Another ski season is just getting started, and we are all hoping that this one will finally be the one when everything is open as normal – or pretty close to it at least. At the time of writing, things are looking promising with the last major ski nation that was closed to us last winter – Japan – now opening its borders. We’ve all learned that things can change fast, but please not this winter!
Also on my wish list for Santa is lots and lots of light, fluffy, powdery snow everywhere. I’ve tried to be good, so hopefully he’ll tell the snow gods to oblige. Things have got off to a good start in North America at least, with lots of ski areas opening early after all the snowfall there,
and so far it just keeps dumping, turning into one of the greatest starts to the season of the past decade.
Now we just need the same in Europe. The signs have been good since midDecember – low temperatures, snow falling. We could just do with a little more at the time of writing.
Tour operators and travel agencies are telling us that even with the depressing “cost-of-living crisis”, prices at Christmas and New Year are below average this year, so if you’ve not booked yet and you don’t want to miss your annual snow fix, there’s no time like the present for looking into it.
Have a great season!
Patrick Thorne | Editor* Cool and laid-backor “lässig“ as the Austrians say
A Chamonix-based international team has completed the first-ever ski descent of the highest mountain in Swat Valley, Pakistan. The team – Brit Aaron Rolph, Slovenian Bine Žalohar and Tom Grant who has dual American-British citizenship – skied from the summit of Falak Sar, the Valley’s
highest peak at just short of 6,000m. “Putting our skis on just under 6,000m and skiing off the summit was pretty special. The initial turns were over a steep no-fall zone,” said Žalohar. Despite being dubbed the Switzerland of Pakistan and being home to the
country’s most developed ski area, Malam Jabba, the Swat Valley receives very few international tourists. Much of it was occupied and destroyed by Taliban forces who carried out many atrocities between 2007 and 2009; however, the area is widely considered safe now.
Extreme skiing legend and star of Warren Miller movies, Dan Egan, has released a second volume of All-Terrain Skiing. The book condenses Egan’s 40 years of ski experience into an approachable guide to help skiers of all abilities take their skills to the next level. There are 31 exercises helping skiers to master their body mechanics and balance, from powder to ice and all the conditions and terrain in between. £22, amazon.co.uk
Famous French resort Alpe d’Huez has two new lifts to improve slope access this winter. The Huez Express gondola replaces the Televillage lift from the village of Huez, a small, charming mountain village with narrow streets and typically Alpine architecture, and in neighbouring Auris, the Les Sures chairlift has been replaced by a new, high-performance, fast Télémix combining chairs on gondola cabins on the same cable.
Finnish resort Levi has unveiled its new Glacier Express chairlift on the resort’s front slopes. Levi has one of the world’s longest ski seasons, around seven months from early October to early May as it uses snow farming to store snow through summer then uses it to make ski runs in early autumn. Now the resort is aiming to create a ‘glacier’ by piling on snow to last year round below the new lift.
A survey of over 2,000 snowsports enthusiasts carried out on behalf of snowsports retailer Snow+Rock has revealed that more than a third (38%) have missed the benefits of snowsports to their mental health. Also, 81% of respondents said they
have missed the mountains more than a summer holiday and 94% said the pandemic has made them appreciate a winter-sports holiday more.
Mountain views and “the feeling of being alive on the slopes” topped the moments they most wished for.
The FIS has announced that CransMontana will host the 2027 Alpine World Ski Championships. It will be the second time that the Swiss resort has hosted the Championships, and 2027 will mark the 40-year anniversary from their first staging there. The World Championships take place every two years. The next staging will be Courchevel Méribel, France, next winter followed by Saalbach, Austria, in 2025.
In line with its eco-tourism philosophy and in order to continue its actions in favour of responsible tourism, the French resort of Les Gets is joining others like Switzerland’s Laax in offering wooden ski passes this winter. This innovative solution to reduce plastic created by ski passes still has RFID chips for hands-free access but is organically sourced from beech trees growing around the village.
In fact, with 70 lifts and 270km of slopes for all tastes and abilities, spread across a vast area, it’s one of the biggest in the entire Alps. It’s also one of the coolest, with loads of great mountain huts and a buzzing après ski scene.
There are great flight connections to Salzburg from the UK, from where there’s a direct shuttle or efficient public transport connections to the ski area. Here’s why you need to book your next ski holiday there.
The region’s full title may not exactly roll off the tongue, but the long name should remind skiers that long name = lots and lots of skiing. The options include the longest ski circuit in the Alps – 65km (41 miles) long, taking in 32 lifts and 12,400m of altitude difference.
A big part of any ski holiday is the food, and you’ll certainly be well satisfied by the Skicircus. On the ski slopes themselves there are 60 huts to choose from, with an eclectic selection of both cosy, traditional huts (some up to three centuries old) and some cool, modern establishments as well.
The slopes of the Skicircus are famous for their beautifully smooth grooming, but
there are numerous off-piste freeriding slopes, and ski touring descents are plentiful as well. A short hike will take you to many itineraries, and ski guides are ready and waiting to lead you to the best spots when you visit.
On the slopes there are wonderful kids’ areas, fun runs and family parks. Off the slopes there are numerous opportunities to spend quality time together, perhaps on a cosy horse-drawn sleigh ride or a walk across the ‘Golden Gate Bridge of the Alps’. There’s one of the longest and fastest zipwires in the Alps, the Flying Fox XXL, as well as five different toboggan runs and Timok’s Alpine Coaster in Fieberbrunn –free to ride with your lift pass.
The region’s tagline “Home of LÄSSIG” means “home of happiness” and that’s the feeling you should get staying in the region. Some say the happiness comes from the friendly, caring service everyone here aims to deliver, others that it’s the feeling of joy from skiing a perfectly smooth run or just the sheer exultation of bouncing down through fresh powder.
Whatever your personal source of happiness, welcome to the Home of LÄSSIG!
Austria’s ‘Skicircus Saalbach Hinterglemm Leogang Fieberbrunn’ is one of the biggest and best ski regions in the country.
How do you like to get to the mountains? For some it’s all about the jet plane. For others, nothing can compare to the extra freedom of your own set of wheels. One way gets you there a little faster, it’s true, but taking your own vehicle gets you there in style.
Let’s break it down. Firstly, there’s the nobrainer on cost, particularly if there are two or more of you in the car.
You’re obviously laying out for fuel + tolls + Eurotunnel, but it compares pretty favourably to the alternative costs: travel to airport + airfare + resort transfer. There’s no hanging about either. If you take a Eurotunnel shuttle you’ll be hitting the autoroute in Calais just 35 minutes after driving onto a train from the Folkestone terminal. Self-driving is also a
much lower CO2-emitter. The more people you have in the car, the fewer emissions per person, and of course the more fuel-efficient your car, the better for the environment (and your wallet).
Taking your own set of wheels means you’re in total control of the whole journey. There’s no hanging about for your bags or waiting on your resort transfer, no danger of excess baggage charges and zero risk of your skis getting lost en route.
Having a car in the resort can be a big bonus too. Many area lift passes cover resorts a little distance away (as well as the local slopes), all of which are easy to get to in a car.
The fast, smooth motorway down from the Channel avoids most big cities en route
to the Alps, so congestion en route is unusual. When heading to the French Alps, seasoned snow patrollers tend to take the autoroute via Reims (A26), Dijon (A31) and Macon (A6), then swing east towards Geneva and up to the mountains. If you really can’t wait to hit the slopes, then buy an Emovis Tag from Eurotunnel before you leave home, which means you can whizz through the ‘hands-free’ lanes. Before setting out, make sure your car insurance covers you in Europe. There’s a checklist you’ll need to cover: headline beam-benders stuck to your lights, and make sure a warning triangle, first aid kit and breath test are in your car, as well as snow chains for your tyres when travelling into mountainous regions.
Bon voyage and enjoy your Alpine adventure!
After last winter’s commemoration of 100 years of the slalom, Mürren will celebrate another anniversary as the Ladies’ Ski Club, which was founded in the resort’s Palace Hotel in January 1923, hits its centenary too. The LSC will mark the occasion on 23
January 2023 with a costumed slalom race – all ladies welcome – and a reception at the Mürren Tourist Office. There will be a celebration dinner at the Hotel Eiger and a brunch in the revolving Piz Gloria restaurant at the top of the Schilthorn (2,970m).
Events at the end of a ski season often get skipped over as we move into summer mode, so it’s worth noting that Britain scored a very rare Crystal Globe last spring.
“The Crystal Globe has always been a dream for me, but I really didn’t know if I’d ever manage to get to fight for it,” said Team GB’s World Champion snowboard cross racer Charlotte Bankes.
Dave Ryding has had a gondola cabin named in his honour on the Hahnenkamm-Bahn lift at Kitzbühel –after his historic win earlier this year. “Rarely has a victory by an athlete received such undivided approval among many ski fans. The affable Briton Dave Ryding became slalom winner 85 years after the last British victory by Britain's Evelyn Pinching in 1937 in the women’s downhill,” a Kitzbühel spokesperson said.
Hopefully, we’re not tempting fate, but as we go to press this looks like it could be the first Christmas and New Year’s Eve since 2019 that all the major ski nations are open to (most) skiers.
It was just about possible last Christmas in most European ski nations, but the country we send the most skiers to each winter, France, closed its borders to Brits over the key holiday period last winter as we had a surge of the then latest new Covid-19 wave, meaning this should actually be the first Christmas and New Year holiday we have been able to spend in France for three years.
Further afield, Canada had restrictions on travel last Christmas although it was possible to travel there, and the USA banned unvaccinated travellers unless US citizens … and at the time of writing still does. Japan, which is not a Christian country of course but still likes to join in in its own way, was closed but reopened to all this October.
Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve fall on Saturdays this year and as that’s the usual “change-over day”, tour operators are reporting downward pressure on prices due to those preferring not to travel so close to the big day. If you want to enjoy the festive spirit but be home for Christmas Day, there are also, reportedly, low-price packages landing back in the UK, which some families with school-age kids are opting for as school holidays typically start and end earlier than
usual this academic year, with many kids returning on 3 January.
Christmas in the mountains is always a magical time – your best chance to enjoy a White Christmas of course, and gourmet meals if you’re in a chalet or half-board hotel, Santa skiing down the slopes and a spectacular fireworks display are also common features.
If you head to Lapland, you can meet Santa at home before he heads out, while also skiing on dreamy floodlit slopes and perhaps seeing the Northern Lights. The Swiss resort of Crans-Montana is a good choice too, with a full Christmas village and many events to enjoy.
In France, Les Gets has one of the strongest reputations in the Alps for families, but over the Christmas period it hits still higher levels. The Alta Lumina illuminated walk is an added attraction, and this winter during the week of 17 to 24 December 2022, when an adult buys a lift pass an accompanying child aged under 12 gets one free. Neighbouring Morzine is lit up too, giving a fairy-tale feel to the festive celebrations. The village comes alive to the sounds of parades, brass bands, the Christmas market, fireworks and the arrival of Father Christmas. But wherever you choose to ski, there’s sure to be plenty of Christmas fun in the mountains.
Valentin Delluc speeds into Avoriaz, initially high above the rooftops, but as he spins and somersaults at lightning pace, he’s quickly at building and chairlift line levels. He looks terrifyingly close to the buildings, but at the same time he does it all with a parkour styling of calmness and grace. From the cables of the chairlifts to barrels and walls, the French speedrider uses a deserted Avoriaz as his own personal playground to pull off some insane tricks that he’s never even done before. With huge logistical feats and technical headaches, From Avoriaz with Love is the ultimate test for one of the world’s best speed-riders. Search YouTube for From Avoriaz With
Known as a dry, fairly low-lying, sandy and dusty nation, the chances of natural snowfall are rare.
There was great excitement in midDecember 2013 when snowfall was reported in capital Cairo for, media reported, “the first time in over a century.” This immediately led to a pandemic of shared faked pictures of snow-covered pyramids which it might have been possible to ski down if the snow had been
real. Alas the snow was such a dusting it disappeared as soon as it landed.
There’s a slightly higher chance of snowfall on Mount Kātrīnā, Egypt’s highest point at 2,642m, which does occasionally get a dusting, more than once a century, just not enough for skiing.
So we have to head indoors, to Ski Egypt, one of two year-round indoor snow centres and owned by the same company as Ski Dubai. Opened in 2017 it markets itself as the biggest snow park
in Africa, spread across 22,000m2 with 7,000 tons (over 600,000kg) of snow spread across it.
Ski facilities may be limited in Egypt, but that has not stopped national ambitions. Skier Khaled El-Shebokshy is International Ski Federation (FIS) registered and represented Egypt in the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing, the country’s first appearance at a Winter Games since Sarajevo in 1984. skiegy.com/en
Of all the countries that might spring to mind when you try to think of a country where you can’t ski, Egypt may be high on the list.
The famously light dry powder snow of Utah is under threat from the growing needs of an expanding population, and higher temperatures due to climate change, scientists say.
Utah trademarked the phrase “The greatest snow on earth” in 1975 and fought legal battles with the circus that trademarked “The greatest show on earth” to be able to keep using it. The argument is that the snow is particularly fine and dry, thanks to unique geographical and climatical conditions.
Unfortunately, though, a negative spiral of factors looks likely to decrease the snow in the Wasatch Mountains, home to Park City, America’s biggest ski area. Scientists believe higher temperatures due to climate change are causing more snowfall to convert direct to water vapour, which escapes into the sky rather than turning to liquid and flowing into rivers.
Ski holiday company Ski Beat has been particularly proactive in serving meals for those with special dietary requirements in their chalets, going from organising special “vegan food weeks” to creating healthy, wholesome menus specifically for vegans, vegetarians, pescatarians and those intolerant to lactose, gluten and nuts.
“Skiers can state their menu preferences at the time of booking to give them the certainty that they will eat according to their home diet, while the advantage of dining in-chalet takes away the risk of eating out in French restaurants, where control over ingredients is uncertain,” a company spokesperson explained.
This season Ski Beat will also advise skiers on chalets where others have already chosen alternative meal plans, allowing like-minded guests the chance to dine together and enjoy the same dishes.
As a Freeride World Champion and professional snowboarder, Aline Bock has travelled the world extensively for years on her quest to find the best snow. Then in summer 2021, Aline’s life was changed forever as she became a mother of twins. In the short film Double Trouble / My New Life with Twins, Aline talks about the new challenges she suddenly faced as a result. The freedom-loving and previously always independent snowboarder has defined herself by her passion for outdoor adventures, but when starting her own family, Aline was not fully aware her life would change drastically. “I had no idea what real exhaustion felt like before having kids!”
In an open, authentic way, Aline talks about her feelings when trying to find the right balance between her identities as a woman, a professional athlete and a mother.
The most exciting global snowsports contest of them all, the Freeride World Tour, is back for its 16th explosive year – FWT23 – with five stops marked on the calendar at awe-inspiring freeride destinations around the globe between January and April 2023.
Kicking off at legendary powder and steeps central, Kicking Horse in BC, Canada, the tour moves on to Baqueira Beret iSpain, Andorra’s freeride capital of Ordino Arcalís and then famously snowy Fieberbrunn, Austria, before the annual climax at Verbier, Switzerland, on the infamous Bec des Rosses. Here there’ll be 12,500 points for first place (instead of the usual 10,000) up for grabs.
The world’s best freeride skiers and boarders will be back for this iconic series, ready to push the limits of what’s possible in the high mountains in their quest for the sport’s ultimate prize. Those with the nerves – and legs – of steel to score well through all five rounds will ultimately be crowned the champ.
Kicking Horse Golden | BC | Canada 13-18 January 2023
Known for its champagne powder and long, steep runs, it’s no wonder Kicking Horse attracts riders from all over the globe. The world’s best will have to shake off any early-season nerves and be on point from the very first turn, as these mountains dish up some classic freeride terrain that is unforgiving for the unprepared.
Baqueira Beret, Spain 28 January–2 February 2023
The Tour heads across the pond for the European leg. Baqueira Beret will again play host, following the success of last year’s inaugural event at this epic venue. Consistent snowfall and varied terrain make this world-class resort an ideal test for freeride fanatics.
Ordino Arcalís, Andorra 4–9 February 2023
Here the athletes will have one last chance to rack up the points before the cut. This venue has become a permanent fixture on tour, and for a good reason, with playful terrain offering opportunities for creative freeride lines.
Fieberbrunn, Austria 11–17 March 2023
The first finals event heads to Fieberbrunn, where athletes
must navigate the glorious – yet intimidating – Wildseeloder. This mountain is a true test for even the most seasoned pro, and athletes will surely put it all on the line to ensure they have the best shot at the crown.
Xtreme Verbier Switzerland 25 March–2 April 2023
The Grand Finale returns to the home of freeride, the Bec des Rosses at Verbier, Switzerland. Unrideable to most mere mortals, athletes not only tame this beast year after year, but turn it into their playground, consistently combining new line variations with death-defying stunts.
Forty-three athletes will compete in the FWT23. This world-class spectacle would not be possible without the total commitment of the world’s best freeriders, ready to drop no matter the physical pain or mental pressure. Ready to drop regardless of the conditions Mother Nature dishes up on the day. Ready to drop to satisfy the seemingly unquenchable thirst of their audience, who feed off the next big trick or near-impossible line. Tune in to FWT socials for updates and to keep the stoke high until the action begins!
Crystal have announced that they are introducing ski holidays to Bosnia and Herzegovina for the upcoming 2022/23 ski season, giving access to two ski areas near the country’s capital, Sarajevo, which hosted the Winter Olympics back in 1984.
A Crystal spokesperson said that the move is part of its efforts to make its winter getaways as affordable as possible, with prices averaging £200 cheaper than their other value destinations.
The two ski areas are Jahorina, Bosnia and Herzegovina’s largest, 45 minutes from Sarajevo, with modern lifts and 47km of piste, and Bjelašnica, best suited to intermediates with 20km of slopes.
“Bosnia and Herzegovina is an off-thebeaten-track destination, rich with culture and history,” said Chris Logan, Crystal Ski Holidays Managing Director, adding: “Our teams work hard to continue to scale up our product offering to suit all customer needs, especially budgetfriendly destinations that help skiers and snowboarders get out to the slopes at a time when we are all feeling the pinch.”
TUI Airways will be launching the only non-stop flights from London Gatwick to Sarajevo flying weekly from 20 December 2022 until 9 April 2023 to enable ski holidays to Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The Grand Hotel Savoia Cortina d'Ampezzo in the Italian Dolomites is taking its services to new heights for skiers who bring their pets along this winter.
“Grand Hotel Savoia has been loved by pet owners for years, and we are thrilled to offer elevated services through our room offerings and via special products and amenities,” says General Manager Rosanna Conti, who is also the proud owner of Dado, a seven-year-old Tibetan Shih Tzu who is the resident mascot of the Grand Hotel Savoia.
“We have seen the number of pet owners increase recently and understand it can be difficult for many to leave their four-legged friends at home, so we are proud to offer our animal-loving guests a memorable experience in Cortina. We provide them with every care dogs need to feel at home,” added Rosanna.
The Morzine-based chalet-holiday company AliKats, who have made increasing strides through recent seasons to become ever-more environmentally responsible, say guests can save up to 20% off their accommodation when they choose to “ski greener” this season.
To save money, visitors must book an AliKats chalet exclusively for the week, travel by train, opt out of the hot tub, and eat a plant-based diet.
AliKats say that they have homed in on these three criteria due to their pledge to reduce the carbon footprint of food and travel: cut CO2 from air travel, decrease the electricity needed to keep the hot tub water at 37.5°C and stop water waste – especially following the drought in France. The offer is available on selected low-season weeks in January 2023, with smaller discounts on some other dates.
Jackson Hole has replaced its Thunder Quad lift with a new Leitner-Poma lift that makes the ascent at twice the speed of the original, cutting ride time down from over 7 minutes to 3.6.
“Thunder was installed in 1984 when Jackson Hole Mountain Resort's notoriety across the ski industry grew. This central hub of our mountain is a top priority for locals and guests alike each time they set skis or board on snow, and for good reason: the terrain accessed from this workhorse is some of the best.
Classics like Tower 3, the Grand, Laramie Bowl, Thunder Bumps and Tram Line, to Riverton Bowl, Gannett, Mushroom Chutes, Paintbrush, and Toilet Bowl; the list goes on. When conditions align in the Tetons, Thunder's terrain is perfect for a blower powder day,” a resort spokesperson said.
Its all about what you want, a short transfer, massive miles, luxury, lively après or a hidden gem, just tell us. We are here to guide you, inspire you, make it simple and to create a ski break to match your exact needs.
Carefully chosen resorts and fantastic hand picked hotels to ensure you get the most from your holiday.
Austria – Canada – France – Italy – Norway - Switzerland
Ski to and from your door, sauna, hammam, superior cuisine prepared by your private chef and unlimited wine, stay with 10/12 friends or just book a room.
Alpe d’Huez may be the best-known resort in the giant “Grand Domaine” ski area in the Isère area in the heart of the French Alps, but the region is also home to a number of smaller villages which provide the same access to this vast ski domain … in fact, sometimes with fewer people around to get on the lifts each morning, even faster.
Vaujany is an intriguing option. It punches well above its weight for off-slope facilities as well as providing fast access to the best bits of the Grand Domaine, so we were excited to head there with the family. There’s a newly built Leisure Centre complete with an indoor Olympic-size ice rink, day-
care facilities, bowling alley and spa. With a great swimming pool complex and some fabulous dining options too, we certainly didn’t get bored. Our family had a fantastic stay with Peak Retreats staying in the excellent new Edelweiss apartments and arriving to a wonderful day of powder snow.
Dom and his family stayed with Peak Retreats at Les Edelweiss in Vaujany. 7 nights self-catered in a twobedroom apartment from £220pp, based on 5 sharing. Price includes Eurotunnel crossing, with free FlexiPlus upgrade at most dates, with Peak Retreats.
Action Outdoors, the UK brand of the not-forprofit UCPA group, has launched a number of holidays where the centres will exclusively host the 18-30 age group only. The holidays are heavily discounted and provide an opportunity for younger people to go skiing
or snowboarding at an “affordable” price.
At UCPA centres in Val Thorens, Serre Chevalier, Chamonix, Les Deux Alpes and Tignes, prices start from £481pp, all-inclusive, excluding travel. That means seven nights’ full board accommodation, a six-day full area
lift pass, rentals and ski school or guiding. “This is taking a real lead at a time when everyone’s pockets are being stretched, especially for younger people,” said David Robertson, Managing Director of Action Outdoors.
Val Thorens has again been ranked as "Best Ski Resort in France" at the annual World Ski Awards. It’s the 10th time that Europe’s highest ski destination has won and Val Thorens was also in the World’s Top 3 resorts, along with Kitzbühel and Verbier, the overall winner this year. “We’re celebrating our 50th season, so we’re delighted to be awarded ‘Best Ski Resort in France’ again,” said Vincent Lalanne, Val Thorens Tourist Office Director.
35 years since Tallington Lakes in Lincolnshire first opened their original 120m-long dry ski slope to the public, a brand-new surface has been fitted. The old surface has been replaced with a Proslope surface which is designed to “mimic snow-like conditions” and includes surface misting and a shock absorption with the aim that everyone from complete beginners to full-on freestyle skiers and snowboarders can enjoy the slopes safely.
Austria’s SkiWelt region, one of the country’s largest with 270km of slopes, will offer free ski passes for children up to 15 years of age in the early and late parts of the ski seasons this winter. To qualify one parent must buy a ski pass valid for three days or more during the promotion period, which lasts from 8-16 December then restarts from 18 March through the Easter holidays to 10 April.
Although Austria’s famous Tirol region is perhaps most well-known for its cosy, traditional villages and welcoming atmosphere, it’s actually home to some of the most snowsure resorts in the Alps, and even the world.
In the first half of autumn there are about 10 ski areas open in the Alps, and half of them are in Tirol, then from midNovember to early May, more snowsure Tirolean resorts are open that don’t rely on glaciers, but instead high-altitude slopes or just a reputation for reliable snowfall.
We sent James Bishton and his friend Tom to Tirol to try out what was on offer still late in the season.
“Twinnies, yep, definitely twinnies.” This is my mate, Tom, describing his requirements at the rental shop in Innsbruck where we’d just landed and jumped in to our Opal Mokka hire car. We met during a season in Whistler 15 years ago and now the mountains have brought us together once again, this time to embark on an epic road-trip around five resorts in Tirol.
Having made the 80-minute drive from Innsbruck the previous night, we awoke to the familiar smell of bacon and black gold wafting up the stairwell and drew the curtains to reveal the white peaks of the Paznaun Valley below a cloudless blue sky.
Picturesque Galtür is the highest ski village in the area, its streets lined with timberclad chalets that immediately immerse you in the traditional alpine charm.
It’s immediately clear why Galtür is a family favourite with its separate kids’ nursery area, themed runs, and interactive options bringing added entertainment to meandering blue runs. That said, there’s red and black terrain too which, coupled with off piste and the option to upgrade to a 300km Silvretta-Area-Pass, also
covering Ischgl, Kappl and See, means everyone is catered for and we had a blast enjoying it all to the max on day one. What’s more, despite the sunny spring conditions, the snow cover was extensive — a testament to the resort’s impressive snowmaking (they boast 100% snow reliability from early December until end of April).
After an easy 75-minute drive next morning we rolled up to the stunning resort of Gurgl, at the top of the snow-sure Ötztal Valley, the first non-glacier ski area in Tirol to open its slopes each season in November and one of the last to close in early May. A must see is the Top Mountain Star bar, an architectural masterpiece perched on a rocky crag at 3,080m above sea level and boasting 360° views of the area’s endless white peaks and with 110km of beautifully prepared ski slopes, the Ötztal ski area has a huge variety of downhill descents. The Top Express gondola will get you from Obergurgl to Hochgurgl in just nine minutes so you’re free to flit back and forth to enjoy the two ski areas, so that’s what we did.
We were treated to an impressive display of towering summits and valley vistas as we wound along the road to the Stubai, Austria’s largest glacier ski area. Open from October to June it offers a comfortable mix between steep pitches and wide empty groomers, and there’s also a fantastic terrain park, Stubai Zoo, where Tom spent most of his day. The full descent from the highest point at 3,150m down to the bottom gondola at 1,695m was a great way to conclude the day, before the 45-minute drive back to Innsbruck.
Us Brits are so used to jetting off on a week’s vacation to a self-contained operator-serviced resort, it’s easy to miss local hills, and I can see why Austrians want to keep Axamer Lizum to themselves.
Just 19km from Innsbruck it’s small but perfectly formed, with 40km of pistes and a well-kept snowpark. Red runs make up 70% of the resort, so it’s geared up well for intermediate skiers – but there are a sprinkling of blues and blacks too and for powder hounds, the real pull is the superb
access to the backcountry. What struck me the most was just how easy it was to reach such world-class skiing (it’s twice hosted Olympic Winter Games). It takes me longer to get to Sainsbury's.
After four days hopping in the car to visit a range of resorts, none more than two hours away, we’d already established that the Tirol is the perfect spot for those looking for easily accessible skiing. However, we were about to find out just how convenient it can be. Innsbruck is one of the few cities in the world that can boast a ski area quite literally on its doorstep. As we hop out of the cable car from the centre of Innsbruck (the 20-minute journey up involves a funicular and two cable cars to ski slopes up to 2,256m) we’re immediately impressed. The views are — and I don’t say this lightly — nothing short of breathtaking. Nordkette has gained a reputation as a first-class freeride destination, drawing skiers from across the world to its steep slopes and challenging couloirs. For everyone else there’s a beginners’ area and 15km of mostly red runs. It’s clear why so many mountain-lovers make Innsbruck their home. Besides the easy access to incredible Alpine areas, you’ve also got a huge variety of shops, restaurants and drinking holes, as well as fantastic transport links (including an international airport just 20 minutes from the city).
For an early or late-season getaway or short ski break, it’s the obvious choice. The high-value SKI Plus CITY Pass allows you to explore 13 ski areas around Innsbruck, including all those we explored. In total, it gives you access to 308km of pistes and 111 lifts, as well as three swimming pools and 22 cultural attractions across the area. Sadly our epic road trip had come to an end. Tom and I reflected over a beer and the only thing we could talk about was when we’re coming back. Sure, we’d fitted a lot into five days, but the Tirol has so much to offer and we hadn’t even touched the surface. The good news is we can be back there in the autumn before other regions have opened and then keep skiing well into spring, so we’ve got time.
A much more detailed version of this report with video recorded by James and Tom is available on InTheSnow.com if you search: Road Trippin’ The Tirol.
With all of us feeling the pinch … but needing our seasonal snow fix in the mountains, ski holiday specialists Sunweb have raised their game even higher when it comes to offering the best value in ski holidays.
The company offers a vast choice of destinations, and one top tip for paying less but still enjoying a first-class ski holiday is to opt for a less well-known ski resort and try to avoid peak periods.
Do that and Sunweb offer prices as low as £150pp for a week in a self-catering apartment … and that’s including your lift pass!
If you want to splash out and live it up a little, their 4★ equivalent options start from just £300pp a week.
Sunweb give you the opportunity to book all or part of your ski holiday, although typically if you do book the whole package through them you’ll save the most money overall. In all cases your lift
pass is included in the price. Flexible departure periods are available which allow you to design your trip your way. Sunweb offer ski holidays departing the UK on any day of the week with durations from three to seven nights. You may even find you save so much you can afford a second (or third?) trip!
Sunweb are so confident that they’ll offer you the lowest prices when you’re doing that ski holiday search they even have a lowest-price guarantee if you find it cheaper.
Iglu-Dorf, the company that runs igloo villages you can stay in above five ski villages, is currently building its accommodation for 2022/23 with the themes of “Deep in the Forest” for Zermatt, “Fairytale Forest” for Davos Klosters, “Contemporary Art” for Gstaad,
“Elements of Arts” at Kühtai near Innsbruck and the “Magic of Birds” for the Zugspitze above Garmisch in Germany. Most igloo villages open on Christmas Day this year and stay open to Easter. They always book up quickly, with weekends in particular selling out fast.
This year there’s a new extra attraction, the Mystery Igloo at Gstaad, where visitors aim to solve a number of cool winter puzzles as a team, working against the clock to piece together the clues and solve the mystery. You have just 45 minutes to find lost Myrddin!
Europe's most prestigious snowboard contest, the Laax Open, will open its doors to freeskiing this winter. Taking place at 2,252m above sea level, the contest will see 300 riders from all over the world compete at the FIS World Cup from 1822 January 2023. “Laax committed to freesking early, hosting the European Freeski Open from 2006-2011 and 20142016, so it was natural to include them in the Laax Open,” explains event director Donald Nader.
Ski touring is the trend for 2023. SalzburgerLand region’s Ski amadé resorts have opened 28 designated touring routes allowing guests to safely navigate a beautiful peaceful ascent to a point from where they can choose a thrilling on- or off-piste descent. Zell-am-See-Kaprun has named Ronachkopf its first ski-touring mountain and launched marked ascents on the Kitzsteinhorn Glacier. Fuschlsee, Obertauern and the Salzburger Saalachtal areas have instructor trails for initiation.
British ski tech brand Alto.Ski has partnered with Skiset to create, they say, the world’s only app where you can rent skis across Europe directly from your phone. Alto.Ski already has a pay-as-yougo ski pass function but is building more services so skiers have a one-stop-shop for all their needs, from accommodation to insurance, rental to lift passes. Skiset has over 500 stores across Europe offering rental at the very best rates. Alto.Ski
A long-planned dry ski slope project at Par near St Austell, Cornwall, has been given the green light by local councillors. The plans for the dry ski slope, to be called the Altitude Snow Park, were first announced in 2018, but the landowners since had to solve multiple planning issues before finally getting the go-ahead to start construction.
Dubbed “the biggest ski and snowboard slope in the South West“ the centre will feature beginner, intermediate and advanced-level runs.
Delays have included the need for archaeological surveys of the site, and there have been a number of revisions made to the original plans to gain approval.
Altitude Snow Park will be the first in Cornwall and will be built at a time when the number of dry slopes in England is on a gradual decline.
Despite the current popularity of ski touring, with people hiking up slopes to earn their turns, human beings have been looking for mechanised ways to get up the slopes almost as soon as they learned to ski down them.
One of the earliest forms of lift, before the first cables pulled T-bars and Poma lifts, was the sledge tow – essentially a big sledge yanked uphill by a cable. This type of lift has all but disappeared, but Notre-Dame-de-Bellecombe in the Val d’Arly region of the French Alps, between the Aravis, has recently restored a cable-drawn sled that first operated on Christmas Day, 1937, and ran until 1948 when it was replaced by a drag lift. Now totally restored, you can once again use the sled in the centre of the resort.
Skiers arriving at the famous Italian resort of Val Gardena this winter will find two new ski runs waiting for them, including a new black piste.
The new “La Ria” black run begins at the top station of the Dantercepies cable car and drops down the mountainside with a maximum incline of 52% and 310m of vertical drop.
The other new trail, Pilat, was formerly an off-piste route through a rocky forest from the Seiser Alm to Ortisei but has now been carefully prepared and developed to become a spectacular downhill slope cutting through woodland. The trail features plenty of bends and turns over its 4,760m length, dropping 778 vertical metres and offering unique views over the entirety of Val Gardena.
The name Isère is perhaps not one that’s too familiar to many British skiers, but it ought to be!
The name Isère is perhaps not one that’s too familiar to many British skiers, except as part of the name of a rather well-known ski resort. But it ought to be! The Isère region is home to four mountain ranges containing no less than 21 mountain resorts, making it France’s third-biggest mountain destination.
Beyond those bare facts, Isère really is a spectacular winter playground. Easy to reach from the Winter Olympic city of Grenoble, there’s an exceptionally diverse range of resorts here from some of the biggest names in skiing, boasting huge ski domains and among the planet’s biggest verticals. But there are also smaller, off-the-radar resorts that offer a very special, intimate feel and a wonderful traditional French ambience. Whichever you choose, access from the UK is easy – fly to Grenoble Alpes Isère airport, take the train to Grenoble or make the easy drive from Calais.
Two of Isère’s best-known destinations are Les 2 Alpes and Alpe d’Huez, neighbouring world-class resorts in the Oisans Massif.
Both offer summits above 3,000m, crowned with glaciers, and opening up vertical descents of more than 2,000m – both in the world’s top 10 by this measure.
Unsurprisingly, they’re Isère’s two largest ski areas, each with hundreds of kilometres of runs, but also a remarkable variety of slopes, a mixture of both perfectly prepared pistes and exciting freeride terrain.
In Les 2 Alpes you can ski an incredible 2,300m vertical drop without taking a single lift on your way down! Also, 70% of the ski slopes here lie above 2,000m altitude, and with Europe’s largest glacier ski area at the top of the slopes, this is one of the most snow-sure destinations in Europe.
Alpe d’Huez is set high on a south-facing plateau at 1,860m, but despite its altitude it’s not really a purpose-built resort, having a long history stretching back more than a century. There has
been lots of modern development over the past 60 years though, and ski-in/ski-out convenience (or very close to it) is widely available.
The Alpe d’Huez Grand Domaine Ski area also has a host of smaller, family-friendly sized villages dotted around the vast ski region, that all enjoy the same excellent slopes. These though are smaller and more family-friendly sized.
The options include peaceful Auris-en-Oisans, bustling Oz-en-Oisans and charming Vaujany with its superb facilities on and off the slopes.
Alongside those famous-name resorts, Isère boasts more off-the-beaten-track ski areas, especially for British skiers, where you can experience the Alps in a more fully French atmosphere.
Les 7 Laux offers a wide variety of skiing alongside safe, secure access to the unspoilt freeriding wilderness of the Pra valleys. For freestylers, the resort’s terrain park is particularly highly regarded with multiple lines aimed at different ability levels. Above Grenoble is the resort of Chamrousse, which played host to all of the alpine skiing events at the 1968 Winter Olympic Games. It’s only 30km from the city so very quick and easy to reach. The resort enjoys stunning, panoramic views of the city below and the surrounding massifs. Not far from Les 7 Laux, at the tip of the Belledonne massif, you’ll find Le Collet, a family resort on a small scale with exceptional panoramic views of the surrounding mountains.
In the Vercors Massif, one of the four mountain ranges that make up Isère, you’ll find more authentic French ski villages in the shape of the lively Villardde-Lans and charming Corrençon-en-Vercors. As they say, in Isère, your place is here; you just need to decide which resort you’ll discover this season.
Peak Retreats (023 9283 9310) is an awardwinning French Alps specialist featuring a selection of hand-picked charming resorts and authentic villages in Isère.
Arc 1950 Le Village has built a welldeserved reputation for being ultra-family-friendly, with comfortable, spacious ski-in/ski-out accommodation, fabulous food options, spa access and great childcare options. But we shouldn’t forget that this is part of the vast Les Arcs ski area, itself part of one of the world’s three biggest ski areas, Paradiski, with loads to challenge those looking for more of a high-octane week in the mountains, on and off the slopes.
Arc 1950 Le Village sits below the cable car up to the Aiguille Rouge (3,226m), for example, accessing terrain only suited to good skiers and boarders including one of the most epic descents in the Alps, descending over 2,000 vertical metres to the valley floor below. And that’s just for starters when it comes to vast volumes of challenging terrain. Out of your ski boots too there’s plenty to
entertain. The resort’s thrilling zip-line descent passes over the old Flying Kilometre run, which held the world speed skiing record for many years at more than 250kph; you’ll reach 130kph riding solo or tandem.
There’s much, much more. Very grown-up high-speed toboggan runs, the highest altitude pedestrian suspension bridge in the Alps to wobble out on. If you really want to splurge, you can even invest in a Premium lift pass that, among its numerous benefits, allows you to queue jump. It doesn’t get much better than that!
A seven-night stay at the five-star, selfcatering Premium Residence Arc 1950 Le Village costs from £773 total based on two sharing a standard studio, arriving 10-17 December 2022. For more information about Pierre & Vacances call 0870 0267 145 or visit pierreetvacances.com
As our nearest neighbour and home to the world’s largest ski areas, it shouldn’t come as any surprise that French ski resorts are the most popular with British skiers.
Easy to reach by rail, road or plane the French have embraced skiing like no other nation, building high-altitude resorts that are both snowsure and designed with the skier in mind. Ski-in, ski-out is the norm from early until late in the season and all services are just a few steps away.
But, of course, France is also famed for its ambience, fabulous food and stunning mountain scenery, so there are plenty of centuries-old, traditional villages that have now become ski resorts to choose from as well. They come in all shapes and sizes from market towns lined with enticing cafes and boutiques to tiny hamlets where you’re soon on first name terms with the locals.
Whichever you choose, though, they'll all share access to the world-class ski slopes for which France is famous.
Home of the largest ski areas on the planet, affordable family accommodation and that unique ambience.
Those who already know Chamonix will know that it is more than just a single world-famous ski town but an entire valley, home to different smaller villages and hamlets, most connected to the ski slopes above and with a great free public transport network of rail and bus services connecting them below. The spectacular summits and needles of the Mont Blanc massif and the Aiguilles Rouges tower above them all.
Chamonix attracts skiers from all over the world each winter to enjoy its outstanding skiing. The slopes are open from December to May with reliable snow cover and, when the days get longer, excellent springtime conditions.
As well as Chamonix’s most famous runs like the Vallée Blanche (the world’s longest lift-served run, a 20km-long glacier itinerary), its freeride spots and vertical drops, the valley also offers gentle tree-lined slopes, wide, open panoramic pistes, snowparks and nursery slopes for beginners and children.
Another iconic piste is the famous “Verte” des Houches which hosts the legendary Kandahar
Alpine Skiing World Cup. Dates for the 2023 race agenda are 4-5 February!
This winter, a new gondola will open at the Balme Ski Area in December, replacing the old lift up from the village of Le Tour. The new-generation Doppelmayr 10-seater panoramic gondola has a capacity to transport 2,200 people/hour, which more than doubles the current capacity. It’s faster than the old lifts too with the 376m ascent completed in 5.26 minutes, a speed of 6m/second. To best discover the Mont-Blanc region, the remarkable “Mont-Blanc Unlimited” lift pass enables visitors to enjoy over 1,000km skiing at liberty in three countries.
The pass covers all the lifts and runs in the Chamonix Valley as well as those in neighbouring Megève, Saint-Gervais and on the other side of Mont Blanc at Courmayeur in Italy. CransMontana is now also included in the MBU pass and 50% reduction on skiing at a second Swiss resort, Verbier. Back in the Chamonix Valley the pass also covers sight-seeing excursions of the Aiguille du Midi, the Mer de Glace and the Tramway du Mont-Blanc.
Les Menuires and Saint-Martin-de-Belleville bring the very best of French skiing to the world’s largest ski region, Les 3 Vallées. Lying 10km apart, Saint-Martin-deBelleville is a traditional Alpine village with a long history, while its neighbour and partner Les Menuires is a very modern resort, purpose-built for skiers, that opened in the 1960s and has been growing and improving ever since!
Together the two areas offer 160km of runs, divided into 87 separate slopes, and of course they are seamlessly integrated into the world’s largest ski area, Les 3 Vallées, so you can choose a local pass or opt for the full 600km.
At a very healthy elevation for a traditional village, 1,450m, skiers staying in Saint-Martinde-Belleville are within easy reach of both Les Menuires, but also its other neighbour, Méribel. It takes just a few minutes to get to the top of Tougnette, one of the main links to the wider 3 Vallées.
You might not be keen to ski very far away though as Saint-Martin is famed for its gourmet hotspots on the slopes as well as in the village. There’s everything from Michelin-starred dining, to local country bistros and re-invented mountain eateries. Good food is always within skiing distance. Take time to visit the authentic heart
of the village when you’re not skiing though. You’ll see farmhouses of stone and timber, and chalets that have been renovated to offer you a cosy little haven.
Located right at the heart of Les 3 Vallées, perfectly placed to hit the slopes. All of the village neighbourhoods are ski-in, ski-out, with 100% of the accommodation right on the slopes, so the vast 3 Vallées is right at your ski tips as you go out the door!
You won’t have to go far though as some of the least-used off-piste terrain in the whole of Les 3 Vallées is right here, including the three ungroomed ‘Liberty ride’ zones at La Masse, La Riondaz and Les Pylônes, providing a feeling of secure off-piste skiing.
Les Menuires is great for families too. They can dive into a wealth of special play areas and activities designed just for them.
With its base starting at 1,800m and climbing higher, Les Menuires is snow-sure all season and also has a reputation for some of the most affordable accommodation in Les 3 Vallées.
Both villages are easy to reach by train via Moûtiers station, on the direct Eurostar train from the UK if you book a Travelski Express rail holiday package (www.uk.travelski.com) or via Paris if you travel independently.
Along-time favourite with Brits, who fall in love with its ambience and many wooden chalets, Morzine is a village resort that’s been around for centuries and developed with the rise in winter sports.
About as far from a purpose-built resort as you can get, Morzine is proud of its Haute-Savoyard culture and strong community, and you’ll find hotels that are on their third or fourth generation of ownership. These are among the many familyrun businesses like cheesemakers, chocolatiers and bakers that take pride in the welcome they offer to their clients.
But there’s no compromise on the skiing! Morzine lies at the heart of the vast Portes du Soleil, a network of 600km of slopes, divided into 308 separate pistes served by 209 lifts and linking up a dozen resorts, including several over the Swiss border with slopes of all skiing along with
freeride zones and terrain parks. Preserving the environment is unsurprisingly important to Morzine’s residents, who have set up a non-profit group, Montagne Verte, to coordinate many actions, including a secondhand shop to encourage reuse and a discount card for those arriving by train who can save money with local businesses.
Morzine offers a huge range of activities and entertainment beyond skiing including a packed free programme of activities. Non-skiers have a bustling village centre to explore, a weekly market, riverside walks, the chance to see eagles on an informative animal walk at Nyon and many other activities including snowshoeing or sledging to enjoy.
At only 30 minutes from the closest train station, or 90 minutes from Geneva Airport, Morzine is quick and easy to get to as well.
With France’s longest ski season, one of the world’s biggest ski areas, a huge lift-served vertical, a choice of different resort villages to base yourself in and much of the accommodation ski-in, ski-out too, Tignes ticks all the boxes.
Five villages make up the resort; Val Claret, Tignes le Lac, Le Lavachet, Tignes Les Boisses and Tignes-les-Brévières. The first three are close together at a very snow-sure 2,100m and Les Boisses and Les Brevieres are further down the valley. While much of the terrain is focused on intermediate skiers, Tignes is also known for its incredible off-piste. Freestyles will find plenty of terrain park features to bounce off in the twoand-a-half-kilometre long snow park. Although Tignes has terrain for everyone from
beginners to experts, this winter there’s a particular focus on families with children, under the age of 8, skiing free all season right across the Tignes-Val d’Isère ski area. There are also savings for older children right up to age 18 – all much more generous than the French norm. There are nine free lifts for beginners next to four Tignes villages, and this winter the Plateau du Marais boasts a new six-seater chairlift, the Aiguille Rouge, while a panoramic viewing platform has been created perched at 2,415m. The new lift slows down to pick up and drop off skiers making it easy to ride.
At the other end of the spectrum, young adults will love Le Strike, a large 1,200m2 area, entirely dedicated to music with four bars, live bands and resident DJs. It’s open Tuesday to Saturday until 3am with free admission.
La Plagne is one of the world’s most popular ski resorts and one that most skiers know, even if some have not been there yet.
Its popularity depends on many things, but first off it’s big! Part of the Paradiski region with 425km of pistes, it’s within one of the three largest ski areas in the world, and one of the few offering more than 2,000m of lift-served vertical. There are ski runs for every taste and a great deal of snow certainty with the highest part of the area at Bellecôte above 3,100m and the majority of the runs above 2,000m altitude.
The next attraction is the great range of accommodation choices, with a constellation of 11 villages located between altitudes to choose from, ranging from traditional villages to highaltitude purpose-built centres, each with its own style and charm.
La Plagne has hundreds of miles of piste designed for regular skiers, 85% of them graded blue or red. But 15% of a huge area is still a lot of black runs, and the off-piste terrain is worldfamous in advanced skiing circles.
La Plagne’s success also relies on its popularity with families, who love the slopeside access from most of its affordable apartment accommodations. Most village centres are compact, car-free and offer excellent nursery slopes, ski and non-ski kindergartens and great ski schools.
Another part of La Plagne’s appeal is that there’s
plenty to do off the slopes. Besides fabulous restaurants, cafes, bars and some great spa centres, there are big attractions like the famous bobsleigh run. You can descend this in a variety of ways including a self-guiding “bob raft”. The Colorado Luge is a second high-speed sledging option down a nearly mile-long canyon.
There’s also airboarding, which is a kind of inflatable bodyboard, cani-raquettes –snowshoeing with a dog – or ice climbing on the resort’s 24m-high artificial ice climbing tower, and plenty more besides.
It’s good to know that La Plagne has had a long-standing focus on sustainability with its “piste-basher” slope-grooming tractors powered by bio-diesel and new accommodation built by repurposing old buildings and only working with local materials and suppliers.
You can book your trip to La Plagne using La Plagne’s own travel agency – it’s a one-stopshop where guests can book accommodation, transport, insurance, activities, ski equipment, and lift passes, with everything grouped together in one booking. Plus take advantage of their serenity offer: Free cancellation up to seven days before departure on a selection of accommodation.
With hundreds of slopes, over a dozen villages to choose from and tons to do on and off the slopes, it’s really no surprise that La Plagne is so popular.
Travel Agency: laplagneresort.com
The highest resort in Europe at 2,300m, Val Thorens is located high in the world’s largest ski region, Les 3 Vallées. Celebrating its 50th birthday this season, Val Thorens has grown into one of the world’s most popular ski resorts.
Part of its success is due to its high-quality snow conditions, with one of the longest ski seasons in France, and the snow staying better for longer. A lot of that is down to its altitude and slopes stretching up above 3,200m, with 99% of them above a very snow-sure 2,000m altitude. There’s also lots to do off the slopes, including two zip lines above the snow. One of Europe’s highest zip lines, themed on an eagle’s flight, opened above the resort in 2014 (the other over the resort opened in 2018). Starting at 3,230m at
the top of the Bouchet chairlift, the ride lasts 105 seconds and you reach speeds of over 100kph. Back when it opened, Val Thorens was known just as a resort where people went to ski, but it has grown to become one of the most vibrant destinations in the French Alps with loads to do off the slopes, a buzzing après-ski scene. This winter Val Thorens has splurged €40 million (around £34.65 million) on a news sports centre, Le Board, opening for the 2022/23 season. The rooftop event space can cater for 3,000 people, and there are loads of cool new spaces indoors too.
There’s also a busy events calendar right from the Grand Première opening weekend in mid-November to the Grand Dernière, last-inFrance, season-closing weekend in mid-May six months later.
Val d’Isère is one of the world’s most famous and most loved ski destinations with its many fans returning year after year.
A mountain village that has become an international holiday destination, Val d’Isère can be explored from all angles. There’s the incredible ski area itself, the world-class competitions run on its iconic race courses, the exciting après-ski scene, as well as the cultural attractions, the foodie scene, the spa culture and even business tourism.
Located at 1,850m, it’s snow-sure from the top of the mountain to the bottom throughout its long season with its lifts climbing to nearly 3,500m and 300km of runs shared with neighbouring Tignes. But Val d’Isère is about more than impressive stats – this is a chic resort with great après-ski
(it is the home of the famed La Folie Douce onslope cabaret bar and restaurant, now spread to several leading French ski areas), fabulous foodie treats, world-famous freeriding terrain and challenging World Cup descents. It also cares about the environment, receiving ISO 14001 eco certification as far back as 2007 and now Green Globe certified. Practical actions include lifts powered by hydroelectricity and from this winter its 39 piste-bashers by HVO created from waste fat and used vegetable oil – but no palm oil – and several of the resort’s shuttle-buses now fully electric powered, alongside 101 other initiatives. Inghams (inghams.co.uk) offer a wide range of hotel, chalet and apartment holidays in Val d’Isère. From this winter, the resort is offering free lift passes to children under eight years old.
Japan has re-opened to international leisure travellers, ending twoand-a-half years of the country’s borders being closed.
It means skiers can finally return this winter to one of the world’s great ski nations, famed for its warm welcome, great service, stunning scenery, fabulous food and high-quality standards. Japan is home to around 500 ski areas including famous names like Niseko, Nozawa Onsen and Hakuba, along with many more.
In further good news, an analysis of global exchange rates has revealed that the Yen sits alongside the pound as one of the worstperforming major international currencies.
This means prices won’t have changed much compared to three years ago. Japanese skiing has always been among the more affordable of the major ski nations.
In a further bonus, the country’s weather bureau has predicted that the Pacific’s La Niña system means it will be colder and even snowier than usual in Japan this winter.
As the country is already famous for its abundant, “snorkel-deep” light fluffy powder snow in just a normal winter, that’s quite something.
Japan is the dream snow destination with Niseko offering close to a guarantee of fresh tracks. So you’ve finally made it! The heavens have delivered and you’re set for your first day. But where do you go? Don’t worry; we’ve got you covered.
First and foremost, just head straight down. Runs are groomed at night, so after a storm there will be powder everywhere. This is the perfect introduction; no getting stuck waist deep (we’ve all been there!). Why go further when sometimes the path of least resistance is best?
Next we head off-piste into Strawberry Fields, where dreams are made! Accessible off the top of Hanazono 1 chairlift, this powder playland is classic Niseko. You can drop straight in or traverse around to
slightly steeper terrain.
Hirafu’s answer to Strawberry Fields, Mihirasi can be accessed from Hirafu Gondola, either with a short hike, or by riding back underneath the gondola. Terrain is vast and you could ride it all day without doing the same run twice. Being a long run off the gondola, this is a great choice for windy and cold days. The things we do for powder!
Another area in Hirafu is Super Ridge. Loop back underneath the Centre Four and you’ll find yourselves in the trees. Like Strawberry Fields, you can traverse as much as you like. Super Ridge is textbook short and sweet, and built for speed! A quick ride out to the lifts means you can lap again and again. A favourite with locals is Superstition in Niseko Village. Now you have to work a little more for this one. After the gondola there is a short hike to the top of the run. With limited signposting, 90% of riders miss it completely, which to be honest we aren’t too angry about! Good lines can be had all the way. We won’t give away too much, though, so we’ll leave it for you to explore. Riding all the way down from the very top is considered by many to be peak Niseko (sorry!). The peak is tougher to access, but when you make it the choice is almost overwhelming. Head to Hanazono, with open powder fields, tree runs, drops and natural half-pipes, and you can be as adventurous as you like, and all routes lead to a cat-track back to the resort. You may be cursing the gods on the hike up, but you’ll want to do it all again!
With some of the world’s most consistent snow conditions, you’re bound to find good turns. But a little inside knowledge always helps, and booking with specialists like Japan Ski Experience ensures you have the best local advice at your fingertips!
Andorra has long had a reputation as the most affordable ski destination in Western Europe, and for more than two decades now it’s become known as well for its high-quality amenities and its very large ski areas. The superb Grandvalira area, which includes the linked ski slopes of resorts like Soldeu, El Tarter and Pas de la Casa, is not only the biggest in the Pyrenees but also one of the 20 biggest in Europe.
So with money tight for most of us this winter, it’s good to know that Andorra remains highly affordable, so you can pay less without compromising on quality, nor that need for kilometres and kilometres of fantastic snow slopes beneath our skis. In fact, from this winter, the Grandvalira lift pass covers the whole of Andorra, including the Pal-Arinsal ski area and the freeride El Dorado or Ordino Arcalís.
The Andorra ski holiday specialists Andorra Resorts offer fully flexible ski trips so you
can pick and choose the best-value options for your trip and add or remove elements as you desire to maximise value for money and personalise your ski holiday.
“If you’re struggling to make your budget work, you can find the most affordable flight options, and maybe ski for four days instead of six, so you’re not missing out on your ski fix,” says company boss and long-time Andorra expert, Steve Hull, who also recommends skiers book as soon as possible to secure the best deal.
A study by the Swiss Academy of Sciences reports that the country’s glaciers’ ice volume declined by 6% over the spring and summer. Switzerland has more glaciers than any other Alpine nation.
“2022 was a disastrous year for Swiss glaciers: all ice melt records were smashed by the great dearth of snow last winter and continuous heat waves in summer,” the Academy said in a statement.
Swiss glaciologists told media they had never seen anything like it in over a century of record keeping with the rate of melt this summer similar to projected melt rates later as climate change gathers pace, but not in 2022.
Another study released last month found that Switzerland’s 1,400 glaciers have lost more than half their total volume since the early 1930s.
Plans for a new ski show in London, taking place at ExCeL on 21-22 October 2023, have been announced. The show will be run by Raccoon Media Group who have been organising the National Snow Show Birmingham for the past two years. The third edition of that show will take place at the NEC on 15-16 October 2023.
“There’s huge demand for the show we have created in Birmingham to be available to the London audience and with the successful model we have created,” said Stephen Morgan, MD at Raccoon Active Events, who added, “The introduction of National Snow Week sandwiched between the two large-scale consumer events will provide strategic opportunities for the UK and international snowsports industry to network and continue to develop the role the UK plays.”
Serre Chevalier is fighting to become climate neutral, and part of the battle is to use less electricity – as well as using wind, solar and hydro green energy production within the ski area itself. A major new gondola planned for the resort will use less energy than the lifts it replaces, but equally significantly, it will also allow the resort to move the nursery slopes to the top of the mountain for a lower reliance on machine-made snow, which the resort has already decided it wishes to be less reliant on. The new Pontillas gondola will open in 2024.
Serre Chevalier is on course to pass a target of being 30% green-energy powered by the end of next year, part of an overall goal to reach net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2030.
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Spectacular scenery, incredible skiing, easy access, highest quality … the trademarks of a sensational Swiss ski holiday.
The Swiss mountains have a reputation unsurpassed anywhere in the world for their stunning magnificence, and the good news is there are usually ski slopes among them too!
Apart from the scenic wonders around every turn, Switzerland’s ski areas are distinguished by their fast, modern uplift,
plentiful on-mountain dining options and having the highest lifts and slopes in Europe.
Switzerland is home to some of the longest established ski resorts in the world, many with a long winter-sports history – the Swiss spotted that skiing was a whole lot of fun first.
Those resorts have evolved over the years to offer a great range of accommodation,
plenty of dining choices (which must include a raclette and fondue during your stay) and great shopping, spas and other amenities on top.
All are easy to reach by efficient public transport from the country’s airports. Or you can rent a car, book a shuttle or jump on the transfer bus at the airport, or just travel the whole way by train.
One of the easiest ski areas to reach in Switzerland, a short hop from Zurich Airport just one hour away, Engelberg combines a wonderful resort town with centuries of history and phenomenal skiing served by the latest high-speed lifts.
It’s one of the world’s most snow-sure ski areas too, thanks to a combination of glacier slopes and a snowfall record that’s well above the Swiss average, providing it with one of the longest winter seasons in the Alps, an average of 220 days (that’s over seven months) from October to May with snow guaranteed.
If all that’s not enough, it’s one of less than a dozen ski areas worldwide to offer more than 2,000m of lift-served vertical, with the trip up one of the fastest there is, using just two comfortable high-speed lifts. These include the incredible Rotair cable car, the first with a slowly revolving cabin so you take in the full view as you ascend … in just five minutes from the mid-station. It all means that you can be stood at the top of one of the world’s great descents, ready for one of the greatest runs of your life, less than two hours after you get off the plane or train in Zurich!
There are slopes for all tastes and abilities here, including great ski areas and facilities dedicated to families with young children, but Engelberg has built a particularly strong reputation as one of the world’s great freeride communities, thanks to its exciting terrain, deep snow and huge vertical. The Big 5 runs for freeriders, promoted here in the same way that people search out the big five animals to spot on an African safari, are the Laub, Galtiberg, Steinberg, Sulz and Steintäli descents, all famed for their legendary powder and all easy to reach by cable car. Booking a mountain guide to lead you to the best terrain available according to the
conditions during your visit is the best way to proceed.
But you don’t have to be an experienced off-piste skier or boarder before you arrive in Engelberg; the resort is also set up to help anyone get started freeriding with special areas and dedicated ski schools to teach and learn the skills to ride the backcountry easily and safely.
Along with the 2,000m+ descent from the Titlis glacier, there’s another world-class 1,500m of vertical from the Jochstock.
Engelberg is a large resort with loads to do besides skiing and boarding. The TITLIS cliff walk, Europe’s highest suspension bridge at 3,041m altitude, is not to be missed, nor is the free-to-enter glacier ice cave.
You also have different fun ways to descend the slopes. New this year is the Snooc tour – a kind of sit-on sledge with a single ski you steer at the front. When your legs start to get weary from skiing or boarding and maybe want to start dancing, don’t miss après-ski at Ski Lodge. Then it’s time to combine two Swiss favourites – a toboggan ride and a fabulous cheesy lunch in the sun – with a booking for the excellent fondue sledge!
Or ride an electric snowmobile around the TITLIS SnowXpark at Trübsee, where you can go full throttle with the longest circuit with around 1km of snowy fun. Sustainable from the start, Engelberg has always known the importance of efficient living in the mountains and with climate change that’s taken on a whole new dimension. Since 2011 Engelberg has called itself an energy city, and now more than half of the heat comes from ecological sources and all ski lifts run on hydroelectricity with the Brunni mountain railway the only climate-neutral, certified facility in Switzerland.
What do you look for in a ski resort? A big ski area with high snow-sure slopes and a long season perhaps? Or maybe fast, easy access from your home is key? Maybe it’s important that the resort is a decent size so you’ve lots of après-ski, dining and shopping opportunities, along with plenty to do off the slopes?
Not many ski areas tick all three boxes, but Crans-Montana, a beloved destination for British skiers for more than a century, certainly does and offers a lot more besides. Indeed what many regular visitors remark on is not so much the fast, easy access from Geneva, the fantastic long descents from the glacier-clad 3,000m high peak of the slopes or that great range of shops, bars, restaurants and the rest, it’s the view when you’re there!
And wow! What a view! Crans-Montana sits on a sunny ‘balcony’ in the mountains above the Rhone River valley, looking out across a vast swathe of the Alps, a breath-taking vista you can take in from almost any point in the resort or from the slopes above. You can see 18 peaks above 4,000m including big names like Mont Blanc and The Matterhorn, while you bathe in sunshine all day long.
Along with its big ski area containing 140km of slopes served by 25 ski lifts and cable cars, Crans-Montana is a large and cosmopolitan destination. “This is a much larger resort than I expected, there is so much to do,” is a common refrain from first-time visitors. Crans-Montana has also created the amazing Rando-Parc, a specially designed sector for on-piste ski touring with 40km of uphill trails that range from perfect routes for those just learning touring skills, to some really challenging climbs for the more experienced. For freestyle skiers and snowboarders there’s a fabulous 100,000m2 snowpark regularly rated
among the best in the Alps.
Crans-Montana’s size means there’s a great range of indoor and outdoor sports and activities available beyond skiing and boarding. The many options include winter trail running, ice skating and curling and there’s a big indoor climbing wall.
Crans-Montana’s easy access from Geneva by road or rail, as well as wide pavements and a great free public-bus network, those 300 days of sunshine and the great choice of accommodation and eateries, all help make the resort a top choice for families too.
Young kids can learn to ski on the snowcovered golf course in the heart of the resort at the Snow Island. There’s also a brand-new nursery for babies (from 8 months) only for visitors.
Etoile Bella Lui is the magical festival for families during December and Christmas with the wonderful lantern path around the frozen lake a special attraction for all ages. The Etoile Bella Lui festival honours the magic of winter lights in the mountains. It’s a wonderful time to visit, between 2 December until 8 January 2023, with storytelling, a chef’s market, a special festival village and many magical surprises. Older teens might prefer to head to the Alaïa indoor action sports centre with its trampolines, gym equipment, airbags and skatepark or the Moubra indoor sports centre with its climbing wall, bouldering area, three indoor tennis courts, two badminton courts and two table-tennis tables.
So, whatever you want for your ski holiday resort, whether your group is skiers, boarders, non-skiing mountain lovers or a mixture of all three, Crans-Montana will meet your needs whilst bathing you in sunshine and wowing you with its incredible views. Hardcore skier or complete beginner, adult, senior, child or family - it’s a winning combination.
Andermatt, the biggest ski resort in the heart of Switzerland, has been hitting the ski world headlines for all the right reasons.
This classic ski resort has benefitted from hundreds of millions invested in upgrading and expanding its ski area into one of Europe’s most modern. A network of 33 state-of-the-art, comfortable high-speed lifts whizz you around the 180km of slopes. Down at the base of the mountain, a modern resort development sits alongside the old resort town, giving you the best of both worlds.
Andermatt’s famous for its deep powder snow, and freeriders will particularly love its 2,961m-high Gemsstock mountain, which offers countless freeride opportunities over verticals of up to 1,500m.
But there’s terrain for everyone with 36km of groomed easy blue runs along with 60km of reds and 24km of groomed blacks for experts wanting a change from all that powder. One popular option is to make a ski safari over to Disentis and return on the marvellous après-ski train.
It’s no surprise that such a rising star, now delivering the ski holiday experience of a lifetime, would attract the attention of the world’s largest ski resort operator, Vail Resorts, who have made it their first European base and added it to their Epic Pass network of 41 ski destinations around the globe.
Vail’s Epic promise of an “endless winter” to pass holders means they can ski from early autumn to late spring in the Northern Hemisphere and get access to top Southern Hemisphere resorts during Europe’s summer.
The high alpine Saas-Fee/Saastal is the kind of resort that everyone who visits immediately wants to return to, as soon as they head down the mountain at the end of their stay. Completely car-free, Saas-Fee is a wonderfully tranquil mountain village that lies below one of the world’s most snow-sure ski areas. The Saas Valley is surrounded by no less than eighteen incredible 4,000m peaks and offers 150 km of pistes that reach up to 3,600m above sea level.
The village of Saas-Fee is one of the highest in the Alps at 1,800m, but the great height of the ski slopes means the skiable vertical is world-class, continuing another 1,800m above. It also makes snowsports possible here over an almost an ten-month ski season from mid-summer through to the following spring. That’s one of the planet’s longest seasons!
But despite all the snow, Saas-Fee benefits from a southern European climate, and 300 sunny days per year, keeping it very pleasant.
LAAX may be famed as a mecca for the world’s top freestylers, but this huge ski area is open to all snowsports enthusiasts, with something for everyone from complete beginner to utter pro. The 224km of slopes of all levels is one of the biggest in the Alps, and over 70% of the terrain is located above 2,000m altitude, making it extra snow-sure.
Named “World’s Best Freestyle Resort” at the World Ski Awards for the seventh time in a row, LAAX is unbeatable for freestyle skiing and boarding. This winter there’s an incredible fifth park to enjoy: the Free60
Natural Snowpark, with unprepared terrain on an avalanche-safe slope.
For the youngest guests the KIDS Freestyle Academy will open this winter. An indoor freestyle hall with trampolines, a skate bowl and street skate course for kids from birth to age 8 to jump, play and have fun.
LAAX also makes special environmental efforts by working towards carbon neutrality in an initiative called Greenstyle. This year, a special book How to Run a Sustainable Alpine Destination has been published celebrating 12 years of work towards the goal to help others.
Sitting beneath the stunning backdrop of the awe-inspiring Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau mountains, the remarkable Jungfrau region has been drawing in skiers, particularly Brits, for more than a century. The picture-postcard destination is split into the Grindelwald-First and GrindelwaldWengen ski regions, with around 160km of perfectly prepared pistes, all served by a modern lift system that includes the new Eiger Express and the famous cog railway that climbs up from the villages of Grindelwald and Wengen.
On the slopes, there’s everything from long, undulating pistes to challenging freeride terrain as well as a ski-cross course, freestyle park and a World Cup standard half-pipe. Non-skiers will also love the idyllic winter hiking trails through this amazing landscape and the spectacular toboggan routes that include the world’s longest sledge run.
The ski region of Kleine Scheidegg–Männlichen offers 107km of piste. The famous Lauberhorn World Cup run descends 4.2km to Wengen, and it’s even possible to ski it after the race in midJanuary. You can also be photographed in the starting hut and have your speed measured on the infamous Hanneggschuss section of the course where the pros have reached more than 160kph!
Opened in 2020, the Eiger Express, the most modern tri-cable aerial cableway in the world, now takes guests from Grindelwald Terminal up to the Eiger Glacier Station. The journey in 26-seat cabins with heated seats and free wi-fi takes just 15 minutes, passing the infamous north face of the Eiger. At the top, guests can choose from a number of ski runs or jump on a train further up to the Jungfraujoch – Top of Europe. The V-Cableway project, which also includes the new Männlichen gondola
cableway, is part of a massive CHF470 million (around £418.5 million) investment for the whole Jungfrau region.
The First Mountain, accessible by cable car from Grindelwald, offers a further 53km of slopes beneath the north face of the Bernese Alps. The sunny and clearly laidout ski region is particularly popular with families and freestylers.
Its two freestyle parks, half-pipe and ski-cross course are a big draw for those who like to get airborne. The Oberjoch beginner’s freestyle park is ideal for those first jumps and rail slides, and on sunny weekends a 10x12m big air cushion is set up next to the Oberjoch chair lift. Experienced freestylers have the Bärgelegg Park, home to the World Cup half-pipe.
For powder-loving freeriders, two black runs are left ungroomed here the day after a snowfall.
From this winter, two additional attractions are included free of charge on the lift pass.
The First Flyer takes up to four people at once down an 800m zipwire, “flying” up to 50m above the snow at speeds of up to 84kph. There’s also the First Glider that goes from the Schreckfeld station to First. It’s a similar length and speed but offers an experience of floating through the air like a hang-glider ride.
Download the Jungfrau Winnercard to measure your vertical and collect badges, photos or films to download; you might even get lucky and win great prizes.
When any parent buys a family day lift pass on Saturdays, up to three children (aged six to 15) receive a free day card. If ski equipment is rented from Intersport, up to three children can also get free rentals.
With great hotels, fabulous restaurants in the resorts and on the slopes, as well as a buzzing après-ski scene and events calendar, this winter paradise offers skiers and snowboarders everything they could wish for.
World-famous Olympian Bode Miller will host on a heliskiing holiday to Greenland next April, 2023, based onboard a former Arctic research vessel, travelling 241km beyond the Arctic Circle to Disko Bay, home to some of the largest icebergs in the world. Days will be filled with deep powder runs down to the water’s edge.
Miller will be joined by ski guide and two-
time World Extreme Skiing Champion Chris Davenport and polar guide Doug Stoup, who has skied the seven continents, been to the South Pole 18 times and pioneered skiing in Antarctica.
Travellers can book individual cabins with prices for the seven-night trip starting from €60,000 per cabin/per week, all-inclusive.
Originally designed as an Arctic research vessel, the 12-guest MV Nansen Explorer is specifically equipped for polar waters,
with an ice-strengthened hull and a commercially certified heli-deck that makes for the ideal launch pad for heliskiing adventures.
When guests aren’t skiing the glaciated landscape - 80% of which has never been skied before - they’ll have the chance to interact with the local Greenlanders and fishermen, as well as try their hand at sled dog excursions and visit colourful small towns.
This winter, sparkling white snow sculptures will decorate the slopes of Ischgl. Teams of sculptors from all over the world who work with spades, chisels and carving tools will be back in Ischgl in the Austrian Tirol from 8 to 14 January to take part in the 29th staging of
the resort’s Shapes in White exhibition. Each works to create a snow sculpture up to 10m high in just five days with a total of 50 tons of snow being used, creating an impressive open-air gallery. This year there’s a topical theme: “The future of eco-friendly travel in
the face of climate change”. Shapes in White was launched in 1994 when Tourist Association bosses invited sculptors to make creations from the abundance of snow that was piled up after snowmachines had groomed the pistes.
To make sure everyone has a comfortable experience, Les Menuires has a new green slope that is reserved for absolute beginners, to ensure their safety and peace of mind. There are safety nets and staff members at the top of the slope to ensure access is regulated and adapted to everyone’s level of ability. Designed as a safe space for skiing families, a beginner’s day pass costs only €31.
A new eight-seater chairlift will open this winter in the Zillertal Arena as part of an ongoing run of upgrades. The area is the largest in the Austrian Tirol’s Zillertal valley with just over 160km of piste served by 50 lifts with an uplift capacity of 80,000 people every hour. The new Kapauns eight-seater chairlift will make it quicker and easier to access the Gerlos ski area from the slopes near Zell am Ziller.
Crans-Montana is hosting a new event named Revival, blending live music with incredible artists by taking original classic records and re-creating them with world-class vocalists. The event will coincide with Momentum Ski’s Knight Frank City Ski Championships and take place in the high-altitude nightclub of Cry d’Er and the famous après-ski venue, Zero Dix, with a DJ set from Mousse T. From 3 to 5 February 2022. momentumski.com
CAPITA DEFENDERS OF AWESOME SNOWBOARD 2023 | £459.95
The DOA series has a big reputation, and these boards back it up. Featuring a next-gen hybrid camber design that delivers the pop and response of a cambered board with the predictability of reverse camber. The all-new P2 Superlight Core™ reduces weight while providing highimpact resistance and maximum pop. sputniksnowboardshop.com
OAKLEY MOD5 HELMET | £250.95
Big-Mountain brawn, designed for those who demand the highest level of performance, the MOD5 delivers the perfect balance of increased protection and weight savings for technical riding. Features include adjustable ventilation, Fidlock buckle, removable liner and brim ventilation.
sputniksnowboardshop.com
UNION STR SNOWBOARD
BINDINGS 2023 | £179.95
Ride the entire mountain without breaking the bank. The STR is the perfect intro to Union’s all-mountain binding category. A responsive Stage 5 Duraflex baseplate, paired with the supportive S11 Duraflex highback, and super durable Exoframe 2.0 ankle strap, will keep you feeling locked in and ready to power through whatever the mountain can throw at you.
sputniksnowboardshop.com
BURTON BULLET TOOL | £26.95
Speed and safety make this fivein-one tool the choice of pros and amateurs alike. The low-profile shape prevents impactful landings when pocketed, while a foldout handle provides maximum cranking power for tightening screws. Easy to operate with gloved hands.
sputniksnowboardshop.com
| £209.95
A low-profile down jacket that layers under a shell as well as it stands alone. Nothing beats the warmth-to-weight ratio of down insulation. The Burton Mid-Heat Hooded Down Insulated Jacket has just enough high-loft down to turn up the heat without creating too much bulk. Lightweight ripstop fabric keeps it durable without limiting movement, and it resists light weather, so you can wear it on its own, too.
sputniksnowboardshop.com
SNOWBOARD BOOT 2023 | £224.95
Ride in comfort all day with the Shifty. Built to be a pillow on your feet with a cushy Comfy Tongue, soft Evolution Foam outsole and plush Comfort Fit liner, it’s the perfect boot to ride from first chair to last.
sputniksnowboardshop.com
SNOWBOARD 2023 | £409.95
Designed to replicate the Outerspace Living series in geometrics engineered for women, these perfectly balanced all-terrain freeride boards are stable, supportive and poppy –yet forgiving and easy to ride at the same time. Featuring camber underfoot for controlled turns and a rockered nose and tail that floats in powder.
sputniksnowboardshop.com
CRAB
SNOWBOARD GLOVES | £54.95
When you are looking for style but won’t compromise on function, look no further than the Crab Grab Fives gloves. 15k Hipora membrane, Bluedesign approved 3M poly insulation and bulletproof palms. sputniksnowboardshop.com
VOLCOM BRIGHTON
PULLOVER JACKET | £219.95
The VOLCOM Brighton’s retro styling comes with mountain-driven details like a generous 15Ks of waterproofing and V-science lining system for heightened breathability. The anorak’s drop tail gives extra coverage and comes stacked full of tech that make riding for longer easier.
sputniksnowboardshop.com
MONT BLANC LINES | £40
In Mont Blanc Lines, photographer and alpinist Alex Buisse has travelled the Mont Blanc massif, on skis, in crampons and by paraglider, to capture images of the major mountain faces and to trace the classic skiing and climbing lines. adventurebooks.com
PICTURE ORGANIC CLOTHING ARCA 1/4
WOMEN’S FLEECE | £114.95
The Arcca ¼ Fleece is a retro-style micro polar fleece, ideal for everyday adventures or simply when you want to wear something warm and cosy. It features Picture’s Dry Feel antimicrobial treatment and Dry Now wicking technology to keep you warm and dry during any activity. sputniksnowboardshop.com
OAKLEY TARGET LINE L GOGGLE | £99.95
Pairing a jumbo cylindrical lens with a low-profile, sleek frame design for an incredible field of view and seamless integration with Oakley helmets.
sputniksnowboardshop.com
BURTON MINT BOA WOMEN’S
SNOWBOARD BOOT 2023 | £224.95
Soft, forgiving and quick to adjust, these boots are ready for progression right out of the box. Effortlessly fine tune fit tension with the micro-adjustable BOA® Fit System, and cradle your feet in the lightweight cushioning of a DynoLITE outsole. The Mint’s relaxed ride is matched by the added warmth of heatreflective tech that seals in body heat to keep your toes warm and the custom feel of heat-mouldable liners. 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.
BLIZZARD HUSTLE 10 SKI | £599.95
An excellent all-mountain fun freeride-inspired ski for touring and all-mountain skiing. With a very accessible feel whether you’re venturing into more off-piste adventures, or hard charging pistes and powder stashes, The Hustle covers a huge range of ability levels and is superb value for money for the way this ski performs. Whether you combine these with a touring binding to access some freeride powder stashes, or a piste binding to create a superb all-mountain do-everything ski, you will not be disappointed skibartlett.com
K2 SPROUT JUNIOR POLE | £29.95
Now you don’t need to worry when your children “sprout” as these ski poles can grow with them. Going from a tiny 75cm up to a hearty 105cm, these poles with super-cool graphics will last your children all the way through to their teens. skibartlett.com
| £329.95
A smart-tech enabled helmet inspired by Atomics World Cup athletes, giving you some of the best safety protection on the market. A hard outer shell (carbon loaded versions also available) and AMID shock-absorbing foam gives you 30% higher protection than the FIS racing standards required. skibartlett.com
ATOMIC REDSTER BOOT BLANKET | £59.95
If you suffer from cold feet, or snow creeping in through the overlap of your boot, then these are a must. Warm neoprene creates an insulating blanket for your ski boots. Light, packs small, don’t leave home without it! skibartlett.com
£1,450
Yes, it’s a folding ski! Originating from a folding ski designed for the military, these have been tried and tested to the max and have now been designed for the equally demanding all-mountain skier. These folding skis come complete with a set of poles and a wheelie luggage bag for easy storage and transportation. A clever locking system means the skis fold in half and lock out in seconds ready for you to hit the slopes. Whether you’re struggling for space at home, you haven’t got much luggage space in your Porsche or your private jet, or you want an effortless travelling experience to the slopes, these are an absolute must. skibartlett.com
HYBRID TOURING SKI BOOT | £254.95
Finally, a freeride boot for younger shredders. Featuring the same walk mode, tech inserts, heat-mouldable shell and sturdy downhill pedigree as the adult-sized Mindbender 130 boot, the Mindbender Team JR has everything a budding freerider needs to take their skills from the resort to the backcountry and back again. skibartlett.com
FORCEFIELD PRO L2 DYNAMIC | £159.99
The Pro L2K Dynamic passes the CE2 test at an amazingly high protection level. It fits close to the body, 3D custom moulding to the wearer’s shape. It has the ability to withstand multiple impacts, and contains hundreds of breathable vent holes throughout to help maintain body temperature. The protector is held together with Kevlar® thread for added strength. forcefieldbodyarmour.com
For the most intense cold days, Colmar’s puffy jacket sends a nod to high fashion while keeping you backcountry ready. The versatile and multi-functional garment is quilted with soft, water-repellent down and stretch lining making it a skiing must-have.
Stockists: Colmar and Farfetch
ELAN RIPSTICK 106 SKIS | £659.95
The ultimate fun freeride ski for any terrain. With their lively poppy and responsive heart, these will be a fun ski to play in the powder or pop some little side hits. skibartlett.com
TOURING ADAPTER | £89.95
A clever adapter that converts a standard binding into a touring binding to allow children to start venturing into the exciting world of ski touring. skibartlett.com
The Object Jacket is a bit of a classic in the Picture line-up. It’s a two-layer bio-sourced hard shell made for free ride days. 20K/20K membrane. Made with a sustainable bio-sourced polyester face fabric from repurposed sugarcane waste (58%) and recycled polyester (42%). picture-organic-clothing.com
DECK M GOGGLE | £182.95
One size does not fit all, so Oakley has expanded the popular Flight Deck family with a mid-sized fit. Inspired by the helmet visors of fighter pilots, Flight Deck M maximises your field of view so you won’t miss a single target of opportunity.
sputniksnowboardshop.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-ofmouth reputation over the last 50 years has made them the UK’s most popular independent ski shop!
DOPE ADEPT JACKET | £171
The Adept is a reliable zip-through jacket with all the features you need for a day on the slopes. Highly waterproof, durable and designed with the whole mountain in mind, the Adept is a true staple in the Dopesnow lineup. dopesnow.com
OAKLEY ARC 5 PRO HELMET | £509.95
Oakley’s no-compromise safety and impressive design talent has now reached the world of ski racing! Designed and developed with reigning overall World Champion Aleksander Kilde, the ARC5 PRO was created to be the ultimate FIScertified alpine ski helmet. Oakley has raised the bar in FIS racing protection. skibartlett.com
ZEAL OPTIC
BEACON GOGGLE | £108–£209
Zeal Optics’ Beacon is its first goggle to feature the groundbreaking Observation Deck Technology (ODT) that replicates the eagle’s view of the mountain. Created with a tilted cylindrical lens, Beacon allows you to see every inch of the line below you while eliminating glare. Photochromic lens option, 100% UV protection, impact-resistant frame and more. zealoptics.com
OPPO RENO8 PRO SMARTPHONE | £599
The OPPO Reno8 Pro features a fantastic camera and unique design, enabling users to capture clear memories and selfies even in challenging lighting conditions. It has excellent battery life and speedy charging, topping up to 100% in just 30 minutes. oppostore.co.uk
SNOWBOARD BINDINGS 2023 | £149.95
The Union Rosa is the lightest women’s snowboard binding on the market. An all-new Stage 8 Duraflex baseplate combined with the Falcorinspired highback deliver the lightest weight and highest-value femalespecific binding the snowboard world has ever seen. The Rosa is the perfect introduction to Union’s freestyle binding category, looking stylish in cool aqua colourway. sputniksnowboardshop.com
PALM & PINE SKINCARE
SPF30 £27.00 | SPF50 £23.00
Goggle tans are out sunscreen is in. Palm & Pine offers natural protection from UVA and UVB rays. Whatever the weather, the 100% vegan, fragrance-free sunscreen protects the skin from UV damage. Best of all, it doesn't sting your eyes. Don't go up the mountain without it. palmpineskincare.com
JUNIOR SKI INCL BINDING | £244.95
Just because you’re small doesn’t mean you don’t have big dreams. Maybe it’s hitting every jump in sight, playing in the park, or charging down the pistes with the boys. The Dreamweaver will grow with you from a lower-level skier to a hardcharging ripper. Light, fun and easy skiing. skibartlett.com
V
TRACTION MULE | £54.95
No more worrying about heating bills with these ultra-warm sleeping bags for your feet! The traction edition includes a rubber sole allowing you to explore your surroundings and stay warm and dry. skibartlett.com
LONG SLEEVE SHIRT WARM | £49
This figure-hugging long-sleeved shirt keeps you warm and dry when undertaking high-intensity activities in mild to cold conditions. The combination of high-quality warming materials ensures superior moisture wicking and thermal management. In addition, the perfect fit guarantees maximum freedom of movement thanks to flex zones on the shoulders and elbows. falke.com/uk_en
WOMEN’S IRVING PARKA | £1,324
The Irving Parka is the embodiment of technical elegance. A removable belt highlights its sophisticated, calflength polyester shell, and the 90/10 down fill ensures warmth without extra weight. The hood packs into the collar for improved styling, and the gold-plated Icon logo guarantees a stunning look for years to come. mooseknucklescanada.com
COOLCASC GOGGLE COVERS | £11.95
No more scratched lenses when you put your goggles away; now you can protect them with our original COOLMASC goggles cover. Bright, fun and funky patterns will enhance your goggles, and the polyester fabric will shield your lenses from any debris that could cause a scratch. COOLCASC® are also trying to do their part for the environment as they have shown their creativity and produced these COOLMASC’s by using recycled products. coolcasc.com
With its cylindrical shape, CLEAR is a testimony to MessyWeekend’s love for the retro never going out of style. Its XEp lens with photochromic technology allows the lens to automatically adjust to switching weather conditions alongside featuring anti-fog and anti-scratch coating with 100% UV400 protection. messyweekend.com
ALL MOUNTAIN PACK | £138.65
At 30L of storage volume and under 600g, Ultimate Direction’s All Mountain Pack offers lots of up-front and rear storage, abrasion-resistant material and an all-season kit which includes a ski hook and loop and bungee compression system. ultimatedirection.com/all-mountain
Icecold Hood Top | Leopard | €79.99
Icecold Tights | Leopard | €69,99
Long live the Leopard!
MultiFUNctionality to the max with the integrated fleece-lined high-collar hood. Perfect to use on or off the mountain on cold, windy days. Fashion and function at its best! eivy.co
PICTURE AVENING PANTS | £280
Lightweight, stretch, two-layer ferried bib pants. Made with a sustainable bio-sourced polyester face fabric from repurposed sugarcane waste, they also feature a 20K/20K membrane for unmatched waterproof breathability, reinforced with a PFC-free durable water-repellent treatment and waterproof zips. picture-organic-clothing.com
CRAB GRAB CINCH
WOMEN’S MITTEN | £79.95
Crab Grab’s all-season team favourite mitten tailored for a narrow hand.
Packed with PrimaLoft® and sherpa fleece, the upgraded, redesigned Cinch Women’s mitt is versatile, adjustable and incredible. sputniksnowboardshop.com
£24.99 £29.95
Be seen on the slopes, on the road or even at the skate park. COOLCASC® helmet covers will make sure you stand out in a crowd whether you are a child or an adult; they have a practical use as well as being fun characters and putting a smile on your face. As COOLCASC® helmet covers are one size fits all, everyone can benefit, and the stretchy Lycra enables you to fit the covers on almost every helmet for any sport. Be Safe and Be Seen in a Fun Way – Choose from the completely zany to the demure and everything in between. coolcasc.com
WOMEN'S CASCADE MOCK NECK | £120
MEN'S CASCADE LONG SLEEVE (not pictured) | £110
Made to move, the Cascade provides all the warmth of merino with a four-way stretch. Made from 81% ZQ merino wool, 12% nylon and 7% elastane for improved stretch and durability, the Cascade Base layer provides warmth and comfort.
ellis-brigham.com
DOPE CON PANTS | £130
The Con pants blend form and function. These pants are special because they not only have a slimmer, thigh-hugging fit, but are also super-comfortable and provide total freedom of movement, thanks to a two-way stretch shell material. dopesnow.com
K2 POACHER JUNIOR SKI
INCL BINDING | £244.95
Poppy and playful for fun all-mountain freestyle skiing with a shape to carve down every piste and wide enough to play in a little bit of powder, an ideal ski for intermediate to advanced-level fun-hearted skiers. skibartlett.com
OAKLEY MOD1
MIPS HELMET | £109.95
A lightweight and low-profile design inspired by the classic skatestyle helmet. The MOD1 delivers simplicity with premium functionality for wherever your on-mountain adventures take you. Features include Boa 360 Fit System, fixed ventilation, MIPS integration, Fidlock buckle and removable liner. sputniksnowboardshop.com
SKI SNOWBOARD JACKET | £295
The OOSC Yeh Man Ski Snowboard Jacket is built from 100% recycled durable nylon! It has a 20,000mm waterproof rating and 20,000gm2 breathability rating. A YKK zip is covered by a flap held down with magnet snappers for the ultimate protection. oosc-clothing.com
ARMADA SALISBURY ANORAK | £165
Modern style and versatile performance meet with the Salisbury Anorak. Taking inspiration from the Furtherance and your favourite retro sportswear, this pullover shell delivers 10K/10K protection and breathability with a 2L Nylon Full Dull Ripstop fabric that’s both tough and supple. Articulated fit through the sleeves provide increased mobility, a centre chest pocket takes care of storage and a right-side zip ensures easy on-off functionality. surfdome.com
IMBRACE DYNAMIC LEGGINGS | £84
Love your knees. Support that gives you confidence. Imbrace targeted compression leggings with built-in knee braces. The ski and snowboarding base layer that supports your knees and hips. From the first turn of the day to the last – confidence you’ll feel. imbrace.com
Still only 28, Norway’s Henrik Kristoffersen is one of the most successful ski racers of all time, with 28 wins from more than 70 World Cup podiums (including runner-up to Dave Ryding in Kitzbühel this year). Loved by fans for wearing his heart on his sleeve, Henrik is on new skis this year from the Van Deer company set up by former rival the retired Austrian great Marcel Hirscher. Henrik talked to Rob Stewart at the World Cup 2022/23 tour-opening competition in Sölden in October.
Do you always want to win?
HK “If I do the two best runs of my life and I’m fifth, that’s OK. But right now, the two best runs of my life aren’t going to be fifth. But perfect doesn’t exist; you can always do better.”
You show your emotions; does that help?
HK “I don’t know, but it’s who I am, who I’ve always been.”
How are the new skis?
HK “Not too shabby! Really good, I think
it’s working. Most ski companies need to make money and sell skis, but Van Deer’s top focus is to win races. That makes my job easier.”
What did you think of Dave Ryding’s win?
HK “I think it’s great for the sport, great to have diversity in the countries competing. I’ve known Dave so many years and trained a lot with him. I think it was a great thing.”
Full interview on InTheSnow’s YouTube channel: youtube.com/inthesnowmag
