InTheSnow Issue 42 - February 2015

INTHE SNOW CAROLINE VANTHOFF

ISSUE42 | FEB2015

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IN THIS MONTH MATTIA FREDERIKSSON

FEATURES

035

GOING BACK TO THE START  WE VISIT THE SWISS JUNGFRAU

HOLLY JUNAK

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Few ski areas rival the Swiss Jungfrau for its skiing pedigree. The British pioneers of downhill skiing arrived more than a century ago, and visiting today it’s easy to see what attracted them.

LE CHARDON  MOUNTAIN LODGES Val d’Isère is of course home to some of the world’s most wonderful

ZERO TO HERO  LEARNING TO SKI IN NORWAY

INTHESNOW

@INTHESNOWMAG INTHESNOW

Taking a ‘never-ever’ skier to skiing superstar on Norwegian ski slopes was never going to be easy, but total immersion in the home of skiing and a ‘can do’ attitude from the willing subject paid off…

ABTA No. V4138

If you... #loveski...then ski more often.

Ski Weekends is the home of short break packages & tailor-made ski holidays to Europe's best ski resorts.

With more choice of catered chalets, hotels & self-catering apartments, flying from 17 UK airports why only ski once a year?

organically to offer that bit extra when it comes to service.

CHRISTIAN PERRET

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mountain properties, but Le Chardon Mountain Lodges have grown

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REGULARS

GEAR

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BOOT ROOM 038  With the leading trade fair for ski kit, ISPO, over for another year, the world’s biggest brands (and everybody else) have unveiled their latest ideas for the 2015–16 season. Here are some great items.

10 MINUTES WITH  ELLIOT BROWN

SKI REPUBLIC 032

When two long-term friends, colleagues and watchmakers extraordinaire decided to team up, the resulting timepieces were

We profile one of the most successful ski

bound to be special; the fact that they love skiing is just a bonus.

rental companies in Europe and look at what

patrick@inthesnow.com

they’re doing right and the special offers

FREERIDE 008

they have in place for the remainder of the season if you haven’t booked your gear yet.

Conditions this season have certainly kept us on our

HEMEL SNOW CENTRE 036

toes. Less than a month ago, all was doom and gloom

COMPETITION 028

other as to who could come up with the most dramatic

in the Alps with the newspapers trying to outdo each report as to how bad it was – the best (or should that be worst?) I saw was a claim that this was the poorest snow

KLAUS LORKE

016

TEAM

cover start to a ski season in 26 years.

Fast-forward to February and huge snowfalls in the Alps (and, although they needed it less, the Pyrenees) have transformed the ski scene, and now the talk is of one of the best half-term holidays for snow cover in

SUB EDITORS

© Copyright 2014

DOMINIC KILLINGER

NICK JONES MARION ADAMS

Printed in the UK.

struck lucky with sunny days, blue skies and perfect

No part of this publication

snow conditions.

dom@inthesnow.com PRODUCTION DIRECTOR

MATT NICHOLSON matt@inthesnow.com EDITOR

PATRICK THORNE patrick@inthesnow.com

BLOW THE BONUS  CHALET N

OPERATIONS DIRECTOR

DEBBIE GABRIEL debbie@inthesnow.com SALES MANAGER

GIANCARLO GAMBARDELLA

3D TVs, hay saunas and pillowcases monogramed with your initials

giancarlo@inthesnow.com

before you arrived are just some of the extras at one of the wold’s top luxury chalets. The skiing’s not bad if you can face going outdoors too.

recent years. Those lucky enough to be on the slopes

PUBLISHER

PICTURE EDITOR

ROSS WOODHALL

CONTRIBUTORS

SAM THORNE OLIVIA PARRY-JONES AMIE POSTINGS ANDY TAYLOR GABRIELLA LE BRETON

may be copied, photocopied or reproduced, stored in a

SALLY BARTLETT COLUMNISTS

JON WEST PHIL SMITH LORNA MCGACHIE HEMEL SNOW CENTRE

Mid-February onwards is always a busy time in the

retrieval system or transmitted,

French Alps of course, with those school holiday

in any way or means, either by

bookings dominating the market, but if you’re still

recording or otherwise, without permission of the publishers

EQUIPMENT EDITOR

of the Alps in the first week earlier this month certainly

in writing.

looking for a winter 2015 ski trip you’ll find most other ski destinations are a little quieter with availability normally easier to find. If you can leave it until March,

INTHESNOW LTD

prices typically drop by the middle of the month and

THE SNOW STUDIO

there are lots of special deals, especially for families,

KINGS LANE, BUCKS HP16 0QY

at Easter.

If you’re looking for inspiration, this month we have

DESIGN BY

+44 (0)1494 862 423

ROCKET BASE

DOM@INTHESNOW.COM

rocketbase.co.uk

INTHESNOW.COM

features on skiing in the spectacular Swiss Jungfrau region at the resorts of Grindelwald, Murren and Wengen, where we Brits have been heading to slide downhill for more than a century. Along with lots more ideas, as always, in our news stories, we also feature ski holidays in Norway, which has had a very snowy ski season so far. There’s also a great

For the latest deals and best prices www.skiweekends.com or call

023 8020 6971

destination option in Val-d’Isère, or if you have a quarter of a million Euros or so to spare, check out our “Blow the Bonus” column and you’ll see what that kind of money can get you, low season at least, at arguably the best ski chalet in Austria.

But wherever you’ve been this season, or are heading if you’ve not been away yet, and whether you’re booked into a cheap hostel or a luxury chalet, I hope you’re lucky with the snow – the crucial ingredient, more than ever, in most of our ski holidays.

again & again with Skiweekends.com

003 // FEB15

ALPE D’HUEZ

SKI PRICES DROP IN EURO ZONE, NORWAY & CANADA

WORDS: PATRICK THORNE

the US, it’s now more expensive still.

country, have surged by around 13% after the

But for those heading to the Eurozone,

With Euro exchange rates the best they’ve

Swiss Central Bank’s decision.

Scandinavia and Canada it seems to be mostly

been for more than 5 years, prices in the Alps

Interestingly in Norway, traditionally thought

a warm, fuzzy feeling that awaits as we pay

(except Switzerland), Pyrenees, Dolomites and

of as one of the most expensive European

less for our holidays.

other ski nations in the Eurozone including

destinations for Brits, the pound has continued

“What our clients are finding is that their

Finland, Slovakia and Slovenia are around 8%

to gain strength year-on-year and now

cheaper for Brits compared to a year ago with

buys around 11.5 Krona compared to 8.5

the pound buying around €1.3.

Krona only two years ago – a rise of about

“This is definitely good for business and

a third.

especially when added to the amazing snow

Skiers heading across the Atlantic will find

conditions at the moment across all the French

the US dollar at a two-year high against

resorts we feature,” said Xavier Schouller, boss

the pound with the pound buying only

of tour operator Peak Retreats, who added,

1.5 dollars, but by contrast the pound has

“There has seen a big surge in bookings over

gradually increased in value against the

the past few weeks and especially for the

Canadian dollar, now buying more than 1.8

March/April Easter period which was already a

Canadian dollars, making skiing in Canada

lot more popular than last season. This is great

more affordable.

news for us as it had been the slowest start to

“The Swiss double whammy of impossibly

ast month saw dramatic fluctuation in currency

a ski season we had seen since we started the

high minimum wage and 20% exchange

exchange rates between the UK and the

business 13 years ago.”

rate hike, has seen many of our regulars

world’s leading skiing nations – as well as

“The weak Euro already has some of our

reluctantly book other countries this

many of the minor ones.

clients planning to ski more than once this

year. Some say rich Switzerland doesn’t

The weakening of the Euro and the decision

winter, as the old grumbles about the price of

want ‘mainstream’ ski tourism anymore,” said

pounds will take them much further than

by the Swiss Central Bank to stop attempting

beer in France lessen and après-ski no longer

Richard Sinclair.

last year in France this season. Mountain

to limit its strength on the international market

requires an overdraft,” added Richard Sinclair

“The Swiss Central Bank’s decision to unfix its

restaurants, bar bills, restaurant bills, food

is both good news and bad for Brits heading to

of special ski travel agency sno.co.uk. “We’ve

currency against the Euro could change the

shopping will all cost less in resorts when

Europe, depending on where they’re heading.

seen some great deals on rental and lessons

dynamics of the European ski property market

converted back in pounds, so the few people

The good news is that prices have dropped

booked locally, so we sometimes advised our

in Europe this year,” commented Julian Walker,

who have not paid too much attention to

considerably at the ski areas that most of

clients not to add these extras with us, when

Director at Skiingproperty.com, who added

exchange rates may have pleasant surprises

us head to – France, Austria, Italy, Andorra,

booking their holiday.”

that this is likely to have a knock-on effect for

when they receive their credit card bills on

Finland and Canada for example. The bad

Prices in Switzerland, which were already

those wishing to rent rather than buy holiday

their return,” concluded Xavier Schouller.

news is that for ski holidays to Switzerland and

considered high for those not resident in the

property there.

HOW EXCHANGE RATES HAVE CHANGED IN 2015 Euro: £  to approx. 1.3 Swiss Franc: £  to approx. 1.4 Canadian $: £  to approx. 1.8 US $: £  to approx. 1.5 Norwegian Krone: £  to approx. 11.5

005 // FEB15

FLO HAGENA

VAL D’ISÈRE OFFERS ELECTRIC BIKING Val d’Isère is offering its guests the chance to try motorbiking on the snow this winter on an all-electric bike. The new Freeride E-XC from KTM is an entirely electric motorbike available to rent at the resort’s Alpine Arc Ice Driving Circuit. Ideal for beginners and experts alike, the resort says the E-XC bike is easy to drive, with the added bonus of having zero emissions.

NEW NIGHT SKIING IN VERBIER The Téléverbier lift company is offering the opportunity to ski on most Thursday evenings on the Esserts slope this winter.

The slope is due to be floodlit and open to skiers and boarders from 18:30 until 21:30 on virtually all Thursday evenings through

SPEEDRIDING RECORD ATTEMPT DATES SET

adults, CHF8 for children.

T

CRYSTAL WINS ANOTHER AWARD The travel trade’s favourite suppliers were honoured at the Travel Weekly Globe Travel Awards in London last month with Crystal winning the Best Activity and Adventure Operator. The event was hosted by comedian Jack Whitehall with awards voted for entirely by UK travel agents. “We thank the travel agent community for their continued support,” said Tamsin Todd, Managing Director of Crystal Ski Holidays.

GOURMET SKI WEEK Supertravel Ski’s Gourmet Week is back on

he intends to make his attempt to

150km/h. The current record was

set a new world record in his sport

set by Frenchman François Bon

during the period from 18–22 March

in 2006.

2015, and now he has the suit to

A competition run at the end of last

wear for it.

year to design the “world’s fastest

The relatively new sport of

racing suit” judged by various

speedriding involves skiing and

extreme sports legends opted for

flying down steep slopes, wearing

a design submitted by Katherina

a small parasail, and Armin will

Obletter from Ortisei in Italy. The

Google’s decision to start publishing snow

make his world record attempt on

suit is now being created meaning

reports in their search results this season has

the 3859m-high mountain face of

the main thing Armin needs now

led to a large number of inaccurate reports

he Italian speedriding superstar

the Königspitze at Sulden in the

for his record attempt in March is

appearing at the top of search result pages for

Armin Senoner has announced that

Ortler Alps (Italy) at speeds of over

good weather.

people looking for current snow information.

At the start of the season, the search engine giant were reporting a number of leading ski resorts as closed when they were open, and where they

22 March and will be hosted by Michelin-

were listed as open, their snow reports were

starred chef François Moureaux, renowned in the Three Valleys for his stylish modern

POP-UP CHAMPAGNE BAR IS BACK

cuisine. He’ll be cooking at a different chalet each night as well as hosting culinary master

supertravel.co.uk

DANIEL BAYER

costs from £1,549pp on a chalet-board basis

extremely inaccurate for some resorts.

Although the company said it was “looking into the problem” several months ago, earlier this month, when resorts in the Pyrenees had had

classes. A week’s stay at Chalet Founets Aval (sleeps eight) for Gourmet Week 2015

GOOGLE SNOW REPORTS WRONG

GOOGLE

to 19 March 2015. A lift pass costs CHF15 for

WAXED UP: GANGS OF GLOUCESTER Gloucester Ski and Snowboard Centre will

each weekend and can be easily

more than a metre of snow over the previous 3

spotted thanks to Veuve’s signature

days, the search engine listed Formigal in Spain,

yellow umbrellas, chaises lounges

which had a 1.2m base at resort level and 2.8m

and solar-powered sound system.

(more than 9ft) of snow on upper runs and was

“Because Oasis may be gone as

trying to dig out its lifts at the time, as having a

quickly as it appears, it compels

meagre 20cm of snow cover in resort and 90cm

you to experience it, or risk missing

on upper runs, with no fresh snow for a week.

the opportunity,” said Ted Mahon, a

It is unclear what effect, if any, publishing very

long-time ski instructor. “It’s not about

inaccurate snow information ahead of more

What’s claimed to be the world’s

Aspen Mountain via a snowcat,

having a drink – it’s about spontaneity,

accurate information provided by the ski resorts

new type of slopestyle event for teams

first pop-up champagne and caviar

much like an on-piste version of a

and living in the moment.”

themselves and long-established independent

of four skiers and snowboarders or both.

bar is back in action in Aspen for its

big city food truck, serving a regal

For exact times and locations of

snow reporting agencies will have on safety in the

Named “Waxed up: Gangs of Gloucester”, it

third season.

combination of Veuve Clicquot

Oasis, Aspen visitors should follow

mountains, people’s plans to travel to resorts or

takes place on Saturday 21 February at 3pm

Operated by Colorado resort’s

champagne and California Caviar.

The Little Nell on Twitter and

on ski resorts’ or travel companies’ businesses.

and costs £10/rider to enter. The day will

luxurious The Little Nell, the bar,

Oasis sets up shop from Friday to

Facebook and look for posts with

Google did not respond to queries to their US

also include demos and a BBQ. Register via

known as Oasis, roams around

Sunday afternoon. It changes settings

these details.

head office or UK press office.

become the first UK slope to host a brand

waxedup@yahoo.com or 01452501438.

006 // FEB15 // INTHESNOW.COM

@INTHESNOWMAG

BRIAN FINESTONE

SCHLADMING

GUILT-FREE APRÈS SKI?

KIDS-ONLY SNOWPARK

Crystal Ski Holidays (crystalski.co.uk) have launched a “guilt-free après

Whistler Blackcomb has partnered with Burton Snowboards to

ski” initiative to remind people that while we have fun skiing, boarding,

build a kids-only Riglet Park at the Children’s Learning Centre on

sledging and doing most other things on snow, we also burn calories.

Whistler Mountain.

The company’s online calculator at ski-buzz.co.uk/ski-blog/guilt-free-

Riglet Parks are built around the idea of giving young kids a fun

apres, designed to be used while on your ski holiday, estimates the

introduction to the foundations of snowboarding through play, terrain-

number of calories you’ve burned based on your day’s activity on the

based learning and guided discovery.

slopes, and then recommends resort-specific food and drink that you

Children experience the feeling of sliding on snow through interactive

can enjoy that evening.

stations with features that help them learn the basic snowboard

Users enter their chosen resort and the time they spent on their

fundamentals of balance, movement and control in a safe, easy and fun

chosen snow-sport activity. Snowboarding will burn calories at a

environment. It’s basically a snowboarding playground.

different rate to skiing, or tobogganing or cross-country skiing.

“Kids are the heart of our sport and … With Burton’s Riglet Parks, kids are

The calculator then lets you know how much partying you have burned

in a small group with a trained snowboard coach, using learning-specific

off after a hard day on the slopes – and how much refuelling you can

gear and playing – it’s a game changer,” said Jeff Boliba, Vice President

do in the evening.

of Global Resorts for Burton Snowboards.

Featuring a selection of the world’s most popular resorts, including

Burton and Whistler Blackcomb will also host pop-up Riglet Parks in

Verbier, Whistler and Val Thorens, the aim of the calorie counter is to

Whistler Village throughout the winter season. The next event is on 20

allow you to enjoy the après side of ski holidays without feeling any

March from 1pm to 4pm in the Mountain Square (outside of Showcase

pangs of guilt for overindulging, the company says.

Snowboard Shop).

CATHERINE HOULT

SCOTLAND’S SIXTH SKI AREA NOW OPERATIONAL with two land owners.

The new buildings have already been tested by the extremes of Scottish weather, surviving 100mph gales in early January.

The Club’s main ski run should open imminently with more snow forecast and the installation of the new 400m tow lift almost complete.

Regular snow reports are posted at skiclub. lowtherhills.com/snow-report and the Club also operates a lively Facebook page (facebook. com/pages/Lowther-Hills-Ski-Club/).

There has been skiing in the Lowther Hills for at least 60 years, and the current Club has existed since the mid-1980s, but there has been no permanent ski lift and club house Recent snow and the partial completion of work

to be used.

facilities until this winter.

to get Lowther Hills ski area in the Scottish

The dedication of volunteers from the

Membership of the Lowther Hills Ski Club,

borders operational has paid off with the first

family-friendly Lowther Hills Ski Club to

which entitles members to free use of the

skiers taking to the area’s nursery slope.

get the centre operational has seen teams

ski lift and slopes whenever the centre is

On the busiest day so far, around 60 skiers

working in all weathers to erect lift pylons, a

open and other benefits, costs £35 for adults,

took to the 100m nursery slope, the first area

club house and lift engine shed through the

£20 for under 18s and £60 for families, with

to open, and a second temporary lift tow had

autumn after agreeing slope access rights

discounts for local residents.

TRANSALP: I HAVE A DREAM. Fischer has now made this dream come true. With the Fischer TRANSALP ski.

Built using Fischer Aeroshape technology: an intelligent, streamlined ski design with mass-optimised construction and light, high-tensile materials. For exactly the right balance between climbing and downhill performance. And all this at only 950g per ski.

Because pieces of equipment have to interact perfectly in extreme situations and ski tourers place exacting demands on their boots: the Fischer Transalp VACUUM TS Lite, the first fully adaptable touring ski boot.

More freedom of movement, excellent power transfer and perfect fit.

SKI: TRANSALP 80, BOOT: TRANSALP VACUUM TS LITE

FB.COM/INTHESNOW

007 // FEB15

fischersports.com

FREERIDE

O L E S S O N

N O . 5

W H E R E

T O

G O ?

skiing and it’s forbidden. Ducking under a rope

Gulmarg – Kashmir, but do check out the local

can result in ski passes being confiscated. Also

political situation first.

high on the list of very snowy places in the world is Alaska, but the world record for the most snow in one season is held by Mt Baker Washington at a whopping 29m.

ACCESSIBLE TERRAIN You’re going to need terrain and lots of it, but bear in mind vast lift systems do not necessarily

ALTITUDE

mean huge areas of off-piste skiing. The aptly

It’s a well-known fact that the higher the resort

lift. But who needs lots of lifts when one lift takes

the more chance of guaranteed snow. There’s

you to the top of the mountain? Vast areas in

a figure bandied around called the Lapse Rate

France include Paradiski, Espace Killy and the

- it’s generally considered to be a 1-degree

Portes du Soleil, and in Switzerland the world-

ne thing’s for certain – you’re going to need

Celsius drop in temperature for every 100m

famous ski area of Verbier. Austria, well, it has

snow and you’ll need to know where you’re

rise in altitude. Stick on an extra 1000m in

to be St Anton which takes après-ski to a whole

going to get it. Advising you exactly where to

height and you’ve got a 10-degree difference in

new level, and Italy has Alagna, also known as

named French resort of La Grave has only one

go to get the best

temperature. So

‘Freeride Paradise’. Any article on freeriding has

snow is a bit like

the higher the

to mention Chamonix and Courmayeur, home

advising someone

resort, the lower

of Mont Blanc and the most famous off-piste

on who’s going

the temperature.

run in the world, ‘The Valley Blanche’. If you

to win the Grand

But, higher

fancy something not quite run of the mill then

National. However,

doesn’t mean

heli-skiing in Kamchatka may take your fancy,

we can make it a

more snow.

or climbing volcanoes in Southern Chile for

bit easier to decide

Bear this in

something completely different.

where to go with a

mind if you’re

few guidelines.

going high, and

LOCAL REGULATIONS

Firstly, let’s look

then take into

In North America, off-piste skiing in resort

at a few of the

consideration

areas is strictly controlled, but that’s not to

PHIL SMITH SNOWORKS

wind and

say there’s no powder to enjoy; actually

fewer trees as

there’s stacks of it. In other countries such as

well. So it’s a

France there used to be more responsibility

Phil Smith is founder of Snoworks

pay-off. Right

placed on the individual, but all countries are

All-Mountain Ski Courses. Snoworks

up on the list

now beginning to take a much firmer look at

run Off-Piste and Backcountry courses

of high-altitude

off-piste skiing, so make sure you’ve checked

throughout the winter along with Off-

ski resorts in

out the rules and regulations with the local

Piste Adventure trips to destinations

Europe is my

authorities before heading anywhere. Skiing

around the world. info@snoworks.com

hometown of

without a qualified guide or instructor is not

up in the results –

Tignes along

considered responsible behaviour, unless

Japan. The North

with Val Thorens

you are very experienced. And don’t forget,

Island of Japan gets

and, in Austria,

it’s not just your life that’s at stake; it’s the

variables.

SNOWFALL Search for “the snowiest place on earth” online and one place will constantly come

more snow than any other alpine nation, with

Hintertux, while across the water you have

lives of those you’re skiing with and those

an average annual snowfall of over 17m. But

Breckenridge with a village at an altitude of just

who may need to come out and rescue you.

you need to know where you’re going. Many

under 3000m. If you’re really going for height

So wherever you go, make sure you’re with

Japanese resorts have not taken to off-piste

then one of the highest lifts in the world is in

qualified guides or instructors.

08 // FEB15

SNOWORKS.COM

Heavenly Skiing At Down To Earth Prices

COWELL LOOMS LARGE OVER ISCHGL in the resort’s Shapes In White snow sculpture

hospitality in Ischgl is fantastic.”

music talent critic Simon Cowell is looming

exhibition 11 times out of the 22 years it has

The snow sculptures will remain in place for as

large over the slopes of Ischgl in Austria’s Tirol

been held.

long as it remains cold enough, and Ischgl has a

at present. This is not the actual Mr Cowell, but

This winter’s contest was themed on “Casting

very long season lasting another 4 months to the

a snow sculpture replica of the famous man’s

Shows”, and the Scott brothers were one of ten

start of May, when it stages its famous “Top of

head, carved from a 4m block of snow up on the

two-man teams to take part in the exhibition.

the Mountain” concert with a major international

ski slopes.

Ischgl is quite a change of scene for gardener and

musical superstar (yet to be announced for 2015

The smiling snow sculpture, wearing trademark

tree surgeon Justin, from Driffield in Yorkshire, and

as we went to press) headlining. Whoever it turns

sunglasses, is the work of English brothers

Simon, a sales director from Acle in Norfolk.

out to be, surely Mr Cowell will approve?

Justin and Simon Scott, who have taken part

“We enjoy taking part,” said Justin. “The

ischgl.com

TOURISMUSVERBAND ST. ANTON AM ARLBERG - MARIANNE HIESEL

A giant snow sculpture of the infamous new

PRINCE ANDREW AND EX BUY VERBIER CHALET

SNOW VOLLEYBALL IN ST ANTON

Prince Andrew and his ex-wife Sarah Ferguson have bought a luxury

St Anton isn’t just about world-class skiing. The famous Austrian resort

chalet in Verbier. The couple, who divorced 19 years ago, are thought

stages a number of other events through the season including one of

to have spent between £8m and £13m to purchase the property.

the most popular, the Snow Volleyball Tour, which this season rolls into

Despite their divorced status the couple are reported to be on good

town from 3 to 5 April.

terms and have holidayed together with their daughters in Verbier at

Beach volleyball professionals switch from sand to snow to pull out

least since 1998, according to a BBC report.

all the stops in a battle for the coveted “King of the Snow” title in the

Buckingham Palace have not commented on the purchase, but the

sport, which now enjoys official recognition.

BBC reports that “a source close to Sarah Ferguson” says the chalet

The contest is played out in the Snow Arena at 2030m above sea level

acquisition is regarded as a “family purchase” and that no money was

next to the top station of the Rendlbahn lifts, where palm trees are

borrowed to pay for it.

brought in for decoration especially for the event.

Their children Princess Beatrice of York and Princess Eugenie of York

snowvolleyball.at

High Quality Catered + Self Catered Accommodation French and Swiss Alps Snow Sure Resorts On / Near Piste locations No Hidden Extras Financially Bonded

are aged 26 and 24 respectively.

0151 625 1921 mountainheaven.co.uk FB.COM/INTHESNOW

009 // FEB15

CHRISTIAN PERRET

WORDS: DEBBIE GABRIEL

B

like St Anton, Davos Klosters

season starts for over a decade, so

In December the village is also

where the sea bass and apple

and Ischgl much easier to reach.

the full huge extent of the Arlberg

home to a small traditional

coulis is a particular forte.

It’s also a small, efficient, friendly

was not open to test. However, the

Christmas market where highlights

There was no time for skiing in

and well-connected airport once

ski guide did manage to find some

include a local punch to sample,

Davos, and after trying a bit of curling

you arrive – so say goodbye to

good places to ski and a great lunch

served from what looked like a

and watching some of the local pro

traffic congestion outside and

spot at the Verwallstude restaurant

witch’s cauldron bubbling over an

ice hockey teams in training, our final

changeover-day chaos inside, and

serving the most delicious mountain

open fire and laced with amaretto

stop was Lake Constance, which

fly into Freidrichshafen 90 minutes

food – beautifully presented with

(delicious). We enjoyed browsing

we crossed by catamaran, and the

after you’ve taken off from Gatwick.

stunning views thrown in for free.

the stalls looking at the handcrafted

German Market in Konstanz.

Sadly, one perk we

goods for sale.

The market itself is a feast for the

enjoyed on that

With St Anton playing

eyes with so much to see and do

inaugural flight – a

such a crucial role in

you immediately feel immersed

the development of

in all things Christmassy, with

downhill skiing during

twinkling lights and the smell

the early decades of the

of mulled wine everywhere.

last century, a visit to the

Everything from hand-carved

museum here is a very

treasures to Christmas decorations

worthwhile experience

and food treats were available, and

bag of local cookies

MORE INFO

ritish Airways launched an all-

that came out on the

new route to the Alps this winter,

baggage conveyor for

making accessing some of the best

each of us in arrivals

resorts in Austria and Switzerland

shortly before our bags

much easier, and I was lucky

did – was probably a

enough to be on the inaugural

one-off.

too, before moving

it’s so big it takes a couple of hours

flight on behalf of InTheSnow.

My first duty after

onto the museum for a

to walk around with a glass of

The new direct flight is from Gatwick

checking out the new flight (tick),

But less skiing did mean more

quick look at the history behind St

mulled wine to keep you warm.

to Bodensee Airport Friedrichshafen

and Friedrichshafen Airport (tick),

time to see just what a beautiful

Anton and how alpine skiing was

Needless to say, the return trip

in southern Germany.

was to see how easy it was to get to

village St Anton is once you

developed mainly by this region.

through Freidrichshafen Airport

“Where?” you may ask – well,

St Anton. Around 90 minutes later –

forget its powder-snow reputation

The next stop was Davos where we

was as simple and straightforward

Friedrichshafen is actually superbly

or a little over 3 hours from leaving

and look instead at the beautiful

stayed in the new InterContinental

as the inbound experience –

placed for skiers, just a few

Gatwick – I was able to confirm that.

painted buildings and friendly

Davos Resort and Spa which has

exactly what you want when you

kilometres from the Austrian and

Unfortunately, our early season arrival

central square with its lovely cafes,

a great top-floor restaurant with

are only staying for a few days and

Swiss borders, making resorts

coincided with one of the worst

restaurants and shops.

panoramic views, Studio Grigio,

need to maximise every minute!

010 // FEB15

Bodensee Airport Friedrichshafen: fly-away.de/en British Airways: ba.com St Anton: stantonamarlberg.com Davos: davos.ch/en

@INTHESNOWMAG

NEW CHALET HAS SOFT PLAYZONE The family chalet specialist Esprit Ski (espritski.

years old, with a slide, a seesaw and other

activities, which are fully supervised.

com) has unveiled what they believe is the first-

age-appropriate soft play activities, and a larger

Ski Esprit holidays include return flights to

ever state-of–the-art soft playzone in a UK tour

multi-level playzone (12 x 5.5 x 3.7m) for 4 to

Geneva, transfers, free wi-fi, free baby listening

operator Chalet Hotel in the French Alps.

12 year olds, with a double slide, ball-pool,

every night, and 7 nights’ catered board

The Crystal 2000 in Courchevel 1850 now

building blocks and a whole host of other

accommodation with a cooked breakfast,

offers its youngest guests a fun space of their

attractions and adventures.

afternoon tea, children’s high tea and 5-course

own in which to play and let off steam. The

Children are able to enjoy the soft play under

dinners with complimentary wine. Esprit Classic

entire lower ground floor has been redesigned

parental supervision at any time during the

Child Care is available from £215 for a week of

to incorporate two separate play areas – a

day, and the Esprit Ski Child Care team also

exclusive ski lessons. And naturally, unlimited

smaller one for babies and toddlers up to three

use it for occasional Snow Club or Cocoa Club

use of the playzone is included too.

PHOTOSHELTER.COM

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Ski boots are much more customisable, with heat moulded plastic shells that can be shaped to your individual feet.

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Are your boots still comfortable making you reluctant to upgrade them?

A pair of custom fitted boots will be more comfortable than you can possibly imagine and give better performance than your old ski boots ever could.

Skis have now become much more versatile and user friendly helping you ski in all snow conditions.

Or are you still having the hassle of renting equipment?

If you choose the correct ski shape and ability level, you will see huge changes in your progression and enjoyment.

Clothing is more waterproof and breathable and has added freedom of movement and warmth.

Safety has improved, helmets are sleeker and offer much more protection, avalanche transceivers are easier to use and airbag backpacks are becoming essential.

A THIRD NOT ADEQUATELY INSURED ON THE SLOPES One in three people (33%) taking a

to obtain a European Health Insurance

winter-sports holiday this season

Card (EHIC) before they go.

won’t take out winter sports insurance,

Sainsbury’s Bank is highlighting,

according to new findings from

however, that anyone relying on their

Sainsbury’s Travel Insurance.

EHIC for full medical cover should be

In a survey of 2001 randomly selected

aware that the card only entitles you

British adults, commissioned by

to the same state-provided medical

Sainsbury’s Bank and conducted by

treatment as the host country’s

ICM Research, one in four (27%) said

residents, which may not be free.

they only planned to take out a general

An EHIC card will also not cover

travel insurance policy, and 6% said

emergency transportation should you

that they do not intend to take out any

need to be airlifted off the slopes,

insurance whatsoever.

taken to hospital by ambulance and

“Whilst most ski and snowboard trips

repatriated – costs which could easily

go without incident, winter sports

reach into thousands of pounds.

carry risks that can end up being

Additionally the research revealed that

very costly,” warned Scott Gorman

of those planning to take out a winter

of Sainsbury’s Travel Insurance

sports insurance policy, less than one

(sainsburysbank.co.uk/travel).

in three (29%) took out off-piste cover

The survey also found that the most

despite the growing popularity of

popular destinations among its

“freeriding”. The bank points out that

respondents were France, Austria,

any claim as a result of participation

Switzerland, the US and Italy. With

in off-piste skiing when you are

three of these destinations based in the

not accompanied by a qualified ski

EU, Sainsbury’s Bank Travel Insurance

instructor who holds the appropriate

is reminding winter sports enthusiasts

liability insurance may not be covered.

...isn’t it time you upgraded your equipment and made the most of your experience in the mountains?

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011 // FEB15

Ski Bartlett, Uxbridge Road, Hillingdon, West London, UB10 0NP T:020 8848 0040 | E:info@skibartlett.com | www.SkiBartlett.com

ZERMATT LIFT COMPANY

SAVE IN SWITZERLAND

S

But for those who want to keep

obviously want to keep people

currency swing by pre-purchasing

skiing in Switzerland despite the

coming and had already been

all their lift passes, ski-school and

price tag, we do have suggestions

working to combat the “expensive”

ski/snowboard rental in sterling

on how you can still enjoy Swiss

perception of the country before

from them in advance, thus

skiing while protecting yourself

the latest price rises, with free

from the worst excesses of the

or discounted lift passes for

Swiss Franc.

accommodation bookings a

The top advice is to book as much

common offer.

of your holiday as you can in the

In Adelboden, for example, Hotel

UK. Some tour operators will sell all

Alpina (alpina-adelboden.ch) is

travel, accommodation, lift passes,

sticking to a very favourable EURO-

rentals and tuition costs upfront in

CHF ratio of 1.20 – meaning Brits

one package, and most are sticking

are actually better off going there

kiers love Switzerland for the

to their existing prices for the time

than they were before, thanks to

benefiting from the lower pre-15th

stunning scenery, high-quality

being, including for 15–16 holidays

the strengthening pound to Euro!

January exchange rate.

experience and the fact that

already on sale, in the case of

Inghams are urging their clients to

“The sudden currency rate change

everything works, usually.

take advantage of “Inghams Plus”

underlines the value of booking

But it was always one of the more

added-value offers in order to

early with an established tour

expensive destinations for Brits

reduce in-resort spend.

operator so that the currency rate

to head to, and the recent further

“All those travelling to the Inghams

is secured by our forward-buying

rise in value of the Swiss Franc

Chalet Hotel de Verbier, for

capability,” said Hugh Walton,

against the pound, caused by the

example, will benefit from the fact

Inghams Executive Director.

Swiss Central Bank deciding last

that most meals and drinks are

“Whilst we cannot avoid the effect

month to no longer try to control

included, ensuring the in-resort

on ski-pack items, we can confirm

the exchange rate, plus changes

Swiss Franc spend is kept right

that we are freezing our current

in employment law last year which

Crystal and Inghams at least.

down,” said a company statement

winter season basic holiday

had the effect of making ski chalet

For those travelling independently

which noted there is still availability

prices for Switzerland at the ‘old’,

holidays more expensive to run

flight costs are unaffected, and

for March and April skiers this

significantly better exchange rates,

and thus cost more to book, has

fixed-price rail passes from airport

season. They added that many

saving guests approximately 18%

made the Swiss ski holiday appear

to resort can be bought in the

skiers had already safeguarded

off all their accommodation and

ever more a luxury product.

UK. Swiss ski resorts themselves

themselves against the sudden

transfer costs.”

012 // FEB15

@INTHESNOWMAG

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MORE INDOOR SKIERS The owner of Snow Factor, Scotland’s only indoor real-snow centre, says stormy weather which led to most of the country’s outdoor ski areas being closed for periods in January resulted in more people skiing indoors. “As Scotland’s only indoor snowsports destination, lovely fresh snow and windless conditions are assured,” owner Jamie Smith told local media.

SNOWPENAIR FESTIVAL Laura Pausini, former Boyzone frontman Ronan Keating and Swiss rock band Krokus will take to the stage 2061m up on Saturday 11 April. The SnowpenAir concert staged above Grindelwald and Wengen is becoming a new Swiss tradition with ever bigger crowds listening to music in the snow surrounded by the spectacular peaks of the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau. jungfrau.ch/snowpenair

OFF-PISTE WEEK AliKats Mountain Holidays are running an Off-Piste Performance week from 22–29 March (alikats.eu), including 5 days of off-piste skiing instruction. The package includes 7 nights’ chalet accommodation with champagne and canapés on arrival, daily cooked breakfast, afternoon tea and cakes, pre-dinner aperitifs and complimentary wine with a four-course evening meal. It’s priced at £1145pp based on two sharing, excluding travel.

SAVE ON LIFT PASSES Skiworld (skiworld.co.uk) has a number of special offers on spring snow holidays,

KING OF THE FIRST HILL IN THE JUNGFRAU

G

GIANT FONDUE POTS ON THE SLOPES

March 2015. King and Queen of the

enter, paying a fee of CHF30

Hill will be crowned in this unique

(£23) to do so, but it’s a good idea

downhill race.

to know the route well before

In the past, competitors gathered at

the race. The crowning will take

the top of the 8km downhill course

place in the Apres Ride Bar and

for a series of mass starts, running

the prizes consist of a pair of

the first 100m to their skis then

Head skis for the fastest male

careering off down the mountain, but

and female skier, and a Kestler

Gstaad created a fondue pot you could sit in up

for the first time this year, each racer

snowboard for the fastest male

on the slopes last year, and the idea has proved

will set off at 10-second intervals

and female snowboarder. There

so popular a second pot has just been installed

rindelwald will host the King of the

giving everyone a precise ranking.

will also be over CHF8000 worth

at another location.

First Hill race for the 6th time on 7th

Any skier or snowboarder can

of prizes on offer to all entrants.

Never fear, this fondue pot does not get especially hot, but the idea is you can sit in it, sheltered from the elements, take in the beautiful view and … eat a fondue. Each

SUPERYACHT TO FEATURE SKI SLOPE

provides enough room for up to eight people.

The new “number two pot” was flown by helicopter to its location on Mt. Wispile (a 40-minute hike from the Wispile top lift station),

including a free upgrade to a Paradiski pass when you buy a La Plagne ticket, saving

tennis courts, theatre and concert

providing the second option after the first pot in

£39pp, for departures on 14 and 21 March.

halls, and guests would use a fleet

Schlittmoos above Schönried (a 15-minute walk

For departures on the 28 March and 4 April

of electric cars to drive around the

or ski from the village centre).

buy two adult Discovery or Paradiski tickets

ship rather than having to walk or

To use the mountain-top fondues you need

ski between its different parts.

to book the fondue backpack from one of

The company describe the vessel

four dairies in the area, or your hotel will

as an “upcycled oil tanker (used) as

organise it for you. The backpack includes

a private luxury floating residence.”

all the ingredients needed including cooking

Details of the ski slope, and whether it

equipment, either a traditional thick fondue

will have a synthetic or indoor-snow-

(CHF18 per person) or a particularly flavoursome

in Les Arcs and receive a free child pass.

There are similar deals in Tignes, Val d’Isère and Les Deux Alpes.

BOARDERCROSS IN CHAM VALLEY

An as-yet-unbuilt and apparently

tanker dimensions, and is more than

style surface, are currently unknown.

truffle fondue made by the Schönried Dairy

not-yet-ordered-by-anyone

half as long again as the current

There have been reports in recent

(CHF21 per person), as well as crusty fondue

The Grand Montets snowpark in the

superyacht which features a four-

biggest yacht, which is a meagre

years of cruise liners considering

bread supplied by the Wehren Bakery, spices,

Chamonix Valley, already recognised for its

storey indoor ski slope has been

180m in length.

installing ski slopes as an added

fondue pot, warmer, plates and forks.

high quality, has seen a proper boardercross

designed by an Austrian company,

Designed by Austrian company

attraction in the increasingly intense

After enjoying the fondue, collect your rubbish

course created this year. The ground was

famed for its extravagant designs.

MOTION Code: BLUE, apart from

PR battle to offer more attractions to

and return the backpack to the place you got it

prepared for the course over a 2-year period.

The design of the 280m-long

its ski slope, the ship called Imara

their customers and stay ahead of

from, then simply remember your experience

The run offers the chance to film your descent

superyacht is based on oil super

would include three helipads, clubs,

the competition.

with nostalgic delight for the rest of your life.

and pick up the video afterwards online.

014 // FEB15 // INTHESNOW.COM

@INTHESNOWMAG

PERISHER DONATES OLD UNIFORMS Australian ski resort Perisher recently donated around 600 jackets and another 600 fleeces for distribution overseas to countries such as Chile, Tanzania, South Africa, East Timor, Papua New Guinea and Nepal.

To keep Perisher’s 400 Snowsports School Instructors in the latest gear, Perisher regularly replaces their uniforms and has been donating old uniforms to charity for many years now.

“This is a great initiative that helps keep the old uniforms out of landfill and provide support to those in need,” said Perisher CEO Peter Brulisauer.

The charity Pambula Rotary delivers the clothing to people in countries that need warmth and protection in a high-altitude climate.

Created in 1995 from the merger and lift-linking of Perisher, Blue Cow, Smiggins and Guthega ski areas, the southern hemisphere’s “super resort” rivals the best in the world in terms of lift infrastructure, whilst offering twice the lifts and triple the “above snowline ski terrain” of any other Australian resort.

6 RESORTS SNOW RUGBY A rugby 7s tournament on the snow is due to be staged in six top French resorts during the week of the 6 Nations Tournament in late February.

The teams representing the six resorts, each comprising former international players as well as amateurs, will battle it out on the snow to try and win the trophy. As well as competing in the rugby matches, the teams must compete in a ski slalom race.

Along with watching the games, during the day, holidaymakers can, if they wish, enjoy an introduction to playing rugby on snow and meet professional rugby players.

Snow rugby has been growing in popularity in France with St Patrick’s Day tournaments often played in Paradiski.

The six resorts taking place in the tournament are from La Clusaz, Saint Gervais, Morillon, Valmorel, Val Thorens and Les Menuires. Confirmed dates for matches include Val Thorens on 20 February and Les Menuires

Eider’s Annecy Living Lifestyle Collection

on 22 February.

Available now from Cotswold Outdoor – www.cotswoldoutdoor.com

FB.COM/INTHESNOW

015 // FEB15

Blow Bonus

MORE WARMTH. LESS WEIGHT.

THE

CHALET N Top price: £490,000 Bargain Price: £210,000 WORDS: GABY LE BRETON

T

view of the world-famous Arlberg Massif, which

let the team know who your loved ones are), to

is directly accessed by a private ski lift.

ensure you feel at home right away.

Chalet N provides accommodation for 22

The price includes the services of a dedicated

guests. It has a master suite, eight more

chalet team – your chalet manager, concierge,

suites and even a special children’s suite.

butler, chef and chauffeur. You’ll enjoy

All bedrooms come with exquisite bed linen, mattresses made of down and feather and a very stylish bathroom adorned with a full-size Hermés shower complete with Swarovski beaded shower curtains. There are also 3D TVs and guests can choose their own movies via a media hub, or just take in the view from their suite’s private balcony.

Inevitably Chalet N has an incredible spa

here are luxury ski chalets and then there are

complete with ice fountain, hay sauna, Finnish

‘out of this world’ luxurious ski chalets, and

sauna and salt gallery steam bath. For those

Lech’s Chalet N is definitely in the latter category.

who like immersing themselves in the perfect

Along with being one of the world’s most truly

water experience, there is also a gorgeous

a champagne reception on arrival, daily

luxurious and inevitably expensive ski chalets,

indoor pool landscape, completed by an

breakfast, lunch and dinner. There’s an open

N also has the twin distinctions of not being

outdoor Jacuzzi.

bar with spirits, beers and soft drinks and

located in Courchevel 1850 or Val d’Isère and

There’s a double treatment room with double

complimentary house champagne, fresh

of having the shortest and arguably coolest

or single massage beds, a private hair stylist,

flowers, private airport transfers from Munich,

name in the luxury chalet market.

a relaxation area and steam showers. In

Innsbruck and Zurich airports, a 24-hour private

The chalet is situated at an altitude of 1660m in

addition, the chalet’s Health Club offers a

chauffeured 4x4, fresh flowers, ski rentals, a lift

Oberlech, providing a stunningly picturesque

wide choice of the latest fitness equipment

pass and a 50-minute massage for every guest.

including resistance training, cardiovascular

“The entry price is high, but once through

and free weights. To complete the facilities

the door you will want for nothing. Whether

there’s a billiard room, library, cinema and an

‘luxury’ to you means exploring one of the

extensive wine cellar.

finest wine cellars in the Alps, eating the finest

But there’s more. Chalet N takes personal

food you’ve ever eaten in a chalet, sleeping

service to an even higher level than the

on a personally monogrammed pillow or

Icebreaker RealFLEECE

norm found in most luxury chalets. You’ll

enjoying all of these luxuries behind bullet

Merino fibre wrapped around a nylon core for strength, then brushed to maximise warmth and softness

find, for example, that your initials have been

proof glass, the chalet and the service are as

monogrammed onto your pillowcase prior to

good as it gets!” said Mark Gibbins, Managing

your arrival and pictures of your loved ones are

Director of The Oxford Ski Company which

already in place in the chalet (assuming you’ve

can organise your holidays there.

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016 // FEB15

OXFORDSKI.COM/PROPERTIES/CHALETN

D.DAHER / SWATCHSKIERSCUP.COM

HUGE FEBRUARY SNOWFALLS IN SW EUROPE

SWATCH SKIERS CUP HEADS TO ZERMATT There are many competitions

amazing images!” said Kugener.

on the snow each winter for

The contest’s format keeps the

amateurs and professionals,

scoring system simple, as the

in ever more disciplines, but

judges just compare two riders

one of the most interesting to

at a time and choose a winner,

emerge in recent years has

lifting a blue card for a winning

been the Swatch Skiers Cup

Team Europe rider, or a red

which takes place in summer in

for Team Americas. It’s easy

Chile and in winter in the Alps.

to follow for spectators too, as

Each time Team Europe takes

each winner scores one point

on Team Americas in a contest

and the team with the most

that has become a bit like The

points at the end is declared

Ashes on snow.

the winner.

The next contest, the Cup’s fifth

One of the judges, Australian

outing, rolls into Zermatt from

Woodie Bouma, explained

February 21–27, when one team

the judging process: “In Big

will break the current 2-2 results

Mountain I’ll be looking for

balance and move ahead.

good flow and smooth style.

Teams compete on a specially

A line in extreme terrain is

created freeride course that

good, but it needs to be done

includes creative terrain-park-

with fluidity and confidence,

style features, produced by

making it look easy – keep the

experienced jump shaper,

style factor high and you’ll be

Frenchman Arnaud Kugener.

rewarded for it!”

“It takes a lot of creativity and

“Tricks have to be clean with

planning to place the jumps in

solid grabs – I would rather

the right place on the slope.

see good style instead of

Then my team and I have to

sketchy tricks,” Canadian

build the jumps by hand, but the

judge Philippe Poirier added.

reward is a powder landing and

swatchskierscup.com

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017 // FEB15

While snowfalls of up to 1.8m (6ft) were being

Resorts in Andorra reported just under 1.2m

base depth in France at 210cm/260cm, with

reported in the Alps over the last weekend

(4ft) of fresh snow over the weekend. Grand-

other French Pyrenean areas reporting 1.2m

of January, equally huge accumulations were

valira, the largest area in the Pyrenees, with

or more at resort level, and mostly 2m plus

being reported in the Pyrenees for the start

more than 200km of runs, reported 114cm of

on upper runs.

of this month.

fresh snow, 30cm of it on Saturday/Sunday.

Resorts in the Spanish Pyrenees got busy

In fact, the snowfall extended right across the

Resorts in the French Pyrenees were also

posting remarkable images and videos on

Iberian peninsula to even bring a deep dump

dumped on, and despite many resorts in the

social media, including one from Formigal of

of snow to Portugal’s only ski area, Serra da

French Alps reporting 1 to 1.8m of fresh snow

a groomer driver jumping out of the door of

Estrela, located close to the Spanish border,

over the same period, the Pyrenean resort of

his snow groomer straight into a snow drift

east of capital Lisbon.

Saint-Lary moved up to rank fourth biggest

up to his neck.

N 018 // FEB15

WORDS: ROB STEWART

No other country in the world has the kind

respectable, confident and able skier, willing to

of ingrained ski culture that Norway proudly

tackle any marked run on the mountain. Safety

boasts. They produce world-class alpine

considerations come first, of course.

athletes, ski before they can pronounce the

Our willing and able test subject was Giancarlo

word, and of course eat snow for breakfast.

– a Londoner with a real “let’s do it” attitude.

The children even ski to school (and that bit’s

GG, as he’s fondly referred to, had never skied

true).

before, and within 3 days I wanted to lead

Here in Norway, you can smell the word skiing,

him down the World Cup and Olympic Super

and if the residents were into tattoos, they’d

Giant Slalom Run (a true black) at the ski resort

have a ski on each arm and a pair of googles

of Kvitfjell, built originally for the 1994 Winter

on their forehead; and believe me, some of

Olympic Games held in Lillehammer.

them do.

GG took the sensible precaution of getting

Because skiing is a way of life, it makes Norway

some ski lessons at The Snow Centre in Hemel

the perfect location for the ultimate skiing

Hempstead before embarking on this Alpine

orway – home to forests, lakes, the Arctic

challenge – take a complete beginner and

adventure, meaning once he got onto the

Circle, lots of mountains and, of course, moose.

within three days you can make them into a

slopes of Norway we could get on with skiing,

@INTHESNOWMAG

Games for the Men’s Downhill and Super G

We made it to the bottom safely, so the

events, the ski area has expanded since to

black ski run was ticked off on the third day

include some more relaxing skiing. But every

of skiing. With Kvitfjell conquered, we had a

year, the best skiers in the world return for

well-deserved beer in Koia, one of the smallest

what’s now a legendary World Cup downhill

après-ski bars in the world and therefore

race on a ski run that rivals anything in the

guaranteed to have an atmosphere. For myself,

Alps or North America.

the satisfaction of helping to bring another

Our final day on the slopes and it was time to

addicted skier into the world was enough for

tackle a red run on Kvitfjell’s Westside area,

me – is anyone else up for it?

which catches the sun, even during these midwinter days when the sun stays low.

Facts about Hafjell & Kvitfjell

Of course, I’m not suggesting that anyone can

Hotels: Price of hotels range from

ski down a red graded ski run on their third

approximately £80 to £160 per room per night,

day of skiing – everything depends on the

including breakfast.

conditions of the snow, the environment and

We stayed in the Quality Hotel, Hafjell -

the individual. We skied a red run, but I didn’t

bit.ly/1za5Fmb

tell GG that until we got to the bottom. In reality it was easier than the blue, but it was the next

A typical cabin in Hafjell or Kvitfjell, sleeping

stage on the list ticked.

8–10 persons for 7 nights, starts at around

The red run was repeated many times, and

£500. Apartments are available in both ski

after lunch, as the sun dropped lower in the

areas from around £300 for 7 nights, sleeping

sky, I took a look at the World Cup Super

4 people.

G run, a black and a serious challenge for

rather than slipping over on a nursery slope for

spring-loaded torture contraption before being

a day.

dragged up sideways through the snow?

Our first destination was the ski resort of

By lunchtime we were already heading down

Hafjell, just outside the picturesque Olympic

a long and gentle green run to an express

town of Lillehammer. Surrounded by frozen

quad and back up for some Norwegian nosh.

lakes and straddling icy rivers, the bustling

Another myth about Norwegian skiing is that

town boasts a number of bars and restaurants

the food isn’t up to it. Perhaps in the past

and has a real local feel to it – it’s touristy but

they did lack a certain finesse, with hot dog

without the feeling that it’s there for tourists.

and chips being the main staple, but that is

Getting to Hafjell is perhaps one of the easiest

changing, and certainly in Hafjell, as GG and I

routes to a ski resort in Europe. From Oslo

tucked into a duck confit and Moroccan-style

Airport, Gardermoen, an efficient and very

grilled chicken (wine was available but we

comfortable train whisks you directly from the

stuck to water), there were no fast-food joints

terminal to Lillehammer in two hours, without

in sight.

fuss. Hafjell itself is about a 10-minute drive

GG progressed quickly and by the end of the

from the town centre, and a good base for a

day was skiing a long green piste down to a

ski holiday with hotels, apartments, restaurants

high-speed quad chairlift. He was buzzing.

and bars to keep you happy without even

There’s nothing like the look on someone’s

having to go back into the main town. British-

face when they suddenly understand what all

owned Woodies at the bottom of the slopes

the fuss is about; it’s like instant enlightenment

seemed like a favourite and attracts an après-

and it’s highly addictive.

ski crowd at the end of the day.

After 2 days of skiing, GG was tackling blue

GG took to things pretty well on the first

runs with ease and even got through the snow

morning after taking the gondola up to the

park with the odd jump thrown in. Impressive

wide beginner’s area halfway up the mountain.

stuff. Weekends here get busy, but around that,

There he ducked and dived through the

even during the school holiday periods, it’s

kindergarten nursery area with a magic

quieter than the larger resorts in the Alps.

carpet lift to ease the ascent. How things

We headed 30 minutes up the valley that

have changed for beginners; didn’t we either

evening to the ski resort of Kvitfjell. Built

have to walk up or attempt to use a tautly

especially for the 1994 Winter Olympic

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019 // FEB15

the very best skiers. It’s about as steep as a

Ski passes:

ski run can get at the top; you can’t see the

A day pass for both areas costs 390

slope as it drops away underneath you. You

Norwegian Kroner (approximately £40). A

can’t help feeling nervous, but the snow was

7-day pass costs 1790 Norwegian Kroner

good and the steep section not that long, so

(approximately £180). It gives you access to five

we dived in.

resorts. http://bit.ly/1DIHlgs

threevalleetransfers

PRIVATE & SHARED TRANSFERS TO LES 3 VALLÉES

©RB-CREATE

www.3vt.co.uk | +44 (0)1323 351964

WIN A WEEKEND IN VAL THORENS

BRIT MILLIE KNIGHT WINS OVERALL WORLD CUP GS

Lyon–Saint Exupéry Airport, located in the Rhône-Alpes region, is an

Less than a year on from competing at Sochi where she finished

alternative gateway to the French Alps, and often a much less stressful

fifth in her event, British Paralympic athlete Millie Knight, racing with

one to travel through and to/from than the usual Brit’s route via

her sighted guide Jennifer Kehoe and still aged just 16, has won the

Geneva or Chambery.

Overall World Cup GS title for 2015, following a win in the IPC Alpine

This winter Lyon has further improved its connections to ski resorts

World Cup in St Moritz, Switzerland earlier this month.

for new arrivals, meaning it has never been better connected, giving

No British skier, disabled or non-disabled, has ever won a Crystal

passengers the option to travel to the slopes by train, bus, taxi or car.

globe (the champion’s cup) in any ski racing discipline before.

To highlight its attractiveness to British skiers, Lyon–Saint Exupéry

Millie is a Paralympic athlete competing at international level for

Airport has launched a snow-inspired competition via its Facebook app.

ParalympicsGB in alpine skiing in the slalom and giant slalom events.

In the competition, internet users are invited to get creative, sharing a

The youngest ParalympicsGB competitor at any Winter Paralympics,

photo or video to meet a different challenge every month.

she joined the Great Britain Paralympic skiing team run by Disability

The participant with the highest number of votes in each monthly

Snowsport UK in 2012 and progressed to compete at international-

contest will win an all-inclusive weekend away for two at the famous

level events. Her target now is the 2018 Winter Paralympics in

resort of Val Thorens in the Les 3 Vallées. Over 30 airlines currently

Pyeongchang, South Korea.

operate flights to Lyon–Saint Exupéry. UK airports offering flights

Millie has won every race she has entered in the 2014/2015 season

this ski season include London Heathrow, London Gatwick, London

and with two races remaining (as we went to press) Millie is third in

Stansted, Manchester, Birmingham, Bristol and Edinburgh.

the All-Round World Cup standings and is still in contention to win the

Enter the contest here: wintergames.lyonaeroports.com/

Overall All-Round world title.

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‘How To’ guide to servicing, visit

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No. In all of our experience skiing

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datawax.com.

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020 // FEB15

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BEGINNER’S GUIDE

H

WORDS: LORNA MCGACHIE

you are comfortable with and are

skiers who are travelling a lot faster

 Don’t spray strangers with snow.

able to both control your turns and

than you.

As tempting as this is – and really,

make a quick stop if necessary.

it is – it’s not the best idea to blast  Stop at the side of the run, not

unsuspecting strangers with a

 The skier in front of you has the

in the middle of the slope. And be

large flurry of cold, wet snow. By

right of way, so keep a mindful eye

careful not to stop where you’re

on their movements to

friends if they have the same sense

heading down the

of humour as you! It honestly never

avoid a collision.

The skier at

mountain. Many

the back will automatically

itting the slopes for the very first

be held

time can be the most thrilling

responsible

feeling in the world, but for a

for any

ski beginner it is also incredibly

crash (which

easy to forget the basic rules of

obviously

ski etiquette amongst all of the

sucks if you’re

excitement. Speak to the majority

not in the wrong),

of skiers out there and they’ll

so maintain a safe

have a story or two to tell you

speed and don’t get too

about their near misses with a

close to anyone down below.

gets old.

tourists make

NO.4

SKIING ETIQUETTE

less experienced skier. To keep

all means, though – spray your

concealed from skiers

this mistake,

 If you’re a smoker, don’t smoke

particularly

on the chairlift, especially if you’re

if they’re

sat with strangers or children. Often

in larger

you can be on a chairlift for quite

groups, and

a long time, so for non-smokers

it can make

sat with you this can be quite an

it very difficult

unpleasant experience. Save this

for descending skiers to pass. Plus,

for when you’ve stopped on a quiet part of a mountain. If you’re a non-

you don’t want to put

smoker, avoid the French tourists

yourself in any danger of being

as they are notorious lift-smokers!

skied into.

you safe and to keep the more

 Use runs appropriate for your

seasoned skiers happy, check out

skill level. For beginners, it’s

 Don’t stand on the skis and

– they’re simply guidelines that

the most important rules of good

recommended that you stick to the

snowboards of others in a queue.

are mostly dictated by common

ski etiquette below.

green and blue slopes whilst you’re

Sometimes this is difficult when the

sense. You’re only in the Alps for a

still learning. If you make good

queues are completely rammed,

short amount of time so remember

 Kill your speed. It’s so tempting

progress with your skiing and are

but no skier or snowboarder wants

to enjoy every second of it and

to hurtle down the mountain at a

feeling confident enough to tackle

their beautiful, hard-earned equip-

focus on becoming Britain’s next

breakneck speed, especially when

the red or black runs, then absolutely

ment to be scuffed and scratched

Olympic gold medallist. Or you

the piste is lovely and wide, but it’s

go for it. But if you’re unsure, it’s best

by the people behind. Trust me,

could simply try to aim for parallel

incredibly important to make sure

to avoid these slopes so you’re not

I’ve given plenty of dirty looks to

turns by the end of the week.

that you only travel at the speed

in the way of more accomplished

skiers who do this.

Either way, enjoy yourselves!

FB.COM/INTHESNOW

Don’t be put off by all of the above

021 // FEB15

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£65

rom

Riksgränsen Opens – Sweden’s

pair of snowshoes from any Ski Republic

northerly Riksgränsen ski area is

shop (€6/day/person) and the company

scheduled to start its 2015 season today.

will lend you a pedometer. For each step

It famously runs right through to 21 June

you take, they will make a donation of 1¢

with skiing under the midnight sun from

to help fight leukodystrophies.

mid-May up to midsummer.

21 FEB

28 FEB

(TO 10 Mar)

Back Corrie Workshop, Nevis Range –

IPC Alpine Skiing World Championships,

If you’re planning on heading off-piste

Panorama – GB’s Kelly Gallagher

for a bit of freeriding, this event aimed at

became the first ever British Winter

experienced skiers and snowboarders

Paralympic gold medallist at Sochi 2014,

seeking a better understanding of back

and she’s due to be back in action at the

country safety is for you.

World Championships this winter.

Feb-Mar

Tignes • Val d’Isère • Les Arcs • Val Thorens • Meribel • Morzine 3 Valleys • Chamonix • La Plagne... and many more!

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W.LLOYD MACKENZIE

– for full list of resorts and prices

THE UK PARTNER FOR UCPA

19 FEB

MARCUS HARTMANN

Tickets f

(TO 15 Mar)

Snowshoe Against Disease – Rent a

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Various Various dates/resorts dates/resorts New Year weekNew Year week ––see see ourour website website for more forinfo more info 27th Dec. 201427th – 3rd Dec. Jan. 2015 2014 – 3rd Jan. 2015

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• 7 nights accommodation • 7 nights accommodation • All meals • All meals • 6.5 days equipment hire • 6.5 days equipment hire • 6.5 days lift pass • 6.5 days lift pass • 12 hrs instruction • 12 hrs instruction

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SPLITBOARD SPLITBOARD WEEK WEEK Argentiére. Various Argentiére. dates Various dates – see our website – see for more our website info for more info

Christmas Christmas weekweek 20th 20th – 27th – 27th December December 2014 2014

• 7 nights accommodation • 7 nights accommodation • 6.5 days equipment hire • 6.5 days equipment hire – incl. transceiver, shovel, probe – incl. transceiver, shovel, probe • All meals • All meals • 6.5 days lift pass • 6.5 days lift pass £491 £820 £820 • 23 hrs instruction • 23 hrs instruction

• 7 nights accommodation • 7 nights accommodation • All meals • All meals • 6.5 days equipment hire • 6.5 days equipment hire • 6.5 days lift pass • 6.5 days lift pass • 12 hrs instruction • 12 hrs instruction

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28 FEB

5 MAR

Men’s Downhill, Garmisch-

“Snow and Fire” Show, Courchevel –

Partenkirchen – The historic Kandahar

The culmination of Courchevel’s month-

course where the first Olympic downhill

long fireworks festival, being staged for

ski races were staged in 1936 is back

the 12th time this year, includes a prize-

in action 79 years later as the FIS World

giving ceremony and the final show of

Cup 2014–15 season reaches its climax.

this year’s festival.

7–13 MAR

12–15 MAR

Horizon Festival, Bansko – Horizon

Snow Camp Alpine Challenge – Teams

Festival aims to be a hedonistic snow

of four ski all over the Portes du Soleil,

party showcasing 80 international DJs

covering over 150km, to find hidden

across 30 parties through a week of fun

markers across 2 non-stop days. Tracked

on the snow in Bulgaria.

using GPS, the team which finds the most

horizonfestival.net

markers will win. snow-camp.org.uk

• 6 Days Touring skis, boots, poles • 6 Days Touring skis, boots, poles transceiver, shovel, probe transceiver, shovel, probe • 6 Nights accommodation • 6 Nights accommodation • 6 days guiding • 6 days guiding • Full board • Full board £901 £901 • Return from Zermatt • Return from Zermatt

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www.action-outdoors.co.uk www.action-outdoors.co.uk

022 // FEB15

@INTHESNOWMAG

What’s believed to be the first downhill ski

as a real ski racer at the same time. The real

the University of Southampton’s IT Innovation

race in which a real ski racer, on the World

skier, who is really on the race course and

Centre and the project’s technical lead.

Cup course at Schladming in Austria, took on

hitting speeds of up to 100kph, wears Smart

The race, which was streamed live as part of

two computer gamers based in Thessaloniki

Ski Goggles with a head-up display that allows

the Wearable Technologies Conference in

in Greece and Munich in Germany, has been

them to see the virtual version of the slope

Munich, is part of a project called 3D-LIVE,

staged – the real racer came last.

they’re on, alongside the real slope.

funded by the European Commission, while the

Known as “mixed reality”, this new technology

“By using advanced sensor and gaming

manufacturer of Oculus Rift is reported to be a

allows gamers to use a “3D tele-immersion

technologies to create and manipulate 3D

Facebook-owned company.

platform” while wearing “new virtual reality

information in real time, the platform can deliver

The consortium working on the project includes

technology” known as Oculus Rift which allows

truly interactive experiences closely linked to

companies from France, Germany, Greece, Italy

them to virtually be on the same race course

real world activities,” said Michael Boniface from

and the UK.

CHRIS HAWORTH - VANESSA FRY

HANS THURNER

WORLD’S FIRST “MIXED REALITY SKI RACE” WON BY GAMERS

// VIRTUOSE

QUICK AND EFFORTLESS INTERCHANGEABLE LENS SYSTEM

A French court has come down

guide skiing (groups) if remuneration

against the Ski Club of Great Britain’s

is received.

“Leading” service in the country.

The Ski Club’s position is that Leaders

Under the service, which the Ski Club

are non-remunerated volunteers;

had operated in more than 30 resorts

however, Leaders are understood to

in seven countries worldwide, and

receive practical and logistical support

has done for more than 50 years,

in resort, and it is unclear if the French

volunteer Ski Club Leaders take Club

Court has decided that this amounts to

members on ski trips around a resort’s

“remuneration”.

slopes, showing them the best spots

The case is similar, but wholly

on- and off-piste.

separate, to two others going through

The outcome from the hearing

the French courts. One is against ski

held last December in Paris against

teacher Simon Butler who is accused

Leader Ken Piddlesden was that

of teaching without the qualifications

the court fined Piddlesden €10,000,

required in France, and the other

€5000 of which was suspended, and

is against British tour operators for

awarded a symbolic €1 of damages

offering free “hosting” familiarisation

to the ESF.

tours of easy-marked pistes in resorts

The action was brought after

to their clients.

Piddlesden was stopped on the

“This is the outcome we expected

piste in Val d’Isère last April and

… We have asked our lawyer to

questioned by the gendarmerie in

immediately lodge an appeal ... He will

relation to Art.L.212-1 of the French

also be lodging an official complaint

Code du Sport under which it is a legal

with the European Commission on our

requirement to have the appropriate

behalf,” said Frank McCusker, CEO, Ski

qualification(s) to instruct, lead or

Club of Great Britain.

FB.COM/INTHESNOW

023 // FEB15

Photo credit: Dave Lehl / Athlete: Alex Chumpy Pullin / Design graphique :

COURT RULES AGAINST SKI CLUB LEADING IN FRANCE

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I’M Going Back To The Start 024 // FEB15

@INTHESNOWMAG

MATTIA FREDERIKSSON

T

(approx. £45). Here there’s a Lindt chocolate shop, various viewing platforms and an ice cave system to explore inside the glacier included in your ticket cost. The trains up are overflowing with visitors from all around the world, all year long.

The main Jungfrau ski area adds up to over 200km of piste on the pass, which are world-class dimensions, but there are provisos. This is by no means a seamless giant ski area of wide, smooth pistes of the French purpose-built variety; it is a hotchpotch of runs and lifts that have developed through the last century, with winding pistes following the natural landscape eventually cajoled into meeting one another to create a linked-up area. Think central Rome rather than Las Vegas. In other words, it’s skiing history, and you may get a buzz from descending the very same slopes that

here’s some debate about where downhill skiing

those first skiers did 110 years ago or more.

began. St Moritz is currently celebrating 150 years

But you will have to climb aboard an old train or

since their first winter visitors, and it’s about the

walk to a cable car from most accommodations to

same time since the first type of downhill skiing was

get on to those slopes – doorstep skiing is hard to

invented in Telemark, Norway. Then, around 130

find, as in most classic resorts.

years ago, the first Alpine ski descents were being

The largest of the three main segments, Kleine

made on long, thin skis carrying one long pole at

Scheidegg-Männlichen, is shared by Wengen and

resorts like Davos, and it was only 110 years ago

Grindelwald and perhaps equates to half the total

that the modern style of alpine skiing we practise

available. There’s terrain for all standards right up

now began to be developed in Austria.

to the route of the fearsome Lauberhorn, one of

But one region perhaps has stronger and deeper

the ski racing world’s classic events staged each

roots in skiing history than any other. Switzerland’s

January, the week before the Hahnenkamm in

Jungfrau, the stunning home of Grindelwald,

Kitzbuhel. The longest and fastest of all the World

Wengen and Mürren above the mountain town of

Cup descents, in 2013 Johan Clarey of France hit

Interlaken and below Europe’s highest rail-accessed

161.9 km/h (100.6 mph) on his descent, the first man

point, the Jungfraujoch (3466m up), is where we

to break the 100mph barrier in a downhill ski race.

Brits first discovered just how much fun skiing could

More than 30,000 spectators attend each year.

be. People first started using the then new mountain

But here, and in the region’s other two main areas

railways as a means to get uphill before true ski lifts

– across the valley on the Schilthorn at Murren and

were invented, and the world-famous Downhill Only

on the other side of Grindelwald in the first area –

Club (DHO) established in Wengen is celebrating its

there’s terrain for all standards. Indeed an all-new

90th anniversary this year.

separate beginners’ zone complete with covered

Few people who visit here don’t fall in love with it,

conveyor lift opened at Kleine Scheidegg above

and it’s easy to see why we’ve been returning season

Grindelwald and Wengen this winter.

after season for much more than a century now.

The rail pass, the non-ski attractions like

The immediately impressive factor is the

Interlaken, the Jungfraujoch options and the many

scenery, popularly regarded as some of the most

non-ski activities available make the Jungfrau a

spectacular in world skiing, particularly in Europe.

great destination for mixed groups, with all age

The peaks of the Jungfrau, the Mönch and the

groups, all ability levels and most interests catered

Eiger, with majestic glaciers running down their

for on the snow or off.

sides, tower above the largely unspoilt mountain

There is little to choose between the resorts

villages providing an awe-inspiring backdrop to

themselves. Grindelwald is the largest with

your skiing every day.

the grandest hotels and the widest choice of

Then there is, for want of a better word, the

dining and shopping, although these being

quaintness of it all. The three mountain resorts have

traditional resorts many people stay on half-board

changed little over the decades and are inter-

accommodation anyway. Mürren and Wengen are

connected by a narrow gauge cog railway system

small and intimate, and opinion has been divided

that’s been serving them for much more than a

between Brits for more than a century over which

century now, day in, day out. The result is a truly

is marginally better. Mürren perhaps has the

timeless atmosphere, particularly in largely car-free

greater pedigree and has remained a favourite

Crystal Ski Holidays (crystalski.co.uk; 020 8939 0726) offer a week’s

Wengen. The ski lift pass is expensive (although

through the generations of British ski pioneers the

stay at the 4★ Hotel Silberhorn in Wengen, Switzerland, from £781

children go half price), but it does include rail travel

Lunn family to this very day.

per person (based on two sharing) including flights from Gatwick and

right down to the town of Interlaken in the valley

In these smaller resorts you can find traditional chalet

transfers departing on 21 March 2015. Direct flights are available from

below, as well as all the ski lifts, with trains running

accommodation and mostly 3★ and 4★ hotels that

all major UK airports.

until late in the evening, so you are getting a lot of

have changed little over the decades, so again you

train and lift power for your investment.

can feel the timelessness of the ski experience.

Jungfrau Region 6-Day Adult Lift Pass: 339CHF (approx. £220)

Holders of passes valid for 3 days or more can also

Whichever resort you choose, the most important

Grindelwald/Wengen 6-Day Adult Lift Pass: 291CHF (approx. £188)

take a day, or half day, off the slopes and enjoy a

thing before you start skiing is to sit still and look up,

Jungfrau Info: www.jungfrau.ch

50% discount on the additional cost of a lift ticket

because the Jungfrau’s main asset is that this truly is

Downhill Only Club: downhillonly.com

up to the Jungfraujoch, normally CHF60 return

one of the most spectacular locations on Earth.

The Lauberhorn: lauberhorn.ch

FB.COM/INTHESNOW

JUNGFRAU.CH

SCHLADMING

DO YOU FEAR SOUNDING STUPID? knowing what the word means, with just over a

experience,” said an in-resort Crystal Ski Holidays

regularly using slang words and phrases while

fifth (21%) saying they do so impress friends and

expert. “This season, we’ve created our very

having no idea what they actually mean, according

17% confessing they’re “desperate to fit in”. The

own Crystal Guide to Ski Slang, posted on our

to a survey of 1000 people commissioned by tour

trend was more prevalent in men, with almost one

Facebook page, to give newbies a chance to get

operator Crystal Ski Holidays.

third (30%) admitting that it is the “cool-factor” that

up to speed with all the latest terminology to sound

“Biffed”, “shredder” and “touching base” were

keeps them coy when it comes to acknowledging

like a pro in front of their friends. Furthermore, our

cited as some of the terms used by people who

they have no clue what certain slang means.

skilled in-resort local experts are on hand to make

suffer from “fear of sounding stupid” (FOSS).

“As ski and snowboard experts, we know there’s

sure guests don’t feel any shame on the slopes

The research found that almost a quarter of

a whole raft of slang that accompanies the sport,

and know the difference between saying when

people (24%) use phrases like “gnarly” without

which can baffle those who are new to the

they’ve ‘biffed’ and they’re ‘bombing’.”

F. Marmsater©

CLUB MED

©2010 U.S. SKI TEAM / VAIL RESORTS

More than two thirds (67%) of people admit to

VONN MOST SUCCESSFUL WOMAN RACER OF ALL TIME

WORLD’S FIRST PURPOSEBUILT SKI RESORT IS 80

American downhill ski racer Lindsey Vonn (USA) has become the most

Although France is best known for purpose-building ski resorts, mostly

successful female racer of all time, winning her 63rd world class race.

in the post-war period and with the majority built in the 1960s, the

Vonn’s victory in Cortina takes her past the long-standing record of

first village built especially for skiing was created 80 years ago this

Austria’s Annemarie Moser-Pröll, set 35 years ago, and comes after the

winter just over the French border in Italy. Sestriere was created by

racer fought her way back to fitness after a year’s break due to injury.

royal decree in autumn 1934 and has since become Italy’s highest city.

The American had won her first World Cup victory in Cortina too.

Among its many achievements, Sestriere was a pioneer of snowmaking

Vonn’s win in the Super G comes just weeks before the Alpine World

in Europe decades before snowmaking became the norm, and the

Championships are staged in her home resort of Vail Beaver Creek

resort, now part of one of the world’s largest ski areas, the Milky Way,

in Colorado, which is now likely to resemble something of a victory

was host to the Alpine Skiing World Championships in 1997 and a key

parade for the 30-year-old racing star.

venue at the Torino Winter Olympics of 2006, the last to be staged in

Unbeknown to her, Vonn’s boyfriend Tiger Woods was in the crowd

Western Europe. A book, ‘Sestriere – 80 Years of Great Events’, has

to see her win and surprised her at the end when he came over to

been published in English and Italian to celebrate the anniversary and

congratulate her.

a special commemorative statue unveiled in the resort.

026 // FEB15

@INTHESNOWMAG

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@INTHESNOWMAG

FALCADE ITALY

COURCHEVEL TOURISME

WEAK RUSSIAN ROUBLE HITS ALPINE TOURISM Ski resorts that have become particularly reliant

est of the season) was one of the cheapest due

hold their wealth outside Russia in foreign

on rich Russian clientele over the past decade

to lack of business, but Russians celebrated

banks, but the “wealthy middle classes” who

are reported to be suffering because of the

their orthodox Christmas and New Year later,

are staying away.

exceptionally weak rouble, and a patriotic

right in the middle of that low season week.

Along with the weak rouble, reported to be

fervour in Russia to ski at home.

Wealthy Russians also helped drive luxury prop-

down 60% against the Euro, Russians are being

Although figures are not in and may never fully

erty development, most famously in Courchevel,

encouraged to holiday in Russia, particularly

emerge, the reality is that the growth of the

but also booking into luxury hotels in resorts like

at the $50-billion Sochi 2014 Olympic resorts,

Russian ski market in the Alps neatly plugged

Chamonix, Megève, Kitzbühel and St Moritz.

which, despite doubts expressed internation-

a business hole in the season for many years.

However, initial reports indicate it is not so

ally on their long-term viability, are reported by

Previously the first week of New Year (the busi-

much the Russian “super rich”, most of whom

Russian media to be fully booked up this winter.

@slytechprotect

slytechprotection.com

WORLD SNOW DAY 4 WAS BIGGER & BETTER The fourth edition of World

of the equator where it’s not

Snow Day, organised last

ski season, South Africa and

Sunday by the International

Argentina staged events too.

Ski Federation (FIS), was the

The aim of the annual World

biggest and most successful

Snow Day is to get as many

yet with 645 events in 45

children and families as

countries and an estimated

possible outside to explore,

600,000 participants –

enjoy and experience snow

growing from 220,000 on the

sports. In its first year, World

first World Snow Day in 2012.

Snow Day had 225,000

The idea of World Snow Day,

people participate and this

which took place this year

is expected to more than

on Sunday 18th January, is

double this year. World

to encourage more people,

Snow Day is part of the FIS

particularly children, into snow

Bring Children to the Snow

sports with fun and free or

programme, which has the

discounted activities organised

aim of increasing participation

by ski resorts worldwide.

in snow sports among the

Events were staged on all five

next generation.

continents, from an event in

“The increase in our World

Peru, which featured snow

Snow Day participation is an

sports on sand dunes, to the

encouraging sign for winter

Apen Bakke in Norway where

sports,” said FIS President

103 resorts offered free lift

Gian-Franco Kasper. “It shows

passes. In Canada some resorts

not only is there an interest in

held free lessons, offered free

nations to stage events to bring

lift passes and organised on-

children closer to winter sports,

snow entertainment in various

but also there is interest among

resorts. In Asia 15 events were

the next generation to actively

staged across China and south

participate in snow sports.”

FB.COM/INTHESNOW

029 // FEB15

@shredoptics

shredoptics.com

JOIN US FOR THE RIDE OF YOUR LIFE BILL BAILEY AND SEAN LOCK TO HEADLINE ALTITUDE 2015

T

23–27 March and has announced

one of the most established

its headliners.

festivals in the Alps, albeit the

and Bethnal Green’s sassiest lady, Gina Yashere, and Live at the

“Every year when we start putting

only comedy one, Altitude offers

Apollo and Stand Up for the Week

our line-up together, I pull out my

a unique chance to catch the

funny man Simon Evans.

trusty little black book of clowns

very biggest names in some of

Neilson are offering packages

and maniacs and go straight to

Europe’s most charming and

which include return flights and

B for Bailey, and finally, after all

intimate venues.

resort transfers, plus 7 nights B&B

these years, he’s said yes! Bill

Altitude’s founders, Marcus

accommodation at the Mayrhofen

Bailey at Altitude. COME ON! Add

Brigstocke (who couldn’t attend

Guesthouses from £399pp. The

to that the genius of Sean Lock

last year after shattering his

full festival wristband costs £180,

and you’re already well on the way

knee on Channel 4 Ski Show,

or £280 for the VIP version which

to a legendary year. I couldn’t be

The Jump) and Andrew Maxwell

includes reserved seating, some

more excited,” said Altitude Curator

will be back, along with a long

free alcohol and meet and greets

he Altitude Comedy Festival returns

Andrew Maxwell.

line of comedic talent that also

with the comedians.

to Mayrhofen next month from

Now in danger of becoming

includes Mock the Week regular

altitudefestival.com

FIREWORKS FESTIVAL IN COURCHEVEL companies from around Europe show off their know-how in a bid to be crowned the best in the business.

The competition takes place on five evenings, usually Thursdays, usually at 6.45pm.

On 19 February Team Super Power from Poland will give their display followed a week later on the 26th by home team Pandora Pyrotechnie from France. On 3 March Spain’s Pirotecnia Valecea Courchevel in Les 3 Vallées is

which is unique in Europe, has

the resort’s ski instructors, and

put on their show, then on 5

staging its annual spectacular

been staged. Around 8000

mulled wine is served up too.

March the winning team will be

Festival of Pyrotechnic Art

spectators come along to

The Festival is essentially a

announced at 7pm, after which a

through to 5 March this year.

enjoy the show and enjoy the

series of spectacular fireworks

final show, “Snow and Fire”, will

It’s the 12th time the Festival,

traditional torch-lit descent by

displays, where specialist

take place.

030 // FEB15

@INTHESNOWMAG

RETRO SKI SUITS FOR CHALET GUESTS Al Judge, joint owner (and the “Al” in

fancy dress, dancing, music and street

of good food, free-flowing wine and a hot

AliKats). “Every time we go down to Thonon

entertainment. The big event for Mardi Gras

tub, there’s a rather unusual offer at AliKats

shopping for supplies, we find another

falls on 25 February this winter.

Mountain Holidays near Morzine – a rack of

outrageous ’80s masterpiece to add to

AliKats (www.alikats.eu) operate three chalets

over 50 epic retro ski suits.

the collection.”

in the peaceful village of Montriond on the

Guests are free to borrow the one-piece

Fancy dress in the French mountains seems

edge of Morzine, 5 minutes’ drive from the

wonders when they like, and the owners say

to be a pursuit dominated by the British, but

town centre and main Ardent gondola but

they’ve been known to increase group fun on

during Mardi Gras the locals will join in the fun.

positioned so that guests can reach central

the mountain by over 25%.

Every Tuesday in February the carnival comes

Avoriaz 10 to 15 minutes faster than if they

“The guests love the onesies,” chuckles

to the streets of Morzine with fireworks,

were staying in central Morzine.

© BRAD WHITE

Along with the usual chalet holiday favourites

THE HALF-MILLION DOLLAR HELI-SKI HOLIDAY CMH, the original heli-skiing company

dedicated personal concierge on hand

and now the world’s largest, is

throughout, a private videographer

celebrating 50 years in business this

to capture and record the entire trip,

winter and has created a “once-in-a-

and they will receive a surprise 50th

lifetime” trip as part of the celebrations.

Anniversary welcome gift.

The 7-day private heli-skiing trip will

The holiday is based at CMH

have a maximum of 10 participants, will

Valemount, one of the most exclusive

be staged from April 11 – 18, 2015, and

ski lodges in the world, and guests

will weigh in at $549,500.00 (+ taxes) –

will ski in a winter’s worth of fluffy

about £293,000.

powder in the virgin terrain of CMH

Described by the company as “The

McBride, where no one has skied or

Heli-Ski experience to end all others”

snowboarded for years.

and, “the most extravagant private

“Every skier and snowboarder dreams

powder party ever,” the package price

of the perfect day, the perfect snow,

is so hefty because among the perks

and perfect après surrounded by

included are private jet transportation

good family and friends,” says Joe

from New York City to the heli-ski area;

Flannery, President of CMH Heli-

all dinners catered by a private chef

Skiing and Summer Adventures.

flown in from Nobu restaurant; evening

“At CMH, we dream of the perfect

wine pairings from the world’s finest

heli-ski experience and make it our

vintages; limited edition CMH-branded

mission to deliver that to everyone

Arc’teryx ski jacket and pants, Smith

who skis or rides with us. It seems

goggles and Hestra gloves for each

fitting to celebrate our jubilee year by

participant as well as limited edition

dreaming up the most amazing heli-ski

Atomic skis or Burton snowboard.

experience we could ever imagine.”

Guests will also enjoy the services of a

cmhski.com/ultimate

FB.COM/INTHESNOW

031 // FEB15

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Visit our website for special offers

ski/snowboard service – just pop

will refund your ski hire if you are

throughout the French Alps,

into the shop when you feel like

unable to ski during your holiday

Pyrenees (including Andorra), and

a change. You can even swap for

due to lift closure/lack of snow.

Switzerland has new equipment

a sledge or snowshoes before

Of course there are terms and

for the 2015 season which you

going back to your skis/board.

conditions to all these services.

can reserve from the comfort of

With Ski Republic shops situated

You can get all of the above

your own home at up to 50% off,

close to the lifts and slopes, or

features, including the service, with

meaning that the equipment is

inside Odalys residences, you

skis, boots, poles and a helmet

waiting when you arrive in resort,

can choose overnight ski storage

for €118 for 6 days, a 50% saving,

taking the stress out of ski hire.

if that’s more convenient than

when you book online.

In addition Ski Republic rentals

lugging your equipment to and

ski-republic.com

have a number of handy optional

from your accommodation. Another

features that help make them a cut

option for those who appreciate

here are ski and snowboard rental

above the rest.

the difference a freshly waxed ski

companies, and then there are ski

These include inclusive cover for

makes is the chance to book an

and snowboard rental companies.

damage/theft or your trip being

extra mid-holiday service to ensure

Ski Republic aims to be the best in

cancelled. You can also change

you keep that freshly serviced

the business, offering that bit more

the gear you’re on, perhaps switch

feeling all holiday long! Finally,

than the rest, all for affordable prices.

between different types of skis

and quite pertinently, the way

The company which now operates

and snowboard, with the MultiRide

this season began, Ski Republic

ANDY PARANT

VANOISE EXPRESS GETS A FRESH MAKEOVER

0800 0664 996 0800 0664 996

Paradiski ski area of France have

and critically regarded as one of

the Vanoise Express remains one

had another make over.

the most emblematic artists of

of the world’s most remarkable ski

The French designer Jean-Charles

our times, famous for his designs

lifts. It’s double-decker panoramic

de Castelbajac returned to

in fashion and other projects

cabins, which unlike most cable

Paradiski this winter with a new

including the Vanoise Express.

cars can operate independent of

artistic creation for the Vanoise

Officially opened in December

one another, give it the highest

The iconic double-decker cabins of

Express, following on from the

2003 to complete a long-held

capacity of any lift of its type.

the famous Vanoise Express cable

success of his original concept

dream to link the famous resorts

Paradiski is one of the largest ski

car which links Les Arcs, Peisey-

launched in 2013. Multi-talented

and create one of the world’s

areas in the world and this season

Vallandry and La Plagne in the

designer Castelbajac is popularly

largest ski areas in the process,

will be open until 25 April 2015.

La La Plagne Plagne • • Les Les Arcs Arcs • • Tignes Tignes

www.snowchateaux.co.uk www.snowchateaux.co.uk 032 // FEB15

@INTHESNOWMAG

JULIEN ROCHER

T

over 70 shops in 42 resorts

© COPYRIGHT UK MOD CROWN COPYRIGHT 2015

FIRST MICHELIN 3 STAR RESTAURANT IN LES 3 VALLÉES The 2015 Michelin Guide is out and more stars

the creation of the second 3★ chefs, René and

ro and Le Kintessence), as well as 1★ ratings

have been awarded to restaurants in the Sa-

Maxime Meilleur at La Bouitte in Saint-Martin-

for Azimut and Le Strato.

voie Mont Blanc region of France, which now

de-Belleville. It’s the first time Michelin have

L’Epicurien in Val Thorens and L’Ekrin in Méribel

boasts more than 50 stars.

jointly awarded stars to a father-and-son team.

got their first stars, joining Le Farçon in La Tania.

After several years, when Chef Emmanuel Re-

They top an impressive list of Les 3 Vallées

Elsewhere in the region, in Val d’Isère l’Atelier

naut was the only 3★ chef in the French Alps

chefs, where restaurants in five of the world’s

d’Edmond got a second star and La Table de

(the highest Michelin award given), working

largest ski area’s resorts now have stars. Rat-

l’Ours has one star. Le Bois Prin in Chamonix was

at Flocons de Sel restaurant in Megève, the

ed establishments include five 2★ ratings for

awarded its first star, joining 1★ Le Bistrot and

continuing ascendancy of Les 3 Vallées as a

restaurants in Courchevel (Le Chabichou, Les

2★Albert 1er. Single stars are also held by 1920 in

gourmet destination has been recognised by

Airelles, Cheval Blanc, La Table du Kilimandja-

Megève and Le Sérac in St-Gervais-les-Bains.

SCARPA.CO.UK MADE IN ITALY. ESTABLISHED IN 1938

and advanced lessons to cater

snowboarders from across the

for all abilities.

Royal Navy were churning up

Most people opted for two

the snow in Tignes last month

days of instruction to improve

for the Service’s annual Alpine

their technique plus a race to

Championships.

test themselves against the

The event offers the

competition.

opportunity for Service

The options for racing were

personnel to let off steam

very varied and included

between deployments and

boardercross, skier-cross,

boost their skiing skills and

slopestyle snowboarding,

personal goals, as well as

slalom and giant slalom. Once

allowing team coaches to look

the RN ski and snowboard

for new talent ahead of the

squads arrived in the resort the

inter-services competition later

ante was upped and longer

in the season.

races were scheduled. For

“The discovery of excellent

skiers this included the Super

new talent to come through

Giant Slalom (the ‘Super G’) and

and replace the ‘old guard’ was

the Premier Super G races, and

extremely encouraging and

for the boarders the big crowd

bodes well for the future,” said

pleaser, the slopestyle.

Petty Officer (Physical Trainer)

The winners were: Women’s

Lucy McKenna, the ladies

board: Leading Hand Erin

snowboard team captain and

Pinkerton – HMS Ocean;

snowboard team manager.

Women’s ski: Able Seaman

For the first week there were

Jade Convery – HMS Richmond;

beginner lessons for those that

Men’s board: Marine Connor

have never been on the snow

Gemmell – 42 Commando Royal

before, plus novice (one step

Marines; Men’s ski: Marine Kyle

up from beginner), intermediate

Coetzee – HMS Ocean.

FB.COM/INTHESNOW

033 // FEB15

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NEW ROUGH GUIDE MICROSITE LISTS INDOOR SNOW CENTRES IN ACCESSIBLE ADVENTURES The new Rough Guide to Accessible Britain:

family-friendly attractions including SNO!zone

they can also provide BSL interpreters.

Family Days Out microsite reviews the realities of

@ Xscape in Milton Keynes. With conditions

The Rough Guide to Accessible Britain and the

adrenaline-filled adventure for the whole family –

matching that of a snow-covered mountain,

Family Days Out microsite have been developed

granny and granddad included.

1500 tons of real snow and a 185-yard slope, the

in association with Motability Operations, the

Created by the same team that brought you the

venue offers an authentic Alpine adventure.

company that operates the Motability Car

award-winning Rough Guide to Accessible Britain,

Ideal for experienced enthusiasts and beginners

Scheme for disabled people. These online

the Family Days Out microsite is a compilation of the

alike, Disability Snowsport UK also provide lessons

reviews contain all the must-have accessibility

best accessible outings from around the country.

at SNO!zone, as do Silent Snow, who operate

information needed to enjoy a great day out.

The website features reviews of accessible

sessions for deaf and hard-of-hearing people, and

accessibleguide.co.uk/family-days-out

VAL D’ISÈRE TOURIST OFFICE

NEW €5.6M ROMANIAN SKI SLOPE OPENS

VAL D’ISÈRE STAGING ‘HACKATHON’

Although they have not registered much in the Western European

Val d’Isère has launched unlimited access to free mountain wi-fi

consciousness, Romanian ski areas, once known as ever more of a

throughout the resort for its visitors this winter, meaning all apps and

bargain ski destination than Bulgarian ones, have been upgrading.

services can be used without the normally high costs of data roaming.

Existing resorts like Poiana Brașov have been adding new modern

The famous French resort will also welcome computer experts from

gondola and high-speed chairlifts, and several completely new ski areas

the global “hacker community” this season, to compete in the highest

have been created with similar modern lifts.

Hackathon competition in the world. Ten teams will fight it out to create

The latest to be announced is a new centre near the small town of Slănic in

a new digital phone app that will, the resort hopes, “reinvent the Val

the country’s Moldova region. The European Union and the local authority

d’Isère ski experience.”

have reportedly spent €5.6 million to create a 1414km ski run described as

Apps created in the Hackathon will be shared with Val d’Isère guests

“one of the most modern ski slopes in Romania” by local media.

who will get to trial them free of charge throughout the 2015 ski

Apart from clearing the slope, the money has gone on snowmaking,

season, before voting for the best entry. The winning app will be built

floodlighting and a chairlift for it. Skiers can buy one ascent on the lift for

to launch for the 2016 ski season.

€1, or a 2-day pass costs around €22 for unlimited use.

www.valdisere.com

034 // FEB15

@INTHESNOWMAG

sleeping between 10 and 20 guests in each, Le Chardon Mountain

MOUNTAIN LODGES

Lodges are chosen

transport, or you can head back to the lounge where waitress service will keep you topped up with a range of wines and spirits

both for their luxurious

from the open bar.

individually designed, furnished and decorated.

The flagship Chalet Le Chardon itself combines elegance and grandeur in a sophisticated Alpine style. Discreetly located in a perfect ski-in/ski-out location on the

amenities and for location (all are

All the chalets are beautifully

Solaise Mountain, it is spread over

ski-in/ ski-out) while the company

furnished and extremely well

800m2 with four floors of luxury.

itself has created an unrivalled

details of your trip in advance,

equipped. No home comfort is

Inside, there are two large sitting

reputation for its high service

including the option of pre-arrival

spared. They are immaculately

rooms, dining room, TV room, a

standards.

menu consultations.

clean, tidy, well presented and

sauna and wellness suite and two

From the moment you arrive at

Once safely in your luxurious

extremely warm and comfortable.

private massage rooms where

your chalet, you are greeted with

chalet in Val d’Isère, your daily

The chalets are mainly constructed

in-house treatments are provided.

a very personalised and attentive

service in your chalet includes tea

from locally sourced timber and

There’s also a south-facing sun

welcome. The staff are all on hand

and coffee in bed, fresh flowers,

slate, and feature welcoming large

terrace with two outdoor hot tubs,

ocated in their own grounds in a

to meet you, with each member of

breakfast and afternoon tea. After

open fireplaces, and there is a

as well as 18 foot swim spa. It

private enclave in one of the most

the team introducing themselves.

a day of skiing, drinks are served

great attention to detail throughout

boasts 10 double or twin en-suite

desirable positions in Val d’Isère,

The team for each chalet includes

with champagne and canapés in

the chalets with many art works,

bedrooms and can sleep up to

Le Chardon Mountain Lodges have

an experienced chef, hosts,

the main lounge area, before the

themed ornaments and paintings.

20 guests. Some of the double

built up a reputation over the past

manager and chauffeur.

head chef introduces the evening’s

All rooms offer a different décor

bedrooms have 4m-wide windows

two decades as the go-to chalet

Even before your holiday with Le

menu and invites you to head

with their own features and

opening out to the balcony and

company in the world-famous

Chardon Mountain Lodges begins,

downstairs for a four-course, 5★

furniture that brings out the best

overlooking the mountains.

resort.

you can take advantage of the

gourmet dinner.

in each room. Nothing is repeated

lechardonvaldisere.com

Now operating five luxury chalets

company’s pre-arrival concierge

If you want to head into town after

from room to room or chalet

info@lechardonvaldisere.com;

of various sizes and configurations,

service to talk through the smallest

dinner, the staff are ready with

to chalet; they have all been

0131 209 7969

LECHARDONVALDISERE.COM

MARK JUNAK

HOLLY JUNAK

 PROMOTION

L

Le Chardon

035 // FEB15

AIVARS ZARINS MOTIONSTOPPERS.COM

Tim Co e mp To et e!

T

BRITISH INDOOR SLOPESTYLE CHAMPIONSHIPS

“everyone gets a prize” motto runs annually at The Snow Centre Hemel Hempstead in early November.

Competitors will need to have had previous

If you’re planning on being the next Jenny Jones

experience riding freestyle features to enter.

or Jamie Nicholls, land some tricks at the British

morrowjam.co.uk

Indoor Championships! Normally hosted at Chill Factore Manchester, the competition is open to adults and juniors, with categories for overall,

GAP NATION

under 16s and under 12s. A jam-style competition that sees plenty of creativity and some high-level

A slopestyle jam competition for skiers and

tricks on rails and jumps, you will need to have

snowboarders, adults and juniors, with the

previous freestyle experience to take part.

emphasis on fun! Whether you’ve only just started

the-brits.com/championships/indoor

hitting the jumps or you’re imitating the likes of Aimee Fuller, with backflips over “big” gap

SUMMER LEAGUE SKI RACING

kickers, Gap Nation’s park setups host a mix of beginner to advanced jumps, rails and boxes, and offer a variety of categories to win prizes in.

To enter most ski racing competitions you’ll need

Hosted at The Snow Centre Hemel Hempstead,

to be a member of your local dry slope or indoor

the event usually takes place in June or July.

here comes a time within any sport when a

centre’s race club. Once you have regularly

Check out their Facebook page to stay up to date!

touch of friendly competition can bring a new

attended the club sessions your coach will let

fb.com/GapNation

lease of life to your skills and development!

you know when you’re ready to compete, but

Competitive spirit makes a regular appearance,

when they do, a competition like The Summer

at whatever level, in sports such as football,

League will be a good starting point. The

tennis and rugby; and there shouldn’t be any

Summer League is aimed at all ages of skiers

reason why a little sociable rivalry can’t come

and is a good introduction to competitive ski

into play in snow sports.

racing in an informal and fun setting. Races

Organised by Snowsport England, the event

The unfortunate reality is that, while most of us

are held at Ipswich, The Snow Centre Hemel

normally takes place in June at Chill Factore,

have seen or heard of the UK’s top skiers and

Hempstead, Welwyn, Brentwood, Norwich,

Manchester. In 2014’s competition over 90 adults

snowboarders competing professionally abroad,

Bassingbourn and Tallington Lakes.

and juniors took part, ranging from international-

it can prove very difficult to find a “just for fun”

ersa.co.uk/ersa_summer_league_racing

level skiers and snowboarders to athletes

UK competition to show off the average or even advanced skills of British snow enthusiasts!

So, if you or your children have already put the

ENGLISH INDOOR SKI AND SNOWBOARD CROSS CHAMPS

competing in their first ever event. So if you were

MORROW JAM

time in on the snow and are looking to take your

inspired by the likes of Team GB’s Zoe Gillings during the Winter Olympics and you have a good level of snow-sports skills in the bag, this is an

freestyle tricks, slalom skiing or snowboard cross

Britain’s longest-running friendly snowboard

event not to be missed! The English Indoor Ski

to another level, or maybe you’re just looking to

competition is now open to skiers and

and Snowboard Championships also run mogul

socialise with other snow-sports lovers on your

snowboarders! A slopestyle competition for all

and slopestyle competitions. Keep an eye on

home turf, keep an eye out for these open-to-

ages to land as many styled tricks as they can on

their Facebook page for their next event!

everyone, friendly competitions.

boxes, rails and jumps. A competition famous for its

fb.com/EnglishSSBXChampionships

036 // FEB15

THESNOWCENTRE.COM

©MANU REYBOZ

NEW GUIDE TO WORLD’S 100 BIGGEST SKI AREAS

Olang Fantasy

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Christoph Schrahe, the German ski expert and cartographer, has published his new guide to the world’s 100 biggest ski areas. Schrahe’s use of digital mapping to properly measure the length of ski areas in 2013 caused international controversy when his findings – which differed widely in many cases from official figures – led to revelations that many areas used tricks like counting wide runs three times or following a zigzag line length rather than a straight line down a piste to reach their total.

New national standards were subsequently agreed – in Austria at least.

Manbi Sun Protection

Schrahe measures resorts by a number of different measures. In terms of piste length he has Les 3 Vallées still as the world’s largest but with 495km rather than the official 600km total. North American resorts, normally only measured by area, are included too, with Whistler ranked fifth biggest in the world with 254km of runs. The very detailed and meticulously researched 52-page report costs €89 for a PDF version or €99 for a printed copy. Contact: schrahe@ski-weltweit.de.

ALIKATS MOUNTAIN HOLIDAYS

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HEAVY SNOW IN THE ALPS After a warm start to winter in the Alps, a series of snow storms in late January and early February appears to have secured snow cover for the remainder of the season. The snowfall increased in volume as the storms continued with the largest accumulation, just under 6ft in 7 days, measured above Argentière in the Chamonix Valley earlier this month.

Several resorts reported 4–5ft (120–150cm) of fresh snow in the same week, among them Flaine, Les Arcs, Courchevel, Avoriaz and Alpe d’Huez, with many others reporting smaller but still very significant

Manbi Scope Glove

accumulations. Many resorts now have snow depths in the 1.5–3m (5–10ft) range on upper runs which even a serious thaw would have difficulty removing before April/May. Base depths down at resort level are greatly improved too.

The heavy snow was followed by low temperatures in many areas, with the stats dropping to double digits below zero overnight in Alpine resorts.

FB.COM/INTHESNOW

037 // FEB15

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 ATOMIC REDSTER DOUBLEDECK 3.0 GS RACE SKIS  POC FORNIX BACKCOUNTRY MIPS

 ZAINI HATS Zaini hats are still the leader of headwear

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a whole new 2014/2014 range they

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gives you power, the ramp tech plate

‘Bowmore’beanie.

allows the helmet to rotate slightly on your head,

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slanted sidewalls give you grip underfoot,

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and that’s just the start! Whether you’re

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technology. Well ventilated, it provides excellent

and SO much fun.

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protection for all your freeride adventures. £774 INCL BINDING | SKIBARTLETT.COM £175 | SKIBARTLETT.COM

 POWDER THE GREATEST SKI RUNS ON THE PLANET

 ELLIOT BROWN CANFORD WATCH COLLECTION

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it can cope with just about anything you throw at it on the

experts. A glorious coffee table book that will

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spark the imagination of any keen skier. An

absorbency and Superluminova detailing on the hands,

ideal present for the person you’re trying to

dial and bezel for outstanding legibility in any conditions,

tempt into joining you while you tick these off

this really is a go-anywhere watch. Classic good looks

your bucket list!

without the smart-phone gadgetry.

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£325 | SNOWANDROCK.COM

038 // FEB15

@INTHESNOWMAG

 HEAD REV 80 PRO

 ATOMIC HAWX 2.0 90 WOMEN’S SKI BOOT

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The new and improved Hawx is here, now with the What does all this tech mean and how does it

addition of Memory Fit, a heat mouldable plastic shell,

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 SHRED STUPEFY GOGGLE

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Boasting urban cool with technical features and the clever use of rich, textured fabrics

when you need them. The Stupefy’s oversized frame gives you uncompromised wide

that you’d expect from Eider. This mid-length jacket is a luxurious and high-quality wool

peripheral vision, and the “No BS” easy-change lenses mean you’re ready for any weather.

and polyester blend providing cosy warmth with technical durability.

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£120 | AVAILABLE IN GREY OR ROSE WINE | COTSWOLDOUTDOOR.COM

BLACK CROWS CORVUS Looking for one ski to charge hard and fast in all conditions? Then this is the ski for you. It’s rockered tip eats up powder and helps turning on piste, and with its solid feel underfoot you’ll have a hard job outperforming these skis.

The faster you ski, the bigger your smile will get! £620 | SKIBARTLETT.COM

 EMBER MITTENS

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Their flagship mitten partnering on-trend style with a

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 FISCHER MOTIVE SKI 86TI  SAAMI KEMI SNOW JACKET This stylish men’s jacket comes in blue, black or red.

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This ski will surprise you as much as it did when we tested it ... so smooth and effortless to start the turn, but as soon as it's on an edge the grip and performance are seriously impressive. A very

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tested range of products, it’s no surprise that Ski Bartlett’s word-of-mouth reputation over the last 50 years has made them the UK’s most popular independent ski shop!

INTHESNOW.COM // FEB15 // 039

ALTITUDE-VERBIER.COM | ALTITUDE-FUTURES.COM | FREERIDE-VERBIER.COM

LESSON #05 BUMPS INTRODUCTION

TECHNICAL TIPS

Bumps can be challenging and it will

The upper body should be in a more

A good range of up and down move-

Bumps limit where you can turn your skis;

require a lot of practice time to become

upright position compared to normal

ments with the legs is required – as you

with this in mind it’s important to under-

confident at controlling your speed and

alpine skiing.

hit the bump, bend the legs to absorb

stand the line you choose and how this

it. As you drop off the bump, stretch the

will affect your speed down the moguls.

line. This month Jon talks us through a

TACTICAL DECISIONS

few key technical and tactical points to

By turning the skis quickly you can con-

legs to push the skis into the hollow (see

help you become more confident skiing

trol the speed of descent down the mo-

photo above).

the bumps. The points should be useful

guls. The movement should come from

whether it is your first time on a gentle

the leg turning in the hip socket. Keep

At lower levels use a flat ski to ena-

bump so that the tip and tail are free and

pitch of bumps or if you are already a

the skis flat to isolate the movement and

ble it to skid and control speed. If the

it is easy to rotate the ski. Rotate the ski

confident bumps skier.

enable a fast rate of turning.

ski is edged too much, it will grip and

and skid down the back of the bump to

accelerate, usually leaving the skier in

control the speed.

Remember to warm up properly before getting stuck in!

High line – In the moguls ski up onto the top or high on the shoulder of the

Plant your pole over the top of the bump

the back seat. Skiers with excellent rotary

onto the backside. This allows for better

and pressure control skills can use more

flow down the bumps, and the upper

edge to increase speed.

body is less likely to be pushed back.

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FUN TIMES GUARANTEED Young Kids/ First Timers

JON (AKA WESTY) AT ALTITUDE

Cat and mouse is a great game

360 flat spins, where your skis

that always gets everyone

stay flat on the snow and you spin

With your kids (3–5 years old) it

smiling. Put simply: one person

around, are great for working on

is especially important that they

is the “cat” and they have to

balance and rotation, and the kids

have fun and enjoy themselves

chase the “mouse” who has

love to show off with them!

because this is their first time

to try and get away. Try to get

skiing. If they don’t have a good

the kids to simulate this by

Slalom – racing your friends is

time they won’t want to come

changing their rhythm and turn

always fun and a great place to

again, and this will seriously put

shape rather than just going

practise your new skills.

a dampener on your future skiing

straight (they tend to want to

holiday plans!

go for this option for some

Remember to stay safe and have

Make sure they are taught by a

reason!).

fun and you will have your kids

fun and qualified instructor who

begging you to bring them back

plans to include lots of games,

Hockey stops are a great way

and have toys on hand. Leave

to develop edging skills but

next year.

Jon holds the top qualifications from

any expectations you may have

also useful for spraying parents

Altitude Ski and Snowboard

The skier is much more restricted in how

France, Switzerland and Britain, and

of how they will become great

with snow!

School in Verbier run private and

much and where they can turn and skid

we can say firsthand that he is an

skiers at home. The priority is to

the ski. Speed down the slope is general-

inspirational coach. His ski school Altitude

keep it fun.

Synchronised skiing can be fun

2 years old. These lessons start

ly faster than in a high line.

is known worldwide for employing a team

Tip: You can get them to stop or

and challenging whilst also great

with complete beginners and

of fantastic ski and snowboard instructors

turn by their favourite toy.

for developing good timing and

also go up to coaching carving,

coordination skills.

bumps, off piste and the park.

Low line – Keep the skis in the rut line.

By choosing somewhere between the

who are very passionate about helping

high and low line the skier can choose

people improve. Each month, Jon or one

how easy it is to control the speed.

of his team will provide us with a few tips

group lessons for children from

Intermediate Level Kids

They also run a race camp during all the busy weeks of the season.

Advanced Level Kids

and words of wisdom to help improve

As your kids get older, the games

Try to practise on very small bumps, and

your understanding of how to ski.

used for learning will be more

then when you start to feel confident try

info@altitude-verbier.com

ski related and help to introduce,

180º jumps in the air are great

please speak to laura or one of

linking a few turns through one or two

+41(0)27 771 6006.

develop and hone new skiing

for balance and rotational skills…

the team at

skills. Some examples include:

plus it looks cool ;-)

info@altitude-verbier.com.

bigger bumps. Enjoy.

For more information or advice

BY PATRICK THORNE

PHOTO STUDIO PARIS VERCRUYSSE

Green

WHAT’S THE GREENEST WAY TO GO SKIING? Studies suggest that when we are on our ski holiday we’re actually consuming less power than in our day-to-day lives back home, thanks to the efficiency levels of most ski resorts, and the fact that we spend much of the day outdoors. Add to the mix the fact that most ski resorts use some element of renewable energy, and nearly a quarter of the world’s top 250 are fully green energy powered, and the numbers get more impressive still.

SPEND THE NIGHT IN A COURCHEVEL CABLE CAR

If you are concerned about your CO2

above the famous French resort, for one

accommodation provider too.

experience, visit Courchevel’s listing on

night only – 6 March.

After climbing the ski runs by snowmobile,

Airbnb no later than 25 February at 23:59

The cable car will be completely

the four guests will be greeted with

and tell the host why you would like to

itself, and once you look into the different

transformed in just a matter of hours after

traditional mulled wine at the Saulire

spend the night in the Saulire cable car.

modes of travel you use, the CO2 maths

ferrying the last skiers of the day down

Summit, then served a Savoyard fondue.

The contest is open to families or groups

from the slopes so that one lucky winner

They will then tuck in for the night in the

of friends, four people maximum. All terms

and three of their guests will have a space

cable car cabin and in the morning will

and conditions of the contest are available

for the night, complete with a bed and

have the privilege of laying down “first

on www.airbnb.co.uk.

journey, the better – which means aiming

living room.

tracks” on the untouched snow.

footprint then it’s the travel to resorts you need to focus on, not the resort you choose

gets murkier!

Of course, as a rule, the shorter your for the Alps, Scotland or Scandinavia will

The contest to win the night in the cable

“We are happy to offer a unique

use a fraction of the CO2 used for a long-

car cabin is being organised by Airbnb,

experience of the mountain to four lucky

haul trip. Then travelling overland normally

an accommodation provider which

winners who will discover Courchevel

beats flying and, whether you do fly or go

describes itself as a “community of hosts”

from an unprecedented angle! We thrive

and says it now has more than a million

on challenge and take pride in opening

by rail, bus or car, you can console yourself with the knowledge that if you’re crammed

ourchevel in France is to give someone

listings around the world. Best known

up new possibilities,” said Adeline Roux,

into a charter plane, or sardine-like in a

the chance to spend the night in a cabin

for its city destinations, the company is

Courchevel Tourism’s Director.

of its Saulire cable car, suspended 2700m

trying to boost its credentials as a ski

For a chance to win this unique

car, bus or train carriage, your share of the CO2 used will be less. Indeed, the perpassenger CO2 emissions on a short-haul flight can be less than a solo driver in a big 4X4.

Eurostar claims the lowest emissions of all,

ZOE GILLINGS-BRIER LAUNCHES RAZOR DELIVERY SERVICE

thanks to its electric trains using French nuclear power. But some coach services

Three times British Olympian

Olympics in South Korea in 2018, which

DJI, Soloshot, Celtic Associates and

make the same claim, carbon offsetting

Zoe Gillings (zoegillings.com) got

Zoe hopes will be her fourth Games.

Nutrition X.

their fuel emissions, which are already low

married last summer and is now Zoe

“I’ve launched www.PoundShaveClub.

“The bottom line is I don’t have much

per passenger. If you have a low-emissions

Gillings-Brier.

com which is going really well. Simply

funds but what I do have I will spend

Having lost her UK Sport funding

put we offer great-quality razors,

wisely. This season is a regeneration

after the Sochi games a year ago, Zoe

delivered to your door hassle-free at a

season so I’m not going to be doing

has also set up an innovative new

fair price (at least 60–70% cheaper than

many competitions but concentrating

business venture to try to raise funds

on the high street),” said Zoe who also

on training. Right now the only focus

for training and competitions in the 3

has a swathe of sponsors including Ski

on my mind are the 2018 PyeongChang

years remaining up to the PyeongChang

Team 4, Mitsubishi Motors, Bridgestone,

Olympics. That’s it,” concluded Zoe.

car, maybe even an electric one, and make sure you fill all the seats, your CO2 emissions will be low too.

042 // FEB15

@INTHESNOWMAG

MATHIAS BERNAL

LA PLAGNE’S SUMMITS TO BE TRANSFORMED La Plagne has announced plans to transform its six major summits over 2000m into something a little different at the end of the ski season from 4–17 April.

The famous French resort, part of the giant Paradiski area, will turn The Bécoin into a sandy beach with deckchairs, beach huts, DJs and shows whilst L’Arpette will be transformed into a relaxing area with Taï Chi lessons, massages, a Jacuzzi and a sauna, with classical music in the background.

If you still crave mid-winter head to La Grand Rochette which will become a mini Lapland with deer and huskies.

For the other three peaks Roche de Mio will delight adrenaline addicts with a ski diving simulator, a slack line and a bungee jump.

Fornelet will be the top choice for families with young children as it will feature a hut full of sweets and activities for the kids, and finally La Rossa will go highbrow and hold an art exhibition.

InTheSnow House FP

VERBIER CUTS PRICES 15% The powers that be in Verbier have decided to cut prices on some lift passes, rentals and holiday accommodation by 15% (“terms and conditions apply”) in response to the Swiss National Bank’s decision to end its policy of a fixed exchange rate, which has had the effect of making holidays to the resort for Brits about 15% more expensive.

“Verbier values its clients and hopes through these efforts that clients

FREE APP FOR ALL DEVICES

can benefit from a number of advantages, despite the strong franc,” said a statement from the resort. Verbier’s Real Estate Agent Association has decided to grant – for all new reservations made up to the end of April – a discount of up to 15% on all accommodation offers published on Verbier’s official website. Sports shops that are members of the Verbier Association of Retailers have decided to offer a 15% reduction on clothing, equipment and rentals, and lift company Téléverbier will offer a 15% reduction on prepurchased 6-day ski passes for British Tour Operators when offered as an accommodation and ski pass package, and bought and paid for at least 10 days prior to customers’ arrival in the resort.

FB.COM/INTHESNOW

043 // FEB15

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HOTEL PLEIN SUD SERRE CHEVALIER



The Omnia is perfectly situated in the centre of Zermatt just off on a hidden back street, giving you the bustle of beautiful Zermatt right on your doorstep, but the peace and quiet you would expect from an escape to the mountains. The warm and friendly welcome is simply hard to beat.

The Hotel Plein Sud is situated close to the Écrins National Park, the mythical Cols du Lauteret Galibier and Izoard made famous by the Tour de France, and very close to the old town of Briançon, which now boasts UNESCO World Heritage status.

+41 (0)27 966 7171 // INFO@THE-OMNIA.COM THE-OMNIA.COM

+33 (0) 492 24 17 01 // LYNNE@HOTELPLEINSUD.COM HOTELPLEINSUD.COM

HOTEL FIREFLY ZERMATT

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CHALET SASKIA VAUJANY

The luxurious Hotel Avenue Lodge is a superb base in one the world’s great ski areas, the exceptional Espace Killy. You’ll feel welcome from the minute you arrive with valet parking and the concierge service taking care of your luggage. The Hotel Avenue Lodge’s entire team is at your service to make your holiday in our resort an unforgettable stay.

The Hotel Firefly is the first address in Zermatt for travellers who expect luxury and lifestyle of the highest level. In the midst of the breathtaking scenery of the famous glacier ski area, the hotel is only 3 minutes from the Klein Matterhorn cable car and from the centre of Zermatt. Each suite is individual, spacious and luxuriously furnished.

Perfectly located on the slopes of Vaujany, Chalet Saskia features two separate large lounges with log fires, two sun terraces, a big TV and games room, 10 en-suite bedrooms all with balconies and a hot tub.

The cuisine is simply inspiring and complemented by the impeccable service and excellent wine selection.

+33 (0)47 900 6767 // CONTACT@HOTELAVENUELODGE.COM HOTELAVENUELODGE.COM

+41 (0)27 967 7676 FIREFLY-ZERMATT.COM

01428 608070 // INFO@SKIPEAK.NET SKIPEAK.NET

RESIDENCE & SPA VALLORCINE CHAMONIX 

CHALET DES ALPES CRANS-MONTANA

HÔTEL L’HÉLIOPIC CHAMONIX

Nesteld in the charming village of Vallorcine, in the Chamonix MontBlanc valley, Vallorcine Mont-Blanc offers a relaxing atmosphere.

The 5 Residence gives guests a choice of 50 cosy apartments with services. Facilities include an indoor heated pool, two saunas, a SPA, a tea-room, a ski shop and a private ice-rink. Less than 10 minutes from your breakfast to the ski slopes !

Quality B&B accommodation offered at great value. Evening meals available most nights. Prices from CHF72 per room. All rooms en-suite, free wi-fi, parking, heated ski room, full UK TV channels.

2 hours from Geneva. 10 min drive to Crans-Montana ski lifts with 140km of pistes. Situated in the small picturesque village of Lens, owned and run by British couple.

4 hotel with spa in central Chamonix, by the Aiguille du Midi lift, offering a new level of comfort including a 500m2 spa (with pool, onsen, hammam, banya, ice cave and tepidarium), restaurant, bar, ski shop, four conference rooms, take-away shop, free wi-fi and a covered car park.

+33 (0)4 5054 7520 // CONTACT@CHAMONIX-VACANCES.COM CHAMONIX-VACANCES.COM

+41 (0)27 483 23 09 // INFO@CHALETDESALPES.CH CHALETDESALPES.CH

+33 (0)4 50 54 55 56 // RESERVATION@HELIOPIC.COM HELIOPIC-HOTEL-SPA.COM

044 // FEB15



@INTHESNOWMAG

BRIT SPEED SKIER LIVE TESTS NEW AIR BAG successfully, ensuring a safe injury-free fall and

an elastic vest that fits under the race suit and

became the first man to complete a "live test"

demonstrating the performance of the system.

above the back protector. The algorithm that

the new air bag approved for downhill ski racers

“Before the first impact against the ground, I

makes it work is derived from analysis of data

by the International Ski Federation (FIS) earlier

heard a boom and instantly felt how the airbag

from 238 World Cup runs by 26 athletes.

this month on the slopes of La Pinilla, a small ski

inflated, it was like being inside a shell. I felt safe

“The test was very important in case any athlete

resort an hour north of Madrid.

and protected during the fall: after the initial

still had any doubts. Thanks to Jan, we’ve tested

The new airbags, designed to increase safety

tumbling and sliding for about 70m, I came to a

that the system works and that it doesn’t interfere

and minimise injury for ski racers, are the result

stop, unbruised,” said Jan.

in the natural movements and performance of the

of several years of research. Jan staged his

D-air® Ski is able to absorb 61% of the force

skiers,” said Vittorio Cafaggi, Director of Strategic

crash at 80kph (50mph) and the unit activated

generated by impact and is fully integrated into

Development for manufacturer Dainese.

DANIEL TÖCHTERLE

32-year-old British speed skier Jan Farrell

RODA DLES SAÛS

FAREWELL FUNICULAR

Italy’s Alta Badia region, which is on the famed Sella Ronda circuit of

Ellmau in the Skiwelt’s famous funicular ski lift will make its last ascent

the Italian Dolomites, is also well known for its accessible-to-all gourmet

on Easter Monday: 6 April 2015.

standard cuisine. There are events and offers all season long, but one

After 44 years of service and carrying 34 million people up the slopes,

of the highlights is the Roda dles Saûs ski safari, an event focused on

the Hartkaiserbahn, a key lift in the giant SkiWelt Wilder Kaiser-

the traditional cuisine of the local Ladin culture, which this season will

Brixental ski area, is to be replaced by a new, extra-large, 10-seater

be available the week beginning 15 March in the Santa Croce sector’s

gondola lift for winter 2015–16 at a cost of €23 million.

mountain restaurants. The Santa Croce area is one of the lesser known

The new lift will more than double hourly capacity on the route, being

of the local ski slopes, and skiers and boarders will have the opportunity

able to transport 3200 people an hour, up from the funicular’s 1500

to taste dishes which originated locally, made to old family recipes and

people. All the cabins will offer disabled access and are equipped

paired with the best South Tirolean wines.

with wi-fi and heated seats. There’ll also be a particularly long access

Skiers can buy a ticket from the participating restaurants which are

platform (8m longer than before) to provide comfortable and relaxed

valid for the whole week and include three dishes, which are served

boarding, the advantages of which families with small children in

up accompanied by traditional music at the huts. Tickets cost £36 and

particular will appreciate. The lift will make its 2.1km long ascent to

the event runs from 10:30am to 5:30pm daily throughout the week.

1530m in less than 9 minutes, and there’ll be an all-new opportunity to

altabadia.org

board or disembark at a new mid-way station.

FB.COM/INTHESNOW

045 // FEB15

 PROMOTION

E lliot B r o w n Elliot Brown is a British brand of classic,

working nights, obsessing over every detail

highly durable watches designed to be

– it’s the little details that shine through

worn every day, even in harsh conditions.

when you pick up one of our watches.

A little over a year old, the brand has already picked up several industry

What are the differences between the

awards and is the brainchild of Ian Elliot,

Bloxworth and the Canford?

co-founder of Animal, and Alex Brown,

EB: The Canford is an understated,

esteemed horologist.

less-is-more kind of watch. Classic pilot styling with broader shoulders that work

Please tell us a little bit of the

just as well in the office or the mountain.

background of Elliot Brown and how the

The Bloxworth is our take on a traditional

company was formed?

sport diver with tough credentials to match.

EB: We both learned our trade whilst

Surprising new looks can be created

working at Animal. We learnt a lot and saw

simply by swapping straps. Both models

just about everything that could go wrong

use jewelled Swiss-made movements for

with a watch. We both went our separate

peace of mind.

ways for a few years but stayed good friends. We realised that we weren’t using

Was the outdoor and snow-sports market

the unique skills we’d both developed and

always something the watches aimed for?

hatched a plan to build the toughest, most

EB: We live for the outdoors – I’m

elegant watches that would suit our active

an avid skier, snowboarder, surfer and

outdoor lifestyles.

mountain biker – but we have jobs too, so we designed something that works in all

What was your vision when you started the

situations. Highly durable 316L marine-

brand and what are your core principles?

grade stainless features outside and in (for

EB: To re-think how a watch could be

the shock-resistant movement housing),

built starting with a blank sheet. Our vision

and there’s 3mm-thick hardened mineral

was to create a best-of-both-worlds watch,

glass for all-round durability. Check out our

engineered to a new standard that re-

website (elliotbrownwatches.com) for an

defines the action sports watch category

in-depth overview of the tech spec.

with a refreshing fit-for-purpose honesty about it. In our first year, armed only with

What would you say is the harshest

samples, we won WatchPro’s Watch of The

environment Elliot Brown watches have

Year Award 2013 – a good start!

been tested in?

EB: The harshest test we’re aware of in the

What’s so special about your watch

watch industry is the one we did last year. We

collection?

submerged a standard Bloxworth in Poole

EB: Every watch contains a shock-

harbour, initially intending to leave it for 30

resistant movement housing to protect

days. In the end we left it submerged for 6

the Swiss movement from impacts, a

months over the winter and it survived. It had

new crown and pusher sealing system

things growing on it and was so covered

that works 100% of the time – even when

in grime and crustaceans that we could no

they’re in the ‘out’ or ‘adjust ‘position – and

longer see it to photograph under water.

an extreme testing regime that includes

We’ve heard of someone leaving one in a

placing every single watch into water at

freezer for 48 hours at minus 16c, although

200m. We spent two and a half years

we wouldn’t recommend it!

046 // FEB15

ELLIOTBROWNWATCHES.COM

WWW.SINNER.EU