INTHE SNOW CAROLINE VANTHOFF
ISSUE42 | FEB2015
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IN THIS MONTH MATTIA FREDERIKSSON
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GOING BACK TO THE START WE VISIT THE SWISS JUNGFRAU
HOLLY JUNAK
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Few ski areas rival the Swiss Jungfrau for its skiing pedigree. The British pioneers of downhill skiing arrived more than a century ago, and visiting today it’s easy to see what attracted them.
LE CHARDON MOUNTAIN LODGES Val d’Isère is of course home to some of the world’s most wonderful
ZERO TO HERO LEARNING TO SKI IN NORWAY
INTHESNOW
@INTHESNOWMAG INTHESNOW
Taking a ‘never-ever’ skier to skiing superstar on Norwegian ski slopes was never going to be easy, but total immersion in the home of skiing and a ‘can do’ attitude from the willing subject paid off…
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If you... #loveski...then ski more often. Ski Weekends is the home of short break packages & tailor-made ski holidays to Europe's best ski resorts. With more choice of catered chalets, hotels & self-catering apartments, flying from 17 UK airports why only ski once a year?
organically to offer that bit extra when it comes to service. CHRISTIAN PERRET
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mountain properties, but Le Chardon Mountain Lodges have grown
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REGULARS
GEAR
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BOOT ROOM 038 With the leading trade fair for ski kit, ISPO, over for another year, the world’s biggest brands (and everybody else) have unveiled their latest ideas for the 2015–16 season. Here are some great items.
10 MINUTES WITH ELLIOT BROWN
SKI REPUBLIC 032
When two long-term friends, colleagues and watchmakers extraordinaire decided to team up, the resulting timepieces were
We profile one of the most successful ski
bound to be special; the fact that they love skiing is just a bonus.
rental companies in Europe and look at what
patrick@inthesnow.com
they’re doing right and the special offers
FREERIDE 008
they have in place for the remainder of the season if you haven’t booked your gear yet.
Conditions this season have certainly kept us on our
HEMEL SNOW CENTRE 036
toes. Less than a month ago, all was doom and gloom
COMPETITION 028
other as to who could come up with the most dramatic
in the Alps with the newspapers trying to outdo each report as to how bad it was – the best (or should that be worst?) I saw was a claim that this was the poorest snow
KLAUS LORKE
016
TEAM
cover start to a ski season in 26 years. Fast-forward to February and huge snowfalls in the Alps (and, although they needed it less, the Pyrenees) have transformed the ski scene, and now the talk is of one of the best half-term holidays for snow cover in
SUB EDITORS
© Copyright 2014
DOMINIC KILLINGER
NICK JONES MARION ADAMS
Printed in the UK.
struck lucky with sunny days, blue skies and perfect
No part of this publication
snow conditions.
dom@inthesnow.com PRODUCTION DIRECTOR
MATT NICHOLSON matt@inthesnow.com EDITOR
PATRICK THORNE patrick@inthesnow.com
BLOW THE BONUS CHALET N
OPERATIONS DIRECTOR
DEBBIE GABRIEL debbie@inthesnow.com SALES MANAGER
GIANCARLO GAMBARDELLA
3D TVs, hay saunas and pillowcases monogramed with your initials
giancarlo@inthesnow.com
before you arrived are just some of the extras at one of the wold’s top luxury chalets. The skiing’s not bad if you can face going outdoors too.
recent years. Those lucky enough to be on the slopes
PUBLISHER
PICTURE EDITOR
ROSS WOODHALL
CONTRIBUTORS
SAM THORNE OLIVIA PARRY-JONES AMIE POSTINGS ANDY TAYLOR GABRIELLA LE BRETON
may be copied, photocopied or reproduced, stored in a
SALLY BARTLETT COLUMNISTS
JON WEST PHIL SMITH LORNA MCGACHIE HEMEL SNOW CENTRE
Mid-February onwards is always a busy time in the
retrieval system or transmitted,
French Alps of course, with those school holiday
in any way or means, either by
bookings dominating the market, but if you’re still
recording or otherwise, without permission of the publishers
EQUIPMENT EDITOR
of the Alps in the first week earlier this month certainly
in writing.
looking for a winter 2015 ski trip you’ll find most other ski destinations are a little quieter with availability normally easier to find. If you can leave it until March,
INTHESNOW LTD
prices typically drop by the middle of the month and
THE SNOW STUDIO
there are lots of special deals, especially for families,
KINGS LANE, BUCKS HP16 0QY
at Easter. If you’re looking for inspiration, this month we have
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rocketbase.co.uk
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features on skiing in the spectacular Swiss Jungfrau region at the resorts of Grindelwald, Murren and Wengen, where we Brits have been heading to slide downhill for more than a century. Along with lots more ideas, as always, in our news stories, we also feature ski holidays in Norway, which has had a very snowy ski season so far. There’s also a great
For the latest deals and best prices www.skiweekends.com or call
023 8020 6971
destination option in Val-d’Isère, or if you have a quarter of a million Euros or so to spare, check out our “Blow the Bonus” column and you’ll see what that kind of money can get you, low season at least, at arguably the best ski chalet in Austria. But wherever you’ve been this season, or are heading if you’ve not been away yet, and whether you’re booked into a cheap hostel or a luxury chalet, I hope you’re lucky with the snow – the crucial ingredient, more than ever, in most of our ski holidays.
again & again with Skiweekends.com
003 // FEB15
ALPE D’HUEZ
SKI PRICES DROP IN EURO ZONE, NORWAY & CANADA
WORDS: PATRICK THORNE
the US, it’s now more expensive still.
country, have surged by around 13% after the
But for those heading to the Eurozone,
With Euro exchange rates the best they’ve
Swiss Central Bank’s decision.
Scandinavia and Canada it seems to be mostly
been for more than 5 years, prices in the Alps
Interestingly in Norway, traditionally thought
a warm, fuzzy feeling that awaits as we pay
(except Switzerland), Pyrenees, Dolomites and
of as one of the most expensive European
less for our holidays.
other ski nations in the Eurozone including
destinations for Brits, the pound has continued
“What our clients are finding is that their
Finland, Slovakia and Slovenia are around 8%
to gain strength year-on-year and now
cheaper for Brits compared to a year ago with
buys around 11.5 Krona compared to 8.5
the pound buying around €1.3.
Krona only two years ago – a rise of about
“This is definitely good for business and
a third.
especially when added to the amazing snow
Skiers heading across the Atlantic will find
conditions at the moment across all the French
the US dollar at a two-year high against
resorts we feature,” said Xavier Schouller, boss
the pound with the pound buying only
of tour operator Peak Retreats, who added,
1.5 dollars, but by contrast the pound has
“There has seen a big surge in bookings over
gradually increased in value against the
the past few weeks and especially for the
Canadian dollar, now buying more than 1.8
March/April Easter period which was already a
Canadian dollars, making skiing in Canada
lot more popular than last season. This is great
more affordable.
news for us as it had been the slowest start to
“The Swiss double whammy of impossibly
ast month saw dramatic fluctuation in currency
a ski season we had seen since we started the
high minimum wage and 20% exchange
exchange rates between the UK and the
business 13 years ago.”
rate hike, has seen many of our regulars
world’s leading skiing nations – as well as
“The weak Euro already has some of our
reluctantly book other countries this
many of the minor ones.
clients planning to ski more than once this
year. Some say rich Switzerland doesn’t
The weakening of the Euro and the decision
winter, as the old grumbles about the price of
want ‘mainstream’ ski tourism anymore,” said
pounds will take them much further than
by the Swiss Central Bank to stop attempting
beer in France lessen and après-ski no longer
Richard Sinclair.
last year in France this season. Mountain
to limit its strength on the international market
requires an overdraft,” added Richard Sinclair
“The Swiss Central Bank’s decision to unfix its
restaurants, bar bills, restaurant bills, food
is both good news and bad for Brits heading to
of special ski travel agency sno.co.uk. “We’ve
currency against the Euro could change the
shopping will all cost less in resorts when
Europe, depending on where they’re heading.
seen some great deals on rental and lessons
dynamics of the European ski property market
converted back in pounds, so the few people
The good news is that prices have dropped
booked locally, so we sometimes advised our
in Europe this year,” commented Julian Walker,
who have not paid too much attention to
considerably at the ski areas that most of
clients not to add these extras with us, when
Director at Skiingproperty.com, who added
exchange rates may have pleasant surprises
us head to – France, Austria, Italy, Andorra,
booking their holiday.”
that this is likely to have a knock-on effect for
when they receive their credit card bills on
Finland and Canada for example. The bad
Prices in Switzerland, which were already
those wishing to rent rather than buy holiday
their return,” concluded Xavier Schouller.
news is that for ski holidays to Switzerland and
considered high for those not resident in the
property there.
HOW EXCHANGE RATES HAVE CHANGED IN 2015 Euro: £ to approx. 1.3 Swiss Franc: £ to approx. 1.4 Canadian $: £ to approx. 1.8 US $: £ to approx. 1.5 Norwegian Krone: £ to approx. 11.5
005 // FEB15
FLO HAGENA
VAL D’ISÈRE OFFERS ELECTRIC BIKING Val d’Isère is offering its guests the chance to try motorbiking on the snow this winter on an all-electric bike. The new Freeride E-XC from KTM is an entirely electric motorbike available to rent at the resort’s Alpine Arc Ice Driving Circuit. Ideal for beginners and experts alike, the resort says the E-XC bike is easy to drive, with the added bonus of having zero emissions.
NEW NIGHT SKIING IN VERBIER The Téléverbier lift company is offering the opportunity to ski on most Thursday evenings on the Esserts slope this winter. The slope is due to be floodlit and open to skiers and boarders from 18:30 until 21:30 on virtually all Thursday evenings through
SPEEDRIDING RECORD ATTEMPT DATES SET
adults, CHF8 for children.
T
CRYSTAL WINS ANOTHER AWARD The travel trade’s favourite suppliers were honoured at the Travel Weekly Globe Travel Awards in London last month with Crystal winning the Best Activity and Adventure Operator. The event was hosted by comedian Jack Whitehall with awards voted for entirely by UK travel agents. “We thank the travel agent community for their continued support,” said Tamsin Todd, Managing Director of Crystal Ski Holidays.
GOURMET SKI WEEK Supertravel Ski’s Gourmet Week is back on
he intends to make his attempt to
150km/h. The current record was
set a new world record in his sport
set by Frenchman François Bon
during the period from 18–22 March
in 2006.
2015, and now he has the suit to
A competition run at the end of last
wear for it.
year to design the “world’s fastest
The relatively new sport of
racing suit” judged by various
speedriding involves skiing and
extreme sports legends opted for
flying down steep slopes, wearing
a design submitted by Katherina
a small parasail, and Armin will
Obletter from Ortisei in Italy. The
Google’s decision to start publishing snow
make his world record attempt on
suit is now being created meaning
reports in their search results this season has
the 3859m-high mountain face of
the main thing Armin needs now
led to a large number of inaccurate reports
he Italian speedriding superstar
the Königspitze at Sulden in the
for his record attempt in March is
appearing at the top of search result pages for
Armin Senoner has announced that
Ortler Alps (Italy) at speeds of over
good weather.
people looking for current snow information. At the start of the season, the search engine giant were reporting a number of leading ski resorts as closed when they were open, and where they
22 March and will be hosted by Michelin-
were listed as open, their snow reports were
starred chef François Moureaux, renowned in the Three Valleys for his stylish modern
POP-UP CHAMPAGNE BAR IS BACK
cuisine. He’ll be cooking at a different chalet each night as well as hosting culinary master
supertravel.co.uk
DANIEL BAYER
costs from £1,549pp on a chalet-board basis
extremely inaccurate for some resorts. Although the company said it was “looking into the problem” several months ago, earlier this month, when resorts in the Pyrenees had had
classes. A week’s stay at Chalet Founets Aval (sleeps eight) for Gourmet Week 2015
GOOGLE SNOW REPORTS WRONG
to 19 March 2015. A lift pass costs CHF15 for
WAXED UP: GANGS OF GLOUCESTER Gloucester Ski and Snowboard Centre will
each weekend and can be easily
more than a metre of snow over the previous 3
spotted thanks to Veuve’s signature
days, the search engine listed Formigal in Spain,
yellow umbrellas, chaises lounges
which had a 1.2m base at resort level and 2.8m
and solar-powered sound system.
(more than 9ft) of snow on upper runs and was
“Because Oasis may be gone as
trying to dig out its lifts at the time, as having a
quickly as it appears, it compels
meagre 20cm of snow cover in resort and 90cm
you to experience it, or risk missing
on upper runs, with no fresh snow for a week.
the opportunity,” said Ted Mahon, a
It is unclear what effect, if any, publishing very
long-time ski instructor. “It’s not about
inaccurate snow information ahead of more
What’s claimed to be the world’s
Aspen Mountain via a snowcat,
having a drink – it’s about spontaneity,
accurate information provided by the ski resorts
new type of slopestyle event for teams
first pop-up champagne and caviar
much like an on-piste version of a
and living in the moment.”
themselves and long-established independent
of four skiers and snowboarders or both.
bar is back in action in Aspen for its
big city food truck, serving a regal
For exact times and locations of
snow reporting agencies will have on safety in the
Named “Waxed up: Gangs of Gloucester”, it
third season.
combination of Veuve Clicquot
Oasis, Aspen visitors should follow
mountains, people’s plans to travel to resorts or
takes place on Saturday 21 February at 3pm
Operated by Colorado resort’s
champagne and California Caviar.
The Little Nell on Twitter and
on ski resorts’ or travel companies’ businesses.
and costs £10/rider to enter. The day will
luxurious The Little Nell, the bar,
Oasis sets up shop from Friday to
Facebook and look for posts with
Google did not respond to queries to their US
also include demos and a BBQ. Register via
known as Oasis, roams around
Sunday afternoon. It changes settings
these details.
head office or UK press office.
become the first UK slope to host a brand
waxedup@yahoo.com or 01452501438.
006 // FEB15 // INTHESNOW.COM
@INTHESNOWMAG
BRIAN FINESTONE
SCHLADMING
GUILT-FREE APRÈS SKI?
KIDS-ONLY SNOWPARK
Crystal Ski Holidays (crystalski.co.uk) have launched a “guilt-free après
Whistler Blackcomb has partnered with Burton Snowboards to
ski” initiative to remind people that while we have fun skiing, boarding,
build a kids-only Riglet Park at the Children’s Learning Centre on
sledging and doing most other things on snow, we also burn calories.
Whistler Mountain.
The company’s online calculator at ski-buzz.co.uk/ski-blog/guilt-free-
Riglet Parks are built around the idea of giving young kids a fun
apres, designed to be used while on your ski holiday, estimates the
introduction to the foundations of snowboarding through play, terrain-
number of calories you’ve burned based on your day’s activity on the
based learning and guided discovery.
slopes, and then recommends resort-specific food and drink that you
Children experience the feeling of sliding on snow through interactive
can enjoy that evening.
stations with features that help them learn the basic snowboard
Users enter their chosen resort and the time they spent on their
fundamentals of balance, movement and control in a safe, easy and fun
chosen snow-sport activity. Snowboarding will burn calories at a
environment. It’s basically a snowboarding playground.
different rate to skiing, or tobogganing or cross-country skiing.
“Kids are the heart of our sport and … With Burton’s Riglet Parks, kids are
The calculator then lets you know how much partying you have burned
in a small group with a trained snowboard coach, using learning-specific
off after a hard day on the slopes – and how much refuelling you can
gear and playing – it’s a game changer,” said Jeff Boliba, Vice President
do in the evening.
of Global Resorts for Burton Snowboards.
Featuring a selection of the world’s most popular resorts, including
Burton and Whistler Blackcomb will also host pop-up Riglet Parks in
Verbier, Whistler and Val Thorens, the aim of the calorie counter is to
Whistler Village throughout the winter season. The next event is on 20
allow you to enjoy the après side of ski holidays without feeling any
March from 1pm to 4pm in the Mountain Square (outside of Showcase
pangs of guilt for overindulging, the company says.
Snowboard Shop).
CATHERINE HOULT
SCOTLAND’S SIXTH SKI AREA NOW OPERATIONAL with two land owners. The new buildings have already been tested by the extremes of Scottish weather, surviving 100mph gales in early January. The Club’s main ski run should open imminently with more snow forecast and the installation of the new 400m tow lift almost complete. Regular snow reports are posted at skiclub. lowtherhills.com/snow-report and the Club also operates a lively Facebook page (facebook. com/pages/Lowther-Hills-Ski-Club/). There has been skiing in the Lowther Hills for at least 60 years, and the current Club has existed since the mid-1980s, but there has been no permanent ski lift and club house Recent snow and the partial completion of work
to be used.
facilities until this winter.
to get Lowther Hills ski area in the Scottish
The dedication of volunteers from the
Membership of the Lowther Hills Ski Club,
borders operational has paid off with the first
family-friendly Lowther Hills Ski Club to
which entitles members to free use of the
skiers taking to the area’s nursery slope.
get the centre operational has seen teams
ski lift and slopes whenever the centre is
On the busiest day so far, around 60 skiers
working in all weathers to erect lift pylons, a
open and other benefits, costs £35 for adults,
took to the 100m nursery slope, the first area
club house and lift engine shed through the
£20 for under 18s and £60 for families, with
to open, and a second temporary lift tow had
autumn after agreeing slope access rights
discounts for local residents.
TRANSALP: I HAVE A DREAM. Fischer has now made this dream come true. With the Fischer TRANSALP ski. Built using Fischer Aeroshape technology: an intelligent, streamlined ski design with mass-optimised construction and light, high-tensile materials. For exactly the right balance between climbing and downhill performance. And all this at only 950g per ski. Because pieces of equipment have to interact perfectly in extreme situations and ski tourers place exacting demands on their boots: the Fischer Transalp VACUUM TS Lite, the first fully adaptable touring ski boot. More freedom of movement, excellent power transfer and perfect fit. SKI: TRANSALP 80, BOOT: TRANSALP VACUUM TS LITE
FB.COM/INTHESNOW
007 // FEB15
fischersports.com
FREERIDE
O L E S S O N
N O . 5
W H E R E
T O
G O ?
skiing and it’s forbidden. Ducking under a rope
Gulmarg – Kashmir, but do check out the local
can result in ski passes being confiscated. Also
political situation first.
high on the list of very snowy places in the world is Alaska, but the world record for the most snow in one season is held by Mt Baker Washington at a whopping 29m.
ACCESSIBLE TERRAIN You’re going to need terrain and lots of it, but bear in mind vast lift systems do not necessarily
ALTITUDE
mean huge areas of off-piste skiing. The aptly
It’s a well-known fact that the higher the resort
lift. But who needs lots of lifts when one lift takes
the more chance of guaranteed snow. There’s
you to the top of the mountain? Vast areas in
a figure bandied around called the Lapse Rate
France include Paradiski, Espace Killy and the
- it’s generally considered to be a 1-degree
Portes du Soleil, and in Switzerland the world-
ne thing’s for certain – you’re going to need
Celsius drop in temperature for every 100m
famous ski area of Verbier. Austria, well, it has
snow and you’ll need to know where you’re
rise in altitude. Stick on an extra 1000m in
to be St Anton which takes après-ski to a whole
going to get it. Advising you exactly where to
height and you’ve got a 10-degree difference in
new level, and Italy has Alagna, also known as
named French resort of La Grave has only one
go to get the best
temperature. So
‘Freeride Paradise’. Any article on freeriding has
snow is a bit like
the higher the
to mention Chamonix and Courmayeur, home
advising someone
resort, the lower
of Mont Blanc and the most famous off-piste
on who’s going
the temperature.
run in the world, ‘The Valley Blanche’. If you
to win the Grand
But, higher
fancy something not quite run of the mill then
National. However,
doesn’t mean
heli-skiing in Kamchatka may take your fancy,
we can make it a
more snow.
or climbing volcanoes in Southern Chile for
bit easier to decide
Bear this in
something completely different.
where to go with a
mind if you’re
few guidelines.
going high, and
LOCAL REGULATIONS
Firstly, let’s look
then take into
In North America, off-piste skiing in resort
at a few of the
consideration
areas is strictly controlled, but that’s not to
PHIL SMITH SNOWORKS
wind and
say there’s no powder to enjoy; actually
fewer trees as
there’s stacks of it. In other countries such as
well. So it’s a
France there used to be more responsibility
Phil Smith is founder of Snoworks
pay-off. Right
placed on the individual, but all countries are
All-Mountain Ski Courses. Snoworks
up on the list
now beginning to take a much firmer look at
run Off-Piste and Backcountry courses
of high-altitude
off-piste skiing, so make sure you’ve checked
throughout the winter along with Off-
ski resorts in
out the rules and regulations with the local
Piste Adventure trips to destinations
Europe is my
authorities before heading anywhere. Skiing
around the world. info@snoworks.com
hometown of
without a qualified guide or instructor is not
up in the results –
Tignes along
considered responsible behaviour, unless
Japan. The North
with Val Thorens
you are very experienced. And don’t forget,
Island of Japan gets
and, in Austria,
it’s not just your life that’s at stake; it’s the
variables.
SNOWFALL Search for “the snowiest place on earth” online and one place will constantly come
more snow than any other alpine nation, with
Hintertux, while across the water you have
lives of those you’re skiing with and those
an average annual snowfall of over 17m. But
Breckenridge with a village at an altitude of just
who may need to come out and rescue you.
you need to know where you’re going. Many
under 3000m. If you’re really going for height
So wherever you go, make sure you’re with
Japanese resorts have not taken to off-piste
then one of the highest lifts in the world is in
qualified guides or instructors.
08 // FEB15
SNOWORKS.COM
Heavenly Skiing At Down To Earth Prices
COWELL LOOMS LARGE OVER ISCHGL in the resort’s Shapes In White snow sculpture
hospitality in Ischgl is fantastic.”
music talent critic Simon Cowell is looming
exhibition 11 times out of the 22 years it has
The snow sculptures will remain in place for as
large over the slopes of Ischgl in Austria’s Tirol
been held.
long as it remains cold enough, and Ischgl has a
at present. This is not the actual Mr Cowell, but
This winter’s contest was themed on “Casting
very long season lasting another 4 months to the
a snow sculpture replica of the famous man’s
Shows”, and the Scott brothers were one of ten
start of May, when it stages its famous “Top of
head, carved from a 4m block of snow up on the
two-man teams to take part in the exhibition.
the Mountain” concert with a major international
ski slopes.
Ischgl is quite a change of scene for gardener and
musical superstar (yet to be announced for 2015
The smiling snow sculpture, wearing trademark
tree surgeon Justin, from Driffield in Yorkshire, and
as we went to press) headlining. Whoever it turns
sunglasses, is the work of English brothers
Simon, a sales director from Acle in Norfolk.
out to be, surely Mr Cowell will approve?
Justin and Simon Scott, who have taken part
“We enjoy taking part,” said Justin. “The
ischgl.com
TOURISMUSVERBAND ST. ANTON AM ARLBERG - MARIANNE HIESEL
A giant snow sculpture of the infamous new
PRINCE ANDREW AND EX BUY VERBIER CHALET
SNOW VOLLEYBALL IN ST ANTON
Prince Andrew and his ex-wife Sarah Ferguson have bought a luxury
St Anton isn’t just about world-class skiing. The famous Austrian resort
chalet in Verbier. The couple, who divorced 19 years ago, are thought
stages a number of other events through the season including one of
to have spent between £8m and £13m to purchase the property.
the most popular, the Snow Volleyball Tour, which this season rolls into
Despite their divorced status the couple are reported to be on good
town from 3 to 5 April.
terms and have holidayed together with their daughters in Verbier at
Beach volleyball professionals switch from sand to snow to pull out
least since 1998, according to a BBC report.
all the stops in a battle for the coveted “King of the Snow” title in the
Buckingham Palace have not commented on the purchase, but the
sport, which now enjoys official recognition.
BBC reports that “a source close to Sarah Ferguson” says the chalet
The contest is played out in the Snow Arena at 2030m above sea level
acquisition is regarded as a “family purchase” and that no money was
next to the top station of the Rendlbahn lifts, where palm trees are
borrowed to pay for it.
brought in for decoration especially for the event.
Their children Princess Beatrice of York and Princess Eugenie of York
snowvolleyball.at
High Quality Catered + Self Catered Accommodation French and Swiss Alps Snow Sure Resorts On / Near Piste locations No Hidden Extras Financially Bonded
are aged 26 and 24 respectively.
0151 625 1921 mountainheaven.co.uk FB.COM/INTHESNOW
009 // FEB15
CHRISTIAN PERRET
WORDS: DEBBIE GABRIEL
B
like St Anton, Davos Klosters
season starts for over a decade, so
In December the village is also
where the sea bass and apple
and Ischgl much easier to reach.
the full huge extent of the Arlberg
home to a small traditional
coulis is a particular forte.
It’s also a small, efficient, friendly
was not open to test. However, the
Christmas market where highlights
There was no time for skiing in
and well-connected airport once
ski guide did manage to find some
include a local punch to sample,
Davos, and after trying a bit of curling
you arrive – so say goodbye to
good places to ski and a great lunch
served from what looked like a
and watching some of the local pro
traffic congestion outside and
spot at the Verwallstude restaurant
witch’s cauldron bubbling over an
ice hockey teams in training, our final
changeover-day chaos inside, and
serving the most delicious mountain
open fire and laced with amaretto
stop was Lake Constance, which
fly into Freidrichshafen 90 minutes
food – beautifully presented with
(delicious). We enjoyed browsing
we crossed by catamaran, and the
after you’ve taken off from Gatwick.
stunning views thrown in for free.
the stalls looking at the handcrafted
German Market in Konstanz.
Sadly, one perk we
goods for sale.
The market itself is a feast for the
enjoyed on that
With St Anton playing
eyes with so much to see and do
inaugural flight – a
such a crucial role in
you immediately feel immersed
the development of
in all things Christmassy, with
downhill skiing during
twinkling lights and the smell
the early decades of the
of mulled wine everywhere.
last century, a visit to the
Everything from hand-carved
museum here is a very
treasures to Christmas decorations
worthwhile experience
and food treats were available, and
bag of local cookies
MORE INFO
ritish Airways launched an all-
that came out on the
new route to the Alps this winter,
baggage conveyor for
making accessing some of the best
each of us in arrivals
resorts in Austria and Switzerland
shortly before our bags
much easier, and I was lucky
did – was probably a
enough to be on the inaugural
one-off.
too, before moving
it’s so big it takes a couple of hours
flight on behalf of InTheSnow.
My first duty after
onto the museum for a
to walk around with a glass of
The new direct flight is from Gatwick
checking out the new flight (tick),
But less skiing did mean more
quick look at the history behind St
mulled wine to keep you warm.
to Bodensee Airport Friedrichshafen
and Friedrichshafen Airport (tick),
time to see just what a beautiful
Anton and how alpine skiing was
Needless to say, the return trip
in southern Germany.
was to see how easy it was to get to
village St Anton is once you
developed mainly by this region.
through Freidrichshafen Airport
“Where?” you may ask – well,
St Anton. Around 90 minutes later –
forget its powder-snow reputation
The next stop was Davos where we
was as simple and straightforward
Friedrichshafen is actually superbly
or a little over 3 hours from leaving
and look instead at the beautiful
stayed in the new InterContinental
as the inbound experience –
placed for skiers, just a few
Gatwick – I was able to confirm that.
painted buildings and friendly
Davos Resort and Spa which has
exactly what you want when you
kilometres from the Austrian and
Unfortunately, our early season arrival
central square with its lovely cafes,
a great top-floor restaurant with
are only staying for a few days and
Swiss borders, making resorts
coincided with one of the worst
restaurants and shops.
panoramic views, Studio Grigio,
need to maximise every minute!
010 // FEB15
Bodensee Airport Friedrichshafen: fly-away.de/en British Airways: ba.com St Anton: stantonamarlberg.com Davos: davos.ch/en
@INTHESNOWMAG
NEW CHALET HAS SOFT PLAYZONE The family chalet specialist Esprit Ski (espritski.
years old, with a slide, a seesaw and other
activities, which are fully supervised.
com) has unveiled what they believe is the first-
age-appropriate soft play activities, and a larger
Ski Esprit holidays include return flights to
ever state-of–the-art soft playzone in a UK tour
multi-level playzone (12 x 5.5 x 3.7m) for 4 to
Geneva, transfers, free wi-fi, free baby listening
operator Chalet Hotel in the French Alps.
12 year olds, with a double slide, ball-pool,
every night, and 7 nights’ catered board
The Crystal 2000 in Courchevel 1850 now
building blocks and a whole host of other
accommodation with a cooked breakfast,
offers its youngest guests a fun space of their
attractions and adventures.
afternoon tea, children’s high tea and 5-course
own in which to play and let off steam. The
Children are able to enjoy the soft play under
dinners with complimentary wine. Esprit Classic
entire lower ground floor has been redesigned
parental supervision at any time during the
Child Care is available from £215 for a week of
to incorporate two separate play areas – a
day, and the Esprit Ski Child Care team also
exclusive ski lessons. And naturally, unlimited
smaller one for babies and toddlers up to three
use it for occasional Snow Club or Cocoa Club
use of the playzone is included too.
PHOTOSHELTER.COM
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A THIRD NOT ADEQUATELY INSURED ON THE SLOPES One in three people (33%) taking a
to obtain a European Health Insurance
winter-sports holiday this season
Card (EHIC) before they go.
won’t take out winter sports insurance,
Sainsbury’s Bank is highlighting,
according to new findings from
however, that anyone relying on their
Sainsbury’s Travel Insurance.
EHIC for full medical cover should be
In a survey of 2001 randomly selected
aware that the card only entitles you
British adults, commissioned by
to the same state-provided medical
Sainsbury’s Bank and conducted by
treatment as the host country’s
ICM Research, one in four (27%) said
residents, which may not be free.
they only planned to take out a general
An EHIC card will also not cover
travel insurance policy, and 6% said
emergency transportation should you
that they do not intend to take out any
need to be airlifted off the slopes,
insurance whatsoever.
taken to hospital by ambulance and
“Whilst most ski and snowboard trips
repatriated – costs which could easily
go without incident, winter sports
reach into thousands of pounds.
carry risks that can end up being
Additionally the research revealed that
very costly,” warned Scott Gorman
of those planning to take out a winter
of Sainsbury’s Travel Insurance
sports insurance policy, less than one
(sainsburysbank.co.uk/travel).
in three (29%) took out off-piste cover
The survey also found that the most
despite the growing popularity of
popular destinations among its
“freeriding”. The bank points out that
respondents were France, Austria,
any claim as a result of participation
Switzerland, the US and Italy. With
in off-piste skiing when you are
three of these destinations based in the
not accompanied by a qualified ski
EU, Sainsbury’s Bank Travel Insurance
instructor who holds the appropriate
is reminding winter sports enthusiasts
liability insurance may not be covered.
...isn’t it time you upgraded your equipment and made the most of your experience in the mountains? Come and visit us today to ensure you have the correct advice from experienced equipment specialists before you invest in your next trip. Bringing you the largest specialist range of skis & boots in the UK and advice and expertise since 1965. We’ll always be here to help and advise you on the correct equipment for wherever your passions and dreams take you. Custom boot fitting specialists. Ski Industries Of Great Britain official ski testers. Winner of the World Snow Awards - Best UK Speciailst Retailer
FREERIDE | FREESTYLE | TOURING | TELEMARK | RACE | RECREATIONAL FB.COM/INTHESNOW
011 // FEB15
Ski Bartlett, Uxbridge Road, Hillingdon, West London, UB10 0NP T:020 8848 0040 | E:info@skibartlett.com | www.SkiBartlett.com
ZERMATT LIFT COMPANY
SAVE IN SWITZERLAND
S
But for those who want to keep
obviously want to keep people
currency swing by pre-purchasing
skiing in Switzerland despite the
coming and had already been
all their lift passes, ski-school and
price tag, we do have suggestions
working to combat the “expensive”
ski/snowboard rental in sterling
on how you can still enjoy Swiss
perception of the country before
from them in advance, thus
skiing while protecting yourself
the latest price rises, with free
from the worst excesses of the
or discounted lift passes for
Swiss Franc.
accommodation bookings a
The top advice is to book as much
common offer.
of your holiday as you can in the
In Adelboden, for example, Hotel
UK. Some tour operators will sell all
Alpina (alpina-adelboden.ch) is
travel, accommodation, lift passes,
sticking to a very favourable EURO-
rentals and tuition costs upfront in
CHF ratio of 1.20 – meaning Brits
one package, and most are sticking
are actually better off going there
kiers love Switzerland for the
to their existing prices for the time
than they were before, thanks to
benefiting from the lower pre-15th
stunning scenery, high-quality
being, including for 15–16 holidays
the strengthening pound to Euro!
January exchange rate.
experience and the fact that
already on sale, in the case of
Inghams are urging their clients to
“The sudden currency rate change
everything works, usually.
take advantage of “Inghams Plus”
underlines the value of booking
But it was always one of the more
added-value offers in order to
early with an established tour
expensive destinations for Brits
reduce in-resort spend.
operator so that the currency rate
to head to, and the recent further
“All those travelling to the Inghams
is secured by our forward-buying
rise in value of the Swiss Franc
Chalet Hotel de Verbier, for
capability,” said Hugh Walton,
against the pound, caused by the
example, will benefit from the fact
Inghams Executive Director.
Swiss Central Bank deciding last
that most meals and drinks are
“Whilst we cannot avoid the effect
month to no longer try to control
included, ensuring the in-resort
on ski-pack items, we can confirm
the exchange rate, plus changes
Swiss Franc spend is kept right
that we are freezing our current
in employment law last year which
Crystal and Inghams at least.
down,” said a company statement
winter season basic holiday
had the effect of making ski chalet
For those travelling independently
which noted there is still availability
prices for Switzerland at the ‘old’,
holidays more expensive to run
flight costs are unaffected, and
for March and April skiers this
significantly better exchange rates,
and thus cost more to book, has
fixed-price rail passes from airport
season. They added that many
saving guests approximately 18%
made the Swiss ski holiday appear
to resort can be bought in the
skiers had already safeguarded
off all their accommodation and
ever more a luxury product.
UK. Swiss ski resorts themselves
themselves against the sudden
transfer costs.”
012 // FEB15
@INTHESNOWMAG
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MARTINKELLER.CH
MORE INDOOR SKIERS The owner of Snow Factor, Scotland’s only indoor real-snow centre, says stormy weather which led to most of the country’s outdoor ski areas being closed for periods in January resulted in more people skiing indoors. “As Scotland’s only indoor snowsports destination, lovely fresh snow and windless conditions are assured,” owner Jamie Smith told local media.
SNOWPENAIR FESTIVAL Laura Pausini, former Boyzone frontman Ronan Keating and Swiss rock band Krokus will take to the stage 2061m up on Saturday 11 April. The SnowpenAir concert staged above Grindelwald and Wengen is becoming a new Swiss tradition with ever bigger crowds listening to music in the snow surrounded by the spectacular peaks of the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau. jungfrau.ch/snowpenair
OFF-PISTE WEEK AliKats Mountain Holidays are running an Off-Piste Performance week from 22–29 March (alikats.eu), including 5 days of off-piste skiing instruction. The package includes 7 nights’ chalet accommodation with champagne and canapés on arrival, daily cooked breakfast, afternoon tea and cakes, pre-dinner aperitifs and complimentary wine with a four-course evening meal. It’s priced at £1145pp based on two sharing, excluding travel.
SAVE ON LIFT PASSES Skiworld (skiworld.co.uk) has a number of special offers on spring snow holidays,
KING OF THE FIRST HILL IN THE JUNGFRAU
G
GIANT FONDUE POTS ON THE SLOPES
March 2015. King and Queen of the
enter, paying a fee of CHF30
Hill will be crowned in this unique
(£23) to do so, but it’s a good idea
downhill race.
to know the route well before
In the past, competitors gathered at
the race. The crowning will take
the top of the 8km downhill course
place in the Apres Ride Bar and
for a series of mass starts, running
the prizes consist of a pair of
the first 100m to their skis then
Head skis for the fastest male
careering off down the mountain, but
and female skier, and a Kestler
Gstaad created a fondue pot you could sit in up
for the first time this year, each racer
snowboard for the fastest male
on the slopes last year, and the idea has proved
will set off at 10-second intervals
and female snowboarder. There
so popular a second pot has just been installed
rindelwald will host the King of the
giving everyone a precise ranking.
will also be over CHF8000 worth
at another location.
First Hill race for the 6th time on 7th
Any skier or snowboarder can
of prizes on offer to all entrants.
Never fear, this fondue pot does not get especially hot, but the idea is you can sit in it, sheltered from the elements, take in the beautiful view and … eat a fondue. Each
SUPERYACHT TO FEATURE SKI SLOPE
provides enough room for up to eight people. The new “number two pot” was flown by helicopter to its location on Mt. Wispile (a 40-minute hike from the Wispile top lift station),
including a free upgrade to a Paradiski pass when you buy a La Plagne ticket, saving
tennis courts, theatre and concert
providing the second option after the first pot in
£39pp, for departures on 14 and 21 March.
halls, and guests would use a fleet
Schlittmoos above Schönried (a 15-minute walk
For departures on the 28 March and 4 April
of electric cars to drive around the
or ski from the village centre).
buy two adult Discovery or Paradiski tickets
ship rather than having to walk or
To use the mountain-top fondues you need
ski between its different parts.
to book the fondue backpack from one of
The company describe the vessel
four dairies in the area, or your hotel will
as an “upcycled oil tanker (used) as
organise it for you. The backpack includes
a private luxury floating residence.”
all the ingredients needed including cooking
Details of the ski slope, and whether it
equipment, either a traditional thick fondue
will have a synthetic or indoor-snow-
(CHF18 per person) or a particularly flavoursome
in Les Arcs and receive a free child pass. There are similar deals in Tignes, Val d’Isère and Les Deux Alpes.
BOARDERCROSS IN CHAM VALLEY
An as-yet-unbuilt and apparently
tanker dimensions, and is more than
style surface, are currently unknown.
truffle fondue made by the Schönried Dairy
not-yet-ordered-by-anyone
half as long again as the current
There have been reports in recent
(CHF21 per person), as well as crusty fondue
The Grand Montets snowpark in the
superyacht which features a four-
biggest yacht, which is a meagre
years of cruise liners considering
bread supplied by the Wehren Bakery, spices,
Chamonix Valley, already recognised for its
storey indoor ski slope has been
180m in length.
installing ski slopes as an added
fondue pot, warmer, plates and forks.
high quality, has seen a proper boardercross
designed by an Austrian company,
Designed by Austrian company
attraction in the increasingly intense
After enjoying the fondue, collect your rubbish
course created this year. The ground was
famed for its extravagant designs.
MOTION Code: BLUE, apart from
PR battle to offer more attractions to
and return the backpack to the place you got it
prepared for the course over a 2-year period.
The design of the 280m-long
its ski slope, the ship called Imara
their customers and stay ahead of
from, then simply remember your experience
The run offers the chance to film your descent
superyacht is based on oil super
would include three helipads, clubs,
the competition.
with nostalgic delight for the rest of your life.
and pick up the video afterwards online.
014 // FEB15 // INTHESNOW.COM
@INTHESNOWMAG
PERISHER DONATES OLD UNIFORMS Australian ski resort Perisher recently donated around 600 jackets and another 600 fleeces for distribution overseas to countries such as Chile, Tanzania, South Africa, East Timor, Papua New Guinea and Nepal. To keep Perisher’s 400 Snowsports School Instructors in the latest gear, Perisher regularly replaces their uniforms and has been donating old uniforms to charity for many years now. “This is a great initiative that helps keep the old uniforms out of landfill and provide support to those in need,” said Perisher CEO Peter Brulisauer. The charity Pambula Rotary delivers the clothing to people in countries that need warmth and protection in a high-altitude climate. Created in 1995 from the merger and lift-linking of Perisher, Blue Cow, Smiggins and Guthega ski areas, the southern hemisphere’s “super resort” rivals the best in the world in terms of lift infrastructure, whilst offering twice the lifts and triple the “above snowline ski terrain” of any other Australian resort.
6 RESORTS SNOW RUGBY A rugby 7s tournament on the snow is due to be staged in six top French resorts during the week of the 6 Nations Tournament in late February. The teams representing the six resorts, each comprising former international players as well as amateurs, will battle it out on the snow to try and win the trophy. As well as competing in the rugby matches, the teams must compete in a ski slalom race. Along with watching the games, during the day, holidaymakers can, if they wish, enjoy an introduction to playing rugby on snow and meet professional rugby players. Snow rugby has been growing in popularity in France with St Patrick’s Day tournaments often played in Paradiski. The six resorts taking place in the tournament are from La Clusaz, Saint Gervais, Morillon, Valmorel, Val Thorens and Les Menuires. Confirmed dates for matches include Val Thorens on 20 February and Les Menuires
Eider’s Annecy Living Lifestyle Collection
on 22 February.
Available now from Cotswold Outdoor – www.cotswoldoutdoor.com
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015 // FEB15
Blow Bonus
MORE WARMTH. LESS WEIGHT.
THE
CHALET N Top price: £490,000 Bargain Price: £210,000 WORDS: GABY LE BRETON
T
view of the world-famous Arlberg Massif, which
let the team know who your loved ones are), to
is directly accessed by a private ski lift.
ensure you feel at home right away.
Chalet N provides accommodation for 22
The price includes the services of a dedicated
guests. It has a master suite, eight more
chalet team – your chalet manager, concierge,
suites and even a special children’s suite.
butler, chef and chauffeur. You’ll enjoy
All bedrooms come with exquisite bed linen, mattresses made of down and feather and a very stylish bathroom adorned with a full-size Hermés shower complete with Swarovski beaded shower curtains. There are also 3D TVs and guests can choose their own movies via a media hub, or just take in the view from their suite’s private balcony. Inevitably Chalet N has an incredible spa
here are luxury ski chalets and then there are
complete with ice fountain, hay sauna, Finnish
‘out of this world’ luxurious ski chalets, and
sauna and salt gallery steam bath. For those
Lech’s Chalet N is definitely in the latter category.
who like immersing themselves in the perfect
Along with being one of the world’s most truly
water experience, there is also a gorgeous
a champagne reception on arrival, daily
luxurious and inevitably expensive ski chalets,
indoor pool landscape, completed by an
breakfast, lunch and dinner. There’s an open
N also has the twin distinctions of not being
outdoor Jacuzzi.
bar with spirits, beers and soft drinks and
located in Courchevel 1850 or Val d’Isère and
There’s a double treatment room with double
complimentary house champagne, fresh
of having the shortest and arguably coolest
or single massage beds, a private hair stylist,
flowers, private airport transfers from Munich,
name in the luxury chalet market.
a relaxation area and steam showers. In
Innsbruck and Zurich airports, a 24-hour private
The chalet is situated at an altitude of 1660m in
addition, the chalet’s Health Club offers a
chauffeured 4x4, fresh flowers, ski rentals, a lift
Oberlech, providing a stunningly picturesque
wide choice of the latest fitness equipment
pass and a 50-minute massage for every guest.
including resistance training, cardiovascular
“The entry price is high, but once through
and free weights. To complete the facilities
the door you will want for nothing. Whether
there’s a billiard room, library, cinema and an
‘luxury’ to you means exploring one of the
extensive wine cellar.
finest wine cellars in the Alps, eating the finest
But there’s more. Chalet N takes personal
food you’ve ever eaten in a chalet, sleeping
service to an even higher level than the
on a personally monogrammed pillow or
Icebreaker RealFLEECE
norm found in most luxury chalets. You’ll
enjoying all of these luxuries behind bullet
Merino fibre wrapped around a nylon core for strength, then brushed to maximise warmth and softness
find, for example, that your initials have been
proof glass, the chalet and the service are as
monogrammed onto your pillowcase prior to
good as it gets!” said Mark Gibbins, Managing
your arrival and pictures of your loved ones are
Director of The Oxford Ski Company which
already in place in the chalet (assuming you’ve
can organise your holidays there.
Merino with a nylon core
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016 // FEB15
OXFORDSKI.COM/PROPERTIES/CHALETN
D.DAHER / SWATCHSKIERSCUP.COM
HUGE FEBRUARY SNOWFALLS IN SW EUROPE
SWATCH SKIERS CUP HEADS TO ZERMATT There are many competitions
amazing images!” said Kugener.
on the snow each winter for
The contest’s format keeps the
amateurs and professionals,
scoring system simple, as the
in ever more disciplines, but
judges just compare two riders
one of the most interesting to
at a time and choose a winner,
emerge in recent years has
lifting a blue card for a winning
been the Swatch Skiers Cup
Team Europe rider, or a red
which takes place in summer in
for Team Americas. It’s easy
Chile and in winter in the Alps.
to follow for spectators too, as
Each time Team Europe takes
each winner scores one point
on Team Americas in a contest
and the team with the most
that has become a bit like The
points at the end is declared
Ashes on snow.
the winner.
The next contest, the Cup’s fifth
One of the judges, Australian
outing, rolls into Zermatt from
Woodie Bouma, explained
February 21–27, when one team
the judging process: “In Big
will break the current 2-2 results
Mountain I’ll be looking for
balance and move ahead.
good flow and smooth style.
Teams compete on a specially
A line in extreme terrain is
created freeride course that
good, but it needs to be done
includes creative terrain-park-
with fluidity and confidence,
style features, produced by
making it look easy – keep the
experienced jump shaper,
style factor high and you’ll be
Frenchman Arnaud Kugener.
rewarded for it!”
“It takes a lot of creativity and
“Tricks have to be clean with
planning to place the jumps in
solid grabs – I would rather
the right place on the slope.
see good style instead of
Then my team and I have to
sketchy tricks,” Canadian
build the jumps by hand, but the
judge Philippe Poirier added.
reward is a powder landing and
swatchskierscup.com
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017 // FEB15
While snowfalls of up to 1.8m (6ft) were being
Resorts in Andorra reported just under 1.2m
base depth in France at 210cm/260cm, with
reported in the Alps over the last weekend
(4ft) of fresh snow over the weekend. Grand-
other French Pyrenean areas reporting 1.2m
of January, equally huge accumulations were
valira, the largest area in the Pyrenees, with
or more at resort level, and mostly 2m plus
being reported in the Pyrenees for the start
more than 200km of runs, reported 114cm of
on upper runs.
of this month.
fresh snow, 30cm of it on Saturday/Sunday.
Resorts in the Spanish Pyrenees got busy
In fact, the snowfall extended right across the
Resorts in the French Pyrenees were also
posting remarkable images and videos on
Iberian peninsula to even bring a deep dump
dumped on, and despite many resorts in the
social media, including one from Formigal of
of snow to Portugal’s only ski area, Serra da
French Alps reporting 1 to 1.8m of fresh snow
a groomer driver jumping out of the door of
Estrela, located close to the Spanish border,
over the same period, the Pyrenean resort of
his snow groomer straight into a snow drift
east of capital Lisbon.
Saint-Lary moved up to rank fourth biggest
up to his neck.
N 018 // FEB15
WORDS: ROB STEWART
No other country in the world has the kind
respectable, confident and able skier, willing to
of ingrained ski culture that Norway proudly
tackle any marked run on the mountain. Safety
boasts. They produce world-class alpine
considerations come first, of course.
athletes, ski before they can pronounce the
Our willing and able test subject was Giancarlo
word, and of course eat snow for breakfast.
– a Londoner with a real “let’s do it” attitude.
The children even ski to school (and that bit’s
GG, as he’s fondly referred to, had never skied
true).
before, and within 3 days I wanted to lead
Here in Norway, you can smell the word skiing,
him down the World Cup and Olympic Super
and if the residents were into tattoos, they’d
Giant Slalom Run (a true black) at the ski resort
have a ski on each arm and a pair of googles
of Kvitfjell, built originally for the 1994 Winter
on their forehead; and believe me, some of
Olympic Games held in Lillehammer.
them do.
GG took the sensible precaution of getting
Because skiing is a way of life, it makes Norway
some ski lessons at The Snow Centre in Hemel
the perfect location for the ultimate skiing
Hempstead before embarking on this Alpine
orway – home to forests, lakes, the Arctic
challenge – take a complete beginner and
adventure, meaning once he got onto the
Circle, lots of mountains and, of course, moose.
within three days you can make them into a
slopes of Norway we could get on with skiing,
@INTHESNOWMAG
Games for the Men’s Downhill and Super G
We made it to the bottom safely, so the
events, the ski area has expanded since to
black ski run was ticked off on the third day
include some more relaxing skiing. But every
of skiing. With Kvitfjell conquered, we had a
year, the best skiers in the world return for
well-deserved beer in Koia, one of the smallest
what’s now a legendary World Cup downhill
après-ski bars in the world and therefore
race on a ski run that rivals anything in the
guaranteed to have an atmosphere. For myself,
Alps or North America.
the satisfaction of helping to bring another
Our final day on the slopes and it was time to
addicted skier into the world was enough for
tackle a red run on Kvitfjell’s Westside area,
me – is anyone else up for it?
which catches the sun, even during these midwinter days when the sun stays low.
Facts about Hafjell & Kvitfjell
Of course, I’m not suggesting that anyone can
Hotels: Price of hotels range from
ski down a red graded ski run on their third
approximately £80 to £160 per room per night,
day of skiing – everything depends on the
including breakfast.
conditions of the snow, the environment and
We stayed in the Quality Hotel, Hafjell -
the individual. We skied a red run, but I didn’t
bit.ly/1za5Fmb
tell GG that until we got to the bottom. In reality it was easier than the blue, but it was the next
A typical cabin in Hafjell or Kvitfjell, sleeping
stage on the list ticked.
8–10 persons for 7 nights, starts at around
The red run was repeated many times, and
£500. Apartments are available in both ski
after lunch, as the sun dropped lower in the
areas from around £300 for 7 nights, sleeping
sky, I took a look at the World Cup Super
4 people.
G run, a black and a serious challenge for
rather than slipping over on a nursery slope for
spring-loaded torture contraption before being
a day.
dragged up sideways through the snow?
Our first destination was the ski resort of
By lunchtime we were already heading down
Hafjell, just outside the picturesque Olympic
a long and gentle green run to an express
town of Lillehammer. Surrounded by frozen
quad and back up for some Norwegian nosh.
lakes and straddling icy rivers, the bustling
Another myth about Norwegian skiing is that
town boasts a number of bars and restaurants
the food isn’t up to it. Perhaps in the past
and has a real local feel to it – it’s touristy but
they did lack a certain finesse, with hot dog
without the feeling that it’s there for tourists.
and chips being the main staple, but that is
Getting to Hafjell is perhaps one of the easiest
changing, and certainly in Hafjell, as GG and I
routes to a ski resort in Europe. From Oslo
tucked into a duck confit and Moroccan-style
Airport, Gardermoen, an efficient and very
grilled chicken (wine was available but we
comfortable train whisks you directly from the
stuck to water), there were no fast-food joints
terminal to Lillehammer in two hours, without
in sight.
fuss. Hafjell itself is about a 10-minute drive
GG progressed quickly and by the end of the
from the town centre, and a good base for a
day was skiing a long green piste down to a
ski holiday with hotels, apartments, restaurants
high-speed quad chairlift. He was buzzing.
and bars to keep you happy without even
There’s nothing like the look on someone’s
having to go back into the main town. British-
face when they suddenly understand what all
owned Woodies at the bottom of the slopes
the fuss is about; it’s like instant enlightenment
seemed like a favourite and attracts an après-
and it’s highly addictive.
ski crowd at the end of the day.
After 2 days of skiing, GG was tackling blue
GG took to things pretty well on the first
runs with ease and even got through the snow
morning after taking the gondola up to the
park with the odd jump thrown in. Impressive
wide beginner’s area halfway up the mountain.
stuff. Weekends here get busy, but around that,
There he ducked and dived through the
even during the school holiday periods, it’s
kindergarten nursery area with a magic
quieter than the larger resorts in the Alps.
carpet lift to ease the ascent. How things
We headed 30 minutes up the valley that
have changed for beginners; didn’t we either
evening to the ski resort of Kvitfjell. Built
have to walk up or attempt to use a tautly
especially for the 1994 Winter Olympic
FB.COM/INTHESNOW
019 // FEB15
the very best skiers. It’s about as steep as a
Ski passes:
ski run can get at the top; you can’t see the
A day pass for both areas costs 390
slope as it drops away underneath you. You
Norwegian Kroner (approximately £40). A
can’t help feeling nervous, but the snow was
7-day pass costs 1790 Norwegian Kroner
good and the steep section not that long, so
(approximately £180). It gives you access to five
we dived in.
resorts. http://bit.ly/1DIHlgs
threevalleetransfers
PRIVATE & SHARED TRANSFERS TO LES 3 VALLÉES
©RB-CREATE
www.3vt.co.uk | +44 (0)1323 351964
WIN A WEEKEND IN VAL THORENS
BRIT MILLIE KNIGHT WINS OVERALL WORLD CUP GS
Lyon–Saint Exupéry Airport, located in the Rhône-Alpes region, is an
Less than a year on from competing at Sochi where she finished
alternative gateway to the French Alps, and often a much less stressful
fifth in her event, British Paralympic athlete Millie Knight, racing with
one to travel through and to/from than the usual Brit’s route via
her sighted guide Jennifer Kehoe and still aged just 16, has won the
Geneva or Chambery.
Overall World Cup GS title for 2015, following a win in the IPC Alpine
This winter Lyon has further improved its connections to ski resorts
World Cup in St Moritz, Switzerland earlier this month.
for new arrivals, meaning it has never been better connected, giving
No British skier, disabled or non-disabled, has ever won a Crystal
passengers the option to travel to the slopes by train, bus, taxi or car.
globe (the champion’s cup) in any ski racing discipline before.
To highlight its attractiveness to British skiers, Lyon–Saint Exupéry
Millie is a Paralympic athlete competing at international level for
Airport has launched a snow-inspired competition via its Facebook app.
ParalympicsGB in alpine skiing in the slalom and giant slalom events.
In the competition, internet users are invited to get creative, sharing a
The youngest ParalympicsGB competitor at any Winter Paralympics,
photo or video to meet a different challenge every month.
she joined the Great Britain Paralympic skiing team run by Disability
The participant with the highest number of votes in each monthly
Snowsport UK in 2012 and progressed to compete at international-
contest will win an all-inclusive weekend away for two at the famous
level events. Her target now is the 2018 Winter Paralympics in
resort of Val Thorens in the Les 3 Vallées. Over 30 airlines currently
Pyeongchang, South Korea.
operate flights to Lyon–Saint Exupéry. UK airports offering flights
Millie has won every race she has entered in the 2014/2015 season
this ski season include London Heathrow, London Gatwick, London
and with two races remaining (as we went to press) Millie is third in
Stansted, Manchester, Birmingham, Bristol and Edinburgh.
the All-Round World Cup standings and is still in contention to win the
Enter the contest here: wintergames.lyonaeroports.com/
Overall All-Round world title.
DATAWAX ANSWERS YOUR SERVICING QUESTIONS
SLOPE OFF THIS WINTER
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manufactures a wide variety for all
seems to matter is whether or not
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the edges are sharp! An easy way
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Q. How can I check how sharp my
to cool before I scrape my skis/
edges are?
board?
There’s no substitute for personal
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experience – once you have
LEAST 15 minutes for the wax to dry,
serviced your skis a few times you
45 minutes if possible.
will know what a sharp edge feels like. Try a DMT Diamond File (£11.25).
Q. Why should I bother scraping off the wax?
As lovers of winter, we are all aware
Servicing your equipment needn’t
that snow sports can be a costly
be a daunting task. Whether you are
Q. Should I use base cleaner?
Scraping your skis/board removes
pastime. We part with hundreds
an elite athlete or recreational skier,
Ideally, yes. Waxing onto a base
the excess wax and enables a
of pounds of our hard-earned
proper maintenance can be achieved
that is clear from grease, dirt and
smooth glide. Use an acrylic, not
cash for the hardware we love,
by anyone.
old wax makes sure that your wax
steel, scraper (£4.25). For boarders,
so it is no wonder that many of us
Here are some common questions,
will penetrate the base fully. Use
a snowboard scraper (£6.20) is a
are extremely protective over our
answered by the DataWax team:
DataWax Base Cleaner & Wax
fantastic time saver.
precious skis and snowboards.
Remover (£5.40 – 150ml).
DataWax aims to produce quality,
Q: Does it matter what direction I
affordable products to help you keep
sharpen my edges in?
Q. How hot should my iron be?
‘How To’ guide to servicing, visit
your skis or snowboard at their best.
No. In all of our experience skiing
It depends on the wax, and DataWax
datawax.com.
For more information, including a
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020 // FEB15
@INTHESNOWMAG
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BEGINNER’S GUIDE
H
WORDS: LORNA MCGACHIE
you are comfortable with and are
skiers who are travelling a lot faster
Don’t spray strangers with snow.
able to both control your turns and
than you.
As tempting as this is – and really,
make a quick stop if necessary.
it is – it’s not the best idea to blast Stop at the side of the run, not
unsuspecting strangers with a
The skier in front of you has the
in the middle of the slope. And be
large flurry of cold, wet snow. By
right of way, so keep a mindful eye
careful not to stop where you’re
on their movements to
friends if they have the same sense
heading down the
of humour as you! It honestly never
avoid a collision. The skier at
mountain. Many
the back will automatically
itting the slopes for the very first
be held
time can be the most thrilling
responsible
feeling in the world, but for a
for any
ski beginner it is also incredibly
crash (which
easy to forget the basic rules of
obviously
ski etiquette amongst all of the
sucks if you’re
excitement. Speak to the majority
not in the wrong),
of skiers out there and they’ll
so maintain a safe
have a story or two to tell you
speed and don’t get too
about their near misses with a
close to anyone down below.
gets old.
tourists make
NO.4
SKIING ETIQUETTE
less experienced skier. To keep
all means, though – spray your
concealed from skiers
this mistake,
If you’re a smoker, don’t smoke
particularly
on the chairlift, especially if you’re
if they’re
sat with strangers or children. Often
in larger
you can be on a chairlift for quite
groups, and
a long time, so for non-smokers
it can make
sat with you this can be quite an
it very difficult
unpleasant experience. Save this
for descending skiers to pass. Plus,
for when you’ve stopped on a quiet part of a mountain. If you’re a non-
you don’t want to put
smoker, avoid the French tourists
yourself in any danger of being
as they are notorious lift-smokers!
skied into.
you safe and to keep the more
Use runs appropriate for your
seasoned skiers happy, check out
skill level. For beginners, it’s
Don’t stand on the skis and
– they’re simply guidelines that
the most important rules of good
recommended that you stick to the
snowboards of others in a queue.
are mostly dictated by common
ski etiquette below.
green and blue slopes whilst you’re
Sometimes this is difficult when the
sense. You’re only in the Alps for a
still learning. If you make good
queues are completely rammed,
short amount of time so remember
Kill your speed. It’s so tempting
progress with your skiing and are
but no skier or snowboarder wants
to enjoy every second of it and
to hurtle down the mountain at a
feeling confident enough to tackle
their beautiful, hard-earned equip-
focus on becoming Britain’s next
breakneck speed, especially when
the red or black runs, then absolutely
ment to be scuffed and scratched
Olympic gold medallist. Or you
the piste is lovely and wide, but it’s
go for it. But if you’re unsure, it’s best
by the people behind. Trust me,
could simply try to aim for parallel
incredibly important to make sure
to avoid these slopes so you’re not
I’ve given plenty of dirty looks to
turns by the end of the week.
that you only travel at the speed
in the way of more accomplished
skiers who do this.
Either way, enjoy yourselves!
FB.COM/INTHESNOW
Don’t be put off by all of the above
021 // FEB15
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Weekly coach travel from the UK to the French Alps 15 FEB
The cheapest and easiest environmentally friendly way to over 40 great French Ski resorts Departs from London & Folkestone Free on-board magazine Group discounts available
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STEVEN MCKENNA
£65
rom
Riksgränsen Opens – Sweden’s
pair of snowshoes from any Ski Republic
northerly Riksgränsen ski area is
shop (€6/day/person) and the company
scheduled to start its 2015 season today.
will lend you a pedometer. For each step
It famously runs right through to 21 June
you take, they will make a donation of 1¢
with skiing under the midnight sun from
to help fight leukodystrophies.
mid-May up to midsummer.
21 FEB
28 FEB
(TO 10 Mar)
Back Corrie Workshop, Nevis Range –
IPC Alpine Skiing World Championships,
If you’re planning on heading off-piste
Panorama – GB’s Kelly Gallagher
for a bit of freeriding, this event aimed at
became the first ever British Winter
experienced skiers and snowboarders
Paralympic gold medallist at Sochi 2014,
seeking a better understanding of back
and she’s due to be back in action at the
country safety is for you.
World Championships this winter.
Feb-Mar
Tignes • Val d’Isère • Les Arcs • Val Thorens • Meribel • Morzine 3 Valleys • Chamonix • La Plagne... and many more!
www.snowexpress.co.uk
W.LLOYD MACKENZIE
– for full list of resorts and prices
THE UK PARTNER FOR UCPA
19 FEB
MARCUS HARTMANN
Tickets f
(TO 15 Mar)
Snowshoe Against Disease – Rent a
THE UK PARTNER FOR UCPA
STUDENT STUDENT WEEKS WEEKSDEUX ALPES DEUX ALPES
Various Various dates/resorts dates/resorts New Year weekNew Year week ––see see ourour website website for more forinfo more info 27th Dec. 201427th – 3rd Dec. Jan. 2015 2014 – 3rd Jan. 2015
• 7 nights accommodation • 7 nights accommodation • All meals • All meals • 6.5 days equipment hire • 6.5 days equipment hire • 6.5 days lift pass • 6.5 days lift pass From From • 12 hrs instruction • 12 hrs instruction
• 7 nights accommodation • 7 nights accommodation • All meals • All meals • 6.5 days equipment hire • 6.5 days equipment hire • 6.5 days lift pass • 6.5 days lift pass • 12 hrs instruction • 12 hrs instruction
£399 £399
SPLITBOARD SPLITBOARD WEEK WEEK Argentiére. Various Argentiére. dates Various dates – see our website – see for more our website info for more info
Christmas Christmas weekweek 20th 20th – 27th – 27th December December 2014 2014
• 7 nights accommodation • 7 nights accommodation • 6.5 days equipment hire • 6.5 days equipment hire – incl. transceiver, shovel, probe – incl. transceiver, shovel, probe • All meals • All meals • 6.5 days lift pass • 6.5 days lift pass £491 £820 £820 • 23 hrs instruction • 23 hrs instruction
• 7 nights accommodation • 7 nights accommodation • All meals • All meals • 6.5 days equipment hire • 6.5 days equipment hire • 6.5 days lift pass • 6.5 days lift pass • 12 hrs instruction • 12 hrs instruction
£491
£626
MARC SETHI
CHAMONIX CHAMONIX
£626
HAUTE HAUTE ROUTE ROUTE
Ski Ski Touring. Touring. Various Various dates dates ––see see ourour website website for more forinfo more info
28 FEB
5 MAR
Men’s Downhill, Garmisch-
“Snow and Fire” Show, Courchevel –
Partenkirchen – The historic Kandahar
The culmination of Courchevel’s month-
course where the first Olympic downhill
long fireworks festival, being staged for
ski races were staged in 1936 is back
the 12th time this year, includes a prize-
in action 79 years later as the FIS World
giving ceremony and the final show of
Cup 2014–15 season reaches its climax.
this year’s festival.
7–13 MAR
12–15 MAR
Horizon Festival, Bansko – Horizon
Snow Camp Alpine Challenge – Teams
Festival aims to be a hedonistic snow
of four ski all over the Portes du Soleil,
party showcasing 80 international DJs
covering over 150km, to find hidden
across 30 parties through a week of fun
markers across 2 non-stop days. Tracked
on the snow in Bulgaria.
using GPS, the team which finds the most
horizonfestival.net
markers will win. snow-camp.org.uk
• 6 Days Touring skis, boots, poles • 6 Days Touring skis, boots, poles transceiver, shovel, probe transceiver, shovel, probe • 6 Nights accommodation • 6 Nights accommodation • 6 days guiding • 6 days guiding • Full board • Full board £901 £901 • Return from Zermatt • Return from Zermatt
ALL ALL INCLUSIVE INCLUSIVE SKI SKI &&SNOWBOARD SNOWBOARD HOLIDAYS HOLIDAYS TO TOTHE THE FRENCH FRENCH ALPS: ALPS:
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Accommodation Accommodation includedincluded AllAll meals meals included included The Te The Te le legrap h 9th Se graph, 9th Se p 2014 p 2014 , Free Free lift pass lift pass Free Free equipment equipment hire hire Every week, all Every season week, – full details: all season – full details: Free Free instruction instruction or guiding or guiding
www.action-outdoors.co.uk www.action-outdoors.co.uk
022 // FEB15
@INTHESNOWMAG
What’s believed to be the first downhill ski
as a real ski racer at the same time. The real
the University of Southampton’s IT Innovation
race in which a real ski racer, on the World
skier, who is really on the race course and
Centre and the project’s technical lead.
Cup course at Schladming in Austria, took on
hitting speeds of up to 100kph, wears Smart
The race, which was streamed live as part of
two computer gamers based in Thessaloniki
Ski Goggles with a head-up display that allows
the Wearable Technologies Conference in
in Greece and Munich in Germany, has been
them to see the virtual version of the slope
Munich, is part of a project called 3D-LIVE,
staged – the real racer came last.
they’re on, alongside the real slope.
funded by the European Commission, while the
Known as “mixed reality”, this new technology
“By using advanced sensor and gaming
manufacturer of Oculus Rift is reported to be a
allows gamers to use a “3D tele-immersion
technologies to create and manipulate 3D
Facebook-owned company.
platform” while wearing “new virtual reality
information in real time, the platform can deliver
The consortium working on the project includes
technology” known as Oculus Rift which allows
truly interactive experiences closely linked to
companies from France, Germany, Greece, Italy
them to virtually be on the same race course
real world activities,” said Michael Boniface from
and the UK.
CHRIS HAWORTH - VANESSA FRY
HANS THURNER
WORLD’S FIRST “MIXED REALITY SKI RACE” WON BY GAMERS
// VIRTUOSE
QUICK AND EFFORTLESS INTERCHANGEABLE LENS SYSTEM
A French court has come down
guide skiing (groups) if remuneration
against the Ski Club of Great Britain’s
is received.
“Leading” service in the country.
The Ski Club’s position is that Leaders
Under the service, which the Ski Club
are non-remunerated volunteers;
had operated in more than 30 resorts
however, Leaders are understood to
in seven countries worldwide, and
receive practical and logistical support
has done for more than 50 years,
in resort, and it is unclear if the French
volunteer Ski Club Leaders take Club
Court has decided that this amounts to
members on ski trips around a resort’s
“remuneration”.
slopes, showing them the best spots
The case is similar, but wholly
on- and off-piste.
separate, to two others going through
The outcome from the hearing
the French courts. One is against ski
held last December in Paris against
teacher Simon Butler who is accused
Leader Ken Piddlesden was that
of teaching without the qualifications
the court fined Piddlesden €10,000,
required in France, and the other
€5000 of which was suspended, and
is against British tour operators for
awarded a symbolic €1 of damages
offering free “hosting” familiarisation
to the ESF.
tours of easy-marked pistes in resorts
The action was brought after
to their clients.
Piddlesden was stopped on the
“This is the outcome we expected
piste in Val d’Isère last April and
… We have asked our lawyer to
questioned by the gendarmerie in
immediately lodge an appeal ... He will
relation to Art.L.212-1 of the French
also be lodging an official complaint
Code du Sport under which it is a legal
with the European Commission on our
requirement to have the appropriate
behalf,” said Frank McCusker, CEO, Ski
qualification(s) to instruct, lead or
Club of Great Britain.
FB.COM/INTHESNOW
023 // FEB15
Photo credit: Dave Lehl / Athlete: Alex Chumpy Pullin / Design graphique :
COURT RULES AGAINST SKI CLUB LEADING IN FRANCE
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I’M Going Back To The Start 024 // FEB15
@INTHESNOWMAG
MATTIA FREDERIKSSON
T
(approx. £45). Here there’s a Lindt chocolate shop, various viewing platforms and an ice cave system to explore inside the glacier included in your ticket cost. The trains up are overflowing with visitors from all around the world, all year long. The main Jungfrau ski area adds up to over 200km of piste on the pass, which are world-class dimensions, but there are provisos. This is by no means a seamless giant ski area of wide, smooth pistes of the French purpose-built variety; it is a hotchpotch of runs and lifts that have developed through the last century, with winding pistes following the natural landscape eventually cajoled into meeting one another to create a linked-up area. Think central Rome rather than Las Vegas. In other words, it’s skiing history, and you may get a buzz from descending the very same slopes that
here’s some debate about where downhill skiing
those first skiers did 110 years ago or more.
began. St Moritz is currently celebrating 150 years
But you will have to climb aboard an old train or
since their first winter visitors, and it’s about the
walk to a cable car from most accommodations to
same time since the first type of downhill skiing was
get on to those slopes – doorstep skiing is hard to
invented in Telemark, Norway. Then, around 130
find, as in most classic resorts.
years ago, the first Alpine ski descents were being
The largest of the three main segments, Kleine
made on long, thin skis carrying one long pole at
Scheidegg-Männlichen, is shared by Wengen and
resorts like Davos, and it was only 110 years ago
Grindelwald and perhaps equates to half the total
that the modern style of alpine skiing we practise
available. There’s terrain for all standards right up
now began to be developed in Austria.
to the route of the fearsome Lauberhorn, one of
But one region perhaps has stronger and deeper
the ski racing world’s classic events staged each
roots in skiing history than any other. Switzerland’s
January, the week before the Hahnenkamm in
Jungfrau, the stunning home of Grindelwald,
Kitzbuhel. The longest and fastest of all the World
Wengen and Mürren above the mountain town of
Cup descents, in 2013 Johan Clarey of France hit
Interlaken and below Europe’s highest rail-accessed
161.9 km/h (100.6 mph) on his descent, the first man
point, the Jungfraujoch (3466m up), is where we
to break the 100mph barrier in a downhill ski race.
Brits first discovered just how much fun skiing could
More than 30,000 spectators attend each year.
be. People first started using the then new mountain
But here, and in the region’s other two main areas
railways as a means to get uphill before true ski lifts
– across the valley on the Schilthorn at Murren and
were invented, and the world-famous Downhill Only
on the other side of Grindelwald in the first area –
Club (DHO) established in Wengen is celebrating its
there’s terrain for all standards. Indeed an all-new
90th anniversary this year.
separate beginners’ zone complete with covered
Few people who visit here don’t fall in love with it,
conveyor lift opened at Kleine Scheidegg above
and it’s easy to see why we’ve been returning season
Grindelwald and Wengen this winter.
after season for much more than a century now.
The rail pass, the non-ski attractions like
The immediately impressive factor is the
Interlaken, the Jungfraujoch options and the many
scenery, popularly regarded as some of the most
non-ski activities available make the Jungfrau a
spectacular in world skiing, particularly in Europe.
great destination for mixed groups, with all age
The peaks of the Jungfrau, the Mönch and the
groups, all ability levels and most interests catered
Eiger, with majestic glaciers running down their
for on the snow or off.
sides, tower above the largely unspoilt mountain
There is little to choose between the resorts
villages providing an awe-inspiring backdrop to
themselves. Grindelwald is the largest with
your skiing every day.
the grandest hotels and the widest choice of
Then there is, for want of a better word, the
dining and shopping, although these being
quaintness of it all. The three mountain resorts have
traditional resorts many people stay on half-board
changed little over the decades and are inter-
accommodation anyway. Mürren and Wengen are
connected by a narrow gauge cog railway system
small and intimate, and opinion has been divided
that’s been serving them for much more than a
between Brits for more than a century over which
century now, day in, day out. The result is a truly
is marginally better. Mürren perhaps has the
timeless atmosphere, particularly in largely car-free
greater pedigree and has remained a favourite
Crystal Ski Holidays (crystalski.co.uk; 020 8939 0726) offer a week’s
Wengen. The ski lift pass is expensive (although
through the generations of British ski pioneers the
stay at the 4★ Hotel Silberhorn in Wengen, Switzerland, from £781
children go half price), but it does include rail travel
Lunn family to this very day.
per person (based on two sharing) including flights from Gatwick and
right down to the town of Interlaken in the valley
In these smaller resorts you can find traditional chalet
transfers departing on 21 March 2015. Direct flights are available from
below, as well as all the ski lifts, with trains running
accommodation and mostly 3★ and 4★ hotels that
all major UK airports.
until late in the evening, so you are getting a lot of
have changed little over the decades, so again you
train and lift power for your investment.
can feel the timelessness of the ski experience.
Jungfrau Region 6-Day Adult Lift Pass: 339CHF (approx. £220)
Holders of passes valid for 3 days or more can also
Whichever resort you choose, the most important
Grindelwald/Wengen 6-Day Adult Lift Pass: 291CHF (approx. £188)
take a day, or half day, off the slopes and enjoy a
thing before you start skiing is to sit still and look up,
Jungfrau Info: www.jungfrau.ch
50% discount on the additional cost of a lift ticket
because the Jungfrau’s main asset is that this truly is
Downhill Only Club: downhillonly.com
up to the Jungfraujoch, normally CHF60 return
one of the most spectacular locations on Earth.
The Lauberhorn: lauberhorn.ch
FB.COM/INTHESNOW
JUNGFRAU.CH
SCHLADMING
DO YOU FEAR SOUNDING STUPID? knowing what the word means, with just over a
experience,” said an in-resort Crystal Ski Holidays
regularly using slang words and phrases while
fifth (21%) saying they do so impress friends and
expert. “This season, we’ve created our very
having no idea what they actually mean, according
17% confessing they’re “desperate to fit in”. The
own Crystal Guide to Ski Slang, posted on our
to a survey of 1000 people commissioned by tour
trend was more prevalent in men, with almost one
Facebook page, to give newbies a chance to get
operator Crystal Ski Holidays.
third (30%) admitting that it is the “cool-factor” that
up to speed with all the latest terminology to sound
“Biffed”, “shredder” and “touching base” were
keeps them coy when it comes to acknowledging
like a pro in front of their friends. Furthermore, our
cited as some of the terms used by people who
they have no clue what certain slang means.
skilled in-resort local experts are on hand to make
suffer from “fear of sounding stupid” (FOSS).
“As ski and snowboard experts, we know there’s
sure guests don’t feel any shame on the slopes
The research found that almost a quarter of
a whole raft of slang that accompanies the sport,
and know the difference between saying when
people (24%) use phrases like “gnarly” without
which can baffle those who are new to the
they’ve ‘biffed’ and they’re ‘bombing’.”
F. Marmsater©
CLUB MED
©2010 U.S. SKI TEAM / VAIL RESORTS
More than two thirds (67%) of people admit to
VONN MOST SUCCESSFUL WOMAN RACER OF ALL TIME
WORLD’S FIRST PURPOSEBUILT SKI RESORT IS 80
American downhill ski racer Lindsey Vonn (USA) has become the most
Although France is best known for purpose-building ski resorts, mostly
successful female racer of all time, winning her 63rd world class race.
in the post-war period and with the majority built in the 1960s, the
Vonn’s victory in Cortina takes her past the long-standing record of
first village built especially for skiing was created 80 years ago this
Austria’s Annemarie Moser-Pröll, set 35 years ago, and comes after the
winter just over the French border in Italy. Sestriere was created by
racer fought her way back to fitness after a year’s break due to injury.
royal decree in autumn 1934 and has since become Italy’s highest city.
The American had won her first World Cup victory in Cortina too.
Among its many achievements, Sestriere was a pioneer of snowmaking
Vonn’s win in the Super G comes just weeks before the Alpine World
in Europe decades before snowmaking became the norm, and the
Championships are staged in her home resort of Vail Beaver Creek
resort, now part of one of the world’s largest ski areas, the Milky Way,
in Colorado, which is now likely to resemble something of a victory
was host to the Alpine Skiing World Championships in 1997 and a key
parade for the 30-year-old racing star.
venue at the Torino Winter Olympics of 2006, the last to be staged in
Unbeknown to her, Vonn’s boyfriend Tiger Woods was in the crowd
Western Europe. A book, ‘Sestriere – 80 Years of Great Events’, has
to see her win and surprised her at the end when he came over to
been published in English and Italian to celebrate the anniversary and
congratulate her.
a special commemorative statue unveiled in the resort.
026 // FEB15
@INTHESNOWMAG
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FALCADE ITALY
COURCHEVEL TOURISME
WEAK RUSSIAN ROUBLE HITS ALPINE TOURISM Ski resorts that have become particularly reliant
est of the season) was one of the cheapest due
hold their wealth outside Russia in foreign
on rich Russian clientele over the past decade
to lack of business, but Russians celebrated
banks, but the “wealthy middle classes” who
are reported to be suffering because of the
their orthodox Christmas and New Year later,
are staying away.
exceptionally weak rouble, and a patriotic
right in the middle of that low season week.
Along with the weak rouble, reported to be
fervour in Russia to ski at home.
Wealthy Russians also helped drive luxury prop-
down 60% against the Euro, Russians are being
Although figures are not in and may never fully
erty development, most famously in Courchevel,
encouraged to holiday in Russia, particularly
emerge, the reality is that the growth of the
but also booking into luxury hotels in resorts like
at the $50-billion Sochi 2014 Olympic resorts,
Russian ski market in the Alps neatly plugged
Chamonix, Megève, Kitzbühel and St Moritz.
which, despite doubts expressed internation-
a business hole in the season for many years.
However, initial reports indicate it is not so
ally on their long-term viability, are reported by
Previously the first week of New Year (the busi-
much the Russian “super rich”, most of whom
Russian media to be fully booked up this winter.
@slytechprotect
slytechprotection.com
WORLD SNOW DAY 4 WAS BIGGER & BETTER The fourth edition of World
of the equator where it’s not
Snow Day, organised last
ski season, South Africa and
Sunday by the International
Argentina staged events too.
Ski Federation (FIS), was the
The aim of the annual World
biggest and most successful
Snow Day is to get as many
yet with 645 events in 45
children and families as
countries and an estimated
possible outside to explore,
600,000 participants –
enjoy and experience snow
growing from 220,000 on the
sports. In its first year, World
first World Snow Day in 2012.
Snow Day had 225,000
The idea of World Snow Day,
people participate and this
which took place this year
is expected to more than
on Sunday 18th January, is
double this year. World
to encourage more people,
Snow Day is part of the FIS
particularly children, into snow
Bring Children to the Snow
sports with fun and free or
programme, which has the
discounted activities organised
aim of increasing participation
by ski resorts worldwide.
in snow sports among the
Events were staged on all five
next generation.
continents, from an event in
“The increase in our World
Peru, which featured snow
Snow Day participation is an
sports on sand dunes, to the
encouraging sign for winter
Apen Bakke in Norway where
sports,” said FIS President
103 resorts offered free lift
Gian-Franco Kasper. “It shows
passes. In Canada some resorts
not only is there an interest in
held free lessons, offered free
nations to stage events to bring
lift passes and organised on-
children closer to winter sports,
snow entertainment in various
but also there is interest among
resorts. In Asia 15 events were
the next generation to actively
staged across China and south
participate in snow sports.”
FB.COM/INTHESNOW
029 // FEB15
@shredoptics
shredoptics.com
JOIN US FOR THE RIDE OF YOUR LIFE BILL BAILEY AND SEAN LOCK TO HEADLINE ALTITUDE 2015
T
23–27 March and has announced
one of the most established
its headliners.
festivals in the Alps, albeit the
and Bethnal Green’s sassiest lady, Gina Yashere, and Live at the
“Every year when we start putting
only comedy one, Altitude offers
Apollo and Stand Up for the Week
our line-up together, I pull out my
a unique chance to catch the
funny man Simon Evans.
trusty little black book of clowns
very biggest names in some of
Neilson are offering packages
and maniacs and go straight to
Europe’s most charming and
which include return flights and
B for Bailey, and finally, after all
intimate venues.
resort transfers, plus 7 nights B&B
these years, he’s said yes! Bill
Altitude’s founders, Marcus
accommodation at the Mayrhofen
Bailey at Altitude. COME ON! Add
Brigstocke (who couldn’t attend
Guesthouses from £399pp. The
to that the genius of Sean Lock
last year after shattering his
full festival wristband costs £180,
and you’re already well on the way
knee on Channel 4 Ski Show,
or £280 for the VIP version which
to a legendary year. I couldn’t be
The Jump) and Andrew Maxwell
includes reserved seating, some
more excited,” said Altitude Curator
will be back, along with a long
free alcohol and meet and greets
he Altitude Comedy Festival returns
Andrew Maxwell.
line of comedic talent that also
with the comedians.
to Mayrhofen next month from
Now in danger of becoming
includes Mock the Week regular
altitudefestival.com
FIREWORKS FESTIVAL IN COURCHEVEL companies from around Europe show off their know-how in a bid to be crowned the best in the business. The competition takes place on five evenings, usually Thursdays, usually at 6.45pm. On 19 February Team Super Power from Poland will give their display followed a week later on the 26th by home team Pandora Pyrotechnie from France. On 3 March Spain’s Pirotecnia Valecea Courchevel in Les 3 Vallées is
which is unique in Europe, has
the resort’s ski instructors, and
put on their show, then on 5
staging its annual spectacular
been staged. Around 8000
mulled wine is served up too.
March the winning team will be
Festival of Pyrotechnic Art
spectators come along to
The Festival is essentially a
announced at 7pm, after which a
through to 5 March this year.
enjoy the show and enjoy the
series of spectacular fireworks
final show, “Snow and Fire”, will
It’s the 12th time the Festival,
traditional torch-lit descent by
displays, where specialist
take place.
030 // FEB15
@INTHESNOWMAG
RETRO SKI SUITS FOR CHALET GUESTS Al Judge, joint owner (and the “Al” in
fancy dress, dancing, music and street
of good food, free-flowing wine and a hot
AliKats). “Every time we go down to Thonon
entertainment. The big event for Mardi Gras
tub, there’s a rather unusual offer at AliKats
shopping for supplies, we find another
falls on 25 February this winter.
Mountain Holidays near Morzine – a rack of
outrageous ’80s masterpiece to add to
AliKats (www.alikats.eu) operate three chalets
over 50 epic retro ski suits.
the collection.”
in the peaceful village of Montriond on the
Guests are free to borrow the one-piece
Fancy dress in the French mountains seems
edge of Morzine, 5 minutes’ drive from the
wonders when they like, and the owners say
to be a pursuit dominated by the British, but
town centre and main Ardent gondola but
they’ve been known to increase group fun on
during Mardi Gras the locals will join in the fun.
positioned so that guests can reach central
the mountain by over 25%.
Every Tuesday in February the carnival comes
Avoriaz 10 to 15 minutes faster than if they
“The guests love the onesies,” chuckles
to the streets of Morzine with fireworks,
were staying in central Morzine.
© BRAD WHITE
Along with the usual chalet holiday favourites
THE HALF-MILLION DOLLAR HELI-SKI HOLIDAY CMH, the original heli-skiing company
dedicated personal concierge on hand
and now the world’s largest, is
throughout, a private videographer
celebrating 50 years in business this
to capture and record the entire trip,
winter and has created a “once-in-a-
and they will receive a surprise 50th
lifetime” trip as part of the celebrations.
Anniversary welcome gift.
The 7-day private heli-skiing trip will
The holiday is based at CMH
have a maximum of 10 participants, will
Valemount, one of the most exclusive
be staged from April 11 – 18, 2015, and
ski lodges in the world, and guests
will weigh in at $549,500.00 (+ taxes) –
will ski in a winter’s worth of fluffy
about £293,000.
powder in the virgin terrain of CMH
Described by the company as “The
McBride, where no one has skied or
Heli-Ski experience to end all others”
snowboarded for years.
and, “the most extravagant private
“Every skier and snowboarder dreams
powder party ever,” the package price
of the perfect day, the perfect snow,
is so hefty because among the perks
and perfect après surrounded by
included are private jet transportation
good family and friends,” says Joe
from New York City to the heli-ski area;
Flannery, President of CMH Heli-
all dinners catered by a private chef
Skiing and Summer Adventures.
flown in from Nobu restaurant; evening
“At CMH, we dream of the perfect
wine pairings from the world’s finest
heli-ski experience and make it our
vintages; limited edition CMH-branded
mission to deliver that to everyone
Arc’teryx ski jacket and pants, Smith
who skis or rides with us. It seems
goggles and Hestra gloves for each
fitting to celebrate our jubilee year by
participant as well as limited edition
dreaming up the most amazing heli-ski
Atomic skis or Burton snowboard.
experience we could ever imagine.”
Guests will also enjoy the services of a
cmhski.com/ultimate
FB.COM/INTHESNOW
031 // FEB15
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Visit our website for special offers
ski/snowboard service – just pop
will refund your ski hire if you are
throughout the French Alps,
into the shop when you feel like
unable to ski during your holiday
Pyrenees (including Andorra), and
a change. You can even swap for
due to lift closure/lack of snow.
Switzerland has new equipment
a sledge or snowshoes before
Of course there are terms and
for the 2015 season which you
going back to your skis/board.
conditions to all these services.
can reserve from the comfort of
With Ski Republic shops situated
You can get all of the above
your own home at up to 50% off,
close to the lifts and slopes, or
features, including the service, with
meaning that the equipment is
inside Odalys residences, you
skis, boots, poles and a helmet
waiting when you arrive in resort,
can choose overnight ski storage
for €118 for 6 days, a 50% saving,
taking the stress out of ski hire.
if that’s more convenient than
when you book online.
In addition Ski Republic rentals
lugging your equipment to and
ski-republic.com
have a number of handy optional
from your accommodation. Another
features that help make them a cut
option for those who appreciate
here are ski and snowboard rental
above the rest.
the difference a freshly waxed ski
companies, and then there are ski
These include inclusive cover for
makes is the chance to book an
and snowboard rental companies.
damage/theft or your trip being
extra mid-holiday service to ensure
Ski Republic aims to be the best in
cancelled. You can also change
you keep that freshly serviced
the business, offering that bit more
the gear you’re on, perhaps switch
feeling all holiday long! Finally,
than the rest, all for affordable prices.
between different types of skis
and quite pertinently, the way
The company which now operates
and snowboard, with the MultiRide
this season began, Ski Republic
ANDY PARANT
VANOISE EXPRESS GETS A FRESH MAKEOVER
0800 0664 996 0800 0664 996
Paradiski ski area of France have
and critically regarded as one of
the Vanoise Express remains one
had another make over.
the most emblematic artists of
of the world’s most remarkable ski
The French designer Jean-Charles
our times, famous for his designs
lifts. It’s double-decker panoramic
de Castelbajac returned to
in fashion and other projects
cabins, which unlike most cable
Paradiski this winter with a new
including the Vanoise Express.
cars can operate independent of
artistic creation for the Vanoise
Officially opened in December
one another, give it the highest
The iconic double-decker cabins of
Express, following on from the
2003 to complete a long-held
capacity of any lift of its type.
the famous Vanoise Express cable
success of his original concept
dream to link the famous resorts
Paradiski is one of the largest ski
car which links Les Arcs, Peisey-
launched in 2013. Multi-talented
and create one of the world’s
areas in the world and this season
Vallandry and La Plagne in the
designer Castelbajac is popularly
largest ski areas in the process,
will be open until 25 April 2015.
La La Plagne Plagne • • Les Les Arcs Arcs • • Tignes Tignes
www.snowchateaux.co.uk www.snowchateaux.co.uk 032 // FEB15
@INTHESNOWMAG
JULIEN ROCHER
T
over 70 shops in 42 resorts
© COPYRIGHT UK MOD CROWN COPYRIGHT 2015
FIRST MICHELIN 3 STAR RESTAURANT IN LES 3 VALLÉES The 2015 Michelin Guide is out and more stars
the creation of the second 3★ chefs, René and
ro and Le Kintessence), as well as 1★ ratings
have been awarded to restaurants in the Sa-
Maxime Meilleur at La Bouitte in Saint-Martin-
for Azimut and Le Strato.
voie Mont Blanc region of France, which now
de-Belleville. It’s the first time Michelin have
L’Epicurien in Val Thorens and L’Ekrin in Méribel
boasts more than 50 stars.
jointly awarded stars to a father-and-son team.
got their first stars, joining Le Farçon in La Tania.
After several years, when Chef Emmanuel Re-
They top an impressive list of Les 3 Vallées
Elsewhere in the region, in Val d’Isère l’Atelier
naut was the only 3★ chef in the French Alps
chefs, where restaurants in five of the world’s
d’Edmond got a second star and La Table de
(the highest Michelin award given), working
largest ski area’s resorts now have stars. Rat-
l’Ours has one star. Le Bois Prin in Chamonix was
at Flocons de Sel restaurant in Megève, the
ed establishments include five 2★ ratings for
awarded its first star, joining 1★ Le Bistrot and
continuing ascendancy of Les 3 Vallées as a
restaurants in Courchevel (Le Chabichou, Les
2★Albert 1er. Single stars are also held by 1920 in
gourmet destination has been recognised by
Airelles, Cheval Blanc, La Table du Kilimandja-
Megève and Le Sérac in St-Gervais-les-Bains.
SCARPA.CO.UK MADE IN ITALY. ESTABLISHED IN 1938
and advanced lessons to cater
snowboarders from across the
for all abilities.
Royal Navy were churning up
Most people opted for two
the snow in Tignes last month
days of instruction to improve
for the Service’s annual Alpine
their technique plus a race to
Championships.
test themselves against the
The event offers the
competition.
opportunity for Service
The options for racing were
personnel to let off steam
very varied and included
between deployments and
boardercross, skier-cross,
boost their skiing skills and
slopestyle snowboarding,
personal goals, as well as
slalom and giant slalom. Once
allowing team coaches to look
the RN ski and snowboard
for new talent ahead of the
squads arrived in the resort the
inter-services competition later
ante was upped and longer
in the season.
races were scheduled. For
“The discovery of excellent
skiers this included the Super
new talent to come through
Giant Slalom (the ‘Super G’) and
and replace the ‘old guard’ was
the Premier Super G races, and
extremely encouraging and
for the boarders the big crowd
bodes well for the future,” said
pleaser, the slopestyle.
Petty Officer (Physical Trainer)
The winners were: Women’s
Lucy McKenna, the ladies
board: Leading Hand Erin
snowboard team captain and
Pinkerton – HMS Ocean;
snowboard team manager.
Women’s ski: Able Seaman
For the first week there were
Jade Convery – HMS Richmond;
beginner lessons for those that
Men’s board: Marine Connor
have never been on the snow
Gemmell – 42 Commando Royal
before, plus novice (one step
Marines; Men’s ski: Marine Kyle
up from beginner), intermediate
Coetzee – HMS Ocean.
FB.COM/INTHESNOW
033 // FEB15
FRE EDO MS L
More than 800 skiers and
FRE EDO MS LW MN S
FREEDOM
SNOW BUSINESS LIKE NAVY BUSINESS
SkiA SkiTrainer Trains The SkillsTo TransformYour Skiing
Emily Sarsfield, Ed Drake
SKI A
skia.com
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e nt cod discou 0’ 1 S ‘IT
NEW ROUGH GUIDE MICROSITE LISTS INDOOR SNOW CENTRES IN ACCESSIBLE ADVENTURES The new Rough Guide to Accessible Britain:
family-friendly attractions including SNO!zone
they can also provide BSL interpreters.
Family Days Out microsite reviews the realities of
@ Xscape in Milton Keynes. With conditions
The Rough Guide to Accessible Britain and the
adrenaline-filled adventure for the whole family –
matching that of a snow-covered mountain,
Family Days Out microsite have been developed
granny and granddad included.
1500 tons of real snow and a 185-yard slope, the
in association with Motability Operations, the
Created by the same team that brought you the
venue offers an authentic Alpine adventure.
company that operates the Motability Car
award-winning Rough Guide to Accessible Britain,
Ideal for experienced enthusiasts and beginners
Scheme for disabled people. These online
the Family Days Out microsite is a compilation of the
alike, Disability Snowsport UK also provide lessons
reviews contain all the must-have accessibility
best accessible outings from around the country.
at SNO!zone, as do Silent Snow, who operate
information needed to enjoy a great day out.
The website features reviews of accessible
sessions for deaf and hard-of-hearing people, and
accessibleguide.co.uk/family-days-out
VAL D’ISÈRE TOURIST OFFICE
NEW €5.6M ROMANIAN SKI SLOPE OPENS
VAL D’ISÈRE STAGING ‘HACKATHON’
Although they have not registered much in the Western European
Val d’Isère has launched unlimited access to free mountain wi-fi
consciousness, Romanian ski areas, once known as ever more of a
throughout the resort for its visitors this winter, meaning all apps and
bargain ski destination than Bulgarian ones, have been upgrading.
services can be used without the normally high costs of data roaming.
Existing resorts like Poiana Brașov have been adding new modern
The famous French resort will also welcome computer experts from
gondola and high-speed chairlifts, and several completely new ski areas
the global “hacker community” this season, to compete in the highest
have been created with similar modern lifts.
Hackathon competition in the world. Ten teams will fight it out to create
The latest to be announced is a new centre near the small town of Slănic in
a new digital phone app that will, the resort hopes, “reinvent the Val
the country’s Moldova region. The European Union and the local authority
d’Isère ski experience.”
have reportedly spent €5.6 million to create a 1414km ski run described as
Apps created in the Hackathon will be shared with Val d’Isère guests
“one of the most modern ski slopes in Romania” by local media.
who will get to trial them free of charge throughout the 2015 ski
Apart from clearing the slope, the money has gone on snowmaking,
season, before voting for the best entry. The winning app will be built
floodlighting and a chairlift for it. Skiers can buy one ascent on the lift for
to launch for the 2016 ski season.
€1, or a 2-day pass costs around €22 for unlimited use.
www.valdisere.com
034 // FEB15
@INTHESNOWMAG
sleeping between 10 and 20 guests in each, Le Chardon Mountain
MOUNTAIN LODGES
Lodges are chosen
transport, or you can head back to the lounge where waitress service will keep you topped up with a range of wines and spirits
both for their luxurious
from the open bar.
individually designed, furnished and decorated. The flagship Chalet Le Chardon itself combines elegance and grandeur in a sophisticated Alpine style. Discreetly located in a perfect ski-in/ski-out location on the
amenities and for location (all are
All the chalets are beautifully
Solaise Mountain, it is spread over
ski-in/ ski-out) while the company
furnished and extremely well
800m2 with four floors of luxury.
itself has created an unrivalled
details of your trip in advance,
equipped. No home comfort is
Inside, there are two large sitting
reputation for its high service
including the option of pre-arrival
spared. They are immaculately
rooms, dining room, TV room, a
standards.
menu consultations.
clean, tidy, well presented and
sauna and wellness suite and two
From the moment you arrive at
Once safely in your luxurious
extremely warm and comfortable.
private massage rooms where
your chalet, you are greeted with
chalet in Val d’Isère, your daily
The chalets are mainly constructed
in-house treatments are provided.
a very personalised and attentive
service in your chalet includes tea
from locally sourced timber and
There’s also a south-facing sun
welcome. The staff are all on hand
and coffee in bed, fresh flowers,
slate, and feature welcoming large
terrace with two outdoor hot tubs,
ocated in their own grounds in a
to meet you, with each member of
breakfast and afternoon tea. After
open fireplaces, and there is a
as well as 18 foot swim spa. It
private enclave in one of the most
the team introducing themselves.
a day of skiing, drinks are served
great attention to detail throughout
boasts 10 double or twin en-suite
desirable positions in Val d’Isère,
The team for each chalet includes
with champagne and canapés in
the chalets with many art works,
bedrooms and can sleep up to
Le Chardon Mountain Lodges have
an experienced chef, hosts,
the main lounge area, before the
themed ornaments and paintings.
20 guests. Some of the double
built up a reputation over the past
manager and chauffeur.
head chef introduces the evening’s
All rooms offer a different décor
bedrooms have 4m-wide windows
two decades as the go-to chalet
Even before your holiday with Le
menu and invites you to head
with their own features and
opening out to the balcony and
company in the world-famous
Chardon Mountain Lodges begins,
downstairs for a four-course, 5★
furniture that brings out the best
overlooking the mountains.
resort.
you can take advantage of the
gourmet dinner.
in each room. Nothing is repeated
lechardonvaldisere.com
Now operating five luxury chalets
company’s pre-arrival concierge
If you want to head into town after
from room to room or chalet
info@lechardonvaldisere.com;
of various sizes and configurations,
service to talk through the smallest
dinner, the staff are ready with
to chalet; they have all been
0131 209 7969
LECHARDONVALDISERE.COM
MARK JUNAK
HOLLY JUNAK
PROMOTION
L
Le Chardon
035 // FEB15
AIVARS ZARINS MOTIONSTOPPERS.COM
Tim Co e mp To et e!
T
BRITISH INDOOR SLOPESTYLE CHAMPIONSHIPS
“everyone gets a prize” motto runs annually at The Snow Centre Hemel Hempstead in early November. Competitors will need to have had previous
If you’re planning on being the next Jenny Jones
experience riding freestyle features to enter.
or Jamie Nicholls, land some tricks at the British
morrowjam.co.uk
Indoor Championships! Normally hosted at Chill Factore Manchester, the competition is open to adults and juniors, with categories for overall,
GAP NATION
under 16s and under 12s. A jam-style competition that sees plenty of creativity and some high-level
A slopestyle jam competition for skiers and
tricks on rails and jumps, you will need to have
snowboarders, adults and juniors, with the
previous freestyle experience to take part.
emphasis on fun! Whether you’ve only just started
the-brits.com/championships/indoor
hitting the jumps or you’re imitating the likes of Aimee Fuller, with backflips over “big” gap
SUMMER LEAGUE SKI RACING
kickers, Gap Nation’s park setups host a mix of beginner to advanced jumps, rails and boxes, and offer a variety of categories to win prizes in.
To enter most ski racing competitions you’ll need
Hosted at The Snow Centre Hemel Hempstead,
to be a member of your local dry slope or indoor
the event usually takes place in June or July.
here comes a time within any sport when a
centre’s race club. Once you have regularly
Check out their Facebook page to stay up to date!
touch of friendly competition can bring a new
attended the club sessions your coach will let
fb.com/GapNation
lease of life to your skills and development!
you know when you’re ready to compete, but
Competitive spirit makes a regular appearance,
when they do, a competition like The Summer
at whatever level, in sports such as football,
League will be a good starting point. The
tennis and rugby; and there shouldn’t be any
Summer League is aimed at all ages of skiers
reason why a little sociable rivalry can’t come
and is a good introduction to competitive ski
into play in snow sports.
racing in an informal and fun setting. Races
Organised by Snowsport England, the event
The unfortunate reality is that, while most of us
are held at Ipswich, The Snow Centre Hemel
normally takes place in June at Chill Factore,
have seen or heard of the UK’s top skiers and
Hempstead, Welwyn, Brentwood, Norwich,
Manchester. In 2014’s competition over 90 adults
snowboarders competing professionally abroad,
Bassingbourn and Tallington Lakes.
and juniors took part, ranging from international-
it can prove very difficult to find a “just for fun”
ersa.co.uk/ersa_summer_league_racing
level skiers and snowboarders to athletes
UK competition to show off the average or even advanced skills of British snow enthusiasts! So, if you or your children have already put the
ENGLISH INDOOR SKI AND SNOWBOARD CROSS CHAMPS
competing in their first ever event. So if you were
MORROW JAM
time in on the snow and are looking to take your
inspired by the likes of Team GB’s Zoe Gillings during the Winter Olympics and you have a good level of snow-sports skills in the bag, this is an
freestyle tricks, slalom skiing or snowboard cross
Britain’s longest-running friendly snowboard
event not to be missed! The English Indoor Ski
to another level, or maybe you’re just looking to
competition is now open to skiers and
and Snowboard Championships also run mogul
socialise with other snow-sports lovers on your
snowboarders! A slopestyle competition for all
and slopestyle competitions. Keep an eye on
home turf, keep an eye out for these open-to-
ages to land as many styled tricks as they can on
their Facebook page for their next event!
everyone, friendly competitions.
boxes, rails and jumps. A competition famous for its
fb.com/EnglishSSBXChampionships
036 // FEB15
THESNOWCENTRE.COM
©MANU REYBOZ
NEW GUIDE TO WORLD’S 100 BIGGEST SKI AREAS
Olang Fantasy
Helmet Covers
Live in comfort
Christoph Schrahe, the German ski expert and cartographer, has published his new guide to the world’s 100 biggest ski areas. Schrahe’s use of digital mapping to properly measure the length of ski areas in 2013 caused international controversy when his findings – which differed widely in many cases from official figures – led to revelations that many areas used tricks like counting wide runs three times or following a zigzag line length rather than a straight line down a piste to reach their total. New national standards were subsequently agreed – in Austria at least.
Manbi Sun Protection
Schrahe measures resorts by a number of different measures. In terms of piste length he has Les 3 Vallées still as the world’s largest but with 495km rather than the official 600km total. North American resorts, normally only measured by area, are included too, with Whistler ranked fifth biggest in the world with 254km of runs. The very detailed and meticulously researched 52-page report costs €89 for a PDF version or €99 for a printed copy. Contact: schrahe@ski-weltweit.de.
ALIKATS MOUNTAIN HOLIDAYS
Colour in sport
Manbi Winter Headwear
Manbi Patterned Ski Socks
Park Peak Piste Fuse Sunglasses Manbi Winter Sports Accessories
HEAVY SNOW IN THE ALPS After a warm start to winter in the Alps, a series of snow storms in late January and early February appears to have secured snow cover for the remainder of the season. The snowfall increased in volume as the storms continued with the largest accumulation, just under 6ft in 7 days, measured above Argentière in the Chamonix Valley earlier this month. Several resorts reported 4–5ft (120–150cm) of fresh snow in the same week, among them Flaine, Les Arcs, Courchevel, Avoriaz and Alpe d’Huez, with many others reporting smaller but still very significant
Manbi Scope Glove
accumulations. Many resorts now have snow depths in the 1.5–3m (5–10ft) range on upper runs which even a serious thaw would have difficulty removing before April/May. Base depths down at resort level are greatly improved too. The heavy snow was followed by low temperatures in many areas, with the stats dropping to double digits below zero overnight in Alpine resorts.
FB.COM/INTHESNOW
037 // FEB15
Manbi Park Kids Invaders Black
For stockists visit: manbi.com | olang.co.uk | coolcasc.co.uk | salice.co.uk
SCOTT PRO STRETCH JUNIOR JACKET
ATOMIC AUTOMATIC 25L BACKPACK
If your kids like to ski in all
A freeride-specific backpack
An extremely Light Freeride boot with
weathers then they need a
designed to move with you
a superb fit thanks to VACU-PLAST
super-warm and functional
when you ski. Its cleverly
shell material which is heat moulded
jacket like this. No more
designed shoulder straps
to the feet. Sporty and comfortable
irritable kids, just comfortable,
and waist belt allow the load
for a variety of pistes and skiing styles
cosy and happy ones.
to be hugged in close to
with Hike/Ride/Lock mode, anti-
Uncompromised waterproofing
your spine for comfort and
slip walking plates. It has a 103-108
and technical features make
unhindered skiing. No more
adaptable last with a flex of 100.
this super-tech junior jacket
excess movement every
stand out in the crowd.
time you turn.
£160 | SKIBARTLETT.COM
£125 | SKIBARTLETT.COM
FISCHER RANGER 10+ VACUUM CF
£360 | FISCHERSPORTS.COM
TEKO FREERIDE WORLD TOUR MEDIUM SOCK Official sock of the Freeride World Tour. Constructed from merino wool and recycled polyester, perfect for those who want warm feet and more cushioning. It features the innovative TEKO ACHILLES WRAP SYSTEM™, which provides a more comfortable fit and stops any rubbing with seamless toe and anatomical Y-heel. £22 | WWW.TEKOFORLIFE.CO,.UK
ATOMIC REDSTER DOUBLEDECK 3.0 GS RACE SKIS POC FORNIX BACKCOUNTRY MIPS
ZAINI HATS Zaini hats are still the leader of headwear
There’s so much technology in this ski
when it comes to Snowsports and with
that it’s hard to know where to start
a whole new 2014/2014 range they
singing its virtues … the double deck
cant be missed on the slopes! Like this
In case of an impact, the MIPS safety system
gives you power, the ramp tech plate
‘Bowmore’beanie.
allows the helmet to rotate slightly on your head,
keeps you in the front seat and the
reducing the rotational forces to the brain. One
slanted sidewalls give you grip underfoot,
of the safest lightweight helmets available, with
and that’s just the start! Whether you’re
the combination of its strong, energy-absorbing,
an instructor or high-end skier, you will
aramid reinforced shell and MIPS impact
definitely like this ski. Smooth, powerful
technology. Well ventilated, it provides excellent
and SO much fun.
£20.99 | ZAINI.COM
protection for all your freeride adventures. £774 INCL BINDING | SKIBARTLETT.COM £175 | SKIBARTLETT.COM
POWDER THE GREATEST SKI RUNS ON THE PLANET
ELLIOT BROWN CANFORD WATCH COLLECTION
BY PATRICK THORNE Rugged outdoor credentials along with honest good looks. The most impressive, thrilling and scenic
Designed to be worn every day, even in harsh conditions,
ski runs from one of the world’s leading ski
it can cope with just about anything you throw at it on the
experts. A glorious coffee table book that will
slopes. With Swiss-made movement, incredible shock
spark the imagination of any keen skier. An
absorbency and Superluminova detailing on the hands,
ideal present for the person you’re trying to
dial and bezel for outstanding legibility in any conditions,
tempt into joining you while you tick these off
this really is a go-anywhere watch. Classic good looks
your bucket list!
without the smart-phone gadgetry.
£25 | SKIBARTLETT.COM
£325 | SNOWANDROCK.COM
038 // FEB15
@INTHESNOWMAG
HEAD REV 80 PRO
ATOMIC HAWX 2.0 90 WOMEN’S SKI BOOT
WITH ERA 3.0, ALL-RIDE ROCKER, PROGRESSIVE RADIUS
The new and improved Hawx is here, now with the What does all this tech mean and how does it
addition of Memory Fit, a heat mouldable plastic shell,
help you ski? Instant edge grip on hard snow and
customisable to the shape of your foot. Not just content
ice. Effortless flowing turns of any size. Stability
with comfort, the performance has also increased; the
at speed. Whether you’re an intermediate or
addition of flex zones in the sole of the boot gives you
advanced-level skier, these all-mountain skis will
better balance and more feel under your feet. The best
help you perform in any and all conditions.
has just got even better!
£490 INCL BINDING | SKIBARTLETT.COM
£275 | SKIBARTLETT.COM
SHRED STUPEFY GOGGLE
EIDER ANNECY LIVING TALLOIRES WOMEN’S FLEECE
Shred’s goal is to produce goggles that not only look unique but, most importantly, perform
Boasting urban cool with technical features and the clever use of rich, textured fabrics
when you need them. The Stupefy’s oversized frame gives you uncompromised wide
that you’d expect from Eider. This mid-length jacket is a luxurious and high-quality wool
peripheral vision, and the “No BS” easy-change lenses mean you’re ready for any weather.
and polyester blend providing cosy warmth with technical durability.
£134 | SKIBARTLETT.COM
£120 | AVAILABLE IN GREY OR ROSE WINE | COTSWOLDOUTDOOR.COM
BLACK CROWS CORVUS Looking for one ski to charge hard and fast in all conditions? Then this is the ski for you. It’s rockered tip eats up powder and helps turning on piste, and with its solid feel underfoot you’ll have a hard job outperforming these skis. The faster you ski, the bigger your smile will get! £620 | SKIBARTLETT.COM
EMBER MITTENS
PERILLA SOCKS
Their flagship mitten partnering on-trend style with a
Fabulous 75% alpaca ski socks with soft
heating system to keep you feeling warm and looking
cushioned sole and ribbed sides; these
cool. Check out these product features: 4-setting
socks wick away moisture, repel odour
heating system; pocket for ski pass; touch screen
and bacteria and can happily be worn for a
enabled; integrated goggle squeegee; nose wipe;
week. Longer socks also available for those
adjustable fit; comfort, style and function; travel bag;
who prefer a thinner sock.
lightweight charger and travel adaptors. £18.00 | PERILLA.CO.UK £198 | EMBERWEAR.CO.UK/SHOP
FISCHER MOTIVE SKI 86TI SAAMI KEMI SNOW JACKET This stylish men’s jacket comes in blue, black or red. The jacket’s SaamiSkin uses a triple-layer system to keep the weather out and the warmth in. It has a detachable hood and thoughtfully placed pockets for gloves, goggles and ski passes. £169.99 | SAAMISNOW.CO.UK
This ski will surprise you as much as it did when we tested it ... so smooth and effortless to start the turn, but as soon as it's on an edge the grip and performance are seriously impressive. A very
MORE AT SKIBARTLETT.COM
manoeuvrable and fun allmountain ski with impeccable
With their renowned reputation for specialist expert
performance.
advice, combined with their carefully selected and
£599 INCL BINDING | SKIBARTLETT.COM
tested range of products, it’s no surprise that Ski Bartlett’s word-of-mouth reputation over the last 50 years has made them the UK’s most popular independent ski shop!
INTHESNOW.COM // FEB15 // 039
ALTITUDE-VERBIER.COM | ALTITUDE-FUTURES.COM | FREERIDE-VERBIER.COM
LESSON #05 BUMPS INTRODUCTION
TECHNICAL TIPS
Bumps can be challenging and it will
The upper body should be in a more
A good range of up and down move-
Bumps limit where you can turn your skis;
require a lot of practice time to become
upright position compared to normal
ments with the legs is required – as you
with this in mind it’s important to under-
confident at controlling your speed and
alpine skiing.
hit the bump, bend the legs to absorb
stand the line you choose and how this
it. As you drop off the bump, stretch the
will affect your speed down the moguls.
line. This month Jon talks us through a
TACTICAL DECISIONS
few key technical and tactical points to
By turning the skis quickly you can con-
legs to push the skis into the hollow (see
help you become more confident skiing
trol the speed of descent down the mo-
photo above).
the bumps. The points should be useful
guls. The movement should come from
whether it is your first time on a gentle
the leg turning in the hip socket. Keep
At lower levels use a flat ski to ena-
bump so that the tip and tail are free and
pitch of bumps or if you are already a
the skis flat to isolate the movement and
ble it to skid and control speed. If the
it is easy to rotate the ski. Rotate the ski
confident bumps skier.
enable a fast rate of turning.
ski is edged too much, it will grip and
and skid down the back of the bump to
accelerate, usually leaving the skier in
control the speed.
Remember to warm up properly before getting stuck in!
High line – In the moguls ski up onto the top or high on the shoulder of the
Plant your pole over the top of the bump
the back seat. Skiers with excellent rotary
onto the backside. This allows for better
and pressure control skills can use more
flow down the bumps, and the upper
edge to increase speed.
body is less likely to be pushed back.
SKI BOOT LAB
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Call 020 7736 0046 Profeet 867 Fulham Road, London, SW6 5HP
FUN TIMES GUARANTEED Young Kids/ First Timers
JON (AKA WESTY) AT ALTITUDE
Cat and mouse is a great game
360 flat spins, where your skis
that always gets everyone
stay flat on the snow and you spin
With your kids (3–5 years old) it
smiling. Put simply: one person
around, are great for working on
is especially important that they
is the “cat” and they have to
balance and rotation, and the kids
have fun and enjoy themselves
chase the “mouse” who has
love to show off with them!
because this is their first time
to try and get away. Try to get
skiing. If they don’t have a good
the kids to simulate this by
Slalom – racing your friends is
time they won’t want to come
changing their rhythm and turn
always fun and a great place to
again, and this will seriously put
shape rather than just going
practise your new skills.
a dampener on your future skiing
straight (they tend to want to
holiday plans!
go for this option for some
Remember to stay safe and have
Make sure they are taught by a
reason!).
fun and you will have your kids
fun and qualified instructor who
begging you to bring them back
plans to include lots of games,
Hockey stops are a great way
and have toys on hand. Leave
to develop edging skills but
next year.
Jon holds the top qualifications from
any expectations you may have
also useful for spraying parents
Altitude Ski and Snowboard
The skier is much more restricted in how
France, Switzerland and Britain, and
of how they will become great
with snow!
School in Verbier run private and
much and where they can turn and skid
we can say firsthand that he is an
skiers at home. The priority is to
the ski. Speed down the slope is general-
inspirational coach. His ski school Altitude
keep it fun.
Synchronised skiing can be fun
2 years old. These lessons start
ly faster than in a high line.
is known worldwide for employing a team
Tip: You can get them to stop or
and challenging whilst also great
with complete beginners and
of fantastic ski and snowboard instructors
turn by their favourite toy.
for developing good timing and
also go up to coaching carving,
coordination skills.
bumps, off piste and the park.
Low line – Keep the skis in the rut line.
By choosing somewhere between the
who are very passionate about helping
high and low line the skier can choose
people improve. Each month, Jon or one
how easy it is to control the speed.
of his team will provide us with a few tips
group lessons for children from
Intermediate Level Kids
They also run a race camp during all the busy weeks of the season.
Advanced Level Kids
and words of wisdom to help improve
As your kids get older, the games
Try to practise on very small bumps, and
your understanding of how to ski.
used for learning will be more
then when you start to feel confident try
info@altitude-verbier.com
ski related and help to introduce,
180º jumps in the air are great
please speak to laura or one of
linking a few turns through one or two
+41(0)27 771 6006.
develop and hone new skiing
for balance and rotational skills…
the team at
skills. Some examples include:
plus it looks cool ;-)
info@altitude-verbier.com.
bigger bumps. Enjoy.
For more information or advice
BY PATRICK THORNE
PHOTO STUDIO PARIS VERCRUYSSE
Green
WHAT’S THE GREENEST WAY TO GO SKIING? Studies suggest that when we are on our ski holiday we’re actually consuming less power than in our day-to-day lives back home, thanks to the efficiency levels of most ski resorts, and the fact that we spend much of the day outdoors. Add to the mix the fact that most ski resorts use some element of renewable energy, and nearly a quarter of the world’s top 250 are fully green energy powered, and the numbers get more impressive still.
SPEND THE NIGHT IN A COURCHEVEL CABLE CAR
If you are concerned about your CO2
above the famous French resort, for one
accommodation provider too.
experience, visit Courchevel’s listing on
night only – 6 March.
After climbing the ski runs by snowmobile,
Airbnb no later than 25 February at 23:59
The cable car will be completely
the four guests will be greeted with
and tell the host why you would like to
itself, and once you look into the different
transformed in just a matter of hours after
traditional mulled wine at the Saulire
spend the night in the Saulire cable car.
modes of travel you use, the CO2 maths
ferrying the last skiers of the day down
Summit, then served a Savoyard fondue.
The contest is open to families or groups
from the slopes so that one lucky winner
They will then tuck in for the night in the
of friends, four people maximum. All terms
and three of their guests will have a space
cable car cabin and in the morning will
and conditions of the contest are available
for the night, complete with a bed and
have the privilege of laying down “first
on www.airbnb.co.uk.
journey, the better – which means aiming
living room.
tracks” on the untouched snow.
footprint then it’s the travel to resorts you need to focus on, not the resort you choose
gets murkier! Of course, as a rule, the shorter your for the Alps, Scotland or Scandinavia will
The contest to win the night in the cable
“We are happy to offer a unique
use a fraction of the CO2 used for a long-
car cabin is being organised by Airbnb,
experience of the mountain to four lucky
haul trip. Then travelling overland normally
an accommodation provider which
winners who will discover Courchevel
beats flying and, whether you do fly or go
describes itself as a “community of hosts”
from an unprecedented angle! We thrive
and says it now has more than a million
on challenge and take pride in opening
by rail, bus or car, you can console yourself with the knowledge that if you’re crammed
ourchevel in France is to give someone
listings around the world. Best known
up new possibilities,” said Adeline Roux,
into a charter plane, or sardine-like in a
the chance to spend the night in a cabin
for its city destinations, the company is
Courchevel Tourism’s Director.
of its Saulire cable car, suspended 2700m
trying to boost its credentials as a ski
For a chance to win this unique
car, bus or train carriage, your share of the CO2 used will be less. Indeed, the perpassenger CO2 emissions on a short-haul flight can be less than a solo driver in a big 4X4. Eurostar claims the lowest emissions of all,
ZOE GILLINGS-BRIER LAUNCHES RAZOR DELIVERY SERVICE
thanks to its electric trains using French nuclear power. But some coach services
Three times British Olympian
Olympics in South Korea in 2018, which
DJI, Soloshot, Celtic Associates and
make the same claim, carbon offsetting
Zoe Gillings (zoegillings.com) got
Zoe hopes will be her fourth Games.
Nutrition X.
their fuel emissions, which are already low
married last summer and is now Zoe
“I’ve launched www.PoundShaveClub.
“The bottom line is I don’t have much
per passenger. If you have a low-emissions
Gillings-Brier.
com which is going really well. Simply
funds but what I do have I will spend
Having lost her UK Sport funding
put we offer great-quality razors,
wisely. This season is a regeneration
after the Sochi games a year ago, Zoe
delivered to your door hassle-free at a
season so I’m not going to be doing
has also set up an innovative new
fair price (at least 60–70% cheaper than
many competitions but concentrating
business venture to try to raise funds
on the high street),” said Zoe who also
on training. Right now the only focus
for training and competitions in the 3
has a swathe of sponsors including Ski
on my mind are the 2018 PyeongChang
years remaining up to the PyeongChang
Team 4, Mitsubishi Motors, Bridgestone,
Olympics. That’s it,” concluded Zoe.
car, maybe even an electric one, and make sure you fill all the seats, your CO2 emissions will be low too.
042 // FEB15
@INTHESNOWMAG
MATHIAS BERNAL
LA PLAGNE’S SUMMITS TO BE TRANSFORMED La Plagne has announced plans to transform its six major summits over 2000m into something a little different at the end of the ski season from 4–17 April. The famous French resort, part of the giant Paradiski area, will turn The Bécoin into a sandy beach with deckchairs, beach huts, DJs and shows whilst L’Arpette will be transformed into a relaxing area with Taï Chi lessons, massages, a Jacuzzi and a sauna, with classical music in the background. If you still crave mid-winter head to La Grand Rochette which will become a mini Lapland with deer and huskies. For the other three peaks Roche de Mio will delight adrenaline addicts with a ski diving simulator, a slack line and a bungee jump. Fornelet will be the top choice for families with young children as it will feature a hut full of sweets and activities for the kids, and finally La Rossa will go highbrow and hold an art exhibition.
InTheSnow House FP
VERBIER CUTS PRICES 15% The powers that be in Verbier have decided to cut prices on some lift passes, rentals and holiday accommodation by 15% (“terms and conditions apply”) in response to the Swiss National Bank’s decision to end its policy of a fixed exchange rate, which has had the effect of making holidays to the resort for Brits about 15% more expensive. “Verbier values its clients and hopes through these efforts that clients
FREE APP FOR ALL DEVICES
can benefit from a number of advantages, despite the strong franc,” said a statement from the resort. Verbier’s Real Estate Agent Association has decided to grant – for all new reservations made up to the end of April – a discount of up to 15% on all accommodation offers published on Verbier’s official website. Sports shops that are members of the Verbier Association of Retailers have decided to offer a 15% reduction on clothing, equipment and rentals, and lift company Téléverbier will offer a 15% reduction on prepurchased 6-day ski passes for British Tour Operators when offered as an accommodation and ski pass package, and bought and paid for at least 10 days prior to customers’ arrival in the resort.
FB.COM/INTHESNOW
043 // FEB15
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THE OMNIA ZERMATT
HOTEL AVENUE LODGE VAL D’ISÈRE
HOTEL PLEIN SUD SERRE CHEVALIER
The Omnia is perfectly situated in the centre of Zermatt just off on a hidden back street, giving you the bustle 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.
The Hotel Plein Sud is situated close to the Écrins National Park, the mythical Cols du Lauteret Galibier and Izoard made famous by the Tour de France, and very close to the old town of Briançon, which now boasts UNESCO World Heritage status.
+41 (0)27 966 7171 // INFO@THE-OMNIA.COM THE-OMNIA.COM
+33 (0) 492 24 17 01 // LYNNE@HOTELPLEINSUD.COM HOTELPLEINSUD.COM
HOTEL FIREFLY ZERMATT
CHALET SASKIA VAUJANY
The luxurious Hotel Avenue Lodge is a superb base in one the world’s great ski areas, the exceptional Espace Killy. You’ll feel welcome from the minute you arrive with valet parking and the concierge service taking care of your luggage. The Hotel Avenue Lodge’s entire team is at your service to make your holiday in our resort an unforgettable stay.
The Hotel Firefly is the first address in Zermatt for travellers who expect luxury and lifestyle of the highest level. In the midst of the breathtaking scenery of the famous glacier ski area, the hotel is only 3 minutes from the Klein Matterhorn cable car and from the centre of Zermatt. Each suite is individual, spacious and luxuriously furnished.
Perfectly located on the slopes of Vaujany, Chalet Saskia features two separate large lounges with log fires, two sun terraces, a big TV and games room, 10 en-suite bedrooms all with balconies and a hot tub. The cuisine is simply inspiring and complemented by the impeccable service and excellent wine selection.
+33 (0)47 900 6767 // CONTACT@HOTELAVENUELODGE.COM HOTELAVENUELODGE.COM
+41 (0)27 967 7676 FIREFLY-ZERMATT.COM
01428 608070 // INFO@SKIPEAK.NET SKIPEAK.NET
RESIDENCE & SPA VALLORCINE CHAMONIX
CHALET DES ALPES CRANS-MONTANA
HÔTEL L’HÉLIOPIC CHAMONIX
Nesteld in the charming village of Vallorcine, in the Chamonix MontBlanc valley, Vallorcine Mont-Blanc offers a relaxing atmosphere. The 5 Residence gives guests a choice of 50 cosy apartments with services. Facilities include an indoor heated pool, two saunas, a SPA, a tea-room, a ski shop and a private ice-rink. Less than 10 minutes from your breakfast to the ski slopes !
Quality B&B accommodation offered at great value. Evening meals available most nights. Prices from CHF72 per room. All rooms en-suite, free wi-fi, parking, heated ski room, full UK TV channels. 2 hours from Geneva. 10 min drive to Crans-Montana ski lifts with 140km of pistes. Situated in the small picturesque village of Lens, owned and run by British couple.
4 hotel with spa in central Chamonix, by the Aiguille du Midi lift, offering a new level of comfort including a 500m2 spa (with pool, onsen, hammam, banya, ice cave and tepidarium), restaurant, bar, ski shop, four conference rooms, take-away shop, free wi-fi and a covered car park.
+33 (0)4 5054 7520 // CONTACT@CHAMONIX-VACANCES.COM CHAMONIX-VACANCES.COM
+41 (0)27 483 23 09 // INFO@CHALETDESALPES.CH CHALETDESALPES.CH
+33 (0)4 50 54 55 56 // RESERVATION@HELIOPIC.COM HELIOPIC-HOTEL-SPA.COM
044 // FEB15
@INTHESNOWMAG
BRIT SPEED SKIER LIVE TESTS NEW AIR BAG successfully, ensuring a safe injury-free fall and
an elastic vest that fits under the race suit and
became the first man to complete a "live test"
demonstrating the performance of the system.
above the back protector. The algorithm that
the new air bag approved for downhill ski racers
“Before the first impact against the ground, I
makes it work is derived from analysis of data
by the International Ski Federation (FIS) earlier
heard a boom and instantly felt how the airbag
from 238 World Cup runs by 26 athletes.
this month on the slopes of La Pinilla, a small ski
inflated, it was like being inside a shell. I felt safe
“The test was very important in case any athlete
resort an hour north of Madrid.
and protected during the fall: after the initial
still had any doubts. Thanks to Jan, we’ve tested
The new airbags, designed to increase safety
tumbling and sliding for about 70m, I came to a
that the system works and that it doesn’t interfere
and minimise injury for ski racers, are the result
stop, unbruised,” said Jan.
in the natural movements and performance of the
of several years of research. Jan staged his
D-air® Ski is able to absorb 61% of the force
skiers,” said Vittorio Cafaggi, Director of Strategic
crash at 80kph (50mph) and the unit activated
generated by impact and is fully integrated into
Development for manufacturer Dainese.
DANIEL TÖCHTERLE
32-year-old British speed skier Jan Farrell
RODA DLES SAÛS
FAREWELL FUNICULAR
Italy’s Alta Badia region, which is on the famed Sella Ronda circuit of
Ellmau in the Skiwelt’s famous funicular ski lift will make its last ascent
the Italian Dolomites, is also well known for its accessible-to-all gourmet
on Easter Monday: 6 April 2015.
standard cuisine. There are events and offers all season long, but one
After 44 years of service and carrying 34 million people up the slopes,
of the highlights is the Roda dles Saûs ski safari, an event focused on
the Hartkaiserbahn, a key lift in the giant SkiWelt Wilder Kaiser-
the traditional cuisine of the local Ladin culture, which this season will
Brixental ski area, is to be replaced by a new, extra-large, 10-seater
be available the week beginning 15 March in the Santa Croce sector’s
gondola lift for winter 2015–16 at a cost of €23 million.
mountain restaurants. The Santa Croce area is one of the lesser known
The new lift will more than double hourly capacity on the route, being
of the local ski slopes, and skiers and boarders will have the opportunity
able to transport 3200 people an hour, up from the funicular’s 1500
to taste dishes which originated locally, made to old family recipes and
people. All the cabins will offer disabled access and are equipped
paired with the best South Tirolean wines.
with wi-fi and heated seats. There’ll also be a particularly long access
Skiers can buy a ticket from the participating restaurants which are
platform (8m longer than before) to provide comfortable and relaxed
valid for the whole week and include three dishes, which are served
boarding, the advantages of which families with small children in
up accompanied by traditional music at the huts. Tickets cost £36 and
particular will appreciate. The lift will make its 2.1km long ascent to
the event runs from 10:30am to 5:30pm daily throughout the week.
1530m in less than 9 minutes, and there’ll be an all-new opportunity to
altabadia.org
board or disembark at a new mid-way station.
FB.COM/INTHESNOW
045 // FEB15
PROMOTION
E lliot B r o w n Elliot Brown is a British brand of classic,
working nights, obsessing over every detail
highly durable watches designed to be
– it’s the little details that shine through
worn every day, even in harsh conditions.
when you pick up one of our watches.
A little over a year old, the brand has already picked up several industry
What are the differences between the
awards and is the brainchild of Ian Elliot,
Bloxworth and the Canford?
co-founder of Animal, and Alex Brown,
EB: The Canford is an understated,
esteemed horologist.
less-is-more kind of watch. Classic pilot styling with broader shoulders that work
Please tell us a little bit of the
just as well in the office or the mountain.
background of Elliot Brown and how the
The Bloxworth is our take on a traditional
company was formed?
sport diver with tough credentials to match.
EB: We both learned our trade whilst
Surprising new looks can be created
working at Animal. We learnt a lot and saw
simply by swapping straps. Both models
just about everything that could go wrong
use jewelled Swiss-made movements for
with a watch. We both went our separate
peace of mind.
ways for a few years but stayed good friends. We realised that we weren’t using
Was the outdoor and snow-sports market
the unique skills we’d both developed and
always something the watches aimed for?
hatched a plan to build the toughest, most
EB: We live for the outdoors – I’m
elegant watches that would suit our active
an avid skier, snowboarder, surfer and
outdoor lifestyles.
mountain biker – but we have jobs too, so we designed something that works in all
What was your vision when you started the
situations. Highly durable 316L marine-
brand and what are your core principles?
grade stainless features outside and in (for
EB: To re-think how a watch could be
the shock-resistant movement housing),
built starting with a blank sheet. Our vision
and there’s 3mm-thick hardened mineral
was to create a best-of-both-worlds watch,
glass for all-round durability. Check out our
engineered to a new standard that re-
website (elliotbrownwatches.com) for an
defines the action sports watch category
in-depth overview of the tech spec.
with a refreshing fit-for-purpose honesty about it. In our first year, armed only with
What would you say is the harshest
samples, we won WatchPro’s Watch of The
environment Elliot Brown watches have
Year Award 2013 – a good start!
been tested in? EB: The harshest test we’re aware of in the
What’s so special about your watch
watch industry is the one we did last year. We
collection?
submerged a standard Bloxworth in Poole
EB: Every watch contains a shock-
harbour, initially intending to leave it for 30
resistant movement housing to protect
days. In the end we left it submerged for 6
the Swiss movement from impacts, a
months over the winter and it survived. It had
new crown and pusher sealing system
things growing on it and was so covered
that works 100% of the time – even when
in grime and crustaceans that we could no
they’re in the ‘out’ or ‘adjust ‘position – and
longer see it to photograph under water.
an extreme testing regime that includes
We’ve heard of someone leaving one in a
placing every single watch into water at
freezer for 48 hours at minus 16c, although
200m. We spent two and a half years
we wouldn’t recommend it!
046 // FEB15
ELLIOTBROWNWATCHES.COM
WWW.SINNER.EU