JEF BRIGUET / CRANS MONTANA
VOL 2 | ISSUE 3 | JUN19
:ON Go out and discover endless new trails in the most remote places. Overcome your boundaries, take on new adventures, and experience mountain biking on a whole new level with the Neuron:ON. With a Shimano Steps E8000 drive system, 29-inch wheels, and modern trail geometry, you’ll be ready for anything. What are you waiting for?
canyon.com
028
©SAALBACH.COM / DANIEL ROOS
024
SENSATIONAL SUMMERTIME IN SALZBURGERLAND AND BEYOND Austria’s beautiful Salzburgerland is a true Mecca for mountain-sports lovers with an incredibly rich and diverse range of activities on offer. With every type of hiking route imaginable and over 7,000km of cycling and biking routes you won’t get bored, and that’s just for starters. The best news is it’s all just a short hop
GINDELWALD
away with Salzburg Airport taking you right to the heart of the action in just a couple of hours after leaving
TVB-INNSBRUCK CHRISTIAN-VORHOFER
0I6
Blighty. Read our four-page guide.
MOUNTAIN ACTIVITIES YOU’VE NOT HEARD OF Mountain biking, climbing, rafting and hiking are all getting a bit passé these days. Even fat-biking, SUPing and mountain coasters have lost their novelty value. But rest assured there’s always something new to try; here’s a quick lowdown.
TIME OUT IN THE TIROL The Tirol region is a world-famous wonderland for outdoor recreation year-round, and it’s got ever This feature examines the Austrian region’s many assets for the summer visitor.
LTMOUNTAINS @LTMOUNTAINS LTMOUNTAINS LOVETHEMOUNTAINS.CO.UK
0I2
AMAZING MOUNTAIN GOLF RESORTS Once the snow melts, some of the most spectacular golf courses in the world emerge for golfers to enjoy each summer, providing spectacular views alongside some interesting challenges of terrain and altitude. Here are some of the best.
©HELMUTH RIER
easier to reach, thanks to BA flights to Innsbruck.
052 THINGS TO SEE & DO IN LA PALMA
EDITOR
We know Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote and Fuerteventura, but what about the smaller Canary Islands? Here we take a look at one of the best, La Palma, a very different destination to its betterknown neighbours.
Our summer gear guide has a great range of kit from clothing to kayaks to entice you this summer. There’s always lots of new items and ideas coming to the marketplace and we’ve dug out the best for you to peruse over four pages.
054
ALI BHARMAL / RED BULL CONTENT POOL
IDM ALTO ADIGE/DANIEL GEIGER
037 THE BEST OF BOTH WORLDS Travel companies like to package holidays up as “city breaks” or “lake and mountains”, but the reality is that plenty of cities have spectacular countryside right on their doorsteps, so there’s no
©NATIONAL TRUST IMAGES/JOE CORNISH
042
reason you can’t do both on the same trip.
IO MINUTES WITH NOURIA NEWMAN Nouria Newman decided she wanted to kayak solo down some of the most remote and treacherous waterways of northern India and found challenges on many levels, not just with the river itself but also being completely alone.
EDITORIAL TEAM PUBLISHER
INSTA-WORTHY WALKS IN THE UK
Nick Jones Marion Adams
EDITOR
CONTRIBUTORS
Patrick Thorne patrick@inthesnow.com OPERATIONS DIRECTOR
It’s tempting to think we have to travel to the four corners of the earth to see some of the planet’s most amazing scenery, but in fact some of the best is very close to home. We present some of the most
SUB EDITORS
dom@inthesnow.com
Dominic Killinger
“instagrammable” hikes in Britain.
PATRICK THORNE
SUMMER GEAR GUIDE 047–051
Debbie Gabriel debbie@inthesnow.com
Emmanuelle Châtel Megan Hughes Sam Thorne MAGAZINE & BRAND DESIGN BY
Tom Showler Rocket Base
tom@rocketbase.co.uk SOCIAL, DIGITAL & CONTENT MANAGER
Megan Hughes megan@inthesnow.com
WEB & DIGITAL DESIGNER
Max Spooner-Blind EQUIPMENT BY
BRAND & DIGITAL MANAGER
Emmanuelle Châtel
Emmanuelle Châtel Megan Hughes
© Copyright 2019 Printed in the UK. No part of this publication 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.
InTheSnow Ltd The Snow Studio, Kings Lane, Bucks, HP16 0QY +44 (0)1494 862 423 dom@inthesnow.com inthesnow.com
Summertime is here and with it the return of those wonderful, warm, long sunny days when conditions are just right to get outside and plan your next trip out there. Spending time in the mountains, whether you are up high or down in the valley looking up, is getting ever more popular, and fortunately there are ever more activities to try and places to stay each year. In Love The Mountains we endeavour to keep you informed on what’s new and the best of what’s already out there with our many news stories and features. This issue we profile some of the most scenically stunning walks in the UK (these days that of course means “Instagrammable”), as well as some of the world’s most spectacular mountain golf courses now they have re-emerged from under the winter snow. There are also ideas for a quick mountain escape close to major cities and plenty of advice on fitness as well as the lowdown on why outdoor yoga is the best sort of yoga. You can also meet the man who climbed Southern Britain’s highest peak 365 times in 365 days and all for charity. That’s some dedication. We also have plenty of new season gear ideas and reviews including a short feature on what to look out for when you’re wanting to get a younger child into mountain biking. If you’re looking for some inspiration you can read an interview with kayaker Nouria Newman who made the ultimate voyage of self-discovery, kayaking alone through glacial waters over more than 200 miles in Northern India. Of course it doesn’t have to be as hardcore as that; you can just have fun on something much less challenging. But whichever mountain you’re heading to this summer, have a great trip!
patrick@inthesnow.com JUN19 // 005
INNSBRUCK IN TIROL: THE HEART OF THE ALPS
Discover the Austrian Tirol with British Airways. The beautiful Tirolian mountains offer as much in the summer months as they do in the winter. With hiking, mountain biking and rock climbing in abundance, it is an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise. Innsbruck combines alpine and urban experiences easily. Surrounded by the mountains, one of the seven cable cars actually starts in the city centre,
so 20 minutes later you are on top of the Nordkette mountain and in high alpine terrain. British Airways Holidays offers a 24hr holiday helpline and deposits from just ÂŁ75 per person, all with full ATOL protection. To find out more and book your Innsbruck summer holiday visit ba.com/innsbruck
AT THE GATES OF CHAMONIX
FOR A FUN & RELAXED STAY IN A POP & ROCK ATMOSPHERE RESERVATION@ROCKYPOP.COM | TEL +33 4 85 30 00 00 1476 AV. DES ALPAGES - LES HOUCHES
CHAMONIX - LES HOUCHES 10% OFF WITH CODE ROCKYLOVE WWW.ROCKYPOP-CHAMONIX.COM
OVER 25% OF BRITS PICK ADVENTURE OVER ‘POOL-GAZING’ A new survey has found that 26% of holidaymakers questioned would now pick an adventure and adrenaline holiday over a poolgazing and sunbathing trip.
tourists, according to the Expedia Best
“People today are more focused on
Tourist Report 2008, with common
taking part in activities beyond the
complaints for Brits abroad being
traditional excursions, looking to
that we are loud and unruly, flouting
enhance their experience with ones
local culture and generally making a
tailored to preferences like thrill-seeking
nuisance of ourselves.
or wellbeing. By allocating more of their
“The experience economy is going from
The research also revealed that while
holiday budgets to spending money,
strength to strength, our research finding
people are trying not to spend more
holidaymakers are sending a message
that, when planning their holidays,
on flights, accommodation and eating
to travel agents and providers alike that
Brits are far more concerned with the
out, the budget for spending on
they aren’t concerned with luxury stays
memories they will make than the
experiences once they have arrived
in all-inclusive resorts,” added Stephanie
thread count of their hotel’s beds,” said
at their destination is, by contrast, up
Meyer-Scott. “Instead,” she continued,
Stephanie Meyer-Scott, Head of Product
around five times.
“they are looking for the cheapest
Marketing at WeSwap, a peer-to-peer
It seems that from tree canopy zip lines
providers so that they can have the best
currency exchange platform, which
to bungee jumping, Brits are no longer
experience while there, enjoying unique
commissioned the survey.
the stereotype embodied by TV shows
and memorable experiences.”
The results, from a survey of 2,000
like Benidorm. Instead, besides zip-lining,
The trend looks set to continue, too, as
British holidaymakers, appear to be
the most popular activities on travellers’
the statistic of those seeking adventure
a far cry from the stereotype of Brits
experience wish lists are bungee jumps,
and adrenaline holidays grows the
abroad from the 80s and 90s. Ten years
white-water rafting, skydiving, rock
younger the traveller, increasing to 39%
ago we were voted as Europe’s worst
climbing and scuba diving.
of millennials aged 18–34.
JUN19 // 009
MONACO’S HEALTH & FITNESS FESTIVAL Visit Monaco is to stage its firstever health and wellness festival, “In Your Element”, from 5–7 July 2019. Festival attendees can take part in workshops and panel discussions with both the UK and Monaco’s top athletes and experts in fitness, healthy eating and JESSE TAMAYO AND CMH HELI-SKIING
nutrition, holistic therapies and beauty. inyourelementfestival.com
GAME OF THRONES LOCATIONS A number of destinations are increasingly marketing themselves as filming locations from the recently completed Game of
Thrones TV series. Head to Croatia to see King’s Landing (Dubrovnik), Braavos (Sibenik) and Meereen (Klis Fortress); Spain for the Palace
NEW HELICOPTER-ACCESSED VIA FERRATA IN CANADA
of Dorne (Alcázar Palace, Seville)
The famous CMH Heli-Skiing
company has undertaken since 2002.
accessible by helicopter, and guests led
or Volantis Bridge (Roman Bridge,
operation in British Columbia,
Part of this money will go on a new via
by a professional mountain guide and
Cordoba); and Iceland for North of
Canada, has been expanding its
ferrata opening this summer, which will
secured in a tight-fitted climbing harness
range of summer activities offered
give the company’s summer guests the
will double-clip into the safety line before
from its Bobbie Burns lodge.
chance to navigate canyon ledges and
ascending the exhilarating mountain route
The summer programme is being boosted
glacier-fed waterfalls on the new Zillmer
through the winding course of the canyon,
by a £4m ($8.4m CAD) renovation project,
Canyon Via Ferrata.
following the glacial waters and traversing
the largest infrastructure project the
The Zillmer Canyon Via Ferrata is only
ever closer to the ancient glacier above.
Westeros (Thingvellir).
SHORT BREAKS DURING LE TOUR Peak Retreats has launched new short breaks in Val Thorens this summer as Le Tour de France and l’Etape du Tour head to the resort. The award-winning French Alps specialist has a choice of accommodation available for short breaks for those who want to experience the mountain stages first-hand. peakretreats.co.uk
DAVID ALTABEV
MOUNTAINS BIGGER INSIDE THE EARTH? Scientists believe mountains inside the earth may be higher
RUNNING MUSIC AND ADVENTURE FESTIVAL RETURNS
than those on the surface. Using recordings made from seismic
The world’s first running, music and
looped course with in-race adventure
a vegan cooking workshop, post-run
adventure festival, Love Trails, staged
obstacles such as axe throwing,
nutrition workshops, exercise on the brain,
movements, seismologists have
in Wales, is back. Along with a host
bouldering and archery.
how to run trails, strength and conditioning
calculated that structures higher
of musical acts, this July’s festival will
This festival also offers a range of yoga
and microadventures, among many more.
than Everest and possibly up to
include the Official World Beer Mile
and fitness classes from sunrise yoga
Adult tickets are priced at £149 per person,
40km high exist about 660km
Championships and the world’s first
to POP Pilates, hot tubs, a sauna and
with teen and junior discounts and children
Adventure Obstacle Course which will
plunge pool and wild swimming as well
five and under free.
see teams of four run around a 5km
as a diverse array of workshops including
lovetrailsfestival.co.uk
waves during earthquake
down where the upper and lower mantles meet.
010 // JUN19
@LTMOUNTAINS
BUENAVENTURAMARIANO
Ride the best events with us! UCI Road World Championships, Yorkshire Four nights starting at £595
NEW SPORTS & WELLNESS CRUISES
A RUNNING RACE WITH YOUR DOG
A new cruise company has decided to tackle the
A race that allows and indeed requires runners
culture of all-you-can-eat buffets and slot machines,
to compete alongside their dogs will take place
and instead is creating two full decks fitted with the
in the French Alps in August. Canicross, part
highest-technology fitness equipment and spa facilities,
of the internationally renowned Trophée des
and décor to match the level of luxury expected of
Montagnes, begins in the little village of Oz-en-
a 5 hotel. Blue World Voyages will offer what they
Oisans, close to the better-known resort of Alpe
describe as a “more intimate vessel” carrying only 350
d’Huez, from 3–5 August 2019.
passengers, with the aim of taking guests to places that
More than 250 participants from around the world
larger floating hotels can’t, such as unspoiled reefs,
are expected to take part in the competition, which
hidden waterfalls and the kind of hiking and biking you
will see runners and their dogs run through the
just won’t find near jumbo-sized ports of call.
stunning Alpine scenery of the region. The race is
Passengers will also be provided with equipment and
open to all levels of runner and all breeds of dog.
training to help them on any adventure: whether they
A seven-night stay (arriving 2 August 2019) at
want to snorkel, scuba, surf, kayak, paddle board, bike
Hotel Grandes Rousses is priced from £258.60
or hike, the company says their aim is to help their
per person (based on two sharing a double room
guests realise that dream. blueworldvoyages.co.uk.
with balcony). alpedhuez.com
Il Lombardia, Italy Four nights starting at £575
Pre-register now for 2020! Strade Bianche, Flanders, Roubaix, Mallorca312, Etape du Tour, Maratona & more.
0203 488 3114
WELSH COAST TO BE “OPENED UP” TO OUTDOOR ENTHUSIASTS
enquiries@allthingsride.com Quote LTM19
In a big win for a key part of a long-
legalising activities like wild swimming,
as open access means reduced
running British Mountaineering Council
paragliding and hang gliding on open-
liability for the safety of the visitors. As
(BMC) campaign to improve access in
access land. Technically at the moment,
with open-access land in the hills, land
Wales, walkers and climbers should
most access to coastal slopes (including
owners will not be held responsible for
be able to freely access coastal areas
sea-cliffs) in Wales is not a given right
accidents or incidents to visitors that
and sea cliffs as part of a shake-up of
and legally most sea-cliff climbing could
are caused by natural features.
access law recently announced by the
be regarded as trespass.
None of this will become law
Welsh Government.
However, land owners look set to
immediately – more work is needed
Other proposed changes include
benefit from the proposals as well as
on the details and to create the new
creating more integrated access and
users. Having coastal land designated
regulations and new laws.
FB.COM/LTMOUNTAINS
JUN19 // 011
for 5% off your first booking
www.allthingsride.com
Ride, Achieve, Celebrate
G O L F
©HELMUTH RIER
AMAZING MOUNTAIN
R E S O R T S
©HELMUTH RIER
ST VIGIL SEIS G.C.
COYOTE SPRINGS G.C.
BLACK MOUNTAIN G.C.
LEGEND GOLD & SAFARI RESORT
ITALY
LAS VEGAS, USA
THAILAND
SOUTH AFRICA
An idyllic Alpine course set in the
This beautiful desert course surrounded
A 27-hole, award-winning golf resort,
Each hole is designed by a different
heart of the Dolomites, with a golf
by mountains in Coyote Springs,
located in the stunning foothills 12km west
pro. Features the world-famous Par 3
school, driving range, pro-shop and
Nevada, is located just 55 miles from
of Hua Hin, voted Thailand’s best resort
Extreme 19th, where the tee can only be
restaurant.
the centre of Las Vegas.
for seven consecutive years.
reached by helicopter.
GOLF LES GETS / PEIGNEE VERTICALE
FAIRMONT
TVB ACHENSEE
GOLFCLUB ACHENSEE
BANFF SPRINGS G.C.
LES GETS G.C.
GOLF-CLUB-CRANS-SUR-SIERRE
TYROL | AUSTRIA
CANADA
FRANCE
SWITZERLAND
Located between the picturesque
With breathtaking views in every
18 holes with 18 incredible viewpoints
With four courses in the heart of the Swiss
shores of Lake Achensee and the
direction and a unique course design
in the heart of the mountains facing
Alps, the Crans-sur-Sierre G.C. overlooks
Karwendel mountains is the Golfclub
along the Bow River, this 27-hole course
Mont Blanc.
the Rhone Valley’s highest peaks, from the
Achensee, the oldest golf club in Tyrol.
is a must-visit.
012 // JUN19
Matterhorn to Mont Blanc.
@LTMOUNTAINS
BIKE ASCENT BY MOONLIGHT The 7.5km Montée d’Oz ascent with an average incline of over 12% from Lake Verney to Oz-enOisans in the French Alps is a test trail for all bike enthusiasts. The car-free closed road is popular for nocturnal ascents, and every Wednesday morning in July and August a timed group ascent is staged for bikers, runners or walkers. oz-en-oisans.com
ULTRA-TRAIL IN MAURITIUS
A NEW SMART WAY TO EXPERIENCE ADVENTURE ON YOUR DOORSTEP
Book a stay at Shandrani Beachcomber Resort on Mauritius this 27 and 28 July and you can take part in the property’s annual Ultra Trail Raidlight – seeing the off-the-beaten-track side of
A new way to book the services
customers direct with qualified guides
types spanning camping, hiking, climbing,
Mauritius as you run. Runners can
of qualified, passionate outdoor
across the UK and gives the opportunity
biking and paddle-based experiences.
choose from 10km, 25km, 47km or
guides across the UK and beyond has
to browse nearly a hundred tailored
Adventures start from £30 and all can be
100km trails, taking them through
been launched.
adventures on an easy-to-use platform,
confirmed seamlessly and at short notice,
forests, mountainous paths and
Online marketplace Beyonk is the brain
before booking travel quickly, safely and
without the need to speak to an agent.
child of London-based Oscar White, who
with confidence.
The number of qualified guides joining the
has a love for micro-adventures and an
The majority of the experiences offered
marketplace has grown exponentially, with
expertise for cutting-edge technology.
take place in the UK over one to three
adventures now on offer as far away as
The innovative start-up connects
days, divided into five main category
Morocco and Nepal.
along pristine beaches.
MAN SEEKS TO CONQUER ALL 728 A man who set a record for climbing all 446 mountains over 610km in England and Wales in six months, is now aiming to conquer all 282 in Scotland. James Forrest held down a job, moved house and maintained a relationship while walking in his “spare time”.
JOE KUSUMOTO
STEEPEST ZIP LINE IN US OPENING Mammoth Lakes is to unveil
GIANT TROLL TO RETURN TO BRECKENRIDGE
what they believe is the steepest and fastest zip line in the US this summer. The Mammoth Mega Zip will feature the biggest
A giant troll made of reclaimed wood is due
by themes of mountain culture at the
Although it has been announced that Isak, or
vertical drop of any existing zip
to return to the Colorado mountain town of
Breckenridge International Festival of Arts.
one of his friends, will definitely be returning,
line in the US with riders hitting
Breckenridge this summer.
However, the 15-foot-high Isak was so
exactly what he’ll look like this year is not
speeds of up to 96kph as they
The original giant troll, named “Isak
popular that some local residents near
yet known. Parts of the original Isak were
plunge 650m from Mammoth
Heartstone” and created by Danish sculptor
where he was located complained about all
recycled into other objects, but the new
Mountain’s summit.
Thomas Dambo, was a big success last year,
the visitors he was attracting, and he was
giant troll will contain some elements of the
created as one of many installations inspired
disassembled in the autumn.
original, it has been revealed.
FB.COM/LTMOUNTAINS
JUN19 // 013
CHOOSING THE BEST MTB FOR YOUR KIDS
unnecessary, confusing and, worse still,
mistake is to overstretch your child on
adds to the weight of the bike when you’re
something too challenging or too long for
just starting out, so a simpler model is
them and put them right off in the process.
definitely best. Gears don’t really matter on
Secondly, make sure they are properly
first bikes until children are 6–8 years old.
kitted out, warm (but not too warm!) and comfortable. Make sure they’re travelling as
Common Buying Mistakes
light as they can, perhaps just with a drink
It can be tempting to buy a bike that’s too
bottle on the bike, but you carry everything
large for your child that they can “grow
else. Keeping things light and easy for your
into” ( just as our mums and dads did for
child will make the whole experience much
us!). The reality is your child will most
more pleasurable for everyone.
likely be put off by a bike that’s too heavy
Finally, don’t overdo the advice, or the
and cumbersome for them.
praise. Give a few bits of key advice
Avoid using stabilisers if you can too.
on technique at the start and of course
Again, those childhood favourites are no
answer any questions your child has, but
longer considered the way to go; instead
then leave them to get used to their bike,
a “balance bike” is the answer for younger
maybe just throwing in the odd piece
children. Costing as little as £25 at Halfords,
of praise for a good move or two when
these are essentially bikes without chains
they’re due. Don’t confuse or overwhelm
and pedals (some have brakes, others
your child with too many tips.
don’t) that your youngster can scoot around on getting used to balancing before the pedalled variety is introduced.
The size you need Every child grows at a different rate,
There’s a huge range of mountain bikes available for kids, with some now so small it seems they’ve been designed for kids that have only just learned to walk. The huge choice can be confusing, so
Getting Kids Keen
but here’s an approximate guide to
here are a few tips on what to look out
Once you’ve got your kid a bike, you’ll
frame sizes:
for, and what to avoid.
want them to actually enjoy using it, so
Firstly, forget the bells and whistles. Well,
here are a few simple bits of advice.
2 – 3 yrs old = 12” wheel
a bell is OK, but the main thing is to keep
Firstly, choose your route. Look for
3 – 4 yrs old = 14” wheel
it simple. Your child may be intrigued and
somewhere fairly flat, fairly limited and
4 – 5 yrs old = 16” wheel
envious of your 20 gears, disc brakes
perhaps with a few fun detours along the
5 – 7 yrs old = 20” wheel
and suspension system, but it’s all a bit
way for those first few outings. The common
8 – 10 yrs old = 24” wheel 12+ yrs old = Adult bike
014 // JUN19
@LTMOUNTAINS
6-9 JUN I9
20-23 JUN I9
28 JUN–I5 SEP
Meadows in the Mountain Festival
Telluride Bluegrass
Sounds of the Dolomites
Bulgaria
Telluride
Dolomites
The festival is taking place in the Rhodope Mountains,
Nestled in the San Juan Mountains, Telluride Bluegrass
A total of 25 musical events will take place in the most
and the musical offering is split across four stages, each
is a magical time of sun and light, when the high
suggestive corners of the Italian Alps of Trentino. Unique
with their own distinct feel. Get lost in the woods or visit
country of Colorado puts away its skis and grabs hiking
experiences in exceptional natural settings that you
the wellbeing area where yoga classes and workshops
boots, guitars and a low-back festival chair to take in
can reach on foot alongside the musicians themselves.
are held. meadowsinthemountains.com
“Bluegrass”. bluegrass.com/telluride
isuonidelledolomiti.it/EN/sounds-of-the-dolomites
4-7 JUL I9
20-28 JUL I9 EMMANUEL CHATEL
EMMANUEL CHATEL
8 JUL–3 AUG
Vercors Music Festival
Cosmo Jazz Festival
Verbier Festival
France
Chamonix
Switzerland
Combines renowned artists with local up-and-coming
From 20 July to 28 July, Chamonix holds the Cosmo
From 18 July to 3 August, enjoy classical music in a
talent. At the heart of the stunning setting traditional
Jazz Festival, with the idea of sharing an extraordinary
spectacular Alpine setting at the Verbier Festival,
French and international music will sit alongside modern
human adventure to discover amazing landscapes
with about 60 concerts over 17 days.
music, rock, jazz, world music, hip-hop and electro.
and dizzying cosmic sounds in a friendly atmosphere.
verbierfestival.com/en
vercorsmusicfestival.com
cosmojazzfestival.com/en
MUSIC FESTIVALS IN THE MOUNTAINS 2019 9-I2 AUG I9
I5-I8 AUG I9
The Lake District Folk Weekend
Wilde Möhre Festival 2019
Green Man Festival
United Kingdom
Germany
United Kingdom
With folk music concerts and various family-friendly
Wilde Möhre is an eclectic music festival held
Set at the heart of the Brecon Beacons National Park,
activities around the village of Staveley, visitors
in Drebkau, Germany, from 9 to 12 August. At
Green Man boasts an enchanting location. The event
will have an enjoyable weekend. Artists come from
the centre is electronic music, while the rest
showcases all genres of music across multiple areas.
around the country to perform here, while you may
of the lineup brings in acoustic music, theatre,
In addition, Green Man features art installations, film
also encounter stories, poetry sessions, dancing and
literature and talks.
tents, poetry, theatre, comedy and a daily dusk ’til
more. thelakedistrictfolkweekend.com
wildemoehrefestival.de
dawn bonfire. greenman.net
BEN CREMIN
2-4 AUG I9
FB.COM/LTMOUNTAINS
JUN19 // 015
TVB-INNSBRUCK CHRISTIAN-VORHOFER
Innsbruck
Summer is upon us and there’s the usual conundrum of whether to hit the mountains, enjoy a city break or stay in the countryside.
So, it’s very easy to tie a city break in with as much
Airways service between Heathrow and Innsbruck
outdoor adventure as you can handle. If you need to cool
(where the airport is just a few minutes from the city
yourself down, there are crystal-clear lakes to bathe in
centre) taking less than two hours.
here as well. You can even go skiing or snowboarding in summer on the nearby Hintertux glacier.
City Break
The good news is there’s a simple answer: do it all, and do it
If you want to use Innsbruck as your arrival and
all with just a short hop from London too. The cosmopolitan,
departure point for a bigger trip, Tirol is well located in
historic and all-round beautiful city of Innsbruck, surrounded
the heart of Europe, with the German state of Bavaria
Innsbruck is a vibrant destination year-round with
by a magnificent circle of towering Alpine peaks, is the
to the north and Italy in the south as well as bordering
urban highlights such as the Bergisel Olympic ski
capital of Western Austria’s Tirol region – a land of almost
Switzerland to the west.
jump or the Swarovski Crystal Worlds and gems like
endless hiking, cycling and mountain biking routes.
Plus, it’s all very easy to reach, with a direct British
the Imperial Palace or Ambras Castle Innsbruck with
016 // JUN19 PROMO
@LTMOUNTAINS
Biking cuisine in a mountain restaurant along the trailside, hopefully with a sunny terrace to sit on while you enjoy it, is definitely a big part of the pleasure. TVB-INNSBRUCK ERWIN HAIDEN
Fortunately, the local Tirol Tourist Board is aware of this and has worked with renowned food experts and local mountain restaurants to create a range of “Culinary Hikes” to Alpine pastures that foodies, fans of homecooked food and families will all love. The nine selected hikes each have a maximum altitude of 500m and last less than two hours a piece. That excludes the time you’re sat down to enjoy scrumptious Tirol is one of the world’s leading destinations for
homemade produce such as local Alpine cheese, butter,
mountain bikers with 5,600km of marked mountain bike
yoghurt or bacon, and that’s just to start.
routes including 230km of single trails and a number
For example, on the hike to the Burgeralm in Rettenschöss,
of bike parks. Every summer the planet’s best bikers
Kaiserwinkl, several types of cheese as well as homemade
arrive to compete in major world-class competitions,
sausages and bacon await. The milk from the cows who
such as the gravity bike festival Crankworx at Bikepark
graze nearby is processed right there at the Alpine dairy
Innsbruck. For the rest of us there are endless trails
and turned into award-winning organic cheese.
to enjoy – whether cross-country or downhill – and a
Several of the hikes are designed especially for families
rich support network of bike-friendly accommodation,
with younger children or babies, and these have no
restaurants, shops for supplies and spares or indeed
more than 200m of altitude gain and require no more
renting a bike, pedal-powered or electric.
than an hour’s walking on paths which are mostly suitable for prams. The child-friendly Mutterer Alm high above Innsbruck
Hiking
offers an adventure playground, tree houses and a water area. Instead of using the cable car down again
With 24,000km of marked hiking trails to walk, Tirol
we highly recommend taking the mountain carts, which
is an Alpine paradise for walkers, with treks of every
are particularly popular for all age groups. Families are
size and type from short 10-minute strolls to multi-day
also happy with the generous portion sizes.
high-mountain hikes.
“Our favourite: the chicken skewers with salad. Such a good
In Innsbruck itself, for example, a cable car actually
mixed salad is rare,” said Kathrin Siller, a family travel expert.
starts in the city centre and 20 minutes later you are on top of the Nordkette mountain in high-Alpine terrain. If all that choice is a little overwhelming, Innsbruck
Where To Stay?
offers a free guided hiking programme on weekdays between 28 May and 26 October for holders of the free Welcome Card that’s given to people staying overnight ©TIROL-WERBUNG-SCHWARZ-JENS
in the city or the surrounding villages. If you prefer an extra portion of comfort, then you could also opt for the Innsbruck Trek, a seven-day hiking tour around Innsbruck, guided or self-guided, available with a choice of two difficulty levels every morning. Your luggage is transported to your next accommodation with a choice of 3 or 4★ hotels while you’re hiking, so it feels great to walk light. Wherever you choose to stay in the Tirol, the region’s villages and cities are abundant with nature, retain their original style and you’ll find the people are world-famous for their hospitality and friendliness. At
its free-wandering peacocks. Nowhere else in the world can you stroll through 800 years of Imperial Habsburg history, go shopping in the boutique stores of the Old Town and head up the mountain for outdoor fun so quickly and seamlessly.
©TIROL-WERBUNG-BAUER-FRANK
the same time, the accommodation options offer a
But if you’d like to add a bit of a topic to your ambling, there are seven themed walks designed
very high standard in every category for comparatively reasonable prices, so it’s a win-win-win.
Enjoy The Tirol with British Airways Holidays British Airways Holidays offers a 24hr holiday helpline
to take visitors to lesser-known parts of the city
Take A Culinary Hike
following routes on the trails of for example modern
Hiking in the mountains is a hungry business and along
ATOL protection. To find out more and to book your
architecture or into the city gorge just behind the
with those stunning views and enjoying the wonders of
Innsbruck holiday visit ba.com/innsbruck
Olympic ski jump.
nature, taking a break to enjoy some good homemade
FB.COM/LTMOUNTAINS
and deposits from just £75 per person, all with full
ba.com/innsbruck
TASTE OF ZERMATT Taking place throughout the summer, Taste of Zermatt is an annual food festival held at the foot of the Matterhorn to showcase the resort’s gastronomy through a range of culinary events. With 242 Gault Millau points across 17 restaurants, the village has a MIKE TITTEL / RED BULL CONTENT POOL
higher concentration of top restaurants than anywhere else in the Alps.
NEW SCOTTISH PUMP TRACK OPENS A new pump track, the Wishawhill Wood Pumptrack in Craigneuk, has opened. The track was built by specialists Velosolutions for North Lanarkshire Council transforming an area of wasteland with the support of the local community.
SKI JUMPER WINS RUNNING RACE UP A SKI JUMP HILL The Red Bull 400, billed as “the
pressure racers will ever face.”
the ski flying hill at Copper Peak in Michigan
length and has a rather unique
world’s steepest 400-metre race”,
This year the series has been extended to
in May. The 24-year-old, two-time Olympian
pinball triple berm section.
has returned for its ninth season.
20 venues in 17 countries in Europe, Asia and
proved that she is just as equipped to travel
The concept is fairly simple, running up a
North America, most attracting up to 1,000
up ski jumps as she is to fly down them by
very steep hill, often the “wrong way” up
participants in multiple heats. After the initial
winning the Women’s title at the race.
a ski jumping hill, usually with netting to
race stages the top 40 men and women
“I’m stoked to win, and to see the amazing
hang on to, as fast as you can. Simple, but
battle it out. Ski jumper Sarah Hendrickson
community and atmosphere around a ski
described as “…the most gruelling physical
was among those competing at the race up
jump warms my heart,” said Hendrickson.
The asphalt track is 260m in
ABSINTHE AND CANNABIS SPA A spa hotel in Croatia has put a number of unusual ingredients into its massage oils this summer. “When researching local folk medicine, rakija — grappa with herbs — came up every time,” a spokesman for the Grand Park wellness team in Rovinj said, adding: “We uncovered intriguing ingredients prized here since antiquity, including absinthium, cannabis and the world’s best olive oil.”
NEW MTB TRAILS IN AUSSIE NORTH New mountain bike trails are to open in Nitmiluk National Park
THE UK’S MOST ACTIVE AGE GROUP ARE THE OVER-65S
in Australia’s under-developed Northern Territories as part of $11.5m (around £8.85m) of upgrades that also include new walking trails and visitor centre upgrades. A range of trails are planned in the often-steep terrain including routes suitable for beginners.
018 // JUN19
New research has revealed that the over-
Swimming was the most popular sport for
younger generation are less active due
65s are now one of the most physically
over-65s with 38% of the votes, followed
to technology advances,” said Nicola
active age groups in the UK. A survey
by exercising in the gym (29%), cycling
Barnabo, Fitness Sports Manager at
of more than 7,600 UK adults by sports
(21%) and hiking or trekking (19%).
Decathlon.
retailer Decathlon shows that 44% of
“This could be down to over-65s
The next most active age group were 55-
over-65s take part in sports eight times or
today being more aware of the health
to 64-year-olds, 41% of whom said they
more in a typical month.
benefits of exercise or the fact that the
participate in sports.
@LTMOUNTAINS
You breathe,
We deliver
This summer spend more time out there - and less time cooking dinner Huski delivers amazing meals, picnics & drinks direct to your door, all over the French Alps
www.hu.ski
A Beginner’s Guide to Endurance Running Eat Right To Run Right Don’t run on an empty stomach; you will get tired a lot quicker and possibly cause
If you’re training for a marathon or triathlon, or even if you’re a Tough Mudder enthusiast, you will no doubt be well into your 2019 training regime by now.
muscle damage because you are burning muscle. A sensible marathon diet can and will make all the difference to your training.
Hydrate Remember to stay hydrated throughout each run. Dehydration can lead to muscle injury,
But Dr Ralph Rogers, one of the world’s
because muscles use fluids and electrolytes
top sports medicine doctors (ex-first team
to function properly during exercise.
doctor at Chelsea Football Club) has tips which will help you perform at your peak,
Sleep
whatever event you are training for, even
Make sure you get enough sleep because
if you just want to run better, further and
your body needs to repair itself, and those
faster on a Sunday morning.
early morning pre-work runs can take their
“Many people cobble together training
toll if you are not getting enough Zs.
regimes and often pay the price by overtraining, getting injured and not
What Not To Do
knowing how to pace their training properly.
If you fall off the wagon or you get injured,
They can underperform, overtrain and often
the fastest way to get on track is to see a
unnecessarily suffer with injuries that could
specialist sports doctor or physiotherapist.
have easily been avoided,” says Dr Rogers.
You’ll get the treatment you need and advice on how to get you back on
020 // JUN19
Stretch & Stretch Again
schedule and help you reach your goals.
Stretching is an important part of your
Stick to the same brand and style of
training schedule for injury prevention.
trainers all the way through. A bad pair
Dynamic stretching is advised pre-run and
of trainers can lead to blisters, knee pain
a mixture of dynamic and static stretching
and conditions like plantar fasciitis. You
is advised post-run.
should have run at least 10km in a pair of
“Don’t stint on the stretching; not only is it
trainers before the big event. Under no
essential but it sometimes helps to identify
circumstances should you ever wear new
any niggles and potential problems.”
trainers for an actual marathon.
Don’t Go Too Fast, Too Far, Too Soon
Dr Rogers runs Rogers Regenerative
Remember to progress your mileage
and regenerative medicine doctor and
sensibly, especially on your longer runs. A
practises around the world. He is based
quick and high jump in mileage can lead to
in Harley Street and is currently the
calf strains and cartilage issues in the knee.
medical advisor to the NBA. rrmg.com
Medicine Group and is a top sports
@LTMOUNTAINS
BANDION
NEW 10-DAY HIKE TO CELEBRATE 10 YEARS OF UNESCO RECOGNITION The year 2019 marks 10 years
vertical walls, spires and pinnacles,
in the world.
since UNESCO declared the
green valleys, high mountain pastures,
The Natural Park of the Ampezzo
Dolomites a World Natural
forests, streams, Alpine lakes, canyons
Dolomites covers an area of 11,500
Heritage Site for their
and waterfalls. It will also bring walkers
hectares and has a huge biodiversity,
exceptional beauty and unique
on some of the most iconic mountains
including a dozen endemic species and
landscape, together with
of the Dolomites (Croda da Lago,
over 160 species of animals including
their scientific and historical
Becco di Mezzodì, 5 Torri, Lagazuoi,
marmots, squirrels, foxes and eagles.
importance.
Tofane, Cristallo, Sorapis and Faloria).
Some peaks are reachable only
To celebrate the anniversary, Cortina
The Dolomites are considered “the
through a via ferrata: a mountain route
d’Ampezzo, sometimes known as
most beautiful mountains on Earth”.
equipped with metal cables, ladders,
the Queen of The Dolomites, is
Erosion, tectonism and glaciation
steps or even suspended bridges.
recommending 10 days of hut-to-hut
created a wide range of landforms and
Professional mountain guides are
hiking to take it all in.
an unusual variety of forms, including
available to help visitors get to know
The route takes hikers through this
peaks, pinnacles, cliffs, plateaus and
the Dolomites, the stories, legends,
spectacular landscape of immense
some of the highest vertical rock walls
and the flora and fauna that live here.
HIGH-VALUE BIKING HOLIDAYS IN THE TATRAS A British-run mountain holiday
the company’s Dragon’s Lair chalet.
crowds,” said Justin Garrett, Co-
company called Jasna Adventures
The Tatras Mountain range runs
founder of Jasna Adventures.
has launched a number of holiday
across North Eastern Europe and
Cycle packages (based on four
packages for cyclists and families
Jasna Adventures is located in
people, but other group sizes can be
this summer.
northern Slovakia.
accommodated) start from £380pp for
Guided rides include uplifted downhill
“The area is an ideal base and an
downhill mountain biking for four nights
and cross-country for mountain bikers
alternative to the Alps for cyclists that
including B&B accommodation, lift
and guided group options for road
want to try something a little new and
pass, local transport, airport transfers,
cyclists including accommodation in
different, and away from the usual
wellness/hot tub/sauna and more.
FB.COM/LTMOUNTAINS
JUN19 // 021
Thule Force XT Versatile roof-mounted cargo box for everyday use.
GRINDELWALD
n i a t n u o M ities v i f O t d r c a e A H r e v e N e v ’ u o Y 024 // JUN19
@LTMOUNTAINS
The mountains in summer are an everbigger draw and mountain resorts are always trying to think of new ideas to get people to visit them, rather than another mountain.
tourists every year, but now a new sport, volcano boarding, is drawing people to another volcano, Cerro Negro. This 728m-high, steep-sided volcano hasn’t erupted in two decades and is apparently the perfect volcano boarding destination with the most daring making the full vertical descent in a little over three
Mountain biking tracks and parks, themed hiking and
minutes. It is possible to ride the steep, black-gravel
running trails, zip lines, e-biking routes, via ferratas
surface standing in a snowboarder-style technique
(fixed climbing routes) and downhill mountain-coasters
but most descend on their boards as they would a
are all getting a little too common for some these days,
sled. Expect heat, speed, dirt and – if your body isn’t
so here are a few of the new options on offer if you’re
completely covered – pain, as well as (hopefully) a lot
searching for something a bit different.
of fun. volcanoboard.com
The First Flyer
Ride on the Roof of a Cable Car
There are ever more and ever longer zip lines opening
Once it was just James Bond who ascended
around the world, but in a few mountain resorts in
mountains on the outside of a cable car, but his
the Alps a special type of aerial line ride has been
example has caught on and now two resorts –
created. With these “flyer” lifts, up to four riders lie
Austria’s Dachstein Glacier and more recently Tignes
horizontally and parallel beneath the cable and “fly”
in France – have introduced the option of ascending
down together, emulating the flight of a bird.
the mountain in an open-air “balcony” enclosure on
At Grindelwald in the stunning Swiss Jungfrau region,
top of their cable car rather than riding inside it with
the ride’s operators admit it’s not quite the same
the normal folk.
speed as a bird, but it does come close: “A golden eagle swoops down on its prey at over 300 kilometres per hour. In horizontal flight, the dove can reach up to 120 kilometres per hour. And humans?
Conscious Breathing
Thanks to the Tyrolean ‘First Flyer’, they can compete
Simply hiking or even “Nordic walking” with poles is a
with the fastest birds. Up to four people whizz along
bit passé these days, to be honest, but if you’d like to
the 800-metre-llong steel cable at a top speed of 84
reinvigorate the concept a little you can now sign up
kilometres per hour.”
for a guided walk where your breathing is as big a part of the experience as your hiking.
Electric Scooters
A qualified “breathing therapist” leads the walk above the Swiss Valais resort of Bettmeralp in which participants breathe deeply and with awareness as
E-bikes are taking the mountains by storm, providing
they walk through an inspiring landscape.
power-assisted mountain biking to make getting
At the same time they drink in the tranquillity of the
uphill (also known as “the hard bit”) much easier,
mountains and the beauty of nature – all intended to
even if you don’t take the lift.
create a blissfully relaxing experience.
But now someone has had the idea that if you are using an electric boost to get you uphill, why bother pedalling at all? The result is the electric scooter, a kind of cross between a mountain bike with chunky
Bungee On AN MTB Off A Ramp
tyres to absorb the bumps and a Segway electric
If bungee jumping isn’t alarming enough, how about
public mobility device. Or, more simply, an e-mtb but
racing down a ramp on your bike out over the side of
without a seat or any pedals.
a mountain and then leaping into the void … securely
Electric scooters are increasingly widely available to
attached to your bike by twin bungee cords.
rent with several ski shops in the French resort of Les
This remarkable option is offered on Saturdays
Menuires among the early adopters of the machines.
through the summer by a company called Bun J Ride in the French resort of St Jean de Sixt. Bikers race off
Volcano Boarding
FB.COM/LTMOUNTAINS
the 30m ramp and get four or five bungee bounces in which they can do bike tricks, before being gently lowered to the ground.
Known as the land of lakes and volcanoes, Nicaragua
To give it a go you need to be at least 14 years old
is home to 19 volcanoes, eight of which are currently
and weigh between 40kg and 120kg (we’re not sure if
active. The country’s Masaya volcano has been
there’s a weight limit for your bike).
spewing lava for a decade, attracting thousands of
bun-j-ride.com
JUN19 // 025
RIDE ON THE ROOF OF A CABLE CAR The world’s largest open-air gondola has opened in Tignes. Guests stand in a “balcony” on the roof of the cable car cabin as it lifts visitors up to 3,653m. During the five-minute journey there are views of Mont Blanc and the Grande Motte glacier. At the top, there is a discovery trail and two footbridges.
THE OMM
NEW GEOPARKS ANNOUNCED BY UNESCO UNESCO has announced Kütralcura Geopark in the Araucanía region of Chile, an area famed for its many active volcanoes, as one of eight new
THE OMM IN SWITZERLAND The OMM or “Original Mountain
year’s Alpine OMM is coming to the Swiss
difficulty with distances of between 20km
Global Geoparks Programme
Marathon” is a famous trail-
Alps and the resort of Lenzerheide.
and 80km to complete over the two days.
recognises the importance of
running event which originally
The OMM is an individual challenge for a
Racers take everything they need with
started 50 years ago in England.
team of two mountain runners. With the
them for the two days, spending the night
Now, however, there is also an OMM in the
help of a map and a compass, the teams
in the middle of the race camping under
Alps and after two successful stagings of
choose their route to the overnight camp
the stars.
the contest in Austria at Achensee and at
and collect points en route.
The first-ever Swiss OMM will take place
Garmisch-Partenkirchen in Germany, this
Competitors can tackle different levels of
from 30 August to 1 September 2019.
world Geoparks. The UNESCO
managing geological sites around the world.
HOTEL OFFERS 50 ACTIVITIES The Puente Romano resort in Marbella is allowing their guests to personalise their holidays like never before, with a choice of more than 50 new active experiences for adventurous guests. Options include tennis training with Marko Djokovic, brother of Novak, swordfighters, or cycling the vertiginous journey up into the mountains to the tiny, picturesque village of Istán.
ENGELBERG-TITLIS
puenteromano.com
WOMEN-ONLY CYCLE RACE The Colorado Classic, this year
ENGELBERG LAUNCHES ALPINE CHEESE TRAIL
staged from 22–25 August 2019, has announced that it
The Swiss resort of Engelberg has launched
some parts are very easy.
paths takes you to the Stäfeli dairy from
will become the only Union
an Alpine cheese-themed hiking route.
The trail starts at Engelberg Abbey’s show
where you can penetrate further into the
Cycliste Internationale women’s
The 40km-long trail passes by eight cheese
dairy and follows the gentle uphill hiking
mountains and head in the direction of the
standalone stage race in the
dairies around Engelberg, offering beautiful
path to The Untertrübsee dairy, the first
Surenen Pass to visit the Blackenalp dairy.
Western Hemisphere, fulfilling
mountain views and tempting treats for
stop, before continuing to the Gerschnialp
“Take along plenty of cash and leave space
its mission to create a socially
cheese connoisseurs.
dairy before going downhill through
in your rucksack for cheese as all eight
impactful world-class race, the
Each section of the route can be tackled
woodland back to Engelberg.
dairies sell their delicious produce on site,”
organisers say.
separately as day or part-day hikes, and
Walking by the Engelberger Aa river on easy
one hiker who has tried the route advises.
026 // JUN19
@LTMOUNTAINS
GORFER SWISSMEDIAVISION
aerocom.eu - Photos : Andy Parant
Driving up to Bourg St Maurice the temperature hits 15°. The last snowflakes cling in piles by the road like penguins battling a storm. Recently carved spring snow now quietly seeps away, soon to become the white water of our summer rafting dreams.
a while now too. For while his colleagues
crowding or inflated prices of the beach.
are doing loads more stuff, they are a bit
had spent the winter delivering hearty
Ski resorts that once went into hibernation
healthier, and the whole feeling is just
meals to skiers all over the alps, Nick has
are now buzzing all summer.
lighter and more chilled. I have tried to
been in the kitchen designing Huski’s first
“Oddly it was the summer that brought
build that same vibe into our range.”
ever Summer Menu.
me here in the first place,” says Nick. “I
So if you are in the Alps this summer, skip
“For the last three years it’s been all
love skiing but what I really loved was
the supermarket and have Huski deliver
about ski – big hearty meals, scandalous
the freedom I felt – on my bike, hiking,
one of Nick’s creations. For the day pack,
desserts and plenty of wine – but we felt
or paddling up a river in the summer. So
how about baguettes with salmon pâté,
it was time to double-down on summer.”
I was super excited to come up with a
quiche, sausage rolls and a sticky ginger
We were in Bourg to meet Nick Casey,
These days Summer in the Alps is big
range of dishes and menus that would
loaf? Or a hassle-free dinner of tartiflette
Head Chef of barnstorming Alpine food
news. Every year more people are
fuel my adventures – from rewarding
with salad and some local charcuterie?
delivery startup, Huski. Nick, like those
discovering how much fun you can have
picnics to delicious sundown dinners. The
He’ll even take care of the cold beers.
penguins, had been thinking of summer for
in the mountains without the over-
summer vibe is clearly different. People
Learn more about Huski at www.hu.ski
Release the inner you arc1950.com
© JACOB RIGLIN
S E N S AT I O N A L S A
028 // JUN19 PROMO
@LTMOUNTAINS
the trail of the Blue Gentian, which is a remarkable 350km
otherwise known as Zorbing.
in length, passing 120 Alpine huts and divided into 31
If the mountains themselves aren’t high enough you can
stages, many of which are family- and dog-friendly.
leave the ground in a plane or balloon for a sightseeing
You can choose to do as much or as little of the route as
flight or try paragliding, skydiving, tandem jumping,
you’d like (perhaps just one section or for just a couple
gliding or hang gliding at one of the schools in the region.
of days), deciding each afternoon whether to head down for the night and visit one of the dozens of towns and villages below or to stay up in a mountain hut and
THE C I T Y OF SALZBURG
continue next day from there. There’s a website dedicated to the route at
It’s difficult not to spend time in SalzburgerLand without
www.salzburger-almenweg.at, and here there are hints
a visit to the beautiful city of Salzburg itself, a UNESCO
and tips for foodies or those seeking out the most
World Heritage site. Perhaps visit at the start or end of
spectacular vistas, among other niche interests.
your trip, if you fly in and out of the region’s small, friendly
There are plenty of shorter hikes too. “4 Mountains – 3
airport, to which there are direct flights from London.
Lakes” has four stages taking you through some of the
Year after year, guests from all over the world are
loveliest scenery in the picturesque Salzburg Salzkammergut
attracted to the city most famous for Mozart and The
Lake District. Each stage takes approximately four to five
Sound of Music. The hours will fly by as you wander
hours, and you even have the luxury of being able to walk
past enticing boutiques and cafes in the largely
without luggage, as that can be taken on to your next
pedestrianised Old Town.
overnight stop for you while you’re walking.
M T B & RO A D CY C LIN G
SA L Z BU RG E R L A N D C A R D The SalzburgerLand Card is a brilliant pass to get all-
With 7,000km of well-signposted cycling and mountain
inclusive access to around 190 attractions, excursion
biking trails and four bike parks, SalzburgerLand is one
destinations, natural spectacles, castles, show mines,
of the world’s best destinations for bikers – whether
museums, outdoor pools, cable cars and public transport
A L Z B U R G E R L A N D Austria’s SalzburgerLand is a true paradise for every hiker, cyclist, mountain biker and really anyone who loves to be outdoors, right in the heart of some of Europe’s most beautiful and spectacular scenery.
you want to bring your own bike with you or hire a road,
services which can all be visited free of charge by Card
mountain or electric bike from one of the hundreds of
holders. The “all-inclusive” card costs €76 (around £65)
bike shops in the region.
for an adult or €38 (around £33) for children aged four
The choice is almost endless, from challenging road
to fifteen for six days with the third and subsequent child
bike sections and scenic multi-day bike tours to the
free when families buy them together.
chance to take part in events like the Amadé cycling marathon, the Glocknerkönig or the Eddy Merckx
It’s a land of famous attractions and amazing scenery
Classic Cycling Marathon.
A DV E NT U R E E V E N T S SU M M ER 2 0 1 9
OT HER O U T D O O R AC T IV I T IE S
7–9 JUNE: Out of Bounds Festival in Leogang is a
including vibrant forests, high-altitude pastures, crystalclear lakes, wonderful waterfalls and of course the magnificent mountains. Add in the fabulous food, friendly locals and very fresh air,
world-class bike weekend that unites the UCI Mountain
all just a very short hop from the UK with no long transfers
Hiking and biking are just the top of a long list of
Bike World Cup in downhill with an awesome supporting
at the other end, and you have a winning combination.
activities available in SalzburgerLand.
programme.
Whether you want a relaxing break just soaking it all in
On the water, for example, the currently popular activity
27–30 JUNE: The “Adidas Infinite Trails
or to run, hike, climb, pedal, fly, swim, float or even Zorb
of stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) is big on the lakes
World Championships” trail running event sees
it all at full speed is up to you.
of SalzburgerLand (it’s particularly popular on Lake Zell
three Gastein mountain peaks become world
am See), as are the longer-established options of sailing
championship venues.
and windsurfing as well as the chance to try water
1 SEPTEMBER: Ironman 70.03 in Zell am See-Kaprun
skiing. You can of course fish in the lakes too.
sounds tough, and it is, but it is also an event for the
If you like your water white then rafting, kayaking or
whole family. Along with the main event, there are Iron
There are few experiences more wonderful than walking
hydrospeed are all available to you.
Girl Run and Ironkids competitions so everyone can
in the mountains, and in SalzburgerLand you can
If you’d like to try something other than hiking or biking
have fun.
choose between pretty much every type and duration of
the peaks, you can, of course, trail run or climb up, or
8 SEPTEMBER: The Eddy Merckx Classic Cycling
hiking route imaginable.
abseil down, perhaps trying a little canyoning on the
Marathon celebrates the most successful cyclist of all
The jewel in the region’s crown is the incredible Salzburger
way. One novel option is the chance to roll down the
time. More than 1,500 participants from all over Europe
Almenweg (Salzburger Alpine Trail), known colloquially as
side of a mountain at 30kph in a huge soft air-filled ball,
take part in this popular season-end event.
H IK IN G
FB.COM/LTMOUNTAINS
SALZBURGERLAND.COM
Saalbach Hinterglemm is world famous as one of the greatest ski resorts in the Alps, but as the snow melts in early spring it is transformed into a Mecca for summer mountain sports too, with the lush valley surrounded by the beautiful Pinzgau Grass Mountains, themselves surrounded by the summits of the Kitzbühel Alps, altogether offering a breathtaking panorama.
The newer discipline of eMTB is already well developed in Saalbach Hinterglemm too, with plenty of charging
T RAIL R U N NIN G
stations ready on the mountain, the rental shops fully
If you like to move your feet more quickly, then trail
stocked with the latest and coolest bikes to hire and all
running is for you, and Saalbach Hinterglemm offers
mountain bike paths and trails accessible to e-bikers
runners a choice of speed, marathon and endurance
without restriction.
trails, again designed so that there’s something for every taste from complete beginners to the most
HIKING & M O U NT AIN RE ST AU RA NT S
experienced pro.
Mountain bikers, hikers and trail runners will all find their
Hikers too have hundreds of kilometres of marked trails
cycling and trail-running map on saalbach.com.
El Dorado here with hundreds of kilometres of trails for all
to explore, from a short 20-minute stroll in the Alpine
levels of ability and experience and for each activity. There
meadows to long, challenging distance hikes. Whether
are also four fast, comfortable lifts to whisk you up to the
short or long, there’s a choice of 40 mountain huts in
top of the trails if you prefer the downhill to uphill.
which to take a break and enjoy some refreshments and
With the JOKER CARD, guests have access to a whole
scrumptious homemade, local cuisine.
number of concessions around Saalbach Hinterglemm.
MTB, CY C L I NG & eM T B
You can try everything from local Pinzgau cuisine to
It includes, among other things, free use of the mountain
fine dining in these traditional establishments. Opt for a
lifts and thus also the offers around the mountain
Mountain bikers have more than 400km of marked
traditional “Jaus’n” snack break, perhaps with a tasty treat
summits, from the cycling routes to the themed hiking
trails of every type imaginable here, including
like the famous Pinzgau “Kasnocken” (cheese dumplings)
trails. Sports fans can look forward to free use of the
countless single trails, downhill tracks and bike park
or perhaps something meatier like bacon dumplings or
tennis courts and the outdoor pool. Guided hiking tours
elements for beginners and pros alike.
maybe some ribs, which are very popular with the locals.
are also included. saalbach.com
030 // JUN19 PROMO
Detailed trail descriptions, including GPS-enabled tracks, are available for download on the interactive hiking,
CA N’ T B EAT T H E JOK E R C A R D
SAALBACH.COM
NATHAN HUGHES
SUMMERTIME IN SAALBACH HINTERGLEMM
FLORIAN LECHNER INNSBRUCK
M AIN E V E N T S SU M M ER 2 0 1 9 7–9 JUNE: Out of Bounds Festival incl. Mercedes-Benz UCI Mountainbike Downhill World Cup 21 JUNE: Yoga on the mountain 22–23 JUNE: Stoabergmarsch24 – a 24-hour hike 29 JUNE: “Bergwelten Wandertag” hiking day 22–25 AUG: 40th International Jazzfestival Saalfelden 13–15 SEPTEMBER: BIKE Festival Saalfelden Leogang
TIME OUT IN SAALFELDEN LEOGANG Saalfelden Leogang, about 70km southwest of the city of Salzburg, is a land where the massive rock mountains tower above gentle grass-covered valleys and where a traditional, rural atmosphere meets urban lifestyle and modern innovation.
C YC LIN G & M O U N T AIN BIK IN G
One of the most popular activities is the resort’s XXL zip
Bikers are very well catered for in Saalfelden Leogang
longest on which guests can travel at up to 130kph. The
regardless of whether they prefer leisure cycling, cross-
“Leoklang” summer toboggan run is another fun option;
country mountain biking, e-biking or going fast downhill
starting at 1,800m it travels down some 400 vertical
in the world-class Bikepark Leogang. This year the
metres while a second summer toboggan run above
region has invested around €1m to significantly expand
Saalfelden is 1.6km long.
its already world-class range of biking trails.
Back on the Astiz, “Silent water” is focused on the water
There are so many different activities available here
E-bikes are also increasingly popular and Saalfelden
reservoir where there are loungers, panoramic terraces, a
for all interests and abilities that it’s easy to plan your
Leogang is among the world’s largest e-bike regions
Kneipp area and a swimming platform.
holiday week to include a new activity every day!
and is ideal for extended electric cycling tours
Climbing in the local Steinberge mountains region is
thanks to its countless routes. E-bike batteries can
very popular too. In total there are more than 1,000 sport
H IK IN G
be exchanged or recharged at countless charging
climbing and alpine multi-rope routes to try and at 45
stations, partner hotels, sports shops or even at the
rope lengths, the “Pinzgawurm” is one of the longest
In Saalfelden Leogang, the motto is “simply hiking”
mountain inns while bikers take a refreshment stop.
climbing routes in the Alps.
line. Exactly a mile (1,600m) long, it’s one of the world’s
and so guests are encouraged to simply walk, enjoy nature and entertain themselves, far away from the stresses of everyday life. Hikers are quite literally
LOT S M O RE BE SID E S
G E T T H E CA R D
spoilt for choice with everything from the gentlest
If you’d like to move along the trails a little faster than a
strolls along the valley floor or up into the grassy
regular hiker, you’ll find 18 different routes for joggers,
Every guest receives the free Saalfelden Leogang Card
hillsides to some of the most challenging high-
trail runners and Nordic walkers, altogether adding up
at check-in at one of the partner hotels and the many
mountain routes.
to 120km.
benefits include free lift rides.
031 // JUN19 PROMO
SAALFELDEN-LEOGANG.COM
SQUAW VALLEY / HANK-DEVRE
@LTMOUNTAINS
032 // JUN19
Summer Skiing in North America The US reported its wettest winter on record in 2018/19, which translates to some of the biggest snowfalls ever recorded on the country’s mountains. Many of the resorts in California reported their biggest ever February snowfalls, with one resort reporting more than 8m of snowfall that month! As a result, several ski areas including Mammoth
the slopes with your skis or board every day of the
and Squaw Valley have announced they’re staying
year if you want to.
open to at least the US Independence Day holiday
From spring to autumn you have the choice of glacier
on 4 July. Other areas open to June or July include
skiing in Europe or North America, heading south of
Timberline in Oregon, Arapahoe Basin in Colorado
the equator for winter there, or staying local and skiing
and Whistler Blackcomb in Canada, which has
at one of our dry slopes or indoor snow centres.
glacier skiing. As with the Alps, the best skiing will be before noon,
Glacier Skiing in Europe
and it’s important to double-check opening days
SQUAW VALLEY / HANK-DEVRE
But fear not! There’s no reason why you can’t hit
SQUAW VALLEY / KEOKI FLAGG
For avid skiers and snowboarders the arrival of spring brings mixed feelings. Longer days and warmer weather are always nice, yet the thought of the snow thawing and the ski lifts closing down until next winter always brings that sense of sadness.
before travelling as they can change at short notice.
Although the number of ski areas offering summer snowsports is declining due to climate change, and those that still offer it are doing so for shorter and shorter seasons, you can still ski or board between
Southern Hemisphere
May and October at several dozen areas in Austria,
If you want to really chase winter there are around 100
France, Italy, Norway and Switzerland.
ski areas in the Southern Hemisphere, opening from
Summer skiing is different though. The snowline is
June to October (although the snow-sure period is July
high up the mountain so you normally need two or
to September).
three lift rides to get up to it, there’s unlikely to be any
These are spread over three continents providing very
fresh snow and the summer sun will warm the snow to
different experiences, from the spectacular mountains made famous by the Lord of the Rings films in New
get up early and plaster on the sunscreen. The snow
Zealand, to some of the biggest resorts south of the
freezes overnight so it’s usually hard first thing, perfect
equator in Australia, and more stunning scenery and
for a few hours mid-morning and then it’s time to go for
deep powder (hopefully) in the Andes mountains
a mountain bike ride or chill by the pool after lunch.
of Chile and Argentina. There are even two small
It is a fantastic feeling to be up on the slopes
ski areas in southern Africa – Afriski in Lesotho and
in summer, though, and while it will mostly be
Tiffindell in South Africa itself.
SQUAW VALLEY / KEOKI FLAGG
unskiable stodge by early afternoon. So you need to
experienced skiers at this time of year, many resorts offer beginner lessons on their glacier too, so you could learn to ski in summer before going for a full-on ski holiday next winter. Austria has the most glacier ski areas with eight to
Head Indoors or Dry Ski If you really can’t do without your ski or snow fix there
to open every day of the year, weather permitting.
are now nearly 100 indoor snow centres operating
The Molltal and Dachstein glaciers are also open for
on six continents around the world, some of them so
much of the year. Others open apart from mid-summer
big they’re larger than some of the smaller, regular
include the Kitzsteinhorn near Zell am See (this year
outdoor ski areas.
open to 21 July) and the Stubai.
In the UK we currently have six indoor snow centres
In France there are three areas open, mostly from mid-
located from Hemel Hempstead near London (The
June to mid-August: Les 2 Alpes, Tignes and Val d’Isère.
Snow Centre) to Braehead near Glasgow (Snow
Italy has Passo Stelvio open all summer and in mid-
Factor) and there are also dozens of artificial surface
summer Cervinia, while Norway has three small areas –
“dry” ski slopes spread right across the country.
Fonna, Stryn and Galdhoppigen – open at various times.
In short, if you want to go skiing today, there’s no
Switzerland had a great winter with Engelberg seeing its
reason why you can’t!
snow base pass the 6m mark, the deepest in the world. It
Top Tip: Visit InTheSnow.com for details of the UK’s
stays open to mid-spring, but only Zermatt, with Europe’s
indoor snow centres and dry slopes as well as a
highest lifts reaching 3,899m, tries to open year-round.
monthly updated snow report through the spring and
Nearby Saas-Fee is open daily from mid-July.
summer telling you which resorts are open when!
FB.COM/LTMOUNTAINS
JUN19 // 033
SQUAW VALLEY / HANK-DEVRE
choose from, although only the Hintertux glacier tries
FIVE
REASONS
TO
TRY
OUTDOOR YO G A Whether you’re a dedicated yogi or a total newcomer, taking your practice outdoors can have a number of additional benefits, and the mountains provide the perfect backdrop against which to reconnect with yourself and the world around you.
1. It’s Good For You!
2. It Can Benefit Your Technique
4. Allows You To Connect With The World
Outdoors, your ground surface is likely to be a change from the smooth wooden floor of a yoga studio. This
Whether you use yoga to improve your physical
can put some people off as they may think this could
health or view it as a more spiritual experience, it is
hinder their technique. However, the uneven surface
undeniable that practising outdoors allows you an
can actually benefit your yoga experience. It challenges
enhanced connection with the world around you.
you to connect more consciously with your grounding
When you are staring upwards, you have the sky
surface, strengthening and engaging your core and
above you, not a ceiling, and when connecting with
improving your balance and flexibility.
the ground you can feel the energy of the earth as
Taking your practice outside provides you with an
opposed to a studio floor.
opportunity to get out in nature, which can be hugely beneficial to your physical, mental and emotional
3. Deeper Meaning To Your Experience
health, particularly if you spend most of your time in a
5. Greater Appreciation Of The Mountains
more urban environment.
In many people’s experience, pairing yoga with nature
Not only does it increase serotonin levels, making you
deepens the experience and brings a new level of
You might be used to speeding down the mountains
happier and less anxious, it also provides you with an all-
connection with the world. Being outdoors, you can truly
on skis or a mountain bike, or hiking uphill with the
natural dose of vitamin D, which is important for both bone
engage with the poses. Practising vrksasana – “tree pose”
summit as your goal, but how often do you get the
and brain health. You will even find levels of the stress
– while surrounded by forests, the wind carrying the scent
opportunity to stay in one place and truly appreciate
hormone cortisol decrease when spending time outdoors,
of the leaves, allows you to really connect with the pose and
and acknowledge the beauty around you? No studio
allowing yogis to truly relax and focus on their practice.
bring an enhanced strength and stability to the practice.
decoration can compare to a stunning mountain vista!
034 // JUN19
@LTMOUNTAINS
CHRISITAN PERRET
The sunniest spot in Switzerland is full of life during summer with bike trails, water sports, adventure parks and festivals, Crans-Montana is the perfect place for a family holiday in the mountains. You could almost believe that Crans-
Destination” label issued by the Swiss
Montana was made for a summer activity
Tourism Federation. It means families are not
holiday. Its location set on a high plateau at
only well looked after, but also have a huge
1,500m above the Rhone Valley looks across
choice of things to do on holiday – whether
to what many say is the best view in the
it’s high-octane action sports at the new Alaïa
Alps. The large area of elevated flat land is
Chalet complex or relaxing on the miles of
home to a world-class golf course, several
walking paths that crisscross the area and
lakes used for water sports and large open
taking a dip in a lake.
areas perfect for events, festivals and
With a travel time of just two hours from
sporting occasions.
Geneva Airport by train or car, Crans-
The resort holds the highly prized “Family
Montana couldn’t be easier to get to.
For more information visit www.crans-montana.ch
DOG SCALES 7,000M MOUNTAIN A stray dog has managed to climb to the summit of the 7,162m-high Mt Baruntse in the Himalayas. The dog tagged along with a climbing expedition led by Dan Wargowsky from Seattle at about 5,000m up. Mr Wargowsky, who said he had never seen anything like it before, named the dog Mera.
BOND’S FIRST MOUNTAIN MOVIE PAUL GRIFFITHS
The Swiss resort of Murren is celebrating 50 years since the Bond movie On Her Majesty’s
Secret Service was filmed on their Schilthorn mountain. A special souvenir package includes a lift ride up to the 360° restaurant Piz Gloria, a glass of Bollinger or a dry martini (shaken not stirred
FUNDRAISER CLIMBS SOUTHERN BRITAIN’S HIGHEST PEAK 365 TIMES IN 365 DAYS
presumably), along with a 007
Super-fundraiser Des Lally has
my mum and dad who’ve had three different
summer in years last year.
burger and more.
completed an epic challenge he
types of cancer between them, and my dad
For his summer holiday last year, Des took
set himself, to scale Pen Y Fan,
spent 26 years in the Irish Guards, so that’s
his family to the flattest place he could
Southern Britain’s highest peak,
the family connection,” said Des (43).
think of: Holland.
365 times in 365 days.
Des, who wore out seven pairs of trainers
A cohort from the Royal Welsh Fusiliers
He managed this extraordinary feat around
during his year of hiking the southern
military band played a fanfare for Des at
his normal life and in the process has
Welsh peak, clocking up around 2,200km
the top of Pen Y Fan, having completed his
A new book on “Munro baggers”
raised in excess of £55,000 for two causes
in the process, often walked late at night or
365th ascent with him.
is to be compiled this summer
very close to his heart, Help for Heroes and
early in the morning in the dark, enduring
Anyone wishing to donate to
by author Anna Wells as she
Cancer Research UK.
extreme weather conditions from gale force
Des’s challenge can do so at:
attempts to climb all 282 of
“I was inspired to take up this challenge by
winds and snow through to the hottest
uk.virginmoneygiving.com/DesLally
THE PEOPLE OF THE MUNROS
Scotland’s highest peaks in 62 days. A “Munro” is the name given to every Scottish peak over 900m, named after Sir Hugh Munro who catalogued them all in 1891.
CYCLING PACKAGES IN THE PYRENEES JEREMY BERNARD
L’Ancienne Poste, a beautifully renovated former village post office in the Hautes-Pyrénées, offers a unique base for cycling enthusiasts and has a new sevennight fully catered package from
WORLD’S LARGEST E-BIKE EVENT COMING THIS SUMMER
€499pp including cycling menu plan, route suggestions and
A new event for electric bikes launches
largest e-bike exhibition and test zone and
30km between Vollèges and Lourtier, with
secure bike storage and optional
in Valais this summer: the Verbier E-bike
will offer trials, tours and demonstrations of
tastings of local produce and delicacies.
support vehicle and bike mechanic.
Festival, created by the organisers of the
some of cycling’s latest technology.
For those with a competitive nature, the
Freeride World Tour.
Visitors will be able to test the electric
Verbier E-bike Festival will be staging three
The four-day event, which will run from 14
mountain bikes on different tours including
timed races of 33, 67 and 100km.
to 18 August 2019, will include the world’s
Le Tour Gourmand: for gourmets, a trail of
verbier-ebikefestival.com/en
ancienneposteavajan.com
036 // JUN19
@LTMOUNTAINS
Megan Hughes explores seven beautiful cities with mountains on their doorstep
IDM ALTO ADIGE/DANIEL GEIGER
FB.COM/LTMOUNTAINS
JUN19 // 037
ROBIN STRAND
The stunning Alhambra Palace complex
and the Albayzín, both with their own
to the summit at 914m vary in difficulty and
showcases the unique architectural
unique history.
can generally be hiked in around half a day,
features of the Nasrid dynasty, the Muslim dynasty that ruled the Emirate of Granada from 1230 to 1492. It is now a UNESCO
allowing visitors the rest of the day to enjoy all that the city has to offer. Mt Keilir and
Reykjavik Iceland
Mt Esjan are other popular spots for hikers
World Heritage Site and a key attraction for
within driving distance of Reykjavik.
anyone visiting the area.
Thermal pools are a large part of the
The Alhambra lies in the foothills of the
culture in Iceland, and with 17 different
Sierra Nevada Mountains, which are a
pools in Reykjavik, there’s something for
RAGNAR TH SIGURDSSON
It’s a conundrum often faced when debating a summer getaway. Do you leave the hustle of the city behind for the relaxing open spaces and fresh air of the mountains, or do you marvel at some of the world’s most historic sites and unmissable cultural destinations?
summer paradise, with some of the most diverse flora and fauna in Europe.
This year, why not combine the two in one
Various trekking trails, mountain biking
of these stunning cities, where a weekend
routes and horse-riding opportunities allow
can encapsulate both the metropolitan and
you to explore the area your way, while
the mountains?
a number of family centres and activities
everyone, from water slides to thermal hot tubs, saunas and spas. One highly popular destination is the famous Blue Lagoon, where visitors can soak up the mineralrich geothermal water among incredible Icelandic landscapes. There’s even an
make this a great destination for those
The capital of Iceland, Reykjavik, is fast
in-water bar!
travelling with youngsters. Visitors can also
becoming one of Europe’s trendiest
If you prefer to be on the water than in
enjoy water sports, from canyoning at the
destinations. With lively nightlife, a bustling,
it, whale watching and puffin tours are
Rio Verde gorge to rafting and kayaking in
modern town centre and spectacular
available from the bustling Old Harbour,
A laid-back paradise awaits you in
the crystal-blue mountain waters.
mountainscapes surrounding the city, it’s
a vibrant emerging community with many
Granada, Andalusia, at the foot of the
All can be reached incredibly easily from
no surprise many are flocking here for a
new local businesses to explore.
Sierra Nevada mountains. A combination of
Granada, either by car or public transport.
long weekend.
Don’t miss the striking Hallgrímskirkja
Spanish and Islamic influences makes this
Don’t miss the many different and highly
Dominating the Reykjavik skyline is the
Church, the city’s main landmark and one
a highly interesting weekend destination,
interesting neighbourhoods that surround
striking Mt Esja, which offers explorers a new
of Iceland’s tallest structures with a truly
with huge artistic and cultural wealth.
the main city, most notably the Sacromonte
perspective on the city from above. Routes
one-of-a-kind design.
Granada Spain
038 // JUN19
@LTMOUNTAINS
ZÜRICH TOURISM / MATTIAS NUTT IDM ALTO ADIGE/CLEMENS ZAHN
Bolzano Italy
castles to visit, as well as hiking, biking and
you past a vast range of Vienna’s most
Don’t miss the Spanish Riding School,
climbing opportunities.
important landmarks. You can’t help
showcasing incredible displays of
Often referred to as ‘the gateway to the
Don’t miss the South Tyrol Museum of
but be impressed by the architecture in
equestrian talent.
dolomites’, Bolzano is a stunning city set
Archaeology. This museum holds the
Vienna, from the iconic palaces of Hofburg,
within lush green mountains. It’s the capital
mummy of Ötzi the Iceman, an incredibly
Schönbrunn and Belvedere to the grand,
city of the northern Italian province of South
well-preserved natural mummy found
Gothic towers of St Stephen’s Cathedral.
Tyrol and has previously been ranked as
in the Ötztal Alps and believed to be
However, Vienna’s beauty is by no means
having the best quality of life in Italy.
Europe’s oldest.
limited to the city streets. Visitors can easily
due to the combination of Italian and German-Austrian cultures. This makes
LARS KORVOLD
South Tyrol benefits from unique history
Bergen Norway
reach the Schneeberg mountain or the Rax mountain hiking areas, where gorgeous
Vienna Austria
views and hiking trails are available at the easternmost end of the Alps.
with a rich historical background, from
However, in our opinion, the true natural
WIENTOURISMUS/CHRISTIAN STEMPER
Bolzano a highly interesting destination Roman, Bavarian and then Holy Roman Empire rule, to Bolzano’s unique history during the first and second World Wars. The city’s architecture bears the influence of this conflation of cultures, with both Gothic and Romanesque buildings featured in the medieval city centre. Open-air markets and a range of shops line the streets, and
highlight here is the Wachau Valley, a World Heritage Site an hour’s drive from Vienna. Here, the Danube meanders through a simply stunning landscape of
On the west coast of Norway lies a town
lush green peaks dotted with monasteries,
surrounded by fjords and mountains, a
churches and castles.
haven for nature lovers and an underrated,
Explore the area on a bicycle to truly
artistic city break destination.
experience the best of the area, travelling
The city of Bergen, Norway’s second largest,
magnificent mountain scenery surrounds
The Austrian capital of Vienna is a sophisti-
through villages and vineyards. Indeed,
is a vibrant, international blend of people
the city with a number of hiking routes.
cated yet charming city packed to the brim
when in need of refreshment, the area’s
and cultures. It’s a city that places huge
A cable car allows access to the higher
with cultural, political and musical heritage.
local wines and culinary delicacies are sure
importance on its artistic heritage, with a vast
peaks, with traditional churches and
Walk along the Ringstrasse, which takes
to hit the spot.
amount of events, festivals and exhibitions,
FB.COM/LTMOUNTAINS
JUN19 // 039
for outdoor sports fans, with easy access to mountain biking, cycling, paragliding, climbing and hiking. To truly immerse yourselves in the higher Alpine pastures, many mountain resorts are within easy driving distance of Annecy, from the gorgeous Aravis range over to Chamonix and Mont Blanc. Don’t miss the annual Fête du Lac IDM ALTO ADIGE/CLEMENS ZAHN
celebration in August – one of the most incredible firework displays we’ve ever seen.
Zurich Switzerland and is a UNESCO World Heritage City as ZÜRICH TOURISM / TOBIAS RYSER
well as a European City of Culture. Famously surrounded by “seven mountains”, Bergen has numerous opportunities for hiking, cycling and sightseeing. Mount Fløyen and Mount Ulriken are the most popular spots, the latter the highest of the surrounding mountain peaks and easily accessible by cable car as well as on
IDM ALTO ADIGE/ALEX FILZ
foot. Spectacular views across the city and
Don’t be fooled into thinking that
the fjords await, as well as a new zip line!
Zurich’s banking reputation makes it an
A two-hour flight from the UK, Bergen is a
unapproachable tourist destination. In
great weekend choice for Alpine regulars
recent years Zurich has evolved into one
looking for a new favourite mountain
of Europe’s most fashionable cosmopolitan
destination.
cities for a weekend of culture, culinary
Don’t miss a boat trip to explore the
delight and Alpine activity.
stunning natural landscapes of the fjords,
Highlights include the picturesque Altstadt
which will truly take your breath away.
(Old Town), the cafe-lined promenades of the River Limmat and the city’s many museums
Annecy France
and galleries. Visitors can marvel at the artistic stained glass of the Fraumünster Church and appreciate the architectural design of the Grossmünster Church. Zurich’s very well-connected train station means that it is a fantastic base from which to explore the surrounding mountains. Within a few hours, you can reach a huge number of stunning hikes and mountain activities, surrounding yourself with Alpine pastures, crystal blue lakes and lush forests. The Rigi Panoramic Trail is a
PHOTOGRAPHY.PFEFFEL.AT
040 // JUN19
Venturing into the picture-perfect Old
particularly popular excursion under 40
Town of Annecy, you would be forgiven for
minutes from Zurich main station – a 4.5-
thinking you have just stepped onto the set
mile trail with spectacular views of Lake
of a movie. With beautiful views across the
Lucerne and Lake Zug in the shadow of
lake, canals running through the town and
the Alps.
quaint riverside cafes and restaurants, it’s a
Closer to the city, you can easily spend
true escape from reality.
an afternoon enjoying the Uetliberg peak,
Lake Annecy itself is one of the most pure
where hiking routes and mountain biking
and beautiful urban lakes, with bright
are available.
blue waters. At over 17km2 , the lake
Don’t miss the tiny monastery island of
allows visitors the opportunity to swim,
Ufenau, a nature reserve in the middle of
sunbathe, take a boat ride or try their hand
Lake Zurich, with quaint medieval churches
at watersports, all in the shadow of the
and a friendly restaurant serving up fresh
surrounding mountains. It’s a great base
local delicacies.
@LTMOUNTAINS
YVES MAINGUY
by no means forced to stop for each and every wine tasting break, and aid stations personal preference!
are also fully stocked with traditional
One thing that cannot be debated,
refreshments such as water, fruit and
truly boozy twist, it is considered by many
however, is the beauty of this marathon
biscuits for those that may prefer this.
to be the “longest marathon in the world”
course, meandering through the vineyards
Once you reach the finish line, you will
When you think of running a
– however, not for the reasons you might
and stunning chateaus of Margaux, near
be rewarded with even more drinks, live
marathon, what’s the first thing that
expect. The Marathon du Médoc is famous
Bordeaux. It’s a far cry from a city route,
music, oysters, steaks, cheese and ice
springs to mind? For most people it
for its numerous mid-run stations, where
encouraging you to enjoy the local sights,
cream to name but a few. However, these
will be thoughts of taking on the
runners fuel up for the miles ahead. But we
sounds and delicious produce, with the
last rewards of the race are only awarded
ultimate challenge – aching legs,
don’t mean fuel up in the sense of protein
26 miles meaning you won’t feel too guilty
to those that finish within 6 hours 30
blistered feet, pounding pavements
bars and sugary energy gels – no, no, no.
about your consumption, both during and
minutes, so make sure you get in under
and, finally, reaching that hallowed
In classic French fashion, here provisions
after the race!
that time! And, for those that do have a
finish line with an unparalleled
come in the shape of local wine and food
First started in 1985, the Marathon du
competitive streak, the winner of the race
sense of achievement that you’ve
tasting. Indeed, over the 26.2 miles, you
Médoc is held every September. The only
is awarded their body weight in wine…
completed this epic task.
will find 23 wine tasting stops. A brilliantly
rules? You have to be in fancy dress (the
The marathon is limited to 8,500 runners
unique way to experience the South of
2019 theme is superheroes) and you do
and has become pretty popular in recent
However, the Marathon du Médoc may
France or the worst way imaginable to run
have to run; walkers are afforded their
years, so make sure you’re quick off the
just change all that. A marathon with a
a marathon? We’ll leave that one up to
own event the following day. Runners are
mark if you want to get a spot next year!
FB.COM/LTMOUNTAINS
JUN19 // 041
©NATIONAL TRUST IMAGES/JOE CORNISH
©VISITBRITAIN/TOMO BREJC
©NATIONAL TRUST IMAGES/JOE CORNISH
©NATIONAL TRUST IMAGES/JOHN MALLEY
©VISITBRITAIN/ JOE CORNISH
©VISITBRITAIN/ CRAIG EASTON
@LTMOUNTAINS
042 // JUN19
This summer, up your Instagram game with some epic images from the most beautiful hikes in the UK. ©NATIONAL TRUST IMAGES/PAUL HARRIS
©VISITBRITAIN/ BEN SELWAY
Lizard Coastal Walk
This seven-mile trail in Cornwall takes in the Lizard Peninsula, a geographically unique area, shaped by the Atlantic with striking scenery and charming floral characteristics. A circular trail with spectacular sea views, interesting monuments and idyllic picnic spots, you will have plenty of opportunities to snap the areas’ dramatic sights.
Pen y Fan
The highest peak in South Wales, Pen y Fan offers incredible views of its surroundings in the Brecon Beacons National Park. A four-mile National Trust route takes you to the summit of Pen y Fan and Corn Du on well-worn footpaths.
Seaford to Eastbourne
Take in some of the south-east’s most stunning sea views and natural landscapes during this 13.6-mile route. From the heights of the white cliffs at Seven Sisters to the iconic pier and picturesque coastal town of Eastbourne, there’s a lot here to train your lens on. Quite a challenging hike, but there’s
©NATIONAL TRUST IMAGES/PAUL HARRIS
©NATIONAL TRUST IMAGES/JOHN MILLAR
always the opportunity for a dip in the sea at certain points!
Housesteads to Sycamore Gap
Housesteads is one of the most popular places to see Hadrian’s Wall, combining history with natural beauty. This circular eight-mile walk also gives you the opportunity to take in the iconic Sycamore Gap and get your own image of one of the UK’s most photographed trees.
Jurassic Coast – Durdle Door & White Nothe
England’s first UNESCO designated natural World Heritage Site, the
Jurassic Coast spans 95 miles from East Devon to Dorset. Part of the South West Coast Path, the routes here are all stunning, but if you’re going to choose just one, the challenging seven-mile route taking in Durdle Door & White Nothe boasts the most iconic landmarks, intriguing geographical features and spectacular views.
The Giant’s Causeway
Hop over to Northern Ireland for a trail that will take your breath away in more ways than one! The world-famous Causeway Coast will provide more than enough fodder for your photo album, with the tempestuous waves of the Atlantic Ocean crashing onto these remarkable rock formations. There
©VISITBRITAIN/ JASON HAWKES
FB.COM/LTMOUNTAINS
©NATIONAL TRUST IMAGES/JOE CORNISH
are a few different route options here, all equally impressive.
Ingleton Waterfalls Trail
On the edge of the Yorkshire Dales, this 4.3-mile circular route encompasses beautiful geographical features and a range of rare wildlife, providing a truly magical escape into nature for both children and adults. The falls themselves are truly picture-perfect; however, we’d forgive you for not being able to put your camera down throughout this stunning trail – just watch your step!
NATIONALTRUST.ORG.UK
044 // JUN19
ASO/ALEX BROADWAY
G N I L L O E T U S R B G LIM E V I F ING C L CYC
@LTMOUNTAINS
ROBBIE SHADE
Last summer, Welsh cyclist Geraint Thomas became the nation’s new Lycra-clad darling, soaring to victory on the world stage at the 2018 Tour de France with some epic performances in the climbing stages. If you fancy following in his tracks ahead of this year’s race, here are some of our favourite Thomas-worthy climbs.
providing a thrilling climax to a closely fought stage and proving crucial to his overall victory. The climb from Bourg-Saint-Maurice up to the summit covers 17.6km with an average 5.8% gradient. One of the most picturesque climbs on the Tour, it passes through beautiful landscapes and offers a striking panorama of the HauteTarentaise valley. Experienced riders can also choose to take on the route from Montvalezen up to the Col du Petit-SaintBernard. With a gradient averaging around 5%, it’s not the steepest of climbs, but at 28km long and with 19 hairpin bends, it is one of the longest and most challenging in the Savoie Mont Blanc area.
Nice > Col d’Eze
The climb takes you up through La Rosière to the Franco-Italian border, where you will be rewarded with
This famous mountain pass between Nice and Monaco
views over the Mont Blanc Massif and the chance to
has historically played a decisive role in the Paris–Nice
enjoy a delicious local lunch over in the Italian town of
road cycling race, which Thomas won back in 2016.
La Thuile.
Rising up to 507m, this pass has been used as both time trial and a climb within a larger road race loop, starting and ending in Nice. The climb up the Col d’Èze itself is
L’Alpe d’Huez
9km at a gradient of 5.7%, enjoyable for most recreational cyclists. Those who wish to emulate the race riders can
One of the most iconic climbs of the Tour de France,
follow this up with a final 2km stint on the flat roads of
the 21 bends up to Alpe d’Huez are the ultimate
Nice, finishing up on the Promenade des Anglais.
challenge for many cyclists.
Though Thomas did not have a victory on the final Col
After a first appearance on the Tour back in 1952,
d’Èze stage in 2016, he maintained his place as race
Alpe d’Huez returned to the schedule in 1976 and
leader in the general classification, making Nice the
is now a firm fixture in race history, one of the most
setting for a win that Thomas claimed showcased the fact
eagerly anticipated and most-watched stages of
he could compete against the best racers in the world.
the Tour. Following up his summit victory at La Rosiere with another here, Geraint Thomas became the first rider to
Funes
win this stage while wearing the yellow jersey, as well as the first British winner on Alpe d’Huez.
In 2017, Thomas took victory in the Tour of the Alps,
At a distance of just under 14km, do not underestimate
which takes place across five stages over Austria and
this route. The climb is pretty tricky, averaging around
Italy. Thomas was the first winner of the race under this
an 8% gradient, but reaching up to 13% in parts.
name (it was previously the Giro del Trentino) and the
However, the hairpin bends do well to break up any
first British rider to win this race.
monotony and keep you aware of your progress
Thomas’ only stage victory came in Stage 3, a 137.5km
towards the summit.
journey from Niederdorf/Villabassa (Italy) to Villnöss
Start in Bourg d’Oisans, a beautiful Alpine town which
(Italy), also known as Funes.
is a great base for many Tour routes as well as other
A popular destination for cyclists, this area has also
outdoor mountain activities.
been included a number of times on the Giro d’Italia route, likely because of its varied cycling routes and stunning location within the Dolomites. From the village of Chiusa/Klausen, a 9km climb will have
Cardiff > the Taff Trail
you following in Thomas’ footsteps to where his Tour of the Alps stage ended, in the village of Funes. However, for
As Thomas was born in Cardiff and began his cycling
those that truly want to challenge themselves, the “Funes
career in the city, we cannot fail to include a Cardiff-
Climb” heads further past the village, up to the Passo
based route on our Thomas tour!
delle Erbe. This is definitely not one for the faint-hearted;
The Taff Trail is undoubtedly one of the best
almost 25km long and with a maximum gradient of 16%!
routes in the area, covering 88km from Cardiff Bay to Brecon and bringing you through beautiful countryside and passing some of the area’s most
La RosiEre
popular attractions. The highest point is at Talybont Reservoir, where
FB.COM/LTMOUNTAINS
2018 was the first year that the La Rosière climb had
you can take on a gradual ascent when travelling
been included on the Tour de France and it definitely
north and a more challenging, steep ascent when
did not disappoint, with Thomas’ final kilometre push
heading south.
JUN19 // 045
TOP FIVE
FOR HIKERS
For those who love getting out and about, hiking is a great way to explore some of the most incredible mountain landscapes. However, it can also be a strenuous activity, and if you don’t warm up and cool down correctly, you may find yourself at risk of injury. Here are our top five stretches for before, during and after your hike.
The Backpack Prep:
feel the stretch down the side of your
seconds and repeat on the other leg.
Shoulder Stretch
left hip and into your glutes. Hold for 30
Take care to keep your back heel flat
Targets shoulders
seconds and repeat on the other side.
on the ground to really feel the stretch
Take care to keep your back straight,
in that back calf.
Place your right hand across your
your chest open and your grounded
chest onto your left shoulder. Hold
foot solid.
The Post-Hike Performer:
your right elbow with your left hand
Rag Doll Pose
and gently pull up towards your left shoulder. Stand tall, engage your abdominals and breathe deeply. Hold
For The Uphill Wanderers:
for 30 seconds then repeat on the
Calf Stretch
other side.
Targets calves
Take care to avoid straining your
The Basic Essential:
elbow or over-stretching.
Targets lower back, neck and shoulders This yoga pose is great for releasing tension at the end of a long hike.
This is a great stretch for before, during
Take up a standing position with feet
Standing Quadricep Stretch
or after your hike, particularly if you
hip-width apart. Bend forward, hinging
Targets quad muscles
are including uphill climbs. It provides
from the hips, allowing your head to
The Hip Helper:
muscle relief and reduces the stress on
hang heavy. Cross your arms and grab
Keep a relaxed standing position, with
Hip Stretch
your calves.
your opposite elbows. You can deepen
relaxed shoulders, and bring your right
Targets glutes and hips
Step into a lunge position, leaning
the stretch in the lower back by gently
against a tree or fence post if
swaying from side to side.
foot up behind your body towards your upper thigh. Hold on to a tree or table
Using a stable surface to keep your
necessary. Keep the front leg bent
Take care to avoid locking your knees
for balance if needed. Hold for 30
balance, rest your left ankle on your
and the back leg straight, toes
and be sure to keep your legs soft and
seconds, then repeat on the other leg.
right knee and slowly bend as if you
pointing forward, and shift your weight
knees slightly bent.
Take care not to lock your other knee.
were sitting down onto a chair. You will
on to your front leg. Hold for 30
046 // JUN19
@LTMOUNTAINS
FB.COM/LTMOUNTAINS
Adidas TERREX Fast Mid
Black Diamond
GTX-Surround Shoes
Women’s Crux Hoody
Sprayway Rask Jacket
Lightweight and flexible, these women’s outdoor shoes are built for fast hikes and short trail runs. The abrasion-resistant upper features GORE-TEX® SURROUND® technology for 100% waterproof protection and 360° of breathability. The Continental™ Rubber outsole provides extraordinary grip. £134.95
For chill, breezy days and gym warmups, the Black Diamond Crux Hoody does triple duty, whether you’re warming up, on spotting duty or headed for after send brews. A soft interior and seamless design bring maximum comfort. £54.99
The Sprayway Rask Jacket is a lightweight GORE-TEX® Paclite jacket that offers a perfect weatherproof protection for the British summer while remaining lightweight and packable enough to stow away quickly when the sun comes out. £150
Mizu V10 Flask
Petzl NOCTILIGHT
The insulated V10 features both copper lining and a vacuumsealed cap to provide up to 20% increased thermal retention. It’s durable self-cinching rope handle makes for easy carrying or fastening. Colour options include Mizu’s extremely durable Hammer Paint. £39.95
NOCTILIGHT is a protective case for Petzl’s compact headlamps that diffuses light. A headlamp placed inside thus becomes a lantern with diverse possibilities: placed on a surface, suspended in a tent, attached to a belt. £13.50
Leki Voyager Trekking Poles
The Leki Voyager Trekking Pole uses PAS Soft Grip with an adjustable strap, giving you a secure hold in your skiing activities, while the Super Lock system lets you adjust the pole to your individual length. £45 Garmin Forerunner® 35
Forerunner 35 is slim and lightweight — perfect for daily runs, training and racing. It features built-in Garmin Elevate wrist-based heart rate as well as GPS that tracks your distance, pace, intervals and more. £129.99
Komperdell Trailstick Carbon C4 Vario
An extremely fast foldable Carbonpole for all your trailrunning needs. Minimal weight, optimised stiffness and full carbon construction characterise the Trailstick Carbon C4 Vario. The specially developed shaft is optimised for trail running. Continuous length adjustment from 105 cm to 135 cm. £126.95
INOV F-LITE 290
The F-LITE 290 delivers it all in one perfect package for committed athletes with great underfoot traction for every workout and multi-directional flexibility. Its midsole minimises shock impact and delivers high levels of underfoot cushioning. £135
Under Armour JBL Sport Wireless Pivot
The North Face
With a secure, high-performance design and JBL Charged Sound, these aluminium earbuds are built for motivation. Featuring UA Storm waterproof technology, these are durable for any workout or elements that may come your way. £129.99
The North Face’s classic Hiker hat is made from GORE-TEX, to give protection from the sun and rain alike. £44.99
048 // JUN19
Hiker GORE-TEX Hat
@LTMOUNTAINS
Osprey Talon 6 Lumbar Bum bag
The iconic Talon 6 features clean, modern design and stunning performance no matter what your adventure. The perfect lumbar pack for just the essentials. The reflective Talons keep you visible if running on the road. £60
Inov-8 Men’s Race Elite 7”” Twin Short
Meet your new go-to running short. A twin-style, the UPF 50+ stretch inner gives comfort, support and protection, while the wicking outer moves moisture fast. Stretch mesh side panels enable dynamic movement – essential when tackling steps and steep terrain. £64.99
Gerber Bear Grylls Basic Kit
The Basic Kit’s mantra: Stay prepared. Stay Alive. Includes: waterproof bag, Paraframe Mini knife, emergency whistle, fire starter, sewing kit, wire, emergency cord, fire tinder, ripstop nylon bag, landto-air rescue instructions, and Bear’s Priorities of Survival Guide. £33.99
Elephant Lunch Box
The Original Elephant Box is a lunchbox big enough for a healthy packed lunch. It’s deep enough to pack a round of sarnies and plenty more! It’s also brilliant for any kind of food storage in the fridge or freezer. £29.50
Salomon Alp High Leather GORE-TEX Walking Boots
With a durable, waterproof construction, lateral stability and rolling comfort underfoot, the X Alp High Leather GORE-TEX is well suited to backpacking trips and long day hikes alike. Coping admirably with mountainous conditions and terrain, these boots make a great choice for rugged routes. £169.99
JOBE AERO INFLATABLE TOURING STAND-UP PADDLE SET 10’6
A very accessible product with a new design, this Yarra SUP is playful and handles very well. It is also very stable thanks to its 32” width. Pack containing a board, leash, fin, pump, paddle and bag. £599.99
Vango Sherpa 65L
The Sherpa is extremely practical and durable. Providing optimum fit through its self-adjust back system and a steady air flow through the shoulder straps due to Air Mesh, it’s the perfect companion for those doing multi-day treks and activity. £90
GT Zaskar Carbon Elite 2019 Mountain Bike
The Zaskar Carbon epitomises mountain bike perfection and is the only bike to have won World Cups in Cross Country, Downhill, Slalom, and Trials. Its proven track record removes any doubt that this bike will handle everything you throw its way. It’s time to rethink what a hardtail can do. £2,000
FB.COM/LTMOUNTAINS
JUN19 // 049
Thermarest
Adidas Terrex
Slacker Hammock Single
Free Hiker Shoes
The hammock is made of a single panel of ripstock nylon, which feels almost like soft shell material. The single panel makes this one of the comfiest hammocks around. No matter how you lie, you’re never laying across the seams. Comes with highquality ultra-lightweight carabiners for easy hanging. £60
Every ingredient in these shoes aims for comfort on long-distance hikes. The socklike build and adidas Primeknit upper hug your foot for an adaptive, snug feel with every step. The Torsion bar provides a stable, controlled and natural flex of the midsole and foot. £169.95
Craghoppers NosiLife Gilles Short-Sleeved Polo
A polo is always a smart choice for a travel bag. This one helpfully combines the lightweight comfort of soft polyester cotton pique with the hot-climate benefits of NosiLife’s insect repellent and moisture-wicking action for comfort and protection. A relaxed short-sleeved classic that will perform on and off the trail. £40
The North Face Women’s Versitas 2:1 Shorts
The Versitas 2:1 short should be in every runner’s wardrobe. With a lightweight stretch woven outer, durable polyester inner and flat waistband that is comfortable and supportive, it makes a reliable performer that’s perfect for summer. £44.99
Salomon Men’s XA Pro 3D Trail Running Shoes
The iconic XA Pro 3D delivers an exceptional fit, incredible durability and grip that’s second to none. Designed for runners tackling all types of terrain, from the first step they’re sure to impress. £114.99
Vango Helix 200 Tent
This classic two-pole tunnel tent is lightweight, easy to pitch and packs down small. Perfect for backpacking trips, it has colour-coded poles for problem-free pitching, and quality components for better durability. The Helix 200 makes a great choice for those looking to get into camping and backpacking for the first time. £124.99
050 // JUN19
Salomon AGILE 2 SET
The AGILE 2 SET is perfect for a quick run in the city. Its minimalist design efficiently carries keys, cards and phones, and makes access to hydration easy. Comfortable and convenient, it’s great for short, active sessions. £70
@LTMOUNTAINS
Sprayway Kelo Jacket
VSSL
JackWolfskin
This women’s jacket is designed to provide comfort and durable waterproof protection. The Kelo jacket is a Lightweight GORE-TEX® Paclite jacket offering perfect protection in changeable summer conditions. £150
RIVERLAND HOODED
Compact Camp Flask
women’s Fleece jacket
The most functional flask ever invented, the VSSL Compact Camp Flask is built from glassinfused aluminium and foodgrade stainless steel, holds 10 ounces of your spirit of choice, and includes several accessories tucked away in a hidden compartment. Includes a powerful 4-mode LED light and precision compass. £74
The fleece fabric is thin but hard-wearing and has excellent thermal properties. The jacket has a mesh lining with a soft, skin-friendly texture and a snug-fitting, adjustable hood you can pull up when the wind is whistling round your ears. £85
Patagonia P-6 Logo Trucker Hat
Patagonia’s mid-crown P-6 Logo Trucker Hat is made with an organic cotton front and polyester mesh with a thoughtful headband to keep the sweat from running down your brow. £30
Klean Kanteen 5-Piece Straw Set
This straw set is a reusable solution to disposable plastic straws. The straws are made from high-quality 18/8 stainless steel with a safe, foodgrade, removable silicone flex tip. The set comes with a straw brush for easy cleaning. £9.95
Bridgedale Trailsport Lightweight Ankle
For serious runners and mountain bikers who like to explore the world’s trails at a faster pace, the Trail Sport Lightweight Merino Cool sculpted ventilation and T2 targeted cushioning balance protection and insulation for comfort on the toughest terrain. £14.99
ITIWIT 3-MAN INFLATABLE KAYAK
At the seaside, on lakes or calm rivers, this inflatable kayak is ideal for two to three people exploring the water. You’ll only need 10 minutes to inflate it with a double-action hand pump, and when it’s deflated, it’s very easy to carry and store. £249.99
Osprey Tempest 20
20L of capacity is perfect for day hikes, urban commutes or a trip to the market. The BioStretch harness and continuous wrap hipbelt combine to create an incredibly stable carry system. Zippered hipbelts, side-stretch mesh pockets, a harness pocket, and top-lid storage provide all the organisation you need. £90
INOV F-LITE 235 V2
This versatile women’s training shoe is perfect for fitness workouts, performance training, weightlifting and running. An update to the pure, close-to-the-ground power-training shoe, the acclaimed F-LITE 235, the F-LITE 235 V2 is lightweight and super-fast with awesome grip. £125 Arc’teryx Men’s Cormac L/S Zip Neck
Bridgedale
THE NORTH FACE Men’s Hedgehog
Hike Lightweight Boot Socks
Hike Ii Mid Gore-Tex High Rise Boots
A lightweight, women-specific fit, meshventilated boot sock for summer day hikers and trekkers, the Hike Lightweight Comfort features all-day protection with next-to-skin comfort that keeps your feet cool and dry. £14.99
These rugged, mid-cut hiking boots will keep any backpacker comfortable, safe and supported through all types of terrain. A GORE-TEX® membrane blocks out the wet, allowing you to take spring showers and shallow streams in your stride. £140
FB.COM/LTMOUNTAINS
The Cormac Long Sleeve Zip Neck was made with multi-sport enthusiasts in mind. A light, versatile long-sleeve layer that vents well, it’s suitable for a wide range of activities and temperatures. £79.99
JUN19 // 051
The most unknown Canary Island truly amazes by its natural diversity. A world away from its neighbours, La Palma is the perfect place for disconnecting and replenishing yourself.
1. Enjoy lovely, clean black-sand beaches in Santa Cruz de La Palma
breathtaking, untouched vegetation, to cascades or
Take a walk or relax on the iconic black sand of Santa
With around 1,000 km of walking trails, the island offers
Cruz, capital of La Palma. Empty and very unique, the
a very contrasting scenery and climatic diversity.
black-sand beaches were created from the island’s
Here are some of our favourite routes:
pine forest in the national park.
volcanic past, contrasting with the Azure Sea of the Atlantic. Be careful as the sand can get very hot. From
Caldera de Taburiente National Park
Its deep ravines, dramatic coastlines patterned with
the beach, the view inland facing the colourful and
The Caldera de Taburiente is one of the largest
volcanic rocks, unspoilt and well-preserved nature make
picturesque city is fascinating.
erosion craters in the world. Located right in the centre
it an island full of surprises. Its beauty extends beyond the forests to the star-filled skies. With picturesque hikes,
of the island, the park is covered by dense Canarian
2. Hiking and walking in La Palma
black-sand beaches and enchanted forests, there are
pines, offering hundreds of kilometres of signposted pathways. The park has trails for all levels of hikers.
many beautiful things to do in “La Isla Bonita”. We’ve put
La Palma is the dream destination for walkers of all
We picked the loop from Mirador de la Cumbrecita to
together our favourite activities and sites to visit.
levels. The hiking trails here will take you through a
Loma las Chozas. And what a view there was!
DOMINIC DÄHNCKE
052 // JUN19
@LTMOUNTAINS
Volcan de San Antonio
3. Cascada De Los Tilos
The visitor centre, with information about La Palma’s
a passionate expert explaining how to spot constellations is terrific. Just remember to take some warm clothes!
volcanism is accessible by car, and from here it is only
Just off the road, visit Los Tilos Forest for a unique
a short stroll up to the Volcan San Antonio summit.
experience. The forest is an explosion of greenery, and
The last eruption was recorded in 1677. The views are
the walking trail leads through a tunnel to the hidden
stunning, overlooking the ocean, and in the distance
cascade, and the stunning waterfall comes down
If you’re touring the south of the island, stop by
there is a view of Teneguia, which last erupted in 1971.
strongly. Feel the mist and spray, perfect on a hot day!
Fuencaliente, at the southernmost tip of the island,
Dragos de Buracas hike
4. Go stargazing
5. The Salt Gardens of Fuencaliente
where you can visit salt gardens, where the contrasts This is a walk through a tiny paradise, surrounded
of the white of the salt, the sea and the black volcanic background are breathtaking. There’s an interesting self-
by flowers, succulents, big old dragon trees, almond
La Palma is considered one of the best places on earth to
guided route around Las Salinas with information boards.
trees, small houses and caves.
observe the sky, thanks to its exceptional conditions. The
It is a lovely stroll that finishes at a gift shop where you
quality of the sky is such that it is protected under Spanish law
can buy the salt which has been collected by hand
to preserve the quality of the astronomical conditions. Having
formed into small pyramids and then dried by the sun.
FB.COM/LTMOUNTAINS
JUN19 // 053
M
I
N
U
T
E
S
NOURIA NEWMAN
Red Bull-sponsored kayaker Nouria
I tried to jump on a rock but I slipped and fell into
Newman made her ultimate week-long voyage
the water pocket and felt myself being pulled to the
of self-discovery, travelling alone
bottom of it under a rock. Eventually, I reached the
with only her kayak for company for seven
surface again but I had to swim the whole rapid to
days. She survived an accident en route
catch my kayak. Had I lost it, it would have been all
to the finish, 375km later.
over because I was alone.
Tackling the treacherous rivers of Leh, she kayaked
How do you prepare for a moment like that and
down a trio of rivers: the Tsarap, Zanskar and
cope with it?
Indus, often in dangerous conditions and glacial
I’ve done a whole lot of expeditions over the past
waters, and slept by the riverside each night.
two years and on each one I’ve gained experience. But it’s very different each time; things always
How did the expedition come about?
happen and you’re not necessarily ready for them.
I never planned to go to northern India; I originally
There are tough times; you need to get your head
flew to India for the Malabar River Fest. Because of
down, not think too much, not stop even if it hurts
the floods and administrative difficulties, it proved
as nobody is going to come and rescue you. It’s a
impossible. That is when I decided to stay longer
bit like a video game when you lose a life. At the
and head north to achieve my goal.
time, you think: “I lost a life, I was lucky.”
How big a challenge was the water? How serious
What was it like when you finally reached the finish?
was the accident?
I felt a lot of relief. It was a strong experience and
The Zanskar had an enormous amount of water
I realised that maybe I prefer to go with friends.
and, when I reached the Indus, well, it was really
It’s not just for the safety aspect when things get
huge. On the second day, I arrived in a bit fast, I
really tough but also for the cool moments in the
told myself “come on, go for it” but I missed a small
big rapids when you want to share it with someone
move, it put me off and I got stuck in a pocket of
else. I don’t know if I want to go for another solo
water. This is the worst-case scenario in my sport.
trip. When I got out of it, I thought “never again”.
Once you’re there, you don’t have a ton of options.
Now, I am not so sure.
ALI BHARMAL / RED BULL CONTENT POOL
054 // JUN19
@LTMOUNTAINS
T H E U LT I M AT E
TRAVEL & ADVENTURE UNDERWEAR
Quest 2.0 National Geographic named it the ultimate travel underwear. Now it’s even better. It’s made from ultralight, quick-drying, pindot mesh fabric for wash-and-go wearability. Featuring SAXX’s proprietary BallPark PouchTM technology.
H I G H P E R F O R M A N C E M E R I N O A P PA R E L
TECHNICOLOUR
C O N O R M A C FA R L A N E
MERINO AIR-CON
L I G H T E R, ST R O N G E R, D R I E R
D E S I G N E D I N WA N A K A , N E W Z E A L A N D
|
M O N S R O YA L E . C O M