InTheSnow Issue 37 - March 2014

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ISSUE 37 | MARCH 2014

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DEBBIE GABRIEL

MARCH 2014 | INTHESNOW.COM

nd so the end of the season is nigh! Or is it? After the huge snowfalls over the past few months, I’m already wondering if we’ll see resorts opening later into spring, and maybe even in the summer – just as Alpe d’Huez in France, Baqueira-Beret in Spain, Cortina d’Ampezzo in Italy, and many others did in 2013.

Well, whether or not that happens this historic Olympic season, this season still has a lot to give.

Before I begin the rundown, first off a big thank you to Jenny Jones, who won our first ever snow sports medal () … or at least, we hope we will be able to keep her medal (lest we forget Alain Baxter’s unfairly confiscated slalom bronze from the 2002 Salt Lake Games – a reminder of the full story is reported in this issue).

Now back to the season offerings! We’ve got the big comedy and music festivals including Altitude (see 10 Mins With Andrew Maxwell on our inside back page), The Brits, and Snowbombing still to come. And the longstanding dream of Ischgl’s Tourist Office Director is set to come true, as Robbie Williams prepares to swing both ways high above the Tirolean resort, with its famously long ski season that continues weeks after most other areas will have finished their 2013–14 runs.

So, although there’s still 4–8 weeks of the season left for most ski areas, and Easter bargains are starting to appear, if you can’t get away this season to enjoy some spring snow, as we mention in our cover story, sales are already full-speed ahead for NEXT winter, which is set to be another historic one – as we mark 150 years since the first ever recorded winter sports holiday, in St Moritz, Switzerland.

As has been recalled many times, a few plucky Brits decided to accept a challenge from a local hotelier to try spending a winter in the Alps. He bet them a free stay that they’d find it warmer and sunnier than the grimy, freezing smog of London. He was, as we all know, spot on, and he kicked off a chain of events that led to the global ski industry we have today.

In fact, along with our ski holidays, we really have St Moritz innkeeper Johannes Badrutt to thank for the fact that this magazine exists.

Thank you Johannes.

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Book Now For 2015!

PATRICK THORNE

perfect storm of postOlympic fever, excitement over the current huge snow bases on the ski slopes, and some tight dates in the 2015 calendar that mean key weeks for next winter are already busy, and likely to be booked up very early, has led to some tour operators advising people to book now if they want to secure their preferred holiday accommodation and dates for 2015.

“Our well-informed clients have already booked for February half-term 2015, always one of the busiest weeks of the season in France, or are doing so now!” says Xavier Schouller of Peak Retreats.

“The main reason for this is that next year the week of 14–21 February 2015 will be even more sought after than was the case over the past couple of years. Not only will it be the only UK half-term week, but it will also be a week when two-thirds of France, including the Paris area, are on holiday too – along with the Belgians, Danish and Dutch.”

Many tour operators are already selling next year’s holidays online, and some even have special offers for (very) early bookers.

The UK’s biggest operator, Crystal Ski, has been selling 2015 holidays since the end of 2013, and its first issue of earlybooking deals are already nearing their end (31 March) – although a new batch will, no doubt, be launched soon after.

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Publisher

DOMINIC KILLINGER dom@inthesnow.com Production Director

MATT NICHOLSON matt@inthesnow.com

Those deals include 2-for-1 ski/board that this will be a growing sector in the hire, saving up to £179 (or on ski carriage, market for 2014–15.” saving up to £35).

If you can avoid half-term week, the Although the company has yet to good news is that although no doubt announce all that will be new for 2014–15 busy, some of the other key dates for the (that cones in the spring), it is selling ski season that are sometimes a problem holidays to new chalets in Austria and won’t be for 2014–15. Christmas 2014 and France that are not available to book this season.

“2015 is seeing record early bookings, often by people who left it too late this year, who won’t risk being caught out twice. The keenest are securing their ideal holiday, rather than merely what’s left,” said Richard Sinclair of award-winning specialist travel agency SNO. co.uk. “Overall there seems to Crystal Ski: crystalski.co.uk be an increase in early booking Erna Low: ernalow.co.uk / skiapartments.co.uk for half-term. Some think the Peak Retreats: peakretreats.co.uk recession really is over, but SNO.co.uk: sno.co.uk it’s likely also a result of the high-profile fines for parents in England taking children out of school for holidays.”

“We are already seeing lots of people asking to book for next New Year’s Day 2015 are on Thursdays, not season,” agrees Jane Bolton, MD of Erna change-over Saturdays, for example, and Low, “Our new website allows people to Easter shouldn’t be too bad. book accommodation and independent “Fortunately we will have less pressure travel in one place, and we have seen big with Easter next year as the main UK demand from people wishing to book fortnight from 28 March 2015 will be Easyjet flights and so on, so our job now before French holidays, and only clash is to contract more hotels who are happy with the Belgians over the second week,” to do weekends for short breaks, as we feel says Schouller.

Winter 2014–15

Editor

Sub Editor

Equipment Editor

Design By

PATRICK THORNE

MICHELLE SADLER

SALLY BARTLETT

ROCKET BASE

Reporters / Contributors

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SAM THORNE OLIVIA PARRY-JONES SALLY BROOKES DAVID BLACK

JON WEST

patrick@inthesnow.com Contributing Writer

BEN CLATWORTHY ben@inthesnow.com Operations Director

DEBBIE GABRIEL debbie@inthesnow.com

Picture Editor

ROSS WOODHALL

THE SNOW STUDIO / KINGS LANE / BUCKINGHAMSHIRE / HP16 0QY

Seasonaire Columnist

LORNA MCGACHIE

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INTHESNOW.COM | MARCH 2014

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CHEMMY "LOOSE AS A GOOSE" ON OLYMPIC RUN WHISTLER BLACKCOMB Whistler Blackcomb is set to replace the Whistler Village Gondola cabins for the 2014–15 season. The new gondola cabins will accommodate eight people, with the replacements costing $6m. The gondola will operate this summer with the exisiting cabins, before closing for a 4-week period during September and October to install the new cabins. The lift terminals for the Whistler Village Gondola at the base, at the “mid” Olympic Station, and at the top Roundhouse Lodge, will also see improvements. “The original cabins have been loading our guests onto Whistler Mountain since 1988,” says Dave Brownlie, the President of Whistler Blackcomb. Uplift capacity will be increased by 12%.

PATRICK THORNE

ritain’s only downhill ski racer, self-funded Chemmy Alcott, finished 19th in the women’s downhill at Sochi last month, and declared herself, “swelling with pride” and “on a buzz,” after finishing the race in the top 20.

Alcott was competing at her fourth Olympics, following a long fitness battle after two broken legs in the last 4 years, and having to raise all the money required to train and compete herself, after funding

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for Alpine ski racers was withdrawn.

"After what I’ve been through, it's amazing justice. When I made the commitment to come here it was about personal goals. I never put any statistics on it, if I had then top 20 would have been massively over superseding what I expected. I've done this against all odds and I'm very proud,” said Alcott, adding, "I know it sounds crazy to some people, especially when we have such a strong team here in Sochi, but 19th is a ‘gold’ for me. Anyone who has followed what I've been through

will understand that."

At the race itself, which was jointly won by Swiss racer Dominique Gisin and Slovenian downhiller Tina Maze with identical times (the first time it had happened since it occurred in the men’s race at Nagano 16 years ago), Alcott said, “It was messy skiing, and I didn't ski as technically well as I wanted, and I wasn't on line. I normally ski quite controlled, but I was loose as a goose down there."

MT HUTT A new triple chair is being installed at Mt Hutt, New Zealand, to replace the previous one that damaged last winter by an avalanche. Mt Hutt Ski Area Manager James McKenzie commented: “We’re now waiting for our terminal structure to arrive, which is currently being built in Doppelmayr’s Swiss and Austrian factories.” Work is due to be completed by the end of May, ahead of the 2014 season.

The 2014 season will also see the arrival of a new terrain park at the resort.

BEAVER CREAK Beaver Creek in Colorado, USA, is replacing its main express quad from the base area, with a new high-speed chondola (a combination of a chairlift and gondola). The new lift will increase uphill capacity by as much as 35% through the use of alternating ten-passenger gondola cabins, and sixperson chairs. Beaver Creek will host the 2015 World Alpine Ski Championships next season, and the new lift will be open in time for the competition. The resort has also announced plans to replace the Centennial Express quad (Chair 6), which dates from the mid-1980s, with a new six-pack chair.

Stamps Issued In Memory Of Skier Sarah Burke

25 Years Of ”Ski Friends” ake Louise in Canada is celebrating 75 years of running its ”Ski Friends” service, which allows local people to host visitors to the slopes, and show them the best runs for their ability, as well as sharing other local knowledge, all free-of-charge.

Originally utilising the wives of the volunteer ski patrol, with just eight members in the team, the programme established guidelines for tours on the higher slopes and the backside of the area for both weekends and midweek.

There are now over 130 Ski Friends, all of whom give their services for free, providing unique quality tours aimed at intermediate skiers/riders, or the more advanced looking for a challenging adventure.

Ski Friends also come from a variety of backgrounds, and so can offer information on history, flora, fauna, parks policy, business, geography, as well as interesting things to see and do. skilouise.com

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Canada Post has issued a set of stamps celebrating the life of freestyle skier Sarah Burke, whose ashes were scattered on the half pipe at the Sochi Olympics.

Burke (1982–2012) was a groundbreaking freestyle skier, who won four gold medals at the Winter X Games, was named female skier of the year by ESPN, and voted best female action sports athlete at the ESPY awards. She was also the first female skier to land a 1080° spin (three full rotations) in competition.

The discipline of freestyle skiing that Burke helped put on the map – half pipe –made its Olympic debut in Sochi, and it was in part due to Burke’s lobbying on behalf of the sport that helped get half pipe skiing to the ultimate event.

Burke’s life was tragically cut short in January 2012 when she succumbed to injuries suffered while training in Utah.

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The World’s Highest Zip Wire Opens In Val Thorens PATRICK THORNE

he world’s highest zip wire is now officially open above Val Thorens in France.

At 1300m-long, and starting at more than 3200m above sea level, you ride through the air reaching speeds from 65 to 105km/h! The 105-secondlong ride costs €50 (£41), taking you up to 250m above the ground, with the journey designed to mimic that of a flying eagle connecting the Maurienne-Tarentaise regions.

The zip wire runs from the top of the Bouchet chairlift in Orelle, to the summit of Val Thorens, still 3000m up at the top of the Thorens Funitel. It is

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heavenly skiing, at down to earth prices

reserved for skiers and boarders only, who must be aged 8 years or over, and be wearing a helmet.

“The moment I launched myself into the void, my heart was beating like crazy. Then, it was an absolute joy, pure ecstasy in which I saw the mountains like never before,” said 34-year-old Thibault, one of the first to try it, “You glide above the landscape with a sense of complete freedom in nature and feel as if you’re not disturbing a thing.”

Ski Collection (skicollection.co.uk) has a range of special Easter deals for those wanting to give it a try, including 7 nights’ self-catering at the brand new Koh-i Nor residence, from £486pp, including return Eurotunnel crossing with free priority boarding upgrade.

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Boarding Goes Back To The Future he laidback Vans HiStandard Series, which debuted in Europe last winter, is back this spring at two resorts: Austria’s Mayrhofen on 22 March, and Scotland's CairnGorm Mountain on 5 April.

With a unique competition format, dedicated to bringing back and honouring individual style, creativity, and self-expression, the Vans Hi Standard is different to modern boarding contests that stretch the technical limits.

Here the onus is on fun, and rotations

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over 720° are not permitted!

“More than 200 participants got together and chucked themselves off the kickers last year, proving that true snowboarding is all about having fun and celebrating the grassroots of snowboarding,” said a statement from Vans.

The judging criteria remain the same in 2014, so the more style and trick variety competitors have, the more cash they go home with. There are categories for all, from kids to veterans events, as well as a rail jam, and a post-contest BBQ. facebook.com/VansEurope/events

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Ski Property Owners Exchange A service called Snow Swappers (snowswappers.com) has been created, which operates as a home exchange club specifically for property owners in ski resorts.

The Snow Swappers service allows property owners in ski resorts to stay in locations all over the world free of charge, and share insider information with a property swap partner. It is currently free to become a Snow Swappers member, and there’s a variety of beautiful homes to choose from in a myriad of locations, such as Russia, Japan, Canada, Chile, and New Zealand.

INTHESNOW.COM | MARCH 2014

Free Avalanche Search Course PATRICK THORNE

ales of off-piste safety equipment are reported to be booming, but the knowledge and skills to use the gear do not always match the quality of the avalanche pack.

In an effort to remedy this, Hemsedal ski resort in Norway (skistar.com/hemsedal) has opened a free training arena for the use of

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avalanche search equipment.

Since the start of the year, snow has fallen steadily in Hemsedal, and is now 1.7m deep, tempting people to explore the virgin powder snow away from the groomed pistes in the ski area.

“Sales of skis for off-piste, and transceivers and airbags, surge every time we have fine powder conditions,” said Steffen Gulbrandsen at SkiStar Sportshop Hemsedal. “Sales of skis have grown

by about 40% compared to last year, and powder skis represent the majority of this increase.”

“If you opt to ski the steep backcountry slopes away from the groomed and marked pistes, it is important to have practised using the transceiver, shovel, and probe,” adds Per Ola Seim, of the Hemsedal Ski Patrol.

“The only way to learn how the transceiver works is through practical training with free testing

on the new search course by the base of Hemsedal’s Hollvin Express lift.”

Resort operator SkiStar, which runs Hemsedal, recommends that off-piste skiing is enjoyed with an experienced guide who knows the best areas, while making sure that you have a safe and enjoyable offpiste experience. The guides loan transceivers, shovels, and probes, and before setting off everyone is instructed in their correct use.

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MARCH 2014 | INTHESNOW.COM

Al Murray Joins Altitude 2014 Line-Up l Murray will be heading Altitude Comedy Festival in Mayrhofen, “mainland Europe’s biggest comedy festival”, which takes place from 31 March–4 April ().

Famed for his mock-xenophobic Pub Landlord character, Al Murray’s lightening repartee, and self-deprecating irony, has marked him out as one of the biggest comedians of the past decade and a master of his art.

"I can't wait to taste this Austrian lager I've heard so little about. Bring on Altitude 2014," commented Perrier award-winning Murray. He joins a bill that includes: John Bishop, Tommy Tiernan, Nina Conti, Terry Alderton, Marcus Brigstocke, Altitude curator Andrew Maxwell, and one of Scotland’s most successful comedians the inimitable Fred MacAulay. A full week festival wristband for Altitude is £180.

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Hot Ice In Val d’Isère Val d’Isère is staging a festival called Hot Ice over the final 3 weeks of the 2013–14 season, from 12 April–4 May. The event will include a film festival, parties on the mountain, ski tests of 2014–15 equipment, and street parties in the town itself. All of Val d’Isère’s best-known businesses will be involved, including La Folie Douce and Dick’s Tea Bar. Package deals from VIP SKI (vipchalets.com) start from £689pp based on two sharing at the Chalet Madrisah, departing 20 April, this includes 7 nights chalet board accommodation, return flights and transfers.

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The 17th edition of the Dolomiti Ski Jazz festival (dolomitiskijazz. com) takes place from 8–15 March in Val di Fiemme, Trentino.

You need your skis because many of the festival shows will be held on the slopes, featuring international bands as part of six live and free-of-charge concerts, presenting jazz, blues and also rock music. Among the artists are Quintorigo, vocalist Patrizia Laquidara, the virtuoso clarinet player Gabriele Mirabassi, the Logan Richardson Quartet, and the very young, talented saxophonist Mattia Cigalini, with his quartet.

Kids Free In Livigno Livigno’s ”children ski for free” offer runs from 22 March–5 April, and encompasses accommodation and ski pass, as well as providing ski lesson savings. The offer, available on direct week-long bookings through the tourist office (livigno. eu), is available to children aged 12 years and under. The first child can stay in their parents’ room for free, and claim a free lift pass, ski school, and airport transfers when their parents book the same extras.

The second child sharing a room saves 50%.

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World Snow Depths Build PATRICK THORNE

inter 2013–14 looks like it is set to be another snowfall epic at many of the world’s leading ski areas.

As we went to press Passo Tonale in Italy reported the world’s deepest snow base at 5.1m, but heavy snow in northwestern North America has seen Mt Baker in Washington State catch up lost ground and pass the 4m base mark – the resort repeatedly claims the biggest snowfall in the world, each season with, on average >15m of the

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stuff. Another US resort, Jackson Hole in Wyoming, is also reporting a particularly snowy season, with snow almost every day through February.

Over in Japan, where resorts like Niseko are also famous for their abundant powder snow, the bases are up to 4m, but closer to home in Scotland the remarkable snowfall has been the closest our slopes have got to the world leaders for snow depths this season – despite there having been almost no snow elsewhere in the UK, even down in the valleys beneath the ski areas, up until March.

Check Your Travel Policy! omparison website Gocompare.com reviewed 454 single trip travel insurance policies, and unsurprisingly found big differences in the protection provided in winter sports cover, with many differentiations on what insurers will pay out for.

For example, the study found 380 policies provided some degree of cover for your own equipment, but that ranged from £100 to £5200 per insured person, or £642.89 on average. Slightly fewer policies covered loss or damage of rental equipment. For lost lift passes the number dropped to 339 policies that will fund a replacement, and the value of that varied from £50 to a perhaps overly generous £3000 per insured person (£378.53 on average).

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“Shop around carefully to ensure that you're getting the cover you need at the right price,” advises Caroline Lloyd, Gocompare.com’s travel insurance spokesperson. “Bear in mind, however, that it's never a good idea to simply buy the cheapest policy without looking at the cover provided.”

Carnival Time In Baqueira-Beret here was a new twist on the annual carnival at Spain’s Baqueira-Beret resort earlier this month.

All-comers were invited to don fancy dress, and join in the Ski-Photo-Rally.

To join in participants needed to be a good skier, wear a good costume, own a camera, and pick up a route map from

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customer services in Baqueira 1500.

All contenders who managed to visit eight locations on the route map, and bring back photographic evidence that they had done so won a free day pass.

Guests could also enter a contest for the best picture, which will be judged via the resort’s Facebook page for a special prize.

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PLAN AHEAD Some people renting cars wrongly assume that if they do so at a location close to ski resorts, or where using winter tyres or carrying chains is a legal requirement for winter driving, the rental company will automatically ensure there are winter tyres fitted on their cars, or chains in the boot.

Do so at your peril! In fact, winter tyres or snow chains are usually not included as standard, and rolling up to the rental desk and, moreover, expecting to be able to obtain them

there and then may be too late, especially at peak times (Christmas, New Year, local and international school holidays) when availability may be zero.

This is also true if you want to rent a 4X4 – deciding you want one when you arrive and find the snow falling is likely to be too late.

So it’s important to research and plan ahead. Firstly, research the legal requirements regarding chains and winter tyres in the country or countries you’re visiting (note these will vary from country to country, and, sometimes, even between provinces or regions within a country), and secondly, the route you will be taking and whether chains or winter tyres are commonly required on it, and likely to be needed for safe driving whether or not it’s a legal requirement to have them.

In Austria, for example, it’s a legal requirement to have winter tyres (usually identifiable by a snowflake symbol, sometimes a snow-topped

mountain symbol on the tyre wall) on fitted to your car between November and April, and carrying snow chains is also required, as well as in many of the mountainous regions of France.

Once you know what you need, it’s important to ensure these are reserved with your rental well in advance, and are ready when you arrive.

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Gareth Robinson, the Managing Director of Carrentals.co.uk, has released a checklist he says everyone should keep in mind when renting a car for a trip to a ski resort, which is likely to involve over-snow and other forms of winter driving.

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OFF-PISTE SKI ADVENTURES

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Tailored SKI HOLIDAYS

n addition to its existing ski instructor training, The Winter Sports Company (wintersportscompany.com) has launched new ski patrol courses, which give participants the chance to train to become a member of a mountain emergency response team.

The Panorama Resort team will train and certify you to level 2 ski/ snowboard instructor standard, and prepare you for qualification as a professional ski patroller.

The 7–15-week courses, which take place in Panorama Resort, British Columbia, Canada, are open to both

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skiers and snowboarders, and courses can also include instructor certification if required. Courses have start dates in December 2014 and January 2015, and prices start from £5500.

Course modules include training in emergency response, aerial lift evacuation, rope rescue, avalanche awareness, helicopter orientation, air evacuation, risk management, incident investigation, GPS and compass orientation, as well as ski patrol skills such as toboggan pulling.

“If you have ever dreamed of being part of an emergency service, and have a passion for the mountains and skiing or snowboarding, this is the course to combine your skills,” said a company statement.

Wozniacki Tries The Snow Bullet ormer world number 1 tennis player Caroline Wozniacki got cosy with Ski Dubai’s penguins recently.

In town to take part in the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships, she arrived at Ski Dubai to film a promotional video for Dubai Duty Free’s Full of Surprises Travel Show.

Wozniacki was first photographed below a giant sculpture of an ice dragon, which seemed to be frozen mid-attack, then went on to the penguin meet-and-greet.

Next up Wozniacki, who did not try skiing or boarding, was put into a harness to experience Ski Dubai’s newest attractions — the Snow Bullet, the world’s

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TO FRANCE

• 4 - S TA R A PA R T M E N T S W I T H S PA • D O O R S T E P S K I I N G • FA M I LY F R I E N D LY R E S O R T S • S E L F - CAT E R I N G S P E C I A L I S T

first indoor sub-zero zip line.

Wozniacki flew down the 150m-long line wearing a head cam to record her experience, commenting afterwards, “That was fun. I was a little nervous when I was at the top. It was a little scary, but it was fun – I enjoyed it.”

Club Med Resort To Be ”Crowd-Sourced” ollowing the successful launch of their new resorts in Valmorel and Pragelato over the past two winters, Club Med has announced a new ski in/out village will open in Val Thorens for 2014– 15, and will have the group’s 4T rating.

In a new twist, the French company says it will be the world’s first crowdsourced resort, with a new Facebook app launched in 13 countries allowing a community decision to be made on aspects such as the ski resort’s interiors,

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Club Med fans are able to vote through the app until 1 May, and each vote made by participants will be entered into a draw, to win an all-inclusive holiday for two at the new resort.

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Y R DIA RE OF A

I A N O S A SE IE CGACH M A N

BY LOR

o as you may or may not recall, one of the closing lines of my last blog stated that neither me nor my housemates had any ”significant injuries to report on” at the time of writing. Well, that turned out to be a pretty stupid thing to say. I make no exaggeration here whatsoever, but literally the very next

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day I suffered my first ever ski injury and busted my knee. And I can confirm that whilst the story will one day be quite impressive, being injured during a ski season is no fun at all.

Tignes has a really good boardercross run near to the Grattalu lift (home of the freestyle parks). Access is via a pretty long drag lift, and at certain points the way up gets quite steep. Most of the time the slope is actually really quiet, and you don’t see many people on it at all. Despite this, quite often you’ll hear me complaining about the traffic on the slopes. The amount of times I get cut up by riders trying to fit into the smallest gaps is ridiculous, and I’ve witnessed more than a few crashes that have been caused by people misjudging the space they have. But on injury day, an empty slope presented itself, which was far from ideal. Typical, eh?

I decided to skip the boardercross and just have a play around session on my skis. The top of the run down is wide and steep, but quite quickly runs into a flat. I was feeling pretty confident, and thanks to my newly-downloaded Alpine Replay app I wanted to record a fast maximum speed

score. I sat back on my skis, but could immediately feel that I was about to lose control. I prepared myself to fall, after all, I stack constantly so wasn’t too bothered about wiping out. But my left ski didn’t pop off as it should have, and instead stuck into the ground whilst the rest of my body twisted to face uphill. The pain was immediate, and unlike anything I’d ever felt before. I remember lying on the ground for a good 10 minutes panicking, whilst trying to ignore the burning in my knee. As mentioned before, no one was around so the only way down was to ski.

To date I still have no idea how I managed to put any weight on my leg, but once I reached my apartment my knee had swelled to an abnormal size, and I could barely walk. I naively thought a couple of days rest would see me swiftly back onto the slopes, but a doctor’s trip was necessary, and the blood had to be drained out of my knee to ease the pressure. That wasn’t pleasant! Apparently I’d suffered an osteochondral fracture.

And the injuries don’t end there. Not long after my accident, Marcus my housemate, managed to carve a huge gash in his knee, thanks to a nasty off-piste crash. I have never seen so much blood in my life – his salopettes were drenched, and his sock was dyed completely red. He needed stiches, unfortunately, and just as I was preparing

to head back out onto the slopes he was forced to rest for a good 10 days.

Thankfully, both of us are back on the skis for now. But I can’t help feeling that thanks to this blog I somehow have a hand to play in both of our injuries.

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16

Tremblant Is 75 One of the world’s longest established, and most popular ski areas, Mont Tremblant in Quebec, Canada, has just celebrated its 75th anniversary.

Locals were encouraged to dress in historic ski costume, and had the pleasure of skiing for free on the birthday itself. The full day of celebrations culminated with children from local schools creating a time capsule to be opened on the ski area’s 100th birthday in 2039. An immense birthday cake was also served to the crowd.

INTHESNOW.COM | MARCH 2014

Sochi’s Olympic Legacy In GB PATRICK THORNE

he success of Team GB, particularly in the newly ”Olympic” sports of ski and board slopestyle, has led to increasing interest in Britain’s dry slope and indoor snow scene.

Almost all of Britain’s top snow sports athletes, including medal winner Jenny Jones, learned to ski or board on dry slopes, and progressed their skills on indoor snow slopes, earning them the

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nickname ”fridge kids”.

Snowsport England (SSE) reports that outdoor ski and snowboard slopes, and indoor snow centres, have never been busier, with people eager to give snow sports a go.

On the first weekend of the Games, Swadlincote Ski and Snowboard Centre ran out of snowboards due to demand, and the Chill Factore in Manchester was at maximum capacity all day. Snozone Castleford had 240 people taking “try” ski and snowboard taster sessions in 1 day, and learn to snowboard lessons at

Mendip Snowsports Centre have been filled up until mid-March.

For those new to snow sports, and inspired by the Olympics, Go Ski Go Board (goskigoboard. org.uk), SSE’s snow sports participation campaign, which runs at 35 dry slopes and snow centres in England, gives people of all ages the chance to try skiing or snowboarding at a fixed price.

Centres in Scotland and Wales also have promotional specials on offer.

The scheme, part of a £1.1m funding initiative, aimed at

increasing the number of people engaged in snow sports over the next 4 years, offer total beginners, and those wanting to get back into skiing or snowboarding, valuefor-money, all-inclusive sessions, which include instruction, slope time, equipment, and at some slopes, snow sports clothing.

“There is a huge buzz around snow sports at the moment, and there has never been a better time to get people skiing and snowboarding,” said Tim Fawke, Chief Executive of SSE.

17

MARCH 2014 | INTHESNOW.COM

British Boarder Sets Powered Horizontal Speed Records PATRICK THORNE

amie Barrow (jamiebarrow.com), Britain’s fastest snowboarder, has claimed two more snowboard speed world records in 1 day – for the fastest speed on a snowboard while being propelled by electric jet engines, and the fastest speed for a snowboard towed by a vehicle.

Set on the picturesque frozen Lake

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St Moritz, Barrow hit an impressive 80.63km/h, propelled by handheld electric jet engines. Following this, he then set the speed record for being towed by a car, reaching 111.80km/h.

The jet engine record attempt was carefully planned for months, after Barrow, a former British snowboard cross junior champion who had his racing career curtailed by injury, was contacted by Adam Contoret from DreamScience, the inventor of the jet engines.

While waiting for the electric jet engine batteries to recharge, Christiano Luminati, Head of Pisting in St Moritz, tied a rope to the back of a Mitsibushi Evo car, and Barrow reached his top speed by hanging on behind it.

Jamie’s efforts were supported

by Delazify, which manufacturers a snow sports wristop. “When Jamie first floated the idea of him being strapped to a jet engine to go snowboarding I had to be involved.

Ski With Emily Sarsfield Ski Weekends (skiweekends.com) is offering the chance to ski with Emily Sarsfield, the UK number 1 female ski cross athlete, who is ranked in the world top 35, and was controversially refused a place in the British Olympic squad.

The ski masterclass holiday provides skiers with the chance to take their skiing to the next level, with coaching from Sarsfield.

Prices from £710pp based on two sharing, which includes 3 nights chalet board, return flights and transfers, departing 31 March.

As Britain’s fastest snowboarder he was the perfect person for the challenge, and it was the most extreme test for our new Yeti GPS Snowsports Wristop,” said Arron Duddin, Co-Founder of Delazify.

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018 // MAR14

With its great snowfall reputation, thanks to its

The four are Sixt Fer à Cheval, Les Carroz, Moril-

opening of a modern gondola lift, which lifts

slopes, while those more experienced can

proximity to Mont Blanc, and its quick access

lon, and most attractive of all, Samoëns.

guests right from the village up into the heart

head off into the vast Grand Massif.

from Geneva, the Grand Massif region is one of

Nestled at the heart of a great glacial valley, sur-

of the Grand Massif, making the skiing (previ-

Famous runs you must ski (or board) include

the most popular for Brits looking for an easy to

rounded by seven dramatic peaks, Samoëns has

ously a bus journey away) much easier to

the Piste des Cascades, which is accessed via

reach, snow-sure destination.

for centuries been the focus of important histori-

access. The Grand Massif Express lifts skiers

the Grandes Platières cable car from above

But the majority of us head up to the purpose-built

cal events. Older and larger than neighbouring

up to a key plateau on the circuit, 1600m up,

Flaine. This amazing 14km-long, blue rated,

resort of Flaine, in the heart of a vast snowbowl

Morillon, Samoëns retains the friendly charm of

in just 8 minutes.

wonderful scenic run is one of the world’s lon-

that crowns the Grand Massif, the fifth largest ski

an ancient market town, still strongly influenced

A perfect choice for beginners, Samoëns’

gest. Expert skiers looking for tough skiing take

area in France, and one of the world's 30 biggest.

by its farming and masonry traditions. There's a

dedicated and extremely large learners’ area,

the same lifts, but head for the Combe de Gers

Flaine has a lot going for it, particularly slope-

generally peaceful, timeless feel to the resort,

with seven lifts all to itself, is perfect for first-

sector, and a black slope called "Styx", which is

side convenience, but unless you’re a lover

although lively nightspots can be found.

timer/beginner skiers, or for those visiting with

never groomed, and rejoins the long Cascades

of stark 1960s concrete architecture of the

But, despite its long history, Samoëns continues

younger children. Lou Caboëns restaurant at

run at its end. Closer to home, the Croix area at

Bauhaus school, then pretty it ain’t.

to improve what it offers its guests, this season

the top of the Grand Massif Express lift is an

Samoëns 1600 has the black slopes, Marmotte

Many people staying in Flaine don’t realise though

adding a pedestrian area in the centre of the

added plus, offering amazing food at good

and Chamois, both really enjoyable runs, with

that there are alternatives. Just over the edges

village, which has created a relaxed walking

prices, it’s a must-visit if only for its tartiflette.

jumps and ramps at the end of the slopes.

of that powder bowl lie four traditional French

area for window shopping, and for partaking in

If you have some more experienced skiers in

Off the slopes Samoëns is not known for a lively

villages, oozing with that French ambience and

a hot drink after skiing.

your party, Samoëns is also a great choice for

après-ski scene – this is the resort to choose if

tradition that we love almost as much as lots of

In recent years the resort has taken a dramatic

mixed-groups, with first-time skiers or board-

you prefer locally sourced and cooked meals in

snow, and with a quick transfer.

step forward in terms of its skiing too, with the

ers able to progress on those superb nursery

cosy traditional restaurants, or to share a bottle of

WORDS: DEBBIE GABRIEL | IMAGE: CHRISTIAN MARTELET

wine in an intimate bar.

That’s not to say lively options are not there if

INFO

STATS

a village institution.

InTheSnow stayed with Peak Retreats (peakretreats.

Runs:

265km/137 runs.

There are a wide range of accommodation

co.uk) at the award-winning hotel and restaurant Neige

Vertical:

1760m

options in the village, with chalets, apartments,

et Roc in Samoëns. Seven nights from £753pp, for a

Lifts:

77

and hotels. In the latter category, the Neige et

double room on half-board basis, including Eurotunnel.

Capacity:

82,000 skiers per hour

Roc is a superb family-run hotel, with incredibly

Peak Retreats also offers 7 nights’ self-catering in the

Longest Run:

14km

friendly, but efficient, staff offering service that

Bois de Champelle chalets in Morillon, from £128pp

cannot be faulted.

including return Eurotunnel. Fast and convenient

6-Day Grand Massif Pass:

€225 (£186)

Located within a quick walk from the town centre,

ski hire is available in the centre of Samoëns with

this charming hotel boasts great cosy rooms, and

Skimium. Skimium is an international network based in

Websites:

samoens.com

along with its relaxed, traditional feel, there’s a

over 250 ski resorts throughout France, Andorra, and

swimming pool with hot tub facilities to help tired

Italy. Book online and receive up to 50% off ski hire

skiing legs. Guests taking the half-board option

packages (samoens.skimium.co.uk).

you are need them. Le Covey's, which has Irish owners and a wide range of beers, has gained a reputation for a good craic, and has become

grand-massif.com

get very good value, with an excellent four course set menu meal in the evening.

019 // MAR14

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021

MARCH 2014 | INTHESNOW.COM

COTINA D'AMPEZZO AND STEFANO ZARDINI

THE UK PARTN E FOR UC R PA

DISCOVER ACTION OUTDOORS SPECIALIST GUIDED COURSES THIS SPRING! SKI TOURING – ARGENTIÈRE

Prices from

Ski Touring for all levels from absolute beginners to one of the most beautiful ski tours in the world, the famous Haute Route.

CHAMONIX EVASION

WORK OUT YOUR SKIING "WELL-BEING" DAVID BLACK

ollowing recent scientific research by the University of Salzburg, which highlighted the potential health benefits of skiing on our body and mind, Italy’s Dolomiti Superski has created a “Performance Check” feature. This allows users to see the number of lifts used, the distance in kilometres they’ve skied, as well as the total metres of downhill they’ve skied on a daily basis, to work out how much good it has done them!

The Salzburg University study found that skiing regularly positively affects the cardiovascular and muscular systems, and the psychological profile of participants.

Dolomiti Superski’s new feature shows five possible wellbeing levels that can be achieved by skiing, with values taken from recommendations by the World Health Organisation.

These values are cross-referenced to a range of set/fixed weekly, overall calorie consumption: these are then converted into vertical downhill ski metres (hm) that must be skied.

At the lower end, skiing less than 7692hm

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during 6 days on the slopes will only have a weak positive effect on a skier’s wellbeing (level 1); while at the top end, skiing more than 23,076hm (level 5) is usually too much, and should be avoided by most.

However, those who are very well-trained and undergoing a controlled fitness regime may reach this level.

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Every week, all season – full details on:

www.action-outdoors.co.uk Prices from

Explore the off piste in 3 different countries all in the one week: France, Switzerland and Italy.

£648

VAL THORENS – GRAND SKI

Prices from

Discover the largest ski area in the world, Les 3 Valleys: 650km of pistes to explore. 3 Valleys lift pass included in the price.

HIGH MOUNTAIN OFF PISTE – ARGENTIÈRE

• Full time guiding • Equipment hire including avalanche kit • Lift pass • Accommodation • Full board • Travel from resorts (if needed) • Ski Touring equipment (if needed) • Refuge accommodation costs (if needed)

£616

Prices from

£648

High mountain Off Piste guiding, in the world famous Freeride paradise of the Chamonix valley.

“If you’r ea the best d ged 18 – 40, eals in th e are with Action O Alps utdoors”

The Sund ay Times, 2nd Oct 20 11

Action Outdoors offers All Inclusive Ski and Snowboard Holidays to the French Alps: Accommodation All Meals Lift Pass

Ski/Snowboard and Boot Hire Instruction or Guiding Evening Entertainment

All included in the price!

In reality, level 3, between 11,538hm and 19,230hm over 6 days, is the optimal level.

You can choose between a “Wellbeing Factor” based on a man weighing 70kg of average fitness, skiing on a medium slope at a moderate level of exertion; or a woman weighing 50kg, with the same fitness and exertion levels, and on the same slope type. The “Wellbeing Factor” appears next to the designated symbol within the “Performance Check” service.

Submarine Appears In Frozen Lake St Moritz

esidents of the exclusive Swiss resort of St Moritz were woken recently by the sound of sirens wailing, alerting them to the fact that something was not quite right. Opening their shutters, they were presented with an amazing sight: a submarine had broken through the ice of the land-locked frozen Lake St Moritz, some 1800m above sea level.

£595

ALL SPECIALIST GUIDED COURSES INCLUDE:

Closer inspection, however, revealed that all was not as it seemed. The submarine is, in fact, an art installationcum-pop-up bar, created by the Swiss inventor Andreas Reinhard, who made his name by creating the first upsidedown hot-air balloon in 1994.

The Kulm Hotel St Moritz (kulm.com) is the main sponsor of the bar, which is serving sushi, sake, and champagne.

The Kulm submarine bar, measures 40m in length, and was constructed by a team of 13, including an engineer, architect, carpenter, locksmith, electrician, painter, and lighting technician. Built over a 2-week period in a warehouse near Zurich, in utmost secrecy, it was then transported in pieces to St Moritz, and assembled overnight on Friday 7 February, so that its arrival was a complete surprise to local residents.

Weekly coach service from the UK to the French Alps The cheapest and easiest environmentally friendly way to over 40 great French Ski resorts Free and reasonable luggage policy Free ski/snowboard carriage Generous leg room

Departs from London and Folkestone Free on-board magazine Group discounts available

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

www.snowexpress.co.uk – for full list of resorts and prices

Ticke t

s from

£65

Two Cool Ski Lifts One Resort WORDS: PATRICK THORNE

022 // MAR14

Arosa in Switzerland is not one of the best

lift connection to neighbouring Lenzerheide,

linked to the hotel by a glass bridge, is one

known ski areas to people in the UK. Although

which has created a giant joint ski area with

of Europe’s biggest and best. Built into a

located at a snow-sure 1740m above sea

225km of piste, has completed a transformation

neighbouring hillside, light wells shaped like

level, and easy to reach on a spectacular

that was undertaken a little over 5 years ago.

sails stand above the building, filtering daylight

train journey from Zurich, its 70km of mostly

More of that later, but first up to the plate was the

down into the semi-subterranean spa, then at

intermediate terrain did not really meet up

resort’s leading hotel, the 5★ Tschuggen Grand.

night-time, lit from within, the sails shine out as

to modern market demands, and its themed

About 8 years ago, the owners of the

a unique architectural feature of the hotel.

humour, jazz, and gay ski weeks had, well,

Tschuggen decided it needed to do something

But for most skiers and boarders the hotel’s

limited appeal to just those niche markets.

very different and create something unique to

most amazing attraction is its personal funicular,

The local ski club was established back in 1903,

put itself, and Arosa, on the map.

which links the building to the ski slopes.

and as the 21st century got underway, Arosa’s

In the end it did two things. Firstly, a

Rather than install a private chairlift, or even a

client base was increasingly ”mature”.

spectacular spa, complete with iconic

gondola, as some top ski hotels have around

Something had to be done, and this year a new

architecture, was created. The 5000m2 facility,

the world, the Tschuggen Grand wanted

something unique, something different.

So they decided to try something completely new – the Tschuggen Express, a luxurious private funicular, which awaits its guests as they leave the in-hotel ski hire shop, or arrives at the push of a button.

The lift has two comfortable large gondola cabin-style cars, each capable of carrying six guests, and runs on a miniature track, ondemand, rather than hanging from a wire.

With just over ½km of track, the Express is something a James Bond movie master villain would be proud of, quickly ascending 150 vertical metres, at gradients up to 52%, its seats tilt to compensate for the slope. Travelling at 4m/s, it takes just 2½ minutes to reach the ski slopes. Hotel guests’ lift passes can be used to ride the Tschhuggen Express, and all the other

the top of the gondola has superb views and a

as it has a classic skittles alley to enjoy too.

and fluffy bathrobe and cross the glass bridge

lifts of Arosa and Lenzerheide. Passes not issued

reputation for great food.

Alternatively (or additionally) you could switch

to the spa.

to hotel guests won’t work on the Express.

So it’s no surprise that along with business

your skis for a classic Davos toboggan, using

In short, a ski holiday in Arosa–Lenzerheide

Once at the top stop, it’s an easy ski down

being up, the Tschuggen Grand reports the

the Tschuggen Express to access the toboggan

has gone from feeling a little dated, to being a

through pretty inner Arosa, full of idyllic old

average age of its clientele has dropped by

run that snakes away beneath it back to the

serious contender for the title of the coolest ski

Swiss wooden chalets, to a modern gondola lift,

more than a decade.

hotel, or you could just slip on your swimwear

resort in the world.

which takes you up to Arosa’s second super-

Although belittled by some for that ”small”

cool lift, the all-new cable car that crosses the

ski area, Arosa’s powder bowl is a lot of

1.7km-wide Urdental valley to create the link to

fun, and great for families, and beginners or

Lenzerheide from Hörnli.

intermediates, and will remain an attraction for

This new lift opened in January, after many

those who prefer their slopes uncrowded with

years of planning and construction, which

a friendly, intimate atmosphere.

eventually led to separate public referenda from

And now the new cable car takes the skiing

each resort to agree its construction, has twin

possibilities to a new world-class standard.

Tschuggen Grand Hotel (tschuggen.ch) has rooms

people on the same booking).

giant 151-passenger cable car cabins. Like the

Lenzerheide has more than twice the terrain, and a

from CHF840 per night (approx. £566). Price is based

The Swiss Travel System provides a dedicated range

Tschuggen Express, it’s very fast and very cool,

reputation for much more steep stuff for the serious

on two adults sharing a Deluxe Double on a half-board

of travel passes and tickets to cover a return journey

making the crossing in just 3 minutes 12 seconds.

skier. There are, for example, ten black runs, 19km

basis, including service, VAT, and complimentary

from the Swiss border to your destination. Prices are

So all in all, you can leave your hotel room in

of slopes, including the 6.5km Weisshorn Speed

access to the hotel’s Tschuggen Bergoase spa.

£96 in second class, and £153 in first class.

the Tschuggen Grand, pop on your warmed ski

descent, compared with Arosa’s two.

Tourism tax is CHF4.50 per guest per day (£3). Special

boots, and jump on the Tschuggen Express,

Back in Arosa, at the end of the day, you may

packages are also sometimes offered (see website).

SWITZERLAND TRAVEL CENTRE:

ski down and ride the gondola, then the new

want to stop for a little après-ski drink at one

Easyjet (easyjet.com) flies to Zurich from London

MYSWITZERLAND.COM/RAIL

cable car, and be skiing and boarding over in

of the ski huts closer to the hotel, and perhaps

Gatwick and London Luton. Flight prices start from

AROSA LENZERHEIDE:

Lenzerheide in little over a quarter of an hour.

book dinner in one of the Tschuggen Grand’s

£32.49pp (one-way, including taxes, based on two

AROSALENZERHEIDE.CH/EN

Of course, there’s no need to rush before you

restaurants – the Bunderstube, famed for its

board that new cable car, as the Hörnli Hut at

fondues and raclettes is particularly good fun,

AROSA INFO

023 // MAR14

24

INTHESNOW.COM | MARCH 2014

Party In Skiwelt PATRICK THORNE

hree weeks of partying in the 70+ ski huts of Austria’s Skiwelt (skiwelt.at) are just getting underway, with ski instructors from the area’s 19 ski schools also acting as slope guides from the 8–30 March. They’ll be advising on the best runs, most beautiful slopes, sunniest descents, and cosiest ski huts – free of charge.

The so-called “Hüttengaudi” Ski Hut Party Weeks involve dancing to live music on the sunny terraces by day,

T

Six Comedians Make Plans For World’s Highest Gig

the french alps ski specialist

his autumn a team of six comedians will set out to conquer new comedic peaks, raising money for Save the Children, and aiming to set a new record by performing the world’s highest stand-up gig.

Rhys Darby, Stewart Francis, Craig Campbell, Glenn Wool, Simon Evans, and Terry Alderton, will be accompanied by 50 comedy fans as they take on the tough 9-day trekking challenge to Everest Base Camp, 5365m above sea level in Nepal. Each adrenalinehungry participant will pledge to raise a minimum of £1000, and all money raised will go to Save the Children’s projects worldwide.

The comic troop will entertain their

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peakretreats.co.uk

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authentic villages



self catering



extensive skiing



expert knowledge

Easter Ski from £131pp & 2 for 1 ski passes*

riton Engineering Developments, the British company behind the Snowflex surface, has announced it has signed a contract to design and build the first major Snowflex slope on the Asian continent.

The year-round facility will be a key attraction for the Sinpas Group, and their prestigious Altinoran development

B

Backdoor access to largest ski areas in France

0844 576 0173

fellow trekkers at an intimate show that will take place on 4 October, on a purpose-built stage set against the majestic backdrop of Mount Everest.

Places are being allocated on a firstcome, first-served basis. For those keen to embark on this iconic trek visit standuponeverest.co.uk.

British Dry Slope In Turkish Capital

Voted ‘Best Ski Company’ 09,10 &11

Self-drive packages or accommodation only

or in the many bars and restaurants at night, with everything from traditional folk music through to DJs, electro, jazz, rock, and boogie-woogie, as well as the very latest hits being performed.

This year’s party scene includes the “Weißwurst” (veal sausage) party, the Ö3Pistenbully (slope groomer with DJ), a St Patrick’s Party Week with parade, and much more.

There are special package deals on offer, with children aged under 15 years skiing free, and the lifts opening half an hour earlier from 8am (instead of 8.30am).

T&Cs apply*

in Ankara, currently Turkey’s largest residential project.

The Snowflex centre will cater for recreational snow sports, and for adrenaline junkies, with a 200m-long x 45m wide main slope, which will include a series of kickers, a table top, rollers, waves, a 4m-high quarter pipe, and a rail park. There’ll also be tubing, and a nursery slope.

25

LAST MINUTE.SKI

skiweekends.com 023 8020 6971

CHALET ANTHONY £345pp

skisolutions.com 020 7471 7749

VAL D’ISERE, FRANCE

7 nights from £585pp Saves £220pp Staying at The Lodge, a 4 property with excellent facilities, including a steam room, sauna and Jacuzzi, on a chalet board basis. Price includes return flights from London Gatwick departing 22 March and transfers. bit.ly/1f0z0sR

COURCHEVEL, FRANCE

7 nights from £595pp Saves £575pp Enjoy chalet board accommodation at the 3 Chalet Les Avals. The property is home to Rocky’s Bar, one of the most popular bars in the resort. Price includes return flights from London Gatwick departing 6 April and transfers. bit.ly/1qaAUeL

LA PLAGNE, FRANCE

7 nights from £595pp Saves £675pp Spend 7 nights at the 3 Chalet Graciosa, a charming ski-in/out property, on a chalet board basis. The price includes return flights from London Gatwick departing 6 April and transfers. http://bit.ly/1qaBskS

Stay in this cosy chalet in the charming hamlet of Reberty in March from £345pp. Price includes catered accommodation, flights and transfers. Chalet also has a Jacuzzi on the balcony!

SKI MORZINE £321pp

Catered Club Chalet Gourmets in the centre of Morzine offers great value accommodation near town and the lifts. The chalet is basic but is in a prime location for skiing/nightlife.

EASTER WEEK £299pp

3 Hotel Verseau in Brides les Bains (Les 3 Vallées) travelling Saturday to Saturday from London/Kent.

Enjoy 6 days at Easter from £299pp including halfboard accommodation and travel to resort.

LES MENUIRES £345pp

Chalet Sapiniere is a lovely cozsy chalet with fireplace and fantastic views. Stay in this catered chalet from £345pp including flights and transfers. Spa facilities are also available on site.

leski.com 01484 548996

skiworld.co.uk 08444 930 430

LA TANIA, FRANCE

EASTER

30th March: The beautiful Chalet Le Rabel is 2 minutes from village and pistes, price includes flight and transfers, unlimited wine, champagne and canapés

Join us for Easter – chalets available from £3,800! If the snow is anything like last year, we’ll be skiing deep into April – so why not come out and enjoy it with us? We are offering Easter week for 8 nights for the price of 7: Sunday 13 April – Monday 21 April.

Now only £699 Saves £110pp

COURCHEVEL, FRANCE Now only £629 Saves £199pp

30th March: Centrally located Chalet Maurilisa, sleeps six. Price includes flight and transfers, unlimited wine, champagne and canapés

VAL D’ISERE, FRANCE Now only £699 Saves £194pp

30th March: Chalet Bellevarde – outdoor hot tub.

Price includes flight and transfers, unlimited wine, champagne and canapés

EARLY-BIRD OFFERS We have set the tone for luxury chalets since 1992, with a reputation steeped in great food and innovation Ski Verbier is offering you 10% off early-bird bookings for next season if booked before the 1 April. Book now to experience our delicious four course suppers or the chance to go off-piste for something a little different.

COMPLIMENTARY CHILD CARE Ski Verbier is the oldest and most established chalet operator in Verbier. Last year we became the first ski holiday provider to provide its own childcare service and as we go into our 22nd year we are offering you free childcare for bookings between 23rd March - 5th April, that's up to 8 hours a day for 6 days without the kids.

PROMOTIONAL FEATURE

MIXED GROUP CHOICES WORDS: PATRICK THORNE  PIC: DAVOS

026 // MAR14

Snow sports holidays come in all shapes and sizes, and

cafe culture, so non-skiers can find plenty to while

so do the people, and groups of people, who enjoy them.

away the hours or days!

A group of similar ability friends or a family who want

If members of your group do want to get active there

to ski together on the blue runs, can usually identify a

are lots of non-snow activities on offer, as well as an

resort that suits their tastes quite easily, but what if you

impressive public sports stadium; while for skiers and

have a mix of beginners and experts, or skiers and non-

boarders there’s a vast choice of runs for all.

skiers, perhaps there is (although I shudder to say it) someone who hates snow or skiing in your group, but still wants to fly to the mountains with Monarch to be part of the group?

The good news is that the era of the 9–5 ski holiday, when you did little or nothing else during your ski

DAVOS SWITZERLAND

holiday week, apart from perhaps an obligatory

2H FROM FRIEDRICHSHAFEN, WITH

”Tirolean evening" in Austria or ”fondue party”

MONARCH FLIGHTS

elsewhere, is long gone.

Although you can still ski or board all day if you wish,

The world’s movers and shakers gather in Davos each

these days winter sports holidays have gone full circle,

January for the World Economic Forum, and, despite the

back to what they were in the early years of the sport

fact, that this was one of the first resorts where skiing took

before downhill skiing really grabbed hold of the market.

place, back in the 1880s and 1890s, with Sir Arthur Conan

Instead, more people try things on and off the slopes. Ski

Doyle, creator of Sherlock Holmes no less, one of the

resorts are doing more and more to offer alternatives to

pioneers, very few of the attendees take to the snow.

downhill snow sports. ”Diversification" is the buzzword,

That’s not a problem though, because while this

and ski areas are promoting attractions they can offer

famous resort, linked to British Royals’ favourite

year-round to broaden their appeal.

Klosters, has one of the world’s great ski areas, with

Ski resorts have also responded to the needs of their

350km of piste, and runs for all tastes and abilities, it

customers, with the launch of lower-priced lift tickets

is also a year-round resort, comprising a plethora of

that are perhaps only valid for 4–5 hours in the day (and

spas, shops, and other diversions besides skiing and

Monarch flies to Friedrichshafen from

these can be any 4 or 5 hours you like, to suit you, not just

boarding, so everyone should be happy here.

London Gatwick and Manchester;

FLY MONARCH

”morning", so you have to be up early, or ”afternoon", when

Grenoble from London Gatwick and

the snow may be getting slushy in spring). Combine this

Leeds Bradford; Munich from London

with a low-priced Monarch flight, and there’s money spare

Luton and Manchester; Innsbruck

for the myriad of other activities now on offer.

from Manchester; and Verona from

MAYRHOFEN AUSTRIA

Manchester. The airline also flies

But, even though almost any resort you choose can

1H FROM INNSBRUCK, 2H 30MINS FROM MUNICH,

areas in Andorra and the Spanish

cater for mixed groups compared with 10 or 20 years

WITH MONARCH FLIGHTS

Pyrenees; and Manchester to Venice

Others offer lift passes that include more than just use of the lifts, for example admission to a sports centre.

for Cortina d’Ampezzo.

ago, some still do a better job than others. Here are some recommendations.

London Gatwick to Barcelona for ski

One of the most popular resorts in the Alps, Mayrhofen is located in the breathtakingly beautiful Ziller valley, which

FOR MORE INFORMATION, LATEST

skiers and non-skiers can appreciate in equal measure,

DEALS, AND TO BOOK, VISIT:

within easy reach of airports serviced by Monarch flights.

MONARCH.CO.UK/SKI.

There are excellent shopping and leisure facilities here –

KITZBÜHEL AUSTRIA

again a first-class adventure swimming pool, and several

1H 10MINS FROM INNSBRUCK, 1H 30MINS FROM

with gentle on-snow options for non-skiers, such as a

MUNICH WITH MONARCH FLIGHTS

romantic sleigh ride, a day trip to Innsbruck is an easy

of the leading hotels have excellent spa facilities. Along

possibility, and if you visit in early-spring, several festivals Kitzbühel is one of the world’s most popular year-round

are in town, including the now famous (and infamous)

mountain resorts, and the majority of guests now arrive

Altitude Comedy Festival, where non-skiers can laugh their

to enjoy being there rather than to tackle the extensive

week away without needing to touch the snow.

mountain terrain, once again suitable for all standards, including the famous Hahnenkamm.

As well as facilities including an excellent leisure centre, a popular casino, and a wide selection of shops, Kitzbühel has very accessible mountain restaurants, reached by easy to ride gondolas and cable cars, so it’s possible for skiers and non-skiers to effortlessly meet up on the

LA PLAGNE FRANCE 2H FROM GRENOBLE, WITH MONARCH FLIGHTS

mountain for lunch or après-ski. A day trip by train or bus to the city of Salzburg, only an hour away, is easy too.

As a purpose-built ski area, which recently turned 50, La Plagne will not suit every taste, as it remains predominantly a winter sports resort (although a few spas have opened recently). But, if you’ve got a group looking for an adrenalin rush beyond snow sports,

CORTINA D’AMPEZZO ITALY

La Plagne is one of Europe’s leaders in ice sport too.

1H 50MINS FROM VENICE, WITH

the 1992 Albertville Olympics, is one of a handful in

MONARCH FLIGHTS

Europe open to the public, where you can ride down

The resort’s bobsleigh run, built when it was a host to

in a proper bobsleigh behind a professional driver, or Despite its remarkable ski history and facilities, many

take a ride together in a self-guide ”bob raft”, invented

people quite happily holiday in Cortina d’Ampezzo without

at La Plagne. The resort is also home to a world-class

ever setting foot on the slopes.

ice climbing facility, which welcomes first-timers as well

Along with spectacular surrounding scenery, which

as experienced climbers, and there are dozens of other

makes you feel glad to be alive, the beautiful town has

on-snow, or ice, activities to enjoy without needing to

superb shopping for all budgets, along with a vibrant

clip skis or board on.

027 // MAR14

28

INTHESNOW.COM | MARCH 2014

SWEETSPOT SKI TRAINER THE KEY TO GREAT SKIING!

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4 sizes in each pack

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YOUR KIDS SKIING WITH

Gavin Kerr Hunter. Director, SnowPerformance

Although the thought of taking your children on a ski holiday may seem like a logistical nightmare, these days most resorts are set up to cater for even the youngest children. But it’s true that there are 101 things to think about when planning your trip, so letting someone else do the thinking for you, and booking with an experienced, specialist family ski operator, like Ski Famille (skifamille.co.uk) is indispensable.

SKI FAMILLE

“IT ACTIVATES YOUR BODY AND MUSCLES IN A WAY THAT NO OTHER SKI SIMULATOR TOUCHES. QUITE SIMPLY, IF YOU USE THIS YOUR SKIING WILL IMPROVE”!

HASSLE-FREE

THE FAMILY THAT PLAYS TOGETHER, STAYS TOGETHER This may be a saying, but there’s plenty of truth in it! For that to happen though, any stress or hassle that might be involved with taking young children skiing needs to be eliminated for parents. With Ski Famille, the idea is that parents can choose to have time to themselves or with the children, yet knowing that the children are enjoying themselves as much as the parents. Happy children means a happy holiday for all the family.

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PLENTIFUL CHOICE The carefully selected holiday locations from Ski Famille mean that you can choose from chalets in Les Gets, Reberty 2000 (Les Menuires), or La Plagne. These ski resorts also offer toddler and child-friendly activities away from the slopes. Les Menuires, for example, has an indoor pool, a soft play centre and snow castle to explore in the resort centre.

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HOME FROM HOME Ski Famille’s family-friendly accommodation includes: playrooms with a wide range of toys, books and games; free nappies and wipes; baby equipment including cots, high chairs, buggies, sterilisers, and much more; as well as free wi-fi, iPod docks, TVs and DVDs in all chalets. There are also free airport transfers and ski school, and a lift pass and equipment booking service.

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EVERY AGE CATERED FOR Ski Famille give children as young as two the chance to enjoy age-appropriate fun, learning to slide on skis, or just build snowmen and experience the beautiful environment unlike anything else they will have encountered. Holidays include: 5 days of high-quality childcare (8 hours per day) in your chalet (no trudging to a resort facility); delicious home-cooked meals, inclusive of pre-dinner drinks and wine with your meal; and a babysitting service 6 nights of the week (at additional cost).

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BEN CLATWORTHY

15 March: Chalet Katie 1, Reberty 2000, France – a great location in the heart of Les 3 Vallées. From £599 per adult, £349 per child, based on a family of four sharing. Offer includes FREE high-quality childcare, catered chalet, flights from London Gatwick to Lyon and resort transfers.

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MARCH 2014 | INTHESNOW.COM

Sick of transfers?

Record Results For British Skiers & Boarders At Sochi DAVID BLACK

he Sochi 2014 Olympics were the most successful Winter Games to date for British skiers and snowboarders, with six top 10 finishes, including the bronze medal for Jenny Jones in the women’s snowboard slopestyle.

Five of those six high rankings were thanks to the introduction of ski and snowboard slopestyle, with James Woods placing fifth of 32 competitors in ski slopestyle; Jamie Nicholls sixth of 29 competitors in snowboard slopestyle; Katie Summerhayes seventh of 22 competitors in ski slopestyle; Zoe Gillings pipped by a whisker for the final of the snowboard cross and ultimately finishing ninth of 24 competitors; and Billy Morgan tenth of 29 competitors in

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snowboard slopestyle.

“The results of our skiers and snowboarders in Sochi are a massive achievement, and a huge milestone for competitive snow sports in Great Britain.

Our 14 top 30 finishes, shows the strength we now have across all disciplines, and to come away with a bronze medal from one of our most experienced snowboarders, Jenny Jones, was the icing on the cake,” said British Ski and Snowboard Chief Executive David Edwards.

“We will now be reviewing the successes of the last 4 years, and consulting with all the snow sport disciplines to build plans and programmes, with the goal of achieving regular and consistent World Cup results, and producing athletes who will be challenging for medals in even more events in PyeonChang, South Korea, in 2018.”

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9/1/14 16:34:59

"Children Don’t Know How to Make Snowballs" Claim "Snow Experts" fter 15 years of largely mild winters in the UK many children have never had the chance to try to make a snowball, and “haven’t had enough exposure to snow-play”, according to ”snow experts” at Manchester’s Chill Factore indoor real snow slope.

According to Met Office statistics, last winter 2012–13 ranked just 43rd coldest since 1910, and this winter is so far looking warmer still. The five UK winters from 2003–08 were also the five warmest winters on record.

Research conducted by Chill Factore found that 68% of parents whose children are aged 10 years and under believe their kids have no idea how to make a snowball.

P R I V A T E

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A I R P O R T

T R A N S F E R S

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“Chill Factore aims to redress the balance a little, and to hold classes to teach these kids how to make a proper snowball,” said Morwenna Angove, Chill Factore’s Chief Executive. “We’ve even got in some snowball experts and filmed them showing each and every stage in making a snowball.

L YON F R O M

€45

F R O M

€34

€38

Snow Volleyball Tour At St Anton he grande finale of the annual Snow Volleyball Tour will be held on 5–6 April in St Anton, Austria (snowvolleyball.at).

The beach volleyball pros will be giving their all again on the icy pitch, specially constructed on the famous resort’s Rendl

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mountain, with the aim of winning the coveted ”King of the Snow” title.

The matches will take place at 2030m above sea level, at the top station of the Rendlbahn lifts, where hundreds of fans, along with the equally surreal sight of palm trees, cheerleaders, and whirlpools, should add to the extraordinary ambience.

Tel : +33 632 192 962

www.coolbus.co.uk

1 - WAY, PER PERSON PRICE FOR A PRIVATE TRANSFER IN A GROUP OF 8, TRAVELLING MIDWEEK

PROMOTIONAL FEATURE

BRIDES LES BAINS AND P LEBEAU

FLEXIBLE SKI HOLIDAYS IT’S A NO-BRAINER!

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hit the slopes the same day as everyone else.

parking, plus travelling to the airport miles away,

days skiing for 4 days off work!” says company

Or you could … fly during the week when the

because that’s the only one holiday firm X flies

boss Dan Fox.

flights aren’t full, the airport is stress-free, and

from, you end up wondering if it’s worth going

Alternatively, the company offers short midweek

there’s less luggage so that yours arrives on

to bed the night before!

breaks, again avoiding peak weekend travel

the carousel more quickly the other end. Your

There are two solutions. First, you choose a

problems, staying Monday to Thursday for up to

arrival airport is quiet too, and you don’t have to

tour operator who allows you to choose your

3½ days on the slopes. Perfect for shiftworkers,

wait for 50 other people to get on your coach.

own flight times and airports, so that you can

or parents who can leave their children with the

In addition, the roads are quieter, and transfers

maximise your ski time, and be in charge of

grandparents.

to your chosen ski resort may be twice as fast.

your own day.

Full ski weeks are another option, but instead of

What’s more, when you get to resort the ski

Alternatively, you could go by coach. “What?” I

the usual weekend changeovers, you can travel

hy does almost everyone head off on their skiing

shops are deserted, and the icing on the cake?

hear you say! Actually it’s not as bad as it sounds.

Monday to Monday, or Thursday to Thursday

holiday on a Saturday or Sunday? After all, most

You get to ski two of the quietest days of the

Less hassle, and you can sleep overnight then

instead, making it possible to ski up to 7½ days.

of us have taken short break trips that leave on

week on the piste, Saturday and Sunday.

ski the next day. It’s great value too.

Perfect for when a normal 6-day week just isn’t

different days, or even take our annual summer

The good news is, you do have a choice.

enough, and you need 25% more ski time!

holiday leaving on a weekday, because that’s

Several companies offer tailor-made packages

Ski Weekends’ holidays by coach give the

the only day you can fly to Timbuktu with holiday

so that you can do exactly what you want,

option to travel Thursday to Monday, leaving

firm X. So why not choose your ski holiday dates

at a cost. These are also some ready-made,

Thursday night, and getting back early Monday

fixed-price packages available from specialist

morning. Overnight coach travel means 3 days

operator Ski Weekends (skiweekends.com).

on the slopes for a day off work.

The company offers holidays by coach or by

Or ski 6 days from Saturday to Saturday, leaving

to suit travelling on the day you want?

The choice is simple. You could fly on the busiest

AND ANOTHER THING!

weekend days when the airports are packed, and there are bound to be queues everywhere. Then

Ski holiday flight times; who ever thought that

air from any 17 UK airports. For the classic

late-afternoon Saturday and getting back early

travel to resort on the busiest days of the week

getting on a flight at 7am in the morning was a

weekend, it can offer up to 4½ days on the

the following Saturday, so you avoid the busiest

when the roads are packed, and once in-resort go

good idea? Not only do you not get to ski that

slopes from Thursday to Monday.

times. There’s no hassle at the airport, and you

to the ski hire shop on the same day that everyone

day anyway, but having to check-in 2 hours

“Get it right and you can easily ski 4 days with

still get most of the weekend at home. Now

else starts their holiday too! Then, you guessed it,

before departure, allowing time for airport

just 2 days off work. Book two trips and that’s 8

that’s flexibility.

31

MARCH 2014 | INTHESNOW.COM

Team GB Visit Austrian Tirol In Russia he Austria Tirol House was, again, the centre of après-competition fun at the Sochi Olympics, as it was at Vancouver.

High-profile guests included: Bode Miller and Ted Ligety; Olympic downhill winner Matthias Mayer; double medal winner Anna Fenninger; violinist-turned-skier Vanessa Mae; and Russian President Vladimir Putin, along with a sizeable contingent from Team GB. Among the Tirolean specialities served up during the Games to 13,000 guests at Tirol House were 25,000 cakes and 25,000 bread rolls, 8000 servings of Tiroler Gröstl, 2000 litres of soup, 3500 schnitzel rolls, 1.5 tons of bacon, 1.5 tons of fresh bread, 1.2 tons of milk and cheese products, 3 tons of potatoes, 20,000 eggs, and 5000 Frankfurter sausages.

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LUIS PANTOJA

Dash Down Derby Du Pic Du Midi

You can take part in the “Derby du Pic du Midi” on Saturday 22 March – a huge race from the top of the iconic Pic du Midi. The rules are there are “no rules”, apart from “be safe”. The first to the bottom wins, and anything goes – skis, Telemark, snowboard, etc. Limited to 100 entrants, with an entrance free from €50 (£41), which includes access to the Pic du Midi, the Grand Tourmalet ski area, and a post-race meal in La Mongie. picdumidi.com

Great SnowEarth-Water Race For those looking for a little latespring snow sport action, Whistler has announced a new festival to run this season from 16–19 May. GO Fest (greatoutdoorsfest.com) will celebrate this unique time of year in Whistler when people have the option to pursue winter- or summer-themed activities, and it will include the resurrection of the legendary Great Snow-EarthWater Race. Last held more than 20 years ago, the exact format and route of the race is not yet finalised, but the organisers promise it will stay true to its roots as a multisport, team relay, featuring snow, earth and water.

Shred It With Sochi Medallist

HIKE

AND

RIDE Photo © Dan Ferrer

Aurélien Ducroz

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WWW.LANGE-BOOTS.COM

Join born-and-bred ”Plagnard”, and Sochi bronze medallist, Kevin Rolland (who featured in our February issue) in La Plagne for Shred It (24–25 March) – a mini winter sports festival, complete with competitions, activities and displays. Rolland will be joined by 20 international freeskiers – all half pipe, slopestyle, and backcountry experts – for the informal event, which will see him introducing fellow skiers to his home slopes. Arriving 23 March, 3 nights’ half-board accommodation costs from €180pp (approx. £148pp based on two sharing) excluding travel. la-plagne.com

032 | BOOTROOM

LINE BLEND  £429 A blend of everything in one attractive and user-

OUTDOOR RESEARCH VALHALLA  £260

friendly package. A combination of lively freestyle playfulness, a great grippy feel, and a width underfoot to help you in powder. This is a smooth fun feeling ski

Made from an extremely lightweight,

that will flatter your skiing in all the conditions.

stretchy and windproof fabric, this award-winning jacket will give you great freedom of movement and comfort all day long. Its super breathable fabric will keep your

SCOTT AIR FREE 24 BAG  £99

temperature at a comfortable level, whether you’re energetically ski touring, or just getting hot and steamy from the excitement of skiing!

With its well thought out organiser pockets, ski carrying system, and helmet carrier, you can tell this pack is designed by skiers for skiers. A lightweight fully featured technical backpack, suitable for all of your offpiste and ski touring adventures.

SCOTT COSMOS  £425

SCOTT SCRAPPER  £449

The Cosmos is an ideal touring boot

A versatile and playful off-piste weapon,

if lightness and downhill performance

whether you enjoy flowing down the

are what you’re looking for. Its huge

powder or playing on the piste. Its beefy

range of movement for easy ski touring,

feel under foot makes the Scrapper

combined with its rigid construction

stable at speed, and powerful through

for responsive downhill skiing, makes

heavy snow, but with its plentiful tip and

this a lightweight boot that doesn’t

tail rocker allows this one ski quiver to

compromise on performance, for both

still be playful in all conditions. A hard-

the uphill and the downhill.

charging barrel of fun!

MONS ROYALE RAGAN THERMAL T  £9.99 This versatile merino clothing brand have introduced the Raglan LS into the womens range. This functional long sleeve top can be worn on its own or to layer up on the mountain, providing optimum flexibility and movement.

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 SWEET RAMBLER £79.99

MORE AT SKIBARTLETT.COM

Children have softer skulls, and children are smaller so people don’t always see them. Make

With over 40 years of history, Ski Bartlett is

sure your kids are just as protected as you are.

one of the UK's most popular independent

With all the same safety features as the adults

specialist ski shops. With a massive range of

Sweet Rambler helmet, this is one of the safest

products, they can guarantee you the right kit

helmets you can put on your precious one.

and the best prices.

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DALBELLO PANTERRA BOOT  £300 Skis like an all-mountain alpine boot, hikes like a touring boot. Finally there's a medium-width Cabrio design that blends high performance on the down with a great walk mode and high traction soles. The Dalbello Panterra 100 Ski Boots are incredibly versatile and will take good care of you, from the scary steep Dolomite couloirs to the tiny Italian cobblestone lanes you'll stop at for lunch.

POC FORNIX HELMET  £130

K2 AMP RICTOR 90XTI  £459

SWEET TROOPER MIPS  249

One of our favourite do everything performance

The Sweet team has travelled the world in

skis. Piste to off-piste, short turns to long, and

search of the best materials to make their

even slow or fast speeds … the Rictor will

products stronger and lighter. The Trooper

constantly surprise you with its versatility and

MIPS helmet will protect you when you

outstanding performance. Its construction

need it! The advanced shell technology

allows you to roll effortlessly into the turn, and

makes this helmet one of the strongest

then rewards you with impressive grip under

and lightest on the market. Be protected

foot. Whether you want a ski for all-mountain,

and look cool at the same time!

Not just a lightweight, well-ventilated helmet.

ski touring, or even Telemarking, this will do

Built using POCs great technical know-how,

everything you want.

this is a structurally strong helmet, which

GUIDEBOOKS  From £6.99

maintains a lightweight feel. Comfort is important, so with the fully-adjustable vents and fit system you’ll be happy wearing the Fornix all day long. Super cool at an affordable price!

Make the most of your springtime ski touring with all the superb guidebooks that are now available. With detailed maps and accurate step-by-step instructions, most guides will keep you well-informed of what you’re about to let yourself into! Get off the beaten track, but don’t get lost and out of your depth. A must for any sensible ski tourer.

DAKINE SPLIT ROLLER  £140

ROTTEFELLA NTN TELEMARK BINDING  £329

DAKINE GOGGLE CASE  £19.99 Make sure you get to the slopes with your expensive goggles intact, with

NTN safety release bindings have

Not just easy to spot on the conveyor

this fleece-lined padded goggle case.

revolutionised Telemark skiing, giving you a

belt, but super practical and strong. This

It even has a padded sleeve to carry an

more powerful and reactive edge-to-edge

split-level design makes it much easier

extra goggle lens for those changeable

feel than the traditional 75mm bindings.

to separate clothes, and keep yourself

weather days.

Whether you’re into touring, freeride, or

organised. A striking design that will

freestyle Telemarking, the NTN freeride

cover all your travelling needs.

binding, in full amazing technicolour, will cater for the young at heart in all of you!

 SHRED STOMP SHRASTA GLASSES £139 A sleek, clean-looking design, which will fit in whether you’re on the slopes or in the town. Born from the styling of the 80s, with three layers of different coloured plastics sandwiched together, these glasses have a unique and cool design. Carl Zeiss lenses give you a real feelgood look!

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InTheSnow.com

JON (AKA WESTY) AT ALTITUDE

Jon is one of a handful of instructors working in the Alps to hold the top qualifications from France, Switzerland and Britain. In his role as Ski School Director, Jon is on hand to manage the different parts of the Altitude company portfolio, including the ski and snowboard school, the instructor training programs, and the off-piste courses (+41 277 716 006).

his year has seen an unprecedented number of avalanche-related fatalities in the European Alps, as the snow conditions at the start of the season promoted the formation of very dangerous snowpack. With off-piste skiing becoming more accessible, owing to the design of new rockered skis, and the ever growing popularity of freeriding, I have decided to write down a few key tips for those skiers looking for their first off-piste adventure.

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1. STARTING OFF

2. KNOW YOUR EQUIPMENT

As an off-piste novice, you need to gain as much experience and knowledge about mountain safety as you can in a controlled environment, and under the guidance of a seasoned professional, before you are ready to tackle the backcountry. There are literally hundreds of avalanche awareness resources. Henry’s Avalanche Talks are a must for any skier looking to build confidence off-piste (henrysavalanchetalk. com). Make use of a guide and/or ski instructor when skiing off-piste, and listen carefully to what they say and do, ask questions, and write down what you have learnt to help consolidate the information.

There are three essential items to carry when skiing uncontrolled off-piste descents: a shovel, transceiver, and probe. They work in conjunction, and are redundant for safety purposes unless you carry all three. Make sure you understand how to use the equipment.

Many resorts have “transceiver parks”, where you can practice transceiver searches. Go out with friends and time yourself in retrieving buried transceivers. Gradually increase the search area and burial depth, before attempting multiple burials.

Things Kids Get From Skiing As sports go, skiing is superb fun. But away from perfecting carving turns, or mastering those moguls, skiing offers a multitude of subtle, but important, experiences that can greatly affect a child's outlook.

4

3. KNOW THE SIGNS

4. MITIGATE THE RISK

There are many signs that a slope may be unsafe. Wind is the master builder of the avalanche. Wind can strip snow from windward aspects, and deposit large amounts on leeward slopes. Look out for large cornices that have formed above a slope. Sastrugi (or zastrugi) are striations formed by wind on the snow, and are a classic sign of wind-affected snow. Look for recent avalanche debris on slopes with similar aspects. Small cracks in the surface of the snowpack indicate instability, and the potential for slab avalanches. Listen out for “whumping” noises, and pay attention to how much sun the slope has received.

Read the detailed daily avalanche bulletins for the area you are skiing, and heed the advice and warnings. The SLF produce excellent reports daily in English. When skiing in a group, leave space in a traverse and ski one at a time. Ski slopes below 30° to significantly reduce the risk of an avalanche occurring. Avoid convex slopes where the snow is under tension. Stay high and near the top when traversing dangerous slopes. Test the snowpack by making a “cut”, or digging a snow pit, to analyse the layers. Avoid southern aspects in the afternoon in springtime. Avoid terrain traps like tight gullies, and always plan an escape route.

in-the-snow-profeet-advert.pdf

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04/10/2013

Exercise At its fundamental, skiing represents just about the most fun way of getting some exercise. Using skiing to encourage children to develop a sense of how physical exercise can be fun, and not a chore, is a great tool to ensure they lead healthy and active lifestyles.

Skiing is a dynamic, low impact, cardio-based sport, which is particularly suitable

for children as there are no large forces placed on their growing bones and joints.

The Great Outdoors The high Alpine vistas, which make up the majority of ski resorts, represent some of the most spectacular scenery found on Earth.

Skiing allows children to experience and interact with nature, in a way that just isn't possible in innercity suburbs. The scale and beauty of the mountain environment fosters a respect and love for nature.

A Sense Of Adventure Skiing down a mountain, soaring like a bird, while dashing through the snow, is an expression of freedom that cannot be recreated in a classroom. As your child's

skiing improves they will benefit from the confidence of being able to independently ski where they want, in the way they want to. More than anything, exploring the mountain is a huge adventure in a world where adventure is hard to find.

Friendships When you put your child in a group lesson, they will be placed with other children of similar age and ability. Through the process of learning and having fun together, children will improve their social skills by interacting with others in a fun environment, and will often form very strong friendships during a week’s holiday. A good instructor will be an expert in creating a strong group dynamic.

10:18

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or the ultimate Geneva stopover en-route to your ski holiday, the luxurious 5 Mandarin Oriental Hotel in Geneva (mandarinoriental. com/geneva) has launched a special Mountain Luxury Escape package, valid to 7 April, with rates from CHF729 (approximately £490).

The package includes either a private helicopter transfer (up to four persons)

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from hotel to ski resort, when booking the Panorama, Oriental, or Royal Mandarin Suites; or a private Porsche Cayenne S Turbo (or Range Rover) transfer from hotel to ski resort when booking a Deluxe, or Premier Terrace Suite; or a private limousine transfer from airport to hotel when booking a Junior Terrace Suite, or Premier River View room. There’s also a daily buffet breakfast at the hotel’s Le Sud restaurant included, or it can be taken in the privacy of your room or suite.

Surveyed Families Say They Will Defy Law To Go Skiing SP Farandole3.indd 1

13/09/2013 13:32

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new survey has found that nearly half of parents (48%) would take their children out of school to go skiing if it was cheaper.

The survey, carried out on behalf of holiday resort operator Club Med, found that despite the threat of fines from local authorities in England, many British families believe school isn’t always the most important priority, with over 40% of parents choose skiing because it encourages them to bond as a family, and a quarter for the physical benefits.

Club Med say bookings of family ski holidays in general are up 11% this season compared with last.

“We’re finding that many British families are booking their holidays

A

later in the season,” said Eric Chauvet, Managing Director of Club Med UK. Across all the sales channels we have seen a rise in family bookings across March and April, despite school holidays falling later this year.”

Taking children out of school is illegal in England, with fines for offences, under the 1996 Education Act.

Atomic Launch Ultra-Lightweight Helmet tomic's new and lightest ever ski helmet, the Mentor LF, weighing in at 430g, uses revolutionary ”impact technology” to maximise safety, as well as comfort, on the slopes.

The flexible nature of the helmet foam liner means it moulds instantly to the shape of the head, and its designed to adapt accordingly for all day comfort and consistent fit.

Upon impact the durable, antimicrobial, and conveniently washable, foam firms up to form a comfortable protective guard, which will absorb up to 90% of impact energy, minimising the risk of head injuries and bruising.

Available in small, medium, and large sizes, and in blue, black matt, grey, and white, the helmets cost £120, and are available from Snow & Rock, Ellis Brigham, and other leading retailers.

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37

MARCH 2014 | INTHESNOW.COM



CHALET DE LA CLOCHE  VAL D'ISÈRE

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

Chalet de la Cloche is in the heart of Les Brévières, Espace Killy, considered to be one of the greatest ski areas in the world. The Ski-Base team has created a wonderful chalet described by Harpers Bazaar as a “haven of sensual indulgence”. It is one of Condé Nast Traveller's top ten chalets in the Alps.

+41 (0)27 966 7171 | info@the-omnia.com | the-omnia.com |

+44 (0)20 3432 8446 | info@ski-base.com | ski-base.com |

HOTEL AVENUE LODGE  VAL D'ISÈRE

HOTEL FIREFLY ZERMATT

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

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

Chalet Fourmiliere in Morzine is a boutique, owner-run, catered ski chalet, which is quickly gaining a reputation as a gastro-chalet. When you stay here your every need will be accommodated and no request is too small for the wonderful hosts and their staff, whose sole intention is to ensure you feel at home in their splendid abode.

+41 (0)27 967 7676 | firefly-zermatt.com

+33 (0)45 075 4625 | info@chaletfourmiliere.com | chaletfourmiliere.com |

+33 (0)47 900 6767 | contact@hotelavenuelodge.com | hotelavenuelodge.com |



RÉSIDENCE DU MONT-BLANC CHAMONIX MONT-BLANC 

CHALET ZIBELEINE LA PLAGNE 1800

Set in the heart of the Chamonix Mont-Blanc valley, in the French Alps, the Résidence & Spa Vallorcine Mont-Blanc offers a cosy atmosphere and a warm welcome. Surrounded by mountains and forests, this newly-opened 5 residence is an ideal place for relaxing and exploring the Mont Blanc region.

Chalet Zibeleine nestles in the trees above La Plagne 1800. The chalet is only a few minutes' walk from the centre of the village where you will find the local bars and restaurants. Another bonus is that just above the chalet on the main road you have a free bus stop (about 20m away). Sleeps eight people and is ideal for small groups.

+33 (0)45 054 7520 | chamonix-vacances.com | contact@chamonix-vacances.com |

+41 (0)151 625 1921 | info@mountainheaven.co.uk | mountainheaven.co.uk |



CHALET FOURMILIERE  MORZINE

 HÔTEL L'HÉLIOPIC CHAMONIX MONT-BLANC

Located in the Mont-Blanc valley, in the centre of Chamonix, the 4 L'Héliopic Hotel Sweet and Spa is set at the foot of Aiguille du Midi lift. If you come as a couple, family or group for a special event, our 4hotel will take care of your well-being. Whatever the season, on an exceptional setting in the heart of Chamonix, our hotel offers a new level of comfort.

+ 33 (0)45 054 5556 | reservation@heliopic.com | heliopic-hotel-spa.com |

PROMOTIONAL FEATURE

THE OMNIA ZERMATT

ANTHONY UPTON

38

ANDREW MAXWELL

BEN CLATWORTHY

omedian Andrew Maxwell is one of the Founders of the Altitude Comedy Festival, which has become a regular feature on the spring skiing festivals scene, albeit a very different one to the usual music-themed events.

Altitude alumni include many of Britain’s top comedians, with Eddie Izzard the star turn last year. This year’s Altitude Festival takes place from 31 March– 4 April. altitudefestival.com

C

The Altitude Festival as a result of you and Marcus Brigstocke playing gigs together in the French Alps. How did you get started?

AM: This year will be the seventh Altitude Festival, and prior to that we were gigging and snowboarding together in the Alps for about 8–9 years, so we’ve been snowboarding together in total for 15 years or so. However, I’ve known Marcus for years, I’ve been gigging with him all around the UK and at the Edinburgh Festival, on and off for 20 years.

Do you have a favourite part of Altitude, or something that you particularly look forward to each year?

AM: Yeah, just snowboarding and having a laugh. It’s such a great mood, you know, everyone is so mellow after a great day out

on the mountain, and because Altitude’s always in the springtime, you’ve been out in the sunshine, you’ve been out snowboarding, skiing, you’ve had maybe a couple of drinks. You look out at an audience that are already really mellow, really happy faces, and we’re bringing the laughter of Altitude Festival, we’re bringing the jelly on the top. It’s just a very, very nice atmosphere.

Favourite Altitude moment?

AM: There are too many great moments at Altitude to narrow them down to one favourite moment, but in my top three are: pushing Tim FitzHigham down a mountain in a blow-up swimming pool; Al Murray performing as The Pub Landlord saying how much he hated the French in French to the French; and Terry Alderton last year on his third encore on the last night as he destroyed the stage causing over £1000 worth of damage, and made so much mess and destruction the venue nearly didn't let us back this year.

So what is Marcus Brigstocke like in real life?

AM: He’s like a corduroy-clad stray dog at the top of a mountain, the minute he straps on his board he is gone like shit off a shovel.

Is there a part of Altitude you think most people don’t know about?

AM: Whether it’s at our big name gala shows in our biggest venue, or our smaller bar gigs that usually involve improv or one-man shows, they all sell out. But nothing sells as quickly as the German shows, every year. From the first 3 years when the Festival was in France, and the following 4 years when it’s been in Austria, it has always been bilingual, and the native language shows always sell out first. All our shows sell out, but nothing sells as quickly as the local heroes.

Finally, I know you’ve bagged most of the good ones, but is there any comedian that you would still like to get out to appear at a future Altitude?

AM: Barry Humphries, would be for me, a personal huge ambition. There are very few people in comedy that you genuinely call a living legend, and who are still at the very top of their game. Barry Humphries, or possibly Joan Rivers, are two people who are (perfectly polite to say) advanced in years, but still very cutting-edge.

The Swiss standards you expect.

The airfare you don’t.

Our quality and service standards are about as high as our mountains. But that doesn’t mean our prices are high too.

Enjoy the best way to y to the Alps with free ski and snowboard transport and all-inclusive airfares 160 ights per week from Heathrow, London City and now new also Gatwick.

To the Alps from return

£124 SWISS.COM

Price quoted per person including airport taxes and surcharges departing from London to Geneva. Price is correct at time of print and subject to change and exchange rate variations. Availability is limited. For some payment methods a charge of £ 4.50 may apply. Ski equipment transportation: 1 pair of ski boots, 1 pair of ski sticks, 1 pair of skis OR 1 snowboard, 1 pair of snowboard boots are free of charge and in addition to standard baggage allowance. Free transport only on SWISS operated ights and with Economy Flex Fares to Geneva.

High-tech 100 g/sqm wadding Quilted hood Storm cuffs with thumb loop

5000mm membrane 100% taped seams Silicone-coated zips

Breathable material "Air Venting System"

Cuff fastenings Adjustable hem Adjustable collar with magnet clasp

3 secure pockets 1 ski pass pocket 1 goggles pocket Wristwatch opening

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RRP:

99

J159