Issue 8 - Winter 2016/17 - Morzine Source Magazine

winter 17

Matt Georges - behind the Lens An Igloo Adventure Behind the Brands a summe r Holida y to morz ine for 8 people

Happy 50th Birthday Avoriaz

Resort activities, news & events Equipment guides, restaurant recommendations & more

www.geranium74.com

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info@geranium74.com | 00 33 (0)4 50 38 86 30

OVER 60 PROPERTIES IN MORZINE & SURROUNDING VILLAGES. STEP BY STEP HELP THROUGH THE BUYING PROCESS | CALL, EMAIL OR POP IN FOR A CHAT St Jean d’Aulps Ski Station €59 000

St Jean d’Aulps Ski Station €170 000

Studio apartment with separate cabin, sleeps up to 6, close to telecabin and only 10 minutes from Morzine. Covered balcony.

DPE F.

Duplex 2/3 bed apartment with mezzanine, centre of ski station and only 10 minutes from Morzine. Balcony and cave. DPE E.

Seytroux €295 000

Abondance €459 000

Large semi-detached farmhouse with 3 bedrooms and a barn to renovate on a pretty garden plot of 813m², bags of character.

DPE B.

Detached 4 bedroom chalet on a plot of 1000m². Built in 2013 to a high specification with beautiful mountain views. DPE F.

Chatel €740 000

St Jean d’Aulps €950 000

Detached 4 bedroom chalet built in 2009 on a sunny plot of 1568m². Immaculate condition with rental potential. Close to amenities. DPE D.

Luxury 5 bedroom farmhouse with 1479m² of land and absolutely breathtaking views. Very sunny location. Sold furnished. DPE B.

Find out the value of your home, contact us for a free valuation Geranium Immobilier EURL, 1796 Route des Grandes Alpes, Saint Jean d’Aulps, 74430, France #lovemorzine

EURL au capital de € 5.000, Immatriculée au RCS de Thonon-les-Bains N° 515 135 341, TVA intracom FR 95515135341, Garantie financière € 120 000.

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

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your source of information for Morzine, Les Gets and Avoriaz

Award winning Italian kitchens on display in Les Gets

From UK to Portes du Soleil Lion d’Or 175 rue du Vieux Village 74260 LES GETS sales@midaskitchens.fr UK Office: +44(0) 1732 373515 FR Office: +33(0) 640 922527 www.midaskitchens.fr

Part of the Burnhill Kitchens Group

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Sir Ranulph Fiennes graced the cover of last winter’s issue of Source Magazine. Jenny Jones the year before.

Ben Fogle, Bear Grylls, Felicity Aston, we’ve had them all. All legends in their own right and hugely inspirational to interview.

lift improvements? Do you know who flies the rescue helicopter? Read on for a behind the scenes look at your favourite ski resorts as you’ve never seen them before.

As always, our website is packed with events, updates, local news and live lift updates and if you have any feedback on this magazine, we’d love to hear from you.

Go forth and enjoy the snow…

Amie henderson | publisher amie@morzinesourcemagazine.com

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e n! .

When I sat down to plan this winter’s issue (at the beginning of May in case you’re wondering…), the world was my oyster. Which household name could we get to tell us about their love of the mountains? Which up and coming skier or snowboarder could

we interview about their pursuit of Olympic glory? The truth is, I’m more interested in our local legends. The men and women who work behind the scenes to make Morzine, Avoriaz and Les Gets tick during every hour of the day and night. Arguably they deserve more recognition, more kudos and more applause for the work they do. We’ve been lucky to meet more than a few of them whilst working on Source Magazine over these last few years. Do you know who designs your piste map? Do you know who decides how to spend €40million each year on

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l ag it fi e as e is m s ni r sh ecycle th pas ? ed r e adi n g

The Ultim ate summer Holiday worth o ver

€4000 Copyright Origami Media Ltd 2016 Source Magazine is published in the UK and remains the property of Origami Media Ltd. All material in this magazine is strictly copyright and all rights are reserved by Origami Media Ltd.

No part of this publication may be reproduced in whole or in part without the written permission of the publishers.

Dates, information and prices are believed to be correct at the time of going to print but are subject to change and no responsibility is accepted for omissions or errors.

Any correspondence and advertising enquiries should be directed to: info@origami-media.com or visit www.origami-media.com.

Design and reprographics by Origami Media Ltd. Printed in the UK by Swallowtail Print Ltd. With thanks to the Office de Tourisme in Morzine, Les Gets, Avoriaz, Vallee d’Aulps and Les Portes du Soleil. #lovemorzine

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Essentials - Morzine, Les Gets & Avoriaz ................................................ 12 Behind the Lens - Matt Georges ............................................................. 18 #Trending - Ski Hardware .......................................................................... 24 Behind the Scenes - An Igloo Adventure .........................................30 #Trending - Outerwear .............................................................................. 36 Behind the Piste Maps ............................................................................... 38 Behind the Lifts in Avoriaz..................................................................40 The 2017 Source Awards for Excellence................................ 42 Behind the Brand - Faction Skis ........................................................... 44 #Trending - For The Kids ............................................................................ 48 Behind the Rotors - Blugeon Helicopters ....................................... 56 Behind the Lessons - Becoming a Ski Instructor ..........................60 The Source Accommodation Directory.................................. 65 Buying a home in France ....................................................................... 70 Behind the Brand - Dupraz Snowboards ...........................................74 Behind the Barrier - Staying safe just-off-piste ..........................78 Behind the School - 25 years in Avoriaz with ian Mckeller ........ 82 #Trending - Travel Accessories .............................................................. 84 Behind the Snow - The Future of the white stuff ..........................90 #Trending - Snowboard Hardware ........................................................ 92 How To Ride Powder.................................................................................. 94 Behind the Business - Action Academy ............................................. 96 Brexit...................................................................................................................... 98 Behind the Marketing........................................................................... 100 Behind the Ski Movie................................................................................. 112 Back to Back Seasons ............................................................................ 114 Behind the Romance - Summer Weddings........................................ 118 Competition - Win a Summer Holiday ..................................................... 112 #Trending - Chic Chalet Interiors ........................................................124 Events...................................................................................................................126 The Summer .......................................................................................................128

Contributors

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Samuel McMahon

David Freeman

Nicola Iseard

Robert Stewart

Chloe Hardy

Baden Knifton

Robin Ecoeur

Sharif Gergis

Claire Garber

Cameron Hall

David Gladwin

Rosie Wheat

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your source of information for Morzine, Les Gets and Avoriaz Wendys Houses.pdf 1 10/10/2016 10:40

Specialising in prime location resorts Morzine, Les Gets, Chatel, Megeve, Chamonix & Savoie ski resorts

Properties to suit all budgets

• Luxury chalets • Prime new-build developments • Re-sale properties: apartments & chalets • Farms/Land • Hotels/restaurants & businesses

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So good you might forget to go out skiing...

Come and stay in our exceptional serviced chalets, surrounded by beautiful scenery with award-winning food catered for all.

A truly unforgettable Alpine experience.

Source Magazine’s Favourite Food in 2015 & 2016

Number 1 ranked on Trip Advisor

email: info@alikats.eu phone: +33 (0) 678104092 web: alikats.eu

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www.morzinesourcemagazine.com

the big

source

visitor

survey 2017 Nothing pleases us more than when our magazine readers and our online followers get in touch to tell us about their holiday in Morzine, Avoriaz or Les Gets. We love hearing your feedback, both positive and negative and whenever possible we’ll pass it on to the local ‘powers that be’ across the three resorts.

This winter we’d like to take that feedback one step further. We’re launching our first Big Source Visitor Survey to gather as many opinions from you as possible.

Who’s the survey for?

It’s for anyone that visits Morzine, Les Gets or Avoriaz this winter season, whatever your reason for being here.

What do we need to do?

Complete a 10 question survey on our website (morzinesourcemagazine.com/survey), which should take you no more than five minutes. If you’d rather complete the questionnaire via email, then send a message to info@morzinesourcemagazine.com and we’ll forward the survey to you.

What will you do with the results?

We’ll share them with a collection of local businesses, all of whom care very much about your experiences in our three resorts. We’ll also share them with the Offices de Tourisme in the area with the aim of addressing all the points raised in the survey.

What’s in it for me?

We’ll randomly choose one respondee from all of the new responses each week to win a Counterfeit Clothing beanie.

Complete the survey, win a hat. Simple.

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French Courses Intensive Courses Weekly Group Lessons Private Lessons GCSE + A-level tutoring Skype and online options Conversation Classes

French + English Summer Camps Day Camps: mornings or full-days Residential Camp Camps include: Morning French or English classes Native-speaker dynamic teachers Option of GCSE Preparation Classes Option of Private Language Lessons Exciting adventure activities and excursions info@alpinefrenchschool.com | Tel: 04 50 79 08 38 | www.alpinefrenchschool.com

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morzine essentials

Morzine is a resort that consistently under promises and over delivers. You’re no doubt here to ski the enormous Portes du Soleil, but across the village you’ll find great restaurants, bars, activities, events and a warm, welcoming smile from the locals.

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WHERE TO EAT

WHERE TO DRINK

Lunch: Hotel le Tremplin

Apres Ski: Le Cottage

It’s the perfect meeting point and a superb spot for people watching. Located on the piste at the bottom of the Pleney, the menu is filled with freshly prepared dishes and there’s something for everyone. Large groups should book a table on +33 (0) 4 50 79 12 31.

Ski down the Pleney, walk 50 metres and settle on the terrace of this lively après bar. You’ll appreciate the table service after a long day in ski or snowboard boots. Expect live bands to accompany a lively atmosphere.

Dinner: La Grange

Apres Apres Ski: Café Chaud

In the centre of the village, this cosy restaurant offers the full range of tranditional Savoyarde treats, served up by husband and wife team Alex and Fred. Don’t miss the wine list and definitely always book your table to avoid disappointment! +33 (0) 4 50 75 96 40.

To bridge the gap between après and clubbing, this bar hosts live bands performing original music each evening with drinks promos aplenty.

On the Mountain: Restaurant La Pointe de Nyon Located on the Nyon plateau, Luce and her team offer a warm, friendly welcome and enormous portions of delicious food. Their sunny terrace is perfect for springtime sunbathing! Book your table for lunch by calling +33 (0) 4 50 84 74 68.

Something Different: Satellite Coffee Found on the Rue du Bourg, this friendly coffee shop is where you’ll find halloumi stuffed pittas, breakfast baps, the most delicious cups of coffee and a selection of homemade cakes including gluten free options.

Snacks: Chez Shafty New for this winter, Chez Shafy is a new snack bar serving sweet and savory crepes, hot dogs, kebabs and fried chicken every day from early until midnight. You’ll find Chez Shafty behind the Place du Baraty.

#lovemorzine

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Pre Dinner: Bar National If you’re staying a little way down the valley, you’ll find friendly service and a great selection of drinks at Bar National in St Jean d’Aulps.

Post Dinner: Tibetan Cafe The bar is often packed but don’t let this put you off. Tony and his team host a lively night out, often with live music and always with a live DJ. Their gin-powered cocktails are a must.

L ate Night: Cavern Bar This legendary Morzine bar is at your service. Expect a lively atmosphere, cheesy pop anthems worthy of a boogie, ski legs permitting.

Early Hours: Le Paradis A short walk from the centre of town and open until 5am every night, you’ll find themed nights, big DJs and drinks promos.

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your source of information for Morzine, Les Gets and Avoriaz

DixieBar.pdf

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WHERE TO SHOP Carrefour Morzine: Open every day, 8.30am - 8pm

Live sports on 10 screens

Carrefour St Jean d’Aulps: Monday, Friday & Saturday, 8.30am - 7.30pm, Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday 8.30am - 12.30pm and 2.30pm - 7.30pm. Sunday, 8.30am - 12.30pm.

Vival Montriond: Every day, 7am - 8pm Casino Morzine: Every day, 8am - 8pm

Large choice of beers Spanish bar|Wine bar|British bar

Spar Morzine: Every day, 7.30am - 7.30pm la vie cl aire: Monday - Saturday, 8.30am - 12.30pm and 4pm - 7pm

Snacks

OTHER USEFUL STUFF

Live Music

Medical Emergency: 15 or 112 Police: 17 or 112 Fire: 18 or 112

11am - 2am

Piste Emergency: Morzine, Les Gets and Avoriaz +33 (0) 4 50 74 11 13 Medical Centre: 878 Route de la Plagne Open every day throughout the winter from 8.30am.

Appointments: +33 (0) 4 50 75 99 17 Pharmacy Centrale: 57 Route de la Plagne Open every day, 8.30am - 12.30pm and 2.30pm to 7.30pm Pharmacy du Bourg: 12 Place de l’Eglise Open every day, 8.30am - 12.30pm and 2.30pm to 7.30pm Dentist: 878 Route de la Plagne Advance appointments necessary: +33 (0) 4 50 79 15 01.

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LES GETS essentials

Offering something for everyone throughout the winter season, we love skiing down the Chavannes, straight into a massive après party set on the piste in the sunshine. You definitely shouldn’t miss these Les Gets highlights this winter.

WHERE TO EAT Lunch: Alba Just off the village’s main street and no more than 25 metres from the bottom of the Chavannes, the Scottish inspired menu in this lovely little coffee shop is a real treat. Expect Scottish and English breakfasts with delicious haggis and black pudding as well as sweet treats too. Taking bookings on +33 (0) 7 71 71 13 65.

Dinner: La Piste Noire This gem, found inside the La Marmotte hotel, is arguably one of Les Gets' finest. Overlooking the slopes, the setting is both elegant and cosy. On the menu you’ll discover scallops, foie gras, langoustines and duck, served alongside an exceptional wine list. Call +33 (0) 4 50 84 55 20 to book.

Piste Side: Le Bacchaus Ski directly to your table at this glorious restaurant just above the village. A huge sunny terrace is the perfect spot on which to enjoy a glass of Miraval rose. On the menu you’ll find antipasti, mountain favourites and even a spot of live jazz if you’re lucky. Booking is always recommended here. Call +33 (0) 4 50 75 80 50.

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WHERE TO DRINK Apres Ski: Le Apres Ski Unmissable at the foot of the Chavannes, this is piste-side après at its very best. Expect live bands and DJs, drinks promotions, games and sun loungers.

Pre Dinner: Bar Bush A firm favourite amongst locals and holidaymakers, you’re guaranteed a warm welcome and a lively atmosphere. Bar Bush isn’t the largest bar you’ve ever been in, but this adds to the cosy atmosphere. Head here for live sports too.

Something Different: La Paika

Post Dinner: Le Pub Irlandais

Always book a table if the sun is shining! Found on the Vorosses piste in the Perrieres sector of Les Gets, this traditional mountain restaurant serves up exceptionally tasty dishes, while their outdoor BBQ buffet on sunny days is unmissable. Book your table on +33 (0) 4 50 92 85 22.

Whilst it's true that every good destination has a good Irish pub, Les Gets does so in style. This lively bar is the perfect spot for a late night tipple that won't get too out of control. Located in the very centre of the resort, it also features its own mictrobrewery as well as live music throughout the season.

Snacks: Mammas

Early Hours: Igloo Chalet Club

With a menu that includes everything from snacks to full-blown portions of fish and chips, thai noodles or loaded pizzas, Mammas truly does offer something for everyone in a relaxed setting with friendly staff. Bookings not always necessary but recommended if you’re in a group. Call +33 (0) 4 50 37 76 12.

From first appearances you’ll imagine that you’re entering the smallest nightclub known to man. Inside you’ll find a large, modern club on two floors with international DJs and cocktails a-plenty.

Igloo opens at 11pm and closes at 6am, you’ll find it in the very centre of the village.

#lovemorzine

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your source of information for Morzine, Les Gets and Avoriaz

Mad-Wax advert.pdf

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LES GETS ORIGINAL MOBILE SKI & BOARD HIRE COMPANY /skihirelesgets

Ski Hire Les Gets & Morzine • Our 15th year of mobile ski & board hire • New equipment, great service • Contact matt@skihirelesgets.com

www.skihirelesgets.com | +33 (0)6 73 06 39 41

Treat yourself to WHERE TO SHOP Carrefour Montagne: Open every day, 8am - 8pm Sherpa Les Perrieres: Open every day, 7am - 12.30pm, 3pm - 8pm

OTHER USEFUL STUFF Medical Emergency: 15 or 112 Police: 17 or 112 Fire: 18 or 112 Piste Emergency: Morzine, Les Gets and Avoriaz +33 (0) 4 50 74 11 13 Medical Centre: 138 Rue de la Forge Open every day throughout the winter between 9am and 12noon and 2pm to 6pm.

Call + 33 (0) 4 50 75 80 70 for appointments.

Pharmacy: 306 Rue du Centre Open every day, 8.45am - 12.30pm and 2pm - 7pm.

AT C H A L E T G E N T I A N E

Beautiful 8 bedroom catered ski chalet in Les Gets, at the heart of the Portes du Soleil.

To find out more please visit:

www.chaletgentiane.com email

summitspecial@chaletgentiane.com or call

Dentist: Immeuble Pied de l’Ardoit, Rue de Centre Advance appointments necessary: +33 (0) 4 50 75 84 67.

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+44 (0) 7931 934312

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info

avoriaz

essentials Everything that the Portes du Soleil’s highest mountain resort has to offer is accessible on skis. What’s not to love? There’s an action packed calendar of events, a stack of great shops, bars and restaurants, and 600km of piste right on your doorstep. Go forth and enjoy.

WHERE TO EAT Lunch: Les Trappeurs Located directly opposite the Prodains Express lift station with an enormous terrace that enjoys the sunshine all day long, Les Trappeurs is probably the best restaurant in Avoriaz, offering choice for all tastes.

There’s an Italian-inspired menu, omelets and burgers, Savoyarde specialties and a chefs corner to tempt you. Large groups should book a table in advance by calling +33 (0) 4 50 74 17 33..

Dinner: Le Bistro Slap bang in the centre of Avoriaz, this restaurant offers chic dining with a slightly more expensive price tag. Dishes still run along the Savoyarde, cheese-infused theme but there are always a few surprises on the menu too. Don’t pass up a look at their wine list and always book your table as this restaurant gets packed! Call +33 (0) 4 50 74 14 08.

On the Mountain: La Pomme de Pin Located at the heart of the Lindarets bowl, this restaurant offers a great meeting point for groups heading off in different directions on the mountain and looking reconvene for lunch. The menu features Savoyarde favourites, crepes and burgers, all served in a cosy interior or on a sunny deck. Big groups should book on +33 (0) 4 50 74 90 64.

Something Different: La Kinkerne Found at the bottom of Le Crot piste in Les Prodains, it’s worth the ski if you want to enjoy a more relaxed, less spendy meal. Good value dishes including homemade meatballs and spaghetti and sweet and sticky pulled pork in addition to a great kids menu are on offer at La Kinkerne, served by a friendly, knowledgeable team in an unpretentious, piste-side spot. Call them on +33 (0) 4 50 90 12 79.

Snacks: Café Fantastic Set in the very heart of the resort, this is a busy bar and restaurant serving food until 5pm with a fast pace and a fun atmosphere.

You’re also just opposite the village ice rink, the Office de Tourisme and the many shops of Avoriaz, making it the perfect spot for an après drink or two. Book a table on +33 (0) 4 50 74 09 15.

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WHERE TO DRINK Apres Ski: Shooters Bar Expect a lively après session when you head to Shooters from 4pm.

Also expect to be offered one of 50 different shooters from behind the bar to get the party started. There’s like music during après and again at 10pm, followed by live DJs until 2am. Just in case you get a bit carried away.

Pre Dinner: Ja Ja Bar This wine and champagne bar is the perfect spot if you’re looking for somewhere to while away the final hours of the day. There are chic, comfy sofas, warm blankets and a very tempting wine list to enjoy.

Post Dinner:Le Studio 9 Bowling If you can muster up some competitive energy after a day on the mountain and an evening meal laden with fromage, then this 10pin bowling alley complete with its own bar can be a really fun alternative to the packed pubs of Avoriaz. Snooker, video games, table football, pinball and an all-important dance machine are also available.

L ate Night / Early Hours: The Place Bar Once you’re in The Place, you’re unlikely to be leaving until the early hours. Enjoy their 70s, 80s and 90s theme nights, live bands and drinks promotions.

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Total Chalet Services.pdf

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Our family run business provides peace of mind for property owners, and hassle-free holidays for your guests Morzine, Les Gets & outlying villages.

Our services range from total chalet management to ad hoc cleaning, catering or babysitting

www.totalchaletservices.com TOTAL MOUNTAIN Specialising in bespoke alpine holidays.

Summer or Winter, we have a range of options to suit you.

www.totalmountain.co.uk +44 (0) 7870 191 144 +33 (0) 6 47 94 65 69 info@totalchaletservices.com

WHERE TO SHOP Carrefour Montagne: Every day, 8am - 8pm Sherpa Fal aise: Every day, 8am - 8.30pm Sherpa Pl ace du Snow: Every day, 8am - 8.30pm

OTHER USEFUL STUFF

Ski with some of the best British instructors in the Alps Call us or email us now to book lessons Call 0033 450 74 98 58 Dec till Apr Call 0844 484 33 44 All year round Email lessons@tsi.ski Visit www.tsi.ski

Medical Emergency: 15 or 112 Police: 17 or 112 Fire: 18 or 112 Piste Emergency: Morzine, Les Gets and Avoriaz +33 (0) 4 50 74 11 13 Medical Centre: 221 Rue des Traineaux Consultations available without appointment, 8.30am - 7pm every day.

Call +33 (0) 4 50 74 05 42 for appointments.

Pharmacy: des Portes du Solei Open every day, 8.30am – 12.30pm and 2.30pm to 7.30pm

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There's some folk in resort that you'll always remember. They're the characters and personalities that make Morzine, Les Gets and Avoriaz so great and we could fill an entire magazine introducing you to them. But for now, allow us to introduce six faces that you should look out for this winter. They'll enhance your holiday infinitely.

- locals -

El Elliot Years spent running one of the area’s finest chalets and a summer spent with the Avoriaz Office de Tourisme were the perfect training ground for El’s new role. As Bar Manager at the re-launched Café Chaud in Morzine, this girl is less Bet Lynch, more a female Tom Cruise. Pay a visit to El if you’re in need of local information, great chat and a plethora of drinking options. El runs a tight ship and a fab party so you’ve been warned on both counts.

Ellie Soutter This girl is proof that if you want something bad enough, you can make it happen. Currently ranked number two in the world in bordercross and blessed with freeride and freestyle snowboard skills that you’d sell your Granny for, Les Gets based Ellie is now under the wing of Red Bull’s pro team. Her coach this season is French Olympian Deborah Anthonioz to support Ellie’s progress towards the 2022 Beijing winter games. Until then look out for Ellie at the Freeride Junior Tour in Andorra between 3rd and 9th February and representing Team GB at the European Youth Olympics in Turkey between 11th and 18th February.

Claude Augras The locals don’t come much more local than Claude. Source turns to this guy when we want to recommend a proper, authentic, Savoyarde experience to holidaymakers and he always delivers. Claude and his partner Veronique run a beautiful chalet d’alpage called La Tapiaz, offering delicious, home-cooked dishes made from only local ingredients. The alpage is off the beaten track, you’ll get there using snowshoes and the views are exceptional. Don’t miss this experience this winter.

Dave Branfield Product photographer turned chalet company owner turned brewer. Having spent the last couple of years quietly tinkering with ales, Dave has opened a dedicated brewing premises on the outskirts of Morzine to produce greater volumes of the beers we've all grown to love. We love it when a hobby turns into a fully fledged business, and you can now sample Ibex Microbrasserie beers at Cafe Chaud, La Marmotte d'Or and Beanies along with many other local watering holes this winter. #lovemorzine

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your source of information for Morzine, Les Gets and Avoriaz

Joelle Planchamp

Shafty Boom

The epitome of French sophistication, Joelle offers a seriously good alternative to winter sports pursuits in her chic shop on Morzine’s Route de la Plagne, which is decked out with modern art exhibitions and comfy sofas. We all love a good shop after all. She personally curates styles and looks for both men and women in addition to offering a personal shopping service in the comfort of your own chalet. A visit to Angels half page.pdf 1 10/10/2016 seeFrance Joelle Property offers inspiration on so many levels.

One of Morzine’s best known faces, having spent several years on the door at The Cavern, Shaft can now be found holding court inside his own late-night snack bar. Head to Chez Shafty for SFC (Shafty Fried Chicken), burgers and pulled pork, all within the confines of a cosy chalet on the Route de Telepherique. Laughs and a great atmosphere come as standard.

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Professional Property Finders & Estate Agents Free personal service to help you find the right property

Let us do the leg work so you can spend more time enjoying the mountains

Property for Sale We can offer you the largest selection of property for sale in Morzine, Avoriaz, Les Gets, St Jean d’Aulps, Le Biot, Essert La Pierre

www.francepropertyangels.com | info@francepropertyangels.com | +44 (0) 1225 442128 /MorzineSourceMagazine

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rider: Elias Elhardt

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mat t georges

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your source of information for Morzine, Les Gets and Avoriaz

lens

with matt georges - By Samuel McMahon These days, when even your mum has an iPhone and an Instagram account, everyone's a photographer. With upwards of a trillion photos taken a year, it takes something special to stand out, especially in a crowded market like snowboarding.

Matt Georges is that special something. With over a decade of shooting snowboarding under his belt, he still has the passion and drive for his craft that keeps his photographs unique year after year. Utilising not only the most current gear, but a whole host of old fashioned film cameras, once you know his style you see it everywhere: from Roxy and Vans catalogues to magazine covers the world over. Well respected throughout his field, he even curates his own snowboard photography project, The Dirty Dogs, a hand-bound celebration of the people behind your favourite shots.

I’ve been lucky enough to work with Matt over the past few winters, so when Source asked me who I thought was ‘a bit of a legend behind the camera’, there wasn’t really any other choice.

How did you get into photography and what came first: snowboarding or taking pictures?

I started snowboarding and skateboarding aged twelve, then at school they had this photo club. I joined and started learning to shoot photos and print in the darkroom. My parents gave me an old Nikon FE they’d bought in the eighties so I started shooting my friends here and there during our skate and snow missions and printing the results at school in my downtime - at lunchtime and before or after school - then when some of my friends started to get sponsored, I started to get photos in magazines.

So you learned analogue techniques from the very beginning?

Yeah, when I started there were no digital cameras, just film, and I was just shooting black and white so I could develop everything myself in the darkroom. It was way cheaper - I could use the school’s chemicals for about twenty bucks a year. Colour slides or negatives were more expensive, plus you’d just send them to the magazines, but then they’d almost never send them back!

At least with the BW prints I was making, I could send them to several publications.

Analogue photography still plays a big role in your style, can you describe how?

There are many techniques in the darkroom, it’s pretty much like Photoshop! You can play with light, shades, masks, contrast… whatever. It’s a bit more complicated than clicking on stuff, so it takes more time and knowledge of course, but it’s almost the same in the end.

After school I studied graphic design and typography, which involved learning some digital techniques, and then at some point I started to mix my computer skills with my craft skills in the darkroom. It was very useful for me at that transition time to be comfortable in both worlds. I remember many photographers were struggling with the digital era. So I was really there at the right time I think.

At this time the first digital cameras were on the market and I had access to a very good scanner when I was Photo Editor at Method Magazine, so when I didn’t have time it was a bit quicker to just scan a negative and edit it in Photoshop. I guess I was lucky enough to start before the digital era and then keep going with the new tools, so my style is a mix of digital stuff and older techniques like Polaroids, different format films and negatives.

Talking of analogue, how do you feel about what’s happening to print magazines right now, as well as using new mediums like Instagram and Snapchat?

I had mixed feelings at first, but now I’m pretty stoked on what’s happening even though it’s just a big mess, of course! Before it was hard to just show your work to the world, you’d send your negatives to the magazines and they’d never send them back and you’d pretty much lose everything. Now you just scan or digitise everything and can send it by email or upload it to Facebook, Instagram, and it’s easy to show your work to everyone and build up an audience. There’s way more people in the market, but I guess if you’re good, you’re good, so you will make it as a photographer at some point.

With print magazines struggling it’s sad for sure, but now it’s time to adapt and change things, I’m fine with this as well. I see this as a chance to evolve. I’ve seen too many editors doing the same stuff for fifteen years, season after season, and with too much brand politics there can be less artistic freedom.

Two years ago I produced a snowboard photography book called Dirty Dogs, my first goal was just to craft something by gathering all the best photos that weren’t run in “normal” magazines for obscure reasons. It was very stressful and a big investment, but it sold out in just a few months, so maybe the style of magazines we used to make is on the way out, but I’m sure you can do something different and still have success in it.

Given that you work with a range of cameras - old/new, digital/analogue - if someone who’s never picked up a camera before wants to try shooting snowboarding what would you recommend they start with?

I’d recommend something like my first camera: small and easy to carry around with just one fixed lens, maybe a 50mm as that’s roughly what you can see with your eyes.

Both digital or analog are good to start with; you just need a fast shutter to freeze the action. You can easily carry it in your backpack as it’s not really heavy and it’s pretty easy to use. The only thing is if you use an automatic mode on the snow you’re going to overexpose everything because of the high brightness and reflection of the white carpet, so at some point you have to learn to shoot manually.

How does a typical day shooting snowboarding in the backcountry go?

We wake up at six thirty pretty much every day, I check my batteries, pack my camera bag and make sure I’ve got all the cards and films ready, then because I’m French I go for a coffee and a croissant! We catch the first lift and decide on a zone, taking into account the avalanche risk, snow conditions and which faces have the best snow, then head there by riding or using snowshoes - it can take anything between ten minutes to a few hours.

Once there we’re building jumps and riding as much as we can, usually until the end of the day. In January the days are pretty short but in March and April it’s better because you have time and you get nice sunsets, but the long shadows and low light are better in January, so it’s always a compromise. Then it’s time to head home.

I used to post stuff online like “Another day at the office” along with a really nice landscape photo or something, so I decided if it really is my office I should start wearing a shirt to work. Also, being French I need to keep a certain standard and be a bit classy! Then one day a friend told me it’s good for apres ski as well, you can just keep going without going home to change, you can just party all night, no one cares that you’re still in your snowboard boots because it’s dark. So yeah, a shirt for the office, and a shirt for apres. It’s not the best for hiking and getting sweaty, but who cares. Style first!

When you’re not shooting snowboarding what are you working on?

I’ve been shooting snowboarding professionally for maybe eleven years now, so I can feel a bit burnt out from time to time when I’ve spent almost every day for a whole season working. I like to shoot skateboarding, architecture and just portraiture or lifestyle stuff. More and more I like working on the sportswear lifestyle and fashion side of things, but mainly just to be outside shooting photos! If you have a good model running in a nice landscape - I like it. You don’t have to chase after good snow or crazy tricks. As long as you have nice light and some good coffee it’s easy!

And finally, what’s your favourite thing about your job?

I don’t know man… I think it’s pretty nice to be paid to go to Japan, to explore nature, then go to a local restaurant... karaoke... and then get drunk and dance all night!

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rider: markus keller mat t georges

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rider: Sami Luhtanen

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mat t georges

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rider: Severin Van Der Meer mat t georges

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your source of information for Morzine, Les Gets and Avoriaz chalet-chefs.pdf 1 04/05/2015 11:01

Hire a private chef to make your holiday a holiday for everyone

Exclusively - we go Beyond...

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our fine dining option including beef wellington and rack of lamb

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Personalised British Ski Coaching Morzine, Les Gets & Avoriaz info@skibeyond.co.uk www.skibeyond.co.uk

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We love kit, gadgets and other snow related stuff here at Source Magazine. so much so that we’ve dedicated an entire section of this issue to our #Trending gear guide. First up, who better to round up the very best ski hardwear on the mountain and in the shops this winter than Fall-Line Skiing Magazine’s Editor Nicola Iseard.

- ski hardware Rossignol Soul 7 HD

RRP €630.00 The ever-popular Soul 7 is back – with some major tweaks. It’s been given a protein shake diet in the form of a race-derived carbon matrix frame to reinforce the ultra-light Paulownia wood core, creating a stiffer ski that is now capable of riding faster and going bigger. According to Rossignol, this new construction has also improved shock absorption, stability and edge grip, but, with all these improvements, it has still retained the pop and playfulness that the Soul has become known for. The versatile 106mm waist and mellow rocker – with Rossi’s patented Air Tip technology (the tip and tail are filled with air bubbles; looks a lot like a honeycomb) – mean it floats like a dream in pow and is super-nimble through tight trees. www.rossignol.com

Arc'teryx Voltair avalanche airbag

RRP from €1550.00 Big news: Arc'teryx have entered the avalanche airbag market this season with their new Voltair backpack. The concept, not too dissimilar from Black Diamond's Jet Force pack, is simple: pull the trigger and a battery-powered centrifugal blower inflates a 150-litre balloon in less than five seconds. This is where things get clever – the balloon inflates continuously, even if small punctures result from colliding with, say, a tree or rock. But what we’re most stoked about is that the balloon can be deployed up to eight times on a fully charged battery – so no worries practising at home in your pjs; and, most significantly, there'll be no hesitation pulling the trigger should you get caught in a slide.

Available in 20L and 30L versions. It ain't cheap but it's very, very good. www.arcteryx.com

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Marker Phoenix Carbon OTIS helmet

RRP €300.00 Helmets are important people, especially if you like going big, or fast. Loaded with clever tech – and also scooping a 2016 ISPO award – is Marker’s new Phoenix Carbon OTIS helmet. The big story here is the helmet’s use of MAP technology: cushy-soft but extreme shock-absorbing pads positioned at critical areas (back of the head, forehead and temples) that protects up to 22% more effectively compared with a regular EPS helmet. So far Marker is the only helmet maker to implement this innovative material. What else? A network of vents ensure good air flow during spring park sessions (you can whip out the ear pads, too) and you can spin the adjustment dial to get the perfect fit. Snug as a bug. www.marker.net

Lange XT 130 Freetour

RRP €670.00 Is this the closest thing we’ve found to being a true do-it-all boot for the harder chargers out there? Quite possibly. The XT 130 Freetour is injected with Grilamid – a weird name for Lange's new wonder plastic that is stiff yet lightweight. Click it into walk mode and thanks to the generous cuff articulation and grippy soles, you’ll be scampering up to that tasty-looking line quicker than you can say “send it!”. When you do (send it), the stiff 130 flex means it will power through the gnarliest heavily-sluffing terrain. The mouldable Ultralon liner can accommodate those pesky bunions, too. Available in 97mm and less toe-numbing 100mm width lasts, and a softer flexing,

BOOT

OF THE YEAR

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LANGE XT130 FREETOUR

women’s specific version – the XT 110 LV Freetour W. www.lange-boots.com

Salomon XT-One goggles

RRP from €128.00 Salomon bagged an ISPO award for their XT-One goggles. Why the big accolade?

Well, the goggles use a three-piece frame that features a new fit technology – dubbed Custom ID-Fit – that is designed to automatically adjust and conform to different face shapes, so every skier gets a unique fit. The result? Super-comfy goggs and no unwanted drafts, huzzah! Add to that a super-thin frame and spherical lens for maximum field of vision (photochromic version available), plus an airflow system that prevents fogging up in steamy cable cars, and these might be the finest pair of goggles your face experiences this season. www.salomon.com

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rocking the pistes

Source has experienced varying degrees of love for Rock the Pistes festival over the years. By definition, it always sounds amazing. Live music from several different genres performed on mountain-top stages that you ski or snowboard to. Launched in 2011, the annual festival has clearly grown in acclaim and popularity. We loved the 2014 line-up featuring Babyshambles, Breton, Klaxons and Lee Scratch Perry and we’d hoped for a similar caliber the following year.

As this issue of Source goes to print, the 7th Rock the Pistes festival takes place between 19th and 25th March 2017 with Morzine playing its part as

7th

the host resort. Concerts take place in Morgins, Chatel, Avoriaz, Morzine, Les Gets and Champery and the first act on the line-up to be announced is Chinese Man, a French hip-hop collective responsible for the ‘I’ve Got That Tune’ tune in the Mercedes Benz adverts.

All concerts during the festival begin at 1.30pm and you’ll find that there are a number of smaller, off-the-piste events taking place in resorts across the Portes du Soleil during the course of the week. All events are free; you just need your lift pass to access the open-air concerts.

Sunday 19 th March – Morgins Monday 20 th March – Chatel Tuesday 21 st March – Ski games on the slopes Wednesday 22 nd March – Ski games on the slopes Thursday 23 rd March – Avoriaz Friday 24 th March – Les Gets – Morzine saturday 25 th March – Champery – Les Crosets

For more line-up information keep an eye on the Source Magazine events page (morzinesourcemagazine.com/events) or visit the official festival website at rockthepistes.com

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© www.sharpography.co.uk

• interior architecture • project management • interior design •

www.shepandkyles.com

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• renovations • conversions • general contractor • construction management • • fluent english spoken • 15 years experience in the portes du soleil •

contact: Julien +33 (0)6 07 67 86 20

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50th

happy birthday

avoriaz The resort of the future for the last 50 years This winter the Portes du Soleil’s highest resort turns the big

50 . When the first

ski lifts whirred into life in Avoriaz in 1967, the average UK house price was just £3,840. A Ford Cortina was £749, QPR won the League Cup, the Beatles released Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band and the first automatic cash machine was installed. The first colour television broadcasts aired and the British steel industry was nationalised.

But Avoriaz was then, as it is now, well ahead of its time. Created by pioneers including Olympic ski champion Jean Vuarnet, developer Gerard Bremond and architect Jacques Labro, the resort has always been car-free – a deliberate act of madness during a decade in which the car was king. The intention was always for holidaymakers to be able to ski from A to B and even today, every apartment in Avoriaz is less than 10 minutes walk to the very centre of the resort. How many ski resorts can make that claim?

Throughout the season a number of fun celebrations are on the Avoriaz events calendar. Visit avoriaz.com for more details.

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EACH YEAR AVORIAZ LAUNCHES THE WINTER SEASON IN STYLE! • HUGE MUSIC AND SNOW FESTIVAL IN THE RESORT CENTRE • LATEST SKI AND SNOWBOARD TRENDS IN A BIG TEST VILLAGE • GAMES, HAPPY HOURS AND ENTERTAINMENT ALL WEEKEND!

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O E PERF REE LIV

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5PM

live music and DJ’s

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apres ski music bar /avoriaz1800 - Keep an eye on our Facebook page for event details throughout the season

www.avoriaz.com | +33(0)4 50 74 02 11 /MorzineSourceMagazine

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scenes Making a Snowboard Movie - By Samuel McMahon -

“ Hi! So, I just bought an igloo builder off the internet! ” This was how our igloo adventure began, with a hurried call from Ed Leigh (Ski Sunday presenter and UK professional snowboarding loudmouth). A plan formed to film the last part of a freeriding documentary I’d been working on with a crew of our choosing, building and living in our own igloos above 3000m.

Backcountry snowboarding is one thing, riding spring powder down the back of Verbier’s Mont Fort with a 40kg pack on your back is another. Even at the end of a winter schlepping around the Alps with a massive camera bag, it’s still a struggle traversing down from the lift to get to the point where the real work starts: a four hour skin up, complete with the same luggage. We have to carry in everything we needed for the three-day mission: food, kitchen equipment and sleeping kit, as well as all the trappings of us media sherpas.

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However, splitboarding with a giant rucksack turns out to be much the same as without - hard work but ultimately enjoyable. The turns have been most definitely earned as we start our final descent to the campsite we’d picked out in advance.

It turns out that the best way to build an igloo, rather than cutting out blocks like Pingu, is to use the contraption we’ve brought with us. The igloo builder is an open-sided bucket on a long stick, which you anchor into the snow via a stake on the other end. You fill the bucket with snow, stamp it down, slide the bucket round in an arc and repeat the process, spiraling an igloo into existence. We’d all seen Ed and Johno’s timelapse of them building one in the garden and they’d confidently told us it would take no more than an hour and a half to assemble our main pod that would sleep three, then an hour each for the smaller ‘two bed’ bunkers.

With great ceremony the igloo builder is assembled, an area stamped out and the first bucket filled.

We slide the gadget round and awkwardly watch as the first block crumbles in situ. We try again, only for the second to blow away in front of our eyes, causing Ed to utter the immortal line, “This has never happened before…” Much like building a snowman or shaping a snowball, your building material needs to be wet, and what we hadn’t counted on was that at 3000m, the snow is much colder and drier than in Ed’s garden.

Luckily, there is a nearby south-facing bank that, having been sat in the sun all day, is just sticky enough to work, but with the extra work fetching the snow rather than just digging it up now required, our dreams of a relatively easy build are now shattered. ©Melody Sky

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©Melody Sky

“ You'll never find a group of people as stoked as a bunch of old men clinging onto their last days.

”

Three. And a half. Hours.

That’s how long the first igloo takes to build. And with night fast approaching and there being nowhere near enough space for all eight of us in the first pod, we have to make an immediate start on the second. Though we plump for a smaller diameter, by this point the clouds have turned into full on blizzard with plummeting temperatures, meaning we now have to dig down and ‘mine’ for snow still wet enough. Every time we ‘strike gold’ the snow freezes and dries out within minutes.

It is down to a solidarity and fortitude in the group without a single complaint - that sees us safely, finally,

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with roofs over our heads.

Exhausted, five of us climb into the slightly bigger pod, leaving the others to fend for themselves. After a full hour of maneuvering and taking turns to unpack our sleeping gear (imagine a group of oil tankers trying to turn round in a duck pond) we finally make it into what only just passes as ‘bed’, only for the wind to change direction and start blowing snow in through the door. Too tired to do more than throw a couple of bags in the hole to block it, we turn in and hibernate, hoping things will be different when we wake up.

And are they. A 5am start yields the most beautiful alpenglow on the distant

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Ride Slide half page advert.pdf

1

27/10/2016

33 15:56

©Melody Sky

With over a decade of experience, R&S Chalet Collection offer the best in luxury chalet holidays in the French alpine resort of Morzine.

©Melody Sky

peaks, surely the most scenic start to a day’s riding you could imagine. Not to mention a decent heap of fresh snow from the now vanished storm, our igloos have become mere lumps in an otherwise untouched landscape, and in the pre-dawn light we can now see the terrain around us, ripe for the taking.

The days have a steady pace to them: get up super early, hike a ridge or feature in time for the sun to hit it, film a line or two, back down for a boil-in-the-bag breakfast.

Then it’s time to relax and do some camp work like drying out gear on washing lines made from splitboards and avalanche probes, washing cutlery in the snow or patching up the igloos.

Then after the mid-morning break, it’s back to riding.

The four riders - Ed Leigh,

Neil McNair, Johno Verity and Lewis Sonvico - head back up to various North-facing lines and let rip for the afternoon.

The amount of footage we’re logging is pretty impressive, especially as three of them are in their 40s. There’s a drive amongst the group to get stuff done, and not necessarily just for the cameras. Everyone is obviously having a blast, perhaps spurred on by the adventure of what we’re doing. Or, as Ed puts it, “You'll never find a group of people as stoked as a bunch of old men clinging onto their last days."

Then as evening sets in, it’s time for another high calorie boil-in-the bag meal (we have to eat around 3000 calories a day due to the cold and splitboarding). They’re actually pretty tasty, though stronger flavours seep into your sweat exactly twelve hours after

Choose from our exquisite, handpicked selection of catered chalets and luxury self-catered apartments, and let us host a mountain escape to remember.

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©Melody Sky

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A huge thank you to AlpKit, whose great down jackets, sleeping bags and generosit y literally kept us alive. Also to Babet te and Paul at the Prafleurie Cabin for help with logistics. And finally to Ed Leigh for the inspiration and invitation to his Igloo Adventure.

consumption, causing the strange waft of sweet and sour to hit you as you hike a line the next day. The end result is pretty intense too, and we haven’t got nearly enough toilet paper.

After dinner it’s time to drink whiskey and watch the sun slowly set over the Swiss Alps before retiring to bed as the cold quickly seeps in. Johno and I share a pod nine feet in diameter, roomy it ain’t but by the end it feels like home, albeit a chilly one. Even with an insulated mat and down sleeping bag, I still need a puffy jacket liner to keep warm, and the bottom of my bag is filled with boot liners, socks, gloves (these freeze too!) - basically anything damp, which makes for a less-than-comfy bed. Still, sleep arrives quickly and deeply, and by the end of our stay I’m as attached to our igloo village as I’ve been to any flat or holiday home.

The end comes far too fast, but we don’t leave camp until the crew has ticked off the last few pockets, Lewis shutting the

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zone down with a perfect midline method, stomped with his trademark effortlessness. By the time we ride down en-masse, mega packs re-shouldered, the terrain around us is a panorama of scarred track after track, evidence of a one-of-a-kind experience. A band of riders all hailing from the UK and spanning almost the complete history of British freeriding it’s a great feeling to be part of a group with an infatuation for snowboarding that spans decades.

Like all the very best trips, it ends with a jolting return to reality, a realisation that normal life isn’t as simple as what you’ve just experienced.

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“ by the end of

our stay I’m as at tached to our igloo vill age as I’ve been to any fl at or holiday home

”

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your source of information for Morzine, Les Gets and Avoriaz ardent sports advert.pdf 1 11/11/2016 14:09

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Buying kit in advance of your next jaunt into the mountains can seem a bit daunting. This stuff isn't cheap, and with so many variants on the market, the choice is overwhelming. chloe hardy rounds up a few of our favourites.

- Outerwear Faction Earhart Jacket

RRP: €349.00 If you tend to get cold on the hill, the Faction Earhart Jacket has the properties of an insulating jacket and hardshell jacket rolled into one, so you don’t need to wear a million layers to stay warm. And it’s super-stylish, too. Packed with responsibly-sourced goose down and coated in two-layer 10k /10k waterproof and breathable Toray Dermizax fabric, it’ll keep snow out and you warm and cosy all day. Goose down is ultra-compressible, so if you find yourself at the bottom of an intense hike, you can easily pack it down and stash it in your pack, while generous underarm zips will stop you from overheating while you’re riding. An adjustable hem and cuffs mean you can seal up against bad weather, while the nice long length provides extra warmth and coverage. Whether you’re walking into town or slaying lines on the hill, the Earhart Jacket will keep you warmer for longer and make sure you have fun when the weather’s riling against you. www.factionskis.com

Airblaster Freedom Suit

RRP: £299.99 A sure fire way to keep snow out your pants is to wear a onesie, and the Airblaster Freedom Suit will keep you dry, warm and looking good, whatever the snow conditions. As Airblaster’s all-round one-piece, the Freedom Suit is both affordable and functional – plus, if you get cold easily, an insulated version is available, the Hot Freedom Suit. Made from mid-weight Oxford fabric, it’s nice and durable, with a waterproof and breathability rating of 15k / 10k, as well as fully taped seams; a combination that means you won’t need to worry about water finding its way into your thermals or overheating halfway through an epic line. A 350º waist zip and a two-way front zip keep all your bathroom needs covered, while a combination of underarm and inner-leg vents, and lots of pockets ensure that you’ll have the best day on the mountain, whatever the weather. www.myairblaster.com

Burton Gore-Tex Vagabond Jacket

RRP: €399.00 Snowboarding giants Burton keep things classy with the Vagabond Jacket by combining the everyday style of the 90s trench coat with the technical trappings of Gore-Tex. Not only does GoreTex set the standard for highly waterproof and breathable fabrics, the variation used in this jacket is Bluesign approved, meaning it’s been made in accordance to strict guidelines to ensure that its production doesn’t harm the environmen. A bonus for your body temperature and for the planet.

Not only is it completely waterproof, the Vagabond jacket is breathable and windproof to keep you comfortable in a range of conditions. Other handy features include a moisture-wicking Living Lining, fully Gore-Taped seams and everything else you’d expect from a good jacket, like plenty of pockets, a snow skirt that attaches to your snow pants and, wait for it… a lifetime warranty! www.burton.com #lovemorzine

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Armada Highline Gore-Tex 3L Bib

RRP: €449.95 So much more than a plain pair of black salopettes, the Armada Highline Bib Pants are super-versatile to keep you protected in harshest conditions and cool in the slushy depths of spring. Made from waterproof and breathable three-layer Gore-Tex with Gore-taped seams, they’ll keep you completely protected from wind, rain and snow, and breathe freely when you turn up the heat.

Recco reflectors provide a little extra security on deep snow days, while the technical cut is stylish and easy to move in. The Highline Bib Pants also feature a Gore C-Knit backer, a lining which feels soft, comfortable and warm next to your skin when it’s cold, but wicks away sweat when you’re working hard. The suspenders are made from four-way stretch fabric, which keeps snow outside your pants, where it belongs, without inhibiting your movement. And when it gets to spring you can just remove them, open up the vents and throw on a hoody like you don’t have a care in the world. www.armadaskis.com

Faction Edison Pants

RRP: €379.00 The Faction Edison Pants combine the protection you need for big powder days with the versatility for all weather conditions, thanks to a removable softshell bib. The ultimate workhouse pants, they’ll take you everywhere from hiking powder lines and ski touring to spring laps through the park.

As Faction’s top-spec everyday snow pants, they’re made from technical three-layer fabric, Toray Dermizax, which provides you with a top-notch waterproof and breathability rating of 20k / 20k. As well as being lightweight, durable and easy to move in, the Edison Pants are also fully seamsealed to prevent extra water making its way in where it’s not welcome. The removable softshell bib provides extra water-resistance, plus plenty of stretch so it doesn’t inhibit your movements when you’re hiking or riding.

Added bonuses include Recco reflectors, which provide extra tracking security in case of an avalanche, as well as water-resistant zips, ankle reinforcements to protect against damage from boots and edges, and plenty of

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pockets for all your snow essentials. www.factionskis.com /MorzineSourceMagazine

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the piste map Art in your Pocket - By Amie Henderson -

It’s a battle of science versus art, the modern day piste map. Once drawn entirely by hand by highly coveted artists, the undulations, peaks and forested areas were carefully created using the naked eye for reference. It could take an age to prepare a map for a new ski area by hand. And even then, adaptions and corrections were always necessary.

Olivier Mermillod and his team are responsible for many, if not most of the piste maps you’ll use today, especially in Europe. If a map has the Kaliblue logo in the bottom right hand corner, Olivier has played a part in its conception. And it’s still a little piece of artwork in your pocket.

How long have you been designing piste maps?

you decide which map is the largest…! And my favourite map is the one we’ll make tomorrow.

Kaliblue was founded in 2000 and our main activity was drawing illustrations of ski areas on behalf of the mountain’s management company. We’re a subsidiary of Dianeige, who are specialists in tourism planning projects for mountain resorts. For 12 years I have been designing piste maps and now we also create 3D movies to accompany them.

How does the process of creating a piste map for a ski area begin?

Is your work more art or science?

I would say that it’s art and technology. It’s not really a science and we always try to deliver a piece of art. But this is just the tip of the iceberg. For the finished product to be of a high level of quality, we had to develop a specific technology. And I can’t tell you more about that unfortunately. It’s our production secret!

Firstly we’ll gather together all the topographic data of the area that we need to draw. Generally for ski domains, operators already have the required data for their ski domain boundaries in their Geographic Information Systems (GIS). Anything outside these boundaries we must complete ourselves for the digital model using photogrammetry – these are stereographic map projections from aerial pictures.

Our company is the leading provider of this technology in the French Alps.

You’re responsible for designing many piste maps in many areas.

Which was the largest? And which is your favourite?

The second step is to prepare a 3D scale model of the ski area. We meet with the client to discuss in detail which is the best way to present their ski domain. The whole resort must be shown on the ski map and all the slopes must be clearly located. Consequently we have to play with the real terrain to make all these things happen.

Each year we produce around 15 ski maps, both for Alpine and Nordic skiing, in addition to 10 maps for mountain biking and hiking in the summer months.

This is a growing business for us. Kaliblue created the maps for the three largest ski areas in the world – Les Trois Vallees, Les Portes du Soleil and Paradiski. I’ll let

The third stage is the end of the technical part. We calculate the different layers, which will form the basis of the artwork. Between 5 and 15 layers are gathered in a Photoshop file and we move from vector data to demonstrate the curves and contours to rasterised images.

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Next, our artist Marielle will begin to make a piece of art using the calculated layers. This is where the magic happens. Some maps will need more than 10 days of work to bring them to life.

Finally, in the fifth and final stage, the vector data of the map, including the lines for each slope, the lifts and other text will be added. Only once everyone involved is happy with every element do we declare a piste map finished.

How is the technology you’re using changing?

Between 2000 and the last couple of years we’ve used topographic data from photogrammetry. But now, ski domain operators are updating their GIS with very accurate data, thanks to LIDAR technology (Light Detection and Ranging for those not in the know). For this we can use small airplanes or helicopters, as the geographical coverage is quite large. We’ve seen some devices embedded under a drone, but the area they cover is too small for our work.

The Portes du Soleil’s piste map looks particularly hand drawn compared to others. Is it?

Yes, less than 10% of the map comes directly from calculated layers – or technology if you prefer! More than 90% of this picture was drawn by Marielle.

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LGS.pdf

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Inspirational british ski & board lessons in Les Gets & Morzine

www.skischool.co.uk info@skischool.co.uk +33 (0)4 50 79 51 37 /LGSnowsports

What challenges do you face when preparing a map?

Our one big challenge is always finding how to best show the whole ski area. Some resorts are naturally on opposite sides of an area or mountain and couldn’t naturally be seen all together. Yet, all the sectors must be presented clearly with only one eye. When we start a new map we are never sure that we’ll be able to find the best viewpoint and the appropriate deformation. But we are optimists. After 12 years and more than 120 piste maps, we’ve never failed!

Now that we’re all accessing piste information on our digital devices, how is your work changing?

Our first maps were printed on very large, panoramic paper. Now skiers have digital devices and can see very small details on a piste map with a high zoom factor. Skiers and resort managers now expect more accurate

/MorzineSourceMagazine

and realistic pictures and we’re able to provide images that are 25 times more detailed than they were 10 years ago. Furthermore, we’re beginning to see real time 3D maps such as Google Ear. Of course Kaliblue will be ready to provide digital elevation models and mappings, not just drawings.

The technology and skill used to create a piste map are used for other projects too.

What else do you work on?

Each year we produce more than 100 pictures or illustrations of other new projects in ski resorts, such as new lifts, new lift stations, new slopes and new buildings. We also produce 3D videos for these projects to help bring them to life. These are important parts of the marketing campaign in ski resorts. Skiers like to see what is coming. It’s exciting for everyone involved.

For more on the interesting work of Kaliblue visit kaliblue.com

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the lifts Alain Blas - By Robin Ecoeur -

Alain Blas, CEO of the Avoriaz lift operating company SERMA, doesn’t talk much. Mostly because he has better things to do. Maintaining security of the ski resort, dealing with environmental issues and deciding where to invest millions in ski lift infrastructure are all tough decisions. Most of Alain’s work must be done in advance, long before the wave of tourists, snow and nesting of birds get in the way. “My job is more than simply dealing with ski lifts. It is way more complex than that”.

With Alain in charge of the lift operating company since 2009, SERMA is now a well-oiled machine, controlling 55 ski lifts spanning 70km of piste.

It’s a machine that needs €40million and 310 employees each season to function. Maintaining ski lifts, renovating and building new ones, recruiting, training and paying employees and producing artificial snow all fall under the responsibility of one man. The future of snow is on Alain’s mind when we meet on a scorching summer’s day in Avoriaz.

“We’re doing our best to offer good ski conditions with minimum snow” Alain explains. It’s safe to say that without snow, the resort would eventually die. Ski instructors would be out of a job, shops, hotels and restaurants would close.

It’s Alain’s job to make sure this never happens.

“We store around 90,000 cubic metres of water in Avoriaz to feed the snow canons across the ski

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area and now we can drain another 160,000 from Lake Montriond through our brand new pumping station”. Producing snow is one less thing for Alain to worry about. For now at least.

Talking of making decisions, here is one of Alain’s toughest. Avoriaz opened with very little snow coverage in December 2015. There was enough to ski, but barely. The situation was worse across the rest of the French Alps. The busy Christmas and New Year holiday weeks were looming large and still there was no snow on the forecast.

Alain, along with his team of department heads, made the tricky decision to reduce the number of skiable slopes open to the public in order to preserve the quality of snow available for the festive hoards. With that came with a reduction in lift pass prices, which in turn reduced the coffers of SERMA and the amount of money available to reinvest on future ski seasons. “We always try

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to make the best of each situation. We gather snow from other parts of the resort, transport it to the slopes, we work extra hard to produce snow before the season even starts”. As many locals will tell you: if you can’t ski in Avoriaz, then you’ve little chance of skiing anywhere else in the French Alps.

Anticipating the snow levels of the future is one thing, but what else does Alain spend his €40million on each year? On average, a new chairlift will cost around €6million. The final bill for the new Prodains Express 3S when it opened in 2013 €25million. “To maintain our image as a world class ski resort, Avoriaz must invest in new lifts which are comfortable, quick, safe and extremely reliable” Alain explains. And it’s this reliability issue that presents another ecological issue. The mechanics of old ski lifts consume too much energy. Not only is this expensive for

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the resort, but it’s also very bad for the planet. New technology now exists to lower the carbon footprint of every ski lift ride and Avoriaz is at the forefront of this change. “The older a ski lift is, the more checks we must do on the machinery. This involves taking each lift apart and putting it back together again. It’s a tedious job and it sucks a lot of our resources”.

If you’ve ever wondered why it usually takes 2 years to build a new ski lift, consider this third and final ecological consideration. Birds. Lift construction can only commence once the ski season ends in April

/MorzineSourceMagazine

each year, around the same time that local birds build their nests in trees marked for felling. “We’re only allowed to cut down trees at the end of August, once the birds have moved out. It’s too risky for us to attempt to construct a new ski lift in this short time before the next winter arrives. So we plan these projects over a 2 year cycle to protect the birds”.

The next time you’re hopping on a packed chairlift above Avoriaz or skiing through the centre of the resort’s snow-covered streets, spare a thought for Alain Blas and the hard working team at SERMA. They’re improving the resort now for the skiers of the future.

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2017

Nom ope ination no s 23 rd n Frida y Dec 2016

source

awards for excellence Make your favourite local business shine by nominating them for a Source Award this winter

It’s always nice to be recognised for a job well done, and that’s the purpose of the Source Awards for Excellence. Over the last two winter seasons we’ve asked you guys, our readers, to nominate your favourite Morzine, Les Gets & Avoriaz businesses in four different award categories. Last winter you nominated 82 different businesses and 7500 votes were cast.

AWARD CATEGORIES

1. Make your way to morzinesourcemagazine.com/awards and complete the nomination form for your favourite local business. You’ll need to tell us why you’re nominating them.

2. On Monday 13th March 2017 we’ll announce the full list of nominations. You’ll be able to vote for your favourite business on the Source Magazine website for the next 14 days.

3. Voting closes on Sunday 26th March

4. The winners in each category will be

2017 and the three businesses in each category with the most votes will enter the final stage of the awards – secret judging by our independent panel of locals using visitor feedback and comments left during the nomination process.

announced at the Source Suppliers Show at the Domaine du Baron on Lake Montriond on Tuesday 4th April, 2017

LAST YEAR’S WINNERS: Favourite Accommodation – Prestige Mountain Chalets Favorite Bar – La Marmotte d’Or Favourite Food – AliKats Mountain Holidays Favourite Customer Service – Onyx Snowboarding

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|NEWS

Morzine gets its own bio supermarket Travel and Wintersports Insurance

SKI AND WINTER SPORTS

Specialist Insurance

La Vie Claire is a small but growing French supermarket brand based entirely on the provision of organic produce and healthy, natural products. They believe that it’s possible to eat healthy and live better by adopting environmentally responsible behaviour and for those of us who regularly travel down the mountain to shop for organic ingredients, the opening of their new store in Morzine is great news.

We owe our thanks to French national giant slalom champion and Morzine local Cyprien Richard for bringing a whole new world of clean food to the valley.

“My project is simple” Cyprien told Source Magazine. “I am not happy with the quality and the variety of food that I can find in Morzine, so I’ve decided to open something new”.

Cyprien’s La Vie Claire store is packed with fresh fruits and vegetables, seeds, cereals, rices, dried fruits, yoghurts, tofu, organic meat, dietary supplements, wine, fresh juices, soya milk and fresh bread. There’s also an organic range of cleaning products and cosmetics too! Cyprien has planned several events in the store this winter such as food tastings, cookery workshops and markets and he’ll even deliver boxes of fresh ingredients to your home or holiday chalet! You’ll find more information on Cyprien’s events and delivery service on the Source website or the shop’s Facebook page – facebook.com/ lavieclairemorzine

• Off piste – with or without guide • Personal liability - injuring other skiers and cover for ski leading • 24hr emergency medical cover - including rescue by helicopter • Family policies – kids go free • Local ski racing covered • Snowparks • Ski event cancellation cover • Up to age 80

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cuisine gourmande et régionale

La Vie Claire is located at 515 Route des Grande Alpes and is open Monday to Saturday between 8.30am and 12.30pm and 4pm to 7pm.

Open for lunch and dinner Located in the centre of Morzine

04 50 75 96 40

restaurant@lagrangemorzine.com

60 chemin de la coutettaz Generous seasonal cuisine and local specialities A warm welcome and a cosy atmosphere… the perfect place for an alpine meal

www.lagrangemorzine.com | /MorzineSourceMagazine

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/Restaurant-La-Grange /MorzineSourceMagazine

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brand faction skis - By Chloe Hardy -

You probably haven’t heard of Patrik Sannes. But you may have heard of Faction Skis. Founded in Switzerland in the midst of the early noughties freeski revolution (or as it’s more commonly known, when skiing got cool again), Faction has cut its own lines through the freeski market. The brand behind high-profile skiers like Candide Thovex, Johnny Collinson and most recently, Kelly Sildaru, Faction has found its niche as a small but mighty force within the skiing community.

You may ask what’s different about Faction compared to say, Armada or Line or any other microbrew freeski brand. You won’t find a dedicated carving ski in any of these companies’ collections, but Faction manages to stand out from the crowd because of their dedication to experimentation and quality.

As an independent, skier-owned and skier-operated company, the Faction mantra is strong; combining traditional construction methods with new and innovative techniques and materials to create skis that are long-lasting and fun to ski all over the mountain. Faction is also at the forefront of sustainable ski design.

Anyway, back to Patrik Sannes.

What does he have to do with Faction? Well, he’s the guy you have to thank if you’ve ever bought a set of Faction skis; he designs them. We had an in-depth Skype conversation

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with him over the summer to find out just how skis are made, how you achieve that Faction touch and how to make it all a bit better for the planet.

So designing the ski. Where do you start? Despite Patrik being the main ski designer, it’s always a group effort. ‘We have a lot of discussions before I design the skis’ Patrik explained, ‘About the concept and where [the ski] sits in our product line, and what we want to do as a company. I think that’s what we spend the most time with.’ As an ever-growing independent company of passionate skiers, no one is telling Faction what to do. Which is great because they can pretty much do what they like, but a lot of discussion, knowledge and thought needs to go into making a ski that will represent the company and sell well.

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Patrik also explained a little about Faction’s - and his own personal goals when designing a ski. While Faction skis always pop up at the freeski and freestyle end of the spectrum, versatility is the driving force in Patrik’s designs; ‘A lot of skis are just designed for carving,’ he explained, ‘but 80 - 90% of people won’t carve down the hill, most people kind of slide or slarve.

So a lot of what we’re doing is taking the things we learned from powder skis into the kind of all mountain, on-piste skis.’ This not only means that the skis are more enjoyable to ski, wherever you are on the mountain, but saves you buying multiple pairs and thus, is better for the planet.

Once the concept of the ski is set in stone, Patrik makes technical drawings and designs to send to their factory for production. Thanks

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images courtesy of faction skis

to a background in design and engineering, as well as a childhood spent skiing all over the world, he knows which materials have the right properties, and what kind of shapes and profiles will be most effective.

Patrik explained that he usually designs a few different versions of the same ski, with different lengths and different flex profiles, which are made as one-offs in the factory.

Then it’s a simple matter of testing to see which versions work the best, making minute changes, testing again and so on and so forth until you’re left with a ski that everyone is happy with. This process takes around three winters of continuous testing, communicating with the factory and finetuning until the ski is finally ready for mass production.

Little One.pdf

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A new clothing, interior furnishings and gift store in Morzine for children aged 0 - 8 years

So what actually goes into a ski? And how is it made? ‘A ski might look quite simple if you just hold it in your hand, but it’s one of the most complex things to build,’ Patrik told me. And here’s why. We’ll start with the main ingredients.

1 – The Wood Core: The most important part of the ski. The core is often made from different types of wood and defines the main characteristics of the ski.

2 – Reinforcements: Generally made from fibreglass, carbon or metal, reinforcements or ‘stringers’ are placed along the top and bottom of the core to reduce the weight compared to just

MINGO. | ORGANIC ZOO | TOBIAS & THE BEAR | ELODIE DETAILS | DONE BY DEER

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using wood and they increase the torsional and general strength of the ski. Faction was one of the first companies to experiment with flax fibres.

3 – The Base and Edges: Steel edges encompass the ski, while the bases are covered with petex to give you that nice slidy feeling on the snow.

4 – The Topsheet

(or the

bit where the graphics go) :

A thin but durable layer of plastic that covers the top of the ski, protecting the reinforcements and edges, as well as displaying the graphics.

5 – The Sidewalls: These are the bits that protect the sides of the skis. There are three main constructions: cap, ABS or a hybrid of the two. ‘We mostly do ABS full sidewalls on everything,’ Patrik explained, ‘because it allows for a bit more torsional strength, which in the end, gives you a bit more grip on ice.’

6 – Anything else?

Lots of other small additions make up a ski, for example, protective plastic inserts in the nose and tail and rubber sheets underfoot to dampen vibrations from the snow.

Patrik calls this ‘the basic construction we use,’ but it’s easy to see how complex the process is. The tricky part is putting all those ingredients together. All the different components need to be carefully cut, glued together and then put into a ski-shaped mould.

From there, the mould goes into a special press where it’s heated at a high temperature, under high pressure for around 15 minutes,

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which bonds all the materials together and gives the ski its shape. After this you’re left with what Patrik described as ‘a pretty raw ski.’ From this point, a huge amount of work still needs to be done, mostly by hand, like profiling the edges and grinding the base, getting the ski ready to be skied.

That’s roughly how skis are made, but how do you make this process better for the planet? Mountain sports are not generally good for the environment in any way, but there are steps Faction take to make it, well, less bad.

Let’s start with the factory. The mass production of anything generally isn’t great for human and emissions purposes, but Faction use a factory in the Czech Republic that’s been operating for over 100 years and specialises in making skis (Patrik referred to the people who work there as craftsmen). Wood is generally sourced from nearby forests, other materials come from nearby areas and pretty much all the different parts of the ski are made in-house, as opposed to being made elsewhere and shipped or flown there to get put together. The factory has one of the most modern furnaces in Europe, which provides heating and hot water, as well as the high temperatures needed to create the skis, and the graphics are printed in a sustainable manner.

Plus, the factory provides pretty much an entire rural town with jobs and incomes.

But the road to making environmentally-friendly skis hasn’t always been an easy one.

Patrik explained that when the idea initially came about, they

#lovelesgets

experimented with using renewable materials and cutting down on the amount of harmful substances they used. But this drastically affected the durability of the skis. ‘We did make a lot of mistakes in the early years,’ Patrik admitted, ‘releasing some stuff to early, and skis breaking loads. It’s kind of pointless to introduce something that’s just slightly better from a material perspective.’

Now the main focus at Faction is on making their skis extra-durable and super-versatile, thinking along the same lines as brands such as Patagonia and Picture; if you make something well enough, you won’t need to throw it away and you won’t need to replace it as often. ‘It allows us now to go back and focus on the whole process from the beginning,’ Patrik explained, ‘how we sell our skis and distribute them, and after their lifetime if we can repair them.’

Furthermore, these initial mistakes don’t mean that Faction haven’t carried on experimenting with sustainable materials. ‘It’s allowed us to make a lot more out of using more environmentally friendly materials,’ Patrik put it. ‘Now we know how they act, we know which ones are strong enough.’

And there you have it; a sneak peak into the wonderful world of ski design. I could ramble on about environmentally friendly ski production all day but I’ll leave off by thanking Patrik for talking to me and answering all my nerdy questions, and that I hope next time you buy or rent a pair of skis, you’ll be able to appreciate the amount of hard work that’s gone into developing and making them.

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2pm to 2am every day The best pop rock bar in Morzine playing music from the 70’s ‘till now

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There’s a plethora of winter kit for kids out there, invented with the intention of making life on the snow easier for families. here's a few of our favourites.

- for the kids Anon Define Helmet & Goggles Combo

RRP: €125.00 This is an essential piece of kit for any child learning to ski or snowboard. You therefore need it to be as comfortable and hassle free as possible. Thumbs up to Anon for taking up the challenge and producing this strong, clever combination. The helmet has a ding-resistant ABS exterior, fleece lining and a unique fit while the goggles include Anon’s exclusive Strapper-Keeper technology, which pretty much guarantees that fussing over finicky goggle straps won’t cause a lift-line meltdown. Available in sizes starting from 48cm, there’s both boys and girls colourways to choose from. burton.com

Babiators

RRP: €18.99 You need 100% UV protection for those precious eyeballs in the mountains. The glare of the snow is so bright, even on cloudy days.

Babiators are soft, flexible and virtually indestructible while keeping eyes safe. They’re available in a huge selection of colours and they come with the mother of all guarantees. If your baby loses their Babiators, or breaks them, they’ll replace them free of charge. babiators.com

Folding Sled

RRP: £170.00

Currently available on Kickstarter

As the name suggests, this is a sledge that folds flat (to less than half its original size to be precise), making it easy to store and very easy to use. This innovative product combines the design of a traditional Davos sledge with modern technology, offering all the fun of the mountain on a sturdy steed that you can pack into your car boot or shoe cupboard when you’re finished. The seat section is made of recyclable engineered plastic and the skates are hand crafted from locally-sourced ash wood, so it has some nice eco credentials too. maarno.com

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49

Sussed? Card Games

RRP: £9.95 Down time is a key part to every mountain holiday. Some days you’ll wake up to rubbish weather. Other days the kids will have had enough by lunchtime. This great, portable card game for children aged six plus, will keep everyone entertained while you recharge your batteries. Prove that you know your children (or anyone else in the game!) better than they know you. Hours of fun ensues and there’s additional games available too. sussedthegame.co.uk

Riglet Reel

RRP: €35.00 In 2010 Burton released the Burton Riglet Reel and it changed the game for kids snowboarding. Parents tow their little groms around on their snowboard, introducing little ones as young as two years old to the sport. The Riglet Reel is a retractable cord with an ergonomic handle that attaches to the nose of your child’s board. It’s compatible with Burton’s Chopper, Chicklet and After School Special boards in sizes between 80cm and 110cm.

You read that correctly. Tiny snowboards ARE available for your kids so now you have no excuse. burtonriglet.com

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art

ski resort posters - By amie henderson -

A gift shop staple in resorts from Avoriaz to Zermatt, vintage ski posters have never been so popular. But while you’ll pay around €15 for a reproduction poster in resort, the original prints sell for thousands of pounds at Christie’s Ski Sale each year. The most expensive on record was Carl Moos’ St Moritz poster, fetching a staggering £23,750 in January 2016.

The origins of the ski poster sit way back in 1890, long before radio, TV, internet and magazines were used to promote travel. You could consider the vintage ski poster to be the social media of its age. Typically displayed in train stations across Europe, their objective was to introduce the excitement of winter sports to travellers who’d only previously visited mountain resorts during the summer months. They always presented an attractive, tanned, glamorous set enjoying a healthy outdoor lifestyle. Much like the modern day skier then…

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Farmhouse.pdf

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The oldest building in Morzine built in 1771 is today one of its most special destinations

• 18th Century Farmhouse • Delicious cuisine every evening • Perfect destination for winter & summer breaks 11 STUNNING BEDROOMS • CHARMING RESTAURANT WINTER & SUMMER WEDDINGS

www.thefarmhouse.co.uk +33 (0) 4 50 79 08 26 info@thefarmhouse.co.uk

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@TheFarmhouseMZ

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Poster artists were highly regarded, well rewarded and much sought after at the turn of the 1900s. The first poster featuring a skier promoted Chamonix as ‘the capital of the Alps’.

A beautiful lady schussed through fresh powder, having a very jolly time on wooden skis and with just one pole, her chic, feather capped bonnet and full-length skirt flapping in the breeze.

But it was in the 1920s that ski posters really took off. The famous French illustrator Roger Broder worked on behalf of the Paris Lyon Mediterranean Railroad Company between 1922 and 1932 and produced many fine examples in the minimalist style that was in favour with European graphic artists at the time. These posters speak of a golden age in the history of skiing and perhaps it’s because they mark the very beginning of our favourite sport, that they’ve become such a collectors item today.

By the 1950s skiing had become more mainstream and railway companies and tourist boards found new ways to market their designations to the growing winter sports market.

Production of these nostalgic gems gradually ceased.

In January 2016, posters at Christie’s Ski Sale in London netted €614,900 in total sales, proving there’s still a serious market for original prints.

European posters are usually the most admired at auction as they signify the birth of skiing and offer a classic insignia of the sport’s rich history. The value of an original print

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#lovelesgets

is determined by its condition and the quality of the design. But no one ever knows how many of each print are still in existence. The only prints remaining in circulation are the overprints from the printers themselves, and are usually stored in their archives.

Bag yourself an original ski poster at morzinesourcemagazine.com/shop.

It may not be vintage, but we only produce our posters in limited quantities of 100, which certainly make them unique!

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LA PIVOTTE 53 Restaurant de specialités savoyardes

AFTER A BIG DAY OF SKIING, COME ENJOY IN ONE OF THE 3 RESTAURANTS IN THE CHALET-HÔTEL LA MARMOTTE & LA TAPIAZ, JUST LOCATED IN FRONT OF THE SLOPES!

LA PISTE NOIRE Cuisine raffinée

LA PISTE NOIRE Cuisine raffinée

LA BISKATCHA Brasserie de montagne

Chalets-Hôtels La Tapiaz et La Marmotte & Spa Séréni-cîmes 61 rue du Chêne - 74260 LES GETS - Tel: + 33 (0)4 50 75 80 33 la-tapiaz.com / hotel-marmotte.com / info@hotel-marmotte.com

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www.morzinesourcemagazine.com

ski lifts 80 Years of Poma - by amie henderson -

Close to 25 million individual ski lift rides will be taken across the Portes du Soleil this winter. Most of these journeys will be taken on a lift designed and built

by Poma, a French company celebrating its 80th birthday this year.

Many of us Brits use the noun ‘poma’ to refer to a button or drag lift, yet the company is responsible for over 90% of the lift infrastructure across the Alps, from buttons to chairs and gondolas to aerial tramways.

installed the first gondola systems in Queenstown, New Zealand and in Val d’Isere simultaneously. Just as his legacy was beginning, Jean Pomagalski died in 1969 but the company continued to innovate.

the creation of the Emirates Air Line, you’re just as likely to see a ropeway in London as the company expands into urban transportation. Here’s how the lifts of the future will look, courtesy of Poma.

In 1936 Jean Pomagalski installed his first chairlift in Alpe d’Huez. It was made mainly from wood and an old Ford motor yet three lifts later he filed a patent for a ‘carrying device hauled by a rope moving at a constant speed’. In 1947 he formed a company to help spread his technology across the Alps at a time when mountain sports were growing exponentially. The company’s first chairlift, a single-seater, debuted in 1955 near Chamonix and since then Poma has been at the cutting edge of on-mountain transportation.

In a new book to celebrate Poma’s 80 years of technological development, Jean Souchal, Chairman of Poma’s Board of Directors writes “Our trail can be found all over the world, where we have imagined and built over 8,000 installations in 80 years. Every day – from Courchevel to New York City, through Rio di Janeiro, Algiers and Shenzhen, we are turned toward the future by bearing witness to the amazing human and technical story that began in 1936.”

The Poma Coaster

By 1960, 82% of Poma’s lifts were being exported into other European countries, and to Canada and the US. Also during this decade the company

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Poma’s most recent installations in the Portes du Soleil are the 6-man Brochaux chairlift in Avoriaz and the 4-man Les Tetes chairlift in Saint Jean d’Aulps, but as we’ve seen from

#lovelesgets

With the kind of suspended seats we’re used to seeing on rollercoasters, passengers are harnessed in to enjoy an unforgettable, open-air journey.

Premium Comfort Cabins

The ski lifts of the future will provide passengers with the most up to date information on lift openings and snow conditions via an on-board video screen.

Environmental Integrations

Whilst performance and speed are the key features of every new ski lift, Poma have committed to building new lift infrastructure using sound ecological considerations to minimise their impact on the mountain environment.

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55

your source of information for Morzine, Les Gets and Avoriaz

LSEAINTNATIONAL J EAN-D’ A ULPS

night sledging yooner sledging snowshoe walks snowscoot paragliding dinner in a igloo incentive meals in a teepee

PIZZERIA

BAR

TERRACE

OPEN 4 - 12 EVERYDAY Happy hour 4-6 every day Happy Mondays 2 for 1 pizza every Tuesday Nash Pub Quiz every Thursday Regular pool and darts competitions Live football on HD big screen

Takeaway menu available at www.barnational.com 2 for 1 only available for eat in pizzas

hello@barnational.com

/barlenational

0450384966

1829 Route des Grandes Alpes, Saint-Jean D’Aulps 74430 reach your peak source.pdf

1

16/09/2016

12:06

*

+33 (0) 6 68 92 88 86 herve@reachyourpeak.com

Bureau des Activités de Montagne

www.reachyourpeak.co.uk

I have 17 years experience teaching adults, children and whole families to ski in the Portes du Soleil.

Safety is my first priority, then I follow the motto 'entertain, educate and elevate'. Whatever your level

On the Tourist Office square In the Baraty center - Morzine

of experience, everyone is welcome at Reach Your Peak, and because I'm local, I know where to find the best snow on the quietest pistes. I look forward to meeting you soon.

indianaventures.com /MorzineSourceMagazine

- Hervé Gaillard -

@MorzineSource

/MorzineSourceMagazine

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www.morzinesourcemagazine.com

rotors The Helicopter Pilot - By Robin Ecoeur -

Christian Blugeon isn’t like any of the other local characters you’ll read about in this issue of Source Magazine. You won’t see him hanging out in bars, and he certainly doesn’t enjoy regaling crowds with this thrilling tales. He’s a quiet, private man but he’s widely regarded as the best helicopter pilot in the Alps with over 30 years of experience and more than 30,000 hours of flying under his belt. Awarded the Legion of Honor to acknowledge his distinguished civil merits, Monsieur Blugeon is slowly handing his helicopter business over to his sons.

“There’s no typical day in the life of a helicopter pilot in the Alps, every day is a new story” Christian’s son Hugo explains. “We do a wide range of different activities, such as carrying supplies or even whole sections of buildings to construction sites in Morzine, before stocking up a mountain-top refuge on MontBlanc with supplies”. I particularly enjoyed watching a whole chalet float through the skies over Morzine last summer, dangling precariously beneath a Blugeon helicopter. “The higher you get the less you can carry. But usually, if a chalet is small, we can carry the whole thing to a new home.”

With their 3 helicopters, based just below the Fys chairlift in Morzine, this is a true family business.

Hugo’s brother Sebastian is also an accomplished pilot and between

#lovemorzine

them they’re known for lifting heavy loads between 1.4 and 5 tonnes with high precision.

During the summer months, when new ski lifts are constructed across the area, you’re likely to see a Blugeon helicopter unwinding cable or winching in enormous pylons, but their work also takes them much further afield. “I was in Lille the other day to uncoil an optical fibre network and in Cannes the week before for a similar operation. Yes, these distances seem far away, but Cannes is only one and a half hours from Morzine by helicopter!” Any local lottery winners should take note.

Perhaps the most intense part of a helicopter pilot’s job comes when the team is called to assist in a rescue mission during the winter

#lovelesgets

season. “Very often we’ll get a call from ski patrol and we’ll all work together to analyse a situation as it unfolds. Very quickly we’ll organise a rescue, often calling to pick up a doctor and first aid worker en-route.

If there’s been an accident, we aim to get there as quickly as possible to transport the injured person to a medical centre, or to the nearest hospital if it’s needed. Rescuing people is a very rewarding part of our job. But everything we do is interesting.”

‘Preventive avalanche release’ is the official term used to describe those big bangs that come from nowhere while you’re enjoying your chalet breakfast on the morning after a big snowfall. Avalanche blasting is a highly skilled job that requires local knowledge and coordination. During the winter season Christian and his

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your source of information for Morzine, Les Gets and Avoriaz

Tremplin Source winter 16-17.pdf

1

07/11/2016

57 11:52

©hugo blugeon

and brasserie

for a great lunch or a fab après ski, at the bottom of the Pleney ski slopes.

1936 - 2016

une Institution à Morzine,

team work alongside piste security to keep the area safe for skiers and snowboarders.

“We also take people to other ski resorts for the day. It’s different, but we know it helps the development of new or smaller resorts, so we’re offering new ways to discover the area.” It’s heli-sking, but not as you know it.

breakfast, lunch, crepe, tapas,

So how does it feel to follow in the footsteps of your father when he’s known locally as 'the god of the mountain?' “My Dad’s a self-made man and I’m very proud of what he’s achieved. He’s the son of a countryman and he’s managed to create a great business living off his passion for flying. Having said that, my Dad is a very humble person and he never brags about his job. He is here to help the resort and he does it every day to the best of his ability.

Dj or live music apreski,

My passion for helicopters comes from him, I’ve been riding in them all my life!”

Call: +33 (0)6 74 53 54 74 /MorzineSourceMagazine

@MorzineSource

/MorzineSourceMagazine

58

www.morzinesourcemagazine.com

It’s all very well researching the best mountain hardware, clothing and gadgets, but with cold extremities, life is never fun. What you wear over your hands, feet and body can make or break any good day in the mountains. Here are our five favourite snow accessories to keep you warm this winter.

- winter warmers McNair PlasmaDry ™ Moleskin Force Shirt

RRP: £255.00 We’ve long-admired McNair’s rugged mountain shirt. It’s the perfect combination of natural fibres and high performance whilst bridging the gap between mountain and pub seamlessly. The original mountain shirt is made from merino wool and can easily replace the need for an outer layer, but the introduction of PlasmaDry ™ technology in this new McNair shirt boosts water resistance on moleskin and corduroy, whilst retaining the beautiful look and feel of the fabric. The Force Shirt has a smooth sueded finish and comes in a slim fit with three different colour-ways. mcnairshirts.com

Counterfeit CO Trawler beanie

RRP: €15.00 Whilst it’s true that you can never have too many hats, it’s also great to be able to replace an errant hat whilst in a ski resort. These 100% soft touch, ribbed knit hats are excellent value and come in a range of colours. Order online and they’ll drop them off to your accommodation in the valley for you. counterfeit-clothing.com

Snowshepherd Leather Ski Guide Pro Mittens

RRP: £35.95 Source Magazine met Mr Shepherd himself in a lift queue last winter. He’d spotted our Kinco leather gloves and told us his were better. Keen to see for ourselves, we’ve since tested both the pro mittens and the pro gloves and we’re impressed! They retail for a few quid less than their Kinco alternatives and in our experience the Snowshepherd sizing is more accurate – which is always good to know when you’re shopping online. They have reinforced palm, thumb and fingers, so they’ll definitely see out the whole season and there’s a Hipora membrane throughout to make them ultra-waterproof.

Extra long cuffs are an added advantage and they’re 100% super-soft leather throughout. showshepherd.co.uk

#lovemorzine

#lovelesgets

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59

your source of information for Morzine, Les Gets and Avoriaz le rocher.pdf

1

19/11/2013

11:20

Open from 9am until 1am every day

Savoyarde Specialties and Take-Away Pizza

Patagonia Merino Daily T-Shirt

RRP: £40.00 We love it when a piece of kit serves a dual purpose. This is clearly a t-shirt and you’ll be able to wear it as such, all year long. But its anti-wicking Merino properties also make it a highly effective base layer, keeping you cool when it matters and warm when the sun goes in. Made using wool sourced from the grasslands of Patagonia, this tee also ticks a very important eco box too. patagonia.com

Tel: 04 50 75 78 47

5 4.5/

36 Route de Morzine - 74110 - Montriond www.lerocher-montriond.fr

Celebrating 25 years in the Portes du Soleill

Mons Royal Lift Access Sock

RRP: €25.00 You can invest hours of your life hunting down the most comfortable ski or snowboard boots in the land, but if you’re wearing the wrong socks, it’s time wasted. But beware. Once you’ve tried Mons Royal on your feet, you’ll never go back.

The Lift Access sock has foot and toe cushioning for ride all day comfort. Your toes will thank you for the seamless toe box meaning no chafeing. You (and your ski group) will be grateful for the anti-stink qualities of Merino at the end of a hard day on the mountain too. monsroyal.com

/MorzineSourceMagazine

@MorzineSource

1992 - 2017

www.avoriazalpineskischool.com +33 (0)4 50 38 34 91 info@avoriazalpineskischool.com /MorzineSourceMagazine

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training

Being a Ski Instructor is easy, right?

- by Chloe Hardy -

There are a lot of stereotypes about ski and snowboard instructors, the main one being that because of the seasonal nature of the work, it’s kind of a doss. It’s something that people do in their early twenties, in between summers spent travelling and working in bars, until they eventually settle down and get a real job where they have to wear a suit and stuff.

You might not know it, but becoming a ski or snowboard instructor in France actually takes years, literally years, of training, exams, hard-earned cash and heightened stress levels. France isn’t like other countries where teaching snowsports is concerned; it’s a serious business. In France you have to be qualified to the highest level so you can provide the highest quality of teaching and safety to your clients - only the most highly qualified are allowed to teach here.

I, myself, still take skiing relatively not-seriously, although I have just done my BASI level one, the first step in the long journey to become

#lovemorzine

a ski instructor. Fingers crossed I will have passed level two by the time you’re reading this. BASI stands for the British Association of Snowsport Instructors, and it’s one of the few qualification systems to be seen as equivalent to the French system, the Moniteur de Ski. Some British instructors (generally skiers) choose to go down the French route because it provides you with the opportunity to work in France while you train, but most choose BASI because it’s a bit more well-rounded and less focused on racing.

Both take years of hard work and dedication to complete. Around the same amount of time it would

#lovelesgets

take to get a masters degree, if not longer. And more expensive.

I’m just about to take my level two, which will qualify me to work for a snow school and teach beginners anywhere in the world, and this is where a large proportion of snowsports instructors stop.

And since this is where my own experience ends, I enlisted the BASI wisdom of Helena McClintock, a level-four-qualified instructor and part owner of Morzinebased independent ski school, Ski Beyond. She’s seen and done it all where BASI is concerned. Helena told me that ‘there is quite a jump up in the technical understanding and technical level for level three’.

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Alpine Van Man SOURCE advert.pdf

2

20/10/2016

61 11:44

A LP IN EVA N MA N

The BASI Route…

The British Association of Snowsport Instructors (BASI) is responsible for the training and licensing of snowsport instructors. They currently have 6300 members living and working in 83 countries worldwide and they run over 300 courses annually, both in the UK and overseas. Here’s how their Alpine Skiing courses work.

REGULAR DELIVERIES BETWEEN THE UK AND THE FRENCH ALPS

UK TO MORZINE, LES GETS & AVORIAZ TWICE PER MONTH CARRYING GROCERY SHOPPING, FURNITURE, PAINT, SKIS, SNOWBOARDS, BIKES AND EVEN PALLETS

Alpine Level 1

FAST, RELIABLE, PROMPT SERVICE HANDLED BY PROFESSIONALS

An entry-level five day course for wannabe instructors seeking employment in a controlled environment under the direct supervision of a Level 2 or above qualified instructor. A minimum of 35 hours teaching or snowsport school experience is required after the course to complete the qualification in addition to a CRB check and a first aid course completion.

ALL ITEMS FULLY INSURED STORAGE ALSO AVAILABLE

Alpine Level 2 A 10-day on-snow training and assessment module with many technical and performance modules designed for very competent skiers. Other modules include teaching principles and communication skills and you’ll be required to have the knowledge, ability and understanding to safely teach skiing up to and including parallel standard on marked pistes.

Alpine Level 3 A prerequisite for this next stage is 200 hours of teaching experience between Level 2 and the commencement of Level 3. Seven further individual modules then commence, which include 31 cumulative days of courses.

These include a common theory course, two different Alpine Level 3 teaching courses, a second discipline course, in which you must pass a Level 1 course in an alternative discipline, a Mountain Safety course, a second language test, a BASI coaching course and finally Alpine Level 3 performance training. Phew.

Alpine Level 4 You’ll need a further 200 hours of teaching experience between Level 3 and Level 4 before embarking on series of courses to achieve your Level 4 qualification. These include teaching, technical and training courses followed by six logged days of ski touring. A three day assessment then ensues, followed by the notorious Euro speed test, a coaching course and a written project. Only once you’ve attended a final interview can you finish this toughest of qualifications.

WWW.ALPINEVANMAN.COM +44 (0) 1908 821210

Full course briefings and a stack of extra information can be found at basi.org.uk

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UNIT R3/B, MK TWO BUSINESS CENTRE, 1-9 BARTON ROAD, MILTON KEYNES, MK2 3HU

@MorzineSource

/MorzineSourceMagazine

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This is particularly down to there being around eight different modules to complete.

Those who move onto level three are seeking to become qualified to an international level, teaching to a high standard all over the world (still not in France, though), teach more advanced skiers and snowboarders and earn a bit more money for their troubles. But, as Helena explained: ‘Generally the BASI trainers recommend not to rush to the level three - make sure you train and prepare for the exam as best you can’.

There are not many people in the world who hold a BASI level four qualification.

Reserved for people who want to start their own snowsports school, work as an instructor in France, or train other instructors, level four (level three if you’re a snowboarder) has the lowest pass rate of all the BASI qualifications. Only around 30% of skiers on average, Helena explained, which can leave some instructors feeling like it’s just not worth it.

It takes time, money and a high level of physical fitness, which Helena said was one of the most important keys to success. ‘It is important to get the right training’ she believes. ‘That, for me, was definitely the reason that I succeeded’.

It took Helena ten years to achieve her level four BASI qualification, and she loves being a ski instructor.

For her (and I imagine, all other instructors) getting to be outside all day, skiing, communicating with people and helping them find their love of snowsports, are the best parts of the job. An added bonus of teaching in France is the job security; there is a high demand for English-speaking instructors in that doesn’t occur in the rest of the world. This means France-based instructors generally have a more consistent amount of work throughout the winters and,

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www.morzinesourcemagazine.com

according to a survey by SnowSkool.com, are actually paid higher wages than anywhere else.

But despite all the benefits, teaching skiing and snowboarding can have its job insecurities; unless you travel the world after each winter, snowsport instruction is still just a seasonal job. In the summer, many instructors find themselves doing something completely different. Consequently, it can be hard to turn down work in the winter and just ski for yourself. Plus, the possibility of injury is always looming, and as anyone who has ever had a physical job will know, injuries can mean no work, cancelling clients and a loss of earnings. Helena told me she took a few years away from the mountains to work in a ‘proper job’ and she’s always been glad she has that experience as a back-up in case something goes wrong.

Helena also explained to me that if she wanted to move her business to another country, there are generally exams and courses that need to be taken to prove you’re up to that country’s standard of teaching. So it’s not like BASI or the Moniteur de Ski qualify you to run a ski school anywhere you like, even after all that hard work.

So, why do we do it? Why do we put ourselves through years of expensive training and mental anguish just to be able to teach in France?

I suppose the short answer would be because it’s fun, it’s our passion; you get to meet so many people and make new friends, live in the mountains and go skiing all the time. Plus you literally have a piece of paper that says you’re really good at skiing or snowboarding.

Anyone set on getting their level four or Moniteur is committed to living in France and wants to turn their passion into their career, no matter how long it takes.

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63

|NEWS

Morzine triumphs at the World Snow Awards Followers of the Telegraph Ski & Snowboard Show in London each autumn will no doubt know that Morzine, Les Gets and Avoriaz always comes up trumps at their annual World Snow Awards. And this year is no exception.

Established five years ago, the awards recognise the very best companies, brands and resorts in the industry.

Morzine’s Mint Snowboarding scooped the award for Best Snowsports School with Olympic medalist Jenny Jones saying "Tammy is an incredibly passionate snowboard instructor. Combine this with her technical knowledge and years of experience and there’s no doubt you will come away having noticeably progressed your snowboarding and had a flippin’ rad day!"

Independent research awarded the title of Best UK Chalet Company to Treeline Chalets for the third year in a row, much to the excitement of their team who told Source “We’re so pleased to have won this award for the 3rd year running! We really are fortunate to have such amazing guests and support from friends and family who appreciate the added extras and service that we provide in our chalets. THANK YOU!”

/MorzineSourceMagazine

@MorzineSource

/MorzineSourceMagazine

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C OUNTERFEIT C O. ALT 2173M RESSAC H AU X 46. 17145, 6. 74462 M O R ZI N E , 74110

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your source of information for Morzine, Les Gets and Avoriaz

Chalet Skade - HOFNAR

Chalet Morzine

The Tast y Ski Company

A little bit different to the regular chalet, we run laid-back, value for money, active holidays for mostly solo travellers in their twenties & thirties with no kids!

Ski in, ski out luxury catered chalet in fabulous central Morzine location. Privately run by French ski instructor and his English wife since 2002.

Family friendly, separate cinema/games room, huge sledging field in front. Stunning views, quiet location, only 2 minutes walk from central Morzine and just 5 minutes from all lifts. Hot tub, WIFI, flat screen UK TV, PS3

The Tasty Ski Company have a handful of luxury catered ski chalets in Morzine and Le Grand Massif.

Delicious food in amazing locations is the name of our game! Our chalets have open bars meaning our guests can help themselves to beer, wine and soft drinks throughout the day - this service is not just limited to meal times.

hofnar.com

chaletmorzine.com

thetast yskicompany.co.uk

+44 (0) 203 286 4469

+33 (0) 6 71 92 33 77

+44 (0) 7538 761 767

info@hofnar.com

info@chaletmorzine.com

info@thetast yskicompany.co.uk

Chalet Jejalp

Chalet Grande Corniche

Lifecycol at Chalet Avenir

Chalet Jejalp has been beautifully designed and built around a central atrium, which includes a double height glass wine cellar spread over several floors. This chalet is filled with lots of light and space. Sleeping 10 adults and 4 children, Jejalp comes with its own dedicated team of manager, host, chef and chauffeur, on hand to create your own bespoke, fully catered luxury ski holiday.

Grande Corniche is a fabulous chalet offering the utmost in style and technology. Accommodating 12 adults and 3 children, it is packed full of facilities.

From the outdoor infinity swimming pool, glass sauna, Jacuzzi, gym and bar perfect for that pre dinner drink. Grande Corniche comes with its own dedicated team on hand to create your own bespoke, fully catered luxury ski holiday.

Progress in life through adventures in an inspirational mountain landscape. For true mountain lovers, Chalet Avenir offers the perfect balance; beautiful mountain views in warm, light, comfortable surroundings; creative, nutritious, tasty soul food, the comfiest beds, quick lift transfers provided by us in our brand new minibus, plus the convenience of a mere 15 minute walk to Morzine. Perfect.

consensiochalets.co.uk

consensiochalets.co.uk

lifecycol.com

+44 (0) 203 393 0833

+44 (0) 203 393 0833

+44 (0) 7976 942 915

sales@consensiochalets.co.uk

sales@consensiochalets.co.uk

amy@lifecycol.com ian@lifecycol.com

Alptitude Chalets

Simply Morzine

Treeline Chalets

An experienced and independent company specialising in affordable and great quality selfcatered accommodation in Morzine. We have chalets and apartments that sleep from 5-12 people in great locations. We also offer great deals on lift passes, transfers and ski hire. Owner operated – we believe in providing exceptional customer service all the way through your booking..

The original and best Morzine specialists, established in 1995. All properties have hot tub, pool or sauna. 4 luxury ski-in ski-out &/or central catered chalets. Unique French chalet-style hotel on Pleney pistes. Self-catered on-piste apartments ideal for families. Superb cuisine, renowned personal service. Geneva airport transfers & resort shuttles. Discounted lift passes & ski/board equipment hire. Highly regarded family summer activity holidays.

An award winning independent chalet company with a range of catered & self-catered chalets in Morzine.

Excellent service, gourmet cuisine and exclusive perks come as standard in our centrally located chalets.

Contact us for a quote today!

alptitude.com

simply-morzine.co.uk

treelinechalets.com

+33 (0) 7 86 71 14 12

+44 (0)1664 568 902

+44 (0)1483 220 505

info@alptitude.com

info@simply-morzine.co.uk

info@treelinechalets.com

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Chalet L a Fleur

Apex Morzine

Morgan Jupe Apt Florimont

The very essence of understated luxury with amazing mountain views through floor to ceiling windows.

Central location, 250m from Super Morzine lift, yet away from the hustle of central Morzine. Stunning open plan, living and dining area with a professional kitchen. 5 en-suite bedrooms, sleeping 10/12 people, spacious bathrooms. Also featuring sauna/massage room, utility room, ski/boot room and games room.

Le Morzenettaz offers comfortable, relaxed accommodation in a renovated 170-year-old farmhouse, close to Super Morzine lift and town centre. Our 2 bedroom self-catering apartment sleeps up to 6, available on a weekly basis. The B&B sleeps up to 14 in 5 en-suite bedrooms, flexible arrival days, minimum stay 3 nights. Free WIFI. Open winter and summer.

This comfortable, modern apartment sleeps 4 guests in 2 bedrooms with 2 bathrooms and is fully equipped with everything you need for a hasslefree self-catered holiday. Conveniently located just a few minutes walk from the ski lifts and town centre, this apartment offers easy access to all that Morzine has to offer. Self catered prices from £1,200 per week.

chaletmorzine.com

apexmorzine.com

morganjupe.co.uk

+33 (0) 7 68 81 82 86

+33 (0) 4 50 74 65 49

+44 (0) 7739 692 908

info@chaletmorzine.com

apexgroup@free.fr

jess@morganjupe.co.uk

Morgan Jupe Chalet Chardon

Morgan Jupe Chalet de mes Rêves

Morgan Jupe Chalet des Amis

A charming, cosy chalet with traditional features and an outdoor hot tub offering unrivalled views of the valley in an exclusive area of Morzine. Sleeping 9 guests in 4 double bedrooms and 1 single bedroom with 5 bathrooms this chalet is perfect for an extended family or a group of couples. Selfcatered, exclusive occupancy prices from £2,500 per week.

Ski onto the balcony of this stylish chalet from the slopes of Morzine and spend the evening relaxing in the hot tub! Perfect for groups of friends or a large family, Chalet de mes Rêves comfortably sleeps 8/9 guests in 4 doubles and 1 single bedroom. Catered prices including our extensive wine list and chauffeur service from £4,500 per week.

Comfortably sleeping 12 guests in a combination of double and twin bedrooms, this spacious chalet is perfect for shared occupancy groups and is also ideal for 2/3 families. The outdoor hot tub and indoor sauna offer the perfect relaxation spots after a great day on the slopes! Catered prices including our extensive wine list and chauffeur service from £675 pp.

morganjupe.co.uk

morganjupe.co.uk

morganjupe.co.uk

+44 (0) 7 739 692 908

+44 (0) 7739 692 908

+44 (0) 7739 692 908

jess@morganjupe.co.uk

jess@morganjupe.co.uk

jess@morganjupe.co.uk

Chalets1066

Chalet des Fleurs

Snow and Trek Limited

Chalets1066 manage some 22 chalets and apartments in Les Gets, from economy to the highest luxury, mostly self-catered, one fully catered. Chalets1066 offer a range of chalet services to get the best from your holiday, these include ski pass delivery, ski/boot fitting, fresh bread and croissant delivery in time for breakfast.

Management and staff are based in Les Gets.

Providers of luxury self catered accommodation in Morzine, Les Gets & St Jean d’Aulps for over 10 years. We have a range of chalets and apartments sleeping from 5-12 people.

Morzine’s short break specialist with no set arrival days and 3+ night stays. Centrally located apartments, chalets and B&B. Transfers, on-line ski pass booking and ski hire delivery. In-resort office.

15 years of delivering quality holidays in Morzine

chalets1066.com

chaletdesfleurs.com

snowandtrek-morzine.com

+ 33 (0) 4 50 75 82 68

+33 (0) 6 85 62 85 05

+44 (0) 1243 379 970

suzi@chalets1066.com

enquiries@chaletdesfleurs.com

info@snowandtrek-morzine.com

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your source of information for Morzine, Les Gets and Avoriaz

Chalet Book

More Mountain

Mountain Spaces

Personally sourcing and arranging your winter or summer holiday in Morzine and the surrounding area of the Portes du Soleil. Chalet Book offers you a wide range of catered and self-catered accommodation options. I can also help you arrange lessons, passes, equipment, childcare and transfers. No commission charges to guests. Contact me to discuss your requirements. Kathy.

Stylish chalets and luxury self-catered apartments in prime locations in central Morzine. We offer fantastic holidays all year round with great food, airport transfers, in resort concierge and service with a smile. Treat yourself to a little ‘laid back luxury’ in the Alps this coming season… with More .

An independent, family run business established in 2008 offering 5 catered and 2 self-catered luxury chalets. Our catered holidays are all about a personal, helpful booking service and friendly, professional staff serving delicious home cooked menus in one of our 5 luxurious chalets. Hand picked wine lists, hot tubs, saunas and attention to detail all come as standard.

moremountain.com

mountainspaces.com

chaletbook.net

+33 (0) 6 86 02 18 05

+33 (0) 9 70 73 75 29

reservations@chaletbook.net

info@moremountain.com

info@mountainspaces.com

Ski Cosy Chalets

Sheepskin Alps

Aiglon Morzine

Ski Cosy offer fantastic hassle free winter & summer holidays at our 5 bedroom chalet in Essert Romand.

Chalet Zepyr has an outdoor hot tub with great views of the mountains, a newly renovated games/ cinema room and a large cosy living and dining area. We provide a fully catered service, shuttles to and from the piste, airport transfers and more.

Unique & luxurious accommodation for couples & families with the comfort and independence of home. Self-catering with everything catered for; beds made, coffee, tea & local treats, towels, gowns & essentials from tea towels to toilet roll.

Help to organise kit, classes or catering & our local knowledge in a guide tailored for your winter or summer holiday.

12 stylish and contemporary alpine apartments within a stunning 'residence de tourism' situated in a great location less than a 5 minute walk from both the centre of resort and the Super Morzine lift. Open summer & winter. The ultimate MTB retreat. Family fun, Multi-Pass member. On-site gym & secure parking.

skicosy.co.uk

sheepskinalps.com

aiglonmorzine.com

+33 (0) 7 60 70 96 16

+44 (0)1865 764 087

+33 (0) 6 82 05 81 12

hello@skicosy.co.uk

inspired@sheepskinlife.com

info@aiglonmorzine.com

The White Valley Company

Prestige Mountain Chalets

Inferno Morzine

Offering catered and self-catered bespoke holidays.

All our properties are located in an elevated position in a small hamlet in the exquisite Vallee de la Manche. Perfectly appointed alpine homes with stunning views and luxury facilities, all to ensure complete relaxation on your special ski holiday.

Proudly presenting the award winning Chalet Belle Chery. Admire the incredible views across the valley to Morzine, Avoriaz and beyond. This chalet, available both summer and winter, truly does offer the WOW factor. Exquisitely renovated, vaulted ceilings, delicious cuisine, private shuttle to the slopes, terrace hot tub & welcoming staff.

Located on the Pointe De Nyon mountain, just outside of Morzine town. Our 50 bed chalet offers a ski-in / ski-out location like no other! Equipped with in-house bar, hot tub, pool table, football table and X-Box. Seconds away from the ski lifts, if it’s ski time and great atmosphere you're looking for, Inferno is the place for you.

thewhitevalleycompany.com

prestigemountainchalets.com

infernomorzine.com

+44 (0)7 7 78 326 708 +44 (0)7478 730 980

+44 (0) 2380 266 453 +44 (0) 7775 866 632

+33 (0) 7 81 41 13 47

enquiries@thewhitevalleycompany.com

contact@prestigemountainchalets.com

info@infernomorzine.com

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Avoriaz Holidays offer all you need to pl an a perfect holiday in the Portes du Soleil’s highest ski resort. All properties are ski-in, ski-out, bed linens are included, flexible meal plans including breakfast delivery are avail able and we arrange discounts on ski passes and equipment rental on your behalf. Here’s a selection of our properties…

CHALET IODA

SASKIA APARTMENT

CHALET ARKOR

Recently refurbished to a high standard, this large chalet accommodates up to 10 people and offers stunning views over the resort. Facilities include WiFi, TV, beds made before arrival, daily cleaning service, towels and firewood provided, sunny terrace and washing machine and dryer. You’ll love the large, open plan living room.

Located on the 4th floor of the Saskia Residence in the Falaise area , this apartment sleeps 6 people in comfortable rooms. There’s 1 double bedroom, a bunk room and a sofa-bed in the lounge. Facilities include beds made before arrival, WiFi, TV, kitchen with microwave, fridge and dishwasher. The southwest facing balcony offers stunning views!

An individual chalet offering accommodation for up to 10 in a huge, beautifully decorated space over several characterful levels. Facilities include WiFi, beds made before arrival, fire wood and towels provided, secure ski storage, laundry room, sauna, fitted kitchen with all the appliances you need, large dining area and several bedrooms to suit your whole group.

ASTER APARTMENT

ALPAGES APARTMENT

Fontaines Blanches Apartment

Sleeping 6 in modern comfort, this 3rd floor apartment has been recently refurbished and offers great views over the local pistes. Facilities include secure boot and ski storage, beds made before your arrival, WiFi, flexible bedroom arrangements, a fully-equipped kitchen and a south west facing balcony. We love the Savoyarde themed décor in this property!

This is a functional, well located apartment sleeping up to 4 people in 2 rooms. It’s on the 6th floor, which makes the views spectacular while other features include a ski locker, beds made before arrival, WiFi, a kitchen with microwave, fridge and dishwasher. There’s 1 double bedroom, 2 single sofa beds and a south facing balcony from which you can enjoy the views.

A charming apartment with modern décor, this residence offers accommodation for up to 4 people on the 4th floor of the building. Features include WiFi, beds made before arrival, a kitchen with a fridge, dishwasher and microwave while the bedrooms include 1 double room and a double sofa bed in the lounge. There’s also a south facing balcony too.

CHALET KOURIA

Malinka Apartment

SASSAFRAS APARTMENT

This beautiful, uber-modern chalet sleeps 10 people in 5 bedrooms. It has it’s own private lift, a beautiful living room with a large fireplace and a fully equipped kitchen. Other features include heated boot warmers, laundry room, access to an indoor swimming pool, hammam, sauna and beautiful south facing balconies.

Accommodating up to 4 people over 2 rooms, this charming apartment is on the 8th floor of a centrally located Avoriaz residence and enjoys south-west facing balcony views. Facilities include beds made before your arrival, WiFi, a kitchen featuring a microwave, hotplates, dishwasher and fridge in addition to a nice dining space. There’s 1 double bedroom and a sofa bed for 2.

A duplex apartment sleeping up to 8, this property offers Avoriaz charm and style throughout. Facilities include beds made before arrival, flexible bedroom arrangements that include a mezzanine level which is perfect for children, a fully equipped kitchen and a large living room with plenty of comfortable seating for all.

a selection of avoriaz accommodation from avoriaz-holidays.com | +33 (4) 50 74 16 08

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how to

- by claire garber -

It was epic. Your last winter holiday in the French Alps. The snow was awesome; the après wild; you ate enough fondue to legitimately call yourself the human cheese-version of SpongeBob SquarePants. But what if you want more? What if infrequent breaks to your favourite ski resort no longer cuts your French mustard? What if the only conceivable option is for you to actually buy your very own French property?

As a long time resident in the beautiful town of Morzine I can tell you it’s happened to the best of us.

Our annual winter holiday was suddenly as inadequate as a small piece of wilted celery when all your mates are feasting on a gigantic roast dinner. We needed roast potatoes, with gravy.

Take the leap

The process, in 7 easy steps….

So if the dye has been cast and you’ve come to accept your French propertyowning destiny then what’s the next stage?

1. The search

The French system for house buying is a little different from the UK, so it’s worth a bit of pre-planning and research to make sure you enjoy the property-buying ride.

Register with a reputable estate agent or property search agent. Tell them exactly what you are looking for.

Research your market. Get to know property values. Go out and view some properties. Find one you love.

2. Make an offer

And do so cautiously, because in France offering to buy a property is a really big deal. Only offer if you truly intend to buy as placing multiple offers, as we often do in the UK, is a big non non in France.

3. Offer accepted!

At this stage a Compris de Vente (or Reservation Contract) is drawn up, either by your estate agent or by a Notaire (a notaire is a solicitor

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who acts for the vendor, the buyers and the state and is involved in all property sales). You will be asked to provide all your details (contact details, place of birth, occupation, marital status and so on) and you will need to provide details of how you intend to fund the purchase, including proof of any mortgage or loan you’ve agreed. Your dream home will still be on the sales market until you and the vendor have signed the Compris de Vente.

4. Signatures at the ready

Both you and the vendor will be sent three copies of the Compris de Vente.

When these documents have been signed by both parties and returned to the Notaire you will then be sent your fully signed copy. This copy will be sent to you by recorded delivery.

Then a countdown begins …

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Lion d’Or Property Management

A RELIABLE PROPERTY AND PROJECT MANAGEMENT TEAM FOR RESIDENCES IN LES GETS AND MORZINE

5. Cooling Off

In the French system the day you receive your fully signed Compris de Vente you begin a 10-day cooling off period.

During this time you can still pull out of the property purchase penalty free. If however you are très sure about your new home you must transfer a deposit to the Notaire’s bank account before the 10 days are up. The deposit is normally around 10% of the property purchase price. At the end of this cooling off period, deposit paid, the property is officially removed from the sales market and you are both legally bound to complete the sale. If anyone pulls out at this stage there would be penalties, and they would be financial!

6. End in sight

The last stage of the process is signing the Acte de Vente, which in England would be the Deed of Sale. This normally happens about three months after your offer is initially accepted. During this time the Notaire will be completing all the necessary investigations and gathering together all relevant sales documents. The signing of the Acte de Vente is actually a very personable affair and normally requires you to visit the Notaire’s office*. Before this visit you must ensure that the full balance of funds required to complete the purchase has already cleared in the Notaire’s bank account. Once the Acte de Vente has been signed you will then be handed the keys to your very own French property. You will also find yourself at the top of ALL your friends’ Christmas card lists because no one is as popular as the owner of a ski pad.

• Highly motivated, trustworthy and reliable with a wealth of knowledge • Services include weekly changeover, linen rental and property maintenance • Our concierge service looks after your season lift passes, pre-arrival grocery shopping, in-house catering, private linen laundering and more • Our property development department has vast experience in property renovation & remodelling

*it is possible to sign by proxy

Lion d’Or Property Management 175 rue du Vieux Village 74260 Les Gets

7. Celebration!

Congratulations! You are now a homeowner in the land of cheese, wine, Vin Chaud and ski slopes. Which means it’s celebration time, and in France that always includes Champagne.

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Top Tips, Big Pitfalls So in this system of apparent simplicity, where can it all go wrong?

I asked two of Source Magazine’s local property experts to help me see the wood from the cheese. Here are their Top Tips for anyone embarking on the big buy.

THE EXPERTS Joanna MacGovern, Geranium 74 • Be open-minded! Always try looking outside the main ski areas.

You’ll find substantially bigger properties and some great bargains.

• Get your funds organised before you start looking. There is nothing worse than finding your dream property then losing it due to lack of preparation. Get an agreement in principal from your mortgage broker before you travel. That way you are in a strong position to make an offer when you find your dream property.

So it seems that with a good estate agent by your side, some preparation on your part and my seven-step guide, buying in France has never been easier. So go on, become the most popular kid on the block.

• Forward buy your currency to ensure you protect yourself against any exchange rate fluctuations that occur between exchange and completion.

• Know ALL the costs. Fees differ from in the UK so get your agent to give you the exact stamp duty and notaire fees involved in your sale. If you are taking out a mortgage the Notaire will also charge a fee for drawing up the contract between you and the bank. This is not an insignificant amount! Your agent can give you these fees, so have these conversations early on.

Nicky W ye, Legget t Immobilier • Make sure you give your agent lots of information about what you are looking for – property type, preferred location, any 'must haves'- but be prepared to compromise and be open minded.

• Choose a local estate agent who actually lives in the area where you want to buy. It will make all the difference at every stage of the property purchase.

• Give yourself adequate time. A lot of buyers don't allow themselves enough time for their trip out to view properties.

Buying a property is often a once in a lifetime investment. It merits your time and your focus and often your search develops as you go along.

• Be aware that France does not require a structural survey prior to sale. It is possible to have a structural survey done (preferably before you sign a Compromis de Vente) but the vendor is not obliged to pay for this and offers are not subject to survey.

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did you know?

Prior to the sale of a property in France, the vendor must have a series of tests carried out by approved experts. These tests are called the Dossier Technique Immobilier. They tests may include lead and asbestos testing, also gas and electrical installation testing, natural risk assessment, energy efficiency testing, sewerage assessment (septic tank or mains conformation), smoke alarm installed, swimming pool security (if applicable), property surface area confirmation (for flats and apartments). These tests are to provide information for purchasers only.

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Luxury Alpine Chalets Catered and Self-Catered Bespoke Holidays

Nicholas Keily SOURCE.pdf

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enquiries@thewhitevalleycompany.com www.thewhitevalleycompany.com +44 (0) 7778 326708 +44 (0) 7478 730980

09:09

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(Fr) 06 24 66 12 61 (UK) 07958 56 46 38

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brand dupraz snowboards - By amie henderson -

If you’d been present at the birth of something as significant as snowboarding, you might be inclined to brag a little. You might recount tales of innovation and development, you might even be tempted to name drop a little. Not Serge Dupraz.

Dupraz Snowboards have been on our radar for a while, but it wasn’t until last winter season that we eventually tried one for ourselves. This isn’t a board for your casual, trendy snowboarder.

It’s a snowboarders snowboard.

It takes me quite a while to coax the difference between the two concepts from Mr Dupraz, who’s likely the most humble, passionate, interesting man I’ve ever met in the industry.

Later that year he returned to France and opened the countries first windsurf board workshop, producing custom boards using the latest materials from California and with an emphasis on evolutionary shapes. It becomes obvious to me at this point. Serge was always leading the way.

Born in Annecy and growing up between Lake Geneva and the mountains of the Portes du Soleil, it’s hardly surprising that sliding on water became an obsession for Serge. “I took part in national sailing championships, I became interested in windsurfing and instead of becoming an engineer as my father wanted, I decided to move to Hawaii immediately after finishing school.”

During the winter of 83/84 Serge watched the first snowboards as we know them arrive. Prototypes were made by hand and while Jake Burton was styling up the east coast of America with his riderfriendly first efforts, Tom Sims was disrupting the west coast with his skateboard inspired skills. But it was Dimitride Milovich’s Winterstick that inspired Serge most. “Milovich influenced the entire market. The Winterstick became my reference.

I wanted to launch that style in Europe where our mountains offer much more fun.”

Hawaii in 1981 was a hot bed of surf innovation. Serge cut his teeth with industry pioneers, learning to shape boards on Oahu’s North Shore, where it was all going on.

What did Serge’s first snowboard look like? Called Hot Snowboards to begin with, it was made for carving in powder first and foremost, challenging traditional

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board geometry. Its scooped nose shape is now a distinctive brand feature, but the original bindings were made from rubber, much like water ski bindings. There were no high backs but there was a lot of excitement. Serge persuaded a ski manufacturer in the Jura mountains to make his first boards and in 1986 the Hot Snowboards 160 carving board launched. “My goal was to create one of the top three snowboard brands in the world.

I watched the big companies, I watched their new products and they were watching mine too. Over the following seasons they began to adopt my technology. And they had big marketing budgets too.”

Whilst you may never have heard of Dupraz Snowboards, you’ll most certainly have heard of Burton.

Interviewed recently about the development of snowboards during the 1980s, Jake Burton recounted, “Serge Dupraz designed a revolutionary board that was capable of laying a trench in the snow with its six meter radius.

Every manufacturer jumped on this brilliant idea. The Hot Pro

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Dupraz designed “aSerge revolutionary board

that was capable of laying a trench in the snow with its six meter radius.

- jake burton -

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Team dominated at the time.”

High praise indeed from the industry’s leader.

Until winter 86/87 snowboarding was forbidden in Avoriaz. For some reason I feel the need to repeat this point to Serge. Avoriaz? Arguably the home of snowboarding in the French Alps? No snowboarding?

“That’s right. To promote my boards I organised a contest in Chatel. No one had ever held a snowboarding competition in France before. Not one. We were the first. I’m pretty sure there’d never been a freeride contest anywhere in the world at this point. The judges were all surfers. There literally was no other group of people with the ability or the skill to be my jury” Serge explains.

As the Portes du Soleil ski area grew and snowboarding became more popular, there was a natural evolution from the Hot Snowboard to the Dupaz Snowboard. While the launch board had been designed for fresh powder, Serge wanted to experience the glide - the surf-like feeling - everyday, regardless of snow conditions.

A piste-friendly board was born with steel edges, high back bindings and a huge portion of

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added fun. “I’ve always been able to mix the parameters to improve my snowboards without limitations.”

In 1990, Serge’s snowboards were selling four to five times more boards than Burton in France. The newly launched Dupraz Revolution - an even bigger carving machine launched, but with every new concept, other brands followed. Encouraged by sales and with an ‘imitation is flattery’ outlook, Serge invested heavily in stock. Three winters of very poor snow followed. Retailers went bust.

Stock went with them. Invoices went unpaid. There were production problems. There were distribution problems.

Resources dwindled away to nothing. Serge licensed his brand to a manufacturer and left the market entirely.

The years passed and freestyle snowboarding evolved. I don’t believe for one moment that this obsessive, creative snowboarder’s snowboarder wasn’t watching what was going on. “The industry was, and still is, obsessed with freestyle snowboarding. They don’t look at how and where we actually like to ride. Very

few snowboarders soley spend time in the park. Brands weren’t looking at real life. It’s too risky for the big brands to innovate - these days they have to push out tried and tested products with a few tweaks here and there. I knew I could still innovate. There was still work left to do.”

The Dupraz D1 snowboard launched on 1st December 2003. It’s objective was performance, pleasure and more control, both off-piste and on.

This is a board that pushes you to play. There’s a long, tapered nose to counteract the ‘snowplough’ effect and nothing else recreates that surf feeling quite like it. It’s Serge’s way of doing things.

“I was very naive. The industry loved the board but by 2003 snowboarding was so big.

I needed a huge marketing budget to make the impression my new board deserved and I didn’t have it. The winter sports media paid no attention to small producers. I produced what I could afford to. That’s all.”

Thirteen seasons have passed since the D1 and even though the board is still stocked in around 90 outlets worldwide,

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MORZINE’S

LIVELIEST BAR APRES SKI WITH LIVE BANDS HAPPY HOUR EVERY DAY LIVE DJS EVERY NIGHT

the chances are you won’t have heard of Dupraz Snowboards. Sometimes I get the impression that Serge wants his brand to remain the best-kept secret in snowboard hardware. But while so much time, skill and passion goes into his products, surely he wants just wants them to be ridden? “How do people decide how to buy a snowboard? They take advice from the guy in the shop.

They read the modern winter sports media. The guy in the shop isn’t recommending the D1, even if they stock it, because a mass-marketed board is more likely to sell.

It’s a better pitch. And the magazines? They’re concerned with making the sport look extreme. I worry that snowboarding is becoming less accessible.”

Serge and I spend the next hour debating business profits versus equipment evolution in the entire winter sports industry. This is my kind of conversation and while Serge has arguably taken a non-commercial route to business development over the last 35 years, I come to an important conclusion.

Dupraz may be small but it certainly isn’t niche. Serge’s boards are for everyone – any mountain, any condition, any ability. You don’t know about them because no one else is talking about them. If I hadn’t tried one, I probably wouldn’t be writing this article.

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Serge Dupraz: humble, obsessive, infinitely passionate. He deserves the last word in this feature.

“Snowboarding. Snowboarders.

The average rider deserves more than we have. Snowboarders aren’t supposed to follow trends. We make them.”

His next board is currently in development. facebook.com/duprazsnowboards twitter.com/DuprazSnowboard instagram.com/dupraz_snow

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OPEN 4PM – 2AM EVERY NIGHT FIND US IN THE CENTRE OF MORZINE

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barrier just-off-piste - By David Gladwin -

The Portes du Soleil offers so much lift accessible off-piste terrain and for most people, the transition from pisted runs to off-piste is usually made by entering an area commonly known as ‘just off the piste’. We’ve all seen people in this area from the chair lift as we ascend the mountain. People riding powder, within sight of the lift, sometimes even just over the other side of the piste barrier. So it must be safe if I see people there all the time, right? Riding fresh powder off-piste and just-offpiste is exciting, exhilarating and damn awesome fun, but it does come with risks.

What do I need to consider before jumping over the barrier and venturing just-off-piste?

Do I have the right kit?

Should I actually go?

The most prevalent danger when riding any off-piste is an avalanche. During an avalanche, hundreds of tons of snow can move in seconds and without warning. Don’t be fooled, this can and does happen regularly in the just-off-piste area. At the very least you should be wearing a transceiver and carrying a probe and shovel so if the worst does happen, you can be found quickly, or if need be you can find your friends. This equipment is only as good as the people using it, so make sure that you and the people you are riding with have had training and know how to use it.

What has led you to this point? Did you see other people ride this powder line yesterday or the day before? So it must be safe? Snow conditions can change within hours as a result of many factors, including rising or falling temperatures, rainfall, wind and fresh snow. All of these can significantly affect the likelihood of an avalanche happening.

Just because people rode it safely yesterday, or even this morning, that doesn’t mean it’s safe now.

Where does the line go?

This is fundamentally one of the deadliest approaches you can take to riding anywhere offpiste and many people have come unstuck from following a random track in the snow. You don’t have to believe me, there are plenty of YouTube videos and anecdotes from friends of people who have come unstuck from following this principle. Following someone else’s line without prior knowledge of the area is the surest and quickest route to disaster, so don’t do it.

Looking down from a chairlift, you can see the line you want to follow and for most, this is the focus of their attention when looking to ride just-off-piste.

Now put yourself on the ground, your perspective of what lies ahead is completely different and this can lead to disorientation, the result of which could be you heading down a line which at best might lead to a dead end but at worst lead to the edge of a cliff. Before you head off do your research, look at local maps to see if there are dangers you should be aware of and search for clear landmark positions that you can navigate yourself from.

Always ensure you know how to escape the line if something does go wrong.

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Following other people’s line!

If something did go wrong would you know what to do?

Do you know how to use your transceiver to find your friend? Do you know who you should contact

#lovelesgets

or your location so you can tell someone where you are? If you have planned your line and know the name and location of local landmarks, then it will be easy for you to explain where you are to the emergency services. Each French ski resort has its own specific piste patrol emergency contact number, these can be found on the piste maps.

Always carry a fully charged mobile phone and make sure you and your friends have the local area piste patrol number saved in your contacts.

What should I do next?

My number one piece of advice is to pay for a mountain guide to take you riding off-piste. I know people may be thinking about the cost and that my mate J.Bloggs has ridden for years and I’m sure I will be safe with him, but can he really keep you safe? Does he really know what to do if things go wrong? A mountain guide has years of training in the mountains and on snow, they will have an intimate knowledge of the local area and they will know the best area to ride given the conditions on the day.

They will teach you about mountain awareness and can train you how to carry out search and rescue. First and foremost though, they will make sure you ride the best possible lines and that you get home safe and sound, so you can tell all your friends about what an epic day you have had.

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Šmint snowboarding

Craft Pistes craftpistes.etsy.com

The Author

David Gladwin is a mountain guide and snowboard instructor with Morzine based snowboard school MINT Snowboarding. David has lived and holidayed in the Portes du Soleil area for most of his life, he has been snowboarding for over 20 years, and has been a snowboard instructor for over 10 years. David is one of the few people in the world to hold the French Carte Pro (ISTD BASI level 4) and UIAGM Mountain Guide qualifications, which means he can take anyone anywhere in the world, snowboarding, skiing and mountaineering.

Fresh snow, mountain air and speeding down the pistes make skiing the best holiday in the world. The piste map is the defining descriptor and navigator for a ski trip. The peaks, the runs and the lifts shape our enjoyment of a mountain. Taking these essential elements, we have recreated a minimal, stylish piece of art that looks fantastic in a ski chalet or bedroom back home.

High quality prints and cavases availible for Morzine & Les Gets on our Etsy page.

www.mintsnowboarding.com

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|NEWS

The 2017 Snow-Camp AJ Bell Alpine Challenge

A Birthday Ski for Avoriaz To mark the resort’s 50th anniversary, Dynastar have created two special, limited-edition pairs of skis to help the resort celebrate in style. And to make them even more exclusive, they’ve only produced 200 pairs of each! The men’s skis incorporate the racing technology of Dynastar’s Speed Zone 9 skis. They’re developed for hard snow conditions and

deliver a new level of comfort, power and precision. The women’s skis launch a completely new batch of ski technology – the Dynastar Intense 10. This is an on-piste ski designed for energetic skiers to improve their technical performance. Both skis feature PowerDrive Inside active suspension technology. Look out for them on the slopes!

Once again this year Source Magazine will be supporting the incredible youth work of SnowCamp in their quest to raise funds that provide life-changing opportunities to children from tough backgrounds in the UK. The AJ Bell Alpine Challenge takes place in Morzine between 19th and 22nd January 2017. Teams of 4 skiers or snowboarders race around the Portes du Soleil to clock up 150km + of GPS tracked terrain over 2 consecutive nonstop days. They’ll pass through checkpoints and the winner will be the team with the most kilometers under their belt at the end of the challenge. It’s all about strategy, stamina and teamwork!

The Buzz Performance Winter Timetable

Les Gets based chalet company Summit Special are also supporting the event. They’ve entered a team to compete in the challenge, and they’re hoping their local knowledge will give them the edge! Owner Dave Murray told Source “Having met Dan from Snow-Camp, we were very impressed, not only with the aims of the charity to provide opportunities for young people through snow sports, but also the enthusiasm of the organisation and the results they have achieved so far.”

For more information on this year’s event and the on-going work of the charity in the UK, head to snow-camp.org.uk

France’s flagship Burton store opens in Avoriaz

exhaustion and energy. This is the Not all exercise takes place on perfect training for our mountain snow during the winter season. playground, and as an extension Following the almighty success of last winter’s Spinning launch at the to Spin, suspension training, FIRE (Frequent Intervals of Resistance Mountain Rehab Gym in Morzine, Exercises) and Total Body Buzz Performance are running a Conditioning classes are now on full timetable of fitness classes timetable too. throughout the winter season, NEWthe WHAT’S / OUR PICK which you can either reserve as a opening dates: To book your sessions: full course or as drop-inResort sessions.

WINTER 16/17 PRESS KIT

Friday 9 December 2016 to Sunday 23 April 2017

At the end of a good Spin class you’ll feel a strange mix of

email info@buzzperformance.com or call +33 (0) 6 42 50 40 12.

2nd January - 8th april Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursdsay

Friday

Saturday

16.30 Body Conditioning

7.30 Spinning

15.00 FIRE

9.15 Suspension Training

19.30 Spinning

9.45 Spinning

20.00 Spinning

9.00 Spinning

16.15 Suspension Training

10.30 Body Conditioning

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-

-

10.15 Suspension Training

17.30 Spinning

11.45 Spinning

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-

11.30 FIRE

18.45 Spinning

13.00 Spinning

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Here’s another very good reason for you to spend more time in Avoriaz this winter. Burton Snowboards are opening their very first store in France and they’ve chosen Avoriaz as its home. The new store is the result of a long, well established collaboration between the resort and Jake Burton’s brand, which also includes sponsorship of Avoriaz Snowzone and the only Burton Stash in Europe. The store’s manager Victoria Edel told us, “The choice of Avoriaz as the first place in France to open a Burton store

#lovelesgets

was obvious and is made possible thanks to the different local organisations.”

You’ll find the Burton Snowboards store at 3 Place Centrale in Avoriaz. It opens on 9th December and includes a test centre so you can try new boards before you buy. Integrated within the store is a snowboard school lead by the famous local Olympic snowboarder Johann Baisamy. For more details follow the store on Facebook at facebook.com/burtonstoreavoriaz or pop in and say hello! #loveavoriaz

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….bespoke home furnishings, fabulous fabrics, beautiful bunting and gorgeous gifts hand made for you….

info@hemdcrafts.com

www.hemdcrafts.com Snow&TrekWinter16-17.pdf

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11:35

SNOW & TREK offer self-catered apartments and chalets in great locations around central Morzine, with a B&B option at Chalet Poppy just 400m

from 3 nights to season length stays.

We can help organise all aspects of your ski holidays, including: SKI PASSES

EQUIPMENT HIRE

TRANSFERS

CHILDCARE

SKI LESSONS

Variety of PROPERTY MANAGEMENT options available.

W: SNOWANDTREK-MORZINE.COM T: +44 1243 370243/+44 7725 082141 SPECIALISTS IN MORZINE SINCE 2002

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FACEBOOK: /SNOWANDTREK

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TWITTER: @SNOWANDTREK

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school

25 years of skiing in Avoriaz with Ian McKeller Imagine having the foresight to select a location for your business, which, 25 years later, would be one of the most popular holiday destinations in the Alps. While the Portes du Soleil’s highest resort celebrates its 50th birthday this winter, Ian McKeller’s Avoriaz Alpine Ski School celebrates its 25th anniversary.

“When I established my ski school in 1992, it was always my intention to remain in the area during the years to come. The Portes du Soleil is such a great ski area and offered then, as it does now, all the terrain we needed to run a successful ski and snowboard school.

But then I’d already been in the area for years. In the 80’s I established and ran a chalet company in Morgins, (also in the Portes du Soleil) called Ski M&M. We expanded into Les Gets and Morzine, and before I knew it, we were catering for nearly 100 clients each week across the ski area.

When the business ended in 1991, I knew I wanted to launch a ski school, so I chose Avoriaz for its altitude and its central location.

Back in 1992 the ski industry was very different. Princess Anne’s family ski holidays in Morzine helped to create awareness for the resort and there were only around four British-owned chalet operators and a few large tour operators offering hotels or selfcatered accommodation options. The market was nothing like it is today with so much choice on offer.

When we launched the ski school, many of our clients were experienced

#lovemorzine

skiers looking for adventure, and as we had the local knowledge required, we were able to show them secret spots across the Portes du Soleil. Back then Avoriaz was more popular with the British skier as it offered good value for money and great snow, while Morzine was popular with intermediate skiers. I also remember that skis were much harder to carve and turn 25 years ago!

respect the rules of the mountain at all times, especially as skiing and snowboarding increase in popularity and there are more people on the slopes.

The most notable change for me over the last 25 years has been an increase in the number of skiers on the slopes. Of course snowboarders had not arrived back then either!

There were also far more drag lifts and far fewer last chair lifts. Avoriaz lifts were much better than over on the Swiss side and snow conditions were always excellent; just the odd winter had less snow.

Of course Morzine-Avoriaz as a resort continues to be marketed as one destination, but the differences between the two are huge. Morzine has become a very British resort, while Avoriaz has recently invested heavily in luxury self-catered apartments which create a more international feel in the resort. If Morzine and Avoriaz ever manage to expand the current Prodains Express telecabine lift into Morzine, that will make an amazing difference in integrating the two resorts. Of course this also means that numbers on the slopes will increase too…

Our biggest challenge now is the volume of skiers and snowboarders on the slopes, especially the ones going too fast for their ability. Our instructors include mountain safety briefings into all of our ski school lessons. I feel it’s so important to

I’m often asked for tips on how beginner skiers should choose the destination for their first ski trip.

It’s an important consideration after all – pick the wrong resort and it may put you off for life! A good beginners area will offer safe, unintimidating

#lovelesgets

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©avoriaz alpine ski school

nursery slopes with logical progression onto easy blues. Finding an international ski school with instructors that speak English is also very important, but key is an instructor with a good technical understanding and a friendly approach. In my experience, the smaller ski schools tend to have better quality control.

When it comes to our team of instructors, I’m very particular. Experience and attitude to client care are very important, as is a good level of English and an international outlook.

Typically instructors will either join us for a few years to gain knowledge before moving on, or they’ll stay with us, as many have, to become valuable team members for several years.

It’s difficult to imagine what Avoriaz will be like 25 years from now. I’m fairly sure there’ll still be enough snow to go round, and there’ll probably be many more skiers too!”

Avoriaz Alpine Ski School have a winter of celebratory events planned. Keep an eye on their Facebook page for dates and details: facebook.com/avoriazalpineskischool

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Our selection of the hot test travel gadgets and accessories will not only see you through the winter season... they're perfect for the rest of your travels too!

- travel essentials Rab Microlight Alpine Jacket

RRP: €229.95 If ever a jacket was made for travel, then this is it. It’s light weight, weather- esistant and packs down small. The 750FP Hydrophobic Goose Down provides exceptional levels of warmth without compromising on weight and the Pertex Microlight outer fabric keeps in the warmth while being both breathable and windproof. It doubles as both a mid-layer in cold climes and a top layer during warmer times and we love the eight different colour ways too. rab.equipment/eu

Eyefi Mobi Pro

RRP: £49.00 An essential for the keen photographers amongst you. This SDHC camera memory card packs a pro punch. Available in both 16GB and 32GB, it includes built-in WiFi that connects your camera, at lightening speeds, to your smartphone, tablet, PC or Mac. Just pop it into your camera, install an app on your device, and instantly transfer RAW and JPEG images using a private, secure connection. Each card also comes with a free 12 month subscription to the Eyefi Cloud, which automatically uploads your photos and syncs to your devices, wherever you go. eyefi.com

Ultimate Ears Roll 2

RRP: £80.00 Whilst Bluetooth speakers aren't new, we believe this example provides the best combination of sound quality, weight and value for money available at the moment. It’s tiny, flying saucer shape makes it easy to transport anywhere in your pocket.

The Roll 2 is also 15% louder than its previous sibling, has a greater Bluetooth range of around 100ft and it’s cheaper. And pretty to look at. Wins all round. ultimateears.com

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Aiglon Source Advert.pdf

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If you like Morzine in the winter, then you'll love it here in the summer!

Jurni Suitcase

RRP: £79.99 Best described as a next generation Trunki, the Jurni includes all the clever functions of its little brother but for teenagers who’ve grown out of their bright dinosaur alternative. There’s still a seat function with in-line skate wheels to save standing in queues, an all-important 25ltr capacity, a two year warranty and a collection of different colours to suit all styles. But most of all, we love the flexible storage options on the inside. There’s a secret compartment, a removable shelf and a locker mode for when you reach your destination.

Beautiful Apartments Perfectly located • Secure parking • On site gym

Ultimate MTB retreat Hiking • Family fun • Multi- pass

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www.aiglonmorzine.com Crevasse Advert.pdf

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12:05

myjurni.co.uk

Do you or your family require quality, affordable clothing?

Then why not try our in resort snowsports' clothing rental service

£400 of kit for £69

Wallet Ninja

RRP: £6.99 Because you just never know when you might need a screwdriver. Or a bottle opener. Or a wrench. Or a can opener for that matter. Wallet Ninja is the ultimate go-anywhere tool belt, which, as the name suggests, fits right in your wallet. It is TSA approved, which means you can take it on airplanes and it’s guaranteed for life. Added functions include a fruit peeler, a mobile phone stand, an inch ruler and a bottle opener. You’ll wonder how you ever lived without it. walletninja.com

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Here at Crevasse Clothing, we work with quality brands such as Westbeach, Bolle and Barts to provide clothing rental for everybody. Skiers and snowboarders, adults and children, large or skinny, if you rent clothes you not only save on purchasing kit but you can also save on airline luggage costs. It’s a no brainer!

Are you a resort business owner?

Then why not get in touch with us and find out how you can become a partner

michael@crevasseclothing.com | www.facebook.com/crevasseclothing

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For many years now, Café Chaud has been a Morzine institution, hosting some of the biggest nights out each week throughout the winter season.

But when owner Thomas decided to call it a day, a new team stepped up to take on the challenge.

So what is changing? There’ll be more huge events including the legendary Morzine Beer Pong Championships each Tuesday and a new multivenue Friday night party in collaboration with Le Paradis nightclub. We’re going to be showcasing some of the biggest names in hip-hop, house and breaks from across the planet. To say we're excited about the acts we’ve booked for our lineup this winter would be an understatement of epic proportions. We don’t want to give too much away but you can expect live shows from Akil MC from Jurassic 5, Krafty Kuts, Jack Beats, A-Skills and many more every week this winter.

“As Retro Rentals, we’ve had an amazing time organising events in other people’s bars over the last six years. When we found out Thomas was selling his bar Café Chaud, we couldn’t say no.

With so many English people in the area, it’s sometimes difficult to remember that we actually live in France. With that in mind, our locals drinks discounts are only available when you order your drink in French. It’s the language of love so don’t be shy! All of our team are bilingual and love a good chat.

Many people know us as Spandex wearing, epic 80’s party throwing animals, but we’re also responsible for many less-cheesy, serious music events across the Alps as our background is in festival and tour management. Our plan is to combine the serious music side of things with our ability to throw amazing parties, all in one centrally located venue.

We’re also keen for the bar to support the local community. International and local skateboard art will adorn the walls. Everything in the exhibition will be for sale with all profits donated to Morzine’s Concrete Community, the initiative responsible for our incredible new skate park.

If you’re an artist, get in touch, we’ll supply the decks and a space to hang them, you do the rest!"

Whenever I talk to anyone about our Café Chaud plans, they go a bit glassy-eyed and start to grin, reminiscing over at least one overly hectic night in the bar. Café Chaud’s established nights on Wednesdays and Sundays will continue unabated, with some extra special new events thrown in each week.

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#lovelesgets

#loveavoriaz

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SUPPORT YOUR TEAM IN MORZINE, IN THE FRENCH HOCKEY PREMIER LEAGUE!

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|NEWS

PICTURE YOUR PROPERTY HERE.

Penguins hockey team merges with Chamonix to become the Pionniers

The Morzine-Avoriaz-Les Gets Hockey Club, or the Penguins as they once were, have had a tough time in France’s premier hockey league over the last couple of seasons. Despite being a great, family-friendly night out during the winter season, it’s become increasingly hard for teams across France to compete financially. In response to these tough economic times, the Penguins have merged with the Chamonix Chamois to become the Pionniers.

Team Manager Jerome Baud explained “We want to play a dominant role in the league. To do this we need better players and this is only possible with extra resources. We will be more

competitive as a joint team.” The result is a fresh wave of new, high profile players including two Canadians and a goal keeper who once played in America’s NHL.

UNDER THE NOSE OF 10,000 POTENTIAL BUYERS. EVERY DAY. Each month our property listings receive over 1 million pageviews from over 100,000

The regular hockey season has individuals looking for their ideal Alpine home. been expanded from 26 games to With our friendly team of 20 locally based, bilingual staff, we will work with you to price, 44 this year. 22 matches are away, promote and sell your property. Experts in their regions, they know the area, the buyers and the local contacts you will need to make a successful sale.

11 will take place in Chamonix and Morzine’s Skoda Arena will alpine-property.com | + 33 (0)4 26 10 10 72 host the remaining 11 matches (See page 88 for fixtures). All French Cup games will take place in Morzine, which means we can Winter 17 Source Advert 90.75 x 127.5.indd 1 07/10/2016 still look forward to an actionpacked season ahead.

Win tickets for each Morzine match over on the Source Magazine Facebook page!

Both our men and women’s collections are structured to embrace all the different life occasions of our consumers through the season, from the daily life in the city to the weekend escape and travel adventures.

61 Route de la Plagne, 74110 Morzine mail: napa.peak@orange.fr - tel: 04 50 74 05 89

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snow

The Mountain Designer - By Amie Henderson -

Give or take a few millennia, the Alps were born 770 million years ago when the African and Eurasian tectonic plates collided and caused a violent upheaval in the earths crust. That’s the short story anyway, but I bet you don’t think about the undulations and formulations as you’re cruising down Prolays. Carlo Carmagnola does. Carlo is part of a company called Dianeige and they work with ski resorts around the world to plan the sustainable development of pistes and mountain areas, helping to manage them in a more environmentally friendly way.

Carlo, your job is to help ski areas maximise their snow coverage during the winter season. What does this involve?

Basically, we run numerical simulations using a detailed snowpack model (MétéoFrance’s SURFEX/Crocus). This model allows different scenarios to be simulated, such as the response of the snow cover to warmer meteorological conditions during spring, or the effect of ski slopes, aspects and altitudes on the amount of solar radiation hitting the snow surface. We are then able to compute, for each sector of a given ski area, the amount of snow that we can expect during the season.

Of course, there is a lot of inter-annual variability, but it is still possible to identify some thresholds in terms of snow mass.

In the end, we can provide stakeholders with a better understanding of the snow conditions in their ski resort, answering different important questions: which part of the ski area is most sensitive to melting? Is the snow making system well “sized”? How the grooming techniques can be improved? And so on.

seasonal variability, it is clear that the mean snow cover is reducing almost everywhere since the end of the 1980’s, especially during fall and at low-middle altitudes. Indeed, even if we do not observe a significant trend on the amount of precipitation, higher air temperatures will shift the zero isotherm level, leading to more liquid (rain) than solid precipitation (snow). For instance, the Col de Porte meteorological station (Chartreuse range, 1325m) has recorded a loss of 13cm per decade since 1950, related to a warming of 0.3°C per decade. Climate projections in the French Alps for the period 2020-2050 show a reduction in snow cover (depth and duration) ranging from 10 to 60% at 1200-1800m. The incertitude is very large, but the trend is quite clear. In order to face these changing conditions, ski resorts will have to adapt quickly, extending in particular their snowmaking network (in France, only 29% of the ski slopes are equipped with snow guns, against 65% in Austria and 80% in Italy) and improving their techniques of preparation of ski slopes.

If there's to be less snow in

How is the volume of snow

future years, how can science

we receive in the French Alps

help? Is the answer simply to

changing? And should be

create more artificial snow?

we concerned about these

What other options do we have?

changes?

The amount of snow we receive in the French Alps is undoubtedly changing.

Beside the normal spatial and inter-

#lovemorzine

The first answer is to create more machinemade snow. For example, if we look at the last winter season, characterised by a lack of snow until January, only ski slopes

#lovelesgets

at high altitude (above 2000-2200m) or those equipped with snowmaking systems opened during the Christmas holidays. Thirty years ago, with the same meteorological conditions, virtually no ski resort could have opened. However, creating more artificial snow is not the only answer. Slope earthwork during summer (to create a proper, flat ground surface) allows resorts to better catch and conserve the snow. Snow fences can be installed in windy areas, in order to stock more wind-drifted snow.Optimising the grooming techniques is also extremely important to retain the snow cover as long as possible during the ski season. Only creating a perfect synergy between all these different elements, ski resorts will be able to survive in the long term.

Do you currently work with any resorts in the Portes du Soleil? Are there any new developments you can tell us about?

Our branch office Kaliblue has recently made a new ski map for the resorts in the Portes du Soleil, as well as a map for summer leisure activities (biking, trekking). A new development I would like to talk you about, even if it’s not yet installed in the Portes du Soleil, is our Skiflux system. It’s a small device equipped with an infrared beam that we install on the ski slopes to measure the fluxes of skiers. Knowing the skier attendance on each slope is extremely useful: with this

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WE DRIVE TO YOU

information, we are able to redirect skiers towards less-frequented areas using dynamic LED screens, reducing the over-saturation of the slopes.

Themed ski areas such as half pipes, modules, family areas, etc are becoming increasingly popular in ski resorts. Why do you think this is? And how do you assist with this?

Holiday makers really like themed ski areas indeed!

Every skier and snowboarder should be able to find an area up to their expectations: professional freestylers will seek half-pipes and high kicks, whereas children will enjoy themed tracks. A ski resort should diversify its offer in order to satisfy every kind of customer. At Dianeige, we’ve designed new snowparks, ski-crosses, border-crosses and leisure areas since 2004. Along with slope planning and designing, this is our core business.

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Ski areas are now concerned with summer activities too. Do you play any role in this?

For mountain resorts, diversifying the touristic offer throughout the year is becoming more and more important. For this reason, Dianeige is involved in planning new ski resort infrastructures for summer activities. In our 4-season Master Plan, we often include golf, paragliding, zip lines, tubing, roller skiing, etc. Compared to other Alpine countries, in France there still needs to be a great deal of catching-up if the objective of offering attractive, 4-season resorts is to be achieved.

* PLEASE BRING THIS ADVERT WITH YOU TO REDEEM MSC advert.pdf

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13:42

SNOWMAKING INVESTMENT FOR WINTER 16/17

z

Les Gets - €300,000

spent on optimising the existing snowmaking infrastructure

Morzine Ski Chalets Our speciality is your perfect getaway!

Morzine - €700,000

invested in improving the performance of existing facilities Avoriaz - €1.8million

on enhanced facilities on Chavanette, new cannons on the link between Prolays and Abricotine and extended facilities in the resort centre

www.morzineskichalets.com

Our speciality is your perfect getaway!

Chatel - €2.4million

on a new network for the Forestiere run, guaranteeing the link between Super Chatel and Longa and total coverage between Linga to Vonnes

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To say that Samuel McMahon, Video Editor for Whitelines and Onboard, knows a thing or two about snowboard paraphernalia would be a gross understatement.

If you’re investing in new kit this winter, don’t spend a penny until you’ve considered the following...

- snowboard hardware -

K2 Party Platter Snowboard

RRP €449.00 When conditions are prime (powder) there’s nothing better than standing sideways on a board perfectly designed for the job. However, for the days inbetween, the last thing you want is the old fashioned super long, extra stiff plank you might’ve coveted ten years ago. Enter K2 and their Enjoyer series of boards, my favourite of which is the Party Platter, designed to be ridden 7-20cm shorter than your usual board by way of increasing the width (the 150 version is 27cm at the waist!). To stabilise the ride they’ve added a flat profile underfoot, an exaggerated scoop in the nose and a super deep sidecut for quick turns. You end up with a ton of float in powder, heaps of maneuverability on piste and best of all, a smile on your face every time you look down at the radical shape under your feet. www.k2snowboarding.com

Dragon NFX2 Goggles

RRP €119.95 A pair of goggles that make you look as good as they let you see. Dragon have brought the frameless look to cylindrical lenses and fitted them out with a bunch a features that make them a practical choice for the hill. The NFX2s are far more compact than their spherical cousins, but the interchangeable lens is still the main stylistic feature here: there are over twenty different colours to choose from and you can swap them out without even taking them off your face thanks to ‘Swiftlock’ technology. Armored rather than foam vents mean you can bash them around without fear of ruining the airflow, and the handy silicon webbing on the strap means they won’t be going anywhere fast whether you’re wearing a hat or a helmet. www.dragonalliance.com

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Ride Rodeo Bindings

RRP €249.00 Unless you’re out charging steeps every single day of the season, it’s nice to have a bit of flex and forgiveness in your bindings, facilitating easy jibs and butters whilst preventing foot cramps. Ride’s Rodeo bindings have all of the above in spades, but their aluminium design gives them enough bombproof durability to keep them going through a season of abuse. Designed primarily for riding park, they’re the choice of Olympic snowboarder and Morzine alumni Billy Morgan, but that shouldn’t put you off them if you’re not into triple corks - these are fun, flexi and comfortable all over the mountain. www.ridesnowboards.com

Dakine 12L Heli Pack

RRP €80.00 Truth be told, there isn’t much new with the Dakine Heli Pack for 2016/17, but if it ain’t broke why fix it right? I’ve actually owned one of these for six years and it hasn’t let me down once. Perfect for powder days in resort and light splitboard excursions, there’s enough room for your avalanche kit, skins, water and snacks, all the while staying sleek and compact. Need to bootpack up to find more powder? You can fasten your snowboard (or skis) and jacket to the outside and adjust the chest straps to distribute the weight evenly. Concerned it might clash with your jacket? There’s ten colourways to choose from.

Buy one this winter and you’ll still be thanking me in six years. www.dakine.com

Vans Implant Boots

RRP €259.00 Heel lift: the bane of snowboarders the world over. No matter how hard you crank your laces, by the end of the day that painful calf burn is bound to catch up with you. Good job then that as well as traditional laces, Vans’ Implant boots come with an easily-accessed BOA reel just for your upper ankle, holding your heel firmly in place from first lift to last orders. There’s also a power shin strap that fits both inside and outside the tongue, allowing you to crank out a bit more stiffness when the boots start getting soft, or slacken them for a day hitting jibs. Simple stylings round this boot off and make it a firm favourite within the Vans team as well as the Whitelines office. www.vans.com

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how to

ride

powder - By Samuel McMahon -

If you didn’t already know, the best way to experience snowboarding is in the deep stuff: powder. Pristine and glorious white, a single fresh dump can get you hooked for life and opens up a whole new world for your riding. No longer are you limited by crowded pistes or packed parks. Once you have the basics mastered you can experience making the most of a blizzard, getting neck deep in exotic places like Japan and, of course, exploring the secret nooks and crannies of our own Portes du Soleil.

Sadly for some, the first taste of freshies can be frustrating, exhausting or even terrifying. Here’s a handy guide to get you started off piste and on track to the absolute best part of our sport: total freedom.

©robbie davies - apres imaging

Safety First But first of all, a couple of points on safety.

There’s so much to say on this that I could write a whole series of articles on the matter, but for people just starting out I’d say you could distill the really important stuff into two key points: knowing where you’re going and having the right safety gear (as well as knowing how to use it).

The best way to accomplish these is by going out with someone who knows what they’re doing, both in terms of where to go and some good knowledge of avalanche safety, i.e. a qualified guide. Everyone should have a minimum of an avalanche transceiver,

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shovel and probe stashed in a lightweight pack (available to rent from shops in town) and when riding, if there’s any doubt as the where you’re headed, it’s best to make a bee-line back to the piste.

For more on off-piste safety head to page 78.

Where To Begin It’s no good expecting to make huge turns if you’re yet to master a blue run without crashing, so make sure you can comfortably get down a red piste at a good speed before you start heading out of bounds.

Once you can, look just to side of the piste to start making your first tracks, something

#lovelesgets

the steepness of a good blue or mellow red should be good to get started.

Wait for a day when there’s a good amount of fresh snow lying around and look for patches without loads of tracks - getting up early is a good way to achieve this!

One more tip before you actually get going: you’ll want a board that’s big enough to float over the snow. A dedicated powder board is best, but an all-mountain snowboard on the larger side for your height/weight should be more than good enough. It also helps if you alter your stance and move both bindings back slightly towards the tail.

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Going Fast The biggest myth about riding powder is that it’s all about leaning on your back leg to keep the nose of the board from sinking into the snow - this is only true if you’re not going fast enough! Relying on this technique means you end up steering with your back foot - bad - and will have your back thigh cramping up like a Channel swimmer right after breakfast!

Whilst you don’t have to be absolutely maching it down the fall line all the time, you should be confident enough to commit to having enough speed to stay centered over your board - just like on the piste - and letting it float above the snow on its own. That way you’ll have more control in the turns and you’ll find yourself far less fatigued by lunchtime.

Always remember - speed is your friend!

Earning Turns If you’ve got the speed and balance dialed then turning isn’t actually too different from on groomed pistes: it’s all about staying centered, initiating with the front foot and finishing with the rear. With practice it actually becomes far easier than turning on the afternoon’s rutted mogul fields.

Once you’re confident, you can start adding some flair into the simple art of turning: sharp turns down banks feel and look amazing if you hold the line and don’t skid too much, but nothing beats the feeling of turning your board completely sideways mid-turn and letting yourself get completely enveloped for a second in your own spray.

Welcome to the white room!

Getting Up One of the most exhausting parts of learning to ride off piste is simply getting back on your feet after a spill - you can spend hours wallowing around and punching your arms into nothingness trying to find something to push against.

Although it might be tempting, try not to take your board off unless it’s absolutely necessary. Not only is

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it already the most stable platform you have at your disposal, but trying to put it on again in deep snow can be just as tiring! Align yourself with your feet downhill and go slow, taking deep breaths before trying to pack the snow so that you can push away from the hill and back onto onto your feet.

If that doesn’t work then try and reach down to your board with one hand and push with the other, giving yourself less work to do. Most importantly, try your best not to get too frustrated or panicked as this will only make you more exhausted and the task more difficult!

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Hiking One of the best parts of riding powder is getting well away from the beaten track, but that doesn’t always mean you’ll have the best lift access! You might find yourself having to hike for fresh lines occasionally, and there’s a few points to remember in order to make the most of it. A wise man once told me to save your energy on the way up to get more rad on the way down.

Before you get going it’s best to lose a layer or two, as you don’t want to get ultra sweaty whilst walking only to freeze when you pause at the top. My rule of thumb is always to feel a little chilly when you start and remind yourself that you soon start warming up!

Bar, crepes, galettes Central Morzine Gourmet burgers Bacon rolls every morning Authentic Hot Dogs Music & TV sports Happy hours

Make sure each foothold is firm before you put your full weight on it, as flailing around or falling over is way more tiring that packing a step in. Go at a steady pace that allows you to keep your breathing regular and don’t feel rushed by anyone else in your group. Always think of how good it’ll be at the top rather than how hard it is in the moment!

Of course there’s way more to riding powder than these six ideas, but if you use them as a starting point then you should be getting some of the best days of your life in no time! When you’re learning, always remember it’s meant to be fun - if you feel yourself getting tired or frustrated, just pause and take a look around at where you are.

Could be worse right?

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Open 8am - Midnight

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how to

gorilla grab

4 3 1

2

We recommend trying this grab stationary on a flat area to feel the movement first, before choosing a familiar jump or side hit which you can safely clear to the landing every time.

1: Head in straight towards your chosen jump. Lots of turns just complicate things!

2: Approaching the transition, have your weight centred and knees flexed ready for action

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3: As you reach the lip, ‘pop’ up from both legs while dropping your hands towards the inside of your thighs, ready to grab 4: Bring your knees up and grab the board with both hands, yelling out your best gorilla impression for full effect

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This classic retro snowboard trick takes its name from the primate position you’ll adopt while you’re in the air. As you grab the board’s toe side edge between your feet with both hands, you’ll be doing your best gorilla impression.

You’re essentially combining a mute (front hand) and indy (back hand) grab together, and Onyx Snowboard School’s Baden Knifton is here to show you how.

I wanna be like you-oo-oo…

British Food Delivery Services - Source Advert.pdf

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British Food Delivery Services

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Morzine & Les Gets

6 A new ambient food delivery service managed and organised locally for your convenience.

Shop in your favorite UK supermarkets on-line and get your goods delivered to you here in the beautiful Rhône-Alps!!

Shop at:

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A regular monthly service at your disposal.

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5: As you spot the l anding, release the board and extend your legs

Use our email or phone number to get in touch with us.

e: info@britishfooddelivery.com t: +33 (0)6 80 99 36 20

6: L and centred and focus on riding out straight, making your escape back into the wild

See our website for further details, collection and delivery information

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Fresh and Frozen

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business

Launching Your Lifestyle Enterprise - By Amie Henderson -

You hear the term ‘lifestyle business’ and what do you imagine?

Ski bums justifying their year-round in-resort life to their parents?

Retirees explaining their sudden purchase of a ski chalet to rent to holidaymakers for a few weeks each season?

Lifestyle businesses are the backbone of Morzine, Les Gets and Avoriaz. The number of season workers or career-breakers carving out a niche for themselves in the mountains versus those returning to a ‘proper job’ back in Blighty is growing steadily each year.

But don’t for one second imagine that these ‘lifestyle businesses’ are an excuse to doss about in the mountains. Our little corner of the Alps has a growing number of serious businessmen and women launching ambitious, value-driven enterprises, having identified very strong opportunities to combine their passion for life with their drive to work hard.

Meet Doug Stidolph and Mickey Fitz. A mutual friend introduced them last winter here in Morzine.

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They were both launching their digital businesses at the same time and they shared a passion to build their new ventures without sacrificing their lifestyle. After a few beers they decided this made them ‘adventurepreneurs’.

Scroll forward a couple of months. Mickey calls Doug after a disappointing day at a startup branding master class in London.

He’d gone to be inspired while launching his own action sports video editing company. He quickly realised that the so-called ‘experts’ he’d paid to listen to really couldn’t help him achieve his own vision. He felt their message was superficial and missed the passion of the mountain sports industry. Mickey wanted to grow his business while having fun with his mates. Doug agreed this

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was totally possible. The Action Academy was born.

“So many adventurepreneurs live in the mountains because that’s where their inspiration is” founder Doug Stidolph explains. “They have all the drive and determination they need, but because they’re so spread out, they don’t often have the tools or the contacts to get things up and running.

Every night in London there’s an industry-specific networking event or workshop tailored for startups. Action Academy provides the talks, workshops and networking opportunities but in a fun, inspiring setting, specifically tailored to our industry and our way of life.”

The first Action Academy event was held at London’s Olympic Park in October. 50 adventurepreneurs

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Simply Spas 1-2 page advert.pdf

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• HOT-TUB • SWIMSPA • SAUNAS • • SEASONAL SPA HIRE • TRADE IN •

WE SELL GREAT SPAS, SAUNAS, SWIMSPAS & STEAM ROOMS

signed up to a daylong, launch-focused event titled Dropping In. Featuring speakers including the founders of SunGod, Van Loon Sport, Retro Rentals and more, presentations focused on experiences in business and lessons learned, while action sports PR specialist Cameron Hall from Holmlands discussed social media and brand awareness.

The pace was fast, the audience was focused and the end of day networking session ran late into the evening. As a result, Doug and Mickey are set to launch Action Academy events across the UK and in the Alps this winter off the back of their first event.

“The days of sacrificing your lifestyle while you grow your business are long gone” Mickey explains. “I want to build my business whilst surrounded by my target audience.

Being amongst people who share my values and passions for action sports is my biggest motivator”.

If you’re sitting on an idea for a mountainbased business, or if you’re in the early launch stages, you’ll no doubt be keen to know what Action Academy have planned for the future. “You don’t have to go to the city to build something big” Doug believes.

And based on the sheer numbers of inspiring start-up businesses we work with here at Source Magazine each year, we couldn’t agree more.

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BREXIT

PLANNING A FUTURE IN A CHAOTIC WORLD

- By David Freeman -

**David Freeman is a London lawyer helping clients from outside the UK to settle in the country whilst also working with charities in the field of education and refugees. He writes for daily Arab newspaper Al Hayat and has been visiting Morzine with his family for over 15 years.**

Brexit will change our lives. But how can we plan for an uncertain future?

The status of UK citizens living in other parts of the EU and of EU citizens living in the UK will be a bargaining chip in a tense and chaotic negotiation.

erupt easily and the spark can come from anywhere.

As time has passed, tempers have frayed.

France and Germany are facing elections and politicians are thinking about their popularity, rather than the long-term interests of the people.

Wars in Europe were a feature of the last century and there is no reason why they couldn’t be again. For some, the biggest concern on Brexit is the risk of the disintegration of the EU as part of a broader disintegration of alliances across the world.

Whilst the context is very different, the appalling conflicts in the Middle East and recent conflicts in Eastern Europe show that even in a modern interconnected world, where it is easy to communicate in a positive way, violence is only just below the surface of most societies. It can

The election of Donald Trump in the US, the rise of nationalist politics elsewhere, and the Brexit vote are a message that voters are tired of the status quo and are looking for local solutions to their problems and excluding anyone who is not from their country, however that is

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defined. In a recent speech by Theresa May, then still in her role as the UK’s Home Secretary, she imagined an economy where companies had to keep lists of foreigners that they employ (she has since backtracked) and this points to a vision of a World divided, not a World united.

The EU represented an attempt to bring people together. It seems that future barriers, both physical and financial, will make trade and travel more complicated.

Ironically, it will be the global elite, the group that so many politicians blame for the ills of the World, who will be able to continue travelling and trading with relative ease. Those without resources will

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face a far more constrained future.

It seems likely that after Brexit, UK citizens will need to get work permits and visas if they want to live and work in France. Visitors will still come and go with ease, but those wanting to stay longer will have to follow the immigration rules. Those with money or skills will be welcomed. Those without those requirements will not.

Morzine and other towns in the Alps have strong economies, fantastic locations, welcoming local populations and are attractive to people from everywhere, so they will have to consider their future marketing strategy. Knowing that people from the UK have less money to spend following the fall in the pound, they may

flows so the steps for them to remain should be relatively easy. However, those who are outside the system (and there are many, particularly amongst the young) and who are in the country on a temporary basis, will find that life is more complicated.

No advisor can predict the future, but it does seem likely that as the World divides and builds walls, it is going to be very important to make sure you are on the right side of the wall, and that you are part of the local community. This means paying taxes, being registered, applying for the right passport and speaking the language. Brexit is going to make that even more important.

There was a report in the media recently, confirming

chalets des fleurs.pdf

raise their profiles in other markets. Times are changing.

The UK is still part of the European Union and the rights that come to UK citizens as part of EU membership still apply. Notice has not been filed (yet) under Article 50 of the EU treaty, which will trigger the UK exit. It seems likely that immigration lawyers in France are going to be very busy seeing UK clients who want to be sure they can stay.

Many UK citizens are already within the French system and paying tax and filing returns with established income

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that traffic in London is now slower than in the days of the horse and cart, and it takes longer to fly from London to Paris than it did in 1930. We hope that life gets better and easier. Brexit, like the speed of the traffic in London, shows that is not always the case.

Trade and travel will get more difficult post Brexit. So if you are a UK citizen who wants to live in France (or any other EU country) now is the time to sort out your residency, while you can.

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Self Catered Chalets and Apartments

Providers of luxury self catered accommodation in Morzine, Les Gets and St Jean d'Aulps for over 10 years. We have a range of stylish properties that can sleep from 5 -12 people.

00 33 6 85 62 85 05 enquiries@chaletdesfleurs.com www.chaletdesfleurs.com

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how to

promote

your business - by Rob Stewart, Ski Press -

Ski Press works at the very core of the European winter sports industry, representing travel brands, equipment manufacturers, property developers and more. For those new to the concept of promoting your business via the media, here’s Rob’s introduction to PR in the winter sports industry.

PR is absolutely fabulous darling – well, occasionally anyway In our digital world, communications, you could argue, have completely changed the world of PR and marketing to an extent that makes it unrecognisable from twenty years ago. But, however we deliver our news or story to the media and the world, the fundamental elements that make a successful campaign remain the same - tell a good story, deliver it in the right way, have credibility. The process and tactics of how we deliver that information might have changed, but if there’s no human element behind it all, then you’re potentially lost.

What makes a good story?

Of course, this all depends on the publication you’re talking to - but let’s stick to winter sports content for the purposes of this topic. Unfortunately, bad news often makes the headlines but you’re a business and you want to tell everyone about how great you are. The fact is, editors really aren’t interested in that, they want news,

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not marketing spiel about your new chalet décor or why guests love the food your chef prepares at dinner time. So, here’s some angles that might just work out for you:

New If you’re a new company then this could be of genuine interest to a reader and it’s always an angle to exploit to the max. If you have a new chalet in your portfolio, or something unique that you’re introducing this winter, then it’s certainly ammunition for a potential press release, providing the hook is attention grabbing enough to compete with the hundreds of other press releases flying around the editor’s office.

Create a story I have worked on several campaigns where we have helped create a stand out product for a client that is genuine and commercial, but tells a unique story that’s interesting and newsworthy. For example, last winter

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we helped Eddie the Eagle Edwards get back into Nordic Ski Jumping after nearly twenty years away from the sport along with a chalet operator client of ours who supported the project. The challenge there is to ensure the client gets mentioned, so the approach needs to be spot on.

Facts and figures Journalists like facts and figures, so if you are an expert in a certain area and can research a part of the industry that might be relevant to the audience you’re pitching to, then some stats can go a long way to help persuade an editor that your story has value and credibility.

Getting a press release right is one thing, but even more importantly, it’s the delivery that really counts. On the Source Magazine website you’ll find my guide to putting together the perfect press release for your business.

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Relationships However slick and professional your press release might be, the next thing to consider is the audience you’re sending it to. If you have a large social media following and you simply want to talk directly to your customers, then you could publish your news on your own website and share on whatever platforms you use. But, media relations usually means just that - you want to get your story published in front of a mass audience.

In regards to the winter sports industry, the national newspapers, both in print and online, are still very important - then you have the ski and snowboard magazines and their online counterparts. But there’s also lifestyle publications, national travel magazines, regional papers, online blogs and of course resort magazines such as the wonderful Source!

If you have a story to tell but you don’t know the editors or contributors to these publications, then that’s fine – if your story is good enough, they will see it. But, by building relationships with real people, you are creating two very important key elements of PR - trust and credibility. This trust provides an editor or journalist the confidence to take your story and publish it with their name to it. Why would they do that if they somehow had doubts about its source?

Now, if you have an established company then of course you have credibility, so use that.

The old ‘Absolutely Fabulous’ cliché with Edina and Patsy, spending their days sloshing champagne and going to parties is an image of PR that is far removed from the realities of what 99% of PR work actually involves. But, there’s an element of truth somewhere in there - it’s more important for people to like and trust you than to think that you’re highly competent. I’m not for one second suggesting incompetence, I’m simply saying you can be the most competent PR practitioner in the world, but if you’re not trusted then you’re definitely lost.

So whilst today we use tools to ensure our contacts are kept up to date, our press releases can be monitored for ‘opens’ and ‘clicks’, we still need to focus on people – meaning that although the tactics might have changed, the strategy remains virtually the same.

www.ski-press.com

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how to

Beef Cheeks

Braised in Dark Beer

& Treacle - by Sharif Gergis, Guerrilla Dining -

This is my absolute go-to comfort food dish. Beef cheeks are, to my mind, the very best and most forgiving cut of beef for slow cooking. Here they’re combined with bittersweet dark beer and treacle to make a truly gratifying, hassle free meal to arrive home to after a great day on the mountain. Beef cheeks are delicious braised anywhere between 5 and 10 hours, so there’s no need to worry if your apres session carries on a little longer than intended!

Ingredients - (6 people)

Get cooking…

If you have time, it’s a good idea to cure the cheeks.

Simply place them in a container and season them generously all over with salt. Cover the container with cling film and refrigerate for 12 hours. This will draw out any excess moisture from the cheeks, giving them an even richer, more unctuous texture when slow cooked and will also ensure even seasoning throughout the meat. If you’re pressed for time though you can skip this stage - they’ll still be awesome.

For the beef cheeks

- - - - - - - - -

3 large beef cheeks, trimmed 1 litre dark Belgian beer such as Chimay 2 large onions sliced 1 carrot roughly sliced few sprigs of thyme 6 bulbs of garlic skin on 150g black treacle 1 generous tablespoon of Marmite 1.5 litre chicken/beef stock or water

For the spiced carrots

- - - - - - - -

2 large carrots peeled and sliced into rounds 9 baby carrots peeled topped and tailed 4 star anise pinch of cumin seeds pinch of black pepper corns 100ml maple syrup or honey 500 ml carrot juice or water salt to taste

For the crispy onion rings (optional)

- - - - - -

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1 large onion milk for soaking 1 beaten egg few tablespoons plain flour bread crumbs for coating oil for frying

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Once ready to cook, give the cheeks a good rinse in cold water and pat dry with paper towel. Cut each cheek in half and brown them on all sides in a casserole dish with vegetable oil and butter. Remove the cheeks and sweat the onion, carrot, garlic and thyme in the remaining fat for a few minutes until softened. Add the beer, bring it to the boil and let it reduce to around 200ml. Add the stock/water along with the Marmite and treacle and bring to a simmer to dissolve before adding the browned meat back to the pan. The meat should be just submerged in the liquid, if not top up with a little water.

Wet a piece of grease proof paper and drape it over the meat, tucking it in like a blanket and cover the roasting pan tightly with two layers of tin foil. Your cheeks are now ready to be braised. You can pop them in a low oven (around 85 degrees) right away for 6 hours, or refrigerate them as they are, ready to be popped in the oven the next morning as you walk out the door.

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A2SKI advert.pdf

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Competitively priced airport transfers and in resort cab company.

Pre booked cab service operating: Monday to Thursday - 6pm to 2.30am Fridays- 6pm to 12pm subject to availability

For further information and all other inquiries please email us at info@a2ski.co.uk or visit our website a2ski.co.uk Wishing you a fantastic winter from the A2Ski team.

+33 (0) 6 46 89 96 11

Jardiflore SOURCE.pdf

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To make the crispy onion rings, peel the onion, slice 1/2 cm to 1cm thick rings and place them in the milk for a couple of minutes to soak. Coat them first in the flour then in the beaten egg and finally in the breadcrumbs. Drop into hot oil for a minute or so until they are golden brown all over.

Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on kitchen paper.

Season with salt right way. You can prepare these ahead of time and reheat them in the oven when required.

To make the carrots, toast the spices in a dry saucepan on a medium heat for a minute or so until they begin to release their aroma. Add the rest of the ingredients except the carrots and bring to the boil to combine. Reduce the heat to a simmer, add the carrots and cook gently for 10-15 minutes, or until the carrots are tender and the liquid has reduced by around half. Keep warm or refrigerate in their cooking liquid until required.

Landscaping Design -

When ready to serve, simply remove the cheeks from the roasting pan and cover loosely with foil to keep warm. Strain the cooking liquid through a sieve into a saucepan, pressing the vegetables with a ladle to extract all their flavour.

Reduce the liquid to a thick sauce consistency, glaze the cheeks in the sauce and serve with the spiced carrots, onion rings and some creamy mashed potato on the side.

Plants > Pruning > Earthwork > Riprap > > Landscaping Stonework Ornamental Woodwork > Fences > Ponds Play Areas > Snow Clearance

133 Route des Grandes Alpes 74110 MORZINE +33 (0)450 79 20 51 contact@jardiflore.com

For more delicious dishes like this, or if you’d prefer Sharif to cook up a storm in your chalet this winter, head to guerrilladining.fr, email eat@guerrilladining.fr or call +33 (0) 7 81 81 16 64 for more information.

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- Upkeep

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I was 9 months pregnant when my lovely friend Celia Bassani (or ‘little one’ as we like to call her for reasons that should be obvious when you visit her shop), told me she wanted to open a baby boutique. She was struggling to find nice gifts to buy for new babies during the area’s never-ending baby boom and with my own impending arrival, I thought it was a fantastic idea.

- little one You’ll find Little One Boutique in the very centre of Morzine, in a brand-new, specially created space that Celia has transformed into a fun, stylish shop. Independent baby and children’s brands from all over the world are available in ages between newborn and 10 years. Here are a few of our favourites…

noodoll This London based creator of soft monster toys lovingly produce playful, beautifully designed accessories that are guaranteed to make kids smile. Fair trading is at the centre of this brand’s ethos and they’re so cute, they’re even stocked at the Conran Shop and the Tate Modern.

Celia Says: “noodoll characters make the perfect gifts as they are perfect for all ages and easy for you to carry home!”

Done by Deer Where Scandinavian style meets toy making, this brand design beautiful products with features that are both fun and playful. There’s different materials, colour combinations and details to stimulate children’s senses and development while everything is made from 100% friendly materials.

Celia Says: “It’s the daring use of contemporary colours by this brand that I love so much!”

Little Lovely Company Producing everything from wall art, cushions, toys and posters, this fun Dutch brand also make beautiful night lights and light boxes that are guaranteed to brighten up any room in your home with an emphasis on creativity, individual style and a sense of happiness.

Celia Says: “You can personalise the messages on the lightboxes from this brand, which is a fun way to communicate with your kids!”

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Lego Wear If Lego’s bricks are durable and long lasting, then you can expect the same attributes from their clothing line. T-shirts and jumpers feature your kids favourite characters from the Lego universe and there’s an emphasis on comfort and high quality fabrics.

Celia Says: “What’s not to love about Lego. I’m delighted to be stocking this worldfamous brand in my Morzine shop!”

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iglo+indi

Play & Go

Founded on the principle that all children are artists, seeing colours, shapes and patterns everywhere, this Iceland based company displays its strong Nordic roots throughout. Their unique prints are playful and feature handmade illustrations, comfortable cuts and soft organic

We’ve all trodden on a rogue lego brick in the middle of the night and the Play & Go bag offers the perfect storage solution for kids’ toys. Crafted from durable canvas and available in a range of colours, you’re guaranteed to find a

fabrics.

match for your living room, playroom or baby bedroom.

Celia Says: “Both the baby and kids ranges from this brand are super-stylish and I love the patterns that feature on their outerwear collection.”

Celia Says: “I love how these bags make it easy to scoop up so many toys in one go and they’ll look great in any room.”

Majestic Morzine Source.pdf

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tel: +33 (0)4 50 04 33 26 | fax: +33 (0)4 50 37 95 56

FIND YOUR PERFECT PROPERTY WITH US Personal service before, during and after sale Specialising in Morzine and the surrounding area Multilingual team Agency established 10 years in Morzine Majestic Morzine

info@majestic-morzine.com | www.majestic-morzine.com /MorzineSourceMagazine

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|Source News

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Behind the Magazine…

The Source Suppliers Show

Hopefully you’re enjoying flicking through the pages of the eighth issue of Source Magazine.

Our aim is to help you have the best possible time in Morzine, Les Gets or Avoriaz, whether your stay is a week, month or a lifetime.

Back for a forth year of business networking and trade chat, our annual get-together at the Domaine du Baron on Lake Montriond takes place on Tuesday 4th April 2017. As in previous years, it’s free to visit the show and you’ll find 45 different exhibitors to chat to including local activity companies, equipment providers, accommodation services and much more. As always, the bar will be open, there’ll be great food available and if we all cross our fingers… there’ll be sunshine too!

We’ve carefully curated the articles you’re reading from a small but very talented group of locals, all of who are passionate about the mountains. We really hope you enjoy their contributions and if they inspire you to make some of your own, please get in touch. We’d love to hear from you.

What else is going on at Source Magazine?

Plenty… morzinesourcemagazine.com T here’s a dig ital v er s io n of t h i s i s s u e , i n addition to o ur mag azine a r c h i ve s , on our webs ite. H er e y o u’ ll a l s o f i n d l i ve l i f t inf orm a tio n, s no w and w e a t h e r f or e c a s t s , m ore re s o r t info r matio n t h a n you c a n s h a k e a snowy s tick at, the mo s t c om p r e h e n s i ve gu i d e t o resor t ev ents acr o s s M or z i n e , L e s G e t s and Avor iaz and new ar ti c l e s a n d f e a t u r e s t o read. O ur o nline bus ines s d i r e c t or y i s a l s o t here t o help y o u find a l i f t t o t h e a i r p or t , a t able f o r dinner to nig ht, a d e s c e n t m a s s a ge and a chalet fo r y o ur next w i n t e r h ol i d a y.

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The Source Shop Worry not if you’ve forgotten to grab some of those essential holiday souvenirs before you head home. The Source web shop has got you covered. You’ll find a huge A2-sized print of our graphic on page six available to purchase. Our posters are screen-printed by hand, which makes each of them unique. They’re also printed on 100% recycled paper and a only a limited quantity are available. Also in the Source Shop are our #LoveMorzine custom designed t-shirts and limited quantities of our previous posters, all available for delivery to the UK.

Our weekly events email is delivered to the inboxes of our lucky subscribers each and every Friday afternoon during the winter season. Produced by the talented team at Mountain TV, we’ll review all the action from the last seven days and look at what’s to come in Morzine, Les Gets and Avoriaz the following week. Sign up for updates at morzinesourcemagazine.com/events. If you’re a local business owner and you’d like to talk to the Mountain TV team, drop us a line!

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your source of information for Morzine, Les Gets and Avoriaz Chablais Sablage Source.pdf 1 07/11/2016 09:19

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|News

The Mint Kids Snowboard Club Once upon a time, the children of snow-minded parents used to learn to ski and only ski. Then along came Tammy from Mint Snowboard School. All of a sudden, two year olds were learning to snowboard in tiny groups of just two kids per instructor. These Micro-Shred taster sessions are set to continue this winter in short one hour blasts. Beginners aged three to 14 years are also well catered for, as are improver and advanced rippers aged between four and 14 years. There are also weekly Mint Kids Snowboard Club sessions on Sunday afternoons in Avoriaz. Find out more at mintsnowboarding.com

Three Year Development Plan for Avoriaz’ Lil’Stash

An easier way to book your Avoriaz holiday

Further cementing the strong relationship between Avoriaz and Burton Snowboards, the next three years will bring a whole host of new developments to the resort’s Proclou sector. Just like its big brother on Prolays, the Lil’Stash will boast a series of features made of snow and wood, including a mini boarder cross, a snake run, an XS-sized kicker, slides, fun boxes and an undulating forest zone. Naturally, Shreddie will be present throughout, apart from during school holidays when ‘Finding Shreddie’ competitions will be hosted by the Avoriaz piste team.

It’s now even easier to book your Avoriaz winter holiday using a new online booking platform at avoriaz.travel. Painstakingly developed by the team at Avoriaz Holidays, the new website combines years of experience in coordinating holidays in the Portes du Soleil’s highest ski resort. Using the website you can book every element of your holiday, including your travel to and from resort, whether that be by plane, train or automobile. Accommodation options range from hotels to apartments and catered chalets to self-catered options and you can also arrange your equipment rental and lift passes at the same time. See for yourself at avoriaz.travel.

A new name for one of Morzine’s oldest chalet companies

New Winter Menu at La Kinkerne, Les Prodains Improving on the party they started last winter season, the new management team at La Kinkerne in Les Prodains (at the very foot of the homerun) are excited to introduce their new winter menu, which promises hearty breakfasts, quality coffees and a swift, professional service. With the beginner ski area and drag lift just outside the restaurant, their terrace is the perfect spot from which to spy on little ones in ski school while enjoying a fresh pastry and a brew. There’ll also be live music, drinks and snacks each evening during après to help you finish off a great day on the hill. Head to facebook.com/lakinkerne for more details. #lovemorzine

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On 1st December 2003, Lisa and John Dodd arrived in Morzine to do a ski season. They stayed, launched their own chalet company called Ride & Slide and worked hard to perfect their winter holiday offering for skiers, snowboarders, groups, couples and families. Twelve years later they’ve rebranded the company as R&S Chalet Collection to reflect their growing business and the higher standards expected of their guests.

“I’m often asked what makes R&S different” Lisa told Source. “In a nutshell, it’s our professionalism, dedication and commitment. Our goal is to provide the best chalet experience possible for our customers and we’ve been committed to achieving this since our inception.” A selection of four lovely catered chalets and 12 self-catered apartments in Morzine are currently available to book on the R&S Chalet Collection website. #loveavoriaz

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Pipe Ground Avoriaz To help us all deal with those end of season blues, Avoriaz has developed a whole new event concept set to take place between 21st and 23rd April. Pipe Ground takes place on the site of one of the last remaining

superpipes in France – it’s 120m long and 6m high. Usually reserved for the pros, shapers from Avoriaz Snowzone take the snow from the pipe at the end of the winter and reshape it to create an entirely new snowpark with an

original design. Pros and amateur skiers and snowboarders are then invited to play in the new park until the season comes to an end.

Find out more at pipeground.com

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The Evolution and Inspiration of the Ski Movie - By Cameron Hall -

As mountain lovers, we share a lot of common traits. We are dreamers, we thrive in the beauty and splendour of our natural surroundings and we like to constantly challenge ourselves. In our bid to hit that rail, drop that cliff, nail that trick or master powder skiing, we look to one another for support, encouragement and inspiration.

The instinctive desire we have to push ourselves to new limits is something ski film producers have understood for decades, and every winter brings a raft of new ski movies, designed to quench our thirst for inspiration throughout the season.

Arguably, the birth of the commercial ski film dates back to 1950 when Warren Miller, a young director and ski fanatic from Los Angles, released a movie called Deep and Light.

Since that point, there’s no doubt Miller has been a pioneer in capturing the adventure and humour of skiing on film, and is unquestionably regarded as the father of ski film makers. He produced, directed and narrated his own movies until 1988, and whilst long retired, Warren Miller Entertainment is still going strong to this day.

Miller created a recipe for ski films that still transcends into new schooler production companies like MSP Films, Teton Gravity Research and Sherpas Cinema today.

Warren Miller films follow a very traditional format; they are fun, friendly and safe. When you go and see a Warren Miller film, you know exactly what you’re going to get

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before you go, and for that reason, there’s nothing to feel inspired by.

It’s PG family friendly viewing. You can munch on your popcorn and have a nice time but there’s nothing that will get your heart racing.

and was a pioneer both on and off the slopes. An extreme skier developing new tricks each season, he was also a visionary in designing award winning powder skis at the turn of the millennium.

Warren Miller is last winter, we’ve been there and done it before and as adventurists, we crave the thrill of the unknown. Thankfully new school production companies have recognised the need to engage audiences in a way that will fuel you with adrenaline.

MSP Films, widely regarded as the leading production company of ski movies, have led the way in a new wave of cinema, using cutting edge technology and advanced cinematography to create visually stunning productions that both entertain and excite.

McConkey started working with MSP Films in 1995 and starred in their movies annually until his death in 2009. As an athlete that pushed the boundaries in every way, he became the heartbeat of Matchstick Productions, through which his legacy continues beyond his passing.

MSP (also known as Matchstick) have taken the traditional format of what’s expected of a ski movie, turned it upside down, played with it, thrown it around some more and shaken it vigorously, so that every year their productions redefine what we think we know about ski films.

In no small part, the success of Matchstick as a category leader is down to the influence of groundbreaking skiing legend Shane McConkey. McConkey almost single handily changed the sport of skiing

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The essence of a Matchstick film is excellence. By adopting the use of 4K ultra high definition cameras, Matchstick productions are visually scintillating as you can almost feel the snow falling off the screening right into your lap. The audience are engaged and we’re left on the edge of our seats as we are led into the unknown, away from the tried and trodden path laid by Miller.

Red Bull are another powerhouse in adventure film production and the release of this winter’s snowboarding movie The Fourth Phase brought extra anticipation following three years of production and five years since its preceding hit, The Art of Flight.

Also filmed in 4K, The Fourth Phase is a labour of love by Travis Rice. We

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experience the film with the production crew every step of the way, with a constant battle between the filmmakers and Mother Nature.

The personal way the film is edited draws you into the movie screen, creating a much deeper connection with the audience than traditional ski films offer. Rice makes us feel part of the film, which is critical to delivering the inspiration we so desperately crave.

In recent years, ski films have also carried a certain sense of political awareness. We are often reminded of the significance of global warming; which is certainly a core part of the narrative in this year’s post-apocalyptic Matchstick offering, Ruin and Rose. It’s almost like the evolution of the ski movie carries a greater sense of social purpose and not only are we inspired to be better skiers, but also to become better globally responsible citizens.

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Whilst the new school ski films are an essential part of our pre winter preparations, we should also pay homage to the more classic ski films of the 1980’s and 90’s.

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Classics include Hot Dog, Ski School and Aspen Extreme. If you haven’t seen these movies before, you owe it to yourself to hunt down copies this winter and enjoy these guilty pleasures on your next duvet day. Whilst the acting is awful, plot thin and quite often there’s not much skiing featured, these old movies hold an almost untouchable cult status amongst seasoned skiers – even half the runs in powder mecca, Revelstoke are named after anecdotes from Hot Dog.

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You may not take away the inspiration the big budget new school productions offer, but you will come away smiling. Because whilst these films are so bad, they’re actually genius.

With the dissemination of media, most ski movies are available to watch at the click of a button from comfort of your own home, but if you get the chance to watch these films on a big screen, you should take it.

For any passionate skier or snowboarder, the spectacle of a good ski movie on the big screen will leave you ready to walk straight out of the theatre and clip into your bindings, pumped up and ready to embrace everything the mountain has to throw at you.

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For more on their screenings visit www.skimovielondon.com

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endless winter

- By Rosie Wheat -

It had started as an idea. Sitting around the wooden table in Morzine’s steamy Bec Jaune bar, nursing cidres and pale ales, we dreamt of chasing winter to the other side of the world. Our first ski season was almost over, but 11,000 miles away, snow would be falling soon. The question was, would we go after it?

images - Šrosie wheat

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I hadn’t even realised you could ski down under, but in New Zealand, there’s a spine of snow-capped mountains running the length of the South Island. Friends told us Queenstown would be the best option, where you can ski four mountains, have a good night out, and see “that view” on a daily basis. One Google image search later and we’d agreed. We were going.

I landed in June, along with a few thousand other powder-hounds, and was instantly struck by the beauty of the place. The Alps are a damn fine way to wake up in the morning, but in Queenstown? You can’t walk 10 steps without bumping into a stationary tourist, their mouths agape and phones held high, trying to capture the well-named Remarkables mountains (an impossible task.)

Like Morzine, the Brits have taken over, with the chances of your cappuccino being made more by a Scouser than a Kiwi. The town itself, a few bustling streets of boutique shops, cafés and travel agencies, is a mixing pot of happy-go-lucky internationals. Like many resort towns, pay is low and prices are high, but somehow, seasonnaires get by, often with a big smile on their face.

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But what about the actual snow? Unlike those golden days of flagging down a free bus straight to the Pleney lift, the nearest mountain (Coronet Peak) is a 20 minutes’ pricey bus ride away. It’s worth investing in a car at the start, but if you can’t, hitchhiking is huge here and often you’ll make new friends who own some wheels.

As I soon discover, the slopes can’t compete with the never-ending powder fields of the Alps. Coronet Peak and the Remarkables (50 minutes’ drive away), have only four or five lifts each and queues grow quickly.

The distance is a pain, but if my 68-yearold hairdresser can squeeze in a few runs before her 10.30am appointments, anyone can.

When there’s powder, it’s a good idea to follow a local to find the best off-piste pockets and hidden lines – the Remarkables have some paradisiacal spots you can hike or even splitboard to. There are some decent snow parks, not to the standard of The Stash, but enough to help you polish your tricks and night skiing is even encouraged on Fridays and Saturdays (so no more dodging angry pisters in the dark…)

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Unlike the Alps, the après-ski is less a Vin Chaud up the mountain, more a local beer WWW.GUE RRI L L ADI NI NG.F R

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Rosie recommends: • Fergburger - it’s worth the wait and the hype • Jetboating - race down an historic river in a giant jet ski • Milford Sound - a day trip to Fiordland country • The Three Peaks Ski Pass - access three mountains, and get a discount if you sign up to 10 free lessons

in the Queenstown bars below. Though you miss out on those rough runs after a pint-too-many, I quite enjoy having a drink without my bum going numb in sodden salopettes. The locals are big on their live music and parties too, with gigs every night plus winter festivals, gay ski weeks and night noodle markets to keep things lively.

But the biggest shock for me doing a ski season here? I didn’t always want to ski.

Despite my love of snow sports having taken me half way around the world, I couldn’t help but get swept up in everything else Queenstown has to offer. From skydiving to white-water rafting, heli-skiing to horse trekking, the town is a playground for adrenaline-lovers with a hundred different ‘once in a lifetime’ experiences to try.

So when the lifts first closed due to high winds, I swapped hibernating in my chalet with Netflix and Milka for something a tad more exciting: bungy jumping. As Queenstown is where it all started, it’s practically a rite of passage to defy death (and gravity) with the sport. Diving 134m into a mountainous valley with just an elastic chord around your ankles certainly beats any duvet days I’d had.

And of course, just a few hours’ drive away, you’ll discover glaciers, glowworm caves, and the famous Fiordlands, where you can sail through an undulating valley of mountains and waterfalls until you reach the sea. It’s the kind of place your face is in a permanent ‘wow’ expression.

Doing a back-to-back season from Morzine to Queenstown is an adventure.

The skiing can’t compare with the Alps, but the lifestyle is much more balanced, with its various sports, a close-knit expat community and a stunning country to explore right on your doorstep. It’s up to you to decide whether you fancy one more adventure this year - but the main lesson I’ve learnt? No two seasons are the same.

Top tips: Accommodation is tough! Expect last minute viewings and room shares Like most ski resorts, the town is expensive and wages can be low. Take savings!

Be prepared for a competitive job market, so print that polished CV before you arrive

Head to w w w.rosie-goes.com for more local’s tips

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Beautifully designed custom furniture made using locally sourced wood by skilled local craftsmen.

Visit our beautifully refurbished 3 floor showroom in Montriond for design and decor inspiration this winter!

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founded in 1976

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love story weddings in morzine - By amie henderson -

Morzine, Les Gets & Avoriaz have inspired many a new coupling over the years. From holidaymakers who first clapped eyes on each other over a crowded Cavern Bar to season workers bonding over the weekly chalet shop, romance is always in the air.

It’s therefore no surprise that the area continues to grow in popularity as a venue for a beautiful mountain wedding, both in the summer and during the winter season. From the stunning shores of Lake Montriond as the snowflakes fall to the glorious summer garden of The Farmhouse Hotel, there’s a wedding venue for celebrations of all shapes and sizes.

Allow us to introduce three couples who’ve made it happen.

6 th April

2015

Lisa & Simon Ceremony on L ake Montriond, reception at L a Grande Ourse

L isa bro ug ht Simo n to Mor z i n e f or on e of their f ir s t weekends away t oge t h e r a s a n e w couple. H e’ d nev er been b e f or e a n d i t w a s here t ha t he r ealis ed he’d m e t t h e p e r f e c t girl. W hen they decided t h e y w a n t e d t o d o som ething ex tr ao r dinar y t o c e l e b r a t e t h e i r m arriage, Mo r zine and Le s G e t s b e c a m e their on ly cho ice.

“W e at te mpted to ar r ang e t h e m a r r i a ge ourselves , but s tr ug g led a s w e w e r e n ’ t on locatio n. Luckily we fou n d Ka y E va n s through her webs ite ( alw a ys n u m b e r on e .

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c o.u k ) a n d s h e in tr od u ced u s to L ak e M on t r i on d an d L a Gr an d e Ou r s e on Mon t C h e r y a n d help ed u s to coor d in ate s ev er al e l e m e n t s a lon g th e w ay . We cou ld n ’t s top s m i l i n g! ” “ W e h a ve t wo s tan d - ou t m em or ies f r om ou r w e d d i n g d ay . Seein g th e r eaction s of ou r gu e s t s w h e n th ey ar r iv ed at th e lak e f or ou r c e r e m o n y . T h ey w er e b low n aw ay ! A n d w h e n w e t o ok th em v ia p is te b as h er to th e s u m m i t of M on t C h er y , th ey ju s t cou ld n ’t b e l i e ve t h e v iew . We th en s h ar ed a m om en t

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b etw een u s , s tan d in g at th e top of an empty m ou n tain w atch in g th e s u n tu r n the sky pink an d s low ly s et on ou r b eau tif u l day.”

We asked Lisa and Simon for one tip for future couples:

“ Be p r ep ar ed to m ak e at leas t two or three v is its to th e ar ea p r ior to y ou r wedding, an d p r ep ar e f or all ev en tu alities, espec ially if y ou ’r e g ettin g m ar r ied ou td oors! We w er e lu ck y w ith th e w eath er , b ut K ay had con tin g en cy p lan s in p lace, ju s t in c ase!”

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25 th july

2014

Kirst y & Dom The Farmhouse Hotel, Morzine

Having spent 10 years enjoying all Morzine has to offer during the summer and winter seasons, Dom introduced Kirsty to the area during their first holiday together.

They loved the idea of arranging a destination wedding so they could introduce their nearest and dearest to the mountains and after a roadtrip across the country exploring alternative venues, they met Dorian and James at The Farmhouse. There the search ended.

“It took many calls, emails and Skype conversations to plan our wedding, but the team at The Farmhouse were massively helpful with our planning and gave us loads of great local contacts and options so we could really personalise our day. Our truly wonderful celebrant Kay made the whole experience seem easy. We can’t recommend her enough.”

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“It’s really difficult for us to single out one favourite memory from our big day as the whole weekend was just fabulous. I think we both agree that Kirsty walking down the aisle with her Dad to The Proclaimers ‘500 Miles’ was a particular highlight! An appearance by The Farmhouse’s hen during our vows and dancing to Oasis at 1am completed a truly memorable experience.”

We asked Kirsty & Dom for one tip for future couples:

“Do it, do it, do it! It’s all about making it the type of experience that you will enjoy – the before, the during and the after. And make sure you connect with those that are hosting your wedding.

You’re placing a phenomenal amount of trust in them to make it a wonderful experience.”

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2 nd aug

2016

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Vicki & Andy Domaine du Baron, L ake Montriond

Vick i’s a untie o wns C hillo u t M ou n t a i n , a chalet c o mpany in Mo r zin e . T h e c ou p l e had visited the ar ea s ev e r a l t i m e s , a l w a ys com m en ting o n ho w g o r ge ou s i t w ou l d be to get mar r ied with th e b e a u t i f u l l a k e as a bac kdr o p. They ’ r e bot h ve r y i n t o their m ountain s po r ts an d w a n t e d t o p l a n som ething a little differ e n t t o t h e ge n e r i c wedding s in the U K .

“Around 6 0 peo ple tr av el l e d f r om t h e U K f or our wedding , they we r e a l l a m a z e d b y how st unning the v enue w a s . S om e c a m e

f or a f e w day s ; oth er s m ad e it in to a w eek ’s h ol i d a y. M a n y of ou r g u es ts p lan to v is it th e a r e a a ga i n th ey lov ed it s o m u ch ! We als o h a d gr e a t w eath er , w h ich m ad e th e w eek e ve n m or e p er f ect!”

m an ag er of ou r v en u e on th e lake, everyone w as s o h elp f u l. ”

“ W h e n i t c a m e to log is tics , w e u s ed l oc a l l y b a s e d com p an ies , all of w h ich h ad E n gl i s h s p eak in g ow n er s w h ich h elp ed w i t h c om m u n ication . E v er y on e w e cam e i n t o c on t a c t w ith w as r eally h elp f u l an d m a d e e ve r yth in g v er y eas y . Fr om ou r p h ot ogr a p her Jacq u ie C u tler to C lau d e, th e

“ We s tar ted ou r w ed d in g at 2p m, it passed s o q u ick ly th at w e w is h w e’d s tarted earlier!

A ls o, it’s w or th b ook in g a local c leaning com p an y to tid y u p th e v en u e – c leaning is th e las t th in g y ou w an t to d o after your w ed d in g d ay ! We u s ed T r u s t & Dust, they m ad e s u r e ev er y th in g w as s p otl ess.”

We asked Vicki & Andy for one tip for future couples:

Hopefully we’ve inspired you to plan your own alpine wedding and to help you with your planning, we’ve created a useful resource to help you find local suppliers for every element of your big day. Head to weddingsinmorzine.com.

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THE OTHER SIDE OF MORZINE Having been here 14 years, we’ve got to know Morzine’s best bits pretty well

Enter our world Chalets & Hotels Great Food Cocktails Aprés

Photo: Sam Mellish Location: North FaceTête de Bostan.

How: Mountain Mavericks Touring week

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WIN THE ULTIMATE

The prize is worth over

€4000!

summer HOLIDAY With Morzine Source Magazine

If you’ve never been to the mountains in the summer, then you’re missing out. Morzine, Les Gets and Avoriaz host some of the biggest events during the summer season, Le Tour de France, Crankworx and the Harley Davidson Festival to name just a few.

We’ve partnered with some of our favourite local businesses to offer one lucky group of up to eight Source readers the chance to win a week’s break in Morzine, arriving on Saturday 10th June 2017.

WHAT YOU WIN: ACCOMODATION – treelinechalets.com Winners of the Best UK Chalet Company award at the World Snow Awards for three years in a row, the team at Treeline Chalets will look after your group at the beautiful Chalet Alpin in Morzine. It’s self-catered and sleeps up to 8 people!

MULTI PASS – portesdusoleil.com We’ll provide everyone in your group with a Portes du Soleil multi-pass for six days, giving you unlimited free access to swimming pools and lakes across the area and many activity discounts too.

CAR HIRE – rhinocarhire.com Awaiting your arrival at Geneva Airport will be a rental vehicle for use during your holiday, courtesy of Rhino Car Hire and to the value of €300.

MOUNTAIN LUNCH - la-chanterelle.com Your group will enjoy lunch, wine, café gourmand, the famous vanilla rum and stunning views at La Chanterelle on Mont Chery on one day of your holiday.

IN-CHALET DINING EXPERIENCE – cheztoi.biz On one night of your holiday the clever chefs from Chez Toi will arrive at your chalet to prepare dinner for your group. They’ll serve three delicious courses and they’ll even bring along the wine too!

MASSAGES – mobilemountainmassage.com To help your group really unwind, the team from Mobile Mountain Massage will visit your chalet to provide 30-minute classic massages for your whole group.

FRENCH LESSONS – alpinefrenchschool.com The local language experts at Alpine French School will prepare a French Taster Course for everyone in your group, suited to your ability levels and delivered at their classrooms in central Morzine.

RAFTING TRIP – frogsrafting.com Join river experts Nat and Jeremy at Frogs Rafting for an unforgettable jaunt down the River Dranse for your whole group. Their classic rafting trip includes many thrills and spills along the way!

ART LESSONS – artadventuremorzine.eu Join talented local artist Sue Neal for a creative session in the sunshine! Sue will help your group to capture a lasting memory of your holiday on canvas for you to take home with you!

SOURCE GOODIE BAG – morzinesourcemagazine.com In your accommodation when you arrive you’ll find a bag stuffed with treats and souvenirs from Source Magazine

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how you win

What’s your perfect day in the mountains?

Send us the run down of your favourite day in Morzine, Les Gets or Avoriaz during the winter season in 50 words or less. If we think you’re making the most of your mountain experience, we’ll shortlist your entry and the team at Treeline Chalets will choose the winner.

Email your entry to competition@morzinesourcemagazine.com before Sunday 2nd April 2017 for your chance to win. You can also enter on our website at morzinesourcemagazine.com/competition THE SMALL PRINT All elements of our competition prize above are subject to our Source Magazine terms and conditions, which can be found at morzinesourcemagazine.com/competition. When you enter the competition via email or via our website, you accept these terms. ©robbie davies - apres imaging

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Mathilde Rossi is in charge of carefully curating the luxurious interiors of Alpine Lodges properties across the Alps. Having designed and implemented schemes for a €4.5million triplex penthouse apartment in Courchevel as well as several other high-specification Alpine Lodges properties, Mathilde has turned her attention to perfecting a chic, glamorous style at the prestigious Annapurna and Kinabalu residences in Les Gets.

- chalet chic -

Discoco Suspension Lamp Designer: Christope Mathieu Comprised of 35 individual disks, this lamp creates a dramatic play of lights and soft shadows. It looks great in our Alpine Lodges properties as even when the light is turned off, it still looks beautiful reflected against the backdrop of the mountains.

Champagne Bucket Designer: Light & Living No luxury ski property is complete without a fine champagne bucket. I love the stag head detailing on this example, it’s unique yet understated and looks even better filled with bottles of Moet!

Annapurna Chair Designer: Now’s Home France Perfectly sized to be both an occasional chair and part of a complete lounge collection, this chair features in several of our high-end design collections this winter.

We’re huge fans of Now’s Home France, I personally love their balance of elegance and ethnic decoration.

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Cheese Board Designer: B. Chabert for Altiligne Cheese is the iconic food of the mountains and this beautifully crafted cheese bard presents them perfectly. The Alps are represented in hand-crafted detail and this board would look ideal at the centre of any mountain dining table.

New collection of luxury apartments for sale in Les Gets Kinabalu: exclusive development in the resort centre Annapurna: stunning residence with spa & swimming pool

Colette Cushions Designer: Home Spirit Whatever your style, inspiration or location, cushions finish a room. They offer a sense of sumptuous luxury, while connecting colours, themes and fabrcis. This season I’m using this beautiful; textured Collette pillow in many of our properties. It’s versatile, hard wearing and the 3d effect adds a bit of fun too.

Beautiful self-catered chalets & apartments for rent in Les Gets

Mikado Dining Table Designer: Ethnicraft With its distinctive crossed table legs, this beautifully finished dining table provides the perfect setting for a sociable gathering after a long day on the mountain. Its solid structure compliments the softer elements of my interior designs.

Alpine Residences You'll find more information on Alpine Lodges developments in Les Gets at alpine-lodges.co.uk

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weekly

winter

events

events

Head to morzinesourcemagazine.com/events for

DECEMBER

our all-singing, all-dancing daily events guide.

Saturdays 4pm - Cavern Bar Morzine - Live football and rugby matches 4pm - Le Cottage Morzine - Live funk, rock, soul and reggae classics Sundays 4pm - Cavern Bar Morzine - Live football and rugby matches 9pm - Café Chaud Morzine - Sunday Mass 10pm - Cavern Bar Morzine - Sunday Night Live Mondays 4pm - Cavern Bar Morzine - Live music and Happy Hour until 6pm 4pm - Café Chaud Morzine - Live acoustic jam sessions 4pm - Bar National St Jean d'Aulps - All day Happy Hour & free pool Tuesdays 4pm - Cavern Bar Morzine - Live music and Happy Hour until 6pm 4pm - Le Cottage Morzine - Live funk, rock, soul and reggae classics 6pm - Pleney Morzine - Torchlit descent by ESF instructors (between 3rd Jan and 28th Mar)

7pm - Bar National St Jean d'Aulps - 241 on Pizzas 9pm - Café Chaud Morzine - Beer Pong Championships Midnight - Le Paradis Morzine - Retro Rentals Presents Wednesdays 8am - Market day in Morzine until 12.30pm 3pm - Inferno Nyon - The Mountain Meal with live music, unlimited food and drinks 4pm - Café Chaud Morzine - Original live music 9pm - Café Chaud Morzine - SHFL - House & Techno Funk Thursdays 8am - Market day in Les Gets until 12.30pm 4pm - Cavern Bar Morzine - Live music and Happy Hour until 6pm 4pm - Le Cottage, Morzine - Live funk, rock, soul and reggae classics 7pm - Bar National St jean d'Aulps - Pub Quiz Fridays 4pm - Cavern Bar Morzine - Live music and Happy Hour until 6pm 9pm - Café Chaud Morzine Presents - Huge international acts

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9 th - 11 th - Rock On Ultimate, Avoriaz - Ski and snowboard test centres, live music and general start-ofseason merriment 9 th - 11 th - Morzine Winter Start Festival - A visit from Santa is guaranteed 13 th - LIVE MUSIC - Season opening party with Luke Brown - From 7pm, L’Aubergade, Morzine

24 th - Christmas Eve Party La Marmotte d’Or, Montriond

16 th - LIVE MUSIC - Café Chaud Presents Jack Beats From 10pm Café Chaud, Morzine 17 th - 7 th Jan Enlightenment Festival Avoriaz devotes 3 weeks to light exhibitions and activities throughout the resort 17 th - 31 st - The Magic of Snow - Morzine celebrates the holiday season with magical performances and light shows in the village square all week

27 th - Live Ice Hockey Chamonix-Morzine Pionniers vs Nice - Skoda Arena from 8.30pm 31 st - New Year’s Eve party with Zuri Aura, 7pm to late Le Cottage, Morzine

18 th - 30 th Santa Claus lives in Les Gets - A beautifully coordinated family event set in an enchanted forest including creative workshops and fireworks

20 th - Shredits Launch Party Café Chaud - Showcasing snow videos from last season and launching the Shredits App, complete with Beer Pong and a prize giveaway

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31 st - New Year’s Eve party La Marmotte d’Or, Montriond

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JANUARY 6 th - Live Ice Hockey - Chamonix-Morzine Pionniers vs Dijon – Skoda Arena from 8.30pm

24 th - LIVE MUSIC - Café Chaud Presents Dub Princess - From 10pm - Café Chaud, Morzine

- LIVE MUSIC - La Clate - From 8.30pm - La Marmotte d’Or, Montriond 28 th

10 th - LIVE MUSIC - Cab Collective - From 7pm - L’Aubergade, Morzine

22 nd - Live Ice Hockey - Chamonix-Morzine Pionniers vs Epinal - Skoda Arena from 8.30pm 24 th - LIVE MUSIC - Katey Brooks – From 8.30pm - La Marmotte d’Or, Montriond 27 th - LIVE MUSIC - Café Chaud Presents A Skillz - From 10pm - Café Chaud, Morzine 31 st - LIVE MUSIC - Sir Psycho - From 8.30pm - La Marmotte d’Or, Montriond 31 st - LIVE MUSIC - Longy (Acoustic Session) - From 7pm - L’Aubergade, Morzine FEBRUARY

14 th - LIVE MUSIC - Café Chaud Presents DJ Format & Abdominals - From 10pm - Café Chaud, Morzine MARCH 2 nd - LIVE MUSIC - Shelanagig - From 7pm - L’Aubergade, Morzine 3 rd - LIVE MUSIC - Café Chaud Presents Too Many Tees - From 10pm - Café Chaud, Morzine

3 rd - Live Ice Hockey - Chamonix-Morzine Pionniers vs Rouen - Skoda Arena from 8.30pm

21 st - LIVE MUSIC - Sculpture Music - From 8.30pm - La Marmotte d’Or, Montriond

- LIVE MUSIC - Café Chaud Presents Rodney P + Skitz - From 10pm - Café Chaud, Morzine - LIVE MUSIC - Steve Strong - From 8.30pm - La Marmotte d’Or, Montriond

14 th

29 th - End of Season Party - From 7pm La Marmotte d’Or, Montriond

17 th - LIVE MUSIC – St Patrick’s Day with Do Fa Do – From 4pm, La Marmotte d’Or, Montriond 19 th - 25 th - Rock the Pistes Festival See page 26 for further info

10 th

21 st - 23 rd - Pipe Ground - Avoriaz - Freestyle ski and snowboard event for both pros and novices on a specially built half pipe in the resort centre

11 th - Ski Colour - Blast down Mont Chery into the heart of Les Gets in an explosion of colour as paint-filled cannons guide your way

1 st - LIVE MUSIC - Cab Collective (Acoustic Session) From 7pm - L’Aubergade, Morzine

7 th - LIVE MUSIC - Russell James Shallow - From 8.30pm - La Marmotte d’Or, Montriond

9 th - 15 th - SLASHER: Shred & Destroy Film Comp - 4 teams, 7 days and 1000 challenges, testing riding ability, selfrespect and teamwork skills. Final hosted by Shredits at Café Chaud, Morzine.

11 th - LIVE MUSIC - Riders Connection From 8.30pm - La Marmotte d’Or, Montriond

13 th - LIVE MUSIC - Café Chaud Presents Akil the MC (Jurassic 5) From 10pm Café Chaud, Morzine 17 th - LIVE MUSIC - Cab Collective - From 8.30pm - La Marmotte d’Or, Montriond

4 th - LIVE MUSIC - I Love You Honey Bunny - From 8.30pm - La Marmotte d’Or, Montriond 9 th - 15 th - The Café Chaud Slush Cup – Expect piste-side pool parties in the snow park, pirate parties and general mountain mania.

9 th - La Grande Odyssee The best husky mushers and their dogs pass through Les Gets during this annual event 10 th - LIVE MUSIC - The Sean Jackson Band - From 8.30pm - La Marmotte d’Or, Montriond

APRIL

28 th - LIVE MUSIC - Jazz Hedonista - From 8.30pm - La Marmotte d’Or, Montriond 30 th - The Cavern 24-7 Film Festival Palais du Sport, Morzine

31 st - LIVE MUSIC - Café Chaud Presents Krafty Kuts - From 10pm - Café Chaud, Morzine

21 st - LIVE MUSIC - The Slopes - From 8.30pm - La Marmotte d’Or, Montriond 21 st - Live Ice Hockey - Chamonix-Morzine Pionniers vs Gap - Skoda Arena from 8.30pm

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10 things

summer

loving

Summer in the mountains is one of the best-kept secrets in travel. Long days spent lounging on the shores of fresh water lakes compliment balmy evenings under the stars. If you’ve not visited Morzine, Les Gets or Avoriaz during the summer season, then you’re missing out. Here’s a round up of our top 10 favourite things about summer.

1 - Crankworx

4 – Spartan Race

Mecca for mountain bikers, this Red Bull backed event arrives in Les Gets for the second time between 14th and 18th June 2017.

Expect the village to be packed with pro teams, the world’s best mountain bikers and a great atmosphere from start to finish.

Special events are planned each day including the unmissable Whip-Off Championships, night rides and mini-bike challenges.

For more details visit crankworx.com/lesgets

Tough Mudder, Mud Ninja and Rough Runner all seem like a walk in the park when compared to the Spartan Race, which visits Morzine for the second time on 1st and 2nd July 2017. This is one seriously though challenge – well, three to be precise. The Sprint category takes in 20 to 23 obstacles over a 5km distance while the Super category offers up to 29 obstacles over 15km. Only the mighty choose the Beast category, and with up to 35 obstacles over 20km, it’s no surprise the quickest completion time is three hours! Head to spartan.com for more details.

2 – Portes du Soleil Multi Pass Stay in Multi Pass accredited accommodation and you’ll be able to buy a €2 per person per day pass, giving you access to the entire summer lift network plus various indoor and outdoor swimming pools and swimming lakes (including the Aquariaz water complex in Avoriaz) for free! The Portes du Soleil Multi Pass offers tremendous value for money, as you’ll also make savings on Morzine’s summer luge, Les Gets’ high ropes course and a round of golf in Avoriaz. For a full list of discounts and accredited accommodation head to portesdusoleil.com/summer/ multi-pass 3 – Road Cycling The biggest road cycling events have included Morzine, Les Gets and Avoriaz on their routes across the Alps for many years. That’s because some of the most challenging climbs can be found in and around our valley, attracting an increasing number of Lycraclad peddlers each summer. Routes, courses and packages for all ability levels, from beginner to pro, are now available and are run by local experts who really know their stuff.

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5 – Day Trips Within a 90-minute drive of our valley you’ll find a load of great destinations for day trips. Chamonix and the majestic Mont Blanc are just 1 hour 15 minutes away by road and a trip up the Aiguille du Midi is well worth the drive. In the other direction is medieval town of Yvoire, just 45 minutes from Morzine on the shores of Lake Geneva. Known as the ‘Venice of the Alps’, Annecy is just 1 hour and 30 minutes away and offers the perfect combination of shopping, dining and sun bathing alongside the stunning lake.

6 – Buying Houses Summer is the busiest time of year for the local housing market, with many prospective buyers taking advantage of flexible arrival and departure days in local hotels and chalets to view several properties in just one visit. Buying during the summer season also means you’ll more than likely complete your purchase before the start of the winter season.

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7 – Triathlon

9 – Pass'Portes du Soleil

It’s as if the area was made as a natural Triathlon training camp. Over the last couple of summers Morzine, Les Gets and Avoriaz have all come to the attention of professional athletes. Lake Montriond offers the perfect spot for swim training, as does Morzine’s outdoor pool, while the local hills and peaks supply the ascents necessary for running and cycling.

Camps are available for all levels of Triathlete, from beginner to pro.

The 14th annual mountain bike challenge takes place across the Portes du Soleil between Friday 23rd and Sunday 25th June 2017. Taking in two countries, 80km of riding, ascents between 1000m and 2250m in altitude and using 15 specially adapted ski lifts, the Pass'Portes isn't for the faint-hearted. Despite that, there's always a huge rush to register each year, and spaces are limited to a set number of starting positions in each resort across the area. Find out more and register at passportesdusoleil.com.

8 – Harley Days Festival Every other year HOG (that’s the Harley Owners Group for those not in the know) makes a pilgrimage to Morzine for a weekend of all things chrome and leather. With them they bring a really unique atmosphere and, for the last few years at least, a huge rock act to play a free concert on a specially erected stage in the very centre of Morzine. We’ve enjoyed Status Quo and Toto and although we’ve heard rumors of 2017’s big act, we’re keeping them to ourselves for a little while longer.

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10 – Rafting Whilst there may be more extreme white water routes on the planet, the beauty of rafting on the River Dranse between Morzine and Lake Geneva is that almost anyone can enjoy the fun. And the scenery you'll experience is stunning. Several well-experienced local companies offer river trips of varying degrees of difficulty from their bases on the road to Thonon, further down the valley. You can expect your guide to point out the local wildlife as well as geological rock formations as you go.

18:59

Ideal for Mountain Bikers | Secure Bike Storage | Bike Wash Area | Bike Tools | All Ensuite rooms | Free WiFi Catered Half Board Chalets | Self Catering Apartments & Chalets Bedrooms Available: Single, Double,Triple and Quad Rooms

RushAdventures Bike Holidays

Contact our team to find out more:

www.rushadventures.co.uk

Crankworx Accommodation in Les Gets

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0121 288 6131 | bike@rushadventures.co.uk

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prices from

comfortable, €6.45 modern & well-equipped per day *

flexible co-working space in central Morzine desks available on a full time, part time or hot desk basis 24/7 security access •• unlimited wifi •• printer •• scanner •• copier •• meeting room •• shower & wc

www.buro-morzine.com •• +33 (0) 6 50 20 #lovelesgets 82 68 •• info@buro-morzine.com #lovemorzine

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* price based on the monthly unlimited package

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LEGGETTSKI.COM SKI@LEGGETT.FR +33 (0)4 77 75 11 21

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