Summer Jamboree on the Lake 2023

The Biggest Skiing Showdown of 2024 is here! Whether you're following the sport or the spectacle, this guide covers everything you need to know about this season’s alpine ski world cup.What is the Alpine Ski World Cup? The Alpine Ski World Cup 2024-2025 is one of the most prestigious annual series in the sport since 1967 with athletes from across the globe pushing their limits on the world’s most challenging slopes.  What happens in the Alpine Ski World Cup?  Organised by the International Ski Federation (FIS), this World Cup is a season-long competition showcasing the world's elite skiers across various global venues. From October to March, it features thrilling races in five major disciplines: Slalom: Known for its tight, rapid turns, and closely spaced gates, demanding agility and precision. Giant Slalom (GS): Similar to slalom but with gates spaced farther apart, allowing skiers to reach higher speeds and control. Super-G: A hybrid of giant slalom and downhill, this discipline features longer turns with fewer gates. Downhill: The fastest and most daring event, downhill is all about long, sweeping turns on steep slopes with top speeds. Alpine Combined: A true test of versatility, combining one downhill or super-G run with one slalom run, challenging skiers to excel in both speed and technical mastery. Over the season, skiers vie for two types of trophies:  Overall, Crystal Globe: Awarded to the skier with the most cumulative points across all disciplines. Discipline Crystal Globes: Given to the athletes with the highest points in individual events, such as Slalom, Downhill, or Super-G. This thrilling circuit brings together the best in the sport, where every race brings skiers closer to the coveted crystal globes and a place in skiing history. The impressive history and athletes of the Alpine Ski World Cup The Alpine Ski World Cup has a rich history, dating back to its inception in 1967 when French journalist Serge Lang initiated the first season.  Among the legends is Ingemar Stenmark of Sweden, who holds an impressive record of 86 World Cup race victories and Lindsey Vonn from the USA has left an indelible mark, with 82 victories, cementing her status as one of the greatest female skiers in history. More recently, the World Cup has been dominated by stars like Mikaela Shiffrin (USA), renowned for her ability to excel across multiple disciplines, and Marcel Hirscher (Austria), a dominant force in the men's circuit and a multiple-time overall World Cup champion. Check out the Calendar for the Audi FIS Alpine Ski World Cup 2024-2025 to find out the key destinations and dates for races! You can see here some of the dates:Bormio (ITA) December 28th Downhill / Men December 29th Super-G / Men Kranjska Gora (SLO) January 4th Giant Slalom / Women January 5th Slalom / Women  Sestriere (ITA) February 22nd Giant Slalom / Women February 23rd Slalom / Women Kranjska Gora (SLO) March 1st Giant Slalom / Men March 2nd Slalom / Men La Thuile (ITA)  March 15th Downhill / Women March 16th Super-G / Women Experience the ultimate thrill at Alpine Ski World Cup  About the areaThe World Cup races take place at some of the most prestigious ski resorts worldwide, spanning Europe, North America, and occasionally Asia. Iconic venues include: Sestrière (Italy): Nestled within the expansive Milky Way (Via Lattea) ski area, Sestrière is famed for hosting thrilling giant slalom and slalom events, attracting top athletes to its demanding slopes. Kranjska Gora (Slovenia): A fan-favourite destination, this picturesque resort is a key stop for slalom and giant slalom races, beloved for its scenic backdrop and passionate local supporters. Bormio (Italy): Set in the stunning Italian Alps of Lombardy, Bormio is a standout venue in the World Cup circuit, known for its formidable downhill and super-G courses that test even the most skilled skiers. Event Details Name of the event: Alpine Ski World Cup Location: Various renowned ski resorts around the world. Date: From October 26, 2024, to March 27, 2025.  Official Event Website: Alpine Ski World Cup Ready to experience the excitement of the Alpine Ski World Cup 2024-2025? Book your stay in the heart of the action and enjoy the thrill like never before!

Ride on the Edge with the Free Ride World Tour in Andorra! Launched in 2008, the FWT isn't just a competition, it's an adrenaline-fueled journey that keeps athletes and fans on the edge of their seats. Imagine standing atop a mountain, heart racing, with untouched snow and jagged cliffs ahead. This is Freeride World Tour (FWT), a premier global series where the world's most daring skiers and snowboarders push the limits on the most extreme terrain.  What to expect in Free Ride World Tour? The Free Ride World Tour is all about freeride disciplines. Athletes ski or snowboard down steep, unmarked mountain slopes, picking their paths. The challenge? Mixing creativity, control, and style while tackling cliffs, rocks, and untouched snow. It includes men’s and women’s categories in skiing and snowboarding, with each event unfolding over multiple competition rounds. For rising stars, the Freeride World Qualifier (FWQ) offers a pathway to the main tour, where up-and-coming riders compete for a coveted spot on the FWT. Many top free riders, like Xavier de Le Rue, Candide Thovex, and Arianna Tricomi, have gained fame through the FWT. Event Locations The tour takes place across five main events in famous freeride destinations around the world. While locations may vary, these are the major stops: Vallnord-Arcalís, Andorra: This location offers a perfect playground for athletes in all categories to unleash their tricks and big mountain turns. Verbier, Switzerland: Known for its legendary Bec des Rosses peak, Verbier is the home to the prestigious Verbier Xtreme final, with steep, technical lines that test the best. Fieberbrunn, Austria: Famous for its Wildseeloder face, with a 583 m vertical drop and steep, technical lines. Riders tackle a two-run format, where only the best score counts, raising the stakes for every run. Kicking Horse, Canada: A freeride haven, this resort features deep powder, massive cliffs, and a passionate local crowd. Hakuba, Japan: As Japan's largest and most renowned alpine resort, Hakuba offers a wide range of terrain, catering to everyone from beginners to experts. What happens in Andorra during the Freeride World Tour? The FWT is fiercely competitive, and not every athlete qualifies for the entire tour. Riders accumulate points at each event, with the top scorers advancing to the season's final showdown in Verbier.  The Andorra stop is more than just a competition; it's a major draw for freeride fans and winter sports enthusiasts. Spectators can enjoy the action from designated viewing areas or follow the event through live streams. Ultimately, the Freeride World Tour showcases the thrill of high-risk, high reward freeride skiing and snowboarding at some of the world’s most iconic mountain locations. Experience the thrill at the Free Ride World Tour About the area: One of the Free Ride World Tour's stops is in Andorra, a picturesque principality nestled in the Pyrenees. The event is held at Vallnord-Arcalís, a premier freeride destination renowned for its diverse and challenging terrain. Vallnord-Arcalís, with its steep faces, rugged cliffs, and intricate off-piste routes, has been a staple on the FWT circuit for years. The area’s high-quality natural snow and unique features make it a magnet for top freeride athletes. Beyond the excitement of the event, Andorra also benefits significantly from tourism. The region is famed for its duty-free shopping, rich mountain culture, and excellent skiing infrastructure, all of which enhance the overall experience for visitors. Event Details Name of the event:  Free Ride World Tour Location: Several around the world Date: January-March 2025 Official Event Website: Free Ride World Tour

Enjoy the biggest celebration in Greece at the Patras Carnival!One of the most famous and vibrant carnivals in Greece, the Patras Carnival, also known as the "Patrino Karnavali" in Greek, is celebrated annually in the city of Patras. The carnival draws visitors from all over Greece and beyond and has a long and rich history dating back to the early 19th century, influenced by both Greek traditions and European carnival traditions, particularly Italian and French. Lasting for several weeks, with the main events and festivities culminating in the weekend before Clean Monday marking the beginning of Lent in the Eastern Orthodox Christian calendar.But the highlight of the Patras Carnival is the Grand Parade, also known as the "Great Parade of Carnival," which takes place on the final Sunday of the carnival season. The parade features elaborate floats, colourful costumes, music, dance, and various performances, and it draws thousands of participants and spectators. Each year, the carnival features a specific theme that is satirised and explored throughout the festivities, often reflecting current events, political or social issues, or historical references.Participants and spectators dress up in elaborate costumes, masks, and makeup, ranging from traditional to creative and humorous. The carnival also includes a wide range of events and activities, such as concerts, street parties, theatre performances, and art exhibitions. Local bars and restaurants host special events during the carnival period.The Patras Carnival is deeply rooted in the local culture, and its traditions have been passed down for generations. It's not only a time of joy and celebration but also serves as a platform for social and political commentary through satire and humour. Traditional carnival foods, such as "tiganites" (fried doughnuts) and local dishes, are enjoyed during the celebrations. The carnival is an important cultural event in Greece, gaining international recognition for its unique character and the involvement of the local community and visitors alike.A vibrant float at the Patras Carnival, with festivities all aroundAbout the area: Patras is a major city in Greece, located on the Gulf of Patras in the northern part of the Peloponnese peninsula. It has a rich history, a busy port, and is the third-largest city in Greece. Patras is known for its cultural events, including the famous Patras Carnival, and is home to institutions of higher education. The city boasts landmarks like the Roman Odeon and Patras Castle, and it's an important transportation hub with the Rio-Antirrio Bridge connecting the Peloponnese to the mainland. Patras has a diverse economy and a dynamic urban atmosphere, making it a significant and lively destination.Event DetailsName of the event: Patras Carnival 2024Location: Several venues in Patras Date: From 17/01/2025 to 03/03/2025 Official Event Website: Patras CarnivalFind the perfect way to round up the carnival in Greece!Use the code "BLOGDIRECT" to get 10% discount on your stay

With deep cultural and historical roots, the Rijeka Carnival unites the community in celebration! Let us go and see what the 2025 edition has in store...A vibrant and significant cultural event, the Rijeka Carnival in Croatia traditionally commences in January and concludes on Shrove Tuesday. The carnival is recognised internationally, holding a special place in the European Carnival Cities Federation and is known for its imaginative masks and costumes, with participants, both local and visiting, that contribute to the lively atmosphere with satirical and humorous themes.The highlight of the carnival is the grand parade, featuring elaborate floats, music, and dancing, showcasing creativity. In Rijeka Carnival, the event programme includes the Children’s Carnival Parade and the International Carnival Parade, drawing participants and spectators globally. Additional official events encompass the Carnival DJ Session, Carnival Snowboard Session, Zvončari, a group of masked bell ringers, and the Balinjerada, a downhill race of homemade vehicles. The International Carnival Parade, the most popular and awaited event, marks the peak of the celebration, attracting hundreds of thousands of people from diverse corners of the world to join in the festivities. The conclusion of the Rijeka Carnival involves the symbolic burning of the Pust, bidding farewell to the negativity of the previous year. On Shrove Tuesday, the official closing day, the keys of the city are returned to the mayor, and the carnival flag is ceremoniously lowered, marking the official end of the Rijeka Carnival. A fun-filled music group at Rijeka CarnivalAbout the area: Rijeka, Croatia's third-largest city, is a historic port city on the Adriatic Sea. It boasts a rich cultural history influenced by various civilizations. The city features landmarks like Trsat Castle and the Governor's Palace. Rijeka is renowned for its diverse architecture and hosts the lively Rijeka Carnival, one of Croatia's largest. The city is home to the University of Rijeka and serves as a significant academic and economic hub, with the Port of Rijeka being a vital trade gateway. Rijeka held the title of European Capital of Culture in 2020, showcasing its cultural vibrancy and attracting visitors with various events throughout the year.Event DetailsName of the event: Rijeka CarnivalLocation: Several venues in RijekaDate: January 17 - March 5, 2025 Event Website: Rijeka CarnivalAre you ready to be a part of the most a cherished and significant event on the Adriatic Coast?Use the code "BLOGDIRECT" to get 10% discount on your stay

A Celebration of Love, Art, and Culture: Luv Fest 2025// LUV is the candles on Gradaščica stream on St Gregory's Day, and an evening kiss in a secluded bar in Šiška. // LUV is a family of nutrias in Moste. So are the locks on the Butcher's Bridge. // LUV is a masquerade party. // LUV is love. // LUV is Ljubljana.” What is love?At Ljubljana LUV Fest, you will get a slice of everything that is loved in the Slovenian capital. From creative workshops and concerts, culinary tastings, exhibitions, and performances to simple pleasures of life like tasting coffee in inviting Ljubljana cafes and relishing rich chocolate cake in the Atelier, everything this Feb-March in Ljubljana celebrates love in its full splendour.What to expect? LUV Fest is a celebration of love, art, and exploration. The festival begins on 8th February, a national holiday honouring the country’s greatest poet, France Prešeren, and ends with the traditional start of bird courtship season. This vibrant event showcases a deep love for Slovenian culture, heritage, and language, making it a unique way to experience the heart of Slovenia.A Celebration of Slovenian CultureExplore Ljubljana’s heritage through exhibitions and workshops showcasing Slovenian history and creativity. On February 8, Prešeren Day, enjoy free entry to museums, galleries, cultural institutions, and guided tours of Prešeren’s Ljubljana. Do not miss out on the artistic project blending light and sound, crafted by Tina Žen on 1st March.Fun for Families and Kids LUV Fest is perfect for families, offering a range of creative activities like crafts, games, and storytelling sessions. Children and parents alike can enjoy engaging workshops and outdoor adventures designed for learning and bonding.  Rhythms of Love: Music and Dance The KIZZ KISS Festival offers a mix of music, dance, and art, bringing together people from around the world every year for a fun and memorable experience. Celebrate with rhythm and movement!About the area Ljubljana is an intimate, cosy, and lively city that gives authentic emotions. Here art, history, local culture and natural sites are beautifully intertwined and range from atmospheric boast rides on the river Ljubljanica to the stunning 1900s Dragon Bridge, the whimsical city's library called the National and University Library (NUK), the hilltop Ljubljana Castle and the lush Tivoli Park. The city is also dotted with lots of trendy cafes and shopping streets to get a modern taste of Slovenia. Event Details Event Name: LUV Fest Date: 8 February-12 March 2025 Location: Various locations around Ljubljana, Slovenia Official Event Website: LUV Fest Come, fall in love with Ljubljana in a million ways!Use the code "BLOGDIRECT" to get 10% discount on your stay