InTheSnow Issue 39 - November 2014

ISSUE39 | NOV2014

ROSS WOODHALL

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IN THIS MONTH

FEATURES

time British favourite at the heart of one of the world’s biggest ski areas, the Portes du Soleil, and a resort with a rich history.

009 THE DOLOMITES  SUN & SNOW IN SOUTH TYROL

INTHESNOW

@INTHESNOWMAG INTHESNOW

Sensational scenery, stunning slopes and usually plenty of snow and sunshine too, not to mention world-class events, authentic gourmet dining and some great accommodation options.

ABTA No. V4138

If you... #loveski...then ski more often.

Ski Weekends is the home of short break packages & tailor-made ski holidays to Europe's best ski resorts.

With more choice of catered chalets, hotels & self-catering apartments, flying from 17 UK airports why only ski once a year?

DAMIAN-MC-ARTHUR

We profile some of the locals in Morzine and the resort itself, a long-

020

MORZINE GROWS UP  OVERVIEW OF FRENCH RESORT

041

BIGGEST & BEST?  WHISTLER BLACKCOMB Whistler Blackcomb has long been the biggest ski area in North America with a vibrant, year-round community, great lifts and exciting slopes, which for its many fans make it the best too.

REGULARS

GEAR

There’s always new kit to drool over and perhaps purchase. Our experts detail FREDRIKSSON

094

BOOT ROOM 074 

10 MINUTES WITH  SHADES OF WINTER

the latest offerings from the world’s finest purveyors of snow-sports gear.

WIN!

The remarkable success of a series of snow flicks that feature all female team members, we talk to some of the stars about how the concept came together, and what they’ve enjoyed the most.

patrick@inthesnow.com

HOLIDAY 034 VOUCHER TBC GEAR TBC

LIFE IN PICS 026 ALTITUDE SKI TUITION 084

Welcome to our November issue – it’s hard to believe the 2014–15 ski season is now only weeks away!

Indeed, as you can read in our “Where to Ski in

SPOTLIGHT: ZILLERTAL 090

November” guide, it has already started at a few dozen ski areas in the Alps, Scandinavia and in

snow than the French Alps, prices are typically lower, the food is great and the sun shines for longer each day?

over the next 8 weeks. not be any Olympics this season, but it’s 150 years since the first recorded winter mountain holiday was

PUBLISHER

SUB EDITORS

DOMINIC KILLINGER

NICK JONES

© Copyright 2014

dom@inthesnow.com CONTRIBUTORS PRODUCTION DIRECTOR

MATT NICHOLSON matt@inthesnow.com EDITOR

SAM THORNE OLIVIA PARRY-JONES AMIE POSTINGS ANDY TAYLOR GABRIELLA LE BRETON

PATRICK THORNE

already partially open), and we Brits were the first to take that opportunity. It was a few decades before

No part of this publication

downhill skiing (which was just starting to evolve

may be copied, photocopied or reproduced, stored in a

after thousands of years on cross-country skis in

retrieval system or transmitted,

Scandinavia at about the same time) started to take

in any way or means, either by

hold, but we were the first to realise it was possible to

recording or otherwise, without permission of the publishers

EQUIPMENT EDITOR

taken, in St Moritz (one of those few dozen areas

Printed in the UK

just love being in the mountains in winter, having fun.

OK, a Swiss hotel owner had made a bet with those

SALLY BARTLETT

in writing.

DEBBIE GABRIEL

COLUMNISTS

debbie@inthesnow.com

JON WEST PHIL SMITH LORNA MCGACHIE HEMEL SNOW CENTRE

INTHESNOW LTD

knew, but still, we kicked it all off.

THE SNOW STUDIO

In the century and a half since, ski areas have conquered

first Brits that that was the case, so he clearly already

OPERATIONS DIRECTOR

SALES MANAGER

Did you know that the French Pyrenees often have deeper

Hundreds and then thousands of areas will join them This winter is quite a special one, in fact. There may

N STRIPPE

064

TEAM

patrick@inthesnow.com

FIVE REASONS  FRENCH PYRENEES

the Colorado Rockies and around Banff in Canada.

GIANCARLO G

KINGS LANE, BUCKS HP16 0QY

the world. There are about 6000 in 80 countries now, and you can even ski on snow in such unlikely places as

giancarlo@inthesnow.com DESIGN BY

+44 (0)1494 862 423

PICTURE EDITOR

ROCKET BASE

DOM@INTHESNOW.COM

ROSS WOODHALL

rocketbase.co.uk

INTHESNOW.COM

Dubai, South Africa, Iran and Milton Keynes. That’s a sign of success and perhaps a bit of healthy obsession.

Some ski areas have become very big and rich on the back of our sport, of course – St Moritz being one of them – but there are still many small villages where you can enjoy a more intimate experience that is slightly more like the original winter holidays, and we cover some of these

For the latest deals and best prices www.skiweekends.com or call

023 8020 6971

in our feature on little resorts in big ski areas.

While many of our readers are already experienced skiers and boarders, we also recognise that a lot of what we talk about each month may sound like a foreign language to some snow-sports newbies, and indeed our main news story looks at the industry’s attempt to attract more new people into winter sports – so this month we also have a feature on first-time skiers and a new monthly column with advice for beginners. Enjoy!

again & again with Skiweekends.com

003 // NOV14

THE ART OF LAYERING FALL-WINTER 14/15 ODLO.COM

HOW TO GET MORE PEOPLE SKIING OR BOARDING

T

to ski or board because their sense of

‘90s. It is government legislation tightening up

adventure was at its peak, while the sense

Bring Children To The Snow:

the organisation of these trips that is largely

of fear we all develop will not have taken

snowkidz.com

blamed for making school trips less popular for

hold yet.

Crystal Beginners:

the schools themselves to organise.

Winter-sports organisations and tour

crystalski.co.uk/beginner-ski-holidays

The latest legislation, which has made it

operators have many initiatives to fight

GoSkiGoBoard:

illegal to take English schoolchildren on a

back against any negativity. Snowsport

goskigoboard.org.uk

family ski holiday outside of school holidays,

England is encouraging more people to

School Ski Holidays:

has exacerbated the issue, making it more

try snow sports locally and affordably with

skibound.co.uk/

expensive for parents to introduce their

the second year of their highly successful

Ski Again:

children to snow sports, further cutting the

GoSkiGoBoard campaign which saw

inghams.co.uk/ski-holidays/articles/ski-again

numbers able to try it.

more than 10,000 people take to indoor

“At SNO we’re a lot busier this year with early

snow and dry slopes last season.

bookings,” said Richard Sinclair of travel

At the same time the International Ski

hree separate studies published last month

agency SNO.co.uk, “but very few are school

Federation is making a global effort to

… but also reasonably accessible,” said Chris

revealed that:

trips, and our client base is growing more

“bring children to the slopes” (this isn’t just a

Thompson, Managing Director of tour operator

mature in general. My sister is a teacher and

British problem …), whilst tour operator Crystal

Ski Famille (skifamille.co.uk) which has been

so I hear about how difficult it is now for them

is offering heavily discounted low-season

encouraging families to bring their children to

to take kids on a school ski trip – I worry the

holidays to first-timers only, and Inghams is

the slopes of France for more than 20 years.

modern educational system doesn’t value

working with the Austrian Tourist Board this

“I think we have to accept that school trips

ski holiday as children, but in their 20s.

wider life/experiential education, when it’s

season on a similar initiative but aimed at

are not going to see a dramatic upturn any

 The best age for children to start skiing

beyond what the government happens to

getting lapsed skiers to ski again. Inghams

time soon. The indoor slopes in the UK are

be testing on. The private schools of course

will also offer up to 3000 more holiday places

a great development, as are many of the

have not stopped taking their children away to

during the peak New Year period and February

offers that resorts and operators put out.

have nourishing life experiences (we look after

half-term weeks for families, in a bid to counter

However, I think that too much emphasis

several), but that doesn’t help most children.”

the problems caused by the new government

is put on the skiing or boarding itself (how

InTheSnow contacted a number of industry

A new survey of 14,600 respondents

legislation on taking children out of school.

many articles or brochures have an airborne

experts to ask what they thought about these

compiled on behalf of the Ski Club of Great

But at least one family skiing expert feels that

skier or boarder doing a move that only

studies, and none of them expressed surprise,

Britain found that most Brits now learn to ski

there’s an issue with public perception too with

2% of participants could pull off!) and not

nor did they feel there was any obvious way

between 21–29 years.

the media focus of the past few years being

enough on the overall mountain experience

to reverse the trend. The reasons for this are

But more new research published on behalf

on deep-powder freeriding and, more recently,

and just the joy of sliding on snow whatever

partly simple, partly complex.

of the Chill Factore indoor snow centre in

the freestyle skills of our winter Olympians.

your skills. Let’s focus on getting families to

The number of children going on school ski

Manchester found that children aged 11 or

“To get people involved in snow sports it needs

enjoy time together doing something active

trips has in fact been dropping for decades

younger were actually the best suited to learn

to be perceived as both fun and aspirational

in the mountains.”

 The number of children going on school ski trips continues to fall.

 Most people no longer have their first

is 11 (or younger).  The number of Brits taking a ski holiday last season dropped again.

WORDS: PATRICK THORNE

GET PEOPLE SKIING now since the high point in the 1980s and early

005 // NOV14

VILLARS JUST4TWO The classic Swiss resort of Villars has a special deal for couples or two friends valid from 5 January to 7 February and 7 March to 29 March 2015. Their Just4Two deal includes ski pass and accommodation with breakfast for 2 or 4 nights – so 2 nights for 2 people with 2 days of skiing from CHF255 (about £167) total.

DAVE CAMARA ARAPAHOE BASIN SKI AREA

BIG WHITE ICE TOWER Big White in British Columbia has a new attraction this winter – a giant 18.2m high ice tower. Constructed from four telephone poles with metre-thick ice, there are beginner to advanced options. The resort has expertly trained climbing staff to help and encourage would-be ice climbers, and all equipment including crampons, ice tools and harnesses is included.

FESTIVE SKIPLEX Skiplex (skiplex.co.uk), the indoor ski training centres, are offering up to a fifth off bookings for an hour’s Family Time between 1–24 December before 4pm at their Reading and Basingstoke centres.

Normally £155, the “Christmas gift” price is £125. “We normally recommend up to six people (with at least one adult), but as it’s Christmas we’ll bundle ten elves on if they don’t mind sharing!” said a spokesperson.

AUSTRALIA’S RECORD 2014 Australian resorts posted one of their best

FIRST RESORTS OPEN FOR 2014/15 SEASON

A

two non-glacier ski areas in the

their bases with snowmaking. Ruka

northern hemisphere to open for

reported 15.24cm of fresh snow in

the 2014–15 ski and snowboard

early October and Arapahoe Basin

season last month, on Friday 17

over 30cm of natural snow during

October, 2014.

the weeks leading up to opening.

“Conditions have been outstanding

A-Basin’s mountain operations

for snowmaking and we were

team started making snow on 2

very excited to open,” said Alan

October 2014, and they were able

Henceroth, A-Basin’s Chief

to create the 45cm base necessary

Operating Officer. “It is always great

for opening over the course of

to watch people have fun skiing

several days.

rapahoe Basin Ski Area (A-Basin)

and riding.”

Both areas are typically open up to

in Colorado, USA, and Ruka in

Both areas had significant pre-

May or June the following spring,

northern Finland were the first

season snowfall and topped up

with 8 month/200+ day ski seasons.

COURCHEVEL’S DESIGNER HELMET It has become a highlight of the many World Cup award ceremonies staged at ski resorts

seasons for the last three decades in 2014.

around the world each season.

The last resort open there ended their 2014

At Courchevel, World Cup winners are awarded

season last month. Mt Hotham, one of the country’s biggest ski areas, saw the fastest opening of lifts across the resort, and

COLORADO EVEN MORE FAMILY-FRIENDLY

a ski helmet especially designed each season

by David Cintract.

The renowned contemporary artist, famous for his modern pop and glamorous style, has

reached their maximum natural snow depth earlier than any other season in 27 years after opening in early June.

SKI BIZ’S HALF-ABILLION VALUE The Tahoe ski industry in California is a

Riglet Park at Durango will anchor the

displayed his work in Courchevel for years

development of a multi-faceted ski

and is the sculptor behind the Mademoiselle

and ride terrain-based learning facility

Courchevel statue in La Croisette.

in the base area. The park allows the

Athletes are reported to be very fond of this

youngest of riders, aged 3–6 years, to

unique prize. Slovenian Olympic medallist Tina

experience sliding on snow and get a

Maze confesses to being “overprotective” of

jump-start on learning while having fun

the one she won after her 2012 victory.

on the slopes.

Courchevel is hosting the Women’s Alpine World

half-a-billion-dollar business according to

Colorado’s resorts have spent millions

facility mixes indoor play with ski

Finally, Arapahoe Basin, which was

Cup for the fifth successive year next month, with

an academic study by San Francisco State

of dollars this summer in their eternal

instruction and is part of Buttermilk’s

the first ski area in North America to

GS and slalom races on 13 and 14 December.

University. The study was based on the

quest to provide ever-better facilities

base area redevelopment.

open for the season, last month, will

This year will see the best female skiers descend

for families with young children.

Crested Butte is adding a Magic

open a three-storey $2.3m (£1.43m)

on the Emile-Allais stadium in a contest which,

nine largest resorts. It estimated skiers spent

Aspen/Snowmass is also opening

Carpet lift just for its tubing hill, which

660 m2 children’s centre in the spring

last winter, attracted 13,000 spectators. This

$564.5m with direct expenditure in ski resorts

a children’s centre this winter

is located at the base area’s Adventure

of 2015, offering a dedicated facility

season, Bruno Tuaire, Courchevel’s Sports Club

amounting to $427.7 million for skiing-related

called The Hideout. A multi-million

Park, as well as now offering snow

for children, including rental locations

Director, hopes that number will grow still further

dollar investment, the 660 m2

bikes for rent, and the new Burton

and changing and dining areas.

to at least 20,000 people.

2013–14 season and focused on the area’s

activities including tickets, food and hotels.

006 // NOV14 // INTHESNOW.COM

@INTHESNOWMAG

ROB BOSSI

EXPRIENCE 88

2014 marks the fifth anniversary of the creation of the innovative

American ski resort operator to physically link Canyons, which it

Wipeout piste map lens cloth. The idea of a lady named Julie Slaughter

has operated for several years, and its recently acquired Park City

back in 2009, Wipeout identified a gap in the market for an innovative

Mountain Resort (PCMR) to create the largest ski area in the US.

product with dual functionality and began creating ski resort piste maps

“We expect to generate significant additional EBITDA (Earnings Before

printed onto high-quality lens cloths. Wipeout replaced the problem of

Interest, Tax, Depreciation and Amortisation) growth as we implement

soggy piste maps that blew away on the lift, littering the slopes, and

our plans to combine the ski experience of Park City Mountain Resort

also provided the bonus of clean goggles and sunglasses – genius!

and Canyons into the largest mountain resort in the United States with

Even in the current era of hi-tech map apps, the Wipeout map is holding

over 28 km2 of skiable terrain,” wrote Katz in the company’s financial

its own just as well at double-digit sub-zero temperatures as it does at

report. “(We) will be looking to upgrade or add new lifts, restaurants

room temperature. In their first year of operation, Wipeout launched in

and snowmaking capabilities at both resorts.”

the seven key ski resorts of Chamonix, Courchevel, La Plagne, Les Arcs,

Full details are promised next March. It is not clear if the two areas will

Méribel, Val Thorens and Verbier. Five years on and Wipeout products

maintain separate identities or be merged.

are now available in over 100 resorts across the continent. Each year,

Vail ski resort in Colorado was itself the largest ski area in the US

the Wipeout team review and update their products to make sure they

with 21 km2 until recently, when the merger of Big Sky and the former

reflect the latest developments in resorts, such as new lifts and pistes.

Moonlight Basin in Montana overtook it with 23.5km2

In keeping with their eco-friendly ethos, they have recently started to

However another Utah resort, Powder Mountain, is already disputing

recycle the out-of-date piste maps and have repackaged them into

that the new combined area will be the largest in the US, claiming it

trendy baby bibs! Now your little one can show their allegiance to your

has 30.3 km2. Whistler Blackcomb in British Columbia, Canada, remains

favourite ski resort while you do your bit for the environment – the

the largest ski area in North America with 33 km2.

perfect stocking filler for any skier-to-be or powder-loving mum and dad!

SNOWBOMBING 2015 TICKETS ON SALE and a world-class line-up bursting with critically acclaimed music acts,” said a launch statement from the organisers.

Highlights from previous years include The Prodigy performing in the middle of the forest, Rudimental playing out to a captive crowd inside a real igloo and Kasabian taking to the stage at sunset nearly 2000m up in the mountains. There’s no announcement on who will perform in this year’s line-up.

For the first time, Snowbombing will be introducing high-end, luxury named apartments designed to suit everyone.

Ranging from top-tier to mid price range, these Tickets for the 2015 staging of Europe’s largest

Prices start from £229pp for five nights’

authentic, beautiful apartments are the best

and longest-established snow and music

accommodation and festival wristband, but

way for guests to save money as there is the

festival, Snowbombing, are now on sale.

excluding travel and skiing/boarding costs.

luxury of cooking from home.

Coming up to its 16th year, the festival will return

“This year, Snowbombing is determined to give

Also for the first time, the super premium 5★

to regular resort venue Mayrhofen with end-of-

revellers the most unique festival experience

Hotel Elisabeth will be available to revellers,

season dates confirmed for Monday, 6 April to

yet, with the return of Austria’s ultimate après

which in previous years has only ever been

Saturday, 11 April 2015, including Easter Monday.

ski bar, the authentically Austrian Brück’n Stadl

reserved for artists. snowbombing.com

FB.COM/INTHESNOW

007 // NOV14

EXPERIENCE

Vail Resorts’ CEO Rob Katz has confirmed plans by the largest North

ELEVATE YOUR PLAYGROUND

BIG 0–5 FOR WIPEOUT!

ANOTHERBESTDAY

PARK CITY RESORTS TO LINK IN 2015

 PROMOTION

Südtirol Südtirol Map Map –– Standard Standard

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008 // NOV14 // INTHESNOW.COM

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@INTHESNOWMAG

SUN, SNOW & THE DOLCE VITA ON THE SLOPES OF SOUTH TYROL

S

to avoid crowded slopes and hour-long

that there is a huge range of skiing

ski-lift queues.

available from beginners’ and kids’

Home to the famous Dolomiti Superski

runs to championship-level slopes, as

and Sellaronda, the region offers

well as great cross-country and off-

excellent downhill and cross-country

piste skiing terrain.

options for skiers and snowboarders of

South Tyrol also offers access to the

all levels, and there are 63 ski schools

mighty Sellaronda, a 26km merry-go-

on hand for those beginners looking to

round for skiers around the dramatic

improve their skills on the slopes. There

Sella Massif Peak with well-groomed

are also a number of alternative snow

pistes and modern, efficient lift

sports available for adventurous visitors

systems. The Sellaronda is one of the

to try – from snow kiting and snow

most exciting routes in the Alps and

shoeing, to tobogganing and sledging

links four valleys in the Dolomites: the

outh Tyrol, also known as Südtirol,

– there need never be a dull moment.

Gardena, Fassa, Livinallongo and Badia

Italy’s most northerly region, is set

After a day on piste, visitors can enjoy

valleys. Alta Badia and Val Gardena are

amongst the jaw-droppingly beautiful

an après-ski in one of the many cosy

in South Tyrol. In roughly five hours,

mountains of the UNESCO World

log huts that pepper the slopes, or tuck

skiers can complete the circular tour

Heritage Site, the Dolomites. It boasts

into the gourmet food which the region

around the impressive rock formations

some of the best ski and snow-sport

is famous for – it boasts an amazing 20

of the Dolomites and are rewarded with

runs in the world – add to this 300

restaurants with a Michelin star rating.

some of the world’s most spectacular

days of sunshine a year and a snow

South Tyrol also has a strong spa

scenery. This merry-go-round for skiers

guarantee from December to April,

tradition, with many spas and thermal

is the only one of its kind and is made

and it really is the place to be for

baths offering traditional treatments

up of a series of ski-lifts and downhill

discerning snow enthusiasts. However,

such as milk, honey and hay baths –

runs, all linked to one another and

it’s not just the snow and landscape

the perfect way to relax at the end of

set against a background of woods,

that makes visiting worthwhile. South

the day.

rocky peaks and expanses of snow.

Tyrol’s joint Alpine and Mediterranean

The Dolomiti Superski is one of the

It is a must-do for any keen skier or

cultural heritage influences everything

world’s largest ski networks with

snowboarder.

from the region’s food and wine to

a staggering 1200km of perfectly

But South Tyrol is also a fantastic

its spa tradition – all adding to its

snow-covered slopes taking in 12

destination for all things snow and not

eclectic and unique nature. Visitors to

different resorts and areas. What is

just ski. Adrenaline junkies can go ice

Getting to South Tyrol couldn’t

the region can enjoy the finest South

more, each of these areas has direct

climbing up frozen waterfalls, or why

be easier: catch a flight to

Tyrolean wines with traditional dishes

access to the Dolomiti Superski, and

not enjoy the landscape on a pony ride

one of the nearby airports in

such as dumplings, or “Knödel” as it’s

any part of this impressive network

or horse-drawn sled? In South Tyrol’s

northern Italy.

locally known, and Schlutzkrapfen –

can be covered with just one ski pass,

winter wonderland, the possibilities

To find out more, visit

ravioli filled with spinach and cheese.

making this not only an adventurous

are endless. For more information visit

suedtirol.info/gettingthere.

South Tyrol is a secret ski spot waiting

but also an affordable ski holiday

suedtirol.info/dolomighty or join us on

to be discovered, and the perfect place

option. The size of the network means

facebook.com/southtyrolUK.

GETTING THERE

FB.COM/INTHESNOW

009 // NOV14

POLLY BALDWIN, DYNAMICPICTURES.COM

MORE WARMTH. LESS WEIGHT.

FREERIDE

S L E S S O N

N O . 2

G E T

Breathable

Brushed merino traps heat

LES RONDELLS The baskets on your ski poles need to be

position of a buried person. Again it’s only

big. Do not go off-piste with a pair of tiny race

any good if you know how to use it. Then

baskets on the end of your poles. You’re going

you’re going to need a shovel to dig out the

to need to move around the powder, and

located person, plus a first-aid kit with all the

small baskets in deep powder are as much

basic essentials, and a map of the area with

use as a chocolate fireguard.

emergency contact numbers. You’ll also need a backpack to fit it all in. Make sure it’s big

HELMET

enough to accommodate all your kit. Don’t

One word: essential!

turn up with a Hello Kitty one.

THE EXTRAS

The backpack

If you’re into gadgets

can also be

you can now attach

in the form

ski-retrieval devices

of an airbag

to your skis. These

o, if you’re thinking about doing some

which inflates

work in the same

freeriding then don’t even think about heading

when you pull

way as a transceiver

off into the off-piste without the right gear.

a trigger and

but on a different

Every year hundreds of accidents occur, many

theoretically

frequency. Invest

of which could easily have been avoided. Stay

keeps you

in a backpack with

smart, stay safe.

closer to the

carrying straps for

YOUR NORMAL GETUP

snow in the

Your skiing clothes and boots can be the

event of an

same as you normally use, so no need to

avalanche.

spend extra cash on these just yet. If you

Don’t leave it in

spend a lot of time in the park then you may

when you’re in

have invested in some kit that is far too big for

the bar or your

you and have trousers hanging halfway down

mate might not

your bum. This may be fine for the park, but

be able to resist

be advised: if you’re going freeriding while

the temptation

wearing park kit then you’ll spend most of

to give it a yank.

your pants. ®

Merino fibre wrapped around a nylon core for strength, then brushed to maximise warmth and softness

O N

the probe. This allows you to locate the exact

PHIL SMITH SNOWWORKS

skis so you can

Phil Smith is founder of Snoworks

To access deep

All-Mountain Ski Courses. Snoworks

backcountry and

run Off-Piste and Backcountry courses

more untracked

throughout the winter along with Off-

powder you may

Piste Adventure trips to destinations

choose to invest

around the world. info@snoworks.com

in touring bindings

access backcountry that requires a hike.

and skins, and if hiking up the

your time retrieving all the snow from down

Icebreaker RealFLEECE

icebreaker.com

K I T

but only if you know how to use it. Next comes

surface of the

Merino with a nylon core

Y O U R

mountain begins to

THE PLANKS

overtake the sliding down then you will want

Skis are your connection with the mountain and

THE ESSENTIALS

to look into getting a pair of freeride boots with

freeriders get pretty attached to them. They

walk mode and rubber soles to provide more

Transceiver, backpack, shovel and probe –

want to be fat, fat, fat. Do not go off-piste with

grip when climbing on rock. Extreme freeriders

book on a course that trains you how to use

a pair of winkle pickers on your feet; they’ll sink

will be kitted out with ropes, harnesses,

them properly. The transceiver sends and

and you won’t move. Your skis ideally need to

crampons, ice axes, maps, compass, satellite

receives signals and it allows you to quickly

be at least 100mm in the middle. That’s all you

navigation, emergency torch and of course a

zoom in to close proximity of a buried person,

need to know. Plain and simple.

spare pair of underpants!

Icebreaker is sustainable, renewable, merino clothing from the Southern Alps of New Zealand.

For stockists information telephone 01572 772437

010 // NOV14

SNOWORKS.COM

BJØRN CHRISTIAN TØRRISSEN

FREDDY PLANINSCHEK

C.CATTIN OT VAL THORENS

VAL THORENS OPENING SKI CROSS STADIUM

GET A TASTE FOR SKIING

NORTH KOREA’S THIRD SKI AREA?

Val Thorens in the French Alps has positioned itself as a world centre

“A Taste For Skiing”, the innovative and affordable gourmet cuisine

Rumours circulated by Western news source NK News indicate that

for the sport of ski cross after putting two Val Thorens natives onto the

initiative, is back at Alta Badia in the Italian Dolomites this winter.

North Korea is planning to expand the Masikryong ski resort near

Olympic podiums at Sochi. Jean-Frédéric Chapuis was the men’s ski

The resort has partnered with Le Soste, an association that groups

Wonsan, the controversial pet project of leader Kim Jong-un.

cross gold-medal winner and Chloé Trespeuch won snowboard bronze

together the crème de la crème of Italian Michelin-starred chefs working

The news source is reputed to be the manager of the resort’s main

in the Ladies’ contest. Now the resort will be opening a full-sized ski

in Italy and abroad, to create a “foodie journey” that will explore the

hotel in conversation with an international tour operator. The plan is

cross stadium on 22 December 2014, and anyone will be able to try it.

ancient traditions of Italian cuisine from across the country.

to build a second ski area nearby and physically link it to Masikryong,

The 1.4km-long track will have open access for adults, as well as for

“Participating Michelin-starred chefs from many Italian towns and regions

but the exact location of the ski area, which would be the country’s

children racing alongside their parents.

will create their menus based on their regional backgrounds. Food will

third, was not known, nor was it known when construction would

Whenever skiers or boarders cross the start line, the micro-chipped

become a medium for storytelling, with the dishes and associated wines

begin, except that it wouldn’t be this year. The Masikryong ski resort

card underneath their jacket triggers a timer that automatically stops

reflecting the traditions of the regions and the chef’s own story,” said a

development caused controversy, with UN export bans blocking

when they cross the finish line. It also triggers five cameras that film

statement from the resort. The Alta Badia Gourmet Skisafari starts with

some leading ski equipment manufacturers in Europe from selling

the race all the way to the finish line, where they can watch and

a “Meet The Chefs” event on 14 December, when five Michelin-starred

the country chairlifts and other gear, while North Korean leader Kim

download the video to their smartphones to share on social networks,

chefs will cook up exquisite traditional Italian dishes in five mountain

Jong-un made the project a statement of national pride and delivered a

via another terminal. They’ll be able to have several goes to try to

huts while keen skiers slide from hut to hut sampling each creation.

modern resort complete with electronic ticketing.

match champion Jean-Frédéric Chapuis’ benchmark time.

Tickets cost €50 (approx £40) which includes five gourmet dishes (one

However, indications from visiting Western skiers are that visitor

The French Ski School will be offering special ski-cross skills courses

from each hut) and complimentary wine.

numbers have been low, with most North Koreans unable to afford the

and on Thursday the chance to win a proper medal depending on your

“Breakfast with powder snow”, available throughout the season in

ticket price and few Westerners braving a visit. NK News says they

performance (participation costs €8.50 (approx. £6.80) per test).

participating huts, is a great excuse to be first on the slopes and indulge

have received an internal report on the project cost, stating it cost

Two stages of the FIS Ski Cross World Cup will take place in Val

in a hearty South Tirolean breakfast before making first tracks.

€120m to build the resort and had a target of 5000 customers per day

Thorens on Friday 12 December and Saturday 13 December, just before

Other events include the 10th “Chef’s Cup Südtirol” from 18 to 23

for two-thirds of the year. Masikryong was the country’s second resort

the centre opens to the public, when visitors can come and see the

January, the Roda dles Saûs Ski Safari – an event focused on traditional

and follows the construction of a less well-publicised small ski area

champions at work.

Ladin cuisine – from 15 March in the Santa Croce huts, and finally the

developed several years ago, using an old chairlift donated by a Swiss

snowparkvalthorens.com

“Wine Ski Safari” from 29 March. altabadia.org

resort before the UN export ban.

SKISTAR PER ERIKSSON

NEW EXPRESS LIFT IN VEMDALEN Vemdalen in Sweden, with its three ski areas

for completion by 15 November with its official

restriction at all our three ski areas, all our

– Björnrike, Vemdalsskalet and Klövsjö – has

opening already scheduled to take place on

guests have reason to be happy about this

seen significant growth over recent years,

Boxing Day at 11am.

news wherever they are staying,” said Anders

made possible partly thanks to considerable

Väst Express is owned by Skalspasset Linbana

Lundqvist, marketing manager at SkiStar

improvements in the ski area.

AB, whose shareholders are local companies,

Vemdalen.

Next season, a total transformation of the Väst

and the resort’s operator SkiStar, which is part-

The Leitner-built lift is 1170m long, with a vertical

ski area at Vemdalsskalet is planned, with a

owner in the company and investor in the snow

drop of 320m, a capacity of 2800pph and will

doubling of the pisted area, a new snowmaking

production and new descents, will lease and

take 3 minutes, 17 seconds to ascend, travelling

system and a new chairlift, the Väst Express lift

operate the new lift from them.

at 6m/sec. Chairs will have pull-down wind

at a cost of SEK63m (about £5.5m). This is due

“Since one SkiPass in Vemdalen is valid without

protection hoods.

BE AN INSTRUCTOR

NEW LONGEST GONDOLA

Basecamp are offering the chance to become a Canadian-qualified

What’s purported to be the world’s longest gondola has opened

instructor with their Ultimate Ski/Snowboard Instructor Course. Participants

in Turkey.

gain five qualifications in 11 weeks from 9 January to 29 March based in

Leitner has built the 8.8km-long gondola to link the city of Bursa to

Lake Louise, Alberta. The unique training programme sets participants on

the ski slopes of Uludağ, for many years Turkey’s leading and longest-

a new snowy path with CSIA (Canadian Ski Instructors’ Alliance) Level 1

established ski resort but which in recent years has been facing

and 2 instructor certification. Carefully tailored and including 20 hours of

competition from a new generation of modern Turkish ski areas which

scheduled coaching each week, the unique instructor course combines

are both larger and have modern uplift.

both one-on-one tuition and group training. The intensive programme also

The new three-stage lift has 45 support towers and climbs 1400 vertical

covers freestyle, first aid and avalanche skills training, allowing students

metres from a starting point of just 395m above sea level to nearly

to walk away with five sought-after qualifications and top job prospects in

1800m up. It is reported to cover a distance of nearly 9km, which Leitner

less than three months. With a price tag of £7695, the package includes

believes makes it the longest gondola ropeway in the world.

pretty much everything a potential instructor should need, from airport

The Uludağ mountains are a popular destination area year-round for

transfers and accommodation, through to a lift pass and a guaranteed

the population of Bursa, Turkey’s fourth largest city and only 140km

job interview. The social calendar has also not been overlooked, and

from Istanbul. The new gondola, with 174 eight-person cabins and a

Basecampers can take full advantage of seasonnaire discounts and resort

transport capacity of 1500 people per hour, replaces a 50-year-old,

parties over the 11 weeks. basecampgroup.com

4500m-long ropeway.

012 // NOV14

@INTHESNOWMAG

LUCA ROLLI

NO S H O R TC U T S It’s the moment when you realize its all been worth it— the pre-dawn wake up’s, the bitter cold, the effort that come’s with each step, each deep breath—now its just you, the mountain, and the descent.

SCOTT-SPORTS.COM © SCOTT SPORTS SA 2014 | Photo: Dom Daher

SHAUN WHITE’S BAND IN AVORIAZ American snowboarding superstar Shaun White’s band is to play in Avoriaz in France on 13 December at 5pm. White will perform with his band, Bad Things, at a free concert in Avoriaz centre as part of the resort’s Rock On Ultimate opening weekend festivities.

Avoriaz describes the concert as being “an exceptional event, unique in Europe.”

SNOW+ROCK FOR LEEDS Snow+Rock have opened a new store in Leeds’ city centre on Lands Lane.

“The state-of-the-art facility gives customers the opportunity to shop the ultimate range of outdoor sports products in a premium retail environment,” said a company statement. The shop has a full ski servicing workshop and a state-of-the-art custom boot-fitting zone. Snow+Rock now have 23 stores nationwide. snowandrock.com

PARAGLIDING AT AGE FIVE The French ski resort of Le Corbier is offering paragliding (or parapenting as the French call it) for children aged as young as five, in the care of Joel Houdouin who charges €60 per person. Le Corbier also offers snowmobile rides with a guide from 5.30pm for children over ten, costing €25 for 30 mins. motoneige-corbier.com

GENEVA FASTER

BY RAIL Geneva is of course one of the main airport destinations for Brits heading to leading French and Swiss ski resorts. But you can also go by train, and this winter TGV Lyria are launching a new route from Geneva to Lille. This will make London–Geneva trips much easier, as passengers can simply cross the platforms at Lille to change trains, rather than crossing Paris. tgv-lyria.com

ONLY TWO COUNTRIES LEFT BIDDING FOR 2022

T

voted against the necessary

million dollars estimated in the bid.”

funding this week, despite being

He also claimed that the Sochi

reputedly one of the richest

Games earlier this year “broke even

countries in the world. Along with

or made a profit” and blamed Oslo

the costs, the BBC reports that

for failing to send a senior member

a 7000-page-long list of IOC’s

of the bid team or a government

demands, including meetings with

official to key meetings.

the king, VIP cocktail parties and

“For this reason, senior politicians

A young British writer has created a new book

dedicated traffic lanes, published

in Norway appear not to have been

set in a fictional ski resort.

in the country’s VG newspaper, did

properly briefed on the process and

Destiny Falls by Saffra Monteiro is the first in a

not go down at all well in Norway.

were left to take their decisions on

planned trilogy of novels that follows the story

DESTINY FALLS

The IOC’s Executive Director of the

the basis of half-truths and factual

of 19-year-old Solly, a beautiful, talented and

he 2022 Winter Olympics will, like

Olympic Games, Christophe Dubi,

inaccuracies,” said Mr Dubi.

courageous young lady who is the linchpin of an

Sochi this year and South Korea

issued a remarkable statement in

At least eight countries were

Alpine Search and Rescue unit, and the leader

in 2018, be held in the east after

response to Norway’s decision,

originally interested in staging the

of a highly competitive ski tournament team.

Norway announced Oslo was pulling

in which he claimed that IOC

2022 games, but Ukraine, Poland,

With the handsome Gwain by her side, a host of

out of the contest to stage the event.

funding and sponsorship would

Sweden, Germany and Switzerland

colourful friends and an abandoned wolf cub for

The two remaining candidates

have “almost certainly (been)

all backed out. An IOC decision on

company, what could possibly go wrong?

are Beijing in China and Almaty

substantially more than the 181

the host city is due next year.

But hidden away among the snowy peaks, all is

in Kazakhstan with no Western

not well in the sleepy village of La Tourunche. A

European or North American nation

mysterious and elusive figure is watching Solena

apparently interested in staging the

from the woods. As the plot begins to thicken, a

Games anymore.

member of the team begins to wreak havoc, and

Norway has won more Winter

their motivations gradually become clear. Events

Austria, reopens this winter as Obergurgl-

Olympic medals than any other

take a turn for the worst, and matters are left on

Hochgurgl’s third 5★ property. With a large

country, and the attendance at the

a jaw-dropping cliff-hanger – quite literally!

Games it staged in 1952 remains

Born in Cambridge, Saffra Monteiro is a young

tubs, saunas and steam baths, the focus is

the highest for any event in

actress, model and writer, who battled with both

as much on the wellness as it is on the fine

Norway’s sporting history and for

severe bullying and serious health problems

any Winter Olympic Games.

through her teens before achieving academic

However, Norway’s government

and literary success.

5★ AFTER 80 YEARS Celebrating its 80th anniversary, the Alpen Wellness Resort Hochfirst in Obergurgl,

spa area, indoor and outdoor pools, hot

dining and ski-in/ski-out access with a ski lift next to the hotel. hochfirst.com

014 // NOV14 // INTHESNOW.COM

@INTHESNOWMAG

£15M DAVOS CABLE CAR NOW OPEN Davos Klosters have spent CHF23m (approx. £15.14m) on a new cable car to serve the resort’s Jakobshorn ski area. The new cable car will transport guests in comfort from Davos Platz up to the Ischalp, and both the valley and the mountain station buildings have been reconstructed. The cable cars on the all-new aerial tramway will now transport up to 100 people each, doubling capacity to 1250 people per hour and also significantly improving comfort levels. The Jakobshorn is one of the five winter sports regions of Davos Klosters and promoted as the resort’s sun, fun and freestyle mountain, and “an experience mountain for trendsetters”.

Attractions include the Jatz terrain park, and the mountain restaurants include The Jatz Hut, famed for its Jacuzzi, parties and sun terrace. Hot rhythms and cool events have turned the Jakobshorn into the coolest of Davos Klosters’ mountains.

Altogether, the five ski areas of Davos, which celebrated 150 years of winter tourism in 2015, offer 320km of pistes served by 56 lifts.

NEW LOW-COST FRENCH SKI PASS A new low-cost lift pass covering five French ski areas with a combined 300km of piste has been launched in the Maurienne Valley.

The Eski-Mo pass, valid for a minimum of 6 days, is priced at €168 (£133.37) for adults for 6 days, or €586 (£465.21) for a family of four with children up to 17 years of age. Otherwise, children aged 5 to 11 pay €139 (£110.35) for a six-day pass, with those under 5 skiing free and children 12 and older paying adult prices.

The adult price is more than €100 (£80) per week less than some of the most expensive passes on sale for next season at leading resorts in the French Alps.

The participating resorts on the Eski-Mo pass are Aussois, La Norma, Val Cenis Vanoise, Bonneval-sur-Arc and Valfréjus. The pass includes shuttle bus services between the areas.

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015 // NOV14

Heavenly Skiing At Down To Earth Prices

BRITISH SKI RACER TRIES CROWDFUNDING

C High Quality Catered + Self Catered Accommodation

in a bid to try to meet some of

a year,” said Charlie. “I’ve been

important, and I feel that I have a

her training costs for the current

skiing since I was 3 years old and

lot to offer. I really appreciate every

World Cup season, the bi-annual

I know I can reach the summit and

single donation – from the very

Alpine World Championships in

become world number 1; I just need

small to the very large.”

Vail and Beaver Creek, Colorado,

help with the necessary funding to

Charlie’s move follows news that

and further ahead the 2018 South

get to the next stage.”

a funding package for the British

Korean Winter Olympics.

“The average “season” for me lasts

ski team up to the 2018 Winter

Charlie offered a whole range of

from August pretty much all the

Olympics of around £4m will be

funding opportunities, from simple £5

way through until May and involves

targeted at park and pipe athletes

donations, right up to more expensive

frequent travel to countries all over

following their success at Sochi

and tailored corporate packages.

the world to make the most of the

to capitalise on their ‘podium

harlie Guest, Britain’s number

“To get to the top in any sport, you

snow, wherever it is. It’s expensive,

potential’, rather than the tradition

1 women’s slalom racer, turned

have to dedicate yourself to the

but for local people and businesses

Alpine disciplines.

to crowdfunding in the summer

training, 7 days a week, 12 months

to be part of my journey is incredibly

charlieguest.com

BRITISH SKIERS LOSE AVERAGE OF £219 OF GEAR people who have been on a winter sports holiday and lost a belonging in the last year were questioned.

One in ten snow-lovers said

French and Swiss Alps

they lost their keys, and 7% apparently left their ski jackets

Snow Sure Resorts No Hidden Extras Financially Bonded

soon they realised.

SHUTTERSTOCK

On / Near Piste locations

on the slopes – it’s not clear how The slopes are the biggest black hole for valuables, with 43% of skiers saying they lost a possession while on a run. For Post Office research has found

adding up to £31.3m. Up to a third

claim, “One in eight careless skiers

nearly a fifth (18%), après-ski

that one in six UK skiers mislaid

of skiers (32%) lost sunglasses,

even lost their socks in the snow,”

proved to be a slippery slope

items worth an average of £219.

closely followed by mobile

said the poll commissioned by

when trying to hold onto their

Of nearly 900,000 winter

phones (25%) and money (15%),

Post Office Insurance.

belongings, while 17% said they

holidaymakers, 143,000 lost items

the Post Office said.

The stats are based on research

watched their valuables drop from

on the slopes over the last year,

In a particularly unlikely sounding

conducted by One Poll, in which 500

view while on a ski lift.

0151 625 1921 mountainheaven.co.uk 016 // NOV14

@INTHESNOWMAG

BEGINNERS GUIDE is quite long. But once all the

leave you sitting on the chairlifts

HELMET: it’s the age-old debate

items have been ticked off your

feeling cold and wet. You’ll need

that has gripped snow enthusiasts

shopping list, there’s absolutely no

a thin to medium layer or two

for decades, but if you’re new to

reason why it shouldn’t last for a

between your thermals and your

the slopes then a helmet will only

couple of winter seasons.

jacket too – multiple thin layers are

be beneficial to you to protect your

better than one thick one.

head from any falls you will have,

So what exactly do

especially on slopes that are busy

you need?

SOCKS: ski boots

or when travelling at fast speeds.

are not the JACKET:

comfiest of

the crux of your ski ensemble,

footwear so

N .1 KIT O

o you’ve decided to take the plunge

it needs to

and book a ski trip. All I can say is

protect you

congratulations and welcome to the

from the cold

community! As much of a cliché as

(that’s a given)

my next statement will be, and I do

but also from

apologise in advance, skiing is a lot

the heat when you

like Marmite: you either love it and

exert yourself. Choose a

spend your entire summer cursing

waterproof yet breathable coat to

the sun for chasing our beloved

keep you comfortable.

snow away, or hate it and leave the

WOOLLY HATS: hats are a great idea for wearing while après-skiing and

investing in

when strolling home late at night after

some thick

the temperatures have dropped. You

socks will

won’t want to wear your helmet all

provide a

evening (although they can of course

good cushion for your feet

still be unexpectedly useful in wild dancing accidents).

and your shins.

They’ll also prevent the cold from setting in.

SKIS/SNOWBOARD AND BOOTS: don’t worry about purchasing your own equipment until you’re 100%

GLOVES: cold hands are

sure you’re going to carry on with

unbearable when in the mountains,

the sport. There are plenty of good

Alps swearing “never again” whilst

SALOPETTES (YOUR SKI

so look for gloves that have a

rental shops in every resort so start

shuddering at the thought of the

TROUSERS): again, choose

good waterproof rating (effective

by renting.

cold white stuff.

something that is comfortable

gloves will be around 10,000mm),

Fortunately, most people fall into

and fully waterproof as chances

an insulation layer for warmth and

Before buying anything, head to

the “Lurve” camp, and this new

are you’ll be on the floor a lot. Try

perhaps an inner lining for extra

a retailer and try everything on.

monthly ski guide is dedicated to

to ensure either your trousers or

comfort.

Specialist retailers can give the

helping you first-timers become fully

jacket has a strong colour so you

prepared for the ski holiday ahead

can be easily spotted.

of you.

best advice, and their assistants GOGGLES: I would recommend

are likely to be huge snow-

goggles instead of sunglasses as

enthusiasts themselves and will

Learning to ski or snowboard is an

THERMALS: incredibly important

they’re more protective from the wind.

be more than happy to share their

investment. I won’t lie to you – it

as these will remove the sweat and

You may need a few different lenses

knowledge with you.

can be expensive buying all of the

moisture from your skin in order to

– generally a yellow tint is good for

Oh and don’t forget your lip salve and

necessary gear to get you started.

keep you dry. Don’t choose cotton

low-light conditions whilst mirrored

sunscreen for those few bits of flesh

And the list of ski essentials

as this will absorb the moisture and

lenses work well on the sunnier days.

that aren’t covered by the above.

FB.COM/INTHESNOW

017 // NOV14

F. Marmsater©

S

WORDS: LORNA MCGACHIE

QUEBEC CITY SKI REGION PASS

WEEKEND SKIING IN SLOVAKIA

RECORD BREAKER LAUNCHES TRAVEL CO

The Quebec City and neighbouring Charlevoix tourist regions have

Mountain Paradise, the only ATOL-bonded specialist operating solely

The first woman on the planet to climb all 14 of the world’s 8000m+ peaks

begun a new partnership and launched a joint ski ticket covering the

from the Tatra Mountains, has launched a range of weekend ski

has launched a new travel company offering personalised ski holidays to

local resorts of Le Massif, Mont-Sainte-Anne and Stoneham.

packages for the 2015 ski season.

Spanish mountains.

The ticket will be called St Lawrence Summits and must be purchased

With five styles of accommodation options available, from 5★ hotels to

Edurne Pasaban, who was born in the Basque Country in Spain in 1973,

through a participating hotel in the Quebec City, Stoneham or

mountain lodges, the 3-night/4-day trips depart on Thursday and return

has set up a business called Kabi, which aims to offer experiences

Charlevoix regions.

on Sunday, making for an ideal winter getaway.

tailored to each client, whether they are seasoned adventurers or

It will not just offer lift pass flexibility; it will also provide an average

The trips are perfect for first-time skiers, beginners and intermediates,

pleasure-seeking tourists.

discount of 30% on accommodation as well as lift tickets for

and all of the packages include return flights and airport transfers from

“After many years travelling the world, and after my achievements in

independent travellers heading to the region.

London Luton to Poprad. With a 2-hour flight then a 15-minute transfer

2010, I realised that many of the experiences I believed I could only taste

Skiers using the multi-peak ticket will be able to take advantage of

from the airport to the High Tatras, skiers can be on the slopes very

thousands of kilometres away were actually much closer than I thought,”

various discounts all season long. Deals so far announced include

quickly, the company promises.

said Edurne. “Clients will be in safe hands, because our mountain guides

50% off the second night of accommodation and second day on

Guests can stay in 5★ luxury at the Grand Kempinski Hotel in the High

know each inch of the Pyrenees like the backs of their hands. And now that

the mountain in December, and on the third night/day in January

Tatras, where they can enjoy unlimited use of the wellness and spa

the snow season is approaching, we will give clients the chance to enjoy

and in March, children aged 17 and under will ski for free (except

centre, a 3-day ski resort pass and equipment rental for £699pp for stays

the most exclusive ski slopes in the Pyrenees.”

during spring break). A ski bus service will provide a morning and

between 8 January and 22 March 2015.

Kabi has a heli-ski base located in Vielha (1000m), capital of the Val d’Aran

evening shuttle service 7 days a week between hotels in Quebec and

Alternatively, for those looking for more homely accommodation, guests

(Catalonia), where clients can enjoy themselves on more than 400km2 of

Sainte-Foy and Le Massif de Charlevoix and Mont-Sainte-Anne, from

can stay in the Pension Vila Park located in Tatranská Lomnica in the

skiable, virgin snow, at an altitude of between 1500 and 3000m.

Christmas week to the end of March.

heart of the High Tatras. On the 3-night/4-day packages, guests can

The local Baqueira Beret is the largest ski resort in Spain, with 153 skiable

“It isn’t just the union of two fabulous tourist areas that together form

enjoy the range of traditional Slovakian dishes and wines available,

kilometres divided between 99 slopes and more than 60,000sph uplift.

a ski destination that is unique in North America and located close

while admiring the views of Lomnický Peak for £499pp.

The activities offered by Kabi during the snow season include heli-ski, ski

to a UNESCO world heritage city; it’s also a commercial networking

There are also a range of New Year packages available from Mountain

touring and off-piste skiing for all ability levels. “We want to provide clients

between competing businesses,” said Office du tourisme de Québec

Paradise from 1 to 4 January from £599pp.

with the kind of unique experiences they will be proud to share when they

director Mr André Roy. sommetsdusaint-laurent.com

mountainparadise.co.uk

return home,” concluded Edurne. kabi-travels.com

C_inthesnow_issue2_october_jnrHP.qxp_SC_inthesnow_issue2_october_jnrHP 30/09/2014 12:08 Page 1

FRENCH ALPS

90%

of visitors can’t be wrong*

“We will return and will definitely recommend the resort to others.”

“Suits all levels.”

“It’s a gem of a place.”

“Great ski area – you have to ski hard and fast.”

*Based on survey of British skiers December 2013. **s/c accommodation inc. 6-day lift pass. Selected dates apply.

7-nights

€207p**p

from

including yo ur lift pass

Photo accreditation: Agence Zoom

FOLLOW US

“This resort represents great value for Brits compared with many of the other big French resorts and it has an excellent ski area and unique ambience,” says Dave Watts, travel writer and Editor of Where to Ski and Snowboard

Call our English speaking Reservations’ desk for this season’s special offers on 0033 (0)4 92 24 9898 or book online: www.serre-chevalier.com • Tree-lined pistes from 1200-2735m • Easy access: travel by road or rail • Airports: Turin 1.45hrs, Grenoble 2.45 hrs

For stockists information call: 01572 770900

MIKE CRANE PHOTOGRAPHY / WHISTLER BLACKCOMB

WORDS: PATRICK THORNE

020 // NOV14 // INTHESNOW.COM

t here’s currently a battle going on south of the border among American resorts wishing to hold the title of ‘biggest ski area in the US’. There’s also a bit of elbowing going on between Canadian areas wishing

to take their place in the size league for Canada too, with several

candidates lining up to claim ‘second biggest in Canada’. But what none of those competing resorts mention in their press releases is

who the number one for size is, which resort is the biggest in North America? Because everyone knows that’s Whistler Blackcomb.

Over the past 30 years no resort has hit the winter sports world headlines quite as often as Whistler in British Columbia. Coming from way down the world rankings the resort shot to the top of the reader survey popularity charts in North American consumer ski magazines in the early ‘90s, and has stayed there ever since.

Not only a North American phenomenon, Whistler has pulled in package tour operators from all over the world and topped ‘favourite foreign resort’ polls in countries from Australia and Japan to the UK. Of course Whistler famously hosted most on-snow events (except snowboarding, ski-cross and frestyle) at the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics, fulfilling its creators dreams 50 years earlier of creating a resort to host the Olympic Games. It now attracts more skiers and ‘boarders than any other resort on the North American continent.

How has Whistler been so successful and why does it continue to be one of the most popular and visited resort in the world, considering did not exist only 50 years ago?

Well perhaps you start with the fact that North American ski resorts are recognised as having the best service standards and lift systems in the world, then you consider that Whistler has (arguably) the best lift system in North America, and is up there as a contender for the title of ‘most high speed lifts in the world.’

Secondly you might add in to your musings that Whistler has not one but two mountains, Whistler and Blackcomb, lift-linked together, providing the biggest ski area in North America. Oh, and these two mountains also have one-mile of vertical, which is one of the top two biggest lift accessed verticals in North America.

Thirdly, there’s the snow. Whistler gets vast volumes of powder dumped on it from the Pacific, it’s one of the snowiest resorts in the

021 // NOV14

022 // NOV14 // INTHESNOW.COM

MIKE CRANE PHOTOGRAPHY / WHISTLER BLACKCOMB

world in fact with a season lasting from November to May, and thanks

maintaining card holder privacy.

to its glaciers (a very rare asset in North America), early summer skiing

The resort also invests in new lifts or lift upgrades each winter. This

on top of that and guaranteed open terrain all season long.

season it’s the turn of one of the village’s main work horses, the

Fourthly there’s the scale of the place, which has seen over $3 billion

whistler Village gondola, which has been loading guests to the top

dollars invested over its 48 year history. Whistler is big enough to

of Whistler Mountain since 1988 to be upgraded. It’s not just the

ensure a vast range of choices on and off the slopes when you’re not

big lifts that get attention either, this winter, Whistler Blackcomb will

riding up and sliding down the slopes – more than 150 restaurants and

be installing its first ever covered Magic Carpet lift at the Children’s

200 shops plus a huge choice of accommodation (more of it slopeside

Learning Centre on Whistler Mountain. Replacing the handle tows

than anywhere else in North America) and a great choice of activities.

previously in this location, the covered Magic Carpet will create a

All these things make Whistler Blackcomb, a vibrant, cosmopolitan

safe and comfortable learning environment for new child skiers and

resort which is busy year round, creating a genuine community.

snowboarders with an easy-to-access lift that offers protection from

Finally there are little things like the proximity to a major international

snow, rain, wind and cold.

airport (see Sea to sky Highway enhanced for the Olympics making the connection quick and easier still); the relatively favourable exchange rate of most countries to the Canadian dollar; the welcoming attitude and visa-free entry to Canada for international guests compared to those arriving in the US, the status of having the only lift-served summer glacier skiing in North America; the uncrowded slopes; the

committed to learning

vast choice of terrain, the list goes on…

This winter Whistler Blackcomb will join only a few resorts in North

Of course the residents and fans of Whistler will tell you that these are

America in the newest trend in ski and snowboard instruction with the

just the ingredients, and it’s that ‘something else’, the feel of the place,

introduction of Terrain Based Learning to its Snow School program.

that makes it truly great. The only negative factor that any critics,

Terrain Based Learning is a relatively new but proven way to increase

desperate to find a flaw in the apparently nigh-on-perfect ski resort,

ski and snowboard participation with first-timers. The concept

can find is that its low elevation and proximity to the Pacific can mean

involves building small terrain features so beginners can experience

rain rather than snow at base level at each end of the season.

the true feelings of skiing and snowboarding in a safe environment,

Whistler’s view is that the low base is a boon because, although they

which makes the learning process easier and results in faster

have some of the biggest verticals in North America, the top elevation

progression for participants.

is not as high as resorts in Colorado, so altitude sickness is not a

This winter, Whistler Blackcomb will also begin to offer private lessons to

danger for Whistler’s guests. The proximity to the coast also means

families, as well as lower the minimum age for private lessons. Children

that it doesn’t get overly cold - just cold enough for an average 33 foot

can now participate in private ski lessons from as young as 30 months (2.5

dump of powder each season..

years), so if your whole family has not skied before, or if you’re a young family, Whistler Blackcomb has the answer to your learning needs.

amazing lifts Whistler’s lift network is one of the world’s best with a host of high

environmental stewards

speed, high capacity chairlifts and gondolas.

Whistler Blackcomb has set high standards for its environmental

None is more remarkable however than the Peak2Peak gondola

management over the years and took a big leap forward in that

which links the two mountains at altitude and has become an

area a few years ago with the opening of its Fitzsimmons Creek

attraction in its own right.

Renewable Energy Project which generates as much hydro power

The lift holds three world records, firstly for the 3.024km/1.88 miles of

as the resort consumes annually.

space between the two mountains it

Located on Fitzsimmons Creek in

crosses without supporting towers (the

the valley between Whistler and

straight line between the two towers

Blackcomb Mountains which is crossed

that are furthest apart), the second for reaching a highest point above the ground of 436m/1427 feet over

Whistler

by the Peak2Peak gondola (a cabin on which has a glass [panel in the floor

IN NUMBERS

so you can helpfully look down at the

SEASON: 27 November 2014–18 May 2015

Located entirely within Whistler of-river project produces 33 gigawatt

lift system on the globe, which from a

SUMMER SKI: 20 June–26 July 2015

practical point of view makes it possible

AVERAGE SNOWFALL: 1165cm

from a single turbine with a capacity

Fitzsimmons Creek – that’s the highest above the ground any lift goes.

Thirdly Peak2Peak completes a lift network that’s the longest continuous

for skiers and boarders to complete spectacular circuits, ascending one

Creek if you have a head for heights!).

Blackcomb’s operating area, the runhours of hydroelectricity per year

TOTAL TERRAIN: 307 ha

of 7.9 megawatts.

That’s the equivalent of powering

mountain on the lifts and descending

TRAILS: 200+

the ski resort’s winter and summer

the other, travelling in either direction.

MOUNTAIN RESTAURANTS: 17

operations including 37 lifts, 17

The resort offers various itineraries tailored to transport all types and levels

HIGHEST LIFT HEIGHT: 2284m

restaurants, 270 snowguns and countless other buildings and services.

of snow-sports enthusiast to help them

RESORT HEIGHT: 675m

The project does not require above-

make the most of their day.

NUMBER OF LIFTS: 37

ground transmission lines, which are

But although very special Peak2Peak is just one of Whistler’s many

HOURLY LIFT CAPACITY: 67,307 people

instead buried through a previously disturbed area, and it also supports

superb lifts which this Winter will all

the Resort Municipality of Whistler’s

benefit from a new Radio Frequency

2020 plan, which lays out a vision for

Identification Device (RFID) system

success through 2020 based on the

integrated into your lift ticket which will automatically register and

three pillars of sustainability; economic, social and environmental.

open an access gate so that you can ride the lift.

Whistler Blackcomb was awarded the Golden Eagle Award for Overall

The new system, which has cost around $5m to install, provides

Environmental Excellence at the 2010 National Ski Areas Association

easy hands-free access and means you can go straight to the

(NSAA) National Convention and Tradeshow, it was the latest of many

lift. In the seasons to come Whistler plans to add additional while

environmental awards the resort has received since 1998.

WHISTLERBLACKCOMB.COM

023 // NOV14

MIKE CRANE PHOTOGRAPHY / WHISTLER BLACKCOMB

The Early Booking Lift Ticket Is Here!

S

more than 250 North American ski

Firstly, “Value” lift tickets are

An example given is at Snowbird,

resorts to make their ticket sales

date-specific, non-refundable

Utah. Value tickets start at $56.99

more efficient) has just introduced

and non-changeable, offering the

for the last week in January 2015,

what they are describing as “the

deepest discounts with savings of

40% off the ticket office rate, Value

industry’s first tiered dynamic

up to 85% off walk-up window rates

Plus starts at $64.59, 32% off and

pricing system for lift tickets.”

when purchased in advance. These

Flexible costs $69.59 or 27% off.

Liftopia say it’s all about growing

are ideal for consumers who know

If Value Plus and Flexible tickets

the industry so that more people

the exact dates they will be skiing

are changed to dates that are more

can afford to ski more often in a

or riding. Secondly, “Value Plus”

expensive, customers will just pay

way that also benefits resorts.

lift tickets offer added flexibility,

the difference in price. Customers

“We work hard to make it easier

allowing a one-time date change

will never be charged separate

for people to ski more often in

during the season, and finally

change fees.

ome would say it has been a long

ways that are also beneficial for

“Flexible” lift tickets offer flexibility

“Since prices move up over time,

time coming, but the era when we no

ski areas, and these new options

with unlimited date changes during

consumers can have confidence

longer know how much a lift ticket is

provide a range of flexibility to give

the season. All prices are based

that the farther they buy in advance

going to cost us until we check online

consumers a choice of what is best

on availability and will change

the more they will be rewarded for

appears to finally be here.

for their needs,” said Evan Reece,

depending on demand.

their commitment,” added Reece.

The concept of paying according

co-founder and CEO of Liftopia.

to demand has revolutionised

In fact the industry has been edging

the travel industry over the past

towards more fluid pricing for some

two decades with fixed prices no

years. Annual passes are typically

longer offered for a hotel room or

offered more cheaply for people

a flight ticket (or only a very, very

who buy them as soon as the

high one), and the prices offered

previous season ends (sometimes

on the day we want to buy depend

while it’s still going on), and in recent

on how many other people have

years some resorts have offered

already booked the same flight or

either fixed percentage savings if

room. Now that concept is coming

you buy in advance online, or “spot

to lift tickets.

sales” when discounts are offered

Liftopia (Liftopia.com), a San

for a set period. Lower pricing in

Francisco based business that has

lower season of course pre-dates

been quietly revolutionising lift-

the internet and even the personal

ticket sales across the Atlantic for

computer age. But Liftopia’s move

almost a decade (mostly unseen to

brings the industry in line with other

skiers themselves as they typically

sectors of the travel market.

offer behind-the-scenes services to

Three types of ticket are available.

024 // NOV14

SK I

CANADleA s s! why settle for

INCREDIBLE SNOW NO LIFT QUEUES KIDS SKI FREE GREAT VALUE FOR MONEY

SKI WHISTLER 7 nights from

£819pp

INCL. RETURN FLIGHTS FROM LONDON

St art yo ur s e a r c h a t ...

CANADIANAFFAIR.COM Or call us on

0203 424 6040

Prices are correct at the time of going to print, are subject to availability and can change. Packages include return flights from London Gatwick to Vancouver, plus return resort transfers and 7 nights 3 hotel. Prices are based on travelling on selected dates in April 2015. See website for full details, or call our ski experts today.

DAVID ANDRE

 PROMOTION PHOTO MERIBEL TOURISME

LIFE IN PICS LES 3 VALLÉES The world’s biggest ski area needs no introductions, but its attractions and its achievements do go beyond “just” those 600km of perfectly inter-connected pistes, served by nearly 200 of the world’s most comfortable and efficient ski lifts, rising above many more than a dozen resort villages, some of them world-famous resorts like Courchevel, Meribel, Les Menuires and Val Thorens, others smaller, less well-known but authentic communities like St Martin de Belleville and Brides les Bains. Whichever you choose to stay in, you still have access to one of the world’s biggest lift-served verticals.

But did you know that Les 3 Vallées is also home to one of the world’s greatest collections of Michelin-starred gourmet restaurants (as well as hundreds of other great restaurants); that new spa and leisure facilities open in the resort villages each season (it’s Les Menuires’ turn this winter); or that more 5★ hotels are opening at the region’s resorts every year – more than any French destination outside Paris? There are also mountain biking descents over snow to the world’s highest zip wire. Les 3 Vallées is the complete winter sports destination.

LES 3 VALLÉES / DAVID ANDRE

LES 3 VALLÉES / DAVID ANDRE

always new things to do there besides ski and board – from great toboggan runs or

LES 3 VALLÉES / DAVID ANDRE

026 // NOV14

DOVER to CALAIS 16 crossings a day.

Car + 7 skiers and all their gear.

HORIZON 2015 ON SALE

New Mexico’s Taos Ski Valley will open new ski terrain on Kachina

Tickets are on sale for the third Horizon Festival in Bansko, Bulgaria. The

Peak this winter.

7-day extravaganza was attended by over 1000 partygoers last winter.

The installation of a new chairlift, the Kachina Peak lift, which will be

The 2014 festival provided music from across the electronic music

one of the world’s highest, reaching 3795m above sea level, will enable

spectrum, with particular highlights including Roy Davis Jr busting out

the resort to increase the mountain’s lift-serviced terrain by 50%.

the electro-soul grooves as the sun went down over the Secret Hotel

“Kachina Peak offers some of the most spectacular views and terrain in

Stage on Sunday evening and Dub Phizix and MC Strategy getting the

North America,” said Gordon Briner, CEO of Taos Ski Valley. “The new

crowd going at the outdoor forest stage as the first flakes of snow fell.

Kachina Peak lift provides the opportunity for everyone to enjoy this

“Still a relatively small festival, Horizon manages to retain an intimate

iconic terrain and have one of the most unique experiences in winter

feel, with a friendly crowd bumping into each other throughout the

recreation. In addition, since Kachina Peak captures snow early in the

week, forming many new friendships along the way. Horizon’s artists

season and holds it well into spring, we’re excited that the area that

also enjoyed the social atmosphere, jumping from party to party to catch

holds the most snow on the mountain is now lift-served.”

other performances,” said a statement from the organisers.

Those who enjoy the valley’s famous hike-to terrain can still earn their

Horizon Festival 2015 will kick off on Saturday 7 March. Early-bird tickets

turns, as the majority of Highline Ridge and West Basin will remain

for 2015 cost from £149pp for self-catering and from £189pp for a 3★

accessible by foot only. In addition to preserving the existing hike-to

B&B hotel. The price includes 6 nights’ accommodation and festival

terrain, Taos Ski Valley is adding new hike-to terrain this season with

pass. It does not include travel or skiing costs.

the opening of The Wild West Glades. Accessible via the West Basin

Current hotel offers include a week in the 3★ Grand Royale Self-Catering

Ridge, The Wild West Glades will consist of 0.14 km2 of what the resort

Apart Hotel with Festival Pass from £149pp, or stay in the 4★ Hotel

says is some of the best tree skiing in the US.

Gardenia from £189pp including breakfast. horizonfestival.net

www.myferrylink.com

I’m furry happy my board goes free!

MARC SETHI

NEW TERRAIN AT TAOS

£35

*

SKI HIMALAYA CANCEL GULMARG 2015 TRIPS Kashmir’s Muslim population is majority Sunni,” he said. “I personally believe that it would be foolish to discount the possibility that a few disaffected Kashmir youths will have sympathy for Islamic State.”

“Whilst I could delay the decision about the 2014–2015 season until closer to winter to see how events evolve, our hotel commitments would then compromise my ability to offer guests a refund of deposits,” added Mr Robinson, who said customers would have the HIDDEN MACY

option of a full refund or to carry their booking over to 2016.

Ski Himalaya has hosted nearly 1000 international guests at Gulmarg over the years and have previously only needed to cancel trips Tour Operator Ski Himalaya, which operates

discuss” the thought of killing an innocent person

one Christmas, when late-arriving snowfall meant

holidays to Gulmarg, India’s leading ski area, has

with anyone else, before doing so.

the season start was delayed.

decided to cancel trips to the area this season.

Mr Robinson said that this announcement

“We have not lost anyone in an avalanche

The company has operated in the resort for the

followed events in July when hundreds

incident (or any other incident in Kashmir) at any

past nine seasons, but manager Peter Robinson

protested in Gulmarg against Israel’s invasion of

time in the past nine years. We don’t intend to

said he made his decision after reading statements

Palestine and called for the obliteration of the

lose any guest to an avalanche, or any other

from Islamic State in which they called upon what

“Zionist nation”.

danger (however remote the risk), in the future,”

Mr Robinson termed “disturbed individuals” to “not

“Whilst the link to Kashmir may not be obvious,

concluded Mr Robinson.

The only

D O V E R

T O

C A L A I S

F E R R Y

recommended by ferrets

0844 2482 100 FB.COM/INTHESNOW

027 // NOV14

Terms and conditions apply. *Each way, price subject to availability.

For the upcoming winter, 16 locals from each area of Finnish Lapland will be “on call” to those considering or those having booked a holiday to the area, with a number of ski specialist locals.

The 16 locals will be reachable through onlyinlapland.com/ meetthelocals where they have shared their tips, facts and basic information of their area of Lapland. As well as these local gems, the locals will be contactable via email, Skype, WhatsApp or Facebook for specific questions and queries.

The locals include Sari Kumpuniemi from Ruka who has been a ski instructor in Austria, Canada and Australia and is an expert in Finnish skiing, and Marjatta Holmberg, from Nuorgam, the northernmost village in Finland, who is a seasoned skier.

Henri Anundi, who was born and raised in Lapland, is passionate about his homeland: “I look forward to getting to know new people and telling everyone how amazing Finnish Lapland really is. I plan on sharing my knowledge and giving practical advice on how to experience the nature of Lapland in peaceful silence or with high speed. I will be waiting to hear from people on Twitter or on Facebook.”

WOCKINGER/SAALBACHHINTERGLEMM

LAPLAND’S “LOCALS ON CALL”

MORE BIG LIFTS AT SAALBACH HINTERGLEMM

S

and best ski lifts in the world, is

Saalbach Hinterglemm will now

of high-capacity lift of any resort in

spending nearly €40m (approx.

operate 19 chairlifts, of which

the world. The new Steinbergbahn

£32m) this summer to continue the

more than a dozen are six- or

lift is Leogang’s second modern

upgrading process.

eight-seater chairs – believed to

10-seater gondola from the valley

A new eight-seat chairlift and a

be the highest number for this

up to the Skicircus.

gondola with cabins each capable

type of high-capacity lift of any

The new uplift that the two lifts

of carrying ten people are being

resort in the world.

provide takes the resort’s hourly

installed at a combined cost of

The new lift, the Polten 8er, will be

uplift past the 100,000 mark for

€17.5m (approx. £13.6m). They

a modern eight-seater chairlift from

the first time to 103,000, a figure

are part of a more than €300m

Doppelmayr with heated seats and

only matched by a dozen or so

(£238m) spend since the turn

bubbles to replace the old Polten

linked ski regions worldwide, all in

of the century. The rest of this

four-seater chairlift.

Europe, and including Grandvalira,

aalbach Hinterglemm, which has

year’s investment is going on new

Saalbach Hinterglemm will now

Paradiski, the SkiWelt, the Arlberg,

built a reputation over the past

groomers, more snowmaking, piste

operate 18 gondolas – believed to

Val Gardena, Alpe d’Huez and the

decade for having the biggest

improvements and “Misc.”.

be the highest number of this type

Milky Way.

ALTITUDE

WARREN MILLER

LEISA GIBSON

30 YEARS OF BOARDING AT BRECKENRIDGE

WARREN MILLER’S 65TH SKI FILM

FIS PUBLISH CHILD LIFT TICKET PRICING REPORT

2014–15 marks 30 years of snowboarding at Breckenridge in Colorado,

Ski movies have become ever more fashionable over recent decades,

A new report on the cost of lift tickets in ski resorts around the

which was one of the first resorts to adopt the then “new” sport back

and with the rise of social media and digital filmmaking, that growth

world for children has been published by the International Ski

in the 1984–85 season. Snowboarding was initially banned at many ski

shows no sign of slowing down. But one company has been making ski

Federation (FIS).

areas, particularly in the US and Japan, and remains so to this day at

films for far longer than any other, and this month sees the release of

The report, written by InTheSnow’s editor Patrick Thorne, looks at

a handful; however, Breck became one of the first major ski resorts to

Warren Miller’s 65th annual ski film, No Turning Back.

the high-season lift ticket prices for children in 700 ski areas in 50

allow snowboarding.

The newest instalment pays homage to the 65 years of mountain culture

countries worldwide last winter.

This embrace of what was seen as a wild new sport resulted in hosting

and adventure filmmaking that has taken Warren Miller’s film crews to

For the leading countries, the report collected child lift ticket prices

one of the initial major snowboard competitions in the industry, one

every corner of the winter world. And the movie’s UK tour, which sees it

and looked at the different discount age ranges, from free passes for

year later. Breck solidified its place as a world leader in freestyle

shown in (almost) every corner of the UK, launches on 10 November.

younger children (which in some cases were found to extend right

snowboarding and skiing with the addition of an Olympic-sized 6.7m

“As the only truly nationwide ski and snowboard event in the UK, we

up to age 12 or older), discount passes for younger children, teen or

superpipe, which still anchors the resort’s award-winning Freeway

give winter sports fans all over the country the opportunity to get

youth rates for older children, and then the age at which resorts asked

Terrain Park.

together with their friends and get excited about the winter ahead,” said

children to pay adult prices if still under 18.

Breckenridge now has four terrain parks, creating a park progression

the UK Film Tour Director Jim Odoire of Black Diamond. “Every show is a

Average age bands for each level of discount from all resorts

system for beginners and intermediates, including the top-ranked

fun and informal social evening and gives every ticket holder the chance

surveyed in that country were calculated, along with average child

Freeway Terrain Park and superpipe, and the Park Lane Terrain Park.

to win prizes at each show.”

prices year by year. Among the many findings, ski areas in Canada,

To help boarders (and skiers) get up the mountain this season, the

This year’s HD film covers the ski world from Alaska to the deep powder

Japan, New Zealand and Switzerland were found to offer the lowest

resort’s Colorado SuperChair is also getting an upgrade from a quad

of Japan, and from the top of Mount Olympus to the hills of Montana,

prices, on average, for children, as well as the oldest age up to

express to a six-passenger express to provide a 28% increase in

and features a pantheon of skiing stars, including Olympic Gold

which children routinely receive free tickets, the biggest discounts

capacity for Peak 8’s primary lift. This will help disperse skiers to the

medallists and Winter X Games champions, all doing what they do best

on the adult price when they did pay and discounts up to an older

surrounding peaks and provide a faster route for skiers and riders

in the world’s most interesting and diverse mountain locations.

age (18 or older).

traversing the resort.

Tour dates, film trailer and tickets are available at warrenmiller.co.uk.

We are the experts in finding you the best ski holiday deals.

From budget to boutique we have it covered.

Call us today on 020 8600 1650

www.skitracer.com

Facebook /Skitracer Twitter @Skitracer

ABTA No. J984X

KIMBERLEY’S EASIER WAY Kimberley Alpine Resort in BC, one of the world’s best family resorts, has unveiled an additional beginner trail, an easier way down from the top of Northstar Chair, so beginners can now avoid the lower mountain headwall, the steepest pitch on the Main Run as they return to the resort base, by making their way down Alpine Slide, a new green run. skikimberley.com

NEW XL WINTER PARK RESTAURANT Winter Park in Colorado has been working FABIAN WESTER

on the resort‘s largest on-mountain building construction in 25 years – the new Lunch Rock Restaurant. Scheduled to open in time for the start of this season, later this month, it will include a 150-seat heated deck and 250seat indoor restaurant. At 16,000 ft2, it is five

THE SKI WEEK 2015

times larger than the previous structure.

The new award-winning NEO Avalanche Beacon (£225) is the first transceiver on the market with a bandwidth of 60m, 10m more than existing models. The NEO offers improved performance, reliability and speed and is also the first beacon to have performance equal on both antennas so is confidently and consistently able to reach a 60m search bandwidth. arva-equipment.com

CHILDREN SKI FREE IN STOCKHOLM Stockholm has its own urban ski centre at Hammarbybacken providing easy access

week, which sold out last year in

they call a “fully immersive outdoor

45 minutes for the 400 places,

social experience”. That’s Swedish

with participants from 40 different

for one full week of skiing, dinners,

nations signing up for the week

“creative events” and lots of après

in Obertauern. For 2015 the

parties, with which they promise

Austrian resort is back, but with the

to utilise every ounce of magic

additional US options of Powder

unique to their destinations in a bid

Mountain in Utah and Aspen,

to create a social/travel/adventure

Colorado.

experience like no other before it.

Sister project to ever-venerable

“TSW comes at a time when the world

event “The Yacht Week”, The Ski

is smaller than ever, and people’s

APPLE

T

BEACON’S BIGGER BANDWIDTH

WE NEED OUR GIZMOS

Week (TSW) follows a similar basic

ability to transcend international

he Ski Week is back for March

format which pulls a very specific

barriers to sample the fruits of worldly

2015 with more destinations and

demographic of “international

experience is right at its tipping point,”

a few extra weeks following the

young professionals” with a strict

said a statement from the organisers.

With the number of apps available from ski

huge success of the inaugural

50/50 gender balance, for what

theskiweek.com

resorts and other providers continuing to grow and the earliest adopters of the concept already

to skiing for citizens of the Swedish capital

releasing the fourth and fifth versions of their

and visitors alike. Operators SkiStar (who

own apps, the results of a survey finding that

ROWAN CHESHIRE OPENS NEW DRY SLOPE

also run big centres like Åre) are working actively to encourage even more people to

just over half (51%) of us can’t get through a holiday without gadgets should come as no surprise. 52% say that their holiday experience is

discover how wonderful skiing is, with free the new slope surface supplied by

enhanced by technology and keeping connected

of whom will have never tried skiing or

MK Leisure. “I haven’t skied on a dry

to people back home.

snowboarding before.

slope for a couple of years now, but

Every day while on holiday, a family will, on

I want to get back into it, so it will

average, send four texts, two personal emails,

be great to have this facility right on

two work emails, one Vine, two Snapchats,

my doorstep. I think it’s good that

four Instagrams, three tweets, four images on

they’re catering for the younger

Pinterest and four Facebook updates – totalling

people who are looking to try the

close to 200 social media updates every week!

different kinds of skiing. There has

Some respondents admitted to sending over 15

skiing days for 2000 schoolchildren, many

MARK CHESHIRE

30 YEARS SINCE LAST CHRISTMAS This winter marks the 30th anniversary of Wham!’s worldwide hit Last Christmas – the

British half pipe skier Rowan

and also included the “Oatcake

really been a surge of interest since

tweets and Facebook updates a day, according

video of which was filmed in Saas Fee and

Cheshire has officially opened a

Jam”, a brand new freestyle event.

the Winter Olympics.”

to the survey by Royal Caribbean International,

has subsequently been recreated by Swiss

new freestyle slope at Ski Kidsgrove

“The new material they’ve used on

The slope-opening was also part

which found that 47% of people took a tablet on

George Michael and Andrew Ridgeley

for the North Staffordshire Ski Club.

the slope is fantastic, and with all the

of the “30 Days of Snowsport”

holiday and 53% a smartphone.

lookalikes. To celebrate, the Swiss resort

The slope-opening formed part of

freestyle features, like the rails and

initiative which runs at both slopes

At InTheSnow we are now awaiting a survey on

promises a series of “special commemorative

a weekend of celebrations to mark

the waves, it’s got everything you’d

nationwide as well as online

how many of us can get through a magazine

events” from 6–19 December 2014 and 10–23

the 40th anniversary of the club,

want,” said Rowan, commenting on

(goskigoboard.org.uk/30days).

without reading the results of a survey.

January 2015. saas-fee.ch

030 // NOV14 // INTHESNOW.COM

@INTHESNOWMAG

TotallyFabulous!

Stay warm and cosy in a Ski Total chalet Come visit us on Stand H12 at the London Ski Show 30th Oct - 2nd Nov!

£429 PRICES FROM ONLY

ALL-NEW LIFT TYPE FOR BEAVER CREEK

SCOTTISH SKI AREA SKIER NUMBERS DOWN

A new lift being installed at Beaver Creek in Colorado before it hosts

The number of skiers and boarders taking to Scotland’s slopes last

the FIS Alpine World Ski Championships next season will be the first of

season dropped by nearly a quarter, despite some of the country’s five

its type in the world, the resort says.

areas posting “best ever” days for visitor numbers and recording their

Beaver Creek is replacing the Centennial Express Lift with a new high-

deepest-ever snow packs – which at some points passed the 5m mark

speed lift which will be the first ever to combine a series of six-passenger

and at times were among the deepest anywhere in the world.

chairs alternating with ten-person gondola cabins on one lift route.

The main reason for the decrease of more than 55,000 to 235,000

Installed by Doppelmayr, the unique combination lift will give skiers

is being put on the very weather that brought all the snow, as it also

and snowboarders the option of riding on the chairlift or in a gondola

brought extremes of gale-force winds and excessive snow that at times

cabin, serviced by two different lines.

buried lifts and made operations difficult – leading to closed days at

The chairs will be accessed by a moving conveyor. The combination

some areas, as well as record business days at Nevis Range when the

lift is considered to be a significant benefit to beginners and children,

centre was open.

particularly those engaged in ski school lessons, thanks to the loading and

The snow was also far better on the west of the country while ski areas

unloading ease of the gondola cabins. The new uphill carrying capacity

on the east of Scotland had more limited opening due to a lack of snow

will be 3400 people per hour, an increase of 35% on the old lift it replaces.

through the full potential season.

CHRISTMAS INTHESNOW for the busiest (and most expensive) week of winter over New Year. Even better, the chalets and hotels make a huge effort to create a spectacular Christmas multi-course luxury meal for you (then they do all the washing up).

For 2014 Christmas Day falls on a Thursday, perfect timing really as you can enjoy four or five days of build-up (which, let’s face it is the most exciting part of Christmas!) before a relaxing Christmas and Boxing Day before heading home for New Year celebrations.

This perfect arrangement of the calendar only happens once every five or six years, with Christmas sometimes falling early in the week, so it’s over too quickly, or worse still at the weekend on change-over days.

No one does Christmas better than Ski Total It’s no surprise that White Christmas is one of

Resorts themselves put on special events to

(01483 345 686; skitotal.com). All of their chalets

the best-selling songs of all time. Christmas is

celebrate and make the Christmas week more

offer a traditional Christmas dinner for guests

a magical time to be in the mountains, whether

magical still – you can expect to see Santa

of all ages together, with a glass of Champagne

you opt for a cosy catered chalet in the Alps,

skiing down the slopes on Christmas eve,

to launch the festive spirit, roast turkey with all

perhaps shared with family or friends, or prefer

handing out sweets to good girls and boys.

the trimmings, Christmas pudding, mince pies

to head north with your children to Lapland

The other good news is that Christmas skiing is

and crackers. If you have children of eight years

to see if you can see Santa heading off on

often quite reasonably priced, for most resorts

or under in your party, Santa Claus will also pay

his rounds, as well as getting a look at the

this is still only the first or second week of the

a visit, dropping by during the evening to see

magnificent northern lights.

season and they’re keen to build up momentum

these younger guests.

FB.COM/INTHESNOW

031 // NOV14

PER PERSON

INC FLIGHTS, TRANSFERS, CHALET, FOOD & WINE

skitotal.com 01483 791 933 100% FINANCIAL SECURITY

WINDHAM MOUTNAIN RESORT / SHUTTERSTOCK

WORDS: DEBBIE GABRIEL

032 // NOV14 // INTHESNOW.COM

W

e tend to think of the same old places when we plan our ski trips, most of us choosing the Alps, and even when we’re lucky enough to book a trip to North America,

you’ll have less jet lag than if you go further west. With the ski areas at relatively low levels, altitude sickness isn’t a problem either, and nor should snow cover be,

Hunter Mountain

(RUNS: 57, LIFTS: 10, VERTICAL: 488M)

with those snowy winters for which the Big Apple is famous the norm here, and complete snowmaking

On to ski area three and the mountains continued to get

cover available as a back-up. The costs of your resort

progressively bigger, with more skiable terrain.

stay are likely to be lower too.

Hunter Mountain is geared up to offer much more to the

Back in February I took a road trip to four typical New

20/30 something age group, with a buzzing oversized

York ski areas to see for myself. Here’s where I stayed:

bar and restaurant area, and a more commercial feel.

The base lodge is big with all amenities under one roof, and a hugely popular ‘Mountain Jam’ music festival is

Plattekill Mountain

RUNS: 38 // LIFTS: 4 // VERTICAL: 306m

most of us will go seven or eight time zones west to

staged here every year.

There are more than 50 runs for all standards at Hunter, the longest being two miles long, served by a comprehensive lift network including nine chairs, many

California, Colorado, Alberta or BC.

On arrival at Plattekill Mountain I immediately realised

of them quads as well as a fast six-seater. All in all I felt

But beyond those usual suspects there are, quite

that this was going to be a different sort of skiing

like I’d moved up a gear on the slopes.

literally, thousands of small to medium ski areas dotted

experience. Plattekill is a far cry from the corporate

all over the world, and if you think a little outside the box

ski experience we’ve become used to over the past

you can plan a very different, but still very fun, ski trip.

few decades, and it remains fiercely independent and

In fact, going somewhere that most Brits don’t will more

determined to “keep it real” – thanks in large part to

than likely make the trip extra memorable … hopefully

the dedication of the exceptionally hospitable owners,

for all the right reasons!

Laszio and his wife Danielle Vajtay, who have built

New York State is a region you won’t find in any

Plattekill up over the 20 years since they brought it

Windham was the final mountain that I got to ski, having

mainstream British tour operator’s programme. When

back from the brink.

barely scratched the surface of New York State’s skiing,

we do ski in New England it’s more likely we’ll think

Granted it is a small (tiny) ski area serviced by four

visiting less than 10% of the areas here.

of resorts like Killington and Stowe in Vermont,

(slow) lifts, but what this place doesn’t have in size and

I have to say it was a good one to end on, as I loved this

yet New York is home to more than 50 ski areas

technology it certainly makes up for in character and

resort – it was more sophisticated and developed, with

and it has a long, rich heritage, being one of the

atmosphere.

a dozen lifts including two high-speed quads, more than

few areas in the world that can claim to have twice

This is without a doubt a different kind of skiing

50 trails and five terrain parks – although it was also

hosted a Winter Olympics, for example – the 1932

experience. Well suited to a family with children

again very family-orientated.

and 1980 Games at Lake Placid. The 1932 Games

starting out their skiing journey, many locals return

Although it doesn’t affect day-to-day operations of the

are particularly noteworthy being only the third ever

year on year, probably having learned how to ski

area directly, an interesting development here is The

staged (after Chamonix and St Moritz) and the first

there themselves when they were children. But

Club, which only 100 families can join, for a fee of around

outside the Alps.

Plattekill does have a darker side too for those

$85,000, once they reach the top of the waiting list.

There are other attractions too, not least the fact you

needing more challenging terrain, with 40% of its

Besides The Club, Windham has seen substantial

could combine a weekend in the Big Apple with your ski

terrain rated Black Diamond, the toughest category in

improvements in recent years including a new beginners’

trip, nor that the flights are much shorter, cheaper and

North America.

area around Whisper Run. My favourite run, also recently

Belleayre Mountain

created, was Windfall – partly as it gives you an amazing

RUNS: 50, LIFTS: 8, VERTICAL: 428M

Windham Mountain

(RUNS: 52, LIFTS: 12, VERTICAL: 488M)

view of the wealthy city bankers’ chalets as you ski down!

Sticking to my habit of recommending food at each area, here my favourite was the signature Windham

Having stayed at the nearby upmarket Emerson resort

Burger, but it was all good.

with its oversized rooms and Jacuzzi bath, I was rested

A final big plus point of Windham is that it’s only 60

and ready for an early start at Belleayre, a 15-minute drive

miles from JFK. The best way to get there is the train

away in the Forever Wild area of the Catskills.

from Penn Station via Amtrack to Hudson, 40 minutes

I hit the well-groomed slopes early and found another

from the resort. The scenic journey flies by and Hudson

very family-orientated mountain with lots of kids racing

itself is a great town – full of character, very arty and

around! There are great blue runs for the beginner

with great restaurants.

who needs to improve, but a skier of any ability can

I can’t wait to go back.

comfortably spend a weekend here without getting bored. Dear Run was my favourite run on the mountain.

I Ski New York: iskiny.com

But part of what’s special about New York skiing is what’s

Plattekill Mountain: plattekill.com

off the slopes too, and Belleayre boasts a great base

Emerson Resort: emersonresort.com

lodge, complete with an oversized fireplace, in which to

Belleayre Mountain: belleayre.com

kick back for some après. I ended up here with my hosts

Hunter Mountain New York: huntermtn.com

drinking Sam Adams beer and eating the most amazing

Hunter Mountain Japan: hunter.co.jp

popcorn I have ever tasted. Once again they knew how to

Windham Mountain: windhammountain.com

entertain, and the base lodge had a buzzing atmosphere

Gore Mountain: goremountain.com

which made everyone stay for “just one more drink”.

Whiteface Mountain: whiteface.com

033 // NOV14

InTheSnow have teamed up with Andorra Resorts to give away a fantastic holiday for two people to Soldeu, Andorra! To enter visit inthesnow.com/competition Grandvalira is the largest skiable

is home to both European and

from the UK, making it an excellent

week, so all you need to do is

domain in the Pyrenees with

World Cup ski events so is great

place to learn.

get yourself to Barcelona and the

210km of slopes, and with the

for those of you looking for a

Not only does the prize include

Andorra Resorts team will take care

winner staying in Soldeu and

challenge, but if you’re a beginner

your airport transfers and

of the rest!

having their lift pass included,

don’t worry because Soldeu’s ski

accommodation, it also includes

For more information about

you’ll have a full week to explore

school is renowned for awesome

two full area lift passes as well

Soldeu and Andorra please visit

this fantastic ski area! Grandvalira

instructors, many of whom are

as your skis and boots for the

andorraresorts.com.

Terms & Conditions: Entrants must be aged 18 years or over. One entry per person. No cash alternative will be provided and the holiday is not transferrable. The prize does not include flights. The winner will be notified within seven days of the competition closing and must choose their holiday date when accepting the prize. If the winner does not respond within seven days we reserve the right to draw a new winner. Certain dates are not available, and all dates are subject to availability. Andorra Resorts act solely as a booking agency in respect of the prize. The agency booking conditions of Andorra Resorts and conditions of the suppliers of the prize components will apply to the booking and must be accepted to claim the prize.

WWW.SINNER.EU

WORLD’S MOST EXPENSIVE CHAIRLIFT A hi-tech eight-seat chairlift is under construction at Scheffau in the

InTheSnow House FP

Austrian SkiWelt. The new lift will replace the old Aualm quad chairlift, which clocked up 23.8m passengers during its 25 years in operation.

The ultra-modern new chairlift, which will cost €10m (approx £7.94m) – one of the biggest spends ever on a chairlift – will feature the latest generation of the world’s most advanced lift technology, according to a SkiWelt statement. The tech includes conveyor belt entry, heated seats, weather protection hoods and self-locking safety bars with footrests which can no longer be manually lifted on the ascent.

The SkiWelt believes that these new features will be particularly good news for families with children as well as beginners.

The lift will be installed this winter and should be ready to open when the new season starts on 6 December (or possibly 29 November if there’s good snowfall).

SKI HOME EXCHANGE POPULARITY GROWS FREE APP FOR ALL DEVICES

The number of mountain homes listed for home exchange on speciality website HomeExchange.com has grown by more than a third over the past two years, says the company.

British families who use HomeExchange.com have taken advantage of the service to make regular ski home exchange trips from the UK to Europe and America with properties in the Alps and Rockies among those listed. The benefits of a home exchange for skiers can include the use of a comfortable home-from-home experience and flexible arrival and departure dates. Both parties are normally willing and able to avoid peak travel times, thus saving more money by

Get the UK’s biggest ski and snowboard magazine free, find last minute holiday deals, access premium ski content, exclusive competitions, unique ski hotel and chalets guides, and stay up to date with great snow reports

tailoring the duration of the stay to their mutual convenience. Another benefit is that ski kit and even cars can sometimes come as part of the exchange, reducing the hassle and expense of a typical winter holiday so long as sizes match and safety standards are legally met (homeexchange.com).

036 // NOV14

@INTHESNOWMAG

GO RACE GO FREESTYLE Snowsport England has a new programme

Sochi 2014 Winter Olympics and give more

The freestyle sessions will involve learning

this autumn and winter following on from

people the chance to emulate the skills of

basic freestyle tricks and flying over ramps

their successful Go Ski Go Board last season,

their Olympic heroes,” said a statement from

and rails with a freestyle coach, and the race

which saw over 10,000 people participate in

the organisation.

sessions will take people through the basic

taster ski or snowboard sessions or sign up

The programme will include “Try Freestyle”

and fundamental skills involved in Alpine ski

for a longer course on England’s dry runs and

taster sessions at a number of centres, giving

racing. Regular sessions will also be available

indoor snow slopes.

people the chance to hit the snowpark for

to those who try it, like it and want to do more.

Go Ski Go Board continues this season, but

the first time and “Try Race” sessions to give

Details of the programme, sponsored by the

the new “Go Race Go Freestyle” programme

people the chance to try skiing through gates

Austrian Tirol, and where events are staged

aims to capitalise on the buzz created by the

and experience the buzz of racing.

are at goskigoboard.org.uk.

F_180w_240h_ITS.pdf

1

16/09/2014

16:20

COURCHEVEL TOURISM

DOES YOUR EQUIPMENT PERFORM AS WELL AS IT SHOULD...?

NEW LIFTS, RUNS & MORE AT COURCHEVEL Courchevel has announced it has spent a sizeable chunk of the €140m (£110m) Les 3 Vallées announced it would be spending on upgrades over the next 5 years, with €20m (£15.7m) spent this summer.

The money has gone on two new six-seater chairlifts, a new piste, and some low-energy snowmaking.

C

M

Y

The first six-person detachable chairlift has replaced both the Les

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Gravelles and L’Aiguille du Fruit chairlifts in the Creux area, improving

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the connection between Courchevel Moriond and Courchevel at a cost of €8m (£6.3m). The new lift’s capacity of 3300 skiers per hour is greater than the two previous lifts combined, and the visual environmental impact has been reduced with 11 pylons instead of 30.

“We strive to protect the area in which we live and work,” says Courchevel’s ski area Director, Thomas Thor-Jensen. “That means having installations which consume less energy and have less impact on the land.”

The Park City piste has been redesigned in the same area where the new lift will open making it easier to reach, and has seen it reclassified as a blue piste. It now starts from the top of the lift and goes down to the Altiport piste. The resort has also replaced its four-person gondola Forêt with another six-person detachable chairlift at a cost of €9m (£7.1m). The faster new lift more than doubles capacity on the route.

In terms of new snowmaking, new generation snow machines have been installed on the new Park City piste at a cost of €300,000.

Courchevel has always been one of Europe’s leading snowmakers, and currently has 578 snow guns covering 60% of the area.

CY

CMY

K

Recent innovations in technology means ski equipment is better than it’s ever been before.

Ski boots are much more customizable, as plastic shells can now be heat moulded and shaped to the lumps and bumps in your feet. Have you improved since you bought your current boots?

Are they still comfortable making you reluctant to upgrade them?

A pair of custom fitted boots will be more comfortable than you can possibly imagine and give better performance than your old ski boots ever could.

Have your skis seen better days? Can you ski everything you want to?

Skis have now become much more versatile and user friendly helping you to ski in all snow conditions.

If you choose the correct ski shape and ability level, you will see huge changes in your progression and enjoyment.

Come and visit us today to ensure you have the correct advice from experienced equipment specialists before you invest in your next pair of boots and skis.

Bringing you the largest specialist range of skis & boots in the UK and advice and expertise since 1965.

We’ll always be here to help and advise you on the correct equipment for wherever your passions and dreams take you.

Custom boot fitting specialists. Ski Industries Of Great Britain official ski testers.

“WINNER OF THE WORLD SNOW AWARDS - BEST UK SPECIALIST RETAILER”

“The newest models use less water, less electricity and less air,” says Thor-Jensen.

FREERIDE | FREESTYLE | TOURING | TELEMARK | RACE | RECREATIONAL FB.COM/INTHESNOW

037 // NOV14

Ski Bartlett, Uxbridge Road, Hillingdon, West London, UB10 0NP T:020 8848 0040 | E:info@skibartlett.com | www.SkiBartlett.com

FREESTYLE SKIING & VIDEO COURSE Les Contamines in the French Alps is launching a new freestyle skiing course that includes two 2-hour sessions to learn how to video their newly learnt tricks and post them on the web. Teens can learn tricks, grabs, front and back flips and other “new school” tricks as well as videoing skills.

SKI BUTLER Gstaad Palace in Switzerland is the latest luxury hotel to add a ski butler service. The hotel’s newest team member will greet guests on the mountaintop with a hamper filled with delectable sweet treats, savoury snacks and cheeses. After finding a suitable spot to sit down he’ll serve a sumptuous slopeside picnic accompanied by chilled champagne or warming glühwein. Yumsk!

FREERIDE WORLD TOUR KICKS OFF On the 24th of January 2015, Chamonix, regarded as the Mecca of Freeriding, will host the first stage of the world championships that kicks off in France.

This year’s circuit takes the freeriders to Austria, Andorra, the United States and Switzerland, where the competition winds up with the proclamation of the winner at the Verbier Xtreme. freerideworldtour.com

SNOW GUARANTEED

DOUCHEBAGS DRAG RACE

A

famous skier Jon Olsson and

the first Douchebags were created.

product engineer and entrepreneur

Douchebags are built strong,

Truls Brataas who were both summer

lightweight, are of adjustable length,

skiing on a Norwegian glacier in

can be easily packed down and

2009. The two share a mutual

have an innovative carrying system.

passion for action-sport, travel and

The Douchebags Drag Race at the

smart product design and began the

London Ski Show gives visitors the

Douchebags project together.

chance to find out just how quick

Jon has travelled more than 300

and easy it is to unfold, pack and

days a year for the past decade

secure the Douchebag and 30L

and both knew that they wanted

Hugger together.

n all new style of ski kit bag,

to design new types of travel

Individual prizes are on offer for

is published this month. The book, called Powder,

Douchebag (mydouchebag.com) is

bags for the modern explorer.

those who do this in the quickest

looks at 50 of the world’s greatest ski runs.

now available.

After surveying 150 skiers, talking

times, with the quickest overall

“There are, of course, thousands of ski runs to

Douchebags are the result of a

to airline baggage handlers and

winning both the Douchebag and

choose from at ski resorts around the world, and

chance meeting between the

working with university R&D staff,

30L Hugger.

many more if you head off-piste or heli-ski,” said

FRESH POWDER A new book by InTheSnow’s editor Patrick Thorne

Thorne. “I tried to choose a mixture of some of Brits are able to benefit from Club Med’s

the world’s most famous extreme runs, along with

snow guarantee this season. This offer

famous World Cup and Olympic downhill runs

states that if less than 50% of the pistes are

and some of my personal favourites, mainly for

open during their holiday, holidaymakers will be able to claim 50% of their holiday cost back. The famous holiday village

MONSTER SKI CHALLENGE RETURNS

company offers a new resort in Val Thorens

their spectacular locations.”

Powder is a luxuriously produced book with lavish illustrations of great runs from resorts in more than 20 countries on five continents. There

this winter. clubmed.co.uk

The MS Trust is looking for

“The camaraderie was excellent and

red runs to take part. It costs £150

are runs in famous resorts, including Aspen,

Free Breakfast and Pass On Les 3 Vallées.

skiers and snowboarders to

everyone returned home feeling

to register, and you must pledge to

Chamonix, Jackson Hole and Verbier, as well

join its Monster Ski challenge in

proud of our achievements,” said

raise £1500 in sponsorship.

as less internationally well-known descents in

Chamonix, 13–17 March 2015,

Sarah Burgess from Southampton

Included in the price are flights and

countries like Australia, Poland and Turkey, and

where participants ski the nearly

who took part in Monster Ski 2014.

transfers, accommodation (B&B), a

extreme options such as heli-skiing in Greenland

9150 vertical metres height of

“I would certainly recommend this

3-day lift pass, and ski guides who

or Nepal, and even tackling the world’s biggest

Mount Everest everyday. The MS

trip to anyone looking for a ski trip

will lead small groups during the

vertical of 5489m on Mount St Elias on the

The first 100 people to turn up at the

Trust uses the funds raised by the

with a difference – pushing yourself

challenge. The trip is organised

Alaska/Canadian border – bigger than the skiable

Méribel-Mottaret Tourist Office on the

challenge to train specialist nurses,

to the limit on the slopes, whilst at

by leading independent ski tour

verticals in the Andes and the Himalayas.

season’s opening day, 6 December, will be

and provides information for people

the same time raising money for a

operator Ski Independence.

“Hopefully the 50 best runs are actually your 50

given a Méribel Valley day pass and a free

living with multiple sclerosis (MS).

great cause.”

The MS Trust provides participants

next runs,” adds Thorne. “Nonetheless the book

breakfast. In addition opening weekend

The event offers a unique way to

This will be the MS Trust’s seventh

with lots of support and advice to

contains 50 of the best contenders for the title of

skiers can take part in a draw to win a VIP

experience the Chamonix valley,

Monster Ski challenge (the first six

help you raise your sponsorship,

best run in the world.”

weekend for two at Méribel by putting their

whilst being part of something really

have raised over £400,000), and the

as well as putting you in touch with

Powder is published by Quercus and is available

pass into a prize draw.

special to benefit people living with

charity is looking for 25 skiers and

other Monster Skiers so that you

in all good bookshops in the UK and North

an unpredictable lifelong condition.

snowboarders who are confident on

can share fundraising ideas.

America with a cover price of £25.

OPENING DAY

0038 // NOV14 // INTHESNOW.COM

@INTHESNOWMAG

MATTHIEU VITRÉ

PORTES DU SOLEIL INTER-CONNECTION The Portes du Soleil, which spans the French-Swiss border, linking 13 ski areas with 650km of pistes, has at times in its 50-year history claimed to be the biggest ski area in the world.

The problem is that unlike the 600km(ish) of Les 3 Vallées, those 650km are not fully lift- and piste-linked; you need to get a bus between separate sectors. Not really a big issue in reality, but ski statisticians do tend to get pedantic about such things, and if you allow one bus link in a claimed piste kilometrage tally, where do you draw the line?

This winter the region has invested €16m (approx. £12.69m) in a huge project to bridge one of those gaps, to Super-Châtel, with two new high-speed detachable chairlifts coming into service, a six-seater and a four-seater. The link is partially completed with a new piste to follow, so there’ll be more than 650km then.

ICE CAVES AND UNDERWATER SEATING A new Aqualudique Centre will open in the Les Bruyères complex in Les Menuires in Les 3 Vallées of the French Alps this winter.

The new section includes an aqualudique pool (with underwater seating, counter-current pools, massage jets … ) and an area specifically for children, designed with an ice theme (ice cave, slides, games and entertainment). There is also a wellness area (38°C balnéo baths, Jacuzzi, hammam and sauna), open to adults only, and a treatment area to pamper yourself (water massages, beauty treatments, massages … ).

The new addition will complement the facilities already available in the Sports Centre in the La Croisette sector of Les Menuires, which opened in 2006 (gym, pool, relaxation and wellness areas).

The Les Bruyères centre covers a 3500m2 area and is dedicated to wellbeing and fitness. Entry price will be €8.50 (approx. £6.74).

Les Menuires is also celebrating 50 years since it opened this winter.

FB.COM/INTHESNOW

039 // NOV14

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THE MOUNTAIN GOURMET RETURNS

SKI CLUB LEADERS BECOME AMBASSADORS

Following the success of this year’s inaugural Mountain Gourmet Ski

The Ski Club of Great Britain has announced that the 11 volunteers

Experience, plans are already in place for the next on 9–12 January 2015,

who have previously acted as “Leaders” in top French resorts, showing

which will see culinary wizards Heston Blumenthal, Marcus Wareing and

Club members around the slopes, will no longer take people out on

Sat Bains get together in the Italian resort of Courmayeur to lead guests on

the snow but will instead provide information and advice. The Club will

another tantalising gourmet adventure, including the unveiling of Heston’s

rename these staff “Ambassadors”.

new signature “Alpine Surprise”. The Momentum Ski event will lift off from

The decision comes after legal advice the Ski Club received from its

Heston’s Perfectionists’ Café in the new Terminal 2 at Heathrow. Around 60

own lawyers, which it has employed following an incident in April

guests will then enjoy three whole days of indulging in fabulous food and

when a leader was stopped on the piste in Val d’Isère, France and

drink – including one rustic and one gourmet dinner on the mountain, served

questioned by gendarmes in relation to Art.L.212-1 of the French

up by Sat and Marcus. The opening night promises to be a tempting, tongue-

Code du Sport. Under this article, it is a legal requirement to have

tingling celebration of the traditional food of the Aosta Valley region. The

the relevant and appropriate qualification(s) to instruct, lead or

second night will showcase Sat’s creative use of the local Alpine ingredients

guide skiing (groups) if remuneration is received. The resulting legal

and Marcus’s style of Knightsbridge to the Alps, while the grand finale at

case is ongoing.

Maison Vieille – only accessible by snowmobile – will see guests party at

The Ski Club leading service operates in other countries, but 11

the top of the mountain. Guests will stay in the 5★ Grand Hotel Royal and

of the 29 resorts where the Ski Club does or did offer its leading

Golf, and prices start from £3500pp including scheduled flight with Swiss

service are in France, the largest single country for Ski Club

Momentum Ski (momentumski.com).

representation of this type.

THE END OF MISMATCHED CHALET GROUPS mismatched groups falling out during their precious weeks’ holiday: a family with young children sharing with a bunch of 20-something

SLOPE OFF THIS WINTER

party animals and a retired couple from Cirencester? Recipe for disaster. In most communal chalets, tour operators don’t give a second thought to creating groups that are likely to get on; they simply want to sell the space,” said Katie.

BOOK YOUR TRAIN TO 1000s OF SNOW, SKI & CITY DESTINATIONS THROUGHOUT EUROPE WITH VOYAGES-SNCF.COM

When registering for free with Chalet-Share, skiers submit their details, resort preference and dates and are automatically offered the chance to join a group with similar family dynamics and interests.

START PLANNING YOUR SKI TRIP TODAY ONLINE: VOYAGES-SNCF.COM CALL: 0844 848 5848 Weekdays 9am - 7pm, Saturdays 9am - 6pm, Sundays and Bank Holidays closed

VISIT: VOYAGES-SNCF TRAVEL CENTRE 193 Piccadilly, London W1J 9EU Weekdays 10am - 6pm, Saturdays 10am - 5pm, Sundays and Bank Holidays closed

FIND US ON: facebook.com/VoyagesSncf.UK

“It’s a great way to take the risk out of sharing,” added Katie, “and it gives you back the opportunity to spend your ski holidays in A new service called Chalet-Share (chalet-share.

chalet holiday veteran Katie Mann was chatting

a lovely catered Alpine chalet rather than a

co.uk) has launched, designed to unite like-

with her husband about booking a self-catering

basic apartment.”

minded skiers in chalets across the Alps. The

apartment for themselves and their two young

Once Chalet-Share has found your ideal holiday

idea is to say goodbye to mismatched groups

children, because they didn’t want to take the

companions, the site will offer a bespoke chalet

and hello to your new ski buddies!

chance of another bad experience sharing a

sourcing service for the group, finding you the

Like many good ideas, the concept for Chalet-

catered chalet with complete strangers.

perfect chalet at no extra cost to booking the

Share was born on a chairlift. Keen skier and

“You hear plenty of horror stories of

same chalet directly with the operator.

twitter.com/VoyagesSncf_UK

040 // NOV14 // INTHESNOW.COM

@INTHESNOWMAG

DAMIAN-MC-ARTHUR

While skiers and snowboarders were heading to the super-high or ultra glamorous resorts of Europe for many years, Morzine was quietly minding its own business, basking in great snowfall and retaining its traditional Savoyarde village charm and character.

Then Morzine grew up. ďƒ’

FB.COM/INTHESNOW

WORDS: AMIE POSTINGS

041 // NOV14

Morzine

MINI GUIDE SNOW MOTION CHALETS LTD Comfortably sleeping ten with a huge open-plan living, dining and kitchen area, Chalet Le Coeur de Lion is in the centre of Montriond village, 50m from local shops, bars and the free ski bus stop. Wi-fi provided, airport transfers, ski hire, lift passes and ski lessons also available. +33 (0) 6 43 80 65 82  info@snowmotionchalets.com

snowmotionchalets.com

THE WHITE VALLEY COMPANY An exquisite, newly built, luxury ski lodge in the stunning Vallée de La Manche area of Morzine, White Valley Lodge is owner-run, sleeping 12. You’ll find luxury REN toiletries, fine bed linens, a roaring, contemporary fire and cinematic TV as well as interior designed décor, incredible food and specially selected wines. +33 (0) 7 60 71 11 27  enquiries@thewhitevalleycompany.com

thewhitevalleycompany.com

COUNTERFEIT CLOTHING We’re a Morzine-based independent clothing label.

Our ‘Almost Authentic’ range of T-shirts, hoodies and headwear won’t make you ride faster, play

O

ski-out rooms at the Inferno on Nyon plateau to the ultra-luxurious, interior-designed opulence of White Valley Lodge, and everything else in between.

You’d also be hard pushed to find a European ski resort with such a large year-round population

New this winter

as Morzine. A working village with a mélange of

It’s over 4 years since wannabe John Travolta’s

ex-pats, locals and season workers, this unique

last got their groove on courtesy of The Paradis’

characteristic has a hugely positive impact on

flashing dance floor, and Morzine’s most

the resort’s winter facilities and infrastructure.

iconic nightclub returns this winter under the

A new indoor leisure complex opened in 2012,

supervision of the exceptionally fun team at

including spa facilities and a 50m swimming

Rude Chalets. Retro Rentals will assist the time-

pool, creating a great après-ski family-friendly

warp shenanigans with regular 80s themed party

ver recent years the resort has come to the

activity. Families are also well served by a range

nights, and the best bit? The entrance fee isn’t a

attention of holidaymakers looking for a more

of great childcare companies run by locals

king’s ransom and drinks prices won’t blow your

authentic, reasonably priced holiday experience

who know exactly how to keep your children

holiday budget.

with fantastic resort facilities for everyone, and

entertained.

Thanks to Eurostar’s new ski train route

Morzine certainly ticks all the boxes.

Morzine often takes some stick for being at the

extension, it’s never been easier to access the

The Tasty Ski Co. run a handful of

Located just 75km from Geneva airport and

not-so-high altitude of 1000m, but at the same

Portes du Soleil by train. The new service leaves

luxury catered ski chalets in Morzine

offering one of the shortest airport transfer

time, it doesn’t usually suffer either. Its location

London St Pancras and arrives in Geneva just

and Le Grand Massif. Delicious food

times in the Alps, Morzine is set at the heart

midway between Mont Blanc and Lake Geneva

over six hours later, shaving a staggering amount

in amazing locations is the name of

of the 650km Portes du Soleil ski area, which

creates a scientifically proven microclimate,

from your journey, and arguably a staggering

our game. Hot tubs, saunas, movie

celebrates its 50th birthday in 2015 and has one

meaning that when it snows in Morzine, it really

amount of hassle too. Many of Morzine’s

rooms, Sky TV, iPod docks, Bose

of the best value big area lift pass prices per

snows. Neighbouring Avoriaz is both the highest

excellent airport transfer companies will collect

sound systems and heated boot

skiable km in the world.

resort in the Portes du Soleil and regularly

you from Geneva train station, delivering you in

racks are nice little extras as well!

Morzine’s increasing popularity can also be

named the snowiest spot in Europe, and with the

resort just over an hour later.

attributed to its “something for everyone”

improved lift connections via the Super Morzine

The local lift operating companies aren’t shy of

info@thetastyskicompany.co.uk

approach. You’ll find accommodation options to

and Les Prodains, finding your powder fix has

investment in Morzine and this season sees the

thetastyskicompany.co.uk

match all budgets, from the bunkhouse style, ski-in/

never been easier.

arrival of two major lift developments. The Super

harder or dance better, but they are ethically produced from the best quality fabrics and include designs that we conceive ourselves in our mountain playground. +33 (0) 6 45 98 21 37  sales@counterfeit-clothing.com

counterfeit-clothing.com

TASTY SKI COMPANY

042 // NOV14 // INTHESNOW.COM

@INTHESNOWMAG

OTMORZINE-JARRY-TRIPELON

JB-BIEUVILLE

THE CHALET HOST CO.

We cook, so you don’t have to!

One of our hosts will come to your accommodation and become your private chef.

Based in Morzine, Montriond and Les Gets.

If there is anything we can help with:

OTMORZINE-JARRY-TRIPELON

tibetan In the Snow.pdf

Unmissable Events

Morzine area and the linking lifts towards Avoriaz

especially on Wednesdays when Basscamp

have been upgraded to reduce journey times

Sessions DJs take over from 4pm.

and solve bottleneck problems at the beginning

Those who like their après slightly calmer and

and end of each day. Both the Seraussaix and

more family friendly will enjoy the big terrace,

Proclou chairlifts have been replaced, making

table service and friendly chat at Hotel Le

your ascent to the area’s highest peaks easier

Cottage, just a few steps down from the Pleney

Morzine’s neighbour Avoriaz kicks off the

than ever.

base station.

winter season in style each year with the

The Burton Stash in the woods above Les

Le Tibetan Café is also a Morzine après staple,

Ultimate Rock On music festival and equipment

Lindarets was the first 100% natural terrain park

especially on cold afternoons when standing

demonstration on 13 and 14 December. Live DJs

of its kind in Europe and during the intervening

outside hugging a rapidly cooling vin chaud

and bands pack the streets of the resort, and

7 years it’s become home to some of the world’s

doesn’t seem so appealing. Le Tibetan is a cosy,

here’s an insider’s tip for you – it always snows

best freeriders and trick stompers, all of whom

snug charm of an après bar with a slightly more

on opening weekend in Avoriaz, which should

will be delighted to hear that The Stash is 20%

sophisticated style and some of the best mojitos

please the two-time Olympic snowboarding

bigger this winter and now includes a staggering

you’ll taste in the Alps.

supremo and flying tomato Shaun White, who’ll

100 modules.

Away from the more obvious après spots in the

be in attendance with his band Bad Things for a

centre of the resort, you’ll find locals favourite

performance on the 13th.

Chez Roger on Rue du Bourg. Roger himself

In recent years a night at the ice hockey has

being something of a local legend, you’re more

become an unmissable holiday experience. The

likely to find yourself in the company of Jean

Skoda Arena in the centre of Morzine is home

Pierre, the owner of the Pleney and far less likely

to The Penguins, and they’re one of the best

to hear those generic après playlists.

teams in France playing in the premier ‘Magnus’

Morzine has seen its après scene change

The opening of Bec Jaune Brewery last winter

league. Comprised of top players from around

beyond all recognition in the last 4 years, and

brought a whole new twist to the resort’s après

the world, a night watching The Penguins is a

you’ll find yourself spoilt for choice on any given

offering. They brew their own real ales in their

fantastic opportunity to soak up some (often

night of the week. Hotel Le Tremplin immediately

microbrewery and there’s also bio wines and a

highly charged!) local atmosphere.

opposite the new Pleney lift is where any après

delicious menu of homemade treats so tempting

Our friends at Snow-Camp return to Morzine for

session should commence. Live DJs and bands

that they’ll make missing your chalet dinner a

a sixth time for their annual Alpine Challenge

can be heard from halfway down the homerun,

real possibility.

mountain endurance event between 12-15 March.

Big Après

Find us on

www.thechalethostco.com hello@thechalethostco.com UK: +44 (0)7975936079 FR: +33 (0)630779223 1

14/10/2014

10:15

The best pop rock bar in Morzine playing music from the 70’s ‘till now

Open from 2pm to 2am every day Happy hour every day from 4pm – 6pm Live music with great bands and musicians Live DJ every evening All sports shown on a large screen Follow us on Facebook - /Tibetan-Café-Morzine Follow us on Twitter - @TibetanMorzine

+33 (0) 4 50 75 90 84 FB.COM/INTHESNOW

043 // NOV14

www.tibetan-café-morzine.com

Seriously good chalet holidays in Morzine

JULIA-MOTEOLIVIA

With their eye for detail, dedicated service and outstanding food, AliKats are a cut above your typical chalet holidays.

JB-BIEUVILLE

“Perfect Chalet” “Best Place to Stay in Morzine” Couples, families or groups up to 26 warmly welcomed.

Discover somewhere you can truly relax and enjoy after an action packed day on the slopes.

MCM ALBA 100 x 175 Quarter Page.pdf

1

16/10/2014

16:31

We offer all levels of management service to property owners in Morzine, Avoriaz, Les Gets and the Vallee d’Aulps area Property management services ranging from basic changeovers to full rental and management of your property Please contact us to discuss your individual requirements uk: +44 (0) 7712 88 95 55 | fr: +33 (0) 6 23 81 01 90 e: heather@morzinechaletmanagement.com w: www.morzinechaletmanagement.com

Alba is an exciting new venue opening this winter in Les Gets serving artisan brewed coffees, speciality teas, fabulous breakfast and lunch options and of course delicious home baking.

Join us après ski for a well deserved beer and maybe a slice of pizza. Less than a minutes walk from the chavannes lift.

JB-BIEUVILLE

www.alikats.eu Raising important funds to change the lives of

riding, Morzine’s niche is that it offers something

from the resort centre. Many of the resort’s ski

kids from underprivileged backgrounds, the

for everyone. The Portes du Soleil piste map

schools have their meeting points here, making

Alpine Challenge has become much more

makes it very easy to find secure freeride

it very convenient for you to drop off the little

than just a sponsored skiathon. The challenge

zones, such as from the top of Fornet (2250m)

ones then head up the Pleney lift. The Première

championship title is hotly contested and some

in Avoriaz or the challenging man-high moguls

Glisse is a dedicated debutant area in Avoriaz,

serious ski distances will be notched up over two

of the Coupe de Monde run, accessed from the

connecting nicely to the more progressive

days – last year’s winners skied 316km!

Grande Combe chairlift. The Pointe de Nyon on

slopes of the Super Morzine. It’s a mellow, wide

The 2014 Rock The Pistes music festival line-up

a powder day is the stuff ski holiday dreams are

and fun beginners’ slope with the odd picnic

knocked everyone’s socks off, with amazing

made of, while the lengthy red from the top of

spot, plenty of sunshine and a mini stash for

performances by British bands Babyshambles and

Nyon’s neighbour Chamoissiere (2002m) will

those first jumps.

Klaxons. Standing under the blazing springtime

most definitely give your ski legs their morning

Gone are the days when kids learn to ski first,

sun watching Lee Scratch Perry really did feel

warm-up. If there are freshies when you wake

before wondering whether they’d be having

like Glasto on snow. More high-profile acts are

up, head for Nyon without delay.

more fun on a snowboard. Morzine’s Mint

promised for the 2015 festival, during which

A huge chunk of the Portes du Soleil ski area

Snowboarding offer lessons to kids from age 3

resorts across the Portes du Soleil will host on-

is family friendly, including the links between

with their “Mini-Shed” courses, which use the

piste concerts between 15 and 21 March.

Morzine and Les Gets via the Nyon sector, and

Burton Riglet programme to teach them the

Morzine’s end-of-season family-friendly street

the cruisey blues and tree-lined pistes of Linga in

basics of coordination and balance, in a fun but

soiree in the centre of the resort takes place on

the direction of Chatel. On the snowiest of days,

very safe environment.

Wednesday 15 April and includes performances

when there’s low light and limited visibility, head

Which brings us nicely to the area’s snow parks.

for a huge range of local bands and DJs as well

for the Lindaret forest and the fun run, which us

Many of Europe’s top park shapers make Avoriaz

as food and drinks stands, all with the perfect

locals call “Star Wars”, from the top of the Prolays

their winter home, and the Avoriaz Snowzone

springtime accompaniment – sunshine!

lift all the way down to Ardent (a refreshing demi

team does a sterling job of keeping both the La

at Happy Hours Bar at the bottom is essential).

Chapelle and Arare parks in perfect condition all

An often underexplored part of the Portes du

winter long. This is the old stomping ground of

Soleil piste map is Mt Chery, which at 1826m

Olympic snowboarder Jenny Jones, and you’re

Something For Everyone

stands proud on the other side of Les Gets and

likely to see the next generation of pros cutting

includes a progressive range of red runs, two

their teeth here. There’s also a fun park on

challenging blacks, and a nice tame blue.

Nyon, where the terrace of the Pointe de Nyon

Beginners are best served on the Pleney’s

restaurant is the perfect spectator spot, and also

lower runs in Morzine, where there’s a nice

on Mt Chery, where there’s some nice, quiet

Whilst it’s true that other resorts deserve their

shallow draglift to kick things off and some very

entry-level kickers from which to launch your

bragging rights for super-high terrain or extreme

gentle slopes that don’t involve straying too far

own freestyle career.

044 // NOV14

MORZINE-AVORIAZ.COM

Morzine

SKP SKI MORZINE

MINI GUIDE CONTINUED...

LEGGETT IMMOBILIER Luxury chalet holidays in Morzine - 4

Established for over 20 years,

course evening meals with free-

voted No.1 Real Estate Agency in

flowing wine, a choice of hot & cold

France 2013-14. Local, professional,

breakfasts and afternoon tea. With

bi-lingual agents providing you an

many chalet extras; outdoor hot tubs,

effective, professional and honest

sauna, log fire, ‘ski to the back door’

service in helping you purchase the

and much more. We look forward to

right property in Morzine and all

welcoming you - Sarah & Steve

over the French Alps.

FAMILY FARMHOUSE FOR SALE

+44 (0)7813 191 717  info@skpskimorzine.com

+33 (0)627 862 704  nwye@leggett.fr

skpskimorzine.com

leggettski.com

CHALET MORZINE

MOUNTAIN MOMENTS

Stunning traditional family farmhouse with wow factor. Situated

Unique alpine retreat in a fabulous

Specialist Winter Activity holidays

in the French alps, near Morzine.

ski in/ski out location, at the

in the French Alps. Based in the

5 Bedrooms plus 2 bedroom

foot of the pistes in Morzine. 7

atmospheric Chalet Ste. Marie,

apartment. Key features are: Stylish

spacious bedrooms, sleeping 16,

Mountain Moments offers bespoke

interior; exposed beams; bespoke

with outdoor hot tub, open log fire,

skiing holidays designed to fit your

Italian kitchen; Ssauna; outside

separate games/cinema area, and

very specific needs. Whether you

gazebo; barn for renovation; double

professional Chef. Won Travellers

are family, group, friends, club or

garage with ample parking; sunny and tranquil garden. Located in the centre of Portes du Soleil ski area. Just one hour from Geneva.

choice award on Tripadvisor for best chalet in the Alps 2014!

corporate, our high level of service and commitment to your wellbeing is our priority.

+33 (0)450 723 091  info@lechantdunant.com

+33 (0)671 923 377  info@chaletmorzine.com

+44 (0)1444 220 048  info@mountainmoments.co.uk

€995,000

chaletmorzine.com

mountainmoments.co.uk

CHALETCHEFS

GOURMETSKI

RETRO RENTALS

Chaletchefs is now in its 9th year

A collection of three stunning

The home of EPIC 80’s ski wear!

of operation in the Morzine/Les

chalets with either 4, 5 or 6 en-suite

Responsible for the biggest retro

Gets area of Portes du Soleil,

bedrooms, nestled in Montriond,

themed ski parties in Europe,

providing professional chefs

Morzine, French Alps. Beautifully

with over 1200 insane vintage ski

to cook in your private or self

designed and furnished chalets,

suits, a humongous 80’s boom

catered chalets. Services range

offering a real sense of luxurious

box stage and totally awesome

from one off dinners, parties and

mountain living. Fine dining,

photo-booth gondolas! Any

delivery food to dinners only

chauffeur service, hot-tubs / spa

packages and fully catered weeks.

facilities & great service. Book your dream holiday with GourmetSki now.

group big or small, your one stop retro delivery service! Get radical, get retro!

+33 (0)647 829 889

+33 (0)674 032 891  enquiries@gourmetski.com

info@retro-rentals.eu  fb.com/retrorental

chaletchefs.net

gourmetski.com

retro-rentals.eu

Geranium Half Page Horizontal.pdf

1

13/10/2014

12:27

BILINGUAL TEAM | 70 PROPERTIES IN MORZINE & SURROUNDING VALLEYS STEP BY STEP HELP THROUGH THE BUYING PROCESS | CALL OR POP IN FOR A CHAT

www.geranium74.com info@geranium74.com | 00 33 (0)4 50 38 86 30 Geranium Immobilier EURL, 1796 Route des Grandes Alpes, Saint Jean d’Aulps, 74430, France EURL au capital de € 5.000, Immatriculée au RCS de Thonon-les-Bains N° 515 135 341, TVA intracom FR 95515135341, Garantie financière € 120 000.

Carte Professionnelle Transactions sur immeubles et fonds de commerces Numéro: 1608/74 délivrer par la Préfecture de la Haute Savoie, le 12 janvier 2010.

WINTER RAIL TICKETS TO THE ALPS NOW ON SALE

For The BesT Value For Money skiing

Bulgaria

Bookings are open for rail travel to

Slovenia | romania

resorts in Europe until early February 2015 and a second booking horizon

From 7 UK airports

opens on 7 November when services operating from 7 February go on sale, including the popular half-term week. It’s

• Deposit just £70pp • Early booking savings of up to £150 per couple • FREE Child Places • FREE 20kg luggage on all charter flights • FREE lift passes at selected hotels • FREE Wi-Fi in most hotels

vital to book early to get the best prices and reservations on suitable services.

Many people don’t realise how many resorts are easily accessible by rail, nor that the return journey can be completed in only a little more time, and with much less stress than the stop-start, multi-stage flying process with its travel to the airport, security queues, waiting around, flight, waiting around and transfer to resort.

It can cost less too if booked in good

SNOWFINDERS’ SUCCESS

S Prices from

equipment – free of charge by rail – but which can sometimes cost more to take than the actual passenger ticket by air.

Voyages-sncf.com gets skiers to numerous resorts in the Alps and Pyrenees. Among the most affordable, from £109 or £110 return, are Avoriaz, Les Deux Alpes and

“We are not owned by faceless

Chatel. Les Deux Alpes and Chamrousse

shareholders; in fact, you could say our

are among the quickest to reach in only 6

clients are our shareholders. We have

hours on Eurostar then TGV.

built relationships with many of them

For many other famous resorts it’s only

that now expand the full 14 years of our

slightly more. Meribel is 7 hours, 30

trading, and we have a mutual trust in one

minutes and from £149 return on a direct

another,” says Edwards. He added, “The

service to the Alps from St Pancras (with

most exciting element of our job is when

a quick transfer from the station to the

a longstanding client simply provides a

resort), Les Arcs, 40 minutes more and

brief to be surprised with a different kind

costs from £149 too. Bareges in the

of ski holiday. Our in-house systems will

Pyrenees is only 9 hours, 45 minutes and

indicate all of their preferences, and we

from £110 return.

can then set about the task, which doesn’t

Resorts elsewhere in Europe can also be

necessarily need to cost a fortune either.”

reached speedily by train too. Gstaad in

Of course, skiers may choose to phone or

Switzerland takes 10 hours with tickets

nowfinders, an independent ABTA and

search all of the tour operators themselves,

priced from £182 return or a journey to

ATOL bonded ski travel agency of some

but why do that when an impartial agency

Oulx for Sauze d’Oulx in Italy takes from 8

14 years’ standing, owes its success not to

with a price guarantee will do that for you?

hours with a change in Paris.

its price guarantee, but to its unrelenting

Not only that, but Snowfinders will tell you

Visit: Voyages-sncf Travel Centre, 193

focus on customer satisfaction.

how it is. For example, all chalet owners

Piccadilly, London W1J 9EU

Nick Edwards, Managing Director, is

will advertise a pan-fried duck breast with

0844 848 5848; voyages-sncf.com

passionate about ensuring that travellers

a red currant jus; however, knowing which

receive the perfect holiday to suit both

supplier will actually deliver the duck is

their remit and pocket alike.

where Snowfinders come into their own.

ISTOCK.COM/KOPVAS

£244 per person

time, particularly when taking your own

Having a hand-picked team of ten ensures that a tight rein is kept on service levels at all times. These same service levels V089X

have helped the company grow into not just a fully countrywide operation but also a worldwide one with regular expat and overseas clients.

Call 0845 130 1114 Click www.balkanholidays.co.uk Follow us on

01858 466888; snowfinders.co.uk

046 // NOV14

@INTHESNOWMAG

01

14

Tignes has already been open nearly a

No London Freeze Festival this year (they

26

month, but ski passes for Val d’Isere and

promise to return in 2015), but there is a

Cult Colorado ski area Crested Butte is

the Espace Killy (opening at the end of

Season Opening Party at Bankside Vaults

scheduled to open today.

the month) are due to go on sale today.

(seasonopeningparty.com).

07 Mt Norquay at Banff should have opened on Halloween if the snow conditions were right, but the first of Canada’s big resorts, its neighbour Lake Louise, is scheduled to open a week later.

15 World Cup weekend in Levi, Finland, with men’s and women’s slalom races on successive days (skisport.fi/worldcuplevi/en).

November

29 The annual Santa Claus World Championships take place in Samnaun, Switzerland.

22

29

Obergurgl in the Austrian Tirol aims to be

Europe’s highest major resort, Val

James Blunt plays the big season

the first non-glacier ski area in the Alps to

Thorens, aims to kick of the Les 3

opening concert at Ischgl with all the hits

open for the winter, all being well.

Vallées’ 2014–15 ski season today.

from his latest album Moon Landing.

13

AlpineAnswers No one knows ski holidays like us

At Alpine Answers we use over twenty two years of holiday planning experience to offer the ultimate chalet and hotel collection.

We also know the best resorts and operators, and use our wealth of knowledge and expertise to tailor your perfect ski holiday.

So call us and let us help you plan your next winter break.

Call us: 020 7801 1080 Visit us: www.alpineanswers.co.uk

MITCH WINTONCOAST MOUNTAIN PHOTOGRAPHY

WHISTLER GONDOLA’S NEW EIGHT-SEAT CABINS

NEW LUXURY CHALET

BY WORLD CUP RUN

Whistler Blackcomb is installing new eight-passenger gondola cabins for

A new luxury chalet is available this winter in Val Gardena, Italy.

their workhorse of a lift, the Whistler Village Gondola, at a cost of around

Located 200m from the pistes on the Sellaronda, Pine Lodge is

$6m (£3.7m).

annually located right by the Saslong piste which will host the Super-G

“The original cabins have been loading our guests onto Whistler Moun-

and Men’s Downhill FIS World Cup races next month.

tain since 1988,” said Dave Brownlie, President and Chief Operating Of-

Custom-built this year, the chalet caters for eight plus two guests

ficer at Whistler Blackcomb. “These sleek new cabins are set to dramat-

in four luxurious en-suite bedrooms, all on the ground floor, with

ically improve the experience for skiers, snowboarders and sightseers.

access to the garden and sun patio. Rooms are all equipped with

Eight passengers will be able to sit comfortably with their gear in outside

satellite television, wireless internet, speaker for your music

racks, and the new configuration is set to improve capacity for the Whis-

devices, plus hairdryer and safe. On its first floor, the Lodge

tler Village Gondola by 12% through four additional cabins and greater

features floor-to-ceiling living room windows with an unobstructed

loading efficiency.” An additional $5.9m (£3.6m) will also be allocated to

view of the stunning Sella Massif. As well as boasting an outdoor

information technology initiatives, including a new enterprise resource

Jacuzzi, plus indoor spa and relaxation area, there is a bar and fully

planning system and radio-frequency identification (RFID) system, with

equipped professional kitchen.

lift access control gates on most mountain lifts.

Bookable on a B&B basis through Dolomite Mountains®

“The RFID gates should reduce wait times and provide us with the necessary

(dolomitemountains.com), prices range from €23,000 (£18.5k) in low

infrastructure to enhance guest engagement in the future,” says Brownlie.

season to €44,000 (£35.5k) in high season.

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WHY NOT TRY A LOCALLY SOURCED CHALET? self-catered) in the very heart of the resort.

Mountain Spaces are an independent company who can offer a great service simply because they are smaller and have the facilities to be hands-on in the resort they know and love.

Not only does this very dedicated service include a personal welcome with champagne and canapés, ensuring lift passes, ski hire, lessons and airport transfers are organised, but every other little detail is thought about right You can’t beat first-hand knowledge and local

down to hand cream and lip balm for those dry

gluten-free, vegetarian and other dietary

connections when you want to cut a path

hands and sore lips after a day in the snow.

requirements that are sometimes ignored and

through all the small (and sadly sometimes big)

Superb food is of course a given, and menus

rarely properly provided for by others.

issues that can make the difference between a

are tried and tested months in advance. Kate,

Mountain Space’s central Morzine properties

sensational ski holiday and a disastrous one.

being a vegetarian, is expert at catering for

include the ski-in Blue Bird Lodge, a stunning

So rather than book with an anonymous

six-bedroom chalet, just a 3-minute walk

tour operator employing well-meaning

from the two main ski lifts; Chalet Doux

but inexperienced youngsters fresh out of

Abri, a perfect “chocolate box” chalet with

college, it’s worth considering booking your

spectacular views sleeping 12–14 people in six

holiday with small independent company

chic bedrooms, and self-catered Chalet Les

Mountain Spaces, run by wife and husband

Gentianes which sleeps up to ten people in

team Katie and Chris Lawler who live in the

four bedrooms and is brand new this season.

leading French resort of Morzine all year

0033 601348434;

round, love their food, and run four superbly

info@mountainspaces.com; mountainspaces.

located luxury chalets (three catered and one

com

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049 // NOV14

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BY PATRICK THORNE

SHOULD MOUNTAINS BE BUILT HIGHER TO HOST OLYMPICS? SWISSIMAGECHRISTOF SONDEREGGER

There’s currently controversy over who will host the 2022 Winter Olympics, with all but two Eastern applicants, Beijing (China) and Almaty (Kazakhstan), having pulled out.

But the 2018 Games in South Korea have yet to be staged, and while there are not the widespread environmental concerns that the Sochi Games caused as yet, PyeongChang, the Olympic venue, does

ST MORITZ SKI AREAS CELEBRATE 150 YEARS

have one crucial issue that Beijing too will face if it wins its 2022 bid. There’s not a run with a vertical high enough to host the Olympic downhill.

The 2018 Olympic downhill will descend

rule states a run must have a vertical

O bet a group of departing British

and the forerunner of the alpine

There will also be a new

Thursday from 9 to 10pm on 5 live Sport, Jenny

of 800m, and the highest vertical on

summer tourists that if they came

technique arrived in the first years

attraction called “Skiline” on

and co-host Will Perry are taking a closer look at

an existing run in the area is 750m at

back and stayed that winter they’d

of the 20th century.

which skiers will be able to

the adrenalin-fuelled world of extreme sports.

enjoy a sunnier, healthier winter

St Moritz plans to celebrate the

automatically film their descent

Featuring interviews with some of the sports’

than in damp foggy London –

anniversary all winter with events

and download it afterwards.

most courageous and charismatic characters,

largest, Green Korea, have been opposing

despite the reputation the Alps had

and promotions in resort and on

For the latest information on

the series will also cover the biggest extreme

the creation of the new run since 2011,

back then in wintertime as a hoe of

the slopes.

celebratory events, St Moritz has set

sports events and give listeners an insight into

saying that cutting down trees on the

demons and devils.

In the Corviglia sector, guests will

up a page at: bit.ly/1uF40lC.

what it takes to make it as an extreme sports

from the 1560m-high Mt Gariwang. The problem is that Mt Gariwang is reported to be of “high ecological value”, and the Korean Forestry Service originally listed the mountain as a site for the “protection of flora genes and forest eco-systems”, with Korea’s unique native Wangsasure trees (a type of aspen) growing there.

However, the government body has recently removed this protected status from Mt Gariwang, and construction is underway.

The new run is needed because the International Olympic Committee’s (IOC’s)

Yongpyong Ski Resort.

Korean environmental groups, led by the

Mr Badrutt won his bet, the English

find the history of 150 years of

tourists reported back about what

winter tourism displayed from the

a great time they’d had and within

valley station (Chantarella) right to

20 years St Moritz was a celebrated

the top of the Corviglia.

winter destination, with the great

The so-called “Free Fall” section

and the good arriving en masse

at the start of the resort’s men’s

which left Mr Badrutt having to build

downhill run, the steepest in the

ever bigger and better hotels. That

world, will be open to the skiing and

bet is widely seen as having started

boarding public for the first time,

Sochi Olympic medal-winning snowboarder

ne hundred and fifty years ago St

winter tourism worldwide; downhill

and there will be an extension of

Jenny Jones is presenting a new series on BBC

Moritz hotelier Johannes Badrutt

skiing arrived a few decades later

the Funslope for beginners.

Radio 5 Live – Jenny Jones’ Extreme. Each

JENNY JONES’ EXTREME ON RADIO 5

star – with snowboarding one of the sports to

mountain for a week-long ski event was a

be featured.

“dangerous trade-off”.

They pointed out that IOC rules do say the

“I can’t wait to get stuck in with Will and team

maximum vertical can be cut to 750m, the

at Radio 5 live, shining a light on a selection of

WORK ON 2015/16 CHAIRLIFT STARTS

vertical of that existing run, in “exceptional circumstances”.

awe-inspiring sports that capture the imagination of millions of fans across the UK. With a personal love of any sport outside of snowboarding that

But it appears the powers that be The 2014–15 season is just starting

chair in the 2015/16 season. The

gets the pulse racing, it’s going to be great fun

circumstances are not exceptional enough,

at Sunshine Village in Alberta, but

new chairlift, the first of its kind in

getting under the skin of this adrenalin-fuelled

work is already underway on a new

Canada, will include heated seats,

world,” said Jenny, who is reported to be a firm

high-speed quad chairlift to replace

footrests and orange bubbles for

favourite on the snowboarding circuit, thanks to

the existing Teepee Town double

weather protection. skibanff.com

her bubbly personality and sense of humour.

and the 2018 Games Organising Committee say a new run must be built to meet IOC rules for the downhill.

050 // NOV14 // INTHESNOW.COM

SEAN-HANNAH

have decided that the South Korean

@INTHESNOWMAG

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N

specialises in exactly this type of resort in France.

Although it’s small in size, all the facilities you need are here, including fast lifts up to the edge of the vast snowy powder bowl at the heart of the Grand Massif, and great long runs back to Morillon too.

“My top tip is lunch in the mountain restaurant l’Igloo, which is one of the best on the whole ski area,” says Xavier.

LEOGANG FOR SAALBACH-HINTERGLEMM leogang-saalfelden.at Leogang is a pretty, traditional village with a strong cultural identity. Located in the Pizgauer area of Austria the mixture of old and new buildings has been tastefully integrated and is loosely centred on its village church with

aturally we all want to stay in the world’s most famous resorts

its onion-domed tower.

sooner or later, and many of them have a unique character

For skiers it offers the twin benefits of being a cosy, picturesque

which draws some people to return season after season.

little village but well connected to the huge Saalbach-

But many ski areas have grown so big that you can often ski

Hinterglemm ski circus, one of Austria’s most popular with over

the same slopes as those accessed from a famous resort

1.6 million visitors annually. It also has a reputation for being far

while staying in a small hamlet that no one has ever heard of.

more reasonably priced than its larger neighbours. The resort

If you do so, you may of course miss out on the full range

has a particularly good snow record for its altitude and is easy

of shopping, dining and après-ski in that famous resort, but

to reach from Salzburg, and new high-speed gondolas have

on the upside you may find prices are lower, queues non-

recently been installed to improve the link.

existent and the atmosphere more intimate. You may even be able to reach famous slopes quicker than those staying in your larger neighbour can manage.

Here are some of our favourites:

VALTOURNENCHE FOR CERVINIA & ZERMATT cervinia.it

MORILLON FOR FLAINE & THE GRAND MASSIF

Valtournenche is best known for having (unofficially) the

ot-morillon.fr

although that technically involves a bit of off-piste or a short

second greatest vertical drop in the world, after Chamonix, uphill lift ride halfway down. Valtournenche is a small Italian

052 // NOV14 // INTHESNOW.COM

“The tiny pedestrian ski-in/ski-out resort is perfect for families”,

resort lift linked to upmarket Cervinia as well as over the

says Xavier Schouller of tour operator Peak Retreats, which

border to Zermatt. The full area lift pass costs about £100

@INTHESNOWMAG

SIMON STARKL

less for a 6-day adult ticket purchased on the Italian side

Alpine village with everything required for those self-

rather than the Swiss one for the same area.

catering and a lot more character than many of the others.

CANILLO FOR GRANDVALIRA

“Try the massive man-made ice climbing tower in the

grandvalira.com

village. It allows you to try out this exciting mountain activity

NENDAZ FOR VERBIER

in a very safe and reassuring way,” says Xavier.

Grandvalira was formed from the merger of the ski slopes of above half a dozen villages in Andorra, including

nendaz.ch

long-standing Brit-faves Soldeu El Tarter and Pas de la Casa, but there are a couple of lesser-known villages that

over recent decades; that’s largely down to its popularity

CLAVIERE FOR MONTGENÈVRE, SESTRIERE AND SAUZE D’OULX

with people wanting to ski the 4 Valleys but avoid the

claviere.it

atmosphere of the better-known resorts when you stay

Nendaz is a small but modern resort that has steadily grown

crowds and the costs of Verbier. It’s usually quicker to reach

are connected to the network. Canillo is connected by a long gondola ride, and you do sacrifice some of the party here, but you’re also much closer to capital La Vella, and

the top of the Mont Fort glacier from Nendaz than from

The giant Milky Way pass, which stretches across the

Verbier at the start of the day. It almost went horribly wrong

French/Italian border with more than 400km of linked piste

there are some good sports facilities in the village too.

this season with the threat of a 4 Valleys break-up meaning

and encompasses most of the venue resorts for the 2006

a separate ticket would be required to ski Verbier, but that’s

Trentino Winter Olympics, is also home to a number of

now all forgotten and it’s business as usual for 2014–15.

lesser-known villages, conveniently located midway between

VAUJANY FOR ALPE D’HUEZ

the big name resorts of the region like Montgenèvre and

vaujany.com/en

Sestriere. Claviere, which claims to be Italy’s oldest resort

PINZOLO FOR MADONNA DI CAMPIGLIO

AND on the pass where Hannibal made his famous crossing

Vaujany is a lovely little village at the base of one of the

of the Alps with elephants 2000 years ago, is one such resort

world’s biggest lift-served vertical drops in the Grand

pinzolo.com

and well worth considering as a base.

Domaine ski area which is dominated by the world famous resort of Alpe d’Huez.

Pinzolo, an atmospheric little Italian village in the Brenta

Although Vaujany is a tiny village it punches above its

its own small ski area, has long had a joint-pass with its more

CHAMPOUSSIN FOR CHAMPÉRY, AVORIAZ & MORZINE

illustrious neighbour, Madonna di Campiglio, one of Italy’s

valdilliez.ch

Dolomites centred around its 14th-century church and with

weight with facilities like its Olympic ice rink that you would normally only expect in France’s leading resorts.

top resorts – you just had to take a bus to get to it. That all changed a couple of seasons ago when new lifts and pistes

OK, staying on the Swiss side in the vast Portes du Soleil

were installed to make a physical connection between the two.

region, which encompasses the skiing of a dozen French and Swiss resorts, is unlikely to be super affordable, although prices in the mountains do often tend to blur

CHAMPAGNY FOR LA PLAGNE & PARADISKI

across international borders these days. But Champoussin,

champagny.com

chalet” style is at a relatively snow-sure altitude and has

a small purpose-built ski station built in tasteful Swiss “giant a key position in the giant ski region. And there are no lift

FB.COM/INTHESNOW

One of more than 20 different resorts in which you can

queues to get straight into the heart of the slopes in the

stay in the vast Paradiski region, Champagny is a traditional

morning, or at any other time of day.

053 // NOV14

S

(INDOORS)

Brown, gave us the inside secrets to paying less

more time on the slopes for less. Alternatively,

to ski more at indoor centres across the UK!

most centres have membership options that will entitle you to discounts and other benefits all

If you’re just getting into snow sports, what’s

year round.

the best way to get the skills you need without

Some centres have deals on flash sales sites,

breaking the bank?

so also worth watching out for, but don’t rely on

Winter ski breaks can be expensive, but if you or

it as it’s often depending on which part of the

your children are just getting into snow sports,

country you are in!

UK centres can provide you with all the slope

There’s also value in numbers, so get a group

you need to master your snow skills, without

of ten or more snow lovers together and enjoy

costly flights and accommodation!

paying less per head at most indoor centres.

If you’re heading for the mountains, lessons on

Indoor slopes are usually open 364 days a year!

a UK slope before you go can offer you more

But it’s no surprise that the slopes are quieter

time skiing together with family and friends

during the summer months, so it’s a great

on your holiday and help you avoid the pricey

opportunity to get more runs in and enjoy the

resort snow schools. Over the years we’ve

lower summer prices.

now-seeking guests have skied more than

found 12 hours of tuition can get most adults

The colder months can be really busy, so plan

715,750km at The Snow Centre Hemel

to a confident snow-sports level; we would

ahead and fit slope time in on weekdays and

Hempstead since it opened just over 5 years

recommend buying a few lessons at once, as

outside school breaks, where you can.

ago; that’s approximately the distance to the

buying in bulk frequently proves better value

Generally, you will get better value for money

moon and back!

for money.

if you book in advance rather than last minute.

While fun on the snow is always time well spent,

Pre-booked lift passes are discounted at most

paying less for your weekly, monthly or annual

How can regular indoor centre skiers and

indoor centres and you can often make savings

snow sliding fix could mean you don’t have to

snowboarders get ‘really’ good value snow time?

on winter prices if you visit before the Christmas

burn a whole in your pocket.

If you’re a regular on UK slopes, keep your

rush, so our recommendation is: get your slope

The Snow Centre’s Managing Director, Ian

eyes peeled for monthly passes and enjoy far

time in now and beat the rush!

054 // NOV14

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 PROMOTION

PRIVATE CHALETS THRIVING IN SWITZERLAND

Although recent Swiss legislation that means even the most lowly chalet workers in the country must be paid the equivalent of more than £30,000 per annum has led to several large British chalet operators pulling out of the country, many smaller, private-owner-operated Swiss chalets have not really been impacted by the change and are keen to stress it’s business as usual for them.

Chalet Zen (chalet-zen.com), a luxurious yet cosy privately owned chalet that can accommodate up to ten guests in four bedrooms and a bunk room, located in snowsure Zermatt, is one such example.

Discreetly located just 100m from the piste and main lift up to the glacier, Chalet Zen provides access to the Zermatt and Cervinia ski areas and is in an unrivalled position looking up to the majestic Matterhorn, yet only a short stroll into the village.

Despite the Swiss employment law change, Chalet Zen still offers a professional manager and concierge, plus a fully trained chef and housekeeping team all dedicated to providing supreme comfort and service of the very highest standard.

GREAT GRAUBÜNDEN SKI THE ALPS IN SWITZERLAND

R

ZENITH HOLIDAYS

the perfect choice. With the

when you feel like a break.

And the best part: Laax is

highest slopes in the Eastern

But it’s not just about going

easy to reach from the UK

Alps ensuring great snow

downhill in this engaging

being less than two hours

Self-catered apartments

conditions, this beautiful

area. Enjoy the scenic

from any UK airport and a

from £295pp. Based on

region is home to 40 ski areas

winter landscape and hear

quick scenic train journey

4 adults in a 2-bedroom

including some of the world’s

the snow crunching under

or Laax shuttle ride from

apartment for 1 week.

best-known resorts, including

your boots while going

Zurich airport to the resort.

Departing on 17 January

Davos Klosters and St Moritz

on a snowshoe or winter

British tour operator Zenith

with train transfers to

as well as slightly lesser-

hiking adventure. Not an

are Graubünden specialists

and from Zurich airport

known gems such as Laax.

experienced skier? Then

and offer great deals on

included. 10% off lift pass if

egardless of whether you

There are pistes for all abilities

you can also have loads

stays in affordable, clean,

booked before 31 October.

are looking for an active

and styles in dynamic Laax,

of fun on a sledging tour

central holiday apartments

Flights with easyJet from

holiday on the slopes, or

and welcoming mountain huts

or ice skating. Laax offers

which offer Alpine style,

London Luton to Zurich

just a place to relax and

serving great food and drink

a great variety of winter

charm, sophistication

from £95pp return.

enjoy a wonderful stay in the

on sunny terraces overlooking

activities for skiers and

and atmosphere and are

zenithski.com;

Swiss Alps, Graubünden is

stunning mountain panoramas

non-skiers alike.

located close to the lifts.

0203 137 7678

Ski Sun Peaks Sun Peaks in British Columbia is now Canada's second biggest ski area, with 500 acres of new terrain in 2014/15 helping create over 4,200 acres of some of the country’s best skiing. Catering for all levels, from beginners to advanced skiers, it is renowned for its exceptional grooming and unparalleled snow quality.

Amazing Special Offers - Book by 15 November*

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*Terms and conditions apply. Image: Paul Morrison

of 5 ne 00 w ac te re rr s ai n!

Ski Independence Sun Peaks Ad_Layout 1 09/10/2014 14:07 Page 1

INDOOR BOARDING RECORD SET Manchester snowboarder Rich Millington

sleep, with just a few brief moments to refuel on

“It wasn’t easy, and tiredness was always the

has set a new record for Greatest Distance

food and drink, and continued through the night

most difficult obstacle to overcome during

Snowboarded Indoors in 24 hours – 46,200m

when temperatures at the huge Chill Factore

the marathon, but I had constant support from

(or roughly the same distance as riding down

complex dropped to -9°C.

the Chill Factore team. At the back of my mind

Everest five times), raising much-needed cash

“I’m absolutely delighted to have done this

was the fact I’m doing it for a great cause,

for Disability Snowsport UK.

– and set a new Guinness World Record. I’ve

which was enough to inspire me even when

31-year-old Rich, a Chill Factore employee, en-

been practising every day for this attempt, and

I was exhausted.” Snowboard package (lift

dured 24 hours of snowboarding down the UK’s

there’s been a lot of pressure because the Chill

pass, equipment hire and tuition) and 7 nights’

longest real-snow slope at the venue in Trafford,

Factore has a proud history of setting world

catered chalet accommodation including

Manchester, to become a new Guinness World

records,” a tired but delighted Rich said after

buffet breakfast, afternoon tea and a 4-course

Record holder. He boarded for 24 hours with no

completing his epic board.

evening meal with complimentary wine.

The popular resort of Flaine

NEW FROM SKI TOTAL FOR 2014/15

Olang Fantasy

Helmet Covers

Ski Total (skitotal.com 01483 791933), the chalet holiday specialists, have introduced a number of new resorts, properties and possibilities to their programme for the coming 2014/15 season.

Live in comfort

Firstly there are two new resorts added to their existing portfolio of top-notch Alpine resorts. Firstly there’s the well-known French resort of Flaine, at the heart of a big area with a reputation for great snow cover and a short transfer from Geneva, and secondly the charming Italian resort of Champoluc, part of the exciting and extensive Monterosa ski region, famed for its high value, authentic resorts and friendly locals!

Ski Total is also adding two of their popular Chalet Hotels which are new this year – the typically Italian Breithorn in Champoluc and the traditional Austrian Elisabeth in Lech – complete with swimming pool. The company is also adding four more chalets; three in new resort choice in Flaine and one in Val d’Isère.

Colour in sport

In addition the Belmonte in Ischgl is the company’s first property to

Manbi Patterned Ski Socks

be designated an ‘Xtra-Chalet’. This category means that evening

Manbi Winter Sports Accessories

meals are five courses with the addition of a cheese course, and rosé is included in the selection of wines. Afternoon tea will include a selection of savoury treats along with a freshly baked cake, and of course there is the fully staffed residents’ bar where guests can purchase beers, wines and a selection of spirits.

The new chalet is in a superb location just 5 minutes’ walk to the Pardatschgratbahn lift and the wonderful Ischgl ski area, and you can ski back to the bottom of the lift at the end of the day.

The warm ambience of the chalet is apparent as soon as you walk in the door. With new extended communal areas and lounge planned

Manbi Scope Glove

for this winter which, along with the existing residents’ bar, makes a comfortable place to relax and exchange ski stories. Canapés and apéritifs are served in the bar before guests enjoy evening meals in the separate dining room. The chalet also has a wellness area with steam room, traditional sauna and infra-red sauna which is always popular after a full day on the slopes.

Park Kids Invaders Black

For stockists visit: manbi.com | olang.co.uk | coolcasc.co.uk | salice.co.uk

M.DALMASSO

T’AI CHI AT 2000m IN LA PLAGNE La Plagne has announced a special fortnight of

high in the air. There’ll also be big air-bag jumps

followed by a massage, Jacuzzi and/or sauna.

festivities next spring for the Easter holidays. During

and a Tirolean traverse, zip-lining between two

For families, pop to the surreal, candy-filled cabin

“Subli’Cîmes”, from 5 to 16 April 2015, six of the

points (usually mountainsides or rocks) at a great

at Le Fornelet and meet characters from your

huge French resort’s 2000m+ peaks will offer a

height over a wide space.

favourite folk tales, or try your trampolining skills

brand-new programme of “lifestyle events” for all.

For relaxing, head high to Bécoin, where

on new bouncy structures at La Rossa.

Adrenaline-seekers should head to Roche de Mio

there’ll be sand, deckchairs, beach huts,

Or for a polar experience, head to La Grande

to try out acro-bungee where, attached to a long

live performers and DJs, or head over to

Rochette for reindeer and husky dog rides and a

elastic rope, you can do flips and somersaults

Zen Attitude at Arpette for T’ai Chi lessons,

visit to a pop-up Lapp village.

NEW TERRAIN & MORE AT SUNDAY RIVER

SKIING CHEAPER

BY FERRY

Sunday River in Maine, USA has spent $5m (approx. £3.97m) on lift

Driving to the Alps this season is a good way to avoid rising airline

upgrades, more snowmaking and the cutting of a new 10-acre glade on

charges for extra baggage and ski equipment, according to Dover–

top of the 75 acres of new terrain. Located on Barker Mountain, the new

Calais ferry operator MyFerryLink (MyFerryLink.com), which offers any-

Hollywood Glade sits between the resort’s Agony and Top Gun trails and will

duration car crossings from £35 each way, on 16 daily crossings, for up

have skiers and snowboarders seeing diamonds – double black diamonds

to nine people and ski equipment.

– in place of stars.

The company compared the costs of taking a ferry crossing along with

In addition, the resort’s Spruce Peak Triple chairlift will benefit from a

petrol and motorway tolls, although excluding any extra European

new conveyor loading system which is designed to improve the loading

insurance and breakdown cover costs, or the purchase or rental of

experience, reduce stoppage time and increase its speed by 20%.

equipment such as chains, and came up with a self-drive cost to the

Sunday River have also spent $1.1m (£0.68m) of this year’s investment

Alps for a family of four at around £388.

package on the purchase of 60 more energy-efficient snowguns and 20

This was almost £500 less than flying, with equivalent costs of around

new controllable pressure valves for all of the resort’s water pumps. This

£867, although that excluded travel to the airport/parking costs and

combination will allow Sunday River to make even more snow using less

included a small car rental at the destination airport, but excluded fuel/

energy than ever before.

tolls for that.

058 // NOV14 // INTHESNOW.COM

@INTHESNOWMAG

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skihiver.co.uk

ONE OF FIVE £50 SNOW+ROCK VOUCHERS SKI LAKE LOUISE

Simply vote for the 20th British Annual Canada Travel Awards – Best Ski Tour Operator to Canada online at inthesnow.com/competition and you could be one of the lucky winners!

BRITISH ANNUAL CANADA TRAVEL AWARDS BEST SKI TOUR OPERATOR Choose from one of the tour operators below:

In its 20th year the British Annual Canada

The world-famous 2010 Winter Olympic

Travel Awards is asking InTheSnow readers

Games site of Whistler? The scenic,

to vote for the best ski tour operator to Can-

high-altitude resorts of Banff/Lake Louise?

 Canadian Affair

ada. Who goes the extra mile when it comes

The fluffy powder of Quebec’s culturally

to service, product offering and knowing the

vibrant and secluded ski hills? Or will you

 Crystal

Canadian ski hills back to front? Everyone

explore the backcountry and create your

 Frontier Ski

who votes will be entered into a draw to

own trails? Wherever you go, remember:

 Inghams

win one of five £50 Snow+Rock vouchers.

Canada knows snow.

 Ski Independence

Please vote, make someone happy and stand a chance to win!

 Ski Safari

Canada, the Great White North, features

 Ski Solutions

the world’s finest skiing and snowboarding. Will you choose the urban slopes of Vancouver’s North Shore mountains?

O.UK C .

R E V SKIHI @ S E L SA 4160 4 4 1 8 020

Looking for a great ski holiday?

Find it at Snowfinders.

Worldwide tailor-made and package ski holidays.

Chalets, hotels and apartments.

 Ski World  Virgin

Call us on 01858 466888.

Visit us at www.snowfinders.co.uk Aspen House, Kings Head Place, Market Harborough. LE16 7JT

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059 // NOV14 ABTA J5552. ATOL 9279.

RAYMOND KNAPMAN

CHALET SASKIA VAUJANY Perfectly located on the slopes of Vaujany, Chalet Saskia features two separate large lounges with log fires, two sun terraces, a big TV and games room, 10 en-suite bedrooms all with balconies and a hot tub. The cuisine is simply inspiring and complemented by the impeccable service and excellent wine selection.

01428 608070 | INFO@SKIPEAK.NET | SKIPEAK.NET

HEMSEDAL CREATES A PISTE TO THE VILLAGE

WELSH DRY SLOPE REOPENS AFTER 3 YEARS

In common with many leading ski areas around the world, the top

The dry ski slope at Plas y Brenin in North Wales has reopened following

Norwegian ski area of Hemsedal is a place with two bases. There is the

a £50,000 refurbishment, three years after it closed.

original, historic village of Hemsedal, and then there is Hemsedal ski

The ski slope in Capel Curig had deteriorated over the years and was in

area, with slopeside accommodation and a small collection of shops

need of major refurbishment, but various organisations worked together

and restaurants a few kilometres away up the mountain.

to reopen the slope, including Sport England, North Wales Snowsports

Previously, if you stayed in the old village or wanted to visit, it was a

Club, the Skiers Trust GB and Snowsport Wales.

case of jumping on the ski bus, unless you had your own transport or

“The commitment from all parties has been very positive, and we hope

fancied a moderate to long walk through the snow.

to see an increase in use on the slope during the forthcoming year.

That will all change next winter as a new 4.5km-long blue piste is

As with all our investments, we need to ensure good value for money,

being created to link the ski resort with the village, creating one of

and we will need to see that the slope is well used and is valued by the

the longest runs on the mountain and providing a great home run

community,” said Sport England Property Director Charles Johnston.

for people based in the village, or perhaps an end-of-ski-day route

“We will be working hard with the North Wales Ski Club to generate

downtown for anyone staying at the ski centre, who can later take

interest in the ski slope and look forward to a successful year,” said

the bus or a taxi back up. For the time being, there will not be a ski lift

Martin Doyle from the Mountain Training Trust, an organisation with a

to get guests up from the village, although the resort hopes this may

world-class reputation in the mountaineering and outdoor sport sector,

follow in a few years’ time.

which operates the centre on behalf of owners Sport England.

BRIT SETS NEW RECORD FOR MOST COUNTRIES SKIED IN A MONTH so why not set a new Guinness World Record?

Being able to raise money for an excellent charity, Disability Snowsport Scotland, while visiting a lot of continental Europe in my own car sounded like a great idea on paper!” said Stevenson.

The mammoth 9656km journey began at the end of last season, on Saturday 1 March 2014, JAMIE STEVENSON / FACEBOOK

where he safely navigated his first run in the Cairngorms, Scotland, before departing for Baqueira-Beret in Spain for the second leg of his journey. After 21 days, and just over 8000km on the road, Stevenson skied into his 17th country – Norway, taking in Andorra, France, Italy, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Austria, Germany, Slovenia, Poland, Slovakia, Czech Republic, A determined British skier has broken the record

Along with setting the new record, Stevenson

Estonia, Finland and Sweden during this gruelling

for the most countries skied in a month, with 10

raised over £3000 for Disability Snowsport UK.

challenge.

days to spare.

He had planned to ski 20 countries, but there

Among his many achievements, Stevenson

Jamie Stevenson, who works for Edinburgh-

was insufficient snow to ski in three of the

skied France, Italy and Switzerland in 1 day. He

based tour operator Ski Independence, aimed

countries on his list.

also battled blizzards on the roads of Andorra

to beat the old record of 15 countries in 31 days,

“When the idea originally came into my head

and Sweden, and visited Croatia, Hungary and

and ended up smashing the Guinness World

nine months ago, I couldn’t stop thinking about

Lithuania but found the resorts there closed with

Record by skiing 17 countries in just 21 days.

it. I love skiing and I love challenging myself –

no snow.

060 // NOV14 // INTHESNOW.COM

@INTHESNOWMAG

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062 // NOV14 // INTHESNOW.COM

@INTHESNOWMAG

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into the ski school’s “total beginner” rank, which meant our passes only granted us access to the nursery slopes.

Rupert told us he could upgrade these for us then and there; however, we chose to wait until Fiona had tried on her skis again before spending any unnecessary money.

We arrived at our accommodation, the Chalet Mounty, in the early hours of the evening, where we met our friendly

SKIWELT WILDER KAISER - BRIXENTAL, ALBIN NIEDERSTRASSER

W

we hit a slight issue: I had unintentionally booked us both

Crystal base rep Mike, along with the other chalet residents.

We then enjoyed some delicious food, accompanied by a brief welcome introduction by the chalet staff. They informed us of the rules of the establishment and the various amenities around town, then we headed to bed to get up bright and early for the next day’s skiing.

The following morning we dressed quickly in our ski gear and headed to the base of the lifts. Here we collected our equipment and began to follow the large group of adult ski-

hen a determined skier or boarder starts a new relationship,

schoolers to the bottom of the drag lift which would lead to

one of the great worries is whether their new partner will

the main gondola up the mountain.

love or hate winter sports. OK, it’s pretty sad if it’s a make-

It was at this point

or-break factor, but even so it can cause logistical and

that Fiona found her

relationship-politics issues if you don’t share a love of snow.

“beginner” lift pass to

So, although I never really had serious doubts, it was a

be slightly beneath her

rather nervous day for me, as well as my partner Fiona,

abilities; obviously that

when she clipped in her ski boots on the indoor snow slope

half-day at Snow Factor

of Glasgow a year ago, for her first time on the slopes.

had been the big boost

(crystalski.co.uk; 020 8939 0726)

I need not have worried, however, because by the end

to her abilities we’re

offer a week’s catered

of this first session, Fiona’s love for the sport had already

always told that pre-trip

accommodation at the Chalet

taken hold. That of course led to the next stage: planning a

snowdome or dry-slope

Mounty in Söll, Austria, from £469pp

first joint ski trip abroad to put Fiona’s newfound skills to the

classes are. So we

(based on two sharing) including

test at a proper resort.

upgraded our passes

flights from Gatwick and transfers

Fortunately it’s never been easier to book a ski package,

to give us access to the

departing on 10 January 2015

and we found a plethora of special deals aimed at first-

whole mountain. Then,

(reduced by £40pp).

timers just like Fiona, with the costs like lift passes, rentals

after a few warm-up runs

and ski school that can double the cost of a holiday before

on the nursery slopes, we

Direct flights available from all

you reach resort rolled into a discounted first-timers’ deal,

jumped in the gondola

major UK airports.

making it much more affordable than we’d feared.

and headed on up.

In the end we chose Crystal Ski Holidays, who sent us a

From the top of this lift we

MORE RESORT INFORMATION:

travel-information pack a couple of weeks before departure.

found a great selection of

skiwelt.at/eng

In this we found our plane tickets and all the required

runs, some long blues and

crystalski.co.uk/Soll

information plus the company’s contact information to

wide reds – perfect to help

tyrol.com

reassure any first-time travellers. They also emailed me a

Fiona practise her turns

copy of this pack online to be extra sure – never let it be

without fear of colliding into

AFFORDABLE SKIWEAR:

said that Crystal don’t look after their clients.

fellow skiers. Unfortunately,

sportsdirect.com/skiing

The next issue was ensuring Fiona had all the ski wear she

the snow was sparse and

needed. For this we made a “one-stop shop” at Sports Direct

slushy on our first day, but

who stock well-known quality brands like Nevica but at the low

our prayers were answered

prices for which the company is famed. So we got Fi kitted out

the following morning

in a jacket and salopettes, along with several sets of thermals,

when we awoke to thick

gloves and socks, and we still had change from £200.

flakes falling fast outside. The conditions soon improved, and

So, all set in the long, dark January of 2014, we packed our

by the mid-week Fiona was already confident on the reds and

bags and jumped on a plane headed for the Austrian resort

keen to explore more of the mountain.

of Söll, part of the country’s largest ski area, the SkiWelt, with

Our daily routine was soon established and great fun. Up at

280km of piste, and in the famous province of Tirol.

7, cooked breakfast, ski through the morning, lunch in piste-

On arrival in Salzburg, we grabbed our bags and headed

side café (mostly enjoying wienerschnitzel), ski through the

straight for the bus for the final stretch of our journey. After

afternoon, snack in piste-side café (cake and beer), ski back

attempting to request help from a rather large Austrian

to base, dinner in the chalet (hats off to the catering staff –

driver (he was forced to communicate in a mysterious form

the food was consistently excellent), après-ski usually in one

of sign language due to the enormous pastry wedged in

of the cosy bars around the town centre, then back home to

his mouth), our Crystal travel rep turned up to help – a

bed, and repeat. A full-on but hugely enjoyable week.

charming lad by the name of Rupert. Apparently we had

There was a long list of après-ski options provided through

arrived a tad early, but after matching our details with

Crystal’s rep. We especially enjoyed the pub quiz, the

his register he asked the driver to let us dump our bags

dancing and, most of all, the fondue. Söll is a town used to

and grab a quick lunch. Then we hopped on the bus and

catering for British holiday-goers, but that’s not to say it was

headed for Söll.

lacking in the local charm that makes visiting any foreign

This final stretch took a couple of hours, during which Rupert

resort worthwhile.

visited everyone with a larger info pack detailing everything

So we returned home with Fiona now an accomplished

the resort had to offer, accompanied with a town-map, lift

skier, and now we’re looking for packages targeted

passes and instructions on acquiring our rental gear. Here

especially at second-week skiers.

MORE INFO

CRYSTAL SKI HOLIDAYS

063 // NOV14

N. STRIPPE

 PROMOTION

Visit our website for special offers

With 10 year’s experience, award-winning snowchateaux offers a fabulous selection of catered ski chalets in the world renowned ski resorts of: La Plagne, Tignes and Les Arcs.

Best locations, unforgettable food and helpful staff.

The perfect chalet experience

FRENCH

REASON 1 IT’S SNOW-SURE

PYRENEES

The Pyrenees is an underrated region when it comes

influenced by the Spanish culture, so you will

to snow, but it continually holds a solid snow record. It’s a

find paella, fish stews and escalivada (various

little-known fact that, in 2013, the popular Pyrenean ski area of

grilled vegetables).

Cauterets was named the world’s snowiest resort, with a whopping 7m of snowfall in 3 weeks, leaving a snow depth that reached 5.9m, soaring ahead The three biggest resorts (Grand Tourmalet, Saint Lary and Ax 3 Domaines)

REASON 4 SKI AND STARGAZE

also have 280km pistes to explore between them, all reaching altitudes

You can enjoy a hotel night with a difference in La Mongie, staying in

of the likes of Mammoth Mountain, USA, and Val Thorens in the French Alps.

above 2400m.

the remarkable Pic du Midi observatory, 2877m above sea level. The observatory has been there since 1880, offering

REASON 2 SPA AND WELLBEING

a high-altitude base to scientists and stargazers alike. Today you can stay in

The Pyrenees is said to be the number one “ski and

one of the recently renovated rooms,

spa” destination in France. Take a break, relax and

having enjoyed an evening of delicious

reset your wellbeing. The ski resort of Peyragudes is

food and star-gazing under the pitch-

also home to the Balnea Spa – the largest and best

black skies. The next morning, enjoy

thermal spa in the Pyrenees. It is renowned for its

an amazing sunrise over the Pyrenean

different water relaxation facilities, including Roman and Japanese baths. Each of the larger resorts have their own wellness centres too, many with a

peaks, before freeriding the iconic Pic du

FRENCH PYRENEES FURTHER INFO

Midi descent back to resort (or taking the iconic cable car back down if you prefer!)

spa culture going back centuries. A wide variety of

“One of the top 5 places to stay”

0800 0664 996

La Plagne • Les Arcs • Tignes

www.snowchateaux.co.uk

in the morning.

treatments are available across the region, from hot

Holiday packages to the French Pyrenees

stone or chocolate massages to some more unusual

are bookable with UK-based specialist

options, such as donkeys’ milk facials!

Pyrenees Collection (pyreneescollection. co.uk; 0844 576 0176). 7 nights, selfcatering in a 3* apartment starts from just

REASON 3 SPECIALITIES

REASON 5 BIG SAVINGS The French Pyrenees offers great value

£53pp and ski-drive packages including

for money across the board. Families can

Eurotunnel from £88pp. For a catered

typically save up to £2916 on like-for-

The French Pyrenees is located along the border

option, cosy boutique hotels are available

like ski holidays over February half-term

of France and Spain, so it’s not surprising that

from £98pp.

compared to the French Alps – flights

when it comes to cuisine, the region has some of the most varied foodie experiences. The

and ski extras such as lift passes tend to be cheaper. Accommodation can be up

Hautes-Pyrénées, in the west, offers more typically “French” dishes, such

to half the price of that in the French Alps. Specialist operator Pyrenees

as Tartiflette, Black Bigorre pork and lots of local cheeses. The Catalan

Collection offers a variety of specially selected accommodation, from cosy

Pyrenees, in the east, also offers typical French mountain food but is

family-run hotels to self-catering apartments and 4★ options.

064 // NOV14

PYRENEESCOLLECTION.CO.UK

Discover Andorra...

Skiing in Andorra has become very popular over the past few years and a ski holiday in Andorra caters for all budget and abilities. New modern facilities, world-class ski schools, reliable snow coverage and breathtaking views are some of the reasons Andorra is becoming a first choice for many regular skiers.

Why Choose Andorra...?

Great value for money

More than 300km of pistes

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Call us FREE on:

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Visit us at www.TheAndorraTraveller.com Open 7 days a week

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PRIVATE & SHARED TRANSFERS TO LES 3 VALLÉES

FATMAP SET TO REVOLUTIONISE SKIING & BOARDING?

SkiA Ski Trainer Transform your skills

Recommended by

BASS

British Alpine Ski School - The Elite Network of Ski Schools in the Alps Bilingual

A

“Highly accurate GPS-enabled ski

information on lift operations and

concept when on a ski expedition

navigation will help users easily

weather. It also offers real-time

to Albania in 2010.

locate themselves in complex terrain

location sharing and allows users

“We believe that uncertainty

whilst high-resolution 3D fly-throughs

to record distance travelled,

can often stop skiers and

of classic off-piste and piste lines

vertical descent and speed, and

snowboarders from challenging

will enable users to see lines in

they can create their own unique

their limits, so we created FatMap

advance,” said a company statement.

3D fly-throughs for sharing on their

to empower them with the tools

Detailed freeride mapping

social networks.

and information to explore further,

will show hidden off-piste

FatMap’s founding partners

safely,” said Misha.

lines including information on

are passionate off-piste skiers

FatMap will launch in December

new ski-mapping tool called

steepness, length and difficulty.

and climbers Dave Cowell, an

2014, initially covering Chamonix,

“FATMAP”, which combines

The app also promises detailed

experienced software developer,

Verbier, Zermatt, Espace Killy and

cutting-edge mobile and gaming

terrain intelligence that identifies

Oxford University geography

Paradiski with more to be added.

technology to produce ultra-

avalanche risk zones and crevasse

scholar and self-confessed

It can be downloaded in a free trial

high resolution 3D maps on

zones as well as conditions reports.

mapping geek, and Misha Gopaul,

version prior to purchase with costs

your phone or tablet, is set

For piste skiers the detailed

a successful tech entrepreneur who

from £2.49 per resort per year for

to revolutionise skiing and

mapping feature can be used

is in the British ski mountaineering

piste and from £9.99 for freeride.

snowboarding, say its creators.

to plan your day and gather

team. The pair came up with the

fatmap.com

KICKING HORSE EASIER TO REACH AND SKI Bilingual - reverse

BASS

british alpine ski & snowboard school English tag

E m i ly S a r s fi e l d UK #1 Ski Cross Skier

www.britishskischool.com

French tag

English tag b & w

French tag b & w

The Acclaimed Dry-Land Ski Trainer Find out more: skia.com

English tag - reverse

French tag - reverse

for powder hounds to Redemption

too, with a new shuttle service

Ridge, which now has two more

between Calgary International

chutes into Crystal Bowl.

Airport and the resort running

But Kicking Horse isn’t just about

three times a week – Wednesdays,

tough terrain, and in an effort to

Saturdays and Sundays – from 20

increase its wider appeal and provide

December until 25 March this winter.

more beginner-friendly experiences,

The transfer costs $75 (£41) for adults

there is ongoing extensive slope

(13+) and $56 (£31) for children (6–12).

work and brush-cutting on the lower

The shuttle will depart Calgary

Kicking Horse in British Columbia,

and most exciting terrain, and

mountain, and improvements to cat

airport at 5pm, arriving in Kicking

Canada, one of the world’s newest

this season it has enhanced and

roads for better access to terrain

Horse at 8.30pm. Return journeys to

resorts, has a reputation for having

lengthened the Redemption Ridge

around the mountain.

the airport leave the resort at 11.15am,

some of the world’s steepest

Traverse, ensuring easier access

Getting to Kicking Horse is easier,

arriving in Calgary at 3pm.

English tag b & w - reverse

French tag b & w - reverse

066 // NOV14

@INTHESNOWMAG

 PROMOTION

WORDS: PATRICK THORNE

DK COOPER

AUDRIC GAGNON

SKI QUEBEC FB.COM/INTHESNOW

067 // NOV14

 PROMOTION

QUEBEC WITH INGHAMS Inghams offer holidays at Fairmont Tremblant, which include free exclusive breakfasts at the Wigwam restaurant for bookings made by 30 November 2014.

Prices are from £965pp for a 10-night holiday, departing on 7 January 2015 and based on four sharing.

Alternatively, 10 nights at the Ermitage du Lac, departing on the same date, costs from £884pp based on four sharing. Both prices include flights and transfers.

To book, or for more information, visit inghams.co.uk/quebec.

Or call 01483 79 11 14 (open 7 days).

Or see Inghams at the London or Manchester Ski Shows. Inghams offer £100 reduction per couple on selected dates when you book the Homewood Suites and Fairmont Tremblant at the shows.

068 // NOV14 // INTHESNOW.COM

most popular resorts year round, attracting

acres of new glades for 2014–15 located

millions of visitors every year.

next to the Tunnel trail.

For British skiers and boarders, flying

If you sign up for Tremblant’s First

to Montreal has many attractions.

Tracks programme, you can enjoy the

Firstly it’s one of the closest parts

newly groomed trails and fresh powder

of North America to us – meaning a

in the glades 30 minutes before the lifts

shorter flight, much closer than other

open to everyone else.

resorts, and a smaller time difference.

DK COOPER / AVTSMT2014

DK COOPER / AVTSMT2014

Secondly there’s the value factor –

uebec is the part

this is one of the more affordable

FAMILIES

North American destinations. Thirdly

Tremblant is a particularly good

there’s the welcome – no need to

choice for families – easy to reach and

purchase visas in advance like you

pedestrianised with all facilities close at

do south of the border, and it’s rare

hand thanks to its great design, it is one

to find a lengthy queue on arrival at

of the world’s best bets for a low-to-no-

immigration. Getting to Tremblant from

stress family ski holiday.

Montreal is quick and easy too, just

On the mountain there’s lots of family-

90 minutes from the airport on fast,

friendly terrain, and new for 2014–15

modern, illuminated four-lane roads

is the Tam Tam Adventure Zone for

for most of the way. Then there’s the

children aged 3–12, accessed via the

culture, the food and the snow as

Lower Nansen, which includes turns,

mentioned above.

features and obstacles and covers

of Canada and North America that is different to the

some educational aspects of the Mountain Code of Conduct in a fun

rest of the continent.

TREMBLANT

The best bits of French culture are

Tremblant has long been one of the most

including a great swimming complex

strong here, although most residents

popular resorts in Eastern North America.

and lots of affordable dining options.

are bilingual, and while the big-name

It celebrated its 75th season last winter,

destination resorts of Western North

but in recent decades its global success

America have sometimes announced

has come down to the creation of the

NOT JUST SNOW SPORTS

plans to create “a European-style

perfect base village, a colourful and

Tremblant is busy all year round and has

village” at their bases, Quebec has a

atmospheric faux ski town modelled

some major attractions you can enjoy

quite naturally European feel.

on traditional Quebec architecture with

off the slopes, or if you’re travelling in

But that’s blended seamlessly with the

cobbled streets and quaint buildings

a mixed group with non-skiers. These

North American concepts of quality and

housing shops and restaurants, leading

include a modern casino and a superb

service that draw us across the pond.

some to compare it to Disneyland.

spa and water play area, the Aquaclub La

So in other words this is the blending of

Unlike many purpose-built resorts in the

Source, which combines adult pampering

the best of both worlds. Indeed it’s the

Alps, Tremblant has been created to look

with an adventure pool for all the family.

best without the bland.

like a traditional resort but to act like a

Sleigh rides, snowmobiling, dog

And, as well as being one of the best

superbly designed ski destination resort

sledding, horse riding and snowshoeing

options in North America, Quebec can

with all facilities (rentals, restaurants,

are all available along with ice skating

in some ways offer a better “French” ski

childcare, shops, lifts … ) a few steps from

on natural Lac Miroir.

holiday than some of the less welcoming,

your accommodation, and ski-in, ski-out

The resort also makes great efforts

more corporate ski areas in France

access to almost all properties.

to interject a little “joie de vivre” into

itself. Those North American concepts

It has been voted the best resort in

the holiday atmosphere, and there are

of a friendly welcome and great service

Eastern North America by readers of

often live music performances as the

mean, for example, your French meal in

the leading US ski magazine every year

slopes close in central areas. There’s

Quebec may be bigger and better, for

for the best part of two decades, with

also a continental culture in play as you

less, than in the French Alps.

2014 no exception, and has also been

wander the cobbled streets window

The province has more ski areas

listed in the world’s great ski towns by

shopping and passing one enticing café

than almost any other region or state

National Geographic magazine.

or restaurant after another.

mountains. Snow conditions are almost

TREMBLANT’S SLOPES

ADD ON MONTREAL

always good as low temperatures at this

Tremblant’s slopes are easily accessible

Montreal, host city of the 1976 Winter

northerly latitude help ensure light, fluffy

and its four mountain faces – Versant

Olympics, is a vibrant French Canadian

powder, so skiing and boarding is a very

Sud, Versant Soleil, Versant Nord and

city, and it’s easy to spend a few days

reliable winter pastime for locals and

Edge – provide some of the most

here in addition to your stay in Tremblant.

visitors alike.

extensive skiing in Eastern Canada.

A city of many parts, the Old Town, rich

One of these areas is particularly well

There are nearly 80km of runs divided

in history with its atmospheric cobbled

known. Tremblant (sometimes Mont

into 96 runs with terrain to suit all ability

streets and buildings, spreads along

Tremblant) has topped skier popularity

levels. The longest trail, Nansen, is 6km

the banks of the St Lawrence River.

polls in North America for several decades

long and the maximum skiable vertical is

There’s also the modern city with a

now, like Whistler in the west, which for

645m. There are also three terrain parks.

bustling downtown complete with

many years had the same management

For more advanced skiers the steepest

galleries, world-class restaurants and

and has proved more popular than many

run pitches at 42º, and glade skiing on

shopping, and a complete underground

US resorts with US skiers and boarders

open, thinly wooded slopes is popular

community with dozens of miles of inter-

too. Tremblant is also one of the world’s

here too. Tremblant has added eight

linked underground malls.

way. Off the mountain there’s lots to do

on the planet – nearly 100 in fact, spread through the ancient Laurentian

069 // NOV14

Weekly coach travel from the UK to the French Alps The cheapest and easiest environmentally friendly way to over 40 great French Ski resorts Departs from London & Folkestone Free on-board magazine Group discounts available

Free and reasonable luggage policy Free ski/snowboard carriage Generous leg room

HELI SKIING

Tickets f

£65

rom

Tignes • Val d’Isère • Les Arcs • Val Thorens • Meribel • Morzine 3 Valleys • Chamonix • La Plagne... and many more!

www.snowexpress.co.uk

– for full list of resorts and prices

T

IN THE NORTHERN CAUCASUS

THE UK PARTNER FOR UCPA

THE UK PARTNER FOR UCPA

STUDENT STUDENT WEEKS WEEKSDEUX ALPES DEUX ALPES

Various Various dates/resorts dates/resorts New Year weekNew Year week ––see see ourour website website for more forinfo more info 27th Dec. 201427th – 3rd Dec. Jan. 2015 2014 – 3rd Jan. 2015

• 7 nights accommodation • 7 nights accommodation • All meals • All meals • 6.5 days equipment hire • 6.5 days equipment hire • 6.5 days lift pass • 6.5 days lift pass From From • 12 hrs instruction • 12 hrs instruction

• 7 nights accommodation • 7 nights accommodation • All meals • All meals • 6.5 days equipment hire • 6.5 days equipment hire • 6.5 days lift pass • 6.5 days lift pass • 12 hrs instruction • 12 hrs instruction

£399 £399

CHAMONIX CHAMONIX

£626

£626

SPLITBOARD SPLITBOARD WEEK WEEK Argentiére. Various Argentiére. dates Various dates – see our website – see for more our website info for more info

Christmas Christmas weekweek 20th 20th – 27th – 27th December December 2014 2014

true adventure-style skiing available in Europe

of pilots and guides. The fleet includes the best

that has no restrictions on landing. You can ski

Airbus and Aerospatiale helicopters maintained

any way you

by professional

like on the huge

technicians.

variety of terrain

After heli-skiing

which includes

you will have the

slopes suited to

opportunity to

both recreational

discover the rich

skiers and

history of this region

professionals.

including visiting

The great-quality

monuments of the

powder snow and

Alanian empire from

the relatively mild climate in this region are both

HELISKI CAUCASUS FURTHER INFO

the 10th–13th Century A.D. and seeing the second largest optical telescope in the world.

caused by the proximity to the

A standard week package (€5900 week/

Weekend packages

Black Sea.

person – for 25 runs guaranteed) is based

begin from €1990,

Along with

on Sunday changeovers (€5900 week/

week-long packages

this unlimited

person – for 25 runs guaranteed). Guests

are from €5900 with

choice of skiing

ski in compact groups of three to four

a guaranteed 25

possibilities

clients and one guide.

landings and even the

Heliaction operate two heli-ski bases situated

you receive a

Heliski holidays are available for

chance to stay in the

Ski Ski Touring.

Touring.

Various Various dates dates ––see see ourour website website for more forinfo more info

between branches of the Great Caucasus, near

European quality

selected weeks in February and March

former holiday home

the famous Mt Elbrus (5642m – Europe’s highest)

of service; the

2015. Packages include 7 nights’

of the last Soviet

• 6 Days Touring skis, boots, poles • 6 Days Touring skis, boots, poles transceiver, shovel, probe transceiver, shovel, probe • 6 Nights accommodation • 6 Nights accommodation • 6 days guiding • 6 days guiding • Full board • Full board £901 £901 • Return from Zermatt • Return from Zermatt

and Mt Kazbek (5042m) mountains. It is a very

fleet consists of

accommodation in a 4 hotel with

President, Gorbachev.

beautiful and historical region full of ancient

the best mountain

double rooms and facilities including

For more information

ruins, battle towers and monasteries dating back

light European

an indoor swimming pool, sauna and

call +7 918 773 8862.

to the Alanian Empire of the 10th–13th centuries

helicopters,

hammam. Guests receive daily breakfast,

email heliski.caucasus

A.D. Guests also have the chance to experience

which are run

picnic lunch in the mountains and dinner,

@gmail.com or skype

by the highly

airport transfers, flights in AS350 B3 or

heliski-caucasus.

experienced and

SA315B helicopters (Eurocopter), one

qualified team

mountain guide for each group of four

• 7 nights accommodation • 7 nights accommodation • 6.5 days equipment hire • 6.5 days equipment hire – incl. transceiver, shovel, probe – incl. transceiver, shovel, probehe Northern Caucasus is a stunning, almost • All meals • All meals totally untouched and pure environment with • 6.5 days lift pass • 6.5 days lift pass £491 £820 £820 many mountain peaks and glaciers stretching up • 23 hrs instruction • 23 hrs instruction to 4000m above sea level.

• 7 nights accommodation • 7 nights accommodation • All meals • All meals • 6.5 days equipment hire • 6.5 days equipment hire • 6.5 days lift pass • 6.5 days lift pass • 12 hrs instruction • 12 hrs instruction

£491

HAUTE HAUTE ROUTE ROUTE

ALL ALL INCLUSIVE INCLUSIVE SKI SKI &&SNOWBOARD SNOWBOARD HOLIDAYS HOLIDAYS TO TOTHE THE FRENCH FRENCH ALPS: ALPS:

and enjoy the famous Caucasian hospitality and “Actio “Actio the local cuisine here. n n Out doors – as fe Outd–ooarss fe AllaItnure A atured ll I n Heli-skiing c d clusive in the Northern Caucasus is the only holida h thd e ay lusivein the ys for inoli 2014/1 besst sfkoir 2014/1 best ski 5” 5”

Accommodation Accommodation includedincluded AllAll meals meals included included The Te The Te le legrap h 9th Se graph, 9th Se p 2014 p 2014 , Free Free lift pass lift pass Free Free equipment equipment hire hire Every week, all Every season week, – full details: all season – full details: Free Free instruction instruction or guiding or guiding

www.action-outdoors.co.uk www.action-outdoors.co.uk

skiers and the loan of safety equipment including an ABS airbag, avalanche transceiver, shovel and probe.

070 // NOV14

SKI BOOT LAB

www.profeet.co.uk/skiing

PROFEET ARE THE UK SPECIALISTS IN SKI BOOTS, SKI BOOT FITTING, CUSTOM SKI INSOLES & CUSTOM LINERS

A personal assessment with a skilled ski boot fitter

Biomechanical analysis and ski simulation to test boots

Custom insoles to support your feet and improve fit*

Shell customisation and foam liners for comfort and precision

Call 020 7736 0046 Profeet 867 Fulham Road, London, SW6 5HP *depending on appointment type

2-4-1 HELI-SKIING Panorama in BC has special deals for UK skiers, with prices from £899pp available from a number of UK ski operators, as well as easy airport transfers and 2-4-1 lift tickets and 2-4-1 heli skiing with rk heliski take-off from the heart of the village for a day of exploring the Purcell Mountains. panoramaresort.com

NIGHT IN AN ICE SCULPTURE At the top of Valloire’s gondola de la Brive there’s a snow cave with beautiful ice sculptures. At night, this transforms into a cosy bedroom! Guests enjoy an aperitif at sunset, followed by a cheese fondue, and then spend the night in the cave, sleeping on warm and comfy cowskin rugs. Prices are from €85pp.

THE ROTAIR IS DEAD; LONG LIVE THE ROTAIR!

WORLD RETURNS TO DAVOS The 45th Annual Meeting of the World from 21 to 25 January 2015. The gaze of

RENAULT

Economic Forum (WEF) is back in Davos good news is that it is due to be

with rotating gondola cabins.

the world will be on the Swiss resort hoping

replaced this winter by a new,

“The new Rotair will have more

for a miracle when over 3000 international

better, rotating cable car.

glass, so our guests can see the

The original Rotair lift, which

beautiful panorama much better,”

politics, science and society will attend

opened in 1992, was the first cable

said Engelberg’s Dominik Ettlin.

the annual gathering. Some will ski too.

car in the world to have a rotating

“Also new is that the whole cabin

weforum.org

floor, meaning that as it ascended

will rotate, not only the floor as in

to the glaciated peak of Mt Titlis,

the old one.”

passengers were gradually taken

The Engelberg tourist board says

through a 360° panorama of the

that a new gondola lift is being built

scenic majesty below. The lift

this summer, which will go directly

Electric cars seem to be all the rage in France

rapidly became an iconic symbol

up to Stand, where the Rotair

this winter. In Serre Chevalier, you’ll be able to

of Engelberg.

begins its ascent.

rent one to nip between bases for a few euros an

Since it opened, a few others have

The new gondola will be much faster

hour; in Les Gets, you’ll find charging points and

leaders from the worlds of business,

VALMOREL 15% SNOWIER Thanks to the geographical location of Valmorel’s ski area, the Grand Domaine,

DRIVE AN ELECTRIC CAR

in the French Alps – which is close to the

ngelberg’s famous rotating cable

been built, although not in ski

and more comfortable when it opens

get lift pass discounts if you roll into town with

Col de la Madeleine and to the natural

car, the Rotair, is no more. But the

resorts, as have several gondolas

for winter 2015–16, it is promised.

your own electric car; and in La Clusaz, you’ll be

barrier formed by the Lauzière mountain

able to race on an ice circuit in them.

range – the resort normally enjoys

Located on the edge of the village on the Route

excellent snow cover all winter and

des Confins, at the foot of the Aravis range, the

usually gets around 15% more snow than

APP UPGRADE TELLS SKIERS “TIME TO HEAD HOME”

resorts of a similar altitude.

La Clusaz ice circuit opened its doors last winter.

An original concept and a true first, it is 100%

FIRST SKI AND TEA Italy’s Cervinia is offering a new add-on package to your lift ticket for €10 you get

MATTHIEU VITRÉ

dedicated to electric cars. Visitors will discover successive valleys, in order to be

the joys of driving without polluting the pristine

back in time at the bottom of the

environment aboard a Renault Twizy, specially

last lift they need to get at the

equipped for driving on ice.

end of the day, before it closes, to

The cars are available to rent by groups of

return to their resort.

friends, and supervised by driving professionals,

The new version of the existing

everyone can quickly learn all the intricacies

to make the first run of the day on newly

An upgrade to the giant Portes du

villages on each side of the French-

Portes du Soleil app builds on

of driving an electric car on ice (circuit-glace-

groomed slopes and/or fresh snow down

Soleil region’s app this winter will

Swiss border and allowing travel on

existing speed-measuring, weather-

laclusaz.fr).

from Plan Maison to the resort. You also get

provide details of when it is time to

skis or board for long distances.

predicting and augmented reality-

La Clusaz has a reputation for being a pioneer

a coffee or tea included. The weekly event

start making your way back to your

One issue skiers and boarders

mapping functions to use a new

in the use of electric vehicles on snow to cut

is limited to the first 60 applicants booking

base resort at the end of the day.

can face here is calculating when

GPS function to calculate ski routes

pollution. Several years ago the resort introduced

the “First Track Special” at the ticket office.

The Portes du Soleil is one of

they need to start heading back

according to piste closures (should

a 100% silent and non-polluting prototype electric

the world’s largest ski areas, with

to resort, if they need to ski down

they happen), including the “when

snowmobile on the “Plateau de Beauregard”

650km of piste above a dozen

and get lifts back up multiple

to head home” option.

Nordic ski area with a 20km range.

072 // NOV14 // INTHESNOW.COM

@INTHESNOWMAG

INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS GET BOOST Zermatt’s lift company has reported another year of sales growth in 2014–15, despite holding its lift pass prices, the most expensive in Europe, at the same level as the previous year. The sales growth was in contrast to most other ski areas in Austria and Switzerland, Zermatt says, and comes despite poor weather conditions for part of the season.

The famous Swiss resort, which operates around the iconic Matterhorn mountain, offering snow sports 365 days a year on Europe’s highest liftserved slopes, said income was up 4.9% to CHF65m (approx. £42.78m).

Among other statistics published, Zermatt say skier numbers increased by 3.4% last winter and that 11% more people made use of the international link to Cervinia in Italy. The lift company’s chairman, Hans Peter Julien, said the sales success was further evidence of the company’s successful strategy, which includes adding new year-round attractions, and added, “If the business continues to perform at this level, it will be possible to go ahead with the tri-cable gondola on the Klein Matterhorn.”

BASHING THE PISTES OF GSTAAD Gstaad has announced that guests will get the chance to groom the slopes there this winter. The Swiss resort is not planning to replace its staff with novice groomers but will offer the activity as an “experience” to its guests. Up to three groomers will be available every night of the season, with one novice groomer allowed in each, for the evening sessions which will take place on the Swiss resort’s largest sector, the Schönried – Saanenmöser – Zweisimmen area.

Participants can expect to spend 60–90 minutes in the machine, the operation of which and the work involved will be explained by the driver.

Participants will receive a “grooming diploma” at the end of their shift.

Good shoes and warm winter clothing are all that’s required, and the cost to take part is CHF100 (about £67). Any friends are welcome to watch from outside but are not allowed to ride along in the groomer.

FB.COM/INTHESNOW

073 // NOV14

 K2 MINARET 100 BOOT

 NORRONA LOFOTEN GORE-TEX PRIMALOFT JACKET

£385

£399

Jealous of last seasons best-selling

Norrona have always produced

Pinnacle men’s boot, we now have a

high-performance clothing, but

women’s performance freeride touring

never before have they produced an

boot to allow you to perform as well

insulated outer jacket. In true Norrona

as the men! Lightweight construction,

style, the anatomical fit feels amazing

great range of movement on the up,

and with its GORE-TEX® shell and

pin binding compatible, hike and ski

Primaloft® insulation this jacket will

mode, no-compromise performance

look after you in all types of mountain

on the downhill – what more could a

weather ... And don’t forget you’ll look

girl ask for... !

pretty damn cool and colourful too!

 SHRED HALF BRAIN D-LUX £130

 ATOMIC BENT CHETLER SKI £499

Integrating a layer of SLYTECH 2ND SKiN™

New HRZN Tech tip and tail gives the

XT foam, a progressive shock absorber

2015 Bent Chetler a clever hull shape

to dissipate impacts to your head, giving

with more surface area, giving you better

improved protection in a series of impacts.

floatation, more positive feel through

Register your emergency information on

chopped-up snow and overall a more

the ICEdot website, and in the unfortunate

stable ride in variable conditions. The

case of a serious accident you can get

Bent Chetler is the ultimate playful

immediate medical care. The Half Brain

powder ski for whichever way you prefer

helmet is design driven by athletes, to keep

to float, spin, slash or butter your way

them safe, comfortable and looking good!

down the mountain.

 DRAGON NFXS GOGGLE £125–£139 After its success last winter, Dragon have now produced a smaller-faced version of their motorcross-inspired NFX goggle. A fully frameless cylindrical goggle giving you great peripheral vision, easy clip-out interchangeable lenses, and NASAdeveloped anti-fog coating. A freshlooking goggle with high-end technology at a price you’ll like.

 FULL TILT SKI BOOT DROP KICK £290 Super distinctive at the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics, in this super lime green you won’t three-piece construction, interchangeable

 MAMMUT ALYESKA JACKET AND BIB PANT

flex tongues and warm intuition liners has

JACKET: £559, TROUSERS: £465

be missed either! Full Tilt’s combination of

made Full Tilt one of the leaders in freestyle and freeride boots. Naturally smooth flex and

Waterproof, breathable GORE-TEX® Pro shell that fits exactly

rebound, 100% heat-mouldable and super-

as a top-quality jacket should, with practical features such as

light liners. These don’t just look good but

easy-access transceiver zips and jacket-to-pant integration.

perform brilliantly.

These clever features have been deigned by the freeride skiers, who have the practical knowledge to develop clothing that you’ll really want to wear!

074 // NOV14

@INTHESNOWMAG

 SKI GLIDER £299

 ORTOVOX ZOOM+ TRANSCEIVER £179

The Ski Glider will revolutionise the way you travel with your ski gear. It has

In our opinion, simplicity is key for ease of use under pressure. Clear direction

integrated legs with 360 castors support 100% of the weight of the of the

arrows and distance measurements means you won’t get flustered when it

Ski Glider, allowing you to manoeuvre all your kit with ease through airport

matters. Easy to hold and slim in your pocket. At this attainable price there’s no

terminals. The retractable legs and folding mechanism mean that Ski Glider

excuse for riding off-piste without a Transceiver.

can be easily stored when not in use. Accommodating all your ski gear and equipment in one bag, this glides easily through airports and stations and removes the expensive airline luggage surcharges.

 LINE MAGNUM OPUS SKI £550

 SMITH OPTICS I/07 GOGGLE £190

Just when you thought freeride skis couldn’t get any better Eric Pollard creates the NEW Magnum Opus! Wider, longer and lighter with the new super-lightweight cloud core, this

This goggle forges a new path forward in rimless

ski will take you anywhere you want to go, and put a smile on your face while you do it.

interchangeability. The ultimate in minimalist performance, the I/07 features a single-pivot quick release lens system, AirEvac integration technology and 5x Anti Fog Inner Lens.

VANTAGE HELMET £170

 PERILLA ALPACA SKI SOCK

Built for the hard-core, demanding the ultimate in everything. Full coverage protection and increased

£22

airflow, the Vantage offers the BOA FS360 fit Keep feet cosy in fabulous 75%

system, AirEvac technology for goggle integration

alpaca ski socks from alpaca

and a low profile dual regulator Adjustable Climate

specialist Perilla; perfect for

Control - the perfect blend of technology and style.

all winter sports with plain knit

 DATAWAX SKI & BOARD WAX

sides and soft cushioned sole (small and medium). Alpaca fibre

Smith goggles and helmets are designed to fit and function as a single system. ultrasporteu.com

£6.95 PER 110g

naturally repels bacteria and odour so one pair can easily be

Skiing and boarding in

worn for a week or more!

December and January need

perilla.co.uk; 01886 853 615

a wax that is designed for the conditions. DataWax Butane High Performance has been created to give you a supreme glide on cold winter snow- on and off the piste. datawax.com or your local ski shop

MORE AT SKIBARTLETT.COM  BCA FLOAT 22 £469.95

 SNOWSHEPHERD LEATHER SKI GLOVES £14.99

This is BCA’s minimalist lightweight model, that’s

FB.COM/INTHESNOW

With their renowned reputation for specialist expert advice, combined with their carefully selected and

proven and Easy to use. This is Essential safety

The off-piste equipment specialists Snowshepherd

equipment for off-piste and lift served freeriding. The

sell avalanche equipment, skis and specialist clothing.

Float is low profile with enough storage space to carry

They are well known as the only ski retailer to sell

shovel, probe, lunch, water and some extra layers. It

these famous ski worker gloves as used by instructors,

mouth reputation over the last 50

also features a dedicated probe / shovel pocket, plus

guides and lift workers across the French Alps. They

years has made them the UK’s most

helmet and diagonal ski carry system.

also stock a wide range of other leather ski gloves.

popular independent ski shop!

anatom.co.uk

sales@snowshepherd.co.uk; snowshepherd.co.uk

tested range of products, it’s no surprise that Ski Bartlett’s word of

INTHESNOW.COM // NOV14 // 075

 HARDNUTZ LUSH GREEN RUBBER COATED HELMET

 LINE POLLARD’S PAINT BRUSH POLE £60

£69.99 These adjustable length ‘pointy sticks with British helmet company, HardnutZ,

grips’, with screw on piste or powder baskets,

have created a new range of 9 ski/

will provide both you and Eric Pollard with

snowboard designs for the 2014/15

even more versatility, whether you’re hitting

season - in stunning block colours.

the park or the backcountry. And don’t forget

(Pink, Orange, Turquoise, White, Black,

the 5 finger grab tab on the handles helping

Mauve, Green, Grey and Blue). The

you keep a firm grip on your pole when you’re

outer shells are covered in a tactile

making those epic moves!

rubber coating that will really set you apart from the crowds this season.

 PEAK PERFORMANCE HELI PRO JACKET

hardnutz.com

£595 The high-performing Heli Pro Jacket is crafted

 EIDER SOLDEN JACKET

from a completely new, unique and innovative 3-layer HiPe Core+ that has been exclusively developed by Peak Performance. The incredibly

£350

strong Vectran® fiber and nylon are specially woven to create a fabric that is highly abrasive

A superb ski jacket that offers all

resistant yet very lightweight. This high-tech

weather protection and all day comfort.

material acts like an inpenetrable barrier to

Made from waterproof and breathable

withstand whatever the weather has to throw at

Defender® 2 way stretch fabric it is

you. And we’ve included lots of extra practical

fully taped, has great stretch and is

details like the handy phone pocket, goggle

built to last. It provides warmth without

wiper and articulated sleeves to help you

weight or bulk and the ceramic Thermal

concentrate on what you love doing most.

Control System actively manages your

peakperformance.com

microclimate for ultimate comfort. eider.com

 FISCHER HYBRID 10+ VACUUM £399.99 The Fischer Hybrid 10+ Vacuum offers

 SCOTT G1130 WTR BOOT

outstanding performance thanks to a fully heat customisable shell material.

£460

This unique plastic is moulded to the skiers feet within minutes allowing for

The same impressive designers

expansion or compression depending

behind Scott’s award winning

on the foot shape. Featuring a hike, ride

skis have now created a new

and lock rear mechanism, 3 modes allow

fully featured, high performance

for added walking comfort, relaxed or full

‘Walk to Ride’ freeride touring

on explosive skiing. Great heel hold and

boot. Designed from the ground

a roomy toe area combine for excellent

up by skiers, who from their

performance and individual comfort.

experiences know how a boot

fischersports.com

should really fit to perform at its best. The G1 boot will definitely not disappoint you on the up or the down.

 SLYTECH VEST BACKPRO XT £199 Built to protect you from the impact of whatever you take on. The flexible

 ZAINI CARRON BEANIE £20.99 Zaini hats are still the leader of headwear when it comes to Snowsports and with a whole new 2014/15 range they can’t be missed on the slopes! zaini.com

076 // NOV14

memory foam softens with the warmth of your back, making it feel very pliable and unrestrictive for every move you make. Have a crash and the back protector goes rigid on impact, dissipating more impact than almost any other multi-impact back protector available.

@INTHESNOWMAG

 BCA TRACKER 3 £299.95 BCA have taken digital multi antenna

 DOUCHEBAGS SLIM JIM

transceivers to a whole new level with the

£99.99

world’s smallest, thinnest and easiest to use three-antennae transceiver. Designed

Long, lean and ultra lightweight

to be the pocket friendly, the Tracker 3

at only 1.7kg, The Douchebag’s

features instantaneous, real-time display

little brother is born.

for super-fast searching, big picture mode

The Slim Jim is length

giving an overview of victims in the area,

adjustable to carry all skis and

signal suppression mode and it is all full

splitboards, has sturdy wheels

upgradeable via USB.

and fully compressible for easy

anatom.co.uk

storage when not in use. info@groovearmada.net

 SCOTT MIPS QUIVER JUNIOR HELMET

01462 812144

DELAZIFY YETI GPS SNOWSPORTS WRISTOP

£65 With built in MIPS technology – Developed by brain surgeons

Freezeproof to -25°C

and scientists to reduce rotational forces on the brain caused by angled impacts to the head! Now you can give your kids the most up to date head protection available…

Waterproof IP65

because there is no room for compromise when it comes to the safety of your child!

Snap Strap

One-touch Glove Operation

Shock Resistant

 HEAD PURE JOY WOMEN’S SKI £335 Incl Bindings The Pure JOY’s unique shape is designed for you to ski down any piste with ease. It’s

Interchangable Strap & Shells

super light construction and generous shape gives you a lovely maneuverable ski, whether you want a casual piste cruiser or you’re after a bit more of a sporty lively feel.

8hr

This ski will be your classic for years.

 LANGE XC 120 BOOT £340 The Lange XC 120 is the first highperformance 102mm boot with ski/ hike versatily. The perfect solution for sportive skiers who look for comfort but don’t want to sacrifice performance in all snow-freeride

8hr+ Continuous Use

MORE AT SKIBARTLETT.COM

OLED Colour Screen

With their renowned reputation for specialist expert advice, combined with their carefully selected and tested range of products, it’s no

skiing. It features 120 flex, Thermo

surprise that Ski Bartlett’s word of

fit RL3 liner for the best level of foot

mouth reputation over the last 50

retention and comfort, Ultra Grip soles

years has made them the UK’s most

to increase grip while walking.

popular independent ski shop!

delazifyourself.com @delazifyourself

lange-boots.com

FB.COM/INTHESNOW

INTHESNOW.COM // NOV14 // 077

WHERE TO SKI THIS NOVEMBER

O

also stage a big party, with James Blunt headlin-

in Finnish Lapland, will have opened already.

ing this year on the 29th.

Heavy snowfall as early as late September

In France the Tignes glacier (with the exception

helped get pulses racing there, and being

of a week-long late October opening by Les Deux

World Cup hosts (Levi, 14–16 November) this

Alpes) has been the only resort open, but that

month, racing is the order of the day. Most other

all changes in the latter half of the month when

Scandinavian ski areas should be joining them

Europe’s highest resort Val Thorens joins the party

through November.

on 22 November, and then the rest of the country

In North America, ski areas around Banff in

follows over subsequent weekends.

Alberta, Canada, are scheduled to open from

In Italy, Cervinia, which has been open on

Halloween to the first few days of November,

weekends through the latter half of Octo-

and again the pre-season snowfall signs make

ber, has just opened full time for the start of

that look promising. Many of the country’s oth-

November, joining glacier resorts including

er leading areas are scheduled to open later in

Val Senales and Passo Stelvio. Most of the

the month.

K, this is it – the Southern Hemisphere’s 2014

country’s other areas begin to open on the last

In the USA, Arapahoe Basin, Keystone and Love-

ski season is over, and it’s (hopefully) not JUST

weekend of the month.

land, among the world’s highest resorts, more

glacier ski resorts that are open in the Alps. No-

Switzerland is home to Europe’s highest slopes

than a mile up in the Rockies, should also be

vember is the month when the ski season really

at year-round Zermatt, and they, along with

open by now, and many other resorts are sched-

kicks off … so long as it’s cold enough.

neighbour Saas-Fee, have been open all autumn

uled to open through November, the majority

Austria’s eight glacier ski areas have provided

and are currently offering high-value gear-testing

aiming to be operational by the key Thanksgiving

half of the skiing available in the Northern Hemi-

trips with packages including accommodation, lift

Holiday at the end of the month. On the East

sphere in October, but the first non-glacier areas

pass and 2015 gear testing available. Engelberg,

Coast, resorts like Killington and Sunday River

are due to join them as November progresses,

St Moritz (the Diavolezza glacier) and Glacier

hope to do the same, perhaps assisted by their

starting with Obergurgl (on the 13th) and then

3000 above Gstaad and Les Diablerets should

mighty snowmaking arsenals.

Obertauern (on the 19th). Ischgl, which opens at

also all be open, and Laax is due to join the list

That’s the theory anyway. We just need Mother

the end of the month, has a reputation for a big

on the 15th.

Nature to keep her cool and deliver low temper-

launch, often offering more open terrain than any

All being well, many of Scandinavia’s leading

atures and lots of the white stuff. So long as she

other ski area at this point in the season. They

ski areas, particularly resorts like Levi and Ruka

does that, we’re laughing.

078 // NOV14

@INTHESNOWMAG

SCARPA.CO.UK MADE IN ITALY. ESTABLISHED IN 1938

FREEDOM

NEW SPORTS THERAPIST IN LES 3 VALLÉES A new mobile sports therapy service will be available in Les 3 Vallées this winter. Sophie Drake, who has a BSc in Sports Therapy and is the sister of GB Olympic alpine skier and skier X athlete Ed Drake, is setting up her own business in sports therapy based in Courchevel, but offering a mobile service across Les 3 Vallées.

“Being a mobile sports therapist means I can treat clients in the comfort of their own chalet or apartment, and they don’t have to find their way around a resort to come to me,” said Sophie, who has been in close contact with Olympic athletes who have been through rehabilitation.

“I am combining my two passions of winter sports and sports therapy. I have a background of competing in skiing and rowing to a national level, so I am fully aware of the stresses and strains that sport, and skiing in particular, can put on your body. Coming from a sporting background, I myself went through injuries and have watched my brother Ed go through injuries and rehabilitation,” added Sophie (sdsportstherapy.co.uk).

SNOWDOME

making it one of the world’s longest-surviving indoor snow centres.

Established in 1994, The SnowDome was at one time associated with Mt Thebarton in Adelaide, Australia, one of three centres, along with facilities in Belgium and Japan (all now closed) that began the “modern era” of indoor snow sports in the late 1980s. Since then, around 90 indoor snow centres have been built in over 35 countries around the world. Using patented “real snow”, The SnowDome claims to be the first “true” indoor snow centre in the world, as earlier facilities used ice shavings or a chemical goo (“SNOVA” or “PERMA-SNOW®”) on a frozen base.

Many indoor snow centres developed from former dry slopes, the oldest of which have now been in business for more than 50 years.

Even further back, there are records of indoor slopes using a chemical fake snow as early as the 1930s in Austria and Germany.

FB.COM/INTHESNOW

079 // NOV14

FRE EDO MS L

The SnowDome at Tamworth celebrates 20 years in business this year,

FRE EDO MS LW MN S

20 YEARS OF THE SNOWDOME

 PROMOTION

INDEPENDENT I N N O VAT I O N FOR 2014–15 WORDS: PATRICK THORNE

080 // NOV14 // INTHESNOW.COM

@INTHESNOWMAG

T

Hotels within The Neilson Mountain Collection include: Neilson Hotel Aalborg and Neilson Hotel Le Crêt, both in Les Deux Alpes, France, along with the newest hotel to join the winter 2014/2015 ski portfolio, Neilson Hotel Del Clos in El Tarter, Andorra (see info box).

All hotel guests can enjoy a daily cooked or continental breakfast along with a delicious afternoon tea with freshly baked cake, pastries or biscuits every day. Each night, there is a three-course evening meal with a weekly regional dish.

Chalet guests can also enjoy daily breakfasts and afternoon tea plus hearty three-course evening meals including a selection of wines on six nights, leaving one evening free for guests to enjoy a local restaurant for dinner.

NEW RESORTS AND PROPERTIES FOR 2014–15 The Neilson Chalet Chaberton in Montgenèvre in the

THE NEILSON HOTEL DEL CLOS

his will be a big season for Neilson, one of the largest,

heart of the French Alps also joins the Neilson Mountain

best-known and longest-established ski holiday

Collection this winter. This contemporary chalet sits in a

companies in the UK.

fantastic elevated position above the resort, housing a

Established almost 40 years ago as the mass-market

log-burning stove in the second-floor lounge and a balcony

ski industry was just getting started in the UK, Neilson

with superb panoramic views of the surrounding slopes

Neilson has also recently announced the

had for most of the ‘noughties’ been part of the giant

and mountains. The private sauna will help ease away any

addition of the Neilson Hotel Del Clos in El

Thomas Cook group. Late last year however, it regained

aches from a day on the slopes while a Neilson host will

Tarter, Andorra, to its winter 2014/2015 ski

its independence and to celebrate has launched a whole

provide exquisite food and personal service.

portfolio, opening on 21 December 2014. The

swathe of new ideas and initiatives for 2014–15, going

When booking an entire chalet, guests can personalise their

property sits just 300m from the resort centre

back to its roots of high value, good service and innovative

experience and tailor the holiday to suit their group. You

and main ski lifts. Its fabulous location in the

ideas created for skiers, by skiers (and boarders)!

can tailor holidays to include selecting when you eat out,

small village of El Tarter, a mile from Soldeu,

The new-look Neilson brochure and website features 234

preferences for meal times and choosing to add extras such

provides a gateway to the Grandvalira ski area

winter properties across nearly 50 resorts in Andorra,

as champagne, beer, picnics on the slopes and cheese and

with an impressive 210km of well-groomed

Austria, France, Italy, Bulgaria and Spain.

biscuit dinner courses.

and varied slopes to explore. Ideal for families,

Skiers and boarders can choose a flight-inclusive holiday

New in Austria are the neighbouring resorts of Lech and Zürs

the Neilson Hotel Del Clos has three children’s

from eight UK airports including Bristol, East Midlands or

in the giant Arlberg region with its 320km of slopes. Neilson

clubs for youngsters from 4 months to 12 years

Birmingham, with new routes this winter from Edinburgh

offers three 4★ ski-in/ski-out properties, Hotel Anemone and

old. There is also a games and TV room as

and Bristol into Grenoble. Alternatively, they can book

Hotel Montana in Lech and Hotel Hirlanda in Zürs.

well as a snow garden in the hotel’s grounds.

accommodation only. Neilson provides free return coach

Children can also use the slopeside kids’

transfers, or guests can also upgrade to a private return

chalet with plenty of space for indoor and

transfer from just £45pp.

In this ever-more confusing ski holiday booking market

FOR FAMILIES

outdoor snow fun.

Neilson are the biggest UK operator in El Tarter, and company director Pete Tyler

when it’s sometimes difficult to know what you have and, sometimes more crucially, haven’t got included in your

Families can take advantage of the Neilson-run children’s

commented, “The Neilson Hotel Del Clos is

package, it’s reassuring to know bookings with Neilson

clubs in Les Deux Alpes, France, and El Tarter, Andorra.

a great property for all and we really feel that

include flights, accommodation and transfers with the ability

These clubs are based in the Neilson Hotel Aalborg in Les

our guests can immerse themselves in a true

to add lift passes, expert coaching, quality equipment rental

Deux Alpes and Neilson Hotel Del Clos in El Tarter and

Neilson holiday experience, complete with top-

and travel insurance.

available to any family staying in these resorts.

class accommodation, our renowned service

For anyone who wants it, a more tailored service is also

Also new for winter 2014/15 is the ski school drop-off and

and of course plenty of fantastic skiing.”

available with the Neilson team on hand to put together the

collection service for children booked into Neilson kids’

Prices start from as little as £449pp per week

perfect ski holiday with, for example, personalised chalet

clubs in Les Deux Alpes, France and El Tarter, Andorra. All

(11 January 2015 departure), including flights,

experiences and private nanny services.

the children’s clubs are open from 9am–4.30pm, 6 days a

transfers and half-board accommodation.

week; and from 7pm–10pm, 5 evenings a week.

neilson.co.uk, 0333 014 3350

Children aged 4 to 23 months can join the Snowangels

THE NEILSON MOUNTAIN COLLECTION

Club, where they can enjoy singing, dancing, arts and crafts, baking and story time, not forgetting the daily outing into the snow for some fresh, mountain air. For 2- to 4-yearolds, the Snowman Club provides games, music, messy

FB.COM/INTHESNOW

In a major new initiative, Neilson has gathered together all

play, cookery lessons, snowy treasure hunts and sledging.

of its new and existing Neilson-run hotels and chalets under

For older children aged between 5 and 12 years old, the

one operation, named The Neilson Mountain Collection.

Snowbusters Club has a packed programme of activities

The Neilson Mountain Collection features 15 catered chalets

such as team games, treasure hunts, tobogganing and

in France and Italy and three hotels, all fully managed and

making snow sculptures. For a service tailored to every

operated by Neilson, with superb hospitality from friendly

family, there is also a private nanny service available in all

and knowledgeable Neilson hosts.

Neilson chalets.

NEILSON.CO.UK/SKI | 0333 014 3350

081 // NOV14

RICHARD HEATHCOTE

RUDE CHALETS

MORZINE’S NEW CLUB, BAR & LODGING CONCEPT

TRY THE SKELETON WITH AMY WILLIAMS

INDOOR MOGULS CHAMPIONSHIPS

Award-winning Morzine-based boarding and ski holiday specialist

Momentum Ski is offering the unusual opportunity to spend a

Chill Factore, Manchester, hosted the first ever FIS European Indoor

Rude Chalets (rudechalets.com) has a whole new concept for the

weekend learning to master the skeleton, on the ice track above

Moguls Championships last month.

coming winter in the Portes du Soleil, with the new Rude Lodge

Innsbruck, Austria, in the company of Olympian Amy Williams

With 35 world-class athletes in attendance from Austria, Switzerland,

offering beds from only £28pp per night.

(momentumski.com/skeleton).

Netherlands, Italy, Japan, USA and Great Britain, the skiing standard

“When Le Laury’s Hotel and Le Paradis came back on the market we

Williams was Britain’s first individual gold medallist at a Winter

and level of competition was high, with the crowds being wowed by

knew we had one last chance to save it from a life of beige,” said

Olympics for 30 years, winning the skeleton event at the Vancouver

extraordinary skills on the well-prepared moguls course. The contest

Rude’s Helen Lavender, “Decades of Morzine regulars have spent time

Games in 2010. Since then she has been at the forefront of the

had two single moguls competitions using the Olympic format, and two

on the iconic boogie nights dance floor alongside the thousands of

revitalisation of British competitive winter sport success, mentoring her

dual moguls competitions. In a busy weekend of competition, Japanese

guests who have sought refuge in the hotel so it was destined to be

successor Lizzie Yarnold to gold in Sochi.

athlete Ikuma Hiroshima was dominant in the men’s competition, winning the

saved by Rude.”

Based in Igls, a village above Innsbruck, that has played host to three

European Moguls Singles, as well as taking the European Duals Elimination

With the central Rude Lodge every choice has been made, with

Olympic Games, participants will have the opportunity to gain a first-

title. In the female field, Demi Corstjens from the Netherlands put in some

uncompromised focus on the needs of winter sports enthusiasts. With

hand experience of tackling a World Cup skeleton track under the

strong performances, taking the British Moguls Singles, and the European

free wi-fi throughout, there is a choice of dorm or twin rooms, a great

watchful eye of Williams, who will be on hand to offer support and

Duals Elimination title. Equalling her was Melanie Mellinger from Austria who

café, ample gear storage, heated boot driers, and bathrooms have a

guidance throughout. There will be the opportunity to experience

took the British Duals Elimination title, and the Women’s British Duals title.

bespoke rail system onto which you can clip wet gear to dry overnight.

the track from halfway, or the more adventurous can tackle the entire

Andrew Longley produced the best British performance taking the

There are two electrical sockets each for simultaneous tech charging,

course in the afternoon. For the more reserved there’s the option

European Men’s Duals title. Thea Fenwick and Francesca Lee also

and the communal area has a chill-out space with Xbox Kinect, maps,

to swap the exposure of the skeleton for the relative safety of a

performed well for Great Britain, both making finals, with Fenwick taking

books and magazines.

bobsleigh experience.

the British titles. Will Feneley, the ever-improving National Academy for

And downstairs, Rude is creating what they promise will be the most

Taking place from 13 to 15 December, packages start from £1500pp,

Moguls athlete, took the British Duals Moguls title.

unique après-ski bar and nightclub the Alps has ever seen, with

including 2 nights’ accommodation in the 5★ Grand Hotel Europa, two

Japanese coach and Olympian Janne Lahtela, who won a mogul gold

an epic launch party on Saturday 13 December coinciding with the

dinners with Williams, private transfer from Innsbruck airport, transfers,

medal for Finland at Salt Lake 2002, was full of praise for the event,

opening weekend of the Avoriaz ski area.

the skeleton track day experience, lunch and one bobsleigh taxi ride.

saying the course was “amazing” and the standard of skiing “very high”.

MAINTAIN YOUR OWN SKIS FOR ONLY £47 50

VISIT DATAWAX.COM OR YOUR LOCAL SKI SHOP

Ski holidays

471

from

£

GET YOUR SKIS ON! The new season is nearly here and there’s no better feeling than being back on the slopes. Take advantage of our early booking prices and choose from our portfolio of hand-picked chalet hotels in some of the finest, snow-sure resorts in the Alps.

Check out our new chalet hotels in Tignes & Zell am See Mark Warner ski holidays include: Direct Flights | Resort Transfers | Accommodation Welcome Drinks & Canapés | Breakfast | Afternoon Tea | 3 Course Dinner with Wine Evening Childcare | Ski Hosting* | Lift Pass Collection Service

markwarner.co.uk | 0844 273 6824 Val d’Isère | Tignes | Les Deux Alpes | La Plagne | Courchevel 1850 | Méribel | Courmayeur | St Anton | Zell am See ATOL1176 protected. *Courmayeur only. Price shown is per person based on two people sharing, apply to 7 nights at Chalet Hotel Moris, Val d’Isère departing 07/12/14, is subject to availability, cannot be combined or offered in retrospect and can be withdrawn at any time. Facilities & inclusives vary between resorts. See website for full terms & conditions.

Follow us on

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

LESSON #02 PSYCHOLOGY INTRODUCTION

DISTRACTIONS

CONFIDENCE

DON’T TRY TOO HARD!

This month, Jon, who studied

We learn better if we don’t have the

To help you control your distracting

Over-practising one exercise is likely to

psychology at Warwick University,

distraction of those niggling questions,

thoughts it’s worth remembering that

become ingrained in your inner mind,

discusses how an understanding of

doubts or fears being in the forefront of

even the best performers in the world will

encouraging you to constantly judge

the inner mind is crucial in successfully

our minds. To perform we need to relax

have something that they need to work

your performance in an over-critical

overcoming the self-doubt that can

our mind and allow the body and mind

on. However, when performing well, their

way. Such internal judgments create

so often plague skiers and prevent

to work as one.

inner mind will be quiet. They will be in

negative “distractions” from the actual

progression to the next level.

TIP: If you are at the top of a slope and

a state of relaxed concentration, full of

performance. This in turn can slow down

In life at some point we will all

find yourself nervous of the prospect

self-confidence. They will not be analysing

the learning process and encourage you

probably experience this self-

of the run ahead, close your eyes and

each turn, or critical of one bad turn.

to focus on your doubts or fears.

doubt, nerves and lack of focus or

imagine the route you would take and

TIP: It is important to believe in

TIP: Make small achievable targets.

concentration. During sport, as in

how and where you would make your

yourself. Give yourself credit for

Before long, something that felt hard will

business, overcoming these mind

turns. Visualising a successful out-

having done something well. If you

seem comfortable or even easy. Then

challenges can be essential in allowing

come will often calm the nerves and

have had a bad day, do not dwell on it.

move on to the next step, which seemed

you to perform at your very best.

lead to a successful outcome.

Consign it to the past and move on.

unthinkable but now seems achievable.

UK Selling products +44 (0)1637 870640

YOUR CHILD’S FIRST DAY ON SNOW CLOTHING

Kids’ skis are available for both

HELMET

Warm clothing is essential for

boys and girls and come with

A must for all children as they

children; keep in mind they get

graphics and cool features.

are more likely than adults to

cold more quickly than adults.

injure their head.

Several layers are better than

BOOTS

Reputable ski schools will not

one thick one, and thermals are

A good fit is essential; snug on the

accept children without helmets.

a good idea.

foot and with no pressure points.

All-in-ones are good at keeping

TIP: It can be difficult to tell

EXTRA KIT

the snow out.

with very young kids whether

Socks – these should be long,

TIP: Avoid slow-drying

the boot is comfortable; check

quick drying and should fit well.

clothing, like cotton, as once it

after the first day for any rub

Goggles – protection from the

gets wet it gets cold.

marks from the boots, and if in

sun is essential for children.

doubt go and change the boot.

Even on a cloudy day the sun

JON (AKA WESTY) AT ALTITUDE

SKIS These should be appropriate to

TO BUY OR TO HIRE

Gloves – waterproof, not too

To succeed in skiing it helps to be fo-

Jon holds the top qualifications from

the size and ability of your kids.

Unless you are going skiing

tight and preferably on a string

cused, but it’s also important to be pre-

France, Switzerland and Britain, and

Match the ski to the skill levels

several times a year it is

so they don’t get lost.

pared physically, learn good techniques

we can say firsthand that he is an

of the children from beginner to

generally cheaper to hire rather

Body armour – for

and also have lots of fun!

inspirational coach. His ski school Altitude

advanced junior racers.

than to buy equipment as kids

advanced skiers and anyone

Our qualified team in Verbier are not only

is known worldwide for employing a team

For children aged 3 to 5 years

quickly grow out of it. Boots and

hitting the park.

experts at skiing but also understand

of fantastic ski and snowboard instructors

old the skis should be up to their

skis can be easily hired in resort

how you learn and are equipped with the

who are very passionate about helping

chin; for older children it should

and save you the hassle of

Altitude Ski School has a

tools to help you overcome your fears

people improve. Each month, Jon or one

be up to their nose.

transporting it to the resort just

specialist kids’ team who are

and distractions and allow you to reach

of his team will provide us with a few tips

It is worth putting stickers with

make sure the skis and bindings

experts at teaching Verbier’s

your maximum skiing potential.

and words of wisdom to help improve

their name onto the skis so

are in good working order.

very important little skiers.

Whether you are a nervous beginner, look-

your understanding of how to ski.

they don’t get mixed up in the

There are also several clothing

Please do get in touch if you

ing to master powder or to train towards

For more information please contact us

morning or at lunch.

hire companies in Britain.

have any questions.

your ski instructor licence, here at Altitude

on: +41 (0)27 771 6006;

we have the tools help you succeed.

info@altitude-verbier.com

CONCLUSION

can be damaging to eyes.

JON DAVISON

Blow Bonus THE

YOUR OWN PRIVATE JET Peak price: £2,115pp London to Chambéry return flight Bargain Price: £748pp London to Courchevel return flight

Make your mark in The Three Valleys!

The season starts 13th December, you can be there ...

From £275pp 8 days in resort, including travel and accommodation (based on 4 persons).

Plus 6 day Three Valley Ski Pass

£179pp* * Discounted Ski Passes selected weeks

Relax - your holiday starts as soon as you board the luxurious Ski Meribel Sleeper Coach!

The Ski Meribel coach leaves every Friday, from Bedford, London Victoria and Dover to Meribel Centre, Meribel Village and La Tania, also stopping at Moutiers station for transfers on to many other locations.

8 days in resort - ski both Saturdays FREE carriage of luggage and ski equipment All size groups catered for The Ski Meribel personal travel service will help you plan your perfect ski holiday.

Choose from: • Travel only, from £149pp return on our luxury sleeper coach • Self catering packages throughout the season • Fully catered chalets

Email: info@skimeribel.co.uk Call: 020 8668 8223

Christmas in Meribel!

O

WORDS: GABY LE BRETON

ideal for landing in tricky spots like Courchevel,

It’s all very James Bond, but is it even remotely

St Moritz and Gstaad. The F13 team invited us

achievable? Here’s the maths:

to trial their 24/7, 365-day-a-year guaranteed aircraft availability policy, which makes calling

 An initial investment of $300,000/£185,485

for a jet to Megève easier than finding a cab in

gets you the minimum 1/16th ownership of

Soho. We’re looking forward to taking them up

a new PC-12 jet (which F13 guarantees to

on the offer of a powder Friday soon …

buy back from you) and up to 40 hours of

Virtually instant access to a jet is one of many

flight time.

perks of F13 membership, but what it probably

 Based on 1/16th ownership, members pay

does best is save you the time and aggro that’s

a £2735 monthly service charge, which

become an integral part of commercial air travel.

includes fees most private aviation companies

Flying London to Courchevel by private jet will

charge additionally, like landing fees, pilots’

kay, so we’re not suggesting you buy an entire

save you about nine hours on a return journey,

accommodation, repositioning, etc. Your PC-12

private jet, just part of one. One sixteenth of

assuming the commercial flights depart on time.

one to be accurate. Or, if your bonus is looking

Once you’ve summoned your F13 ride, you can

a bit limp, one sixteenth of a private jet shared

board within minutes of arriving at the airfield,

example, this equates to £5985 for a 4.5-hour

between you and seven (reliable) mates.

where bottles of champagne in the minibar

return trip (excluding the monthly fee). Each

Fractional private jet ownership was first

far outnumber people in the security queue.

PC-12 jet seats eight passengers, so you’re

launched by NetJets in the high-rolling 80s.

Free in-flight internet and mobile connectivity

essentially looking at £748 return each.

Bought by Warren Buffet in 1998, NetJets

enables you to work or simply Facebrag about

remains top dog in the rarefied world of private

owning a private jet. Step off the plane in your

It’s not quite easyJet pricing (even with the

aviation, but a bright young British thing is about

resort, shimmy past immigration, let your chalet

extra luggage and ski carriage charges tacked

to make waves in NetJets’ little pond – with the

staff scoop up your luggage and clip into your

on) but it’s comparable to first-class flights on

F13 Collection.

skis – all within 2.5 hours of leaving London.

SWISS or BA booked last minute. So, if your

Founded by City boy Amin Haque, the F13

And, because you’re a jet “owner”, you get to

time really is money, your mates love skiing

Collection launched last month with 50 new

land in prime airports not open to chartered

as much as you do and they pay you back

custom Pilatus PC-12/47 NG turboprop jets on its

private jets – Abramovich was turned away

promptly (or you’re just feeling generous), get

books. Pet favourite of the world’s jet set, these

from Courchevel when he tried to land there in

that F13 team on speed dial.

natty planes are fast, safe and manoeuvrable –

a chartered jet.

then costs £1330 per hour to fly.  Taking London to Courchevel as our

From £323pp* *Based on 4 persons, travel and self-catering accommodation

skimeribel.co.uk

086 // NOV14

F13VIP.COM

RED MOUNTAIN EXPANDS (AGAIN) Red Mountain Resort in British Columbia,

shuttle from Grey Mountain to the peak of Mt

tain, home to Red’s 405-hectare lift-serviced

Canada, will expand its in-bounds ski terrain

Kirkup, with seats sold on a first come, first

expansion last season.

for the 2014–15 season, with the addition of

served basis for CAN$10 (£6) a run when pur-

“Terrain accessed by our snowcat will be a

nearly 81 hectares of gladed tree skiing on Mt

chased with a lift ticket or season pass.

powder lover’s paradise, with intermediate to

Kirkup to be accessed by snowcat.

The terrain expansion has 488 vertical metres

advanced runs delivering riders back to the

With the new terrain, Red’s in-bounds and uphill

of drop, previously only accessible by hiking

new Grey Mountain Chair,” said RED’s General

serviced terrain will reach 1196 hectares making

and ski touring. This area will be considered

Manager, Don Thompson. “We will be giving

it the seventh largest in Canada, and in the top

in-bounds terrain and be swept by the Red

RED guests a taste of that deep powder ex-

20 of all resorts in North America by size.

Mountain Ski Patrol.

perience for the price of a beer at some other

This new cat skiing operation will act as a

Mt Kirkup is located just north of Grey Moun-

resorts. Cheers!”

NEW PARK AT LES DEUX ALPES The French ski resort of Les Deux Alpes,

Work on realigning the resort’s Jandri

which already boasts one of Europe’s

blue piste has begun over the summer

best areas for freestyle skiers and

to enable skiers to have a more mellow

snowboarders, will unveil a new park for

return run to Les Deux Alpes.

beginners this winter, along with a new

However, the project is so vast – involv-

boardercross course.

ing the movement of more than half a

In addition, a new snowpark at the base

million cubic metres of earth and the

of the slopes, built to International Ski

replanting of 12,000 trees at a total cost

Federation (FIS) standards, will have fea-

of €10m (approx. £7.93m) – it is to be

tures including bus shelters, telephone

continued in summer 2015 and open for

boxes and rails.

winter 2015–16.

// VIRTUOSE

QUICK AND EFFORTLESS INTERCHANGEABLE LENS SYSTEM

French ski resort Les Menuires in the vast

at 6.30pm. Entries close half an hour

Les 3 Vallées celebrates its big 5-0 this

before then.

winter and to celebrate has a competition

The winner will be invited to receive his/

open with a very special prize.

her prize in Les Menuires on 12 February

The winner will receive a season pass

2015, the day that the resort celebrates

valid for 50 years at the resort, with an

its 50th birthday.

estimated value of €45,700 (approx

Terms and conditions apply – for

£35.7k) at today’s prices.

example, the pass can only be used

To enter, visit the games area on the

by the winner; it cannot be sold on to

Les Menuires Tourist Office website

anyone else, and importantly, it can only

(lesmenuires.com) and answer three

be used for the next 50 consecutive

questions about the resort.

years, ending in 2065 – it cannot, for

A draw of all the correct answers will be

example, be used during a random 50

held to choose the winner on 2 February

years up to 2115.

FB.COM/INTHESNOW

087 // NOV14

Photo credit: Dave Lehl / Athlete: Alex Chumpy Pullin / Design graphique :

WIN A €45K 50-YEAR LIFT PASS

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Terms & Conditions: Entrants must be aged 18 years or over. One entry per person. No cash alternative will be provided and the holiday is not transferrable. The prize does not include flights. The winner will be notified within seven days of the competition closing and must choose their holiday date when accepting the prize. If the winner does not respond within seven days we reserve the right to draw a new winner. Certain dates are not available, and all dates are subject to availability. Andorra Resorts act solely as a booking agency in respect of the prize. The agency booking conditions of Andorra Resorts and conditions of the suppliers of the prize components will apply to the booking and must be accepted to claim the prize.

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ZILLERTAL TOURISMUS_ANDRE SCHOENHERR

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some of Britain’s best, come to train here all year round. But every ability

by 177 lifts and cable cars, the Zillertal Super Ski Pass in the Austrian

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half pipes and super pipes. Outside of the parks there are many other fun on- and off-snow activities besides skiing and boarding to try too, including snow coasters (lift-served downhill

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ZILLERTAL FURTHER INFO

freshly made meals made to recipes handed

if needed. And, of course, the Hintertux Glacier, the only year-round ski area in Austria, is located in the Zillertal. Not

down for generations to large, bright, friendly

Independent packages are offered by

only are the slopes here high, but they’re

modern restaurants by some of the bigger

the Zillertal tourist board. A 7-night stay

also extensive, meaning that in spring and

lifts. Whether the focus is on fine dining or autumn there’s often more terrain to enjoy om in a Pension starts from €459pp on B&B .c fs of m traditional Tirolean cuisine and whichever than anywhere else in the Alps. p o or from €792 in a 4* hotel on half board. .c ro fs nd of m ai p t dining choice you opt for, there’s always o Prices include a 6-day Super Ski Pass. n .c ro *applies to all Flexi-Shared Airport Transfers ou ffs booked nd m ai m po a great emphasis on seasonal and natural w. nt co For more information about the Zillertal ro apply. w . before 15 Dec 2014.

Standard T&Cs u d s o w n ff m ai po w. products, normally locally sourced. nt visit zillertal.at, or for more information ro d ou ww n m ai w. nt about the Austrian Tirol visit ww ou m om w.

There is no festival that can match .c visittirol.co.uk fs ww f o m op o r Snowbombing, and for one week in April, .c nd ffs ai po nt om o Mayrhofen turns into the stage, hosting the u c . o dr m ffs in w. po ta om w o n c Those looking for freestyle action will find five ultimate show on snow. Leading DJs, club . r w fs ou nd m of ai om w. op nt c r . terrain parks in the Zillertal, suitable for everyone from beginners to pros. nights, live acts and snowboarders come together for this ultimate event, w u o fs w nd m of ai w. op of the world’s great freestyle skiers and snowboarders, including nt r w Some u with amazing line-ups. o w nd m ai w. nt om ou .c ww s m f of w. om op .c ww dr fs in of m a p o nt ww .c ro oum.w ffs nd ai om po nt .c ro u d fs twitter.com/MountnDropOffs o in of .m ta op w om n r d .c 090 // NOV14 ou ww in fs .m facebook.com/MountainDropOffs ta of w n p ro ou ww d m n ai w. om nt ww s.c ou

IT SOUNDS GOOD

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IT’S FUN

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Photo credit : © ICE, Val d’Isere, www.icesi.org

Skier : Dave Cowell

THE OMNIA ZERMATT

HOTEL AVENUE LODGE VAL D’ISÈRE





HOTEL PLEIN SUD SERRE CHEVALIER



The Omnia is perfectly situated in the centre of Zermatt just off on a hidden back street, giving you the bustle of beautiful Zermatt right on your doorstep, but the peace and quiet you would expect from an escape to the mountains. The warm and friendly welcome is simply hard to beat.

The Hotel Plein Sud is situated close to the Écrins National Park, the mythical Cols du Lauteret Galibier and Izoard made famous by the Tour de France, and very close to the old town of Briançon, which now boasts UNESCO World Heritage status.

+41 (0)27 966 7171 // INFO@THE-OMNIA.COM THE-OMNIA.COM

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

HOTEL FIREFLY ZERMATT



CHALET SASKIA VAUJANY

The luxurious Hotel Avenue Lodge is a superb base in one the world’s great ski areas, the exceptional Espace Killy. You’ll feel welcome from the minute you arrive with valet parking and the concierge service taking care of your luggage. The Hotel Avenue Lodge’s entire team is at your service to make your holiday in our resort an unforgettable stay.

The Hotel Firefly is the first address in Zermatt for travellers who expect luxury and lifestyle of the highest level. In the midst of the breathtaking scenery of the famous glacier ski area, the hotel is only 3 minutes from the Klein Matterhorn cable car and from the centre of Zermatt. Each suite is individual, spacious and luxuriously furnished.

Perfectly located on the slopes of Vaujany, Chalet Saskia features two separate large lounges with log fires, two sun terraces, a big TV and games room, 10 en-suite bedrooms all with balconies and a hot tub.

The cuisine is simply inspiring and complemented by the impeccable service and excellent wine selection.

+33 (0)47 900 6767 // CONTACT@HOTELAVENUELODGE.COM HOTELAVENUELODGE.COM

+41 (0)27 967 7676 FIREFLY-ZERMATT.COM

01428 608070 // INFO@SKIPEAK.NET SKIPEAK.NET

RESIDENCE & SPA VALLORCINE CHAMONIX 

CHALET DES ALPES CRANS-MONTANA

HÔTEL L’HÉLIOPIC CHAMONIX

Nesteld in the charming village of Vallorcine, in the Chamonix MontBlanc valley, Vallorcine Mont-Blanc offers a relaxing atmosphere.

The 5 Residence gives guests a choice of 50 cosy apartments with services. Facilities include an indoor heated pool, two saunas, a SPA, a tea-room, a ski shop and a private ice-rink. Less than 10 minutes from your breakfast to the ski slopes !

Quality B&B accommodation offered at great value. Evening meals available most nights. Prices from CHF72 per room. All rooms en-suite, free wi-fi, parking, heated ski room, full UK TV channels.

2 hours from Geneva. 10 min drive to Crans-Montana ski lifts with 140km of pistes. Situated in the small picturesque village of Lens, owned and run by British couple.

4 hotel with spa in central Chamonix, by the Aiguille du Midi lift, offering a new level of comfort including a 500m2 spa (with pool, onsen, hammam, banya, ice cave and tepidarium), restaurant, bar, ski shop, four conference rooms, take-away shop, free wi-fi and a covered car park.

+33 (0)4 5054 7520 // CONTACT@CHAMONIX-VACANCES.COM CHAMONIX-VACANCES.COM

+41 (0)27 483 23 09 // INFO@CHALETDESALPES.CH CHALETDESALPES.CH

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

092 // NOV14



@INTHESNOWMAG

BLIND SKIERS NEED SIGHTED SKIERS A company that operates ski holidays for blind

skiers to act as guides for the trip,” says the

The primary function of Traveleyes is to

skiers is seeking sighted skiers to help them

company’s Sam Thorpe, “No experience of

enable blind people to enjoy independent

on the slopes.

blindness is necessary and Traveleyes will

world travel on their own terms. To celebrate

Traveleyes (traveleyes-international.com), now

provide the full training needed to all volun-

10 years in business, the company decided

in its 10th year, is an award-winning organisa-

teers taking part. Sighted travellers are not

to donate the funding required to restore

tion, which specialises in group holidays for

expected to act as carers.”

eyesight in a child or an adult with preventa-

both blind and sighted travellers alike.

In return for being the eyes for blind skiers, a

ble blindness in some of the world’s poorest

In 2015, the company are running two skiing trips

sighted guide not only enjoys an unforgettable

countries for every booking taken between

to the French resorts of Méribel and La Plagne.

and highly rewarding experience, but can also

April this year and April 2015, with a goal to

“For our blind skiers to enjoy the freedom of

enjoy all that the resort has to offer, for less than

give sight back to at least 1500 people before

the slopes, we need to recruit more sighted

half the price you would normally expect to pay.

the deadline date.

HEAD SKIS

NATIONWIDE SKI FILM CINEMA TOUR NOVEMBER 2014 - JANUARY 2015

MOST LEARN TO SKI IN THEIR 20S The Ski Club of Great Britain 2014 Consumer Research has found that people born in the early 1990s are most likely to learn to ski.

The results were compiled from 14,600 respondents, 2800 of whom were non-skiers, and found that with the 20-year decline of the school ski trip, most people rely on family holidays to start skiing. Most learn to ski between 21 and 29 years old, when people become earners and take control of their own spending and holidays. Just 30% of current skiers and snowboarders took up the sport after their 30th birthday.

The study found that independent travellers are a significant sector of the market, with 55% of respondents booking their travel independently, and 30% booking accommodation directly with providers. This is a much higher percentage than a study by Crystal indicated, and the Ski Club say this proportion can only increase, making an estimate of the overall size of the market even more challenging.

With regards to travel the survey found skiers tend to see “travel” as a means to an end, opting for airlines that give them the most convenient times to get the maximum ski exposure, however lousy the service provided sometimes, sadly, is.

It’s no surprise that skiers and snowboarders are after guaranteed snow and large ski areas. But they also like to avoid the crowds if they can: 62% of skiers actively avoid the peak seasons of Christmas, New Year, Easter and half-term holidays.

The study found that France still remains the largest market for UK skiers and has a good following, but becoming less loyal, with Austria close behind, and in another departure from the Crystal Ski industry report which places Italy in third spot, the Ski Club has Switzerland in third place, with respondents citing that it is easy to get to with high quality across the board.

“Its visitors are not too bothered by exchange rates and are becoming increasingly loyal,” the survey found.

FOR MORE INFORMATION & TICKETS

warrenmiller.co.uk

FREDRIKSSON

 PROMOTION

SHADES OF WINTER Sponsored by Peak Performance, Pure,

What were you most proud of in your

released this month, is the second

performance?

Shades of Winter all-female freeski movie

MR: To be able to get back up skiing a

to be created following the worldwide

line after a crash or the slide I got caught

success of the first movie last winter.

in last time I was in Haines. It’s not always

We talked to three members of the team

easy, but the feeling afterwards is just …

behind the film: Matilda Rapaport (MR),

magical.

Sandra Lahnsteiner (SL) and Evelina

EN: I am proud that I decided in my mind

Nilsson (EN).

to do something and then I did it. I was 100% focused on the present – and always

What was the best thing about filming

feeling the joy!

the movie?

SL: I love the whole process, but the best

In what ways is it better to make an all-

thing is always when everything is done

female movie?

and you get to watch the movie on the big

MR: I’ve been filming with guys too, and I

screen with all your friends and athletes

can’t say that it makes much of a difference

and partners, etc. and hear them cheering.

really. The important thing is to film and ski

MR: All the remote, beautiful places I get

with people I trust and have fun.

to see and ski as well as the people we’ve

EN: I think it´s good to highlight the

met when travelling. I’ve also gotten some

incredible women that are out there. When

close friends through filming, including

doing an all-female movie, you really focus

Evelina and Sandra.

on the girls. My opinion is that we push

EN: The best thing was the amazing

each other to bend our boundaries and so

people I met that share the same passion

we grow!

and to be able to visit really great places

SL: To be honest, it’s not about it being

with a fun crew and do the thing we love,

better to make all-female movies; we are

together.

not in a battle with the guys’ other movies, it’s just a great opportunity for the best

Which was your favourite location and

female athletes to show what they are

why?

capable of. Besides, behind the all-female

MR: Haines in Alaska will always be

cast it’s ALL guys we use to travel with!

special to me. The nature, snow and atmosphere really make the place

Is a third Shades of Winter film planned?

something extraordinary. In the last two

MR: I definitely want to be part of the next

years that’s probably the place I’ve spent

SOW film, as the two previous ones have

the longest time in a row without travelling

given me so much, and there are so many

in! (Laughs)

cool places I’d like to see and ski. And

SL: I love to travel the world on skis

we’ve already started discussing ideas.

and be able to explore so many different

SL: I am currently working on the set-up

countries, but I would say for fun, freeskiing

of the third Shades of Winter project. So

Niseko in Japan is super high on my list.

stay tuned – we will not disappear!

094 // NOV14

SHADES-OF-WINTER.COM

henrik windstedt in our new heli pro jacket and pants. #justaddski

AT H L E T E : m A r K u s E d E r T o r d r i L L o m o u n TA i n s , A K / P H o T o : B L A K E J o r g E n s o n

CONQUER

THE UNKNOWN

D I S C OVE R m O R E aT yO U R LO CaL S N O W+R O C K STO R E a N D O N LI N E aT S N O Wa N D R O C K . C O m/TH E N O RTH faC E

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