Fall Line Media Pack 2022/23

MEDIA PACK 2022/23

WRITTEN BY THE PASSIONATE READ BY THE DEDICATED

❆ Feeding the ski-obsessed soul since 1991 ❆ Creating high-quality content to partner your marketing message ❆ Written by the passionate, read by the dedicated ❆ Inspiring skiers to go further, faster and higher ❆ Adeptly linking brands to a fun and positive attitude GEAR OF THE YEAR 2022

30 YEARS OF FALL-LINE SPECIAL

The complete skier

ISSUE 179 OCTOBER 2021

GREAT-VALUE GEAR FOR ALL-TIME SHREDDING

Award-winning skis, splitboards, boots, bindings, clothing and more

The complete skier

The complete skier

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WIN

Make up for your lost season WITH PLUS

THE LATEST SHINY NEW SKIS FOR 2022 ❄ PREP YOUR KIT – AND BODY – FOR WINTER ❄ 2022 SKI CHALLENGES ❄ EXPLORING DEEP IN THE 4 VALLÉES ❄ THE HAUTE ROUTE IN ONE GO ❄ WHAT IS SKI TOURING? ❄ BACKCOUNTRY BEYOND THE EU

GEAR GUIDE BACK IN THE GAME

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GET YOUR GROOVE ON!

FEEL THE GRAVITY Fall-Line’s fave steep pistes, from Åre to Andermatt

SMILES FOR MILES

World’s best ski circuits (you won’t ski the same piste twice!)

The complete skier

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£3,00WO0RTH

IT’S ON GLEN PLAKE | CODY TOWNSEND | AURÉLIEN DUCROZ

W SPYDITH OOSC ER + VO , LKL

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THE GREATEST FREERIDE AND BACKCOUNTRY GEAR FOR 2022

POWDER AND BACKCOUNTRY SPECIAL

SECRET SWITZERLAND Hike and ride in Switzerland’s back-of-beyond with Candide Thovex!

EASY-ACCESS POW

Best resorts for lift-served freshies, from France to Norway

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GRAHAM BELL ON HOW TO SKI FAST BACKCOUNTRY BASICS: HOW TO STAY SAFE BETWEEN THE PISTES THE BEST SKI LIFT IN THE DOLOMITES MEET GB’S 2022 WINTER OLYMPICS HOPEFULS LA CLUSAZ UNCOVERED 001 COVER 181 hm_NI nl_NI3 nl.indd 1

WIN

BLACK DIAMOND, DYNAFIT, ORTOVO & ROSSIGNOL X GEAR

ISSUE 181 DECEMBER 2021 £4.99 WWW.FALL-LINE.CO.UK

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Glen Plake on how the epic ski movie changed his life, and more

THE OTHER HAUTE ROUTE Getting wild on the Graubünden ski tour in undiscovered Switzerland

❆ BACKCOUNTRY BASICS: VENTURING FURTHER AFIELD ❆ CRACKERS PLACES TO FIND POW, FROM PAKISTAN TO HAWAII ❆ POW AND TAPAS: A BACKCOUNTRY ADVENTURE IN MADRID ❆ AVY SAFETY UNCOVERED: WHY GOOD GUYS STILL MAKE BAD CALLS ❆ LIFT-ACCESSED GLORY IN MONTANA

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BLIZZARD OF AAHHH’S

ISSUE 182 FEBRUARY 2022 £4.99 WWW.FALL-LINE.CO.UK

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HOW CAN FALL LINE HELP YOU? Welcome to the 22-23 Fall Line media pack. Find out how you can benefit from working with us to access our readers, who are some of the keenest skiers out there. Whether you are a brand, retailer, Written by the passionate and read by tourist board or travel company we the dedicated, Fall Line Skiing is the real can help you communicate your skier’s magazine. message and build brand We’ve been creating high quality content to feed awareness. the ski obsessed soul since 1991 so we’re the trusted voice of experience.

Formulaic editorial designed only to collect numbers just isn’t for us.

Our content is original, compelling and often quirky and created to inspire skiers of all levels and experience to go further, faster and higher in the mountains.

WHAT IS FALL LINE?

Fall Line represents the aspirations of the UK snowsports scene. The inspirational content and immersive imagery ensure it is as relevant today as when the first copy came out more than 30 years ago MARK BRIGHAM, ELLIS BRIGHAM

CONTENTS 2 What is Fall Line / contents 3 Why choose Fall Line?

4 Fall Line Clients – who we work with 5 Who will you reach? - The Fall Line audience 6 Print Opportunities 9 2022-23 Issues and dates & Advertising Rates 10 Digital Opportunities 12 Brands / Manufacturers 13 Retail 14 Travel 15 Summer Adventure 16 Our readers 17 More about Fall Line 18 Key Contacts

Page 2 Fall Line Skiing – Media Pack 2022/2023

Why choose Fall Line?

Our readers need you to help them achieve their skiing goals.

Fall Line talks to the keenest skiers like no other snowsports media. For a start, there is no other magazine delivering season-long inspiration for skiers in the UK. Magazines work very well at engaging with readers in what we like to call the prime of their skiing lives. The stories are properly crafted and withstand being read over and over. The imagery is outstanding, relevant and inspirational. The reviews are put together by experts who know and love their subject. Our craft is fed online to an increasing audience, but it’s the magazine that serves as the wellspring of ski goodness.

Who are our readers? They are, above all, hugely enthusiastic skiers. They want to visit new destinations and resorts, and they need a full set-up of quality gear to enjoy their passion. Their skiing covers the whole mountain – most have two pairs of skis, avalanche safety gear and helmets to allow freeriding and backcountry skiing as part of the mix. Crucially, they have enough money to get stuck in at this level.

Fall Line offers innovative and deep engagement with skiers. These are people who research and buy into brands. We editorialise the messages you’re pushing out there, whether it’s about your drive for sustainability, the concepts that drive you, or the innovations that are going to make our readers’ experiences more… ski.

Because that’s what Fall Line is. It’s about being more ski.

Dickie, Publisher, Fall Line

WHAT WE DO

We are the only 100% actively bought independent ski magazine, available on the newsstand and by subscription.

We are the voice of experience with more than 30 years on the newsstand. Our key editorial staff are based in the Alps and Scotland with contacts, gear testing and story opportunities right on their doorstep.

Our articles are original, compelling and often quirky, written by industry insiders, pro skiers, mountain guides and trusted regular contributors from the UK, Europe, North America and beyond.

Our readers engage with Fall Line Skiing all year round via our lively digital channels. We give them their winter sports fix and keep them informed at fall-line.co.uk, through our regular newsletter and via our social media channels, 12 months of the year.

best skis, interviews with industry insiders and in-depth kit analysis.

Whether you’re into resort ripping, freeride stash hunting or remote wilderness exploring, our bumper annual Gear Guide (on sale 10 November 2022) is the ski geek’s bible. It features equipment, clothing and accessories hand-picked by our expert team, reviews of the season’s

Our surveys are thorough, long running and give great insight into UK snow sports enthusiasts. We’re into our 18th year of questioning the skiing public and their feedback helps shape the way we communicate - see later for more survey feedback.

We are the staunchest allies of ‘Own your kit. Buy it in the UK’. We always emphasise the importance of a robust UK industry and we never advocate online discounters.

Fall Line Skiing – Media Pack 2022/2023 Page 3

Fall Line Clients We work with the biggest brands in the ski industry

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Who will you reach? ❅ ❅ ❅ ❅ ❅

❅ ❅ ❅ ❅ ❅ ❅ ❅

78% of Fall Line readers take two or more ski trips each season 38% of Fall Line readers take three or more trips each season, 29% of Fall Line readers ski for more than three weeks each season They visit UK retailers where our technically minded readership seek out and buy the latest gear They have a lot of kit – almost all have at one or more pairs of boots and over 80% have at least one pair of skis. They also have dedicated ski packs, tend to wear layered clothing and helmets, and over 50% have tried ski touring They’re actively looking for new places to ski, and they have the money to make it happen They travel to North America, Japan and alternative destinations more than average: 25% of our audience invest in long-distance travel compared with 10% of all skiers They book ski trips for friends and family, and crucially, they want to inspire others to ski!

30% of our readers lead a group of six or more. They influence gear purchase and trip choice, giving us a wide reach of influence They go to UK slopes and events They engage with Fall Line magazine through autumn, winter and spring – our on-sale dates for 22/23 run from 13 October 2022 to 27 April 2023.

They love the magazine. When asked if they’d prefer digital issues or just a website, over 90% replied that they wanted to continue getting a printed magazine

Fall Line are a joy to work with, helping us to target the right audience who are looking for the best information in the UK wintersports arena. They understand our demands and needs and always come up with the right result SCOTT DOBSON, DYNASTAR & LANGE Fall Line Skiing – Media Pack 2022/2023 Page 5

Print opportunities What we write about ❅ Inspirational reads on resorts and destinations, both well-known and offbeat ❅ Outstanding photography: Fall Line is famous for it! ❅ Objective, entertaining, and wide-ranging triedand-tested gear reviews created by our team of experienced and highly knowledgeable skiers ❅ Big-name interviews: recent interviewees include Glen Plake, Aurélien Ducroz, Caroline Gleich, Reine Barkered, Dave Ryding, Angel Collinson and Sam Smoothy ❅ Backcountry advice from British IFMGA mountain guide Martin Chester ❅ A Family Guide to... group advice; destinations to dilemmas ❅ Must-read columns by Graham Bell and Glen Plake ❅ Insider pieces such as My Mountain, Behind The Brand and Rig For The Gig that delve deeper into some of the most interesting sectors of the ski industry

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NEVER COMPROMISE IN ASSOCIATION WITH

with Phil Gordon

No one knows what’s coming up in the world of ski equipment better than Snow+Rock’s ski hardware buyer, Phil Gordon, who can often be found testing the latest high-tech breakthroughs and revolutionary designs on his own pilgrimages to the mountains.

AN EXPERT’S GUIDE TO…

YOUR ANNUAL SNOWSPORTS GEAR HEALTH CHECK

Y

our gear is your pride and joy, and making regular kit health checks a priority is the best way to prolong its life, keeping performance at its best and doing your bit for the planet, too.

Here’s a breakdown of everything you need to do – you can thank us later.

BOOTS

We all know that once you take the plunge and get your own ski boots, there’s no going back. Well, the same can be said even for trading your old boots in for a shiny new pair – so keeping your beloved new boots in prime condition for as long as possible should be top of your to-do list. We recommend bringing them to our boot fitting labs for a check-up before you make your escape to the mountains, especially if you haven’t been skiing in a while.

Our in-store experts will first perform a few checks to evaluate the fit of your boots.

Your feet can expand over time, and with wear you compress your boot linings – both of which can result in a poor fit, bad transmission and instability. We can adjust your boot shell or the liners to get them back to fitting like a glove, or even craft brand new custom insoles for that perfect fit and uncompromising support. Ready to

make even more upgrades? We can also switch your soles to ‘GripWalk’ technology to make getting around the resort a breeze. Trust us, you’ll wonder what you ever did without it.

Next is to make sure your boots still fit perfectly with your bindings. We’ll check the toes and heels of your boots, which are most susceptible to wearing away, to make sure they’ll still work safely with your setup, and replace those parts if needed.

We can also check the DIN to make sure they still release properly – this is especially important if your weight has changed since you bought them.

SKI SERVICING

That perfect shred relies on your skis delivering on a delicate balance of factors – and getting them in for regular servicing preserves that balance for optimum underfoot performance. Our ski services involve tuning and sharpening the edges, grinding the base for a smooth ride and fixing any holes to restore your skis back to their former glory. The base of your skis is like skin, in that it needs oils to prevent it drying out, so we’ll also apply all the nourishment it needs to regulate water and maintain that sweet, smooth slide.

HELMETS

As a rule, your helmet should be replaced when it’s either five years old or you’ve had it for three years – whichever comes first.

The reason is that helmets are affected by the materials expanding and contracting in different temperatures, and being knocked about during travel, so it’s difficult to know how damaged your helmet is. Helmets don’t have to be expensive, but you should always consider getting the best possible one within your budget.

SOCKS

You need to have at least one back-up pair with you at all times. We also recommend replacing all your ski socks regularly to help keep your boots clean and odour-free.

GOGGLES

Your lenses have a hydrophobic coating to stop fogging, but this can be compromised by some cleaning products, so we recommend replacing them regularly. * See what services are available in your local store at snowandrock.com/stores * After more expert tips and inspiration?

Find it all at snowandrock.com/ adviceandinspiration

GET THE GEAR

Oakley MOD 5 MIPS Snow Helmet, £190

Falke Men’s SK1 Ski Socks, £26

Falke Women’s SK4 Ski Socks, £30

Oakley Flight Deck XM Goggles, £185

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FREESTYLE FREESTYLESKIS SKIS

MEN’S FREESTYLE SKIS

Super fun to ski all over the mountain, if you want more air this winter these are for you

Faction CT 1.0

BUYER’S

BETA

£499

CHRIGL LUTHY’S GUIDE TO FREESTYLE SKIS

❄ Lengths: 158, 165, 172, 178, 183 ❄ Radius: 18m @ 178 ❄ Dimensions: 122-92-120 ❄ Weight per ski: 2150g @ 178

If I had a penny for every time I wanted to use ‘pop’ in this paragraph describing freestyle skis… But that’s what they’re for, getting airborne!

Their no-nonsense, wood core feel and energetic character mean they excel at zipping about, skiing bumps, carving and then popping out of the turn for the edge change, bashing crud, even little steep sections where their low swing weight helps manoeuvrability. And these days, the combination of their rocker profiles and waist widths even allow for some exploration in deeper snow. As for freestyle itself, the term has many sub-headings, such a pipe, slopestyle and urban, and while it’s true freestyle is more a question of how you express yourself rather than what ski you’re on, there are specialist design elements in each category.

Waist widths rarely dip below 80mm, and if they do it is likely you’re looking at something designed for edge grip in a halfpipe. Generally speaking, the fatter you go, the softer the skis and the more rocker will be built in. Butter zones allow riders to butter off lips and rolls for extra steeze points.

Extra width underfoot, 90mm and above, means a bigger landing platform; the sacrifice will naturally be the extra weight and a less-nimble feel.

All freestyle skis aim to reduce overall weight, but also swing weight in the tips and tails. Some will include a healthy dose of early taper to reduce this weight, but be aware some of these models are quite specific in their applications.

A burning question for all freestylers is price, and equal to that is the question of durability.

They need to be built well and will eventually need replacing. Make no mistake, as is true with most things in life, the lighter the ski, the less it will last.

THINGS TO CONSIDER ❄ Is the more expensive option always better? They may need replacing if you twang them on a rock, so have confidence that these days some of the cheaper options are super capable. ❄ One-ski quiver? If you choose a more versatile width, between 90-100mm, you might find they become the only ski you ever use. ❄ Bindings with high DIN ranges are heavier and pricier, but may last longer. Figure out your favourite DIN range and allow for a range a couple numbers higher and that should be adequate. ❄ Softer skis equate to more fun on small features, which also means you can be more creative. Stiffer skis mean stability at higher speeds, support on bigger landings and more edge grip. ❄ Mounting. DON’T let a shop mount your skis without having a proper conversation about the mounting point first! Shops will often mount at whatever line they find first, rather than what will best suit your freestyle aspirations. Talk to friends with similar set-ups, research online, and also be realistic about your style.

A staple in this category for years, Candide Thovex’s Signature Series of all-mountain freestyle skis has become a legend in its own right; the Air Jordans of the ski world if you will.

The skinniest ski in the line-up, the 92mm-waisted, multi-award-winning CT 1.0 has been given a total overhaul for winter 2021 with the addition of titanal and rubber making this master of trickery even more stompable than ever before.

The new construction brings it in line with last year’s winner – the wider CT 2.0 (102mm underfoot) – presenting Candide fans with a glorious but serious dilemma when choosing their weapon for mass freestyle destruction.

Rob is a big fan of the narrower CT 1.0 as it offers: “More performance as a pure park ski than the CT 2.0, but still gives it the beans when it’s all-terrain jibbing time.

“The flex and profile make it easy enough to slash and press while offering a seemingly endless speed limit to charge inbounds, rip moguls and boost chopped-up natural features.”

If you’re looking for a playful park ski that can still hold its own when things get loose in the resort then jump aboard the new CT 1.0. It’s Candide’s park ski of choice, so who are we to argue? factionskis.com EDITORS’ CHOICE

The flex and profile make it easy enough to slash and press, while offering a seemingly endless speed limit to charge inbounds and rip moguls

K2 Reckoner 102 £425

❄ Lengths: 163, 170, 177, 184 ❄ Radius: 19.3m @ 184 ❄ Dimensions: 134-102-127 ❄ Weight per ski: N/A K2’s ‘directional freestyle’ Reckoner series is new for 2021, and the 102 is actually the skinniest of the bunch. If you’re looking at a season hitting up backcountry booters in Japan then you’ll want to be looking at the

Rob Kingsland

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112 or 122, but the 102 is definitely the most versatile ski in the line-up.

With its low swing weight, soft flex and poppy feel the Reckoner 102 is a grin-inducing accessible ski, ideal for those spring sessions when you’re playing around at slow speeds, working on your butters and looking to cruise anywhere and everywhere.

The gradual all-terrain twin rocker profile hints at this ski’s desire to find soft snow but

EDITORS’ CHOICE

Rob was impressed by how well it performed in all conditions and terrain at this year’s Ski Test: “It’s perfect for someone looking to search out takeoffs, slash windlips, rip moguls and make the mountain their playground. It has a fun and playful feel, easy to release in the turn, is quick to manoeuvre through bumps, yet has a solid flex underfoot that enables you grip and rip turns at the drop of a hat.” A freestyle force to be reckoned with… k2skis.com www.fall-line.co.uk 49

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BACKCOUNTRY

❅ Classic series such as WTF?!, Little Hills and One Lift For The Rest Of Your Life

DESERTED HUTS AND DYNAMITE Buckle up for what Verbier does best: ski adventures, dynamite caves and a night in the Mont Fort mountain hut…

WORDS ERIC KENDALL PHOTOS PENNY KENDALL

Y

ou can spot Gilbert Crettaz a mile off.

He’s a whopper. But the owner-director of Verbier’s Adrenaline Guides is still a handy skier, as well as author of the region’s definitive guidebook, Freeride Verbier, and a funny companion in English as well as French.

All of which is to our advantage as we set off on the gondola to Brusons; we’re barely on board and he’s cracked a couple of jokes. By the time we’re at the top, encouraging snippets of his encyclopaedic knowledge of the area have slipped out between gags.

Gilbert seems like the man to follow in search of early December powder: imagine swooping through millions of feathery crystals, light as air, billowing like cold smoke from the tracks of your epic descent.

Good. Now you’ll just have to keep imagining, as we have in fact got the sort of heavy mush that keeps knee surgeons in Porsches, and is as unforgiving for making those tentative early season turns as anything nature could conjure up, short of a hurricane.

Regrouping, upright and intact, at the bottom of our first pitch below the Tête de la Payanne (2452m), a relieved Gilbert gives voice to our thoughts: “Sometimes I think I’m a great skier!” He doesn’t have to add, “but not today”.

Time for a bit of glass-half-full: we’re skiing! That’s always good, and – even better – this is one of those classic short-day journeys with just enough uphill to make you feel you’ve earned it, but with the bulk of the climb done by lift; plus, Covid is barely a twinkle in the eye of a Chinese pangolin and we’ve got brand-new Sungod goggles on our faces (what with

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Partnering with Fall Line has helped us connect with our core skier and snowboarder audience across a range of different channels. They produce top-quality, inspirational content and have been really flexible in response to challenges over the last couple of years KELLY ROBINSON, CRYSTAL SKI

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ADVERTORIAL

Paid-for exposure ❅ Page sponsorships – our editorial team can help shape your choice with imaginative ideas for pages that fit your brand ❅ Advertorials – our editorial team will help form creative ideas involving athletes, equipment experts and destination insiders ❅ Bespoke projects – we pride ourselves on being a focal point of contact in the ski industry and greatly enjoy creating and delivering projects designed to educate, entertain and inspire.

HASSLE-FREE TRAVEL

THE MOUNTAINS ARE CALLING

Skier, snowboarder or sit-back-and-socialiser, find the ski holiday that’s right for you WORDS NICOLA ISEARD

“T

here is nothing in the world like going out onto an untouched, open, virgin mountain slope drenched under a thick blanket of new powder snow. It gives a supreme feeling of freedom. A great sense of flying, moving anywhere in a great white paradise…”

That was how Hans Gmoser (1932 – 2006), founder of modern mountaineering in Canada, summed up a powder day.

There is certainly something wonderland-esque about making fresh tracks through an open expanse of ankle-deep – or even knee, or thigh, or waist-deep – snow. The powder memories that you relay to your friends for years to come.

Of course, any type of ski day can be memorable, and some of the funnest days are the ones where you are tearing around a resort on the hardpack, searching out jumps or patches of freshly groomed corduroy that no one else has found yet. Or the days where you decide to pause the action for an indulgent three-hour lunch at that mountain restaurant you’ve always

wanted to eat at, where you sit wrapped in blankets on the terrace, dining on homemade rösti and wine while taking in mega mountain views.

Or perhaps some of your best days are the ones where you are lapping the blue slopes with your children, watching the elation on their goggled-up faces as they finally crack their first parallel turn. Or the days that you push your own limits; that thrill of conquering your first ever couloir or mogul run.

That is the beauty of winter holidays – there are so many elements, so many amazing things to experience, that your ‘best day ever’ will never be the same as the next person’s.

Winter is for skiers, snowboarders and sit-back-and-socialisers. It’s for first lifts and lie-ins. Pizza on the piste and fondue by the fire. Bar time, spa time and snowy adventure time. It’s what you want it to be.

Whatever you are looking for – whether you are travelling with families, friends or going solo – with over 100 resorts to choose from, Crystal has the ski holiday that is right for you.

REASSURANCE GUARANTEED

For some of us, nothings beats tearing around the pistes, searching out freshly groomed corduroy

So, you have decided to bite the bullet and book that much needed, much dreamed about, winter ski holiday. But perhaps you are feeling apprehensive about travelling in these uncertain times? No need. Crystal has rolled out its Crystal Holiday Promise, so you can book and travel with confidence, and make the most of your time in the mountains. First up: free amends. You can amend your holiday for free up to 28 days before your departure date, whatever destination you’ve booked, if you’re flying with TUI Airways.

If you’re due to go on holiday but have been diagnosed with Covid-19, have symptoms or have been asked to self-isolate, you can submit a medical certificate and amend your booking at no cost. You can also amend it for free

That is the beauty of winter holidays – there are so many elements, so many amazing things to experience…

if your local UK area goes into lockdown. Crystal is offering cash refunds, too. If there are overseas local restrictions that impact your ability to get on the mountain – like the ski area is closed due to Covid-19 – or your holiday has to be cancelled for reasons related to Covid-19, then Crystal will allow you to amend or cancel your holiday for free, offering you a full cash refund of the amount you paid.

Yes, a full cash refund.

Crystal promises it will only take you on quarantine-free holidays. This means that if Crystal knows you’ll need to self-isolate or quarantine when you arrive at a destination, the company won’t take you there, and if you need to self-isolate when you return to the UK, you’ll have the option to amend your holiday for free.

Crystal is offering Covid Cover benefits too, which include free amends if you contract Covid-19 before you travel and insurance for

medical costs if you contract it while you’re away. If you’re asked to quarantine during your holiday, Crystal will even cover you for the extra time you’re there and for a new return flight home. And, of course, your holiday will be protected by ABTA and ATOL too.

Prevention is better than a cure, so Crystal is doing everything they can to protect you against Covid-19 during your holiday, from deep-cleaning their TUI aircraft to making sure their accommodations and ski partners meet the highest standards of hygiene.

And, most importantly, Crystal promises to keep you informed.

Crystal will contact you before you travel about the current safety regulations in your resort. While you’re away, the Crystal team will be on hand to support you – you can get in touch with them 24/7 by phone.

The bottom line? You can book and travel and SKI with confidence.

From long lunches in the sun with friends to bagging first tracks, there is no one way to winter

Here is a final bit of good news – travelling to your chosen resort is also hassle-free with Crystal.

All holiday packages include flights, transfers and accommodation, so you don’t need to spend hours trawling the internet looking for deals, which leaves you more time to stomp around the house in your ski boots getting super psyched for your trip.

Plus, you can add lift passes, equipment hire and ski school to your holiday too, so everything’s ready for when you arrive. You’ll get expert service every step of the way and, so you know what to expect when you arrive, Crystal’s free Ski Explorer app has snow reports, resort info and more.

From skiing with friends through a ‘great white paradise’ to long lunches with family in the sun, there is no one way to winter. But however you do it, do it with Crystal.

Here’s to making more incredible ski memories this winter. crystalski.co.uk

PHOTOS DAVID ANDRE, HOCHKOENIG TOURISMUS, PASCAL GERTSCHEN

❅ Promote your product to customers via our competitions and giveaways, with exposure on the cover giving maximum impact

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BEHIND THE BRAND...

ELAN Sophie Nicholson talks to Melanja Korosec, Global Brand Director at Elan Skis…

Sophie Nicholson: Last winter saw Elan celebrate 75 years of ski-making. Can you give us a bit of background into the brand’s origins?

Melanja Korosec: As the world adapts to change, we remain steady with the vision we’ve had since 1945 – to build the best skis for friends and family to enjoy the skiing lifestyle and create lasting memories.

Our headquarters are in Begunje, Slovenia, between the Julian Alps and the Adriatic Sea. From working with the best of this generation’s athletes to supporting junior and new skiers around the globe, we are dedicated to enabling skiers to have their best day on snow.

SN: As Global Brand Director, you are one of the most powerful women in the ski industry. Tell us a bit about your career so far…

MK: I grew up a stone’s throw away from the Alpine Skiing World Cup slope of Maribor in Slovenia. I was

inspired at the age of three to start skiing; ski racing at six. Later, Elan recognised me as an athlete and made me an ambassador for them. The whole time I was aware of the importance of education, pursuing a business degree. I finished business school and later did an MBA and master degree.

A decade ago, Elan invited me to work on product development.

Starting as a junior brand manager for the women’s program, I went on to be product director for the winter division. When the opportunity came to take more responsibilities beyond the ‘female’ role, I was probably the first in the industry to be trusted with the development of a complete winter ski portfolio.

Today I run the global brand, design and product development team, with the responsibility for the overall strategy and design process, directing Elan’s innovation roadmap and product marketing initiatives.

Over the years I’ve learned it’s the team who achieves the goal, not an

Melanja’s biggest achievement?

Helping to produce Elan’s new Voyager

We remain steady with the vision we’ve had since 1945 – to build the best skis for friends and family to enjoy the skiing lifestyle

Since the 1940s, Elan has strived to enable skiers of all abilities to enjoy their day on the mountain

individual. The growth, innovation, product awards… all these are a result of dedication and passionate team work, and I’m grateful for my amazing co-workers.

Campaigns Want to push different products across winter? We make it easy! ❅ Skis, boots & bindings – highlight your kit that matches our issue themes, from piste to all-mountain to freeride to touring ❅ Outerwear & accessories – follow the seasons: push insulating items in the wintry pre-season issues and lighter weight kit as it warms up ❅ Touring kit – touring is a Fall Line staple and our highly respected backcountry editor, IFMGA mountain guide Martin Chester, gives kit tips in every issue. Ask our team where the focus lies each month so you can highlight relevant gear

SN: Elan has established a reputation for innovation, pioneering many industry firsts.

Is there one particular ‘first’ that stands out?

MK: Everything started with the victories of Ingemar Stemark (pictured left), and Elan introduced so-called carving skis – skis with extreme sidecut – 25 years ago.

Today, we’re introducing the Elan Voyager, which is redefining the complete skiing experience, not just how we ski; it extends to the journey from home to the resort and back.

The design team spent several years

fine-tuning the Voyager to ensure it delivers the level of excellence Elan is renowned for. The result is a ski that is bringing the mountains closer to many skiers who can’t wait to escape.

This ski allows you to carve up groomers, float through powder, attack moguls… but after skiing it simply slots into the back of your car.

It’s proof of Elan’s dedication to innovation, design and commitment to delivering good times to skiers around the globe. It’s the project I’m most proud of.

SN: Tell us more about Elan’s age-old philosophy to ‘build skis for friends, families and good times’…

MK: The pursuit of excitement is a universal theme. The skiers looking for a good time aren’t looking for only www.fall-line.co.uk 87

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OUTERWEAR OUTERWEAR

The mountains are calling – get up and get down in this top technical kit

KEY:

1. Arc’teryx Cassiar LT Jacket £480

BUYER’S

BETA

OUR GEAR ED’S GUIDE TO OUTERWEAR

The new waterproof, windproof and breathable Cassiar LT is ideal for skiers looking for a lightweight, low-profile jacket that can stand up to the demands of resort riding. Weighing in at 605g, it’s light yet laden with Arc’teryx ski-specific tech, including taped seams, a soft cosy flannel liner, helmet-compatible hood, powder skirt, RECCO reflector and ski pass pocket. arcteryx.com

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It’s what’s on the inside that counts right? Well, yes… most of the time. Unless you’re stuck on a chairlift in a snowstorm going hypothermic in your expensive new shell that’s proving itself to be utterly useless at keeping you warm and dry. At the end of the day, the rules are simple: when you’re buying ski jackets and pants, the gear really does need to fit the idea.

2. Arc’teryx Incendia One Piece W £900 Female freeriders – this one’s for you!

It’s not often a brand produces a standout product only for women, yet Arc’teryx have done exactly that this season with their brand new kick-ass, high-peformance Incendia onesie. The super-stealthy grey colour is guaranteed to make you feel like a secret ski agent when you’re ripping.

Top tech includes waterproof, breathable Gore-Tex protection, a helmet-compatible Stormhood and smart ventilation system at the thighs that doubles up as a ‘quickrelease system’ for the ladies. Because even secret ski agents need to pee… arcteryx.com

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THINGS TO CONSIDER ❄ Reality check Do you need a layer that breathes, sheds precipitation, keeps you warm or does all of the above? This will depend on the climate and environment where you intend to ski, and the kind of skiing you’ll be doing (vs the kind of skiing you’d like your Insta followers to think you’re doing). Have a think about the where, what and when and then… ❄ Tech talk Waterproof or water-resistant?

Hardshell or softshell? Two-layer or three-layer construction? Gore-Tex Pro Most Rugged or Gore-Tex Active?

H2No or eVent? Hydrostatic heads and MVTRs? Find out what these are, what they mean and decide which is best for you. And your wallet. ❄ Extra factor Do you need a hood that works with your helmet? Are you always losing your ski pass? Tend to sweat a lot?

Like keeping your skins as warm as possible in between laps? All of the above? Then you’re going to need heaps of features. By all means seek out the essentials, but be wary of over-engineered kit at the same time. Excessive, irrelevant fiddly and weighty features? No thanks. ❄ Protect your winters Buy once, buy well. Seek out progressive and sustainable brands that prioritise the use of recycled and eco materials in their manufacturing processes, such as PFC-free DWRs and environmentally friendly dyes. Investing in intelligent kit may sting initially but it’s ultimately the smart skier’s game.

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3. Black Diamond Recon Stretch Shell £330 EDITORS CHOICE ’

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If this three-layer jacket looks familiar it’s probably because you saw it being worn

by Parkin Costain when he was laying down his royally awesome title-winning run at the 2020 King of Corbet’s comp in Jackson Hole. Ideal for inbounds charging and beyond-the-ropes freeride adventures, it’s a mega-versatile jacket that combines four-way stretch with waterproof/ breathable BD.dry tech so you can hike for freshies, boost off booters and rip around the resort all season long. Features of note include a helmet-compatible hood, DWR-treated pit zips, skin-compatible internal stash pockets and removable powder skirt. In men’s and women’s. blackdiamondequipment.com

4. Dynafit Radical Gore-Tex Jacket £400

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Weighing in at 407g, the new Radical is a light yet durable waterproof hardshell for backcountry exploration. Super breathable and lightweight, it can be worn for skinning on high-precipitation days or thrown in your pack to be brought out on the summit for extra weather protection. The targeted Gore-Tex Active and Gore-Tex C-Knit fabrics combine to deliver breathability and durability in all the right

Women’s specific

5. FW Manifest 2L Jacket and Bib Pants W Jacket £350, bib pants £320 New for winter 2021 this technical combo from Verbier-based dudes FW has been designed specifically for the style-conscious sisterhood of shred. Fully waterproof and lightweight, the stealthylooking waxed outer and adjustable storm hood with visor will keep you protected on burly days in the backcountry and there’s a heap of other well-thought-out freeride/ backcountry features in there too, including harness and backpackcompatible pockets, roll up gaiters and hidden kick patches, plus bonded extrawide pockets. fwapparel.com

6. FW Manifest Tour 3L Jacket and Bib Pants Jacket £450, bib pants £400 This brand new men’s three-layer touringspecific combo takes FW’s relaxed style and fires it into the backcountry this winter.

Light, breathable, soft and stretchy, this technical jacket and bib pant offer full weather protection, comfort and freedom of movement for sidecountry laps and full-on big mountain adventures. Fave features include the large pockets with laser-cut mesh vents for gear stashing/ extra breathability and the adjustable bib cuff system. fwapparel.com

7. Helly Hansen Elevation Infinity Shell Jacket £650 Think it’s impossible to create a genuinely sustainable jacket without compromising on technical performance? Then HH is about to prove you wrong. This superimpressive 770g eco-genius has been constructed using LIFA Infinity Pro – a three-layer, waterproof/breathable fabric that’s made without any added chemicals and LIFA Infinity, which is a highly breathable membrane made in a solventfree process. The DWR coating is chemical-free, too. Features-wise, it’s more of the same impressive stuff from HH with ‘ultra sonic’ welded seams, an adjustable helmet-compatible hood with hi-vis brim, pit zips, articulated sleeves, RECCO tech, internal stash pockets for skins, wrist gaiters with thumb loops, and a detachable powder skirt. Top tech that’s good for you and good for the planet – a win-win. hellyhansen.com

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places. Other top-level touring tech includes pit zips for extra ventilation, an easily adjustable helmet-compatible hood with visor, adjustable cuffs and hem, large external and internal pockets and reflectors on the back for max visibility.

Also in women’s. dynafit.com

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IN SEARCH OF POWDER

Crazy for

Kosovo

❅ Trips & travel – whatever experience, trip or destination you want to push, we’ll have relevant editorial across our issues, from family to freeride to far-flung exotic ski destinations like Kosovo and Greece

Bear paw prints, epic lines and the wilderness of the Šar Mountains all add up to one epic adventure WORDS AND PHOTOS TORD NILSON AND FINLAY MICKEL

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Fall Line Skiing – Media Pack 2022/2023 Page 7

Print opportunities Competitions

COMPETITION

❅ Got some gear or a trip to give away? We run regular competitions across print and digital. A comp or giveaway gives great exposure, high feel-good factor and a chance to plug a specific item or trip

WIN

❅ From high-value print competitions to #WinItWednesday style social media competitions, we have an option to suit all budgets

Ooh, with £1000 to spend on Spyder kit, what to get… Pants? Jacket? Both?!

n need of a new ski wardrobe? Then listen up, because we have the competition for you. Spyder has teamed up with Ellis Brigham to offer one lucky winner the chance to spend £1000 on Spyder gear in-store at one of Ellis Brigham’s retail outlets, or online at ellis-brigham.com/spyder.

What gear you choose is up to you. We’re loving the racey, retro style of the women’s Captivate jacket (£380). It combines a Gore-Tex Infinium outer with PrimaLoft insulation to offer protection from the elements, along with a detachable helmet-compatible hood, strategically placed stretch panels for freedom of movement, and underarm vents to dump heat when the mercury rises. You could pair it with the Gore-Tex/PrimaLoft Winner Pants (£290), and layer up with the Savona Tee (£100), a fast-wicking, super-soft stretch polyester layer

put through the ringer by the US Ski Team (so it must be good).

There’s heaps of kit for men to choose from too. A big fan favourite, the Leader Gore-Tex jacket (£530) is one of Spyder’s best-selling jackets. Spec-loaded, it has PrimaLoft insulation, an engineered laser-cut construction, detachable helmet-compatible hood, and a zip-out powder skirt. You could pair it with the Gore-Tex/PrimaLoft Dare Pants (£300), and the Bandit mid-layer (£111) – a knit tech fleece jacket guaranteed to keep you toasty on sub-zero days on the mountain.

Don’t hang about… channel your inner speedster (Spyder’s founder was a passionate sports car fan and took the ‘y’ spelling from the Ferrari Spyder) and get to fall-line.co.uk now to enter! www.spyder.com

HOW TO ENTER: FOR A CHANCE TO WIN SPYDER GEAR, HEAD TO FALL-LINE.CO.UK BEFORE 5 MARCH, 2021 18 www.fall-line.co.uk

GEAR READ K2

Industry disrupter

Adam’s a man on a mission to reposition K2 in the global ski market. No pressure then…

Adam Ruscitto We talk to K2’s Global Product Manager about the past, present and future of the brand – and being put in charge of repositioning K2 in the global ski market

❅ We love supporting new brands.

If you aren’t yet a household name but want to shout about your product, Fall Line is the place to do it

WORDS AMY MARWICK

Amy Marwick: How did it all begin?

Adam Ruscitto: It started at a small shop in Vermont, where I worked while studying business at uni. After graduating I moved to Squaw Valley and skied as much as I could for the first couple of years. I had a number of jobs: coaching freeride, judging big mountain comps… Eventually, through a lot of hard work and a stroke of luck, I landed in France as a product manager for a major ski brand. In 2015, K2 contacted me and asked if I’d be interested in moving to Seattle, and now I’m the Global Product Manager for all ski products at K2.

AM: You have a big task on your hands ‘to reset K2’s position in the global ski market’. How are you feeling?

AR: It’s a big opportunity to be involved with the iconic American ski brand, and I’m lucky to be in a position where I get to have some influence over where K2 is going. The brand was a little lost for a while.

Ideas were coming from all over the place and we lacked a clear vision and ethos that would drive our product development. If you look at some of the other brands based in Europe, most have strong links to ski racing, but that’s not K2. We’re different. And we pride ourselves on being a little different, so when we say ‘reset’ it’s about re-establishing what the goals and the vision for the brand is.

PHOTO ZACH DOLEAC

❅ Our Emerging Brands feature gives you the opportunity to build brand awareness with an interview-style feature. You answer some questions and tell us all about your company and then leave it to us! You’ll have the opportunity to approve the content and images before it’s published.

SPYDER GEAR FROM ELLIS BRIGHAM WORTH £1000

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Young brands

❅ While you may not be able afford full colour or a lot of space we have affordable packages using our newsletter and social media channels to help you get your message out

We’re loving the racey, retro style of this season’s women’s Captivate jacket

WORTH £1000

skis is either the same or adapted from the Mindbender. If you look at the top ski racers the skis they use are not applicable to what your average person uses on their holiday.

Some of the concepts we used to make our freeride skis versatile makes sense for piste skiing too, so we adapted that and brought in new tech to specialise them for hard snow.

AM: What are you bringing to the table with the new Disruption range?

AR: Trying to take a different approach to piste skiing – to do it in a decidedly K2, non-race way.

We adapted things we knew were working well on hard snow and added things like Dark Matter Damping (DMD). It quietens highfrequency vibrations in the skis – important for good edge contact on very firm surfaces. It took the Disruption skis to a whole new level and increased the precision and edge grip dramatically without excessive weight.

AM: Presumably you had some kind of tech that did that already though?

AR: There are a lot of materials used in ski construction that absorb vibrations.

But through analysis and lab testing we found we were struggling to dampen high frequency vibrations directly over the edge.

So that’s where the idea for DMD was born.

AM: It seems K2 is going through a full overhaul – first the Mindbender series and now the Disruption…

AR: A few years back we recognised our largest opportunity to make a big impact was in freeride. The core group of product development people here at K2 are all passionate skiers, and we weren’t so excited about the previous skis – so we set out to build the skis we wanted to ski on ourselves.

AM: Who are the Disruption skis built for?

AR: Anyone who skis exclusively on hard snow and piste. It’s a pretty broad collection – waist widths go from 72 to 82mm. At the narrower end you get more precision on perfectly groomed slopes; that’s where the MTI or the STI shine. We don’t consider the wider ones all-mountain, but because piste conditions change throughout the day, the wider ski is a more stable platform if you have crappy end of the day conditions.

AM: Would you say K2 have based the Disruption piste range on a freeride ski?

AR: I wouldn’t say they are 100% freeride inspired, but we learned a lot of things from developing the Mindbender skis that translated well into the Disruption. Some of the technology we put into the Disruption

AM: Which is your favourite Disruption ski?

AR: The MTI – it allows me to do things I’ve never been able to do on-piste before.

The level of accuracy I have with this ski is like nothing I’ve ever felt. We went through 62 prototype iterations over 18 months of testing before landing on the final version.

AM: How important is the balance between product and marketing?

AR: The whole is greater than the sum of its parts. There are the tech features, and then there are all the other things that go into it, like wood species selection for cores and flex profiles, which are not so sexy to talk about, but have a big influence. Some of that will vary with each model, so what you see in the marketing are the features that follow the design theory and philosophy.

AM: What would be your benchmark for success when it comes to K2’s repositioning mission?

AR: Of course we are judged on sales, but what’s really great is that we’re bringing back old fans and attracting new people to the brand. In the past two years we’ve heard a lot of people saying they hadn’t considered K2 skis in a long time and now, with the new Mindbender and Disruption series, they want to take them for a spin. So that makes all of us feel really good.

AM: What else can we expect to see from K2 this winter?

AR: These new skis are a huge departure from anything K2 has done in quite a while, or ever. We’re going to continue to think outside the box and push where we can take ski design, both from a performance standpoint and sustainability. We’re nearing the completion of a four-year development project, and I can’t wait for the world to see what we’ve been cooking up. We also have some special skis coming this December, . getting back to our American roots.

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SCOTT GEAR READ

Freedom to explore Dickie Fincher travelled to Courmayeur, Italy, to test out Scott’s big mountain hike and ride specialist – the new Superguide Freetour

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’ve attended enough Scott press/ product testing trips to be aware that ‘acclimatisation’ and ‘could I just settle in first with a post-travel Aperol Spritz?’ come after the intro. This time I don’t even have time to change at the hotel; we pop out of the Mont Blanc tunnel, take the first exit, and drag my luggage straight onto Courmayeur’s epic new Skyway. It’s off to the top station at just under 3500m, chuck a boot at one of the team for fitting, get issued some swanky new skis before promptly being chucked out of the upper air-lock onto the glacier platform, allegedly ready to skin.

I feel like the victim of an extraordinary rendition, and must be looking somewhat stunned when I clock a grinning Reto

Aeschbacher – Scott’s CMO – “Hey Dickie, we know you love it when we do this. How low were you three hours ago in the Fens, 70m?” He’s so wrong; it was 85m, actually.

Percentage-wise that’s quite significant… if you’re worried about a high tide.

The ski that defines where Scott are heading, along with my wheezing self, is the new Superguide Freetour. For a successful and wide-ranging company, Scott are taking an increasingly pointed view of skiing, and this season’s new kit aims squarely at the pointiest of white pointy bits. In a bold move they’ve reimagined the enormously popular Superguide range and introduced the new Freetour into the range – ‘the holy grail of backcountry skiing’ they call it; a light and agile ascender with all the beefy grunt you

could need for technical descents in freeride terrain. Free touring – what we’d call hike and ride or maybe day touring – is the most accessible way to get the best lines and is becoming increasingly big news, particularly across the pond.

Ski Product Manager Franz Marsan adds info as we gain altitude. “We know a lot of skiers don’t actually need a multi-day touring ski. What they really need is a ski that can climb and skin for fast lines and steep descents. But they also don’t need a heavy, stiff freeride ski because that takes a lot of energy during the ascent, which is still going to be a large part of the day. They want strong performance in all conditions for freeriding down, so there does need to be more power and energy than you’ll find in a

traditional touring ski.”

The new Freetour is the 105mm-underfoot freeridey member of the Superguide family, weighs in at around 8% more than a 95mm Superguide of the same length, and is 9mm wider underfoot, which gives more float. The 24m turn radius is 25% longer than the Superguide 95s at 19m, so they do ski quite differently.

Both the new Freetour and the updated narrower Superguides have been equipped with a new lightweight paulownia/beech core, carbon/aramid fibre reinforcements for increased stability and strength (the

Freetour gets more of it so is a bit heavier and stiffer), and Scott’s 3Dimension Touring Sidecut with a wider radius at the shovel, long radius underfoot and shorter radius at the tail for maximum hoonage.

“You should have been here yesterday,” is essentially the story of my skiing life and so it came to pass. After scrambling off the lift station there’s an hour’s skinning over windscoured high-altitude hardpack. It’s how these skis are configured – shorter uphill stabs to access the best snow… maybe. With little drag, the Freetours scoot up easily and

the stiff construction holds firm on the clattered windslab. Nearly all of the snow that was here yesterday is clearly somewhere over the border in France.

It’s time to set the Atomic/Salomon Shift bindings into play mode and go find some patches of blown pow to bounce around in.

What you need in these conditions is consistent grip, which the relatively short nose and tail rocker and long cambered length has. When we finally hit soft snow, there’s a stack of spring stored in the Freetour, too. For my first few turns of the winter, a damper ski may have eased me in a bit more kindly, but judging from the US and European ski hooners (who generally all live at the foot of a mountain), it’s clear they’re not so stifled.

PHOTOS FABIAN BODET

I find some snow to sink into, force the tails deep and drive up and out…

The Freetour is the kind of powder ski I get on very well with

From Fens to free tour in sub three hours…

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Rossignol has partnered with Fall Line for several years, helping us reach the core winter sports enthusiasts. The friendly and helpful team support our strategic goals and messages with their quality magazine content and online activity. We wouldn’t hesitate to recommend working with them ROB BIRRELL, ROSSIGNOL

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Dates and issues ISSUE 184 - OCTOBER 2022 Let’s Go Skiing - Season Planner Inspiring skiers to buy kit and book holidays. Including: ski season planner, epic ski challenges, ski fitness, and must-have gear for 2023.

On sale: 13 October Artwork by: 22 September

ISSUE 185 - NOVEMBER 2022 2023 Gear Guide Our bumper annual ski geeks’ bible, showcasing handpicked, tried-and-tested products, from skis and boots, to helmets and avi bags. Plus expert buying advice and interviews with key industry players.

On sale: 10 November Artwork by: 20 October

ISSUE 186 - DECEMBER 2022 Resort Travel Issue Covering everything in-resort, from the best high-mileage resorts in the Alps, to piste and park technique tips. Gear: the hottest piste, all-mountain and freestyle kit for 2023.

On sale: 15 December Artwork by: 24 November

ISSUE 187 – FEBRUARY 2023 Powder & Backcountry Issue All things off-piste, from lift-accessed powder to hut-to-hut touring trips, including expert safety advice from our Backcountry Editor. Gear: the hottest freeride and backcountry kit for 2023.

On sale: 2 February Artwork by: 12 January

ISSUE 188 – SPRING 2023 Summer Adventure and Alpine Issue Inspiring skiers to hit the mountains in the summer, featuring hiking, wild swimming, trail running, mountain biking, SUP, climbing and camping.

On sale: 9 May Artwork by: 20 April

2022/23 PRINT ADVERTISING RATES SIZE OF ADVERT

RATE

Full colour page Double-page spread Half page Quarter page Eighth page Outside back cover Inside front DPS Inside back cover Sponsorship/advertorials Inserts

£1,300 £2,200 £700 £400 £250 £3,000 £3,000 £2,000 £poa £poa

AD SPACE SPECIFICATIONS DPS Please supply as two single pages SINGLE Trim 210(w) x 297(h)mm Bleed 216(w) x 303(h)mm HORIZONTAL HALF Trim 210(w) x 143(h)mm Bleed 216(w) x 149(h)mm VERTICAL HALF Trim 100(w) x 297(h)mm Bleed 106(w) x 303(h)mm QUARTER 93(w) x 133(h)mm EIGHTH 93(w) x 64(h)mm

We will tailor a package to deliver your campaign. Series discounts available!

Fall Line Skiing – Media Pack 2022/2023 Page 9

Digital opportunities CUSTOMISED MEDIA PACKAGES Use our lively website, newsletter and social channels to mix and match – we’ll create a package to suit your budget and aims.

Packages can include… page sponsorships, run of site banners, newsletter stories or branded ads, social media campaigns and sharing, videos, star athlete updates, competitions, giveaways and promos. And more!

We promote our advertisers to our audience via our website, newsletter and social media channels, liking and sharing where relevant.

FALL-LINE.CO.UK ❅ Up to 30,000 sessions a day in peak periods ❅ Contains everything from destinations and gear reviews to interviews and the latest ski movie trailers ❅ Advertising options include featured articles, MPUs, page/section sponsorships and magazinestyle flick-through stories

BY NEWSLETTER ❅ Newsletters to 20,000 opted-in subscribers ❅ Fortnightly, plus extras in season as needed ❅ Competitions, stories and product stories can be featured in newsletters ❅ Also available: Solus newsletter (branded as Fall Line) dedicated to you and your brand VIA SOCIAL MEDIA ❅ Our 24,000 social media followers are highly engaged ❅ They share, like, and comment frequently – drastically increasing post reach ❅ Our record video post stands at organic (non-boosted) 1.2 million reach and 465K views ❅ Our most popular Facebook post of winter 2021 had over 400k reach, 25k engagement and over 200 shares.

DEEP ENGAGEMENT ❅ Our web audience loves disappearing into the world of skiing ❅ We deliver long-form stories as well as quick snippets, because we know that specialist media browsers want to soak up knowledge ❅ They will read several connected stories, and our average time online for a non-bouncing viewer is more than 20min ❅ Our How To technique series is super-popular

Page 10 Fall Line Skiing – Media Pack 2022/2023

DIGITAL RATES & PACKAGES 22/23 SAMPLE PACKAGES Chose a package or ask for more information and we can tailor something that suits you.

GREEN – £500 ❅ Emerging Brands profile in newsletter, shout-out on socials, review on website.

BLUE – FROM £1,000 ❅ High-impact ROS display (i.e. ad on a particular page on the site), newsletter sponsorship and ads, reader giveaway and promos. Across all channels.

RED – FROM £4,000 ❅ High-impact display media, targeted category media (backcountry, family, powder, eco etc), newsletter sponsorship and ads, reader giveaway and promos, sponsored content series (e.g Freeride Corner – all FWT news, best videos, star athlete updates, best crashes…) ❅

Fall Line Live – 10-20min live feed: answer questions, review of products, brand interviews.

BLACK – FROM £10,000 ❅ As above with the ability to bolt on a custom package outlined below.

CUSTOM PACKAGES Sponsor a section such as… ❅ ❅ ❅ ❅

The British Beat - all things UK snowsport-related from conditions to athletes to new products Emerging Brands section The Weekly High-Mountain Conditions Report Fast and Light – Martin Chester’s Backcountry Video How-Tos

These multi-series packages can be video and/or content and will feature on our site like micro sites.

2022/23 DIGITAL ADVERTISING RATES TYPE OF ADVERT E-newsletter story/ advertisement

RATE £400

Solus E-newsletter

£1,200

Website story

From £180

MPU website advertising

£poa

Run of site package

£500 per month

Section/page sponsorships

£poa

EXAMPLE OF A BESPOKE COLLABORATION PROJECT: ‘HOW TO SKI THE SCOTTISH STEEPS’ VIDEO SERIES. This series is an example of Fall Line successfully bringing together some of the biggest names and players in the UK ski industry to collaborate on a project with much-needed educational value.

Concept: Educational video series in response to

the huge increase in popularity of Scottish gully skiing Details: Filmed on Ben Nevis in spring 2021

showcasing the necessary skills required to access steeper lines safely.

Featuring skiers:

❅ Andy Townsend (IFMGA mountain guide and Head of Snowsports at Glenmore Lodge) ❅ Iain Innes (Scottish steep skiing’s latest star) Filmed by: renowned ski and adventure

filmmakers/photographers Hamish Frost and Brodie Hood Sponsored by:

❅ ❅ ❅ ❅ ❅

Black Diamond Glenmore Lodge FATMAP Atomic Windswept Brewing

Outputs:

❅ Live behind the scenes social media coverage via Instagram and Facebook stories ❅ A multi-episode video series to be distributed via Fall Line, partners and sponsors ❅ Premiere to take place at the Winter Opener event held annually in Edinburgh in November ❅ Bespoke ski/adventure imagery featuring real skiers on a real adventure created for brands for marketing/promotional use Further details on reach and exposure available on request

AD SPECIFICATIONS Website Banner 250(h) x 300(w) pixels Newsletter Please supply your logo, two images and approx 200 words.

Deadlines We need digital artwork and copy at least seven days before going live.

Fall Line Skiing – Media Pack 2022/2023 Page 11

Whatever your line of business, we can tailor our promotional opportunities to suit.

The following pages include details about how we work with:

❆ Brands and manufacturers ❆ Retail outlets ❆ The travel and tourism industry

If your business doesn’t fit into one of these categories then please get in touch, we’d love to tailor a specific package for you.

Brands and manufacturers GOT THE KIT? LET US HELP TO SELL IT Simply put, we love skiing and we take gear seriously. All of it.

From the highest end jingly jangly ski mountaineering bits to affordable jackets that will actually keep your kids warm and dry, we understand that having the right gear for your particular mission, goal and budget makes all the difference out on the mountain.

RIG FORTHE GIG Behind the lens

Life behind a lens: tough, sure, but the stoke is high…

This month: adventure photographer Robert Grew outlines the gear he used to get the goods at last winter’s McSki Test shoot in Glenshee, Scotland

ROBERT GREW

Robert is an accomplished photographer and creative director in the field of skiing, mountain biking and climbing, known for his ability to capture extraordinary images punctuated by powerful landscapes.

His work has taken him around the globe and he’s worked for the likes of Patagonia, Rab, Helly Hansen and Salomon. His sponsors are Ellis Brigham Mountain Sports, Sungod and SmugMug.

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ki photography is a tricky business: like orchestrating a symphony without knowing what instruments you have to work with, or when your musicians are going to turn up. Capturing ‘the perfect shot’ takes more than just a skier and a camera; it requires all of the elements to align. Then there’s all the camera gear you need to take with you, on top of all your usual ski and safety kit. Even if you get all that right, at the

Ski photography is a tricky business: like orchestrating a symphony without knowing what instruments you have to work with, or when your musicians are going to turn up

end of the day it’s the skier’s ability to understand your vision and paint the image for you that will land you that winning shot.

If you’re planning on getting into ski photography in Scotland prepare to be cold and ‘worked like a mule’. You’d better get fit, because those ski tours in are often long. But don’t let that put you off. The pros outweigh the cons, from the amazing people and lasting friendships to the crazy antics.

GET GEARED TO GET THE SHOT

1. Backpack: Dakine Team Poacher R.A.S. 26L Avipack £185

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Your pack must be large enough to carry your camera gear, with space for all your usual ski kit.

I like this pack because it isn’t overly deep in profile, so it doesn’t feel like there’s a ton of gear swinging from side to side as you ski. The back panel access, combined with an internal camera unit, such as the ICU series from F-Stop, makes for easy access and safe storage.

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2. Camera: Canon EOS-1D X Mark II £5430 canon.co.uk

This camera’s 14 frame per second (fps) or 16 fps (with mirror lock up) shutter speed gives me the best possible chance to capture the exact image I need. It features super-high-quality 4K video or 120 fps (slow motion video) at 1080p.

It may be bulkier than some mirrorless cameras, but it’s reliable, durable, the batteries last forever and it has amazing focus tracking.

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3. Lens #1: Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L USM £1470 canon.co.uk

We also know that it’s not just about the skis… every issue of Fall Line is laden with info on the latest boots, bindings, backcountry accessories, snow safety kit, splitboards, telemark gear, goggles, helmets, poles, packs, avy bags, kick-ass clothing, kids gear and much, much more.

If you want to have your kit featured there’s plenty of opportunity for coverage in the magazine, online and across social media including group tests, tried and tested reviews, ‘on the mountain’ live social media video reviews by our team of industry experts, Behind the Brands features, and kit lists from the pros.

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This is my most-used lens due to the variable focal length. It allows me to get good close-up shots from a distance, while also having the ability to photograph the skier as they get closer.

It’s worth noting that the f2.8 aperture size is not essential for shooting during the day or in well-lit situations. You could also get away with using a cheaper f/4.0 version if cost is an issue.

4. Lens #2: Canon EF 16-35 mm f/2.8L III USM £2160

7. Helmet: Pret Cynic X MIPS £85 prethelmets.com

Essential for protecting your noggin or mounting a GoPro if you need some POV footage, this lightweight, low-profile, in-mould helmet is super safe and mega comfy.

canon.co.uk

8. Action Cam: GoPro Max £380

The 16-35mm zoom range is perfect for wide shots where you need the skier and the entire landscape in frame. It also does a great job of capturing product images or shooting general activities, like taking off skins.

gopro.com

5. Lens #3: Canon EF 15 mm f/2.8 Fisheye £500 canon.co.uk

The fisheye lens is great for shooting super-wide angle frames that regular lenses are unable to capture. I’ve used it to shoot upwards at the skier when they’re dropping off cliffs or the 16-35mm lens can’t accommodate the full landscape.

6. Microphone: Røde VideoMic Pro £159

If you’re looking for one GoPro to do it all, the waterproof GoPro Max is a great shout. Super stable and rugged, it has four lenses and shoots in both 360 and HERO modes. You can take great high-quality stills from the footage, too.

9. Telescopic Ski Poles £various I hardly ever carry a tripod on a photoshoot unless I know I’m going to need one, so telescopic ski poles (like the Black Diamond ones here) are handy when you need to balance your camera for long periods of time, i.e. for interviews. They can also be used to mount your GoPro for some selfie or follow-cam footage.

rode.com

10. Ski Straps £various

If you’re required to shoot video then a lightweight and compact directional microphone like the Røde VideoMic Pro is key. In-built camera microphones are rubbish at picking up audio, so you really need a separate device.

Essential for carrying your skis to and from the lifts, securing them on your pack or freeing up an extra hand for carrying gear. Life is just easier when your skis are tied together. Never leave home without ’em! www.fall-line.co.uk 17

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BEHIND THE BRAND...

ELAN Sophie Nicholson talks to Melanja Korosec, Global Brand Director at Elan Skis…

Sophie Nicholson: Last winter saw Elan celebrate 75 years of ski-making. Can you give us a bit of background into the brand’s origins?

Melanja Korosec: As the world adapts to change, we remain steady with the vision we’ve had since 1945 – to build the best skis for friends and family to enjoy the skiing lifestyle and create lasting memories.

Our headquarters are in Begunje, Slovenia, between the Julian Alps and the Adriatic Sea. From working with the best of this generation’s athletes to supporting junior and new skiers around the globe, we are dedicated to enabling skiers to have their best day on snow.

SN: As Global Brand Director, you are one of the most powerful women in the ski industry. Tell us a bit about your career so far…

MK: I grew up a stone’s throw away from the Alpine Skiing World Cup slope of Maribor in Slovenia. I was

inspired at the age of three to start skiing; ski racing at six. Later, Elan recognised me as an athlete and made me an ambassador for them. The whole time I was aware of the importance of education, pursuing a business degree. I finished business school and later did an MBA and master degree.

A decade ago, Elan invited me to work on product development.

Starting as a junior brand manager for the women’s program, I went on to be product director for the winter division. When the opportunity came to take more responsibilities beyond the ‘female’ role, I was probably the first in the industry to be trusted with the development of a complete winter ski portfolio.

Today I run the global brand, design and product development team, with the responsibility for the overall strategy and design process, directing Elan’s innovation roadmap and product marketing initiatives.

Over the years I’ve learned it’s the team who achieves the goal, not an

Melanja’s biggest achievement?

Helping to produce Elan’s new Voyager

Since the 1940s, Elan has strived to enable skiers of all abilities to enjoy their day on the mountain

We remain steady with the vision we’ve had since 1945 – to build the best skis for friends and family to enjoy the skiing lifestyle individual. The growth, innovation, product awards… all these are a result of dedication and passionate team work, and I’m grateful for my amazing co-workers.

SN: Elan has established a reputation for innovation, pioneering many industry firsts.

Is there one particular ‘first’ that stands out?

MK: Everything started with the victories of Ingemar Stemark (pictured left), and Elan introduced so-called carving skis – skis with extreme sidecut – 25 years ago.

Today, we’re introducing the Elan Voyager, which is redefining the complete skiing experience, not just how we ski; it extends to the journey from home to the resort and back.

The design team spent several years

When it comes to gear, our readers are just as geeky as we are!

fine-tuning the Voyager to ensure it delivers the level of excellence Elan is renowned for. The result is a ski that is bringing the mountains closer to many skiers who can’t wait to escape.

This ski allows you to carve up groomers, float through powder, attack moguls… but after skiing it simply slots into the back of your car.

It’s proof of Elan’s dedication to innovation, design and commitment to delivering good times to skiers around the globe. It’s the project I’m most proud of.

SN: Tell us more about Elan’s age-old philosophy to ‘build skis for friends, families and good times’…

MK: The pursuit of excitement is a universal theme. The skiers looking for a good time aren’t looking for only www.fall-line.co.uk 87

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78% of them take two or more holidays per year and they buy kit – 98% have their own boots and 92% own skis.

They know the importance of good gear and they trust our opinion.

Advertorial and editorial options are available ❅ ❅ ❅ ❅

Tried & Tested Reviews Group Tests Adverts

❅ ❅ ❅

Competitions Behind the Brands Rig for the Gig

GEAR READ PICTURE ORGANIC CLOTHING

On a mission

Julien is helping to carve a pretty impressive path to sustainable mountain wear

Julien Durant

Picture Organic Clothing’s passionate co-founder shares how three friends on an eco-mission built one of the most influential green gear companies on the planet WORDS SOPHIE NICHOLSON

Sophie Nicholson: You founded Picture with your friends Jeremy and Vincent 12 years ago. How did it all come about?

Julien Durant: Jeremy, Vincent and I have been super close since we were kids and grew up together skating and snowboarding around Clermont-Ferrand [central France].

We always talked about starting a brand but ended up going our separate ways.

After a few years we all realised that following the ‘normal’ path and working in big cities for big companies wasn’t for us. So we decided to move home and start working together to build something we believed in. Jeremy was determined any brand we’d create must be committed to sustainability. His vision was to start a mountain brand with fresh designs and a whole new philosophy.

A ‘cool version’ of Patagonia with Burton snowboard style.

SN: Working with friends and building a successful global brand with genuine purpose sounds like a dream come true. Is it really as good as it sounds?!

JD: For sure it is a dream come true!

Working with friends can be challenging, of course, but it works for us because we share the same vision, the same values, we trust each other and we’ve always been transparent about money. Our primary motivation has always been to create a sustainable brand that can be profitable without necessarily having to focus purely on profit. We are very protective of our passion and we look after the brand and our employees in the same way a protective father cares for his family. It’s more than simply a business for us.

SN: Picture is all about sustainability and staying true to environmental values. How do you balance this with the inevitability that all production and expansion comes with a footprint?

JD: It’s a matter of what goes into the cake.

If you look at the outdoor industry as the whole cake, most of the businesses within that cake are making profit without being genuinely sustainable. So, if our market share within the cake grows, the end result is that the industry is more sustainable.

SN: You’re focusing on integrating bio-sourced materials into your product range. Tell us more about this…

JD: Bio-sourced materials, such as sugarcane polymers, are renewable and recyclable; they have a much lower carbon footprint than recycled polyesters.. All of the products in this winter’s Expedition line, including the Aeron, Demain and Welcome jackets, are made from bio-sourced materials. But producing sustainable products is really just the tip of the iceberg; the major issue and the biggest part of any company’s footprint is the energy you use to create those products. Burning fossil fuels generates 85% of global air pollution, so if we wipe out our use of fossil fuels we can have a real impact. We’re working with low carbon consultancy Carbone 4 and using their data to analyse and improve our global footprint by moving our production to carbon neutral countries, for example.

SN: Many outdoor brands are only just beginning to incorporate recycled products into their collections, yet you guys have been doing this for over a decade. Why do you think the industry’s been so slow to react to the climate crisis?

JD: These days it is much easier to go down this line as a) there is more demand for sustainable products from the end consumer, and b) it’s less expensive to produce recycled polyester than it was 12 years ago. It’s very important for us to produce sustainable yet affordable products so we have had to make sacrifices elsewhere within the company.

SN: We skiers and snowboarders tend to have a pretty significant carbon footprint. What are your thoughts on offsetting and how do you think we can minimise our impact?

JD: Offsetting by planting trees is basically just paying some money to someone so you can say “I am carbon neutral” rather than investing in something, or making lifestyle changes, that effect real change. When it comes to skiing, a recent study revealed that the main contributor to the carbon footprint of a ski resort is tourist traffic. Running chairlifts and gondolas has next to no effect but travel to and from resort contributes 77% to a resort’s overall footprint. So, if you really want to lessen your carbon footprint, you have to change your transport habits.

This is both surprising and empowering as it shows we can make a big difference by making a relatively simple change.

SN: And finally, what’s next for Picture?

JD: From a business point of view we want to be able to continue to develop in a ‘clean’ way, even if this means that we end up growing more slowly as a result. When it comes to sustainability, we hope to develop products that can actually have a positive impact. For example, some of our suppliers are already working on developing fibres from CO2 so I’m sure there will be some amazing opportunities in the future.

Another goal would be to create genuinely local products – i.e. products sold in Europe, produced in Europe and made from European fibres. To reduce our footprint we need to reduce the actual journey of the product.

We are very protective of our passion and we look after the brand and our employees in the same way a protective father cares for his family

SN: Patagonia are the first company that most people think about when it comes to sustainability. Give us your thoughts on what they’ve achieved…

JD: When we started we wanted to become a cooler, younger version of Patagonia! I have lots of respect for them; what they have pioneered and achieved in the industry is massive. 1% For The Planet is a global triumph and they are involved in so many initiatives behind the scenes. The fact that they are still a family-owned independent company is the key to their success. www.fall-line.co.uk 11

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Retail outlets SELLING STUFF IN STORE? WE’LL HELP GET SKIERS THROUGH THE DOOR Who we reach and how you benefit…

Whether you are a large chain of stores with good brand awareness or a small retail outlet keeping your locals well kitted out we can help promote your shop both in the magazine and online. If you sell online as well as in store then it’s even more important to achieve front of mind awareness amongst skiers who are ready to spend.

We promote a Buy British policy and list all UK Snowsports retailers in our directory, both in the magazine and online. This is a free listing and for a small charge each season we will enhance your listing to include your logo and a sales message and link online to stand out when skiers are looking for a retailer to visit in person or online.

Fall Line readers are keen and with 98% owning their own ski boots and 92% their own skis they are already fully aware of the advantages of owning their own kit, ready to be sold on the benefits of buying from you next time.

Advertorial and editorial options are available.

NEVER COMPROMISE

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IN ASSOCIATION WITH

with Phil Gordon

No one knows what’s coming up in the world of ski equipment better than Snow+Rock’s ski hardware buyer, Phil Gordon, who can often be found testing the latest high-tech breakthroughs and revolutionary designs on his own pilgrimages to the mountains.

AN EXPERT’S GUIDE TO…

YOUR ANNUAL SNOWSPORTS GEAR HEALTH CHECK

Fall Line represents the aspirations of the UK snowsports scene. The inspirational content and immersive imagery ensure it is as relevant today as when the first copy came out 30 years ago

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our gear is your pride and joy, and making regular kit health checks a priority is the best way to prolong its life, keeping performance at its best and doing your bit for the planet, too.

Here’s a breakdown of everything you need to do – you can thank us later.

BOOTS

We all know that once you take the plunge and get your own ski boots, there’s no going back. Well, the same can be said even for trading your old boots in for a shiny new pair – so keeping your beloved new boots in prime condition for as long as possible should be top of your to-do list. We recommend bringing them to our boot fitting labs for a check-up before you make your escape to the mountains, especially if you haven’t been skiing in a while.

Our in-store experts will first perform a few checks to evaluate the fit of your boots.

Your feet can expand over time, and with wear you compress your boot linings – both of which can result in a poor fit, bad transmission and instability. We can adjust your boot shell or the liners to get them back to fitting like a glove, or even craft brand new custom insoles for that perfect fit and uncompromising support. Ready to

MARK BRIGHAM, ELLIS BRIGHAM

make even more upgrades? We can also switch your soles to ‘GripWalk’ technology to make getting around the resort a breeze. Trust us, you’ll wonder what you ever did without it.

Next is to make sure your boots still fit perfectly with your bindings. We’ll check the toes and heels of your boots, which are most susceptible to wearing away, to make sure they’ll still work safely with your setup, and replace those parts if needed.

We can also check the DIN to make sure they still release properly – this is especially important if your weight has changed since you bought them.

SKI SERVICING

That perfect shred relies on your skis delivering on a delicate balance of factors – and getting them in for regular servicing preserves that balance for optimum underfoot performance. Our ski services involve tuning and sharpening the edges, grinding the base for a smooth ride and fixing any holes to restore your skis back to their former glory. The base of your skis is like skin, in that it needs oils to prevent it drying out, so we’ll also apply all the nourishment it needs to regulate water and maintain that sweet, smooth slide.

HELMETS

As a rule, your helmet should be replaced when it’s either five years old or you’ve had it for three years – whichever comes first.

The reason is that helmets are affected by the materials expanding and contracting in different temperatures, and being knocked about during travel, so it’s difficult to know how damaged your helmet is. Helmets don’t have to be expensive, but you should always consider getting the best possible one within your budget.

SOCKS

You need to have at least one back-up pair with you at all times. We also recommend replacing all your ski socks regularly to help keep your boots clean and odour-free.

GOGGLES

Your lenses have a hydrophobic coating to stop fogging, but this can be compromised by some cleaning products, so we recommend replacing them regularly. * See what services are available in your local store at snowandrock.com/stores * After more expert tips and inspiration?

Find it all at snowandrock.com/ adviceandinspiration

GET THE GEAR

Oakley MOD 5 MIPS Snow Helmet, £190

Falke Men’s SK1 Ski Socks, £26

Falke Women’s SK4 Ski Socks, £30

Oakley Flight Deck XM Goggles, £185

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RETAILERS’ DIRECTORY ACTIVE SNOWSPORTS

BOARDWISE

activesnowsports.com 01473 487474 Suffolk Ski Centre, Ipswich

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boardwise.com 0131 229 5887 Cannock & Edinburgh

ABSOLUTE SNOW

absolute-snow.co.uk 01442 232154 Watford, Herts

Scotland

Inverurie, Edinburgh, Aberdeen, Inverness, Perth

ALPINE ROOM

alpineroom.co.uk 01245 223563 Danbury, Essex

ANYTHING TECHNICAL

braemar@braemarmountainsports. com 01339 741242 Braemar, Scotland

skiequipmentuk.co.uk 01539 734701 Kendal, Cumbria

With three shops in the Cairngorms National Park, our Aviemore & Braemar stores specialise in telemark, alpine and nordic touring equipment, while Aviemore has a wide selection of specialist climbing equipment and ice tools. Our shops provide a relaxed and welcoming environment in which customers can browse around whilst dreaming of their next adventure.

“Can’t make it to the store?

Then check out all of our products online at braemarmountainsports.com

ATTWOOLLS

attwoolls.co.uk 01452 742233 Gloucester

BAC OUTDOORS LEISURE bac-e.com 01422 371146 Elland, West Yorkshire

BACKCOUNTRY UK

backcountryuk.com 01943 816011 Ilkley, West Yorkshire

Scotland’s largest independent ski retailer with five locations throughout Scotland. We pride ourselves on our friendly service and expertise, offering a wide range of ski equipment and clothing, including custom boot fitting and ski touring departments.

DEVON SKI CENTRE devonski.co.uk 01626 833356 Newton Abbot, Devon

DEVINE RIDE

devineride.co.uk 0121 4231160 Halesowen, West Midlands

The UK’s largest and most established ski retailer with 27 stores nationwide.

Stockists of the largest range of men’s and women’s ski and boot brands, including Atomic, Salomon and Rossignol. Try before you buy today at selected locations nationwide.

carters360.com 0118 959 9022 Reading, Berkshire

Vale of Glamorgan, Wales

Being dedicated skiers we pride ourselves in our specialist ski boot fitting, full shell adaptation, liner moulding and custom insoles. Wide range of skis, boots and clothing all widely tried and tested. Full ski workshop in store, on site servicing.

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dicksboardstore.co.uk 0114 279 7909 Sheffield, South Yorkshire

BLUES THE SKI SHOP

tiso.com/blues 0131 554 9101 Scotland (Aberdeen, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Inverness & Perth)

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Bringing the ski shop to your doorstep, anywhere in the UK. Specialising in custom ski boot fitting, with simple, old fashioned, one to one customer service.

We’re a totally mobile business, stocking the best kit, from the biggest brands in the industry, all backed by our Comfort Fit Guarantee.

HORACE BARTON & SON horacebarton.co.uk 01242 516772 Cheltenham, Glos

LD MOUNTAIN CENTRE

ldmountaincentre.com 0191 232 3561 Newcastle, Tyne & Wear

countryside.co.uk 01438 353086 Stevenage, Herts

As one of the oldest independent ski shops in the UK, Countryside Ski & Climb are dedicated to bringing you the best gear with unmatched customer service. Offering expert fitting and advice on all things ski, with gear from leading brands such as Patagonia, Salomon, Hestra and Helly Hansen.

Prepare for your next adventure with Countryside Ski & Climb.

skiexchange.co.uk 01954 210984 Cambridge, Cambs

loveandpiste.co.uk 01509 853944 Loughborough, Leics

THE SKI SHOP

theski-shop.co.uk 01732 464463 Sevenoaks, Kent

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magictoast.com 0116 2124262 Leicester, Leics

NEVISPORT

nevisport.com 01479 810239 Nationwide

Finches are the only independent ski & snowboard store in London run by the same family since 1947. Our vast store is packed with a huge range of equipment, clothing & accessories & backed up by experts who will help you with your selection.

FLUID LINES

fluid-lines.co.uk 01206 545533 Colchester

FREEZE PRO SHOP

freezeproshop.com 0131 2609677 Edinburgh, Scotland

snowear.co.uk 01892 517807 Tunbridge Wells, Kent

snowfit.co.uk 01603 716655 info@snowfit.co.uk Norwich, Norfolk

Snowfit/Revolutionz, looking after skiers and snowboarders since 1998.

Our dedicated staff have a wide range of expertise. Our huge choice of skis, snowboards and boots includes a specialist Ski and Snowboard Touring Department. On-site boot fitting, Physio Clinic and ski/snowboard servicing workshops make Snowfit/Revolutionz your one-stop wintersports specialists.

SNOWTRAX

snowtraxstore.co.uk 01202 499155 Christchurch, Dorset

SOLUTIONS 4 FEET

solutions4feet.com 01869 244424 Bicester, Oxfordshire

SUBVERT

subvertboardstore.com 0161 7476066 Castleford & Manchester

SUFFOLK SKI CENTRE

suffolkskicentre.co.uk 01473 487474 Ipswich, Suffolk

snowandrock.com 0845 100 1000 Nationwide

We offer a huge range of ski, snow and climbing clothing and equipment from the world’s best brands.

ROUTE ONE finchesemporium.com 020 8699 6768 Forest Hill, London

skibartlett.com 0208 848 0040 info@skibartlett.com Uxbridge, West London

SKI EXCHANGE

LOVE & PISTE

MAGIC TOAST

skee-tex.co.uk 01268 768282 Essex

Bringing you the most comprehensive range of skis and boots in the UK, combined with over 50 years of specialist expertise and friendly, helpful advice. Our goal is to help you choose the correct equipment to improve your skiing. We are custom boot fitting specialists, and Ski Industries of Great Britain official ski testers. We are also a World Snow Awards winner.

profeet.co.uk 0207 736 0046 London

coyoti.com 01446 775778

banksofperth.co.uk 01738 624928 Perth, Scotland

SNOWEAR

skishops.co.uk 023 807 73925 Southampton, Hants

SKEE-TEX

PROFEET

COYOTI SKI & SNOWBOARD

BIG DICK’S BOARDSTORE

hikeandride.co.uk 07719 315301 info@hikeandride.co.uk London

LOCKWOODS

ellis-brigham.com 0800 035 6483 mail.order@ellis-brigham.com Nationwide

CARTERS

SNOW TOGS

SCOOTER & SKI

scooterandski.co.uk 0117 970 1356 Bristol

lockwoods.com 01926 339388 Leamington Spa, Warks

cairngorm@ braemarmountainsports.com 01479 810 903 Aviemore, Scotland

SAIL AND SKI

sailandski.co.uk 01244 401449 Chester, Cheshire craigdonmountainsports.com 01467 625855/0131 445 7711/ 01224 62433/01463 248600/ 01738 631006

routeone.co.uk Nationwide

Advertise your business here and be seen by the kind of folk who view shopping for skis, boots, helmets and kit as serious stuff.

Fall-Line’s esteemed ad manager Rich is the guy who can make the magic happen. For details email him on sales@fall-line.co.uk

THE SNOWBOARD ASYLUM

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ellis-brigham.com 01827 59047 Tamworth, Staffs (The Snowdome)

TRESPASS snowlab.co.uk 01323 848410 Hailsham, East Sussex

rivingtonalpine.co.uk 01257 483999 Adlington, Lancs

Specialising in service and knowledge for ski hardware. We’re Masterfit graduate fitters, and have a fully equipped boot lab with fit guarantee.

We have ski tested extensively and can provide you with excellent, first hand advice for ski purchasing and on-site servicing.

Hardware is our thing. Oh and Jägermeister, don’t forget the Jägermeister!

Snow Lab is an independent specialist winter sports store based in East Sussex.

We are committed to bringing you the best products available to the winter sports industry. We offer a comprehensive custom boot fitting service, only using experienced and knowledgeable fitters to maximise your comfort and performance.

Snow Lab has an onsite workshop for all your servicing needs. We also hire quality ski and snowboard equipment.

Please see our website for more details.

thebootbus.co.uk 07792 199099 thebootbus@outlook.com Kent

The Boot Bus is a one-stop ski shop, providing all you need from an alpine stockist at a time and location that suits you best.

With our mobile service we visit you to service skis, fit boots and everything in between. Covering the South-East UK & more!

THE OUTDOOR STORE

braemarmountainsports.com 01339 753878 Ballater, Scotland

trespass.com 0141 568 8089 Nationwide

VENTURA

venturaski.co.uk 01942 717971 St Helens, Merseyside

WHITE STONE

white-stone.co.uk 01423 858584 Harrogate, North Yorkshire

tallingtonlakesproshop.com 01778 347000 sales@tallington.com Tallington, Lincolnshire

Est 1975. An independent ski and snowboard retailer, with years of experience. Large selection of quality products in store and online. Expert boot fitting service. On-site dry ski slope and equipment servicing workshop.

FOR A FULL LIST OF SIGB RETAIL MEMBERS HEAD TO SIGB.ORG.UK

Snowboard stockist

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Fall Line Skiing – Media Pack 2022/2023 Page 13

Travel and Tourism industry ARE YOU TAKING PEOPLE PLACES? WE’LL PUSH THEM IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION PROMOTE YOUR DESTINATION Fall Line readers are known for seeking out new resorts and mountains.

78% of Fall Line readers take two or more trips each season and as well as returning to tried-and-trusted favourites, they love to explore. A recent industry survey (see below) showed that magazines are a highly trusted source of inspiration for ski holidays. Our own annual surveys have consistently found that Fall Line readers are inspired to visit new destinations by what they read and see in our pages.

We can offer imaginative campaigns across both print and digital platforms to promote your destination, accommodation and/or form of transport to our readers.

As well as traditional branded ads we can target skiers through our carefully thought-out destination-focused features – such as Spotlight On, Ski Journal and Sluff.

If you have a particular athlete or personality with links to your brand then more opportunities exist with interview features such as 15 minutes with or My Mountain. These will showcase your destination in a very positive style.

Competitions are always very popular and particularly those with holiday prizes. If you can provide accommodation, transport or an all expenses paid holiday then this would receive plenty of attention while building awareness of your resort or your brand (see page xx for competition details).

LISTEX.CO.UK SURVEY RESULTS, SEPTEMBER 2019 Overall, 33% of respondents noted magazines as a source of ideas and inspiration for ski holidays. This compared to 21% for email, 20% for newspapers, 16% for Facebook, 15% for Ski Shows and 14% for Instagram Overall, 49% of respondents noted magazines as being an important source of advice and ideas for ski holidays.

This compared to 37% for email, 27% for newspapers, 24% for Facebook, 32% for Ski Shows and 21% for Instagram Overall, 35% of respondents noted magazines as being a highly trusted source of information and advice about ski holidays. This compared to 20% for email, 25% for newspapers, 10% for Facebook, 36% for Ski Shows and 10% for Instagram and 5% for Twitter

DESTINATION AND INTERVIEW FEATURES We can offer imaginative campaigns across both print and digital platforms to promote your destination to our readers.

According to your level of spend, we can guarantee a spot in one of our regular editorial features, tailored for you by our expert editorial team.

Coverage and angle will depend on your focus, be it off-piste, touring, family, snow record and so on, and how this fits into our regular editorial running order and issue themes (see box).

DESTINATION FEATURES 1. Spotlight On...

Length: ½ page Type of article: profile of a familyfriendly resort Requirements: answers to specific questions about your resort, attributable to a specified local (e.g. an instructor, hotelier or long-time British expat) + rights-free high-res GV of recognisable resort view.

2. Ski Journal Length: minimum 4 pages Type of article: diary-style, first-person account of a visit to a resort; can focus on piste or off-piste action. If applicable

can also incorporate apres-ski and other local activities.

Requirements: fully hosted individual press trip (minimum 3 days’ skiing).

Guide and/or instructor needed for at least two days if the focus is off-piste.

Plus rights-free images of resort and slopes.

3. Backcountry Length: minimum 3 pages Type of article: first-person account of a backcountry adventure, which usually includes some skinning and can include mountain hut stays.

Requirements: fully hosted individual press trip (at least 3 days’ skiing) with a mountain guide + relevant professionally taken rights-free high-res photos.

4. Sluff Length: minimum 2 pages Type of article: has your resort recently put in an amazing new snowpark, or opened a section of backcountry or a freeride area that’s worth reporting on?

We can tell your story.

Requirements: fully hosted individual press trip (at least 2 days’ skiing) + relevant professionally taken rights-free high-res photos.

Page 14 Fall Line Skiing – Media Pack 2022/2023

INTERVIEW FEATURES 1. My Mountain Length: 2 pages Type of article: interview with a professional ski or snowboard athlete or an acclaimed instructor or personality from your resort about their ‘home’ hill Requirements: high-res rights-free images of the athlete and of the resort (needed in advance) + contact details for interviewee (must speak English).

2. A Day in the Life of...

Length: 2 pages Type of article: profile of somebody who does an interesting job in your resort (recent subjects have included a mountain guide and snowpark-shaper).

Requirements: contact details for interviewee + professionally taken, rights-free high-res portrait and action photos at work and in ‘winter mode’ 3. 15 Minutes with...

Length: 3 pages Type of article: interview with athlete or well-known personality from your resort.

Requirements: contact details for interviewee + rights-free, high-res professionally taken portrait and action photos in ski or competition or work mode.

LIFE’S BETTER IN THE MOUNTAINS

Fall Line Adventure works with resorts, tourist boards, brands, events, athletes and activity operators to create a comprehensive, entertaining and inspirational one-stop information resource for all things ‘Summer in the Mountains’.

The audience is the outdoorsy adventure type who is attracted to several different sports. Featured activities include biking, trail running, hiking, wild swimming, climbing, van life and camping.

Fall Line Adventure is packed full of inspiration and information to help readers at different levels of the sports or activities. Epic destinations, route suggestions, events, skills and advice – Fall Line Adventure exists to facilitate those vertical summer kicks.

If you’re looking to reach the vast number of skiers who participate in summer sports then Fall Line Adventure can help spread the word. Let’s inspire them together.

BIKING Life on two wheels is about the simple, soul-food type stuff that keeps you occupied and moving forward. Slowly but surely.

Whether you’re keen to spread the word about an epic new gravel bike itinerary, looking to gear adventurous families with e-bikes, or wanting to promote your destination as a two-wheeled adventure heaven, this is the place to do it.

TRAIL & MOUNTAIN RUNNING Whether you’re looking to reach newbie trail runners or seasoned ultra-endurance athletes, Fall Line Adventure will be packed full of inspiration and information to help all levels of mountain runners. Epic destinations, guides, gear, events, skills and comps - it exists to facilitate those vertical summer kicks.

HIKING & SCRAMBLING If you’re looking to reach the growing numbers of skiers and outdoor enthusiasts committed to maintaining their year-round mountain fitness, then it’s time we had a chat.

Fall Line Adventure works with the best brands, destinations and adventure operators on the planet to bring our readers the inspiration and advice they need to get geared for top adventures in high places.

WILD SWIMMING For some, a skinny dip at dawn in their local water hole sets them up for the day. And then there are those who need all the gear to feel safe and / or comfortable – wetsuit, socks, hat, gloves, buoy, changing robe.

We’ll talk about the healing power of cold water swimming and cover the safest places to swim with the family, as well as diving into the kit and equipment.

So whether you want to reach the die-hard swimmers who have been ‘going for a dip’ for many years or those newbies just discovering the joy of chlorine-free water then we can create a splash for you.

CLIMBING & MOUNTAINEERING If you’re looking to reach the vast number of skiers who climb in the summer then we can help spread the word. Gear, route suggestions, destinations, skills and advice, comps - our audience are big- time fans of the mountains. Let’s inspire them together.

VAN LIFE, OUTDOOR & CAMPING Covid-19 has inspired a new generation to venture off-grid and explore those local hidden spots. With borders closed, more and more of us are seeking out freedom in new ways, buying or converting campervans, investing in family camping gear or getting geared for wilderness bivi adventures.

If you’re looking to make your destination, campervan company, camping gear, or information resource get noticed in an increasingly crowded landscape, we can help you stand out and hone in on our big-style adventure-loving audience.

Fall Line Skiing – Media Pack 2022/2023 Page 15

Readers are ready to buy into your brand We have many loyal readers who like, know and trust us

I will continue to subscribe, I love the magazine and it’s been a great source of info on kit I’ve collected over the years and places to go.

Love your magazine, keeps me sane.

I look forward to reading Fall Line and this year more than ever I’m in need of a lift in spirits!

This is simply to say thank you and wish you and the team good luck with keeping your excellent work going through these demanding times.

My subscription’s going nowhere but to you. Very best of luck with your future; your mag offers me something I can’t get elsewhere. So, for as long as you publish, I will buy.

Fall Line takes me skiing, even when I’m not skiing It keeps me warm at night thinking about where I’m going to make powder turns next!!

Looking forward to receiving more print versions next season hopefully. Nothing like thumbing through the pages!

Awesome Magazine. Vin chaud: Done. Sit Back: Done.

Planning for next season: Waiting for the world to get a grip!!! Roll on next season.

Page 16 Fall Line Skiing – Media Pack 2022/2023

MORE ABOUT FALL LINE

Fall Line – The numbers at a glance

Fall Line was born 30 years ago and started as a means of displaying the fantastic photos from the world of skiing. It has evolved over the years from a backcountry magazine to include more mainstream skiing as kid free readers who were touring 30 years ago now introduce the next generation to the slopes.

Dickie Fincher took over the magazine 21 years ago – to find out more listen to him being interviewed on the Legends of the Brand podcast.

PRINT ❅ 5 printed magazines for 2022-23 ❅ 100% actively purchased ❅ 8,600 circulation ❅ 21,500 readership

LEGENDS OF THE BRAND PODCAST

DIGITAL – FALL-LINE.CO.UK ❅ Up to 30,000 sessions a day in peak periods ❅ Average time online for a non-bouncing viewer is more than 20 minutes

Dickie Fincher interviews by Phil Gordon on the Legends of the Brand podcast.

Listen to him talk about his background and find out more about Fall Line’s history.

NEWSLETTER ❅ E-newsletters to 20,000+ opted-in subscribers ❅ 25% open rate ❅ 25% click through rate SOCIAL MEDIA ❅ 24,000 followers ❅ Most popular post of winter 2021: 400k reach + 25k engagement + over 200 shares

Want to know what our magazines look like?

GEAR OF THE YEAR 2022

30 YEARS OF FALL-LINE SPECIAL

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Issue 179 October 2021

GEAR GUIDE BACK IN THE GAME

GET YOUR GROOVE ON!

FEEL THE GRAVITY Fall-Line’s fave steep pistes, from Åre to Andermatt

SMILES FOR MILES

World’s best ski circuits (you won’t ski the same piste twice!)

The complete skier

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THE GREATEST FREERIDE AND BACKCOUNTRY GEAR FOR 2022

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SECRET SWITZERLAND Hike and ride in Switzerland’s back-of-beyond with Candide Thovex!

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Best resorts for lift-served freshies, from France to Norway

ISSUE 180 NOVEMBER 2021 £4.99 WWW.FALL-LINE.CO.UK

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Glen Plake on how the epic ski movie changed his life, and more

THE OTHER HAUTE ROUTE Getting wild on the Graubünden ski tour in undiscovered Switzerland

❆ BACKCOUNTRY BASICS: VENTURING FURTHER AFIELD ❆ CRACKERS PLACES TO FIND POW, FROM PAKISTAN TO HAWAII ❆ POW AND TAPAS: A BACKCOUNTRY ADVENTURE IN MADRID ❆ AVY SAFETY UNCOVERED: WHY GOOD GUYS STILL MAKE BAD CALLS ❆ LIFT-ACCESSED GLORY IN MONTANA

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February 2022

Fall Line Skiing – Media Pack 2022/2023 Page 17

Key contacts COMMERCIAL TEAM RICH EVANS, SALES MANAGER sales@fall-line.co.uk Rich’s parents met in Austria in 1966 and he made his own first turns on a family trip to Wangs, a tiny Swiss resort which even FL hasn’t yet visited. The bug firmly caught on those family trips, Rich has spent seasons between ‘real jobs’ working as a ski instructor, chalet host and ski host. He now lives in Sussex and plans as much skiing as he can. Rich loves a road trip and really, really wants to ski in Japan.

Mainly because powder days are his favourites – whether under blue skies or in a blizzard!

DICKIE FINCHER, PUBLISHER richard@fall-line.co.uk After leaving the Navy, Dickie found himself in the Middle East studying Arabic before he naturally progressed to testing motorbikes and editing the UK’s biggest bike magazine. He invested in Fall Line in the 2000s and since then has been on 17 ski tests, written at least 2000 ski reviews, made skis and skied across sand, grass, water and even snow. As owner and publisher he signs the cheques that send others to the places he wants to go. He’s married with three daughters.

TAMSIN ROBINSON, TEAM SUPPORT tamsin@fall-line.co.uk Tamsin started on the slopes “as soon as she was old enough to look after her own gloves”. As a teenager she endured the Dendix on the dry-slope race circuit and then fell into instructing as a way to ski for free as a student.

Marrying a non-skier meant life didn’t go to plan but now with two ski-mad sons the husband has fallen into line. Tamsin describes herself as “past her prime” but still finds she has an occasional need for speed (when her knees allow it).

EDITORIAL TEAM NICOLA ISEARD, EDITOR nicola@fall-line.co.uk Nicola first took to the snow aged four. An all-in-one from C&A and lessons from her (also novice) parents set her on a path that would dominate her life, seeing her race as a teenager, teach in Switzerland, ski in destinations from Russia to Revelstoke and ultimately move to the Portes du Soleil, where she lives with her ski-mad husband and their sons. As well as editing Fall Line Nicola writes for publications including The Guardian and Wired magazine. Unofficial motto: “The steeper, the better”.

SOPHIE NICHOLSON, GEAR AND ONLINE EDITOR sophie@fall-line.co.uk Sophie’s earliest ski memories involve being blown back up a Scottish hill aged four. Having subsequently been introduced to ski touring by her mountain-mad father, she has skied and lived all over the globe, including eight years in the Alps, and carved out a career in storytelling first as a sports television producer and latterly as an outdoor writer and gear editor. Now based near Inverness, she enjoys earning her turns and escaping to the Alps/North America/Arctic when conditions are lean in the homeland.

Page 18 Fall Line Skiing – Media Pack 2022/2023