InTheSnow BUSC Soecial Edition - September 2012

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INSIDE: THE LATEST NEWS | Electric Mountain Festival 16-17 | SKI TUITION 24-25 | BOOT ROOM 26-27 | 10 MINS 30

BUSC SPECIAL ISSUE | SEPT 2012

THE UK'S MOST READ SKI & SNOWBOARDING MAG

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Ischgl

The weak Euro looks set to make skiing in Austria, France and Italy more affordable for Brits next winter.

With the official exchange rate passing 1.25 EUR to the GBP, and currency exchange bureaux offering up to 1.23 EUR to the GBP in recent weeks, the cost of skiing in the Eurozone will be down more than one-fifth on recent seasons if the current situation lasts until next winter, when the exchange rate reached almost parity.

Many ski resorts in Austria already have their lift ticket pricing up online for 201213 with advance purchase and immediate payment offered by some. French resorts typically publish their prices later and Italian and Andorran last of all, but these should be appearing over the next eight weeks. So, in some cases it may be possible to make purchases of ski rental, ski school and lift tickets – as well as accommodation if booking direct – for those who already have their 2012–13 ski season holiday booked.

Set against the reduced cost of the Euro are price increases in ski resorts. Early indications are that these will vary tremendously, with most resorts holding lift ticket increases to 2% or less; although Les 3 Vallées is bucking that trend, with a cost increase of more than 6% on a 6-day ticket – but in all cases the stronger Euro means far greater savings than any price increases can nullify.

So far it is only the Eurozone that has seen a marked price decrease for Brits, the US and Canadian dollars, along with the Swiss franc, all remain very strong.

And, of course, it is unknown whether the current exchange rate between the pound and the Euro will remain stable, or if the Euro will regain in strength, or if the pound will get stronger still against it.

EXCITEMENT BUILDS FOR 2013 Snow Fests Patrick Thorne

Autumn sees snow freaks getting twitchy as we start to think about which resort we’ll be heading to this winter, and start checking snow reports for pre-season snow to build up bases.

But there’s a whole other level to winter for an ever-growing contingent of Brits, more interest in bass than base, as the annual music festivals and fun-filled weeks for party people in the Alps are also being announced for 2013.

There’s a narrow time slot of just 3 weeks from mid-March to early-April 2013 when most of these events take place, so it’s time to pick where you want to go.

Each of the major snow and music festivals in the mountains this winter will have a different flavour, as well as a different location choice – you can choose from festivals where the main thing is the music and no one cares much if you can stand up on skis, others that showcase the best skiing and boarding talent there is, and also have plenty of gigs and parties, and others that fall somewhere between the two.

You can also choose the type of music you like – most of the big festivals go for past or present, but for something a little more hardcore club sounds wait for April and the Basscamp Festival in Morzine, or Electric Mountain in Sölden. But all genres are catered for. If you like jazz, for example, there’s a festival for you in Avoriaz, France (Jazz Up, 6–12 April 2013, avoriaz.com), or for acoustic there’s Zermatt Unplugged (9–13 April 2013, www.zermatt-unplugged.ch).

For a different style of music festival, the third Rock the Pistes in the Portes du Soleil, which straddles 650km of piste between a dozen resorts on the French-Swiss border, could be for you. Free open-air daytime gigs are staged, at

Publisher

Dominic Killinger

There are a couple of venue changes from the big players already announced for next winter.

After a long partnership with the Swiss resort Laax, The Brits are hitting the road and heading to Tignes, France, which is increasingly securing its status as one of the coolest destinations in the Alps, having already signed up the massive Winter X Games for Europe (20–22 March 2013, xgames.tignes.net/en). The Brits arrive in town the very next day so you could tag the two

Who’s On? Nobody’s telling us yet, but the announcements of headliners should be with us shortly.

Snowbombing, the biggest and oldest of the festivals, which overruns Mayrhofen each winter, traditionally gets the biggest stars – Fat Boy Slim, Dizzee Rascal and the Prodigy have all been on stage recently for them. The world’s biggest stars – in recent years, Kylie, Elton, Pink, Rihanna,

2013 Snow Fests By Date Big Snow Festival (17–24 March): www.thebigsnowfestival.com Altitude (18–23 March): www.altitudefestival.com The Brits (23–30 March): www.the-brits.com Rock The Pistes (20–24 March): www.rockthepistes.com Snowbombing (1–6 April): www.snowbombing.com Basscamp (2–6 April): www.basscamp-festival.com Electric Mountain Festival (2–6 April): www.electric-mountain-festival.com

together. The Brits mix up wild party events with big gigs, and the best British riders competing in official British national competition.

Also changing venues, after an unsuccessful attempt to be based in Kopaonik, Serbia’s top ski

and many others, turn up at Ischgl (ischgl.com) for their season starting (in the last weekend of November) and ending Top of the Mountain (the last weekend of April) concerts.

Enjoy!

Reporters / Contributors

Tuition Correspondent

PATRICK THORNE

duncan woRRell DEBBIE GABRIEL Gavin Robbie DAVID BLACK

JON WEST

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patrick@InTheSnow.com

Production Director

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matt@InTheSnow.com

What’s New?

area last winter after 3 years in Andorra, is the Big Snow Festival. It’s heading to the party town of Sauze d’Oulx, Italy, which looks a much better bet and is certainly easier to get to. This is one of the most ”up for it” festivals of the lot, where music and having fun in the snow are the priorities, whether you can ski or board or not (the majority of Big Snow festers are newbies).

Editor

dom@InTheSnow.com

MATT NICHOLSON

venues announced shortly before you need to ski to them.

You can even do comedy – the Altitude Festival is established in Mayrhofen, Austria, and last year saw Frankie Boyle, Jimmy Carr and Ed Byrne headlining.

ROCKET BASE

www.rocketbase.co.uk News Correspondent

elliS BRIGHAM

www.ellis-brigham.com

BEN CLATWORTHY

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Free Drinks For London Gondola BEN CLATWORTHY

Complaints from skiers and snowboarders that a new £50m gondola across London doesn’t access any ski slopes have been tackled head-on by the capital’s only indoor snow centre – The Snow Centre at Hemel Hempstead (www.thesnowcentre.com), just north of the Olympic city.

Travel agency Ski Solutions (www. skisolutions.com) has already sent a party of skiers to ride the new Emirates Airline gondola and show Londoners its ”real” use,

now The Snow Centre is doing its bit to prove that no ride in a gondola is complete without snow.

“The Snow Centre are keen to compensate for any disappointment by offering gondola travellers substantial discounts on real snow experiences – along with a free drink in their Alpine-style cafe overlooking the closest real snow to the Olympic Park” said a statement from the Centre, which is offering a 50% discount on a beginners snow sport lesson and a free soft drink in The Edge Cafebar afterwards if you show your gondola ticket.

Pakistani Ski Resort Destroyed

By The Taliban To Be Rebuilt

Pakistan’s only commercial ski area will be rebuilt, according to the local Khyber Pakthunkhwa regional government who say they are working on a redevelopment plan as a “top priority.”

Malam Jabba ski area was built in 1988 in the country’s scenic Swat Valley thanks to assistance from the Austrian government, which installed a double chairlift and built a hotel. However, it lay idle for much of the 1990s and it was more than a decade before the resort was officially opened because of problems paying for its operation.

The Taliban occupied the region and destroyed the ski resort’s lift and hotel between 2007 and 2009, as part of a wider policy enforcing a strict version of Islamic religious law.

A Peace Ski Gala 2011 was organised by Swat’s Pioneer Ski School and skiers have been hiking up the slopes.

Paradiski in France, the world’s third largest ski area created by the linking La Plagne, Peisey Vallandry and Les Arcs, has announced that it is now using 100% renewable energy to power its ski lifts and other electrical needs.

“Since our inception we have been committed to playing a major role in respecting the environment and in effectively managing natural resources” said a statement from the resort.

Paradiski joins 60 other leading ski areas around the world that claim to use,

Sarah Ginet

Paradiski Gets Greener

and in some cases generate, 100% green energy for their power needs, either from local generation, or by

offsetting their purchase of ”brown” energy against the production of an equivalent amount of green energy.

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Cut In VAT On UK Ski Lift Tickets PATRICK THORNE

More Green Snowmakers

Already one of the world’s leading snow makers, and after all the natural snowfall this winter they’ve hardly needed them, Courchevel have nevertheless added 13 additional snow making machines this winter on the Murettes slope, providing a second point of access to Le Praz. Like all of the 2100 snow guns in Les 3 Vallées ski area, the machines run on renewable energy, using only natural water with no additives, with 80% of it returning to the groundwater table when the snow melts.

The Government has announced a cut in VAT on lift tickets in Scotland, after years of campaigning by Scottish centres to have the purchase tax on lift tickets reduced, in line with other countries with ski areas in Europe.

In fact, the VAT cut for lift tickets – from the standard 20% to 5% – is actually better than in some major ski nations. The former rate of 5.5% in France was recently increased to 7% by the French government. The reduced British tax rate is due to come into effect in 2013, Scottish ski areas are yet to say whether they'll cut prices.

New Holidays Announced By Neilson In Preview Brochure Snow holiday specialist Neilson (www.neilson.co.uk) has launched their 2012–13 preview brochure with, the company says, “a price match promise, more ‘ski inclusive’ properties, more group places, and more early booking savings than ever before.” The company now has 122 slope side properties and for 2012–13 has more adventure options, including guided snowshoe treks in Switzerland with an overnight stay at the world famous Grand St Bernard Monastery at an altitude of 2469m.

Early-booking offers include upgrades, savings of up to £100, and 2-for-1 on all pre-booked equipment – saving up to £104. The company also promises to “beat the prices in resort.” Neilson Ski Inclusive options start from £399, including flights, accommodation, return transfers to resort, lift pass, ski or board hire or carriage, boot hire and dedicated Neilson rep service.

SMILER RIZ MC ASTROID BOYS SNATCH THE WAX WOLFMUSIC PBR STREETGANG THE BEAT MEDICS & BENNY PLANAS & NIGHT OWL SEAN BRONSON SLOTHBOOGIE DOM CHUNG RATTUS RATTUS MANY MORE TO BE ANNOUNCED

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Find Your Perfect Match On The Slopes Patrick Thorne

Tailor-made ski specialist Powder White (www. powderwhite.com/winterbreaks) has launched a swathe of new themed ski holiday ideas for the coming winter, including a package aimed at singles looking for love.

Powder White Potentially will provide the informal setting of the Chalet Amelie in Courchevel 1650, and promises an equal quota of men and women, great food, free-flowing wine, and the exhilaration of the mountains to set hearts aflutter. The company also promises there’ll be no cringeworthy enforced dating games. Prices start from £499pp (based on two sharing a twin room).

More At The Pic du Midi The high altitude observatory at Pic du Midi is a highlight of the French Pyrenees, surrounded by nine conventional ski areas; someone also had the good idea of creating an exciting offpiste ski route down from it at 2877m.

Previously, access to the Pic du Midi was quite limited, but this year it’s open all day and all night throughout winter and spring (until 7 May 2013), for the first time ever. This is when the luminosity of the skies is at its very best, facilitating spectacular stargazing for overnight guests.

A new attraction this winter is a "tyrolienne" – a kind of horizontal zip wire you pull yourself along, as well as a climbing wall.

Also new is "AquaPic" a special €42 ticket

that includes a return cable-car trip to the Pic du Midi and an Aqua-Pass for Aquensis with 2 hours to luxuriate in the Bagnères-de-Bigorre thermal spa.

60 Years Of O’Neill

A new book celebrating 60 years of O’Neill is out now and for sale through oneilleshop.com.

Jack O’Neill, who began his first surf shop from his garage in 1952 and began a brand which now sells in nearly 50 countries as part of a $6.2

billion industry, is best known for the invention of the wetsuit so it’s easy to forget he is also equally passionate about the mountains.

The evidence includes everything from sponsoring the O’Neill World Cup of Snowboarding back in the early 1980s when the sport was new, to staging some of the most important winter events, including the 6* TTR O’Neill Evolution, and sponsoring some of the world’s best athletes, such as World Snowboard Championship 2012 podium winner Seb Toots and freeride legend Jeremy Jones.

"Art Park" Back At Mammoth Mammoth in California’s Unbound Terrain Park has continued to evolve this winter. The Art Park, a hit last year in its inaugural season, has returned with Jamie Lynn as the featured artist designing a whole new array of features. In addition, resort partners Monster Energy and Oakley created their own unique terrain features to add to Mammoth’s fleet of over 90 rails, boxes and jibs. Mammoth has also opened a new snow tubing park just above The Village at Mammoth.

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m o u n t a i n h e a v e n heavenly skiing, at down to earth prices

Ski The World Challenge Back For March 2013 BEN CLATWORTHY

The Ski Solutions ”Make a Wish” Ski Challenge moves to Champoluc next year from 14–17 March 2013 (www.skisolutions.com).

The inaugural charity fundraising event launched last year, and staged at another Aosta valley resort, Courmayeur, will quadruple in size this season, with a target of 80 participants aiming to raise over £60,000 between them for Make a Wish. The charity has a single purpose – to grant magical wishes to children and

young people aged 3–17 years fighting lifethreatening illnesses.

The aim of the event for each participant is to clock-up as many vertical metres during the weekend in teams of two or three. Last year’s event saw the winning team reaching 150% of the target 43,314 vertical metres by skiing or boarding 65,400 metres of vertical. Participants are sponsored for their efforts, and flexible all-inclusive packages are available to cover travel and resort costs. Last year’s event raised a total of £17,169.

Singles Opt For Davos

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Several surveys looking at different types of ski resort destination preferences in Switzerland among single skiers and boarders have put Davos as their top overall choice.

In a survey by an "online partnership agency’" called PARSHIP.ch, 26% of single male skiers said Davos was their destination of choice, followed by Zermatt in second place with 19%, while Lenzerheide took third place with 15%.

When Klosters is added (8%, fifth place), over one-third of male singles visit the neighbouring villages marketed together as Destination Davos Klosters.

This naturally raises the question of where do the female singles go?

In the second part of the survey Davos ranked second with single female skiers, with 19%, behind Lenzerheide, with Zermatt coming in third.

“This means that the chances of a great weekend may be higher in Davos than

anywhere else, because the difference in the percentage of male and female singles from the lowlands is balanced by the population of Davos itself,” the resort suggests.

The Swiss federal census, last taken in 2000, showed that Davos has the highest proportion of single women aged from 20 to 40 in the whole of Switzerland.

Enjoy The Glacier!

Les Deux Alpes has traditionally staged a big opening week, for two weekends and the 5 days between, which attracts thousands of enthusiastic young skiers and boarders for

new season gear testing and a festival vibe.

This year is no different, with the glacier slopes and snow park at 3200m open from 27 October–4 November, before closing again until the official 2012–13 season opening date of the 1 December 2012.

“Enjoy the Glacier is a real ‘taster’ of the 2012–13 winter season and it will be sporty and fun! Snowboard and skateboard contests, gear tests, the chance to meet with pros, a giant BBQ, gigs, movies … wintersports addicts, this is the place to be!” said Héléna Hospital from the Les Deux Alpes press office.

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Courchevel Tops Luxury Lodging Cost League for Hotels and Chalets Company, which compiles an annual array of facilities and include a level of list of what they have found to be the service unrivalled in Courchevel. This 20 best ski chalets in the world (www. really is like renting your very own luxurychaletcollection.com) – although boutique hotel, and is leagues ahead not necessarily the most expensive. of many other chalets in the Alps.”

Courchevel, renowned in recent years They found this season that a property in Courchevel – Ormello-peaked at €200,000 a week – almost twice the cost of Richard Branson’s The 1. Les Suites de la Pointière (Courchevel, France) $1958 Lodge in Verbier 2. Aurelio Lech (Lech-Arlberg, Austria) $1423 – for its most 3. Carlton Hotel (St Moritz, Switzerland) $1256 expensive week 4. Almhof Schneider (Lech-Arlberg, Austria) $1185 over New Year.

5. Suvretta House (St Moritz, Switzerland) $1121 Ormello’s amenities include a private cinema, for its popularity with Russian skiers, indoor swimming pool, hot tub, and and for one highly-publicised case fitness and massage rooms, but of closing a piste for a wealthy South that’s not dissimilar to those provided Korean businessman in 2005 so that he by other luxury chalets who charge could learn to ski alone, takes top spot much less, so what makes Ormello for price in both the hotel and chalet so special? According to the Oxford categories. This also shows that costs Ski Company (www.oxfordski.com), for top-end accommodation in France which book holidays there, “The list can outstrip Switzerland despite the of reasons is pretty exhaustive … a strength of the Swiss franc. chalet with nine bedrooms is a rare find in itself. Add to this an impressive

The Top 5

BEN CLATWORTHY

A new survey has found that hotels in Courchevel, France Lech in Austria and St Moritz in Switzerland were the most expensive to stay in – based on their average rate for a double room in

January. However, several of the toprated properties are “suites only” with no double rooms.

In top spot was The Suites de la Potiniere with an average room rate of $1958 (£1245) per night. Eight of the ten most expensive were in the three

aforementioned European resorts, with hotels in Deer Valley, Utah and Aspen Colorado in the USA taking the other two spots.

The survey, by Luxury-Hotels. com, backs up the findings of luxury chalet specialists the Oxford Skiing

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SEASON

themselves and say why they should win the competition. A jury of mountain A lucky British family, the members of professionals will select the lucky family which should never have skied before, will who will be heading out to Les 3 Vallées win the chance to become expert skiers to learn to ski. by the end of the coming ski season, by The aim of Les 3 Vallées (comprising spending weekends and full weeks away the resorts of Courchevel, La Tania, in the world’s largest ski area.

Méribel, Brides-les-Bains, Les Menuires, That’s the prize awaiting the winning Saint Martin de Belleville, Val Thorens family in a contest being organised by Les and Orelle) is to turn the family into ski 3 Vallées in France, the world’s largest ski enthusiasts in just one season, so that by area, with all flights to Grenoble provided the time the Easter holidays come around courtesy of Monarch Airlines. they’ll be ready to compete in the fun The full prize includes several 3 Vallées Enduro race on 7 April 2013. weekend breaks, and two week-long This ski rally takes place across Les 3 trips to Les 3 Vallées over the course of Vallées, and covers an incredible 600km the 2012–13 winter season. The prize of interconnected slopes. includes accommodation, ski passes, Once first turns are mastered by the ski equipment and ski lessons for the winning family in special beginner areas, whole family. separated from the main slopes, they’ll find that 56% of the terrain is rated easy or very easy, so getting around to see some of the spectacular scenery 80 Piste Bashers 3230m Highest lift won’t be a problem.

60 Visiting Nationalities 2050 Snow Cannons From the glaciers of Val Thorens to the 51 Mountain Restaurants 600km Piste apple trees of Brides3 Valleys 172 Lifts les-Bains, taking in the pine forests of La Tania along the way, To be in with a chance of winning, the Les 3 Vallées offers you the guarantee of British family of four non-skiers (two being able to ski different runs every day, parents and two children) should visit with a backdrop of breathtaking scenery. www.les3vallees.com/en and click on the Snow cover won’t be a problem either, ”Easy rider” link on the menu, following the as 85% of the ski area is located above instructions on how to enter the contest. a snow sure 1800m, stretching right The family will be asked to submit up to 3230m, with 2050 snow making a 90–120 second video to introduce machines covering a third of the ski area.

PATRICK THORNE

Getting back up the slopes will be a breeze too, as the huge lift network is designed for maximum comfort and safety, with minimum waiting times thanks to no less than 172 cable cars, gondolas, comfy high-speed detachable chairlifts, and other lifts to choose from. A hands-free ski pass system (rechargeable

prestigious restaurants and chefs; the only ones of their kind and the only place in the world where all of the restaurants are accessible on skis. These are among the 51 high-altitude slopeside restaurants, which are spread across the ski area, with menus to suit all budgets.

Monarch, the scheduled leisure airline,

online at www.les3vallees.com) means freedom, comfort and speed.

Off the slopes the winning family will also be able to enjoy some of the best gastronomy in the Alps, with nine Michelin-starred restaurants in Les 3 Vallées – an incredible concentration of

operates flights to Grenoble from Birmingham, Leeds Bradford, Manchester and London Gatwick airports, with fares, including taxes, starting from £30.99 one-way (£67.48 return). For further information or to book flights please visit www.monarch.co.uk.

Les 3 Vallées In Numbers

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Off The Beaten Track:

Vallorcine

BEN CLATWORTHY

BEN CLATWORTHY

Exploring lesser-known resorts, and those just off the beaten track, isn’t of appeal to everyone looking for a snowy escape, but for those willing to explore, these hidden Alpine gems can offer so much more than the average ski resort – even some of the most famous ones.

However, not all smaller resorts can be classed as hidden gems, and there are several important factors to consider when it comes to choosing such a resort.

Vallorcine, despite being within a stone’s throw of the larger, more commercialised Chamonix, easily falls into this category. This authentic mountain village, which is also a gateway to the vast “Pays du Mont Blanc” lies just minutes from Switzerland, and comprises a number of hamlets.

The resorts of Chamonix and Martigny are a short 35 minute train ride away from the village, although there is plenty of skiing to be had in the Balme area, accessed by taking the

© Surfanic International Ltd. 2011

gondola directly from the village affordable prices. They are to discover the 19 slopes. The situated right at the entrance of resort is also a favourite with The Residence and Spa Vallorcine. cross-country skiers. For those The Residence and Spa Vallorcine looking to explore the whole (chamonix-vacances.com) is 5 area, the “Chamonix Le Pass” and has a lovely pool, spa and ice gives access to the Balme, Grands Montets, Brévent-Flégère and Chamonix ski areas.

Located just over an hour’s drive from Geneva Another airport the resort couldn’t be easier to get to major bonus is in terms of transfers. Ski-Lifts (ski-lifts.com, Vallorcine’s ski 02088197950) offer a range of resort transfers, from school, which shared lifts to a group minivan, with prices starting unlike many other from €23.50. small villages so close to major resorts, is operated and run from the village. The ESF rink, as well as offering spacious (École du Ski Français, ecoleaccommodation. The village is small, ski-vallorcine.com) runs the and local amenities are few and far school and offers a wide range of between, but this needn’t be an lessons and classes suitable for issue. For those opting to self-cater all abilities. the nearest supermarket can be For those who need to rent found in Argentère, which offers a equipment, Sanglard Sports full range of goods, but a local shop (rentski.com) offer the best in Vallorcine does unexpectedly offer skis, boards and boots at very most must-have items.

Getting There

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New Swiss SuperPass For 2012-13 First there was the Dolomiti Superski pass in Italy, then there was the Zillertal Superski pass in Austria, and now there’s a new Swiss Superski pass for 2012–13.

Well, actually it’s just the ”SuperPass” so snowboarders need not feel alienated.

The new pass includes the ski lifts of Villars, Gryon and Les Diablerets, including the famous Glacier 3000, and those for the ski areas around Gstaad. Altogether this new SuperPass will offer 116 ski lifts and 420km of piste, but unlike some of the other giant ski area amalgamations that have emerged in recent years, particularly in Austria, separate local versions for the Villars region only or the Gstaad region only will continue to be offered. In either case children aged up to 9 years ski free.

The size of the new area is such that it will be among the 20 largest areas in the world.

BEN CLATWORTHY

VAIL Vail Mountain in Colorado, the largest ski resort in the US, has already begun making plans for its 50th anniversary in December, with the announcement of a new, state-of-the art gondola to replace the Vista Bahn Express Lift (#16) in Vail Village. The new gondola will be in the same location as the existing lift, a high-speed quad that was installed in 1985, and will reach the same location at Mid-Vail.

LES MENUIRES InTheSnow has had access to the plans for a new six-seater chair lift. The new lift will replace the current Reberty fixed-grip cabins, with the base station in the original location next to the Doron chairlift, and the arrival station on a new site higher up the mountain. The new lift will vastly improve access to the Sunny Express six-person chair lift, which is currently underused, despite installation in 2009.

JACKSON HOLE The Casper triple chairlift will be replaced with a new high speed, four-passenger detachable chair this summer. Along with the lift installation, the Casper trail network will be enhanced for intermediate skiing and riding, with summer grooming and widening of several trails in the area. The resort will also expand intermediate terrain over the summer as part of a wider scheme to attract more skiers to the resort. The base of the new Casper lift will not be changing, however the top terminal will move northward to the opposite side of the lift line trail.

Got a story? Know of a new lift coming soon to a resort where you ski? Drop me an email, my address is ben@inthesnow.com.

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Children The Challenge Of Any Holiday BEN CLATWORTHY

A skiing holiday isn’t always easy to plan, and keeping the whole family in good sprits, especially where children are concerned, can be a challenge. For that reason, when choosing a resort, it’s important to consider the varying needs of children in different age groups.

Teenagers, arguably, being the hardest market to cater for; a 12-year-old isn’t going to be looking for nightlife, whilst a 17-year-old is. Ski writing has taken me the length and breath of the Alps meeting teenagers and parents alike, school ski trips, and even groups of kids on holiday away from the family, all of them have their own wants and needs. It would seem the equation for a winning ski trip is harder than GCSE Maths.

Learning to ski is the main goal of course, and if you are looking for tuition whilst on holiday, ski school lessons can dramatically speed up the process, and give your child confidence in a safe environment. For younger children, group lessons are probably the most effective, and cheapest, whilst for older children, or ones looking to improve their technique, private tuition is likely to be the quicker and, ultimately, the best value option, despite the higher outlay.

There are now an increasing number of British-run ski schools in the Alps, especially in the major resorts, all employing a number of very highly-trained British instructors who, of course, teach in English – always an advantage.

However, it is worth pointing out that many foreign-based schools also employ some staff that speak very good English too, so it’s worth

checking beforehand. Companies such as ESF (École du Ski Français) are often considered the best for private tuition, but their prices do reflect this reputation.

It’s also important to consider how to entertain the family once the sun sets.

Swimming is a great pastime and most sizeable resorts have a leisure centre, so remember to take a swimming costume. Bowling is also an ideal family activity for a cold evening, along with climbing and ice skating. It’s also worth considering the more unusual activities that may be on offer. Husky dog sledging can be a magical experience, whilst for the more adventurous, many resorts offer snowmobiling and even quad biking.

Bigger resorts are a must for teenagers. Lively après-ski events can leave the parents with some quiet time come 5pm. Smaller resorts, although

often cheaper, require more thorough planning if you want to avoid sibling fights in the gap before dinner! There’s so much fun to be had on a skiing holiday for the whole family. Just because it’s cold and the nights draw in early doesn’t mean the day has to end, but don’t stay up too late, there’s plenty more skiing to be had in the morning!

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Welcome TO e Th s On pe a Slo rbi Se of

St Tropez BEN CLATWORTHY

The popularity of festivals both home and abroad continues to soar, and if what the music industry tells us is correct, it seems that despite the ever deeper recession, Brits are still spending to see their favourite acts perform live. And ski resorts are always keen to jump on the bandwagon, attracting more youngsters to their slopes in the day, and out partying once the lifts close.

There is no question, Snowbombing is still the Alpine Glastonbury, but such a mass gathering isn’t for everyone, and continuing the UK comparisons, Sölden’s new Electric Mountain Festival is V. The resort has a long reputation as a ”hot spot” of the Alps when it comes to partying, and the lineup for the inaugural festival was impressive; David Guetta headlined a concert on the resorts glacier (at 2670m) in front of 10,000 partygoers, and Snoop Dogg was due to perform but bailed, as he did for Snowbombing too.

There may be no mud, no camping and no wellies (although, surprisingly, a pair wouldn’t have gone amiss as spring snow can be slushy at the best of times), but what European festivals (especially Austrian ones) do bring to the mix is just as exciting – copious amounts of Jägermeister, lots and lots of Europop and, most of all, they sure know how to party.

I was in town to see DJ Antoine take to the (highaltitude) stage. His name might not ring any bells, but (… and for those of you who have just returned from the White Isle this might bring memories flooding back) his hits include Welcome to St Tropez and, more recently, Ma Chérie. Which, I hasten to add, are two songs that probably have the most repetitive lyrics going, making them very good crowd pleasers.

Decked out in a fur-hooded Puffa jacket, with oversize sunglasses on (at night, but I understand DJs can pull off such a look), the Swiss DJ had the crowd jumping up and down to his euphoric beats.

Opening the set with your two biggest tracks could seem risky, especially if you intend to close with them too, but the crowd couldn’t get enough of it – jumping along throughout his 2 hour gig.

Nightlife in the resort is lively to say the least, with partying from 3pm–3am at the two-storey, glassfronted Fire and Ice club. I’m told the music is blaring and the dance floor packed every night of the week during the ski season, and I can certainly vouch for this from my visits.

Sölden’s skiing is equally as impressive as its music scene, with 150km of piste and 34 lifts, most of which are high-speed detachable chairs or gondolas. With two glaciers, and the ”Big 3” mountain peaks all above 3000m – Gaislachkogl 3058m, Tiefenbachkogl 3309m and Schwarze Schneid 3370m – the snow reliability is second to none. The resort is famed for its long season: hosting the World Cup season openers in October, and not closing until the beginning of May (the main ski area will close 28 April 2013).

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ALL PICS: Ötztal Tourismus

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The Electric Mountain Festival (electric-mountain-festival. com) takes place in Sölden 2–6 April 2013.

Tickets from £39.45. Easyjet (www.easyjet.com) operate flights to Innsbruck, which is 85km away and a 1 hour's drive, from Bristol, Liverpool and London Gatwick airports.

Prices one-way start from £27.99. British Airways (BA. com) fly five times a week from Gatwick to Innsbruck.

Alternatively, you can fly to Munich, which is also within easy reach, approximately 210km and a 2.5 hours drive away, and is serviced by many of the major airlines from most UK airports.

Sölden: www.soelden.com Hotel Liebe Sonne: www.sonnenhotels.at

Nearby Obergurgl is the more popular destination with British tourists; however there are more slopes in Sölden (and the nightlife is better rated). The resort is a haven for intermediates, with a large percentage of red runs (34% to be precise), and most of the main slopes fall into this classification.

There are a handful of blacks as well. There are choices for beginners on the slopes, with a good number of blue slopes and also a beginners’ zone, served by two parallel drag lifts.

Accommodation in the town is plentiful, and although there is one 5 hotel, most are good 3 to 4, with a number of apartments and chalets on offer as well. The 4 Liebe Sonne hotel is located a few minutes walk from the main lift, and also has its own, very popular, après-ski bar, the Schirmbar, which is lively and packed from mid-afternoon.

For those wanting to put their feet up and relax, the hotel spa, with a sauna, steam room, and both indoor and outdoor pools is just the answer; but beware there’s no place for prudishness here, it’s a

clothes off at the door policy.

Every season new festivals pop up in alpine resorts (and others fall by the wayside), and it’s not the easiest market to break, but there is no question that Sölden has the right idea. DJ Antoine’s tunes now appear twice in my ”Top 25 Most Played” playlist on my iPod, he must have hit a chord!

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Ski And Snowboard Testing In Saas-Fee BEN CLATWORTHY

DSUK Want ”A Million Friends”

Disability Snowsport UK (DSUK) has launched a new campaign with an aim to ”make a million friends”. They say that if every skier and boarder donates £1 they would receive £1m, having a great positive impact on their work throughout the UK and overseas.

Anyone can donate when they book a holiday with TUI companies, including Crystal, Thomson and Flexiski, or online at www.justgiving. com/dsukfriends or by sending a text to 70070 with the message DSUK60 £1 (or any other amount you would like to donate).

Anyone considering buying new equipment for the coming season might like to head-out first to SaasFee for the resort’s annual autumn gear-testing sessions on the glacier.

The sports shops in the famous Swiss resort, which started its 2012– 13 ski season in July and will remain open to mid-May next year, organise their “Swiss ski tests“ to take place in October and November.

Skis and snowboards for the coming winter season can be tested in the resort’s Allalin snow sports area, hopefully with powder snow conditions.

In addition to the pistes, the Kingdom Snow Park is also open, with large and small lines of kickers, pipe & various rails.

Salomon Grom Camps Return To UK’s Indoor Slopes Salomon Grom Camps (www.salomongromcamps.co.uk) is continuing to offer freestyle training sessions at Tamworth Snowdome, Chille Factore, and Sno!Zone Xscape Castleford, as well as regular freestyle nights at indoor slopes around the country.

“The only think you need to attend a Grom camp is to be passionate about skiing and the rest is easy” says Pat Sharples who established the camps in 2005, subsequently attracting skiers aged 4–64 years. The camps have been a major contributor to the growth of the UK freeski scene, and prices are kept to just £30 so that they’re accessible to everyone who wants to give freestyle skiing a go. There’s always plenty of swag up for grabs too, from sponsors including Salomon and Oakley.Upcoming events take place at Chill Factore, Manchester, on 20 September, 18 October and 22 November from 7–9pm, and at Tamworth Snowdome on 13 November from 8–11pm.

 Work in the Alps!  Full Season Vacancies (Dec-April)  Peak Season Vacancies (1-2 weeks)  000’s of Resort Rep, Childcare & Hospitality Roles

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NUCO Takes Student Snowsports By Storm

The popularity of snow sports holidays for university groups and graduates continues to rise (despite the general decline in winter sports breaks), aided by the ever increasing number of cheap deals available through tour operators. However, holidays through many mainstream holiday companies are often

designed and suited to couples or families, and tend not to cater for your average 18 to 30 year olds who are looking to get first lifts and last orders.

NUCO Travel (nucotravel.com) is a new independent company, run by young snow sports fanatics, set up with the aim of providing budget packages to Europe’s premier ski destinations, including Tignes, Val d’Isère, Val Thorens, Les

Deux Alpes, and more, with prices starting from £279pp* for Les Arcs (15–22 December) and catering for groups of all sizes.

Company Director Danny Nugent told InTheSnow “NUCO has been set up to provide students and young professionals with a new specialist option when holidaying in the mountains. Our team live and breathe snow sports, we are in touch with our customers and

DO YOU LOVE THE MOUNTAINS? HIT THE SLOPES AND BARS NEXT SEASON WITH NUCO! YOU HAVE NEVER SKIED THIS CHEAP! Quote 'IntheSnow' to save an extra £10 per person* 8th - 15th December Val Thorens £289 Tignes £299 Val d'Isere £299

15th - 22nd December Les Arcs £279 Les 2 Alpes £299 Tignes £299

29th Dec - 5th JAN Tignes £489 Val Thorens £499 Les Arcs £499

5th - 12th January Tignes £299 Les Arcs £329 Val d'Isere £369

All prices above include: 7 nights accommodation, 6 day ski pass, Return travel from the UK, Discount wristbands for cheaper drinks in bars | * When booking one of the deals below with NUCO.

info@nucotravel.com | 0845 680 8015 | www.nucotravel.com

*All packages include seven nights accommodation, a 6-day lift pass, return travel to and from the UK, and also NUCO wristbands for purchase of cheaper drinks in participating resort bars.

DAVID BLACK

know what makes the best possible holiday on the slopes.”

NUCO can arrange getaways for any group size, from couples to large groups of friends and societies, the team is able to plan and book your entire holiday, meaning all you have to worry about is the skiing, and the après!

“From a personally-tailored trip-for-two, right up to grand scale snow sports events for over 3000 partygoers, NUCO's experience and expertise allows us to offer the most competitive prices and flawlessly coordinated holidays” says Nugent.

This season the company is fast expanding and launching the NUCO Academy (nucotravel. com/academy), through which they will be sponsoring ”riders” who show talent in snow sports as a whole. Those chosen to become ”NUCO Riders” will be given two free weeks in the Alps in December 2012 or January 2013, in which they will be able to improve their technique and skills. As a part of this the company will also run Academy racing and freestyle workshops in the Alps. Details will be available on the website later in the autumn.

NUCO are specialists at arranging packages for university ski teams and clubs looking to head abroad for training (and a party). Large group discounts will dramatically lower the cost of the trip to all individuals.

For more information on NUCO Travel, and to browse their latest deals, visit their website or their Facebook page.

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Child’s Survival Is Message From God To Wear Ski Helmets

BEN CLATWORTHY

Colorado Piste Signs Stolen

The mother of a 13-year-old boy from Milwaukee, who narrowly escaped death after hitting a tree whilst skiing without a helmet, has told local media that she has told her son, "...you're a miracle, and God has a plan for you... even if it's just to get the message out to wear your helmet, even if it's not cool when you're skiing."

The parents of 13-year-old Jacob DeGroot were airlifted from the slopes of Nordic Mountain to a local trauma centre where surgeons told them the odds were not good and that Jacob had to have surgery within 5 minutes to avoid certain death. They removed part of his skull to relieve the swelling of his brain, and Jacob subsequently lost some hearing and has speech issues, but doctors hope to replace the section of his skull they removed in mid-March.

"On ski hills, wearing a helmet can help prevent injury by up to 50%. Those are some overwhelming stats, to keep our kids safe," child safety advocate Lisa Klindt-Simpson told local media.

©2011 Francis BOMPARD, Christophe PALLOT/AGENCE ZOOM

A dozen piste marker signs, with a combined value of $3600, have been stolen from the slopes of Telluride, Colorado. The signs, including those for the Dynamo and Electra runs, may have been missing for some weeks before anyone realised they’d been stolen.

The local sheriff’s office say that so far they have no idea who might have taken the signs, but they believe that “… most likely a vehicle and a ladder were involved.”

Telluride is offering a $500 reward for information leading to the recovery of the signs and the identity of the thieves.

Bollé To Sell Heated Helmet Thanks to Bollé your ears and head will never again get cold on the slopes. Bollé have developed the world's first heated helmet, the B-Hot (£180 RRP), which incorporates an exclusively designed Thermic heating system invisibly integrated into the ear pads. Three different heat levels can be individually set, fuelled by a rechargeable lithium battery for up to 6 hours of warmth. Thanks to two front vents and eight holes, the hot and humid air from the head is constantly drawn away to prevent overheating.

B-Style Helmet & Nova Goggle

Indian Police Ski Down Everest A group of eight climbers from the Indo-Tibetan Border Police have become the first Indians to ski down Mt Everest from the Chinese side.

The team reached the 8848m-high summit of the world’s highest mountain by taking the more challenging northern ascent route from Tibet. At least 15 attempts to ski down from the Chinese side in the past have failed.

The squad also brought back garbage from the peak, which was sent for recycling or disposal to plants in Nepal and China on their return.

T H E L I F E, S I N C E 1 8 8 8 Pierre Vaultier - 2010 Snowboard Cross World Champion

bolle.com

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Ski Republic Offers Body Armour Rentals In an era of ever better safety equipment being available to skiers and boarders, and of more and more challenging jumps and rails in the terrain park, but also with increasingly higher costs from airlines for carrying baggage on your ski trips, Ski Republic is offering body armour rentals to hire for adults and children alike.

Ski Republic (www.ski-republic.com) is offering RXR Protect Body Armour to rent this winter. The body armour features patented Air Shock Absorber (ASA) technology, which in professional testing was shown to absorb nine times more energy than conventional plastic protectors, and ten times more than foam.

The body armour is available in two sizes – child and adult, and two types – Strongflex and Airback (their expert staff will advise which is best for you) – but one price regardless – €5 per day. Ski Republic also offer free helmet hire, and offer two sets of rentals for the price of one.

BEN CLATWORTHY

Get Retro In Morzine

Retro Rentals in Morzine is a unique new ski outfitter that owns about 250 retro one-piece ski outfits, rented out to people on a day-to-day basis.

“Anyone can enjoy epic retro days up on the slope, in all sorts of amazing, tragic, bright, tight, multipatterned designs,” says co-owner Kyle Dickson (www.retro-rentals.eu) who says he and joint-owner Rob Purver run the service, “…mainly for the love of the one piece, and for an excuse to put on all out epic 80’s parties!”

Hi-Tech Dolomites Smartphones (iPhone or Android) can do more in Dolomiti Superski than perhaps any other ski region.

New mobile features include a social networking game “SkiBeep”, the Dolomiti Superski App, the augmented reality service DolomitiSuperski.AR, and there’s also the 3D Dolomiti Superski with the Check Performance and Skiplanner features, as well as a mobile internet site. You can download them all for free from the Apple Store and Android Market and you can then use them for free too at Dolomiti Superski’s free WIFI hot spots located at the ski pass offices and lift stations.

St Moritz To Host 2017 St Moritz will host the 2017 Alpine World Ski Championships.

It will be the fifth time the famous Swiss resort has hosted the Championships, since first staging them in 1934 and most recently in 2003.

The next two Championships will be staged in Schladming, Austria, in February next year (www. schladming2013), and in Beaver Creek/Vail in Colorado in 2015.

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Swiss Image/Saas Fee

Car-Free Resort Similar to other Swiss resorts, such as Zermatt, Saas-Fee is a carfree resort throughout the year. For city dwellers this is a real selling point and helps maintain the resort’s tranquillity. The only noise you hear comes from the hum of electric buggies, owned by many hotels and restaurants in order to transport guests around the resort. There is also a taxi company, and if you’re feeling friendly you could always befriend a local for a lift.

REASONS TO VISIT SAAS-FEE

Skiing Galore With in excess of 145km of groomed slopes, the Saas valley has something special for everyone, from wide, smooth pistes for those looking to put in some fast turns, moguls fields for the more adventurous, and flat pistes for beginners. There are also a variety of ski schools which cater to all abilities and ages. The resort also boasts a number of freestyle parks and jumps for those looking for an adrenaline rush.

Wellness Heaven The Bielen Leisure Centre has something for all ages with its variety of indoor and outdoor sports facilities. The swimming pools, saunas and whirlpools are a great place to relax and recharge your batteries after a hard day on slopes. The resort also has a number of ‘wellness hotels’ with their own spas and pools.

What A View!

Enjoy a hot chocolate in the revolving restaurant, ‘Metro-Alpin’, on the Mittel-Allalin. The restaurant holds several records; not only is it Switzerland’s highest restaurant, it is also the world's highest revolving restaurant. Just be careful not to leave your helmet and gloves on the side ledge, they’ll be on the other side of the restaurant when you’re done!

BY BEN CLATWORTHY

Summer Skiing If you just can’t get enough snow then Saas-Fee offers skiing throughout the summer and autumn. The glacier at 3600m offers around 20km of pistes with three T-bars, as well as a freestyle park. Ski teams from all over the world come to Saas-Fee in preparation for the winter season, including the Swiss and British national squads. Just beware; it’s a long way up to the glacier, two gondolas and then a funicular railway.

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THE AUTUMN SNOW REPORT ALL PICS: Tignes

PATRICK THORNE

Autumn is here and if you thought you had to wait until December to go skiing you’d be wrong. Half a dozen glacier ski areas will open in September as autumn begins, and by early-November that number is nearly 50, with the first areas opening at northern latitudes, such as Canada (Banff) and Finland (Ruka), and usually at high altitudes, if it’s cold enough, at resorts like Loveland, Arapahoe Basin, and Copper Mountain in Colorado.

Although it’s always a bit of a gamble, some years see great powder skiing

from early autumn for those lucky enough to be on the (fairly empty) slopes, paying low ticket prices and benefitting from low air fares to get there in this quiet season.

Switzerland already has two ski areas open throughout September and they’re among Europe’s highest – Zermatt and Saas-Fee. The latter had a 1.5m base as we went to press, and both are in good shape with terrain parks open on each glacier. Other centres, including Glacier 3000 near Gstaad and Engelberg, are open from October.

Austria usually offers the biggest choice of early autumn glacier skiing. Tux and the Molltal glaciers opened back in the summer (in fact, Tux is always open), and the country’s highest lifts and runs on the Pitztal glacier, as well as those glaciers at Sölden (staging World Cup seasonopeners on 27–28 October), Stubai, Kitzsteinhorn, Dachstein and Kaunertal all offering autumn skiing and boarding.

Tignes is the only French ski area open right through the autumn, reopening at the start of October for autumn snowsports, and Les Deux Alpes re-opening for 10 days at the end of October, for 2012–13 gear tests and a festival atmosphere that normally draws thousands.

Elsewhere in Europe, Cervinia, Passo Stelio and Val Senales in Italy, as well as Folgefonn and Galdhoppigen in Norway, may be open subject to conditions.

North America In North America the continent’s one near-year-round ski area, Timberline on Mt Hood in Oregon, closes for maintenance for most of September. The highest areas in Colorado usually open

thanks to snowmaking (or if they’re very lucky, thanks to early natural snowfalls) in October or November.

Southern Hemisphere Autumn is, of course, the ”spring ski season” in the southern hemisphere, and after a shaky start in some places it’s been a good one for most in 2012.

Australian resorts have had the best snow cover for eight seasons, with many

areas passing the 2m snow depth mark by early September for the first time since 2004, and reported falls of up to 50cm in 24 hours.

Over in New Zealand there has been more of a roller coaster season, but again

big snowfalls here too, and it’s similar again in Argentina and Chile, with big falls reported by Portillo and Valle Nevado.

Most southern hemisphere areas do close by the middle of October, but Mt Ruapehu in New Zealand has a reputation for going having a longer season, occasionally opening for a white southern hemisphere Christmas, but more often having enough snow to keep the lifts running to ”snow-vember”!

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ALL IMAGES: Nick Thomas

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Jon (AKA WESTY) AT ALTITUDE

Jon is one of the few instructors in the world to hold the top qualifications from France, Switzerland and Britain. He can teach on- and off-piste skiing throughout the Alps, and as Ski School Director, Jon helps manage the ski and snowboard school, the instructor training Gap programs, the Verbier freeride camps, and also the winter and summer kids camps. www.altitude-verbier.com; +41 277 716006

SKI TOURING

What is ski touring?

GET THE RIGHT KIT

This month Jon looks at a side of skiing that is not new but is undergoing an explosion in popularity – ski touring.

Ski touring is an amazing way to see the mountains in an entirely different way and to get away from the crowds.

If you ever wanted to stand on top of a slope of virgin powder with no one else around (and can’t afford heliskiing) then start touring.

Ski touring is using your skis and some specialised equipment to walk up the hill rather than take the ski lift. It is usually used to access terrain where there are no lifts, off-piste or away from the ski area. It is also a great way to get some exercise and fresh snow after the resort has been tracked out.

Some of the equipment you will need – but not an exhaustive list: skins which stick onto the bottom of your skis to allow you to walk uphill; touring bindings which in walk mode allow your heel to lift up off the ski; avalanche gear if you are off-piste (shovel, probe and transceiver). Plenty of water (it is thirsty work on the way up).

Student Deals Skiing or Snowboarding Any week of the 2012/13 season in Val Thorens, Deux Alpes & Flaine

£385* *Only available with a valid student card

All included in the price!

7 NIGHTS ACCOMMODATION ALL MEALS SKI/SNOWBOARD & BOOT HIRE LIFT PASS INSTRUCTION

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Over the following 4 issues we will tackle: Powder Skiing / Carving / Bumps / Instructor Training.

PIC

KNOW WHERE YOU ARE

BE CAREFUL TAKE A GUIDE

If you are venturing away from the resort without a guide it is important to have a map, and good knowledge of the area. Be aware of the weather forecast.

Know what the current avalanche risk is and have sufficient knowledge and training on how to use your avalanche gear; even if you are with a guide (you might need to rescue them).

When you go touring for the first time it is definitely a good idea to take a fully qualified IFMGA mountain guide, and many people never feel comfortable or experienced enough to go without a guide.

Stay safe, have fun and get out and earn those turns!!

Europe has this year been experiencing a very cold winter, with temperatures as low as –18°C in resort - temperatures similar to those regularly experienced when skiing in North America. It is hugely important to ensure that your kids stay warm both for their safety and their enjoyment .

Children lose heat quicker than adults and their energy levels can drop suddenly. If they go from being lively to quiet and more withdrawn, perhaps struggling with a piste you would expect them to be fine on, or if they keep falling over on easy runs, check on how warm they are.

Here are some tips for keeping them (and you) warm: Small Kids (3–5 year olds) – Often they won’t tell you they

are getting cold until they are very cold. Keep checking to see how warm their hands are.

Layering – Several layers of thinner clothing are better than one thick one as they are easier to adjust for temperature changes throughout the day. Don’t wear cotton as once it is damp it loses a lot of its thermal properties.

Ski Boots – Make sure they are properly dried out every evening, ideally use boot dryers overnight, alternatively take the inner boots out and place them on a radiator (make sure you put them back in the right boot) or use a hairdryer.

Mittens – These are warmer than gloves and inner thermal gloves can be used for added warmth. Again, make sure they

are dried out properly overnight.

You can get ones containing a pocket into which you can insert a hand warmer. Hand dryers in the toilets on the mountainside are useful for warming mitts up.

Frost Nip – Regularly check for frost nip, small white patches on exposed skin usually on the nose, cheeks or ears. Skiing at speed increases the chance of it happening due to wind chill, ski several short turns to reduce the speed and to keep everyone warm. A neck warmer or face mask can help prevent frost nip, but in any case, keep checking underneath this to be certain.

Make sure someone checks you as well. If you do suspect frost nip, move inside and warm up immediately as the next stage is frostbite which will require medical attention.

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The thrill of backcountry and ski touring is undeniable, but it needs to be balanced with suitable gear, and some good rescue equipment in case of emergencies. Here is a taster of some of the many products recommended and tested by the experts at Ellis Brigham.

Black Diamond Bandit Package £229.99

Scarpa Maestrale Gea £440

The Maestrale and the Gea were new

This 3+ antenna transceiver is simple

A slick package combining a Bandit

last season and proved an instant

to use and processes information fast.

The glove of choice for cold weather

Avalung pack, a Quickdraw Super Tour

hit with their lightweight, great fit

The circular display clearly guides you

ski touring, the Randonee combines

probe and Deploy 3 shovel. The pack is

and remarkable performance. The

at each stage of a search, promoting

Schoeller dry skin extreme soft

lightweight and streamlined, and can

anatomical shape increases comfort

fast recoveries even when faced with

shell fabric that sheds water, with a

carry all the essentials necessary for the

and sensitivity, whilst improving the

multiple burials. All housed in an

Pittards Armortan leather palm and

backcountry. The built-in Avalung allows

power transmission. An Intuition liner

ergonomic, rubberised case in black

fourchettes. The lining is quick-drying

the user to breathe fresh air directly from

provides the best possible custom fit

or green.

and warm.

the snowpack if buried by an avalanche.

and keeps the weight down. The cuff is

Also designed for minimal storage.

also ventilated for drier liners.

(Mens)

(Womens)

Ortovox 3+ Transceiver £259.99

Mountain Equipment Randonee Glove £59.99

Scott Crus’Air £640

The revamped Crus’Air will ski any terrain an

new challenges, being light enough to skin

construction of wood core and 3D carbon m torsional rigidity for strong skiing. The new

it has the capacity to deal with any depth o

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i

n

iation with c o s as For more information visit www.ellis-brigham.com Ellis Brigham Mountain Sports has 23 shops nationwide; go online to request a free catalogue featuring the UK’s biggest range of mountain and snowsports clothing, equipment and accessories.

Arc’teryx Sabre Pant £299.99 Superb relaxed fit ski pants in highly breathable three-layer GORE-TEX soft shell fabric, with a brushed inner face for targeted warmth and moisture management. There’s also a concealed Recco reflector, laminated inner gaiters and watertight zips.

Dalbello V.I.R.U.S. Tour ID £475

Arc’teryx Rush Jacket £439.99

K2 COOMBAck £390

The innovative V.I.R.U.S. Tour ID is packed

The newest Arc’teryx WhiteLine jacket

The ski of choice for guides and

with clever features that make it stand out

delivers unmatched big mountain

freeriders who like to earn their powder

from the crowd. The Cabrio design uses a

performance combined with a modern

turns. 102mm in the waist provides

three-piece construction, with a patented

freeride cut. The three-layer GORE-TEX

plenty of floatation, the all-terrain

hinging tongue; this improves the glide/

pro shell fabric delivers the best in

rocker ensures smooth handling in

stride range of motion forwards and back,

waterproof and breathable protection,

all conditions, and the 22m radius

and also creates a low cuff hinge for a

whilst aggressively engineered

guarantees stability whatever the

natural flex when skiing. The polyurethane

construction ensures fantastic freedom

snow or speed. Cap construction adds

shell is responsive and precise, the ID liner

of movement.

toughness; a fir and aspen core is

is light and comfortable, and the rockered

wrapped with a carbon web to keep the

sole uses tech inserts and Vibram rubber.

weight down.

Marker Tour F12 £290

nd condition in the search for fresh snow and

Marker’s Tour F12 is a lightweight touring binding, which incorporates well thought-out features

n up and powerful enough to rip back down. A

with excellent downhill ability. A height adjustable gliding AFD is designed specifically for AT

matrix keeps the weight low, and provides the

boots (it will accommodate alpine boots), the twin connecting brackets use a glove-friendly

wider dimensions and increased nose rocker ensure

of snow.

lever and allow the ski to flex smoothly, and the hollow axle heel focuses energy directly to the heel of the boot for optimum skiing performance.

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MONTHLY GUIDE TO ACCOMMODATION

HOTEL ALEX

Zermatt

4

The Hotel Alex is perfectly situated in the centre of Zermatt just off on a hidden back street but with the bustle of beautiful Zermatt right on your doorstep. The warm and friendly welcome here is simply hard to beat. Described as having an “extravagant mountain style”, each room has been designed in its own eclectic way, with surprises at every turn. The Alex is famous for a wonderful lounge-cocktail-bar with intimate corners forming an alpine world of art displays and designer fabrics.

www.clubchalets.co.uk Search ski chalet accommodation

+41 (0)27 9667070

info@hotelalexzermatt.com

www.hotelalexzermatt.com

CHALET 1066

CHALET TREIZE ETOILES II

SNOW CHATEAUX

Les Gets

Verbier

Les Arcs / Le Plagne / Tignes

With 12 Self Catered Chalets & Apartments and 1 Fully Catered Chalet all in Les Gets, Chalets1066 also offer services for self catered accommodation normally associated with a Catered Chalet, these include: ski pass delivery, ski/ boot fitting in the Chalet, fresh croissants, lifts to ski school, etc. Additionally, Chalets1066 fully Catered Chalet has highly experienced staff and assures clients of outstanding food.

Located moments from Place Centrale, this stylish and rustic apartment never fails to impress. It is equipped with state of the art technology including a Mac computer, Sonos music system, Wifi & plasma TV screens in every bedroom. Wonderful luxuries are bountiful in this chalet with a hot tub on the balcony and spa area with sauna & hammam. Guests will receive Ski Verbier’s 5 service with a private chef, host & 24hr driving service.

'Voted one of the top 5 places to stay'

+44 (0)121 288 0586 sue@chalets1066.com www.chalets1066.com

+44 (0)207 401 1101 info@skiverbier.com www.skiverbier.com

0800 066 4996 info@snowchateax.co.uk www.snowchateaux.co.uk

lES CHALETS DE PHILIPPE

CHAM CHALET

CHALET CLARE

Chamonix

Chamonix Mont – Blanc

Les Crosets, Portes du Soleil

A cluster of eight chalets with spectacular views of Mont Blanc, located in a quiet corner of Lavancher.

Alpine Antique furniture mixed with contemporary features such as flat screen TVs and WIFI access throughout and spa services include hammam, hot tubs, sauna and massage. A chauffeur is also available as well as Michelin-starred food!

Catered chalet for upto 8 guests. Truly on the piste, opposite Brevent lift station. A panoramic setting, hot tub with view, but still close enough to walk to the centre of town (5 minutes). Excellent food & wine.

Wood burning stove. Owner managed.

Large newly built traditional swiss chalet situated in Les Crosets at 1750M, gateway to the Portes du Soliel ski area. Easy access to lifts. Usually able to ski, in ski out. Sleeps 8 in four en suite double rooms, seperate studio sleeps 2. Large open living area with wonderful views. Sauna/Steam room.

Garage for three cars. 2 hours from Geneva.

+ 33 (0)607 231 726 contact@chaletsphilippe.com www.chaletsphilippe.com

+44 (0)20 7193 0648 info@chamchalet.co.uk www.chamonixskiout.com

+44 (0)1258 820779 richard@markusproducts.co.uk www.chaletclare.com

5

The Daily Telegraph Charming ski in / ski out chalets with hot tubs, saunas & games rooms in 3 of the Worlds largest linked ski areas.

Special offers - free passes, massage and more

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MATTERHORN FOCUS

THE CAMBRIAN

5

Zermatt

5

SKI-BASe: chalet de la Cloche

4

Adelboden

Val d’Isère

Here you can enjoy privacy, outstanding design and a unique stay in 30 individual rooms. Situated in the most fantastic position with unrivalled views of the Matterhorn, the modern, elegant architecture blends in beautifully, elegantly and somewhat obtrusively but perfectly into the mountain around.

Stunning mountain views in every direction, The Cambrian offers the kind of location that desk huggers the world over spend their days dreaming about. Located in the leading resort of Adelboden in the Bernese Oberland, the hotel provides authentic local colour, cosmopolitan comfort and inspiring cuisine backed up by superb service.

Chalet de la Cloche is in the heart of Les Brevieres, Espace Killy, considered to be one of the greatest ski areas in the world.The Ski-Base team have created a wonderful chalet described by ‘Harpers Bazaar’ as a “haven of sensual indulgence”. It is one of Conde Naste Travellers top 10 chalets in the Alps.

+41 (0)27 966 24 24 info@matterhorn-focus.ch www.matterhorn-focus.ch

+41 (0)33 673 83 83 info@thecambrianadelboden.com www.thecambrianadelboden.com

+44 (0)20 3432 8446 info@ski-base.com www.ski-base.com

Vitalhotel & Mountain Residence

ALPINE ACTION

MOUNTAIN HEAVEN

Méribel & La Tania

Morzine

The four star Vitalhotel and adjacent mountain residence provide a choice of comfortable hotel or spacious self catering. Either way you have full hotel facilities and a door step shuttle to Obergurgl’s slopes, two minutes away.

Specialist in chalet holidays for 18 years, Alpine Action offers superior service, cuisine and wine, at their well-appointed chalets in central and piste locations in Meribel and La Tania. Several chalets have hot-tubs, spa baths or saunas; all have free Wifi, SKY/Freeview TV, and DVD. For a superior holiday in this wonderful location, choose Alpine Action.

Chamois D'Or is in a prime location just seconds away from the Nyon cable car & ski slopes. The chalet has an outside hot tub perfect for easing those aching muscles after a long hard days skiing. The chalet sleeps 12 in 6 ensuite bedrooms, there is an additional bunk bedroom with an en-suite shower sleeping a further 2. Each bedroom also has a south facing balcony & stunning views.

+43 (0)52 566 767 info@hotel-muehle.at www.hotel-muehle.at

+44 (0)1273 466535 sales@alpineaction.co.uk www.alpineaction.co.uk

+44 (0)151 625 1921 info@mountainheaven.co.uk www.mountainheaven.co.uk

Obergurgl

Chalet Cole Ridge

4

UNOFFICIAL

Grimentz

THE PENTHOUSE

4

UNOFFICIAL

4

UNOFFICIAL

THE CLUBHOUSE

La Rosière

Chamonix – Mont Blanc

Chalet Cole Ridge is a magnificent premium chalet located in a stunning position directly on the piste and overlooking the historic village of Grimentz in the Val D’Anniviers. Sleeping up to 10 people and with a south-facing sunken Jacuzzi with stunning views overlooking the mountains, this chalet is exceptional.

A stunning chalet in the Les Eucherts area of La Rosière at 1850m. The Penthouse is a large chalet set over two floors with stunning views down the valley from the beautiful lounge / dining room with six ensuite bedrooms, three are doubles and three twins.

The Clubhouse is a boutique chalet-hotel, bar and restaurant which sits inside a magnificent 1920s Art Deco mansion. The building has undergone major refurbishment to create seven ultra modern rooms with accommodation for up to 20 guests. The range of rooms (from the sumptuous Myla Suite to the comfortable bunk rooms) boast his-and-hers, teakdecked, power showers, Frette linen and fat duvets.

+44 (0)151 625 1921 info@mountainheaven.co.uk www.mountainheaven.co.uk

+44 (0)151 625 1921 info@mountainheaven.co.uk www.mountainheaven.co.uk

+33 (0)450 984 220 reception@clubhouse.fr www.clubhouse.fr

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l l e r t t o C m Willia BEN CLATWORTHY

William Cottrell has recently competed in the Special Olympics GB National Alpine Championships, placing fourth in both the Advanced Slalom and Super-G, as well as placing fifth in the Advanced Giant Slalom. At the 2009 Special Olympics in Boise, Idaho, USA, he won a bronze medal competing in the Intermediate Slalom. Cottrell has Down’s Syndrome and his mother Maureen joined him during this interview.

How do you think you did at the National Championships?

WC > I think I did well. It was very cold, but I managed to complete all the competitions without missing any of the gates, and got good placing in the advanced group.

And this was your first time performing in the advanced group?

WC > Yes it was. I was very happy. I told my dad, mum, sisters, brothers and friends. I was very proud that I got to race in the very best group at the Special Olympics.

How did it feel to get to represent your country at the Special Olympics?

WC > It feels very good. When I was in America, in Boise, the head coach told me he was very proud of me, and we would always hug after I cleared the course. I do it for my loved ones and for my country, and because of that I skied very well.

How has the Special Olympics helped you?

WC > It’s given me a lot of happiness, I can do what I dream to do and it’s been really good, I’ve made friends and learned a lot from professional skiers.

Who did you meet through the Olympics?

WC > I’ve met Graham Bell several times.

He came in 2009 during the Special Olympics and coached us. He taught me a lot about skiing. Before the Games we got to meet Sebastian Coe who took us around the Olympic site; in fact, I’ve now met him several times because I’m going to be a volunteer for the Olympics and Paralympics.

You’re at a level where you can easily manage a black run how tough do you find it?

WC > Skiing is a very difficult sport, but I’ve got a personal trainer that helps me with my fitness levels so that I’m prepared, and I also practise every other week at the Bromley ski centre to keep up my fitness and ability levels.

Anything you want to add?

WC > Thanks to all the great people at the Special Olympics, but especially

the coaches, they really are the best coaches in the world. They helped to prepare me for the National Championships, and I’m very grateful for all the hard work they’ve put in.

And you Maureen?

MC > The overwhelming feeling we have is that we are tremendous fans of the whole organisation.

It’s tough if you are a person with special needs, and everyday living can be a struggle. The Special Olympics give the athletes something of their own, something special, something to work for and enjoy. Just because you’ve got special needs doesn’t mean you haven’t got ambitions.

That’s where the Special Olympics is incredible. It gives these athletes the chance to live their dreams. I’ve never experienced anything like it.

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