JÁN TEKEL
ISSUE 53 | JAN 2017
IN THIS
JEFF ENGERBRETSON
020
FEATURES
THE BIGGEST SKIING IN AMERICA BIG SKY RESORT There are quite a few ski resorts that claim to have the biggest ski
014 CAROLINE VAN ‘T HOFF
areas in the world, but you just have to take their word for it. Big Sky
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Among the many famous ski resorts in Western Canada there
READERS’ OFFER EXCLUSIVE SKIING TRIP OFFER
Head to the Chamonix Valley this March with Emily Sarsfield, Britain’s number one ski-cross racer tour operator, on our InTheSnow readers’ ski trip in conjunction with tour operator Action Outdoors.
are some internationally less well-known ski towns and resorts that give a very different, and some think better, experience.
CAROLINE VAN ‘T HOFF
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EAST OR WEST NELSON IS BEST PAUL VILLECOURT
017
in Montana is different; here the ski area actually feels huge.
REGULARS
GEAR
ROSS WOODHALL
041
032 BLOW THE BONUS HELI-SKI ICELAND
5-PAGE BOOT ROOM 041–045
Gabriella Le Breton explains the economics of heli-skiing and successfully convinces us that £30k is good value for 12 people to go heli-skiing in Iceland, once you factor in the geo-thermal flotation tanks.
Another year begins and there’s still more great ski kit to discover. This month’s big selection includes
COMPETITION 012
everything from the latest avalanche airbags to a choice of footbeds or bat-shaped face masks.
patrick@inthesnow.com Welcome to the 2017 ski season! 2017 is a big year for us all at InTheSnow as it’s our tenth anniversary year, and it’s a decade that has seen a good deal of change in the ski world, the ski publishing world and the wider world. It’s hard to believe that when we launched, social media
10 MINS: WOODSY 054
called freeriding ‘off-piste skiing’. It seems so long ago
had not really taken over the world and people still and yet, a cliché though it may be to say it, it seems like
TEAM
it was just yesterday. Lots of things haven’t changed though, thankfully. The snow still falls each winter, hopefully, and millions of us head out to the slopes each ski season to enjoy it. The
InTheSnow team, and we know most of our readers (and KICKING HORSE / MATT ELLIOTT
035
ALTITUDE TUITION 048
FREERIDE ACTION WITH WARREN MILLER The Warren Miller Ski Film Tour is back in the UK this month, showing at venues across the country. Amazingly, it’s the 67th film to be released in the great ski movie maker’s name, with Greenland one of the locations.
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SUB EDITORS
© Copyright 2017
DOMINIC KILLINGER
NICK JONES MARION ADAMS
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in a retrieval system or transmitted, in any way or means, either by recording or otherwise, without permission
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of the publishers in writing.
these days ‘viewers’), still get ridiculously over-excited with the first snowfalls each autumn and then as the main season draws nearer. Social media has certainly made it much easier to get pictures and video instantly from almost any slopes anywhere than ever before. The build-up to this season saw more than its usual ups and downs in the wider world, mostly due to matters outside our control, but then that snow fell and most
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No wonder so many of the world’s top movers and shakers met in the Swiss ski resort of Davos at the end of January each year to talk through the world’s big issues. This year’s World Economic Forum should be quite a humdinger. But there are other reminders this month that the ski world continues as it has for the best part of a century. The famous Hahnenkamm races in Kitzbuhel, for example, and Wengen’s Lauberhorn are still the ones that the world’s best downhillers hope to win each winter. So whatever happens, here’s to a snowy 2017.
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003 // JAN17
PLAN YOUR TRIP WITH US
023 9283 9310
rom f e s Choo enis,
s, Val C y, n ë o m Sa llandr a V y e s Pei osiere R a L , l e Valmor ny more & ma
BIG
DANISH SKIING POWERS UP
WORDS: PATRICK THORNE
W
POWER PLANT SKI SLOPE IN NUMBERS Total Slope Length: 440m Number of Runs: 4 Max Vertical: 86m Steepest Pitch: 45% Homes Powered: 60,000
operators plan to build one of the world’s longest
tons of waste annually into enough clean
Tons of Waste Burned: 400,000
year-round, artificial surface dry ski slopes.
energy to power 60,000 homes, as well as
a-r-c.dk/amager-bakke
Actually the total slope length is 440m –
communal heating plants, with pure water the
almost identical to the slope at Ski Dubai, with
waste product.
which this project could become a comparable
For skiers, the numbers are quite impressive
icon in world skiing.
too, as project director Patrik Gustavsson told
Of course the plant, which, this being
InTheSnow,
One concern for skiers is safety on the
Denmark, has been largely publically funded,
“The slope will be divided into four adjacent
slope, which begins with what are essentially
wasn’t built with a ski slope, but the designers,
slopes; beginning from the bottom with two
precipices (the non-sloping sides of the
BIG (Bjarke Ingels Group), have a history
green runs (a 60m-long slope with an 18%
building) on three sides.
ill we all be skiing in Denmark by the end of
of ski projects, and it seems they couldn’t
pitch and a 120m-long slope with a 20% pitch),
“We’re working together with some of the
the year?
resist. One of their earlier ideas was to
a blue run (80m-long with a 18–25% pitch)
world’s most renowned ski-security experts to
It’s not the most obvious choice for a ski resort
build an apartment complex with a sloping
and finally a 180m-long red-black steeper run
ensure that it is as safe to go skiing on Amager
– despite being on the edge of Scandinavia
roof on the top of a mountain in Lapland in
pitching at 23–45%,” Patrik explains, adding,
Bakke/Copenslope as it is to go skiing in the
– and it’s not the snowiest country, nor is it
order to increase the ski area’s vertical. The
“Each slope will have its own lift system (three
Alps/US. One possibility is to use nets as
famous for its mountainous terrain.
same company is behind Google’s new £1bn
magic carpets for the first three and one platter
safety devices,” Patrik confirms.
But what the Danes are famous for in the 21st
headquarters at Kings Cross, London.
lift for the upper. If you take the ride form the
The incineration part of the plant is now largely
century is innovation, real commitment to the
With this power plant (unlike Google’s new
top to the bottom we’re talking about a slope
complete, and the company is now looking in
environment, and looking out for the quality
London HQ alas), officially known as the
that is approximately 440m long over about
more detail at the ski slope including which of the
of life of their citizens. They have a huge new
Amager Bakke waste-to-power incinerator
80 vertical metres.”
available dry slope surface materials to use.
project near Copenhagen that ticks all three
plant, BIG figured why not give it a sloping
The building itself is 86m tall and skiers and
BIG originally envisaged the plant blowing a
boxes in one project – and it involves skiing.
roof and put a ski run down it? Fortunately the
boarders will reach the roof at the top of the
giant smoke ring from the top of the building
A new waste-to-power incinerator plant being
inventors saw the sense in that and gave them
slopes by ascending in elevators running up
to symbolise the conversion of waste to clean
close to the capital Copenhagen is currently
the green light.
through the interior of the plant.
power, but as yet a clean smoke ring blowing
nearing completion. Unlike the conventional
The plant, work on which began in 2013, is
“The capacity for the ski slope part of the
device has not been successfully patented,
image of a power station, it’s clad in shiny
however part of Copenhagen’s aim to become
“mountain” is approximately 150-200 people, but
although a crowd-funded project is still trying
aluminium, will be surrounded by parkland
the world’s first zero-carbon city by 2025, with
we have an allowance for up to 1,500 people to
to achieve just that before the slope opens
and, crucially, has a sloping roof on which the
the power station expected to burn 400,000
be on the rooftop at any one time,” Patrik adds.
later this year.
BIG
005 // JAN17
GERMANY’S NEW HIGHEST CABLE CAR The Zugspitze ski area, Germany’s highest, is currently building a new cable car to open in 2017. The existing Eibsee-Seilbahn lift, which opened in 1963, will be replaced by the new Zugspitze cable car which features three new world records. It will have the world’s highest cable-car support tower, measuring 127 metres; the greatest altitude difference of 1,945 metres over one section; and the world’s longest free span, covering 3,213 metres.
NEW CHAIR AND DRAG LIFT IN CHAMONIX Two new lifts have been announced for Chamonix’s Le Brévent ski area this winter. The Parsa chairlift PH PIANALTO
has been upgraded to a new, detachable, six-seat chairlift, with the former fixed-grip lift removed. The Leitner-built lift will cut the uphill ride time to under four minutes and increase capacity on the route to also be replaced by one modern drag lift. The new lifts will mean better skier flow in the sector and better facilities for beginners.
CRYSTAL ASSIST CONFUSED AGENTS Help is at hand for new travel agents who are perhaps not fully au fait with the skiing world, courtesy of the UK’s largest ski holiday operator, Crystal. The company emailed a brand-new edition of the Agent Training Guide, previously known as the Ski Bible, to agents across the country in the summer. It explains all the elements that make up a ski holiday, including types of accommodation, family ski holidays, group ski holidays and much more.
POWDER MOUNTAIN ADDING NEW LIFTS Utah’s Powder Mountain ski area is hoping to add two new lifts this season. The resort’s proposed new Village Lift would run up Lefty’s Canyon to
SAN MARTINO EXPANDS & UPGRADES SNOWMAKING
I
ICE DRIVING IN SWEDEN
taly’s 100% green-energy-
reservoir has grown from 9,000 to
the nursery slope has been
powered ski area of San
60,000 cubic metres thanks to
enlarged and now has a new area
Martino di Castrozza-Passo
its expansion.
for sledging.
Rolle has dramatically
The improvement follows a similar
Snowmaking has also been
expanded and upgraded
upgrade to the Tognola sector
expanded in the Tognola
its snowmaking system.
last year, where the snowmaking
sector with newly programmed
In the resort’s Ces-
reservoir was also increased in size
snowmaking, new pipelines and
A number of ski resorts in the French Alps offer
Colverde sector it’s now
more than fourfold, in its case from
new snow guns installed on
the chance to try ice driving on small circuits,
possible to cover the area
10,000 to 45,000 cubic metres.
the Pista Rododendro and Pista
but if you’d like to really try ice driving on a
within 80 to 85 hours of it
Other improvements this winter
Tognola Uno, a black slope that
grand scale, Sweden offers huge frozen lakes
getting cold enough.
include a bigger area for beginner
has been voted among the 12 most
on which to really get some speed up.
skiers at Alpe Tognola. Here,
beautiful slopes of the Dolomites.
“Ice driving is certainly not for the faint-hearted
In addition, the resort’s Ces
ANDY PARANT
nearly 3,000 people per hour. The old drag lifts will
– driving flat out on a frozen lake in the middle of Sweden really tests your driving skills – but it’s by far the most fun you can have on four
ALPE D’HUEZ REDEVELOPS SIGNAL SECTOR
a planned mountain village development with a
wheels!” enthuses Thomas Brimblecombe, Managing Director of Classic Grand Touring, which is offering three trips to try ice driving near the ski resort of Salen this winter.
second new lift, named “Mary’s”, continuing up the
In association with the new Signal
All guests have two full days of ice driving on
mountain from there. Jeff Werbelow, COO of the
hybrid ski lift, skiers will now find a
the lake including rally car sessions in either
Summit collective, which owns Powder Mountain,
new green run equipped with 22
a Subaru or Mitsubishi. Initial tuition is with a
said the company hoped the lifts could be in place
snow cannons. Starting from the
professional driving coach in three different
peak of the Signal, at an altitude of
cars – a front-wheel drive (FWD), a rear-wheel
2,108 metres, the piste will cross
drive (RWD) and a four-wheel drive (4WD) – in
the summits of the Sarasins and
order to gain the best experience possible.
arrive in the beginners’ area at the
These three-night trips cost from
“Grenouilles”. Beginner skiers can
£1,350pp (two sharing), and include B&B
have fun on the mini jumps, slaloms
accommodation at the Kjølen Hotel, two full
and obstacles en route.
days’ driving on the lake including rally car
in time for the coming ski season.
CAR SHARERS SAVE IN CHAMONIX Chamonix’s lift operator, the Compagnie du MontAlpe d’Huez opened three
the last part of Alpe d’Huez to be
In addition, the Signal Bis piste
sessions and professional tuition on the lake,
offering a 5% discount on Chamonix Le Pass lift
weeks early this season due to
modernised, with a new Telemix
is now equipped with seven new
use of ice go-karts, airport and lake transfers,
tickets (one day to 21 days) to those who arrive
great conditions from the start
hybrid express chairlift replacing
snow cannons, and the Grande Sure
two lunches and three dinners, plus return
of November. This winter, SATA,
the existing Signal chairlift. It can
chairlift has been replaced by a fixed-
flights to Oslo International (London Gatwick).
blablacar.fr website on which a car driver registers
the ski lift management company,
carry 3,300 passengers per hour
clamp, four-seat chairlift, doubling
The three trips are from 7 to 10 February, 10 to
their trip to Chamonix and then passengers book
has invested 12 million euros in
in 39 eight-person chairs and eight
the capacity from the Vieil Alpe area
13 February and 13 to 16 February.
developing the resort’s Signal area,
10-person cabins.
to 1,650 passengers per hour.
classicgt.co.uk
Blanc, is seeking to encourage car sharing by
in a shared car. The system operates via the
space in the car and pay online.
006 // JAN17 // INTHESNOW.COM
@INTHESNOWMAG
CRYSTAL
Heavenly Skiing At Down To Earth Prices
UBER EXPAND THEIR SKI CAR SERVICE IN US
5%
CRYSTAL LAUNCH 2017/18 SEASON HOLIDAY SALES
DISCOUNT
QUOTE CODE 'ITS'
Uber, the global transportation phenomenon, has announced it is
The UK’s largest ski holiday operator, Crystal, has launched its Winter 17/18
expanding a new division it operates in the US: “UberSKI”.
programme in December, before sending out its first charter flights for
UberSKI works in the same way as regular Uber services, but drivers
winter 16/17.
guarantee to have space for four passengers and all of their gear,
Although the main news for 17/18 won’t be published until the middle of
including skis, poles, boots, helmets, goggles, hats, gloves and
this year, the company does say it will be offering “Slope-Ready” holidays
whatever else you want to bring. There’s an additional $6 (£4.50)
at Pamporovo in Bulgaria.
pickup fee for users of the service, which can be booked on the app in
Holidays to this resort will include a lift pass, equipment hire and tuition
the usual way, just with an extra tick box.
– a great-value option for first-time or more seasoned skiers. Prices are
UberSKI was trialled in Reno, California and Salt Lake City, Utah, last
from £579pp based on a stay for two at the Hotel Snezhanka departing
winter and is being expanded this winter at ski hubs including Summit
7 January 2018. The company has lots of other early booking offers for
and Eagle counties in Colorado.
2017/18, including 2-for-1 ski or board hire to European destinations, a
Uber believe that in some cases it will be cheaper for skiers and
2-for-1 lift pass offer in Canada, and numerous other incentives to book
boarders to use the service to get to and from the slopes for a day’s
early including childcare discounts and free child places for families.
skiing than to pay for petrol and parking themselves at the larger, more
There are also free lift passes at Chamrousse and La Clusaz in France and
expensive resorts.
Engelberg in Switzerland. crystalski.co.uk
JOHANNA UNDER THE ICE
MOUNTAIN FILM FESTIVAL RETURNS TO EDINBURGH
Brain operations, bear attacks and BASE
of her former husbands have been killed in
the Festival Director, promises that the quality is
jumping are some of the topics to be discussed
BASE-jumping accidents.
higher than ever:
at the 14th Edinburgh Mountain Film Festival
Other speakers include quadruple-amputee
“We’ve had over 150 film entries from across
(EMFF), which runs over the weekend of 4 and
mountaineer Jamie Andrew who, since losing
the globe. It’s a hard task to narrow that down
5 February 2017, at George Square Lecture
his limbs after becoming stranded on a mountain
to about 20 films to screen, but you can be sure
Theatre, Edinburgh.
ridge in the Alps in 1999, has undertaken
that all the films which make the final selection
American BASE jumper, wingsuit flyer and free-
adventures many would have thought impossible.
are going to be the pinnacle of adventure films,
solo climber Steph Davis headlines the guest
The line-up of adventure films to be screened
with some notable premieres in there!”
speakers. With a string of first ascents around
is still being finalised but looks likely to include
The two-day festival is being staged at George
the globe, Steph knows how to push it but has
several ski films including Tight Loose and ice
Square Lecture Theatre in Edinburgh. Tickets
endured more than her share of tragedy – both
sport film Johanna Under The Ice. Stevie Christie,
start at £7 and are on sale now at emff.co.uk.
FB.COM/INTHESNOW
007 // JAN17
High Quality Catered + Self Catered Accommodation French and Swiss Alps Snow Sure Resorts On / Near Piste locations No Hidden Extras Financially Bonded
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POLLYABALDWIN
FREERIDE NO.16 GOING DIVERGENT AND COPING WITH WHAT THE MOUNTAIN THROWS AT YOU Imagine being able to cope with
problem. Then you can narrow down
single problem.
single solutions? Were you taught one
everything the mountain throws at
the solutions to the most appropriate,
Great skiers don’t look to improve
technique? Do you have a particular
you. All types of terrain, all types
the most desirable, the most suitable.
their “technique”, they look for
way of skiing? Do you ski with your
of snow conditions, all types of
Divergent skiing is where you are
solutions to problems. How to
feet together all the time, stand tall
weather and all types of hazards.
free to constantly change how you
grip more on ice, how to push
all the time, ski low all the time or
Not an easy task, or is it? Phil Smith
ski and to adapt to the ever-changing
heavy snow sideways to control
have your feet apart all the time? If
from Snoworks Ski Courses explains
conditions. To have no set “style”, no
speed off-piste, how to slow down
any of these statements ring true
“going divergent”.
particular “way of skiing”, just be free
quickly, change direction suddenly,
then you learnt convergent. That means sometimes it will work,
to move and adapt and change to
DARE TO BEAT
HELMET COLLECTION
Does this statement sound familiar
suit the ever-changing mountain
to you?
environment.
have good days and bad days.
“Yesterday everything seemed to
Great skiers are all “divergent
To cope with everything and
be going really well, and today I just
skiers”. They have learnt
finish the day where every
can’t get it together.”
divergent, have a divergent
day is a good day, the only
If so, then it’s time to look at the
attitude and ski divergently. You
way is to go divergent.
way you ski and learn the sport
can see this in all the free skiers
Divergent sports people
because what you’re really saying is,
and top racers. They know how
do things differently and
“Yesterday I was so lucky, the snow,
to create solutions on the move,
unexpectedly. They lead the
the weather and the terrain matched
instantaneously. Not thinking
my skiing perfectly – but today I was
they are doing something the
so unlucky, everywhere I skied the
right way or the wrong way, they
terrain, the weather the snow did not
find a way to create a solution.
match my skiing.”
To get down, change direction
Phil Smith is founder of Snoworks
Hannibal said in response to
So how can you get back from
instantaneously, go faster or
All-Mountain Ski Courses. Snoworks
his generals who said it was
skiing every day and say, “Wow,
slower at will whatever the terrain,
run Off-Piste and Backcountry
impossible to cross the Alps
what a day”? The answer is to go
whatever the conditions.
courses throughout the winter along
with elephants, “We will either
“divergent” in your learning, your
On our courses we have many
with Off-Piste Adventure trips to
find a way or make a way.”
attitude and your skiing.
skiers that say things like, “Last
destinations around the world.
Divergent learning, thinking,
year my instructor told me x, y or
info@snoworks.co.uk
skiing and developing a
sometimes it won’t. You will
PHIL SMITH SNOWORKS
way, they don’t follow; they create their own style, they don’t copy. They find many solutions to each problem. As
Divergent learning and skiing –
z.” My answer is always the same:
divergent attitude don’t
creating solutions
“What slope were you on, what
happen overnight if you’ve
Divergent learning starts with a
was the snow like and what was
single problem, and out of the
your objective at the time?”
manoeuvre through a narrow space
some time. There is no one way of
single problem we create multiple
We have skiers that constantly say to
or an awkward bit of terrain.
doing things, no one technique, no
solutions. You keep going with
us, “I need to improve my technique.”
solution after solution until you can’t
As though there is a technique
Conventional teaching –
are used to looking for set answers,
think of any more. You exhaust all
they are looking for, a way of doing
convergent or divergent?
it may seem a bit vague, a bit
possibilities. Great problem solvers
something that will work everywhere.
To begin to go divergent it’s a good
open-ended. But it’s exciting, ever-
are divergent thinkers. Great
They are looking for a single solution
idea to look at how you learnt and
evolving, ever-changing, and that in
businessmen are divergent thinkers.
to multiple problems rather than
think whether it was convergent
itself is so exciting. A mistake isn’t a
You need multiple solutions to every
looking for multiple solutions to each
or divergent. Were you looking for
mistake, it’s an opportunity to learn.
008 // JAN17
learnt convergent. It will take
one style. So to begin with, if you
SNOWORKS.CO.UK
YABULI
Be Ha Ski Moppy, re.
ASIA OVERTAKES NORTH AMERICA IN NUMBER OF SKI AREAS
T
areas in the world.
Most of the remaining ski areas in
economically viable, than opening.
The figures, provided by research
Asia, which is home to two-thirds of
The same slow decline is evident in
company Snow24, which has been
the planet’s population, are in Japan,
most European ski countries.
collecting data on ski resorts since
where skiing boomed in the 1980s
North America does still have many
1991, result from a rapid growth in
and more than 500 ski areas opened.
more lifts and runs than ski areas
small ski area openings in China over
Currently, Snow24 has located 301
in Asia, however, and its ski areas
the past few years. More than 100 new
ski areas in China and 965 areas for
are typically much bigger and
ski areas opened there in 2015 alone
Asia in total, but sources within China
better equipped. The same Chinese
with the number of Chinese people
say the number of ski areas there
source that reports that there are
who tried skiing jumping by nearly a
may now be more than 550, which
more than 550 ski areas in the
quarter. This growth is expected to
puts the total up to 1,229.
country also says there are fewer
increase faster still since China was
Snow24 has records of 840 ski
than 1,200 lifts in China.
he number of ski areas in Asia has
awarded the 2022 Winter Olympics
areas currently operating in North
Snow24’s figures for other continents
passed the 1,000 mark for the first
and both government and commercial
America, and the number of areas
are: Europe (4,131), South America
time, overtaking the number in
interests in the world’s most populous
has gradually declined over the
(42), Australia and New Zealand (39),
North America to make Asia the
country swing ever more behind
last 20 years with more small
Africa (12) and Antarctica (1). World
continent with the second most ski
developing winter sports.
centres closing, being no longer
total: 6,030 ski areas.
It’s your ski holiday so it’s your choice… 60 resorts 8 countries 17 UK airports
STEVEN MCKENNA
SCOTLAND & ICELAND OFFER JOINT SEASON PASSES The agreement was reached by
absolutely every lift at every resort
delegates to the latest North
in both Scotland and Iceland,” said
Atlantic Ski Areas’ Association
Chair of Ski-Scotland, Heather
(NASAA) conference which was
Negus. “With daily flights linking
held recently in the Scottish
Glasgow, Aberdeen and Edinburgh
Highlands.
with Reykjavik, we believe many
It’s believed to be the first time
of our customers will see this as
that skiers in one country have the
a wonderful opportunity to ski or
chance to ski free at all ski areas in
snowboard on new terrain and
another country.
enjoy the culture of a new country.
“While there is cross-border
And, of course, we also look
In what is being heralded as a
ski areas will be able to ski free at
cooperation between individual
forward to welcoming Icelandic
landmark agreement, holders of
any of Iceland’s nine ski areas this
ski areas elsewhere, what makes
skiers and boarders to Scotland’s
season tickets for the five Scottish
season, and vice versa.
this unique is that it includes
mountain resorts.”
Weekends, midweeks and weeks Hundreds of places to stay, chalets and hotel 2* to 5*
Helping you ski when, where and for as long as you want
Don’t just dream of snow,
book today…
Call one of our ski experts on
023 8020 6971 FB.COM/INTHESNOW
009 // JAN17
or email sales@skiweekends.com
LIFE IN PICTURES
BERTRAND DELAPIERRE
PATRIK LINDQVIST
PROMOTION Big Air is the next big thing
the 1800s, and Arnold Lunn,
as its longest off-piste run,
at the next Winter Olympics
an early pioneer of both ski
the famed Vallée Blanche, all
in South Korea in just over a
racing and organised ski
providing outstanding skiing,
year’s time, but in Chamonix
holidays for Brits, learned to
there’s simply nowhere quite
they’ve been enjoying
ski here at that same time.
like Chamonix.
getting airborne from the
Over the intervening 120
And although it may be
snow for many years,
years, Chamonix has gone
a historic Alpine town,
including back at the very
from strength to strength,
Chamonix never rests on
first Winter Olympics that we
and is now widely regarded
its laurels, and is also a
staged here in 1924 – when
as the planet’s capital of
holiday resort with state-of-
ski jumping was officially an
mountain sports, year round.
the art amenities (including
Olympic sport but downhill
Located in one of the world’s
its ski jumps, ice-rinks,
ski racing wasn’t!
most extensive networks of
swimming pools, cinema
The first skis had been
ski runs and lifts and home
and interactive museums)
introduced to the valley some
to the biggest lift-served
as well as being a Mecca for
30 years before at the end of
vertical on the planet, as well
shopping and fine dining.
MONNIER
BANNIKOV
HUSKYDALEN
CHAMONIX
010 // JAN17
CHAMONIX.COM
SKI RACE TIMING MOVES FROM GATES TOWARDS CHIPS
I
t’s the beginning of the end
enhancing the traditional race
measurement of the athlete’s speed,
with greater precision than
of one era in ski race timing
timing triggered when the skier
acceleration and deceleration, the
ever before.
and the start of a new one,
leaves the starting gate.
time it takes to reach 100kph and an
Longines, who have been
as Swiss watch makers
The new system was unveiled in
analysis of jumps.
involved in alpine ski racing since
Longines, who provide the
Sölden, where Swiss racer Lara Gut
This data will be presented in the
1933, plan to officially launch
official timing for World
won the World Cup season opener.
form of TV graphics to viewers at
their new technology during
Cup races, have moved to
The chip attached to the skier’s boot,
home, to the spectators attending
the FIS 2017 Alpine World Ski
using data chips attached
equipped with radar and motion
the competitions and to the
Championships in St Moritz, for
to skiers’ boots to time their
sensors, means racers can be
athletes themselves, helping
which the company is an official
progress down the course,
tracked in real time with continuous
them analyse their performances
partner and the official watch.
MAN FINED FOR SKIS ON UNDERGROUND TRAIN
A Montreal man was surprised to
from bringing bikes, skis, sleds
be issued with a $102 (about £61)
or snowboards on the Montreal
spot fine for carrying his cross-
Metro during rush hour.
country skis on the Montreal
Mr Simard said that he and
metro in Canada.
people around him were surprised
Mathieu Simard told CBC News
by the fine being issued. He said
he used the skis to ski to work
he skied to work but could not ski
when the city was blanketed in
home as the snow was cleared
snow and was carrying his skis
by road workers, but that when
home as he had done regularly
it was snowy it was easier to ski
for the past 10 years without a
than ride his bike to work. After
problem. He was approached by
he was fined Mr Simard had to
two ticket inspectors and issued
walk home.
with the fine, which he says he
“Skis and other items are
could hurt someone during a
from carrying skis and other
will be contesting.
not allowed during rush hour
sudden stop,” a Montreal Metro
items on the Montreal Metro
The fine was issued under a
because they are bulky and
spokesperson told CBC, adding
between 6 and 10am and 3 and
bylaw that forbids passengers
sharp objects that, for example,
that the bylaw prevents people
7pm weekdays.
+33 (0)4 50 54 55 56 reservation@heliopic.com
heliopic-hotel-spa.com FB.COM/INTHESNOW
011 // JAN17
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PERSPECTIVE CHANGES HERE 7,748 SKIABLE ACRES
PURPOSE CHANGES HERE 125 MILES OF TRAILS
SKI CHANGES HERE
LIFE CHANGES HERE
SKI THE CANADIAN ROCKIES
EAST OR WEST NELSON IS BEST!
W O
RD
S:
JU
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NI
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HU
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IM
AG E
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CA R
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I
forgot you worked here,”
gear and are quickly known as “the Dutch
of 14m per year and 118 different runs,
legs and a massive grin, I ski towards
our ski buddy Jack says
Girls”. During lunch, I always ask our new
you will be skiing fresh lines every run.
our “taxi”; the sky is the limit! Each run
to a friend. “I try not to
ski friends what brought them to Nelson.
The lodge is located in the Cariboo range,
is more spectacular than the last; I’m
use that four-letter word,”
An oft-heard response is: “I came here for
the most northerly mountain sub-range
completely high on life and can’t get
his friend replies with a
a few days and just never left.” I certainly
of BC, and this northerly location ensures
enough of this heavenly playground.
chuckle. This laid-back
cannot blame them; the deep powder,
great snow quality throughout the whole
The majestic wooden lodge offers
mentality sums up the
pure stoke and genuine atmosphere
season. Heli-skiing in the Cariboos is a
indulgence and comfort, including all
easy-going attitude that is
make WH2O a special place.
proven formula for success as the first
the usual luxuries plus an outdoor hot
the norm in Nelson. Dotted
two heli-ski operations carefully chose
tub with a lake view and a fully stocked
with Victorian gingerbread
this range too in the 1970s. Willy, our
bar. Every evening, a three-course dinner
Austrian guide, who has been guiding
is laid out for us. But if you aren’t careful,
in this area for over 10 years, ensures
you might end up with a heli-belly with all
us that Silvertip has some of the best
that tantalising food. Heli-skiing at Silvertip
cottages, the Canadian town in the Kootenays is
People of the powder
home to dozens of artists, musicians, yogis and, of
Dedicated ski bums of all ages make
heli-skiing terrain in the world. Knowing
Lodge is not just all-you-can-ski; a more
course, powder junkies.
me realise that skiing is more than
he has guided at several operations, we
accurate description would be all-you-can-
Passionate, well-educated
just a sport here; it is positively a way
can’t wait to experience this ourselves!
wish-for-and-more. Life just doesn’t get
ski bums do odd jobs such as tree
of life. Quality of life is the main thing,
planting, mining or growing pot in order
and people here wholeheartedly enjoy
to be able to ski full-time. For us, two
themselves. For us, the combination of
Dutch women, it is extraordinary to be
breathtaking nature and mountains of
surrounded by skiers and, unsurprisingly,
powder – an average of 12m a year – in
Who knew it was possible to climb
we immediately feel at home.
such a friendly and creative town makes
into your private helicopter just metres
For accommodation in Nelson, we
Nelson the best place for us to visit. After
away from the breakfast table? The
recommend the Alpine Inn, a very
all, where else are people so laid-back
adrenaline races through my body as
comfortable motel. The rooms are
that they refer to work as “the four-letter
the pilot clamps on his headphones,
equipped with a small kitchen, and a
word we try not to use”?
and the propellers begin to rotate faster
night in a twin room starts at $99 (about
as formidable mountains loom in the
£78). Make sure to check out the two-
distance. Our very experienced pilot,
day special for $202 (about £159), which
Ben, flies straight to a ridge, skilfully
includes two Whitewater day passes and
swings the tail around, and lands on
two nights in a twin room.
a tiny plateau marked by a stick with
alpine-motel.com
Pure, Simple & Real … DEEP Despite the fact that POWDER magazine readers voted Nelson “Best Ski Town in North America”, it feels like time has
Dream BIG, dream DEEP!
stood still in this powder paradise for
any better than at Silvertip Lodge!
Sky high
Where To Stay
the past 30 years. Whitewater, only
A very exclusive, high-end ski lodge
orange tape, which turns out to be
a 20-minute drive from Nelson, is an
is nestled in the complete wilderness
the landing zone. Kneeling, we watch
Logden Lodge is another great option,
authentic ski hill, and mass tourism is
upon the Quesnel Lake surrounded by
the helicopter take off as the snow
located just outside of Ymir (also a
nowhere to be found. It is the exact
a pebble beach – quite a memorable
whips up and stings our faces. Slowly,
15-minute drive to WH2O) in a dense
opposite of a crowded European resort.
setting for a heli-ski lodge! Silvertip
the humming fades and a deafening
forest with no other sounds than a small
The three old-fashioned, rickety second-
Lodge is so remote; it is only accessible
silence fills the air. We are standing on
running creek. The Dutch owners, Paul
hand chairlifts take you up to extremely
by helicopter on a 45-minute flight from
a summit in the Canadian wilderness,
and Annelies, two former diplomats,
steep tree runs. The only restaurant on
Williams Lake, making your stay a grand
miles away from the nearest ski lift or
designed the cute and boutique
the mountain is a simple, cosy day lodge
backcountry adventure. In the winter of
town. Everywhere we look, we see
cabins themselves, and it is the perfect
made from timber, where young and old
2017, this private heli-ski operation will
endless untouched powder fields and
place to completely relax, for example
mingle and everyone seems to know
open its doors for private groups up to
breathtaking mountains as we drop into
with a book in front of the fireplace.
each other. We stand out in our colourful
10 guests, and with an average snowfall
our 700 vertical metre run. With aching
logdenlodge.com
SKIWHITEWATER.COM | SILVERTIPHELISKIING.COM
13-15
14-19
SCOTT MARKEWITZ
12-15 Wintersköl
Lauberhorn
World Rookie Fest
ASPEN, COLORADO, USA
WENGEN, SWITZERLAND
LIVIGNO, ITALY
Aspen’s annual “toast to winter” dates back
The first of the classic annual World Cup
Young snowboarders under 18 compete in
to January 1951. The four-day fest includes
Downhill races, the Lauberhorn is the
Livigno’s superb Snowpark Mottolino as they
Soupsköl (a soup cook-off), a canine fashion
longest in the world; its length of 4.48km
endeavour to make their names among the next
show, broomball and fat-biking competitions.
results in run times of 2.5 minutes.
generation of the world’s best boarders.
aspenchamber.org
lauberhorn.ch/en/home
livigno.eu/en
15-22 CHRIS COUNCIL & EMILY CHAPLIN
14-29 15-22 d e d u l c n i All the price: in
on commodati 7 nights ac All meals Lift pass hire Equipment struction 12 hours in
Sled Dog Camp
Aspen Gay Ski Week
77TH Hahnenkamm World Cup
PILLERSEETAL, TIROL, AUSTRIA
COLORADO, USA
TIROL, AUSTRIA
It’s a dog’s (and musher’s) life at the sled dog
Aspen’s gay ski week of fun events and
Regarded as the most demanding race course in
camp and races in PillerseeTal where guests
celebrations is one of the world’s biggest
the World Cup circuit, the famous Hahnenkamm
have the opportunity to meet the mushers
winter gay and lesbian holiday events, and it
will attract the world’s best skiers and thousands
and their dogs and try everything themselves.
celebrates its 40th anniversary this month.
of spectators.
kitzbueheler-alpen.com
gayskiweek.com
fis-ski.com
DIARY|JAN–FEB 2017 HALF TERM & EASTER
Les Deux Alpes & Serre Chevalier Prices from
£523
18-21
6
8-19
Both adults and children have a few hours instruction included each day allowing everyone the opportunity to improve at their own pace whilst ensuring plenty of quality time to ski together as a family.
For more information and to book:
www.action-outdoors.co.uk THE UK PARTNE
DETLEF ECKERT
The no-frills family ski holiday that offers the easiest and cheapest option for parents wishing to treat their little ones to a winter holiday in the Alps. 74th Inferno
Billabong Air & Style
World Championships Biathlon
MÜRREN, SWITZERLAND
INNSBRUCK, TIROL, AUSTRIA
HOCHFILZEN, AUSTRIA
The world’s longest downhill ski race, first
One of the longest established of all the big
The World Championships are the big event
staged in 1928. Nearly 2,000 racers descend
snow events and parties, there’s always intense
in the annual biathlon calendar when all of the
from just below the Schilthorn, setting off at
competition and a party atmosphere at the Air &
disciplines are tracked in succession in this
intervals of just 12 seconds.
Style show at the Bergisel ski-jump.
exceptionally exciting-to-watch sport.
inferno-muerren.ch/en
air-style.com
tyrol.com
R FOR
016 // JAN17
@INTHESNOWMAG
PAUL VILLECOURT / OUTDOOR-REPORTER.COM
I
will focus on quality ski instruction
all love the mountains and the
in Argentière, and during the
between. During the evenings, there
the Chamonix valley but enjoy a
in one of the world’s premier
group will be full of ski and
evenings, entertainment and
will be lots of social activities for
smaller village atmosphere then
Action Outdoors to
resorts in the Chamonix valley.
snowboard enthusiasts who
activities are available.
those who want to participate.
Argentière is the resort for you!
offer our readers an
You can choose to have ski instruc-
want to have a great holiday
A typical day on the mountain will
Argentière is a small village
Argentière accesses the same five
exclusive skiing holiday
tion or not, but the all-inclusive
located 10 minutes up the valley
ski areas that have made Chamonix
in Argentière – hosted by
price includes seven nights full
a world famous destination. The
the Action Outdoors team
board accommodation with break-
OFFER DETAILS
from Chamonix and sharing the same five ski areas. The
skiing is varied and vast although
in Chamonix alongside
fast, a large buffet lunch and a four
25 March, 2017, price from: £599 all inclusive
village has a more personal and
definitely biased in favour of the
ski writer Rob Stewart and
course evening buffet dinner, 6.5
(7 nights full board accommodation, 6.5 days ski pass,
friendly feel than its world famous
advanced skier. The off-piste/
featuring Emily Sarsfield,
days ski pass, 6.5 days ski or snow-
6.5 days equipment hire, evening entertainment)
neighbour and is a popular
backcountry skiing is what makes
Britain’s number one ski-cross
board equipment hire and evening
action-outdoors.co.uk/deals/inthesnow
hangout among the more serious
the Chamonix valley so special. The
racer, the week will be full of
entertainment. If you choose to
skiers. The Mont Blanc massif
depth and variety of lift-accessed
action as like-minded skiers and
take instruction then there’s a vari-
provides a stunning backdrop
high mountain and backcountry
snowboarders explore one of the
ety of options to choose from.
and enjoy some quality time on
include half a day of instruction
to the valley with some of the
terrain is outstanding, including
world’s top winter sports regions.
As InTheSnow readers the
the slopes.
followed by InTheSnow group ski
most striking Alpine scenery
Europe's longest off-piste run, the
Open to all levels of skier, from
emphasis will be on having a
Breakfast, lunch and dinner are
sessions depending on ability levels,
to be found anywhere in the
Vallée Blanche, and the infamous
beginner to expert, the holiday
great time … in the snow. We
available at the UCPA centre
with lunch at the UCPA centre in
world. If you would like to ski
Grants Montets ski area.
PAUL VILLECOURT / OUTDOOR-REPORTER.COM
nTheSnow Magazine
has teamed up with
FB.COM/INTHESNOW
ACTION-OUTDOORS.CO.UK/DEALS/INTHESNOW
N ALBIN
SMART CAMERAS IN SCANDINAVIAN SNOW PARKS
ZERMATT APP NOW “FUSES REALITY WITH VIRTUALITY”
ISCHGL BANS NIGHT-TIME PARTYING IN SKI BOOTS
A new generation of smart cameras have been set up ready to film
Zermatt Bergbahnen, the famous Swiss resort’s lift company, has
Ischgl, which is known as one of the top après-ski destinations in
your every move when you enter the terrain parks at one of five of
announced improvements to its Skiguide Zermatt app. New for 2017
world skiing, has taken steps to curb overenthusiastic revelry through
Scandinavia’s largest ski areas in Norway and Sweden.
is “User Perspective BETA”, which the company says is a mixed-reality
the evening, or at least make it safer.
The new video service at SkiStar Snow Parks in Åre, Sälen, Vemdalen,
feature that:
The issue the Austrian Tirolean resort is seeking to tackle is the
Hemsedal and Trysil means that the skier’s SkiPass in their pocket is
“…fuses reality and virtuality, allowing users to immerse themselves
wearing of ski boots through the evening and into the night.
all that’s needed for the cameras to track them as soon as they enter
completely in the 3D map and experience their surroundings as a ‘low-
The problem is that thousands of people finish their days on the
the park.
poly world’, generated specially for the app.”
slopes by heading in to one of Ischgl’s famous slopeside après-ski
A smart camera films the run and within minutes, the film has been
This approach offers improved navigation and is a more convenient way
bars. Many, it seems, don’t even attempt to return to their hotels to
uploaded on the skier’s MySkiStar profile online. Here they can view
of providing information about the immediate surroundings, Zermatt
change later, but instead just continue on through the evening in their
their run, save the video and share tricks with friends via social media.
Bergbahnen says.
ski gear and boots.
In addition, for younger children at SkiStar’s resorts, the company has
The intuitive route finder shows users how to reach their favourite
Some apparently remember they’ve left their skis at the base of
launched mascot Valle’s very own ski school, which the company says
mountain restaurant from any location in the ski area and how long they
the slopes late in the evening and clatter off to get it, swaying back
is a really fun way for children aged between three and nine years to
will need to get there using the lifts and pistes currently open, taking into
through the resort centre late in the evening, swinging their gear.
learn how to ski confidently and safely.
account the level of ability entered.
In a new ‘Guest Information’ letter this season, signed by the resort’s
Children who want to begin training in early autumn can try out Valle’s
All map content, such as lifts, pistes and restaurants is interactive,
mayor as well as the head of the tourist board and the head of the ski
Ski Rules Game, a new feature on the Valle app that is now also
and the app also has an online ticketing facility, a personalised graph
lift company, the resort says a new policy to offer a new “high quality
available in English.
showing elevation change, current webcam views and weather outlook
après-ski offer” is the focus this season. To that end, a fine of up to
“We want to help children and young people to discover how great
as well as detailed avalanche hazard levels and other safety alerts.
€2,000 (£1,800) may be levied on anyone caught in ski boots in public
it is to get out and have fun in the outdoors,” said Linda Morell, PR
The app.matterhornparadise.ch website offers a full overview of the
after 8pm until 6am the next morning. They note that in the past
Manager at SkiStar. “It should be simple and fun to go on an active ski
range of built-in functions and a link to the App Store and Google Play
those in ski gear after 8pm have sometimes proved to be “a danger to
holiday with the whole family.”
where it is available free of charge for iOS and Android devices.
themselves and to others.”
PLAN. BOOK. SKI. ANDORRA. arinsal.co.uk pasdelacasa.com soldeu.com andorraresorts.com
SLOVAKIA: HIGH QUALITY. TOP VALUE. EASY TO REACH
T
Affordable, especially in comparison to
It’s part of a big upgrade of Jasná this
stretch over 7,000m2 with five easy-to-use
the website at jasna.sk/en/ for full details),
the Alps and even the UK, it may be. And
winter, which also sees enhanced
conveyor lifts where they can experience
and a wide range of accommodation and
it’s true that the locals are certainly happy
snowmaking – increasing coverage by
their first steps on skis or snowboards.
dining out options.
enough. But for 20 years now, the focus
about 20% so most of the runs are now
As an added attraction, lift passes valid for
Of course, although it may no longer be
has been on quality, so you can expect a
covered; a new base building; a new après-
two days or more include all-day entry to
“cheap and cheerful” exactly, Slovakia
ski holiday more like you might imagine
ski bar; improved signage and live slope
Aquapark Tatralandia (Tropical Packet) or to
does remain highly competitive when
a Swiss or Austrian ski holiday, but with
condition information through electronic
GINO PARADISE BEŠEŇOVÁ (Sea and Fun
it comes to your total ski holiday cost.
greater value and affordability.
information boards; and many other
Packet) so you can enjoy indoor summer at
You get much of the same quality as the
In short, the image of the “cheap
enhancements all designed to improve
30°C in winter at the Tatralandia water park
Alps but pay less for everything from
experience” Eastern European holiday is
the ski experience and ensure it is among
just a 15-minute drive from the resorts. This
your lift pass or ski school lessons to
so last century, darling.
the best available anywhere. The GOPASS
great facility has six all-year-round water
accommodation and evenings out.
If you need evidence, look no further than
packet provides hands-free access to all
slides and 10 pools including a snorkelling
Getting to Slovakia can be easier and
the new hi-tech giant gondola lift with
lifts and many other advantages.
pool with live fish and a number of other
cheaper than getting to most other ski
15-seater cabins that goes into service
Although there’s skiing and boarding for all
attractions for children. GINO PARADISE
regions from Britain with short flight times
on the southern side of Mt Chopok
abilities and tastes (great beginner areas,
BEŠEŇOVÁ has great facilities too, including
and very short resort transfers too. Flights
here are still some outdated perceptions
above Slovakia’s leading resort of Jasná
terrain parks, freeride zone and runs for all
geothermal pools, real sea waves and the
cost from only £12.99, take just 2.5 hours
about skiing on the Eastern side of Europe:
this winter. It makes the ride up to the
standard), children are particularly welcome
fastest and longest water slides in Slovakia.
and then it’s only a 45-minute transfer. Then
that the experience is essentially “cheap
top of the slopes even faster and more
in the world-class Maxiland parks in three
There are plenty of other activities to try
once you’re in Jasná, a free shuttle service
and cheerful”.
comfortable than before.
convenient locations, which together
in Jasná too, a long list, in fact (check out
makes everything even more effortless!
019 // JAN17
JASNA.SK/EN
THE
BIGGEST SKIING IN AMERICA WORDS: PATRICK THORNE | IMAGE: JEFF ENGERBRETSON
020 // JAN17
@INTHESNOWMAG
those extensive slopes that you could
Nearing the turn-off up to Big Sky resort
ski for miles and not really see anyone
there was a stylish building with a sign
and there was the lowest skier density
reading “The Warren Miller Performing
per acre of any major North American
Arts Center”. I hadn’t known before, but
resort. How’s your maths? There’s an
the great ski film-making icon spends
average of 3,000 skiers per day and
half his year living here.
the lift capacity is nearly 40,000 skiers
Thankfully, when I finally arrived, Big Sky
per hour.
didn’t disappoint in any way. The opposite was true – it just kept getting better.
ÆÆAt one point it was one of three
The resort base is relatively compact,
adjoining ski areas (a rare scenario in
with everything within a few hundred
hat do you want from the ski resort
the USA, where few ski areas border
metres of wherever you’re staying. The
you choose to visit? Great snow
others), and if you added the terrain
main building is the historic Huntley
conditions are the top priority for
of all three together it was bigger
Lodge, a sprawling mammoth where a
almost all of us, of course. But in terms
than any other ski area in North
convention of medical specialists was
of things we can control, from the
America – so, top five in the world.
underway when I was in town. But there
way travel companies and the resorts
Big Sky actually bought out one of
are still more comfortable condominium
themselves market ski destinations,
those three areas (Moonlight Basin)
complexes and comfortable hotels to
the priorities appear to be ever more
and absorbed its terrain to create
choose from, all just steps from the
comfortable accommodation and ever
the biggest ski area in the USA –
slopes. There are a few dozen shops,
more things to do besides skiing.
for one season – until Vail Resorts
bars and restaurants too, with a nice
The problem, for some, is that some
merged Park City and Canyons ski
eclectic, quirky feel to many of them.
ski areas are now so chock-full of
areas in Utah to the south to take the
The slopes and the scenery exceeded
comfortable slopeside accommodation
“biggest” title.
expectations. Although Park City may have taken that “biggest in the USA” title,
and have so many shops and restaurants and other things to do that the actual
ÆÆBUT the other one of those three
Big Sky Mountain still feels much bigger (I
skiing is almost getting sidelined.
areas was a private ski resort, the
skied both on the trip), perhaps because
In other destinations, if you arrive in
Yellowstone Club, where you had
of all that space all around and the lack of
a busy week the scenario is a lot like
to be at least a multi-millionaire to
any encroaching urban sprawl.
the reality behind the TV car ads. You
own a property, so only the super
I spent my days enjoying those famously
watch a sleek car whizzing along empty
rich and their pals could ski it all
endless slopes, trying everything from
roads in the countryside in the dreamy
(not great, but a fascinating scenario
steep and deep powder terrain to
advertisements, but the reality for most
nonetheless).
long cruisers. One took me past the borderline with Yellowstone where
people is bumper-to-bumper traffic in some urban metropolis.
ÆÆThe scenery was said to be
I could gawk across at some vast
You just watch videos of great skiers
unusually spectacular for the USA –
slopeside mansions.
bouncing through neck-deep powder on
with mountains more like the pointier
A few miles down the road from the main
a big screen in the ski bar of the resort
bits of the Alps.
slopeside base village there’s a rapidly growing community where another
you’re in, but the next day spend your time standing in lift queues or battling
ÆÆOne of Britain’s greatest skiers,
few dozen quirky, locally run shops
for space to turn on the piste.
Martin Bell, and his family had made
and restaurants have appeared, along
So, after 35 years on the slopes
their home here for many years.
with added facilities like a cinema and supermarket. It was down here that the
and several hundred resorts visited, including virtually all of the famous name centres, I tend to find I most often
ÆÆFriends I respected who had visited said I’d love it.
“Yellowstone effect” was visible, as what at first appeared to be your regular small ski area grocery shop turned out to have a
enjoy skiing the smaller places few other people bother with, where I get
Sometimes when I visit a resort I’ve
drinks selection Harrods would be proud
the slopes to myself and quickly get to
had on my bucket list for decades but
of, with $1,000 bottles of rare wines and
know the lift staff in the daytime and bar
have not previously visited, the reality is
plenty of vintage Krug champagne.
staff in the evening.
underwhelming, but as I drove up from
But this being Big Sky, nobody batted
Don’t get me wrong, there are very few
Salt Lake City (now served by a direct
an eyelid whether you splashed the
Open 24 November 2016 – 16 April 2017
ski areas I haven’t liked (and I’ll not name
Delta flight from Heathrow) the signs
cash on a pricey bottle like that or just
ÆÆ10 metres average annual snowfall
those on the list), but I know now what
were increasingly good.
picked up a six-pack of Bud.
I really like, and on a road trip in the
The wide, straight interstate got
Since my visit the owners of Big Sky
Western USA last Easter I finally landed
progressively quieter and the mountains
have announced a huge $150 million,
on a real gem: Big Sky in Montana.
ever more impressive. The speed
10-year spending plan, Big Sky 2025
I’d known about Big Sky for a long time,
limit sign suddenly said 80mph
(bigsky2025.com), which will see almost
Package holidays
and I’d only ever heard good things.
(approximately 129kph), which I had not
all of the lifts replaced with new, faster
ski-i.com/usa/big-sky
These were its key attractions for me:
realised was allowed anywhere in the
models (two are being upgraded for
skisafari.com/usa/big-sky
at one point it had built an intriguingly
USA, and then, as I drove up the side of
this winter), improvements to the resort
kuoni.co.uk/ski-holidays/usa/big-sky
small new cable car to open up what
Yellowstone National Park, a sign said
base and the resort re-taking the title of
was, for a few years, the biggest lift-
“Warning, Buffalo Crossing” and there
“biggest lift-served vertical in the US”.
served vertical in the USA.
were a few dozen of the huge animals
Hopefully all this won’t make Big Sky too
It claimed there were so few skiers on
grazing by the roadside. Wow!
popular: I do love those empty slopes.
BIG SKY ÆÆ5,800 acres of terrain ÆÆ300+ named ski runs ÆÆ32 lifts, mostly chairs
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RALF HAUSER
Foto © Christoph Schöch
LECH ALL SET FOR THE RETURN OF “THE WHITE RING” ski race bucket list and is being
The first stage goes via the
the finish in Lech.
staged for the 12th time on 21
Schüttboden lift, the Trittalp
There is added excitement the day
January 2017.
cable car and the notorious
before, on 20 January, with The
The White Ring, open to all-
Hexenboden piste to Zürs.
White Ring race at Speed Race Zürs.
comers, sees 1,000 skiers and
The next big ascent, to 2,444m
On that day it is not the quickest
snowboarders compete on a 22
above sea level, is via the Seekopf
time but the fastest speed that
km-long course, involving 5,500m
and Madloch cable car. Probably
counts when participants have their
of vertical descent as they go
the most challenging part of The
speed recorded on a short course.
round the longest ski race circuit in
White Ring race starts there,
In addition, the day before that (19
the world.
with a descent down the almost
January), race participants can take
The race starts from Lech at
5km-long Madloch ski route to
part in a professional training session
9am with racers heading up
Zug. The competitors then take
with Olympic champion Patrick
ech Zürs am Arlberg in Austria
to the Rüfikopf lift-top station
the Zug cable car to the start of
Ortlieb and the former ski racer Katja
is gearing up for the return of its
at an altitude of 2,350m. Then
the final stage, which goes via
Wirth, and get insider tips on the
famous “White Ring” ski race that
the participants start to race in
Kriegeralpe to Oberlech and down
Speed Race Zürs race track.
has fast become a classic on the
groups of 20 every 1.40 minutes.
the Schlegelkopf descent back to
lech-zuers.at
SIX-DAY PASS PRICES CREEP TOWARDS €300 (£255)
ALPINE/FREERIDE STOCKIST INFO ADMIN@ARDBLAIRSPORTS.COM | 01250 873863 WWW.LEKI.COM
included too.
pass at some of the world’s
The Paradiski area, which is also
largest ski areas is creeping
one of the world’s three biggest,
closer to the €300 (£255) mark
will charge €298 (£254) for a ticket
this winter 2016/17.
this winter, and the world’s largest
The price of the Mont Blanc
lift-linked ski area, Les 3 Vallées,
Unlimited pass for the wider
will charge a headline rate of €294
region around Chamonix has
(£250) for a six-day pass. It’s cheaper
increased from €293 (£250) last
if two or three adults buy the same
winter to €299 (£255) this winter,
pass at the same time, and both
although officially it now also
passes offer family savings and
includes the Megève area, taking
about 20% discounts for children
coverage to around 1,000km
aged 5 to 12. It can be cheaper to
season, and it also remains possible
rather than the full pass coverage,
with Courmayeur and Verbier still
buy the passes outside the main
to buy tickets for individual areas
often at savings of 20–40%.
022 // JAN17
LA PLAGNE / P ROYER
POLE BLUE BIRD VARIO GLOVE ELEMENTS PALLADIUM S
The cost of a six-day adult lift
@INTHESNOWMAG
PROMOTION
LIFE IN PICTURES PROMOTION style, tailor-made decoration
fireplace and a private spa
superb collection of five
and design, seamlessly
with an infinity Jacuzzi and
gorgeous ski-in/ski-out
blending Swiss tradition with
dry sauna.
chalets perched high on a
a touch of modernity.
Last but not least, the
sun-drenched plateau in the
Crans Luxury Lodges is
professional fully equipped
world-class Swiss ski resort
the perfect place to stay
meeting area of 90m2 is
of Crans Montana.
with your family, friends
ready to welcome small
Comfort is what makes the
or colleagues. Each large
seminars of up to 40 people.
difference at Crans Luxury
chalet extends to 250m2 on
Hotel services include
Lodges – built on land that
two or three floors and with
continental breakfast
has belonged to the same
elegant bedrooms and en
delivered directly to the
family for over 400 years –
suite bathrooms.
chalet, a concierge available
where everything has been
They are fully furnished
to answer all queries and
thought of in order for you to
and equipped with an
book any services required,
find a home away from home.
open kitchen, dining room,
an inclusive housekeeping
Each chalet can provide
plenty of leisure and lounge
and final cleaning service
lovely lodging for eight to
space, wine cellar, large
and a private chef who can
ten people and has its own
terrace with a stunning view,
be booked on request.
STEPHANE GROS
Crans Luxury Lodges is a
STEPHANE GROS
CRANS LUXURY LODGES
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+41 27 480 35 08 | CRANSLUXURYLODGES.COM
GEOFFREYHUBBEL.COM
S
again this year. As part of their
my rendition of The Final Countdown.
World Is Not Enough. The name’s
reserved only for those days when
right track. It’s the red team vs the
quest to create the winter resort
Seeing pink, blue and green
Snow. InTheSnow.
you are not skiing. And, with the
white team in a purpose-built snow
of our dreams, they have put
snow? Now, either those fancy
Smoked Salmon; Beefeater Gin;
restaurant having possibly the best
arena. Grab your mates, grab your
together an unbelievable run of
goggles you got for Christmas are
Le Weekend: all great examples
view of Les Portes du Soleil, it’s
balls and prepare for battle!
features and experiences, so that
playing tricks on you, or you’ve
of British exports to France. Now
worth taking at least a morning off
Keen for more? Head to their
you can have the time of your life
stumbled across the Snowboxx
Snowboxx have one more for them:
the slopes to see the shock on the
website to find out all about Feasts
even when you’re not on skis.
Paintball Fight. Hidden deep
Bottomless Brunches. For those
maître d’s face when you polish off
on the Piste, Human Bowling and
Bored of long, dreary gondola rides?
within the Burton Stash Park (an
not yet aware, this brilliant invention
that 14th glass of Brut.
the Skim Pool. We’ll see you on
No problem. Step inside the Karaoke
all-natural park designed by Mr
combines your favourite breakfast
As night falls, it is time for the
the slopes. Or maybe at Brunch.
Cabins and sing all the way up!
Burton himself, possibly the best
(anything from avocado and
Extreme Snowball Fight. What’s
Probably at Brunch.
The Snowboxx guys have fitted a
snow park in Europe, no biggie) is
poached egg on sourdough right
an extreme snowball fight, I hear
Snowboxx Festival runs from
gondola cabin with wall-to-wall neon,
the snowy paintball arena where
through to a full English, depending
you ask. Well, if you take equal
18 to 25 March in the alpine
nowboxx Festival, known for
speakers, microphones and endless
all your dreams can come true.
on how hipster you are) with two
measures of a snowball fight, a
paradise of Avoriaz. Final tickets
taking things to the next level on
amounts of 80s fancy dress. Let’s
That is, if your dreams are to
hours of unlimited champagne.
Canadian hockey match and Ben
and packages are on sale now,
the mountains, are stepping up
hope I don’t cause an avalanche with
recreate the ski chase from The
This pursuit, we are told, is to be
Stiller’s Dodgeball, you’ll be on the
from £350pp.
024 // JAN17
SNOWBOXX.COM
GEOFFREYHUBBEL.COM
MICHAEL GONCALVES
SNOWBOXX
V
Obereggen the first telemix lift
well as everyone else.
spectacular new snack bar built,
– combining chairs and gondola
The new telemix lift is just one
with eco-sustainable materials
cabins on one lift cable – is also
of three major innovations in the
including local wood and glass,
new this season.
Ski Center Latemar (48km of ski
above the Oberholz chairlift and
The new environmentally friendly
slopes accessible from Predazzo,
with three terraces coming out of
Bellamonte 3.0 Castelir-Morea
Pampeago and Obereggen).
the mountains. The unique structure
gondola at Bellamonte-Alpe Lusia
The telemix lift replaces a fixed-grip
will be composed of a single body
is seen as a new beginning for the
quad chairlift and has six-seater
that will then divide into three large
area. The new lift replaces the two
chairs and eight-seater cabins on
glass windows overlooking the
old chairlifts, meaning only 15 lift
the cable. Telemix guests who
surrounding mountains.
towers are now required, with 13
don’t want to ski can easily reach
Thirdly, in Pampeago, along the
isitors to the stunning Val di Fiemme
removed. The new gondola has
the brand-new sledge trail Absam,
Agnello track which goes through
ski area in Italy’s Trentino region will
a mid-station and a capacity of
which is 750m long, and the ski
the art park RespirArt (one of the
find two cool new-generation ski lifts
2,200 people per hour using 10
slope Laner will be further enlarged
highest parks in the world), you’ll
waiting for them this winter.
passenger cabins; it is especially
and improved in order to guarantee
have the opportunity to admire
In the Bellamonte ski resort a
well adapted to carry children and
a relaxing and pleasant skiing and
new pieces of art realised during
new eco-friendly gondola has
disabled people (for whom the area
sledging experience.
summer 2016 by internationally
just begun operations, and in
has particularly good facilities), as
Obereggen will also see a
renowned artists.
EIDER HP
F. MODICA
MAJOR NEW LIFTS IN VAL DI FIEMME
ergonomic
innovation for freedom Fix a ShapeTM by YKK®, the first zipper that matches the profile of your face
by creating versions that run on
seats, a movable control joystick, a
bio-diesel or event electricity and
crawl tunnel made from varnished
carry ground radar systems so they
plastic and a 4.6m-high snow
don’t groom thin areas and risk
blade designed as a climbing wall.
damaging the ground beneath.
There’s also a wide slide made of
But now, Sunkid, the company
fibreglass and a cable winch used
most famous for its conveyor lift
as a slackline as well as a crane
systems, has created an all-wooden
boom with a rope.
piste basher – so, presumably,
The first of Sunkid’s play groomer
completely eco-friendly – but one
was purchased by Arosa ski area
that’s not designed to move, just to
in Switzerland, but the company
be played on by children!
is happy to produce more on
Manufacturers of the giant tractors
that are used to smooth the pistes
Measuring just under 10m long, 4m
demand. If you’d like one, they cost
– variously known as “snow
are making great efforts to make
wide and 4.8m high, it includes an
€45,000 (about £38,000) ex works
groomers” or “piste bashers” –
their machines more eco-friendly
operator’s compartment with two
and will be delivered in kit form.
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025 // JAN17
Find out more on www.eider.com
S.Secchi©
FIRST WOODEN GROOMER ARRIVES IN AROSA
GROOVE CAIRNGORM RETURNS Groove CairnGorm is back for its second staging this winter. The festival takes place at CairnGorm Mountain and Badaguish Outdoor Centre on Friday 24 and Saturday 25 February 2017, with acts including Basement Jaxx, Craig Charles and Blonde. Tickets including lift pass and après-ski entertainment are £115 for Fri/Sat or £140 for Fri/ Sat/Sun, and are on sale at: skiddle.com/festivals/groove-cairngorm
SKI AREA CLOSED FOR 20 YEARS TO RE-OPEN A ski resort in Michigan that closed in 2000 is FABIAN WESTER
expected to finally re-open, after many false dawns, by 2020. Sugar Loaf (not to be confused with Sugarloaf in Maine) has been bought by a California real estate developer who says the ski area will reopen, but that he wants to do it properly and be sure was once the leading employer in the region.
PHONE RESCUED FROM MOUNTAIN A woman who dropped her mobile phone from a chairlift onto rocks when it fell from her pocket at Whistler Blackcomb in BC never expected to see it again. However, an electrician known only as Brian, who works for the resort, found the phone about a week later and managed to work out the company the woman worked for from the data on it. He emailed the company and insisted on sending the phone back to her at his own expense. Despite being damaged by the fall, its screen and data were intact and it still charges up.
MEET A REINDEER Vemdalen ski area in Sweden’s Bear Kingdom will have lighting on its giant slalom slope for the first time from this season on, which will allow great opportunities for evening skiing and boarding. In
ANYONE FANCY AN APRESSKI BRUNCH PARTY?
B
SCHOOL HOLIDAYS SKI WEEKS FROM £523
announced several special parties
February and 1 April 2017.
this winter, when you don’t need to
There’ll also be a ski stimulator
be in the Alps to get in the après-
on which to test out your skills, so
ski mood.
perhaps best not to over-indulge
Après Ski London and tour operator
during the hour of inclusive Moët
The Ski Week are partnering to create
& Chandon cocktails and two
what they’re christening “London’s
hours of Austrian Alpine-inspired
only after-ski brunch parties.”
buffet before the DJs get the
Action Outdoors, which offers ski holiday
Après Ski London will be blasting
dancefloor started.
accommodation inclusive of full board catering,
real snow from above on to High
Tickets for the all-day après-ski
lift pass, equipment rental and tuition, is offering
Street Kensington and will have
parties start at £55, or a fully
Easter week in Serre Chevalier for an all-
odo’s Schloss, the Alpine-chalet-
real reindeer to greet their guests
serviced table costs from £285 for
inclusive price of £523. New this season, the
themed venue in London, has
on arrival at Bodo’s Schloss on 4
each party.
company is also offering Les 2 Alpes during the
YOANN PESIN
the right decisions are made. The 500-acre property
peak February half-term period from £745 per person. Prices include all the main in-resort costs
ANOTHER NEW SKI AREA FOR UTAH
addition, the resort’s Samiland will open right in
mentioned, but do not include travel. Action Outdoors is the UK partner of UCPA, a French non-profit organisation that provides excellent value accommodation for younger
the middle of the children’s area. Here members
Marshall McGonegal, Marketing and
people, although recently they have extended their
of the indigenous Sami people will talk about their
Public Relations Manager at the area,
service to families and individuals up to the age of
told local media. “We only ran two
55 years old. The company operates in Chamonix,
snowcats — we wanted to
Flaine, Les Arcs, La Plagne, Les 2 Alpes, Tignes,
test the waters and get
Val d’Isère, Serre Chevalier and Val Thorens.
everyone excited.”
“Family skiing holidays have a reputation for
The ski area is huge, around six
being expensive, but it’s all the extras that
times larger than the biggest
make it rack up,” commented David Robertson,
conventional (i.e. with ski lifts and
Managing Director of Action Outdoors, “When
groomed runs) ski area in the US. It’s
you have three decent meals a day, ski pass,
also the third new area to open in
lessons and equipment hire already paid
culture and their role in the history of the local Härjedalen region. Reindeer meat and fish will be cooked over an open fire, and skiers can get to meet reindeer up close.
SNOW IN SAUDI ARABIA Saudi Arabia received a rare snowfall when A new ski resort is scheduled to open
of powder snow annually and can
Utah in three years.
for within a price that’s often less than most
in northern Utah this winter.
provide up to 1,000m vertical runs,
Prices start from $450 (£370) for
accommodation-only options during the peak
social media images showed people stopping their
Whisper Ridge doesn’t have any lifts,
had a “soft opening” with limited
a day of cat skiing with the option
weeks of the season, then it’s much easier to
cars on high roads in the country’s north west to slide
but instead will offer 285km2 of back-
guests last season, but this winter
to add a stay in a custom yurt with
manage the budget. We want to make family
on roads and build snowmen and even a snow camel.
country terrain, accessed by eight
plans to be fully operational.
hot tub, sauna and meals cooked
skiing accessible and not some kind of exclusive
snowcats and a helicopter.
“Last year, we slipped under a lot of
by a 5★ chef for $775 (£635).
experience for the super wealthy.”
The ski area, which gets around 8m
people’s radar. It was a light opening,”
whisperridgeutah.com
action-outdoors.co.uk
temperatures, normally closer to 30˚C even in the “colder” months, dropped to -3˚C. YouTube video and
Most of the snowfall was above 600m in altitude around the Tabaraj area. Saudi Arabia recently opened an indoor snow centre for year-round snow fun.
026 // JAN17 // INTHESNOW.COM
@INTHESNOWMAG
TWO-BILLION-YEAR-OLD SNOW FOUND ON VENUS
FAMOUS APRES-SKI BAR REVAMPED
A new study from NASA scientists, using all available evidence and
One of Canada’s legendary après-ski bars, Le P’tit Caribou in Mont-
computer modelling techniques, has postulated that Venus may once
Tremblant, Quebec, has been fully revamped and has now reopened after
have had an atmosphere very similar to that of Earth, with a shallow
three months of major renovations. Although having first opened its doors
ocean, rain and snowfall and even permanently snow-capped mountains.
as recently as 1993, Le P’tit Caribou has become a requisite stop in Mont-
The study found that around two billion years ago Venus may have been
Tremblant and has become an internationally known après-ski experience.
habitable; even though it was closer to the sun, the sun is estimated to
The three new owners – Joshua Wilson, Sébastien Turgeon and Tyler
have been 40% less powerful than it is now.
Matthew Lane (pictured) – took on this major renovation project in the
“In our model it absolutely does snow on Venus. In fact, on its highest
establishment when the last ski season finished. The new-look Le P’tit
peak at 8,000m on Ishtar Terra we see a permanent snow cover,” NASA
Caribou is almost unrecognisable. On the main floor, the establishment
scientist Michael J. Way, one of the report’s authors, told InTheSnow.
still offers a large open space, including an enormous central bar. A new
In fact, other studies have reported it does still snow on Venus, just not
stage has been created for live shows and the DJ booth has been raised
snow as we know it. Scientists believe a kind of “heavy metal snow”
a bit higher and is now located in a gondola cabin. Scattered throughout
can fall on the Venusian surface, as temperatures are so hot that some
the bar are a few old ski lift chairs as a reminder of its choice location at
metals move through the planet’s atmosphere in the way that water
the base of the ski hill. In the basement there’s the Wine & Whisky Bar,
does on earth.
designed for those who enjoy vintage wine and spirits.
UBISOFT
EDDIE “THE EAGLE” IN THE AIR AGAIN
Former British Olympian Eddie “The Eagle”
competing against two pro skydivers, who also
STEEP gives
Edwards has got into the record books again –
attempted to complete the STEEP challenge
players the
this time by attempting a world first – playing a
alongside the national treasure.
opportunity to
video game in a vertical wind tunnel!
The challenge was an in-game wingsuit race
ski, wingsuit, snowboard and paraglide, with
Braving speeds of up to 145kph, Eddie took
on Mont Blanc – just one of many exhilarating
the freedom to explore the incredible wintery
to the air again in a stunt to promote the new
locations in STEEP.
scenes of the game’s open world. Riders can
STEEP™ video game from Ubisoft.
“I couldn’t wait to give it a go. I love a
traverse the Alps solo or drop in side-by-side
Boasting an undeniable sporting prowess and
challenge, but this was unlike anything that I’d
with friends to record and share the most insane
his well-documented determination, Eddie
ever tried before. As soon as I started playing,
tricks ever captured on the slopes. It also allows
did not disappoint and completed this unique
I was determined to glide past that finishing
players to challenge their friends to see who
challenge, finishing in the medal positions, while
line,” said Eddie.
truly comes out on top of the world.
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027 // JAN17
 PROMOTION 028 // JAN17
@INTHESNOWMAG
HOW TO HOLIDAY IN MORZINE
famous car manufacturer, is also Premium Plus rated. Built new from the ground up, with an Italian designer, it features floor-toceiling windows offering spec-tacular views.
Alpine Elements is the biggest independent
Along with the Premium Plus service, the
British holiday company in Morzine for
chalet has its own hot tub.
both winter and summer breaks, with a
Or, there are chalets Nyon and Nyon 2, which
large selection of catered or self-catering
are true skiers’ chalets, virtually ski-to-door, in
chalets and hotels in the famous ski village
a won-derful location just 100m from the Nyon
to choose from. They come in a range of
cable car, offering direct access to the Morzine–
price bands from the most affordable to
Les Gets sector of the Portes du Soleil.
quite luxuri-ous, but all options have a focus
Chalet Papy is a 12-bed chalet, with twin
he Portes du Soleil is one of the world’s great
on value, and on location, location, location
and quad bed accommodation, in a great
ski regions. The fact that, with 600km of trails,
in the village and by the slopes! Several
position - just 100m from resort amenities
it’s one of the biggest ski areas on the planet
are ski-in/ski-out – it may surprise you
and the nearest après-ski. The Super
is in some ways not the point. It’s the fact that
how big the selection is and the choice of
Morzine cable car, which accesses the
those 600km of runs interconnect no less
accommodation and “holiday type” you have
Avoriaz and Swiss sectors of the Portes du
than a dozen resorts, most of them traditional
available to you.
Soleil, is only five minutes’ walk away.
villages, and stretch across the border so that
In catered chalets, for example, there are
Alpine Elements also have hotel
you can ski from France into Switzerland, that
both regular and Premium chalets. In all
accommodation available in Morzine. The
makes it truly special.
catered chalets, guests enjoy breakfast and
Hotel Les Dents Blanches, complete with
Altogether there are almost 300 runs in the
afternoon tea and cakes each day along
hot tub, offers very competitively priced B&B
Portes du Soleil (more than 200 of which are
with three-course dinners with wine on six
(cooked or continental) accommoda-tion in
rated blue or red, so suitable for most of us,
days (to give chalet staff a night off). There is
two, three or four-bed rooms and is, again,
with plenty of beginner and expert terrain
also inclusive wi-fi internet, and free games
located close to the resort centre and around
too). Also, there are near-ly 200 lifts in this
rental and use of chalet spa facilities where
200m from the Super M cable car.
huge, amazing ski area.
offered, such as saunas and hot tubs.
A second hotel, the Hotel Renardiere, is
The great size of the region means that you
Premium chalets have a higher specification
locally famous for having one of the cosiest
never need to ski the same run twice. If you’re
of design and service, and Alpine Elements
bars in town that also offers some of the best
an inter-mediate skier, or better, you
prices! Offered exclusively by Alpine
may choose to do a circuit, taking in
Elements and located 10 minutes’
several resorts, stopping in one for a
walk from the Pleney cable car and
mid-morning coffee, another for lunch.
ski slopes (skiers rated intermediate
The area has invested heavily in fast,
or above can ski back via an off-piste
efficient, comfortable lifts that make
route), guests enjoy chalet board
getting around quick and easy, and
and have a hot tub to soak in after a
there’s even a free-to-download app
day on the slopes.
that can ad-vise on route planning
Another hotel, The Hermine Blanche,
with suggested itineraries depending
is located close to the Super Morzine
on your tastes and ability level, and
gondola lifts on the “sun-ny side” of
live information on weather and lifts
Morzine. It also features two, three
status as well as which runs are open.
and four-bed rooms and offers both classic and Premi-um-level chalet-
names – the historic Swiss village
ALPINE ELEMENTS IN MORZINE
of Champéry, France’s only car-free
Sales & Info: 020 3642 3109
outdoor heated pool, indoor Jacuzzi
village, the avant-garde and purpose-
Ski Weeks: alpineelements.co.uk/ski-morzine
hot tub and a sauna, and there’s
built Avoriaz and family-friendly Les
Ski Weekends: sister company: igoski.co.uk
a cosy lounge, licensed bar and
Gets. Then at the heart of it all there’s
Hotel Prices from £65 per night with catering
restau-rant.
Morzine, a historic ski village that
Chalet Prices from £545 per week with catering
Alpine Elements also offer a special
offers all the best parts of the Portes
and flights
“On the Snow” service when you
Those dozen resorts that make up the Portes du Soleil include some famous
hotel’s leisure suite with its indoor/
du Soleil from its central location.
pre-book in-resort services like lift
A long-standing British favourite, and
pass, rentals and ski school through the company. Staff are on hand,
a French resort of chalets rather than
FB.COM/INTHESNOW
style catering. Guests can enjoy the
apartment blocks, Mo-rzine oozes ambience
have even introduced Premium Plus, which
from the moment you arrive, to offer advice
and also has one of the liveliest and most
takes things up another notch still with
and any information required. They can help
extensive après-ski scenes in France. It offers
champagne on arrival!
to fast-track you, where possible, through
a state-of-the-art high-speed giant gondola
Premium chalets include Chalet Ardoiseres,
the ski hire shops to collect your kit and
connection up to Avoriaz and on to Switzerland
which, with its own sauna and hot tub, is
provide any assistance needed getting you
in one direction, or the option to ski over to Les
located in the popular Les Prodains area,
to ski school. The company can also arrange
Gets in a special sector of the Portes du Soleil
at the base of the cable car up to Avoriaz.
discounts on equipment rentals.
shared just by the two villages.
Bright, modern and recently renovated
All holiday packages include flights, transfers
In short, there are few ski resorts anywhere
Chalet Charlie, also rated Premium, is
and accommodation, although you can opt
offering so much choice of terrain, so many
located just 50m from the slopes and has a
to organise you own travel and have the
options each morning and such a vibrant
hot tub offering views out over Morzine.
price reduced.
village in which to base yourself. It’s even one
Chalet Well has the highest Premium Plus
So, having found the ski resort that ticks
of the closest resorts to Geneva, meaning
grade and Alpine Elements service, which
every box for the complete ski holiday, and
shorter airport transfers, and quicker for
offers all the perks of Premium plus extras
a company that ticks every box for choice
self-drivers to reach from the Chunnel, so it’s
like a champagne welcome and luxury
and range of ski holiday option, your only
no surprise that ski holidays here are in such
toiletries. It also has a hot tub.
problem is deciding which ac-commodation
high demand.
Chalet Austin next door, named after the
to choose first.
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029 // JAN17
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XAVIER FERRAND
16/17 COLLECTION
STAY AT THE HEART OF THE ACTION
M
of lively bars, great restaurants and
and the centre of town – or if you’re
In terms of bedrooms, there’s a
enticing shops. The perfect base for
wanting to make it really easy you
choice of light, airy Classic and
a great ski holiday.
can just hop in the ski bus right
Premium en-suite twins, doubles
The main thing to watch out for
outside the hotel.
and family suites with balconies
when you book a Morzine chalet or
This friendly hotel has excellent
and satellite TV showing some
hotel, though, is location. Choose
facilities including a comfy lounge
British channels.
the wrong place and you can be too
complete with pool table and
The Hermine Blanche has so many
far from the lifts, or too far from the
an open fireplace. There’s also
plus points it’s a great choice for
heart of the resort. What’s more, a
a licensed bar, restaurant and a
your Morzine holiday.
lot of the resort spends much of the
wellness suite with indoor/outdoor
orzine is one of the most sought-
winter in shadow most of the time
heated swimming pool, sauna and
after ski resorts in the Alps. Not only
due to the high mountains above,
indoor Jacuzzi hot tub. There’s
Holidays at the Hotel Hermine
does it lie in a key location in the vast
so that’s less fun to stay in!
free wi-fi for guests, and overnight
Blanche in Morzine start from
Portes du Soleil ski area, one of the
The Hermine Blanche is a warm
ski storage includes heated boot
only £577pp (incl. 7 nights
world’s largest, which straddles the
and welcoming hotel run by Alpine
warmers and ski/board storage
catered accommodation,
French–Swiss border, but it’s also
Elements located on the “Sunny
facility. To make the most of the
flights, transfers & 30% off ski
one of the world’s most characterful
Side” of Morzine, facing the sun all
hotels’ elevated sunny position,
and board hire).
resorts. That means it’s no soulless
day long. It’s just a six or seven-
there’s a sun deck from which you
Call 0208 947 2113 or visit
purpose-built high altitude resort but
minute walk from the boot room
can enjoy spectacular views of the
alpineelements.co.uk/hermine
a real historic community now full
to the Super Morzine gondola lifts
resort and ski slopes beyond.
SHEFFIELD SKI VILLAGE REDEVELOPMENT PLAN ANNOUNCED Sheffield may get a new dry slope
facilities which helped lift some of
site has lain derelict since it was
the detail, only wishing the attraction
as part of redevelopment plans
Britain’s current snowsports stars,
destroyed by a fire nearly five years
to be a significant outdoor sports
announced by the city council.
such as Team GB Olympians James
ago, in 2012, and has suffered more
facility with mountain biking trails,
The original Sheffield Ski Village,
‘Woodsy’ Woods, James Machon
than 50 arson attacks since then.
bike park and “national snowsports
which opened in 1988, was once
and Katie Summerhayes, to their
The city council says it wants to
centre” being possible options.
the largest year-round dry-slope
current status among the very best
bring in a private developer to turn
Sheffield City Council say they will
snowsports facility in Europe
in the world in their disciplines.
the site into a “nationally significant
seek expressions of interest over the
and had state-of-the-art freestyle
However, the 12-hectare Ski Village
attraction”, although it is vague on
coming months.
030 // JAN17
@INTHESNOWMAG
For stockists information call: 01572 770900
BLOW BONUS HELISKI ICELAND
Ski with Inghams this winter France From only
£489
Austria From only
£519
Andorra From only
£559
Slovenia From only
£499
Italy From only
£539
Switzerland From only
£629
Departures from 25 UK airports
Call 01483 345 327 or visit inghams.co.uk 0025
Travel with confidence
V4871
100% BONDED SECURITY
*Prices quoted are per person for 7 nights, include flights, transfers and catering as described on our website and are correct at time of going to print. All holidays subject to availability.
Top price:
“I’ve been coming here each winter for over
$30,000 (£23,775) per night for 12 guests,
20 years,” he said earnestly. “And, for every
including a day’s heli-skiing for all (using two
million vertical miles one skis, one is given a
helicopters) and accommodation.
free ski suit. So, you see, it’s really rather good.”
WORDS: GABRIELLA LE BRETON
Working on a healthy British Columbia daily
Bargain price:
average of 6,000 vertical metres (at an average
$10,000 (£7,925)pp for four days’ semi-private
£1,200 per day), I hope his suits look every inch
heli-skiing and accommodation.
their $60,000 (£47,500) price tag. So, once you’ve committed to the inevitable
A heli-ski trip is never going to be cheap, even
cost of heli-skiing (and with it, the promise of
if you plump for the decommissioned choppers
bounding through bottomless, virgin powder
and kerosene-drinking pilots of Mother Russia
hour after hour, day after day), you have to pick
rather than a swanky North American lodge
the right heli-ski destination. Sure, you could
with shiny new Bell 212s. Regular heli-skiers
head to Alaska and face the possibility of its
ultimate heli-ski pad: Deplar Farm. An old sheep
are a different breed to “normal” skiers – either
unpredictable weather seeing you spend more
farm, it has been restored and pimped by the
professional freeriders who lap Alaskan spines
time darning your ski socks in a corrugated
high-end American adventure travel company
like they’re bunny hills or like a wonderful silver-
metal shack than skiing. Or, you could go
Eleven Experience. It might still feature a
haired gentleman I met in Revelstoke a few
“mainstream” and stick to the BC heli stalwarts:
traditional grass roof and black timber painted
years back: he spoke like Prince Philip, invited
the Bugaboos, Selkirks and Monashees. There’s
exteriors but the millionaire’s playpen sprawls
me to join him for “sundowners” (remember,
also the option of more exotic destinations such
over 7,000m2, encompassing 12 bedrooms, a
this is in the mining town of Revelstoke, where
as Russia, Chile, Turkey and Georgia.
spa with two flotation tanks, geothermally heated
the social highlight is beers and nachos at The
And then there’s Iceland. One of the most
indoor and outdoor swimming pools, hot tubs
Village Idiot) and valiantly attempted to explain
elemental places on our planet, Iceland is a
and a sauna, a private cinema, games room and
what “frightfully good value” heli-skiing is.
country of wind-scoured valleys, blackened cliffs
wine cellar. Oh, and a fleet of snowmobiles, a
battered by the freezing Arctic Ocean, bubbling
customised snowcat, a Mercedes van with Arctic
geothermal fields and unpronounceable
track tyres and a room full of custom Wagner skis
volcanoes. Like the branches of a sea coral, the
and avi gear. This is heli-skiing with benefits.
Troll Peninsula stabs the ocean to the north of
Book into Deplar for heli-skiing and you’ll be
Iceland and it is here that heli-skiing happens.
spending time with Steve, Alan and Barney
While the terrain lacks the steeps and deeps
– three of Eleven Experience’s dedicated
of North America, it makes up for these with
mountain guides who migrate to Iceland
dramatic peak-to-fjord descents, skiing under
each spring from the company’s properties in
the golden light of the midnight sun and virtually
Colorado and France. As you explore Eleven’s
avalanche-free slopes. Furthermore, descents
2,400km2 heli-ski area with the fun-loving,
are long (2,500–3,500 vertical metres) and
knowledgeable and deeply professional
Hobbs time (time spent in the air – get with the
gang, they’ll have you navigating peak-
heli lingo) is a fulsome three hours per day (more
to-fjord descents, sheer colours and vast
if you’ve got the Icelandic króna).
powder bowls. They’ll even let you put your
Set in the rugged Skagafjörður valley,
name to first descents, marking up the lodge
sandwiched between great meringue dollop
map accordingly. Fortunately, they rather
mountains and a bottomless fjord, lies the
diplomatically abbreviated Gaby’s Gully to GG…
ELEVENEXPERIENCE.COM
ELEVEN EXPERIENCE
SKI 16/17
BRANDON HUTTENLOCHER
WOMEN-ONLY SNOWBOARD AND SKI RETREATS IN MERIBEL
NEW HALF-TERM COACH SERVICE TO LES 2 ALPES Snow Express, the UK to French
cost, according to the
Alps direct bus service, has
company’s founder.
launched a brand new half-term
“Since starting Snow Express in
route to Les 2 Alpes for the
the winter of 2009/10 we have
February half-term week.
carried over 14,000 passengers
Departing London on Friday 10
from the UK to the Alps, and
February 2017 (5.30pm) and
increasingly we are finding
leaving the resort on Saturday
a huge variety of people of
18 February 2017 (6.15pm), the
all ages using the service for
return trip costs £199pp.
convenience, rather than just
At the time of writing, for
the cost saving,” said Snow
arrival and departure on the
Express founder, Dave Manley.
same dates, one well-known
“We are also now carrying more
low-cost airline was charging
families than before and our
well in excess of £1,500 for
passenger age range goes right
the lowest-cost fares for a
up to 85 years old.”
family with two adults and
Snow Express operates to
two children (including hold
40 ski resorts in the French
luggage), with times that would
Alps, with departures every
make it extremely difficult and
Friday evening from London or
expensive to get to the resort
Folkestone between December
on arrival. Most of the fares
and April, returning every
with times that work well are in
Saturday evening from resort.
excess of £2,000 for a family of
Fares start from £99pp return;
four, with the prime time fare
there are no excess baggage
coming in at over £3,340. That
charges for luggage or winter
doesn’t include the transfer
sports equipment, and travel
costs from airport to resort.
is direct to the resort itself.
But it’s not just about the
snowexpress.co.uk
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033 // JAN17
Ex-pro Katie Blundell is to host a week-long
expert coaching with tuition on the boarding
themselves just that bit further. I am sure
snowboarding retreat in Méribel this season.
week provided by one of the highest-qualified
they will get a kick out of trying new tricks,
Organised by snow and surf specialist Ticket to
female snowboard instructors in the world,
landings and generally becoming more
Ride, the week is one of two brand new Méribel-
Corinne Mayhew.
confident in the mountains.”
based snow retreats specifically for women.
“It’s going to be a lot of fun!” said Katie, “but
Both retreats include daily yoga sessions,
The retreats, both running from 2 to 9 April
we’re also going to make sure our riders
healthy home-cooked meals, chalet
2017, one for boarders and one for skiers,
improve like never before. It’s never been
accommodation in central Méribel, lift passes
aim to provide a space for female skiers
a better time to try out different styles of
and transfers from Geneva Airport, plus a
and boarders to improve their skills and
boarding, especially since Jenny Jones’
Nikita goodie bag. The holidays each cost
get confident off-piste in a friendly, relaxed
Olympic slopestyle success, and I hope this
£1,695 for seven nights, excluding flights.
environment. Each incorporates 20 hours of
trip will encourage more women to push
tickettoridegroup.com
ANDREW MAGUIRE
KITZBUHEL INCREASES LINKS TO CHINESE RESORT
NEW GONDOLA PLANNED FOR CRANS-MONTANA
UNDERFLOOR HEATING IN BRECKENRIDGE BASE AREA
Kitzbühel has announced plans to work in co-operation with one of Chi-
Three seasons after the closure of the main lift linking the satellite
The Peak 9 Village Base Area at Breckenridge resort in Colorado
na’s leading ski resorts, Lake Songhua, in the northerly province of Jilin.
resort of Aminona to the skiing of Crans-Montana of which it is a
underwent a facelift ahead of the current season.
A delegation from the Vanke company, which runs the resort, were
part, the famous Swiss ski area has announced plans to install a new
Many of the millions of visitors who have skied Breckenridge since
in the famous Austrian resort recently and signed a Memorandum of
Garaventa-built gondola connection between the village and the
the 1970s have entered the resort through the Village Base area on
Understanding (MoU) for closer cooperation.
slopes to open the winter after next, 2017/18.
Peak 9, which is situated near the south end of Main Street, adjacent
The cooperation includes Chinese resort staff getting to observe resort
The new lift is being tied to further development at what Crans-
to the Village Hotel with access provided via the Quicksilver
operations at Kitzbühel in order to learn from them, while Kitzbühel’s
Montana describes as “the future luxury touristic village of Aminona.”
SuperChair.
senior staff hope to gain a deeper insight into the practices and the
“…the lift (will be built) in a strategic location for the development of
This season the plaza area will see a new snowmelt system and
travel behaviour of Chinese travellers.
the destination (and) will be an important plus for skiers, the future
brick pavers replacing the dated cement surface, “making for a more
A visitor to Songhua Lake – which has eight lifts, around 30km of runs
hotel complex and also for the development of summer tourism in the
inviting and smoother transition to the snow,” according to owners
and just over 500m of skiable vertical – praised the resort in a TripAdvisor
resort. It’s very good news for all fans of the area who visit in all four
Vail Resorts. The new space will also accommodate signature Breck
review after his visit in January. However, he said differences to ski areas
seasons, as well as for the development of the ski area,” a statement
events throughout the year, resort staff say.
he had visited in Europe, North America and Asia included many guests
from Crans-Montana reads.
Breckenridge has also added a brand-new 490-seat restaurant atop
being heavy smokers, including in gondola cabins, a high percentage of
The last lift connection closed around 18 months ago ahead of winter
the Independence SuperChair on Peak 7, one of the resort’s five
dangerous unskilled skiers on the slopes and serious air pollution.
2014/15, and the lift company is reported to have already carried out major
iconic peaks. The new restaurant will offer a variety of housemade
“I am very pleased with the signing of this memorandum and I am
infrastructure work in the area that will host the new resort facilities and
options like fresh-made salads to order and a Mediterranean station,
convinced that the mutual exchange can be mutually beneficial here,”
lift base. The new gondola will be part of a planned 30 million Swiss francs
all coupled with dramatic views of Summit County, Colorado.
explained Signe Reisch, President of Kitzbühel Tourism, who added,
investment by the lift company in the ski area over the next two years.
The restaurant highlights the mining history of Breckenridge’s past,
“China has recorded the world’s largest increase in tourism, and the Chi-
“The group’s strategy in this difficult climate for the tourism industry
as well as catering to skiers who like to play and stay in the terrain
nese love to travel. We offer different long stay packages of five to seven
is improving the offer of the destination and its competitiveness
on the north side of the resort, including Peak 6.
days, including skiing in winter and golf and culture during the summer.”
through investment,” the resort statement concludes.
+33 (0)4 79 06 18 88 RESERVATION@HOTELAIGLEDESNEIGES.COM EN.HOTELAIGLEDESNEIGES.COM
UELI CHRISTOFFEL
AN INDOOR SKI SLOPE AT TIGNES?
The once year-round ski area of Tignes in France is considering
WITH WARREN MILLER
some 400m long at a location 2,000m up in the Alps. Tignes’ Mayor, Jean-Christophe Vitale, believes that in the “near future” the resort’s Grande Motte glacier will no longer be able to offer summer skiing because of global warming. The project is reported to be “just in the planning stage” but it does have a name, “Ski Line”, a price-tag: €62m and a probable location on Tignes’ slalom piste at Val Claret. The centre would also feature other attractions including an indoor surf wave. Work on it could start in 2018 if all permissions are granted, but that may be problematic as the plans have not gone down well with KICKING HORSE ? MATT ELLIOTT
FREERIDE ACTION
putting a roof on one of its ski slopes to make an indoor slope
environmental groups, who have pointed to both environmental damage and what they perceive as the questionable business sense of building such a facility so far from population centres. Tignes say their plans are for a self-sustaining, environment-friendly building, which may be possible as some urban snow slopes line their roofs with solar panels to generate the power they need. Tignes formerly offered skiing 365 days a year thanks to its glacier but is now open for snowsports around nine months of the year; however, it still has France’s longest ski season. It is not the first ski resort to propose putting a roof on a ski run
Start the year with an evening of
untapped terrain in Greenland,
big mountain skier Ingrid Backstrom,
starts in Truro on 9 January and
thrilling freeride adventure! The
complete with the constant threat
who rips up the mountain despite
finishes in Penrith on 19 January.
Warren Miller Ski Film Tour is back
of polar bears.
being seven months pregnant. This
Each evening also involves a prize
in the UK this January, showing at
And it’s not just skiing and
is also the first Warren Miller film in
draw to win exciting snowsports
in the north of the country. It is the longest indoor snow slope
venues across the country.
snowboarding either – extreme
years to feature the legend himself.
goodies, and you’ll be entered into
in the world at over 600m in length but has reported financial
The 67th annual Warren
snowmobiling, comedy pond-
Now 92, Warren is known as the
the draw to win one of two luxury
Miller film Here, There &
skimming and the upcoming sport of
godfather of extreme sports, and
ski trips to Switzerland as well.
Everywhere features epic
fat-biking all make appearances.
here he remembers life as one of
To find out more, enter the
snowsports in stunning locations,
Characters starring in the film
the original ski bums, way back in
competition and watch the
from magnificent lines in
include double Olympic snowboard
the 1940s.
inspirational trailer, see
Switzerland to a lifetime of
cross champion Seth Wescott, and
The Warren Miller Ski Film Tour
warrenmiller.co.uk
for year-round skiing; a similar plan was put forward by another resort around 15 years ago, but didn’t happen. France is home to one existing indoor snow centre at Amnéville
difficulties in recent years.
ASPEN OFFERS FREE POWDER PANCAKES MIKE ARZT
Aspen Snowmass had a good December with lots of big snowfalls. Now, in an instantly popular addition to skiing or riding the famous Colorado resort’s copious amounts of deep powder, Aspen Snowmass has also introduced Powder Pancakes which means free pancakes on all four mountains if it snows 20cm or more overnight. Skiers can fuel up for a day of powder skiing with a free plate of pancakes served between 10 and 11am at the Sundeck on Aspen Mountain, Merry-Go-Round restaurant on Aspen Highlands, Bumps on Buttermilk and at the Ullrhof on Snowmass. “Just because there isn’t much that pairs with fluffy pow better than a hot stack of fluffy free pancakes!” said a resort spokesperson. Aspen Skiing Company operates the four mountains in the Aspen Snowmass area – Snowmass, Aspen Mountain, Aspen Highlands and Buttermilk. aspensnowmass.com
FB.COM/INTHESNOW
WARRENMILLER.CO.UK.
STEVEN MCKENNA
PAULINA HOLMGREN
BY PATRICK THORNE
GREEN ICE HOTEL TO BE OPEN YEAR ROUND Ice hotels and igloo villages have been with us for more than 20 years now, but they all have a focus on being environmentally friendly, being built each winter from scratch and thawing away in the spring. But this year there’s something new in the shape of the first year-round ice hotel, which has opened in northern Sweden at the home of the original ice hotel (and, just to avoid confusion, they’re building that one again too). In fact the year-round part and the seasonal part that thaws back in to the river each spring are being treated as one ice hotel. The new Icehotel 365 at Jukkasjärvi in Swedish Lapland is “a year-round ice experience,” with 20 suites, an ice bar that serves champagne and drinks, as well as an ice gallery – all created out of snow and ice by select artists from around the globe. Creations include the “Dancers in the Dark” suite and a surreal underwater world at the bottom of
GLENSHEE ANNOUNCES PLANS FOR QUAD CHAIRLIFT
A
RUSSIAN SKIERS PACK TURKISH RESORTS
grip quad chairlift.
is one of its most popular lifts because
The new lift, which would be
of the terrain it accesses, there are
Scotland’s second, joining the existing
often queues at peak times, which
fixed-grip quad at Nevis Range
the new chairlift would accommodate
installed more than 25 years ago,
more quickly, having more than
would replace the Cairnwell T-bar.
double the hourly uplift capacity of
Glenshee’s management say the
the current T-bar. Most of the ski lifts
Turkish news agencies are reporting that Turkish
quad chair, which would have a
in Scotland are elderly draglifts dating
ski areas are largely booked out by Russian skiers
capacity of 1,500 passengers an
from the 1960s and 1970s. Although
for the coming ski season.
hour, would be faster and more
there are about half a dozen chairlifts
One of the country’s leading resorts, Mt
fter the installation of a new
comfortable to use than the T-bar
across the five centres, plus the
Palandöken, is reported to have been running at
triple chair last season, Glenshee
and would make the slopes more
funicular at Cairngorm and gondola at
90% occupancy rates since the season started at
ski area in Scotland has put in
accessible to disabled skiers.
the Nevis range, most of the chairlifts
the end of November and had advance bookings
planning permission to add a fixed-
It also says that, as the Cairnwell T-bar
were bought second-hand.
at similar rates right through to April 2017 at a
the sea. The new hotel walls, floors and ceilings are
similar level.
covered with ice and snow, and the temperature is
The advance bookings are reported to be well
-5° Celsius, year round, in the new building.
up on last winter, when bookings ran at 60% on
The natural environment has always been a key concern at the Icehotel, which basically thaws
SKI JUMPING FOR EVERYONE
average through the winter, local tourism officials said. Mt Palandöken hosted the University Winter Olympics a few seasons ago and in 2001/2 was
away in the spring, leaving no trace. The good news is that the new year-round Icehotel is as
In the Hohe Salve region of the
initially included in the programme of one of the
environmentally friendly as the seasonal original:
Kitzbüheler Alps, wannabe ski
UK’s largest ski tour operators, Inghams, but the
“What’s fascinating is that the sun, which melted
jumpers receive expert training
company dropped it when the second Gulf War
and full guidance before launching
broke out, due to its close proximity to Iraq and
year-round art experience possible. The art in the
themselves off the 15m jump into the
Syria. Russian skiers were seen in ever-greater
permanent part of Icehotel will also change during
air and attempting to fly as far
numbers at ski resorts in the Alps through the
the year and melt back into Torne River again,”
as possible.
first decade or so of this century, but since recent
says Arne Bergh, Creative Director at Icehotel.
The ski jumping centre in Wörgl
conflicts over Ukraine and other issues have led
“The refrigerating plant that makes sure Icehotel
has five ski jumps that meet the
to a dramatic devaluation in the Russian ruble
international FIS standard, with three
with President Putin encouraging Russians to ski
smaller ski jumps (15m, 30m and
at newly developed Russian resorts such as those
the art in the past, is essential for making the
365 is cold during the summer is powered by energy from solar panels, and since Jukkasjärvi is situated 200km north of the Arctic Circle, the
The 1988 Olympic performance
Although The Jump is filmed in a
40m) and a larger one (60m).
in Sochi, the numbers skiing in the Alps have
sun is shining 100 consecutive days during the
of Eddie the Eagle, recently
village called Natters, just outside
“Ski Jumping for Everyone” is
dropped dramatically.
immortalised in a Hollywood film and
Innsbruck, where the ski jump is
available at a cost of €50pp (£43pp)
“Besides Russian guests, ski enthusiasts and
TV show The Jump, has got more
not open to the public, you can
for three hours; to book, email
families from Azerbaijan, Iran and some European
and more people wondering if they
in fact try this thrilling discipline
jedermann@flughunde.at or call
countries have chosen Palandöken for a winter
should give ski jumping a try.
elsewhere in Tirol.
+43 664 34 20 663.
holiday,” local reports state.
summer months,” says Yngve Bergqvist, founder and initiator of the project.
036 // JAN17
@INTHESNOWMAG
FWT / T BERNARD
FREERIDE ANDORRA
W
competition series, the Freeride
and camps, endorsed by the FWT.
and one of the 20 biggest ski
World Tour (FWT), in Andorra last
Vallnord is one of just five global
areas on the planet with more
season. Vallnord, the ski region
stops for the Tour – the others
than 210km of runs, will again play
shared by the resorts of Pal, Arinsal
being Chamonix, Verbier, the
host to the Freeride Junior World
and Arcalis, will host the Tour again
Austrian powder pocket of
Championships this winter.
this winter from 10 to 16 February.
Fieberbrunn and famed extreme
On 5 February 2017, Grandvalira
There are freeriding opportunities
ski town Haines in Alaska. This
will welcome more than 60 young
and expert guides and schools to
illustrious company puts Vallnord’s
riders aged 15–18 from more than
take you to them across Andorra,
status in the freeride world into
15 countries on four continents for
hen skiers talk about Andorra,
but Arcalis in Vallnord has a
context! It has also recently been
the most prestigious junior freeride
they tend to talk about the great
particularly strong reputation and
confirmed that the Tour will be
championships in the world.
value it offers as a ski destination,
an awesome freeride zone with a
heading back for at least another
Andorra Resorts are the experts in
with lively, affordable après-ski
dedicated lift, plus loads of off-piste
three years.
all things Andorra, not least all the
and a surprisingly extensive piste
areas to enjoy. On the Grandvalira
And it’s not just Vallnord. Andorra’s
freeriding opportunities. Ask them
network, the biggest south of the
side there’s now a dedicated
other big ski region, Grandvalira,
for any advice you need:
Alps in fact, served by a huge
Freeride Centre providing lessons
the largest ski area in the Pyrenees
andorraresorts.com
FEEL
AS YOU CRANK DOWN INTO THE TIGHTEST TURNS, A N E W F E E L I N G W I L L R U S H U P T O M E E T Y O U . B U I LT FOR SPEED, THE SUPERSHAPE i-MAGNUM COMBINES U LT R A - L I G H T G R A P H E N E A N D T H E A C C E L E R AT I O N O F K E R S T E C H N O L O G Y. B E Y O N D T H E S C I E N C E , T H E M O S T I M M E R S I V E S K I I N G E X P E R I E N C E Y E T.
queue-gobbling fleet of hi-tech, high-speed ski lifts. What’s not so often talked about is Andorra’s rapidly growing freestyle scene. Of course, the huge amount of off-piste terrain has long been an open secret amongst locals, but it’s only in the past few years that the FWT / T LLOYD
wider world has cottoned on to all the possibilities. That has been helped in part by the arrival of the planet’s flagship
FB.COM/INTHESNOW
FREERIDEWORLDTOUR.COM
INNOVATION
Join 1M skiers
FIGHT BACK AGAINST AIRLINE BAG CARRIAGE FEES
I
Send your skis or board separately for less with Bag Solo t’s become one of the
process through bagSOLO.com.
carry it through airports and have it
big jokes of flying in the
Their equipment is collected from
squashed against them in transfer
21st century that quite
their home a few days before
vehicles,” says bagSOLO Managing
MORE INFO:
often the cost of bringing
they travel to their ski resort; then
Director Mike Coyne, who adds:
bagsolo.com
a suitcase with you can
it is delivered pre-arrival to their
“bagSOLO totally disrupts that
020 3870 6706
be more than your own
destination, allowing for hassle-
model and provides another way, a
sales@bagsolo.com
airline ticket for a seat
free travel to a ski resort anywhere
better way. Our greatest challenge
YouTube: youtu.be/sX2d0yJKPz4
on the plane. That cost
in the world.
is to change customer behaviour to
Facebook: fb.com/bagSOLO
is often far worse when
Prices for carriage start at £99 for
use our service as opposed to their
Twitter: @bagSOLOltd
you bring your skis or
a round trip to ski resorts in the
current options.”
snowboard too.
Alps – less than airlines and other
“Can I just book a seat
baggage carriage services may
for my skis and save money?” is
charge.
the obvious question. The answer,
The service is also available to
sadly, is “No” … but there is another
skiers and snowboarders heading
way to pay less. Don’t bring your
further afield to destinations such
skis with you on the plane at all –
as Japan or North America, where
INTHESNOW
send them separately using the
travellers often arrange stopovers
specialists in transferring bags,
to other destinations before
@INTHESNOWMAG
bagSOLO, the brand synonymous
arriving at a ski resort.
with travel convenience.
“We know there are skiers
bagSOLO is a brand-new service
and snowboarders out there
that has launched this season,
who want to take their own
offering skiers and snowboarders
equipment away with them, but
a door-to-door service for their
are frustrated with airline charges
luggage. Customers simply book
and the inconvenience of having
the service in a simple four-step
to squeeze their luggage into cars,
INTHESNOW INTHESNOW_MAGAZINE
038 // JAN17
BAGSOLO.COM
GILLES LANSARD
LES MENUIRES OFFERS MORE FOR FAMILIES
A
even more appealing.
building an igloo. When they’ve
Among the first to get the label at
These include an all-new family
finished, the budding little Eskimos
Les Menuires is La Montagnette,
ski pass which allows the whole
take a seat in their winter shelter
a very gentle green with a 400m
family to ski at the children’s price
and enjoy a reviving cup of hot
vertical drop down to the resort
of only €188 (£160) for a six-day Les
chocolate.
centre. For more confident skiers,
Menuires/Saint Martin de Belleville
Les Menuires has been awarded
Le Bouquetin is a blue run to
ski pass based on two adults with
the French government’s Famille
descend at your own pace from
two children aged 5 to 17 years.
Plus label and has specially
La Pointe de la Masse at 2,800m
New activities include an “Igloo
designed areas for families and
down to the resort (almost
Experience” adventure for children
beginners with separate runs and
1,000m drop).
every Wednesday. Ski instructors
tailor-made stays.
SEVABEL (Les Menuires’ lift
lready well known for its beginner
take children on a nighttime
This winter, Les 3 Vallées have
company) has invested €19.5
and family-friendly facilities and
adventure expedition with 15
marked some runs with an “Easy
million over the past two years
services, Les Menuires in Les
minutes of snowshoeing with a
Rider” label showing beginners the
just to endeavour to ensure that
3 Vallées has still more new
head torch to reach base camp,
way to wide runs and gentle slopes
beginners have a fantastic time.
initiatives this winter to make it
where everyone gets stuck in to
that let you enjoy the snow in safety.
LesMenuires.com
CHALET OPERATOR PROVIDES KIDS’ SKI HARNESSES Ski holiday company Kaluma Travel (kalumatravel.co.uk), which operates chalets in St Anton and Courchevel, are making family ski holidays less stressful for parents by equipping all their chalets with Hobbledehoo ski harnesses for children to increase their safety on the slopes. The Hobbledehoo Active Child’s Harness is a simple-to-use piece of kit that features handles at the front IAN BRACEGIRDLE
and back to add some form of “control” of young children, lifting their weight up when pulled to stop them, rather than pulling them down. It’s also particularly useful on chairlifts to prevent the “slip under”. You can lightly hold the rear handle to keep children secure without them realising they are now completely safe in your hands. The rear handle can also be used to help them off the chairlift at the top, lifting them off the seat and guiding them out of harm’s way. Off the slopes, it’s reported to be useful when feeding ducks. Families wishing to buy their own are eligible for a £5 discount by using the discount code “KALUMA5” when buying on hobbledehoo.com
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039 // JAN17
threevalleetransfers www.3vt.co.uk | +44 (0)1323 351964
PRIVATE & SHARED TRANSFERS TO LES 3 VALLÉES
T H E VA L D ’ I S E R E AC C O M M O DAT I O N S P E C I A L I S T
The Widest Selection Of Val D’isere Accommodation Anywhere Over 150 Chalet Holidays Over 300 Self Catered Apartments 30 Hotels Fully Bonded | Very Experienced | Here To Help
UK: 0345 021 0222 OVERSEAS: +33 (0)634409097 simplyvaldisere.com
RESORT INSIDER
ALTA BADIA
Italy’s Alta Badia region contains half-a-dozen traditional ski villages of various sizes. Located on the famous Sellaronda circuit, within the giant Dolomiti Superski region, it’s almost as famous for
...KEEPS YOU SKIING LONGER
IMPROVES SKI POSTURE
its authentic atmosphere (the local Ladin dialect is still spoken here) and superb cuisine as it is for its strong winter-sports heritage. Even the most lowly mountain hut here endeavours to provide gourmet quality cuisine at affordable prices. By Vanessa Fisher
Best café?
food and Italian wines at the rifugios (mountain
the Gran Risa slope in La Villa is considered
Italians famously love their coffee and obviously
huts) on the mountains as you tour by piste
one of the most beautiful slopes in the Ski
the café culture is king in the Dolomites. The
around the Dolomites.
World Cup and has been on the circuit since
terrace at the Hotel Ciasa Soleil in La Villa makes
SHOCK ABSORBERS FOR KNEES
1985. The breathtaking descent in the forest
a coffee, with a stunning view over the Dolomites.
Best for spa?
begins just below the black and red slopes
On the Sellaronda, stop in at the Raetia for a
Many of the 4★ and 5★ hotels in Alta Badia have
of Piz La Ila. After the steep slope at the
home-made cake in their ‘Stua dal te’ – tea room.
their own spas. If you are after a luxury break,
beginning a rapid curve leads on to a steep,
consider booking into one of these for some
narrow section and on with another change in
Best day out?
seriously luxurious après-ski spa action – try the
direction to the base in the centre of La Villa.
The Lagazuoi ski tour: take the cable car to the
4★ Hotel Posta Zirm in Corvara, 4★ Hotel Fanes
top of Mount Lagazuoi, warm up on the red run
in San Cassiano or the 5★ Hotel Rosa Alpina in
What is Ladin Cuisine?
back to the valley base. After your second cable
San Cassiano.
It’s not all Prosecco and prosciutto – the Ladin
car ride up, take the 8.5km Red Armentarola POWERFUL SPRINGS OFFLOAD WEIGHT FROM KNEES
cuisine actually originates from a few simple
following the enchanting Fanes valley and down
Best for romantic evening meal?
ingredients which were available over the
to Sass Dlacia. From here a horse drawn lift will
If the romance continues beyond the spa you
winter months – barley soup, Turtres (little
tow you back to the ski slopes.
can’t go wrong with a meal à deux in either of
fried pastries) Schlutzkrapfen (ravioli filled
these gorgeous restaurants: Hotel Restaurant
with spinach) and Furtaies (a spiral-shaped,
Local drink?
Armentarola in San Cassiano or Hotel La Perla
fried dessert) remain some the most popular
Aperol Spritz is the drink of choice in the Italian
in Corvara.
specialities of Ladin cuisine.
Best ski challenge?
For winter-sports holidays to Alta Badia visit:
The Gran Risa World Cup Slope (black run).
dolomitemountains.com
What not to miss?
With a vertical drop of 448m, a length of
Or for regional info go to:
Join a Gourmet Ski Safari – eat exquisite local
1,255m and a maximum gradient of 53%,
altabadia.org
Dolomites – Prosecco, Aperol and soda with ice
Olympic Mogul Skier Laura Donaldson with her ski~mojo
Tel. +44 (0)7786 753267 | info@skimojo.com | www.skimojo.com
and a slice of orange.
040 // JAN17
DOLOMITEMOUNTAINS.COM
ROSS WOODHALL
ROSS WOODHALL
BOOT ROOM Sponsors of Boot Room
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042 // JAN17
@INTHESNOWMAG
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KASTLE FX95 SKI
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ATOMIC VANTAGE 85 CTI SKI
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The Burton Feelgood Flying V is the
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offer great choice and service to all our customers. Whether you are beginner or expert, we can kit you out to ensure you have a great day on the mountains. 044 // JAN17
@INTHESNOWMAG
NOT TOO HOT NOT TOO COLD
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bit of a minefield, but once you do you’ll be a lot
your arms light and free for the movements of
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You get warm when you ski and start cooling down when you stop. Piste skiers need warmer clothes than beginners, who get hot and sweaty when falling
BURTON [AK] 2L CYCLIC PANT
over and getting up; off-piste skiers and tourers get warm on the up but then cool down when they stop at the top to savour the view.
Every rider knows GORE-TEX® is the best. The
Layering your clothing with thin layers allows you to
Burton [ak] GORE-TEX® 2L Cyclic Pant takes
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pant that truly lives up to the hype. Engineered
Your base layer is one of the most important places
around the movements of high-energy riding,
to start – a good quality base layer will keep you
its lightweight and vented design gives you the
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against your skin when you start to cool down and
BURTON VIDA WOMEN’S PANT The women’s Burton Vida Pant is slim fit to imitate your favourite low-rider jeans, yet hides a wealth of convenient features to keep you comfortable in all conditions. A zonal mapped stretch mesh and taffeta lining adds warmth and moisture wicking where you need each one most. £134.95 | SPUTNIKSNOWBOARDSHOP.COM
then you get chilled. Base layers come in a multitude of flavours – warm stink-free merino wool, clever highly breathable and wicking techy synthetics and even compression fitted to stop your muscles getting so fatigued. Air gets trapped between the layers and warms up to create its own insulating effect. Build up your layers by next adding a mid layer, usually a thin micro-fleece or merino top to add some warmth without bulk. If it’s a cold day or you’re just more susceptible to the weather, use an insulating mid-layer jacket, made of
BURTON PROWESS WOMEN’S JACKET The women’s Burton Prowess Jacket marries
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045 // JAN17
will be one of your most lived-in pieces, whether in the mountains or at home. It’s warm, packable, lightweight, SO comfortable and it looks great. Now for the outer layer, a waterproof and breathable shell jacket and trousers will keep out all the elements, wind, snow and rain, but be breathable to let out any excess heat when the going gets good! Current technical clothing is lightweight due to improved fabrics, has more freedom of movement due to its anatomical fit and it’s more breathable, waterproof and definitely very versatile for multiple uses. Wear appropriate clothing and you’ll enjoy your skiing whatever the weather.
WORDS: DEBBIE GABRIEL
S A M O Ë N S
The
I
Authentic
Village
In
A
Huge
Ski
Region
t can be difficult to find a ski resort
on a mediaeval expression meaning
Massif ski area, one of the world’s biggest,
Off The Slopes in Samoëns
New for this winter is the chance to try
that has lots of character but
“the seven mountains”, a reference
spread over around 40,000 hectares with
Samoëns is not one of the liveliest
out the all-new E-Fat Bike, an electric-
which is also part of one of the
to the peaks around the village.
just under 150 runs to choose from and
for après-ski, but it does boast an
powered mountain bike with over-sized
world’s biggest and best ski areas.
This is why the local people are
endless freeriding opportunities. A modern
eclectic selection of cafés, restaurants
tyres for great grip and comfort on the
Even when you do work out
known as “septimontains” (men) and
gondola lift provides a direct connection
and bars with plenty of high-quality
snow and anywhere else “off-road”. The
a shortlist, you may find that
“septimontaines” (women).
from the heart of the village to the ski slopes.
establishments to choose from on your
E-Fat Bikes are operated by Samoëns-
characterful resort has become
Oozing with French ambience, Samoëns
There’s terrain for all ability levels
ski holiday week, many of them with a
based “Mountain Spirit”, who organise
over-developed and expensive.
just gets better and better season after
including 114 blue and red grade
lively, buzzing atmosphere.
a whole range of fun activities on them
It may also be a long way from
season with ever-better facilities and an
intermediate trails to choose from, one
There’s also plenty to do besides ski or
including night outings, downhill courses
anywhere, or the ski lifts lie on
ever-longer list of activities and services
of which is the famed Cascades descent,
board in and around the village. Still in the
and endurance raids. You can also follow
the outskirts of town, often a ski
to try, but built on that authentic village
one of the world’s longest at 14km. There
great outdoors, there are toboggan runs,
the route of the local Le Giffre river, or
bus ride away.
base and its great location close to
are also 14 black slopes for experienced
sleigh rides, dog sledding, snowshoeing,
ride up in the evening to the Bostan
But there are just a few resorts that tick
Geneva and with a convenient gondola
skiers and a great terrain park.
ice climbing and snowmobiling, or you
mountain hut for a meal. E-Fat Biking is
all the boxes, and Samoëns in the French
lift to whisk you up into one of the world’s
As well as being one of the biggest, the
can even get up in the air for some
available to everyone aged 14 or older
Alps is one of the best. Better still, it’s only
best ski regions.
Grand Massif is one of the snowiest;
paragliding or ballooning.
and is just one more reason to visit
thanks to its proximity to the Mont Blanc
In terms of indoor attractions, there’s
Samoëns this winter!
75 minutes/80km from Geneva Airport. The village dates back to the 12th
The Grand Massif
massif, it has one of the best snow
bowling, an ice rink, a leisure centre, an
century; the name Samoëns is based
Samoëns lies on one side of the Grand
records in the Alps.
eco-museum and a cinema.
046 // JAN17
@INTHESNOWMAG
BELGIUM We all whizz down to the Alps or further afield
Timing is likely to be everything, as – again like
1,000m long respectively), and has had a 60-
each winter, but there are ski areas much
Britain – weather conditions can be problematic
day season recently.
closer to home, in Belgium in fact. For many
and quite often Belgian ski areas may only be
A third choice is Ovifat (skialpin-ovifat.com)
Brits living in southern England, that’s even
open a total of 20 days each season.
located in the east of the country near the
closer than Scotland.
Mont des Brumes (montdesbrumes.be/en),
highest peak in Belgium. There are three ski
In Belgium there is in fact a very similar
located near the town of Francorchamps, is
runs served by three drag lifts with something
selection of ski areas to England – indoor
one of the larger centres – although still very
for all ability levels.
snow centres, dry slopes and half-a-dozen
small compared to a big resort in the Alps.
If you want to be certain of ticking off Belgium as
small ‘real’ ski hills. They’re all easy to reach
The ski slopes sit between 350m and 530m
a ski destination you need to head to one of the
by ferry and road or by jumping on the
in altitude, the longest run an 850m red.
country’s three indoor snow centres.
Eurostar then taking a local connecting train.
There’s also a 150m beginner slope you can
Ice Mountain is Belgium’s largest indoor snow
Belgium’s real ski areas are located in the
continue on to for a full kilometre run. There’s
centre; the main run is 210m long (so a little
Ardenne region down in the south of the
also terrain with gradients as steep as 64% if
longer than the UK’s longest) and 30m wide.
country – the verticals aren’t big and the
you’re after a bit of a challenge.
A new indoor snow centre is currently under
peaks are actually half those of Scotland –
Baraque de Fraiture (ski-baraquedefraiture.
construction on the site of one of Belgium’s
mostly nearer the 500–600m mark, but when
be) has some of the highest slopes in
longest established dry slopes, the optimistically
the snow is good it’s great to be able to say
Belgium with runs up to 625m above sea
named Aspen Ski. The new 12,000m2 indoor
you’ve skied Belgium.
level. It has three ski runs (350m, 700m and
snow slope is scheduled to open in November.
FB.COM/INTHESNOW
047 // JAN17
PAUL KEPPEL PHOTOGRAPHY
TUITION ALTITUDE-VERBIER.COM | ALTITUDE-FUTURES.COM | FREERIDE-VERBIER.COM
LEARN TO SKI OFF-PISTE
SKI/SNOWBOARD SAFELY
Off-piste skiing and snowboarding
Where to practise?
is something that many people hope
FLOW
avalanche risk.
of your skis/board and in control.
Always descend the slope one at a
If you do sit back, it puts you in a
time to avoid multi burials if caught
tiring position, and from here it is
Once you have chosen a safe slope
in an avalanche, and stop to the
difficult to control and turn the skis/
with low avalanche risk, you can then
Jon holds the top qualifications from
When choosing a slope to
side, away from the fall line of the
board. The same basic principles of
start to practise things that you have
France, Switzerland and Britain,
to be able to master at some point
practise your newly learnt off-piste
route you just came down.
skiing and boarding apply whether
learnt in your lesson. You may find that
and we can say firsthand that he is
during their skiing or snowboarding
technique, pick a slope which is
you are on a groomed run or in
off-piste conditions highlight some
a great ski instructor! Jon heads up
holidays.
gentle and has no natural terrain
TIP: Only ski/ride on steep slopes
fresh snow. Remember what you
of the weaknesses in technique that
the team at Altitude Ski School –
Thanks to the latest safety
traps such as gullies. It is also
between 30° to 45° when there are
have learnt on the piste, and take
you may also have on the piste. If you
Verbier’s most established British ski
equipment and big fat skis and
good to avoid areas with cliffs or
safe avalanche conditions.
this with you to the new fresh snow.
are really struggling in the off-piste, it
school. Each month Jon or one of
boards, inexperienced skiers
large rocks.
How do I avoid the “face plant”?
may be that you need to practise your
his team will provide us with a few
and boarders are now able to
Ideally choose a slope where there
One common mistake is over-
technique a little more on the piste.
tips and words of wisdom to help
experience the wonders of off-piste
are no skiers looking to drop in
turning across the fall line. To avoid
There is no shame in going back to
improve our understanding of skiing.
powder snow much earlier than in
high above you – thus reducing the
this, try to make nice “c” shaped
the piste to practise a little more!
previous years. One downside of
chances of someone else setting
ENERGY AND INJURY
turns, allowing one turn to flow
One element that is crucial for going
such advances in technology is that
off an avalanche from above and
Should I sit back in the “pow”?
nicely into the next. Powder snow
off-piste is to have good timing and
more people are becoming exposed
down onto you.
It is a common misconception
can be quite slow, and speed in
coordination. Focusing on your pole
to potentially dangerous avalanche-
Plan where you wish to ski/ride and
that in powder snow you should
this case can be your friend as it
plant is one thing that can help you
The Altitude winter company portfolio
prone slopes. We decided to
seek advice from an expert on the
sit back to get your skis out of
will help you to float to the surface
to maintain good rhythm, and at the
includes the ski and snowboard
focus this month’s article on both
potential risks of taking this slope.
the snow. There are times when
between turns, which makes
same time it can also help you to
school, the Futures instructor training
technique and safety for off-piste
Always check the weather forecast
we may need to sit back (such as
turning easier.
commit to the new turn. Or pick a
programmes and FREERIDE VERBIER,
skiing and boarding.
– there are local avalanche
when we’re straight running along
good song in your head.
a new school dedicated to off-piste
bulletins available in all resorts;
a flat area in heavy powder), but in
TIP: Start by going straight down
these will tell you about the riskier
general don’t do it; it’s much better
the fall line and turn a little bit less
TIP: Try to count 1, 2, 3, pole plant and
slopes and the general level of
to be in a centred position, on top
than usual – speed is your friend.
turn … 1, 2, 3, pole plant and turn …
048 // JAN17
JON (AKA WESTY)
ALTITUDE
coaching in Verbier.
info@altitude-verbier.com +41(0)27 771 6006
S K I
F O R
KIDS
Do You Own Your Own Skis?
R A C I N G If your child has already skied for quite a few weeks and is looking for a new challenge, then racing can provide a great environment to develop their skiing technique while also having a clear focus on going fast (which kids love) but in a controlled environment. Some possibilities include:
RESORT RACES Most resorts run kids’ races every weekend – they can be great fun and challenging …
SKI SCHOOL HOLIDAY CLUBS These are usually group lessons which run during the holiday periods for advanced children.
ARTIFICIAL SNOW DOMES Before or after your holiday, why not try to join some of the local ski clubs? Usually either focused on racing or freestyle. Altitude in Verbier run a race camp during holiday week. They also run a club every weekend of the season for local children. A typical day would include some fun warm-ups and technical training focused on carving. Then half the day would be focused on racing, making sure the course difficulty is set to the right level. Then a cool-down and some off-snow work looking at tactics and racing line or doing some basic physical training.
Can you ski everything you want to? Skis are now much more versatile & user friendly helping you ski with less effort in lots more varied snow conditions. Choose the correct ski for your ability level & preferred terrrain & you will feel huge changes in their ease of use, your progression and your enjoyment. Recent technology and innovation means ski equipment is better than it’s ever been before... isn’t it time you upgraded your equipment and made the most of your experience in the mountains? Before you invest in your next trip... come and visit us today to ensure you have the correct advice from experienced equipment specialists. Bringing you the UK’s largest specialist range of skis & boots 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
SAFETY FIRST WITH KIDS: Skiing in a race course and flying past gates can be a daunting experience. While it’s great to push the children to experience new things, we want to make sure that the experience is always positive and enjoyable. A professional coach will always do this, and who knows, perhaps your child could be the next Hermann Maier or Lindsey Vonn?
ALTITUDE-VERBIER.COM
FREERIDE | FREESTYLE | TOURING | TELEMARK | RACE | RECREATIONAL Ski Bartlett, Uxbridge Road, Hillingdon, West London, UB10 0NP T: 020 8848 0040 | E: info@skibartlett.com | www.SkiBartlett.com
Download your FREE Ski Buyers Guide: http://bit.ly/ITS-Buyers-Guide
Use our free expertise to find your perfect ski holiday
PROMOTION
BOOKING A TRIP TO VERBIER? TALK TO THE EXPERTS!
V Award Winning Specialist Travel Agent for
Verbier & Elsewhere Contact Us 01502 471960 info@mountainbeds.com www.mountainbeds.com
become more of a challenge.
to do just that, and help organise
The company has expanded in one
The good news is that there is a
every other aspect of their clients’
way though; it now offers help to
team of local British and Verbier-
Verbier ski holiday.
book accommodation in any leading
based experts who have been in
“To my surprise, it was an overnight
resort, not just Verbier, through a
resort for three decades now and
success and we were busy from
network of long-standing, trusted
know every nook and cranny of
day one. Now 25 years have flown
partners, built up over the years.
Verbier, and who stand ready to help!
by and it’s just the same,” says
“Verbier has changed almost
Sisters Melissa Brownlow and
Melissa, who adds that they have
beyond recognition since I first
Camilla Benham-Crosswell set up
resisted the temptation to make
arrived in the mid-1980s,” says
Mountain Beds almost 25 years ago
Mountain Beds a bigger company,
Melissa. “In most ways, it’s for the
after Melissa had worked for seven
in order to retain the all-important
better; the lifts in particular have
erbier has long been on the “must
seasons in chalets in the resort.
personal touch, which sees around
greatly improved, and the long
ski” bucket list of all skiers and
Foreseeing the current trend of
80% repeat business.
queues that used to be a regular
snowboarders, but as the popularity
connecting property owners with
Over the years, Mountain Beds has
feature have long since gone. But
of this famous Swiss resort has
people looking for accommodation
worked with nearly every agent,
it has become more of a challenge
soared over the years, so finding
decades before that became a
hotel, chalet company and lots of
to find accommodation, and that’s
affordable accommodation and
“thing” on the internet (in fact, even
private owners in Verbier and is
where our local knowledge and
indeed planning all other aspects
before the internet was a thing at
happy to help them find the best
contacts network can’t be beaten.”
of a successful holiday there has
all), Melissa set up Mountain Beds
holiday for their group and budget.
01502 471960 | mountainbeds.com
MT BAKER HITS 6M SNOWFALL SEASON-TO-DATE STAT snow ever accumulated in a single
deepest snow bases for the start of
Mt Baker does not always get huge
season, has received over 6m of
2017, with 3.1m of snow on upper
snowfalls, however. It was forced to
snowfall already this season.
runs. In the 1998/99 season, Mt
shut down in March 2015 due to a
The ski area in Washington State
Baker received 29m of recorded
lack of snow at the end of a four-year
in the northwest of the country
snowfall, a world record, and most
drought on America’s west coast.
passed the 6m snowfall mark just
years it is one of the three snowiest
This winter, however, it started with
before Christmas when it received
resorts on earth, although last
13cm of snow in October, then got
Mt Baker, the US resort that holds
another 30cm in 24 hours.
season it was beaten by Alyeska
just over 2.5m in November and
the world record for the most
Mt Baker has one of the world’s
in Alaska.
3.5m in December 2016.
050 // JAN17
@INTHESNOWMAG
SKI GEAR BRIEFLY CHEAPER IN UK “For British skiers and snowboarders, the weakening pound means that buying in the UK right now is a great option compared to the deal they will get in European shops and when renting in resort,” explained Jason Summerfield, Commercial Manager at Amer Sports, which owns several former ski manufacturing businesses, now known as “brands” He added, “If we look a bit further into the future, the currency situation will inevitably put upward pressure on consumer prices for the 2017/18 season, and although brands The main trade body for the ski
have dropped in Blighty, but
because most gear was bought
will try and minimise the impact,
retail trade in Britain has issued
because they’ve gone up abroad
by retailers at pre-Brexit-vote
some price increases should be
a statement highlighting the fact
as the pound has dropped in
rates. Unless there’s a dramatic
expected. This does, however,
that it’s currently cheaper to buy
value since the vote for Brexit.
strengthening of the pound over
reinforce the feeling that now is
ski gear in Britain compared to
But the Snowsport Industries of
the next six months, they’ll have
a smart time to visit your local
abroad, but they warn it won’t last.
Great Britain (SIGB) say that this
to pay more to buy 2017/18 gear
ski shop if you are considering
And prices are cheaper in the UK
state of affairs won’t last long into
next year and pass those costs on
buying new winter kit.”
than abroad not because prices
next year. It is only the case now
to consumers.
sigb.org.uk/directory/shops
TOUR OP ADDS CHRISTMAS TREES TO MURAL
WINTER PARK SKI TRAIN GETS LONGER
Britain’s longest-established independent tour operator, Erna Low, who
The new ski train from Denver to Winter Park in Colorado will be longer than
in 2015 unveiled a magnificent mural of a snowy mountain ski scene
envisaged as the operator has decided to add an extra carriage to cope
painted on the exterior wall of its offices in Kensington, has added a
with demand. The new service comes several years after the original ski
new feature to it this winter – real Christmas trees. The mural, created
train ceased operating, having previously been the main mode of transport
by artist Johny Midnight, has become a draw for art lovers and was even
for Denver residents to reach the slopes since the 1940s. A “test train”
designated as a Pokéstop during the Pokémon Go craze. The three
last season proved very popular and Amtrak is offering a full service every
Christmas trees are, in fact, still just three-year-old baby trees that have
weekend this season.
arrived from the Kiltarlity Christmas Tree Farm in the Scottish Highlands.
“We will be adding an additional car to the inventory because sales are
They have grown up looking across the valley to one of Scotland’s and
strong,” Amtrak spokesman Marc Magliari told The Denver Post.
Britain’s highest peaks, Ben Wyvis. Now down in South Kensington, during
The service will operate from Denver Union Station and travel through
the daytime they sit outside the ski mural, and by night they snuggle up in
29 tunnels up to Winter Park. Some commentators are suggesting the
the reception of Erna Low on the 1950s chairlift from Kitzbühel.
popularity of the train service is down to nostalgia and may not last; others
“The challenge for us at Erna Low is to continue to grow these trees and
say that congestion on the I70 Interstate West from Denver, which links the
we plan to nurture them in Oxfordshire in between seasons and bring
city and airport to many of the state’s great ski areas, has become so bad
them out every winter to adorn our office ski mural,” said Erna Low’s
at peak times the train service is a good alternative and will grow further in
Joanna Yellowlees-Bound. ernalow.co.uk
popularity. amtrak.com/winterparkexpress
FB.COM/INTHESNOW
051 // JAN17
OPENING DECEMBER 5TH NEW HOTELRESTAURANT
www.rockypop-chamonix.com reservation@rockypop.com 1476 AVENUE DES ALPAGES 74310 LES HOUCHES TEL +33 (0)4 85 30 00 00
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INDOOR BOARDING EVENTS RAISE £41K FOR CANCER CHARITY
A
22/09/2015 21:15
n annual Freestyle Event staged at
Manchester’s Chill Factore indoor
BoobyTrap, with riders treated to
prizes and gifts.
snow slope raised nearly £14,000
a live DJ set and Van’s Waffles as
“We are thrilled with the success
for a local cancer charity.
they enjoyed the unique Subjam
of the event. It was great to see so
Hosted by the Subvert Boardstore,
session.
many riders enjoying the Freestyle
the event was just the latest in a
A private demo village was set up
Park at Chill Factore and testing
series that has so far raised a total
on the slope, allowing customers
out the new season’s collections
of £41,000 donated to The Christie
an exclusive trial of the latest
before anyone else,” said Lorraine
charity, based in Manchester, an
season’s boards and apparel.
and Darren of Subvert, adding,
internationally recognised cancer
Guests on the night were also
“We couldn’t be happier with the
treatment centre.
invited to take part in the event
total raised; it is incredible, and
The event featured freestyle
raffle, where sponsors and local
we would like to thank everyone
sessions courtesy of The
businesses generously donated
involved for their help and support.”
STOWE FIRST TO INSTALL LACTATION SUITE first in the USA to do so.
Sales Manager. “This pod
1.2m by 2.4m pod is meant
“With over 300,000 guests
will help us to further
for individual use, but can
every winter, and 1,500
support our moms with
fit more than one person, as
employees, Stowe is
options. Breastfeeding is of
well as mothers with babies
supporting its nursing mums
course welcome anywhere
and other children in tow.
with this clean, comfortable,
a mom feels comfortable
The Mamava suite embodies
and private space to
throughout our resort, but
the spirit of Mamava’s “happy
pump or nurse,” a resort
for those who prefer privacy
breast” logo – beautifully
spokesperson said.
or need to pump, we now
designed to support and
“We’re thrilled to now have
have this space for you,”
celebrate breastfeeding.
a Mamava lactation suite at
Lauren added.
The Mamava lactation suite
the resort. The installation
The Mamava suite is a
at Stowe Mountain Resort
makes total sense
self-contained, mobile pod
is located at the plaza level
considering everything
with comfortable benches, a
of the Spruce Camp Base
Powder days just got more
has installed a Mamava
we’ve done in recent years
fold-down table, an electrical
Lodge and available during
convenient for nursing mums
lactation suite to support
to add conveniences and
outlet for plugging in a breast
all operational hours of the
at Stowe Mountain Resort
nursing resort guests and
amenities for families,” said
pump, and a door that can
base lodge.
in Vermont, as the US resort
employees. It says it is the
Lauren Simmers, Resort
be locked for privacy. The
mamava.com | stowe.com
052 // JAN17
@INTHESNOWMAG
CARLTON HOTEL ST MORITZ
HOTEL PLEIN SUD SERRE CHEVALIER
Located on a sun-soaked plateau above the lake of St Moritz, the hotel boasts captivating views from all of its 60 suites and junior suites. A complete refurbishment now showcases the historical values of the property, built a century ago, with a contemporary re-interpretation. The hotel exhibits the signature unconventional style of interior designer Carlo Rampazzi and a colour palette affording the hotel an unrivalled self-assured luxury.
Located in the heart of Serre Chevalier the hotel Plein Sud is situated only 200m to the slopes, lifts & village centre making it easy. Serre Chevalier offers over 250km of pistes with a varied amount of skiing and a fantastic tree line. Super fast lifts with panoramic views to get you to the heart of the ski area
+41 (0) 81 836 7000 // INFO@CARLTON-STMORITZ.CH CARLTON-STMORITZ.CH
+33 (0) 492 24 17 01 // LYNNE@HOTELPLEINSUD.COM HOTELPLEINSUD.COM
HOTEL COURCHEVEL OLYMPIC COURCHEVEL 1850
RESIDENCE LES TERRASSES DE VERET FLAINE
BELLE EPOQUE HOTEL VICTORIA BERNER OBERLAND
At the heart of Courchevel 1850, just a stone’s throw away from the pistes, this is the perfect base for an unforgettable ski holiday. The recently renovated 28 room hotel offers a relaxing lounge-bar to enjoy a drink by the open fire or shoot some pool. All rooms offer large windows making for a light and airy atmosphere and the new chic boutique-style superior bedrooms offer unparalleled levels of comfort, a spacious balcony and extras including coffee machines, iPod docks and light-up showers.
The Terrasses de Veret residence is a mere 50m from the pistes, is centrally located and boasts a large heated pool, outdoor jacuzzi and sauna. All apartments enjoy balconies with views of the pistes or the valley and interiors offering modern elegance. New for 2016 includes WIFI access in every apartment, luggage storage, games room with table football, and a new-look ski and storage area.
Kandersteg is an ideal family ski resort and cross-country paradise. The idyllic and cosy village is in the heart of the Bernese Oberland and can easily be reached by train or by car. The Hotel Victoria is centrally located and offers a beautiful view of the snow-capped mountains. You will find a cheerful and familiar atmosphere combined with Swiss hotel tradition. The ideal place to relax and enjoy oneself.
0203 475 4756 MADAMEVACANCES.CO.UK
0203 475 4756 MADAMEVACANCES.CO.UK
+41 33 675 8000 | INFO@HOTEL-VICTORIA.CH HOTEL-VICTORIA.CH
RESIDENCE & SPA VALLORCINE CHAMONIX
L’ AIGLE DES NEIGE VAL D’ISÈRE
Nestled in the charming village of Vallorcine, in the Chamonix MontBlanc valley, Vallorcine Mont-Blanc offers a relaxing atmosphere. The 5 Residence gives guests a choice of 50 cosy apartments with services. Facilities include an indoor heated pool, two saunas, a spa, a tea-room, a ski shop and a private ice-rink. Less than 10 minutes from your breakfast to the ski slopes!
Located in the very heart of the old village of Val d’Isère, this hotel is among the most fashionable in the region. Perched at 1850m altitude, it is superbly located just a few steps from the snow, meaning you can be on the slopes straight from your front door. The 109 rooms are spacious and comfortable, seamlessly blending wood and natural colours. It has all the equipment and services of an international hotel with a world-class reputation.
4 hotel with spa in central Chamonix, by the Aiguille du Midi lift, offering a new level of comfort including a 500m2 spa (with pool, onsen, hammam, banya, ice cave and tepidarium), restaurant, bar, ski shop, four conference rooms, take-away shop, free wi-fi and a covered car park.
+33 (0)4 5054 7520 // CONTACT@CHAMONIX-VACANCES.COM CHAMONIX-VACANCES.COM
+33 (0)4 79 06 18 88 // RESERVATION@HOTELAIGLEDESNEIGES.COM EN.HOTELAIGLEDESNEIGES.COM
+33 (0)4 50 54 55 56 // RESERVATION@HELIOPIC.COM HELIOPIC-HOTEL-SPA.COM
FB.COM/INTHESNOW
HÔTEL L’HÉLIOPIC CHAMONIX
053 // JAN17
M
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WOODSY INTERVIEW BY: EMMANUELLE CHÂTEL
British freeskiing superstar James “Woodsy”
to the Sosh Big Air in Annecy last October,
Woods was back in the UK recently to
so I was like, “I’m doing it because my
take part in the “Only Mad Dogs and
friend is running the event”, but it looked
Englishmen” Tour, which has seen him
like I was going to do a whole lap of the
touring the country to shred the dry slopes
world for one day, which didn’t seem that
and indoor snow that he grew up on.
appealing. So I thought, “Why not put something on and go back to the UK with
What have you got lined up for the
some of the guys and show them the dry
coming season?
slopes?” The dry slopes and the domes,
W: Olympic qualifications, every World
it’s where I come from. As important as it is
Cup level event will be dialled, so that’s
that everything is on the internet, nothing
a goal. I’m gonna tick those boxes along
is gonna ever beat that facetime; the
the way. I want to make sure I prioritise
events have to happen to the guys to be
that, obviously along with all the massive
interesting on the internet.
competitions around the year, like the X
The biggest surprise was I was half
Games. But above all keep doing what I
expecting nobody to show up. I just really
love to do. That’s the main thing.
wanted to show these guys to the local guys, and we ended up packing out all
How do you get funding?
these places. Full every day. We were
W: As it is an action sport, personal
there for sometimes two hours signing
endorsement is massive; that’s what it has
autographs; it was crazy. But to see the
all been based on for me. I’ve been doing
enthusiasm from tiny little kids, the parents
this for a while; I love what I do but it’s also
and all the ages in between, that was
my job. The support from the GB team
really inspiring; it made me feel we were
as well – what is really good about the
doing something a little bigger than what
British system is we do have people who
I thought.
really do know what they’re talking about and are heavily involved. They’ve known
If you could ski somewhere you have
the industry and what’s going on for a
never been before, where would it be?
very long time. I can absolutely trust them
W: I’ve skied in a lot of places. Well, where
making the correct decisions, not only for
haven’t I been? I would do it all again, but
us but for the sport itself as well. They’re
there is a lot more to skiing than I’ve ever
not trying to dictate or make any changes;
tried with all the big mountain, getting out
it’s all beneficial for everybody.
there exploring. There is so much for me where it is, but I want to go somewhere
Mad Dogs Tour?
that I don’t know and put myself out of my
W: I was in New Zealand and was invited
comfort zone.
054 // JAN17
SHAY WILLIAMS
to figure out and explore, so I don’t know How did you get involved in the
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