Bumper weekend on Belgian ski slopes

31 January 2005

BRUSSELS – Belgian ski slopes were buzzing this weekend, as thousands took to pistes in the Ardennes.

Resorts in Elsenborn, Mont-Rigi, Baraque Michel and the Nature Centre at Botrange reported record numbers of skiers from Belgium, Germany and the Netherlands.

The Mont-Rigi resort said that 99 percent of its ski equipment had been hired out.

Sourbrodt also reported that all of its equipment had been booked since last Tuesday.

Although the weather forecast is predicting a thaw, it should still be possible to take advantage of the slopes for the next few days at least.

Hopes are growing that the bumper season could be boosted by further snowfalls on Sunday.

But good news for skiers means bad news for dogs.

The 19th international dog show at Saint-Vith had to be cancelled this weekend due to snow.

There were safety concerns for the dogs due to the weather conditions, said Gilbert Germen, president of the ‘snow hook team.’

However, the 3,000 spectators were not sent away without at least viewing a demonstration by the dogs.

The show was a success even though it lacked a competitive element, said Germen.

Subject: Belgian news