InTheSnow (Feb 2017) Issue 54

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ISSUE 54 | FEB 2017

T h e wo r l d ’s l a rg e st s k i a re a

IN THIS

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FEATURES

SKIING ITALY'S POWDER POCKET IN CHAMPULOC  Italy’s very own Les 3 Vallées may not be quite as extensive as their

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French equivalent, but they do have plenty of appeal in their own

@INTHESNOWMAG INTHESNOW INTHESNOW_MAGAZINE

ERIC SCHRAMM

It may have a run named “Trump” (no, its not named after him) and it may be one of the few resorts in the world banning boarders, but if you can get over that, Deer Valley has a lot going for it.

A YEAR TO THE GAMES! PYEONGCHANG 2018  It feels like the “Tropical Winter Olympics” in Sochi were only yesterday, but three years have gone by, which means Korea is just around the corner. It’s hard not to get excited with Team GB riding high.

ERIC SCHRAMM

INTHESNOW

DEER VALLEY HEADLINE PARK CITY’S OTHER SKI AREA 

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right with convenience, quality and character in abundance.

REGULARS

GEAR

ROSS WOODHALL

041 029

008 FREERIDE WHERE'S YOUR FOCUS? 

5-PAGE BOOT ROOM 029–33

This issue, Phil Smith, Director of Snoworks Ski Courses and expert on all things freeride, talks about the importance of focus when you’re heading off the groomed slopes and in to the deep powder.

With the big ISPO international trade fair taking place earlier this month, the world’s ski gear manufacturers

LATE SEASON DIARY 016

and retailers have been unveiling all their innovations for 2017/18 already.

patrick@inthesnow.com Well, what an exciting year 2017 has started out as! British ski racer Dave Ryding, currently placed number five in the World Cup slalom standings as I write this, became the first Brit in more than 35 years to podium in a World Cup race, taking silver at the Hahnenkamm competition in Kitzbühel.

ALTITUDE TUITION 034

last I no longer have to refer back more than three and a

It’s a bit like when Andy Murray first won at Wimbledon – at half decades when talking about the last British medal in a

TEAM

of the last Olympics, the Men’s Downhill. But he is also a pioneer of the skiing safety air bag for the World Cup

say the drought in France was the worst for a century), at and Pyrenees.

SUB EDITORS

© Copyright 2017

DOMINIC KILLINGER

NICK JONES MARION ADAMS

Printed in the UK.

dom@inthesnow.com

No part of this publication EDITOR

PATRICK THORNE patrick@inthesnow.com OPERATIONS DIRECTOR

DEBBIE GABRIEL

SALES MANAGER

GIANCARLO GAMBARDELLA giancarlo@inthesnow.com BRAND & DIGITAL MANAGER

Matthias Mayer is famous for winning gold in the big event

Then there’s been the snow. After a dry December (some

PUBLISHER

debbie@inthesnow.com

10 MINUTES WITH MATTHIAS MAYER 

World Cup. Thank you, Dave!

last the snow arrived, transforming conditions in the Alps

EXPA/ JFK

038

BLOW THE BONUS 024

CONTRIBUTORS

SAM THORNE GABBY LE BRETON ANDY TAYLOR EQUIPMENT EDITORS

SALLY BARTLETT ANNA BARTLETT COLUMNISTS

JON WEST PHIL SMITH

may be copied, photocopied or reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted, in any way or means, either by recording or otherwise, without permission of the publishers in writing.

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ROSS WOODHALL

rocketbase.co.uk

snowfalls in California, with resorts that have been open more than 70 years reporting their snowiest month ever by far in January. Several had well over 6m of snow and broke their records only three weeks into 2017.

Over in the Alps, things have settled down a bit with skiers enjoying sunny days on the snow (or at least they are doing as I write this at the start of February – it could be all

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change by the time you’re reading this). Of course, there’s

THE SNOW STUDIO

not been half as much as in California, but it’s perhaps

KINGS LANE, BUCKS HP16 0QY

EMMANUELLE CHÂTEL PICTURE EDITOR

Across the Atlantic we have been seeing incredible

+44 (0)1494 862 423 DOM@INTHESNOW.COM INTHESNOW.COM

easier to make the most of it without having to dig out roads and lifts to reach the slopes as they’re having to do there! Most areas also now have enough snow to see them through the remaining months of the ski season.

It seems fitting to have all this excitement in 2017, as this is InTheSnow’s 10th anniversary year. It’s hard to believe a decade has flown by already, but there’s no arguing with our huge back catalogue and massive online presence now. At the start of the year, we even went through the 70,000 fans mark on our Facebook page, often the fastest way for us to get the latest snow and ski news to you.

Let’s hope the rest of the ski season turns out just as well with more great news ahead. Have a good one.

Follow us @inthesnowmag

003 // FEB17

AMAZING START TO 2017

WORDS: PATRICK THORNE

1 1 MEDALS FOR TEAM GB STARS t has been an incredible start to 2017

happy to get my first World Cup gold here in

It was to be the first of three medal-winning

at PyeongChang in South Korea just a year

for Britain’s elite ski and snowboard

Moscow. It was by far the coldest and some

performances for the duo, who also took silver

away, it looks to be perfect timing.

stars with January 2017 seeing what

of the toughest conditions I’ve ever had to

in the Super Combined and Slalom, joined on

is believed to be a record haul of 11

compete in, but an amazing place.”

the podium for the Super Combined by Menna

bronze, silver and gold medals in

Then, a little over a week later on 15 January,

Fitzpatrick, guided by army captain Jennifer

World Cup, World Championships, X

Dave Ryding scored his best-ever result and

Kehoe, who took bronze.

Games and World Para Alpine Skiing

equalled Britain’s best-ever World Cup result

More podiums were achieved by Brits around

Championships competitions.

by taking silver in the World Cup slalom race

the world with the British Telemark team’s

January highlights included Dave

at Kitzbühel.

Jasmin Taylor taking silver in the Telemark

Ryding becoming the first British alpine

Ryding led after the first leg and held his nerve

World Cup Sprint at La Thuile in Italy then

racer to stand on the podium in more

to stay ahead of most of the other competitors,

bronze at the Telemark World Cup in Krvavec,

Gold: Katie Ormerod,

than 35 years when he won slalom

but World Cup star Marcel Hirscher for Austria,

Slovenia, in the Parallel Sprint and Jamie

Snowboard Big Air World Cup, Moscow

silver at the Kitzbühel slalom and Big Air

who had been lying in eighth place a second

Nicholls taking silver in the Slopestyle World

Gold: Millie Knight / Brett Wild, Downhill,

golds for both women (Katie Ormerod

behind Ryding after the first run, stormed his

Cup in Seiser Alm, Italy.

World Para Alpine Skiing Championships, Tarvisio

on a board) and men (James “Woodsy” Woods

second descent and won by a third of a second.

Team GB’s fifth medal was a bronze medal for

Gold: James “Woodsy” Woods, Ski Big Air,

on skis) as well as the most successful Skiing

Ryding, who ended January lying in an

in-form Katie Ormerod (19, Brighouse) in the

X Games, Aspen

World Championships by a British athlete, with

incredible fifth in the World Cup standings

X Games Snowboard Slopestyle on the last

Silver: Dave Ryding, Slalom, Kitzbühel

three medals for Millie Knight.

and stood on his first World Cup podium

Saturday of the month.

Silver: Jamie Nicholls,

The medal haul began when Katie Ormerod

Kitzbühel, commented after the first run, “This

Ormerod said after winning her second medal

Slopestyle World Cup, Seiser Alm

became the first-ever British snowboarder

is incredible; being in the lead here is a dream

in one month, “I’m super happy to get my first

Silver: Jasmin Taylor, Sprint,

to win a Snowboard Big Air World Cup after

come true. I thought I’d had a solid run, but the

X Games medal! It’s always been on my bucket

Telemark World Cup, La Thuile

claiming gold in Moscow on 7 January.

fact I am leading came as a surprise.”

list to medal here, so I couldn’t be happier!

Silver: Millie Knight / Brett Wild,

Ormerod (19) from Brighouse, Yorkshire,

It’s the best result for British alpine skiing since

Especially to medal in the most high-profile

Super Combined, World Para Alpine Skiing

claimed the win with her two best runs (out

Konrad Bartelski also took silver in the World

event of the season in such a tough and

Championships, Tarvisio

of three) scoring 153.75. She finished ahead

Cup Downhill in Val Gardena in 1981.

progressive field of riders.”

Silver: Millie Knight / Brett Wild, Slalom,

of the World Cup leader Anna Gasser from

As January moved into its final week, Millie

Team GB’s Park and Pipe star James “Woodsy”

World Para Alpine Skiing Championships, Tarvisio

Austria who scored 153.50. The win followed

Knight (18) and her guide submariner Brett Wild

Woods (25, Sheffield) took the British medal haul

Bronze: Katie Ormerod,

two other World Cup Big Air podium finishes

took top spot in the downhill at the World Para

to five in seven days when he took gold in Ski Big

Snowboard Slopestyle, X Games, Aspen

this season: third in Alpensia, Korea, and

Alpine Skiing Championships in Tarvisio on

Air at the X Games in Aspen, the world’s biggest

Bronze: Jasmin Taylor,

second in Mönchengladbach, Germany.

Wednesday, our first ever World Para Alpine

freeskiing and snowboarding competition.

Telemark World Cup, Krvavec

Ormerod said after the victory, “I am really

Skiing Championships gold.

With the next Winter Olympics and Paralympics

Bronze: Menna Fitzpatrick / Jennifer Kehoe, Super

TEAM GB JAN 2017 MEDAL HAUL

Combined, World Para Alpine Skiing Championships

04 // FEB17

ANDY PARANT

GROWTH IN SKIERS WEARING HELMETS WELCOMED

LES ARCS UNVEIL NEW SKI–BIKE RELAY EVENT

ISCHGL MAKES MORE OF ITS SMUGGLERS’ TRAILS

A brain injury charity has welcomed statistics that show a boom in the

Les Arcs are to stage what they say is the first ever ski-then-mountain-

The Austrian resort of Ischgl sits on the border across from the Swiss

number of skiers wearing helmets while out on the slopes.

bike downhill relay in France this April.

resort of Samnaun, and the two resorts share their ski slopes but have

The figures, which were provided by ski-wear specialist Ellis Brigham,

The event, which is along similar lines to events such as the Ski to Sea

a long history with smugglers. In the old days, the Austrians packed

show sales of helmets in the UK have grown by 191% in the past 10

races at Mt Baker in the USA and others staged annually in countries like

their rucksacks with butter, cheese and furs to take over to Switzerland,

years. The steep rise has been welcomed by Headway – the brain

New Zealand, will see racers tackle 1,600m of vertical above and below

returning with coffee, rice, flour, tobacco, sugar and spices to sell in

injury association – as a positive step forward in the way winter-sports

the snowline.

Austria. Even today, border police check heavily laden skiers returning

enthusiasts treat safety while enjoying their favourite pastime.

Taking place on 22 April, 150 teams (male, female and mixed) are

to Austria from Samnaun to make sure they’re not bringing in more

“The evidence is clear; helmets decrease the risk and severity of head

expected to compete in this exclusive race. Unlike in other races, each

than their personal allowance from Switzerland to the EU.

injuries in skiing and snowboarding, and we’re delighted to see more

team member will ski a different leg.

This season, though, Ischgl is making the cross-border relationship a

people take note of this simple common-sense approach to safety,” said

The race will begin after the slopes close at around 5pm and take place

bit more fun and 100% legal in a new set of marked “smugglers’ routes”

Peter McCabe, Chief Executive of Headway, who added: “Beneath the soft

on a marked course, supervised by the ski patrols. It will start at Col

that skiers and boarders can follow using the resort’s iSki Ischgl App

snow is a compact layer of ice which can be as hard as concrete. Even a

des Frettes, 2,413m up and accessed by the Arpette and Bois de l’Ours

connected to GPS on their phones.

minor head injury can have a major impact, so it’s important people use

chairlifts. From here, the first half of the descent over snow begins,

The aim for skiers and boarders is to amass kilometres rather than

their heads and wear their helmets.”

including a race through the snowpark.

merchandise and to track and record their progress by GPS via the

Headway’s safety message is being backed by winter-sports instructor

Racers will switch to bikes in Arc 1600 from where the course follows the

app. There are three well-signposted routes, gold, silver and bronze, of

Charlie Elmore, who had to relearn how to walk and talk after sustaining a

famous mountain bike slope « La 8 » with the race continuing down to

varying difficulty to cater for all standards.

traumatic brain injury while snowboarding wearing a helmet in Austria in 2011.

the Event Village in Bourg St Maurice.

Those who successfully complete their chosen circuit can enter prize

“I set about doing a jump I’d done many times,” said Charlie. “One moment

Participating costs €60 (around £52) per team (€30pp (around £26pp)),

draws every day, weekly and for each season. Prizes will include head

I was snowboarding in Austria and the next, as I knew it, I was coming

and entrants can sign up at engage-sports.com/ski2bike2017/

bands, rucksacks, half-board hotel stays, lift passes and passes for

round in a hospital in England six weeks later. Had I not been wearing a

“Is there a better way to celebrate the transition from the winter to the

mountain concerts. ischgl.com/apps

helmet that day, there would be no story to tell.” headway.org.uk

spring than a skiing to bike relay?” the organisers ask.

FIT. M A D E TO F I T.

BRITISH.

M A D E I N B R I TA I N .

M A D E F O R WO M E N .

2 0 % D I S CO U N T CO D E : F I T B R I T

WOMEN. S N OO K S W E A R . CO. U K

FREE EASTER SLEDGING IN LES ARCS This winter, Les Arcs and tour operator Peak Retreats have joined together to offer even more value to families. Book any accommodation in Peisey Vallandry with Peak Retreats and buy two adult Les Arcs/Peisey Vallandry or Paradiski lift passes, and for an Easter treat, Peak Retreats is offering free passes to the very special Mille8 or Rodeo Park sledge runs in Les Arcs. PeakRetreats.co.uk

NEW SPA AT LES MENUIRES A new Ô Pure® Spa has opened in the new MMV STEPHEN VAN DE KEMP

Résidence “Le Coeur des Loges” in Les Menuires.

It features an indoor heated pool, a Jacuzzi, a sauna, a steam room and wet rooms, relaxation baths, rain showers, beauty treatments and wellbeing massages, examples of which include the “Grand Froid” signature experience that heats and rehydrates you, or the Family Zen treatment, a

PANORAMA ADDS EXPERT TERRAIN

30-minute treatment just for the family with access to the Aquarelaxing area in the residence.

MORE BRITS SKI JAPAN Japan’s national tourist organisation says that the number of Brits heading to Japan grew by almost half last winter. The exact figure recorded was a 46.4% increase in the number of overnight ski resort visitors, in comparison with 2014/15.

Japan Ski Experience, a ski holiday operator specialising in Japan, believes that the season ahead is set to see further growth, as Japan Meteorological Agency forecast a 70% chance of a La Niña winter, which typically brings very heavy snowfalls to Japan.

SKI SCHOOL OFFERS WINGJUMPING

C

to its in terrain tally, bringing the

experiences for guests.

infamous Taynton Bowl territory in-

“It’s an exciting time at Panorama,”

bounds. The ski area now includes

said Steve Paccagnan, Panorama’s

1,152 hectares of patrolled terrain

Director and CEO. “Serious

and boasts 125 trails, the Taynton

investment has gone into improving

Bowl, the Extreme Dream Zone, and

on-mountain and entertainment

The Thing, John Carpenter’s famous scary

two terrain parks.

experiences for guests.”

movie set in an Antarctic research station, is

An investment of $120,000 (around

Panorama is located in the Purcell

to be given a special screening at an indoor

£96,000) this season improves

Range, west of the Rocky Mountain

snow centre this month. Snow Factor Braehead,

Panorama’s off-piste offering with

Trench, on the Powder Highway

Scotland’s only indoor real-snow facility, is set

anada’s Panorama ski area in British

new glading on both the front and

and a three-and-a-half-hour drive

to use its sub-zero real-snow setting to put the

Columbia has added an additional

backside of the mountain, which

from Calgary International Airport.

chill in dozens of horror-film fans when it hosts

6.6 hectares of expert double black

further opens up Panorama’s

It boasts one of the five biggest lift-

the one-off screening of The Thing as part of the

diamond backcountry-style terrain

massive hectarage to provide new

served verticals in North America.

13th annual Glasgow Film Festival (#GFF17).

Ski Cool in Val Thorens have a fun new way for

The showing on 23 February will allow

kids aged five to 12 to learn to ski. Designed

moviegoers to enjoy the pop-up Snow Factor

like a parachute, a Wingjump suit is worn like a

F1 STAR LAUNCHES NEW ICE DRIVING COURSES

cape and attached to the child’s ski poles. The Wingjump cape inflates with air as the child picks

who are carried along in the air as well as by their skis,” said a Ski Cool spokesperson. ski-cool.com

“cinema” venue, but everyone attending is advised to wrap up warmly for the special 35th anniversary screening of the sci-fi horror, which stars Kurt Russell.

OLIVER ALLAMAND

up speed, providing a light, safe gliding sensation.

“They are an amazing teaching ‘toy’ for children,

THE THING COMES TO INDOOR SNOW

NEW SIX-SEATER AT KLEINWALSERTAL The Kleinwalsertal ski area in Austria’s Vorarlberg

SVR on a special ice circuit,

“We are used to offering our customers chilly

with a professional instructor,

fun. However, this is the first time we will play

to drift and slide in exhilarating

our part in creating a distinctly chilly atmosphere

driving conditions.

as guests take their seats for a screening of The

The new opportunity was launched

Thing” said Penny Dunn, Business Development

by Formula 1 star Romain Grosjean.

Manager at Snow Factor, who added: “It’s

“The driver put on quite a show as

fantastic to offer our permanently snow-covered

he got behind the wheel to show

slopes as a setting for what is a renowned

onlookers how it’s done!” said a

horror film. It is definitely one of the more

province is investing €30 million (around £26

A new partnership between Jaguar

adrenaline sports offered at La

resort spokesperson.

unusual events we will have hosted!”

million) in updates over the next two years.

Land Rover and La Plagne ski resort

Plagne, which also include zip wires

The experience is available free of

Running from 15 to 26 February, the Glasgow

A sizeable chunk of this spend has gone on

in the French Alps has resulted

and descending the 1992 Olympic

charge to those who want to try it,

Film Festival will see 310 events and separate

the new Olympiabahn six-seat chairlift, which

in the launch of a thrilling driving

Bobsleigh run.

from 10am to 4pm daily from Sunday

screenings of films from 38 countries shown

experience for visitors.

“Fun Zone Jaguar” provides the

to Friday from 5 February to 5 March.

across the city. Tickets for the showing of The

terminal and the Ifenhütte lodge this winter. In

The activity is the latest in an ever-

chance to get behind the wheel of

You have to be at least 28 years old

Thing at 10am on Monday 23 February are on

addition, snowmaking is being increased to

growing list of non-skiing/boarding

a four-wheel drive Jaguar F-TYPE

to take part. la-plagne.com

sale via: glasgowfilm.org/

replaces a drag lift between the mountain

cover a total of 13km of runs.

006 // FEB17 // INTHESNOW.COM

@INTHESNOWMAG

INGHAMS

Heavenly Skiing At Down To Earth Prices

INGHAMS LAUNCH SKI PREVIEW FOR 2017/18

HANNIBAL RETURNING TO SÖLDEN

Specialist ski holiday company Inghams has launched its Winter 2017/18

Sölden in the Austrian Tirol will celebrate the end of the ski season

Ski Preview Programme with what the company says are its best-

with a unique on-slope show: Hannibal on Friday 21 April 2017.

ever preview deals. The new brochure features 91 resorts across nine

Staged once every two years, this breathtaking live performance is

countries, with regional departures from 25 local UK airports across

held at 3,000m above sea level in the upper Ötzal on the resort’s

England, Scotland and Northern Ireland. The company says many of its

Rettenbach Glacier. Billed as the world’s largest contemporary

initiatives are a direct response to the EU referendum result in a bid to

performance, Hannibal tells the story of the famed commander of the

offer security in an uncertain year and maximise value in light of the falling

ancient world’s crossing of the Alps in 216BC with 60,000 warriors,

value of the pound. “We are delighted to have this programme ready for

thousands of horses and 37 elephants. The spectacular will include

early bookers. Many of our guests, especially those travelling in groups,

helicopters, historical planes, skidoos, ski instructors, snow grooming

like to get their ski trip secured well in advance, and with the impact of

tractors (playing the elephants), dancers, paragliders and the fabulous

Brexit unknown at this stage, we have ensured that our winter 2017/18

base jumpers from the Red Bull Skydive Team. Some 500 people

holidays are on sale now to make saving money as easy and convenient

participate in this extravagant performance – including parachutists

as possible,” said Paul Carter, Chief Operating Officer.

from the Arlberg mountains and actors from around the globe.

“We can’t ignore the fact that the pound has weakened recently, and so

“With special light effects, pyrotechnical features, music and more,

we’re encouraging guests to take advantage of our best-ever preview

Hannibal is for fans of musicals and theatrical extravaganzas: culture

offers to guarantee a great deal and ensure holiday spending money goes

brought to the mountains under nature’s roof,” a spokesperson said.

further next season.” inghams.co.uk/ski-holidays

The show takes place at 7.30pm and tickets cost from £37pp.

5% DISCOUNT

QUOTE CODE 'ITS'

SKI 4 CANCER’S EVEREST CHALLENGE GOES FOR WORLD RECORD from lots of different countries will be united by a disease which affects us all irrespective of nationality.

Skiing the height of Mount Everest in one day is a tough challenge though, even for advanced skiers like Mr Eddie Edwards!”

High Quality Catered + Self Catered Accommodation

“We all know someone who has been affected by cancer, so if you’ve yet to book your ski trip for this year, why not join us? Become a World Record holder and help people living with cancer at the same time.”

Ski 4 Cancer was set up by a group of keen skiers and snowboarders who have all lost a close relative UK ski charity Ski 4 Cancer is calling

of Mount Everest (8,848m) as one

areas in the world with 270km of

or friend to cancer. The charity

for skiers from across Europe in an

large group and raise funds for Ski

piste. Andy Hayward, Trustee at

provides a range of alpine respite

attempt to set a new World Record

4 Cancer at the same time, will take

Ski 4 Cancer, said, “We’re looking

holidays for families living with

alongside ski jumping legend

place in the Austrian ski resort of

for 500 skiers from across Europe

cancer, makes grants to palliative

Eddie “The Eagle” Edwards. The

Saalbach on Thursday 9 March.

who want to become World Record

care centres and supports research.

challenge, to descend the height

Saalbach is one of the largest ski

holders. In this unique event, skiers

ski4cancer.org/Everest

FB.COM/INTHESNOW

007 // FEB17

French and Swiss Alps Snow Sure Resorts On / Near Piste locations No Hidden Extras Financially Bonded

0151 625 1921 mountainheaven.co.uk

FREERIDE NO.17 Where’s Your Focus?

Graphene is an e l e m e n t o f j oy.

N eve r b e fo r e h a s a m a te r i a l m a d e skiing so much fun.

Not only is Graphene t h e w o r l d ’s s t r o n g e s t m a te r i a l . I t ’s a l s o t h e l i g h te s t . A n d w h e n u s e d to m a n i p u l a te weight distribution, yo u ’ l l g e t u n p a r a l l e l e d balance and control.

G r a p h e n e s i m p l y m a ke s the skis do the work so yo u r fe e l i n g o f j oy l a s t s l o n g e r. # V i v a J oy

j oy. h e a d .co m

Phil Smith, Director of Snoworks

“Now” focusing means you’re

“Now” focusing is easy to say but

Learn to bring your focus into the

Ski Courses, talks about the

focusing on what is happening to

not so easy to do, as the number of

“now” and you’ll be amazed how

importance of focus.

you, not what is going to happen or

distractions can be endless – other

quickly your performance can start

“The future is a mystery, the past is

what has happened. Many skiers

skiers, bumps, ice, bad visibility,

to improve. You’ll begin to adjust

history, now is a gift, that is why it is

are focusing well into the future

trees, cold feet, fogged-up goggles

to changes in the snow, be able

called the present.”

or reflecting on the past, so the

as well as technical issues such as

to slow down at will, push deeper

A great quote and one that I

ability to adjust to the changing

hands forward, body position and

snow aside, and cope with ice,

constantly use when teaching all-

conditions is compromised.

width of stance. Then we can have

bumps and variable snow.

mountain skiing.

The requirement to be “now”

all the other stuff swirling around

Of course, in all-mountain skiing,

Focus, or as it is more commonly

focused in changing conditions,

called, concentration, can be

however, does present a conflict

this requires a “future”

likened to a spotlight in the theatre.

in all-mountain skiing, as safety

focus. So you’ll need to

The centre of the spotlight is the

issues require a focus more into

learn when to focus on the

brightest, and the further you

the future. Where am I going,

“now” and when to focus on

move away from the centre, the

where are the islands of safety,

the “future”. Future focusing

less bright it becomes. Your focus

terrain traps, lines, convex slopes?

can be done before you

is exactly the same; the centre of

Great all-mountain skiers have

set off. Slope angle, snow

your focus is bright and the outside

therefore learnt to switch focus

texture, islands of safety,

of your focus is less bright.

very quickly hundreds of times

terrain traps. Make a plan

How and where you direct your

in every run between focusing

focus can have a drastic effect on

on safety issues (future) and

your performance and learning. It

adjusting to the changes in

can help or hinder.

snow and terrain (now). Or they

When learning to ski, most

have learnt to either direct the

Phil Smith is founder of Snoworks

rather than filling your mind

skiers have their focus directed

centre of the focus to the “now”

All-Mountain Ski Courses. Snoworks

with other information. Of

well into the future. Where am I

and the periphery to the “future”

run Off-Piste and Backcountry

course, things change as

going, what’s ahead, where’s my

or vice versa depending on the

courses throughout the winter along

you are skiing, and at times

instructor? In fact, if you remember

greatest need.

with Off-Piste Adventure trips to

you’ll need to switch from

back to your very first lessons, you

Leaving the safety issues aside

destinations around the world.

“now” focus to “future”

will probably remember being told,

just for a moment and looking

info@snoworks.co.uk

focus to check conditions

“Don’t look down, look ahead”, so

at your performance, you will

ahead, but this can be done

people get used to focusing well

begin to recognise that more or

when the conditions are

into the future.

less every time you lose control

This is all fine when the environment,

on your skis it can probably be

in our heads. How am I doing, how

begin to learn when and how to

the snow texture and terrain is

attributed to a loss of focus or a

do I look, am I skiing correctly, what

switch. Your focus will become

constant, such as on well-groomed

distraction that takes your focus

does so-and-so think of my skiing?

as skilfully controlled as other

blue and red runs, but as we move

away from the “now” (dealing with

So the distractions pulling you away

aspects of your skiing. You’ll

into all-mountain skiing where the

the changing conditions) to either

from “now” focusing are endless.

suddenly realise what “skiing in

terrain and snow texture begin

the future (what’s going to happen),

To ski in the “now”, you have

the now” is all about and your

to change, every second, every

the past (what has happened) or

to learn to let go of all the stuff

skiing will develop a new life,

millisecond, every nanosecond, a

something else entirely unrelated

distracting you from skiing in the

one that is in harmony with the

“now” focus is required.

to the changing snow and terrain.

“now” moment.

changing mountain.

008 // FEB17

safety is the major factor, and

PHIL SMITH SNOWORKS

before you set off so when skiing you can be dealing with and adjusting to the changing conditions (“now”)

more constant and you’ll

SNOWORKS.CO.UK

BAUSE.AT

NEW HALF-TERM COACH SERVICE TO LES 2 ALPES

SAFETY CONCERNS OVER SELFIES WHILE SKIING

HOW MUCH FOR A SKIER’S GLASS OF COLA?

Snow Express, the UK to French Alps direct bus service, has

A travel insurance company is claiming that their research has revealed

A company called HomeToGo has researched the cost of a 330ml

launched a new route to Les 2 Alpes for the February half-term

that just over half (51%) of experienced skiers have been injured while

glass of a well-known brand of cola in ski resorts across Europe.

week. Departing London on Friday 10 February 2017 (5.30pm) and

trying to film or photograph themselves on black slopes or off-piste, with

Contacting restaurants direct and checking prices on restaurant

leaving the resort on Saturday 18 February 2017 (6.15pm), the return

28% of them requiring medical treatment as a result. Injuries related to

websites, they found the cheapest cola working out at 80p a glass,

trip costs £199pp.

filming were lower (27%) on red slopes and at 16% on blue slopes.

the most expensive £6.50 – more than eight times more. The average

At the time of writing, for arrival and departure on the same dates,

The research, by insurer Columbus Direct, revealed that nearly

price came in at £3.12.

one well-known low-cost airline was charging well in excess of

three-quarters (72%) of skiers and snowboarders admit to filming or

Unsurprisingly, Eastern European resorts had the lowest prices with

£1,500 for the lowest cost fares for a family with two adults and two

photographing themselves in action.

restaurants in Bansko, Bulgaria, the cheapest at 80p. Saalbach in

children (including hold luggage), with times that make it extremely

“The urge to obtain the best selfie or GoPro footage of themselves in

Austria was cheapest of the big resorts in the Alps at £2.45.

difficult and expensive to get to the resort on arrival. Most of the

action means experienced skiers and snowboarders, those who ski on

Livigno in Italy, known for its cheap duty-free alcohol prices, was

fares with times that work well are in excess of £2,000 for a family

black runs or go off-piste, are risking serious injury,” a statement from

below the European average at £2.50, but Grandvaira in Andorra,

of four, with the prime-time fare coming in at over £3,340. That

Columbus asserts.

which has a similar reputation, was slightly above the average price at

doesn’t include the transfer costs from airport to resort.

“Experienced skiers and snowboarders know that the mountains can

£3.50, the same as “upmarket” Austrian destination Lech Zürs.

“Since starting Snow Express in the winter of 2009/10, we have

be unpredictable and you need to focus on your activity to avoid injury,”

French resorts were the most expensive when it comes to buying a

carried over 14,000 passengers to the Alps, and increasingly we

commented four-time British Winter Olympian Chemmy Alcott, who added:

cola, according to the HomeToGo survey. Courchevel, also home to

are finding people use the service for convenience rather than just

“The range of technological equipment you can take to the slopes now is

the most 5★ hotels and the most luxury ski chalets of any resort in the

the cost saving,” said Snow Express founder Dave Manley. “We are

incredible, and it’s fantastic to be able to record your experience, but it’s

world, had the £6.50 cola.

carrying more families, and our passenger age range goes right up

important to remember to take care and put your safety ahead of the selfie!”

Despite their reputation for high prices due to the strong Swiss franc,

to 85 years old.”

The research for Columbus was carried out by an organisation called

Swiss resorts did not top the list. Verbier was sixth most expensive at

Snow Express operates to 40 French ski resorts, and fares start

Opinium; “among a representative sample of 2,000 adults completed

£4.28, St Moritz ninth most at £3.70 and Zermatt, which has Europe’s

from £99pp. snowexpress.co.uk

between 24 and 28 November,” the company states. columbusdirect.com

most expensive lift pass, outside the top 10 at £3.35 for a cola.

+33 (0)4 79 06 18 88 RESERVATION@HOTELAIGLEDESNEIGES.COM EN.HOTELAIGLEDESNEIGES.COM

 PROMOTION

DAY SKI WITHOUT LIMITS

SOUL 7 HD

Freeride is about pushing boundaries and leaving your mark. Effortless floatation, playful manoeuvrability and lightweight design allow you to confidently up your game and enjoy Another Best Day – no matter where the snow takes you.

ALLTRACK Pro 130 WTR

www.rossignol.com

NATHAN GALLAGHER

ANOTHER

ENJOY GREAT CUISINE – EVEN LEARN TO COOK IT YOURSELF

T

All four chalets in the stylish R&S Chalet

a larger-than-life character simply known to all

Collection offer excellent facilities including

as “Cookie”, will be running Cookie’s Kitchen

en-suite bathrooms and hot tubs, top-notch

Workshop Experience, which will include five

service and are in great locations. But one of the

days combining tuition in the kitchen from the

key ways in which the company rises above the

main man Cookie himself, plus the opportunity of

competition is in the exceptional cuisine they

having four or five hours ski time on the mountain

provide in the chalets, from brilliant breakfasts

each day as well.

right through to sumptuous dinners, all aimed

The R&S Chalet Collection includes properties

at making your stay even more enjoyable and

that have been divided into silver, gold and

unforgettable.

platinum standard to suit your budget and taste.

Indeed the food served up in R&S Chalets has

All offer a wholesome breakfast to start your

proved so popular that the company will be

day, and in family and group-friendly silver

running cooking and skiing workshops over

accommodation, guests receive a three-

several weeks at the end of the season where

course meal on six nights of the week with

guests can not only enjoy the great cuisine the

complimentary house wine. In the gold-rated

he R&S Chalet Collection luxury catered chalets in

company’s chefs serve up day in, day out, but

chalet there’s a gourmet four-course dinner and

Morzine in the French Alps, at the heart of one of

also learn some inside tips on how to create

in the platinum chalets guests enjoy an exquisite,

the world’s largest ski areas, the Portes du Soleil,

similar great meals themselves.

fourcourse dinner and sommelier’s selection of

offer chalet ski holiday living at its very finest.

R&S Chalet Collection’s exceptional Head Chef,

complimentary paired wines.

RH2 MIPS HELMET

010 // FEB17

RSCHALETCOLLECTION.COM

B LONGO

REAL-TIME SKIER FLOW INFORMATION NOW AVAILABLE IN LES 3 VALLÉES

Skiers in the Val Thorens area of

via sensors on the runs and then

equipment is being updated with

Grand Fond areas where there are

Les 3 Vallées in France are now

presents live data on display

new geo-localisation devices. In

three giant screens (measuring 3m

able to get an idea of how busy

boards positioned at key junctions

introducing these resources, Val

x 2m and seven times brighter than

the slopes below them are and

in the run network so skiers can

Thorens is a truly pioneering and

a standard screen). Besides data on

make route decisions as they ski

see how busy runs below them are.

visionary force in terms of what will

how busy individual slopes are, the

or board based on how crowded

The system is known as Ski Flux.

become common practice in three

system also provides other specific

or not each of a choice of trails

“The digital revolution is well on its

or four years’ time,” said Benjamin

up-to-the minute information such

below them may be.

way for French slope maintenance

Blanc, head of the Belleville Valley

as different snow levels on the runs,

The Valley has installed technology

services – both in terms of skier

slope maintenance service.

a geo-localised weather report and

which measures the flow of skiers

enjoyment and safety. Ski patrol

Ski Flux is being trialled in the

itinerary tips.

FIRST INTERNATIONAL GROUP SKI TRIP TO IRAQ

LEARN TO SKI FOR FREE IN LA CLUSAZ

Travel company Untamed Borders has staged what is believed to be the

La Clusaz in the French Alps will be giving first-time skiers the chance

first international commercial group ski trip to Iraq.

to learn to ski for free during a three-week period in April.

The company offered a trip including some ski touring and a visit to the

The promotion, which will run from 8 to 28 April, includes the

country’s one mountain resort of Korek, which was staging its annual

provision of a free beginner ski lesson for adults, a free ski pass for

snow festival at the time with reported excellent snow conditions.

beginner adults and a 50% discount on equipment hire.

Korek Mountain is located near the city of Rawanduz in the Arbil

The French ski school (ESF) will organise the free beginners group

Governorate of Iraqi Kurdistan and only 120km (75 miles) east of the city

lessons for adults over three half days, from Monday to Wednesday

of Mosul, where Iraqi forces have spent the past four months trying to

morning, or five half days, from Monday to Friday morning To qualify for

beat IS in their last major stronghold.

the offer (limited availability), new skiers should first book their free ski

Korek opened in 2014 with a modern gondola lift but its initial business

lessons (via: info@esf-laclusaz.com). They will then be provided with a

plans were thwarted by the sudden rise of IS. There are no ski lifts

Beginner ESF group lesson card with which they can collect their ski pass

but there is a nursery slope where lessons are offered. Other facilities

from the resort’s Central Ski Lifts Booking offices and obtain half-priced

include a sledging slope and a zip line.

beginner ski or board equipment rental from a selection of ski shops.

FB.COM/INTHESNOW

011 // FEB17

MICHAEL GONCALVES

AVORIAZ AND PIERRE & VACANCES CELEBRATE 50 YEARS

A

The ski area’s success also led

Avoriaz all winter, and there are also

Lil’Stash, a dedicated junior Stash

to the founding of the Pierre

a few infrastructure improvements.

natural terrain park for children

& Vacances company, which

Famous for its 25 horse-drawn

aged six to 14 with age-specific

became synonymous with

sleighs that help to carry skiers

features, layout and decor.

functional and affordable family ski

around the car-free resort, this winter

The new fun zone is in the Proclou

accommodation across resorts in

Avoriaz has introduced a new snow

area and covers a landscape of

the French Alps, helping to make

transport vehicle as an alternative.

natural side valleys, part of which

ski holidays possible for far more

The new tracked vehicle has

is forested. Like its big brother, The

people than ever before.

a futuristic appearance and is

Stash, The Lil’Stash boasts a series

Now 50 years on, Groupe Pierre

designed to transport up to 12

of features made of snow and

& Vacances is Europe’s largest

people in comfort along with their

wood: a mini boarder cross, a snake

voriaz, the only car-free major

holiday accommodation provider,

luggage, which is stored in a large

run, an XS-sized kicker, whoop-

ski resort in France, and still

owning four main brands operating

baggage compartment.

de-doos, a zone of slides and fun

appearing futuristic in its

282 sites around Europe totalling

In addition, after three years in

boxes, a zone of “snow surfaces” for

architectural design, is celebrating

46,000 apartments and houses.

development, Burton snowboards

practising turns, a wooden bridge

its 50th anniversary in 2017.

Celebrations are continuing in

and Avoriaz have launched The

and an undulating forest zone.

FIRST FRENCH YOGA SLOPE OPENS AT MORZINE OPENING DECEMBER 5

TH

NEW HOTELRESTAURANT www.rockypop-chamonix.com reservation@rockypop.com 1476 AVENUE DES ALPAGES 74310 LES HOUCHES TEL +33 (0)4 85 30 00 00

Morzine has opened the first slope

should tackle each yoga stance with

in France dedicated to yoga for

their skis perpendicular to the slope.

skiers. Skiers and boarders can

Yoga exercises included in the

practice 10 yoga postures as they

10 listed include energy-gaining

descend the Lievre run in the

postures (Prana) as well as

resort’s Nyon sector, either on

balancing and stability ones

their own or with instructors from

(Asana), breathing exercises

the ESF ski school, who organise

to unify body and movement

weekly ski yoga sessions.

(Vinyasa), and tools to relax

The yoga exercises have been

(Savasana), to refocus (Om) and

chosen so that they can be done on

to fully appreciate the mountain’s

skis with the aim of getting the body

benefits and beauty (Namaste).

in better shape for winter sports,

“The Yogi Run offers the chance

for skiing,” said a Morzine

than what you feel comfortable

according to a statement from

to connect with this exceptional

spokesperson, who added: “Listen

with, and stay in each posture for

Morzine, which advises that skiers

natural site while getting ready

to your body: never push further

as long as you feel its benefit.”

012 // FEB17

@INTHESNOWMAG

OFF PISTE & SKI TOUR Various resorts Prices from

FREE LIFT PASSES AT

CRANS LUXURY LODGES

T

because as an added bonus visitors

a concierge service to provide

to 40 people).

will receive free lift passes if they

all information needed and make

Crans Luxury Lodges chalets feature

book a week-long stay that month.

bookings as required; a continental

open kitchens and dining rooms

Crans Luxury Lodges are a selection

breakfast is also delivered to your

(a private chef can be booked if

of five exceptional ski-in/ ski-out

chalet each morning.

required). There’s plenty of leisure

chalets to choose from, all located

Each fully-furnished chalet has

and lounge space in each chalet, as

on a high, sunny plateau and on

its own style, decor and design,

well as a wine cellar, a large terrace

land that has been owned by the

beautifully blending the best of

with a stunning view, a fireplace

same family for four centuries!

traditional and modern. Each chalet

and a private spa with an infinity

Along with its fantastic location,

extends to 250m2 spread over two

Jacuzzi and dry sauna. The chalets’

Crans Luxury Lodges is all about

or three floors with plenty of space

elegant bedrooms boast sumptuous

for 8 to 10 guests in each, making

en-suite bathrooms and of course

thought through by the owners to

it the perfect place to stay with

there’s inclusive housekeeping and

always offer a fantastic place to stay

ensure that you have a true home-

your family, friends or colleagues (if

a final cleaning service.

when visiting the famous Swiss resort

from-home stay, with everything

needed there’s a professional, fully

cransluxurylodges.com

of Crans Montana, but during March

you need available to you. Hotel

equipped meeting area of 90m2

michel@cransluxurylodges.com

a visit becomes even more enticing,

services are provided including

available for small seminars of up

+41 27 480 35 08

STEPHANE GROS

comfort with everything carefully

he stunning Crans Luxury Lodges

BOOK A CHALET FOR A WEEK IN MARCH AND GET YOUR SKI PASSES FOR FREE!

£665 £550 £523

MARCH & APRIL – SKI & SNOWBOARD Various resorts Prices from

EASTER FAMILY WEEK Serre Chevalier

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

Action Outdoors is the UK partner of UCPA, the largest provider of instructed and guided ski/snowboard courses in Europe.

Offering all inclusive courses for all levels, from beginner instruction to expert level off piste and ski tour/splitboard expeditions, ensures there is a UCPA course suitable for everyone.

For more information and to book:

www.action-outdoors.co.uk THE UK PARTNE

FB.COM/INTHESNOW

CRANSLUXURYLODGES.COM

R FOR

SKIING

ITALY'S POWDER

POCKET WORDS: ANDY TAYLOR | PHOTO: FRED FOTO

014 // FEB17

@INTHESNOWMAG

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AOSTA-VALLEY.CO.UK

Foto © Christoph Schöch

18-25 19-25 CHRIS GEARY

11 Ski Color

European Snow Pride

Rock the Pistes Festival

LES GETS, FRANCE

TIGNES, FRANCE

PORTES DU SOLEIL, FRANCE/SWITZERLAND

This wonderfully unique event returns to Les

Billed as Europe’s biggest gay pride festival

The seventh edition of the Rock the Pistes Festival

Gets for its third incarnation. Ski down the

on snow, there are some snowsports involved

sees free concerts on the slopes you ski to each

slopes in white overalls and get splattered

if you want, but it’s more about the après-

afternoon around this big ski area with additional

with multi-coloured paint as you descend.

ski parties from around 3pm to 5am daily.

pop-up concerts and extra après-ski in the

There’s a big party too.

europeansnowpride.com

region’s resorts.

2

GIUSEPPE GHEDINA

LES 3 VALLÈES / CHRISTIAN ARNAL

23-26 1-9 Freeride Challenge

Xtreme Verbier

3 Vallées Enduro

CORTINA D’AMPEZZO, ITALY

VERBIER, SWITZERLAND

LES 3 VALLÉES, FRANCE

A competitive event showcasing freeride, ski

Watch future world champions launch off the

The race that can start and end at different resorts

mountaineering and competitive climbing with

unforgiving face of Bec des Rosses as they

in the world’s biggest ski area and has different

a whole series of collateral events and parties.

compete in the grand finale of the

categories allowing families and children to take

freeridepuntanera.com

Freeride World Tour. freerideworldtour.com

part returns for its 2017 outing.

FATBOY SLIM / VOLVO SNOWBOMBING

L AT E S E A S O N D I A R Y 2-9 3-8 22 POLE BLUE BIRD VARIO GLOVE ELEMENTS PALLADIUM S

ALPINE/FREERIDE STOCKIST INFO ADMIN@ARDBLAIRSPORTS.COM | 01250 873863 WWW.LEKI.COM

The BRITS

Snowbombing

89th Annual Slush Cup

LAAX, SWITZERLAND

MAYRHOFEN, AUSTRIA

SUNSHINE VILLAGE, BANFF, CANADA

Established back in 1989, The British Snowboard

Famous for its adrenaline-fuelled snowboarding

Sunshine Village’s largest event surprisingly

and Freeski Championships combine world-

and crazy partying, the annual Snowbombing

takes place on the last day of its very long

class competition featuring likely 2018 Olympic

festival will take over the resort of Mayrhofen in

season. Slush Cup will have been running for 90

medal winners and a full après party scene with

the Zillertal, with leading DJs, club nights and

years next year. The aim is to skim across a pool

many fun events. the-brits.com

live acts performing. snowbombing.com

of icy water.

016 // FEB17

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SCHOOLCHILDREN SKI FOR £1 Aimee Fuller and Graham Bell.

The week is targeted at individual pupils or full classes at primary and secondary schools, as well as sixth form colleges across England.

Offers include a 60-minute beginner taster session for £1 at Runcorn Snowsports Centre or a 50-minute taster session at Ski Rossendale.

Delancey British Alpine Team skier Dave Ryding, who recently became the first British skier to podium in a World Cup race in over 35 years, said: “I started skiing on a dry slope when I was at school and loved getting out on the slopes after school and at weekends. There is no better sport to stay active while spending time with friends. I am supporting Dry slopes and indoor snow

Snowsport Week, which is

Taking place from 24 to 30 April

National Schools Snowsport Week

centres across England will offer

sponsored by Visit Andorra, this

2017, this year’s National Schools

because I want children of all

schoolchildren the chance to

spring. Also, 20 slopes are set

Snowsport Week is backed by

ages and all backgrounds to be

ski or snowboard from £1 during

to run free or heavily discounted

Winter Olympians Eddie “The

given the chance to try skiing or

the second National Schools

activities as part of the event.

Eagle” Edwards, Dave Ryding,

snowboarding.” nssw.co.uk

£1.1 MILLION SKI ROSSENDALE UPGRADE APPROVED

23 YEARS OF SKIING EVERY MONTH OF THE YEAR

The Ski Rossendale dry ski centre in Rawtenstall, Lancashire, is to get

A Canadian man living in the USA has gone skiing each month for 23

a £1.1 million upgrade to make it an Olympic training centre for freestyle

years, a total of 280 straight months.

skiers and boarders. The plans involve building a 4.5m-high tower at the

Software engineer Danny Miller has been skiing monthly since 1993 at

top of the main slope to provide greater vertical, then at the same time

ski areas on the Pacific Northwest in Canada and the USA, using lifts in

excavating the existing slope by up to 4m, then rebuilding it to provide

the ski season and hiking up out of season.

a steeper profile for the pursuit. At the base of the slope there will be

Miller told The Seattle Times that he started off hiking up in alpine ski

ski jumps and a big air bag to cushion landings. The two changes to the

boots originally but that equipment had improved over the years and

slope vertical and gradient, along with a special “faster” artificial slope

that he now used ski touring equipment. Snow conditions and weather

surface, will provide skiers and boarders with the chance to ski or board

forecasts had also improved dramatically.

faster before hitting the new jumps.

He said that far more people now hiked up like he did but that

The existing café building at the base of the slope will also be

climate change meant he had to hike higher than he used to in

reconfigured to be used as a training base room for athletes, complete

order to reach the snow. His target each month is to find at least

with dining area and rest lounge.

100m of skiable vertical.

“The proposed new reduced-risk training facility will provide a first-class

Miller, now 49, told The Seattle Times he had no plans to stop, but

training facility for GB Park and Pipe elite athletes,” Clive Williams, the

would do when it stopped being fun. “I’m not the best skier, just the

scheme’s planning agent, told local media.

most stubborn,” he said.

+33 (0)4 50 54 55 56 reservation@heliopic.com

heliopic-hotel-spa.com FB.COM/INTHESNOW

017 // FEB17

threevalleetransfers www.3vt.co.uk | +44 (0)1323 351964

PRIVATE & SHARED TRANSFERS TO LES 3 VALLÉES

ONLINE YOGA FOR SKIERS AND YOGA SKI RETREATS

CHALET FOR SALE Morgins, Portes du Soleil

3 bedrooms, bathroom, shower room, cheminée, separate garage authorised for non-Swiss

A

are free to access, and running ski

worked muscles,” a statement from

and outdoor hot tub, and the menu

holiday packages this winter with

the company explains.

is wholesome Alpine fare with a

a strong yoga and holistic living

The Snow Yoga retreats that

healthy twist of superfoods and

element to them.

Soulshine are organising this

with gluten-free, vegetarian and

The online classes, which feature

season aim to improve both well-

vegan options available.

Soulshine’s founder and expert

being and health by combining

Packages, starting on Sundays,

yogi Soulla Demetriou, are free

the restorative benefits of yoga,

cost from £1,190pp and include

to access via the company’s

meditation and massage with the

half-board accommodation plus

soulshineretreats.com website.

cardio and excitement of skiing or

tea and cake every afternoon; a

“Preparing the body for the slopes

snowboarding, leaving participants

daily 60-minute morning yoga

with yoga not only warms up muscles

refreshed, revitalised and motivated.

session; a daily 75-minute yoga,

company called Soulshine Retreats,

but it can also prevent strain or injury

The seven-night Soulshine Snow

meditation and relaxation evening

which specialises in holistic yoga

by strengthening key muscle groups

Yoga and Ski Adventure retreat

session; a 30-minute massage; a

retreats in Ibiza and France, has

and improving balance. After a day

is based in Chalet Montperron,

complimentary airport transfer; and

made a move into the snow travel

of skiing, yoga’s restorative aspects

12 minutes’ drive from the La

a daily morning and evening shuttle

market, launching a collection of

come into play and help soothe away

Rosière ski area in France. Chalet

service to and from the chalet to

online Snow Yoga Classes that

any après-ski aches and loosen well-

Montperron has a private sauna

the ski lifts.

CHF 595,000

aldwinckle@waitrose.com +44 (0)207 624 8223

NEW LUXURY LONDON APARTMENTS OFFER SNOW CABINS Buyers of new flats at One

– small rooms refrigerated to

Blackfriars in London, a 50-storey

sub-zero temperatures and filled

tower with views across to St Paul’s

with machine-made snow for the full

Cathedral costing up to £23 million

Scandinavian sauna-then-roll-in-the-

and overlooking the Thames, are

snow experience.

being offered their own indoor “snow

Sales of luxury property in London is

cabins” as an added attraction. Other

reported to have dropped by more

attractions on offer include a virtual

than 85% since the Brexit vote, and

golf course, a whisky bar, a wine-

developers are said to be looking for

tasting room, a hot-stone massage

new attractions to entice buyers.

parlour and a 20-seat cinema.

The developers of One Blackfriars

The snow cabins are said to be

are reported to have donated £29

similar to those offered by some

million for the building of affordable

luxury hotels within their spas

homes elsewhere in the region.

018 // FEB17

@INTHESNOWMAG

게임에1년 A YEAR TO

THE GAMES!

PARK WON-IL

WORDS: PATRICK THORNE

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019 // FEB17

020 // FEB17

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I

t only seems like yesterday we were getting excited about the $50 billion Sochi Winter Olympics in Russia,

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남한 동계 올림픽 The South Korean Winter Olympics

held in six Winter Paralympic sports, with 80 medal events in total. Snowboarding will be expanded into a separate discipline for the Pyeongchang Games, with 10 medal events (in 2014, two medal

when the biggest-ever spend

The South Koreans have not splashed the cash like

events in snowboarding were held within the alpine

on ski resort infrastructure

the Russians, but as a country known for its high

skiing programme).

was splashed out by the

standard of living and high-quality infrastructure,

government and its oligarch

top-notch facilities should be the order of the day.

friends and Britain won only

Indeed, the various 2018 Olympic venues are now

our second-ever Olympic

all but complete, and the world’s top athletes have

snowsports medal – and the

already been competing in test events last winter

first one we got to keep!

and will do again this.

Now it’s only a year until the

The construction of the venues has not been

Winter Olympics are back,

without controversy, however. A key issue was

There’s still a year to go, but here are a dozen of

for their 23rd staging, this

that although there are a dozen or so ski resorts

the biggest talents on the British team:

time further east still in South

in South Korea, there was no existing ski run with

Korea, and hopes

조심하는 영국 선수 Brits To Watch Out For

a big enough vertical to host the blue ribbon

Dave Ryding (Alpine Slalom):

are high for more British medals after

Men’s Olympic Downhill. Various solutions were

five top 15 World Cup Slalom finishes.

snowboarder Jenny Jones’s bronze in the Sochi

suggested including building a bit more mountain

Katie Ormerod (Park & Pipe Snowboard):

Slopestyle competition.

on top of the existing biggest vertical so that it was

World Cup Big Air gold in Moscow plus four other

The Sochi Paralympics of course saw huge

big enough, but in the end a whole new ski area

World Cup podiums this season, X Games invite.

success for British skiers, with a haul of six

was created, reportedly involving the removal of

James ‘Woodsy’ Woods (Park & Pipe Ski):

medals including four for Jade Etherington with

ancient woodland, which was not a popular move

gold in Cardrona Games Slopestyle in the summer,

her guide Caroline Powell (making them the most

with environmental groups.

performed well in Dew Tour, got X Games invite.

successful British women in the history of the

Fifteen winter-sports disciplines will be included in

Jamie Nicholls (Park & Pipe Snowboard):

Winter Paralympics) and the first-ever British gold

the Pyeongchang Games, divided into seven Olympic

gold in World Cup Slopestyle last season.

won by Kelly Gallagher. The Pyeongchang Winter

sports and spread over 102 separate events – the first

Katie Summerhayes (Park & Pipe Ski):

Paralympics, their 12th staging, begins 12 days

time the Winter Games has hosted more than 100.

Sixth in World Cup Slopestyle last season at 2018

after the Olympics Closing Ceremony.

Seven of the 15 sports take place on skis or

Olympic venue Bokwang.

South Korea last hosted an Olympics, the Summer

snowboard – downhill there’s alpine, freestyle, ski

Kelly Gallagher (Paralympic Alpine Skiing):

Games, three decades ago at Seoul in 1988.

jumping and snowboarding, and there’s also cross-

gold medal holder from 2014 Sochi Olympics.

They’re the first country in Asia to hold the Winter

country, Nordic combined and biathlon.

Isabel Atkin (Park & Pipe Ski):

Games other than Japan, which has staged it

The games will see four new events, including two of

Fourth in Dew Tour this season.

twice before. However, the Winter and Summer

interest to skiers and boarders: snowboarding big air

Billy Morgan (Park & Pipe Snowboard):

Games will be staying in Asia for a while with

and the alpine skiing team event. Parallel slalom in

World Cup bronze in Moscow, X Games invite.

Tokyo hosting the next Summer Games in 2020

snowboarding has been dropped in favour of big air.

Lloyd Wallace (Aerials):

followed by China for the 2022 Winter Olympics.

Competitions in the 2018 Winter Paralympics will be

Seventh last season in Deer Valley World Cup.

PYEONGCHANG2018.COM

2018 OLYMPICS FACT BOX Host city: Pyeongchang Official sites: pyeongchang2018.com paralympic.org/pyeongchang-2018 teamgb.com/games/pyeongchang-2018 teambss.org.uk Events: 102 in seven sports (15 disciplines) Olympic Opening Ceremony: 9 February 2018 Olympic Closing Ceremony: 25 February 2018 Paralympics Opening Ceremony: 9 March 2018 Paralympics Closing Ceremony: 18 March 2018

기발한 사실 Some Quirky Facts

거기에 도착 Getting To The Games

Ski Cross, Ski-Halfpipe and Ski Slopestyle whilst

Did you know…

The jury is currently out on how easy it will be

boarders will take part in Snowboard Parallel Giant

• South Korea is rated number 1 as the world’s

to attend the Games if you want to go in person.

Andrew Musgrave (Nordic):

we’re putting most of the public money for elite

Tenth in Val Mustair World Cup this season.

snowsports athletes as a result of that success.

Andrew Young (Nordic):

Freestyle skiers will compete in Moguls, Aerials,

Eleventh in Val Mustair World Cup this season.

Emily Sarsfield (Ski Cross): Fifteenth in Innichen World Cup this season.

Slalom, Snowboard Cross, Halfpipe, Slopestyle and

safest global destination based on the “Crime

Tour operators who have organised trips during

Big Air, all of which will be battled out at Bokwang.

Index by Country 2016”.

previous Olympics or offer ski trips to South

The new Jeongseon Alpine Centre is that

• Tonga was admitted to the International Ski

Korea anyway are saying that they can’t access

controversial new downhill skiing centre, created

Federation (FIS) in July last year, and now a

available accommodation so can’t offer packages.

between 2014 and 2017, with the biggest vertical in

London-born skier of Tongan descent, Kasete

The best bet looks likely to be organising your

Korea. It has been built to host the downhill alpine

Naufahu Skeen, is aiming to compete in

own trip, and with the Olympic organisers

events including Super-G and Alpine Combined as

the Giant Slalom and Super Giant Slalom as

promising fast, friendly, efficient transport

All of the Olympic venues are located within 30

well as the big men’s and women’s downhills. The

part of a team of four skiers to represent the

between venues, if you can find accommodation,

minutes of the central Alpensia Sports Park, the

men’s course is 2,852m long with 825m of vertical

Pacific island.

it should be a doddle.

‘hub’ of the Games.

and a steepest pitch of 31.8%.

The Bokwang snow park may be the venue where

Finally, the Yongpyong Alpine Centre is one of South

hosting with North Korea, but North Korea is

in October and cost from 20,000 Korean Won

Brits get the most medals as this is where freestyle

Korea’s largest ski resorts. It will host the slalom and

reported to have turned down the invitation and

(about £14) to 900,000 Won (£620), although about

skiing and snowboarding events – 20 competitions

giant slalom ski events. Slalom is of course the sport

instead built its own ski area.

half are priced at less than 80,000 Won (£54).

in total – take place. These include the events

where Alain Baxter won our first Olympic bronze

where we’ve won the Sochi medal, where our

medal at the Salt Lake Games in 2002 and where we

to represent his country in snowboarding

Games dates, though, if you’d like to visit the

athletes have podiumed and even won gold this

have our best hope on the alpine skiing side of Team

and become the first-ever Ugandan at the

venues before the Games. Ski Safari organise

season in World Cup competitions, and where

GB in the shape of Dave Ryding.

Winter Olympics.

tours (skisafari.com/south-korea).

개최지 The Venues

022 // FEB17

• South Korea investigated ways to share Olympic

• US-based Brolin Mawejje, 24, is hoping

Tickets for the 2018 Winter Olympics went on sale

It’s easier to ski South Korea now outside of the

PYEONGCHANG2018.COM

WIKIPEDIA

ISRAEL Established in 1969 on land that was originally

lifts, 440m of skiable vertical between 1,600m

with 1999 the first winter when the centre was

part of Syria (and you never know, it may one

and 2,040m above sea level, and at its most

unable to open for snow sports at all due to a

day be again), Israel’s only snow skiing area,

optimistic measurement, around 45km of ski

lack of snow.

Mount Hermon, opened in 1969 on the famous

runs. There are 13 marked trails, a little over half

But Mt Hermon’s managers have invested in

Golan Heights, around two hours’ drive north of

of them graded red/intermediate, but there are

all-weather attractions including the only Alpine

Tel Aviv. Originally skiers used mules to get up

two black runs for more advanced skiers and

Coaster downhill roller coaster in the region,

the slopes, but the first ski lift was installed in

boarders plus a selection of easy and nursery

some 950m long and allowing users’ sleds to

1971 and then the centre expanded dramatically

slopes. An adult day pass costs 250 shekels –

reach a speed of up to 45kph.

from 1981 to 2000 when a more relaxed regime

or about £55 – so doesn’t come cheap.

However, when it does snow it can REALLY

was allowed to manage the region.

Snow cover can be problematic, since the turn

snow too. In January 2015 more than 1.7m

It is now located 200m from the Syrian border,

of the century, but when cover is good, typically

(nearly 6ft) of snow fell in just a few days,

with reported armed personnel and minefields

in blocks of five to 10 days at a time and usually

leaving teams of workers with a big job clearing

in the vicinity (the world’s highest UN peace

between January and March, the centre is

access roads and digging out lifts and buildings

patrol base is located in the region) and

very popular and the slopes can get very

to make the centre accessible, but even big

reputedly occasional incoming fire in the area.

crowded. Climate change has been blamed

snowfalls can thaw away quite quickly when

Mount Hermon has a dozen chair and drag

for a decrease in reliable snow cover in winter

there’s a change in the weather.

2017 Ski with Inghams this winter Andorra

Austria

F R O M O N LY

F R O M O N LY

Half-board

B e d & B r e a k fa s t

£529 France

£519 Italy

F R O M O N LY

F R O M O N LY

B e d & B r e a k fa s t

Half-board

£599

£579

Slovenia

Switzerland

£539

£579

F R O M O N LY

Half-board

F R O M O N LY

Half-board

Departures from 25 UK airports Call 01483 345 382 or visit inghams.co.uk 100% BONDED SECURITY FB.COM/INTHESNOW

SKIHERMON.CO.IL

*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.

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Top price:

resort boasts around 240 hectares of terrain

guests can have the entire resort to themselves,

$10,000/£8,200 per day for one person

(38 pistes), spread across two lift-connected

with ski equipment thrown in for good measure.

mountains. A network of sunny, tree-lined

You don’t, of course, have to invite 199 mates

Bargain price:

green and blue runs spans the higher of

along – you could always enjoy some prime

Bargain price: $50/£41 per day,

the two hills while several black diamond

me time on the hill and foot the $10,000 bill

based on 200 people skiing together

trails drop over 300 vertical metres off the

yourself. Although après-ski in the 16-person hot

long ridge opposite, which affords beautiful

tub in the Canyonside Lodge is definitely more

Having an entire mountain to yourself is the

views across the desert and Puffer Lake

fun with mates than on your own...

stuff of ski dreams – nobody in front of you at

below. There are also five backcountry gates,

The Lodge is one of two in the resort, both

the lifts, no powder pigs stealing your lines,

which offer access to untouched terrain best

comprising condominiums, a restaurant, bar,

and no-one beating you to beers at the bar.

explored with a local guide. All this is typically

disco, grocery shop and rental shop. For

However, unless you can afford to buy your

doused in 11m of light and dry snow each

something a little more worthy of a private

own mountain or you limit yourself to obscure

winter – average for Utah, the state that owns

mountain experience, there are also individual

resorts which nobody else actually wants to

the trademarked “Greatest Snow on Earth”,

cabins available to rent, but there’s no doubt

visit, you’ll struggle to find a mountain you can

but a bumper year for most other resorts in

that the best way to “do” Eagle Point is to

genuinely call yours and yours alone.

the world.

book yourself into the super-swanky Amangiri

But, there is a way and it’s called Eagle Point

Uniquely, Eagle Point Resort is open to the

hotel in Canyon Point, a twenty-minute scenic

Resort in Utah. Located three and a half hours’

public Friday to Monday yet up for exclusive

helicopter ride over the Utah desert from

drive south of Salt Lake City (and 30 minutes

grabs Tuesday through to Thursday (with the

the resort. The intimate property has space

from the sleepy town of Beaver, whose

exception of Christmas and New Year). When

for just 68 guests, which strikes us as the

biggest claim to fame is being the two-times

booked exclusively for a day (or three if you

perfect number of friends to invite to share a

winner of the best-tasting water in the US), the

really want to push the ski boat out), up to 200

mountain with for the day...

EAGLEPOINTRESORT.COM

SWISS RESORT RELEASES OWN CURRENCY

Be Ha Ski Moppy, re.

rejuvenate the ski slopes.

Les Diablerets, which is located close to Gstaad, Villars and the Glacier 3000 ski area, struck 50,000 coins in the currency it calls the “Iseneau”. Each coin is worth CHF10 or £8, making the entire currency worth about £400,000.

The coins can be used to buy goods and pay for services in the local area only and are offered as change by some businesses.

So far, the main complaint is that people who are given them in change tend to keep them rather than using them again, so the coins, introduced in December, are not yet really circulating.

The Swiss ski resort of Les

resort’s Iseneau ski sector. The lift

to do so. However, locals have

The currency initiative hopes

Diablerets has issued its own

is badly in need of replacement,

resisted plans to close the lift and

to raise CHF250,000 (around

currency, complete with an image

but it is increasingly hard for small

ski area – which is popular with

£201,650) by Easter towards a

of a gondola cabin on the coins.

ski areas to raise finance – public

beginners and families – down.

CHF13.5 million (£10.9 million) bill

The initiative is a bid to raise

or private – to replace lifts when

They believe a new lift, could

for the (yet to be 100% confirmed)

funds to replace a nearly 65-year-

there is not thought to be a strong

serve a growing summer hiking

new lift which is mostly being met

old four-seat gondola in the

enough long-term economic case

and biking market as well as

by the ski lift company.

VAIL RESORTS / JACK AFFLECK

It’s your ski holiday so it’s your choice…

60 resorts 8 countries

HIGHEST DAILY LIFT PASS PRICE PASSES £150

EXETER UNI CREATE SNOW SLOPE FOR ONE DAY ONLY

The price of a day’s skiing at some of the world’s-most-expensive-

Exeter University in Devon had snow for a skiing and snowboarding

to-buy-a-lift-ticket-in ski resorts has passed £150 for Brits due to a

competition that took place on the University’s Forum Hill at its

combination of factors. The trend towards supply-and-demand fluid

Streatham Campus on Saturday 21 January.

pricing has only increased the upward pressure on peak-time prices, and

Some 48 tonnes of real snow was delivered to the University

for Brits this spike in costs has been accentuated by the low value of the

from the Milton Keynes Snozone indoor snow centre, nearly 200

pound against the dollar following the Brexit vote earlier this year.

miles away.The snow was delivered for the “Chill Hill” rail jam

Vail Resorts said a one-day ticket on 1 January 2017 to ski at Vail or

that involved 30 skiers and boarders from six universities in the

Beaver Creek cost $189 – or around £154. Skiers could save $10 (around

South West region performing freestyle tricks with rails and boxes

£8) by buying their pass online in advance.

added to the snow slope.

It is not known how many skiers do buy their lift tickets in resort

“After a year of planning, hopefully all of our hard work will pay off

anymore. Vail Resorts have led an initiative to sell high-value season

and everyone will see just why we love this sport so much. I’m very

tickets valid at their dozen or so ski areas across North America and

excited we are hosting such an iconic event,” Lauren Fry, President of

Australia and several other leading ski resorts worldwide on any day all

the Athletic Union’s Snowsports Club, told the North Devon Journal

season, which can cost little more than the equivalent of three days of

before the event.

buying the walk-up day-pass in Vail at New Year. It has been reported

The event also raised money for Disability Snowsport UK with a

that more than half a million people buy this pass each season.

proportion of income from ticket sales donated to the charity.

17 UK airports 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

025 // FEB17

or email sales@skiweekends.com

ERIC SCHRAMM

026 // NOV16

@INTHESNOWMAG

P ark City has been headlining US ski news for a few years now. It

was, of course, already one of the world’s most famous ski towns and was the main venue for ski and snowboarding events at the

Salt Lake City Olympics in Utah in 2002. But it hit the headlines as,

after a bitter legal fight and a few hundred million dollars spent, Vail Resorts managed to wrestle control of two of the city’s three ski areas and create the largest ski area in the USA as a result.

All this publicity has rather overshadowed Park City’s “other” ski area, Deer Valley, which could be quite a good thing for people

wanting to find a different bit of the resort town. Because until Park City got known for being the biggest area, Deer Valley had rather dominated the city’s reputation, famous for three things in particular: 1. Incredibly high service standards (for which it keeps winning ‘Best in North America’ awards from North Americans); 2. Being one of only three ski areas left in North America to ban snowboarders; and 3. Where Britain won our first-ever Olympic medal – a slalom bronze for Alain Baxter in those 2002 Olympics – only to have it unfairly taken from us in a drug abuse storm so serious it centres on a Vicks Sinex. Sadly no one with authority seems to have spotted the gross stupidity of this and given Alain the medal he won back.

But now with everyone obsessed with Park City Mountain (that’s the “new” big ski area, if you’re getting confused), you can enjoy Deer Valley (unless you’re a snowboarder of course) and avoid the crowds.

And enjoy it you will. Deer Valley is all about quality of experience at every level and in every aspect of the resort.

Smiling staff greet you and carry your skis for you as you arrive, and they’ll happily provide any help or advice you need. Lift queues are rare, as are lunchtime queues for the restaurants, which, by the way, serve spectacularly good food from the most basic food bar item to full gourmet lunches. The pistes are

PARK CITY'S OTHER SKI AREA

perfectly groomed, the lifts well-spaced on the mountain and everyone is friendly and happy to talk.

There are ski runs perfectly suited to all abilities, even one called Trump, although I was told that even though the biggest vote in Utah was for the new president, this particular Trump was the name of an old mining claim.

When I first visited, as a younger man a few decades ago, I found this niceness all a bit annoying. The man who kept opening the door I needed to walk through wound me up. “Let me open my own door!” I thought, and I’m sure if I’d said that the answer would have been, “No problem, sir!” but he’d still have resisted the temptation to let it slam in my face. Now as an older man, I just like having the door opened for me.

I did ski Park City Mountain during my stay, but I enjoyed Deer Valley more. I just wish the IOC would give Alain his medal back.

FB.COM/INTHESNOW

DEERVALLEY.COM

RESORT INSIDER

PAS DE LA CASA The border town of Pas de la Casa is found at one end of the Grandvalira ski area, the largest skiable domain in the Pyrenees, offering 210km of linked slopes suitable for all abilities. Known as a party resort as well as having excellent shopping opportunities with low tax, the town locally known as “Pas” is just a two-hour drive from Toulouse–Blagnac Airport and easily accessible from Barcelona too. By Patrick Thorne Favourite ski run:

DARE TO BEAT

Top tip for maximising ski holiday enjoyment:

Favourite local shop:

Technically not in the Pas de la Casa sector but taking you from the top of Pas de la Casa down

If one of the reasons you are coming to Pas is

it is still duty free and has low sales tax

into Grau Roig, the red slope Pala Nova has to

to party, don’t burn yourself out on your first

at just 4.5%, so plenty of bargains to be

be my favourite here. It’s wide, quite steep in

night! With loads of bars all offering great drinks

had. The choice of shops is enormous with

places and with some awesome lips to drop off,

promotions, the temptation is there to hit it hard,

most offering a range of electrical goods,

plus on the way past the Igloo hotel it flattens

but that means you might lose out on hitting

sportswear, perfumes and tobacco products;

out a little, so you know you can pick up plenty

the slopes on your first morning. With 210km

however, head to Pyrénées department store

of speed with a nice run-off.

to explore you’re going to need all the hours

for 6,000m2 of shopping delights where you

possible up the mountain to get the most out of

can immerse yourself in bargains.

Unusual après activity:

Andorra is renowned for its shopping as

your stay.

Favourite on-slopes bar:

For a unique experience, spend the night at the Igloo hotel. Start your evening with

Favourite restaurant:

Personally, the Vodka Bar is a must for a trip to

a glass of cava and a ride UP a red run in a

My favourite restaurant is KSB in the centre

Grandvalira, just over the mountain in the Grau

piste-basher before watching the sunset and

of town. They have a large open grill with an

Roig sector. The bar is beautifully decorated

enjoying a delicious dinner served inside the

excellent choice of meats cooked to order whilst

with traditional wood and gorgeous leather

igloo. After dinner you get the chance to relax

you enjoy the superb views from the picture

chairs with a superb cocktail menu, wines and

in a Jacuzzi before snuggling up in a cosy

windows overlooking the slopes. It’s friendly

of course vodka! You can also enjoy tapas and/

sleeping bag. This experience is topped off by

service and a cosy atmosphere, which works

or dinner here either during the day or after the

getting first tracks back down off the mountain

great once the music is turned up after dinner for

slopes have closed in the evening. You’ll find it

for breakfast.

an electronic dance party!

next to the Montmalús chairlift.

HELMET COLLECTION 028 // FEB17

@INTHESNOWMAG

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 FISCHER CURV TI

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 PLANKS MEN’S FEEL GOOD 2 LAYER JACKET Military-inspired tailoring, simple classic looks and subtle branding means the Feel Good jacket will do exactly that – make you feel good and look good on the slopes and back home at a very reasonable price. £179.95 | SKIBARTLETT.COM

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 ODLO WARM KIDS’ THERMAL SET Look good and stay warm – the brushed fleece backing inside will keep your kids warm in the coldest of temperatures, and the cool mountain-print design adds some style to the proceedings. These are the kind of classic-looking thermals you can use any day of the year, for all activities, and your little ones will love the cosy, warm feeling when they do.

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carefully selected and tested range of products, it’s no surprise that Ski Bartlett’s word-of-mouth reputation over the last 50 years has made them 031 // FEB17

the UK’s most popular independent ski shop!

 ANON M3 MFI GOGGLES

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 BURTON SCRIBE WOMEN’S SNOWBOARD BINDING The Burton Scribe women’s snowboard binding is the go-to binding for all-terrain fun. A soft, flexible binding which is perfect for that beginner or intermediate rider who likes to hit the park and have fun all over the mountain, whatever it is, the Scribe will tick all the boxes for that fun and comfortable ride. £159.95 | SPUTNIKSNOWBOARDSHOP.COM

 JONES HOVERCRAFT SNOWBOARD

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032 // FEB17

@INTHESNOWMAG

GETTING YOUR SOCKS RIGHT!

 ANON AERA WOMEN’S HELMET

PICKING THE RIGHT PAIR

The Anon Aera helmet for women has a classic brimmed design and removable ear pads. It has an Endura shell construction making it very durable and ding resistant. The active ventilation system gives airflow through the helmet to ensure you are never too hot or cold. £74.95 | SPUTNIKSNOWBOARDSHOP.COM

 686 AUTHENTIC RUMOUR WOMEN’S INSULATED JACKET

Thick socks are not necessarily more comfortable than thin socks – ski socks come in various

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The underarm vents allow you to adjust your

use a thinner sock to give you a closer connection

temperature, and the whole jacket has a very

between you and the boot – your skiing will improve

flattering fit.

from feeling what’s happening while you ski and not just feeling lots of sock! Conversely, if you are using

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rental boots, use a sock with thicker, strategically placed padding to help make the rental boots more comfortable, preventing rubbing and blistering.

 686 AUTHENTIC WOODLAND JACKET

Thick socks are not necessarily warmer than thin socks – if your ski socks are too thick, your ski boots

The Authentic Woodland insulated jacket

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brings you a thick thermal lining for extra

circulation around your foot, making it uncomfortable.

warmth while being completely waterproof. A

With no space for air to circulate around your foot it will get cold. If you suffer from cold feet, a percentage of

removable hood allows you to cool down a little

merino wool in the sock will also help keep your feet

when it’s not so cold, but with the handy jacket-

even warmer.

to-pant interface, no snow or wind is getting in.

One sock, not two – don’t wear two pairs of socks. It

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 ANON WM1 MFI GOGGLES

will not be warmer, your boots will not fit as well and you’ll often get rubbing, as the socks will not be as close-fitting around your foot.

A womens-specific spherical-lens goggle

Technical socks are better than tube socks – a

with patented Magna-Tech quick-lens-

technical ski sock is closer-fitting around your foot, has

change technology. With 14 rare earth

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magnets at seven points of connection your

for your left and right feet, giving you a much more

chosen lens will snap into place, thanks to

comfortable fit inside the boots. The thicker padding is

the super-sturdy magnets.

strategically placed around your foot and shin to protect against pressure and rubbing. Basic tube socks don’t

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ruck up and cause problems in your ski boots.

For even more comfort and a better fit inside the boots, compression socks are also now available. These are very close-fitting socks made of materials that add

A great boot for someone who likes a soft and forgiving but supportive boot. This boot is ready to go straight out of the box; no need to break these babies in! The boot’s Boa system makes tightening the boot to your preference easy and stress-free. Ideally

fit snugly, have no shin or ankle padding and will often

compression around your foot and leg. Not only does it give you an unbeatable fit inside the boot, but it also

 ANON RODAN HELMET

helps stop lactic acid build-up in your legs, meaning you can ski harder for longer. There are also specialist socks available designed with specific padding for

The Anon Rodan helmet is a sleek low-profile helmet made

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size tweaks for an all-day comfort and feel, and the ear pads

alpine skiing, snowboarding and ski touring.

feel. The Rodan comes with a Boa system so you can make

Wear fresh socks every day – whether that means washing them out overnight or taking multiple pairs.

can be removed if you prefer to wear a beanie underneath.

When you’ve found a sock that works well with your ski boots, make sure you buy multiple pairs of the

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same sock, otherwise one day your boots will fit and one day they will not!

There’s nothing better than having warm, comfortable

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033 // FEB17

and therefore happy feet all day long.

TUITION ALTITUDE-VERBIER.COM | ALTITUDE-FUTURES.COM | FREERIDE-VERBIER.COM

BUMPS

UPPER VS LOWER BODY

USING YOUR POLES

MOVEMENT & SPEED

TALL AND STRONG

Skiing bumps or moguls can

It’s key to be able to rotate your legs

Bumps are one of the main areas in

Turning your leg quickly from the hip

Remaining tall in the upper body will

be great fun but is also often

while keeping the upper body quiet

skiing where having a solid pole plant

will help you to control the speed of

enable you to keep good balance

Jon holds the top qualifications from

physically demanding.

and still. Having good separation

is vital and will really pay dividends.

your descent through the moguls.

and increase the range of movement

France, Switzerland and Britain,

This month Jon talks us through

between the upper and lower body

Every time you plant your pole you

You will find this easier with a flat

mentioned above. Think about

and we can say firsthand that he is

four key points to remember

in the bumps will leave you like a

will benefit from an extra point of

ski to start with. If using too much

having a small amount of tension in

a great ski instructor! Jon heads up

when skiing bumps, whether it is

coiled spring at the end of the turn

balance and stability, which will also

edge, the ski will grip and accelerate,

your abdominal muscles. This will

the team at Altitude Ski School –

your first time into the moguls or

ready to turn the legs quickly for the

encourage you to get forwards and

leaving the skier in the wrong

ensure your core stays strong and

Verbier’s most established British ski

you are shredding the zip line!

next bump. This will help you get

help you maintain a rhythm.

position and out of balance.

that when you hit the bump you do

school. Each month Jon or one of

those “quick feet” that you often

The position of the pole plant is also

When going from the piste to

not collapse and break at the waist.

his team will provide us with a few

hear talked about in the bumps!

key: try to pole plant over the back

the bumps, one of the biggest

You can think about this position

tips and words of wisdom to help

A quiet upper body will also

of the bump (make sure your poles

changes to your skiing is your

and activating your core muscles

improve our understanding of skiing.

help with your balance, which is

are not too long) – this will allow you

range of movement in the legs. A

throughout your day when doing

constantly tested in the bumps. It will

to have a better flow down the field

full extension in the trough and full

everyday tasks such as driving,

also help you to look ahead and plan

of bumps, as the upper body is less

flexion at the top of the bump is vital

working in front of your PC or

your route down the bumps field.

likely to be pushed back.

to absorb the bump and maintain ski-

vacuum cleaning.

TIP: Try to look a couple of moguls

TIP: When planting your pole,

ahead, and don’t look at the turn

make sure it doesn’t get left

you are on or you will be too late for the next one.

to-snow contact for a smooth ride.

ALTITUDE The Altitude winter company portfolio

TIP: Think about carrying a tray of

includes the ski and snowboard

TIP: The range of movement needs

drinks down the bumps. If you can get

school, the Futures instructor training

behind, otherwise that will put

to be appropriate for the size of

to the bottom with out spilling a drop,

programmes and FREERIDE VERBIER,

you in the back seat. Try to drive

the bumps, and you will need to

get to the bar and buy yourself one!!

a new school dedicated to off-piste

the hand forward as you plant it.

have good flexibility to manage the big bumps.

coaching in Verbier.

Enjoy! And remember to warm up properly before every session.

034 // FEB17

JON (AKA WESTY)

info@altitude-verbier.com +41(0)27 771 6006

S K I

F O R

Do You Own Your Own Skis?

PAUL KEPPEL PHOTOGRAPHY

KIDS F U N PA R K The fun park or terrain park is a great place for children and adults alike to have fun and learn new skills, and the kids absolutely love it! The key here is to build up the right knowledge to stay safe and reduce risk of injury whilst having lots of fun!

SAFETY If you are a beginner, it’s best to stick to the beginner area in the park. This may seem like common sense, but it is easy to get carried away. Always read and obey the notices about the rules and safety tips that should be clearly posted at the entrance to the park.

When doing any types of jumps or tricks it’s important to wear the appropriate safety equipment, which may include body armor (padding) and at the very least a helmet.

LEARN THE SAFE STOPPING ZONES Everyone has to stop at the top of the terrain park and wait until it’s their turn. As you continue riding through the park you should not stop before or after any of the jumps or features. If you do need to stop for any reason then make sure you are far away from the line of other riders using the jumps.

LEARN HAND SIGNALS It’s useful to know the hand signals to enable you to communicate with other riders above you in the park.

Arms crossed over your head if a skier is down. Arms in a circle if it is safe to proceed. For small children it is always

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

recommended to stay with them in the terrain park. This way you can signal to other riders if your child falls over.

NEXT STEPS Stick to straight airs to begin with, but once these are mastered you can start to progress to 180s, 360s and eventually on up to rodeo 7s and switch double corked 10s! There are also many other features in the park once your skills progress, such as rails, boxes, wall rides, halfpipes, step-ups, gap jumps etc. Have fun and stay safe!

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

CALL A SKI SPECIALIST 07827811477

_SEPT 15 RESIZE.indd 5

PHOTO Biege Jones

TAILOR-MADE SKI HOLIDAYS TO THE USA & CANADA

 PROMOTION

ASPEN VAIL TELLURIDE WHISTLER PARK CITY JACKSON HOLE LAKE TAHOE HOTELS, APARTMENTS & PRIVATE CHALETS, AIRPORT TRANSFERS, 24 HR SUPPORT, GROUP, CORPORATE & GUIDING SERVICES

OWN YOUR OWN HOME IN ONE OF THE WORLD’S BIGGEST SKI AREAS

info@codatravel.com

www.codatravel.com

22/09/2015 21:15

A

world-famous resorts like Avoriaz,

on the next level down. So there’s all

the other attractions in the area

Châtel, Morzine, Champéry and Les

you need for your holiday, to use as

beyond skiing, and indeed outside

Gets, as well as small villages where

a holiday rental or just to move in for

the ski season. In the summer there

you won’t find crowds or queues

good yourself.

are almost limitless possibilities for

and instead quickly begin to feel like

With nearly 300 separate ski runs

hiking, and the Portes du Soleil has

a local, like Morgins. The chalet is 10

and endless off-piste opportunities

developed into a major mountain-

minutes’ walk from the main chairlift

in between, the Portes du Soleil

biking area in recent years. There

in the centre of the village. There is a

has enough skiing to keep you

are also lots of activities on your

shuttle bus in the ski season.

entertained for a whole season, in

doorstep in Morgins and surrounding

Chalet La Siala has three bedrooms,

fact probably a lifetime. After a while,

villages, such as swimming, tennis

rare opportunity has come up to

two with double beds and one

though you may wish to try other

and horse riding, and the Lake of

purchase a fully furnished Swiss ski

with a bunk bed. They all have

areas and basing yourself in Morgins

Geneva is only a short distance away.

chalet, built for the owners in 1985

built-in wardrobes and the front

means it’s a quick and easy day trip

and authorised for purchase by

two bedrooms have double doors

to plenty of other world-class resorts

non-Swiss.

leading on to separate balconies.

nearby. For example, Verbier, Leysin,

Chalet La Siala in the friendly village

There is a bathroom with full-size

Villars and Les Diablerets are all

of Morgins, right on the French

bath, basin and WC and a separate

within an hour’s drive.

CHALET LA SIALA CHF 595,000

border and just 90 minutes from

shower room also with basin and

As well as bars, there are five

Agence Maytain

Geneva Airport, is located in the

WC. Downstairs there’s a dining area

restaurants in the village and two

(M. Alain Bressoud)

incredible Portes du Soleil ski region.

and kitchen, and at the lower level a

supermarkets. And within a short

(+41) 024 477 2421

This is one of the world’s three

sitting area with a fireplace, hall and

drive into France are the bars

info@maytain.ch

largest ski areas with some 600km

a large built-in cupboards. There is

and restaurants of Châtel and La

aldwinckle@waitrose.com.

of ski runs for all ability levels. The

a sunny garden with views of the

Chapelle d’Abondance.

maytain.ch

hundreds of ski runs and lifts interlink

mountains and a separate garage

It’s also worth thinking about all

MT. BACHELOR OPENS 635 ACRES OF NEW TERRAIN Mt Bachelor ski area in Oregon has unveiling its new Cloudchaser lift, a $6.5 million highspeed quad chairlift which accesses 635 acres of newly lift-served terrain which includes 13 new runs and makes it the 5th largest ski area in the US. Resort staff say it’s the biggest expansion of the ski area for two decades. Cloudchaser is Mt. Bachelor’s eighth high-speed detachable quad chairlift.

036 // FEB17

@INTHESNOWMAG

US RESORT SAYS JANUARY 2017 WAS SNOWIEST EVER Meanwhile, Keystone Resort in Colorado has announced it will extend its main season to Easter

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

Sunday, 16 April, after its snowiest winter season in more than 10 years.

After only 20 days, Mammoth Mountain has announced that January 2017 has become its snowiest January after more than 4.5m of snow fell by the 21st. It broke its all-time monthly snowfall record of 5.3m in December 2010 only two days later on the 23rd.

Mammoth was established by the legendary Dave McCoy 77 years

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

ago (he is still going strong aged 101, although he sold the resort in 2005).

Mammoth Mountain in California has

December 2010. With a base of more

It entered February with a 760cm

extended spring and summer opening

had its snowiest month ever with

than 7m, it says it already knows it will

base, by far the deepest in the world.

as a result of the large amount of snow

more than 6.3m of snow in January,

open for skiing on 4 July 2017 and

It’s rare for any ski resort in the world

that has already fallen in Western

more than 1m past the previous all-

is offering free skiing on that day to

to reach a 7m base, and when they

North America.

time monthly snowfall record set in

anyone who buys a lift pass in January.

do, it’s usually not until spring.

CNW GROUP

Two US resorts have announced

WHISTLER BLACKCOMB GETS A SKI-THROUGH ATM

NEW INDOOR TERRAIN PARK COMING TO MEXICO

After ski-through Starbucks, McDonald’s and even toilets, Whistler

Woodward, the company behind the world’s original indoor freestyle

Blackcomb has unveiled what they believe is the world’s first “ski-through”

sports complexes, has announced its first centre outside the USA will

ATM. The new ATM was erected overnight in partnership with CIBC Bank

open in 2017, as part of a Hard Rock beach resort in Mexico.

outside the Roundhouse Lodge on Whistler Mountain. The structure

Woodward was originally established in Pennsylvania in 1970 as

stands 2.6m high and weighs 2,121kg, and is located 1,850m up.

an outward-bound centre but then opened its first indoor freestyle

The full-service ATM has certain unique skier features including a glove

snowsports facility at Copper in Colorado in 2008 and has since

holder and a place to prop up your ski poles while you type in your PIN.

opened two more centres, both in California.

CIBC has signed a five-year partnership deal with Whistler Blackcomb

Due to open in October 2017, Woodward Riviera Maya will offer the

and is also offering whistles, tissues and hand warmers as part of

chance to snowboard and snow ski in Mexico within the new Hard Rock

Whistler Blackcomb’s free mountain orientation tours. Visitors will also

Hotel Riviera Maya.

experience CIBC-sponsored events on the upcoming CIBC National Ski

The 1,858m2 complex will be a “shrine to lifestyle sports” the operators

Day, Family Day and Canada Day to help celebrate Canada and CIBC’s

say and will also feature a skate and BMX park, a parkour, cheer and

shared 150th birthday in 2017.

hip hop dance programmes and amenities, a trampoline, a Digital Media

“CIBC is always looking to improve our clients’ experience, and our

Camp and more.

new ski-through ATM at Whistler Blackcomb is just one of the many

Mexico has one long-established artificial-surface outdoor ski slope

ways we’re reaching clients at new heights,” said Stephen Forbes, Chief

centre at Monterreal (monterreal.com), which uses the Dendix surface.

Commercial Officer, CIBC.

hrhrivieramaya.com/woodward.htm

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037 // FEB17

UK: 0345 021 0222 OVERSEAS: +33 (0)634409097 simplyvaldisere.com

I

N

U

T

E

S

M A T T H I A S MAYER INTERVIEW BY: PATRICK THORNE

Matthias Mayer is a World Cup alpine ski

curves and long rolls. That’s for me the

racer who shot to fame at the 2014 Winter

main difference.

Olympics in Sochi when he won the blue ribbon Men’s Downhill race, then aged 23,

Please can you tell us a little about

having never won a World Cup Downhill

D-air® technology, the airbag jacket that

race before. Mayer’s achievement went

downhill racers can now wear, and how it

one better than his father Helmut, who had

works for you and other skiers?

been the silver medallist in the first Olympic

MM: The D-air® is a nearly perfect product

Super-G (Mayer’s main discipline) in Calgary

for me. We’ve worked very hard for it and

in 1988. Mayer is from the province of

there are always little developments to do,

Carinthia and grew up in a village close to

but it means we can be fast using it and

the hometown of Franz Klammer.

we can be safe using it. That’s the most important thing. I’ve been skiing with the

You come from a village down in the

D-air® airbag now for two years, and of

southeast of Austria near to Italy and

course it makes me faster because I feel

Slovenia. Is there rivalry between skiers

more safe and it makes me more confident.

from your area and those from areas like Salzburg and Tirol in the Austrian team?

Should more Brits come to ski in Carinthia?

MM: Of course, when you’re young there’s

MM: We have many beautiful ski areas and

a little bit of rivalry; when you’re 15 you are

we have lots of skiers, but more visitors

fighting on the slopes with skiers from the

would be nice, yes.

Tirol and Salzburg, but when you are in the World Cup it doesn’t matter where you are

You come from a famous skiing family; is

from – you just have to ski fast.

that a help or a hindrance?

MM: Well, sometimes it’s a help, yes, but

The Olympics in South Korea is coming

sometimes it’s a challenge too. I have to

up fast. Have you had a chance to race

follow in the big footsteps of my father, so

on the downhill course there yet? Do you

it can be difficult sometimes.

expect it to be very different to Sochi?

MM: No, I’ve not had a chance to ski the

Do you have any advice for young racers

2018 Olympic Downhill course yet as I was

hoping to become world famous like you?

injured last year, so sadly I had to watch

MM: I think the most important thing for

the race in front of the TV. It seems to be

young ski racers is to never give up. After

a very different course: Sochi was very

one race there’s always the next race

technical and steep, with big jumps, but

coming, so even if one goes badly, there’s

in Korea it seems to be smoother with big

always another race.

038 // FEB17

EXPA/ JFK

M

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



039 // FEB17

It’s not just me freeriding.

My skis are too.

Free ski transport.

swiss.com

Made of Switzerland.