February 2011

\\morzine\\feb 2011\\

\\pick up your yodel\\FREE\\

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

green skiing

morzine restaurant guide

resort events

there's something about morzine

www.yodelmagazine.com

+33 (0) 4 50 37 36 85 www.skiidygonzales.com

spot the sombrero

to Yodel - Morzine's brand new magazine. Yodel is a community magazine for everyone in our lovely town; locals, visitors and seasonnaires alike and we've packed it with events, articles and interviews, all based around Morzine. We would love to hear from you if you'd like to get involved or if you'd like to tell us what you want to see in the magazine. We're also keen to hear your feedback so please do get in touch at any time using our e-mail addresses at the bottom of the page.

Lots of very kind people have contributed to the launch of this new magazine, especially Jacquie Cutler who not only let us use her wonderful photo for the front cover but also graciously agreed to feature in our first 'There's something about Morzine" interview - you've been great Jacquie! Look out for our interview with professional skier Julian Ball in the March issue.

We hope you enjoy reading Yodel as much as we've enjoyed making it.

See you next month!

contact us\\ amie@yodelmagazine.com rowena@yodelmagazine.com

Amie and Rowena

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There's something about Morzine................................................................5 \\Photographer Jacquie Cutler tells us why she loves Morzine.

Morzine restaurant guide ..............................................................................6 \\We rate the best restaurants in Morzine for different occasions.

What's on? ......................................................................................................8 \\Events in and around Morzine during February.

Green skiing ..................................................................................................10 \\How to be eco-friendly on the slopes.

Day in the life of ............................................................................................12 \\Morzine "Manny" Nic Cuniffe on the joys of childcare in a ski resort.

Snowbombing Mission Tour........................................................................13 \\What's that all about?

Ask Uncle Bert ..............................................................................................14 \\He's the authority on your mountain problems.

One-Piece of the Month...............................................................................15 \\The best example of mountain fashion we could find.

Top 5 mountain apps for your iphone ........................................................15 \\Make the most of your time on the mountain.

Cover image Copyright Š 2008, J Cutler Photography - www.jcutlerphotography.co.uk

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Jacquie Cutler

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Morzine Jacquie Cutler, 40, runs her own photography company after moving to Morzine in 2006 looking for a change in lifestyle.

I think there's something about Morzine because it changed my life forever. At 36 I was working in Canary Wharf as a training and development manager, I was being trained to become an internal coach but I knew deep down that it was not what I really wanted to do. While working in London I went to a talk and the speaker said something to me that was a defining moment - that a job should be something you love doing. It should suit your personality and it doesn't matter how much you work because you love being there and it shouldn't feel like a job. It was then that I had the realisation; I was only living to pay a mortgage and not living for me. I had been to Morzine twice before and I got in touch with the people who I'd gone on holiday with for a job. Luckily they gave me one as a ski guide and driver. I started taking photos of the guests and selling them on CDs - people kept on saying I should do it more.

After my first season I decided to stay here for the summer, I was still a keen photographer for the whole time but viewed it more as a hobby.

I wasn't even selling the photos but again people kept on telling me how good they were.

I stayed in Morzine for another winter season working for a different chalet company and taking photos of the guests. It was during my second season that I knew it was time to make a decision about where my life was going which all depended on where I wanted to

Images Copyright Š 2008, J Cutler Photography www.jcutlerphotography.co.uk

live. Should I stay in Morzine or go back to my old life in England?

There was no contest, I wanted to live my life in Morzine. It was during this time, towards the end of the season that I met Craig who works as a pisteur in Morzine. He's American but has lived here for 11 years. When I went back to England to try and make my decision, Craig followed me after a week to ask me to move in with him in Morzine and that he thought I should come back and pursue my photography professionally. He didn't realise I had already made my decision to come back to Morzine but it certainly made me realise I'd made the right choice.

When we came back to Morzine I set up my photography business, took a booking for a wedding within a couple of months and then last year I had my baby, Violette Erin on 12th August.

On Christmas Eve Craig got down on one knee with our daughter and asked me to be his wife. I burst into tears and for once in my life, I was speechless. It has turned my life around, I could cry when I think about it. Who would have thought when I moved out here on my own 4 years ago that now I would have my beautiful, gorgeous daughter and my perfect man? I love Morzine because without it, I would probably still be single and stuck in my old job at Canary Wharf. Now I'm living for me and my family. I have two main passions in life; skiing and photography and now a third, my family. So my new lifestyle is pretty much perfect.

Jacquie photographs weddings, natural portraits, chalets and has a gallery of her work, which includes our fantastic cover image.

Check out her website at: www.jcutlerphotography.co.uk

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Morzine Restaurant G Families

Romance

L’Etale – 04 50 70 09 20 Route de Telepherique (near the bottom of the Pleney) Advance booking recommended

Numero Dix – 04 50 79 14 73 Chemin des Moulins (just off the Mairie) Advance booking recommended

The menu is huge and includes traditional Savoyarde dishes, pizza and pasta, steaks and international dishes such as curries in addition to a great children’s menu. The restaurant has a strong local following and is perfect for large groups. The service, hosted brilliantly by Vincent and his team is fun and there is a great holiday atmosphere every night. Portions are huge so make sure you're hungry!

We recommend the ribs.

This intimate restaurant has a unique menu and owner's Phil and Vicki provide an alternative dining experience and plenty of fine wines.

The menu is contemporary and influenced by European ingredients along with local specialities such as cheese and veal. The restaurant is tucked away among the oldest buildings in Morzine, making it perfect for a special evening away from the holiday crowds.

Try their beef wellington for two, served with cauliflower cheese, dauphinoise potato, wild mushroom fricassee and beef jus for €55 euros. They can also prepare heart shared desserts when requested in advance! A perfect spot for Valentines Day.

Take Away Mamma’s – 04 50 74 31 6 Rue de Bourg

Well located for the walk home after Apres, Mamma’s caters for all the take away food you’ve been missing. The fish and chips are tasty, the pizza toppings are unique and their list of specials, including Pad Thai and Changmai Noodles are a real treat. The ‘Kebab Wrap’ with chips for €10 is always popular. Prices are reasonable and they serve wine and beers while you’re waiting for your food. Eat-in is also available.

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nt Guide Mountain Lunches Le Vaffieu – 04 50 79 09 43 (top of the Belvedere chairlift, Morzine) Advance booking recommended

A charming restaurant, both inside and out, the menu includes all your favourite mountain lunch dishes and some amazing cakes and pastries. The view from the terrace towards Les Gets is rewarding, as is the run down to Morzine after lunch. In peak weeks Le Vaffieu does get very busy so it’s worth booking a table in advance if you are part of a large group. The greatest thing about Le Vaffieu is the Vin Chaud – the best in the Portes du Soleil!

Morzine has loads of fantastic restaurants.

Here is our independent, unbiased list of yodel favourites for 5 different occasions. Next month... our favourite shops.

Special Occasions L’Atelier – 04 50 70 00 79 Hotel Samoyede, 9 Place du Baraty (opposite the Office de Tourisme) Advance booking recommended

At L’Atelier Head Chef Alexandre Baud-Pachon uses his experiences in some of the top Michelin starred restaurants in France to create a gastronomic feast. The menu includes starters such as lobster ravioli flavoured with ginger and shellfish sauce for €21 and saddle of doe with blueberry, pumpkin and braised green cabbage for €28.

Their tasting menu, at €39 or €67 is perfect for a celebration or special occasion and the restaurant itself is truly Savoyarde.

Tartiflette

Fondue

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Event listings\\February 2011\\ Tues 1st Feb

5.00pm 6.00pm 6.00pm 8.30pm 10.00pm

‘Thunder Road’ blues & rock band ESF torch lit descent of the Pleney Live music ‘Bob dit Liane’ Ice Hockey - Morzine Penguins Vs Dijon BaseCamp DJ’s & live percussion

Wed 2nd Feb

9.00am 9.00am 8.00pm

Tour of the cheese dairy Local market All you can eat curry

Route de la Plagne Place de la Poste Sherpa

Thrs 3rd Feb

10.00am 4.30pm 5.00pm 5.00pm 8.00pm

Local history tour, Church Square ‘Deja Groove Acoustic’ pop & soul band Large wooden games Live music by ‘Eugine Carton’ Night skiing on the Pleney

Mairie Tibetan Café Office de Tourisme Rhodos Pleney

Fri 4th Feb

4.30pm

‘Deja Groove’ pop & soul band

Sat 5th Feb

12.00 noon

Live sport

Dixie Bar

Sun 6th Feb

12.00 noon 12.00 noon

Sunday Roast Live sport

Rhodos Dixie Bar

Mon 7th Feb

4.00pm 4.30pm 7.00pm

Welcome to Morzine drinks Acoustic pop & rock with ‘Dan Baxter’ Curry night

Office de Tourisme Tibetan Café Numero Dix

Tues 8th Feb

4.30pm 5.00pm 6.00pm 6.00pm 10.00pm

‘Disco Power Band’ ‘Deja Groove’ modern pop & soul band ESF torch lit descent of the Pleney Live music ‘Soft Wind’ BaseCamp DJ’s & live percussion

Office de Tourisme Rhodos Pleney Bar Tabac, Montriond Coyote Bar

Wed 9th Feb

9.00am 9.00am 8.00pm

10.00am 4.30pm 5.00pm 8.00pm

Tour of the cheese dairy Local market All you can eat curry

Fri 11th Feb

4.30pm

‘Deja Groove’ pop & soul band

Sat 12th Feb

12.00 noon

Live sport

Dixie Bar

Sun 13th Feb

12.00 noon 12.00 noon

Sunday Roast Live sport

Rhodos Dixie Bar

Mon 14th Feb

4.00pm 4.30pm 7.00pm

Welcome to Morzine drinks Acoustic pop & rock with ‘Dan Baxter’ Curry night

Tues 15th Feb

5.00pm 6.00pm 6.00pm 8.30pm

‘Thunder Road’ blues & rock band ESF torch lit descent of the Pleney Live music ‘Lucid’ Ice Hockey - Morzine Penguins Vs Dijon

Thrs 10th Feb

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Local history tour ‘Deja Groove Acoustic’ pop & soul band Large wooden games Night skiing on the Pleney

Rhodos Pleney Bar Tabac, Montriond Palais du Sport Coyote Bar

L’Etale

Route de la Plagne Place de la Poste Sherpa Church Square, Mairie Tibetan Café Office de Tourisme Pleney L’Etale

Office de Tourisme Tibetan Café Numero Dix Rhodos Pleney Bar Tabac, Montriond Palais du Sport

10.00pm

BaseCamp DJ’s & live percussion

9.00am 9.00am 1.30pm 8.00pm

Tour of the cheese dairy Local market Free boarder-cross competition All you can eat curry

10.00am 10.30am 4.30pm 5.00pm 8.00pm

Local history tour, Church Square Introduction to Speed Skiing ‘Deja Groove Acoustic’ pop & soul band Large wooden games Night skiing on the Pleney

4.30pm 5.30pm 8.30pm

‘Deja Groove’ pop & soul band Sledge race Ice Hockey - Morzine Penguins Vs Briancon

12.00 noon

Coyote Bar

Tues 15th Feb

Route de la Plagne Place de la Poste Nyon Sherpa

Wed 16th Feb

Mairie La Combe Piste, Nyon Tibetan Café Office de Tourisme Pleney

Thrs 17th Feb

L’Etale Pleney Palais du Sport

Fri 18th Feb

Live sport

Dixie Bar

Sat 19th Feb

12.00 noon 12.00 noon

Sunday Roast Live sport

Rhodos Dixie Bar

Sun 20th Feb

4.00pm 4.30pm 7.00pm

Welcome to Morzine drinks Acoustic pop & rock with ‘Dan Baxter’ Curry night

Office de Tourisme Tibetan Café Numero Dix

Mon 21st Feb

4.30pm 5.00pm 6.00pm 6.00pm 8.30pm 10.00pm

Live street drummers ‘Deja Groove’ modern pop & soul band ESF torch lit descent of the Pleney Live music ‘Mississippi Mud’ Ice Hockey - Morzine Penguins Vs Strasbourg BaseCamp DJ’s & live percussion

9.00am 9.00am 1.30pm 8.00pm

Tour of the cheese dairy, Local market Free boarder-cross competition All you can eat curry

10.00am 10.30am 4.30pm 5.00pm 8.00pm

Local history tour, Church Square Introduction to Speed Skiing ‘Deja Groove Acoustic’ pop & soul band Large wooden games Night skiing on the Pleney

4.30pm 5.30pm 8.30pm

‘Deja Groove’ pop & soul band Sledge race Dance of the Red Army

12.00 noon

Office de Tourisme Rhodos Pleney Bar Tabac, Montriond Palais du Sport Coyote Bar

Tues 22nd Feb

Route de la Plagne Place de la Poste Nyon Sherpa

Wed 23rd Feb

Mairie La Combe Piste, Nyon Tibetan Café Office de Tourisme Pleney

Thrs 24th Feb

L’Etale Pleney Palais du Sport

Fri 25th Feb

Live sport

Dixie Bar

Sat 26th Feb

12.00 noon 12.00 noon

Sunday Roast Live sport

Rhodos Dixie Bar

Sun 27th Feb

4.00pm 4.30pm 7.00pm

Welcome to Morzine drinks Acoustic pop & rock with ‘Dan Baxter’ Curry night at Numero Dix

Office de Tourisme Tibetan Café Chemin des Moulin

Mon 28th Feb

Events dates and times all correct at time of print.

If you have an event in March that you would like us to include, please let us know.

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The last decade saw the three warmest winters for 500 years.

Green Skiing For ski resorts it is the ultimate Catch-22: they generate massive carbon emissions but with global warming causing erratic snowfall and glaciers to recede, it may be these very emissions that eventually put resorts out of business.

There are many factors that contribute to how environmentally friendly ski resorts are some avoidable, some not.

Travel to and from resort, excessive heating and electricity, snow cannons, ski lifts and even the wax used on skis and snowboards can all contribute to the detrimental effects.

Unfortunately there are no international environmental standards for winter resorts to adhere to but at the EU's 10th Alpine Convention last year, the eight Alpine countries agreed to continued "sustainable development of the region... by encouraging environmentally friendly tourism."

The catalyst for this action was six years ago when one of the warmest winters in the Alps was recorded.

In addition, the last decade saw the three warmest years for 500 years.

On a more local level, over 30 chalet companies in Morzine have signed up to a green initiative in conjunction with Much Better Adventures, which pledges to reduce water and energy consumption during the 20102011 ski season in a bid to show how small changes can make a big difference.

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According to Jon Dredge of More Mountain, one of the committed chalet companies, everyone he has met has been supportive of the programme; "We all rely on the snow for our businesses to function, so hopefully we can work together to share ideas and every chalet operator involved will be able to reduce their energy and water consumption in some way," he explained. "We weren't in a position to go completely ecofriendly as we can't rebuild our chalets," says Jon, "but we were keen to reduce our impact. Skiers and snowboarders are becoming more conscious of the effect they have."

Almost all of the businesses in Morzine need the snow in order to be successful so it makes sense that everyone does their part to ensure the white stuff keeps coming. Willie Catchpool of Doorstep Skis offsets the carbon emissions created by his business, "last season we produced 5.1 tonnes of CO2 which was offset by using renewable forms of energy and paying keen attention to energy efficiency."

"We are also trying to reduce our 'carbon footprint' by re-cycling as much of our waste as possible and using environmentally friendly products such as Magic Potion 100% bio-degradable ski-waxes."

Many people don't realise that a lot of regular ski waxes contain perfluorocarbons (PFC's) that break down into an acid which has been shown to cause cancer, birth defects and organ damage in laboratory animals. The thin

membrane of wax on skis and snowboards is worn off onto the slopes and as the snow melts, this acid is carried into the water and on to sensitive mountain habitats.

Some may consider that the easiest way to avoid leaving long-term environmental damage would be for ski resorts to shut down.

Fortunately, for those who love the mountains and the many mountain communities that are supported by the skiing industry, this is not an option.

Veronica Tonge, founder of ResponsibleSkiing.com, has written reports analysing the impacts of skiing. She highlights that the ski industry "has been the saviour of many mountain communities and traditions." She also believes it is possible to ski and be green. "Ski

lifts and artificial snow-making do require power for the ski season; but they are increasingly efficient and clean. In addition, repeated scientific studies have found no negative impacts of artificial snow or delayed snow melt on vegetation.

Resorts can make choices that significantly reduce the impact of skiing."

I don't think anyone's ready to lose this beautiful wonderland from the many tourists, to the locals and right down to the animals for whom it is their home too. The answer appears simple. In order to avoid losing the snowy mountains that we so love, it is the responsibility of everyone to act accountably and ethically to save them, not only for ourselves but also for the generations who have yet to enjoy them.

We all rely on the snow

Day in the life of a Morzine Manny Nic Cuniffe, 24, is a Child Care Assistant at Chilly Powder in Les Prodains and hails originally from Leicester. He's breaking all the social stereotypes this winter...

Firstly, I prefer to call myself a Male Child Carer rather than a 'Manny', glad I have got that sorted, now on with my story.

I set about organising the train track, this is my favourite toy for the kids and I like to make sure it is organised.

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Before moving to Morzine in December I'd done two seasons in Whistler and Les Arcs. I knew that Morzine had a good vibe and I was offered a job by Chilly Powder as part of their child care team in their on-site crèche. At 7.20am each day my eyes open and I wait for an opportunity to jump into our small but perfectly formed shared bathroom. I live with two other female nannies in Avoriaz, in a cool little apartment just off the Place de Telepherique. I could tell you about my waking thought this morning... but you would censor it, I promise.

It was blog-worthy, believe me.

I leave home with wet hair and snowboard down the Crot to work in Prodains. I usually carry my washing in my Carrefour "bag for life" with me. I finally wake up proper when I slip on the ice before starting work at 8.15am. Kettle on, make a brew. Then I set about organising the train track - this is my favourite toy for the kids and I like to make sure it is organised. I tend to look after the older children and I take them to their ski lessons in Avoriaz. In the afternoons I like to take them on a horse and cart ride in Morzine or to play hide and

seek on the Super Morzine bubble lift. We always stop for a picnic at the top. Working with children I get to laugh every day and this is definitely the best part of my job. I often worry though that I'm using up the best of my daddy skills before I have the chance to use them on my own kids.

I finish work at 5.15pm and then meditate for a while in the crèche.

It is a very quiet and peaceful zone once all the kids have been collected. I enjoy reading James and the Giant Peach and other children's stories - they have such a greater meaning when you read them as an adult. I stay for a staff meal in the chalet before heading back to Avoriaz for a boogie in The Place or Shooters. My bedtime can vary between 10pm and 5am depending on what I've got planned the next day.

After Morzine I'll head towards South America where hopefully I'll fall in love and have beautiful, sweet children. Somewhere near the beach I think. My mantra for life is 'pick flowers not fights' and I ask you all to do the same.

Headline Text Obis delenihicia doles re eatiae ipsam endandendit la si dicaborem quam hicium quae volori quo molessum none re aliquia ant licipienda cum endis estor sum et offic temporibus.

as usual, was bursting at the seams and then on to L’Opera where we managed to avoid the 1 hour queue as we’d bought our tickets in advance. We were just in time for a fantastic DJ set by Mista Jam which had the whole club literally shaking like I’ve never seen in Morzine before. At the end of the day, a dance music festival might not be everyone’s cup of tea in Morzine, but it certainly was a fantastic ‘once in a season’ event.

MORZINE

The Snowbombing Mission Tour reaches Morzine…

“A love of fresh Alpine air taken in with just as fresh sounds from the heart of the city” is how the website describes the Snowbombing Mission Tour.

We’re not used to paying €15 to see live music or live DJ’s in Morzine.

But with promotions backed by Volvo, the Snowbombing Mission Tour has been plastered around town for weeks. In case you’ve missed them, Snowbombing is a dance music event in Mayrhofen, Austria between 4th and 9th April this year. The Mission Tour takes in loads of ski resorts on the way to Mayrhofen, including Morzine on 18th January this year. The kick off party at Le Tremplin with live DJ sessions on the terrace created a fantastic and much needed après scene to the bottom of the Pleney. On we rolled to the Cavern Bar, which,

Uncle Burt relishes in your problems (no really, he enjoys your pain) so please send them in, however foolish or minor they may seem, he's sure to have an answer whether you like it or not! Email them to unclebert@yodelmagazine.com and look out for his solution next month.

Ask Uncle Bert My boyfriend wants to teach me to ski, we tried it for a day and I'm furious with how unsympathetic he was. I'm afraid it will threaten his masculinity if I get lessons from someone hotter than him, what should I do?

Pick the hottest ski instructor in resort and pop an extra tenner on the cost of the lesson to convince him to flirt outrageously with you. Then subtly follow your boyfriend for the day, consistently threatening his masculinity to teach him a lesson for being such a tool when he was teaching you.

If this doesn't seem to work, wait until he comes home to make lots of innuendos about how much better your instructor's techniques were than his.

My girlfriend and I have lived here for 4 years but now she wants to live in England again, I'm happy here.

How do we decide if we're meant for each other and where to go?

Ooh this is a toughie. Rolling, snow-topped mountains, dripping in sunshine versus the endless rain and general gloom that resonates in England 322 days a year? Hmmm, I wish I was a better agony uncle so I could help solve this one....Duh, clearly you want to mug her off and stay here, you'll soon find a new one to replace her, is there really any contest?!

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I think I've met the seasonnaire of my dreams but I'm afraid that if I tell her how I feel, I'll scare her away.

How should I say it to her?

You should tell her the truth, that the reason she is so special to you is that she will be gone in a few months time. Seasonnaires are shark bait for non-committal types like yourself so spare this little fish the aggro of your uninvited advances and set her free....a bit like Nemo.

I bought a new jacket this season and now I suddenly see everyone else wearing it it's the most popular jacket in Morzine. I can't afford another one, any ideas?

I don't know you massive metrosexual, why don't you pull out some of the sewing skills you learnt at finishing school and pretty soon it will be unrecognisable from the one you bought in a manly 'boutique' in the first place. Man up son.

I'm badly allergic to cheese but completely love it, it's everywhere I go and I can't seem to escape; Reblochon, Roquefort, Raclette, mmmm.... how do I get through this?!

I say get on a diet pronto you big choffer. "Can't resist cheese" I thought you'd be made of tougher stuff than that, you don't see the rest of resort rolling out of restaurants in the shape of a raclette while slowly slipping into a fondue-induced coma, do you?

Oh, hang on, maybe you do....

Th ou

One-piece of the Month Brendon you are a genius. Who knew that oversized pink boots would be making a comeback this season? It is undeniable after seeing this ensemble that these boots will be everywhere by late spring. An outfit containing the hottest shades of neon could be seen as overwhelming but Brendon has combined these tones to perfection. A truly heroic effort combining ski gems we salute you. But what do you think, can you beat it?

Send us images of your favourite onesies to: rowena@yodelmagazine.com or amie@yodelmagazine.com and see if they are featured here next month!

There are hundreds of iPhone apps out there, here are Yodel’s favourites.

The Mammut Safety App helps snow sports enthusiasts to assess the local avalanche risk using a clinometer to estimate the slope angle, a compass to determine the slope exposition and a altimeter.

Price – FREE http://www.mammut.ch/safetyapp

5 best ski apps for your iPhone

Point de Vue views the landscape in front of you and uses your location to name the mountains that surround you from a 200km distance. It also plots your location, height and heading, with or without enabling your GPS. Price – £2.99 http://www.sente.ch/s/?p=805

I-Trail Map 3D also records your speed, vertical descent and exact location in the mountains, before allowing you to upload them to the web and view them on Google Earth.

I-Trail Maps also offer some very handy resort guides too.

Price - £3.50 http://www.itrailmap.com/apps/

Geo-Lives lets you record your own ski trail and see your average speed and distance travelled in real time. You can then add your own points of interest, pictures and notes to your routes and publish them to the web for others to use.

Price – FREE http://iphone.geolives.com/index_en.html

The Ski Club App provides the best and most respected snow reports for 250 ski resorts around the world, updated daily to give you information on snow depth, piste conditions, live weather and live webcams.

Price – FREE 15 http://www.skiclub.co.uk/skiclub/ snowreports/snowreportapp.aspx