InTheSnow January 2019

ATHLETE: POWELL EASTMAN | LOCATION: ALTA SKI AREA, UT | PHOTOGRAPHER: NOAH WETZEL

INTHE SNOW ISSUE 62 | FEB ‘19

One of the biggest ski resort developments in the Alps for many years has reached its conclusion this winter with the

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VALENTIN LUTHIGER

030 NEW GIANT SWISS SUPER SKI REGION OPENS AFTER 10 YEARS’ PLANNING  full opening of a lift and piste connection between the famously snowy Swiss resort of Andermatt (currently posting the world’s deepest base at 6m) and its neighbour Sedrun to create the region’s new biggest ski area. But the whole resort AGENCE ZOOM

is being renewed too with a new base development taking shape including a huge new Radisson Blu hotel and spa

THE SEASON’S MUST-SEE EVENT  Andorra’s Grandvalira ski resort, the biggest in the Pyrenees, has been playing a bigger and bigger role in hosting international ski racing over recent seasons, and 2019 will see its biggest yet as it prepares to host the Alpine Ski World Cup Finals.

MORE THAN JUST POWDER  The wonderful world of ski holidays has got ever more diverse and there’s now a huge selection of “niche” markets-within-the-market catered for according almost any criteria you can think of. We’ve compiled a feature on some of the options you now have.

INTHESNOW @INTHESNOWMAG

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CHEESE LOVER’S GUIDE TO THE SKI SLOPES  We tend to choose our ski holiday destination

INTHESNOW

according to price, location, size of the ski area or

INTHESNOW_MAGAZINE

making our choices based on the local cheese? Our

maybe the après-ski scene. But should we be Editor thinks so.

SWITZERLAND TOURISM/GIGLIO PASQUA

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which opened last month.

025 CHAMONIX MONT BLANC TOURIST OFFICE / C. HENRY

SEE MORE, SKI MORE, AND LOVE SKI 

EDITOR

Loveski.com is a recently launched website that offers a one-stop shop for detailed resort descriptions and inspiration along with tips, competitions and reviews.

PATRICK THORNE

There are even easy-to-follow entertaining videos on ski

BUYERS’ GUIDE  049–055

technique from Eddie the Eagle.

2019 is here, the ski season is in full swing, and what a remarkable one it is already

Our regular fix of all the latest and greatest gear is

turning out to be!

back with new skis, boards, boots, helmets,

Thankfully snow cover is pretty good almost

goggles, clothing, ski bags, backpacks and much,

everywhere, but in the Eastern Alps it has

much more – you name it, it’s there. This month a

been an incredible start to the season with

special focus on ski touring kit for kids.

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ZHANGKUN

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BLOW THE BONUS On A PRIVATE JET 

ATELIER HOHLRIEDER

closer to home there’s a simple answer – hire a private jet. They’re now available not just for a

NINA MATTLI

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almost anywhere – Japan or Alaska perhaps?

RESORT INSIDER: AROSA, SWITZERLAND  headlines a few years ago when the ski area more than doubled in size thanks to a connection opening to

… for week after week.

Of course too much snow too fast isn’t always great news when you want to go skiing if transport routes in are blocked and ski slopes are closed with lifts buried it passes on it does mean resorts are in great shape for the rest of the winter.

Those who follow competitive World Cup racing have also had lots to get excited about this season with three skiers closing

A LITTLE ROMANCE WITH YOUR SKI HOLIDAY?  A day in the beautiful snowy mountains, a cosy chalet to come home to with as crackling log fire, perhaps a glass of champagne. No one can deny that ski resorts can be the perfect destinations for romantics, but some appeal more than others.

in on the all-time 30-year-old record of 86 wins set by Sweden’s Ingemar Stenmark.

Austria’s Marcel Hirscher was getting close to 70 wins as we went to press and America’s Mikaela Shiffrin, still only 23, has passed 50 while her teammate Lindsey Vonn, in her last full season, was on 82.

Who will break Stenmark’s record first?

Meanwhile Britain’s Dave Ryding started the year on a high with the second silver of his career making him the most successful British skier in the modern era. You can

EDITORIAL TEAM PUBLISHER

CONTRIBUTORS

Dominic Killinger

Emmanuelle Châtel Megan Hughes Sega Fairweather Sam Thorne

dom@inthesnow.com EDITOR

Patrick Thorne patrick@inthesnow.com OPERATIONS DIRECTOR

The classic high-altitude ski resort of Arosa hit the ski

dumping down as much as 3m in a week

and the avalanche danger high; but once

If you want to get to the slopes faster and from

quick hop over to the Alps but if you want to fly

massive January snowfalls (The Times reckons they’re the biggest for a century)

Debbie Gabriel

MAGAZINE & BRAND DESIGN BY

Tom Showler Rocket Base tom@rocketbase.co.uk

debbie@inthesnow.com WEB & DIGITAL DESIGNER BRAND & DIGITAL MANAGER

Emmanuelle Châtel

Max Spooner-Blind EQUIPMENT BY

neighbouring Lenzerheide. Since then it’s got better

SOCIAL & DIGITAL MANAGER

and better. Here are some of the best bits.

Megan Hughes

Ski Bartlett Sputnik

read more on all of them in this issue. © Copyright 2019 Printed in the UK. 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.

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

Whether you’re heading to the slopes or watching the racing on TV it’s looking like an exciting few months ahead. Don’t forget to keep up to date on InTheSnow. com and our social media channels where we also have all the latest ski holiday deals and keep you informed with the lasts snow news year-round. Think snow!

patrick@inthesnow.com

SUB EDITORS

Nick Jones Marion Adams

FEB19 // 003

Baker

MIRJA GEH PHOTOGRAPHY PETER-LINTNER

SNOWTASTIC START TO 2019

MIRJA GEH PHOTOGRAPHY

MIRJA GEH PHOTOGRAPHY

Amazing snowfalls in the Alps to start the year

A year ago it was France and Western Switzerland that was seeing huge snowfalls; this winter it has been Austria and Eastern Switzerland with some areas seeing as much as 4m of snowfall since Christmas.

while it’s coming down. Airports, road

figures, and this is partly down to

and rail links were closed at times, as

the better snow conditions at this

were entire ski areas, as the avalanche

time of year, compared to in some

danger hit the maximum level 5 in some

previous years,” said Frankie Gibson

areas. But once things settled down

of tour operator Inghams, adding, “Our

again, it was powder heaven with a

programmes in Austria and Italy are also

deep snow base that looks set to last

doing well this season and experiencing

well into spring now even if it doesn’t

great early season conditions.”

Ski areas seeing some of the

snow again.

Across the Atlantic the picture is

biggest snowfalls included Saalbach

The French Alps had a dry start to the

mostly good in North America too with

Hinterglemm in Austria, which saw 3m of

year, but most of the big resorts offered

Breckenridge in Colorado opening all

snow fall in a week, and Austria’s Arlberg

good ski conditions anyway thanks

of its ski area earlier than ever before

region, where planned World Cup ski

to bases built up from big autumn

because of the great conditions there,

races had to be cancelled because there

snowfalls, topped up with snowmaking.

and Whistler Blackcomb in Canada

was too much snow falling.

Since then they’ve had some good

recording its biggest-ever December

The deepest snow depth in Europe

snowfalls too – if not on the scale of

snowfall total: 384cm.

(and the world) reached 5m by the

Austria – which have put most in a

And over the Pacific from BC in Japan

middle of January.

good position for the rest of the season.

it’s looking typically snowy too in

Of course, so much snow so fast isn’t

“We had a great Christmas and New

Niseko where around 6m of snow has

ideal for actually getting on the slopes

Year in France, with strong booking

fallen since the start of the season.

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PRAYERS VOLCANO DOESN’T ERUPT Tourism officials in the spa town of Kusatsu, located north of Tokyo in Japan, have said prayers for safety and abundant snow this ski season. The ceremony, attended by police officers and firefighters among others, followed a volcanic eruption during the 2017/18 ski season in which one person died and 11 were injured.

SOCHI NOW IN “WORLD’S BIGGEST” A new ski area in Russia means that the ski region it is part of moves into the world top 50 by size, the first time a Russian area has done. The new Alpica ski area is linked to another Sochi 2014 Olympic resort, Rosa Khutor, taking the combined area’s size to 129km.

GIRL DIES AFTER CHAIRLIFT JUMP

FRENCH RESORT USING GREEN TECH TO COVER 30% ENERGY Serre Chevalier, the largest ski area

turbine electricity will all be generated in

power from its exposed high-altitude passes.

in the Southern Alps, has announced

the Vallée, is now underway. The resort will

Altogether this provides 4.5 gigawatt hours

A 15-year-old girl has died after

it will be meeting 30% of its energy

generate the energy in a €3.6 million (around

of power towards the 14.5 required for all

jumping from a chairlift at a small

needs by 2021 using a combination of

£3.2 million) project that will create solar

58 lifts as well as snowmaking equipment –

ski area in Quebec. The girl and

green energy sources.

power from Serre Chevalier’s average 2,500

including 14 machine rooms and 577 snow

a friend jumped from the chairlift

Work on the project, which will mean

hours of sunshine per year, hydropower

guns – and all other needs such as heat

hydroelectric, photovoltaic and micro-wind

from its snowmaking water system and wind

and light in buildings.

at the Mont-Vidéo ski centre, apparently attempting a stunt, which one landed successfully, but the other hit a boulder buried under snow and was fatally injured.

TELFORD GETS £750K UPGRADE Telford Ski Centre, which has an 85m dry slope, has received a £750,000 upgrade to respond to the needs of a growing number of skiers using it. The money has gone on MIKE JONES

base lodge improvements including a large open entertainment space, a new-look bar, showers, toilets and additional changing room space.

NEW GONDOLA STEAMBOAT

SKI AND SAIL HOLIDAYS BY YACHT

The 2018/19 ski season is only

Pinnacle Ski is offering an unusual ski

Guests can also try dog sledding, sign

a Zodiac Professional RIB.

just starting, but Steamboat ski

holiday opportunity for the well heeled, the

up to cultural excursions and keep an

A week’s ski and sail trip for up to six

area have already announced

chance to ski and sail on a luxury trip in

eye out for whales. Plus, there’s a very

costs from €47,700 (£42,511 at time of

their plans for winter 2019/20. The

Norway. Billed as “the ultimate ski touring

good chance of seeing the shimmering

writing) including six days of ski touring

Colorado resort will be replacing

trip”, guests stay on the spacious Oyster

Northern Lights too. Off the slopes and

and sailing (weather permitting), IFMGA

their main gondola, which first

885 RS yacht, which sleeps six and offers

on the waves guests can make use of the

mountain guide, all local transport to/from

opened 30 years ago, in a $15

365° views of the spectacular fjords, then

on-board facilities, which include an in-

the airport and the harbour, and full-board

spend their days skiing with an IFMGA-

house movie server, PlayStation 4, music

accommodation, including packed lunches,

certified mountain guide.

library, Yachtspot wireless wi-fi system and

drinks and house alcohol. pinnacle-ski.com

million (around £11.6 million) project this summer.

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ERICH SPIESS/ASP/RED BULL CONTENT POOL

THIBAUT LOUBERE

VAL THORENS UNVEILS “THE BEE”

HIRSCHER THIRD IN ALL-TIME WINS

Following on from the success of unveiling the

Austrian skier Marcel Hirscher has moved up

highest zip wire in Europe at 3,230m in 2014, Val

to third place in the table of all-time World

Thorens have spent another €1.2million (around

Cup wins in alpine skiing and become the

£1.07 million) on a new “zip line experience”, this

most successful Austrian skier of all time with

time running above the resort itself.

his 63rd win, which came a few days after

Christened “The Bee”, the new activity is longer

his 62nd, in Alta Badia, Italy, when he drew

than the original zip wire at 1,800m long compared

equal with the previous Austrian all-time best,

5%

to 1.3km, and there are also dual cables, so two

Annemarie Moser-Proell.

QUOTE CODE 'ITS'

people can ride alongside each other.

Although it is still early days the 29-year-old

Altogether the new zip lines provide 200m of vertical

is also on target to extend his record to eight

descent, 65m above the ski slopes. Riders start from

consecutive World Cup overall crowns.

the top of the Moutière chairlift and land at the heart

At time of writing Hirscher is now 19 wins

of Val Thorens Place Caron.

behind American Lindsey Vonn (34), who has

Open daily, accessible to skiers and pedestrians,

said she expects to retire after the Lake Louise

offering average speeds of 65km and with the

races at the start of next season. Vonn needs

chance of a video souvenir filmed by GoPro, the

five more wins to overtake long-time overall

ride costs €35pp (around £31pp) and is offered to

record holder, Sweden’s Ingemar Stenmark,

over-14s only.

with 86 victories.

Heavenly Skiing At Down To Earth Prices

DISCOUNT

High Quality Catered + Self Catered Accommodation French and Swiss Alps Snow Sure Resorts

CRYSTAL PUT 2019/20 SKI HOLIDAYS ON SALE Crystal Ski Holidays, the UK’s biggest

months ahead of the holiday date is

routes from London Gatwick and

ski holiday operator, have put ski

not so much about announcing new

Bristol to Memmingen in Germany

holidays for next winter (2019/20)

destinations (that tends to happen in

making it easier to get to some

on sale already, just as the current

the spring) but about offering skiers

resorts in the Austrian Tirol and

season gets going in the UK.

the chance to budget long term and

from Bristol to Toulouse to improve

“We want to offer customers plenty of

perhaps secure travel dates and

access to Andorra.

choice in the best ski areas and family

accommodation early.

Early booking offers include £75 off

resorts,” said Chris Logan, Managing

The company have, however,

childcare and a deal on a half-price lift

Director of Crystal Ski Holidays.

announced several new flight routes

pass and equipment hire bundle when

Offering ski holidays on sale up to 16

for winter 2019/20 including new

booked together on trips to Andorra.

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FEB19 // 007

On / Near Piste locations No Hidden Extras Financially Bonded

0151 625 1921 mountainheaven.co.uk

NEW SKI MOJO FITTING SERVICE ski~mojo, a support that helps people with knee, leg and hip issues stay on the slopes for longer, has established a number of official representatives available to help potential customers try MIKA MERIKANTO / RED BULL CONTENT POOL

and test the ski~mojo at The Snow Centre (Hemel Hempstead), Chill Factore (Manchester), Snozone (Castleford) and Snow Factor (Glasgow). skimojo.com

NEW ROMANIAN AREAS OPEN Two new ski areas are opening in Romania this season – one after 10 years “under construction”. Rarău Massif in northeastern Romania boasts a new gondola and two ski runs; Vârful lui Roman in the Căpăţânii Mountains initially has one 800m-long run.

SKI LIFT STOPPED

BY FIRE A gondola lift at Val Gardena in the Italian Dolomites was forced to stop operating when a small bush fire broke out beneath the lift. The fire brigade quickly extinguished the

RACE THE FACE Freerider Jérémie Heitz and ski

perfect snow to collect. They then had to

a little bit more of the unknown and, when

racer Daron Rahlves Race have staged

rappel down using crampons and ice axes

you face something new, you fear what the

a unique giant slalom race down the

to test the conditions and set up race gates.

consequences will be and calculate the

face of Hohberghorn in Switzerland

American Rahlves, a former world

risks,” he said.

from a 4,000m glacier summit.

champion, admitted he didn’t hesitate

Rahlves clocked a time of 26.440 seconds

Billed as the “ultimate skiing showdown”

when asked to take part.

with Heitz following him down in 27.720, a

by sponsors Red Bull, the pair were not

“It’s nuts – a ski race down an Alpine face.

time difference of 1.28 seconds.

just competing with each other but the

It’s been a project tough to pull off with

“I knew I couldn’t fight against a Kitzbühel

elements, waiting more than a month for the

weather factors and snow conditions. It’s

winner!” said Heitz.

fire, which was most likely caused by someone smoking in a gondola cabin, against the regulation for users of the lift, and throwing their lit cigarette from the cabin.

SHIFFRIN SETS MORE RECORDS Mikaela Shiffrin (23) has set more records this season. She has now won more slalom races than any other woman, is the first person to win 15 World Cup races in a calendar year and after winning her first Super G became one of only seven to win races in all five downhill disciplines.

NEW FREESTYLE SLOPE OPENS

SNOW ART EXHIBITION LANDS IN LONDON New artwork from English artist Andrew

the unselfconscious delight that children

at the last moment, when forecasts

Macara is to be exhibited from 14

take in their environment, finding their

predict good weather.

Snowsports Centre in West Wales.

February to 2 March by the Jonathan

carefree movements more dynamic

The exhibition includes “Children Sledging,

The new slope features a tabletop

Cooper gallery in London.

and interesting than that of adults. His

Les Gets, France”; “The Orchard, Morzine,

Born in Derbyshire in 1944, Andrew

choice of scene is visual and instinctual;

France”; and “Selva Gardena, Italy”, all

landing area and a lengthy in-run.

Macara’s work includes numerous ski

fascinated by the contrast of light and

created with oil on linen.

The area covers some 1,400m and

scenes of the French and Italian Alps.

shadow, he only works on bright days,

jonathancooper.co.uk

sits alongside the original ski slope.

In his work Macara is drawn above all to

and his frequent trips abroad are booked

A new Playgrass Freestyle Slope has opened at Llangrannog

jump, a quarter pipe, a good 2

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PROTE ST.E U

The French Pyrenees are settling into the current ski season with fresh snowfall for the start of 2019 and lots of new attractions to tempt skiers and boarders to their slopes this year.

For those unfamiliar with the region, the French

resorts having year-round communities; prices tend

Pyrenees is a friendly, sunny, snowy region with

to be lower than further north and there’s even a

something of a Mediterranean vibe located down on

strong foodie culture to dive into. Spa culture is also

France’s southern border with Spain and Andorra.

a big part of the Pyrenees snow holiday experience,

Despite its southerly latitude it has a spectacular

with every resort having its own great spa. The ski

snowfall record, often boasting deeper snow depths

region’s ski areas are of a good size for a week or

than the Alps to the north, as essentially it’s the first

even a long weekend’s skiing and are easy to reach

place the snow clouds dump on as they arrive full of

via Toulouse (served by BA/easyJet) or Lourdes

moisture from the sea.

(Ryanair). So here’s what’s happening in the French

The region has an authentic feel with many of the

Pyrenees in winter 2019:

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@INTHESNOWMAG

Older kids will enjoy the terrain parks and all the other activities on offer here including speed-riding, dog sledding, snow biking, ice climbing, paragliding, snow scooters, paintball … the list goes on.

Good skiers of all ages aren’t forgotten either with the black “Sarrat” descent arguably one of the most beautiful off-piste routes in the Pyrenees after a fresh snowfall.

The Sensoria wellness centre in the resort’s lovely base village offers something for kids and Mum and Dad alike with four areas including spa facilities for adults and water fun area for the kids.

January: Where To? The first question, when you’re planning your trip to the French Pyrenees, is which region and then which resort

March: Pic du Midi

to choose. There are the highest peaks of the Hautes-

The start of spring is peak time for exploring the Pic du

Pyrenees or the laid-back atmosphere in the Pyrenees-

Midi and the biggest ski area in the French Pyrenees,

Orientales region. Then you can choose between

Grand Tourmalet, with its 100km of runs and 1,100m of

the ambience of traditional villages or the maximised

vertical served by 34 lifts. Stay in Barèges, known for its

convenience of purpose-built ski centres, and spa towns

tree-lined runs or in La Mongie with its wide-open slopes.

or intimate villages. The good news is it’s hard to go

The area’s special attraction, however, is undoubtedly

wrong and you’ll most likely end up hooked and wanting

the chance to sign up for a high-altitude guided off-piste

to try one after another.

descent down from Pic du Midi. Opened as a unique

Here’s a very quick guide to some to consider, however.

freeride ski domain as recently as December 2013, based

In the Hautes-Pyrenees Saint-Lary is one of the bigger

on the idea of the Aiguille du Midi in Chamonix and La

resorts and ski areas while Cauterets has a great compact

Grave, the spectacular cable car ride to the 2,877m top

base, spa and foodie culture and one of the best snow

station from where there is a 360° view of the Pyrenees

records in Europe. The Grand Tourmalet region is the

is exciting enough. But for good skiers descents of up to

biggest in the French Pyrenees and includes the famed

1,700 vertical metres and 10km in length are the icing on

Pic du Midi, one of the world’s great off-piste descents.

the cake at this incredible ski destination.

Purpose-built Peyragudes has the interesting attraction of having been a key location for the opening scenes of the James Bond 007 film Tomorrow Never Dies and recently opened a James Bond ski run to celebrate.

In the Ariège mountains the thermal spa town of Axles-Thermes provides the benefit of being accessible by rail from the UK surprisingly quickly (if not by air via Toulouse). It also has a new ski lift and several new runs to offer this winter, and finally in the Pyrenees-Orientales region Les Angles, another purpose-built resort, has its new Angleo spa with a fusion of Catalan and French influences open for this winter.

April: Spring Break Forget Brexit, if it happens, and head to the great resort of Cauterets, open until the end of April each season.

It’s often sitting on the deepest snow base in France by the end of March. There are 22 slopes, 15 lifts and plenty of snowmaking.

Cauterets is a village with beautiful original architecture and two ski areas: the Cirque du Lys for alpine skiing, reached quickly from the heart of the village by a modern eight-passenger gondola, and Pont d’Espagne area at the heart of the Pyrenees National Park for Nordic activities, although there’s another 3km of downhill here too.

February: Families

New this year the “Cauterets Fun Park” is an almost

For a half-term family ski holiday with a difference head

kilometre-long area with on-snow attractions including

to Saint-Lary – a great alternative for a family ski holiday

a family Slalom Zone, JIB area and a Yeti “parcours”

with 100km of runs served by more than 30 lifts and

adventure area.

backed up by 300 snow guns. Awarded the Famille

You can also choose to mix spa time with slope time and

Plus label by the French government for its exceptional

enjoy a new gourmet body treatment with organic honey

service and facilities for families, on-snow attractions

from the Pyrenees in the resort’s Bains du Rocher. The

include a special kids’ park, green slopes, two sledging

75-minute treatment starts with a scrub made from plum

runs, a play area and a large pedestrian area. There are

kernel, propolis and honey, followed by a massage with

two nurseries taking children from 18 months of age,

propolis oil and a Cauterets honey body wrap.

and ski school can start from age three.

What a great way to wind up your 2019 ski season!

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LESPYRENEES.NET

FAULKNER BROWNS ACHITECTS

BY PATRICK THORNE

VAIL RESORTS TO BE 100% GREEN ENERGY POWERED BY 2020 Vail Resorts have announced that the total energy requirements of their 17 North American ski resorts will be offset by a multi-million-dollar investment in a wind energy venture.

Several of the company’s high-

UK’S SEVENTH SNOW CENTRE GETS GO-AHEAD FROM PLANNERS The operators of The Snow Centre

The brand-new snow centre, which should

Hempstead opened its doors in May 2009.

Hemel Hempstead are to run a

open next year, will feature two indoor

Located alongside a 13-screen cinema,

second facility at Swindon.

real-snow slopes; a 170m Main Slope,

including the largest IMAX screen in

Full planning consent has now

a 75m Lesson Slope and a designated

Europe, 19-lane bowling alley, a trampoline

Creek hydro project, but the new

been given to the long-standing

fun zone for sledging and snow play. On

park, a gym, shops and the existing Oasis

relationship with Lincoln Clean

proposals for the facility with

completion the centre will become the

Leisure centre, The Snow Centre Swindon

15,800m2 of indoor snow space

UK’s seventh indoor skiing facility – and

is part of a £270 million project led by

within Swindon’s North Star

the first new real-snow slope the UK

property development and investment

Leisure Complex.

has seen since The Snow Centre Hemel

company SevenCapital.

profile resorts are already green energy powered, including Whistler Blackcomb thanks to its Fitzsimmons

Energy will dramatically increase the company’s overall investment in green power.

Vail Resorts’ multi-million-dollar wind energy virtual power purchase agreement (VPPA) enables the development of the Plum Creek Wind Project, which is expected to be completed in 2020.

Under the 12-year agreement, Vail Resorts are purchasing 310,000 megawatt hours (MWh) annually – enough wind energy to reduce

MITCH WINTON

the emissions associated with the company’s estimated 2019 total North American electricity consumption by 100%. That equates to the approximate amount of electricity needed to power 30,000 average US homes each year.

Vail Resorts have also announced a partnership with Eco-Products to

MAYOR ASKS OIL COMPANIES TO PAY FOR CLIMATE CHANGE DAMAGE IN WHISTLER

supply all of their North American

In the latest stage in a series of

climate, and the impact that’s having on

being experienced by Whistler.” It goes

restaurants with compostable and

communiqués and legal action by ski

his community.

on to say Whistler has had to spend

towns and resorts across North America,

The letter, to 20 big oil companies based

CA$1.4 million (around £0.82 million) on

Jack Crompton, Mayor of Whistler

in Canada, the USA, Russia, Italy, Brazil

“wildfire protection” and that climate

Blackcomb, has written to a number of

and France, begins, “We are writing to

modelling suggests less snow will fall on

oil companies asking them to pay for

ask your company to commit to pay a

the ski area in the future, harming their ski

the damage caused by fossil fuels to the

fair share of the costs of climate change

business. He’s had no response.

recycled-content items and eliminate conventional single-use plastics, a process which will begin during the 2018/19 winter season.

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A

ROMANCE WITH YOUR SKI HOLIDAY?

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@INTHESNOWMAG

Of course some resorts are a little more romantic than others. They’re the kind of places where you’d

fondue evening, cake in the afternoon, a filled picnic rucksack or a trip in a horse-drawn carriage. Perfect!

FRANZ GERDL

One of the most underrated aspects of a ski holiday is undoubtedly the romance factor! Some people are just so obsessed with deep powder and counting their piste kilometres they forget about the magnificent scenery all around them, the cosy cafés where you can snuggle up and the magical wonder of all that fluffy white stuff. In short, the perfect backdrop for love to blossom, or if you’re lucky enough to already have it, for it to grow.

St. Johnann In Tirol

like to cuddle up under the blankets on a sleigh ride

St. Johnann in Tirol in the Kitzbüheler Alpen, close to

or perhaps work up a rosy glow in your cheeks on a

Kitzbühel itself, is another good choice. The beautiful

snowshoe hike into a pretty valley. With St Valentine’s

old town is oozing atmosphere with characterful

Day on the way, it seems a good opportunity to make

buildings and enticing cafés, restaurants and shops.

a few recommendations:

Along with a number of spa facilities offering beauty and massage services you can choose winter walks, sleigh rides or enjoy a dog sledding adventure or even ski under the moonlight.

One particularly popular option is a romantic evening sleigh ride, journeying across this magical

ACHENSEE TOURISMUS

winter landscape, wrapped in warm blankets as you look out at the twinkling lights of buildings and listen to the rhythmic sounds of the horses’ hooves before arriving at the cosy inn and enjoying a tasty meal of

ALPBACHTAL SEENLAND TOURISMUS BERGER BERNHARD

traditional Kasspatzln.

Tiroler Zugspitz Arena Tiroler Zugspitz Arena in Austria’s picturesque Tirol region is a great choice for romantics. Besides the extensive skiing on wonderful ski slopes surrounded by beautiful mountain scenery, you can choose from a long list of low-key activities where you can really enjoy your time together. A hike by torchlight, a spot of ice skating or perhaps an evening with a good meal and traditional Tirolean entertainment in a mountain hut?

Ski Juwel Alpbachtal Wildschönau The Ski Juwel region is not only one of the 10 biggest in Tirol but the villages of Alpbachtal and Wildschönau at its heart have won awards for being the most beautiful in Austria. It is again a great choice

CHRISTOPH JORDA

for a romantic sleigh ride or a peaceful winter hike together through the white wonderland.

A great and unique choice for your holiday, there is a charming restored 12th-century castle, Schloss Matzen, in Brixlegg. Chock-full of secret passageways,

ACHENSEE TOURISMUS

ancient courtyards and spiral stairs there are a

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For the complete package you can even sign up

dozen individually decorated guest rooms, each

for the special “Romance Tirolean Style” package

lavishly appointed with antiques, rich bed linens and

at the Romantik Hotel Spielmann (hotel-spielmann.

plush tapestry curtains but also boasting all modern

com/en) which includes a “spoil-yourself” half-board

conveniences of course. It’s a very cosy, very different

arrangement as well as a sparkling-wine breakfast, a

and very romantic place to stay.

VISITTIROL.CO.UK

ORIOL MOLAS

This season, Grandvalira are celebrating 15 years since the opening of southern Europe’s largest ski resort. Since its opening in 2003, Grandvalira has grown at an exponential rate, with constantly improving facilities and a huge range of non-skiing leisure activities.

event in the World Cup Finals. Firstly, a new 150,000

with an incredible sporting experience. Watch 25 of the

sq. foot ski platform in the Soldeu area, right at the foot

world’s best skiers battle it out on the slopes, before

of the Avet slope. This will allow visitors an enhanced

heading up the mountain yourself to take on the area’s

experience when watching the World Cup Finals and

exceptional skiing. Whether you want to see Lindsey

will provide an additional 450 parking spaces to allow

Vonn attempt to become the most decorated skier of all

everyone to enjoy the event. Secondly, works on

time or simply observe the incredible skill of slalom stars

the Àliga slope in the El Tarter sector will guarantee

Marcel Hirscher and Mikaela Shiffrin, Grandvalira will

safety and quality while ensuring that the world’s

Throughout this time, Grandvalira has hosted a

provide the perfect setting in which to do so.

best ski racers will have the perfect stage on which

number of incredible events, and this year they are

Grandvalira is one of Europe’s best ski areas, with

to showcase their talents. The foot of the slope has

ramping things up a level with the Men’s and Women’s

150 miles of slopes to enjoy. The area combines the

also been extended to ensure that as many people as

Alpine Ski World Cup Finals, which will take place

resorts of Pas de la Casa-Grau Roig and Soldeu-El

possible can observe and soak up what is sure to be

from 11 to 17 March 2019. An undeniable highlight on

Tarter, and has added Ordino Arcalís this year to bring

an electric atmosphere.

the alpine skiing calendar, this event will be the most

you even more incredible skiing. Their commitment

Inspired by the racing, you can try it for yourself! The

important sporting event ever to be hosted in Andorra

to constant improvement is evident, with €10.4 million

technological development of Grandvalira means that

and is definitely one you don’t want to miss!

invested in the ski area this year alone.

here you can try the first online game of the Alpine Skiing

An event that all skiers are sure to enjoy, the

Part of this investment involves improving the area’s

World Cup Finals: the Ski Race Soldeu, where gamers can

Grandvalira World Cup Finals provide holidaymakers

infrastructure for hosting what is sure to be a huge

compete to achieve the best time on the World Cup slope!

IÑAKI RUBIO/VALLNORD

NATALIA MONTANE

with the opportunity to combine an amazing ski holiday

016 // FEB19  PROMO

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ANDORRA RESORTS Independent Ski Holidays to Andorra www.andorraresorts.com

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Book now at www.grandvalira.com 210 KM OF SLOPES / SKIING LESSONS / CUISINE / CHILDREN’S AREAS / ACTIVITIES / APRÈS-SKI / BIG SPORTING EVENTS

ALASKAN SKI AREA TO REOPEN A ski area in Alaska that hasn’t operated for more than 40 years looks set to reopen next winter after a community effort to restore skiing at Skeetawk in the Talkeetna Mountains announced they have secured $1.3 million (around £1 million) in funding and bought a chairlift.

RECYCLING TO BE LEGACY OF FIS BIG

The Swedish hosts of the FIS Alpine World Ski Championships this February have announced that a recycling programme being put in place for the event will continue indefinitely afterwards on the resort as a legacy of the Championships.

DANISH POWER PLANT SKI SLOPE COMPLETE & SET TO OPEN IN MARCH A 450m-long artificial-surface ski

repeatedly delayed over the past few years.

the world’s highest artificial climbing wall

slope down the sloping side of a

Designed by innovative architects BIG, the

on one of its vertical sides. The power plant

power plant has been completed.

new Amagar Bakke waste-to-power plant

began operating over a year ago, but there

A private ski area planned for

The ski-slope-on-a-power-plant project,

near Copenhagen was designed with a

has been slow progress on the ski slope,

several years in Colorado has

near Copenhagen, has attracted global

sloping roof specifically to be used as one

christened “Copenhill”, which was expected

opened. Cimarron Mountain Club

coverage since first announced more than

of the world’s longest artificial-surface ski

to finally open last year but most recently

has no ski lifts with uplift provided

six years ago, but its completion has been

slopes. The building will also be home to

the date being suggested is March 2019.

PRIVATE SKI AREA OPENS SLOPES

by ski cat or hiking. There are 60 named runs for members and their families to enjoy. The Club has a limit of 20 members, each membership costing $2.85 million (£2.2 million).

MANUFACTURER TO BE SOLD TO CHINESE The Finnish-based business known as Amer that owns the former companies, now brands, that include Salomon, Arc’teryx, CHRISTIAN ARNAL

Peak Performance, Atomic, Mavic, Suunto and Wilson looks set to be sold to a Chinese group for €4.6 billion (around £4.1 billion).

NEW SKI TRAVEL AGENCY LAUNCHED

SCAN YOUR FEET FOR FASTER RENTALS

A new specialist ski travel agency

French ski shop chain Skiset, which claims

and matched to the best boots for them.

“Skiset concentrates on the client

has been launched offering

more shops than any other in France

The extra good news though is that

experience,” explains Julien Gauthier,

holidays through some of the

(375), has come up with a clever new

your precise foot data is stored in your

Network Development Manager for the

way to ease the boot rental (and thus the

personal profile so that next time you

company, who continues, “ScanFeet is

ski rental) process. Skiers and boarders

go skiing, there’s no need to go through

born from the desire to digitise our know-

visiting Skiset stores can now use a device

the measurement process again; the

how, improve the flow of clients in-store

team behind the well-established

called ScanFeet to quickly have their

technicians have all the data they need.

and increase customer loyalty. The new

Andorra Resorts brand, founded in

feet digitally scanned so that the precise

You can even order up the gear you know

software enables our staff to target the

dimension of their feet can be determined

will fit online.

best ski boots available.”

major tour operators to France, Canada and Andorra. Destination Ski has been launched by the

2008. destinationski.com

018 // FEB19

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DARE TO EXPLORE SINNER WINTER COLLECTION SINNER.EU

SWISS+ SUPER SKI

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A giant “new” Swiss ski area has officially “opened” this winter after 10 years of design and construction and an investment of CHF130 million (about £103 million at time of writing).

flagship mountain, the Gemsstock, snow is stockpiled on the Gemsstock Glacier and St Anna Glacier. Thanks to constant snow farming, around 25,000m3 of topquality snow can be protected from melting at both locations, with around 10,000m2 of fleece being used for this purpose at the two locations.

Switzerland where every bit of land is already owned

GREAT MOUNTAIN DINING

and development strictly controlled isn’t going to

Food is seen as a big factor in the success of

happen, and the historic resorts of Andermatt and

the newly revamped ski area, which boasts eight

Sedrun are, well, already famous.

mountain restaurants overseen by restauranteur

Of course, creating an entirely new ski area in

Andermatt, in particular, is famous for its great skiing

Marco Però and his team, who place great importance

and deep powder snow, and the great Swiss skier

The big driving force behind this entire project (at

on using local and regional products. The cheese,

Bernhard Russi, a Winter Olympic gold medallist who

one point described as “the biggest building site in

fruits, sausages and herbs from the Andermatt region

has gone on to design the downhill courses at most of

Switzerland”) has been Egyptian billionaire Samih

help make the cuisine authentic and special. With

the Olympics for the past 30 years, was born here.

Sawiris (now also Chairman of the Board of lift

great attention to detail, specialities from Uri and

So what has actually happened is that the two ski areas

company Andermatt-Sedrun Sport AG), who has also

Grisons are served in a traditional style while also

have had their lifts and runs almost entirely renewed,

been developing a new year-round resort base, the

being freshly reinterpreted.

extensive snowmaking added and a new connection

Andermatt Swiss Alps destination, with a selection of

One nice feature is that the spring water from the

between them completed. In other words the ski area

properties and accommodation ranging right up to the

Gotthard Massif is of especially high quality, and so

has been almost entirely redeveloped, renewed, taken

luxurious 5 Chedi Hotel. A new Radisson Blu hotel is

the restaurants offer still and sparkling mountain

back to the drawing board and started from scratch.

the latest to open there this winter.

water for free. To ensure an environmentally friendly

Planning lasted from 2009 to 2014, and construction

The new gondola to Schneehüenerstock highlights the

resort, plastic bottles are not used in the SkiArena.

has been going on since 2015. The result is a ski area

significance of this new central hub to the whole area.

of 120km, the largest in central Switzerland, served by

Two ski lifts meet here between the two parts of the

22 lifts including state-of-the-art high-speed chair and

ski area at an elevation of 2,500m, and it is here too

gondola lifts to whisk you up the slopes.

that the three-way link to the Disentis ski area will be

The ski area has something for everyone with terrain

completed next winter.

ranging from the nearly 3,000m-high Gemsstock all the

“With this ski region we now have the type of first-class

way to Sedrun in the canton of Grisons. The new area

winter attraction we need for successful international

also links two Swiss cantons and two cultures.

marketing of the destination,” Mr Sawiris said at the

And although the new area officially opened just

official inauguration of the ski area.

before Christmas with the opening of the last key

Fortunately it’s a stunning spot worthy of such an

lift in the connection, the Schneehüenerstock-

important location at the heart of the new area. There

Express gondola, work is now underway on a second

are breathtaking views of the Ursern Valley, and a new

connection to another neighbouring ski area, Disentis.

mountain restaurant also opened there in December,

Due for completion next winter, 2019/20, this will

complete with a huge terrace, so it’s a great place to

enlarge the area further to 160km.

take a break and take it all in.

SNOW-SURE Andermatt has a reputation for its good, deep snow cover, and indeed at the time of writing in early winter the entire world – in any case it’s usually one of the

EASY ACCESS

deepest in the Alps all season.

Andermatt-Sedrun is just 90 minutes from Zurich Airport

As a result the ski season at SkiArena Andermatt-Sedrun

by road, and rail passengers can make the journey

lasts seven months from November to May. Besides

in two hours. The resort has been designed so that

that natural snow, there’s been heavy investment in

Andermatt’s rail station is both close to the Andermatt

snowmaking as well as snow farming equipment.

Swiss Alps destination and has a new gondola up to the

In order to enable an early season start on Andermatt’s

slopes departing from the station itself.

2018/19 it was posting the deepest snow base in

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Ski lift connections open until April 22nd, 2019

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ALL DAY, EVERYDAY KEVIN BACKSTROM

P O W G L O V E S . C O M

/

@ P O W G L O V E S

/

P :

D O M I N I C

Z I M M E R M A N N

REVOLUTIONARY REGIMEN FOR TOP SPEED SKIER

THOUSANDS HAVE FIRST TRY AT SNOWSPORTS

RYDING BRITAIN’S MOST SUCCESSFUL ALPINE SKIER

After finishing fifth overall in last year’s FIS Speed Ski

An annual initiative to get more people to try skiing

Dave Ryding became Britain’s most successful ever

World Cup standings, Great Britain’s highest-ranked

or snowboarding for the first time by offering free or

alpine skier in the modern era after finishing second

speed skier, Jan Farrell, says he has developed a

heavily discounted first-timer sessions at England’s

in a City Sprint event on New Year’s Day in Oslo.

revolutionary training regimen to ensure that the

indoor snow and dry slopes has been a major

When Ryding finished second at Kitzbühel two years

upcoming 2019 FIS Speed World Cup season is his most

success according to organisers Snowsport England.

ago, he became the first British skier to stand on the

successful to date. The 2014 Speed Downhill World Cup

The now-annual 30 Days of Snowsport initiative in

Alpine World Cup podium in 35 years. The last had

champion has gone to new lengths to perfect his Speed

the autumn saw 21 snowsports clubs and facilities

been Konrad Bartelski, who took second in the Men’s

Ski technique including “skiing” on top of a custom-fitted

offer 596 opportunities to participate in skiing or

Downhill in Val Gardena in December 1981.

BMW M2, reaching speeds of 180kph at Jarama Circuit

snowboarding. This meant 8,500 people engaged

But following the Oslo result, Ryding is now

outside of Madrid. Instead of training in a wind tunnel

with snowsports during the month-long initiative,

Britain’s most successful Alpine World Cup skier in

Farrell is perfecting his body position on the track, while

1,500 more than the previous event.

history. Davina Galica is the only other British skier

working to cut wind drag at high velocity.

Tamworth SnowDome and Kendal Snowsports Club

with two Alpine World Cup podiums with a pair of

“In competition, my runs only last for 15 seconds. But, by

saw huge numbers passing through their doors

downhill third places in 1968 at the very start of the

training on top of a speeding car, I can spend more time

throughout October, and at North Staffs Ski Club

modern era.

in my racing position, allowing me time to memorise the

those new to snowsports were able to try it for

“I’ll look back at the end of my career and see where

perfect form and test my new material,” says Farrell.

the first time for free. There were also sessions at

I’m at, but I just want to keep working, keep learning,

Farrell has also teamed up with the innovative sports

Snozone Castleford for visually impaired skiers.

keep getting better and maybe – you never know –

training team at Iberian Sportech in Seville, utilising

“The additional taster sessions and beginner lessons

maybe go that one step more,” said Ryding.

advanced training apparatus used by top-level

we put on are always hugely popular and 30 Days of

Ryding also placed second in an all-star invitational

international football clubs. The first World Cup event of

Snowsport helps raise awareness of those lessons

slalom race in the Swiss resort of Crans-Montana in

the season is in Sweden in February where Farrell will aim

and our facility. The event gets more people involved

February with French racer Clement Noel taking top

to top his career-best speed of 231.66kph.

in our exciting sports,” said Dan Norgrove from the

spot. Some of the world’s top alpine skiing athletes took

janfarrell.com

SnowDome. 30daysofsnowsport.org.uk

part including Olympic Gold Medallist André Myhrer.

SEE MORE SKI MORE

LoveSki.com The New Snow Site On The Scene

Loveski.com allows you the opportunity to find your perfect resort by location, budget, group type, ski area or après atmosphere! You can even win the opportunity to experience some of these beautiful resorts – Loveski.com have recently launched a competition to give away a trip to La Clusaz, one of the most gorgeous ski areas in France.

However, Loveski.com is not just about inspiring you to find your ideal resort; it’s also about ensuring you are as prepared as possible to have the best time shop for detailed resort information and inspiration,

on the slopes. Whether this is through advice pieces

tips, competitions, reviews and entertaining videos

such as “How to maximise your time”, their reviews

(Eddie the Eagle, we’re looking at you…). Forget

of the best ski tech on offer this season or their bite-

heading to a different site to research each element

sized skiing videos for beginners and intermediates

of your ski holiday – Loveski.com provides an

alike, here you can find a whole host of helpful

incredibly easy-to-navigate database of knowledge

information.

to inform and enhance your experiences this winter.

When it comes to websites, we often find that the

Their resort information is highly detailed,

most useful online platforms are those that are easy

showcasing many resorts you may not have

to read, simply navigated and packed with content.

previously considered and showing you a whole

Loveski.com delivers just this and with static content

new side to others. There is so much variety

refreshed each season, you won’t find yourself lost

when it comes to ski resorts that it can be slightly

in a plethora of constantly changing posts, trying

overwhelming trying to simply pick a destination

to find your way back to something you saw a few

out of the hundreds on offer. This is why Loveski.

days before. This results in a clear, concise database

com’s “Helping You Ski / Where / When” sections

of highly useful information, negating the need for

This is why we were very excited to discover

are such fantastic resources. For anyone who may

all those different sites and open tabs!

Loveski.com, the new kid on the scene when it

be heading on their first ski holiday or those simply

Loveski.com will truly leave you inspired, excited

comes to ski websites, which offers a one-stop

looking for a new destination for their next trip,

and prepared to Be Happy, Ski More this winter.

These days it can feel as if we are inundated with online information about skiing. There are online ski shops, resorts with a hugely detailed online presence and many blogs claiming to offer top tips for skiers. Indeed, at times it can almost feel like there are too many websites to sift through when you’re looking for information or advice.

025 // FEB19  PROMO

LOVESKI.COM

Lebanon has a rich history as a ski destination, with the first reported skiers spotted on the slopes here more than a century ago in 1913.

day at the beach and half on the slopes.

million (US) upgrade, but plans for a new

only a few years after The Cedars in

There are six ski areas with lifts, the oldest

gondola are yet to be fulfilled.

1957 by Sheikh Salim el-Khazen and was

of which, The Cedars, located 130km from

Faraya (which frequently has a

originally divided into the Refuge and

capital Beirut, opened about 70 years ago.

rebranding and is currently named

Jonction areas, but these were merged

The cedar is Lebanon’s national emblem

“Mzaar Ski Resort”) is Lebanon’s largest

with the newer Wardeh sector added for

and it grows in abundance below the

resort by some distance with 80km of

1999–2000.

Despite its global reputation as a hot

natural amphitheatre containing the

runs divided into 42 separate trails and

Of the four smaller Lebanese ski resorts,

country, with beautiful beaches on the

pistes, the steepest of which has a 61%

served by 16 lifts. It has by far the best

Qanat Bakish claims the best snow

Mediterranean Sea, the landscape in

average gradient. It also has the highest

base facilities too, including the 5★

quality and quantity in the country most

fact quickly climbs uphill from the coast

lifts in the country with the slopes rising

InterContinental Mzaar Hotel and Spa

seasons, but Zaarour is perhaps the most

to snow-capped mountain peaks of

from 1,950 – 3,086m. Although the resort

Hotel, which is one of the few 5★ ski

interesting, being the closest to Beirut,

more than 3,000m, winning the country

was established soon after World War

hotels outside of the world’s best-known

only 40km away and where the country’s

the nickname of the “Switzerland of the

Two, skiers had in fact first visited the

ski resorts in Western Europe, Japan or

first magic carpet lifts were installed. It

East”. One practical upside of this is that

slopes in the 1920s. Recent modernisation

North America.

also has a reputation for the best cross-

it’s relatively easy here to spend half a

saw three new chairlifts added in a $15

The resort was originally established

country skiing in Lebanon.

026 // FEB19

@INTHESNOWMAG

YANNICK LE GAL

LEBANON

MULTI-DISCIPLINE GOLD MEDALLIST Ester Ledecká, the 23-year-old who won gold in a ski as well as a snowboard competition at the Winter Olympics, is competing in both disciplines in the World Cup this season. She says it’s “complicated” as FIS schedules have not been designed for someone wishing to compete in both.

OPERATOR POSTS RECORD PROFITS The Compagnie des Alpes group, which operates 11 of France’s leading ski areas including Chamonix, Tignes, Les 2 Alpes, Serre Chevalier, Les Arcs, La Plagne, Flaine, Méribel, Les Menuires and Val d’Isère, along with 13 theme parks, has posted a

WITCHES RACE IN SWITZERLAND

record net profit of €57.2 million (around £50.9 million).

SKI AREA OFFERS FREE SKIING DAYS Howelsen Hill, the little-known, publicly owned second ski area close to the Steamboat Springs in Colorado, is offering free skiing on Sundays every week once a month.

Initially free skiing was offered monthly, but the policy is so popular

An annual ski race held in memory

too, whom she visited by disguising

not known why she didn’t simply turn into

of a witch was back in the Swiss

herself as a raven.

a raven again and fly off.

Valais region this January. Up

One day she was flying back from her

Centuries later, the Belalp Ski Club thought

to 1,500 “witches” carrying ski

lover in raven form and saw her pious

up the downhill witch festival to honour the

poles or broomsticks take part in

husband up a tree picking cherries. She

pious husband. Legend suggests the tree

the annual competition, which was

decided to kill him off by pooing in his eye

the husband fell from grew at the 12km-

staged for the 37th time.

as she flew over. This blinded him, he fell

long race finish point.

The Walliser legend goes that once a

from the tree and was killed.

The fastest-racing witch becomes a warlock

witch lived in Hegorn in the Natischerberg

By now, however, the authorities were

and receives a wooden witch mask, and

mountain. She was married to a pious

wise to her raven disguise, caught her,

15 witch groups will win prizes for their

man, whom she hated, but had a lover

tortured her and burnt her at the stake. It is

costumes, according to a jury decision.

they’ve changed it to weekly.

CULTURE CLUB ADD TO ZERMATT Boy George and Culture Club are a headline act for the Zermatt FAIRMONT HOTELS & RESORTS

Unplugged acoustic music festival, which will run from 9 to 13 April.

The band, playing Thursday, are added to a line-up which already includes Jessie J performing on Saturday.

CORTINA IMPROVES SLOPE FOR FIS

BANFF “MOST INSTAGRAMMED SKI RESORT”

Cortina have already made slope Banff has topped the table of the ski

was placed third in the table (1,183,962

entry with Niseko, Japan (ninth, 357,618

the 2021 FIS Alpine World Ski

resorts receiving the most hashtags on

hashtags) with Europe’s highest entry at

hashtags), Asia’s highest. Wanaka, New

Championships. The famous

Instagram in data compiled by insurance

number four, Chamonix (863,814 hashtags).

Zealand (10th, 346,327 hashtags), was the

Olympia and Vertigine pistes

company Alpha Travel Insurance.

Of the top 25 most Instagrammed resorts

southern hemisphere’s most popular.

have been enlarged and slightly

Banff received 1,901,654 hashtag uses

the USA had the most destinations for one

An average of 80 million photos are

modified in their gradients with

beating fellow Canadian resort Whistler

country with eight, while 12 were in Europe.

uploaded every single day on Instagram,

bends to meet the latest race

on 1,761,367 hashtags into second place

Zermatt in Switzerland (seventh, 577,386

and over 7 million posts on the site have

course design requirements.

for pictorial popularity. Aspen in Colorado

hashtags) was Europe’s other top 10

the hashtag #skiing.

improvements ahead of hosting

028 // FEB19

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NEW DEST INAT IONS Snowbasin Utah Sometimes described as “one of North America’s best-kept secrets,” Snowbasin hosted the Winter Olympic downhill in 2002, yet few skiers really know the resort that is located in the same state as America’s biggest, Park City, as well as known international destination ski areas like Alta, Deer Valley and Snowbird. This winter, holidays to Snowbasin are being offered by tour operator Ski Safari.

Located less than an hour north of Salt Lake City, Snowbasin offers a luxury resort experience with plush ski lodges complete with chandeliers and marble cladding. Opened in 1940, it is actually one of the oldest continually operating ski resorts in the USA. However, despite its history, its lift system is one of the most modern in North America.

Snowbasin’s 1,214 hectares of terrain are suited to adventure-seekers, with long groomers, powder bowls, amazing treelines, forested gullies and some challenging chutes as well as the Olympic downhill which was one of half a dozen in North America to feature in the book

Powder: The Greatest Ski Runs on the Planet.

Like many of the best-known ski areas in the USA used to be, there are no hotels at the base of Snowbasin itself, meaning the slopes remain uncrowded, especially during the week. Accommodation can be found in Ogden, 30 minutes from the resort, with plenty of free parking available at the base area. Powder Mountain is also 30 minutes away and Snowbird and Alta just over an hour’s drive, making Ogden a great base to explore this area.

Ogden is a modern year-round city with colourful roots and art deco architecture. In its heyday, Ogden’s Historic 25th Street, which became popular with the coming of the Transcontinental Railroad in 1869, was home to brothels, bootleggers and countless bars and shops. Nowadays, due to the rise in commercial air travel, the street is a lot more sedate, but its vibrant past is still palpable.

Skiers booking with Ski Safari can stay at the 4★ Hilton Garden Inn, close to Historic 25th Street, which is a centrally located, award-winning hotel within walking distance of The Junction, home to many local attractions. After a day on the slopes, guests can make the most of this area, with its indoor pool, lively bars, a wide selection of restaurants and a cinema and activity centre – all within 100m².

A week’s stay at the Hilton Garden Inn on a B&B basis starts from £1,255pp based on a January 2019 departure and including return flights (Heathrow to Salt Lake City with one stopover), accommodation and SUV car hire.

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ANDORRA FOR THE BEST VALUE IN SKI HOLIDAYS

030 // FEB19  PROMO

@INTHESNOWMAG

It’s the eternal ski holiday juggling act: how to find an affordable ski holiday destination BUT one that also offers a very highquality experience for your euros so you really feel you’re getting great value. The answer is closer than you might think: Andorra.

here, not just flown in for the ski season, and plenty

class special children’s ski areas to have extra fun

of traditional local cuisine to enjoy, made with

in on the slopes. The easy-to-use lifts make getting

ingredients grown in the region.

around together on the slopes fast, comfortable and safe too. As an added bonus there are free lift passes for children (in Grandvalira up to 11 years old, in

First Rate For Beginners

Vallnord up to 15 years of age).

Andorra has always had a reputation as a great place

Top choices for families include Arinsal or La Massana

to learn to ski and that’s even more the case today

in the Vallnord ski area. Here you’ll find lots of large

than it was before. The ski schools here all employ

apartments available for your holiday, typically larger

The ski holiday experience offered by this tiny

not only English-speaking staff, but mostly NATIVE

than those you’ll find in France, so you’ll have plenty

principality that lies between France and Spain in the

English-speaking staff – be they Brits, Aussies, Kiwis

of space to spread out and really enjoy your quality

Pyrenees mountain range has transformed dramatically

or even the occasional Canadian or American – so

family time together.

over the past few decades with hundreds of millions

there really is no language barrier, just a good sense

of euros invested in improving both the resorts

of camaraderie and fun in award-winning ski schools

… And Everyone Else

themselves and everything about the ski areas above.

where staff really understand British skiers. That, along

The great value and relaxed atmosphere in Andorra

Where there were once lots of small areas, now most

with the fact that Andorra is one of the most affordable

makes the country an excellent choice for all ages

of the ski villages are linked by fast, comfortable

destinations, which means you don’t spend a fortune

looking for a relaxed, affordable ski destination.

gondolas or chairlifts to one of two larger multi-resort

finding out whether you like skiing or not, has always

Along with hundreds of kilometres of easy-going

areas known as Grandvalira or Vallnord. They both

been a strong selling point, but recent improvements

skiing, resorts like Soldeu (in the heart of the

offer lots of skiing to keep you busy for a week, and

in lifts and ski runs have made it a better choice still.

Grandvalira area) have a more sophisticated feel and

Grandvalira has in fact grown so large it’s now one of

Each of the ski areas now has state-of-the-art learning

more refined atmosphere for evening entertainments.

the biggest in Europe with more than 200km of runs.

facilities and programmes to offer too.

Spa culture is growing in popularity in Andorra with

Similarly, in the villages themselves, the quality

Arinsal in the Vallnord ski area is a particularly good

some great spa hotels in Soldeu and a major public spa

has risen, and you’ll be able to afford a 4★ hotel or

choice for beginners although if you really want to

complex in the principality’s capital, La Vella, a short trip

apartment for the price you’d pay for a 3★ elsewhere.

party after your day on the slope the highest ski area

from any of the resorts, which is also home to more than

At the same time though, all the things we’ve always

in Andorra, Pas de la Casa, part of Grandvalira’s ski

2,000 shops, so great for a bit of a tax-free shopping

loved about skiing in Andorra are still there. Number

area, has the biggest après-ski scene in the country.

excursion if you fancy a break from the slopes.

one is perhaps its duty-free status, which means

Whether you’re a first-time skier or snowboarder

dining out, both in resort in the evening and on the

looking for a friendly place to learn, a family looking

mountain during your ski day, as well as après-ski, are

Great For Families

for space to be together and just stop and breathe,

much better value than in most ski resorts, plus there’s

Again the high-value factor of skiing in Andorra

or a regular skier looking for a wonderful ski holiday

a great selection of duty-free shopping to enjoy.

makes it a great choice for families, where everyone

choice with a bit of spa culture and shopping on the

But Andorra is also famous for its friendly, relaxed

can afford to eat out together. The laid-back, family-

side, you can’t do better for value and a fun, happy

atmosphere, perhaps in part thanks to its proximity

friendly atmosphere in each of the ski villages and out

atmosphere on the slopes than Andorra.

to southern Europe and the Mediterranean, so you’ll

on the slopes is another big plus. As with ski school,

Visit the Crystal website to book:

find real people living year-round in the communities

childcare facilities are excellent too with some world-

crystalski.co.uk/ski-resorts/andorra-ski-holidays/

FB.COM/INTHESNOW

CRYSTALSKI.CO.UK

BY HENRY SCHNIEWIND

ESSENTIAL OFF-PISTE EQUIPMENT Skiing or snowboarding off-piste can be a lot of fun – why would people do it if it wasn’t? But unlike being on the marked and open runs of a ski resort, there’s some safety considerations to bear in mind. Whether you’re with a guide or experienced enough to go with friends,

NEW FREESTYLE SPORTS ACADEMY OPENS IN MANCHESTER

there’s certain items of equipment that A new indoor sports centre has

plaza, trampolines, ramps, foam pits,

venue, which is not far from the Chill

opened near Manchester and

sprung floor area, half pipe, parkour terrain,

Factore indoor snow centre:

although it does not appear to have

digital media studios, classroom, dance

“Graystone isn’t about marginal gains. It’s

any artificial ski slopes as such,

studio, climbing wall, café bar and store.

about huge gains,” he told the Manchester

it’s being welcomed by Britain’s

The “Big Air to Foam” facility, which will

Evening News.

elite freestyle snowsports

provide varying heights of drop-ins to foam,

The team behind Graystone are currently

Device that straps to your body and

athletes as the venue they’ve been

is being particularly welcomed by pro

crowdfunding to open half-a-dozen similar

both sends and receives a radio

waiting for so that they can train

skiers and boarders to float their biggest

facilities across the UK. A growing number

properly on home soil.

tricks into the soft landing. The facilities will,

of this type of facility have been opening

Graystone Action Sports Academy, located

however, be open to everyone.

around the world over the past decade,

same frequency of 457kHz. They are

just off the M602 and a short walk from

Bronze-medal-winning snowboarder Billy

with the USA leading the way with the

the most effective and fastest way of

Salford Crescent rail station, will offer

Morgan is among a host of top British

Woodward centres there located across the

locating an avalanche victim. Price

world-class facilities including a skate

snowsports stars to welcome the new

country, including at several ski resorts.

are essential to have in your backpack – and, crucially, you need to understand how to use them too.

TRANSCEIVER signal. There are several brands (such as ORTOVOX), all operating on the

range £200–£300.

PROBE If one of your group does get buried under snow, then once you’ve got within a metre of the transceiver signal then a probe is necessary to

CAN AN ARTIFICIAL MATERIAL WORK AS WELL AS DOWN?

pin-point the precise location of the victim. This can save valuable time

It’s long been held as fact that down

extremely effectively. It’s designed to

before digging starts. Price range

has the best warmth-to-weight ratio

act with the insulating properties and

out there. But a new jacket from

lightness of down in fact.

Haglöfs is attempting to challenge

Available without a hood (SRP £165),

that assumption. The Essens Mimic

with hood (SRP £180) or as a vest (SRP

jacket is insulated with a material

£140), the added bonus of the synthetic

called QuadFusion™ Mimic – a material

QuadFusion™ Mimic is that it maintains

developed, as the name suggests, to

its performance when the garment

essential if you want to dig the victim

mimic the properties of down. This

gets damp, managing moisture

out quickly and within the maximum

material is made from spiral-shaped

effectively, the company claims, and

fibres, formed into small balls, that

avoiding the usual problems faced by

trap and hold air – and warmth –

down in wet weather.

£20–£50.

SHOVEL A lightweight shovel especially designed for backpack storage is

time of 15 minutes from burial to ensure survival. henrysavalanchetalk.com

032 // FEB19

@INTHESNOWMAG

STORE OFFERS VIRTUAL REALITY HELI-SKIING

WINTER OLYMPICS FOR WESTERN EUROPE

CHAIRLIFT SPEED DATING GETS SOPHISTICATED

Ellis Brigham Mountain Sports is offering a free, super-

The 2026 Winter Olympics will be returning to

The concept of putting two people on a slow old

immersive virtual reality (VR) heli-ski/board experience

Western Europe, to be staged in either Sweden or

double chairlift for a ride up a mountain together with

in-store this winter. The VR experience features the

Italy. Calgary in Canada, the 1988 hosts, were the

a view to see if a relationship could quickly develop

film Lines Of Sight made by award-winning Sherpas

latest city to drop out of the contest to host the

(and the option to ski their separate ways at the top if

Cinema and uses cutting-edge cameras by Google to

Games leaving only two contenders, Italy’s Milan-

it doesn’t) has been with us for some years.

replicate the heart-pounding excitement of skiing and

Cortina combination and Swedish capital Stockholm.

However, up to now most chairlift dating events, often

snowboarding in knee-deep powder in the Cariboos in

In events mirroring the application process for the

staged on Valentine’s Day, have generally been fairly

British Columbia, Western Canada.

2022 Games, which eventually also had just two

casual with participants lining up and being randomly

“The challenge is not to whoop with excitement!” said an

candidates at the end (the winners Beijing and

matched with another single in the line.

Ellis Brigham spokesperson.

Kazakhstan), a number of initial applicants have

But the concept has got more sophisticated in

In collaboration with UK heli-ski expert Pure Powder and

dropped out of the process over the past months

Wisconsin this winter with a dating service called

Canadian-based CMH Heli-Skiing, the mountain sports

and years, most recently Switzerland (Sion), Austria

“It’s Just Lunch,” running chairlift dating events at

retailer currently offers this immersive experience in its

(Graz), Japan (Sapporo) and Turkey (Erzurum) as

Wilmot Mountain ski area. This time singles who

Bristol and Covent Garden stores and will be rolling it out

well as Canada. The most recent Western European

sign up are paired ahead of time, on paper, by

across its 24 stores nationwide as the season goes on.

host city was Turin in 2006. The Games then went

professional matchmakers who assess their interests

It is not the first time Ellis Brigham has embraced in-store

to Vancouver 2010, Sochi 2014, PyeongChang 2018

and compatibility, before meeting for the first time

experiences; it was the first retailer to offer in-store ice

and will next be in Beijing in 2022.

on the chairlift.

climbing by building an 8m ice wall into its London and

Whether the games will be the first to be staged in

“It’s like a very short first date. Do you want to see

Manchester stores, and the chain has begun trialling

Europe for 20 years is open to debate – Sochi is

this person again? Do you want to get to know them

augmented reality on some of their products.

politically in European Russia, but geographically on

better? Those are the questions you’re trying to

“Shopping has never felt so thrilling!” the

the western fringes of Asia. A final decision on the

answer,” said Courtney Smallbeck of “It’s Just Lunch”.

spokesperson concluded.

host city will be taken by the IOC on 23 June 2019.

CHALE TS IN LES GE TS Where you can ‘tailor your holiday’ from economy to luxury…

A SELEC TION OF OVER 30 PROPER TIES

www.chalets1066.com

UGURHAN BETIN

“Time-conscious ski enthusiasts can speed

30 minutes to reach it in an eight-seater Cessna

through smaller, more convenient airports to

Citation Sovereign, costing £22,000.

board their waiting aircraft, avoiding queues

Crossing the Atlantic flights with Air Partner

at check-in, security and immigration. We can

to Canadian Rockies International Airport

even organise quick connections through

enables skiers to fully test their backcountry

bespoke helicopter transfers to reach the

skiing skills in British Columbia and save

most spectacular and exclusive resorts

nearly four hours’ flight time in addition to

available,” said Julia Timms, Air Partner’s

the two hours at the airport before departure.

Chief Marketing Officer, who added, “Our

Private jet flights on a 13-seater Bombardier

travel experts have curated an exceptional

Global 5000, from £99,000, take just eight

list of secluded locations around the world,

hours 25 minutes to reach the beautiful

designed to offer the very best skiing

Island Lake Lodge in Fernier. Legacy airlines

experiences, from the Alps to Alaska, the

fly to the same location from London via

Canadian Rockies and Japan to Lapland.”

connections in Calgary in 12 hours 10 minutes.

Based on current availability, a one-hour

Or go further and reach Fairbanks

35-minute flight in a six-seater Embraer

International Airport in Alaska, then transfer

Phenom 300 from London to Innsbruck saves

by helicopter to remote Denali National Park

the two hours spent at Heathrow before

in half the time it takes with a scheduled

departure when travelling by a scheduled

service, saving eight hours. Flights in a Falcon

flight. Air Partner can offer quick and easy

7X take eight hours and 15 minutes, can carry

access to the beautiful Wedelhütte ski area of

up to 14 passengers and cost from £95,000.

Hochzillertal in the Austrian Alps, from £9,950.

Stunning Sheldon Chalet here is surrounded

Heading a little further afield, taking a private

by staggering widescreen views offering a

jet saves two and a half hours on flying time

luxurious lodge surrounded by endless peaks

to the stunning Jávri Lodge, which provides a

and untouched snow.

winter retreat in the lap of luxury at Levi, the

Alternatively, flying in the other direction,

largest ski resort in Finland. While passengers

Japan’s Yachiho Kogen ski area can be reached

on traditional airlines spend two hours in

via Matsumoto Airport after a direct 11-hour

the airport, and another six hours flying from

30-minute flight from London in a Gulfstream

As well as flying in luxury, clients can make

London to Ivalo via transfers in Helsinki, Air

G650, offering up to 14 seats for passengers,

significant time savings, thanks to quicker

Partner can offer direct flights to Finnish Lapland

from £140,000. It’s another eight-hour time

check-ins and streamlined airport checks at

to enable clients to enjoy the ultimate Arctic

saving compared to travelling on scheduled

smaller, more convenient airports.

skiing experience and take just three hours and

airlines, and who wouldn’t want that?

Reach the Slopes Faster

By Private Jet A private jet booking company says that high-net-worth clients with a fast-paced lifestyle are turning to private jet travel for their skiing trips in order to slash travelling times, flying from smaller and more convenient airports to reach some of the world’s most remote skiing destinations.

034 // FEB19

AIRPARTNER.COM/SKI

With Europe’s highest lifts, year-round skiing and the iconic Matterhorn as its backdrop, Zermatt in Switzerland is one of the world’s most desirable ski destinations. For many it is THE most desirable. But because of that popularity, finding a place to stay here that matches the inspiration of the resort itself and is perfectly located next to the lifts isn’t easy.

with its 360km of slopes climbing up to 3,883m

The luxurious spa and wellness area at the

above sea level that straddles the Swiss/Italian

Matterhorn FOCUS is as thoughtfully designed as

border linking Zermatt to Cervinia via the world’s

the rest of the hotel and features an indoor pool,

new highest 3S cable way, the “Matterhorn

outdoor jacuzzi, caldarium and Finnish sauna. It is

glacier ride”.

easy to let go and relax and enjoy a few hours of

The majestic Matterhorn, one of the most beautiful

deep relaxation.

peaks in the Alps, rises directly in front of the hotel

Throughout your Zermatt holiday in the Hotel

and forms an imposing backdrop for the suites

Matterhorn FOCUS you can relax and feel the true

and rooms. All 30 suites and rooms have specially

luxury and genuine hospitality of the hosts and

designed lamps, sofas and beds by the well-

their motivated team.

known Zermatt artist and designer Heinz Julen.

Tip: The FOCUS Winter Package is inclusive of

The 4★ superior hotel Matterhorn FOCUS in

The hotel is formed of two interconnected chalet-

seven nights in designer double rooms or suites

Zermatt, Switzerland, provides unique hospitality

style buildings, each with large windows offering a

and with a six-day ski pass to Zermatt. Also

combined with a high lifestyle quality and

spectacular view of the Zermatt mountains. In the

included is a 25-minute athletic body massage,

extraordinary design. Here art and design merge

morning you can enjoy a rich pampering breakfast.

breakfast buffet, access to the spa, a small

lifestyle and architecture with nature.

After a day of skiing, a cosy lounge with a large

afternoon snack and much more. The package

But it is also in a prime location next to the

sofa around the fireplace welcomes you home and

price is dependent on season and room category

valley station “Matterhorn glacier paradise”

provides an intimate refuge for afternoon tea and

ranging from CHF 1,255.00 per person and is

providing fast access to all of the huge ski area

an aperitif in the evening.

available until 28 April 2019.

JOE.CONDRON/ROCKZERMATT.COM

035 // FEB19  PROMO

MATTERHORN-FOCUS.CH/EN

MORE THAN CHRIS GEARY

FABIEN MATHIEUX

POWDER 036 // FEB19

@INTHESNOWMAG

Most skiers are happy just to get on the slopes again each winter. Almost all of us are there just to have fun, and we’ll fit into one broad category or another. The commonest are of course holidays for families or holidays to progress a certain level of ability (beginner, intermediate or perhaps off-piste or heliskiing). Then there is the ever-growing list of options for those who want a music festival in the mountains on their trip or gourmet catering.

Borders (untamedborders.com/ski-iraq) is again offering ski touring trips to Afghanistan and Iraq this winter.



Language Classes

You can learn a language while on your ski holiday with The Alpine French Ski School (alpinefrenchschool.com) based in Morzine in the Portes du Soleil on the French/Italian border. A wide variety of learning options from group or private classes to French conversation and super-intensive courses are available for adults and children alike.

But the list of other types of niche ski holiday you can try is



ever growing, so we thought a quick list of some of the options

Taking your dog (and possibly other pets) on a ski trip is a lot

was in order:

easier than it used to be, although it is unclear yet whether

Pet friendly

Brexit will make any difference to that. Currently the list of



Cookery Classes

valid microchip and recent-enough rabies shot. There are

and ever-more foodie experiences are on offer, but how about

other things to check too – including that your accommodation

learning to cook yourself? The 5 Hotel Rosengarten in

accepts dogs. Tour operators Peak Retreats (peakretreats.

Kirchberg, Austria, has an on-site cookery school run by two-

co.uk) and Ski Collection (skicollection.co.uk) have a list of

Michelin-starred chef Simon Taxacher, where you can learn

what’s required and pet-friendly accommodation they offer.

culinary skills when not skiing the Kitzbühel area (rosengartentaxacher.com/en/).



DAVID LEES

Funny



Religious

Many religious people, including some as venerated as the late Pope (now Saint) John Paul II, say that being in the

After a two-year break the long-running Altitude Comedy

mountains makes them feel closer to God. It makes sense then

Festival (altitudefestival.com) is back in the Austrian resort of

that there are a number of holiday companies specialising

Mayrhofen this year, taking place from 1 to 7 April 2019. The

in Christian travel, including ski and snowboard holidays.

line-up hadn’t been announced at time of going to press, but

Oak Hall (oakhall.co.uk) is one of the leading operators with

past years have seen all the best of Britain’s comedy circuit

a great selection of resorts and options including advanced

head to the snow including Jimmy Carr, Eddie Izzard, Frankie

skiing courses. Other religions have fewer options from

Boyle, Lee Mack, John Bishop and Bill Bailey. If you like your

UK-based companies but a bit of Googling does reveal some

comedy a little more “Swiss”, the Arosa Humour Festival has

possibilities. Totally Jewish Travel (totallyjewishtravel.com)

been going even longer and will be back in December this

lists kosher ski holidays worldwide for example. HomeAway

year for its 28th run.

(homeaway.co.uk) lists halal holiday destinations for Muslims



Gay

including some in ski resorts.

Gay ski holidays have been organised for decades now, but



they are growing in popularity and the choice is improving

Going skiing on your own isn’t recommended, at least so far as

each season too. Europe’s biggest gay ski week this season

being on the slopes is concerned, but actually going on a ski

takes place in Tignes and Val d’Isère from 16 to 23 March

holiday on your own is very common these days. All of the big

(europeansnowpride.com), but there are plenty of others

tour operators have special initiatives to try to attract their share

around the ski world and companies like Out Of Office

of the “solos market”, and there are also specialist companies

(outofoffice.com) offering a choice of ski holidays.

like The Ski Gathering (theskigathering.com) which offer “social



Gender Balanced

The Ski Week (theskiweek.com) is a highly successful ski

Solos

and single ski holidays for solo skiers and snowboarders looking to share a chalet with other outgoing individuals.”

holiday concept launched five years ago. It aims to bridge



the gap between university ski trips and young family ski trips

Vegan, gluten-free and nut-free diets are catered for by more and

by providing a great week in a series of locations around the

more holiday companies, and this winter Ski Beat (skibeat.co.uk)

world for young professionals with as big an emphasis on

has had special holiday weeks at selected chalets when the food

après-ski fun as snowsports and skiers meeting up from all

offered is all one of these special diets, not just an option.

around the world. Unlike the old “18–30” ski holidays of the

Special Diets

last century which tended to have 90% male participation, The



Ski Week’s organisers actively work for a gender balance on

Ski holidays with yoga classes as a small or big part of them have

each trip with the percentage of girls needed in your “crew”

been growing in popularity in recent years, and besides UK-

when you book calculated by taking into consideration the

based holiday companies, a growing number of ski schools and

balance of girls and guys already booked that week.

resorts offer yoga to guests too, whoever they’ve travelled there



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things to check include that your dog has a pet passport, a

Great food is a staple of the ski holiday experience for many

Hotspots

Yoga

with. Soulshine Retreats (soulshineretreats.com) have a number of yoga holidays in La Rosière in the French Alps in February and

It’s possible to ski in countries where the Foreign Office travel

March. Tour operators Inghams (inghams.co.uk) and Mountain

advice is often not to visit. Ski trips to Afghanistan, Iraq and

Heaven (mountainheaven.co.uk) are among mainstream

North Korea have all been offered in recent years. Untamed

companies organising special yoga ski holiday weeks.

FEB19 // 037

ULTIMATE GADGETS F O R Y O U R C H A L E T AEG SteamPro Oven The AEG SteamPro oven allows you to achieve results that are impossible in a normal oven. Featuring pioneering technology, such as the Food Sensor probe, you can precisely measure the core temperature of your food, so you can cook that steak to a perfect rare, medium or well-done, giving you restaurant-quality results every time. The added Sous Vide and steam functions give your cooking and baking that extra touch, ensuring enhanced flavours, moisture and texture. ÂŁ1649 | aeg.co.uk

038 // FEB19

Nowadays more than ever, we see operators offering the latest and greatest gadgets to ensure your stay is as fabulous and luxurious as possible. Here are some of the musthave items in your next chalet stay...

@INTHESNOWMAG

AEG Laundry Range

NEOM PRODUCTS

Ruark Audio Speaker

Samsung QLED HDR 4000 8K Ultra HD Smart TV 75”

Specifically designed to care for even

At Neom, wellbeing starts with the

The MRx has been designed to look as

Goodbye 40 inch plasma or LED TVs

your most delicate garments. With a range

little moments. The shower drops that

good as it sounds. On its own, the MRx

and hello the 75 inch lifelike QLED 8K

of world-first technologies, each model

help you kick ass at 6am, leaving you

is the perfect system for the kitchen,

resolution of Samsung’s flagship Q900.

within the range offers an impressive list

energised and ready to go. The candle

bedroom or study as a standalone

Four times as detailed as 4K UHD,

of features to ensure the best results and

that creates a tranquil calm zone in your

connected bluetooth and connected

it combines real 8K resolution with

keep your clothes looking and feeling

busy family home. The deeply relaxing

speaker or pure quality. But, with its

intelligent AI upscaling for an incredibly

newer for longer. With special cycles

bath that works hard to prepare you for a

multi-room capabilities, you can link two or

lifelike picture. With over a billion true-to-

for everything from outdoor clothing to

perfect night’s sleep. Their 100% natural

more MRx’s together to provide beautifully

life colours, this screen delivers staggering

woollen garments, AEG laundry appliances

fragrances offer true wellbeing benefits:

synchronised sound all around the home

HDR brightness contrasted with ultimate

feature tailored programming that controls

to help relieve stress, aid sleep, boost

or chalet. With full access to internet

QLED black levels. Add in minimalist 360

the movement and temperature of each

your energy and lift your mood. £Various |

radio and streaming online services and

design, Near-Invisible Optical Cable, One

cycle, preventing shrinkage, maintaining

neomorganics.com

the Ruark Link App that gives full remote

Connect box and Premium One Remote

shape and restoring waterproofing.

control, this really is the ultimate in wireless,

and it all adds up to…I really want one.

AEG 9000 Series Washing Machine (L)

connected to beautiful sounding bluetooth

£6799 | samsung.com/uk

AEG 8000 Series Tumble Dryer (R)

speakers. £399 | ruarkaudio.com

£899 | £749 | aeg.co.uk

Simba Hybrid Duvet with OUTLAST

Vax Blade 2 Max Cordless

nintendo switch

Nespresso VertuoPlus

A duvet is a duvet right? WRONG! The

With almost three times more suction

The Nintendo Switch is one-part

VertuoPlus is Nespresso’s newest design

Simba Hybrid Duvet is designed to take

power than any cordless vacuum Vac

handheld and one-part home console,

for the ultimate brewing experience.

the heat – literally. With built-in heat-

have ever produced, the Blade 2 Max

and plans to be the only device you’ll

Offering five cup sizes at the touch of

regulating OUTLAST® technology to

40V cleans carpets better than the

ever need for gaming, wherever you

a button, the VertuoPlus is a versatile

keep you comfortable all night, this is the

UK’s top 10 cordless vacuums; in a

are. The hybrid console is undeniably

brewing machine to satisfy all your coffee

all-season duvet you don’t find every day.

sleek, lightweight design. The specially

clever, offering up an exceptional level

needs. Just insert a capsule and close

And no more duvet swapping winter to

designed floorhead and powerful

of handheld graphical quality, while

the lever – when activated, the capsule

summer; the 10.5 tog duvet keeps your

brushless motor ensures optimal pick-up

seamlessly transitioning into a home

spins up to 7,000 rotations per minute,

nights comfortable year-round, thanks to

on all floor surfaces.

console straight onto your big TV - no

blending ground coffee with water and

temperature-regulating technology that’s

£249 | vax.co.uk/blade2max

chalet should be without one.

producing the perfect crema to enjoy

£279 | nintendo.com/switch

quality coffee. £199 | nespresso.com

out of this world – literally, it was designed for astronauts. £195 | simbasleep.com

FB.COM/INTHESNOW

FEB19 // 039

24-27 JAN

3I JAN-3 FEB

Lambert Smith Hampton Challenge

AJ Bell Alpine Challenge 2019

City Ski Championships

Courmayeur, Italy

Morzine, Les Portes du Soleil, France

Courmayeur, Italy

Now in its 32nd year, the Challenge welcomes over

A unique team skiing or snowboarding event,

Snow-Camp is also the official 2019 charity partner for

100 property owners, occupiers, fund managers and

challenging teams of four riders to clock up over 150km

the City Ski Championships, which sees more than 250

managing directors for three days of racing and fun in

of GPS-tracked skiing over two action-packed days

skiers take part in races including parallel slalom, Super G

the Italian mountains, this year raising funds for charity

in the massive Portes du Soleil ski area. It’s the 10th

and giant slalom. Celebrity guest attendees include Colin

Snow-Camp.

Anniversary edition of the event supporting Snow-Camp.

Jackson, Heston Blumenthal and Sir Steve Redgrave.

GUGHI FASSINO

2I-23 JAN

3I JAN-3 FEB

I2 FEB

I7-2I MAR

Wounded Veteran Ski Challenge

SkiStar Invitational 2019

Monster Ski Challenge

Klosters, Switzerland

Åre, Sweden

Chamonix, France

Back for its fifth year, this marathon and slalom race

A charity race planned as part of the Alpine World

The Monster Ski is a three-day challenge in Chamonix

brings together corporate, social and also veteran

Championships in Åre on 12 February will see some

where the goal is to ski over 9,000m of vertical decent

teams competing. The event has raised almost half

famous racing names from the past, including the all-

(the equivalent of Mount Everest every day) and raise

a million pounds for wounded veterans over its first

time World Cup wins record holder Ingemar Stenmark

at least £1,500 for people with multiple sclerosis (MS)

four stagings.

along with Anja Pärson and Luc Alphand.

through the MS Trust charity.

CHARITY SKI EVENTS IN 20I9 29-3I MAR

I0 APRIL

27 APR

Arctic Circle Race 2019

3 Valleys Charity Day

Bikinis for Breast Cancer

Greenland

La Tania, Méribel Village

Lake Louise, Alberta, Canada

Dubbed the world’s toughest Nordic ski race,

What started as La Tania Charity Day years ago has

There are a number of charities raising funds to

the route travels 160km through the magnificent

now moved to Méribel Village and is a full-on end-of-

help fight breast cancer in North America with

landscape around Sisimiut on Greenland’s west coast,

season party all for a good cause. All proceeds go to

Boarding for Breast Cancer running events at US

roughly 65km north of the Arctic Circle. Charity Ski 4

the Sebastian’s Action Trust and La Ligue Nationale

resorts. Bikinis for Breast Cancer is a long-running

Cancer is offering a subsidised place to anyone who

Contre le Cancer, so you can rest easy that your

“ski or board in your bikini” event in Canada for the

wants to race for them.

partying is going towards a good cause.

Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation.

040 // FEB19

@INTHESNOWMAG

WELCOME TO THE DESIGN HOTEL

www.matterhorn-focus.ch

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

FREDHEIM FOTOS FOTOS FREDHEIM

RESORT INSIDER:

AROSA options, with love and a high level of service, and the team appear to be succeeding.

Amazing Cable Cars Lift nerds will get excited when they ride the new cable cars across the valley separating Lenzerheide and

ALESSANDRO DELLA BELLA

Arosa is a classic Swiss ski resort which can easily be accessed from Zurich Airport by rail, initially following the same stunning route at the line to St Moritz before branching off. Located high up at 1,739m above sea level, Arosa has always had a reputation as a snowy hideaway.

Arosa’s ski areas. Unlike most cable cars in the world, these are able to operate separately, independent of one another, so only one need operate at a time or

The local ski club was founded in 1903 and the

both can go in the same direction at the same time.

ski school in 1933. However, it used to have quite a modest ski area until a lift connection

Spa Time

to neighbouring Lenzerheide a few years ago

The remarkable spa in the Arosa Tschuggen Hotel is

dramatically increased it to 220km, one of the

the largest in the Alps covering an amazing 5,000m²

biggest in Switzerland.

of watery wonderland. Half buried in the mountainside, iconic sail-shaped skylights designed by star architect

Best Ski Run

Mario Botta cover light wells down into the facility.

For expert skiers the Silvano Beltrametti World Cup

Pretty much every spa facility and treatment imaginable

course on the eastern side of the area is particularly

is here, and the centre is open to non-residents.

popular. Tackle it in the morning when it’s still in the shade for a fast descent on a crisp, grippy surface.

1,001 Peaks

Best Eats

above sea level is to be found at the Rothorn from

Bullrian is not the cheapest of restaurants even

where there are, on a clear day, spectacular 360°

by Swiss standards, but it tops the TripAdvisor

panoramic views. The resort assures us that 1,001

reviews table for Arosa with more than 93% rating it

mountain summits across the Alps are visible from

excellent, the rest merely “very good”. The idea is to

here but we haven’t counted.

provide healthy world cuisine, including vegetarian

arosa.ch/arosalenzerheide.ch

042 // FEB19

URS HOMBERGER AROSA SWITZERLAND

The ski area’s highest point peak at 2,865m

SWITZERLAND TOURISM/GIGLIO PASQUA

LOVER’S Guide to the Ski Slopes

044 // FEB19

@INTHESNOWMAG

Let’s be honest, cheese and snowsports are synonymous with each other. We always take the first chance to tuck into a fondue, raclette or tartiflette as soon as we arrive in resort. So why should we pretend that powder is the priority any longer? Here’s the cheese lover’s guide to the ski slopes:

fudge than actual cheese”. The unique taste comes from caramelising the milk sugars, and you can even make it into a sugary fondue! It’s available in Trysil Co-op if you don’t make it to the farm itself.

The Cheese Route Trentino, Italy

There’s so much great cheese as well as snow in Italy’s

Gruyère

Trentino region that they’ve created a special tourist route through it: the Dolomites Cheese Route. En-route taste

Gstaad, Switzerland

renowned cheeses like the Caprino di Cavalese, excellent

There’s no need to say that cheese is big in Switzerland,

in combination with local honey made in these valleys, or

and Gstaad is close to Gruyères where the world-famous

the celebrated Puzzone di Moena and the tasty Cher de

Gruyère cheese comes from. The Gstaader Bergkäse

Fascia. The route passes San Martino di Castrozza and

(Gstaad Dairy) produces its own mountain cheese, ripened

enters the Valle di Primiero, which gives its name to its

for four to six months, with a spicy Alpine herbal aroma.

most famous fresh and ripe cheese.

Available as one-, two- or three-year-old versions, it becomes stronger with age. The dairy also makes its own soft herbal cheese and a mountain Taleggio.

Gouda

Niseko, Japan

Beaufort

Cheese may not be the first thing that comes to mind when we think of Japan’s abundant, light, fluffy powder,

Arêches-Beaufort, France

but the northern island of Hokkaido is also home to nearly

A key ingredient in “Fondue Savoyarde”, in toasted

all of the country’s dairy farms.

cheese dishes and tarts and good to just scoff on its own,

“The Niseko Cheese Factory is owned by Takashi Kondo

Beaufortain is one of the harder cheeses produced in the

who learned the trade at a dairy school in France. Numerous

French Alps. Ski Weekender feature the very lovely, very

cheeses have won the Japan Cheese Awards and as well as

authentic and very cheese-heavy village of Arêches-

classics like blue, camembert, mozzarella and gouda, they

Beaufort where there is a cheese cooperative in the

also incorporate tropical fruits and wine. Niseko Fromage

centre of the village that’s well worth a visit.

is also well worth a visit, where Seki Akira makes many different varieties including his weird but wonderful crispy

Vegan cheese Banff, Canada

Veganism and cheese don’t usually co-exist happily,

cheese,” enthuses Naomi Harrison of sno.co.uk.

Reblochon

but the Glowfood Creamery in Banff has got around the

Le Grand Bornand, France

problem by creating what it describes as an “artisan

Reblochon, the key ingredient in that incredible dish that

vegan cheese” for the eco-conscious / dairy-free cheese

is Tartiflette, is big in Le Grand Bornand. In fact, the village

lover. The cheese isn’t made from cow’s or goat’s milk but

boasts no less than 55 cheese farms in operation, more

from organic tree nuts. The “cheese” is then infused with

than 2,400 hectares of grazing land once the snow melts

flavours from spices, herbs and salts.

and as many cows as people (over 2,000 of each). Every Thursday afternoon a special tour takes you to visit a typical

Poutine

farm to find out how Reblochon Fermier cheese is made

Skiers in Quebec, Canada, have long since realised

Raclette

from milking the cows through to tasting the cheese.

Tremblant, Quebec, Canada they can enjoy the best of both the old and new worlds when it comes to cuisine. Cheese lovers can indulge in

Val D'Anniviers, Switzerland

Québécois Poutine (fries, cheese curd and gravy) as well

Which is better, fondue or raclette? It’s a tough call and

as Savoyard fare as the locals stay true to their French

the sensible answer is to enjoy both (plus a couple of

roots. For the latter, La Savoie serves fondue and raclette

tartiflettes) during your week in the mountains. Let’s face

with the cheese and machines imported from France.

it, you’ll soon burn off the excess cheesy goodness in your system, probably. The picturesque Val D'Anniviers in the

Bryn Cheese

Valais canton is the closest ski area to Turtmann where the best raclette cheese comes from.

Trysil, Norway

The fromagerie here brings together milk producers from

Norway is not perhaps the first place you would think of

the Val d'Anniviers to produce mountain cheeses including

when you think of cheese … and yet there’s plenty here

their signature Raclette PDO cheese. Exclusively made

too. The increasingly popular destination of Trysil is close

with milk harvested between 900 and 1,900m altitude,

to the old Bryn Mountain Farm which produces goat’s

the cheese is created in copper tanks and then on spruce

cheese that is described as tasting “more like super sweet

boards in the time-honoured way.

FEB19 // 045

struggle to find grip as the edges will

common mistake is to move your

be rounded. Skis can be serviced at

shoulders forwards, making

specialist shops in the UK or once in

your hips drop back.

resort, or even with an edging tool,

You must have the hips high and

if you have been shown how to do it

then commit to leaning your shins

properly. An aggressive edge angle

against the front of the boot. It is a

makes it easier to grip on ice, however

bungee jump moment: you have to

they also get blunt more quickly. The

be assertive or you won’t succeed. If

majority of skis are set at an 89° angle,

your shins are pressing hard against

and this is perfect for most people.

the front of the boot, the edge at the

Tactically, you can look ahead to the

tip of the ski will connect and grip on

softer patches of snow between the

the ice. If you approach the ice in this

ice sections, and aim to make the

very strong forward position, you have

second part of your turn there. If the

built a platform where you can then

snow has built up to bumps at that

stand wholly on your downhill ski,

point, aim to make the same type of

particularly pressing the shin against

turn, but absorb the mogul at the end

the boot. Applying pressure to the

do you deal with ice?”

of the turn by bending the knees, and

ski gives even more grip, and can be

So: dealing with it. It’s simple enough

this will also lower your speed as you

increased by lowering the downhill

in concept – it mainly requires the

connect with the soft snow.

shoulder even further down the hill. It

ability to be confident in the correct

The psychological and technical

must be as if you’re standing between

movements. However, confidence

factors of skiing on ice are heavily

two walls and you can only move your

cannot be taught, as it is gained over

interlinked as you get a better

upper body laterally.

the experience of attempting and

technique with greater confidence. It’s

Skiing on ice starts and ends with the

achieving control. And that means

important that you are positive in the

confidence to commit to that strong

It will probably baffle you that

skiing on even more ice to practise!

way you approach the ice.

skier position, and courage to press

I absolutely love it! To me it is

Improving your confidence can start

Naturally you will back away as soon

completely on one ski (the outside).

consistent; I know what to expect and

from having sharp edges. This part

as you see it. Then the tips of the skis

Only once you feel this movement

have learned over many years how

of the ski is made from metal and is

flap, and you only have a small section

will you understand how the ski can

to trust myself to ski on it. However,

designed to cut through ice, provided

of edge at the back of the ski to try to

actually grip, and keep you in control.

most people aren’t as fortunate as I am

pressure is applied in the correct

grip with, which is almost impossible.

This holiday, have conviction on the

to have had that type of training, and

way, and that they are sharpened.

If you widen your stance and squat

ice; you are already sliding, so what

the most frequent question that I have

If it has been a long time since your

in an effort to feel more stable, this

have you got to lose?

been asked as an instructor is: “How

skis have been serviced, then you will

will make you slip further. Another

WORDS: SEGA FAIRWEATHER

No matter the ability, or skill level, no recreational skier enjoys skiing on ice. Snowboarders find it even harder.

046 // FEB19

ALPINEMOJOSKISCHOOL.COM

LAKE LOUISE FINED $2.1 MILLION Lake Louise ski resort in Alberta, Canada, has been fined $2.1 million (around £1.23 million) for cutting down 38 endangered white-bark trees. The resort cut the trees down accidentally in 2013 although it wasn’t realised what they had done until 2014. It’s appealing the fine amount.

TUOMAS KURTAKKO

WORLD’S BIGGEST INDOOR SNOW PARK A giant new mall in Abu Dhabi, which will host the world’s biggest indoor snow play park covering 38,100m2 is set to be completed by the end of 2020. Reem Mall, which has a $1.2 billion (around £0.9 billion) price tag, was first announced in 2015, and work commenced on site in 2017.

GAME OF THRONES THEMED SNOW VILLAGE OPENING NEAR LAPLAND A “snow village” containing

Made from 40,000m3 of snow and

details “as seen on TV”.

buildings carved from snow and ice

almost 400,000kg of ice over an area of

The village, located 45km from leading

will be themed on hit TV show Game

20,000m2, it has taken 50 construction

Finnish ski area Levi, also contains an Ice

New Zealand’s Cardrona ski

of Thrones this winter.

workers a month to build the village with

Restaurant and a warm Log Restaurant, an

area opened a snow fun area in

An agreement between the

incredible Game of Thrones sculptures

Ice Chapel where around 50 couples get

December at the start of summer

SnowVillage’s owners Lapland Hotels,

created by ice sculptors from Russia,

married during the winter season, an Ice

in the southern hemisphere. The

and the Nordic division of HBO, the

Poland, Latvia and Ukraine.

Bar, two Ice Lounges (one with Game of

resort’s decision came after it

makers of Game of Thrones, means that

Features include a life-sized iron throne

Thrones art), an Ice Sculpting Gallery for

unexpectedly received around

the village, which features 24 rooms,

with swords, a scary Braavosi Hall of

visitors and a fun Ice Slide.

10 of which are en-suite, can be legally

Faces and a White Walker with glowing

The village will be open for visitors daily

themed on the show.

blue eyes and many other awe-inspiring

until mid-April 2019.

KIWI SKI AREA OPENS IN SUMMER

10cm of snowfall in the last week of spring.

13 OF 50 HELMETS FEATURE MIPS A study of 50 sports helmets from the world’s top manufacturers used for snowsports, skating and cycling by Virginia Polytechnic in partnership with the US Institute for Highway Safety has determined that the 13 best all feature the Swedish MIPS technology.

TRIVAGO NAMES MOST EXPENSIVE An analysis of hotel prices offered by leading ski destinations in

TWO NEW SKI RUNS OPEN IN SPAIN’S VAL D’ARAN

Europe and North America by Baqueira Beret in Spain’s Val d’Aran has

hectares, have been created in the resort’s

capacity to 61,024 people.

found that, on average, Italian

opened two new ski runs there this winter.

Os Baciver area, close to the Saumet’s zone.

“It really is a beautiful area where the

resort Madonna di Campiglio

The resort, located a little over 160km from

A new mile-long surface lift with a

freeriding is the main draw with lots of

attracts the highest “clicked price”

Barcelona, already has the largest ski area

capacity of 800 people per hour provides

off-piste areas to enjoy easy and safe

– of €677 (around £594) per night

in the Spanish Pyrenees with 165km of piste.

access to the new area. The new lift

free skiing,” said Commercial Director

The new runs, covering around 2.27

increases the resort’s hourly uplift

Xavi Ubeira.

price comparison site Trivago has

for a hotel room.

048 // FEB19

@INTHESNOWMAG

IN ASSOCIATION WITH

WATCH HUNDREDS OF VIDEO REVIEWS YOUTUBE.COM/INTHESNOWMAG

 Tecnica Cochise Team

 Black Crows Corpus

Junior Ski Boot

Insulated Jacket

 Patagonia Women’s Snowbell Jacket

All-mountain touring ski boots for kids – utilising lots of the same technical features as the awardwinning adults’ Cochise boot, scaled down with a lower cuff and softer flex, specifically for smaller and lighter skiers. Its 42° range of motion for hiking or using with frame-style touring bindings makes these ideal for the little freeride ripper in your family. Now you can seek out those hidden valleys as a family. £295 | skibartlett.com

Adding an insulated jacket to their sellout line of clothing opens up the possibilities of where and when you can wear your Black Crows clothing. This is definitely one of the warmest, most comfortable and waterproof jackets we’ve worn, fitted with the best technical features for the harshest of winter conditions. £TBC | skibartlett.com

Why buy two jackets when you can have three in one? A waterproof outershell jacket keeps the harsh winter elements at bay and the lightweight insulated liner gives you warmth when you need it. Zip the two together for waterproof, breathable warmth, or wear each one individually. The best way to maximise the use of your snowsports jacket, whether you are at home or in the mountains. £359 | skibartlett.com

 BERN HEIST BRIM HELMET

Innovative Dual Shell construction combining lightweight Zipmold+ and PVC lower shell, with the durability of an ABS top shell. The ABS covers a liner that uses Energy Absorbing Ribs providing greater impact dispersion with Aluminum Shields for better durability and a killer aesthetic. £129.99 | Absolute Snow

 Blizzard Rustler Team Junior Ski

A scaled-down version of the awardwinning Rustler 9 for the child in your family who’s following in your footsteps with a freeride heart. Fit a touring binding and take your kids off-piste and off the beaten track with you. A ski that will progress any advanced junior skier through their next powder adventure. £289 | skibartlett.com

 Nordica Enforcer 100 Skis

IN ASSOCIATION WITH

 POC POCito Auric Junior Helmet  Bollé NEVADA W/ PHANTOM lens

Featuring a high-contrast Green Emerald PHANTOM lens with a tint that changes with the light from cat.1 to cat.3, the Nevada PHANTOM gives superior optical clarity and enhanced vision whatever the conditions.

This cylindrical frameless goggle is a big hit with Team Bollé athletes including Dave Ryding. £129 | bolle.com

A ski that will never let you down, dependable at high speeds, solid through crud, superb smooth float off-piste and their edge grip and smooth feel on-piste is impressive.

If you’re a confident skier who likes skiing fast then these will definitely put a smile on your face.

Give them a little bit of effort and they will reward you with power and acceleration into the next turn.

These are always a sellout ski worldwide for a very good reason. £569 | skibartlett.com

Protects the soft skulls of your young ones, whether it’s in case of falls, or getting hit by someone else. Strong multi-impact safety protection and super day-glow colours make sure your kids will always be safe and seen. £164 | skibartlett.com

 Black Crows Sacus Ski Bag

We love this retro-inspired ski bag that definitely stands out on the airport conveyor belt. Your new bomber-proof lightweight goto partner for every adventure – get travelling and don’t forget to add your own sticker souvenirs to remember your journey. £50 | skibartlett.com

More at skibartlett.com With their renowned reputation for specialist expert advice, combined with their carefully selected and tested range of products, it’s no surprise that Ski Bartlett’s word-of-mouth reputation over the last 50 years has made them the UK’s most popular independent ski shop!

YOUTUBE.COM/INTHESNOWMAG

@INTHESNOWMAG

 Norrona Lyngen Gore-tex Shell Jacket

This very innovative jacket has been specifically designed for ski touring, utilising featherlight GORE-TEX Active fabric, making it waterproof, windproof, lightweight and extremely breathable.

Two front-zip options allow you to either zip the jacket up with a highly breathable mesh panel exposed to let air in or zip it up normally to keep the weather out. With its tiny lightweight pack size you’ll barely even realise it’s in your pack or on your back!

(Available in men’s and women’s) £469 | skibartlett.com  Smith Vantage MIPS Helmet (Matte Charcoal)

With Aerocore construction featuring Koroyd, the Vantage simultaneously maximises full coverage protection and increased airflow. Offering the Boa 360 fit system with a 360º halo design, combined with the Smith AirEvac2 tech for goggle integration, the Vantage delivers the perfect blend of technology and style. £219.99 | Ellis Brigham  Dubarry Galway boot

The Dubarry Galway boot combines stylish classic design with the highest-quality manufacturing materials, making it a firm favourite with women who enjoy an active outdoor lifestyle. Waterproof leather, lined with GORE-TEX® and featuring a sturdy sole, it’s a winter wardrobe essential. £329 | dubarryboots.com

 Dynastar  POW AUGUST TRIGGER MITT

Ski Speed Zone 9 Ti

(BUCKHORN BROWN)

Superbly smooth from turn to turn and very easy to adjust the turn size from long to short and back again. Its stability as you pick up speed and anchored feeling to the snow will build your confidence wherever you go. £489 Incl Binding skibartlett.com

Take cover in this impressive glove made with superior fabric and grade A leather. Be ready for anything!

Featuring premium water-repellent leather, fitted leather cuff with ergo leather pull-tab, hybrid style for maximum warmth, buff thumb material to wipe your nose/goggles and wrist cinch closure. £79.99 | Snowfit

 Dynafit

 EIVY ICECOLD

 Scott Speedguide 95

Combine the construction of the mentally lightweight Speedguide 80 and the strong carbon-weave make-up of the Superguide touring skis and you get a solid, grippy, lightweight technical ski for performance-inspired touring. £625 | skibartlett.com

ZIP HOOD TOP BASE LAYER

The neck warmer is ideal when it’s cold, the fabric is moisture wicking, stretchy and fast drying, a light brush on the inside keeps you dry and warm.

Flatlock seams prevent chafing and the extended back gives extra warmth and protection.

Extended cuffs with integrated thumb loops make sure the arms stay in place.

Freeze Proshop £62.99

Hoji Touring Boot

 Patagonia Descensionist 32L

One of the hottest products of the year. No more fiddling and faffing to switch from ski to tour – just lift ONE lever and you can start ski touring. Not only is the design simple, it also doesn’t compromise on either its powerful alpine freeride feel for downhill skiing, or it’s impressive range of ankle flex for effortless ups. skibartlett.com Pebax £540 Pro £585

Patagonia’s impressive thought and design has gone into this durable but lightweight technical backpack. Multiple ways to access your kit with the large top-loading drawcord or the large side-zip opening. An anatomically shaped back system makes it comfortable for carrying your kit on long adventures. £139.99 | skibartlett.com

FB.COM/INTHESNOW

FEB19 // 051

 JONES Mercury Men’s

 MONS ROYALE Yotei Tech

 MONS ROYALE

Snowboard Bindings 2019

LS Men’s Baselayer

Women’s Yotei BF

Designed for the all-mountain rider who needs supreme edge control and comfort balanced with a more manoeuvrable, medium flex. The asymmetrical Highback shape with Flex Hinge technology dampens chatter and follows the contours of your leg for comfort and to eliminate calf-bite. £264.95 | sputniksnowboardshop.com

Equally at home on the slopes or at the bar, the Mons Royale Yotei Tech LS offers merino performance with a casual style. Anti-odour, thermoregulating and moisture wicking, what more could you need from an all-hours baselayer? £79.95 sputniksnowboardshop.com

Ride as hard as you like in the Mons Royale Yotei BF Tech LS baselayer. The thermoregulating, anti-odour and moisture control makes this technical garment a nobrainer for all conditions. sputniksnowboardshop.com £79.95

Tech LS Baselayer

 JONES Dream Catcher Women’s Snowboard 2019

The 2019 Jones Dream Catcher women’s snowboard is an allmountain board built for riders looking for a high-performance directional freeride shape with a friendly flex. The Dream Catcher is stable and confident, yet soft enough to be playful in any terrain. sputniksnowboardshop.com £394.95

 GNU Chromatic Women’s Snowboard 2019

Offers a medium flex with a forgiving feel to give early intermediate riders the board they need to hone their skills and have fun in the process. The rocker profile features an underfoot rocker for snow contact and a mild camber towards the tip and tail to provide float and solid turn initiation in variable snow conditions. £354.95 | sputniksnowboardshop.com

IN ASSOCIATION WITH

 BURTON Ritual LTD Women’s Snowboard Boot 2019

 Smith Squad Goggles

The lens is made from molded carbonic-x material so it’s tough, but still has Fog-X technology and TLT optics for crystal-clear vision.

The minimal semi-rimless frame and newly designed, fully integrated strap connection point delivers the function you need without extra moving parts. £99.99 | Big Dreams

With an Ultraweave shell that creates lasting, powerful support without any extra weight by eliminating seams and unnecessary bulk.

The incredibly comfortable Imprint 3 liner is complemented by the DRYRIDE Heat Cycle lining which utilises carbon threads to reflect body heat inwards to keep your foot warmer, while at the same time wicking warmthrobbing moisture outwards. £319.95 | sputniksnowboardshop.com

 JONES Mind Expander Men’s Snowboard 2019

The 2019 Jones Mind Expander snowboard is an alternative allmountain board that wants to slash every terrain feature in sight. Surf shaper Chris Christenson and Jeremy Jones have designed the Mind Expander for the creative rider who draws lines blending freestyle, freeride and surf styles. £479.95 | sputniksnowboardshop.com

052 // FEB19

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@INTHESNOWMAG

 BURTON Lelah Women’s

 DAKINE Heli Pro 24L

Snowboard Jacket

Backpack Sammy Carlson

The Burton Lelah women’s jacket offers a streetwear aesthetic that isn’t afraid to charge hard on the slopes. Refined fabrics, faux-fur trim on the hood and high-end detailing to create a fresh feel that seals out winter weather.

THERMOLITE insulation is tucked underneath DRYRIDE 2L fabric to see you through the storm. The slim fit offers a tight and clean look without inhibiting mobility. £184.95 sputniksnowboardshop.com

The Dakine Heli Pro 24L backpack is perfect for crossing over from the resort and into the backcountry. With a fleece-lined goggle pocket, backpanel access to the main compartment, and a front access pocket designed to hold a shovel and snow tools, you’ll have all the gear you need. When the bootpack gets steep, you can strap skis on diagonally or A-frame and a snowboard on vertically. sputniksnowboardshop.com £89.99

 Smith I/O Mag Goggles Austin Smith x THE NORTH FACE

 POW STEALTH GTX MITT

Wrap your paws in these leather glove pillows and you’ll thank us later. Featuring Stealth GORE-TEX + Gore warm technology, premium water-repellent leather, fur-lined inner cuff and Unite POW wrist leash included. £119.99 | The Board Basement

The I/O MAG™, utilizing the Smith MAG™ lens change system, is designed for optimised performance and perfected fit: two locking mechanisms for lens security, AirEvac ventilation for fogfree integration with Smith helmets and a frame designed around one of Smith’s largest spherical lenses, providing a maximised field of view and 5X anti-fog technology. £254.99 | RX Sport

 Smith Scout Helmet

The all-new Scout has the look and attitude you want with the tech and fit that sets Smith helmets apart. The bombshell construction and lifestyle fit system make for a perfect fit that keeps your goggles in place when you wear them under your helmet. £89.99 | Subvert  GNU Riders Choice Men’s

 BERN WATTS

Snowboard 2019

The original visor helmet still delivering looks and performance. Utilising Bern’s premium liner with Boa technology and drop-in audio ready ear-pads and a thin ABS shell lined with EPS Foam to create a burly lightweight lid that meets certifications for both bike and snow. £90 | Ellis Brigham

The one board the entire GNU team agree they’d want to ride no matter the conditions on the mountain. The asymmetric shape creates a more efficient and less tiring ride by allowing for a softer flex on the heelside and precision control on the toes. Magne-Traction serrated edges turn the hardest ice into powder and the aggressive C2x rocker provides control and float in all conditions. £534.95 sputniksnowboardshop.com  MONS ROYALE Christy Women’s Leggings

Disappearing under your boots, the Mons Royale Christy leggings are so soft and stretchy that you’ll barely notice they are there. 190gsm 100% merino is odour resistant, moisture wicking and will keep you warm and cosy all winter long. £74.95 | sputniksnowboardshop.com

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 DAKINE Tour Snowboard Bag 165cm (Rincon)

When weight (and cash) is your highest concern, ditch the wheels but keep the features. Load up the main compartment with a board, pair of boots, bindings and even some extra outerwear in the exterior zippered pocket. 360° padding keeps hard goods protected, while the removable padded shoulder strap and dual end handles make for easy transportation. £64.95 | sputniksnowboardshop.com

More at sputniksnowboardshop.com Sputnik is one of the UK’s largest independent snowboard shops. We offer great choice and service to all our customers. Whether you are beginner or expert, we can kit you out to ensure you have a great day on the mountains.

 EIVY ICECOLD TIGHTS BASE LAYER (AUTUMN BLOOM)

Base-layer tights in stretch, fast-drying and moisture-wicking fabric with a light brush in the inside to keep you dry and warm. Extra waist height for warmth and protection and flat lock seams to prevent chafing. £54.99 | Surfdome

MASHA GORDON @GRITANDROCK

KIDS CAN GET OFF THE BEATEN TRACK WITH NEW SKI TOUR KIT

Ski touring gives you a sense of adventure, a feeling of freedom and the tranquility of getting away from the crowds.

 BURTON Cartel Re:Flex Snowboard Binding 2019

A legendary blend of comfort, performance and all-terrain versatility. The Re:Flex binding system offers more flex and feel than traditional disc bindings and the Living Hinge reduces the overall weight and footprint but also allows you to independently adjust forward lean and hi-back rotation. £244.95 sputniksnowboardshop.com

The sense of achievement of hiking up under your own steam to be greeted by epic views reaching far across the mountains, and of course the reward of that adventurous ski back down. What an amazing opportunity for your children to be able to experience with you…

Technological developments in the last few years have meant ski equipment is now much lighter and safer, allowing more scaled-down children’s products to be produced and therefore making it much easier to go into the backcountry with the whole family.

Lange, Rossignol, Tecnica and other brands have developed scaled-down hike and ride boots for children. With walk modes built in, it is now much easier and less tiring for your children to hike up with you.

Skis have become lighter in the last few years and junior skis are no exception. Suitable wider-bodied freeride skis for children are readily available, often built off of the concepts from their award-winning adults’ ski versions. Atomic, Black Crows, Blizzard and Line are just a few of the many brands that are building impressive junior freeride ski options.

And if your children get truly bitten by the off-piste touring bug, which is definitely infectious, then ski touring bindings are also an option. Lighter-weight and lower DIN release touring bindings are now readily available. Markers “Tour” frame-style bindings and their new “Alpinist” are both great lightweight options and now at more affordable prices.

Giving children the rare opportunity of freedom and a sense of adventure at a young age will plant the seed for the future – it empowers them to push their limits, seek out the unknown, create their own playground and eventually to adventure into their own hidden valleys.

054 // FEB19

 PICTURE ORGANIC CLOTHING Narrow Cap

One of your favourite snowboard brands brings you this iconic snapback cap. Made from 100% cotton and vegan-friendly.

The cork detail peak and tree logo help you really stand out from the crowd. £31.95 sputniksnowboardshop.com

 Volkl RTM 79 Skis

 SINNER Vorlage

You will love the feeling of the smoothness under your feet and the light and easy initiation to help you start every turn. Push your limits when you are feeling on form and these skis will reward you with a springy, lively feel. They’ll cruise with ease and give you the confidence to progress to the next level. £574 inc. binding | skibartlett.com

Unisex Snowgoggle

The Vorlage goggles are equipped with a frame optimized for a large field of view and a double spherical mirror lens used in partly cloudy to sunny conditions with anti-fog coating while it blocks UV-rays. £55 | Go Outdoors Ultimate Outdoor | Blacks

 Thermic Bluetooth Battery for heated socks + Heated Socks

If you suffer from cold feet we’ve got the answer – heated ski socks that you can wear whether you are on the slopes, while watching football or walking the dog.

Now featuring a very clever Bluetooth-enabled battery, giving you the ease of controlling the various heat settings from a simple app on your phone, lasting for up to 16 hours, so you’ll never be cold again! £160 + £65 | skibartlett.com

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Wherever Your Passions & Dreams Take You...

Wherever Your Passions & Dreams Take You...

 BURTON [ak] GORE-TEX Helitack Men’s Snowboard Jacket

In the coldest, wettest conditions, warmth and dryness are equally critical. That’s why the Burton Men’s [ak] Helitack jacket is powered by a sustainably superior bluesign-approved combo of mapped stretch insulation and Burton-exclusive GORE-TEX 2L fabric. The elemental result is ultimate warmth, waterproofing and breathability even in the wettest conditions. The full package is backed by a lifetime warranty. £434.95 | sputniksnowboardshop.com

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Expertise To To Get Get You

 Mammut Barryvox Avalanche Transceiver, Shovel and Probe Set

At not much more cost than some avalanche transceivers, this is a great starter avalanche safety set to get you started on your forays into the backcountry. Optimised to be lighter-weight, whether you’re touring or just want less weight in your pack.

Super safe, fast and very easy to use. As Mammut would say, “When time is your enemy, fast is your friend” – don’t leave home without one! £325 | skibartlett.com

 G3 Skin Wax Kit

This easy-to-apply rub-on skin wax will help repel water and prevent icing and snow clumping under your skin, which will also help you glide more easily over the snow. £10 | skibartlett.com

Bringing you UK’s the UK’s largest rangeofofspecialist specialist skis skis &&boots advice andand expertise sincesince 1965.1965.

Bringing you the largest range bootsand and advice expertise always here helpand and advise advise you correct equipment We’llWe’ll always bebe here totohelp youon onthe the correct equipment for wherever your passions and dreams take you. for wherever your passions and dreams take you.

Custom Ski Boot Fitting Specialists

Custom Ski Boot Fitting Specialists Ski Industries Of Great Britain Official Ski Testers Ski Industries Of Snow GreatAwards Britain- Official Ski Testers Winner of the World Best Speciailst Retailer Winner of the World Snow Awards - Best Speciailst Retailer

FREERIDE | FREESTYLE | TOURING | TELEMARK | RACE | RECREATIONAL

FREERIDE | FREESTYLE | TOURING | TELEMARK | RACE | RECREATIONAL Uxbridge Road, Hillingdon, West London, UB10 0NP 020 8848 0040 www.SkiBartlett.com Uxbridge Road, Hillingdon, West London, UB10 0NP

FEB19 // 055

020 8848 0040 www.SkiBartlett.com

URBAN MUSIC FESTIVAL ON SNOW A new “urban music festival on snow” will take place in the French resort of Les Orres this March.

Not3s, B Young, Tim Westwood and DJ Semtex will headline the Fresh Mountain festival with preparties 9–11th, the festival itself on 12–14th and an afterparty on the 15th. Fresh-Mountain.com ERIC BERGER PHOTOGRAPHY

“NO CALORIES IN THE MOUNTAINS” Research carried out by Crystal has found that wintersports activities can burn off so many calories it’s possible to gorge on a McDonald’s Big Mac Meal (including medium fries and Coke) then burn off the 1,015 calories gained with an hour or two of snow or ice sports.

SNOWIEST DECEMBER EVER FOR WHISTLER BLACKCOMB

VIRTUAL REALITY IN QUEBEC

Whistler Blackcomb in BC, Canada,

much terrain in the first few weeks after

30cm each day and 2.1m in a week.

have reported their snowiest-

their official late November opening date.

Whistler’s Marc Riddell told vancourier.com,

ever December, a particularly

The resort received 384cm of snowfall on

“It was a phenomenal holiday period and

The Canadian resort of Tremblant

remarkable achievement when there

their highest slopes during the month, past

we’ve got a great base to start the season,

says that new state-of-the-art

was no snow for the first week or so

the previous all-time record for a December

particularly given the snow we’ve had in

technology allows participants

of the month after an unseasonably warm

snowfall set back in 1994. When the snowfall

January. It took some time to arrive this

to discover a virtual reality world

autumn, and they had struggled to open

was at its heaviest, the resort was receiving

season, but it’s not letting up.”

of “extraordinary, fun-filled and thrilling experiences” at a new entertainment centre it has created in its pedestrian village.

SAINT GERVAIS ANNOUNCES PLANS Management at the historic ski area of St Gervais, close to Mont Blanc in the French Alps, have announced development plans for the resort over the next few years including two new six-seat chairlifts, the first of which will open next winter.

BRECKENRIDGE TAKES BACK RECORD

SINGLE-DAY LIFT TICKET AT VAIL HITS $209

Breckenridge has retaken the record for the most people

US media have been reporting that the

the day for skiers and boarders arriving

include a reported 43% of days on the

price of a day pass to ski at Vail hit $209

without a ticket. The number of people

slope last season spent by holders of a

(£165) over the New Year period. Other big

doing so is reported to have declined year

season pass, and Vail Resorts recently

1,299 people lined up on the

ski areas in Colorado and Utah were not

on year although no one seems to know

reported it had sold around 950,000 of

Colorado ski town’s Main Street

charging much less for a one-day ticket.

how many people still just roll up and

its Epic pass variants this winter, the most

holding 433 skis between them,

Many of the big US resorts have, for

buy a ticket on the day with many buying

commonly bought of which provides

each holding three shot glasses,

decades, not published the day pass price

discounted versions online in advance.

access to the company’s 19 ski areas and

for the successful record attempt.

in advance and chosen to set the price on

Figures that are available, however,

several dozen more around the world.

simultaneously knocking back a shot on a ‘shotski’ at one time.

056 // FEB19

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JAMES NORTH

LONDON FESTIVAL SEES 24% JUMP IN VISITORS The London Ski Festival , formerly the Ski Show, has reported a 24% jump in visitor numbers from last year.

The Show, which has been running for 45 years and was rebranded a “Festival” this year, is the only one remaining in the UK, and visitors in October remarked on the “buzz” this autumn with a greater emphasis on events, food stands and entertainments and less on the traditional exhibition hall feel.

The Festival was opened by Olympic bronze medallist Billy Morgan and Love Island 2018 contestant Laura Crane with new attractions including a vintage Ferris wheel, dog sledding, ChelSki Slope and Snow+Rock’s Climbing Wall.

The dates have already been set for this year’s Festival, which will take place 24–27 October 2019

NEW LINE CINEMA

once again at Battersea Park, Battersea Evolution.

ASPEN LAUNCH DUMB & DUMBER SKI HOLIDAYS A Colorado-based travel company is offering a ski holiday package themed on the cult 1994 movie Dumb

and Dumber starring Jim Carrey and Jeff Daniels as Lloyd and Harry. The “Lloyd and Harry Package” from the Denver-based Curtis Hotel is fairly luxurious and comes with a price tag to match: $10,000 (around £7,780). The package’s benefits include two nights in a deluxe room, two pairs of handmade skis, a $200 (around £155) spa credit and a luxury jet to Aspen, then SUV transportation to/from Aspen Mountain and two single-day lift tickets. Things get even more D&D with a three-hour moped rental included along with a 12-pack of bottled beers from Aspen Beer Co. to enjoy on the flight home. But the pièce de résistance is undoubtedly the inclusion of one powder blue and one orange tuxedo with matching top hats.

INTHESNOW INTHESNOW_MAGAZINE INTHESNOW

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ROWAN CHESHIRE Rowan Cheshire is a freestyle skier and was the first British female to win a half-pipe competition at the FIS Freestyle Skiing World Cup at only 18 years old.

focusing on my progression and doing well in the World Cups and championships, to get me closer to that Olympic dream.

What are your top tips to skiers in regard to getting fit for the ski season and helping to avoid injury?

She has competed in the past two

Focus on doing knee stability

Winter Olympics, famously being

and balance exercises, as well as

knocked unconscious while in

trying to build up strength. This will

training at Sochi where she was

help protect the knee joints and

forced to withdraw with severe

prevent injury. Including balancing

concussion and a broken nose, but

exercises is important to increase

she returned to make the finals of

core stability and prepare your

the half-pipe competition at the

legs and also prevent injury. You

Olympics in Korea last year.

can perform great single-leg balance exercises on a Bosu ball,

When and where did you first hit

by balancing on the flat side while

the slopes?

trying to stay as stable as possible.

I first skied on a dry slope in

Adding movements to this is a

Stoke-on-Trent when I was 10 years

great progression.

old. My first skiing on snow was in Whistler, Canada. I loved the

What’s your favourite ski resort

adrenaline rush I got from it and

and why?

that in freestyle there was always

Whistler is my favourite ski resort –

something to learn and that there

it’s such a nice town with lots to do.

were no rules.

I’ve had some great memories there.

What are your main goals for

Is there somewhere you’ve

winter 2018/19?

always wanted to ski but haven’t

My main goals are to make the

made it to yet?

finals in the World Championships

I’ve always wanted to visit Japan,

and I have a list of tricks that I want

both for the skiing and the culture.

to perfect and learn this season.

058 // FEB19

I’ve learnt a lot from skiing.

the Beijing Olympics, or too soon?

It’s made me a much more

I have my goal to win a medal

confident person and has given

at the Beijing Olympics, but I’m

me amazing opportunities and

taking it season by season and

opened a lot of doors.

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TOMMY PYATT

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