LOCAL - LIVE - ESSENTIAL
#LoveTignes
www.edgemag.net
#LoveValdisere
#LoveLaRosiere
#LoveSainteFoy
1
THE SKI & SNOWBOARD SPECIALISTS
Wide selection of fully serviced skis & snowboards for every budget.
Expert personalised boot-fitting service. Enjoy skiing without your feet hurting! LOOK OUT FOR OUR STORES IN
EDGE readers get an extra 10% off ski rental with code EDGE2018!
LOCAL - LIVE - ESSENTIAL
www.edgemag.net
Andy Parant
WINTER GAMES
E D I T I O N This season will be dominated by the Winter Olympics in PyeongChang, which will give a huge boost to our snowsports athletes and industry. In this edition we’re excited to bring you exclusive insights from two former Olympians – rower turned ski instructor Sir Steve Redgrave (pg10) and alpine skier Emma CarrickAnderson (pg12). We’ve been inspired by Team GB
Paralympians overcoming incredible odds to achieve success (pg26). If their stories make you want to get involved with charity Disability Snowsport UK, to help them give more disabled people the life-changing chance to get out on the mountain and even compete, we tell you how on pg32. Expect the snow parks to be full after everyone sees the tricks our Olympic Park & Pipe team have up their sleeve to take GB to the top of the podium (see pg16). If all the Olympic spirit in the air has made you want to push yourself to try something new, why not give heli-skiing (see pg54)
EDGEMAG.NET Live lift info, maps, snow reports, events, news /edgemagazine /edgemagazine @edgemags Graphics and layout by Vicky Stanaway.
4
or ski touring (see pg8) a go? If improving your skiing is your goal we have expert advice on how to Master The Mountain for you on pg34. With the Olympic flame shining the spotlight on Team GB as an increasingly strong force to be reckoned with on snow, this is going to be an exciting winter for all snowsports lovers - whether you’re out on the hill yourself or watching the action at home 9-25 February. We predict Winter 2018 is going to be world class. Katie Downs, editor
Printed in the UK by The Magazine Printing Company using only paper from FSC/PEFC suppliers. www.magprint.co.uk. Please recycle this magazine when you’re finished with it, or pass it on! Copyright belongs to ECSUS Design Ltd. Edge Magazine is published in the UK and remains the property of ECSUS Design Ltd.
Front cover image by Ryan Mitson.
No part of this publication may be reproduced in whole or part without the written permission of the publishers.
Thanks to the tourist offices of Tignes, Val d’Isere, Sainte Foy and La Rosiere.
Dates, information and prices are believed to be correct at the time of going to print but are subject to change and no responsibility is accepted for ommissions or errors.
Website edgemag.net created by Mountain Breeze IT Services.
Any correspondence and advertising enquiries should be directed to info@edgemag.net.
/edgemagazine
edgemagazine
@edgemags
LOCAL - LIVE - ESSENTIAL
www.edgemag.net
CONTENTS 6 8 10
WHAT’S ON
40
Don’t miss the action
Get your party on
TRY IT LOVE IT
42
Give Ski Touring a go for free
SIR STEVE REDGRAVE
Olympic advice from the much-
medalled rower turned ski instructor
12
VAL D’ISERE APRES
SKI & SURF IN TIGNES
WINTER OLYMPICS: INSIDE TRACK
Plans for a wave pool and indoor summer slope
Insights from former Olympic Alpine skier Emma Carrick-Anderson
DISCOVER TIGNES LES BREVIERES
16
PARK LIFE
43
18
ONES TO WATCH
44
TIGNES EATS
20
SECRET LIFE OF SNOW
46
FAMILY FUN
24
SAFETY FIRST
48
25
AVALANCHE DOG
26
WINTER PARALYMPICS: HOPES & DREAMS
Taking Team GB to the top The Winter Olympics off the slopes
How to predict the next dump
Avalanche kit advice
Check out this hidden gem
Tickle your tastebuds
Fun in the snow for all ages
THROUGH THE LOOKING GLASS
Ski goggles & sun glasses advice
Meet the life-saving hound
Team GB’s ground-breaking parasnowboard team
28
50
SAINTE FOY: POWDER PLAYGROUND Awaken your inner ‘natural skier’
52
A TASTE OF ITALY
54
FRESH TRACKS
56
THE CHANGING FACE OF SKIING
Sneak a slice of Italy into your ski break
Find your perfect line on a heli-ski trip
How the industry is responding to modern skiers
NOT GIVING UP
Meet our para-alpine skiers
32
MAKING A DIFFERENCE
34
MASTER THE MOUNTAIN
36
SKI FIT
38
VAL D’ISERE: PUTTING THE ‘WIN’ IN ‘WINTER’
Get involved with Disability Snowsport UK
Choose your goal and find your run
Stay in shape for the slopes
The changing face of Val d’Isere
#LoveTignes
#LoveValdisere
#LoveLaRosiere
62
SLOPE STYLE
64
GO ECO
66
TO SKI OR NOT TO SKI
67
READY FOR ANYTHING
68
OFFERS & PRIZES
70
DIRECTORY
The latest looks on the hill
How eco-friendly is your alpine chalet?
How to spend time off the slopes
Who’s got your back?
Win a week’s ski hire Essential numbers
#LoveSainteFoy
5
LOCAL - LIVE - ESSENTIAL
WHAT’S
ON
www.edgemag.net
8-17
DECEMBER
Criterium de la Premiere Neige The ski racing season kicks off in Val d’Isere and the resort celebrates in style with music, entertainment and fireworks.
23
JANUARY
Europa Cup Giant Slalom Watch some of the fastest skiers compete on the Face de Bellevarde in Val d’Isere.
17
MARCH
Altigliss Challenge Over 1000 students from all over the world participate in ski races and parties in Val d’Isere. 2014
17-24
MARCH
European Snow Pride & Gay Pride The rainbow flag waves again in Tignes with a line-up of events and parades.
18-22
MARCH
Andy Parant
6
Halfpipe World Cup Final Unbelievable tricks from the world’s best freestylers in Tignes’ unique XXL halfpipe.
/edgemagazine
edgemagazine
@edgemags
LOCAL - LIVE - ESSENTIAL
www.edgemag.net
FREE EVENTS IN TIGNES WITH Avalanche safety training Tignes Le Lac Snow front. Every Sunday. 5pm to 7pm. Tignes Val Claret outside Evolution 2 office. Every Monday. 5pm to 7pm. Introduction to Snowboarding for 5 to 9-year-olds Tignes Le Lac Kid’s Club. Every Sunday during school holidays. 2pm to 4pm.
TRY THIS Snowtubing Spin down a choice of 3 runs at speeds of up to 45kmph on a giant rubber ring. Go straight from the slopes (no need to remove ski boots) for a fun-filled hour. Ages 3+. Lower Tignes Val Claret entrance. Monday to Saturday. 2pm to 9pm. From €15 Pala’Fou A crazy 3km toboggan ride from the top of Palafour chairlift after the slope closes to skiers. Helmet and head torch provided. Height restriction 1m40. No ski boots. Tignes Le Lac. Sunday to Friday. 4.45pm to 7.30pm. From €8.
Stef Cande
Val d’Isere Tourism
MARCH
22-24
Winter Golf Play a course through the centre of Val d’Isere and on the slopes.
MARCH
25-6
Delancey British National Alpine Ski Championships The ‘best of British’ ski racing return to Tignes for the biggest event in the Alpine calendar. APRIL
16-18
Live in France by Francofolies A 3-day slope-front music festival with various stages dotted around Tignes.
Keep checking our EDGE online calendar for up-to-date events listings valdiseretignes. edgemag.net/events
#LoveTignes
#LoveValdisere
Try Snake Gliss and Airboard Fun zone at the foot of La Savonnette piste. Every Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday. From 5.30pm Parental supervision is necessary. Sledge Zone. A safe area to have fun sledging. Nursery slope to the left of the Savonette lift. Every day. 10am to 5pm Parental supervision is necessary. Sledges not provided. Airstar Night Light The resort centre is filled with light sculptures, ice carvings, live music and
#LoveLaRosiere
street entertainment. Free mulled wine and hot chocolate. Every Thursday in January and February. From 6pm Behind-The-Scenes Tours Witness the underground snow-making cavern, see how the ski lifts work, visit avalanche blasting machines or find out the history of Val d’Isere. Various Tuesdays, Wednesdays & Thursdays. Various times. Book at the main Tourist Information Office. English spoken. *Events, dates and times may change
#LoveSainteFoy
7
LOCAL - LIVE - ESSENTIAL
www.edgemag.net
TRY IT
LOVE IT
It’s the latest craze on the mountain, but have you wondered what ski touring is about and if it’s for you? Now you can try it for free on our introductory sessions held every Monday in Tignes Le Lac. Mountain Story - Skiset offer free hire of the specialist equipment needed to get up - as well as down - the hill on skis, while you learn the techniques from qualified instructors.
WHAT IS SKI TOURING? When chairlifts are ready to sweep you to the top of your run in minutes, why spend an hour walking up instead? For some, it’s about exercise – they want to ‘earn their turns’. For others, it’s about the freedom to access snow the lifts can’t reach. And some enjoy the slow ascent for the chance to chat with friends and take in the view. Ski touring is becoming more popular with each season as brands bring out new kit and skiers look to get away from resort crowds. Snowboarders are right behind, too, on the latest split boards – snowboards that come apart in the middle to resemble two fat skis for the walk uphill, and join together again for the descent.
8
/edgemagazine
edgemagazine
@edgemags
LOCAL - LIVE - ESSENTIAL
www.edgemag.net
Squash Falconer
“ Discover the mountain when lifts are closed and you have it all to yourself. When the only thing you can hear is the sound of skis sliding on the snow step by step. The feeling when you reach the top, rewarded for your efforts by stunning unspoiled views. It’s an experience to share with friends or family. Anyone can do it. Choose your own pace and enjoy exercise in the open, not in a gym. If you try it, you’ll love it.
“
HOW DO YOU DO IT? • Special bindings unclip at the back allowing you to lift your heel and walk, dragging the ski along the snow. • Stick ‘skins’ to the bottom of each ski – they have fur that creates friction on the snow, stopping you from sliding down. • Specific touring skis are light so that you can walk easily, but have enough weight for a fun descent. • Extendable poles with larger baskets enable you to use your upper body to help walking through powder.
GET INVOLVED Sessions held every Monday – book beforehand at the Mountain Story - Skiset shop, in front of Palafour lift in Tignes Le Lac. Meet at 4.45pm ready to start at 5pm. Places are limited. If you love it, which we’re sure you will, you can then book an outing with a guide and rent the specialist equipment. We’d love to show you more of the mountains! +33 (4) 79 06 33 79 contact@mountainstory.fr www.mountainstory.fr
WHAT TO BRING
Come in your normal skiwear and we’ll look after the rest, kitting you out in specialist touring gear. Make sure you have: Lighter jacket for the climb – you will get hot.
Warmer coat for the descent.
Water – it’s thirsty work, skiing uphill!
FREE
SKI TOURING KIT HIRE
Val d’Isere Tourism #LoveTignes
#LoveValdisere
#LoveLaRosiere
#LoveSainteFoy
9
LOCAL - LIVE - ESSENTIAL
www.edgemag.net
Phil Guest/Flickr
SIR STEVE REDGRAVE
FROM ROW TO SNOW No-one is looking forward to watching the thrills and spills of the Winter Olympics and Paralympics more than former British Bobsleigh Champion Sir Steve Redgrave. Wait, Bobsleigh Champion? Don’t you mean five-times Olympic gold medal-winning rower, Sir Steve? Well, it’s both actually. After his first Olympic gold on water in 1984, Sir Steve became disillusioned and almost gave up the sport before having a little-known foray into bobsleigh. Around the time of Cool Runnings, the film could almost have been made about Sir Steve and his team. He recalls: “I was asked by a friend in the British team to push for them and we started training by racing a sled on wheels down his drive. We competed at the British Championships in the 2-Man and I went on to win a few medals including a gold in the British Championships in the 4-Man. It gave me back the taste for competition and pushed me back into rowing, because I was better at it and I like to win. After I left the bobsleigh team they improved, so it worked out well for everyone.” It certainly worked out well for Great Britain’s Olympic rowing medal record. But Sir Steve’s love affair with winter sports continued throughout his rowing career with annual family ski trips against the wishes of his coaches. “They didn’t like it but I rowed for so long I had to have a normal life as well and do what I enjoyed,” he argues. “I didn’t take risks,
10
stuck to the piste and took every chance to improve.” Straight and fast Obviously a man who achieves whatever he puts his mind to, Sir Steve is now a qualified ski instructor, and honourary president of BASI (British Association of Snowsport Instructors). Skiing is such a different sport to rowing, so why does he love it? “Rowing is about physical endurance, it can be boring and repetitive,” he says. “On snow you get different conditions every day and I like the fact that gravity is involved - you can go straight and fast without so much effort.”
Straight and fast was certainly the skiing style required on TV series The Jump, which Sir Steve took part in in 2014. The show requires celebrities to train and compete in the gamut of winter sports, with losers pitted against each other in a terrifying ski jump. He grins: “When it came across my desk my manager said it was too dangerous - I said it was me to a ‘T’ and went for it. I don’t like my skis not being on the snow so this was a chance to get out of my comfort zone and try jumps as well as other winter sports. I surprised myself by enjoying the jump itself. Standing at the top looking down for the first time is a horrible feeling but when I got to the bottom I immediately raced back up to do it again.” Sadly he
“ Standing at the top looking down for the first time is a horrible feeling but when I got to the bottom I immediately raced back up to do it again.
/edgemagazine
edgemagazine
“
@edgemags
LOCAL - LIVE - ESSENTIAL
www.edgemag.net
was forced to pull out of the show after breaking a bone in his hand - proving his manager right - but he had no regrets.
skiing gives you a sense of freedom and it can be something you can do better than an able-bodied person”.
The future of British snowsports is bright and this Games will be the most exciting yet, predicts Sir Steve: “For a country with limited Alpine resource we’re competing well now against France, Austria and other places where skiing is part of the curriculum and an everyday activity.” Read more about our Olympic hopefuls on pgs 12-19.
He adds: “Lots of people went to the Paralympic Games in London just to be part of that Olympic spirit but found that the stories behind the athletes actually made the competition more special. Now our Paralympians are getting lots of great coverage and the country’s really getting behind them, as it should.” Read more about our Paralympians, their stories and how you can help, on pgs 26-32.
Strength to strength In particular our Paralympic team is going from strength to strength with expected medals in PyeongChang set to inspire a new generation of disabled athletes. As supporter of charity Disability Snowsport UK, which strives to give any disabled person access to snowsports and also nurtures our Paralympians, Sir Steve says he’s “seen how access to snowsports transforms lives. Whatever your disability,
#LoveTignes
opportunities; ask ‘how can I improve where I am now?’ Underlying it all has to be enjoyment and doing it because you love it. Don’t get bogged down with training and forget that.” That’s advice we can all use.
Ambassador So, as one of Britain’s greatest Olympians himself and a Team GB ambassador, what advice does he have for this winter’s competitors? “You never know what can happen on the day,” he says. “A lot of people mentally switch off if training hasn’t gone well. But you can turn it around and get a better result if your attitude is positive. Look for
#LoveValdisere
#LoveLaRosiere
#LoveSainteFoy
11
LOCAL - LIVE - ESSENTIAL
CHARLIE GUEST Age: 24 Specialism: Slalom Current World Ranking: 108th in Slalom Timeline 1996: Started skiing aged 3 in Cairngorm 2005: First British girl to win an international children’s race 2014: A crash in training results in 4 fractured spinal vertebrae 2015: Debut World Championships at Beaver Creek, finishing 32nd 2016: British Ladies National Slalom Champion R: Emma Carrick-Anderson dynamicpictures.co.uk. B: Charlie Guest Vanessa Fry Photography
www.edgemag.net
WINTER OLYMPICS THE INSIDE TRACK Emma CarrickAnderson was Britain’s top Alpine ski racer for 15 years, and now she teaches in Tignes with her ski school Snoworks. Having competed in 4 Olympic Games, and commentated on the last 3, she has the insight and experience to give us the inside track on Team GB in PyeongChang 2018.
T
he Olympic Games is so much more than just another sporting event. As a competing athlete you have to be incredibly focused on your discipline and most athletes work with sports psychologists to learn how to ignore the hype (though a few love the extra buzz and are able to peak at just the right moment). Now that I’m on the other side of the fence, working as a BBC and Eurosport commentator and pundit, I’m able to really soak up the incredible atmosphere of thousands of athletes, coaches, media and spectators from all around the world coming together to celebrate sport. There is truly nothing quite like it! Following the success of Team GB in Sochi with medals in Skeleton, Curling and Snowboarding will be a very strong team of athletes who have all been competing and training hard over the past 4 years. Flying the Alpine flag will
12
/edgemagazine
edgemagazine
@edgemags
LOCAL - LIVE - ESSENTIAL
www.edgemag.net
WIN
TER
GAM E D ES I T I O N
DAVE RYDING Mo Guile
Zoom Agency
be Britain’s Number 1 Dave Ryding a complete inspiration to all who’ve watched him work his way up through the rankings. He made history as only the second British man ever to podium in a Slalom World Cup in Kitzbuhel in January 2017, with an awesome runnerup position in one of the toughest men’s races. He followed World Number 1 Marcel Hirscher onto the podium that day, but he also put down several times ahead of the Austrian superstar. Dave didn’t start skiing until relatively late but is now among the world’s best aged 30. After ending the 2017 season with a Slalom world ranking of 9th, and five Top10 finishes under his belt, he will certainly have us on the edge of our seats as a real medal contender. On the ladies’ side, Team GB have
“
Charlie Guest and Alex Tilley. They have been training together with exBritish Olympic racer Noel Baxter since November 2016. Both girls will be looking to score Top 30s in the World Cup in the early part of the season with Charlie focusing solely on Slalom and Alex competing in both Giant Slalom and Slalom. Alex has already scored four Top 30s in the technical disciplines. Watch this space as these girls are extremely talented. The Downhill will always pull in the crowds, and the completely new 2800-metre course created for the Games in Jeongseon looks set to give competitors the ride of their lives! It features four jumps - a couple of those designed to launch skiers a distance of 50-60 metres!
The Downhill will always pull in the crowds, and the completely new 2800-metre course created for the Games in Jeongseon looks set to give competitors the ride of their lives!
#LoveTignes
#LoveValdisere
“
#LoveLaRosiere
Age: 30 Specialism: Slalom Current World Ranking: 9th in Slalom Timeline 1992: Started skiing aged 6 at Pendle Ski Club dry slope 2013: Overall Europa Cup Slalom winner 2014: 17th in Slalom at Sochi Winter Olympics 2015: 12th in Val d’Isere World Cup 2017: 2nd in Kitzbuhel World Cup Slalom
Though so often it’s a so-called ‘outsider’ who steals the show, of course we’ll all be watching the big names in February. Julia Mancuso of the US, who has medalled in the last 3 Olympics, tends to rise to the occasion on the big stage. But like America’s most successful ever skier, Lindsey Vonn, she has been plagued by injury recently. The Norwegians Kjetil Jansrud, Aksel Svindal, Leif Kristian Haugen, Aleksander Kilde and of course Henrik Kristoffersen will all be part of the incredibly strong Attacking Viking team. Will Ted Ligety be able to regain his
#LoveSainteFoy
13
LOCAL - LIVE - ESSENTIAL
ER INT
GAM
www.edgemag.net
ES
I O N T I E D W
ALEX TILLEY Age: 24 Specialism: Slalom & Giant Slalom Current World Ranking: 37th in Giant Slalom, 55th in Slalom Timeline 2001: Started skiing aged 8 in Scotland 2015: 19th at the Giant Slalom World Cup in Lienz, Austria 2017: British Giant Slalom champion at the Delancey British Alpine Ski Championships in Tignes
Vanessa Fry Photography
disciplines and will be one to watch in the Combined event. Austrian superstar Marcel Hirscher will surely be looking at picking up some metal as he won the overall Giant and Slalom standings in 2017.
WINTER OLYMPICS THE INSIDE TRACK CONTINUED Olympic Giant Slalom title after missing the 2017 season to injury? Personally, I’ll be watching young Mikaela Shiffrin of the USA. At only 22 years old, she has already achieved more than most of the champions. The 3 x Slalom World Champion and Olympic Champion will certainly have gold in her sights for the Slalom and possibly the Giant Slalom, but she also has goals in the Speed
EMMA’S TOP TIP
NEW EVENT
Don’t miss the newest Alpine discipline - Mixed Team Alpine Skiing. This is such an exciting event and one that everyone can connect with. When competitors run the Slalom course one at a time, sometimes it’s hard to see why one is faster than another. But as the racers go head-to-head in the team event you can really see why and where one is pulling away from another.
It’s going to be exciting and emotional! Enjoy this incredible show of sportsmanship and let’s be proud of Team GB, who all work so hard to reach the highest possible level. Snoworks specialise in race training for kids, off piste and all-terrain ski courses around the world. snoworks.co.uk
WINTER OLYMPICS IN NUMBERS
102 7 events
14
sports
15
Disciplines
90
countries
2500 60 Team 777 athletes
GB athletes medals
/edgemagazine
edgemagazine
@edgemags
LOCAL - LIVE - ESSENTIAL
www.edgemag.net
It is all possible with
More than just your typical ski school
Evolution 2 Tignes Le Lac (Escale Blanche) + 33 (0) 32 89 50 32 - Val Claret (centre) +33 (0)669540001 Evolution 2 Val d’Isere (Snowberry shop) +33 (0)479007729 - booking@evolution2.com
bensbus.com LOW COST SKI TRANSFERS
DIRECT SKI TRANSFERS FROM...
GENEVA AIRPORT GRENOBLE AIRPORT LYON AIRPORT to Tignes, Val d’Isere, St Foy & more Prices start from £41 per person
SPACES ARE LIMITED SO IT IS ADVISABLE TO BOOK EARLY FRIDAY: A Friday Service operates from Lyon Airport only, throughout the ski season. SATURDAY: A regular service operates from all airports on all Saturdays throughout the ski season. SUNDAY: A Sunday service operates from all airports on all Sundays throughout the ski season.
#LoveTignes
#LoveValdisere
#LoveLaRosiere
#LoveSainteFoy
15
LOCAL - LIVE - ESSENTIAL
AM R G NTE
www.edgemag.net
ES
I O N T I E D WI
WINTER OLYMPICS
PARK LIFE The 21-strong GB Park & Pipe team, already recognised as one of the best in the world, is at the forefront of a campaign to see Britain in the Top 5 nations for skiing and snowboarding by 2030.
BIG AIR
Katie Ormerod Christian Pondella/Red Bull
J
enny Jones’ famous snowboard bronze in Sochi captured the imagination and attracted financial investment into the sport, which is already producing results. Snowboarder Katie Ormerod has the PyeongChang podium firmly in her sights following three World Cup podiums and X Games slopestyle bronze last season.
Jamie Nicholls won snowboard slopestyle World Cup gold in 2016, showing how much he’s upped his game since his 6th place in Sochi. Billy Morgan has some record-breaking Big Air snowboard tricks up his sleeve as well as a World Cup bronze medal. In skiing, Katie Summerhayes is determined to better
NEW EVENT
Snowboarders catapult off a huge kicker to perform their most eye-popping tricks, with judges awarding points for difficulty, execution, amplitude and landing.
NEW SNOWSPORTS GENERATION The spectacular freestyle and halfpipe (hence the title Park & Pipe) events, introduced for the first time in Sochi, are thrilling to watch and inspiring a whole new snowsports generation, building towards an ambitious target for 2030. Tignes is set to play a role in helping us get there with the creation of the Apex 2100 ‘high performance ski training centre’ in Le Lac, under the directorship of former England Rugby coach and Team GB leader Sir Clive Woodward.
16
Graeme Murray/Red Bull
/edgemagazine
edgemagazine
@edgemags
LOCAL - LIVE - ESSENTIAL
www.edgemag.net
Woodsy Sam Mellish
Miles Holden/Red Bull
her 7th place in Sochi and just missed the recent World Cup podium despite a strong slopestyle performance. All eyes are on James ‘Woodsy’ Woods as one of our best Olympic medal hopefuls following a winning streak at the start of this World Cup season and X Games gold in Aspen last winter.
He’s certainly proved he’s got the mettle after placing 5th in Slopestyle skiing in Sochi – despite having a broken hip! He was injured when a gust of wind blew him off course during a practice run, but carried on propped up by painkillers. “That competition became something completely different for me,” he recalls. “I was in a lot of pain and had to have my boots put on while lying down, but I managed to hit auto-pilot and still got 5th place. I was stoked!” This philosophical outlook may well be exactly
the attitude necessary to survive in such a high-pressure competitive sport where months, sometimes years, of preparation come down to a single event - and a mistake on the day can cost everything. “I never like to say that I want to win,” he explains. “I just want to do my best at the time, whatever that is on the day.” So how’s he found the Olympic training and preparation? “Training? Urgh – what a horrible word,” he spits. “Skiing is what I love to do so calling it training just sounds wrong. I just keep practicing.”
GET INVOLVED We can all do our bit by getting involved with The British Snowsports Fund, set up to nurture talent and support athletes. Look out for their logo when you book your ski holiday – some
partner companies like Ben’s Bus transfers organise donations within their booking process. Or donate on their website: teambss.org. uk/british-snowsports-fund. Just a couple of pounds donated by
everyone on a ski holiday would make a huge difference! With everyone who loves snowsports getting behind our athletes there are no limits to what we can achieve. Miles Holden/Red Bull
#LoveTignes
#LoveValdisere
#LoveLaRosiere
#LoveSainteFoy
17
LOCAL - LIVE - ESSENTIAL
www.edgemag.net
WINTER OLYMPICS
ONES TO WATCH COMBINED EVENTS
Nordic Combined The Norwegians traditionally dominate this event, which originated as a popular competition at carnivals throughout Norway in the 1800s. Races start with a ski jump, generally of over 100 metres, where points are earned for distance and style. Competitors’ ranking here determines their position on the start line for the subsequent cross-country race, usually 10km. Currently a men-only event, the FIS (International Ski Federation) plans to introduce women’s events this season and to the Winter Olympics in Beijing 2022. Biathlon In this event cross-country racing is combined with rifle shooting. Like something out of a James Bond film, competitors race against the clock and each other to complete a ski course of up to 20km, while shooting targets at intervals from standing and lying positions. A miss incurs a penalty, either of a minute off their time or having to ski an extra loop. There are men’s and women’s events, team and individual, with the most exciting to watch being the Pursuit and Mass Start. Possibly the oldest event, it traces its roots back to early hunters around 6000BC.
PREVIOUS SUCCESS Curling Hopes are high that Team GB can build on the double medal success of Sochi 2014 in Curling. One of the most popular and unusual events, players slide stones across a sheet of ice towards a target area. ‘Sweepers’ brush the ice in front of the stone as it glides, to affect its trajectory (or ‘curl’). More points are scored the closer to the centre the stones lie at the end. Watch out because the opposition could easily knock your perfectly-centred stone out with their next move! The women’s team, headed up again by Eve Muirhead, were hoping a tournament win in Canada in September would lead them to Olympic victory – and the nation is right behind them!
CURLING MIXED DOUBLES
NEW EVENT
Teams of one male and one female player (instead of the usual teams of 4 players of the same gender) compete with six stones rather than eight.
Eve Muirhead Katarzyna Wicik
18
Skeleton Continuing Britain’s streak of winning a women’s skeleton medal at every Olympics since the event was introduced in 2002, Lizzy Yarnold won
/edgemagazine
edgemagazine
@edgemags
LOCAL - LIVE - ESSENTIAL
www.edgemag.net
WIN
TER
G
AME E D S I T I O N
A FAMI LY SKI BUSI NESS
TOP QUALITY EQUIPMENT HIRE SKI/SNOWBOARD LESSONS EXCLUSIVE CHILDREN’S LEARNING ZONE
“Sharing our love of the mountains from our family to yours” SNOWSPORTS EQUIPMENT HIRE Elise Christie Martin Holtom gold in Sochi and is aiming to retain her title. Skeleton requires athletes to hurl themselves down an icy chute lying face down on a sled, reaching up to 80mph while fighting intense G-forces.
Shop owners and former French Ski Team members, husband and wife Manu and Laurence, are on hand to give the expert advice you need to get the perfect kit.
BRIGHT FUTURE Short Track Speed Skating If she comes home with the three medals she’s predicted (in the 1500m, 1000m and 500m), it would make up for the disappointing results of the last Olympics for Elise Christie. After being controversially disqualified from all 3 of her events in Sochi, and weathering an unkind online backlash, she’s back with a bang with 3 World Champion titles and a world record under her belt. In the event, skaters race against the clock around a 111.12m oval circuit. gbshorttrack.org.uk
MASS SPEED SKATING
SKI/SNOWBOARD LESSONS Max 8 per group. Ages 2 ½ to 77, beginner to expert Tailored family packages All fully qualified instructors – no trainees Enjoy consistent progress with the same instructor each holiday
LES MARMOTTONS CHILDREN’S VILLAGE Exclusive access to our safe, contained, fun learning zone. Inflatables Children’s drag lift Dedicated instructors
NEW EVENT Find us piste-side in Tignes Val Claret +33 (0) 479063712 +33 (0) 681523169 www.skione-tignes.com info@skione-tignes.com
All competitors (up to 24) race simultaneously for 16 laps, with three sprints interspersed (after laps 4,8,12 and the finish), giving racers three attempts to gain medal positions and points.
#LoveTignes
#LoveValdisere
#LoveLaRosiere
#LoveSainteFoy
19
LOCAL - LIVE - ESSENTIAL
www.edgemag.net
THE
SECRET LIFE
OF SNOW
EDGE weather guru Meteo Mike’s daily online updates give the most accurate local picture of conditions in Tignes – Val d’Isere and the Tarentaise. A former Royal Air Force navigator, Meteo Mike knows his jet streams from his isobars. Couple that with 10 years of observing local weather patterns and you’ve got a Mystic Meg-style snowpredicting superhero. Will my flight be delayed by blizzards at the airport? Will a dump cause traffic chaos this changeover day? Where’s the most snow going to fall? Meteo Mike answers these questions and more every day throughout winter on our website and social media. So how does he do it? And what tips does he have for us mere mortals who just want to know when the next dump is coming and where to find the best powder? DUMP ALERTS FOR DUMMIES If there are small clouds around the summit of Mont Blanc (so if the mountain has ‘its hat on’) then unsettled weather is on its way. If very high cloud appears and starts to thicken on a bluebird day, fresh snow usually follows soon after. Lazier forecasters can just check whether the restaurants are clearing the tables off their terraces at closing time. That’s always a very good sign that snow is coming!
20
/edgemagazine
edgemagazine
@edgemags
LOCAL - LIVE - ESSENTIAL
www.edgemag.net
“
We all want to run out into the fresh snow after a fall, but there’s no point getting up early if the pisteurs are going to need a couple of hours to groom the snow and blast it to keep the pistes safe.
“
REVEALING SNOW’S SECRETS To prepare each Meteo Mike report I start by checking the Met Office pressure charts for the next 5 days, then a series of professional weather charts that look individually at precipitation, wind at altitude, freezing level and cloud accumulation. It’s then time to ask how confident any of these forecasts can be given that sometimes the weather is chaotic. If we get stuck in a high pressure system (blue skies and sunshine) we can often be relatively certain, but if the isobars are close together and there are a lot of weather fronts on the chart things can (and do) change in seconds.
B o w li n g Family entertainment whatever the weather 10 lane bowling alley 4 children’s lanes Friendly bar Arcade games Pool tables Sport TV Open 7 days
When I’ve got the information and the relative certainty, I relate all this to local skiing. Will you need an extra pair of leggings today? Will some lifts be closed due to wind? Might links closing mean a taxi home?
Nightclub
We all want to run out into the fresh snow after a fall, but there’s no point getting up early if the pisteurs are going to need a couple of hours to
Tignes best late night venue International DJs Home to Basestation Seasonnaire favourite Family run bar Open til 4am
Images by An
dy Parant
Tignes Le Lac
(between Tignespace & Spar)
Call : 0479 063 995 Email : bowlingdetignes@live.fr
#LoveTignes
#LoveValdisere
#LoveLaRosiere
#LoveSainteFoy
21
LOCAL - LIVE - ESSENTIAL
www.edgemag.net
THE
SECRET LIFE
OF SNOW CONTINUED
groom the snow and blast it to keep the pistes safe. For the more adventurous, I add in the official avalanche risk level.
Snowflakes generally fall from the sky between 2 and 4 mph; therefore, some will be in the air for up to an hour!
To put together the weekend travel bulletins I look at the specific airport forecasts, which look like gibberish to the uninitiated, and then relate these to the formal ‘approach plates’ - effectively a road atlas for pilots showing the height they can descend to in cloud, and the visibility needed to land. Chambery is a particularly tricky one because of its unusual position with a mountain just off the end of the runway, which gets in the way! It’s also high so is often sat in the clouds, and to add insult to injury mists can form over Lac du Bourget.
THE BEST SNOW: WHERE TO GO
SURPRISING SNOW STATS
Keep an eye on the wind. Most snow will be on ‘lee slopes’ or ‘under the wind’. Of course if you are off piste that means the avalanche risk will be much higher.
It’s much more difficult to forecast depth of snow compared with depth of rain, as so many factors influence the amount. One centimetre of rain can result in 5cms of wet dense snow (unskiable porridge) or 15cm of light fluffy powder (the stuff of dreams!). No two snowflakes are alike; well no-one has found two identical ones yet!
1CM 5 CM 15CM
“
DID YOU KNOW?
of rain can result in of wet dense snow (unskiable porridge) or
22
of light fluffy powder (the stuff of dreams!).
Generally, in mid winter, the amount of snow will be pretty even over the two mega resorts. However, if your local friendly forecaster mentions ‘Retour d’Est’ then it can be markedly different. Put simply this means there will be an easterly wind so Le Fornet will be the winner as far as snow goes (because the weather system is too lazy to get over the mountains east of Val D’Isere). It is not unusual for Le Fornet to get 80cm, Val D’Isere Centre 60cm, Tignes 25cm, and so on further down the valley.
It’s much more difficult to forecast depth of snow compared with depth of rain, as so many factors inf luence the amount
If it’s cold then the snow will be good anywhere. That’s unless it has arrived with a strong wind, which may have scoured the highest slopes, so it’s time to head for the trees of La Daille or Tignes Les Brevieres. Likewise if it’s still snowing having trees by the side of the piste helps give definition to the slopes and makes life a lot easier.
SNOW NEWS
“
Valdiseretignes.edgemag.net click Snow Report /edgemagazine @edgemags
/edgemagazine
edgemagazine
@edgemags
LOCAL - LIVE - ESSENTIAL
www.edgemag.net
SUNGLASSES – SKI GOGGLES - GLASSES LOOKING AFTER YOUR EYES AND YOUR EYESIGHT SINCE 1985 FULLY QUALIFIED
OPTICIANS TO EXAMINE AND ADVISE YOU
WELCOMING, FRIENDLY, PROFESSIONAL SERVICE
VAL OPTIC VAL VILLAGE, VAL-D'ISÈRE, 73150
PH: +33 4 79 06 24 73
TIGNES OPTIC
GALERIE LES PLATIERES , TIGNES, 73320
PH: +33 4 79 06 35 92
OUTSTANDING AFFORDABLE CATERED CHALETS VAL D'ISÈRE • TIGNES LES BRÉVIÈRES • TIGNES LE LAC
Enjoy the high quality service of a top hotel with the relaxed, friendly atmosphere of a family home. ski@skibonjour.com +44 (0) 1765 677787 www.skibonjour.com
#LoveTignes
#LoveValdisere
#LoveLaRosiere
#LoveSainteFoy
23
LOCAL - LIVE - ESSENTIAL
www.edgemag.net
SAFETY
FIRST The experts at Jean Sports in Val d’Isere give us their advice on this season’s best safety gear.
AIRBAG The Reactor is the latest ABS airbag and it’s available for sale and rent at Jean Sport. We chose it because it’s more comfortable to carry, lighter and extremely compact. Manufactured in France by Arva, two years of research went into developing the airbag kit. It’s one of the most reliable dual airbag systems available, ideal for freeride or touring. The bags come in 4 sizes, now with a women’s model.
TRANSCEIVER Mammut have updated their transceiver this season: Introducing the BarryvoxS (named after Swiss mountain dog Barry, who saved many lives early in the 19th century). It has a lighter design and a more powerful and precise system. It searches a wider area and sports a larger, more intuitive display with visual and audio prompts to make your search quicker and easier.
PROBE Arva’s Sonde Light Compact offers a lightweight carbon fibre, quick to assemble, pole of the recommended 240cm length.
24
/edgemagazine
edgemagazine
@edgemags
LOCAL - LIVE - ESSENTIAL
www.edgemag.net
Val d’Isère Tourisme
RIDER TO THE RESCUE Meet avalanche dog, Rider and owner, pisteur Brice. Alert, primed and ready to leap to the rescue, there’s always one highly trained avalanche dog on duty in each sector on the mountain. Brice says: “Unfortunately, some people still ski without DVA transceivers and if they are buried dogs can find them quicker. How quick depends on conditions. If the snow is dense it can be difficult for them to smell, or if the snow above the victim lies in layers it can be hard for the dog to pinpoint their location. Dogs have two years of training before starting on patrol. First, you choose a dog from the litter, looking for one who’s alert, not afraid, who comes to you. We start with a toy – first we hide it behind something, and after we hide it in the snow. Dogs don’t like to get in holes, but someone gets in a snow hole with his toy and eventually he gets in there. It’s about play and reward. We make the opening to the hole smaller, then he has to rely only on his sense of smell. He looks for the minute smell of human pheromones because he thinks a person in a hole might have a toy. Eventually we practice with three metres of snow on top of someone using a piste basher. We have to pass tests constantly and never stop training. Sometimes Rider is called out 2-3 times in a season, sometimes every week, but he’s got to constantly be ready for that 10 minutes when he could rescue someone. He’s like an athlete, in shape all the time.
SHOVEL Don’t skimp on this and go for a lighter plastic option, which could break easily in hard snow. A larger, quality handle may take up more space in your backpack, but it will help you dig and save energy in an emergency. We recommend Ortovox Kodiak Snow.
Rider is part of the team like any other patroller. Everyone respects the dog, and he them he’s family.”
Visit Jean Sports, Le Vieux Village (opposite Moris Pub) for sale and hire of top quality ski/snowboard equipment. The shop is also the base for Alpine Experience, Val d’Isere’s off-piste ski school. jeansports.com +33 (0)479060444
#LoveTignes
#LoveValdisere
#LoveLaRosiere
#LoveSainteFoy
25
LOCAL - LIVE - ESSENTIAL
The almost super-human feats of para-snowsports athletes were memorably brought to the nation’s attention by visually-impaired British skier Kelly Gallagher and her incredible gold medal run at the Sochi Games in 2014. Spurred on by that win, GB’s Winter Paralympics team has been growing in strength ready to contest a haul of medals in PyeongChang. In fact, this season sees the first ever British para-snowboard team compete in the Games. Hopes are high – but it’s the stories behind the medals that make this team so special.
www.edgemag.net
WINTER PARALYMPICS
HOPES & DREAMS After all his commitment and hard work, representing Great Britain in the Paralympics would mean everything to him: “For the last 2 years I have been sacrificing what might be called a ‘normal’ life in my pursuit of qualifying for the Winter Paralympic Games. My particular journey has been full of ups and downs, successes and disappointments, but I’m feeling fit both physically and mentally and confident I can do myself and everyone else proud. In achieving my dream I can hopefully help to inspire not just other Above Knee Amputees but all people with disabilities to participate at any level in any snowsport.”
Tignes-based snowboard instructor Corinne Mayhew has been helping with their pre-Games training in the Tarentaise and Canada… This team is small in size with just 5 members, but huge in heart, determination and ambition. They blasted down the slopes at incredible speeds providing massive entertainment for crowds at the 2017 Para-Snowboard World Championships in Canada, winning medals along the way. We now have a credible team who are giving the American, Canadian and Australian teams more than a run for their money on the world stage. After a massive campaign, para-snowboarding was included in the Games for the first time at Sochi, so this winter is going to be the largest platform for the sport on the world stage so far.
“
26
Swifty (R) Corinne Mayhew Darren Swift (aka Swifty), who lost both legs while serving in the armed forces, is the first person in the world to compete on a snowboard as a Bilateral Above Knee Amputee. Demonstrating determination of insane proportions, the 50-year-old races banked slalom and boarder cross - without prosthetics. Instead he has cleverly designed his snowboard bindings so they hold his thighs in place on the board. Before he can even start his daily training, Swifty faces huge hurdles accomplishing tasks you and I take for granted – like just getting on a chairlift.
I am feeling super strong and have had the most amazing journey to get to where I am now - I don’t want it to end!
“
Representing GB in the SB-LL2 (LL=Lower Limb) category are Owen Pick and Cassie Cava, both with an amputation below the knee. Owen, who lost his leg while serving with the army in Afghanistan in 2010, won Silver in banked slalom at the World Championships last season. Now the 25-year-old is one of the favourites going into the Paralympic season. He said: “I am feeling super strong and have had the most amazing journey to get to where I am now - I don’t want it to end! Racing at the Paralympic Games is going to be another huge achievement for me. To put my snowboarding through its paces and to be riding in front of the whole world after just five years of riding feels pretty special.” James Barnes-Miller and Ben Moore represent the GB team in the SB-UL (UL=Upper Limb) category and both are in a strong position to do well. Ben, whose arm was paralysed after a motorbike accident, took bronze in his category for banked slalom at the World Championships last season. James, who was born without a right hand, frustratingly missed out on a
/edgemagazine
edgemagazine
@edgemags
LOCAL - LIVE - ESSENTIAL
www.edgemag.net
Cassie WINT
ER GA ME
S E D I T I O N
Corinne Mayhew
“
In achieving my dream I can hopefully help to inspire not just other Above Knee Amputees but all people with disabilities to participate at any level in any snowsport.
“
snowboard cross podium position by the narrowest of margins. Team GB Head Coach Simon Nicholson told me: “The British Parasnowsport Snowboard Team is looking incredibly strong and have been training hard, pre-season on Tignes glacier and in the Tarentaise Valley. The team is focused on bringing home medals for Great Britain and will hopefully inspire a whole new generation of para snowboarders along the way.” This team is on course to do for parasnowboarding what Jenny Jones did for Olympic snowboarding last time round. I think, no matter how the races go on the day, you’ll be amazed and inspired so make sure you tune in! Corinne runs Mayhew Snowboarding in Tignes offering private coaching and group lessons to riders of all abilities. tign.es/snowboarding corinne@tignes-spirit.com +33(0) 615187407 /mayhewsnowboarding cozz_wozz
Owen Pick, James Barnes-Miller, Ben Moore. #LoveTignes
#LoveValdisere
#LoveLaRosiere
#LoveSainteFoy
27
LOCAL - LIVE - ESSENTIAL
ER INT
GAM
Millie Knight
ES
O N I T I D E W
www.edgemag.net
Visually Impaired Ski Champion What gets reigning World Para Alpine Downhill Ski Champion Millie Knight out of bed every morning? The thought of standing on the podium at the PyeongChang Winter Paralympics - her dream for the last eight years. The 18-year-old visually impaired skier is at the peak of her career after winning gold at the World Championships in Tarvisio, Italy, in 2017. She’s come a long way since competing as the youngest ever British Winter Paralympic Athlete, at the age of 15, in Sochi, where she placed 5th in slalom and giant slalom. A little older and wiser, she’s ready both physically and psychologically, to prove her awesome ability and determination. “Ever since I joined the team in 2012, the Paralympic Games in 2018 has been my goal. It’s something I train daily for and it’s always the first thing I think about when I wake up in the morning. When we’re back home, which isn’t very often, I’m in the gym
“ Jason Dodd Photography
Chris Lloyd
Paralympic Ski Racer Lying in a hospital bed after a rally car crash left him paralysed from the neck down in 2011, it was the sight of a poster for the Paralympics that gave Chris Lloyd the motivation not just to recover, but to become an athlete. Now the 43 year old represents Great Britain in the Para Snowsports Giant Slalom, Super Combined, Super G and Downhill. After three World Cup Top 15 finishes in 2017, he feels ready to show the world how far he’s come in PyeongChang.
“
28
My biggest hurdles are very much psychological and in knowing I have the belief in myself and the confidence to do what I need to do – which is something I continue to work hard on.
“The games mean everything to me and my family. Ever since I first saw a poster for the Paralympics on the hospital wall, it has been my goal to ski for my country at the Winter Paralympics. I almost had the opportunity four years ago in Sochi, but 2014 came around a little too quickly. Now I feel ready and hungry.” Chris is classified LW9-1, for people with upper and lower limb function problems - he has 40% power in his right leg and 50% in his left. He explains: “It takes me 3 or 4 times more energy to be able to ski a course. Once fatigue sets in my legs give up and I struggle to stand. Just to be able
Ever since I first saw a poster for the Paralympics on the hospital wall, it has been my goal to ski for my country at the Winter Paralympics
“
“
to ski again is the thing I’m most proud of. It’s been a long and difficult journey to get to this point and everything from here forward is a bonus.” As well as training hard on the slopes and in the gym, Chris uses meditation to relax and achieve a positive mindset - from which he says anything is possible with the body. When you consider that straight after the accident he couldn’t feed or wash himself, the fact he was back on skis a year later, and now races for his country, is nothing short of incredible. So what is it about skiing that inspired him? “Skiing is a real adrenaline rush and it allows me to be out in the mountains and fresh air, which I love. I do it because it makes me feel alive and motivates me to improve and be the best I can be.” chris-lloyd.co.uk
/edgemagazine
edgemagazine
@edgemags
LOCAL - LIVE - ESSENTIAL
www.edgemag.net
WINTER PARALYMPICS
NOT GIVING UP
RESTAURANT - PIZZERIA
Pizzas - Burgers - Savoyard Specialities
training every day. When we’re away, we are travelling all over the world trying to find snow, also training really hard – so it’s pretty intense but I do enjoy it.” Millie has around 8% vision after losing most of her sight to an infection as a child. She’s just able to see guide Brett Wild’s fluorescent vest in front of her as she races downhill at speeds of over 100km/h. Of course she has had crashes – last season she spent four months recovering from concussion - but it’s not fear of injury that could hold Millie back. She explains: “My biggest hurdles are very much psychological and in knowing I have the belief in myself and the confidence to do what I need to do – which is something I continue to work hard on.” So why does she do it? “Sport gives me confidence that I take into my day to day life,” she says. “Skiing allowed me to prove to myself I can do something and I can do it well.” She’s certainly proved that already and if her goal is a Paralympic medal it won’t remain just a dream for long.
2am - 10p en 1 m Op
millieknight.co.uk
Holmlands
access from SkiSki access from Milonex Palafour trail and Palafour trail
Opposite Carrefour Montagne
en
ss
il d
m
er
Ch
t
e day 13 of th .50 h s € Di
es u1 1. 9 0 € I n cl u d
de
Dishes homemade daily with fresh ingredients. Finest Angus and Simmental meat.
#LoveTignes
#LoveValdisere
#LoveLaRosiere
#LoveSainteFoy
29
LOCAL - LIVE - ESSENTIAL
ER INT
GAM
ES
N T I O I E D W
Marcus Hartmann
www.edgemag.net
Menna Fitzpatrick
Visually Impaired Skier
Despite recovering from a tricky injury – four broken bones in her hand – Menna Fitzpatrick won a Giant Slalom bronze in last season’s World Championships. Since then the 19-year-old visually impaired skier, and guide Jennifer Kehoe, have been working single-mindedly towards the Paralympics. The pair already made history when they became the first British skiers to win the overall World Cup Visually Impaired title at the IPC (International Paralympic Committee) World Cup in Aspen (USA) in 2016 – and they’re ready to do it again. Menna, who was born with just 5% vision in one eye, says: “To represent GB is an amazing feeling, trying to do not just your family and friends but everyone in the country proud. Having that support is unbelievable, it keeps me going and getting up at 5.45am every morning to ski. I can’t ride a bike or drive a car, so skiing gives me that sense of freedom. Doing something that involves speed, the adrenaline rush you get is amazing.”
Marcus Hartmann
James Whitley Para Alpine Skier
Less than a second off podium positions in last season’s World Cup races, standing skier James Whitley is hoping to peak at PyeongChang and bring home a medal. The 20-year-old, who was born without hands, finished 5th in the World Cup Super Combined and 7th in the World Championships Slalom category. He’s been steadily working his way up the rankings since placing in the Top 15 in Sochi.
30
/edgemagazine
edgemagazine
@edgemags
LOCAL - LIVE - ESSENTIAL
www.edgemag.net
Langley Hotel Tignes 2100 Hotel Tignes 2100 was Completely remodeled during the fall of 2015. We have focused on the social areas and put much effort into our restaurant and bar which has quickly become one of the most popular in the village. Our pizzas are the talk of the town! The hotel is located just a few short steps from the slopes and for the skiing enthusiast you can almost ski all the way to the door when you come home. +33 (0)4 79 06 06 52
ne San on
e
n
m o ntagn
e
The Spa, Langley Tignes 2100, Rue de la Poste, Tignes 73320 +33 (0)7 69 58 48 80
té
65, Les Andes, 4th Floor Val d’Isère 73150 +33 (0)4 79 06 07 27
B
langley.eu
Keeping you mountain fit
Specialists in the treatment of skiing, boarding and sporting injuries
#LoveTignes
For over twenty years, Bonne Santé clinic has excelled in the treatment and management of alpine injuries through physiotherapy, massage, biomechanics, training and education.
And if all you need is to sort those aching muscles with a sports massage, just want a relaxing massage, even take a Pilates or Yoga class, we’re there for you too!
We can also help people confidently equip themselves for a day on or off the piste with our pre-ski service, inclusive of guided warm-up and stretching.
You can find us at our clinics in the centre of Val d’Isère or at The Spa in the hotel Langley Tignes 2100.
#LoveValdisere
#LoveLaRosiere
info@BonneSanteAlps.com www.BonneSanteAlps.com @bonnesantealps
#LoveSainteFoy
31
LOCAL - LIVE - ESSENTIAL
www.edgemag.net
WIN
WINTER PARALYMPICS
TER
GAM E D ES I T I O N
MAKING A DIFFERENCE The success of our Paralympic ski and snowboard teams is all down to the work of charity Disability Snowsport UK – and they need your help to continue. Celebrating 40 years in 2017, the charity offers people with all sorts of disabilities the chance to get on the mountain and feel the freedom of riding the snow. It’s a lifechanging experience for many, as charity CEO Fiona Young explains: “We hear over and over from the children and adults, living with physical and learning disabilities, that we awaken in them a feeling of joy and wonder for life, when often they have been deprived of both. While there is much talk of diversity and equality in our society, there are actually very few places where disabled people genuinely feel fully accepted and on a par (or even faster than!) their ablebodied contemporaries. The mountains
are such a place. One of my most vivid memories was when one of our skiers said to me; ‘every time I get on a chairlift and I look back and see my empty wheelchair it makes me feel like I’ve left my disability behind with that chair’.” Some of those the charity helps go on to become the elite athletes of the British Parasnowsport Team. Read about the team on pgs 26-30. DSUK continues to provided funding and support right through to Paralympic level. To keep doing that, they’re asking for the help of all of us who love the mountains. How can you help? TEXT DONATE Text DSUK60 plus the amount £1,2,3,4,5 or 10 to 70070.
ADAPTIVE SKIING IN NUMBERS
6
UK Adaptive Ski Schools
32
229
volunteers
3,500
6
hours of adaptive full-time adaptive snowsport lessons instructors
ADAPTIVE SKI LESSONS Gain the BASI qualifications to become an adaptive ski instructor, or any competent skier can get free training to volunteer as an assistant. Lessons are held at snow centres Chill Factore, Tamworth, Hemel Hempstead, Braehead, Hillend. Helpers are also needed on ski holidays around the world. Email admin@disabilitysnowsport.org.uk or visit basi.org.uk. FUNDRAISING Organise your own, or help out at one of DSUK’s events. Email fundraising@disabilitysnowsport.org.uk for advice and a fundraising pack. SOCIAL MEDIA/DIGITAL MARKETING/ PHOTOGRAPHY Put your online skills to good use helping to raise the profile of DSUK. Email volunteer@disabilitysnowsport.org.uk Visit disabilitysnowsport.org.uk/volunteer for more information.
/edgemagazine
edgemagazine
@edgemags
LOCAL - LIVE - ESSENTIAL
SÈ
RE ‘S LE
A
EC
D
US H
ER
E
FIN
IS
IDING SP
LI
-P
1992 GU
IA
OFF
SINCE
TE
STS
NG
VA L
’I
DI
D
www.edgemag.net
<LA DAILLE LE FORNET>
#LoveTignes
#LoveValdisere
#LoveLaRosiere
#LoveSainteFoy
33
LOCAL - LIVE - ESSENTIAL
www.edgemag.net
MASTER THE
MOUNTAIN What’s your ski ambition? Conquer those clean carving turns? Brave the steeps? Explore off piste? Mastering a new skill opens up more of the mountain so you can slide anywhere the snow takes you. TDC’s expert instructors let us in on a few coaching secrets, showing us the best spots to practice different techniques. Choose your goal and find your run on the map.
FIND YOUR SKI LEGS Ski Tranquille – Kim
If you’re feeling nervous or haven’t skied for a while, the Ski Tranquille area between Tignes and Val d’Isere is the place to start. Rolling wide runs give you plenty of space get your ski legs back with some smooth turns. Look for the Borsat and Grand Pre lifts.
PERFECT YOUR CARVING Grattalu, Tignes – Rab
From first turns to euro carves this place rocks. Big, flat, wide and reasonably quiet, it gives you chance to hold an edge and really get those skis gripping and biting, moving as quickly or slowly as you want. The side of the piste is a great place for an introduction to fluffy stuff with tiny steeps, kickers and features to play on in a really safe environment.
CONTROL YOUR SPEED Santons, Val d’Isere – Ben
It’s often said to be the most ‘disliked’ run in the Espace Killy, but Santons is my favourite for coaching. Before 10.30am it’s always freshly groomed and empty. A tough blue, it’s challenging not only due to narrow width but also its natural half-pipe shape. These two factors make speed control challenging, which is why it’s great for learning how to keep a consistent flow despite changing terrain.
34
MASTER STEEPS
Raye, Val d’Isere – Kieran
This is a seriously under-rated and littleknown run. The snow is always fantastic, it’s very well groomed and stays in great condition. It’s also in the trees offering another fantastic option in flat light or when it is snowing heavily. A great run to build confidence in skiers who are trying to break into higher level skiing - steep in sections but not scary, and wide enough not to intimidate.
OFF PISTE ADVENTURE
Face de Charvet, Val d’Isere – Nicko
If you’re ready for a thrill, and a step up in steepness and exposure, this mountain-top to valley floor descent is one of the best and most easily accessible in Val d’Isere. With a good mix of interesting terrain, this is a great run
/edgemagazine
edgemagazine
@edgemags
LOCAL - LIVE - ESSENTIAL
www.edgemag.net
NEXT LEVEL Take your skiing to the next level with one of TDC’s coaching clinics, tailored to improve technique and understanding, develop tactical decision-making, psychological approach and all round mountain awareness.
Confidence Clinic Discovery Clinic Development Clinic Development Plus Clinic Off Piste Adventure Introduction to Touring New for 2017/18 TDCsnowboarding New for 2017/18 And more… for experienced off-piste skiers featuring beautiful views, two very different routes down and very often excellent powder.
TRY SKI TOURING
Pays Desert, Val d’Isere – Terry
The best place for first-time tourers is on the non-glaciated side of the Pissaillas sector. Equivalent to green-run level, the hills are usually very smooth and quiet – perfect for familiarising yourself with skins, touring bindings and movements. At a height of 3200m+ the views across the Haute Maurienne and towards Tignes are truly spectacular and, when you’re ready to move on, the longer trip over the Col des Fours and back around to Val d’Isere is a day to remember for the rest of your life.
and drops through the bowls at the top. Mid-section groomers are perfect for getting low with some euro carves or just some high speed turns. The terrain turns steep and challenging as you come back into resort. I love to hit the line under the bubble and test my technique on the bumps, leaving you in Le Lac just in time for an apres drink. *Warning: Never go off piste without avalanche safety equipment and a mountain guide or instructor.
SNOWBOARD BLAST
WANT TO FRESHEN UP?
Trolles, Tignes – Owain
Tignes +33 (0)603314321 Val d’Isere +33 (0)615553156 tignes@tdcski.com valdisere@tdcski.com www.tdcski.com
This run has it all for me, especially on a powder day. It begins with some slashes
#LoveTignes
#LoveValdisere
#LoveLaRosiere
#LoveSainteFoy
35
LOCAL - LIVE - ESSENTIAL
www.edgemag.net
1. Stabilisation Lunges. Sets: 2 / Repetition: 10 Stand with feet apart (one forward, one backward). Lower your body by bending the knees to 90 degrees without touching the floor with your back knee. Return to the initial position and repeat with alternate legs. Use a ski pole for stability if necessary.
SKI FIT Advice from the health & wellness experts at Bonne Santé to help keep you skiing longer and fitter. To get the most out of your ski day it’s vital to warm up. Once you get to the top of your first run, kick off your skis, put down
36
your board and go through these exercises, which were specially developed for snowsports by our qualified professionals. They will help increase blood flow to your muscles, release oxygen into tissues, and speed up nerve impulses and receptors to improve reactions.
2. Squat Jumps. Sets: 2 / Repetition: 10 Get into a squat position, with your thighs slightly above parallel and feet shoulder-width apart. Place your hands behind your head with fingers interlocked. Explosively jump up to a maximum height and land in the same starting position (squat). Repeat immediately. There should not be any horizontal or lateral movement while you jump. Tip: For snowboarders, keep your feet wide and pointing out at 45 degrees as on the board. For skiers, keep your feet and knees one hand width apart. You can also side jump to replicate sharp changes of direction. 3. Single Leg Arabesques. Sets: 2 / Hold: 20s Standing on one leg, bring the other knee toward the chest and balance for a couple of seconds. Slowly extend it straight out behind while you bend forward at the waist. Stop if you start feeling to unbalanced. Hold the position for 10-20 seconds then slowly return back to the starting position. Alternate legs. Tip: If you’re not very balanced doing this, keep trying back at your chalet. You will see an improvement by mid-week!
/edgemagazine
edgemagazine
@edgemags
LOCAL - LIVE - ESSENTIAL
www.edgemag.net
Travel and Wintersports Insurance
4. Leg Swings. Sets: 2 / Repetition: 10 Hold a pole, or a friend, to help with balance and swing your leg front to back, moving from the hips. Maintain a good upper body posture. On the way back, squeeze the glutes and hamstrings. Do not arch the lower back. Now swing the leg side-to-side starting from the hips. Do not round the upper back. 5. Active Trunk Rotation. Sets: 2 / Repetition: 10 Stand and cross your arms across your chest or on your hips. Slowly rotate to look behind without bending or arching the lower back. Slowly return to the neutral position and repeat on the other side.
SKI AND WINTER SPORTS
Specialist Insurance • Off piste – with or without guide • Personal liability - injuring other skiers and cover for ski leading • 24hr emergency medical cover - including rescue by helicopter • Family policies – kids go free • Local ski racing covered • Snowparks • Ski event cancellation cover • Up to age 80 - 100 on application
w: retail.mpibrokers.com/edge e: info@mpibrokers.com
p o w e r e d
*Exercises should be comfortable and performed in a controlled manner. Stop if experiencing any pain.
Tesla Model X
b y
snowdrone
|
Private & Shared info@europetransfer.com +44 203 239 4978
VW Caravelle
|
Audi A6 allroad
A warm down is equally as important, activating the body’s recovery by helping to remove toxic lactic build-up in the muscles. Repeat the Leg Swings and Active Trunk Rotation, add in some leg stretches and side bends, and get ready to take on the mountain all over again!
Bonne Santé provides physiotherapy, sports & relaxation massage, skirelated exercise advice, biomechanical assessments to improve performance, taping, yoga & pilates classes at The Spa at Langley Tignes 2100 & their clinic in Val d’Isere. bonnesantealps.com
#LoveTignes
affordable excellence
every time. Based in Val d’Isère & Tignes, we have the local knowledge & expertise to transport you to your destination safely, comfortably and in style. Our high quality vehicles with 4x4, WiFi and USB charging combined with professional drivers & an attentive office deliver the service you expect. Every time.
europetransfer.com
#LoveValdisere
#LoveLaRosiere
#LoveSainteFoy
37
LOCAL - LIVE - ESSENTIAL
www.edgemag.net
VAL D’ISERE
PUTTING THE ‘WIN’ IN ‘WINTER’
Excitement is building in Val d’Isere as work on a complete revamp of the resort centre gets underway. Legendary venues Dick’s Tea Bar and Le Petit Danois will be moved to brand new buildings as part of the town is demolished and reconstructed to make it much easier to ski and walk around. The €200m Coin de Val d’Isere project, which is set to take 5 years to complete, will see the rebuilding of a triangle of properties stretching from the current bus station, 250 metres along the main road towards La Daille, and up to Dick’s. This 22,000sqm area will be the new pedestrianised resort centre, with a piste extension allowing skiers to cruise straight on past Bananas bar into town. An underground moving walkway will take you back from the town square to the main Olympique and Solaise ski lifts. Resort officials insist their plan will “create the five-star level of 21st-
century ski convenience that Val d’Isere previously lacked”. The planned new buildings, styled in the traditional stone and wood, include two new hotels and two apartment complexes, making an extra 900 beds available in resort. Access to underground parking and the brand new bus station will be via an underground road system, and a new arrivals centre on Avenue Olympique will feature a welcome area and children’s creche. Val d’Isere Agents Free Spirit Alpine say it’s an excellent time to buy property
38
here. It’s rare that new builds come on the market, plus they point out: “The Coin de Val project will completely alter the geography of the resort resulting in many properties currently on the market being much closer to the action than they are now and therefore likely to increase in value over the coming years”. A central covered Halle with shops and a meeting area will be the new place to find some of our favourite businesses like Le Petit Danois, which has been in its current position for the past 22 years. Owner Henrik is excited about the chance to bring the best of the old Danois into more modern surroundings; “It will be the same friendly, cosy spirit and all our usual party fun transported
/edgemagazine
edgemagazine
@edgemags
LOCAL - LIVE - ESSENTIAL
www.edgemag.net
Val d’Isere Tourisme
Val D’isere
NO. 1
into beautiful new facilities as part of the new-look Val d’Isere – we can’t wait!”
Party Bar
live
APRES
SKI
The revamp is also a chance to make the resort more eco-friendly. The new buildings’ sanitation systems will use rainwater and snowmelt, and accommodation will be heated by geothermal systems.
music
food
DJ
freespiritalpine.com
every night
JMV Resorts
#LoveTignes
#LoveValdisere
#LoveLaRosiere
SERVED ALL DAY
It all follows last year’s state-of-the-art €16m redevelopment of the Solaise ski area, featuring a VIP gondola with heated seats and wifi. We love the fact that Val d’Isere’s putting the ‘Win’ in ‘Winter’ and giving us all yet more reasons to come back every year.
#LoveSainteFoy
39
LOCAL - LIVE - ESSENTIAL
www.edgemag.net
VAL D’ISERE APRES AWARDS
LE PETIT DANOIS HAPPIEST HAPPY HOURS
Don’t miss the legendary Danois off your Val d’Isere bar crawl list. In fact it’s so good you’ll want to put it in twice - at the start and the end! Early doors live music, from 5pm every day except Saturday, starts your evening on the right note. Later on, the international crowd will be dancing to DJs from 10pm and you’ll see a whole different side to the place. This season a new modern menu is on offer from 9am to 10pm too. From ski bums to celebrities, everyone loves this Scandi party bar with a big heart. Plus, catch two Happy Hours – enough to put a smile on anyone’s face.
241
FREE shot wi th drink
Happy hour
VICTORS CLASSIEST COCKTAILS
The place for a post-dinner digestif or an expertly-mixed cocktail (look out for their regular 2-4-1 offers). Resident DJs, bands and a lively dance floor, make it a hangout for all. The restaurant, serving modern
40
Interational cuisine, offers something a little different if you’ve had your fill of meat and cheese. Just across the road from Le Petit Danois, on the way to clubs Dick’s Tea Bar and Café Face, it’s a natural stop on your Val d’Isere night out.
sides and marrow. All the food here is fresh, plentiful and quality – from meat to fondue to fish. Say Edge sent you and you might even get a free genepy shot to finish! Find 1789 opposite the bus station, up the alley next to Bar XV
SALOON CRAZIEST PARTY
1789 HEARTIEST FOOD
If you’re in the mood for meat apres your ski, the cote de boeuf at 1789 is the best around. Seated in the cosy dining area, you’re presented with several huge slabs to choose from, before it’s cooked over an open fire right in front of you and presented with delicious
You can’t fail to have a good time at Saloon and this season there’s double the fun! Saloon has moved to where Café Face was, opposite Dick’s Tea Bar – but for one winter only their old haunt under Hotel Brussels will stay open, under the name Last Chance, as well. Go for live apres music every day, followed by fancy
/edgemagazine
edgemagazine
@edgemags
LOCAL - LIVE - ESSENTIAL
www.edgemag.net
Val d’Isere Tourisme
Mountain Girl Store, Val Village, Val d’Isere mountaingirl.fr hello@mountaingirl.fr /mountaingirlvaldisere
dress evenings, beer pong tournaments and themed ‘crazy mad party nights’. If you love it, visit the Tignes Saloon bar in Val Claret too. Another Happy Hour double hitter!
€4.50
241
Geneva-Lyon -Chambery-Grenoble MORIS PUB LIVELIEST MUSIC With live music for apres ski, then again for a late session, we can safely say Moris Pub deserves this award! The dance floor, and often the tables too, see plenty of action as the place buzzes with post-ski party tunes. Pub grub-style great value food is served from 5pm to 9.30pm too.
Happy hour
Live music
Les Arcs - La Plagne - Tignes Val D’isere - St Foy - La Rosiere
whiterides.co.uk 0033768311844
* Times & offers may change.
#LoveTignes
#LoveValdisere
#LoveLaRosiere
#LoveSainteFoy
41
LOCAL - LIVE - ESSENTIAL
www.edgemag.net
SKI & SURF
IN TIGNES If you love skiing or snowboarding you probably also love to surf, but you can’t usually do both in one place. Enter Tignes with a bold and potentially brilliant plan to create Ski-Line – an indoor ski slope on an existing Val Claret piste… with a surf wave pool at the bottom! The idea is to ensure the resort remains open for sports lovers all year round. Although right now the glacier does offer the amazing option of summer skiing, unfortunately due to climate change it is retreating - over 30% of the glacier’s skiable area has disappeared in the last 17 years. So resort officials are stepping in with a €62m project to give nature a helping hand.
Artist’s impression
A glass tunnel will enclose a section of the race slope next to the Tichot lift. In winter, one side will remain open with snow ploughed in to create a fun practice area with snow park, slalom track and toboggan run. In summer it will be fully enclosed so the temperature can be kept low enough to conserve snow blasted out from cannons. The piste will be served by its own ski lift and at the bottom will be a restaurant and wave pool, which will generate 3-metre high rollers.
42
It’s not the first time surfing has been brought to the mountains - the Alps’ first wave pool opened in Courchevel’s Aquamotion water park in 2015. It’s hoped the development will be
eco-friendly, using a hydroelectric power plant (bringing in water from Tignes’ lake and running it off into the dam) to generate enough electricity to power itself. Work is due to start in 2019 so watch this space!
/edgemagazine
edgemagazine
@edgemags
LOCAL - LIVE - ESSENTIAL
www.edgemag.net
DISCOVER
TIGNES LES BREVIERES
Greg Mistral Greg Mistral
Ski Bonjour chalet
Greg Mistral
A hidden gem in the Espace Killy, if you’ve overlooked Brevieres because it’s the lowest village in Tignes, Ski Bonjour highlights the reasons why you should think again. Why ski there? Brevieres is a lovely traditional village, in comparison to the purpose-built resort high rises of its neighbours. It is the oldest town in Tignes, full of charm and character with original farm buildings and church. It has great snow cover and very easy access to the whole Espace Killy.
In fact, it has some of the best runs in the ski area – including locals’ off piste favourite the Vallon de Sache. Take the Aiguille Percee chairlift, walk up to the top of the slope and turn right. There you’ll find three couloirs with various flatter and steeper sections, which all take you back down to the Sache Valley. Test your mettle on the famous black Sache run which is the longest in resort at a staggering 10km. It’s a lovely suntrap spot to ski into for an
“Brevieres is a lovely traditional village, in comparison to the purpose-built resort high rises of its neighbours
“ #LoveTignes
#LoveValdisere
#LoveLaRosiere
‘al fresco’ lunch. The village is bustling day and night with a range of popular bars and restaurants, live apres-ski music and dancing. Why stay there? Brevieres is a family-friendly resort away from the hustle and bustle, with some great deals to be had - like Ski Bonjour’s catered chalets with a choice of a hot tub or sauna from £479pppw. It’s easy and fun to ski back to Brevieres at the end of the day. Take the Chaudannes chairlift from Le Lac and you have a choice of blue, red and black runs home. All are open right to the end of winter due to both the excellent snow conditions and snow cannons. Alternatively, take the bus down to Boisses and ski down the easy blue piste into the village. skibonjour.com Subscribe to EDGE newsletters on our website to get offers from Ski Bonjour.
#LoveSainteFoy
43
LOCAL - LIVE - ESSENTIAL
www.edgemag.net
TIGNES EATS From gourmet to gluten-free, Savoyard to spicy Mexican, there’s something to tickle all taste buds in Tignes. Here are our recommendations. Tex Mex Exclusive Discount This American-style diner in Upper Val Claret is the perfect place to warm up with hot Mexican tapas, bar, games room and different live apres music options like Country and Mariachi bands. Plus they win the award for best Edge reader discount with the promise of 10% off your total bill.
10% off Quote EDGE2018 Marmot Arms Bangin’ Burgers Stomping live music, drinks served with a chaser of good chat, and great food all these and more can be found at the Marmot on Rue de la Poste, Tignes Le Lac. Their burgers are hailed as the best way to cure a hangover or set you up for the evening. Dance the apres away then bury down into the basement Burrow Bar for late-night DJ parties. Those Marmoteers are not only friendly to us
44
guests, they’re eco-friendly too, leading a drive to ban plastic straws and turn lights off for Earth Hour.
Happy hour Bagus Meal With A View There’s nothing nicer than a lovely long lunch with a view and Bagus’ terrace, at the back of Rue de la Poste in Tignes Le Lac, provides both. Pizzas and traditional Savoyard are their specialities. And if pausing to savour the stunning sight of Val Claret rising up over Tignes lake isn’t a great excuse for ordering dessert, we don’t know what is.
Lunch deal €15.90 inc drink Tummy Prize Pizza Making pizza better than the Italians’ - it’s a bold claim by Tummy. But the owners can back it up with an award for 25th place at the World Pizza Championships in Italy last year. Celebrating its third year, the cosy restaurant in Upper Tignes Val Claret is expanding so there’s
/edgemagazine
edgemagazine
@edgemags
LOCAL - LIVE - ESSENTIAL
www.edgemag.net
more room for eating their renowned organic bruschetta, fresh antipasti and homemade gourmet burgers, plus a bar with a range of Italian wines. Takeaway is available.
restaurant’s international ‘pick n mix’ menu, which allows you to put all your favourite elements (meat, side, sauce, veg) together. Finish with a fireside cocktail in the lounge bar.
Enjoy fireside cocktails
Langley 2100 Pick n Mix Menu Go straight from the slopes to the chef’s table at the Langley Hotel’s open kitchen restaurant and bar on Rue de la Poste, Tignes Le Lac. Try a relaxed post-ski pizza while chilling to tunes from a band or DJ. Or create your own dish from the
Creperie Bretonne Gluten Free Food Savoie fayre is not always diet or allergy friendly, so we were delighted to find the
gluten free menu at Creperie Bretonne, front du neige, Tignes Le Lac. All their galettes, crepes, salads and sundaes are filled with top ingredients and interesting combos. Owner Didier uses a traditional recipe from his Britanny birthplace, with organic buckwheat flour. The gluten free range includes smoked salmon and curried chicken wraps. Britanny cider is on tap, or try local organic cider.
Open 12pm to 9pm.
* Times & offers may change
EAT IN Pizz de Tignes Tucked a little out of the way, past Club Med in Borsat, Higher Tignes Val Claret, these guys work hard to offer something unique to the discerning pizza lover. Their ‘gastronomic’ toppings include our favourite, La Summertime, with chicken, courgette, cumin, crystalised citrus, parmesan & olives. Yum! Delivery is available, or collect and pick up some other bits from their licensed grocery shop.
C lapizzdetignes
Carrefour As the catchphrase goes, this is not just any supermarket. At the Carrefour on Rue de la Poste, Tignes Le Lac, they go the extra mile to help you enjoy a cosy night in. Hire of fondue and raclette kits is FREE when you buy your meats and cheese. Groceries in resorts can be expensive but you’ll find the best value fresh food here - they can deliver to your door too.
Huski If you’re like us, when you arrive you want to get straight on the mountain. Huski bring shopping, mouthwatering frozen meals and drinks at cheaper-thanresort-prices to your accommodation. Order before you travel so it’s waiting on arrival, or get next day delivery across the Tarentaise. ‘Ski more; Cook and shop less’ is their motto, and we couldn’t agree more!
+33 (0)479009910
Hu.ski +33 (0)479041536
+33 (0)625098370
Delivery available
#LoveTignes
#LoveValdisere
Free Hire of fondue and raclette kits
#LoveLaRosiere
Delivery on arrival
#LoveSainteFoy
45
LOCAL - LIVE - ESSENTIAL
www.edgemag.net
FAMILY
FUN W
hen children want beginner fun, teenagers crave carving speed and parents a bit of off-piste peace and quiet, skiing with family can seem like a jigsaw puzzle.
“We’re a small family business helping other families have a memorable, fun ski holiday!
“
Owner of the Ski One shop in Tignes Val Claret, Manu Bertholin, knows more about the dynamics of family skiing than most. His father, Roland, created the first ever Children’s Ski Village, Les Marmottons – now located under Tufs chairlift – in 1972 in Tignes. Manu says: “It was his idea to make a totally safe, secure area for children to learn to ski. He introduced little toboggan runs, the chalet for eating snacks and warmth, and colourful characters to help teach the basics of skiing. Now we’ve got fun inflatables and 15 dedicated ski instructors.”
Manu and wife Laurence, a former member of the French downhill ski team, have now taken over the running of Les Marmottons and shop Ski One – offering equipment hire and lessons. Their focus is on making family skiing as stress-free as possible. Manu explains: “We’re a small family business helping other families have a memorable, fun ski holiday.” Lessons are linked up so everyone starts and ends their classes at the same time.
CHILD’S PLAY: It’s always Sunny on Val d’Isere’s new Solaise beginner fun area. Kids will love the new nursery slope beside the Poum magic carpet, featuring colourful character Sunny. Large foam obstacles, designed to aid learning while having fun, scatter the piste. Bend your knees to ski under an arch, hit a gong with your pole as you turn – all improve technique without you realising! The Solaise is a fantastic area for learners. Start at the bottom with free lifts (Savonnette drag & Village chair) from the front du neige. Once you’re ready to progress, take the fast new VIP gondola – with heated seats and WiFi – to the top. Re-opened last winter after a €16million facelift, this area now sports a low-gradient slope designed for new skiers and a glass-walled restaurant.
46
/edgemagazine
edgemagazine
@edgemags
LOCAL - LIVE - ESSENTIAL
www.edgemag.net
Great food & drink, direct to your chalet
Setting off from the piste-side shop base, kids are transported to Les Marmottons by snow tractor.
WIN!
Everyone else heads straight for Tufs - from where the Espace Killy is your oyster. And when everyone heads home together, happy from their perfect ski day, the jigsaw is complete. skione-tignes.com
1. ORDER ONLINE OVEN-READY MEALS AND CRAFT DRINKS: PERFECT FOR CHALET SKI HOLIDAYS , FROM THE UK’S ‘COOK’ AND LOCAL RESTAURANTS & SUPPLIERS
Ski One is offering EDGE readers the chance to win family ski hire for a week! See Page 69 for how to enter.
2. FOR THE BEST SKI HOLIDAY EVER WE DELIVER DAILY TO 16 RESORTS: SO YOU CAN SKI MORE, AND COOK & SHOP LESS
PRE-ORDER BEFORE YOU TRAVEL, OR BOOK IN RESORT FOR NEXT DAY DELIVERY AT:
www.hu.ski tel:+33479041536
Val d’Isere Tourism
#LoveTignes
#LoveValdisere
#LoveLaRosiere
#LoveSainteFoy
47
LOCAL - LIVE - ESSENTIAL
www.edgemag.net
THROUGH THE LOOKING GLASS
OUR PICK OTG Oakley Canopy Val Optic and Tignes Optic offer advice on goggles, glasses and sunglasses from qualified opticians, plus a wide range of prescription and nonprescription eyewear.
Choosing Maison Martin ski goggles Opticiens can be a complicated business with so many makes, models and lens tints. But when you wear glasses there’s another element to think about – Over The Glasses (OTG) goggles or prescription lenses? Patrick Martin, owner of Val/Tignes Optic, gives his expert advice.
OTG (Over The Glasses)
These are made slightly larger and deeper to give extra space for glasses. Handy notches in the frame at the temples allow your glasses stems to sit snuggly without digging in. These can work out cheaper as you save on having a prescription lens made. So if you only ski once a year on piste for a bit of fun, or if you have a very complex prescription, this may be the solution for you. However, do make sure they’re antifog. Glasses inside goggles are prone to misting so look for models with a double lens, fan or quality vents.
Prescription Lenses
This can be the easiest option in that you’re not restricted in choice of goggles, fitting them around your glasses isn’t an issue, and fogging is less of a problem. If you’re buying in resort, bear in mind it will take a day or two to prepare the lens, and the extra cost will be about €150-
350. If you’re spending two or more weeks a year on the hill, skiing off piste and don’t want to risk damaging your glasses, this could be the option for you. Val d’Isere (Val Village) +33 (0)479062473 Tignes (Galerie Les Platieres, Higher Val Claret) +33 (0)479063592
PHOTOCHROMIC LENSES
Don’t be fooled by a bright sunny start to the day; within minutes cloud can roll in and leave you in a whiteout. It’s vital your eyes are protected and you have the best possible vision in all conditions but swapping your shades or goggle lenses isn’t always practical.
Julien Blard, owner of Sport Glisse (Sport 2000), recommends looking for photochromic models, which adapt to become lighter or darker according to changing ambient light thanks to a special coating that reacts with UV. He says: “Julbo photochromic lenses are the best out there and we stock different types for different technical requirements and sports.”
48
OUR PICK Men & Women Montebianco (€75-160) Light, stylish and high protection with removable side shields.
Sport Glisse (Sport 2000), Higher Tignes Val Claret, offer ski/snowboard kit hire and expert advice. +33 (0)479064023
/edgemagazine
Children Rookie (from €35) Perfectly adapted to fit young people aged 8 and 12 years.
edgemagazine
@edgemags
LOCAL - LIVE - ESSENTIAL
www.edgemag.net
THE MARMOT ARMS YOUR favourite local... After 5 glorious years The Marmot Arms has established itself as THE place to be for holiday-makers and seasonnaires. Whether you need a full English breakfast before hitting the slopes, amazing burgers for lunch or dinner, a lively and revitalizing après-ski session, a thumping night-time DJ set, or just a place to while away the hours on a white-out day, we have everything you need and more. Perfectly situated at the bottom of the Palafour chairlift, inside our doors you’ll find: • A cosy and warm Alpine pub
tignes
• Your favourite beers and spiritual delights
duch altitude / twinner
• Man & Wolf craft pale ale
rue
de la
maison de tignes
poste
palafour lift
d87a
THE snowpark MARMOT shop ARMS
• The infamous Marmot Happy Hour from 4-6pm • Fantastic live après-ski music
le lavachet les almes
le bec rouge
• Stonking DJ parties in the downstairs Burrow Bar
rue de la poste
• Sky Sports on 3 massive screens val claret
• An all day kitchen creating the greatest handcrafted, homemade 6oz gourmet burgers in the history of Marmot themed pubs EVER.
le rosset
lac de tignes
The Marmoteers await you...
ORGANIC FLOUR GLUTEN FREE GALETTES WRAPS & BREIZH BURGERS BRITANNY CIDER ON TAP
Professional, dedicated nannying service ready to entertain your little chicks in Val d’Isere, Tignes and La Plagne. From a couple of hours’ babysitting to full days’ childcare. Have a stress free holiday knowing your children are safe and having fun! Ask about FREE nappies,wipes, equipment and little chicks suitcase.
OPEN 12PM TO 9PM
All our nannies are fully qualified, have paediatric first aid certificate and hold a current CRB check.
RUE DU ROSSET TIGNES LE LAC (front du neige)
FR : +33 (0)762702436 UK : +44 (0)7593 7154 35 www.littlechickschildcare.com laura@littlechickschildcare.com
Tel: +33 (0) 479 003 107
#LoveTignes
#LoveValdisere
#LoveLaRosiere
#LoveSainteFoy
49
LOCAL - LIVE - ESSENTIAL
www.edgemag.net
Pascal Arpin
SAINTE FOY
POWDER PLAYGROUND While larger ski resorts can be about skiing hard, and apresskiing even harder, quaint Sainte Foy offers a breath of fresh mountain air. The charmingly small resort, popular with families and discerning off-piste riders, promises to awaken your inner ‘natural skier’ – and as soon as you set foot on the pretty slopes you’ll see why. Surrounded by traditional-style chalets and trees, it’s a tranquil environment in which to learn while exploring and enjoying the mountains. Nature Pistes If you love the challenge of skiing powder and all-terrain, you’ll find Sainte Foy is the perfect playground. Large areas are patrolled and marked but not groomed Anne Marmottan
so you can experience off piste skiing in safety (though it’s still recommended you pack avalanche safety equipment). These are labelled Natur’ on the piste map. They’re mainly black level (Natur’Morion, Natur’Shaper’s Paradise, Natur’Crystal Dark), but beginners and kids have the option of some fun little nature runs too. Look for the Fox taking you off the Plan Bois piste into the trees (Natur’Renard), or the hidden Marmotte route next to the Marquises chairlift (Natur’Marmotte).
Both have fun images and educational elements with information about the environment or wildlife. Once you’re ready to graduate to real off piste skiing, you’ll find unlimited routes through the trees to discover – be sure to hire a guide to make the most of it. Heritage Sites Sainte Foy boasts protected forests with areas of ecological interest, designated important for flora, fauna and birds, partly within the Vanoise National Park. Le Monal is a stunning listed village a relatively easy off piste ski from the resort.
Thomas Berthier (c)
50
/edgemagazine
edgemagazine
@edgemags
LOCAL - LIVE - ESSENTIAL
www.edgemag.net
Hire a guide to show you the route to this secret spot – its beauty will stop you in your tracks.
“Sainte Foy is different. If you like
“Sainte Foy is different,” says ski instructor Thomas Berthier. “If you like off piste there is a lot to do and the rewards are great. The tree runs are stunning and it’s as if those mountains were made just for you.”
off piste there is a lot to do and the rewards are great. The tree runs are stunning and it’s as if those mountains were made just for you
Thomas Berthier ski@europe.com +33 (0)616343378
Ski instructor Thomas Berthier
“
Sainte Foy is just a 15-minute drive from the Espace Killy. Adult day pass €31.50.
Pascal Arpin
SKI - SNOWBOARD - TELEMARK CHILDREN - ADULTS - GUIDING - OFF PISTE
1st-Lifts is the professional and personal private transfer service for your ski/snowboard holiday. Begin and end your holiday in style with 1st-Lifts. A 1st class comfortable airport transfer service to the Espace Killy, Three Valleys and Paradiski ski resorts. Our drivers will pick you up at the airport of your choice any time of day or night. Our drivers are fully competent and are experienced at driving in the harshest winter conditions. We aim to make your transfer a pleasurable and safe experience. 1st-Lifts are passionate about the French Alps as we know, first hand, that the ski areas are some of the best in the world.
Thomas Berthier MY 22 YEARS OF INSTRUCTING EXPERIENCE WILL MAKE A DIFFERENCE TO YOUR SKIING/SNOWBOARDING.
INDIVIDUAL/GROUP COACHING IN TIGNES - VAL D’ISERE - SAINTE FOY.
SKI@EUROPE.COM +33 (0)616343378
Website : www.1st-lifts.com Email : info@1st-lifts.com Phone : +33698 215978 or +447929 726475
#LoveTignes
#LoveValdisere
#LoveLaRosiere
#LoveSainteFoy
51
LOCAL - LIVE - ESSENTIAL
www.edgemag.net
Propaganda73
Propaganda73
A TASTE OF
ITALY The Espace San Bernardo ski area stretches from France’s La Rosiere to Italy’s La Thuile resorts, making it easy to sneak a taste of Italy into your French ski break. Here’s how. Start your day in sunny La Rosiere drinking in stunning views right across the Tarentaise valley with your coffee. We love the terrace at the friendly piste-side Relais du Petit Saint Bernard restaurant. Starting at the Roches Noires, it takes just three lifts to reach the Italian side of the ski area. Then you have the option to take one long, wide, tree-lined piste Propaganda73
52
around the mountain all the way into La Thuile. Alternatively take a fourth lift to the top of Belvedere, opening up all the possible routes dropping down around Les Suches. Blue, red, black runs – this side of the hill offers something for everyone. There is one long draglift to contend with, possibly two if it’s too windy for the Franco-Italia Fourclaz chairlift to open. Give yourself a couple of hours for a leisurely ski over the border.
south-facing La Rosiere, to more challenging skiing on the north face of the mountain in the Aosta Valley. Its snow cover rivals nearby super-resorts, with 7m cumulative last winter.
The 160km of pistes that make up the Espace San Bernardo range from meandering runs around sun-soaked,
From there, the same winding piste took us through beautiful forest all the way down into La Thuile. Once in resort there
Once in Italy your first stop should be for a Bombardino in a mountain hut. This unique hot, alcoholic drink will warm your cockles even on the coldest ski day. We indulged at Offshore bar on the Ponteilles red piste.
/edgemagazine
edgemagazine
@edgemags
LOCAL - LIVE - ESSENTIAL
www.edgemag.net
Propaganda73
ITALIAN FLAIR IN VAL D’ISERE Experience authentic Italian pizza and pasta in Val d’Isere at Chez Paolo – a friendly, traditional restaurant at the foot of the Solaise piste.
are endless options for authentic pasta and pizza lunches. Before you get too sidetracked by the Italian wine and limoncello, ensure you find out the time of the last connecting Chardonnet lift back to France – otherwise it’s a long and expensive taxi ride back. Arriving back into La Rosiere for
après-ski, we danced to live music as the sun set at La Taverne du McKinley, and enjoyed a hearty French feed in the restaurant. The best of both worlds, all in one day. La Rosiere is just a 20-minute drive from the Espace Killy. A one-day full area pass costs €43.50, 6-day €211.20.
Recipes were handed down to host, Paolo, by his family of well-respected Venetian restaurateurs. If you love pizza you’ll love this menu, which has every variety including a dessert pizza with nutella. Homemade pasta is flavoured with local meats, veg and herbs, and the ice cream is always a hit. Takeaway is available for a cosy night in too. +33 (0)479062804
VAL D’ISERE An institute in one of Europe’s most popular ski destinations. We are Val d’Isere’s premier live music venue with bands, artists and DJs playing through the week both at après and in the evening. Away from the music we also show all major sporting events across our five screens. From football to snooker – we’ve got it all. Find us on the main road just past Tourist Office Square.
morispub.com
LA ROSIERE
Hotel** - Restaurant Bar/Snack. At the foot of the nursery slopes, this is the ideal meeting place for lunch or evening meals. The restaurant has a great family atmosphere in a true alpine setting, serving traditional cuisine and mountain specialties. New this year: New family & disabled access rooms, spa with hammam & sauna, lift, breakfast room & lounge with panoramic view. +33 (0) 479068048 contact@petit-saint-bernard.com
petit-saint-bernard.com
#LoveTignes
#LoveValdisere
#LoveLaRosiere
#LoveSainteFoy
53
LOCAL - LIVE - ESSENTIAL
www.edgemag.net
POINTE DE LECHAUD 3128m
FRESH TRACKS
GUARANTEED
Nothing is more satisfying than putting a perfect line on an untouched slope. Unfortunately every keen skier in the resort has the same desire, and after a dump many areas are tracked by mid-morning. If you’re fantasising about freshies, you need to get out to a place lifts can’t reach. It’s time to try heli-skiing.
A
s long as you can ski off piste relatively well, a helicopter drop should be on your bucket list. Think of your best ever ski day. Now imagine it with just you and your mates - no-one and nothing else in sight but mountain peaks, the snow totally untouched. Add in a bonus helicopter trip, times the total stoke by 100, and that gives you a little taste of the feeling of heli-skiing! If you’ve been watching how they do it
54
in ski films, don’t worry - you don’t have to leap James Bond-style from under the moving blades and speed down the north face of the Eiger (unless you want to). The chopper enables you to reach incredible snow in whatever type of terrain you like – from gentle undulating hills to steeps. V 2 La Rosiere’s fully certified guides are the ones to take you on this once-in-a-lifetime experience.
/edgemagazine
edgemagazine
@edgemags
LOCAL - LIVE - ESSENTIAL
www.edgemag.net
HELI DROP PACKAGES Based right on the border with Italy, where it’s legal to helidrop, they have spent years SIVE EXCLUFFER seeking out and testing O the ultimate descents from VIP breakfast peaks you could only dream included of. Ski school owner Jacky Arpin says: “Do you love expanses of mountains, total freedom, adventure, virgin powder? Then this activity is for you. It’s unique and unforgettable.” When to try it? First timers: Spring snow in March and April provides the perfect conditions for easy off piste skiing. Choose your own
BOOK Get in touch a few days beforehand. The day depends on snow conditions, avalanche risk and weather. Pick ups available from any Tarentaise resort. Contact Evolution 2 La Rosiere ‘heli-skiing adventures, epic powder & backcountry terrain
#LoveTignes
“
Do you love expanses of mountains, total freedom, adventure, virgin powder? Then this activity is for you. It’s unique and unforgettable.
“
line depending on your level. Expert: Powder snow in December and January offers an incredible opportunity for making solo tracks.
ski & snowboard specialists’ contact@evolution2larosiere.com evolution2larosiere.com +33 (0)479401980 Exclusive EDGE readers’ offer: Get a VIP breakfast included when you book any heli-ski trip. Quote: EDGEMAGAZINE
#LoveValdisere
#LoveLaRosiere
1 drop: Mont Freduaz, 2900m. Descend the east face to Miroir. Return by minibus Vertical descent: 1700m From €360pp 1 drop: Mont Miravidi, 3066m. Descend the south face to Versoye. Return by helicopter Vertical descent: 1700m From €360pp
MOST
POPUL 2 drops: AR Mont Ouille, 3099m or Pointe Lechaud 3128m, then Mont Miravidi South, 3066m. Ski to Versoye. Return by helicopter Vertical descent: 3200m from €510pp 3 drops: Mont Miravidi North, 3066m, then Mont Ouille West, 3099m. Or Pointe Lechaud, 3128m, then Mont Miravidi South, 3066m. Ski to Versoye. Return by helicopter Vertical descent: 4200m from €630pp Included: ABS, safety gear, ski pass, snack.
#LoveSainteFoy
55
LOCAL - LIVE - ESSENTIAL
Propaganda73
T
he ski industry is changing. Climate change, travel costs, online deals and information are all shaping the future of our snow getaways. Happily, as you’re already in a ski resort, we’re likely to see you back on the slopes again next year. The Ski Club Of Great Britain’s last annual survey of 17,000 skiers found that 97% were planning to get back to the mountains as soon as they could. We’re guessing you’re one of them! In the past, families might have booked one ski trip a year to the same resort they know and love. Now, many keen skiers get away at least twice a season and they’re eager to explore new mountains.
97% are planning to get back to the mountains ASAP
56
www.edgemag.net
THE CHANGING FACE OF SKIING
1/3 “People who come here to ski are more of holidaymakers are now booking independently
Almost three quarters of UK skiers love visiting the French Alps and, because the number one priority when choosing a resort is guaranteed snow cover, the Espace Killy is their go-to destination. The survey showed that more than a third of holidaymakers are now booking independently, instead of through a tour operator. Lots of us are skilled in searching online - for deals, or to arm ourselves with information so we know exactly what we want, and how much for, when we hit the shops.
knowledgeable than ever before, and therefore need more expert advice and a more personalised service
“
skiing and, although it’s a relatively new craze, ski touring is taking off with 7% of us giving it a go. Read more about ski touring and how you can try it for free in Tignes on pg 8-9. Overall though, sales of ski equipment in the UK are down slightly, which a recent Snowsports Industries Great Britain trade
39%
Brands are responding to all this by developing more technical and tailored kit. Sales of ski equipment designed specifically for women are on the rise, as is the demand for other specialist gear. More of us (now 39%) are trying off piste
are trying off piste skiing
/edgemagazine
edgemagazine
@edgemags
resto 1789 - advert.pdf 1 LOCAL LIVE - ESSENTIAL
13/10/2014
16:31
www.edgemag.net
RESTAURANT
LE 1789
Reservations:
04 79 06 17 89
One of the best kept secrets in Val dâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Isere and home to the famous CĂ´te de Boeuf cooked on an open fire in the heart of the restaurant. A traditional menu of local produce that caters to all tastes. Owner and local celebrity Minet, his wife Isabelle and their team create a warm and friendly atmosphere every evening. To avoid disappointment telephone bookings can be made after 4pm every evening. The restaurant can be found down a little path between BAR XV and Baraque on the main street opposite the bus station.
FR: +33 (0)648017807 UK: +44 (0)7970103259 EMAIL: simon.fox@vrsauto.co.uk
w w w. alpt ran sfe r s. e u
Langley Ski Lodge Victors Victors is for those who truly share the love of skiing and care less about the amenities in their hotel. Its bar and restaurant attract everyone from ski bums to guests from the nearby luxury hotels and for good reason. Here we serve meals cooked with passion, seeking inspiration from the Scandinavian and French cuisines, along with cocktails from all over the world. langley.eu
#LoveTignes
+33 (0)4 79 06 06 52
#LoveValdisere
#LoveLaRosiere
#LoveSainteFoy
57
LOCAL - LIVE - ESSENTIAL
www.edgemag.net
SPOTLIGHT ON: UNPLUGGED The only shop in Val d’Isere to hire out clothing as well as kit, and to specialise in snowboarding, Unplugged is not afraid to do things differently and move with the times. Right on the main Tourist Office Square, this shop stands out for its retro radness featuring brands Picture, Rip Curl, Colour and new this season Burton and Planks. Shop owner Stephane says: “Clothing hire is something no-one else in Val d’Isere is doing. People are so happy when it means their lost luggage won’t ruin the first few days of their holidays, or if they’re backpacking Europe they can still come to try snowsports. All our staff ride every day – everything from snowboard to telemark – and want to share their passion for the snow.” +33 (0)479419577
THE CHANGING FACE OF SKIING
Tesla Model X
SnowDrone
CONTINUED survey blames in part on airline carriage charges and the availability of great rental packages in resort. Precision Ski is one of the local ski hire shops stepping up to the plate here. Owner David Mercier started his first ski shop in Les Coches, La Plagne, in 1998 and now runs over 27 Precision Ski stores in the Tarentaise, and 74 Ski Republic stores across France – so he must be doing something right! He says: “People who come here to ski are more knowledgeable than ever before, and therefore need more expert advice and a more personalised service. Our greatest
strength is that all the equipment we hire and sell is chosen by our expert team on the ground - those in direct contact
“We now have an English-language call centre and online chat, we answer queries through Facebook, Twitter and Instagram and we’ll continue to innovate.
“ 58
with clients. We’re also moving with the times in how we communicate with customers. We now have an Englishlanguage call centre and online chat, we answer queries through Facebook, Twitter and Instagram and we’ll continue to innovate.” Another factor that’s influencing skiers’ choice is the environment. Although the Espace Killy is one of the only snow-sure ski areas, it’s becoming obvious, looking
/edgemagazine
edgemagazine
@edgemags
LOCAL - LIVE - ESSENTIAL
www.edgemag.net
Bespoke Apparel for where you ride
Private | Shared Transfers
VW Caravelle | Tesla Model X | Audi A6 allroad
bleubirdapparel.com
Love the Journey.
Born from the Elements Established in the Alps
f
o
r
e
v
e
r
r
i
d
i
Business class vehicles with 4x4, leather seats, WiFi, iPads, USB charging ports and more. All ensuring a relaxing start or end to your holiday. Whatever the weather. n
g
snow-drone.com | info@snow-drone.com | +44 203 239 4978
SERVING THE BEST PIZZA & ITALIAN FOOD IN VAL D’ISERE FOR 20 YEARS 62 x 90mm Menice design .indd 1
26/09/2017 11
Au t h en t i c It al i an c u i s i n e P i zza s p ec i al i t i es : C l as s i c , C reat i ve, Wh i t e, D es s ert H ome mad e fres h p as t a It al i an regi on al w i n e & c offee E at In / Tak eaw ay H ap p y H ou rs
PI
ZZ
E R I A I TA L I A N
Ro n d Point des Pistes
VA L D ’ISER E
#LoveTignes
#LoveValdisere
A
P l at s d u Jou r
S t u n n i n g s k i - i n l oc at i on at t h e foot of t h e So l a i s e , ac c es s i b l e b y R ed / Yel l ow Trai n an d b y foo t
Email: chezpaolo@gmail.com Phone: +33 (0) 479062804 WC not accessible to people in wheelchairs
#LoveLaRosiere
#LoveSainteFoy
59
LOCAL - LIVE - ESSENTIAL
THE CHANGING FACE OF SKIING CONTINUED
www.edgemag.net
at the retreating glaciers, that action is needed to stem the effects of climate change. It’s because skiers are keen to reduce the impact of their holiday on the environment that transfer company SnowDrone are introducing Tesla electric vehicles to their winter fleet. Business owner Helen Gill says: “Our drivers cover over 1,000,000km per year and we are dedicated to investing in vehicles and technology that is kinder to the environment, while still offering a high level of service.” Sharing transfers is another way skiers are reducing their carbon footprint on the roads that’s the reason skier Ben Keown set up the ever-expanding Ben’s Bus. He says: “The roads up to the beautiful mountains are too often clogged up with thousands of cars. Ben’s Bus’ 50-seater coaches mean cheaper prices for you, less hire cars and private vehicles on the road and smaller carbon footprints.” The post-Brexit falling value of the pound against the euro is not putting skiers off going skiing, though it might make us hunt round for deals more. Fortunately there are many to be found! Check our EDGE Facebook and Twitter pages, and sign up for our weekly newsletter, for regular special offers. With developments in kit, some great deals around and so many ways to help conserve the mountain environment we all love, there’s never been a better time to indulge your love of skiing.
“Our drivers cover over 1,000,000km per year
and we are dedicated to investing in vehicles and technology that is kinder to the environment, while still offering a high level of service
“
FEATURED BUSINESSES Precision precisionski-rent.com SnowDrone snow-drone.com Ben’s Bus bensbus.co.uk
Philippe Royer
60
/edgemagazine
edgemagazine
@edgemags
LOCAL - LIVE - ESSENTIAL
www.edgemag.net
LOCATED IN
VAL D'ISERE TIGNES IF IT'S A GREAT TIME YOU'RE AFTER, THEN LOOK NO FURTHER, SALOON BAR IS THE PLACE TO BE. WITH A HOST OF LIVE MUSIC PLAYING EVERYDAY DURING APRES SKI, FOLLOWED BY FUN, CRAZY AND PARTY MAD NIGHTS, THE SALOON BAR DRAWS AN ELECTRIC CROWD FROM MID-AFTERNOON, RIGHT THROUGH UNTIL THE EARLY HOURS OF THE MORNING. IT'S SUPERB!!!
• FRIENDLY INTERNATIONAL STAFF • VARIETY OF COCKTAILS • LIVE APRES SKI MUSIC • FANCY DRESS PARTIES • HAPPY HOURS
THE BIGGEST AND BRIGHTEST BAR IN TOWN! S
K
I
R
E
S
O
R
T
T
R
A
N
S
F
E
R
S
The perfect pizza takes time...
4 days
For our Italian handmade dough to rise
The time it takes you to eat it
4 mins
Order your takeaway for pick-up or delivery: +33 (0) 625 098 370
G E T T I N G Y O U
Find us: Borsat, Higher Tignes Val Claret (near Club Med) /lapizzdetignes
#LoveTignes
#LoveValdisere
G O O D
T O
T H E
S T U F F
t h e m o u n t a i n r e s c u e . c o m
#LoveLaRosiere
#LoveSainteFoy
61
LOCAL - LIVE - ESSENTIAL
www.edgemag.net
SLOPE
STYLE
ECO-FRIENDLY: Everyone’s got that one resort they love most – where you did your season, first found your love of riding, or just where your heart calls home. Bleubird’s signature ‘rear tag’ long line tees and hoodies allow you to proudly sport the name of your resort – or your riding style – below your jacket where everyone can see #bleubirdreartag. Label founder Matt Creighton, who calls the Tarentaise Valley his second home, says: “I realised how passionate people are about their resort. I designed stylish apparel with the name of the resort on the back ass, and it’s been incredibly popular.”
CLASSICALLY CONTINENTAL: French fashion is all about chic, even in the mountains. Technical jackets and sporty mid-layers are fine on the hill but what about when you’re relaxing in a romantic chalet, sharing a fondue in a candlelit restaurant, toasting an occasion round a log fire? The collection at Berenice, in Val d’Isere’s central Tourist Office square, is classically continental with feminine colours and elegant lines. The famous signature design of angel wings on the back of a cashmere pullover ‘symbolises freedom and purity’, says designer Frederic Krief, making it the perfect casual clothing for the snow. berenice.net
62
/edgemagazine
edgemagazine
@edgemags
LOCAL - LIVE - ESSENTIAL
www.edgemag.net
PROPERTY MANAGEMENT & LIFESTYLE LUXURY PROVIDER Bleubird has launched a snow and surf range with an ecofriendly ethos. Matt explains: “It’s important to me to protect what we love, so we use as much recycling, upcycling and biodegradeable material as possible.” Stylish and mountain friendly? A little bleubird told me that’s a winning combination! bleubirdapparel.com
MOUNTAIN LIFESTYLE: What happened when a Parisian fashionista met a Val d’Isere-born Mountain Guy? Mountain Girl was born! With Alice’s urban style and the ski cool of Jules (who also owns popular resort bar Coin des Amis and ski shop Pure Ski) the couple share their love of the Alps with you at their resortcentre shop.
Nannies & Babysitters Dog walking Catering Mobile Spa Wellness Treatments
Alice says: “There’s a Mountain Girl or Guy in all of us. We want people to be able to take a little piece of the mountains and this amazing lifestyle home.” The clothing fashion line, designed for all the family, features quality jackets, shirts, dresses and tees - with an exciting new range planned for this winter. Choose a classy ‘Mountain Girl/ Guy by Val d’Isere’ logo or mountain catchphrases like ‘schuss’ or ‘apres ski’. Accessories like bracelets, mugs, candles and jewellery are all made locally or in France, fair trade and organic. Follow their instagram #mountaingirlvaldisere and tag your own pictures! mountaingirl.fr
#LoveTignes
#LoveValdisere
Email : vikki@tignesangels.co.uk EMAIL : Phone : 0044 7786405860 VIKKI@TIGNESANGELS.CO.UK 0033 601240126
www.littleangelsnannies.co.uk www.taylorstherapies.co.uk
PHONE :
0044 7786405860 0033 601240126
www.tignesangels.co.uk www.tignesangels.co.uk
#LoveLaRosiere
#LoveSainteFoy
63
LOCAL - LIVE - ESSENTIAL
www.edgemag.net
GO ECO How energy efficient is your property? Particularly in the extreme climate of the Alps it’s an important question – both for your wallet and the environment. Energy ratings are something we all check when buying kitchen appliances but they can be overlooked when it comes to our homes. However, as a draughty, inefficient property can add thousands to your bills each year, these ratings are worth adding to your priority list when buying or renovating. Look out for the DPE (Diagnostic de Performace Energetique) rating, from A (almost passive) to G (draughtier than a bus shelter). Agents Alpine Property say the vast majority of properties on sale in the Alps achieve only an E rating, with just 2% getting an A or B. Gareth Jefferies, of Alpine Property, says: “I’m not sure that I’d buy a car or a fridge with a rating that bad, and of course our houses cost more to run than either of those. My house is grade F with over €3500 annual bills whereas a client’s C-rated chalet only has bills of around €700 – a huge
64
saving.” Ratings of B or above should be questioned further as sometimes there are loopholes, he adds: “For example, buildings built before 1949 are measured on actual energy bills (rather than efficiency) so an uninsulated but unoccupied property can be rated A, making a mockery of the whole thing.” The best energy rating the agents have ever seen in the Alps has just been achieved at a new-build in nearby Morzine, by ECSUS (ECological & SUStainable) Design (pictured). Built using Kingspan’s highly-insulated SIPs (Structurally Insulated Panels) and renewable energy systems, the chalet attracted huge interest partly because of its eco credentials when it went on the market – and sold within a week. ECSUS director Steve Downs said: “We aim to meet passive house standards even in the freezing mountain winters.” Alpine Property agent Ailsa says: “ I would say poorly insulated
/edgemagazine
edgemagazine
@edgemags
LOCAL - LIVE - ESSENTIAL
www.edgemag.net
ECSUS Design’s chalet Alpine Property
Architectural Services Specialising in Kingspan TEK DESIGN & PLANNING Initial concept, adaptation of existing plans and full planning permission drawings. PROJECT MANAGEMENT Product delivery and installation through to a fully managed project. properties without double glazing etc are definitely a harder sell. No work to do to improve efficiency and comfort will make a property much more appealing and so it should sell quicker for a higher price.” Buying new comes with a host of benefits, but if it isn’t an option there are things you can do to improve the eco credentials of your current home. Rain water collection, air source heat pump and solar panels can all take hundreds off your annual household bills – making them a good investment for your future while also making your home much more attractive to future buyers. Plus, if we all focus more on keeping our energy consumption low it helps to preserve the planet – and then everybody wins.
CONSULTANCY Architectural consultancy regarding the design and construction of SIPs panels. Kingspan TEK are next generation Structurally Insulated Panels (SIPs) that create energy efficient, eco-friendly, affordable homes that work within challenging environments specialising in ski chalets. 6 X STRONGER THAN TIMBER FRAME DECENNALE INSURANCE LOWER RUNNING COSTS LIFETIME WARRANTY
LOWER CONSTRUCTION COSTS FASTER CONSTRUCTION FLEXIBLE DESIGN & FINISH ATE & BBA CERTIFIED
ecsusdesign.com alpine-property.com
as
n
no
d ran
see
D
s gn i s e
G
Offices in: UK, French Alps & SW France +33 (0)6 85 20 48 09
#LoveTignes
#LoveValdisere
#LoveLaRosiere
+44 (0)7967 728009
#LoveSainteFoy
65
LOCAL - LIVE - ESSENTIAL
www.edgemag.net
TO SKI OR
NOT TO SKI
There are plenty of ways to wind down after a busy ski day - or if you fancy a day off the planks.
Langley 2100 Hotel & Spa
Val d’Isere Tourism
Spa SPA The new spa at Langley Tignes 2100 hotel offers guaranteed relaxation. The view out across the lake from the hot tubs on the terrace, or the glass-walled sauna, is mesmerising. You can also book treatments, for wellness or to soothe aches and pains. Half-day packages including lunch are available. Langley Tignes 2100, Rue de la Poste, Tignes Le Lac.
andyparant.com
BOWLING The French national hobby, everyone loves a spot of bowling. Jack’s Bowling Club in Tignes Le Lac (next to Tignespace) sports a 10-lane alley with arcade games, pool tables, sports TV and a friendly, family-run bar. Later on, Jack’s Nightclub opens and if your ski legs are up to a bit of dancing, you’re in the right place. Jack’s Bowling & Nightclub Tignes Le Lac (next to Tignespace) CENTRE AQUASPORTIF
andyparant.com
66
Revive your tired body in this Val d’Isere wellness centre, with its jacuzzis, sunbeds, saunas and steam baths. Chill
in the swimming pool’s water jets and bubble baths. The more active can try their hand at the climbing wall or gym. Route de la Balme, Val d’Isere Entry €7.60 adults LE LAGON Waterslides, bubble jets and various pools to bathe in, a spa to soak in and a gym to get the muscles toned and ready for the next day’s skiing. Tignes’ Lagon has it all – and it’s right across the road from Tignespace, which boasts sports halls and a climbing wall. Tignes Le Lac (next to Toviere) Entry €5.50 adults. Free pool access with 2 to 15-day ski-pass.
/edgemagazine
edgemagazine
@edgemags
LOCAL - LIVE - ESSENTIAL
www.edgemag.net
andyparant.com
Sportswear for the modern woman Satisfy your shopping cravings at our chic boutique Cashmere sweaters, trousers, jeans, bags, shoes, Accessories, gold & silver jewellery Tourist Office Square Val d’Isere Phone :
04 79 55 66 92
READY FOR
ANYTHING
We all think it won’t happen to us, but accidents happen on the mountain. If you require medical treatment abroad bills can soon mount up if you don’t have a good insurance policy that’s got your back. A recent Association of British Travel Agents (ABTA) survey that found 40% of 18 to 24-year-old travellers go overseas without any travel insurance, which is especially worrying when snow, ice and extreme sports are involved. Specialist ski and winter sports insurers MPI Brokers warn: “Young people who travel without insurance risk huge bills for emergency medical treatment and possible repatriation in the event of serious injury or illness while away.” Ever accidentally bumped into someone else on a crowded piste? It could land you with legal bills if you’re not covered, as MPI’s Michael Pettifer explains: “We have recently seen an increase in liability claims for winter sports where skiing into to another skier, who then sues for damages, can result in very high costs.” If you’re already in resort and want to cover yourself now don’t worry. While most insurers won’t let you take out a policy once you’ve left Britain, we’ve found MPI are a lot more flexible. Check out their site for ski holiday or seasonnaire insurance: retail.mpibrokers.com/edge If you are involved in an accident the emergency contacts you need are listed on pg70.
#LoveTignes
#LoveValdisere
#LoveLaRosiere
#LoveSainteFoy
67
LOCAL - LIVE - ESSENTIAL
www.edgemag.net
MASSAGE DISCOUNT AT 10% off any massage treatment. QUOTE EDGEMASSAGE Call to book: Val d’Isere +33 (0) 4 79 06 07 27 / Tignes +33 (0) 7 69 58 48 80 One offer per person, 10 discounted slots available per week, call for details
OFFERS
Exclusive discount offers for EDGE readers EAT FOR LESS AT Higher Tignes Val Claret
10% off total meal bill. Quote: EDGE2018 when ordering HELI-SKI EXTRA WITH
GEAR SAVINGS AT
La Rosiere
SPORT GLISSE Higher Tignes Val Claret
10% discount on anything for sale. Quote: EDGE18V at the till 20% off equipment rental. Quote: EDGE18L Not to be used with any other offer FREE VIP breakfast when you book any heli-ski trip. Quote: EDGEMAGAZINE Call to book +33 (0)4 79 40 19 80 GEAR SAVINGS AT Extra 10% off online ski rental: Quote: EDGE2018 precisionski-rent.com
68
THERE’S MORE Receive more offers, competitions and news from EDGE. Subscribe to our email newsletter at valdiseretignes.edgemag.net.
/edgemagazine
edgemagazine
@edgemags
LOCAL - LIVE - ESSENTIAL
www.edgemag.net
WIN
We’re giving you TWO chances to win ski equipment rental on your next holiday here! HIRE FOR 2
FAMILY HIRE Win family ski hire for a week Max 4 people
Win a weeks’ equipment rental for 2 people Skis or snowboard, poles, helmet and boots included Worth €426 Enter at valdiseretignes.edgemag.net/competition More details and conditions online.
#LoveTignes
#LoveValdisere
#LoveLaRosiere
#LoveSainteFoy
69
LOCAL - LIVE - ESSENTIAL
www.edgemag.net
DIRECTORY ACCOMMODATION
LANGLEY HOTEL VICTORS. Val d’Isere centre. langley.eu +33 (0)479060652 LANGLEY TIGNES 2100. Tignes Le Lac, Rue de la Poste. langley.eu
+33 (0)479060652
SKI BONJOUR. Tignes & Val d’Isere. skibonjour.com +44 (0)1765677787
VAL
LA ROSIERE
TIGNES
ALL
TIGNES & VAL INSURANCE
MPI BROKERS. retail.mpibrokers.com/edge
PROPERTY
ECSUS DESIGN (SKI CHALET CONSTRUCTION). ecsusdesign.com
ACTIVITIES
JACK’S BOWLING. Tignes Le Lac, next to Tignespace. +33 (0)479063995
+33 (0)685204809
FREE SPIRIT ALPINE (AGENTS). freespiritalpine.com +44 (0)7984860032
EVOLUTION 2 (see Ski Schools)
SHOPPING
AIRPORT TRANSFERS
CARREFOUR SUPERMARKET. Tignes Le Lac, Rue de la Poste.
1ST LIFTS. 1st-lifts.com +33(0)698215978
BEN’S BUS. bensbus.com
+33 (0)479009910
HUSKI (SHOPPING DELIVERY). hu.ski +33 (0)479041536
EUROPE TRANSFER. europetransfer.com +44 (0)2032394978 LA PRAZ. alptransfers.eu +33 (0)648017807
MOUNTAIN RESCUE. themountainrescue.com
SKI SCHOOLS
SNOWDRONE. snow-drone.com +44 (0)2032394978
ALPINE EXPERIENCE. Val d’Isere, Jean Sports shop. alpineexperience.com
WHITERIDES. whiterides.co.uk +33 (0)768311844
+33 (0)479062881
EVOLUTION 2. Tignes Le Lac (Escale Blanche) +33 (0)32895032.
BARS/CAFES/RESTAURANTS
CHEZ PAOLO. Val d’Isere front du neige. +33 (0)479062804 LE PETIT DANOIS. Val d’Isere. val@lepetitdanois.com
Val Claret centre. +33 (0)669540001.
Val d’Isere (Snowberry Shop) +33 (0)479007729.
booking@evolution2.com
MORIS PUB. Val d’Isere. morispub.com
TDC. tdcski.com. Tignes +33(0)603314321. Val d’Isere +33 (0)615553156
RESTAURANT 1789. Val d’Isere. +33 (0)479061789
EVOLUTION 2. La Rosiere centre. evolution2larosiere.com +33 (0)479401980
VICTORS. Val d’Isere. +33 (0)479060652
SNOWORKS. snoworks.com +44 (0)3445430503
BAGUS. Tignes Le Lac, Rue de la Poste. +33 (0)479064975
CREPERIE BRETONNE. Tignes Le Lac, front du neige. +33 (0)479003107
THOMAS BERTHIER. ski@europe.com +33 (0)616343378
JACK’S NIGHTCLUB. Tignes Le Lac, next to Tignespace +33 (0)479063995
LANGLEY TIGNES 2100. Tignes Le Lac, Rue de la Poste. +33 (0)479060652 MARMOT ARMS. Tignes Le Lac, Rue de la Poste
BERENICE. Val d’Isere, Tourist Office Square. +33 (0)479556692
PIZZ DE TIGNES. Higher Tignes Val Claret. +33 (0)625098370
JEAN SPORTS. Val d’Isere opp Tourist Office Square.
TEX MEX. Higher Tignes Val Claret. tex-mex.fr +33 (0)479063875
TUMMY. Higher Tignes Val Claret. tummy-gourmet.com +33 (0)479220035 SALOON. Tignes Val Claret & Val d’Isere
latavernedumckinley.com +33 (0)673703768
RELAIS DU PETIT SAINT BERNARD. La Rosiere front du neige.
jeansports.com +33 (0)479060444
MOUNTAIN GIRL. Val d’Isere Village. mountaingirl.fr VAL OPTIC. Val d’Isere Village. +33 (0)479062473.
MOUNTAIN STORY. Tignes Le Lac. mountainstory.fr +33 (0)479063379 SKI ONE. Tignes Val Claret. skione-tignes.com +33 (0)479063712
petit-saint-bernard.com
UNPLUGGED. Val d’Isere, Tourist Office Square. +33 (0)479419577
LA TAVERNE DU MCKINLEY. La Rosiere front du neige.
SKI/SNOWBOARD GEAR
SPORT GLISSE (SPORT 2000). Higher Tignes Val Claret. +33 (0)479064023
+33 (0)479068048
TIGNES OPTIC. Higher Tignes Val Claret. +33 (0)479063592 BLEUBIRD. bleubirdapparel.com
PRECISION. Shops across the Tarentaise. precisionski-rent.com
CHALET/BUSINESS SERVICES
TIGNES ANGELS. tignesangels.co.uk +33 (0)601240126 WELLNESS TREATMENT
CHILDCARE
LITTLE ANGELS NANNIES. Tignes. littleangelsnannies.co.uk
BONNE SANTE CLINIC. Val d’Isere. bonnesantealps.com +33 (0)479060727
LITTLE CHICKS. Val d’Isere/Tignes. littlechickschildcare.com
TAYLOR’S THERAPIES. Mobile. taylorstherapies.co.uk. +33 (0)601240126
THE SPA, Langley, Bonne Sante. Tignes Le Lac. +33 (0)769584880
+33 (0)601240126
+33 (0)762702436
ESSENTIAL CONTACTS
TIGNES
VAL D’ISERE
LA ROSIERE & SAINTE FOY
Medical emergency: 15 Police: 17 Firefighters: 18 European Emergency Services Number: 112 Text Emergency Number for Deaf: 114 British Embassy: +33(0)1 44 51 31 00
Securite des Pistes (mountain rescue) +33(0)4 79 06 32 00 Gendarmerie (police) +33(0)4 79 06 32 06 Medical Centre, Le Lac +33(0)4 79 06 50 07 Health Centre, Val Claret +33(0)4 79 06 59 64 Tourist Information +33(0)4 79 40 04 40 Tignespace +33(0)4 79 40 26 60 Le Lagon (swimming pool) +33(0)4 79 40 29 95 Maison des Saisonniers +33(0)4 79 40 09 89
Securite des Pistes (mountain rescue) +33(0)4 79 06 02 10 Gendarmerie (police) +33(0)4 79 06 03 41 Medival (English medical centre) +33(0)4 79 40 26 80 Tourist Information +33(0)4 79 06 06 60 Centre Aquasportif (swimming pool) +33(0)4 79 04 26 01
Gendarmerie (police) in Bourg Saint Maurice +33 (0)4 79 07 04 25 Sainte Foy Securite des Pistes (mountain rescue) +33 (0)4 79 06 95 15 La Rosiere Securite des Pistes (mountain rescue) +33 (0) 4 79 40 12 02
70
/edgemagazine
edgemagazine
@edgemags
When in Tignes I always shop at Carrefour Montagne - it has everything I need and moreâ&#x20AC;Ś Open 7.30am to 10.00pm Free hire of 7 days a week fondue & raclette kits when you buy your meat & cheese, for a cosy night in! Rue de la Poste, Opposite the pharmacy, Tignes le Lac 04 79 00 99 10
carrefour.montagne.tignes@gmail.com
OPEN ALL YEAR
Fresh bread baked in store daily The best choice of fresh fruit and vegetables Home deliveries Home fondue/raclette kits available