In The Snow | Issue 57 | Dec 2017

INTHE SNOW ISSUE 57 | DEC 2017

It’s not a ight.

It’s the world’s longest ski lift.

144 weekly ights to Switzerland.

swiss.com 1 pair i off skis ki or 1 snowboard, b d 1 pair i off ski ki poles, ki l 1 pair i off ski ki b boots t or 1 pair of snowboard boots travel free of charge, in addition to standard baggage allowance (excluding hand luggage only fares) and subject to availability.

Made of Switzerland.

LAPLAND

032

IN THIS

It’s looking like it’s going to be snowy on the ski slopes this Our Christmas section features ski areas famed for their Christmas effort and much more.

POWDER & CULTURE IN  JAPANESE SNOW COUNTRY Skiing in Japan is all about the fabulous skiing in deep,

INTHESNOW

feather-light powder snow, right? Well, yes, but there’s so

INTHESNOW_MAGAZINE

much more to the Japanese ski experience as our writer discovers in Nozawa Onsen.

IT’S EASIER TO GET TO TIROL  Often we book ski holidays thinking only about the skiing, but the full holiday experience is about so much more. Tirol resorts not only tick all the boxes for the holiday experience; they’re also easy to reach.

© TVB INNSBRUCK / KLAUS POLZER

@INTHESNOWMAG

CHRISTIAN VORHOFER

Festive season, and it’s not too late to get out there and enjoy it.

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INTHESNOW

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WISHING FOR A WHITE CHRISTMAS 

FOLLOW US ON INSTA

INSTAGR

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026 LADIES SKI: TRAIN WITH A PRO  Most of us do our best to stay fit and put in an extra effort before our ski holidays, but for true fitness you need to take it rather more seriously, and here a professional

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shows us how it’s done.

BUYERS’ GUIDE  051–058 Christmas is coming and our buyer’s guide is getting fat … with all the latest kit for 2018 and lots of great gift ideas for snow-crazy friends and family this festive season too.

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EDITOR PATRICK THORNE

Here at InTheSnow, our team follows winter all year round.

While other folk are out on their mountain bikes or hitting the beach, we’re so obsessed with snow we’re checking snow reports in Chile and Lesotho in July and watching the forecasts for the first snows on glaciers in the Alps in August – hoping it’s the first sign of a snowy winter ahead (even though we know, really, it wouldn’t be!).

A MICHELIN STAR MOUNTAIN EXPERIENCE 

So after all the excitement of this autumn’s build-up, it’s

Team

hard to believe we’re actually here at last, at the start of the main ski season, winter 2017/18!

But will it be a white one? Well, as I write this in the last

The number of gourmet dining experiences

week of November the signs are good. We’ve had heavy

available in the mountains continues to grow

snowfalls pretty much weekly all autumn in the Alps. It’s

exponentially, but this offer from a British chalet operator is something truly special.

certainly looking the most promising start for years, and

EDITORIAL TEAM

lots of big-name resorts have opened early for the season already, Whistler doing so after clocking up two metres

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of snowfall in the week before it opened. And yet we’ve been doing this long enough to know that it could all grind to a halt. Plus we’re superstitious enough to think that if we keep saying it’s a great start to the season, we’ll jinx it and it will grind to a halt.

So perhaps, can we dare say, there’s "guarded optimism" that all those doomsday tabloid headlines of “next ice age about to hit Europe” might be slightly closer to true than they usually are.

Anyway, our cover story is dedicated to the autumn snowfalls and the resorts that have been dumped on big time already and have opened early.

In the rest of this edition, you’ll find our usual eclectic mix of news, a special Christmas section where we enthuse about some of the most Santa-friendly ski areas in the Alps, plus a look at the pros and cons (but 99% pros) of going to ski near Santa’s home in Lapland.

For more festive dreaming there’s a wonderful feature on skiing in Japan’s original ski resort of Nozawa, and our blow the bonus column this edition indulges in the opportunity to spend your ski holiday in a luxury chalet being catered for by gourmet chefs.

As always, there’s much more besides, and whether you end up in the mountains or at home for Christmas, the

InTheSnow team wish you a very happy, very white one.

patrick@inthesnow.com

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06 // JUN17

PACKAGES F ROM 3 NIGHT ACCOMMODATION 249€ PP SKI AND FESTIVAL

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The 2017/18 ski season has got off to a memorable start with a large number of ski areas opening early for the season and regular, heavy snowfalls in the Alps, the Pyrenees, the Dolomites, Scandinavia and parts of Western North America.

making earlier than usual openings, followed in early November by Breckenridge, Keystone and Copper.

By this time, it was snowing heavily in Western Canada, and the three Banff ski areas including Lake Louise opened early at the start of November. Other resorts including Panorama, Whistler and Cypress Mountain also moved their opening days forward because of the great conditions. South of the border, Mammoth also opened

MAMMOUTH

in early November just three months after completing its

RESORTS OPEN EARLY AFTER SNOWY START TO 2017/18 FB.COM/INTHESNOW

It’s too early to declare the season start a definite

epic 2016/17 ski season in August, which had seen the

success, it could still warm up and stop snowing, but

snow lying more than 9m deep at its peak last January.

so far it is certainly the most promising beginning for

Early November also saw successive high snowfalls in

at least four years.

the Alps and other European mountain ranges.

The regular snowfalls in the Alps, which began as early

Lots of big-name resorts have opened early saying

as the start of September, came as a great relief after

they couldn’t not, with conditions so good. Among

an exceptionally hot summer melted snow cover away

them are Austria’s Schladming and Montafon; France’s

completely on high glaciers causing some summer ski

Courchevel (for one glorious mid-November day when

destinations to suspend operations, which is almost

they ran the lifts free of charge); Italy’s San Martino and

unprecedented.

Switzerland’s Arosa and Verbier.

But glaciers that had almost no snow cover at the

Early openings in other mountain ranges included

start of September now have snow lying 2m deep

Spanish giant Baqueira Beret opening a week early

on them again as we enter December, after some

in the Pyrenees and Cortina in the Dolomites, one of

November snow storms deposited up to a metre of

several to open at weekends from early November.

snow in 48 hours on their slopes.

Every year it seems one area or another of the world’s

Many ski resorts have been opening early around

major ski regions gets unlucky. It’s far too early to know

the world, and by mid-November over 100 ski areas

where this will be for 2017/18, but the only areas which,

were operational either due to very big early snow

at time of writing at least, had not seen huge snowfalls

accumulations (the snow depth in Northwestern North

were in states like Colorado and Utah, where several

America was reported to be three times the average

areas had announced delayed openings, planned for

by mid-November when Mt Bachelor in Oregon had

November into December. But by the time you are

its earliest opening in over a decade) or because cold

reading this, that may have changed.

weather allowed resorts to make lots of snow. In many

In terms of pre-season snowfall, it’s hard to say

cases it was a bit of both.

whether the Alps or North America are ahead. Some

After the glacier resorts in the Alps opened in

glaciers say more than 3m of snow has fallen this

September following a few good snowfalls there, the

autumn already while, in North America, Jackson Hole

first resorts without glaciers opened in Europe with

in Wyoming, which opened on the last Saturday of

snow they’d stockpiled from last season. Kitzbühel

November, had already clocked up 2.5m of autumn

recorded its earliest-ever opening in its long history

snow by mid-November.

using that technique, and Norway’s Geilo and

Of course, Mother Nature (if she’ll please forgive

Lapland’s Ruka did the same. Initially white slopes

me for saying so) is a little fickle, and these great

on green autumnal mountainsides, the early arrival

conditions at the time we go to press could still melt

of winter covering them with fresh snow gave these

away before the tour operator planes start taking off in

areas a real head start on winter.

mid-December, so it’s a case of keeping fingers tightly

Next came the high areas in Colorado in the latter

crossed and hoping the great start to winter 2017/18 in

half of October with Arapahoe Basin and Loveland

most areas continues through into 2018.

007 // DEC17

SKI EGYPT OPENS Africa’s first indoor snow centre, Ski Egypt, built by the Majid Al Futtaim group (the company which built Ski Dubai which opened in 2005) has opened near Cairo. Ski Egypt has four ski slopes of varying levels of difficulty on a 13,200m2 footprint and can accommodate 1,200 guests at the same time using 6,350 tonnes of snow. There are now more than 70 indoor snow centres operating on six continents worldwide.

2023 ALPINE WORLD SKI CHAMPIONSHIPS The 2023 Alpine World Ski Championships will be taking place in the Alps – although it is yet to be decided whether they’ll be in the French DOLOMITISKIROCK

or Austrian Alps. Two bids to host the bi-annual Championships were received by the International Ski Federation (FIS) by the cut-off date – a joint

BODE MILLER RETIRES

bid by Courchevel-Méribel in France, and from Saalbach-Hinterglemm in Austria. The FIS Council will decide which candidate will be 2023 host at its ski congress next June.

in Beaver Creek, Colorado, but

438 World Cup races (beaten only

had previously said that he was

by Switzerland’s Beni Raich with

considering racing on the FIS World

441), four World Championship

Cup circuit again.

golds, six Olympic medals including

However, in a TV interview

the bronze at Sochi in 2014, which

A team of Russian researchers have identified

One of the most charismatic as well as successful skiers of the modern era, Bode Miller, has announced his retirement.

yesterday Miller, now aged 40,

made him the oldest-ever Alpine

a new species of butterfly on the slopes of

Miller, who has won more Olympic

said, “I am done. I had a long

skiing Olympic medal winner, and

Mt Hermon in Israel. The butterfly, christened

medals than any other American

career as a ski racer, but I’m no

33 World Cup victories – placing

Acentria’s fritillary (Melitaea acentria) and

racer, last competed at the 2015

longer craving for it.”

him eighth on the all-time medal

World Alpine Skiing Championships

Miller’s illustrious career included

winners’ table.

NEW BUTTERFLY SPOTTED ON SKI SLOPE

described as “beautifully coloured”, is actually

actually a separate species, due to its similarity to a well-known one.

The new Scoiattoli slope will drop 238 vertical

TECHNO ALPIN

to the researchers no one had realised it was

The iconic ski town of Cortina d’Ampezzo will have a new black run this winter.

well known in the region, with its habitat extending into Syria and Lebanon, but according

NEW BLACK SLOPE FOR CORTINA

metres over its 905m length.

The slope will have an average gradient of 27%, but at its steepest section this will increase to 55%. Other new slope works at Cortina for 2017/18 include slope-widening on the Faloria

1,900 SKI SOCKS TO CHILDREN IN NEED

slope in the “A-section” between the Faloria hut and Pian Girilada. This will add 1,500m2 of additional slope surface.

An American company called LIFT23 has donated

These upgrades are part of a €70 million (around

1,900 pairs of new socks to needy children thanks

£62 million) investment in the wider Dolomiti

to a partnership with Summit Ski and Snowboard.

Superski region for the coming season, 12 million

The LIFT23 company started its existence with a

(around £10.6 million) of which is going on

pledge to donate a pair of socks to New York’s homeless children for every pair sold but has since expanded to cities across America.

WHISTLER'S RAINBOW ZEBRA CROSSINGS

SCOTTISH SKI CENTRES INCREASE EFFORTS TO PROVIDE SNOW THIS WINTER

improvements to the snowmaking systems which now cover 97% of the area’s huge 1,200km of piste. Other upgrades include the replacement of the Biok quad chair in Alta Badia with a six-seater chairlift increasing capacity on the route to 2,800 people per hour.

Three Scottish ski areas will now

the machine. Now it has been

trail to be provided.

Two double chairlifts Vajolet 1 and Vajolet 2

operate TechnoAlpin Snowfactory

announced that The Lecht will also

The Lecht will also use their wind

are being replaced by high-speed quads with

all-weather snowmaking machines

trial a machine next February and

turbine to provide the electricity

weather protection hoods in Val di Fassa, and at

on Main Street which it believes are the first at a

at various times this winter.

March. The machine will guarantee

the unit requires to run.

Arabba the “Fodom” chairlift is being replaced

ski resort. “The crossings serve as a permanent

CairnGorm Mountain and

snow on the nursery and Osprey

A fourth Scottish area, Nevis

by a 10-seater gondola cabin lift.

Glencoe Mountain had already

slopes during the school mid-term

Range near Fort William, is trying a

There’s also another new easy slope,

announced their plans to use the

holiday and in the run-up to Easter.

different approach installing a new

“Sellaronda”, opening above Arabba, which

machines, which can produce

The trial will be operated by The

type of snow fencing on most of

will run down from the top station of the

snow regardless of the outdoor

Lecht Ski Company with funding

the lower mountain. Stronger and

Portados gondola to the bottom station of the

spokesperson commented. Whistler Pride and

temperature in their large

provided by Highlands and

taller than the fences it replaces,

Carpazza chairlift.

Ski Festival, which will be staged for the 26th

articulated units for spreading

Islands Enterprise and will also

this is expected to catch 50%

time next season from 21 to 28 January 2018, is

on a limited area surrounding

allow a groomed cross-country

more snow.

Whistler has unveiled two rainbow crosswalks

LGBT Public Art demonstrating the resort’s commitment to ensuring all guests and residents feel safe and respected regardless of gender and/or sexual identity and/or orientation,” a resort

Canada’s largest LGBT winter festival.

008 // DEC17

@INTHESNOWMAG @LTMOUNTAINS

HAL WILLIAMS PHOTOGRAPHY INC.

PARK WON-IL

Heavenly Skiing At Down To Earth Prices Heavenly Skiing At Down To Earth Prices

€5 MILLION SPLURGED ON OLYMPIC SNOWMAKING

PLAY YOUR OWN MUSIC IN THE GONDOLA

The two main South Korean downhill ski and snowboarding venues

Aspen’s Silver Queen gondola is being upgraded this summer

have seen €5 million (£4.4 million) spent on snowmaking ahead of the

to allow skiers and boarders using the lift this winter to connect

coming Winter Olympics. The investment has largely come from the

their mobile devices wirelessly to a sound system in each cabin

Provincial Government in Gangwon with TechnoAlpin awarded the

and play their music through it.

contract following a public tendering process.

The Bluetooth-enabled technology is an upgrade to a system

The company says it has completed installations at Olympic freestyle ski

installed in the cabins in 2010 in the pre-wi-fi era when gondola

venue Phoenix Park as well as at the larger Yongpyong, which will host

users could connect first-generation iPhones to the lift’s sound

slalom and GS Alpine skiing races where the company modernised the

system using a headphone jack. The service was reported to be

existing network and extended it to include 250 snow guns served by

a world first at the time.

three pumping stations. Marginal temperatures, high humidity and heavy

The sound system is powered by solar-charged batteries but,

use of ski slopes due to the popularity of winter sports in South Korea

according to local media reports, has a reputation for being a

all pose challenges for snowmakers. In addition, South Korea does not

bit erratic. The battery and speakers will remain the same, but

have much history of staging global snowsports events.

Aspen expects battery life and the connection will be better by

“In Pyeongchang the slopes are open 24 hours a day and this is a

using wireless connectivity. The resort hopes that all the cabins

particular challenge for the snowmaking systems in terms of quality,”

on the lift will be converted to the new tech in time for opening

said Michael Mayr, TechnoAlpin’s Asia Area Manager.

day on 23 November, each using a different wireless frequency.

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NEW FLIGHTS FROM UK AIRPORTS TO CHAMBÉRY Chambéry airport is one year into a (very) long-term multi-million-euro upgrade programme, and passengers going through the airport are already starting to notice improvements according to its main user, Crystal Holidays, who have analysed customer feedback.

from Exeter, Doncaster Sheffield and Luton

Geneva struggles to cope with the hundreds of

airports next winter. These add to the 15 regional

thousands of people in the area each weekend.

UK airports including Gatwick, Manchester,

The start of a €10 million (around £8.9 million)

Glasgow, Bristol and Dublin Crystal already fly

investment (over 16 years!) by the airport’s owners

in from with up to 20 flights a week bringing in

saw a revised queuing system, improved check-

around 30,000 Brits each winter.

in facilities and a reorganised passport control

Chambéry is a little closer to some of the big-

and security flow which, according to Crystal’s

name resorts in the French Alps, particularly

customer feedback, has been noted by skiers who

The UK’s largest tour operator are obviously

Les 3 Vallées, than Geneva but perhaps more

have ranked the airport more highly in feedback.

pleased about that as they’ve announced new

importantly it’s usually an easy transfer from

The tour ops say that the number who scored

direct services to the French ski airport (full

there as there’s not much happening most

their airport experience as “good” or “excellent”

official title: Chambéry Savoie Mont Blanc Airport)

weekends except the airport in the region, while

last season was up 10% on winter 2015/16.

FB.COM/LTMOUNTAINS FB.COM/INTHESNOW

009 // DEC17

Snow Sure French and Resorts Swiss Alps On /Snow Near Piste Sure locations Resorts Hidden Extras OnNo / Near Piste locations Financially Bonded No Hidden Extras Financially Bonded

0151 625 1921 mountainheaven.co.uk 0151 625 1921 mountainheaven.co.uk

PAUL MORRISON

BY PATRICK THORNE

23 DAYS LESS SNOW IN ALPS THAN IN 1960S than 70 sensors around Mont Blanc to measure climate conditions over the last 13 years has received a special UN award.

MARC GASCH

WHISTLER SEES NEARLY 2M OF FRESH SNOW IN SEVEN DAYS

A French organisation which has placed more

The CREA Mont-Blanc CLIMB initiative has “Our snowmaking and operations

day, we want to remind guests

teams worked extremely hard to

early season conditions will apply,

get the mountain ready early for

especially off piste,” says Doug

guests,” says Pete Sonntag, Senior

MacFarlane, Senior Director

Vice President and Chief Operating

of Mountain Operations. “It is

Officer at Whistler Blackcomb.

important to obey all mountain

found that the snow period has shrunk by 23

Whistler Blackcomb kicked off the 2017/18 winter season nearly a week early in mid-November having received 198cm of snow falling in the previous seven days.

“Their efforts, along with the

signage, ski and ride on open

days in the last 50 years in the Northern Alps.

It continued snowing heavily

natural snowfall we were expecting

runs only and stay within the

Niseko will see two new quad chairlifts open

The initiative has just been given a UN Climate

following its opening day with

throughout the week, made our

operational area marked by

this December in two of its sectors. Both will

more than 50cm falling in 24 hours

decision to open early easy.”

boundary signage.”

especially benefit beginner skiers, but there are

soon after.

“With all the excitement of opening

installed the sensors designed to see the true effect of climate change on the mountain environment, allowing them to measure data for the entire French Alps.

Although the organisation need three decades of data to produce formal results, initial findings

Change Momentum for Change Lighthouse Activity award, designed to recognise the

TWO NEW QUADS FOR NISEKO

advantages for more advanced skiers too.

most exciting and innovative climate change

Grand Hirafu’s Ace Family Pair lift, which was

initiatives worldwide.

under increasing strain due to the emergence

“The passion, creativity and positive impacts

of new central Hirafu accommodation in recent years, will be replaced by a high-speed quad

of this year’s award winners are extraordinary,

lift. With double the per hour lift capacity

real-world examples of how the implementation

predicted, peak time queues at the base of the

of the Paris Agreement is happening, across

Family lift will be greatly reduced.

all countries,” said Patricia Espinosa, Executive

The base of the new lift will be located 10m

Secretary of UN Climate Change.

further up the mountain providing a great deal

can indicate whether snow is on the ground

more space for Hirafu ski schools at the bottom

where each is located.

“There is a higher reduction of snow at an altitude of 2,500masl (-25%) than at an altitude of 1,500masl (15%) where the snow period was

VIKTORHANACEK.CZ

The initiative has a large number of sensors which

of the Family run. The exit point of the lift will be located 250m higher up the mountain giving Niseko’s beginner skiers and snowboarders access to the green Sennoki run and a longer ski to base.

already shorter. This is due mainly to higher spring temperatures (March to May), and to a lesser extent to higher autumn temperatures,

£125 OFF YOUR HOLIDAY IF YOUR NAME IS LINDA

Advanced skiers and boarders will also benefit with smoother transition from the Niseko United summit to the Dot Base Ski Center and Hirafu’s

rather than to winter temperatures or overall Tour operator Inghams have

resort of Kitzbühel.

diamond Chalet Linda from

main parking lot.

launched an unusual promotion:

Chalet Linda sleeps 28–37 guests

£629pp in January 2018, including

“The new Family run lift will be more

they’re giving a £125 holiday

and is located six minutes’ walk

flights and transfers.

comfortable and easy to get on and off with

discount to people booking a ski

from the Hahnenkamm Gondola

To book and claim the special

greater deceleration speeds. All in all, a

Météo France that we expect to be ready in 2018.

holiday this winter if their name

and ski school meeting point.

discount, call Inghams on 01483

much-welcomed improvement to Niseko

Climate change studies require at least 30 years

is Linda.

Inghams is offering seven nights

791114 before Thursday 30

United Resort’s Grand Hirafu lift system!” said

of data to calculate accurate trends and averages.

There are a few strings attached,

on a catered basis (including

November 2017.

a spokesperson from specialist tour operator

In the meantime, our stations help us monitor

the main one being that to qualify

buffet breakfasts, afternoon

“Sorry, Inghams doesn’t yet have

Japan Ski Experience.

warm years (2011, 2016) compared to colder years

for your discount you need to

tea and cake, and three-course

any Lindas in its Reservations

(2013) and measure the impact on vegetation and

stay at the company’s new Chalet

evening meals with complimentary

team!” said a company

Linda in the famous Austrian

wine for six days) at the three-

spokesperson.

precipitations,” the programme’s director Irene Alvarez said, adding: “This is expected to continue in the coming decades. We are developing projections with

fauna of such extreme years.”

010 // DEC17

@INTHESNOWMAG @LTMOUNTAINS

WAKE UP TO NASSFELD

Awesome scenery? Tick.

Austrian and Italian mountain food? Tick.

Great for families and intermediates? Absolutely.

And with over 100 sunny days each winter, there’s a good chance you’ll be topping up the goggle tan, too.

Find your place on the mountain at crystalski.co.uk ATOL protected. For more information please see our booking conditions.

LIFE IN PICS Sometimes you plan for your life to go in one direction, and it ends up taking you in another.

Didier Collomb, one of the leading ski instructors at the Les Menuires & St Martin de Belleville ESF ski school in Les 3 Vallées, first wanted to be a ski racer.

At the age of four, he joined the local ski club in the village he grew up in at the foot of the Chartreuse Mountains in the Savoie region of France.

His passion for racing took him to the Belleville valley 25 years ago, originally skiing in Val Thorens while training as a slalom racer, and he has since ended up living in the St Martin de Belleville area for the last 20 years.

The racing career didn’t take off, but living in the area gave Didier the opportunity to become a ski instructor. He joined the Mountain Guides of the Belleville valley and over the last 20 years has seen St Martin transform into an international ski resort, yet still remain a traditional Savoyard village with the local people proud of their agricultural heritage.

ALL PICS: GILLES LANSARD

“I know almost everyone and I love the simple and friendly atmosphere.

People here are real and humble, but it is always fun to meet new people at the Pourquoi Pas Bar,” says Didier, adding, “Saint Martin is the best place to live in the 3 Vallées all year round, the connection with the 3 Vallées is fast and very comfortable, and on top of that the local mountain restaurants are just the best value around!”

012 // DEC17

@INTHESNOWMAG

C GEARY

EUROPE’S BIGGEST LGBT WINTERSPORTS & MUSIC FESTIVAL IS 10 Celebrating its 10th anniversary this winter, European Gay Ski Week (EGSW) returns to Les Menuires in France between 17 and 24 March 2018 for what is one of the biggest, most spectacular and best-produced LGBT winter-sports and music festivals in the world.

party and signature EGSW open-air après-ski.

allocated private dining space on terraces for

“The atmosphere is incredible. Think of the Folie

EGSW pass holders in 15 mountain restaurants

Douce times 10 and you’ll get a sense of what

in Courchevel, Méribel, Orelle and Val Thorens;

our après-ski is like. And we’ve put together a full

EGSW ski school with gay-friendly instructors

programme so everyone has a super time along

from ESF and Prosneige, who will run group

with chalet, hotel and apartment accommodation

and private lessons and open-air après-ski from

to suit all budgets in a resort where everyone is

4pm daily, which is regarded as the heartbeat

very welcoming and friendly,” said Kevin Millins,

of EGSW. There will also be music from some of

EGSW delivers a unique LGBT winter-sports

EGSW’s Event Director.

the world’s best clubs and DJs and daily cabaret

experience combining the fantastic ski and

Presented by Pure Organisation, EGSW is expected

nights featuring some of Europe’s top gay acts like

snowboarding offered by the world’s largest ski

to attract 1,200 people from around the world.

LaDiva Live, Nicollete Street and Patty Pam-Pam.

area, Les 3 Vallées, with great entertainment

Festival highlights include daily group lunges with

Pricing for accommodation and a ski lift and

featuring high-calibre cabaret, parties hosted by

Lady Galore – and her megaphone – who gets

event pass starts from €399 (around £354).

international clubs and DJs, fine dining, a pool

everyone warmed up before they hit the slopes;

europeangayskiweek.com

DECISION ON SHEFFIELD’S OLD SKI VILLAGE IMMINENT

FB.COM/LTMOUNTAINS FB.COM/INTHESNOW

A decision on the future of what was once

detailed proposals since the spring.

Europe’s largest dry ski slope centre at

Initial reports earlier this year indicated

Sheffield is expected in the next few weeks

that the new operator might not include

according to local reports.

a dry ski slope in their plans, but the

The Ski Village, where a number of the

latest reports suggest that the complex

world’s top ski and board athletes first

will include the latest-generation dry

learned their skills, was destroyed in

ski slope material along with mountain

an arson attack more than three years

biking trails and other recreational and

ago, with the site subsequently hit by fly

commercial facilities.

tipping, fire setters and others and now has

“We’re optimistic about the quality of

travellers based on part of it.

the final bids, and we feel we have the

Earlier this year, however, Sheffield’s City

opportunity to do something really, really

Council sought bids for an operator of

special with this site,” Edward Highfield, the

H E AVY- D U T Y N E V E R F E LT S O L I G H T Seek more with KORE, a game-changing combination of materials and technology brought together to lead the next evolution of freeride.

KORE 105

the dry slope, and the council has been

council’s Director of City Growth told The

examining the bids and asking for more

Sheffield Star newspaper.

013 // DEC17

Ã…RE

AFFORDABLE

SWEDISH S K I H O L I D AY ?

WORDS: PETER COOMBS

014 // DEC17

@INTHESNOWMAG

Every Easter I take the kids to the Alps, and we have a wonderful holiday in the spring sunshine. But I’ve often wondered, while up to my ankles in slush, if it’s possible to find some good lateseason snow at an affordable price.

budgets. Not to be missed is a ride

expense. Well, look no further than the

on the old funicular Bergbanan up to

ski-in, “very short walk to main cable car

Hotel Fjällgården for the wonderful

out” STF Åre Torg Vandrarhem, owned

views and delicious local cuisine.

and run by the fantastic Swedish Tourist

The on-mountain restaurants serve

Association (STA) – the equivalent of

up good hearty soups and goulash-

our Youth Hostel Association. The STA

style dishes, alongside healthy fish

Åre Torg is perfectly placed within the

and salad dishes (and not so healthy

centre of town; a piste runs past its

puddings!). Another great option

front door, and it’s a mere five-minute

for both lunch and dinner is the

walk to the resort’s main base station

slopeside Timmerstugan, at the base

and bus stop.

of the A31 lift, offering a fusion of

The rooms are very quirky and consist

Finally, I have my answer – yes, it is!

Italian and local inspired dishes and a

of bunk beds and ample shelving.

Last April I left the spring flowers of

kicking après-ski scene.

Outside each room there’s a little

England behind and headed north to

Those looking for cheaper dinner

roped-off area with table and chairs,

the Swedish ski resort of Åre, still in

options should hit the lively Tex Mex

where you can leave your skis and

the depths of winter.

in the Broken Pub, or the stylish, and

boots. The Swedes seem to love

Don’t be fooled when looking at a

much recommended, downtown

sitting outside their rooms dressed

piste map, as Åre can appear to be

Crêperie, where kids can be placated

only in bathrobes or thermals – no

little more than a large hill – and in

with a Nutella and banana crêpe after

inhibitions here. The communal

some ways, that is all it is. But being

days of smoked fish.

bathrooms are very clean and modern

so far north, and blessed with lots of snow, it’s a quality ski resort that can match many of those in the Alps.

There are miles of excellent cruising

and there’s even a sauna. Breakfast

So Can Sweden Really Be Affordable?

pistes, perfect for beginners and

FB.COM/INTHESNOW

is included in the price, and the lunchtime soup and salad combo is possibly the best deal in town.

There’s also a large kitchen for those

intermediates, and unlike the Alps,

Well, there’s no getting away from

wanting to save money by cooking,

many of these are through trees:

it: any ski holiday is expensive,

although the prices at the supermarket

rather than just across yet another

especially when footing the bill for the

will raise a few eyebrows – think

bare open face that looks identical to

whole family; but it really is possible

Waitrose on steroids.

the last. My kids loved the fact that

to holiday in Sweden at a price

To get the best room price you should

they could pretty much tackle every

comparable to a ski holiday in the

buy a family membership of the STA,

slope, although due to the area’s

French Alps.

for £40, and then a family room will

often high, and sometimes bitterly

easyJet has started a new weekly

cost you SEK11,165 – around £1,000 for

cold, winds, there are a lot of drag

route from Gatwick to Åre Östersund

a week including breakfast. The cost

lifts. That said, there has been a large

international airport, with prices

for non-members is around £1,500

investment in six- and eight-seater

starting from as little as £30 each way

(swedishtouristassociation.com).

chair lifts, most with heated seats and

(outside of school holidays). When

For those looking for a little more

wind covers.

going to print, Easter flights were

class from their hotel, I’d recommend

The instruction is excellent and, as

only £145 return. If you’re taking your

the Copperhill Mountain Lodge, which

you’d expect, the English spoken

own ski equipment, there’s an extra

can be booked through Crystal Ski.

there is perfect. My daughter (7) had

£70 return charge, but if you own a

It’s a large but personal hotel, with

some wonderful and informative ski

coffin-style snowboard bag, you can

great play areas for kids, even an

instruction, while my son (9) joined

easily pack all your clothing and skis/

indoor football/sports area and a spa

a freestyle park group and was

snowboard for a week. If travelling

for worn-out parents.

instructed on how to use the snow-

as a family you should take full

Lift passes are reasonable, with a week

park features safely. Both came back

advantage of all four carry-on bags,

for adults being £200 and for children

very much improved, all smiles, saying

even if the kids can’t carry them, as

£160 (under-sevens ski for free).

it was great fun, my son boasting of

there’s no weight limit. It’s amazing

So, while not a budget holiday by any

how much air time he’d got.

how much kit can be stuffed into four-

means, skiing in Sweden can be done

While the kids were in lessons, my

wheeled cabin bags.

at a cost that compares to a holiday

wife and I took an off-piste tour of

If you don’t live near London, Åre

in any good-sized ski resort of the

the Backside, which while relatively

has a central train station, so it’s very

Alps. Yet what it does offer is snow-

tame, did allow us to find some

easy to have a city-ski break by flying

sure slopes, especially late season,

good powder snow, rarely found in

to Stockholm, Gothenburg or Malmö

excellent English ski instruction, and

the Alps in April. It also gave us an

and catching a train to resort. There’s

no one does interior style quite like the

introduction to a perfect off-piste area

even a sleeper train from Stockholm.

Scandinavians! Overall, I’d definitely

to take the kids. Towards the top of

Once in resort there’s little point

recommend a late-season break to Åre,

the tree line, the trees are very well

having a car, as there’s a good in-

to all but the most extreme of skiers.

spaced for skiing through; there’s

resort bus service between the ski

an area just below the Sadeln chair

areas. So, save cash and take the

Airline

that is the perfect pitch and without

transfer bus for the 80km near-

easyjet.com

any major hazards, allowing the kids

traffic-free, forested drive to resort,

to easily control their speed while

scheduled to run alongside the

Accommodation

playing in the powder. It’s a wonderful

easyJet flight. It costs around £150 for

svenskaturistforeningen.se/

introduction to the joys of off-piste

a family of four return, and should be

anlaggningar/stf-are-torg-

tree skiing, and the kids were soon

booked in advance at flygtaxi.se.

vandrarhem/

howling with delight.

OK, so you’re there for no more than it

The food in Åre is fantastic, with a

would have cost to fly to the Alps, so

wide range of options to suit most

now accommodation is the next big

015 // DEC17

ERICH SPIESS/ASP/RED BULL CONTENT POOL

d e d u l c n i All the price: in

SHOULD LINDSEY VONN BE ALLOWED TO RACE AGAINST MEN?

odation hts accomm

7 nig All meals Lift pass hire Equipment struction 12 hours in

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The International Ski Federation (FIS) is set to decide whether the most successful female ski racer of all time, Lindsey Vonn, should be allowed to race in a Men’s World Cup race.

for its biennial congress.

something she wanted to do for herself.

The decision not to reject the idea immediately

Women competing in a men’s ski competition is

was taken as a good sign by the US team.

not unprecedented in downhill ski racing history.

In a statement from FIS, the organisation said, “…

In the early years of the sport, there were mixed-

this is certainly an anticipated topic that divides

gender races.

Vonn previously made the same request five

the FIS officials.”

There are also other sports, such as horse racing,

years ago in 2012, but she was turned down.

The organisation says it will have internal

where men and women compete together.

FIS initially discussed the request, officially

discussions about the suggestion through the

Vonn also told People her aim was to break the

made by the United States Ski and Snowboard

coming ski season before the May congress.

overall downhill medals record but that her main

team, at a pre-season meeting in Zurich in

In an interview with People magazine, Vonn said

focus this winter was the 2018 Winter Olympics

October but have delayed a final decision until

she trained with the men and could not see why

in South Korea. The 32-year-old confirmed she

the organisation meets in Greece in mid-May

she could not race with them; she said it was

planned to race for at least two more seasons.

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016 // DEC17

The long-time specialists in the classic

Death!’ and is the first part of an €80 million

French ski resort of Megève, Stanford

(around £70.9 million) investment promised

Skiing, are excited about big improvements

by the lift operator.”

coming to the resort – which has one of the

Megève has a charming medieval

world’s biggest ski areas on its doorstep

pedestrianised centre with bars, boutiques,

but isn’t covered by many British tour

a jazz club and casino. There are no mass-

operators – this winter.

market operators, because the hotels

“The lift companies in Megève and Saint

are small and individual and simply can’t

Gervais have announced the long overdue

accommodate hordes of guests.

revamp of the Chamois gondola from the

Stanford offers apartment, chalet and

centre of Megève and the replacement

hotel holidays with catered chalet

of the rickety old chairlift on the Epaule of

prices from £480 per week or £320

Mont Joly with a fast six-man chair,” said

for a weekend break, excluding flights,

Elizabeth Cahir, adding: “It’ll be a much

and also offers a transfer service from

more comfortable way of reaching what we

Geneva, 75 minutes away.

like to call, tongue-in-cheek, ‘The Ridge of

stanfordskiing.co.uk

@INTHESNOWMAG

Photos: Scott Ser fas, Clayton Boyd

VICTOR DE LE RUE

ALPBACHTAL SEENLAND TOURISMUS

TVB INNSBRUCK / KLAUS POLZER

I

IT S EASIER TO GET TO

018 // DEC17  PROMO

@INTHESNOWMAG

TVB INNSBRUCK / KLAUS POLZER

CHRISTOF LACKNER

CHRISTIAN KAPFINGER

CHRISTIAN KAPFINGER

ALPBACHTAL SEENLAND TOURISMUS CHRISTIAN VORHOFER

There are lots of different factors that can make any particular ski holiday truly great, or just merely pretty good. Some of them it’s tricky to plan for in advance – perfect weather, for example – but you can definitely increase your chance of having that best-ever ski holiday by taking certain aspects of your trip into consideration.

Oberau, is one of the largest ski areas in Tirol with more

beautifully groomed rolling slopes, with stunning views

than 109km of pistes, served by 46 lifts and with 25

of medieval villages and towns in the valley below.

mountain huts and restaurants to stop off in. It’s all just

It’s a perfect family resort: wide, gentle slopes with

45 minutes from Innsbruck or 90 minutes from Munich.

many blue runs and valley descents; childcare facilities

Most visitors love the human scale and traditional

at the valley or top stations; and unique winter

values of the Ski Juwel villages, as well as the

activities for the family. There are also three floodlit

beautiful, family-friendly slopes which make it a great

toboggan runs and four fun parks as well as the Funny

place for families to learn to ski or snowboard together.

Bird Slope for freestylers.

There are dedicated children’s areas on the slopes

The historic town of Kufstein is worth a visit, with a

and local valley lifts so you can ski close to home if

pretty medieval fortress reached by funicular.

you wish in Alpbach and Reith as well as in Auffach

The Hartkaiserbahn gondola in Ellmau is particularly

and Niederau. Good-humoured English-speaking

family friendly with an extra-long access point. The

instructors and Bobo the Penguin and the Dragon Club

Hartkaiser Adventure Eldorado at the mountain station

Is the ski area suitable for you? Are you travelling with

are ready to teach little ones, and there are family lift

has its own children’s eateries, childcare facilities and

people you’re going to have fun with? (If it’s family and

pass discounts offered.

kids’ adventure ski school.

the answer is “No” you may have bigger problems …)

But there is also plenty of skiing and snowboarding

skiwelt.tirol/en

Is it the right accommodation close to the slopes? And

for all abilities here on wide, open slopes through

how long is your airport transfer?

beautiful Alpine scenery, and freestylers will enjoy the

That last one can be quite an issue if you know you’ll

action in three snowparks.

be exhausted by a long transfer and tempers frayed

skijuwel.com/en

before you even arrive in resort, your week in the mountains tainted by the knowledge that another long drag awaits on the return leg.

Kitzbühel, 90 minutes from Innsbruck Airport, has

Ötztal

But one area where this is never a problem is the

been a winter-sports Mecca for 120 years and today combines sporting tradition with modern lifestyle.

It’s a cosmopolitan resort with a wonderful ancient

Austrian Tirol. Most resorts are within 90 minutes of

The Ötztal region is home to world-renowned resorts

pedestrianised centre lined with enticing shops, bars,

Innsbruck Airport, many even closer, and some are just

like Sölden – which famously featured in the last

cafés and restaurants.

a short distance from other major airports like Salzburg

James Bond movie Spectre and is particularly well

The first ski area without a glacier to open for the ski

and Munich too. Better news still, there are more flights

known in ski-racing circles for staging the first races of

season each autumn, Kitzbühel lies at the heart of one

this season from UK airports, so the trip to and from

the new season in late October each winter – as well

of the world’s largest ski pass regions and is host to

the airport at the UK end could be shorter too.

as Obergurgl-Hochgurgl and Hochoetz, which are just

some of the biggest annual international events in the

So, where’s close to Innsbruck Airport?

70 minutes from Innsbruck Airport.

ski world, including the famous Hahnenkamm World

This internationally recognised ski area with absolute

Cup races. You can ski the famous Streif Run, where

snow reliability has more than 300km of slopes in total,

the downhill is staged after the race itself.

with several stretching up above 3,000m, with more

There are 78 beautiful slopes locally extending to

than 70 lifts serving it all including some of the most

215km of runs with something for all difficulty levels.

Innsbruck itself is not only a fantastic city but also

advanced, fast and comfortable queue gobblers on

The slopes include 13 marked and secured ski-routes

the base for one of Austria’s biggest ski regions, the

earth. A multi-resort pass covers it all.

covering a total distance of 36km.

Olympia SkiWorld, which brings together nine resorts

Sölden’s twin glaciers are open for up to nine months a

kitzski.uk

offering a combined 300km of piste served by 90 lifts

year and the resort has a cool reputation, even without

on one very reasonably priced ticket. As an added

that James Bond connection, as world-class DJs play

bonus, the pass covers transfers from the city centre to

at the monthly Electric Mountain Parties, while the 9

the ski slopes, so you can enjoy a unique combination

Knights + Queens event is one of the highlights of the

of an excellent ski destination with a cultural city break.

freestyle calendar.

In the main ski season, Innsbruck Airport is served by

The nine areas include the Kühtai ski area, which was

Obergurgl-Hochgurgl is a little quieter and more family-

daily scheduled flights and numerous charter flights

the location of infamous Channel 4 TV series

oriented with its compact but very varied lift network,

from UK airports. easyJet flies directly from London

The Jump, and is Austria’s highest skiing village

friendly ski schools and kindergartens and fine dining

Gatwick, Bristol and Liverpool to Innsbruck. British

located just 34km from the airport. There’s also the

at excellent gourmet restaurants and hotels. There’s a

Airways has direct routes from London Heathrow

Axamer Lizum and Patscherkofel ski areas, which

vibrant but sophisticated après-ski atmosphere helped

and London Gatwick to Innsbruck. From December

staged Winter Olympic ski races.

by no fewer than 22 4★ hotels, and two 5★ hotels – all

onwards, easyJet runs daily flights from Gatwick

You can also invest in the Innsbruck Card, which gives

with spa facilities – along with doorstep skiing.

starting at just £28 one-way, while British Airways

access to 19 museums, all seven cable cars and public

Sign up for First Line Obergurgl to be one of 50 people

flies six times a week from Heathrow, alongside its

transport in the city – great if you have non-skiers in

to enjoy beautiful freshly groomed slopes before all

regular Gatwick service.

your party. And visiting before 6 January 2018 means

the crowds.

The airports in Salzburg, Munich, Friedrichshafen,

you can discover the city’s fabulous Christmas markets.

oetztal.com/en

Memmingen and Zurich are an alternative to get to the

Innsbruck

innsbruck.info/en

Ski Juwel Alpbachtal Wildshönau

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Kitzbühel

Getting To Tirol

Austrian Tirol. Exclusive or shared transfers operated by

Skiwelt Wilder Kaiser-Brixental

“Taxi Tirol”, as well as car hire companies, are available to make the final journey to your destination.

It’s also perfectly possible to take the train to Tirol or

The SkiWelt, one of Austria’s largest and most modern

to drive there.

The Ski Juwel area, which links the skiing of Alpbach

ski areas, is just a one-hour drive from Innsbruck

To keep updated, follow the Tirol Tourist Board on

(which has been voted the most picturesque in Austria)

Airport. Nine resorts, ranging from lively Söll to

Facebook via facebook.com/visittirol or follow

with that of the neighbouring valley of Wildschönau,

picturesque Westendorf, all interconnected by 90 fast

@VisitTirol on Twitter and Instagram

home to pretty villages like Auffach, Niederau and

modern ski lifts, make up the ski area of 284km of

or visit visittirol.co.uk

VISITTIROL.CO.UK

SWITZERLAND’S NEW SUPER SKI REGION NEARS COMPLETION

FAMILY SKIING CATERED CHALET HOLIDAYS

Long-running plans to connect the two Swiss ski resorts of Andermatt and Sedrun are nearing completion with the two ski areas connected by lifts and runs in one direction this winter as three new lifts are completed.

seven new lifts, six lift refurbishments, and one

and 5★ hotels and 25 custom premium chalets

lift modification. At the same time as the lifts

with guests and residents able to use the new

are installed, snowmaking facilities, slopes and

state-of-the-art ski area as well as the leisure

restaurants are being built.

facilities of the hotels.

Most of the lifts are fast, comfortable, high-capacity

The apartments in Andermatt are being marketed

chairlifts, including two six-seater chairs installed last

as particularly interesting from an international

season, one of which was designed by Porsche.

investment point of view. Unlike most Swiss ski

The full interconnection in both directions should

The driving force behind the development,

property developments, overseas investors are

be finished in time for winter 2018/19 with another

which, after the ski area construction projects

excluded from the “Lex Koller laws” when buying

four lifts due to be added in summer 2018.

before the Sochi Olympics, and the more recent

property in Andermatt, which means there are no

Although the final size of the new area has not

merger of Park City’s ski areas, is probably the

restrictions on foreign buyers, and investors can

been officially announced, the two areas have

biggest ski resort development in the world

also enter their properties into a rental scheme if

120km of ski runs, and the total skiable area will

today, outside China, has been the Egyptian

they wish.

be around 120km2. Work on the upgrading and

billionaire Samih Sawiris.

Currently seven of the apartment complexes

connection of the two areas, which has a CHF130

Mr Sawiris has been driving forward a £1.8 billion

have already been completed, along with the 5★

million (around £100 million) price tag, began in

development in Andermatt which is focused

Chedi hotel. A 4★ Radisson Blu hotel is due to

2015, and in total 14 lifts are involved, several

primarily on property development, including the

be completed next along with the accompanying

of which have already opened. They include

construction of 500 luxury apartments, six 4★

Gotthard Residences.

AUSSIE SNOW DOGS EVENT

IN ARDENT LES COCHES & REBERTY The perfect family skiing

Enjoy a high quality family

holiday in high quality chalets,

skiing holiday in a beautiful

As the ski season wound down in Australia,

the snow season of people asking if they

in the best resorts and with

chalet at an affordable price.

the small ski area of Corin Forest organised

can bring their dogs down, so we thought,

outstanding childcare.

Our chalets are all very close

a special weekend session for dogs, as well

seeing as it’s the end of the season, why

Family Ski Company offers

to ski-lifts, ski schools and

as their owners. The inaugural Snow Dogs

not make an event out of it?” said Hannah

superb fully catered chalet

amenities, so important

event was reported to be a huge success,

Lucas from Corin Forest.

skiing holidays in top snow-

when skiing with children

completely selling out, with more than 300

Owners, who were asked to keep their

sure French ski resorts with full

and are in prime ski-in/ski out

dogs taking part on the first day alone,

dogs on leads and pick up any droppings,

childcare, designed exclusively

locations. Our aim is for every

ranging in size and age from small puppies

commented that their dogs, many of which

to very big dogs.

hadn’t seen snow before, enjoyed eating

for families skiing together,

member of the family skiing

In total more than 1,500 people, accompanied

the snow and digging in it, with some

from beginners to experts –

with children to experience a

by around 700 dogs, attended the event,

reported to be even sliding down the hills.

excellent quality, great value.

wonderful ski holiday together.

some coming from as far away as Sydney.

After its inaugural success, there are now

“We’ve had a lot of requests throughout

plans to make Snow Dogs an annual event.

www.familyski.co.uk 01684 540333 020 // DEC17

@INTHESNOWMAG

UDO BERNHART

NEW €18M GONDOLA FOR VAL GARDENA

While most ski areas are making a point of increasing technology

The Dolomiti ski area of Val Gardena will unveil a new €18 million

to give skiers more fingertip access to facilities and services at their

(around £15.9 million) 10-seater gondola to whisk skiers and

resorts, the French ski region of Les Sybelles is trying a different

boarders to the resort’s highest peaks this winter. The new Piz

approach and putting the onus there on human interaction.

Seteur gondola with heated seats is at Selva di Gardena and

This season they have enlisted a small army of “Helpers” across

replaces a 20-year-old quad chairlift to give improved access

the resort who are there to “… offer the best-quality welcome to

to the popular Sellaronda ski circuit – a 42km tour around the

holidaymakers,” a Les Sybelles spokesperson said.

Sella peaks. The lift has 77 cabins with heated seats on the new

Made up of local shopkeepers, residents and home owners, each will

gondola, with the capacity of transporting 3,450 people per hour

wear a badge to indicate their helper status and is there for visitors to

up 312m from 1,789m to 2,102m altitude. Also new for 2017/18 is the

offer information, guidance, advice and help when needed. “By increasing

improved and longer Furdenan drag lift at Ortisei, and there are

human contact, so dear to Les Sybelles’ visitors, the quality of our welcome

plans to build a new snowpark at Furdenan. Val Gardena is located

is improved and made still more personal,” said the spokesperson.

within an impressive UNESCO World Heritage Site in northern Italy.

Another new initiative this winter is the erection of totems at the

Its winter season opens on 6 December when Christmas festivities

starting points of the ski slopes across the resort. The idea is that any

will already be in full swing. The valley – with the villages of Ortisei,

lone skier who would like to ski with someone else can meet up and

Selva di Gardena and S. Cristina – will be festooned with lights and

share the pleasure of a day on the slopes or enjoy a group descent.

Christmas markets for five weeks. valgardena.it/en

FIRST NEW INDOOR SNOW CENTRE IN EUROPE OPENS The first new indoor snow centre in Europe since The Snow Centre opened at Hemel Hempstead north of London eight years ago has opened near Antwerp in Belgium.

the-art low energy power system as well as a hi-

in its case a North African city – Casablanca –

tech wireless network throughout the centre to

rather than a famous Coloradan ski area.

allow for hands-free access as well as payment

Since then more than 100 indoor snow centres

for all services in the centre.

and cross-country ski tunnels have been built

The high roof is being promoted as good news

in more than 30 resorts of which around 70

And like The Snow Centre, Belgium’s “Skipiste

for freestyle skiers and boarders wanting to

are currently operational. In the past year

Aspen” was originally a popular club dry ski

“go big” in the centre’s terrain park. The centre

alone, the first indoor snow centre in Africa

slope for many decades before the decision to

is easy to reach from the UK via the London–

has opened in Egypt, the first has opened

upgrade to an indoor snow centre.

Brussels Eurostar service.

in Vietnam, the largest indoor centre yet

Work has taken just over a year to build

Belgium was actually home to one of the world’s

has opened in China, and the first in North

the centre, which has a 250m-long slope, a

first refrigerated indoor snow centres 30 years

America, a centre for tubing in Tennessee, is

15m-high ceiling and claims to have a state-of-

ago, also choosing an iconic name, although

close to opening.

FB.COM/LTMOUNTAINS FB.COM/INTHESNOW

021 // DEC17

POLE VERTEX S

Photo © Atelier Busche

LES SYBELLES TRIES THE HUMAN TOUCH

GLOVE VERTEX 10S

LEKI’s Vertex Glove and Pole package marks the 10th anniversary of LEKI’s best selling Trigger S – a patented, safety release system that’s fast and comfortable with quick and easy click in and out. To celebrate LEKI is launching the Vertex Package. This Vertex S pole and Vertex S glove combination offers a 30% saving with a package price of £99.95 (a saving of £34.95 if bought separately).

Stockists: BAC Outdoor - bac-e.com Glide & Slide - glideslide.co.uk Webtogs – webtogs.com Reynolds - reynoldsoutdoorcentre.co.uk/the-shop Snow Trax - snowtraxstore.co.uk Snow + Rock - snowandrock.com WWW.LEKI.COM

WIN A SKI OUTFIT WORTH £I450 Feel great across the whole mountain this season thanks to this amazing giveaway in partnership with Peak Performance.

InTheSnow are giving you the opportunity to win an entire Peak Performance ski outfit worth £1,450, which includes the hugely popular Volcan Parka Jacket, Volcan Pant and Helo Mid Fleece.

The Volcan range from Peak Performance offers

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If you do somehow manage to still find yourself

Waterproof, yet breathable: they offer the perfect

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WOR L D S NOW AWAR DS 2017 T R AV E L I N N O VAT I O N W I N N E R

F U L LY E L E C T R I C T E S L A S E R V I C E F R O M G E N E VA A N D C H A M B E R Y TO A L L R E S O RTS I N T H E TA R E N TA I S E VA L L E Y

A I R P O R T T R A N S F E R S T H AT D O N ’ T

COST THE EARTH W W W . Z E AT. V I P

FREERIDE NEW ZEALAND WITH LEON BUTLER LeonButlerFreeride

Leon.Butler87

For many dedicated skiers and boarders, it’s a dream to one day make it out to New Zealand in our summer and hit the slopes of the southern hemisphere just when most Brits are heading for the beach. The country is, of course, world famous for its stunning scenery, which adds another unique attraction to a snowsports trip there.

chasingwinter.weebly.com

boasting terrain that freeriders dream of.

accessible big mountain terrain in the country.

There are a few “resorts” on the South Island,

The “clubbies” give a true feeling of the original

and the two main towns to access them are

spirit of what skiing and snowboarding should be

Queenstown and Wanaka. Queenstown has

like mainly because of their raw and rugged feel.

Coronet Peak and The Remarkables while

Most of these areas have no chairlift or draglift but

Wanaka has Cardrona and Treble Cone.

instead a “nutcracker” which consists of a rope

I have been based in Wanaka for a few years now

on pulleys and a belt around your waist with what

and have always ridden Treble Cone. The reason

looks like a “nutcracker” attached.

is simple … the terrain there is unlike any place I

I won’t go into explaining how these work as it’s just

have been before. “TC” has two chairlifts and two

something you need to try, but once you get the

basins to ride; sounds tiny, right? Well … it is. But it

hang of it, they become pretty easy to use.

But skiing in New Zealand is raw; there’s no

has steep and technical terrain with huge features

Mount Olympus has a big reputation for having

luxury, and comfortable hotels and mountain

to play around on and a quality of snow that is

steep and scary terrain but also a relaxed and fun

chalets are more the exception than the rule. With

hard to explain. A 15cm-pow day feels like 50cm

atmosphere. To top off the experience, you can book

no gondolas yet to take you straight to the highest

due to the weather that sweeps this small island.

in to stay at their base lodge complete with a bar and

peaks, to maximise your enjoyment you need to

The backcountry is very accessible from TC. Get

hot tub at your disposal with views to inspire.

adopt the kiwi attitude of “it’ll be alright!” If you

the saddle chair up and you have the Southern

In summary I’d say the key to riding in New

immerse yourself in this attitude, then you will

Alps sprawling out in front of you dominated by

Zealand is to keep your mind open and just

have one of the best experiences of your life and

Mount Aspiring in the background leaving you

explore. Nothing here is handed to you, and it

adventures you will never forget.

with endless potential for touring, providing you

does require some effort to get to the mountains;

The country is made up of two main islands, each

are willing to put in the effort.

it’s a no-frills approach but I think it shows what

with its own distinct style.

skiing and snowboarding is really all about. They

The North Island is home to New Zealand’s biggest

may not have the best snow in the world, but it’s

area, Ruapehu, where the ski areas of Turoa and

a great feeling when all you can hear from the

Whakapapa are located while the South Island

Club Fields

is dominated by the Southern Alps, crowned by

New Zealand has areas called “club fields”, and it’s

and will improve your day no end, and so will your

the imposing Mount Cook, a stretch of mountains

in these gems where you find some of the most

skiing and riding.

chairlift is whooping and laughing … it’s infectious

Flexible, independent holidays created by the Andorra experts.

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023 // DEC17

arinsal.co.uk | pasdelacasa.com | soldeu.com andorraresorts.com

ANDORRA I S

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I T

S T I L L

U N D E R R A T E D ?

@INTHESNOWMAG

GILLES MARTIN

Andorra still labours under an image as Western Europe’s “cheap and cheerful” ski destination. You don’t have to spend so much on your ski holiday here, but you shouldn’t expect a great deal either in terms of the skiing or the accommodation. It’s a reputation that is really now 30 years out of date.

The Good Things Are Still Just as Good

who work and live in the resort, and they all

the younger kids such as a ski circus and

base of the slopes that won’t damage the

said how much they thought Andorra was

play areas.

budget too much.

underrated in the UK market for what you get.

Overall the skiing was tremendous. Everything

Finally, the Sport Hotel Village is another 4★

They said it was a very scenic and relaxing

was well maintained, groomed well and not

hotel aimed at the family market, offering

As well as those out-of-date ideas that many

place to live and work.

overcrowded, and there was a good range of

child-centred holidays. It prides itself on its

older skiers may still have about what a

skiing at all levels both on- and off-piste.

quality of service and versatility of product

holiday in Andorra can deliver, some things,

These days Soldeu hosts several European

offering to accommodate a broad range of

thankfully, haven’t changed.

and world-class ski and board competitions

visitors, and this was our base during our stay.

The locals are still very friendly, the ski schools

each season, and playing host to large events

The suites are extremely spacious, most

are still led by English-speaking teachers,

Grandvalira has terrain for all levels of skiers

such as these is testament to the massive

offering stunning views over the ski slopes

often from Australia, New Zealand and the UK,

and boarders, and this is another area where

investment in infrastructure that has been

and surrounding mountain ranges. There is

the dining out, duty-free shopping and après-

Andorra is underrated by some who think it

taking place for many years.

a very large and well-equipped kids’ club

ski remain very good value and they still get a

The Skiing

Simply put, the Andorrans took all the money

lacks a challenge. As well as the very well-

where you can drop off children up to 14

lot of snow and sunshine.

they made from their popularity in the 1970s

groomed and maintained piste there is also

years of age, and a range of supervised

In fact, Soldeu actually means “Sun God”, and

and 1980s and invested it wisely in state-of-

a good range of off-piste skiing to be had

activities as well as games and play

it certainly lives up to its namesake with an

the-art infrastructure on the mountains, and

here, and last winter the Pyrenees had more

equipment is on offer. Having an evening

average of 300 sunny days a year.

nice resort facilities at the base. High-speed

consistent snowfall and much more of it than

The Sport Hotel and Spa in Soldeu consist

meal prepared at the kids’ club is also an

This does nothing to damage the snow

chairlifts and gondolas Interlinked once-

many parts of the Alps.

of three separate hotel options within the

option while they watch a movie.

conditions, though, with the north-facing

competing ski areas to create the biggest and

This is an excellent location if you are a

one complex, each packaged differently

The hotel was amazing for families – really

slopes gaining reliable, regular snowfall

most modern ski areas in the Pyrenees.

beginner or an intermediate skier looking to

to accommodate visitors with different

high quality and very child-friendly. There

throughout the season while extensive

Indeed, the Grandvalira area, which

improve your technique as there are a great

requirements and holiday budgets.

was great entertainment in and out of the

snowmaking facilities with around 1,200

encompasses the skiing above the villages of

selection of blue and some green runs that are

The complex includes the upmarket Sport

hotel and the food was excellent.

cannons and well-groomed slopes help to

Pas de la Casa, Soldeu and El Tarter among

wide and not too technical.

Hotel Hermitage, which provides the luxury

The Sport Hotel is situated at the top end of

maintain good snow.

others, is one of the world’s 30 biggest areas

The ski school for the kids is situated at the

and tranquillity of a 5★ hotel and spa where

the town. It is just a short walk down to the

It’s also still quick and easy to get here from all

with more than 210km of runs stretching over

top of the first gondola out of Soldeu, and

every need can be catered for and non-

restaurants, pubs, shops and supermarkets

UK airports flying into Toulouse or Barcelona;

the border into France.

we found it offered excellent classes for all

skiers too will have plenty to do.

available in the town. Right next to the hotel

just transfer to Andorra through the stunning

We were on a family ski holiday with our

ages and abilities with friendly and competent

A second option is the Sport Hotel, a 4★

and adjoining the gondola is the Villager pub,

mountain ranges and glorious scenery.

two children aged five and nine who had

English-speaking teachers.

hotel actually situated across the road from

where they do après-ski starting at 4.30pm.

All things considered, this destination is

only skied once before. So we were a mixed

After a couple of days’ basic tuition in the

the other buildings but linked to them by a

Soldeu has a selection of UK-style pubs

excellent value for money for the huge return

group in age and ability, and it was our first

ski garden, the kids were taken out onto the

passage that runs under the road. This hotel

offering live music and entertainment as well

you get in your holiday. We came away from

time in Andorra.

blue runs to further improve their technique.

option is aimed more at the budget skier

as a range of restaurants offering mostly local

our break extremely happy and we can’t wait

During my stay I spoke to some of the people

There were also some fun areas aimed at

looking for a 4★hotel sitting right on the

cuisine along with Italian and Spanish food.

to go back.

GILLES MARTIN

Where to Stay

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N I A R T WITH O R P A Emily Sarsfield, GB number-one ski-cross athlete, spends hours in the gym each week preparing for her sport, doing a variation of strength, cardio, power, plyometrics and balance. While in the UK, she trains out of BXR gym with strength and conditioning experts Doug Tannahill and James Collins. We managed to catch up with the three of them for some tips and a few exercises to help prepare you for the slopes.

Exercise 1

Exercise 2

Hamstring Bridge

Lateral Lunge

Exercise 3

Exercise 4

1. The squat is a marvellously good

1. The hamstrings are pivotal in controlling

1. The lateral lunge directly strengthens you

1. The core is vital for creating stiffness in the

Squat

Doug, an osteopath, explains how he sees a

exercise for developing lower-body

forces at the knee, so it’s very important to

lot of skiing injuries over the season, some

strength and endurance. It places a

protect the knees from injury.

of them not particularly nice! “The risks

great amount of demand on both the

of the injuries could be reduced greatly if

quadriceps (quad), hamstring and glute

have heard of is the dreaded ACL (anterior

people prepared their body ready for the

muscle groups, allowing you to absorb

cruciate ligament) strain/rupture. This

different forces that they will encounter

forces efficiently while skiing.

ligament prevents forward translation of

movement as it involves absorbing

on the slopes and build a good level of

2. As skiing involves a lot of side-to-side movements, it is pertinent to include one that works in a similar way.

3. As this is arguably a more complex

trunk and allowing good force transfer from leg to leg.

2. The dip adds a dynamic element to the exercise, which is helpful to keep you focused and more engaged with the exercise.

3. Keep a straight line with the body from the

the lower leg from the upper leg. Because

the force on one leg, take your time

head to the feet, tensing the glutes and the

strength endurance.”

more in your quads than anywhere else,

of the hamstrings' attachments, they

developing the movement pattern and go

tummy. Don’t rest at the bottom; dip and

The fitter you are, the more you will enjoy

but rest assured that the hamstrings are

support the ACL, which helps decrease the

deeper as you feel more comfortable and

the mountain, so give yourself a good

really doing their bit, contracting hard to

chances of it becoming injured.

controlled.

period to prepare for your trip, and you will still have the energy to dance on the

2. You will probably feel this exercise a lot

2. A very common skiing injury that you may

in the frontal (side-to-side) plane.

Side Plank with Hip Dip

control the hip and the knee.

3. Start standing and lower to a comfortable

tables in the après bar after a full day on

range, making sure you sit the bum

the slopes!

backwards. Don’t let the knees come

The following guidelines are a good starting

over the toes.

point to get your legs and core robust for your trip to the mountains.

026 // DEC17 026 // JUN17

4. Try four sets or 15 squats at body weight to start, then add load.

3. The bridge is a very simple exercise that

4. Start standing with feet shoulder-width

you can perform with your feet on the sofa

apart and lunge out to the side, then

or a chair.

return to standing. Remember to focus

4. Ensure you tuck your bum under, trying to create a straight line from knees to shoulders.

5. Try three sets of 12 bridges, and increase gradually to 20 reps of each set.

return to the straight starting position.

4. Try three sets of 15 dips on each side.

on knee control and push the bum backwards as with the squat.

5. Try three sets of 8 lunges on each side body weight before you add load.

@INTHESNOWMAG

Emily Sarsfield

GB number-one ski-cross athlete

Doug Tannahill

Osteopath at CHHP and strength and conditioning coach at BXR

James Collins Strength and conditioning coach at BXR

“Doug and James offer a highly bespoke strength and conditioning service utilising the cutting-edge facilities at BXR London. Their services are supported by the onsite CHHP clinic, offering unparalleled care for individuals looking to hit the slopes.”

For more Ski Fit tips and to see how Emily prepares for the slopes, check out her social media channels: @EmSkiCross

ANDORRA TO ZERMATT

Ski where, when and for as long as you want....

Exercise 5

CHOIC E across : Over 50 re so 8 catere countries, a rts d chal ets 2★ partments, to 5★ h otels FLEXIBILITY : Weekends , mid weeks, week long or long er stays

Banded Pallof Press 1. As well as the side-to-side plane, there is also the twisting (or transverse) plane, for which the trunk has to be competent in generating stiffness.

2. This exercise is tougher than it looks: tie the band around a solid post, make a large step to the side to create tension, starting with the arms bent in the centre of your torso, extend the arms straight and go

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back to bent arms slowly with control.

3. Try four sets of 8 reps each side.

BE HAPPY, SKI MORE Call our ski experts today on 023 8072 0413 or email sales@skiweekends.com FB.COM/INTHESNOW

027 // DEC17

WORDS: EMMANUELLE CHÂTEL

028 // DEC17

@INTHESNOWMAG

I’d heard many times that Sun Peaks was the resort of choice in Canada for winter-sports enthusiasts from around the world. I needed to make sure about it for myself, so I was delighted to get the chance to visit last March.

Once off the mountain, I recommend you take a stroll to the wide selection of cafés, restaurants and shops, all beautifully designed. Family friendly, Sun Peaks ticks lots of boxes, with a relaxed, friendly village atmosphere. In the resort cars are unnecessary because you can walk everywhere in a matter of minutes. Whatever you need to do can be done quickly and easily.

Located in the heart of British Columbia, Sun Peaks is accessed by two airports' gateways. Having arrived in Vancouver I flew to Kamloops on a short 30-minute-long

Community

flight followed by a 45-minute drive up the mountain.

Arriving in Sun Peaks I was immediately enchanted by the

Sun Peaks Resort has undertaken bold moves as they

cosy village feel, full of charm.

establish themselves as both a world-class mountain

After a short night trying to beat the jetlag, the next

resort and also a budding community. Earlier this year,

morning all us new arrivals were eager to get our skis on

a government census report identified Sun Peaks as

and explore the giant ski area. Once fully equipped, we

the fastest-growing incorporated municipality in BC.

strapped on our boards and skis right outside the rental

This influx of year-round residents can be attributed, in

shop to ski through the colourful ski-friendly village. If

part, to the development of essential services, such as

you’re staying in the centre of the village, you can even

the construction of a brand-new health facility and the

put your skis on at the doorstep of your hotel and ski to

expansion of the on-mountain K-12 school, in recent years.

the lifts.

“We believe the driving force behind our continued success is the commitment to improving the guest experience from all corners of our resort community,”

Skiing Without The Crowd

says Colin Brost, Director, Market Development, Tourism Sun Peaks. “The latest multi-million-dollar expansion to

Guided around the mountain we explored all that Sun

the key food and beverage outlets, The Annex (formally

Peaks has to offer: long cruisers, deep steeps and powder

Bento’s Day Lodge) and Sunburst Mid-Mountain Lodge, is

stashes in between trees. Spread across three peaks

a testament to that commitment.”

the resort is the second largest ski area in Canada after Whistler. The resort’s 12 lifts offer access to 135 pistes of varying difficulty, a great mixture of blue, red and black

Snowbombing

runs. There’s something for everyone, and the piste skiing is an intermediate’s heaven. Its longest run is 8km long, a

For the first time, the famous Snowbombing festival

gentle green piste five miles down to the village – it’s no

crossed the Atlantic and took Sun Peaks by storm. Last

surprise that it’s called the 5 Mile run!

winter the organisers launched the first Canadian version

To help their visitors discover the ski area’s hidden

of one of the longest-established events on the annual

spots, Sun Peaks offers mountain tours twice a day, by

music-festivals-in-ski-resorts calendar. Started 20 years

local guides keen to share their knowledge and provide

ago, the festival has gained popularity in Europe over

advice on the best places to enjoy the vast terrain

the years with its regular venue of Mayrhofen in Austria,

depending on the conditions on the day. Groups are

but this was the first time “across the Pond”. Around

divided by ability level and terrain preferences, defeating

4,000 attendees enjoyed the slopes as well as a packed

the age-old adage “No friends on a powder day!”

programme of world-class music and events.

What is the forecast like at the end of the season in Sun

The 2016/17 season was the best yet in the resort’s history,

Peaks during my visit? Snow! It might be late in the season,

with visitors enjoying fantastic snow conditions, continuing

but it doesn’t quite feel like spring! No slush, but snow in

through early April.

abundance and we even get to ski powder. The weather can be frosty, but it is a dry cold, and warm gear will defeat it. In fact, there’s no doubt that winter is still here with

Fast Facts

temperatures around -10°C at the top of the mountain where you can see “snow ghosts” when snow sticks on

1. Three mountains with 1,728 hectares of skiable terrain

trees. In fact, this phenomenon has the most beautiful

2. 12 lifts and 135 trails, the longest 8km long, with 16

effect as it creates an amazing foreground.

gladed areas

Winter 2016/17 saw exceptional snowfall all season in

3. Over 37km groomed and track set Nordic trail

North America, and this resort was no exception. But

4. Sun Peaks village is at 1,255m and its highest point is

then, even in an average winter, Sun Peaks receives 6m of snow annually. So it was perfect for my spring getaway.

at 2,080m 5. "Headwalls" is the annual slope for the FIS Speed Skiing competition

Canada’s Second-Largest Ski Area

Sun Peaks

One of Canada’s must-ski resorts, Sun Peaks Resort has grown significantly in the past few years, now reaching

Crystal Ski Holidays (crystalski.co.uk; 020 8610 3123)

the huge size of 4,270 acres (16km2) spread across three

offers a week’s B&B at the 4★ Sun Peaks Lodge in

skiable peaks. Each mountain is easily accessible from

Sun Peaks £849pp (based on two sharing) including

the village, with the possibility to ski all three peaks in the

flights from Heathrow via Vancouver to Kamloops and

same day. Thanks to the complete absence of queues

transfers (price given is for departure on 31 March 2018).

you can maximise your time on the slopes for excellent

Connecting flights available from all major UK airports.

value for money.

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SUNPEAKSRESORT.COM

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Nassfeld A few years ago, the big tour operators tried to outdo each other by offering more and more exotic ski destinations with countries like Russia, Turkey and South Korea being offered.

“my ski-mojo enables me to get the most out of my days on the mountain” ChEmmY aLCOtt

POWERFUL SPRINGS OFFLOad WEIGht FROm YOUR kNEES

home, and it can be quite difficult to find new

A two-stage gondola gives access to the

options in the Alps. But Crystal have managed

Madritsche mid station at 1,920m where there

to find somewhere new to the UK market in

are also nursery slopes and amenities. Lifts serve

Austria for this winter in the shape of Nassfeld,

slopes below Trogkofel and the higher peak of

the largest resort in the country’s south-eastern

Gartnerkofel at 2,195m.

region of Carinthia, down by the Italian and

In addition to the mainly blue and red runs, there

Slovenian borders.

are some black pistes and access to ski routes.

Scenic and sunny, Nassfeld has a wide

For freestylers there’s a half pipe, fun park and

Thankfully there are still companies trying to

range of intermediate slopes, along with a

race course with automatically recorded videos.

entice us to interesting new options like Iran

selection of mountain huts and restaurants.

“Nice Surprise” information boards guide guests

(Google Mountain Heaven) and there are

Unusually structured, Nassfeld itself as well

to these attractions, and there’s also free wi-fi

ever more options to ski in Japan, but the big

as neighbouring Sonnleiten are in fact mid-

across the resort.

operators have reined in their ambitions a little.

mountain lift bases, with accommodation,

Away from the mountain, the area offers 80km of

Instead, where companies are looking for new

while there’s more down in the valley village of

cross-country trails, snowshoeing and horse-

destinations they’re tending to look closer to

Tröpolach at the bottom of the access gondola.

drawn sleigh rides.

ShOCk aBSORBERS FOR YOUR WhOLE BOdY

Tel. +44 (0)7786 753267 | info@skimojo.com | www.skimojo.com

030 // DEC17

CRYSTALSKI.CO.UK

JUHO KUVA / LAPLAND

WORDS: MEGAN HUGHES & PATRICK THORNE

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031 // DEC17

Christmas is a magical time of year to be in the mountains. Not only is it wonderful to be enjoying that "White Christmas" that we all long for in grey, damp Britain, it’s also wonderful to be skiing at the very start of the ski season. Really, what could be better?

Val d'Isère

Christmas Day falls on a Monday this year, which is good news too.

What many families will particularly love about Christmas in Val d’Isère

With most holidays transferring on a Saturday it means you can land

is that this is a resort that has maintained its traditional Alpine charm,

in resort and settle in before Christmas settles in, then have the whole

with wood chalets and stone churches. Decorations are abundant and

rest of the week to relax and enjoy before heading home for New

children will love the huge Christmas trees, festive markets and live

Year, unless you’re lucky enough to be staying a fortnight, that is.

music through the town.

The other good news is that there are a lot of Christmas deals around

Over Christmas week in the resort centre, Val d’Isère puts on an

– the past few years have seen a slow start to snowfall in the Alps

incredibly fun Christmas show that the whole family will enjoy, with

and a shift in booking patterns with more people tending to book for

huge snow sculptures, torchlit skiing descents, face painting and the

Easter this year, with the result that prices are up then, but down for

arrival of Father Christmas himself! On Christmas Eve he takes to the

Chrimbo. But trying to second-guess Mother Nature never works, of

slopes, organising fun and games for children throughout the morning

course, and so far (touch wood), the pre-season autumn has been

before making his way into town for the afternoon with his fairy-tale

one of the snowiest in years, and it’s looking like it will be a very white

helpers accompanying him on his sleigh. Indeed, Santa will not be a

Christmas at most ski areas. It’s still not too late to book.

rare sight – the man in red seems to love Val d’Isère at Christmastime

The trickiest part is probably deciding what kind of ski holiday you

just as much as we do.

want. Catered is always good at Christmas, but do you opt for a hotel

The festive fun does not stop after Christmas Day either! Boxing Day

where they’ll most likely provide several gala dinners, or a chalet

sees the French National Ski Instructors’ annual Christmas show and

where they’ll do the same and ensure all the treats from home like

fireworks display, while 27 December holds a Christmas Magic Show.

bring home as gifts! Alongside this, mulled wine and hot chocolate is on offer alongside traditional Austrian delicacies that will be sure to warm your stomach! Then on 17 December there is an advent concert in the Village Hall, featuring South Tyrolean wind ensemble, Bozen Brass.

mince pies and Christmas pud are on the menu, along with the local Christmas favourites?

As for resorts, the InTheSnow team have been busy picking out

Saas-Fee

resorts in the Alps and up in Scandinavia where you can enjoy special Christmas activities or “ski with Santa” up in the Arctic Circle. Read on …

The popular Swiss resort of Saas-Fee was the setting for the music video of Wham’s smash hit, Last Christmas, which let’s face it is all we hear/see on the music channels in the run-up to Christmas.

8 Magical Christmas Skiing Destinations for Families

By Megan Hughes

It’s no surprise then that it’s a fantastic resort in which to spend the Christmas period. A charming semi-pedestrianised traditional mountain village, Saas-Fee ticks all the boxes when it comes to festive aesthetics. This Christmas, Saas-Fee will be rolling out a Christmas market, festive baking for children, festive cinema experiences and

When it comes to Christmas, there’s no better place to be than in the

even a disco on the ice rink. Or, you can take a romantic torchlit walk

snow in the mountains. All ski areas put on a special effort for their

above Saas-Fee for fondue in the glacier village.

festive visitors, but some go that extra kilometre. Here are eight of the best:

Megève

Obergurgl

One of the prettiest resorts in the Alps, Megève is definitely up there Beautiful sparkling lights, snowy cobbled streets, traditional Alpine

lives up to these credentials over the Christmas period. Obergurgl

buildings, all in the shadow of Mont Blanc … to use a well-trodden

as a resort is one of the most snow-sure in Austria, meaning your

cliché, it really is straight out of a postcard.

chances of a white Christmas are high! Set within the beautiful Ötz

Celebrations begin with a concert to celebrate the lighting of the

Valley, Obergurgl is a picturesque Tyrolean village which is packed

town’s 9m Christmas tree on 9 December, continuing through

with Christmas charm. With 110km of piste, the area is big enough for

December with a fabulous Christmas market, horse-drawn sleigh rides

the adults to really enjoy themselves, while having a lot of choice of

and Christmas concerts.

blue runs for younger guests.

When it comes to the ski area, keen skiers will be spoilt with the

From 1 December, there is a Christmas market located in the centre of

Evasion Mont Blanc pass that offers access to an incredible 450km

town, selling traditional items, textiles, crafts and decorations, perfect to

of mapped runs. You will never get bored (or hungry) on the slopes

032 // DEC17

PANU POHJOLA / LAPLAND

with the most magical locations in which to spend the festive period.

One of Europe’s top family skiing destinations, Obergurgl certainly

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033 // DEC17

LAPLAND

JUHO KUVA / LAPLAND

034 // DEC17

@INTHESNOWMAG

thanks to the abundance of incredible mountain restaurants serving up traditional Alpine food, and there is also an open-air ice rink in town for

Christmas Skiing with Santa

By Patrick Thorne

those that are still craving some activity once the day’s skiing is over.

Taking the kids to meet Santa in Lapland is on most parents’ bucket list, and from personal experience I’d say it deserves to be a good Les Gets

50 places higher than a trip to Florida or any other of those sweaty plastic places.

Les Gets is a great choice if you want to give your children a taste

The good news for the skiing-obsessed is that you can actually

of something a bit different this year. Alongside all the traditional

enjoy a very nice ski holiday in Lapland in December, and you’ll

Christmas markets and carol concerts, Les Gets also boasts Les

find you have the slopes largely to yourself as most Finns don’t

Chalet du Chocolat, a chocolatier workshop (which we are sure

bother hitting their own slopes until it’s a bit lighter and warmer as

children will absolutely hate…) as well as a mechanical music museum.

we head towards spring.

Les Gets also offers a more interactive Santa Claus experience that

You’ll also find that most of the people on your flight over are just

involves a train ride to his grotto in an Enchanted Forest and even a

there to meet Santa and have no plan to clutter the slopes up for

guided tour by some of his favourite elves!

you themselves; be prepared to be entertained by people arriving in

Les Gets is part of the Les Portes du Soleil ski area, one of the

skimpy summer wear and stilettos, cursing the sub-zero temperatures

largest ski areas in the world, with 650km of runs spanning across 12

having apparently failed to read the “Well, this is the Arctic Circle…”

interconnected resorts in France and Switzerland.

warning notes from their tour operator, as you step out gleefully in your cosy thermals under several layers and a weatherproof shell.

Ischgl

Lapland is a surprisingly big seller for British tour operators considering there’s almost no daylight in mid-December. It can get down to -10°, sometimes -20° or more, and the ski slopes are, on the

High enough to guarantee you a white Christmas and enough après

whole, fairly tame compared to the big results in the Alps.

to keep you jingle bell rocking into New Year, Ischgl is a great choice

But those of us who love Lapland quite enjoy skiing under the

for adults wanting a stress-free but incredibly fun Christmas break.

floodlights as the powder snow falls incredibly fine and light, while

With traditional markets and festive events in the lead-up to Christmas,

hoping it stops every now and then so we can get a glimpse of the

the celebrations culminate on Boxing Day with “Christmas in the

Northern Lights. There’s a wild, free nature in the air here that’s unlike

Mountains”, an annual festival with carols and music to really bring the

anything down in the Alps, and bouncing through the snow in the half-

Christmas spirit. The next day, from 9pm, Skischool Ischgl take to the

light has a wonderful dream-like quality.

slopes for their night skiing demo, complete with fantastic stunts, light

Well, that’s how I feel – I know some people just think it’s cold and boring.

displays, fireworks and even a piste-basher or two.

Most people who visit Lapland go for an adventure more than just to ski. There’s Santa to meet, of course, which I’ll discuss in more detail

Kitzbühel

shortly, but there are also activities like dog sledding and a reindeer safari (riding in a little sleigh behind a reindeer) as well as more highadrenaline options like snowmobiling. All of these can be tackled by

Kitzbühel’s medieval town centre is one of the prettiest when it

complete novices, and you can fine-tune your experience from fast

comes to ski resorts, so add a cracking Christmas market, nativity

group experiences of a few hours to full-day excursions where you

performances, evening torchlight and a great ski area and you have all

really get to grips with your dog sleigh, master your reindeer, or clock

the ingredients for a brilliant Christmas getaway.

up some distance in your snowmobile.

The Christmas market has the standard combination of traditional

But most important: Santa. You will be surprised, perhaps shocked to

Alpine foods, warming glühwein and arts and crafts on offer, but there

hear that Santa manages to maintain several properties in Lapland

is also so much else, including a petting zoo! On 18 December, there is

with each conveniently close to one or more of the ski resorts you can

a free Christmas concert in the Parish church to really get you into the

book a holiday to.

festive mood.

Having tried three with different children, I can confirm that the experience

The ‘Heavenly Advent’ event takes place at Rasmushof Farm, which is

does vary, but probably parents notice this more than the children.

located at the bottom of the infamous Streif racecourse and contains

My favourite was Santa’s Secret Cottage close to ski resort Ruka,

40 fir trees adorned with a huge amount of Christmas decorations. In

which has a very genuine feel to it. Your visit may begin with a bit of

addition, Kitzbühel also plays host to a walkable advent calendar in

sledging by the frozen lake, then perhaps cooking a few sausages

Reith, something guaranteed to bring out your inner child!

over a campfire with the elves before you head indoors to meet Santa, learn a bit of Lappish, bake some gingerbread cookies you all make

Chamonix

together then sing a few songs before it’s time to leave.

Some of Santa’s other hangouts I visited had something of the magic but were a bit more theme park and a bit less authentic feeling; but I

Perhaps not your first thought when you think of a Christmas ski

didn’t try them all and they were all still good.

destination, but thankfully one of the world’s best ski areas also does the festive period proud, and from 16–30 December, a beautiful Christmas market comes to Chamonix, with a wooden village offering

Skiing With Santa

LAPLAND

LAPLAND

Christmas gifts, foodstuffs, drinks and, of course, Father Christmas.

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Alongside this, Chamonix present ten days of Christmas spectacles,

The UK’s two largest tour operators cover seven of Finland’s biggest

including parades, concerts, the arrival of Santa Claus and live music

resorts between them, with both offering most. Levi is the biggest ski

to make sure everyone is feeling the festive spirit both before and

resort in Finland but three more destinations in the brochures aren’t a

after the big day!

lot smaller: Pyhä, Iso-Syotë, Ruka and Ylläs. Salla and Saariselka have

Chamonix has also seen one of the more unique Christmas events

rather more limited skiing.

you will ever hear of: the Geese Parade, where a gaggle of geese

Crystal (crystalski.co.uk) offer Santa Adventure Weeks in Iso-Syotë,

make their way through the streets alongside drums and whistles in

Ruka, Salla, Levi and Ylläs. Inghams (inghams.co.uk) offer “Skiing and

the lead-up to Christmas.

Santa” holidays in Levi and Ylläs and also feature Saariselkä.

035 // DEC17

WELCOME TO THE DESIGN HOTEL

www.matterhorn-focus.ch

EXT N N O I T OCA PRIME L LLEY STATION VA TO THE TERHORN «MAT ADISE» R A P R E I GLAC

ROBERT THORNE

WHITE CHRISTMAS PREDICTOR SITE LAUNCHED

NEW HALF-TERM COACH VAL D’ISÈRE SERVICE TO ANNOUNCES LES 2 ALPES

€200M REDEVELOPMENT Alps direct bus service, has

Following launched several a brandyears new half-term of improvements route to Les to2slope Alpes for access the from the February heart half-term of Valweek. d’Isère, with new Departing gondolas London and on many Friday 10 other on-slope February 2017 upgrades (5.30pm) and following leaving investment the resort on of Saturday tens of millions 18 February of euros, 2017 (6.15pm), the the famousreturn French trip costs resort £199pp. has announced At theits timenext of writing, focus for will be a redevelopment arrival and departure of the on the resortsame itself, dates,this one well-known time with the spend low-cost in the airlinehundreds was charging of millions wellof in excess euros. of £1,500 for the lowest-cost fares for a

cost, according to the company’s founder.

ski season startsSnow will see demolition “Since starting Express in of some public buildings the edge the winter of 2009/10 weon have of the resorts with construction carried over 14,000 passengers work commencing in the a year’s from the UK to Alps, time, and May 2018, with a new bus nursery and increasingly westation, are finding tourism office inofthe plansofand due to a huge variety people open from the the 2018/19 skifor season. all ages using service “The various businesses Le Coin de convenience, rather thanofjust Val, whichsaid feature several local the among cost saving,” Snow families, take advantage of this Express will founder, Dave Manley. overall operation enabling them to “We are also nowby carrying more rethink andour adapt to the familiestheir thanofferings before and requirements and expectation of the passenger age range goes right 21st-century client,” up to 85 years old.”a spokesperson for

Work started family this with autumn two adults on theand five-year

the development said. “Of Snow Express operates to course they

redevelopment two children project(including that has been hold

will without 40 do ski this resorts in thedeviating French from the

christened luggage), Le Coinwith de Val. times that would

authenticity that is loved

by Val d’Isère’s Alps, with departures every

The €200 make million it extremely (around £177.1 difficult million) and

wider population Fridaypermanent evening from London and or its

redevelopment expensive of the to get heart toof the the resort village

yearly visitors.”

Folkestone between December

will add 900 on arrival. extra beds Mostin ofathe host fares of new

and April, returning every

chalets and withtwo times hotels thatnear workthe well centre are inof

Saturday evening from resort.

the village. excess of £2,000 for a family of

Fares start from £99pp return;

Many of these, andthe some existing four, with prime time fare

there are no excess baggage

properties, will beinski-in/ski-out thanks coming at over £3,340.

Thatto

charges for luggage or winter

the creation of a include new piste the resort doesn’t theinto transfer

sports equipment, and travel

centre and an underground costs from airport tomoving resort.

is direct to the resort itself.

walkwayBut back theabout lifts. the it’sout nottojust

snowexpress.co.uk

The initial work this autumn before the

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037 // DEC17

ROBERT THORNE

Snow Express, the UK to French

A website which aims to predict whether any

and St Moritz seeming to break the machine.

It is also not quite clear what constitutes a

location on earth will get a white Christmas

However, for those that did work such as

“white Christmas” – particularly in the UK.

has been launched. The simple site allows

Davos, Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Whistler

For bookies (who are currently giving 4–1

you to type in a destination name, and it

and Vail the score tended to be 50%. Even

on there being one in London), it apparent-

then provides a percentage likelihood of

Niseko in Japan, one of the world’s snowiest

ly means at least one snowflake actually

snow on Christmas Day. Most locations in

resorts, scored 50%. In fact, although long-

falling on Christmas Day – regardless of

the UK seem to currently get 25% regard-

range forecasting is becoming (slightly) more

whether snow is actually lying from falls

less of whether they’re in Scotland or

reliable, the Met Office say that you still can’t

earlier in December or not. For many peo-

southern England. Ski resort names can be

really tell what the weather will be like with

ple, though, it means looking outside and

entered with some like Les Arcs, Morzine

much certainty more than five days ahead.

seeing everything covered in snow.

BURNT CUSTARD: THE BRITISH BRAND TAKING THE SNOWSPORTS WORLD BY STORM We’ve come a long way since we started Burnt Custard. Our baselayers are worn by skiers and snowboarders across the world, people like Jamie Nicholls, Olympic Snowboarder and Sochi Finalist. The fabric we use is super-technical but looks great too. The compression material wicks moisture away from the skin and keeps you dry and warm. The Meryl Microfibre contains 10 microns PCI, which means it’s softer than cashmere but more durable than merino wool. When you’re out on the mountain all day, it’s important to be comfortable and to stay warm, but then have something you can wear for après or relaxing back in the hotel – our fabrics are antibacterial which prevents lingering body odours too! All materials are sourced in the UK, and the manufacturing is 100% British. This saves on carbon footprint as they’re not shipped halfway around the world.

Burnt Custard are an eco-friendly baselayer brand that sources and manufactures all of their products in the UK. They are sponsors of Olympic Snowboarder Jamie Nicholls and proud winners of the 2017 Slide Award for best clothing manufacturer. Their range of baselayers can be customised, giving 1000s of possible colour combinations. The material is Thermoclimatic, water-repellent, four-way stretch, UVA-proof, antibacterial and moisture wicking. burntcustard.com

NEW HALF-TERM COACH MANCHESTER’S SERVICE TO LESSNOW 2 ALPES

CENTRE CELEBRATES BIG 1-0 Snow Express, the UK to French Alps direct bus service, has

Manchester’s launchedChill a brandFactore new half-term indoor route snowto centre Les 2 Alpes has for the celebrated February itshalf-term 10th birthday week. in November Departing with London a mass on Friday ski10 down led February by famous 2017 (5.30pm) ski jumper and Eddie “the leavingEagle” the resort Edwards. on Saturday 18 February 2017 (6.15pm), the

cost, according to the company’s founder. of“Since people to perform same in trick at starting Snowthe Express athe single venue in 2013 we andhave the greatest winter of 2009/10 distance snowboarded indoors in 24 carried over 14,000 passengers hours

by Richard Millington from the UK to the Alps, andin 2014, who boarded a total 46,200m increasingly weof are finding – equivalent to skiingvariety down the verticalofheight of a huge of people Mount Everest more than five all ages using the service for times.

The facility, return home tripto costs the £199pp.

UK’s longest

“We’re proud to havethan taught convenience, rather just millions

indoor snow At the slope timeatof180m, writing, also for

of people to ski and over the cost saving,” saidsnowboard Snow

published arrival someand 10th departure birthday on stats the

the last 10 years, helping develop the Express founder, Dave Manley.

includingsame that: dates, one well-known

nation’s snowsports and making “We arelove also of now carrying more

Since opening low-cost in airline 2007, was the piste charging

the sportthan fun and accessible families before and our to both

basher which well ingrooms excess of the£1,500 slopesforat

beginners athletes,” passengerand ageexperienced range goes right

Chill Factore the lowest-cost has travelled fares 6,551km for a –

said Angove, Chief Executive up toMorwenna 85 years old.”

the distance familyfrom withManchester two adults and to the

at ChillExpress Factore,operates who added: Snow to “During our

North Pole. two children (including hold

10-year heritage, we’ve been passionate 40 ski resorts in the French

In the last luggage), 10 years,with Chilltimes Factore thathas would

about nurturing the talent Alps, with departures everyof aspiring

welcomed make more it extremely than 14 million difficult visitors, and

young someLondon of whom Friday athletes, evening from or have

taught over expensive half a million to get lessons, to the resort sold

gone on to represent the country.”

Folkestone between December

1.5 million onlift arrival. passes Most andofemployed the fares over

and April, returning every

3,000 people. with times that work well are in

Saturday evening from resort.

In addition, 35,000 tonnesfor of areal snow excess of £2,000 family of

Fares start from £99pp return;

has beenfour, created the time centre with within the prime fare

there are no excess baggage

in the last 10 years, average of 10 coming in atanover £3,340.

That

charges for luggage or winter

tonnes every night! doesn’t include the transfer

sports equipment, and travel

Over thecosts years,from Chillairport Factore also tohas resort.

is direct to the resort itself.

achievedBut world-record-breaking status, it’s not just about the

snowexpress.co.uk

including achieving the longest chain of skiers in 2011, the greatest number

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039 // DEC17

STAY WARM THIS WINTER There’s nothing quite like the feeling of being up in the mountains, surrounded by blue skies and fresh air with gorgeous alpine views. When you get a good day for it, you want it to last forever. These are precious moments with friends and family when great skiing conditions mean endless runs.

clothing that is perfectly suited to a day on the slopes. Fingers are often the first places to feel the cold, and Blaze Wear’s Active Glove Liners, which contain hairlike filaments, mean heat can be spread to your fingertips in seconds. The snug Blaze Wear Active Gilet fits comfortably under ski clothing, and is made from a soft-shell fabric that moulds to your body while offering breathability. The Blaze Wear Heated Base Layers are performance thermals which have ready-to-heat panels around typically ski-sensitive zones like

But skiing is challenging and makes

knees and lower back that can be warmed

demands on our bodies. That crisp

up right when you need it. All Blaze Wear’s

mountain air and icy breeze can start

heat-activating buttons are accessibly

to weaken our performance. Imagine if

located and have three levels of heat

you could instantly warm up while on the

temperature. Rechargeable battery packs

slopes. Imagine if it was as easy as the

are discreetly nestled within the clothing,

touch of a button. Imagine having on-

and can even be used to charge your

demand warmth.

phone on the go.

With Blaze Wear heated clothing, your

Getting out and about with Blaze Wear

day on the slopes is transformed. No

means that you have the flexibility to

more getting cold in the queue for the

switch on the heat when you need it most,

chairlift or the long ride up to the ridge.

so you can go for as long as you like. Don’t

No cooling down as you wait for friends at

let cold weather stop you enjoying time in

the bottom of the piste. And no chilly last

the mountains again, because exhilarating

Above: Heated Base Layer Top from £100

ski back to the chalet when the sun dips

moments on the slopes shouldn’t be cut

Middle: Heated Base Layer Bottom from £100

behind the mountain and you’re starting

short. With Blaze Wear heated clothing,

Top Right: Heated Active Gilet from £195

to run low on energy.

they don’t have to be. Switch on your

Bottom Right: Heated Active Glove Liners from £130

Blaze Wear offers a range of heated

warmth – and GO.

040 // DEC17  PROMO

BLAZEWEAR.COM

RESORT:INSIDER

© PAUL VILLECOURT / OUTDOOR-REPORTER.COM

Action-Packed Value in Argentière

Rob Stewart caught up with Oli Hammond, aged 24, about why he and his friends planned a ski holiday in Argentière with Action Outdoors and the UCPA in the French Alps last winter. He told him all about the reasons and how it all went.

“I’d been on a few student ski trips before I graduated, but got the bug and wanted to go again this winter. My friend Will had mentioned Action Outdoors and the UCPA centres and the value they provided, and it sounded perfect. I agreed to arrange the trip for the four of us – me and Will, Chloe and Nick – we are all good friends from uni, although we hadn’t skied together. In fact, Will had never skied before, but it didn’t matter as they ran courses for all levels. Nick is a little older, a mature student, and considers himself to be pretty handy on skis. He wanted to book on the introduction

AX 3 DOMAINES

to ski touring course, and me and Chloe were just happy with normal ski lessons, although we decided to book on an introduction to off-piste skiing course. We all shared a room as that’s what

you arrive in the spa rush hour and find the

red tracks – pit stop at the Chioula Refuge –

we asked for, although apparently you can get twins too. The

queue for the recreational spa is a bit long,

which will test your stamina and your ability to

centre in Argentière is great, a really old building but completely

simply deboot and soak your feet in the new

stay upright on the longer downhill sections.

modernised, with a large restaurant serving three great meals a day

open-air foot spa at the base of the main

and a bar, where we made a bunch of friends on the first evening,

access ski gondola – a great après-ski social

Try Ascou-Pailheres

as the sun sets.

Just 20 minutes from Ax-les-Thermes is the

including people our sort of age from Scandinavia, France, Holland

small ski area of Ascou. With only five lifts

On the Slopes

you’d be forgiven for thinking it isn’t worth

Head for the “chalets” drag-lift area and

the effort, but once there (take the local ski

discover, tucked away in the woods, the

bus or self-drive the short distance) these

restaurant Le Louzat. Sitting at 2,020m it

lifts, which span the side of one mountain,

Comprising the base town of Ax-les-Thermes

offers some staple mountain lunch fare, such

open up some long cruisers, some easy-to-

at 720m and the three connected ski areas

as burgers, lasagne and fries, but go “off-

access off-piste and a great fun park. Locals

above the town – Bonascre, the ski area base

piste” and try the camembert fondant or the

love it on a bad weather day as the tree-lined

at 1400m, Saquet (1,800–2,300m) and Campels

saucisse de Toulouse and end with a Myrtle

runs and mostly button lifts stay fairly well

(1,700–2,400m), the resort is about to benefit

tart, crème brûlée or crêpe with Chantilly.

protected from the wind and rarely close.

from a €25 million investment in upgrades.

Get there early for a table on the terrace with

Great value from €20.70 per day. Just one

great views!

base area cafe serves the whole place; menu

JEAN-MICHEL HYTTE

Ax 3 Domaines in the French Pyrenees is not terribly well known on the British market, but it’s very popular with residents of Toulouse, just 90 minutes away, and Toulouse is an easy place to get to from British airports (Zenith Holidays and Ski Weekends also offer holidays here).

choice is limited but the coffee is excellent!

Hit The Spa

For a laugh

Ax-les-Thermes is the source of the warmest

The cross-country skiing at Col de Chioula

Go Spa Hunting

thermal water in the Pyrenees at 77° and has

is a fantastic set-up not to be missed. For a

If you have a bad weather day, hit the GR10

and even Singapore. There’s a real international feel and something

a long history associated with the discovery

small fee, you can rent all the equipment and

at nearby Mérens-les-Vals and search out the

going on every evening, live music, DJs and games nights. Pretty

of this warm water, so after a long day on the

spend the day getting to grips with the skinny

three natural thermal hot spring pools which

much everything is included in the price – lift passes, lessons,

slopes, relax in the 3,000m2 thermal spa,

skis and soft cross-country shoes which clip

can be found after a 15-minute hike to the left

equipment hire and all your food – and spending money was a few

Les Bains du Couloubret. Drawing the local

in at the toes. Work up from the gentle green

of the well-known cross-Pyreneees GR10 trail.

beers in the bar. The room worked out well, as we were friends, but

thermal waters of which the town is named,

routes, which circle up and back through, and

You can smell the sulphurous pools before

the great thing was the people we met through the week. We’re

this is the place to soak your weary body. If

along tree-lined paths, to steeper blue and

you see them – take a mountainside dip.

planning our next trip and now there’s eight of us for the same week next year. I’m looking forward to it already.”

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AX-SKI.COM

Searching For

POWDER CULTURE IN JAPANESE SNOW COUNTRY

WORDS: JAAKKO JÄRVENSIVU | PHOTO: JUHA LAINE

With a rich history and ancient traditions, delicious food, onsen hot baths, great powder snow and the world-famous snow monkeys, the Japanese snow country is a destination that offers something for everyone.

of Japanese snow country. We wake up early the next

Today, alongside the private hotel-owned onsens, there

Skiing down, the crystal-like snow is incredibly light,

morning, eager to see how much snow has accumulated

are 13 communal bathhouses scattered around the village.

requiring almost no effort to make a turn. We ski the

in the mountains during the night. Carrying our skis, we

Called soto-yu, these beautiful historical bathhouses are

glades in the forests, and Nozawa’s slopes, and quickly

walk through the narrow maze-like streets of the village

free to use and very popular after the ski day is finished.

learn that the runs at the top and middle of the mountain

centre. We don’t see many other skiers, and the old historical Japanese buildings, together with the smell of sulphur coming from the local bathhouses, create a unique

tend to be on the easy side, while the slopes coming

Champagne Powder With Oyaki Buns

atmosphere not found in many ski resorts – even in Japan.

down into the village are steep and often covered with moguls towards the end of the ski day. This division makes Nozawa Onsen well suited for all abilities.

It is 2am and dark outside. I watch heavy wet snowflakes

But Nozawa is not your typical ski resort; although it is the

The view from the sunny top of Mount Kenashi at

After the glades have been skied out, we try to navigate

gently floating down in the halo of a solitary street lamp

birthplace of Japanese skiing with a history of just over

1,650m is nothing short of spectacular: 30cm of fresh

our way through bushes in the forest that would on a

behind the tinted glass window of our traditional ryokan-

100 years, the area’s hot springs were believed to have

champagne powder is covering the forested slopes, and

normal snow year be covered up by snow. According to

style room.

been discovered in 700 AD. Ever since then, people have

you have a 180° panoramic view of the Japanese Alps.

the locals, the snow depth in the area is the weakest in

We are in Nozawa Onsen, which, situated in Nagano

been coming here for the hot sulphurous waters, which

With a little imagination, you can almost see the Sea of

roughly 20 years; still, with a little search, there is good

Prefecture in the main island of Honshu, is in the heart

are believed to have healing benefits for various illnesses.

Japan, some 45km to the west.

skiing to be found off-piste, and the slopes are in good

042 // DEC17

@INTHESNOWMAG

Final Words

condition. The steep mogul runs at the bottom of the

at the market just next to the Ogama. We stop by the

in the bath under the main beam of the building in dim

ski hill really test your quad muscles and ski technique,

St Anton café on the main street of Oyu Dori and have

light. Like in most of the historical soto-yu, there is no

and it doesn’t surprise me that the area has produced

steamed oyaki buns, which are delicious and, judging

changing room and, after stripping myself naked in the

In an era of corporate ski area development, Nozawa, an

several Olympic athletes and world cup skiers. Luckily,

by the queues, also very popular.

hallway, I put my clothes on a shelf and walk towards the

area steeped in history and culture, which hasn’t yet been

if you don’t think your ski technique is on that level yet,

showers. I dip in the bath carefully, getting accustomed

overdeveloped, stands out. Mark Baum from Nozawa

you can bypass the black runs, using instead the green

to the hot water. I am surrounded by five Japanese

Holidays agrees: “It is a quiet farming town most of the time

men of varying ages in a bath that couldn’t probably

so we really appreciate people who visit and are mindful of

fit in comfortably too many more people. I strike up a

the unique environment and customs.”

runs zigzagging down on either side of the mountain.

Getting To Know The Onsen In Nozawa

Walking back to the village after the day of skiing, we marvel at the ancient Juzawa Shinto shrine with its

After leaving my ski equipment at the guesthouse, I walk

conversation about the Japanese onsen culture with

When asked about the future development of his home resort,

pagoda roof and the beautifully set Ogama hot spring,

back to the village and head for an onsen bathhouse

the white-bearded older gentleman facing me. His

Baum has this to say: “I want it to keep its identity and be an

where in the piping-hot 90°C water the villagers cook

situated near the Japan ski museum on the outskirts of

younger countrymen are quick to join in offering help

environmentally sustainable traditional Japanese village that

eggs known as onsen tamago and vegetables, such as

the village. The small wooden bathhouse is weathered

with the English terms. The atmosphere is tranquil, and

happens to have some world-class skiing.” I think it perfectly

the local nozawana, which is known throughout Japan

by time and has a humble appearance. I push the door

the historical walls of the building create a cocoon-like

sums up our experience of Nozawa Onsen during our visit,

as a pickled treat. You can easily try these delicacies

open and enter. Inside, a few bathers are soaking quietly

space uninterrupted by the modern world outside.

and I hope it’s a vision that the locals will be able to realise.

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043 // DEC17

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

PRIVATE & SHARED TRANSFERS TO LES 3 VALLÉES

BRAND NEW SKI RUN FOR THIS SEASON AT JASNÁ RESORT New ski slopes and improved snowmaking have been announced for the 2017/18 ski season at Jasná ski resort in the Slovak Republic’s Low Tatra mountains.

800m long. Ski Slope No 5, Turistická, will

15-seat cabins from Krupová to Kosodrevina,

also be substantially expanded, a resort

completing the connection between the

spokeswoman told local media.

southern and northern parts of the ski area. This

The Jelení Grúň ski run, the oldest, DC

winter, snow cover on the Chopok peak will be

Snowpark Jasná, and the Jasná Východ Centre

improved by a new snowmaking system with 16

The northern side of Chopok will get

have all also been updated and improved.

new snow guns on the Zadné Dereše run.

a new ski run, christened Vrbická and

Last year the resort installed a new gondola with

jasna.sk

GET YOUR DAILY POWDER FIX AT

NEW GONDOLAS FOR INNSBRUCK Innsbruck, the capital of the Tirol, operates one of the largest ski pass regions in Europe by combining nine ski areas located around the city, which together offer 300km of groomed slopes served by 90 lifts on to one Olympia SkiWorld lift ticket, which also includes public transport between the city and the ski areas. This year, two of these areas A ROYER OTSTEFOY

have announced they’ll be unveiling new gondola lifts this winter: a state-of-the-art lift with 10 seat cabins at Igls, and another new gondola with eight passenger cabins at Rangger Köpfl.

The new Igls lift serves the famous Patscherkofel ski area with its stunning views over the city and

A NEW PISTE AT SAINTE FOY

its World Cup and Olympic downhill run. The ultra-modern cable car will transport up to 2,600 people an hour from the village up to the 2,248m top of the Olympic slopes.

INTHESNOW INTHESNOW_MAGAZINE INTHESNOW

Sainte Foy Tarentaise in the French Alps has

The new piste in the Marquesas area will start

At Rangger Köpfl the new gondola serves its

announced work took place over the summer

from a point at 2,425m above sea level and

18km of beginner and intermediate pistes,

to construct a brand-new mile-long ski run for

descend 375 vertical metres over its 1,500m

located just 12km from the city centre. The cable

the coming season.

length to arrive at the junction with the Grand

car also connects to the longest toboggan run in

St Foy, located between the large ski areas

Solliet piste.

the region, for added winter fun.

of Les Arcs and Tignes-Val d’Isère, has built

It will be a red graded intermediate level piste

a reputation for its intimate, uncrowded,

and is scheduled to be completed in time for

powder ski area and high-value lift pass.

the resort’s opening in December.

@INTHESNOWMAG 044 // DEC17

@INTHESNOWMAG

A London restaurateur and a British chalet operator in the French Alps have announced a joint venture at the end of the coming ski season that will see Michelin-star catering in a private chalet in Les 3 Vallées.

of evening courses to their taste, creating a balance with lighter options as preferred.

As with all Fish&Pips chalet holidays, the team will be on hand to ensure 5★ service accompanies the exclusive menu. Trinity’s assistant manager will also join the team for the week, bringing Trinity’s supreme front-of-house experience into the mix.

Adam Byatt has long been a fan of the Fish&Pips food-led chalet concept and plays a key role in

RICH ROBERTS

A Michelin-Star Mountain Experience

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Adam Byatt’s Trinity restaurant and Fish&Pips will

training the new season’s chefs each year.

team up to deliver “A Taste of Trinity” at the ski

Newly built luxury F&P Chalet Cerf Rouge has a

holiday company’s new luxury Chalet Cerf Rouge

prime location at the top of Méribel Village, 2,350m

French Alps.

from the slopes and with far-reaching views over the

Adam Byatt is one of London’s most exciting chef-

Méribel Valley. The chalet sleeps up to ten people

restaurateurs. Known for his serious commitment

in individually styled bedrooms featuring super-king

to contemporary British cuisine, his iconic Trinity

“Hypnos” beds. The chalet also benefits from a

restaurant, situated in Clapham Old Town, has

private outdoor hot tub and a hammam for relaxing

become a destination for food and wine lovers of all

after a day on the mountain.

backgrounds since its opening in 2006. Trinity now

“Our guests are real foodies and it’s important to us

holds a coveted Michelin star, three AA rosettes and

that we continue to feed that passion,” said Holly

numerous other accolades for culinary innovation.

Chandler (née Fisher – the ‘Fish’ of Fish&Pips). A

“A Taste of Trinity” will be hosted in Fish&Pips’ brand-

fully equipped open-plan kitchen will provide prime

new luxury Chalet Cerf Rouge and include all the

viewing of the Trinity chef team at work.

trimmings of an F&P 5★ chalet holiday. Adam Byatt’s

Fish&Pips’ “Taste of Trinity” package costs £2,750

long-standing sous chef, Chris Bolan, will take the

per person, based on full occupancy and excluding

reins in the Fish&Pips kitchen for the duration of the

flights. The holiday includes seven nights’ luxury

week and bring Trinity’s Michelin-star excellence to

chalet accommodation in Cerf Rouge, seven days

the table. The aim is that daily breakfast, afternoon

Michelin-star catering with a Trinity menu tailored to

tea and five-course evening meals will all be taken to

guests’ taste (including full English breakfast spread

new heights by Bolan’s magic touch and with guest

with breakfast special, afternoon tea, canapés and

appearances from Byatt himself.

five-course evening meal with unlimited wine) and

The chalet menu will reflect Byatt’s signature

private minibus transfers. Guests are also given the

contemporary style and feature Trinity classics such

option to pre-order from the Trinity wine list prior to

as: Vermouth Poached Salmon, Truffled Comté

departure. The package is available exclusively for

Gougères and Red Wine Braised Irish Beef Cheeks.

the following arrival dates (all of which are a Sunday):

Guests can choose to tailor the menu and number

18 and 25 March and 1 April 2018.

@INTHESNOWMAG 045 // DEC17

046 // DEC17

@INTHESNOWMAG

Although the vast majority of ski lifts are built on mountains created by plate tectonics, pushed up and eroded back down over millions of years, quite a few of the mountains we ski and board on were once active volcanos, many created in far shorter timescales than the Alps or the Rockies.

below, snow still fell from above and accumulated on the ground. But less snowfall and particularly fewer tourists meant maintaining the centre was no longer economically viable. If you time your visit right, though, you may still be able to ski from the top.

Mt Bachelor Oregon, USA

Mt Bachelor ski area in Oregon is a stratovolcano atop a shield volcano that last erupted around 5,800 BC – so it’s not at all active.

That’s not to say that its volcanic history is completely forgotten; although there is no geothermal activity at present, there are some areas popularly thought to be fumaroles (gas vents) located near the top of the Pine Marten chairlift that occasionally present a minor

You can find ski areas in the Vosges region of France, the Czech

hazard to skiers and snowboarders where the snow is undermined.

Republic and many other countries that were once active volcanos.

On the upside, though, Mt Bachelor’s conical shape dictates a fairly

You can even ski on the top of the world’s highest mountain (if you

even pitch for skiers, but what’s really fun about the mountain is that

include its underwater bit), Mauna Kea in Hawaii, and the Arizona

the ski trails follow the actual path down the mountainside that the

Snowbowl in the US describes itself as Arizona’s active volcano.

lava at one time took. This adds an extra dimension to the skiing with

Actually it isn’t active, but it’s a clever marketing claim, the skiing and

twisting, roller-coaster trails that the piste groomers can maximise to

boarding being the active part of the volcano.

provide skiing, which can in places resemble white-water kayaking!

But there are ski lifts on active volcanos – in South America, New Zealand, Japan and closer to home on Mt Etna – so if you’re after a little sulphur with your snow, or the added danger of the remote possibility of a pyroclastic flow as well as the usual avalanche

Mt Ruapehu

New Zealand

danger, here are some active volcanic ski destinations to consider: Ruapehu, where Turoa and Whakapapa ski areas are located, is an

Mt Etna

Sicily, Italy, Europe

active stratovolcano on New Zealand’s North Island. In recorded history, major eruptions have been about 50 years apart, in 1895, 1945 and 1995–1996. Minor eruptions are frequent, with at least 60 since 1945.

The 1995 eruption began on 25 September and New Zealand’s

Despite its southerly location on Sicily in the Med, Mt Etna (3,343m)

Department of Conservation advised people to keep off the

usually has good snow cover and two ski areas – North and South

mountain, ending the ski season a few weeks early. In fact

– on its massive slopes. These have famously been “taken out” on

Ruapehu usually has one of the longest ski seasons in the southern

multiple occasions by volcanic debris raining down during various

hemisphere, frequently continuing to ‘Snow-vember’ when all other

eruptions over the years – and they’ve been pretty much ongoing

ski centres in the hemisphere close in September or October.

for the past few decades now. The determined Sicilians do keep

mtruapehu.com

rebuilding the lifts, though, and the centres keep operating.

The biggest threat to your safety on the slopes is not, however, any direct hit by volcanic material or accidentally skiing into a lava flow, nor is it an avalanche set off by earth tremors. It’s the possibility of being

Batea Mahuida Snow Park Argentina

struck by lightning on the slopes – reported to be much higher than usual due to turbulent air above the volcano.

The ski area was established on the Mahuida Volcano in Argentina by the indigenous Puel Tribe in October 1999 as a means of

Villaric

Pucón, Chile, South America

maximising their natural assets and stemming the loss of their younger generation from the remote mountainous area. The resort is based on one of the snowiest areas of South America with views over into Chile from the Mahuida Volcano summit at 2,100m.

Located on the third Villarica volcano, still bubbling away while

The slope opened with help from the World Bank’s investment

providing the highest ski area in southern South America, as well as

arm and with immediate success in July 2000, having better snow

one of the continent’s longest ski seasons, the resort of Pucón is way

conditions than other resorts in the region at that time. A 300m-long

below by the lake and incorporates a huge hotel and condo complex

Poma-built lift was the first to go into operation. All local staff come

boasting a vast array of alternative activities. The chairlift towers are

from one of 60 families making up the community and sharing the

mounted on rubber bungs to absorb the constant vibration from the

surname Puel, so are all closely or distantly related.

active volcano, and the volcanic ash that occasionally issues from the summit tends to fall away from the slopes.

Mt Aso

Japan, Asia

Ski La Burbuja

Chile, South America The world’s newest ski area on an active volcano is Ski La Burbuja in Chile. It was created at the base of the world-famous

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Japan made history in 1958 when it became the first country to build

Osorno volcano in 2013.

a cable car onto an active volcano, they claim. The Mt Aso cable car

The 2,652m-high conical stratovolcano in the south of the country is

can carry up to 41 passengers in each of its two cabins, which take four

one of the region’s most active, erupting 11 times between 1575 and

minutes to ascend 108 vertical metres over the lift’s 858m length to

1869 with Charles Darwin glimpsing a January 1835 eruption when

reach the edge of the reportedly smoking crater.

sailing past on the second voyage of the Beagle.

Back in the day there was a chairlift too, and a maintained ski run

The centre has two chairlifts and three drag lifts serving a dozen or

down between the steaming areas, as despite the thermal activity

so runs over nearly 500m of lift-served vertical.

047 // DEC17

PAUL KEPPEL

TUITION BEGINNER ADULTS Starting to ski as an adult can often be a daunting and intimidating task. Seeing three-year-olds whizzing down the hill either side of you on the beginner slope while you struggle to stay standing for more than a few seconds can be demoralising.

JON (AKA WESTY)

the sport with a good basic fitness, with a

having more fun in the process than trying

psychological challenges you may face.

particular focus on strength in your legs,

to give it a shot on your own or getting

Adults improve over different timescales, and

core and balance, so start preparing months

friends or family to look after you (which

while some people may find themselves at

Jon holds the top qualifications from

before your first days skiing! Make sure you

never usually ends well!). Instead of toiling

the top of the mountain after the first week,

France, Switzerland and Britain,

have boots that fit well; even if they are from

through the learning process, a professional

for others this may be unrealistic. It is really

and we can say firsthand that he is

a rental shop, don’t go for the first boots that

ski instructor is there to ensure you have a

important to set yourself realistic short-term

a great ski instructor! Jon heads up

feel “comfortable”. They should feel snug

positive experience discovering the most fun

goals over your first week, for example

the team at Altitude Ski School –

and tight when the buckles are done up, but

and efficient method to ski right from the start.

linking turns down the beginner slope

Verbier’s most established British ski

not squeezed or cramped. Good-fitting boots

It will be possible to book either group or

after day 2. The more of these goals you

school. Each month Jon or one of

will not only avoid any unnecessary pain;

private lessons with most ski schools. Group

achieve, the more fulfilling and productive

his team will provide us with a few

However, no matter your age, skiing is truly

they will also really help your skiing. It is also

lessons are a good option if you want to share

the experience becomes, and before you

tips and words of wisdom to help

a sport for life and one you can enjoy until

important to make sure you buy good-quality,

the experience with other adults; however, if

know it you will be booking your next skiing

improve our understanding of skiing.

you’re well into your 80s, so there is no

breathable and waterproof clothes as you are

you are really nervous and want to advance

holiday. The good news is that nowadays

reason to not give it a go – and you will

going to quickly lose focus on the skiing if you

quickly, it is always better to book a private

almost all resorts have Beginner Terrain

quickly be wondering why it took you so long

are standing there cold and miserable!

one-on-one to pick up the basics fast.

Teaching areas where both the pistes and

ALTITUDE

to try it in the first place. In this article we look

lifts are specifically geared towards allowing

The Altitude winter company portfolio

at some important advice for anyone thinking

the learner to improve quicker and achieve

includes the ski and snowboard

those goals in a safe environment, and then

school, the Futures instructor training

there will be good progression for learners

programmes and FREERIDE VERBIER,

about trying skiing as an adult to make sure

Book A Lesson

Be Patient & Realistic!

you maximise your holiday.

Be Prepared It is going to be really important to start

048 // DEC17

As an adult, it is perhaps even more important

As with learning all new sports, it is important

to follow up the mountain with lifts that are

a new school dedicated to off-piste

to book a lesson than it is for youngsters, and

to remember that the initial process can

friendly and easy to use. For example, in

coaching in Verbier.

you’re even more likely to see the benefits

take a bit of time. Skiing is no exception,

Verbier, Les Esserts is a dedicated area for

of this. Simply put, lessons will help you get

especially with the addition of the outdoor,

first-timers and an ideal place to make those

better faster in a safer environment while

high-altitude environment and the additional

first turns!

info@altitude-verbier.com +41(0)27 771 6006

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

PAUL KEPPEL

Isn’t it About Time You Upgraded Yours?

KIDS' FIRST WEEK OF SKIING You have booked your child into a week of group lessons for your ski holiday, so what happens now? Here we are going to look at what to expect on a typical week and some good tips to make sure your kid has the best week ever!

What to bring:

Have you improved since you bought your current ski boots?

Are they still comfortable?

• Warm under-layers • Waterproof jacket and trousers • Helmet and gloves • Sun and lip cream • Skis, boots and poles (they may not need poles depending on age and level) • Lift pass!

• Money for a hot chocolate or snack at break time (or bring your own snack) What will happen during the lesson?

A typical group lesson will last for five mornings with each lesson being three hours long. During a normal three-hour lesson the main goal for the instructor is for all the children to improve their skiing in a fun and safe environment. Here is how a typical three-hour lesson could look: • 10 mins: warm-up game off skis • 20 mins: warm-up game on skis • 45 mins: focus on key element of skiing with fun exercises to help the kids to learn but also challenge

C

M

Y

CM

MY

CY

CMY

K

Did you know - ski boot plastic shells can now be heat moulded to the unique shape of your feet?

This gives you better performance and comfort than your old ski boots ever could - you’ll be amazed at the difference!

Recent technology and innovation means ski equipment is better than it’s ever been before... isn’t it time you upgraded your equipment and made the most of your experience in the mountains?

Before you invest in your next trip, come and visit us today to ensure you have the correct advice from experienced equipment specialists.

Bringing you the UKs largest specialist range of skis & boots and advice and expertise since 1965.

We’ll always be here to help and advise you on the correct equipment for wherever your passions and dreams take you.

Custom boot fitting specialists Ski Industries Of Great Britain official ski testers Winner of the World Snow Awards - Best UK Speciailst Retailer

their skills • 15 mins: break to get a drink and a snack to recharge the batteries • 45 mins: development of same focus as before break but in a more challenging environment (for example, red run instead of blue run) • 45 mins: use the key focus in a series of final games and challenges to see how it has helped improve the

Download your FREE Buyers Guides:

skiing and how this allows you to perform new skills or explore more of the mountain!

What level will they be after one week?

http://bit.ly/ITS-Buyers-Guide

It is really hard to say exactly how far your child will progress after one week of skiing, as some may pick up the skills really quickly after only a couple of days but others may take longer to progress. Also this can vary a lot depending on certain factors such as age and strength. However, it will always be the goal of every instructor to ensure your child improves as much as possible and has as much fun as possible throughout the week. Whatever happens with Altitude, each child will be rewarded with a certificate saying exactly what they have managed to achieve during the week, what level they are at now and also goals to aim for in the future.

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

TZA_C. JORDA

FIVE

REASONS

TO

VISIT

TIROLER Z U G S P I T Z

The Tiroler Zugspitz Arena comprises six separate villages in North Tirol sharing six different ski areas all on one ski ticket.

A R E N A

to explore served by 58 mountain lifts and divided

Top-notch Family-Friendly Hotels

All sorts of tuition is available, from complete beginner

into six separate ski areas in two beautiful valleys,

The region offers a wide range of accommodation that

one-on-ones to those needing a refresher course to

all linked by a free shuttle bus. There’s something

is tailored to the needs of families with children of all

re-find their ski legs. Lessons are available for children

for every member of the family though, and besides

ages. The Familotel Kaiserhof, for example, offers a

as young as two years old, and professional childcare

the gentle runs for beginners, there are several more

brilliant family programme with specifically designed

is also provided. Patient and kind English-speaking

adventurous runs for the more experienced skier.

family rooms and the baby and kids’ clubs, which

instructors will help make children’s first skiing

Easy to reach from Munich (1h30m), Innsbruck (50m)

include a climbing wall, cinema, PlayStation, table-

experiences memorable for the right reasons.

and Memmingen (1h), this is a land of picturesque

tennis and air-hockey games. Other great choices

chocolate-box villages in the midst of jagged

Après-ski A Plenty

snow-capped peaks that has so far been largely

The Zugspitz Arena prides itself in offering an

available and a swimming pool, or the Naturhotel

Family Fun – Whatever the Weather

undiscovered by British skiers. It offers family-

exciting array of evening activities for kids and

Family Alm, which provides a home-from-home friendly

There’s a fabulous choice of indoor activities to keep

friendly skiing in a blissfully relaxed atmosphere at

adults alike. Speeding down floodlit slopes under

environment, creating ideal family accommodation.

the family active during bad weather, or after skiing if

affordable prices.

the moon is a must-do and always a highlight of the holiday. There’s tobogganing every Tuesday and

include the 4★ Aktiv & Familienresort with childcare

the little ones still have energy left to burn.

There’s an impressive indoor swimming pool that’s

arranges a weekly sledding night. There you walk

Professional and Personal Ski Schools

The high-altitude terrain in Tiroler Zugspitz Arena

up by foot through the crunchy snow to the hut

When it comes to those first few weeks on snow, getting

water jet penguin, a children’s pool with water animals

features gloriously wide slopes with plenty of

where you can enjoy a hearty, warming meal before

the best ski instruction is crucial. There’s a choice of six

and slide, and a huge slide for older ones) as well as a

broad blues and swooping red runs – the perfect

tobogganing down the valley. Night skiing, hiking

ski schools in Tiroler Zugspitz Arena, and competition

modern indoor climbing wall for all abilities to practise

place for intermediate skiers of all ages to build up

with torches, ice-skating and floodlit ski night shows

between them, as well as a natural commitment to the

skills and even an alpine gym with panaromic views at

confidence. Altogether there are 139km of slopes

are also all on the list.

highest standards, means they offer the best service.

the Bellevue Hotel.

050 // DEC17 050 // JUN17

particularly good for children as well as a family bathing

TZA_C. JORDA

centre in the village of Ehrwald (a baby pool with a

TZA_C. JORDA

TZA_C. JORDA

Slopes For All

Friday at the Ehrwalder Alm, and the Gamsalm also

ZUGSPITZARENA.COM/EN

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designed to adjust over three sizes,

this packable puffer will fit in from the

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 Atomic Hawx Ultra XTD 130 £549 One of the lightest freeride touring boots that doesn’t compromise on range of movement for touring or power for the descent.

Combining two boots into one, the lightweight

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 Arc’teryx Rush Jacket £539.99

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Cab9 Eyewear’s bestselling premium model, the C9X, is moulded from TR90, a material that’s incredibly durable, lightweight and flexible. It comes equipped with polarised lenses providing full UV protection and, true to the Cab9 ethos of making affordable quality eyewear, they’ve kept the price to an unbeatable £38. cab9eyewear.com

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 Blizzard Rustler 11 Skis £609.95 Impressive performance onand off-piste and impressive at

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being able to eat up the powder, the chop, the bumps and keep you in balance at the same time. More playful than their

With their renowned reputation for

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their carefully selected and tested range of products, it’s no surprise that Ski

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Bartlett’s word-of-mouth reputation over the last 50 years has made them the UK’s most popular independent ski shop! @INTHESNOWMAG

 Gearup Ski Rack 3 Pair

 Chilly’s Bottles From £15

£19.99 A stylish alternative to that plastic bottle, the Frustrated by a chaotic pile of skis

Chilly bottle is a reusable lightweight flask that

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garage? Utilise these easy-to-install

for up to 24 hours and hot drinks up to 12 hours.

wall-mounted two- or three-pair ski

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racks, allowing you to hang your skis and poles to keep your evergrowing collection of skis tidy and

 Scott Backcountry Guide AP 30

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Alpride Avalanche Backpack £619 Newly designed with a much lighter airbag system that takes up a lot less room, meaning

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pack technology is airline-friendly, fast inflating

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 Ski Angel Gel Shin Protector £20 Are you someone who suffers from sore shins when you ski? Your guardian angel is here to bring you all-day comfort and protection – thick gel pads slide inside your socks, cushioning your shins from any pressure and friction that builds up in the front of your boots. skibartlett.com

 Lego® Tec Jaxon One-piece Suit £79.99 Great protection from the elements whether you want to make snow castles, go tobogganing, ski, snowboard or even walk the dog. LEGO® Tec clothing has loads of features to keep your children smiling all day long. Waterproof outer

 Line Skier Baby Onesie and Toddler T-shirts £22 Now EVERYONE can tell the world they’re a skier, or that they intend to be! Spread your love of skiing with these gorgeously cute toddler and baby Line Skier Tees, whether it’s for your own kids or for your friend’s newborn. skibartlett.com

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 Dynastar Legend X 96 inc. Bindings £639

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A lightweight but powerful heart to this

130 Vacuum Ski Boot

ski gives you good float off-piste and

£480

great manoeuvrability. Combine this with Powerdrive technology to give you the

The RC4 Curv 130 is new to the line-up this

ultimate smooth and grippy ride for piste or

year, taking over from the standard RC4

powder. skibartlett.com

model of previous years. In this updated model Fischer have tried to make a recreational boot as high-performance as possible whilst still keeping their trademark comfort. skibartlett.com

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053 // DEC17

 Burton Reverb GORE-TEX®

 Union Trilogy Women’s

Women’s Mitt £59.95

Snowboard Binding Lavender £189.95

The Burton Reverb GORE-TEX® Mitt is

The Trilogy is bombproof and can handle

waterproof and windproof with sweat-venting

any condition or terrain with ease. The

breathability. Text or film your friends with the

female-specific design gives a slimmer

touchscreen-compatibility of Screen Grab®

profile down the length of the foot to ensure

built right into the fingertips, and warm up the

better fit with female boot shapes, and has a

coldest days with Thermacore™ insulation.

pre-curved ankle strap for optimum support.

sputniksnowboardshop.com

sputniksnowboardshop.com

 Union Contact Pro Snowboard Binding Volt Yellow £219.95 The Contact Pro has become a staple within the Union collection and has grown in popularity season after season. With a nominal binding-to-board contact footprint and softer flex overall, it’s the perfect tool for riders looking for total freedom and a surfy board feel. sputniksnowboardshop.com

 Burton Lip-Stick Women’s Snowboard £409.95

IN ASSOCIATION WITH

The award-winning Burton Lip-Stick brings grace and power to progressive freestyle. More playful than the Feelgood and an upgrade in performance over the Socialite, the Lip-Stick with its Flat Top™ Bend offers the forgiving freedom and stability to take on any terrain or condition.

 Crab Grab Mega Claws Stomp Pad

sputniksnowboardshop.com

£14.95 These peel and stick, textured claws allow you to customise your top-sheet giving you extra grip exactly where you want/need it. Whether you’re getting after some 1-footed tricks, or simply

 Bataleon

 Burton LimeLight Boa Women’s

 Burton Bullet Tool Red

Cameltoe Snowboard

Snowboard Boot Black £239.95

£17.95

£389.95

looking to get off the chairlift without doing a groin splitter: Mini-Claws are the perfect solution. sputniksnowboardshop.com

For the ultimate in comfort and

The low-profile shape prevents

The Camel Toe is bred for

convenience, the Limelight’s Boa® Coiler™

impactful landings when pocketed,

the deepest, steepest and

closure system has been upgraded with

while a foldout handle provides

snowiest mountains. Its setback,

Lockdown Lacing, which increases heel

maximum cranking power for tightening

surf-inspired shape easily

hold by integrating three lacing zones

screws. Easy to operate with gloved

hovers atop pow while beech

around the ankle – all tightened with a

hands and stocked with two-ended

wood bolstered edges and

single dial. The boots offer total warmth

Phillips and flathead/Allen bits, as well

Kevlar stringers aid response

with a 3M™ Thinsulate™ insulated liner

as a mini binding wrench, all stowed

for swift, surf-like hacks.

and Sleeping Bag heat-reflective foil.

securely inside the tool when not in use.

sputniksnowboardshop.com

sputniksnowboardshop.com

sputniksnowboardshop.com

 Dragon NFX Goggle Murdered

More at sputniksnow boardshop.com

with Dark Smoke Lens £94.95 With its distinctive thermo-formed cylindrical lens, the revolutionary styling of the NFX goggle took Dragon’s patented Frameless Lens

Sputnik is one of the UK’s largest

Technology in a different direction, mixing a classic flat-lens look

independent snowboard shops. We

with cutting-edge aesthetics and flawless function. Offers superior

offer great choice and service to all our

peripheral vision. sputniksnowboardshop.com

customers. Whether you are beginner or expert, we can kit you out to ensure you have a great day on the mountains.

054 // DEC17

@INTHESNOWMAG

SKIS: PISTE, ALL-MOUNTAIN, OFF-PISTE, TOURING

 Burton Burke Hood Helmet Fit True £27.95 The Burke Hood fits snugly over your helmet and can be adjusted with

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE?

drawcords under the chin. With its DRYRIDE Ultrawick fleece lining the Burke hood will keep you both warm and dry. Finally, a hood without the whole hoodie. sputniksnowboardshop.com

 Burton Grace Tech Flannel Women’s Shirt Cally Plaid £74.95 Cut from a premium cotton and PrimaLoft® Performance fabric blend, which equals superior quick-drying, easybreathing comfort. Features a flattering fit, single chest

Every ski can get you from A to B, but

pocket and a back pleat. This is a great mid-layer for

having the right ski means you’ll reduce

on-the-mountain comfort but looks equally at home on

the effort needed to get there and maximize

the streets of the UK. sputniksnowboardshop.com

the fun along the way! But how do you choose what’s the right ski for your skiing and what is the difference between a piste or powder ski?

 Burton Ion Leather Snowboard Boot Red Wing® £364.95

 Ortovox Shovel Orange II £29.95

Piste Skis – ‘The Sports Car’ Performance & Precision…

Generally the narrowest under foot, so they roll quickly from edge to edge giving you a positive and

For riders who want both high performance and full-grain leather style, this special edition

The Ortovox II have been designed using

lively feel in your skiing and an impressive edge

of the Burton Ion boot fuses genuine made-in-

their polycarbonate lightweight! This simply

grip on hard snow and ice. Performance orientated

the-USA Red Wing® waterproof leather with the

means it's super-lightweight, and very strong.

they offer superb stability at speed but being a

trademark features that have made this boot

They have added an oval telescopic shaft

narrower shape means they’re not so easy to ski off

legendary. Proven Ion technologies such as

which is ultra ridged for when you are trying

groomed slopes. If piste skiing is your thing though,

Total Comfort and AutoCANT EST® cushioning

to either dig yourself out of the powder or

who cares! Higher-end piste skis are also likely to

deliver precise control and out-of-box happiness.

even if you’ve found the perfect spot to build

be stiffer.

sputniksnowboardshop.com

a kicker. sputniksnowboardshop.com All Mountain Skis – ‘The SUV Estate Car’ – The All-rounder…

Essentially a wider piste ski, still with great

Burton Bonded Crew

performance on piste, but easier to ski in choppy

Monument Heather

snow and powder. Often a little more forgiving in

£64.95

their flex than a piste ski, they are more versatile for different terrain – bumps, crud, hard snow and

Wearing your regular crewneck seems like

anything else – they can do it all. New technology is

a great idea, until it gets wet, stays wet,

making this category lighter weight, meaning more

and chills you to the bone. The Burton

maneuverable and requiring less energy whilst

Bonded Crew, with its DRYRIDE Thermex™

helping you keep your balance.

bonded fleece is highly breathable, quick-drying, and warm. Riding, hiking,

Off-piste Powder Skis – ‘The 4x4’ – They

or hanging, this bonded crew delivers.

Cruise, They Float…

sputniksnowboardshop.com

An even bigger surface area underfoot and a longer length means you get impressive surf like float in

 Dakine Heli Pro

powder. Using technology like rocker, a raised tip at

DLX 24l Backpack Inferno

the front of the ski, they cut through choppy snow and

£89.95

help you stay in control in eep snow. They’re smooth, fluid and fun to ski. One of the few draw backs of an

The Heli Pro 24L is perfect for crossing over from the resort and into the backcountry.

out and out wide powder ski is they don’t have such

With a fleece-lined goggle pocket, backpanel

 Burton Touchscreen Liner Glove True Black

access to the main compartment, and a front-

£20.95

access pocket designed to hold a shovel and snow tools, you’ll have all the gear you need.

With Screen Grab® technology that will never fray, wash off or wear

sputniksnowboardshop.com

out, you can control any touchscreen phone, music player or GPS without ever exposing your fingers to the elements. With DRYRIDE Ultrawick™ Silkweight fabric, your fingers will remain warm and dry all day long. sputniksnowboardshop.com

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good edge grip on hard snow and ice.

Touring Skis – ‘The Volvo’ – Dependable…

Super lightweight, making the uphill touring a lot less tiring and a lot more efficient. Good edge grip for hard snow and ice and benefitting more than ever from new technology, they’re lighter but with reliable performance.

055 // DEC17

055 // JUN17

 Head Raptor 80 W

 Coal The Uniform Beanie

£250

Heather Grey £23.50

You won’t be missed in these beauties!

The Raptor 80 W brings all the

A staple for everyday wear – a traditional

performance of the most successful

fold-over beanie with a custom woven patch

race boot on the World Cup circuit

at the side. Guaranteed to keep you warm

and bundles it all together in a more

and cosy in even the coldest of conditions.

comfort-orientated fit. Ideal for season-

sputniksnowboardshop.com

long cruising. snowandrock.com

 Head Absolut Joy £430 inc. Joy 9 bindings

 Head Kore 93

Balance and control is absolute, and these

£645 inc. Attack 13 bindings

skis will bring a smile to any improving skier’s face. Go ahead, try not to smile ... you

Sometimes it’s deep.

can’t stop yourself! Truly it’s an Absolut Joy.

Sometimes it’s tracked.

ellis-brigham.com | snowandrock.com &

Sometimes it’s bumped. Lots

Independent retailers

of times it’s groomed. If this is when and where you ski then the Kore 93 is for thee. Any conditions, any time.

Widely available.

 PALA Sunglasses £65 The gift that keeps on giving! Not only will these pale crystal blue wayfarers with mirror polarised lenses give a great touch of style on the slopes this winter, you’ll also be giving a pair of spectacles to a person in

 Nordica Enforcer 93 Skis £519.95

Africa. palasunglasses.com

 Hestra Sport Classic Hairsheep Wool Tricot Gloves £60 These gorgeous gloves will be your go-to winter buddy, whether you’re out in resort or driving your car. Soft leather palms will mould to your hand, giving you impressive comfort

 Sinner Stoneham Ski Helmet £115

it’s been tweaked, refined and skis even better, so we have no hesitation in saying ‘Buy it now’ or you will regret it! High-speed stability and easy turn initiation allows you to charge or cruise in just about any snow conditions. These really will impress you and everyone who skis with you! skibartlett.com

and grip, and the wool lining gives you allwinter-long warmth. skibartlett.com

 Head Advant Edge 125

The Sinner Stoneham ski helmet is an all-new helmet for

 Forcefield Limb Tubes

winter 2017/18. With its Hybrid

£60

construction technology it is

056 // DEC17

Last year it sold out before Christmas and this year

£270 Better skiing with less effort! The design concept of

very light and durable. The

Lightweight and breathable tube-style sleeves

Advant Edge is inspired by our obsession to make

size-adapting fit and adjustable

fitted with CE level 1 Isolator elbow or knee

skiing more fun. A naturally centred and balanced

venting system coupled with the

armour. Dual adjustable retaining straps for

stance, combined with a structure that maximises

padded lining ensures a comfy-

extra security. The armour is removable allowing

energy transmission to the skis, helps us keep this

fitting helmet for all-day riding.

the tube to be machine washed for prolonged

obsession in check. ellis-brigham.com

sinner.eu/en

freshness. forcefieldbodyarmour.com

& Independent ski retailers

@INTHESNOWMAG

 Oneskee Mark III Suit

 Atomic Cloud 11 Women’s Ski £499 inc. Bindings

£399 Treat yourself to a pair of award-winning piste skis. Unbelievable edge Oneskee’s Mark III range is its most

grip, quick from turn to turn and super-smooth at speed, these really

technically advanced suit to date. At £399,

will allow you to keep up with the boys – piste performance here we

each suit comes with internal braces,

come! skibartlett.com

light Thermolite padding, SnowSense technology and an integrated headphone lining – providing extreme waterproofing

 Sinner Canmore Glove £30

and breathability for high protection and functionality in all weather conditions.

Ideal for lightweight coverage during

oneskee.com

the winter, this versatile polyester Sinner Canmore glove provides ample dexterity and a comfortable fit. Waterproof at a water column of 10,000mm, this glove easily keeps you dry during skiing or

 Falke Kids Technical

snowboarding. A rubber strip on the

Ski Socks £12

palm and thumb provides extra grip. sinner.eu/en

Why should kids have to compromise on comfort? Well, now they don’t! A scaleddown replica of the popular adults’ technical ski socks, padded on the shins, under the foot and on the ankle bones, prevents rubbing and blisters and keeps your kids comfortable all day long. skibartlett.com

 Forcefield Slam 1 Shorts £90 Designed specifically for snowboarders and skiers to protect the lower back, buttocks, coccyx and hips, and to provide comfort and flexibility. They combine the finest high-performing technical fibre and new ergonomic armour shapes. forcefieldbodyarmour.com

 Dakine Low Roller Snowboard Bag 165cm £89.95

686 GLCR Hydra Thermagraph™ Jacket  £250

This bag holds two boards (one with bindings mounted) or

An incredibly popular jacket, 686’s infiDRY® 20k

two pairs of skis up to 165cm. Keep your gear protected with

Fabric + DWR works its magic keeping you dry,

durable tarp liner and 360° padding, and a separate removable

while 686’s Thermagraph™ technology using 100gm

boot bag for organisation. sputniksnowboardshop.com

Hyperfresh™ Polyfill insulation provides the best balance between breathability and insulation.

The GLCR Hydra Thermagraph™ jacket is sure to keep you warm, dry and happy this winter season. theriderslounge.com

686 Black Magic Insulated Overall £200  The 686 Black Magic overall is not only super-stylish but also incredibly comfortable.

Waterproof and breathable with 686’s infiDRY® 10k Fabric + DWR, it will keep you feeling great on the mountain this year. With 40gm of Polyfill insulation in the seat and knees combined with critically taped seams it will keep you warm and dry where it counts most.

Available in both black and blue denim, you can choose the style that works best for you. theriderslounge.com

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057 // DEC17

 Forcefield Mons Vest

 Sinner Nordic Hat £15

 686 Smarty® 3-in-1 Form Jacket

£125 This chunky, hand-knitted Sinner

£220

The lightest and most comfortable way

Nordic hat is sure to keep your

to wear a CE level 2 back protector.

head warm as well as make you

The Form jacket features infiDRY® 20k

The highly flexible and breathable back

look great during the winter

Fabric + DWR, fully taped seams and

protector is housed in an ergonomically

months. Great fit and a soft

60gm Polyfill insulation, and it comes

designed vest made from a technical

fleece lining for comfortable

with a detachable 300gm butter-fleece

fabric, offering breathability and

wearing. Finished off with a big

internal jacket, which can be worn

comfort. forcefieldbodyarmour.com

pom at the top. sinner.eu/en

separately as a leisure piece. With the removable fleece liner, the 686 Smarty® Form 3-in-1 jacket gives you the best of both versatility and value. theriderslounge.com

 Burton Free Range Mitt £74.95 Gnar Guard Leather and DRYRIDE Membrane 2.0 waterproofing plus an ergonomic pre-curved fit deflects foul weather and offers superior flex and feel, while Screen Grab lets you text, post, or snap pics without exposing your hands to the cold. sputniksnowboardshop.com

 686 GLCR Quantum Thermagraph™ Pants £230 686’s infiDRY® 20k Fabric + DWR works

 PALA Sunglasses

its magic keeping you dry, while 686’s

£65

Thermagraph™ technology strategically using 60gm Hyperfresh™ Polyfill insulation provides

The gift that keeps on giving! Not only will these pale

the best balance between breathability

crystal blue wayfarers with mirror polarised lenses

and insulation. With fully taped seams, a

give a great touch of style on the slopes this winter,

jacket connectivity system and BOA® boot

you’ll also be giving a pair of spectacles to a person in

compatible gator system, it’s really got your

Africa. palasunglasses.com

ass covered! theriderslounge.com

 Dynastar Legend X 88 Skis £599 inc. Binding

 Forcefield Mons Jacket £170 The ultimate all-action shirt with a CE level 2 back protector and CE level 1 Isolator limb armour (elbows

 686 Smarty® 3-in-1 Aries Jacket £220

and shoulders). The removable armour is all housed in a highly breathable BeCool™ technical base-layer shell. forcefieldbodyarmour.com

Combining the best parts from previous seasons’ award-winning Cham and Legend series of skis into a whole new range catering for every type of terrain and skier. New lighter construction gives you a poppy feel and makes it easy to play in softer snow. Add in some Powerdrive and you get sports-car-like grip and stability. skibartlett.com

Ahead of the game when it comes to versatility, the 686 Smarty® 3-in-1 Jacket essentially gives you three jackets for the price of one. The outer jacket features infiDRY® 20k Fabric + DWR, fully taped seams and 60gm Polyfill insulation, and it comes with a detachable 300gm butterfleece internal jacket, which can be worn separately as a leisure piece. theriderslounge.com

058 // DEC17

@INTHESNOWMAG

Ski Weekends & Midweeks

DENMARK Although it's one of the five countries that make up what most people consider to be Scandinavia, unlike Norway, Sweden, Finland or Iceland most people don’t think “snow and mountains” when they think of Denmark.

However, there is real snow skiing too.

variety of terrain, with mogul fields and a half

One of the best is a little area called Hedeland

pipe as well as a separate beginners' slope.

Ski Centre (roskildeskiklub.dk) located

But, as mentioned earlier, currently the world

35km from capital Copenhagen. It is staffed

is waiting for the ski centre to be built on the

by volunteers and only runs when there is

new Amager Bakke waste-to-power incinerator

adequate snow cover, which obviously isn’t

plant. The plant is complete and generating

that often, so when it does fall, you need to

power, built with sloping sides ready for the

be ready. The ski slopes add up to 500m in

slopes. They were supposed to have opened

length, including a 100m-long black over a

this year, but the project is dragging into 2018.

And they’re right not to, as this most southerly

45m vertical, and there are a couple of drag

When complete, though, the 440m-long

of the five regions has a generally maritime

lifts serving it all.

slope with 80m vertical will be Denmark’s

climate and does not have any proper ski areas.

Hedeland is the largest of seven such mini

longest and divided into four adjacent slopes,

Yet somehow it manages to come top as the

Danish ski centres. However, the Søhøjlandet

beginning from the bottom with two green

European country with the happiest population,

Ski Centre in Denmark’s southern Jutland

runs (a 60m-long slope with an 18% pitch

so there must be some skiing, right?

region is another worth visiting. It has a base

and a 120m-long slope with a 20% pitch), a

Well, yes, Denmark does have ski slopes, and

of our own British-made Snowflex surface but

blue run (80m long with an 18–25% pitch)

2018 should see it opening one of the world’s

also has snow cover at some times of the year

and finally a 180m-long red-black steeper run

most iconic ski destinations – a year-round ski

and claims to be Scandinavia’s only year-round

pitching at 23–45%. Each slope will have its

area with artificial ski slopes running down the

winter-sports centre. It has one of Europe’s

own lift system (three magic carpets for the

side of a new power station.

largest and widest artificial slopes, including a

first three and one platter lift for the upper).

3 or 4 days - French Alps From £299pp Friendly & hassle-free ski trips from the short break specialist since 2001 Chalets & hotels (2* to 4*) in traditional ski resorts just an hour from Geneva

info@skiweekender.com 0845 557 5983

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@INTHESNOWMAG

skiweekender.com

ANYONE FOR CRICKET? (ON A SNOW-COVERED FROZEN LAKE?) St Moritz is famous for its topnotch sporting events on its frozen lake, particularly its annual White Turf horse racing as well as show jumping events.

‘St. Moritz Ice Cricket’ are bringing it to the

Helpfully, St Moritz has provided some

next level! For the first time in cricket history,

explanation as to how the game works:

renowned international cricketers … cricket

“Players – usually male – dressed in white stand

legends will compete on snow and bring a new

around for hours on an oval-shaped cricket

form of entertainment to the world of cricket.”

ground and try to out-manoeuvre their opponents

For the past three decades, the resort has also

So far, those cricketing world superstars have not

in what seems to be an almost passive manner.

staged cricket matches on the ice, but this winter,

been named, but the event does have a new title,

But appearances can be deceptive. The style of

30 years after the first tournament, the event’s

“St. Moritz Ice Cricket” (previously it was merely

game played at Cricket on Ice on the frozen Lake

organisers have decided to take it up a level and

“Cricket on Ice”), a TV channel ready to broadcast

St. Moritz demands a considerable amount of skill

invite more top-notch players.

the action for the first time and a scheduled date –

and agility from the players,” an online statement

In a statement, the organisers say, “We at

8–10 February 2018. Admission is free.

explains. cricket-on-ice.com

CHEAPER US SKI HOLIDAYS FROM THE UK NEXT SEASON

060 // DEC17

A British tour operator is claiming that,

flight DY7171 to Denver departing 9.50am

despite the current low value of the pound

arriving 12.40pm and DY7172 from Denver

against the US dollar, ski holiday prices

to London Gatwick departing 2.40pm

from the UK to the USA can be cheaper

arriving 6.40am the next day. Norwegian

next winter than last, because of the entry

will be operating Boeing 787-9 planes

of a low-cost transatlantic airline option.

featuring 35 premium economy seats, and

Tour operator Ski Safari is selling an iden-

309 economy seats.

tical 14-night package to Copper Mountain

The Ski Safari package is based on a

in Colorado for £150 less for next season

14-night holiday for two adults departing

compared to the price last season, for

20 January 2018 (compared with the

its customers who opt to fly on the new

identical package last season departing

Norwegian airlines service from Gatwick

21 January 2017) and costs £1,925pp next

to Denver.

winter compared to £2,075 last winter,

The new Gatwick-to-Denver service

staying in the central Copper Mountain

launches this autumn with two flights

Condos on a room-only basis with the

weekly (Tuesdays and Saturdays) with

package including transfers.

@INTHESNOWMAG

CHALET DUC DU SAVOIE ST MORITZ

CHALET AU GRE DU TEMPS LES GETS

Chalet Duc du Savoie is a beautifully traditional self-catered chalet with an ideal location in Les Gets. Just a few minutes’ walk from both the town centre and the piste, this alpine getaway sleeps up to 12 people, with five bedrooms and it's the perfect place to cosy up by the log fire and relax after a hard day's skiing.

Located just 30m from the piste, this lovely spacious chalet is in a prime position for you to enjoy the wonderful skiing Les Gets has to offer. Wind down at the end of the day in the sauna, or have a drink by the log fire and appreciate the beautiful furnishings of this fourbedroom chalet. Satellite TV and wi-fi are also included.

+44 (0) 207 183 5082 // SUE@CHALETS1066.COM CHALETS1066.COM

+44 (0) 207 183 5082 // SUE@CHALETS1066.COM CHALETS1066.COM

LES VIEUX CHALETS NO. 7 GRIMENTZ

CHALET PERLE LA PLAGNE 1800

Located just in front of a gondola giving you direct access to the slopes of the Grandvalira area, the Sport Hotel 4 is a lovely homely alpine hotel.

It’s 165 rooms are all decorated in a traditional mountain style and the hugely diverse buffet and daily cooking show in the evenings are sure to please all those hungry stomachs after a day on the slopes!

This luxury top-floor duplex chalet apartment sleeps eight people and is right near the centre of the charming 15th-Century village of Grimentz. With the main gondola only 200m away, it’s a great spot from which to explore this incredibly picturesque ski area. Relatively quiet slopes, 220km of runs and great off-piste make Grimentz a destination we highly recommend.

Just 100m away from the main piste, you can usually ski right back to the door at Chalet Perle, which is also only a short walk from La Plagne 1800 village. However, you may never want to leave this chalet thanks to the outdoor Scandinavian hot tub, sauna, large terrace and log fire.

Recently renovated and sleeping 14 people, it’s the perfect group getaway spot.

+376 870550 // BOOKING@SPORTHOTELS.AD SPORTHOTEL.SPORTHOTELSANDORRA.CO.UK

0151 625 1921 // INFO@MOUNTAINHEAVEN.CO.UK MOUNTAINHEAVEN.CO.UK

0151 625 1921 // INFO@MOUNTAINHEAVEN.CO.UK MOUNTAINHEAVEN.CO.UK

SPORT HOTEL 4 SOLDEU

MONTAGNETTES SOLEIL 1 VAL THORENS





HOTEL LE TAOS 4* TIGNES



SPORT HOTEL HERMITAGE & SPA 5 | SOLDEU



With a slope-side location in Val Thorens, the Montagnettes Soleil 1 residences provide prime access to the incredible Les 3 Vallées ski area, which is definitely a must-do on every skier’s bucket list. Sleeping six to ten people, the Soleil 1 apartments are light and cheerful, with a fireplace and great views of the surrounding mountains.

This unique hotel occupies a brilliant ski-in, ski-out location in the centre Tignes le Lac. With easy access to the slopes, it’s a great choice for beginners and families, who may not want to travel with their skis.

Hotel Le Taos is beautifully decorated in an alpine style, with modern suites, good food, and a relaxing swimming pool, spa and sauna.

A beautiful 5 hotel in Soldeu, right at the foot of the Grandvalira ski area and just metres from the main gondola. The Sport Hotel Hermitage’s 135 suites all boast satellite TV, Egyptian cotton sheets, wi-fi and a terrace or balcony. Guests also benefit from access to the Sport Wellness Mountain Spa, the perfect place to relax and unwind.

+33 (0)4 79 10 49 15 // INFOS@MONTAGNETTES.COM MONTAGNETTES.CO.UK

+33 (0)4 79 10 49 15 // INFOS@MONTAGNETTES.COM MONTAGNETTES.CO.UK

+376 870550 // BOOKING@SPORTHOTELS.AD HERMITAGEHOTEL.SPORTHOTELSANDORRA.CO.UK

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061 // DEC17

M

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MILLIE KNIGHT World Para Downhill Champ Millie Knight and her guide Brett Wild have spent the summer training in South America as she works her way back to full strength after crashing out of the season with a heavy concussion during the World Championships in Italy, having already secured downhill gold.

after Christmas – which will determine if we get selected for the games. My ambition for this year is simply for Brett and I to have smiles on our faces when we get to the bottom of the hill in Pyeongchang!

What was it like being a world champion while you were still at school?

Being a world champion is something no one can ever take away from me. Within skiing you can win a lot of titles and no one

Millie, who lost her sight at age six

outside the sport will ever know what those

and only has eight percent peripheral

titles mean. If I sit next to someone on the

vision in one eye, won 11 medals on the

bus and tell them I’m a world champion –

World Cup circuit last season, including

they’ll understand what that is even if they

seven golds, before she even took her

know nothing about skiing. That’s kind of

A-levels. She is now working hard to

cool! When I’m away from skiing I just have

achieve success in the Paralympics at

fun with my friends like a normal teenager,

Pyeongchang, South Korea, this winter

but I think they were pretty impressed.

… while beginning a psychology degree course at university.

You’re going to be reading psychology at Loughborough Uni – will you be training

How was training in Chile in the summer?

there too?

Our training camp in Chile was really

Yes! Luckily, Loughborough are the world’s

amazing! There were storms, meaning we

number one sports university, so hopefully

didn’t get to ski quite as much as we would

they’ll be pretty understanding! The World

have liked, but they were pretty incredible

Championships will come around again

– with more than four feet of new snow

during term time, which I’d like to compete

overnight! Because the camp was over

at. My overall aim after Pyeongchang is

several weeks it didn’t affect us too

Beijing 2022. A lot of the logistics I’ll work

much, and we still skied 11 out of 18 days,

out once I get to uni, but I’ll find a way. I’m

spending time training in the gym when we

a certified gym instructor, so training others

weren’t on skis.

will be a nice way to earn some money when I’m not at the gym training myself!

How are you getting on with overcoming your concussion?

In your spare time you’re a photographer?

I do still suffer from a little bit of dizziness

I’ve always loved art and always have a

but I have a lot of people helping me, from

camera on me, so naturally moved into

neurosurgeons, physios, psychologists,

photography. I love taking photos of

doctors, my guide, my mum, and the whole

anything and everything, but when I look

of the Scottish Institute for Sport have

back at my pictures, landscape is what I

been really amazing. It has been a little

take the most photos of. I also find people

frustrating as I could see my competitors

fascinating and movement is important to

in full training, but all it really required was

me, so I like capturing that within a photo

rest, and I’m not very good at that!

and using movement to help tell the story of the image. It’s a big passion outside of

062 // DEC17

What are your ambitions for 2017/18?

skiing and I’ve had some success in selling

Competitive races start in December and

my work. You can follow my photography

we have a couple of World Cup races just

account on Instagram @mgkphotos_!

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