Avoriaz February 2012

Yo.del: (verb) \\to yodel\\ the official means of communicating by the inhabitants of mountainous regions\\ www.yodelmagazine.com

graham bell

family activities

mountain snowmance

avoriaz resort events

portes du soleil circuit avoriaz february 2012

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Yo.del: (verb) \\to yodel\\ the official means of communicating by the inhabitants of mountainous regions\\

welcome contents Welcome to the February issue of Yodel. We can't believe that we're almost half way through the season already - as ever it's gone super fast. Similarly, the last year has also flown by and already Yodel is celebrating its 1st birthday this month.

Graham Bell..............................................................4 The Ski Sunday presenter talks to Yodel

En Francais ..............................................................7 The French you’ll need in an emergency!

Family Time in Avoriaz ...........................................8 Three of Yodel’s favorite family activities

Snowmance ............................................................10 Will you find love in Avoriaz this winter?

Valentines Day .......................................................12 We get all romantic

In our anniversary issue we chat to Graham Bell all about his life as a five time Olympian and his charity work. With Valentine's Day upon us, we also take a look at why you could be more likely to find love in the mountains than anywhere else.

Sounds good to us!

Don’t go home without..........................................13 Yodel’s top 3 Avoriaz souvenirs

The Psychology of Snowboarding ........................14 Turn that frown upside down

Through the Keyhole .............................................15 Inside a luxury spa in Ardent

What’s On? .............................................................18 Events in and around Avoriaz during February

Interview with a Penguin .....................................20 American Ice Hockey player Weston Tardy

We wish you a happy February full of snow and sunshine. We would love you to get in touch with feedback on what you'd like to see in the magazine. We'd also like to see your best mountain pictures too! See you next month.

Mountain Etiquette ...............................................21 Behave yourself on the hill

Remi Vincent ..........................................................22 Designing graphics for Salomon

The Correspondents ..............................................25 Taking the UK music scene by storm

Happy Birthday Yodel! ..........................................26 Who else is celebrating this month?

The Circuit .............................................................28 Ski the Portes du Soleil in a day

The History of Poire...............................................29 Where does the local digestif come from?

How to make a pom pom ......................................30 Get creative!

Gadget Corner .......................................................31 Archie Porter, aged 3 tests the Snow Mule

The Yodel Competition..........................................32 Win big with Planks Clothing stay in touch

The Go-Pro 2 ..........................................................33

amie@yodelmagazine.com

What’s the difference?

rowena@yodelmagazine.com

Onesie of the Month ..............................................33 Fabulous February Fashions

The Local View ......................................................34 Cover image © S. Lerendu

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Avoriaz resident Richard Gouble

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Where are you at the moment Graham and what are you up to?

I'm in Switzerland filming for Ski Sunday, the first programme is from Adelboden, and then we move just up the valley to Wengen for the Laurberhorn downhill.

Who is

Graham Bell?

Graham is one of Britain’s best and most notorious winter sports athletes and he took part in 5 consecutive Olympic games. Now he’s one part of the hilarious duo that present Ski Sunday on the BBC. Any excuse to muck about on a mountain eh…

Sounds like…fun! Where did you learn to ski and did you take to it straight away?

I learned to ski on Cairngorm Mountain, way back in the depths of time with a pair of leather lace-up boots. I don't really remember much, apart from the only time I felt warm was when I didn't make it to the toilet in time.

Did you always have aspirations to ski at the Olympics?

My first exposure to the Olympics was watching Franz Klammer win the 1976 Olympics in Innsbruck. I was 10 years old and I thought ‘yes I'll have a crack at that’.

Of the 5 Olympics that you took part in, which was your favourite and what are you most proud of?

Calgary 1988 was the most fun Olympics that I raced in. My brother Martin placed 8th and the atmosphere was incredible with the whole city embracing the games. I skied okay in '88 but I think in Lillehammer was a slightly better performance. None of them were much to shout about to be fair.

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Morzine Shuttle.pdf

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You've achieved quite a few amazing things in your life, from Olympic medals to trekking to the Arctic Circle to travelling ridiculously quickly on a pair of skis. What’s been your biggest challenge to date?

All my biggest challenges came as a downhill racer. There is nothing like racing full speed down the Hahnenkamm in Kitzbuhel. Having said that I do like to give myself some kind of challenge fairly regularly just to see if I still have the drive to scare myself. They say fear is a man's best friend, I'm not so sure about that, but it does keep you feeling alive.

French lessons - Group Lessons - Private Lessons - Intensive Courses If you are a French registered business or are employed on a French contract, then you could be eligible for training budgets to cover the cost of lessons.

Translation Services tel: 06 10 40 10 92 email: info@lost-intranslation.com web: www.lost-intranslation.com 5

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What's the situation at the moment with the current GB winter Olympic team? Does the UK have a lot of talent coming through the ranks?

Unless you are into Bob Skeleton or Short Track Speed Skating you can forget any funding, which is incredibly short sighted. It takes at least 20 years to produce a top class ski racer, but you can win a gold in sledging after a couple of years of practice. The answer is, yes there is talent out there, but they have a massive struggle ahead of them to make it to the top.

You've skied with a ridiculous amount of famous people on Ski Sunday and High Altitude over the years. Who was the best skier? And who was the worst...?

Tara Palmer-Tomkinson is a great little skier, although I think most of the time I spent with her we were either hung-over or drunk! That girl knows how to have some fun.... I can't tell you who the worst skier was, but taking Frank Gardener down a GS in a sit-ski was in his words the most terrifying thing he has ever done.

Do you come up with crazy ideas such as sleeping in snow holes yourself or do other people pitch them to you?

The majority of the mad ideas for Ski Sunday or High Altitude were dreamt up by either Ed Leigh or myself, but we'll take pretty much anything on.

So if anyone out there has got any suggestions I am happy to hear them!

What's your favourite ski resort?

I like to hit small resorts with a good off-piste reputation. Gressoney in Valley d'Aosta Italy, and La Grave or St Foy in France.

Did you teach your two children to ski? What advice would you give to parents when it comes to that first ski holiday with kids?

My kids started skiing at aged 2, they are now 16 and 12, and I only got them into ski school twice. I ski all winter long so I'm happy to spend my time skiing with them when we go on a family holiday. I do tend to stick a pair of powder skis in the bag just in case, and if it really dumps I'll ditch them. No friends, or family on a powder day!

Will you be in Morzine, Les Gets or Avoriaz at any point this winter?

I'll be coming to Morzine at Easter time to ski with the kids from Caring Cancer.

I skied with them last season, and I don't think I've ever seen a group of kids more appreciative for being alive and in the mountains.

When we interviewed your Ski Sunday co-host Ed Leigh he said he'd like to swap you for Dale Winton. Who would you swap him for?

Ed's very much in touch with his feminine side, so would it be too much to ask to swap him with Jessica Alba?

What's next for Graham Bell?

Looking forward to London 2012, where I hope to be the first man to talk to Alistair Brownlee as he crosses the line to win the Olympic Triathlon, hopefully with his younger brother Jonny right behind him.

Personally I have entered the London Marathon raising money for Nordoff Robins Music Therapy, then I'll race the Etape du Tour for a cycling challenge, and round the summer off with an Iron Man Triathlon.

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You can read more about Caring Cancer and their trip to Morzine on the yodel website: www.yodelmagazine.com

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Fantastic.pdf

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En Francais s’il vous plaît Local language school Lost in Translation (www.lost-intranslation.com) brings you all the essential French to use in an emergency situation.

An Emergency It’s an emergency C’est une urgence (Say toon ur-jonce)

English & French Breakfast

Injured Blessé (Bless-ay)

Non stop food from 11.30am - 5.00pm Apres ski & “Apero” on our sunny terrace

Where are the toilets?

Où sont les toilettes?

(Oo son lay twall-ette) Can I please use your telephone?

Puis j’utiliser votre téléphone?

(Pwee joot-ill-eezay votreuh telephone) Help!

Au secours!

(Oh sec-or)

Enjoy cocktails & tapas TV’s showing sport all day Tavaillon.pdf

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Avoriaz centre, near the Office de Tourisme

Leave me alone!

Laissez-moi tranquille!

(Less-ay mwah tron-keel)

LE TAVAILLON

I need….

J’ai besoin de (Jay beuh-zwan de) -the police -la police (la police)

HAPPY HOUR

-a doctor -un médecin (un medd-euh-san)

5PM - 6PM EVERY DAY €2 PER PINT 6PM - 7PM EVERY DAY €4 PER PINT

-a fire engine -les pompiers (lay pomp-ee-ay)

Warnings!

Fire!

Feu! (feuh)

Do Not Enter Défense d’entrée (Day-fons don-tray)

Stop!

Arrêtez!

(Arrett-ay)

Out of Service Hors service (or sair-vees)

Warning!

Attention!

(Att-on-sion)

Open/Closed Ouvert/Fermé Oov-air/Fair-may

ALL FOOTBALL MATCHES ON SKY & CANAL+ BURGERS FROM €6.00 LUNCH, DINNER & COCKTAILS

PLACE CENTRALE, AVORIAZ OPPOSITE THE OFFICE DE TOURISME

+33 (0)4 50 74 14 18 Yodel-Avoriaz-Feb-12.indd 7

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Family Time in

Avoriaz

As if skiing weren’t enough, there are stacks of other fun filled family activities in Avoriaz this winter.

Dog Sledging

Horse Drawn Tours

Dog sledging was one of the first methods of transportation in the mountains and there’s no denying those hard working husky dogs are very cute! On Mondays at 5.30pm there is a special dog-sledging programme specifically for children aged 12 years and under. The course followed is gentle and steady and there are lots of supervisors to ensure children have a great time whooshing along in the snow. They’re sure to enjoy the cries of ‘moosh moosh’ too!

You’ve no doubt already seen the many horse and cart ‘taxis’ charging through Avoriaz carrying weary skiers. But did you know that you can book a horse, cart and its guide to take you on tours of Avoriaz and the surrounding countryside? Each cart carries a family of 4 and it’s a great way to get your bearings while entertaining the kids.

Ages: Children between 6 and 12 years old will get the most from this activity Prices: €5 per child To Book: Visit the Office de Tourisme in the centre of Avoriaz Yodel Recommends: Keep your kids in their ski gear for the husky ride, along with their helmet and goggles too.

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Ages: Children of all ages would enjoy this activity Prices: The tours start at €15 per family To Book: Either hail a cart on the street or call +33 (0) 4 50 74 01 55 to book and arrange a pick-up Yodel Recommends: A late afternoon or early evening horse and cart ride so you can see the resort lights twinkling as the sun sets

Image Copyright © Avoriaz OT

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383.pdf

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food bar food�&�bar sur�place�& &�à�emporter sur�place�&�à�emporter eat�in�or� eat�in take�away eat�in�or�take�away 47 promenade du festival, Avoriaz Tel: +33 (0)4.50.74.12.64 - Email: sarl-nomadfood@orange.fr Chaudron-Avoriaz.pdf

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Avoriaz on Ice!

The new ice rink is right in the centre of the resort, just opposite the Village des Enfants. Each week lots of family events take place on the rink between 5pm and 8pm. On Mondays there are lessons for children aged 3 – 6 years. On Tuesdays mascots Shreddie and Avrizou make an appearance to skate with and encourage children aged 6 – 12 years. On Wednesday afternoons players from the local Morzine Avoriaz Penguins’ team practice in front of the crowds and on Thursdays there is a really fun skate dance party for children aged 12 – 14 years.

Ages: From aged 3 years Prices: Children are €5 including ice skate hire and adults are priced at €6. There is also a €48 card that includes 10 sessions on the rink.

LES LINDERETS

Traditional Savoyard Dishes Bookings recommended

To Book: Advance booking isn’t necessary, just arrive at the rink office in good time.

Open 9am - 5pm every day

Yodel Recommends: The area around the rink has lots of nice bars and cafes for parents to relax in while kids skate!

Sur le Piste d’Avoriaz, Village des Chevres, Les Linderets 9 Tel: 06 75 25 28 15 / 04 50 74 05 35

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SNOWMANCE N MO F

Valentine’s Day is a bit like Marmite but love it or hate it, once a year it always comes round. It is the second biggest card-sending holiday after Christmas with over 1 billion cards being exchanged.

The good news for any singletons in the mountains looking for their Valentine is that this may actually be the best place to find your next partner. A research team at the University of Glasgow has discovered a link between blossoming romance and the adrenaline of extreme activities.

Dr Niall G MacFarlane lead the research which discovered that no matter what your level of skiing, participating in the sport will make you more attractive to the opposite sex. The likelihood of becoming attracted and falling in love to a significant other is much increased out on the mountain in comparison to meeting someone in a bar or on the street. Good news indeed!

Dr MacFarlane’s findings were backed up by Clinical Psychologist, Amy Wenzel. “For couples to grow, they need to engage in activities that are novel to continue to achieve personal growth and associate that personal growth with the relationship. It's preferable for the novel activities to be exciting or physically arousing because it mimics the excitement/arousal the couple experienced when they first initiated their relationship.

There is some research showing that relationship quality increases to a greater degree when couples engage in novel, exciting activities, rather than novel but merely pleasant activities.

Skiing is certainly novel, exciting, and arousing.”

N BM

AF 10

Single traveller holiday companies such as Pistepals, who organise ski trips in Morzine and Les Gets have seriously increased the likelihood of finding love.

Pistepals Managing Director, Sarah Saunders said, “People tend to be more focused on the snow initially and it's that common interest that encourages other commonalities to emerge throughout the week. We've had some brilliant success since 2007 - with a Pistepals marriage and engagement so far, as well as a few longer-term relationships.

The combination of great banter, lots of great food and a chalet setting that allows you to relax as you would in your own home gives the holiday a nice, chilled atmosphere. People feel more comfortable being themselves and when you add spending all day together on the pistes in the fresh air and (often) sunshine you have a glorious setting for all kinds of friendships.”

Local Celebrant, Kay Evans of Always Number One conducts weddings in the Alps. She thinks the setting of the mountains strongly contributes to finding love.

“I think people find the mountains particularly romantic not just because of their absolute physical beauty and magnificence, but also because they have often shared special times here.

It’s a time when they are transported into a world of snowy peaks, far away from everyday life. Where they are free to escape their imagination to the meadows and shimmering lakes of the Alps in summertime and snowcapped, magical mountains in winter.

It’s a place where anything is possible, and to experience that together makes it even more special.”

L F FV

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PISTEPALS MARRIaGE Tania Bishop and Kevin Jager met in December 2007 on a Pistpals holiday in Les Gets. They were married in May 2009 in Slovenia and were happy to speak to Yodel about finding love in the mountains.

BRITISH RUN SKI AND SNOWBOARD SCHOOL. BEGINNER TO BACKCOUNTRY. To Book Tel: 04 50 38 34 91 www.avoriazalpineskischool.com

“Being together in the mountains really helped us to fall in love because you know you are both interested in the outdoors. You aren’t just meeting on the internet or speed-dating and having a regular date. It means you can spend the whole day together on the slopes. The week we met was perfect, lots of snow and blue skies everyday so we got lots of skiing in together.

When we returned home, we conducted our romance between the US, Newcastle and Brussels and got engaged on a trip to Scotland. After a romantic Valentine’s dinner in the dungeon of Dalhousie Castle she said yes and the rest is history.

Ardent-spa.pdf

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We would advise people looking for love in the mountains to exude confidence, don’t be afraid to break out of your group, jump on a lift by yourself and have a chat - hopefully with someone interesting!”

How would you describe each other?

T: Kevin is a gregarious fun loving Geordie with a very loving nature, loves his outdoor pursuits and sports and can always make me laugh.

K: Tania is a funny, sometimes goofy American with a practical side and she always looks for the positive in any situation.

Aah, now that’s love!

N u

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The History Of

Valentines Some cynics claim that Valentine’s Day was dreamt up by greeting card companies themselves with the aim of making money.

Imagine!

So where exactly does the history lie behind all the hearts and flowers on February 14th?

Considering that it has become such an international tradition, the actual origins behind Valentine’s Day are surprisingly unclear.

There are several versions of Valentine stories dating back thousands of years.

The most popular version concerns Saint Valentine, although there are three saints that go by this name from the Christian calendar…confusing!

The most popular Valentine’s Day tradition is built around the life of a priest in Rome who lived around 270 AD named Saint Valentine. He strongly opposed Claudius II, the Roman emperor at

the time who had banned marriage under the threat of the Roman emperor collapsing.

Claudius needed to recruit many more soldiers to protect the empire and he believed that married men were too emotionally attached to their families to fight properly. He subsequently banned marriage and in retaliation Saint Valentine started performing illegal marriage ceremonies.

While many feared the emperor and obeyed the decree, Saint Valentine recognised the plight of young lovers who wished to be married. He would meet couples in a secret location and wed them in secret but to little avail as Claudius discovered his betrayal and arrested him.

Saint Valentine was in prison awaiting his sentence when he used his saintly abilities to restore the sight of his jailor’s daughter. Following the healing, Saint Valentine fell in love with her and upon

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being sentenced to death he wrote her a letter which he signed “From Your Valentine”. The phrase has lived on ever since and the day of Valentine’s death, February 14th has been celebrated as Valentine’s Day in nations across the globe ever since.

The other famous figure of Valentine’s day you may be more used to seeing on cards and decorations each year is, you guessed it…cupid. But where did this cheeky chappy that has become synonymous with romance hail from?

According to Roman mythology, Cupid was the God of Love and the son of Venus – the Roman Goddess of Love and Beauty. Cupid is thought to have used gold tipped arrows that cause the recipient to fall in love with the next person they see. Cupid is often depicted wearing a blindfold, which is used to symbolise that love is blind.

Cupid is hailed as the reason for love at first sight and instant physical attraction.

Cowbells may not be the easiest thing to get home in your hand luggage but they are very popular none the less.

Usually an aid for Alpine farmers to ensure their stock does not wander off into the mountains untracked, they also double as a beautiful home ornament for you to take back and remind you of your time in the mountains.

Price: Between €5 for a keyring cowbell and €250 for the largest sizes It may not act as a lasting reminder of your holidays but you may enjoy it more than an ornamental souvenir for the mantelpiece. Saucisson is the dry cured sausage renowned in France and widely enjoyed by locals and tourists alike. There are many different varieties to choose from including sausages containing walnuts, roquefort, garlic and even genepi!

Price: Just a few euros each and there are plenty of good offers around town if you are looking for a selection It's a cute and cuddly companion as well as a constant confidence booster, the wolf-whistling marmotte has been accosting pedestrians from the streets outside souvenir shops for years. There are many different types; skiing marmottes, wooly hatted marmottes and even lederhosen clad marmottes all ready to wolf whistle their way into your hearts.

Prices: Marmottes around €6 up to €20

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Whether your a holiday maker or a seasoned pro, we’ve all experienced an off day where our skiing or snowboarding seemed below par and left us feeling frustrated. If you’re coming down with the flu or last night contained one too many pints of Mutzig, then there are definitely some days to call it quits. But surprisingly those off days can be turned around and fear not for help is at hand! The Onyx Snowboard School team talk us through their top 5 on-the-hill Jedi mind tricks to help you overcome those negative vibes and get back in the zone enjoying your time on the mountain, going from grumpy back to gnarly!

These tips may seem common sense, but be honest, when you have a face like thunder have you ever actually tried them?

Start as you mean to go on!

Make life easy for yourself and start the day off right by eating well, making sure your hydrated and packing some snacks. Check you’re dressed appropriately for the conditions and your kit is in good shape for the day ahead. Then get some feel good tunes playing and leave the door with a smile on you face ready for those warm up runs.

Play that funky music!

The positive effects of music on mood and performance in sport are well documented. It is by far one of the fastest and most powerful ways to get you back in the zone, enhancing excitement and happiness while reducing depression and anger. Try having three playlists on your mp3 player to listen to while on the chair lift. One should be a playlist of songs you associate with good times (riding or otherwise) as this will help put you back in a positive mood. A second should be a list of songs that make you feel relaxed and a third with songs that really get you pumped up.

Become aware of the mood you’re in when riding at your best and use these playlists like gears to chill / energise your mindset as required on the chairlift to get the best from your next run.

Great expectations?

Push yourself, but be flexible in your expectations for the day. If you set unrealistic goals you run the risk of

T U R N T H A T FROWN UPSIDE DOWN! turning your challenge into a negative experience. Did you even set goals for today? If you feel like you’re not hitting the mark, stop and think if your goals were realistic. If so just take a fun run doing the things that make you feel happy and clear your head, then come back to it.

2.... it’s the magic number!

If we start skiing / riding badly, we naturally want to know why and how to fix it. This usually involves thinking back to the original instructions given to make that move and applying them again. This can be helpful but all depends on how many rules you try to apply to fix that one movement. Your brain is a bit like a computer with a usable ‘here and now’ memory similar to RAM. Scientists have shown that this ‘Brain RAM’ can only handle a certain number of instructions (optimum of two) at any one time to efficiently perform a skill. So keep it simple and use analogies for complex moves where possible.

I came for the.....

At the end of the day, simply remember why you’re on the mountain. The snow, the view, the people, the freedom, the feeling of stomping that trick or of just making those turns. Remember what makes you feel good and do it! I’m sure we can all agree, we’re here because we love having fun being on the mountain! www.onyxsnowboarding.com

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Les Sources d’Aulps Spa

Through the

key hole yodel opens the doors to some of Avoriaz’s most unique and design-led buildings.

Inside the Sources d’Aulps Spa in Ardent is a big surprise indeed. The interior style of this exclusive space could trick you into believing you’re in a smart designer spa in London or New York. The contrast with the traditional Savoyarde exterior is incredible.

Designed and decorated by its owner, Marc Païs a local architect responsible for many fabulous chalets in the area, all of the fixtures and fittings were designed and commissioned to create a luxurious and relaxing environment.

Tea lights, lanterns and fresh herbs mingle with the sound of running water. The branches of local trees have been sanded and strung together to create curtains and divides between the various areas of the spa. There is a serene and calm feel to the whole space while the use of neon blue lighting punctuates the rustic with the modern.

www.sourcesdaulps.com

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Event listings\\February 2012\\

Wed 1st Feb 4.00pm . . . . . .

4.00pm . . . . . .

4.00pm . . . . . .

9.00pm . . . . . .

9.30pm . . . . . .

9.30pm . . . . . .

DJ Ed Ockelton . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Le Fantastique DJ Will Soundfire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Le Yeti DJ Oscar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Place du Snow DJ Kunzu AB Garcia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bar Le Tavaillon DJ Will Soundfire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . La Cabine DJ Kunzu Soundfire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Le Globe

Thrs 2nd Feb 3.00pm . . . . . .

4.00pm . . . . . .

4.00pm . . . . . .

9.00pm . . . . . .

9.00pm . . . . . .

DJ Audrey Soundfire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Chez Lenvers DJ Oscar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bar Le Tavaillon DJ Will Soundfire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Le Globe DJ Ed Ockelton . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Le Chapka DJ Kunzu AB Garcia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Le Fantastique

Fri 3rd Feb 4.00pm . . . . . . DJ Oscar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Le Fantastique 4.00pm . . . . . . DJ Audrey Soundfire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Place du Snow 9.00pm . . . . . . DJ Kunzu Soundfire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . La Cabine

Sat 4th Feb 12.00noon . . . . Live Sport . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bar Le Tavaillon 4.00pm . . . . . . DJ Audrey Soundfire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bar Le Tavaillon 4.00pm . . . . . . DJ Oscar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Place du Snow

Sun 5th Feb 12.00noon . . . .

2.30pm . . . . . .

3.00pm . . . . . .

4.00pm . . . . . .

4.00pm . . . . . .

9.00pm . . . . . .

Mon 6th Feb 3.00pm . . . . . .

4.00pm . . . . . .

4.00pm . . . . . .

4.00pm . . . . . .

9.00pm . . . . . .

9.00pm . . . . . .

9.00pm . . . . . .

Live Sport . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bar Le Tavaillon DJ Audrey Soundfire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Chez Lenvers DJ Kunzu AB Garcia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Le Trappeur DJ Will Soundfire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Le Globe DJ Ed Ockelton . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Le Fantastique DJ Kunzu Soundfire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Le Chapka

Tues 7th Feb 2.30pm . . . . . .

4.00pm . . . . . .

9.00pm . . . . . .

9.00pm . . . . . .

DJ Oscar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Chez Lenvers DJ Will Soundfire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Le Fantastique DJ Ed Ockelton . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Le Tavaillon DJ Audrey Soundfire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Le Chapka

Weds 8th Feb 2.30pm . . . . . .

4.00pm . . . . . .

4.00pm . . . . . .

9.00pm . . . . . .

DJ Oscar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Le Yeti DJ Kunzu Soundfire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Le Tavaillon DJ Kunzu AB Garcia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Place du Snow DJ Oscar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . La Cabine

DJ Ed Ockelton . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Le Yeti AprĂŠs Ski DJ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Globetrotters DJ Audrey Soundfire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Place du Snow DJ Oscar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bar Le Tavaillon DJ Ed Ockelton . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . La Cabine DJ Kunzu Soundfire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Le Fantastique DJ Kunzu AB Garcia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Le Globe

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Weds 8th Feb 9.00pm . . . . . . DJ Audrey Soundfire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Le Fantastique 9.00pm . . . . . . DJ Ed Ockelton . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Le Globe Thrs 9th Feb 4.30pm . . . . . .

4.00pm . . . . . .

4.00pm . . . . . .

4.00pm . . . . . .

9.00pm . . . . . .

DJ Kunzu AB Garcia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Chez Lenvers DJ Kunzu Soundfire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Le Globe DJ Oscar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Le Fantastique DJ Audrey Soundfire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bar Le Tavaillon DJ Ed Ockelton . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Le Chapka

Fri 10th Feb 3.00pm . . . . . .

4.00pm . . . . . .

4.00pm . . . . . .

4.00pm . . . . . .

9.00pm . . . . . .

9.00pm . . . . . .

DJ Oscar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Le Trappeur DJ Will Soundfire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Place du Snow DJ Kunzi Soundfire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Le Yeti DJ Ed Ockelton . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Le Tavaillon DJ Will Soundfire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . La Cabine DJ Audrey Soundfire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Le Globe

Sat 11th Feb 12.00noon . . . . Live Sport . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bar Le Tavaillon 4.00pm . . . . . . AperoMix & Happy Hours . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Shooters Bar

Sun 12th Feb 12.00noon . . . . Live Sport . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bar Le Tavaillon

Mon 13th Feb

4.00pm . . . . . . Aprés Ski DJ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Globetrotters

Fri 17th Feb 8.00pm . . . . . . Ice Hockey – Penguins v Strasbourg . . . . . Palais du Sport

Sat 18th Feb 12.00noon . . . . Live Sport . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bar Le Tavaillon 4.00pm . . . . . . AperoMix & Happy Hours . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Shooters Bar

Sun 19th Feb 12.00noon . . . . Live Sport . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bar Le Tavaillon

Mon 20th Feb

4.00pm . . . . . . Aprés Ski DJ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Globetrotters

Tue 21st Feb 8.00pm . . . . . . Ice Hockey – Penguins v Epinal . . . . . . . . . Palais du Sport

Fri 24th Feb 10.00pm . . . . . Live DJ – Ecxellior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Café Fantastique

Sat 25th Feb 12.00noon . . . . Live Sport . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bar Le Tavaillon 4.00pm . . . . . . AperoMix & Happy Hours . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Shooters Bar

Sun 26th Feb 12.00noon . . . . Live Sport . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bar Le Tavaillon

Mon 20th Feb

4.00pm . . . . . . Aprés Ski DJ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Globetrotters We want to get as many people in our lovely town involved in yodel magazine as possible! If you have events you would like to be added to this page, please contact us at rowena@yodelmagazine.com or amie@yodelmagazine.com We regularly add new events and information to the yodel magazine website events listings, be sure you check it out!

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American ice hockey player Weston Tardy is enjoying his first season playing for the Morzine Avoriaz Penguins. But what’s it like to do the job of your dreams in a ski resort?

Where are you from Weston?

I’m from Duluth in Minnesota where we all grow up playing ice hockey every day. It’s a way of life and I’ve always worked as hard as I can to go as far as I can in the sport that I love. I played college hockey in Colorado so I’m used to living in the mountains.

Are you allowed to ski or snowboard during the ice hockey season?

Skiing is actually good cross training for ice hockey – you use all the same muscle groups. But we all have to be sensible about things, especially in the days before a match.

It would be terrible to get injured skiing!

How does the French ice hockey league compare to the American league?

In The States the season is a lot longer – we play 72 games compared to 26 in the French league.

But in France things are a lot more intense and there are a lot of really amazing teams to play against. At the moment the Penguins are 5th in the league and our goal is to finish in the top 4 so we can make the play-offs.

What was the feeling like in the team when you took a 4-1 beating against Briançon in the league cup final?

We were all really disappointed but we had big matches in quick succession just after

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For more information on the Morzine-Avoriaz Penguins visit www.hcma.fr

15/01/2012 22:54

Mountain

Etiquette It’s an easy thing to forget that all the skiers and snowboarders on the mountain are at different levels to everyone else and yourself.

For this reason it is really important to observe mountain etiquette so that everyone can have a good day on the white stuff.

the final so we had to pull together. The Penguins team is a cohesive unit and we have a great team spirit, which makes it easier to overcome disappointing results. We all train together every day, with one day off per week.

Is it difficult to ignore the various distractions of a ski resort?

We’re all professional athletes and our training regime is intense. We’re all a bit over the party scene – don’t get me wrong, it’s nice to go out and celebrate a big win but other than that, we manage to keep a fairly low profile around the resort. You won’t see any Penguins players doing shots and dancing on tables at après parties, put it that way!

Does an ice hockey player have a shelf life?

Usually by the age of 35 an ice hockey player is facing retirement. Saying that, Tony Koivunen is now 40 years old and he’s still going strong! I’m 28 now and I haven’t given too much thought about what I’ll do after ice hockey. I love the mountains so I can see myself in a log cabin in Colorado in the future.

For people who haven’t been to an ice hockey match, how would you describe the experience?

The speed of the play is the biggest draw for people I think. At the end of the day we’re running around on ice rather than grass, which makes for some really fast paced action. We’ve got some really loyal fans that create an amazing atmosphere at every match – it can get pretty loud at times!

For a list of their home matches see page 18 of yodel!

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1. Stick to runs that suit your ability. If you are a learner, do not attempt a black run until you are ready. It will only frustrate the more competent people around you.

2. Don’t push in. Everyone can understand the frustration at waiting in long lines for the lift or ticket office but everyone’s going through the same thing!

3. Respect learners. If there are people who don’t look very comfortable, don’t just go whizzing past them with little space to spare. Always remember how intimidating it can be to learn so give them plenty of room.

4. The person in front of you has right of way. Whether you’re stopping, turning or trying to cross a run, always remember to watch for the person in front of you.

They don’t have eyes in the back of their heads to predict your moves!

5. Control your speed. Ok so half the fun of the mountain can be riding fast but ensure you are always in control. Your good spirits will only be destroyed if you can’t stop yourself before smashing into a ski school!

We’re all here for the same thing so respect each other and have fun!

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15/01/2012 22:54

RemiVinc Rémi Vincent is a freelance graphic designer and art director who has completed designs for Adidas and Salomon. Now based in Montreal, he originally grew up in Digne-lesBains in the Southern Alps.

“I really enjoyed growing up in the Alps, my childhood was amazing. I grew up between Provence and the Alps where you can do everything you want, go skiing in the winter and swimming in Verdon Gorge in the summer. My family grew up there and I met many of my best friends and my beautiful girlfriend there. I found a lot of the inspiration for what I’ve created since from Digne-les-Bains.

When I was growing up people often told me to do some fine art sessions at school because they thought I was good with drawings but I preferred to imagine I was more of a Michael Jordan. I was always playing basketball and football or hanging around the neighbourhood on my BMX. I have always been a dreamer so creativity is naturally a very big part of me. At the end of the 90’s with my first PC and the rise of the Internet I began sketching and realised I had an artistic streak. As soon as I finished a boring science course, I changed direction toward applied arts. I do not regret my choice!

Today is a great era for artists because there are no longer

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ncent technological or geographical limitations. With Salomon, I entered one of their artwork competitions and was nominated by them. A few months later, they contacted me to collaborate on their ‘artist series’ for both the summer and winter collections.

Adidas actually contacted me through MySpace inviting me to an event in Lyon to customise their caps. It was really challenging! I was asked to customise something like one hundred caps for a onenight event in one of their concept stores. I asked my friend and artist Onekon7 to help me on the project and we had to make snap decisions to find art techniques that were fast and efficient. We prepared some caps prior to the event and we finished them live during the evening.

I watch and learn from literally everything around me. It could be a landscape, a movie, an emotion, a dream, books, pictures, photos, fashion, sports or even lifestyles.

I like to be into everything from painting to video to toys and clothes customisation, I would describe my work as colourful, playful, animated, typographic and electronic.

For me, an average day begins with a strong breakfast, and a walk with my french bulldog, HervĂŠ, before going to work. I'm freelance now so I share a studio as my work place with four other 23

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great artists. Working from there makes me have a "normal routine".

Depending on my workload I work 6 hours to 15 hours a day, that's what you got as a freelance.

When I have a chance, I do some VJing work for events like music shows or clubs. And finally after my days work and when weather allows, I practice bike polo. It's really a fun sport even if it is not very well known.

I have lived in Montreal for over three years now – I was only supposed to spend one year abroad! It’s such a great city with lots of artists, music festivals and events so there is an excellent quality of life with great opportunities. It is so different to living in the Alps - snow may be the only thing the two places have in common. One thing is for sure – I miss the gastronomy of the Alps; tartiflette, raclette and the WINE! I have a need to create and to get my art everywhere I can so I like customising objects like toasters and toys. Most of the time I begin by drawing something on paper and when I reproduce it on a 3D object it gives so much life to my creation. I love it!

If I hadn’t been a designer I don’t know what I would have been…a shepherd in the Alps, who knows?

I’m lucky I have a passion for art and can live from it. In the future I still picture myself having as much fun as I do now and still creating and playing with images.

I won’t ever grow up!”

RemiVincent

portfolio.tetsouille.fr

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15/01/2012 22:55

From Bestival to Morzine… The Correspondents are one of the big headline acts playing at the Basscamp Festival in Morzine in April. They’re a bit erm… characterful so we thought we’d introduce them to you now…

Hello boys. Describe your style of music in 10 words or less.

Chucks: Varying degrees of altitude sickness and drunkenness.

Mr Bruce: Tricky - we really struggle with this one and still don’t have a polished sound bite...

Chucks: Multi-genre dance stompy sweat-fest extravaganza.

And you won’t be far wrong! Have you been to Morzine before and do either of you ski or snowboard?

Sounds delicious. We've done our research and you put on quite a show.

What's the biggest audience you've ever performed in front of?

Chucks: Got to have been Bestival 2 years ago. On before Mumford & Sons to about 1000 Correspondents fans and about 19000 Mumford & Sons fans!

Mr B: We returned to Bestival last year and played to a crowd of 10,000 for our midday Friday slot. I think there was nothing else on so we were their only option!

I’m sure that’s not the case. Have you performed at a winter music festival before?

Chucks: Yeah I think we might have fraternised with the enemy a few times...

Mr B: Came totally unprepared. Snow blindness and slippiness.

Mr B: I’ve skied once. I know how to go down the mountain and how to do a snow plough stop.

Chucks: No not yet, done a bit of skiing before but wouldn’t say I “ski” per se.

Each day of the Basscamp Festival has a fancy dress theme and your night is 80's night. Have you got your outfits planned?

Mr B: The usual spandex futuristic matador affair that I could pass off as any era!

Chucks: Not a big fancy dress person myself. Especially the 80s. Rubbish decade. Haha.

What are you guys most looking forward to in 2012? Other than the Basscamp Festival of course...

Chucks: Finally getting an album together for one.

I dunno, the Olympics? Ha. Mr B: I can’t for the life of me think why we haven’t been asked to do the opening ceremony- I dress like most of the competitors.

Cheers boys, if we spot you at the bar, what are you having?

Chucks: A pint of medium strength premium continental lager please.

Mr B: Single Malt Scotch straight unless they do a really decent old fashioned.

What was the highlight of 2011 for you?

Chucks: Actually releasing 2 records!

Mr B: Ditto. And couple of unforgettable crowd surfs.

Then you’ve got no excuse this time!

What sort of crowd do you expect when you come to Morzine for the Basscamp Festival?

For more information on the Basscamp Festival visit www.basscamp-festival.com Images courtesy of Finger-Lickin Management

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15/01/2012 22:55

HAPPYYODEL BIRTHDAY

The creation of Yodel magazine in February 2011 was a pretty momentous occasion after months of preparation.

As we celebrate our first anniversary we take a look at what else will be celebrating an anniversary this month.

28 15

28 years since Torvill and Dean were crowned the Olympic ice skating champions in Yugoslavia on Valentine’s Day. The dynamic duo skated a free dance performance of Ravel’s Bolero and scored perfect marks for artistic impression.

In the same year of 1984 they were crowned the BBC’s Sports Personality of the Year.

48

48 years since Beatlemania arrived in the US. On 7th February 1964, the hit band arrived at Kennedy Airport for the first time to 3,000 screaming teenagers. The Beatles received maximum-security precautions for the trip, the type of which is usually reserved for world leaders and royal figures.

15 years since the first mammal was successfully cloned on 22nd February 1997. Scientists in Scotland at the Roslin Institute in Edinburgh created Dolly the sheep. The research sparked mass backlash concerning the ethical and moral implications of cloning.

48

48 years since Cassius Clay was crowned the heavyweight champion of the world. On 25th February 1964, the world watched with bated breath as he beat opponent Sonny Liston. In the same year, Clay joined the nation of Islam and changed his name to the more recognisable, Muhammad Ali and has since become a cultural icon.

7 years since the upper crust of England and Wales were hit with a hunting ban. As of February 18th 2005, fox hunting with dogs was made illegal in both countries despite a long tradition with the pastime. While some illegal hunts continued, most groups turned to drag hunting whereby the foxes follow a scent.

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93

83 years since the Saint Valentine’s Day massacre in which 7 mob associates were murdered in Chicago. It was the beginning of the end for Al Capone’s reign over the city of Chicago as public outrage ensued. And they say romance is dead!

88

20 years since the Maastricht Treaty was signed on February 7th 1992. The treaty essentially created the European Union and eventually lead to the creation of the single currency Euro. The treaty has been amended in the years since it was originally signed.

20

88 years since the first Winter Olympics were held in Chamonix in 1924. Although it was held under the name ‘international week of winter sport’, it is widely recognised as the first Winter Olympics. The final medal of the games was not awarded until 1974.

A bronze was given to Anders Haugen after an error in the scoring was discovered 50 years later!

82

82 years since Armand Allard invented specialist ski pants in February 1930. Megève claims they are the ski resort where specific ski trousers were originally invented and as such celebrated the 80th anniversary with the Allard Cup in 2009.

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THE CIRCUIT The Portes du Soleil is one of the largest ski areas in the world with over 650km of marked pistes encompassing twelve resorts. It stretches between Mont Blanc and Lake Geneva, which creates a microclimate that is excellent for snowfall. Jean Vuarnet was responsible for developing Avoriaz and then linking it to the surrounding resorts creating the Portes du Soleil ski area.

The highest point is 2466m and the lowest is at 1000m and there are more than 200 lifts linking the area, which stretches over 14 valleys. Luckily, for skiers and snowboarders who are keen to explore, most of the Portes du Soleil ski area can be reached in a single circuit. The circuit will take most average skiers and snowboarders a whole day to complete so first lifts are advised!

There are two directions the circuit can be skied; clockwise or counterclockwise.

Completing the circuit counterclockwise could mean challenging La Chavanette otherwise known as The Swiss Wall or face getting the chairlift down. The Swiss Wall is classified as an orange, as it is considered too dangerous to even be a black. The wall should only be attempted if you are a very accomplished skier and are confident you can complete it safely. For this reason, we

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are taking a look at completing the circuit clockwise – a little bit more achievable for everyone!

There are many different ways of completing the Portes du Soleil circuit but here’s just one of our suggestions…

From Avoriaz, ski down the Prodains home run, from here you can take the ‘A’ bus into Morzine. From Morzine, head up the Pleney bubble lift, ski down to the bottom of the Belvédére and take this lift. From here you can ski all the way down to the bottom of the Chavannes in Les Gets.

Head up the Chavannes lift and follow signs to Morzine. Ski down the Pleney slope to the bottom where a bus stop is located. Take the petit train across town to the Super Morzine lift, take this up and then the Zore lift and follow the cat track to the Proclou lift, which will take you up to the top of the Lindaret bowl. From here ski down into the bowl - you can even stop to have a play in the famous Burton Stash park on the way down.

From Lindaret, take the Chaux Fleurie lift up and ski down to the bottom of the Plaine Dranse. Take the Chaux-des-Rosées chair up and ski down to Les Combes. Take this lift up and follow the long run down into Linga.

15/01/2012 22:56

Poire

Poire will often be served to you as a digestif after a savoyarde feast in the local restaurants.

It’s not everyone’s cup of tea due to its strong and distinctive flavour but this eau de vie made from pears is actually quite delicious if it is sipped slowly and enjoyed.

From here you can again get the bus across the town of Châtel, to the Super Châtel lift.

If you are doing well for time, you could get the bus across to the Petit Châtel lift and take this followed by the Barbossine. From here ski down and take the Tronchay lift up. From here you can enjoy some great views across Lake Geneva towards Montreux before heading back towards the Super Châtel lift.

From the top of the Super Châtel, take the Chemillon and ski down to the bottom of the Le Corbeau. From here, you can take the bus across the town of Morgins to the Folleuse or it is actually also possible to walk there and take in the beautiful church.

Take the lift up and then ski to the Bochasses following signs for Champoussin. Ski to the bottom of the Aiguilles des Champeys and take the lift up then ski down to the bottom of the Pointe de L’Au, take this lift and then you can ski down into Les Crosets.

An eau de vie is a clear and colourless fruit brandy that is made by being twice distilled and fermented. The term eau de vie comes from the French phrase meaning ‘water of life’ and is usually served very chilled.

The flavour of the fruit, in this case the pear is typically very light and not too overpowering. It is popular for Poire manufacturers to create the liquer with a whole pear inside the bottle. Look out for this tasty treat in the shops, restaurants and bars around Avoriaz.

From Les Crosets, take the new Grande Conche lift and ski down to the bottom of the Cuboré, take this up and over lift into the Fornet area. Then ski back down into Avoriaz and enjoy a drink before collapsing after a long days skiing - phew!

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How to make a pom pom Every beanie needs a bobble. So add some embellishment to your noggin and spend 10 minutes making a nice chunky bobble!

You’ll need:

Cardboard 2 circular items you can trace around Wool Scissors

Draw around two circular items onto the cardboard. The size of the circle you create determines the size of your bobble. For nice and chucky we recommend your cardboard circles are around 12cm is diameter but don’t make them any smaller than 8cm in diameter.

Cut a smaller circle measuring 2cm in diameter inside your larger cardboard circles so that you have two donuts.

Cut your wool into manageable lengths of around 2 meters. Remember you can use lots of different coloured wools to make a nice bright pom pom!

Place one donut on top of the other then hold one end on the outside of the ring and feed the other end through the hole, round the back and through the front again. Essentially, you’re wrapping the cardboard donut in wool. Work your way around the ring until all of the cardboard is covered.

As you use additional lengths of wool to cover the cardboard, you don’t need to tie them together – just make sure that the ends are on the outside of the donut, rather than in the middle.

Once your donut is covered in wool, carefully use the scissors to cut the wool around the outside of the donut so you expose the cardboard beneath.

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Pass a length of wool between the two pieces of cardboard, around all the strands of wool and tie it firmly together. Remove the cardboard rings and sew it onto the top of your hat!

15/01/2012 22:57

The Snow Mule is a clever and handy way to pull your kids along behind you while you’re all on skis. There is a backpack version and a bum bag version, both of which have two retracting tow handles for pulling children weighing up to 45kg on each. This means that your hands are free to either carry other bits of kit or pole yourself along on your own skis. The developer hopes that the Snow Mule will take some of the stress out of family skiing.

We think this very clever device is great, even if your kids aren’t on skis yet. You could pull them along on a sledge behind you and the backpack version even has very handy straps so you can attach kid's skis after a day on the slopes.

Little Archie Porter, aged 3 tested the Snow Mule out for Yodel. Once he got his balance and understood how to hold onto the reigns tightly, Archie was off! Dad Kevin said he could hardly feel the weight of Archie behind him but he did know when Archie let go, which is good from a safety perspective. So the Snow Mule got a big thumbs up from the Porters and they think it will be great for older children too.

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This month we’ve teamed up with the awesome Planks Clothing for another photo competition ‘Drop Cliffs Not Bombs’ ‘I Do Lines’ ‘Skiing Rocks’ and other slogans adorn the hoodies, t-shirts and hats in the Planks range.

We want you to take inspiration from the catch phrases, there’s a full list on the Planks website: www.planksclothing.com

push yourself on the hill and send us your images.

Planks founder Jim Adlington will choose the best three at the end of the month!

Send your entries to competition@yodelmagazine.com

1st Prize

Planks soft shell hoodie Planks t-shirt Planks beanie

Runners-up Prizes Planks t-shirt and Planks beanie each

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The colours / design of the actual prizes may differ from those illustrated above.

This competition is subject to Yodel’s usual competition rules, a list of which can be found on our website.

This competition closes on 29th February 2012.

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15/01/2012 22:57

GO PRO HERO2 Go Pro cameras have been THE name in wearable cameras since most people can remember. Therefore it was no surprise that once they announced the new HD Hero 2 camera it was eagerly anticipated.

The HD Hero 2 does not disappoint. The original HD Hero has been far improved with higher resolution stills, faster timelapse and an enormous 170 degree video. The Hero 2 takes an image twice as sharp as its predecessor and the good news is that it comes in the same dimensions so it’s possible to use your old cases and accessories on the new model.

The camera is super versatile and can be attached to pretty much anything and take it pretty much anywhere. Once sealed in its housing, the camera is even waterproof down to 60m! We suggest you get out there and start having some fun with it!

The GoPro Hero 2 costs around €235 and is available from their website: www.gopro.com.

ONESIE OF THE MONTH We found this gorgeous girl hanging out in the park. The use of one bold colour on a onesie isn’t entirely new but this babe is special and clearly knows it. After all, could you strike a pose like this? She’s thought carefully about those accessories too. We love this look – this is how a onesie should be worn and we applaud this hottie for her demonstration!

33 If you want to look this cool this winter, get in touch with the Retro Rentals boys – www.retro-rentals.eu.

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The Local View...

Richard Gouble has run the Tavaillon bar and restaurant for the last 6 years and has lived in Avoriaz for 18 years with his wife and three children.

“I originally come from Besançon on the Northern edge of the Jura mountains but I moved to Avoriaz to be with my lovely wife, Kinou. Her family is a big part of life in Avoriaz and I worked for them during my first 12 years here before opening up Le Tavaillon.

Before moving to Avoriaz I was a pilot and also taught people how to fly planes and gliders. I was in the French gliders team for 7 years but until last summer I hadn't really flown for over 15 years. I took it up again in the summer because my 16 year old son started flying and I like to follow him and make sure he's ok as well as giving him advice. Last summer, I took part in the French National Gliding Championships and despite having not flown for 15 years I came third. Now I am going to keep on flying!

Usually I am a skier but I don't have the time to ski anymore and it is too risky in terms of injuring myself when I have the bar to run. The bar is open from 8am until 2am the next morning every day! Luckily for the past year I have had

my business partner Olivier and it definitely helps to split the heavy workload so I should have more time to go flying after the winter.

Le Tavaillon is open all year round. In the summer there are usually quite a few walkers popping in but the interseasons are quiet.

This year was slightly different because we were busy with all the workers that have been building up here during September, October and November. Every night we have a happy hour when pints are just €2 between 5pm and 6pm so it is always a crazy party then.

I would estimate that only about 100 people live in Avoriaz all year round so we all know each other pretty well! After the winter season is done a lot of us choose to stay at home most of the time though because it is just so nice to have some peace and quiet.

Avoriaz will only get busier as it gets more and more popular. Last year was busy and this year seems to be even busier. I think there is something like 17,000 beds in Avoriaz so you can just imagine how hectic it can be.

Every day is my favourite day in Le Tavaillon. All of my clients and guests are so friendly because they are usually on holiday or just out to enjoy themselves. I do not wake up in the morning and dread going to work, I look forward to it because it is so much fun every single day. Work is not work for me, it is a pleasure.”

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