Vertical Drop Issue 3 - May 2012 by InTheSnow

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E N N O A L M IL L WAL S F HI ! T AR F RED BULL

NE R O HE H T N T AL K IC TS O TIC 5 R 0 T R PA POR T VE VER RE GES P E O BIG DR

INSIDE: THE LATEST NEWS | RHONE ALPS 16-17 | AOSTA VALLEY 22-23 | GEAR UP 26-27 | 10 MINS WITH MUCH BETTER SPACES 30

OW G N R A S E E M TH M E N I M R F U TURS O S KE E N A THDVTEHE M AFROM

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Say goodbye to our little friend

MAY 2012

pring is here and along with the surge of life in the countryside, and shedding of outer layers of clothing, it also means the first issue of Vertical Drop for 2012 bursts fresh off the press. Actually it felt like spring for much of winter 2011–12 so, hopefully, despite the ongoing economic gloom, you’ve been able to save a bit on your heating bill and have a little cash spare to invest in some quality time. At Vertical Drop we’re all about high adrenaline action sports, but we’re also realists, and we know most of us will be happy to do something a little less extreme than dropping from the edge of space in the world’s biggest freefall and parachute descent ever, impressive though that might be to read about. So alongside the more extreme stuff you’ll also find ideas for families to have active holiday time together. And even though we really don’t mind if you just want to sit in the hot tub all day or do a bit of shopping, you might feel better if you save these as rewards to yourself after some biking, rafting or even your first tandem parascending descent! There’s also no reason why you shouldn’t exert yourself and/or spend time relaxing in a new and beautiful destination, so we’ve featured some of the more stunning locations in the Alps where you can either try something new for the first time, or take skills learned at home to a more advanced level in the care of a professional guide. Many of us will be used to seeing these destinations blanketed in snow on a winter ski break, but in spring/summer surrounded by stunning scenery they can be experienced from a new perspective. However, the pain au chocolat for breakfast and fondue for dinner will still be most welcome! Wherever you choose to get active, home or away, there’s certainly plenty of competition for your time and pennies in 2012, with evermore events and activities to watch or participate in, and providers thinking of new ideas to attract you – we’ve included as many as we can within the following pages.

AIMING FOR The Biggest Vertical Drop Ever? –70°C

Lowest temperature in drop zone PATRICK THORNE

Publisher

DOMINIC KILLINGER

Design By

Reporters / Contributors

Photography

ROCKET BASE

David Black Jon West Sally Brookes DEBBIE GABRIEL

See individual images for specific credits. Any uncredited images supplied by third party suppliers, agencies and/or advertisers

dom@verticaldrop.co.uk

http://rocketbase.co.uk

Editor

News Editor

PATRICK THORNE

patrick@verticaldrop.co.uk

BEN CLATWORTHY ben@verticaldrop.co.uk Gear Up Supplied By

© Copyright 2012 No part of this publication may be copied, photocopied or reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted, in anyway or means, either by recording or otherwise, without permission of the publishers in writing.

Ellis Brigham

www.ellis-brigham.com 47 Millfield Road / York / North YorkshirE / YO23 1NH // +44 (0)1904 628648 // dOM@verticaldrop.co.uk // www.verticaldrop.co.uk

patrick@verticaldrop.co.uk EE FR

hat’s the biggest ever vertical drop? 3km, 8km, 16km? In fact, the furthest a human being has ever gone – straight down – is 31,333m (almost 20 miles!). That jump, from a giant helium balloon ascending to the edge of space, was achieved more than 50 years ago as the culmination of a US military research project called Excelsior. Launched in the late 1950s, the study’s aim primarily was to examine the affect on pilots who might have to parachute from increasingly high altitude jet planes in an emergency. The man who set that record on 16 August 1960, Joseph Kittinger, now aged 83, experienced temperatures as low as −70°C and set another record – the fastest speed recorded by a human being without mechanised assistance – 988km/h. This year Kittinger is a consultant on an attempt to break his altitude record – The Red Bull Stratos project. Austrian Felix Baumgartner, aged 42, is the man with the courage to repeat Kittinger’s feat 52 years on and go higher still, but using the same technique, if with a little more hi-tech equipment. Baumgartner has made his first jump out of a space capsule already, from an altitude of approximately 22km last

month, having taken off from 31,333m a site at Roswell, New Mexico, World record vertical descent since 1960 ascending in a space capsule attached to a giant helium 9/10 the speed of sound balloon. The plan now is to Achieved by Kittinger in freefall make a second higher jump 37km up from 27km, still below the Target jump height for Baumgartner’s record height, before going record attempt this year for the record in a third jump from nearly 37km up. 85,000m3 The goal of Baumgartner's Amount of helium used in balloons to reach first expedition towards the ”edge of space” edge of space was to fly over the so-called “Armstrong Line” and to do tests under real conditions for the first time. That is the area plunged back towards Earth at a speed of in aerospace where earthly boundaries and nearly 587km/h. He said later the most laws disappear. difficult part was the extreme cold he It is an inhospitable region for humans, encountered. "I could hardly move my where liquids begin to vaporise and hands. We're going to have to do some temperatures plunge to −59°C. Humans work on that aspect." could not survive in this zone without a Baumgartner added that he also needs spacesuit to protect them from the forces to work on getting accustomed to the of depressurisation and lack of oxygen. extraordinary dimensions of space. To get there, Baumgartner first had to "I wanted to open the parachute after make it through another “death zone” descending for a while, but I noticed that I closer to Earth. During the first 305m of was still at an altitude of 50,000 feet." his ascent there would be no chance of Even though the jump in March was only escape in the event of a crash, because a test, Baumgartner still managed to make there would be no time to get out of the it into the record books, becoming only capsule or open the parachute. the third person to leap from that altitude The ascent and his exit from the capsule and survive, along with Kittinger and went exactly as planned. Baumgartner Russia’s Eugene Andreev.

G OW ER MTAHE SN MMREOF IN S SU TU ER K E NA THDVTEHE M A OM FR

E N O ANL M IL WALL F HIS! T AR F NE OR E TH N TH L ICK O ICA TR TS RT 05 PA POR T VE VER E E S R GE P O BIG DR

INSIDE: THE LATEST NEWS | EXPLORE RHONE ALPS | AOSTA VALLEY ADVENTURE | GEAR UP | 10 MINS WITH SOMEONE

RED BULL

Europe’s highest ski resort first installed WiFi in December 2010, and the French resort has said it has proved to be a great success. The service now covers 18 lifts, and also the snowpark. Latest figures from the resort report a 30% increase in uptake this season, with last month, March, averaging 170 connections per day. The average length of each session is 12 minutes. The service is free.

Grimentz & Zinal Last summer the local councils of these two Swiss resorts in the Valais region voted in favour of a new cable car connecting the two ski areas. There are currently 70km of pistes in Zinal, whilst Grimentz currently has slopes to over 3000m and 11 different ski lifts, including one ten-seat gondola. The new cable car, for which construction will start this summer, has been designed to dramatically improve the popularity of the two ski areas.

Unique Snow Sport & Bike Race Debuts PATRICK THORNE

fter two great winters, the 2011–12 ski season ended up being one to forget in Scotland, with the snow largely gone by the end of February, the second warmest ever in the country. But that didn’t stop Cairngorm resort above Aviemore celebrating its 50th season in operation by staging what they described as “the very first extreme biathlon” in early March. One hundred

competitors from across the UK made their bids to set the quickest descent of Cairngorm Mountain by skis or board, then bike in the first ever Red Bull 50/50 race. As the sun rose and the mountain mist rolled in over the Highlands, competitors began arriving from 7am. Melting snow gave way to dirt and rocks, participants raced across two seasons in 1 day, with the fastest demonstrating amazing skills on both skis/snowboard and mountain bike. Moguls, berms and kickers were among

Méribel The lower section of the Saulire gondola at this French resort is to be replaced for the 2012–13 season. The old yellow cabins, which seated six people, will be replaced by faster, eight-seat gondolas. A new green run was created for the 2011–12 season increasing the options for beginner skiers returning to the resort. The top section of the gondola was replaced last summer, and has proved very successful during this season.

Jackson Hole The Casper triple chairlift will be replaced with a new high speed 4-passenger detachable chair this summer. Along with the lift installation, the Casper trail network will be enhanced for intermediate skiing and riding with summer grooming and widening of several trails in the area. The resort will also expand intermediate terrain over the summer as part of a wider scheme to attract more skiers to the resort. The base of the new Casper lift will be in the same location as the current lift, however the top terminal will move northward to the opposite side of the Lift Line trail. Got a story? Know of a new lift coming soon to a resort where you ski? Drop me an email, my address is ben@verticaldrop.co.uk.

the many obstacles, but the most complex element was the snowline transition from skis/snowboard to mountain bike, where the race was quite easily won or lost. Local boy Oliver Carter, from nearby Boat of Garten, posted an impressive time of 12 minutes 9 seconds to become the first winner of Red Bull 50/50. “It’s been awesome to mountain bike at CairnGorm. It was pretty tight racing in our heat, so fast down the boarder cross track – speed tucking and running out of gears, it was amazing” said Carter.

Scott Gilmour

Val Thorens

MAY 2012

Don’t Drink & Ride

Britain’s Most Brutal Race Conquered hat has been billed as the UK’s most brutal ultra-race took place earlier this year. The Spine (www.thespinerace.com) is a 431km ultramarathon encompassing the entire length of the Pennine Way. Racers run, with up to 10kg of equipment on their backs, non-stop for over 150 hours. Only three participants finished this year’s race. In joint first place, Gary Morrison and Steve Thompson completed the course in a time of 152 hours and 2 minutes. Mark Caldwell took second with 158 hours and 55 minutes. “We’re thrilled to see the UK’s first ultra-race completed by Gary and Steve. Their incredible achievement is testament to their stoic determination and unbelievable desire to achieve something special” said Scott Gilmour, Director of Ultra Endurance Series Ltd and an ambassador for PNY, a manufacturer of high-speed, quality flash cards for both amateur and professional use, which was seen as the perfect imaging partner for the event.

A recent YouGov report on road safety amongst cyclists has revealed one in three UK consumers believe that cyclists are the cause of many problems for drivers, but only one in five cyclists agree. Meanwhile, a considerable bugbear for cyclists is drivers’ purported disregard for designated cycle lanes, with 52% agreeing with the statement ”too many cars and lorries ignore the cycle lanes/ park on the cycle lanes”, whereas only 26% of UK consumers agree with this view. However, there are areas of common ground between cyclists and UK consumers – 81% of cyclists and 66% of non-cyclists agree with the statement ”cyclists have a responsibility to respect cars and lorries and vice versa”. In addition, ”drink cycling” is as much of a concern for cyclists as for UK consumers, with 60%/59%, respectively, agreeing that ”cycling under the influence of alcohol is as bad as drink driving”.

MAY 2012

IRONBIKE IS BACK BEN CLATWORTHY

ach summer the mountain bike scene meets up in Ischgl, Austria, (www. ischgl.com) for the iron bike marathon – this year it’s on 3–4 August. Attracting European and World Champions, the winner of one of the hardest mountain bike races across the

Alps will be looking at €20,000 prize money. Approximately 900 pros and amateurs race side by side over three different challenging rounds. You can stay seven nights at the 3 Gradiva apartments in Ischgl on a self catering basis, with flights and transfers from London Gatwick to Innsbruck, with prices from £494pp with Crystal Summer (crystalsummer.co.uk; 0871 230 8180).

Cycling Tour Starts In Scotland he 2012 Halfords Tour Series will begin in Kirkcaldy, Fife, as this unique, team-based, televised cycle race series makes its first visit north of the border to Scotland. The ten top British teams will begin their 5-week battle to be crowned champions of

the Series, which sees teams go head-tohead for victory on Tuesday 15 May. Scotland is the perfect stage for cycling events, and the Halfords Tour Series will delight spectators, with the Scottish riders in particular guaranteed to draw a crowd” said Paul Bush OBE, Chief Operating Officer for EventScotland.

Looking For Summer Snow Terrain? rom late spring through summer when options are limited to glaciers or the southern hemisphere, Snow Planet in The Netherlands will again be the location for one of the world’s best snow parks for terrain park fans.

If you want to really push your skills, pop across the Channel for events like the slopestyle cup on Saturday 26 May (15.00–20.00) – which has the Dutch national rookie team taking part, so participants can measure their level with the Dutch rookies!

SPARK 20

The SPARK 20 features 120mm travel and a TwinLoc controlled DT Swiss Nude 2 Shock, allowing you to choose between full travel, traction mode, or full lockout, front and rear all via handlebar-mounted switch. A Spark is the perfect partner for marathons, stage races, and truly bridges the gap between XC Race and Trail. Light One Up and Burn it.

scott-sports.com © SCOTT SPORTS SA 2011 | PHOTO: FRED LEISER

MAY 2012

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Mt Kinabalu Climbathon 2012 Dubbed as 'The World's Toughest Mountain Race', the race is a true challenge to human endurance. The average climber takes two days to climb the mountain but participants of the race can make it up, and down the 4095.2m mountain in less than 3 hours. The race is split into three categories, Men, Women and Men's Veteran, who all use the same 21km course. The Climbathon is part of the Sky Runners World Series Circuit.

MAY 2012

Check Your Insurance BEN CLATWORTHY

urop Assistance (www.europassistance.co.uk) is warning anyone heading overseas on an adventure sports holiday to double-check the activities they intend to take part in are covered by their insurance policy. “Most travel policies will

exclude or restrict cover for sports which are classified as higher risk – but that need not deter you from having as much fun as you want. A standard policy can usually be easily extended to include all but the most dangerous activities, but you are ultimately responsible for ensuring the cover meets your specific requirements” says a statement from the company.

Popular sports like low-altitude hiking and cycling will almost invariably be covered by a standard policy, but “high-risk” activities, such as abseiling, canoeing, kite-surfing, mountain biking and surfing may only be covered for third party liability, but not for personal liability or personal accident. Activities like horse riding, water skiing, and hiking above 2000m may also

not be covered. Many sports deemed to present the highest risk of all can still be covered, but you will probably need to pay an extra premium. These include bungee jumping, climbing, paragliding, hang gliding and white-water rafting. If you do choose to take part in one of these activities on a whim while you are away, check what you are covered for.

New Blue At Åre Scandinavia’s adventure sports capital Åre, Sweden, (www. skistar.com) has announced that a new 4km blue downhill biking run will open this summer, descending from the VM8 lift’s mountain station right down to the base of the lifts. The rest of Åre bike park is also being extended, and from 24 June the resort’s famous cable car will make the most of the long daylight hours at this latitude and open for an extra 2 hours to 8pm every Friday.

Mountain Of Hell What’s promised to be a huge week-long mountain biking event is coming to Les 2 Alpes (www. les2alpes.com) in France this summer. It’s completely new, and set to feature high-level and amateur competitions (dual style, downhill, dual climb, slopestyle, and downhill enduro-marathon), as well as “show” entertainment such as mountain biking trials, air bag, and dirt freestyle motocross. The Crankworx Les 2 Alpes “downhill enduro-marathon event” takes place from 13–15 July, and is one of the week’s major competitions.

Cool New Arc’teryx Backpacks

New Website For Travellers & Explorers Launches new website, designed to create a one-stop online resource for adventure travellers and explorers at all levels, has been launched by Belinda Kirk, who in 2010 led her Seagals team into the Guinness Book of World Records as the first all-women crew to row unaided around the coast of Britain. Explorers Connect (www.explorersconnect.com) is a free web forum that enables its members – from enthusiastic amateurs to professional experts – to share and exchange information, recruit team-mates, review and recommend equipment and suppliers, and follow the trials and tribulations of intrepid souls across the globe. The site has already attracted over 3000 members, including the British Antarctic Survey (BAS) and Charity Challenge, and has won plaudits from Sir Ranulph Fiennes and Bear Grylls, the latter commenting “Explorers Connect helps aspiring adventurers to make significant steps towards their dreams – and we all need a little help sometimes! It is about sharing skills, knowledge and resources with like-minded folk and making the world both smaller and bigger!”

Cool Canadian brand Arc’teryx has some new backpacks for 2012. Their Kata pack is a generalist pack available in three sizes (1300, 1500 and 1700g) to accommodate adventures of varied length. Function is brought to the forefront with a pared-down look, and important details that really work including essential pockets, a laminated thermoformed back panel and twin removable aluminium V-stays provide durable support, and dual density shoulder straps bring high comfort taking the weight with minimal load sway. The super durable High Tenacity Cordura Plain Weave is the perfect choice for a versatile nocompromise pack, which can withstand everyday abuse. All Kata packs are available in short, regular and tall back lengths, and have a RRP of £120–170 depending on their size and configuration.

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Go Ape! Expands Go Ape! (www.goape.co.uk), has announced an expansion programme designed to boost visitor numbers by 20% this year. Go Ape! currently operates in 27 locations nationwide, attracting over 520,000 visitors annually. New initiatives for 2012 include upgrades to existing Go Ape! Tree Top Adventure sites, the unveiling of its first London-based course in Trent Park, North London, and increasing the number of Forest Segway adventures to eight, with the launch of five new sites in the UK.

MAY 2012

HEAD NORTH TO NORWAY BEN CLATWORTHY

he luxurious Lyngen Lodge, located on the eastern shore of the Lyngen Fjord in northern Norway, is to be featured for the first time this summer by Kaluma Travel (www.kalumatravel.co.uk; 01730 260263). With a sleeping capacity of up to 16 people, the lodge

comes complete with hot tubs and a private chef. Enjoy dinner on the terrace, admiring the stunning mountains, glaciers and peaks. It’s the perfect setting for a summer Arctic holiday, with the arrival of the midnight sun at the end of May, signalling the time when flowers start to bloom, migrating birds nest, rivers fill with fish and giant waterfalls

cascade towards the ocean. Don’t be fooled by the location, the summer months offer high pressure and warm sunny days to enjoy the stunning countryside. There are loads of activities on offer during a stay at the lodge, including: a spectacular boat tour inside the Reisa River canyon to see northern Norway's highest waterfall, the Mollisfossen; glacier walking on

the dramatic Strupbreen glacier, located opposite the lodge on the Lyngen peninsula, as well as a range of other glacier courses and adventures; horse lovers can ride the Lyngshest horses, a unique breed of horse specially bred within the Lyngen region or on the fjords; or why not take to the sea, kayaking to spot local dolphins. Prices at the lodge start from £200pppn, excluding flights.

World’s Highest Indoor Ice Wall

Hit The Surf Of Fuerteventura

The highest indoor ice climbing wall will be a feature of the revamped Oasis leisure centre in Swindon, England, which is due to re-open in 2014. Swindon Council has selected property developer Moirai Capital Investments to work on the £65m project, which will initially see the centre’s existing facilities overhauled, and then new ones, including an indoor ski slope, added.

National Skiathon Olympic Challenge Disability Snowsport UK’s National Skiathon Olympic Challenge is back in June and takes place at all six British indoor snow sports centres. You can take up the Skiathon Challenge as an individual, or as part of a team of up to eight people. The challenge is to ski 2012 runs between all the participants in 6 hours, and the charity’s target is to raise £35,000 from the event. Entry is £15pp, which includes equipment hire, lift pass and goodie bag, with a pledge to raise a minimum of £150.

Perfect Your Snow Sports Technique In Summer here’s something rather cool about hitting the snow in summer, in more ways that one, and The Snow Centre, Hemel Hempstead, (thesnowcentre. com) where fresh snow falls regularly on well-groomed slopes all year, is making it even more worthwhile by offering to get your technique in better shape for winter 2012–13 (always good to plan ahead!). Uniquely, The Snow Centre has been recognised as the UK’s only Centre of Excellence by BASI (British Association of Snow Sport Instructors). ”All our 120 instructors are continually assessed and appraised to ensure we maintain the highest possible standards. Our lessons range from beginner classes for adults and children as young as four, right up to courses for new instructors, and include private lessons and even video assessment if required” said Pete ”Silver” Gillespie who heads up the snow sports school and is a BASI Level 4 /Alpine trainer. Lessons at The Snow Centre start from £26 non-member (£18 member) for 4–16-yearolds, to £45 non-member (£30 member) for an adult. Book a family recreational session for £69 non-member (£49 member) for two adults/two children.

Activities Abroad (www.activitiesabroad.com; 01670 789991) is offering multi-activity weeks on the beach of Fuerteventura in the Canary Islands, just 100km from the North African coast, staying in the small rural village of El Cotillo. Participants can explore the coastline by sea kayak, get to grips with stand-up paddling on a surfboard, and there’s also mountain biking, sunbathing and tennis. The surf school has recently gained sponsorship from Animal, meaning that the equipment’s really topnotch and ideal for all levels. Holidays departing May–November cost from £1185pp (based on two sharing) including flights (London), car hire, seven nights’ full-board hotel accommodation, with most drinks, all activities (including three full days’ surfing), equipment and fully-qualified instructors. Accommodation in beachside apartments is also available.

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MAY 2012

May Ski Holidays With The Ski Club of GB pring ski holidays can be associated with end-of-season slushy snow and sunshine, but many people don’t realise late April’s potential to bring some of the biggest snowfalls of the season say the Ski Club of Great Britain (www.skiclub.co.uk/freshtracks). For example, on 28 April 2009 Zermatt received what was probably its biggest snowfall of the season – 187cm of fresh snow was reported on the upper slopes. New for 2012, Ski Club Freshtracks has introduced a ski touring holiday over the Bank Holiday weekend. You can make the most of the extra time off work and get out into the backcountry. The tour starts in Interlaken, Switzerland, and some prior touring experience is required. It departs on 3 May and includes two nights bed and breakfast in a 2 hotel plus two nights half-board in mountain huts, with mountain guide and group equipment, costing £630.

Danish Start For Great Cycle Race The Giro d’Italia 2012 (www. gazzetta.it), the Italian equivalent of the Tour de France, and which celebrated its centenary in 2009, will start outside Italy for only the tenth time in its 103-year history. The Giro will get underway on 5 May 2012 in Herning, Denmark, and will race to its climax, as usual, in Milan on 27 May.

Heli-Ski Greece This Spring An unusual option for heli-skiers and boarders is available this spring courtesy of Heliski Greece (heliskigreece.com). The company offers morning heli-ski trips during April and May on Mount Olympus and in the Pindus Mountains, with the option in the afternoon to hit the beach, relax in the spa, or take a boat cruise at sunset. The area is not only the home of the Greek gods, the birthplace of Alexander the Great, and rich in cultural heritage say the company; it also has great spring snow for heli-skiers!

Swiss 24-Hour Bike Marathon The 24 Bike Davos cycle race (www.24bikedavos.ch) at the famous Swiss resort town, which welcomes global leaders to its World Economic Forum each January, lasts twice around the clock, from 22–24 June 2012. As famous as the 24-hour Le Mans is for motor racing, so the 24 Bike Davos is where mountain bikers complete their circuits by day and night. With 24 hours of excitement, team spirit and pure passion, the event has now reached cult status among bikers worldwide.

With the slide of the Instant On-Record Switch , the new ContourROAM is on and is immediately recording all your dirt jumping, corner roosting, and North Shore ripping antics in electrifying 1080p HD. It’s sleek, waterproof, impact resistant, and mounts pretty much anywhere so you can capture everything that goes down from the road to the trail. IT’S ON

To become a UK retailer visit Ultrasporteu.com

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MAY 2012

PATRICK THORNE

hanks to its spectacular scenery, easy access and extensive facilities, the RhôneAlpes region of France is now becoming as famous for its summer mountain action sports as it is in winter.

Thrills Along with all kinds of land, air and waterbased activities, the Rhône-Alpes region has a number of extra high-speed options for thrillseekers to enjoy. Reaching speeds of 80–100km/h, the Fantasticable in Châtel (www.fantasticable. com), an amazing zip wire experience, takes you on the ride of your life from 1930m down to 1712m in two stages. In the ski resorts downhill mountain biking is increasingly popular, making use of the chair lifts and cable cars. Most have developed purpose-built trails, with jumps and obstacles to test the skill and nerve of bikers. Another thrilling activity is canyoning, available throughout the region’s mountains, where gushing rivers have sculpted out hidden gorges. Participants don wetsuits and helmets to walk, jump, slide and swim down a section of the river. Or take to the skies and try paragliding. With over 160 clubs and 70 schools, the Rhône-Alpes offers the reassurance of qualified pilots and instructors to help you get the most from your flight.

RHÔNE ALPS in the competition such as Galibier pass and Alpe d’Huez ascent. The region’s varied topography makes it especially attractive to keen cyclists seeking their own challenge, with many steep mountain climbs and the Savoie Mont Blanc area alone offering 110 routes at all levels. It’s not all steep hills however, for an easier ride head to the Dombes with its flat roads passing through pretty countryside or along the Rhône river (www.fleuverhone.com).

Take A Hike There is 43,000km of signed paths in the Rhône-Alpes, including France’s most invigorating from Lake Geneva to Briançon via 3000m mountain peaks, glaciers and skirting Mont Blanc. Of course, many of these are far less challenging! Escorted hikes are available, and also parents can hire off-road pushchairs in Les Saisies (www.lessaisies.com).

On Your Bike

Going Up

The Tour de France wheels its way through the Rhône-Alpes each year, pitting the top cyclists against some of the toughest climbs

Many of the region’s resorts and parks have developed dedicated climbing areas equipped with pre-drilled bolts

and anchors that provide a safer environment for climbers to practice their skills. Chamonix is regarded as the mountaineering UK mecca due to its proximity to some of the region’s toughest Germany peaks, including Mont Blanc. Further south, the Drôme and the Vercors (www.vercors. France com) are better choices for less Lyon challenging routes, or for anyone Switz wanting to try out a more easily RHÔNE ALPES accessible form of climbing then Italy via ferrata is the ideal activity, with Maurienne boasting the Spain Chamonix Mont-Blanc largest number of via ferrata routes. The seven-section course at Aussois-la-Norma (www. aussois.com) is suitable for all ability levels kayaking in the Ardèche Gorges, sailing and children. and windsurfing. The river Isère is particularly popular for white-water On And In The Water thrills, fed by the melting snows of the Given the number of rivers and lakes Vanoise glaciers it quickly becomes in the Rhône-Alpes, it is not surprising a rushing torrent of water. Franceraft that there is an extensive range of water(www.franceraft.com) offers a range of based sports and activities, including river trips including rafts, canoes and white-water rafting, canoeing and airboats – not for the faint-hearted!

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Above

Lake Annecy

M On +BeloW ake Annecy is well known as a major hub for winter sports in France, with several of the country’s leading ski areas such as La Clusaz and nearby Le Grand Bornand, but if anything there’s more to do here for adrenaline junkies in summer than in winter.

geographical features and aerial conditions. Those who use the facilities will enjoy spectacular 360° views of the lake and Annecy itself as they descend, as well as further afield to the Aravis mountains and Mont Blanc. Rated among the world’s best, it is professionally managed ensuring optimal usage, facilities and future development. The area is home to paragliding world champion Elisa Houdry, and is a training base for French teams. In addition, national and international competitions are staged each year, including the Paragliding World Cup in Talloires this May. Lake Annecy also remains one of the few places in France to offer hang-gliding too (the sport has been gradually replaced by paragliding at most locations). This activity and paragliding are also available to people in wheelchairs, thanks to special facilities and specially trained staff.

In The Air

Hit The Water

Lake Annecy has become one of Europe’s leading paragliding centres thanks to a multitude of launch sites and routes. The ”Heights of the Lake” options include the free flight sites of Montmin, Talloires-Planfait, Coche-Cabane, Verthier and Doussard, which are among the most popular take-off spots in Europe, accommodating up to 200 paragliders per day, there are especially favourable

No visit to the region is complete without taking to the waters of Lake Annecy itself, which is particularly well suited to water sports. This is where Clementine Lucine is based, who has set many records and won European and World Cups for her waterskiing prowess since the age of 16. Lucine says “There’s nowhere more beautiful in France for water sports.” Along with weight special safe areas for

Info www.rhonealpes-tourisme.com www.rhonealpes.tv www.twitter.com/experienceRA www.facebook.com/rhonealpestourisme

learning to water ski or wakeboard, there are no less than six sailing schools and another six diving schools, as well as several more operations to teach you sailing or rowing sports. Alternatively, of course, you could just hang out on one of the many beaches and go for a swim. And if you can’t decide between water and airborne sports – why not try kite surfing, which combines the two and is another option on Lake Annecy?!

On The Ground There are many more activities to enjoy on solid ground too, for example, cyclists will find Lake Annecy is home to the second longest cycle track in France, with a 3.5km wide route it creates a 36km long circuit. More information: www.lac-annecy.com

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Rhone Alps General Events

nnecy

Megève Summer Paradise Mountain Village inter sports like skiing and skating, and hiking in the summer, all sit pretty in Megève. But there’s still more to this famous mountain village, nestled at the heart of the grandiose panorama of the Mont Blanc massif, with its traditional French ambience that thrives around its wonderful and ancient central square. Megève is the perfect place to make the most of an extraordinary range of outdoor activities, including a multitude of pursuits for all the family, almost too many to list. And when you’re not going from one high adrenaline activity to another, everything from great food, sport, culture and just plain relaxation is all here. Megève has a worldwide reputation for its gourmet food, but shopping fans will be equally at home with the 200 shops that line the village streets. In fact, the charms of Megève can be revealed at any pace: on foot, by bike, or even, to the delight of both children and romantics, a ride in one of the famous carriages pulled by horses whose hooves clip-clop along the cobblestones.

Biking With more than 300km of slopes, Megève is an exceptional area for all-mountain biking enthusiasts. The adventure park in the Jaillet area is equipped with a blue and a more technical red trail for more

experienced riders. For lovers of freestyle there is a bike park with several wooden modules and natural obstacles. In addition, the Megève region has many mountain bike tracks connecting to other towns such as Sallanches, Combloux, Flumet and Prazsur-Arly, all with the spectacular backdrop of the Mont Blanc massif. From technical to easy, half day to full day trips, or just a ride to a viewpoint, Megève has a wide variety of rides to offer everyone.

From Above Aeroplane, helicopter, ballooning or even paragliding, Megève offers numerous ways of getting really close to the summits, in summer as in winter. Mountain aviation is not only a way of discovering the region, but also a wonderful school for learning mountain flying. And if you don’t want to learn, enjoy a tour of the Mont Blanc glacial area with Aérocime, the first company flying small aircrafts over the glaciers, offering uninterrupted fantastic views.

On Foot For those who enjoy hiking, Megève is the place to take in the magnificent views, surrounded as it is by the Mont Blanc chain. Walks of all lengths and levels of difficulty are available at an ideal altitude range between 1113m and 2525m. Three cable cars are open in the summer providing direct

access to themed hikes: water trails, Jaillet forest discovery trails, Calvary path, and the Black Grouse footpath. If you want to make the very best of it the village’s mountain guides will be happy to escort you. For something a little different, the “cani rando” experience enables you to walk and run towed by Alaskan malamute or Siberian husky, whilst accompanied by a guide.

All-In-One Besides these classic mountain activities there’s also the summer Olympic pool at the sports centre, complete with year-round sledge run, beach volleyball and spas. In Megève, it is time to relax and forget about your everyday life.

29 June – 1 July: Pass’Portes du Soleil MTB www.passportesdusoleil.com 11–13 July: 14th International Festival of Climbing, Chamonix www.escalade.chamonixsport.com 11–14 July: Tour de France www.letour.fr 16–22 July: Mégavalanche, Alpe d’Huez Downhill mountain bike race www.megavalanche.com 15 August: Mountain Guides Festival, Chamonix www.fetedesguides.com 25 August: 1st International Triathlon of the Ardèche Gorges www.ardeche-guide.com 27 August–2 September: The North Face Ultra Trail du Mont Blanc Sport, Chamonix www.ultratrailmb.com 20–23 September: The Icarus Cup, Saint Hilaire du Touvet Free flying festival www.coupe-icare.org

Lake Annecy Events 15 April: Marathon and Semi-Marathon www.marathon-annecy.com 12–19 May: Paragliding World Cup in Talloires www.talloires2012.org 1 July: Triathlon www.annecy-triathlon.com 8–12 September: King of The Lake Wakesurf competition www.kingofthelake.fr 15 September: Red Bull Element www.redbull.fr/elements 28–30 September: International Freeski Film Festival (IF3) www.if3.fr 30 September: Les Cimes du Lac Cycling challenge www.challengecyclotour.com

Megève Events 10 June: 9th Time Megève Mont-Blanc Cycling event 13–14 July: Pro Am Baronne Maurice de Rothschild at Mont d’Arbois Golf Club 24–29 July Megève International Show Jumping 30 August–3 September: 10th Green Velvet Golf competition 8 September: Megève Golf Trophy www.megeve.com

Photo credit : JF. Hagenmuller. M. Colonel & M. Dalmasso/OT CHamonix. Hameau Albert 1erâ&#x20AC;&#x201C;

Chamonix Mont-Blanc a Way of life!

www.chamonix.com

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JON (aka WESTY) AT ALTITUDE

SKI INSTRUCTOR ow do you become a ski instructor? There are many ways to become a ski instructor. The route you take often depends on your skiing ability and the country in which you are living. Skiers and snowboarders from the UK often choose to embark on a ski instructor Gap course. This is a 10-week training course that prepares you for the BASI Level 1 and 2 exams. The exams assess your skiing on-piste, bumps, and your ability to demonstrate the central theme (technical progression from beginner to parallel skiing), as well as your ability to teach! In addition, you can also expect to have a lot of fun, ski off-piste, learn new skills, make friends from around the world and, of course, enjoy some partying!

What can I expect to do on an instructor Gap course? Lots of skiing! The main element of the course is to improve your personal skiing. This is usually achieved by receiving training from top-qualified

coaches from around the world, who will push you to learn and develop your skiing, and understanding of skiing. Most providers also use video analysis so that you can see for yourself the improvements to be made, and also develop your own knowledge of what makes a good skier. Lectures often take place to help you understand the terminology, and various other elements involved in the BASI system. You can also expect to “shadow” real lessons, so that you can see for yourself how to deliver a lesson in a safe and fun manner. Everything on the course is geared towards passing the BASI exams, except perhaps the après-ski! Can I expect to actually work as an instructor after the course? This will depend on the resort you choose, for example, in France it is not realistic to work there after completing BASI Level 2, you will need to do further exams that are not included in a Gap course. Therefore, if you attend a course in France you

won’t be able to teach afterwards, unless you move to a new country once the course has finished – Switzerland and Austria probably being the easiest places to work in Europe. Some Gap providers are inhouse, and often recruit students after the course to work for their school during the busy periods of the season. In such cases, priority for work is always given to students who have attended their own inhouse Gap courses. If you are looking to work after a course then this is something to be aware of. What’s included in the course fee? The Altitude Gap course includes accommodation, more than 200 hours of training, your food 5 days a week, a season lift pass, and transfers from the

airport. You can also expect discounts on equipment and drinks in the local bars, some happy memories and, of course, new friends for life. When deciding on a Gap course, the main things to check are: who is delivering the course and the number of training hours, and that the coaches are highly qualified with lots of experience. Also, I would recommend asking for pass rates and, if possible, to talk to previous students. Altitude ski and snowboard school run their own in-house BASI Gap course in Verbier, Switzerland. If you would like further information about becoming a ski instructor then please contact Laura on info@altitude-futures.com or check out the website www.altitudefutures.com.

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PATRICK THORNE

Where To Ski + Board From April To June lthough many people don’t think about skiing once the conventional season ends, the snow obsessed do, and the good news is that the Alps had one of their snowiest winters ever, and western North America had a late surge in March and early April too. Mid-May to mid-June is actually one of the quietest periods, with only a few dozen ski areas open anywhere. Most in the northern hemisphere are closed, and summer glacier skiing and southern hemisphere ski areas have not yet opened. At this time there are more indoor slopes open than outdoor resorts! In fact, after the number of open ski areas worldwide hit its annual low of around 25 resorts in May, that number will climb towards 100 as ski areas re-open in France, and the southern hemisphere’s ski season gets underway in Australia, New Zealand, Argentina, Chile, Lesotho and South Africa, usually from the first or second week of June. So where’s good? Vertical Drop asked the year-round snow reporting agency Skiinfo (en.skiinfo.com). Austria usually has the most glaciers open for June skiing and snowboarding in the Alps, with the Dachstein, Kitzsteinhorn (above

Kaprun), Kaunertal, Stubai and Tux, although the opening of these can vary so you should check in advance of booking a trip to one of them. Resorts like Chamonix and Tignes stay open to mid-May, and after record snowfalls it should be a good spring at these destinations, but oddly no French areas are open from then until a few reopen for summer skiing in late June. In Italy the Presena glacier above Passo Tonale, where two red runs are usually open, will offer June snow sports. Switzerland has several summer ski areas, most reliable is Zermatt, which is open every day of the year and operates Europe’s highest lift, just touching 3900m, as well as the world’s biggest lift-served summer vertical of 800m – higher than that offered in the southern hemisphere. It even has a special snowmaking machine, which can create fresh snow in positive temperatures if required. In Norway all three glacier areas offer summer skiing and are normally open, usually with deep bases and new snow reported. You can also ski or board twice a week under the midnight sun in Riksgransen in the Swedish Arctic until mid-June, and a single ski run is also open at Ruka in Finland until then.

In North America Whistler has had a record-breaking season, with its most snowfall ever recorded for March (around 4m) and has announced it will be open to late May – extending its season by a fortnight. Glacier skiing continues later than that. It remains to be seen if any of the Californian resorts, such as Mammoth and Squaw Valley – sometimes open to August, will stay open after the missed snowfall this winter. Timberline summer ski resort in Oregon and Arapahoe Basin in Colorado are also good bets, although some of these will only open for weekend summer skiing in June.

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Going Down Enjoy Spring In Upper Engadine BEN CLATWORTHY

pring is a beautiful time to visit the mountains, the plants are just beginning to flower, the grass recovers from the months of snow, and the birds start to sing, whilst the temperature is mild, and the school holiday crowds are yet to arrive. The Grand Hotel Kronenhof, Pontresina, located in the Upper Engadine, Switzerland, and just

under 10km from the classy resort of St Moritz, has just announced their spring 2012 pricing. From 15 June to 7 July, rates at the hotel start from CHF395 (approx. £275) based on two sharing a double room, which includes a delicious daily breakfast and evening meal in the Grand Restaurant, as well as unlimited access to the Kronenhof Spa (and a 15% discount on all treatments), and unlimited use of all the open mountain railways in the Engadine/St Moritz area.

See The Sights From A Segway a Clusaz and its surrounding villages are set for a summer of activities and adventure this summer. New this summer, Segways, the electric two-wheeled self-balancing bikes, are available to rent in resort. A brilliant and eco-friendly way of exploring the mountains, they can be rented for up to an hour and are a fun way to get around the traditional villages of La Clusaz and Le Grand Bornand, both in the Lake Annecy ski resorts area. Segways are available from the Sport Boutique shop.

Participants must be aged 14 or over. The resort of La Clusaz is located just 20 minutes from Lake Annecy, an area ideal for a summer holiday in the Alps.

3VTT Returns For 13th Year arking the start of the summer season in the world’s largest ski area, Les 3 Vallées Tout Terrain (www.les3vallees. com/3vvt) bike race returns for its 13th year this summer. Split over 2 days during the first full weekend of July (7–8), the event is designed to get mountain bikers of all abilities involved in the sport. The Saturday

”free bike” offers the chance to experience the terrain, and this year will include 20km of new trails. Sunday sees the ”Rando Tour” competition, with the possibility of starting in any of the six stations. From there you’ll make your way around Les 3 Vallées using a combination of the lifts and short uphill sections. After a day on the saddle, enjoy a BBQ back at your departure resort.

The Planet’s Second Biggest Vertical Drop t seems to be just coincidence that in the same year that a man will be attempting to jump from the highest point possible above sea level – beating a record set in 1960, another, rather more famous man – James Cameron – last month descended to the deepest point in the ocean, to the bottom of the Mariana Trench, about 322km southwest of the Pacific island of Guam, for the first time in a manned craft since an expedition made it down there in 1960. In both cases in 1960 the expeditions had a US military connection, whilst in both cases in 2012 the original adventurers, both now in their 80s, were there as consultants on the new expeditions. In addition, both adventurers have had to descend through extreme environments, in Cameron’s case his 10,994m descent from sea level to the bottom in his Deepsea Challenger submarine. Describing his descent to the BBC, Cameron said he had thought his trips to the wreck of the Titanic, about 12 years ago (he’s now made more than 30 dives to that) were deep, but this dive was nearly three times deeper. “You just kind of look at the numbers on the gauge with a sense of disbelief, and you wonder if the bottom is ever going to be there" he told the BBC, saying that his 3-hour descent, which he intends to be the first of many, was like visiting another planet and returning in a short space of time. It seems likely that more people will be descending to the bottom of the ocean in the future. Several entrepreneurs, one backed by Richard Branson, the other by Google’s boss, are in the process of creating submarines that can carry ”tourists” for the reportedly not very scenic dive, in the underwater version of the race to create a space plane for tourists. This makes multiple deep sea dives more likely than high-altitude parachute jumps for tourists, although they will need to come to terms with the fear that should the submarine spring a tiny leak it would instantly implode due to the extreme pressure, as well as find the estimated $250,000 ticket price for the trip!

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PATRICK THORNE

he Aosta Valley, home to famous winter ski resorts like Courmayeur and Cervinia and dozens more, is building a reputation as Italy’s summer action sports capital too. And 2012 will see adventure like never before, in the region that’s enveloped by France to the west and Switzerland to the north. This is the place to be to see the world’s toughest endurance running race, or be an active participant in an endurance cycling race, in the company of British action hero and ski racing Olympian Graham Bell. There are also adventures on foot, by bike, raft or aboard a glider to be had throughout the ”green season”, always surrounded by the highest peaks in the Alps, including Monte Bianco (Mont Blanc), Monte Cervinio (Matterhorn) and the Monte Rosa, offering unrivalled

scenery for the greatest and most unique summer.

Love Velo? Love The Mont Blanc Challenge 21–24 June 2012 With 2012 being a huge year for sport – you could seize the moment and take on the challenge of your life with an Olympian, in this year of the London Olympics! Graham Bell, five times Olympic skier, BBC Ski Sunday presenter and ambassador of the Aosta Valley, will lead an exclusive endurance race around the foot of Mont Blanc. Starting in Courmayeur, the race will cover a distance of 176km, 2km longer than La Marmotte, and climb over four vertical kilometres in altitude. Not only will there be awe-inspiring scenery, but this promises to be one of the finest and most exhilarating bike races in the world this summer.

Participants will be accommodated at the gorgeous Pilier d'Angle in Entreves, which offers panoramic views of the mighty Mont Blanc where you can kick back, relax and prepare your mind for the race ahead. On Friday morning, Graham will lead a 50km warm-up climb into the mountains. With legs fully prepared and ready to go, Saturday is race day. Riders will be split into three categories for the race – blue, red

and black. The groups will reflect cycling speed and ability, so contenders will only race against riders of a similar level. Each group sits within in its own competition and will race for sprint or climbing points, and the coveted yellow, green or red polka dot jerseys within a group. Graham Bell will lead the black group with two other riders leading the red and blue groups.

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INFO You can reach the Aosta Valley on scheduled flights into Geneva, Milan or Turin, with airlines such as BA, Swiss and Easyjet.

The Tor Des Geants 9–16 September 2012 The world’s toughest endurance running trail in terms of both altitude and length, the Tor Des Geants race, is back by popular demand for the third year running (pardon the pun) this year. Participants walk, run and race as fast as possible over an unbelievable distance of 330km, covering a total positive altitude distance of 24,000m. Not for the faint-hearted, and only for those who have experienced at least some marathon training at altitude, this race brings a whole new meaning to the words “a walk in the park”. A tour of the giants is exactly what this race is – visiting and circumnavigating these four <<only three? Monte Rosa, Monte Bianco, Monte Cervinio as in 1st para.?)) mighty mountains of over 4000m. The landscape offers the most awe-inspiring backdrops, from snow-dusted limestone peaks down to

Aosta Valley: www.aosta-valley.co.uk Love Velo? Mont Blanc Challenge: www.lovevelo.co.uk/come-cycling/the-mont-blanc-challenge Pilier d'Angle: www.pilierdangle.it Tor Des Geants: www.tordesgeants.it VIVA artist: www.stefanounterthiner.com

tranquil soft sage valleys. Crossing 25 mountain passes at over 2000m, with only a small rucksack and running shoes for company, and a time limit of 150 hours, gruelling doesn’t quite cover it! Participants can catch a nap and some fuel in alpine refuges along the route to prepare them for the challenge of their lives. The journey – daunting, the scenery – spectacular, the memories – everlasting, and the honour of crossing the finish line – the achievement of a lifetime. And it’s almost as good to spectate as take part, well a lot less tiring anyway.

Project VIVA Whatever you do in the Aosta Valley you can take advantage of

Responsible travel offered in the protected areas include bike trekking, rafting, Nordic walking for families and individuals, with “edutainment” options mixing discovery and experience.

Value

the region’s big project to promote nature tourism, VIVA (which means “alive” and is an acronym for Valle d'Aosta Unica per Natura or “Aosta Valley unique by nature”). The project includes the two local nature parks Grand Paradiso and Mont Avic, nine nature reserves and four botanic gardens, and features eco-friendly and sustainable accommodation with strict water, energy and other green standards.

Along with its many others assets including spectacular scenery, top nosh of the highest quality, and a history stretching back to Roman times; it’s worth mentioning in these economically challenging times that Italy's Aosta Valley is also one of the best value regions in Europe right now. This is demonstrated by the price of a real coffee in a mountain restaurant in Cervinia costing just €1, compared with €4 for a machine-made coffee on the Zermatt side (as verified by the Editor!).

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Alto Adige Marketing/Helmuth Rier

MAY 2012

Get Active In South Tyrol This Summer he mountains offer a natural playground for those looking to get active in the summer, and the jagged peaks of the Dolomites in South Tyrol are no exception, with all the activities adventurers could want right on the doorstep. Climb the erratic mountain faces, hike up the alpine passes, or whizz down the trails on a mountain bike – there really is something for everyone.

MEDITERRANEAN MEETS THE MOUNTAINS

Why not enjoy the views from a different angle and climb to the dizzy heights using the via ferrata paths. Originally used in World War I as a way to transport troops and supplies, these ”iron ropeways” are nowadays used as a secure means for people to climb steep inclines. The sport continues to rise in popularity, with more and more routes being built across the globe, however, the Tyrol is able to boast the original routes, providing the opportunity to experience history and the sport in harmony. Harness up, clip-on and get climbing. For those of you looking for slightly more tranquil pursuits, why not take to the saddle and ride the indigenous Haflinger pony, or take to the hills on foot and explore just some of the estimated 13,000km of natural tracks in the Dolomites. There are abundant opportunities for adventure in this UNESCO World Heritage Site, often regarded as one of the most attractive mountain landscapes in the world, so what are you waiting for?

TICINO REGION

For passionate and experienced mountain bikers, the ”Sella Ronda” trail (www. sellaronda-mtb.com) is a great way to see the Dolomites during the summer. With the help of a mountain bike guide, and by using the ski lifts to reach the top of the four peaks, it is now possible to cycle the Sella Massif on two wheels in just a day. Completing the trail in a clockwise direction covers approximately 58km, with an altitude difference of 3800m – impressive for just 1 day! Unsurprisingly, such a ride isn’t to everyone’s taste, and if you’re looking for something slightly gentler, then a trip along the South Tyrolean Wine Road (www.suedtirolerweinstrasse.it), also Italy’s oldest, is unbeatable on a warm sunny day. Choose from three cycling routes along the Adige river, cycling through the apple orchards that thrive in the valley. With no demanding gradients, people of all ages and abilities can enjoy the ride.

I’d taken a trip to explore the Ticino region of Switzerland; a canton I’d never managed to visit, but had been told was one of the most scenic – and how true this turned out to be. Hermann Hesse, a Nobel prize winner for literature in 1946, once said “Here the sun is more intense, warmer and the mountains redder, chestnuts, vines, almonds and figs are grown here and the inhabitants are good, educated and kind …” I thought I might just be expecting too much of the good life, but it was on my last night as I stood in Ascona (asserted as the Swiss equivalent of St Tropez), looking out over Lake Maggiore, that I realised I’d found a place where the Mediterranean lifestyle combined elegantly with mountain life.

ESCAPE THE CITY Lugano, the largest town in the region, is not only Switzerland's third most influential financial centre, but also a town of parks and flowers, villas and sacred buildings. With Mediterranean flair, Lugano offers all the advantages of a world-class city, combined with the cachet of a small town. However, it’s Lugano’s mountain surroundings that offer the greatest escape. The local olive-tree path is a must in nearby Gandria, a small traditional village built into the side of a mountain, with narrow winding streets and a quaint little church.

WHAT A VIEW! A funicular and cable car from the town of Locarno take you to the ski resort of Alpe Cardada, one of the smallest ski resorts around and far more suited to walking. A mountainside walkway takes you out onto a high gantry offering views of Locarno and Ascona, as well as a breathtaking panorama of mountains and Lake Maggiore.

RELAX IN STYLE Locarno’s lido offers the chance to swim in warm water, whilst enjoying the view of the lake and its surrounding mountains. However, I wouldn’t recommend a dip into Maggiore unless you have a towel poised for your exit – glacial water is freezing even in late August!

DINE IN STYLE For an evening out, nearby Ascona offers enchanted backstreets along with boulevard restaurants overlooking the lake – more commonly associated with the Spanish Rivera than the Swiss Alps. For those looking for the finer things in life Ascona’s 5 hotel The Eden Roc has a sun terrace next to the lake and serves cocktails.

BEN CLATWORTHY

Travel with Thomson Lakes www.thomsonlakes.co.uk; 0871 230 8181

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Project 2016: Les Deux Alpes GOES Californian BEN CLATWORTHY

es Deux Alpes, often regarded as a mecca for outdoor adventure sports enthusiasts, is launching a new initiative: Project 2016 – surfing the Californian wave of snow sports, mountains, relaxation and innovation as a way to promote everything the summer has to

offer in the resort. The Californian lifestyle has become synonymous with us Brits through television programmes such as Baywatch, and it’s this popularity that the French resort is hoping to tap into. Les Deux Alpes, like Chamonix, is one of the resorts in the Alps that is lucky enough to attract equal numbers of winter and summer visitors, and this summer will be open from

16 June until 1 September. The glacier, which is Europe’s biggest with its 100 hectares of slopes, is open each morning for snow sports from 7.15am. The gondola to the glacier remains open in the afternoon until 4.30pm, allowing mountain bikers of all abilities to access the 110km of trails, and a vertical drop of 12,000m. For those looking for a different kind of adrenaline rush, there are a

host of other activities in the resort, try paragliding, bungee jumping or white-water rafting, whilst for those seeking a quieter pace of life, there are endless alpine walks, fishing spots and a golf course. Only time will tell how the resort’s ”West Coast” lifestyle ambition pans out, but if one thing’s for sure, they certainly know how to make the most of summer!

Anti-Gravity Treadmill Originally developed in the US by NASA, and tested at Nike's Oregon Research Project by America's top distance runners, the AlterG (www.alter-g.com) treadmill is the only device of its kind that uses differential air pressure, which can ”unweight” up to 80% of a person’s body weight, allowing for stable support in rehabilitating from injury. AC Milan, Arsenal, Villa, Bayern Munich, Celtic, Chelsea, Everton, Liverpool, Man City, Man United, Real Madrid and Spurs all use the treadmill.

Polar Bear Safaris

Check Your Heart Rate An affordable new heart rate monitor – which can also play tunes to get your rate up or help you to chill-out – is available from online retailer Surfdome.com. The Sportline 1075 Meta MP3 Heart Rate Monitor produces an ECG-accurate continuous-read heart rate monitor, with audible in-ear heart rate and zone training indicator, and also includes an MP3 player with audio feedback and 1GB of digital storage space for music. The unit has a rechargeable battery, laser-tuned sport timer, stopwatch, memory recall and countdown timer, as well as being water-, shock- and slip-resistant. It is currently priced at £63.99 (reduced from £79.99).

Inghams Launch Summer Of Fun With 2012 Brochure nghams (www.inghams.co.uk) has added two new resorts to their lakes and mountains brochure for 2012, Kaprun, Austria, and Torbole, Italy. Nestled beneath the mighty Kitzsteinhorn, Kaprun is a superb base to explore Hohe National Park, the largest in the Alps, which boasts over 266 peaks over 3000m. For those looking to get their summer ski fix, the Kitzsteinhorn glacier, at 3200m, offers skiing well into the summer months, whilst the area also hosts an infamous ironman 70.3 triathlon on 26 August 2012. For those looking to enjoy the lakes, Torbole, situated on the shores of Lake Garda, is a beautiful little town with gorgeous mountain backdrops. For those looking for adventure, you can sail and windsurf in the morning, before taking to the saddle in the afternoon for some mountain biking. The town also plays host to a ”surf” festival (11–16 September), which last year saw 20,000 windsurfing fans take to the water for various competitions and lessons. For those looking for trekking, La Villa and Corvara in Italy both offer fantastic terrain for all abilities in the heart of the Dolomites. For more information on all Inghams summer packages, and to find out more about early booking discounts, visit their website or call 0208 780 4454.

This August, the new Spitsbergen Family Adventure: Polar Bear Safari expedition departs for an 8-day trip in the continuous daylight offered by the Arctic region. Families with children will learn first-hand from Quark’s polar expedition team how to identify animal tracks, capture iconic wildlife such as polar bears and walrus on film, and much more. The Polar Bear Safari takes place from 2–9 August 2012, with prices from £3240 per adult, £2430 per child aged 12–17 years, for seven nights.

Carry on Camping Cycling and leisure retailer Halfords have seen sales of camping equipment soar by almost 50% in the run up to Easter, as the surge in popularity of outdoor holidays in the UK over the last three years shows no sign of slowing. Industry experts say the ‘staycation’ trend and the popularity of nights under canvas have been boosted, not only by continuing economic uncertainty in Europe and austerity measures at home, but also by events such as the Queens Diamond Jubilee.

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MAY 2012

You can never be too prepared for the outdoors; the weather is unpredictable and the landscape varied, that’s why we’ve put together a selection of the hottest products on the market, all aimed at making your adventure one to remember.

Salomon X Ultra GTX £109.99

Nikwax’s Tent & Gear SolarProof

If you like to take to the trails at a

£5.99 for 150ml

good pace, the Salomon X Ultra is

COLUMBIA Insect Blocker 1/2 Zip

Eider’s Target Aero £250

£60

A lightweight, streamlined,

This doubles the life of tents and

Insect repellent and sweat don't

3-layer shell that offers all the

a good choice. The shoe grips well

other gear by protecting it from UV

mix, which is why we've baked a

benefits of GORE-TEX Active

on varied terrain, while feet are

damage, whilst increasing water-

powerful bug blocker right into this

Shell fabric – waterproof,

hugged securely but comfortably

repellency. The latest edition -

tricked-out half-zip. Our Insect

windproof, stretch, durability

by the Sensifit lacing system. Toes

Tent & Gear SolarProof® v12.1 - is

Blocker® technology keeps bugs at

and extreme breathability. This

are protected against stubbing by a

now 3.5 times more concentrated.

bay without requiring sprays, lotions

is one of the first jackets to

rubber cap and a GORE-TEX liner

Apply regularly and you’ll save

and other potions. But this multi-

use GORE-TEX’s Mistral mesh

will keep feet dry.

money in the long run.

tasking top does more than bust

fabric – particularly in the back

www.ellis-brigham.com

www.nikwax.com

bugs, it also repels harmful UV rays

– to provide active air exchange

with UPF 50 sun protection.

offering even more breathability

/www.columbiasportswear.co.uk

than regular Active Shell. www.eider.com

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MAY 2012

HardnutZ Hi Vis Road Helmet £54.99

New from HardnutZ, the Hi Vis Black is available in Matt or Gloss. This lightweight (250gms) inmould helmet features 19 vents, a removable visor, washable padding, and its secret weapon 13 Black panels of 3M Scotchlite reflective material. During the day, a conservative black helmet but at night, under headlights, you'll light up like a Christmas tree! Available May 2012. www.hardnutz.com

Forcefield Race-Lite Vest

ADIDAS Terrex active shell Jacket

Salice 006 EYEWEAR

CONTOUR ROAM HD HELMET CAM

New for 2012 the Forcefield Race-

If you are into athletic speed

Developed with Alessandro Petacchi

The ContourROAM is the ideal

Lite Vest incorporates a highly

challenges in the mountains and

the 006 is the ultimate combination

camera for a fun and easy

flexible and breathable CE approved

optimum moisture control without

of style and performance. Made

experience capturing your

back protector that moulds to the

dispensing with guaranteed lasting

from the highest quality materials

adventures anywhere life takes you.

body’s natural shape when in use

weather protection, the terrex™ active

on the shore of Lake Como, the 006

Just slide the record switch and

creating a supremely comfortable

shell Jacket for men or women meets

is guaranteed to perform as good

you're instantly filming beautiful HD

fit. The low profile back protector

your specifications. It is a minimalistic

as it looks. The hydro-repellent lens

video. The award-winning design is

is formed from M15 Armour® a

jacket that is extremely lightweight.

coating increases lens life while

tough, compact, waterproof to one

specialised polymer from Nitrile

The brand-new three-layer Active

the mirrored finish and anti-glare

meter, and versatile which means

rubber that has been optimised to

Shell material with proven GORE-

treatment provide excellent clarity

you can use your ContourROAM

achieve low weight, flexibility and

TEX® weather protection offers Soft

of vision.

anywhere, anytime and capture all

Repeat Performance Technology.

Shell breathability.

www.salice.co.uk

the action you want.

www.jsaccessories.co.uk

www.adidas.co.uk

£139.99

£225

£69.95

£119.99

www.ultrasporteu.com

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MAY 2012

Merrell Extends Partnership With UK National Parks utdoor footwear specialist Merrell is stepping up its partnership with all 15 of the UK’s national parks by distributing ”visitor passports” to customers via in-store point-of-purchase materials, their website and social media platforms. “Our National Parks offer a diverse range of dramatic and stunning scenery and we’re delighted to help enhance the adventures of outdoor enthusiasts whilst using the Visitor Passports” said Emily Carr, Marketing Executive at Merrell. The UK National Parks visitor passport allows guests to collect attendance stamps as a lasting memory of their unique adventure at each. There’s also the chance to win top of the range Merrell gear. “With the current difficult financial situation, more people than ever are staying at home to enjoy what the UK has to offer (including) ... some adrenalin filled activities ... in your nearest National Park” said Carl Lis, Chairman of the UK Association of National Park Authorities.

Engelberg, Switzerland, has hit upon the novel idea of offering a different free activity for its guests every day from Monday to Friday each week of summer. The list of opportunities includes glacier crevasse abseiling, pony trekking and summer bobsledding. The activities have a combined value of CHF300 if you were to pay, but are free of charge for those who book accommodation in Engelberg (www.engelberg.ch). However, the number of people who can participate in each activity is limited so it’s first come, first served.

We do whatever it takes to make your summer holidays perfect. MySwitzerland.com Switzerland has everything you could wish for a summer holiday, and with 7,000 different bodies of water, there are plenty of locations to enjoy a beach holiday too. Whether you want to discover our mountain lakes, waterfalls and rivers or even spend the night afloat somewhere, we are sure that we can find just what you are looking for. Visit MySwitzerland.com/summer for more holiday ideas in, on or around the water.

Blausee, Melchsee-Frutt, Lucerne and Lake Lucerne Region

Free Activities At Engelberg

Save Money, Save The Planet Drinks bottle manufacturer Sigg (www.sigg.com), famed for their aluminium water bottles, say that re-filling their nearly indestructible bottles saves money in the long run, and is better for the planet compared with buying throwaway or recycled plastic bottles. Each Sigg water bottle is seamlessly shaped from a single piece of pure aluminium. Its lightweight and durable characteristics make it long-lasting, and one of the most environmentallyfriendly materials.

Helly Hansen For Expedition After the great success of the North Pole expedition, Walking With The Wounded looks to heighten the challenge and awareness by taking on Mount Everest. Technical clothing and sportswear brand, Helly Hansen, is the official clothing partner for the expedition to the top of the world. This year, a team of ex servicemen and crew aims for the top of the world. The expedition to Mount Everest will take place in April and May. 103_11g_01_sasleskit_sommer_ins.indd 7

30.01.12 09:52

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MAY 2012

THE OMNIA

MONTHLY GUIDE TO ACCOMMODATION

SKI-BASe: chalet de la Cloche

+41 (0)27 966 7171

info@the-omnia.com

+44 (0)20 3432 8446 info@ski-base.com www.ski-base.com

THE CAMBRIAN

www.the-omnia.com

THE CLUBHOUSE

Zermatt

Chamonix – Mont Blanc

The Hotel Alex is perfectly situated in the centre of Zermatt just off on a hidden back street, giving you the busyness of beautiful Zermatt right on your doorstep, but the peace and quiet you would expect from an escape to the mountains. The warm and friendly welcome is simply hard to beat.

The Clubhouse is a boutique chalet-hotel, bar and restaurant which sits inside a magnificent 1920s Art Deco mansion. The building has undergone major refurbishment to create seven ultra modern rooms with accommodation for up to 20 guests. The range of rooms (from the sumptuous Myla Suite to the comfortable bunk rooms) boast his-and-hers, teakdecked, power showers, Frette linen and fat duvets.

+41 (0)27 966 7070 info@hotelalexzermatt.com www.hotelalexzermatt.com

+33 (0)450 984 220 reception@clubhouse.fr www.clubhouse.fr

Val d’Isère Chalet de la Cloche is in the heart of Les Brevieres, Espace Killy, considered to be one of the greatest ski areas in the world.The Ski-Base team have created a wonderful chalet described by ‘Harpers Bazaar’ as a “haven of sensual indulgence”. It is one of Conde Naste Travellers top 10 chalets in the Alps.

SUPERIOR

There’s an immediate WOW factor at the Omnia Mountain Lodge which perches on a cliff in the centre of Zermatt. The Omnia builds on its great location with exquisite interior design, based on a contemporary interpretation of the classic American Mountain Lodge, fine cuisine, a wonderful wellness centre and seamless service, to createba harmonious guest experience. There are 30 rooms, a dozen of them suites all equipped with the latest technology and many with balconies and Matterhorn views. The Omnia’s lobby has a library and fireplace, restaurant, bar, boardroom, cavern and two sun decks high above the roofs of Zermatt and the intimate restaurant is a place you’ll want to spend the night

HOTEL ALEX 5

Zermatt

MOUNTAIN HEAVEN

UNOFFICIAL

Lenkerhof

Adelboden

Grimentz

Lenk, Simmental

Stunning mountain views in every direction, The Cambrian offers the kind of location that desk huggers the world over spend their days dreaming about. Located in the leading resort of Adelboden in the Bernese Oberland, the hotel provides authentic local colour, cosmopolitan comfort and inspiring cuisine backed up by superb service.

Mountain heaven is family owned and run, independent holiday company specialising in great value, high quality holiday accommodation in catered chalets and self catered chalet apartments. For your peace of mind your holidays are fully bonded by ABTOT and we have a no hidden extras policy so there are no annoying extra charges or supplements!

There’s only one five star hotel in the village and it’s the Lemkerhof. This is one of the most modern, unconventional luxury hotels in Europe. You will find everything you need for a highly enjoyable time to rest, relax and regenerate. The ‘7sources’ spa offers an indoor sports pool, outdoor sulphur pool, seven saunas and much more.

+41 (0)33 673 8383 info@thecambrianadelboden.com www.thecambrianadelboden.com

+44 (0)151 625 1921 info@mountainheaven.co.u www.mountainheaven.co.uk

+41 (0)33 736 3636 welcome@lenkerhof.ch www.lenkerhof.ch

030

Much Better ADVENTURES

BEN CLATWORTHY

ertical Drop’s Ben Clatworthy spent 10 minutes with Alex Narracott, Founder of Much Better Adventures, the specialist adventure holiday website with sustainable travel at its core.

Alex, it’s been just over 2 years since Much Better Adventures launched, and I last spoke to you, how is everything going? AN Really well in lots of respects thanks. We set out with a big vision and lots of ideals, but no real idea whether it would go anywhere or not. Thankfully we seemed to capture the imagination of both adventure travellers and adventure companies, and have picked up quite a bit of recognition along the way. Being rated by The Guardian as “one of the best travel websites ever” was nice! What made you choose to set up such a company in the first place? AN Well, my idealistic vision of the world was probably the starting point, coupled

with the happy coincidence that there was no decent adventure travel resources out there. From a personal point of view, being able to run a travel website from anywhere in the world also has its appeal – we have spent a lot of time in the French Alps up to now! What is it that Much Better Adventures aims to change, and tackle? AN Quite a lot. It’s our own little fight against the impersonal, mass-produced and green-washed “adventure” packages that are forever thrown at us, like there is no alternative. For small operators, competing for customers online is virtually impossible right now. This means travellers get a raw deal, because the most unique experiences are the hardest to find. Much Better Adventures levels the playing field, creating a one-stop shop to easily find and compare adventures direct from local, independent and ethical providers around the world. What are the key features of a “much better” adventure? AN From trekking with Mongolian nomads to sailing around the Greek islands, many Much Better Adventures directly support the efforts of those that do incredible work to keep our natural playgrounds the amazing places they are. Others just involve staying with friendly people who live locally, share your passion for an activity, and want to take you to their favourite spots.

to the Himalayas, the Alps, Morocco, Cambodia or Vietnam. And how about in the water? AN Do you fancy kayaking and wild camping around Sweden’s stunning archipelago of 6000 islands? That’s on my list for this year. As is surfing in Spain and sailing around the Greek islands, although that may have to wait for another year!

With the summer fast approaching what do you have on offer for 2012? AN Take your pick, the world is your oyster! Biking is proving very popular at the moment, because it’s such a fantastic way to explore destinations. We’ve got some incredible multi-day trips exploring everywhere from the Scottish Highlands

Anything new for this year? AN We’re going to relaunch the whole site over the summer. Instead of searching and browsing choices, you will be able to state what you are looking for and have companies make you personalised offers. This should make planning a doddle and throw up some really unique trips, so I’ll be excited to see it live!

‘Our social network’

BERGHAUS

Philippe, Anna, Leo, Leah & Rob

Escaping their everyday routine - watch our athletes’ adventure in our new TV advert: www.facebook.com/berghaus For the best outdoor gear visit: www.berghaus.com

See the movie Vadvetjåkka www.haglofs.uk

thiS iS Where it BegiNS You won’t easily find any better weather for running. at a latitude of 67 degrees north, on the border to the Vadvetjåkka National park, the average temperature in July is 14°c and the sun shines around the clock. here you can run for miles without meeting another human being – you stand a better chance of spotting moose, lynx or weasels. here you are close to reality. the reality we create products for, that consists of sun, wind and rain, ideally all on the same afternoon. it’s also close to changes in nature, the morning’s first rays of sunshine and the distant blue light over the horizon at dusk.

NicKlaS BloM

Welcome to our world. Welcome to haglöfs.

graM coMp 25 extremely lightweight and streamlined backpack for racing or training. intelligent

eNDo Q JacKet Waterproof gore-tex® active Shell

HAGLÖFS LOGOTYPE hydration system solution. contoured straps BASIC LOGOTYPE. TO BE USED AS NEGATIVE WHITE ON A BLACK OR DARK BACKGROUND

and hip belt for the greatest comfort.

actiVeS cool Q tee Wicking and quick-drying base layer

jacket with excellent breathability.

for high pulse activities.

lightweight thanks to our

Made from recycled material.

minimalist design and innovative cutting techniques.

oUtStaNDiNg oUtDoor eQUipMeNt

PLEASE CONTACT HAGLÖFS IF YOU REQUIRE ASSISTANCE OR ADVICE WITH THE APPLICATION OF THE LOGOTYPE TEL +46 226 670 00, FAX +46 226 571 59