Akio Shinya receives a lifetime achievement award

Akio Shinya receives a lifetime achievement award

A hush fell over the room at Kitsbuhel’s Hotel Arosa on Saturday night during the 2014 World Ski Awards. Two hundred ebullient winners and award nominees were humbled, forks suspended in mid-air, and gala dinner forgotten, as a modest speech made by Akio Shinya in acceptance of his lifetime achievement award for his dedication to research into avalanche safety, elevated us all to higher planes.

Duncan and I were in Kitzbuhel representing Bramble Ski at the second annual Worlds Ski Awards and we were in celebration mode having just been presented with a win for “Austria’s best chalet”  going to our Chalet 1597 in Lech.  When Shinya stood up to accept his lifetime award, he looked fantastic in full Japanese formal dress but what he had to say was far more impressive.

A Life Worth Living: Akio Shinya

Shinya has dedicated his life to the principle that the mountains should be open for all to ski without boundaries or no-go zones, with personal responsibility being taken by all, for the safety of all. Based in Niseko, Hokkaido in Japan, Shinya is the chief of the Niseko Avalanche Research Institute.  This is one of the snowiest places on earth and the Institute gathers data constantly with a mission to improve safety on the mountains.  Shinya is often found at the top of the mountain personally reminding backcountry skiers to stay safe.  We were blown away by this man’s dedication to his cause and pursuit of happiness for all.

We would like to thank the organisers of the World Ski Awards for a spectacular celebration but most of all for introducing us to this wonderful man and his work.

Photos from Saturday evening’s event in Kitzbühel

Photos thanks to the World Ski Awards.

Take a peek inside Chalet 1597 in Lech

Photography of Chalet 1597 thanks to Yves Garneau.

Bramble Ski exclusively operates luxury apartments and chalets in Austria, Switzerland, and France. If you’d like to know more about our award-winning Chalet 1597, or any other properties on our portfolio, please contact the sales office on [email protected] or tel +41 22 534 9774.

26^th November 2014