SAM Magazine-Strandafjellet, Norway, Oct. 28, 2008-Five Norwegian ski areas are launching a new joint pass, giving access to a combined 25 lifts and 53 slopes in the Sunnmore region.

The "Alpepass" will be available this season, and includes the ski resorts of Strandafjellet Skisenter, Sunnmørsalpane Skiarena Fjellseter, Stordal Alpinsenter, Stryn Skisenter and Harpefossen Skisenter, with up to 2,700 feet of vertical drop. The resorts will market their potential for powder skiing, says manager Hans Anders Rindhølen at Strandafjellet Skiresort.

"Almost every season we are rated in the top 10 list on average snowfall in Europe," says Rindhølen. "This is good news for any skier searching untracked powder." \