The Val Echo Issue 1515

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ISSUE 1515 | MAR 6, 2020

THE

ECHO

WEEKLY GUIDE TO VAL D’ISÈRE TIGNES

M A G A Z I N E

GREEN PARTY PEOPLE

ARSEMAN: THE PREMIERE

CONSPIRACY THEORIES OF VAL

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THE FOLIE DOUCE ART PROJECT COVER ART: OLLY JOBLING Last year, we launched the Folie Douce Art Project, with the aim of adorning the front cover of the Echo with local artists’ creations. It worked! We ended up with 21 stunning magazines and got to meet some thoroughly fascinating individuals over a spot of lunch at La Folie Douce. The famous mountain restaurant, bar and cabaret extravaganza generously support this project and we’re thrilled to announce their continuing sponsorship this winter.

We’re now on the hunt for more creative talent. If you would like to see your work on the front of Val d’Isère’s finest English language publication, and featured on the screens at La Folie Douce, get in touch with us now. Whatever your medium, we can almost certainly accommodate it.

To find out more about how to be involved, email: contact@valecho.co.uk.

Also you can check out last year’s covers and buy prints of your favourite at www.valecho.co.uk/ folie-douce-art-project We can’t wait to see what the Echo will look like this year.

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24 EVENT LISTINGS

CONT ENTS The Val Echo CCK Intergalactic Ltd www.valecho.co.uk contact@valecho.co.uk

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What’s on this week: - Town events - Bar nights - Sporting competitions

29 CONSPIRACY THEORIES OF VAL What it says on the tin

32 HENRY’S AVALANCHE TALK An in depth look at the snow conditions and up-coming weather for off pisters

Please recycle the magazine once you have read it. Or, better still, hand it on to someone else.

37 THE OSCARS ARE HERE

Contributors: Sam Box, Ben Pryor, Caitlin Kennedy

You are invited to the World Premier of ARSEMAN, plus 24 other films made in a week for the TIGNES FILM AWARDS

06 RESORT GUIDE The down-low on everything from the best restaurants to the numbers to call in an emergency

NEW STYLE

10 SPOTLIGHT ON THE ARTIST We chat to Olly Jobling the designer of this week’s cover art.

The Echo’s cover is generously sponsored by La Folie Douce

La Folie Douce is putting a green foot forward and taking steps to become ever more sustainable

Sur rendez-vous à partir de 14h

design www.athoms.fr

14 GREEN PARTY PEOPLE

Coiffure & Massage Hairdresser & Massage By appointment From 2PM

22 OUTSIDE THE BUBBLE A satirical spin on the week’s events from our man on the outside, Ben Pryor

+33(0)4 79 06 02 00 info@avancher.com Arrêt de navette UCPA / www.avancher.com

Remise Carte Vie Val d’Is

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SPOTLIGHT ON THE ARTIST Artist: Olly Jobling

How has being injured impacted your creative flow (Olly broke his back recently)?

It’s really helped it actually. This is the most free time I’ve ever had in the Alps, so it has given me an opportunity to draw everyday and really think about what inspires me.

What is the most interesting project you’ve worked on in the past few years?

Good question! I’d say right now I’m producing my most interesting work; I’m drawing more than ever and focusing on different works within one style and a recurring theme. I’ve been calling the project A Mounting Aesthetic by Joblime. It might come to nothing but I’m starting to build a good group of pieces focused on the mountains, this cover being one of them.

I’m hoping it will eventually transform into something, but for now I’m just seeing where it takes me.

What have you been up to artistically since you last did a cover for us?

Since then I’ve spent the summer in Annecy and am now in Verbier for the winter. I spent most of the last year working on my art blog, Paused Perception, but since moving to Verbier I’ve gotten more into drawing again and put Paused Perception on hold.

Do you think your style is changing?

I’d say it’s more evolving than fundamentally changing. I’ve always been fascinated by collage art and creating colour palettes to match a mood or a feeling. So my recent work has involved combining more of that.

The drawing process is more complex now but the outcome is often simpler, which I really prefer.

We were looking at your celebrity portraits, which are amazing. Who’s next?

I’ve been moving away from portraits and more to abstract landscapes, but I’ve been working with AfterJam on some hip hop icons in the style of the Biggie long-sleeve I did for them. Plus a limited edition Nick Cage wrestling a bull that I’m waiting to see printed.

Can’t wait to see that! What has been inspiring your work recently?

The mountains and food I’d say. I’ve been cooking a lot with my housemate (who’s an amazing chef) since my injury. I’ve also had a lot more time to just sit and stare at the mountains. They’re absolutely stunning and the vastness of them makes all the petty things seem pretty insignificant. It’s easy to forget that when they’re all around you every day.

You were in Annecy over the summer right? Did you make it to the Animation Festival?

I did, I watched Asterix outside all in French.

Great film, no clue what it’s about, but Asterix did win.

How did you find it living there?

I loved it, living so close to the lake and mountains. Swimming and trail running whenever; it was the dream. Definitely worth a summer visit for anyone that hasn’t been.

How’s the DJing going?

Good! I have a couple of regular events in Verbier but with a change of genre from what I used to play in Val. I’ve been running a garage and drum and bass night. There was a lack of a rave scene here and yet everyone seemed to love getting spangled, so I put two and two together and made Bassquake. I also have Sublime Saturday’s which is a similar concept to Funky Tuesdays but in a curry house, so a little more rowdy.

And I’m playing outside in the centre of town for the weekend of the Freeride World Tour.

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Is there anything you miss about being in Val? 100% the people. It was tough after my injury having to cancel my week’s trip to Val, but I’m hoping to come over at some point.

What’s up your sleeve for the future of Joblime?

It could be anything. I don’t want to limit myself to just illustration; I started Joblime as a blank canvas to create semi-anonymously without any rules. I’d love to be somewhere between Banksy and Kanye eventually. I really like Kanye’s descent into madness, it looks fun. In fact that might be what’s next...

Where can people find more of your work?

Instagram through Joblime_design and PausedPerception.

Thank you Olly and wishing you a speedy recovery!

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GREEN PARTY PEOPLE Whilst La Folie Douce might be known for standing out from the crowd, fitting in to its surroundings is actually incredibly important to the Folie team.

The world renowned partyon-the-piste is leading the way when it comes to sustainability and making real changes to reduce its impact on the planet. Since its inception as a familyrun, slope-side restaurant, it used a mix of locally-sourced materials, (stone, wood and slabs of shale) as building materials, to blend in with the mountain scenery during the summer months.

And whilst the enterprise has grown considerably over the years, the dedication to serving the finest Savoie cuisine (with a twist) in an incredible setting continues today. Then, just as now, the kitchen was dedicated to finding local producers, both embedding the business in the community and reducing its mileage from farm to table.

For many years now, the après extravaganza has been largely self sufficient when it comes to water provisions. A while ago, La Folie Douce drilled a pipeline into the mountain, and as the snow melts, it floods underneath Les 3 Caves. The water is then treated in a specifically designed room and used as the primary water source for the season. This means they don’t have to rely on energy intensive pumping of water from the valley.

Likewise, no heating is required in any

of the restaurant areas as the carefully planned architectural design of the building means that the heat from the kitchens warms them sufficiently.

Recently, Folie has been ramping up its commitment to sustainability with several new changes designed to lessen its environmental impact. These include the introduction of Eco-cups across all of their mountain locations. All drinks are now served in durable, non-disposable vessels, which hugely lessens the amount of throw-away plastic produced. Ecocups are a French innovation that are making waves in plastic reduction as they can be used for hot or cold drinks and are totally recyclable at the end of their lives.

On the subject of waste, La Folie Douce has made a big shift towards using glass and cardboard wherever possible with all recycling sorted on site, aided by cardboard compactors and glass crushers.

The terrace, as well as the snow front, is cleaned by hand daily with staff sorting materials. PR for Folie Douce, Jerrine, informed us, “On big student weeks we communicate with Tour Operators that guests should not drink or leave waste on the slopes and our staff assist TOs to manage and clean debris.”

Folie also works with the Pisteurs to ensure that partiers have fun responsibly. In line with that, security staff are on the lookout to make sure that Folie-goers do not leave with bottles, cans or other items to be thrown on the slopes. And this season saw the installation of urban ashtrays with butt sorting management as cigarette butts can be a big blight on the landscape come summer.

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But waste isn’t all the team have focused on. As ever increasing numbers of people take steps to decrease their meat intake, the chefs have adapted the menus of the self service restaurant and La Fruitiere to offer vegetarian and vegan dishes daily.

There is also a focus on local sourcing and freshly made food with 50% of products coming from French production and 75% of the dishes produced on site. The famous cheese shops stock the very best of local mountain cheeses : Persille de Tignes, Reblochon, Tomme de Bonneval, Beaufort, etc. By respecting the environment and by favouring local suppliers, La Folie Douce looks after the best interests of it customers and the local economy.

And they’re not stopping there: “In the future we are looking for further measures to encourage mountain sustainability.” says Jerrine. “The whole point is to continue with an eco-responsible mind set and do what we can do for the environment.”

What you see on the exterior of La Folie Douce really is the tip of the iceberg. In researching this article, we were granted a glimpse of the cavernous underground clockwork that keeps the show rolling up above. What becomes immediately apparent is the picture of a well oiled machine with a heart, efficiently ticking over and constantly adapting to the prevailing needs of its clients. Perched on the side of the mountain, removed from the ebb and flow of village life, it really is a fascinating insight into a self sufficient way of working.

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GONDALOVING Our Gondalovers bare all about their steamy ski and lunch date courtesy of Pizza Nick, Lavachet.

Give us the lowdown on the meal at Pizza Nick.

The pizza was delicious! But Valentin was unimpressed that I’m a pineapple on pizza kinda gal.

Were you impressed with his skiing?

Yes, Valentin was great on skis- he shimmied down those slopes like a natural. Mostly though, I liked that he never went far ahead and would wait for me to catch up- again very sweet of him.

How did the date end?

Trying to figure out the fastest way back to Val so Valentin wouldn’t be late for work!

Would you meet again?

Sure! If he ever wants to explore Tignes he should hit me up!

VALENTIN:

ANNA MARIE: How would you describe your dating life up till now?

Bleak- aside from my roommate making me dinner and watching Moulin Rouge together on Valentine’s Eve...does that count?

Funniest moment of the date?

Finding out that although Valentin has lived in Val for 5 years- he had no idea how to get to Lavachet!

What did you like most about him?

The fact that his name was Valentin! And he helped someone up after they fell which was sweet.

What was your chairlift chat?

How on earth to get to Lavachet.

Tell us about the date.

It was an epic adventure. We were like Sam and Frodo on their journey, except Mordor was Tignes and Mount Doom a pizzeria.

Funniest moment of the date?

Everything was fun.

What did you like most about her?

Her smile and her lovely voice.

What was your chairlift chat?

Everything. We got lost, so we took like 10 lifts which gave us time to explore many topics.

Give us the lowdown on the meal at Pizza Nick.

Oh great pizzas! A lot of topping and a thin crust, 10/10 pizzas.

Were you impressed with her skiing?

Kind of.

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How did the date end?

I was late for my radio show, so we parted ways at the top of Tovière with me rushing down the mountain to get to work.

Would you meet again?

I wish! But I was too shy to ask her number...

Anna Marie and Valentin shared a romantic meal at Pizza Nick in Lavachet.

Pizza Nick make their incredible pizzas in a traditional stone oven and they are genuinely a little slice of heaven. They also have an amazing lunchtime deal of a Margarita midi pizza/Jacket potato with salad/mini fries and a drink for 10â‚Ź.

An absolute steal! Check them out in the evening too, when they become a sociable hub, wafting out the scents of freshly baked dough into the open plan restaurant.

N E W F I N E F O O D S D E L I C AT E S S E N IN THE TOURIST OFFICE SQUARE. O R D E R O N L I N E AT l m d l m . c o m O R VISIT THE STORE

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OUT OF THE BUBBLE

By Ben Pryor

Coronamadness appears to be nearing its zenith, as cases in Italy have spiked into the thousands with all schools closed for a fortnight; sales of facemasks have skyrocketed, and people continue to diligently rub antibacterial sanitiser over their hands to try and prevent the spread of a virus. British cases have topped 100 with the first fatality. Prime Minister BoJo appeared on TV to tell people it might get worse before it gets better but I’ve no idea whether that’s Covid-19, the number of people Priti Patel is alleged to have bullied, FlyBe’s collapse, MPs’ expenses

topping £200m for the first time or the future trading relationship with the EU after negotiators spent the week self-isolating in Brussels with Michel Barnier.

In the US, the race for second place is down to two after Super see you next Tuesday, with Pocahontas Elizabeth Warren, mini-Mike Bloomberg and Amy never even warranted a nickname Klobuchar all dropping out (together with Pete Buttgag, who pulled out the weekend before), leaving Sleepy Joe and the Bernie going head to head to take on his Orangeness.

For someone whose campaign looked on life support after the New Hampshire primary, Sleepy Joe has had the greatest comeback since Lazarus, who it looks like he probably met in his youth. The contest between three white, septuagenarian millionaires continues to prove that anyone can become President in America… but

after that they’ll likely revert to type.

The A-level artist formerly known as Prince Harry has been back in the UK for his farewell tour before quitting royal life.

He’s here to promote the Invictus Games, record a new version of the song with Bon Jovi at Abbey Road (doubtless with his microphone turned off) and to attend an awards ceremony with his wife, presumably with a similar provision in place.

Excess heat from the Northern Line is heating over 1000 homes in Islington; no need for the Jeremy to apply for the winter allowance then. A custom-made fake of the Batmobile featured in ‘Batman v Superman’ has been seized by Russian police from the streets of Moscow; I have a feeling it’s destined for the Kremlin. Kim Kardashian, wannabe lawyer (oh, there’s the reality show hook), has visited the White

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House with some prisoners she helped free; from prison or is she speaking sexually (she must have run out of NBA players by now)? The Donald’s former physician, Dr Ronny Jackson, claims he hid cauliflower in the President’s mashed potato in a bid to help him lose weight; hiding potato in KFC mashed potato would be a start. Vladimir Putin wants God and marriage put into the constitution; if the people defy him, he can always deploy the caped crusader on the streets of Moscow.

And finally, porn sites have been cashing in on the corona virus with sites posting videos of people having sex in hazmat suits with facemasks on; must have raided the Jeremy’s place for his ‘Diane’ video tape.

Until next week, I’m Бэтмен.

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SATURDAY 7 SALOON Beer-pong specials VICTOR’S Seasonaire Saturday. 5€ beer, 4€ wine, 6€ cocktails 21-23 10% discount on food PETIT DANOIS DJ James French 10pm MANTRA X E-fat bike race on snow, open to all with equipment supplied. Qualifiers for men & women: 9am to 7pm, Le Face.

6 NATIONS See page 46 LE LODGE DJ K2

EVENTS LISTINGS SUNDAY 8 PETIT DANOIS Live Music with Ali and Tchai 5.45pm. DJ Jack Igglesden 10pm SALOON Beer-pong specials BANANAS Drum and Bass with DJ BigKez HIBOU Sunday Funday! Happy Hour all day & Live Music w/ Luke Burgess CINEMA Richard Jewell in English 8.30pm 6 NATIONS See page 46

TIGNES SALOON Beer pong specials

WEDNESDAY 11 BONNE SANTÉ Power Flow Yoga with Rose 10.30am at Le Hibou ESCAPE GAME Use the clues to escape Solaise Lounge. Tickets @ Liftpass Office X COUNTRY RACE Open to all with free equipment rental and vin chaud. 6.30pm.

FOLIE DOUCE WTF! Party SALOON 3€ JOSS!!

PETIT DANOIS Live Music The Mardy Johnny Depps 17h. DJ James French 22h HIBOU Wings Wednesday BONNE SANTÉ Hilltop Candlelit Yin. Refuge de Solaise 7.30pm BANANAS Live DJ on the decks 10.30pm CINEMA Dark Waters in English 8.30pm TIGNES SALOON 3€ JOSS!!

MANTRA X E-fat bike race finals (men & women) @ Le Face. 9.30am to 11.30am TIGNES Freeride World Qualifier. Les Tufs.

TIGNES SALOON Beer pong specials

THURSDAY 12 TIGNES FILM AWARDS The Oscars of Tignes/Val d’Isere! 8.30pm at Tignespace.

More info pg 37. Tickets for sale @ Planks.

SALOON Thirsty Thursday 15€ Long island PETIT DANOIS Live Music: The Blazin’ Strings 5pm. DJ Jack Iggelsden 10pm FOOTBALL TOURNAMENT 5-a-side @ Leisure Centre. 5€/person, 3pm-6pm VICTORS Hip Hop Night with Live DJ BANANAS Live DJ on the decks BONNE SANTÉ Hilltop Candlelit Flow.

Refuge de Solaise 11am CLASSICAVAL Concert in church 7pm.

Buy tickets at the Tourist Office.

T-SALOON Thirsty Thursday ! 15€ Long island iced tea

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MONDAY 9 BONNE SANTÉ Mountain Flow Yoga with Rose 10.30am at Le Hibou SALOON Messy Monday 15€ Headf*cker LA FOLIE DOUCE Born in the 90s PETIT DANOIS Live Music Mullit & the Machine 5pm. DJ Jack Igglesden 10pm AVALANCHE SAFETY TALK Free talk at 5.30pm in English on the Snowfront CLASSICAVAL Opening night soiree with taster concert @ Hotel Avenue Lodge 7pm THE MARMOT ARMS BASS STATION with DJ Komissar and friends TIGNES SALOON Messy Monday – the wall 15€

FRIDAY 13 PETIT DANOIS Live music with Karen & Andreas 5pm. DJ Jack Igglesden 22h SALOON 3€ J-Bombs and Open Deck with DJ Lukas SAVONETTE Yooner sledging 6pm LE LODGE DJ Valentin 11pm-2am

TUESDAY 10 SALOON DJ PSD back on the decks!

CLASSICAVAL Concert in church 7pm.

Buy tickets at the Tourist Office.

BACKSTAGE VISIT Discover how the CATEX system for intentional avalanche blasting works. Sign up @Tourist Office.

FALL LINE Live DJ on the decks

PETIT DANOIS Live Music The Revolverlites 5pm. DJ Jack Igglesden 22h VICTOR’S Retro Night! All your favourite tunes from the 70s, 80s and 90s TIGNES SALOON Live Music: Queens of the Snow Stage!

ALL WEEK BANANAS Happy Hour 6.30-7.30pm and 10.30-11.30pm HIBOU Happy Hour 4-7pm. Kitchen open from 12pm for lunch SALOON (VAL) Happy Hour 8-10pm: Jugs 15€ + 3€ Joss. 2-4-1, 4-6pm. Can you beat the highscore on the boxing machine?

LA FOLIE DOUCE Seasonaire Meal Deal 12€ @ Petite Cuisine VICTOR’S Cocktail Hour 9-11pm. Cocktails 6€ Restaurant booking 0479060652

TIGNES SALOON 3€ J-bombs

THE FALL LINE Happy hour everyday 3-5pm4.50€ pints. Beer Pong every day 12€ a jug.

BLUE NOTE Happy Hour everyday 3-6pm, Hot Sloe Gin & Tonic and complimentary nibbles.

T-SALOON 2-4-1 @ après (4-6pm). Happy Hour 20-22h: jugs 15€ + 3€ Joss. All sport shown SO BAR Open 4pm everyday with free Aprés pizza & a fab new cocktail menu

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CONSPIRACY THEORIES In the fake news era, it is important to fact check your information. This week, we look into some of the most popular conspiracy theories relating to the resort and see which ones hold any truth.

One of the biggest mysteries in resort is where exactly all the missing coats end up. The seasonaire page is littered with all but hopeless posts from people who have lost their coats in the Dicks black hole. The most reasonable explanation is that they end up in another seasonaire’s apartment who is too embarrassed/too much of a low life to return it. However, after much sleuthing, we have uncovered the real answer. The murder of crows you see prowling the town are actually a highly trained jacket stealing task force funded by the skiwear industry. The crows swoop into the bars under the cover of darkness and fly the coats back to their lair where they are re-purposed into the very same jackets people buy to replace their lost ones.

There are a lot of theories on why it seems to rain or blow a gale after every single snowfall. The prevailing explanation is that climate change has made our winters less reliable. However, we talked to a very reliable source found propping up a bar who explained the truth to us and as it turns out, climate change isn’t real and it is actually an inside job. The French have (understandably) had enough of the Brits ruining their lovely town and Emmanuel Macron has signed the executive order to enact a confidential operation to put Brits off Val D. When it snows, the French seasonaires are all in secret cahoots to turn on their hobs and open their windows. This warms everything up a couple of degrees,

turning any fresh pow into slush.

With Brexit and this being the rainiest season in years, next winter is shaping up to be very French in resort.

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Particularly after a late night out, many of us wonder how we manage to be so frivolous with our money when most seasonaire wages are rather tragic. It is easy to check your Monzo after a large week with the squad and wonder how you have ended up in an overdraft you didn’t realise you had. People blame it on FOMO and alcohol induced carelessness, but a leak from an internal source has spilled the real beans. When the bars and restaurants are short on cash, they get the resort to turn on the snow cannons. You’ve heard of chem trails right? Well it’s the same thing, except for the mind control fumes produced by the cannons make everyone get rid of their hard earned cash as if it causes coronavirus.

We all know that the moon landing was faked, but did you know that all land based animal prints are too? When you see little footprints under the chair lift, you expect them to be those of foxes and hares. It is well established amongst conspiracists that this is not in fact true and that the Val d’Isère tourist board makes them in the night to please the punters.

Sadly, they have to do this because there are no foxes and hares left from eating all the cigarette butts.

Talking of animals, one very common conspiracy theory that you may have heard is that of the marmot. This theory has become so commonplace that people actually claim to see them in late spring.

Marmots are supposedly these furry little creatures that bumble about under the lifts, we have no idea how this ludicrous idea has taken a hold of the community.

They are simply not real.

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In the Galerie de Thovex at the corner of the Tourist Office Square

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OFF PISTE SNOW REPORT Brought to you by Henry’s Avalanche Talk www. henrysavalanchetalk. com

Chardonnet couloir, Tignes on Tuesday.

This was a sunny day following 20cm or so of fresh snowfall. Two off-piste skiers were caught by an avalanche that they triggered on a second lap of the same route they’d taken 20 minutes previously. One of them was flown to hospital in an unconscious state after being buried for 10 minutes.

The week ahead promises to be very similar, and will be another tricky one as far as avalanche danger goes. Temperatures will be yo-yoing again, with significant snowfall expected (sometimes rain) More unsettled weather before settling down a bit from Tuesday in the Northern accompanied by wind.

French Alps!

Recent history of the snowpack It’s been an epic week of off-piste skiing, There’s been a lot of very obvious with arguably the best snow conditions avalanche activity this week. You can spot it of the whole season! Following some from every chairlift. Much of this has been resort level rain on Thursday, we just had another night of fresh snowfall so we wake in the form of direct avalanches (naturally occurring), but some has been skieron Friday with avalanche danger rating 4 triggered too. again.

There are a variety of off-piste conditions at the moment. We currently have some great powder snow conditions, light and fluffy in places (especially the colder high north’ish facing slopes), in others densified by the wind, but very skiable. With more fresh snowfall due next week, at least above 1800m or so, we’re hoping for more great off-piste skiing conditions, at least some days, next week.

With all the recent snowfall, and more expected next week, we’ll continue to see increased avalanche activity. Any rainfall will make the snowpack heavier and lead to potentially very large natural avalanches occurring.

There are large snow accumulations on leeward slopes. These areas could easily be triggered by the weight of skiers passing by. There’s also that weak layer in isolated After any substantial fresh snowfall we’ll, as places above 2700 m on the more shady N always, be choosing low slope angles, <30° facing slopes and on less-travelled routes. (the steepest part of a red run) to start with, Check out what the avalanche danger and keeping a wary eye out for any signs of ratings mean. recent avalanche activity.

What is the current avalanche risk in the Northern French Alps/Savoie?

Sadly (but predictably) sunny days after As we write, the avalanche risk is 4/5. fresh snowfall this week have seen a As we predicted last week, avalanche ‘powder frenzy’ with the off-piste being activity has been both spontaneous and rapidly tracked out with little/no regard skier triggered. This will continue to be for safety. There have been many skiertrue with each fresh snowfall. For any triggered avalanches/slides this week, specific points about snow stability, you most of them thankfully without serious need to check the daily avalanche bulletins, consequences. There was, however, particularly when any fresh snow comes. a serious avalanche accident in the

Photo Credit: Wayne Watson

What does this mean for off-piste skiers and snowboarders?

Steep slopes with terrain traps beneath them are always going to be particularly at risk. As we reported last week, if we receive 75 cm to a metre of new snow (which can also mean accumulations of windtransported snow), this can produce some very large avalanches due to the increasing weight of snow (‘load’ in scientific terminology) pushing through to old instability in the form of some isolated old weak layers which still exist, especially in areas above 2500m.

The best way for you to keep track of snow stability (which is even difficult for the experts) is to look out for evidence of avalanche activity.

Where is most at risk at the moment?

Steep slopes with fresh snow on them and terrain traps beneath them are always going to be particularly at risk. Particularly beware of slopes above 2500/2700m, which didn’t benefit from the solidifying effect of the rain’s humidification and subsequent refreezing.

How does the forecast look for the coming week?

Looks like the weather will start to settle a bit from Tuesday or Wednesday next week. We have been in very unsettled weather which has produced fantastic snow conditions.

SATURDAY 7: Calm, with some sun and some Cumulus clouds. Maximum temperatures: -5°C at 2000m, -12°C at 3000m. Isotherm 0°C: 900 then 1500m.

Wind at 2000m: N 10/20 km/h. Wind at 3000 m: N 40km/h.

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SUNDAY 8: In the morning: plentiful sun in the mountains all day but with high altitude clouds at the end of the day.

Maximum temperatures: -5°C at 2000m, -7°C at 3000m. Isotherm 0°C: 2200m. Wind at 2000m: NW 10 km/h. Wind at 3000m: N 40 km/h then NW 20/30 km/h.

Night from Sunday to Monday: light snow, rain/snow limit around 1000m, 10 cm in the massifs.

MONDAY 9: Grey and cool weather, with some snow forecast. Rain/snow limit around 900m, 10 cm in the mountains. Lull at the end of the day.

TUESDAY 10: Many clouds. Quite mild, isothermal 0°C around 2300m. Rainfall uncertain, snow around 2000m, 10 cm to 2500m, to be confirmed.

WEDNESDAY 11: sunny and mild, a few scattered clouds.

THURSDAY 12: fairly generous sunshine, cloudy periods in the afternoon. Light rain at night (flakes from 1500/1800 m).

FRIDAY 13: sunny spells then good weather.

Tip of the week This week’s tip is the same as last week.

Avalanche expert, Alain Duclos, from dataavalanche.org says: “The best clue about avalanche danger is avalanches!!” …. or ‘recent avalanche activity’ as we call it at HAT.

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As the mid season slump hits, many find that their financial situation is sub optimal.

Here are some pro tips for getting those stacks back up.

eyes out on the streets. Look real closely and you will see that these coins have little numbers on them, this tells you what they are worth to the places that accept them in exchange for beer.

The quickest way to get hard cash is to sell your belongings. Just think, do you really need three ski jackets? You could try the seasonaire page but it is full of people trying to sell things. What you really ought to be doing is creating a pop up shop on the bus to display your wares. Do it towards the end of the ski day when it is busiest to have the maximum amount of potential customers.

Many people are holding back dollars as they know that landlords out here eat security deposits for breakfast. You may have replaced your broken plates and you may have rationed your heating to the minute but it doesn’t matter as the landlords know that you can’t do anything about it.

Given that you are getting little to none of your security deposit back, you may as well just flog the microwave anyway.

It can be a very shocking revelation that those weird pieces of metal that you sometimes get given by shop keepers actually have worth. Gather up all the shrapnel that is lying about your apartment, check all of your pockets and even keep

We almost weren’t going to share this one at the risk of it being banned as it is in Chinese Pizza Huts - but it is just too good.

When you go to any of the restaurants on the mountain with a salad bar, they give you small plates to fill. What you want to

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YOU ARE INVITED...

Are you going to The Tignes Film Awards?

Here’s what to expect...

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DJ Kommisar to warm us up.

The event will officially kick off at around 9:30 and the films will play shortly after.

This is the main event - the earlier you arrive, the better your spot will be to watch all the films!

Once we have watched all the films the awards ceremony begins. This is where we’ll find out who has won the various awards donated by local and industry sponsors such as “Biggest Send” “Best Skier/Snowboarders” “Worst Acting” and the big one, “Best Film”. You’ll also have the chance to vote for your favourite to award ‘The People’s Choice’.

The Tignes Film Awards has been in fullswing this week with over 25 teams filming and editing their masterpieces as they battle work schedules, weather conditions and horrendous hangovers. As Filming Week draws to a close it’s time to start thinking about The Premiere Night in the Tignes Espace.

Many of you don’t know what to expect, so we have brought you a quick guide to help make sure you don’t miss out on the sickest night of the season.

1. The Venue The Tignespace sports hall is being transformed into an awards venue worthy of the Oscars. There will be a full bar, a massive cinema screen, a monstrous sound system, DJ decks, a red carpet and a VIP area for the teams.

2. Timings The doors will open at 8:30PM for anyone who wants to get there early and have a few drinks before the real party starts. There will be charity hot dogs on sale, brought to you by Brothers Of Tignes - all proceeds to them - and some tunes by

Once the awards are handed out and the winner have been announced it will be time to celebrate with the teams. We will be keeping it loose until the early hours of the morning!

3. Getting there Snowdrone transfers have teamed up with The Tignes Film Awards to offer €10 return transfers from Valbd’Isère and Les Brevieres! Book onto a bus asap - spaces are filling up! info@snow-drone.com 4. Why should you attend? Other than the fact that this is going to be one hell of a party, it’s something completely different.

Over 200 people make up the 25+ teams who have entered and the films they’ve made have been created right here in Tignes and Val. The event is all about you - the people who live and work here - and celebrating our awesome resort. Spend an evening laughing, crying and cheering as you watch our finest seasonaires and locals attempt to deliver show-stopping performances at our very own ‘Oscars Of The Piste’.

See you on the red carpet!

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SEASONAIRE OF THE WEEK

Worst job you’ve ever had?

Any hangover shift.

What is your best trick on skis?

Double backflip while doing a three sixty. I also like skiing greens.

Sasha Sturgess

Thoughts on spiders?

Weird as fuck. People say my eyelashes look like spiders legs but I think they look nice.

What pizza topping describes your life?

Hawaiian because you either love or hate me.

Coolest person you know?

My Dad, he is 50, has a full head of brown hair and still partys way harder than anyone else.

I hear you are going to learn to snowboard soon, what are you most scared about?

Putting the boots on.

What’s the solution to climate change?

Whatever Arctic’s Motto is.

What are you bad at?

Biting my tongue when I need to. I just say what I think all the time and that is why I am like a Hawaiian pizza.

Would Nicole or Rich win a sword fight?

Nicole, she is feisty as fuck.

Agreed (sorry Rich). Olympique or double chair lift?

The Olympique is pretty reliable but the double chairlift is great when hungover. So, queue dependant and hangover dependant.

What fashion tips do you have for Val? Ban skinny jeans and North Face puffers.

Best thing on the menu at Hibou?

The veggie Gyozas.

What is the worst part about being a vegetarian out here?

When I have to clean up 200 chicken bones from a table on wing Wednesday! Or the smell of burgers, I would fucking love to eat a juicy burger…

What is dank?

Chocolate eclairs are DANK. Top tips for finding love?

Swipe right a lot, send the first message and make sure he has a hairy ass.

How do you know when the powder is deep enough?

When Leo (Swash) says so.

Best/worst birthday ever?

Worst, my mum forgot to make me a cake three years in a row, but the best is when I had a festival party with 200 people.

If you could keep any dog in Val, which would it be?

Maybe Dula, she might need some more training though!

“Seasonaire of the Week” is sponsored

by Le Petit Salon d’Antoine who offers our featured seasonaire a free haircut!

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TALK OF THE TOWN CALL THE SHOTS

Connor Warnock has invented a new drink at Bananas called ‘The Warnock Bucket Shot. You put the bucket on your head, get smacked about by a woggle and then do two shots of straight vodka. Get down and try it.

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piste section solely by the light of their torch. Team work makes the dream work.

IT WASN’T ME

Here at The Echo, along with the good folks at Radio Val d’Isère, we have been hard at work on our entry for the Tignes Film Awards. Without wanting to give away too much about the plot of our film, we feel the need to announce that we had absolutely nothing to do with the Jerries who walked single file into Le Garage with their skis on. We wish we were involved, though.

ECHO FACE MASKS NOW ON SALE

Coronavirus (Covid-19) has spread to Val. This infectious drink was spotted in Fall Line.

SAVING THE PLANET

Ever aware of the detrimental impact of climate change, the Saloon staff were brain storming how they could reduce the environmental impact of their straw use earlier in the week. Hope had an idea for biodegradable straws - the inside tube of a loo roll.

KINDA COOL BUT WHY

The final snow show of the year did not disappoint. The ESF torch-lit descent of Le Face was a particularly entertaining watch, given that one instructor sacked off the snake altogether and took a B-Line for the Home Run trees. He/she then appeared to absolutely send it down this technical off

JERRY OF THE WEEK

After losing her massage table last year, we expected it to be Emma France who had left a foam roller in Blue Note. One of the weirder things that has made the lost property in the bar, the foam roller actually turned out to be that of Dave Ryan. We can only imagine what he was rolling at the bar.

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SPORT 6 NATIONS Shown at Le Petit Danois (Guinness on Draught, sound on for all matches), Blue Note, The Fall Line (BBQ + Live Commentary), Hibou (Live Commentary for all matches): Saturday 7th March 17:45 England v Wales Sunday 8th March 16:00 Scotland v France FOOTBALL Shown at Le Petit Danois: Saturday 7th March 13:30 Liverpool v Bournemouth 16:00 Arsenal v West Ham 18:30 Burnley v Spurs Sunday 8th March 15:00 Chelsea v Everton 17:30 Man Utd v Man City

Monday 9th March 21:00 Leicester v Aston Villa Tuesday 10th March 21:00 Leipzig v Spurs Wednesday 11th March 21:00 Liverpool v Athletico Madrid Thursday 12th March 18:55 Lask Linz v Man Utd 21:00 Olympiacos v Wolves All Football and Rugby shown at The Fall Line. Sport also shown at Blue Note and Le Hibou.

SEPARATED AT BIRTH

JOE HARKESSâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; ASS BRUISE

THE ORION NEBULA

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WOoF OF THE WEEK Name: Sweep (Blue Note Edition) Breed: Maltese Age: Nearly 8 Dietary Requirements: Prefers cat food to dog food, also partial to a bit of fromage Relationship status: Very flexible metrosexual non binary Favourite Activity: Dry humping - dog legs not human Habitat: Blue Note Fun Fact: Has previously picked fights with an Alsatian and a Rottweiler