and celebrities.

"got my friend @seankingston in my prayers tonight. a true friend and big bro. please keep him in your prayers tonight as well." tweets young singer, Justin Bieber.

Meanwhile Rihanna tweeted "Sean we praying for u baby".

Within hours of the news breaking, the number one topic of discussion on the site became #prayforseankingston, with Jet Ski Crash ranking number seven.

Ireland's 'Holy Mountain' in Danger of Ruin

Concerns are rising in Ireland over the state of the country's holiest mountain, Croagh Patrick. Locals say the mountain is being worn down and damaged by modern hikers who are failing to respect the nature of the land.

Legend has it that in 441 AD St. Patrick resided on the mountain for 40 days and 40 nights whilst fasting, making this a monumental landmark in Ireland's history. However, if popular opinion is right, the mountain may not be there forever if no preventative measures are taken against the damage that is being caused by the hiking enthusiasts in their outdoor clothing.

A local priest, Father Michael Macgreil, warns, "If we don't do something about Croagh Patrick it won't be there in the future" at the latest Western Tourism Organisation AGM in Mayo.

"The growing number of climbers on the mountain is now cutting into the mountain and their heels are digging into the shale on the path. It is not like when pilgrims went up in their bare feet; they didn't damage the path."

It is reported that areas of the pathway that leads to the top of the peak are now virtually inaccessible as a result of the harm being done to the land, which has led to nine medical emergencies to which the Mayo Mountain Rescue team have been called out.

Sadly, visitors are now being warned to avoid climbing to the summit in order to prevent further injuries because of the erosion and treacherous terrain.

Man Killed in Tragic Surfing Accident

People who were surfing at Currumbin Alley off the Gold Coast of Australia at 8:48am on Sunday 8th May have been left reeling in shock after a man in his forties was killed in a freak accident whilst riding the waves.

The surfer, who has not yet been identified, failed to catch the crest of a wave and as he was coming down a fibreglass boat following shortly behind collided with him, causing serious injury.

The boat did a U-turn to return to the aid of the surfer, and fellow surfers in the surrounding waters also rushed over in their wetsuits to the scene.

Surf-skier Sharon Kyme gave the following account of the tragic events: “I was holding his head and …we had to bandage his head with a towel.

“Once we got him to the boat ramp the lifeguards and ambulance came quickly, helped keep him still, and gave assistance.

“He was not talking, but was breathing.”'

Regional duty officer Inspector Geoff Palmer said that in “an area with surf across the bar and boats going in and out, this had a propensity to happen”. The surfer was rushed to the Gold Coast Hospital in a critical condition where medics were unable to save his life and later pronounced him dead.

The boat driver is said to have been treated for shock.

Palmer warns that this sad event should be a reminder to both surfers and boat users to be more aware of one another when riding the ocean.

Californian Hiker Killed in Tragedy

When Sean and Christopher Davis, brothers from Rancho Cucamonga, California, put on their outdoor wear and headed for Cucamonga Canyon the last thing they imagined was that only one would return. But after a devastating turn of events this became a reality for the brothers after the pair fell around 100 feet near a waterfall in the Canyon during their hiking trip at 10:15am last Sunday.

However while 22 year old Christopher had his fall broken, his 26 year old brother continued to fall a further 260 feet down the mountainside, making this horrific accident a fatal one for Sean Davis.

Christopher sustained severe leg injuries but was able to crawl to a nearby hiking trail where he was found by a fellow hiker who called Rancho Cucamonga Fire Department for help. A search and rescue team was sent out to find his brother and the Sheriff-Coroner Department pronounced him dead at the scene after the sad discovery had been made.

The sheriff's Air Rescue 6 helicopter embarked upon a rescue mission at 11am to hoist Christopher Davis to safety. He was transferred to a local hospital where he has been treated for serious injuries including a compound fracture to the leg.

It has been reported that the pair of brothers fell from an elevation of 2,300 feet in the Canyon. In a news release the Sheriff's Deputy Carlos Quezada described the area they fell as "very rough, extremely steep and very rugged” and said "People do not normally climb down from the specific section where they had fallen”.

Bodies of Tragic Skiers Uncovered in Wyoming, USA

Walker Pannell Kuhl and Gregory Seftick, two men in their late twenties and early thirties who had slung on their ski jacket cheerfully on Saturday April 16th, the last day they were seen alive, to embark upon a two-day skiing adventure, were reported missing the following Monday after Kuhl failed to turn up for work.

After an exhausting six-day search, hopes never fading that the pair would be found alive, the bodies of the two men were recovered from beneath 13 feet of snow at 9,000 feet in Garnet Canyon of Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming.

It is thought that an avalanche swept the men away and buried them while they were inside their tents and sleeping bags.

The bodies of the men were discovered after search teams' transceivers detected a signal being emitted by the one of the skiers' avalanche beacons. The searchers are now trying to establish why the signal was only detected late on Saturday, when they had been searching that debris field for two days.

The team were forced to retire before being able to uncover the bodies on Saturday as daylight was fading and the search helicopter's flying hours were limited by regulations, but the rangers flew back to the site on Sunday morning and the sad discovery was made.

The bodies of the men, an emergency room doctor and a US Treasury Department employee, were airlifted to a mortuary in Jackson, Wyoming to be met by their grieving relatives, some of whom were in the valley when the bodies were discovered.

Scottish Skiing Season to be Prolonged by Bubble Wrap

Skiing enthusiasts in the Cairngorms might be able to don their skiwear for an extra week or two next season, if Professor John McClatchey, a scientist working for the University of the Highland and Island's Environmental Research Institute, has his way.

As climate change is believed to have been leading Scotland's skiing season to progressively shorten year after year, climatologists such as Prof McClatchey have been scratching their heads over how to tackle this growing problem.

The wind, rain, and sun have been plaguing the bank balances of ski resort owners for a lengthy period of time since the conditions have been both blowing away and melting the snow prematurely and creating weak patches on the pistes, cutting the season short by an average of two more days each year.

As McClatchey has proved, sometimes the best ideas are the simplest. In an interview with BBC Radio Scotland he revealed that he had been testing out his theory that bubble wrap laid over areas of ski slopes could delay the snow's deterioration. "I used single coverings, double coverings and ones painted silver to increase the reflectivity of the material” he said, going on to state that ordinary and silver-painted coverings worked best in reducing the effects of the elements.

Ski resort managers will now be looking into the practicalities of McClatchey's recommendations and are hoping to utilise them so they can stretch their skiing seasons out by a further couple of weeks every year.

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Ski Patrol Dog Rescued

A lost ski patrol dog was stuck down a hole in the Scottish hills for two days before being rescued.

Bode disappeared while on her morning round, checking for hazards on the ski runs, with Kate Hunter, head of ski patrol at the Glenshee centre.

The young cross-collie disappeared at about 1030am on Saturday.

Kate's friends found Bode down a 5ft (1.52m) hole in peat, which was buried under heath and snow close to the centre, late on Sunday afternoon.

Kate said: "She was cold and wet but otherwise okay. She was allowed to sleep on the sofa on Sunday night."

Snow forecast in Europe

According to today’s weather forecasts, snow is expected across our reported resorts in France, Switzerland, Austria and Italy in the next 9-10 days.

If you going skiing this half term be sure to check our weather reports here:

http://www.chelstondirect.com/info-hub/ski-weather-reports.html

For Ski Wear visit our online shop here: http://www.chelstondirect.com/

Reichelt wins Super-G

Austrian Hannes Reichelt beat Benjamin Raich to take the World Cup Super-G at Hinterstoder.

Reichelt finished 0.34 seconds ahead of Raich to record his fifth World Cup victory. Overall World Cup leader Ivica Kostelic of Croatia took fifth place, with Switzerland's Carlo Janka in fourth.

Reiter Lamborghini Gallardo Strada Goes Skiing

Heavy snowfall in French & Italian resorts

After a prolonged dry spell heavy snow has returned to many ski resorts in Europe.

The snow arrived this week, with the Italian resort of Chiesa seeing the bigest dump (70cm). Serre Chevalier had 50cm and La Grave 35cm.

Snowfall in Austrian resorts, where conditions have been warm a couple of weeks, has been more varied: St Anton and Ischgl had just 5cm of fresh snow this week, while Ellmau and Söll have reported no significant falls since late December. The best conditions remain at higher altitudes.

Ski Sunday Returns!

Graham Bell and Ed Leigh present coverage of the men's giant slalom from Adelboden in Switzerland. Austrian Benjamin Raich has won three of the last four giant slaloms at the Kuonisbaergli course, including most recently in 2009. He was denied the chance to add a fourth win when 2010's event was cancelled due to fog. There is also some spectacular action featuring 16 of the world's best snowboarders going head-to-head at the Oakley Air and Style Big Air snowboard event in Beijing.

17:00 on BBC Two