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FEATURES
Europe’s highest ski resort has one of the continent’s longest
STUBAI AND ANDRE SCHOENHERR
020
8 THINGS TO DO IN VAL THORENS seasons and the world’s biggest ski area all around it. Emmanuelle
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There have been huge snowfalls in almost every part of the skiing world over the past fortnight (OK, not New England, but everywhere else) and Easter 2016 is looking epic!
7 OF THE MOST SENSATIONAL SPRING SKI SLOPES There are lots of famously terrifying ski slopes, but what about sensationally satisfying? We choose seven of our are all-time favourite descents – you know those runs that just keep giving? JUNGFRAU REGION TOURISM
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EASTER ESCAPES IT’S NEVER TOO LATE TO SKI!
ST ANTON
026
Châtel tells us her eight favourite things to do there.
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Already linked to Leogang and this season linked to Fieberbrunn to create the new largest ski area in Austria (although the SkiWelt still say they are), Saalbach-Hinterglemm's secrets are revealed.
patrick@inthesnow.com Well, it’s been a funny old winter, and as I pen my final
MORZINE 012
Along with our usual selection of the latest and best in
editorial of the season on 1 March, I’m noticing emails
ski gear, this issue we have expert tips of how to get the
piling in from tour operators with deals aplenty already
best out of your skis with a regular servicing – it’s easy
for NEXT winter 2016/17.
to do yourself we’re promised.
So, I’m delighted to say, it never ends, and while this is our final print issue of 2015/16, we’ll be bridging the
10 MINS: PAT SHARPLES 038
snow obsessed, we can’t let it go just because it’s not
022
ALTITUDE TUITION 028
gap online until our next edition in September; we’re so the “main” ski season. The ski lifts keep turning year
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
shiny metal horse of St Moritz certainly isn’t, and rather than invade other resorts you can just book a party in it.
season is just around the corner, so who are we to wimp And of course, we mustn’t forget that – depending
PATRICK THORNE
You may think that the "Wooden Horse of Troy" is a legend, but the
Switzerland, and of course, the southern hemisphere’s out on winter?
EDITOR
BLOW THE BONUS RENT A TROJAN HORSE
round at resorts like Hintertux in Austria and Zermatt in
GIANCARLO GAMBARDELLA giancarlo@inthesnow.com
SUB EDITORS
NICK JONES MARION ADAMS CONTRIBUTORS
SAM THORNE GABBY LE BRETON EMMANUELLE CHÂTEL ANDY TAYLOR GIANCARLO GAMBARDELLA
ROSS WOODHALL
where you’re going – this up-and-down season still has a month, or two, or longer still to run. The big snowfalls
Printed in the UK.
that finally arrived in January mean it’s actually looking
No part of this publication
pretty good in terms of base depths at most areas in
may be copied, photocopied or reproduced, stored
the Alps, so a strong end to the season is in sight. We
in a retrieval system or
still have the Easter holidays ahead, and in this issue we
transmitted, in any way or
have some top tips for that.
means, either by recording or otherwise, without permission
Even some of the regions that have had a really bad first
SALLY BARTLETT ANNA BARTLETT
of the publishers in writing.
half of the season have, in the past few weeks, seen
COLUMNISTS
INTHESNOW LTD
southerly resort, Sierra Nevada in Spain, they’ve FINALLY
THE SNOW STUDIO
had a good snowfall and have doubled their open
EQUIPMENT EDITOR
JON WEST PHIL SMITH JACK STEELE JENNY BLETCHER DESIGN BY
PICTURE EDITOR
© Copyright 2016
ROCKET BASE rocketbase.co.uk
big snowfalls to transform conditions. At Europe’s most
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terrain, and the Dolomites too saw big snowfalls at the start of March.
+44 (0)1494 862 423 DOM@INTHESNOW.COM INTHESNOW.COM
At the other end of the continent, Riksgränsen in the Swedish Arctic Circle opened for its ski season in late February, which lasts until midsummer’s day in June, when they’ll be skiing under the midnight sun. It traditionally doesn’t open until that late because it’s too cold and dark to be worth opening before then. This winter was different in Riksgränsen, though, as the Swedish government filled the centre with presumably rather bemused refugees as it sought places to cope with the influx and knew Riksgränsen could be kept warm and snug. The vast majority moved on at the start of the season, but apparently six have stayed on for the spring ski season, having found employment at the centre.
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NEW LIFTS TO CONNECT ST ANTON AND LECH SIDES OF THE ARLBERG Anton side to Zürs on the Lech side.
and has already announced a new “Hunt of
and of course Les 3 Vallées with 600km.
The region will invest €45million (£35million)
Fame” ski race.
According to the accurate independent ski
in the project, which will see the new
The announcement comes only a few
area size site pistelength.com the Sellaronda
Trittkopfbahn I lift from Zürs lead to a new
months after the TirolS connection which
in Italy, Park City and Deer Valley combined
intermediate station, from where skiers can
joined Fieberbrunn in Tirol with Saalbach in
(two separate but skiable between ski areas)
continue up to the new Trittkopfbahn II station
Salzburgerland claimed to be the new largest
and Big Sky/Yellowstone Club in Montana
or take the new Flex lift to Alpe Rauz in Stuben,
ski area in Austria, overtaking the long-
(physically linked but only skiable in full by
where a fourth new lift, the Albonabahn II,
standing claimant, SkiWelt in Tirol.
continues on. The new lifts will make all points
Previously, there had been some doubt whether
of the entire Arlberg region quick and easy to
the ambitious plans could be completed in time
access, the lift company says.
for next winter with some suggesting winter
The Flex lift will be a gondola with cabins
2017/18 was more likely, but today the Arlberg
capable of holding 10 passengers on the
has confirmed the new connections should be
just-over-six-minute journey. It will have large
open in late November this year.
panoramic windows to take in the spectacular
Advanced skiers have already pointed out on
views of the Arlberg Pass and its capacity will
social media that it is already possible to ski
ew lift connections that will make it possible
be 2,400 people per hour. A 1.8km long piste
from the “St Anton side” to the “Lech side”,
Flex Lift: flexenbahn.ski
to travel between the St Anton and Lech sides
descending 562 vertical metres will also be
in one direction at least, descending from
Run Of Fame: run-of-fame.ski
of the Arlberg ski region will be completed in
created as a return route.
Valluga. However, this route is only possible for
time for next winter, the region has announced.
To add a bit of extra excitement to the new
advanced skiers on a very challenging off-piste
The new connections will make the Arlberg
connection, the Arlberg is launching a new "Run
route who must be accompanied by a guide,
region by far Austria's largest interconnected
of Fame" that will allow skiers to cover up to 65
and there’s currently no lift back.
ski area with 305km of ski slopes served by 87
piste kilometres around the huge circuit and
With 305km of piste St Anton overtakes the Val
ski lifts. These figures will also put the area in
descend 18,000m of vertical in the process.
d’Isère/Tignes Espace Killy region with 300km
Yellowstone club members) all have more than
the world top 10 – possibly top 5 – for size by
The route will extend from recently connected
and the Grand Massif around France, among
305km of piste too, although the site disputes
most measures.
Warth to the north via Lech and on using the new
many others. but remains slightly smaller than
that some of those mentioned above claiming
There will be four new lifts in total with the
Flex lift to St. Anton/Rendl in the south of the
Les 4 Vallées in Verbier, Paradiski in France
more than 400km of piste actually have more
main lift, which has been christened The
region, covering the entire Ski Arlberg area.
and Milky Way across the French/Italian border
than 300km. It has not yet published a stat for
Flexenbahn (Flex lift), linking Stuben on the St
The region has given the run its own website
which each claim around 400km of linked runs,
the enlarged and linked Arlberg.
ARLBERG INFO 305km / 87 Lifts Arlberg Ski Region: skiarlberg.at
pistelength.com: pistenlaengen.com/en/
005 // MAR16
YORKSHIRE NEEDS SKI INSTRUCTORS Selby District Council’s Summit Indoor Adventure centre is looking for ski instructors to teach on two indoor ski simulators due to start operating when the £5-million centre opens in May. Along with the ski simulators, the complex will feature a six-lane 10-pin bowling facility, climbing walls up to 8m high, aerial trekking ropes and indoor skate park. summitindooradventure.co.uk MATS GRIMSÆTH / RED BULL CONTENT POOL
RECORD SET FOR TORCHLIT DESCENT Les Arcs has set a new world record for the number of people simultaneously participating in a torchlit descent, with 2,887 people skiing down the Vagère piste together. The attempt broke a record set in 2006 by Fribourg ski resort in Switzerland, when 2,854 people took part. It was recorded
X GAMES BRONZE FOR GB’S BILLY MORGAN
by a representative of the Guinness Book and then followed by a fireworks display.
CHARITY DONATES FORGOTTEN SKIWEAR Two 16-year-old American girls have set up from resorts and donating it to homeless people. Corinne Hindes and Katrine Kirsebom, both youth ski racers from California, run “Warm Winters”, which now collects the skiwear from 30 resorts and distributes it to the homeless. Gear worth an estimated half-a-million dollars (about £356,000) has so far been redistributed.
CONVEYOR SLOPE OPENS IN COLORADO
G
Final at the X Games in Oslo at
achievements of his impressive
the end of last month, the first
career, with Billy having only
time the event had been staged in
returned to training in December
the Norwegian capital.
last year after recovering from
Billy landed a backside 1440 triple
knee surgery in April 2015.
cork on one of the largest jumps
The X Games are one of the
ever built.
most exciting competitions
A “National Schools Snowsport Week” will be
“I’ve always seen X Games as
around for snowsports, and the
staged at 21 indoor snow and dry slopes across
one of the biggest, raddest things
medal is perfect timing for the
England this April. The brand-new initiative from
out there. So to be on the podium
26-year-old, Red Bull sponsored
Snowsport England is aimed at encouraging
and compete with so many riders
athlete as he prepares to
more schools to introduce their pupils to
B Park and Pipe’s Billy Morgan
I look up to is amazing,” Billy
compete in newly approved Big
snowsports and will run this winter at 21 slopes
claimed a prestigious bronze
commented on his success.
Air Snowboarding at the 2018
across England from 22 to 29 April 2016.
medal in the Snowboard Big Air
It is one of the finest
Olympics in South Korea.
Throughout the week there will be a range of events at different slopes including taster
An indoor conveyor slope dubbed SkiMaxx has
ski and snowboard sessions for all pupils,
opened in Colorado Springs. Colorado is, of
BOROVETS HAS MOST BARS PER KM
2
course, famous for its downhill ski centres, but there is already an outdoor artificial ski slope in Denver. Susie Cole, owner of SkiMaxx, told is that you can keep warm indoors rather than
alternative snow activities such as tobogganing and tubing, and even freestyle or racing taster sessions at some slopes. Some activities will be free and others will be offered to schools at
CRYSTAL
local media that one advantage of the system
ROSS WOODHALL
a charity collecting unclaimed lost skiwear
SNOWSPORT WEEK FOR SCHOOLS IN APRIL
having to learn in very low temperatures as is the norm in Colorado. “We can ski in shorts. It’s fun!” she told Pikes Peak Television.
WHAT’S HYPOXIA? A new exhibition area at the Aiguille du
by the more traditional Austrian ski
discounted prices. There are also expected to be
resort of Schladming,” a Crystal news
guest appearances from snowsports stars and
release stated, describing Borovets
celebrities throughout the week. The activities at
as “the ultimate après-ski resort”.
different slopes are open to all school ages and
A representative from Borovets
to any school keen to get involved. Schools can
tourism sought to ensure that skiers
join in with whole classes, whole year groups or
realised there was more to the
even with just a handful of students.
Bulgarian ski centre than just a lot of
"What a great idea!” said Winter Olympian Aimee
bars, commenting on the findings, “To
Fuller. “If you want to snowboard professionally
hAve quality après, you need quality
then getting into it when you are young is key. It
Crystal Ski Holidays have conducted
per square kilometre, ahead of
avant-ski, and Borovets has that
also is a great way to stay fit and strong. It is great
3,800m up high above Chamonix and the
research to find out which ski
the French resorts of Méribel and
too. The ski-in/ski-out resort in the
seeing big school groups at the slopes in the UK,
starting point of the famed Vallée Blanche,
resort has the most bars per
Courchevel, in second and third
highest Balkan mountain combines
and hopefully this initiative will get even more
square kilometre, and the winner is
place respectively. The lively resort
perfect skiing conditions with daily
schools giving it a go."
Borovets in Bulgaria.
of Pas de la Casa in Andorra came
visits to rich cultural and historic sites,
Visit Andorra is sponsoring the week as it would
including the dangers of hypoxia, a deficiency
“This reasonably priced and cheerful
in fourth with around 1.8 bars per
unique local cuisine and unrivalled
like to remind schools that it is a destination option
in the amount of oxygen reaching the tissues.
resort has approximately four bars
square kilometre, followed closely
hospitality.” crystalski.co.uk
for school trips. nssw.co.uk
Midi, in one of the world’s highest buildings,
the world’s longest lift-accessed ski run, looks at the effects of altitude on our bodies
006 // MAR16 // INTHESNOW.COM
@INTHESNOWMAG
Heavenly Skiing At Down To Earth Prices
SNOWMAKING “BLIZZARD” SEEN ON WEATHER RADAR
ARTISTS CREATE ISCHGL SNOW CIRCUS
The Massachusetts ski area of Jiminy Peak say that their snowmaking
International artists have created a circus from 500 tonnes of snow
has become so advanced that the massive machine-made blizzard it
at Ischgl. Clowns, lions, seals and acrobats standing 5m tall are
creates is big enough for the American national weather service to see
overseen by The Ringmaster – the creation of English artists Justin
on weather radar if the skies are clear.
Scott and Martin Sharp.
Jiminy Peak’s arsenal of 170 to 200 snow guns includes proprietary
Justin, Martin and eight other pairs of artists from Italy, Germany,
snowmaking technology the resort developed and tested last August
Switzerland and Austria spent five days crafting the snow sculptures
in South Eastern Australia. The LPX-Y Gen 3 snowgun heads, also
in Ischgl’s annual “Shapes in White” exhibition, on this year’s
known as “sledgehammers”, can spray twice as much water for half the
“Circus” theme.
amount of compressed air.
The snow figures will be on show on Ischgl’s 238km of piste right
Given just 0°C in dry humidity, or −3.33°C to −2.78°C in wet humidity,
through to the end of the ski season at the beginning of May.
the resort can cover 46cm of snow over 0.405ha of terrain in one hour.
“Shapes in White” is a long-standing event in Ischgl’s calendar, and
Efficiency goes up as the temperature drops.
this year marks the 23rd anniversary. It was an idea borne out of
It’s possible for anyone to view the Jiminy Peak blizzard on a
necessity, as huge snowfalls meant an excessive amount of snow
smartphone weather app such as The Weather Channel, when the
was being piled up beside the pistes, and the Paznaun-Ischgl Tourist
snow guns are at full blast and conditions are clear, by entering the
Office spotted the exciting opportunity to create an open-air snow
resort’s zip code 01237. jiminypeak.com
sculpture gallery for skiers and snowboarders. ischgl.com
PRO-SKIER IN SPONSORSHIP DEAL WITH MARIJUANA EQUIPMENT SUPPLIER well as appearing in many ski films and being CoFounder of ski company Armada Skis. “There’s so many smokers in skiing and snowboarding, they finally can have a brand they can identify with, that actually wants to work with athletes,” said Hall, who also says he would like
High Quality Catered + Self Catered Accommodation
to develop his own blend of marijuana. Hall is reported to credit marijuana use along with visits to the gym as helping him recover from injuries. He said in an interview that he was prescribed almost limitless pain-killing prescription drugs and felt addicted to them, but that taking marijuana helped him escape his prescription drug addiction. “Our brand is focused on debunking the lazy An American professional skier, Tanner Hall, has
(certified 100% gluten-free) and a SKIBOSS-
stoner stereotype, and Tanner has been poking
teamed up with a marijuana company called Black
logoed lighter which the company says is good
holes in that misconception for decades,” said
Rock and launched the “SKIBOSS Collection”
for up to 3,000 lights and designed to work in
Tommy Joyce, Black Rock’s Co-Founder.
retailing at $14.95 (£10.50). This partnership
high-wind scenarios.
The recreational use of marijuana has been
represents the first official relationship between
Hall has won numerous golds over a near 15-year
legalised in a number of US states, including
cannabis and active professional athletes.
career, particularly in the X Games, in the disciplines
Colorado, but smoking the drug is banned at
The kit includes a grinder card, rice rolling papers
of slopestyle, big air, half pipe and superpipe as
most ski areas.
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French and Swiss Alps Snow Sure Resorts On / Near Piste locations No Hidden Extras Financially Bonded
0151 625 1921 mountainheaven.co.uk 007 // MAR16
ICE FESTIVAL IN JULY If you think you’ll be missing the cold weather too much in summer, you can head to the Swiss Alps for an Ice Festival on 3 July. With abseiling in glacial crevasses, chocolate-covered marshmallow shooting, face painting and snow tubing at the Gletscherpark, the Ice Festival should be fun for the whole family. Children accompanied by their parents ride up to Titlis for free; adults pay half-price.
LE SKI OFFERS FREE LIFT PASSES French chalet operator Le Ski reports it has already sold more than 10% of its holidays for next winter 2016/17. The company has a host of early booking deals which run until the end of July including free lift passes for all holidays this Christmas and in January 2017. You just have to use a Le Ski flight to qualify. This represents a huge saving of up to €275pp (about £210pp). LeSki.com
NEW SHOTSKI WORLD RECORD SET
ICELAND WINTER GAMES READY FOR BIG 2016
ZERMATT LAUNCHES NEW VISITOR APP
group of fewer than 10 ski areas worldwide to
T in 2004 to become, they claim,
some of the biggest names in
the way to black sand beaches.
centrepiece of the app is a navigation function
have hosted Olympic, World Championship
one of the world’s biggest winter
winter sports. This includes Henrik
icelandwintergames.com
using a geo-referenced 3D map.
The residents of Breckenridge in Colorado set a new world record last month when 831 people stood shoulder to shoulder for a quarter-mile (0.4km) and lifted 277 pairs of skis in a line between them, each holding three or four shot glasses, from which they all drank simultaneously. The event was part of the annual Ullr Fest and was sponsored by Breckenridge distillery.
JOINT BID FOR 2023 Neighbouring Les 3 Vallées resorts Courchevel and Méribel have launched a joint bid to host the Alpine World Skiing Championships in 2023. If successful, the resorts would join a
festivals with over 60 events.
Harlut, two-time gold medallist in
Based in Akureyri, the ski capital of
Big Air at the X Games in Aspen
Iceland, and taking place from 24
as well as US Olympic medallist
March to 3 April, the festival draws
snowboarder, Scotty Lago.
in some of the biggest names in
As well as winter sports, guests
winter sports and hosts events
can take tours in super Jeeps,
unseen anywhere else, including
helicopters, snowmobiles or even
Zermatt’s lift company have launched a new
ski jumps in the shape of volcanoes,
in green-energy-powered schooner
app for visitors which it describes as “the
mountain-top to sea skiing and
boats. The focus is on intrinsically
perfect digital companion for the international
Arctic horseback riding.
Icelandic activities such as skiing
Matterhorn ski paradise.” Named the Skiguide
The two main events are the AFP
under the Northern Lights on Mt
Zermatt app, its available free for iPhone or
he Iceland Winter Games have
Gold freeski competition and the
Hlíðarfjall´s slopes and heli-skiing on
Android and features include the option for
grown over three years from a
IWG open snowboard competition,
the Troll Peninsula, where the slopes
users to pinpoint their location in the Zermatt
single freeskiing competition
which have already attracted
reach from the mountain tops all
and Cervinia international ski area. The
and World Cup competitions. A decision will be made in 2018. Next season’s Championships are in St Moritz followed by Åre, Sweden, in 2019 and Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy, in 2021.
SWISS ENCOURAGE CARPOOLING
WHISTLER BLACKCOMB TO SPEND $8 MILLION Hut to make it less steep as well as
upgrades will involve earthwork in the
adding four new energy-efficient snow
Olympic Station area to open up more
guns to the area.
beginner-friendly terrain, as well as re-
All of the projects included in the
Verbier are described as “financing partners” by
grading the Olympic and Fantastic runs
CAD8-million investment are expected
the skiski.ch site, which encourages skiers and
to make them more accessible to novice
to be complete by the start of the
skiers and riders.
2016/17 ski season.
slopes. “We want to encourage this ecological,
The resort will be installing two new
“These plans are designed to improve
economical and sociable way to travel,” said a
covered carpet lifts at Olympic Station
guest experience, enhance our weather
Two Swiss resorts have partnered with the carpooling site skiski.ch. Crans-Montana and
PAUL MORRISON
The ski and snowboard learning area
boarders to car share on their journey to the
Whistler Blackcomb in BC, Canada,
to go on enhancements to learning
and 25 new energy-efficient snow guns
resiliency and contribute to the year-
most of the numerous activities and events in the
has announced a planned investment
areas on Whistler Mountain as well as
in the beginner area.
round growth of our business,” said Dave
resort while enjoying the many advantages that
of CAD8 million (about £4.23 million)
upgrades to decking and patio areas at
Plans also include re-grading the Upper
Brownlie, President and CEO of Whistler
carpooling offers.”
for next season, with the money set
mountain restaurants.
Whiskey Jack run above the Chic Pea
Blackcomb. whistlerblackcomb.com
resort spokesperson. “It’s a way to make the
008 // MAR16 // INTHESNOW.COM
@INTHESNOWMAG
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INSULATES
VONN DEFENDS PAINTED-ON SWIMSUIT PHOTO SHOOT
RESISTS ODOUR
The world’s most successful-
Vonn has been sharing the pictures
entrepreneur, charity founder and
way,” said Vonn,
ever female skier, American
through her social media channels,
as a general inspiration to women
“It definitely was hard for me to
Lindsey Vonn, has been talking
but received some negative
and girls in particular.
have the self-confidence to do
to the media about the recent
comments from people who feel the
“It’s showing that strong, athletic
something like that. I got over
publication of pictures of her
images objectify women in sport
women can be beautiful; it’s not
it, and I’m learning to be more
naked but “wearing” a painted-on
and detract from her remarkable
just skinny models. There’s a lot of
comfortable in my own skin, I’m
swimsuit, taken for US publication
achievement of 76 World Cup
different body types in this world.
proud that I’m able to be among
Sports Illustrated.
wins along with her work as an
Everyone is beautiful in their own
such beautiful women.”
FB.COM/INTHESNOW
BREATHES
009 // MAR16
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T O
3. Free
any parents when they can
Children are free. They have no
no longer keep up with
perceptions of how they should ski,
6. Fun
their offspring. It recently
how they are skiing or how they
Why do children ski? Because it’s
8. No Fear
happened to myself and
did ski. They have a freedom to
fun! Why do adults ski? I’ll leave
Children have less fear and no
my four-time Olympian
move, unrestricted and unhindered.
this for you to answer. Make it fun
responsibilities. They’re not
wife Emma Carrick-
Adults are always trying to
thinking “What if”, leaving
Anderson. The only thing
do it right, blocking their
them free to have a go, to
that has surprised us is
movement and freedom,
experiment, to make mistakes
that our children were only
becoming restricted and
and to learn.
six years old when this
unable to move freely.
wanting to know how to do it.
GUIDED & INSTRUCTED COURSES FOR ALL LEVELS The UCPA offers a huge range of specialist off piste, ski touring and splitboarding courses. Whether you are taking that first step from piste to backcountry or are a seasoned expert searching for adrenaline fuelled days, the UCPA has a course to suit you. By far the best value trips for the off piste adventurer!
Oscar Wilde once said, “Be yourself; everyone else is taken.”
9. No Airs And Graces 4. Output Focused
Children are not worried about
children learn so quickly – but why?
Children are “output focused”.
what others think about them,
Here are my top 10 reasons why
They’re solely concerned with
are not self-conscious and are
children are such good learners.
“getting down” and are not
free to adopt the most stable
If adults could rekindle these
worried about how they achieve
childlike qualities, then maybe they
this. The task, the terrain and the
could learn just as fast!
snow shapes their learning and
Everyone talks about how
£510
TA N G O
t comes as no surprise to
happened.
TOP ALPINE RESORTS Prices from
I T
how they ski, “outputs shaping 1. Living In The Now
inputs”. Adults always want to
Children live for the moment.
know how to do it before they
They’re not worried about the
do it and therefore work the
future and they’re not worried
opposite way around, “inputs
about the past. Skiing is a
shaping outputs”.
sport where the environment is
PHIL SMITH SNOWORKS 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
stance naturally. They crouch low, feet wide, and are solid. Adults are worried about what they look like and therefore miss out on adopting the best stance, standing upright with their feet close rather than low and wide. 10. Doers Children don’t ask questions
constantly changing, so it’s vital to
5. Learn By Mistakes
live in the now. Adults always want
To children it’s not making
to know what is going to happen
mistakes; it’s simply learning.
before it happens and then are
The fastest way to learn is by being
and you’ll find that learning will just
plant my pole?” or “Which way
judgmental about the past. Learn
happy to make mistakes. Children
get quicker and quicker.
should my shoulders face?” They
to deal with what is happening now
don’t even think they’ve made a
and let go of the past.
mistake. Sitting back is just sitting
7. Be Yourself
technique and they are certainly
back, swinging shoulders is just
Children don’t compare or wish they
not worried about being filmed and
2. Accepting What Is
swinging shoulders, not right or
were better; they are not worried
having their technique dissected.
For more information and to book:
Children don’t value, question or
wrong, just what is. Adults are
about being watched or wish they
They are doers, not analysers.
www.action-outdoors.co.uk/off-piste
compare; they just do. There’s no
judgemental about themselves,
were someone else. They are not
Adults want to know how and why.
right or wrong, there’s just what is.
worried about making mistakes,
self-conscious; they’re just them. As
“Analysis leading to paralysis.”
THE UK PARTNE
like “What’s the effect of the centripetal force whilst turning?”, “When should I
don’t discuss the finer details of
R FOR
010 // MAR16
SNOWORKS.CO.UK
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WILL SLEDGE BEAT SKIS TO SNOW SPEED RECORD?
A
The spring deals have sprung! Planning on escaping to the slopes this spring?
We don't blame you. The snow is terrific at the moment and it's shaping up to be the best Easter we've seen in a long time. That's
is held by the British television
this was a new, exciting challenge
continue to improve the sledge
personality, motorbiker and lorry
for us,” said Antonio Pavesi, Head
in order to minimise drag and
mechanic Guy Martin, who piloted
of the Wind Tunnel at TMG.
maximise speed.
a sledge at 134.36kph in 2014.
Mounted to an overhead strut, the
“We will improve the design and
The Snowspeed team aim to smash
wind was increased to 40m/s to
aim to complete the final sledge in
that record and go on to beat the
test how the Snowspeed sledge
the next few months, ready for an
speed skiing world record, which
behaves at speed, recording side
attempt at the world speed record
at present stands at 252.45kph, set
force, downforce, drag, roll, pitch
in 2017,” said Nima Shahinian, Head
by Italian racer Simone Origone in
and yaw through sensors in the
of Design at HOOS Design Lab in
Spring Deals – Beat the Easter rush
2014 and considerably faster than
strut. The data helps the designer
Oslo. snowspeed.tv
21st March / 3* Chalet Emily / Courchevel 1650 / 3 days ski
why we've got an abundance of spring deals running to suit all skiers. Whether you want to beat the rush and escape before the Easter break, or you're after some Easter fun in the sun, take a look at some of our latest spring deals and let's get you out there...
new snow sledge may be able to
the terminal velocity of a free-falling
beat the world speed record on
skydiver, a mere 190kph.
snow, its Norwegian designers hope.
They intend to make their attempts
The sledge, Snowspeed, is the
on the various world records
brainchild of a team of designers
in Oslo in winter 2016/17 but
and speed enthusiasts, who aim
have recently been in Cologne,
19th March / 3* Hotel Verseau / The 3 Valleys / 3 days ski
to beat the world speed record for
Germany, at Toyota Motorsport
Was £369 NOW £299
a non-machine-powered device.
GmbH (TMG) testing a half-scale
Snowspeed is designed to reach
model, the third prototype to date.
250kph using just gravity.
“We are more used to testing Le
The current world speed record
Mans or Formula 1 racing cars, so
Was £464 NOW £364 21st March / 3* Chalet Paradis / La Plagne / 3 days ski Was £479 NOW £379
FOUR NEW LIFTS FOR NISEKO Niseko in Hokkaido, Japan, will be
with eight passenger gondola
also see a new 1.2km ski run and
at Hirafu Village and will in part
home to two major new lifts next
cabins, will be the first of its kind
the two beginner conveyor lifts
provide access to an expanding
season – in one of the biggest
in Japan.
added for next winter.
ski village above Kasara Niseko
spends on new lift infrastructure in
There’ll also be a new Upper
The new lifts, which are being
Village Townhouse and The
Japan for a generation. There will
Village pulsed gondola, another
built by Nippon Cable Company,
Green Leaf Niseko Village up
also be two new conveyor lifts.
first for Japan, and both lifts are
a licensee of Doppelmayr
to a beginners' ski area on the
The new Village Express, a
part of YTL Hotels master plan
technology, are in a separate
mountainside above. The lifts will
combination six-person chairlift
vision for Niseko Village, which will
part of Niseko to the main resort
run until 10pm each evening.
SPRING SKIING IN MORZINE
EASTER SKIING IN THE 3 VALLEYS
21st March 2* Chalet Gourmets Morzine Save £100
26th March 3* Hotel Verseau, 3 Valleys 6 Days Ski Luxury Coach
£385 £285
£399
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011 // MAR16
Email sales@skiweekends.com
S
want to really enjoy my ski trips so am
a five-minute shuttle ride away from
All the other modern comfort touches
under pressure. However, after a few
on the hunt for best value. That doesn’t
the resort, is focused on high design
are here – Nespresso Machines, BOSE
years, he wanted to escape the confines
mean splashing the cash, but it does
standards and has a luxury feel, including
sound system, Wii MotionPlus, Apple TV,
of a structured kitchen and feed his other
mean travelling with an operator that
the employment of a Michelin-star
lift, wi-fi, hot tub …
great passion of skiing, which brought
can provide everything you need for a
restaurant trained in-house chef. All this
Culinary joy is a big part of the TG Ski
him rather nicely to TG Ski!
great ski trip, all with a one-stop-shop
combines to create a contemporary twist
experience, starting every morning with
Superior wine, champagne, cocktails,
approach and at a fair price.
on the traditional chalet.
a choice of French pastries, homemade
beers and premium spirits are also all
I headed out to Morzine, one of the most
While TG Ski offer a great base for the
smoothies and a full cooked breakfast,
available, and Chalet Host Alice Smith
popular resorts in France, located at the
Portes du Soleil, holidays in Chalet Les
then continuing each evening with five-
ensures everything is running smoothly
heart of the wonderful Portes du Soleil
Pierrys are that much better than the
course meals created six nights a week
and that everyone is happy. Finally,
ski region. It’s an amazing ski area that
norm as you can have your ski equipment
by Michelin-trained Executive Chef Dan
Chalet Driver Will Prince is available to
encompasses 650km of ski runs, linking
delivered and fitted in the chalet, there
Draper, who also oversees the chefs at
take you wherever you want to go (within
a dozen ski villages right over the border
are visiting spa treatment and beauty
TG Ski’s other chalets.
reason!), if you can bear going out …
into Switzerland.
treatment services and even preferred
After graduating from catering college,
The operator I chose was TG Ski, who
private ski or snowboard schools on hand.
Dan started his career in a number of
ome people like to cut every corner
have recently renovated the seven-
In short, all the things you normally waste
high-profile London restaurants including
possible when planning for a ski holiday
bedroom Chalet Les Pierrys and added
time organising and trailing around resort
Social Eating House and L’Autre Pied.
in order to get as cheap a trip as they
to its premium “Summit” range. Les
to organise come to you without any effort
The experience gave him a huge insight
can, but I’ve reached the stage where I
Pierrys, which sleeps 14 and is located
on your part. Excellent!
into ingredients, flavours and working
TG SKI tgski.com In-Chalet Equipment Hire: Doorstep Skis (doorstepskis.com) In-Chalet Spa Treatments: Indulge Massage & Beauty (indulgemorzine.com) (average price £35 for half an hour) Airport Transfers: Mountain Bus Company (mountainbuscompany.com) (from £35pp) Private Ski Lessons: The Snow Institute (thesnowinstitute.com) (from £19pp p/hour) Snowboard Lessons: Mint Snowboarding (mintsnowboarding.com) (private lessons from £20pp per hour)
012 // MAR16
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MIKE CRANE
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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 lifty during the ski season. fun ski resort nightclubs. Beer
ski boots in the morning will
seems to taste particularly satisfying
probably feel like the worst
after a heavy day of skiing, and the
idea in the world after limited
adrenaline-fuelled fun of snowsports
sleep and excessive alcohol
tends to dissipate my hangover
consumption, but once you
faster than any other activity. This
get into the fresh air and some
being said, I feel that it is important
adrenaline kicks in, the cobwebs
single night. Hopefully you are
to strike a balance between skiing
should wash away in no time.
actually there to go skiing or
and drinking in order to make the most of the limited amount of time
where you left your skis!
each other very nicely! 5) Try not to get drunk every
are a lot easier when you’re not
bed. You need partners in crime
hungover or drunk. You can get
the slopes each year.
to get you through the day.
drunk pretty much anywhere,
Having spent a large number
Convince your hungover friends
even Magaluf if you’re that way
of weeks on university ski trips,
that they will be OK, exaggerate
inclined. There are only around
t seems there has been a recent
as well as living in Whistler and
about the “amazing” weather
2,000 lift-fed ski areas in the
spate of articles referring to
working as a lifty for two seasons,
and remind them how much their
world whereas there are millions
French ski resort of Val d’Isère
I developed quite a skill at
lift pass costs.
of places to get drunk.
as a “Magaluf on Ice” due to an
maintaining this balance, mainly
increasing amount of boozed-up
through sacrificing sleep in favour
Brits heading to the slopes to make
of skiing and partying. Here are a
nightclubs. It’s way more fun
of fun to offer both on and off the
the most of the town’s nightlife and
few tips to avoid spending your ski
(especially in Europe). You are
slopes. It is great to make the
après-ski. In recent years I have
holiday either paralytic or lying in
more likely to get an early night,
most of a really active holiday and
tried to focus more on the active
the recovery position.
it is the perfect instigator of an
also enjoy some partying in the
after-ski nap and dancing in ski
mountains. Just try not to upset
1) Just get out of bed (preferably
boots is comical for everyone
the local people with too much
early). Squeezing on those
involved. Just try to remember
rowdy behaviour.
time in the mountains rather than on the quite cheesy yet undeniably
FB.COM/INTHESNOW
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4) Nap. Tips 3 and 4 complement
that most of us are likely to have on
and outdoorsy benefits of spending
threevalleetransfers
snowboarding, both of which 2) Make your friends get out of
3) Prioritise après-ski over
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013 // MAR16
PRIVATE & SHARED TRANSFERS TO LES 3 VALLÉES
Sleep In An Igloo What about staying in an igloo? I know, it’s quite an unusual place to stay, but don’t worry, we’re not talking about a real icy igloo but a cosy igloo! It’s the perfect place for a romantic night with a difference. Your igloo has its own bathroom and is heated by a wood stove, and there’s even a view of the slopes from your bed for the outdoorsy feel. It’s so popular it’s best to book in advance.
La Folie Douce Famous for its après-ski ambience, which includes DJ sets, cabaret shows and a full-on party atmosphere, the Folie Douce chain has spread across the leading resorts in the French Alps over the past few winters. In Val Thorens, this altitude bar is the perfect place to enjoy a sunset drink with stunning views over the area. If you’re up for a party, then you must stop in!
WORDS: EMMANUELLE CHÂTEL
World Cup Ski Cross Slope If you’re looking for extra thrills this spring, try the spectacular Ski Cross World Cup slope with its rollers and turns. Adrenaline guaranteed! You can take on the challenge with friends and step into the real starting gate, then at the bottom check your results at the finish with the timer and camera towards the finish line. This venue is used by some of the world’s best riders training for the Ski Cross circuit, including Britain’s Emily Sarsfield.
014 // MAR16
Spa Experience With low temperatures and the aches and strains of skiing, winter can be tough on your body. After skiing hard all day, it’s time to treat yourself to a treatment in the Pashmina Spa by L’OCCITANE in Val Thorens. Enjoy a massage to gain relief for your tired muscles, and your body will feel totally fresh the next day.
Cime Caron Viewpoint The most beautiful view of Val Thorens is found at the very top of the ski lifts at 3,200m. From here, a great landscape of unending mountains makes you feel like an explorer standing on the top of the world with a 360° view of Les 3 Vallées and more than 100 Alpine summits (French, Swiss and Italian), including Mont Blanc and the Matterhorn. You can also see Lake Geneva down below. Pedestrians can reach this point by cable car, but skiers and boarders will want to head down from Cime Caron on red and black runs with descents of up to 10km possible.
Michelin Star Restaurant You don’t need to miss out on gourmet cuisine just because you’re up at 2,100m. Jérémy Gillon is one of the best chefs in France, and his L’Epicurien restaurant received a Michelin star in February 2015. Here he offers culinary diversity: each course is an unexpected combination of textures and flavours, a skilful blend of colours, with an explosion of tastes. It is quite a different form of mountain cuisine, embracing delicateness. This major chef showcases regional produce where local provenance and authenticity are the determining factors, and he himself picks the herbs for his dishes during the summer.
Snowshoeing It’s the highest ski resort in Europe, it’s part of the largest ski region in the world and that altitude means Val Thorens can open for snowsports from November to May. Since it was first established in 1971, one of the newest as well as the highest of the French purpose-built resorts, each new development at Val Thorens has been carefully planned and thought out. Over the past 45 years, the resort has reinvented itself many times and moved with the times, extending the choice it offers to respond to holidaymakers’ needs. So besides those 600km of skiing and boarding in Les 3 Vallées, Val Thorens also now offers a big choice of outdoor activities for everybody, whether you are a skier or not.
It’s known for its high-adrenaline sports including mountain biking on snow and Europe’s highest zip wire, as well as all those fast ski runs, but you can experience Val Thorens at a gentler pace by exploring the valley on snowshoeing trails. This activity is a good combination of sport and exploring nature, and you can join a guided group to learn about local fauna and flora more thoroughly as you walk. The great thing is you need no technical skill or previous experience to enjoy this activity! Plus, snowshoeing gives access to landscapes and spectacular scenery that go way beyond the limits of the on-piste skier. There’s something magical about walking through untouched snow and leaving first tracks while enjoying the tranquillity and calm. A ski outfit and hiking boots are all you need to discover the valley. On the way back on one popular route, you can stop at the chalet Chez Pépé Nicolas restaurant, where they cook French mountain specialities with locally grown products. It’s the ideal place to stop and fuel up to get some energy before keeping going!
Finally Yoga in the mountains Recently introduced at the resort, yoga classes at altitude, while facing the glacier, are a great way to recharge your batteries. Yoga practice has multiple benefits, including improving posture and toning muscles. It also helps you to gain energy resources and relieve tension either mentally or physically – all of which puts you in a good place to be ready for skiing. You can practise yoga in Val Thorens before hitting the slopes or after skiing to recover after the effort and stretch your body to avoid sore muscles, helping you maintain good physical and spiritual health. For a complete experience, you can sign up for a guided snowshoe hike with some stretching sessions, too, one a sun salutation and the other seated meditation.
Don’t forget the skiing and boarding! With 150km of runs in its own valley shared with Orelle and of course 600km in the Les 3 Vallées, of which it’s the highest point, Val Thorens offers a huge choice of terrain for all tastes and abilities. In the largest ski area in the world, you’ll never need to ski the same run twice, unless you want to!
N. KOREA’S NEW LIFT ONCE RAN IN ISCHGL A new gondola that has opened this season at North Korea’s highly publicised ski area Masik Pass once operated in Ischgl according to a report in the New York Times. It reports the lift was initially sold to a Chinese company, and as China does not regard skiing as a “luxury” activity – equipment sales for which are banned under UN sanctions – it was happy to sell ski lifts and other equipment to North Korea.
REGION HAS SWEDEN’S WORST STD RECORD The Swedish ski region of Jämtland that’s home to Scandinavia’s largest ski resort of Åre also has Sweden’s worst record for the sexually transmitted NUTS
disease chlamydia cases, according to official statistics. The region had the most cases per head of population, with 488 cases per 100,000 people, just ahead of capital Stockholm. Regional health officials said numbers spike during the ski season but in season workers, not tourists.
MILLENNIA OLD YELLOW SNOW ON PLUTO A new image of Pluto’s northern Polar region released by NASA shows much of the area covered by yellow and blue methane snow. “Pluto's north pole is covered in heavy methane snows,” Alan Stern, New Horizons' lead scientist told the Tech Insider. The yellow snow is believed to be methane snow that has been lying on the surface for millennia and blasted by solar and cosmic radiation while blue-grey snow is believed to have fallen more recently.
MUSIC CONTEST IN AVORIAZ
ALL ABOARD THE VAL D’ISÈRE SNOW EXPRESS
V
WORLD CUP BRITS “OWN THE PODIUM”
first class upgrade for the first 100
Brits are advised to catch the Eurostar
people to book.
from St Pancras to Paris to join the
Val d’Isère’s highest runs start
Val d’Isère Snow Express there and
at 3,456m and the ski season
this final fling on winter 2015/16 in the
continues right up until the first
Alps, returning via Paris and back to
weekend of May.
London on 24-25 April.
The Val d’Isère Snow Express, a
“Judging by present excellent snow
Britain has, for the first time, “owned the
special train from Paris, will depart
levels, this promises to be a vintage
podium” at a World Cup level event in
on Thursday 21 April and return
season for spring skiing. In late
snowsports disciplines.
on Sunday 24 April. The resort is
March and April the snow crystals
Racers from Para Snowsport GB occupied the
al d’Isère has announced plans to
offering a special three-day weekend
change in consistency, transforming
first, second and third place at the Giant Slalom
run a special snow train from Paris
package, complete with hotel and lift
the whole mountain into a giant
at the World Cup Finals in Aspen, USA.
in late April and is offering a free
pass at a discounted price.
piste,” a spokesperson said.
Going into the race, the female visually impaired athletes, Menna Fitzpatrick and guide Jennifer Kehoe, Millie Knight and guide Mike
Throughout the season, Avoriaz has been signing up young groups and DJs over the internet to compete against each other every Friday in a live event on the piste in front of a large crowd, on two
Abromowitz, and Kelly Gallagher and guide
MILLE8 OPENS AT LES ARCS
stages in the middle of the Igloo Village. Electro,
Gary Smith were seeded first, second and third respectively, and so it proved at the finish. However, all was not plain sailing as at the end of the first run, though Menna was leading,
rap, pop, rock: all kinds of musical styles have
a day and is home to snow fun
Millie was in third and Kelly was in fifth.
activities and learner slopes as well
However, determined performances by Millie
as indoor venues, restaurants and
and Kelly launched them onto the podium at
water parks so it appeals to skiers
the expense of the American pairs who had
and non-skiers alike.
been in second and fourth.
Called Mille8, it has been put
The victory was Menna and Jen’s third World
together over the past few seasons
Cup win of the season, and with two races to
and officially opened last month
go, this left them in a strong position to win the
Verbier is launching a brand-new music and
with a special three-hour sound and
overall Crystal Globe this year.
sports-oriented event, the “Verbier Impulse
light show. This spectacular event
This was the first race in the World Cup Finals
been featured. The grand finale will take place on the weekend of 8 to 10 April 2016. avoriaz.com
WIN TICKETS TO IMPULSE FESTIVAL Music and Ski Festival”, over two weekends
The French ski resort of Les Arcs is
The heart of the idea is that, rather
included the latest technologies
which are the culmination of this season’s
(8–10 and 15–16 April 2016) next month. The
trying to re-invent mountain tourism
than have skiing for part of the day
in 3D images projections (video
IPCAS World Cup. The racing continued on 25
Lodge Clapham is offering the chance to win
with an all-new concept that seeks to
then evening activities in another
mapping, ballet of laser light rays,
February, with another Giant Slalom, followed
a two-day trip for two people including flights,
bring together summer and mountain
place, and different locations again
pyrotechnics …).
by a Slalom on the 26th. After a day off and a
accommodation, ski pass and tickets to the new
activities at the heart of their ski area
in the summer, you build a giant
After the show, DJs will set the dance
couple of training days, the speed events started
Festival at quiz evenings on Tuesday evenings
– and they’ve spent over $40 million
one-stop complex above your resort
floor alight in front of The Lodge, the
the following week with Downhills on 1 and 2
(about £28.4 million) on it.
that is open for at least 12 hours
newly opened venue in Mille8.
March followed by Super-G on the 3rd and 4th.
throughout March. thelodgeclapham.com
016 // MAR16 // INTHESNOW.COM
@INTHESNOWMAG
THE UNOFFICIAL BRITISH SKI JUMPING TEAM Eddie “The Eagle” Edwards made his return to the ski jumping world before the movie of his life is released in a few weeks’ time – alongside five winners of the “Jump With Eddie” competition organised by Alp Leisure Ltd competition which is also raising money for Ski 4 Cancer (ski4cancer.org). Declared the “Unofficial British Ski Jumping Championships” by organisers Chris and Lucie Learoyd of Alp Leisure Ltd, during the week competition winners Alexandra Stubbs, Max Willcocks, Andrew Marshall, Donald Banks and Mark Black received coaching from members of the French National Team and Eddie “The Eagle” Edwards while Eddie himself reached his target goal of launching off the 90m Olympic jump for the first time in over 20 years. The five participants had won prizes of two week-long visits to Courchevel, the first for a week of training during October with Eddie “The Eagle” and then returning for the second week during the winter to jump as far as they could go.
SAUDI ARABIA SNOW CENTRE The Majid Al Futtaim company, which runs Ski Dubai and is currently completing Ski Egypt, has announced its third indoor snow centre will be in one of two new malls it plans to construct in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Mall of Saudi will be the larger of the two and is described by the company as a “fully integrated lifestyle destination”. It will cover 866,000m2 in a location north of the city and be home to “one of the world’s largest indoor snow parks” – the details of which are yet to be specified. The ski slope will be completed in the first phase of the development, work on which is set to commence by mid-2017 and be completed by 2022, the company says. The Dubai-based company is investing SR14 billion (£2.65 billion) in the projects, which will bring the total number of Majid Al Futtaim owned and operated malls to more than 20 across the Middle East and North Africa. Riyadh already has a small indoor snow slope, “Snow Magic Riyadh”, which began operating in 2006 and may still be operational.
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017 // MAR16
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F
from day one of our winter holidays.
and for those of us that lack in
indoor slope isn’t quite that of the
So, if you were left wishing you’d
confidence on the slopes, this often
steepest black in France, but you
taken that black run in your stride,
rings true! The reality is that many
can learn the technique needed
landed your first 180 with more
of us forget how good our skiing or
and how to apply it, to muster the
style or kept up with the rest of your
snowboard skills are from one year
skill for the steepest of runs on most
group this season, here are just five
to the next. Regular sessions on an
UK indoor slopes. And the same
of the many things you can head to
indoor slope can keep those skills
goes for varied terrain; from moguls
your indoor snow centre to learn.
flowing all year round, so we won’t
to narrow icy pistes, all require
forget how good we are!
the application of the appropriate
1. Speed
technique, something The Snow
3. Landing Tricks
Keeping up with or getting ahead
Centre’s instructors know all about.
5. Carving & Style
of the rest of the group isn’t always
Whether it’s jibbing a few tricks on
or many of us, this year’s winter ski
easy. Believe it or not, indoor
the piste or landing something in
or snowboard holiday has been and
slopes offer all you need to practise
the park, freestyle coaching at UK
We’ve all caught a glimpse of the
gone, and hopefully it was a blast
speed skiing or snowboarding.
indoor snow centres up and down
skier or snowboarder carving,
of snow fun from beginning to end!
There are two key factors coming
the country provides the perfect
racing or spinning tricks down the
Whether we spent it progressing
into play when looking to slide
opportunity to master freestyle
slopes and thought about how we
from blues to reds, seeking off-piste
more quickly on snow: technique
tricks. Copying a trick we’ve seen
could achieve their level of skill.
powder, speed skiing the slopes or
and its application, and confidence,
someone do while out on the
Whether it’s learning a technique
landing tricks in the park, most of us
and there’s plenty of room to build
mountain will never get us as far
like carving and making it look
will be left hungry for more!
upon both at an indoor slope. For
as understanding exactly how
good or just sliding with more
With thoughts of what we hope to
example, the 160m Main Slope
that trick is achieved. An indoor
charisma, these are skills that can
achieve on next year’s winter break
at The Snow Centre in Hemel
centre’s freestyle coach can explain
be learnt indoors in a lesson or
in the forefront of our minds, an
Hempstead offers coaching on
the dynamics of a trick and make
coaching session, or with some
opportunity to get a head start on
technique or Summer Lift Pass
adjustments to technique to help us
practice time on an indoor slope.
next year’s snow goals will come as
offers that can provide regular
land it with style! Plus, most centres
These are just five of the many skills
music to our ears! Not only are UK
on-snow sessions to help build
run regular park nights enabling you
you can pick up at an indoor slope
real-snow indoor centres offering
confidence and keep it!
to practise any new moves!
this summer. There’s no better time
us the chance to keep all the skills we’ve achieved this trip at the ready, they also provide the perfect location
for us to become masters of our
2. Confidence
for progression all year round. This means that next snow season, we’ll
It’s alleged that most sports are
be showing off some new moves
80% mental and 20% physical,
018 // MAR16
4. Steeper MORE Varied Terrain
own on-snow goals than on the quieter UK slopes offering great summer prices. Next season we might just find ourselves at the top
Yes, maybe the gradient at your
of our game indoors and out!
THESNOWCENTRE.COM
CLOTHING DESIGNED TO REWARD CHILDREN FOR BEING ACTIVE
A
moves around in their ski jacket,
screen,” explained Elina Björklund,
conjunction with another Finnish
a built-in movement sensor tracks
Reima’s CEO.
company, Suunto, implementing
that activity. The activity is then
“Teaching kids to postpone
their Movesense® technology and
recognised by a child-oriented
gratification can be quite
expertise in tracking movement.
mobile app which is free to use and
challenging in today’s ‘I-want-it-
The sensor is designed to be
rewards the child with fun features.
all-and-now’ society. We believe
wearable, washable, waterproof
Called ReimaGO® the clothing is
ReimaGO® can help: the game
and practically unbreakable, and
due to go on sale this autumn 2016.
will reward kids for achieving their
it also works in extremely cold
“Parents are worried about kids
goals, and parents can even invent
weather. It measures the intensity
not moving enough, as they are
additional rewards. Kids will get
and duration of a child’s physical
Finnish children’s clothing company
so attracted to consoles and
the health benefits of energising
activity during the day. It wakes up
called Reima, known for its
mobile gaming. But we can turn
exercise, the fun of playing a cool
whenever kids start to move, and
functional outerwear, is to introduce
the tables and use games to kids’
game, plus the natural pleasure
it can be used to track movement
clothing featuring “wearable
advantage, too! After being active
after physical activity – actually it’s a
everywhere. The app works on
technology” designed to motivate
and intensely moving outdoors
triple reward,” she added.
Apple’s iOS platform, and parents
children to enjoy outdoor activities.
with their ReimaGO® sensors, kids
The ReimaGO® movement sensor
have their own interface with it,
The idea is that when the child
can enjoy the fun on the mobile
has been especially developed in
separate to the child’s.
DOES YOUR HOME TOWN MEASURE UP TO YOUR SKI TOWN? PHILIPPE ROYER
measures up to a selection of
your holiday and indeed how much
French ski resorts.
work must go into preparing the
The descriptively named “French
pistes and maintaining safety at
Ski Area Over My Town” app
these resorts.
enables you to see exactly how
For example, who knew that
large the key French ski areas are
Les 3 Vallées would sprawl
by measuring them against the
across much of Sussex between
size of your own town, overlaying
Brighton and Crawley? Or that
the two maps.
the Espace Killy of Tignes and
The results are slightly more
Val d’Isère would cover much of
You’ve probably never even
French ski areas and French
impressive than we may have
Central London, from Highgate
thought about it before, but a
holidays – France Montagnes
thought, which is probably the
and Hampstead in the north to
new app released today by the
and Atout France – will tell you
point, and help give you an idea
Greenwich in the southeast?
promotional organisations for
how your local town or city
of how far you may have skied on
frenchskiareaovermytown.com
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019 // MAR16
WORDS: PATRICK THORNE
W
(slightly) like that but all too often I’ve found
with a few mountain restaurants on the way
myself working up a sweat struggling to
down and I’m more than content.
Wilde Grub’n
Cascades
stand up in “heavy crud” (that’s a technical
Just to really kill my career off completely
STUBAI, TIROL, AUSTRIA
FLAINE, FRANCE
term), and as I write up snow reports each
and make me the laughing stock at the
week and see either no fresh snow, leaving
next Ski Editors’ Grand Ball, I’ll also admit
Stubai is known for its glacier skiing,
The Grand Massif ski area contains a
the off-piste terrain unskiable, or too much
that I actually like a nice fast, wide, blue
reliable snow conditions and for staying
giant powder bowl with the resort of
heavy snow, meaning freeriding comes with
run. You know, the really easy ones where
open to the end of spring and opening
Flaine at its heart, but on the outside of
a high avalanche danger, I keep thinking
you feel like you’re skiing well without
again in early autumn for a nine-month-
the bowl’s “rim” multiple marvellous long
there must be a lot of frustrated powder
needing to make any effort? I mean it’s
long-ski-season, but in the winter, when the
descents take you down from above the
skiers out there.
nice to challenge yourself on a black run or
snow is good all the way down, you can ski
treeline to traditional villages like Morillon,
So now it’s time for me to confess my guilty
off-piste every now and then, but mostly I
on a top-to-bottom partially on an off-piste
Samoens and Les Carroz. Most amazing
pleasure. I like skiing on the piste! There,
think, why bother?
route that is altogether 10km long and
of all, arguably, is the Cascades run which
I said it. I know I’m terribly old fashioned
And now that spring is here, there’s no
descends 1,460 vertical metres from the
descends for an amazing 14km from Flaine
e’re all told by the ski film makers,
and that this whole industry that has
better time to enjoy some spectacular
top of the ski area at over 3,200m to the
to Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval in the remarkable
equipment manufacturers and ski
grown up manufacturing piste groomers
cruising than in the sunshine.
bottom of the lifts. Officially titled “ski route
Grand Massif area, dropping more than
journalists that we’re not skiing properly
and smoothing the slopes each night is a
Phew, I feel so much better getting that off
14” on the piste map, it’s so popular and
1,700 vertical metres in the process.
unless we’re floating through wonderful
hangover from a bygone era, but I still think
my chest.
such fun that it rarely is really “off-piste” in
Although it is perhaps a little too gentle in
feather-light fields of powder, bouncing
carving up a beautifully smooth slope that
Well, here are seven of my favourite ski runs.
that except after fresh snow it quickly gets
places, it does offer magnificent views and
beautifully from turn to turn, and probably
has been flattened for me is a lot of fun.
skied flat.
takes you out away from the main slopes
live-streaming a video of our effortless
I’m quite happy for everyone else to go off
and past the Sixt Nature Reserve, home to
antics on social media.
freeriding and falling over in the snow; just
ibex, chamois and mountain hares.
I have had a few experiences that were
leave me on the smooth, groomed slopes
020 // MAR16
@INTHESNOWMAG
STUBAI AND ANDRE SCHOENHERR
Hidden Valley
La Crête
Pista Ventina
Sarenne
Last Spike
CORTINA D’AMPEZZO, ITALY
MONT-STE-ANNE, QUEBEC, CANADA
ZERMATT–CERVINIA, SWITZERLAND–ITALY
ALPE D’HUEZ, FRANCE
REVELSTOKE, CANADA
The wonderful “Hidden Valley” descent is
Not the steepest nor the most challenging
More than 10km long and descending
Officially the world’s longest black run,
It’s not one of the best-known ski areas
a remarkable blue/red run of about 8km in
at Mont-Sainte-Anne but this magnificent
some 1,800 vertical metres from Europe’s
those who have skied or boarded its full
in Canada, but with a 1,713m lift-served
length from Lagazuoi (2,750m) a 20-minute
cruiser has one big selling point – the
highest lift-accessed point on the top of
16km length know that most of it is kind of
vertical drop, Revelstoke in BC has the
bus ride from Cortina’s centre and included
incredible views of the mighty St Lawrence
Klein Matterhorn, Pista Ventina is one of
blue/red pitch, a lot of its lower half a fairly
longest vertical descent of any ski resort in
in the lift pass. There are incredible 360o
River spread out below you as you descend
the world’s great descents. From its high
green graded track through the forest and
North America and that means the longest
views from the top then it carves its way
its very satisfying 3.5km length. This whole
starting point above 3,800m, it crosses
only a few upper bits are just about black if
possible descents. At 15.2km long, Last
through vast and towering Dolomitic
mountain face where La Crête is located is
Zermatt’s Glacier Paradise year-round
the weather isn’t being cooperative. Even
Spike just keeps on going, with magnificent
structures, passing frozen waterfalls that
known in French as the “Zone Expert” and
ski area and then cruises down over the
without skiing it, if you just do the maths,
views of the valley below as you descend.
somehow give it a secret, private feel.
contains the neighbouring “La S,” “La Super
border into Italy, all of the way to Cervinia.
16km into 2,000 vertical metres, although
There are steeper, faster options if you
There’s no lift back up from the end of the
S” and Les Sept-Chutes among others, all
Ventina is a very long, winding, rolling piste
one of the world’s biggest lift-served verts,
prefer and you can even hike up above the
Hidden Valley; instead you can join one of
served by their own quad chairlift. In fact
that feels like it just lasts forever and is
doesn’t add up to very steep. But it is so
upper lift stop for even more vert. How long
two lines of skiers towed behind ponies to
if you like steep terrain these three will
also wonderfully sunny with a southwest
very, very satisfying – seeming to go on
Revelstoke remains a secret remains to be
make the novel literally “horse powered”
appeal even more to those living for steeps
exposure at high elevation. The run
forever, with magnificent views and taking
seen, but the small, quirky town is a long
connection to Alta Badia and another great
than La Crête, but for our purposes they
also takes you past lots of great Italian
you away from it all.
way from anywhere, and the big snowfalls
name in Italian skiing, the Sellaronda circuit,
just don’t have the length, or the views.
restaurants where you can enjoy a great
it receives can make travelling there a
or jump into a shared minibus back to
espresso and homemade meal for much
challenge in winter.
Cortina’s ski area.
less than on the Swiss side.
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021 // MAR16
Choice, expert advice and quality service • 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
THE
020 8313 3999
RENT YOURSELF A TROJAN HORSE IN ST MORITZ
7018
ABTA No. L6436
Mountains advert (100x175).indd 1
TRUSTED BY 2015 WORLD CHAMPION & X GAMES MEDALLIST FILIP FLISAR
GIAN GIOVANOLI
Blow Bonus
The skiers’ travel agent
07/09/2015 18:10
A
WORDS: GABRIELLA LE BRETON
stood majestically transfixed to the ground,
“The Kulm Hotel has always been a pioneer,
presiding over proceedings,” said a witness.
ever since its founder Johannes Badrutt
It’s the same location where, a few years ago,
made a bet over 150 years ago that paved
a submarine appeared out of the ice of the
the way for winter tourism. So it felt natural
frozen lake overnight.
for the Kulm to be one of the main sponsors,
As with the submarine, the horse is a work
alongside White Turf, of this innovative
of art, and its hollowed-out body has been
initiative that will add another dimension to
made into a lounge capable of holding private
our guest experience,” said Heinz E. Hunkeler.
events for up to 10 people.
The Niarchos family, owners of the Kulm
The idea for the Trojan Horse was conceived
Hotel St Moritz (kulm.com), are strongly
by Heinz E. Hunkeler, General Manager of the
associated with both the equestrian and art
Kulm Hotel St Moritz, and Silvio Martin Staub,
scenes, so sponsorship of the Trojan Horse
President of the St Moritz Racing Association,
was a natural choice.
but it was created by local Engadine artist Curdin Guler, who is a passionate horse lover
“Trojan Horse” measuring 14m high, 20m long,
influenced by the 19th-century French sculptor
and weighing in at 5.2 tonnes appeared on
Auguste Rodin and who crafted the sculpture
the frozen lake at St Moritz last month, and
from a variety of materials to give it a natural
now it’s available for private hire – or at least
and realistic appearance.
its secret interior lounge is.
Though a modern piece, it was created the
The Trojan Horse appeared overnight on the lake
old-fashioned way, free form, without the use
during the resort’s White Turf and Night Turf horse
of computer technology, reliant entirely on
racing events on the frozen lake (whiteturf.ch).
the artist’s intuition. One kilometre of steel
“It did not partake in any races but instead
rods, weighing 2,900kg, were used in its construction, along with 800m of silvercoloured polyester and 3,200 pieces of wood
(+) (+) (+) (+)
CE Approved EN1621-2 Level 2 Carve Tested to -20°C (+) Fully Adjustable 3D Moulding (+) Lightweight RPT (Repeat Performance (+) Fully breathable Technology)
www.forcefieldbodyarmour.com
022 // MAR16
shingle made from local Engadine stone pine.
During the winter season, rooms at the Kulm
The sculpture took over four months (and
cost from CHF575 (approx. £415) for two people
almost 14,500 hours of labour) to build, with
sharing a double room on a half-board basis.
nine people working on the project from late
To book the lounge within the Trojan Horse,
September 2015 up till the end of January
minimum costs are from CHF1,250 (approx.
prior to its unveiling last week.
£900) for three hours for one to 10 people.
Now in between White Turf appearances, the
The price includes a fondue, if requested,
Trojan Horse is left to graze in the Kulm Park
but does not include drinks and is a flat rate
(the extensive grounds in which the Kulm
regardless of the number of people using the
Hotel stands).
lounge up to the maximum.
@INTHESNOWMAG
PROMOTION
CHRISTIAN PERRET / JUNGFRAU REGION TOURISME
Ski area Hasliberg, Jungfrau region
THE BEWITCHING MAGIC OF WINTER
T
explore the varied features in the Hasliberg ski
snow crystals all around, it is time to enjoy some
and snowboard park, those who are not into
special pleasures in this unique environment.
sports can marvel at the stunning views from the
For example, nothing beats a cheese fondue
panoramic Alpen Tower restaurant.
in one of the snow igloos on the Engstligen
On Lenk’s local mountain, the Betelberg,
Alp above Adelboden and in Kemmeriboden-
families both large and small can fully
Bad in Schangnau (Emmental). For true
experience the wide range of activities
gourmets there’s also exclusive fine dining
available out on the slopes that have a charm
options at the 18 Gault&Millau restaurants in
all of their own. All tobogganing enthusiasts
the gourmet’s paradise of Gstaad Saanenland
will want to visit the Big Pintenfritz: located
as well as a diverse range of pampering
in the Jungfrau Region and ending up in
opportunities in the region’s many spa and
Grindelwald, it is Europe’s longest toboggan
wellness facilities. Alternatively, the superbly
run with a 1,100m vertical descent surrounded
run beauty and wellness hotels located
by the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau.
around Lake Thun come with added bonus extras such as views of the lake or the snow-
Fine Dining And Wellness
covered Alps.
he ski season is a magical time in the region
When winter casts its white splendour across
For more information and to book, visit:
of Bern-Bernese Oberland, and the Swiss
the Bernese landscape and there are glittering
madeinbern.com/flyskyswork
regional carrier SkyWork Airlines offers up to
three flights a day from London City Airport to Bern, the airport at the foot of the Swiss Alps, to get you there! The short journey times and
Jungfraujoch Top of Europe Jungfrau region
a high-quality, personal service make every trip a pleasure. Family Holidays On The Snow The children’s ski paradise of Bidmi above Meiringen in the Haslital valley is where our younger visitors enjoy their first snowsports experiences. And while the adults go and
FB.COM/INTHESNOW
023 // MAR16
BY PATRICK THORNE
HANS-PETER VAN VELTHOVEN
STUDYING MELTING PERMAFROST A new study into the effect thawing permafrost
MUSE TO PLAY ON TOP OF THE MOUNTAIN
may have on ski lift and cable car infrastructure has been published by the environmental science department of Wageningen University in the Netherlands. Permafrost is defined as soil or rock that has been frozen for at least two years, and with 2015 overall the warmest and wettest on record (followed by the warmest January ever at the start of this year), the amount of mountainous terrain that remains in a permanently frozen state is continuing to diminish. This has implications for things like lift towers and other infrastructure built on once frozen ground, as well as for rock falls as the ground no longer holds firm. However, there is much less data available on the amount of permafrosted land that has thawed out compared to that of glacial melt, which has been carefully measured with figures showing that around half of Europe’s glacial mass has gone since 1850, and that in most cases the rate of thawing of the remainder is rapidly increasing. The Dutch study found that the Alps are warming
T
NEW WOMEN’S WINTER SPORTS CLOTHING CO
at this spring’s Top Of The Mountain
added edge of a dramatic Alpine
season closing concert at Ischgl.
backdrop to showcase hits such
The Austrian resort has a long-
as Survival, Starlight and Psycho
standing reputation for attracting
plus others from the award-winning
some of the world’s biggest
album Drones.
stars to its mountain-top stage
The concert takes place on
Two Loughborough University graduates, Susie
each year, typically drawing
Saturday 30 April, the penultimate
Beere and Sophie Kelly, have officially launched
crowds of up to 20,000. Muse
day of the Tirolean resort’s five-
what they believe is the first British snowboarding
will join an impressive list of
month-long ski season. Concert
and ski brand designed specifically for women.
global superstars to have already
admission is included in the €95
Their brand, Snooks, seeks to break gender
played the gig in past years which
(about £75) ski pass price for
stereotypes by offering female riders well-fitting
includes Robbie Williams, Elton
concert day – compared with the
and uniquely designed outerwear that combines
he British band Muse, who scooped
John, Kylie and Rihanna.
regular day pass price of €46.50
protection, freedom of movement and style.
their second Grammy award for
Muse has a reputation for delivering
(about £35) – but regular rates
“There is no brand from Britain currently
best rock album in February, have
an exciting and energetic live
apply for four-day passes and more.
representing female snowboarders and skiers,”
been confirmed as the headline act
performance and will have the
ischgl.com
said Susie Beere, adding, “Women often buy men's gear due to the lack of well-fitting,
at the rate of 3.5°C every 100 years – faster than
stylish options in women's ranges. We hope to
the European average, and the trend is towards
shake up the market and provide women with
FILM AND PHOTO COURSES IN CHAMONIX
more extreme weather, with heavy snowfalls or no snowfalls increasingly the winter norm. It also
outerwear that really fits them without using stereotypical colours and designs.” Produced to keep riders comfortable without
discovered that snow cover at lower elevations had diminished by about a third, on average,
class photographer Dan Milner and
and discover some of the latest
compromising on design, the new 2016/17
compared to the early 1980s.
filmmaker Sébastien Montaz-Rosset.
innovations in adventure filmmaking.
range includes waterproof, windproof,
Dan Milner (danmilner.com) is used
Sébastien has recently produced a
breathable and warm technical jackets and
to dealing with difficult conditions
series of heightened reality videos,
trousers inspired by British heritage and
in far-flung locations. His workshop
filmed with 360o film cameras, and
modern urban styling.
will focus on how to create more
the technology is one of several
“Snooks hope to change attitudes towards
impact with adventure photography,
new techniques he believes will
women's action sports and build a brand that
In terms of ski lifts, the study showed that a lift realigned at the start of each winter and that structures put in place to hold avalanches have also been found to be affected by “ground
BENJAMIN DITTO
in France, for example, has to have its cables
creep” due to thawing, with protection nets in
Chamonix Adventure Festival, which
sharing tips and techniques for
revolutionise adventure filming. The
is far more than just a business, but a way of
Zermatt found to have moved up to 10cm. As
runs from 31 March to 2 April 2016,
getting the best images.
courses will be held in easy access
representing and supporting female action-sports
a result, new guidelines for construction have
has announced several one-day
Sébastien Montaz-Rosset’s
locations outdoors, taking advantage
participants and athletes,” Susie continued.
film and photography courses this
(sebmontaz.com) workshop will
of the spectacular landscape
Susie and Sophie are planning a summer
year. The two workshops, both
explore how to get amazing results
surrounding Chamonix.
tour of the UK’s dry slopes to showcase their
on 1 Apri, will be hosted by world
using the minimum of equipment
chamonixadventurefestival.com
products. Snookswear.co.uk
been put in place.
024 // MAR16
@INTHESNOWMAG
GRAHAM BELL AIMS TO BECOME FASTEST-EVER MAN ON SKIS
JON BUCKLE FOR YIS/IOC
SKIING GOLD FOR GB IN YOUTH OLYMPICS GB Park and Pipe skier Madi
Madi followed up her
Rowlands, 15, from Maidstone,
achievement in the Halfpipe
made history as she became
by becoming a double Youth
the first ever Team GB athlete
Olympic medallist when she
to win a Youth Olympic medal,
went on to take bronze in the
taking gold in the Ski Halfpipe
women’s Ski Slopestyle finals
at Lillehammer 2016 last month.
later in the week. She scored
Rowlands dominated the
67.20 and 67.80 in her two
field throughout and put
runs – with the best counting
down the best two runs of the
towards the final standings.
competition at Oslo Vinterpark,
Russia’s Lana Prusakova took
notching up a score of 88.60 in
the gold while Lou Barin from
her second run.
France collected silver.
“I couldn’t be happier. It’s
“I feel so happy because I
just so overwhelming,” said
didn’t expect it at all. I haven’t
Rowlands. “It was nerve-
been on the podium that much
wracking to wait for the others
in my career, so it’s definitely
to finish, but I felt like I had
that extra bit more special,”
done enough. I was so stoked
said Madi after winning her
with that first run, and to land
second medal.
it like I did meant I was able
“To be honest I didn’t really
to relax more and not be so
know what position I was in at
nervous in the second and
the top of the second run. I like
third. There are two main
to stay relaxed and don’t really
competitions I ultimately want
get nervous. I guess that helps
to get to, the X Games and
in this sport.
then the Olympics. This is a
“My goal now is to try to
great step towards that, and
continue and make it to the
I’m just so stoked to win.”
Olympic Games.”
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025 // MAR16
Former Olympian Graham Bell has announced
record by skijoring behind a Jaguar XE AWD at
Graham will make his Guinness World Record
plans to become the fastest-ever man on skis,
over 161kph in the Austrian Alps.
attempt, aiming to break the 257kph mark,
aiming to break the current record of 251kph
“I approached Jaguar to become my lead
at Jaguar Land Rover’s cold weather testing
set by Italian Simone Origone.
technical partner due to their experience
facility in Arjeplog, Sweden, sometime in 2017.
But rather than going by the conventional route
in aerodynamics. Jaguar will provide the
“As engineering challenges go it doesn’t get
of unpowered downhill skiing on an ultra-steep
expertise to develop the Iron-Man-style suit
more unique than this,” said Ian Anderton,
flying kilometre track, Graham will aim to set
I need, as well as helping me acclimatise
Thermal and Aerodynamics Manager at Jaguar.
his record skiing horizontally, towed behind a
to speed and external forces using high-
“In many ways, it’s very similar to the car design
Jaguar car and with extra power provided by
performance vehicles including the Jaguar XE
process, necessitating the perfect balance
“micro engines” built into a special suit.
AWD – designed to provide maximum traction
between aerodynamics, engineering and
Graham has already begun training for the
in conditions including snow and ice.”
design for ultimate performance.”
TOURISMUSVERBAND ST. ANTON AM ARLBERG - MARIANNE HIESEL
E A S T E R
026 // MAR16
@INTHESNOWMAG
O ur up-and-down winter of 2015/16 isn’t over
high. That is over-simplifying things – some low
produce from the extensive wine cellar. After a
elevation resorts can offer snow-sure slopes if
day on the slopes, there’s an indoor swimming
they have shaded slopes or their own snowy
pool, steam room, hammam and massage room
micro-climate, but it gets a bit complicated to
to enjoy.
track them all, so aim high is a good blanket rule!
A week’s stay from 27 March is CHF3,291pp
You can also consider aiming high in latitude, not
(about £2,330pp) and includes a private ski
just altitude, as resorts in Canada (particularly
instructor for the first two days of your trip.
Whistler or ski areas around Banff) are snow-sure
Guests are greeted with a champagne reception
into May as are many ski areas in Scandinavia.
and the services of the host, experienced chef,
But for the Alps, take a look at altitudes of upper
concierge and 24-hour resort driving service
runs and at current depths – if the runs go high
during their visit. The cost also includes daily
and the snow is currently lying a metre or two
breakfast and afternoon tea, children’s supper,
deep, you should be good to go there.
dinner on six nights and pre-dinner cocktails
Otherwise, remember the old adage, “If it’s low
and canapés for six nights, as well as a menu of
with not much snow, just say no.”
carefully selected wines. Nice.
yet, and with bases finally building past the 5m mark at some areas, and some of the biggest
snowstorms of the season bringing powder to
Easter Bargains
many slopes for spring, it looks like it could end on a high – in terms of ski conditions.
Tour operators and ski resorts have bargains
The added good news is that Easter week is at the
aplenty on offer over Easter whether you
earlier end of the spectrum this season, making it
book direct or book a package. The larger
in March (albeit the last Sunday of the month) after
operators like Crystal, Inghams, Neilson and
Crystal: crystalski.co.uk
several late April dates (and it’ll be 16 April again in
Ski Independence (who are offering free skiing
Dolomiti Superski: dolomitisuperski.com
2017), so it’s that much earlier in spring, increasing
for under 12s at a number of French resorts this
Inghams: inghams.co.uk
the odds of better snow conditions.
Easter) all have special “Easter Deals” pages if
Neilson: neilson.co.uk
I love Easter skiing – the sunshine, the laid-back
you Google their name and “Easter Deals” – as
Peak Retreats: peakretreats.co.uk
atmosphere and of course the Easter egg hunts
do most of the smaller operators.
Revise & Ski™: reviseandski.com/inghams
in the snow. But Amelia Warner at specialist
Almost all resorts have special Easter deals,
St Anton: stantonamarlberg.com
French tour operator Peak Retreats told me she
often with a family focus – just visit their
Ski Independence: ski-i.com
could name six reasons:
website. Italy’s huge Dolomiti Superski region,
The Oxford Ski Company: oxfordski.com
DEALS & INFO
for example, offers its Super Sun promotion
Why Go Skiing At Easter?
from 19 March to the end of season 2016, when a seven-day ski holiday is offered for the price of six, and a six-day lift pass for the price of
1) The weather is generally sunnier, meaning you
a five-day pass. There’s also “Super Kids” on
can cut down on layers.
the same date with free ski holidays for under
2) Warmer air temperatures (compared to
eights, half-price for eight to 11-year-olds.
January) are generally better for the kids.
In St Anton from 2 to 16 April, it’s “Ski, Sun, Fun
With older teenagers often facing crucial exams
3) Usually lots of “bluebird skies” with a mix of
weeks”, when many hotels and accommodation
soon after the Easter holidays, it can be a
snow days (resorts often get their heaviest falls
providers offer package deals such as a week
conundrum whether to take a family ski holiday
in March/April) ... although no one can control
in a pleasant B&B with a six-day lift pass costing
or not. Even though your child may take all their
the weather!
from €450 (about £350) per adult.
work with them, the reality is it may all stay in
4) Due to longer days and longer opening hours for lifts, you can ski for that bit longer. 5) Prices are much lower (especially when
the case (after you’ve paid for the extra baggage
Easter Luxury
compared to February).
weight on the plane!) This Easter, the leading ski tour operator Inghams, working in conjunction with Tutor
6) Easy driving conditions, normally no traffic at all,
If you like the more luxurious side of ski holidays
House and Revise & Ski™, have a solution
whether directly from the UK or from the airport.
(and who doesn’t?), the good news is that as
though, offering students and families a ski
Peak Retreats say they have just a few places
Easter is fairly unfashionable for the jet set,
holiday which complements students’ revision.
left for the key Easter weeks departing 26 March
prices tend to tumble at the luxury end of the
The Revise & Ski™ scheme is run by experienced
and 2 April, but they also have some free lift
market, and a property your average oligarch
tutors in Val d’Isère, with study sessions
pass offers in selected resorts.
would pay hundreds of thousands of euros for
aimed at GCSE, AS and A2 students as well as
over New Year can be snapped up for a fraction
Common Entrance pupils. The sessions focus
of that cost at Easter.
on exam technique and cover a wide range of
Luxury travel experts The Oxford Ski Company
subjects. Students will have 22.5 hours of formal
have a wide choice of stunning accommodation
lessons per week, leaving plenty of times to
Skiing later in the season means that the snow
on offer over Easter (and for the biggest savings,
explore the slopes.
on lower slopes at many resorts may have
after Easter). For example, Fontanet in Verbier,
So there’s now no excuse not to go on a family
thawed away completely or at best be a fairly
Switzerland, is an elegant apartment which can
Easter ski holiday, and sadly for those teenagers,
lacklustre stodge that your skis stick to by late
sleep 12 guests and offers excellent access to
there’s no excuse not to do the studying they
morning. So the advice, particularly this season
the Medran lift and the resort centre. Guests can
said they would when you agreed to take them!
which has been prone to warm temperatures
sink into the comfy sofas in front of a roaring
Revise & Ski™ is available on Inghams’ departures
at lower elevations even in mid-winter, is to aim
fireplace while they enjoy some of the fine
on 19 and 26 March 2016 or 2 April 2016.
Aim High (Altitude Or Latitude)
FB.COM/INTHESNOW
Revise & Ski
027 // MAR16
PAUL KEPPEL
ALTITUDE-VERBIER.COM | ALTITUDE-FUTURES.COM | FREERIDE-VERBIER.COM
TRAINING TO BE AN INSTRUCTOR QUALIFICATIONS
MORE EXAMS
TRAINING & COURSES OTHER OPTIONS
Ski instructing is becoming an
As with other professions, ski
Many of us thought we were done
So you’ve decided you want to get
While gap courses provide the best
increasing popular career path
instructing has governing bodies
with exams when we started our
qualified, but you’re not sure you
chance of passing exams, that is to
Jon holds the top qualifications from
for people from outside the usual
who administer exams and issue
ski careers; we were very wrong!
can ski to the level yet. What are
say the pass rate for people on gap
France, Switzerland and Britain,
mountain communities. Living in a
qualifications for those who meet the
Most systems have varying levels
your options? There are now many
courses is generally much higher
and we can say firsthand that he is
ski resort and teaching people the
criteria. Each skiing nation has its own
of qualification with different exams
ski schools that provide training
than those who try themselves, it is
a great ski instructor! Jon heads up
sport we love is the most rewarding
organisation: the British Association
at each. For example, BASI has
at each level to get people to the
possible to attend exams without
the team at Altitude Ski School –
and enjoyable job. Also, there is the
of Snowsport Instructors (BASI) for
four levels for ski instructors with
technical level required for each
being part of a gap course. For
Verbier’s most established British ski
advantage of getting to ski every
Britain, New Zealand Snowsports
increasing difficulty of examination
set of exams. The most popular
example, in BASI there are Level
school. Each month Jon or one of
day combined with living an active
Instructors Alliance (NZSIA) for New
and other requirements. But what
courses around the world for BASI
1 exams running in snow domes
his team will provide us with a few
outdoor lifestyle. So how do we
Zealand, Swiss Snowsports for
is involved in these exams? A
qualifications are gap courses.
across the UK. It is an option to take
tips and words of wisdom to help
become instructors?
Switzerland. They all have differently
simplification is that a specially
These are courses lasting 10 weeks
a job in a ski resort; any job from
improve our understanding of skiing.
structured qualifications, levels and
qualified trainer will assess the
or so that train people for their first
chalet work to driving will allow you
progressions with slightly differing
candidate’s technical ski ability,
two levels and cover everything
to use your free time to train to be
pedagogy; however, they all ultimately
looking at their piste skiing, off-piste
needed to meet the requirements.
an instructor. It does take discipline
train and certify their members
skiing and demonstrations of the
Ski schools will provide huge
to head out and train yourself,
to teach snowsports to a level
progression that a beginner would
amounts of on-snow training,
and you would still need to find a
The Altitude winter company portfolio
depending on their qualification. The
learn (that’s right; we have to go
accommodation and food, lift
knowledgeable eye to check you
includes the ski and snowboard
main choice when looking at which
back to the start and learn how to
pass, socials and exclusive course
are training in the right way.
school, the Futures instructor
system to enter is usually language as
snowplough again). They will also
clothing. All this is included in one
each will train people in the language
look at teaching ability in a mock
package. Most importantly, they
Whatever your choice of path to
VERBIER, a new school dedicated to
of their nation. Also, the location of
situation where we teach to the
are some of the most enjoyable
becoming an instructor, I can promise
off-piste coaching in Verbier.
exams has to be considered. If you
other candidates.
experiences anyone can have.
you the end job will be worth it and
are wanting to live in Canada, then British exams are going to be rarer occasions and vice versa.
028 // MAR16
JON (AKA WESTY)
ALTITUDE
training programmes, and FREERIDE
the journey will be fantastic.
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?
LEARNING THROUGH FUN We all learn more when we’re having fun and enjoying the process of learning. Of course what is fun for an adult and what is fun for a child are utterly different things. For many adults learning a new skill or improving at a sport is fun in its own right. However, for kids, with lower attention spans and a need for more stimulating activities, skiing alone may not be enough to keep them entertained. So what can we do to make skiing fun for kids and help them learn and improve faster while enjoying themselves? First, before we can even begin to have fun, your kids must be safe and feel safe. Kids or adults who are scared or too far out of their comfort zone will be so focused on just getting down a slope that they aren’t going to learn or enjoy anything. Make sure when you’re skiing with your children that it is on terrain which is suitable for their level; ensure your kids are warm and dry; take regular hot chocolate or food breaks and perhaps even avoid bad weather days altogether. Next, think goofy! When instructing we constantly think of ways to make any exercises more engaging for the kids. Just adding a theme and linking movements to that theme can turn a standard drill into a little adventure. A great example is getting the kids to suggest a bunch of animals, then together we think up actions on skis that could represent these animals (short turns for snakes, jumps for kangaroos, etc.) and now descend the run while shouting out animals and making noises. Without even knowing it, the kids are now training a whole bunch of skills such as agility,
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
adaptability, balance, etc. Try it out – you’ll be amazed at how much you enjoy it too! Lastly, if you are putting your kids into ski school, looking for one which provides fun as a means to learning is a good idea. Ask friends, search the internet and speak to staff in resort to find a ski school which will provide the fun experience that will get the most out of your kids’ time. Good luck and have fun!
FREERIDE | FREESTYLE | TOURING | TELEMARK | RACE | RECREATIONAL Ski Bartlett, Uxbridge Road, Hillingdon, West London, UB10 0NP T: 020 8848 0040 | E: info@skibartlett.com | www.SkiBartlett.com
ALTITUDE-VERBIER.COM
RESORT INSIDER
SAALBACHPHOTO Biege Jones
TAILOR-MADE SKI HOLIDAYS TO THE USA & CANADA
HINTERGLEMMLEOGANG- FIEBERBRUNN WORDS: STEFANIE MAYR
“Saalbach-Hinterglemm-Leogang-Fieberbrunn”
Fieberbrunn, we now have a ‘El Dorado Freeride’
is as popular with locals as guests. I love the
may not be the catchiest name for a ski area (it
(eldoradofreeride.com), with deep powder skiing
Pfefferalm in Hinterglemm, for a great atmosphere
can just be referred to as “the Ski Circus” if you
through natural freeride parks, ungroomed ski
and tobogganing. For an unforgettable mountain
prefer), but when the first three villages, already
routes for all levels and mountain safety posts
dinner, take the Reiterkogelbahn to the Wieseralm.
inter-connected in Salzburgerland, made a new
including a freeride lounge and educational trail. It’s
connection this winter to Fieberbrunn in Austria,
no wonder at all that it’s the chosen venue for the
that’s what the full title became. And as well as
Freeride World Tour in March.
being a bit of a mouthful to say, it’s a bit of a effort to ski, as it’s currently Austria’s largest ski
Best for Hiking
Use the Unterschwarzachbahn for snow tubing
Hiking = boring? No way! The Tree Top Path –
the quad or ice-cart. If you can’t get enough
Best Run
the “Golden Gate Bridge of the Alps” – is the
thrills on the piste, Snowmobil City is the answer;
highest of its kind in Europe and guaranteed to
overlooking Saalbach-Hinterglem, it’s Europe’s
You could spend more than a week here and
excite even the youngest hiker. The trail starts
first floodlit ski-doo circuit. Fulfil your childhood
never ski the same run twice, and if you do
at the head of the Glemmtal and has been
dreams in the passenger or driver’s seat of a
want to set yourself the challenge of covering
sympathetically created to blend into its natural
piste-basher. And if that sounds a bit tame?
all 270km, the fast lift network makes that
surroundings. Snowshoes are not required, and
Try jumping on a snowmobile and throw the
possible. I love all the runs, but my favourite is
it’s open all year round.
machine through some tight corners.
Best For Après
Best For Movie Stars
If carousing is as important as skiing on your
By using Skiline, you can keep track of the altitude
holiday, this is the resort to choose. The fun starts
profile of all your skiing, star in your personal video
Best For Freeriders
on the mountain and the resort is a non-stop party
from the Nightpark at Hinterglemm and download
until the small hours. Keen après-skiers head for
it to send to friends and relatives. Simply enter your
Thanks to the new TirolS link between the
the “Goaßstall” in Hinterglemm with its live show,
ski-pass number online (or get a printout at any one
Skicircus (Saalbach Hinterglemm Leogang) and
and also the Hinterhag Alm in Saalbach, which
of the Skiline terminals throughout the resort).
area with 270km of piste.
CALL A SKI SPECIALIST 07827811477
ASPEN VAIL TELLURIDE WHISTLER PARK CITY JACKSON HOLE LAKE TAHOE HOTELS, APARTMENTS & PRIVATE CHALETS, AIRPORT TRANSFERS, 24 HR SUPPORT, GROUP, CORPORATE & GUIDING SERVICES
Best For AdrenalinE Junkies on a rubber tyre, or for an even faster slide try
the Zwölferkogel, which was the downhill course for the 1991 World Championships: a lovely wide slope, graded red, with plenty of space for a relaxed and challenging ski.
info@codatravel.com
www.codatravel.com
FB.COM/INTHESNOW
030 // MAR16
BOOT ROOM Sponsors of Boot Room
Sponsors of Boot Room
NORRØNA LYNGEN DRIFLEX3 JACKET Fed up with the feeling of bulky jackets? This very lightweight jacket will almost feel like you haven't got it on. Combine this with a waterproof and breathable
SHRED SUNGLASSES PROVOCATOR NOWEIGHT
fabric and superbly small pack size and you have a great jacket for any time of the year.
The Provocator uses quick and easy pop-out lenses to
T-LAB MONTRIOND T-SHIRT
give you a pair of glasses for multi-sport, all-year-round
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T-lab’s Montriond T-shirt celebrates
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ATOMIC BACKLAND CARBON BOOT
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Give yourself the advantage of an unbelievably lightweight touring boot with more range of ankle movement than your
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The next generation of the ever-popular Cham series of skis. Designed for the
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BLACK CROWS DUOS FREEBIRD SKI POLE
UVEX HELMET JUNIOR VISOR
ZAINI HATS Zaini hats, still the leaders in mountain
Now a visor helmet for children.
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A super easy-to-wear helmet
2015/16 season including our new neck
With its super lightweight but sturdy feel, the duos
with no need to mess about with
warmers and over 100 styles of beanies.
freebird is an ideal complement to any adventure and
goggles. Also if your children
of course an ideal complement to any of the amazing
usually wear optical glasses,
Black Crows Freebird range of skis. With their stealth
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K2 LUV MACHINE 74 A piste performance women’s ski for those of you looking for superb edge grip and a lively quick-turning ski. These will be a fun ride for the lady who knows how to ski and enjoys a bit of speed and power. £529 INCL BINDING SKIBARTLETT.COM
032 // MAR16
@INTHESNOWMAG
FISCHER RANGER W89 SKI
SCARPA FREEDOM RS SKI BOOT
The women’s Ranger W89
A stronger beefed-up version of the award-
provides top performance thanks
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for touring up, but now the RS also gives you a
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all snow conditions. With its Freeski Rocker and lightweight carbon nose
£499 | SKIBARTLETT.COM
the Ranger W89 is incredibly stable with ease of turn initiation yet retaining perfect grip all over the mountain. Performance with elegance!
SCOTT ALPRIDE 30L AVALANCHE BACKPACK
£410 SKI ONLY | FISCHERSPORTS.COM
Utilising the same high-specification inflation system as airline life vests means the Alpride pack technology is fast-inflating, super-light (at only 1.2kg) and of course airline friendly! Combine this with user-friendly design, low cost and tech features and you’ll have one of the
CERBY BEANIES
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SCOTT EXPLORAIR JACKET
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walking or any other activity where you want to stay dry and not overheat. Waterproof, windproof and breathable
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SCOTT SUPERGUIDE 95 SKI An evolution in SCOTT’s high-performance backcountry skis. The materials and shape have been carefully designed to give you a lightweight ski for touring up, with no-compromise grip, performance
BLACK CROWS CORVUS FREEBIRD SKI A wide-waisted freeride ski in a lightweight touring construction. You’ll have no ski performance compromises with the Corvus, whether your skinning up, charging down, or hooning the piste! £630 | SKIBARTLETT.COM
PATAGONIA REFUGITIVE MEN’S JACKET Cleverly designed panels of fabric combine mobility,
and power for the downhill. A touring ski that you'd be happy to ski all over the mountain.
DYNAFIT CRAMPON FIRST AID KIT
£375 | SKIBARTLETT.COM
A handy addition to your touring kit list. All the basic first aid items you'll need on the hill are neatly packed into this compact first aid kit. Smartly designed to fit neatly into a set of crampons. £18 | SKIBARTLETT.COM
MAMMUT ALUGATOR TWIST SHOVEL
breathability and weather protection. Stretchy back panels
MORE AT SKIBARTLETT.COM
give you uninhibited movement, lightweight fabrics give
When performing an avalanche rescue, every second
you packable size and GORE-TEX® C-knit gives you hybrid
counts. Two possible blade positions make it easier for
With their renowned reputation for
warmth and weather protection. For the escape artist
you to scoop or cut the snow. Extendible handle and
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their carefully selected and tested range of
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products, it’s no surprise that Ski Bartlett’s word-of-mouth reputation over the last 50 years has made them the UK’s most popular independent ski shop! FB.COM/INTHESNOW
033 // MAR16
L.A.M.B X BURTON LYDON WOMEN’S BEANIE
SMITH CAMBER HELMET
A warm and cosy slouch-fit beanie from Burton,
The Camber utilises ultra-light In-Mold
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construction to offer a low-profile fit and
features a large pom-pom and turn-up feature
look. It has a sliding ventilation system
with embroidered logo. It is 100% acrylic and
which allows you to adjust how much
guaranteed to keep you warm and stylish on
airflow you want through the helmet,
those cold winter days.
and it does this without sacrificing one ounce of protection or style.
£29.95 | SPUTNIKSNOWBOARDSHOP.COM £114.95 | SPUTNIKSNOWBOARDSHOP.COM
BRO! MR GLOVE-O MITTS Introducing … MR GLOVE-O, your friendly neighbourhood bro! mitt. This freakin’ rad pair of mitts is packed with tech features to keep your hands feeling roasty toasty this winter! So whether you’re shredding the backcountry or lapping the park, Mr Glove-O’s got your back. £49.95 | SPUTNIKSNOWBOARDSHOP.COM
BURTON ANALOG FIELD PANT
JONES HOVERCRAFT
A slouch-fit snowboard pant with a durable
A true charging, amazing snowboard.
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Supreme float and rally-car-like handling
BURTON WALL MOUNTS
have a waterproof/breathability rating of
has earned the Hovercraft a cult following.
10K/5K which will keep you dry lapping the
The blunt nose and directional rocker of
Display and keep your board safe and within
park, cruising the pistes or hitting your local
the Hovercraft provide the float, while the
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stiff tail and Mellow Magne-Traction lock in
knees for comfort.
stability through the bumps.
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BURTON MISSION BINDING
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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 beginner or expert, we can kit you out to ensure you have a great day on the mountains. 034 // MAR16
@INTHESNOWMAG
DAKINE ALERO WOMEN’S MITTS
SKI BARTLETT GUIDE TO SKI SERVCING
A warm and waterproof mitt with a faux-fur cuff and button detail. They have an internal heat-pack pocket for ladies who suffer with really cold hands and a 150g tricot lining for added comfort. £39.95 | SPUTNIKSNOWBOARDSHOP.COM
DRAGON D3 GOGGLES The Dragon D3 ski and snowboard goggle puts a modern twist on a simple, classic goggle design. It’s helmet compatible, with a large frame that allows for wider peripheral vision, and the Super Anti-Fog technology keeps your view clear, while triple face foam provides a comfortable, warm fit. £94.85 | SPUTNIKSNOWBOARDSHOP.COM The two most important things to help you ski at your best are keeping your ski edges sharp and the bases waxed. This allows your skis to grip, turn and
NIKITA SIF WOMEN’S JACKET
slide better and feel like new! The world of ski servicing can be very confusing; so many tools, so many methods – where do you
The Nikita Sif jacket is insulated, has fully
start? Contrary to popular belief though, ski servicing
sealed seams and is stocked with all the
is easy! You can take them to the shop or do it
features to keep you on the mountain
yourself, in which case you just need a little bit of
all day long: two-way adjustable hood,
knowledge and a little bit of time.
media pocket with touch window, goggle
There are five basic steps to follow and this is the
pocket, brushed tricot hand pockets,
very brief overview …
snap-away powder skirt, mesh-lined pit vents and ninja cuffs.
STEP 1 – Preparation and Cleaning If your skis haven’t been serviced before and
£229.95 | SPUTNIKSNOWBOARDSHOP.COM
have had a lot of use, you may need to get them professionally base ground before starting work on them yourself. Assemble your workbench and make sure you have a clean, clear area to work in. Lift up your ski brakes with brake retainers and make sure your skis are clean and dry before starting. Wear gloves and hold your skis in a vice.
NIKITA NOTT WOMEN’S PANTS Fully sealed and insulated with solid seat and knees, the Nott Pant is made for the ladies who are out there slashing all day. With a fantastic waterproof and breathability rating (15K, 10K), this pant is going to keep you warm and dry from first lifts to the end of après. £164.95 | SPUTNIKSNOWBOARDSHOP.COM
ADIDAS SAMBA SNOWBOARD BOOTS The Adidas Samba snowboard boots are an allterrain boot that’s comfortable from day one and built to last. Inspired by the iconic Samba shoe, they are a great choice for snowboarders of all levels – a mid-flex, lace-up boot with a great heel hold that will continue to perform. £199.95 | SPUTNIKSNOWBOARDSHOP.COM
STEP 2 – Base Repair Remove any protruding base material, repairing any holes to the base using a drip in P-Tex repair candle or a P-Tex gun then smooth by shaving off thin layers until smooth and flat. STEP 3 – Edge Sharpening Place the ski with the side edge facing upwards. Sharpen the edge working from one end of the ski to the other, using short overlapping strokes you gradually lengthen. STEP 4 – Base Waxing Turn the ski over in the vice so that the base is
JONES AVIATOR SNOWBOARD At home in the park, pipe or the pow, the Aviator is an elite full-camber board built for premier stability on the ground or in the air. Fantastic edge to edge, mega pop and comes into its own off-piste or laying out impressive Euro carves.
now facing upwards. Scrape the base with a plastic scraper to remove any old wax and dirt – ‘hot scraping’ is one of the best techniques (download our guide!). You can either iron on wax or use a wipeon paste wax – the more often you can do it, the better for your skis. STEP 5 – Base Finishing Once the wax has cooled, use a sharp plastic scraper to remove excess wax, then a horsehair or
£409.95 | SPUTNIKSNOWBOARDSHOP.COM
nylon brush to smooth and polish the base. Download our Guide to Ski Servicing at skibartlett.com or sign up for our Ski Tuning courses!
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035 // MAR16
TO
Châtel is located in the massive Portes du
like Le Crémaillère in the Village des Chèvres (Goat
Soleil ski area tucked behind Lake Geneva
Village) tucked away in the Lindarets Valley. This area
in the northwestern corner of the Alps and
Last chance to get out to the mountains! BOOK NOW ! 10% OFF With Code
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in 500 professional ski shops
Over 300 partnered resorts in the Alps and Pyrenees
Ski and snowboards picked & fitted by mountain professionals
www.skidiscount.co.uk
has one of the best collections of mountain restaurants
straddling France and Switzerland. It’s one of the
in the Alps. If you’re a good intermediate skier or above, you
many resorts that make up the area, but arguably the best
could get over to the Pleney area of Morzine during the day and dine
placed of the lot and, without doubt, the most “French” of them all.
at La Vaffieu, where the views across to Mont Blanc on a clear day are amazing.
EASY ACCESS
MILES AND MILES OF SKIING
Châtel is conveniently close to Geneva Airport and typically driving times are
Actually it’s not just about quantity because the runs here are generally really
about one and a half hours, although you can get
interesting, and there are plenty of wooden slopes
there even faster than that. There’s a scenic drive
to provide shelter if the weather comes in. But if
around the lake to Thonon, and then you’re up into
you’re into variety, then heading away from Châtel
the mountains quickly – but the road is gentle rather
into Avoriaz and then over into the Swiss side to
than the hairpin-bend type. It’s also one of the first
Les Crosets and Champéry ensures you don’t have
resorts you’d get to if driving from the UK and a great
to ski the same run in a day and during a week;
option when you have your car all week in resort.
even very good skiers will find they can explore a
It’s also not too far from Verbier in Switzerland if you
new area every day. A brand-new lift connection
fancy a day trip.
that’s been completed this winter now takes
ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS
TRAVEL INFO
you from the Super-Châtel area across to Linga, meaning no more bus ride from town to get into the main system. This also completed the Portes du
Unlike some resorts, Châtel seems to have a good
Erna Low has seven nights on a
mix of chalets and self-catering accommodation
self-catered basis, including return
– there are no big luxury hotels in town but plenty
Eurotunnel with Flexiplus upgrade at
of catered chalets and upmarket apartments like
the CGH Chalets d’Angèle, from £171pp
the Chalets d’Angèle. New developments are
(ernalow.co.uk/0207 584 2841). Ski
The local ESF ski school in Châtel has an
appearing too, for example the Lion d’Or right
rental from skiset.com
excellent reputation, and the gentle, quiet slopes
next to the Super-Châtel lift station, which is giving
Rail travel: fares from London to
surrounding Super-Châtel are ideal for beginners
the town a feel of an up-and-coming resort that’s
Moûtiers start from £111pp standard
and children. There’s a good nursery area at the
growing in maturity while retaining its character.
class return via Paris or from £149
top of the Super-Châtel cable car, but the best
standard class return on Eurostar’s direct
thing is the progression from there – easy blue
ski service. For bookings and more
runs criss-cross the forested border area between
information, go to Voyages-sncf.com
France and Switzerland, offering learners the
YUMMY FOOD
Soleil circuit without the need to use a bus.
GREAT FOR LEARNING
The ski area has some of the best on-mountain
chance to explore while not pushing themselves
restaurants in the Alps, and many are far more
out of their comfort zone. You can even grab a
reasonably priced than larger resorts. It’s hard not
coffee on the Swiss side and head back all on
to find a place to eat wherever you are, with everything from the standard self-
blue runs. There’s now a new blue down to the top part of Châtel, meaning that
service fare in restaurants such as the Plaine Dranse to more upmarket options
first-week skiers can get all the way down without taking the cable car.
036 // MAR16
@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, 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
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
037 // MAR16
Pat Sharples Team GB Park and Pipe Freeski team
incredibly hard, and she’s just been
Head Coach and Manager, Pat Sharples,
crowned the Youth Olympic Halfpipe
has been recognised as the leading light
champion, which is a fantastic achievement
in the elite training of British Freeski
for her!
athletes. Pat first set up Freeski Training Camps along with Warren Smith over 15
Are the Salomon Grom Camps you
years ago when freeskiing was just taking
initiated still feeding the UK scene with
off and founded the hugely successful
talented youngsters?
Salomon Grom Camps in the UK and
PS: The Salomon Grom Camps are still
Ireland. It has been another busy season
going strong, and we’re currently working
for Pat, who has also become brand
to try and get some new dates for this
ambassador for award-winning British
year. It’s much harder trying to fit these in
watch brand Elliot Brown.
myself now as I’m consistently on the road, but it’s great to see so many other Freeski
So how busy are you?
camps around the UK now, and all the ski
PS: This winter has probably been the
and snowboard centres are making a huge
busiest and most hectic winter I’ve ever
effort to have freestyle sessions at their
had, to be honest! All very positive though.
centres when they can.
We have travelled around the USA, mainly for training and competitions, including
Have you been to any new places or
the Dew Tour, World Cups, X Games and
events you’d like to tell us a little about?
Boston Big Air and then went over to
PS: There have been so many places I
Pyeongchang in February for the Olympic
have been to recently that it’s hard to think
test event in South Korea.
properly, but one of the places that has stood out to me is Winter Park in Colorado.
How are the team doing?
I went there for my first time with the team
PS: Our athletes have been doing great.
in January, and we had a great couple of
Lots of awesome results including a few
days. Also, the first-ever World Cup Big Air
podiums, and more importantly, everyone
in Boston was an experience! Having this
is progressing well and loving the journey!
event at the Red Sox stadium in Fenway Park in front of over 15,000 people was pretty damn incredible! I hope this is the
PS: Yes, we have many up-and-coming
start of more events like this for the future.
athletes who I couldn’t be more excited about
Then there is Pyeongchang in South Korea,
right now. Molly Summerhayes, who won the
where the 2018 Olympics are going to be
World Junior Halfpipe Champs at the end of
held. I have to say, this place is amazing,
last winter, has been on great form.
and I couldn’t be more excited about it.
Madi Rowlands, who is my youngest
The people are great, the course locations
athlete (15) on the team, has been working
are perfect and the food is interesting!
038 // MAR16
JENNY BLETCHER
Are you seeing any rising stars?
@INTHESNOWMAG
FLY TO BERN – AND ARRIVE IN A WINTER HOLIDAY.
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From London City to the airport near the Adelboden-Lenk skiing paradise. Book now: madeinbern.com/flyskywork
From London City to the airport near the From London Cityskiing to theparadise. airport near the Adelboden-Lenk Adelboden-Lenk skiing paradise. Book now: madeinbern.com/flyskywork Book now: madeinbern.com/flyskywork
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Flights made in Switzerland
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