We've been united in the mountains for 40 years and counting. That's a whole lot of passion and experience, and a whole lot of impact too. But we're here to stay and so are the mountains. That's why we're helping you to make the right choice, so you look great, perform at your best and protect the wild playgrounds we love, for the next 40 years and beyond.
15% discount in-store and online for Ski Club GB members with code AF-SKIGB-M5 Expires: 31.03.2023. T&Cs online.
Make the right choice with our experts.
RyanCrispreliveshisavalancheterror
60 LaPlagnecelebratesits60th
-CLUBTALK
8 Snowmail
Members on the topic of 'silver skiers' 12 ClubNews
The latest news from the mountains 18 Mrs President says ... Chemmy Alcott on ski confidence 20 In Depth
10 years of repping with Ryan Crisp 24 Ski Club Reps
Meet the Repping world's rising stars 26 In the Stiibli with John Jennings of Snow+Rock 30 Avalanche!
Ryan Crisp describes the terrifying fight for his future 34 Guided by Goodlad
Bruce Goodlad announces the new Ski Club protocols for North America 36 Transceiver Check
The Club's Safety Advisor gives us an avalanche safety kit refresher course 38 Departures
Seize the moment and squeeze in some cheeky ski weekends away
ACTIONZONE 42 Mountain News
The latest from your favourite resorts 44 Resort of the Month La Giettaz in France 48 Best Ski Lifts of all Time
Our pick of the world's best lifts 54 Not the Alps
A hidden corner of the Vercors Massif 56 Dolomiti drama
Andreas Hofer on the epic Dolomites 60 A story to tell
We celebrate La Plagne's 60th birthday 66 Where the West is still Wild Endless backcountry in Jackson Hole 70 Conquer Corbet's How to tick off this mighty challenge
88 Buildyourownskisin Worcestershire 74 Perfect Pitstop
Sample the Salzburger Sportwelt 76 Ski Technique
Warren Smith helps you ski in style 78 Snowboard Technique
The experts at Vivid Snowboarding on improving your steering 82 In Shape with Chemmy Chemmy dives into the mysterious world of sports optometry 84 Ski with the Club
A spotlight on the new resorts to benefit from Ski Club Reps this winter 86 The Kit Doctor
Our expert gets into the finer details of ski kit 88 Made in Britain We meet the next generation of British ski and snowboard manufacturers 90 On Test
Airbags put to the test 92 Christmas Gift Guide
Our pick of the top gifts for skiers 94 Gear of the Year
This season's best-value kit 98 From the Archive Skiing in wartime
Snow is falling across the Alps, Val Thorens is open for ski business and the Fresh tracks season is about to get off to its usual rip-roaring start with the Premier Party in Tignes.
There's no doubt about it: skiing is ON!
As we slowly regain confidence in the possibility of restrictionfree travel, we've been picking up tips on building fitness and technique from our resident experts, Chemmy Alcott, Warren Smith and Vivid Snowboarding. We're also warming up for a bumper season of social skiing as the Club reveals the expansion of its popular Reps service to new resorts (Ski with the Club, p84).
In celebration of our volunteers, we invited Ryan Crisp to share his highlights from a decade ofRepping (10 Years in Ski Club Blue, p20) and reveal our favourite ski lifts (Best Ski Lifts of all Time, p48). We also re-live Ryan's extraordinary tale of surviving an avalanche in TheFightformyFuture(p30).
This issue also packs in a skiers' Christmas gift guide (p92) and a mouth-watering Action Zone, which will carry you from under-the-radar French resorts to Jackson Hole, via a guide to dropping into Jackson's notorious Corbet's Couloir.
NICOLAISEARD & GABRIELLA LE BRETON, EDITORS
Whetheryou are an experiencedpowder hound or lookingto take your first turns off the piste,experience fabulousFlainethis winter, stayingin the SkiClub'schalet and skiingwith our incredible instructors-who we've been working with for overa quarter of a century!
Formore informationabout our holidaysvisit Skiclub.co.uk/freshtracks
WINTER2022
Coverphoto:Dynastar/florianMonot
EDITORS
Nicolalseard& GabriellaLeBreton snowmail@skiclub.co.uk
STAFFWRITER HenryJohn DESIGN ThinkPublishing ADVERTISING partner@skiclub.co.uk daniel.taylor@thinkpublishing.co.uk
PUBLISHER
SkiClubof GreatBritain LondonSW96DE skiclub.co.ukI02084102000
DISTRIBUTION Jellyfish Issue218 © SkiClubof GreatBritain2022
ISSN139-8826
Ski+board isprintedbyPressionPress ProductionmanagedbyJellyfish
All materialisstrictlycopyrightand all rightsarereserved.Nopartof thispublicationmaybereproduced inwholeor in partwithouttheprior writtenpermission of thepublisher. All pricesarebasedon information availableat thetimeof goingto press. Opinionsexpressed in Ski+board arenotnecessarilythoseof the SkiClubof GreatBritain,nordoes thepublisheracceptresponsibility for advertisingcontent.
With the clocks changing and the nights drawing in, the signs are clear: winter is here, and we are ready for it! Last month, we attended the second National Snow Show at the NEC Birmingham where over 20,000 snowsports enthusiasts descended to shop for kit, book trips and discover what's new in the world of skiing and snowboarding. It was great to reunite with so many Ski Club partners, including our President Chemmy Alcott and new Technique Editor Warren Smith, who were both presenting to packed audiences in the talk theatre.
discount for Members across a huge range of holidays, while partners including Skiworld, Sunweb and Ski Weekends offer further discounts. With everyone watching the pennies this winter, it's always worth checking for the discounts available to you as a Member -you can save your annual fee many times over by taking advantage of the hundreds of offers available.
Here at HQ, we're moving into full
winter season. We're hugely excited to bring Members even more opportunities to ski together this winter, and we're
The Reps department has been especially busy and we are delighted to announce the largest expansion of our Repping programme in recent history, with eight new resorts joining the programme for this 'operations' mode. We have an almost full team poised and ready to welcome Members onto Freshtracks and Mountain Tracks
holidays, and to offer information and advice about any aspect of planning your own trip this winter. Videos from the 2022 Ski Test are now available on our YouTube channel, together with detailed reports on the Club's website. There's some amazing new kit available, and don't forget that Members can enjoy savings at retailers across the country, with partners such as Snow+Rock offering up to 20 per cent discounts.
If you're looking to book a ski holiday, the Ski Club Travel Service offers a five per cent
planning on further expansion into more resorts and more countries over the coming years. Details of how to register for our November AGM will be available soon where we will update Members further on our plans for the next fewyears.
As we find ourselves on the cusp of a fresh and busy new winter, it's an incredibly exciting time for the Club.
We hope you are looking forward to it as much as we are and look forward to seeing you on (and off) the slopes.
You can save your annual membership fee many times over
Email:snowmail@skiclub.co.ukMail: The editors,Ski Club of Great Britain, CC3.28KenningtonPark,1-3 BrixtonRoad,Oval,LondonSW9 6DE
Following Katherine Oakley's Star Letter about 'silver skiers' in the previous issue of Ski+board, we received several letters from Members with tips on how mature skiers can keep fit, and how the Ski Club could adapt to their specific needs.
Here are some of those responses, together with a reply from the Club's General Manager, James Gambrill. ..
My wife andI are bothin our mid-seventies,keenskiers andSkiClubMembers.Katherine'sletter reallystruck a chordwith us.Whynot havea SkiClub'SilverSkiers' section?We needto acceptthat 'Silvers'havetheir own particularneedsandissues.
Takeski instructionfor example.Silverslearn differentlyfrom youngerpeople(I'm speakingas a psychologistwho hasspecialisedin trainingall my career).Theyneedmoretime, needmorebreaksand muchless'hammering'throughoutthe day.Ona typical skiingcourse,we are givenabout45 minutesfor lunch, muchof whichisspentstandingin a queue,and then it's off on the slopeslearningnew drillsand techniques. Whenwe were younger,we too wantedto minimise 'downtime' and get backto skiing,but it's a hopeless way for Silversto learn.
Younginstructors(asthey usuallyare) simplydon't understandSilversandthere is no reasonwhy they should,just aswe didn't understandwhenwe were younger!Forexample,how manytimeson a coursehave we beenaskedby a nimble,athleticinstructorto just stopfor a moment,undoour ski bootsand ski downthe next hill. A great exercise -but do young instructors realisejust how longit took usto do the wretched thingsup in the first place!
Tobe fair, the SkiClubruns(or usedto run?)skiing for the overfifties andthere seemsto be a growing and lucrativemarketin instructingSilverSkierson specialisedcourses.Solet's hopethe SkiClubgetsin on this action.
Andrew and Jenny West
*TheSkiClubhasalwaysaimedto caterto a verywide rangeof skiersandsnowsportsenthusiasts,both in termsof age and ability. OurPeakExperienceholidaysare tailoredto our more matureMembers(agedSSyearsand over)and allow skiingwith othersof both a similarability andage, with our amazing instructorsand guidesadaptingto anyspecificneeds.
TheClub'sinsurancepolicyalsocoversskiingupto the age of 80, and skiersof anyage canjoin our Repsand other Membersin 25 resortsthis year,offeringmoreopportunityto skiwith Members with a sharedapproachto skiingfor as manyyearsas possible.
Finally,as manyof our Membershavehighlighted,keepingfit andflexible betweenski holidaysisfundamentalto maximising yourenjoymenton snow,whateverage youare.
We wouldhighlyrecommendfollowingthe tips of our Technique EditorWarrenSmithin thesevery pages,and at oneof hisclinicsin the UK.Keepfit betweenskitrips andyou'llbe skiingfor many moreyearsto come!
JamesGambrill,SCGBGeneralManager
*I was interested to read Katherine Oakley's letter on Silver Skiers as it chimes with something I started to notice about Ski Club on-slope attitudes a decade or so ago.
Like Katherine, I started skiing at 30 -I am now 68. I joined the Club a few years later and have had many wonderful Freshtracks holidays and loads of days with some brilliant Reps at other times. In all cases,the SCGBRepswere that perfect combination: pushed you a little beyond your comfort zone, but were totally understanding and forgiving if you baulked, and wonderful at catering for a mixed group.
[... ] But about 10 years or so back, there was a change. I was still up for a bit of steep and deep, but my wife has never got beyond red pistes. Prior to that, the 'all-comers' Reps days worked brilliantly. But around this time, the last couple of Repswe skied with made it clear that even though we were supposed to be on an easier day, they weren't happy with sticking to the easy slopes.
Then, of course, came the forced changed to 'guiding', and things got worse. I tried a few of these days, but the need to pre-book (which didn't always work) was a bit off-putting. Worse, though, was the attitude of the guides who ignored the advertised level for the day, charging off regardless. [ ]
The Club does not exist simply to cater for the 25-year-old hotshots. Indeed, I think the age profile of Members tends towards the older -but no matter what age, it's important to cater for everyone. This concept seems to have been lost, and as a result I've given up using Club on-slope programmes.
KeithObornI am 73 this coming season and my wife 69. We ski usually in France -3 Vallees and Val d'lsere as we like large, varied resorts. We ski five times per season and usually cover 80 to 100km per day. We get the first lift of the morning and get chased down by the snow patrol at the end of the day. We take two 10-minute stops for hot water and a snack, but generally keep going.
We both suffer physically. I have an artificial ankle which severely limits flexing -I would certainly not pass Warren Smith's tests.
My wife is badly in need of a new knee, but she soldiers on. My wife carries out exercises given to her by a physio and wears a BioSkin knee brace, which has a metal supporting hinge built in, which appears to be very effective. We both take Naproxen, a prescription-only anti-inflammatory twice a day while skiing, which can be supplemented with paracetamol for greater pain relief.
We are very naughty in that we do no stretching whatsoever; we just keep fit year-round. We do ski off-piste and although we do find it harder work we don't intend to stop.
*John PostansAs a Club Member I have enjoyed early season Club trips for mature skiers to Val Thorens and other resorts, including Flaine for off-piste. [...] On one particular trip, our
oldest skier was Stanley who, with his daughter and other family members, was 95 years old. He sometimes only skied half days. So maybe you could give some encouragement to Katherine.
As an SO-plusskier, and a Disability Snowsport UK adaptive local member, I have suffered various injuries, including some skiing ones. I found aqua fitness classes really have helped and I hope to do many more ski trips in the future.
P.Bradbury*My wife and I came to skiing late in life, in our mid-30s, and have been skiing at least twice each year since. At the age of 50, on retiring from the police, I went to Canada for three months and did a ski instructors course. [ ... ] I am now 65 and my wife is 63. We have two trips planned this coming season -a week in Austria in February and three weeks in Canada later in the season.
To ensure that this happens we attend private fitness lessons, twice a week, with the emphasis on ski fitness. We also train at home in between those sessions. What I can say is that, because of our love of skiing, we have ensured that we keep fit enough to do it -and that then overlaps into our day-to-day life because we are generally fit and healthy.
We have a lot to thank skiing for because, if it wasn't for our love of it, I doubt we would take the time to keep on with our fitness training -but the lure of the white stuff each year ensures that we don't give up.
Do we go off-piste skiing anymore? Not on purpose! I don't think, at our age, we could afford the insurance to cover us for doing it deliberately anymore!
Our advice would be to keep the training up all year round and then up it a bit for the two months before you go on your first ski trip. This way you don't have to exhaust yourself for the few weeks prior to each adventure and, if you're not sure what you need to do, speak to a professional trainer; it's worth it.
Pete and Dee Barclay-George*As one of your older skiers, having just read Katherine's letter, where she asked what older skier do to manage aches and pains, fortunately -touch wood -I don't suffer. However, as we get older we all need to look after our health, so here are my suggestions of things that work for me:
* Exercise little and often, rather than realising your ski holiday is fast approaching and you're feeling unfit and starting to exercise vigorously.
*
It helps if you find an activity you enjoy-anything that gets you moving. As long as you enjoy it, you'll be more likely to keep going. In the past for me this was judo, although these days I much prefer Ceroc (jive) dancing.
* If practical, walk rather than use the car.
Plus of course, the best exercise for skiing is skiing so, if there's a dry or artificial slope near you, use it! Ask if there are any groups at the slope you can join, as many of these facilities run different groups to keep their customers returning. Norfolk, for one, has a lady's night ...
Robert Loades
Our intensive instructional Off-Piste Coaching courses will help you make the transition from piste to off-piste. Find your limits and push beyond them this winter with Mountain Tracks
The Ski Club is delightedto confirm that the numberof resortshostinga volunteerClub Repis expandingfor the 2022/23 season,reachinga total of at least24. Thismarksa welcome increaseon the previousyear's16 resortsand an excitingexpansionof the Club'son-snow services
The Club's own financial difficulties and the withdrawal of Reps in France has caused the Club's representation in resort to dwindle in recent years. However, with increased confidence in the financial standing of the Club, and with a successful 2021/22 season to effectively operate the revised Reps service, this number is on the rise once more.
New resorts include an expansion in countries already familiar to Ski Club Reps and Members, such as Austria and Italy. With a return to Soldeu-Granvalira and Baqueira/Beret, the Club also makes a welcome reappearance to the Andorran and Spanish Pyrenees.
This expansion marks the first in a phased growth of resort presence over the coming years, as the Club aims
to reach close to 50 by 2025. The Club hopes this will include a number of French resorts, and work remains ongoing behind the scenes to facilitate a return to France.
All our Reps will be in resorts from the beginning of January to mid-March, with some of our more popular resorts hosting Reps earlier and later than these days.
In resort, our Reps will ski with Members, helping them find the best snow, sunniest lunch spots and the coldest apres beers!
*Forfulldetailsof all the newresortsandwhenwe expect to hostReps,pleasecheckout the SkiClubwebsiteat skiclub.co.uk/ski-club-reps
Thiswinter will seea risein the numberof resortshosting a SkiClubRep
The return of the NationalSnow Show saw the Ski Club backat the bigger-than-everevent, hostedat Birmingham'sNationalExhibitionCentre
e were delighted to see so many Members make it to Birmingham for the National Snow Show -we saw many familiar faces and plenty of new ones join the Club during our time there.
Over the course of the show, the Ski Club spoke on the Skills Stage about preparing yourself for your snowsports holiday, helped SkiQuest run their treasure hunt around the exhibition, and ran our own stand talking about the benefits of Club Membership and travel insurance.
The Club is already signed up to next year's National Snow Show in Birmingham, which promises to be even bigger than this year's event.
In further exciting news, the event organisers, Raccoon Media Group, have announced the launch of the 2023 National Snow Week and London Snow Show -the first ski show to be hosted in London since 2019.
The National Snow Week will kick off with the third edition of the National Snow Show Birmingham, which will return to the NEC on 15and 16 October 2023, and will end with the new London Snow Show, due to launch at the Excel centre on 22 and 23 October 2023.
The two consumer events will be complemented by strategic trade events held during the week and promise to significantly extend the reach of the snowsports industry in the UK.
-"' Theshowwas a chanceto meet Membersand shareexpertise, with a guest appearancefrom ChemmyAlcott
One of the few positiveeffects of the COVID-19pandemicwas a greater focus on environmentalsustainability,both in the ski industryand wider community.As the pandemicrecedes,the SkiClub is poisedto leada shift in attitude towards a more environmentallyfriendlyski industry
A s the Ski Club approaches its 120th anniversary in 2023, we are acutely aware of how much the mountain environment in which we can enjoy the sport we love has changed dramatically, especially in b the last 20 years. Sustainability is set to be the defining topic for snowsports over the next decade, as the impacts of climate change especially are felt within ffi our industry ahead of almost any others. ::c
While we are looking further at what the Ski Club can do as an organisation to become more z sustainable, we're confident that the Club's voice, and ! the strength in numbers that comes from the support w of our Members, has always been our greatest asset. O Over the summer, the Ski Club worked with ::::,
partners to take the first steps on this journey towards a more sustainable Club. Initial conversations focused primarily on best providing information and advice to Members on how they can ski more
sustainably, however it quickly became apparent that in addition to this the Club needed to identify meaningful solutions of its own.
Consequently, the Ski Club has identified three channels through which it can best promote environmentally friendly snowsports, using our voice and unique role.
Firstly, we must develop our own rigorous sustainability strategy to ensure that we as an organisation do everything possible to reduce carbon emissions and waste as part of our day-to-day operations.
Secondly, we are rejuvenating the wealth of information and advice available on the Ski Club website. Youwill see this in a new Green Hub section on the site, which provides information on some of the smaller changes we can make to ski greener. This covers everything from changing the way we travel to resorts, to thinking about what we wear when we go skiing.
A Traintravel is invaluable in cuttingthe biggestsingle contributorof carbonemissions onanyski holiday:flyingto the resort
Finally, the Club is delighted to confirm a scheme of A Glacier
grant funding to be made available to organisations recessionis "' "' within the industry working to further the ability of Ski oneof the most
Club Members and the wider skiing market to travel and
ski more sustainably. We have received a number of
exciting applications from organisations with a proven
record in the field, and we are excited to work with them
moving forward to achieve our shared goals.
Confirmation ofrecipients of the Ski Club
Sustainability Grant funding will be made available in
the coming weeks.
These are small but exciting steps down a path to
becoming a more sustainable Ski Club. With a huge amount of work left to do, and reminders from this
summer across the Alps of the importance of this work,
we relish the challenge of helping you ski more
sustainably.
noticeable
consequences of
climatechange
in the Alps
Groupsare now availableon the Ski Club App for all Freshtracks departuresas well as new and returningRepresorts
The Ski Club Mobile App is your place to meet fellow Members, both in resort and before you travel. You can find your favourite resorts, chat with Members, and share plans and memories before you even hit the snow this winter.
The year, the Ski Club App will be one of the main points of contact between Members and your Reps in resort this winter. Similarly, we have created dedicated groups for each of our Freshtracks holidays -and
associated Course Options -to allow Members and the Reps accompanying each holiday to get in touch before they travel and coordinate in resort as appropriate.
You can download the Ski Club Mobile App for both Google Android and Apple iOS phones, as well as accessing it via a desktop version on your computer. Remember, if you have not used the Ski Club Mobile App before, you will need to register on first use, as it runs off a different system to the Ski Club website.
mobile phoneisn'tjust for takingselfies downloadthe SkiClubMobile Appandyou'll beableto contactfellow Membersand Repswith ease
Following the success of recent years, the Club will continue to host the Annual General Meeting (AGM)via Zoom, allowing Members a better chance of attending the meeting.
The Chairman of the Ski Club, Trevor Campbell Davis, has recently written to Members outlining the Club's success over the previous years of difficulty and uncertainty. The hard work of several members of Council and its subcommittees have prompted particular thanks from the Chairman.
The upcoming AGMpromises to be one of change, with the Chairman confirming his intention to stand down and his replacement due to be elected.
Several members of Council have also completed their terms and will be stepping down, and the various subcommittees will be welcoming new members.
Members are encouraged to attend, ask questions and vote on new appointments. For more details, please head to the Ski Club Website at skiclub.co.uk/ ski-club-events.
The SkiClub'shonoraryPresident,ChemmyAlcott, on building ski confidenceso you won't literallybe hitting the slopes when you returnto the mountainsthis winter
Nearly every skier, from complete beginners to Candide Thovex, will have days where their confidence falters. Those hairy moments when your limits and goals feel so risky that self-belief starts to fade. First and foremost, this is totally natural and normal. We are choosing to start on large wooden (slightly more complex nowadays) planks, point them down steep terrain and gooooooooo! When you think of it that way, it is slightly crazy, whatever your level. So here are my tried and tested ways of building confidence.
Get out all of last winter's kit. Decide what can be re-used and what needs some TLC, checking for things like rusty edges and dry bases on your skis. Check the dins are still accurate. Check ski socks and thermals for moth holes. Check your jackets and trousers still fit(!). If not, I recommend using EcoSki's rental service for all the top performance brands (ecoski.co.uk).
Start incorporating some ski specific movements in your workouts. Work on lower body and core strength, agility, balance and don't forget ankle mobility -it's really important for your turn transitions. (Check out the Ski Club's YouTube channel, where you'll find some of my suggested workouts.)
Get up early. Enjoy pristine corduroy. Start off within your comfort zone -I don't talk about slope colours much, but if you are a good skier on blacks, start off on red. After a few runs without your ego, just finding the flow of your skiing again, start challenging your balance before you even think about building big angles. Once you feel ready to progress your technique, find a steep to flat run -these are the best confidence boosting ones.
Find someone to help and inspire you to tiptoe past the fear and push your limits. Instruction is key if the visibility is bad -after all, it's always easier to follow someone!
You read it right: if you're really stuck with progression, try the art of imitation. It's a technique that helped me every time I returned from injury.
Empower yourself by 'Acting as if. When cognitive or psychological barriers cause self-doubt, you act 'as if you could do whatever you're striving to achieve. By acting this way, you'll learn that you actually can do the task which, in turn, enables you to set down the cognitive pathways to repeat it next time.
Extensions of this technique can involve imagining a person with the skills you wish to acquire, or visualising the emotional response you want to be able to get from others, as well as working to 'view yourself as already being the person you are aspiring to become.
I chose to consciously mimic the actions of another skier. I was a bag of nerves on my comeback race days -not in a position to ski my best. I looked across and saw a friend, who happened to be one of the greatest speed skiers of all time and queen of injury comebacks, Lindsey Vonn. She never seemed to overthink, she was all action and confidence. So, every race day, I woke up and channeled Lindsey. How she'd talk, act, warm up. (I've never told her this by the way!) Being her whilst skiing like me worked. I believed in myself so much more when I used this technique and, although it ended up being a less conscious decision for me, it always worked.
Chemmyisa shiningexample of confidenceon the skislopes
* Visitthe SCGB'swebsite for the dates of upcoming trainingsessions with Chemmy
Imagine a ski resort that offers not only world-class freeriding and challenging backcountry terrain, but also perfectly-pitched beginner slopes. Sound to good to be true? Well, not in Nendaz. Located in the heart of the 4 Vallees ski area, the largest in Switzerland, Nendaz provides easy access to more than 400km of slopes.
RyanCrispshares10 of his best Club-related anecdotesafter a decadeof repping,from gnarly apresand blower powder to upside-downgoggles
I could scarcely believe it when Ski+board called this summer to ask ifI'd write a piece on my first 10 years as a Rep. Go home S+b, you're drunk! Not a chance have 10 years zipped by But then a fellow Rep reminded me we were both due to refresh again this December. Yikes! I guess time really does fly when you're having fun.
A decade of meeting Members and making memorable -and occasionally outrageous -moments. But which stories would be fit for publishing? I'd need an entire edition to even scratch the surface of the mountain of Club-related anecdotes many of you have landed at the tips of my skis (sometimes literally). But for now, here are 10 that sprung to mind
*and surviving them
There's a line in the legendary Aspen Extreme movie: "Skiing is the easy part " Sage words indeed, as the only thing more gnarly than the mountains in the 10 years since receiving my coveted blue jacket, has undoubtedly been the apres! I have the war wounds to prove it.
A daily social hour that almost always descends into plural, they usually become more taxing than the physical toil of actual skiing. You have to be ready for them. My advice: take an AFD ('Alcohol Free Day') with every rare opportunity that presents -you don't want things getting out of hand. Grab them with glee and gusto, for they are rare and ought be cherished. ~'J:~7-. ,.,~ r~;;,r;.;-v , ,~ .r -, .,',
Also, ignore pre-season training at your peril. You never want to get caught lacking for social stamina and falling asleep in -or on -bars (so I've heard). Apres training can be almost as important as a good cardio routine. Maybe S+bwill consider a future supplement to run alongside getting fit for the season ...
As many of you know, I am a Whistler regular, skiing there every season during this rapidly closing decade. Needless to say, I know the place like the inside of my scratched goggles. But as good as she is, Whistler is not the only hill on my horizon. I yearn to explore, and being offered a chance to rep in Kitzbiihel a few years back reminded me just how important it is to step out of auto-pilot every once in a while. Not only did I find it a real treat to properly flex a dusty skillset, but the experience only reinforced my older Canadian flame.
Apart from a few days covering Jackson Hole, the only other place I've repped for the Club is Kitz. Mind, it didn't hurt that I hit on two of the snowiest weeks in a generation (apparently). Little old Kitz, delivering some of the best resort skiing I've ever had -nuts conditions with blower powder and crowds running scared for the bars. Fortune favours.
To not ski for one's self, but to hopefully inspire you, our Members, to tackle new terrain, maximise precious moments on the hills, to stoke flames and ignite passion.
For me, it's important to not only do this by skiing, but to try and inspire both on and off the hills. And this often comes by simply sharing one's passion. Sure, in the summer months, some may call it pestering, but if these flames burn bright within you, share them, they'll spread like wildfire through our keen membership and rewards will be reaped as snows fall.
I've seen things you people wouldn't believe from folk failing to get off chairlifts, to attaching skins upside down; from a borderline inappropriate relationship with one's GoPro, to Members wiping out fellow Reps (yes, you
After 1Oyears as a Rep,Ryan's beenthere,seen that and wracked up somepretty epic memories with fellow ClubMembers
Lesley!). But the biscuit was taken with the helmet being worn the wrong way round (you know who you are).
Reps quickly learn how super important it is to look you lot over. Not to pre-judge (I'll get to that), but to stop, look and listen. Are you wearing your goggles upside down? Do you have one long ski, one short? Are your boots the wrong way round? Have you brought cherished -but matchstick thin -'80s Atomic Arcs to a snorkellevel pow day?
It's important to amass and scrutinise easy and obvious clues. They'll be there if you side-glance close enough. And when spotted, keep both eyes fixed and ski with triple-safe distance.
I don't know which beer tasted sweeter: my first at Crescent Spur Heli having won a week's heliskiing competition, or my first beer after surviving an all-too-recent avalanche (read my harrowing tale on page 30). Okay, I know which was sweeter, but both were mighty tasty tipples.
And both linked directly to our grand Club. I won a photography competition shooting a Member (who became a good friend -hey, keep friends that win you heli trips close by is my motto!) in Verbier on a resort ski day. And my avalanche experience was also on a resort day -a member of our hardy auld Club yanking me out and saving my life. I mean, the lesson doesn't escape me: ALWAYSkeep Club Members by your side!
You betcha! Ever feel blue about your lack of powder days in any given season? Well, let me ask you: how often are
you dancing your snow dances and making sacrifices to the god of snow, Ullr? Never? Don't be so juvenile? I rest my case.
*Or rather, the importance of never judging a book by its cover, or a Club Member by their clobber ...
One snowy day on Blackcomb, the group and I were finishing off lunch when a British family politely asked if they could jump in our spot. We quickly realised they were the Beckhams and engaged in excited chit-chat. Several of the ladies in my group struggled to remain cool when faced with the direct gaze of Posh Spice. Or maybe that was the shine from her dazzling onesie But no special treatment, no champagne or caviar in this joint, and no obvious security waiting to pounce on our overly enthusiastic Members; just a family enjoying the same winter bounty as us all. If it's good enough for the Club, it's good enough for the Beckhams. Only now, however, do I regret not signing them up. Doh!
Skiing can really bring people together (literally, in many cases). I have met scores of new friends on Club days, but I've also been fortunate enough to see relationships forge and blossom.
Us Reps can't matchmake for everyone; we can't promise whirlwind romances to wedding bells, but they have been known. My first Club day wedding is inbound, with two good friends finding one another via our Club. One from Reading, one from Vancouver, meeting via a Club day in Kitzbiihel. Who needs Tinder when you've got the Ski Club? But I must urge HQ to look over policy
A Skiwith Crispand you're guaranteed passionand (with a bit of luck) powder
and consider some small print to state that Rep duties can't extend to affairs of the heart.
Don't be fooled by reputations, don't be put off by gear, and never assume Club days to be too much. Many of us have all the gear and no idea. My point is, this Club is for all. Some of my finest days on the hill have been with Members initially tentative. They soon embrace. The Club is about YOU!Warts 'n all.
Ifl'd a quid for every time I've heard "this must be boring for you," but it's simply never true. I -and I'm sure 99% of our Reps -just love being in the mountains. And the mountains are all the better when exploring them with kindred spirits. A smile on your chops and some adventure in your soul is all we hope for. Make sure to come along and join us this season.
And fortunately that's something I guarantee. A Crisp Promise, no less. Don't believe me? Well heck, come out and ski with me. Let me prove it.
Jotting these nuggets down has made me a little nostalgic and ready to refresh, game to sign up for another five-year term. Glutton for punishment, some might say, but here's to another decade of memorable Club members and hilarious moments. Fellow Children of Winter, I'll see you in the next 10.
1. KennethMacAllister,SkiClub of the window at breakfastand
• Makesureall thosepockets I hastento add that I don't drink Repfor five years: seeingbadweather.Onemorning, aresecurely'zipped'up. As a at lunchwhen I'm representing • Eventhoughour SkiClub wakingup in Wengen,it was retirementpresentto myselfI the Club... but I do go into ski visibility hasreducedin recent pouringwith rain, but I managed took myselfoff to Whistlerfor schoolat leastoncea yearand I'm yearsdueto the removalof to persuadethe group it was a five-weekcourseand,while still doing my bestto improve. the bluejacketon snow,local worth giving it a go. Aswe gained skiingBlackcombGlacier,I took instructorsand bar staff in heightthe rain turnedto snow a tumbleand it wasn't until we 4. DavidBaker,SkiClubRep Zermattstill seemto know who -at the top of the Lauberhorn stoppedfor lunchthat I realised for over 50 years: we are andare very pleasedto we had great powdersnowwith that I'd lost my phone.Fortunately • A big part of beinga Rep seeus.There'snowhereto hide no one elsearound definitely I wasableto retracemy steps is the satisfactionof making in Zermatt! worth getting out of bedfor. after lunchand,miraculously, introductionsthat work. It might • Membersloveto haveReps • Youshouldneverskimpon kit. I found the very spotthat I'd be a restaurantthey don't know, in resorts. Thereis nothingworsethan ill- fallen and there it was! a different route down the • I exclusivelytelemark,but have fitting ski bootsthat seemedlike • Youcanneverhavetoo many mountain,or othersto ski with. yet to ski with anotherMember a bargainat the time, but causeso lessons.Froman earlystageit • Skigradingon Freshtracks who doesthe same.It's time for muchpainthat it ruinsyour skiing was obviousthat my wife and holidayscanbe contentiousand is our Membersto raisetheir fun fun. Or skisthat aretoo long/ I would developour skillsat an aspectof the role that benefits thresholdsandfree the heel. short/narrow/stiffthat hinderyou a different pace.Theobvious from a carefulchoiceof words. from skiingthe way you would answer(not havingdiscovered I was lost for wordsat the end 2. EdwardKilliwick, SkiClubRep like. Get bootsfitted by an expert Freshtracksholidaysat the time) of onetrip when quietly offered for over 20 years: and get adviceon the bestskisfor wasthat we both went into somecashin (afailed) exchange
• "Thereare no friendson your experienceandwhat terrain lessonsseparately.Fora number for a better grade! powderdays" is not true -there you want to ski. of yearswe skiedin Austria-not • Understandingif you havea is nothinglike sharingwith only did my skiingimprovebut I medicin any group isjust one Members/friendsthe naturalhigh 3. BobDixson,SkiClubRepfor wasalsoencouragedto developa of the early lessons.It took a of makingfreshtracksin powder 13years: taste for gliihweinat lunchtime. few yearsto recognisethe need (also,you shouldneverski
• It's a mistaketo take yourself Tothe extent that my instructor for clarity.OnelovelyMember off-pisteon your own). too seriously.If you can't fall, in Kitzbiihelsaidto meone admittedto beinga doctor,but
• Alwaysgo skiingno matter laughat yourselfandthen pick afternoon:"Bob,you must have alsosuggestedthat, asa forensic what the weather.I canremember yourselfup, you mightjust be in gliihweinfor breakfast,youalways pathologist,shehopedI wouldn't numerousoccasionslookingout the wrong sport. skibetterin the afternoon." needher expertise
Funand comradeshipin the mountains? We'll drink to that
We chat to 35-year-oldElizabeth Wynne-Ellisabout her repping journey so far...
I FIRST STARTED SKIING ...
Young! Well, my mum skied twice while she was pregnant with me, but otherwise I'm told it was as soon as my feet were big enough for ski boots, so around three.
My earliest memory is a picnic on the side of the slopes, a family tradition. Dad would carry French delights, such as local cheese, saucisson and baguettes, in his rucksack and we'd make sandwiches slopeside.
MY MOST MEMORABLE SKIING EXPERIENCE SO FAR...
Is skiing in Treble Cone, New Zealand, in 2005. The view of Lake Wanaka as you ski is incredible. Also, sharing the chairlift with the Austrian ski team as they trained on the very same slopes!
I DECIDED TO BECOME A SKI CLUB REP...
To ski more! More places, with more people, more often,
with as much skiing variety as possible. I really want to stretch myself and my skiing.
I also love sharing my enthusiasm and experience of skiing with others to support their skiing journey it makes for satisfying work!
MY REPPING JOURNEY SO FAR HAS INVOLVED ...
Bad Hofgastein and Les Arcs in March 2022 both great trips and so much fun. The highlight was meeting such lovely Members and helping everyone get their ski legs back after the travel break.
I took part in the Ski Club Repping course in December 2021, which was good fun and hard work in equal measure.
l'M MOST EXCITED ABOUT... Just getting back on the slopes ifl'm on snow, I'm happy.
In Tignes, and hopefully a few more resorts later in the season.
My favourite type of skiing:Thequiet spotswhere you arejust far enoughawayfrom the hubbub,skiingfresh snowoff-piste perfect.
My favourite resort: TrebleCone,NewZealand.
My favourite way to apres-ski:Everyonehavinga great time around the dinner table.
My favourite item of kit: A well-fitted pair of ski boots can't be beaten. Thiswinter I'll be skiing in a pair of SalomonS/MAX100boots.
My favourite personto ski with: Is a good ski instructor I love a bit of ski training.
PERFORMANCE DOESN'T CARE ABOUT THE SHAPE OF YOUR FEET.
Featuring an easily customizable shell and liner, this 98 mm boot delivers a strong heel lock without adding unnecessary pressure on your instep.
CustomFit 4D liner thermoformable Talyn® deliver instant perfect fit.
Dismantable, two-part, fully customizable tongue.
Powerful heel lock and homogeneous foothold thanks to this boot's new 3D instep shell and 45° placement of the 2nd forefoot buckle.
John(middle} with the Snow+Rockteam at the SkiTest
As SnowsportsHardwareBuyerfor Snow+Rock,JohnJenningsgets paid to shop for ski gear and test it on the slopes.Jealous?Not at all!
I choose the ski hardware products that Snow+Rockwill stock for the ski season. This entails looking through manufacturers' ranges and pulling out the products I feel will be a success within our stores and on the website.
Back in 1997I had spent two years travelling and surfing in Australia and found myself working for a ski field in New Zealand. It was at this point that I had made the decision to return to the UK and was trying to plan what I would do. One thing was for certain - I wanted to work within the ski industry. The only problem was, I was on the other side of the world and there was no easy way to research jobs (this was pre-internet and mobile phones!). I remembered my visits to the London Ski Show, and dropping into the Snow+Rock store on Kensington High Street and being in awe. Armed with this memory, I wrote a letter to the Retail Director at the time, asking for work for the upcoming winter. Unbeknown to me, he was a Kiwi and from the area of NZ that I was in. A couple of weeks later a catalogue and job offer appeared through the letterbox! The ski season finished and I headed back to the UK, spent a night with my family before heading to the Chertsey store to start work as a ski boot fitter.
Invariably there is a lot of time spent in spreadsheets. Inputting products, descriptions, codes etc, but come the autumn it is time to visit the brands to view what is going to be hitting the market in 12 months' time. After an early start, and heading somewhere in the UK to a dealer's showroom, the brand then present their vision for the season. All of the new products are displayed on the walls, and I'm presented with new lines, new colours, marketing plans and reasons to stock. Then the work
really starts. What fits into the Snow+Rock jigsaw for the season? What would our customers think? Will they buy this product? Will it excite our staff? A range is then put together and pictures taken. This is inputted, but is provisional. The biggest test still awaits -the annual industry Ski Test. Physically skiing comparative skis, or boots, against each other really tells us if they are in or not But that must wait for another day. Tomorrow, it's another showroom and more new products to see.
HIGHLIGHT OF MY CAREER SO FAR...
I have many: becoming a store manager, featuring in the company's marketing last season, and being offered my current role. But the biggest highlight happens every year -the Ski Test. All the brands descend upon one venue (usually somewhere in the Alps) with next season's kit and it's our job to go ski it all! An amazing opportunity that I'm proud to take part in.
WHAT I LOVE MOST ABOUT MY JOB...
Talking about the products with anyone who will listen. I love skiing -it makes me tick -and hopefully that passion comes out, whether it's in the middle of June or after I've read that snow is falling in Europe.
April. The range is complete, orders have been sent to suppliers and summer is on its way. We won't be skiing for another eight to ten months -how will we survive?
It would be Salt Lake City, Utah. I spent three weeks there in 2001, visiting the different ski areas and skied the most amazing powder. Untracked, fluffy fresh powder bowls with lift access -sheer heaven!
.A.It'sJohn'sjob to sourcethe skihardware Snow+Rockwill stockthrough theseason
It wasjust an averageCanadianpowderday,untilsuddenlyit wasn't.
SCGBRepRyanCrisprecountssurvivingtheAnger. Pure and primal and coursing through every fibre of my being like molten fury. Not sadness. Not even fear, per se. ANGER was the overriding emotion as I lay under the slide, unable to move against merciless snow compacting around my twisted body like quick-dry cement.
My wife was seven months pregnant and this was the unacceptable thought that reverberated around my head. I'm not going to be there. My baby's birth, first steps, first "Dadda", first heartbreaks, first ski turns for crying out loud, and a million more firsts and milestone moments. I'm not going to be there -for any of them.
But let's not get ahead of ourselves
A CLASSIC CANADIAN POW DAY Tuesday, 15 March 2022, Whistler Blackcomb. Another classic Canadian powder day: poor visibility and much tree skiing on the cards. Myself and a group of Whistler regulars were having a blast on Blackcomb, hitting tree lap after tree lap. Arthur's Choice, Outer Limits, CBS some of our group gleefully proclaiming their "Best
nightmareeveryskierdreads
evers" as sparkling glades echoed "Whoop, whoop!". As the day progressed, visibility improved in the alpine and ideas of a glacier lap started to form. I hinted that I had a good surprise if there was enough energy left in everyone's legs. "Hell, yes!" was the consensus.
Moving towards our target across a relatively gentle traverse, I was slowly poling forward when I thought, damn, the snow is sluffing (surface snow sliding) and then, in the next heartbeat, my life turned upside down as the entire slope released. I didn't hear a crack, but others did, later stressing it was deep and haunting.
It all happened so quickly. We're talking seconds here. Fractions of, most likely. At first my skis were pushed to the side, about 90 degrees in an arc, and were now facing downhill toward a cliff band. I thought, sh*t!, get out, get out and began screaming.
For half a second, I felt I could ski out to the side of the slide, however it was not to be.
A snowy arm burst out of moving snow and grabbed me by the scruff of my collar, yanking me back into its chaos. I was being avalanched.
A Poorvisibility meantthe group werestickingto the trees,lapping popularrunssuch asArthur'sChoice
T Ryanandthe groupjustbefore the avalanche
I was in the 'tumble drier', unsure ifI was physically going up and down, round and round, or if the snow was washing over me in waves, all the while pushing me down. My world was going light and dark, but fortunately some training kicked in and I started to swim up towards the light, fighting with everything I had, screaming, and as a result of the latter, choking on rushing snow down my throat-something I know we're not supposed to do in event of a slide, but it was pure survival and the screams flowed as fast as the collapsed layer of snowpack.
All the while this was happening, I appreciated the fact that the further I was carried, the closer I would be to a very serious cliff. I thought I would suddenly be weightless and then that would be me. My light snuffed out forever after a moment's tragic flight. But I came to a sudden stop, followed by a quarter of a second's relief that I hadn't ridden the cliff, then the gravity of my situation increased ten-fold. I was fully buried.
The snow instantly compacted around me like dumped cement as I desperately tried to stand, swim, scramble, push and fight, all while continuing to scream choke.
As the snow cocooned me, the light began turning out, like bulbs down a tunnel being switched off one by one, plummeting me into darkness.
My left arm was taken first, fixed underneath me. My head felt at an odd angle, but I was able to tell which way was up (thank God -the alternative doesn't bare thinking of). My right arm was reaching for the heavens, but I began to lose any movement as snow solidified around me. I could barely move my fingers, to the point where I was scratching at single snow flakes, desperate for the tiniest slither of hope.
Of course, I knew I was dead here. Certain I was a goner. Sure my life was cut short, that it was now entirely out of my grasp. And then that grim thought: were we having a baby girl or boy? I would never even know. I couldn't believe or accept that I would never meet my baby or see my wife become a mother.
Where it came from, or how, I'll never fully comprehend, but someone was looking out for me. I understood all too well how stuck my limbs were, but with every single ounce of everything I have ever had
I PUNCHED TO THE SKYand, for half a heartbeat, thought maybe, just maybe, I have penetrated the pack and got my glove out on top. I couldn't be sure. But it was all I had. My everything.
I knew at that point to try and calm my breathing. Which I did -for a moment -before fight set back in. I was still choking. My guess is I had seconds oflife in the tank. I doubted minutes.
In all my training I have heard accounts of avalanche victims recalling how clear they can hear when buried. I can confirm it is 100% true. I could hear everything -including repeat cries of "Ryan needs help". Then, before I could truly panic or accept my fate, a good pal was on me, barking out instruction for shovels and assistance, generally kicking ass and responding to a situation you couldn't believe, as good as any professional (a sentiment echoed by mountain guides, decades in the game). He had spotted my hand.
The next thing I knew he was digging my face out with his hands. I still thought my time was up as my airway was rammed with snow. Bloody typical, I thought, they've only gone and quickly found me and I'm still going to cark it Then he told me to cough, which released a chunk of ice allowing sweet, sweet oxygen back into my lungs. But I was still struggling before another of my group went into my throat with his fingers and cleared the remainder. Oxygen. I might -mighthave a fighting chance here.
What followed was surreal and something I will remain both shocked and proud of for the rest of my days. Bizarrely, I was clear minded and quickly started accounting for my group, our location, the precarious position of snow perched above my head, our safety, and then, being the most experienced, I started to try and assist the rescue as best I could from my would-be snowy tomb, only my face free at this point.
Those around me were responding in impressive fashion. Also telling me to shut it and preserve energy. I even had the thought to instruct one of the group to take pictures of the scene for witness reports (or a future article). Strange feeling. I'm pleased to know that when sh*t truly hit the fan, some training, clarity and selflessness came flooding in.
I quickly learned, much to my horror, that two group members behind me were also buried, but I was assured
the person directly behind had managed to swim to the surface, free herself and was attending the third burial. Two others were caught, but not serious as to get buried.
Before I knew it, my team were digging me out with hands and shovels. A heroic effort. A couple of the group were understandably frozen in terror, doing what they could, but terrified to press ahead in fear of somehow making the dire situation worse.
The difference maker and the reason I am here: training and equipment. Three members of my group all had their AST 2 (Avalanche Skills Training Level 2), two of those thankfully carrying their gear with them. Without that
There are many educational beats to be learned from this experience, and we have discussed them in depth. Every decision and step has been analysed to the nth degree with the group, mountain guides, and patrol.
Why wasn't everyone in my group carrying a transceiver, shovel and probe you may be wondering. Frankly, it's not the culture in North American skiing. The avalanche occurred within the boundary of Whistler Blackcomb. Many of you will have skied the very same area, some with myself and other Ski Club Reps. The concept of inbounds patrolled areas is one of the reasons I love it out there. We get to regularly ski terrain that would only ever be considered in Europe with pro guides. I'm not suggesting that makes us/me not take the hills seriously, but there is undoubtedly a higher degree of trust placed into resort management within this 'inbounds' culture. I always wear my safety equipment. But, honestly, the vast majority of people skiing resorts in North America do not.
Believe you me, not a single member of this heroic party (or other friends, for that matter) will ever ski again without kitted-out packs, transceivers and education. If this story helps even a tiny percentage of riders follow suit then it can only be a good thing.
Indeed, just as I was being pulled out, some guy skied right above us, ignoring our pleas and screams and dog's abuse, completely oblivious.
If we hadn't been there and he skied that line, alone and backpack-less as was his intent, would that have been his final ever run? Clearly the slope was ready to go. Frankly, I'm relieved it happened to me and not someone else less equipped to survive.
Once out, I halted the effort to try and locate a missing ski (not my own, they remained fixed -I'm surprised my legs weren't broken -probably why I was anchored) and several missing poles. The ground was still whoomping underneath us, so I quickly moved the group to a place I deemed safe.
As a team we worked out co-ordinates, took pictures, and started dishing out snacks and drinks (God bless the member carrying a primed hip flask). Patrol joined us carrying a spare ski and were shocked at where the slide had occurred.
We were asked if we could ski. And we did. Heck, we still skied our target after all! I had told the group I had a big surprise for them ...
We were shellshocked, shaking and shedding tears, but a solid apres awaited. Best ever, my friends.
Those involved know that I am, and will forever be, beyond thankful. And to one of them in particular -Chris Wheater. Without his quick thinking and amazing response Well, you'd be learning of my death right now. But it was a group effort that saved my life, no two ways about it. Team Heroes.
The slide was a size-two soft slab avalanche, human triggered, with a crown wall of approximately 22m in length. It propagated to my front, rear and above, carrying me 50-75m down to a flat section before the cliffband.
One of my biggest decisions was whether to tell my wife about the incident, her being very pregnant and all. I decided I must, but via a diluted version of events. However, after the initial shock calmed, she knew there was more to it and we talked it through in detail. She has been my pillar of support, but there's nothing new there.
You'll never be avalanched in front of a computer screen, in a classroom, or slouched in the comfort of your sofa, magazine on lap, but it could happen to anyone. Yes, even you! Even in places where you would least expect, like the confines of a resort, for example. So please share my tale far and wide. It's important to try and accentuate the few positives.
I love the mountains. Scary and unrelenting as they are. This experience is not something I imagine I'll ever shake off, but I am hopeful it will make me stronger.
Love to you all, from a very-happy-to-be-here Ryan Crisp, the new Dad to Phoebe Jean who came into the world on 12 May, 2022. A bundle of perfection. And I was there!
Saved:Ryan, with onlyhis facefree at that point,assiststhe rescueas best he could and with hisgorgeous daughterPheobe... he wasthere!
"This experienceis not something I imagine I'll ever shake off, but I am hopeful it willmake me stronger"
As the Ski Club's Alpine Safety Advisor, one of my roles is to review any accident reports filed over the course of the winter and subsequently help the Club develop learning outcomes that we can pass on to Members in a bid to develop relevant safeguarding policies.
Reading Ryan Crisp's account of surviving an avalanche in Whistler, British Columbia, in the preceding pages took me straight back to the events of last March. It served as a poignant reminder of just how emotional it was, even for those of us merely talking to Ryan about it afterwards and preparing the accident report.
Ryan talks very openly and emotionally in his account, and it is the Club's and my responsibility to help those involved to understand what happened and ascertain what can be done to reduce the chances of something like it happening again.
First, we need to address the fundamental differences in the way ski areas are operated on either side of the pond. In Europe, the ski patrol's responsibility is the safety of resort infrastructure and skiers on the pistes. While they may control avalanche hazards beyond this (Le.off-piste), it must be assumed that they have not.
In North America, the ski patrol strives to ensure the safety of ski area users with regard to avalanche hazard within the entire ski area boundary. Americans have various terms to describe ungroomed terrain from slackcountry and sidecountry to backcountry, the last being used to describe unpisted, unpatrolled terrain outside the ski area boundary. Despite being very effective at doing this, fatalities and serious avalanche incidents still happen within ski areas each season, as seen in an avalanche fatality in Whistler last season.
As the Whistler Blackcomb ski patrol team confirm,
Veteranmountainguide BruceGoodlad announcesnew Ski Club protocolsfor backcountryskiing in North America
,._ Dreamingof lappingup the pow in North Americathis winter?Soare we! Butmakesure youget to know youravy kit first if youwant to share the powderwith fellow MembersT MartinChester, capturedby Bruce Goodlad,admiring the beauty of Svalbard's Olivierbeenglacier
there is "always some residual risk that cannot be mitigated at all times". A member of the Jackson Hole ski patrol explains: "While snow safety and avalanche mitigation efforts help reduce the risk of avalanches, avalanches and snow slides may occur at ski areas, both inside and outside of the posted boundaries."
The culture in North America is that many people do not carry avalanche safety equipment and rely on the ski patrol to look after their safety. Personally, I find this delegation of responsibility of individual safety remarkable. On average, there is one inbounds fatality in Canada and one in the USA each winter. You might consider this statistic a low number relative to skier days, but it's a very different story if that statistic is you, a friend or family member.
It is essential that we learn from any incident in the mountains, and the Whistler avalanche was not the only one involving Club Members last season. So, what has the Club done in preparation for next season?
We have reviewed the Club's current policies for Members skiing together with Reps and are revising these in consultation with the Rep community. We are introducing policies specific to North America, which recognise the differences in American and European ski culture and mountain safety implementation.
We have introduced the need for the use of a transceiver, shovel and probe when skiing backcountry in North America and are also looking into reducing
maximum group sizes when skiing backcountry. We have reviewed our accident procedures to ensure timely and appropriate responses and are developing postaccident support systems. Club Reps in North America and Europe will be visited by Ski Club staff to offer support and ensure our policy is appropriate and relevant -while we can't get everywhere, we will visit as many Reps as possible.
So, what does this mean for you when skiing with a Rep in our North American resorts of Whistler and Jackson Hole this winter? The key change is that we'll require you to do so with an avalanche transceiver, shovel and probe. The Club will have these essential pieces of equipment in resort for you to borrow if required, although we would encourage everyone to buy their own kit. Put simply, the best avalanche equipment is the equipment you have practised with. And the best way to ensure you can practise with it is to own it yourself. Given that a transceiver is less than half the price of the latest iPhone it doesn't seem a ridiculous suggestion. The Ski Club's transceiver hire service will also be available this season.
Furthermore, the Club will reduce the maximum group size for off-piste ski days. Not only will this increase safety, it will also enhance your experience. This does mean that it's essential to pre-register for days you would like to ski with your in-resort Rep. We introduced a very similar policy in Europe a few years back and, while there is always some grumbling when we change anything, no one now thinks twice about skiing with these fundamental pieces of safety equipment.
Sitting here in the Alps, I can see the snowpack developing on the upper parts of the mountain and am getting really excited about sliding down hill on snow. I wish you all a great, and safe, winter.
"Thebest avalanche equipment is the equipmentyou have practised with"
In light of RyanCrisp'stoo-close-for-comfortavalanchecall in Whistler,the SkiClub'sSafety AdvisorBruceGoodladgivesus an avalanchesafetyequipmentrefreshercourse
henever I head out for a day's off-piste skiing or ski touring, I take my avalanche safety kit: transceiver, shovel and probe. As essential as putting a helmet on to ride a bike or strapping on a seat belt when driving a car, I just wouldn't go skiing without them. Personally, I always add a pair of skins to my pack as well -these enable me to climb out of trouble if there's been a poor snow stability judgment, or go back uphill if someone needs help.
If reading Ryan's salutary tale has inspired you to up your mountain safety kit game this winter, here's a guide to the essential pieces you need to be skiing with, and how to use them.
The core of your safety kit, your transceiver or beacon should be a modern 3-antenna model that's no more than 10 years old. The 3-antenna models ensure search times are faster, easier and more efficient, not least because they create a more accurate three-dimensional a: layout and offer advanced features, like marking (also < known as flagging), to simplify searches in multiple burial scenarios. Transceivers should also be serviced w ::c within the manufacturers' recommended service period. iii It is recommended that batteries on all transceivers be ::c changed when they reach 60% and that they are worn ..:ilS in the harness supplied, or in a zipped trouser pocket, "' attached with a lanyard and worn with the screen facing the body (to protect it).
§ If you baulk atthe thought of upgrading your vi transceiver, just remember how often we update our S mobile phones -a beacon is a fraction of the cost but 1E could just save a life.
This should be a metal blade shovel conforming to the International Climbing and Mountaineering Federation (UIAA)standard for avalanche shovels. Most shovels from the main manufacturers conform to this standard, such as Mammut, Ortovox, G3, Black Diamond, BCAand Pieps.
This should be an extendable probe at least 240cm in length that locks easily into place and conforms to the UIAA safety regulations. Models are available from all major manufacturers as above.
The best avalanche kit is not always the most modern, but the kit you practice with, so make sure you're acquainted with your transceiver and accustomed to putting your shovel and probe together. Here's a great exercise:
• Have your avalanche safety kit in its normal position in your backpack.
• Put your pack on and do it up. Now take a deep breath. (Youcan have a couple of practice breaths.)
• Now undo your pack, take it off, deploy your probe and put your shovel together.
• You're not allowed to take another breath until you've completed the task.
If you turn red, then blue and pass out before finishing, you need to practice. One of the first things to happen in high stress situations such as an avalanche is a degradation in the fine motor skills. These motor skills are needed to put together and operate your rescue equipment so, if you need multiple breaths to do this, you need to practice more.
,._Alwayskeep yourtransceiver safelystowedin its harnessor in a zippedtrouser pocketattached with a lanyard
Avalanche transceivers are incredibly robust pieces of kit. If you think about all the things that electronics don't like -damp, cold and physical abuse -transceivers are subjected to them all, yet very rarely go wrong. However, dropping them on a hard surface or leaving the batteries in over the summer can affect their operational capabilities by corroding the terminals. Furthermore, the antennas in a transceiver can crack if the unit sustains a hard knock, thereby reducing their effective range or stopping them working altogether, so a daily check while you're in the mountains is essential. Fortunately, the transceiver check procedure used by most mountain professionals, and recommended by the safety organisation Avalanche Canada, is a really simple process.
Firstly, it's important to point out that the old method of walking or skiing past your guide to check that each transceiver in your group is sending does not work with most modern beacons. These are designed to lock onto the first transceiver they come to and will not let go until that transceiver is dug out and switched off or goes out of range. Furthermore, the use of the flag or mark function on a 3-antenna beacon is not designed to be used to suppress a signal allowing you to check another person's transceiver.
The following procedure requires you to know how to use the group check function on your transceiver.
If you're not familiar with it, now is the time to get the manual out and learn. The only exception is BCAunits, which don't have a group check function -you can use a walk past method for these.
Stand in a group with the checker at the centre. Everyone turns on their transceiver and confirms that there are no error messages and that batteries are 60% or over.
• Ensure all transceivers are in send mode.
The group now all turn their transceivers to receive (rescue) mode.
• The checker remains in send.
• The group should now all receive the signal from the checker's transceiver. The reading on each transceiver should approximately match the user's distance to the checker.
• Once every person has done this, the group set their transceivers to send and store them safely on their person for the day.
•The checker now uses the group check function on their transceiver to check that each member of their group is on send.
• Once the group has been checked, the checker turns their transceiver to send and then shows it to the last person in the group to confirm they have been turned into send mode. They then stow their beacon in its skiing position on their body.
•Transceivers should not be turned off or removed during the day. And yes, that includes lunch!
When you've been skiing with the same group for a number of days and are confident everyone's send and receive function is working, you can perform a simple send check procedure as below:
•The group all have their transceivers on send, having checked for error messages and battery strength.
•The checker turns their unit into group check mode and checks that each member of the party is in send mode by holding their unit lm from the sending unit.
• Once complete, they turn their unit to send and show it to the last member of the party to confirm it's in send mode.
.6. Ensurethat all youravalanche safetyequipment conformsto UIAA safetyregulations
"If you turn red, then blue and pass out before finishing, you need to practice"
The pasttwo yearshaveshown usjust how important it is to spendtime in the mountains,doing what we love.Now that travelrestrictionshave eased,max out your ski time with somecheekySkiClub weekendsaway
There are many reasons to grab a weekend away this winter; you might have found some extra days of annual leave or perhaps you can't fit in a full week away this season. Or maybe you just have to scratch the itch and tick off a resort from your bucket list, sooner rather than later!
Both Ski Club Freshtracks and Mountain Tracks have short breaks available throughout the season. These z include our popular season opening and closing Tignes weekendtrips,whichbookendthe resort'simpressively long season (late November to early May) and complement the many Ski Club Freshtracks departures ii: to the resort.
O S+bspoke to Patryk Szymanski, Mountain Tracks § Manager, about his top choices for short trips this winter.
1EAs part of the Mountain Tracks team, Patryk is
understandably drawn to adventurous touring trips, pointing out the Franz Senn and Gran Paradiso tours as the best examples of short, sharp and sweet ski touring adventures: "If you're too busy to commit to a full week but want to improve your ski touring, the three-day Gran Paradiso ski tour is for you."
Freshtracks still offers plenty for those who seek adventure but prefer to keep their skis on the piste. The Davos Ski Weekend gives a flavour of the luxury and fantastic variety of skiing available alongside sister resort Klosters, while our Tignes instruction weekends give you the chance to grow your on-piste skiing and sharpen up your technique.
Check out our selection of top weekend and short trips below and head online for more holiday inspiration at skiclub.co.uk/ski-club-holidays.
A Putyour weekendsto goodusethis winterwith somehighoctaneskitrips
Experience a taste of the luxury this classic Swiss resort has to offer with four days of skiing and four nights' accommodation in the plush 4* Sunstar Hotel Davos on a single-occupancy basis. Social skiing with your dedicated Ski Club Rep, you can take in some of the incredible skiing available across the Parsenn, Madrisa and Jakobshorn mountains.
Whowith?SkiClubFreshtracks
When?12-16 January2023
Whofor?Advancedintermediate/advanced on-pisteskiers
Howmuch?From£1,175,includingflights,return airporttransfersandfourdays'socialskiing
The extensive Tignes-Val d'Isere ski area plays host to a huge range of Ski Club holidays every winter. Added to our programme last year, Bank Holiday Blast returns to give you once last chance to squeeze in your turns for the year before the snow melts. Four days on snow, in the heart ofTignes le Lac, under the spring sun -what more does one need?
Whowith?SkiClubFreshtracks
When?27April-1 May2023
Whofor?Advancedintermediate/advanced on-pisteskiers
Howmuch?From£799,includingreturnairport transfers,threedayswith instructorsanda freeskiday
Pistes? Where we're going, we don't need pistes. On the bucket list for many an off-piste skier, this winter could be your chance to ski La Grave's superlative off-piste terrain. Spend three days exploring La Meije with mountain guides, with the comfortable Auberge Edelweiss as your base. A stone's throw from La Grave's rainbow-coloured gondola, the auberge is the perfect spot from which to maximise your time on snow.
Whowith?SkiClubFreshtracks
When?19-21 January2023
Whofor?Advanced/expertoff-pisteskiers Howmuch?From£899,includingairporttransfers andthreedays'skiingwithmountainguides
Based in the Gran Paradiso National Park -just across the French/Italian border from the Tarentaise -this trip offers a wonderful taste of hut-based ski touring on a time shoestring. You'll enjoy three days on snow, plus an access day to get up to the Benevolo Hut, which will be your mountain-top base for three nights while you explore the diverse peaks of this little-known region.
Whowith?MountainTracks
When?Variousdatesthroughouttheseason
Whofor?Skill2,Stamina 2
Howmuch?From£935,includingtransfersfrom Chamonix,threenights'b&bintheBenevoloHutand threedays'skiguidingona maximum1:6ratio
Where better to learn the basics of ski touring than in the Chamonix Valley, a chain of resorts and legendary off-piste areas in the shadow of Mont Blanc. On this short and sweet three-day trip you'll initially use Chamonix's lifts to begin your ascent before learning how to free the heel and earn your turns, finding some of the world's best off-piste while you're at it!
Whowith?MountainTracks
When?11-18 February2023
Whofor?Skill1,Stamina 1
Howmuch?From£695,includingall in-resort transfersandthreedays'guidingona maximum 1:6ratio
Home to the mighty Mont Blanc,the Matterhorn and Monte Rosa, the ski and snowboardrunsin AostaValley in northwesternItaly are as dramaticas the scenerythat surroundsthem
Thermals, goggles, skis, sunglasses: looks like you're all set for the start of the new winter season. You've heard of Aosta Valley's abundant snow and clean air, but which resort should you pick?
Whether you're a skier or snowboarder, novice or semi pro, new to the area or a regular keen for a change, there's a resort best suited to you.
Aosta Valley'stop resorts Nestled in the west of the Valley, La Thuile is located at an altitude of 1,440m on Mont Blanc, a two-hour drive from Geneva in Switzerland or Turin in Italy. La Thuile connects with La Rosiere in France, so you can experience both resorts, but if you're after the charm of a 12th century hamlet combined with modern conveniences, La Thuile will tick your boxes. Its 119 runs -which are scattered across 160km -are made up of 56 blue,
43 red and 20 black slopes, all of which reopen for the season on 26 November. Neighbouring Courmayeur, also on Mont Blanc, opens the next day and is an hour and 20 minutes' drive from Geneva or an hour and 40 minutes from Turin. The resort has more than 100km of ski slopes -11 blue, 17 red and five black -and it's the latter that it excels in. If you're confident on the slopes, go off-piste -or experience the thrill of discovering powder slopes on a heliskiing adventure.
Prefer to take things down a notch? Pila's 70km of trails comprise of four blue, four black and 29 red, many of which meander through birch and fir forests, making it ideal for mid-level skiers and snowboarders. Tucked in the centre of the Valley, the resort on Grand Combin has views of Mont Blanc, Monte Rosa and the Matterhorn. It's a 90-minute drive from Turin or two hours from Milan in Italy, and just a gondola ride away from the old Roman town of Aosta. With opportunities to go snow tubing, ice skating
and tobogganing, you can see why it attracts families. Like La Thuile, it opens on 26 November.
Further east, Breuil-Cervinia on the Matterhorn Monte Cervino in Italian is an hour and 40 minutes' drive from Turin or two hours and 20 minutes from Geneva. It connects to Zermatt in Switzerland, and in spring 2023 the new Matterhorn glacier paradise cableway the Alps' highest cable car is set to open, so you can travel between the two in an hour while enjoying a panorama of the Matterhorn. You can easily explore both resorts but with pistes up to 3,480m and 35 blue runs, 83 red and 30 black, there's plenty to tempt you to stay in Breuil-Cervinia. It's also one of Italy's most snowsure resorts, so it's already open.
Monte Rosa meanwhile is home to a clutch of resorts collectively dubbed Monterosa Ski. At an altitude of 1,570m, ChampolucFrachey are a 90-minute drive from Turin or two hours from Milan not that you'd know it, as they're surrounded by glaciers and pine trees. Champoluc and Frachey have 50km of pistes between them three blue and 12 red but beginners aren't forgotten there's a dedicated area with a magic carpet and hoops just for you.
Like Champoluc, Gressoney made up of Gressoney-La-Trinite and Gressoney-Saint-Jean has a classic Alpine ambiance thanks to its cobbled streets and chalets. It opens on 2 December, which will be worth the wait once you're skiing through woodland or ski mountaineering at night.
Still can't decide which to visit?Then explore a few the seasonruns until 16 April 2023, with Breuil-Cervinia open until 7 May 2023.
If you'd prefer to base yourself on a single mountain, the Matterhorn's resorts offer plenty of variety.
Breuil-Cervinia straddles the Italian-Swiss border and is flanked by Valtournenche to the south and Zermatt to the north. Together, they're among the world's largest and most popular resorts, all connected by a network of slopes and ski lifts so you can explore without taking off your skis or snowboard.
Valtournenche's neighbour, Chamois, has just 100 residents and can only be reached by cable car from Buisson. At 1,800m, its Aosta Valley's highest settlement, and a tranquil, family-friendly option. It has 16km of slopes two blue and eight red.
Next door, Torgnon nicknamed the village of the sun may be petite, but it packs a punch. In addition to its 23km of slopes two blue, six red and one black it has crosscountry tracks, a beginners' snowboarding area with jumps and rails and a kids' snow park with trampolines, tubing, slides and toboggan rides.
Bestfor: its beauty
Home to the legendary Azzurrissimo 'race of races' in the 1980s, the Ventina red run begins from an altitude of 3,500m on the Plateau Rosa glacier on the Italian-Swiss border and zips 11km down to Breuil-Cervinia at 2,050m, with views of the Breuil basin and the Matterhorn along the way. More of a beginner? All levels can appreciate the panoramas from the cable car that runs from Cime Bianche Laghi to Ventina's summit.
The area's longest downhill run, White Queen (Reine Blanche) is a 22km stretch from 3,883m on Piccolo Cervino in Switzerland to 1,524m Valtournenche an exhilarating drop of more than 2,000m altitude. Every Easter, the slope hosts an amateur race for athletes and families that departs from Colle Superiore delle Cime Bianche between Breuil-Cervinia and Valtournenche.
Up for a challenge? Experienced skiers and boarders can join local athletes on the black run Vallone 5 in Breuil-Cervinia or the number 62 Gran Roe on the Matterhorn, which offers close-ups of its southern face. Whether you want to explore woodland trails, race downhill or have a heliskiing adventure to remember, blaze your own trail in Aosta Valley this winter.
Rea all about it! Hereis your monthly news briefing, bringingyou ____....p to date with the latestdevelopmentsin your favouriteski resorts
WORDSNICOLAISEARDThe big news for Les Menuires last season was the opening of the cutting-edge cable car in La Masse, which provides access to the peak -and the area's pacey reds and thrilling blacks -in less than eight minutes (reduced by two-thirds compared with the old lift).
S+bwriter Katy Dartford was there last season, and as fun as the skiing was (much of the best on-piste skiing in the Three Valleys is to be found in Les Menuires), it was launching herself down the Roe 'n' Bob sledding track (pictured), accessible via the Roe 1gondola, that really got her adrenaline racing.
"Picking up speed quickly along the 4km track with its 450 metres of drop, I used my feet and the metal brakes to slow down and skid around the 22 tight berms, which seemed to have nothing but a precipice below them ..." It's a must-do for any families heading there this winter -big whoops guaranteed.
For something a bit more mellow, and an
The future oflift passes is here -so says SCGB'sChemmy Alcott. Our Mrs President is referring to Alto.Ski, a pay-as-you-go ski pass that gives you the best price on the day. Don't want to ski a full day? The Alto.Ski app calculates the best price based on use and charges at end-of-play. "When the world is moving at such a crazy pace, we have seen a rise of the spontaneous traveller. They don't want to faff around with lift queues. It will be like the Oyster card in London," says Chemmy. It's early days for Alto.Ski with just a handful of resorts currently signed up, but it's certainly one to watch. We'll be testing it out this ski season so check back. alto.ski
alternative apres-ski, Katy recommends donning skins for a gentle guided ski tour towards the Refuge du Lac du Lou at sunset for a traditional fondue dinner.
lesmenuires.com
Vail Resorts, which owns and operates 41 resorts worldwide, has announced its plan to introduce a new technology that will allow guests to store their ski pass directly on their phone -eliminating the need to carry a card, visit the ticket window, or wait to receive a pass or lift ticket in the mail. With the new innovation, guests will be able to buy their pass online, activate it on their phone, put their phone in their pocket, and get scanned, hands free, using Bluetooth. Clever stuffi The new feature will be tested this season, with roll-out to guests expected for the 2023/24 season. vailresorts.com
One of the world's steepest inbound runs is debuting at Glacier 3000 -the only glacier ski area in Switzerland's Bernese Oberland -this season. Skiers begin by traversing through a 265m tunnel under the glacier, before being spat out on a slope with a 41-degree pitch (88%)that drops 1,000m vertical metres to the valley below. The development is reviving the old Pierres Pointes run that closed in 1999. We'll see you there! glacier3000.ch
Here's one for skiers flying into, or out of, Grenoble this season (or, indeed, planning to visit one of its many ski areas within driving distance). If you need to somewhere to stay, the new RockyPop hotel just opened its doors in the heart of the city. With a choice of studios, apartments and penthouses, RockyPop's unique concept combines value-for-money with four-star hotel comfort and bags of fun -play areas include karaoke, petanque, table tennis and a children's area -alongside a top-notch bar, restaurant and wellness area. There is also an on-site florist and bike shop, naturally From €90 per night. alpes-isere.com
La Plagne is a highly accessible resort with several measures in place to assist those with disabilities. New for this winter, ESF
La Plagne will launch five new week-long ski courses for deaf skiers, culminating in a fun, timed competition on the Belle Plagne slalom field. The seven-day courses run on specific weeks throughout the ski season. ESF has a total offive instructors who are fluent in sign language and who will also offer private or group lessons, aiming to make Belle Plagne the ultimate holiday location for these skiers. Prices to be announced. en.la-plagne.com
Niseko is preparing for tourists for the first time in three years as, finally, the country's borders open to visitors. While many other winter resorts in Japan have a significant number of domestic visitors from cities such as Tokyo, Osaka and Sendai, visitors to Niseko are mostly from overseas. So what can tourists expect? In short, the same; but better. Construction of new lifts, new hotels and new facilities have been completed. Bed down at the new hotel Sansui Niseko, opening its doors for the first time this month, as well as The Andaru Collection Niseko, and Setsu Niseko that have both opened in advance of the winter season. niseko.ne.jp/en
This winter, Samoens is proud to host the 2023 World Ice Swimming Championships. This fast-growing activity for experienced swimmers will take pride of place at the Lac aux Dames from 12to 15January 2023. The Grand Massif resort is used to staging the French Championships for the activity, but it's the first time it will host the world champs. In total, 600 swimmers from 33 countries (including 15swimmers from the UK) will race in the lake waters (under 5°C) in the knowledge that neoprene wetsuits are banned! All the swimmers will thus be wearing swimsuits only, in the pure tradition of ice swimming. samoens.com
The Aosta Valley is legendary for its piste maintenance, and now visitors heading to Courmayeur can expect conditions to be better than ever -regardless of when it last snowed. A new snowmaking system -with a €6m investment -is set to be completed, covering more than 80% of the area. Keep informed about snow reports with the Courmayeur Mont Blanc app, which can be downloaded from Android and Apple stores, and provides real-time information about open slopes and lifts, snow reports, webcams, and interactive maps. aosta-valley.co.uk/destinations/courmayeur
New to ski touring? Meribel has created a new introductory ski touring trail, called Le Roe. The gentle uphill slope is a great introduction to a sport that's booming in popularity, allowing novices to discover touring in complete safety right next to the ski area. At the top of the Chalets gondola lift, put on your skins and set off on an easy
2km walk with a 370m climb towards the g Chalet du Lac. When you reach the top, stop in the chalet for a well-deserved vin chaud and enjoy the views! meribel.net
38
La Giettaz is one of four village resorts in Val d'Arly, a French Alpine valley in the Savoie region only an hour-and-a-half from Geneva. It is part of the Portes du Mont Blanc ski area, connected to Megeve and Combloux by 100km of trails.
The 'wild one' of Val d'Arly is known for its freeride terrain. Known locally as 'la Giett,' its forested slopes and north-facing position create a powder paradise in winter, which remains relatively secret -it is a snow-sure sector of the valley where you can expect fresh tracks long after a snowfall, and where ski tourers in-the-know come for easy-access backcountry goods. As for the pistes, you get 100km of varied trails to lap across the whole Portes du Mont Blanc sector.
Long rock ridges such as Col des Aravis and La Tete du Torraz (the highest peak, 1,930m) offer unparalleled views of the surrounding mountains. And along with a lower profile comes lower prices. Lift passes, accommodation and restaurant tabs are all significantly cheaper than bigger resorts.
The village has an authentic Alpine atmosphere, dotted with traditional wooden chalets and family businesses.
Guided tours give visitors an insight into the agricultural heritage, and Baroque art can be found at the church. Don't forget to pick up fresh croissants at the Le Fournil des Aravis village bakery, which is packed with regional delicacies.
Explore the snowy forests of La Giettaz in a completely different way on a Moonbike adventure -a new activity for this winter. Somewhere between a snowmobile and snowscoot, the Moonbike is an environmentally friendly electric bike that can cruise through almost any type of snow and up to 40cm of powder (see page 60 for more on this new craze).
Nature enthusiasts can follow forest trails with local guides (the bikes are surprisingly quiet, minimising disruption to wildlife), while thrillseekers can speed down the slopes of the Torraz mountain.
Head to the highest point in the resort and you'll find the 1930, a cable car turned mountain-top kitchen. The restaurant serves traditional Savoyard cuisine using 100% local produce, accompanied by an extra-warm welcome from the chef who may just be the happiest man in La Giettaz.
(PORTESDU MONT BLANC)
Altitude:1,190m-1,930m Pistes:100km I Skilifts:23 valdarly-montblanc.com
Serving suggestion: the homemade waffles and potato pancakes are best enjoyed while relaxing on the deckchairs looking out over the Mont Blanc Massif. Whether you're stopping for a quick bite or a well-earned meal, this is a high-altitude hub that makes for a perfect pitstop for visitors and locals alike.
Visitors can get a 15%discount on the Portes de Mont Blanc pass when it is bought at La Giettaz ticket office. Once the pass is secured, get your bearings with the viewpoint indicator by artist Arthur Novat before heading off-piste. Popular itineraries include Petit et Grand Croisse Baulet and the thrilling descent from the top of Le Torraz.
If you're a fan of spectating, the Skibob a: World Cup returns to Val d'Arly in 2023 for its 5th edition after Covid-related cancellations. 5i! Athletes from over 10 countries will compete in giant slalom, nocturnal slalom and boardercross from 11-13January in nearby Notre-Dame-de-Bellecombe.
Watch your little ones take their very first turns in the snow and eventually master a slightly more challenging slope, a fun parkour with little obstacles or even a kid-friendly tournament. Then experience some more fun winter activities together: think tobogganing, dog sledding, igloo building, or ice skating, before rounding up the day with a large portion of Kaiserschmarren at a traditional mountain hut. Holidays are a great opportunity to spend quality time as a family and bond over shared memories and what better way to introduce your little ones to your favourite sport?
Unlike adults' holidays, however, family skiing getaways need a bit more planning and ensuring that everything runs smoothly can be quite a challenging task. Things get a lot easier, though, if you find yourself in a winter resort that caters especially for the needs of parents and their little ones like Austria, which has plenty of family-friendly regions, ticking all the boxes for a funpacked skiing getaway for everyone.
While all the major winter resorts throughout the country cater well for those travelling with their children, some are especially known for their kid-friendly vibe, featuring dedicated learning areas so that advanced skiers are not zooming through, family hotels with extra-large rooms and cribs, ski-in/ski-out options, ski schools and childcare with English-speaking staff, especially catering for the youngest guests, as well as fun and snow parks. Let us introduce you to some of our favourites!
SkiWelt: Funslopes,adventure,parks,and ski passdeals
SkiWelt Wilder Kaiser Brixental is one of the largest winter resorts in the world. It will come as no surprise, therefore, that options for families are almost endless here. Throughout the region, the 22 ski schools offer child-friendly courses for little ones from the age of two as well as childcare facilities for kids from five months. All ski schools have English-speaking
instructors, so there's no need to worry about language barriers. There are also free practice lifts for parents wanting to teach their little ones their first turns. There are also four fun parks featuring practice slopes and lifts, and fun parkours with obstacles. Looking for deals? You are at the right place! The Young Family Ticket allows parents of children aged three years or younger to use the same ticket alternately, while kids and teenagers under 15 ski for free on selected days, provided their parents have a pass for three days or longer (8-16 December 2022, 18 March -10 April 2023). Away from the pistes, SkiWelt features three toboggan runs, groomed daily and floodlit, as well as the ALPENIGLU Igloo Village with 18 icy buildings, hand-made sculptures, an ice bar and much more.
SkiJuwel in Tirol: Easyslopes,kidsclubsand a new kidsarea
very feeling with your own family this winter. The resorts are traditional, authentic Austrian skiing hotspots, with top-notch slopes, ski-in/ski-out options and exceptional hospitality and family friendliness. There are ski courses for children from the age of three, teaching them all the basics in a playful way, plenty of beginners' pistes, certified family hotels featuring extra-large rooms, play areas and cribs, as well as daily activity programmes for children. And let's not forget the many cosy huts, the tobogganing runs, the winter hiking opportunities and the indoor playground.
Ski Juwel Alpbachtal Wildschonau celebrates its tenth birthday in 2022. Located less than an hour from Innsbruck, this gem of a winter resort has retained all the down-to-earth charm that makes Alpine skiing so beloved -a great spot for your kids' first ski adventure. The Tyrolean resort features child-friendly slopes and lifts, and ski courses catering especially to youngsters. New this year is the so-called Schatzberg Zwergenland at the midstation of the Schatzbergbahn, a dedicated area for children trying out skiing for the first time. Highlights include a beginners' area, a snowball playground, a ski carousel and a toboggan run right into the valley. And while you are in the region, we recommend also checking out Alpbach, officially Austria's "most beautiful village". Fancy some tobogganing? Head to Niederau and Reith for exciting family-friendly runs.
St. Johannin Tirol: Familyskiinglike backin the day Remember the first time you went skiing as a kid? St. Johann fn Tirol and Its neighbouring chocolate box villages Oberndorf, rchdorfand Erpfendorf are the perfect place to recreate that
Tirol's Zillertal is another long-time family favourite in the Austrian Alps. The region boasts countless children's areas on and around the slopes, a whopping 25 ski schools with instructors teaching children (and their parents) in no less than 17 languages, including English, eight snow and fun parks with jumps and obstacles, and 11 fun lines. Arriving with toddlers? Not a problem -the three kids clubs (called "Zwergerl Clubs") cater for the youngest guests, so your little ones can have some fun while you hit the pistes. And it's not just the skiing offer that makes Zillertal attractive for all ages. The resort also has 80 mountain huts where children can have their first taste of the Austrian classics Kaiserschmarren and Schnitzel, 48km of toboggan runs, indoor playgrounds and, of course, endless magical landscapes.
Findout more at austria.info/en/winter
Fromcalf-crushing,fixed-gripoldiesanddiesel-poweredT-barsto super-swish, high-techmountainmonsters,Nicolalseardrevealstheskiliftsbelovedof SkiClubReps,MembersandTeamHQ...
I f you had to choose one lift to ski for the rest of your life, which would it be? We asked Ski Club Reps, Team HQ and Members to tell us about their favourite ski lifts of all time. For some it was easy and they blurted out their answer before we'd even finished asking the question; others needed time to ponder and deliberate.
From the Alps to Canada to Japan, answers were wonderfully varied -though they all share one thing: access to epic skiing. So, without further ado, here we present our very own Ski+boardguide to the Best Ski Lifts of All Time. We hope it gets your toes twitching in anticipation of next winter.
My favourite ski lift has to be the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise, the highest cable car in Europe at 3,883m, which transports skiers from Zermatt's Trockner Steg
station to Klein Matterhorn. The super-spacious cabins command incredible 360-degree views over Switzerland, Italy and France -with the Matterhorn, Theodul glacier and Mont Blanc (when you exit the summit station) in full view. Just breathtaking.
The skiing options from here allow access to Cervinia in Italy, or the wide expanse of the glaciated terrain above Zermatt, all with spectacular views. My favourite memory from skiing this lift is with an early season group of Members taking a tour of Cervinia, with a lunch stop at the Theodul Refugio -the panorama window is amazing, the food is great and the prices are Italian. Well worth a visit.
It has the most amazing mountain views, particularly of the Matterhorn. It's like being in a Bentley, with 28 stitched leather seats per cabin. Currently there is no other ski lift in its league. I'm blown away every time I ride it. zermatt.ch; cervinia.it
Italy's Alba-Coldei Rossilift gives greatviews alongthe CanazeiValley Matterhorn GlacierParadise, the highestcable carin Europeat 3,883m,whisks skiersfrom Zermatt's TrocknerSteg stationto Klein Matterhorn
Kat Perkins, SCGB
Nicknamed the 'Scare Chair', the Alpauris express starts in the Les Bergers area of Alpe d'Huez and takes you across to Auris-en-Oisans. It gets its name due to its hair-raisingly sharp drop down into the Sarenne Gorge at a steep angle, before climbing up the other side to Auris. If you're lucky you may have the Mountain Flight School fly over you (the lift goes through a tunnel underneath the local airstrip). As for the skiing, when you reach Auris there are multiple tree-lined reds and blues to lap, and some fun off-piste options and, as most of Auris is south facing, it's ideal for families.
Catherine Marsden, SCGBMember
It's thrilling, scary and scenic like being on a fairground ride. I'l never forget introducing this lift to our children for the first time and experiencing the sheer exhilaration and a little fear on their little faces.
Anne McDonald, SCGBMember
It's like a rollercoaster, swooping down the valley and up the other side. On the return journey it's great fun to watch the people on the outward trip; if it's their first time on the lift, the moment they tip over the edge when they're not expecting it is priceless! alpedhuez.com
Verena Stella, SCGBMarketing
It takes you from the Falzarego Pass to the top of Mount Lagazuoi (2,800m) in just three minutes. The views from the cable car are breathtaking, with a 360-degree panorama of the most beautiful peaks in the Dolomites. Mount Lagazuoi is also of great historical interest as it was fortified during WWI by the opposing armies of Austria and Italy. If you look carefully you can see some of the tunnels from the cable car. The highlight, however, is at the end of the Lagazuoi piste where horses pull you to the next slope.
It's an almost sheer climb up the cliff face, and the cable car is full of information about the WWI tunnels. There is nothing like the magic of skiing the Hidden Valley for the first time, with a stop at the little Austrian memorial chapel, followed by wild raspberry grappa at Scottoni mountain hut, and then the great schuss down to where the ponies tow skiers round to Alta Badia ... dolomitisuperski.com
RobertLoades,
SCGBMemberAffectionally known as the 'Pizza Box', this old oneseater lift with no safety bar gives access to a dynamic black run but, more importantly, it also gives access to gate 3, from where it's a 20-minute climb to the Mt Annupuri peak before making your decent, or the easier option of gate 4 for some great off-piste skiing. I love this lift because it discourages those who are not ready for the steep runs from using it. One of my favourite memories is standing on the Annupuri peak looking out on Mt Yotei ahead and, to my left, the Sea of Japan, before taking a powder run down towards Hanazono. Then back up on the hooded quad thinking: "Well, I won't top that." niseko.ne.jp
James Gambrill, SCGBGeneral
ManagerOpened in the midst of Covid, the Helmjet Sexten connects the key areas of the fabulous 3 Zinnen Dolomites and its 115kmof slopes. Why so special? Well, there's the lift itself, which boasts a VIP gondola with race car-style seats, local delicacies and unparalleled views of the spectacular Dolomites. But this lift deposits skiers at the crossroads of the ski area, offering a fantastic variety of runs from the summit, including some perfect family blues and a 'just perfect' black that's accessible for any good skiers. In February 2022, we were heading up in the VIP gondola while snow bucketed down outside, yet hardly a soul was on the mountain. The anticipation of a powder run after two years of no skiing was a pretty special moment. dreizinnen.com
This ancient two-seater chairlift rises almost vertically out of the Fedare Valley into the Cinque Torre area of the magnificent Dolomiti Superski region. Very few visitors to the 1,200km of connected pistes under the single Dolomiti ski pass will ever get to use, or even find this
TheHelmjet Sextenboastsa VIPgondolaand unparalleled viewsof the Dolomites
T Takethe Lagazuoicable car, before hoppingon the famous pony-tow
lift, even though it offers a vital connection between Cortina to the east and the Sella Ronda circuit in the west. It is also close to the luxurious five-star Rifugio Averau and restaurant. I remember once, when guiding a party of experienced skiers on a six-day 'ski safari' around the outer reaches of the Dolomiti ski area, a sudden change of weather in Cortina required an immediate change of plan. The Croda Negra was our only means of reaching our overnight stay at Rifugio Lagazuoi situated 2,752m above the Falzarego pass. Thanks to Croda Negra, we made the last cable car up to our overnight stay, and were rewarded with a wonderful panorama from the Lagazuoi terrace. dolomiti.org
The diesel-powered Gers T-bar is old, but the rumour is that when the locals heard it was due to be replaced they petitioned to keep the old one, so as to keep the masses away! Why is it so brilliant? No one likes a slow, dieselpowered T-bar -which means you often get it to yourself -AND it opens access to the Combe de Gers, which is an easy-to-access off-piste bowl. One of my favourite memories from skiing that lift is doing laps all day with mates after a huge dump of fresh snow. flaine.com
If you'd asked me to name the scariest lift I'd have said the single chairlift up to Hochs6lden with just a flimsy chain to keep you in ... Or the chairlift at Alpe d'Huez (which Kat Perkins chose) that goes through a tunnel and then drops down steeply. Or that small two-man I once rode in the USA, with no foot rests or even a bar! But in terms of being the most efficient, then one of the best lifts I know is in Ischgl. The modern Pardatschgratbahn whisks you up from the village, some 1,300m over 3.5km, in just under 10 minutes, up to the best access point for the ski area. Here you have many interesting runs and off-piste terrain. Plus, in the super-fast '3S' gondola cabins for 28 people there are even seats! ischgl.com
Richard Gillett, SCGBMember
This modern glass box cable car gives great views along the Canazei Valley when descending to the Alba base station. The fast and steep descent makes for an exciting ride. There is nothing like a clear blue sky day leading friends to explore a new part of the vast Super Dolomiti ski area. canazei.com
Kate Oakley, SCGBMember
This is a high-speed six-pack with heated seats and a funky blue lid that can be lowered if the wind bites. I recall the sheer delight of discovering the old Pre-SaintEsprit lift (little more than a garden seat on a pole, and excruciatingly slow) had been replaced. This new lift goes a whole lot higher than the one it replaced, giving you lots of options when you disembark. I discovered it on a bright cold day and my spirits sang! arc1950.com
Patryk Szymanski, Mountain Tracks
The Carosella 3000 gondola in Livigno is my favourite ski lift. It takes you from the base of the ski resort to the very top of Carosella, over 3,000m above sea level. From there you can hike to find the best off-piste ski runs, or choose to take the long way down on perfectly groomed pistes -or just hang out in the snowpark ... livigno.eu
Henry John, SCGBInformation&Advice
Le Edge chairlift at Tremblant resort has to be up there. It links not-quite-the-base to the top of The Edge, a spur off the north face of the resort, and home to some of the gnarliest terrain on the mountain. It is a calf-crushing, trundling, fixed grip lift, but gives you access to car-sized moguls and plenty of tree skiing. It also runs right over some of those aforementioned bumps, offering endless entertainment watching skiers and boarders struggle over, around and into them! There are so many memories of Edge from my time in resort. Endless chairlift karaoke, making friends on the ride up, and plenty of games to stay entertained, to stave off the bitter temperatures all too common in this part of the world, all in expectation of the exceptional skiing awaiting us at the top. tremblant.ca
T Canada's trundlingLe Edgechairlift givesyouaccess to someepic tree skiing
Can't wait to hit the slopes again this winter? We can't either! Austria's XXL resort Ski amade is all ready to welcome you in the upcoming season and invites you to dive in to the full Alpine experience. Home to the highest mountain in the region, the Dachstein (2,699ml, the resort guarantees perfect skiing conditions throughout the winter. And plenty of other fun activities, too. No matter whether you travel solo, with your significant other, your family or friends, we promise your stay will be a memorable one!
Ski amade offers a whooping 760km of slopes, 270 modern lifts, 356 perfectly groomed runs, 260 mountain huts and 60 ski schools in its five joint resorts Salzburger Sportwelt, SchladmingDachstein, Gastein, Hochkonig and GroBarltal, making it not only one of the largest ski regions in Austria but in the whole of Europe. And the best thing about it? You get access to all of it with a single ski pass.Try out a new piste, lift or even resort every day of your stay!
And it's not just the classic skiing that attracts so many guests to the Austrian resort every year: Ski amade also features 10 snow parks and 13 fun slopes and trails for different skill levels as well as countless options for freeriders and 28 toboggan runs. Eager to try out something new or master your skills with a pro? Book a ski course, a ski tour or a freeride coaching session and get your gear at one of the 16 rental outlets. Or how about mountain yoga?
Night tobogganing? lnstagram-worthy photo stops? Check out Ski amade's SENSATIONS(listed on the website) and start your bucket list even before you head off.
Pit stops on the pistes and gourmet restaurants Then, there's the food. In Ski amade, the perfect pit stop is just as important as the freshly groomed slope. Whether you head to a rustic hut on the way down to the valley or a more modern restaurant after a long day on the pistes, you will be welcomed with open arms and the best of traditional Austrian cuisine. Think Kaiserschmarren, Cheese Spaetzle and Schnitzel, all prepared from high-quality products of the regions. For those wanting to combine skiing with culinary delights, there's even designated Enjoyment Ski Routes throughout the five regions of the resort, revealing the best places to stop along the way.
Skiwelt amade is also home to the highest farmers' market in the Alps. And if you are in the area from 11 to 18 March 2023, call yourself especially lucky. The so-called "Ski and Wine Enjoyment Week" will take place across the resort and is dedicated, you guessed it, to food and drink.
A fun-packed winter holiday for the whole family
Imagine watching your little ones taking their first turns in the snow, a day out in a fun park playing interactive games, before sharing a huge portion of Kaiserschmarren at a rustic mountain hut. Ski holidays with the whole family are fun and memorable for
everyone and Ski amade will help you turn them into a true oncein-a-lifetime experience.
And thanks to the many attractive offers and packages, including Junior Weekend Discounts, ski passes for young families, and Easter specials, they won't break the bank. Looking for a familyfriendly hotel with a kids' menu, entertainment programme and cribs? Ski amade has you covered.
From mountain yoga to foodie feast So, before you start planning your days out and about, one important question remains: where in Ski amade should you base yourself? While all resorts are stunning, they all have their very own character and selling points.
The Salzburger Sportwelt, uniting seven holiday resorts, including Flachau and Wagrain-Kleinarl, starts the 2022/23 season with three recently opened cable cars. It boosts 210km of slopes and more than 250 authentic huts and restaurants. If you like a challenge, why not take on the 12-peaks circuit, which stretches over 91.5km and takes you to some of the most beautiful peaks in the region.
Schladming-Dachstein makes a great base for skiing and for winter fans with a weak spot for yoga. Thirty-minute sessionstake place in a stunning mountain setting right by the slopes. Gastein is a mecca for foodies with six Toque-awarded chefs creating a seasonal menu for selected mountain huts, which is served throughout the winter season. And Hochkonig is a family paradise with 120km of slopes and 34 lifts suitable for all ages and skill levels.
The mercury has dropped below zero and the wind is whipping my skins up around my shoulders as I roll and wrestle them into my pack. Somewhere below in the cloud is a black run I can't see and am about to ski for the first time. Better switch on.
I hadn't expected quite such an extreme start to my weekend in this sleepy corner of the Vercors Massif. The Ver-what, you ask? Exactly.
Flying into Geneva, Lyons or Grenoble for a winter holiday, chances are you're heading to the Alps. But within easy distance of those same airports are some great ski resorts that, while not in the Alps, are very popular with French and weekend skiers in-the-know.
In part, this may be precisely because they aren't 'the Alps', with all the crowds and costs that go with it -but also because they really do offer plenty of great skiing (and some very fine scenery, too).
I flew into Grenoble, then headed 35km south-west to the Vercors Massif, a spectacular limestone cliff-edged plateau running north-south for 60 miles with peaks over 2,000m. Within the department oflsere in the French Prealps, itself a region with 23 ski resorts, the Vercors' uniquely challenging geology is central to its
history -it was a centre of French resistance in WWII -but also to its reputation as a centre for outdoor sports, especially in winter.
My base for the weekend was Villard de Lans, the main ski village in the northern half of the Vercors, connected by lift (and road) to Corrern;on-en-Vercors, five kilometres to the south.
From the hotel, to the ski hire shop, to the first twoman chairlift, the atmosphere in Correnc;on-en-Vercors is a world away from the busy, upmarket Three Valleys et al. Despite the damp and cloudy morning, there was an unhurried, easygoing vibe among the French families gathering with small children at the beginner park in the village (1,lllm). The Villard-Correnc;on ski area has 125km of piste, 19 lifts and absolutely no chance of ever having a Folie Douce.
Only two people stood in line at the T-bar up to the Clos de Balme (1,220m),where skiers then ride as high as 2,050m on the Belvedere chair. I had met up with Seb, a mountain guide riding his homemade wooden skis (Vertaco skis), a super-light set-up with Plum bindings and wire leash. We took a lift into the mist to try a little touring, but the warm temperatures had left the snow heavy off-piste. "No problem when we go high," confirmed Seb, in the cheery way of all guides.
As we skinned up the deserted un-groomed Narcisse piste to the Refuge du Grand Couloir, the wind hit us, rocketing over the lip of the huge Vercors escarpment, the cliff face dropping away 2,000ft through the clouds, the usually visible shark fin of La Grave's La Meije peak somewhere 50km due east.
Rime ice had grown a couple of inches down the north easterly side of a pylon to emphasise that while it was cold up here, it was also blowing a serious breeze. Tough conditions for folding away skins, let alone skiing what looks like will be an interesting descent.
Sure enough, as we wend our way between larch glades, down the snowfields of the Choucas black run off the side of the Belvedere chairlift, the wind chill has
.&.TheVer-what,you ask?Andthereinlies the beautyof this out-of-the-wayregion
topped the deep wet snow with a delightfully breakable crust, like some fiendish Baked Alaska. Progress is slow, even for Seb as he tries to dance his way, light as a feather, across the top of the snow.
But this is why we love ski touring, and over steak and locally brewed beer in the steamy Pomme Du Pin restaurant back in Correm;on, our intense experience soon morphs into having been 'character building'.
Next day, the sun is shining and the terrain looks beautiful. Limestone cliffs drop in faltering steps down the north side of the Grand Moucherolle (2,285m),high enough to be still dusted in rime ice.
Having established that heading off-piste is unwise, it's time to strap on some heavily sidecut GS skis and hammer the groomers, but I envy a couple of ski tourers I see threading their way down a 'mini-golf snowfield above the Lac de la Moucherolle.
The centre of the Villard ski area is 100m uphill from Villard de Lans village and has a more purpose-built feel to it, compared with
Corrern;on-en-Vercors. Not the prettiest, but practical for French weekend skiers, and cheap.
We speed over to Correm;:on,cruising some blues and stopping atop the TSO Cretes chair (2,029m) to take in the stunning view of the Vercors massif stretching away either side of us for nearly 20 miles in each direction.
I ask Seb if there's any hut-to-hut ski touring. The answer is no, thanks to the porous and fractured limestone 'karst' nature of the massifs geology. There are no natural water sources on the plateau because it's riddled with sinkholes, caves and ways for water to drain away. It means day-touring is about the limit of what's sensible up here.
In better conditions, the terrain offers up great powder runs, but on-piste we find some more blacks to rip down, including the Carole Montillet run to the base of the Villard ski area -a fine leg-burner to finish on.
Determined to try out all that Villard has to offer in winter, we find ourselves at the Zecamp Sports Centre, outside Villard de Lans, run by legendary husband and wife team Lois and Marin Dorin-Habert, former Olympic medal winners in the sport of biathlon.
Zecamp is a biathlon training centre and hotel, without a deep-fat fryer in the kitchen, I suspect. Whippet-thin guests sit plotting their next training ski along the 110km of cross-country tracks but luckily, with it being after lunch, we're spared the 7.5km sprint circuit and head instead for the rifle range.
T Zecamp'srifle rangeprovesa hit for thosekeento hone their biathlonskills
If
I confess to being a proper biathlon fan. It's about the only sport where most competitors genuinely collapse crossing the finish line. They ski into the rifle range with hearts racing like gerbils on speed, hoping to control their breathing enough to hit a target 45mm across, at a range of 50m. It's beautiful, masochistic madness.
At 10m, even with a very small target, I fail to miss a single shot. Lois is impressed, or so he tells me. Chest-puffed, I visit a goats' cheese farm and relay my success to the stabled contingent.
At night, Villard de Lans has the air more of a typical French provincial village, but with slightly more local delicacy and gift shops. But as most customers are French, the produce is good quality and no rip-off. The restaurants are unpretentious, as are the wines, and there's an all-pervasive friendly atmosphere, from the town square to the late-night bars, which, while harder to find than in Alpine ski resorts perhaps, are populated more by locals rather than tourists, and better for it.
Authentically French, traditional, great value and with plenty of varied terrain to go at-Villard-Correm;:on, you've won me over.
* In collaborationwith FallLine Skiing
Also part of the FrenchPrealps,the Baugesmassiflies further north and west of Vercors,in the Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes,betweenAnnecy and Chambery.It's a hugenature reserveand hasfew inhabitantsor tourists, which makesit perfect for ski touring. TheBaugesmassiftops out at 2,217m,and the itinerariescan be difficult, so you'll needto be a competentski tourer. To hire a guide, contactTerresd'Altitude (terres-altitude.com),or the Office de TourismedesAillons-Margeriaz (lesaillons.com).
Knownaffectionately as LeGenevoisFran~ais,the Paydes Gexregion is further north of LesBaugesand Vercors,runningfrom the long spine of the JuraMountainsto the west, to the shoresof LakeGeneva(it's just 20 minutesfrom Genevaairport). Thereare three modest,but decent, ski areas:Lelex-Crozet,Mijoux-LaFaucilleand Mentieres,at altitudes between900-1,680m.More realistically,it could be the perfect weekend or even half-dayadventureshouldyou be in Genevaand can't make the trip into the Alps. paysdegex-montsjura.com/en
..:.-
Travel to the Dolomites is always a journey of heart-pounding anticipation. It doesn't matter from which direction you chose to approach Europe's most spectacular mountain range from Venice airport in the south, or Innsbruck in the north. There will be a turn of the road when the famous pink hulks of limestone rock come into view for the first time with sudden drama. It will take your breath away. It always does.
Our family have made the pilgrimage to the Dolomiti Superski playgrounds for many years. The A13/A22 from Innsbruck airport crosses the Alps into Italy at the Brenner Pass. Exiting shortly before Brixen onto the Pustertal Highway SS49, the drive feels already exotic, weaving through quaint, Alpine villages, with castles and fortresses lining the way.
At Brunico, its impressive Kronplatz ski resort already within the Dolomiti ski pass area, the road turns south into the dark, claustrophobic Badia Valley towards Corvara, for many regulars the epicentre of Dolomite skiing. And then, when the valley widens, all of sudden the first ruddy giants will start to greet you from left and right, showing off their sheer walls in blinding sunshine.
We have done this trip countless times. Yet the dazzling beauty of the truncated peaks still manages to overwhelm us.
Dolomiti Superski, with 450 ski lifts and 1,200km of groomed pistes, is the biggest ski area on earth (although this is fiercely contested by Les Trois Valleys, with only 600km of slopes, arguing that one must strictly exclude ski bus connections!). It comprises the ski centres of
Val Gardena, Alta Badia, Cortina d'Ampezzo, Arabba, Marmolada, Seiser Alm, the Three Peaks and Brixen all accessible with the same ski pass, which costs roughly half of what you'd have to pay in Meribel.
Yet neither the vast terrain nor the natural beauty alone quite capture what makes the Dolomites so special. It is the fact that it caters for everyone, whether beginner or expert, young or old, family or honeymooner? Is it the genuine hospitality of the mostly family-run hotels? The staggering count of ski huts, with their luxurious food and wine offerings? Or rather the carpet-like groomed runs spreading out generously from the Three Peaks to the Marmolada glaciers?
For many, particularly us skiers from the UK, Italy's affordability is a draw too.
I have read skiing features focused entirely on the culinary side of skiing in the Dolomites. The counties ofTrentino-Alto Adige and Veneto have the highest concentration of Michelin-starred restaurants. For foodies, a meal at the St Hubertus in the Rosa Alpina Hotel (Alta Badia) or the Anna Stuben (Val Gardena) is already worth the journey.
This is, funnily enough, how my family got to know the ski area: by regularly paying a visit to restaurant Schoneck outside ofBrunico, just across the border from Austria. For us, while skiing in the Hohe Tauern, the hospitality of Karl, Mary and Siegi Baumgartner was for many years a very festive, pre-Christmas treat.
And the ski huts. Edelweisshuette, Col Pradat, Fienile Monte ... Russians, while they were still allowed to travel Europe, were habitually smitten by the Comici Refuge, a mountain hut specialising in fish and seafood, which is brought in every day fresh from the Adriatic Sea. It's quite a thing to have grilled langoustines, lobster or a
Fancysomeski and spatime? Freshtrackshasa luxuriousnew trip to Corvarafrom 21 January2023.Stayingat the four-star Hotel ColAlto, which boastsa plush 1,000m 2 spawith pools, saunasand treatments galore,the trip costs£2,395per person,includingsevennights' half-board(twin share),return flights from Heathrow,coachtransfersand six days'social skiing. Thetrip is aimed at intermediate(red)and advanced intermediate(silver)on-pisteskiers.Formore details visit skiclub.co.uk/ski-club-holidays/sella-ronda-ski--spa
At the other end of the scaleis a great-valuetrip to Cortina from 11 March2023.Costingjust £1,099per person,the trip includessevennights' half-boardat the friendly Hotel Serena (twin share),return flights from Heathrow,coachtransfers and six days'socialskiing. Thetrip is aimedat advanced intermediate(silver)and advanced(purple)on-pisteskiers. For more details visit skiclub.co.uk/ski-club-holidays/ cortina-ski-week.
plate of pasta vongole while wearing ski boots several thousand metres above sea level.
Other travel writers focus on the WWI structures built during the Battle of the Dolomites, when Austrian and Italian mountain soldiers pointlessly killed each other from fortified caves and concrete aeries, which can still be visited today. More soldiers died from frost and avalanches than enemy fire.
The Hofer family is not keen on battlefield visits. We are smitten by a ski area so vast that we struggle to decide where to go every day. To the Seiseralm, with its gentle elevations spread out under the sheer walls of King Laurin's Rose Garden peak, glowing purple and red when the sun sets? Or the Marmolada (3,343m), the highest mountain in the Dolomites where the ski lifts take you to Punta Roca, just a metre under the summit with glaciers like majestic carpets of ice?
For us, after two decades, each visit has a cominghome feel to it. We would always stay at the Hotel Kolfuschgerhof, outside the village of Colfosco and just below the Gardena Pass. The hotel is owned by the Ebner family, grandpa Otto and his wife Pia and their children Dagmar, Axel and Johannes who run the hotel, with their own children already helping out. Otto, like most inhabitants of Alto Adige, is German-speaking, as this part ofltaly was cut out from the Austrian county of Tyrol after WWI. Pia is a Ladin, a tiny, but proud and prominent local minority of Romansh-speakers.
The hotel is right on the Sella Ronda, a circuit of ski lifts around the Sella massif, which can be skied clockwise or anticlockwise following orange or green sign postings. The round can take up to six hours, as some of the connecting lifts have long waiting times, particularly in the evening when everyone is rushing to get back to their hotels before the lifts shut down.
The Ronda leads over four mountain passes -the Sella, Campo Longo, Pordoi and Gardena passes -and is quite a highway for skiers, with heavy traffic in both directions. As a ski tourer I cannot be tempted; I prefer to find my own routes in quieter corners.
My first hike is usually up the Edelweiss valley behind the hotel. From the Sas Ciampac (2,672m) one has beautiful views of the Sella (3,152m),looking into the mouth of one of the many tempting couloirs, ValdeMesdi.
A word of caution: the Dolomites are not a sure ski touring paradise. The spiky rock needs a lot of snow to be safely skied, and a lot of snow is not what the Dolomites can promise year on year. Snow often arrives in prodigious quantities only when the season is over. I have experienced winters where only the pistes were white.
The Val de Mesdi, or 'Noon Valley', is the starter drug for couloirs-addicts. It can be easily accessed from the top station of the Passo Pordoi gondola by then crossing the flat summit plateau of the Sella. This takes hardly more than half an hour, even on Alpine skis. And yet it is spectacular. A wide, sink-shaped bowl marks the entrance. When its rim is overhung by large cornices a lower entrance point is advisable.
The valley then gradually narrows, wedged between steep towers of Dolomite rock. Initially, wide snowfields soon narrow into a chute, which in some places has a
gradient of 45 degrees. Cliffs close in and rocks are scattered about. The valley is usually steeped in darkness, and only lights up at noon for a short while, hence its name.
The last bit is a snow-swept waterfall looking out to Kolfuschgerhof, our hotel. After a descent ofl,200 vertical metres this sheer drop is a last challenge.
My daughters, proficient skiers but lazy hikers, also rhapsodise about a parallel couloir, Val Setus. It is a narrow gully north of Mesdi, disemboguing into a wide, snowy scree field overlooking Wolkenstein.
Again, not a lot of hiking if one takes the gondola from Pardoi, but a daunting 800m descent. It is a serious run, much steeper than Misdi, narrower and never sunlit. There were moments when I seriously questioned my own sense of responsibility when inviting my offspring along.
My trusted guide in the Dolomites is Kurt Walde from Brunico. He figures out where the snow is best, he plans the day, he guides me through treacherous terrain, and he abseils me when the cliffs turn vertical. Yes, this is sometimes necessary. One of the most spectacular descents we did in the last few years, and which involved letting me down on a rope, is the Val Scura del Sassongher.
The Sassongher (2,665m) is an elephant of rock overlooking Corvara. It is split in half by a dead-straight chute, which is so steep that you think the end of the gully is not more than a ski length away, just 800 vertical meters deeper. It is never more than 10 yards wide.
At the bottom of the run is a 15-metre-high cliff, which necessitates the roping. Only then does one ski out into heart-lifting open snow fields.
Standing at the entrance point, Fore de! Sassongher (2,411m),which we had approached from the Refugio Col Pradat on the western side, was slightly disconcerting. Can I do that without falling? Have to. Go! The rock walls echoed my breathing and the swishing of my skis. Perhaps my heartbeat too. The snow had grip, all slabs had been triggered already and soon I slipped confidently into the groove that makes us skiers tingle: swing-swing-swing, until you wish it would never end.
T Hofertackling ValScura,a spicy couloirending ontop of a sheer cliff...
Epicpistes, a gargantuanlift network,Olympiclugetracks,Moonbikes, 'skisophrology'-LaPlagnehascomea longwayin its60 years,says KatyDartford.Itscreatorwouldbeproud...
Ipeered over the edge of the slope. Glued to the spot. "There is no way I can slide down that," I whimpered. I was convinced I'd smack into the chopped up, crusty snow below me. "Just let go! It's easy," called Kamel. As an instructor for La Plagne's Oxygene Ski School, I suspected it wasn't the first time he'd had to coax a fearful pupil down the mountain.
But, in my defence, it was pitch dark and instead of a pair of skis on my feet, I was on a Moonbike, a powerful and ultra-light electric snowbike, consisting of a single ski on the front and a mini-track at the back. And it was my first time driving one of these things.
The rest of the group were staring up at me, expectantly. Being on the slopes at night makes it significantly chillier and my hands felt frozen. I pushed forward inch by inch and 'released', fully expecting this lump of metal below me to wobble, tip over and crush me. But the drop was over in a few seconds and the upward camber instantly slowed me down. Phewee. Now onto the next section ...
We were in La Plagne for the resort's 60th anniversary. I wondered what Doctor Pierre Borrione -considered the
creator of La Plagne -would have made of this scene: a bunch of adults lanching themselves down the slopes, at night, on these hilarious vehicles.
Wind the clock back six decades and Borrione, the mayor of the commune of Aime, was faced with a dire situation: the traditional livelihoods of agriculture and mining in the Tarentaise Valley were no longer sufficient to support the local population, and young people were moving away to nearby cities such as Lyon and Chambery to find work elsewhere. The towns of Aime, Bellentre, Longefoy and Macot decided action was needed -they created an association to protect the interests of the local community, and decided to develop a winter tourist resort.
Under the guidance of Dr Borrione, La Plagne opened its first ski lifts in December 1961.It was a modest start, just two drag lifts serving four slopes -but it was the beginning of the regeneration of a dwindling community.
Fast forward to today and La Plagne is part of the second largest interconnected ski resort in the world. Linked to Les Arcs by the 'double-decker' Vanoise Express cable car, together they form the gargantuan Paradiski area: 425km of runs and 258 pistes.
Night-time thrills:swapyour skisfor a Moonbike
• The resort's founding father, Doctor Pierre Borrione
The resort in the early 1960s with just tw~ drag lifts to its nameand, below, how it looks today
The next morning dawned sunny and cold. There hadn't been much fresh snow recently, but the pistes were in great condition -after all, 70% of them are above 2,000m.
We whizzed up the brand new La Lovatiere chairlift, which has created a direct -and fast (five minutes bottom to top) -link between Plagne Centre and Champagny-en-Vanoise. Champagny boasts some superb, long technical reds and we cruised around in the sunshine enjoying our fill.
For many people, Mont de la Guerre is La Plagne's best red run -if not the best run -with its wide open motorway sections, tree lines and scenery to boot. We eyed up the area's many off-piste itineraries too, such as the north face of the Bellecotte and the 'nature slopes' -which are marked but ungroomed areas.
Over a lunch oflamb shank with orange at the Chalet du Plan Bois on the slopes ofMontchavin-Les Coches (the restaurant has been open for 30 years, but completely revamped its menu last winter to focus on more local cuisine), our trusted ESF instructor, Jeremy Viber, pointed out some nearby off-piste tree runs. "There are more chairlifts here than anywhere in the world," he said (a fact I have yet to validate -but I loved his enthusiasm). "But not where the off-piste is," he added, gleefully.
I wonder what Dr Borrione would have thought, 60 years ago, if someone had told him that one day his humble little resort would be stage to the presigious Winter Olympic Games? He'd have no doubt scoffed in disbelief. But, in 1992, La Plagne hosted the bobsleigh and luge competitions for the 1992Winter Olympics, whose host city was neighbouring Albertville.
The track, located under Plagne 1800, is France's only bobsleigh and skeleton track -quite an accolade. Would Dr Borrione, with zero luge experience, have agreed to launch himself down the 1.5km track, with its 19 bends and 124.5 metres vertical drop, if invited? I'd say it's unlikely, but for some reason I decided it was a good idea, and so found myself clambering into my bullet-shaped cage, laying on my back, feet first, before being pushed off down the chute at astonishing speed.
The luge takes bigger and bigger swings around the bends, G-forces squeezed me down, and my squeals got louder and louder with each one. I made it down in 1 minute 16 seconds and stepped out of my cage, buzzing and jibbering with the thrill of the ride. (Not quite as fast as Austria's Doris Neuner, who bagged Olympic Gold with her speedy descent of 46.590 secs, but hey I'll take it.)
After all this adrenaline it was a relief to spend a more meditative morning practising 'ski sophrology' with Oxygene's Karine Fromaget in Montchavin La Plagne.
Ski-what now, you ask? Karine first came across 'sophrology' -a form of meditation, breathing exercises and visualisation -as a young ski racer when a practitioner from Geneva visited La Plagne to help the racers cope with the stress of competition. As an instructor, she felt there was something missing in the teaching of skiing in France and, in 2018, she decided to combine sophrology with skiing as a way of helping those struggling with fears. "They could be beginners afraid of falling and hurting themselves, or getting hit by someone else, or they could be scared of icy or steep slopes," explained Karine.
We stopped by the side of a piste and imagined we were like the trees -grounded, but could also reach up to the sky. At another spot we imagined throwing our 'bad feelings' into a 'cauldron' to disperse them.
Then later, by an open snow field, we visualised succeeding at something and being 'congratulated'. "Being congratulated for success is something that doesn't happen often enough," said Karine.
If news of the Olympics didn't have Dr Borrione thinking you were pulling his leg, the story of skiers spending the afternoon pretending they were trees surely would. But it just goes to show how far La Plagne -and skiing -has come in 60 years. I think Borrione would be proud.
Experience the Olympic bobsleightrack, circa1992
T Today, LaPlagneis part of the secondlargest interconnected skiresortin the world new Lovatierelift
Over 85% of Paradiski's runs are blue or red, providing the perfect platform to grow your skiing or challenge yourself across the whole mountain. With terrain stretching from deep in the trees to high alpine glaciers, its possible to ski in all weather and throughout the season, and treat yourself to a different view with every turn. Our CoolSkiZonesare areas specially designed for beginners, featuring lowcost lift access, wide runs, and bibs are available to give you the confidence to ski your best.
Several resort centres are car-free, and many of the lifts can be reached via a pleasant stroll through the village to the slopes. Our wide range of accommodation is largely family friendly, and there is a huge selection of nursery and creche facilities to keep the whole family entertained.
On snow, ski schools, nursery slopes and the Buffalo Kids Wild West-themed fun slope all help your little ones learn to ski in a fun and friendly environment.
From a peaceful snow-shoe hike through the forests to an exhilarating bobsleigh down La Plagne's Olympic track, there is something for everyone off the slopes in La Plagne this season. Ice climbing, airboarding / and sledging all add to the Jf!Jiexcitement of your holiday, before resting and relaxing in Deep Nature, Belle Plagne's family spa.
Traditional Savoyard cuisine meets modern London fine dining in the myriad of restaurants available in La Plagne. Try local charcuterie, cheese and delicious burgers at the new deli and wine bar Joya, Plagne Center, or the award-winning Union in Montalbert, for modern British cuisine and a taste of home whilst away.
Two new or redeveloped hotels in La Plagne this season are providing a fresh approach to sustainable development.
W2050 is a new residence, built using locally sourced materials and providing work in constructing the building. Similarly, Chalet Hotel Turquoise, located in Belle Plagne, has been redeveloped using locally sourced materials. Additionally, extensive cladding and insulation within the building, as well as a local heating system on the building's roof, have considerably improved the building's energy footprint, small changes that have a big impact of the sustainability of the resort.
The town of Jacksonis renownedfor its Old West vibe, but it's the sweepinglong backcountryrunsof JacksonHolethat will haveyou whooping and a-holleringin full showdown glory... woRosw1uRoesoN
yoming is the least populous US state, but towards its western edge lies Jackson, a cosmopolitan outpost of democrat-voting sophistication that draws billionaires, film stars and skiers, many of them Brits, delighting in the Old West vibe that most other ski towns can't match.
The setting is hard to beat: Yellowstone National Park is a few hours' drive to the north of Jackson, which sits on the east side of the scenic Snake River Valley, with the jagged peaks of the 40-mile long Teton mountain range rising straight up from the other side of the valley.
Twelve miles from Jackson town is Jackson Hole Mountain Resort and the purpose-built Teton Village, both gateway to the slopes.
Famed for its gnarly skiing, Jackson Hole is home to the infamous Corbet's Couloir, a deep cleft in the granite
cliff to the side of the main aerial tram (cable car) at the top of the resort. Dropping into Corbet's 45-degree chute bestows eternal bragging rights on those with the nerve, skill and conditions to do it. (Tempted? See p66 for tips on how to conquer Corbet's.)
However, Jackson Hole's 'extreme' tag is softened these days now the resort has opened Solitude Station, an area up at the Sweetwater mid-station where kids and beginners can feel safe, but still part of the majestic Teton scenery. Before, they gathered at the bottom in Teton village as experts screamed down some of the longest continuous vertical descents (1,262m)in the US.
What is perhaps not so well known are the excellent backcountry possibilities once you head beyond the ski area boundary -something I am going to get a taste of today
Exum Mountain Guides is the oldest guiding service in the US, and AMGA/IFMGAguide Brian Smith is talking us through the plan for a quick half-day tour out beyond Corbet's towards Rendezvous Peak to the south-west. After some warm-up runs across the ski area we're sitting having a coffee in Corbet's Cabin, above the infamous couloir, reading the Bridger-Teton Avalanche report. The snowpack is stable and the sun is shining. Disappointingly, a roped-off Corbet's Couloir resembles a re-frozen luge to oblivion and is decidedly unskiable. Being the US, the ski area boundary gate beyond Corbet's is actually a gate, and there's a handy map board for Brian to show us the area towards Cody Bowl -where we will be heading today -and beyond.
A guide is highly recommended in the Teton backcountry. The jagged peaks and deep ravines blend with seemingly endless rolling, wooded terrain to leave you open not just to danger but likely also to miss the route back towards Teton Village along the Union Pass traverse. Unlike the Alps, the distances are huge and the lesser roads seldom travelled.
That said, on a sunny day like this the views of this vast and remote corner of American wilderness are spectacular. Looking east some eight miles is the National Elk Refuge, home to thousands of elk in winter; further to the south is Jackson Hole itself, so named ki with after trapper Davey Jackson at the end of the 19th century.
Brian is clearly proud of his neighbourhood, pointing out numerous lines and touring options (see the panel, right, for his top five backcountry routes).
We begin a 20-minute traverse around Cody Bowl, before zig-zag skinning and then boot-packing up the Powder 8 slope beneath the Four Shadows jagged ridge line. There are a few others out touring like us, but it feels like the real wilderness it is, just a few miles beyond the ski area, with bald eagles wheeling above.
We start a series of descents and traverses back towards Teton Village, including a long run under the looming wall of Rock Springs buttress, a place Brian multi-pitch climbs with clients in summer. The snow may be getting heavy lower down, and the turns a little laboured, but the feeling of open space and monumental scenery is intoxicating. This is what backcountry skiing is all about: big lines, big views, not a mechanical lift in sight.
We eventually join the Union Pass traverse and make our way back to the resort, bagging some laps from the Bridge gondola and the Caspar and Thunder quad chairs as we go. There are no queues and the runs are long and fast. Later I take the tram again coming down Rendezvous Bowl before taking Laramie Traverse under the Corbet's exit chute and back into Tensleep Bowl.
Exhausted back in Jackson, I'm strolling out of my upmarket Mountain Modern Motel in search of authentic western atmosphere. I can't find the shop with the axe-throwing 'range'. Probably for the best. I wander past Big Hole BBQ,where last night, allegedly, Kanye West and Kim Kardashian tucked into bison ribs.
Jackson has the look of an old-style Western town but
there's plenty here to entertain the wealthy shoppers. I eye a pair of ornately stitched cowboy boots in the window of Jackson Bootlegger and consider going inside to try them on, when the withering glassy glare of the stuffed Wolverine alongside them persuades me to get a grip and refrain from buying dodgy cowboy boots on a whim.
I lower my sights to a beer in the atmospheric Million Dollar Cowboy bar, telling myself that it's best to save my legs for tomorrow, riding more of Jackson Hole's backcountry terrain or sweeping down its long, long ski runs. Who knows, Corbet's could get a fresh covering of powder ...
In collaborationwith FallLine Skiing
f.
.a.Dotheydo bindingsfor cowboyboots?
*1.
Backcountryskiing or snowboardingoff the tram is a firm favourite and boot-packingaccessesmostterrain. Latewinter and spring typically bring morestability to the snowpack, allowing guidesto take clients up CodyPeakto ski couloirs, openbowls and intricate canyonsto the south of Jackson HoleMountainResort.
*2.
25 Short(25feet short of 10,000feet) is the most popular backcountryski tour in GrandTetonNationalPark,with many optionsfor descentfrom the summit.Glades,bowls,steep rocky couloirsand technicalcouloirsrequiringrappellingare all optionsfor an adventurousouting.
*3.
Next to 25 Short,Wimpy'sis a classic(it's not a wimpy skin track though!).A guided backcountryskinningor
splitboardingtour takesyou deepinto the GrandTetons via DeathCanyonwith severaloptionsfor descentfrom the summit.A beautiful alpine bowl, hiddencouloirsand beautiful gladedterrain rewardyour climbingeffort.
*4. 10,351ftTaylorMountain,accessedvia CoalCreekon Teton Pass,can be describedin two words: big terrain! Ribs,gullies, gladesand open,exposedfacesdescenda couple1,000feet into CoalCreekdrainage.Youcan expectgreat corn skiing terrain in the spring.
*5.
Forsomethinga little bigger,try a one or two-day guided trip to the famousGrandTeton.Descentsof Ford,Chevyand Stettnercouloirsare your reward. Bestconditionsare typically found in late spring/earlysummer.Youcan expect multiple rappelsand/or downclimbingthrough Chevyicefall and steepersectionsof the Stettnercouloir,so ski mountaineeringexperienceis essential!
BrianSmithfrom ExumGuidesshareshis top five backcountry touring itinerariesout of JacksonHoleMountainResort...Thoughtherewereeasierwaysto getin,thelate DougCoombs(pictured)usedto hurlhimselfoff a 50ft sectionto 'dropin' to Corbet's.Dougwaspartof the JacksonHoleAir Force, a close-knitfraternityof elite skierswhoplantedtheseedfor theextremeskiing movement(duckingtheropesandskiingoutside theskiresortboundaryyearsbeforeit waslegal) andtheymadeJacksonwhatit istoday.
WORDSJONNYRICHARDS
Before we start with the advice, a couple of yes's. Yes, this couloir is a monster (people break legs and arms trying it every season). And yes, you can do it. You just need a strategy ... First up, embrace the counterintuitive. And when you're going up the mountain in Jackson Hole's famous tram, don't stand to the left, and definitely don't look at America's most celebrated chute. Why? Because you're straight on, yet a good distance away; the drop-in looks bigger, the face steeper, the cliff bands more ferocious, and it's impossible to get an accurate perspective of what you're up against. In short, it will psyche you out. I know. I'd been building up to Corbet's for weeks, mentally preparing from the moment I booked my Wyoming trip earlier in the year, and yet I instantly turned to my two friends and said: "No bloomin' chance."
Instead, have a good look at the slope from the entry cornice. It's only a two-minute run down the ridge from the top tram station, and if you decide to pass (no disgrace given the initial drop-in can be as much as seven metres) there's an easy out via Rendezvous Bowl.
How big was the drop when we did it? Hard to say as there was a good three foot of almost vertical, packed-ice sideslipping available if you wanted it/had the skills, before gravity took hold. But I'd still say it was getting on for the height of a two-storey house. You never know, you might be luckier in a better snow year and plenty of YouTube clips show people gunning right through, skis never leaving the snow. But I'd say best be prepared for a jump (and one so big that I scoped the entry lying on my stomach, disco legs twitching, inching out head-first over the abyss).
Another thing you need to consider, apart from dropping the cornice, is the rock face to skier's left.
Likemostthingsin skiing,thisisaboutbuildingup to it andbeingmentally strong.Soget comfortableon steepsandmaybeeventry droppinga few smallerthings.Thereare lotsof bothin Jackson!If youthinkyou'regoing to do it, youprobablywill.
What'sout of yourcontroliswhat sortof conditionCorbet'sis in and I haveto admit, in a bad snowyear,I usuallystay clear it's just plain nasty! Icy,a hard landing...
But if you're only herefor a short time, you can't be pickyand go home havingnot done it, right? Sothink strong core,be positive,weight forward and stick to a plan. I like to face into the cliff (to skier'sleft), then airplane turn (sothat you'returning in the air to speedeverythingup).Get it right and it will look easy!
Enter the couloir more centrally, away from this, and you have to get a huge amount more air. So the only realistic option for most ofus is: stay left, drop, instant hard right, and wrestle back control before the cliff face on the opposite side is quickly upon you. Easy!
Well, as easy as things can be on a super-tight, icy 50° slope with a hellish start ...
Yes, I was thrown so far back on landing I was more in the boot than the back seat, but I'm not sure I've ever let out such a guttural, joyous roar as when I popped back up, stuck in a decent turn and headed for the powder below. Definitely the biggest thrill I've had in two decades of skiing, and made all the sweeter by only seeing four others from outside our group doing it in my three days in resort.
Come on, you know you want to! In collaborationwith FallLine Skiing
Want to tick off one of skiing'smost iconicchallenges?Readon...
Strongcore,be positive,weight forwardandstick toa plan!
Obertauern is located 90 kilometres south of Salzburg in the Hohe Tauern mountains around the Radstadter Tauern Pass.At 1,740 metres above sea level, Austria's snowiest ski area starts at 1,630 metres and reaches an altitude of 2,313 metres.
Due to its fortunate geographical location, Obertauern receives large amounts of snowfall from both the north and the south. Coupled with its high altitude, this makes Obertauern Austria's snowiest winter sports resort. Another magnificent feature is that the mountains around Obertauern form the shape of a bowl, meaning you can ski slopes of all exposures all day in the sun, if you wish.
The 2022/23 winter season's motto is: "WE ARE BACK". The season is expected to start on 25 November 2022 and will end on 1 May 2023.
There are around 150 hotels, guesthouses, youth hotels, vacation apartments, private rooms, apartments and self-catering huts in Obertauern. Of these, three hotels have 5 stars; over 30 are classified with 4 stars, and 20 hotels and guesthouses boast 3 stars.
Enjoy relaxed mountain ascents at any time of day thanks to the 26 cable cars and 11 boarding points across the entire region.
What sets Obertauern apart is its uncomplicated ambience. Those who choose to stay at one of the family-run hotels can expect warm hospitality, with the same also applying to its numerous catering establishments. Perhaps this is why many families with children are drawn to the comfortable environment Obertauern provides.
Likewise, Obertauern's slopes are extremely family-friendly, with Bobby
the snow bunny
Obertauern's local mascot accompanying children on their first attempts at skiing, tobogganing or snowball fights.
With Obertauern's first snowflakes in late autumn, a new winter fairy tale begins every year. Snow-covered peaks and a majestic natural landscape provide a unique backdrop from November to May. The copious natural snow is thanks to a special weather phenomenon in the Tauern mountains, where snow clouds from the north and south meet and spread an abundance of white flakes over Obertauern.
According to a study published in 2016 by Tyrolean ski tourism researcher Gunther Aigner, Obertauern leads the ranking of the seven winter sports resorts in Austria with an average of 264 centimetres of maximum snow depth.
The 'Gamsleiten 2' is the ultimate challenge for thrillseekers. As one of the steepest slopes in Europe, even expert skiers and snowboarders have respect for its deep black run the slope can only be groomed at irregular intervals due to weather conditions, and when there is fresh snowfall, the whole run becomes a long powder run. The ascent is also an experience in itself, with the two-seater chairlift offering a nostalgic twist.
The ideal combination of open terrain away from the slopes and fantastic natural snow conditions are what freeriders and other deep snow enthusiasts rave about in Obertauern. The altitude is one advantage,
but another is the bowl-shaped orientation of the mountains, offering slopes in all exposures. Those who want to enjoy the sun early in the morning start on the east side, while skiers who want to be waistdeep in jam-dry powder until the very end stay put on the north-facing slopes.
The local ski guides offer knowledge on a range of subjects, from safety off the groomed slopes or the best spots and tours. The boards at the freeride checkpoints on the mountain stations of Hochalmbahn and Kringsalmbahn can also help you decide on the right tour for you. Information including the current avalanche warning level, temperature and snow depths, dangerous slope exposures and checkpoints for avalanche beacons can be found here, and the avalanche beacon checkpoints are located on the east, north, south and west slopes.
The local ski schools also offer freeride courses in which tour planning, the correct behaviour in unsecured terrain, snow and avalanche awareness, the use of the avalanche transceiver, and the handling of probe and shovel are taught. Dates for free SAAC avalanche camps can be found at the office of the Obertauern Tourism Association.
Due to its rarity, setting first tracks on the freshly groomed slopes or off-piste deep snow is usually a special experience for skiers and snowboarders. But not in Obertauern. Here, First.Track events are regular highlights. Together with locals, winter sports enthusiasts hit the snow-
covered peaks as early as 7:30am, enjoying a dreamy view of Obertauern while anticipating the setting of first tracks on fresh slopes.
It all starts on 15 December 2022 with the X-Mas.Track. Next comes the Powder. Track on 19 January 2023, followed by the Valentine.Track for 'snow bunnies' in love on 14 February 2023. Up the mountain it goes on 23 February 2023 with the Family.Track,while the first rays of spring can be savoured with the Spring.Track on 16 March 2023. The Legends.Trackon 6 April 2023 will slowly bring the winter season to a close for early risers.
The density of culinary offerings is another privilege visitors to Obertauern get to enjoy with more than 50 restaurants and huts serving guests in this snow-covered winter landscape. Plus, the oldest ski hut in Austria belongs to Obertauern; the Achenrainhutte on the Gamsleiten has been around for almost 100 years!
The cuisine of Obertauern is honest and down to earth, imaginative and varied, but always authentic. Whether traditional Kasnock'n, a hearty Frittaten soup, tasty Germnodel or the ubiquitous Kaiserschmarrn, great importance is attached to regional products, which are combined in a refined and varied way.
The numerous gastronomic establishments in the region offer their guests a culinary spectrum for all demands in a cosy atmosphere. Local specialties grace the menus alongside extraordinary gourmet creations, all with a side serving of the grandiose views across Zehnerkarspitze and Hundskogel, which come free of charge.
Formoreinformationabout Obertauern, visitwww.obertauem.com/en/
With nearlyone restaurantfor every2km of piste,the SalzburgerSportweltproveda culinarymazefor ColinNicholson,before he settledon the StarchenStadl
Austria's ski areas are expanding fast, and the latest to do so is the Salzburger Sportwelt. "Where's that?" you may ask. Well,it stretches from StJohann-im-Pongau and Alpendorf in the west via Wagrain, a cosy snow-covered village favoured by families, and the apres-ski hotspot ofFlachau, to the World Cup venue ofZauchensee in the east.
These are all resorts that in the past might individually have merited a short break, but are now linked by 200km of pistes. To celebrate the connection -made possible by the Panorama Link gondola -the area invites you to attempt to conquer all 12 of its peaks in a day, covering 46km of pistes.
Sybarites might prefer the challenge of completing a different type of tour. The wider Ski Amade region, which the area is part of, has created gourmet ski routes in each of its locations. But the culinary trails are especially useful in Salzburger Sportwelt, given that it has 84 restaurants -or Skihiltten as they are termed in German. That's nearly one for every 2km you ski. Equally helpful are the suggestions of dishes to try in each.
Unlike in Courchevel, the restaurants here are less about haute cuisine, seafood and exotic concoctions. Their focus is more on value for money, and locally produced food served in restaurants that have a distinct, authentic character.
The difficult part of completing one of these gourmet ski trails lies in dragging yourself away from one place to move to the next. My downfall was the Starchen Stadl, above Wagrain, which I was visiting because it was on the gourmet trail for its desserts. However, it was my favourite, because it seemed to have everythinggood mains and starters, apres-ski and a traditional yet airy ambiance.
The restaurant had just seven tables back in 2002 when Kati and Sepp Leitner took over. Sepp, a carpenter, has built it up
• OwnersKati and Sepphave createda rustic, cosymountainvibe
gradually ever since. The interiors are created in traditional style, with wooden beams and central fireplaces. But he has also added large windows from where you can survey the pistes. There are also individual lounges, a self-service section and a gloriously sunny apres terrace that regularly hosts live music.
Despite the expansion, the couple's emphasis is still on sustainability, with most of the food coming from local hunters and the family farm in the valley, where they do their own butchery. Right up until last season, Sepp's mother baked their bread. "We want you to be able to taste the area," says Kati, who is the main restaurant manager.
Popular choices include the smoked deer or beef carpaccio starter, with tomato and fresh cheese pesto and walnut oil, and naturally the steaks. Last season you were even able to get a filet steak for €28.
Like most restaurants here, the wine list focuses on good-quality Austrian reds from Burgenland, and whites from other regions of Austria. And the many varieties of schnapps could not be more local, coming from the couple's own distillery.
The desserts that the Starchen Stadl is so highly rated for include Emperor Franz Joseph's favourite -Kaiserschmarren. This traditional pancake dish takes about 15 minutes to prepare, so we missed out in our race to catch the last lift. Somehow bagging 12 peaks in a day proved an easier task than bagging even a handful of restaurants!
Happily, the kindly Austrians have provided all Ski Club Members with the recipe (right). Traditionally, it is served with baked plums, but you can accompany it with a berry ragout or any fruit compote. So if you want to imbibe a little Austrian Gemiltlichkeit as the nights draw in ahead of your first ski trip, why not try it with a puree of this year's bumper crop of apples?
• Dashof rum
• 2 tablespoonsof raisins
• 6 eggs
• 350-400mlmilk
• 1 packet(Sg)of vanillasugarandgrated lemonrind
• 180-2009of finely groundflour
• 4 tablespoonsof granulatedsugar
• 60gof butter
• Icingsugarandcinnamonfor dusting
Mix the rum and raisinsand leavefor 15minutes.Mix the egg yolks in another bowl with the milk, grated lemonrind and vanillasugar,addingthe flour to form a smoothdough.
Beatthe eggwhiteswith mostof the granulatedsugarand a pinchof salt until it formsa firm peak,andfold into the doughmix. Pre-heatthe ovento 1so•c. Let S0gof the butter melt and bubblein a large,coatedheatproofdish.Pourin the mixtureand,after a minuteor two, scatterthe soakedraisinsoverthe top. Cookthe undersideuntil light brown,turn overwith a spatulaand bakefor sixto eight minutesuntil goldenbrown.
Tearit into smallpiecesusingtwo forks. Scattera tablespoonof butter shavings overthe top, sprinklewith the rest of the granulatedsugar,and carameliseundera hot grill.
Dustwith icingsugarand cinnamon,and servewith fruit compote(andicecream for thosefeelingtruly indulgent).
This issue:Symmetry,alignment and the A-frame stance
Learnjust where to put your legsto protect your joints and up your game on the slopeswith advicefrom our expert...
Inan ideal world, skiers would all ski with a symmetrical stance where their legs are aligned -the ball and socket joint in the hips in line with the knee and ankle. We aim for this so that when we lean the legs left and right when turning, the skis can be at the same angle.
Many of the skiers we coach at the Academy, however, ski with an A-frame stance, where the feet are wider apart than the knees. This can happen by either the knees dropping in, or the feet splitting out, or both. This makes the shape in the legs non-symmetrical, and as a result the skis are usually at different angles between the turns. This can cause inconsistency between turns due to the skis being tilted at different angles. This A-frame in the legs will also put stress on the knee joints and tension in the muscles throughout the body.
An A-frame is one of the biggest factors behind skiers having problems in powder and variable terrain, and also learning to carve.
Interestingly, with most people, A-frames are usually more predominant in one direction. The reasons for this could be ski boot setup, lack of awareness in muscle activation, and/or ski technique issues.
So, what are the solutions to achieving a more symmetrical stance?
Having your ski boots fitted by a professional, and accessing the alignment of your boot/leg, is an absolute necessity. Your boots should be comfortable and set up so that the cuff matches the angle of your leg. A custom-fit footbed should be created to support the foot. Because of the nature of skiing, we are constantly
making leaning movements left and right pretty much all day. Doing this at the speeds we travel requires the foot to be supported when at these angles, as well as when standing upright. This is a very important part of reducing the chance of an A-frame in your stance.
To improve your symmetry, you need to activate the muscle groups that control adduction (moving a body part towards the body's midline) and abduction (moving it away). These muscle groups don't get used heavily in sport or everyday life, so a specific training routine is needed to firstly raise awareness of the muscles, and then develop your strength and skill at using them.
The 'skier symmetry test', aka the '10-second test', within the Ski Technique Lab training system, will raise your awareness and develop strength and stability, and you can do it in the comfort of your own home (or any area with a polished surface). If done properly, you should be recruiting the correct
.a.Thinkless A-frame,more perfectsymmetry andyou'llbe well on the way to a winningtechnique
T
Learnto developa powerful frameworkin your legsthat can tackleall terrain
muscles to develop awareness and strength in a very ski-specific fashion.
Making sure you use gym sliders, or have a low friction between your soles and the floor. With your feet around 80cm apart, try slowly pulling your feet in, from 80cm to 0cm -make it take around 10 seconds.
At first, you'll feel your legs wobbling -it's a movement you don't use much in your day-to-day life. That is why this exercise is so important for skiing. People go on their ski holiday and just expect these muscles to work. They won't. Learning to use these muscles will allow you to ski with a much more powerful framework in your legs, conquering all the terrain you dreamed about skiing with performance and control. Clickontothis link to watchan instructionalvideoon how toperformthe test:warrensmith-skiacademy.com/tests/ skier-symmetry.
Often, skiers haven't been made aware of this axis of movement in the legs and just how easy it is to fall into an A-frame. This results in problems relating to their symmetry. On snow, lots of different elements play a part in maintaining your symmetry. Beyond pure muscle activation, as mentioned above, lateral precision and effective use of flexion and extension while turning will dictate if you can maintain symmetry while skiing.
Many skiers lack the effective amount ofleg extension needed in the outside leg of the turn. This can cause a kink in the outside leg, which will lead to an A-frame.
Practise good leg flexion and extension in your skiing and ensure you are making a definite difference in your leg lengths on each turn.
For example, when turning right, your left leg should be long and your right leg short. A great exercise for improving outside leg extension is lifting your inside ski off the ground for most of the turn to force the outside leg to extend more and support you.
Because of the constant work skiers put into the outside or downhill leg, the inside leg doesn't get the same mental and physical attention in the turn. So, your inside leg might be active, but it needs to be
proactive. Encourage your lazy inside leg to avoid the A-frame with some gentle encouragement with a hand-on exercise. Using the hand to help encourage the inside leg to be more proactive really helps the leg 'wake up' and become a proactive and better moving inside leg, leading towards a more symmetrical stance.
Issue3 Generallackof awareness
Because when we ski we are always looking forward, we rarely get to see what the lower legs are doing -they are out of sight. Video analysis really helps with this. Skiing with your hands on your knees is a great exercise to raise awareness of what angles your legs are in. This quickly improves the awareness and helps you with alignment.
In the top two imagesthe skiers areA-framing, whilebelowthe skiers'kneesare symmetrical
T Withyourfeet around80cm apart,try slowly slidingyourfeet in, thenout again
This issue:Improveyour steering
Learnhow to steerwith confidenceand you'll up your technique,save your legsand discoverhow to put the pressureon in all the right places
mnee you have begun to stand properly on the board (see S+b 217),it's now time to steer correctly. There are loads of different schools of thought and methods regarding steering; always try to use the simple analogy of 'less is more'.
Steer from the lower half of the body rather than the top half. If you find yourself swinging into a turn like a prize fighter, then movements have probably got a little out of sync! Think about how to bend and manipulate the snowboard; we want to use a shift of pressure through the lower half of the body to steer. Our feet and muscles will become our steering wheel.
Different types of turns will need different inputs. A basic skidded turn will have different inputs to a carved turn, and vice versa.
In this article we are going to dip into how to use pressure along the length of the snowboard to aid steering, and we are going to look at pressure control
in relation to a flex and extension movement with the lower half of the body. Think about riding on a cruisy red run and making an early edge-change turn, a little skid will aid overall control where needed.
First, we want to think about how we are shifting pressure along the length of the board, pressuring from the nose to tail through a turn. Pressure will be forward at the beginning of the turn (to initiate the turn), centred at the edge change, and then aft at the end of the turn. This will help finish the turn correctly by applying pressure on the tail at the end of the arc. Think forward, middle, back through your turn structure and put this on repeat from the heel to toe edge, and then toe to heel edge.
One of the biggest mistakes I see in snowboarding is
A As RobNorton explains,'lessis more'is the rule whenit comesto learningto steer with style
people staying on the front foot throughout the turn. By staying on the front foot, all the pressure is at the nose of the board, and therefore this area will grip but the tail won't. It's such good practice to work the whole snowboard. You must be able to play with movements along the board and pressure different areas of it.
If we move forward to start a turn, we must move backwards to finish it. This mistake is born out of the need to get forward to initiate a turn when we are learning. Sometimes too much emphasis is placed on moving forward, when we also equally need to think about coming back as well.
Always, always move that pressure back along the length of the board through the turn!
Continuing with our mellow red run, we are next going to be thinking about our flex and extension movements through the turn. Where and when do I actively pressure the board? In a very simple fashion let's think about our up and down movement. Here, with this style of turn, let's think about a smooth upward or extension movement coming into the turn. Think about standing upright to unweight the board at edge change to roll across onto the new edge, to then flex down on the new working edge.
For the style of riding that we are doing in our example run, we want this movement to be smooth and progressive. Actively press against the edge and feel the board bite and grip the mountain.
A really useful exercise here, and one to practise for yourself, is to use a very simple rating scale next to your
flex and extension movement. Think about a scale ofl to 10: 1being as low as you can go, and 10 being standing tall. With the example here we will be extending to a 10 for edge change and then progressively moving downwards and flexing through the turn 9, 8, 7, 6, to then raise up again 7, 8, 9, to then turn on the extension part of the turn, which is 10. It's a simple and useful exercise to help with flex and extension and to aid pressuring through the turn. Style is everything!
Bending at the waist is an all-time classic fault that is born out of not being able to use flex and extension properly. Remember, the lower half of the body is used to flex and extend, while the upper body stays strong, relaxed and aligned above the waistline. Ankle, knees and hip joints need to move. Don't break at the waist -work the lower half of the body.
This is something you can practise at home, with your feet on an imaginary board with a slight duck stance. Move up and down freely. As you are making these movements think about how you are flexing at the hip to then push the patella or kneecap out over the feet and toes. When riding, one of the only blockages with the movement might be a physical problem or potentially a stiff set of boots. Practise this movement and then apply it to your riding when you get on snow.
Nestled in the heart of the French Alps between the Aravis, the Beaufortain and the Mont Blanc mountain ranges, Val d'Arly is an alpine valley of exceptional natural diversity.
Covering more than 20 kilometres between Megeve and Albertville, Val d'Arly offers extensive forested slopes and alpine pastures dotted with traditional chalets, while its numerous summits boast magnificent views of Mont Blanc and the Col des Aravis.
Just as you would with any multi-sensory interlude, you'll discover Val d'Arly progressively, with each encounter offering fine food, new experiences and outdoorsy adventures.
Flumet is the point of convergence; its medieval town centre is Val d'Arly's beating heart. Its neighbouring town, Saint-Nicolas-la-Chapelle, is a discreet yet attentive host, with its timeless charm echoed in its town centre, baroque church and dispersed hamlets twinkling like jewels of nature.
Crest-Voland & Cohennoz
Perched on the sunny terrace that faces Mont Charvin and the Aravis mountains, Crest-Voland and Cohennoz
are the ultimate ski resort villages. Offering easy access to the ski slopes, and with many activities and facilities available, both provide perfect holiday destinations for families.
Looking as if it came straight out of a postcard, Notre-Dame-de-Bellecombe features traditional chalets, quaint farmhouses and a magnificent church steeple. While picturesque, it is also a lively and sporty resort, where numerous ski-accessible bars and restaurants will give you a good flavour of local life.
Nestled at the foot of the Aravis mountains, La Giettaz (or 'La Giet') is the nature oasis of Val d'Arly. Outdoor enthusiasts can relish in its numerous slopes and easy connection to the Portes du Mont Blanc ski area, while La Giet's highest peak, La Tete du Torraz, boasts a stunning 360° view of the surrounding mountains.
The slopes of L'.Espace Diamant cover a total of 192km, with peaks offering panoramic views of the surrounding Mont Blanc, Beaufortain, and Aravis mountains. Appealing to both family-oriented and adventurous types, L'.EspaceDiamant's slopes journey through snowy alpine pastures, majestic forests and charming villages.
Prices: €45 a day and €235.80 for a sixday pass (adult prices).
Passingthrough both Savoie and HauteSavoie, 100km of slopes offer spectacular views of Mont Blanc. The north-facing, tree-covered slopes of La Giettaz protect fresh fallen snow, providing top-quality conditions all winter the perfect resort for downhill skiers of any level.
Prices: start at €43 a day and €216 for a six-day pass (adult prices).
Florent Perrin renovated his grandma's farmhouse in 2019, completely transforming it into a convivial and environmentally-friendly lodge and restaurant. The lodge now sleeps between two and 20 people, and its restaurant offers traditional yet sophisticated food. The Gites de France has designated this a four-star eco-lodge, and it's even been awarded a 'Bib Gourmand' and 'Etoile Verte' in reference to its sustainable cuisine by the Michelin Guide.
Prices: start at €19 a la carte, €35 menu. Info: www.letoidumonde.com
Le Mont-Charvin****, Chalet-Hotelat the foot of the slopes
The cosy and perfectly snug Le Mont-Charvin is a traditional Savoyard chalet. Situated just 150 metres from the ski lifts, its 18 rooms are the ultimate ski retreat option and you definitely won't want to miss its gourmet restaurant and sumptuous spa, with a giant outdoor jacuzzi, sauna and water jet massaging mattress.
Prices: start at €100 per night. www.hotel-montcharvin.com/en/
The 'ski& tartiflette' package apartment
From 31 December to 4 February 2023
Enjoy a week of skiing in January when there are fewer people on the slopes. Perfect for a holiday with friends, this package offers accommodation, a six-day ski pass, and a traditional Savoyard dinner out (tartiflette, salad, dessert) in one of
the local restaurants.
Prices: start at €219 per person to ski the Portes du Mont Blanc area, or €222 in the Espace Diamant area.
To book: visit booking.valdarly-montblanc. com/all-inclusive.html
The great ski stayin Val d'Arly Espace Diamant Nouvel An February holidays
Spend a low-cost week skiing in the village resorts of Val d'Arly Mont Blanc, in the heart of the Espace Diamant ski area between Savoie and Haute-Savoie. This package holiday provides a six-day ski pass and accommodation, with 157 slopes and 192km of skiing on offer.
From: €296 per person.
To book: visit booking.valdarly-montblanc. com/all-inclusive.html
For more information, visitwww.valdarly-montblanc.com/en/
In her second column about the trusted fitness and wellbeing experts who help keep her in shape, the Ski Club's honorary president sits down for a chat with Gavin Rebello, a sports enthusiastic optometrist. Chemmy's willing to bet most readers will never have considered looking deeper at this particular performance element
One of the questions I'm asked most is: "How do I ski in a whiteout?" It's a valid question. What can we do when we have arguably our most important sense stripped away? There are lots of technical exercises that can help you 'feel' the snow, but I wanted to dig deeper than that. I wanted to know about the volume of light our eyes let in. Stay with me -this is fascinating!
Did you know, for example, that different coloured irises respond to different tinted lenses? And that the way they respond can impact on how well they react in a whiteout, and can also impact on eye comfort and ski performance?
I first found this out when I had an issue while racing downhill. Even with taped up goggles, my eyes would secrete so much fluid that when I blinked I had momentary fuzzy vision, which was really dangerous going at speeds of around 70mph. Our team researched what to do and who best to help -and we found Gavin Rebello, a sports enthusiastic optometrist.
> Chemmy Alcott: Gavin, what did you think when
I cametoyouaskingyou to help my ski racing 5 performance?
s: Gavin Rebello: First and foremost, I loved your attitude,
seeking constant improvement, and your openness and enthusiasm to explore how your eyes could impact on your performance. The issues you shared with me are not uncommon on the ski slopes, not just from an elite sports perspective but for many social skiers too.
I realised that there were two things at play -firstly the glare and secondly the tear fluid.
CA:What test did you carryout and what did they achieve?
GR:I carried out a visual stress test with a detailed tint assessment to find out which colour you found most comfortable, especially in bright white conditions. About 10% of the population are tint sensitive, meaning their eyes are more comfortable with a particular tint colour. When someone is tint sensitive, wearing the wrong colour can cause glare, fatigue and eye watering. Not good at speed!
If you're wondering whether you are in the sensitive 10 per cent, then you probably are if you find striped patterns make your eyes go a bit funny or if you suffer from migraines.
Also, altitude and cold make the eyes produce more tear fluid. If the quality of the tear fluid is compromised, as it was when I assessed you, then the tear film gives a smeary or fuzzy quality to your vision.
CA:Whatareyourtoptips forchoosingeyewear for skiing?
GR:Frames are more than fashion -they serve a very important function too. Firstly, make sure the frame sits properly so that stray light can't get into your eyes over
the top of it. If the frame is too tight at your temples the goggles will bounce forwards and leave a gap between the top of the frame and your head.
Secondly, choose a wrapped frame to further prevent stray light and protect the delicate skin around your eyes. Also, ensure the lenses are UV400 and CE marked the most common skin cancer occurs around the eyes, because the skin here is thinnest.
Use this guide on which tinted lenses to use for different conditions as a starting point. Bear in mind that you can't beat trying them all on as there are always exceptions to the rule.
Lightercoloured eyesor light sensitivepeople
Choose a greyor grey-greenlens, whichprevents glarebutdoesn't changecolour perception.
Browntintswill give warmthbutchange colourperception whereasgreyor grey-greenwon't effectit.
Youmaywellbe moresensitiveand arebestoff tryinga varietyof tintsor consultingyour optometrist. Otherwisekeepit neutralwith a grey.
Generally,orangeis morecomfortable thanyellow.
Inexpensive heat masks are the more common treatment plan.
Here'san outline of some basic eye problems and advised treatment: Tearfilm issues
Overwatering/ drygrittyeyes
Smearyvision
Seeanoptometristto assesstherootcause of theproblem.
Heattreatment,e.g.aneyebagor steamgoggles.
Preservative-freeeyelubricationdrops, e.g.Hyabakor Hycosan.
Heattreatment,e.g.eyebagor steamgoggles, useddailyfor sevendays.
CA:Canyou explain how the heattreatments work?
If you'relookingfor marginalgains, experimentwith a varietyof tints.
Yellowgivesthe bestcontrast. Yellowmaywell feeltoo harsh sotry orange. Testto seewhether yellow,orangeor pinkdeliverthebest resultsfor you.
There is an old rule of thumb that suggests that blue eyes are more sensitive to glare than brown. This is based on the amount oflight-soaking pigment cells in the iris. However, when it comes to tint preference, this is more a brain processing thing. My advice is to try on a variety of tint colours in bright conditions and select the one(s) that reduce stress on your eyes the most. If you think you might be one of the tint sensitive minority, request a visual stress test from your optometrist.
CA:Whatcan people do if they have an issue with their eyes over-wateringlike I did?
GR: I would suggest a detailed assessment of your tear film, a procedure available at many opticians. Choose an optician able to spend time with you to provide an individualised treatment plan.
In your case Chemmy, we prescribed preservative-free eye drops and steam goggles. These are lightweight goggles that provide electronically controlled moisture and heat therapy to help unblock meibomian glands and improve tear quality, which in turn improves with eye health, vision and comfort.
GR: The glands at the edge of the eyelids that produce tear lubrication can get blocked up. The warmth melts the blockage and improves the tear film. Without the lubrication, the eyelids don't glide over the eye when you blink and can cause discomfort. Also, dust and debris can hang around the eyes for longer. The steam goggles and heat masks are designed to give just the right amount of warmth without burning your delicate skin around the eyes.
CA:Whatare your tips for keeping our eyes in top shape?
GR: Always remember that the eyes are no different to the rest of the body from a performance perspective -they also require nourishment, training and rest.
Eat Drink
Sleep Train
Omega3 supplementsimprovetearfunction. Greenleafyvegetableshelpmaintain detailedvision.
Keephydratedsoeyecellsworkat theirbest.
Restallowsyoureyemusclesandfocusingsystem to workasbestasit can.
Practicechangingyourfocusfromfarto near andbackto far.Holda penat 30cmasyournear targetandmakesureit doesn'tgo doublewhen youarefocusingon it.
Breaksfrom screenwork
Excessscreenworkcancausetheeyesto fix their focuscloseup,whichcanmakeyoushortsighted andrequireglassesfor far sight.
Regularbreaksfromscreenwork,lookingup intothefar distanceto remindyourbrainto focusfarwill helpreducethechanceof becoming shortsighted.
Excessscreenworkalsoreducesourblinkrate andthetearfilm evaporatescauseseyeirritation, drynessandoverwateringto compensate.
CA:Wherecan our Membersfind more about you and the awesome work you do?
GR: Over the last few years, I found I had become my own bottleneck and so I now spend my time mentoring the next generation of optometrists rather than examining clients myself. It means I can indirectly help more people through them. I own several optical practices in Worcestershire, Gloucestershire and Hertfordshire. For general skiers looking for tint or tear film assessments and a good range of ski eyewear, I suggest booking an appointment with David Fleming at Skye Optometrists in Harpenden. For those engaged in elite sports, I recommend visiting Ed Lyons of Flint Optometrists in Wolverhampton.
FIND OUT MORE
SkyeOptometrists, Harpenden, skyes.co.uk
FlintOptometrists, Wolverhampton, flintandpartners .co.uk
Darkercolouredeyes MigrainesufferersWith the numberof resortshostingSkiClub Repsexpanding to 24 for the 2022/23 seasonand beyond,we shinea spotlight on our excitingnew Represorts
The Ski Club is delighted to announce that it's expanding its celebrated volunteer Representatives (Reps) service for the first time in several years. The move marks a step-change in the focus of the Club, which is working harder than ever to bring people together to ski. The facilitation of social skiing has always been a cornerstone of Club activities but, in the wake of the pandemic keeping us all apart, it feels like a more vital tool than ever.
The role of our Reps is, essentially, to help Members have the best possible day on snow. Experts on their local resort, Reps also benefit from dedicated training in high-level instruction, avalanche safety training and leadership skills development. They're on hand to enable social skiing for groups of Members, ensuring you find the best snow, sunniest lunch spots and best apres-ski bars; they can help book instruction or guiding; and will arrange a varied weekly social events plan.
This winter, Ski Club Reps will be based in 24 resorts across Europe and North America; a diverse portfolio that includes classic skiing destinations such as Wengen, Davos and Whistler, as well as vibrant communities like Sauze d'Oulx and Ischgl. We're delighted to spill the beans on our eight new resorts below and hope you'll be inspired to join our Reps in at least one this winter.
The Ski Club makes a welcome return to the Andorran resort of Soldeu-Grandvalira, the family-friendly heart of Andorra's biggest ski area. Delivering access
to over 210km of beginner-and intermediate-friendly pistes, there's still a good mix of expert pistes and some excellent off-piste terrain. This season brings plenty of new development in town as well as the launch of the Andorra-wide Grandvalira Season Ski Pass, which opens up the country's entire 303km of pistes.
,._ Rollupto the SkiCircus
T Family-friendly Andorrahaslots to entertaingroms
SaalbachHinterglemm comprises two neighbouring villages and offers easy connections to the expansive Ski Circus ski area, which encompasses 270km of pistes and a network of70 lifts. This impressive lift system will whip you away to every corner of this Austrian skiing wonderland, which further includes the villages ofFieberbrunn and Leogang. Despite its low elevation -topping out at 2,096m -Saalbach's location in the heart of the Austrian Alps ensures good snow reliability through the core winter months.
The quaint village charm of Soll masks the vibrant apres scene in the resort which, whilst not quite on a scale to challenge St Anton or Ischgl, will certainly keep you entertained. Soll is one of the nine villages included in the sprawling SkiWelt area, offering access to 284km oflift-linked pistes. These are predominantly tree-lined blues and challenging reds, delivering excellent skiing even on bad weather days. In addition to diverse skiing and authentic Tyrolean charm, Soll offers spectacular views of over 70 peaks of 3,000m elevation or over.
Courmayeur lies in the shadow of Mont Blanc, with the Mont Blanc Unlimited lift pass offering access to skiing in the Chamonix Valley, accessed by the pioneering SkyWay Monte Bianco cablecar. Whilst plenty of Italians come to Courmayeur merely to enjoy its indulgent hotels, gourmet mountain restaurants and legendary shopping, dedicated skiers will discover an impressive variety of terrain across 42km of local pistes (make that 1,003km of pistes with a Mont Blanc Unlimited pass) as well as off-piste skiing so good that Chamonix locals often nip across the border to lap it up.
Following the Aosta Valley east from Courmayeur, you'll find Champoluc, a small, family-friendly resort in the heart of the Monterosa ski area. The resorts of the Monterosa region provide a unique combination: the exhilarating off-piste and challenging reds of Gressoney and Alagna mix with the beginner-friendly pistes and family-friendly hotels of Champoluc.
In total, there are over 180km of pistes across the three valleys, dotted with some of the most delightful mountain refuges in the Alps.
A firm favourite with our Freshtrackers for years, Madonna di Campiglio brings a touch of class with it, nestled as it is in the spectacular Dolomites. Amidst the jagged peaks and tree-lined valleys lie 156km of slopes, rising above both sides of the sophisticated little town and accessed from nearly 60 lifts. Madonna's credentials extend well beyond fashion and Michelin-starred food -there's a secluded nursery area outside the village for beginners, four snow parks to entertain freestylers and the most immaculately groomed pistes in Italy for intermediates and experts to cruise around on.
Finally, there's Cortinad'Ampezzo, which hosted the 1956Winter Olympics and is co-hosting the 2026 MilanCortina games, alongside several World Cup events. In addition to Cortina's 120km oflocal and exceptionally scenic pistes, the resort offers lift-linked access to the Sella Ronda, opening up a mind-boggling 1,200km of slopes to explore under one ski pass.
Set a stone's throw from Andorra, the stylish resort ofBaquieraBeretis home to some of Spain's best skiing. With an impressive 160km of slopes, some of the
best off-piste in the Pyrenees and the least expensive heli-skiing in Europe, it's no surprise that the resort is experiencing a boom in popularity. Take advantage of the local tendency not to start skiing until 10.30am at the latest and you'll be richly rewarded with miles of seamless corduroy and untracked powder. Then follow in the locals' footsteps by tucking into a little vinoteca for apres-ski rioja and tapas before indulging in long and raucous family dinners.
T The SkiWelt area offers access to 284km of lift-linked pistes (below), or head to the Aosta Valley (bottom)
A Welcometo Austria'sskiing wonderlandThe SkiClub'skit guru, Henry John,addressesthe finer detailsof ski equipment
ince the last issue of Ski+board, in which
I covered some of the standout products from the Ski Tests, several Members have been in touch asking about personal recommendations for skis and boots -please do keep sending in your questions
as we hurtle towards the coming winter!
For this column, however, let's take a step back (almost) from skis, as I respond to queries about some of the finer points of ski kit.
"" I now wear glasses is it possible to buy
9 prescription inserts for my ski goggles?
Mike, via information@skiclub.co.uk
There are three ways to address prescriptions under ski goggles: contact lenses, glasses and prescription inserts. Contact lenses are fairly self-explanatory, but glasses and prescription inserts can be fiddly.
A Tryingto decidebetween goggles, sunglassesor both?!OurKit Doctorhassome handy suggestions
Oakleysellsa rangeof prescription compatible goggles
For those who wish to continue to wear glasses, look for a pair of googles known as 'Over the Goggle' or OTG models. Most brands sell an OTG version of their most popular models, or their most popular models will already be OTG compatible. An OTG goggle is created by leaving a break in the hard frame by the temples, allowing the foam to mould to the shape of the frame.
The final option is to secure prescription inserts for goggles. These are sold separately and can fit most goggles, although some brands will have model specific options to accommodate variances in frame size and shape. Oakley sells a wide range of prescription compatible goggles and recommends the performance sports eyewear company RxSport (rxsport.co.uk), which works with the optical labs Essilor and Shamir to offer a wide range oflens packages with a choice of goggles from all the leading goggle brands.
AWson requires high-instep ski boots, in particular to assist entry and exit from the boot-what do you recommend?
David, via the Info & Advice hotline
Each brand has a unique shape to their boots, with some offering a higher instep than others. These include Atomic and K2, as well Rossignol's specific All Track range. Single buckle boots also provide less pressure on the instep than a traditional dual-buckle boot.
However, none of these provide significant shifts in accessibility, something you note as important. You, therefore, could look at rear-entry or comfort boots. Two that spring to mind are the Nordica HF boot and Apex ski boots brand. The Nordica HF (nordica.com) is a modem take on the classic rear-entry ski boot, where the back of the cuff folds away, as opposed to the tongue.
Apex Sports Group (apexskiboots.com), an independently owned company from Colorado, produces a range of boots designed for comfort by effectively creating a snowboard-style boot that locks into a ski-binding-compatible frame. The soft yet supportive boot incorporates a heat mouldable, custom fit liner to promote a natural foot position. This slips into the trademarked Open-Chassis frame, which features an adjustable cuff alignment and tunable A-flex suspension system that enables the user to customize flex and fit while also delivering strong edge control and precision.
A It is a ski boot or a snowboard boot?Or both?! ApexSkiboots are shakingup the skiboot world Nordica'sHF bootsblend retrorear-entry stylewith moderntech
Brian, via the Info & Advice hotline
I love this question, because it's not something we ever think about yet it's crucial to our skiing. Every ski has a mark, such as a line or a notch, on the topsheet that marks the manufacturer's recommended binding mid-point which, when the sole length of your boot is considered too, will provide a ski tech with the right location to drill the skis. There is very little reason to deviate from this manufacturer's recommendation; you may move forward to increase toe edge grip, or further back to increase float in power, but these are the preserve of professional racers and competitors.
'f' Everyski hasa mark on the topsheet that marksthe recommended binding mid-point
How do ski technicians know where to mount bindings?
In the second of Ski+board'scolumns about Great British ski and snowboard manufacturers, we remain in Worcestershire (the apparent powder basket of artisanal UK ski and board production) to speak with Lewey Payne, director ofDouk Snow.
Pronounced 'dook', the name of this primarily snowboard manufacturing enterprise reflects its heritage: started informally in 2009 by David Ombler, who leant the fledgling set-up his initials, plus UK. After years spent coaching snowboarding, and crafting custom furniture when snow was scarce, David combined his passions and skills to create handmade snowboards, offering clients the option to customise their boards for a minimal price difference. In 2012, David made Douk offical with the launch cl of a workshop in the sleepy Worcestershire village of Wickhamford. Four years later, a then-teenaged Lewey Payne joined Doukas an apprentice before taking over (amicably) as director in 2020.
"This is the only job I've ever had," explains Lewey, :c now 23 years old. "Taking on a company during the pandemic had its challenges, but it also helped me find <t my feet and consolidatethe brand."I wonderifLewey's ;;; relaxed attitude belies the difficulties he must have
faced, single-handedly running the UK's largest ski and
snowboard manufacturer during a global meltdown ...
Douk's production of boards and skis ranges between 200 to 300 each year, with about 40 per cent of those supplied to retailers or companies such as Superdry and American Express for promotional purposes. "About 70 per cent of our business is for custom boards," says Lewey. "We've kept David's founding mission to make customising a board attainable, so a custom board only costs £100 more than our basic off-the-shelf model."
While snowboards represent the majority ofDouk business, Lewey further offers two adult skis models, with kids' skis due to launch later this winter.
Lewey has also retained David's focus on using locally-sourced wood to create Douk boards and skis, receiving raw planks, which he mills and shapes to produce a unique wood core.
"We go through about two trees a year," says Lewey. "Our current tree is an English poplar, which comes from about 20 miles away from here. Our fibreglass comes from Newcastle and the resin from near Leicester. It's only the ski-specific stuff that we have to source from Austria, like binding mount inserts and metal edges."
Lewey has built up an impressive selection of boards, with 16 models available this season, including a swallowtail powder plank and two different children's boards. The Park and All-Mountain ranges appeal to riders of all levels, while the Pioneer range offers more
The directorof Douk Snow,Lewey Payne,chewsthe snowboard-making fat with Gabriella Le Breton
.a.Snowboarding fansare bound to fall in love with at leastone of Douk's 16-strongline-up of boards
Fromits base inWorcestershire, Doukproduces a world-classrange of boardsand skisthat canbe customdesigned
unusual shapes and sizes to complement a quiver of boards, such as the Pilgrim (a fishtail powder board) and Freighter (a super-wide version of the popular allmountain ASBOmodel made for UK size 11-plusboots).
Lewey describes how many of the Pioneer boards are borne out of responding to the specific needs of clients approaching him for custom boards. "Abloke came to us looking for a board that would work for his size 16 boots, which inspired the Freighter. Because we handle so many custom requests, you begin to realise that weird and whacky isn't always unique -there are actually loads of riders out there with big feet!"
Once you've established which Douk model will suit your needs best, it's time to get creative. And, thanks to an easy-to-use online custom snowboard design generator, even tech dinosaurs should enjoy the process. There are various options included in the £485 lead-in price, enabling you to select your board's shape (based on seven key Douk models); size (131-163with extra width options); profile (traditional camber, rocker, flat, hybrid); flex (including jib, playful park, poppy park, charger) and stance (standard or set back).
You can then play with graphics for the topsheet, base and sidewall, selecting from stock colours and designs or uploading your own creations. There are additional costs for a few elements, such as certain shapes and the number or choice of sidewall colours, but you're unlikely to exceed £500 (unless you go for all-over glow-in-thedark green topped with gold metallic flakes).
If you want to get even more involved in the process, or make a set of your own skis, head to Douk HQ to join Lewey on a one or two-day Build Your Own workshop. After preparing your custom graphics from home, the workshops enable you to literally start with a plank of wood and head home with a board or skis entirely customised to your desires. You'll get involved with every part of the process, from shaping the base sheet and selecting the lay-up to baking your board/skis in the press and cutting and grinding it down.
With prices for a one-day workshop starting from £725, it's an unsurprisingly popular option. As Lewey explains: "People come from all over the world for the courses -we've had a Frenchman travel by train and camp overnight in a nearby field, a couple from Russia who added on some local sightseeing, and a man who flew in from Mexico just for the workshop."
Spending a couple of days tinkering with skis in Lewey's "woody workroom" sounds like it would be a lot of fun. His passion for riding, design and crafting boards and skis is palpable, particularly when he speaks about young snowsports athletes. He sounds genuinely troubled when talking about the "inferior" materials used to create cheap kids' snowboards and how that impacts on the progression of budding athletes.
In addition to tackling the problem first-hand by building his own quality kids' boards and skis (from £245), Lewey sponsors young snowsports stars like Mia Langridge, Max Baxter and Ethan Owen. Together with these Junior Olympic hopefuls, Lewey represents the frontline of the future ofBritish snowsports, which glows as brightly as the neon Douk light in his workshop.
With backcountrysafetybeing sucha hot topic for the Club this month, we askedIFMGA mountainguide Martin Chester to reviewand comparefour of the leadingairbagsfor thiswinter
PRICE: £1,200 TOTAL WEIGHT: 3,010G
INITIAL IMPRESSIONS:Thisisagameoftwohalves: the back system with an almost complete layer of airbag tech as a base unit; and a zip-on outer, which provides the carrying capacity. On the base unit, only the centre of the back area is free. With zip-on packs available in 10, 25 and 351versions, this system is best in class for easy modularity. We tested the 251and compare the 351version here, which is plenty big enough for guiding or overnight trips. Helmet, tool and ski carry are all built in; the harness is simple and secure; the leg strap can be set to length, and the pull handle can be easily switched to either side.
THE Al RBAG:A really simple push button system to arm and deploy, with excellent feedback from LED lighting. You can also connect via Bluetooth to the Pieps app for software updates and status checks. It took me just two minutes to update to software v2.0 -from scratch; 200 litres volume.
SPECAND TECH: Puncturerecoverykeepsinflatingthe airbag in pulses after the initial deployment. An automatic
deflation feature can also be enabled, which makes re-packing a doddle. With a nifty storage mode, the pack goes into a deep sleep automatically if you forget to do so at the end of the trip.
PROS:All the tested BD/Pieps tech in a more ergonomic pack.
CONS: Needs a specific charging unit and lead, so remember to pack it.
USP:A super-intuitive control centre on the handle, with simple zip-on/off outers to give three sizes of pack in one. blackdiamondequipment.com
PRICE: £1,249 TOTAL WEIGHT: 2,790G
INITIAL IMPRESSIONS:Abeastofabag-inagood way. The shape makes the most ofload-carrying space around your hips, and the cunning side-stash is a new feature on me. Sturdy nylon-covered fabric combines with robust zippers and fittings, and the harness is excellent.
THE AIRBAG: Thisiswherewegetnerdy,astheE2 Alpride system runs on supercapacitors, rather than simple battery power. Just know these are 'a passive electronic element (without chemical reaction as Li-ion batteries)', so you can store it for months/years without degrading. Better still, these can be quickly recharged with a USB C cable, or two AA batteries. Compared to the El system, it's 40% smaller and 140g lighter; 162litres volume.
SPECAND TECH: Toarmthesystemisatadfiddly,with an internal safety switch. The LEDs show the auto self-test on startup, then give you simple status readings. After the initial inflation the bag will stay fully inflated for three minutes, then a pressure relief valve reduces the pressure to reduce stress on the bag. Deflation and re-folding is more complex, with a specific deflation button (which must be properly re-set and checked, accessed via the external zipped window). If you have three hands, two goes and a flat surface, it gets easier. In fact, that would be a fair summary of the E2 system!
PROS:A big burly, robust pack with excellent, dependable features.
CONS: Itisabitofabeastasaresult.
USP:35 litres really means it -you get stacks of usable space. backcountryaccess.com
PRICE: £985 TOTAL WEIGHT: 2,720G
INITIAL IMPRESSIONS:A beautifully designed and well-thought-out pack.
THE PACK:Afullyunzippedfrontpanelmakesiteasyto pack. Just as well, as there is less useable capacity here: it is a 301pack after all. But looks can be deceiving, as somehow it swallowed up all my kit with no problem. Weirdly, there is only just enough room for a 3m probe in the tool section, once packed. Weird because anyone diligent enough to carry an airbag is most likely to carry a probe of functional length. But this is best in test as a big-mountain daypack and also for ski carry: a great diagonal system with a wire loop that is tightened by the top strap. The harness is well designed and stows away in a neat pocket.
THE AIRBAG:The well-protected internal unit is the same spec (with the same pros and cons) as for the BCApack described left. The E2 Alpride system is fiddly first time around, but subsequently quick and easy to locate, charge and switch on. The handle can easily be swapped for right or left handers, and adjusted for height; 162litres volume.
SPECAND TECH: Deployment is fast, but deflation and re-packing is a faff. The folding exercise, as per the BCA system, gets easier after the first time, especially if you have those three hands and a flat surface!
PRICE: £1,025 TOTAL WEIGHT: 2,410G
INITIAL IMPRESSIONS:Lightweightandcompact, but swallows kit like a tardis. It feels vulnerable packing hardware in so tightly to the plastic unit -but I'm prepared to believe it can handle it. With a standard 'tour' base unit, and zip on/off stow-away bags, you are buying a really versatile system: compatible with all avabag LiTRIC freeride and tour zip attachments with four different sizes and configuration of bag to just one base unit.
THE AIRBAG: LiTRIC=lightelectronicandisthe product of a collaboration between Ortovox and Arc'teryx. Being the 'tour' version, the unit is stripped back at just 1,100g.The pull handle is permanently exposed, easily locked with 180° twist, and only on the left strap -for right handers. It is very simple and intuitive to switch on, twist to arm and pull to deploy, with an integrated Li-ion battery that keeps the supercapacitors topped up; 150 litres volume.
SPECAND TECH:Anewlockingsystempreventsthe accidental zip-peels that plagued early airbags. After use, a ventilation tool enables rapid deflation for simple stuff-and-go repacking. This was the one pack on the test where I was able to do everything right -first time.
PROS:Lightest, smallest and by far the simplest.
CONS: The unprotected tech feels a bit vulnerable.
USP:Super lightweight and versatile, and you can also travel with it in hold or cabin, with no hassle. ortovox.com
PROS:Sleek, inside and out.
CONS: It takes some cunning to pack around the tech unit.
USP:Excellent pack design and features. scott-sports.com
We've recruitedthe help of the Ski Club Elvesto hunt down the best Christmasgifts for the skiersin your life. With the cost of reindeerfood spiralling,we've selectedski and snow-inspiredpresentsthat havevirtually all been crafted in England,being sureto keepdown those Rudolphmiles. Shouldyou be the lone skier/riderin a family of heathensnon-riders,we suggestyou tear out these pagesand leavethem in a prominentplaceas a sourceof inspiration
Swot up on the stories behind 50 of the world's most intriguing ski runs with the latest 246-page hardback book from Patrick Thorne, Around The World in 50 Slopes. Taking the reader on a rip-roaring journey across six continents, Patrick reveals the secret stories behind slopes connected to everyone from James Bond and The Beatles to Jesus Christ and Count Dracula via smugglers, a witch and the Taliban. Covering equally diverse topics, from climate change and Christmas to gay rights and religion, his 40-year career spent pounding the world's pistes in search of hot news stories truly comes to life in this fascinating, educational and humorous tome. Around The World in 50 Slopes is published by Wildfire Books, priced at £16.99. Contact Patrick directly via TheSnowHunter.comfor a signed copy.
We can't all ski all the time but, for when you can't physically be out there, Powderhound enables you to surround yourself with memories of mountain life.
Founded by British artist and photographer Natasha Durlacher, Powderhound is best known for her beautifully painted fine bone china candles, mugs, tableware and Christmas baubles.
Adorned with brightly-coloured little skiers, riders and snow-topped chalets, they make perfect gifts for any passionate skier. Should pretty porcelain not cut the mustard, Natasha's collection of mountaininspired homeware and lifestyle goodies extends to prints of her prized photographic prints and casual clothing.
Christmas baubles and mugs from £17, candles from £25 (powderhound.london).
Designed and manufactured from 100% merino wool here in the UK, Snow Fine! is a collection of stylish and extremely wearable clothing and accessories. If you've spotted Graham Bell wearing a particularly natty woollen jumper or Chemmy Alcott sporting an eye-catching snood, chances are it's a Snow Fine! number as they're both proud ambassadors for the brand. From lightweight baselayers you'll be happy to flash in the comfort of your chalet to rainbow striped midlayers and heavyweight ski jumpers, you can kit yourself in cosy merino from head to toe.
Snoodsfrom£30, women's jumpers from £135 and classic men's ski jumpers from £295 (snowfinel.co.uk).
Just in time for Christmas, the seasoned ski patroller, avalanche explosives handler, ski instructor and Search and Rescue dog handler Caroline Elliot has penned a most delightful book, Fjord'sMountain Mission.
Inspired by her beloved SAR dog Fjord (now chasing cloud rabbits in doggie heaven), Caroline's book makes the perfect stocking filler for budding riders, bringing alive the basics of mountain safety for five to 11-year-olds.
As Fjord goes about his daily tasks, securing pistes, preventing avalanches and responding to emergency alerts, he helps readers to learn how to orientate themselves around a resort and see what really happens behind the scenes. Complete with charming illustrations and forewords written by the likes of Lorraine Huber, Hilary Nelson and Chemmy Alcott, every young skier needs a copy of Fjord's book for Christmas. Fjord'sMountain Missioncosts£14.99 (bookdepository.com).
Admittedly, an orthopaedic appointment might not sound like the sexiest of Christmas gifts at first but, trust us, your beloved will be thanking you once they're on the slopes and experiencing the difference custom-made orthotics can make to their skiing!
Book a private appointment with biomechanics expert Christophe Champs at London's PODO Clinic and you'll emerge after 90 minutes not only infinitely wiser about your personal balance, gait, posture and alignment but also the owner of a pair of orthotics entirely unique to you. These ski-specific insoles are made from thermomouldable materials selected to suit your specific body type, level of skiing, age, lifestyle and underlying conditions, and are moulded directly to your feet.
The result is that you will be more comfortable in your ski boots, ski better and reduce the risk of strain and injury while skiing.
A private consultationand creationof ski-specificorthotics at the PODOClinicon MortimerStreet,Londoncostsfrom £369 (podo.london).
A great gift for the skier who has everything, these beautiful bamboo ski poles are crafted from environmentally smart materials by the Swedish pole specialist, Kang. In addition to looking great, they have a handy one-hand-adjustable strap and 9.5cm freeride basket. But why stop at poles? Celebrate the shiny new winter season with your beloved by treating them to a pair of bamboo PFD skis, hand crafted by Rupert Gammond in Worcestershire, and he'll send you the poles for free. Bargain! Kangpolesavailablefrom £95 or free when buyinga set ofPFDSkis by 1December2022from£1,250 (pfdskis.com).
Get gearedup for winter with this super-valuekit, handpickedby the Snow+Rockexperts
Keen to invest in some new technical ski gear without spending a fortune? We've teamed up with the experts from Snow+Rockto round up this season's best-value kit.
From quality brands you know you can trust, they are low on cost but big on style and substance, promising to perform season after season. Happy shopping MEN'SGEAR
The Chakal from The North Face will quickly become your go-to all-mountain jacket. With lightweight Primaloft Black insulation and The North Face's seam-sealed DryVent fabric technology, it's wind and waterproof yet breathable -perfect for changeable mountain conditions. Plus, you get all the little extras you'd expect from a quality ski jacket, including zippered underarm vents, an internal phone pocket with headphone compatibility, and a fully adjustable zip-off ski helmet-compatible hood -what's not to love?
Keeping you warm and dry whatever the mountains throw your way, The North Face's Chakal ski pants feature Heatseeker Eco insulation and breathable seam-sealed DryVent fabric to keep the elements at bay. With a relaxed fit and engineered stretch, they look and feel great, so you have no excuse not to stay out shredding from first lift to last.
ROSSIGNOLEXPERIENCE82 BASALTSKIS£485
Accessible, responsive and confidence-inspiring, the Experience 82 Basalt skis are ideal for intermediate to advanced riders. Most at home on the groomers, but with enough grunt and float to cope with late-afternoon soft chop, vibration damping in the tip keeps things smooth on teeth-rattling pistes, while the basalt laminate ensures you're still looking at a lively, energetic ride. The combination of Rossignol's Drive Tip design and full sidewall construction ensures a precise yet smooth sensation throughout the turn. The user-friendly NX 12 Knet bindings complete the package.
ATOMICHAWXPRIME100 GWBOOTS£320
A great-value all-rounder of a ski boot built with comfort in mind, the Hawk Prime 100 GWprovides all the best features of Atomic's top-end boots -Memory Fit heatmoulding technology and lightweight Prolite construction -in a smooth medium flex just right for intermediate skiers stepping out into bigger terrain. The Prolite construction is all about reinforcing key areas, but giving the rest of the boot the slimmest possible profile -lighening the weight -so you you can wear them all day without boot fatigue setting in.
NIDECKERMERCSNOWBOARD£249
With a playful feel, Nidecker's Mere board inspires you to take your riding to the next level, whatever the terrain. A standard Camrock profile with a classic camber beneath your feet and an extended rocker to the tip and tail, it provides great edge control with smooth turn initiation and useful float in powder. Teamed with a mellow flex pattern and Pop Carbon inlays at each end, you generate a ton of ollie power without needing superhuman strength. We challenge you to find a better-value quiver killer!
Having undergone a total revamp, the Union Flite Pro bindings are made for powering your ride. The all-new Stage 8 Duraflex baseplate is combined with a Falcor-inspired highback to deliver Union's lightest yet binding series. Compatible with all existing mounting patterns right out of the box, not only are they incredibly easy to use, but they're great value for money to boot.
An easy choice for riders looking for style, performance and value, Vans have merged traditional lacing with the power of a Boa closure at the instep and Custom Slide Guide technology for targeted and customisable heel-hold in any terrain. In addition, they benefit from an UltraCush liner, PopCush footbed and Waffle Lug outsole for dynamic support and an unfiltered board feel so you can max out in the mountains.
DIRTYDOGMUTANT2.0 GOGGLES£92
Featuring an easy magnetic lens-change system and two interchangeable colour lenses, you can confidently tear up the mountains in these goggles come snow or come sunshine. The frames are made from Thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) for strength and durability, while anti-UV colour eliminates fading, and Custom Venting Air Flow Technology (CVAFT)provides protection from lens fog (our biggest bugbear!).
OAKLEYMOD1PROMIPSHELMET£127
Oakley's Modl Pro MIPS helmet offers better protection than ever before. With enhanced Dur-Matter construction, you get increased all-around durability (it's Oakley's most robust construction) yet a clean, low-profile design. We're big fans of MIPS tech -it reduces rotational forces caused by angled impacts to the head. The Fidlock buckle system is easy to operate even with gloves on, while the fixed vents ensure you can let off steam when you need to.
LEVELHEROSKIGLOVES£65
For all-day comfort keeping your hands warm and dry is a must, which is why finding the right pair of gloves is essential. With Primaloft padding for warmth and a fully waterproof and breathable membrane, these gloves promise to withstand the elements. Classic look, awesome value.
ODLOPERFORMANCELIGHTBASELAYERS£45each
When tackling deep winter powder, you need performance layers that can adapt and handle your body's altering temperatures. Odlo's Performance Light baselayers are engineered with seamless ventilation zones to help maximise moisture management, rapidly transporting moisture from hotspots to keep you cool, no matter how hard you're pushing. Plus, with incredible stretch you get enhanced freedom of movement -stretchy baselayers mean comfy baselayers!
PIOUREWOMEN'SFRESYAJACKET£320
Style and substance in a wallet-friendly package. Picture's Fresya jacket features a Dryplay 20k/20k membrane for all-terrain waterproofing and breathability. Eco-engineered with a recycled and bio-sourced polyester shell and Teflon EcoElite PFC-free durable water-repellent finish, it is tough on the elements while being kind on the planet. You have all the features you'd expect, from a stretch snow skirt, to pit zips, to an adjustable ergonomic hood.
PIOUREEXAPANTS£190
The perfect match for the Fresya Jacket, these regular-fit pants feature a Dryplay membrane, Thermal STD insulation, and a Teflon EcoElite PFC-Free durable waterrepellent treatment to protect you from the harshest of conditions. Fully taped seams keep moisture out, while vents in the thighs enable you to let off steam when the going gets tough.
SALOMONSETS/MAXNOBSKIS£450
Unbeatable grip, maximum transmission of energy, smooth flexion, and manoeuvrability -the Salomon's S/MAX N°S skis are the ultimate choice for intermediatelevel women looking to up their piste game. With stability, good ski-to-snow contact and Edge Amplifier technology, you get precision with less effort.
LANGERX80 W LOWVOLUME
GWSKIBOOTS£300
With a 97-millimetre last, this boot is ideal for ladies with narrow and low-volume width feet. Dual Core technology provides the right amount of stiffness in the spine and lower shell for power, while using softer plastic for the foot and lower leg for forgiveness. With a softer flex of 80, this is an ideal boot for intermediate skiers who are looking to improve their game and progress.
NIDECKERORASNOWBOARD£295
A versatile women's board with all the tech you need to take it to the next level. Featuring a full wood core and playful mid-soft flex, it's perfect for mastering turns or popping your first tricks in the park. Plus, with a standard Camrock profile, you get camber between your feet for a spring-loaded response, with an extended rocker towards the nose and tail for better float in deep snow.
SNOWBOARDBINDINGS£210
A multi-talented package for all-terrain fun, these bindings remain soft, flexible and responsive no matter what your riding style. Hitting the sweet spot between power and playfulness, a canted Living Hinge hi-back dials in response, while the Reactstrap and cushioned baseplate ensure smooth and surefooted performance.
More women choose the Burton Mint than any other snowboard boot, and for good reason! Whether you're riding a few times a week or a few times a year, these boots keep you warm and comfortable while inspiring confidence. Burton's exclusive Total Comfort gives you a fit that feels good from first wear, while the Sleeping Bag reflective foil ups the comfort and defies the cold by capturing and radiating your own body heat back to you. Genius!
£65
The best days in the mountains begin and end with warm, dry hands, so getting the right pair of gloves is essential. With a classic look, great fit and incredible value, Level's women's Hero gloves feature Primaloft padding for warmth and a fully waterproof and breathable membrane to protect moisture from getting into your gloves or sweat building up inside.
DIRTYDOGMUTANT0.5 GOGGLES£91
Bred for the wilder side of life, Dirty Dog creates sports eyewear built for adventures. Their Mutant 0.5 goggles are made from strong and durable Thermoplastic polyurethane to ensure durability, while their innovative Custom Venting Air Flow Technology system helps keep your field of vision clear. Two interchangeable colour lenses are included with each pair, easily switchable with magnets, so you can adapt quickly to changing conditions.
The Giro Avera MIPS helmet is designed to provide max protection for your head. With a lightweight in-mould construction, it won't weight you down, but it still promises all the top tech, including MIPS, which reduces rotational forces on the brain. The Thermostat Control Adjustable Venting combined with the fog-free Stack Vent ensures you stay comfortable whatever the conditions. The In Form Fit System Vertical Tuning allows you to tailor the sizing to ensure you get the best possible fit.
EIVYVENTURETOP& ICECOLDTIGHTS£65 each
Eivy's Venture top and Icecold tights are multifunctional baselayers designed for active adventurers. The top features a comfy oversized fit, extended back and ribbed detailing, while the tights are designed to be worn on their own or fit seamlessly under your ski pants. With stand-out prints a signature of the brand, you can showcase your wild style when kicking back around the resort. Plus, whether you're packing for shredding, yoga, working out or exploring, both fold away compactly in their own recyclable travel bag that's a doddle to pack.
In 1944, war ragedacrossEurope.In neutralSwitzerland,however, peacereigned,and as the SecondWorld War reachedthe beginning of its end, the SkiClub of Great Britainbegan its return to the slopes...
ith normal activities suspended, including publication of the Ski Club Yearbook, Member and 'Official Representative for Switzerland' E. Gordon-Spencer took it upon himself to compile a scrapbook of Club activities over the penultimate year of the war. Featuring articles on resorts, highlighting new infrastructure, and showcasing plenty of pictures of Members and racers hard at play on the slopes, Gordon-Spencer's collection unearthed from the Club's treasured Archives at De Montfort University this month provides an invaluable insight into the Anglo-Swiss community across the Swiss Alps during that period.
The Anglo-Swiss community we witness in Gordon-Spencer's collection dates to well before the war, but was supplemented considerably by many thousands of soldiers interned in Switzerland during the Second World War. While mostly French and German, there was also a small but significant population of American and British internees. They had been sent to Switzerland for a number of reasons, including being part of prisoner exchanges between nations, escapees from prisoner of war camps or, critically for our story, to recover in the fresh mountain air from a variety of illnesses.
Gordon-Spencer comments on the 1944 edition of the Parsenn Derby, an annual race that had been running in Davos since 1924 and offering a women's event since 1933. This 1944 edition was run in Klosters instead of Davos as a result of limits on British internees travelling to the neighbouring resort. Following a few corners being shaved off the course by enterprising athletes that resulted in record times in the 1942 edition, this was the first Derby to be run with fixed gates on the course.
The race was well attended by foreign dignitaries, including representatives from the American legation in charge of overseeing prisoner of war treatment, and several British officers.
The British party was on good terms with the Klosters locals, in whose hotels they were interned at the expense of the Swiss Government. Mr Masser (alternately Meiser), of the Silvretta, was well praised by Gordon-Spencer, both for his work facilitating contact between internees and their families at home, and his extensive expertise in acquiring skiing equipment. With a useful nucleus of American airmen to top up the numbers, the Parsenn Derby went down a storm in the penultimate winter of the war.
Much is owed to the interned soldiers, sailors and airmen in Switzerland for their enterprising work supporting skiing during the war. Alongside the improvements carried out in resorts such as Adelboden, thanks to the American Gis stationed nearby, traditions such as the Parsenn Derby were continued throughout. As the war reached its conclusion, Gordon-Spencer thought ahead to peace time, when Brits could return to the Alps without the prerequisite of internship, and Mr Masser could celebrate his ruby anniversary of being a hotelier in style!
TA map taken from the pages of E.GordonSpencer'sreport
