InTheSnow Issue 55 October 2017

INTHE SNOW PHOTOGRAPHER: NOAH WETZEL | RIDER: JON DEAN

ISSUE 55 | OCT 2017

It’s not just me freeriding.

My skis are too.

swiss.com 1 pair of skis or 1 snowboard, 1 pair of ski poles, 1 pair of ski boots or 1 pair of snowboard boots travel free of charge, in addition to standard baggage allowance and subject to availability.

Free ski transport

Made of Switzerland.

DARRENROBERTS.CA

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IN THIS

THE NORTH AMERICA SKI TRAVEL GUIDE 2018 

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North America saw some incredible snow conditions last winter with several areas in California receiving so much snow they only closed KALLE HÄGGLUND

for last season a few months ago and are about to re-open. Here’s the

CHRISTOH JORDA

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lowdown including all the big news stories from across the pond.

NEW DESTINATIONS: Åre & Vemdalen  Every year our tour operators give us new ski resort choices.

This season we’re starting a new column focusing on a different destination choice each issue, beginning with Sweden’s top resort and it’s smaller neighbour, new in the Crystal brochure.

FAMILY-FRIENDLY TIROL  @INTHESNOWMAG

Planning a full family ski holiday ups the pressure on making the correct choice several notches, so it’s very important to

INTHESNOW

get it right. Here’s the case for Austria’s Tirol region with short

INTHESNOW_MAGAZINE

on a human scale and loads more to do too.

flights and transfers, family-friendly accommodation, ski areas

KALLE HÄGGLUND

INTHESNOW

SKI AND SNOWBOARD HOLIDAYS IN THE FINEST RESORTS IN THE FRENCH & AUSTRIAN ALPS ALPINEELEMENTS.CO.UK | 020 3949 8352 Direct Flights + Resort Transfers + Accommodation + Breakfast + Afternoon Tea + 3 Course Dinners + Ski Holidays From £400 Inc Flights & Catering

*ABTA Protected Y3374, ATOL Protected 6435, Flights and Transfers not included if self-travel package is selected. Afternoon Tea and 3 Course Dinners on selected properties. Price shown is per person based on two sharing, apply to La Tania departing 13 December 2017 for 7 nights.

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028 SKI FRANCE: Kids Go Free All Winter  You can choose your family ski holiday in a number of different priority orders: the resort, the means of travel perhaps? Ski France recommend putting your accommodation top of the list and have

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several facilities offering free kids’ lift passes as an extra incentive.

BUYERS’ GUIDE 055–066 With the new season upon us our Buyers’ Guide is bigger and better than ever. It’s chock-full of all the latest and greatest new bits of must-have kit, but now there’s even more of it to choose from or just quietly drool over.

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EDITOR PATRICK THORNE

We’re back! Yes, the new ski season is almost here and once again InTheSnow stands ready to bring you all the news for the winter ahead.

And there is indeed lots and lots of news, as always, which savvy skiers and boarders will have been accessing already via our online and social media presence and our free weekly news ezine, all of which continue year round.

COLMAR GOES BACK TO THE FUTURE 

But still, it’s always nice to have some solid hard copy and

Team

when the first print issue appears each autumn, it always feels like the season is truly upon us.

In the British ski industry, most people are still moaning

Italian technical skiwear business Colmar is one of the

about Brexit and its impact on ski holidays, although so far

great names of the global industry, making skiwear since the 1930s, they have consistently managed to produce the best kit, year-in, year-out, ever since.

ever-more people seem to be booking ski trips rather than

EDITORIAL TEAM

being put off. The pound hasn’t got any worse against the euro (if anything, it’s doing better at the time of writing!).

PUBLISHER

SUB EDITORS

dom@inthesnow.com

Nick Jones Marion Adams

© Copyright 2017

EDITOR

CONTRIBUTORS

Printed in the UK.

Dominic Killinger

COMPETITIONS 047/050

Patrick Thorne

patrick@inthesnow.com OPERATIONS DIRECTOR

5 REASONS 022/034

Debbie Gabriel

debbie@inthesnow.com

Emmanuelle Châtel Andy Taylor Mark Barber Daniel Elkan Leon Butler Jon West

SALES & CONTENT MANAGER

ALTITUDE TUITION 052

Anne Powys-Keck

I0 MINS : SAMMY LUEBKE 070

Emmanuelle Châtel

anne@lovethemountains.co.uk BRAND / DIGITAL MANAGER

SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER

Megan Hughes

workers who look after us on our ski holidays in Europe, No part of this publication may be copied, photocopied or reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted, in any way or means, either by recording or otherwise, without permission of the publishers in writing.

EQUIPMENT BY

Ski Bartlett Sputnik DESIGN BY

Tom Showler Rocket Base

tom@rocketbase.co.uk

The main concern is employment rights for the British

InTheSnow Ltd The Snow Studio, Kings Lane, Bucks, HP16 0QY +44 (0)1494 862 423 dom@inthesnow.com inthesnow.com

once Brexit actually happens, but we don’t need to worry about that until the winter after next – phew!

This winter there’s plenty to get excited about already though with the Winter Olympics coming up, new terrain opening in the Grand Massif and La Rosière ski areas in France, and a new black run announced at Cortina.

There seem to be ever-more ski flight routes to choose from with easyJet and Jet2 among the main players, but also a bit of a transatlantic battle starting with Norwegian flying from London to Denver and other “low-cost” airlines moving into long haul and driving down prices with their competition.

Another new trend for 2017/18 is international hotel

THE BEST ALPINE RESORTS GROUPS SAVE UP TO £150 PP* CATERED SKI CHALETS & HOTELS

chains moving into the Alps, including Hard Rock Hotels opening in Davos, Four Seasons in Megève and Hyatt in La Rosière.

It’s all in this magazine or at InTheSnow.com. Here’s to a great season!

LIFT PASS OFFERS SUPER CHILD DISCOUNTS

BIG ENOUGH TO OFFER GREAT PRICES, YET SMALL ENOUGH TO CARE

patrick@inthesnow.com

ON TOP OF THE WORLD

Once a mining town, Breckenridge in the USA is worth its weight in gold. Get stuck into plenty of powder snow, before kicking back like a cowboy in an Old West saloon bar.

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

06 // JUN17

RESORTS OPEN ALREADY After Snowy Start to 2017/18 Ski Season British tour operators and European ski resorts are both celebrating after an unprecedented snowy start to the autumn helped fuel early bookings of ski holidays and advance lift ticket sales.

Scandinavia as well as in the Alps.

pulls the wrappers off in September or early October

At the start of October more than a dozen ski areas

and spreads the snow out on the slopes – hey

are now open in Austria, France, Italy, Switzerland

presto, they can open early!

and Norway. That number is set to double during

Across the Atlantic there has been some heavy

the month.

snowfall too with ski areas across the western

More than half of the open ski areas are in Austria,

side of the continent reporting up to 40cm of fresh

where all eight of the country’s autumn glacier ski

snow in 36 hours on the last day of summer and

centres had already opened before the end of

first of summer.

The outlook for snow cover had not been great

September. These resorts all stage season-opening

It was too early and too short-lived for any to be able

Austria: Dachstein, Hintertux, Kaunertal,

through the summer, which was one of the hottest

festivals, usually with a bit of an Oktoberfest vibe to

to open permanently for the season because of it, but

Kitzsteinhorn, Molltal, Pitztal, SÖlden and

in the Alps ever recorded, melting snow even on the

them, during October when you can also try out the

again it created a huge spike of excitement for the

Stubai glaciers (Kitzbuhel opens 14 Oct)

highest glaciers and leading two centres in Austria

new season’s gear in the snow. SÖlden will host the

season ahead, and two areas – Silverton Mountain in

and Italy to close their summer skiing operations for

season’s first Wold Cup alpine ski races by the end of

Colorado and Mt Bachelor in Oregon – did run their

France: Tignes

the first time ever.

October too.

lifts the weekend after the snow fell to allow excited

(Les 2 Alpes from 21 Oct to 1 Nov)

However there was a dramatic change at the start of

In France the season is underway at Tignes and

skiers and boarders the chance to make some turns

September when the first of three successive snowy

Switzerland will follow Austria’s lead by tripling its

while it was there.

Italy: Passo Stelvio and Val Senales

weekends in the high Alps led to the remarkable

open ski areas from two to six by the end of October.

As we go to press, snowmaking has also started in

(Cervinia at weekends from 14 Oct)

opportunity to go powder skiing in what was still

October also sees an interesting approach to

Colorado with the ski areas of Arapahoe Basin and

officially summertime!

“opening early” unveiled by several ski areas in

Loveland saying they’re targeting a mid-October

Switzerland: Saas-Fee, Zermatt

As September progressed the snowfall reached

Scandinavia and the Alps. Geilo in Norway, Ruka in

opening for the season – subject to temperatures

(Engelberg, Diavolezza 21 Oct; Laax,

lower elevations leading to whiteout conditions at

Finland and Kitzbuhel in Austria will all open way

staying low enough for snowmaking to continue.

Glacier 3000 28 Oct)

ski areas as low as 1,500m above sea level, which

ahead of when the natural snow season starts, and

Ski resorts and tour operators in the Alps and

proved great marketing material on social media,

also ahead of when it’s easy to do much snowmaking

dolomites in particular will be hoping that the snowy

even months ahead of scheduled opening dates, for

thanks to a technique sometimes called ‘snow

conditions of September carry on through the

resorts across Europe.

farming.’ Each resort stockpiles huge amounts of

autumn and in to the start of the winter to bring us

Snow was reported on high slopes in the

snow in the spring, puts a protective cover over it to

an epic start to the main ski season in late November

Dolomites, Pyrenees and at northerly latitudes in

keep the summer sun off it as much as possible then

and early December.

FB.COM/INTHESNOW

Where Can I Go Skiing Already?

Norway: Galdhøpiggen, Geilo Finland: Ruka (6 Oct)

07 // OCT17

DROP EVERYTHING The latest movie from MSP Films, Drop Everything, is touring the UK this November with screenings in Edinburgh, Glasgow, Manchester, Birmingham and London. Presented by Holmlands, in partnership with Elemental Adventure and Ellis Brigham, the movie is set to be one of the funniest and most action-packed films of the season. Tickets are now available to buy online at www.skimovielondon.com.

CHRISTIAN BRINKMANN / AIRBUS

ENGELBERG AIMS TO OPEN IN OCTOBER Engelberg is the latest resort to move snow cannons onto their glacier. The new machines have been installed from the Stand station to the Titlis glacier. The lower section of the glacier ski slope and the section through the Rotegg can now be covered in artificial snow. “The objective is to open the slopes on the glacier in October,” said a spokesperson for the ski area.

NEW SCOTTISH SKI & MTB EVENT

MORE FLIGHT ROUTES TO THE FRENCH ALPS two weekly flights from London

adding five weekday flights from

Gatwick to Grenoble from 18/12/17,

London City to Chambery in

from £30.79 each way.

January and February 2018, from

The company also have a new

£68 each way.

weekly flight from Bristol to

In addition, four existing routes

Grenoble from 17/12/17, from £29.78

into these have been bolstered

Patrick’s Day next year will see competitors ski

Winter 2017/18 sees the opening of no fewer than 13 brand-new routes from across Britain into the airports that service the Northern Alps, Southern Alps and French Pyrenees.

each way.

with extra services from 2017/18.

or board from the summit of Aonach Mòr at the

The airports at Grenoble and

Ryanair are adding a weekly flight

In total, that’s 38 extra planes from

top of the slopes then jump on mountain bikes

Chambéry are seeing the biggest

from London Stansted to Grenoble

11 UK airports winging their way

Ischgl is one of half-a-dozen Austrian ski areas

jump in the number of flights.

from 19/12/17, from £20.39 each

to the mountains of France every

that seem to spend at least €10m on a luxurious

New routes include easyJet adding

way and British Airways are

week this winter.

new lift every summer, and 2017 is no exception

A race modelled on several other popular downhill competitions will be staged for the first time at the Scottish ski resort on Nevis Range next winter. The Ski-An-Duro race on St

for the rest of the downhill.

ISCHGL TO ADD NEW LIFT FEATURING MUSIC STARS

with a €12 million chairlift soon to open, as well as a big spend on snowmaking upgrades.

SUMMER SNOW DELIVERY IN ITALY

The new state-of-the-art Doppelmayr six-seat chairlift will have all the bells and whistles but will also have a unique novelty that only Ischgl

Several truckloads of snow were brought down

could deliver – images of many of the pop and

to central Livigno at 1,850m in the Italian Alps

rock stars who have performed over the years

in August. A grooming tractor followed the

at the resort’s famous “Top of the Mountain”

dumper trucks down the resort’s narrow main

concerts at the beginning and end of its fivemonth-long ski season.

street to prepare the snow for a special ski competition. The snow had been stored from

The increasingly long list of star names now

last winter through the spring and summer

includes Kylie, Mariah Carey, Deep Purple, Elton John (who famously had his grand piano

in a massive pile protected from the heat by sawdust and tarpaulins.

NEW NORWAY CHOICES

SKI CLUB GETS £89K FOR CLUB HOUSE

delivered to the mountain by helicopter), Robbie Williams, Alicia Keys, Muse, The Killers, Rihanna, Pink and many others.

The new Palinkopf lift will be the fourth version

After several years of hard work

past few years that a new team

comprises a social area, storage

of the lift which was initially a drag lift in 1973,

and fundraising by its volunteer

has worked to really develop the

and a garage for a snow groomer,

upgraded to a double chair in 1985 and since

Ski Solutions have launched four resorts in

team, Lowther Hills Ski Club has

ski area, securing and installing a

which the Club is currently trying

1996 has been a quad chairlift, carrying 12 million

Norway: Trysil, Myrkdalen, Beitostølen and

been awarded £88,956 for the

second-hand ski lift, land usage

to acquire by crowd funding via

skiers up the slopes over the past 21 years.

Geilo, giving clients the opportunity to ski or

construction of a ski lodge at

permissions, temporary snow

gofundme.com/LHSCpistebasher.

The new lift will have many innovations and

snowboard under the spectacular Northern

Lowther Hills, with more than half

fencing and many other items to

The new lodge building has been

feature individual, ergonomically designed,

Lights. The resorts in Norway are also

of the money coming from the EU.

enable the centre to operate. The

funded 55% by the EU’s LEADER

heated seats. The old quad chairlift will be

The Club operates Southern

club runs the only community-owned

programme for rural development,

disassembled and then rebuilt at another winter-

activities including ice fishing, dog sledding,

Scotland’s only ski centre, and

ski centre in Scotland and currently

and 45% by a nearby wind farm

sports site in Scandinavia.

horse sleigh rides, ice rally driving and much

whilse there has been skiing in the

uses a portacabin as the clubhouse.

fund (Clyde Wind Farm).

more. Ski Solutions holidays to Norway cost

area for decades, it’s only in the

The new Lowther Hills Ski Lodge

skiclub.lowtherhills.com

excellently equipped for non-skiers with exciting

from £400pp. skisolutions.

008 // OCT17

@INTHESNOWMAG @LTMOUNTAINS

SIMON STARKL

INDOOR SNOW CENTRE TO BE GREEN POWERED

UNDER 25S SEASON PASS FOR UNDER £330

An initiative to install 10,000 solar panels on the roof of the world’s

The three ski lift companies in the ski region of Les 4 Vallées in

second-biggest indoor snow centre (by surface area) is underway.

Switzerland have announced an initiative to reduce the price of

The installation process at SnowWorld Landgraaf in the Netherlands

the annual “Mont4Card”, which is normally priced at CHF1,402

should be complete by the end of the year, by which time the system

(£1,124) for adults, to CHF400 (£326) for under 25s (born

should be able to generate 3.2MWp of energy – enough to power 750

from 1993). The price drop comes as other Swiss ski regions

homes with green energy and to allow the centre to operate with 100%

have announced a variety of low-priced season pass deals. A

renewable energy on sunny days. The centre believes it’s currently the

spokesperson for Les 4 Vallées lift companies said they see it

largest on-site solar power project for a private commercial venture in the

as a long-term investment and that they were “Acknowledging

world. The new green power system follows similar smaller projects at

the need to promote snow sports to the younger generation.”

other indoor snow halls in the Netherlands and Germany including 3,000

The pass does not only cover the largest ski area in Switzerland

solar panels on the roof at the other SnowWorld facility in Zoetermeer.

but pass holders also get discounts worth over CHF2,000

“SnowWorld has worked for many years to become more sustainable,”

(£1,600) including six days of skiing in each of Chamonix and

said Wim Moermans, CFO of SnowWorld. “The installation of the solar

the Aosta Valley, and five days of skiing in each of the following:

panels is an important step in this sustainability strategy.”

Portes du Soleil, Grandvalira, Silvretta Montafon and at resorts

The green energy initiative is also noteworthy as SnowWorld

in the Vail Group.

Landgraaf was built on the spoil heap of a former coal mine.

This offer is for a limited time to Thurs 30 Nov 2017. mont4card.ch

INGHAMS CELEBRATES 20 WINTERS IN LAPLAND Tour operator Inghams has announced the launch of its winter 2017/18 Lapland programme, which marks its 20th year as a destination specialist to the north of Finland.

For this coming winter, Inghams is extending its ski

facilities including a public sauna and a modern

season to Lapland right until Easter 2018 (7 April),

restaurant and bar with cosy fireplace.

when usually British operators end their Lapland

Large glass windows adorn every room, offering

programmes sooner in the season, will offer new

uninterrupted views over the Arctic wilderness.

flights from Gatwick to Ivalo to shorten transfer

All rooms are duplex suites sleeping two to four

times to Saariselkä to just 20 minutes, and has

people, with an option to upgrade to a luxury

Operating from November to April, the brochure

introduced the newly built Five Star Arctic Hotel in

suite with private sauna or a glass cabin.

features a wide choice of package holidays

Saariselkä, due to open in December 2017, which

Prices start from £1,479pp for seven nights on

including to the leading resorts of Levi, Ylläs and

combines the rustic charm of a log cabin with the

a half-board basis, including return flights from

Saariselkä, as well as the newly added seven-

modern comforts of a high-end hotel.

Gatwick or Manchester to Kittilä or new direct

night Muotka Wilderness Lodge holiday and

Located in a scenic fell-top location above

flights to Ivalo from Gatwick.

Santa Short Breaks.

Saariselkä village, guests will be able to enjoy

inghams.co.uk/Lapland

FB.COM/LTMOUNTAINS FB.COM/INTHESNOW

009 // OCT17

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

KORE 105

BY PATRICK THORNE

TODD ANTONY / CHANNEL 4

FAMILY VALUES FOR YOUR LIFT PASS Let’s make no bones about it; family ski holidays are expensive. All those costs for lift passes, rentals and ski school are multiplied by three or four, depending on how many there are in your family

THE JUMP IS AXED

group, and you may have to add on nursery care.

You can save by sharing rooms or an apartment, on a self-drive, but some costs are more difficult to minimise, however you approach them.

The lift pass is one big part of the family ski holiday cost, but it’s worth knowing that while a family

Channel 4 has said there won’t be a fifth series of TV series The Jump, at least not next winter.

portrayed the thrill and fun of winter

been axed for good, with Channel

sports. Perhaps it was a bit of both.

4 saying the reason it won’t return

The Sun reports that 34 celebrities

next winter is that it intends

injured themselves during the four

to focus on the 2018 Winter

The TV show, which asked

series of the show, several of them

Olympics, it does not believe it will

celebrities to challenge themselves

seriously. The third series in 2016

return at all.

NASA

eating in and perhaps all travelling down together

IT’S DEFINITELY SNOWING ON MARS!

of four could pay the best part of £1,000 for four

and risk injury in various fun

saw almost all participants injure

Other media commentators have

passes at a top-end resort, you can knock a half,

snowsports challenges in the

themselves, and there was some

speculated that a variant of the

even two-thirds, off that cost if you shop around.

Austrian Tirol each winter, divided

media surprise when the show

show replacing winter snow

A new study involving weather and climate data

The problem is it involves a lot of maths. The thing

opinions among the winter-sports

returned at the start of this year.

sports with “safer” summer water

collected from the various missions to Mars has

is that different countries approach child lift ticket

community as to whether it offered

The newspaper reports that

sports may be the way forward for

determined that it does snow on the red planet,

gratuitous viewing or accurately

although the show has not officially

The Jump.

year round. Previously both ground rovers and

pricing differently, and then resorts within each country approach pricing for kids differently again.

orbiting surveyor spacecraft had observed ice or

In France children tend to have to pay for passes

frost on the surface of Mars and what appeared

from age four or five, and often about 75% of the

to be snow showers high above the surface, but

adult price even then. When they reach age 12

it was believed that while snow formed high in

or 13, it’s the full adult price, and with the most

the Martian atmosphere, it was so fine and the

expensive French passes now around the €300

distance to the ground so great, and with very

(around £266) mark, that’s a lot of pass cost.

few natural forces to make it descend, that it

The good news is most French resorts offer a

evaporated high above the surface.

percentage discount, often around 20% of the

However, in the new study, the findings of which

total bill if a family all buy their tickets together,

were published in the journal Nature Geoscience,

so you can save there and sometimes increase

researchers found that turbulent forces in the

the saving by buying in advance online, which

Martian atmosphere made it likely that powerful

sometimes unlocks a further discount.

“down drafts” could cause the high-altitude snow

In the other leading nations it is more common

to be pushed down to the surface before it had time

for children not to have to pay until they are six

to evaporate.

or seven, and in some cases even eight years old, so if your children are in their early school

GIANT SKI AREA PROPOSED FOR ROMANIA

“There’s not enough to build a snowman,” says study co-author Aymeric Spiga, a planetary scientist at the French National Centre for Scientific

years, you may be able to take them out of having Plans to build a new ski resort in

Emmanuel de Martonne in 1907, are

reputation for being very snow-sure

Research. “Still, the snow is probably a substantial

Romania’s Făgăraș mountains have

part of the Southern Carpathians

– with snow normally lying for more

player in the planet’s water cycle,” he added.

been announced by the country’s

and reach a height of 2,544m.

than eight months a year.

In 2008, NASA’s Phoenix lander spotted

Ministry of Tourism.

So far there’s limited information

The resort development was “one

wispy structures high overhead that looked a

childhood, perhaps to 16 or 18, so even if you do

The project is included among

about the project, but Romania’s

of my personal dreams,” he said.

lot like virga streaks on Earth, and scientists

have to pay, the child price will probably be much

a number of proposals listed

Minister for Tourism, Mircea Dobre,

Romania currently has around

concluded that it had most likely seen a

less, even for teenagers.

in a new Tourism Master Plan

told local media that the project’s

40 ski areas, although most are

high-altitude snowstorm. In 2012, NASA’s Mars

So it’s well worth shopping around as you work

just approved at a Romanian

origins actually date back nearly 50

small with one or two elderly drag

Reconnaissance Orbiter observed what looked

out your overall family holiday cost. The difficulty is

government meeting.

years to 1968. He said the location

lifts and their operational status

like a cloud of carbon dioxide snowflakes over

that the age from which children pay, and the age

The Făgăraș Mountains, named

chosen could provide a ski area

unknown. The largest ski areas

the South Pole. Facebook.com/SnowInSpace

to which they receive a discount, and how big that

“The Transylvanian Alps” by

with 150km of ski slopes and has a

have around 40km of slopes.

to pay altogether by choosing the right resort.

It’s likely the child price will be half the adult price or less in Austria and Switzerland and also that discounts will continue to an older age in

discount is, varies from resort to resort, and the one that’s the best value for you will vary depending on the number and ages of your children.

010 // OCT17

@INTHESNOWMAG @LTMOUNTAINS

SKI AREA DECIDES TO DELAY OPENING DATE Alyeska Resort in Alaska, which typically posts one of the world’s biggest snowfall totals, has decided to open three weeks later than usual this winter, in mid-December rather than late November. The resort’s Marketing Director Eric Fullerton said the decision had been made due to “shifting weather patterns”, meaning that snow cover was unpredictable early in the season, despite the resort having spent millions on snowmaking in recent years.

NEW LIFT PASS COVERS 4 PYRENEES SKI AREAS A hi-tech new lift pass, “Pyrénées 2 Vallées”, has been created to cover skiing at four of the top

FIND YOUR PERFECT HOME FROM HOME IN CHAMONIX

ski areas in the French Pyrenees – Saint-Lary, Peyragudes Piau-Engaly and Val Louron – with 247km of slopes. You pay €20 for the pass then 10 to 15% off the normal daily rate (depending on the time of your visit in the season) for each day you use it. pyrenees2vallees.com

NEW GONDOLA IN ZELL AM SEE SKI REGION

Finding accommodation that’s good enough for your family or group in Chamonix can be a challenge. One of the world’s greatest resorts (many argue THE greatest), the Chamonix Valley has tens of thousands of guest beds available, but most are in anonymous selfcatering apartments, hotel rooms or catered chalets run as seasonal businesses.

discerning skiers and boarders from all over

fully inclusive luxury catered chalets,

so have an intimate knowledge of all the

the world who are looking for luxury chalets

from four to 18 guests, from two-

best services to use so can also advise

and beautiful apartments in the Chamonix

bedroom apartments and mini chalets

on and book the best ski instructors,

Valley that are a little more special.

to eight bedrooms, throughout the

guides, chefs, restaurants and much

The Ten80 team always take great pride

Chamonix Valley both in town and on

more as required.

in finding the perfect property for their

the slopes, and has a great choice of

guests, advising them and then putting

apartment and chalet lets.

Discover more about Ten80

everything into place so that all their

The Ten80 team also work and “play” in

Visit: luxuryskichaletschamonix.com

clients have a great holiday and discover

the Chamonix Valley all year round and

for access to all our sites.

But what if you could stay in someone’s

experienced Ten80 team manage and

second home? Not a place they bought to

look after these properties for their

rent out, but their own home that they’ve

owners all year round and ensures that

invested time, love and money in to

they are always in immaculate condition

create a personal place in Chamonix that’s

to ensure that you, your family and

something unique, somewhere special?

friends have a fantastic and memorable

That’s the service that Ten80 Holidays

holiday. They’re also always on hand in

have been providing for the past 12

resort to help whenever required.

years, connecting owners of magnificent

Ten80 offers everything from weekly

Mad River Glen in Vermont still don’t), has said

properties in the Chamonix Valley with

self-catered family holiday breaks to

it will stage a major event in March to celebrate

A new gondola will replace the former Areitbahn making the link from Schüttdorf in the valley up to Areitalm in the Zell am See-Kaprun ski area this winter. The former lift was built in 1988 and has clocked up 25 million carried guests over its 29-year lifespan. The new lift

the very best that Chamonix has to offer,

will have 50% more capacity, travel faster and

available exclusively through Ten80.

offer on-board wi-fi.

The dedicated, dynamic and

TAOS’ 10TH SEASON OF SNOWBOARDERS Taos ski resort in New Mexico, which was one of the last to allow snowboarding on its slopes in North America (Alta and Deer Valley in Utah and

the 10th anniversary of allowing boarders on its slopes. It also has a number of upgrades including a new pulse gondola, a new beginner

WORLD’S STEEPEST FUNICULAR RAILWAY TO OPEN THIS WINTER

area and a fully renovated children’s centre.

NEW GONDOLA & PISTE FOR VAL THORENS

The world’s steepest funicular railway

levelling cabins that will always

village of Stoos at 1,306masl. Stoos,

lift is due to go into service at the small

sit vertical regardless of the angle of

which is located about 50km south of

Swiss ski area of Stoos this December.

the track.

Zurich and has a population of just 100,

The futuristic-looking lift has been built

The new Stoosbahn will run 28 times a

has a small ski area with about 35km

Val Thorens has invested €14 million to upgrade

by Garaventa, part of the Doppelmayr

day between 7am and 9pm and operate

of runs on the Stooshorn, the longest

their Moraine chair lift to a gondola serving a

Group, and will climb a gradient of up

on a completely new line created

at 2.1km in length. Besides the new

ski area popular among skiers and boarders

to 110% (nearly 48°) in steepness over

especially for it from the valley station

funicular there are half-a-dozen chair

more than 740 vertical metres of ascent.

near Schwyz at 562msal (metres above

and drag lifts located between 1,256 and

Each train will have four cylindrical self-

sea level) into the centre of the mountain

2,000m. stoos.ch

of all abilities, with beginners especially well catered for, and the heated 10-seater cabins will provide easier, safer transportation. There will also be a fourth new blue run in the Plein Sud sector, descending to the top of the resort via a

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011 // OCT17

“balcony route” overlooking Val Thorens village.

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

5% DISCOUNT

QUOTE CODE 'ITS'

EVER BETTER CHALETS

& A TRIP TO IRAN WITH MOUNTAIN HEAVEN The specialist ski chalet and apartment company Mountain Heaven have had a busy summer with new purpose-designed chalets being built for them in the French Alps.

High Quality Catered + Self Catered High Quality Catered Accommodation + Self Catered Accommodation French and Swiss Alps

been dropped, Mountain Heaven have had

teenage son, having a wonderful time with

three brand-new chalets built specifically for

the hospitable locals in spectacular mountain

them for the coming 2017/18 season, with a

scenery with fantastic powder snow, all at

fourth, in Morzine, under construction ready for

comparatively low prices. So next March

winter 2018/19.

Mountain Heaven will run two week-long Iranian

The new chalets this winter include Chalet

Ski Experience tours, hosted by Nick and visiting

Business has been booming for Mountain

Valeriane in La Rosière with four bedrooms and

three different resorts (Shemshak, Darbandsar

Heaven as skiers and boarders have responded

a hot tub, which will be the company’s closest

and Dizin) as well as touring Tehran and the

to the consistently high service standards, very

catered chalet to the pistes in the Les Eucherts

World Heritage Site of Esfahan.

comfortable accommodation and top value

area of La Rosière. Also new are Chalet Grand

with (unlike some others) ABTOT bonding

Chardon and Chalet Petit Chardon in La Plagne

for their clients’ financial security which they

1800. Both are unique in terms of the chalets

provide through this era of Brexit uncertainty

having access to a heated outdoor pool

in their chalets and apartments in France and

together with other leisure facilities, including

This season Mountain Heaven are able to offer

Switzerland. In fact, the company has been

a squash court. Chalet Grand Chardon has six

some all-inclusive holidays for those that would

battling hard to meet demand!

en-suite bedrooms and Chalet Petit Chardon

like to travel by the direct Eurostar train service

Having fine-tuned their inventory of chalets on

has three bedrooms.

on a Saturday. When part of a catered package,

offer this winter so that any that do not quite

Always innovating, company director Nick

prices can be as low as £100 return – £50 less

meet the company’s very high standards have

Williams recently visited Iran to ski with his

than the cheapest ticket available booking direct.

All-inclusive Holidays by Train

Snowand SureSwiss Resorts French Alps OnSnow / NearSure PisteResorts locations Hidden On No / Near PisteExtras locations Financially No HiddenBonded Extras Financially Bonded

0151 625 1921 mountainheaven.co.uk 0151 625 1921 mountainheaven.co.uk 012 // OCT17

MOUNTAINHEAVEN.CO.UK

CABLE-CAR STATION TO BECOME HOTEL The oldest cable-car station in France at Tête

LADIES

de Solaise – it dates back to 1942 – is about to be transformed into a 40-bedroom hotel that, at

SKI

2,550m, will be the highest in France. Access in summer will be by road, while in winter the hotel can only be reached by the new Solaise gondola or by snowcat. The scheduled opening date is December 2018.

E S E TH S L R I G CAN

HELMETS OBLIGATORY AT INDOOR SNOW CENTRE The Snow Centre at Hemel Hempstead has made wearing a helmet when skiing on its slopes obligatory. “We believe that wearing a helmet reduces the risk and seriousness of certain head injuries, which is why we have taken this decision,” a statement issued by the Centre reads. It continues, “However, a helmet is not an armour and should not encourage you to take more risks. The golden rule is control!”

UK HAD NO DEEP SNOW LAST WINTER

WORDS: ELLE EMMANU CHATEL

The UK had no snow lying more than 20cm at all last winter, according to data released by the Met Office. It’s the first time so little snow has been reported since the national weather agency began recording the figures almost 60 years ago. The Met Office said that deep snow

This new column is dedicated to celebrating the best of women in snowsports. For the first one, Team GB’s female athletes tell us how skiing is empowering their lives.

CARA BROWN

stay really fit and feel good in my body. It

so many places. Most of all it allows me

up many opportunities which have

also enables me to travel the world and

to be free. I got a plate at home which

empowered me not only in my athlete

meet like-minded people. It also allows

says “If you’re lucky enough to be in the

life but day to day. In everyday life,

me to push myself, challenge myself and

mountains you’re lucky enough”. Skiing

sport provides me with the inspiration

test my limits. I have learnt that when you

to me is more than just my sport. It’s an

to train to be fit for my sport. This is

think you’ve done everything you can and

opportunity to be in amazing places with

something I have grown passionate

you’ve given everything you’ve got then

amazing people. It also allows us to be

about; when I am not on my snowboard

you can always do a little bit more! I learnt

on an equal level with the boys and shred

and I am back in the UK, I see this as

to push through really tough times to come

with the best of the guys!

an opportunity to channel my energy

out on the other side.

Delancey British Alpine Europa Cup Squad SKIING empowers me because it’s seen as a man’s sport! A lot of characteristics that are associated with men, like strength

British Freestyle Ski Cross Squad

and speed, are key to ski racing. I love

to higher average temperatures and that last winter was the mildest in England and Wales for more than 105 years.

JET2 ADD NEW SKI FLIGHT TO LYON

positively into my day-to-day routine,

AIMEE FULLER EMILY SARSFIELD

was becoming progressively less frequent due

British Park and Pipe Snowboard Squad

Jet2 have announced they’re launching a new

improving my energy levels and mood

twice-weekly service from Stansted to Lyon

by keeping me moving. Snowboarding

in France, adding to their services to Geneva,

is all about experience; every day on

Grenoble and Salzburg. Lyon is located west

the mountain is different and can be

of the French Alps so is best placed to access

challenging. Overcoming challenges on

resorts on that side of the mountains including

Snowboarding has created a platform

the mountain is like problem solving in

Tignes, Les Arcs and Alpe d’Huez. Other French

for me to be strong, confident and

everyday life; it’s working out the best

airports growing in popularity this coming winter

knowing that every time I go skiing I’m

Skiing has brought to me so many

follow my dreams. Finding the love

way of doing the best possible trick you

with more routes from the UK include Chambery

breaking down barriers! Sports help me

opportunities and allowed me to visit

and passion for a sport has opened

can do.

and Grenoble. jet2.com/ski

CRYSTAL ALL-SKI-COSTSINCLUSIVE HOLIDAYS Crystal holidays have added what they call their first “slope-ready resort” – Pamporovo in Bulgaria.

DAN DECKELBAUM

All holidays to this resort include a lift pass, equipment hire and tuition in addition to the flights, transfers and seven nights’ full board with drinks included, so it is intended to be a high-value option for first-time or more seasoned skiers. Prices from £579 staying in the Hotel Snezhanka, two sharing, departure 7 January 2018.

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013 // OCT17

p

7p 9 £ m ts fro

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ALEXANDER TUMA

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007 JAMES BOND RETURNING TO SÖLDEN THIS WINTER

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• Italy • France • Austria • Switzerland • The Pyrenees • Norway • Spain • Andorra • Slovenia & Slovakia

Get More

Two years after the release of the last James Bond film, Spectre, one of the key locations for the film, Sölden in Austria’s Tirol region, is to open “a unique James Bond cinematic installation” right next to the mountain-top restaurant where the film was shot.

award-winning architect Johann Obermoser.

Sölden, which is usually open for skiing from

The innovative, dynamic space is inspired by

September to late spring each year, is one of

the work of visionary James Bond Production

the most popular destinations in Austria. In fact,

Designer Sir Ken Adam, according to a

it now enjoys the second-highest number of

statement from the lift company.

guest nights in the country, second only to the

“We’re delighted to be partnering with EON

capital city of Vienna.

Productions and Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer to bring

Several Bond films have had scenes shot in

Bond back to Sölden by creating a truly unique

ski resorts over the years. Mürren, the main

Sölden’s lift company is creating a bespoke new

experience in the heart of the Tyrol region,” said

location for the film On Her Majesty’s Secret

building to house the 007 installation at the top

Jakob Falkner, Managing Director of Cable Car

Service nearly 50 years ago, has increasingly

of the Gaislachkogl Mountain next to the ICE Q

Companies Sölden, who added:

added attractions to commemorate the film, and

Restaurant, Sölden, Austria. The iconic location was

“Together with the many exciting and varied

Peyragudes in the French Pyrenees opened

used in Spectre as the Hoffler Klinik and formed

activities available in the area, this James

a 007 ski run to celebrate 20 years since

part of the snow chase sequence in the film.

Bond installation will strengthen Sölden’s

Tomorrow Never Dies was released in 1997,

The installation will be embedded into the

position as a year-round destination for sports

one of the most exciting parts of the film having

top of the mountain, designed and built by

and entertainment.”

been filmed there.

This season!

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NEW LIFTS FOR MÉRIBEL’S 80TH

Nov 2017

British-favourite resort Méribel in the world’s largest ski region, Les 3 Vallées, celebrates 80

ut)

years this winter since the village became a ski resort thanks to the efforts of Colonel Peter Lindsay who opened the first ski lift here in 1938. Two new chairlifts are planned for winter

w.zenithholid

ays.co.uk/inth

2017/18 along with other slope upgrades. A new high-speed six-seater chairlift will replace the

esnowoctob

er17

old Roc de Tougne twin draglifts, taking just three minutes to ascend to the top of the Lagopède and Bartavelle pistes and providing faster access to Les Menuires and the wider Belleville

Call us on 0203 137 7678

JM GOUEDARD MERIBEL TOURISME

www.zenithholidays.co.uk

Valley. The main route to Val Thorens is also being improved with a new route that bypasses two formerly unavoidable tricky sections, meaning the piste will be re-graded from red to blue.

Other upgrades include a new covered carpet lift at the central Le Rond Point accessing the new Easy Rider beginner area. The main terrain park is also being renamed the Elements Park with four separate zones rated from beginner to expert.

014 // OCT17

@INTHESNOWMAG

New SnowboardING World Record Set

FREERIDE

BY LEON BUTLER LeonButlerFreeride

Leon.Butler87

Snowboarder Keith Hayes has set a new world record for snowboarding the biggest vertical in 12 hours.

The record was set last winter at Sun Peaks ski resort in British Columbia, Canada, but it took some time for Keith to receive his official confirmation and certification from the famous Guinness Book.

Keith was supported by a team of 10 from the Winter Sports Company as he attempted and then set the new world record.

It was an early start, and the chairlift started turning at 8am sharp – but conditions were perfect. After a week of heavy snowfall and

chasingwinter.weebly.com

powder days, 12 March was the one day of the year when Keith’s team weren’t hoping for knee-deep powder.

Perfect conditions for this event would be fresh snow on the

Freeriding is a form of skiing and snowboarding that embodies all styles, but in essence it is riding the natural terrain of a mountain free from rules and manmade features. It’s generally associated with off-piste and big mountain due to the natural terrain, cliffs and features being used. It’s basically sliding down a mountain in any way you want to: it’s open to interpretation.

professional tour is a five-event series where

3. Fluidity

the very best skiers and snowboarders

This rewards the riders who don’t hesitate before

compete on some of the steepest and heaviest

dropping a cliff and show no confusion or stopping.

mountains in the world. They build up points

Traversing can also sometime be a no-no if it

over the series which will determine the overall

disrupts your line. It’s all about the “flow” of your line.

preceding day, followed by a clear evening for a pristine groomed

winner of the tour; it’s an amazing spectacle

run on the Sunday morning.

“The snow gods listened and Keith started his day on the most perfect groomer we’ve ever seen!” said a Winter Sports Company spokesperson.

Keith rode the Sundance Chairlift and as the day progressed, the

to watch, with the skiing and riding being at

4. Jumps

weather brightened. By 2.30pm Keith had completed the benchmark

the highest level with big consequences and

Probably the most exciting part of the competition.

distance of 12,500m that had been set by the Guinness Book prior to

excitement guaranteed.

Nothing is man-made and so it’s always amazing

the event to become an official world record holder. At the eight-hour

To get onto the FWT you first need to qualify

to see someone hitting a 20-foot cliff. Judges look

mark it was a case of mind over matter, as the lift shut to the general

through the Freeride World Qualifier Tour Series,

for size of cliff, style while in the air, and whether it

which is made up of events all over the world with

was a clean landing and takeoff.

and the benchmark a distant memory, it looked as though Keith was until 6pm, completing 40 runs – a whopping 19,000 vertical metres.

public and the weather closed in. With over 30 runs under his belt, ready to stop, but with the support of volunteers he kept on going

thousands of competitors of all ages. It’s the same Freeriding has always been the dirty, older

platform as the main tour, in that athletes build up

5. Technique

brother to freestyle – something only the old

points over a season with the aim to finish at the

This is looked at more closely in the qualifier and

As well as it being a personal challenge, Keith also made his

and crusty were into – but it’s beginning to gain

top and earn a place on the FWT.

junior events. It’s not a main criterion as everyone

successful record attempt to raise money for Epilepsy Action.

popularity as more people are looking to explore

There are a few different levels of events on the

has their own style. Someone can lose points if

the mountains. Legends of the sport like Shane

qualifier tour. The difficulty of each event is shown

they are side-slipping down a section while other

McConkey and more recently Jeremy Jones

by a star ranking, one star being the lowest and

riders are carving.

and Xavier De Le Rue have really pushed what

four stars the highest. The more stars, the more

is possible and brought it to the big screen, and

points that are on offer due to the level and risk

Judges will then give an overall score between 0

with the likes of Travis Rice and Candide Thovex

being higher.

and 100. What makes these events even tougher

bringing their freestyle roots into freeriding it will

is that you get one run, with no practice. So, on

Keep Calm and Ski This Winter The Adventure Yogi company is organising a “Wintersports and

1. Difficulty of Line

the day it’s down to whoever can keep it together

This is all about the route chosen down the

and put a clean, smart run down.

Freeride World Tour

mountain. How difficult is it? What’s the danger

Picking a line is tough. Usually a photo of

Over the years, freeriding has developed and

factor? How have they linked up features? How

the venue is sent out a few days before the

and making it harder to fully enjoy our skiing experience. That’s why

progressed and a competitive format has evolved

creative is their route?

competition, followed by an inspection day. This

AdventureYogi has developed a dedicated winter retreat combining

continue to grow.

now known as the Freeride World Tour. Some

Yoga” retreat this winter.

“As every regular skier knows, we use muscles on the slopes in ways

involves scoping the competition face from the

believe it is a bit of a contradiction to introduce

2. Control

bottom using binoculars, and this is where freeride

competition into freeriding, but it is a great

Control is key in freeriding: if you are out of

is slightly different from other events. The athlete

format that pushes athletes and satisfies their

control, then bad things can happen. Judges

has to use experience and knowledge to pick a line

competitive edge while keeping true to the origins

want to see a rider knowing exactly where they

that will score well – it’s hard seeing how steep a

of freeride.

are going and not flying by the seat of their

run is or how big a cliff is from the bottom.

pants. This is probably one of the main criteria –

Freeriding, whether it’s competitive or not, just

The FWT format works like this ...

falling in the middle of your run is pretty much a

comes down to how a person sees the mountain

There are two levels to the FWT. The main

nail in the coffin.

in front of them and where their inspiration lies.

we don’t during the rest of the year, bringing stiffness and tension

skiing and yoga – the two extremes that complement each other perfectly,” an AdventureYogi spokesperson explained, adding, “Certain yoga postures can benefit skiers and help greatly reduce the physical demands put on the body by active sport.”

The retreat, staged in March 2018 in St Foy, will include dedicated daily yoga practice so participants gain more balance, concentration, flexibility and strength for the ski slopes.

Each day will begin with a warm-up power yoga session followed by an energising breakfast. After a day on the slopes, evenings will be dedicated to winding down in the sauna, experiencing holistic treatments and gentle yoga, then enjoying a three-course vegetarian

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015 // OCT17

dinner. Prices start from £893. adventureyogi.com

SERRE CHEVALIER

VALLÉE BRIANÇON The BIG ski area that doesnÕt shout about it!

ZOOMJPG

Serre Chevalier Vallée Briançon (or sometimes just “Serre Che” to its friends!) is one of the world’s biggest ski areas with more than 80 runs, adding up to about 250km of piste and spread over 410 hectares of wonderful natural environment in an authentic valley of the Hautes-Alpes.

les-Bains; Villeneuve – La Salle les Alpes; and

off-piste terrain and mostly XL-sized terrain parks,

innovative options.

Chantemerle – Saint Chaffrey) or in the historic little

Serre Chevalier also thinks hard about every aspect

Whatever you choose to do during the day, you can

mountain town of Briançon, whose fortifications have

of your snowsports holiday, so there are special

all get back together in the evening to enjoy some of

been classified by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.

learning areas for first-timers in the terrain park or on

the great regional cuisine in an authentic mountain

Whichever you choose, you’ll find each benefits

the freeride slopes, and there are also runs designed

restaurant or perhaps a drink in a cosy local bar to

from the same fabulous climate of the Southern

to just be straightforward, simple, pure fun!

reflect on another wonderful day in the mountains.

Alps, bathed in sunshine once the snow has fallen.

Enjoying Serre Chevalier Vallée Briançon at a

It’s a natural, genuine environment of beautiful

gentler pace may include a bit of snowshoeing,

landscapes, where you can breathe deeply, relax,

taking one of the 20 or so trails leaving from the

really feel you have got away from your day-to-day

valley, allowing you to discover the magnificent

But when you’re staying there, the only real clue

life or the crowded slopes of some well-known ski

surrounding countryside and its impressive peaks

Ski Holidays to Serre Chevalier are offered by

to just how big it is is when you set off skiing in the

resorts and then just have fun.

which form part of the Écrins National Park. Nordic

numerous ski holiday companies including the

morning and realise the pistes can take you on and

Just how you have fun is up to you, and if you’re

skiing, dog sledding, perhaps a ride on a piste-

big operators like Crystal and Inghams or smaller

on amid the larch forests over a 1,600m vertical

in a family or group where half of you like high-

basher or ski-joering (being gently towed behind

specialists like Ski Miquel or Zenith. You can also

between up to 2,800m above sea level, with 80% of

adrenaline sport, and the other half prefer to relax,

a pony on your skis) are among the many other

arrange holidays yourself via the resort’s website:

the runs located above 2,000m.

Serre Che is your perfect choice.

opportunities here, or if you just want to completely

serre-chevalier.com/en/winter/ Fly in to Grenoble

That’s because you stay not in big-altitude resorts

Along with hundreds of kilometres of piste for all

pamper yourself, there are plenty of spas to

or Turin or it’s a 12-hour drive from London!

but in one of three charming villages (Le Monêtier-

abilities, from great novice areas to the steepest

choose from too, including some very unusual and

016 // OCT17 016 // JUN17

Getting There

SERRE-CHEVALIER.COM/EN/WINTER

O FR M W

P

P

P

YOUR WINTER HOLIDAY YOUR APARTMENT

+

©Esquiss - +334 92 24 21 34

6-DAY SKI PASS

MICHAEL WERLBERGER

KITZBÃœHEL T H E C O M P L E T E A L L- R O U N D E R WORDS: PATRICK THORNE

018 // OCT17 018 // JUN17

@INTHESNOWMAG @LTMOUNTAINS

One of the best-known names in world skiing, Kitzbühel has one of the most illustrious pasts – and presents – in downhill ski racing, and an incredible heritage as a winter resort destination for those of us not brave enough to throw ourselves down the course of the infamous annual Hahnenkamm race.

decade ago when a major international report mentioned that low-altitude ski areas would increasingly suffer as the decades went on through this century.

So far, Kitzbühel has come out fighting, actually extending its ski season to usually open some high terrain in late October each year using snow farming and clever snowmaking to open runs when most other areas can’t. It has published data going back decades showing it is getting about as much snow as it ever did, and it also has extensive snowmaking.

But it can’t be denied that when I visited in February this

If you just roll up to Kitzbühel on your ski holiday, as I did,

year it was raining and the snow wasn’t in great shape. Then

you’ve made a good choice. The local ski area has about

again, I was unlucky enough to visit in a warm spell across

177km of ski runs which you can access from half-a-dozen or

the Alps and Kitzbühel wasn’t the only one suffering.

more spots in and around the resort, but which are now all interconnected up top by more than 50 lifts, including some of the world’s fastest, most comfortable and effective queue-

The Resort

gobbling lifts on the planet.

You’ll probably be impressed by the ski area and its lifts,

While its outskirts appear much the same as any large

therefore (one of which holds the world record for crossing

Austrian mountain village, the medieval town centre is

at the highest level above the valley floor, some 400m up),

something special and makes Kitzbühel a great choice if you

but it’s the town itself that is the resort’s trump card for

have non-skiers in your party or, indeed, fancy a more laid-

most visitors.

back winter holiday where skiing isn’t the be-all and end-all.

The pedestrianised medieval resort centre is something very

There’s a great choice of cafés and restaurants – from

special, drawing tourists year-round to witness its ancient

affordable organic cafés up to gourmet dining – both chic

buildings and painted frescoes. It’s home to an enticing mixture

and modern, and traditional in one of those ancient and

of boutique shops, quirky restaurants and stylish cafés in

authentic buildings. Even for a coffee stop you’ll have no

buildings which, in some cases, date back to the 14th century.

problem finding a hand-made espresso or soya latte here.

If you’re looking for a ski resort with character, choice and a

Shoppers, too, will be delighted by the wide choice of

good-sized ski area, Kitzbühel is it.

enticing shops and boutiques, including many that have been in the town for generations. It’s not only ski shops,

The Skiing

either: there are jewellers, fashion boutiques, a lingerie store, tailors, shoe shops, a great book shop and many more.

Kitzbühel is most famous for the annual Hahnenkamm

It’s also worth noting that there’s plenty to do in Kitzbühel

downhill World Cup ski race each January which plunges

besides either downhill snowsports or rather sedentary

down the mountainside at 85°. The race is the biggest

eating, drinking and shopping. The resort’s impressive

single sporting event in Austria, summer or winter, attracting

Aquarena indoor pool complex features a 25m competition

50,000 or more to the resort to watch it and tens of millions

pool, leisure pool, and spa facilities including sauna,

more to TV screens around the world. Raced 77 times since

steambath and hammam. There are lots more spa centres

the early 1930s, a Hahnenkamm win for a racer is equivalent

around the resort including in many of the 4★ and 5★ hotels

to, perhaps better than a Winter Olympic Downhill victory.

here. There’s also the Mercedes-Benz Sportpark for ice

But Kitzbühel, unlike some of the other world-famous resorts

skating and curling, while the SALEWA KletterKitz climbing

such as St Anton, or Chamonix or Val d’Isère, doesn’t really

gym features an 850m² climbing area that rises up to a

have a reputation for its tough skiing. Of course, there’s

height of 17m. Then there’s indoor tennis, toboggan runs,

plenty of it, but most of the groomed terrain in the local

even a casino – the list goes on.

Wilder Kaiser mountains is suited to intermediates; even the Hahnenkamm’s race course is specially created by linking a number of runs through normally closed sections each year,

Where to Stay

and so it disappears as a race course once the race has

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been run and a few die-hards have booked their chance to

I was staying in the comfortable 4★ Hotel Jägerwirt

ski it themselves afterwards.

during my most recent stay in Kitzbühel. The hotel is a

The ski area itself is divided into three sectors, all

long-standing favourite with Brits, partly due to the warm

interlinked, including the Kitzbüheler Horn, the larger

welcome from the friendly and efficient staff and partly due

Hahnenkamm and the smaller BichlAlm which is promoted

to the big buffet dinners, among other things.

as a freeride option complete with snowcat operation. One

Facilities include an indoor pool and a great spa with

popular option is a 35km one-day marked “Ski Safari” route

sauna, steam room and relaxation area. There’s also

that takes you right around the whole area.

a popular bar (warning to non-smokers/good news for

If the 179km of piste locally doesn’t sound like enough (it

smokers: people still smoke in bars in the Tirol) where you

should be for a week for most of us), the area pass covers

can buy one of the world’s biggest burgers if the fancy

many neighbouring ski resorts a short bus ride away; in total

takes you.

they offer more than 1,000km of ski runs on the Kitzbühel

The Hotel Jägerwirt is well located with both ski lifts and

Alps All Star Card. Closest is the SkiWelt, one of Austria’s

the heart of the resort just a short walk away (the ski bus

three largest ski areas with some 280km of runs – it’s ski

stops right outside if you don’t want the 10-minute walk).

area almost touches Kitzbühel’s.

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

One thing you should be aware of in Kitzbühel is the snow.

offers a week’s half board at the 4★ Hotel Jägerwirt in

The resort’s highest slopes at 2,000m above sea level are

Kitzbühel from £557pp (based on two sharing) including

among the lowest of all the major ski destinations in Europe.

flights from Gatwick to Innsbruck and transfers (price given

That may not be great news in this era of a warming climate,

is for departure on 16 December 2017). Direct flights are

and the resort was singled out by journalists a little over a

available from all major UK airports.

019 019////OCT17 JUN17

5 CHALETS

LUXURY

IN CHAMONIX

UNIVERSITY STUDENTS CASH IN ON QUIET DECEMBER

YOUR TAILOR-MADE HOLIDAY

Tour operators are reporting that sales of ski holidays for December, until New Year Week at least, are slow, while Easter sales are booming and February half-term holidays may “sell out”, for France at least, within the next month.

that their student market is up for this sector.

because the university holidays are not clashing

“The calendar is better generally next season

with any other major European holidays this

with Christmas looking attractive in terms of

year, which means that prices are considerably

days off for adults, and students have a full two

lower for students this season. Student operators

weeks before Christmas, giving them more

believe there will be high demand and as such

choice. Worries about a holiday being ruined by

have secured more beds.

little snow don’t concern the students as much:

Although the student market interest in

The main reason being given for slow December

a lot of them are beginners so they don’t need

December ski holidays goes against the trend,

demand is the successive poor snowfall starts to

massive areas to be open, and they are equally

Cathy says that the student interest is strong at

the season in recent winters, although of course

as motivated by the après-ski as the snow

Easter too:

no one knows how winter 2017/18 will start.

activities. Their chosen destinations include the

“Easter is early, universities break up earlier,

But at least one holiday company is seeing strong

highest resorts of Val Thorens, Alpe d’Huez and

there’s no clash with French holidays and, again,

interest from a particular market sector. Pierre

Tignes so the risk of less snow is lower,” says

there are cheaper prices than last winter for

& Vacances, the biggest provider of mostly self-

Pierre & Vacances’ Cathy Rankin.

everyone able to travel either 24 or 31 March

catering accommodation in the French Alps, says

For British students the calendar is good

compared to Easter holidays last year.”

Four stunning chalets. One unique location.

Experiences you’ll never forget.

Set in a private idyll overlooking Mont Blanc, Les Rives d’Argentière comprises four exclusive chalets that can be rented together or individually.

SAILORS RAISE FUNDS FOR DISABILITY SNOWSPORT UK

T. +33

(0)6 78 09 25 59

lesrivesdargentiere.com/en

REBECCA HODGES

Our optional services include private chef, concierge and chauffeur. Whether you’re an adrenaline junkie or a beginner, you can enjoy the world-famous Chamonix slopes by day, and unwind in the evening with apres ski and pampering in our fabulous five star accommodation.

Disability Snowsport UK (DSUK) recently

carrier, HMS Queen Elizabeth. Once out

staged its Solent Challenge just off the coast

on the open water, the sails were hoisted,

of Portsmouth. Fifteen yachts participated in

engines switched off and the sailors began

the fundraising event including two crews

to feel the boat move under its own power.

from tour operator Crystal – Supersailors and

The weather was perfect – enough wind

The Reely Nauti Crew.

to give the thrill of speed through the

Guest of honour was Sir Steve Redgrave,

water, but not enough to make anyone

and his team of sailors consisted of British

uncomfortable.

Association of Snowsport instructors and

At the end of the day there was a prize

their partners.

giving and BBQ dinner. The Crystal teams

The ten members of each yacht received a

came seventh and eighth and raised over

crash course on sailing during the morning

£3,600 for the charity. DSUK will be running

and then headed out on Sunsail’s 40-foot

the fifth Solent Challenge next year and

yachts past the British Navy’s largest aircraft

welcomes entries.

162, Chemin des Vélars | 74400 Chamonix Mont-Blanc | France 020 // OCT17

@INTHESNOWMAG

FIVE

REASONS

TO

VISIT

TVB PAZNAUN - ISCHGL

ISCHGL

the village, keeps going until the early hours. Ischgl is

So Much Snow

the village of Samnaun, where you can pick up

certainly a contender for the après-ski capital of Europe,

Along with a formidable natural snowfall record,

some seriously cut-price bargains. But there’s

and the resort has mega venues such as the Trofana

Ischgl has no less than 1,100 snow machines covering

much more to do in Ischgl besides downhill

Arena, with five bars on various levels, live shows and

most of its 238 kilometres of perfectly prepared

snowsports, or even instead of them, if you don’t

top DJs, and Pacha, regarded by many as the greatest

pistes, and in recent years has proved itself ready

want to ski. It’s a very long list but ice-skating,

club in the Alps, in the Designhotel, Madlein.

to go in late November while other resorts have

snowshoeing, winter hiking, tobogganing, spas

struggled to open, particularly in warmer-than-normal

and swimming or the exciting Ischgl Skyfly mega

autumns when Mother Nature doesn’t play ball with

zip wire are all options.

If you’re after a ski area with both a big international

Incredible Food

ski area and a thriving après-ski scene, then look

As if its great skiing and a world-class party scene

deliveries of the natural stuff. It stays fully open

no further. Set deep in the stunning Paznaun Valley,

were not enough, Ischgl has also risen to become

right through to the start of May, too. The slopes are

The Biggest Parties

Ischgl’s Silvretta Arena ski area expands for 238km

a stronghold in terms of cuisine. There’s everything

served by 45 ski lifts, including some of the most

Ischgl celebrates both the start and end of its

over some of the most majestic mountains in the

from highly affordable ski lodges through to gourmet

comfortable, state-of-the-art high-speed gondola and

very long season with a big music festival on the

Alps, offering varied and snow-sure skiing from

restaurants serving award-winning cuisine. On the

chair lifts on earth.

mountain, bringing in a major world star for a free gig

November all the way to May.

slopes, there are 14 mountain restaurants and ski

– you just need a lift pass to reach the venue. The list

lodges to choose from, offering everything from a

Not Just Skiing

quick pit-stop snack (if you want to zoom back out

Of course, most visitors will want to carve their

the Mountain concert gets ever longer, but includes

Ischgl is almost as famous for its legendary après-ski

onto the snow) to refined menus with table service

way down the pristine pistes on the Idalp on skis

the likes of Kylie Minogue, Rihanna, Pink, Lionel

and nightlife scene as it is for its incredible ski area.

(for a long lunch until the lifts close). Only recently,

or snowboards, or explore the freeride terrain

Ritchie, Robbie Williams, Katy Perry, Muse, Diana

The après-ski scene kicks off at Niki’s Stadl by the

Ischgl was described in the A la Carte guide as a “…

off Piz Val Gronda. A must-do is the Duty-Free

Ross and Elton John (twice) – his grand piano arriving

Pardatschgrat chair while the Kuhstall, in the centre of

culinary Mecca in the Alps”.

Run, which takes you across the Swiss border to

slung beneath a helicopter.

Amazing Après-ski

022 // OCT17 022 // JUN17

of global superstars to have performed at the Top of

ISCHGL.COM/EN

TVB PAZNAUN - ISCHGL

With a snow-sure, five-month season, 238km of slopes and lifts reaching up to 2,800m, Ischgl is the perfect resort for skiers looking for reliable snow, and lots of it.

Photo © Atelier Busche

The UK’s largest ski tour operator, Crystal, have announced they’ll be offering holidays to two Swedish ski areas next winter.

white stuff from December through to May.

commented, “Åre, Sweden’s biggest ski area,

Pistes and lifts are uncrowded and offer a good

and Vemdalen are a perfect addition to our

spread of runs, from green to black, making it

already large choice of resorts, and will satisfy

a memorable experience for all abilities,” said a

those skiers who like to experience a different

Crystal spokesperson.

environment and culture than the Alps. Everyone

Åre is the most popular ski destination in

speaks a good level of English, food is delightful

Scandinavia and one of the biggest with 100km

and resorts are extremely family friendly. Flights

of runs served by 42 ski lifts. It has hosted the

are direct from Gatwick to Östersund and

The company already operates to resorts in

Alpine Skiing World Championships on multiple

transfers are just over an hour.”

Sweden’s neighbouring countries, Norway and

occasions and will do again in 2019.

“This new partnership with Crystal Ski Holidays

Finland, and has been expanding its choice of

Vemdalen, with a total of 35 ski lifts and 51 runs, is

is very interesting for us. I think we can provide

destinations in those two countries over the past

smaller and targeted more at families by operators

a ski product that British skiers will love to

few seasons.

Skistar, who also run Åre and other leading resorts

experience. The Nordic region has so much to

“Swedish mountains may not be as high as

in the region such as Norway’s Hemsedal. Crystal

offer and the skiing here suits the British taste,”

the Alps, but their proximity to the Arctic Circle

will offer a choice of 3★–5★ accommodation.

says Niclas Sjögren Berg, SkiStar ski resort

means they’re usually covered in a layer of the

Crystal’s purchasing manager, Michael Brabin,

manager for Åre.

KALLE HÄGGLUND

WWW.LEKI.COM

FB.COM/INTHESNOW

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023 // OCT17

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STOCKIST INFO ADMIN@ARDBLAIRSPORTS.COM 01250 873863 WWW.LEKI.COM

BACK TO ANDORRA WORDS: MARK BARBER

024 // OCT17 024 // JUN17

@INTHESNOWMAG @LTMOUNTAINS

Ten years after their last lads’

can get harsh, with strong winds and whiteouts common. The

who started riding in the boom of the noughties and had to hang up their

Soldeu and El Tarter areas are lower down and have more

boards due to family commitments, are now returning to the slopes – and

technical, varied and tree-lined slopes.

this time they are introducing their kids to the dark art of one-plank sliding.

One morning, we snowboarded over to Pas from Soldeu. As we sat

Clothing has certainly got more scientific over the years, especially

in a cafe at the bottom of the main slopes, we reminisced over a

with the advancement of base layers. Back in the day we just layered

cappuccino about the days of stumbling out of nightclubs at 4am to

up with T-shirts and a hoody under very baggy jackets with trousers

get a few hours’ kip before getting the early bird chairlifts for a full

at least three sizes too big. All this was not only heavy, but totally

day’s snowboarding, all bleary eyed and heads thudding – times have

impractical for keeping us warm and dry all day.

certainly changed!

One of my friends also commented on how well skiers and snowboarders

When picking up the hire equipment, my mates were baffled by all

get on now. There certainly used to be an air of animosity between

the different shapes and profiles of snowboards. It used to be simple:

the groups, with insults traded between each other all part of the day’s

every board was camber (curved upwards across the board). Now

entertainment. Everyone seems happy just to ride the mountain together

It had been too long! But at last we were all heading out to Andorra

you have the added choices of flat, rocker (reverse camber) or hybrid,

now – perhaps there is such a thing as world peace!

on a lads’ snowboarding trip to celebrate my mate’s 40th birthday.

which is a combination of them all! Also, they are not all perfectly

One thing that hasn’t changed over the years is the infrastructure

We used to get together annually, but then the little things in life like

rounded at the top and tail anymore; now they come in a weird and

of the Grandvalira region. It was only formed in 2003, with massive

getting married, having a mortgage and starting a family put a stop to

wonderful selection of shapes.

investments in new and modern ski lifts. Most of these lifts are still in

our trips. Being a snowsports journalist I have been fortunate in being

Another pleasant change is that snowboard boots are so much lighter

place and still do a grand job, as you are highly unlikely to queue at any

able to snowboard at least a couple of times a season. Most of our

and easier to get on and off. We used to be knackered lacing up

point, and even if you do, it is never for long. Having said that, I do think

group hadn’t been snowboarding since the last time we all went to

the boots each morning and then having to have them pretty much

a lot of the chairlifts need to be modernised, especially getting rid of the

Andorra 10 years ago and were excited, if not a little anxious, about

surgically removed from our feet at the end of each day. Now, with the

ones that come at you with leg-breaking speed, then meander up the

hitting the slopes once again.

fast lace and Boa systems, it is done in seconds.

mountain at a leisurely pace before throwing you off at the end.

Back in the day we used to head over to Pas de la Casa, where we

As we headed up the gondola for the first time, some of my friends

As always, we booked the whole trip with Crystal Ski. As a group

partied hard and got used to snowboarding with massive hangovers.

were amazed that everyone was wearing ski helmets! When we

leader this makes life so simple as everything is included within the

This time, we decided to go to the neighbouring town of Soldeu.

were last all in Andorra a decade ago, not even the snowboarders

package, including flights, transfers, lift passes, equipment hire and

As we found out on our first night, Soldeu may not have the party

wore helmets, let alone skiers. High-profile ski accidents such as

half-board accommodation.

reputation of Pas, but it certainly has a lively nightlife and a good

with Michael Schumacher have certainly had an impact, as the vast

As for Andorra, it has never let us down. We were worried when we

atmosphere, with great live music playing every night in venues such

majority of skiers and snowboarders now protect their nods.

arrived about the lack of snow, but then it came, and kept coming, and

as the Irish bar, Harp, and Bar Code. After a few beers and games of

It was a relief to see that snowboarding is still as popular as ever

by midweek we were making lines through untracked powder fields –

table football, we headed back to the hotel just after midnight. This

in Andorra, as it has been widely reported that snowboarding

what more can you ask for?

was a complete contrast to the heady days of our former trips, but at

participation has been in sharp decline over the last few years. This

There may have been many shocks to the changes in style, fashion

least we woke up with clear heads for a good day’s snowboarding.

may be true in other parts of Europe, but in Andorra the dark Force is

and technology since my mates last went snowboarding, and we have

Soldeu is part of the massive Grandvalira ski area which boasts

still strong, with a good number of snowboarders out on the mountain

all certainly got older with thinning hair lines and thickening waistlines,

an area of 210km with 128 slopes. Pas de la Casa is at the highest

and plenty of snowboarding schools to be seen.

but one thing that will never change is the love for snowboarding and

point and has vast, wide and seemingly endless rolling slopes.

This could be a sign that the sport of snowboarding has got all grown up

that immense feeling of freedom while surfing across fresh powder –

Being so high you are at the mercy of the weather and conditions

and is about to hit a golden age, where more and more mature riders,

Amen to that.

trip to the famous party resort of Pas de la Casa, Mark Barber and friends are back, but this time they’re celebrating a friend’s 40th. What has changed and what is still the same?

FB.COM/LTMOUNTAINS FB.COM/INTHESNOW

025 //// OCT17 JUN17

RED BULL KEITH LADZINSKI

BOREAL RESORT

BEAR’S BEHAVIOUR INDICATES SNOWY WINTER

BOOMING SALES OF SNOW MACHINES

SLACKLINING IN ECLIPSE ABOVE ICONIC SKI RUN

The late summer behaviour of a rescued grizzly bear named Boo is being

TechnoAlpin, manufacturer of the world’s most popular all-weather

Among the millions who travelled to the “area of totality” during the total

seen as a sign that there’s a harsh winter ahead by staff at a ski resort in

snowmaking machine, the Snowfactory, has reported booming sales.

solar eclipse in the USA in August, where the sun was 100% obscured by

British Columbia, Canada.

“We now have more than 20 machines in operation worldwide

the moon, were a few athletes and professional photographers working

“It’s bearly (sorry, had to) the end of summer, and Boo is already

and the number is growing, almost by the day!” said TechnoAlpin’s

for Red Bull and aiming to do something different during this once-in-a-

preparing for winter. Lining up with the yellowing of the leaves on the

Marketing Manager, Max Rougeaux.

lifetime opportunity.

trees for fall, Boo’s coat has started thickening as he’s been packing on

All-weather snowmaking creates snow in a temperature-controlled

In Wyoming, Alex Mason stepped off the edge of a cliff high above Jackson

the pounds, leading our local grizzly bear experts to believe winter will

environment within a large articulated unit, rather than in the

Hole, spending the entirety of the two-minute 26-second eclipse totality on

hit us early this year and be a snowy one!” says Matt Mosteller, Senior

outdoors, which means the snow can be made regardless of the

a 23m-long slackline (just 2.5cm wide) strung 45m over one of the world’s

VP of Marketing & Resort Experience at Resorts of the Canadian Rockies,

outdoor temperature. The technology is not new. Early machines

most famous ski runs, Corbet’s Couloir, at an elevation of 3,185m.

which run several of Canada’s top ski destinations including Fernie,

were used in the 1990s, and Zermatt and Pitztal have operated

“The line is 150-feet off the deck,” Mason explained. “But with over

Kimberley, Nakiska and Boo’s home resort of Kicking Horse, which

similar machines from another manufacturer on their glaciers for

10,000 feet of exposure, it truly felt like I was walking in the sky. It was

boasts the fourth-biggest lift-served vertical in North America.

nearly a decade. They are, however, getting more popular.

the most amazing and surreal experience of my life … it was really

Boo was brought to the resort after having been orphaned as a cub

What they don’t make is huge volumes of snow compared to

intimidating to take this on, but I’m so glad I did. Such a once-in-a-lifetime

and was saved from certain death. He now lives in the largest enclosed

conventional snowmaking or Mother Nature; average production

experience!”

grizzly bear habitat in the world.

is 100 cubic metres of snow per 24 hours.

Mason’s exploits were captured by photographer Keith Ladzinski

Boo’s behaviour this September is reported to be similar to his “prediction”

One of the latest resorts to take delivery of a machine is Sölden

who commented:

two years ago in 2015, which Matt describes as coming before an “epic ski

in Austria, and two of Scotland’s five ski centres, Glencoe and

“This was an extremely challenging setup and photo shoot with a ton of

season with over 17 feet of snow and lots of powdery goodness.”

Cairngorm, have expressed a wish to acquire Snowfactory

different variables and such a short window of opportunity. We had to rig

Boo is currently eating up to 40,000 calories a day, earlier than he

snowmaking following one of the worst-ever seasons for snow

the line in the exact right location and make sure the tension was perfect

usually does, to put on the proper pounds to survive his hibernation

cover last winter.

while minimising wear and tear and keeping Alex safe. In the end, I’m

during the winter.

really happy with the way it all came together.”

Protect your valuable skiing time by securing your skis and poles outside restaurants, bars and in overnight storage areas.

Pocket-sized, lightweight lock weighing only 210g and for use with Alpine skis (approx. 70-96mm at waist).

Lock by pressing a button – released with a key.

0845 644 6512 | info@skilock.co.uk skilock.co.uk

WELCOME TO THE DESIGN HOTEL

www.matterhorn-focus.ch

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

IN ASSOCIATION WITH

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FREE ALL WINTER AT LES 2 ALPES & MÉRIBEL HOTELS

Every winter it’s the same maths test for parents as they try to calculate the best overall price for their family ski holiday.

Ski France

with glacier skiing up top for the ultimate

offer flexible arrival dates and various

northern or duplex room at the Hotel

snow guarantee. Both resorts have great

lengths of stay (rather than the standard

Ibiza, where most of the rooms are south

facilities on the slopes and off for families,

Saturday-to-Saturday week) if you need it.

facing with huge windows to take in the

Ski France (skifrance.co.uk;

so the main problem is choosing which

Family rooms are available at the Hotel

stunning views towards the protected

0203 475 4756) runs upscale hotels,

hotel to stay in.

Le Mottaret, which is located very close to

Écrins National Park. After your day

Alpine chalets and self-catered

Ski France’s “Kids Go Free” all winter

all the facilities you might need including

skiing in Les 2 Alpes you can then chill

apartments, catering for all needs and

Most child discount deals come with

deal is refreshingly simple – offering free

a ski school and a ski-hire shop. The hotel

out in the spacious lounge or on the

budgets at 40 mountain destinations.

provisos, blackout dates and other small

board to all children up to the age of 18

had a full renovation last season with 22

large, south-facing terrace, or just head

A week’s stay, during the Christmas

print, so it’s great news that Ski France

on the same board basis as their parents,

brand-new rooms and suites created,

straight for the indoor heated pool, sauna

holidays, for two adults and two children

are offering free child places all winter at

be it bed and breakfast, half board or all

bathrooms upgraded in many parts of

and hammam.

(age 17 and under) at Hotel Le Mottaret

their family-friendly Hotel Le Mottaret in

inclusive. Yes, that’s right up to age 18, not

the hotel and plush new carpet fitted in a

Free coffee, tea and doughnut stands are

costs from £1,163.50 per adult (£2,327 total,

Méribel Mottaret in the world’s biggest

the usual random “no longer a child” rule

selection of bedrooms. There’s a sunny

situated around the hotel, and babysitting

with the Kids Go Free deal) or the same

ski area, Les 3 Vallées, as well as at their

that some travel providers decide applies

terrace, sparkling Jacuzzi and a recently

services are also available on request, as

party at Hotel Ibiza on the same dates

Hotel Ibiza in Les Deux Alpes, another

when your kids hit 16, 14 or even 12.

extended, welcoming lounge bar where

are private transfers for families from the

costs from £1,075 per adult (£2,150 total

huge ski area with one of the world’s

Ski France’s Hotel Le Mottaret and Hotel

live music acts perform.

airport to the hotel to

with the Kids Go Free deal) on a half-board

biggest lift-served verticals together

Ibiza are both rated 3★ and both can

Alternatively you can stay in a large

minimise stress.

basis. Return flights and transfers are extra.

028 // OCT17 028//PROMO JUN17

SKIFRANCE.CO.UK

HOW TO PAY LESS TO GO SKIING Can’t afford to go skiing this year? Here are five top tips to save big against the usual holiday cost:

world-famous resorts each year and pay the

cost, but you can also make your own

price in terms of expensive lift passes and

meals and keep your drink in your own

high in-resort costs. But there are literally

fridge, saving a fortune on eating out. If

thousands of resorts in Europe, and while

you do travel pre-Christmas or after Easter,

you can now pay €300 (around £266) for a

look out for deals like “a free lift pass with

1. Travel low season

six-day lift pass at some of the top names,

your apartment” (or sometimes a free

Visiting ski resorts before Christmas or

perfectly good ski areas will charge you half

apartment with your lift pass!).

after Easter can be risky for snow cover,

that for your week’s ski fix.

5. Travel by road

so it’s best to choose a high-altitude resort

THE UNIQUE SKI-IN, SKI-OUT HOTEL IN MORZINE!

or one with a glacier if you do. But on the

3. Book In Advance

The cheapest way to get to the mountains

upside, you’ll find you have the resort to

Book your lift pass and your rental

is almost always by road. If there are a

At the heart of Morzine in the french alps (80km

yourself, and prices across the board from

equipment online in advance, and keep

group of you, fill a car; if you’re on your own

accommodation to food, and often your

an eye out for social media and other

or a couple, the bus might be the cheaper

from Geneva airport), the 3 stars Hotel Restaurant Le

lift pass, cost much less than in the main

promotions from the resort you choose to

option. Even if you can get cheap flights,

season. January, after New Year, is usually

go to. Many now offer 10–50% off if you

the add-on costs for getting to and from

Ski-out, you will take the cable car or chair lift in front

low season too, and March, up to the Easter

book in this way.

the airport to your resort usually bump up

of the hotel to access the ski area!

holidays, is normally cheaper as well.

the cost, and if you have a car, you can fill it

4. Book an apartment

with food and drink from home or bought at

2. Go to resortS that’Are not well known

Not only are apartments far cheaper when

the supermarket on the way and save a lot

Most Brits go to the same few dozen

there are four or six of you dividing the

on food and drink in resort too.

Tremplin is the perfect location for a ski trip! Ski-in,

HOTEL RESTAURANT & APRÈS-SKI > Rooms from 1 to 4 people with ensuite bathroom, TV and WIFI > Famous restaurant in front of the slopes with a large terrace from breakfast to après-ski with fresh and homemade delicous food to suit all tastes > Après-ski with Live bands and DJs (until 8pm) 166 TAILLE DE MAS DU PLENEY 74110 MORZINE-AVORIAZ • FRANCE +33.(0)4.50.79.12.31 INFO@HOTEL-TREMPLIN.COM  BOOK ONLINE

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029 // OCT17

WWW.HOTEL-TREMPLIN.COM

T H E S K I

F R I E N D L I E S T

D E S T I N A T I O N

I N

F A M I L Y T H E

A L P S

TIROL

ALPBACHTAL SEENLAND TOURISMUS

030 // OCT17  PROMO

@INTHESNOWMAG

TZA C JORDA

TZA C JORDA

Choosing where to go on your family ski holiday is always tricky. There are so many choices and every resort claims to be the best for families. But one way to narrow down the choice is to think about the whole holiday right from leaving home.

Tiroler Zugspitz Arena

Ötztal

Salzburg and Munich airports are all within an

the resorts of Niederau, Oberau and Auffach,

hour’s transfer.

with the neighbouring Alpbachtal, home to

It’s fair to say that the Tiroler Zugspitz Arena

You may not be familiar with the name Ötztal,

It’s the perfect family resort with wide, gentle

Inneralpbach and Alpbach, which has been

is not that well known in the British market

but it is home to Austria’s most-visited ski

slopes, many blue runs and great childcare

voted the most picturesque village in Austria.

so far, so this is truly a hidden gem waiting to

resort, Sölden, as well as one of the most snow-

facilities at the valley or top stations, not to

Wherever you choose to stay, the human

be discovered and a good choice if you don’t

sure resorts in the Alps and a long-standing

mention an incredible choice of 77 family-run

scale and traditional values of the authentic

want to spend your holiday surrounded by

British favourite, Obergurgl-Hochgurgl.

mountain restaurants for plenty of pit stops on

Ski Juwel villages, as well as the beautiful,

Brits. It’s also a good choice if you’re looking

Sölden is a busy party town, but Obergurgl

the slopes. To help keep prices down, there’s

family-friendly slopes and friendly local service

for the best value for money, as prices on

has a strong reputation with families. It’s

a special young family lift ticket during certain

providers, make it a great place for families to

everything from a lift pass to a cup of coffee

small, easy to get around and has lots of

low-season periods known as Family Ski

learn to ski or board together.

Most families enjoy a stress-free start, and end,

are lower here than at better-known resorts.

slopes for beginners/intermediates, great

Weeks. Here, children aged 15 years or younger

There are dedicated children’s areas on the

to their holidays from a quick flight into a small

The resort encompasses six different skiing

fast lifts with no queuing, excellent English-

ride for free with a paying adult and there are

slopes and local valley lifts, so you can ski

airport with a small transfer at the other end,

areas, all on one ski ticket, and offers skiing

speaking ski schools and for the youngest

also big accommodation discounts too.

close to home if you wish, and there are good-

and arriving at a friendly, moderately sized ski

across the Austrian and the German side of

guests, the wonderful Bobo Ski Club. The

There is a choice of nine villages in the

humoured English-speaking instructors to

resort. This tends to be better than flying in to a

the Zugspitze mountain, Germany’s highest.

resort has a relaxed, low-key atmosphere

region – all connected to the same big ski

teach you. Bobo the Penguin and the Dragon

big airport then facing a long transfer to a huge,

Each separate ski area has about 30km of

and is very quiet in terms of traffic as it lies at

area. The most popular villages for Brits

Club are there to teach the youngest skiers,

anonymous ski area. So, the short answer is to

slopes, most of them rated easy blues or

the top of a valley, while the road to Italy is

include Söll, which has its own family and

and a family lift pass discount is on offer.

head to the Austrian Tirol.

slightly more challenging reds, meaning your

closed in winter. Several hotels offer in-house

beginners’ ski area and Kinderland ski area

The chocolate box resort of Alpbach is one

Ski areas in the Tirol not only tick all the

family will enjoy an intimate, friendly ski area

childcare and specialist British families tour

on the local slopes, and the ski schools

of the closest resorts to Innsbruck Airport,

boxes on ease of access from the UK, but

but have the choice to try another area every

operator Esprit Ski have two chalets, an

run programmes for kids. Off-the-Slope

only 50 minutes away, has great beginner-

the resorts themselves work very hard to

day of the week. There are gentle runs with

afternoon club and crèche and Snow Club.

attractions include KiKo Söll, an adventure

level skiing and offers great value for money

make sure that they offer a great holiday

stress-free carpet lifts serving the beginner

Off the slopes you can try snowshoeing, ice

farmyard open all year round, and a meet-

in terms of accommodation, ski schools and

destination for families.

slopes as well as more challenging skiing for

skating, curling, tobogganing or indoor horse

the-huskies day every Friday.

lift passes. There’s a wonderful children’s

So, expect family-friendly accommodation

older children and parents.

riding, or visit the Aqua Dome in Längenfeld,

Ellmau meanwhile has nursery slopes right

centre, a great ski school for kids and special

options; great ski school and kindergarten

Each ski area is easy to reach; most of them

a popular thermal spa complex.

in the centre of the village. There are also

offers for the family over Easter.

facilities, usually with dedicated on-snow

start right in the centre of the villages and

If you’re looking for a quieter, more intimate

gentle tree-lined runs that are great for

Niederau in the Wildschönau valley is

fun and learning areas for younger kids;

are within short walking distance of your

village still, Hochoetz is the Ötztal’s best-kept

beginners/intermediates but connected to

another traditional Tirolean village, full of

fast, comfortable lifts that are easy for

accommodation. Free ski buses link the

secret. There’s a good mix of slopes here

the SkiWelt, so there are more challenging

charm with a friendly atmosphere and great

families to use and lots to do off the

villages, which each offer excellent childcare

with quaint mountain inns and a homely

slopes available for the more advanced

nursery slopes.

slopes too.

facilities and ski schools.

atmosphere. If you just want the simple

skiers in your party.

Children will have fun in Bobo’s Kids Club or

The extra good news is that the pound

Off the slopes, there are lots of indoor activities

things on a holiday where you can enjoy true

Off the slopes, Ellmau offers husky rides, snow

in AKTI’s adventure land and can also have a

will most likely go further in Austria than in

including an indoor climbing wall, swimming

“quality family time”, this unique alpine valley

tubing, tobogganing, horse-drawn carriage

great ride down the local toboggan run.

many other ski nations. Young children don’t

pool, tennis courts and a family leisure pool with

could be the one for you.

rides, ice skating, winter walking and snow

usually pay for their lift tickets at all until age

slides, water jets and a baby pool. You can also

six or seven in Austria when four or five is the

try outdoor activities such as free winter hiking

norm in many resorts in other countries, and

tours, snowshoeing or hiking with torches,

child discounts often continue up to age 16

tobogganing and horse-drawn sleigh rides.

or 18, whereas, again, other resorts in other

Finally, you’ll find a great choice of family-

If the “getting there” aspect of going on a ski

countries often make children pay adult

oriented dining options, loads of family-friendly

holiday is the most challenging part for your

prices from age 12 or 13, as do airlines.

accommodation and, for the icing on the cake,

family, look no further than the SkiWelt, one

Here are some of the Tirol’s top family-

the Tiroler Zugspitz Arena even organise many

of Austria’s largest ski areas with more than

The Ski Juwel ski area was created a few years

SkiWelt: skiwelt.at/en/

friendly destinations:

family-orientated nighttime activities to enjoy.

284km of pistes to explore, as Innsbruck,

ago when a new lift linked the Valley, home to

Tiroler Zugspitz Arena: zugspitzarena.com/en

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shoeing. It is also home to the great Kaiserbad swimming pool, which features “Ellmi’s friends”

SkiWelt Wilder Kaiser Brixental

Family-Friendly Tirol

children’s area and an indoor climbing wall.

Tirol: visittirol.co.uk Otztal: oetztal.com/en

Ski Juwel Alpbachtal Wildschönau

Ski Juwel Alpbachtal Wildschonau: skijuwel.com/en/winter

VISITTIROL.CO.UK

THE

2018 COLLECTION

GOES BACK TO THE FUTURE

032 // OCT17  PROMO

@INTHESNOWMAG

World famous skiwear brand Colmar have continued their tradition of research and innovation to create another superb range of characterful clothing for on the slopes and off this season.

This season Colmar are consolidating the guidelines they laid down in the previous year with exceptionally well designed items of fully functional sportswear the priority, based on years of research and continually improving performance.

Alpine and freeski are the two macro areas of action of athletes and skiers who can count on a wardrobe full of ideas that can be layered and interchanged and of warm, waterproof, technical and extremely functional garments.

This season more than ever, Colmar have been concentrating on research to create the best in skiwear. Key ingredients in this winter’s range are Teflon EcoElite and G+graphene materials which were first introduced to some items last season. In fact almost 90 per cent of the range is treated with the Teflon Eco-Elite finish which provides a very high level of waterproofing but is also highly sustainable because the treatment used is completely environment-friendly whilst also lasting three times longer than previous methods.

With this great innovation thanks also to the application of G+graphene, Colmar continues its long history of research and evolution, creating a “back to the future” look in three classic jackets which have their design roots in the 1950s, 1980s and 1990s.

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COLMAR.IT/EN-GB

Vaujany is a small ski village with a fast link into the popular Alpe d’Huez resort in southeastern France. It’s a quiet, yet growing ski resort, perfect for the whole family where you have the best of all worlds

Looking eastward you have the high-peaked, snow-

Loads to Do off the Slopes

Besson and the tartiflette at La Combe Haute, but

covered mountains of the Grandes Rousses, and

If you’re not exhausted from the extensive skiing,

you really can’t go wrong with the varied restaurant

to the west you look down into the unencumbered

there’s an indoor ice-hockey stadium, bowling alley,

choices in Vaujany, all very well priced and with

Romanche valley and the Grand Galber Mountain

sports hall and gym that hosts events throughout the

table service.

face. The views, while having a break from skiing on

season. There’s also the brilliant indoor swimming

the chairlifts, are inspiring to say the least.

pool and aqua-bike hire (you’ve got to try it once)

Fabulous for Families

at the leisure centre plus spa facilities if you fancy

Vaujany is a small picturesque village blessed with

a bit of pampering. For non-skiers wanting day

outstanding modern facilities and infrastructure, that

– escaping the crowds, yet with access to one of the

Sensational Skiing

world’s biggest and best ski areas that offers one of

Linked to the popular Alpe d’Huez ski resort by a cable

excursions, we can recommend Vaujany’s very own

has a friendly, traditional community. With its amazing

the world’s biggest lift-served verticals, the longest

car, Vaujany has over 250km of pistes and 80 lifts for your

expert snowshoe guide. Beautiful mountain scenery

and very reasonably priced leisure centres, its own

black run on the planet and the snow-surety of glacier

skiing pleasure, and the region has recently been named

awaits at a pace more likely to conjure up sightings of

dedicated ski school, village feel and never far to a

skiing above. Visitors love the intimate, personal feel

the “Best European Ski Resort in 2017” by European

chamois and chevreuils. Whether you are a beginner

lift, it’s easy to see why Vaujany has previously won

of the village, which has a good selection of shops,

Best Destinations. The village offers excellent skiing

or a regular hiker, the guide will adapt to your needs

both the coveted “Famille Plus Label” and “Best

restaurants and leisure facilities. It’s no surprise that it’s

for beginners to experts, with uncrowded local slopes

for an unforgettable experience.

Small Resort” titles. Younger children are well cared

becoming known as ‘The ultimate back-door ski resort’.

where the resort’s ski school has been providing quality

for at the village crèche and older children can stroll

ski lessons for all ages for over 25 years. Intermediates

Fantastic for Foodies

and above shouldn’t miss the wonderful 10-mile-long

Vaujany offers an authentic French Alps food

much worry on the safe streets. It’s a perfect place

Just a short stroll through the village with its ancient

Sarenne, and the swerving red of Bartavelles. Expert

experience with an abundance of food and drink

for young children and teenagers to develop some

wooden chalets, charming bars and authentic

skiers are spoilt for choice. With everything from Le

experiences from small local markets to pizza at La

independence and for the parents to relax.

restaurants frequented by the locals will have you

Tunnel, one of the top ten hardest runs in the world, to

Remise, to an afternoon beer tasting at Goodwin

booking your next 10 ski holidays at Vaujany. Easy

the off-piste heaven at your fingertips in the Grandes

Brewery. If you’re looking for long lunches or

Visit skipeak.net or call the company who have been

to get around on foot, you can walk everywhere in

Rousses, with most itineraries finishing at the local Alpette

leisurely evening meals, this is the place to be. You’ll

experts on Vaujany ski holidays for almost three

a matter of minutes. The views are splendid, too.

area or Montfrais, you’ll be in skiers’ paradise.

love the brochettes de boeuf at Le Chalet du Lac

decades for more information.

Ambience & Spectacular Scenery

034 // OCT17

around or go off and play by themselves without too

SKIPEAK.NET

Five Seasons is looking for new sales agents in UK / Netherlands/ France/Italy and Polen Five Seasons is today the fastest growing sport company in the Nordic region and we are now looking for new talented sales agents across Europe to join our team to grow the business further.

Five Seasons is looking ahead into a bright future based on a strong strategic platform with focus on brand, product together with a solid team of employees and leading designers in Europe. We have aggressive plans for the future and we are now looking for experienced sales agents with key accounts connection in each markets.

If you are the right company /person to grow our business in the UK / Netherlands / France / Italy or Poland let us know by sending us your interest to ej@fiveseasons.se Five Seasons was established in Gothenburg on the Swedish west coast in 1982. For over 30 years the company has been producing high quality and technical sportswear with focus on ski, outdoor and street. Being born and raised on the Swedish west coast, where sea meets land and summer meets winter, we know what is needed to stay warm and dry in those cold, rainy and windy Gothenburg-days.

Five Seasons always strive to offer sportswear with best value for money. Fashionable clothes technically tested in tough northern Europe conditions for endurance, functionality and quality in a manner that enables the end consumer to stay both warm and dry, has been the true core of Five Seasons as they now move into the next phase.

More info please visit our homepage: www.fiveseasons.se

WORDS & PHOTO: DANIEL ELKAN

D E A D LY SINS OF ORGANISING A SKI H O L I D AY Five m ill ion Br its s ay that they sk i or snowboar d, but only one m ill ion go each year.

We need to get better at arr anging sk i hol idays, s ays Dan iel Elkan

friends were chatting away to each other. The holiday had begun.

that in mind, here are what I refer to as the “seven deadly sins” of organising

We were headed to the huge Paradiski, to carve and cruise the slopes of

a ski holiday. Avoid these and you are well on your way to the slopes!

Peisey-Vallandry, La Plagne and Les Arcs – all 425km of them.

The variety of slopes would cater amply for a mix of nervous beginners,

SIN #1: TRYING TO PLEASE EVERYONE

mile-munching intermediates and powder-hungry experts. With so many

Your friendship circle is likely to encompass people who have different

of us, a catered chalet, acting as a home from home, meant that we could

tastes, priorities and budgets – better to please most people and let some

come back from the slopes and not worry about the need to shop or cook.

fall by the wayside. Your mate who insists on a ski-in/ski-out infinity pool, for

Indeed, it turned out that our First-World problem was only whether another

example, may need to find some other buddies this time.

log should be chucked into the furnace or the wood-fired hot tub as the snow melted on our steaming shoulders.

SIN #2: WIDE CONSULTATION

The great thing about travelling by train is that the journey is relaxing and

Step back from the keyboard … that well-meaning group email asking for

social, with space for people to move about and mix. With a group of people

everyone’s thoughts and where they want to go is like throwing a grenade into

Ski holidays might be an incredible experience – but organising one for a

who don’t all know each other, it’s a tremendous bonus to see friendships

your planning. Everyone will have suggestions, and this will bog you down.

group of friends can feel like a daunting task. There are a myriad of options

forming before your eyes, en route. When we arrived at the chalet at dusk, it

Instead, if you want representative opinions, consult a couple of friends privately.

and yet rarely something that will please everyone. For the past 14 years I’ve

felt like everyone knew each other already.

organised ski holidays for my group of friends. During this time, experience

At dinner, surrounded by animated chat about the skiing we could look

SIN #3: GIVING PEOPLE CHOICE

has taught me that the skill and success comes with knowing what not to do.

forward to, a thought struck me. Having made it on holiday, we really were

Barry Schwartz’s illuminating TED Talk, The Paradox of Choice, shows why

Arranging a ski holiday for a big group is a chunk of work. Once you are on

the lucky minority: so many ski holidays get little further than an excited pub

too much choice is counterproductive. The more options there are, the

your way, however, it all feels worth the effort. Sat on the Ski Train, glass of

conversation, drowning in a flurry of group emails and no eventual decision.

more difficult it is for everyone to come to a decision. Instead, once you’ve

bubbles in hand as we plunged through the Kent countryside towards the

I believe this is because people make classic errors in planning and

sifted the options and decided what you think is best for your group, offer it

Alps, the plan had come together, A-Team style. Around me 24 beaming

communication – condemning the holiday to never actually happen. With

as a “yay-or-nay” choice to your friends.

036 // OCT17

@INTHESNOWMAG

SIN #4: TOO MUCH DETAIL

commit and pay by. People will procrastinate if you let them – so be friendly

explore. The village has plenty to do off slope too, with a new sports and

Don’t fill your initial invite with endless details. Just keep things inspiring

but firm. You don’t want them to jeopardise the trip for everyone, so appeal

aqua centre – along with a vibrant après-ski and nightlife scene.

and honest – blending excitement with the essentials like date and price.

to their better nature and make sure they are on the case.

Personally, I don’t even give the name of the accommodation I’ve found, just

ALPE D’HUEZ | FRANCE

the facts about it and photos as attachments.

One of the big hitters of the Southern Alps, Alpe d’Huez makes a central base

SIN #5: NO SIMPLE NEXT STEP Don’t ask for a deposit immediately; that’s a step too far. Just ask people to

Five other great sk i resorts for grou ps

for skiers to explore off in all directions. The local slopes have a huge network of green and blue runs, fanning out to red and black runs in some spectacular, scenic terrain and some very rustic mountain eateries for group bonding over lunch.

indicate their in-principle interest. Once you’ve got a long list of people, you

SAUZE D’OULX | ITALY

can send a second email to those people letting them know that you are ready for deposits. That way, everyone knows it’s happening – and that they

AVORIAZ | FRANCE

Part of the 400km Milky Way ski area, Sauze’s slopes are fantastic for

need to get their act together to assure their place.

The completely ski-in/ski-out nature of this compact resort makes this a

intermediates – tree-lined, quiet and dotted with some great mountain

great base for groups of mixed ability – with a vast 650km of slopes to

restaurants for a cosy cappuccino stop or a sumptuous lunch. The resort

SIN #6: UNDER-INVITING

explore in total. Neighbouring resorts include Morzine and Les Gets, and

has a lovely cobbled old centre with a relaxed ambience and plenty of lively,

Saying that you want to go skiing is one thing; committing is another. Be

the variety of terrain is a huge attraction here. The village has buzzing bars

friendly bars.

aware that you need to over-invite to get the numbers that you need.

that will keep the party people happy – as well as the unique Aquariaz

Encourage people to invite like-minded friends – which in any case can be a

tropical swimming complex.

good thing for a social mix and new friendships to form on the slopes.

VAL D’ISÈRE | FRANCE Endlessly popular with ski groups, Val d’Isère is arguably the birthplace of the

VAL THORENS | FRANCE

French après-ski scene, home to the original and legendary Folie Douce bar.

SIN #7: LACK OF DEADLINES

Nestled on one of the peaks in the huge Les 3 Vallées ski area, Val Thorens

The village has an abundance of catered chalets for a range of budgets – along

Plan in advance and give people clear deadlines as to when they need to

has excellent beginner slopes just below it and a huge extent of terrain to

with wonderful ski slopes – shared with the neighbouring resort of Tignes.

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037 // OCT17

SKI 2017-2018

RESORT:INSIDER

S E L F- C AT E RING A PA RTM E N T S, CHALETS,HOTELS

GILLES LANSARD

FRENCH ALP S & P YRENEE S

ST MARTIN DE BELLEVILLE St Martin de Belleville is a traditional ski resort located in Les 3 Vallées, the world’s largest ski region. Rich in historic character and charm, it offers an atmospheric alternative to its neighbouring purposebuilt resorts of Les Menuires and Val Thorens. A new gondola makes accessing Les 3 Vallées quick and easy from the old village.

What Not to Miss

being run by the father-and-son duo, René

Go mushing with the huskies along the river

and Maxime Meilleur. Definitely a blow-the-

and through the woods – just half an hour

budget, book-in-advance type of evening,

but great fun. Also, make sure to pop in to

but unforgettable. Or head to La Trantsa

the Baroque and very beautiful 17th-century

by snowshoe for their weekly tastings of

chapel, the Notre Dame de la Vie, built

“trantsa”, a Belleville speciality made from

between 1635 and 1685, still one of the main

sérac (skimmed milk cheese) and rye bread.

pilgrimage sites in the Savoie.

Unknown Fact

Best Run

It was only in the 1980s that St Martin de

Skiers rave about Jerusalem, the main piste

Belleville was linked to Les 3 Vallées. Before

down to St Martin de Belleville, but now it

this the village was just a sleepy little farming

has got even better with the steeper section

community which was only connected to

bypassed in a €1 million+ investment programme

electricity in the 1950s. It still retains its old

Best Café

this season and therefore even easier for a fast

charm but with the new gondola built in 2015

Find the locals in the “P bar”, just behind

cruise back to base. Enjoy the rollers on this

it really is a choice base to access the huge

the village church, owned and run by British

blue run (was a red run) on the way down, and

and modern 3 Vallées ski area.

girl Lucy Chittenden. They have live music

stunning views of the Belleville valley.

Buy a Chalet There?

every Thursday and Sunday evenings; the

ABTA No. V554X

rest of the week, just cosy in with one of

Best for a Romantic Meal

their popular cocktails – Espresso Martinis

Recently awarded its third Michelin star, La

be yours! Chalets du Nant du Four, one

and Mosco Mules being the best-sellers

Bouitte, in St Marcel (a little hamlet close by

of two new-build chalets, is currently

– and relax by the log fire: open every day

St Martin), holds the title of highest 3★ in the

available for €3,296,000 (£2,968,542) with

from 4pm.

Alps and still maintains its traditional roots,

ernalowproperty.com

Fancy a bespoke six-bed chalet? It can

020 7371 6111 WWW.L AGRANGE-HOLIDAYS.CO.UK

038 // OCT17

ST-MARTIN-DE-BELLEVILLE.COM

NORTH

AMERICA

S K I T R AV E L GUIDE 2018

ANDREW MAGUIRE / BRECKENRIDGE

WORDS: PATRICK THORNE

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039 // OCT17

Brits who venture “across the Pond” to ski in North America tend to fall in love – with both the skiing and the overall holiday experience.

There’s the draw of the “big country” when you fly west to find open roads and then open ski slopes waiting for you. It may be a cliché but everything seems bigger too – the rental car, the ski lift, the meals when you dine out. Even the cups of coffee are bigger, although sometimes that’s not such a good thing.

Another thing North America has, most seasons at least, is snow.

Lots and lots of light fluffy powder snow, which again is a cause of North American ski addiction among many Brits. The Western US and Canadian provinces of BC and Alberta are all famous for their light, floaty powder that really transforms the ski experience.

The only downside of skiing North America is that it can cost a lot, especially since the pound fell in value against both the US and, to a lesser degree, Canadian dollars. This fall has been mostly blamed on Brexit, and it certainly hit a new low when the Brexit vote happened, but really it had been falling for a while before and hasn’t actually declined much more over the past year or so; in fact, if anything, it has recovered a little (at least, at time of writing!).

Michael Bennett, Managing Director of one of the leading specialists to North America for ski holidays for many years, Ski Independence,

NOEL HENRICKSON

TAYLOR BURK TRAVEL ALBERTA

had this to say on the matter:

040 // OCT17

@INTHESNOWMAG

The US North East Coast – this includes the area known as New

Canada’s West – predominantly the provinces of Alberta and

client numbers for the coming season, but this has not been the case,

England and ski states including New Hampshire, New York, Maine

British Columbia, the former home to arguably the most spectacular

and year-on-year sales are currently up 9%, driven in part by strong

and Vermont. Most of the ski areas here are smaller than out west,

mountain terrain in North America (if not the world) around Banff and

demand for Canada.”

with lots of snowmaking and a great atmosphere. They’re also only

Lake Louise, with BC home to four resorts with the four biggest lift-

The good news is that, well aware of the increased bill for Brits

five or six hours behind the UK so jet lag is less of a factor. Famous

served verticals in North America as well as the continent’s biggest ski

heading west, our caring powder providers – both British travel

resorts here include historic Stowe, where the Von Trapps (of The

area and the western world’s most recent Winter Olympics host (and

companies and the resorts themselves in the USA – have been

Sound of Music fame) eventually ended up; Lake Placid, which has

remaining so until at least 2026), Whistler Blackcomb.

working hard to cut prices to help get us over there. And we’ve had

hosted two Winter Olympics; Smugglers Notch, famously one of the

one bit of luck too: increasing competition on transatlantic routes has

most child-friendly resorts on earth; and Killington, biggest in the East.

driven down costs of the airfare element of the ski holiday, so prices are, if anything, better than 12 months ago (see US Ski Holidays from

The US West – keep flying west over the plains and you come to

the UK Can Be Cheaper Next Season below).

the Rockies with more coastal mountains beyond and the biggest ski

US Ski Holidays from the UK Can Be Cheaper Next Season

areas with the best snow in the USA. The most famous ski states are

A British tour operator is claiming that, despite the current low value of

Colorado (Vail, Aspen, Breckenridge, Steamboat and dozens more),

the pound against the US dollar, ski holiday prices from the UK to the

Utah (Park City, Snowbird, Alta) and California (Mammoth, Heavenly,

USA can be cheaper next winter than last, because of the entry of a

Squaw Valley), but you also have great resorts like Jackson Hole in

low-cost transatlantic airline option.

Canada and the USA are big, big, big and while we may have heard

Wyoming, Taos in New Mexico, Mt Bachelor in Oregon, Sun Valley in

Tour operator Ski Safari is selling an identical 14-night package to

of half-a-dozen North American resorts like Whistler, Vail, Aspen and

Idaho and Big Sky in Montana. The list goes on.

Copper Mountain in Colorado next season for £150 less than the price

Where to Go?

Stowe, there are in fact nearly 1,000 ski centres to choose from across

last season for customers who opt to fly on the new Norwegian airline

the continent spread across around 50 US states and Canadian

Quebec – there are several smaller ski provinces in Eastern Canada

service from Gatwick to Denver.

provinces and six time zones. So, wherever you go in North America

but the winter sports scene is dominated by Quebec, home to nearly

The new Gatwick to Denver service launches this autumn with two

you’re rarely that far from a ski lift.

100 ski areas including world-famous Tremblant (an easy transfer

flights weekly (Tuesdays and Saturdays) with flight DY7171 to Denver

There’s so much to choose from, it’s hard to generalise, but some of

from Montreal airport) and Mont Ste Anne. This region provides a

departing 9.50am, arriving 12.40pm, and DY7172 from Denver to

the most popular ski regions include:

very different North American ski experience as French is the main

London Gatwick departing 2.40pm, arriving 6.40am the next day.

language and cultural heritage and influence.

Norwegian will be operating Boeing 787-9 planes featuring 35

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DARREN ROBERTS

“It would be easy to think the weaker pound would be affecting our

041 // OCT17

premium economy seats, and 309 economy seats.

well), will unveil the new Peak 10 Falcon SuperChair, upgraded from a

Northwoods Express (Chair 11), replacing what was one of the world’s

The Ski Safari package is based on a 14-night holiday for two adults

quad to a six-seater, this winter. Breck’s Peak 10 is renowned for its views,

first detachable quad chairlifts when it was installed back in 1985.

departing 20 January 2018 (compared with the identical package

steep runs, challenging mogul fields and tree trails and is a favourite local

last season departing 21 January 2017) and (at time of writing) will

spot for advanced and expert skiers and snowboarders. The new lift

New Quad at Sunday River

cost £1,925pp next winter compared to £2,075 last winter, staying in

expands Peak 10’s uphill capacity by 25% for the 2017/18 ski season.

Maine’s Sunday River is spending $2.1 million replacing an old fixed-

the central Copper Mountain Condos on a room-only basis with the

grip triple chairlift at Spruce Peak with a new quad, which will cut the

package including transfers.

Arizona Snowbowl to Add Third New Lift in Three Years

To take advantage of current lower prices, Ski Safari recommend

Arizona Snowbowl is to add its third new chairlift in three successive

skiers book as soon as possible to lock in savings.

ski seasons. The new fixed-grip quad chairlift will replace the current

Alta Replacing Two Lifts with One

Hart Prairie Riblet double chairlift, doubling capacity and increasing

Alta is removing its old Supreme and Cecret lifts and replacing them

uplift speed thanks to conveyor loading. The other two new lifts

with the longer Supreme detachable quad lift that extends much

added were the new Humphreys quad chairlift in 2015 and the Grand

farther down the mountain.

What’s New in Resorts?

journey time by three minutes.

Canyon Express high-speed six-person lift last winter.

Stay in a Slopeside Tree House at Whitefish

Copper Mountain

The first of what are being promoted as the world’s first ski-in/ski-

Pod Hotel Coming to Whistler

Copper Mountain are upgrading the Kokomo triple chairlift to a high-

out tree houses has opened in Montana in advance of the next ski

Whistler is to be home to Canada’s first “pod” hotel when the new

speed quad that will extend 60m further downhill than the old lift to

season. Operator Snow Bear Chalets aims to have at least three

Pangea Pod Hotel, currently under construction at North America’s

provide better access from Copper’s West Village.

luxurious “tree house” chalets available to rent by the slopes of

biggest ski area, opens towards the end of next season. Pangea will

Whitefish Mountain Resort in north-western Montana. The tree houses

feature a series of custom suites housing a total of 88 private sleeping

are being built around 7.5m above the forest floor, but only a few

pods. Each boutique pod will be lined in wood, containing a memory

metres from the nearest ski runs with views into the mountains of

foam double mattress. They’ll also be equipped with individually

nearby Glacier National Park.

controlled LED lights, multiple charging points (including USB ports)

Crystal Ski (crystalski.co.uk) are offering Heavenly, in California,

and an integrated fan for ventilation and white noise.

as a new resort for winter 2017/18. This resort sits comfortably on

New Quad at Breckenridge

What Are the New Holiday Options?

the state line between California and Nevada and offers skiers and Tenth New Lift in 10 Seasons at Vail

boarders a unique opportunity to ski two US states in one day, on top

one of the first to open each winter (this year on November 10, all being

Vail Mountain is installing a six-seater chairlift as an upgrade to the

of experiencing the lively, flashy casino atmosphere that Nevada is

JEFF ENGERBRETSON

Breckenridge in Colorado, the most popular US destination for Brits and

042 // OCT17

@INTHESNOWMAG

NOEL HENRICKSON

famous for. South Lake Tahoe is located at the bottom of the mountain

ski-deals; Canadian Affair: canadianaffair.com/holidays/canada/

on the shores of the glorious Lake Tahoe (the highest lake in the USA).

ski-holidays; Scott Dunn: scottdunn.com/luxury-holiday/ski-holidays/ ski-north-america; Virgin Holidays: virginholidays.co.uk; and Ski World:

Ski Independence (ski-i.com) have reintroduced Revelstoke to

skiworld.co.uk – who even offer holidays to the ski resort of Alyeska

their programme, a quirky resort in central BC that posts the biggest

in Alaska.

lift-served vertical in North America at 1,713m. Regarded as one of Canada’s best powder snow destinations, Ski Independence are also promoting road trips and heli-skiing in North America.

New Ski Flight Routes to North America

Frontier Ski (frontier-travel.co.uk) have seen an increase in skiers

Competition has been hotting up again on ski flight routes to the US

wanting a “multi-centre” ski vacation so that they can explore different

– increasing choice and driving down prices even with established

resorts, according to founder Sandra Potter. Canada is ideally placed

carriers on routes where competition has been introduced.

to offer this as there are many resorts within easy reach of each other

As mentioned above, Norwegian have just launched a new year-round

offering very different terrain and atmosphere.

service from Gatwick to Denver with fares well below previous levels

For instance, Frontier’s Powder Explorer, with prices starting from

on the route.

£1,699pp, allows you to ski in the glories of Banff National Park, the

In Canada, Air Transat have announced additional services between

challenging resort of Kicking Horse with its ski-in/ski-out convenience,

London and Vancouver, further increasing capacity on this route as

and Panorama with extensive terrain and the chance to heli-ski right

demand increases too.

from the resort. From Panorama, clients drive their SUVs along the

Stopovers in Iceland are getting ever-more popular too, with Iceland’s

Columbia Valley to Kimberly, which boasts some of the most stunning

low-cost airline WOW Air adding more connections to the USA from

views in the whole of the Rockies, and finish their holiday in the

Reykjavik (although all to the East Coast and Midwest so far). But

renowned snowbowls of Fernie.

Icelandair already operate to Denver from there, with connection services from Manchester, Belfast, Glasgow, Birmingham, Aberdeen

Other British holiday companies operating to North America include:

and London (Heathrow and Gatwick). The good news is most airlines

Inghams: inghams.co.uk/ski-holidays/articles/skiing-in-north-america;

fly over Iceland anyway on their way across the Atlantic, so it’s not like

Ski Safari: skisafari.com; Ski Solutions: skisolutions.com/north-america-

you’re going out of your way.

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043 // OCT17

Huge Savings on Whistler Ski Holidays Nothing comes close to Whistler Blackcomb. With over a mile of vertical descent, two huge mountains, amazing terrain, big snow, a long season and a world-class mountain village, it just doesn’t get any better!

Our team of Ski Specialists are all avid skiers or snowboarders who are committed to creating your perfect ski holiday. They will be your guide to the most convenient travel options, Whistler’s best hotels & condos and the most suitable ski essentials from our comprehensive range. And why not take in the sights of vibrant Vancouver before or after your Whistler holiday, the perfect city stopover!

Save up to 45% when you book by 15 November 2017 Speak to a Ski Specialist on 0131 243 8097 or visit www.ski-i.com

NISEKO PROMOTION BOARD GLEN CLAYDON

If you’ve never skied Japan before, you’re in for a treat.

This is unlike any other country you’ll have skied or visited before – a combination of incredible culture, wonderful people, great food and of course amazing skiing all in one country.

monkeys bathe in the hot springs.

lessons and guiding, they ensure you

Culture is a huge part of any trip and the

get everything you want and more from

lightning-fast bullet trains make a visit to

your Japan ski experience at prices that

Tokyo or Kyoto easy while you’re here. It

cannot be beaten. Just go to their website

goes without saying that the food is fantastic

to enquire about visiting Niseko, Hakuba,

and, from miso soup to katsu curry, it’s far

Furano or Kiroro. If you are undecided

more varied than you can imagine.

which resort to visit you will find a wealth

You’ll also find izakayas (Japanese pubs) and

of information on the site and can ask

ryokans (traditional inns) in every resort, and

specialists questions over live chat.

The resorts receive more snow than almost

relaxing in the steamy onsens (hot springs)

With each of their Japan ski specialists

anywhere else in the world, with Japan’s

quickly becomes part of the daily après ritual.

being, or having recently been, based in

northern island of Hokkaido particularly renowned for its unbeatable, copious

resort, you will receive the unrivalled local

Visit Japan with Ski Safari

volumes of light, deep powder snow.

service which has been rated “excellent”

Particularly powdery, Niseko is Japan’s

Ski Safari is a team of passionate skiers

in independent ratings from more than

most famous resort with the iconic volcano

and snowboarders who specialise in tailor-

180 genuine clients.

Mt Yōtei, a half-size image of Mt Fuji, as its

made ski holidays and aim to provide the

backdrop. Along with its great snow, Niseko

best service and value for money, from

is also one of the Japanese resorts that

single-resort trips to multi-resort ski safaris.

boast some of the world’s best tree skiing.

Many of their team have skied Japan, and

Here the relatively mellow terrain means

Product Manager Andrea even grew up in

Japan National Tourism Organisation:

you don’t have to be an expert to ski it.

Tokyo and revisits every winter, so you’re

seejapan.co.uk

If you prefer to stay on the groomed pistes

guaranteed unparalleled advice from first-

Facebook: Visit Japan from the UK

like most of the locals, Japan has plenty to

hand experience.

Instagram: @visitjapan_uk / Twitter: @experiencejapan

offer too. Hakuba Valley in Nagano on the main island of Honshu, host destination of the 1998 Winter Olympics, is one of the best for alpine skiing.

Japan Ski Experience – The UK’s Original Japan Ski Holiday Specialist Ski Safari:

For authentic appeal, Honshu’s smaller

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 PROMO

expertise and the exceptional customer

resorts are best; a particular favourite is

Japan Ski Experience is a team of local

the historic village of Nozawa Onsen. It

experts who specialise in helping you

was here that the pioneer of winter sports

book the perfect Japan ski holiday.

from the Austrian Arlberg region, Hannes

Offering a complete range of services

Schneider, arrived in the 1930s, and it’s

from accommodation to airport transfers,

Japan Ski Experience:

also where Japan’s world-famous snow

lift passes, equipment rentals, excursions,

japanskiexperience.com

01273 224067 | skisafari.com/japan

PROMO  045 // OCT17

LECH-ZUERS-TOURISMUS / KIRSTIN TOEDTLING

BY PATRICK THORNE

30%–70% LESS SNOW IN SWISS ALPS BY 2I00 The latest of many studies into the impact of climate change in the Alps has been published and predicts a best-case scenario of 30% less

FANTASTIC GONDOLAS The Fantastic Gondolas festival returns to Lech this winter, a special evening near the start of the season when the cabins of the Rüfikopf cable car are transformed into dance floors, served by various DJs.

about 1,000 festival enthusiasts

visual arts artists using multimedia

every year, will this season take

installations, and the event continues

place on 9 December 2017. The

with the lift running through to 2am.

bottom and top stations, as well as

“If you did not know better, you

all the gondolas, will see Austrian

could think you were at a festival

and international DJs performing.

in a major city rather than at 2,350

These will include Tom Findley from

metres above sea level,” said

British band and Grammy nominees,

Fabienne Kienreich of Lech Zürs

Using data collected from 82 weather stations

The exterior of the lift cabins and

Groove Armada.

Tourismus, who added, “Absolutely

and three different climate change scenarios,

buildings are also illuminated with

The surrounding mountain

everyone dances at Fantastic

projected colour patterns.

landscape will also be brought to

Gondolas, sometimes in the snow.”

Fantastic Gondolas, which attracts

life with large-scale projections by

lechzuers.com/fantastic-gondolas

and a worst-case vision of 70% less snow – if temperature rises are not pegged to 2°C by 2050.

The detailed study, published in The Cryosphere, focuses on two regions in the Swiss Alps: the Aare in central Switzerland and the Grisons in the east. Its lead author is Dr Christoph Marty, a research scientist at the WSL Institute for Snow and Avalanche Research in Switzerland.

the researchers simulated snow cover in the two regions through the 21st century.

©SATURA / STOCK.ADOBE.COM

snow on average in the Swiss mountains by 2100,

“GAME OF THRONES ON SNOW” FOR TECH FEST The French ski resort of Les Menuires

In scenario one CO2 emissions are halved by

plan to kick off their 2017/18 season with

2050, meaning temperature rises since pre-

a “Geek and Tech” festival which they say

industrial levels are likely to stay below 2°C.

will be the biggest event of the season.

The other two scenarios assume no specific

Running over the weekend of 9–10

international effort to cut emissions, with average

December 2017, the two days will see

global temperatures rising 2.2°–4.9°C by the end

indoor and outdoor activities all focussed

of the century.

on technology and gaming.

Initially all three scenarios have similar outcomes

“It’s the first time an event like this has

over the next few decades, with a 20%–30%

been held in a mountain environment,”

decline in snow cover by 2050 compared to

said a resort spokesperson.

recent years. In the latter half of this century,

Bars will have evenings dedicated to

though, the difference becomes more marked,

video games; outdoors a game based

with temperature rises pegged and snow

on Game of Thrones will bring lasers

decrease limited to 30% in scenario one, but

and photo-tech together. The cinema

climbing to as much as a 70% loss of snow cover

and event spaces in Les Menuires will be turned into gaming centres, bringing

in scenarios two and three.

The researchers say there’s likely to be more precipitation in the Alps, but that it is more likely

OLYMPIC BIG AIR CONTEST FOR STEEL WORKS

industry professionals and skiers and riders together.

Both retro gaming and the latest-

to fall as rain. Below 1,200m it is expected there Meeting in Lima, Peru, the

environmental reasons before the

Games,” an FIS spokesperson said.

generation video games and consoles

situated above 1,500m the current six and a half

International Ski Federation (FIS)

Summer Olympic Games in Beijing

Among other decisions, the

will be featured, and there’ll also be a

months of snow cover is likely to be reduced to

has approved the venue suggested

in 2008.

Executive Board agreed to unify

simulation space offering an immersive

four months by 2050 and two months by 2100.

by the 2022 Winter Olympics

The area is currently being

the oaths taken by athletes,

experience and augmented reality.

“Skiing on natural snow will be more and more

Organising Committee in China for

redeveloped as an ambitious mixed

followed by officials and then

Packages from €130pp including two

limited to a shorter season or higher elevations.

the first-ever Big Air contest to be

development, which will include

coaches at the opening ceremony,

nights’ accommodation with two day

staged at an Olympics.

housing, leisure facilities, sports

into one oath, with athletes taking

ski passes and two day passes to the

even more important than today,” Dr Marty told

The Big Air at Beijing 2022 will be

facilities and office space.

the lead, as of the Olympic Winter

event are available direct from the resort.

Carbon Brief.

staged at the Shougang Industrial

“The Executive Board was excited by

Games in Pyeongchang next

lesmenuires.com

Park in West Beijing, a former

the project and felt that it would be

February, to shorten this segment

steel plant which was closed for

an iconic location for Big Air at the

of the ceremony.

will be almost no snow by 2100; for resorts

The efficient production of technical snow will get

046 // OCT17

046 // OCT17

@INTHESNOWMAG @LTMOUNTAINS

WIN

InTheSnow have teamed up with Andorra Resorts to give away a fantastic holiday for two people to Arinsal, Andorra, worth €1,300!

Enter at InTheSnow.com/competitions

Vallnord is a varied and exciting domain in the

school, or for the more experienced you might like

everything you need for a relaxing and comfortable

full area lift passes as well as your skis and boots

Pyrenees including the resorts of Pal-Arinsal and

to explore the tree-lined runs of Pal or the incredible

stay including a bar, restaurant and quiet break-away

for the week, so all you need to do is get yourself to

Ordino-Arcalis, and with your full Vallnord passes

off-piste possibilities in Arcalis, host to the men’s

area. It’s also just a few minutes’ walk to Arinsal’s

Barcelona and the Andorra Resorts team will take

you can take the whole week to explore them

Freeride World Tour.

popular and welcoming après-ski bars, meaning it’s

care of the rest!

from the fantastic base of the Hotel Xalet Verdu in

Hotel Xalet Verdu in Arinsal is ideally situated just

the perfect location for your holiday.

Arinsal! If you are new to snow then you are in the

300m from the main gondola in Arinsal, highly rated

Not only does the prize include your shared

perfect place to take part in Arinsal’s highly rated ski

for couples, this chalet-style, family-run hotel has

transfers and accommodation, it also includes two

For more information about Arinsal and Andorra please visit andorraresorts.com

Photo : David ANDRÉ

Terms: Entrants must be aged 18 years or over. One entry per person. No cash alternative will be provided and the holiday is not transferrable. The prize does not include flights. The winner will be notified within seven days of the competition closing, and if the winner does not respond within seven days we reserve the right to draw a new winner. The accommodation is a twin room for seven nights during winter 2017/18. Availability will be confirmed at the time of claiming the prize, and certain dates are excluded. Andorra Resorts act solely as a booking agency in respect of the prize. The agency booking conditions of Andorra Resorts and conditions of the suppliers of the prize components will apply to the booking and must be accepted to claim the prize.

Ski lift connections open on December 9th, 2017 les3vallees.com

INGHAMS

WORDS: ANDY TAYLOR

048 // OCT17

@INTHESNOWMAG

Zermatt with its mighty Matterhorn mountain is a big favourite among British skiers, but it’s so in demand that prices are driven almost as high as the lifts, the highest in Europe.

The Skiing

It was top star-rated food with every meal, and the staff The skiing was superb, set against a backdrop of

were very helpful, friendly and attentive.

long-reaching mountain peaks including the famous

Along with the attractive dining room the hotel has a

Matterhorn (or Monte Cervino as it is known on the Italian

residents’ bar and lounge area. All bedrooms have en-

side), which stands at 4,500m. There is a vast choice of

suite bath/WC, free Wi-Fi and Sky TV, and most have a

runs including skiing for all levels.

balcony or terrace.

When snow coverage permits, this area is famous for its

This is a really good-value ski holiday where the hard

extensive off-piste skiing for the more adventurous. For

work is done for you and where you never feel as though

You can however base yourself in Italy’s top resort of

those who want to stay in the sun and brush up on their

you have been overcharged for anything. As well as

Cervinia instead, and ski all that Zermatt has to offer

technique there is ample choice of red, blue and black

good value, it’s a great place to improve your skiing, with

from this lift-linked resort. You may even find you like

runs where you can avoid the shadows of the mountains

a huge variety of terrain and heaps of room to spread

the Cervinia side more, and not just because the prices

and ski all day in sunlight.

out, as the crowds are very minimal.

are a lot lower (unusually, even the lift pass for the same

This area is also renowned for being very quiet,

shared area costs much less if you buy it in Italy).

especially mid-week, so no need to avoid hundreds of

In fact, although Cervina is known by some as

others on the slopes. If you feel energetic, there are

the cheaper place to stay when skiing around the

over 180km of piste to cover, spanning three valleys on

Matterhorn, this is one of Italy’s very best resorts in its

the Italian side alone, and double that if you buy the full

I was lucky enough to enjoy great weather and snow

own right and a popular spot for Italian weekenders

regional pass that includes Zermatt’s skiing too.

conditions during my stay, so as the skiing was great,

from all over the country. Indeed, it is common for

There are several restaurants spread around the mountain

the travel was fast and seamless and the food and

people from Milan and other large cities to buy holiday

which all offer very reasonably priced meals, including local

everything else about the Chalet Hotel Dragon was

chalets here.

specialities and international cuisine. Every meal we had

great, I can happily report that everything about this

The area therefore has maintained its local charm and

was excellent and consisted of truly memorable homemade

holiday was excellent.

traditions. Being close to France and Switzerland, there

food that only the Italians know how to prepare.

It’s worth noting that this ski destination is extremely

are also quite a few French and Swiss visitors, and of

At the end of a day on the slopes, Cervinia village

good value for money. Not just the travel and

course a lot of UK visitors, with a good mixture of all

offers a selection of fine dining and après-ski pubs,

accommodation, but local eating and drinking was cheap

age groups and families in resort.

hotels and restaurants.

compared to UK prices, even with the weaker pound.

On my visit, organised by leading tour operator Inghams earlier this year, we flew in to Turin after a short one hour and 40 minute flight from Gatwick airport. I was

Summary

The main thing I heard often repeated from the ski

Chalet Hotel Dragon

met by the Inghams representative, who accompanied

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choice of cheese platter. For me, the food was amazing!

guides and people working in the resort was, “I think this region of Italy goes unnoticed as a top ski destination”, and from my experience I’d strongly agree with that.

us on the transfer up to Cervinia, taking less than two

The Chalet Hotel Dragon is in an excellent location just

hours in the coach.

across the road from the first ski lifts, and also close to

So, I was checking in to my hotel only around four hours

several equipment hire shops.

after taking off from London, and as I arrived at my hotel

The main street in the village, which hosts all the bars,

Inghams is offering a seven-night holiday on

I saw the ski lift was just across the street.

restaurants and a couple of nightclubs, is also just

a catered basis (including buffet breakfasts,

I was booked in at the Chalet Hotel Dragon in Cervinia,

around the back of the hotel, so everything is extremely

afternoon tea and cake and five-course evening

a cosy hotel/chalet-style operation run by Inghams

close to hand.

meals with complimentary wine for six days) at

with generous-sized rooms. The hotel, once owned by

In terms of catering, I enjoyed a full skiers’ buffet

the three-and-a-half-diamond Xtra Chalet Dragon

a Scotsman, has a very strong Highlands theme with

breakfast every day, afternoon tea/coffee with a

in Cervinia, Italy, from £789pp departing in

many decorative references to Scotland.

selection of cakes from 4.30pm. Complimentary tea and

January 2018. Price includes return flights to Turin

The hotel staff are there to meet you at arrival, taking

coffee are available all day.

and airport transfers. Ski and snowboard tuition

your bags and ski gear to your room and settling you in

In the evening, there is soup and other snacks as well as

is available to pre-book for three or six half-days

with a complimentary drink.

a complimentary aperitif and hot finger food delivered to

from £123pp. For more information and to book,

Once organised, it was around lunchtime and there

you by the hotel staff. Dinner is served around 7.30pm

please visit www.inghams.co.uk/ski-holidays or

were sandwiches and soup waiting for us in the

in the restaurant where you have a choice from two

call 01483 791 114.

restaurant. When you are ready to organise your ski

starters, two mains and two desserts as part of your

For more information on Cervinia and the Aosta

hire, the closest shop is just across from the hotel

three-course meal in addition to a selection of local

Valley, please visit www.aosta-valley.co.uk.

entrance, so it’s all very easy.

wines and beers, also included. To finish off there is a

AOSTA-VALLEY.CO.UK

Holiday Rental

in a 5★ Residence with 6-day ski pass Win a skiing holiday to Vallorcine, Chamonix Mont Blanc including sevennights accommodation at the 5★ Residence & Spa Vallorcine Mont-Blanc apartments.

HAUGEARD GAETAN

Win a week’S

TO GET THE BEST SKI HOLIDAY VALUE YOU NEED LOCAL EXPERTISE Getting the best value on your ski holiday isn’t always just about finding the cheapest price. If you can also tap in to local knowledge about the resort you’re visiting you can save more money, and perhaps even more importantly, your own valuable time, sourcing the best on offer for less.

Chalets1066 in Les Gets and while on the one

and IT, and her loyal team have the knowledge

hand the business has proved so popular it has

and connections to be able to point you towards

expanded quickly from the original chalet to

the best people and businesses in the village,

managing a superb collection of 26 chalets and

meaning you get excellent service at minimal

apartments, both catered and self-catering and

cost and best value overall.

ranging from economy up to luxury; on the other

In fact the company is now employing more and

it remains a small, family-run business at its heart.

more local people, and the seasonaires they are

Chalets1066 now have a range of low-cost

employing are specifically qualified in a trade and

accommodation where costs are from €128pp

generally in their mid/late 20s since they were

per week (based on full occupancy of a whole

finding that too many new graduates seeking to

That can apply to everything from ski rentals

chalet).

work in the Alps sadly didn’t have the substance

or tuition to shopping, eating out and all other

Susan, the original director of the company, and

to work hard and stick out a full ski season.

aspects of your holiday.

her husband Mark, are now making Les Gets

In fact while many ski businesses are closing

A great resort to choose is Les Gets in the

their year-round home after falling in love with

down, with Brexit and the GBP/EUR rates,

Mont Blanc Eco Resort nestled in the pretty village of Vallorcine.

French Alps. Part of one of the world’s biggest

the village when they bought their first property

Chalet1066 continues to expand.

The prize includes accommodation• The accommodation (seven

ski regions, the Portes du Soleil, which stretches

in Les Gets. Over a decade and more since, they

Having the Chalet1066 company team resident in

over the Swiss border linking a dozen villages

have got to know everything and everyone in

resort also means there’s always someone senior

with hundreds of kilometres of piste.

the village whilst other holiday companies may

on hand during your holiday to ensure any issues

But whether you ski the full region or stay closer

fly in young staff with no knowledge of the resort

that may arise during your stay can be dealt with

to Les Gets (which means you only need the very

each winter. Susan has led the team in Les Gets,

quickly and help organise any aspects of your

Destination: Vallorcine, Chamonix Mont-Blanc - French Alps

reasonably priced local lift pass) is up to you. In

while Mark has focussed on Marketing, Finance

trip you need help with.

Accommodation: Residence & Spa Vallorcine Mont-Blanc, 7-nights for 2 people

Les Gets it’s easy to fill your week and ski local,

The Residence & Spa Vallorcine Mont-Blanc and InTheSnow offer you the chance to win a fantastic skiing holiday to Vallorcine in the Chamonix Mont Blanc valley. The 5★ Residence Vallorcine is 15 km from Chamonix Mont Blanc and an hour and a half from Geneva and, because of its high altitude, invariably offers excellent snow conditions from December through to end of April.

The Prize Enter the competition and you could win a winter holiday for two people staying at the beautiful 5★ Residence & Spa Vallorcine

consecutive nights) in a one-bedroom apartment (27sqm) for seven-nights for two people. Holiday dates are offered subject to availability and excluding 10 Feb – 10 Mar 2018.

Included: 2 * 6-days Adult lift passes

or go XXL and tackle the wider region – perhaps

Excluded: Ski travel insurance, air flights,

some of your party will do one, the rest, the other.

transfers, ski hire and spending money Closing date for entries: 14 January 2018 midnight GMT. All entries subject to competition Terms & Conditions

To enter simply visit: InTheSnow.com/competitions

The largest holiday company in Les Gets, Chalets1066, are able to advise on what’s best for you depending on your individual needs.

Chalets 1066 can tailor your holiday allowing you to choose from a list of optional services to have exactly what you want - economy to luxury service. In addition all clients benefit from free ski pass delivery, the option for fresh bread and croissants delivered by the local baker for a nominal additional fee, and staff and management based in Les Gets.

This winter marks the ninth season for

050 // OCT17

CHALETS1066.COM

4★ luxury in Le Grand Bornand

Anyone who hasn’t been on a holiday to the French Alps for a few years is in for a pleasant surprise. Not only do French apartment holidays still offer by far the best value in skiing, usually with the ultimate in slopeside convenience, but the apartment complexes themselves have greatly improved in recent years.

architectural style, and they are always in great

Four 7 with more international cuisine, and the area

Residence Le Ruitor in Sainte Foy could be just your

locations for slope access.

has its own bakery, mini-market, ski school office,

place. Again, there’s an indoor heated pool, saunas,

These apartments give you your own space to relax

crèche and rental shop, so you only really need to

steam room, fitness room and very comfortable

with home comforts including comfy beds, cosy lounges

leave to go out skiing and boarding if you like!

apartments to relax in. The residence also has a bar,

and kitchens that have everything you might need. They

CGH Kalinda is a 4★ prestige residence ideally

perfect for relaxing evenings.

make the perfect base for families, who can spread out

located at the foot of the modern Boisses gondola

and choose whether to eat in or dine out each evening.

with a blue piste leading back to the door, and a

The best apartment buildings also offer the kind of

leisure centre with private indoor heated swimming

facilities and services once only offered by top-class

pool and a large baby pool with slide. There are also

Book With Peak Retreats

hotels. Many now feature their own spas with indoor

Jacuzzis, saunas, steam room and fitness room.

All of these properties and many more can be

You can expect bigger, comfier, airier, hi-spec

pool, sauna, steam rooms and other spa facilities,

CGH Kalinda also boasts the superb Ô des Cimes

booked via the specialist award-winning French ski

apartments – with many with other facilities like

and you can book in for a spa treatment too. All the

Spa Centre offering a selection of fabulous massages

holiday company, Peak Retreats. Experts in French

swimming pools and restaurants on-site.

extras like wi-fi (usually free), a heated boot room,

and beauty treatments.

ski holidays, the company specialises in providing

There’s also a much wider range of apartment

breakfast delivery of croissants and pain au chocolat

In Les Carroz, a delightful village in the large, snow-

a personal service with unrivalled local know-how;

holidays available, especially in the bigger resorts

are normally there too.

sure Grand Massif area, the CGH Residence & Spa Les

staff have personal experience of its properties.

but even in many smaller French ski stations. The

Some of the best on the market at present include:

Chalets de Léana opened just last winter and offers

Peak Retreats is ABTA-bonded meaning your

best are now graded 4 and 5★ so it may be worth

CGH Residence & Spa Kalinda in Tignes 1800, at a

many similar facilities including another luxurious leisure

holiday money is secure. The company can offer

spending just a little bit more to secure a really

snow-sure location in one of the world’s biggest and

centre with indoor pool and Ô des Cimes Spa Centre,

accommodation only or tailor-made holidays inclusive

swanky apartment for your trip.

best ski areas, shared with neighbouring Val d’Isère.

which now boasts natural salt therapy treatments.

of travel by Eurotunnel, equipment hire, lift passes

These spacious, well-planned apartments are

There are two restaurants in Tignes 1800, Ô 1800

If you’d prefer a quieter smaller resort where you’ll

and lessons and offers complete flexibility, organising

designed within buildings created in traditional

serving traditional and Savoyard specialities and Le

have the ski slopes to yourself, then the CGH

as much or as little of your holiday as you like.

A typical CGH apartment interior

A typical CGH residence pool

051 // JUN17 FB.COM/INTHESNOW

Tignes 1800

PEAKRETREATS.CO.UK | 023 9283 9310

TUITION SKI TOURING This month we are looking at ski touring or skinning, otherwise known as ski mountaineering, or randonnée in French. This is essentially using your skis to access backcountry and relying less on the ski lift system. The big draw of touring is to be able to explore the mountain environment and be at one with nature, escaping the crowds of people.

Skis, Boots and Skins

cuff to pivot freely for better range of motion when you’re hiking and skinning.

Skis used for touring range from very

TIP: Be sure you are getting boots that are

light models intended for maximum uphill

compatible with your bindings.

Where should I go and what snow can I expect?

JON (AKA WESTY) Jon holds the top qualifications from

When you first start, it’s advisable to always

France, Switzerland and Britain,

mobility and speed, to more freeride

do up and down tours as opposed to loops or

and we can say firsthand that he is

designs that are slightly heavier but offer

traverses. That way you will be able to study

a great ski instructor! Jon heads up

the terrain you will ski back over and follow

the team at Altitude Ski School –

your own tracks back down. As you become

Verbier’s most established British ski

the advantage of some extra ski under your

Safety Kit and Knowledge

foot for the descent.

Skins are pre-cut sections of material (usually

When ski touring you will often be entering

more experienced you can start to plan

school. Each month Jon or one of

mohair or synthetic) that stick to the bottom of

uncontrolled avalanche zones. For your

different, more challenging routes. Having

his team will provide us with a few

your skis and allow you to travel uphill without

own safety and the safety of other skiers it

some experience of map reading will be

tips and words of wisdom to help

sliding back down. Clips at both ends of the

is essential that you have the correct safety

crucial as the routes become more complex.

improve our understanding of skiing.

skin and a sticky, non-permanent glue keep

equipment and also the knowledge of how to

Before you head off in the morning, always

each skin attached to the base of your ski.

use it in an emergency situation. Without an

make sure you plan your route and remember

Bindings for touring are slightly different to

avalanche transceiver, probe and shovel you

to take with you a compass and map!

alpine bindings, as they allow you to lift your

will not be able to search for someone buried

Finding good snow, and more importantly safe

A very general guide is that if you are

heel when skinning, or lock this down for

in an avalanche, and no one can find you.

conditions, requires experience and knowledge

The Altitude winter company portfolio

comfortable skiing on red slopes and can also

the descent. They come in two types: frame

TIP: Practise using this safety equipment.

of the mountains. To stay safe, it is advisable

includes the ski and snowboard

manage gentle moguls and ice with a little off-

bindings or pin bindings. Pin bindings are

Grab some friends, go out in the snow and

to go with experienced ski tourers or hire a

school, the Futures instructor training

piste, then you are probably fine to start doing

more lightweight but also require specific

bury some packs with beacons in them to

mountain guide to help develop your knowledge.

programmes and FREERIDE VERBIER,

some gentle ski-touring routes.

boots with pin connectors. You will need

practise your search skills.

TIP: In the spring conditions never set off

a new school dedicated to off-piste

TIP: When ski touring, you are quite likely

frame bindings if the boots you intend to use

TIP 2: A shovel with a plastic blade isn’t

too late in the day – if touring at the end of

coaching in Verbier.

to experience varied snow conditions. It

do not have these connectors.

strong enough to dig through concrete-hard

the season in May you might need to start at

is best to be prepared and confident in all

Touring boots are lighter than regular ski

avalanche debris. Aluminum is the only

least an hour before sunrise in order to find

conditions to help avoid any injures.

boots and feature a walk mode that allows the

choice for safety in avalanche terrain.

some good snow on the way down.

How good do I need to be to start ski touring?

052 // OCT17

ALTITUDE

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

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

Isn’t it About Time You Upgraded Yours?

FINDING GOOD SNOW CONDITIONS Finding good snow conditions for off-piste or ski touring is something that every skier strives for. Below are a few

Have you improved since you bought your current ski boots?

Are they still comfortable?

general tips to help you understand how to get it right.

On a typical ski tour you may find different types of snow, some of which are harder to ski than others.

Ideally you should be confident with all types.

The easiest to ski is probably “spring snow”, which freezes overnight and then the top couple of centimetres are softened by the sun, followed closely by powder snow on a hard base. You might also encounter hard snow, which can be good to ski, unless it is also icy! Snow conditions that are more tricky to ski include deep powder with no base (sublime but sometimes difficult), and the hardest is probably breakable crust. The priority here is to survive without falling or breaking through the crust.

So how do we find the good snow which is easy to ski, versus the hard conditions which can be extremely challenging? This requires a little planning and experience. If it’s been snowing lots, the chances are

C

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CM

MY

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

you will find good powder conditions on all slopes, which will remain good for a while if the temperature stays cold. The north-facing slopes tend to keep the powder for longer periods whereas the sunny southfacing slopes will start to transform over time. Melt freeze will occur on slopes that face east, south and west, and this is where you will start to experience breakable crust… pretty nasty to ski!

Download your FREE Buyers Guides:

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

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

Ready to ride?

Lifts open 2nd December

EARLY BOOKING DEAL FROM €88 PP/NIGHT Includes: 3★ or 4★ Hotel accommodation in double room with breakfast Mont-Blanc Unlimited lift pass: 1,000km pistes, 3 countries, an exceptional variety of terrain

25% DISCOUNT FOR 3/4/5 OR 7 NIGHT STAYS

between 6 Jan – 9 Feb and 3 Mar – 6 Apr 2018 If you book before 30 November 2017

BOOKING.CHAMONIX.COM

NORTH AFRICA North Africa is famous for its stereotypical image of deserts and camels, but it is also home to some high mountains, the Atlas, and some people have been smart enough to put up some ski lifts in Algeria and Morocco.

surveyed by international resort planners with

in poor years.

the aim of improving the basic infrastructure

The approach road to the resort is through

of half-a-dozen drag lifts and an aged chairlift

gently rolling woodland of giant cedar trees,

located between 2,200m and 3,300m above

home to colonies of monkeys who may throw

sea level. However, as yet new lifts that were

branches at you in welcome.

supposed to arrive from Spain have failed to

Over the border in Algeria there’s a ski area

materialise, and snow conditions remain a big

called Chréa located not far from the capital

gamble for anyone planning a visit – mid-

Algiers. An Olympic Facility was reported to

January to mid-February is the best bet. There

have opened at the centre after it became

In Egypt there aren’t any ski lifts on the

are two ski jumps and it’s possible to take time

safer to reach in 2002, after a decade of

mountains, or even the pyramids, but earlier

out and go surfing at the coast nearby.

being too dangerous to visit during terrorist

this year it opened the first indoor snow

There’s a second smaller Moroccan ski area

activity in the region.

centre in Africa, Ski Egypt, built by the

at Michlifen, which is located within a natural

With over 7,000 tons (6,350 tonnes) of

company behind Ski Dubai, so you can now

amphitheatre and surrounded by a beautiful

snow indoors, Ski Egypt, which opened last

hit the Egyptian snow slopes 365 days a year.

area of cedar forest and served by a couple

March, is the first indoor ski resort in Africa.

North Africa’s largest ski centre is Oukaïmeden

of drag lifts, one of them pulling up a very

Attractions include a big ski slope and snow

in Morocco, located a relatively easy trip from

steep hillside. Snow cover is reported to be

park, but snow fun activities like sledging,

Marrakech. Initially developed by the French in

unpredictable, and the season may only last a

“bobsleigh” and a zorbing run on snow are as

the 1940s, the centre has more recently been

few weeks from mid-January to mid-February

popular as ski school.

chamonix.com chamonixmontblanc

@chamonixmontblanc @Chamonix_France

054 // OCT17

@INTHESNOWMAG

IN ASSOCIATION WITH

 Atomic Revent Helmet

 Dare2b Women’s Revival

with AMID and Holo Core

Jacket

£123

£250

Why do helmets have to look big and feel

The women’s Dare2b Revival Ski

uncomfortable? Not anymore – the Revent uses

Jacket is made of highly waterproof/

super-light Holo Core and impact-absorbing

breathable ARED VO2 20,000 fabric

AMID, making it possible to reduce the volume

with high-loft, low-bulk insulation and

of the helmet while providing up to 40% higher

is packed with ski-defined features.

protection than industry standard! With Live Fit

Four-way stretch fabric mapped with

and the new 360 size adjustment system, this

AEP KINEMATICS technology provides

helmet provides an instant, individual fit fine-

superb mobility. With a detachable

tuned to any head shape. skibartlett.com

snowskirt. dare2b.com

 Sidas Cat Track Boot Walker £25 Ski boot traction devices commonly known as Cat Tracks, which allow you to walk confidently and comfortably with your ski boots on. Their tapered design at the tip makes the movement of the foot easier,

 Slytech Flexi Lite

and the asymmetric crampon shape makes

Back Protector

walking on snow safer. skibartlett.com

£149.99 One of the lightest, thinnest, most flexible back protectors available on the market, that still offers one of the highest levels of protection. Now there’s

IN ASSOCIATION WITH

no excuse not to wear a back protector! Comfortable, safe, low profile, lightweight – what more

 Mountain Warehouse

could you want? skibartlett.com

Chamonix Women’s Ski Jacket

 Zeal Optics Portal//RL’s goggle

£139

£134

A fully insulated ski jacket (laboratory

Designed from the inside looking out, Portal//RLs is

tested at −30° C) that includes a storm

Zeal’s first goggle to feature its new patent-pending

flap to prevent wind from coming

Rail Lock System (RLs). This one-of-a-kind, quick-

through the zip. It is fully waterproof

change lens uses a dual sliding rail system that

with taped seams and highly

guides, slides and locks your lens into place in one

breathable, letting moisture out so

swift motion for a safe and secure closure that also

you stay dry on the inside.

keeps out snow and ice. In addition, the rimless

mountainwarehouse.com

design of Portal offers unsurpassed peripheral vision for an elevated optical experience. zealoptics.com

 Peak Performance Men’s Volcan Ski Parka £720 Crafted from 2 GoreTex® C-knit

 Head Kore 93 Skis

fabrics, the Volcan Parka solves

£645 inc. Binding

backcountry challenges with its balance of durability and weight.

More at skibartlett.com

Clever new construction makes

Trust it in the wild or around town.

the Kore range of skis extremely

Stockists: Ellis Brigham,

lightweight for a freeride ski,

Snow+Rock, MR PORTER,

making them easy to turn,

MatchesFashion, Surfdome, Nevisport

fun and a lot less tiring. Their performance is not compromised,

With their renowned reputation for

they’re super responsive edge to

specialist expert advice, combined with

edge and they grip on hard snow

their carefully selected and tested range

and ice. skibartlett.com

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

 Ortovox Fleece

 Dainese Trailknit Winter

Melange Hoody

Back Protector Shirt £159.50

£140 Protective base layer with removable Flexagon Lite back Merino fleece is a

protector. Featuring seamless construction and bacteriostatic,

revolution in merino

hypoallergenic and anti-order technology. Differentiated

wool. We combine a

weaving with compression areas and interwoven micromesh

polyester outer skin with

sections for improved airflow. dainese.com/gb

a 100% merino wool inner. The merino wool is directly woven together with the outer skin and brushed. The result is an unbelievably stretchy, highly resistant and enormously breathable product.

Stockist: Absolute Snow

 Scott Slight 100 Skis £549 Days of meticulous thought, research and testing have gone in to making these skis one of the most award-winning skis of the season. Lighter construction allows these skis to flow smoothly from turn to turn, their shape makes them easy to control and easy to start the turn and at the same time they are unbelievably fun. These really are one of the best skis we’ve ever tried! skibartlett.com

 LEGO® Tec Adele Glove £19.99 Not only will these gloves keep little hands dry while skiing and snowball making, but the cosy fleece lining will keep them warm in the coldest of weather. As with all LEGO® Tec products these gloves are designed by people who know what children need: clever quick-release buckles that clip to LEGO® Tec jackets so your kids don’t lose their gloves! skibartlett.com

 Peak Performance Men’s

 Dare2b Men’s Overshadow Jacket

Volcan Ski Pants

£370

£585 The men’s Dare2b Overshadow Black Label Ski Durability has a new meaning with the Volcans.

Jacket is made of highly waterproof/breathable ARED

The GoreTex® construction gives weatherproof

V02 20,000 fabric with warming Alpaca-blend filling

protection and ventilation for backcountry

and packed with ski-driven features. Four-way stretch

adventures when your focus is on performance.

fabric mapped with AEP KINEMATICS technology

Stockists: Ellis Brigham, Snow+Rock, MR

provides superb mobility on the slopes.

PORTER, MatchesFashion, Surfdome, Nevisport

dare2b.com

 Atomic Redster TR Skis £674.00 Incl Binding A hybrid cross between two Redster race skis, the G9 long-turning ski and the S9 short-turning ski, allowing you to easily be able to do some of both! Still just as stable

 Ortovox Piz Boval Jacket

and just as grippy as their pedigree race

£245

ski heritage, but in a fluid, more forgiving package. These would be a superb ski if

One piece, two styles: we have given our

you’re instructing, coaching or you just want

SWISSWOOL LIGHT SERIES new colours

a performance-inspired piste ski.

for your wild side. With their low weight and

skibartlett.com

good insulation performance, the products are perfect for long, strenuous days on ski tours. The 90g/m² light lining made of Swiss wool is fitted with BREATHABLE, WINDPROOF and extremely SCUFFRESISTANT and WATER-RESISTANT Pertex Microlight. Stockist: Ellis Brigham

FB.COM/INTHESNOW

057 // OCT17

 Volcom Stone Stop Pad

 Burton Malavita Snowboard Binding

£9.95

£259.95

Personalise your board and add some extra

This team favourite blends Burton’s top

grip with the Stone Studs Stomp. Place

technologies with a mid-range flex that’s 100%

these convenient little Stone shapes in a

freestyle-focused. The Malavita binding has

pattern of your own. These will help with

carved out a reputation for its ability to destroy

getting on and off lifts or scooting along the

everything that gets in its way. Features like the

flats to stop your back foot from slipping off

Heel Hammock, Supergrip Capstrap™, and Asym

the board.

Hammockstrap™ wrap response around the boot

sputniksnowboardshop.com

for a seamless fit and ultimate comfort. sputniksnowboardshop.com

 Burton Lexa EST Women’s Snowboard Binding £219.95 Boasting legendary all-terrain performance, it’s no wonder the Lexa binding is a top pick for so many riders. Double Take buckles with Insta-Click get you strapped in fast and dropping first. The Asym Hammockstrap™ and Supergrip Capstrap™ combined with a supportive Heel Hammock in the hi-back cradles your boot in supporting comfort. sputniksnowboardshop.com

 Burton Kilroy Custom Snowboard £364.95

IN ASSOCIATION WITH

A new evolution of the most trusted board in the game. Built for riding any and all terrain, the Burton Kilroy Custom takes the attitude and approach of the most trusted board ever and gives it a new unique shape and construction. Better yet, it’s a board that can be thrashed without worries thanks to a recipe that’s highperformance without the price.

 Volcom Shelterlen GTX Boot

sputniksnowboardshop.com

£154.95 Guaranteed to keep you dry, waterproof nubuck, Ballistic Nylon for maximum durability, tongue

 Burton Déjà vu Flying V

 Thirtytwo Lashed Premium

 Olfi one.five

gussets, speed lace hooks and moulded eva

Women’s Snowboard

Snowboard Boot

4K HDR Action Camera £149

midsole for added comfort. Breathable and

£369.95

£299.95

From unexplored peaks to your

Ride in style with the new Lashed Premium

is absolutely jam-packed with technology

favourite parks, the Burton Déjà Vu

snowboard boot with supple full grain

and features and comes with a range of

tames anything that stands in your

leather and equipped with the new 100%

accessories to get you going. With a full-colour

way. The board’s smooth rocker

heat mouldable performance fit liner. Ride

1.5” LCD screen to aid and assist, and built-in

profile surfs through deep powder,

harder with the added support from the

digital stabilisation to reduce natural shake,

while subtle camber underfoot and a

new internal harness, securely anchoring

this lightweight, simple-to-use camera will

true twin design keeps you in control

the foot, and cushion every landing with

suit all abilities. It boasts a 16MP camera and

no matter which way you point it.

the high-density evolution foam outsole.

a backlit Sony Exmor-R sensor to help your

sputniksnowboardshop.com

sputniksnowboardshop.com

footage in low light. olfi.co.uk

waterproof GORE-TEX performance comfort

The all new 4K HDR Olfi one.five action camera

membrane. sputniksnowboardshop.com

 Anon M2 MFI Goggles £234.95

More at sputniksnow boardshop.com

Featuring Magna-Tech® Quick Lens Change Technology, using 16 rare earth magnets to make lens changes easier than ever.

Spherical Lens Technology mimics the curvature of the human eye

Sputnik is one of the UK’s largest

for superior optics, while NEW SONAR Lenses by ZEISS enhance

independent snowboard shops. We

contrast for the best possible definition and terrain recognition.

offer great choice and service to all our

sputniksnowboardshop.com

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

058 // FEB17

@INTHESNOWMAG

IS YOUR JACKET STILL WATERPROOF?

 Anon Rodan Helmet £TBC

DID YOU KNOW YOU CAN RE-WATERPROOF IT?

The Anon Rodan helmet features an in-mold shell construction for the best in comfort with a sleek, low-profile fit and feel. A 360° Boa® Fit System provides easy, on-the-go fit adjustment with the turn of a dial, and the Fidlock® magnetic snap helmet buckle lets you open or close with one hand, even if you’re wearing gloves. sputniksnowboardshop.com

 Thirtytwo Lashed Double Boa £279.95 The new Lashed Double BOA is everything you’ve come to expect from the Lashed with the convenience of the dual BOA closure system. Combining the independent eyestay with zonal BOA tightening for forefoot support and parallel cable pattern for instep and heel lock. sputniksnowboardshop.com

 Burton AK 2L Swash Jacket £369.95 Beneath its smart refined exterior hides a wealth of features. From PrimaLoft® insulation to the GORE TEX® exterior and

If you properly look after your winter ski and snowboard clothing, it will look after you – keeping you warm and dry and lasting for years to come.

Cleaning It’s important to keep your technical waterproof

GORE-SEAM® tapes, this jacket is designed

clothing clean as it stops the pores in the fabric

to stand up to the most extreme weather

clogging, hindering its waterproofness and making it

conditions while keeping you warm and dry.

much less breathable.

sputniksnowboardshop.com  The majority of winter clothing is machine

 Volcom Shadow Insulated Jacket

washable, but don’t forget to check the washing care label inside your garment.

£199.95 The faux-fur collar isn’t the only thing that’s cozy. This warm jacket features a unique

 Do not use modern detergents, conditioners or softeners, as these can affect the waterproofing and breathability of your garment.

low-loft insulation for added warmth and the flattering fit of the long esquire fit. The 2-Layer Shell keeps the weather out and a unique breathable lining system will help

 Do use specialist technical fabric cleaners that allow the waterproofing and breathability level to be maintained.

you regulate your temp. sputniksnowboardshop.com

 Tip: Before washing your garment, check there is no residue of old detergent, conditioners or softeners in your machine.  Wash at the temperature indicated on each care label, but often multiple garments (and even gloves) can be washed together.  If your clothing is newer and does not need reproofing then just wash and allow your garment to drip dry.

Re-waterproofing

 Thirtytwo Reststop

On older clothing you may find that the snow and

Polar Fleece £74.95

 Volcom Tower Pullover Fleece £69.95

Ultra soft polar fleece work wear inspired button up plaid shirt. Ideal mid layer for

Perfect for relaxing fireside or strolling through

warmth and breathability, and features 32

the city on a cool night, the Tower Pullover

Repel treated fabric to repel water and snow

Fleece offers a stylish way to stay warm. This

on those bad weather days. 100% polyester

long fit hoodie includes a sueded heather

polar fleece.

fleece fabric with a unique printed jersey

sputniksnowboardshop.com

lining. Includes a fold over cowl neck that’s both fashionable and comfortable. sputniksnowboardshop.com

water does not bead up and run off the surface of your jacket like it used to, and now starts to soak in to the fabric. This is due to wear and dirt affecting the water-repellent treatment and the waterproof membrane. This waterproofing can easily be reactivated by using wash-in or spray-on waterproofers.  Simply add the wash-in proofer to the same wash as the technical cleaner or use the spray-on proofer after washing. It really is that easy.  You should be able to wash the garment approximately three times, with technical cleaner, before it needs re-proofing again.

FB.COM/INTHESNOW

059 // JUN17

 Giro Men’s Helmet – Zone MIPS

 Mountain Warehouse

£179.95

Galactic Extreme Men’s Ski Jacket £119.99

The Zone MIPS features an innovative hybrid construction that combines the ding-resistant

This ski jacket has a modern and functional

durability of a hard-shell upper with the

design and is made with waterproof fabric

lightweight in-mold construction lower and

and taped seams to ensure you stay dry.

sidewalls. The Zone MIPS is packed with

It has a detachable snowskirt to prevent

amenities including the In Form 2 Fit System, a

snow getting into your jacket and is highly

quick-fit vertical tuning adjustment system for

breathable.

proper helmet positioning, MIPS technology, fully

mountainwarehouse.com

adjustable venting, Fidlock® magnetic buckle closure and a sleek, integrated POV camera mount. giro.com/range

 BBCO Grey/Navy Darwin Beanie £27 Grey/Navy Darwin beanie, unisex design available in three striking colour schemes, features half-fleece lining for extra warmth with embroidered logo side patch. Combines

 Dainese Flexagon

style with functionality and a fresh new look

Waistcoat Back Protector

for A/W 2017.

(Pictured)

bigballscollective.com

 Dainese Non-Waistcoat Back Protector £135 / £105 Flexagon redefines the standards of protective comfort with its innovative construction technology. The exceptional flexibility is aided by overlapping layers of Crash Absorb®

 LEKI Vertex Glove and Pole Package £99.95

 Giro Men’s Goggle – Axis £179.99

memory-retention foam that move independently of one another and follow the anatomy of the body.

2017 marks the tenth anniversary of LEKI’s best-selling

dainese.com/gb

Trigger S – a patented, safety-release system that is fast and

The AxisTM frameless design features an elegant

comfortable, quick and easy to click in and out. To celebrate,

new quick-change lens system and clean, bold style.

LEKI is launching the Vertex Package. This Vertex S pole and

Four self-locating magnets assist in lightning-fast

Vertex S glove combination offers a 30% saving with a package

lens replacement, and four snap pins keep the lens

price of £99.95 [as opposed to £134.90 if bought separately].

securely locked in place. The Axis includes two of

admin@ardblairsports.com | 01250 873863 | leki.com

the best lenses in the business with premium VIVID lenses with Optics by ZEISS, while EVAKTM vent technology and anti-fog coating keep moisture in check. The Axis is ready for all aspects, conditions and every element. giro.com/range

 Rossignol Pure Pro 100

 Giro Ladies Goggle – Ella

 Mountain Warehouse Sub

£335

£179.99

Zero Women’s Ski Pants

Featuring a women-specific 100mm fit, the

The Ella frameless design boasts an

PURE PRO 100 delivers award-winning

elegant new quick-change lens system

Fully waterproof ski pants

power and precision in a customisable

and clean, bold style. Four self-locating

which have an adjustable

design. Sensor Blade shell technology

magnets assist in lightning-fast lens

waistband, with snow gaiters

reduces weight and drives energy directly

replacement and four snap pins keep

to prevent snow getting into

into the ski while Flex Adjustment options

the lens securely locked in place. The

your clothes, while still highly

allow performance to be tailored to the

medium fit accommodates a wide

breathable, keeping you cool

needs of every skier.

range of female faces while boasting an

and comfortable by allowing

Stockists: Snow+Rock, Blues the Ski

impressively wide EXV field of view.

moisture out and cool air in.

Shop, Snowtrax

giro.com/range

mountainwarehouse.com

£99.99

060 // OCT17

@INTHESNOWMAG

 Dare2b Men’s

 SCOTT Symbol 2 Plus D Helmet £170

Throwback Jacket £270

The SCOTT Symbol 2 Plus D delivers the next level in skiing safety.

With D30 inserts and MIPS integration this helmet has established a

The men’s Dare2b Throwback

new standard for low-, mid- and high-velocity impacts. With a totally

Ski Jacket is made of highly

new shape, the second generation boasts a much lower profile than its

waterproof/breathable ARED

predecessor and our 360° Pure Sound ear pads allow for better noise

VO2 20,000 fabric with high-

detection, meaning you will be looking your best and staying safe.

loft, low-bulk insulation and is

scott-sports.com

packed with ski-driven features.

Four-way stretch fabric mapped with AEP KINEMATICS technology provides superb mobility. With a detachable snowskirt. dare2b.com

 Rossignol Soul 7 HD £665 Incl binding The most innovative, popular and playful freeride ski in the world, the all-new Soul 7 HD has been 100% redesigned. Featuring an all-new Air Tip 2.0 and Carbon Alloy Matrix, at 106mm underfoot the Soul 7 HD is lighter and more powerful, with the uncompromising versatility to go wherever the snow takes you. Stockists: Snow+Rock, Ellis Brigham, Snowtrax

 BBCO Origins Navy Fisherman Beanie £30 The Origins beanie range is unisex, rustic, functional and stylish with its chunky roll-up. Made from 100% British wool and produced right here in the UK. Features half-fleece lining for extra warmth along with a side logo design. bigballscollective.com

 SKINS Windproof Long Tights

 Dare2b Women’s

£110

Convolute Jacket £250

Keep the wind out with zoned, stretch-woven, laminated panels down the front of the leg.

The women’s Dare2b Convolute Luxe Ski Jacket is

Thermal protection to keep you warm in sub-

made of highly waterproof/breathable ARED VO2

zero temperatures. Enhance circulation to

15,000 stretch fabric lightly wadded with warming

increase oxygen delivery to active muscles and

insulation. With a faux-fur trimmed hood and a

help blood lactate. Inseam panels eliminate

detachable snowskirt for slope to street wearability.

abrasion between the legs. Comfortable,

dare2b.com

soft microfibre waistband anchors onto hips.

Shaped crotch for comfort. Keep a key safe on the stretch loop fastened into the waistband. skins.net/uk

 Thule RoundTrip Ski Roller 175cm £170 A spacious, rolling ski bag with padded, cinchtop ski sleeves to ensure your gear travels safely to each destination. Fits two pairs of alpine skis up to 175cm in length plus poles.

 SCOTT S1 Carbon Ski Boot

Stockist: Snow+Rock national stores

£650 The all-new SCOTT Carbon S1 ski boot was specifically designed to meet the needs of the modern skier who demands a boot with real touring capability and comfort without sacrificing downhill power and confidence. scott-sports.com

FB.COM/INTHESNOW

061 // OCT17

 BBCO Navy Native

 Dainese AWA L1 Jacket

Merino Beanie

£879.50

£27 AWA L1 is the collection’s ultimate layeringThe Native beanies are made

system garment comprised of a three-

using the finest New Zealand

layer waterproof breathable outer shell

merino wool unisex design with

and an insulating packable inner jacket.

inner half-fleece lining. Merino

Both garment layers integrate TRAILKNIT

wool beanies are extremely

seamless knitted constructions. The

breathable and less prone to

under jacket features TRAILKNIT on the

clamminess, so ideal for outdoor

undersleeve and side, right along with the

pursuits. Also available in White.

outer jacket vents.

bigballscollective.com

dainese.com/gb

 Giro Mens Helmet – Range MIPS £249.99 The first helmet to boast a truly integrated custom fit at the turn of a dial. By utilising a two-piece shell and a durable yet semi-flexible design – what is called Conform Fit Technology – this helmet expands and contracts, adapting to every rider’s individual head shape. High-end performance and functional features like MIPS technology, adjustable venting, an integrated POV camera mount and Fidlock® magnetic buckle closure complete this leading-edge design. A team rider favourite for freeride pursuits. giro.com/range

 Eider Rocker Jacket Men £399.95 Ergonomic and high-performance – the Rocker features the Fix a Shape zip, durable full-stretch fabric, and high

 Jublo Aerospace Goggles

waterproofing/breathability for reliable

£165

protection all winter long. Features: fixed

With Aerospace, Julbo has created the first goggles that work just as well when climbing as when hurtling down the mountain! To avoid misting during ascents, the SuperFlow System enables the screen to edge forward for greater ventilation, while remaining perfectly protected from the sun’s rays. The ideal goggles for those who want maximum ventilation. julbo.com

hood, 3D adjustable, helmet compatible;

 Dainese AWA P L1

front opening with the ergonomic

£319.50

and waterproof YKK Fix a Shape zip; Defender High-Density shoulder and

AWA pants are synthetically insulated

elbow reinforcements; five zipped outer

and paired with the reliable waterproof

pockets under flaps; fixed stretch powder

protection of D-Dry Plus. They are

skirt with a no-slip elastic band and pant-

ergonomically crafted with carefully

fastening tabs.

articulated patterning.

eider.com/en

dainese.com/gb

 Rossignol Experience 84 HD

 Rossignol Alltrack Pro 120

£515 Incl binding

£335 The new EXPERIENCE 84 HD blends

062 // OCT17

 Giro Ladies Helmet – Stellar MIPS £249.99

The new ALLTRACK PRO 120

the heart of a high-performance carving

delivers an award-winning fusion

machine with a smooth, powerful

The StellarTM MIPS helmet is our premier women’s offering. It utilises integrated

of power, precision and hiking

freeride feel. The finely tuned fusion of

Conform Fit Technology – a two-piece outer shell hugs the head with the turn

performance in our anatomic 100mm

our patented Carbon Alloy Matrix, Air

of a dial providing a bespoke fit. The low-profile Stellar MIPS comes fully loaded

“medium” fit. Compatible with WTR

Tip and Auto Turn Rocker technologies

with high-end performance and safety features including our Multi- Directional

rocker soles, ALLTRACK offers ski-hike

delivers high-definition precision with

Impact Protection System (MIPS), adjustable venting, an integrated POV camera

versatility combined with traditional

effortless versatility across all terrain

mount, and Fidlock® magnetic buckle closure allowing you to stay focused on

alpine performance that continues to

and snow conditions.

the pursuit of powder or perfect groomers.

go unmatched.

Stockists: Snow+Rock,

giro.com/range

Stockists: Snow+Rock, Snowtrax

Blues the Ski Shop, Ellis Brigham

@INTHESNOWMAG

 Eider The Rocks

 Ortovox Ascent Avabag 22L with System

Jacket Women

£600

249.95 ASCENT means total emphasis on safety. We have developed a Fully featured mountain-to-

technological ultra-light avalanche airbag backpack that has been

town-style jacket. Features:

adapted in every aspect to our AVABAG system. In order to achieve the

adjustable, removable hood by

low total weight of 1,780g, the foamed 3D back system distributes the

Plug In System, one adjustment

weight evenly between the hip fins and the padded shoulder straps.

at the back; pit zips covered

The circular frontal zipper provides quick access to equipment, the

by flaps; four outer pockets,

diagonal ski attachment, ice axe holder and rope fastener.

including one with exposed

Stockist: Snow and Rock

waterproof zip; zipped inner pocket with earphone cable opening, goggle pocket with an

 Rossignol Temptation 80

integrated lens cleaner; snow

£385 Incl binding

gaiter with non-slip band. eider.com/en

With the heart of a frontside carver and an easy freeride feel, the new TEMPTATION 80 is the women’s all-mountain benchmark for advanced skiers. Featuring our most versatile blend of rocker and camber and our patented Air Tip technology, the TEMPTATION 80 offers elevated all-mountain performance for easier progression across all snow conditions. Stockists: Snow Lab, Nevisport, Snowtrax

 Peak Performance Men’s Helo Mid Jacket £150 The cozy stretchiness of the Helo makes it an instant favorite with its soft woolmix fabric. Not just warm, it wicks away moisture too, making it ideal for an impromptu change of pace. peakperformance.com

 Ortovox Rock’N’Wool

 Jublo Starwind Goggles

Short Sleeve

£165

£70 Designed for expert and demanding men and women riders, the new

We use 100% MERINO WOOL

Starwind goggles are ideal for small to

for our ROCK‘N‘WOOL

medium faces. Compact and offering

collection. These products

top performance, it incorporates the

have a material weight of

best of Julbo technology, such as a

185g/m², making them highly

minimalist frame and XXL field of vision,

versatile from the beginning

the SuperFlow System with its superb

of winter to the end, even

ventilation as well as all our photochromic

when temperatures take

lenses. julbo.com

a dip. Incidentally, 100% of the merino wool from this collection comes from the Australian island of Tasmania (the material is ethically and ecologically sound).

Stockist: Snowfit

 Scott S1 Carbon Ski Boot £650

 Eider Sybelles Ski Pant Women

 SKINS DNAmic Thermal Tights £100

FB.COM/INTHESNOW

The all-new SCOTT Carbon S1 ski boot was specifically designed to meet the needs of

£249.95 Stand out in low light with reflective graphic panels on the

the modern skier who demands a boot with

Ultra-feminine softshell pants – form fitting and

calves. Thermal protection to keep you warm in sub-zero

real touring capability and comfort without

figure flattering, with zipped cuff extenders to

temperatures. Enhance circulation to increase oxygen delivery

sacrificing downhill power and confidence.

fit over boots. Features: side opening with zip;

to active muscles and help blood lactate. Inseam panels

scott-sports.com

adjustable waist with Velcro tabs; high waist in the

eliminate abrasion between legs. Comfortable, soft microfibre

back; zip fly with snap and hook; ergonomically

waistband anchors onto hips. Shaped crotch for comfort. Keep

shaped knees; zipped hem with comfort gusset.

a key safe on the stretch loop fastened into the waistband.

eider.com/en

skins.net/uk

063 // OCT17

Bern Lenox Helmet 

 Bern Watts Visor Helmet £89.99

£89.99

The Watts: our original visor helmet.

Still looking great and performing in all seasons.

Still delivering looks and performance in all

Providing both comfort and safety, the Lenox has a

seasons. The Watts utilises our premium liner

variety of versatile options to meet your needs whether you’re

featuring Boa technology for a more adjustable fit

on your board, your bike, the slopes or in the water. The Lenox utilises

range. It’s also got drop-in audio-ready ear pads. The Watts

our premium liner featuring Boa technology for a more adjustable fit

uses a thin ABS shell lined with EPS foam to create a burly

range and drop-in audio-ready ear pads. The Lenox uses a thin ABS

lightweight lid that meets certifications for both bike and snow.

shell lined with EPS foam to create a burly lightweight lid that meets

Stockists: Ellis Brigham, Subvert Boardstore,

safety standards for both bike and snow.

The Board Basement, Freeze Pro Shop, Surfdome,

Stockists: Ellis Brigham, Subvert Boardstore, The Board Basement,

Hyped Sports, Internet Fusion

Freeze Pro Shop, Surfdome, Hyped Sports, Internet Fusion

IN ASSOCIATION WITH

 Eivy Icecold Raglan Top £59.99

 POW Tanto Trigger Mitt

 POW Warner Long Glove

£79.99

£79.99

The Icecold Raglan is the perfect onsnow accessory. We have developed

The Warner features technical

FABdryTM, a four-way moisture-

of materials for essential comfort,

materials, long and short cuff options

wicking polyester/elastane stretch

the Tanto is the most comfortable,

and unique ventilation systems. With

fabric with insulating capabilities

practical trigger in the POW range.

GORE-TEX®, Thinsulate™ and merino

thanks to its brushed inside.

Stockists: Hyped Sports,

wool liner included, this makes the cold

Stockists: Subvert Boardstore,

The Board Basement, Route

days better. Stockists: Hyped Sports,

Surfdome, Hyped Sports, Freeze

One, Surfdome, Snowear,

The Board Basement, Route One,

Pro Shop, Boardwise

EuroSnowStore

Surfdome, Snowear

Made with the ideal combination

 Smith Vantage MIPS Helmet

 Smith I/OX Thunder Split Goggles £199.99

Matte Thunder

 Eivy Icecold Pants

£189.99

£54.99

The Vantage was built for the hard core, demanding

The Icecold Pant is the perfect on-

the ultimate in everything. Using AerocoreTM

snow accessory. We have developed

construction that features Koroyd®, it simultaneously

FABdryTM, a four-way moisture-

maximises full coverage protection and increased

wicking polyester/elastane stretch

airflow. For the most custom fit, the Vantage offers

fabric with insulating capabilities

The extra-large spherical lens of the I/OX allows unparalleled peripheral vision,

the Boa® FS360 fit system with a 360 halo design.

thanks to its brushed inside. Look

while 5XTM anti-fog technology provides five times the fog absorption compared

Combine all this with the Smith-pioneered AirEvac

great on the snow, in the gym or

to anything else on the market. This technology combined with the interchangeable

technology for goggle integration, and the Vantage

relaxing in the chalet.

lens keeps you on the mountain all day, regardless of the conditions. Comes with

delivers the perfect blend of technology and style.

Stockists: Subvert, Surfdome,

Sun Platinum ChromaPop Lens and spare Storm Rose Flash CP Lens. Stockists:

Stockists: Snow+Rock, Ellis Brigham, Absolute

Hyped Sports, Freeze Pro Shop,

Snow+Rock, Ellis Brigham, Absolute Snow, Freeze Pro Shop, Hyped Sports

Snow, Freeze Pro Shop, Hyped Sports

Boardwise

064 // OCT17

ULTRASPORTEU.COM

 Dare2b Men’s Carve

 Eider Monterosa Fur Jacket Women

It II Pro Jacket

£549.95

£250 For the lady skier who wants reliable warmth and one-of-aThe Carve It Pro Ski Jacket

kind style. Features: removable hood with zip; removable

is made of seam-sealed

faux fur; zipped full-front opening under piping; ski pass zip

waterproof/breathable ARED

pocket with invisible zip; elasticated cuffs; very comfortable

VO2 20,000 fabric with high-

stretch cuffs. eider.com/en

warmth, low-bulk insulation.

Four-way stretch fabric mapped with AEP KINEMATICS technology provides superb mobility on the slopes. Packed with ski-driven features and a detachable snowskirt. dare2b.com

 Scott Slight 93 Ski £500 SCOTT is always striving to bring skiers the next level of performance. Introducing the SCOTT Slight 93, the newest generation of crossover skis. Utilising a revolutionary combination of unidirectional and triaxial carbon with a lightweight wood core and aramid fibres in a sandwich construction. With a 15m turn radius the SCOTT Slight 93 will elevate any skier’s ability. scott-sports.com

 BBCO Cream Elan Beanie £30 Quite possibly the warmest beanie hat we’ve ever made. The Elan beanie is made from the softest, chunkiest knit complemented with a half-fleece lining and side faux leather patch logo. This is the closest you will get to putting your head into a toasted giant

 Mountain Warehouse Orbit 4 Way Stretch Men’s Ski Pants

 Dainese AWA M2

marshmallow!bigballscollective.com

£719.50

£84.99 AWA M2 consists of a dual layering These ski pants offer full mobility and flexibility with

system comprising a three-layer

adjustable braces and RECCO reflectors to bounce

waterproof breathable outer shell and

back location information in case of avalanche. They

an insulated packable inner jacket. The

are also fully waterproof and highly breathable.

outer shell has a subdued aesthetic with

mountainwarehouse.com

glossy printed details on undersleeve and sides resembling a space suit Dainese engineered for astronauts. dainese.com/gb

 Giro Men’s Goggle – Contact £229.99 The breakthrough design of the Contact goggle makes it easy to adapt instantly to changing weather and light conditions. The Snapshot Magnetic Lens Interchange System sets a new standard in fast, accurate and secure lens interchange by utilising a shutter-button release-and-locking mechanism. The Contact offers an outstanding field of view and now includes two premium VIVID lenses with Optics by ZEISS (one sun/all-conditions lens and one infrared storm/low-light lens). New for 2018, the Contact now features EVAKTM vent technology for increased moisture management and vent foam durability.

 Ortovox Crossrider 20 £100 Those who place great emphasis on low weight and selected features will love the CROSS RIDER 20. At 860g it is one of the lightweights, but also boasts: storage space for safety equipment, ski and snowboard fastenings, an ice axe and hiking pole fastening, front and rear access to the main compartment and hydration system compatibility.

Offering sufficient space for smaller tours or days on the piste. Stockist: Ellis Brigham

giro.com/range

FB.COM/INTHESNOW

065 // OCT17

Protest Clavin Men’s Snowjacket

Protest Remain Men’s Snowjacket

Protest Ester Women’s Snowjacket

£159.99

£ 179.99

£179.99

The Protest Clavin snowjacket is part of the

Comes in red checker lumberjack style with a

Part of the PVRE Series providing 20K protection

Protest PVRE Series providing 20K protection

relaxed ergonomic pre-shaped fit and a longer

and withstanding 20K mm of water pressure,

and withstands 20K mm of water pressure. It

length. A member of the Geotech 10K series

safeguarding a waterproof finish. Available in a

comes in a slim fit in a regular length and in a

and withstands 10K mm of water pressure. The

variety of all-over printed tweed with solid parts.

variety of colours. The jacket features a fixed

removable hood boasts a thermoknit collar.

The softshell jacket features a removable hood with

hood with thermoknit collar, ventilation zippers,

Featuring critically taped seams, a regular waist

detachable faux fur, critical taping, ventilation zippers

waterproof zippers, and stretch material with a

gaiter, lift pass holder and headphone access, all

and a regular waist gaiter. Also featured is a lift pass

stretch waist gaiter.

ensuring your preparation for the slopes.

holder, goggle pocket and headphone access.

Protest Saddle Snow Women’s Dungaree £99.99 The Protest Saddle might just be the best combination of technical snow wear and fashion ever developed. The Protest Saddle overalls are hyperstylish, secure and reliable. Featuring a slim fit, the denim overalls are part of the Protest Geotech 10K series and withstand 10K mm of water pressure, safeguarding a waterproof finish.

Protest Mount 17 Men’s Snowjacket

Protest Mayfield Men’s Snowjacket

Protest Clear Women’s Snowjacket

£ 179.99

£169.99

£129.99

The Protest Mount 17 snowjacket is part of the

The Protest Mayfield comes in a variety of

Part of the Geotech 10K series able to withstand 10K

Protest PVRE Series providing 20K protection

unique colour block looks. The jacket is

mm of water pressure, safeguarding a waterproof

and withstands 20K mm of water pressure,

ergonomically pre-shaped and comes in a

finish. The unique snowjacket comes in a variety of

safeguarding a waterproof finish. The ergo-

regular fit and length. The Mayfield is a member

complementary colour blocks and grey melange

nomically pre-shaped and slim fitting jacket

of the Geotech 10K series and withstands

parts. Features a fixed hood with themoknit

comes in a longer length. The soft shell jacket

10K mm of water pressure, safeguarding a

collar, ventilation zippers, critically taped seams

features a fixed hood, high thermoknit collar,

waterproof finish. The Mayfield features critically

and a regular waist gaiter, providing the ultimate

ventilation zippers, water-repellent zippers and

taped seams, and a regular waist gaiter, all

preparation for the slopes. Also features a lift pass

a regular waist gaiter.

ensuring your preparation for the slopes.

holder, goggle pocket and easy headphone access.

066 // OCT17

IN ASSOCIATION WITH

PROTEST.EU

DOLOMITI SUPERSKI A 360° WORLD OF FUN The Dolomites enjoy their status as a UNESCO World Heritage and skiing around the valleys is certainly a world of fun in this wonderful setting. More than 1,200 kilometres of slopes are maintained in perfect condition thanks to the application of the most advanced technology. The 12 ski areas of Dolomiti Superski are pure inspiration and a source of 360° fun. And at the end of a day full of thrills and adventure in pursuit of the many sporting options there is a high quality wellness service waiting for you and ready to soothe both body and mind. And if all this was not enough, the excellent standard of cuisine is very much a wow factor too. Make the most of this incredible 360° experience. Immerse yourself in this vortex of pleasure.

Dolomiti Superski: a memorable ski holiday in all senses.

Post your photos with #DolomitiSuperSki and share your Dolomites fun!

EXCITING NEW RANGE FOR THIS SEASON Industry leading Isolator protection Super low profile (8mm) CE armour 3D heat activated, mouldable & flexible Repeat Performance Technology (RPT) (+) Becool technical 4 way base layer fabrics DYNAMIC REACTIVE INTELLIGENT MATERIAL (+) Super breathable (+) Class leading comfort

2I-22 OCT I7

26-29 OCT I7

28-29 OCT I7

Enjoy The Glacier

Ski & Snowboard Show

World Cup 2017/18 Opener

Les 2 Alpes, France

London

Sölden, Tirol, Austria

After an autumn when only Tignes was open

The UK’s only surviving ski and snowboard

The 2017/18 World Cup freestyle raving got started

for much of October and November in France,

show (unless another one appears that no

in New Zealand in early September, but the alpine

Les 2 Alpes stages its annual October glacier

one has told us about) is having something

skiers get their season underway in the Tirol at the

fest with BBQs, meet the pros, gear tests and

of a renaissance at its new venue, Battersea

end of October on Sölden’s glacier. skiweltcup.

gigs. les2alpes.com

Evolution. skiandsnowboard.co.uk

soelden.com/en

(+) (+) (+) (+)

15-21 JAN I8

9-25 FEB I8

La Grande Premiere

78th Hahnenkamm

Winter Olympics

Val Thorens, France

Kitzbühel, Tirol, Austria

Pyeongchang, South Korea

The highest resort in Europe celebrates the start

The biggest race in the World Cup calendar and

The biggest show on snow is back, four years after

of the ski season with an opening-weekend

the biggest sporting event, summer or winter, in

Sochi, and with Team GB battling for medals in a

fiesta that includes gear testing, games and

Austria is back. Can Britain’s Dave Ryding go one

bigger range of ski and snowboarding events than

opportunities to try out a huge range of snow

better than his second place in the slalom last

ever before. Fingers and everything else already

sports. valthorens.com

year? hahnenkamm.com/en

crossed. pyeongchang2018.com/en

25-27 NOV I7

Mons Jacket I Limb Tube I Slam Short 1 I Mons Vest

www.forcefieldbodyarmour.com

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

2 0 I 7 / I 8 -D I A R Y

ChEmmY aLCOtt

4-20 MAR I8

9-I8 MAR I8

I-8 APR I8

POWERFUL SPRINGS OFFLOad WEIGht FROm YOUR kNEES

ShOCk aBSORBERS FOR YOUR WhOLE BOdY

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

First British Ski Holidays to Iran

Paralympic Winter Games

The Brits

Pyeongchang, South Korea

Laax, Switzerland

What are believed to be the first British package

After the winter Olympics come the Paralympics,

The long-running British freestyle skiing and

tour ski holidays to Iran will run from 4 and 12 March,

and once again Britain has a formidable team

snowboarding championships, or “The Brits”

organised by the established French and Swiss ski

of super-talented athletes battling to secure an

for short, successfully combine world-class

holiday firm Mountain Heaven. mountainheaven.

even-bigger medal haul than at Sochi in 2014.

competition with plenty of partying, and this year

co.uk/resorts/Iran/skiing-in-iran-experience

paralympic.org/pyeongchang-2018

a post-Olympic meet-up too. the-brits.com

068 // OCT17

@INTHESNOWMAG

CARLTON HOTEL ST MORITZ

HOTEL PLEIN SUD SERRE CHEVALIER

Located on a sun-soaked plateau above the lake of St Moritz, the hotel boasts captivating views from all of its 60 suites and junior suites. A complete refurbishment now showcases the historical values of the property, built a century ago, with a contemporary re-interpretation. The hotel exhibits the signature unconventional style of interior designer Carlo Rampazzi and a colour palette affording the hotel an unrivalled self-assured luxury.

Located in the heart of Serre Chevalier the hotel Plein Sud is situated only 200m to the slopes, lifts & village centre making it easy. Serre Chevalier offers over 250km of pistes with a varied amount of skiing and a fantastic tree line. Super fast lifts with panoramic views to get you to the heart of the ski area

+41 (0) 81 836 7000 // INFO@CARLTON-STMORITZ.CH CARLTON-STMORITZ.CH

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

HOTEL COURCHEVEL OLYMPIC COURCHEVEL 1850 

RESIDENCE LES TERRASSES DE VERET FLAINE 

BELLE EPOQUE HOTEL VICTORIA BERNER OBERLAND 

At the heart of Courchevel 1850, just a stone’s throw away from the pistes, this is the perfect base for an unforgettable ski holiday. The recently renovated 28 room hotel offers a relaxing lounge-bar to enjoy a drink by the open fire or shoot some pool. All rooms offer large windows making for a light and airy atmosphere and the new chic boutique-style superior bedrooms offer unparalleled levels of comfort, a spacious balcony and extras including coffee machines, iPod docks and light-up showers.

The Terrasses de Veret residence is a mere 50m from the pistes, is centrally located and boasts a large heated pool, outdoor jacuzzi and sauna. All apartments enjoy balconies with views of the pistes or the valley and interiors offering modern elegance. New for 2016 includes WIFI access in every apartment, luggage storage, games room with table football, and a new-look ski and storage area.

Kandersteg is an ideal family ski resort and cross-country paradise.

The idyllic and cosy village is in the heart of the Bernese Oberland and can easily be reached by train or by car. The Hotel Victoria is centrally located and offers a beautiful view of the snow-capped mountains. You will find a cheerful and familiar atmosphere combined with Swiss hotel tradition. The ideal place to relax and enjoy oneself.

0203 475 4756 MADAMEVACANCES.CO.UK

0203 475 4756 MADAMEVACANCES.CO.UK

+41 33 675 8000 | INFO@HOTEL-VICTORIA.CH HOTEL-VICTORIA.CH

RESIDENCE & SPA VALLORCINE CHAMONIX 

L’ AIGLE DES NEIGE VAL D’ISÈRE

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

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

Located in the very heart of the old village of Val d’Isère, this hotel is among the most fashionable in the region. Perched at 1850m altitude, it is superbly located just a few steps from the snow, meaning you can be on the slopes straight from your front door. The 109 rooms are spacious and comfortable, seamlessly blending wood and natural colours. It has all the equipment and services of an international hotel with a world-class reputation.

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

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

+33 (0)4 79 06 18 88 // RESERVATION@HOTELAIGLEDESNEIGES.COM EN.HOTELAIGLEDESNEIGES.COM

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

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HÔTEL L’HÉLIOPIC CHAMONIX

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069 // OCT17

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SAMMY LUEBKE Tahoe-bred Sammy Luebke just had the season of a lifetime, winning almost everything he entered on the Freeride World Tour - the most competitive circuit of the world’s greatest freeride snowboarders.

The beauty of snowboarding is everybody has their own style – usually that translates into their runs. Some people like the more technical lines, while others choose maybe a more freestyle line.

In your recent run in Alaska we can see you’re fully enjoying your run. What was

With four victories out of five stops and a second place, Sammy secured his second Freeride World

going through your mind?

The snow was so good that day that all I could think about was putting up a big slash and sending powder flying into the glowing morning light.

Tour champion title in a row

Is there any stop during the FWT that is

(solidifying the

more special to you?

title before the

I would say Fieberbrunn, Austria, because

end of the tour after the fourth stop

I’ve never lost when competing there; also, it was the first FWT event I ever won.

in Haines, Alaska). He now has the 2018 Freeride

After two world champion titles, is

World Tour on his radar for his

competition still something you want to

sixth season. When not competing,

do, or would you like to open up to new

this married father of two is a busy man,

opportunities?

taking care of his daughters, spending time

I really like competing. For me, it keeps

in the mountains splitboarding, travelling

pushing me to ride harder and progress

throughout the world and filming in the

my riding style. Also, I just want to keep

backcountry as much as he can.

learning more about the mountains and snowpack to ensure I can ride when I’m

Has your perspective changed on how

60. Haha.

you approach snowboarding since you started?

Do you have any routine to stay on top

I definitely used to focus on just learning

and keep you going?

tricks, but as I got older I started just

Visualise, visualise, visualise. Believe in

working on my board control. Once you’ve

yourself. Also, I always put my left boot on

mastered that, everything else just falls

first in the morning.

into place. Also, to just have as much fun as possible because that’s why we all

What’s on your radar for the 2018 season?

started snowboarding in the first place.

I guess, trying to go for the ever-elusive three FWT titles straight! Travel to new

070 // OCT17

How do athletes manage to find original

places, splitboard lots, snow camping, new

lines in the competition?

tricks! Cheers to an epic winter ahead!!

ANDORRA TO ZERMATT

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

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

VALUE: Package prices starting from just £315 per person

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