InTheSnow | Issue 74 | December 2023 by InTheSnow

ISSUE 74 | DEC 2023

YOUR SHORTCUT TO THE DOLOMITES NON-STOP FROM LONDON Direct flights from London Stansted to Bolzano - taking you to 1,200 km perfectly prepared ski slopes in 2 hours. Every Wednesday and Sunday, starting December 13. Complimentary board service with regional delights. skyalps.com

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ANDY PARANT

REUBEN KRABBE

14 BANFF

56 SNOW-SURE

@INTHESNOWMAG

43 BUYERS GUIDE

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36 SUNWEB

38 LES ARCS 72 COLORADO 74 LAAX 78 SKI LUX 82 BLOW THE BONUS 90 10 MINUTES

OOSC

08 EDITOR 10 NEWS 18 COMPETITION 22 UTAH 26 LE SKI

21 LA PLAGNE

MORITZ-ABLINGER.COM ERIC DUNN / VAIL RESORTS

IT’S THE SNOWIEST SEASON START IN YEARS

he 2023/24 ski season is underway and, as I write, it’s been dumping down in the Alps, so I’m hoping that by the time you’re reading this, it has kept snowing, stayed cold and we’re looking at one of the best starts to the season in years. I’ve got my fingers crossed. That said, we perhaps don’t want too much snow. Last winter, of course, there were huge amounts of snowfall in western US and, while the pictures looked amazing, the reality for people trying to get on the slopes wasn’t so great – blocked roads, buried lifts, high avalanche danger. Resorts reported that essentially lots of snow meant they lost business. So that sweet spot, when there’s enough

snow but not too much, is what we’re looking for. It’s not much to ask the weather gods, surely? Whatever the weather when we travel, we’re likely to find ever more things to do besides skiing and boarding when we’re in resort anyway. With an eye to changing trends and growing summer business, resorts are all trying to offer more, from viewing platforms and downhill mountain coasters to zip wires and mountain top yoga, among dozens of other ideas. You’re likely to find a lot more alternatives on offer than even five winters ago. Val d’Isère is so switched on to changing trends in winter tourism that they’ve launched an “any 4 hours” lift pass so you can alternate activities through the day. A sign of things to come?

PUBLISHER

Dominic Killinger dom@inthesnow.com EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Patrick Thorne patrick@inthesnow.com DEPUTY EDITOR

Debbie Gabriel debbie@inthesnow.com SUB EDITORS

Nick Jones & Marion Adams GEAR EDITORS

Rob Stewart & Sally Bartlett CONTRIBUTORS

Robert Thorne Pete Thompson MAGAZINE + BRAND DESIGN BY

Tom Showler | Rocket Base tom@rocketbase.co.uk WEB + DIGITAL DESIGNER

SpikyDesign

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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.

Banff Sunshine Village; Reuben Krabbe

EXPERIENC E T HE EXC EPT I O NA L

With stunning, snow-capped peaks, world-class ski resorts and amazing places to stay, isn’t it time you discovered Alberta, Canada’s winter playground? Ski Independence will tailor-make your perfect Alberta ski holiday. We feature three amazing destinations, each offering a unique experience the vibrancy of Banff, the tranquillity of Lake Louise and the rugged escapism of Jasper. To make the most of your time in Alberta, why not take in two resorts or combine all three into one epic road trip? Whatever you decide, our first-hand knowledge will ensure we build a memorable itinerary that’s perfectly tailored for you.

ski-i.com/alberta 0131 243 8097

ED BLOMFIELD

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CHARITY’S BOARD SALES BOOST Family-owned Swiss snowboarding company Nidecker are donating $10 to breast cancer awareness charity Keep-ABreast for every Venus Plus board they sell. “The Venus Plus takes everything that's loved about the award-winning Venus, then turns things up a notch for

more advanced riders needing extra power for slashes, sprays and sends. Just like the original, this is a true all-mountain rocket ship. It's a quiver killer for women who like to start a day in the side country, maybe practise some carves on the piece, then finish up in the

park,” a Nidecker spokesperson said. Breast cancer awareness charity the Keep-A-Breast Foundation have a global mission to reduce breast cancer risk through art, education, prevention and action, and they have a free self-check app to download.

CORTINA SNOW DIFFERENCE

RUN NAMED AFTER RACER

HIGHLAND FESTIVAL RETURNS

The Women's World Cup and the Paralympic Alpine Ski World Cup will take place together, seamlessly from 26 January to 2 February, at Italy’s Cortina d’Ampezzo, ensuring equal technical conditions and services for all participating athletes. The Rumerlo Finish Area will be equipped to ensure full accessibility for all. “This initiative reiterates that sport is one for all and that sporting passion knows no difference,” commented Luca Pancalli, president of the Italian Paralympic Committee.

Serre Chevalier Vallée Briançon has named one of their black pistes after local racer Arthur Bauchet, one of the most successful skiers in history. Arthur, who learned to ski at the French resort, is an ambassador for the area. He’s won 8 Paralympic medals (including three golds), 16 World Championship medals (10 gold) and 16 Crystal Globes! “Arthur is the pride of the valley; his smile and sense of fun are so well-loved,” a resort spokesperson said.

The Fort William Mountain Festival, staged in “the Outdoor Capital of the UK” next to Ben Nevis, is back taking place from Thursday 15 to Sunday 18 February 2024. There’s an action-packed programme full to the brim with inspiring speakers, creative workshops, guided outdoor activities, thought-provoking films, together with an interactive festival hub. Among many activities represented, Mountaineering Scotland will be discussing the Scottish winter. mountainfestival.co.uk

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YOU BAQUEIRA ’23 ’24 ESF MASTERCLASS intensive and personalised English coaching programme to elevate skiing abilities to new heights. Tailored to skiers ranging from intermediate to advanced levels, the programme accommodates all seeking improvement, guided by a seasoned ESF coach.

BRETT SAYLES

There’s a new Ecole du Ski Français (ESF) coaching programme this winter aimed at adult Brits in Méribel. Managed by British ski instructor David Lindsay, son of Peter Lindsay, the founding father of Méribel itself, participants will benefit from a specialised,

300KG OF RUBBISH

One hundred and forty volunteers scouring the slopes of Val d'Isère have removed 300kg of garbage on the resort’s annual Environment Day. Among the larger finds were a ski and a fire hydrant with more common items removed including 50 poles and 2,000 cigarette butts. Val d'Isère has a target of achieving zero wild waste in the mountains by 2030.

@INTHESNOWMAG

AVO-KARTS

Morzine-Avoriaz has a new snow-fun attraction this winter, the ‘AvoKart’. The three-wheeled vehicle is equipped with hydraulic brakes and designed with a low centre of gravity for excellent road handling. There’s a dedicated two-mile-long track, descending 600 vertical metres for riders. “Settle down into the bucket seat, grab the handlebars and set off!” the spokesperson enthuses.

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BANFF & LAKE LOUISE

SKIBIG3.COM

snow, often open over 200 days straight, culminating in the famous annual Slush Cup pond-skimming contest in late May. Known as “the friendly giant”, Lake Louise’s Ski Resort’s 4,200 acres make it the third biggest ski resort in Canada, with 164 runs and 11 lifts. There’s a massive mix of terrain here from incredible steeps in the back bowls to glades, chutes, groomers and powder pockets as well as blue runs off of every chair. Lake Louise Ski Resort is also open into May and is currently showing off its ever-improving facilities with several new quad chairlifts as well as another 480 acres of freeride terrain (for high intermediate to expert skiers) in West Bowl. Mt Norquay is only 10 minutes from Banff, is ideal for families with kids and teens (who love the night skiing available here), but there’s high-adrenaline terrain here too. Known as “the best-kept secret in the Canadian Rockies,” Mt Norquay lives up to its name with astounding advanced and expert terrain off its famous North American double chair. You can wake up each day and decide which resort to experience, and you can download the SkiBig3 App to make things as simple as they can be. You’ll then have the insider guide to Banff National Park’s three ski resorts on your phone, including snow reports, shuttle times and webcams. You’ll also find the loyalty programme SkiBig3 Pass Perks in the app, complete with digital coupons. Read the full feature at inthesnow.com/banff-lake-louise-ski

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ERIC HANSON

LUKASZ WARZECHA

REUBEN KRABBE

he three ski areas of Banff and Lake Louise Ski Resort are very different to most others on the planet. Located within one of the last of the wild places, the three unique ski resorts are all within the boundaries of Banff National Park – a protected place where commercial development has been kept in check. Skiers and boarders can expect a totally awe-inspiring experience like none they’ve had before, surrounded by towering mountains, spaces shared with wildlife, indigenous heritage, and nature at its purest. Thanks to high elevation and up to nine metres (30 feet) of annual, feather-light snowfall, the region’s three ski areas of Banff Sunshine, Lake Louise Ski Resort and Mt Norquay, known collectively as “SkiBig3”, have the longest non-glacial ski season in North America, lasting up to seven months from early November through to May, making the area one of the best in the world for spring skiing. It’s all just a 90-minute drive from Calgary International Airport to Banff on the smooth, safe Trans-Canada Highway with no traffic and the spectacular Canadian Rockies towering up ahead of you. A SkiBig3 Lift Ticket gives you access to an incredible 8,000 acres of skiable terrain, 29 lifts and 362 runs across Banff Sunshine, Lake Louise Ski Resort and Mt Norquay ski areas, including public transport between areas. Banff Sunshine has the longest non-glacial ski season of any resort in North America and is famous for achieving that with its 100% natural

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al d’Isère is one of the best ski resorts on the planet with its vast ski area of 300km of slopes and 2,000m+ of skiable vertical, and there’s every type of terrain imaginable on offer too. It’s also an authentic high-altitude mountain village with ski lifts climbing to high glaciers above, making it one of the most snow-sure in the Alps with a long ski season, this winter from 2 December to 5 May 2024. It’s less well known that the resort is also one of the best places for families too, with great beginner areas and

gentle slopes as well as superb facilities and activities off the slopes. There are even free lift passes for children aged under 8. The village has a deserved reputation for its lively après-ski scene and great dining options too. With its long season into May, Val d’Isère is a great choice for spring skiing. The 27th edition of the International Adventure and Discovery Film Festival (15-18 April) will add an extra dimension to the atmosphere, and there’s discounted accommodation and ski passes too.

YANN ALLÈGRE – VAL D’ISÈRE TOURISME

BOOKING.VALDISERE.COM/HIVER

PATRICK GULLER

VAIL BUYING CRANS-MONTANA Blackcomb and three of Australia’s main ski areas. Crans-Montana is the group’s second European purchase, joining fellow Swiss centre Andermatt-Sedrun, located 2.5 hours away. "Our acquisition of the resort aligns to our growth strategy of expanding our resort network in Europe, creating even

more value for our Pass Holders and guests around the world," said Kirsten Lynch, Chief Executive Officer of Vail Resorts. CransMontana is one of Switzerland’s larger ski areas and one of the easiest to reach by rail from Geneva Airport. It will again host the FIS Alpine World Ski Championships in 2027.

BRAEHEAD NO MORE

CHINA’S INDOOR RESORT

CENTENARY GONDOLA

Mount Norquay ski area near Banff is planning to replace its North American Chairlift, originally built in 1946, with a two-station gondola running from the main lodge area to the Cliff House restaurant. The plan is part of Norquay’s “100 Vision” which has been set out ahead of of the famous Canadian ski town’s centenary in 2026. Norquay was the first Canadian ski area to become fully green energy powered.

@INTHESNOWMAG

Scotland’s only indoor snow centre will not reopen and the building which housed it will be redeveloped into a “…new and thrilling attraction with a broad appeal,” the operators of the larger XSite at Braehead near Glasgow have announced. The centre closed a year ago, but there had been public pressure groups trying to save it. Operators Braehead Leisure Partnership said the issues forcing closure included a 500% jump in energy costs.

Fosun, the Chinese company that owns Club Med, has opened an indoor ski resort near Shanghai. Taicang Alps Resort is the 50th indoor snow centre in China where industry experts say that almost 20% of skiers and riders now practise winter sport indoors rather than out. With a reported indoor snow area of 54,000m2 it’s the fourth largest indoor ski area in the world (seven of the planet’s 11 largest are in China).

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TERA SWANSON

SNS GROUP JEFF HOLMES

The world’s largest ski centre operating company, Vail Resorts, have confirmed they’re buying Crans-Montana, one of Switzerland’s top resorts. Vail Resorts already own more than 40 ski areas, including many famous US resorts, North America’s biggest ski area Whistler

WIN A 7-NIGHT SKI BEAT CATERED CHALET HOLIDAY IN PARADISKI FRANCE

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in a high-quality, high-altitude, 7-night Ski Beat catered chalet holiday for two in Paradiski worth up to £2360. A seven-night ski holiday at the cosy, homely Chalet Bouquetin, in the experienced care of Ski Beat’s friendly chalet hosts. Stay right in the heart of Paradiski, 150m from the Vanoise Express. Enjoy canapés and aperitifs on arrival, hearty cooked or continental breakfasts, delicious home-made cakes with afternoon tea and three-course evening meals with unlimited wine or non-alcoholic squash options. With warm, homely accommodation in a private, double or twin ensuite room. Choose to fly from Gatwick or Manchester. Guests are met upon arrival at Lyon airport where they will share transfers to the chalet. Simply visit the link below and enter your details for a chance to win this catered Ski Beat ski chalet holiday for two. Terms and conditions apply.

APPLY ONLINE AT INTHESNOW.COM/COMPETITIONS

ALEX GERNI

FIRST OLYMPICS CENTENARY

2024 will be Olympics year in Chamonix, with the famous French town celebrating the centenary of hosting the very first Winter Olympics in January, then seeing the Olympic Flame pass through later in the spring, en route to next summer’s Paris Games, where it seems certain France will be named hosts for the 2030 Games too. 2024 also marks 100 years since the creation of the International Ski Federation (FIS), also in Chamonix. The original Winter Games saw over 250 athletes from 16 nations compete in six sports between 25 January and 5 February 1924. Downhill skiing had been growing in popularity but was not included for the first few Olympics, other than cross-country and ski jumping. Chamonix plans celebrations and exhibitions throughout the season.

DESCENDANCE

The North Face’s new film Descendance stars Dennis Ranalter, one of the world's most respected freeride skiers, but has more than your usual jaw-dropping skiing. The film tells Dennis’ personal journey of self-exploration, examining his relationship with his own skin colour, with those closest to him and all those who share his love of skiing. Descendance takes him from his home valley in Austria to Accra, the capital of Ghana, showing Dennis away from his incredible self-assurance on the steep slopes of the Alps, and his struggles with identity. Of course, we also see plenty of Dennis’ playful style and technical ability, which earned him a huge fan base and the moniker D-RAN, but while learning what it means to be black in a sport that remains predominantly and conspicuously white. Search for Descendance on YouTube.

SUSTAINABLE BINDINGS

A team of 50 design students from Central Saint Martins, University of the Arts London, working with UPM Biochemicals, have reimagined snowboard bindings. Their aim is to shift away from manufacturing products with materials based on fossil fuels and demonstrate there are “no excuses” for industries not to shift their supply chains towards renewable circularity by consuming less, using renewable sources and ensuring that products can remain in the value chain after their useful life. The resulting “Boarderline” sustainable bindings, designed using innovative, sustainable and competitive woodbased biochemicals, aim to circumvent compatibility issues or poor design which mean existing snowboard bindings often end up as waste, leaving a significant environmental footprint.

AMARCSTER MEDIA. STAG

SKI AMID SWITZERLAND’S

HIGHEST MOUNTAINS

I N S A A S - F E E / S A A S TA L

aas-Fee/Saastal is a unique ski area lying between 1,500 and 3,600 metres of altitude, surrounded by eighteen 4,000m peaks. It includes the glacier village of SaasFee, which everyone has seen in the video for Last Christmas by Wham!, which was filmed here. The village lies at the foot of the Allalin (4,027m) and the Dom (4,545m), the highest mountain entirely on Swiss soil. Saas-Fee has always been car-free and attaches great importance to sustainability. Visitors driving here park their car at the entrance to the village and then forget about it for the duration of their stay. Saas-Fee/Saastal also includes the villages of Saas-Grund, Saas-Almagell and SaasBalen, each with its own charm, attractions and activities. In Saas-Grund from Hohsaas, for example, you have the best view of the surrounding mountains, and an unforgettable 11km toboggan run awaits you from Kreuzboden. Above Saas-Almagell, a fantastic family paradise called Kian’s Adventure Land is waiting to be discovered. Along with great skiing, there’s lots to do off the slopes, including 60km of winter hiking, snowshoeing, glacier adventure tours, alpine canyoning, toboggan runs, ice climbing, zip lines and cross-country skiing. Easily accessible by car or train and bus, once you make your first overnight stay, all Postbus journeys in the Saas Valley are included with the SaastalCard, and you get up to a 30% reduction on 30 different offers on services and attractions.

SAAS-FEE.CH/EN

LAURENT SALINO / OT ALPE D'HUEZ

ALL-FEMALE SKI CAMP three different options: Progression Ski, Precision Ski and Premium for a mix of skiing, massages, yoga and wellness. The camp takes place from Sunday to Tuesday or Wednesday to Saturday and is priced from €150 (£129) pp. This includes three half days of supervised

skiing, and one yoga lesson lasting one hour and 30 minutes. A seven-night stay at Langley Hôtel Le Petit Prince, arriving 13 January 2024, is priced from £548 pp, based on two sharing a double room with breakfast included. Flights and transfers extra.

ATKIN & BROOKES X GAMES

BETTER MILKY WAY LINKS

CAN’T STOP GLACIER MELT

One idea being tested on several glaciers around the world in recent years has been to use snowmaking to create a layer of artificial snow in an effort to stop melting and even rebuild glaciers. However, results of a two-year study into using snowmaking on Switzerland’s Morteratsch glacier have revealed that while the process can slow melting, it does not stop it, nor does it stabilise the thawing glacier as a whole.

@INTHESNOWMAG

British freestyle superstars Zoe Atkin and Mia Brookes have been invited to the prestigious X Games in Aspen in January. Zoe took gold in the Ski Superpipe contest a year ago while Mia debuted at the games with sixth place in slopestyle having just turned 16 last January. They’re among 100 of the world’s best athletes competing from 26–28 January in SuperPipe, Slopestyle, Big Air and Knuckle Huck.

Montgenèvre, the only French centre on the Via Lattea (Milky Way) pass, which includes 2006 Winter Olympic resorts Sestriere, Sauze d’Oulx, Claviere, Pragelato and Sansicario on the Italian side, has announced that a new gondola this winter is improving cross-border connectivity on the circuit. The new Telecabine du Rocher de L’Aigle (“rock of the eagle”) cuts ascent time by two-thirds replacing a slow old chairlift on the route which the resort described as “ancient”.

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STADLERPHOTO.COM

Women make up 47% of skiers, so the French Ski School (ESF) has created an exclusively female Ladies Camp that will take place in Alpe d’Huez in the Isère department of France this winter. The three-half-day programme, led by an experienced female instructor, has

rarely reaches that many people there. Sundance is a very different ski area, this time south of Salt Lake City. The centre dates right back to the 1940s when it was developed by some farmers of Scottish ancestry into a rudimentary resort. However, a big change came when actor Robert Redford bought the area in the late 1960s on the back of the global success of the film Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid and changed the resort’s name. Redford owned the resort for five decades and while other ski areas grew exponentially, some into small, bland cities by the slopes, sold off to corporate buyers, he made the priority maintaining the history and traditions of the land, strictly limiting development and attempting to remain true to both the original indigenous tribes that lived in the area, and the first settlers of European descent. The result is a small but very authentic feeling ski area where you can both have a great day on the slopes and perhaps take a course in jewellery making or pottery. Now in his 80s, Redford sold Sundance a few years ago but with strict terms in the sale conditions to prevent over-exploitation of the land and keep most of it wild. If you do want to combine skiing or boarding with Utah’s many other attributes, springtime is a great time to continue towards southern Utah to visit some of the national and state parks around Moab including the spectacular Arches Park. These have gotten ever more popular in recent years, particularly in the post-pandemic bounce back, so a visit in late March or April as things are just opening up can be great timing before the crowds arrive.

VISITUTAH.COM

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ADAM CLARK

JIM URQUHART

UTAH TOURISM SANDRA SALVAS

tah is, of course, famous for its incredible powder, trademarked as “the greatest snow on earth”. That brings skiers and boarders to the western US state from all over the world each winter. The last one, 2022/23, was particularly exceptional with many areas receiving 7 or 8 metres of snowfall, leading several to stay open until May. It’s also home to America’s biggest resort of Park City, famous resorts like Alta and Snowbird, as well as upmarket snowboarder-banning Deer Valley. But there is more to Utah than just incredible snowfall, and no I’m not talking Mormons. The state is also famous for its phenomenal national parks, its remarkable dinosaur finds and its stunning dark skies for star gazing. It’s also home to lots of smaller but equally fabulous ski resorts. Less likely to be busy and more likely to have cheaper lift passes than their famous neighbours, they’re well worth considering too when you get off the plane at Salt Lake City International Airport. Just an hour north, Powder Mountain Resort is an intriguing prospect. It markets itself as both “the best-kept secret in skiing” and as having more terrain than any other ski area in North America. It claims 8,464 acres, which is nearly 300 more than the resort most people think of as the biggest, Whistler Blackcomb, with 8,171 acres. The thing is that Whistler has 27 lifts, most of them high-speed quads and gondolas, capable of lifting 70,000 people an hour up the slopes, whereas Powder Mountain has nine lifts, one of them a high-speed quad, and limits ticket sales to 1,500 a day, and

EBAY DONATES TO SKI CHARITY week between 25–31 December, providing another opportunity for anyone buying anything on eBay during that week to make a £1, £2, £5 or £10 donation at checkout and help DSUK transform people’s lives through snowsports. DSUK encourage people to

shop on their eBay page, the perfect place to find Christmas gifts, as well as list any unwanted items for sale on eBay – selecting a percentage of the sale price to go directly towards supporting their cause. Links and info can be found via disabilitysnowsport.org.uk

EAT SNOW TO SAVE

DRY SLOPE’S 50TH BIRTHDAY

Disability Snowsport UK (DSUK) was recently eBay’s charity of the week raising £1,858 in addition to hundreds of new items being listed for sale for DSUK as part of their wider #SkiBay4DSUK campaign. The charity will again be eBay’s charity of the

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CHINA TOPS SWISS VISITS

Switzerland's national travel agency is forecasting that about 40 to 45% of its overnight stays will be from China in 2024. The country recorded 1.4 million overnights from Chinese tourists last year, with winter stays up 400% in the last decade. “Many of our resorts offer Chinese ski and snowboard instructors to make our guests feel more at ease," Daniela Chiani of Switzerland Tourism told the China Daily newspaper.

Ski holiday company Sunweb decided to survey British skiers to find out how they’d save money on the slopes in the cost-of-living crisis. Among the findings were that 5% would eat snow to save money buying water, 6% said they’d survive the week on crisps and 7% said they’d try mountain-top busking to earn a few euros. A quarter said they couldn’t afford a holiday, but 38% said they’d go skiing whatever.

A dry ski centre that has battled through several tough periods has made it to its 50th anniversary. Ten years after it was originally conceived, Lancashire’s Ski Rossendale opened in 1973, at the time boasting the longest artificial ski slope in England. It took three years to plan and build at a cost of £58,000 with visitors to the slope over the years including Prime Minister Edward Heath, Eddie “the Eagle” Edwards and Franz Klammer.

@INTHESNOWMAG

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PROMO >

VANESSA FRY PHOTOGRAPHY

hen it comes to ski holiday companies with excellent reputations built up over decades, having never compromised on quality while offering true financial security, you can’t beat Le Ski. Established by Nick Morgan back in 1982, Le Ski has grown year on year to offer a fabulous portfolio of properties in Courchevel, Val d’Isère and La Tania. They have stuck to the winning formula of only offering chalets in snow-sure resorts with top-value flightinclusive packages carrying robust 100% financial protection. The Le Ski holiday experience begins with great advice from their extremely experienced team who can help guide you

through every aspect of choosing your holiday, advising on the best chalets to perfectly meet your needs. The company operates 32 chalets in Courchevel and La Tania (both in Les 3 Vallées) and Val d’Isère. They’re available in all sizes, sleeping from 2 to 23 guests, and are always the highest quality. Nick and his sister Liz still own and run Le Ski. That experience means a lot in a ski holiday world where it can be hard to know who you’re dealing with and just what you’re buying. That and their loyal customer base have helped Le Ski survive Brexit, then Covid, and enabled them to keep increasing their standards regarding food, wine and service even after 42 seasons in the French Alps.

LESKI.COM

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LAPLAGNERESORT.COM

PROMO >

a Plagne has long been a favourite destination for British skiers and boarders. The resort today is part of a vast ski domain with 425km of slopes and has a choice of 11 base villages for your holiday, each with a different personality. Seven are purpose-built altitude resorts that sit between 1,800-2,050m and were created from scratch between the 1960s and 1990s. The other four are traditional valley villages that existed before the ski area was created but are now seamlessly connected to it by lifts and ski slopes. Already boasting one of the world’s biggest lift-served verticals at around 2,000m, La Plagne is also celebrating the completion of the unique Vanoise Express doubledecker cable car 20 years ago this winter. This connects La Plagne with neighbouring Les Arcs to create the second-largest ski area on the planet.

This winter the new Les Glaciers gondola will go into service, replacing the old Bellecote glacier gondola. Although the base station of the new lift is at the same location at Roche de Mio, it follows a new route, arriving at a new sector and a top station that is anchored into the rock, at an altitude of 3,080m. Although home to one of the world’s biggest ski areas, La Plagne is not just about skiing. It has a diverse range of non-ski activities and experiences available too, most of them suited to the whole family, just like the ski slopes (60% of the pistes are easy greens and cruisy blues). It means there’s plenty to do if you decide to take a day off from the ski slopes, or if you have members of your family or group who don’t want to ski at all. Guests can ride down the Olympic bobsleigh, luge and skeleton track, try the ice climbing tower, ride in a horse-drawn sleigh, board a sled pulled by huskies, jump

off the mountain in a tandem paraglide, go on a snowshoe hike, try cross-country skiing or just sink into a hot tub at the spa. Alternatively, going from high speed to very low speed, Village Plan Bois has created several slow-immersion experiences on a small mountain in La Plagne. Here you can enjoy a sled ride pulled by dogs, relax during a sophrology (forest bathing) session and spend the night in an igloo, wood cabin or tent (weather dependent). Being one of the largest ski areas in the Alps brings plenty of responsibilities when it comes to preserving the environment for future generations. The good news is that La Plagne takes this very seriously and has recently received a Zero Carbon Mountain award in recognition of its efforts. These include using green energy for its lifts and biofuel in its groomers. La Plagne’s ski season begins on 16 December 2023 and ends on 28 April 2024.

MANU MOLLE/ARC EN CIEL

GREAT RESORTS T H E

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M O S T

hen it comes to sunny, snowy ski areas, La Forêt Blanche (“The White Forest”) is a ski region everyone needs to know better. With 185km of slopes in a beautiful location that benefits from both the sunshine of the Mediterranean-influenced southern French Alps and great snow conditions from its north-facing slopes and high altitude, the region links the slopes of neighbouring villages Risoul and Vars. As well as fabulous slopes for all abilities, there are exceptional off-piste opportunities including

PROMO >

I N T I M A T E

some fantastic couloirs/corridors such as the Couloir de l’Alaska. Snow Chill is a fabulous, family-run gem of a hotel, situated at 1,850m altitude in Risoul. Snow Chill’s guests always find staff determined to exceed your expectations in every aspect of the hotel’s operations. It’s the perfect base for skiing La Forêt Blanche with a friendly team you’ll soon be on first name terms with. Snow Chill is a boutique, ski-in/ski-out, 4★ hotel with a family-friendly atmosphere and a genuine focus on winter sports. That includes having their own dedicated

O F

T H E

and fully trained ski guide to lead you on off-piste, ski touring, or even on a heli-ski adventure! Snow Chill facilities include its own spa , home to not only a sauna, gym and two massage rooms, a rare flotation tank for those in search of recuperation after an injury. The sensory isolation tank can also be used as a place to enjoy the feeling of weightlessness and utter relaxation by everybody else.

HOTEL-SNOWCHILL.COM

DON'T MISS OUR TWO FABULOUS EVENTS IN PILA THIS WINTER! BRIT COMICS IN LES GETS jokes and humour with the audience, from the absurd to satire, in French and English, with something to make everyone laugh,” a spokesperson said. The Francophone evenings are 16 and 17 January with Maisie, Lara and Phil performing on 18 and 19 January.

A WEEKS SKIING HOSTED BY GRAHAM BELL 17-23 MARCH 2024 £1290 P/PERSON

DREW RAE

HOLMLANDS | CAMERON HALL

Comedians Maisie Adam, Lara Ricote and Phil Wang are headlining the second edition of The Montreux Comedy Goes Skiing in French ski resort Les Gets this January, which brings together French and British stand-ups. “The sole aim is to share

A FUN FILLED LADIES WEEK 14-20 JANUARY 2024 £1195 P/PERSON

TOTAL ECLIPSE OF THE SLOPES Vermont ski area Jay Peak has booked a cover band that specialises in Pink Floyd to play the famous band’s iconic 1973 album The Dark Side of the Moon in full when the resort experiences a total solar eclipse next spring. The eclipse will take place in the mid-afternoon of 8 April 2024 moving northeasterly across the USA and Canada with dozens of ski areas in the path to totality.

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SIT SKI WORLD RECORD

A team of skiers from across the UK have broken the world record for the furthest distance skied using seated equipment at the Chill Factore in Manchester raising money for Disability Snowsport UK. The team of Will Macpherson, Amber Meikle-Janney, Alex Macpherson, Olly Jones, Duncan White and Scott Jason Hillier surpassed their target of 44km in 8 hours by skiing 60.25km in 399 runs in just over 6 hours.

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EDINBURGH’S SKI CENTRE has offered skiing for the past six decades and for much of that time had the largest dry slope in the UK, Europe and for a time the world. The ski slopes themselves have changed very little and the new plans are to make Hillend more of a multi-mountain sports

centre with a mountain coaster, climbing wall, zipwire and mountain biking with the new name “Destination Hillend”. The ski slopes are to be “upgraded” as part of the plans. Work on improving the access road and base area groundworks is already underway.

JACKSON HOLE SOLD

LES GETS ALPINE COASTER

LIGHT SHOW LIFT

032 // DEC23

ERIC SEYMOUR

The redesign and dramatic upgrading of Hillend dry ski centre on the outskirts of Edinburgh, including a plan to make the complex carbon-neutral, has been granted planning approval. Hillend, sometimes known as the Midlothian Snowsports Centre,

In marked contrast to the trend of recent decades that has seen more and more famous North American ski resorts sold to large corporate groups, the family owners of Jackson Hole have announced that after 31 years they’re selling to local families. Over the past three decades under the Kemmerer family’s ownership, the resort has seen over $300 million in capital improvements. They’ve decided now though that the time has come to sell up.

Family-friendly French resort Les Gets, part of the huge Portes du Soleil ski region, is the latest to invest in an Alpine coaster, a kind of downhill rollercoaster accessed year round by ski lifts, adding to their list of year-round facilities for everyone. Installed in the Perrières sector at the entrance to the village, the coaster ride takes almost six minutes, with an ascent of 380m followed by a 714m descent over 105m.

In Kühtai, located at an altitude of over 2,020m above sea level, guests have been able to get “up high” with the new “KühTeppich” carpet lift from the experts in conveyor lifts, Sunkid. At 204m long, the conveyor is the new longest covered moving carpet in Austria. It’s also a visual eye-catcher with LED lighting built into the gallery enabling a variety of lighting displays to deliver a spectacular light show with varying colour changes.

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SETTLERJACKET JACKET SETTLER The Halti Settler DrymaxX® Nano 3L jacket

at the same time exceptionally breathable.

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ARLBERG MARKETING | CHRISTOPH SCHOECH

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wo lucky individuals, Ben Haver and Clau De Cesaris, will visit and compare 24 resorts starting in January 2024 and, while doing so, will bring you all the freshest content and resort reviews available this winter. This has to be the ultimate ski trip of a lifetime. Starting in the Italian Alps in mid-January, Ben and Clau will travel up towards the French Alps, where they will knock off their first ten resorts, ranging from Serre Chevalier, Les2Alpes, Alpe d’Huez and the huge Les 3 Valleés area, before ending their French leg in Chamonix, where the couple got engaged just a year ago. With no time to waste, they will then head into Switzerland to take in the luxurious resorts of Crans-Montana and St Moritz, before embarking on a three-week Austrian fest, hitting its finest resorts of St Anton, Ischgl, Kitzbuhel, Saalbach, Mayrhofen and Soelden. Finally, they will head back towards the Italian Dolomites to end their seven-week ski-marathon in Livigno, Bormio and Madonna di Campiglio. Phew! How would you like us to compare 24 resorts across four countries?

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Instagram @InTheSnow_Magazine | TikTok @inthesnowmag and listen to The White Out Podcast – available on all Podcast directories including Spotify and Apple.

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035 // DEC23

©MAYRHOFNER BERGBAHNEN.JPG ARLBERG MARKETING GMBH | CHRISTOPH SCHOECH

There are ski holidays and ski safaris, and then there is InTheSnow’s 24 in 24.

Sunweb has one of the biggest selections of properties on the market and a vast choice of more than 220 ski resorts. You can choose from a luxury 4 or 5 ★ hotel, residence or apartment, or even a comfortable ski chalet, many with superb spa facilities and sumptuous gourmet dining, but every single one with your lift pass included. Sunweb are confident that they offer the best prices on luxury ski holidays around and offer a ‘Lowest Price Guarantee’ which ensures that in the unlikely event that you find the same holiday for a lower price, Sunweb will refund the difference.

036 // DEC23

ith the cost of living seeming to be forever on the up, we all have to shop around ever more to find the best deals for our unmissable ski holiday fix. The good news is that with Sunweb you can not only find an affordable ski holiday, you can even upgrade to better as the company has a great offer on luxury hotels and apartments, not just regular properties. The big difference booking with Sunweb is that your lift pass is included in your package, and with some ski regions now charging more than €400 a week for a 6-day pass, that makes a huge difference.

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Robert Thorne visits France’s only B Corp ski resort, by rail of course

formalise this goal, coupled with sustainability. That means new photovoltaic panels on resort buildings, restoration of natural “wet zones” acting as carbon sinks, and the use of French biofuel in its on-piste vehicles. In terms of local industry, it also means diversification of Les Arcs’ activities. As resorts across Europe see, on average, less snow on their lower slopes and more rain at the top, Les Arcs now offers many non-ski activities throughout the year. As well as snowsports in winter, Les Arcs offers snowshoeing, a brand-new 1.8km zip line, and the illuminating Muséum des Animaux de Montagne opened last year. The Festival de Cinéma Européen in Les Arcs 1950 kicks off the season – a one-week film festival promoting lesserknown European cinema where visitors can meet filmmakers and actors. Complementing the above is the resort’s excellent selection of authentic Savoyard cuisine, available both on slope and in Les Arcs’ villages. Be sure to book a table in advance, however, as raclette and fondues made with local Beaufort cheese go fast. For those seeking the après-ski experience, look no further than La Folie Douce slopeside: open 9am–7pm every day, with world-famous DJs such as Ben Klock, Carl Craig, and Agoria. Embracing our natural diversity, Les Arcs is a resort that caters for all. Whether you’re a family skier, partygoer, or free-rider (in the resort that hosted the X-Games), you’re sure to have a once-in-a-lifetime experience this winter at Les Arcs.

EN.LESARCS.COM

039 // DEC23

ANDY PARANT RAJ BUNDHOO

he biggest source of emissions in snowsports comes before skiers reach the mountain. Yet when “skiing green”, we often forget the best thing we can do is not fly. For UK skiers, however, few alternatives are as accessible. Instead of a flight to the Alps we face connections in Lille or Paris, multi-day coach journeys or slow ferry crossings. Fortunately, French resort Les Arcs has you covered with the return of the Travelski Express. Running direct from London to the iconic Tarentaise Valley, visitors can walk straight off the station platform at Bourg-St-Maurice and onto the waiting funicular to Les Arcs 1600 – the only such service in France. Since 1994, Les Arcs’ station-to-mountain funicular has been the pride of the resort and with good reason: it’s incredibly convenient and eco-friendly. It also exemplifies the ski area that visionary French architect Charlotte Perriand designed in the 1960s. Her priority was to preserve Les Arcs’ astounding natural beauty. Hence why, instead of luxury chalets filling the mountainside, the main villages of Les Arcs comprise space-efficient, modernist hotels – a great example being the Résidence Le Belmont, where visitors can view nearby Mont Blanc from the comfort of their balcony. Thus, since its conception, respecting its environment has been at the core of Les Arcs’ mission. The past six years saw resort directors

040 // DEC23

PHOTO BY: ANTON THORIN

oin a group of passionate riders who call the Alpine town of Engelberg their home. Together, they explore new territories in search of the ultimate thrill. Whether it’s sharing a powder day with their friends, tackling the steep slopes or riding into the sunset – each rider has their own vision of the perfect moment. The only challenge is to find it in their own backyard. More info at engelberg.ch/freeride-symphony Watch on youtube.com/engelberg-titlis or scan QR 

OLGA RYNGERT

SWIMMING IN ICE Dames, with 17 world records, Samoëns is now inviting everyone to give it a try. The idea is you get hot with 5 to 15 minutes of relaxation in the hot steam of the sauna, then head straight out to immerse yourself in cold water with a

temperature of around -5 degrees for a short swim. This should be repeated two or three times during a session lasting no more than 15 minutes in total. There’s an “Introduction to swimming in icy waters” session for €15 (£13) for 1 hour/person.

WORLD CUP FINALS

SKI BY THE HOUR

ERICH SPIESS

Samoëns, located in the valley below Flaine in the huge Grand Massif ski area, is positioning itself as the place to ski if you also like ice swimming. After hosting the French Ice Swimming World Championships in the icy waters of Lac au

042 // DEC23

92% PREFER THE TRAIN

A staggering 92% of skiers would go on their ski holidays by train if it were cheaper and easier to do so, according to a new survey on the current “State of the UK Snowsports Market” from The Ski Club of Great Britain. The study reveals that 12% of skiers intend to take the train this winter if they can, up from only 2% last season. How many of those are actually able to take the train won’t be known until next winter.

The Skicircus Saalbach Hinterglemm Leogang Fieberbrunn will host the Ski World Cup finals on the Zwölferkogel at the culmination of the 2023/24 ski racing season on 16–24 March 2024. With no Olympics or World Championships this winter, it’ll be the biggest Alpine racing event of the season, coming less than a year before the Austrian resort hosts the FIS Alpine Ski World Championships 2025. Visitors have a new 8-seater chairlift on the Schattberg too.

Val d’Isère is selling a four-hour lift pass this winter, which, unlike the traditional morning or afternoon pass, can be skied any four hours. “This pass has been introduced due to customers adopting a more ‘hybrid’ style of skiing holiday combining slope time with other activities,” a resort spokesperson said. An adult’s four-hour Val d’Isère lift pass is priced at €54 throughout the season compared to €66 for a full day pass.

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I N AS S O C I AT I O N W I T H

OOSC

 SWEET TROOPER 2VI MIPS | £289.95

Completely re-engineered for this season, with even better impact protection. Utilising Sweets 2Vi high-performance helmet technology giving you increased safety and additional comfort. Its cleverly designed shell construction with variable thickness gives you reinforced areas where your head needs it, with laminated carbon fibre for extra strength. skibartlett.com

K2 ANTHEM 95 BOA WOMENS SKI BOOT | £439.95

If you’re looking to progress your skills further then this sporty boot could be just what you’re looking for. Great fit characteristics with the BOA® wrapping system to hug the lower shell around your foot, giving you a precise but comfortable fit. If you’re heading out for a season and want a sporty boot to play on all season long then these are an ideal option. skibartlett.com

FACTION DANCER 2X WOMENS SKI |

£589.95 A wider all-mountain ski with the agility and manoeuvrability of a narrower ski make this one of our most versatile all-mountain women’s choices. Beautiful flow and so easy to use for a 96mm underfoot ski. Feeling incredibly stable at high speed, making you feel you can push your riding to the next level. Amazing float in the powder while still maintaining great edge-to-edge piste control in long and short radius turns. skibartlett.com

PANDA RACE SERIES RS1 | £131 The Race Series (RS1) polarised goggle from UK-based sports eyewear brand Panda Optics has been developed with the help of GB athletes, to provide the ultimate experience in goggle vision, comfort and performance. As with all Panda goggles, the RS1 also comes with a free low-light HD lens. pandaoptics.co.uk

 BLACK CROW NOCTA SKIS | £789.95

The iconic Nocta has just got even better – a more relaxed flex, cambered underfoot for more liveliness and a new tip and tail shape for easier manoeuvrability. Light enough to go freeride touring, burly enough to have fun doing it! skibartlett.com

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 ORTOVOX LITRIC TOUR 30L AVABAG AIRBAG BACKPACK | £1049.95

One of the lightest electric airbag backpacks on the market. Designed with all the features you need for ski touring. Quick-access avalanche safety equipment pocket, ski carry straps and of course the easily rechargeable avalanche airbag. Clever zip-on Litric backpack attachment fronts can be purchased to make your avalanche backpack larger or smaller for multi-day tours or resort-focused off-piste freeriding. skibartlett.com

BARRYVOX S | MAMMUT AVALANCHE TRANSCEIVER | £390

The new Barryvox® S has a large receiving bandwidth and an effective search strip width of 70m. It offers users a large, simple interface and intuitive operation. The Smart Search function provides clear instructions thanks to a simple operating concept and quick, precise searching. mammut.com

HELLY HANSEN WOMEN'S ALPHELIA LIFALOFT™ SKI JACKET | £480

The women’s Alphelia LIFALOFT Ski Jacket will keep you warm and cosy on the slopes this winter thanks to its combination of LIFA® technology with Primaloft® insulation while its fitted silhouette means you’ll look stylish while doing so. The Alphelia is featured within Helly Hansen’s Ski Free initiative. hellyhansen.com altimusoutdoor.com

 PROTEST PRTKAKUNE SKI JACKET | £199.99

 ROSSIGNOL FORZA 50° V-CAM SKI INCL BINDINGS | £625

A new standard in carving from Rossignol’s innovative Forza series. Oversized dimensions with an oversized sidecut support strong angulation and control through turns allowing you to smoothly roll between turns or power through carves. Matched with a race-proven construction and a predictable yet lively ride with perfect balance – the perfect everyday ski. snowandrock.com

The PRTKAKUNE by Protest is a stylish and functional jacket for the slopes. It has a colourful design, a 10K water resistance and breathability rating, and a PFC-free eco-friendly waterproofing method. It is made from recycled material and has two off-centre zippers. protest.eu/en/gb

 REUSCH DOWN SPIRIT GORE-TEX GLOVES | £150

The Reusch Down Spirit Gore-Tex gloves feature a premium natural down insulation, high-quality Gore-Tex waterproof and windproof insert, technical soft shell base with resistant goatskin leather, they keep the hands comfortably warm and dry in even the harshest weather conditions. snowandrock.com | ellis-brigham.com

This is a classic BARTS beanie, made of a mixed knit in a stripe pattern. This higher-fit beanie has a turn-up and a pom. Lined with a fleece headband for extra comfort. Warmth and style combined in a timeless piece. barts.eu

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045 // DEC23

BARTS WILHELM BEANIE | £ 26.99

 GOODR SNOW G GOGGLES | £90 Perfect for everyone from the bunny slope bomber to the double black diamond daredevil. These gnarly snow goggles are anti-fog, anti-glare, and give you full UV400 protection with an adjustable NO SLIP fit!!! Plus, they come with two lenses: one to protect your peepers on sunny days and one for low-light conditions. goodr.co.uk  DEGRE7 GEOD JACKETFAUX FUR TRIM- LIGHT PINK | £359

Urban style and practicality go hand in hand with the Geod Faux Fur jacket from Degre 7. Featuring waterproof taped zips and a waterproof lining, you can be confident that you will stay dry when you hit the slopes. With a stylish faux-fur lining paired with a chic and feminine cut, be the envy of all this ski season. Captains Cabin Sevenoaks (theski-shop.co.uk)

HEAD E-SUPER JOY WOMENS SKI | £699.95

They feel so light under your feet and easy to roll from edge to edge. They excel in both short and long radius turns, making them very versatile in a wide variety of terrains. They’re superbly smooth and grip beautifully on hard snow and ice. If you are already able to carve your skis and are looking to progress your skiing to the next level, then this is the ski for you. skibartlett.com

 OOSC YEH MAN & YEAH GIRL | Jacket: £295 | Bib Pants: £220 Take your riding and style to the next level with the top performance Yeh Man & Yeh Girl range from OOSC. Showcasing a range of soft pastel tones with darker options, the co-ordinating jacket and bib pants range is a must-have for this season. oosc-clothing.com

046 // DEC23

 HEAD WORLDCUP REBELS E-RACE SKIS INCL BINDINGS | £894.95

Utilising all their race-winning technology to bring you a ski with superb stability, edge grip and power. It’s super smooth with its built-in EMC dampening system. It has superb acceleration with impressive versatility to flow from lively short turns to highspeed carving long turns. If you’re an advanced-level skier these will give every turn an amped performance level. skibartlett.com

DOPE LEGACY W LIGHT BLUE | £166

The Legacy snowboard anorak combines retro style with modern technology. This 90s-inspired boxy-cut jacket is a pull-onand-go style that keeps you protected and stylish on the slopes. With a bombproof 4-way stretch shell, it ensures durability and leaves an impression wherever you go. Experience true freedom and personalise your riding with the Legacy from Dope Snow’s exceptional Freedom collection. dopesnow.com

DOPE PILE FLEECE SWEATER | £79 Introducing the cosy and warm Pile fleece for your winter adventures. Crafted from soft 100% polyester Hi-loft fleece, it offers exceptional warmth and breathability. Adjust comfort with the chimney-style collar and quarterzip. Elasticated cuffs keep sleeves in place, while the double-zipped pocket ensures secure storage. Stay snug and stylish this Christmas with the Pile. dopesnow.com

 OPPO NEW RENO10 5G | £399 OPPO Reno10 5G, the latest Reno smartphone with new 3D curved design, has a thin, light, and curved design with 7.89mm thickness and 185g weight. It also has an ultra-clear portrait camera system making it a must-have smartphone. oppo.com

 THERMIC: ULTRA HEAT BOOST GLOVES | £300

Heated gloves with soft, robust leather palms and Primaloft® insulation technology inside to guarantee the very best insulation. The Boost gloves are now even warmer with a new insulating layer over the back of the hand. ellis-brigham.com

ROSSIGNOL ALLTRACK PRO 100 MV SKI BOOTS | £340

Designed to ski the whole mountain with a 100mm last that balances comfort and control. A releasable cuff offers a natural range of motion for hiking days with a Generative Design Grid shell that reduces weight with full power transmission in all conditions and terrain. A thermomouldable full custom liner finishes off a precise and perfect fit. snowandrock.com

GOGGLESOCS | £11.95 each

Fed up of constantly scratching your expensive goggles, whether it’s when they’re on your helmet, in your backpack, in your pocket, or in a restaurant at lunchtime? A simple Lycra cover stretches over your goggles anytime you’re not using them. Available in so many amazing designs, you’ll find a suitable one for every skier on your Christmas present list. skibartlett.com

048 // DEC23

SPYDER WOMEN’S EASTWOOD JACKET | £330 This versatile jacket has you covered for all occasions… perfect for the slopes, apres ski and even around town! Comfort, style, and functionality come together with the Eastwood Down jacket’s 700 fill traceable duck down warmth, EXO shield 10k stretch recycled fabric, with 10k waterproofing and breathability. ellis-brigham.com | snowandrock.com

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ARMADA ARV 94 SKI | £539.95 Meet the all new ski-everywhere master of fun. A slightly softer flex than in previous years, giving you a balanced feel for buttering and presses, with stability and pop whether you're charging through the park or hitting side hits all the way down the piste. New reinforced Wedgewall injection-moulded sidewall gives you a lighter feel but is tougher at the same time. skibartlett.com

HELLY HANSEN MEN'S BOSSANOVA PUFFY SKI JACKET | £290

Available in an array of on-trend colours, including the beautiful cobalt, the Helly Hansen Bossanova Puffy Ski Jacket can take you from the piste to après whilst still having all the important features such as RECCO and HELLY TECH, ensuring you stay protected from the elements. You will also find it within Helly Hansen’s Ski Free programme. hellyhansen.com johnlewis.com | snowandrock.com cotswoldoutdoor.com

 MONS ROYALE ARETE MERINO INSULATION HOOD | £274.99

 H&M MOVE WOMEN'S ONE PIECE | £189.99

An all-in-one suit with quilted, windproof and water-repellent fabric. It has a stand-up collar, waterproof zip, chin guard, waist tabs, zipped pockets, flared hems, snow gaiters and ThermoMove™ technology. It keeps you dry, warm and protected from the wind while being lightweight and breathable. hm.com/move

FACTION STUDIO 1 SKI | £548.95

With one of the strongest teams in freestyle skiing, Faction have been able to create one of the best freestyle park-specific skis out there. Its poplar wood core gives rigid power with lively pop, the carbon weave provides torsional strength and the symmetrical shape makes for effortless switch skiing. skibartlett.com

The Mons Royale Arete Wool Insulation Hood is a lightweight layer that keeps you warm in any conditions. It has an ergonomic cut and merino fleece panels that let you move freely. It is filled with 100% merino wool insulation that adjusts to your body temperature, even when wet, and fits under your shell. It also has a PFC-free water repellent (DWR C0) finish that protects you from the weather. futureproof.life

One of the safest bindings on the market. The new Protector SLR ski binding gives you a full 180° release in the heel, reducing the risk of knee injuries by up to 50%, especially during slow twisting falls. Whether you’ve previously had a knee injury, are sensibly keen to be as safe as you can, or are slightly aging and are more wary about injuries, the Protector series is a revolution in binding safety. skibartlett.com

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049 // DEC23

TYROLIA PROTECTOR SLR 11 GW SKI BINDING | £259.95

 FISCHER RC4 PRO LV ZIPFIT CFC GW SKI BOOT | £749.95

A match made in performance heaven. The Fischer RC4 Pro ski boot comes complete with a custom cork-filled ZipFit innerboot, giving you long-lasting performance that just gets better the more you use it. skibartlett.com

MONS ROYALE CASCADE MERINO FLEX MOCK NECK LS (BLAZING TRAILS) | £109.99 The Women’s Cascade Merino Flex 200 Mock Neck LS from Mons Royale is a layer that offers exceptional comfort and movement. It is made of Merino wool, which is warm and soft, and has a four-way stretch that allows you to move freely. The mock neck keeps you cosy, while the hem and flatlocked seams prevent chafing, and the thumb loops ensure a snug fit. futureproof.life

 HELLY HANSEN ALPHA INFINITY INSULATED SKI JACKET | £550

050 // DEC23

A ski jacket with StormMove™ fabric that is windproof, snowproof and breathable. It has zips, pockets, goggle cloth, ventilation panels, sleeve pass pocket, snow gaiter, drawstring hem and taped seams. It has a 15,000 mm water column rating and 15,000 g/m2/24 h breathability. hm.com/move

 SPYDER MEN’S EPIPHANY | £650 A brand-new edition to the Spyder line this year, the Epiphany Jacket epitomizes Spyder’s classic identity in styling and performance. Proprietary, custom built 4-way stretch EXO shield 30k fabric and 60g Primaloft insulation, its guaranteed to keep you warm and dry. ellis-brigham.com snowandrock.com

H&M MEN'S 3L STORMMOVE SKI PANTS | £169.99

Ski trousers with StormMove™ fabric that is windproof, snowproof and breathable. They have elastic braces, waterproof zips, pockets, ventilation panels, snow gaiters and fit loosely. They have a 15,000mm water column rating and 15,000g/m2/24h breathability. hm.com/move

 H&M MOVE MEN'S 3L STORMMOVE SKI JACKET | £189.99

Get an extra day on the slopes with Helly Hansen’s Ski Free programme when purchasing the Alpha Infinity Insulated Ski Jacket this season. One of the most popular jackets features Helly Hansen’s innovative LIFA INFINITY™ technology, which delivers extremely waterproof/breathable protection without the use of chemicals. hellyhansen.com | snowandrock.com

SKI INDUSTIES OF GREAT BRITAIN OFFICIAL SKI TESTERS

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GIVING BRITISH SKIERS INDEPENDENT EXPERT ADVICE FOR OVER 50 YEARS Specialists in Touring | All-Mountain | Telemark | Ski Racing | Custom Boot Fitting

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 DYNAFIT TIGARD 130 SKI BOOTS | £699.95 If you’re like us, the hunt for hidden powder stashes can often come with the hunt for the elusive lightweight touring boot with free-flowing movement for an easier up but with strong downhill skiing performance, so you can make the most of the powder turns on the way down. With features like the legendary ‘Hoji lock’ system, you get easy and fast switch-overs from tour to ski and locked-down power when you do. Fast as a snow leopard and as strong as a tiger. skibartlett.com

ROSSIGNOL ESSENTIAL SKI | £780 The world’s most recyclable ski, the Essential is made from 73% recycled and bio-sourced materials using no solvents or water in its production. The result is a ski that is 77% recyclable, 10 times greater than a traditional ski without compromising on performance. Be The Change, Be Essential. snowandrock.com

THULE CHASM COLLECTION WHEELED DUFFEL BAG 81CM/32″ | £275

A wide-mouth duffel with zippered mesh pockets inside. Made of tough, weather-resistant fabric and a hard-shell back. External straps secure your items. Ideal for outdoor lovers who want durability and convenience. thule.com

SHRED ART | From £300

Stuart Leonard is a UK-based snowboarder and artist who paints skiers, snowboarders and mountains with acrylics. His art reflects his passion for winter sports, music and nature. He sells his paintings, prints and merchandise online and at events. shred-art.com

 BLIZZARD SHEEVA 9 SKI | £539.95 Are you looking for a wider allmountain ski that can ski fast with the guys, show them how you can carve at high speed on the piste and then fluidly play off-piste? A slightly stronger all-mountain freeride ski for an advanced woman, it carves amazingly at speed and has fantastic edge hold. skibartlett.com

052 // DEC23

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H&M MOVE WOMEN'S 2L STORMMOVE SKI JACKET | £169.99  DEGRE7 GUARA JACKET- LIGHT PINK | £149

Hybrid jackets in recycled fabric, padded front and back and brushed mesh sleeves; perfect city or sporty light jacket to wear as a layer or on its own; enjoy the new outdoor D7 look by looking feminine. Captains Cabin Sevenoaks (theski-shop.co.uk)

MONTEC ARCH SKI PANTS | £201

Experience ultimate performance with the Arch bib pants. These supremely comfortable and roomy bibs excel in any mountain terrain. With technical specifications like a waterproof rating of 20,000mm and breathability of 20,000g, along with lightweight and durable construction, they offer maximum mobility and protection on the mountain. Perfect for hard-hits and long days on the snow, the Arch bibs feature convenient side-entry, adjustable suspenders, and waterproof storage, making them a reliable choice for serious riders. montecwear.com

 LINE CHRONIC 101 | £524.95 Newly redesigned for this winter making this an even more versatile all-mountain freestyle ski. A thinner tip gives you more playful jibbing and easy fluid turning. Thicker, beefedup sidewalls and more burly core under your foot give you more solid landings, better response from turn to turn and more durability. The Chronic has stood the test of time and with their new technology and shout-outloud graphics we think they’ve just got even better. skibartlett.com

A ski jacket with StormMove™ fabric that is windproof, snowproof and breathable. It has a hood, zip, chin guard, pockets, ventilation panels, sleeve pass pocket, snow gaiter, waist and hem drawstrings and ThermoMove™ technology. It keeps you dry, warm and protected from the wind while being lightweight and breathable. hm.com/move

 HELLY HANSEN IMPERIAL PUFFY SKI JACKET | £290

If looking good on the mountains is just as important to you as staying warm and dry, opt for the Helly Hansen Imperial Puffy Ski Jacket. It features a waterproof and breathable design thanks to the inclusion of HELLY TECH and the DWR treatment is PFC-Free. When purchasing this jacket, you’ll get an extra day skiing from Helly Hansen. hellyhansen.com

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053 // DEC23

 CARV DIGITAL SKI COACH

£349.95 inc. 2 Year Subscription Our test team were instantly convinced as soon as they skied with a Carv footbed sensor under their feet. Whether we were seeing an intermediate skier develop edging, or an ex-racer refine the fluidness in their carving skills, we were definitely impressed. A pressure-sensitive insole tracks the movements you make on your skis. Its built-in accelerometer, gyroscope and magnetometer measures the 9-axis of motion to give you in-depth feedback, either audibly turn by turn or utilising the data analysis on the phone app at the end of each run. Now you can have a full-time ski coach in your pocket every day. skibartlett.com

054 // DEC23

&M Move has launched a new affordable winter performance wear range for men and women exclusively at hm.com/move. Designed to give a fresh perspective on performance, the new Snow Collection range is designed to offer the highest levels of functionality and protection from the elements at a cost-effective price point, helping more people find a route to the

PROMO >

snow this winter and in seasons to come. The fully integrated range of technical apparel offers both performance and style. It features H&M Move’s trademarked windproof, waterproof, and breathable StormMoveTM technology, partnered with its heat-retaining ThermoMoveTM and quickdrying and moisture-wicking DryMoveTM. “By introducing performance wear that balances function with highly fashionable

snow gear, we want to inspire everyone to hit the mountains. Given the level of detailing and high-quality materials, this collection is taking our snowsports segment to the next level,” says H&M Move’s Mfon Boman. The collection offers a complete layering system with key pieces including oversized jackets, baggy snow pants, fitted ski trousers, puffer jackets and one-pieces as well as mittens and goggles.

HM.COM/MOVE

SPYDER KIDS EXPEDITION PANT | £160

 DUVILLARD MORGANE BASELAYER | £119

This high-fashion, embroidered midlayer from Duvillard offers feminine style with a technical twist. Warmth is a priority with this high-collar, quarter-zipped fleece, so you can feel comfortable out on the powder or around the town. Climstretch poly microfleece wicks moisture and keeps you warm and comfortable all day. ellis-brigham.com (B&W version) snowandrock.com (white version)

The perfect kids' pant to keep them warm and dry. The stretch bib vest with Velcro shoulder fastenings allows extra warmth yet easy access. ‘Small to tall’ hems, allowing your little one to grow a full 2 inches before they hit the giveaway pile. ellis-brigham.com | snowandrock.com littleskiers.co.uk

MONS ROYALE CASCADE MERINO FLEX 1/4 ZIP (EVERGREEN) | £109.99

The Mons Royale Cascade 200 1/4 Zip baselayer is a warm and flexible layer that moves with you. It is made of merino wool, which is breathable, odour-resistant, and naturally warm. The Cascade is designed to last longer and keep its shape. It is built for durability, so you can trust it to perform well for a long time. Captains Cabin Sevenoaks (theski-shop.co.uk)

 MONS ROYALE YOTEI CLASSIC LS (ORCHID) | £109.99

The Women’s Yotei BF LS from Mons Royale is a warm and stylish layer that performs well in any situation. It is made of 100% Merino fabric, which is breathable, odour-resistant, and naturally warm. It is ideal for layering over a base layer, as it keeps you comfortable in any weather. futureproof.life

SPYDER WENGEN BANDIT FLEECE | £149.95 A must for any Spyder fan. Technical as well as stylish with its wicking side panels and lightweight knit bonded to anti-pill fleece for long-term good looks and impressive all-round usage. A super-warm fleece jacket that is equally at home worn as a warm technical layer under a jacket, or as a standalone casual fleece for everyday use. skibartlett.com

K2 MINDBENDER 120 BOA SKI BOOT | £659.95

Combining elements of lightweight touring construction with highperformance downhill responsiveness. Add in the all-new BOA® Fit System, a dial closure mechanism with tiny increment adjustments to allow the boot to wrap evenly around your foot. If you’re a freeride skier looking to hunt out those exciting lines then these should be on your wish list. skibartlett.com

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W ANDY PARANT

ith climate change always in the news these days and worrying reports of snowless ski slopes, it’s natural to be nervous about what the snow cover is going to be like in the resort you choose for your ski holiday. The good news is that the vast majority of well-known areas have plenty of high-altitude terrain, hence their success and why it’s unlikely you’ll ever be completely snowless. But there are things you can do, places you can choose, to increase your chances of good snow and

lots of terrain open to enjoy it. Before we begin, though, one important thing to remember is that the mainstream media do tend to enjoy a good “misery for skiers” story. When, last December and early January, they focussed on low-lying ski resorts with little able to open, they failed to mention that up above 1,800m the snow depth was actually above average and everything was open. So, in other words, not a big problem at most of the major resorts that we all book our holidays to. But “skiers skiing as usual” would be a rather dull news story. 

057 // DEC23

ANDY PARANT

©LES 2 ALPES | PARAPENTE |PYRÈNE DUFFAU

How to find a destination with snow guaranteed for your ski holiday.

ANDY PARANT

"CHOOSING A HIGH SKI AREA INCREASES YOUR CHANCE OF MORE SNOW"

PYRENE DUFFAU / LES 2 ALPES

2,000m altitude, if you want season-long ski-in/ski-out near certainty AND the same access to that same 85% of the full Les 3 Vallées region you can reach from the lower valley villages too. It’s a similar story from the traditional villages in the valley below La Plagne and Les Arcs in Paradiski and many other large European ski areas. It’s a key reason why they’re successful and why hundreds of smaller, lower resorts without access to high runs that we’ve never heard of until there’s a media story of their demise, are losing the battle to climate change. Across the Atlantic, the US is home to some of the highest-altitude ski areas in the world, their slopes more than two miles

ANDY PARANT

PYRENE DUFFAU / LES 2 ALPES

058 // DEC23

 That being said, of course, choosing a high ski area increases your chance of more snow, of higher quality and more terrain being open. It's not always essential that the ski resort you stay in is itself at a very high altitude, so long as there’s a fast lift accessing highaltitude slopes. In Les 3 Vallées, the world’s largest ski area, for example, you can stay at one of Courchevel’s lowest areas or even down in the valley below in Brides Les Bains, and still be able to access most of the terrain most of the season, because 85% of the ski area lies above 1,800m. You only need to think Val Thorens, up at 2,300m and with 90% of its runs above

above the ground. That allows resorts like Arapahoe Basin to open as early as October and remain so through to June most years, sometimes later into the summer. Of course, if you aim for northerly latitude, skiing in Scandinavia or Canada, altitude is less of a factor. In fact a lot of Scandinavian ski areas sit close to sea level, and their upper slopes aren’t much above 1,000m in altitude. But with colder air further north, often in the teens below freezing or even the -20s or -30s Celsius up in Lapland, that doesn’t really matter. Nor does the fact that big snowfall accumulation is less likely because the region gets abundant fine powder snow and that constant deep freeze tends to keep the snow crystals in good shape for longer. So while there are never any guarantees and the ski areas are not as extensive, Scandinavia is usually a good bet for snow. 

TIGNES Y N YC I O. C O M / E N

KM OF RUNS

300

W ANDY PARANT

hen it comes to snow-sure destinations in the French Alps, it doesn’t get better than Tignes. Always one of the first in the country to open in November each year, and among the last few to close nearly six months later in May, it’s a sure bet for snow reliability. Apart from its huge 300km ski area, much of it lying above 1,800m, one of Tignes’ big plus points is its famous Grand Motte

N O. O F L I FTS

RE SO RT A LT I T U DE

2,100m

glacier where the ski lifts climb to 3,456m, one of the highest lift-accessed points in France. The terrain up here is so snow-sure that it’s open in summer and winter for both international ski teams training and recreational snow sports. This winter, Ynycio Premium Residence opens its doors in Tignes with a welcoming decor and Latino atmosphere, inspired by the mountains of South America. This ethnic and chic warm theme, which

TO P L IFT HE I GHT

3,450m brings to mind Argentinean haciendas, flows through the Ynycio’s bar-restaurant, relaxation area and swimming pool creating a colourful and lively atmosphere in its common areas. With a prime slopeside location and 28 premium apartments in the residence and a further five spacious and refined VIP apartments, each for 2-8 people, in the hotel, Yncioi is the address to have in Tignes Val Claret this winter.

LES 2 ALPES LES2ALPES.COM | SKIPASS-2ALPES.COM

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PYRENE DUFFAU / LES 2 ALPES

N O. O F L IFTS

he leading resort of Les 2 Alpes is one of the most popular in France. Located between the northern and southern Alps, its slopes climb to some of the highest lift-accessed runs in Europe and are crowned by a glacier. This high altitude and southerly latitude means it’s both snowy and sunny! Those high lifts, up to nearly 3,600m, also open up one of the world’s biggest liftserved descents, a fabulous 2,300m from top to bottom (3,600m down to 1,300m), for some incredible skiing, with 220km of slopes to enjoy too, 70% of it lying above 2,000m. Besides its fabulous ski area, we must not forget that Les 2 Alpes is a laid-back resort that most skiers fall in love with even before they hit the slopes. Along with lots of ski-in/ ski-out accommodation options, the resort is famed for its great après-ski scene with 80 bars and restaurants to choose from, as well as several on-mountain restaurants. To add to the appeal and make Les 2 Alpes even better for the 2020s and beyond, the company which runs the lifts, SATA GroupAEON, is nearing completion of a five-year project to upgrade a large number of the resort's key lifts, to improve speed, capacity and skier flow across the huge domain. The centrepiece of this modernisation programme is the new Jandri lift, currently under construction and set to open in December 2024. It will more than halve the ascent time from the village to the high-altitude area from 40 minutes today

RE SO RT A LT IT U DE

1,650m

TO P L IFT H E I G H T

3,600m

to just 17 minutes when the new lift goes into service. The flagship installation for this season is the new Belle Etoile hybrid lift which combines cabins and seats on the same line so skiers and snowboarders will be able to board on chairs, while pedestrians and beginners will be able to use the cabins. Also new this winter is the Coolidge magic carpet on the snow front, and the l’Orée des Pistes ski lift has also been upgraded and is re-opening on the same date too. For beginners and families, it's also good to know that the resort's snowfront has been redesigned with state-of-the-art button lifts and magic carpets to make those first skiing experiences so much easier. There will also be two new runs to enjoy this winter, the new “Vallée Blanche” veryeasy green slope on the family-focussed Vallée Blanche side of the resort, and a new blue slope "La Balade du Jandri” in the high-altitude sector of the resort. All of the facilities included in the five-year investment plan (Vallée Blanche, Diable, Super Venosc, Jandri...) have the same ultimate purpose of providing a faster, more comfortable and quieter ascent, with fewer queues, greater comfort and altogether more leisure time in the mountains. This modernisation will enable the Les 2 Alpes ski area to transform itself smoothly over the coming decades into a mountain resort, accessible to all, four seasons, for all their visitors' sporting and nonsporting activities.

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KM O F RU N S

ARAPAHOE BASIN A R A PA H O E B AS I N . C O M

1,428

rapahoe Basin, or A-Basin as it is known to its many friends and fans, is one of North America’s (and the world’s) highest ski areas. That also translates to it being one of the most snow-sure on the planet and having a very long ski season as a result. This winter it was the first to open in North America, as it often is, with the lift starting turning on Halloween. Late next spring, or

NO. O F L I FTS

RE SO RT A LT IT U DE

3,286m

perhaps even early summer, it will, as usual, be the last to close in Colorado. It made it into August one year and has stayed open to the 4th of July seven times in its 78-year history, most recently in 2019. But there’s more to Arapahoe Basin than just altitude and a long season! It’s a great community ski destination with a legion of loyal fans and a great, friendly, welcoming atmosphere. Despite a rich heritage, it’s

TO P L IFT HE I GHT

3,790m

moving with the times too, spinning its shiny new Lenawee high-speed six-seat chairlift. Off the slopes, Arapahoe Basin’s Black Mountain Lodge is offering Moonlight Dinners, a cuisine series from mountain regions of the world that includes a ride under the stars on the Black Mountain Express Lift, a multi-course, buffet-style dining experience, live entertainment, and specially chosen drinks.

ARAPAHOE BASIN SKI AREA | IAN ZINNER

SIZ E IN ACRE S

WINTER PARK W I N T E R PA R K R E S O RT. C O M

3,081

ne of Colorado and the world’s great ski towns, Winter Park is the closest major ski resort to Denver and home to one of the biggest and most snow-sure ski areas in America, with over 3,000 acres of terrain and a season that extends from November to May. Winter Park’s ski slopes lie above the town of Winter Park and neighbouring Fraser in a high mountain park surrounded by the Arapaho National Forest and three

NO. O F L IFTS

RE SO RT A LT IT U DE

2,743m

wilderness areas. This is a real community with a population of 12,000, so you’ll find plenty of authentic local shops, cafes, bars and restaurants to visit, besides the great lodging and facilities of Winter Park Resort. There’s been skiing here since 1940 and there’s extensive terrain for all tastes and abilities. Now part of the Alterra Group, it’s still keeping up with the times with the Wild Spur Express 6-passenger, high-speed chairlift new this winter.

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3,676m Good skiers are well looked after with 19% of the total terrain rated advanced; 52% most difficult and 3% expert only, but there’s plenty for all abilities. With great dining as important as fast lifts to many, the resort is also adding four pop-up mountain dining spots to meet guests where they are when hunger strikes; they'll serve up grilled cheese, Philly cheesesteaks, walking tacos and quesadillas.

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SIZ E IN ACRE S

ZERMATT ZERMATT.CH

322

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NO. OF LIFTS

hen it comes to snowsure, Zermatt has built a reputation on it. Operating the highest ski lifts in Europe, it is one of only two resorts in the world that endeavours to open its ski slopes 365 days a year (weather permitting). It’s where the world’s great ski racers go to train in the summer months when the ski slopes of the Klein Matterhorn high above the stunning, pedestrianised Alpine village of Zermatt itself are still open for skiing and boarding when 99.9% of the rest of Europe’s ski slopes have closed. By early December its huge Matterhorn ski paradise ski region which straddles the Italian border often has the most terrain open in Europe at that early point of the season, and you can ski over into Italy for a proper pizza or just a fabulous espresso before heading back around the mountain to picturesque Zermatt with its great shopping, dining and après-ski scene. Everything about Zermatt is dominated by the magnificent Matterhorn. It seems to hang magnificently and majestically in the air above the resort, but surreal and sublime at the same time and definitely one of the great ‘must sees’ in world skiing. It’s worth noting that Zermatt’s skiing is not only reliable but it’s quick and easy to access. The resort has invested vast amounts in the latest fast, comfortable ski lifts which whisk you up to the top of its magnificent slopes in minutes.

RE SO RT A LT I T U DE

1,620m

TO P L I FT HE IGHT

3,883m

All this tech, speed and comfort do not come cheap, alas. The lift tickets here are believed to be the most expensive for adults (although conversely among the cheapest for teens who pay half price to age 16 and then save 15% until 20, while children ski completely free up to age nine). Of course, even here, we are not completely immune to the climate emergency. The year-round opening was broken for about seven weeks in August and September last year when the hot summer of 2022 thawed so much snow from the glacial ice that operations had to cease – a scenario considered impossible only a few years earlier. Thankfully though that wasn’t repeated in 2023, with snow farming techniques starting to be used on the glacier. But it just goes to show that sadly there’s nowhere truly snow-sure anymore, albeit we are talking in mid-summer-skiing for Zermatt – it has never yet closed for lack of snow in winter. In fact, Switzerland’s brief pandemic closure in spring 2020 was the first time the lifts and runs had closed this century. If you’re looking for unlimited trails in the snow, surrounded by breathtaking Alpine views, multiple 4,000m peaks, with pistes for every ability and taste and snow guaranteed any month of the year, Zermatt’s Matterhorn Ski Paradise, the highest ski area in Europe, is the place to head. MARCO SCHNYDER

K M OF RUNS

LIVIGNO S K I PAS S L I V I G N O. C O M

KM OF RUNS

115

VISUAL WORKING

here are a select group of ski resorts in the Alps where villages have grown up above the magic 1,800m altitude mark – St Moritz, Obergurgl, Val d’Isère … and Livigno. Essentially this means that even before you start your day on the slopes, you’re already up as high as the highest lifts in quite a few areas, but then the lifts climb higher, another 1,000 vertical metres in Livigno’s case.

NO. O F L I FTS

RE SO RT A LT I T U DE

1,816m

This remote resort (actually just over the border from St Moritz for a skiing day trip) is in another small select group of ski resorts too – having tax-free status like Andorra and Samnaun linked to Ischgl on the Swiss/Austrian border. Legend has it that it was just too remote in centuries past for the tax man to make it up there to collect the revenue, and eventually its duty-free status became official. So along

TO P L IFT HE I GHT

2,800m with reliable snow and great powder, expect an affordable and thus banging après-ski scene with countless bars to choose from. Don’t worry, the access road is much better now. The 2023/24 season has got off to a great start in Livigno with three ‘powder alarms’ in November for up to 50cm of snowfall in 24 hours, and the resort opened early too.

HINTERTUX Z I L L E RTA L . AT

544

he Ziller Valley is one of the most beautiful in the ski world and also one of the easiest to reach, just a short hop from the Austrian Tirol’s capital Innsbruck. It’s home to resorts we know well, like Mayrhofen, and a total of four large ski areas which together offer more than 500km of slopes, all covered by one great Zillertal Superski pass.

NO. O F L IFTS

180

RE SO RT A LT I T U DE

1,500m

One of the four, the Ski & Glacier World Zillertal 3000, located just 20 minutes from Mayrhofen, is also home to one of the world’s two year-round ski areas, the Hintertux Glacier. In fact, in 2022 it was briefly the only year-round ski area as it managed to keep a few miles of slopes open in the hot summer months when the other centre, Zermatt, was forced to close for a while.

TO P L IFT HE I GHT

3,250m Apart from its reliable snow cover and in the winter months huge lift-served vertical of 1,750m, Hintertux has a big reputation in the freestyle community with its famous Betterpark usually open from late September, drawing in skiers and riders for some early autumn park life fun months before most resorts have even started building their parks.

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KM OF RUNS

MÜRREN GUARANTEES OPENING

LIFT PASSES ON PHONES

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of the first non-glacier resorts in the Alps to open this winter: snow farming. The resort’s snow-farming efforts began in the first full winter of the pandemic, 2020/21, when it stockpiled 110,000 cubic metres of snow through the summer. Two depots in the Engetal area

of the slopes, covered and camouflaged with white membranes, now store 150,000m² of compacted snow. At the end of October the snow is recycled to piste no.11, ensuring an early start to the resort’s season in November, which continues right through to May.

MORE TRAINS PLEASE

JUST STOP SKIING

ANDREA BADRUTT

VAIL RESORTS / EPIC PASS

Switzerland’s car-free village of Mürren is the highest ski resort in the Bernese Oberland at 1,650m, but it has been taking no chances with early season snow cover and using the same technique as Finland’s Levi and Ruka, among others, to ensure they were one

Vail Resorts’ My Epic App contains their guests’ lift ticket on the phone, meaning there’s no need for a separate lift pass. The move is in line with the group’s “Commitment to Zero” sustainability ambition with the objective of reducing waste created by lift passes on plastic cards with RFID chips over time. The app’s other features include GPS location tracking and real-time and predictive lift line wait times.

The French Compagnie des Alpes Group (CDA), which runs some of the world’s biggest resorts including La Plagne, Les Arcs, Tignes, Val d’Isère, Les Menuires, Méribel, Serre Chevalier and Flaine, has announced that it wants rail companies to supply more international rail services to their resorts and has asked for bids. CDA’s holiday company subsidiary, Travelski, offers rail holidays from London St Pancras using the newly relaunched Eurostar Snow Train service.

Protestors from climate crisis group The Last Generation ran onto the finish line of the slalom course at Obergurgl near the conclusion of the first Men’s World Cup race of the season, delaying it for a short period. Activists from the group threw red powder over the snow on the finish line, as five racers waited to complete their second runs. The protestors were dragged away by police and the race restarted after eight minutes.

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DISCOUNT WITH CODE INTHESNOW5

€166PP PRIVATE SKI CHALET! swimming pools to cinema rooms and home offices and their Cool for Kids properties make family holidays hassle free! 7-nights rental starts from €166pp in Chalet Ysopi near La Clusaz, sleeps 9. Book direct for their best price guarantee – ovonetwork.com.

FAULKNER BROWN ARCHITECTS

High-end chalet rental specialist OVO Network has added some gorgeous new properties to its portfolio. The company has over 200 chalets across 35 resorts – including La Clusaz, Les Gets, Châtel and Combloux – with facilities ranging from hot tubs and

WINTER PARK’S NEW LIFT

Wild Spur Express, a new 6-passenger, high-speed detachable chairlift, gives guests a new way to experience Vasquez Ridge terrain above Winter Park in Colorado. The lift will include a new mid-point loading zone, allowing guests to make quicker laps on upperintermediate and advanced trails and is also the only one serving 285 acres of mostly blue intermediate trails, and steeper, more advanced bump runs.

@INTHESNOWMAG

A toffee vodka that’s made for the SWINDON SNOW CENTRE AXED

A long-planned £270m indoor snow centre for Swindon definitely won’t happen, it has been confirmed, after a decade of “Will it, won’t it be built?” uncertainty. At the project’s most optimistic stage, prior to the pandemic, the leading architects FaulknerBrowns had drawn up plans for it and gone as far as lining up the successful Hemel Hempstead facility, The Snow Centre, to operate it.

MOUNTAINS Available online and in select stores nationwide. Scan the QR to find your nearest store.

LOW-CARBON ROUTES SOUGHT

The chance to take a walk with birds of prey is one of the more unusual ski resort activities but is now an option above Morzine where Jacques-Olivier Travers has an aviary 1,500m up at the Pointe de Nyon. Birds of prey here range from the gigantic condor to the snowy owl. The aviary offers visitors a unique encounter while raising awareness of conservation with the highly knowledgeable falconers teaching visitors about these incredible birds.

on their ski trip this winter though. “The ski industry is excited that the snow train is back, and we wanted to go further, by offering all of the independent chalets and hotels with a ski train options too,” explains Richard Sinclair, CEO of SNO.co.uk.

MARIANNE HIESEL | ST. ANTON AM ARLBERG

CHRISTIAN PFAHL

SKI WITH EAGLES

070 // DEC23

for most destinations actually higher than December 2019), making it difficult to ascertain how many skiers are switching to rail. One ski holiday company does say that they’ve seen a 50% increase in British skiers enquiring about the low-carbon route

SPIESS FOTO TIROL ERICH SPIESS

There’s been a big jump in ski holiday companies offering the option to travel to Europe’s ski resorts by rail this winter. But there are also reports that the number of flights to the Alps is almost back to pre-pandemic levels this December (and

SHIFFRIN’S 90TH WIN

After becoming the most successful alpine ski racer of all time last spring, taking successive victories in GS and Slalom races at Åre, overtaking the previous record of 86 World Cup wins held by Sweden’s Ingemar Stenmark for 34 years, Mikaela Shiffrin (28) has become the first to reach 90 wins after victory on home snow at Killington in November. Shiffrin’s boyfriend racer Aleksander Aamodt Kilde, described her as "the greatest skier (and human) of all time."

NEW ARLBERG GONDOLA

Austria’s huge Arlberg region, home to world-famous ski resorts including Lech and St Anton, has a new gondola next winter. The Albonabahn I double chairlift in Stuben am Arlberg will be replaced by a new gondola with cabins for eight people. “Freezing on the Albonabahn should be a thing of the past,” a resort spokesperson joked on social media. The Albona area is popular for its long northfacing slope descents.

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072 // DEC23

olorado is a bucket list destination for all skiers and boarders. America’s most popular ski state, it’s home to dozens of resorts including many names that are among the most famous in world skiing. There’s the authentic ski town of Breckenridge, long the most popular US destination for British skiers, and of course Vail, which has proved so successful over its six-decade history that it has become the anchor resort of what’s now the planet’s biggest ski business with a worldwide group of more than 40 ski areas, from Switzerland’s Andermatt to Australia. Colorado’s popularity lies in the fact that it ticks every box for skiers. There’s the fabulous snow of course, the high-quality ski areas, the extensive slopes, great dining, spacious accommodation, brilliant childcare and ski school – it just gets everything right. In short, for the highest chance of a great ski holiday, it’s a no-brainer. Colorado has also led the world in recent

decades when it comes to ski holiday convenience. Vail Resorts have been transforming the industry with their Epic Pass product, which means one lift pass is valid at all its ski areas in the US and many others around the world. Our family flew into Denver last winter, armed with our accounts created on the EpicMix app, and decided to start our road trip on a high with luxury family destination, Beaver Creek. This gated resort has something for everyone, from adrenaline junkies wanting to check off the resort’s famous World Cup Birds of Prey racecourse, to families like ours with a wide variety of needs from the learningfriendly terrain like the new McCoy Park, to the intermediate and advanced terrain that Beaver Creek has in abundance. Having skied to our heart’s content and enjoyed fabulous dining too, it was a short hop to world-famous Vail Mountain, one of the best-known US ski resorts, as well as having the largest ski area in Colorado, 

 a vast 5,300 acres of snowy wonderland. Established 60 years ago by skiers and businessmen of Austrian descent, it has a faux European Alpine village design and oozes high quality in every aspect of its operations, from resort to slopes. Home to great shops, spas and still more abundant culinary options, there are also luxurious accommodations that line the pedestrian-friendly streets of Vail and Lionshead Villages.

Our final stop was Breckenridge, one of the highest ski areas in the Rockies and home to the world’s highest-attitude chairlift. It’s affectionately known as ‘Breck’ to locals and visitors alike and is a resort few don’t fall in love with, thanks to its vintage cool ski town charm paired with phenomenal skiing. It’s impossible to miss Breck’s massive Five Peaks cutting into the skyline, serving as the scenic backdrop as you make your way into the historic town and drive down Main Street.

Looking back, this trip is one that our whole family will remember for decades to come, and thankfully for all the right reasons. The quality of Colorado’s ski resorts is unmatched, and we were spoilt rotten by fantastic accommodation and wonderful dining experiences on top. The Epic Pass and EpicMix App make the practical side of the whole experience stress-free, seamless and simple. Read the full feature at InTheSnow.com/skiing-in-colorado

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PHILIPP RUGGLI

A SLICE OF CALIFORNIA IN THE SWISS ALPS

grown into Europe’s leading freestyle resort and is home to the world’s biggest half pipe. What is very Swiss though is cutting-edge technology, with LAAX again leading the way this winter, unveiling its incredible on-demand gondola, the FlemXpress. As well as being both super comfortable and efficient, the new lift for another big LAAX priority, sustainability and the rapid move to

carbon neutral operations, here again it’s a ski business leader. But for your holiday it’s that Californian vibe you’ll notice most, especially if you book into the stylish Riders Hotel and enjoy a few fabulous meals in the Riders vegan and vegetarian restaurant. On the slopes, you’ll find that even the snowparks are inspired by California’s waves and skate scene.

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PHILIPP RUGGLI

DANIEL LOOSLI

AAX has made its mark over the past four decades, offering all that’s good about Swiss skiing but with a laid-back and easy-going atmosphere, more reminiscent of California than Switzerland. LAAX was an early champion of snowboard culture back in the 1980s when few in the rest of the ski world were taking the sport seriously. It’s since

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CHRISTIAN KAPFINGER

Austria’s SkiWelt Wilder Kaiser – Brixental region, one of the largest in the country, has clocked up two decades of being hydro-electricity powered. Established in 1977 when the ski areas it is made up of inter-connected, the region has grown to include 83 lifts serving 270km

of piste. Along with hydroelectric power for all lifts and snowmaking, the SkiWelt has made an increasing investment in local solar energy in recent years, notably from 2008, on the "Sonnenlift" at SkiWelt Brixen, one of the first completely solar-powered lifts in the

world. Photovoltaic units are also on the Jochlift and Zinsbergbahn lifts. Since last winter, guests can travel overnight from Amsterdam to SkiWelt locations by train, with connecting services from London. Guests gain an extra day on holiday, as well as helping the planet.

SNOW TRAIN REBORN

SOUTHEND-GENEVA FLIGHTS

SÄLEN’S NEW CHAIRLIFT

The ski train, now re-branded “Eurostar Snow”, is back after the original service’s pandemic cancellation. The “prices from £99 one way” is the same as before, but the removal of a direct train from St Pancras to the French Alps is different, with a change at Lille Europe station required. Describing this as a “quick and easy connection,” Eurostar argue that it permits a greater variety of routes and avoids the need for overnight travel.

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easyJet are recommencing flights between London Southend and Geneva this winter, a route last operated in 2020. The service was initially suspended due to the pandemic, but did not resume last winter despite having carried a total of 570,000 passengers between 2013 and 2019, the busiest year being the final one it operated. The service will run twice-weekly on Saturdays and Wednesdays throughout the winter, with fares from £22.99 one way, excluding baggage.

It’s commonly thought that multiple Alpine Skiing World Championships host Åre in Sweden is the biggest ski area in Scandinavia, but actually its Sälen, according to the SkiStar group which owns both centres as well as leading ski areas Hemsedal and Trysil, among others. They describe Sälen as: "Northern Europe's Largest Resort." This winter the resort has a brand-new chairlift, the 6-seater Söderåsen Express, with windscreen/hood and heat in the seats for optimum comfort.

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GREEN SKIWELT

CHALET V: THE ULTIMATE LUXURY EXPERIENCE first lift you’ll even get there before those based in Verbier. You can also enjoy accommodation options of equal or better standard, including the fabulous Chalet V, a traditionally designed property built using old wood and natural stone which can sleep up to 12. Spread over four floors, Chalet V has a contemporary design oozing alpine chic and fabulous facilities including a heated outdoor

pool with twin JetStream system, outdoor XL-sized hot tub, steam shower and sauna. In-house spa treatments are available. When you’re not on the slopes you can take in the fantastic panoramic views over the Rhone Valley and the Alps that Chalet V provides. Book via The Chalet Edit – thechaletedit.com info@thechaletedit.com +44 (0) 208 133 1130

SUN PEAKS GETTING BIGGER

LONDON SHOW RETURNING

CORI BONDINI

The fabulous Les 4 Vallées ski area around Verbier has made the resort one of the most sought after in the world. But what if you had the same access to one of the planet’s great ski areas, but without the lift queues in the morning and with more for your Swiss francs too? La Tzoumaz, 20 minutes from Verbier by lift, puts you in prime position to access the best of Les 4 Vallées. If you want to bag the

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RACLETTE WORLD CHAMPS

The first-ever Raclette World Championships took place recently in Swiss resort Morgins, part of the huge cross-border Swiss-French Portes du Soleil ski region. The event featured local, regional, and international raclette cheeses, bringing together the crème de la crème of local and foreign producers of one of Switzerland's most iconic cheeses. The organisers declared the event a huge success, bringing raclette lovers and producers together from across the world.

Sun Peaks ski resort in BC, Western Canada, which is already the second-largest ski area in the country, has announced it is spending another $12 million on a brand-new high-speed detachable quad chairlift and that it will cut additional runs ahead of winter 2024/25. The new West Bowl Express will be located in the upper reaches of Mt. Tod next season and will provide enhanced access to a popular area of the resort known for quality snow.

It has been confirmed that there will be a second London Snow Show next winter, at ExCeL on 19–20 October 2024. However, the organisers of both it and the Birmingham Show announced that the NEC event wouldn’t run again. The relaunched NEC show ran for three years and proved popular during the first years of the pandemic. This autumn’s London show, the first since 2019, saw it and Birmingham shows run on successive weekends as “National Snow Week”.

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VINCENT LOTTENBERG

PALTROW THE MUSICAL

The courtroom battle between Gwyneth Paltrow and retired optometrist Terry Sanderson which grabbed worldwide media attention last spring has been made into a musical at the Pleasance Theatre in London this month. It’s the latest artistic recreation of the recent legal action that followed an on-slope collision between the two on the slopes of Deer Valley, Utah, in 2016. A TV series had already been announced. A jury found Gwyneth not liable in a crash after Sanderson brought his case against her. The show by Awkward Productions is a comedy featuring original songs by Leland, a singer songwriter who has worked with stars including RuPaul and Selena Gomez. The company describes it as “a story of love, betrayal, skiing and (somehow) Christmas.” The audience will form the jury of the trial.

FRENCH 2030 OLYMPICS

France is the “preferred candidate” to host the 2030 Winter Olympics. Salt Lake City is likely to be the 2034 host, and a Swiss bid is favoured for the 2038 Games. The IOC have been grappling with how to plan for future Winter Olympics due to the impact of climate change with ideas including rotating host cities, limiting the games to existing or temporary venues, and establishing minimum average temperature requirements. They’ve previously stated they think that only 10 countries will be capable of hosting the games after 2040. The French bid has been put together jointly by the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes and Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur regions and while not absolutely confirmed as the hosts yet, it is essentially the only bid still in the running with the formal announcement due on June 24 at the Paris Summer Olympics.

LES MENUIRES’ BIG 60

Les Menuires, a.k.a. “a low-income housing complex in the snow” and designed from the start to offer affordable accommodation to less-well-heeled skiers, turns 60 this season. The original concept – to build a ski-in/ski-out resort where normal families could afford a ski holiday, up at a snow-sure 1,850m altitude – looks ever more far-sighted as costs and snowlines rise. The hot topic has always been the resort’s architecture; once described as “evidence of the momentary insanity of brilliant but bored architects,” it is now considered, 60 years on, as “a paragon of modernist architecture with large structures far more environmentally friendly than the numerous faux-Swiss chalets lined up in some valleys,” Les Menuires claims. A number of rewards are offered to those also born in 1964 visiting this season.

77% OF THIS SKI IS

RECYCLABLE 10 TIMES MORE THAN A TRADITIONAL SKI

FORSTHOFGUT.AT/EN

family, for the guests and the employees, something permanent, a rock in times that are becoming increasingly confusing,” says Christoph. Christoph’s enthusiasm, and that of the whole Fortshofgut team, is palpable in every aspect of its operation, from the bars to the spas to the organic restaurant menu. While the facilities are fabulous, what is most inspiring and refreshing is the ethos of putting people, families and nature first. It’s so different to what we usually expect and experience on our travels. Everyone in the hotel, both staff and guests, seem happy and pleasantly surprised to find themselves in this unexpected wonderland of comfort and pampering. We weren’t there 150 years ago, of course, but it does seem reminiscent of what those early decades of winter sports in the later 19th century might have been like. The era when hoteliers began building some of the great luxury hotels that have survived and in many cases thrived to this day. They too started from very little but, with family and community support driven by excitement for the new enthusiasm for winter snow fun, they eventually became highly successful ventures.

NATURHOTEL FORSTHOFGUT

Fortshofgut in the little ski village of Leogang is. In a move that mirrors the Badrutt family of St Moritz 160 years ago, whose original guest house now sits in a corner of the vast luxury Kulm Hotel, somehow the Schmuck family have gone from living on a fairly basic parcel of farmland, which they acquired five generations ago, much of it forest and a good part of the year buried under snow, to running one of the most spectacular luxury ski accommodations in the world. It all began in 1960 when the grandparents of current managers Christoph and Christina rented a couple of rooms for bed and breakfast. Today it’s an amazing luxury nature hotel, employing more than 200 staff with wellness, fantastic food and an amazing spa complex at its heart, along with its own ski piste running right through the centre of the hotel’s buildings. It’s hard to fathom how it could go from A to B under one family’s ownership, but visiting today you can see just why it is so popular and so different to everywhere else on the market. But part of its success is that the Fortshofgut has stayed true to its roots. “The hotel should be an anchor for the

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he history of luxury ski accommodation is largely tied to the wider history of ski holidays. Back when downhill skiing began in the late 19th century, the participants were either “local eccentrics” who actually lived in ski resorts, or wealthy early tourists, often Brits, who could afford to travel but demanded the finer things in life. A host of luxury hotels grew up in what are now famous ski resorts, and many of these are still going and famous today. In the 20th century, skiing became more affordable, and ski chalets, apartments and more modest hotels were established to cater for the rest of us who were able to just about scrape together the cost of our budget ski holidays. The consequence of all this is that there have not been many new luxury ski hotels in the past 50 years. That’s not to say that new establishments rated 5★ have not been appearing in the Alps; it’s just that many are a little lacking in character, just mountain outlets of global chains, a little more comfortable than the average but you can’t see them having longevity. All of this preamble is to underline what a remarkable achievement the Naturhotel

ANTHONY UPTON

LAUGHTER

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he uniquely wonderful Altitude Comedy Festival returns to Mayrhofen in the Austrian Tirol next spring and has unveiled a list of headliners that reads as the crème de la crème of the comedy world. Dara O’Briain tops the bill with Daniel Sloss, Paul Smith and Maisie Adam also headlining the festival, which runs from 1–5 April 2024. Besides enjoying days on the slopes in the spring sunshine, taking in the stunning scenery of the Alps, festival goers enjoy an incredible line-up, promising to provide an avalanche of laughter at Altitude 2024 where comedy and skiing meet in the funniest show on snow!

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There are many more amazing acts on the bill for 2024, including festival founders Marcus Brigstocke, Andrew Maxwell as well as the International Improv All Stars altogether performing three shows a night, from the Après Ski Show to the Late Show. Since it was established in 2007 Altitude has attracted top comedians including Eddie Izzard, Jimmy Carr, Bill Bailey, Sean Lock, Dylan Moran, John Bishop, Lee Mack, Frankie Boyle and Tim Minchin. The award-winning Altitude Comedy Festival is an event that has been praised by critics and audiences alike. It is a unique and unforgettable experience that will make you laugh, ski, and repeat.

ALTITUDEFESTIVAL.COM

MEGEVE COMMUNE | SIMON GARNIER

LA PLAGNE

FRENCH RESORTS SUNNIEST

A new “Bluebird Index” by tour operator Sunweb has analysed the best weather days at 30 popular European skiing destinations to determine the best time to go. France’s La Plagne and Méribel top the chart, averaging 4.2 historical Bluebird days during the second week of March. Italy’s Kronplatz has its best conditions in January, the only resort in the top 10 to have its prime days outside of the spring months, with 3.1 days of pristine conditions. Sunweb used weather data from Snow-forecast.com for a 15year period from 2007 to 2022. Snowforecast.com defines a Bluebird day as a day with “average snow, mostly sunny, light wind.” Sunweb’s Index reveals that the second week in March offers the best weather conditions on average across the resorts analysed.

VISIT THE VISORIUM

Mayrhofen in Austria’s Tirol, home to the Altitude comedy and Snowbombing music festivals, has something new and rather different for visitors this year: the Visorium. The attraction gives the village’s visitors the opportunity to get to know historical stories, legends as well as landmarks of the wider Zillertal area through the medium of entertainment. The journey leads through an "Adventure Golf" facility with 12 different golf courses, each telling an eventful story of something that shaped the valley or of an exciting legend that was told to locals in the Zillertal from childhood onwards. The 2,000m² of indoor space includes other attractions too, such as Escape Rooms featuring original historical objects and furniture which is incorporated into the rooms to give players the feeling of being back in another time.

CABLE CAR TURNS 90

France's inaugural ski cable car, the Rochebrune cable car at Megève, is celebrating its 90th anniversary. Thanks to the financial support of Charles Viard, a Sallanches-based businessman, this pioneering cable car was built at the base of the Rochebrune mountain in Megève in 1933. A testament to modernism and innovation, it marked a revolutionary milestone in skiing history by transporting 96 skiers every hour on a ten-minute journey to an elevation of 1,750m. This marvel was a key part of the development of skiing as we know it today, leading to the natural grooming of terrain and the establishment of designated “ski runs”. In January 2024, the ski lift company will commemorate the 90th anniversary of this iconic "red cabin", an avant-garde symbol of French skiing.

HELEN CATHCART

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ORIENT-EXPRESS TO THE ALPS

new Orient-Express service between Paris and the French Alps launches this month. Run by Belmond, the blue-andgold carriages will operate to Albertville, Moûtiers and Bourg-Saint-Maurice with the option to disembark, and ski resorts including Megève, Courchevel and Three Valleys and Tignes-Val d'Isère. Departing from Paris in the evening, guests can unwind into the warmth of their art-deco surroundings with a glass of champagne, as the train gently heads out

to the Alps. Shortly after departure, guests are invited to pay a visit to the beating heart of the train, Bar Car '3674', for a round of cocktails while the pianist plays in the background. Bon vivants are then drawn to the three dining cars, where they will be treated to a menu of seasonal dishes designed by French Chef Jean Imbert using the finest local produce. Suspended between past and present, guests can return to the Bar Car for a nightcap with fellow travellers, or retreat to their cabins which have been

carefully transformed by their steward for night time. The following morning, they wake to the enchanted scenery of the Savoie region and indulge in a breakfast of French viennoiserie, in the privacy of their cabins. To refuel before an afternoon of skiing and alpine activities, a delicious brunch will be served in the dining cars before the train arrives in Albertville, the first of the three Alpine stops. An overnight stay in a Historic Cabin starts at £3,785pp, in the new Suites from £7,300pp.

DANIEL FRANK

Beautiful Megève Exceptional Skiing & Memorable Holidays Superior Chalets Chalet Hotels Self Catered

MORE BRITS SKIING A new survey carried out on behalf of chalet specialist Le Ski predicts that the UK snowsports market will grow by a whopping 14% this coming winter 2023/24. The results of the survey of 1,000 people carried

out by YouGov last month led to a calculation that an additional 160,000 holidaymakers will join the 1.12 million British skiers and snowboarders last winter, bringing the total up to 1.28 million – an increase of 14%.

BRECKENRIDGE SUPER CHAIR

MOST DENIM ON SLOPES

This winter, Breckenridge is unveiling a new, dedicated learning area plus the upgrade of 5-Chair to a new, highspeed quad – the Five SuperChair. With this lift upgrade, all four chairlifts that service Peak 8 are now highspeed with the aim of improving skier flow and circulation out of the heart of the resort, providing faster and easier access to the resort’s Five Peaks, right through into May.

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The Remarkables ski area set a world record for the amount of people skiing in denim. Having invited skiers and boarders to “slap on as much denim as you can for fun on the slopes,” the New Zealand area staged their first-ever “Denim Dash” and say they “broke a world record for the amount of shredders in denim!” 2023’s closing day also included free mullet haircuts to anyone fancying one.

Discover Your Dream Holiday

stanfordskiing.co.uk +44 (0)1603 477471 info@ stanfordskiing.co.uk

LA CLUSAZ | PIERRE MAULLET

WORDS: PATRICK THORNE

OBSERVATORIES & PLANETARIUMS Ski areas and observatories have a lot in common – generally best on high mountains miles from civilisation – and they have long occupied the same areas. Some of the more famous include the Pic du Midi in the French Pyrenees where skiers can stay the night and do some stargazing then head off down a fabulous freeride route with a guide next morning. However, America has been leading the way in recent years with new ventures like the Compass Rose hotel in Huntsville, Utah, close to the Snowbasin and Powder Mountain ski areas and complete with in-house telescope and astronomers to guide guests in its use. In the neighbouring Wyoming Snow King ski area, the city of Jackson’s other ski resort, was due to open an observatory and planetarium at the top of its ski slopes this winter, although that’s now postponed to early 2024. For a little novelty some of the world’s most famous observatories on top of the world’s tallest mountain, Mauna Kea in Hawaii (much of it is beneath the Pacific), gets

snow on it so astronomers can do a little skiing for some R&R if they wish.

THE AURORA Of course, the Northern Lights are a big tourist attraction in their own right, but why not go skiing and see the aurora at the same time? The likelihood of that happening increases the further north you go with resorts in Lapland like Narvik and Riksgränsen in Norway and Sweden, or really anywhere in Finnish Lapland, as well as some Canadian destinations like Marmot Basin in Jasper all good choices for a top chance to see the skies light up without light pollution.

MOONLIT, SUNSET OR FLOODLIT SKIING Let’s not forget that the sun disappears below the horizon completely for a period in December through January up in Lapland, but the ski runs stay open thanks to flood lighting, creating a very ethereal experience floating through the fine powder in the grey-blue light. Elsewhere some ski resorts (notably Nendaz near Verbier and the Diavolezza Glacier near St Moritz) make a big feature of skiing under the full moon on several evenings of the season. Again a very special experience (and a bit problematic as it depends a lot on clear skies), if everything aligns then the white snow reflects back the sunlight being reflected off the moon’s surface down to earth. La Clusaz has switched from offering full moon skiing to sunset skiing with their ‘Il va Fernuy’ events.

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s ski resorts look to offer more alternatives to, well, skiing, and as the world gets more and more illuminated by artificial light, one asset some centres are realising they have is darkness – that is true pitch-black, no-artificial-light-type darkness if the moon’s not up. The result is a dark skies ski holiday, where you perhaps add a little stargazing to your week in the snow.

LUKAS RUNGGALDIER

VAL GARDENA’S CULTURONDA Suited to both adults and children, the circuit includes skiing above all three villages in Val Gardena and the linked area of Alpe di Siusi. To ski it, after having left the “Città dei Sassi” behind, you should follow the “Culturonda” signs up to Passo Sella where there are

breathtaking views over the Sassolungo, the Cinque Dita, and the Marmolada. The route then takes you past a 2m sundial, frozen waterfalls, a 17th-century summer hunting lodge and a small art museum before culminating with the 10.5km “La Longia” slope.

NEW SPANISH SLOPES

LEGO IN MÉRIBEL

SMALL AREA’S BIG PLANS

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TXEMA TRULL

The amazing Sellaronda circuit in the spectacular Italian Dolomites, a UNESCO world heritage site, is well-known to most skiers, but what about the Culturonda? This “Val Gardena Ronda” circuit is promoted as one of the most surprising discoveries for skiers in the Dolomites.

Spain’s largest resort Baqueira Beret has added three new runs, which it says takes its total amount of terrain to 170km, when you include its off-piste routes. The highlight of the new pistes, a resort spokesperson says, is the new Mirador de Baqueira red run which descends directly to Argulls. The resort has also spent on snowmaking to cut overall electricity and water consumption, and the Montarto Hotel at the foot of the slopes has been completely renovated.

Méribel has lots of great family facilities, but for Lego fans who can afford to stay there, the resort’s 5★ Le Kaila hotel has something rather special. The hotel’s kids club has partnered with the famous Danish plastic brick business to create the ultimate playground with life-sized Lego ski figurines, mountains of Lego bricks and Duplo for younger children. Children also receive an exclusive Lego set as a welcome gift.

The long-established but still small Canadian ski area of Troll Resort (one of three worldwide with Troll in their name) in BC, in the west of the country, is planning to add 25 new ski runs and some gladed terrain for the next winter 2023/24. The ski area, which has been operating for more than 50 years, is expanding onto nearby Pinegrove Mountain, adding a fifth T Bar to access the two-dozen plus new runs.

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SAUDI SKI SLOPES how the resort will have snow. At its location near the kingdom’s highest point it’s occasionally below freezing overnight and even more occasionally there’s a dusting of snow, but those periods seem short-lived. However, Philip Gullet, one of the resort’s managers, has told media that Trojena’s location is actually colder than commonly

believed, that it experiences natural snowfall each year and gets sub-zero temperatures throughout winter. Mr Gullet also revealed that the centre will have 36km of ski slopes. Marriott Hotels have announced that their first W hotel in Saudi Arabia will be built at Trojena and that they’ll build a second Marriott with different branding at the resort.

2ND SNOWFEST INNSBRUCK

INJURIES UP

SIMON RAINER

Saudi Arabia’s first ski resort has been intriguing ski resort planners since it was first announced a few years ago. The ski area, known as Trojena, is part of the $500bn “carbon neutral” Neom mega-city project. Trojena was awarded the 2029 Asian Winter Games before construction had begun. Ski resort experts had been wondering, though,

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MONTANA’S NEW TRAM

The first new mountain tram (cable car) to open in North America for 15 years debuts in the northerly US state of Montana this winter. Work to replace Big Sky’s Lone Peak tram began last year. The original 1995 tram opened up one of the biggest lift-served verticals in North America at one of its biggest ski areas, but its small cabins could only carry a maximum of 15 people and a capacity of 200 people an hour. The new lift quadruples that.

Winter arrived perfectly in time for the second SnowFest Innsbruck in the centre of the Tirol capital, entertaining a large audience with Olivia Asselin (CAN) and Jesper Tjäder (SWE) winning the DownTown Street Ski titles. However, snowboarders kicked off the SnowFest with the renowned Rock A Rail contest on the 37m-long, 17m-wide and 10m-high scaffolding with Henna Ikola (FIN) and Pat Fava (USA) taking the wins.

Consultants at London’s New Victoria Hospital say there’s been a rise in ski-related injuries and that orthopaedic specialists at the hospital have seen a worrying increase in patients seeking treatment for knee injuries caused by falling in the snow or colliding with other skiers. They theorise that the increase may be down to skiers having been unable to continue their fitness regimes during the pandemic, making them more vulnerable to skiing injuries.

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WHAM

the ski podcast that puts you in the snow

'LAST CHRISTMAS' IN SAAS-FEE It’s almost 40 years since Wham! rolled into Saas-Fee (1,800m) to film the Last Christmas video which still fills our TV screens, with the song itself going back into the top 10, every December. Though we know the video well and you can still visit the places it was filmed, how did it come to be made in the beautiful Swiss ski village? In

the first scene of the music video, George Michael meets his friends and together they take the Felskinn gondola to chalet. The newer model of this gondola still takes you to the ski resort today. You too can experience a bit of Last Christmas in the Saas-Fee/ Saastal holiday region, surrounded by eighteen 4,000m peaks.

listen on apple or spotify and leave a review ★★★★★ 90 YEARS SKIING

A 97-year-old skier has decided he has made his last run after 90 years on the slopes. Herb Oedel made his final run at Bradford ski area in Massachusetts. Several skiers have continued on the slopes past age 100, but it’s not known if any of them started as young as Mr Oedel in the early 1930s. Mr Oedel posed for a picture with his 100-year-old wife Ginny after completing his final run.

SKI BOSNIA

Online ski holiday agency Heidi has added Bosnia and Herzegovina to its lineup of countries it now offers ski packages to. “Described as a perfect alternative to the busy Alps, Bosnia and Herzegovina are the freshly uncovered gems in the world of skiing, bringing oodles of forest-lined pistes, varied terrain and heaps of newly upgraded equipment all at true value for money,” a Heidi.com spokesperson enthused.

in every episode the latest news where's best to ski now superb resort features bucket list destinations listener questions answered the latest gear reviewed

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witzerland’s Marco Odermatt (26) is the sensation of men’s ski racing, taking an Olympic gold and World Cup overall title in 2022, then backing it up with a second overall title last winter. Odermatt skis on Switzerland’s own Stöckli skis and spoke to the manufacturer about his career.

What are you particularly proud of? MO The record score of 2042 out of 2600 possible points is for sure a milestone in my career, winning 13 out of 26 World Cup races and finishing on the World Cup podium 22 times. You’ve designed a ski with Stöckli, what kind is it?

MO Yes, that was a really cool project and I enjoyed it a lot. It’s the Laser WRT Pro Marco Odermatt Edition, a mixture of FIS slalom ski and giant slalom ski. Super sporty and a whole lot of fun! Some of the technologies in this ski are even built into my racing skis – I think that’s really cool. Do you ever have time for recreational skiing? MO Once the season’s racing is over, I always take time off for a spot of leisure skiing at my favourite ski resort of Engelberg-Titlis.

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What was your best moment last season? MO The gold medal in the men’s downhill at the Alpine World Ski Championships

in Courchevel will always be a special memory for me.

STOECKLI.CH

ERICH SPIESS / RED BULL CONTENT POOL

MARCO ODERMATT

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DEC 2023

ERIC DUNN / VAIL RESORTS