InTheSnow Issue 20 - October 2011

M

Y

Y

Y

K

nTheS I ISSUE 20 | OCT 2011

nline tO

Y

D N I N I A K L EE S R T F CO S In the Snow Sept 277x85_HiRes.pdf

1

07/09/2011

14:28

ng i v gi 3 n so age a se rts p ow po h s re ff o rne s k o kic k Th ow tric h a d S r. P r oa sito b w y vi o Sn ver & ki to e S 's ass d lan ski p t o Sc ree af

Pre-Christmas – sk i5

days THREE VALLEYS, CH AMONIX, MORZINE

What are you doing for Christmas?

Christmas – ski 8 days

THREE VALLEYS H/B

Christmas flights THREE VALLEYS, CHAMONIX, MORZINE

New Year flight New Year coach

08444 060600

fr

£299 fr

£469 fr

£404 £488 fr £399

fr

ABTA No. V4138

All The Latest News // SKITRACER SHOESTRING DEALS 09 // NEW PRO DIARY 14 // ZERMATT 20-21 // BOOT ROOM 32-33 // ACCOMODATION 34-36 // 10MINS 38

RICHARD BLAKE / METRO SKI & SNOWBOARD SHOW

M

ea R d I

C

w.com no

SKI BLACKEYE TI BINDING XTO 12 BOOT HAWX 90 HELMET XCEED GOGGLES XCEED POLE NOMAD LG GREEN PROTECTOR LIVE SHIELD

3

. Lea ow h S

rn more on

pa ge

15 £3 0

s Pas

when you vis it S

co

Patrick Thorne

taste the food you might be eating in resort, depending on where you decide to go – will it be Bavarian sausage, a cheese fondue or sushi?

There’s a new arena where Land Rover sponsored fashion shows will be staged regularly and real snow will be provided by indoor snow centres SNO!zone for a rail jam. A new UK Pavilion will also aim to support the best in Britain, including dry slopes and our nolonger-publically-funded international athletes.

Last, but with 20,000 visitors each year

Where and When...

15-16 Oct Scotland’s Ski and Snowboard Show SECC, Glasgow - www.scotlandsskishow.co.uk 19-23 Oct The Ski and Snowboard Show Earls Court, London - www.metrosnow.co.uk 29-31 Oct British Ski and Board Show NEC, Birmingham - www.globalsnowshows.co.uk

£30 is on offer for the cost of your £10 ski show advance purchase ticket!

London is now the second show, sandwiched between Glasgow and Birmingham, this year returning to Earls Court, kicking off on 19 October and set up around the central hip kicker.

Old favourites like the Les 3 Vallees sponsored resort bar will be back as will the K2 Highest Ollie Tournament. As with Scotland’s show, there’s a World Resort Village and a Jobs Fair, plus London has a World Food Pavilion where you can pre-

w.com no

ISSUE 20 | SEP 2011

certainly not least, in the UK October Snow Show calendar The British Ski and Board Show (www.globalsnowshows.co.uk) is back from 29 - 31 October at the NEC in Birmingham. To encourage early attendance a special ‘Slope Off Friday’ deal is available on opening day with an adult ticket costing £6.50 in advance (£7 on the door).

Indeed, whichever show you go to, you’ll not find any better ski holiday advice shop for 2011-12, and nowhere better to get you in the mood for the coming winter.

ea R d I

Autumn is here, the leaves are falling, the first glacier ski resorts in the Alps are opening and Britain’s ski show season is upon us once more!

The shows remain the best place to meet resort staff face to face and to find the widest choice of kit with the best deals and the most experts in one place to advise on what’s best for you. Then there are the shows, the advice clinics and you can even find a job in the mountains if you like at one of the on-site job fairs. But most of all there’s the vibe - it’s great to escape to a place full of people as snowobsessed as you for a few hours on a grey October afternoon!

The good news for those living north of Watford Gap is that Birmingham’s British Ski and Board Show is better than ever, and that first up this autumn is the welcome return of Scotland’s own Ski and Snowboard Show over the weekend of 15 – 16 October.

A recent survey found that Scotland actually boasts the highest percentage of skiers and boarders per head of population and no doubt a sizable chunk of them will be making their way to the SECC in Glasgow.

As last year, the show will be packed with the latest kit, resorts, shows and discount offers. In terms of entertainment there’ll be a freestyle show featuring some of the UK’s best free ski lessons on offer on the artificial ski slope.

The show’s ‘World Resorts’ section features Austria, France, Germany, Italy and Switzerland in the Alps, along with Andorra and Spain from the Pyrenees and North America’s Canada and USA. You can even

find out more about skiing in Scotland!

Savvy skiers who pre-order tickets at www. scotlandsskishow.co.uk get a discounted ticket, a free goody bag and entry into a contest to win an all-expenses paid skiing holiday. Ski-Scotland will have a major presence at the show and people buying tickets in advance and registering at the Ski-Scotland stand will receive a special offer from the Glencoe, Cairngorm and Nevis Range ski areas of a free mid-week ticket. This essentially means a ski pass valued at around

nTheS I

i Sk

SHOW SEASON IS HERE

The start of the season may still be three months away for many of the world’s ski areas, but it’s hard not to get excited with the smell of winter in your nostrils!

There’s also that great feeling of anticipation and the wondering, “Will it be a good winter, or not?”

Fortunately, those who just can’t wait for the new season to begin don’t have to as glacier ski areas in the Austrian, French and Swiss Alps will be opening en masse over the next few weeks, joining areas like Saas-Fee, Zermatt and Hintertux, which haven’t closed since last Spring and don’t plan to until Spring 2012, if at all!

Ski areas scheduled to open soon include Pitztal, Sölden and Stubai Glaciers in Austria, Engelberg in Switzerland and Tignes in France.

Across the Atlantic, high altitude resorts like Copper Mountain and Loveland in Colorado will be hoping for an early October start, and in Scandinavia, resorts like Levi and Ruka in Lapland could be open within the month if conditions are favourable. Let’s just hope for that big early-Autumn snowfall.

Of course, if you fancy travelling a little further afield, the southern hemisphere’s 2011 ski season is just winding down. Australia has had a good one, South America’s has been badly impacted by a volcanic ash cloud (sound familiar?) and New Zealand followed their warmest ever May/June with massive snowfalls in late August, the biggest for three years, taking base depths up to three metres at Mt. Ruapehu.

But what else has winter 2011-12 in store for us? Well- bookings to 2014 Olympic venue Sochi in Russia are open with Crystal and you can ski and party in Serbia next March as the Big Snow Festival flies east from its Andorran roots. There are also whole new sectors to resorts like Avoriaz and Les Arcs to get excited about, and at Kronplatz in the Dolomites, a flashy new gondola accessing an all -new 7kmlong run, plus new pistes, a rarity these days.

Fortunately all the tour ops already have special deals to reach them all. Enjoy!

nline tO

nd tla

Fre e

ki and Snowb 's S oa rd

www.inthesnow.com

Publisher

Dominic Killinger dom@InTheSnow.com Production Director

MATT NICHOLSON matt@InTheSnow.com

Editor

PATRICK THORNE

patrick@InTheSnow.com Design By

ROCKET BASE

Reporters / Contributors

Ski Tuition supplied by

ellie koyander DEBBIE GABRIEL ZOE GILLINGS SALLY BROOKES DAVID BLACK

Photography

http://rocketbase.co.uk Boot room supplied by

News Correspondent

BEN CLATWORTHY

elliS BRIGHAM

ben@InTheSnow.com

the snow studio

16 kings lane

south heath

bucks

Altitude verbier Metro Ski Show, Satchele Burns, O.T Val Thorens, Japan National T.O, Engadin, St. Moritz, Hank de Vre, Heavenly, Zermatt.ch hp16 0qy

+44 (0) 1494 862 423

© Copyright 2011 No part of this publication may be copied, photocopied or reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted, in anyway or means, either by recording or otherwise, without permission of the publishers in writing.

In the Snow Sept 277x85_HiRes.pdf

1

07/09/2011

N ND I I A SKREE TL F CO S

14:28

e! or em 3 nc e s o pag n u on o n up is dow on w as lo se the ow s sh ha ki rne s s in’ ho ita k T Br tric Pa

Pre-Christmas – ski 5 days

THREE VALLEYS, CHAMONIX, C

M

Y

CM

MY

CY

CMY

K

What are you doing for Christmas?

MORZINE

fr

£299 fr

Christmas – ski 8 days

£469

Christmas flights

£404

THREE VALLEYS H/B

THREE VALLEYS, CHAMONIX, MORZINE

New Year flight New Year coach

08444 060600

fr

fr fr

£488 £399

ABTA No. V4138

ALL THE LATEST NEWS // CRYSTAL SHOESTRING DEALS 09 // ALTA VAL SUSA 20-21 // LAPLAND 30-31 // BOOT ROOM 32-33 // ACCOMODATION 34-36 // 10MINS 38

info@INTHESNOW.COM

TWITTER @SKINEWSUK

www.Inthesnow.com

4

www.inthesnow.com

World’s Biggest Groomer Is Possibly The Greenest Too O.T Val Thorens

BEN CLATWORTHY

Europe’s highest ski resort has announced a new funitel lift is under construction in the resort and will be ready for the season opening on 19 November. The new funitel will give access to two new pistes, the red Les Asters and the blue Le Chocard, with each cabin carrying up to 33 passengers. The lift will be able to carry 1500 people per hour with a journey time of just two minutes. The new lift takes the number of funitels in the resort to four. They are a popular choice for high resorts as the cabins are very stable in high winds.

Verbier Switzerland The 2011/12 season will see a new six-man chairlift replacing two successive old chairs above Les Ruinettes nursery slope. The new chair will allow for much faster turnaround time as well as reducing queues in this popular area of the resort.

Satchele Burns

Val Thorens France

Patrick Thorne

Slope grooming tractor (a.k.a) “piste basher” builder Prinoth, is claiming that it’s ‘Beast’ groomer is

not only the world’s biggest, but also one of the greenest.

The logic behind the green claim is firstly that by grooming a bigger area with one tractor,

you need fewer tractors, as was discovered at Hochhaderich ski area in Austria, which replaced three old groomers with one new Beast groomer. They found

that it, along with an existing winch cat (a special groomer for steeper runs which can be anchored by cable to a fixed point on the slope), was all they needed. Secondly, Prinoth say that by distributing the weight of the machine over a wider surface area it is actually gentler on the terrain below.

Other buyers of the new cuttingedge groomer include Vail,who were sold on the fact that the bigger, faster and more powerful groomer has a tiller nearly 1.2m wider than traditional machines.

The Beast can also handle steeper terrain, allowing the drivers to do away with winch operations in some areas. Two of these bigger, better, faster machines have been added to Vail’s snowcat fleet, creating increased operational efficiencies in grooming approximately 1,200 acres of topnotch corduroy per day.

Hotel Pool Is One Of 10 Most Amazing In The World TripAdvisor, the unbiased holiday review site, has included The Cambrian, Adelboden (www. thecambrianadelboden.com) in its list of “Ten Amazing Hotel Pools”.

The Cambrian pool, with its panoramic Alpine vistas, was placed second in the rankings, beaten only by the roof-top pool of the Marina Bay Sands in Singapore, making it the most highly regarded ski resort pool.

One TripAdvisor reviewer, who

visited The Cambrian earlier this year, said: “The outdoor heated infinity pool alone is worth the trip”.

It’s not the first time that The Cambrian’s pool has captured the imagination: in May 2010, The Times included The Cambrian pool in a list of “The world’s 20 best hotel pools”, writing, “The outdoor pool here has a bubbling massage bed, but best of all is the view of the mountains”.

Awesome slopes. Woodland runs.

Open bowls.

France. Oui!

A charming resort, (1200 – 2830m), linking four fabulous villages between Briançon and the Col du Lautaret, southern Alps.

Over 250km of snow-sure, tree-lined slopes for skiers and boarders.

Great snow and sunshine record. Family incentives: free passes for under 6’s.

Easy access: Turin, Grenoble, Lyon and direct rail to Briançon.

Visit Les Grands Bains du Monêtier – the perfect experience of pools, relaxation, health and beauty, with spa and wellness facilities

Accreditations: Agence Zoom

7 nights 6-day s/c inc. lift pass , 09 pp from £2 tes. d da selecte

Serre Chevalier Vallée Tourist Office 0033 (0)4 92 24 98 80 www.serre-chevalier.com

5

www.inthesnow.com

Big Snow Festival Chooses Serbia For 2012 DAVID BLACK

The Big Snow Festival (www.facebook.com/ thebigsnowfestival) returns to the slopes from the 23- 29 March next winter and doubles in size for 2012, while moving to a brand new home in Kopaonik, the largest ski area in Serbia.

With an altitude of 1496m, Kopaonik offers ski-in, ski-out accommodation, 62km of alpine ski runs and 23 chair lifts, and provides venues for The Big Snow Festival parties.

“We are really excited about our new home in Kopaonik. The resort is beautiful and the

perfect setting for The Big Snow Festival. The line-up is currently under wraps, but you can be sure to expect big things!” said Festival organiser, Deborah Milroy.

Seven night packages to The Big Snow Festival are on sale now at www.nomud. com from £449 per person. Packages include return flights, airport transfers, seven night’s accommodation, six day lift pass and Big Snow Festival wristband providing access to all the action and entertainment. Flights are available from Heathrow, Luton and Manchester airports, flying into Belgrade.

New Gondola For 50th Birthday Japan National T.O

Niseko, Japan’s leading international resort, which was not directly affected by last winter’s earthquake and tsunami, but initially raised two million yen to help with relief efforts, will open a new high-speed, eight-passenger Hirafu gondola this winter, the resort’s 50th .

The new lift will increase speed and capacity on the route, which will now take only five minutes. Additionally, a new ski rental centre will be built next door, complete with restaurant, ski school, rentals, and ski shop.

A new kids’ space will be constructed as well. www.nisekotourism.com

Gulmarg: World’s Highest Wi-Fi Zone India’s Gulmarg ski resort, the world’s highest ‘proper ski area’ with slopes up to 4,120m (there are higher lifts in China and South America, but they do not really serve more than a basic ski slope or two), has unveiled what it believes to be the world’s highest wi-fi zone, covering 5km2 across the resort bowl. The hardware involved has been designed with lightning protectors which can withstand temperatures as low as minus 40°c, and heavy snow.

6

www.inthesnow.com

Football At 3250m By Summer Ski Slopes

Engadin St. Moritz

SALLY BROOKES

St Moritz Switzerland The Diavolezza gondola is undergoing a transformation for the coming season. The resort is installing new panoramic cabins with floor-to-ceiling windows affording passengers amazing mountain views. The timing isn’t great and the lift is going to be closed until 11 February 2012 whilst the work is carried out.

Beaver Creek Colorado, USA A new four-man chairlift is to replace the old Rose Bowl triple chairlift for the forthcoming season.

Photo credit: P. Royer - EIDER©

Germany’s Hamburg football team decided on a fairly unusual place to train when they opted for a session on a pitch built at 3250m on the side of a cliff, alongside the Tux summer ski slopes in Austria’s Ziller Valley.

The specially created pitch is one of the world’s highest, and gave the German club a unique training venue, with spectacular scenery all around, although a rather long way down to go and get the ball if it fell over the edge (which it did twice).

Trainer Michael Oenning and the players rated the training

conditions as, “quite heavy going in this thin air" but said the view at least was inspiring.

The team will now find out this season if their high altitude training on the Hintertux Glacier

will bring the Hamburgers from the top of the mountain to the top of the German Bundesliga.

Courmayeur Changes Lift Ticket Pricing Structure Courmayeur has simplified its ticket pricing structure, with more generous offers for most skiers and boarders. There is a regular ticket for Courmayeur only costing 213 Euros for an adult six day pass, or the Mont Blanc Unlimited Pass costing 255 Euros. The same pass is available in Chamonix and covers around 800km of slopes in the area, including the slopes of Argentiere and Verbier.

Purchases of a ticket of either type, valid six days or longer, are entitled to two days skiing at another Aosta Valley resort should they wish and those buying an 11 day pass or longer, up to three days.

Children aged up to eight (born after 31 October 2003) now ski or board free (previously it was children under age six) and children aged 8 to 14 (born after 31 October 1997 but before free child age) receive a discount of around 40% on the full adult cost.

Andy Bennett, Rancid Tuna, Steamboat CO. Photo: John Norris

9 Central London Shops 25 Specialist Shops Nationwide 2 Exciting Mail Order Catalogues Get Your Free Copies Online Now

www.ellis-brigham.com www.snowboard-asylum.com TWO NEW LONDON SHOPS OPEN 13th SEPTEMBER

STRATFORD CITY

Westfield Stratford City

WIN A HOLIDAY FOR TWO

www.ellis-brigham.com/steamboat

8

www.inthesnow.com

Gap Year Students Who Train As Ski Instructors Are Guaranteed To Get Jobs LONDON DIRECT TO MERIBEL

8 DAYS IN RESORT NO AIRPORTS OR TAXIS - DIRECT TO MERIBEL NO STRESS, NO FUSS, LOAD YOUR LUGGAGE AND GO DIRECT TO THE ALPS FREE CARRIAGE OF SKI EQUIPMENT TRAVEL ONLY From £75 !!

Direct from London Victoria and Dover to Meribel Centre. Also services Meribel Village, Les Allues, La Tania and Mottaret, plus Coaches to Moutiers rail and bus station for transfers to: Brides Les Bains, Courchevel, Val Thorens, St Martin de Belleville, Les Menuires, La Plagne and many more.

Coaches to Bourg St. Maurice for transfers to: Les Arcs, Val d’isere and La Rosiere Coaches to Tignes

INCLUDING TRAVEL & ACCOMMODATION

Depart 9th & 15th Dec. Virgin Snow

and discounted ski passes

& Pre Christmas Break ONLY £259pp Lots more BARGAINS available throughout the season!

BARGAIN BREAKS

SKI HOLIDAYS

from

£259

Including Travel & Accommodation

www.skimeribel.co.uk

+44(0)20 8668 8223 info@skimeribel.co.uk

SALLY BROOKES

The International Academy (www. international-academy.com), which provides ski instructor training courses, is offering a unique opportunity for gap year students who train as ski instructors with them.

Through the company’s relationship with tour operator SkiBound, those

who successfully complete an International Academy course will be offered employment as a ski or snowboard instructor in countries such as Switzerland or Austria.

“This works particularly well if you have qualified through one of our early season ski or snowboard instructor courses in Val d'Isere, Tignes, or Verbier and are looking for some paid work

experience. Our link with SkiBound is also useful if you are looking for short- term work as a ski or snowboard instructor during your university breaks or holidays. Skiing has a way of letting you discover the mountains whilst having fun in the process.” said Alan Bates, Managing Director of International Academy. www.international-academy.com

9

www.inthesnow.com

in association with

£952 PER PERSON

Flaine France

020 8600 1653 skitracer.com/price-watch.htm

GATWICK 24 DEC 2011

TRANSFER 1HR 30MINS

£461 PER PERSON

7 nights at Club Hotel le Totem (grade 3) now £952pp was £1,093pp A Christmas week in the heart of familyfriendly Flaine with all meals included, even the wine!

• A family of four saves up to £564 • Full board + wine / drinks with meals • Full area lift pass

265km 28

22

5

• £50 cash back for all the family • Based on 4 in 2 twin rooms • Flights & transfers

Sestriere Italy

020 8600 1653 skitracer.com/price-watch.htm

GATWICK 19 DEC 2011

TRANSFER 1HR 30MINS

£918 PER PERSON

7 nights at Olympic Village Apartments (grade 3+) now £461pp, was £577pp A short transfer and a Christmas price tag below £1,900 for a family of 4 make Sestriere irresistible for a festive family Christmas.

• Save £116 per person • £50 cashback for adults • Full area lift pass

400km 57

109

36

• 2 adults & 2 children (under 15) in self-catering studio for 4 • Flights & transfers

Les Arcs France

020 8600 1653 skitracer.com/price-watch.htm

GATWICK 30 DEC 2011

TRANSFER 3HR 30MINS

£681 PER PERSON

8 nights at Chalet Vanoise (grade 3+) now £918pp was £1,201pp Celebrate New Year in Arc 2000 and experience ski paradise in Paradiski, one of the world’s largest linked ski areas.

• Save £283 per person • Local area lift pass • Catered chalet incl wine w/dinner

425km 132

66

29

• Access to pool, sauna & fitness area • Based on 2 sharing twin room • Flights & transfers

Looking For Great Ski Accomodation We offer a unique collection of first class properties in France, Italy, Austria, Switzerland, Bulgaria, USA and Canada

Zermatt

Switzerland

www.chaletfinder.co.uk // 01453 766094

020 8600 1653 skitracer.com/price-watch.htm

STANSTED 7 JAN 2012

TRANSFER 4HR 00MINS

7 nights in Hotel Adonis (grade 3+) now £681pp was £966pp A first class resort at a bargain price and it comes with a free lift pass! We adore the Hotel Adonis at this price.

• Save £284 per person • Local area lift pass • Bed & breakfast

313km 29

72

27

• Based on 2 sharing a twin or double room • Flights & transfers

Subject to availability, for more information please see our website www.skitracer.com

Alps Accommodation

Somewhere Ltd

MountainSun Ltd

Premier Chalets & Apartments in Samoens & Morillon

Ski La Tzoumaz/ Verbier at affordable prices

Ski chalets in La Plagne, Tignes & Dolomiti Superski

10

www.inthesnow.com

Squaw Valley To Name Ski Runs For First Time DAVID BLACK

Totally Ski. Exclusively Family.

For the first time in the resort’s 62-year history, Squaw Valley’s ski runs will have formally established trail names.

Previously, the Californian resort was famous for not having its trails named, only the lifts that access the runs, but unofficial run names emerged and the resort’s new management believes that formal trail naming will make the mountain, “more accessible than ever before. “ Complementing this endeavour, Squaw Valley will be installing all new onmountain signage that will ensure that Squaw Valley’s 4,000 acres of inspiring terrain are easily navigated by skiers and riders of all ability levels.

Additionally, Squaw Valley has partnered

Quality chalets with inclusive childcare.

This is the first holiday we’ve had where everyone has relaxed. It has opened our eyes to the benefits of childcare. Thank you!

with Lumiplan and Brand Connections to create new state-of-the-art information boards, making it the only ski resort in North America to offer this technology. These information boards will display real-time lift status updates as well as projected lift opening times, reasons for delays, should they occur, and more.

Additional features of Squaw Valley’s new communications system will include iPhone app features such as location-based viewing, which will interact with the new mountain map.

McAnallen family, Les Menuires, Feb 2011

Visit

skifamille.co.uk or call us on

0845 64 437 64

★★★★

Hank de Vre

pp pw *

FR O M

£1 80

O NL Y

to discuss your family’s requirements.

French Alps Le Grand Bornand Le Village de Lessy

September Deadline Nears For Half-Priced US Lift Ticket Offer

Heavenly

Under and hour from Geneva airport

Great value MGM built 4-star self-catering accommodation including private pool, Sauna, Jacuzzi & spa. Right by the slopes.

Book before the 31/10/11 and save 10%* • One of the closest resorts to Calais • Family friendly, away from the crowds • Perfect intermediate snow sure skiing *selected dates, conditions apply

peakretreats.co.uk/GrandBornand

peak retreats the french alps specialist

11601 Peak Retreats 129x180mm.indd 1

call 0844 576 0179 22/8/11 11:09:47

Winter sports fans can bag 50% off lift passes at many US resorts offered by Virgin Holidays (www. virginholidays.co.uk), including Heavenly, Squaw Valley, Northstar, Mammoth, and resorts in New Hampshire and Stowe, if they book their ski or board break by 30 September, for departures in December 2011 and January and March 2012.

The new Virgin Holidays Ski & Board brochure also sees the introduction of British Columbia’s

second-largest ski area – Sun Peaks.

“It’s on a ski and board holiday that Virgin Holidays Rockstar service really comes alive.

Its ‘man on the mountain’ concierge service ensures all the finer holiday details are covered – from snow reports to lift passes, tuition and equipment rental – so customers don’t have to worry about them”, said a company statement.

Virgin Holidays customers benefit from free equipment carriage when flying on scheduled services with Virgin Atlantic to US airports. Unlike some other carriers, Virgin Atlantic will not take the weight of equipment from passengers’ free baggage allowance, and passengers can check in an additional single piece of luggage (weighing up to 23kg) free of charge.

4.5 Tonnes Of Fondue Eaten Igloo Villages – the group that builds snow accommodation on mountain tops above top resorts in the Alps and Pyrenees - have concluded their 2010-11 season and produced some unusual stats for last winter. The company reports 8000 guests stayed in its seven Igloo Villages, consuming 4.5 tonnes of cheese fondue between them, with three couples getting married in an igloo. “The number of marriage proposals can only be estimated”, said the company. Reservations for next season have just opened. www.iglu-dorf.com

12

www.inthesnow.com

ski apartments, chalets & hotels in france Looking for ski accommodation in France? Lagrange offer ski apartments, chalets and hotels in over 80 resorts throughout the French Alps and Pyrenees. Ski-in/ski-out, traditional Alpine villages, short breaks... Find what you’re looking for, with friendly service and no call centres guaranteed!

Book early and save up to 15% - from only £54pp/wk

Eurostar Direct Rail Ticket Sales To the Alps PATRICK THORNE

020 7371 6111 www.lagrange-holidays.co.uk ABTA No. V554X

Eurostar (www.eurostar.com), the high speed passenger service linking the UK to mainland Europe, has opened ticket sales for it’s direct ski services from St Pancras International and Ashford International, to the heart of the French Alps. The direct, seasonal ski services will run from Saturday 17 December (day services) and Friday 23 December (night services) until Saturday 14 April 2012.

Eurostar’s day and night services serve the

French ski towns of Moûtiers, Aime-La-Plagne and Bourg St Maurice, each a short bus ride from many top French resorts, with return fares starting from £149.

Mary Walsh, Eurostar’s Director of Communications, commented; “More and more travellers are seeing that high speed rail is the perfect way to reach the French Alps with minimum stress, no baggage fees and just one tenth of the carbon emissions of an equivalent flight.” www.eurostar.com

Lift Increases Fernie's Vertical

AV AIL AB TH LE N E A OW LL !

NE W. ..

A new lift at Fernie in British Columbia will increase the famous Canadian resort’s skiable vertical to 3,550 feet in time for its 50th anniversary season this winter.

The Polar Peak Lift, will add onto the already incredible vertical at Fernie Alpine Resort, now giving the ski resort 1082 vertical metres, with 2500 acres of terrain over five Alpine bowls and a reputation for some of the deepest snow in the Rockies, last season receiving a near record snowfall of over 11 metres!.

The Polar Peak lift is the only major new lift installation in the British Columbian Rockies this winter and one of only a few new lift

installations in North America. It’s believed that it is the only new lift installation going to a mountain top anywhere on the continent for this upcoming winter.

Blackcomb To Use iPhone As Ski Pass

05 inf 603 o@ 45 sk 88 i-m 46 ojo .co m

Whistler Blackcomb is reported to be trialling an app that will allow skiers and

boarders to use their iPhones or Android smart phones as ski passes. As well as allowing

their phones to be scanned like a lift ticket at the base of lifts – a system common in North America although less frequently used in Europe, where most major resorts now have hands-free lift passesthe app also enables skiers and boarders to track their vertical and speed, and get weather and slope-grooming live updates as well as connect to Facebook and other social networking services.

Ski accommodation from £30 *

Hotels, Apartments and Condos in over 90 of the World’s Top Ski Resorts in France, Switzerland, USA and Canada.

*Price is per apartment per night, based on a 7 night stay in a Studio for 4 people at Les Portes De L’Oisans, Vaujany on 14/01/12. Price is subject to availability. To see our huge range of accommodation, from basic 2 star apartments up to 5 star luxury hotels, go to www.powderbeds.com

www.facebook.com/powderbeds www.twitter.com/powderbeds

14

www.inthesnow.com

DIARY OF A PRO Ellie Koyander

After being away training for the past four months, it’s good to be back home with my family and friends!

Being a full-time athlete may sound like the ideal lifestyle, jet-setting around the world, but it’s nothing like a ski holiday – which is what most people relate to when I tell them what I do! Every year the technical standards of World Cup moguls skiing get taken to a new level, the game moves on and I have to arrive at the beginning of the winter competition season in

perfect training venue as we ski shoulder to shoulder with other National teams, on a full moguls course in winter snow conditions. It’s a great chance to put together the technical skiing element with two airs and get a glimpse of the coming season’s competition package.

I head out again to the USA in October- as soon as the snow starts to fall in Colorado- but in the meantime-with everything done that we needed to get done, it is perfect timing to head back to the UK for a well-earned break.

First stop will be to see Matt Pigden, my chiropractor, for a pit-stop body check.

There’s always some physio and adjustment needed Matt knows instinctively what to look for and always works his magic. Then, a bit of boot fitting- it can take a full day to get into my race liners and tweak my Dalbellos for optimum performance. I’m doing some filming with Healthclubtv.com, who are launching a new ski fitness routine, putting in a lot of work in the gym, and looking for new sponsors for my 2014 Olympic campaign !

My ‘Backflip-X’ is higher, meaner and floating nicely peak condition, injury-free, and skiing at a new ‘personal best’ level. It takes a lot of planning, coordination and hard, hard work!

My coaches and I have been based in the USA since May, working on taking a couple of seconds off my run. Attacking the rut lines at high altitude on the Mount Hood Glacier (Oregon) means you’ve got to be fit before you arrive. We commute back and forth to Steamboat to train on water ramps in order to work on airs. Landing in the ice-cold melt water lake at Steamboat takes your breath away at first but you soon get warm, climbing back up to the top of the ramp with skis on your shoulder, boots sloshing full with water and wearing a dry suit! My ‘Backflip-X’ is higher, meaner and floating nicely. My trampoline sessions to build 'aerial' skills plus working out in the gym, weightlifting, aerobic exercises and lots of cross training, are really paying off.

We were in Australia throughout August- a

Athlete Biography At the age of 18 Ellie made her Olympic debut at the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics in the women’s freestyle moguls event. She is a member of the British Freestyle Ski Team and GBR’s number one female moguls skier. Ellie is on the FIS World Cup circuit currently working towards the Sochi Olympics in 2014.

Ellie rides for Team SnoKart.

Twitter @EllieKoyander Web: elliekoyander.com

Y A O

15

www.inthesnow.com

SEE WHAT THE NEW SHAPE IS ALL ABOUT. SALOMON.COM/BBR

New Uber-Luxe Chalet Is North American First PATRICK THORNE

What their marketing people are describing as “Canada’s first truly fabulous private chalet,” is set to open in Revelstoke, British Columbia, Canada – the resort that took away the ‘biggest vertical in North America’ title from BC neighbour Whistler a few seasons back.

Besides this, Revelstoke is famed for its substantial annual snowfall, perfect powder, vast expanse of skiable terrain and ability to offer lift, cat, heli- and backcountry skiing from the same village base.

Bighorn is described as, “...the new uber-luxe addition to North America’s slopes which may well initiate the same, super-sleek chalet trend in North America that has already gripped the Alps,” by its promoters, who say, “Bighorn boasts the same jaw-dropping amenities and services as the luxury chalets in the Alps but, as with all things North American, everything is on a bigger scale. With ’reassuringly expensive‘ interiors, fireplaces and balconies in each of the eight ensuite bedrooms, a large cinema room and even its own helipad to allow private

heli-skiing from your own back door. There’s also the Pool Room, the Entertainment Room, a full gym, two massage rooms ,an indoor plunge pool and an outdoor hot tub. Bighorn costs from £44,000 to take in its entirety. www.bighornrevelstoke.com

Free Ski Pass When You Visit Scotland’s Ski And Snowboard Show!

The Scottish Ski and Snowboard Show (www.scotlandsskishow. co.uk) is a great place to get the low down on Scotland’s five great ski areas, which have seen excellent snowfall and booming visitor numbers in recent years.

Not only will staff from the Scottish resorts be on hand to bring you right up to date on all that Scottish skiing has to offer in

the 21st century, anyone who prebooks a £10 ticket to the show via www.ticketsoup.com or by calling 0844 395 4000 will get a free midweek ski pass to one of the Scottish resorts – worth £30, Cairngorm, Nevis Range or Glencoe as well as your show entry!

“Over the last two seasons, Scotland’s ski areas have had well over 660,000 skiers who spent an

estimated £66.5m” said Chair of Ski Scotland Heather Negus (www.ski-scotland.com).

The Scottish Ski and Snowboard Show is bigger and better this year thanks to sponsorship from the world’s top ski resort, Chamonix.

So head to the SECC on the weekend of 15/16 October for the best skiing in the world and the best in Scotland.

15-16 October 2011 www.scotlandsskishow.co.uk

“Applying lessons learned from other glide sports, the BBR is a completely new ski concept in terms of shape, feel, and versatility. It is simply more fun in more conditions.”

- Bertrand Krafft (aka BBR) Salomon alpine ski developer and Shaper of the BBR

16

www.inthesnow.com

New Luxury Hotel Opens At St Anton This Winter TheMOOSER(www.themooser.at), a mountain sanctuary with ski in/ski out convenience and surrounded by breathtaking scenery, opens in St Anton on 2 December. This stylish and contemporary hotel looks set to instantly become one of the top places to stay in the famous Austrian resort, with just eight double rooms, seven suites, and two junior suites.

Kaluma Ski (www.kalumatravel.co.uk) is the exclusive British tour operators organising packages at the new hotel.

Packages start from £1,480 per person for seven nights staying at TheMOOSER on a bed and breakfast basis, based on four people travelling and two people sharing a double room (total cost £5,922.00 for four). The price also includes return flights from London Heathrow – Zurich, return private transfers direct to the hotel and the Kaluma Concierge Service, and is based on January departures. Flight prices may change and are quoted at time of writing. Prices at TheMOOSER start from £171.50 p/person p/night.

BEN CLATWORTHY

South Korea Awarded 2018

Pyeongchang in South Korea has been awarded the 2018 Winter Olympics (www. pyeongchang2018.org), the first to be held in Asia for two decades.

South Korea had previously bid to host the 2010 games – won

by Vancouver in Canada; and the 2014 Games, won by Sochi in Russia – narrowly losing in each case. Unusually, the South Korean region won easily this time, securing two-thirds of the 95 votes available.

Ski Ad_ITS_A4_final.pdf

1

05/09/2011

23:27

Skis Have Improved in the Last Few Years Isn’t it About Time You Upgraded Yours?

Year Round Snowsports A new hotel rated 4superior has just opened at a large German indoor snow centre. The Hotel Fire and Ice (www.hotelfireandice.de) in Düsseldorf overlooks the indoor slopes of the Allrounder Mountain Resort at Neuss. Its spacious lobby leads to the Pisten Lounge, with its open fire and views of the “Neuss Glacier”. The hotel has several lounges, bars, restaurants, and fitness facilities, and two fantastic saunas with spectacular views of the 300m-long slopes to enhance the full ‘fire and ice’ experience.

La Plagne Turns 50 La Plagne celebrates its 50th birthday this winter. The big day itself is the 21 December 2011 when the resort plans a celebratory evening of entertainment and a live show. A commemorative book and DVD will also be published, which retraces the story of la Plagne and showcases photos and authentic documents retrieved from local history sources.

There will also be an exhibition touring the ten sites of La Plagne throughout the season.

The most comprehensive range of skis and boots in the UK. Custom boot fitting specialists.

RACE | RECREATIONAL | FREERIDE | FREESTYLE 45 Years of advice and expertise with a reputation that’s stood the test of time!

Helping you ski better everyday!

Ski Bartlett, Uxbridge Road, Hillingdon, West London, UB10 0NP | T: 020 8848 0040 | E: info@skibartlett.com www.SkiBartlett.com

17

www.inthesnow.com

CHEMMY GOES TO CAMP

Personally, I think it’s amazing to see the impact of SnowCamp’s work on young people. People want to support work that makes a difference, and if they are into skiing and snowboarding, Snow-Camp is the obvious choice.

Chemmy Alcott, the UK’s highest- ranked female skier, talks to Snow-Camp director Dan Charlish about that crash, why she supports Snow-Camp, and why she hopes more skiers and snowboarders will get involved!

What’s been going on over the last year for you?

Where I am in my sport, you have to go out there and push your boundaries and sometimes you cross that thin line between the perfect turn and something that can be quite tragic, which in my case led to the crash I had back in December 2010. My memory of it is very vague - I know I flew off a jump, hit my head and came down badly on my leg and screamed a lot, and I know some people have got a video of it but I have never seen it, and I never will! But I think the toughest thing for me was that other athletes break their legs, and they can be back in a few months. As a skier, when I broke my leg it shattered into pieces – and it’s a long journey back.

Why did you want to get involved with Snow-Camp?

I’ve been approached by lots of fantastic charities asking me to get involved, and of course you want to help as many as possible. But I think it makes sense to try and support a charity in which you have some credibility. When Snow-Camp first contacted me back in 2007 I jumped at the chance to get involved. I have been so lucky to ski my whole life, and when I think I’ve had a really tough day and we have been out on the mountain in -30, I need to remember there are these kids who would actually give their right hand to see snow, let alone ski on it.

SHAPING THE FUTURE. SALOMON.COM/BBR

BBR FLOATS A Piste ski that floats in powder.

Surfboard inspired oversized progressive tip.

You are featured on the Snow-Camp website supporting the fundraising event we run in the French Alps every January called the Everest Challenge – why do you back the event?

It’s got everything a good fundraising event needs – I mean how else can you combine snowsports, a genuine endurance challenge for skiers and boarders of all levels, covering 150km in 48 hours, including two night sessions, loads of prizes, great people and a huge party to finish, all over one weekend? I know how important the funds raised are to Snow-Camp’s work so I hope you get even more people signed up this year! This is one easy way skiers can help, and in a way they will really enjoy!

To find out more about Snow-Camp’s work please see: www.snow-camp.org.uk or www.facebook.com/snowcampcharity To sign up as an individual or team to the Everest Challenge in January 2012, please visit www.snow-camp.org.uk/everestchallenge or read more on page 18 Follow Chemmy @ChemmySki on Twitter

BBR CARVES The BBR’s narrow waist and ‘V’ Shape give a great on-piste playfullness, easy to carve and turn.

Why do you think the charity makes a difference?

I love the way there is a progressive route for the young people through Snow-Camp programmes, from beginner to instructor – it’s not just a oneoff experience, but leads to accreditation and a qualification that will mean the world to these youngsters, and can genuinely help them in their lives, and in finding employment. That is awesome.

We have been fortunate to have the support of so many skiers and snowboarders since we founded the charity in 2003 – why do you think people are so supportive?

Skiers and snowboarders tend to be passionate people, and they can immediately see the benefits of this experience for young people from the inner city. And the youngsters SnowCamp has supported, especially the ones that make it through to the instructor level from being complete beginners, they have also shown huge passion and commitment, and I think people respond positively to that!

BBR GLIDES Great floatation in powder, and amazing on-piste carving with a progressive flex and pin tail.

18

www.inthesnow.com

Y R NL FO O M W O NO FROK

pw pp

/1 11 20 0 ER 2 £T 1

IN

BO

W

2

Andorra Access Faster Through New Airport

Backdoor access to main resorts Quality Self-catering sleeping 2-18 Self-drive / accommodation only Charming traditional resorts Ski Packs at great prices

BEN CLATWORTHY

Resorts include: Samöens for Flaine, Les Gets for Avoriaz, Vaujany for Alpe d’Huez, Peisey for Les Arcs, St Martin de Belleville for Méribel & La Tania for Courchevel

The opening of a brand new airport located north west of Barcelona should make it quicker and easier for Brits to reach the Spanish Pyrenees and Andorra next winter.

The shiny new Lleida-Alguaire Airport will begin taking charter flights – exclusively from tour operator Neilson - from December 19.

The company expects to carry around 16,000 British skiers and boarders on charters from Gatwick, Manchester, Birmingham and

peakretreats.co.uk w 0844 576 0173

Bristol airports, bound for resorts in Andorra and a new choice they’re offering for 11-12, Baqueira Beret.

Neilson, who for the past two decades have used Toulouse airport for holidays to the Pyrenees, report that guests holidaying at one of their Andorran resorts or their new Spanish destination will enjoy the benefits of shorter transfer times (75 minutes less to Arinsal), and exclusive use of all check-in desks, security points and arrival/deptarture halls for Neilson flight times.

peak retreats

Travel Award Winners 2009 & 2010

the french alps specialist

11603 130 x 180mm.indd 1

Penguins Get SNO! Delivery

23/8/11 09:54:29

2012 EVEREST CHALLENGE

Both Humboldt penguins and Siberian tigers living in the UK have been able to keep cool this summer thanks to snow deliveries from SNO!zone indoor snow centres.

10 tonnes of snow was delivered to the Scarborough Sea Life and Marine Sanctuary

by SNO!zoneCastleford in early August, to the obvious approval of the centre’s ten Humboldt penguins, who originate in South America.

“The penguins love waddling around in the snow and having a really chilled time”, said Lyndsey Crawford, displays curator at Scarborogh Sea Life.

Later in the month, Siberian tigers Genghis and Mischa, at the Blair Drummond Safari Park in Stirling, received eight tonnes of snow for them to play in from SNO!zone Braehead. The tigers are naturally found in the Russian Far East so the snow came as a real treat, giving them a chance to get a taste of the winter before it arrives.

“It’s not every day that we get a request like this but we were only too happy to help,” said

A 150 km Ski & Snowboard Endurance Event in the French Alps

The Snow-Camp Everest Challenge is back. A unique 2 day charity snowsports event designed to give you a skiing and boarding experience you will never forget!

If you fancy the challenge of skiing or snowboarding a total of 150km over 2 days, including a night ski session and a night mountain hike, then the Everest Challenge is for you!

The 2012 Challenge will take place between January 26th and 29th 2012, in Portes du Soleil, France.

Vail Signs White

E-mail: dan@snow-camp.org.uk Call: 01273 241 383 In association with

Gabe L'Heureux

For more information and to register, visit:

www.snow-camp.org.uk/everestchallenge Supported By

Snow-Camp is a registered youth charity No 1101030

Emma Darvill from SNO zone.

Besides helping wildlife in captivity in the UK, in the last ten years SNO!zone has taught more than a million people to ski or snowboard, and seen more than two and a half million people using its slopes to practise snow sports all year round. www.snozoneuk.com.

Vail Resorts have signed a worldwide, multi-year partnership agreement with twice Olympic gold medalist, professional

snowboarder and skateboarder, Shaun White, who will make Northstar at Lake Tahoe his home mountain and design his own 6.7m half pipe there.

White has dominated snowboarding for the past decade, winning successive Olympic half pipe golds in Turin and Vancouver with record scores, and he is the first and only snowboarder to win four consecutive gold medals in the Winter X Games Half Pipe competition.

“This feels like a homecoming because I have spent so much time riding at most of Vail Resorts’ mountains,” said White.

19

www.inthesnow.com

SHAPING THE FUTURE. SALOMON.COM/BBR

Les 3 Vallées Exposed Iain Macluskie

Even in the world’s largest ski area there are hidden gems waiting to be discovered, as ESF instructor Iain Macluskie reports.

Méribel My morning will normally start with some warm-up runs on the Tougnette side of the Méribel Valley, where there are a variety of groomed reds and blues. The Roc de Tougne drag lift serves a red and black piste famous in the valley.

My favourite skiing in Les 3 Vallées is in the Méribel Valley. The Dent de Burgin chairlift provides great access to the sunny blue and red runs

returning from Saulire to Meribel. The slopes are nearly all west-facing and remain in excellent shape till the end of the day.

St. Martin de Belleville Lunch in Le Montagnard is a poor weather gem. This restaurant has no terrace but the interior is charming.

Eric and his family offer local food and fine dining. St. Martin skiing is best off-piste and easy powder slopes lead to St. Martin.

Val Thorens It’s like visiting a separate ski area when you first go to Val Thorens and Les Menuires. A vast ski area and modern architecture combine

THE BBR IS AVAILABLE IN THE FOLLOWING STORES: to provide fantastic skiing. On- or off-piste, it’s massive. It’s mainly high altitude and very attractive late in the season when you are looking for colder conditions.

It’s an easy return to Méribel, ideal for partying at La Folie Douce, full of young Europeans dancing to live music and a DJ.

ALPEN SPORT - ORPINGTON ALPINE ROOM - CHELMSFORD ANYTHING TECHNICAL - KENDAL ATTWOOLLS - GLOUCESTER BANKS OF PERTH - PERTH BAC OUTDOOR LEISURE - ELLAND BLUES THE SKI SHOP - SCOTLAND CAPTAINS CABIN - SEVENOAKS CARTERS - READING CLIMATE - BELFAST CONSPIRACY - ST ALBANS COUNTRYSIDE SKI & CLIMB - STEVENAGE CRAIGDON MOUNTAIN SPORTS - SCOTLAND CROSSLEY TORDOFF - PONTEFRACT DEVON SKI - NEWTON ABBOT ELLIS BRIGHAM - NATIONWIDE EUROPA SKI LODGE - SURBITON FINCHES LEISURE & SPORTS - LONDON FLUIDLINES - COLCHESTER FREETIME CLIMB & SKI - CARLISLE GREAVES SPORTS - GLASGOW HORACE BARTON & SON - CHELTENHAM LANDAU SKI & SPORT - FOLKESTONE

La Tania Some of the best tree skiing in Les 3 Vallées can be found here and Folyeres is a breathtaking piste from Col de la Loze to La Tania Resort. It’s often empty in the morning and groomed every day.

The real gem however is Courchevel 1300, Le Praz. A pretty village with several top restaurants makes Le Praz a must to visit.

Iain is resort manager for Alpine Action, a specialist in chalet holidays to Méribel and La Tania (www. alpineaction.co.uk; 01273 466535).

LD MOUNTAIN CENTRE - NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE

LOCKWOODS - LEAMINGTON SPA MOUNTAIN AND MARINE - POYNTON NEVISPORT - NATIONWIDE OUTDOOR TRADERS - ABINGDON PEMBREY SKI SLOPE - PEMBREY PENROSE CAMPING & LEISURE - TRURO REYNOLDS OUTDOOR CENTRE - SUNDERLAND SAIL & SKI - SHREWSBURY/CHESTER SAYERS OF YARM - YARM SEVERN SPORTS - LEEDS SKEE-TEX - BATTLESBRIDGE SKI AND SPORT - DRONFIELD SKI BARTLETTS - HILLINGDON SKI EXCHANGE - CAMBRIDGE THE SKI LODGE - CARDIFF SKI PLUS - CHELMSFORD SNOW + ROCK - NATIONWIDE SNOW LAB - HAILSHAM SNOW TOGS - SOUTHAMPTON/BOURNEMOUTH SNOWFIT - NORWICH SNOWSUN - IPSWICH SNOWTRAX - CHRISTCHURCH SPORTCREST - HIGH WYCOMBE SURF + SKI SPORTS - BRIGHTON TALLINGTON LAKES PRO SHOP - STAMFORD TEAM SKI AND LEISURE - DORCHESTER THE CAPTAINS CABIN - CANTERBURY TWO SEASONS - NATIONWIDE WHITE MOUNTAIN SKI - PENKRIDGE White Mountain Ski - Penkridge White Mountain Ski - Penkridge DEALER.SALOMONSPORTS.COM

Eat The Matterhorn Mini-Matterhorns (“Matterhörnli”) have been created in Zermatt in the form of filled pasta, and are now available to eat in the famous Swiss resort’s restaurants.

The new pasta’s creator, Roman Bernegger, from pasta producer Novena, had been tinkering around for a long time with the idea of creating gourmet Matterhorn shaped pasta.

“The Matterhorn does have a complex shape and the question was what should be the consistency of the dough to ensure that the ‘horn’ would

SALOMONRUNNING.COM SALOMONTRAILS.COM not collapse upon itself while being cooked?” pondered Mr Bernegger.

“We wanted to create something that would be unique for Zermatt,” said Heinz Rufibach, who first had the idea for an edible Matterhörn.

The members of the “Cercle Chefs de cuisine Zermatt” association recently paid a culinary visit to Novena at their facility in Ulrichen, where they examined the pasta and officially declared it “tasty.”

The pasta is filled with locallyproduced Zermatt cheese and Eringer Hauswurst (speciality sausage), is

typically served with Munder saffron sauce and is now exclusively prepared for Zermatt guests.

“We may also serve the pasta in a sweet version, for example, filled with apricot”, explains Heinz Rufibach, Cuisinier in the Hotel Alpenhof.

SALOMONRACINGUK.COM SALOMON.COM

FIND YOUR NEAREST DEALER AT

DEALER.SALOMONSPORTS.COM SALOMONRUNNING.COM Bulgaria Sees More Skiers, But Fewer Brits SALOMONTRAILS.COM

SALOMON.COM

PHOTOGRAPHY BY SCOTT MARKEWITZ & VANESSA SHARPL

News agency Novinite.com has resorts – the main destinations being 113,110,up 9.3%. Macedonia, Serbia, SALOMONFREESKI.COM reported that skier numbers to Bulgaria Bansko, Borovets and Pamporovo. The France and Israel had smaller numbers increased last winter by 6.9% although biggest growth in market share came but bigger percentage growth figures SALOMON.COM SALOMONFREESKI.COM the numbers arriving from the UK was from other Eastern European countries, of at least 25% each. Bulgarian resorts SALOMON.COM down 3% at 35,704. 412,641 foreign particularly Romania, which sent more plan to invest in snowmaking for the tourists visited Bulgaria's winter ski SALOMONGROMCAMPS.CO.UK than a quarter of all foreign guests at coming winter.

SALOMONTRAILTOUR.SE

20

www.inthesnow.com

Patrick Thorne

I was one of the modern era of British baby boomer skiers who first learned to ski in the mid 1970s on the Dendix slopes of the British suburbs, before being taken to obscure little Italian ski resorts on school trips. That taught me that you can have fun at any level of skiing ability and in any ski location.

British skiing has a lot to thank Dendix for, and schools for organising trips – we belittle both at our peril!

I was so hooked I’ve somehow managed to carve out a full-time, yearround career over the past 25 years, writing about ski holidays, and in that time I’ve visited more than 200 different ski resorts. I've found that there’s no such place as the perfect ski resort, the

IN THE KNOW Resort: 1620m Top: 3899m Vertical: 2360m Piste: 350km Lifts: 56 lifts 6 Day pass: 371 – 423 CHF www.zermatt.ch Ski Total offer 19 Zermatt chalets including 10 which are new for the 2011/12 ski season. www.skitotal.com | 01252 618 333

success of the trip depends more on random factors such as who you’re with and what the weather’s like and the travel and the accommodation.

But there are some places I would call special, and they feel special however your holiday goes – whoever you’re with, whatever the weather. Without wishing to go New Age on you, the feeling is timeless, it’s something to do with aura, or awesomeness – in the true sense of the world. For me, Meribel and Verbier don’t have it but Lake Louise and Chamonix do, it goes beyond just beautiful scenery and great facilities it’s just jaw-droppingly spectacular. And the Big Daddy of them all, is Zermatt.

It’s hardly a quaint Alpine village anymore, the architecture has been largely maintained in traditional chalet

21

www.inthesnow.com

style but the village has spread for miles along the high valley floor, with hundreds of swish hotels and chalets lining the sides of the roads busy with tourists dodging buzzing electric vehicles which are actually built in Zermatt The internal combustion engine is not allowed in the resort, so there’s a quiet hum to the place rather than a constant drone.

The Zermatt difference is the Matterhorn, which towers improbably above the village and its fantastic ski area, stretching for more than 200 miles over the Italian border to Cervinia, with some of the best long runs you’ll find anywhere and terrain for all tastes and abilities, all of it overlooked by this magnificent, iconic mountain.

My family’s visit had been organised by

Ski Total (01252 618 333; www.skitotal. com) who are one of the biggest tour operators in the resort, offering holidays based in 19 chalets throughout the village. We were in Chalet A La Casa in the Petit Village development at the entrance to the resort, accessed by an unusual mini underground funicular lift.

The chalet is extremely comfortable, sleeping eight and staffed by friendly and efficient hosts, the Ski Total norm, who arrive each morning to make breakfast and tidy up, returning each evening to create an excellent four course dinner – what more did we need? Well, the hot tub from which you could watch sunrise or sunset on the Matterhorn was a great feature, and the helpful resort manager who ensured all our travel and tickets were sorted, were

more major asserts to take the holiday still further above the norm.

Chalet A La Casa is a few minutes pleasant walk up by the river from central Zermatt where several hundred shops battle for space along with nearly 100 bars and restaurants.

Fortunately this competition does seem to drive standards up and keep prices in check as far as they can, given the strength of the Swiss Franc.

Zermatt is able to offer some of the most sophisticated night life in the Alps, as well as some of the liveliest.

On several occasions, walking back from the slopes, we ended up at the Brown Cow Pub and acquired large meals of good quality for a surprisingly reasonable price. The pub is within the old Hotel Post, which, with its various

bars, discos and dance club, is an institution in its own right.

But sadly not everything spectacular about Zermatt is scenery. Many jaws hit the floor when they have to pay for their lift tickets as the resort boasts Europe’s most expensive. In fact, because of the strength of the Swiss franc, one version of the ticket is even more expensive that the most expensive in the US at the moment, possibly the first time that’s ever happened. At the other extreme, Zermatt’s prices for children are among the world’s most generous – those aged up to are free, under 16s are half price.

But even as you wince while your credit card melts, you do feel you are getting value for money. Kind of. The lift infrastructure required to get you up the mountains is almost as stunning

as the mountains themselves – swish gondolas and cable cars climb over some of the world’s biggest lift-served verticals, entering tall precipices of rock and including Europe’s highest liftserved point at 3899m.

And you can spend a long time on the lifts too, which is value for money in a way even if you might prefer to spend a greater proportion of time skiing down. Visiting in late April only the Matterhorn sector was open, accessed at the top end of the village. So the walk to the ski bus stop, waiting for a ski bus with space to get on, walking up to the gondola then battling for a space on the final cable car to the top from the top of that took up to 90 minutes. That’s a worse case scenario, but you have been warned.

ALL PICS: Zermatt.ch

22

www.inthesnow.com

New Bag Has Multiple Advantages For Snowsports A new lightweight bag from Eagle Creek, the Hybrid Hauler, has been designed especially for use in wet, snowy conditions. Made from 100% recycled materials and weighing just 1.4kg, the pack holds up to 64 litres and features a water-resistant “bathtub” compartment at the base, so it can sit on snow or in a puddle without letting in water. Loaded with practical design details, it converts from a duffle to a comfortable backpack with tuck away, ergonomically contoured shoulder straps and adjustable load stabilizer straps. It also features an oversized, front zippered compartment for easy access to gear, outside pocket with organiser panel, lockable zips and a separate section for wet gear. A final advantage is the manufacturer’s ‘No Matter What’ damage repair policy that guarantees that if your luggage is ever damaged, Eagle Creek will repair or replace it free of charge - no matter what.

The bag is available from a variety of outdoor retailers, including Cotswold Outdoor and Field & Trek, and costs £140.

BEN CLATWORTHY

Ski Like A Royal

Following the visit of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge to Skoki Lodge (www.skoki.com) in Alberta, Canada for some ‘downtime’ during their North American tour earlier this summer, the Lodge is now taking bookings from skiers and boarders wishing to stay there next winter.

Accessed by an 11km trail, Skoki Lodge was the first to be built specifically to cater for ski tourists in Western Canada, with the first arriving in 1931. The main lodge today has three surrounding cabins providing accommodation for 22 guests.

Saalbach Adds Another Gondola The Saalbach Hinterglemm Ski Circus, the biggest ‘single’ resort area in Austria, is continuing its spending on new lifts and other improvements for the coming winter with the addition of a new eight-passenger gondola, its 18th.

In the last 10 years the Ski Circus Saalbach Hinterglemm Leogang has invested over €234 million in improvements which have also seen 90% of its 200km of pistes covered by a modern snow-making system.

Or you could simply travel with the Swiss Transfer Ticket.

MySwitzerland.com A flat-rate return ticket allowing one-day transfers from point of entry to any destination in Switzerland and back. Only available in the UK. And children under 16 travel for free. Contact the Switzerland Travel Centre on MySwitzerland.com/rail or call us on: 020 7420 4900.

Buy before you fly!

Adult 2nd class £79, 1st class £123.

Children under 16 travel for free.

Prices valid for 2011 and subject to change.

BST Unveils The Rebellion

British Snow Tour organisers have unveiled a new era of Indoor Championships: The Rebellion.

The competition course boasts two distinct lines of rails and boxes, and the ‘Rail Slayer’ and ‘Jib Master’ titles will be up for grabs at SNO!zone Castleford on Saturday 24 September, with British Championship and TTR World Tour points plus prize money to be earned. www.facebook.com/ britishsnowtour

FLYING, SWISS MADE – SWISS.COM 205_11d_09_ins_snow_magazine_205x230.indd 1

07.09.11 14:06

23

Mak Yo e SK ur Co I G uN ap T

www.inthesnow.com

BEN CLATWORTHY

If you are planning a snowsports gap year then BASIGap provides a quality assured pathway to fulfilling your dream of becoming a fully qualified snowsports instructor.

The British Association of Snowsport Instructors (BASI) is the official UK organisation with responsibility for the training and grading of snowsports instructors and provides official BASIGap courses through its licensed ski school providers, ICE and New

Generation, which operate in the premier European resorts of Val d’Isere, Courchevel and Meribel.

Owned and run by BASI trainers, Official BASIGap providers have been qualityassessed, only achieving BASI accreditation by demonstrating the highest standards of course delivery and technical content, as well providing full pastoral care for students. The ten week gap courses offer a choice of either skiing or snowboarding, and instruction is delivered and supervised by fully-qualified and experienced snowsports professionals.

Whether you are chasing that vital snowsport qualification or simply seeking to develop your own personal skills, you will want to get the most satisfaction and enjoyment out of your investment. With Official BASIGap you can be totally confident of participating in a quality course that has been refined and developed by the

premier ski schools in the business and most importantly, ICE and New Generation have the official quality assurance kite mark of the BASIGap accreditation. James Halliwell, an 18 year old student told InTheSnow, “The ICE ski course was a really good way to spend time in a great environment with top-class

researched the various schools and spoken to people within the industry New Generation was clearly a well-known and reputable school to train with.”

With record numbers of students without university places for 2012, taking a gap year out in the mountains might just be the answer for many. Moreover, the qualifications gained with BASI allow you to start teaching immediately; meaning For more information visit the BASIGap the Alps might just end exhibition stands at the following ski shows: up becoming home for the rest of your life.

If you are planning a Glasgow - SECC: 15 – 16 October career break or taking London - Earls Court: 19 – 23 October a year out before Birmingham - NEC: 28 – 30 October continuing full-time education you know that with an Official instruction being delivered. It really doesn't BASIGap course you will be receiving the get better than this.” Amy Wardman who highest level of training – what more could trained with New Gen in 2010 said, “New you want?

Generation stood out as it was one of the For further information visit few Ski Schools that has a direct link with www.basigap.com BASI as an official BASI GAP course. Having

BASI In Show

24

www.inthesnow.com

.

Snow Sure 90% of Chamonix’s skiing is located above 2000m, which makes it the perfect destination for early and late season skiing. The highest skiable area of Grands Montets towers to 3300m, offering exceptional conditions from December until May.

Mixed Terrain It’s no secret that the Chamonix Valley is considered a Mecca for freeriders and it certainly attracts some of the world’s best skiers, although you’ll rarely meet them piste skiing! However, there is something for everyone and the Balme and Les Houches areas offer wonderful family skiing.

Beautiful Alpine Town You don’t have to be a sports fanatic to enjoy Chamonix. Over half the winter visitors don’t even ski, but simply enjoy the atmosphere of this vibrant Alpine town. The pedestrian centre offers a wide selection of shops and boutiques, sunny street cafés, and a vast choice of restaurants, including two with Michelin stars.

Sightseeing & Activities Why not take the Montenvers cog railway up to the Mer de Glace, soar to the dizzy heights of 3842m with the Aiguille du Midi cable car or use the free buses and trains within the valley to discover the outlying villages and hamlets after a hard day on the slopes. You can try your hand at dog sledding, skijoring or even paragliding.

Early booking offers from: 213 € (£185) www.chamonix.com

Sign up at

skinews.co.uk

nTheS nTheSInTheSI I

Read IRead I ea R d I 

w.com no

w.com no nline tO

w.com no

ISSUE | SEP 2011 | SEP 20 2011 ISSUE 20ISSUE | SEP 20 2011

nline tO

www.snokart.com

Chamonix is located within just one hour of Geneva airport, from where there is a regular bus service and there’s also a train station in the town. Chamonix also has superb road access using the European motorway network. Neighbouring Italy and Switzerland are within 30 minutes drive of the resort. Lift passes for the area cover skiing in Verbier (Switzerland) and Courmayeur (Italy).

BY BEN CLATWORTHY

LOPES. TO THE S D R A W R FAST FO SHOWS

Great Location

REASONS TO VISIT Chamonix Mont-Blanc

PACK FOLD STRAP ZIP WHEEL CARRY LOAD FLY DRIVE RIDE!

In the Snow Sept 277x85_HiRes.pdf

In the Snow Sept 277x85_HiRes.pdf

In the Snow Sept 277x85_HiRes.pdf

C

M

Y

C CM

M MY

Y CY

C CM

CMY

M

MY K

Y CY

CM CMY

MY K

CY

CMY

K

1

1

1

07/09/2011

nline tO

.

DD N N I E IIIN D N A N I K KIREEEETTLLLAAN SSSK FREO FFRSSCCCOOT S

14:28

07/09/2011

14:28

07/09/2011

14:28

What are you What doing for are you What doing for are you Christmas?

! ore m ce 3 ! on geore us peam 3 ! on onnc ere up no ago is dowus n pe m 3 on w on onc e as loup no ag se thneis dnowus n p o ow s o w o sh esheaas eisloup own ki d s s rnw s thn in’ hhoo a so w ta k Ti s eshea e lo Bri tr’ics sk oornw s th Ptaain k Tihsh e ha Bri tr’ics sk orn Ptaain k Th ri B tric Pre-Christm Pa as – ski 5 days

THREE VALLEYS, CHAMONIX,

MORZINE

Pre-Christmas – ski 5

fr

£299

days THREE VALLEYS, – ski 8 days Christmas CHAMONIX, MORZINE THREE VALLEYS H/B

£299 £469

THREE VALLEYS, CHAMONIX, MORZINE MORZINE THREE VALLEYS, CHAMONIX, H/B THREE VALLEYS

£299 £404 £469

Pre-Christmas – ski 58 days Christmas days – skiflights Christmas

frfr

frfrfr

Christmas daysfr 8flight skiflights Christmas New–Year MORZINE THREE VALLEYS, CHAMONIX, H/B THREE VALLEYS Year coach fr New

frfr £488 £469 £404 £399

Christmas New Year flight £488 £404 08444 060600 New Year coach £399 flights fr fr

THREE VALLEYS, CHAMONIX, MORZINE

ABTAfr No. V4138

New Year flight

fr

£488

25

www.inthesnow.com

iPads In Lederhosen BEN CLATWORTHY

A family-run celebrity bolt-hole in Austria’s Salzburg Alps has completed an 18-month, €500,000 family-focused makeover.

The 84-room family-owned Hoteldorf Grüner Baum (www.hoteldorf.com) comprises five converted hunting lodges strewn throughout a 78-acre private valley within the village of Bad Gastein.

The new investment has seen extensive refurbishments, with a focus on making the hotel appeal to multi-generational family holidays, whilst retaining its heritage as a

189-year-old spa hotel which has long made it popular with older guests, but less so until now for families with younger members.

Highlights of the makeover include wifi throughout the hotel including the outdoor pool area, which has itself been fully renovated.

The hotel has also acquired four Segways and 15 iPads, with their own Lederhosen cases and loaded with useful apps and complimentary for guests. The building was originally converted from a hunting lodge by Archduke Johann of Austria and has regularly hosted illustrious guests over its long history, from the Shah of Persia to the Pope.

Montgenèvre Add 3000m High Skiing Montgenèvre plans to become the only resort in the Southern Alps, and one of only 30 in Europe, to offer liftaccessed skiing over 3,000m. An entire 3000m ski area has been created around Mount-Chaberton on the FrenchItalian border to offer skiing for all levels and a long new blue run from 3000m downwards.

Skiers will be able to enjoy 360° panoramic views from Mont Ventoux to Mont-Blanc, from the Rhône to the river Po, from the top of the new area. Opening the new area will involve an investment of up to €26 million, one of the biggest projects in the Alps, and it is due to be officially opened in 2012/13.

Chalets 1066 Expand Despite buying at the peak of the market, and then finding themselves faced with the recession and a declining ski industry, Chalets 1066 (www. chalets1066.com), based in Les Gets, have more than doubled the size of their company and this season will be running eight chalets and four apartments in the resort. Sue Nathan, owner of the company, told InTheSnow, “care and quality are what make the business what it is.

We are only a small company but strive to ensure our clients have the most relaxing and enjoyable stay possible in one of our chalets or apartments.”

Unlike many of their rivals, Chalets 1066 offer clients many other services whilst in resort, from ordering bread for the morning, to cleaning services, and arranging a chef for the self -catered chalets.

The company has been able to boast very high occupancy rates of 80%, even at the height of the recession. This season will be their fourth and with 12 residences to manageis set to be a busy one.

26

SKI

Paramount

www.inthesnow.com

WAREHOUSE

www.skiwear4less.com

P RR .95 99 £2

e v a S 20 £1

To Order Call 0871 226 3347

Westbeach Lady Racer Jacket

RRP

£15

Save0 £70

£79.99

Star Trek Ski Resort To Open In Romania

10,000mm waterproof & breathable!

PATRICK THORNE

hood Mens Eider Removable powder skirt & zipped hand Goretex Jacket pockets!

Waveflex: The worlds most awarded ski technology

£179.95 Elan Waveflex II Skis & Bindings

£299.99

0 1 £2

410

£ RRP

e v Sa

Buy Any Snowboard, Boots & Bindings For

£199.99

e v Sa120 £ 0 42 £ P RR

Stores at Exeter, Carlisle Tamworth & Castleford

A new ski area named ‘Star Trek Voineasa’ (there doesn’t appear to be any direct connection to the famous sci -fi franchise) is scheduled to open in Romania for winter 2011-12.

The new resort will initially comprise one two-stage gondola, one quad chairlift, and two ski lifts, as well as snow-making, night skiing, a restaurant and a hotel, and cost €28 million. Much of the ski slope infrastructure is being provided by the Italian–based manufacturer, Leitner.

Ski slopes will initially cover 4.8km of runs

spread over 21 hectares of north-facing slopes. The main Mioarele slope will be 3km long and floodlit for night skiing. Lifts will run between 1320m and 1975m.

The resort is being built by the Romanian Ministry of Sustainable Development and Tourism as part of their €80 Million “Ski the Carpathians” programme, backed by EC funding, which is seeing the dramatic upgrade of several Cold War era resorts, as well as the development of new centres.

The Star Trek theme is also evident elsewhere in the country with a new gondola lift at the existing resort Sinaia last year named ‘Vulcan.’

Big Spring Clean For Scotland Now in its fourth year, the Big Spring Clean has become even bigger, with Glenshee introduced to the mountain clean-up operation which forms part of the Ski Club of Great Britain's ‘Respect the Mountain’ campaign (www. respectthemountain.com).

More than 80 litter-picking volunteers showed up at the Scottish resorts of Cairngorm Mountain, Nevis Range and Glenshee, and worked hard to clear 44 sacks of rubbish that lingered after an epic winter season. All sorts of unusual items were found amongst the general litter and waste including: a pair of boxer shorts at Cairngorm, a mattress, and a message in a balloon that had travelled over 100 miles to Nevis Range.

"We were thrilled to expand the Big Spring

Clean to include Glenshee this year. The operation continues to raise awareness about the damaging effects of dropping litter in a mountain environment. We hope to make a clean sweep of all five Scottish ski areas in the future," said Caroline Stuart-Taylor, Chief Executive of the Ski Club.

Heavenly Cuts Power Consumption Lots of ski resorts around the world have been talking about cutting energy consumption, but few have actually put hard figures on what they’ve achieved. However, Heavenly , by Lake Tahoe in California, has published some statistics reporting that, companywide, it has reduced consumption of electricity, petrol, diesel, propane and natural gas by 7.2%.

Heavenly has replaced older, less-efficient snow guns with high-efficiency fan and “stick” guns which are estimated to save over 1,686,000 kilowatt hours of electricity annually.

Heavenly has also been implementing a host of eco-friendly business practices designed to protect and preserve the area’s unique natural beauty.

Advice. Flexibility. Choice.

USA | CANADA | JAPAN | FRANCE | SWITZERLAND | AUSTRIA

The World’s best Ski Destinations from the UK’s leading ski specialist

Exceptional Early Booking Offers on fights, accommodation, lift tickets and rentals For a tailor-made quote contact the experts

Call us today on 0131 243 8097 or visit www.ski-i.com

28

ALL IMAGES: Nick Thomas

www.inthesnow.com

Jon (AKA WESTY) AT ALTITUDE

Jon is one of a handful of instructors in the world who hold top qualifications from France, Switzerland & Britain. An inspirational coach, he can teach on & offpiste skiing throughout the Alps. In his role as Ski School Director, Jon is on hand to manage the different parts of the Altitude company portfolio, including the ski & snowboard school, the instructor-training Gap programs, the Verbier freeride camps & the winter and summer kids’ camps. +41 27 771 6006 / altitude-verbier.com

Pre-Season Fitness With winter just around the corner, now is the time to start preparing for your ski holiday! The Brits love to ski, but do we do enough exercise the other 51 weeks of the year to prepare us for six hours a day of skiing?

START TODAY

Prevention

Don’t start tomorrow - it never comes!

One advantage of being physically prepared for your holiday is that you are reducing the risk of injury. Skiing in a cold environment without welloiled machinery carries a high risk of injury and puts unnecessary pressure on the body. Preparing your muscles beforehand means you are less likely to hurt yourself and suffer aching muscles after day one.

With two months until the start of the ski season, you have plenty of time to prepare a fitness program. A little exercise will go a long way in preparing you for a fantastic holiday in the Alps.

29

www.inthesnow.com

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

PIC

Poor Performance Physical preparation will have a positive effect on your performance. Walking with equipment at Altitude is already quite a challenge, even before clipping into the bindings and carving out some big turns. If you are a skier who likes to cruise around on the blues and reds, focus your training on cardio fitness and strong legs. Being more cardio fit will allow you to ski for longer before becoming breathless. Also, having stronger legs will mean you don’t tire as easily or start to make silly mistakes leading to a double ejection! For the more expert skier who perhaps likes to ski bumps or off-piste, a strong core and legs are vital. A stable core will aid balance and recovery and strong legs will allow you to keep reacting to the terrain below you. So, instead of watching your favourite soap tonight, start planning your fitness regime ready for the snow!

Rather than going to the usual summer venues, like Zermatt or Tignes, skier Domenic and boarder Dre, from Altitude Ski and Snowboard School, wanted a more adventurous plan, involving hiking up a mountain and then skiing and boarding back down.

After doing some research on the internet, looking at possible summits, something over 4000m with a relatively easy climb up and of course a route down where we could ski, we decided on the Strahlhorn 4190m, near Saas Fee, followed by the Zumsteinspitze at 4563m in the Monte Rosa Massif.

For the Strahlhorn we parked at Saas Fee, kitted up and took the cable car up to the Felskinn station at 2989m.

There was then an easy half hour walk round to the Britannia Hut at 3030m.

Wake-up calls at 3am are

never that welcome, but after grabbing some breakfast we set off, scrabbling down a short rocky pitch onto the glacier, we got our crampons on, roped up and set off. The initial sections on both routes were pretty straightforward, easy-angled terrain following the glacier upwards. The views were spectacular with patches of cloud sitting on the glaciers below, which then drop down into the green valleys. After taking the obligatory photos, we dropped down back onto the glacier and finally got our skis and board on.

We used the first couple of turns to get a feel of what the snow conditions were like; surprisingly good it turned out, considering it was July on a glacier. The main problem was still the lack of oxygen and after five hours of hard work with the legs, they

weren’t exactly feeling fresh.

The descents took a couple of hours as we were stopping regularly to take in the view and take photos (nothing to do with tired legs). Having reached the end of the glacier there was then the walk back to the cable car, the ride down, and a quick meal in one of the restaurants before heading back to Verbier to rest some very weary legs.

Note of caution: when travelling in high mountains and on glaciers always make sure you have all the relevant safety equipment and know how to use it. A good level of fitness is required and you should always know what the weather forecast is. It is always best to take a high mountain guide with you. Altitude can arrange high mountain guides. See www.altitude-verbier.com or phone +41(0)277 71 60 06

The World's Premier Protection CE approved, award-winning body armour from the UK's leading Adventure Sport Armour manufacturer ■ Repeat Performance ■ Breathable

■ Flexible ■ Multi Density

3

.38kN

Forcefield Body Armour

Call 01933

410818 or visit our website for your nearest dealer, brochure requests, user reviews and full range

www.ForcefieldBodyArmour.com

Image: Luke Potts © Neil Kerr 2008

As used by pro teams:

30

www.inthesnow.com

SKI

NO WORRIES

WEAR OUR

XENON

PRO PATENTED MOISTURE CONTROL

SOCKS

DRY WARM

PROTECTION GUARANTEED

Russia Is This Season's New Destination PATRICK THORNE

After three years of declining destination choices for British skiers and boarders, at least in terms of the range of resorts available, marketleader Crystal (www.crystalski.co.uk) has returned to its ‘pre-economicdownturn’ annual treat of adding a new country choice each winter.

SCAN HERE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT PRO SERIES FROM WIGWAM.

For 2011-12 it will offer the 2014 Winter Olympic resort of Sochi, where Brits will now have the chance to ski before the crowds descend.

In fact the Krasnaya Polyana ski area has been a Russian ski destination for some decades, but it has been

transformed over the past six years, thanks in large part to the support of Russia’s former president, Vladimir Putin, a very keen skier, who has driven forward with billions of roubles of improvements ahead of the Games.

These have included the construction of a new road and tunnel system which has cut driving time to the ski slopes from Sochi to under an hour, and the construction of three new ski resorts on a worldclass scale. The ski lifts already built or under construction include several that will be among the biggest, fastest and best in the world, and with several dozen being installed, Sochi is set to become one of the world’s leading ski destinations for the 21st century.

Only one resort is nearing completion, the other two resorts do have cranes and building work going on. The fourth resort will not be finished until the Olympics.

Crystal have opted to use the scheduled service offered by Turkish

Airlines, including flights from Heathrow via Istanbul to Adler/Sochi airport with private transfers. Four or eight night holidays will be available at either the five Grand Hotel Polyana, where prices will be from £935 per person, or at the four Hotel Park Inn by Radisson, with prices from £825 per person.

As the packages are all tailor-made, Crystal can also organise city add-on in Istanbul if anyone wishes to stay there.

Sochi’s resort developments are so new that the exact scope of lift passes is yet to be finalised. Currently it is not clear whether a joint lift ticket valid at the different ski areas will be available, but Crystal are confirming they’ll provide lift passes for the local area where the hotel is based.

The hotels are both three-five minutes walk from the lifts and the first holidays will depart on 15 December.

XENONPRO

PATENTED MOISTURE CONTROL FROM THE BOTTOM - UP

• DRY FEET • BLISTER FREE • ODOUR FREE • PRECISE CUSHIONING

AA Lists Ski Areas In 100 Great Wonders A new book in the AA’s best -selling ‘100’ series lists what the authors consider the 100 Great Wonders of the World – and there are some ski destinations in there.

The only commercial ski destinations listed in the 100 Wonders are the Matterhorn above Zermatt in Switzerland and the southern Alps of New Zealand, home to several ski fields.

However, skiable peaks on seven continents do get a mention, including the volcanoes of Iceland, Mount Kilimanjaro in Africa, Mount Fuji in Japan, Yosemite National Park in California (home to Badger Pass ski area), Mount Erebus in Antarctica, the Hawaiian Islands

where Mauna Kea, at 5,998m high from its base on the ocean floor, is the world’s tallest mountain and is skiable at its summit, and the Canadian Pacific Railway in Canada, which passes many famous resorts and is pictured in the book passing through Banff.

Overall, the book is a collection of the most spectacular buildings, monuments, natural features and triumphs of engineering from across the globe. 100 Great Wonders of the World takes you on a journey to the world’s most aweinspiring places without having to leave the comfort of your armchair.

To ease navigation, the book is divided into continents, with ‘super

site’ sections giving an in-depth look at the history of selected wonders.

Skiing doesn’t get any better than this!

InTheSnow_fp_280x400+3 22/07/2011 11:53 Page 1

Experience new dimensions of performance with the award winning BullRide series of skis and boots from Blizzard and Tecnica.

Blizzard’s Cochise redefines Freeride skis with the revolutionary FlipCore Technology which has allowed Blizzard to build the most natural rocker shape of any ski on the market. ispo Ski of the Year 2011 and winner of numerous ski tests the Cochise is setting radically new standards of Freeride Performance.

Tecnica’s Cochise 120 is stacked full of innovative Hike and Ride features, with the easiest switch between Hike mode and Ride mode available. Interchangeable sole units, lightweight Triax shell and mobility cuff are just a few of the many features that combine to make the Cochise 120 the ultimate Freeride weapon.

For further information please contact: Blizzard ski test winner - Fall-line Skiing Magazine, Daily Mail Ski & Board and ispo European Ski of the Year 2011

roger@mastcoagencies.co.uk russell@mastcoagencies.co.uk

32

www.inthesnow.com

This month is all about women’s freestyle and Ellis Brigham have put together a selection of their must-have products for anyone heading out to the mountains this season. Bright colours are back in fashion once again, so expect some interesting designs on the slopes this winter.

Dalbello Raya 7 Boots £240

Zaini STRIPED HAT £25

Cochise 120 Ski Boot £380

Not a true freestyle boot, but

Zaini hats are bringing some new

Stacked full of Free Ride innovations

the Raya uses Dalbello’s expert

designs to their collection this season

the Cochise 120 has the easiest switch

knowledge of three-piece shell

with their new fleece lined 3 colour

between Hike & Ride available and

construction to create one of the

beanie hats. These beanies will be

linked with Interchangeable sole units,

smoothest flexes available, making

available to buy from October at

lightweight Triax shell, Mobility Cuff

it ideal for landing airs in the park or

the price of £24.99. They will all be

this really is the ultimate Free Ride

off drops. The spine delivers precise

available from www.zainihats.com

weapon. With a flex of 120 it delivers

ski control and the progressive

alongside our current 15 hat designs

total versatility on & off piste. Also

flex absorbs shocks and enhances

and 9 headbands. Make sure to check

available in a Light version which

handling; the Trufit liner is moulded

them out!

features a heat molding inner boot .

for a customised fit. The boot is best suited to athletic intermediate skiers and is of medium stiffness. The boot also has a power strap to ensure your foot is fully secure whilst skiing as well as a ski/walk mechanism making the journey to and from the slope far less tedious. A lower cuff is also ideal for female skiers.

Dragon DXS Hog Wild Goggles £75 The DXS fits smaller heads perfectly and because it comes with two lenses as standard (one for bright days and one for dull) you’ll never find your vision suffering because of light conditions. And as every girl knows, when you’re wearing sparkles you’re sure to have a good time!

Dainese Women’s Back Protector Soft Lady £110 Light, tough and comfortable: everything you want a back protector to be.

Crash absorb panels use soft impactabsorbing materials to mould to user’s back, and steel inserts on the spine provide additional protection. Back protection is vital for freestyle skiing and is a must have on the slopes!

33

www.inthesnow.com

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.

North Face Women’s Baker Jacket £220 One of our most versatile women’s jackets, with great all-weather performance on the slopes, in the countryside and around town. In fully-taped, HyVent waterproof and breathable fabric with soft, low-bulk Heatseeker insulation. The jacket is packed with all the usual features.

Colours: Black or White. Sizes: XS-XL

Salomon Venom Helmet £70

Hi-Tec St Moritz 200 £80

K2 Miss Demeanor Ski £290

The Venom mixes style, comfort and

Ensure you are looking good and keep-

The MissDemeanor is built for having

performance in equal measures. A

ing warm this winter with the stylish St.

fun. It doesn’t matter if that means

tough ABS shell provides durability,

Moritz 200 women’s winter boot from

perfecting tricks in the park, slaying

the EPS impact liner absorbs the

Hi-Tec, the iconic sports and outdoor

tree runs, lapping powder bowls or just

shocks and seven mesh-screened vents

brand. The waterproof, warm and

messing around. The full-wood core

circulate cool air and keep things fresh.

comfortable outdoor boots will inspire

is poppy and lively and the All-Terrain

Faux fur ear pads can be removed for

you to take on any terrain whatever the

Rocker ensures perfect handling all over

park or spring riding, and the liner

weather. The winter traction outsole

the mountain. What’s more their vibrant

comes out so you can wear a beanie

provides unbeatable durability and

and exciting design will certinaly make

under the helmet if that’s your look.

protection with rugged grip.

you stand out on the slopes this season!

North Face Women's Go-Go Pants £130 Our best-selling women's ski pants deliver a great fit to all shapes and sizes. In fully- taped, HyVent waterproof & breathable fabric with warm, low bulk Thermoliner insulation. Features flattering boot cut shape, easy-fit adjustable waist, low profile cargo pockets, mesh-backed venting zips and StretchVent gaiters. Colours: Royal Tan (924), TNF White (910), TNF Black (901) or Fuchsia Pink (966)

(Ski only)

34

www.inthesnow.com

HOTEL ALEX

MONTHLY GUIDE TO ACCOMMODATION www.clubchalets.co.uk

SKI-BASe: chalet de la Cloche

4

Zermatt The Hotel Alex is perfectly situated in the centre of Zermatt just off on a hidden back street, giving you the busyness of beautiful Zermatt right on your doorstep, but the peace and quiet you would expect from an escape to the mountains. The warm and friendly welcome is simply hard to beat.

Val d’Isère 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 9667070 info@hotelalexzermatt.com www.hotelalexzermatt.com

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

CHALET 1066

SKI VERBIER

SNOW CHATEAUX

Les Gets

Verbier

Les Arcs / Le Plagne / Tignes

Catered and Self Catered Chalets and Apartments in Les Gets. Economical to Luxurious, all Excellent Value. Outstanding Service.

Ski Verbier is the most established ski chalet operator in Verbier with a wide variety of luxury catered and self-catered chalets and a boutique hotel.

Guests are looked after by a team of staff providing world-class cuisine, discreet service and an in-resort driving service until 4am.

'Voted one of the top 5 places to stay'

+44 (0) 20 7401 1101 info@skiverbier.com www.skiverbier.com

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

Search ski chalet accommodation

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

A every ¼

already readers

million month

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

The Daily Telegraph

Step 1

Open your web browser and go to www.skinews.co.uk

Step 2

lES CHALETS DE PHILIPPE

Click the ‘Subscribe’ ad box, then fill out your details

5

nTheS nTheSInTheSI I

w.com no nline tO

w.com no

ISSUE | SEP 2011 | SEP 20 2011 ISSUE 20ISSUE | SEP 20 2011

nline tO

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

w.com no

Read IRead I ea R d I 

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!

nline tO

Chamonix

DD N I N N I D IINLAAN E I K N E KIREEETTLLA SSSK FREOOT e! or m ce 3e! on geor us n peam 3 ! n c on ere o up no ago is dowus n pe m 3 on w on onc e as loup no ag se thneis dnowus n p o ow s o w o sh haas loup wn

Step 3

Get InTheSnow sent FREE to your door every month!

35

www.inthesnow.com

MATTERHORN FOCUS Zermatt

THE CAMBRIAN

5

4

MOUNTAIN HEAVEN

4

UNOFFICIAL

Adelboden

Morzine

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.

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.

+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)151 625 1921 info@mountainheaven.co.u www.mountainheaven.co.uk

Vitalhotel & Mountain Residence

ALPINE ACTION

THE CLUBHOUSE

Meribel & La Tania

Chamonix – Mont Blanc

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.

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.

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

01273 466535 sales@alpineaction.co.uk www.alpineaction.co.uk

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

5

Obergurgl

262X115_Ads_NoFlash_Ad with FLASH 14/09/2011 13:47 Page 1

British Ski + Board Show 28 – 30 October • NEC Birmingham

ets Tick E £5 SAViday Fr

BOOK NOW Save £££s www.theticketfactory.com Call 0844 581 0734

www.britishskiandboardshow.co.uk

Tickets available on the door Terms and conditions apply

let’s go skiing FUN DAY OUT

with real snow experience

FREE ON ENTRY

Big Air Show • Ski & Board Tuition • Rock Climbing XC Skiing • Boot Clinic • Retro Ski Gallery Mountain Bike Action • Ski Clubs Awards Talk Theatre • Resort Jobs Off Piste Skiing • Snow Driving • Ski Fitness with TV presenter Graham Bell

UK’s Biggest Ski Shopping Event Over 1 Million £’s of Bargains Destinations, Holidays & Kit Included in the show

Summer Mountains

Information on Travel • Holidays • Mountains Sports For those that love the mountains all year round Supported by Animal Bike Tour

36

www.inthesnow.com

Ski Verbier Celebrates 20th With Launch Of Ski Chamonix BEN CLATWORTHY

Ski Verbier, the Swiss chalet specialists, are celebrating 20 years in the industry and launching their exciting new product, Ski Chamonix.

The expansion of their portfolio this winter will include luxurious chalets in the world-renowned resort of Chamonix, France. Their new flagship chalet is the impressive and contemporary Chalet Cragganmore, sleeping 12, and will be on offer from December. Guests will be able to relax in the large outdoor hot tub with stunning views of Le Dru, Les Grandes Jorasses, and Mont Blanc, after a

hard day on the slopes, before enjoying gourmet cuisine in the evening. This chalet is not lacking in luxury toys and boasts a well-equipped gym along with a climbing wall and its own cinema, sauna and games room. The living area is dominated by a fireplace hanging from the ceiling, which makes for a real focal point whilst enjoying a glass of fine wine or champagne in the evening along with delectable canapés. The centre of Chamonix, with its wide selection of shops, bars, casino and cinema, is less than a five minute drive, not to mention the breathtaking Aiguille du Midi and the Vallée Blanche guided route.

UK's Longest Artificial Slope Saved The famous Hillend dry ski slope in Midlothian, near Edinburgh in Scotland, has been saved from closure after funds were found to keep the iconic slope open. The slope has long been a visible feature on the Edinburgh skyline and for decades has been a training ground for Britain’s best-known ski racers. It is also one of the world’s largest artificial surface ski slopes and one of the few that’s large enough to be served by a chairlift. The loss-making slope was threatened by the local council’s funding shortfall, but more than 27,000 people signed a Facebook campaign to save the slope and now

nearly £1m has been pledged by Sportscotland and the Scottish government to keep it open and make improvements, including a magic carpet lift to serve an extended beginners’ slope.

37

www.inthesnow.com

SNOW PLANNER IN ASSOCIATION WITH

SEPTEMBER

07| 14 |

SNO!storm SNO!zone Castleford

Freestyle event.

24| 30|

The BRITS SNO!zone Castleford Watch some of the UK’s best freestyle skiers battle it out in The Rebellion!

Core Night Chill Factore, Manchester

Freestyle ski evening.

Airbag and Freestyle Night Chill Factore, Manchester

Full Slope freestyle with Airbag. All tickets include a four-hour lift pass and a 45minute Airbag session.

15 | 19 | 23 | 22|

The Snowboard Asylum Big Bang

OCTOBER

SNO!zone Castleford

TSA host a freestyle event

04|

Ski Club of Great Britain Member Meet-Up Chill Factore, Manchester

Meet other Ski Club members ahead of the new season and participate in training sessions from Warren Smith.

05|

London Ski Show Earl’s Court Exhibition Centre The UK’s biggest ski show moves to its original home of Earl’s Court as exhibitors show off their new season stock.

British Telemark Cocktail Party

SNO!fresh SNO!zone Milton Keynes

Freestyle event for university students. (Also 19 October at Milton Keynes, Castleford and Scotland).

The Ski Club of Great Britain

The British Telemark Ski Team invites you to join them for an exciting evening of splendour at the Ski Club of Great Britain. Fundraising event. Tickets £30.

TUI Teams Raise Over £10,000 The Disability Snowsport (DSUK) Skiathon returned for its third year at indoor snow centres across the UK last spring. The challenge, dubbed ‘666 the number of the piste’ was to ski or board 666 runs in 6 hours with a team of six people.

TUI – the company which owns several leading UK ski tour operator businesses including Crystal, Thomson,

First Choice and Flexiski – fielded 13 teams and 75 TUI SHG staff raised £10,000 in sponsorship for this event.

“We joined the Kingston Devils at a wonderful 6:30am to make our way to Milton Keynes for our days’ skiing!” said Ali of The King Stunners (“a delightful mixture of Flexi Ski and Crystal Ski staff”).

“Decked out in our Skiathon bright blue t-shirts and spurred on by the event’s staff and the fantastic volunteers, who counted us in (every last slope run), we got underway!

Huge credit to everyone who joined in, amongst us were the RAF Ski team – who displayed all their skills and speed throughout the day, and

the British Disabled Ski team, who challenged the RAF right up until the last run for the competition to see who could do the most runs. TUI Ski teams were well-represented and it gave an added opportunity to form new friendships and have a lot of laughs through the day. I’d highly recommend the Skiathon to anyone who wants to join in next year.”

© Surfanic International Ltd. 2011

38

www.inthesnow.com

Snow Rehab BEN CLATWORTHY

InTheSnow’s Ben Clatworthy talks to Edith Rozsa, ex-Canadian National Alpine and Ski Cross Team member, who is now a company director and skis with clients at Snow Rehab. Edith is a self-confessed snow addict.

Edith, you were nine times North American Alpine Champion and four times Canadian champion during an 11 year stint on the Canadian Ski Team, what’s your lasting memory of racing?

ER> One word comes to mind: fortunate. While I missed many of the typical social aspects of adolescence, I was travelling the world, developing an international network of friends, and pursuing excellence. I developed skills to deal with disappointment and celebrated many wins. And, I consider myself incredibly fortunate to have been able to carry my passion for the sport into my post-racing career.

How did you become involved with Snow Rehab?

ER> Meeting Gordon, the other half of Snow Rehab, on the slopes of Big White was a serendipitous event. We share a massive passion for the mountains.

When he approached me with the Snow Rehab concept, I immediately expressed interest not just in coaching his clients in the gates, but in a full partnership. I love sharing my passion for the mountains and the sport with others. I also host a TV show called Ski Television in the US, which allows me to travel around the world meeting people and showcasing mountain resorts. I was fortunate enough to visit Scotland for the first time this past April when I skied at Cairngorm, Hillend and the SnowZone. I’ve fallen in love with the country since then!

I’m told Ski Rehab is different in the way it almost takes clients back to their youth and gives them the all-

mountain treatment, would you say that’s a fair assumption?

ER> Our market is youth-focused, but for slightly older skiers, there is no question that they will come to play in the mountains in ways that they may not have imagined possible. With so many days on-snow, their riding will improve exponentially. Additionally, the broad spectrum of activities and new skills they will acquire through the Avalanche, First Aid, nutrition, and ski tuning courses will feed their desire for knowledge. And there’s no question that going cat skiing and boarding will have everyone giggling between breaths of light, dry powder snow.

What’s on the cards for Snow Rehab this year?

ER> Everything is new! Although it is our first year, both Gordon and I bring a diverse, yet relevant repertoire of skills to Snow Rehab. With his experience in the business world and mine in snow sports, we have a keen sense for what makes a great winter adventure and how to deliver it. That is why we are offering 4, 6 and 12 week instructor and improvement courses at Big White and Revelstoke Mountain Resort with a variety of start and end dates from January through April. We have packed many extras into the standard packages, and are also offering a menu of add-ons. It is our first year, and we are out to impress.

If you had one tip for our readers ahead of the new season what would it be?

ER> Skiing is anaerobic, so I recommend interval training. I know it hurts, but the benefits will outweigh the pain.

Also, while you are watching TV, do some wall sits to strengthen your legs. It’s simple: back against the wall, feet a footand-a-half away. Slide down until your quads are parallel to the floor. Stay there until your legs are shaking, screaming and giving out. Repeat as many times as humanly possible. Lastly, and most important, go to comedy clubs to get your laughing muscles in shape...oh, and book into SnowRehab.com!

I was travelling the world, developing an international network of friends and pursuing excellence. I developed skills to deal with disappointment and celebrated many wins Snow Rehab is based out in Canada, what resort do you call home?

ER> Whilst I grew up in Whistler, I have settled in Kelowna, British Columbia. This place is magical! Incredible summers with large, warm lakes, orchards and awardwinning wineries. Big White is my home mountain - just 45 minutes from town- it has a quaint ski-in, ski-out village with plenty of food and entertainment options.

WHAT’S YOUR EXCUSE FOR NOT BEING HERE?

BOOK NOW for a

FREE LIFTPASS! SKI HOLIDAYS

www.alpineelements.co.uk | 0844 770 40 70

from

£299 All-in!

SKI WEEKENDS

www.igoski.co.uk | 0844 770 40 74

Just push the button and every jacket ever made becomes obsolete.

The Circuit Breaker™ Softshell

IT’S HARD TO UNDERSTAND THE POWER OF AN ELECTRIC JACKET UNTIL YOU WEAR ONE. When you turn on our Omni-Heat Electric jacket, gloves, or boots, the rechargeable batteries provide hours of warmth instantly. And just as quickly, you’ll understand the benefits of trying stuff.

Learn more at COLUMBIASPORTSWEAR.CO.UK

© 2011 Columbia Sportswear Company. All rights reserved.

Scan to learn more

OMNI-HEAT ™ ELECTRIC: HEAT ON DEMAND

COLUMBIA STORE, 170 KENSINGTON HIGH ST, LONDON