InTheSnow Issue 48 (Feb 2016) by InTheSnow

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ISSUE 48

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| FEB 16

IN THIS

FEATURES

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SKI FESTIVAL GUIDE 2016  BIG PARTIES ON THE SNOW

It’s coming up to that time of the season when the hills are alive with

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the sound of music. Here’s our guide to the best festivals in the Alps

INTHESNOW @INTHESNOWMAG INTHESNOW INTHESNOW

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TIME FOR A SKI WEEKEND  SNEAK IN A FEW DAYS OF SNOW

Why put all your ski holiday eggs in one basket when you can take several ski breaks through the season, try different destinations and ski when the slopes are empty and the snow is good?

ANDREAS PLENK

and further afield, including some that are new this year.

BAVARIA’S BACK  TIME TO SKI GERMANY? Skiing in Germany used to be expensive in the days when the Deutschmark had the reputation of the Franc, but now happily in Euroland, German resorts are back in the brochures and prices seem lower.

REGULARS

GEAR

NEW

038 FAMILY-FRIENDLY SNOWSPORTS IN A GIANT SKI REGION  5-PAGE BOOT ROOM 043–047 

Long regarded as one of the most attractive villages in the French Alps, well located in the giant Portes du Soleil circuit, Châtel has got better still in recent seasons with new lifts and a great swimming centre.

The latest innovations and newest designs for 2016 are all starting to appear, and we’ve once again captured the best of them for your discerning perusal and

SKI SLOVAKIA 011

consideration in our extensive monthly gear guide.

patrick@inthesnow.com Well I’ve never known a season quite like it! This winter has been a weather roller coaster with very heavy snowfalls followed by very high temperatures, before they plunge again the following week. Some parts of the world – particularly the western side of North America – have had massive accumulations, with

10 MINS WITH JON OLSSON 054

(37ft) of snow so far this season, whereas others – notably

ROBERTO ZAMPINO PHOTO

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COMPETITION 010 | OFFER 042

one resort in Alaska saying it had received more than 11m parts of the Dolomites and the Eastern Alps – are seeing

TEAM PUBLISHER

DOMINIC KILLINGER dom@inthesnow.com PRODUCTION DIRECTOR

MATT NICHOLSON matt@inthesnow.com

patrick@inthesnow.com OPERATIONS DIRECTOR

DEBBIE GABRIEL debbie@inthesnow.com SALES MANAGER

a heroic Swiss team have built the biggest igloo ever recorded, and it’s in a prime location just across from the Matterhorn.

The good news is that most of the big-name resorts have through the rest of winter 2015/16, whatever mother nature

PATRICK THORNE

They said it couldn’t be done! Well, perhaps just no one had tried, but

their mighty snowmaking arsenals. now built up substantial bases that should see them

EDITOR

 WORLD’S BIGGEST IGLOO SWISS TEAM BEAT RECORD

snow totals way, way below normal, and are relying on

GIANCARLO GAMBARDELLA giancarlo@inthesnow.com

SUB EDITORS

NICK JONES MARION ADAMS CONTRIBUTORS

SAM THORNE OLIVIA PARRY-JONES ANDY BLEAKLEY ANDY TAYLOR DANIEL ELKEN

ROSS WOODHALL

chooses to throw at them over the coming few months. Well, whatever the weather has in store for us for the

Printed in the UK.

rest of the season, we’re entering that time in the winter

No part of this publication

when the days get longer, the weather sunnier (although

may be copied, photocopied or reproduced, stored

hopefully not quite so warm as it has been sometimes in

in a retrieval system or

January) and more of a party feeling begins to become

transmitted, in any way or

the norm on the slopes.

means, either by recording or otherwise, without permission

In this issue you’ll find our guide to the big music festivals

SALLY BARTLETT ANNA BARTLETT

of the publishers in writing.

coming up in March and April, including a few that are

COLUMNISTS

INTHESNOW LTD

better than ever before.

THE SNOW STUDIO

If you fancy something a little different, there’s also a

EQUIPMENT EDITOR

JON WEST PHIL SMITH JACK STEELE JENNY BLETCHER DESIGN BY

PICTURE EDITOR

ROCKET BASE rocketbase.co.uk

new for 2016 and others that are returning bigger and

KINGS LANE, BUCKS HP16 0QY

feature on the ‘new’ destination of Ruhpolding in Germany (new to big tour operator’s’ brochures this season at least),

+44 (0)1494 862 423 DOM@INTHESNOW.COM INTHESNOW.COM

where there’s lots to do on and off the slopes. If you still haven’t booked your 2015/16 ski trip, it’s not too late; the peak half-term period is now behind us and the next month in the run-up to Easter is a good time to grab a bargain. Easter is at its earlier end this season too so, whilst nothing is certain these days, SHOULD be more likely to have better snow conditions than when it falls at the end of April. Even if you have been away already and feel you either didn’t enjoy great conditions or did so and want more, we’ve also got advice this issue on taking a ski weekend or a short break with a number of companies in case you want to go back. I know I do.

003 // FEB16

LY N S E Y D Y E R

OVER

Photo by: Lynsey Dyer

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SWISS ITALIAN SKI AREA COULD BE THE WORLD’S 2ND BIGGEST The Alplinks project aims to install a two-stage lift

until at least 2022 to ride the new lift.

themselves in the Swiss town according to

that will run 8km from Frachey, near Champoluc

Early environmental concerns have been

Rowena Phillips, Director of local ski school

on the Monterosa side, to the Cime Bianche

addressed by the Fondazione Montagna Sicura,

Matterhorn Diamonds.

Valley on the Valtournenche/Cervinia side.

a specialist centre for Alpine research, although

“What this means is the little villages around

It is estimated that the new lift will cost €51

further studies will need to be undertaken.

Gressoney and Ayas, for example, will be able

million (almost £39 million) to construct, with the

The private companies of Cervino S.p.A.,

to ski over into the Zermatt region without

first stage consisting of 10-man cabins and the

Monterosa S.p.A. and Zermatt Bergbahnen AG

having to get into Cervinia first, which makes it a

second stage of 35-man cabins.

will bring extra funding to the project as sponsors.

lot easier for them,” she said.

That has now moved closer to realisation after

The Head of Tourism for Gressoney-La-Trinité,

“When you look at the websites and the data

Ayas – the last of the municipalities involved

Paolo Maria Viganò, believes the new link will

that people are looking at before booking their

in the project – voted in favour, following

provide a major boost to the region.

ski holiday, they do make a size comparison,

Valtournenche, Zermatt, Gressoney-La-Trinité

“At the moment we are only at the first step of

British holidaymakers especially. They look at

and Gressoney-Saint-Jean which had already

this long journey, but we are sure that as soon as

the amount of snow you get, the number of

atterhorn Glacier Paradise, which links the

approved the plan.

possible our dream will become reality,” he said.

pistes there are … and the kilometres of it; it’s a

Swiss resort of Zermatt and Breuil-Cervinia/

The Alplinks project has now been presented

“This project will be so important for the Monte

really big consideration.”

Valtournenche in Italy with a total of 360km

to Finaosta S.p.A., the company owned by

Rosa area because it will transform our resorts

“At the end of the day you’ve got to be up there

of piste skiing, is forging ahead with an

the Aosta Valley, which will bring it before the

... with important economic consequences for

with the big boys if you’re expecting to attract

expansion plan that would see it rival the

Consiglio Regionale Della Valle D’Aosta – the

the future of all the valleys that are involved.”

some of the big numbers.”

largest ski areas in the world.

regional council – by next year for approval and

The whole of the Aosta Valley has around 2.9

In the past, a link between Zermatt and Saas-

But that is set to rise by another 180km with the

financial support.

million visitors each year while Zermatt by itself

Fee, the neighbouring Swiss resort to the north,

creation of a link to Monterosa Ski – another

However, it is understood that because of

attracts 2.1 million, so the potential increase in

was mooted, and although nothing came of

neighbouring Italian area within the Aosta Valley.

the overwhelming public support, with the

tourism on the Italian side would be substantial.

that at the time, the potential for even greater

That would see the new area overtake Swiss

vote averaging 90% in favour, it would be

Zermatt would also expect to see an increase

expansion remains.

neighbours Verbier’s 4 Vallées (420km) and

extraordinary if it was not given the green light.

of visitors coming from Italy, along with the

But with just the current plan to expand south

compare favourably with France’s Les 3 Vallées,

Once the project has been put before the

associated benefits to the area’s economy.

into Italy, Matterhorn Glacier Paradise is

which at 600km is the largest lift-linked ski area

council, it is estimated it would take five years

And the expanded area could also boost

poised to confirm its place among the world’s

in the world.

until completion – so skiers will have to wait

the number of skiers opting to base

major ski resorts.

005 // FEB16

RECHARGE YOUR CAR FOR FREE This winter season 2015/16, Parking Lot 2 of the TITLIS Cableway at Engelberg in Switzerland is equipped with six charging stations for electricity. The only costs for this service will be the car parking fee – recharging is ‘on the house’, thanks to TITLIS Cableway. EWO (Obwalden Electric Company) will provide the natural energy, which is 100% from Obwalden and 100% renewable.

SKIWELT CREATES YOUNG FAMILY TICKET Austria’s SkiWelt Wilder Kaiser-Brixental has created a new Young Family Ticket – an interchangeable pass for two parents with children up to three years of age who want to alternate slope time and childcare time. The ticket can be bought for 3 to 14 days

THE WELSH ALPINE SKI CHAMPIONSHIPS

and will carry pictures of both parents taken at the ticket office.

NEW BEGINNERS’ AREA AT TIGNES Famed for its high-adrenaline ski slopes and off-slope alternatives, Tignes, in the huge Espace Killy shared with Val d’Isère, has created the new ‘Le Rosset’ beginner area in Tignes-Le-Lac. The chairlift has been realigned to allow for better access at the jardin de neige, and there are two new beginner slopes and a longer covered carpet lift.

N. KOREA ADDS NEW LIFT AT MASIK PASS North Korea’s much publicised Masik Pass ski resort appears to be expanding ahead of this season. Images from Google Earth

show a new ski lift on a shorter route to the

month in Champéry, Switzerland,

Top British female in both the

where it has been held annually

GS and Slalom FIS races was

for the past 10 years.

Welsh team member, 21-year-old

This meant that alongside the

Nia Jenkins, followed closely by

races were 10-year anniversary

promising 17-year-old British racer

celebrations including a live outdoor

Katya Bingle-Williams. Best of

concert, a huge Welsh flag cake and

the British males was 21-year-old

The long-neglected Ice Pavillon in the grounds of

a good old Welsh sing-a-long with

Paul Henderson, who not only

the luxurious 5★ Kulm Hotel is to get a new lease

locals, racers and organisers.

came top out of the British in the

of life after the Kulm appointed British architect

The four days of competition

slalom but third overall, beating

Lord Norman Foster, who owns a home in the

included two days of international

some incredibly stiff international

famous resort, to oversee a CHF8 million (approx.

FIS races attracting 20 nations,

competition. In the international GS

£5.4 million) refurbishment and extension of the Ice

he 2016 Welsh Alpine Ski

from as far afield as USA and

it was 19-year-old Robert Poth who

Pavillon in the Kulm Park. The two-storey Pavillon,

Championships, organised by

India, followed by two days of

was not only the best Brit of the

built in 1905, is a synthesis of art nouveau and

Snowsport Wales, took place last

British competitions.

race but second overall.

traditional Swiss style that has been classified as worthy of protection. It stands between the main hotel building and Chesa al Parc, which is one of

MAKING CHEESE IN LA PLAGNE

ski area’s summit. North Korean media has also reported plans to build a second ski resort in the area.

centre has two remote-controlled treadmill slopes, and claims to offer faster tuition

PHILIPPE ROYER

Ski has opened just off the King’s Road. The

the Kulm’s restaurants and the clubhouse for Kulm Golf St. Moritz; in front of it is the hotel’s outdoor ice rink (in winter) and tennis courts (in summer). Currently standing in disrepair and in danger of

INDOOR SKI SLOPE OPENS IN CHELSEA An indoor revolving ski slope named Chel-

OLYMPIC ICE CENTRE TO BE RESTORED

insights into the creation of the

collapse, this architectural gem, which is also of

perfect French fromage every

historic importance having played a key part in the

Tuesday (from 3:30 pm) and

1928 and 1948 Olympics held in St Moritz, will have

Thursday (from 10:30 am).

new life breathed into it by Lord Foster’s design.

Monsieur Loyet demonstrates the

The Kulm itself is historically important, being

skill involved in creating the well-

the resort’s first hotel and, in winter 1864/65, the

known traditional Savoyard cheese,

location of the world’s first ever recorded winter

Tomme, in his free exhibitions,

mountain holiday.

where visitors can learn some of

The Ice Pavillon, along with the Kulm Hotel, is

La Plagne is well known as one of

Montalbert, the lowest and arguably

his special techniques and are at

owned by the Niarchos family, but they have

placed at a gentle gradient and slow speed

the world’s largest and most popular

most traditional of them all, but

liberty to ask Roland questions; he is

promised to open it up to the local Engadine

for first-timers or run at up to 30kph with a

ski areas but perhaps less so for its

linked by a new fast gondola to

always keen to practise his English.

community, making it available for sporting

cheese.

the rest of the network this winter,

One week’s self-catering in La

and other events, including as the venue for

Now the French resort is offering

making access much easier.

Plagne costs from €215 (£158) pp

the 33 medal ceremonies at the Ski World

cheese-making demonstrations at

Roland Loyet, owner of the village’s

(four sharing) including lift pass.

Championships, which are taking place in St Moritz

one of its 10 village bases, Plagne

Le Forperet restaurant, provides

la-plagne.com

in February 2017. kulm.com.

than learning on the snow. Slopes can be

gradient of 40° for advanced skiers. chel-ski.uk

006 // FEB16 // INTHESNOW.COM

@INTHESNOWMAG

Heavenly Skiing At Down To Earth Prices

“WINTERISATION” CHARGES FOR COMPULSORY CHAINS

LIVIGNO SNOWPARK OPENS FOR 3-YEAR-OLDS

The average cost for “winterisation” of rental cars varies considerably

Livigno in Italy has opened a Kids’ Snowpark designed for children as

depending on where you fly in to, according to a new study by

young as three years old as part of its major Mottolino snowpark facility.

iCarhireinsurance.com. Winter tyres and/or carrying/using snow chains are

The new park, designed to help smaller children learn their first tricks,

often compulsory in snowy conditions, or in some cases just in winter, in many

offers nine obstacles which unusually are completely made of plastic.

European nations, but car rental companies tend to see them as an “add-on

“We know that investing in children is thinking towards the future in

extra” cost. iCarhireinsurance.com compared the winterisation charges in six

the long term, because it means giving them the chance to enjoy the

ski destinations (Geneva, Grenoble, Turin, Innsbruck, Sophia and Barcelona)

snow with a free spirit, having fun like their parents, but without getting

levied by five car hire companies (Avis, Hertz, Budget, Europcar and Sixt) for a

tired by miles of slopes,” said Marco Rocca, CEO of Mottolino.

week’s hire of a medium-sized car from 13–20 February 2016.

The nine obstacles, namely the Flatbox, Rainbow Box, Up-Down

The survey found that the highest charge was in Grenoble with Budget

Box, Box Rail, Beam, Rail for Beam, Pipe, Pyra Pipe and Rattle

charging a £119 winterisation cost while the lowest cost was £15, if hiring from

Kicker, have all been certificated to guarantee the highest safety

Sixt in Sofia. On average, drivers are paying around £37 for winterisation costs.

standards and reliability.

“The regulations on winter tyres and snow chains vary between countries,

The full Mottolino Snowpark is one of Europe’s leading terrain parks

but car hirers do need to be up to speed on whether they need them in

and has hosted three editions of the Burton European Open. It covers

the country they’re hiring in, otherwise they could face a 5,000-euro fine in

120,000m2 (equal to 30 football pitches) and has four lines for different

Austria,” said Ernesto Suarez, CEO and founder of iCarhireinsurance.com.

riding levels set from S to XL. mottolino.com

DRIVE A PISTE-BASHER IN ASPEN offered to its guests by the luxurious Little Nell, Aspen’s only 5★ ski-in/ski-out hotel, in a oneon-one, three-hour session with an expert pistebasher driving instructor. During this session, guests take control of the mighty machine and discover first-hand how to operate the snowcat and groom the mountain at the day’s end.

High Quality Catered + Self Catered Accommodation

The basher in question is a state-of-the-art Prinoth Bison, a Stage IV/Tier 4 snowcat – HAL WILLIAMS PHOTOGRAPHY INC.

likened to a cross between a Lamborghini and an F-15 fighter jet, with wrap-around windows for ultimate visibility. Up to two participants are allowed per outing who will both need to sign a waiver to ride in or drive the cat. Over-18s can drive and there is no need for a driver’s licence, plus children aged five and up can ride with an adult. An increasing number of resorts are offering

shift from the passenger seat. Now Aspen

The three-hour Snowcat Academy session

their guests the chance to take an evening

in Colorado have gone one further and are

costs $100 (approx. £70) and includes a post-

excursion in a trail-grooming tractor, also known

offering guests at one of their exclusive hotels

grooming meal at the Little Nell’s Element 47

as a ‘piste-basher’. Sometimes these are scenic

the chance to actually drive a piste-basher – or

restaurant. Until 2 April 2016, room rates are

tours up to a mountain restaurant; sometimes

“wrangle a snowcat”, to put it in their own lingo.

from $980 (approx. £686) per room/night.

they offer the opportunity to experience a night

The chance to “sweep the slopes” is being

thelittlenell.com

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007 // FEB16

French and Swiss Alps Snow Sure Resorts On / Near Piste locations No Hidden Extras Financially Bonded

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INSTRUCTORS: BRYAN HOGG & MIKE BARKER, SNOWORKS | PHOTO: DYNAMICPICTURES.CO.UK

FREERIDE WITH ICEBREAKER BASE LAYERS

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T O

TA N G O

give, move, yield or deform. It is this

advantage. Rather than using all

skiers working away, developing

quality you need to understand and

your energy to slow down, imagine

their “technique” and not

use to your advantage when skiing.

using the snow akin to using the

improving. Why? Where is the

In any sport, there must be two

brakes of your car or bike. When

partner in “face downhill”, “stand

surfaces that work together.

hitting ice, rather than panicking,

up”, “sink down”, “put more weight

freezing and losing control, imagine

on the outside ski”? It’s like flying

Driving – rubber and tarmac

with no air, swimming with

Flying – the surface of the

no water.

aircraft and air

It’s snow you need to create

Surfing – the surfboard and

a deflection, a change of

water

direction, and snow you

Golf – the head of the club and

need to use to slow down.

the golf ball

It’s the air that causes the

now is awesome. We may not quite

Tennis – the racket strings and

plane to change direction,

appreciate what an incredible

the ball

the water that offers

element snow is. Millions of people

Sailing – the wind and the sails

resistance to the surfboard.

get pleasure from it, from tiny tots

INSULATES

T W O

PHIL SMITH SNOWORKS

Many skiers are obsessed

making snowmen to those who

It’s a partnership, and in skiing

love skiing and snowboarding,

this partnership is the edges

and the countless people involved

and bases of our skis and the

in the snowsports industry that

snow itself.

require snow to earn a living. Snow

Now that may seem a pretty

can be used to keep us warm and,

obvious statement, but ski

at the same time, used to keep

technique is often taught

us cold. It can be our best friend

without this in mind, with no

on those blue, sunny days and

partner: technique for the sake

our worst foe in the event of an

of technique, akin to playing

avalanche. We have seen what a

football with no goals, snooker

drastic effect the lack of snow can

with no pockets, archery with

have on people’s livelihoods and

no target, sailing with no wind.

using the ice to assist your descent.

Ice does not need to be feared,

how, when we have lots of it, it can

Knowledge of snow and your ability

In fact, every facet of snow – its

and nor does slush, steep slopes,

bring joy to so many.

to use it to your advantage can take

depth, texture and shape – can be

deep snow or bumps. It’s all the

It is why we chose to use it in the

your skiing to a level you never

used to your advantage. Snow can

same element, just reshaped, tilted,

name of our ski course company,

thought possible. Imagine using

become your partner, friend, ally,

worn away. It’s all snow. Engage

Snoworks, and snow does work.

snow to create changes of direction,

your best buddy.

with it, use it, work with it, become

The first thing to understand about

to slow down or speed up. Rather

With all great skiers, snow is their

friends with it, make it your best

snow is its amazing quality – it’s

than battling and struggling in

best buddy.

buddy, and your skiing will just get

slippery combined with the ability to

deep snow, imagine using it to your

There are countless thousands of

better and better and better.

08 // FEB16

Phil Smith is founder of Snoworks All-Mountain Ski Courses. Snoworks run Off-Piste and Backcountry courses throughout the winter along with Off-Piste Adventure trips to destinations around the world. info@snoworks.co.uk

with how they look, mistaking how they “look” for how “well” they ski. To ski well, you have to work with your partner: the snow, the ice, the bumps, the slush, the powder. Skiing is a dance with the mountain, the snow, and it’s YOUR dance, not someone else’s. Not your instructor’s, your coach’s, your friend’s, your partner’s; it’s yours and yours alone.

SNOWORKS.CO.UK

ROBERTO ZAMPINO PHOTO

WORLD’S BIGGEST IGLOO COMPLETED AT ZERMATT

hours over 11 days and nights to build the mega-igloo on Gornergrat/ Rotenboden in the glacier paradise situated above Zermatt. The igloo, which was built to mark the 20th anniversary of Igloo Villages in Switzerland, has a diameter of 12.9m and an interior height of 9.92m. The building phase for this extraordinary project began on 10 January 2016. The goal was to build the world’s largest igloo

he world’s largest igloo was

within 14 days from 1,387 blocks

2,727m above sea level became a

night, even during snow storms and

completed over the weekend at

of snow, but while exact planning

constant challenge for the team,

at very low temperatures. We are

Zermatt and has officially entered

and preparation were one thing,

particularly in snow storms and

very pleased and proud to have set

the Guinness Book of Records.

the uncertain snow and weather

when temperatures dropped

the world record.”

It took a team of 14 people from

conditions were another.

to minus 24°C. But the team of

The impressive snow construction

Igloo Villages approximately 2,000

Building the igloo at an altitude of

builders, who were sponsored by

is open to the public daily from

Volvo, proved to be weatherproof.

10am to 5pm until the end of the

The snow was pushed together

winter season.

with PistenBullys so that precisely

Iglu-Dorf (Igloo Villages) has

measured blocks could be

been building hotels out of

subsequently cut out using a

snow and ice for 20 years. Amid

power saw.

wonderful mountain scenery,

The project was headed up by

amazing snow palaces emerge

Adrian Günter, the founder of Igloo

every winter at seven locations

Villages, who commented:

including Davos-Klosters, Gstaad,

“Everything went smoothly

Engelberg, Stockhorn and Zermatt

and the construction team was

in Switzerland, atop the Zugspitze

highly motivated, although it was

in Germany and in Andorra in the

sometimes hard to work day and

Pyrenees. iglu-dorf.com

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09 // FEB16

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30kg for booked hold baggage, great for ski kit); low “Eastern

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country’s top resort of Jasná, this should be

the latest ski lifts, great accommodation

winter arena for kids to learn in. In addition,

the season you do.

and other amenities, Jasná has a lot of

there are 12 lift-accessed freeride zones for

Over €200 million (£150 million) has

attractions! Added to all this, the resort will

thrill seekers in the family to enjoy.

been spent in recent years on improving

be hosting World Cup Ski Racing on 5–6

On top of all the ski slope fun and the many

infrastructure, with the priority on upgrading

March, for the first time in three decades.

off-slope activities offered, there are no less

tick all the boxes, following

pistes and increasing visitors’ comfort. The

than three aquaparks to enjoy too nearby,

biggest improvement has been the addition

the Tatralandia and Gino Paradise in Liptov, and AquaCity in Poprad, in the High Tatras.

which connects the north and south sides

FANTASTIC VALUE FAMILY SKI HOLIDAYS

of the mountain. Off the slopes, mountain

Anyone booking a family ski holiday knows

seamlessly swap your ski pass for a day pass

restaurants have been completely rebuilt,

that it’s tough to balance the budget, but

to the aquaparks, linked by a free shuttle

the luxurious Grand Hotel Jasná completely

fortunately in Jasná everything costs less.

bus, if you are having a day off skiing.

refurbished and new accommodation

There are always lots of deals and offers

Choose from 5★ ski-in/ski-out hotels, chalets

built. In short, Jasná has been completely

running on accommodation packages,

and nice family guesthouses to simple

transformed into one of the best in Europe.

such as 20% off bookings made 45 days

private rooms or rented huts. This season,

Now with direct low-cost flights from London

in advance and a six-day lift pass costing a

nine new stylish ski-in/ski-out chalets, each

to Poprad Airport only 40 minutes from the

little more than £100 when booked as part

containing two suites, have opened just

slopes four times a week (Wizz Air flights

of a package. Then the extras like eating

above the Grand Hotel Jasná. Winter rates

kiing in Slovakia may not be something

from £18.49, including taxes, fees and

on the slopes, where a main-course meal

start from €139 (£105) per room per night

you’ve considered before, but with

cabin baggage, plus there’s a generous

costs from €5.20 (£3.95) and drinks from €2

with breakfast based on two sharing.

of no fewer than seven new lifts, including a modern gondola and a hi-tech funitel

They offer a combination of well-being facilities and fun and games, and you can

JASNA.SK/EN

012 // FEB16

@INTHESNOWMAG

hotel. Half-board packages are also available

entitlement. So 67% of a ski week for 40% of the

to book, along with all the added optional

usual ski week holiday entitlement.

luxury services these top-class hotels can offer.

Or to put it another way, you could take three

If you can afford a bit more, why not indulge…

ski weekends and get 12 days on the slopes, the equivalent of two ski weeks, but take just one extra day of your work holiday entitlement than you need for a regular ski week. Better still, you get to try three separate resorts too, or just keep SkiWeekends.com offer holidays to dozens

different times through the season.

of different ski chalets and hotels, but the

Three-day weekend ski trips are another option

company’s 3★ Hotel Verseau in the world’s

e all want to ski or board more, but we usually

and whether its three or four days you’ll be

largest ski area, Les 3 Vallées, is a favourite of

face one or two big problems – not enough time

skiing on Saturday, a quiet day on the slopes as

many (so much so that TripAdvisor has awarded

and/or not enough money.

most people are travelling to or from your resort

it a Certificate of Excellence).

The answer I’ve found over the years is to

then, whilst you’re smugly already there.

Located in the traditional French spa village of

actually ski more often but spend less doing it –

If you want to ski really smart, try to book your

Brides les Bains below Méribel, and connected

“ski smart,” you could say.

skiweekend over a bank holiday and use still

by a fast gondola, the Verseau has spacious and

Popping to the mountains every now and then is,

less of your entitlement – zero perhaps!

well-equipped rooms each with a good-sized

after all, how most people who live in countries with as quickly as you can, squeeze as much of a ski

bath or shower room and serves up three-

Luxury Stays in Top Resorts

holiday out of it as you can, and are back home

course dinners in the evening. As an added bonus, a ski hire shop runs from the hotel, so you can pre-book your equipment and have it

before your boss notices you’ve left the office.

Although it’s possible to enjoy a remarkably

Taking a ski weekend is a good solution too if

low-priced short break, you don’t have to pay

you’ve already had the standard ski holiday week

vastly moreto go for the luxury option either, and

this season but can’t bear the thought that it’s

an increasing number of people are figuring that

going to be another year before you hit the slopes

if you’re going to fit in a fast ski trip, you might as

again – especially if you were unlucky enough to

well do it in style.

Although the process of travel by air can be

be booked in resort before all the snow arrived at

SkiWeekends.com have a dedicated team of

time-consuming and can waste a day at the

the start of last month so face two years between

staff who specialise in their portfolio of top-end

start and again at the end of your trip, if your

good ski holidays. Now all the snow has arrived

properties selection of 4 and 5★ ski hotels

tour operator doesn’t have their wits about

but you can’t afford to take another week off.

selected in top resorts including Chamonix,

them, put a bit of thought into it and you can

SkiWeekends.com, as their name suggests,

Morzine, Val d’Isere, Val Thorens and others with

equally maximise your time on the slopes by

are past masters of making the most of the ski

prices from £344 by air for three nights’ B&B in a

choosing airports and resorts that are quick

weekend. Offering holidays to a choice of more

Chamonix 4★.

and easy to get to, so you can arrive the

than two dozen ski resorts in France, Austria,

As with all their other destinations, hotels

evening before and be ready to ski for three

Italy and Switzerland, they offer everything from

and resorts are chosen both for being quick

or four full days before heading back. This

remarkable value £299 fully catered weekends

and easy to reach from the airport for fast

means you’ll get three days in a three-night

to Les 3 Vallées, to uber-luxury 5★ packages.

transfers and then for being either by the

holiday, rather than travelling eight days for

You don’t even have to travel at a weekend ...

slopes or very efficiently linked to the nearest

six on the slopes. Travelling on a Monday or

Here are some thoughts about ski weekends

lifts and pistes. Most properties will also have

Thursday also means you’re more likely to

and short breaks to ponder:

great spa and dining facilities, along with

avoid the weekend traffic jams.

spacious rooms and excellent services – lift

Again SkiWeekend.com are the experienced

passes, rentals and ski school or guiding (if

experts on this way of going on a ski holiday,

required), and restaurant reservations can

knowing the flights to book you on, the resorts

normally all be handled by the team so you

that can be reached quickly and the properties

don’t need to worry about them.

within those resorts where the process is fast

Most SkiWeekends.com weekend holidays run

Four-night weekend and three-day midweek

and efficient too – in other words, everything

from Thursday to Monday, so you get four days

packages are available, getting you as many

is designed to cut travel time and maximise

on the slopes – two thirds of a ski week – but

days on the slope as you have nights in the

slope time.

Smarter Use Of Your Holiday Time

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Affordable Half-Board Inclusive Packages

returning to the one you love and seeing it at

their own ski areas do it. You whizz to the slopes

 PROMOTION

use only two days of your precious work holiday

ready for your arrival.

Smart Travel

023 8020 6971 | SALES@SKIWEEKENDS.COM | SKIWEEKENDS.COM

INFLATABLE BUMPER CARS ON ICE AT OMAN’S

THREE NEW RUNS OPEN AT JASNÁ

NEW GONDOLA AT JACKSON HOLE

A new indoor snowpark being built at a shopping mall in Oman’s

Regulars in Jasná in Slovakia will find three new blue slopes have been

Jackson Hole has announced it will shortly be starting work on a new

capital, Muscat, should be open for business in early 2017.

created this winter. Ski route no. 42 Priehyba Jasná, which runs over

gondola for the 2016/17 season.

“The Snow Park Palm Mall represents a world-first new-generation

the southern side of Mt Chopok, has been extended and converted

The new Doppelmayr-built Sweetwater Gondola will be located between the

real snow and ice amusement park,” said Kees Albers of Dutch

into a new blue ski slope, no. 2b Májová Priehyba–Jasná, while a new

existing Bridger Gondola and Teewinot High Speed Quad. There will be a

company Unlimited Snow. The new centre’s cold zone is divided

connection between Jelení Grúň and the slalom ski slope, no. 12a Jelení

mid-station approximately a third of the way up the mountain in the Solitude

over two levels and comprises numerous snow and ice fun rides

Grúň, has been added for less-skilled skiers.

area, and the gondola will terminate just uphill of the Casper Restaurant. It

and attractions.

A new downhill slope has also been created on the southern side of Mt

will feature cabins carrying eight passengers each, take 7.5 minutes to make

Bumper Cars on Ice will be a major attraction. These are electric

Chopok, traversing the ridge and providing easier access to Krupová.

its ascent and have an hourly uplift capacity of 2,000 people.

battery-operated inflatable bumper cars especially developed for

Skiers and snowboarders taking this trail will enjoy a spectacular

“Improving the out-of-base capacity will greatly enhance skier flow, and

use on ice and are suitable for all ages, enabling the whole family to

panoramic view of the hilly region of Horehronie. By connecting ski

the Sweetwater Gondola will dramatically improve the beginner skier and

participate. Extra fun is guaranteed because the bumper cars slide

routes on Mt Chopok, a 6800m-long ski trail has been created, suitable

rider experience,” said President of Jackson Hole Jerry Blann, referring to

on the ice after a bump. They are also equipped with laser guns, so

for families with children.

plans to create a new and enhanced children’s ski school facility located

people can try to hit targets on other cars and collect points which

Tatry Mountain Resorts, the company which runs Jasná and other ski

in the Solitude mid-station area. The gondola was chosen as the best type

are shown on the screen. Using a large ball and two goals, it is also

areas and water parks, has launched the GoPass, a chip card that not

of lift to allow easy and safe uploading and downloading of children for

possible for two teams to play bumper-car ice hockey.

only can be used as your lift pass, but also allows you to rent equipment

the new children’s teaching facility, in addition to parents and family.

No skiing or boarding is planned, but there will be a number of

and claim discounts in the resorts. Accessing GoPass online at

“It’s not coincidental that we are happy to announce this new lift during

straight and curved tubing and toboggan slopes. There will be both

gopass.sk also gives you live info on kilometres you’ve skied, altitude

our 50th anniversary season,” Blann added. “This is the first in a series of

single and special double tubes so that parents can take a small

covered and whether any lift queues are building up.

significant capital improvements over the next few years that underscores

child on their lap. The starting platform for all of these slides will be

FIS World Cup skiing returns to Jasná after 32 years this winter, with

our commitment to keeping Jackson Hole at the industry-leading level we

reached by a convenient conveyor-belt lift.

women’s giant slalom and slalom races being staged on 5 and 6 March.

are at today. It also further demonstrates the steadfast commitment to this

Jasna.sk/en

goal by our ownership family, the Kemmerers.” jacksonhole.com

+33 (0)4 79 06 18 88 RESERVATION@HOTELAIGLEDESNEIGES.COM EN.HOTELAIGLEDESNEIGES.COM

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TIC FA IONAL SKI AR N E H T U AN A TERNAT TS N I N A WITH APARTMEN Plus e l l i LUXURY m a F ficial ‘ 160km of f o t s e nly h o . d m Hig r o a r w f a f rt o ne’ Montag runs in the hea marked e Tarentaise. t the Hau pp

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 PROMOTION

FRANCE’S BEST KEPT SECRETS READERS’ OFFER! Madame Vacances are offering 15% off their online prices for stays this winter (season 15/16) and next (season 16/17) on their own managed properties. Use the promo code below when booking online or on the phone by 31/12/16.

When it comes to France, we Brits tend to keep heading back to the same old ski areas. OK, they are great, but France actually has more than 200 ski areas, so there are plenty more to choose from. Many are big areas too, and they have the bonus of usually being more affordable. And with fewer English voices to be heard, you feel like you’re in the “real” France. Here are five suggestions if you fancy somewhere a little different:

Code: INTHESNOW2016 The discount does not apply to ski extras (lift passes, transfers, etc.) and cannot be combined with any other discount.

St Sorlin d’Arves

Les Orres

Vaujany

St Lary

Valmeinier

The Sybelles ski region has quietly

Located in the Hautes-Alpes region,

You may already know Vaujany’s ski area,

If you fancy heading down to the French

For a taste of the “real” France, Valmeinier,

become one of the largest in France –

Les Orres offers 100km of terrain for all

as it’s the huge and exciting terrain around

Pyrenees to enjoy some sunshine with

which shares around 160km of ski runs with

and indeed Europe and possibly even

abilities and great panoramic views from

the resort of Alpe d’Huez, which extends to

your snow and a laidback Southern

neighbouring Valloire, is an authentic village

the world – with over 300km of runs.

its larch-lined slopes where you can enjoy

250km of piste over more than 2,000 vertical

French/Spanish atmosphere, St Lary,

with a rich heritage that’s easy to access

Easy to reach from the Chambéry, Lyon

the sunshine of the Southern Alps. Located

metres – one of the world’s 10 biggest lift-

originally a spa resort and still a

from the Chambéry, Lyon or Geneva airports.

or Geneva airports, St Sorlin is one of

1,650m above sea level with north-west-

served verts. The skiing includes the world’s

charming village resort with traditional

Enjoy great views and a spa with a Jacuzzi

the higher and more snow-sure villages

facing slopes, it’s famed for its snow

longest black run (it’s more of a red, really),

stone and wood-faced architecture, has

and sauna at the 4★ Residence Le Vermont

of the six that are linked by pistes and

quality which, combined with the Southern

the 10km-long Sarenne. Vaujany, which is a

some of the best skiing in the area and

in spacious, good-quality apartments located

lifts. The 3★ Résidence Les Fermes de St

climate, is a winning package! The 4★

short transfer from the Chambéry, Lyon or

is easy to reach from Toulouse–Blagnac

just 50m from the slopes.

Sorlin at the foot of the slopes includes

Résidence Les Balcons Des Airelles sits

Grenoble airports, is an unspoilt, traditional

Airport. The Résidence Cami Real is

the largest indoor pool in the resort of

just 100m from the piste and has an indoor

village with a big, fast cable car connecting

centrally located just 300m from both

Madame Vacances also offers a wide

St Sorlin as well as two saunas and two

swimming pool, sauna and sunny south-

it to the ski circuit. For an affordable stay at a

the resort’s spa centre and the gondola

range of accommodation options across

Jacuzzis.

facing balconies. It’s accessible via the

good location for the cable car, Les Valmonts

up to the slopes.

major resorts including Meribel, Les Deux

Turin, Grenoble or Marseille airports.

de Vaujany has its own wellness centre with

Alpes, Alpe d’Huez, Flaine and more. Visit

sauna and hammam.

madamevacances.co.uk for more info.

016 // FEB16

MADAMEVACANCES.CO.UK

RACE AT YOUR PEAK VEC TOR EVO 130 R AC E P E R FO R M A N C E M E E T S F U L LY C U S TO M I S A B L E C O M FO R T A N D E A S Y- E N T R Y T EC H N O LO GY I N T H E V EC TO R E VO 1 3 0 , P R OV I D I N G O N - P O I N T R E S P O N S I V E N E S S , S U P R E M E FO OT H O L D A N D D U R A B I L I T Y.

SKI A LITTLE BIT OF ITALY FROM FRANCE Tarentaise Valley from Les Arcs

particularly strong reputation for

day trip (heli-skiing is banned in

shares the Espace San Bernardo

families, with great facilities for

France), and the area is also famous

with its Italian neighbour La Thuile

children and beginners (including

for its ski kiting on the plateau if you

in the Aosta Valley. That’s the next

new snowboarding facilities for

fancy something different.

valley over and takes you across the

children as young as age three

La Rosière is a purpose-built

border. Between them, these two

this winter), plus endless piste

resort, but you’ll be forgiven if you

resorts share 160km of superb skiing.

kilometres for intermediates,

don’t realise that when you roll

The better news still is that a wide

advanced skiers have plenty to

up there after a short 90-minute

sunny plateau links the two, and

entertain them too.

transfer from Chambéry or

with fast lifts even intermediate

New this winter, the resort has

Grenoble airports, on the direct

skiers can nip over to Italy

created three permanent touring

Eurostar from St Pancras or via the

for a traditional lunch (at very

trails close to the marked slopes.

nine-hour drive from the Channel.

reasonable prices might I add) and

These include Serge’s Trail, a

That’s because its designers have

ike skiing or boarding on those big

ski home at the end of the day.

perfect challenge for novice ski

worked hard to ensure that it has

snow-sure altitude ski areas the

There are more than 80 ski runs

tourers, which takes you from

all the benefits and the traditional

French do better than anyone else?

for all ability levels in the ski area,

Les Eucherts through wild, high-

feel of an authentic Savoyard

Love ski-in/ski-out access to

which has a great snowfall record

altitude landscapes, across the

village with a strictly controlled

your comfortable, modern

thanks to the influence of Mont

ski slopes and up to the summit

development, including only

accommodation, with your

Blanc, while also being blessed

of Roches Noires at an altitude of

allowing architecture that reflects

croissant and pain au chocolat

with a high sunshine record on

2,330m, where there are stunning

the region’s traditions, showcasing

delivered to reception for you

the La Rosière side. You can

views of Mont Pourri.

local stone, wood and “lauze” slate.

each morning?

enjoy breathtaking views of the

The Italian connection also brings

Holidays to La Rosière are

Well yes, of course you do, but be

surrounding snow-covered peaks

access to some of the area’s best

bookable through UK-based

honest: do you look for something

from most of the slopes.

north-facing slopes and means that

specialist Ski Collection

more on your French ski holiday? A

Although La Rosière has a

it’s possible to go on a heli-skiing

(skicollection.co.uk).

proper Italian pizza perhaps, actually cooked in Italy? Or if you’re a coffee lover, perhaps a real espresso? Well the good news is that in La Rosière you can have the best of both worlds – your champagne and your Prosecco as it were, or your fondue and your pasta. That’s because this snow-sure, highaltitude, family-friendly French ski resort that sits directly across the

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SKICOLLECTION.CO.UK

ANDREAS PLENK

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@INTHESNOWMAG

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019 // FEB16

Make it a Christmas to remember! BOOK NOW !

The Val di Fassa in the Dolomites, with half a dozen or so village bases to choose from, is one of the best areas in Italy’s famous ski region of Trentino. Elisa Salvi reports. This winter the new “Funifor Alba-Col dei Rossi” cable car has opened there, greatly improving

Après-Ski Is Called Movida

the connection between the region and the In the Fassa valley, aprés-ski goes under a

and runs.

different name, coming from the local Ladin

SNOW5

Let's meet at dawn ... and at sunset

#trentinoskisunrise, you can ski along a

boots and continues until late into the night at the

The king of the table in Val di Fassa is an oddly

many après-ski pubs, especially through the narrow

but accurately named cheese, loved by adults

streets in the area’s liveliest village, Canazei.

and children, the “Puzzone di Moena DOP” (“Puzzone” meaning “something that stinks”).

Diving into the snow

dedicated slope at dawn and enjoy a rich

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in 500 professional ski shops

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Over 300 partnered resorts in the Alps and Pyrenees

 Ski and snowboards picked & fitted by mountain professionals

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It stinks? Eat it!

afternoon as you come off the slopes in your ski

There are two unmissable moments in Val di Fassa: sunrise and sunset. With

exclusive products, such as (almost totally) handmade skis, priced at about €6,000 (£4,621).

world-famous Sellaronda circuit of 40km of lifts

regional mountain language. “Movida” starts in the

5% Extra Discount

surrounded by workshops where you can find

Together with cured and game meat, thanks to its unmistakable taste and aroma, it’s a local delicacy you’ll find in different dishes at the mountain

breakfast in a mountain refuge in front of a

The modern aquatic centre “Dòlaondes” (meaning

restaurants along the valley. Its “intense perfume”

fairy-tale landscape. The event happens on

“follow the waves” in Ladin) has five pools, one

guarantees a great taste; trust me!

selected dates at 6.15am at Ciampedìe in Vigo di

semi-Olympic and four equipped with hydro

Fassa, with descent along the slope Thöni and

massage, falls and vortex to swim upstream against

breakfast at Baita Checco.

or float round with the flow. There’s also a 111m-long

Or if you don’t want to get up early, then at

slide and an outside salted water pool, where you

5pm on every Wednesday in February and

can swim, warm and cosy (water temperature: 34°C)

The new “Funifor Alba-Col dei Rossi” takes

March there’s “Bollicine al Tramonto” (Bubbly

with the stunning peaks all around …

just five minutes to reach “the Terrace of the

at Sunset) by the Chalet Cima Uomo on Passo San Pellegrino up at 2,483m. Here you’ll

The Highest Terrace

Dolomites” by the Rifugio Maria on Sass Pordoi. From here you will see spectacular views of

enjoy finger food, Trentodoc sparkling wine

Shopaholic Delights

and the Dolomites “on fire”, lit by the last rays

The most pleasant village to wander and do

coincidence, freeriders will find some of the

of the sun. Afterwards the final descent is lit

some window-shopping in is Moena, with its

best descents in the regions starting here and

by snow cats.

picturesque town centre and two squares

mountain guides ready to show you the way.

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the Dolomites’ most famous peaks. By lucky

020 // FEB16

RALF BRUNEL

RESORT INSIDER VAL DI FASSA

INGHAMS LAUNCH PROGRAMME FOR 2016/17 SEASON Inghams, one of the UK’s longest-

and the company says they have reduced the

Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve. The

established ski travel holiday companies,

cost of thousands of their holidays making

company says they’ll offer eight nights’ skiing

has launched a “Ski Preview Brochure” for

skiing even more affordable.

at New Year for the price of seven, departing

next winter 2016/17, joining the country’s

Changes for next season include more

Friday 30 December and returning Saturday

other large operators, Crystal, and making

regional flights added, including Edinburgh to

7 January 2016.

it possible to book next winter’s ski holiday

Turin and Glasgow to Geneva.

“We are delighted to be able to reduce the

now. There are early booking offers of up to

With Christmas Day falling on a Sunday

prices more or less across the board, making

£340 off per couple.

in 2016, Inghams is switching to Friday

skiing even more affordable,” said Inghams’

The brochure features 91 resorts across 10

departures in December 2016 until Saturday

Chief Operating Officer Paul Carter.

countries with a choice of 27 regional airports,

7 January 2017 to avoid travelling on

inghams.co.uk

ISCHGL’S SNOW CIRCUS International artists have

of piste right through to the

created a circus from 500

end of the ski season at the

tonnes of snow at Ischgl.

beginning of May.

Clowns, lions, seals and

Shapes In White is a long-

acrobats standing 5m tall are

standing event in Ischgl’s

overseen by The Ringmaster –

calendar and this year marks

the creation of English artists

the 23rd anniversary. It was an

Justin Scott and Martin Sharp.

idea borne out of necessity,

Justin, Martin and eight other

as huge snowfalls meant an

pairs of artists from Italy,

excessive amount of snow

Germany, Switzerland and

was being piled up beside

Austria spent five days crafting

the pistes, and the Paznaun-

the snow sculptures in Ischgl’s

Ischgl Tourist Office spotted

annual Shapes In White

the creative opportunity to

exhibition, on this year’s circus

create an open-air snow-

theme. The snow figures will

sculpture gallery for skiers and

be on show on Ischgl’s 238km

snowboarders. ischgl.com

RIDES FREE CARBON CORE TECHNOLOGY. LIGHTNESS AND SENSITIVITY, FOR PERFORMANCE AT THE HIGHEST LEVELS. Freedom RS combines maximum performance downhill along with a smooth and natural walking phase, thanks to the 25° range of motion. WWW.SCARPA.CO.UK

LA FOLIE DOUCE DOES DANISH Party” on Tuesday 16 February. Hosting some of Europe’s greatest freestyle skiers and snowboarders, the day will include the “Best Big Air Ever” from 12.30pm and a gourmet BBQ for guests, who can party with pro riders and scoff Danish pastries La Folie Douce in Val d’Isère has

while getting down to the deep beats of

launched an exclusive partnership with

the multiple-award-winning Danish super

Frostgun and will hold the “Official Launch

DJs TooManyLeftHands.

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021 // FEB16

OT AUSSOIS

 PROMOTION

AUSSOIS W

Peak Retreats, which specialises in

So Aussois is great for people looking

rafts. And you shouldn’t miss a visit to

apartments which are wonderfully

holidays to authentic, traditional French

for a small, unspoilt ski area, but not so

the Fort Marie-Christine, an Esseillon fort,

located right at the bottom of the

ski villages with access to big ski areas, is

good for those with a taste for clocking

one of a chain of 19th-century military

slopes. Rated 3★ it’s a south-facing

offering holidays there this winter.

up the piste kilometres?

fortifications along the mountain range

accommodation so you get sunshine

PR: Well, there’s great skiing for

here that has been converted into a

through the window and there’s

Please can you set the scene?

beginners, intermediates and families but

gourmet restaurant!

an indoor heated pool. A two-bed

PR: Well, Aussois is a charming and easily

along with its own area, yes, and there

accessible resort situated on a wide,

are other mid-sized ski areas nearby.

What’s new for 2016?

commencing 26 March 2016 (Easter

sunny plateau. It’s a historic village with

However, Aussois has a trump card up

PR: Well, Aussois was already a fantastic

week) is £105pp including return

traditional stone-and-slate houses built

its sleeve because it’s only 20 minutes’

family resort, but the new Maison

Eurotunnel crossing.

around the central square with its fountain

drive from Orelle, the “back door” into

des Enfants is a wonderful dedicated

and even a communal oven! It’s managed

Les 3 Vallées, the world’s biggest ski

children’s area that makes it better

That sounds good value, but we

to successfully integrate the requirements

region. Not bad, eh?

still. Families will also enjoy activities

want more!

like snow tubing, snake gliss (a giant

PR: OK, how about a buy-one-get-one-free

apartment sleeping five for the week

he traditional, peaceful and uncrowded

of the modern ski holidaymaker while

ski resort of Aussois is a hidden gem in

maintaining its traditional values. There’s

Much to do off the slopes?

articulated toboggan), new yooner and

Aussois lift pass deal available through

the Maurienne Valley in France that’s not

a Tuesday market, where you can pick

PR: Yes, there’s a surprisingly large

snowscoot, and jumping onto the big air

Peak Retreats for the same week?

yet so well known by most British skiers.

up local goats’ cheese and home-made

selection of activities, including

bag (well, at least the kids will).

It’s in a superb setting on the edge of

bilberry tart. In skiing terms there are

snowshoeing, wildlife safaris, paragliding

the unspoilt Parc National de la Vanoise,

55km of runs served by 10 lifts, the

and ice climbing. You could explore the

So where’s the best place to stay?

through French Alps specialist Peak

Aussois, and offers great value for money.

majority chairs. Oh and it’s very easy to

surrounding plateau by dog sled or try

PR: We recommend the ski-in/ski-out,

Retreats. For more information, visit

The award-winning British tour operator

reach by road or rail.

tubing – tobogganing on mini inflatable

self-catering Les Flocons d’Argent

peakretreats.co.uk

022 // FEB16

Ski holidays to Aussois are bookable

@INTHESNOWMAG

‘SKI & SEA’ IN SPAIN’S SIERRA NEVADA RESORT

SKIER DOUBLING THE TARGET FOR CHARITY The Monster Ski Challenge,

“My best friend at school’s

which raises funds for MS

mum has MS and it was hard

research, asks participants

for him through the school

to ski the height of Mount

years. I have also met many

Everest every day; that’s a

people who suffer with MS

total of 27,432 vertical metres

who have become lifelong

over three exhilarating days,

friends. I also found, doing the

which this year will happen in

challenge years ago when it

Chamonix and Courmayeur

was 24 peaks in 48 hours, that

from 14 to 18 March 2016.

MS is extremely common and

But one returning participant,

not curable. This is a terrible

Matthew Thompson, has set

thing that needs to be sorted.

himself the added challenge

I believe that the Monster Ski

of skiing double the target

Challenge is a great way to

everyone else has – two

raise money for the charity.

Everests a day.

“Skiing is literally my life! I

“I have looked into it and it is

have skied since I was three

hopefully possible – first lift

years old and love the speed

up, last lift down, no breaks

aspect of skiing (safely of

and no stopping!” says Matt,

course!). I had a talk with

who took the challenge last

our guide last year, and this

year and clocked up 33,528

was a joking conversation,

vertical metres.

but I decided that it may well

Explaining the motivation

be possible and hopefully

behind his attempt, Matt,

raise more awareness for the

who has been skiing since

charity if I was able to do it

age three, is a qualified CDIA

within the timeframe.”

instructor and works in a ski

Search Matt Thompson at:

shop, says:

uk.virginmoneygiving.com

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023 // FEB16

The recently reopened El Lodge at Sierra

at the Marbella Club a unique ‘Up and

The Marbella Club, which is located on the

Nevada in Spain, Europe’s most southerly

Down’ day trip to Sierra Nevada, with ski

Southern Spanish Costa del Sol, on the

ski resort, is offering its guests the chance

equipment, transfers, a snack for the journey

heart of the ‘Golden Mile’, has enjoyed links

to take advantage of its proximity to the

and lunch on the sun deck at El Lodge,

with skiing and Sierra Nevada for over 50

Mediterranean coast by offering a ‘ski and

Sierra Nevada’s only ski-in/ski-out restaurant,

years. In the early 1960s, the hotel was the

sea’ package, with two days at the ski resort,

which has direct access to the Maribel and

private residence of Prince Alfonso von

staying in a deluxe room with a Jacuzzi, and

Aguila ski runs, all included in the package,

Hohenlohe, who did much to promote the

two more by the sea at sister property the

which costs from £595 per person.

ease with which visitors could waterski

Marbella Club Golf Resort and Spa. Packages

With just 20 rooms, El Lodge retains the feel of

on the Mediterranean Sea and within two

start from £1444 per person.

a private chalet and can be booked by room

hours be on the ski slopes of Sierra Nevada.

The two hotels also offer guests staying

per night or in its entirety for private parties.

ellodge.com.

The skiers’ travel agent

Choice, expert advice and quality service

MIKE CRANE PHOTOGRAPHY

• Over 1000 catered ski chalets • Over 800 of the best hotels • Over 800 self catered apartments • Club Med’s all inclusive ski resorts • Packages by rail, air and self drive • Short breaks and corporate events

020 8313 3999

ABTA No. L6436

Mountains advert (100x175).indd 1

IN D I GS T O C O NS

7018

07/09/2015 18:10

InTheSnow columnist Jack Steele has been a keen skier from an early age and has been living in Whistler for the past two years, working as a liftee during the ski season.

TRUSTED BY 2015 WORLD CHAMPION & X GAMES MEDALLIST FILIP FLISAR

limited my cravings for mountains,

some a party atmosphere and

over for a few weeks, then it may

the great outdoors and skiing.

others a more family-orientated

be a better idea to head to your

However, I am already beginning

environment. Ski resorts can vary

desired location before you start

to miss the ski slopes of Whistler,

hugely, so it is important to do your

your job hunt. This way you can

especially since the Pacific North

research, preferably by asking

find some more local independent

West is having some of the best

people who have lived in the

companies and suss out a job

early-season powder in years. I

area before. You may also want to

that you really want, rather than

am constantly reminded of this

consider living in a city close to the

signing up to a big company that

through social media, so the search

mountains because living in a ski

is able to tie you in with cheap

begins again for a way to get back

town itself can be quite isolating

accommodation but low wages.

to skiing!

and intense for some.

I hope to return to Canada with

Job

Accommodation

a permanent work visa by next winter, but my desire to ski this

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employers that can help you with

am currently back in the UK after

season has led me to begin

freelance work and am able to

this. However, if you are looking

an amazing two years in Canada.

researching where I may be able

work remotely. If you are looking

to go the independent route, then

Unfortunately, my Canadian

ski and live in the meantime.

to find work locally, then this is

social media is a great way to find

work visa has run out, so I have

As a result, I have come up with

a great way to meet people and

roommates. Try to find the local

somewhat unwillingly relocated

a list of some things to consider

integrate into the local culture.

Facebook group or craigslist to see

to a land of rolling hills and

when moving to the mountains.

There are many large companies

room-let postings. Turning up and

Location

and agencies operating in the UK

staying in an Airbnb apartment or

that can help you get a job prior

a hostel while you look for more

Everyone is different when it comes

to the season so that you have

permanent accommodation is also

been a great few weeks back in

to location. It is really dependent

a guaranteed income when you

a great way to meet people and

the homeland; catching up with

on personal priorities; some may

arrive in the resort. If you do have

will enable you to find potential

my amazing friends and family has

be looking for big-mountain skiing,

some money saved up to tide you

roommates face to face.

green grass from the snowy BC

(+) (+) (+) (+)

Again there are agencies and

Fortunately I already have

mountains that I had become accustomed to calling home. It has

024 // FEB16

@INTHESNOWMAG

ANDREAS LANGREITER

VAIL BUYS UP WILMOT MOUNTAIN RESORT

VANESSA-MAE CAN BE CALLED AN OLYMPIAN

WHERE IS TIROL’S SNOWIEST VILLAGE?

Vail Resorts, the company that started in Vail, Colorado, but now owns a

The controversy surrounding Vanessa-Mae’s participation in the

The conventional advice when looking for the place most likely to

dozen ski areas in the US and Australia, has snapped up another small

2014 Sochi Winter Olympics has had a new twist, with the IOC

have good snow is to aim high – either in altitude or in latitude.

ski hill on the eastern side of the US: Wilmot Mountain in Wisconsin. The

deciding that although Mae’s participation has been retrospectively

Austria’s Tirol region is well equipped in this regard, with five

small ski area, established in 1938 close to the town of Wilmot, once a

cancelled, meaning that it is as if she had not taken part, she can be

glacier ski areas which are open from late summer to late

stagecoach stop, is the third small eastern ski hill Vail has acquired in

called an Olympian.

spring, and in the case of Hintertux year round – that’s more

recent years, to help promote travel to their eight destination resorts

The controversy centres on how Mae qualified to represent Thailand,

than any other region on the planet. If you look at any snow

in Colorado, California and Utah. Wilmot Mountain is located near the

her father’s home nation, in skiing events at the Sochi Games. An

reports today, you’ll see these glacier areas top Austria’s snow-

Illinois state line and approximately 65 miles north of Chicago.

investigation after the Olympics found that a pre-Games event in which

depth tables.

Vail Resorts says it plans to transform both the on-mountain and

Mae accrued enough points to be allowed to compete was rigged.

But research by tourism expert Günther Aigner examining 30 years

base-area experience at Wilmot Mountain, with new upgraded

The IOC announced that Mae, who had finished in 67th and last

of average annual snowfall data from Tirol’s climatic data centre

snowmaking, redesigned and updated terrain parks, new ski

place in the giant slalom, should have her participation cancelled

has come up with some interesting results. It seems that to find

school programmes for all levels of skiers and riders, expanded

and be banned for four years from competing. However, this

Tirol’s snowiest area, you need to go low.

dining and entertainment options at the base area, dedicated

decision was overturned following an appeal by Mae last June.

Mr Aigner’s research found that Hochfilzen in the Pillerseetal

racing programmes, and integrated technology and social media

A Court of Arbitration for Sport said that although the qualifying

Valley, a ski area close to Kitzbühel that’s more famous for its

programmes, including the company’s EpicMix digital service.

events may have been rigged, there was no evidence that Mae

biathlon than its downhill skiing and is only 960m above sea level,

“Wilmot is steeped in skiing tradition and enjoys tremendous brand

herself was aware of that.

was by far Tirol’s snowiest village, on average, between 1983/84

recognition among Chicago and Milwaukee skiers and snowboarders,

“I was so relieved to have completed both runs at the Winter Olympics,

and 2012/2013, receiving 671cm of new snow per year. The

thanks to the passion and dedication of the Stopa family over the last 75

even if it was only to claim last place. I’m over the moon that I’m still an

figures were higher, according to Mr Aigner’s study, than resorts

years,” said Rob Katz, chairman and chief executive officer of Vail Resorts.

Olympian – it’s fantastic news and such a positive start to 2016!” Mae

like Obergurgl, which is nearly twice as high at 1930m. Average

Wilmot Mountain currently offers 25 trails, four terrain parks and a

told the BBC. She plans to return to competitive skiing in March and

maximum snow depth during the 30-year record at Hochfilzen was

tubing hill with 23 lanes.

aims to compete in the 2018 Games in South Korea.

134cm and it usually has snow in the valley for 143 days.

FLY TO BERN – AND ARRIVE IN A WINTER HOLIDAY. From London City to the airport near the Adelboden-Lenk skiing paradise. Book now: madeinbern.com/flyskywork

ADELBODEN LENK-SIMMENTAL KANDERSTEG

Flights made in Switzerland

ARREST SOUGHT FOR AVALANCHE BOARDER A Californian ski resort has asked its local sheriff to arrest a snowboarder who the resort says entered a closed area and triggered an avalanche. The boarder, 29-year-old Christian Mares, filmed himself as he was caught in the 15-second avalanche and posted the video on YouTube where it ‘went viral’, getting nearly quarter-of-a-million views in its first week. youtu.be/zAZJkPfkFhE

FREE KIDS’ APRIL SKI PASS IN SERRE CHEV Serre Chevalier Vallée in the French Alps is offering a free child’s ski pass with every adult pass for ski holiday bookings from 2 April until the end of the season. A self-catering apartment costs from €615 (around £477) per week, based on two adults and two children under 12 years. serre-chevalier.com.

NEW VERBIER SPRING FESTIVAL Verbier is launching a new music and ski festival spread over two long weekends in mid-April. Including the final of the Philippe Roux Cup and the legendary Verbier High Five, Verbier Impulse will run over six days in total: the weekends of 8 to 10 April and 15 to 17 April 2016. A number of international music stars have already announced they’ll be performing, including Texas.

GUARANTEED LEARN TO SKI INDOORS Manchester’s Chill Factore indoor snow centre, home of the UK’s longest indoor slope, has launched a guarantee to teach you to ski on their £140 beginner-level course this February. If your instructor decides you didn’t

VERBIER OFFERS SELFTRACKING DRONES

are wanting to use them to film

Hexo+ self-tracking drone to film

themselves, but on the other hand

themselves.

they have potentially dangerous

There is no remote control

consequences if they collide with

needed, as these innovative

ski-lift machinery or fall out of the

drones can accompany you on

sky and hit people on the head (yet

your descents and jumps, thanks

another reason to wear a helmet).

to a system of Bluetooth® used

Mont-Sainte-Anne ski area in Quebec, Canada,

Most resorts seem to be moving

with a smartphone app.

turns 50 this year and is running celebrations

towards a position where drone use

“These rentals are accompanied

all season. But most remarkably, the centre

is restricted to licensed individuals

by a professional from our team

has found that one of its employees, Claire

and sometimes professional drone

and take place in specific areas

Labossière, has been there right from the first

film crews whom skiers can hire to

like the Audi quattro funslope, the

year in 1966.

film them, often in restricted areas

Snowpark and the Slalom Course

Claire started as a ski instructor having previously

ki resorts the world over are

pre-determined by the resort as safe.

at the Stade on Savoleyres,”

been in Canada’s national ski team. Then, she

currently agonising over what to

Verbier says it is offering a

a Televerbier spokesperson

worked her way through several roles at the resort,

do about drones. On the one hand,

European first by allowing skiers

explained. Rental is CHF400 per

including the marketing department, before taking

ever more skiers and boarders

and boarders the chance to rent a

day or CHF250 for a half-day.

up her current position as Lift Manager, in charge of all of Mont-Sainte-Anne’s lift staff.

quite get there, they’ll give you the extra tuition free. chillfactore.com

SKI TOURING WEEK IN ZERMATT IN APRIL

CANADIAN RESORT IS 50-YEARS OLD

In 1966, Mont-Sainte-Anne was the first resort

20 YEARS OF CONVEYOR LIFTS

to operate gondolas in Eastern Canada, and they’ve now become the symbol of the mountain. This winter, two of Mont-SainteAnne’s current gondolas have been painted

its 3,000th conveyor lift system in Les

gold to mark its 50th anniversary. In addition,

Arcs, delivering it to the ESF Arc 1800

thanks to support from Helly Hansen, 50 gifts

Zermatt specialists Matterhorn Chalets are

Ski School. The first Sunkid conveyor

will be distributed to skiers riding the gondola

offering a new Spring Ski Touring Week, led

lift was developed by a working

throughout the winter. There’ll also be a

by a fully qualified (UIAGM) local mountain

group at a leading Tirolean mountain

historical photo booth located in a gondola

guide, from 9 to 16 April 2016. Participants

lift and ski school enterprise, and

at the base of the mountain, a giant timeline

can try different routes daily while returning

has developed over the years into a

printed on the main lodge wall and a huge

to the comfort of the company’s Chalet

success story that no one imagined.

painting created by children from a local school.

Ulysse each evening. The holiday costs

It’s 20 years since Austrian company

Conveyor lifts have revolutionised

Over the years, lifts have been built

In another act of celebration, the ski manufacturer

£1,490 including chalet board and all guide

Sunkid installed their first “passenger

snowsports, particularly learning to ski

up to 10 times longer than the original

Rossignol has created 50 pairs of special skis,

conveyor belt system” that is more

or board, with what was the trickiest

longest 39m size, with a 400m

branded Mont-Sainte-Anne.

commonly known as a “Magic

first step, riding the drag lift, now a

version available and installed in 60

Claire still skies every day and is one of the fifth of

Carpet” (although that is in fact

thing of the past at most ski areas.

countries, and the 3,000 lifts installed

Mont-Sainte-Anne’s staff who have been there at

another company’s patent name).

The company celebrated by installing

have a combined length of 156km.

least 25 years. mont-sainte-anne.com

fees. matterhornchalets.com

026 // FEB16 // INTHESNOW.COM

@INTHESNOWMAG

ICELANDAIR LAUNCH STOPOVER BUDDY SERVICE

YOUNG BRITS IN ACTION AT LILLEHAMMER 2016

BOOK FOR 1,300 SKI SCHOOLS DIRECT ONLINE

With Britons reported to be overspending by £17.21 billion per year while

Sixteen athletes are representing Team GB at the Lillehammer 2016

A new website has been set up that offers direct online booking for

on holiday due to lack of local knowledge and 72% admitting to feeling

Winter Youth Olympic Games (YOG), currently underway in Norway,

1,300 ski schools, ski instructors and mountain guides in more than

embarrassed for “looking like a tourist”, Icelandair has launched a new

including five skiers across different disciplines.

150 ski resorts across the Alps.

service that allows passengers to collect a “buddy” upon arrival to give

Lillehammer 2016, which runs from 12 to 21 February, will see around

The Austrian-based independent booking platform CheckYeti.com

them an authentic Icelandair stopover with a local host for free. The

1,100 of the world’s best young athletes descend on Norway to

says it has “declared war on the tiresome process of booking ski

airline currently offers flights from five UK airports to 15 North American

compete in 70 events during 10 days of winter sport action.

schools, ski instructors and guides over the phone or in the resort”.

cities in ski regions, all with a stopover in Iceland en route.

The five British ski and snowboard athletes selected for YOG are

“We offer customers quick access to winter sport activities in the

Passengers taking an Icelandair stopover have risen over 60% in the

alpine skiers Yasmin Cooper (17, Chichester) and Iain Innes (17,

various ski resorts. CheckYeti helps you to search for individual

past four years, supporting this popular trend of consumers wanting

Edinburgh), ski cross athlete Isobel Brown (16, Ashbourne), and GB

ski or snowboard instructors, for the best kids’ ski course or for

to maximise their time off, and buddies are always a member of the

park and pipe skiers Cal Sandieson (17, Glasgow), who will compete in

experienced local mountain guides,” explains Stefan Pinggera, who

Icelandair team. On a transatlantic stopover, members of the airline

slopestyle, and Madi Rowlands (17, Maidstone), who will compete in ski

founded CheckYeti together with Georg Reich in 2014. The two men

team, including stewardesses, pilots and even the CEO of Icelandair, will

slopestyle and halfpipe. Team GB’s delegation will feature in 7 of the

both grew up in the Austrian Alps close to Salzburg and are keen

be up for grabs upon landing, serving as personal, local buddies who

15 disciplines that make up the sporting programme. As well as alpine

skiers and snowboarders themselves.

can offer a rare glimpse into the ‘real’ Iceland.

and freestyle skiing, they will compete in bobsleigh, curling, freestyle

CheckYeti.com gives you the chance to search according to

“People want to experience local culture and unique adventures over

skiing, ice hockey skills challenge, luge and skeleton.

your individual needs, from skiing to snowshoe hiking, and

anything else whilst on holiday. However, we are more time-pressured

“It feels amazing to be selected and I still can’t quite believe it.

instantaneously compare and book. Ratings and reviews from other

than ever these days and people can’t spend hours researching the

Preparations have been going well, with recent personal bests in slalom

CheckYeti users are helpful when selecting your preferred offer.

best things to do and places to go,” said Birkir Hólm Guðnason, CEO

and giant slalom, so I’m really looking forward to heading out there,” said

The service had a trial period last year and registered over

at Icelandair, who has himself taken part in the buddy service, offering

alpine skier Yasmin Cooper. Lillehammer 2016 is the second Winter Youth

100,000 visitors, mainly from Germany and the UK, and

passengers lucky enough to be matched with him the chance to go off-

Olympic Games following Innsbruck 2012. It will offer a wider experience

CheckYeti’s Facebook page already has over 11,000 subscribers,

piste skiing. icelandair.co.uk/stopover-buddy

for the athletes, incorporating the youth culture and learning festival

which the site’s operators say shows the appeal of practical

‘Sjoggfest’, with over 150 workshops and activities to get involved in.

advice on winter sports.

LES 2 ALPES FIRST RIDE !

1 WEEK

FROM 176 £* FOR 4 PEOPLE

BOOKING : reservation@les2alpes.com Tél. : +33 (0)4 76 79 24 38 www.les2alpesreservation.com

2 0 1 5

WORLD SNOW A W A R D S EUROPEAN RESORT OF THE YEAR LES 2 ALPES

*with conditions

028 // FEB16

@INTHESNOWMAG

APRIL:

SnowpenAir bit.ly/1R5wg0w

Halfpipe, Slopestyle and Snowboard/ Skicross Championships, plus the more relaxed Bangers and Cash Rail Jam.

heading to Avoriaz. While the Rock The

When: 2 April

Snowbombing

Pistes festival is getting the Portes du Soleil

Where: Jungfrau, Switzerland

snowbombing.com

pistes buzzing, Snowboxx will be bringing

Headliners: Fanta 4

When: 4–9 April Where: Mayrhofen, Austrian Tirol

an expected 4,000 people to their festivalwithin-a-festival. To hold the massive

After staging a big coup with a gig by Deep

Headliners: The Prodigy, Jungle, Netsky,

après-ski electro events, Avoriaz will be

Purple a year ago, this time the Jungfrau

Bastille, Craig David, Mark Ronson (DJ)

building a giant box in the middle of the

region will host German hip-hop mega stars

old mountain chalets. This festival hub will

Fanta 4 at “the country’s biggest winter

The self-styled “world’s No. 1 music festival

be complemented by stages around the

music event”. This event, 2,000m above

on snow” is certainly one of the biggest

car-free centre, providing different kinds of

sea level in Kleine Scheidegg, can only be

and longest established and has even

music around the resort every evening.

reached by a journey up the spectacular

spawned a pre-festival “Snowbombing

mountain railway, and from the venue there

Party Series” which tours some of the UK

are spectacular views of the Eiger, Mönch

and Europe’s leading nightspots. During

and Jungfrau. Approximately 9,000 people

the festival itself, gigs are staged in

innovationinthesnow.com

will attend the concert, tickets for which

Mayrhofen’s plethora of bars and clubs as

Innovation in the Snow t’s that time of year when ski

varied tastes, catering for lovers of house,

When: 17 to 19 March

are CHF125 (£88), and it usually quickly

well as at specially created locations on the

resorts start staging big ski

techno, drum and bass, grime, funk,

Where: Pas de la Casa, Andorra

sells out.

mountains and in the forest. Snowbombing

festivals. Through March and April,

garage, soul and hip-hop. New for 2016

Headliners: DJ Hype, Dillinja, Grooverider,

the longer days, spring sunshine

are the Hot Spa Cinema, Geothermal Pool

SASASAS, The Prototypes, Alpha, Nicky

and deep snowpack bring about a

Raves, Spas, Music Production Lab and The

Blackmarket, Harry Shotta, Evil B

relaxed atmosphere on the slopes

Hotel House Party. A variety of packages

and in resort so that music and

are available, and prices are typically low.

offers accommodation packages ranging

The BRITS

from £339 (plus booking fee) for five nights’ accommodation and festival wristband.

the-brits.com A new three day music festival has been

When: 3– 10 April

off-slope fun can take their place

announced for the party resort of Pas de

Where: Laax, Switzerland

Top Of The Mountain

next to the snowsports. It seems

la Casa in Andorra this season. ‘Innovation

Headliners: Jenny Jones, James Woods,

bit.ly/1nIWqdz

in the Snow’ is the latest offering by the

Katie Summerhayes, Billy Morgan,

When: 30 April

Jamie Nicholls

Where: Ischgl, Austrian Tirol

there are ever more music festivals

Rock The Pistes

to test out, and while those chosen

rockthepistes.com/en/

DnB events company Innovation. Festival

here are among the biggest, loudest and most

When: 13–19 March

pre-parties will run between 5pm and 9pm

established, if you’re heading to a leading

Where: Portes du Soleil (e.g. Champéry,

in a dedicated ski bar and restaurant each

Following a brief and unconvincing trial

resort anywhere in spring, it’s likely there’ll be

Avoriaz, Morzine, Les Gets, Châtel)

evening with the main event taking place in

separation, the BRITS (or to give it its full

Ischgl’s Top of the Mountain concert is

some music-themed event to head to.

Headliners: Gotthard, Two Door Cinema

a special Igloo Dome. Innovation are happy

title: “the British Snowboard and Freeski

staged to mark the final weekend of the

They’re not all rock, pop and hip-hop either

Club, Izia, Hubert-Felix Thiefaine, Deluxe

to welcome non-skiers as well as skiers

Championships”) will be rekindling its

resort’s five-month-long season (which

and boarders and suggest activities such

love affair with Laax, Switzerland, with the

began this year with a gig by the Beach

– look out for jazz, classical, unplugged and

Headliners: To Be Confirmed

most other kinds of music festivals too.

The Rock The Pistes concept is that free

as a daytime paintball tournament in the

world’s largest halfpipe and four dedicated

Boys at the end of November). They hadn’t

In years gone by, you could do a month-long

concerts are staged on temporary stages

snow, snowmobiling, dog sledding or ice-

snowparks, for a week of championship

announced who will headline as we went

festival crawl if you wanted (and had the time

around the huge 650km of the Portes du

driving instead. Package options include 3

snowsports and a celebration of its

to press, but they always get one of the

and money of course), going around the

Soleil ski area during the day and accessible

night’s accommodation + two day lift pass

flourishing freestyle scene. During the

world’s biggest stars to perform – Kylie,

mountains from one to the next, but in 2016 a

only on skis (they’re free so long as you

+ two day ski hire + airport transfers + three

week, riders (seasoned pros, budding

Elton John, Robbie Williams, Rihanna and

few are going head-to-head on dates so you

have a lift pass to get to them). Then there

night festival entry from £240 or a non-ski

amateurs and first-timers) have the chance

many others have each been the main act

may have to choose ...

are après-ski concerts in the resorts to carry

version from £190.

to compete or spectate at the British

over the years.

MARCH:

on the fun afterwards. Last year, Rock The

Horizon Festival horizonfestival.net

Pistes claimed 20,000 festival-goers, all on skis, and there were more than 25 fringe concerts besides the big shows.

When: 12–17 March

Snowboxx

Where: Bansko, Bulgaria

snowboxx.com

Headliners: Âme, Nina Kraviz, Congo Natty

When: 12–19 March

and M J Cole

Where: Avoriaz, France Headliners: Sigma, Blonde,

With 120 acts, playing 30 parties over

Grandmaster Flash

six days, Horizon describes itself as “the ultimate party in the snow”. Musically it

Snowboxx is a festival that doesn’t stay

delivers a programme to suit many and

long in one resort, and this year it’s

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029 // FEB16

 PROMOTION

WHY TAKE A FIXED SKI WEEK WHEN YOU CAN FLEXISKI ? airport through to the rental shop in resort. So maybe it’s time to ski holiday a little smarter

MICHAEL PRESCHL PHOTOGRAPHY

can expect queues from check-in at your UK

– simply by choosing resorts that are quick and easy to get to, choosing travel that arrives in time for you to ski the same day and to ski again before you have to leave on departure day. That’s the idea behind flexiski, who will tailor-make your ski holiday for you – for any length with any start date – to a wide range of top ski destinations. You can choose to travel when everyone

Amalien Haus in St Anton, Austria, and The Retreat, a luxury chalet in Morzine, France.

St Anton Short Break

here’s nothing better than getting out on

pristine white slopes, cruising through fresh

Why not experience the benefits of a tailor-

snow under a clear blue sky, stopping for some

made ski holiday for yourself and get in one

authentic local cuisine in a cosy mountain

last snow fix before the season’s out? With

restaurant and then enjoying the après-ski

flexiski you can enjoy a short ski break in

scene once the ski day winds down.

March to the Chalet Amalien Haus (flexiski. com/ski-resorts/austria/st-anton-ski-holidays/

But sometimes a standard ski holiday package,

+33 (0)4 50 54 55 56 reservation@heliopic.com

with weekend transfers, can spoil the chance

else isn’t for example, or to be in resort on

chalet-amalien-haus), from £580pp, based

of getting that perfect ski holiday experience.

changeover day when the slopes are empty as

on three nights (Sunday to Wednesday),

Most packages get you to the slopes just too

everyone else is at the airport!

including flights and train transfers. flexiski.

late to enjoy a day on the snow, and you have

Flexiski work with over 130 hotels in resorts

com/020 8939 0862.

to leave too early at the end of your holiday

across Europe, North America and Japan.

to enjoy a day then too. Plus with almost

For the full flexiski experience, the company

everyone arriving at the same time as you, you

also own and operate two chalets, the Chalet

heliopic-hotel-spa.com 030 // FEB16

@INTHESNOWMAG

WENGENâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S YOUR WINTER GEM Sweet like chocolate - a unique, mountain village steeped in ski history

Get a taste for Switzerland at crystalski.co.uk ATOL protected. For more information please see our booking conditions.

WORDS: ANDY TAYLOR

T he 3 Valleys, as you no doubt already

know, are big, very big …the biggest ski

Accommodation

You’ll never ski it all in a week, but before

service at the base of the resort to

(there’s a free shuttle bus link) and have a

you even start you need to decide where to

quickly get you up into the action.

huge selectionof all of these amenities.

stay, and these days there’s quite a choice

It is a very family-orientated resort. It is

with perhaps 20 different resorts if you count

traffic free and has great facilities for

the different districts of the bigger centres

children and beginners. There’s even a

like Les Menuires, Courchevel and Méribel.

kids’ lift and fun area within a short walk.

On my last trip at the start of this winter I

It’s also a very British-feeling resort. I’d

From la Tania you are well positioned

a very comfortable lounge area plus a

opted to stay in one of the newer choices

say approx. 90% of all visitors are from

just two lift rides away from either

games room.

in the area, the British-favourite ski area

the UK, mostly families, and all of the staff

Méribel or Courchevel 1850. You have

In the morning after collecting your skis

of La Tania, a smaller (and famously more

we met were young workers from the UK.

a choice of very easy green, easy blue

from the boot room in the basement,

affordable) area built to house media for

It’s not a good choice if you’re looking

or intermediate red runs back down to

you walk outside and are straight on the

the 1992 Winter Olympics.

for a great range of shops and facilities,

La Tania from the top gondola station,

slope down to the first gondola. Perfect!

however, as there are just a few small

complete with snowmaking cover.

Transfers are normally quick and easy

shops and eight restaurants – one with a

Another great plus for La Tania was that

and iGOSki’s claim that they can get

Michelin star. There were live bands in a

you had the option to just buy a local

you from “airport to ski in 4 hours” was

couple of the pubs a few nights a week

valley pass, which in itself provided

achievable thanks in part to how well designed and convenient La Tania is.

La Tania

area in the world in fact with more than

I stayed at the Hotel Montana, which is

The Skiing

operated by Alpine Elements, and my trip was organised by iGOSki. The Montana has a pool, spa and sauna and there’s

320 runs, covering a combined 600km

La Tania ticks all the boxes for

but the party scene was quite low key.

ample skiing, or you could get a 3 Vallées

and served by nearly 170 lifts, with

convenience and functionality. This is

But as I mentioned the bigger

pass if you were a more advanced skier

2,000m of skiable vertical. Phew.

a ski-in/ski-out resort with a gondola

neighbouring resorts are a short hop away

and really wanted to explore the full area.

HALF TERM IN LA TANIA Short-break specialists iGOSki (igoski.co.uk) offer a three night stay in the Hotel Montana with three and a half days’ skiing for £404pp with departures on 28th February, 2016 inclusive of flights, transfers, accommodation and catering.

032 // FEB16

@INTHESNOWMAG

ALBERTO CABALLERO

BUYING POWER OF POUND INCREASES IN MOST SKI AREAS

Among the more interesting

to get better than $1.39 to their

was the Swedish krona, down -1.6%,

findings from the currency value

pound in the exchange shops at

making the £1,000 worth £16.30 less.

snapshot, which looked at the

present. The pound was already

Centtrip, who offer a prepaid

value of £1,000 when converted to

up against the Canadian dollar and

MasterCard® offering 14 currencies

“ski currency” on 19 January 2015

down against the US one, so this

simultaneously on a single card,

and on 19 January 2016, were that

continues the trend.

providing direct access to live

you get 6.8% (£68) more Swiss

Norway, where the pound had

“spread free” market exchange

francs, as sterling continues to

already increased in value over the

rates, also found that in five of

recover against the franc.

past few years with around a 35%

the countries analysed, there was

The biggest increase in value,

increase overall, saw the biggest

deflation, so sterling would be

however, was in Canada, where you

value gain for Brits in Europe again,

worth more here than it was in

get £119.40 more dollars than a year

up just over 7.7% (£77.50 in value

Sweden, Bulgaria, Poland, Romania

he buying power of the pound has

ago, although south of the border

on the £1,000).

and Switzerland a year ago.

increased in almost all major ski

the value of sterling has decreased

Most other currencies, including the

Norway, Canada and the US saw

destinations compared to a year

further against the US dollar, where

euro, were virtually unchanged on a

higher rates of inflation than the

ago, according to new research from

you now get £69 less in dollars than

year ago. The only European currency

UK, providing a negative impact on

global currency business Centtrip.

a year ago, with tourists unlikely

where there was a slight dip in value

the spending power of sterling.

SUCCESS IN ANDORRA FOR YOUNG NATIONAL SKI RACERS best results ever gained at an

Team manager Gillian Poth

international children’s race.

commented, “I am really extremely

The Children’s International Races,

happy with the whole GBR team…

spread over four days, led to two

Each athlete gave their all each day

podiums for Sarah Woodward and

and contributed to this amazing

two for Alicja Krahelski, plus one

position. I hope they are as proud

podium for Sienna Horton, as well

of this achievement as I am.”

as a whole host of top 10 places

Children’s Races also took place

from other members of the team.

in the Czech Republic, and Josh

Besides Sarah, Alicja and Sienna,

Galmarini secured a third and a

the Snowsport England contingent

fourth position, with Megan Riley

Seven young Snowsport England

International Children’s Races in

of the team consisted of Daisi

and Charlie Luke also gaining top

Squad athletes who were

Andorra have come home with

Daniels (BSA), Abi Bruce, Toby

10 positions.

racing for Great Britain at the

third place overall, one of the

Case and Max Pini (all Ambition).

snowsportengland.co.uk

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033 // FEB16

EVENTS GO GREENER Ski resorts are popular locations for staging events, and of course big competitions take place

BY PATRICK THORNE

at ski resorts. In either case, the resorts generate a lot of extra traffic when they stage events, and

EDDIE THE EAGLE LANDS IN UK CINEMAS!

that means a lot more CO2. It’s an issue not lost on event organisers at many resorts. Over in Canada, Whistler is the first Canadian destination to achieve APEX/ASTM sustainability certification. This may not mean a lot if you don’t know what the initials stand for, but they assure us it is big news in the meetings world, where meeting planners are reported to be seeking out destinations – and venues with strong sustainability records and initiatives. “We are very proud of this achievement, as it highlights Tourism Whistler’s commitment and pioneering attitude toward implementing sustainable procedures and practices. The certification offers event organisers added assurance that they are working with a proven leader in sustainability,” said Karen Goodwin, Tourism Whistler’s Vice President of Market Development and Sales. This certification is the latest sustainability achievement for Whistler, with the Whistler Conference Centre at the top of the list in 2012 for the Best Places to MeetGreen® (North America) and also recognised with the Sustainability in Action Award at the 2015 Whistler Business Excellence Awards. Meetings and group business is a significant

BUMPER START TO SCOTLAND’S SEASON

heroic achievements at the Calgary

determination to become Great

Winter Olympics of 1988, his

Britain’s first Olympic ski jumper.

fame seems to just keep growing.

Reluctantly aided by former ski

Perhaps it’s because Eddie’s self-

jumper Bronson Peary (Hugh

belief and achievements against

Jackman) as his coach, Eddie (Taron

all the odds make a connection

Egerton) is unwavering in his quest

for all of us in what we respect

to reach the 1988 Winter Games.

Scottish ski areas had a difficult start to the season,

and admire, and what seems to be

“Eddie the Eagle is an uplifting,

only recording a brief opening for half a day shortly

becoming increasingly lost in the

inspirational story that celebrates

after Christmas, before all five Highland resorts

modern world of over-sanitised,

human spirit, passion and one man’s

were able to open at last in the second week of

corporate-run sporting events.

refusal to accept defeat,” say the

January. However, pent-up demand was such by

Now the new Eddie the Eagle movie

filmmakers, and at an unofficial

then that some 18,000 skier days were recorded

from Lionsgate Films, scheduled

world premiere at the Sundance

in the first week of operations – much higher than

ddie “the Eagle” Edwards is easily

for release in the UK on 28 March

Independent Film Festival in Park City

would be expected in one January week. The

the most inspiring winter-sports

2016, follows the realisation of the

last month, it received rave reviews.

World Snow Day weekend in mid-January was

athlete Britain has ever produced,

childhood dream of Michael Edwards

Eddie The Eagle is released in UK

particularly busy.

and nearly three decades after his

(aka Eddie) and his unflinching

cinemas on 26 February 2016.

“We were absolutely delighted that so many skiers and snowboarders came out

economic driver for the resort, with more than

on Saturday and Sunday to celebrate the

50,000 room nights generated by the Whistler

great snow at our ski areas,” said Chair of

SOMMELIER ON THE SLOPES

Conference Centre annually. In terms of big events, the Innsbruck 2016 International Children’s Games, which took place last month in Austria, has received “Green Event Tirol” certification. was an FIS SnowKidz event, said they felt strongly that they should deliver an event with ecological, economic and social sustainability. “The Innsbruck 2016 International Children’s Games were the world’s first multi-sport event to be delivered

FREDDY PLANINSCHEK

The organising committee of the Games, which

Ski-Scotland Heather Negus. “World Snow Day aims to bring new people to the snow, particularly children. Nevis Range, Glencoe

ski guide and sommelier,

each creating a dish for

Mountain and CairnGorm Mountain all

combining ski itineraries on

one of the mountain huts

participated and reported a great turnout for

the slopes of Alta Badia, a

to be served throughout

all the fun events that were organised. The

UNESCO World Heritage

the 2016 season. Taking

Lecht also hosted a successful Rail Jam, so

Site, with wine tastings of

the theme “South Sweet

each of the five snowsports areas were able to

some of South Tyrol’s best

South” in 2016, this year’s

make the best of their great snow cover.”

wines, for just €15 (approx.

participating chefs each

Since opening week, conditions have

Alta Badia in the Italian

local wines too. The area’s

£11.50) pp. “Sommeliers on

come from South Tyrol or

continued to fluctuate at the five areas, with

Dolomites has built a strong

first “Sommelier on the

the Slopes” joins existing

Southern Italy and include

thawing and severe gales at times leaving

Sports GmbH (ITS), who thanked their suppliers for

reputation for its locally

Slopes” days will take place

events in Alta Badia such as

names such as Norbert

areas unable to open, but equally heavy snow

making it possible for them to deliver the event to the

sourced and produced

on 25 February, 3 March

“A Taste for Skiing”, which

Niederkofler, Matteo

followed by blue skies have resulted in superb

gourmet cuisine, and now

and 10 March 2016 and will

continues in 2016, with

Metullio and Nicola Laera.

conditions on other days – as always, it’s a

it’s stepping up its efforts on

see groups led by an expert

14 Michelin-starred chefs

altabadia.org.

case of checking before you set out.

as a Green Event,” said Georg Spazier, Chief Executive Officer of event organisers Innsbruck-Tirol

environmental standards required for certification.

034 // FEB16

@INTHESNOWMAG

Blow Bonus THE

MOUNTAIN GOURMET SKI EXPERIENCE

ALL IMAGES: RED PHOTOGRAPHIC

Top price: £4,470 – Full-board four nights in a top suite Bargain price: £3,850 – Half-board in a standard double

WORDS: GABRIELLA LE BRETON

including over the pear tarte Tatin it was

quick shower before supper at our hotel, the

destined for. DJ Niko, specially flown in for the

plush Grand Hotel Royal e Golf, kicked off

evening from Verbier, switches up the music

with Heston’s signature nitro cocktails and

to Zorba the Greek, and crockery starts flying

Aperol jellies. We do our best to dent the

through the air …

mouthwatering spread of local Val d’Aosta

Welcome to the Mountain Gourmet Ski Experience: an eye-popping insight into the mad world of Britain’s best-known Michelinstarred chefs at play. Organised by Londonbased ski operator Momentum Ski and now in its third year, the long weekend has grown into a four-day celebration of food, wine, fun and excess with a dash of skiing on the side. The event’s original trio of trouble makers, Heston Blumenthal, Marcus Wareing and Sat Bains, were joined at this year’s event last month by Clare Smyth, the first female British

tanding on top of the bar, wrapped around

chef to be awarded and retain three Michelin

a stripper pole, Heston Blumenthal peers

stars. It’s an exceptional blend of culinary

specialities prepared by the team behind the

through his trademark glasses to pick out his

talent and big characters, each star travelling

Royal’s Head Chef, Maura Gosio.

next victim. Wielding a bowl like a Frisbee,

with a small retinue of chefs plucked from

The following morning, most guests squeeze

albeit brimming with gigantic slabs of ice

their respective restaurants.

in a couple of hours’ skiing before rolling into

cream, he hurls it across the room at the

I discover that the onslaught on our stomachs

a “wine-tasting lunch” at the cosy mountain

“lucky” recipient. Unlike the previous guest,

starts from the moment we congregate at

restaurant, Château Branlant. Such is the draw of

who caught Heston’s airborne gift, this one

Heston’s The Perfectionists’ Café in Heathrow

the delicious food and wine (and Heston’s DJing

misses entirely and the bowl crashes into

airport at 7am on Friday. A breakfast of

skills) that even the most determined skiers fail

the wall, splattering ice cream everywhere,

pastries, truffle pizza, eggs Benedict and

to make it back outside. But a few hours later,

salmon is completed by a doggy bag

we’re back up on the mountain, ready to be

stuffed with chicken tarragon sandwiches

whizzed to a nine-course gastronomic dinner at

and a giant slab of chocolate brownie for

La Chaumière by a herd of snowmobiles.

airplane munchies. A quick transfer from

And thus we roll from one meal to the next,

Geneva airport brings us to Courmayeur, the

lengthy lunches and gastronomic dinners

glamorous Italian mountain town that hunkers

accompanied by a few too many glasses

beneath Monte Bianco. Within minutes of

of local wine, interspersed by skiing, dog

arrival we stroll through snowy cobbled

sledding and dancing. It is, without a shadow

streets for the next meal: a generous buffet

of doubt, the most hedonistic and indulgent

lunch in the locals’ favourite, Caffé della Posta.

weekend I’ve experienced, in the company

After an afternoon of sipping Prosecco and

of some of the world’s finest chefs and an

nibbling on beef tartare there’s time for a

eclectic mix of fellow gourmands.

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www.action-outdoors.co.uk/off-piste THE UK PARTNE

HEAD OF BRITISH CLUB WHICH TRAINS CHAMPIONS IN COURT

the local gendarmerie accuse Mr Erskine of

attend the local police station for questioning

using “non-qualified” coaches at his club.

over their right to work in France.

The move is the latest courtroom battle to

“It’s absurd that we are being chased by

hit British skiing in France, where the French

the sports ministry and challenged on our

sports ministry is clamping down on foreign

competency. We are a junior racing academy,

coaches. Mr Erskine’s legal team say British ski

and if they want us to show that our guys are

instructors are being “targeted”.

competent – my God, they are experts. My

The 52-year-old from Surrey says its coaches

head coach is the former head coach of the

are an international team who are “experts”

Canadian Alpine World Cup team,” he said.

in their field. However, they do not hold

“Every single member of the British team that

French teaching diplomas – which he insists

went to the World Alpine championships last

is unnecessary because they hold top

year were all trained, at various stages, by the

qualifications from their own countries.

British Ski Academy.”

Papers presented to the court in Bonneville,

The row centres over the recognition given by

Haute-Savoie, by the Gendarmerie Nationale

the French sports ministry to the qualifications

of Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, state Mr Erskine had

possessed by foreign instructors. Under

he head of a British ski club which trains future

committed the “offence of having employed a

European law, professionals should have

champions has appeared in a French court

non-qualified person exercising the functions of

freedom to use their skills regardless of the

accused of breaking local employment laws.

a teacher of sporting activities – several coaches

country where they obtained their qualifications.

Malcolm Erskine, director of the British Ski

and ski instructors on behalf of the BSA”.

Despite this, a number of British outdoors

Academy near Chamonix, faces a fine of €1,500

The hearing has been adjourned until March,

instructors have been prosecuted for working in

(£1,165) in the latest development in the long-

when he will learn if he must pay a €1,500

France, despite being at a top level in their field.

running “Piste Wars” saga affecting ski coaches

(£1,165) fine. Mr Erskine said he was “bemused”

In 2014, British ski instructor Simon Butler was

working in France.

by the accusations. “We are a ski race academy

arrested off a chairlift in the resort of Megève

Mr Erskine is a former World Cup racer who has

for British racers. This is an unwelcome

and fined €30,000 (£23,240) for teaching

run the British Ski Academy in Les Houches

interference,” he said.

without the correct licence. He has launched an

for 20 years. It runs training camps for talented

Last winter, ski coaches training members of

appeal which is ongoing.

youngsters and counts GB Olympic alpine skier

the British junior team on the slopes of Les

The BSA’s position is that it is not a traditional

Dave Ryding and British number-one Alexandra

Houches were apprehended by “plain clothes

ski school serving holidaymakers, but

Tilley among its alumni.

gendarmes”, according to Mr Erskine, who

a specialist sports club, so the rules on

But papers presented to a court last month by

“popped out of the trees” and told them to

qualifications should not even apply to it.

R FOR

036 // FEB16

@INTHESNOWMAG

WORDS: DOMINIC KILLINGER

f you’re looking for a traditional village

family holiday, and it did not disappoint.

The sheer size of the area means that whatever

rich in French ambience, but with

The area directly above the village is called Super-

level of skier or snowboarder you might be, there’s

one of the world’s biggest ski areas

Châtel. There’s a gondola with the ski school

something for everyone, from the blue runs in

on your doorstep, you can’t do much

meeting place at the top. From there, a number of

Super-Châtel, long reds high above Avoriaz and of

better than Châtel, which is part of

chair lifts and drags open up a gentle ski area with

course the famous Swiss Wall black down into Les

the vast Portes du Soleil ski area that

tree-lined pistes dropping across the Swiss border

Crosets – full of moguls the size of small cars at an

straddles the Swiss border and boasts

and back again.

eye-watering angle only to be attempted by the most

an incredible 650km of runs.

It’s here that two brand new chairlifts have directly

experienced skiers. On bad-weather days, either

It’s a resort with a strong agricultural

linked the Super-Châtel area with the main Portes du

stick to the slopes around Super-Châtel if you want

heritage, but it’s also invested in all

Soleil sector, meaning no more buses are required

blues and easy reds, or head across to the Lindarets

the mod cons, including some flashy

from Châtel to start the day off. Among many

Valley if you’re after slightly more challenging terrain,

new lifts installed over the past few

advantages this new connection opens up is that it’s

including some powder runs through the trees.

years which have interlinked its various

easy to get over to the Linga sector quickly, opening

This whole area has some of the highest

sectors better than ever before.

up more challenging terrain that includes some off-

concentrations of mountain restaurants you’ll find in

Down in the resort, there’s a modern

piste possibilities when the snow conditions are right.

the Alps, providing choice and competitive pricing – for

swimming pool complex too, along

Although the Portes du Soleil isn’t the highest in

cosiness try the Pomme du Pin and for a more special

with a big range of shops and restaurants.

altitude (Châtel is 1,200m and the highest point in

lunch go for La Crémaillère in the Village de Chèvres

Throw into the mix easy access from Geneva (or by

the area is 2,466m), they have an excellent snow

(Goat Village), just tucked away from the cluster of

road or rail from the Channel); in short, it had all the

record mainly due to the area’s proximity to the

restaurants at the bottom of the Lindarets slopes.

ingredients we were looking for when planning our

northwestern fringes of the Alps.

When the sun is out, head up via Avoriaz to the

038 // FEB16

@INTHESNOWMAG

CHÂTEL FURTHER INFO Dom and his family stayed at the 4★ CGH Les Chalets d’Angèle self-catered apartments in Châtel travelling with Peak Retreats. Seven nights here cost from £204pp based on five sharing a twobedroom apartment with the price including Eurotunnel crossing. Peak Retreats are also now accepting advanced registration for winter 2016/17. Just £100 deposit all fully refundable on bookings: peakretreats.co.uk (tel: 0844 576 0170)

Swiss border at Pointe des

more affordable end.

Mossettes (2,277m), where the

There is an advantage to having a vehicle in

views across to the Dents du Midi

Châtel, especially if staying in a self-catered

are perhaps the best in the Alps –

chalet, but the resort is keen to minimise

the “Dents” is the largest singular

the use of private cars once its guests have

mountain in the Alps, and its peaks form

arrived in the village. Buses run regularly from

a collection of jagged “teeth”, giving

outside Chalets d’Angèle to the town square,

it the name of the Giant’s Teeth. The superb run from here all the way down to the village of Ardent is 8km long and

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a three-minute walk to the ski lift, and also to main town centre that has been designed

the large supermarket just outside of town. The new ski lift connection to Super-Châtel also means that

never steeper than an easy red. There are also some

and built to a really high specification – there were

you can get to most areas over snow now, rather than

interesting off-piste opportunities coming off the

two bedrooms and a really comfortable living area.

needing to take the shuttle bus.

Pointe des Mossettes, but be aware because there

We also opted to eat in during the evenings, always

There’s also an excellent new aquatic centre in

are some steep sections and cliffs that produce

a big money-saving advantage of staying in a well-

Châtel with an indoor and outdoor pool, spa and

avalanches after heavy snowfalls.

equipped French apartment for families, after having

wellness area, perfect for a family when the weather

Back towards Châtel and because of the new link, it’s

a large lunch on the mountain. That said, thanks

closes in or you need a day off from the slopes.

possible to ski all the way back to Super- Châtel and

to the currently strong pound and comparatively

Don’t always expect ski-in/ski-out here, but if you’re

take your skis off in town, snow conditions dependent.

reasonable prices in the Châtel area, eating out – as

after rustic charm and considering a rail or self-drive

We’d gone for a self-catering option in the Chalets

well as shopping in the resort supermarkets and in

holiday to the Alps, then Châtel is well located for a

d’Angèle, a modern apartment building just below the

the hypermarket en route there – was definitely at the

late-season family ski holiday in the snow.

CHATEL.COM

PAUL KEPPEL

ALTITUDE-VERBIER.COM | ALTITUDE-FUTURES.COM | FREERIDE-VERBIER.COM

OFF-PISTE SAFETY EQUIPMENT

KNOW YOUR KIT

EDUCATE YOURSELF

HIRE A PRO

JON (AKA WESTY)

For yet another season, the

The first stop when venturing out into

Strapping a transceiver on is not

So we have our kit and we know

If you are in any doubt about

Jon holds the top qualifications from

snow in the Alps has arrived

the powder is to have the right safety

enough to keep you or your friends

how to use it! Good! This puts us in

conditions or your knowledge, but

France, Switzerland and Britain,

in unusual fits and bursts and

equipment. The bare minimum every

safe. It is fundamental to know

the position of being able to rescue

you still want to head off-piste,

and we can say firsthand that he is

left us with a very unstable and

person in your group should have is

how your equipment works. All

a friend should they get buried.

then it’s best to hire a professional.

a great ski instructor! Jon heads up

dangerous snow pack. Prior to

a shovel, probe and transceiver in

transceivers have the same basic

Ideally though, we want to avoid

For lift-accessible routes, fully

the team at Altitude Ski School –

the advent of fat skis, off-piste

their backpack. For the uninitiated, a

functions but differ in their details.

that situation. This is where a huge

qualified ski instructors will be

Verbier’s most established British ski

skiing required a high degree

transceiver is a device that you strap

There are a few options to learn

field of knowledge and experience

ideal. For further afield day trips,

school. Each month Jon or one of

of technical skill that took many

to yourself that sends a signal on a

how to use yours. Most large ski

about the snow pack and weather

mountain guides are a good option.

his team will provide us with a few

years to achieve and brought

specific frequency so that, should

resorts now have areas set aside

comes into play. The previous

Both groups have been through

tips and words of wisdom to help

with it a greater understanding of

disaster strike and you get buried,

where you can search for pre-buried

snowfall, wind, heat conditions,

incredible amounts of training

improve our understanding of skiing.

the mountains and the dangers.

your group can locate you using the

boxes that send signals. However,

aspect and degrees of slope

and testing to make sure they can

Of course, allowing more people

search mode of their transceiver. In

there is a vast amount of knowledge

and many other factors combine

assess the risks as best as possible.

to experience the joy of powder

addition, if an unprecedented slide

to be gained about searching in

together to affect the stability of

Even then, there are some days

skiing is a great thing; however,

happens, you will be able to use your

avalanches that can’t be learnt in

each particular slope. There are

when we will all stick to the pistes.

we all must ensure that we respect

search mode to locate people.

these parks. Some resorts now offer

many courses you can attend,

the mountain and understand

A probe and shovel are both necessary

free or cheap training from their

books to be read and professionals

Enjoy all the powder this season,

includes the ski and snowboard

how dangerous a place it can be.

as without them the average time to

pisteurs or guides in the basics of

you can speak to that will help

but please stay safe!

school, the Futures instructor

This month we’re looking at how

dig out a buried person creeps above

searching. Ask at the ticket kiosks

increase this knowledge and make

training programmes, and FREERIDE

we can keep ourselves safe when

the average time we can survive under

for more details.

you safer.

VERBIER, a new school dedicated to

heading off-piste.

the snow. If one of your group doesn’t

ALTITUDE The Altitude winter company portfolio

off-piste coaching in Verbier.

have this kit, then don’t go out with them. Remember, they will be the one searching for you in a worstcase scenario.

040 // FEB16

info@altitude-verbier.com +41(0)27 771 6006

NO SA W LE O N

LE O N SA W NO

Skis are Now More Versatile and User Friendly... Isn’t It About Time You Upgraded Yours?

EQUIPMENT FOR KIDS There are some cold temperatures moving through the Alps this winter, and we thought it would be good to pass on some of our experience with regard to keeping kids warm and happy in the more challenging conditions. A safe and happy child is going to enjoy their lessons more and be in a place that allows them to learn the most from their teacher. First of all, layers. Having a good system of layering clothes before you get to the jacket is much more effective than a thick jacket with a few layers. It is also cheaper to throw on an extra thermal than buy the best jacket around. This allows flexibility and means we can adjust layers in accordance with fluctuations in temperature. Second, the small things count for a lot. The most effective areas to keep warm with kids are their hands and faces. It is worth spending more on gloves. A simple Buff or scarf that can be pulled up over their face can work wonders. Finally, the boots. Making sure boots are fitted right will allow the blood flow to the toes to be maintained while still letting them control their skis. Too loose and they will be out of control; too tight and the blood flow will be restricted, thus making their toes cold. Of course, with children growing so quickly it can be expensive to shop for clothes every year. Borrowing what you can from friends is a good start. Then there are now many resources online including the

Can you ski everything you want to? Skis are now much more versatile and user friendly helping you ski with less effort in lots more varied snow conditions! Choose the correct ski for your ability level and preferred terrrain and you will feel huge changes in the ease of use, your progression and enjoyment. Recent technology and innovation means ski equipment is better than it’s ever been before... isn’t it time you upgraded your equipment and made the most of your experience in the mountains? Before you invest in your next trip... come and visit us today to ensure you have the correct advice from experienced equipment specialists. Bringing you the largest specialist range of skis & boots in the UK and specialist 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

skiing forums and outlet shops. Many resorts now have Facebook groups for local buy and sell. There are often children’s ski clothes available at bargain prices too. And if push comes to shove, when on the mountain there is nothing that warms little kids more than a hot chocolate!

ALTITUDE-VERBIER.COM

ERIC BERGER

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is open to all levels from intermediate (confident on all red runs) to experts looking for

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042 // FEB16

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and manufactured in the UK with the stylish extreme sports enthusiasts in mind.

 DIDRICKSONS MIGISI KIDS’ ONE-PIECE SUIT

£19.95 | CERBY.CO.UK Whether you’re skiing, playing in the snow or taking the dog for a walk, this cosy little one-piece will keep your loved ones really warm and completely dry. And don’t forget that its clever grow cuffs allow you to extend the arms and legs to expand for the following year! £90 | SKIBARTLETT.COM

 SCOTT WOMEN’S SKIS LUNA A suitable shape and stiffness to give you versatility for all snow conditions, precise edge grip and smooth feeling on every type of slope. These will allow you to

 LINE MEN’S SKIS TIGERSNAKE Fun, fun and more fun! These will put a smile on

tackle all the types of terrain you want to in a very user-

 SHRED HALF BRAIN D-LUX

your face when you’re playing in the park and on

friendly, confidence-building ski. £299 | SKIBARTLETT.COM

every bump and roll that you spy! Not only are these

A cool-looking helmet that will not let you

playful in park-type terrain but you’ll be amazed at the

down when you land on your head! With

versatile piste-skiing performance.

integrated Slytech second-skin impactprotection material, any impact is dissipated

£300 | SKIBARTLETT.COM

 NORRONA MEN’S LOFOTEN GORE-TEX® PRIMALOFT JACKET

away from your valuable brain! £125 | SKIBARTLETT.COM

 MAMMUT GUIDE WORK

In true Norrona style, the anatomical fit feels and

MORE AT SKIBARTLETT.COM

looks amazing. A fully waterproof GORE-TEX® shell

The tough one – a durable warm glove for years

and lightweight warm PrimaLoft insulation will look

of use or seasons of abuse. A combination of

after you in all types of mountain weather ... and don’t

waterproof cowhide and sheepskin leather gives

With their renowned reputation for

forget you’ll look pretty damn cool and colourful too!

you durability and flexibility.

specialist expert advice, combined with their carefully selected and tested range of products,

£399 | SKIBARTLETT.COM

£89.99 | SKIBARTLETT.COM

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!

FB.COM/INTHESNOW

INTHESNOW.COM // FEB16 // 045

 BURTON BULLET TOOL RED

 HOWL KUZYK MITT

Speed and safety make this five-in-

The Howl Kuzyk mitt offers cool

one ratcheting tool the choice of pros

style with the performance required

and amateurs alike. The low-profile

for the mountain. It has a 10,000mm

shape prevents impactful landings

waterproof and breathable insert

when pocketed, while a foldout

and is made from soft goatskin

handle provides maximum cranking

leather with a polar fleece liner.

power for tightening screws. SPUTNIKSNOWBOARDSHOP.COM £17.95 | SPUTNIKSNOWBOARDSHOP.COM

£79.95

 BURTON ESCAPADE EST When it comes to high-end women’s performance and supreme comfort, you need look no further than the Burton Escapade binding. The Kickback Hammock and Hammockstraps™ wrap around your boot, giving optimum response through to your board. £224.95 | SPUTNIKSNOWBOARDSHOP.COM

 BURTON HIGH SPIRITS SNOWBOARD  BURTON WHEELIE DOUBLE DECK

A true freeride charger that cuts through anything the mountain throws at you. The small stiff tail and big nose means it

 DAKINE TUNDRA WOMEN’S MITT If you suffer from cold hands, you need suffer no

floats in the fresh stuff, but on-piste you

This is one of our staff favourites;

can charge around and carve up a storm

the bag is really durable and holds

feeling super stable.

just the right amount of kit for a trip to the mountains. It has an IXION™

longer. The Dakine Tundra mitt offers goose down

Skate Wheel construction, allowing

£439.95 | SPUTNIKSNOWBOARDSHOP.COM

PrimaLoft insulation and a GORE-TEX® Gore-warm

smooth glide no matter how heavy

insert, meaning your hands will stay warm and dry all

the bag or rough the terrain. A

day, no matter what Mother Nature throws at you.

must-have for any seasoned traveller that you will keep for years.

£99.95 | SPUTNIKSNOWBOARDSHOP.COM

SPUTNIKSNOWBOARDSHOP.COM £209.95

 BURTON STARSTRUCK BOA®

 BATALEON JAM SNOWBOARD The Jam. An all-mountain powerhouse

MORE AT SPUTNIKSNOW BOARDSHOP.COM Sputnik is one of the UK’s largest independent snowboard shops. We offer great choice and service to all our customers. Whether you are

The easy Boa® system on this

that smashes everything you put in front

boot makes getting the right fit

of it. Solid at speed, stable and smooth

for your feet much easier. Quick

in the powder, slush buster and powerful

and easy on hill adjustment at

and poppy in the park. A great board

the spin of a wheel and perfect

for an intermediate to advanced all-

out-of-box fit that’s ready to rip.

mountain rider.

SPUTNIKSNOWBOARDSHOP.COM

£174.95

£429.95

beginner or expert, we can kit you out to ensure you have a great day on the mountains. 046 // FEB16

@INTHESNOWMAG

 JONES HOVERCRAFT SNOWBOARD

 THIRTYTWO ASHLAND JACKET A pigment-coated 2L hunting-inspired shell jacket

Supreme float and rally-car-like

featuring a Level 2 lining system and packable hood

handling has earned the Hovercraft

with corduroy accents. Bringing true style to mountain

a cult following. Riders around the

and street alike.

7 ADVANTAGES OF OWNING YOUR OWN SKIS

world swear by the Hovercraft’s nimble manoeuvrability as this power-packed

£229.95 | SPUTNIKSNOWBOARDSHOP.COM

board deftly handles blower, crud or crust one and the same.

 VOLCOM ESSENCE THERMAL

SPUTNIKSNOWBOARDSHOP.COM £374.95

A perfect match with the Bilz thermal pant, the Essence crew is made from the same warm and breathable fabric to keep you warm and dry all day. The Electric Pink animal print makes it a crew top that stands out from the rest.

 BURTON MISSION BINDING

£49.95 | SPUTNIKSNOWBOARDSHOP.COM 1. Your own skis are suited to your ability level: The correct level of ski means you’ll keep progressing and most

When it comes to comfortable and reliable

importantly having fun. If you’re a higher-level skier you

performance, the Burton Mission is the

need a stiffer ski that will withstand the more experienced

binding for you. It has a mid flex, making

movements you make on your skis. If you’re just starting out

it a good performer all over the mountain,

you need a lower level ski that will help you turn and allows

and offers great dampening due to the full

you to keep improving with a smile on your face! Whatever

footbed cushioning systems.

your level of skiing, having the correct skis for your ability makes a massive difference.

£174.95 | SPUTNIKSNOWBOARDSHOP.COM 2. Your own skis will be suited to your individual style of skiing and strength: If you are a strong, aggressive skier you will prefer a higher level ski to give you more grip on ice and a livelier more precision feel from turn to turn. The opposite is true if you’re a more cautious skier; you’ll prefer a softer ski to give you more control and confidence.

 NIKITA FREYJA JACKET

3. Your own skis will be suited to the terrain you want to be able to ski: Everybody enjoys skiing on different slopes

Insulated and fully taped seams

whether it’s carving from edge to edge on-piste, or the

and stocked with all the features to

silky, floating feeling of powder under your skis. Choosing

keep you on the mountain all day

the correct ski for the type of terrain you prefer will make it

long. Two-way adjustable hood,

easier to ski and much more enjoyable.

media pocket with touch window, 4. With your own skis you know what to expect as soon as you

goggle pocket, brushed tricot hand pockets, powderskirt, mesh lined pit

start turning: A ski you are used to means you can confidently

vents and ninja cuffs.

step into your skis at any time and know how they turn and how they respond to the movements you make. Being able to

£194.95

start where you left off from your previous holiday definitely

SPUTNIKSNOWBOARDSHOP.COM

gives you more enjoyment and faster progression. 5. Owning your own skis means you have the added advantage of being able to look after them: With a wellserviced pair of skis you get more grip on hard snow and ice and therefore a safer more solid feel under foot. Keep

 VOLCOM BILZ THERMAL PANT

your skis waxed and they’ll flow much smoother from turn to turn and they’ll have more running speed on flat slopes. Look after your skis and your skis will look after you!

Keeping warm up the hill is a must

6. Owning your own skis is a very cost-effective option

for most women, and the Volcom

compared to hiring: With a rise in the cost of hiring

Bilz pant does the job. It is made

equipment, within a few weeks of skiing, you will easily

from thick moisture-wicking fabric,

cover the investment of a pair of skis.

giving warmth and breathability, and the extra-wide waistband offers

7. What are some of the advantages of modern skis? Over

supreme comfort.

the last few years, skis have become much more versatile and user friendly helping you to ski with less effort in

SPUTNIKSNOWBOARDSHOP.COM

lots more varied snow conditions. New ski and binding

£49.95

technology has also allowed the construction of equipment to become lighter, this lighter; feel gives you lots of advantages – easier turning, a more agile feel under your feet and you’ll also feel more balanced and in control.

FB.COM/INTHESNOW

047 // FEB16

ROSS WOODHALL

INDOOR SKIING

A DAY OUT WITH THE KIDS!

Alongside junior ski or snowboard

offers many of the family activities

lessons for ages eight to 15 and

available at the real-snow indoor

Kinder Lessons for ages four to

centres. From dry-slope tubing to

The Snow Centre Hemel

seven, there’s a choice of snow play,

junior ski or snowboard lessons,

Hempstead, London’s closest

sledging, tubing and tobogganing

you can still have a lot of family fun

real-snow indoor facility!

sessions for various ages.

sliding, even though you’re missing

snowdome.co.uk

out on the snow-throwing games!

Southern England

The Snow Centre offers everyone a real-snow experience; with group

pyb.co.uk

Northern England

Scotland

snowboard lessons for children seven years and up and group ski

Chill Factore, Manchester’s

lessons for ages four and up. Private

real-snow indoor skiing and

Real snow indoors at Snow Factor

lessons are also available for juniors

snowboarding destination!

or outdoors on the mountains!

three years and up. And for two- to

lanning a fun day out with the kids?

five-year-olds, snow play in The Snow

Chill Factore offers a multitude of

There’s a choice of real-snow

Looking to keep your little ones

Centre’s Snow Garden can prove the

kids’ activities from climbing to snow

destinations in Scotland, from the

entertained throughout the half-

perfect introduction to the white stuff.

fun! The kids’ snow school sessions

real-snow slopes of the indoor

term or Easter break? Whatever

Plus, there’s a cosy Alpine Lodge

are available to juniors three and up,

centre, Snow Factor, to a selection

your motives for keeping your

which overlooks the slope, ideal for

or there’s sledging for ages four and

of mountain resorts, CainGorm,

youngsters inspired while school’s

feasting on a range of alpine dishes

up or “Play ‘N’ Cake” for children

Glenshee, Glencoe, Nevis Range and

out, learning or progressing their

or sipping a hot chocolate while

four years and under who just want

the Lecht. But make sure you check

snowsports skills can be a great

watching the action on the slope.

to play in the snow! Located among

the weather conditions before you

opportunity for children to continue

thesnowcentre.com

a choice of restaurants and coffee

choose a ski or snowboard session

shops, a bite to eat after an on-snow

on the mountains! You may want to

session is an easy find.

guarantee some smooth-running

to learn, have fun and burn off some energy.

The Midlands

With indoor real-snow slopes up and down the UK offering holiday

The Snow Dome, the snow, ice and

courses, family lessons, junior

leisure of Tamworth!

ski or snowboard lessons, family

family time where you won’t get

Wales

caught in a blizzard, and Snow Factor can offer just that! Like many indoor

Plas Y Brenin, The National

centres, Snow Factor boasts the

Mountain Sports Centre – dry slope

opportunity to hit the slopes during

passes and sledging experiences,

Tamworth’s Snow Dome can

you can’t go wrong with a day or

provide a jam-packed kids’ day out!

two on the slopes! Take a look at

You can combine time on the snow

While Wales is a great place for

snowboard lessons and sledging

our top snowsports UK days out

with a bunch of other activities, from

off-piste skiing for advanced

sessions. Plus, if you have children,

on real snow; You needn’t travel

ice skating to swimming, or you

snow enthusiasts, family and kids’

aged 16 or over, they can give ice

to resort to grab some ski or

can pick multiple snow sessions to

snowsports is more suited to Plas

climbing a try!

snowboard time!

keep the kids having fun all day!

Y Brenin dry slope. The dry slope

snowfactor.com

048 // FEB16

kids’ holiday courses, junior ski or

THESNOWCENTRE.COM

FIFTH WORLD SNOW DAY TO BE THE BIGGEST YET!

SKIING PIONEER’S HOME AVAILABLE TO RENT The childhood home of the great

Othmar Schneider, the founder

Austrian downhill ski pioneer

of the Kristiania, was the first

Hannes Schneider, regarded by

Olympic gold medallist in skiing

many as the “father” of modern

for Austria and a great friend of

alpine skiing, has opened as a

Hannes Schneider.

luxury chalet this month.

What Hannes Schneider, the

Around 110 years ago,

son of a village cheesemaker,

Schneider, who lived in the

would make of his revamped,

village of Stuben in Austria’s

ski-in/ski-out home can only

Arlberg region, essentially

be imagined. Spread over four

created the downhill style

floors and sleeping up to 20,

of skiing we use today,

the chalet has a cinema and

adapting the telemark style

games room, as well as a large

that had arrived in the Alps

dining room, kitchen, seven

from Scandinavia. In the early

bedrooms and a spa area

decades of the last century he

with a bio sauna, hot tub and

wrote ski books, starred in early

swimming pool.

ski movies and demonstrated

House Hannes Schneider

his technique in North America

comes with a chef, maid,

and Japan before eventually

butler and a driver plus a

leaving for the USA to avoid

dedicated concierge service

being used as a propaganda

able to arrange anything from

figure by the Nazis in the war.

childcare to heli-skiing. It is

House Hannes Schneider

available self-catered or fully

has been transformed into a

catered with the evening meal

stylish alpine townhouse, while

concluded with local cheeses –

maintaining its rich history, by

surely Hannes Schneider would

the owners of the hotel Kristiania

approve? Prices start from

in Lech. The two families have

€35,000 (approx. £27,200) per

a long history together as

week. househanneschneider.at

FB.COM/INTHESNOW

049 // FEB16

The fifth edition of the FIS World Snow Day

and experience snowsports.

snowsports on a dry slope.

staged on Sunday 17 January has been

Events were staged in every corner of the

Every year, World Snow Day has enjoyed steady

declared a global success by the International

world on all five continents, from an event in

growth in the number of events and participants,

Ski Federation, with an estimated 620,000

Peru, which featured activities on sand dunes,

and this year the event is expected to break all

participants attending 625 events organised

to Åpen Bakke or “Open Day” in Norway,

previous records for communication, with the

in 42 countries.

when 100 resorts across the country offered

World Snow Day message expected to reach

The aim of the annual World Snow Day,

free lift passes. In Canada resorts offered free

over 100 million people.

traditionally held on the third weekend of

ski lessons, and even in China there were 20

Athletes taking part in World Cup events, as

January, is to get as many children and

events throughout the country. South of the

well as the organisers, joined in the fun on the

families as possible outside to explore, enjoy

equator, both South Africa and Peru offered

Sunday and helped celebrate World Snow Day.

PAUL HARNESS

AMY WILLIAMS HITS THE TUB

threevalleetransfers www.3vt.co.uk | +44 (0)1323 351964

bobsleigh track these days.

particularly young females.

achieve without funding.

“From training three times a day,

“I think [my win in Vancouver]

“I think Vancouver and my gold

I’m now full of injuries from head to

opened a lot of people’s eyes,” said

definitely put winter sport out

toe. I’m pretty much broken. But for

Amy. “Lizzy Yarnold did say that me

there. The coverage we had for the

me I recently found yoga and that

winning my gold proved to her it

following Olympics in 2014 was much

has become my outlet and new

was possible, and look, she went

bigger, which was great to see.

passion. I love doing hot yoga and

and won a gold medal too! I hope

“I can still use the skills I learnt as an

then relaxing in a Jacuzzi hot tub

I’m a positive role model for young

athlete in my life now, but it’s hard

afterwards to help ease my aching

athletes, and I hope I proved that

to keep fit. Life has shut that chapter

muscles further and prevent more

Great Britain can win medals in

and you’ve got to be willing to allow

injuries,” Amy explained.

winter sport.”

your body to change and try to relax

Amy says she hopes her

The 33-year-old highlighted the

a bit more,” Amy added.

achievements have encouraged

current Catch 22 of sports funding

But on the upside, she said that

ormer skeleton champion and gold

the new generation of winter-

– that under the current rules in

relaxing in a hot tub after working

medallist Amy Williams is spending

sports athletes to believe they

the UK, you have to achieve to

out beats the old regime of dunking

more time in the Jacuzzi than on the

are worthy of winning a medal,

get any funding, but it’s hard to

herself in a bath full of ice.

YOUR OWN PERSONAL SNOW TRACTOR PRIVATE & SHARED TRANSFERS TO LES 3 VALLÉES

In the ongoing battle to offer

driving licence is obligatory for the

unusual activities for guests to

driver, however, and both must

enjoy in resort, Valmorel in the

wear helmets.

French Alps appears to have

The snow tractor is one of a

played its trump card – the

multitude of activities available

personal snow tractor. Apparently

here that include more

popular in Canada, these two-

conventional options such as

seater cat-tracked vehicles are

snowshoeing, spa or paragliding.

now available to rent in ski resorts

Valmorel’s reputation as a great

so that you can have fun driving

family resort was cemented when

one yourself.

it won the 2014 World Snow

In Valmorel, France, you can rent

Awards in that category. The

purpose-built in the 1970s.

per week. This price includes

a twin-seat tractor for an evening

pedestrianised ski-in/ski-out resort

The French Alps specialist

Eurotunnel crossing for one

excursion and carry a passenger

is famous for its friendly village

Peak Retreats offers holidays to

car and passengers with free

aged seven years or older. A

atmosphere despite actually being

Valmorel starting from £199pp

Flexiplus upgrade.

050 // FEB16

@INTHESNOWMAG

WIRELESS HEADPHONES

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Europe’s most southerly ski resort, Sierra

SPA CULTURE

Nevada (sierranevada.es/e), stands out on its own, high above the Mediterranean in the south of the

The spectacular YHI Spa within the Meliá Sol y Nieve hotel (melia. com/Melia-Sol-y-Nieve‎) is a real attraction in its own right and open to non-

popular attraction, the UNESCO World Heritage Site of The Alhambra. With

residents. The largest mountain spa in Spain, it’s a kind of adult water theme

a great snow record, 120km of runs for all standards, a good network of

park, as well as a high-class relaxing spa, covering a huge 2,500m2 with

chairlifts and gondolas and even a British-run, English-speaking ski school,

hydrothermal circuit including Finnish sauna, Turkish bath, four whirlpools

it’s a great resort. With Spanish sunshine, the beach only an hour away, a

(two with oxygen therapy), sensation showers, flotarium, pediluvial and (if

youthful outlook and low-priced dining and apres-

you can face it) a cold plunge bath.

ski, it’s also very different to the Alps.

EASY TO REACH

EXCELLENT BRITISH-RUN SKI SCHOOL

A new BA service from London City to Granada

The long-established, first-class British Ski Center

means you’re on the slopes in under an hour.

(britishskicenter.com), run by Brits John and Giles,

As they’re both relatively small airports you can

both holders of the top-level “Diplomado” instructor

normally get through them quickly. If London City isn’t convenient it’s usually a case of driving to

TRAVEL INFO

Malaga – to which there are numerous flights with

TAILOR-MADE SKI HOLIDAYS TO THE USA & CANADA

qualification from the Spanish Ski Federation, is based at Intersport Rio Sport. Along with tuition for all abilities, it’s also a one-stop information shop for

many budget airlines from most UK airports – and

Sierra Nevada (sierranevada.es/e)

all things Sierra Nevada, covering everything from

either renting a car or taking a bus on the two-

has around 120 ski runs served by

transfers, accommodation, rentals and lift passes to

hour transfer.

nearely 20 lifts – most of them chairlifts

recommending the best tapas bars and restaurants.

or gondolas. There’s a wide choice

SUNSHINE, SNOW AND DAYLIGHT

of ski rental shops and ski schools

Sierra Nevada’s southerly location means it

com). There’s accommodation for all

Accommodation options range from budget

gets more daylight than resorts in the Alps or

tastes and budgets including the 5

B&Bs and apartment complexes to really high-

further north – it can add up to over an hour

El Lodge (ellodge.com) or Rumaykiyya

calibre 5★ luxury options. The 4★ Meliá Sol y

more daylight in mid-winter. The resort also

(vinccihoteles.com) and the 4 Melia Sol

Nieve, home to that spa, is one of the resort’s

clocks up some 320 sunny days a year, so your

y Nieve hotel (melia.com).

leading hotels; and one of the most famous

including the highly recommended British Ski Center (britishskicenter.

5★ DELUXE ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS

chances of sunny days on the slopes are high.

hotels is Rumaykiyya (vinccihoteles.com), a

But snow is normally not a problem and Sierra

unique 5★ slopeside hotel and the highest ski

Nevada’s NW-facing slopes normally clock up

hotel in Europe at 2,400m. There’s also the

an ever-deeper base through the season, backed up by a mighty

uber-chic El Lodge (ellodge.com), an exclusive 20-room “above 5★” Alpine

arsenal of 350 snow cannons.

chalet-style hotel that opened this year.

FB.COM/INTHESNOW

PHOTO Biege Jones

country, above the historic city of Granada, home to Spain’s most

SIERRANEVADA.CO.UK

CALL A SKI SPECIALIST 07827811477

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esAd-InTheSnow-h175x100-V2a.indd 1

SKIERS MORE LIKELY TO BE INJURED THAN BOARDERS

were based on responses from

Orthopaedic departments.

Making a realistic assessment

skiers who had been skiing an

The survey also found that less

of the environment, and your

average of 5.2 times and boarders

than two-thirds (60%) wear a

own abilities. If you’re in a party,

who had been an average 4.7

helmet when skiing and just over

the least able sets the pace. Be

times.

a third (36%) wear a helmet when

ready to change plans, don’t

Half of these injuries (52%) were

snowboarding.

overestimate your ability and don’t

considered to be “not that serious”,

While winter sports holidays are a

be too proud to admit defeat.”

but over a third (38%) were rated

chance for adventure, Mr Simon

In terms of the injuries sustained,

as serious and over half (58%)

Owen-Johnstone, a Consultant

Mr Simon Owen-Johnstone states

ended up going to hospital

Orthopaedic Surgeon at London

that “upper limb winter sports

survey of over 1,000 skiers

because of their injury. When

Bridge Hospital, urges people

injuries are not as common as

and snowboarders has found

injured, on average, skiers and

to wear helmets and not to

lower limb injuries. Sprains and

that a quarter of skiers suffer

snowboarders lost nearly two days

push themselves beyond their

strains are the most common, but

injuries compared to only 13% of

of their holiday as a result.

capabilities: “Every winter my

after those, the most likely are

snowboarders. The findings are

The survey was carried out on

clinics are full of injured skiers

shoulder dislocations, collarbone

at odds with most surveys, which

behalf of London Bridge Hospital,

and boarders who have simply

fractures and disruptions of the

have found boarders are more

which operates a dedicated Winter

been too ambitious. Staying

acromioclavicular joint, located at

likely to be injured. The findings

Ski Clinic throughout its specialist

safe is all about being sensible.

the end of the collarbone.”

15/10/2015 15:41

HELMET-WEARING SKIERS DIE IN COLLISION hit a snowmaking hydrant.

Adrian Probst from the

Emergency services were

What makes the accident

local mountain rescue

reported to have already

unusual was that they

told German news agency

been on the mountain

were reported to be on

DPA that because it’s a

and to have reached

a nearly flat slope that

really flat slope it was

the scene quickly, but

was also nearly empty

hard to understand how

attempts to revive the

and the ski lifts had

the accident could have

men failed. German

stopped operating for the

happened, although he did

police closed the area

day. Both men are also

think that given the slope’s

while investigating, and

Two skiers have died in

a 29-year-old Frenchman

reported to have been

location it was still possible

at the time of going to

an accident on the slopes

and a 30-year-old German,

wearing helmets which

to reach speeds of up to

press, the exact cause of

at the German ski areas

appeared to have crashed

were apparently almost

100kph at the point where

each death has not been

of Feldberg. The skiers,

into one another and then

undamaged.

the accident occurred.

published.

052 // FEB16

@INTHESNOWMAG

CARLTON HOTEL ST MORITZ

HOTEL PLEIN SUD SERRE CHEVALIER

Located on a sun-soaked plateau above the lake of St Moritz, the hotel boasts captivating views from all of its 60 suites and junior suites. A complete refurbishment now showcases the historical values of the property, built a century ago, with a contemporary re-interpretation. The hotel exhibits the signature unconventional style of interior designer Carlo Rampazzi and a colour palette affording the hotel an unrivalled self-assured luxury.

Located in the heart of Serre Chevalier the hotel Plein Sud is situated only 200m to the slopes, lifts & village centre making it easy. Serre Chevalier offers over 250km of pistes with a varied amount of skiing and a fantastic tree line. Super fast lifts with panoramic views to get you to the heart of the ski area

+41 (0) 81 836 7000 // INFO@CARLTON-STMORITZ.CH CARLTON-STMORITZ.CH

+33 (0) 492 24 17 01 // LYNNE@HOTELPLEINSUD.COM HOTELPLEINSUD.COM

HOTEL COURCHEVEL OLYMPIC COURCHEVEL 1850 

RESIDENCE LES TERRASSES DE VERET FLAINE 

BELLE EPOQUE HOTEL VICTORIA BERNER OBERLAND 

At the heart of Courchevel 1850, just a stone’s throw away from the pistes, this is the perfect base for an unforgettable ski holiday. The recently renovated 28 room hotel offers a relaxing lounge-bar to enjoy a drink by the open fire or shoot some pool. All rooms offer large windows making for a light and airy atmosphere and the new chic boutique-style superior bedrooms offer unparalleled levels of comfort, a spacious balcony and extras including coffee machines, iPod docks and light-up showers.

The Terrasses de Veret residence is a mere 50m from the pistes, is centrally located and boasts a large heated pool, outdoor jacuzzi and sauna. All apartments enjoy balconies with views of the pistes or the valley and interiors offering modern elegance. New for 2016 includes WIFI access in every apartment, luggage storage, games room with table football, and a new-look ski and storage area.

Kandersteg is an ideal family ski resort and cross-country paradise. The idyllic and cosy village is in the heart of the Bernese Oberland and can easily be reached by train or by car. The Hotel Victoria is centrally located and offers a beautiful view of the snow-capped mountains. You will find a cheerful and familiar atmosphere combined with Swiss hotel tradition. The ideal place to relax and enjoy oneself.

0203 475 4756 MADAMEVACANCES.CO.UK

+41 33 675 8000 | INFO@HOTEL-VICTORIA.CH HOTEL-VICTORIA.CH

RESIDENCE & SPA VALLORCINE CHAMONIX 

L’ AIGLE DES NEIGE VAL D’ISÈRE

Nestled 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 !

Located in the very heart of the old village of Val d’Isère, this hotel is among the most fashionable in the region. Perched at 1850m altitude, it is superbly located just a few steps from the snow, meaning you can be on the slopes straight from your front door. The 109 rooms are spacious and comfortable, seamlessly blending wood and natural colours. It has all the equipment and services of an international hotel with a world-class reputation.

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

+33 (0)4 79 06 18 88 // RESERVATION@HOTELAIGLEDESNEIGES.COM EN.HOTELAIGLEDESNEIGES.COM

+33 (0)4 50 54 55 56 // RESERVATION@HELIOPIC.COM HELIOPIC-HOTEL-SPA.COM

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HÔTEL L’HÉLIOPIC CHAMONIX

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053 // FEB16

Jon Olsson Jon Olsson is a professional freeskier

everything I do is getting better and learning.

and alpine ski racer and is an athlete

It doesn’t matter if it’s car racing, jumps on

ambassador for Odlo.

skis or business. I just really love the feeling of getting better at something. That’s really

Reading your blog at jon-olsson.com you

what pushes me in all aspects of life!

seem to have the best life of anyone in the world?

You gave up drinking alcohol in the

JO: I agree that it’s amazing! I would not

middle of last year and meat at New Year.

have it any other way! But it might seem

Has doing either been easier?

a bit better on social media than it is, as

JO: I have found it very easy to do both.

you only see the best part. You don’t see

Alcohol was super easy and it’s only maybe

me sitting here on a Saturday morning

two to three times in seven months that I

answering emails for five hours and getting

have thought about it when I was bored. But

ready to go outside in the rain to work

then I felt that it was totally worth it the next

out ... haha. I have a lot of freedom with

day! Living without meat seems very easy

the way I live, but I have to take a lot of

as well. They only hard part with that is that I

responsibility to make sure I keep doing

think I am going to be a very fat vegetarian as

good stuff, so I never ever feel 100% free;

I have had a ton of pasta, cheese and bread!

that and a lot of time in the airports are the biggest downsides!

Do you have time for any other interests or hobbies that aren’t part of your career?

You travel around the world all year

JO: Well, my time is divided between skiing,

competing in all sorts of action sports

planning car stuff, surfing, travelling and a ton

events in amazing locations. Do you have

of emails! So besides that I don’t have time

any frequent-traveller tips?

for much else! But if I do have spare time, I

JO: I wish I did! I spend a lot of time

like to just get hooked on a Netflix series and

trying to get my travel plans right. When I

disconnect from all the work!

do manage to book good flights and have a good plan it helps a lot, but it’s far from

You went from ski racing to freestyle,

easy as everything keeps changing all

then back to ski racing and now back to

the time! One good thing is to make sure

freestyle. Any more changes planned?

I have projects to do when I am travelling.

JO: You never know! But as my body

I like writing concepts on planes as I have

gets older I have to listen to it a bit and I

a lot of time to think things through when

think that good jumps seem to work well

I am not online! Having a fully charged

for it! I’m finally skiing without feeling

computer is key! I even have a second

anything from my knee that I had surgery

laptop for this reason!

on 18 months ago. So that feels amazing and I found the same joy in skiing as I had

You enjoy motor racing and surfing along

before I got injured.

with snowsports. Are there similarities, and what do you enjoy most?

The JON OLSSON Special Edition

JO: I think the part I enjoy the most in

collection is available at odlo.com

054 // FEB16

@INTHESNOWMAG

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