ATHLETE: CONOR PELTON | LOCATION: JACKSON HOLE, WY USA | PHOTOGRAPHER: NOAH WETZEL
INTHE SNOW ISSUE 61 | DEC 2018
LAPLAND
033
044
A MAGICAL CHRISTMAS IN THE MOUNTAINS 6-PAGE SPECIAL There’s that same sad debate in Blighty each December: will it be a white Christmas this year? The fact that it almost never is doesn’t seem to put us off hoping! But why play that game when you can (almost!) guarantee a white Christmas by heading to the mountains for a fantastic, festive few days away from all that ghastly over-commercialisation. Our
ALEXIS CORNY
special section looks at the ski resorts that do Christmas best, great places in Lapland where you can ski and even
MIRJA GEH PHOTOGRAPHY
0I8
meet Santa, Xmas markets in the Alps and much more besides.
HAVE SKI HOLIDAYS GOT BETTER? We all have our gripes when things go wrong, perhaps with an overcrowded airport or an unrealistic baggage allowance, but in many ways the ski holiday experience has quietly been getting better and better over years.
PURE FREERIDING PLEASURE The Saalbach Hinterglemm Leogang Fieberbrunn
028
ski area in Austria is one of the world’s biggest with TIROL WERBUNG
270km of piste. However, while it’s famous for its almost endless snowy motorways, insiders argue its deserves to be better known for its freeriding.
INTHESNOW @INTHESNOWMAG
ALL ABOARD THE NIGHT TRAIN TO TIROL Travelling to Austria by train was one of the original
INTHESNOW
routes taken by the very first “package holiday” skiers
INTHESNOW_MAGAZINE
Elkan and his friend Rupert Mellor finds it’s a lot faster
nearly a century ago. Now ski train expert Daniel and more comfortable these days than it was then.
014 GARNIER ROBIN
FINDING THE ELUSIVE AFFORDABLE SNOW FIX
EDITOR
It’s that holy grail of ski holidays, the one where you max out the value and find a high-quality holiday but minimise your outlay on flights, transfers and the
PATRICK THORNE
accommodation and catering too so you really feel you’ve got a good deal.
032
BUYERS’ GUIDE 057–064 It’s Christmas and what could be a better time to not only drool over all the new gear that’s available but actually have an excuse to bag some of it for yourself? Check the Guide then get those letters to Santa written.
024 STEPHANE CANDE
WHY HIRE WHEN YOU CAN BE A BUYER? Renting may seem like the obvious route in this day and age when it comes to keeping up with ever-changing kit developments and managing baggage fees on flights, but one ski shop argues
042
that there are lots of reasons to buy instead.
BLOW THE BONUS SKIING On GOLDEN SKIS
EXPERIENCE TERRIFIC TIGNES YOUR OWN WAY Tignes has the longest ski season in France and there’s always something going on there. Our quick guide gives you a fast overview and highlights some of the events coming up at one of the world’s top resorts this winter.
EDITORIAL TEAM PUBLISHER
CONTRIBUTORS
Dominic Killinger
Emmanuelle Châtel Megan Hughes Sega Fairweather Sam Thorne Daniel Elkan
dom@inthesnow.com EDITOR
Patrick Thorne patrick@inthesnow.com
MAGAZINE & BRAND DESIGN BY
Debbie Gabriel
Tom Showler Rocket Base
debbie@inthesnow.com
tom@rocketbase.co.uk
BRAND & DIGITAL MANAGER
WEB & DIGITAL DESIGNER
Emmanuelle Châtel
Max Spooner-Blind
OPERATIONS DIRECTOR
You may think that a pair of skis is just a pair of skis but these days you can find pairs with golden bindings that will set you back thousands of pounds to buy. The good news is you can now spend thousands of pounds on a
SOCIAL & DIGITAL MANAGER
EQUIPMENT BY
chalet holiday where you rent them instead.
Megan Hughes
Ski Bartlett Sputnik
© Copyright 2018 Printed in the UK. No part of this publication may be copied, photocopied or reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted, in any way or means, either by recording or otherwise, without permission of the publishers in writing.
InTheSnow Ltd The Snow Studio, Kings Lane, Bucks, HP16 0QY +44 (0)1494 862 423 dom@inthesnow.com inthesnow.com
Almost as soon as the ski season ends, I, like so many skiers and snowboarders, am longing for the start of the next one. I try to keep my love of snow satisfied by watching web cams and social media video posts from southern hemisphere ski areas. I sometimes visit an indoor snow centre too, occasionally even a glacier summer ski area just to scrape through to the next season. So I can hardly believe it, but we’re finally here, winter 2018/19! Of course the tension has been building to fever pitch for months now. As you’ll read in our main story, resorts have been opening earlier than ever before after some great early-season snow in North America, while in Europe we had some record-breaking snowfalls up high in late October and even a powder day on Halloween at some glacier ski areas. I mean, how can we not get overexcited? In this issue we have our usual mix of all the latest news stories, events and some great features. Our biggest section this edition is, of course, Christmas, which adds another level to the joy of being in the snow. We highlight those resorts that go that much further for the big day – an even bigger Christmas tree, even more miles of fairy lights and an even more endearing Santa. If you’ve not booked yet it’s not too late! We also have some inspiring features with a look at some of the world’s oldest skiers who are still hitting the slopes at 100, ski writer Daniel Elkan looks at the latest routes to the Austrian Tirol by train (that’s pretty much how British package ski holidays began nearly a century ago, but it’s much faster and more comfortable now) and we ask some industry insiders what’s got better with ski holidays over the past few decades (there’s quite a lot). I hope you enjoy reading it all and wish you a great winter. Think snow!
patrick@inthesnow.com
SUB EDITORS
Nick Jones Marion Adams
DEC18 // 003
Baker
HUGE AUTUMN SNOWFALLS! ALL PICS: JOSEPH LARGE
Resorts Open Early
There were record snowfalls in the Alps at the end of October, and several ski areas in the USA have posted their earliest-ever opening as winter 2018/19 got off to a good start in many areas on both sides of the Atlantic.
October to become the first in North
for it to last without thawing much,
America to open on its earliest-ever
and for snowmaking to begin working
opening date.
on top too, along with likely natural
Wolf Creek has been followed by lots
snowfalls. The process is known as
more early openers, some reporting
“snow farming”.
their earliest-ever opening, in some
The early opening is also good PR for
cases as resorts that have been opening
the resort. Kitzbühel in Austria did the
six decades or more. In Colorado,
same thing a week later, opening the
Breckenridge (pictured), Keystone,
same day as Wolf Creek. This early
It’s early days of course, but hundreds
Beaver Creek and Vail all opened
opening event draws thousands of
of ski areas were already open by the
earlier than planned in the first half of
keen skiers and Austrian media crews
end of November.
November after each receiving more
to film it.
In the Alps there were huge snowfalls
than a metre of pre-season snowfall.
The resorts say that the “old snow” is
above 2,500m altitude in late October
Ruka in Lapland had actually been the
actually good to ski on as, they say, it
which saw powder conditions on
first ski area in the northern hemisphere
has lower moisture content.
several of the already-open glacier ski
without year-round snow cover on
What does all this early snowfall mean
areas for Halloween! The Diavolezza
a glacier to open for the 2018/19 ski
for the main 2018/19 ski season?
Glacier near St Moritz reported 1.8m of
season, a week before Wolf Creek.
Well, probably not much as it’s still
snowfall in just three days.
Ruka manages to open in early
too early to predict how it will all play
A few weeks before in Colorado,
October by storing snow from the
out. Resorts do look for early snow
Wolf Creek ski area received 68cm
previous winter in huge piles under
to build a base on, and in most cases
of snowfall in 72 hours and moved its
cover through the summer then
cold temperatures to run snowmaking
scheduled opening date forward by
spreads it back out on the slopes when
equipment so any autumn snow is good
three weeks from 2 November to 13
it is cool enough in the early autumn
news in that regard.
DEC18 // 005
EDDIE THE EAGLE GIVES SUPPORT Eddie the Eagle has backed campaigners trying to save Gosling dry ski slope, revealing that he used the facility frequently when living in the area in the 1990s, shortly after his famous Olympic ski jumping campaign at the 1988 Winter Olympics in
MIRJA GEH PHOTOGRAPHY
Calgary, Canada.
NEW PISTE IN THE FRENCH PYRENEES A new ski run is due to open this winter at Peyragudes in the French Pyrenees. The Alouette blue run will be a long run providing a smooth, easy return route to the village, but it will also contain terrain features to make it a fun run too.
AUSTRIA’S BIGGEST SKI AREA TO BE 374KM BY 2022
NEW SKI RESORT OPENS IN CHECHNYA
A property sales company looking
linked to the Saalbach-Hinterglemm-
linked area with 306km of runs.
to sell apartments in a new
Leogang area several years ago to create
Now agents selling apartments in the new
A new ski resort is reported to
development set to open next year
what was briefly Austria’s largest ski area,
All-Suite Resort Fieberbrunn are predicting
at the Austrian Tirol resort of
taking the title away from long-time holder,
that a new lift now under construction is
Fieberbrunn says the village will
the SkiWelt. However, the long-awaited
the first stage in a lift link to neighbouring
the North Caucasus. The Verduchi
be part of Austria’s largest ski
lift-linking of the St Anton and Lech sides
Zell am See, and that subsequent lifts will
ski resort cost hundreds of millions
area by 2022.
of the Arlberg took the “biggest area”
complete the connection by 2022 to create
of euros, but unfortunately local
Fieberbrunn, which also has a reputation
title away from them a year later with the
what will be one of the world’s biggest ski
reports say it had no snowfall on
as one of Austria’s snowiest resorts, was
Arlberg claiming Austria’s first 300km+ lift-
areas with 374km of piste.
have officially opened in the Russian Republic of Chechnya in
the ground for opening day, so 800 truckloads were brought in.
HELMETS MADE MANDATORY Hovden Alpinsenter, one of Norway’s leading ski destinations, has announced that helmet wearing is to be compulsory for all skiers and boarders using its slopes from this season onwards. The resort cited safety reasons for introducing the requirement and has not announced what punishment will be imposed on transgressors.
DETAILS OF REVAMPED SHEFFIELD SKI VILLAGE UNVEILED
SLOPE NAMED AFTER OLDEST SKIER
More detailed plans for the new-look
skills, but was destroyed by an arson attack
curving ski runs and a new ski lift.
Sheffield Ski Village have been unveiled by
more than six years ago.
Plans for later phases of the centre’s
A ski slope has been named “Cheers
the city’s council and with the consortium
The £22.5 million redevelopment plan
development include a combination of
to Lou” in honour of skier Lou Batori
leading plans to redevelop the site under
first announced last November includes
action and adventure sports facilities,
who died in February at the age of
the EXTREME Destinations banner.
a new ski lodge, mountain bike trails and
including the possibility of an indoor sky
107 having skied up to age 106 at
The 19.4-hectare site was once home to
zip wires. Details of ski runs have not
diving facility-live music, E-Gaming and
Crystal Mountain in Michigan where
Europe’s biggest dry slope centre, where
yet been unveiled, but artist impression
virtual reality hub as well as restaurants,
world-famous skiers and boarders including
images released show skiers on a
bars, social spaces, retail and themed
James “Woodsy” Woods first learnt their
freestyle ski run and plans show two
accommodation.
he was the only person to have a reserved parking space.
006 // DEC18
@INTHESNOWMAG
© PAUL VILLECOURT / OUTDOOR-REPORTER.COM
IMPROVE YOUR SPLITBOARDING
LUX SKI WEEKEND IN A BOX Tour operator Powder Byrne has come up with what the company describes as “the perfect
the resorts of Val d’Isère and Argentière. Running
solution to the question, what do you get the
throughout the winter season, three different courses
special person in your life who genuinely has
will be suited to advanced and expert snowboarders
everything?”
who already ride off-piste but want to access areas not
The company’s brand-new Ski Weekend in a Box
served by resort lifts. The options range from courses
is a beautifully packaged box containing Pol Roger
aimed at confident snowboarders with previous off-
Champagne, a Fortnum & Mason Christmas cake,
piste experience to more extreme adventures where
a solar-powered mobile phone charger, a Powder
snowboarders reach some of the highest peaks in
Byrne corkscrew or Swiss army penknife, a cosy ski
the Chamonix Valley or do a full tour using some
hat and the main event, a “Ski Weekend” voucher
of the mountain refuges in the Chamonix Valley for
for a three-night Swiss escape for two people.
accommodation, both aimed at experienced, expert
There are two boxes to choose from, a weekend
off-piste snowboarders only, preferably with previous
at the Valsana Hotel & Apartments in Arosa for
splitboarding experience. Prices are from £898pp, which
£3,500 or a weekend at the Waldhaus in Flims for
includes full-board accommodation in an UCPA Centre,
£4,500. Both include accommodation on a B&B
lift passes, equipment hire and 23 hours of instruction
basis, flights from London, luxury resort transfers,
or guiding. Equipment will be provided, including
dedicated in-resort service and complimentary ski
splitboard, boots, transceiver, shovel and probe.
guiding from the Powder Byrne team.
CYRILLE QUINTARD
Tour operator Action Outdoors has launched new dedicated splitboarding courses for this winter in
ALPE D’HUEZ UNVEIL MOUNTAIN COASTER Alpe d’Huez is unveiling a new alpine
d’Huez, set to open on 15 December,
seat luge with one person steering,
coaster this winter that will offer a novel
will be a kilometre long and full of
the other wearing the mask.
twist – participants can ride the coaster
bends, jumps, waves, “flip-flaps” and
This coaster is located in the resort’s
wearing virtual reality headsets.
tunnels as well as being floodlit for
Bergers area, and one descent for
For those unfamiliar with alpine
night use.
two people costs €14 (around £12.50),
coasters, sometimes called mountain
But what distinguishes it from
or €25 (around £22.30) for two
coasters, they are essentially downhill
coasters that have been built so far
descents so you can swap (€32.50
roller coasters, accessed by a ski lift,
is the introduction of virtual reality
(around £29) for 5, €60 (around
and are increasingly popular at ski
headsets so riders can be transported
£53.50) for 10, €90 (around £80) for
resorts around the world.
to another world as they race down
20 and €225 (around £200) for 50 if
The new year-round attraction at Alpe
the track. This is possible on a two-
you get addicted!).
FB.COM/INTHESNOW
DEC18 // 007
V-SHAPE V10
.COM
@TRISTANSHU.COM – GMDS
SAMOËNS
Ski Resort
Village
The Good Life
Family Fun
Highly Accessible
Samoëns is set within the fourth-
If you’re used to the purpose-built
The Savoyard charm of the
Off the slopes, there’s more
Samoëns is only one hour from
largest ski area in France, the
concrete blocks of some Alpine
village is also reflected in the
than enough to keep the entire
Geneva Airport, making it a
Grand Massif, which with 265km
resorts, Samoëns will be a true
local gastronomy and lifestyle.
family entertained. Rent a
fantastic destination for those
of slopes provides entertainment
breath of fresh air. It’s one of the
This is truly somewhere to
fat bike, try your hand at ice
who want to avoid lengthy
for skiers of all abilities. The resort
most beautiful ski resorts in the
experience the good life.
climbing or even paragliding! If
transfers. A great resort for
is linked to four others: Flaine, Les
Alps, an old farming village with
Wellness activities abound,
you’re after a tamer adventure,
families, this short transfer time
Carroz, Morillon and Sixt-Fer-à-
traditional character and a huge
from relaxing spas and
snowshoeing offers a unique
is an added bonus, meaning
Cheval, all of which benefit from
amount of history. The homeland
massage options, to Nordic
way to explore the beautiful
no lengthy journeys for restless
snow-sure geographical locations.
of stonecutters, the pedestrianised
walks and yoga practices.
snowy landscapes, while
youngsters! This also makes it a
With 80% of slopes here north-
old part of the town is steeped
Meanwhile, the delicious
sledging and dog sledding
good choice for short ski breaks,
facing, the area is renowned for
in protected stone architecture,
local cuisine is exactly what
prove undeniably popular with
such as weekend trips, allowing
its impressive snow conditions
which gives this resort a truly
you will need after a day on
children. The skating rink in the
you to make the most of your
all the way into spring. Whether
unique feel. Where new-builds
the mountain – Savoyarde
picturesque town centre is also
time in the mountains.
you prefer gorgeous tree-lined
do exist, they tend to be tasteful
specialities washed down with
always a winner, allowing you
Plan your trip to Samoëns with
groomers, bowls of untouched
timber chalets, designed with a
exquisite local wines.
to bask in the delightful Alpine
award-winning French Alps
snow or incredible mountain vistas,
consideration for the surrounding
ambience of the area.
specialists Peak Retreats.
this area doesn’t fail to deliver.
area and its character.
008 // DEC18
PEAKRETREATS.CO.UK/SAMOENS | 023 9283 9310
BAPTISTE ASSÉMAT
VEGAN, GLUTEN- & NUTFREE HOLIDAYS ON SALE
DALI ON THE SLOPES IN COURCHEVEL
NEW ICE CONCERT HALL TO USE ICE INSTRUMENTS
A chalet holiday company has launched a number of ski
Visitors to French resort Courchevel over the past
The Presena Glacier in the Val di Sole area of Italy’s
holiday packages for vegans and other “special diet”
decade will have been unable to miss the growing
Trentino region is taking its icy heritage to new levels
skiers to cope with demand for meat-free dining. Vegan,
number of works of art that appear on the ski
this winter with a “concert hall” to be built of snow and
gluten- and nut-free weeks are all being offered.
slopes, most of them changing each winter.
ice on the glacier where performances will be made by
Ski Beat, which operates at seven leading ski resorts
In fact the arrival of the work is not just random but
an orchestra playing instruments made of ice.
in the French Alps, say they are responding to record
the work of Galeries Bartoux in partnership with the
The new “giant igloo concert hall” is to be located
levels of demand for special diets with food a big part of
ski area, which 10 years ago took on the ambitious
close to the top station of the resort’s Paradiso cable
the chalet holiday experience.
task of bringing art to the mountains to create an
car station at an elevation of 2,600m.
Guests enjoy breakfast, homemade cakes, canapés and
open-air gallery in the snow. Art at the Summit’s first
The large igloo will be able to host 200 guests for
aperitifs, a three-course evening meal and unlimited
surrealist exhibition saw the ski slopes and resort
a series of concerts to be performed in this unique
wine and coffee during their holiday.
centre become a backdrop for Dali’s artwork with
setting on Thursdays and Saturdays from January
“Ten years ago, it was rare to be asked for special
monumental sculptures appearing including original
to March.
menus,” Sales and Marketing Director Laura Hazell told
pieces that are among the famous artist’s most
The music offered will range from pop and rock to jazz
website Plant Based News, adding, “Now, we have so
renowned creations, made during the 1980s. Skiers
and will be played with ice instruments created by the
many requests we are dedicating specific weeks this
were able to admire “Woman Aflame” at the top of
American artist Tim Linhart.
coming season especially for those who either cannot
Les Chenus and “Alice in Wonderland” at the top of
Both before and after the concerts it will be possible to
eat certain food types, or choose not to.”
La Vizelle, as well as the famous melting watches
visit the “ice lab” where these instruments are created.
Vegan weeks are scheduled to run from 15 December at
dotted all over the resort. Ten years later Les 3
The Ice Music Festival will end with an “Ice Music
the company’s Chalet Cristal 5 in Val d’Isère and from 5
Vallées resort reports that Dali’s work is returning
Party” on Saturday 30 March with famed Italian
January at Chalet Bouquetin in Les Arcs.
to Courchevel’s mountains to celebrate the 10th
musician and cello player Giovanni Sollima.
anniversary of Art at the Summit this winter.
Ski it to believe it! Powder Ski Heaven. Fascinating Culture. Tailor-made perfection. Huge snowfall, amazing powder, beautiful scenery and a rich culture; skiing in Japan is unlike anywhere else in the world. We recommend the resort of Niseko on the island of Hokkaido, with an average winter snowfall of over 50 feet, together with a wide range of accommodation to suit international visitors and easy access from Sapporo airport. Japan offers an amazing array of experiences to complement your ski holiday. From the teaming metropolis of Tokyo, to the tranquil temples of Kyoto or the natural beauty of Mount Fuji, there’s a stopover or excursion to make your trip complete.
Ski Independence can create your perfect Japan ski holiday itinerary. Speak to a Ski Specialist on 0131 243 8097 or visit www.ski-i.com
MAIL@PHILIPPRUGGLI.CH
Heavenly Skiing At Down To Earth Prices
EUROPE’S HIGHEST DRONE RACE HEADING TO SWITZERLAND Ski resorts have something
will be welcoming drones for another
managing director of Drone Champions
of a love-hate relationship
reason. It is hosting the 2019 Drone
League, said, “A race at this altitude and
with drones. They’re used to
Champions League, the first one to
in the snow is uncharted territory for us.
produce amazing video and are
exceed 2000m above sea level.
The entire technology of drones has to
also beginning to be used in
The Drone Champions League is the
withstand the extreme temperatures.
search and rescue, but most
world’s first live high-speed race series
This will be a challenge for all of us
leading resorts have banned
for drones and sees eight international
– a pure thrill. But with our races we
public drone use due to the
teams compiled of the world’s best
want to create experiences that not
possible safety hazards – for
drone pilots compete against each
only fascinate our pilots but also the
example, if a drone collides
other to steer their homemade drones
spectators and fans again and again.”
with a lift.
through the scenic and exhilarating
The Drone Champions League will
But from 28–30 March 2019, the
course as quickly as possible.
commence in LAAX over the dates of
snow park at LAAX in Switzerland
Herbert Weirather, founder and
28–30 March 2019.
5% DISCOUNT
QUOTE CODE 'ITS'
High Quality Catered + Self Catered Accommodation French and Swiss Alps Snow Sure Resorts On / Near Piste locations
WORLD’S LONGEST INDOOR SLOPE SUBSIDING Reports from Germany say that the
say, “been slipping slowly for years.”
reinforced in 2011 after measurements
world’s longest indoor snow slope, the
Plans to stabilise the structure by
indicated subsidence.
Alpincenter Bottrop, is subsiding.
bringing in 400,000m3 of a spoil
In a move to signify the transition from
Built on a huge mining spoil heap
mixture have not proved popular
coal to clean green energy, almost
created by the former Prosper colliery
with locals who fear the moves could
all of Alpincenter Bottrop’s vast roof
in Germany’s Ruhr Valley industrial
endanger health.
is covered in solar panels generating
heartland, the facility with its 640m-long,
The problem at the 15-year-old
clean power to provide refrigeration
24% gradient indoor slope has, reports
centre is not new; roof supports were
and other power for the complex.
FB.COM/INTHESNOW
DEC18 // 011
No Hidden Extras Financially Bonded
0151 625 1921 mountainheaven.co.uk
Lunch on a Sun-Drenched Terrace?
without stopping. That’s a huge 2,300m
Au P’tit Truc is the perfect spot for a bit
Where: Les 2 Alpes.
of sunshine – a charming high-altitude
Stay: 4★ Cortina apartments with
chalet with incredible views. Easy access
Peak Retreats (peakretreats.co.uk;
for non-skiers means the whole family
023 9283 9310).
of altitude covering 16km of slopes!
can enjoy a mountain lunch together. Where: Vaujany. Stay: Le Crystal Blanc apartments with
Dine in an Igloo!
Peak Retreats (peakretreats.co.uk; 023
Experience an unusual dinner time,
9283 9310).
enjoying typical mountain cuisine in the atypical surroundings of an igloo!
Skiing In Isère In The Heart Of The French Alps These days, many ski areas claim to “have it all”. However, Isère in the heart of the French Alps is one area that can definitely stand up to this label. The third most popular French skiing destination, the Isère area is made up of 23 different resorts.
Where: Chamrousse.
Ski the Legendary Sarenne Descent at Sunset!
Stay: Villages du Bachat apartments
Up on the mountains, you would be hard
The famous Sarenne piste is among the
023 9283 9310).
pressed to find an area with more variety,
longest in Europe. Take the last chairlift
from beautiful tree-lined slopes and
up to the summit of Pic Blanc (3,300m)
breathtaking high mountain landscapes,
and ski down as the sun sets – magical
In collaboration with
to Nordic skiing areas and snow-sure
and unique.
Alpes Isère Tourisme.
glacier skiing. Meanwhile, down at resort
Where: Alpe d’Huez.
level you will truly experience a taste of
Stay: 4★ Le Cristal de l’Alpe apartments
Peak Retreats is the French Alps
real French mountain life, with friendly
with Ski Collection (skicollection.co.uk,
specialist featuring a selection of
resorts, cosy restaurants and welcoming
023 9289 0960).
handpicked apartments and hotels in Isère, in the French Alps. Find out more
local businesses. What’s more, it’s all
at peakretreats.co.uk/isere or call their
surprisingly easily accessible – fly into From the charming village of Vaujany
Grenoble and you can be skiing in Isère
to dynamic Chamrousse and the larger,
in less than two hours.
Ski the Biggest HighAltitude Ski Area in Europe!
more lively resorts of Les 2 Alpes and
However, there are a few experiences
In Les 2 Alpes, you can ski from a top
Alpe d’Huez, there’s something to suit
that really sum up why we love skiing
height of 3,600m all the way down to
all tastes and budgets.
in Isère.
1,300m at the village of Mont de Lans
012 // DEC18 PROMO
with Peak Retreats (peakretreats.co.uk;
expert team on 023 9283 9310.
PEAKRETREATS.CO.UK/ISERE
L. SALINO – ALPE D’HUEZ TOURISME
AN AREA THAT HAS IT ALL
f o h c e r v a i e s S u n l I e E able th ford f A ALL PICS: GARNIER ROBIN
E RN HO T AM S: S RD O W
014 // DEC18
w o n S ix F @INTHESNOWMAG
w
and concluded at near 3pm, with the longest segment of the journey being the coach ride that ferried us from Geneva Airport to our accommodation. The main perk here is that you are almost guaranteed to arrive at your hotel stress-free, and in hotels as pleasant as the Hotel Montana in La Tania, you can also look forward to a warm welcome from the chief staff. These guys were all an absolute delight, and really will do everything in their power to ensure that your stay is as comfortable as possible. A complimentary glass of wine was also provided, and several more were purchased from the bar while we relaxed by the log fire in the hotel lounge after our trip.
Day TWO The one thing we can all agree on when booking a winter break is that they’re not cheap. Despite the best efforts of holiday companies to keep prices down, all the different bits involved in a ski trip inevitably add up.
We rose bright and early with a big breakfast first on
At this point it must be said that when the conditions
the agenda, followed by easy collection of rental gear.
are good the skiing in the Courchevel region really is
Then straight on to the slopes with the Hotel Montana
top-notch. At the very top of the slopes leading into La
very conveniently situated beside the main gondola,
Tania, an enormous snowy basin opens up before you,
so almost before we knew it we were up the mountain
just begging to be explored. Fi and I threw ourselves
and on the slopes.
in, and before we knew it we were completely lost (in a
As Fi is still relatively new to the world of skiing, we
good way) between various little groups of trees, pistes
Of course, you want to be out among snow-covered
decided to book her in for a couple of lessons with the
and lifts. If you have good conditions, the compulsion
mountains, exploring all of the slopes, eating all of the
local ski school – New Generation. A top lad by the
to ski till you drop is a very welcome danger.
local cuisine and enjoying all of the aprés-ski activities
name of Josh took the beginners up on a few of the
Suffice to say, this day flew by with such enthusiasm
that are on offer. Ultimately, you want this snowy
gentler slopes and come lunchtime I was reunited with
and joy that we nearly collapsed on our return to
adventure to last forever and, equally, you want to get
a much more confident skier.
the Hotel Montana, but after a short nap we found
your money’s worth.
After a quick lunch, Fi and I met with a guide called Sam,
ourselves back in the hotel restaurant with a large plate
The family holidays that I recall from my youth would
whose time we had also booked via New Generation.
of food brought straight out (our orders having been
generally be comprised of one, sometimes two, weeks
Again, this informative and friendly fellow deserves high
taken during the previous night’s meal for maximum
in one resort or another, skiing as much as we could.
praise; leading us all over the slopes of the Courchevel
efficiency) and another relaxed night in the lounge
That was convenient as two weeks is a very decent
Valley while being very aware of my and Fi’s differing
playing cards and pool.
amount of time to do all of the above and then some.
levels, he was able to provide top tips for my partner
But now, as a twenty-something “millennial” on a tight
while finding runs that I could happily whizz down.
budget, those half-month excursions to the Alps or
After a long day touring the slopes, we both retired
the Rockies are no more, and even finding the funding
for the night to a delightful dinner back at the Hotel
Day FOUR
to fork out on the most affordable of ski trips without
Montana, followed by further drinks in the lounge and
As we neared the tail-end of our trip, the conditions
maxing out the already severely stretched plastic is a
live music provided by a talented guitarist.
for skiing were slightly less pleasant, as a thick layer of
major challenge.
cloud descended upon the mountain range, but due
and get with the times. That means a shorter, affordable
Day Three
ski fix is the order of the day, and I can tell you that this
Day three began with another massive cooked
free of the fog and you look back to see the carpet of
certainly satisfies your cravings for the white stuff.
breakfast to get our strength up before we headed out
grey stretching out to the horizon, although skiing back
I will put to you that the minimum amount of time required
to meet Sam again. He led us around a few more areas
into that is rather less fun.
to achieve the purest ski trip escapism is four days.
before leaving us to explore by ourselves.
Due to the difficult conditions and our own weariness,
So, in order to get to the slopes at all, my snowobsessed fiancée Fi and I needed to think differently
to all the skiing of the previous couple of days, this did not bother us too much. I always love the moment when your chairlift breaks
Our latest trip to La Tania, a wonderful little resort based
we decided to finish on the slopes slightly earlier on this
in the Courchevel area of Les 3 Vallées in France, proved
day, returning our rentals shortly after lunch.
as affordable as it was enjoyable – very.
After relaxing in the lounge a while longer, we popped
On this occasion, we chose to book our holiday via iGO
over to a local restaurant to enjoy a fabulous cheese
SKI. In case you are unfamiliar, these guys specialise
fondue. Relaxing with some fantastic French cuisine and
in providing short trips of roughly three or four days
friendly company made for the perfect finale to our mini-
to some of the most fabulous resorts across the Alps,
break and we headed back to the airport in the evening.
and their efficiency cannot be understated. Here’s a breakdown of our trip:
Day One
The ski-in/ski-out Hotel Montana in La Tania, in the Courchevel Valley, features a swimming pool, sauna and steam room as well as log fire, Wi-Fi, sun terrace and games area. iGO SKI’s half-board package includes a hearty breakfast buffet, freshly baked
Naturally, this was very much a travel-oriented day, and
cakes and afternoon tea, coffee and hot chocolate
as such was a nice opportunity to catch up on a few
and three-course à la carte dinners.
podcasts/books. Our journey began at roughly 4am
igoski.co.uk/ski-weekends/la-tania/hotel-montana
DEC18 // 015
20 JAN I9
26 JAN I9
The White Ring – The Race
Mad Snow Race
Inferno Race
Lech Zürs, Austria
Les 2 Alpes, France
Mürren, Switzerland
The White Ring is a ski route that takes you around
The clue is in the name of this walking or jogging
To be honest, you most likely need to apply for the 2020
the slopes of Lech and Zürs in the Arlberg region.
obstacle course in the snow that’s back for its third
race as 2019 will already be over-subscribed, but the
Celebrating 50 years in existence this winter, the annual
staging this winter. The 5km “fun challenge” comprises
world’s longest downhill alpine ski race open to amateurs
race around the circuit takes racers around 22km of
a “mad” obstacle course with moguls, climbs, descents
is worth attending anyway for the surrounding festivities
piste and 5,500m of altitude. derweissering.at
and sliding zones. les2alpes.com
alone. inferno-muerren.ch/en
MONICA DALMASSO
JUNGFRAU REGION BRUNO PETRONI
I9 JAN I9
7 APR I9
Full Moon Party
European Gay Ski Week
Les 3 Vallées Enduro
La Clusaz, France
Les Arcs, France
France
There’s full-moon skiing a few times each season at
European Gay Ski Week is truly international and
The largest gathering of amateur skiers in the world is
several resorts, but none quite match the Full Moon
attended by upwards of 800 people from all over the
open to everyone from families to expert skiers with
Party that’s been running at La Clusaz since 2003. Party
world each year. This year’s edition promises to be
around 10 events, accessible to all, dotted across the
on skis, on the slopes opened especially for the night
one of the biggest yet, with parties, DJs and a week of
entire ski area. Lots of fun events, pros taking part and
and lit only by the light of the moon. laclusaz.com
festivities. lesarcs.com
prizes to be won. les3vallees.com/en
LES 3 VALLÈES / CHRISTIAN ARNAL
23 MAR I9
DAVID MACHET
22 MAR I9
E V E N T S T O TA K E PA R T I N 2 0 I 9 27 APR I9
20 MAY I9
Bacon Appreciation Day
Bajada-en-Bañador
91st Slush Cup
Aspen, Colorado, USA
Sierra Nevada, Spain
Sunshine, Alberta, Canada
In celebration of closing day at Aspen’s Buttermilk ski
Yet to be confirmed for 2019, but we hope a sure
A pond-skimming event (where you ski over snow
area, this annual event celebrates all things bacon
thing, the seventh annual staging of Sierra Nevada’s
then across a meltwater pool) is a common end-of-
including bacon waffles, bacon doughnuts and even
mass “ski in your swimwear” day usually takes places
season event for ski resorts worldwide, but none is
a bacon and beer happy hour from 2 to 4pm with all
on the last Saturday of April, before the resort, close
bigger than Sunshine’s. One of the last resorts open
bacon items free while supplies last.
to the Med and Europe’s most southerly, ends its
each season, the Slush Cup has been running for
aspensnowmass.com
season. Free lift pass for participants.
more than 90 years! skibanff.com
J M ALCALA
7 APR I9
016 // DEC18
@INTHESNOWMAG
PURE
FREE RIDING PLEASURE 018 // DEC18 PROMO
@INTHESNOWMAG
MIRJA GEH PHOTOGRAPHY
Introducing the Skicircus Saalbach Hinterglemm Leogang Fieberbrunn – the ultimate Austrian freeride ski area. One of the largest ski areas in Austria, the Skicircus boasts 270km of slopes, as well as an extensive range of thrilling activities, international flair and breathtaking natural landscapes. Yet it’s the infinite freeride spots that really make this area stand out.
to be when fresh snow falls. “Easy up – Wild down” is their motto and it’s clear to see why. In Fieberbrunn, it’s all about having fun, taking on some of the most incredible terrain on the slopes before sitting back and enjoying the relaxing nature of life down in the town. The youngest town in the Skicircus and a freeride hotspot at the centre of the Kitzbüheler Alps, it’s no surprise this resort has proved incredibly popular, with its deep virgin snow, sunny slopes and easy-going atmosphere. Across the ski area, freeride routes are available at all levels of difficulty, and dedicated freeride parks can be found at the Lärchfilzkogel in Fieberbrunn and the
Freeriding at its Finest
Asitzmuldenbahn lift in Leogang. In these designated areas, created primarily for those
In merging Saalbach Hinterglemm Leogang
who enjoy freeride and freestyle, various
with the Tirolean resort of Fieberbrunn, the
obstacles have been integrated into the
area has created an absolute freeride Mecca,
natural terrain. If you like your kickers with a
fulfilling every dream of skiing enthusiasts.
side of deep snow, you’re going to have a lot
Here, freeriding means a lot more than just
of fun here. The area even hosts top events
leaving fresh tracks in deep, pristine snow.
such as the Freeride World Tour – if it’s good
Freeride signifies the feeling of freedom
enough for the crème de la crème of freeride
discovering countless powder runs in the
skiing, it’s good enough for us!
great outdoors, the silence that is only broken
Skicircus Saalbach Hinterglemm Leogang
by the sound of the snow beneath your skis.
Fieberbrunn also offers a number of freeride
The Skicircus Saalbach Hinterglemm Leogang
teaching and guiding options for all abilities,
Fieberbrunn makes finding this bliss incredibly
from experts who want to find the best
easy, with Freeride Park, numerous ski routes
terrain to beginners keen to learn more
of varying degrees of difficulty, diverse Check
about the world of powder. Indeed, for the
Rooms (info points), avalanche transceiver
latter, it’s definitely best to dip your toe into
fields and much, much more.
freeriding with a certified guide, who will be able to fully brief you on mountain safety and avalanche awareness.
Three Towns with a Common Ground
Terrain for Everyone
The Skicircus Saalbach Hinterglemm Leogang
FB.COM/INTHESNOW
Fieberbrunn comprises three connected
Nevertheless, while the Skicircus is an
towns: Saalbach Hinterglemm, Saalfelden
ideal destination for off-piste adventure, it’s
Leogang and Fieberbrunn. Together, these
by no means limited to freeriding. Skiers
towns make up one of the largest ski regions
of all abilities can benefit from 270km of
in Austria, but apart, they are all wonderfully
piste, comprising 140km of blue runs for
diverse, creating a unique, varied ski
beginners, 112km of red runs for developing
experience and attracting visitors from all
intermediates and 18km of black runs for the
across the world. Perhaps the most well known
more advanced skiers. With 70 lifts, over 60
of the three, Saalbach Hinterglemm is as
cosy mountain huts and numerous snowparks,
renowned for its incredible mountain scenery
freeride parks, night skiing opportunities and
as it is for its energetic events and legendary
toboggan runs, it’s one of the most diverse
Austrian après-ski. Saalfelden Leogang, on the
and entertaining ski areas in Austria. SkiMovie,
other hand, is a calmer village, giving visitors
speed and race tracks, snow trails, Funslopes
a tranquil destination in which to relax and
and snowtubing provide fun-packed action
rejuvenate, with a range of sports activities
that skiers are sure to love, while other
and cultural highlights available to entertain.
additional offers such as Snowmobil-City and
Last but by no means least, Fieberbrunn is the
Flying Fox XXL as well as the Baumzipfelweg
smallest destination in the Skicircus, intended
(Tree Top Trail), and Timoks Alm and
for those looking to truly leave the stresses
Timoks Coaster, provide unique mountain
of modern life behind. It’s definitely the place
experiences for the whole family.
SAALBACH.COM
North Lake Tahoe
This is one US Destination you Cannot Afford To Miss
North Lake Tahoe is an area unique in the skiing world. Lake Tahoe is the largest alpine lake in all of North America, making this ski destination distinctively different than others you have travelled to before.
North Lake Tahoe is definitely a destination to consider!
the area and conducted America’s first-ever organised
Off the hill, a unique combination of nature and
ski races. In 1960, the Winter Olympic Games were held
tradition have led to a number of fantastic dining
here at Squaw Valley and the area has now developed
opportunities, from sophisticated gastronomy to
into a winter paradise, with a plethora of activities and
family-value fun, as well as an impressive number of
unique experiences to entertain all ages.
craft breweries and brew pubs.
This winter, North Lake Tahoe has invested further
However, what really sets North Lake Tahoe apart
in new snowmaking equipment, energy-saving
when it comes to winter holidays is its commitment
technologies and a huge calendar of winter
to fantastic events and aprés activities. This winter,
Not only is it one of the most stunning natural
events, all of which cements its reputation as an
families can attend a number of festive events, from
landscapes in the world, but it is a ski destination
area with a focus on sustainability, modern luxury
Noel Nights at Northstar California to Northern Lights
with huge variety and is home to the nation’s largest
and family enjoyment.
at Incline Village and all the magical sleigh rides, live
concentration of downhill ski resorts.
One of our favourites of the 12 ski resorts is Squaw
music and holiday celebrations in between.
North Lake Tahoe consists of 12 ski towns that span
Valley | Alpine Meadows, a beautiful ski area which
What’s more, a full calendar of events will be in
the Nevada and California state line, each with its
is covered by the new Ikon Pass, a multi-resort
operation throughout the winter. The fourth Tahoe
own distinct personality and community, providing an
pass offering skiers access to up to 38 incredible
Film Festival will be celebrating environmental
incredible diversity when it comes to both ski terrain
destinations! Similarly, Northstar California is home to
and foreign films, while the music festival
and resort atmosphere.
the Epic Pass, which gives access to a staggering 65
WinterWonderGrass, taking place at Squaw Valley,
With 6–9m of average annual snowfall, North Lake
resorts across the world. So, if you want to get the most
will feature an epic combination of mountain fun,
Tahoe has a history of skiing dating back to the 1850s,
bang for your buck when it comes to your ski pass,
musical performances and craft beer tasting.
020 // DEC18 PROMO
JEFF CURTES
JEFF ENGERBRETSON
POBY
when Scandinavian prospectors introduced skiing to
GOTAHOENORTH.COM
09:00
10:00
13:00
16:00
12:00
15:00
19:00
22:00
WHAT DID YOU DO TODAY? Find the moments that matter this winter
crystalski.co.uk
ATOL protected. Please see our booking conditions for more information.
THE OLDEST SKIERS IN THE WORLD 022 // DEC18
George Jedenoff 
The man who skied in July for his 100th birthday
@INTHESNOWMAG
Skiing or boarding into old age is the dream of many, and the consensus of several studies over the years into mental and physical wellbeing in our later years indicates that it makes sense to keep making your turns on the snow for as long as you can.
weekend,” Hilda told local media as she
the slopes kept them young at heart.
commented on her retirement from the
In addition, 70% of over-65s who ski or
slopes, adding, “I love it so much, but I’ve
snowboard said the fresh mountain air
had a good innings.”
helped them bat away any feelings of old age, with over 80% of people claiming
The Man who Skied the Vallée Blanche ON HIS 99th Birthday
improve their mood. Hitting the slopes is also the key to a good night’s sleep with 78%
Kiezo Miura was a legendary Japanese skier
saying it helps them have better-quality rest.
who celebrated his 99th birthday down the
As well as the mental health benefits,
Vallée Blanche and celebrated his 100th
there are also the physical ones. At 408
But just how old is that? Well, so far, it seems
birthday with four generations of his family
calories an hour, skiing burns more calories
the answer is 107.
skiing in Snowbird, Utah. A skiing teacher
than tennis or aerobics, and almost twice
When a very old skier is spotted on the
and photographer of mountain landscapes,
as many as the equivalent time spent
slopes a news story tends to be published,
Keizo was also the oldest person to climb
playing golf or badminton. Some regulars
so here’s a quick guide to some of the
Kilimanjaro, aged 77, and his oldest son
at Chill Factore have seen physical benefits
world’s oldest skiers of recent years.
Yuichiro was the first man to ski Mt Everest.
including the slowing down of osteopenia
Keizo died in 2006, 41 days short of his
and other conditions, a spokesperson for
102nd birthday.
the centre claimed.
The Man Who Skied for Almost 100 Winters
“Like many other sports, skiing burns a lot of calories and circulates oxygen and
recently hitting the slopes at the age of 107.
Australia’s Oldest Living Olympian Aged 95
Based in Washington State, Lou has been
Born in what was then Czechoslovakia in
frequent bending and stretching of the legs
skiing since age 10. In later years, he had
1921, Frank Prihoda, now aged 95, was
and the need to respond to the bumps and
his own reserved parking space at Crystal
one of the European pioneers of skiing
other features of the slopes. These dynamic
Mountain ski resort.
in the Snowy Mountains of Australia and
movements help to improve balance and
“Waiting to be carted away is a stupid waste
represented Australia at the 1956 Olympics
muscle strength to make you a better skier
of life. You can replace anything – your
in Cortina. Frank currently works part-time at
on the slopes and to improve your overall
shoes, your house, your belongings. But you
Thredbo ski resort’s Ski Museum.
physical fitness and health,” said Jamie
Lou Batori is the world’s oldest known skier,
cannot replace time … so make the best of it,” said Lou.
nutrient-rich blood all around the body. However, what is special about skiing is the
McPhee, Professor of Musculoskeletal Physiology at Manchester Metropolitan
homemade wooden skis in the 1920s, not
The Man Who skied in July For His 100th Birthday
long after alpine skiing had been invented
George Jedenoff has become a bit of an
by Chill Factore said they would still be
and before the sport had been introduced
internet sensation in recent years, both for
skiing or snowboarding in their 70s, and
to the Winter Olympics.
being a very old skier and for being a very
one in seven (14%) were confident they’d
nice person at the same time, and a role
still be going in their 80s. Some are even
model to us all. George has been skiing in
adamant they’ll still be on the slopes in
Utah every season since he first learned,
their 90s!
aged 43, and when he turned 100 on
“It’s the perfect sport to try at any age – it
Hilda Jamieson from Angus in Scotland
5 July last year he decided to hit the
doesn’t matter whether you’ve skied or
reportedly stayed on the slopes to age 102,
slopes to celebrate.
snowboarded before, we have plenty of
shortly before her death in 2016, when a
“The motivation is a matter of attitude,” he
people who start in their late 60s and get the
degenerative eye condition finally forced
said. “We’re on this earth just a short while
bug! We have one gentleman who comes
her to make her final run.
and there’s no use trading in your chips too
to Chill Factore several times a week who is
Hilda Jamieson and her husband David
early. You have to stay in shape, you have to
82,” said Morwenna Angove, Chief Executive
were pioneers of Scottish skiing, first hitting
stay motivated. The thought of coming up
at Chill Factore. “But half of over-65s say they
the slopes on homemade skis in the 1930s,
here to ski is motivation enough.”
easily lose motivation in getting fit, so it’s
Born in Austria, Lou first skied on
Britain’s Oldest Skier Was Still on The Slopes Aged 102
hiking up for the joy of a few minutes’ descent before the first ski lifts were built
University. Two thirds of the over-65s researched
important to make sure you enjoy it.” Ralph White, 82, tries to ensure he gets
as they helped create Glenshee Ski Centre.
More of Us Are Becoming “Snow-A-Ps”
week and regularly visits Europe during the
The couple’s three daughters all became
The Chill Factore indoor snow centre near
winter season.
keen skiers with one competing for Team
Manchester reports that it has seen an
“I feel endorphins every time I hit the slope. I
GB in the 1968 Winter Olympics in Grenoble.
increase in what it describes as the third
feel more positive and totally refreshed. I am
“Nowadays nobody walks, they just take
generation or “Snow-A-Ps” taking up skiing
a huge advocate for enjoying a recreational
a ski lift – and I doubt they could walk up
or snowboarding and visiting the indoor
or physical activity as you get older. If you
those slopes. There were no edges on the
snow slope at least four times a week.
are deeply committed to something you
skis and we only had leather boots, which
In research undertaken by the destination,
enjoy, then keep it going! It will be a huge
I had to clean and dry five pairs of every
83% of people said that they believed hitting
benefit to you both physically and mentally.”
– many of them by the couple themselves
FB.COM/INTHESNOW
snowsports help them de-stress and
across to Chill Factore three to four times a
CHILLFACTORE.COM.
STEPHANE CANDE
STEPHANE CANDE
EXPERIENCE THE MOUNTAINS YOUR OWN WAY
Tignes offers everything you would want from a ski holiday. This sporty cosmopolitan resort gives individuals the opportunity to experience the mountains their way. If you are looking for a hardcore skiing adventure or want a holiday that includes so much more than just the skiing, Tignes can provide this.
140m from the pistes and only a five-minute walk from the centre of Tignes Le Lac. If you are looking for an action-packed ski holiday, there are many other sports that you can try such as snow tubing, snowmobiling, ice climbing and dog sledding. There are also various festive events such as the New Year’s Eve Pop Rock and European Snow and Gay Pride. You can also expect legendary après with multiple spots to choose from such as the Underground Bar and Melting
Ski Lodge Aigle
024 // DEC18 PROMO
The high altitude of 2,100m means the snow
Pot. Plan ahead for these events and stay in
is guaranteed and has led to Tignes being the
an unbeatable location such as the Ski Lodge
first resort to open and the last resort to close.
Aigle, which is part of the buzzing nightlife.
The Tignes and Ski Val d’Isere area allows
Skiworld, the largest independent ski
skiers and snowboarders to explore the 300km
specialist in the UK, has been taking
of beautiful wide pistes and varied terrain. A
customers to Tignes for over 35 years.
noteworthy saving is that on selected dates in
Offering a wide range of ski-in/ski-out
December and January, you can get up to 50%
accommodation from twelve chalets and
off your Tignes & Ski Val d’Isère lift pass when
eight apartments to Ski Lodge Aigle, Skiworld
you book with Skiworld.
has something for everyone and every
Convenience is key in a ski holiday and
budget. Best of all, Skiworld offers a price
Tignes is all about that. No chalet, apartment
match guarantee on all apartments, making
or lodge is too far from the piste or lift, and
sure you get the best deal possible.
the 24-hour bus means you don’t need to
If you are excited by the thought of a ski holiday
worry about getting back from après-ski.
in Tignes and the resort ticks all your boxes,
Skiworld’s ski-in/ski-out Chalet Alfredo is a
then check out skiworld.co.uk or phone 0330
perfect example of convenience, being only
102 8004 to book your perfect ski holiday.
TIGNES.NET | SKIWORLD.CO.UK
ALL DAY, EVERYDAY KEVIN BACKSTROM
P O W G L O V E S . C O M
/
@ P O W G L O V E S
/
P :
D O M I N I C
Z I M M E R M A N N
OLIVER FARYS
Photo © Christoph Oberschneider
POLE SPEED S BEST ALPINE SYSTEM PATENTED COMFORT & SECURITY
∂ Outstanding Comfort – simple handling, fast adjustment ∂ Maximum Security – minimum risk of injury ∂ Ideal power transmission – perfect fit, optimal control
Garmisch-Partenkirchen Germany’s leading ski resort of Garmisch-Partenkirchen is “back in the brochures” for 2018/19 after many years’ absence, with the UK’s largest ski holiday operator, Crystal Ski, offering packages there which are on sale now.
lift pass covering hundreds of
annual World Cup races and has a
kilometres of slopes including at ski
freefall section with a 92% incline.
areas over the Austrian border.
The towns have retained somewhat
The local skiing is spread across two
separate identities. Partenkirchen
main areas: the Alpspitze peak and
has kept its authentic feel and
the lower Hausberg and Kreuzeck
cobbled streets while Garmisch
peaks linked by a narrow track;
tends to be a bit more modern. Both
higher up is the Zugspitze glacier,
offer plenty of charm, with buildings
accessed via a cogwheel railway
painted with traditional frescoes,
from town. A brand-new state-of-the-
and shops ranging from bakeries to
Germany has hundreds of ski areas
art cable car opened last year at the
goldsmiths. There’s a variety of hotels
with most of the larger centres
glacier too.
to choose from, most offering a good
located on its southern border with
There’s a fairly even mix of terrain
4★ standard.
Austria. Until recently they have
for beginner, intermediate and
Other attractions besides the ski
rarely featured in British brochures,
advanced runs, but since the reds
slopes include a visit to the nearby
but Crystal now have two, having
tend to be the longest and best links,
Olympic ski jump, toboggan runs and
previously added the resort of
intermediates in particular will enjoy
the chance to hike on the old Olympic
Ruhpolding to their programme a few
GaPa. Those new to the sport can
bobsleigh track.
seasons ago.
stick to the dedicated beginners’
A week’s stay at the 3★ Hotel
Sitting close to the Austrian border
area, or progress to the wide blues
Rheinischer Hof costs from
in Bavaria (skiers fly into Innsbruck in
on the glacier. Experts will find
£775pp (two sharing) including
the Tirol), they offer 49km of slopes
several tricky blacks to challenge
half-board, flights from Gatwick
in the ski area and an extra 20km on
them – including the famous
to Innsbruck departing 5 January
the Zugspitze glacier, with a regional
Kandahar run, which is used for the
2019 and transfers.
BENEDIKT LECHNER
STOCKIST INFO WWW.ARDBLAIRSPORTS.COM 01250 873863 WWW.LEKI.COM
026 // DEC18
@INTHESNOWMAG
N°1 in ski hire
Rent your skis in advance on www.skiset.co.uk
5% ADDITIONAL DISCOUNT
with the promo code
INTHESNOWMAGAZINE
800 ski rental shops in Europe and North America
Night trains have always been popular with skiers. After all, who doesn’t love the idea of being whisked through the countryside while asleep, only to wake up in the Alps? So with a new Nightjet sleeper train service to the Austrian Tirol, it was time for a ski safari by train. There’s definitely something of the “magic carpet” feel to night trains to the Alps. You lie down and get taken to far-off slopes – adding an extra day’s skiing either side of your holiday. However, in recent years, this romantic – and very practical – idea has been bludgeoned by hard-nosed decisions to cull services. In 2008, the legendary Disco Train was axed by Rail Europe as a result of the economic crisis. Then, two years ago, SNCF brutally axed most of its sleepertrain network to save costs. Eurostar’s own direct overnight ski train has no beds – so skiers have to sit up all night. Hardly the stuff dreams are made of. So when I heard that ÖBB, the Austrian WORDS: DANIEL ELKAN
028 // DEC18
national rail operator, had launched a network of “Nightjet” sleeper services
@INTHESNOWMAG
through Germany to the Austrian Alps
to some of the oldest, most attractive
epic views over the Wilder Kaiser mountain
RailJet train to Zurich, then by TGV onto
every night of the week, I felt a tingle of
chalet buildings in the Alps. We grabbed a
range – best enjoyed from the sun deck
Paris and by Eurostar back to London.
excitement.
second, heartier breakfast and headed up
of the rotating Gipfelalm restaurant which
With valleys, lakes, mountains and fields
To catch the Nightjet, you need to get to
to the top of the Schatzberg peak, to start
perches at the peak. Our guide, Anita
appearing and disappearing out of the
Cologne. So at London St Pancras, fellow
weaving our boards around the network of
from the SkiWelt tourist office, whizzed us
windows, it didn’t feel like an 11-hour
ski writer Rupert Mellor and I heaved our
red runs on the slopes high above Auffach,
around the slopes, stopping to visit the
journey. More like another kind of magic
snowboard bags onto the Eurostar from
sampling spit-roast chicken at the Böglalm
KinderKaiserland, a special area for very
carpet, but this time with us sat up, gazing
London St Pancras to Brussels and from
finished with a shot of Wildschönau
young children to gain confidence on skis,
at the scenery and daydreaming of our
there caught an ICE train.
Krautinger – turnip schnapps. We passed
and to the Simonalm, a 400-year-old hut
next return to the Alps by train.
The huge windows, masses of space, plenty
the impressive new Alpbachtaler Lauser
now guarded by friendly local “witches”.
of table seats and a proper restaurant on
Sauser roller coaster ride, constructed next
We left the SkiWelt feeling that we’d only
board make UK trains seem like a poor
to the Wiedersberghorn gondola.
scratched the surface – and indeed we
relation. In the comfortable café bar we
Soon it was time to slip out of Alpbach and
barely had. However, our final destination,
Daniel and Rupert travelled with Eurostar
were served spaghetti bolognaise, freshly
head down the train tracks to Kufstein,
St Anton, was beckoning. On the way, we
(eurostar.com), ICE and Nightjet trains
prepared salad, wine and draft beer – all
closest station to the resort of Söll. The
stopped for a day to visit Innsbruck and
(nightjet.com) with accommodation
while speeding smoothly at 300km per hour.
resort is part of the huge SkiWelt – with
ascend the Nordkette cable car and then
organised by Tirol Tourism (tyrol.com)
At Cologne, we climbed onto the Nightjet
284km of slope, serviced by 90 ski lifts.
travelled to St Anton on a RailJet train
and local tourist offices (alpbachtal.at;
and into our couchette compartment.
Wandering through the friendly village at
through the spectacular Arlberg Valley to
wilderkaiser.info; stantonamarlberg.com).
There wasn’t a lot of room to spare, but the
dusk, we entered a Tiroler Bauernstandl, a
St Anton station, conveniently located in
Example journey from London to Alpbach:
comfy bedding and cosy washbasin gave
little shop and bar selling regional produce.
the village.
Depart London St Pancras on the 15:04
it a homely, hotel-like feel. We were soon
“So you are English?” the gregarious
That night, a huge new flurry of snow hit
Eurostar to Brussels; take the 18:25 ICE
being rocked gently to sleep by the train,
owner asked. “Then sit down!” Wine was
the region, continuing for two days. We
from Brussels to Cologne; then take
dreaming of the slopes.
put in front of us and a classic BBC video
followed our local guide, Folke, through
the 21:21 Nightjet sleeper train to Wörgl,
We awoke to a knock from the guard
from 1987, On The Piste, showing British
the Gampen and Galzig areas and into
arriving 08:36; from there it’s about 25
delivering breakfast on a tray, before
skiers trying to learn to ski, was played in
tree-lined powder fields for which St Anton
minutes by taxi. Rail fares via Cologne
alighting at Wörgl, a few minutes from
our honour.
is renowned, and eventually back down for
from £195 return.
the village of Alpbach, a resort that has
Unable to shake the hilarious images of
well-earned beers in the village – which
Daniel Elkan is founder of Snowcarbon:
magnetised British clients for many years.
flailing skiers from our minds, next morning
seems to buzz at any time of day or night.
an independent guide on how to travel to
It’s easy to see why. The village is home
we headed up to the Hohe Salve with its
Our reluctant return home took us back by
ski resorts by train.
© TIROL WERBUNG
Travel To Tirol By Train
FB.COM/INTHESNOW
DEC18 // 029
CYPRUS
Many of us have headed to Cyprus on a sun and sea holiday, but not many know that, if you time it right, you can ski on snow there as well as water.
from the beginning of January until the
six including a beginners’ run, three blues, a
with your own skis or snowboard, of
end of March, you can ski on the white
red and a black) and are named after Greek
course, but the centre does have its
snow under a beautiful Mediterranean
gods like Aphrodite, Zeus and Hermes.
own ski shop situated in the Sun Valley
blue sky – that has to be special.
Altogether there are about 5km of runs
area. It is operated by the Cyprus Ski
Skiing has actually been popular in
which have 100% snowmaking coverage.
Club and is run by trained technicians
the area for at least 85 years. The first
An International F.I.S. Skiing Competition
and carries approximately 300 pairs of
The island’s impressive Troodos
recorded ski descents were made in
is organised every year by the Cyprus Ski
alpine skis and 400 pairs of ski boots, 50
mountain range stretches across most
the early 1930s, and the first ski lift was
Federation and takes place at the Zeus
snowboards with boots and 50 pairs of
of the western side of Cyprus, offering
installed more than 70 years ago in 1947.
Slalom Homologated Piste.
cross-country skis and boots. There are
a cool sanctuary in the summer and the
Operated by the Cyprus Ski Club, there
Mount Olympus is located just over 30
also several ski schools who can offer all
opportunity for sports in the winter.
are four ski lifts including a 380m-long
miles from Larnaca Airport and 2km from
levels of tuition.
At the top of the Troodos Mountains one
chairlift and three T-bars varying in length
the Troodos Mountains resort, about an
Membership of the Cyprus Ski Federation
can also find the only ski centre in the
between 125m and 262m long. They are
hour’s drive from the seaside town of
is required in order to gain access to
country on the slopes of Mount Olympus
the most southerly lifts in Europe.
Limassol and the capital, Nicosia.
the lifts, but this is readily and cheaply
(1951m above sea level) where, usually
The slopes open from 9am daily (there are
You can surprise airport staff by arriving
available to foreigners.
030 // DEC18
@INTHESNOWMAG
DARE TO EXPLORE SINNER WINTER COLLECTION SINNER.EU
WHY HIRE WHEN YOU CAN BE A BUYER? It’s a well-versed debate: to buy or to hire your ski equipment? Of course much depends upon your personal circumstances, but for the utmost in value, convenience and flexibility, buying may well be your best choice.
Increased Choice
you prefer piste or powder, freestyle or
own pair of top-of-the-range skis.
When hiring equipment, you are limited
cross country, you will be able to find
With fantastic online retailers such as
to what that store has in stock. When
your perfect ski, rather than being at the
Glisshop making it incredibly easy to find
buying, the world is your oyster! You can
mercy of what’s left in the hire shop!
the best equipment at impressive prices,
shop around, check out both expert and
what are you waiting for?!
customer reviews, browse hundreds of
Impressive Value
skis and find a ski that is perfect for you
Many skiers assume that top-quality
in terms of performance, price and looks.
gear is going to cost them, so rather
Opportunity For Familiarisation
than make one large one-off payment,
An added bonus of buying your own skis
few online stores exclusive to winter
they opt to pay a lesser amount to hire
is that you will be able to really get to
sports, and their staff are all highly
each time they ski. However, if you’re a
know them, using them year after year.
When you reach your resort, those in your
dedicated and experienced in this field.
keen skier, these costs can add up, and
This familiarisation will allow you to feel
party who are renting will have to traipse
They provide unparalleled expert advice
as your skiing improves, these costs will
much more confident on the slopes and in
off to the hire shop, preparing to queue
and a customer-oriented experience
only grow, as advanced hire equipment
turn will make it much easier to hone your
for hours among other holidaymakers.
with a huge number of how-tos and
often comes with an enhanced price tag!
skills. You don’t even have to leave the
Meanwhile, you can head off to explore
videos to ensure you know exactly what
After just a few trips to the mountains,
country – simply head to your nearest dry
the resort, settle in or even hit the slopes
it is you need. The breadth of choice in
you can find yourself paying more to
ski slope or snow centre and save money
(depending on your time of arrival of course).
stores such as this means that whether
hire than you would have to buy your
on hire while enjoying your new purchase!
ARMADA MEDIA POWDER
Winter-sports site Glisshop is one of the
Less Time Queuing, More Time Enjoying Yourself!
032 // DEC18 PROMO
GLISSHOP.CO.UK
LAPLAND
FB.COM/INTHESNOW
DEC18 // 033
Christmas comes but once a year, and once again it is coming up fast! Of course, it goes without saying that Christmas in the mountains is much better than Christmas at home. That was one of the reasons the whole ski holiday idea got started more than 150 years ago in St Moritz when a clever hotelier bet some departing summer visitors from London they’d enjoy spending Christmas there too more than back in grey, foggy London. He was proved right and the rest is history.
Avoriaz
The Largest Christmas Tree in the Alps Car-free and located 1,800m up in the French Alps, Avoriaz is one of the safer and (apart from all the partying skiers and boarders) more peaceful resorts you can find. On 23 December they’ll be unveiling the tallest Christmas tree in the Alps at 23m high, bedecked with 22,000 LEDs – 3km of fairy lights. Christmas Eve promises to be even more amazing with a spectacular fireworks and light show, and this year the resort will be handing a Christmas bauble to every holidaymaker visiting the resort. That means over 10,000 presents to give away! Always with an eye on the environment the resort has also planted more than 464 Christmas tree saplings (two trees planted for every one cut down) – a spectacle in itself! Avoriaz also has a full Christmas programme of events
Spending Christmas in a ski resort with your family is even
including a big Christmas show and a Christmas sweets
more magical. Being able to promise your children a White
workshop where you can master the skills to create
Christmas, seeing Santa in the snow, is very special. And
chocolate soup, homemade vanilla ice cream, chocolate
if you don’t actually like spending time with your extended
spring rolls, coconut emulsion and chocolate soufflé, yum!
family at Christmas, or indeed the whole Christmas prep and
Oh and a final Christmas treat – children under 12 ski free
then making Christmas lunch, getting away from it all and
over Christmas week when an accompanying adult buys a
them all is the perfect excuse.
pass (festive T&Cs apply).
The problem is choosing where to go, and where to stay, from the myriad of choices. Do you put skiing first and look for a great resort or put Santa first and perhaps book a trip to his “homeland” in Lapland where you can visit him at home before he sets off on his Christmas
Davos
A Rare Combo of Snow-Sure & Appealing
Eve world tour? Do you choose a traditional, magical resort, or do you play it safe for snow (this is still early
Europe’s highest town also has one of the most snow-
in the escape after all) and book a modern high-altitude
sure resorts in the Alps, so it offers both traditional charm
destination where the chances of resort-level snow cover
and altitude – a rare combination. What’s more, Christmas
are that much higher? And do you invest in a hotel or
has an extra ski celebration dimension as the world’s first
chalet where someone will do all the leg work prepping
“modern” drag lift, a T-bar, opened here in Christmas 1934.
Christmas lunch and doing the decorations for you or
Staying in Davos is extra special at Christmas. Along with
book an apartment and DIY Christmas, perhaps booking
the resort being fully decorated there are a number of
into a resort restaurant on the day if there’s space and if
Christmas markets, torchlit walks, traditional Christmas
you can afford it?
music concerts and family igloo building. Then on Christmas
The choice will of course depend on your personal
Eve “Samichlaus” and his Christmas angel will be at the
circumstances and preferences. All we can do is present
children’s club at the Steigenberger Grandhotel Belvédère,
some ideas in each category for your consideration …
where there’ll be Christmas games and fun for kids with cookie baking, Christmas carols and stories.
A Snow-Sure Christmas Although last Christmas was super snowy (and as a result,
Hemsedal
Pick Your Own Christmas Tree
tour operators tell us, bookings have ski rocketed), the If you like to go northerly in latitude rather than higher
write “After last year’s snowy winter we’re expecting/hoping
in altitude to make the chances of a snowy Christmas
for the same again this winter”, and although there have been
higher, then the leading Norwegian resort of Hemsedal
some big early snowfalls in October and November, no one
has always been a nice choice for taking in the festivities.
REALLY knows how white this Christmas will be, as previous
There’s a special Christmas Eve bonfire in the village the
years, good or bad, have zero influence on this year, so it
morning before the big day, a special serving of “Christmas
may be wise to hedge your bets and book high. That doesn’t
porridge” at the children’s centre when Santa visits just
mean you have to skimp on Christmas excess though …
before lunchtime, Christmas services at the church through
LAPLAND
previous three were not so much. Although some people will
DEC18 // 035
the afternoon and a special Christmas Eve buffet dinner served at several of the local hotels and restaurants. One particularly nice touch, however, is that you are free
Rhémy De Noël
The Santa Claus Of Courmayeur
to walk into the surrounding forest, though maybe not too far to be safe, and pick your own Christmas tree for your
On Christmas Eve, the wonderful Italian resort of
holiday accommodation, because, well, the forests here are
Courmayeur celebrates its very own Santa Claus, Rhémy
made up of Christmas trees of all sizes.
de Noël. Kids from all over write to Rhémy, sending their letters or leaving them in a special post box located in the
Banff
Christmas In The Castle
village’s Abbé Henry square, and miraculously every one receives an answer. The story goes that Rhémy de Noël was a chimney sweep who was born on Christmas Day. Surprised one year by a lack of snowfall in December, Rhémy embarked
Banff is great to visit at any time of the year of course, a
on a hike through the Mont Blanc glaciers to find out
great resort with three world-class ski areas – Sunshine,
why snow had not yet fallen on the village on Christmas
Norquay and Lake Louise – all nearby.
Eve. Once he reached the summit on Mont Blanc he
But at Christmas it takes it up a notch, no less so than at the
discovered that all of the snow had been caught by a
world-famous Banff Springs Hotel.
giant who was feeling lonely. Rhémy decided to spend
“They put on a huge ‘Christmas in the Castle’ celebration from
some time with the giant, and finally snow started to fall
7 December to 1 January. Things like letter writing to Santa,
upon Courmayeur once again. Since then, every year
snowflakes hidden around the castle for a scavenger hunt,
Rhémy has moved down to the valley on 24 December
A Christmas Carol show at their theatre, gingerbread house
to bring presents to the children who light up a lantern to
making, ornament painting, photos with Santa and the elves,
show him the way to the village.
Christmas pyjama party and more,” explains Naomi Harrison
A small party is dedicated to his arrival at the Maserati
of specialist ski travel agency SNO (sno.co.uk), which has
Mountain Lounge, where, on Christmas Eve afternoon, all
Christmas packages departing Heathrow on 22 December.
of the children wait for Rhémy, and, together, light the big lantern, a symbol of friendship and joy.
A Family Christmas Some ski resorts have a natural advantage over others
Mount Washington Resort Spend Christmas In Bethlehem
when it comes to providing a magical Christmas as they’re located in particularly beautiful, atmospheric places where
The quaint villages of New England lit up by fairy lights are
it’s that much easier to believe in Santa. Oh and they offer
particularly magical at Christmas time, and thanks to the
wonderful skiing too – and what could be a better Christmas
tendency of North Americans to borrow place names from
present than that?
all over the world to name their communities, it’s possible to stay in Bethlehem, the closest town to the historic Mount
Les Gets
Santa’s Home In The Alps
Washington Hotel and Bretton Woods ski area. You can even stay in one of the Inns there. The hotel itself runs the Holly Jolly Christmas Buffet with a festive celebration of sleigh rides, snowshoeing, skiing, stories with Santa, holiday treats and a bundle of other
Les Gets always goes that extra mile for families, with great
holiday-themed activities. A major Christmas buffet is also
attractions and services on and off the slopes, especially for
on offer (this is America!).
younger children, all season long. It’s no surprise that some Ski Famille have a big presence here. As you might expect, therefore, at the end of each year the village bubbles with excitement thanks to Father Christmas,
La Clusaz
RUDI WYHLIDAL
of the UK’s leading family ski specialist tour operators like
The Pestacles Du Père Noël
who Les Gets lay claim to from 22 to 28 December, saying he lives in the resort.
La Clusaz has been organising the famous Christmas
“Father Christmas feels at home here, but keeps to himself
“Pestacles” for nearly 20 years, the biggest family street
because he is so busy preparing all the Christmas gifts.
theatre festival organised in the Alps each winter. From 24
He spends most of his time with his helpful, loyal friends,
December to 2 January, people of all ages gather in the
the elves, in the enchanted forest where he lives,” a senior
village for a magical and wonderful celebration of Christmas
manager at Les Gets tourist office explains.
with a difference, totally unique in France and free for all.
Included in the week’s programme are storytelling, visits
Children will marvel at street theatre in all its forms with
to the heart of Santa’s magical, joyful land in Les Gets and
artists from around Europe using the festive season to
numerous other activities and surprises for the whole family
put on circus and theatrical shows. During the week,
(workshops with the elves, Christmas market, shows, local
magicians, puppeteers, storytellers, jugglers, singers,
village fêtes and fairs, fireworks and the arrival of Father
musicians, artists and dancers put on spectacular shows
Christmas on the 24 December … ). You get the picture.
for all the family.
036 // DEC18
The Alps & Norway Avoriaz: avoriaz.com Courmayeur: courmayeurmontblanc.it Davos: davos.ch/en Hemsedal: hemsedal.com/en La Clusaz: laclusaz.com Les Gets: en.lesgets.com Ski Famille: skifamille.co.uk SNO: sno.co.uk
Christmas in Lapland For a really special Christmas ski holiday it’s hard to beat a trip to Santa’s official homeland: Lapland. It’s a truly magical place and the good news for skiers is that the vast majority of visitors aren’t actually bothered about skiing, which means that in mid-December you’re likely to have the ski slopes pretty much to yourself, as not many Finns venture north at that time of year either. The possibly less good news is that there’s near 24-hour darkness that far north in mid-winter and it can be jolly cold too, but for Christmas lovers that just adds to the magic of the place, illuminated by twinkling lights with the ski slopes themselves floodlit, and often an ultra-fine powdery snow falling, and hopefully, once that stops, the Northern Lights dancing in the sky. Both of the UK’s two largest ski holiday companies, Crystal and Inghams, along with a number of other specialist travel companies, are active in the area and can offer holidays to all of Finland’s leading resorts between them, where you can ski but also try out great activities like dog sledding or a reindeer
North America
Lapland
Banff: banfflakelouise.com
Crystal: crystalski.co.uk
Banff Springs Hotel:
Inghams:
fairmont.com/Banff-Springs
inghams.co.uk/lapland-holidays
Bethlehem: bethlehemwhitemtns.com
Levi: levi.fi/en/
Bretton Woods: brettonwoods.com
Pyhä: pyha.fi/en/pyha
Mount Washington Hotel:
Ruka: ski.ruka.fi/en/skiresort
omnihotels.com
Ylläs: yllas.fi/en
Santa actually has several different homes in the Finnish forest including his Secret Cottage near to the resorts of Ruka and Pyhä, where you can bake gingerbread cookies and sing songs with Santa for a particularly special experience, and his Secret Cabin closer to Levi and Ylläs, where you’ll be met by his elves and can even arrange for Santa to read the letters your children sent to him from home. Inghams are long-time experts in Finnish Lapland and say they’ve had to increase capacity there this winter due to demand. Popular options include their 4★ Ylläs Log Cabins, each of which have their own private sauna to relax in after a day of exploring, as well as a log fire and well-equipped, modern kitchen for cosy nights in. Ylläs is one of Finland’s leading ski resorts with one of its biggest ski areas and boasts one of its most appealing village bases. LAPLAND
MARKO JUNTTILA
safari and, all importantly, meet Santa.
ALPBACHTAL SEENLAND TOURISMUS / BERGER BERNHARD
TIROL WERBUNG / AICHNER BERNHARD
KRAMPUS & CHRISTMAS Santa is essentially a fairly straightforward kind of guy, keeping himself to himself for 364 days of the year (perhaps just dealing with all that preChristmas correspondence and checking his naughty and nice lists), then flying around the world
The Spirit of Christmas
IN THE AUSTRIAN TIROL
Whether or not you see Krampus, the Austrian Tirol is a very special place to be during the weeks running up to Christmas.
on Christmas Eve distributing billions of presents.
This year there’s a special anniversary
There are lots of Christmas events
atmosphere that is created. Bathed
to celebrate too, 200 years since the
too, and it all runs right through to 6
in natural light Rattenberg evokes a
For Austrians, though, there’s another
hymn Silent Night was first composed
January 2019.
feeling of warmth and security.
Advent figure – there’s also Krampus,
in the area. The problem is deciding
For something a little more intimate,
The St Johann Christmas Market
the evil counterpart to St Nicholas, who
which resort to choose as each offers
the medieval settlement of Rattenberg,
taking place over weekends through
balances Santa’s presents for good girls
their special take on Christmas, and
Austria’s smallest town, and part of
December is another very special
and boys by handing out punishments to
many offer Christmas markets of one
the Alpbach ski area, is a very special
experience, with everything from
type or another.
place to be in the run-up to Christmas
Christmas cookie baking and puppet
Innsbruck leads the world when it
with Advent markets, lots of candles,
theatres to gingerbread and mulled
comes to Christmas markets with no
warming fires and a truly special mulled
wine all set under the fantastic
What does this all mean if you happen to
less than six to choose from with a
wine made with elderberries and served
Christmas lights. The tiny market
arrive in Austria during the three weeks
combined 200 stalls. There’s a 14m-tall
in an original Rattenberg Advent glass.
offers a unique shopping experience
before Christmas for a little early-season
Christmas tree full of sparkling and
On the four Advent Saturdays,
for visitors of all ages with its fair of
skiing? Well, along with all those fabulous
glittering crystals which continue from
Rattenberg is illuminated solely by
various crafters, artists, gift shops and
Christmas markets, you may well run into
the famous Golden Roof in the centre
candlelight, torchlight and open fires.
gastronomic surprises.
Krampus. Large, foreboding, black-clad
to 300m above town at Hungerburg.
Visitors are drawn to the town by the
For more information: visittirol.co.uk
those who have been naughty. This all happens on the feast day of St Nicholas, 6 December.
and with antlers on his head, he roams the feast. He’s hard to miss. Lots of ski resorts organise Krampus parades in the weeks leading up to 6 December, with the great Zugspitz Arena organising one of the best. Krampus parades are exciting, fun events, with the scarily costumed marchers dressed to look something between a caveman, a Viking and a demon, often carrying whips or fiery torches to add to their edgy image.
038 // DEC18 PROMO
TIROL WERBUNG / HÎRTERER LISA
streets on evenings around St Nicholas’
STEVEN MCKENNA / SKI SCOTLAND
BY PATRICK THORNE
NIC ALEGRE
SCOTTISH SKI AREA GUARANTEES SNOW FROM GREEN ENERGY The Lecht ski area in Scotland will offer guaranteed snow this winter, thanks to their purchase of a “Snowfactory” – an all-weather snowmaking machine. All-weather snowmakers are proving increasingly popular at ski areas to
NEW FREESKI SUPERSTAR IS ONLY ELEVEN YEARS OLD
guarantee snow cover whatever the weather, but The Lecht’s approach of
A young American freeskier is
Skiing at Grand Targhee and Jackson Hole in
be a prodigy on skis” by his PR people, Kai
ensuring the snow it makes has been
reported to be taking the world of
Wyoming as a member of the TVSEF/Grand
says his dream is to be a pro skier.
matched by green energy produced
extreme skiing by storm.
Targhee Freeride Team, Kai has already skied
Asked what he would like to change in
by the centre’s wind turbine is believed
Eleven-year-old Kai Jones has already won
the infamous Corbet’s Couloir as well as
the world, he said, “I would like to see less
to be a world first – and possibly a sign
a US national championships in the sport
tackling the rarely attempted Central Couloir
pollution around the world, and I would
of things to come in the ski business in
and signed up sponsors including Atomic,
at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, taking lines
like to support our beautiful environment
this era of climate change.
Quiksilver, Smith, Jackson Hole and Teton
that most adults won’t even consider.
more. I am going to support this cause
Gravity Research, who have released a
Described as “an exceptionally well-spoken,
by recycling and by not littering. Support
five-minute film about him.
regular 11-year-old kid who just happens to
Protect Our Winters.”
A spokesperson for The Lecht revealed that they had successfully run the unit in June this year: “The GB Park and Pipe youth team also enjoyed the benefits of the Snowfactory with a very successful training camp at The Lecht on three of the hottest days in June. From now on we may be seeing more snow in the summer months as well as in the winter,” he said. Three of Scotland’s five Highland ski areas have purchased the all-weather snowmaking units from TechnoAlpin. Glencoe on the West Coast had been aiming to acquire one for over a year and, like The Lecht, tested a unit last season. Cairngorm recently announced a £1m spend on snowmaking including a third unit. The area that each Snowfactory unit can physically cover
NEW RAIL PASS MAKES JAPANESE SKI SAFARI EASIER
is limited, and they are mostly used to guarantee snow for beginner areas or
JR (Japan Railways) has launched a new
The new JR Tohoku–South Hokkaido Rail
on any five days of their choice during a
for terrain parks. Unlike most Scottish
regional pass for the Tohuku and South
Pass, which costs about 19,000 yen (around
14-day validity period. Some of the famous
winters throughout the history of
Hokkaido region which should make it
£130) for a teenager or adult, allows holders
Japanese resorts accessible with the pass
easier for skiers to get around Japanese
to make unlimited journeys by train in the
include Zao Onsen, Bandai Resorts and
ski areas if they want to explore – the
areas covered by both companies.
Appi Kogen (Morioka Station) in Tohoku,
will open some of their slopes in early
company also owns and operates several
Operating a “Flexible 5-day” system, the
and Niseko (Kutchan station), Kiroro,
December thanks to the Snowfactory.
leading Japanese ski fields.
pass allows the holder to travel on trains
Furano and Rusutsu in Hokkaido.
snowsports in the country, Lecht have said with some confidence that they
040 // DEC18
@INTHESNOWMAG
STUDIO ERICK SAILLET
There have been lots of remarkable skis made over the years, many design firsts, sometimes a technical breakthrough, but perhaps none have quite turned heads so much as the Oro Nero Gold Skis.
and reflect Pichler’s lifelong desire to create what he calls “High Performance Art”. “Each Foil Skis package is a bespoke experience, designed to individual specifications that create an overall aesthetic of unmatched style and a sheer joy to ride,” the company promises, adding, “The skis are of World Cup performance, in perfect balance
SKIING ON GOLDEN SKIS Rent From: €2,750 (£2,460) Buy From: €42,505 (£38,035)
The clue is in the name – they’ve got gold in
with the body, in harmony with nature and
them and a price tag to match, costing more
something that aesthetically celebrates the
than £38,000 a pair. These really aren’t the skis
timeless beauty of skiing.”
you’d want to leave casually leaning against a
The trouble has been with the price tag and
grungy ski bar when you go après-skiing.
the limited availability, as testing the skis out
Actually, the gold isn’t the only expensive
to see if they actually ski well has been hard
element of the skis, which are sometimes
to do for most skiers, but the good news this
described as “a functional piece of art”.
season is that the Grandes Alpes luxury hotel
The Oro Nero Gold Skis have been crafted
in Courchevel 1850 has the skis available to
with 8,000-year-old certified Bog Oak
rent, with an option to purchase them at the
hardware beneath that 14-karat gold-plated
hotel’s Ski Shop L’Atelier.
finish, also featured on the matching poles,
Of course, this will possibly be the most
bindings and custom-made hardware. Only
expensive ski rental of all time. The Signature
five to 10 pairs of Oro Nero Gold Skis are
Grandes Alpes Foil Skis will be available to
made per year.
rent on a daily rate of €950 (approximately
Founded by Andreas Pichler, an award-
£850) and include a vintage lock, a classic
winning designer, artist and competitive
flask, and a monogrammed leather ski bag,
alpine skier, Foil Skis are the product of
or the more exclusive Oro Nero Gold Skis will
decades of research, analysis and testing,
be available to rent on a daily rate of €2,750 (approximately £2,460). If you like them after your test day, they’ll be available for purchase at approximately €42,505 (£38,035) and include full personalisation with initials or your family crest. Grandes Alpes, Courchevel 1850 is a luxurious Alpine hotel, offering a “chaletinspired experience” alongside the conveniences of a 5★ hotel, including ski-in/ski-out access, personal butler service and now the opportunity to rent the most expensive skis on the market.
042 // DEC18
GRANDESALPES.COM
OUTDOOR SNOW PARK FOR FLORIDA A company that runs a number of summer outdoor attractions in the USA has announced plans to open an outdoor real-snow ski area in Florida. The plans by Point Summit Incorporated are for a 58-acre site in the Tampa Bay area, a location behind their existing TreeHoppers Aerial Adventure Park.
ACTS ANNOUNCED FOR ZERMATT 2019 The first acts have been JORDAN MANLEY
announced for the Zermatt Unplugged festival from 9–13 April next year. Passenger will open the festival and fellow Brit Jessie J will close it on the same
THE WORLD’S MOST NORTHERLY SKI CAMP
stage on the final night. In total there are more than 80 concerts held on 14 stages over five days.
NZ’S SECOND GONDOLA FOR 2019
A company set up by a former ski
The company’s clients can explore the
resort (Riksgränsen in Sweden), among
instructor that specialises in
Arctic Cordillera mountain range via snow-
undiscovered skiable wildernesses in the
building “world first” experiences
cat or helicopter, skiing some slopes that
Arctic Cordillera mountain range.
ski lifts at New Zealand’s North
that push the boundaries of travel
have never been skied before and getting
“The Baffin Island adventure is ideal for
Island ski areas of Turoa and at
is offering what it believes is the
the opportunity to then name the lines
skiers looking for a ‘world first’ experience:
Whakapapa on Mt Ruapehu, will
world’s most northerly ski camp
skied themselves.
uncharted slopes, unnamed ski lines,
open its state-of-the-art gondola
this winter.
Cookson’s heli-ski base is located
immersion into local culture and a real
with 10-person cabins in time for
Cookson Adventures has set up the camp
among the remote fjords near the small
chance to test one’s physical limits,” said
from a base on Baffin Island in northern
Inuit community of Clyde River, further
Adam Sebba, CEO of Cookson Adventures.
Canada, 70° north within the Arctic Circle.
north than the world’s most northerly ski
cooksonadventures.com
Ruapehu Alpine Lifts, which runs
the 2019 ski season there.
COURT BLOCKS PLANS FOR BANSKO In the latest development in a 20-year battle by Bulgaria’s Bansko ski area to expand its lift and slope network on national park and UNESCO World Heritage site land, three
DAVOS KLOSTERS MOUNTAINS
judges reached a unanimous decision that the current proposals breach the country’s environment protection laws.
BLACK SLOPE EXTENSION
COVER BANDS CONVERGE ON DAVOS
The black “Amazzonia” slope (no. 57) in the Pradalago area
Davos will stage its increasingly popular
Green Day, the Beatles and Elton John will
mode at Bolgen Plaza and in the evening
festival of cover bands in the latter stages of
be taking part in the Davos Cover Festival.
in the nostalgic Montanasaal and in the
the ski season next spring. This year tribute
Concerts will take place almost at any
famous Bolgenschanze. With the exception
bands to artists such as Bryan Adams, U2,
time of the day or night between 28 and
of the pre-concert and the dinner show, all
the Black Eyed Peas, Queen, the Bee Gees,
31 March 2019 with gigs staged in the ski
concerts of the Davos Cover Festival are
has been widened along the final
Nirvana, Tina Turner, Bruce Springsteen,
area near the Parsennhütte, in après-ski
free of charge. coverfestival.ch
stretch between Lago Montagnoli
of Madonna di Campiglio in Italy’s Trentino region has been extended. In addition the “Spinale Diretta” piste (no. 73) in Spinale
and the end of the slope.
FB.COM/INTHESNOW
043 // DEC18
HAVE SKI HOLIDAYS GOT BETTER?? 044 // DEC18
@INTHESNOWMAG
A lot of older skiers bemoan how ski holidays have changed. They complain of crowded slopes, airports and roads to the slopes, too much snow making, and especially how everyone in resort spends their time on their phone rather than really “getting away from it all” in the mountains.
It is no longer “compulsory” to clock in for the first lift at 9am and clock out at 5pm ... people seem to be taking it easier and seem to want to enjoy all the other things a mountain holiday offers (fresh air, scenery, après-ski and the many other activities now available in most other resorts).
Better Quality Accommodation is the Norm Accommodation options have improved dramatically
S
But when we spoke to some industry veterans, they
over the past 20 years. The cramped apartments
put forward the case for ski holidays actually having
of the 1960s and 1970s are now largely gone and a
got much better over the years in many different
new level of higher accommodation standard is the
ways. Here’s what their arguments boiled down to:
norm, built to cater for all tastes but moving more into the premium/upmarket arena, while prices are very competitive. This means that to get some form
Ski Areas Are Staying Open Longer
of luxury on a ski holiday is no longer the preserve of the ultra-rich.
The climate may be warming but, so far at least, ski areas are staying open longer. “Lift companies have long realised that they need to provide decent snow conditions from opening
Ski Equipment Is Better
in mid-December right the way through to mid to
Along with better lifts providing us with more time
late April for closure. They have heavily invested
on the slopes during our ski day, ski equipment has
in artificial snowmaking to make a base, and this
changed quite radically over the last 25 years. Until
means that natural snow falling on top can last a
the 1990s it took a few weeks before you could
lot longer, and slopes that may have closed earlier
start to feel confident enough to tackle a red or
can now be left open right through to the end. Even
black slope, but now you see people who started
during the worse years of natural snowfall we saw,
their first lesson earlier in the week skiing fairly
most resorts managed to open a significant part of
confidently on red slopes and even some on black
the ski area,” says Xavier Schouller of ski holiday
slopes. Advances in ski design, originally driven
company Peak Retreats.
in part by copying some snowboard design ideas, have made it a lot easier to learn and then a lot less effort to ski once you have. This means you
Ski Lifts Have Improved
can ski for longer, even if you are not so fit, and
Ski lifts have got better and better, with the lift
continue to ski effortlessly. We could see a lot more
manufacturers building ever-faster and more
older skiers on the slopes. They have the money,
comfortable chairlifts and gondolas. Skiers and
the time and enjoy the great outdoors!
it is also easier for people in their 70s and 80s to
snowboarders are therefore spending less time stood in queues or crawling up the mountain on a slow old lift, and more time enjoying the good bit: sliding down.
Technology Has Made Life Better on the Slopes Although some may complain about people using
FB.COM/INTHESNOW
technology to stay connected on the slopes, resort
In the early years of winter sports a century ago,
connected to the latest weather and avalanche risk
the rich people who could afford to holiday in the
info and keep themselves safe. They can also help
mountains had fun sledging, ice skating and snow
plan routes around big ski areas more effectively
shoeing but didn’t ski much. Then when mass ski
than struggling with a paper map. In the old days,
holiday tourism started around the 1970s, everyone
boarding a lift involved getting a paper lift pass
just skied all day and didn’t do much else. Now
out of a pocket then putting a plastic lift pass in
we have come full circle and people are spending
a machine slot; now many resorts offer hands-
a little less time on the slopes and enjoying more
free access. There are 101 other ways in which
about where they are (perhaps because they’re
technology has improved life on the mountains. It’s
fitting in more time going downhill in less hours
even easy to send live pictures back to Blighty to
thanks to those faster lifts!).
annoy friends and workmates.
apps have made it a lot easier for people to stay
ALEXIS CORNY
?
People Do More in the Mountains
045 // DEC18
S E S S A L E G HEDG T I W
et. ock ur p o y in rd ping boa ing slip now r s o f f reat o d fect am en c e e t b per e an re a ave y liv a h to e 9 h o afe 5. T Cab ced s wh it’s s 201 han o ctor e n ab9 s u c e , r C t ith ins orts s sin ing. w p e , o s s y n d t s i itio p ’re ts gla tain clar por efin sun oun they bum ive ows em rp d hat ery ess n h a r v t w s h p a e s g im abre ee rin ith now Ultr ill s ives njoy to b ey k es w ures n ion rs g y th rly e ou w lass s a u a a y s g l i o s s l t n feat , u e t m a o u c v e i n c s h i is t a c t e r g y on pm ing alit dge man ich e pa are velo rfor ean d-qu he E l , wh dw e e g m o u T e n d p l f f o a s i y g doin es and nd orts ces ng, d st fans y’re e, a suc ion. mak omi d sp e oun c arch s i t c y r i e h l r e d a t v a c s b p e i h p t an of ms ed orts . ble rais rt re wra adv lens see incr ays field ich ona wsp xpe the e, y, it ive eas t the l sno 24 d , wh y an of e b l r s s r t n b u s u o a f s o j g e fram i f d g at pa to to we in ju not ke d ice mpr ack m o ) i l g c p o l s . ’ l a 5 b s: a n u t h i b i c o 8 p c f th be d lour ial, s 9,4 atte ed, rter lso at jo any goo can eye am ater e co is a gre nd £ ksta Inde a r v u f s m u y l c fi u i o t e y e o e t r o y 0 r K e , 9 (a an dy atu Edg lso le in ns, e its a pr irror ,m g TR , an e fe ilab ,649 ut a ntai for ram The on sun en m day usin ava €10 le b Edg pt t e mou he f ecti e b e r e t y c e T o r h a e d g o u . h n t r a r h s T n od or, Ma du un y. es ep in t r to fans fan gre tha a pr mirr as ’s ens res. sibl Up very lose er not On nd l dge pos oke rts lly nly eatu , red h mc a t s E V r f o a i m s o t s 0 t f o U s p t e ’ r s n e 0 a i l o r r ws nd it ful mi ide eb . Th 2,0 , th s no a or a r, sno acc ses e th d™ ible ch i rays only blue find that mirr out hiel eve flex e whi UV las serv not o s b S e w l h e y g n t a l s a u o t d r m f n a e b f y H r In ur gh su me edi orr chro o s. harm feat ted for offe tou ow incr ility e th n gle from ield aten is ly lens ve t hat rmanc , wi exib h p a s d 0 s d fl t h gog u o e a t 9 s s i o ris an Th you t al hea fo . TR r he ies ori pola sa des ints you ing! n bu unn ty per dgetir of not rovi ng a app ctio s to e po i fs e p t r n e u d i h o t l c a pa u t s y b l o u s A g r r g a s o . m o a p n l i y e u i o m r r o g a f p at fit 5g, ean olo t-q le p chn ion the e st 2 t, m chn ion rtab hes is te u m h tect e i j t o t h t g g o f t i c r h i , s h om me te eig twe ure of p eye ce. unc ts e sa ligh feat pro yer es w the pri sias ery me at th ass al la u l v o , and y n h g s c t l o o l y n i s a it , al we su rt en hine end ful r add dge e. A dge uns -spo fri harm he E tigu ht s ds he E s T a tion ’ f g o T i i c e n d r r a e h u s pe ey eile he to b ge t unv ong lly, t cing sed han for l ave edu hat nkfu xpo to c t r h a e t w s h 9 e o s T sn sse kier Cab ok s the ngla e in r at for s at lo anc d off h su ove s th s e m i t e l r s c y o to erf . St glas refle ood rts p sun sure me! spo are for g . l t i e a e s k n of ti the ski gam ptio , s s e ’ r c n e int r ex ditio ths is w offe con mon or th tain f n e u f 12 v o a t h mo l t su mus e re be a is th e g Ed The
NS A F TS
M
G N A H EC
A GA
046 // DEC18 PROMO
OR F R E
R O P S NOW
S
CAB9EYEWEAR.COM
PARK CITY RECLAIMS SHOT SKI WORLD RECORD
22% OF SKIERS DON’T CHECK THEIR INSURANCE
NEW RED & BLACK RUNS FOR COURMAYEUR
It has become one of the fiercest rivalries in the skiing
New research for ABTA has found that 22% of
Courmayeur by Mont Blanc in Italy’s Aosta Valley has
world, with two of America’s great ski towns going
people who have been on a winter-sports holiday
announced 1.3km of new ski runs in the resort’s Arp
head to head over a vital world record.
didn’t check their insurance to ensure that they
sector which will eventually be accessed by a new lift,
Park City in Utah (once known for its strict alcohol
were fully covered for snowsports.
renewing access to an area decades after the Apetta ski
laws when it came to après-ski) is the latest to
ABTA members reported two British ski-related
lift, which used to serve it, was dismantled.
reclaim the crown of shot ski world record holder – a
fatalities and 197 “significant incidents” on
The Arp sector provides wonderful views of the
record that essentially involves a lot of people lining
the slopes last year, and the organisation is
southern side of Mont Blanc, but until this winter only
the resort’s Main Street in a massive long line, each
campaigning to encourage people to stay safe both
freeriders have been able to ski there, setting off from
holding a bit of a ski, which is bolted at each end to
on- and off-piste, by making sure they have the right
the 2,750m-high Arp ridge on off-piste routes accessible
the next skis either side, on to which a shot glass
level of fitness to enjoy their holiday injury-free as
from the Arp cable car.
is balanced. All must then lift the ski and drink their
well as appropriate winter-sports travel insurance.
The new groomed piste skiing will include a 700m red
shot together.
ABTA’s top tips include checking your insurance
run, which in turn gives access to a north-facing slope
For this attempt, 1,275 Park City residents (or
covers the activities you want to do. Many policies
with a very challenging 600m-long black piste with a
“Parkites”) took part with the “ski” (actually 508 linked
will not cover damage to rental equipment or skiing
gradient of 70%. The numerous off-piste routes that have
skis) measuring nearly 785m in length.
off-piste without a guide, and many policies require
long been in existence will continue to be accessible.
The event raised $29,475 (around £22,910) for
you to wear a helmet at all times. They also warn
The construction of the pistes is the first step in a
community organisations in the Rotary Club’s Grant
that a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) won’t
larger project of development in the Courmayeur
Program. The shots were Double Rye Whiskey
cover all your medical costs, private treatment or
Mont Blanc ski area, which will continue with the
provided by local distillery High West. Breckenridge
return to the UK, so you will need to take out travel
replacement of the Youla and Arp lifts, which are due to
look likely to try to reclaim the title later this winter.
insurance to ensure you are fully covered.
be replaced in 2021.
ori eseason! Do M This sk 97pp Ski apts from £
Save £££’s on self-drive
Save £££’s on hotels
Chalets from £119pp
Call us on 0203 137 7678
• Italy • France • Austria • Switzerland • The Pyrenees • Norway • Sp ain • Andorra • Slovenia & Slo vakia
% Save a further 5 using the code t S5 at checkou
IT
www.zenithholidays.co.uk/2019 Terms and conditions apply
These days, us skiers and snowboarders benefit from a huge wealth of accommodation options when booking our winter holiday. However, the amount of choice can be slightly overwhelming and it’s easy to make assumptions about what your accommodation will be like. Because of this, many people miss out on one of the best accommodation options: the luxury self-catered apartment.
© LAURENT SALINO / ALPE D’HUEZ TOURISME
SelfCatered Luxury?
It is possible ... the best-kept accommodation secrets
you want, with no set menus or mealtimes. Feeling like
Montgenèvre – Le Napoléon
a cheesy feast? Enjoy sampling the local cuisine in a
One of the world’s oldest ski resorts and the only
cosy mountain restaurant. Exhausted from a long day’s
French resort in the huge 400km Via Lattea (Milky
skiing? Simply stick on some pasta, put your feet up
Way) ski area. Snow-sure sunny slopes and the option
and relax with a glass of local wine.
to ski into Italy for lunch! Stay at Le Napoléon CGH
Cooking facilities are often on a par with what you
Résidences & Spa, with a fantastic central location, in
might enjoy at home, and the added extras in many
the heart of the resort right opposite the slopes.
apartments are a godsend after a day on the slopes. Whether it’s a swimming pool, sauna, steam room
Les Carroz – Les Chalets de Léana
or hot tub, you can enjoy high-quality hotel-style
Only an hour from Geneva, Les Carroz is a charming
pampering on your own terms.
traditional mountain village, perfect for families and set in the Grand Massif ski area. Stay in Les Chalets de
It’s not uncommon to see “self-catered apartment” and immediately envision boisterous students, cramped spaces and limited “cooking” facilities. However, by doing
Three of our favourite luxury self-catering picks:
Léana CGH Résidences and Spa, luxury apartments in traditional chalets overlooking the central village
so, you overlook some of the mountains’ most impressive
Val Cenis – Les Chalets de Flambeau
accommodation options right under your nose.
An epic ski area with the longest green run in the world
Luxury self-catered apartments are not only beautifully
(so they claim). Stay at Les Chalets de Flambeau CGH
Peak Retreats is an award-winning French Alps
decorated, with fantastic facilities and impressive
Résidences & Spa, at the foot of the slopes by the ski
specialist featuring a selection of handpicked luxury
views; they also give you a flexibility that no catered
school meeting point. With an indoor pool, baby pool,
apartments, including those above, in resorts across
chalet or hotel can. You can eat what you want, when
hot tub, sauna, steam room, games room and spa.
the French Alps. peakretreats.co.uk 023 9283 9310.
048 // DEC18
square, a short walk from the slopes.
PEAKRETREATS.CO.UK
FOR THOSE WHO DARE
www.dare2b.com
BY HENRY SCHNIEWIND
Backcountry skiing can be surprisingly safe if you apply the essentials. But it also depends on other factors including:
1. WHERE YOU GO
©MANU REYBOZ
OFF-PISTE AND BACKCOUNTRY RISK REDUCTION ESSENTIALS
LES ARCS CELEBRATES 50TH BIRTHDAY SEASON
Slopes less steep than 30° won’t release a slab avalanche of any
The French ski resort of Les Arcs,
ending on 14 December next year (2019)
the “50 Years Ski Show” running from 16
consequence. But, you can be on a
part of one of the world’s largest
with the inauguration of new “space-age”
February to 11 March 2019. In addition a
low angle slope and still trigger an
ski areas, Paradiski, and a long-
carriages on the funicular up from Bourg
celebratory “XXL Music Concert” is being
time British favourite, celebrates
St Maurice to Arc 1600 where the original
lined up for March.
its 50th season this winter.
Les Arcs hotel “Les Trois Arcs” opened in
As an added bonus, anyone who is
If you ski on slopes steeper than 30°
The resort, the only one linked directly by
December 1968.
turning 50 during the coming ski season
then further steps are required in order
train and funicular railway from London St
The official celebrations will begin in Arc
can have a free one-day Les Arcs/Peisey
to continue to apply the ‘risk reduction
Pancras by Eurostar during the ski season,
1600 on Boxing Day with planned events
Vallandry ski pass.
measures’ that help to keep your time
has a whole year of celebrations planned,
through the coming season including
en.lesarcs.com
avalanche that releases on a steeper slope above you.
on the mountain no more dangerous than driving a car.
2. HOW YOU GO Avoid terrain traps. Terrain traps are anywhere below you that could make the consequences of being swept away even worse, e.g. into a lake, hole or ravine, over cliffs or into trees. Keep your Distances. Only expose one person at a time to any danger – this means 10-50 metres apart on a slope. Stop at islands of safety - places where you are protected from the slope avalanching above.
3. HOW PREPARED YOU ARE Carry the basic avalanche safety equipment (transceiver, shovel, probe) whenever you go off-piste. Do a
11–17-YEAR-OLDS OFFERED CHANCE TO DRIVE JAGUARS AND LAND ROVERS ON SNOW
partner check to make sure everyone’s transceiver is working before you set off.
The French ski resort of La Plagne
Accompanied by a qualified instructor
be offered free of charge but while
If you’re buried under an avalanche,
is to offer budding Lewis Hamiltons
and a parent/guardian, children take
the minimum age is 11, there’s also a
you have 15 minutes to live. Your
aged 11–17 the chance to try driving
the steering wheel via dual controls
minimum height requirement of 142cm
on snow in a Range Rover Evoque
and, through fun exercises, start
or about 4 foot 9 inches. The sessions
or a Jaguar E-PACE this winter.
learning to drive. The sessions will
are also open to 18–22-year-olds.
friends should be able to find you and dig you out in less than 15 minutes. henrysavalanchetalk.com
050 // DEC18
@INTHESNOWMAG
The
Whistler Company As winter sports fans, we are all becoming increasingly aware of the pressures that climate change is putting on our beloved mountain environment.
SCOTT SERFAS
Taking Responsibility Seriously
season, they are replacing all toiletries
the best possible service, so that all
Holiday Whistler offer a unique service
with aluminium instead of plastic,
visitors can enjoy the best of Whistler.
in the resort, providing a high level of
ensuring all products are organic,
Indeed, with local ownership and staff,
service to both homeowners and guests.
chemical-free and cruelty-free, and they
Holiday Whistler set themselves apart
Recently, a significant rebranding process
are promoting reusable water bottles
with an unparalleled knowledge of
has aligned their expert local knowledge
and shopping bags. Holiday Whistler
the area. They are able to assist with
and passion for Whistler with increased
will also be upping their recycling
any queries you may have, with a
We all want to enjoy those spectacular
environmental sustainability efforts.
efforts and aiming to educate guests
can-do attitude and friendly hospitality
snowy slopes, but we want to do so safe
With the hospitality industry currently
on the recycling options available in
that is sure to make you feel right at
in the knowledge that our globe-trotting
experiencing huge challenges when it
the resort, alongside allocating part of
home. If you’re looking for a beautiful,
actions are not putting our mountains in
comes to environmental sustainability,
their time and revenue to not-for-profit
well-serviced property, an amazing
further jeopardy. For travellers heading to
Holiday Whistler pride themselves on
environmental organisations.
destination to explore, and a company
the popular resort of Whistler this winter,
providing a combination of personal
Working with both homeowners and
that takes environmental responsibility
one company is striving to offer a more
service, local expertise, global reach and
guests, Holiday Whistler strive to
seriously, Holiday Whistler may just be
sustainable option.
the utmost in sustainable practices. This
combine their sustainability efforts with
the answer.
ALL PICS: SCOTT SERFAS
A property management boutique,
ď ľ PROMO
HOLIDAYWHISTLER.COM
SUN PEAKS
MICHAEL WERLBERGER
RESORT:INSIDER
SUN PEAKS in an eight-year term as Canadian Senator for British
of Chief, Expo and Challenger running under the
Columbia. The good news is you don’t have to be an
Burfield chairlift are seldom skied in the week, and
Olympic-standard skier to join Nancy: just competent
Headwalls has a seriously steep 55-degree pitch
enough to get around the mountain.
(that’s where the FIS World Cup Speed Skiing event, the Velocity Challenge, is staged).
Eat Japanese:
Great Coffee:
Regular visitors to BC ski resorts will know that among the diverse ethnic mix in this Western
While it can still be a challenge to find a good coffee
Canadian province, there’s a strong group of people
in some North American ski resorts, Sun Peaks is
Built around a compact, pedestrianised and ski-in/
of East Asian heritage from just across the Pacific.
blessed with several great cafés. None rate higher,
ski-out central resort development, the ski area
They’ve brought with them many good things,
however, than the Bolacco Café, which touches on
above has grown into one of North America’s
including sushi, and Japanese cuisine is very popular
a 90% excellent 5★ rating on TripAdvisor from more
biggest and best.
in British Columbia. In Sun Peaks you can indulge at
than 200 reviews, with another 9% rating it merely
the Oya restaurant in the heart of the resort, one of
“very good”! The reason is great service and a
the best of its kind, well, anywhere.
fantastic selection of largely home-made snacks and
Ski With Nancy: One great thing about skiing in North America is that
savouries. Yum.
Try The Dark Side:
most resorts have some knowledgeable locals on hand to give you a free tour of their slopes. At Sun
Sun Peaks has a very family-friendly atmosphere
Peaks, though, this offer is truly turbo-charged with a
– there’s even a ski-in/ski-out primary school for
free tour offered in the early afternoon each day by
village kids at the base of the slopes (how cool is
Nancy Greene Raine, who won a very decisive giant
that?), but if you like your skiing “steep and deep”
slalom victory in Grenoble, France, in the 1968 Winter
it does have a dark side with steep terrain – in fact,
Olympics, was voted Canada’s greatest female athlete
North America’s only Speed Skiing World Cup events
of the 20th century and even managed to squeeze
are staged here. The double black diamond runs
052 // DEC18
SUN PEAKS
Sun Peaks in BC, Western Canada, is one of the great success stories of modern ski resort developments. Established 25 years ago on what had previously been a “locals’ ski hill”, Sun Peaks has grown organically and as a community with a clear desire to be a good place to live as well as a world-class ski destination.
B O O K YO U R L E S S O N S N O W A L P I N E M O J O. C O M | I N F O @ A L P I N E M O J O. C O M
Ease into it so you can look forward to
available in the pharmacies, where you
each new day.
are restricted by their opening times,
As an athlete warms up with mobility
so be sure to bring them with you.
exercises, dynamic stretches and
Keep them in your pocket for niggles
raising their heart rate, so should you.
on the slopes.
It doesn’t have to be anything high
Do your research on the piste map
intensity. If you enjoy yoga, why not
and lift times. Getting stuck in a
introduce a few flows to your morning?
neighbouring valley because the
Otherwise a walk to stretch your legs
return lift is shut can really put a
certainly helps. Croissant from the
dampener on your holiday (you really
bakery, anyone?
do learn from experience). Or taking
If it’s a bluebird powder day and you
your beloved on a red run that you
are at the front of the lift queue, you
“thought was an easy blue”(NEVER do
are forgiven for heading straight to
this). Have a plan, and know final cut-
the fresh stuff without warming up.
off times for the lifts.
However, if you’re going to spend the
Mobile phones and cards can
day on the pistes it’s worth making
interfere with the signal of your lift
your first runs count. Go to a gentler
pass at barriers. To be speedy, ensure
day in the mountains.
slope and relax into it by skiing at 60%,
your ski pass is on your left-hand side,
I confess I haven’t met many people
but over-exaggerating the movements.
in a pocket on its own, preferably in
like this! Something always comes
Exercises such as flexing the boots,
the sleeve.
up, and they don’t quite start the gym
shuffling the feet and stepping uphill
If you are really keen to maximise
when they should, and then is there
as you traverse the slope all help to
skiing time, then consider travelling
any point going when there’s just two
increase mobility and prevent injury.
up the lifts alone. A lot of the queues
weeks before their trip? I can totally
Your legs will thank you!
have single lines, which move quite
understand that. So here are my top
Learn the 10 FIS rules. Adhering to
a lot quicker as they fill the empty
tips for making the most of your time
who has right of way and when means
spaces on the chairlifts. This is most
on skis (once in resort!).
that everyone has a more enjoyable
effective on a six- or eight-person
We expect people to get excited,
day on the slopes and will help prevent
chairlift, especially in peak season. For
especially when somewhere new and
accidents. These can usually be found
only a few minutes alone, this time is
there’s so much to explore; but often
on the piste map, as well as the phone
well traded!
people ski/board longer than they
number of local patrollers. Have it
Skiing and boarding are best when
A model client will spend weeks prior
should on the first day, pushing their
saved in your phone just in case.
it feels effortless and fluid, which
at the gym, working on their flexibility,
body past its limits. Almost everyone
Healthwise you need to drink more
is when you are comfortable and
strength and cardio fitness, enabling
I know overdoes it; then they are too
water than you are used to, to
enjoying yourself. Look up and
them to be ready for all types of snow,
sore for the next three days to do as
compensate for the altitude, exercise
appreciate the view from time to time
conditions and the demands of a full
much as they wanted to.
and alcohol. Painkillers are only
– it really is spectacular!
WORDS: SEGA FAIRWEATHER
MAKING THE MOST OF YOUR TIME ON SNOW ... Most tuition providers, including ours, have at least one blog dedicated to preparing your body for the strenuous movements required for skiing and snowboarding.
054 // DEC18
ALPINEMOJOSKISCHOOL.COM
PROTES T. EU
EXETER SKI SLOPE WILL STAY OPEN A dry ski slope operated by a club that is celebrating 50 years in operation will continue to operate, the local council has confirmed. Exeter Ski Club operates on a dry slope at Clifton Hill, but doubts over the slope’s future surfaced when the adjacent sports centre closed due to snowfall damage.
©MATHIEU BITTON
WILL SMITH RAVES ABOUT SKI DUBAI Hollywood star Will Smith was in Ski Dubai earlier last month and posted a live video of his stay in the indoorslopeside Kempinski hotel. “They made a winter environment in the desert. Why go to the snow when you can bring the snow to you? Dubai is wild,” Smith commented
LENNY KRAVITZ TO PLAY OUT ISCHGL’S SEASON
before going skiing. Rock star Lenny Kravitz – whose hit
resort’s five-month-long ski season to
Gonna Go My Way”, “It Ain’t Over ’Til It’s
AREA TO REOPEN AFTER DECADES
“5 More Days ’Til Summer” was one of
a spectacular finale on 30 April, the
Over” and “Fly Away”, as well as songs
the signature sounds of the UK’s long
penultimate day of the season, performing
from his latest album Raise Vibration. He
hot summer – will scale new heights
on a mountain-top open-air stage at
joins Ischgl’s impressive Hall Of Fame of
A small ski area known as
when he stars in Ischgl’s Top of the
2,320m in front of thousands of fans.
international artists who have opened and
Adventure Mountain, close to the
Mountain season-closing concert at
Kravitz, a huge name in rock since signing
closed Ischgl’s ski season, including Robbie
community of Greenland in the state
the end of April next year.
his first record deal nearly 30 years ago,
Williams, Elton John, Kylie Minogue, Lionel
of Michigan, is set to operate for the
The American singer will bring the Tirolean
will be performing hits such as “Are You
Richie and Mariah Carey.
first time in 20 years. The local ski club was awarded a $10,000 grant by the government to purchase a drag lift to install at the hill.
JOINT HOSTS FOR WORLD CHAMPS The International Ski Federation has selected the resorts of Courchevel and Méribel in France to host the 2023 Alpine World Ski Championships. At their international congress in Costa Navarino, Greece, the FIS chose the French bid ahead of one from Saalbach-Hinterglemm in Austria.
€10M INVESTMENT IN SWEDISH AREA
POOL TO PISTE BY THE MED
Sweden’s Sälen ski area is set
A luxury hotel company in Spain is offering
of southern Spain to the ski slopes of
starts from €1,570 (around £1,400) per
to receive what owners SkiStar
skiers the chance to stay for two days by
Europe’s most southerly resort, with its
couple and includes two nights in a
are describing as “Scandinavia’s
the pool in Marbella then head up into the
124 ski slopes, where they’ll stay in the
Junior Suite at Puente Romano and two
mountains in Sierra Nevada.
equally luxurious ski-in/ski-out El Lodge.
nights in a Double Deluxe room at El
The Pool to Piste package from Puente
This offers direct access to the Maribel
Lodge – breakfast included. Transfers
and expanded snowmaking facilities
Romano, Marbella, takes guests from
piste into the main station via the spacious
between the two hotels are also included.
in time for the coming winter.
the (hopefully) sun-drenched beaches
sun deck. The Pool to Piste package
puenteromano.com
most modern eight-seater express chairlift”, along with new ski runs
0056 // DEC18
@INTHESNOWMAG
IN ASSOCIATION WITH
WATCH HUNDREDS OF VIDEO REVIEWS YOUTUBE.COM/INTHESNOWMAG
Dalbello DS 130 Ski Boot
Killtec Kicky Kids’ Jacket
Expert skiing demands expert fit - but wouldn’t you prefer something a bit more comfortable than the usual race boots? The DS could be the boot for you. Unbelievable control, superb power transmission onto the edge and not compromise on fit. These boots will be on the feet of instructors, coaches, freeriders and those who really know how to ski. £450 | skibartlett.com
Help your kids stand out in style with this very affordable jacket. All the technical features you’d expect in a ski jacket scaled down to a suitable size to keep your kids warm, dry and happy all day. Don’t just use this for skiing; whenever the weather changes, be bright, be seen and always keep warm and dry. £44.99 | skibartlett.com
Patagonia Capilene Air Mid-Layer
As its name suggests, this is a barely there super-lightweight mid-layer that feels as warm as a 100-weight fleece, but as light as air! Its unusual knitted appearance will look at home on the piste or in your living room. Eco polyester wrapped in merino wool makes it warm but also durable. Hooded £139.99 Crew £109.99 | skibartlett.com
BERN WESTON PEAK HELMET
With a detachable brim, the Weston Peak helmet is crafted using Bern’s Zipmold construction. Combining flyweight, impact-absorbent Zipmold liquid-injected foam and a streamlined PVC microshell plus micro-adjustable Boa® Fit System, Lux Liner and goggle airflow channels, the Weston Brim provides a no-nonsense fit and solid temperature regulation. £100 | Surfanic & RX Sport
Blizzard Sheeva 9 Women’s SKIS (FAR RIGHT) & Rustler 9 Skis (RIGHT)
Last year’s successful Rustler and Sheeva ranges have just grown with the introduction of the new narrower 90mm versatile all-mountain model. So easy to start the turn with its rockered front, but with grip and playful performance throughout every turn and on any slopes. This will be a superb ski to start you on the road to off-piste skiing. Both £449 Per Pair | skibartlett.com
IN ASSOCIATION WITH
Ortovox Fleece Plus
Bollé SCARLETT PHANTOM+
Classic Knit Hoody
This refined, frameless design features Bollé’s revolutionary lens, PHANTOM+ which combines four advanced lens technologies to redefine vision on snow. Made with NXT® for superior visual acuity, it adapts to light thanks to a powerful molecular photochromic filter, allowing you to see clearly in any light condition. LTS (Low Temperature Sensitive) technology ensures optimum photochromic performance even in low temperatures. £129 | bolle.com
SINNER Stoneham Hybrid Ski Helmet
More at skibartlett.com With their renowned reputation for specialist expert advice, combined with their carefully selected and tested range of products, it’s no surprise that Ski Bartlett’s word-of-mouth reputation over the last 50 years has made them the UK’s most popular independent ski shop!
Warmth with the utmost classiest style – wear it skiing, wear it for après, or if you’re like us you’ll be living in it almost every day of the week! This is a superb quality product you should definitely add to your gorgeous Swisswool collection. £249 | skibartlett.com
The perfect combination between a lightweight in mould helmet and extra protection provided by the top ABS shell. The soft fleece lining and the rotating size adjuster wheel ensures a comfortable fit. The Stoneham ski helmet has multiple ventilation channels, removable earpieces and a goggle holder. £115 | Go Outdoors
YOUTUBE.COM/INTHESNOWMAG
@INTHESNOWMAG
TOMMYXROSSIGNOL Tenacious Men’s Jacket
The Tenacious Jacket has classic Tommy red, white and blue chevron detailing and includes the iconic logos of both Tommy Hilfiger and Rossignol. The multiple high-performance fabrics provide quick-dry, durable, breathable and insulating properties while maintaining ease of movement. £600 | tommy.com | Select Tommy Hilfiger Stores
Lange XT 80 Free Junior Ski Boot
Arva Reactor Ultralight 25L
A kids’ hike-and-ride ski touring boot built on the same principle as the popular Lange XT Free range but in a scaled-down lightweight version for little rippers who want to come along for the ride. £249 | skibartlett.com
Avalanche Airbag Backpack
A fast-inflating, lightweight avalanche airbag. If you are a weight-conscious tourer, a smaller skier, or just fed up with heavy backpacks, – this avalanche airbag gives you all the technical features you would expect on a backcountry pack, with the advantages of lighter fabrics and cleaner lines. £540 | skibartlett.com
Scott Scrapper 95 Ski
Dynastar Legend X96 Skis
Designed for those of you who want to ski more off-piste than on, but whodon’t want to compromise on either! Its front rocker and tip shape allow you to easily turn on pistes, charge through crud and float in powder. You’ll get grip on hard snow, power underfoot and stability at speed. £639 Incl Binding | skibartlett.com
A new all-mountain freeride ski for this season. Utilising tech ideas from across the Scott range, these are light, poppy and playful and have integrated skin holes – giving you a fun ski for touring and an all-mountain ski for everyday adventures. £425 | skibartlett.com
Therm-ic Boot Dryer
EIVY ICECOLD
Did you know your feet can sweat up to a Coke-can-full of sweat each day! Make sure you dry your boots after skiing to ensure your feet stay warm the next day. Lightweight for easy travelling with extendable arms that blow air into the boots. Can be used for any footwear or gloves. £38.95 | skibartlett.com
The neck warmer is ideal when it’s cold, the fabric is moisture wicking, stretchy and fast drying, and a light brush on the inside keeps you dry and warm. Flatlock seams prevent chafing and the extended back gives extra warmth and protection. Extended cuffs with integrated thumb loops make sure the arms stay in place. £59.99 | Boardwise & Surfdome
BASE-LAYER TOP
Atomic Vantage 97C Skis
Fischer Ranger Free
A solid, confidence-building all-mountain ski in a newly constructed lightweight form. Stability and performance on the piste, lively and playful on the off-piste, smooth and predictable through different turns and terrain. Explore the mountain and still have legs for the next day! £524 Incl Bindings skibartlett.com
Rockered-style grip walk soles will help you hike to find those hidden powder stashes and their carbon-reinforced 130 flex and freeride inspired lightweight construction will allow you to charge on the way back down on any terrain you can find. Pin tech binding compatibility. £579 | skibartlett.com
FB.COM/INTHESNOW
130 Walk Ski Boot
DEC18 // 059
FLUX DSL Men’s
MONS ROYALE Yotei
Snowboard Bindings 2019
Powder Hood LS Baselayer
BURTON Paddox Men’s Snowboard Jacket
The Flux DSL focuses on weight, flexibility and playfulness. A nylon and fibreglass Performance Blend provides all-around performance and allows the Alpha Base to be super-lightweight while remaining soft with a comfort footbed. The Honeycomb Strap gives a more comfortable fit and lightweight design. £219.95 sputniksnowboardshop.com
This long-sleeve base layer is made from 100% merino wool so has the benefits of being thermo-regulating, antiodour and breathable in all conditions. The scuba-style hood and high neck offer luxurious protection. £99.95 sputniksnowboardshop.com
This snowboard jacket features a refined pullover style with a side zip for easy entry. DRYRIDE two-layer fabric and taped seams provide the waterproofing, while the trademark Burton Living Lining provides adaptive breathability and moisture wicking for allcondition comfort. £224.95 sputniksnowboardshop.com
BATALEON Storm Women’s Snowboard 2019
The third-generation freeride 3BT profile with a dynamic camber work together to provide more uplift in the nose for maximum float in softer snow alongside a powerful edge hold and predictable response. SideKick dramatically increases the uplift just outside the widest points of the nose and tail to improve handling in rough terrain. £459.95 sputniksnowboardshop.com
BATALEON FeelBetter Women’s Snowboard 2019
Fully updated for the 2018/19 season, this soft and forgiving board is designed for riders looking to progress with confidence. The new and improved third-generation 3BT with SideKick in the tip and tail will make edge catch a thing of the past. Why feel good when you can feel better! £369.95 sputniksnowboardshop.com
ANON M4 Toric Snowboard
IN ASSOCIATION WITH
THIRTYTWO TM-2 Scott
Goggle (+ Spare Lens & MFI Facemask)
Stevens Men’s Snowboard Boot
These goggles offer an incredibly precise helmet-to-goggle fit with a maximum field of vision. Toric lens technology mimics the natural curvature of the eye for superior optics, enhanced peripheral vision and maximised venting for a fog-free view. SONAR lens technology increases your depth perception and boosts contrast. £259.95 | sputniksnowboardshop.com
The TM-2 blends support and comfort to produce an all-terrain slayer that suits all riding styles. Energy Foam cushioning and the cradling Performance Footbed mean there’s nothing too big to launch off. The Performance Liner has been constructed with dual-density Intuition foam to maximise support and stiffness. £279.95 sputniksnowboardshop.com
BATALEON Magic Carpet Men’s Snowboard 2019
Designed from the ground up with pow in mind, the Magic Carpet is the ultimate choice for resort powder days. The twin shape makes the board equally fun to ride in any direction, and the Twin Pow 3BT + SideKick profile massively raises each corner to provide float and turn initiation in softer snow. With dual carbon rods extending outwards from the mounting points towards the tip and tail, the Magic Carpet will fly through crud and variable snow conditions. £499.95 | sputniksnowboardshop.com
060 // DEC18
YOUTUBE.COM/INTHESNOWMAG
@INTHESNOWMAG
BURTON GORE-TEX Dunmore
BURTON Wheelie Double Deck
Men’s SNOWBOARD Jacket
Luggage Bag
At a first glance, the 2019 Burton GORE-TEX Dunmore snowboard jacket might look like your typical workwear jacket, but underneath it’s packing some serious shred credentials. The GORE-TEX fabric outer pairs with the lightweight THERMOLITE® insulation and Living Lining® to result in a high-performance waterproof and breathable jacket with automatic climate control. £249.95 sputniksnowboardshop.com
Breeze easily through the airport with the rugged IXION™ skate wheels, and pack like a tornado thanks to the volume-enhancing CRAM™ stretch zipper zones. Large enough to hold all your kit for a couple of weeks away, and even squeeze in a few extra souvenirs on the way home. £224.95 sputniksnowboardshop.com
SINNER Olympia Goggle
POW AUGUST TRIGGER MITT (BUCKHORN BROWN)
Take cover in this impressive glove made with superior fabric and grade-A leather. Be ready for anything! Featuring premium water-repellent leather, fitted leather cuff with ergo-leather pull-tab, hybrid style for maximum warmth, buff thumb material to wipe your nose/goggles and wrist cinch closure. £79.99 | Absolute Snow & Surfdome
ANON Prime MIPS Men’s Snowboard Helmet
Twenty-three vents with onehanded adjustment and a 360° Boa Fit System allows for on-thefly fit adjustment with just the turn of a dial. The Hybrid 50/50 shell combines a durable hard plastic top with the performance of a featherweight bottom. £194.95 sputniksnowboardshop.com
The Olympia is our newest goggle. It’s a very modern goggle with a minimalistic look because the frame is only 2 mm wide. Therefore the field of view is great. Equipped with a double mirror lens with special anti-fog coating to stay fog free, while it blocks harmful UV-rays. The mirror lens (Category 3) is suitable for very sunny conditions, reduces glare and offers 100% UVA / UVB / UVC protection. To make it fit perfectly under your helmet the Olympia is equipped with an adjustable and anti-slip strap and an outrigger system. £65 | Go Outdoors
BATALEON Boss Men’s
BERN WATTS & WATTS
Snowboard 2019
MIPS HELMET
This snowboard will take every rider up a notch. The bigger the lines and the harder the terrain, the better it gets. A softer flexing core is reinforced with X-shaped carbon stringers under each binding for stability and durability, and the SideKick profile raises the corners of the board to boost float in soft snow. £519.95 sputniksnowboardshop.com
Their original visor helmet is still delivering looks and performance, utilising Bern’s premium liner with Boa technology and drop-in audio ready ear pads. The Watts uses a thin ABS shell lined with EPS foam to create a burly lightweight lid that meets certifications for both bike and snow. £90–£110 Ellis Brigham & Surfdome
(MATTE BLACK)
MONS ROYALE Cornice Half-Zip Women’s Baselayer
The Mons Royale Women’s Cornice Half-Zip offers a highperformance merino base layer for mountain life. Thumb loops provide sleeve security, and the half-zip allows ventilation when you need it. Also boasting the anti-odour, moisturewicking and thermo-regulating properties of merino wool, it’s the ultimate all-rounder. £89.95 sputniksnowboardshop.com
FB.COM/INTHESNOW
BURTON Avalon Women’s Bib PanT
The women’s Burton Avalon Bib snowboard pant features stretch panelling at the centre back for unrestricted mobility and to keep snow from sneaking inside. A chest pocket keeps everything in its place, while fleece-lined handwarmer pockets also store keys, phone or cards. The classic overall suspender system also includes a drop-seat feature that works seamlessly under a jacket and allows for easy bathroom breaks. £214.95 | sputniksnowboardshop.com
More at sputniksnowboardshop.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.
THIRTYTWO Zephyr FT
ARE YOUR SKI BOOTS COMPATIBLE WITH YOUR BINDINGS?
Planks Men’s Tracker
Women’s Snowboard
Insulated Jacket & Pant
Boot 2019 (Floral)
Planks utilise recycled plastic bottles to make lightweight bomb-proof fabric, that makes hiking a dream and stands up to everyday action without an issue. Economically priced, so you will still have some money in the bank to book that trip and find that pow! Jacket £279 Pant £179 (not shown) skibartlett.com
These soft and forgiving boots have been built for park and pow days alike and feature the Fast Track lacing system for easy entry and exit. The Team Fit liner has been constructed with dual-density Intuition foam specially formulated to provide a great balance of support, flex and comfort. £209.95 sputniksnowboardshop.com
Historically there were only two ski boot sole options available: smooth alpine soles for your general skiing and grippy rubber touring soles to help when hiking. Then a few years ago, WTR (Walk-To-Ride) soles were introduced, giving alpine skiers a grippier sole for walking combined with smooth alpine sole sections for safer binding release. Now we have a new kid on the block: Grip Walk. Grip Walk soles have taken the boot industry by storm and are the answer to most people’s skiing needs. The curved grippy rubber sole makes it more natural to walk, much like a scaled-down touring sole, combined with alpine-style smooth sections that rest on the binding to allow for safe lateral release. The result: safer, easier, more natural walking! The sole development came about as a result of more and more people having a dabble at touring and off-piste skiing, but they wanted the holy grail of ski boots, the one boot that could do everything! But these soles are definitely not just for the more adventurous skiers among us – how many times have you walked to a lift or the treacherous stairs to the toilet and felt like you were taking your life in your own hands trying to stay on two feet? We feel, along with lots of others in the ski industry, that in a few years’ time Grip Walk soles will become the new alpine norm. Why wouldn’t you want to make your skiing experience a whole lot easier? So where’s the catch? Well, the main one is that WTR and Grip Walk soles are thicker and more rubbery so will NOT fit into your standard alpine bindings. But fear not: manufacturers have created suitable bindings to correspond with each of the four different soles available, and some bindings are also cross-compatible. It’s important to check that your ski boots fit properly into your bindings and not just sit in – sometimes your boot will look like it fits in the bindings but it isn’t actually correct. Always get your boot and binding checked by a certified workshop technician. If these are not set up correctly they may not release when they need to and can lead to injuries!
062 // DEC18
Head V-Shape V6 Ski
Similar construction to the lightweight Kore skis make these less tiring to ski and creates a more agile feeling under your feet: great for all-day-long skiing without the demanding feel of a standard ski. The good thing about the V6 is that when you push their limits, ski quicker and ski harder they’ll still give you the performance when you want them to. £465 Incl Binding | skibartlett.com
Smith I/O Mag Goggles (Rise)
Smith Quantum MIPS
The I/O MAG™, utilising Smith MAG™ lens change system, is designed for optimised performance and perfected fit: two locking mechanisms for lens security, AirEvac ventilation for fog-free integration with Smith helmets, and a frame designed around one of Smith’s largest spherical lenses, providing a maximised field of view and 5X anti-fog technology. £229.99–£254.99 Ellis Brigham | Snow and Rock
The Quantum is protection with maximum horsepower. Using Aerocore construction featuring Koroyd and Smith’s innovative Exoskeleton design to provide increased protection in side-impact zones, this is the helmet for athletes pushing the limits on the mountain. £269.99 | Absolute Snow | Surfdome
Helmet (Matte Black Rise)
YOUTUBE.COM/INTHESNOWMAG
Wherever You Prefer To Ski... Wherever You Prefer To Ski...
Wherever You Prefer To Ski...
TOMMYXROSSIGNOL Shimmering Women’s Jacket
The Shimmering Jacket has classic Tommy red, white and blue chevron detailing, the iconic logos of both Tommy Hilfiger and Rossignol and includes a detachable faux fur hood. The style also comes in matching ski pants and accessories £600 | tommy.com Select Tommy Hilfiger Stores
...We’ve Got The Equipment and Expertise To Get You There! ...We’ve Got The Equipment and Expertise To Get You There! ...We’ve Got The Equipment and Expertise To Get You There!
POW TRENCH GTX GLOVE
Featuring a durable GORE-TEX insert, buff thumb material to wipe your nose or goggle, over-cuff design for total coverage and wrist cinch closure, this glove is all you need. £44.99 | Absolute Snow & Surfdome
Bringing you the UK’s largest range of specialist skis and boots and advice and expertise since 1965 We’ll always be here to help and advise you on the correct equipment Bringing you the UK’s largest range ofyour specialist skis and and advice and expertise since 1965 for wherever passions andboots dreams take you
Scott Premium
Fischer F17 Ski
Wheeled Ski Bag
A very user-friendly ski at a great price. Hone your skills in the morning, while still allowing your legs to keep working for those “afterlunch” tired afternoons. Lightweight and easy to control. Perfect for when you want to cruise and enjoy the scenery! A great ski for the aspiring intermediate among us. £399 Incl Binding skibartlett.com
Adjustable length for different-size skis, whether you have an ever-growing quiver, or you’ve got various family members who want to “borrow” your bag! Lightweight but with solid and sturdy inline skatestyle wheels, helping you maximise baggage weight allowances at a superb price. £160 | skibartlett.com
We’ll always be here to help and advise you on the correct equipment for wherever passions and dreams take you Customyour Ski Boot Fitting Specialists
Ski largest Industries ofspecialist Great Britain Official Testers Bringing you the UK’s range of skis and boots and Ski advice and expertise since 1965 Custom Ski Boot Fitting Specialists We’ll always be here to help and advise you on the correct equipment Winner of the World Snow Awards - Best Specialist Retailer Ski Industries Great Britain for whereverof your passions andOfficial dreams Ski takeTesters you Winner of the World Snow Awards - Best Specialist Retailer
Custom Ski Boot Fitting Specialists FREERIDE | FREESTYLE | TOURING | TELEMARK | RACE | RECREATI LANO Ski Industries of Great Britain Official Ski Testers
DEC18 // 063
FREERIDE | FREESTYLEWinner | TOURING TELEMARK | RACE | RECREATIONA of the World Snow |Awards - Best Specialist Retailer Ski Bartlett, Uxbridge Road, Hillingdon, West London, UB10 0NP Bartlett, Uxbridge Road, Hillingdon, West| London, UB10 0NP | FREESTYLE | TOURING | TELEMARK RACE | RECREATIONAL T:FREERIDE 020Ski 8848 0040 | E: info@skibartlett.com | www.SkiBartlett.com T: 020 8848 0040 | E: info@skibartlett.com | www.SkiBartlett.com Ski Bartlett, Uxbridge Road, Hillingdon, West London, UB10 0NP T: 020 8848 0040 | E: info@skibartlett.com | www.SkiBartlett.com
STANCE Backcountry
BURTON Eastfall Women’s
EIVY ICECOLD BASE-
Ultralight Men’s
Snowboard Jacket
LAYER TIGHTS (LANDSCAPE)
Snowboard Socks
Its clean design is paired with the tried-and-true classic fit to make it the perfect choice for adventures both on and off the mountain. The premium waterproofing of DRYRIDE two-layer fabric and dependable eco-warmth of 40% recycled content THERMOLITE® insulation keep you warm and dry in all conditions. £209.95 sputniksnowboardshop.com
Base-layer tights in stretch, fast-drying and moisturewicking fabric with a light brush on the inside to keep you dry and warm. Extra waist height for warmth and protection and flatlock seams to prevent chafing. £54.99 | Freeze Pro Shop Surfdome
The Backcountry Ultralight socks offer the perfect mix of graduated compression and ultra-low-profile warmth. Exceptional comfort, unprecedented durability and obsessive attention to detail have made these socks true overachievers and the perfect companion to wherever your next alpine adventure may take you. £24.95 sputniksnowboardshop.com
Ortovox Safety Bivy Bag
If you’re heading off the beaten track you never know what mishaps may happen – be prepared for any eventuality. A lightweight, waterproof and windproof cover that will protect you from the elements, combined with its extremely bright colour to make you visible if you need to be rescued! An essential safety item to add to your ski touring backpack. Single £50 | Double £70 skibartlett.com
Volkl Secret Women’s Ski
Taking over from the legendary Volkl Aura and based on its new awardwinning big brother the Mantra. If you’re the kind of girl who can stick it with the boys, who charges hard and who wants performance, stability and edge grip out of their skis, then you’ve just found your weapon for this winter! £624 | skibartlett.com
Mammut Barryvox Avalanche Transceiver, Shovel and Probe Set
At not much more cost than some avalanche transceivers, this is a great starter avalanche safety set to get you started on your forays into the back country. Optimised to be lighter-weight, whether you’re touring or just want less weight in your pack. Super safe – fast and very easy to use. As Mammut would say “When time is your enemy, fast is your friend.” Don’t leave home without one! £325 | skibartlett.com
Smith Skyline Goggles (Deep Forest)
The all new Skyline maximises your field of view with its rimless design and provides superior helmet integration. The oversized spherical lens has substantial peripheral vision and is enhanced with Fog-X anti-fog coating for clear vision. £159.99–£184.99 | Ellis Brigham | Freeze Pro Shop
FLUX TT Men’s Snowboard Bindings 2019
The TT does everything you need from a binding and can dominate the park just as easily as wade knee deep through pow or rip some carves on the piste. The Alpha highback offers all-round versatility with an even and natural flex and provides solid support from the super-tough nylon material. A micro-adjuster lets you adjust the forward lean in 2.5° increments. £189.95 sputniksnowboardshop.com
064 // DEC18
Smith Mission &
THIRTYTWO TM-3 Grenier Men’s
Mission MIPS Helmet
Snowboard Boot 2019 (Grey/Black)
(Matte Ink)
This boot has been built to conquer the entire mountain and is the most versatile of the ThirtyTwo line-up, representing the pinnacle in comfort and customisability. The Elite liner has been injection moulded with high rebound foam to provide premium support, a medium flex and long-lasting durability. Intuition foam makes this liner completely heat mouldable, and an Elite footbed provides adaptive arch. £379.95 | sputniksnowboardshop.com
Where classic styling meets everlasting value, the all-new Mission brings the proven fit and function of Smith helmets to an audience who will never again call this piece of gear “just a helmet.” £99.99–£129.99 Absolute Snow | Surfdome
YOUTUBE.COM/INTHESNOWMAG
@INTHESNOWMAG
REUBEN SHAUL
WATCH ‘EDDIE THE EAGLE’ ON HOLIDAY WITH EDDIE
MORE COUPLES PLAN WEDDINGS IN THE SNOW
CHALET COMPANY BATTLE PLASTIC
Tour operator Ski Weekends is giving skiers the
An adventure wedding photographer says she
Chalet company AliKats Mountain Holidays have joined the
chance to ski and stay in the same chalet as Eddie
believes the demand for snow weddings has risen
battle against the 8.3 billion tonnes of plastic in the world.
“The Eagle” Edwards in January.
by half after a heavy snowfall in the UK last spring.
Since establishing their company in 2011, which now
The company will be running their special “Ski +
Cat Ekkleboom-White, who takes pictures of
runs 10 chalets in Morzine, Al and Kat have been
Stay with Eddie” holidays in January from Thursday
couples in the snow at ski resorts across Europe,
conscious of keeping plastic usage to a minimum.
10 to Monday 14 January, Monday 14 to Thursday 17
says she has seen a 50% uptake in the number of
Over the years, they have refined their techniques and
January and from Thursday 17 to Monday 21 January
winter weddings for the 2019 season.
now follow these simple, but effective, procedures:
based in the Ski Weekends’ Chalet Monique in
“My destination weddings are on the rise but most
buying organic cleaning products in bulk and refilling
Courchevel 1650 in Les 3 Vallées.
predominantly is the rise of winter weddings,
existing containers, plus purchasing food with minimal
The holiday will provide guests with the opportunity
where people want to get married in the snow,”
packaging or having it delivered in reusable crates.
not only to ski and stay with Olympian Eddie but also
says Cat, adding, “I do definitely feel that winter
“We have a responsibility to do our best to reduce single-use
to watch the movie Eddie the Eagle with the legend
weddings are becoming more popular, much more
plastics in the chalets so we undertook a complete end-to-
himself followed by a Q&A.
than in previous years. March is still the most
end assessment of our business to identify where we these
Also, £25pp will be donated to charity Ski 4 Cancer a
sought-after month as there is still snow on the
were being used,” commented Al Judge of AliKats. “We
UK charity which provides Alpine-based holidays for
mountain yet the weather is warmer in general.”
have made changes to many areas including the suppliers
families affected by cancer and also makes grants to
Cat says the Austrian Alps are the most
we work with and our kitchen processes, and although this
UK-based care institutions and funds research into
popular destination for winter weddings, with
often means spending more, we think it is worth it.”
the positive effects of exercise.
legendary ski resorts such as Kitzbühel, St
New for this season, Al and Kat will be giving every
“Ski Weekends are looking forward to working with
Anton, Zell am See and Mayrhofen top choices
guest a reusable water pouch for the slopes, replacing
Ski 4 Cancer this season with the aim of raising as
for couples looking to say their vows in the
plastic toothbrushes with bamboo versions and
much money as possible for such a great cause,” said
snow then hit the slopes on their wedding day.
substituting all plastic washing-up brushes with ones
company MD Dan Fox.
wildconnectionsphotography.com
made of natural materials. alikats.eu
CHALE TS IN LES GE TS Where you can ‘tailor your holiday’ from economy to luxury…
A SELEC TION OF OVER 30 PROPER TIES
www.chalets1066.com
M
I
N
U
T
E
S
JACKIE PAASO Jackie Paaso is a professional freeride skier and former Vice Champion of the Freeride World Tour (FWT).
How do you prepare mentally in order to deal with the pressures and the stresses of competing? It is a constant struggle. I’ll have days when I feel really confident about my skiing, and the next day I feel like
So how did you end up one of the
the worst skier in the world. I think
world’s top freeride skiers?
that’s common in a lot of people
I started skiing when I was four
and athletes. We are very critical of
years old, and I was a mogul skier
our own performances. So when I
until my early 20s, competing in
have those days I fight it! I’ve had
moguls, aerials and ski ballet! Then
days before a competition where I
I moved out to Tahoe and I started
felt like the worst skier in the world
mostly freeriding. I did my first
but I manage to push it to the side
competition in demo bindings and
and win the contest. It’s not letting
I almost won! I got fourth place, but
yourself dwell on that thought. I run
I started to think, “OK, I might be
ski retreats with Uthrive and this is
able to be good at this!”
an area we massively focus on as our heads can be stopping us from
Where is your favourite place to
skiing at our best.
ski and why?
066 // DEC18
It always depends on the conditions
What would you say has been the
but I would have to say the Alps.
best moment of your career so far?
The mountains are just amazing,
I think I’m in the midst of it, with
especially after coming from the
my film Evolution of Dreams. Being
States. They are so accessible and
able to share my story with people
the tradition of skiing in the Alps
is probably going to be one of the
is so special compared to other
things I look back at and I see it as
places in the world.
one of the best parts of my career.
Are you ever scared before a run
Where will your journey
and if so, how do you combat this?
take you next?
Yes!! I’ll have those days where
I’m currently working with Uthrive
I’ve chosen a line that is quite big
running ski retreats where I get to
and I do get scared, but I have to
share my passion and knowledge
ask myself why I am scared. If it’s
with other freeriders, skiers or
because it’s something I shouldn’t
anyone who wants to give freeriding
do then I have to take a step
a go. We get to visit some pretty fun
back and make a new plan. If it is
places like Chile, which has some
something I can do then I have to
incredible mountains that most
push that fear to the side.
people have never skied before!
READ THE FULL ARTICLE ON INTHESNOW.COM