Love The Mountains Vol.2 | Issue 1

VOL 02 | ISSUE 01 | JUNE 2017

FREE ENDURO WORLD SERIES

Discover the Austrian Tirol, the Heart of the Alps with British Airways.

In the Austrian Tirol you don’t have to look far to find incredible hikes or breath-taking bike rides. Every region, every valley and every village is a gateway to another mesmerising adventure in the outdoors. For cyclists, the lakes, mountains and valleys that make up the Tirol provide everything from twisting single-track mountain bike routes to scenic half-day cycles.

Hikers can take their pick from epic multi-day hikes among the high mountain peaks to lift-assisted walks through alpine pastures.

Fly direct to Innsbruck from London Heathrow, twice weekly in the summer.

Book your flight, hotel and car package now at ba.com/innsbruck

Seegrube in Innsbruck ŠTirol Werbung / Kathrein Verena

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If you’re super fit and know where you’re going, there’s nothing more enticing than carrying an inflatable SUP up a mountain to enjoy your own private lake. Even if you’re not, there are lots of Swiss lakes you can reach easily where your SUP awaits.

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THIS MONTH IN

PADDLING IN THE SHADOW OF MOUNTAINS 

THE ULTIMATE SUMMER MOUNTAIN LOCATION  Is the Austrian Tirol the ultimate summer mountain destination?

With stunning scenery, great accommodation options and amazing leisure activities ranging from an easy cable car ride to a mountain top to the fastest adrenaline sports, it just may be.

LTMOUNTAINS @LTMOUNTAINS LTMOUNTAINS LOVETHEMOUNTAINS.CO.UK

STACK CLIMBING IN THE ORKNEY ISLANDS  The Orkney Islands have a reputation for their coastal sea stacks – towers of rock left by erosion a little way from the islands’ coast. Most of us are happy just to get to look at them, but our writer felt he needed to sail out and climb up them.

Discover the Austrian Tirol Book your flight, hotel and car package now at ba.com/innsbruck

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050 EPIC DESTINATIONS SIX THRILLING LOCATIONS  Our planet is filled with amazing destinations just waiting for you to explore. Here’s a look at six of our favourites, some or all of which you may not have

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considered before!

SUMMER GEAR GUIDE 055–061 Our regular eclectic collection of the best and the latest gear for anyone and everyone who wants to get active in the mountains this spring, summer and autumn is featured in our seven-page boot room selection.

EDITOR PATRICK THORNE Greetings and welcome to our 2017 edition of Love The Mountains, celebrating all things action sports on a slope… and even now on water contained by several slopes!

This year we’ve seen the rise and rise of e-biking, SUP’ing (read on if you’ve so far missed out on this amazing water board activity) and the unstoppable growth of mountain biking in the mountains, and we’re choc full of news and

FIVE REASONS TO VISIT MONTANA | USA 

articles on the places to go to see it, try it and watch the

Team

best in the world excel at it – whatever your chosen activity.

We’ve got articles from enthusiastic amateurs who like to jump out of planes or hike for eight hours up a mountain

Montana is such an amazing place and one of the last

carrying an inflatable board on their back in order to SUP

American wildernesses to be settled you probably don’t feel you need five reasons (or excuses) to go there, but here they are anyway, and we’ve got a bit of a film theme going.

on a mountain lake no one else can get to. We’ve also got

EDITORIAL TEAM

interviews with well established professionals who have reached the very top in their sport of choice and have lots

PUBLISHER

Dominic Killinger

SUB EDITORS

dom@inthesnow.com

Nick Jones Marion Adams

COMPETITION 054

EDITOR

CONTRIBUTORS

LIFE IN PICS LAKE TAHOE 014

OPERATIONS DIRECTOR

INTERVIEWS 016/026/062 ENDURO WORLD SERIES 012

Patrick Thorne

patrick@inthesnow.com

Debbie Gabriel

debbie@inthesnow.com

Anne Powys-Keck Kate Ball Thomas Oschwald Nicholas Altmaier Alan Weatherill

SALES & CONTENT MANAGER

EQUIPMENT BY

Anne Powys-Keck

Ellis Brigham

anne@lovethemountains.co.uk

ellis-brigham.com

PICTURE EDITOR

DESIGN BY

anne@lovethemountains.co.uk

tom@rocketbase.co.uk

Anne Powys-Keck

Rocket Base

© Copyright 2017

of advice to give on how to get where they are, or just have

Printed in the UK.

fun trying. So you’re bound to feel inspired to give it a try,

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.

and who knows where that could lead you?

At Love The Mountains we’re also all about the best places to go for the most awe inspiring mountain locations on earth. It’s up to you whether you spend a while just looking

InTheSnow Ltd The Snow Studio, Kings Lane, Bucks, HP16 0QY

or just whizz off down, taking in the view as you go.

+44 (0)1494 862 423 dom@inthesnow.com inthesnow.com

most inspiring locations on earth or our destination features

Check out our Epic Destinations feature for some of the on Austria, Italian mountain lakes and plenty of other perfect places around the planet.

Love The Mountains also has a Gear Guide from popular retailer Ellis Brigham, where you’ll find some of the coolest and best new must-have gear for 2017 – be it the latest

View from Seegrube mountain onto Innsbruck ©Tirol Werbung / Sandbichler Peter

fashion or the latest tech, you should be sure to take a look.

But whatever you do, wherever you go and whatever you wear and take with you, here’s wishing you the most epic 2017 in the mountains, enjoy!

patrick@inthesnow.com

005 // JUN17

ALL IMAGES: ROMINA AMATO / RED BULL CONTENT POOL

G N I V I D F F R I U L C RLD TO WO URNS T E R 2017 R O F FB.COM/LTMOUNTAINS

Red Bull Cliff Diving is back with six global stops in a wide-open championship. Multiple hopefuls for the men’s title, a wildcardgone-champion as title-defender in the women’s and six tough-andtesting competitions to outperform the finest cliff divers – the fight for glory in the World Series’ ninth season is arguably the most unpredictable to date.

of Portugal’s Azores island of São Miguel, where the athletes dive straight from the volcanic cliffs. In midJuly, the athletes have to walk through a private living room to reach the platforms atop the Adriatic Sea in Polignano a Mare in the very south of Italy.

After a summer break, the World Series returns to Texas and the visual feast of two towering cliffs called Hell’s Gate at Possum Kingdom Lake in September.

From this massive water reservoir in the USA, the penultimate stop awaits the athletes with the chilly waters below Stari Most, the old bridge of Mostar in Bosnia and Herzegovina, where diving from great

Three seconds of acrobatic free fall at venues ranging

heights has been a tradition for centuries. October

from natural wonders and visual feasts to historic sites

takes the cliff-diving elite to completely new grounds

and unknown grounds will push the boundaries of this

in southern Chile. During the first-ever World Series

rapidly progressing sport again in 2017.

competition at the Riñinahue waterfall, surrounded by

Beginning in June, this pure extreme sport will hit new

snow-capped volcanoes, the King Kahekili Trophy will

as well as proven waters across Europe and North

be awarded to the 2017 champions.

America before crowning two new champions at an

The 2017 season might become the most competitive

original location in South America in October.

one in the history of Red Bull Cliff Diving, after last year raised the bar with multiple winners in the men’s

2017 Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series Calendar

division. Although six-time champion Gary Hunt from

24 June – Inis Mór, Ireland

season. Competition is expected mainly from Mexico’s

9 July – São Miguel, Azores, Portugal

“ripping machine” Jonathan Paredes, who used

23 July – Polignano a Mare, Italy

his fine diving technique to regularly rip his entries

3 September – Texas, USA

and finish runner-up in 2016, as well as Andy Jones,

16 September – Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina

from the USA, whose outstanding aerial awareness

21 October – Lago Ranco, Chile

helped him win the Series’ first-ever night event last

England is the one to catch, it’s all up for grabs this

October and complete the overall podium. Meanwhile, New to the tour this year is Chile’s Lago Ranco, where

former Russian World Series champion and 11-time

the 2017 season concludes with the grand final. But

event winner Artem Silchenko is forced into wildcard

before the divers get to experience this new stop, the

status after a roller-coaster 2016 season and will

world-class athletes of the Red Bull Cliff Diving World

demonstrate his talent once more as an invitee.

Series launch themselves from heights of 27m (men)

However, even a wildcard can take the crown, as

and 21m (women), reaching speeds of up to 85kph in

proven by Australia’s Rhiannan Iffland, who ended

the countries of Ireland, Portugal, Italy, the USA, and

her debut season with five successes in seven

Bosnia and Herzegovina.

competitions, wrapping up the 2016 Red Bull Cliff

The season’s first dives from nearly three times the

Diving Women’s World Series title. With four dives

height of the Olympic platform take place surrounded

per competition as compared to three up to now, the

by Irish wilderness at the fabled “Serpent’s Lair” on

women’s division is expected to raise the standards

the Aran Islands’ Inis Mór. From the near-perfect

in its fourth fully fledged season and will see a

rectangle on the edges of Europe, the World Series

comeback of Germany’s exceptional diver Anna Bader

travels on to a real classic – the phenomenal rocks

after her baby-break.

007 // JUN17

RIDE THE COAST TO CAPE TOWN Discover Adventure has launched 18 new trips for 2017, with one proving particularly popular with returning cyclists. A large number of Euro cycle fans are planning to up the ante with the new Ride the Coast to Cape Town 10-day trip, which takes in the famous Garden Route, passing sweeping beaches, vineyards, indigenous bush and forested mountain slopes.

Finishing at Gordon’s Bay, you can admire vistas reaching across to Cape Peninsula and the Cape of Good Hope. discoveradventure.com

SHAMPOO IN BAR FORM Adventure travel and a little bottle of shampoo don’t mix, so a range of eight natural shampoo bars from Amphora Aromatics could be the answer. The bars pack a botanical punch of solid nourishment to give all hair types a natural boost and include various cocktail mixes of Frankincense, Rose and Argan, Lavender, Rosemary, Avocado, Cinnamon,

EXPLORE YOUR WAY!

Peppermint and Bergamot. Each bar gives twice as

Italy’s Alta Badia region have launched a new way of experiencing the beauty of the Dolomites UNESCO World Heritage, through sport, well-being and nature this summer.

new Explore Your Way initiative.

is based on activities like trail

The new project includes all the

running, geocaching, orienteering

action-packed sports activities that

and speed-hiking, while the “rock

you can enjoy between 1,500m

your body” category includes

and 3,000m during summer with a

trekking, climbing, free climbing and

large number of guided activities,

vie ferrate. The “bike” category is

offered each week as part of

dedicated to mountain bike fans and

The Pays des Ecrins is an unmissable landmark

Plenty of positive emotion and

the programme.

includes bike touring, freeriding and

for white-water sports in France. Situated in the

outdoor adrenaline will be available

Activities that mountain lovers can

enduro. Finally the “flying” category

Hautes-Alpes, the region’s torrents and rivers

through trekking, hiking, free

choose from, according to their

is dedicated to those who love pure

The 2017 Mountainboard World Championships

allow for a varied range of water-based sports.

climbing, bike touring, paragliding

interests, are divided into four

adrenaline, with paragliding, hang

will be held in Venette, France (an hour away

Anyone can try rafting, airboating, white-water

and geocaching with the area’s

types. The “nature gym” category

gliding and slacklining.

from Paris), from 13 to 15 July.

many washes as a 250ml bottle of liquid shampoo and costs £5.95. aaskincare.co.uk

THE WHITE WATERS OF THE PAYS DES ECRINS

MOUNTAINBOARD CHAMPS TO FRANCE

swimming, kayaking, canoeing, paddle boarding

Full details of the event are yet to be released,

and canoe rafting, and on 24–25 June the

but the organisers promise the Championships

French white-water swimming championships

will include both Boardercross and Freestyle

will be staged here. paysdesecrins.com

competitions. The first known mountainboard was patented in 1989, and mountainboarding,

NATURAL ATTRACTIONS HALF OF TOP 10

also known as dirt boarding, off-road boarding,

POUND RISES IN VALUE

and all-terrain boarding (ATB), is a wellestablished if little-known action sport, derived from snowboarding.

Dutch company TravelBird have checked out the

Mountainboarders ride specifically designed

most #Hashtagged tourist attractions on Instagram

boardercross tracks, slopestyle parks, grass

and found that half the top 10 most hashtagged

hills, woodlands, gravel tracks, BMX courses, mountain bike trails and down the slopes of ski

were natural attractions. Although Big Ben topped the list by some distance with 2,561,617

resorts in the summer. It is this ability to ride such

tags, followed by Buckingham Palace, Anfield

a variety of terrain that makes mountainboarding

and Stonehenge, most of the remainder were all scenic views in the following order: New Forest, Snowdonia, Edinburgh Castle, Lake Windermere,

“GO DIRTY OR GO HOME” IN FIJI

different from other board sports.

It’s possible to learn mountain boarding at locations in the UK and further afield including at The Mountain Boarding Centre (MBC), which is

Glen Coe and finally the Seven Sisters.

Fiji has long been known as an idyllic

to get your heart racing, all available

and a wash in the hot springs!

designed to accommodate a variety of mountain

tropical land of tranquillity, but the

in one place. From zip lining to shark

Fiji also has an endless amount

boarding disciplines such as freestyle, boardercross

famous idyll in the South Pacific is

diving, tubing to kayaking, surfing to

of secret rivers, canyons and

and free-riding at all levels of competence.

now promoting itself as a destination

four-wheel driving – it is a must-visit

waterfalls waiting for the intrepid

The UK will also see the return of the popular

offering an array of eclectic, exciting

destination for the adrenaline junkie!

traveller to discover. Shrouded in

national championships six weeks later featuring

and unique adrenaline-pumping

Options include the “Go dirty or go

lush rainforest, fed by countless

BoarderX, Downhill and Freestyle contests at

Mountains of Slovakia, with demanding walking

activities to suit the very bravest –

home” quad biking tour described

waterfalls and protected by

Hereford Board and Bike Park on 26–28 August.

in nature reserves which are normally off-limits

and slightly intrigued – thrill seeker.

as a “totally mud-filled experience”

challenging rapids, Upper Navua

brdsports.co.uk/world-mountainboard-

to the public, this September. Participants will

Pacific Harbour in Viti Levu is known

as you journey through the Sleeping

River Rafting from Rivers Fiji offers

championships.com/atbauk.org

follow tracks and trails (rather than waiting in

as the adventure capital of Fiji due

Giant Mountain Range up to the Fiji

rafting at its best.

to the ridiculous amount of activities

mud pools for some mud therapy

riversfiji.com/rafting/upper-navua

WALKING WITH BEARS Walks Worldwide are offering the opportunity to track European Brown Bears in the Tatra

hides) through the bear’s natural habitat with an experienced Park Ranger, learning to identify the traces of bears from scratching posts, to dung and footprints. walksworldwide.com

@LTMOUNTAINS

REMARKABLE MOUNTAIN HOTEL OPENS IN OMAN

DINNER IN THE SKY ABOVE ZAGREB

There’s a preconception that countries in the Middle East are fairly

Most of the one million plus visitors who came to Zagreb in

flat, hot, sandy nations, but in fact several have their own high

Croatia (billed as Europe’s newest capital city) last year explored

mountain terrain, including Oman, where a remarkable new resort

on foot or by other “ground” methods including Segway tours

hotel has just opened for mountain lovers. It’s perched over 2,000m

and cycle tours. Zagreb’s very own mountain, Medvednica, is

above sea level on the curving rim of a great canyon in Jabal Al

easily reached by local tram and cable car. The highest peak is

Akhdar, Arabic for “The Green Mountain”, a towering massif on the

1,035m at Sljeme, from where there are fabulous views.

Sultanate of Oman’s vast Saiq Plateau, an area that had long been

One very unusual way to see the city is by booking a seat at the

considered completely inaccessible.

amazing “flying kitchen”, which first came to Zagreb in 2014 and

The luxury resort is located on a 66,000 m² cliff-edge plot and

is now back between 22 and 26 June. The eclectic restaurant is

includes 115 rooms and villas, six restaurants and lounges, a

suspended by a special crane some 50m above Zagreb, and top

signature spa and recreation facilities. For active adventurers,

chefs from across Croatia prepare special menus for a maximum

activities on offer include mountain biking and guided mountain

of 22 diners (dinnerinthesky.com.hr). Other opportunities include

hiking. For families, there’s a Kids Club and the Jabal Teens Club,

hot air ballooning, with early-morning collection from your hotel

and for everyone there’s a recreation centre, tennis court and

and a champagne breakfast or brunch (baloni.hr).

fitness centre.

Light aircraft flights and parachute freefalls are also available. infozagreb.hr

PARAGLIDING WORLD CUP ANNOUNCES 2017 CIRCUIT The Paragliding World Cup has announced its 2017 schedule with five competitions to be staged from May to October with competitors taking off from mountain locations in Europe and South America, each chosen for their challenge and opportunities for the world’s best paragliders.

the latter three are outside the scope of the

into these so that the pilot flies a “virtual” course

Paragliding World Cup.

around the sky.

The most similar sport to paraglider racing is

The World Cup kicks off in France with the

yacht racing where boats race around a course

Coeur de Savoie competition staged during

marked by a number of floating buoys in the sea.

a weather window from 20 to 27 May then

Of course, it’s not possible to put buoys in the

moving to Serbia from 17 to 24 June and

air, so the racing is done around a number

Switzerland from 5 to 12 August. In the autumn,

of “turnpoints”. These were originally fixed

the contest crosses the Atlantic for the two final

There are several forms of paragliding

points on the ground, but modern paraglider

stages; from 2 to 9 September, it’s in Brazil and

competition including racing, acrobatic flying,

racing now uses special GPS-enabled flight

then it winds up in Ecuador from 28 October to

accuracy of landing and open distance, but

instruments, and the turnpoints are programmed

4 November. pwca.org

FB.COM/LTMOUNTAINS

09 // JUN17

Call us today on

02380 206 971

SEA STA C K CLIMBING IN THE ORKNEY ISLANDS

@LTMOUNTAINS

N ic o l as A lt m a i e r was a m e m b er of a t ea m o f G e r m a n c l i mb e rs v is i t ing t he Or kn ey is l a n d of Hoy, w i t h t he a im o f c l i mb i ng t he in fa mo us s ea stac k, t he O l d M a n of Hoy.

W

for putting ourselves in such testing scenarios.

the grassy gully until the guys came over. The last

day: there was no wind, it was cloudy and yet we still

Between Rackwick and the Old Man of Hoy, a stream

60 metres were overhanging, and the father hung

couldn’t get ourselves out the door. The infamous

crashed over the cliffs into the sea and we discovered

horizontally until banana-shaped in his harness

midges had the island under control. Luckily we had a

a route right next to it. I racked up and got stuck in to

construction. You didn’t know whether to laugh or cry.

cottage with a fridge and a kitchen, so we could drink

this new line. Beautiful, slightly overhanging climbing

Ten feet above the ground, a rope that one of the two

all day, sleep, cook, drink, eat, read, drink.

on good jugs. The last quarter of the route was

sons was using as a backup from above wrapped itself

Still without wind, we decided to go back to the Old

interrupted by a wet grass band with a spitting fulmar

around the rigid stem of a cam. With every inch the

Man the next day, this time on the Original Route and in

– a kind of sea bird. This was the first time we had had

father abseiled, the cam kept digging into the son’s

the best weather, with whales and dolphins swimming

to deal with these animals while climbing, and we were

shinbone. He screamed like a pig and we couldn’t

along the coast – a paradise setting.

warmly greeted with half-digested fish. I gave the route

help from the ground. Somehow, he managed to free

We left Hoy and returned to the Mainland: direct to

the name Hitchcock, E3 6a.

himself, and the father landed between the breaking

Yesnaby, back to the wild west coast and to our last

The next day we would take on the Old Man of Hoy.

surf below. Back at the entrance we waited until the

sea stack, the famous Castle of Yesnaby. We expected

However, the route we had originally planned – the

three guys had mastered the grass slope, and looked

the hottest day of this year’s Scottish summer, no cloud

e travelled 19 hours by car, plane and ferry to reach

Original Route – was already occupied by a team. One of

forward to our well-deserved beer!

in the sky, perfect conditions. We arrived at high tide

the Mainland – the largest of the Orkney Islands.

the climbers was hanging freely in an overhang and wasn’t

The next day we drove to the south of Hoy. Our goal

and the sea was too wild to even think about swimming

Incredibly, for the same time and cost we could have

moving upwards. For over an hour, his partners tried to get

was the Needle – a 60-metre-high swaying pin in the

to the Castle.

quite comfortably flown to Miami Beach, but we didn’t

him up to the second belay. We opted for the route A Few

sea, which has probably not been repeated since

The cliffs and routes around it looked so spectacular

want to go there!

Dollars More across the northern side of the Old Man.

1990. On the south-west coast of Hoy we followed

that it did not take long for me to abseil over the cliffs

Early the next morning, we went by ferry to the island of

A steep slope with an upholstery of wet grass led us

the road through the moorland. Scruffy sheep and

with my gear. The starting point was in or just above

Hoy and pitched our basecamp in Rackwick, on the Hoy

down where one wrong-footing or a slip on loose earth

attacking robbers – the Bonxies (the local name for

the water, and we got wet climbing shoes and trousers.

coastline. In the first few days, Hoy greeted us with a lot

and you would fall the remaining distance down the cliffs.

huge great skua, more sea birds, these preferring to

The fact that the seals were now bobbing almost at eye

of sunshine and a light breeze – perfect conditions to

The route was slightly sandy with a few seagulls, but

fly at your head rather than spit at you like fulmars) –

level made the experience extra exciting.

get used to the climbing and peculiarities of the area.

standing safely on the belay watching the seals swimming

accompanied us along the way.

The routes we climbed here became our hardest of

The climbs and descents were more complicated than

and diving calmed the nerves again for the next pitch.

After two hours of painstaking approach, we saw the

the whole trip. The best rock quality so far, combined

those we experienced in the Hebrides. During our last

One ropelength from the summit, we reached the

Needle appearing off the coast and we were already

with our intense motivation to give it our all again

trip, we rarely had to gather or dig rocks to descend

party on the Original Route – two guys from Sheffield,

preparing for the swim. According to the first ascent

today, resulted in our hardest route yet in the British

over the cliffs. Keen to get going, we drove to the sea

who had eventually brought their father (beer belly,

description by Mick Fowler and his team, we should

Isles: Dragonhead, E6 6b on our first attempt. In our

and climbed the first easy routes we could reach.

> 120kg) up onto the summit using every trick in the

first abseil 60m below onto a deep platform and then

eagerness to climb we noticed late in the afternoon

On the Orkney Islands, as with the Hebrides, the routes

book over eight hours. With loud laughter, one of the

swim to the start. The abseil stance, however, was just

that it was now low tide and that the sea had calmed

are climbed exclusively in traditional style. Cams of all

sons claimed that his father had never used a harness

a rusted old tent peg in the steep grass of the cliff. One

down. We had a two-hour window for the Castle. If we

sizes and shapes, slings, nuts, microstoppers, helmets

before and hence didn’t realise the need for a chest

wrong step and we would have taken a more direct

wanted to climb it this year, we had to climb it “quick

and nerves of steel are always a necessity. Of course,

harness. I couldn’t believe it, especially since the

descent. The Needle itself was populated by countless

and dirty”. That meant for us no Tyrolean, no change

in the most difficult sections, the required cam, nut or

wind was getting fresher. As the father–son party was

seagulls and did not look very inviting judging by the

of clothes, no towel, no dry equipment, no chalk.

microstopper has always already been placed a few

blocking the abseil, we had to spend almost two hours

rock quality either – after an hour of arguing for and

Both of us would swim to the entrance, get out of the

metres below or is incorporated into the belay – then

on top of the Old Man. The wind had grown so strong

against, we decided against the ascent of the Needle.

water, briefly let the wind dry us and then climb up. A

the nerves and forearms are really in demand.

that we couldn’t hear ourselves speak and we just

No lump of rock in the world is worth taking too high

pleasure that is rarely possible – conditions just like

We know what to expect, but for us it’s our third year

wanted to go down. We spoke to the English guy and

a risk. The mood wasn’t pleasant; a stupidly long

Majorca deep-water soloing – only with Camalots and

in a row in Britain – we are actively looking for these

set up a descent.

approach and then no climbing – crap! The alternative

a rope. What a day – the crowning conclusion of a

situations, even if at the same time we end up cursing

The result was that we had to wait another hour in

route also turned out to be not at all worthwhile. Rest

great time on Orkney.

FB.COM/LTMOUNTAINS

011 // JUN17

Back Bigger AND Better After bursting onto the international mountain biking scene in 2013, the Enduro World Series (EWS) is back for its fifth year.

first and last place. This unique format ensures there is no such thing as a typical Enduro World Series race – from two-day events among high Alpine passes in the Rocky Mountains to one-day races among Ireland’s rolling hills.

The series has already travelled all over the globe

012 // JUN17

012 // JUN17

Enduro is a relatively new race discipline that

in the pursuit not only of seeking out the world’s

developed as a way of replicating how most

best trails but also of linking together the world’s

mountain bikers spend their rides – essentially, riding

most amazing mountain bike communities, visiting

up the trails so you can then race back down them.

everywhere from the remote Chilean peninsulas and

The ethos of the Enduro World Series is simple – to

the high Andes of Argentina to the wilds of Tasmania

find the best all-round mountain biker on the planet.

and the shimmering shores of the Mediterranean via

The series scours the globe for the world’s best trails,

the Italian Riviera.

pitting riders against the clock, the elements and

Chris Ball, Managing Director of the Enduro

each other. Combining competition with adventure

World Series, thinks the locations help keep the

and exploration, each course is divided into a

series exciting.

number of Liaison and Special Stages. Riders must

“The EWS is a truly global series; we want the travel

race individually and against the clock on every

and adventure aspect to be as much a part of the

Special Stage. Riders then use the Liaison Stages,

experience as the racing itself and in the past few

which vary between long, steep climbs in the saddle

years we’ve travelled to some amazing locations –

and chairlifts, to get to the next Special Stage in a

some well known, and some that were a bit more off

pre-set time. The rider with the lowest cumulative

the beaten track, such as the tiny village of Ainsa in

time on all Special Stages is the winner.

the Spanish Pyrenees. But they all have one thing in

One of the standout features of the series is that all

common: exceptional trail networks.

riders (male, female, amateur and professional) ride

“We’ve been blown away by the growth of the EWS.

the exact same course on the same day – a first for

What has taken us by surprise is the number of

international mountain biking competition. And all

spectators we get now – one of the main criticisms

riders – both amateur and professional – must be

we used to hear was that enduro couldn’t be

completely self-sufficient out on course, managing

spectator friendly because of the distances involved.

their own equipment, food and fatigue. This extra

That’s not the case – we get huge crowds now who

element of difficulty creates unbelievably exciting

come to watch the race and then have some fun riding

racing – one puncture can be the difference between

the trails once the event is over – it’s brilliant to see.”

ENDUROWORLDSERIES.COM

ALL PICS: ENDURO WORLD SERIES

Enduro World Series

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TYLER BOURNS

CHRIS BARTKOWSKI

RICH AURORA MATTHEW PALMER MATTHEW PALMER

CHRIS BARTKOWSKI

LIFE IN PICS KAYAK OR PADDLEBOARD OVER CRYSTAL WATERS On a perfect day, you can peer as deep as 21m down into the glacier-fed depths of Lake Tahoe from paddleboard or kayak. Plan on spending a morning atop the lake, when the winds are still low, and the lake is at its smoothest. As late-summer mornings can be chilly, it’s never a bad idea to bring along a wetsuit. For a full list of paddle shops and points of interest, check out the Lake Tahoe Water Trail.

NORTH LAKE TAHOE HIKING TRAILS The best North Lake Tahoe hiking trails range from easy strolls to steep switchbacks leading into the clouds. Whether you’re looking for the forest around Tahoe City or the waterfalls of Shirley Canyon, find the best North Lake Tahoe hiking trails and trail descriptions.

MOUNTAIN BIKING As the heat begins to subside, the late summer months and early fall are ideal to break a sweat on one of the many mountain biking trails in the Sierras. There tends to be less traffic along the trail, and changing aspens add a tranquil element to your ride.

014 // JUN17

VISITINGLAKETAHOE.COM

WORLD’S TOUGHEST ONE-DAY CYCLE RACE

GIRLS-ONLY ALPINE MOUNTAIN ESCAPES

FOUR DAYS, FOUR LIFECHANGING EXPERIENCES

On 26 August 2017, what is being billed as the world’s toughest one-

An organisation that specialises in natural retreats for women in

A company called IGO Adventures, which is famous for organising

day cycle race for pros will be held in Austria’s Ötztal Valley, the Pro

the French Alps has unveiled its programme for summer 2017.

uniquely structured extreme expedition races in the form of four-day, four-

Ötztaler 5500.

“Make the most of the mountains and treat yourself to some fresh

discipline life-changing challenges in some of the world’s most remote

UCI, the International Cycling Union, has been thinking about an

air and magical panoramic views … that’s our plan for tackling

and spectacular wildernesses, has announced its races for 2017. This new

international cycling race for professionals in addition to the already

summer,” said a Manalaya spokesperson.

expedition series will take place across three continents and include the

existing cycle marathons for amateur sportsmen and women and now

The organisation brings together yoga and dance teachers,

launch of two new events: W114° in Montana and NW05° in Morocco.

the Ötztaler Cycle Marathon will be it.

masseurs, relaxation therapists, life coaches, ayurvedic therapists …

IGO is the brainchild of Bobby Melville, inspired by his 48-day voyage

Ernst Lorenzi, head of the OC and initiator, explains: “One day before

all united by a shared passion for the smooth and peaceful running

rowing across the Atlantic Ocean to win the Talisker Whisky Atlantic

4,000 amateur sport fans take part in the Ötztaler Cycle Marathon,

of mind and body letting their guests enjoy their holiday so that

Challenge. Over 100 of the world’s leading adventurers and athletes were

the 2017 “Pro Ötztaler 5500” will be scheduled as a pro cycle race.

they can really relax in the very special environment of the French

consulted during the creation of IGO, and their experiences were distilled

International top cyclists of the world’s most renowned teams conquer

Alps. The aim is to provide a guaranteed way to switch off!

to form the unique IGO DNA which inspires every event – Challenge,

exactly the same race course as the amateur teams one day later. A

Manalaya works with Copines de Voyage, an organisation that

Wilderness, Diversity, Camaraderie and Philanthropy. The four disciplines in

great challenge for everyone in the true sense of the word.”

brings together young women who share the same desire to

each “quadrathon” vary from race to race but swimming, mountain running,

The race routes of both the “Pro Ötztaler 5500” and the Ötztaler Cycle

travel, for girls-only breaks.

kayaking, downhill and cross country skiing, orienteering and even fat

Marathon are sure to attract the attention of the professional cycling elite.

Options include a week of yoga, relaxation therapy and gentle

biking can be involved depending on which race you choose. The 2017

A competition comprising 238km and 5,500m of altitude gain has never

hiking around Lac Bleu and a week of relaxation therapy and

Quadrathons include the Montana race from 12 to 20 August travelling

been part of the UCI Series before.

meditation to increase your lung capacity and help you train

through the Flathead National Forest and the Flathead River, regarded as

Besides challenge there’s also beauty as the race course winds its way

mentally and physically, hiking around Petit Mont Blanc, Col du

one of the most stunning kayaking stretches in North America. Then from

through picture-book side valleys in Austria’s Tirol and Italy’s South Tyrol.

Fruit. Holidays cost from €750pp (around £645pp). manalaya.fr/en

1 to 8 October the NW05° quadrathlon takes place near Marrakech. The

The route also takes in the same switchbacking mountain road with 66

expedition passes through the arid Agafay Desert and heads up into the

turns that featured in the last Bond movie, Spectre.

steep African snow-capped Atlas Mountain Range. igoadventures.com

MANON CARPENTER DOWNHILL MTB PRO

C

M

Y

CM

MY

CY

CMY

PLONS RACING

K

Manon Rose Carpenter, 24, is a pro downhill mountain bike racer, riding for Radon Factory Racing, and British Champion, Junior World Champion and double World Champion at Elite level.

Great Britain is dominating success at World Cup level in this sport, and Manon is one of those riders making it happen.

to work from, so I want to achieve something worth

I love getting a group of girls together and riding

What’s the atmosphere like at a World Cup event?

writing home about!

for fun, encouraging others to try something new.

Just pure excitement and enthusiasm. Everyone who

I’ve been involved in a couple of days like this and

is there loves MTB and follows all the characters

Who are your role models?

have really enjoyed it, so coaching is definitely

within the race circuit, so they really care about the

When I was younger, I would always hear about

something I’d like to get involved in, along with

racing. Fans come with all sorts of outfits, banners

Anne-Caro, a female MTBer who dominated across

organising women’s events. I would push sport

and horns and have a great time!

many bike disciplines – 4x, dual slalom, downhill and

in schools as much as I could and offer a variety

BMX. It caught my attention that she was successful

of sports as the typical ones don’t always suit

What’s your idea of the ultimate road trip?

in any discipline she tried, and more recently she

everyone. I think clubs are really important to give

If money is no obstacle, then I would go

has had success at the Enduro MTB World Series.

young people a way to get involved and participate

everywhere! I often travel with a lot of items (big

She’s still a really fast and stylish rider despite some

in sport with others of a similar age.

kit bag, one to three bike bags), so I would love to

What is your goal for 2017?

serious illnesses in recent years, an all-round legend!

I’ve been working hard this winter to recover from an

Now I follow many female athletes across different

Favourite World Cup venue?

boyfriend, just travelling light at some point. But if

injury and enjoying time on the bike, so I just want

extreme sports – snow, surf, bike and motocross.

Vallnord, in Andorra. It’s deep in the mountains, and

money is no obstacle, then I would have someone

to be in the best position I can be to go as fast as I

I like to hear their stories and be inspired by what

the track itself is mostly natural with a really steep

bring bikes to me at different locations so I could

can. I have a really good team behind me. I want to

they can do.

lower section, which is exactly what I like. When it’s

check out the local riding spots. I’ve never been to

dry, you can literally get dust in your shoes it’s that

Asia or South America, so exploring somewhere more exotic is definitely on my to-do list.

do them justice and make the hard work worthwhile.

do some backpacking and wild camping with my

With everything being new this year, I’m using past

How would you like to use your influence

powdery! The crowds are great, and I always just

experience to help me, but I also have a clean slate

in the future?

take good memories away from there.

016 // JUN17

016 // JUN17

@LTMOUNTAINS

TECH MEETS

Easy-to-Wear I N

2017 COLLECTION

018 // JUN17  PROMO

@LTMOUNTAINS

In the eternal quest for functional outdoor wear, Parajumpers has a remarkable pedigree. Born in Italy in 2006 having been inspired by a meeting between designer Massimo Rossetti and a serving member of the 210th Rescue Squadron, better known as ‘The PJs’ … short for Parajumpers, in a bar in Anchorage, Alaska.

This spring and summer “All Things Tech” meets “Easy-to-Wear” Parajumpers’ latest collection reflects the synergy of Massimo Rossetti’s expertise in active sportswear and outerwear with his Italian design sensibility.

As usual the full collection is available to view via parajumpers.it/en/ with free worldwide shipping.

FB.COM/LTMOUNTAINS

PARAJUMPERS.IT/EN

HAIB IK XDURO E ALLMTN

ELECTRIC

ACK D IAMONDB RANGER 3.0

REVOLUTION E-bikes or electric bikes have exploded onto the cycling market in the past couple of years. Adding an electric motor to a bike has been an amazing innovation that takes the strain out of riding, whether you’re road cycling or mountain biking, so it’s no surprise that e-biking is growing in popularity at an astronomical rate worldwide.

Top-End E-Bikes

but that you use it when you need it, obviously most

There are also happy tales of, for example, long-

likely on a steep incline. But e-bikes do have limited

standing cycle club members who could no longer

power (typically, of course, the more expensive the

keep up with the pace of younger riders but found that

model, the longer the battery life), so using your

by switching to an e-bike they could continue to enjoy

e-bike for the steepest terrain drains the battery

the open road and the club camaraderie for years after

Haibike XDURO AllMtn 8.0

fastest. Many bikes have both economy “assist”

they might otherwise have been forced into retirement.

£6,499 | HAIBIKE.COM

modes to make pedalling on relatively flat ground

Whether you are a serious mountain rider looking to

The AllMtn 8.0 is amazingly stable and easy to

easier and a variation on a power boost mode for

scale more uphill runs without the need for lifts, or

control. It’s a top-end eMTB, packed with features,

when it’s more challenging.

you’re just looking to explore more of the mountains

and delivers excellent acceleration. With the Bosch

Some e-bikes are so sophisticated they “sense”

with your family on holiday, electric power gives

motor, it delivers both fantastic uphill performance

when you need powered assistance and kick in

everyone the opportunity to have loads of fun on bikes.

and seriously fun downhill riding. You get a fun

automatically, but normally it’s up to you how much

Here’s the lowdown on two new e-mountain bikes …

machine for your money with this bike.

of the leg work you do yourself, using the bike as a

E-Biking Holidays

Diamondback Ranger 3.0

Initially, e-bikes were heavier and frowned upon by

With the proliferation of e-bikes, gone are the days

This bike literally just rolled off the production line.

rentals and tours, so you can try before you buy and

some cycling and mountain biking purists, but they

where biking in the mountains was reserved for ultra-fit

Packed with gadgets, the Ranger is one of the first

see how much you like it.

are now becoming much more mainstream. Costs

experts. Ever more resorts are investing in e-bikes,

bikes available in the UK to use the new Shimano

Until you do try, though, you may not fully understand

are also down with the cheapest now available from

both for the road and e-mountain biking. For summer

E8000 STEPS eMTB drive system. This delivers

how the e-bike works (including the eMTB or electric

less than £800 and can go all the way up to £7,000

2017, La Plagne in France, for example, has 150km

loads of torque, in fact, 70nm of torque, which in

mountain bike), as there are so many different types

(but be wary as the specs vary tremendously, so it’s

of dedicated e-MTB tracks with conveniently located

eMTB terms is supercar power. This bike is fast up

it can get confusing.

important to read reviews and take test rides before

recharge points. Val d’Isère and Crankworx hosts Les

the hills and smooth down them and gives a ride

The idea is not that the electric power takes over

you buy).

Gets also both have a fleet of e-bikes for anyone to use.

that feels plush.

conventional pedal bike, and how much you use the Ever better models are being launched on the market

powered assistance your e-bike provides.

all the time, and ever more destinations offer e-bike

020 // JUN17

020 // JUN17

£3,650–£4,250 | DIAMONDBACK.CO.UK

@LTMOUNTAINS

FIVE

REASONS

TO

VISIT

M O N TA N A

Known as Big Sky Country, Montana is a sparsely populated state of spectacular scenery and magnificent wilderness areas.

River Runs Through It, starring Brad Pitt, was filmed in

Heritage, History and Pre-History

Missoula in the west of the state, and The River Wild,

You can dig for fossils at locations across the state,

starring Meryl Streep, was filmed around the Kootenai

where some of the world’s most impressive fossilised

River, again near Libby. Glacier National Park featured

dinosaur skeletons have been unearthed. For a

Historic Towns

in films including What Dreams May Come and Forrest

real taste of more recent Montana history, head

Step back in time on a visit to historic Nevada City

It has been used as a location for many great

Gump. You can stay near the park by spending a few

to Bozeman to visit the Museum of the Rockies.

and Virginia City, mine for sapphires in Philipsburg

films over the years including, most recently, The

nights in the picturesque town of Whitefish.

You can even attend a real-life rodeo or go the

and hike the “M” Trail up to Mount Sentinel, surf the

whole hog and stay on a working ranch. For Native

river wave and learn about smokejumpers – brave

American heritage, you can learn about the Battle

firefighters who parachute in to remote wilderness

Revenant, which tells the tale of legendary explorer

Montana. Robert Redford’s 1992 coming-of-age tale A

the world’s largest “natural zoos”. While much of Yellowstone lies in Montana, the north entrance lies near the town of Gardiner.

Hugh Glass’s (Leonardo DiCaprio) epic adventure

Active Adventures

across the American wilderness and his quest for

Montana is the perfect place to get off the beaten

of Little Bighorn at Little Bighorn Battlefield National

areas to fight wildfires – and remote wildlife

survival against all odds. Filmed in locations including

track and is one of the world’s best locations for

Monument.

management at the Smokejumper Visitor Center in

the town of Libby, the film scored big at both the

everything from cycling to white-water rafting in the

Golden Globes and the Oscars. If you’ve got a taste

summer months. One attraction not to miss, if you’re

National Parks

for Montana from watching The Revenant, why not

brave enough, is the Swinging Bridge near Kootenai

Glacier and Yellowstone National Parks offer epic

which Richard Widmark stars as a smokejumper who

experience the real thing (but without the hardship)?

Falls, which swings 640m above the Kootenai River

landscapes, abundant wildlife and some of the

attempts to save his crew while being overrun by a

gorge. The original footbridge was destroyed by a

world’s most breathtaking road trips. In Glacier,

forest fire.

major flood in 1948, but the bridge was rebuilt and is

don’t miss exploring the “Going-to-the-Sun-Road”

now protected from flooding by Libby Dam.

by traditional red “jammer” bus. Glacier is one of

More Movie Locations Besides The Revenant, other films have featured

022 // JUN17

022 // JUN17

Missoula. Once again, there’s a movie connection:

Red Skies of Montana is a 1952 adventure drama in

VISITMT.COM

VOLCANO FLY OVER Not only is Kīlauea, Hawaii, the most active volcano in the world, it is also the only one on Earth at present where the lava flows directly into the ocean, making the sea boil and vaporise into a hissing plume of steam. This year you can watch this amazing sight from above on the “Circle of Fire and Waterfalls” helicopter tour that takes passengers over Kīlauea, passing tropical rainforests and cascading waterfalls en route. bluehawaiian.com

ENDURO WORLD SERIES

CALDWELL TO VISIT LONDON & SHEFFIELD Free-climbing legend Tommy Caldwell is coming to Sheffield City Hall Ballroom on Saturday 1 July, then to the Royal Geographical Society in London the next day to talk about his amazing achievements.

In 2015, after years of effort, Tommy Caldwell finally

“CHALLENGER EVENTS” FOR ENDURO WORLD SERIES

conquered the Dawn Wall, the forbidding 914m-high southwest face of El Capitan, in California’s Yosemite Valley. The Dawn Wall was a climb that represented the end of a difficult recovery from the trauma of being held hostage by rebels during an earlier climbing expedition in Kyrgyzstan. thebmc.co.uk

Although the Enduro World Series has a reputation for hosting some of the toughest races on the planet, the allnew Challenger Events will offer a more relaxed option for anyone who wants to try EWS level racing without committing themselves to the full course.

will give riders the chance to

day before.

experience a selection of the

Chris Ball, Managing Director of

stages being used in the main race.

the Enduro World Series, said:

The Challengers are designed to

“We’re all really excited about the

offer a fun, mellow atmosphere

new Challenger events. They’re

while still offering world-class

a great way to get the full EWS

In Patagonia – published 40 years ago this year

trails, with each featuring three

experience with none of the

– can explore Patagonia firsthand by taking part

or four stages from the race the

pressure – just incredible riding

following day. And Challenger

with your mates and then the

racers can then stay and cheer

chance to rub shoulders with the

Taking place the day before the

their heroes down some of the

best mountain bikers in the world

The Volcano Marathon, billed as “The

main EWS races, these events

same trails they’ve just raced the

the next day.”

World’s Highest and Driest Desert

lakes and soaring mountains. First staged in 2012,

Marathon”, is back for 2017. On 16

the marathon has brought together thousands of

November, competitors will assemble

runners from more than 40 countries worldwide.

PATAGONIA MARATHON Those inspired by Bruce Chatwin’s famous book,

HIGHEST & DRIEST DESERT MARATHON

in the Patagonian International Marathon on 9 September in the stunning Torres del Paine National Park of Chilean Patagonia. Runners will cover varied

to race at San Pedro de Atacama in the

terrain while surrounded by enormous glaciers, vast

patagonianinternationalmarathon.com

heart of the Atacama Desert in Chile, the

POUND RISES IN VALUE

driest desert in the world.

The 42.195km marathon begins near the active volcanoes, at a start altitude of

Discover the World has a new fly-drive itinerary,

4,475m, a height that’s a challenge in

the Iceland Ring Road Special, which makes

itself for many people. The first half of

the most of long summer days, as guests travel

the race takes place on dirt roads at an

around the remarkable island on one of the

average of over 4,000m altitude, before

world’s classic drives. Take in well-known sights

becoming more challenging.

HINKES: MAN OF THE MOUNTAINS

ICELANDIC RING ROAD

Lascar Volcano, one of the world’s most

and explore off the beaten track in search of

The 2016 Volcano Marathon was won by

hidden gems, aided by the free – exclusively to

Brit Luke Wigman in a time of 4:38:37hrs

Discover the World clients – iDiscover iPad guide,

with Andrea Lopez (Chile) taking the women’s title in 5:13:48hrs.

featuring personalised itineraries for guests.

Departures up to 18 August 2017.

Alan Hinkes OBE is the first and

document Alan’s life-long love

climbing difficult, dangerous

Packages to compete in this year’s

only British mountaineer to climb

affair with the hills and mountains,

peaks, Alan has had a few

race cost from $3,000 (about £2,300),

all of the world’s fourteen 8,000m

both in the UK and further afield.

close shaves and near-death

which includes race entry plus five days’

mountains, and his extraordinary

Starting at school in Northallerton,

experiences, many recounted in

accommodation including a few days’

career will be brought to the big

Yorkshire, Alan’s passion for the

his book 8000 Metres – Climbing

acclimatisation at San Pedro, which lies

screen and documented in a

mountains has never waned.

The World’s Highest Mountains.

at 2,600m, with training runs and visits

stunning new biopic produced by

If you cut him in half, it says

The premiere of the film,

to the Salt Mountain Range, Valley of the

become the youngest Brit to climb Mount

leading outdoors filmmaker

“mountain man”, and he loves

sponsored by Fjallräven, will be on

Moon and Valley of Death and other trip

Everest from both the north and south sides.

Terry Abraham.

the fells and crags of Britain as

24 October at the Rheged Centre

essentials. volcanomarathon.com

A meeting of two true outdoor

much as the Himalayas. As well

in the Lake District, where tickets

legends, Terry’s new film will

as experiencing success and

for this are on sale.

YOUNGEST BRIT CLIMBS BOTH SIDES OF EVEREST A 26-year-old woman from Edinburgh has

Mollie Hughes, originally from Torbay in Devon, climbed the world’s highest mountain from its south side in 2012. She then climbed the 8,848m peak earlier this spring from the north, starting in Tibet, which is a more challenging route exposing

FB.COM/LTMOUNTAINS

023 // JUN17

mountaineers to colder and windier conditions.

5

GREAT WALKING HOLIDAYS IN THE I TALIAN LAKES 024 // JUN17

@LTMOUNTAINS

THE I TALIAN LAKES HAVE LONG AT TRAC TED BRI T ISH HIKERS WHO ENJO Y THE COMBINAT ION OF STUNNING SCENERY PROV IDED BY THE RUGGED MOUNTAINS ABOVE AND EMERALD WATERS OF THE LAKES BELOW W I TH THE RELAXING AND FRIENDLY DOLCE V I TA LIFEST YLE OF THE REGION.

tiny neighbour, Lake Ledro. There’s also the

level 2–3, and level 3. The latter is described

particularly lovely wooded walk and takes around

alluring Lake Orta or tranquil Lake Iseo. The

thus: “…challenging hikes, featuring long days with

half an hour. The mountains above town offer more

difficulty is always choosing which one to visit first.

significant ascent/descent on challenging terrain.

challenging hikes for those with more energy. Pick up

Compass skills may be required.” So, something

a map from the Tourist Office, with details of 12 routes

WANDERWALKS

for everyone …

ranging from one to four hours long – these include

Inghams offers a choice of eight different Italian

RAMBLING AROUND LAKE C OMO

castello and the highest viewpoint in the area.

lakes as bases for its summer mountain holidays.

New for 2017, the company is featuring Lazise, a

Sherpa Expeditions offers a self-guided, moderate-

those staying in Levico, provides free bus and train

pretty town set on the eastern shore of Lake Garda,

difficulty walking tour of Lake Como, one of the

travel in the region and Thomson guests also get

to the south of Bardolino, and Como, the historic

“big three” Italian lakes.

a free vineyard and wine tasting tour and free boat

and bustling city and the capital of the province.

Como is a splendid blue, watery ribbon carved

trip on the lake.

Inghams exclusively offers what it calls

between the adjacent mountains for a length

“Wanderwalks”, a guided walking programme of

of 46km. It branches into two legs at a junction

up to three varied walks per week during your

between the attractive villages of Bellagio,

ON YOUR BIKE

stay, guided by either your Inghams rep or a

Varenna and Menaggio on opposite lakeshores.

Of course, just because you’re in the hills above

professional English-speaking guide.

Most of the hiking trails in the area are well

the Italian Lakes you don’t have to hike. Headwater

The walks vary from one to five hours and may be

maintained and Sherpa offers flexible routes so

offers a nine-night, self-guided cycling tour from

The great climate and stunning beauty of the area

easy, moderate or “slightly challenging” in nature

you often have the option of taking a shorter route

the Alps to Lake Garda that can be booked any

were well known to the locals long before the Brits

(meaning more demanding hikes over varied

if you want to hike less, or a longer one if you want

time between May and October this year.

arrived, though: the lake shores, once lined by

terrain, sometimes at altitude, and where trails may

to do more – but generally you’ll need to have a

The ride through the famously sunny (300 days

Roman villas, were a favoured retirement spot two

be less defined in parts, so reasonable health and

reasonable level of fitness and should be able to

per year average) Trentino-Alto Adige region,

millennia ago. With the advent of resort-type tourism

fitness is required and a minimum age of 14 years).

walk for up to four and a half hours during a day

which, according to Goethe, is also “the most

from Victorian times, hotels were built for wealthy

for easier options and longer for moderate-grade

beautiful wine garden in Europe”, begins in the

European and American tourists who promenaded

traditional Italian mountain village of Silandro, in

walks to forts and ruins, as well as paths to Tegazzo Among many benefits, the local guest card, free to

around the lake shore and into the surrounding hills.

SELF-GUIDED HIKING HOLIDAYS

walks. The company notes that snow may be encountered, especially early in the season and up

the heart of the unspoilt Val Venosta.

Exactly how strenuous you’d like your hiking

Inntravel’s walking holidays in the Italian Lakes

to late June at the highest levels.

The trail follows a linear route south, passing

(or should that be “promenading”?) holiday to

are meticulously researched, and you walk at your

be is very much up to you, with a whole host of

own pace guided by detailed notes provided by

companies offering a whole range of options from

the company. You can base yourself in one place

gentle strolls through relatively benign woodland,

or your luggage can be transported between

I TALY’S CLEANEST LAKE

meadows and perhaps vineyards to serious multi-

hotels while you’re out hiking, so you travel light

All of the Italian lakes appear pristine but Lake Levico

sailing and stunning sunsets.

day expeditions over mountain peaks and across

and carefree. The company also offers walks with

has a reputation as one of the purest of the lot.

You can, of course, stop and do a bit of hiking

terrain that may still be snow covered in mid-

a guide and has an option for families where you

It’s located in the wonderful Trentino region of Italy and

along the way if you wish.

summer for the most experienced. You can opt for

stay at family-friendly hotels.

within the UNESCO-protected Dolomite mountains.

guided or self-guided hikes with a tour operator or

“Our notes provide so much information in addition

Thomson Lakes & Mountains offers holidays to

just do it yourself.

to the basic directions that you don’t need a

several of the Italian lakes but rate Lake Levico as

The three best-known of the lakes are Lake

guide,” a company spokesperson said. “The maps

having some of the country’s best walking.

MORE INF O

Garda, Lake Como and Lake Maggiore in northern

that we provide along with our walking notes are

If you want to keep it simple you can

Wanderwalks: inghams.co.uk

Italy but there are many other, more off-the-

usually 1:25,000 or, in some cases, 1:50,000.”

circumnavigate the lake itself in a couple of hours

Self-Guided Hiking Holidays: inntravel.co.uk

beaten-track options.

The company divides its walking holidays into

and perhaps walk through the arboretum in the

Rambling Lake Como: sherpaexpeditions.co.uk

These include Lake Levico, one of Italy’s cleanest

three main levels, but offers two intermediate

town centre, or strike off into the hills on a more

Lake Levico: thomsonlakes.co.uk

lakes, a peaceful Alpine lake encircled by lush

stages, meaning overall there are five main

strenuous adventure.

On Your Bike: headwater.com

forests, hiking and cycling trails, and Lake Garda’s

options: level 1 (pretty easy), level 1–2, level 2,

The Via dei Pescatori, the fisherman’s path, is a

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Alpine meadows, pretty wine villages, historic spa

LAKE LEV ICO

towns and ancient art cities before a final downhill whizz brings you to the shores of Riva, “Pearl of Lake Garda”, famed for its pine-fringed beaches,

025 // JUN17

GETTY IMAGES / RED BULL CONTENT POOL

DOUGIE LAMPKIN KING OF TRIALS

Yorkshire-born Dougie Lampkin is a professional motorcycle trials and endurocross rider who has won five consecutive World Indoor (1997-2001) and seven consecutive World Outdoor Championships (1997-2003). He has also won four World Team Championships and been awarded an MBE for services to his sport. Last September Lampkin wheelied an entire lap of the 37.7-mile Isle of Man TT course.

How did you come up with the idea of Dougie’s

that everyone could relate to, and I thought about

spinning to keep me on line. We also had an extra

I recreated The Italian Job for BMW just before the

when you are young and first ride a bicycle all you

fuel tank for the distance.

London Olympics. We had the streets of London

wanted to do is wheelie, and it seemed a challenge.

closed off for a couple of nights, and I chased Minis

So I then started thinking of the places where I could

Do you have a constant need to push yourself

make it happen, and then the Isle of Man TT course

to take on challenges and look for the next

came to mind, and the rest is history!

adventure?

What are your plans for the summer?

I always feel the need to push myself and always will,

I’m busy with my riding, shows and the development

How do you train for a project like this?

but on the occasion of the Wheelie, I definitely took

of the bike I ride called Vertigo. I’m also at the

My training was mainly putting in the miles on the bike

myself to the limit and at the time said that I would

Goodwood Festival of Speed again and various Red

and also to get my body used to the abuse it was about

never do that again, but now I’m thinking again …

Bull projects including a video in the famous Carrara

to take during the more than one hour 30 minutes. I was

around and even rode over a few. Great fun!

marble quarry in Italy.

riding early every morning then working on improving

Have you started planning another epic project

the bike during the day and so on. In total I completed

yet? Can you give us any clues?

Road trips: what’s your idea of the ultimate

over 1,445km in training in preparation for the challenge.

I’m always thinking what could be next and have

mountain road trip? The best of everything you

submitted a few ideas to Red Bull for their thoughts.

could do in a day?

I’m excited, but no clues, I’m afraid!!!

Me and some friends rode by bicycle to Nice in

Wheelie to start with and why? Just because it has never been done or were you looking to tone your

What modifications did you have to make to the bike?

calf muscles up?

Almost everything! Mainly I was standing on the

I’ve been with Red Bull now for 17 years and always

back axle of the bike as there’s not much room on

How about re-creating The Italian Job chase

think that box is ticked, but generally I love riding

been asked to think of interesting places to ride

a trials bike with a foot and right-hand rear brakes,

on two wheels. Would that appeal, or are we

bikes all over the world, so I think that I’m constantly

and amazing projects. I was thinking of something

plus a gyro-effect front wheel which was always

suggesting crazy things to you?

on the ultimate road trip …

026 // JUN17

026 // JUN17

France from the north of England for charity, so I

@LTMOUNTAINS

Love_The_Mountains.indd 1

26/04/2017 13:08

3–4 JUN

8-11 JUN

Mountain Bike World Cup

Keswick Mountain Festival

Crankworx

NEVIS RANGE, FORT WILLIAM, SCOTLAND

LAKE DISTRICT, UK

LES GETS, FRANCE

The world of gravity mountain biking descends

Featuring guided activities including mountain

The world’s biggest mountain biking tour rolls into

on its spiritual home in the Scottish Highlands in

biking, hiking, canoeing, navigation training,

Europe from its previous stop in New Zealand, arriving

the latest round of the World Cup and with the

ghyll scrambling, climbing and much more

at the French Alps for five full-on days of world-class

two reigning UCI Downhill World Champions,

to be enjoyed with friends and family,

competition alongside fun and activities for fans. Next

Danny Hart and Rachel Atherton, both Brits.

there are also challenging sporting events.

stop Innsbruck from 21 to 25 June before the finale in

fortwilliamworldcup.co.uk

keswickmountainfestival.co.uk

Whistler, in August. crankworx.com

All included in the price:

Prices from

Enduro World Series

NZ Mountain Film Festival

Tour de France

ROUND 5 OF 8 | MILLAU, FRANCE

WANAKA, CROMWELL & QUEENSTOWN

FRANCE AND GERMANY

The World Series aims to establish, develop

The New Zealand Mountain Film Festival

The 104th edition of the Tour de France will begin

and spearhead Enduro MTB racing worldwide

is an NZ-made festival which started in

with an individual time trial in Düsseldorf on 1 July

with eight stages in 2017. Millau will see the

2002 and is internationally recognised as

and conclude with the Champs-Élysées stage in

competition hot up as we enter the second half

one of the world’s premier mountain film

Paris on 23 July 2017.

of the years stages. enduroworldseries.com

festival events. mountainfilm.nz

letour.com

S U M M E R

Accomm o hut fees dation incl. (if requir ed) All mea ls Lift pas s Instructi on/Guid ing Any req uired te chnical kit

CHAMONIX

30 JUN 9 JUL

£382

1-23 JUL

30 JUN 1 JUL

14-18 JUN

3–9 JUL

D I A R Y

27-29 JUL 11-13 AUG

THE UCPA RUN A HUGE RANGE OF MOUNTAINEERING COURSES FROM THEIR ALPINE BASE IN CHAMONIX From introductory courses for those keen to learn the basics, to advanced courses perfecting technical skills and attempting challenging alpine routes and world famous summits, including Mont Blanc.

For more information and to book:

www.action-outdoors.co.uk/ mountaineering THE UK PARTNE

Megavalanche

Evel Knievel Days 2017

Snowdonia Outdoor Festival

ALPE-D’HUEZ, FRANCE

BUTTE, MONTANA, USA

BALA, WALES

A downhill MTB race with the biggest vertical

Taking place in Knievel’s hometown, daredevils

The new festival is expected to attract up to

descent of any competition in the world starting

will take their skateboards, BMX bikes,

10,000 people for a combination of music and

from Le Pic Blanc (3,300m) and finishing at

motorcycles and more to extreme heights and

outdoor activities celebrating Wales and the

Allemont (720m) attracts 1,400 participants with

put on a dangerous show in the spirit of Evel

Welsh language. Sporting events will include trail

four days of training and racing.

Knievel that you won’t find anywhere else.

runs, open-water swims on the lake, and bike

ucc-sportevent.com/en/megavalanche-alpe-dhuez-en

evelknieveldays.org

races. snowdonia-outdoorfestival.co.uk

R FOR

028 // DEC16

@LTMOUNTAINS

TIROL WERBUNG SCHWARZ JENS

Book now ba.com/innsbruck

WORDS: PATRICK THORNE

Zillertal Olperer Hütte

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PROMO  029 // JUN17

TIROL WERBUNG SCHWARZ JENS

The Austrian Tirol offers hundreds of miles of magnificent mountain splendour and is a summer mecca for mountain bikers, hikers, and outdoor enthusiasts. It is quite possibly the ultimate summer mountain destination.

Located in the heart of the Alps, Tirol is a veritable Alpine paradise for walkers, hikers, climbers, cyclists and mountain bikers with an incredible 24,000km of signposted and marked hiking and 5,600km of marked mountain bike trails plus 230km of Singletrails.

These include everything from very easy strolls or rides – found around almost every small village in Tirol – to long-distance hiking trails like the Eagle Walk, which runs from St. Johann in Tirol to St. Anton am Arlberg, or the Bike Trail Tirol, a 1,000km-long mountain bike circuit. The region’s cultural heritage is preserved by the locals,

©TIROL WERBUNG / HAIDEN ERWIN, BIKEBOARD

Zillertal Berliner Hütte

Innsbruck, Old Town

Innsbruck Mutterer Alm

030 // JUN17  PROMO

@LTMOUNTAINS

©TIROL WERBUNG

the accommodation, from B&Bs to 5★ hotels, is all run by families

Airport, from which most destinations are just minutes away with

endless array of outdoor activities and events each spring and summer.

and at the same time the infrastructure is state-of-the-art. Over €300

efficient, short transfers.

The historic town is as beautiful as its mountainous backdrop, and there

million is invested each year in modern lifts, so the Tirol can now claim

The locals are genuinely friendly, the food is delicious, the unique

are lots of summer sporting attractions, plus endless opportunities for

to have the best in the world. But those fast, comfy lifts aren’t just for

restaurants and accommodation are of high quality and the resorts

window shopping and enjoying the café culture all day.

skiers; they carry people and their bikes up the mountains in spring

exude true mountain-village charm.

Bikepark Innsbruck is Tirol’s newest mountain biking hotspot. Situated at

and summer too.

The only question is, which one should you visit first?

Muttereralm, just 15 minutes from the city centre, it caters to every level

In summer, the mountains go from monochrome hues to rich colours of green pastureland and forest, dotted with colourful flowers in the meadows. A newfound energy sparks a different type

of rider, with four routes on offer. It’s one of the world’s leading mountain

Innsbruck

of adventure, which along with walking, hiking, climbing, mountain

biking destinations and will play host to the Crankworx Mountain Bike Festival this year in June for the first time. For those who don’t know it, Crankworx is a global world tour for elite riders and brings a full festival

biking and cycling includes a myriad of other adrenaline activities

The beautiful capital of Tirol, three times an Olympic host, is just a

atmosphere along with it. Routes include the 5km-long Muttereralm trail

such as climbing, whitewater rafting and many other outdoor

15-minute transfer from the airport to the city centre. Surrounded by

from the top of the Muttereralm gondola. Everyone from beginners to

adventure sports.

spectacular mountain scenery, this unique destination combines city

early-advanced riders will enjoy the jaw-dropping views over Innsbruck

Tirol’s typical warm hospitality brings guests back year after year,

and nature. Imperial history and modern Alpine urbanity are paired

towards the impressive Nordkette mountains beyond as it descends 750

and this summer getting straight to Tirol will be easier still with a new

with the full range of summer activities, from climbing to water sports.

vertical metres over a series of nerve-testing switchbacks, through the

direct British Airways service from London Heathrow to Innsbruck

A buzzing city surrounded by 2,300m peaks, Innsbruck plays host to an

wooded mountainside to the middle station.

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©TIROL WERBUNG

Mayrhofen in the Zillertal Valley

although if you’re short on time it’s easy to just tackle a section or two

the valley just after the Hausberg, a jump known for being one of the

instead. There are six traditional mountain huts dotted along the route,

hardest in skiing.

Mayrhofen, just a one-hour transfer from Innsbruck Airport, is the

so you’ll have plenty of opportunities to get some well-deserved rest

only destination to make the top three for British visitors in both

and fill up on tasty local cuisine.

winter and summer.

A walker’s and mountain biker’s paradise, with breathtaking views up to the glacier (one of only two in the world where you can ski all year

Kitzbühel

round), you’ll find both traditional and grand mountain huts like the

Alpbach The most picturesque village in Austria: home to traditional wooden and Tirolean-style houses, with balconies and colourful flower boxes,

Berliner Hütte or the modern and sustainable Olpererhütte to enjoy.

Kitzbühel, 75 minutes from Innsbruck, is the third most popular

it is a great starting point for walkers, road cyclists and mountain

The Zillertal is a truly action-packed valley, with every nook and

summer destination choice for Brits in the Tirol.

lovers (even for swimming with 25°C water temperatures) as well as a

cranny offering up fun for all types of adventurers. Alongside

It’s the legendary hotspot in the Alps for relaxation, shopping can be

perfect spot for families.

1,400km of hiking trails served by 10 summer cable cars, you can

paired with outdoor activities including hiking, mountain biking and

Two summer lifts ensure that the “going up” is easy for bikers, and

also explore the valley on bike, climb up to high-altitude peaks or

road cycling, and it’s also a hotspot for golfing in the Alps with no

more than 30 mountain huts take care of the “filling up”. The region

cool off in a natural lake.

fewer than four golf courses to choose from.

can’t really claim to be a top secret tip for mountain bikers as the

Mayrhofen-born Peter Habeler is a local hero. In 1978, he and the

In January each year, Kitzbühel stages Austria’s, and indeed the skiing

famed Transalp Challenge has already been held in the region four

South Tyrolean climber Reinhold Messner became the first people

world’s, biggest sporting event, the infamous Hahnenkamm downhill, and

times, yet it is still far from crowded, with bikes and routes varying

in the world to conquer Everest without bottled oxygen. But despite

there’s no need to miss out on the race route when you visit in summer!

from the most challenging to the well-marked biking trails for families.

climbing all over the world, Habeler considers his home mountains

The best skiers make it down the Hahnenkamm racecourse, known

E-biking is also popular here, making the experience even more

of the Zillertal Valley to be the most beautiful of all. And the Peter-

as the Streif, in less than two minutes, but in summer on foot it takes

pleasurable. The latest e-bikes look like standard mountain bikes

Habeler-Route, created to honour his 70th birthday, will show

2.5 hours to negotiate the 900m drop in altitude. It begins at the

but have an electric motor concealed within the frame, acting like an

experienced climbers exactly why.

race’s start house, close to the top of the Hahnenkamm Gondola, with

extra set of gears.

The 56.1km path circumnavigates the peaks of the western Zillertal,

views over the green pastures of the Kitzbühel Alps all the way to the

You can often ride without engaging “e-bike mode” if you’re a

crossing through awe-inspiring high-mountain landscapes along

jagged peaks of the Wilder Kaiser region. From there, the hike passes

relatively fit biker, but it’s when you tackle the steeper, higher routes

the way. Divided into six stages, the entire route involves a heart-

through spots like Mausefalle (mousetrap), an 85° jump that tests the

that the e-bike really comes into its own. Switch to “turbo mode”

thumping 4,230m of ascent – and with a predicted walking time

nerves of the world’s best skiers, and Steilhang, a steep section that

and you’ll feel like Superman (or woman) with the boost the motor

of 25.5 hours, it usually takes hikers four to five days to complete,

has ended many a skier’s World Cup dreams. The Streif hike ends in

provides every time you touch the pedals.

Alpbach Eagle Walk in the Brandenberger Alps

@LTMOUNTAINS

TIROL WERBUNG SCHWARZ JENS

Niederau and Auffach in the Wildschönau Valley A walker’s and mountain biker’s paradise, located 70 minutes from Innsbruck Airport, the Wildschönau Valley is a beautiful playground of Alpine pastures, old traditions and quaint mountain villages.

In fact Wildschönau is made for summer holidays with 300km of walking trails criss-crossing the region, and mountaintop bike paths to make exploring easy. Families are well catered for too, with swimming pools, horse riding and museums all on its doorstep.

The Wildschönau Valley is an outdoors haven for hikers. Walkers can kick off their stay with a cable-car trip to the top of the Markbachjoch, free with the Wildschönau Card. From there, an easy four-hour hike around the Rosskopf offers a great introduction to the area, with aweinspiring views over the Wildschönau Valley. Make sure to stop off at the Holzalm along the way – it’s a must-visit for cheese lovers, offering guided tours alongside a great selection of local homemade cheeses.

St Johann in Tirol The Kitzbüheler Horn and Wilder Kaiser mountains stand a scenic guard over the pretty town of St Johann in Tirol. With its frescoed facades, it is just a 75-minute transfer from Innsbruck Airport.

This popular holiday resort, part of the larger Kitzbühel Alps region, with over 200km of mountain biking routes to explore, is also the

TIROL WERBUNG SCHWARZ JENS

Zillertal Olperer Hütte

Tiroler Zugspitzarena Lake Blindsee

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PROMO  033 // JUN17

And there’s so much more to do: golf, summer biathlon, and a

runs on 24 stages for some 280km over to St Anton am Arlberg. Don’t

huge choice of equestrian activities from pony rides to full-day

worry: you do not need to walk all of those.

horse trekking. You can also enjoy the currently popular stand-up

But there are plenty of other ways to explore the great outdoors of

paddling (SUP) on a mountain lake and even combine it with yoga

The Zugspitz Arena is an amazing destination for fans of hiking and

the Kitzbühel Alps from a base in St Johann. How about mountain

in Seefeld’s “SUP Yoga Programme” suitable for beginners and

mountain biking at the foot of the Zugspitze, Germany’s highest

karting? Described by one visitor as “a kind of three-wheeled go-kart

experienced yogis alike. This unique concept involves carrying out

mountain, but it is also famed for the glittering lakes that make up

with chunky, all-terrain wheels but no motor, crank, nor pedals, since

yoga exercises on the water amid the tranquil setting of the nature

its landscape, and the best way to explore them is by bike. The

gravity provides locomotion in spades.”

protection area. Segway tour, tennis, squash, paragliding – the list

3-Seen-Tour (3 lake circuit) takes in three of the most beautiful lakes:

You race downhill on your cart with powerful pneumatic brakes

of options just keeps going, and Seefeld stays have become very

Mittersee, Blindsee and Weißensee.

controlling each rear wheel independently, allowing you to navigate

popular as a result.

The 11.2km route starts in Biberwier and follows a tree-lined path towards

hairpin turns by locking the steering and the corresponding back wheel to slide around each bend. It takes a bit of practice, but you’ll soon master it and the ski lifts get you effortlessly up the mountain to the start.

the Loisachquellen, a series of shimmering springs and the first of many

St Anton am Arlberg

photogenic spots along the route. After that, the path carries on through the woods to Mittersee. It’s the smallest of the three lakes, but its waters often reach 22°C in summer, making it an ideal spot to take a dip.

Only 60 minutes from Innsbruck Airport, St Anton is another

After winding through an undulating of forest of fir trees, the cycle

great spot for hiking, mountain biking and climbing in the

path reaches Blindsee, the largest lake in the area. Although it can be

summer months.

cold, it’s also famed for its great swimming, with jaw-dropping views

The most popular destination for Brits in Tirol in summer, Seefeld

For hikers, among its many attractions, it is the beginning and end

over to the Zugspitz, the imposing mountain that marks the border

is also one of the easiest to reach – just 25 minutes from

point for the long-distance trekking path, the 24 stage, 280km (175

between Austria and Germany. Watch out for scuba divers, who are

Innsbruck Airport.

mile) Eagle Walk (“Adlerweg”) over to St Johann in Tirol.

drawn to its clear waters, and underwater tree trunks.

That’s no surprise as it’s a paradise for relaxation, and nature

St Anton is also a great option for climbers in the summer, with

Another forested track leads to the final lake of the tour, Weißensee,

lovers have access to the biggest nature reserve in the Tirol, the

a number of climbing hotspots to choose from and ascents for

which has an incredible backdrop of mountains. From there, you can

Karwendel, which is open to road cyclists and mountain bikers as

all abilities, from total beginners (who’ll find all the training and

pedal back to Biberwier to complete the circuit.

well as hikers.

equipment they require ready and waiting) to consummate pros.

This half-day cycle ride is even more breathtaking in the morning or

In fact, there are no fewer than 650km of marked hiking trails, 570km

Indeed, for first-timers, St Anton also has an indoor climbing centre,

evening, when the sun tickles the peaks that surround it with a pinkish

of road cycling routes and mountain bike trails, and for climbers

arl.rock, where beginners can master the basics before heading out

glow. There’s 513m of ascent but no major climbs, making it ideal for

numerous mountaineering routes and via ferratas (protected climbing

with a guide to try the real thing.

all levels of cyclists. Whether you are after alternative fun such as

routes) covering all levels of difficulty. In addition, the Nordic Walking

The Schnann Gorge is one popular draw with 40 easily accessible

llama trekking, scavenger hunts or adventure paths, Tiroler Zugspitz

and Running Arena, with its 266km of signposted routes, provides an

routes, or higher up is a climbing area around the Darmstädter Hütte

Arena is a perfect holiday destination for families, as well as anyone

ideal opportunity for exercise.

and the 3,140m-high Kuchenspitz Peak.

else looking for a fantastic summer mountains holiday.

Seefeld in Tirol

MAJOR INTERNATIONAL SPORTS EVENTS IN TIROL THIS SUMMER Mountain Biking 21–25 June: Crankworx MTB Festival in Innsbruck 30 June: 9th Zillertal Bike Challenge 3–6 Aug: Ischgl Iron Bike

Walking Events 15–16 July: KitzAlp 24 in Alpbach 20 Aug: Schatzbergmarsch in Auffach 26 Aug: Karwendelmarsch in Seefeld

Road Cycling 16 June: Tour de Suisse starts in Sölden 29–30 Aug: Arlberg Giro in St Anton

Climbing 30 Aug – 10 Sept: 2017 Youth Climbing World Championship in Innsbruck For all road cycling and climbing enthusiasts: Reserve and mark the dates in your diary. In September 2018 two World Championships will take place in Innsbruck: UCI Road Cycling World Championship in Innsbruck and IFSC Climbing World Championship For more information visit www.visittirol.co.uk Book now ba.com/innsbruck

Kitbzbühel Lake Schwarzsee

034 // JUN17  PROMO

©TIROL WERBUNG / AICHNER BERNHARD

Ehrwald and Lermoos in the Tiroler Zugspitz Arena

other starting point of the long-distance trail, the Eagle Walk, which

THE TOUR DE SUISSE The Tour de France and Giro d’Italia are famous cycle races, but did you know there’s a Swiss equivalent, the Tour de Suisse? This year, Engadin St Moritz, 1,850m up in the Alps, is an official partner for the race and, as a stage location, it will also hold the Mountain Prize on 15–16 June.

The route is part of a long-standing partnership between the three leading Graubünden region resorts also including Davos Klosters and Arosa. engadin.stmoritz.ch

ULTIMATE LAKELAND MOUNTAIN TRAIL RACE The 56km Lakes Sky Ultra™, which will take place on 15 July, has been created by Mountain Run Events as their ultimate Lakeland mountain trail race. Designed as a sky distance race with 4,500m of vertical ascent, this exposed, elevated, technical and bold race includes fast descents and soaring ridge lines. It involves classics such as Dove Crag, Hart Crag and Fairfield, Helvellyn, Swirral Edge,

MOUNTAIN FESTIVAL WILL TRY TO BREAK SLACKLINING WORLD RECORD

CatstyCam, Striding Edge, Pinnacle Ridge, High

French mountain resort Les 2 Alpes has announced it is organising a new outdoor festival running from 22 to 25 June. Visitors will be able to watch and to try out many outdoor activities – including mountain biking, trail running and slacklining – in a friendly and festive atmosphere.

skills, walking along a suspended

resort, suspended between Les Crêtes

Trail de la Fée, which is 15km long with

a series of “Experience Packages” to encourage

length of flat webbing that is stretched

and la Vallée Blanche, both at 2,100m.

a vertical climb of 1,000m, and the 3600

between two points.

Mountain bikers can take part in MTB

Summit Trail, for experts only, as it covers

and Adventure Extreme Pack, which features a

Pros and beginners will be able to

Team Up competitions, which include

35km and has a vertical ascent of 2,750m.

day’s Fun Cup racing driving experience, a “Buggy

practise in different parts of Les 2

enduro races and DH in teams of three.

The Paragliding Pre World Cup will also

Meets Jet Ski” excursion, which includes an off-

Alpes. There will be a waterline above

On Friday 23 June, the bike park will open

take place in Les 2 Alpes from 22 to 25

road buggy ride up into the mountains followed by

Buissonière Lake and a highline at

in the evening for the MTB Moon Party.

June. Between 80 and 100 professionals

jet skiing back down on the coast, as well as a day

2,600m, as well as one on the glacier

Visitors can also take part in three

will fly at the same time to give an

at 3,400m, close to the Skywalk, and a

different trail running competitions. The

incredible show.

slackline above a mattress for beginners.

Lactique Hot Trail will be on Saturday, a

A weekend pass to everything costs €45

The world’s best slackliners will be in

Les 2 Alpes will try to break the highline

1,500m race with a vertical climb of 500m.

(about £39).

Les 2 Alpes to show off their slacklining

world record with a 2km line above the

On Sunday, there will be two races: the

ete.les2alpes.com

Street and more. Participation costs £75.

MOUNTAIN ACTION IN THE CANARIES The Anfi Group on Gran Canaria have launched guests to learn new skills. Options include a Sports

trekking in the Gran Canaria mountains or a oneday windsurfing course.

VIA FERRATA OPENS ON UAE’S TALLEST A new via ferrata climbing route has opened on the

SWIM WITH WHALE SHARKS

highest mountain in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

The via ferrata comprises three challenging climbing and hiking paths across Jabal Jais mountain. The easiest course is the Ledge Walk, which takes up

CasaSandra, a luxury and artistic boutique hotel situated in Holbox Island, Mexico, has

to four hours to complete. All guests must prove

introduced a new holiday, “The Art of Whale Shark and Fishing Experience”, for those

themselves here before moving on to the Middle

adventurous travellers who are looking for once-in-a-lifetime and authentic memories, without

Path (three and a half hours) and the Sulphur Scare

renouncing the comforts of a luxury resort holiday. Guests on the trip will meet the island’s

(90 minutes). Each path culminates in an exhilarating

fishermen and learn about the world’s biggest fish, go fishing with them and even get the

zip line back to the start.

chance to swim with the largest aggregations of whale sharks in the world.

“Every year, from mid-May to mid-September, the largest aggregations of whale sharks in the world are found off the coast of Holbox Island, feeding on the waters’ rich plankton, krill and fish eggs. This is particularly amazing since whale sharks are usually considered as

MAN JOINS RESCUE TEAM WHO SAVED HIM

solitary creatures,” said Sandra Pérez, Founder of CasaSandra, adding: “It is also an incredible phenomenon because it’s one of the few places on earth where the whale sharks are not in

A 35-year-old Cardiff man who was rescued by

the deep, but on the surface of the ocean. When you swim with these enormous creatures,

Brecon Mountain Rescue Team in Wales last

you experience all kinds of emotions – freedom, fear – and sense their great spirit and interior beauty.” casasandra.com

year after he crashed on to Pen-y-Fan in the Brecon Beacons while speed flying has joined the volunteer team who saved his life. Niall McCann, who spent 38 days in hospital with a shattered spine after the accident, is back hiking and cycling, and said he felt privileged to work side-

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035 // JUN17

by-side with the rescue volunteers.

WALK THE MAJESTIC MOUNTAINS OF CRETE Cachet Travel are offering two new guided walking holidays for 2017: Walking in Central Crete and Walking in Western Crete. The weeklong itineraries are conducted in small groups (maximum eight people) and led by Cachet Travel’s MD, Ghislain, taking in Crete’s majestic mountains, spectacular gorges, ancient Minoan sites and unspoilt coastlines. Departures up to 10 October 2017.

NEW ACCOMMODATION IN THE HIGHLANDS Established outdoor hub Braemar Mountain Sports has launched a range of self-catering accommodation, Braemar Cabins, that provide all-year-round comfort within easy access of a range of activities in the Highland region of Scotland. Walking and hiking for all ability levels is available locally, and ‘Munro baggers’ can use them as a base to bag local peaks over 3,000ft (914m). braemarcabins.com

ROC DES ALPES

CLIMBING FOR BEGINNERS and find out on a mountain holiday.

in via ferrata – a type of climbing

Engelberg, a mountain resort

where you use fixed steps and

located in stunning scenery in

ropeways, open to anyone.

Switzerland, will offer what they’re

Engelberg has six diverse via

calling “Rock and Safety Days”

ferrata routes to suit the needs of

and new bike tests. It will be a great opportunity to

Those who love climbing in the mountains say there’s nothing better, but if you’ve never tried it, how do you get started and find out if climbing is for you?

on selected dates in June and

everyone from beginners to pros.

discover the Alps, the Aravis massif and La Clusaz

One option can be to sign up

September this year when local

The free-to-join Rock and Safety

on your mountain bike, whatever your ability. The

on a beginner course at your

mountain guides will introduce

Days are to be staged on 12–14

weekend, from Friday 16 June to Sunday 18 June

local climbing wall, if there’s one

beginners to the world of climbing

and 26–28 June, and 4–6 and

The family-friendly fifth edition of the Roc des Alpes mountain biking festival in La Clusaz, France, will consist of three days packed with MTB events

K I D S WO R X

2017, will be spiced up by tons of activities for

near you, but you can also take

free of charge.

18–20 September 2017.

the entire family, both children and grown-ups,

advantage of occasional beginner

The Rock and Safety Days are

engelberg.ch/en/packages-deals/

From 14 to 18 June, Les Gets in the French

including spectacular shows and games.

courses offered in the mountains

great events for anyone interested

rock-safety-days-2016/

Alps is hosting Crankworx, one of the leading international events in the world of mountain biking. Alongside competitions with the world’s

CLIMB EVERY MOUNTAIN

top riders will be a bevy of shows, races for the general public and side entertainment.

Les Gets is the ultimate family resort with mountain biking tracks suitable for every

James Forrest (33) is aiming to climb every mountain in England and Wales in just six months to raise money for the British Mountaineering Council’s Mend Our Mountains campaign, which

POUND RISES IN VALUE

age group, so it was only natural to give the kids their chance to take part in this amazing festival. Kidsworx offers riders six years old

funds upland path repairs on mountains across

and up the opportunity to compete alongside

the UK. James, who started his challenge in

the heroes of the sport, with competitions on the Pump Track, a Dual Slalom course and their

March, will walk more than 1,000 miles, wild camp

own Downhill.

for 100 nights and ascend five times the height of Everest in his bid to summit all 446 peaks over

The Dual Slalom race on Wednesday 14 June

2,000ft (610m) and aims to raise £4,460 – £10 for

will see two participants compete head-to-head on two parallel runs with similar courses on

every peak climbed. jamesmforrest.com

“the Carry’s slope” at Les Gets.

YEAR OF SPORT IN BARBADOS

CYCLING ADVENTURE WEEK

One of the main Kidsworx attractions, the Pump Track Challenge will take place on Saturday 17 June, then on Sunday 18 June it’s the Downhill (new for 13–14-year-olds this year) on the top of

Barbados, which styles itself as “the sporting

Inghams Lakes & Mountains

In the spirit of the Tour de France,

from £26.50 per day; otherwise,

the “Ecureuils slope”. This fun track is 900m of

mecca of the Caribbean”, is proclaiming 2017

will run their first-ever Cycling

Cycling Adventure Week guests

guests can arrange bike carriage

off-camber turns, the D-95 metres.

Adventure Week from Saturday 1 to

will traverse the Col de Joux Verte

to bring their own (prices start from

Sunday also sees the Run Bike Challenge for

Saturday 8 July 2017.

(1,700m), which links Morzine to

approximately £60 return). Inghams

two- to five-year-olds, a new discipline for the

The week has been designed to

Avoriaz, passing the stunning Lac

is offering the seven-night Cycling

youngest in the centre of the village with mini-

offer cycling enthusiasts a chance

de Montriond. All of Morzine’s

Adventure Week holiday to Morzine

bikes without pedals, easy to use, even for the

to climb mountains and take in

Inghams hotels provide bike

departing 1 July 2017 from £834pp

really small. crankworx.com/lesgets.com

Morzine’s breathtaking scenery with

storage and cleaning facilities.

on a half-board basis including

a professional guide.

Bikes are available to hire locally

return flights and airport transfers.

as their “Year of Sport”. Renowned for its plethora of international sporting icons and achievements, in addition to some of the better-known events such as the Run Barbados Marathon Series in December and Sol Rally Barbados in June 2017, it will see new events including the Barbados Cycling Festival in September and the Dragon World Stand-Up Paddling Championship in October.

@LTMOUNTAINS

LESS IS BEST LESS WEIGHT. MORE COMFORT.

LESS IS BEST LESS WEIGHT. MORE COMFORT. LESS WEIGHT. MORE COMFORT.

h g i l - ar t l U e dna riaF

Ultra-lightweight two-person-tent - Hogan UL 2P Fair and ecologically friendly produced: Ultra-lightweight two-person-tent - Hogan UL 2P Fair and ecologically friendly produced:

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23.06.2016 07:36:26

62:63:70 6102.60.32

038 // JUN17

@LTMOUNTAINS

Ultra-trail running is growing in popularity all around the world and there are a growing number of events for ultra-runners to choose from - many of them staged in stunning locations with beautiful mountain venues that both add to the challenge and give you breathtaking views to enjoy as you run.

distances besides the 100km possible and this year, the fourth staging

ultra-marathons. The route begins in the Italian mountain resort

of the race, will see the introduction of a 20km version (alongside the

of Cervinia (over the border from Zermatt), and takes racers on

existing 30km and 50km variants).

rough, stony tracks over five high mountain passes, passing

“The 20km run will have a total elevation gain of 1,700m, making it an

several Italian villages before crossing the border to the Swiss

ideal ‘starter’ trail/mountain run,” say the organisers.

village of Saas Fee as it circles Monte Rosa, the second highest

www.transylvania100k.com

peak in western Europe after Mont Blanc. The various ups and downs of the course involve 8,300m of vertical ascent, equal to

Hardrock 100 14–16 July 2017

climbing from base camp to the summit of Mount Everest twice.

One of the longest-established ultra-trail runs, or “endurance run” as it

ultratourmonterosa.com

Entry costs €195 (£166).

prefers to be called, the first Hardrock race was staged 25 years ago

For those not in the know, ultra-running typically involves races that

climbing and the exact same amount of vertical descent, participants

VMM: The Vietnam Mountain Marathon 22–24 September 2017

are at least twice as long as a marathon, and they can be much more,

have 48 hours to complete the run (most do so in an average of 41

Billed as “the hardest run in Vietnam!” the VMM offers trail running

with 24-hour races of no fixed length and even 1,000km, multi-day

hours from the 6am start).

of 10km, 21km, 42km, 70km or 100km on small dirt roads and narrow

events staged. Officially, though, an ultra-run is anything longer than

Apart from the length and vertical distance on the race, this run also covers

trails past thousands of yellow rice fields in a spectacular mountain

a 42km marathon. Most are 50km or 100km long and the “standard”

high mountain terrain between a low point of 2,340m (at Ouray) and a high

region of north Vietnam.

used for comparison of event is normally the 100k.

point of 4,180m (Handies Peak) so possible altitude sickness, extremes of

The trails range from the easy 10km with 600 vertical metres of gain

The good news for those who think they might want to try ultra-

weather and tough terrain are all factors beyond “just” the very long run.

to the very challenging 100k with 4,000 metres of vertical.

running but don’t want to dive straight in to a 50k or 100k race is that

www.hardrock100.com

In the latter category, the organisers warn, “Given the altitude

in 1992: 161km long and involving just over 10,000 metres of vertical

most events have perhaps five or six different races staged on the

and general hard conditions this cannot be your first Full or Ultra Marathon,” pointing out also that very strong sun or heavy rain is

and see how much you enjoy it.

Fire and Ice Ultra 28 August – 2 September

To add to the experiences, many events are offered in flexible travel

Described as “Tougher than the Marathon des Sables” by the five

“Any participation in this unique event is completely at your own risk

packages so you can, if you wish, add in some quality time taking in the

times winner of the infamous Moroccan Desert race, Mohamad

and you will be required to sign a waiver in order to participate.”

local culture around the race venue or just relaxing on a nearby beach.

Ahansal, the Fire and Ice Ultra is staged over the same 250km

vietnammountainmarathon.com

If you do get hooked (or are already) you’ll be joining a rapidly growing

distance but incorporates many of the most spectacular, unique,

global community of ultra-runners which has now nearly reached half a

remote and pristine aspects of the Icelandic environment to the ultra-

million from only an estimated 40,000 a decade ago, and the number

runner’s feet. The Icelandic interior means the nearest road is over

Ultra-Trail Cape Town 2 December 2017

of ultra-trail runs to participate in is growing fast, too, from fewer than

100 miles away from the race’s starting point, which allows the course

Cape Town in South Africa launched its own ultra-trail event four

1,000 in 2005 to nearly 4,000 to choose from in 2017. Here are 10 top

to take in glacial/volcanic plains, lava fields and deserts of ash. The

years ago, taking place in the southern hemisphere’s summer.

choices of ultra-trail runs in the mountains coming up in 2017:

route starts in the centre and heads north towards the lush meadows

Race options are 100km, 65km and 35km ultra-trail distances, each

as it gets closer to the coast, providing a variety of spectacular,

encompassing a route through one of the world’s most beautiful

challenging terrain and natural obstacles.

cities and on to the stunning Table Mountain. Entry costs from

Transylvania One Hundred 20 May 2017

fireandiceultra.com

around £90 for the shorter race to £200 for the 100km run but

A 100km ultra-trail run that begins and ends at Count Dracula’s

through sponsorship for the race’s environmental fund. Participant

castle has something of an added novelty value – does imagining

Ultra Tour Monte Rosa 6–9 September 2017

you’re running from (but ultimately returning to) the lair of the famous

Described as “beautiful and brutal”, the 116km introduced in

maximum of 1,000 racers allowed to take part.

vampire make you run any faster, then slower? There are a number of

2016 is one of the latest additions to the growing roster of

www.ultratrailcapetown.com

same few days, so you can just tackle a 10k or 15k race to start with

FB.COM/LTMOUNTAINS

always a possibility in the mountains.

participants also have the option to raise 10,000 Rand (about £620) categories are Open 18–39, Vets 40–49 and Masters 50+, with a

039 // JUN17

M A D E I R A One of the most breathtaking islands on the planet, Madeira offers jaw-dropping mountain landscapes, rolling hills, lush green forests, sumptuous turquoise sea and mindblowing views that leave you speechless.

It’s an undiscovered island paradise filled with wonder and surprise, with another view everywhere you turn and something new to make you gasp at its glory.

island that appeal to climbers and base jumpers alike. Best of all, it’s all largely untouched by mass tourism.

These enduro events are always great from a spectator angle. It’s all about a huge festival with lots going on and a really fun atmosphere.

That means it’s great for everyone, not just people into bikes. The

A Mountain Biking Destination Like No Other As you would expect on such famously hilly mountain terrain, Madeira is a paradise for mountain bikers with hundreds of different options whether

ultimate goal is to be a part of a movement that motivates and inspires the local community and island visitors together in multiple ways, promoting biking in a social and healthy way.

Sensational SUP Opportunities

you enjoy enduro, cross-country or downhill biking, and whether you’d

In short, Madeira is quite possibly the most spectacular summer destination in the world. Whether you’re into mountain biking, SUP, hiking, history, festivals or culture, it’s got everything you could possibly want to see and do, probably more.

For the action-sports lover there’s endless terrain offering all levels of challenge for hikers and bikers, coastal waters that are perfect for water sports like SUP, and even sheer cliffs on the

040 // JUN17  PROMO

like to do it for one day of your visit or the whole holiday. If you want to

Madeira is a major centre for the fastest-growing water sport in the

make it easy getting organised, companies like Freeride Madeira (www.

world, SUP. It’s immense fun, anyone can do it and Madeira offers super-

freeridemadeira.com) will do everything from hotel pick-ups, bike rentals

enchanting locations to try it out, providing an awesome way to see the

and guided tours for one inclusive price. Madeira hosted an incredible

island from a different perspective. The calm waters off the coast make

bike festival in early May (ewsmadeira.com/bike-festival) with the concept

it ideal for an introduction to the sport, and there are endless stunning

of developing an Enduro World Series stage in Madeira to connect

opportunities for experienced SUPers too. The islands have several

nature, high-quality trails, international athletes and the local community.

specialist SUP schools and guides who offer part- and full-day tours and

@LTMOUNTAINS

WHAT’S ON IN 2017 The people of Madeira know how to celebrate and are skilled in the art of hosting. To offset their famous peace and tranquillity, there are a number of celebrations and an extensive entertainment calendar throughout the year.

Atlantic Festival:

Weekends in June: 3, 10, 17, 24 Atlantic Festival marks the beginning of the summer season in Madeira. This festival consists of a number of shows that take place on all four consecutive Saturdays of June. With seaside shows combining music and fireworks in the wonderful city of Funchal, it’s very popular with visitors and residents alike!

Madeira Wine Festival: 27 Aug – 10 Sep

In late August and early September you can discover some of Madeira Wine’s secrets by attending the celebrations and activities that take place at the Wine Festival. Grape harvest is one of the “must do” experiences, as you can eventually participate and actually harvest some grapes.

Columbus Festival Porto Santo: 14 – 16 Sep

In September, Porto Santo holds the Columbus Festival, an authentic historic recreation of daily life on the island lessons. Many of these tours reach unique locations in these already

You can follow marked trails such as this yourself or join a guided

during famous explorer Christopher Columbus’s life in

unique islands which are difficult to access by larger watercraft. SUP tours

group, perhaps with a focus on Madeira’s fascinating history, flora or

the sixteenth-century. Musical concerts, sixteenth-century

into the magical Garajau Nature Reserve are one such option.

remarkable bird life. The choices are quite simply endless.

market, exotic dances, games, street entertainment, exhibitions and parades stand out in the wide festival agenda. Fun is guaranteed and excitement is a constant.

The World’s Best Hiking

Incredible Canyoning

Madeira is truly a paradise island for hikers with everything possible

Madeira is one of the best destinations in the world to practise

from a scenic stroll to a multi-day high-intensity hike. There is not only

canyoning. Guides can teach everyone, from beginners up, where to

a vast variety of walking routes on offer in terms of length and level

abseil down idyllic waterfalls then swim in crystal-clear pools and slide

of difficulty, but also a diverse range of walk types, from inland hikes

on naturally carved water slides.

This is the most recent event on the annual touristic agenda

through lush vegetation to coastal paths opening up magnificent

There are hundreds of options for everyone, from first-timers to

and aims to inspire visitors to be more active in terms of

vistas that are among the best you’ll find anywhere on earth.

the most expert, but the Ribeiro Frio Canyon, with six different

exploring nature in all its aspects. In the mountains, by

One such route is the popular Miradouro da Ponta do Rosto, a truly amazing

routes in, is one of the most beautiful places in Madeira to

air or by sea, the options are many, and all people can

walk that will touch your very soul and revive your inner spirit. As you hike

practise. The highest rappel here is about 20m. The canyon is

experience a wide variety of activities that include walks,

along the many incredible views that will leave you breathless with awe,

located within the Laurissilva Forest, a UNESCO World Heritage

paragliding, sailing and much more. It’s a great opportunity

there are vistas of both the northern and eastern coasts of Madeira.

Site and a truly breathtaking landscape.

to enjoy lots of different activities at one time!

FB.COM/LTMOUNTAINS

Madeira Nature Festival: 3 – 8 Oct

madeiraallyear.com/en

The skiing and boarding opportunities in Japan have been a talking point in the winter-sports community for some years now. The main message you get from the pictures and videos is POWDER! Amazing, light, chest-deep powder – the stuff that skiers’ dreams are made of.

less well-publicised attractions.

But first to that incredible skiing and

Ultimate Japan Ski Safari is all about.

and you can rely on Tokyo’s food scene for

That’s the spirit behind the brilliant Ultimate

boarding, because the Ultimate Japan Ski

All of Ski Safari’s trips are completely

a last taste of yakitori, ramen noodles and

Japan Ski Safari from the experts in this type

Safari offers the very best of Japan’s amazing

customisable, and you can alter the itinerary

fresh sushi before heading home (or, if you’re

of holiday worldwide, Ski Safari.

snowsports opportunities to those who

to suit your preferences. The company has

doing the trip backwards, heading off to the

Yes, this incredible trip will take you to some

don’t want the usual dilemma when heading

created a sample two-week itinerary you can

historic ski town of Nozawa Onsen).

of the best skiing and boarding you’ve ever

to Japan – needing to choose between

view online, but you can alter it any which way

If you are a committed skier/boarder, you

had, but it will also introduce Japan’s many

the “wild north” island of Hokkaido, home

you like, perhaps spending more time on one

do really have to go to Japan at some point,

other attractions including the amazing

to world-famous Niseko, and the famous

island than the other or soaking up the culture

and with the Ultimate Japan Ski Safari ticking

cultural experiences offered by the vast,

Olympic ski region of Nagano on the main

in the cities – perhaps visiting the geisha district

every box for the perfect Japanese ski trip,

modern capital Tokyo or the ancient city of

island – they want to do it ALL.

in Kyoto and tasting your way along Pontocho

then why not now! Visit skisafari.com

Kyoto (Japan’s former imperial capital). You’ll

And they don’t want to be restricted to the

restaurant alley. You can even follow the

But – while it’s true that the powder skiing

also sample the onsen culture, particularly

slopes and the group guided tours; they want

selected route in reverse if the fancy takes you.

and boarding is mind-blowing – many of the

in the hot springs of Nagano (some of which

the best back-country guiding in Hokkaido

Tokyo is a must-visit and the draft Ultimate

growing number of people who keep going

are famously popular with the local monkey

with local experts to take them to the very

Japan Ski Safari itinerary includes your last

back to Japan, winter after winter, perhaps

population too), and enjoy the wonderful

best off-piste areas in Japan as well as cat-

(or first) two nights here experiencing Tokyo’s

not having expected to on their first trip, go

cuisine and exceptional hospitality which

skiing, touring and just hunting out the best

malls, fish markets and neon cityscapes.

for the snow but stay for Japan’s many other

Japan offers.

powder during their stay. That’s what the

Oriental Bazaar is particularly good for gifts,

042 // JUN17

042 // JUN17  PROMO

SKISAFARI.COM/ULTIMATE-JAPAN-SKI-SAFARI

T H E U LT I M AT E

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WORDS: THOM AS OSCHWALD

044 // JUN17

044 // JUN17

@LTMOUNTAINS

Switzerland is famous for its mountains. Massive peaks one after another build up to an insurmountable force. But in the middle of this barren mountain world you can find some real havens – the Swiss mountain lakes. They are hidden between the valleys and will enchant each visitor at first sight. Some of them are really big, but there are also some very small ones; however, they all sparkle like diamonds between the peaks.

and a good homemade breakfast.

Personally I prefer the uncertain and unsettled. That’s why I like to sleep under the stars or in a small tent which I carry with me. You have to remember that it gets really cold at night, even in summer. Long trousers and shirts are absolutely essential, even when the temperatures are around 30˚C while walking up during the day. I once made the mistake of starting a tour with only one pair of shorts and one T-shirt, and that was exactly when I fell in the water and did not have spare clothing with me. Luckily I had a warm sleeping bag; however, it was still quite chilly during the night. Since then I have preferred to save weight in other areas. For example, you can use the SUP board to sleep on and drink water from the lakes and rivers in the mountains.

The Swiss mountain lakes are a massive magnet. Not

You might be surprised that I invest so much time and

only because they are beautiful, but also because

energy hiking all the way up just to paddle for quite

they are concealed high up between the mountains.

a short period in the end. As a passionate surfer and

Many you can only reach with a lot of effort and hours

extreme paddler, I’m used to spending a lot of time on

of walking (although some are easier to reach with

the board; usually the relationship with land and water

gondolas and cable cars to assist you if you wish!).

is the other way around. So, why carry an SUP board

Sometimes I will hike up to eight hours up the

for hours up the mountain when you could paddle on

mountains just to go paddling on a lake smaller than

any other lake you could easily reach by car?

a football field when I’m up there. That might sound

I actually ask that myself sometimes, especially when I

crazy and irrational, but that’s exactly what appeals to

climb up the very last metres before reaching the lake.

me, and why I do it again and again. I never wonder

The answer is quite simple: it takes me out of my comfort

why I force myself to walk all the way up when I could

zone to where I can unwind and develop my personality.

paddle around any other lake at ground level instead.

In the words of Paul Gauguin, “The biggest challenge in

Rather, I follow my urge to escape from the daily

life is to overcome the boundary in yourself and go to a

routine and define my life afresh every day.

point you never would have thought you would ever go.”

Whether alone or with my girlfriend, it’s adventure in

Anyone who has experienced floating on a lake up in

nature that is most important. I escape from civilisation,

the Swiss mountains and felt the magic there knows

looking for thrills in my homeland. I don‘t travel far;

what I’m talking about. Some might look for the perfect

instead, I try to find the challenge in my immediate

wave; I am looking for the perfect moment high up in

environment.

the Alps. In the shadow of the mountains, I can explore

Starting spontaneously does not mean not having a

my personality, and each paddle stroke makes me feel

goal. The proper organisation of the route as well as

more alive.

ensuring I have the right gear are essential on each

About the author: Always looking for new challenges

trip. But I always like to keep a bit of uncertainty when

in sports and everyday life, Thomas Oschwald

choosing my routes. This is never based on safety but

constantly pushes his limits. Thomas’s inner conviction

always on physical considerations. The safety aspect is

brings him both small and large challenges in life. They

most important to me, but I also like to fail sometimes,

make him acutely aware of what he experiences as

and that’s why I always challenge my body in new

he breaks out of the daily routine and steps into new

ways to see if I can manage the route I have chosen.

worlds. As an extreme paddler, Thomas rejects the

Switzerland has many stunning mountain lakes.

easy path. A journey, a dream or an adventure should

Some are easy to reach by bike, others only via an

never lose its sense of uncertainty and always offer the

exhausting climb. Depending on how much time I have

chance to make the impossible possible. This pursuit

and how motivated I am, I either plan a short tour with

of new directions widens his horizons; never standing

my bike or a longer hiking trip for a couple of days.

still makes Thomas complete.

That is the beauty of the Swiss Alps – you have lots of possibilities with different degrees of difficulty close together – definitely something for everybody.

I would recommend starting with a smaller tour. The

SUP on Swiss Mountain Lakes the Easy Way

weight of the inflatable SUP on your back should not

FB.COM/LTMOUNTAINS

be underestimated. If you also take camping gear,

If you’d like to enjoy SUP on a Swiss mountain lake

the weight of your backpack can easily be more than

but don’t yet have Thomas’s experience, attitude and

20kg. So, after the first three hours of walking or biking

mountain or SUP skills, the good news is you can still

up, the load of the backpack will start to hurt your

enjoy SUP on Swiss mountain lakes without so much

shoulders. Nevertheless, I never give up, and carry on

effort getting there. Most leading Swiss resorts have

step by step, even though the muscles are tired as I

SUP rentals, and often instructors are happy to teach

get closer to my destination but also closer to myself.

first-timers or guide the more experienced on their

I often go with my girlfriend and to save some weight

mountain lakes.

we only take one SUP with us. In that way, we can split

For example, there are three stations to rent SUPs in

the gear into three bags and share the board up on

St Moritz: the Segel-Club (sailing club), the Murtaröl

the lake afterwards. Sometimes we stay over in one of

restaurant and Windsurfing Silvaplana, who also offer

the mountain huts, which are quite often located close

SUP courses, SUP tours and even yoga classes on

to the lakes – nothing wrong with a comfortable sleep

SUP boards (windsurfing-silvaplana.ch).

045 // JUN17

The superbike of all mountain bikes will be with us this autumn with a price tag to match. The Hope HB 211 is the long-hoped-for creation of Ian Weatherill and the late Simon Sharp, co-founders and owners of the iconic bike parts company for many years.

This gives Hope access to some of the world’s most talented carbon-fibre engineers, right on their doorstep.

Cutting and laying up the carbon sheet is quite a labour-intensive process, but keeping production on site in Barnoldswick gives them total confidence in the quality of parts they can produce.

The company also already uses CNC machinery (incredibly precise computer-controlled equipment) to create their components as a matter of course, so again they had the advantage that they have every

HOPE HB 211 Cost around £7,500

046 // JUN17

Weatherill and Sharp’s company have been making

part already available to the very highest standard,

some of the world’s best bike parts since they

except the frame.

introduced the Hope disc brake to mountain bikes

Since Hope’s existing products are manufactured

in the late 1980s. Expanding over the years, Hope

using the processes most companies only use to

Technology has become renowned in the industry for

produce their first prototypes (that is, CNC machined

being pioneering, innovative, of exceptionally high

rather than cast or precision forged), it’s not been

quality and stunning looking, and parts are still British

an unusual experience for them. The challenge was

designed and manufactured.

taking their skill at producing small batches of bike

The company now employ over 100 people, run their

components and scaling it up to production quantities.

Lancashire factory in Barnoldswick 24/7, export to

This bike uses very few current standards since it has

more than 40 countries worldwide and make pretty

been developed as a design concept rather than a

much every component of a mountain bike except

product design exercise. Maybe not the best solution

the frame, and that’s what’s about to change.

for compatibility, but when you make every part,

Making a complete bike had been a dream of

it gives you the opportunity to manufacture a bike

Simon’s for many years, and for Ian it continues to

without compromise.

be. But it’s never been about the idea of becoming a

So what started years ago as a design concept is

bike brand, but rather just to have the satisfaction of

finally being brought to realisation by September

producing a complete bike.

this year in the incredible Hope HB 211, which the

Initial ideas back in 2005 were for a welded steel

company summarise as being a “160mm travel

frame, but as technology moved on over the years,

All Mountain/Trail/Enduro style bike.” It’s British

so their ideas moved to carbon. Carbon is lighter,

designed and manufactured and looks set to be the

stiffer and stronger than steel so the best material to

superbike of mountain bikes and a mountain bike

use, giving a stiffer ride than steel.

at the very cutting edge of technology. Potentially

There’s a wealth of knowledge around carbon fibre in

the ultimate MTB, it will set you back around £7,500.

the UK, with the majority of the current F1 teams being

Register your interest in owning one of the first on

based here as well as a thriving aerospace industry.

the Hope website.

HOPETECH.COM/HB-211 @INTHESNOWMAG

LEARN FRENCH AND ENJOY ACTIVITIES The Alpine French School is running new residential summer camps which focus on learning or improving French combined with adventure activities. The summer camp is between one and six weeks long in July and August and suitable for all levels of French language. During the afternoons, activities including white-water rafting, Adventure Park, rock climbing, horse riding and mountain biking are offered. alpinefrenchschool.com

THIS IS THE AGE OF THE SOUTH AMERICAN TRAIN Llama Travel offer the opportunity to explore Peru by train on Latin America’s debut luxury sleeper train. Visit Lima, Cusco and Machu Picchu, followed by a three-day luxury train journey from Cusco to Arequipa, via Lake Titicaca. It’s a truly unique way to explore the striking scenery of the Andean highlands while being treated like royalty aboard the Andean Explorer train.

IS THIS THE UK’S TOUGHEST MTB RACE?

BRITISH DOWNHILL MTB SERIES GEARS UP FOR 2017 After kicking off its 2017 season at Nant Gwrtheyrn (“Nant G”) in Gwynedd, Wales, in April and seeing Round 2 in May in Fort William, Scotland, the British World Cup, the national

sponsored by HSBC along with various

weekend will follow the same format.

10 runs or more if they wanted it with

British bike companies, moves on

“The start of practice on Saturday allows

very short queuing times.”

to Round 3 on 17/18 June at

riders not in Expert or Elite to get two

Round 4 will be on 29/30 July at Moelfre,

Rhyd-Y-Felin, Bala.

full runs in to learn the track and get up

Powys, Round 5 on 19/20 August

Race divisions include Junior Women,

to speed,” said a statement from the

at Llangollen, Clwyd, and the series

Women, Juvenile Men, Youth Men, Junior

organisers. “With a limit of 250 riders

will conclude with Round 6 on 16/17

Lowepro will see competitors trying to squeeze as

downhill mountain biking series

Men, Senior Men, Master Men, Veteran

and the same amount of uplift booked for

September at Hopton, Shropshire.

many runs as they possibly can into no less than

supported by British Cycling and

Men and Grand Veteran Men. Each race

320 riders, we saw riders easily getting

fortwilliamworldcup.co.uk

Outdoor Capital of the UK’s Fort William will be staging what’s being billed as the UK’s toughest mountain bike race on Saturday 8 July. The Fort William Endurance Downhill competition organised by No Fuss Events and sponsored by

six hours.

STAY WITH A FAMILY IN SARAWAK Take the family on a fun-packed and active wildlife adventure around Sarawak. Cycling through the streets of Kuching, families will go searching for frogs in the Kubah National Park before hopping on a jungle boat on the mighty Santubong, a haven for wildlife. No trip to Borneo is complete without seeing some orangutans, so there’s also a visit to a centre for endangered, rescued or orphaned wildlife along with beach

MORE BRITS HOLIDAYING IN UK

DUAL SKI & MTB INSTRUCTOR?

Britain’s largest outdoor retailer, GO Outdoors, has published data detailing how

If you’ve always dreamed of being a ski instructor but wondered how you’d

the British public now choose to holiday. With staycations on the rise and costs

keep busy in the summer without travelling to the southern hemisphere, an

of holidays spiralling, 87% of holidaymakers surveyed said they are happier to

all-new course for 2017 offered by Snoworks GAP could be your answer.

forgo a foreign holiday and have a family UK vacation instead. Sales of outdoor

The new four-week course running from 24 June to 22 July combines a

An apparently hungry base jumper, Quentin

equipment at GO Outdoors backed this trend, the company reported, and have

BASI (British Association of Snowsport Instructors) Level 1 qualification with

Lucon, posted a 44-second video of himself

doubled in the past year with camping equipment being most popular.

a MIAS (Mountain-Bike Instructors Award Scheme) Level 1 and 2 mountain

The poll of 2,878 people from a random sample, including 1,022 parents with

bike instructor qualification all in the one course. The course fee includes

children under 16 years old, revealed that parents said that they were also more

three weeks’ (half days) ski training, including performance training, teacher

in his mouth. The burger stays intact for the first

likely to take part in active outdoor activities, such as hiking, camping and canoeing,

training, race training and BASI Level 1 ski instructor exam, plus three

20 seconds or so despite the G-force on it before

when they are on a UK holiday, when compared to a trip abroad (28%) with 72%

weeks of half days of mountain bike training, including technical training,

it disintegrates about halfway through the film,

going on long walks when on a British break.

leadership skills, technician ability and navigation and MIAS Level 1 and 2

leaving Lucon with a mouthful left to chew and

More than eight out of 10 travellers said that going abroad was now too stressful,

mountain bike exams. It costs £4,950 to get the dual qualifications.

swallow after he safely lands.

while a holiday in the UK allowed them to have more fun and not feel exhausted

time too. rickshawtravel.co.uk

EATING A BURGER WHILST BASE JUMPING jumping off a Swiss mountain after taking a few bites of a burger and with the burger still clamped

when they got home.

048 // JUN17

@LTMOUNTAINS

RECORD BREAKING MOUNTAIN COASTERS If you’ve not been to a mountain resort that has one, your first question might be, “What’s a mountain coaster?”

The answer is simple: a downhill roller coaster.

Longest In The World:

Nearly 50 have now been installed around the world,

Steepest In The World:

Naturlandia, Andorra

The longest mountain coaster in the world is reported to be at Naturlandia, an outdoor activities theme park in Andorra. The coaster, named the Tobotronc, is reported to be a remarkable 5.3km long, descending 400 vertical metres over its length between the park’s two bases at 2,000m and 1,600m above sea level.

mostly at ski resorts. There are several different

Mieders, Austria

manufacturers and designs (some with a single,

Mieders is a small village with a population of around

central monorail, others with multiple rails), but the

1,600 that’s close to Innsbruck, capital of the Tirol

concept is the same. You use the ski lifts that are

region. The village’s summer toboggan run at the little

popular in winter to get skiers and boarders up the

Serlesbahnen ski area is officially the world’s steepest

slopes, and in summer for mountain bikers, to bring

alpine coaster and one of the longest, too, at 2.8km.

riders up to the start of the downhill roller coaster.

The monorail-style coaster extends from the top station

While conventional theme park roller coasters need

to the base station of the gondola, leading through the

to ratchet your car up to the top of a slope to get you

lower wooded slopes of the forest, parallel to the route

moving, with mountain coasters the ski lift does the

of the cable car.

work and it’s just a case of heading back downhill, usually one or two to a car.

Fastest In The World:

For ski resorts, mountain coasters help them spread

Funbob, Italy

their business through the year, with a major summer

Most of the world’s alpine coasters have fairly similar

attraction, although most operate in winter too.

maximum speeds of around 32–40 kph, but one claims

Here are the five that claim to be the longest,

to be marginally faster than the rest with a top speed of

highest, steepest and fastest.

48kph. The Funbob Alpine Coaster in Italy is 650m long and, like Mieders, has a monorail design.

Highest In The World:

Newest Mountain Coaster:

The mountain coaster at Glacier 3000, located high

Christchurch Adventure Park, a mountain bike park

above the village of Les Diablerets, close to Gstaad in

in New Zealand, is due to get a mountain coaster by

Switzerland, begins at 2,971m above sea level and is

December this year (2017); in the meantime, Revelstoke

1,000m long. Because of the altitude, and its location in

in BC, Canada, installed a 1.4km-long coaster, “The

a glacier world of eternal ice, it’s particularly important

Pipe”, in spring 2016, which drops 279 vertical metres

to dress up warm to ride this one!

over its 1.4km length.

Glacier 3000, Switzerland

FB.COM/LTMOUNTAINS

Revelstoke, Canada

049 // JUN17

EPIC D ES T I N AT I O N S

050 // JUN17

@INTHESNOWMAG

Why not plan a trip to somewhere epic for your next adventure?

The world is full of amazing destinations and it’s never been easier to reach them. The toughest part is often just choosing where to go first. Here are six of Love The Mountains amazing, epic destinations to get you started:

The Azores Way out in the Atlantic, west of Portugal, the sunsplashed Azores are a group of nine islands that leave visitors stunned by their natural beauty.

With spectacular volcanos, deep azure blue lakes and pools, towering cliffs and numerous beaches, but almost entirely unspoilt with no “resorts” to speak of, the Azores are a very special place and are now on the prestigious ‘Global Top Sustainable Destinations’ too, achieving a score of 8.9 out of 10 possible points

Uganda’s Murchison Falls

The Azores

on the list, which recognises the management of the most sustainable destinations on Earth. group that stands out the most, but arguably the sparsely

are part of the Murchison Falls National Park and

populated island of Flores, just 10 miles long and 7 wide

Conservation Area. This collective area covers over

at its widest point, is the wildest of the bunch. Together

2,000 square miles (5,300 sq km) of protected land.

with the island of Corvo, which is 17.9km away, it forms

The Nile River is the source of the falls. Murchison

the most westerly group of the Azores Archipelago and

falls plummets 141 feet (43m) after squeezing

is officially the westernmost point of Europe too – next

through a narrow gorge that creates a powerful

stop North America! Despite its small size, the interior of

and magnificent waterfall. The Murchison Falls area

the island quickly rises to a highest point of 900m – more

features four of the “Big 5” species with only the

than half a mile high – and a relatively short steep hike

rhino being absent. The government is breeding

reveals an unspoilt oasis of waterfalls and lakes, 600m

rhinos and looking to reintroduce them back into

up, including the twin Lagoa Negra and Lagoa Comprida

area. Wildlife lovers will also find crocodiles, hippos,

lakes. Lagoa Negra is about 100m deep, and a beautiful

giraffes and many other favourites making this

waterfall flows right into Lagoa Comprida.

pinnacle a wonder of nature.

The Melissani Cave of Greece

Arizona’s Havasu Falls

THOMAS HIRSCH

It’s difficult to choose a destination within the island Located in the northwest part of Uganda, the falls

Indonesia’s Mount Bromo

Havasu Falls are not easy to reach, but it’s worth it.

Greece is famous for many things – its ancient history,

It actually takes four to five hours just to get to the

its islands, its beach culture – but its most famous

trailhead for Havasu Falls from Lake Havasu City, then,

sights are generally ancient Greek temples and other

it is a ten-mile hike to the waterfall from the trailhead. It

buildings, not nature’s wonders.

sounds like a lot of work (and it is), but the payoff from

Greece, and its islands, is however full of many such

hiking to Havasu Falls is well worth it. Havasu Falls is

wonders, not least of which are the Melissani Caves

known worldwide and has appeared in many television

on the island of Kefaloni in The Ionian Sea. In Greek

shows and magazines. The bright blue-green water

mythology Melissani was the Cave of the Nymphs and

contrasting against the red rocks of the canyon make

it lay undiscovered, apparently, for centuries, possibly

for a truly awe-inspiring view. Havasu Falls plunges

millennia, before being found again in the 1950s.

more than 30m into a wide pool of beautiful, clear

You enter the caves by boat, with a wide, jagged

water. Havasu Falls is a wonderful destination to visit

entrance marking the entry to an old system of

on your way to or from Lake Havasu City, adding to an

underground tunnels. The whole experience is both

already exciting road trip.

exciting and slightly intimidating. But then the sky reappears as you float in to a great pool, encircled by steep rock walls which are covered in lush plant life.

Norway’s Pulpit Rock

The huge natural “sky light” allows the bright sun to illuminate the water in a vibrant turquoise that reflects

Norway is of course a country that is chock-full of epic

off the cave walls for a magical effect.

destinations, and it’s a nation of hikers, bikers and in

Arizona’s Havasu Falls

wintertime, skiers, who know how to make the most of

Indonesia’s Mount Bromo

the country’s numerous natural attractions.

But Pulpit Rock is one of the contenders for the “most amazing location in Norway” title. Not for the faint-

The Melissani Cave of Greece

FB.COM/LTMOUNTAINS

Mount Bromo is a gently smoking volcano that rises

hearted, particularly those who suffer from vertigo, the

from a plain known as the “Sea of Sand” in East Java,

rock hangs more than a third of a mile straight up above

Indonesia. At 2,329m (7,641 ft) it is not the highest peak

the fjord, and there are no safety barriers at the edge.

of the massif, but is the most well known as it’s so

In fact around 200,000 people visit the rock each

stunningly beautiful. It’s actually a small active volcano

year, and there have been no deaths other than a few

inside the much larger caldera of an ancient extinct

suicides. The authorities decided that putting in safety

volcano.

barriers might actually be more dangerous if people

The name Bromo derives from the Javanese

opted to climb on the barriers to show off.

pronunciation of Brahma, the Hindu creator god,

As well as the 604m drop from the plateau down

and the area is one of the most visited attractions in

to Lysefjord, visitors can also view the Kjerag peak,

Indonesia, despite the fact that it is sometimes closed

which itself is 984m straight up. The rock is located

to visitors as the volcano erupts, most recently (at time

at Preikestolen and only 25km (16 miles) from

of going to press) in 2010. Every year Javanese Hindus

Norway’s fourth largest city, Stavanger. It’s about a

congregate here for their Kasada Festival during which

90-minute hike to the viewpoint from the car park at

live chickens are thrown into the crater as an offering!

the trail head.

Norway’s Pulpit Rock

051 // JUN17

BOTH IMAGES: MARCELO MARAGNI / RED BULL CONTENT POOL

New MTB World Downhill Speed Record

052 // JUN17

Austrian biker Markus “Max” Stöckl has set a new world speed record on a mountain bike by hitting a top speed of 167.6 kph on a standard mountain bike.

“The whole project is an adventure,” he said. “This is

For two years, Markus “Max” Stöckl laid out a plan to

certain goal then you have to put it all in.”

put himself in the record books yet again.

Stöckl was a sight to behold on the bike. In a specially

And, in just 11 seconds and at a speed of 167.6 kph

designed, figure-hugging suit, he effectively had

with a standard mountain bike, whose components

rudders attached to his legs under the material and

you could buy yourself on the high street, he reached

a helmet in two parts – the first a normal helmet, the

that speed hurtling down a mountain with no name in

second aerodynamically designed to ensure the least

Chile’s Atacama Desert. Stöckl has a penchant for the

air resistance possible, the logic being the less air

record books. Brought up in the Austrian mountains,

resistance, the quicker he could go.

his thirst for speed was established at a young age,

A carbon-fibre helmet, outfit and bike were all tested

his place in the speed annals first cemented in 1999.

in a wind tunnel to find the best design and seating

In the interim, records have been set at the French

position for his latest record attempt.

ski resort of Les Arcs and on a volcano in Nicaragua,

But perhaps the most notable part of the record

among others. But, for his latest attempt – sealed

attempt is that the bike is one that you or I could put

following eight practice runs – it was the barren

together… albeit with some effort and expertise.

Chilean desert with barely anything in sight from the

“It’s a standard mountain bike so there’s no part on

4,000m highest point from which he set off.

With the gravel slope of 45º deemed the perfect

the bike that you cannot buy,” he added. “Sure, it’s a

angle for his record, the 43-year-old’s pulse hit the

buy any part: nothing has been specially made.”

170-beats-per-minute mark, the wind whistling past

The preparation to get there included testing runs on

his ears on a 1,200m descent in a place 11,000km

all manner of surfaces from the snow of home to the

from his home in Austria’s Tirol mountains.

Chilean mountains, including his fair share of falls,

Speaking emotionally moments after the finish and

unsurprising with the speeds in question.

his latest record, he said: “I’m back on the mountain

Stöckl admits to being perpetually on the precipice

without a name in the middle of the desert. It’s tricky

of just one wrong move, his only protection being an

because it’s all rocky and loose at the start. It was

airbag built in to his riding outfit.

such a long time and standing up there was like we

“When above 160kph, each and every extra

already cried at the start. It was great fun.”

kilometre per hour requires an enormous effort. If

But for Stöckl, as thrilling as the successful record

you want to get an idea of the air resistance, you

attempt was, it was just as much about the two years

only have to stick your hand out of the car window

in its making.

when you’re driving at 150 or 160kph!”

the top bit of it but also travelling here with all the stuff and making our way through the middle of the desert.”

His journey to 100kph and then 120, he insisted, was straightforward, but, as the descent ran out, the increased speed was harder to come by.

“It’s hard to reach top speed,” he explained. “After 160, each kph is a huge effort. If you want to reach a

high-end bike with the best parts on it, but you can

@LTMOUNTAINS

GIBRALTAR’S THRILL SEEKERS TRAIL Visit Gibraltar have announced that Gibraltar’s first suspension bridge, Windsor Bridge at Royal Anglican Way, has opened as part of a new Thrill Seekers Trail. The bridge is 71m long and is constructed over a 50m gorge. It forms part of a sustainable tourism initiative to restore parts of the Upper Rock country walks and to encourage a healthier outdoor lifestyle. The Thrill Seekers Trail complements other restored paths, including Nature Lover, History Buff and Let’s Go Ape.

UNSPUNNEN RETURNS AFTER 12 YEARS The Unspunnenfest is a unique festival held in the stunning Swiss resort of Interlaken amongst the dramatic Jungfrau mountains. Staged just once every 12 years, 2017 is THE year (unless you want

NEW OUTDOOR SPORTS AND MUSIC FESTIVAL FOR WALES

to wait until the next one in 2029), and 150,000 visitors are expected between 26 August and 3 September to see traditional mountain contests in wrestling, stone throwing, yodelling and other truly extraordinary activities.

The Lightning Seeds, Scouting For Girls and Toploader have been confirmed as the headline music acts for a major new music and action outdoor sports outdoor festival

and 12 and is expected to attract up

company behind the spectacularly

to 10,000 people. According to the

successful Keswick Mountain Festival.

organisers, it was the perfect location

“Because we’re surrounded by

for the event because North Wales

mountains and water this kind

had already developed a reputation

of festival is perfect,” said Bala

as the adventure capital of Europe

Business Association vice-chair

combining adventure sports and live

and had been named among the

Heledd Roberts.

The unusual sport of volcano boarding

music that will be launched in North

top places in the world to visit in

Activities being organised include

is reported to be growing in popularity

Holy Sanctuary in Loiola to the medieval walled

Wales this summer. The Snowdonia

2017 in Lonely Planet’s annual Best

hiking, canoeing, stand-up paddle

with two locations now available for

town of Laguardia in the wine-rich Rioja Alavesa,

Outdoor Festival will be staged on

in Travel list. The event will be held

boarding, swimming, climbing and

first-timers to try it for themselves – one

the walk passes through the meditative limestone

the picturesque shores of Llyn Tegid

on a site at Gwern Hefin Farm and is

mountain biking walls.

version of volcano boarding is treated

landscapes of Aizkorri-Aratz Natural Park, the

at Bala on the weekend of August 11

the brainchild of Brand Events, the

snowdonia-outdoorfestival.co.uk

as an adventure sport, the other as a

Biozkonia Pass (spanning 1,200 miles) and the

WALK ST IGNATIUS WAY VOLCANO BOARDING GROWS IN POPULARITY

(very) extreme sport.

Ramblers Walking Holidays have introduced a new walk, St Ignatius Way, for 2017 – a lesserknown Spanish camino through spectacular Basque countryside. Covering 70 miles, from the

lush Cantabrian Mountains.

Volcano boarding – essentially snowboarding on a board of metal or wood over dirt and gravel down the

POUND RISES IN VALUE

tried on the Cerro Negro Volcano in

Bosch are launching a new riding mode for their

Nicaragua, which hasn’t erupted since

CX eMountain bikes which they say will ensure

1999, or on Mount Yasur in the Vanuatu

a natural riding sensation for the rider as well

Islands west of Fiji, which is constantly

as optimal support on different types of terrain.

erupting and where there is a danger of being hit by volcanic debris or inhaling toxic gas while descending.

In Nicaragua, volcano boarding on

NEW MTB TRAIL FOR LAKE MAGGIORE

eMTB UPGRADES

steep sides of a live volcano – can be

728m-high Cerro Negro is offered by Vapues Tours. It takes about an hour to

Depending on the pedal pressure, the new eMTB mode provides progressive motor assistance adapted automatically to suit the biker’s individual riding technique. Rather than any mechanical changes to the CX range, the bike can be upgraded with a software update.

climb the volcano, but the descent by board can be completed in as little as

EXPLORE A VOLCANO MOONSCAPE

Mountain biking fans looking for

point of Alpe di Neggia at 1,395m.

a bus service if you want to avoid

three minutes. Volcano boarders wear

new destinations this summer

The total route includes 1,318m

this climb – you can put your bike

a protective jumpsuit and goggles,

should consider a spectacular

of vertical climb and the same of

on the bus).

and the experience costs from $25pp

new mountain bike trail that has

descent and takes five hours 20

After a winding stretch up to the

(about £19pp) depending on how

been created for spring 2017 in the

minutes to complete, usually.

Alpe di Neggia (1,395m above sea

many people take part. Gear, training,

cultural walking tour to discover La Réunion, the

Gambarogno region of Switzerland’s

The route starts and ends at the

level), you will find a breathtaking

a bilingual guide and a post-boarding

rainbow French département in the Indian Ocean.

southerly canton of Ticino.

Magadino-Vira rail station; it’s a

panorama over Lake Maggiore;

drink in a local restaurant are all

The adventurous 21.7km-long trail,

12km ride to Vira Gambarogno,

then its 8km of descent will take

provided for the price.

which overlooks spectacular Lake

where the road takes you to Alpe

you down 1,300 vertical metres on

active volcano, swimming and snorkelling from

Maggiore, starts on the shores of the

di Neggia, with an average uphill

one of the most adventurous single

a sand beach protected by offshore coral reefs

lake before a climb to the highest

gradient of about 10% (there is also

trails in the entire region. ticino.ch

Kudu Travel have introduced a new two-week

Highlights include walking through tropical forests, exploring the moonscape of La Réunion’s

and visiting historic coffee and sugar estates, botanical gardens and museums depicting the island’s fascinating history.

FB.COM/LTMOUNTAINS

WIN £250

Love The Mountains have teamed up with ChaletFinder to give one of you lucky readers the chance to WIN £250 off your next mountain holiday when booked through ChaletFinder have been advertising chalets and apartments across the world for over 20 years. Whether it’s summer or winter, skiing, mountain biking, hiking or just relaxing in the sun, ChaletFinder have accommodation to suit everybody.

DAMIAN MCARTHUR YVAN TISSEYRE

DAMIAN MCARTHUR

To enter go to LoveTheMountains.co.uk/competitions and enter your details. If you want to be entered twice into the draw then follow ChaletFinder on Instagram @ChaletFinder

Competition End Date: 30 June 2017 | Voucher expires: 31 October 2017 | Terms: Voucher can be used against any property with availability on the ChaletFinder website for any summer or winter accommodation booking | Voucher can only be redeemed by booking through the ChaletFinder office team | ChaletFinder are not responsible for any travel arrangements or hire of sports equipment | Holiday must be taken anytime from 1 July 2017 – 30 September 2018 | Competition Details: Lucky draw for data share

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IN ASSOCIATION WITH

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CANYON

Endurace CF SLX Disc 8.0 FROM £3899 | CANYON.COM

No two rides are the same. When you need a bike that covers you for any scenario, the Endurace comes calling. Combining endurance-optimised Sport Geometry with a host of features designed to enhance control and comfort.

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ARC’TERYX

 OSPREY

Beta SL Jacket

Sirrus 26 Pack

£99.99 | ELLIS-BRIGHAM.COM/292511

When the rain starts to fall, simply pull this lightweight shell from your pack.

Women-specific daypack packed with

Waterproof GORE-TEX Paclite, user-

practical features. Ventilated back

friendly features and a trim, hip-length

panel ideal for warm climates

fit make this essential wet weather kit.

but integrated raincover for

HIKE

£259.99 | ELLIS-BRIGHAM.COM/233341

inclement weather.

MOUNTAIN HARDWARE



Lamina Z Spark

£129.99 | ELLIS-BRIGHAM.COM/294249 Great choice for UK camping during the warmer months. This synthetic sleeping bag is warm, water-resistant, durable and compressible.

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Men’s Trango Tower GTX 

£264.99 | ELLIS-BRIGHAM.COM/237017

PETZL

Meteor 4 Helmet

Designed for mountain hiking, via

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ferratas and more, this boot combines high-tenacity uppers with GORETEX,

Petzl’s signature lightweight helmet,

for protection against the elements and

the Meteor 4 is cool, comfortable and

terrain alike.

easy to adjust – ideal for climbing and mountaineering alike. (Size 2)

GOAL ZERO

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Lighthouse Mini

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PETZL

As well as providing a great light

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source, this compact lantern has enough battery power to provide one

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PRIMUS

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CampFire Cookset

£44.44 | ELLIS-BRIGHAM.COM/249028

full phone charge from its USB port.



This clever head torch automatically

For all your cooking needs; two pots,

adapts brightness to your

two lids with integrated colanders,

environment and has a red lighting

frying pan with foldaway handle, all in

mode for night vision.

a handy storage bag.

SALOMON

Men’s Speedcross 4

£99.99 | ELLIS-BRIGHAM.COM/243844 Salomon’s best-selling off-trail shoe for the toughest conditions, it combines an aggressive sole pattern with a sleek fit and easy-to-use lacing system for a precise fit.

MSR

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Hubba Hubba NX Tent £389.99 | ELLIS-BRIGHAM.COM/259001

The Hubba Hubba NX is an ultralight, threeseason backpacking tent. With a unique pole configuration, head and elbow room is maximised for improved comfort. The freestanding design is easy to pitch, a low flysheet and StayDry doors protect in wet weather, and it compresses down small to fit into a backpack with ease.

056 // JUN17

@LTMOUNTAINS

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VANGO

Harmony Single S. Sleeping bag

£39.99 | ELLIS-BRIGHAM.COM/245031 Soft fabric and a roomy rectangular design make this a great choice for relaxed summer camping. Comes in a compression stuff sack.

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SALOMON

Crossamphibian Swift Women’s

GARMIN

Fenix 5X Sapphire Multisport Watch

£629.99 | ELLIS-BRIGHAM.COM/262063

£69.99 | ELLIS-BRIGHAM.COM/243404 Quick-drying, breathable anti-debris mesh uppers, a collapsible heel and quick lacing for a precise fit, this can

Offering extensive multi-sports modes,

handle rock, river and sand – a truly

long battery life and fantastic in-depth

versatile summer shoe.

exercise tracking, the Fenix 5X Sapphire combines style and performance for

PATAGONIA 

demanding athletes and outdoor

Quandary Pants

adventurers.

£74.99 | ELLIS-BRIGHAM. COM/217631

S U M M E R



SMARTWOOL

Run Light Elite

Lightweight, stretchy and quick-drying, the Quandary Pants are a superb choice for

ELLIS-BRIGHAM.COM/219064 £14.99

summer hiking. The nylon/ spandex blend allows plenty of movement, while the straight

Targeted cushioning provides comfort, mesh ventilation zones,

leg and slim fit add the finishing touches to this agile trouser.

aid temperature control and Indestructawool technology ensures they’ve got the durability needed to last run

SALOMON



Trail 20 Pack £49.99 | ELLIS-BRIGHAM.

after run

COM/241030 Salomon’s popular trail pack offers streamlined looks,

IN ASSOCIATION WITH

balanced load distribution and ease of use for runnning, biking and more. Hydration bladder compatible.



£21.99 | ELLIS-BRIGHAM.COM/219080

£29.99 | ELLIS-BRIGHAM.COM/272007

Outdoor Med Crew

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MSR

SMARTWOOL 

PocketRocket 2

Top quality merino meets Indestructawool

MSR have taken their iconic model

technology to produce a walking sock

and made it lighter, smaller and able to

that’s hard to beat. Offering impressive

accommodate a wider range of pots.

durability, a fantastic fit and comfort

With a powerful burner, precise flame

from the word go, they’re the perfect

control and a tiny pack size, it’s a great

companion when you’re out in the hills.

choice for lightweight adventures.

HIKE

057 // JUN17



SALOMON



Bonatti Jacket

BLACK DIAMOND

Men’s Solution

£129.99 | ELLIS-BRIGHAM.COM/240701

£64.99 | ELLIS-BRIGHAM.COM/133020

Made from AdvancedSkin Dry, the

The Solution is a superior harness for

Bonatti WP jacket provides light,

sport climbing. Fusion Comfort Technology

breathable, wet weather protection so

distributes weight evenly and reduces pressure

you can tackle the daily run with ease.

points for comfort that lasts as long as you do.

Weighing in at just 210g, this light, breathable, waterproof running jacket effectively manages moisture and is cut for unlimited freedom of movement.

HIKE 

KEEN

Wmn’s Terradora Mid WP

£109.99 | ELLIS-BRIGHAM.COM/287242 Lightweight support, waterproof protection, underfoot cushioning and great aesthetics make this a great mid

MOUNTAIN EQUIPMENT

height boot for all outdoor aspirations.



Wmn’s Chamois Pants £79.99 | ELLIS-BRIGHAM.COM/228319 A proven bestseller, perfect as a yearround option for climbing and trekking on technical terrain and in fluctuating temperatures.

GOPRO

Hero5



£299.99 | ELLIS-BRIGHAM.COM/672009

LOWE



Alpine AirZone Pro

4K video, one-button simplicity and voice control in a small, rugged, waterproof

£109.99 | ELLIS-BRIGHAM.COM/200251

design. Built-in Bluetooth and wi-fi and supplied with two mounts.

Adaptable capacity means this pack can switch between day hikes and lightweight overnight stays with ease. Great ventilation, comfort and support plus an integrated raincover.



OSPREY

Talon 22 Pack

£89.99 | ELLIS-BRIGHAM.COM/292482

HIKE

THERM-A-REST



NeoAir XLite REG Camping Mats

£134.99 | ELLIS-BRIGHAM.COM/230256 A true all-rounder from city commuting to exploring the outdoors, this 22-litre

Folds into a small stuff sack, weighs

capacity pack has adaptable storage

just 350g, yet really warm thanks to the

options including pole attachment,

ThermaCapture technology.

helmet attachment and bike light point.

INOV-8



Wmn’s Roclite 305

£114.99 | ELLIS-BRIGHAM.COM/290415 A great choice for varied terrain, the Roclite 305 provides a great fit and feel.

Cushioned, supportive and really grippy.

058 // JUN17

@LTMOUNTAINS



FIVE TEN



Wall Master VCS

PRIMUS

Onja Stove

£69.99 | ELLIS-BRIGHAM.COM/135315

£114.99 | ELLIS-BRIGHAM.COM/249009

With comfortable, breathable leather

Compact, portable and stylish, this two-

uppers that mould to the foot and a stiff

burner gas stove is suitable for large

sole providing structure and support,

pots. Oak lid doubles as chopping board.

S U M M E R

these will perform at the gym, on multipitches and more. (Size 7–12)

IN ASSOCIATION WITH

DMM



Mantis/Belay Master 2 Set

£29.99 | ELLIS-BRIGHAM.COM/128604 Perfect for climbers building confidence on their belaying skills, the easy-to-use Mantis has been paired



with the super-safe Belay Master 2.

INOV-8

MONTANE



Spine GTX Jacket

£249.99 | ELLIS-BRIGHAM.COM/214039

Long Tights

£59.99 | ELLIS-BRIGHAM.COM/295458

The Spine jacket is a waterproof, breathable shell with a minimalist design to suit

This full-length running tight delivers

mountain runners. Tailored to be worn

outstanding freedom of movement,

over low-bulk layers, this superlight piece

next-to-skin comfort and support

includes only the essentials so you stay light

in one. Ideal for training in cooler

and mobile when the weather closes in.

temperatures, they include a zipped rear pocket and dual mesh pockets designed for storing energy gels.



ULTIMATE DIRECTION

AK Mountain Vest

RUN

£119.99 | ELLIS-BRIGHAM.COM/644002 From ultra marathons to endurance

LOWE

training days, this new vest has 11.5 litres



of storage, including open and zipped

Alpine AirZone Z 25

pockets and two 500ml soft bottles for the front of the harness.

£69.99 | ELLIS-BRIGHAM.COM/200253 Your go-to pack for day hikes, bike

ROSE

rides and beyond. AIrZone back system offers unmatched comfort and ventilation and a 25-litre capacity.



Root Miller 3

£3726.20 | ROSEBIKES.CO.UK The latest enduro specific machine from Rose, including their super trail geometry and a 29in wheel package.

HIKE

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059 // JUN17

AMO Thunderstorm

£98 | AMOSUNGLASSES.COM

REVO Dalton

£310 | REVO.COM

Total protection to keep your eyes safe in the most extreme environment. Full wrap-

A notable higher-fashion heritage design, Dalton sunglasses are made for style within

around style with wider arms means no leakage of light from the sides. Thunderstorm is

the heritage collection from the original 1985 ranges. Revo’s proprietary High Contrast

light and comfortable with adjustable temple arms and soft adjustable nose pieces. They

Polarized lenses reduce glare and provide 100% UV protection. Revo Dalton (RE1043)

come with two sets of lenses (photochromic is recommended for trail running).

is a full rim frame for men and women, which is made of Injected Nylon.

REVO Clayton

£220 | REVO.COM

UV500 NASA lenses and integrated with up-to-the-moment styling. While they always

AMO Transformer

Total flexibility with interchangeable lenses and arms means you are prepared for any kind

sunglasses be more than just accessories but also irreplaceable assets in their collection

of light. Stylish lightweight frames and soft adjustable nose pieces, adjustable temple arms

of gear. Revo’s proprietary High Contrast Polarized lenses reduce glare and provide 100%

with three different lens options. AMO’s Transformer base frames come in a matt black or

UV protection. Revo Clayton RE1040 is a full rim plastic frame for men and women.

matt white colour with two styles of temple arms; choose lens to match with your activity.

SPY Hayes

PALA Zola

The iridescent pink marble frame and round silver flash lenses of Zola create a

road of life and whatever character-building bumps it holds. Featuring the detail- and

confident style statement that is anything but quiet – a classic festival show-stopper.

mood-boosting Happy Lens™, the Hayes is crafted from fine handmade acetate, has

The lenses offer 100% UV protection, and the sunnies come with a case woven from

smooth five-barrel hinges and includes a hard case and cleaning cloth.

recycled plastic waste and microfibre soft bag for further protection and cleaning.

£115 | ZEALOPTICS.COM

As big and bold as the era and music that ins

in this large-scale, ’80s-inspired piece. Avail polarisation, the Discord is constructed from

sturdy five-barrel hinges, six-base polycarbon

S U M

£45 | PALASUNGLASSES.COM

The perfect “driver glass”, the Hayes is for those who are driven to fully embrace the

ZEAL Magnolia

£115 | SPYOP

£105 | AMOSUNGLASSES.COM

look good, Revo sunglasses are made for active adventurers who demand that their

£110 | SPYOPTIC.EU

SPY Discord

REVO Aston

£220 | REVO.COM

AMO Typhoon £92 | AMOSU

Revo adapted NASA technology and integrated it into its own fashionable sunglass designs.

Magnolia leads us to go the extra mile on every run, hike or ride. And with our new

Revo’s proprietary High Contrast Polarized lenses reduce glare and provide 100% UV

Typhoon is a true trail sunglass with slim adj

Z-Lite thin injection process, this ultra-lightweight sunglass frame lets you push on and

protection, and its Motion-Fit frames provide unparalleled comfort and a clear field of vision.

nose pieces. AMO’S typhoon sunglasses co

focus on the view ahead through our plant-based ellume lenses, while our ProFlex

Revo Clayton RE1040 is a full rim frame for men and women, which is made of Plastic.

is recommended for trail running) and frame

rubber inlays keep your glasses in place no matter how strenuous the trail ahead is.

060 // JUN17

@LTMOUNTAINS

DRAGON ALLIANCE MountaineerX

TIC.EU

£135.90 | SHADESTATION.CO.UK

spired it, a little dissension goes a long way

Ready to face every challenge, the MountaineerX offer protection from the sun,

lable with the Happy Lens™ and Trident™

reflected UV, high impact and corrosion elements such as saltwater and sun cream.

virtually indestructible Grilamid® and features

With an interchangeable C-Temple system, leather sun shields and a rope lanyard

nate ARC® lenses and 100% UV protection.

M E R

NGLASSES.COM

system, these sunnies are ready for action when you are.

REVO Ryker

£175 | REVO.COM

SPY Deco

£110 | SPYOPTIC.EU

Like a classic art deco building, the Deco mixes materials and designs to bring an inspired industrial look to life. A handmade acetate and Monel alloy frame that’s thick from the sides while maintaining thin lines from the front creates a look that’s part steampunk, part high fashion and all you.

PALA Nuru

£45 | PALASUNGLASSES.COM

Revo sunglasses are made for active adventurers who demand that their sunglasses be

Nuru puts a contemporary twist on the classic aviator with angled mirrored lenses,

more than just accessories but also irreplaceable assets in their collection of gear. Revo’s

slender temples and flat luxe gold metal frame. It’s all about style and swagger, this

Motion-Fit frames provide unparalleled comfort and a clear field of vision. Revo Ryker is a

one. The lenses offer 100% UV protection, and the sunnies come with a case woven

full rim frame for men and women, which is made of plastic

from recycled plastic waste and microfibre soft bag for further protection and cleaning.

PALA IFE

NIKE Vision Terminus

£45 | PALASUNGLASSES.COM

£91.95 | SMARTBUYGLASSES.CO.UK

IFE’s striking round silver flash lenses are surrounded by green and black tortoiseshell

Tough yet deft, these sunglasses stay put and maintain clarity during high-action

acetate rims. Coupled with high-density stainless black metal frames, these sunnies

training or competition. Anti-fog ventilation holes in the frame circulate air flow, and

are subtle and bold all at once, providing the right amount of attitude to stand out in a

the ventilated rubber nose bridge also reduces fogging. The Terminus have the added

crowd. The lenses offer 100% UV protection, and the sunnies come with a case woven

bonus of interchangeable lenses for any light conditions. Lightweight but durable, the

from recycled plastic waste and microfibre soft bag for further protection and cleaning.

Terminus will handle anything you can throw at them.

SPY Flynn

£100 | SPYOPTIC.EU

The Flynn proves it’s possible to look forward and back – at the same time. Available with

ZEAL Incline

£115 | ZEALOPTICS.COM

ustable temple arms and soft adjustable

the Happy Lens™ or Trident™ polarisation, the Flynn isn’t just for rocking the pool party or

Incline is designed to be your partner for all-day descents. We believe you need to earn your

me with two sets of lenses (photochromic

beach. Its futuristic take on an iconic design is for taking the bold wherever you go. And

turns, so we’ve taken our plant-based Z-Resin to a new level of lightness with our Z-Lite thin

colours are in white, pink or yellow.

with a virtually indestructible Grilamid® construction, the Flynn is built to go deep into time.

injection process to bring you a sunglass that’s so light, you’ll forget it’s there. Except for the fact that our polarised, plant-based ellume lenses help you see the greens and blues of the landscape below like never before thanks to our unique blend of colour filters.

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061 // JUN17

M

I

N

U

T

E

S

JEROME CLEMENTZ Enduro World Series rider Jerome

the training is working on your technical

Clementz, twice Enduro World Champion,

skill. Travelling and riding in remote places

is a mountain-bike legend who has

with your friends is also a good way to

competed in the toughest endurance

train; spending the day out and then

events on the planet.

having a drink can’t be bad and will keep your spirits high. You need to learn from

What’s your goal for this year on the EWS?

the facts in your results of your VO2 max

JC: Have fun, stay healthy and be able to

test but you do it with pleasure and you

compete with the young and talented new

even ask for more.

generation. I still hope that I can give them a run for their money ... ! Since I’ve been

VO2max – can you describe how that

EWS Champ and twice on the podium of

helps your training?

the overall 2015/16 season, I don’t have

JC: At some point, if you want to improve

much pressure; I just hope I can give my

your fitness, you need to do it properly

best, enjoy the moment and finish every

with facts. The VO2max test allows you

race with a smile.

to build a training programme knowing at which pace you will be able to get the most

What’s been your favourite season?

out of each exercise. Once you’ve done

JC: The 2013 season will probably remain

the test and depending on what tool you

as the best one. It was the first year of

use (power meter, heart-rate monitor), your

EWS, and the level increased quickly;

coach can define the zones where you

everybody was expecting me to do well

need to be in the different exercises you

and I wanted to. Being able to win the

have to do. Without this, it’s easy not to

championship in 2013 and other great

train in the right way and get overtrained or

event this year was the highlight of my

badly trained.

career and definitely the one where I achieved one of my biggest dreams, if not

Describe your ultimate MTB road trip.

the biggest.

JC: Ultimate MTB road trip ... well, let’s start dreaming. It would be a remote

In the masterplan, you talk about fun stuff

place, maybe Canada, Chile or New

and serious stuff …

Zealand, private for the occasion where

JC: Now Enduro has a really competitive

the trailbuilders have rebuilt all the trails

field and the races are really tight; every

before you arrive. Fresh and loamy in

second counts. We are professional

the technical areas and smooth and fast

athletes, and in order to perform at

on the jump lines. It also needs to have

your best, you need to introduce some

some unridden natural trails and a long

exercises that are not especially fun: for

descent (more than 1,000m). You take

example, going to the gym in the winter;

some friends, stay in a comfy hut (not

following a training programme day by

luxurious) with a place for a big fire, pit

day, whatever the weather is; watching the

bike and good sound system. You spend

helmet camera footage of your practice

your day shuttling with a water-powered

run; or walking the stages. It’s something

car, ride until you are done, watch the

you do because you understand that it

sunset on the deck of the terrasse with a

will give you benefits in your performance.

beer then the party can start with a BBQ,

On the other side, I believe that mental

some Piscola, music and, at some point,

attitude is a big part of the game, and if you

Metallica comes and plays for your crew.

want to be performing, you need to enjoy

Then you go to bed with your girlfriend

what you do. Luckily, in Enduro, a part of

and restart the next morning.

062 // JUN17

@LTMOUNTAINS

ellume polarized Sunglasses made from plants, not petroleum.

Zeal Optics’ ellume polarized lenses make your experiences richer and memories more vibrant all while reducing environmental impact.

zealoptics.com