4 minute read
NEVER KNEW
NEVER KNEW YOU COULD SKI EYGPT
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.
Advertisement
Known as a dry, fairly low-lying, sandy and dusty nation, the chances of natural snowfall are rare.
There was great excitement in mid-
December 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
ABDULRHMAN SALEM
CHRIS SEGAL SKI BEAT © MOVIE STILLS_HANS FRIEDRICH
UTAH POWDER UNDER THREAT
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.
SKIERS WITH SPECIAL DIETS
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.
BOCK'S DOUBLE TROUBLE
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.
8 Catered Chalets
• Avoriaz – Morzine - Courchevel • Ski in & out • Sauna and Jacuzzi • Great food & unlimited wine • Free Geneva transfers • Arrive Monday or Thursday
BE HAPPY SKI MORE THIS WINTER
Maximise your time on the slopes this winter! Couples, friends and groups Ski on your travel days
