Issue 18 - Winter 2021/22 - Morzine Source Magazine

issue 18 | winter 22

ISSUE 18 - WINTER 22

FREE // GRATUIT read me & take me home

Your source of information for Morzine, Les Gets & Avoriaz

INTERVIEW

Jeremy Jones

INTERVIEW

INTERVIEW

PLUS

Everything you need to know this winter in Morzine, Les Gets & Avoriaz

Failure is not an Option

Meet The Rocket

Dave Ryding

Antonin Guigonnat

The Protect Our Winters Founder on saving our snow line

“I’m not one to focus on the Olympics”

Morzine’s Biathlon Champion is heading for Beijing

Shooting for the Stars

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H US • YO IT

PROPER UR

HANDS W

The Les Gets property rental experts since 2008

IS IN GOO TY

Property owner in Les Gets or considering becoming one?

Then working with family-run Chalets1066 is the best solution - here’s why.

We’re dedicated to Les Gets, with over 40 properties in the village. Our team is based here all year round and we know the resort inside out. Being Les Gets experts gives our property owners confidence and reassurance.

Your property is in good hands with us.

We pride ourselves in offering excellent service, both to clients and chalet owners. Our loyal guests have grown used to the highest standards of service and now we’re expanding our portfolio to take on more premium properties.

We’re a holiday company who take great care of the properties we manage. We don’t sell, build or renovate property. We can, however, help with the TVA rebate process if you are purchasing a new-build property and, importantly, manage your property in line with the required regulations.

We use cutting edge IT systems, skilled marketing strategy, our team is multi-lingual and we ensure all the properties we manage are well maintained. Combined, these elements help to optimise your income whilst taking complete care of your Les Gets property.

To discuss more about how we can work together contact: Mark Nathan for English and Morgane Dardy for a conversation in French.

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resort information

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CALL: +33 (0) 4 50 75 82 68 | EMAIL: info@chalets1066.com | WEB: www.chalets1066.com © oreli b

Assurance et Banque

Financial Planning and Insurance

But not as you know it Your local AXA agents Marc Invernizzi and Nicolas Laurent invite you for a full 360˚ financial review, without obligation.

Whether you’re considering a move to our valley, or you’re already here, it pays to be prepared; both for the now, and the future.

We are experts in:

Here at AXA Morzine we pride ourselves in counselling our clients - both new and old - to reassure you during these uncertain times.

Call or email us to arrange an appointment

04 50 79 15 34 Marc Invernizzi – Nicolas Laurent

835 route des Bois Venants, 74110, Morzine agence.invernizzietlaurent@axa.fr Agents Généraux associés exclusif AXA N° ORIAS 20003458 / 20003460 www.orias.fr ACPR – Autorité de contrôle prudentiel et de résolution : 61 Rue Taitbout – 75009 PARIS Le détail des procédures de recours et de réclamation et les coordonnées du service dédié sont disponibles sur les sites www.axa.fr. En cas de non résolution d’un différend à l’issue du processus de réclamation, vous pouvez avoir recours au Médiateur, en vous adressant à l’association : La Médiation de l'Assurance, TSA 50110, 75441 PARIS CEDEX 9

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your source of information for Morzine, Les Gets & Avoriaz

contents New Places to Stay....................................................................8 Resort Essentials................................................................... 10 The Jeremy Jones Interview.................................................18 Trending - Snowboard........................................................26 Discover La Battante.............................................................30 The Dave Ryding Interview.................................................34 Trending - Ski....................................................................... 40 Explore More This Winter...................................................44 Facing the Future...................................................................48 Trending - Family................................................................ 50 The Stephane Gros Interview........................................... 54 Trending - Backcountry......................................................58 The Perfect Ski Boots...........................................................60 The History of Ski Jumping................................................62 Meet The Magic Makers.......................................................64 The Diary of Mia Brookes................................................... 66 The RP Roberts Interview................................................... 72 The Source Accommodation Directory........................... 77 The Antonin Guigonat Interview......................................82

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Trending - Interiors.............................................................88 Hot Property............................................................................91 Through The Keyhole...........................................................96 The State Of The Market....................................................102 Property News & Updates................................................ 104 The Piers Taylor Interview...............................................108 Ellie’s Safe House - Here to Listen.................................. 114 The Montagne Verte Update..............................................116 Trending - Eco......................................................................118 The Flocon Vert.....................................................................112 Cover Story............................................................................124 Summer Runners are made in Winter........................... 126 Trending - Travel................................................................128 Road Tripping......................................................................130 Yoga For Skiers & Snowboarders...................................132 Trending - Down Days.......................................................134 The View.................................................................................136 Spoilt For Choice.................................................................138 The Source Restaurant Guide..........................................142

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What Ever Happened to the Col de Corbier?...............146 Trending - Gifts...................................................................150 A Summer of Events............................................................152 //

contents

5

welcome It’s the evening of Friday 15 March 2020 and

unbearable weight of this virus the swerve, if

I’m constantly refreshing my browser, awaiting

only for a week.

the inevitable update. Across our valley other small business owners are doing the same.

As I write this intro, at the very final moment

A premature end to the Winter 2020 season

before we go to print, I’ve no idea what this ski

is disastrous on many levels, to say we were

season will look like for any of us. I’m confident

disturbed and anxious when the news finally

and resolutely positive, yet everything is still to

arrived would be an understatement.

be confirmed. I do know that everyone involved in the organisation of our villages, ski lifts and

I never imagined we’d still be in this uncertain

local businesses are committed to making

and precarious situation as we roll into Winter

Winter 2021 work in every way possible. We’re

2021 some fantastic businesses in our industry,

in the most capable hands and it’s so inspiring

reared over many years by hardworking

to watch new shops, restaurants and chalets

owners, have failed because of COVID-19. More

open in the face of COVID-19. The volume of

will follow in the months to come. Was I alone

development this year has been staggering and

in imagining that this chaos would be over by

there’s a genuine feeling of hope now – there’s

now?

light at the end of the tunnel. The new normal will be a much better normal here in Morzine,

Once again you’ll find reference to the global

Les Gets and Avoriaz and you’re expected to

pandemic throughout many of the articles

join us, of course.

that follow, and I’m truly sorry for that. Whilst COVID-19 is unavoidable, I’d hoped to offer you

Go forth, enjoy, wash your hands.

a respite from this annus horribilis. I’d hoped you’d arrive for your annual winter holiday, filled with excitement and able to give the

Amie - amie@morzinesourcemagazine.com /MorzineSourceMagazine

/MorzineSourceMagazine

brought to you by…

Often under difficult circumstances, our team of excellent contributors have really pulled it out the bag this winter. We’re immensely grateful to you all!

Nicky Iseard | Tim Scott | Michael Henderson | Tammy Esten | Samuel Nelson | Aisling Donnellan | Kyles Garrett Alan Watson | Gareth Jefferies | Benjamin Eyre | Edwina Sutton | Natalie Elvy | Emily Williams | Carrie Greer | Daniel Elkan Cover image - Lac de Montriond by Thomas Gallopin - tgphotographie.com @tg_photographie_

a note on our paper…

We love our paper, we’re proud that it’s sustainably sourced and recyclable. We’ve therefore decided not to coat it in anti-bac chemicals or to stuff this magazine into a plastic bag.

CBP001747

Copyright Origami Media Ltd 2021. Morzine Source Magazine is published in the UK and remains the property of Origami Media Ltd. All material in this magazine is strictly copyright and all rights are reserved by Origami Media Ltd. No part of this publication may be reproduced in whole or in part without the written permission of the publishers. Dates, information and prices are believed to be correct at the time of going to print but are subject to change and no responsibility is accepted for omissions or errors. Any correspondence and advertising enquiries should be directed to: info@origami-media.com or visit www.origami-media.com. Design and reprographics by Origami Media Ltd. Printed in the UK by Swallowtail Print Ltd. With thanks to the Office de Tourisme in Morzine, Les Gets, Avoriaz, Vallee d’Aulps and Les Portes du Soleil.

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welcome

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your source of information for Morzine, Les Gets & Avoriaz

So good, you might forget to go out skiing…

Come and stay in our beautifully curated spaces, surrounded by Morzine’s stunning scenery with award-winning food in both our catered and self-catered chalets. A truly unforgettable Alpine experience. email: bookings@alikats.eu phone: +44 (0)20 3514 6012 / +33 (0)7834 96703

Source Magazine’s Favourite Customer Service in 2019

Telegraph’s top 5 ski holidays 2018-19 for food lovers

Top ranked on Trip Advisor

alikats.eu

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resort information

7

places stay NEW

TO

DURING WINTER 2022

This winter brings no shortage of new accommodation in which to rest your weary ski legs. Whether your priority is plenty of space for all the family, somewhere unique and quirky or location, location, location, here’s our round-up of brand new bolt-holes for your next holiday.

If your ski holiday accommodation dreams feature a characterful log cabin dating back to the 1860s, decked out with rustic charm and packed with contemporary interiors, look no further than Les Trois Mazots. This newly renovated collection of one larger cabin and two individual mazots sleeps eight guests in four bedrooms in total. They’re just an easy one minute walk from the Super Morzine lift station and the sights and sounds of central Morzine. There’s a large sun terrace and a hot tub, a cosy open plan living space and stunning views over the valley. There’s a handy boot room, electric vehicle charging point and plenty of storage for all your kit, yet the highlight here is clearly the interiors. They’ve been finished to an exceptionally high standard in a bold and unique style that we just love.

Les Trois Mazots

Completed at the end of last winter season and available for the first time commencing December 2021, Chalets A & Z in Avoriaz are two individual residences in the same ski-in, ski-out location in the Dormonts quarter.

They’re available to rent individually or together for larger groups and we think it’s fair to call them two of the most exclusive, contemporary chalets that Avoriaz has seen in a long time. Chalet A sleeps 11 people in five bedrooms whilst Chalet Z sleeps 13 people in five bedrooms. Both feature stunning contemporary design, open fireplaces and huge windows overlooking the Arare and Fornet.

Kitchens are packed with all you need for the perfect self-catered holiday, there’s also loads of storage, sun terraces and a laundry room.

Chalets A & Z

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new places to stay

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Find out more:

lestroismazots.com

Find out more:

avoriaz-premium.com

Find out more:

we at he r

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Here’s how the chalets of the future will look. Large, expansive living spaces with high spaces, floor to ceiling windows and natural light from every angle; crisp, modern, minimalist and a delight to holiday in. Chalet Nelcote in Morzine is named after a mansion on a headland above the Côte d’Azur made famous by the Rolling Stones in the early 1970s and inside you’ll discover five bedrooms, six bathrooms, a hot tub, sauna and gym.

There’s a library, cinema room and views over the rooftops of Morzine. This extra special chalet is more than just a holiday home; it demonstrates the very best of contemporary architecture in our valley.

op en

Chalet Nelcote

4p pen fro m m eve 2p m - 2 ryda in ca am y se so

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emeraldstay.com

The best pop rock bar in Morzine playing the best music from the 70’s til now Live Music Every day from 5 pm Monday and Thursday nights from 10pm.

Live DJ every night .

Apartment Bailicimes du Jardin

Find out more:

This beautiful, new-build, selfcatered apartment comes with the added bonus of a private terrace and garden, which is sure to make it incredibly popular during both the winter and summer season. Sleeping four in two bedrooms and with two bathrooms, the apartment is located just off the Route de La Plagne, within a 15-minute walk of central Morzine. There’s plenty of storage inside, allocated parking, a fully-equipped kitchen and stylish, contemporary interiors.

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Check out our great reviews on Find all our events on our website and or social channels

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new places to stay

9

essentials winter

We may have missed an entire winter season, but time did not stand still here in Morzine, Les Gets, Avoriaz and the wider Vallee d’Aulps. On the pages that follow we round up the most exciting new developments this season, plus some you may have missed from last year’s saison blanche. You’ll also find a constant stream of unmissable resort events on our website.

The New Belvedere Lift

New and Improved Grand Cry

Morzine’s ski lifts failed to make one turn last winter, but despite the obvious lack of revenue generated during the season, investment in the lift network continues unabated. The télésiège du Belvédère is the first lift most of us encounter at the top of Pleney. It was slow and that’s an understatement. It’s replacement is a 6-man chair lift with the capacity to disperse a whopping 2800 skiers an hour into the wider lift network. There’s also better safety for new skiers, more comfort for the rest of us and even a living roof on the departure station to help it blend into the landscape. Elsewhere at the top of Pleney you’ll discover a welcome chalet staffed by local experts to help you plan your day. There’s also a couple of phone charging kiosks too!

It’s always one of the most popular runs in Les Gets and for this winter season, the Grand Cry has a number of new modules for children aged five to 12 years to enjoy.

The Indian-themed park features musical and skills-based games, teepees, a very cool picnic area, treasure hunts and drawing competitions plus face painting for little ones.

There’s now a totem bell for you to ring as you whizz through the park and a giant wall of fries to ski through. Don’t forget to look out for the bison and pumas as you go!

Discover More: lesgets.com

The Morzine Igloo

© reuben shaul

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Created in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic when our ski lifts were closed, Morzine’s Igloo returns this winter season and it makes for the perfect family trip. Located along the Vallee de la Manche and easily accessible on the free ski bus route, you’ll discover a beautifully crafted igloo to play in, alongside a gentle cross country ski or snowshoe route, a snow playground, picnic area and a sledging slope that’s perfect for little ones. Take the E bus route to L'Egriné.

your source of information for Morzine, Les Gets & Avoriaz

Chalet Blythe Comes to Life

Run with the Horses in Avoriaz

A Night Under The Stars

Currently under construction and set to become one of the most exclusive properties in Les Gets, Chalet Blythe occupies a superb location on the Front de Neige in the centre of the village, just metres from the pistes and lifts. Operated by Les Gets catered chalet company Summit Special, Chalet Blythe is an all-singing, all-dancing small boutique hotel with interiors by acclaimed designers Shep & Kyles and architecture by renowned architect Hérve Marullaz. Inside you’ll discover eight large en-suite bedrooms, a spa area featuring a swimming pool, sauna, ice room, hammam and private treatment rooms, plus an outdoor hot tub. We’re mostly excited about the expansive rooftop terrace and bar area, which will offer views across the rooftops of the village. It’s also great to know that two electric vehicle charging points will be installed too.

Ski-joering is without doubt one of the most fun activities in a ski resort. Hurtling along on your skis behind a powerful horse is such a thrill and we highly recommend that you give it a go this winter. On the pisted walking trails of the Super Morzine you’ll find Shinouk, Phillipe and their pack of beautiful, well cared for horses. You can choose between a 30 minute and a 1hour 15 minute session, taking in the tranquility of these quiet routes that also come with stunning views.

At the Refuge L’Abricotine at the foot of the Brochaux chairlift in Avoriaz you can discover a unique holiday within a holiday experience.

Benjamin and his team offer an authentic overnight stay in their warm, cosy refuge that features Savoyarde specialities for dinner plus 24 dormitory beds. You’ll enjoy a night under the stars in the snowy wilderness as skiers head home for the day, the sky grows dark and the piste bashers get to work. It’s just €59 per person for dinner, bed (including sleeping supplies) and breakfast and you’ll head home AVorIAZ SKI JoErING with fantastic memories.

Discover More: avoriaz-skijoering.com

+33 686 07 31 32

Discover More:

refuge-abricotine.com // SKi +33 JoëriNG ANd ENJoy AN uNforGEttABLE or call (0)IN 6AVoriAZ, 66 26ComE 05 26 ExpEriENCE oN SKiS BEhiNd A horSE, iN thE mAJESty of thE

portES du SoLEiL SCENEry to book a table for lunch!

Discover More:

iNitiAtioN 30 miN

summitspecial.co.uk

WALK 1h

CoNfirmEd 1h15

A uNiquE momENt to ComBiNE thE pASSioN of SKiiNG ANd horSE ridiNG, to BE iN pErfECt SymBioSi

AP_Pressad_sourceMagSUMMER_185_25mmx127_5mm_FINAL.pdf

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25/04/2019

SKiJoEriNG.fr

09:13

© oreli.b Crédit photo: ©orELI.B

PICTURE YOUR PROPERTY HERE. UNDER THE NOSE OF 10,000 POTENTIAL BUYERS. EVERY DAY. Each month our property listings receive over 1 million pageviews from over 100,000 individuals looking for their ideal Alpine home.

With our friendly team of 20 locally based, bilingual staff, we will work with you to price, promote and sell your property.

Experts in their regions, they know the area, the buyers and the local contacts you will need to make a successful sale.

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28/03/2016 11:2511 winter essentials

Ciao, La Bokka

The Best of Both Worlds

Next Generation Lift Passes in Avoriaz

This brand new, authentic Italian trattoria in Why not combine your love for skiing and the heart of Les Gets stood ready to welcome snowboarding with a round of French lessons diners in December 2020; unfortunately this winter? The local language experts at COVID-19 had other plans. La Bokka finally Alpine French School run a variety of courses opens its doors for the Winter 21/22 season throughout the winter season at all levels, from with a menu that features genuine Italian beginners to advanced. Their intensive courses dishes, ingredients sourced directly from include 10 hours of lessons per week, taking Italian producers by acclaimed head chef place between 9am and 11am each day, giving Antony Trezy and stunning interiors crafted by you the rest of the day to enjoy the mountains, former Louis Vuitton interior designer Linda or between 4pm and 6pm each afternoon.

Rabouine. La Bokka is a complete evening of Super-intensive packages include 20 hours entertainment. Think pre-dinner cocktails per week with small, friendly groups that make in the James Bond-esque lounge followed by learning a breeze. Prices start at just €180 per a delicious plate of freshly prepared pasta week and courses begin on 26th December you2022. looking to improve and then live music into the early hours. “The untilAre 10th April your French/English?? ambience we’ve created is chic, stylish and Discover More: fun” restaurant manager Julien Moulinet told Alpine French School offers a wide range of courses, camps and activities alpinefrenchschool.com Source. “This will be a destination restaurant for adults and children. Special rates for locals and new courses for everyone! where you can plan your family celebrations, stay to enjoy the entertainment to simply drop in for a first class pizza or salad and a crisp glass of Italian wine.”

Alpine French School Full Page.pdf

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05/10/2021

11:21

Discover More: bokka-lesgets.com // Instagram @bokka-lesgets.com Tourists and Second Home Owners:

Do you live in the local area?

• NEW French language & adventure activity camps in all school holidays

• French & English Summer Camps with language workshops & adventure activities special locals' rates

Hubert Sports, but not as you know it

• NEW Family French Camps: fun French workshops + adventure activities + choice of accommodation during all school holidays

This winter, Avoriaz lift operator SERMA will trial a lift pass with dynamic pricing - this means the price you pay will be determined by overall demand on a particular day or time during the season and your passes all be cheaper the further in advance that you purchase them. AI will be used to determine the best rates for lift passes, taking into account peak times, snow conditions, the weather and other elements too. SERMA hopes that this sophisticated system will attract new skiers to the Avoriaz 1800 ski area and the innovation continues with a new, fully-digital Shred Experience pass. This is the world’s first pass-free lift pass; all you need to access the Avoriaz 1800 ski lifts will be integrated onto your mobile phone. The advantages of the Shred Experience pass are plentiful; you’ll no longer need to visit the lift pass office at the start of your holiday, instead you’ll buy your passes on your phone. The environmental benefits of fewer plastic passes in circulation cannot be ignored!

The Shred Experience pass will access the ski lifts serving the Stash and the La Chapelle snow park (that’s the Ardent cable car, the Lindarets chairlift and the Chapelle drag lift) and is priced at €19.50 per day.

DISCOVER MORE: skipass-avoriaz.com

One of Morzine’s oldest ski shops has • NEW Children's and Teenager's French & English • Teenage French Residential Camp in the Summer Holidays: meet other courses in all school holidays to work on specific undergone an huge facelift and redesign teenagers from around the world, improve your French & enjoy the best skills adventure activities the Alps has to offer! ahead of this winter season. Hubert Sports • French / English tuition for juniors and adults at your • French Intensive Courses for adults: boost your French in just one week home *from 17€ per hour* on the route de la Plagne in the centre of with our native-speaker qualified teachers in an interactive environment • NEW French / English tuition or 'Soutien Scolaire' for the village been expanded to feature an • NEW Come & stay for a month....orhas longer with our special children & teenagers lessons *from 17€ per hour* accommodation & lesson packages from just 599€ per month! extended selection of ski clothing including • Classes to learn to read and write ina English • NEW Inter-season special offers (mid-April to mid-June & September to mid-December) • French & English lessons financed Join the Ski Patrol large range of Picture Organic Clothing plusby your professional training budget (or CPF) if you have a • Try our online Lessons available all year-round for adults children via you French business or are employed on a French many accessories orandextras might need Skype/Zoom/Google. You will be surprised at how this time-efficient contract. We help with the paperwork to get your format can be really effective & keep you in touch with France from finance approved!

What does a day in the life of a ski patroller during your ski holidays.

They even have wherever you are! look like? Find out as you join the team on the much-coveted Picture Organic x WWF Morzine’s Pleney in the early hours as they collection including and info@alpinefrenchschool.com | 04 sweaters, 50 79 08 38 | hoodies www.alpinefrenchschool.com prepare the pistes for the day ahead. This extra caps. Brothers Cédric and Sylvain are known special experience is open to all this winter for their exceptional ski fitting services and #MadeInLesGets and is offered free of charge on one morning with a location just one minute from the Super per week; you just need to book your space at Morzine lift, Hubert Sports is a great place to The resort of Les Gets have launched their own the Office de Tourisme. You’ll ski the perfectly visit this winter. range of French-made, sustainably-focused groomed pistes, checking for obstructions and merchandise for you to collect and take home ensuring the safety markers are in place as the Discover More: this winter. With the aim of eliminating single lights of the village twinkle below. Each session hubertsports.com use plastic in the resort, the range includes ends with a well-deserved coffee and pastry bags, water bottles, caps, t-shirts, umbrellas, inside the ski patrol hut, just before the ski lifts hot drinks carriers and more. A safety certified come to life. face mask is also available for €10 and a neck buff for €13. They make the perfect holiday Discover More: morzinesourcemagazine.com/events souvenir and are available to purchase from for specific dates and times the Les Gets Office de Tourisme in the centre of the village. *if you pay income tax in France

N EW!

SHOP

Discover More: lesgets.com

© alpine-property.com

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SKI RENTAL SPORTSWEAR

your source of information for Morzine, Les Gets & Avoriaz

Wake Up, Smell The Coffee Developed by people and planet loving coffee enthusiasts who like to start each morning with a phenomenal brew, Cafés Vorlaz is a new environmentally-focused coffee roastery in our valley. Delivered to you with zero waste and zero emissions, Cafés Vorlaz only roast beans purchased from carefully selected coffee farmers and they prepare a new batch each Thursday to ensure your order is extra fresh. Order your coffee via the Cafés Vorlaz website, prices start at €9,50 for 250g and you can choose from a filter or espresso roast. You can also choose to fill one of your own containers on delivery, or pay a one-off €20 deposit for a Cafés Vorlaz handmade sandstone storage pot.

Discover More: cafesvorlaz.com // Instagram @cafesvorlaz

Days Away Adventure Source advert Advert Winter.pdf

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17/08/2021

Love the Outdoors

There’s an App for that Holiday accommodation company Snow & Trek have launched a useful app for their guests this winter. Personalised according to each of their different properties and featuring a curated list of resort goings-on, the app also includes propertyspecific information such as driving directions, a local weather forecast, lift pass details, a local area guide and useful contact numbers. “Rather than those printed and laminated info packs you often find in your chalet or apartment, our new app is a much more practical way to share useful information with our guests,” Vicky Whitehorn of Snow & Trek explains. “Even before they arrive in resort, visitors can read our hand-picked list of local restaurants, essential events and begin to get excited for their holiday.”

We find you the best places to snowshoe - come and discover a beautiful snow-covered landscape off the beaten track.

We tailor our walks to you.

Snowshoes, walking poles, coffee, cake & transport provided

We also run igloo building parties, avalanche transceiver safety workshops and first aid courses.

www.daysawayadventures.com

Discover More: snowandtrek-morzine.com //

winter essentials

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A Mid-Winter BBQ

Wellness with a View

Up, Up & Away in Avoriaz

La Païka in Les Gets is famous for its lunchtime BBQs during the winter season, but did you know that this notorious restaurant has a sister in Les Lindarets? Restaurant La T’chapa serves up the same friendly, cosy atmosphere as La Païka with delicious dishes to suit the whole family. Ski straight to the door (advance reservations are always recommended, especially during school holiday weeks!) and you’ll discover grilled meat, giant prawns and more, cooked to order on the huge outdoor BBQ to accompany an excellent wine list. You might as well settle in for the afternoon…

Can there be anything more refreshing than a dip in a warm, relaxing swimming pool after a day on the slopes? At Le Mil8**** in Avoriaz the infinity pool looks out over the peaks of the Portes du Soleil, making for a spectacular setting as the sun sets. There’s also a sauna, massage room and even a gym in case you’ve any energy left to spare. The Mil8 Signature Massage is a true treat, combining ancient, soothing and rejuvenating massage techniques. The hotel restaurant, bar and wellness suite are open to non-residents throughout the winter season.

Last winter Avoriaz lift operator SERMA prepared and secured a small number of ski touring routes for the benefit of those who like to get their downhill thrills by selfpropelling up a hill. The result? Ski touring and splitboarding became a big deal. In fact, an overwhelming majority of those surveyed

by SERMA during the course of the season said they plan to continue to enjoy the mountain in this alternative way during future winter seasons. SERMA responds this winter with three dedicated ski touring routes suitable for all ability levels. You’ll use the existing pistes to descend with itineraries that take in beautiful natural scenery. Use the Avoriaz Up & Down app to plan your route and look out for updates on night touring sessions and tutorials this winter.

Discover More:

Discover More:

facebook.com/Restaurant-La-Tchapa

hotelmil8.com //

or call 33 (0) 4 50 74 07 86 to reserve a

Instagram @hotelmil8

table.

Nyon: Something for Everyone

Take a Break at the Sapana Spa Located within the Kinabalu residence in the heart of Les Gets and open to non-residents throughout the winter season, the stunning Sapana Spa makes for a perfect break from the slopes. Designed to encourage a sense of calm and relaxation, inside you’ll discover a swimming pool, spa bath, hammam and cosy treatment rooms. The exclusive Thalac and Thalac bio product ranges are used to encourage a soothing experience that will leave you rejuvenated and ready to enjoy the rest of your holiday. Advance booking is required and you can view the full treatment menu on the spa website.

Discover More: alpine-residences.fr

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We love Nyon so much, we commissioned artwork of the iconic peak for our front cover. This sector of the Morzine ski area has reinvented itself over the last 12 months and is now a dedicated area for beginners, families and lovers of nature. To reinforce this new theme, there’s a brand new magic carpet on the Nyon plateau giving access to a gentle, secure slope for those very first turns.

You’ll also discover a playful new snowshoeing trail, an excellent sledge run that both adults and children will love and a snow park and border cross for all levels of ability. Of course the Pointe de Nyon restaurant continues to serve delicious local dishes while also hosting a fantastic collection of eagles on the back terrace. And don’t forget to pay a visit to the Pas de l’Aigle (Eagle’s Step), a 15 metre long glass footbridge suspended from the peak of Nyon, 350m above the void. Are you brave enough? The views are worth it, we promise.

© avoriaz 1800 // loïc bouchet

Man’s (and woman’s) Best Friend Photographer Gio Fleming has this year launched a dog photography service which aims to capture the beauty of time spent with your pet outdoors. Whether you’ve brought your dog on holiday with you, or you live locally, Gio is available to photograph you, your four-legged loved one and the rest of your family in a stunning local location.

Each session lasts around an hour and a half and prices begin at €160 which includes the photoshoot, digital photos and a fine art print of your choice from the photoshoot. Gift vouchers are available too!

Discover More: gioflemingphotography.com/dogs

Wild Beets source advert NEW.pdf 1 Avoriaz 16/09/2021 your source of information for Morzine, Les Gets &

The Ski-In, Ski-Out Art Gallery Hotel MiL8 in Avoriaz has teamed up with the online art gallery ventedart.com to open a contemporary arcade gallery on the lower level of the residence, which you’ll find in the centre of the village With direct access to the slopes, hotel guests and contemporary art lovers from across the Portes du Soleil can now view and acquire superb works from acclaimed artists to take home with them. With a fine selection of pieces signed by artists such as Edouard Buzon, Toma L, Nicolas Rubinstein, ANTO Fils de Pop, Pascal Bernier, Alexandre Nicolas, L’Atlas, Maxime Lhermet and more, you’ll also discover that some works have also just been hung in the hotel lobby, creating a new artistic dimension for the whole resort to enjoy.

10:08

250 Route du Front de Neige,

Les Gets Situated near the Chavannes telecabine

+33 (0)6 47 63 13 51

We have a passion for quality coffee and healthy food

new summer 2021 2nd location in Morzine

Wild Beets Kitchen

14 Route d'Avoriaz

Mixed media by Edouard Buzon sculpture by Michel Soubeyrand

Breakfast | Brunch | Salads | Wraps | Dinners

Morzine Towards Prodains

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Breakfast | Brunch | Salads | Wraps

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Taste the Unexpected

L’Improvise translates to English as ‘the unexpected’, and that’s precisely what you’ll experience at this new pizza bistro in Morzine. Located in the old quarter, in a spot where there are very few other eateries, the team here have designed an eclectic mix of contemporary and classic pizzas, available to eat in or take away. New on the the menu this winter you can expect the Bella Rossa - beetroot cream with honey, Mozzarella fior di latte, lambs lettuce, fresh goats cheese, walnuts and balsamic cream in addition to an upgraded Forestière featuring porcini mushrooms, bacon and Mozzarella fior di latte. Fresh pasta and gnocchi also feature on a menu that is jam packed with fresh, seasonal ingredients.

WWW.RUSHADVENTURES.CO.UK CATERED CHALET HOLIDAYS

Discover More: improviste-morzine.com

NOW IS THE TIME TO RESTART YOUR ADVENTURE

IT'S TIME TO FOCUS, RELAX AND UNWIND. RUSHADVENTURES HAVE BEEN HELPING THEIR GUESTS EXPLORE THE FRENCH ALPS FOR OVER A DECADE. CATERED CHALET HOLIDAYS IN THE HEART OF LES GETS...

WWW.RUSHADVENTURES.CO.UK //

winter essentials

15

Rock The Pistes Returns

The Unmissable Alta Lumina

The Return of Snowboxx

It was one of the first events taken out by COVID-19 in March 2020 and the closure of the ski area meant it couldn’t take place in 2021. Fans of live music will be delighted to hear that the Portes du Soleil’s very own music festival returns to our slopes between 13th and 19th March 2022 with venues across the ski area. Each day there’ll be a concert in a different location at 1.30pm in addition to over 30 additional apres-ski concerts in individual resorts. The festival is entirely free to attend, all you need is your lift pass to access each venue. As we go to print the final lineup hasn’t been announced but we’ll load everything onto our events calendar at morzinesourcemagazine.com as soon as it's available.

Many of you ask us for one ‘must do’ while you’re here for your holidays and Alta Lumina in Les Gets is always one of our recommendations. As you’ll discover on page 64, this is where the magic happens.

Alta Lumina is an enchanting evening walk through the forests surround the Lac des Ecoles, perched above the twinkling lights of the village. The walk tells the story of a hawker travelling through the mountains selling his wares from this hot air ballon, which crashes into the forest. Magic ensues and the result is truly spectacular. Alta Lumina is a fabulous activity for families as children of all ages will love the light shows, the interactive elements and the imaginative storytelling.

Because there’s no better feeling than raving at 1800m, Snowboxx returns to Avoriaz between the 19th and 26th March 2022 and… drumroll… the lineup has already been announced! Join in high altitude fun alongside Andy C, Annie Mac, Becky Hill, Sonny Fodera plus many, many others inside a massive open air arena in the centre of the resort. Fringe events include apres parties in secret locations, DJ sets in an enchanted forest, igloo parties, bottomless brunches and more. Whilst most festival-goers opt for a full package including accommodation, transport and a festival wristband, it’s also possible for local residents to buy festival-only wristbands which only become available as the festival draws nearer.

There’s stacks more information on the snowboxx website for your reading pleasure!

Advance booking is necessary: Discover More:

altalumina.com

Discover More:

rockthepistes.com

snowboxx.com

© snowboxx

Back On Track This winter life and leadership coach Caitlin Cockerton launches a series of back to nature retreats and 1-to-1 outdoor coaching experiences here in our valley. Caitlin is passionate about helping people through big work and life transitions so that they feel more aligned in who they are and what they do. She believes that nature, movement and human connection are vital ingredients to support change and she creatively integrates these elements into her outdoor coaching practice.

The retreats involve 1-to-1 coaching sessions, forest bathing, wild swimming, yoga and mediation, healthy meals and cosy mountain accommodation. They make for the perfect alternative holiday experience, while those living here in our valley might benefit from individual coaching sessions with Caitlin. If you’re feeling disoriented or overwhelmed by the craziness of the last couple years and could do with a bit of support, contact Caitlin now.

© rock the pistes

Glasses For All If you’re in the market for a new pair of sunglasses during your holiday, or perhaps your small people have lost theirs (again), take a trip to La Lunetterie on the route de la Plagne (opposite the large pharmacy) in the centre of Morzine to see Priscilla and Alexis. They’re experts in eyes, performing eye tests within the boutique and they also offer an extensive range of both glasses and sunglasses from several brands including Ray-Ban, Tod’s, Tom Ford and Julbo. The shop is open every day throughout the winter season between 10am and noon and 5pm and 7pm. for updates Head to: facebook.com/la-lunetterie-morzine

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winter essentials

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© ralta lumina

contact Caitlin: connect@greatheightspathways.com

your source of information for Morzine, Les Gets & Avoriaz

Image credit The Boutique Chalet Company

• interior architecture • project management • interior design • consultancy •

www.shepandkyles.com

© www.sharpography.co.uk

• renovations • conversions • general contractor • construction management • • fluent english spoken • 20 years experience in the portes du soleil •

www.acr74.com //

danny macaskill

17 /acr74

“failiure is not an option”

THE

jeremy jones INTERVIEW

by Amie Henderson

18

the jeremy jones interview

// © Ming Poon // protect our winters

your source of information for Morzine, Les Gets & Avoriaz

I don’t feel comfortable reminding you of these things. In fact, it goes against everything that we, as a magazine, are here to promote.

Sometimes there’s a single strip of snow running down the Pleney, we call it a piste and we say it’s open, but there’s no snow anywhere else. Sometimes I hop on the Avoriaz webcam to check conditions, it’s raining at 1800m. Sometimes Mont Chery is only open for a few weeks each winter due to insufficient snow. I don’t share these images with you, of course.

Instead I’ll tell you about the spa, a lovely new restaurant, something wonderful for you to do with your children. Why not join us this summer? If you follow us on Instagram, you’ll know what I mean. I’m a master at making everything look rosy.

The truth is, I should feel very uncomfortable. And you should too. Our mountain air may be fresh and clean, the views are always stunning. But the uncomfortable truth is, our snowline is retreating. It’s had enough of our constant carbon production, our development at all costs, and it’s heading back up the mountain. Who can blame it?

But still, I really struggle with the message when it comes to climate change in the mountains and I’m often baffled by the science. I give a shit, I really do, but how do we merge the necessity to do more - to be greener - with the obvious footprint of tourism. And tourism is the lifeblood of our villages, supporting families, often generations. The conundrum is overwhelming to say the least. I need someone to help me figure this out.

In 2007, professional snowboarder Jeremy Jones (of Deeper, Further and Higher fame) noticed that resorts he’d usually count on for good riding were closed due to insufficient snow. At the time there were no organisations advocating for the planet - no one mobilising the snow sports community on the threat of climate change. Protect Our Winters was born in this moment, giving a voice to those who love the mountains and want to preserve them for the future.

As a magazine, we’ve supported and highlighted the work of POW over the years. Their messaging is clear; right now, we have the luxury of worrying about how environmental change will impact snow levels.

Right now, we have the luxury of being able to direct change, rather than react to a foregone conclusion. But if we sit on our hands, in 20 years time, we’ll be worrying about our jobs, our economy and our planet, wondering when the next powder day will arrive. Yet never did I ever imagine that POW founder Jeremy Jones would make himself available to explain this unconformable yet urgent conundrum to me. He calls from his home in Truckee, California. >> //

the jeremy jones interview

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Jeremy, when you founded Protect our Winters in 2007, did you foresee how the organisation might grow globally?

There’s a lot to be proud of in the sense that we’re global now, we’re doing great work and we’ve got really hard working people to help us focus on what matters. But the frustration is the lack of global progress. It’s almost like a missed decade that we’ve had. That’s the harsh reality of it.

But you must be proud of the progress you’ve made so far?

We surround ourselves with experts on climate change and it became really clear that to get large CO2 reduction, that would require policy change. So we focus on law makers that are serious on climate issues. The election cycles in the US specifically and in Canada, they often come down to like less than 1000 votes in a key state and that makes a huge difference on climate policy. I know that POW has definitely brought a bunch of new voters to support the climate, especially in Canada. We’ve played an important role in changing the course in certain states and I’m proud of that.

“Dream now, plan later”

And while I’ve focused on the US and Canada, the POW chapters around the world are also very active politically. I mean, here in the US we elected a climate change denier as President, that became an all hands on deck situation and motivated everyone globally to push back.

How does this problem look to you in 10 years time?

What’s our best case scenario?

Science is really clear on this. We’re dealing with a warming planet, experiencing more dramatic and erratic weather events. We’re going to look back at what’s happened in this past year and think ‘you know, that wasn’t so bad’ compared to what’s coming. The reality that we’re fighting for is for the next generations. There’s a tonne of CO2 up in the atmosphere, we’re continuing to pump more up there and if we stop tomorrow, we’d still have too much up there. It’ll take up to 30 years for that CO2 to go away.

Our hope is that we can get on the right path but we’re turning a massive barge around and it’s gonna take time but we do need urgency on that right now.

How do you find the world of politics?

Climate change is basically a political issue and that’s where we’ve struggled. Politics is a brutal place, it’s only getting more polarising and I hate that this is a political issue. I wish that we could say ‘car pool to the mountains, use reusable water bottles, change to more efficient light bulbs and we’ll get there’ but the reality is that this won’t get us the large scale CO2 reductions. I’m not saying these things don’t matter, but we need more action which can only come from political intervention.

How much time are you able to devote to POW? I’m very involved in the overall direction of Protect Our Winters, but I’m not there on a day to day, micromanaging everything. But then, when we get to the periods leading up to elections, these are where 20

the jeremy jones interview

“POLITICS IS A BRUTAL PLACE, IT’S ONLY GETTING MORE POLARISING AND I HATE THAT THIS IS A POLITICAL ISSUE.”

// protect our© winters oreli b

your source of information for Morzine, Les Gets & Avoriaz

we really can make a difference and this is when it becomes a huge part of my time. Everything else disappears and I really dig in.

How do we balance people’s love for the mountains with the damage travel does to the environment?

If you want to get hyper-critical on your personal footprint, air travel has the largest impact. Hopping on a transfer bus with other people going in the same direction, these vehicles will move quickly to clean energy. For me personally, I try to do less trips, make them longer so I lessen my time on planes. Thinking about our diets, offsetting your travel, but if you are doing all these other things to help us get on the right path for climate, you’re probably doing that because you have a connection to the mountains. You want to protect them. That’s a really important part, I think these chairlifts have created more environmentalists than anything else. Get involved with POW UK and France too, that would really help.

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The other thing is that a lot of people who have the ability to go on these vacations can have a huge impact too. They’re typically successful people, working at companies that wield industrial or political power and so they can kick ass on climate in so many ways then feel good about their influence on the planet.

It’s an Olympic winter, the IOC have a huge platform.

Do they do enough to share the environmental message?

No. The Olympic committee aren’t remotely doing enough. The reality is, if you look at all the locations for the games in the last 50 years… they should do much more. They carry a tonne of weight, if they’re really serious about it they could have huge impact.

We’re way past doing an awareness campaign, not that they’ve necessarily done that, but I wish they did significantly more than they do.

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How can ski resorts stay financially viable whilst lessening their impact of the natural environment?

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We’re seeing a lot of resorts reduce their plastic and their waste, and that’s really important. But when you focus on CO2 reduction, that gets us excited. These resorts consume a lot of power, which makes them the biggest customer at the power company. They have an enormous power to say ‘we want our electricity to come from renewable energy’. My home resort of Palisades Tahoe has done that. Our power company provided a nine-acre solar energy plant that provides enough energy to the grid, the equivalent of running the whole resort. Other resorts have done the same, these are really positive things. Pushing on the utility companies to develop more renewable energy for ski resorts can have a huge impact.

Here’s another way to inspire change. My region has nine resorts, they’re the biggest employers in the region and they bring in the most revenue in the region. I would love to see them come together to say they’ll vote against policy makers who are against climate action. My district is run by one of the biggest climate change deniers in Congress and the fact that industry has allowed that to happen - and in some >>

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the jeremy jones interview

21

cases made contributions to his campaign - it’s crazy to think, this guy is voting against the long term sustainability of our industry every chance he gets.

How do you stay motivated in the face of political obstacles?

Failure is not an option. We’re in a no fall zone as a society. Don’t get me wrong, we’re seeing shift. But the reality is, if we were doing all these things that we’ve got going on right now, back in 1980, we could have had tonnes of optimism. We’re definitely seeing a shift, ramping up the focus on the climate. In Canada for example, they just had an election, it was the first election where they didn’t debate if climate change is real or not, they debated on solutions, That should have been the case 10 years ago, but this progress is still a big deal. The younger generation is demanding action on climate. They understand that we’ve screwed them by ignoring science and they really care about it. They’re putting enormous pressure on companies, politicians and the world is changing on climate. We’ve got to really try and accelerate that.

Do your children do things differently to you t their age?

They definitely understand their personal impact, they embrace a plant based diet, they use reusable containers every day, so that side of things is good.

They’ve been to multiple climate marches, but I don’t cram this stuff down their throat. Let kids be kids. I don’t sit around talking doom and gloom to them. We all need to accept that the mountains are changing, the planet is changing, but it’s still really fun. We’ve had really low snow years but we still go out and have fun, we celebrate the snow, I don’t sit and talk to them about how it was 15 years ago. I talk to them about a 27 metre base and it’s a lot of fun. The classes they take, they have options for environmental studies and they’re great.

How has Jones Snowboards stepped up to the plate on an environmental level?

I’ve had a microscope on all facets of Jones. This is the first year when all our boards are manufactured using 100% solar energies. We’ve always embraced materials that are more environmentally friendly and we’ll bring it into one or two boards to get comfortable with it in production, a year later we’ll bring it into the whole line. There’s no virgin textiles in our clothing and back packs, they’re all recycled. We’ve embraced this in all aspects of the footprint of our manufacturing. We contribute 1% for the planet too, we’re obviously heavily involved in POW as a brand and we have the Jones Rainforest in Cotsa Rica, which gets bigger every year.

Most recently, on our website, we’ve done a lifetime product assessment. We’ve broken down every piece of material, shipment, manufacturing, to see what the carbon footprint of every phase of production looks like. We did that really for us to understand our carbon impact and to know where we should concentrate to lessen that. But we share it with the public for full transparency, you can compare your boards, etc.

Where is your favourite place to ride and who are your favourite people to ride with? >> 22

the jeremy jones interview

“FAILURE IS NOT AN OPTION. WE’RE IN A NO FALL ZONE AS A SOCIETY.”

// © Ming Poon // protect our winters

your source of information for Morzine, Les Gets & Avoriaz

N EW!

SHOP

SKI RENTAL SPORTSWEAR th ermal gear accessori es @HUBERTSPORTS

+33 (0)4 50 79 13 42 132 ROUTE DE LA PLAGNE 74110 MORZINE //

the jeremy jones interview

23

For sure, my family. I can see that we’re about to lose my kids to the world as they get older, so if they’re like ‘I want to go snowboarding tomorrow’, then we’re all going snowboarding tomorrow. Thankfully I get to ride with them a lot. My favourite place to ride is here in the Sierra mountains, it’s a 400 mile long range and the majority of that, the only way into them is hiking.

I love it when our high peaks are in good shape and I can hop in my car and drive to a trail head and walk in the mountains, my extended back yard and find trails I’ve never ridden. There’s such grand adventure out there. Here in the Western US we have a tonne of protected land which means that for someone who likes to split board and camp, the options are endless.

Under normal circumstances I’ll come to Europe each year and stay for a month. Europe is the best place in the world, if I were to move anywhere, it would be to the Alps. The lift infrastructure, the culture, I love the small resorts, you have it all. The Alps are a skiing and snowboarding paradise. My European friends are like ‘we wanna come visit you,’ I’m like no. We’re good at making it look really awesome, but the Alps are very special. They blow me away.

What were your impressions of Avoriaz when you visited?

I loved it. It’s so intense, you take a lift or two and you can keep going, it’s a really easy place to ride lift serviced powder which is always the dream!

What projects do you have planned for the near future?

With TGR (Teton Gravity Research) we’re about to release a new film which I’m really excited about called Mountain Revelations, which is about diversity in the mountains. It’s a really exciting topic to take on.

I’ve another secret film which you’ll hear about in the near future. My film Purple Mountain from 2020, it’s still as relevant as ever and I hope to continue to build around these themes. We need to continue to have civil conversations around topics that are divisive, maybe you have different opinions, but we do agree on a lot of things when it comes to the mountains.

Passion for the outdoors, for example. Online, some of my biggest critics, when I talk to them in person, it’s different; the written word is so bold! I stay out of comments sections. That whole world incentivises toxic conversation. In the real world, that’s where change can happen, it's totally different to what you see online.

© protect our winters

© andrew miller // protect our winters

What do you encourage people to do on a personal level to support POW? We have chapters around the world, but the reality is, they are small. We need more people to get paid to fight the climate crisis, so supporting these groups financially means we can get more people onto the day to day fight and this would make a huge impact.

If you love the mountains, if you want your children to enjoy them in the future, if you want to help us turn the tide, please become a member of Protect Our Winters. Turn your passion into action. www.protectourwinters.co.uk www.protectourwinters.fr www.protectourwinters.com 24

the jeremy jones interview

“IF I WERE TO MOVE ANYWHERE, IT WOULD BE TO THE ALPS. ”

// © oreli b

your source of information for Morzine, Les Gets & Avoriaz

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resort information

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trending - snowboard -

Michael Henderson morzine source magazine creative director

Vans Infuse Boots RRP €440.00 vans.eu

Van’s flagship Infuse boot now features some of the most advanced materials and construction techniques in snowboard boot design. Van’s took this boot back to its core, redesigning the upper elements to include asymmetric flex zones that work in combination with the hybrid Boa closure system. This innovation allows you to find the perfect flex and stiffness to match conditions and your riding style. As you’d expect from Van’s, there’s also a fully heat mouldable Ultracrush liner, a Popcrush footbed and those signature UltimateWaffle outsoles.

And after all that, they look pretty rad too.

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trending - snowboard

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your source of information for Morzine, Les Gets & Avoriaz

Dupraz D1 5’5 RRP €599.00 dupraz-snow.com

We get it, investing in a brand new snowboard is a big deal with so many things to consider. That said, the Dupraz D1 5’5 series board should most definitely be on your list. This is the snowboard you’ll grab every day, as it’s spot on in all conditions from icy steeps to bottomless pow and everything in between. Serge Dupraz calls this a ‘short board’, as it’s snappy, fast and rides much shorter than its length would have you imagine and it even comes in three different flex alternatives so you can select the perfect board to suit your weight and riding style.

If you’re new to Dupraz snowboards and you’re curious about the shape, it’s worth heading to their new website to learn more about this innovative brand which was founded right here in our valley.

KE AW A T R O N I E AT

AY

Hamburgers Gourmets BAGELS - PANCAKES PANINIS - WRAPS - TAPAS - KEBABS SALADS & HAPPY HOURS !

686 smarty Mitt RRP €76.00 686.com

Much time is spent considering our mitt options each winter, Chez Source and this winter we’ve decided on the all-singing, all-dancing 686 Smarty. Featuring Gore-Tex Plus Warm technology for extra cold conditions and LightFill insulation, these mitts also come with removable merino under gloves to provide the complete package in all conditions. The Movement Fit hand articulation provides an excellent grip, there’s touch screen technology and an elastic cord wrist adjustment too. Add in a handy nose wipe, extra-long wrist strap and glove connect buckle and you’ve got yourselves the perfect winter mitt.

77 Rue de la Combe à Zorre

+33(0)4.50.79.17.18 //

trending - snowboard

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686 GLCR bib pants RRP €259.00 686.com

Once you’ve been for a shred in bib pants, you’ll never go back to regular snow trousers, we promise. These options from 686 come with two-layer Gore-Tex construction for 20k waterproofness and breathability while the stretchy fabric and side panels combined with the articulated fit allow for unhindered mobility on the mountain. There’s reinforced panels on the knees, multiple pockets on the upper bib and even a mesh radio pocket too. Fully-taped seams come as standard and there’s the 686 Pant Jacket connect system too.

shred sleds - Resort Raider RRP €530.00 shred-sleds.com

Handmade in the UK, the Resort Raider snowskate has been developed for the versatility of all mountain snowskating and it’s easy to ride too! It’s been designed to bring snowskating to the masses and the Resort Raider makes even the smallest hill feel like you’re charging down Nyon. You’ll re-discover the fun you had during your first ride on a snowboard and the snowskate is perfect for those who live beside occasionally snowy hills in the UK.

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trending - snowboard

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BonofAppetit Advert.pdf 1 Les 14/09/2021 12:07 your source information for Morzine, Gets & Avoriaz

“the best online meal delivery service made in the mountains” 4.9 star rating

DELICIOUS FROZEN MEALS TO YOU, QUALITY AND SERVICE IS SECOND TO NAAN!

+33 (0)4 50 89 61 14 Simply order online and we deliver

WWW.BONAPPETITALPES.COM LGS Source winter 21.pdf

info@skischool.co.uk +33 (0)6 15 10 52 11

1

08/09/2020

08:58

www.skischool.co.uk “ excellent tuition, individually tailored to our needs ”

Patagonia R1 Air Full Zip Hoody RRP €245.00 Europe.dragonalliance.com

Good layering is an investment, which is why we always turn to Patagonia. The R1 is a lightweight, breathable and quick-drying technical fleece and it’s made from 100% recycled polyester. The zigzag texture created by the yarn wicks moisture, which comes in handy whether you’re ski touring or hauling the kids to ski school. It comes with three zipped pockets, soft cuffs and hem for added stretch and improved fit, plus it’s very compressible and takes up minimal space in your back pack. The optional hood is slim fit to work under hats and helmets and the R1 comes in specific men’s and women’s cut.

“ professional, friendly, organised, brilliant fun ”

“ kind and patient ”

Instructors who speak your language! //

trending - snowboard

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Bernard Buet and Albert Richard had a dream; to recreate a sawmill in Morzine and to preserve an important historical icon for future generations to enjoy. An adventurous 15 years followed, for this was not a project that could be completed overnight. Safe guarding and enhancing the heritage of Morzine is no small task, after all.

You’ve no doubt strolled passed La Battante Morzinoise in Morzine’s Parc des Dérêches and seen the construction taking place. More recently, you may have joined one of the guided tours and demonstrations of La Battante in action, hosted by one of the many volunteers behind this community project. We highly recommend doing so, if you haven’t already!

La Battante is the reconstruction of Morzine’s ancient sawmill. Built from scratch in the perfect place, the lovingly reconstructed mechanics inside use the power of water to turn the huge wheel, which in turn drives the saws inside the mill. To make a visit is to step back in time, the noise and the smell of wood transports us to the Morzine of yesteryear.

2015 was a pivotal year for La Battante. With earthworks complete, foundations in place and the wooden structure and slate roof finished, it was time for more than 200 volunteers to tackle the surrounding earthworks - for the water, once pumped through the mill, needed to be delivered somewhere. Landscaping created a beautiful small lake for us all to enjoy as we tour the Dérêches. This really is a special spot at all times of the year.

2017 brought a steady stream of important developments for the project. Finally, as completion drew near, the association formed in 2012 to manage La Battante commissioned the manufacture of the wooden wheel - the centrepiece of the saw mill. Several studies were needed to deliver the water from the natural spring to the wheel via a suspected canal and on 17th September 2017 - on National Heritage Day no less - the mechanics of La Battante were demonstrated to the public for the very first time.

La Battante Morzinoise is a story of historical passion and perseverance. As a museum, it gives us easy access to the culture and heritage of our very special mountain village. And of course the work continues - maybe it will never end!

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the facts about climate change

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your source of information for Morzine, Les Gets & Avoriaz

Treat y�urself to m�re �f M�rzine this winter...

Our relaxing spa facilities and intimate restaurant are open to all.

Overl��king the r��ft�ps and pistes our wellness centre and spa facilities are open each day between 10am and 8pm

SPA & WELLNESS

Book a massage, beauty treatment or enjoy access to our spa and swimming pool to take extra care of yourself Book in advance by emailing spa@dahu.com or call +33 (0) 4 50 75 92 92 You can download our spa menu from our website.

RESTAURANT

Our a la carte and menu du jour options feature contemporary dishes with a strong emphasis on local products Book in advance by calling +33 (0) 4 50 75 92 92 or email info@dahu.com

Enj�y a refined dining experience with the lights of Morzine twinkling below, each evening between 7pm and 9.30pm

Our 37 bedrooms are also available during the winter and summer seasons for short breaks, groups and family holidays.

www.dahu.com

Discover more at labattante.fr, follow the progress on Facebook /labattantemorzinoise © Scott Ireton

//

la battante morzinoise

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Rocket MEET THE

DAVE RYDING

Interview by Amie Henderson

34

meet the rocket - dave ryding

// © Marc Amann for GB Snowsport

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“I’m not one to focus on the Olympics” Dave Ryding tells me as we zoom (literally and technologically) towards an Olympic winter. Team GB’s best ski racer is as cool as a cucumber when we meet in the autumn and, considering his intense training programme ahead of the Winter 22 season, this interview is a real coup for our little resort magazine.

At the age of 36, ski commentators argue that The Rocket gets faster with age. He finished the 2021 season 12th in the slalom standings, a gradual improvement on previous winters and he knows everything is possible. “I still think I can get there…” he tells me. ‘There’ being the top step of the podium.

Dave hails from Bretherton in Lancashire and took his first dry slope turns on Pendel ski slope, aged eight. “We wanted to go on a family ski holiday but my parents couldn’t afford the ski schools abroad (and they didn’t want to wait for me!), so I had no choice but to learn on the dry slope,” he recalls. Despite being 12 years old when he first skied on snow, Dave and his younger sister Joanna progressed onto the slalom race team while also getting involved in loads of other competitive sports. I wonder if Dave views those other sports, such as football and rugby, as a benefit to his career as a ski racer? “100%, because these sports don’t just develop you as an athlete, they also made sure that skiing was never the ‘be all and end all’ and gave me a good athletic ability; the foundation if you like.”

Our interview takes place after Dave’s return from a training camp in Saas Fee. He’s home for just 12 days before returning to the >>

// © @iaininnes

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35

mountains for more pre-season training. What does the average day look like for a ski racer, I wonder? “I try not to mong out on YouTube for too long after my breakfast before heading into the gym (that’s my garage!) at about 9.30am. Lunch comes with endless emails and travel arrangements, then I help in the cafe that I run with my fiancé. I’ll have an afternoon session on the bike for an hour and a half.

I’ll usually train at least twice a day while I’m at home, but when I’m in the mountains I’ll ski all morning and then do more training in the afternoon.” But which does Dave prefer? “Skiing, of course! That said, after the season I’m sick of it, but at this time of year I’m desperate to get out of the gym and off this bike!”

With an anticipated global audience of two billion, there’s no doubt the 2022 Winter Olympics will inspire a whole new generation of ski racers, freestyle snowboarders, ice skaters, bob sleighers and more. The Beijing Games will be great for our industry,

but are they the be all and end all? “I focus on the World Cup. This is my first priority. The Olympics is what it is - it comes around every four years in a February - but I like to compete week in, week out and do my best in every single race, rather than having this one goal every four years.” But surely Dave has dreamed of winning an Olympic medal at some point? “As a kid I never even dreamt of an Olympic medal, it’s not massive to me,” he explains. “If you have a bad World Cup run, you’ll go into the Olympics not that confident, but if you have a good World Cup you’ll go in confident and with a good start number.

Then, come February everything ramps up - pressure, expectation. I’ll save the stress until then!”

the younger guys especially, those that I’m training with at the moment, they’ll probably look to me for advice and experience and if they want it, I’ll give it to them! I always believe in figuring things out for yourself and learn what you can from others when you need to.”

British winter sports athletes are often regarded as being heavily disadvantaged by geography. As Billy Morgan, Lizzy Yarnold, Laura Deas and Izzy Atkin returned home with five medals between them from the 2018 PyeongChang Games in a range of winter sports, British Olympic chiefs were forced to defend the £28 million winter sports development fund. I wonder how Dave views the funding situation at the moment -

These are wise words from a three-time Olympian who wore his first GB bib at the Vancouver Games in 2010. I wonder how Dave’s Olympic experience will filter through the rest of the team? “For

“I focus on the World Cup. This is my first priority.

The Olympics is what it is” 36

resort meet the information rocket - dave //ryding

// © Marc Amann for GB Snowsport

your source of information for Morzine, Les Gets & Avoriaz

have the goalposts changed following our Olympic success in recent years? “Unless you live in the Alps, you’re always going to be at a disadvantage,” Dave believes. “The most important thing for any aspiring athlete is to accept that fact - to recognise the disadvantage - and follow a pathway that’s designed to get you to the top, maybe four or five years later than other nations.” Does that explain why there are no other 36 year old ski racers on the world circuit? “If you come to the competition later, you’re motivated for longer, with more experience and this helps in the long run. I believe there are ways around the fact that we don’t have much snow in the UK! And we have a strong team now with lots to look forward to.”

Indeed, there’s lots to look forward to, but let’s look back for a moment. Can you guess Dave’s career highlights to date? “Winning the Europa Cup back in 2013 was a massive highlight for me, as no Brit had done that before,” Dave explains. “Then all three of my podiums are highlights, each one for a different season.

The first was obviously my first, so that was special. Then in Adelboden this year (2021), to be back on the podium in a classic slalom was one hell of a feeling. I took a lot of pressure of myself then, I proved that I could do it again, four years after my second podium. I know I’ve still got a whole lot more to give this sport.”

This winter I’ll watch my little boys and their friends race around the Pleney with their instructors. Some of them will be fast. Some of them will be very fast. Some of them will come to the attention of coaches and trainers, >>

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37

some will be tipped as future racers.

What advice does Dave have for the parents of the next generation? “There’s a lot of risk in sport, and that’s fine, whatever. But there’s also a lot of risk in sitting at an office desk doing a job you hate,” Dave believes. “A life or a career in sport is hugely positive for anyone.

Learning to deal with disappointment, pressure, sacrifice, dedication, how to prepare for things, how to be disciplined. My advice would be to take each year as it comes and enjoy it.”

The life of a ski racer certainly seems all-consuming by this stage in our interview. We discuss how to avoid injuries (“stay strong, stay focused”), Dave’s favourite course (Madonna di Campiglio for the night slalom), going though the motions on the morning of a race (he’s is too experienced in the repertoire to feel any nerves), but there must be some down time, no? Something away from skiing and training? “I like to make sure my fantasy football team is as good as it can be, but it doesn’t feel like I’m dedicated to the sport. This is just my life now, training, sleeping, skiing.” What about ski holidays? Surely? “Never! I met my fiancé ski racing and we’ve only skied for two mornings together in ten years!

Those days will come…”

If you were previously unconvinced about the thrills and spills of watching live ski racing, either in person or on TV, I hope I’ve convinced you to tune in this winter. The slalom coverage on BBC Ski Sunday in the UK is a weekly highlight in my house and it certainly seems that Dave’s improving performance has us all enthused. But who else should we be looking out for this winter? “All the Brits on the World Cup team are in a very good position to perform. The girls are in their prime and everyone is getting better,” Dave believes. “We’re so fortunate to have always had Ski Sunday on the BBC, it’s massive for the sport. You need to have someone competing on the world stage for people to get involved,” he continues. “Look at cycling as an example. The sport didn’t have much of a following before 2000, then the likes of Chris Boardman, then Cavendish, Wiggins. Now cycling is huge in the UK. This is what my sport needs - someone doing well, someone they can get behind."

I’d hoped to end this interview with a set of objectives for you to get behind, but “I don’t have any set goals for this season,” Dave tells me. “I achieved all my goals five years ago. There’s always something in the back of my head that wonders… can I win one? I’ve been really close, and I do have the speed to do it. But can I get it out in two runs

on the right day for me? Unlike Marcel Hirscher who can do it week in, week out, I need a few things to align. I’m as fit as I’ve ever been. There’s no reason why I can’t do this.”

I won’t speculate on whether this will be The Rocket’s final season in top class ski racing.“You never know what you’re going to get with this sport,” Dave explains. “There are so many variables. It’s exciting to watch, especially the second run when we’re counting down to the leader. Hopefully our team can perform, we should get behind them, every gate, every split and live this experience with them.”

And as for retirement… “Obviously the Olympics is an easy target to aim for.

But what comes after? That’s a natural question for me. If my body’s good and my mental drive is still there, along with the results, then I’ll carry on. I expect I’ll feel it when the time is right to stop.”

I’m thinking of Dave’s fiancé Mandy working long hours in their busy cafe when he admins, “I obviously also have to think about my fiancé and having a family is something we’ve put on hold.

I don’t think it’ll just be my decision alone after this year!” Dave calls skiing his ‘job’. What kind of jobs come after this one? “Running a business for the first time was an eyeopener! I could ski coach, become a brand ambassador within the industry, or do something totally different.”

Until Dave unclips his race skis for the final time, please don’t miss the opportunity to watch him compete on the biggest stage this winter. He’s thrilling to watch on the slopes and a really nice bloke off them.

“If you come to the competition later, you’re motivated for longer...

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meet the rocket - dave ryding

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your source of information for Morzine, Les 1Gets06/10/2021 & Avoriaz TSI_MS_Ad_Final__061021.pdf

C

M

Y

18:06

Learn.

Develop.

Transform.

Enjoy.

CM

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At TSI our philosophy is simple.

We want to help you learn, develop, transform and enjoy, so that you can get the most out of your time spent on skis.

We’re a British run ski school, with a team of fully qualified British and bilingual instructors.

We deliver high quality, bespoke ski lessons, catering for your individual needs and goals, whatever your level.

Dave is supported by…

Fischer skis and boots | Obergergl Zanier gloves | Fusalp | Leki ski poles

Get in touch with us: lessons@tsi.ski +33 (0)450 749858 +44 (0)7903 186819 thesnowinstitute.com

Yniq Eyewear | Quinn Estates | Kandahar Ski Club

// © Marc Amann for GB Snowsport

meet the rocket - dave ryding

39

trending - ski -

Nicky Iseard fall-line magazine co-editor

Dalbello Quantum Free boots RRP €110.00 www.dalbello.it

Just because the ski lifts will be turning this winter, doesn't mean you have to take 'em – get out into the Portes du Soleil backcountry with these epic new boots from Dalbello. The new Quantum Free 130, 110, and 105 W boots ('W' is the women's version) offer a burlier feel than the existing Asolo boot, replacing the cord and BOA closure with buckles for improved downhill performance. Tipping the scales at around 1250g, which is right on par with offerings from dedicated touring brands, they’re an exciting option for gram-conscious tourers who don’t want to compromise too much on the descent; early reports are that the skiability is great, thanks to their decent cuff height, and – with the 130 and 105 W – a flex that is powerful yet progressive, offering bags of control and support (the 110 has a more mellow flex). The Vibram rocker sole provides good grip on rocky approaches and steep bootpacks and it has a whopping 65-degrees ROM in walk mode – that is more than your ankle! We are loving the colours, too.

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trending - ski

//

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PERSONAL LEARNING WITH TALENTED TEACHERS ALL LEVELS | PRIVATE LESSONS | SMALL GROUPS

Explore the mountains with PEAK

Elan Voyager ski RRP €1299.95 www.elanskis.com

No, your eyes are not deceiving you - it is, in fact, a ski that FOLDS in half! Elan is a brand that is routinely innovating new tech for skis, and the Voyager - a ski that has been in the works for the last three years - is a prime example of this. The industry-first folding design means it can collapse to half its size for easy transport (it comes with its own carry bag), and then, when it's time to ski, you can simply extend it again, and rotate the binding round over it, locking it firmly in place.

What you then get is a 78mm-underfoot all-mountain ski that is turny, planted, smooth and honestly skis like any 'normal' ski. We tested it last season, and besides a little extra weight (3.4 kilos in the 160, so about the same as a slalom race ski) it packs real performance - plenty of edge-grip, pop, carvability - the lot! It’s available in three colours and three lengths: 160cm (packed to 87cm), 166cm (packed to 90cm) and 172cm (packed to 93cm).

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trending - ski

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POC Meninx RS helmet RRP €259.95 www.pocsports.com

We are loving the understated, slick design of POC's new unisex Meninx helmet. As pared back as the styling is, the Meninx is as loaded with tech as they come. This season, POC has decided to swap out its own proprietary brain-protection technology for the industry-standard MIPS. In the simplest terms, the casing is designed to slide from side-to-side, absorbing collision impact and reducing the force of a blow to the head. Meanwhile, the two-part ABS shell offers double the protection: there’s an EPS foam liner atop the head and tougher-tocrack EPP foam around it, meaning you have the right sort of protection in the right sort of places. There is adjustable venting and removable ear padding for those spring days lapping the Avoriaz Stash and the Fidlock magnetic buckle is easy to use even with gloves on.

Bollé Torus goggle + Volt lens RRP €240.00 www.bolle.com

Hands up who wants to absorb every last detail of those much-missed mountains this winter?

Us too, which is why we are super-excited to get our hands on (and faces into) Bollé’s new Torus goggles, which feature the mega-high-contrast Volt lens. Apparently the future is already here, since Bollé has developed the lens using artificial intelligence – it analysed 20 million different lens formula combinations to settle on one that offers the most complete colour contrast and unrivalled depth perception. Amazing stuff. Other top tech includes triple-layer face foam with fleece, lens vents, thermoformed nose foam and a wide silicone strap. And they feel great to wear too – lightweight and comfortable.

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Ortovox Diract Voice avalanche transceiver RRP €330.00 www.ortovox.com

Just when we thought avalanche transceivers couldn't get any cleverer, Ortovox go and bring out the world's first unit with integrated voice navigation. The Diract Voice uses voice guidance to alert you to any mistakes and keep you on track in the finesearch phase. For example, if you are following a flux line, but in the opposite direction, the transceiver will tell you to, “stop, turn around”. Voice guidance aside, there are heaps of other impressive new features, including a super-rapid processing speed, rechargeable low-temperature battery, a protected on/off button that prevents accidental switches between search/send modes, and a new user-friendly harness that uses a velcro pull rather than a zip or buckle. Behold the future!

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resort information

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explore MORE

ROUTE 1 - The Super Morzine, but not as you know it The Walk:

1458 m - 1758 m

3.4 km

1.25 hours

300 m

300 m

- THE WINTER EDITION Option 1 - Up and down

We talk about COVID silver linings; experiences you may not have had, were travel not limited.

Discoveries you may not have made, had the ski lifts been running. Snowshoeing for example. Local International Mountain Leaders (Accompagnateurs en Moyenne Montagne) Vivien and Jason of DaysAway Adventures watched as the popularity of their favourite mountain activity skyrocketed.

They spent their days hosting groups in the pristine wilderness, their nights planning new adventures even further into the Portes du Soleil.

On the pages that follow you’ll find their suggestions for self-guided snowshoe adventures across our valley, all with easy access using the local bus service or with a carpark nearby. You’ll also find that

1. Use the Super Morzine Telecabine to access the start of this route.

2. Exit the Super Morzine station, put on your snowshoes and take a left so that you are walking behind the back of the lift station.

3. Take the lower track which is marked as a snowshoe route.

4. Follow the pisted track as it zig zags up a gently ascending wide track through the forest. The track brings you to a wide open area - keep following the track towards the cross. Look up and to your right and you will see the viewing area to head towards. Take the higher track heading towards this point. CAUTION: At the viewing area please keep well back from the edge as snow can build up giving a false platform.

5. There are a couple of restaurants just below the Zore chairlift that you can head to for refreshments. Then simply retrace your steps back down the forest path.

Option 2: Just down 1. Take the Super Morzine Telecabine from Morzine.

2. Exit the telecabine, put on your snowshoes and make your way downhill to the right to the bottom of the Zore Chairlift - look out for all the skiers as this is quite a busy spot!

3. Remove your snow shoes before getting on to the chairlift (the lifties will slow down the chairlift for you).

4. Get off the chairlift at the top and find a safe, quiet spot to put on your snowshoes.

5. Turn left towards the view point that you can see. CAUTION: At the viewing area please keep well back from the edge as snow can build up giving a false platform.

6. From the viewpoint, follow the signs and the pisted track into the forest to the open area with a cross. Keep following the obvious snowshoe trail as it gently zig zags downwards through the forest. It will bring you out at the back of the Super Morzine Telecabine station.

7. There are a couple of restaurants here for a well-earned refreshment before getting back into the lift and heading down to Morzine.

snowshoes are available to hire in many of the ski rental shops across the valley.

SAFETY FIRST: With winter comes an increased level of danger in our mountains.

Avalanches are a real risk so the routes that follow are on safe, pisted trails within the managed ski resort areas. If you’d like to go off the beaten track and experience untracked snow, DaysAway Adventures offer guided snowshoe sessions each day during the winter season.

Head to daysawayadventures.com for live updates.

DaysAway Adventures recognises that going into mountain areas is hazardous and, when adventurous activities are added, the hazards are inevitably increased. This implies a potential risk of injury or, in extreme circumstances, loss of life. Anyone considering taking part in a hike suggested by us must consider this very seriously and take responsibility for their participation and acknowledge and accept these risks. You should always check you have appropriate insurance cover. If you are not comfortable with navigation, consider hiring a qualified hiking guide.

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Cretes de Zore

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45

ROUTE 2 - Discover L'Erigne along the Vallee de la Manche The Walk:

1159 m - 1272 m

2.4 km

2.10 hours

113 m

113 m

The Vallee de la Manche is a dramatic discovery for those who usually stay close to the ski lifts. A haven for nature and wild animals, you’ll truly feel like you’re getting away from it all as you leave the hustle and bustle of Morzine behind you.

The track through the trees

Take the bus to l’Erigne, Vallee de la Manche using the E route.

Car park - The parking at l'Erigne can get really busy so we recommend getting the free bus from Morzine.

1. Alight at the end of the bus route (l'Erigne), walk down onto the obvious pisted track, put your snowshoes on and, with your back to the road, turn left, walking slightly uphill, keeping the road on your left.

2. Please avoid the ski du fond area (cross country ski-ing) and do not step into the marked tracks.

3. Follow the pisted track across the plateau. The track narrows and goes up a short steep section, bringing you out on a wide trail through the forest.

4. Follow this gently uphill until you see a popular restaurant / buvette (Crapahute).

5. Enjoy one of their snacks and drinks.

6. Follow the route back the way you came.

map by @bear_drawing42

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Through the trees

your source of information for Morzine, Les Gets & Avoriaz

ROUTE 3 - Les Gets to Morzine with stunning views

Home of the best

The Walk:

country house party in the Alps

Our 1805 farmhouse has been renovated to create a chic, 1463 m - 1549 m

6.1 km

3.5 hours

137 m

137 m

contemporary and luxurious home from home for our guests

CAUTION: this route crosses ski pistes, look out for skiers!

Comfortably sleeping 12 in 6 en-suite bedrooms, our aim is to make your stay with us amazing

You’ll no doubt have seen snowshoers popping in and out of the forest as you whizz by on your skis. This route is a fabulous way to discover the hidden areas around the pistes and on clear days the views in all directions are incredible!

1. From Les Gets centre, take the telecabine up to Chavannes plateau.

2. Exit the lift and put on your snowshoes.

3. Turn left (west) so that it takes you accross the bottom of the ski area that runs alongside the parking and past the bottom of the Teleski de la Tetes de Cretes.

4. Follow the snowshoe and ski du fond signs.

5. The first part of the snowshoe walk is on a pisted / groomed path.

6. Look out for a signpost off to the left to take you into the forest and the Tour du Golf route.

7. Follow the well signposted route. At the end of the forest, walk up the side of the piste (watch out for skiers!) which will bring you to the top of Pleney for a well earned refreshment at one of the restaurants.

8. Follow the signs, which take you up the side of the beginners slope (following the covered magic carpet) and to the table d'orientation and great views. Follow the signs back to Chavannes / Les Gets on the pisted snowshoe walking tracks.

We look forward to welcoming you to Chalet Fourmiliere, Alex & Tom

www.chaletfourmiliere.com hello@chaletfourmiliere.com

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+33 (0) 7 67 55 64 78 | wwww.holisticomassage.com //

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facing future THE

Times are changing here in Morzine, Avoriaz and Les Gets. Brexit, COVID-19 and climate change will take a considerable toll on the mountain tourism industry in the weeks, months and years to come. Charting the course of our industry has never been more important and in a valley that relies heavily on tourism, where do we turn to steady the ship?

Life in each of our villages is organised and overseen by the Mairie (similar to a town hall in the UK), headed by an elected Mayor and a team of representatives. It’s their job to keep one eye on the present - the immediate needs of our villages - and another on the future.

Each Mairie will publish regular updates, informing us of future initiatives during their mandate.

Let’s use these communications to look towards the future. What’s planned for Morzine- Avoriaz (one commune, one Mayor!), Les Gets and Montriond in the years to come?

Focus on Summer The much-discussed pedestrianisation of the rue du Bourg in Morzine became a reality during summer 2021, at least for the key holiday weeks. This was in addition to the summerlong pedestrianisation of the square adjacent to the Office de Tourisme, which was closed to traffic between 2nd July and 6th September. Most agreed that the trial was wellreceived by holiday-makers, who enjoyed safer conditions for children and the extra activities and entertainment that were possible due to the road closure. It’s expected that these areas of the village will be periodically pedestrianised during Summer 2022.

Recognising the importance of Lac de Montriond to their four seasons tourism initiative, the Mairie de Montriond have increased the depth of the smaller swimming lake by 80cm, improving its capacity to better cope with spring snow melt and any flooding that may result. A new liner was installed this autumn to improve the quality of the swimming area for tourists next summer.

Mountain biking on unofficial trails across our valley becomes a contentious topic each summer. A consultation took place between the mayors of Morzine-Avoriaz, Les Gets, Montriond and private land owners to study the flow of bikes between the resorts. In the meantime, it was confirmed that the Ardent carpark will be open for camper vans next summer, while the Ardent lift is open (dates still to be confirmed).

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facing the future

Lac des Ecoles in Les Gets is a firm family favourite during the warmer months. Recognising this, the Mairie de Les Gets initiated a series of new developments over the last 12 months. The swimming lake itself has been enhanced to include better pathways, a new entrance pool for the slide and a fantastic new Splashpad facility, providing a fun water play zone for children.

Focus on Tourists If you’ve ventured up the Col de Cou in winter or summer, you’ll know doubt know the Cabane, an old customs post which sits on the col. Straddling the three municipalities of Morzine-Avoriaz, Samoëns and Champéry in Switzerland, a new collaboration will bring to life a 35-bed refuge on this important spot in 2023.

In order to guarantee snow coverage on the lower slopes of the Super Morzine at the end of each winter season, the Mairie de Morzine-Avoriaz has approved the development of a new reservoir by Avoriaz lift operator SERMA. The small lake will collect and conserve water for snow canons during the winter season.

Focus on Families Adjacent to the football club in Montriond you’ll discover a brand new park and recreation area complete with outdoor gym equipment, a mini football pitch and basketball court.

// © j cutler photography

your source of information for Morzine, Les Gets & Avoriaz

Its development was a significant investment, improving facilities for children of all ages in Montriond and the surrounding villages.

If you’re following us on Instagram, you’ll note that we spend a lot of time at the brand new pump track in Les Gets. The current green track is intended for small children and beginners, while the Mairie de Les Gets also plans additional, more advanced tracks on the same site in the months to come. As presented in our Summer 21 magazine, a pump track is a significant investment for a small alpine village, it’s been incredible to watch the pump track in St Jean d’Aulps come to life over the last 12 months. You’ll find that one in the La Moussiere square. .

Focus on the Environment To preserve wildlife and encourage biodiversity in the green spaces of Morzine-Avoriaz, a number of new sustainable procedures have been implemented. No pesticides are used in the commune, manual weeding is undertaken in communal spaces and considered mowing and pruning is undertaken to encourage the survival of bees. In Avoriaz, perennial specials are now grown, reducing the need for summer-only flora and forna each year.

The traditional alpine hamlet of Mont-Caly is popular in Les Gets and beyond for offering wide open spaces, stunning views and a breath-taking tranquility. Unfortunately this popularity often resulted in congestion on the surrounding roads. The Mairie de Les Gets has constructed a new welcome area for 50 vehicles below the hamlet, restricting vehicle access and carbon emissions within the village itself. Landscaping and a pedestrian trail from the parking area to Mont Caly will also be installed.

It’s six years since Les Gets pioneered the first self-service, communal e-bike stations in the village. Designed to reduce our reliance on cars in and around the resort, GETLIB has been expanded to include seven pick-up points across the village.

These bikes are perfect for short trips to the shops!

Focus on Business Access to the fibre optic network is now rolling quickly through our valley. In Morzine-Avoriaz, businesses have been able to access the new high speed internet service for a little while (albeit at a prohibitively expensive cost), in the second half of 2022 this will be extended to individuals and residents in the village.

Focus on Feedback During the autumn months the Mairie de Morzine-Avoriaz hosted nine feedback clinics in the various quarters of the villages, encouraging local residents to ask questions of town hall representatives, discuss new ideas and issues while offering opinions on current projects. A constructive and positive spirit was encouraged.

In Montriond, Mayor Jean-Claude Denné has established a question box inside the Mairie, responding personally to all suggestions each week.

You can register to receive the regular updates published by each Mairie on their respective websites: mairie-montriond.fr mairie-morzine-avoriaz.com lesgets-mairie.fr

FIND YOUR PERFECT PROPERTY WITH US Personal service before, during and after sale Specialising in Morzine & the surrounding area Multilingual team Agency established 10 years in Morzine

+33 (0)4 50 04 33 26 info@morzine-prestige.com www.morzine-prestige.com //

facing the future

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trending - kids -

Michael Henderson morzine source magazine creative director

Picture organic - West Bib / Daumy JKT RRP €120.00 / €140.00 picture-organic-clothing.com

Regatta Samaris RRP €75.00 regatta.com

Where everyday trainers meet full on snow boots, these waterproof, hard wearing and cushioned mid-height hiking boots from Regatta are perfect for apres ski activities. The non-slip XLT sole is perfect for snowy and icy pathways and they’re grippy enough to pull sledges up hills. The hook and loop fastener makes it easy to put them on and take them off and they come in four different colour options too.

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Picture Organic pay as much attenion to their kids wear as they do their adult range. As we’ve come to expect from Picture, everything is made as sustainably and ethically as possible and the full children’s range features their Grow-With-Me system. This allows you to snip a red thread inside each jacket or pair of pants to expand the gaiters and cuffs to grow it by one full size. That’ll see you an extra winter season at least. Don’t worry boys, Picture have done you proud too. The Westy bib pants come in two different colours and feature Lycra stretch panels so they’ll never feel restrictive or uncomfortable. Of course there’s Grow-With-Me technology to help extend their life as you have that unexpected growth spirt plus warm and dry 10k breathability and waterproofing for when the weather comes in. The straps are adjustable too! Add in the Daumy jacket also featuring wrist gaiters, loads of pockets, a snow skirt and taped seams in one of three different colour ways to complete your perfect mountain outfit.

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Picture organic - West PT / Jananas JKT RRP €100.00 / €130.00 picture-organic-clothing.com

It’s not always necessary for children’s ski wear to feature fluro colours and super heroes. Sometimes children’s ski wear can look just like adult’s ski wear but with smaller proportions. These girls Westy pants come in ten (yes, ten!) different colour ways, have 10k breathability and 10k waterproofness and the gaiters at the bottom feature an anti-slip elastic. The waist is adjustable, there’s taped seams plus zip and snap pocket openings to make life easier while you’re rummaging for sweets. Combine them with the Jananas jacket available in one of three colours, which has the same breathability and waterproof rating, more Grow-With-Me functionality and a very clever adjustable hood which literally moves with your head to keep your view entirely unobstructed. Once again the seams are taped, there’s wrist gainers with thumbholes, a snow skirt a load of handy pockets. Head to Hubert Sports in Morzine to view the Picture Organic kids collection.

VISIT OUR SHOWROOM IN VERCHAIX

WWW.SIMPLYSPAS-ALPS.COM //

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Kluster RRP €17.90 klustermagnets.com

There’s nothing like a fun game to enhance a ski holiday and Kluster offers up lightweight, easily transportable fun for all the family. The aim here is to get rid of all your magnetic rocks first and that demands strategy and skill as the magnetic fields interact with each other. You can literally play Kulster anywhere as the whole game is carried in a fabric bag. Lay the cord on any surface, divide the magnets between all players and begin to lay them in the play area without letting the magnets kluster together. If you cause a kluster, you take all the clustered stones and the first player to set down all their stones, wins!

Warning, this game does become addictive and can be easily adapted to become a drinking game once the small people are in bed.

Dragon DXT OTG RRP €55.00 europe.dragonalliance.com

Designed by Dragon Alliance to bridge those mini goggles you’ll buy for your small people in advance of their first ski holiday and a full-blown adult alternative, these mid-sized goggles are perfect for tweens, teens and those with a smaller than average head. As you’d expect from Dragon, they also come with a full range of exciting technology that really does enhance your time on the hill. There’s Lumalens optics to keep your vision razor sharp with enhanced depth-effect that works wonders on low light days. The anti-fog coating on these googles is outstanding , as is the dual layer foam which sits around your face.

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Smartwool Neck Gaiter RRP €22.95 www.bolle.com

Keep your little shredder warm all day long with these fun Smartwool merino neck gaiters. They have a longer design than your regular children’s gaiter, giving extra coverage between the helmet and jacket. They’re made from 250 merino, which is sustainably farmed and super soft, plus it has the added advantage of smelling good, all day long.

your source of information for Morzine, Les Gets & Avoriaz

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• NEW Inter-season special offers (mid-April to mid-June & September to mid-December) • Try our online Lessons available all year-round for adults and children via Skype/Zoom/Google. You will be surprised at how this time-efficient format can be really effective & keep you in touch with France from wherever you are!

• French & English lessons financed by your professional training budget (or CPF) if you have a French business or are employed on a French contract. We help with the paperwork to get your finance approved! *if you pay income tax in France

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resort information

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info@alpinefrenchschool.com | 04 50 79 08 38 | www.alpinefrenchschool.com

big job THE

MEET STÉPHANE GROS, MANAGER AND HEAD COACH OF HOCKEY CLUB MORZINE-AVORIAZ.

“From the youngest players taking their first slide on the ice to the oldest teams, I am here to encourage and support everyone.”

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// © Hockey Club Morzine-Avoriaz

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“I left the Hockey Club Morzine-Avoriaz in 2009. Having started my professional coaching career with the club, I needed new challenges and also to see if I was able to work in an environment other than the one I knew so well. My return to the club in 2019 came naturally, when the managers contacted me again and presented a new challenge; to bring the club back up into the Ligue Magnus, the top division of the French league, within three years.

Even after 10 years away from the team, I returned to find the same strong family club, which is still professionally organised and has great ambition for the future.

Our club has always had a special place in the hearts of the inhabitants of Morzine and the surrounding area.

The history of the club, and the emotions it generates, encourage every Morzinois to follow the club and to enjoy meeting up at the Skoda Arena on game nights. Many local children also play ice hockey, which usually means their parents follow the highs and lows of the club even more!

I have two roles at the club - that of team manager and also head coach. They are quite different! As the manager of Hockey Club Morzine-Avoriaz, I supervise the organisation of our entire sports programme. From the youngest players taking their first slide on the ice to the oldest teams, I am here to encourage and support everyone. I work with Loïc Gaydon, our under 13s and under 15s coach, and Eric Gianferrari our under 11s coach, on the training plans for all team categories. I participate in some on-ice and off-ice sessions with the youngsters, I plan all the training sessions for each team in conjunction with the management of the ice rink. There’s always lots to organise! In addition to these game-based tasks, and in collaboration with Sandrine

Berger, our administration manager, I work to encourage new sponsors to support the club while collaborating with our many faithful partners, some of whom have been with us for many years.

Finally as the head coach of our elite team, I prepare each player throughout the week so that they are ready to play their very best game each weekend. This involves on-ice training, off-ice strategy, video training and much more.

My days are very busy!

When I rejoined the club in 2019, the goal for the elite team was to move back up to the top division within three years.

We’d last played in the Ligue Magnus in 2015. Unfortunately the Covid 19 pandemic brought this goal to a halt; my first season with the club was left unfinished, my second has barely started as I write. Yet it seems that this year is back to normal, with all the measures that have been put in place to keep us safe and to move forward from the pandemic.

So far, the season is going very well for us as a team and also - this is especially important - for the young people who have been deprived of competition for too long.

Our objectives at Morzine-Avoriaz Hockey Club are very simple this year. We want to win the championship and move up to the top division. We also want to continue to develop the club, especially in terms of training at all levels and for all ages. For the years to come, it will be important to keep the club at a high level of sporting and organisational standards, in particular when it comes to welcoming spectators and partners to the Skoda Arena. We must continue to make our village proud of the team that carries its name and I believe that with >>

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the big job

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the support of the village - and the many loyal visitors who join us for their holidays each winter - we can fulfil all of our objectives.

I’m often asked about the preparations we take on each match day. But for me, the day of the match is not the most important part of the preparation. Everything must be done during the week before a match to ensure that the players are at their best physical and mental level when the klaxon sounds. We train three evenings each week with the full team and an additional two mornings with our professional players. There is a lot of tactical setup and video sessions to prepare for our matches and my aim is always that when the time comes for the game, every player will know what they have to do in order to be victorious. I’m very clear on this - planning is everything.

Hockey is an incredible sport and I am very passionate about our club. Speed, precision, teamwork and physical commitment are just some of adjectives that sum up our sport well. There is a lot of activity on the ice rink during a match and there are many goals in each game. The action is fast-paced and energetic, even for those who do not understand all of the rules! This is what usually appeals most to the often newbie 56

the big job

“Our club has always had a special place in the hearts of the inhabitants of Morzine”

entertainment for tourists passing through our valley during their holidays and I’d encourage you to join us one evening for a real, authentic holiday experience - one you’ll remember when you return home!

As for me, ice hockey takes up much of my life, but there is so much to do in Morzine!

When I’m not at the club with the team, I play a lot of golf, enjoy mountain hikes and all winter long, as soon as I have time, I go on a ski tour in our wonderful mountains.”

Join the Hockey Club Morzine-Avoriaz for a match during your holidays this winter - you won’t be disappointed! Tickets for home games are always available to book in advance at hockey-morzine.com. It’s also possible to buy tickets on the door at the

spectators during the winter season. The atmosphere can be electric! There is also a show during the match and our team do everything to welcome the spectators in an organised, warm and friendly way.

Of course we do not always play at home in Morzine, but during the winter season we organize exhibition matches every Wednesday. These provide real

Skoda Arena before each game (subject to availability). Championship matches are priced

at €10 for adults, €6 for children aged over five years, younger children can join the action for free. Exhibition matches are priced at €9 for adults, €5 for children, again under fives go free. Season passes are also available if you’re here for the whole season!

// © Hockey Club Morzine-Avoriaz

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Hive, 14 route d’Avoriaz For more information email: info@buzzperformance.com //

resort information

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trending - backcountry -

Ortovox Rescue Set Diract Voice Light RRP €420.00 ortovox.com

No touring set up is complete without a full set of avalanche rescue gear, combined with the knowledge of how to use it. Please don’t be the person in your group with all the gear and no idea. Over on page 42 Nicky suggested the Ortovox Diract Voice avalanche transceiver if you’re looking for an update this winter. Ortovox offer a full rescue kit set which includes the Diract Voice transceiver, Alu 240 Light probe and the Pro Light shovel.

The probe and shovel are both lightweight and quick and easy to assemble.

NOCS Provisions Monocular RRP €75.00 nocsprovisions.com

The perfect accompaniment to the NOCS standard issue on page 128, this NOCS Zoom Tube is great for scoping lines, spotting wildlife or looking out for your mates on the mountain. It’s ultra-compact design packs neatly into your touring back pack, it’s both water resistant and fog proof and has a mega wide field of view. The lens is fully multi coated for protection while the rugged impact absorbing housing makes it ultra tough. You likely won’t need it, but the Zoom Tube comes with a no-matter-what lifetime warranty and there’s six different bright colours to choose from.

Black Crows Navis Freebird Skis RRP €729.95 black-crows.com

Founded around the corner in Chamonix, you’d expect these strong, smooth and trustworthy touring skis to stay true to their back country roots and a spirit of adventure. And they do both, in spades. The 102mm width makes these a versatile ski; they’re not the lightest on the uphill yet they fail to disappoint on the return leg, whatever the conditions. You'll find a selection of touring skis to hire at Caribou Sports in the centre of Morzine.

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Patagonia snowfarer Touring cap RRP €40.00 eu.patagonia.com

This light weight, fast drying and adjustable cap has been specifically designed by Patagonia for big days on the mountain. While the foamcore peak with a dark underbill protects your face from the sun, the soft brushed tricot liner keeps you warm and cosy when the wind whips up. It’s made from 100% recycled nylon with a durable water repellent finish and its production is Fair Trade certified too. The low profile design means it can be worn under a helmet or hood too!

your source of information for Morzine, Les Gets & Avoriaz

Jones Frontier Splitboard RRP €749.95 jonessnowboards.com

This all-terrain, shred everything splitboard is perfect for the variable pistes of the Portes du Soleil. It’s both flexible and floaty to help you glide through all conditions on the descent as well as lightweight for the tougher ascents. The Directional Rocker profile and Inner/Outer Traction Tech 2.0 edges provide confident stability and edge grip and aside from the masses of technology packed into this split, every element has been sustainably designed to put the planed first. Spot the awesome board graphics from PR Roberts too! //

trending - backcountry

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The perfect ski boots

by Amie Henderson

Months spent squatting in readiness. Weeks spent dreaming of first lifts. Days spent selecting and packing your very best ski socks. Yet there’s nothing like a painful pair of ski boots to drain the enjoyment from your ski holiday.

I’ve been waiting for a revolution in ski boots for years, as it happens. How come snowboarders get these soft, comfy, apres-ski-friendly, trainer-esque boots and us skiers get hard, heavy lumps of plastic with buckles? “Ski boots rarely fit straight out of the box, Amie” Sebastian Rouget of Caribou Sports in Morzine tells me. “But we absolutely do not need to reinvent the wheel!”

Sebastian’s father Michel opened the very first ski rental shop in Morzine. For more than 60 years the family have been renting skis and boots for a variety of ability levels and budgets. But when it comes to custom ski boot fitting, Michel is the famous one.

It’s fair to say that the design of ski boots makes it impossible to judge whether they fit you correctly - or not. Adjustment, fine tuning, shaping and stretching is often required on the actual boot, before you even get started on your custom insole. At Caribou Sports Michel, Sebastian and their team use the much-coveted but rare Fischer ski boot fitting method, which allows the plastic hull to be moulded to your feet. “Fischer are by far the experts in this field,” Sebastian explains. “Our machine is one of only six in France.” Can it be true that investing in a personalised fit for your ski boots will improve your comfort and performance on the slopes?

3.7 million pairs of ski boots were sold globally during the 2018/2019 winter season, packed inside were identical (usually black) foam insoles; standard, pre-moulded foot beds for the average foot. But there is no average foot. If we consider the ways in which two pairs of feet may vary - in length, width, arch height to name just a few, it seems crazy to imagine that these stock insoles might ever suit your feet - or anyone elses for that matter. Welcome to the world of custom insoles.

Here’s the science bit. Custom insoles better support your feet in your ski boots. A better supported foot suffers less from fatigue as you spend your days smashing fresh powder in Avoriaz or piste bashing on Pleney. Custom insoles also stabilise your foot, reducing movement inside 60

the perfect ski boots

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GREAT VALUE PROPERTIES IN THEwww.alptitude.com HEART OF MORZINE www.alptitude.com

your boot along with pressure points and those painful rubbing, burning sensations. We’ve all been there - it’s around the same time that you cancel your apres-ski plans and hobble back to your chalet in agony.

Custom insoles exist for two reasons. They’ll make your feet more comfortable, certainly. But they’ll also make you a better skier by identifying your natural weight distribution in ski stance and improving your alignment.

Before you know it, those carved turns on progressive reds will become dreamy. Your performance will improve significantly and you’ll be smiling all day long.

At Caribou Sports, Michel, Sebastian and their team are experts in the SIDAS custom sole moulding system. Here’s where they thrash out the biomechanical complexities.

You’ll stand on two silicone pillows to make an imprint of your feet. Warmed insoles will then be placed into the moulds created by your feet and shaped to precision.

Once installed into your ski boot, usually with a stabiliser to keep it in position, you’ll discover improved pressure distribution across the base of your foot.

I wonder how Michel, the most renowned ski boot fitter in our region, feels about the future of ski boots. He began his career as a ski man having acquired a bunch of skis from soldiers returning from the Algerian War when it ended in 1962. He restored them, replaced the edges and began renting them to tourists. He was a pioneer then, but now? “I am certain, skiing in boots correctly moulded to your feet, will change your skiing. And your holiday,” he believes. “Many times I have corrected the boots of skiers in terrible pain. They fall in love with the sport that we love, all over again.”

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All classes available outdoors, in gyms, studios and online Personal Training is available at your choice of location

You’ll find the famous Michel, Sebastian and their team at Caribou Sports on the route de la Combe a Zorre in Morzine, or at their second shop, ABC Sport on the route de la Plagne, near to the Super Morzine lift station.

To book your equipment in advance, visit caribousport.com.

@morzinefitness morzinefitness@gmail.com

Morzine Fitness Sue +33 (0)7 71 12 92 39

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WHY YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT

ski jumping Whether pre-planned and purposeful or entirely accidental, we’ve all experienced the sensation of hurtling through the air, skis or a snowboard attached to our feet, landing site to be confirmed.

I can’t help but wonder whether it was such an experience that inspired Norwegian Ole Rye to make a sport out of ski jumping.

Ole certainly started a craze; Norway continues to be the dominant force in ski jumping to this day, with 35 Olympic medals in the national team.

In fact it was at the inaugural Chamonix Winter Olympics in 1924 that ski jumping became truly competitive. Long before the slalom and downhill skiing events that we know and love today, ski jumping delivered thrills, spills, celebrity athletes and a quest to travel higher, further and longer on two planks of wood.

Over the years fliers have developed new styles to keep them in the air for longer.

The modern ski jump sees flyers adopt a v-style with skis splayed outwards at the front. It’s estimated that the v-style gives ski jumpers a 10% distance advantage over the previous parallel ski style. And of course the hills have become steeper and the jumps longer over the years.

Another recent addition to the technique is the telemark landing position. This enables flyers to steady themselves on the snow before the landing slope comes to an end; I guess when you’re travelling through the air at speeds of up to 105 kmh, coming down is just as important as going up.

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It’s likely that Eddie the Eagle Edwards has already popped into your mind as you read this article. Better known these days as Michael Edwards, he shot to fame when he represented Great Britain at the Calgary Winter Olympics in 1988, finishing last in the competition but capturing the imagination of the nation. Eddie’s incredible story became a biographical movie in 2016, making the plasterer from Cheltenham a little bit famous all over again.

Aside from the world records, top speeds and medals, ski jumping captivates because it’s so very different to every other winter Olympic sport; nothing comes close and it’s absolutely not something you can simply turn up and try. Beginner snowboarders could easily tackle a border cross course, the likely outcome is a face full of snow but the risks are relatively small. Feeling bold on your final run of the day? It’s loads of fun to slalom race your mates down the home run. Yet nothing you will do on an average day during your winter holiday will compare to hoisting yourself up a 120m hill and launching yourself like a rocket. And it’s for this reason I believe we should all pay a little more attention to ski jumping.

Source Winter 22for Advert halfLes page.pdf 1 30/09/2021 your source of information Morzine, Gets & Avoriaz

HERE’S SEVEN THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW…

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Ski joëring Included as a demonstration sport at the 1928 Games in St. Moritz, ski joëring involves skiing while pulled by the power of a horse. It’s not currently an Olympic sport but you can give it a go in Avoriaz this winter, courtesy of Avoriaz Ski Joering (avoriaz-skijoering.com) Ski Ballet Also known as acroski, this freestyle event involves choreographed routines with flips, jumps and turns on a smooth slope. We’ve all tried this one, surely? Ski ballet was a demonstration sport during the 1988 Calgary Games and in Albertville in 1992.

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7 - Norwegian (you guessed it) Stefan Kraft currently holds the world record for the longest ski jump at 253.5m. By comparison, Eddie the Eagle jumped 71m at the Calgary Games in 1988 and the current British record is held by Sam Bolton at 134.5m.

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6 - Whilst watching ski jumping you might wonder why someone planted small green trees on the course. These are to help the flyers with their depth and altitude perception whilst mid air and to help them prepare for landing.

HAVE YOU HEARD OF THESE OTHER WINTER OLYMPIC SPORTS?

PPY HOUR HA

OR 1 PIZZA 2F

5 - At the Beijing Games, ski jumping takes place on the first permanent Olympic course in the world. It’s 164 metres long and is part of the National Jumping Centre in the Zhangjiakou cluster, where the snowboarding, freestyle skiing, cross-country skiing and biathlon events will also take place.

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3 - Morzine was once home to two ski jumps and even hosted international competitions. The first was located on the hill behind L’Hauturière and was constructed in 1925, nine years before Morzine’s first ski lift. A second hill was constructed along the Vallée des Ardoisières.

4 - During the competitions, each jump is evaluated by the distance travelled and the style of the jump. The distance is determined by measuring along the curve of the landing hill, from the takeoff point to the spot where the jumper lands.

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2 - 26-year-old Norwegian Maren Lundby has three consecutive World Cup titles plus gold medals from the 2018 Games, making her the jumper to beat in Beijing. The men’s competition is much tighter with German Andreas Wellinger the odds-on favourite. He’s a four-time Olympic champion and won gold in the normal hill competition in PyeongChang, but no athlete has successfully defended their title in the history of the sport, so it’s all to play for.

Our menu now includes bar snacks, chef’s specials and our classic Nash pizzas with 2-4-1 on all eat-in pizzas each Tuesday

Z UI

1 - Ski jumping events take place at the Beijing Games between 5th and 14th February 2022 and there are five separate disciplines; men’s normal hill (90m hill) individual, men’s large hill (120m hill) individual, men’s team event, women’s normal hill individual and a mix team event, which is brand new to the Olympics this year.

10:45

R UP D ATES

1829 Route des Grandes Alpes, St Jean d’Aulps +33 (0) 4 50 38 49 66 | www.barnational.com | hello@barnational.com

Military Patrol A precursor to the biathlon, Military Patrol was a team sport involving cross country skiing, rifle shooting and ski mountaineering. It debuted as an official sport at the Chamonix Games in 1924.

Winter Pentathlon A demonstration event in St. Moritz in 1928, the Winter Pentathlon combines cross country skiing, rifle shooting, downhill skiing, fencing and horse riding into one competition. It never became a mainstream Olympic event unfortunately!

check out our website or Facebook page for details //

ski jumping

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Meet the Magic Makers A DAY IN THE LIFE OF

By Chief Magic Maker Maxence Clemencon

Each day at Alta Lumina begins with a quick walk around the park, making sure the path through the enchanted forest is clear and nothing is lying around, such as fallen branches, etc. Then we do a second round to put everything into place and check all the electronics. The team then splits into two; one group sets everything up and puts everything into place, the other tests all the lights and other effects to make sure everything is in perfect condition, ready for another night of amazement for our visitors.

As is often the case during the winter season, fresh snowfall can mean a lot of extra work here at Alta Lumina. Safety is our priority, so whenever the snow makes an appearance, we need to clear the whole pathway. We also sprinkle forest-friendly grit to minimise slip hazards. Many lights also need to be cleared of snow to ensure the light effects are not impacted by the snow. On top of that, the magic makers must ensure that all of the electronics are still in perfect working order and snow hasn’t gone in places we don’t it want to. Snowy days are tough days here but when the sun has set, the magic really goes up a whole new level!

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Everything is ready well in advance of our first visitors each day, so when they arrive, we walk to the entrance of Alta Lumina with our broadest smiles, we light the fire and we are ready to share the wonderful experience of Alta Lumina with them.

The magic of Alta Lumina was created with children in mind and the experience has so much to offer for the whole family! It’s difficult for me to tell you which sections are the favourites amongst our little visitors without revealing too much about the experience!

But let’s just say that children absolutely love

Taxi Morzine.pdf for1Morzine, 27/04/2021 11:42 your source of information Les Gets & Avoriaz

Discover More:

More than just a taxi // Bien plus qu'un taxi

Alta Lumina reopens for Winter 21/22 at 5.40pm on Friday 3rd December and is open each day throughout the season (note that the opening time is later as we move towards spring and the days become longer). The final day of the season is Saturday 9th April 2022.

To maintain the magical experience in the park, we restrict the number of visitors at any one time throughout the winter season and tickets are not available to book on site. You can easily book your visit to Alta Lumina in advance on our website - www.altalumina.com.

Prices: Children up to age 4 - Free of charge Children aged 5 to 15 - €10 Adults aged 16 and over - €19 Family pass for 2 adults and 2 children - €53

Licensed taxi | Minibus 8 seats | Minibus 15 seats Minibus 22 seats | Private airport transfers In resort taxi service | Excursions

Follow the magic this winter: facebook.com/AltaLuminaLesGets Instagram: @altaluminalesgets

New for Summer 2021 a MTB trailer

Follow Taxi Morzine on Facebook Call: +33 (0) 6 77 41 16 64 Email: info@taxi-morzine.com

www.taxi-morzine.com Le Room.pdf

drawing on the black boards and spinning the handles to play the music of Alta Lumina. It’s a real treat for us to watch the joy on their faces.

Many people ask me how we make the special magic at Alta Lumina, so I will tell you here, for the first time.

The recipe is a pinch of enchanted melody, a big teaspoon of magnificent trees, a sprinkle of lights, a few secret ingredients topped up with a very enthusiastic crew. We stir these things up for the whole evening and there you go! That’s the secret formula.

Being the Chief Magic Maker at Alta Lumina is a real privilege. During the winter time we start work in the mid-to-late afternoon, so we are on a bit of a different schedule. When most people finish their day of skiing, we start our shift. By the time they are waxing their skis and eating fondue, we are fully at work. The routine definitely takes some time to get used to. On the other hand, we are a very small and tight team and we all get along very well. We get to spend our evening watching people mesmerised by the Alta Lumina experience so it doesn’t get much better than that really, does it?! I’ll tell you about one bonus point; we never work in the morning, so we never miss a powder day!

As our visitors left the park this summer,“Thank you for this magical moment!” is the most common thing they say to us. Closely followed by “We’ve got to come back in winter!” Fuelled by this passion, we’ve been working hard on new experiences to make Alta Lumina smoother and more enjoyable for our visitors.

I don’t want to give away the surprises, but as magic makers, we never run out of ideas and we cannot wait to welcome you to Alta Lumina this winter!

1

27/09/2019

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65

past, present &

future By mia brookes

Bonjour! Mia Brookes here, I hope you are all doing good! Hopefully you are all shredding it back on the mountains after two winters off snow. Here’s a quick update on my season last year… one of the best seasons I have ever had, despite everything!

unreal I hit my first ever proline jump in Hintertux at the start of the season; the stoke was unreal and I was so happy!

In December we left the UK as another lock down was happening and my school announced it was closing again. We headed to Laax with the caravan, I competed in my first ever Europa Cup in Corvatch (Switzerland) which was amazing! My coach had to leave quickly before another lock down began in the UK and flights stopped, and my dad came out to see me but then had to self isolate straight away upon arrival, so it was just me and mum on the hill.

I came second overall at the Europa Cup, which I was super stoked about! I then went on to take second in the Crans Montana slopestyle Europa Cup in January too. Also in January, back in Laax, I got a feature on the Crap Show!

Being invited to film for the Crap Show has been a dream of mine for a while now and it finally came true!

Moving on, the COVID-19 and travel situation really got out of hand and my coaches got stuck back home after a trip to The States with some of the team. I was schooling remotely in

STOKED

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past, present and future - mia brookes

//

your source of information for Morzine, Les Gets & Avoriaz

Switzerland and really needed a good coach to help me on the mountain to achieve some goals, so we had a great idea. Shout-out to ma main man Jason Rickwood (a.k.a Gypsy Snowboarding in Morzine) for being the best person on the planet and coming to help coach me over the winter !!!!!!!

Jason stayed next to us in a camping pod on the campsite in Laax and travelled round to some more of the Europa Cup comps with me. Some of my most memorable moments in the time I had with him were probably: • landing my first ever 1080 • coming second behind Anna Gasser in the Absolute Park spring battle virtual rail comp • winning the Europa Cup big air in Davos • winning the Leysin Europa Cup Slopestyle. We were both really stoked about this because I was having a really difficult time trying to land a cab 9, I couldn’t put it down in practice, but had to (in my Dad’s words) “throw sh*t at the wall” and just send it in the comp, and I landed it! So yeah that was one that got us really stoked!

• it was announced, (on my 14th birthday too!), that I’d been nominated and awarded The Reason Magazine’s ‘Rider of the Year’. So stoked!

Jason left, my Mum went home and my Dad came out for the end of season. Dad, my Team GB coach Hamish and I went to Corvatch for my last Europa Cup, the slopestyle and big air finals. Sadly I didn’t manage to land my runs in finals, but came third in big air, meaning at the end of the season I came third overall in the 2021 Europa Cup. Sadly, right at the end of the season, I then ended up in hospital with a concussion. I fell over riding into a jump, got airlifted to hospital and checked out overnight. All was ok but the Team GB doctors and physios recommended I go home and rest, taking three months off my board. That doesn’t seem like long, but trust me, it felt like forever!

Once back in the UK I had weekly sessions with my physios Jeff Ross at Harris and Ross in Manchester and Alison from GBSnowsport. I also did lots of weekly strength and conditioning sessions with Nathan from the EIS. I cycled lots too, this helped to keep me fit, focussed and ready for my return to snow. Overall though, I had a great season!!!!

O U R P R I C E S D I S P L AY E D A R E V A L I D F R O M 6 P M U N T I L M I D N I G H T , P L E A S E N OT E T H E R E I S A F L AT S U R C H A R G E O F € 5 A F T E R M I D N I G H T. W E O P E R AT E S U N D AY U N T I L F R I D AY , F R O M 6 P M U N T I L 2 A M

C A L L + 3 3 6 4 1 39 2 8 8 7 D E S T I N AT I O N

PRICE

D E S T I N AT I O N

PRICE

ARDENT

€25

LES GE TS

AV O R I A Z

€50

MONTRIOND

€20

BAS THEX

€25

MONTRIOND HAMLE TS

C OT E D ’ A R B R OZ

€25

MORZINE

ESSERT LA PIERRE

€25

NYON

ESSERT ROMAND

€20

PRODAINS

GRANDE TERC HE

€30

S E Y T R O UX

€35

L A B AU M E

€45

S T J E A N D ’ AU L P S

€20

L E B I OT

€45

VALLEE DE LA MANCHE

€20

€15 €20 €15 €15 €20

Treat yourself to

Thanks to everyone who helped me along the way, you are all so good and I love you all!

This winter I’ve been selected again for the GB team and I am really looking forward to representing them at the junior World Championships in Leysin as well as the Europa Cups again. As I turn 15 soon I can start competing in World Cup competitions and begin my journey towards the 2026 Winter Olympics.

You can follow my journey on Instagram @mia_brookes and I hope you enjoy this follow up article that I’ve prepared for you; Q&A’s with my team mates. I thought it would be fun, since this is an Olympic winter, to talk to the past, present and future Team GB winter olympians.

They inspire me so much and they’ve each asked me one question too!

So, let me introduce you to Jenny Jones, Katie Ormerod, Katie Summerhayes and Kirsty Muir. >>

AT C H A L E T G E N T I A N E

Beautiful 8 bedroom catered ski chalet in Les Gets, at the heart of the Portes du Soleil.

so stoked

To find out more please visit:

www.chaletgentiane.com email

summitspecial@chaletgentiane.com or call

+44 (0) 7931 934312

//

past, present and future - mia brookes

67

Hi Jenny Jones! How did you feel when you found out

you had won a bronze medal for Great Britain at the Winter Olympics?

I think it took a good few minutes to sink in, then I had to keep checking with myself and it would then sink in all over again. It was a feeling of real achievement and I remember feeling very proud. I had actually done it, even though I was so much older, had gone through so many injuries, I managed to hold it together when it mattered. There, in that moment, I really wanted to hug everyone who had helped me win that bronze. One mega hug.

How old were you when you learnt to snowboard? Where was it?

I learnt to snowboard when I was about 16 and it was on Church Hill dry slope, which is now called Mendips Snow Centre, I think.

If you could do anything right now, anywhere in the world, what would it be and why?

I would fix my Dad's heart. He had a triple heart bypass surgery a year ago and although he is recovering really well, he’s not 100%. I would love to make him feel better.

But if you mean activity wise, well then after fixing my Dad's heart, I'd probably go somewhere really warm to surf with the boyfriend and mates:) Where is your favourite place to go snowboarding and why?

One of my favourite places to go snowboarding is Japan, Moiwa. There’s great powder snow, a cultural experience, brilliant adventures and wonderful memories of shredding with buddies. Another of my favourite places to snowboard is Sainte Foy; its chilled, friendly with super fun terrain, I love it.

If you could give any future advice to Olympians what would that be?

It's not over until it's over! If you're going for the Olympics, put all your effort and passion into it, right until the end.

Enjoy every minute of the process - the doing - and you’ll have an incredible journey you’ll never forget, no matter what the outcome.

Would you have done anything differently along your journey?

I have to say no! Although I would have liked not to have had a severe concussion two months before the Olympics.

However if I hadn’t, could or would the outcome have been different, because I didn’t go through that experience? It might have changed some kind of link in the chain and I may not have been standing on that podium at the end. Who knows, ha!

Do you have a question for me?

Yes! If you could be a snowboarder from another country for the day, who would you be, where would you be and why?

Has to be Yung Doli (Lucas Baume) P60,Laax!!!

Follow Jenny’s adventures on Instagram @jennyjonessnow

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//

your source of information for Morzine, Les Gets & Avoriaz

Hey Katie Ormerod! At the Olympics do you prefer Big Air or Slopestyle?

What has been your best moment and your worst moment?

I don’t have a preference between Big Air and Slopestyle as they are both really fun. I already checked out the Beijing Big Air and it was amazing, so I can’t wait to hit it again in February at the Olympics and I’m particularly looking forward to seeing what the Slopestyle course will be like as well.

My best moment was winning the Overall World Cup Slopestyle Crystal Globe. I’ve always wanted to win it, so it was the best way to end the most amazing season and I’m still excited about it now. My worst moment was breaking my heel. It was the worst situation to be in, but it made my best moment, winning the crystal globe, even sweeter.

If you could do any other snow sport discipline what would it be and why?

I would do freestyle skiing as I did it for a couple of years when I was three years old, so I would love to give it another try and I feel like my Gymnastics background would be very useful for learning tricks.

I generally mix up my music before a competition, so I listen to anything from Musicals to Beyonce… Anything that is motivating and fun.

What is your routine on the night and morning before any competition?

Do you have a question for me?

My competition routine is exactly the same as any other training day. I make sure I go to bed early, so I can get as much sleep as possible and in the morning, I will have a healthy, filling breakfast to keep me going throughout the day.

I also listen to some happy, uplifting music on the way to the competition venue to keep my vibes high.

Bill Ski half page SOURCE advert.pdf

1

23/11/2020

Do you have a favourite song to listen to when snowboarding or before a comp?

If you could compete in any other Olympic sport, what would it be?

I’ve never given this a thought before! So I suppose it would have to be Skateboarding?!

Follow Katie O’s Olympic winter on Instagram @ormerodkatie

08:49

i’m the king of the skiers, the mountain v.i.p, you’ve reached the top and had to stop and that’s what’s bothering me !

Independent Ski School The highest quality ski and snowboard lessons in Morzine, Les Gets & Avoriaz, taught in English

Customised lessons to suit your ability and experience Group Lessons Private Lessons Kids Lessons Guiding Powder

bonjour@billski.co.uk | +44 (0)7793 200 296

www.billski.co.uk

//

past, present and future - mia brookes

69

Hello Kirsty Muir! How do you feel

Hi Katie Summerhayes! If you could do any other snow sport discipline other than skiing, what would it be and why?

going into your first olympics?

I’m really nervous! However I’m super excited to ski in a new resort and I’m looking forward to the whole experience! I can’t wait to go to Beijing, I’ve never been to China so I think it will be an amazing experience!

I would do snowboard Slopestyle! I’d love to give it a try it and it looks really cool!

What is your routine the night and morning before any competition?

I try and not get too stressed! I just try to have a chilled night, watch a film and try and visualise what I want to do the next day.

How did you feel when you landed your dub 12? What was your preparation for it?

I was so happy when I landed my first dub 12, it was an incredible feeling going over twice for the first time! In preparation for the dub I first tried the trick on an airbag, along with prepping them on a trampoline. This helped me to feel a bit more comfortable before trying the trick on the snow.

What has been your best moment and your worst moment?

Getting selected for two Olympics is my best!

But doing my ACL for the third time in September 2018 was a really hard moment and I’m so glad I recovered and came back from that setback.

If you weren’t a skier and you had to get a job tomorrow, what would it be?

Do you have a favourite song to listen to when skiing or before a comp?

I have always loved sports so I would say I’d love to do something sports related. I have always thought about being some sort of sports coach or a physiotherapist.

Anything Taylor Swift!

Do you have a question for me?

What’s your favourite ice cream flavour?

What’s your favourite snack on the mountain?

Mint Choc chip, my go to flavour every time!

Follow Katie S’ winter season on Instagram @summerhayeskatie

Usually I have a banana as a snack on the mountain, however I definitely have a sweet tooth so sometimes I have some Haribo or chocolate.

What is your morning routine before training?

I’m so lucky to call these girls my friends, I’m really inspired

In the mornings, I get up and have breakfast. I then make some lunch to take with me to training, after that I get ready to go skiing and if I have any time left I usually do some stretching. Once we get up the hill, we then do a warm up.

by them and I wish them all a really incredible winter Olympic season! I’d also

What are your top three TV series to watch on a down day?

like to shout out Morzine’s Sam Nelson for looking after

Stranger Things, Greys Anatomy and The Vampire Diaries.

everything in the background

Do you have a question for me?

for me, he works so hard! And

If you had a full day to do whatever you would like (anything other than snowboarding ), what would you do?

obviously my Mum and Dad work tirelessly to make sure

Definitely definitely Alton Towers with my friends or everyone I know on the GB team.

I used to be petrified of rollercoasters when I was a lot younger, but now they’re like the best thing ever!!!

I can travel, compete and live my dream. I couldn’t do it without them, obviously!

Follow Kirsty’s journey to Beijing on Instagram @kirski12

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past, present and future - mia brookes

//

your source of information for Morzine, Les Gets & Avoriaz

Flexible arrival days

and stays of 3+ nights available

Self-catered properties sleeping 4 - 26 in Morzine

Morzine’s short-break specialist info@snowandtrek-morzine.com | www.snowandtrek-morzine.com | 33 (0)4 50 75 14 22

MUCH MORE THAN JUST RENTALS

We are here to help you achieve the maximum from your mountain break both

Winter and Summer adam@alpine-sports.eu

www.alpine-sports.eu

+33 (0)6 30 06 10 24

We stock a superb range of winter sports equipment and in the summer months can meet all your two wheeled needs - Mountain bikes, E-MTB’s and road bikes //

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71

310, Route de la Plagne, Morzine

THE

RP Roberts INTERVIEW

by Amie Henderson

72

rp roberts

//

your source of information for Morzine, Les Gets & Avoriaz

When did you start painting and what were your initial influences?

My father was an art teacher, so I was always into drawing and doodling. I started to really enjoy painting in my late teens when I started to paint graffiti; I loved the free nature of it, the scale and the styles. There were also influences from artists my father was friends with, like Kyffin Williams, and my tutor from college Peter Prendergast, who were both more traditional artists.

Then there were influences from getting in to graffiti, so people like Juice, System and Arcae. They are all graffiti artists from the UK who were pushing the style boundaries.

Then there were the more international artists like Futura 2000, Loomit, Os Gemeos. I was very excited and inspired by the graffiti world as there were so many styles and avenues to explore with some amazing artists pushing the boundaries.

When did your art begin to blend with your passion for winter sports?

My best friend’s brother used to be a distributor for K2 and a now defunct snowboard clothing brand called Twist. This gave me an early introduction to snowboard culture before even stepping on a snowboard. We used to hang out at his office, and there were always loads of cool point of sale, posters and stickers for these brands. Twist used to use an artist called Evan Hecox, and his style was amazing. So really I got in to the visual aspect of snow and skate culture, alongside my love of graffiti. It was just very exciting seeing all these amazing styles from around the world and being inspired by them.

The mountains are always filled with colour, whatever the season. How do you decide on a colour pallet?

I work a lot to commission, some of which are for private clients and some commercial, so a lot of the time I work to people's colour schemes. That said, I am influenced a lot by my early years of spray painting, so I tend to use quite vibrant colours. I think a big influence on my love of colour and snowy mountains, was going on holiday to Wengen when I was very young. The Jungfrau mountain range has a tendency to go bright, bright pink at sunset, and it's one of my favourite memories, being there with my parents in the summer and enjoying these sunsets.

What’s your favourite medium to paint with?

I enjoy using spray paint on larger murals, but when it comes to smaller pieces, I like to use quite watery mediums, so ink or watered down acrylic. A lot of my paintings are very drippy, and I like building layers of wet paint, then going in for more detailed areas with acrylic.

How does the commission process work?

I usually begins with the size of the piece, and the medium.

From small ink pieces on paper, to large paintings on wood, it's best to get the idea of size and medium figured out first, as this has a big impact on the timeframe and how much it will cost. I then look at the view the client wants and what colours they like and dislike. Once the mountain has been selected, depending on the shots provided, I look around for sunrise and sunset shots, as these tend to have better light contrast. Once a client has signed off on a digital sketch, I then go to work, and hope I produce something they like. >>

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rp roberts

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How did your Jones Snowboards commission come about? And what’s next for this collaboration?

At the time I was working for a small cultural events company, doing their marketing design, sponsorship and also the curation of the visual arts aspect of their events, but also painting graffiti whenever possible. I wanted to try and make a go of painting full time, but the street art/graffiti scene was very crowded and competitive. I'd painted a couple of landscapes as backgrounds of pieces when I was working over in Austria, so I started to paint these on canvas, I just made up mountain scapes.

I really enjoyed the fusion of graffiti and mountain painting, so I thought I'd set up a new persona, and start social media accounts only posting mountain paintings to see if it was viable as an avenue to explore, without the echo chamber of friends cheering me on. For about six months I painted and posted photos on my Instagram, without connecting with any friends or family, just trying to suss out if people liked it.

As I knew a bit about the snowboard industry, I started to put various hashtags on my photos, associated with these brands. I was amazed to have a couple of brands like my pictures, and even more amazed to get a direct message asking if I'd like to submit an idea for a snowboard graphic.

I ended up doing three paintings for Jones Snowboards that winter.

They invited me over to the trade show ISPO in Munich for the launch, where I painted live on the stand and got to meet everyone in person. I've been fortunate that they've asked me to come up with designs for them for a while now, I still can't quite believe it.

As far as what's next, they have launched their own line of technical outerwear, so I have been doing a few bits and bobs of fabric design, so working on repeat patterns and short graphics. I really enjoy trying different styles and techniques in response to the where the illustration or painting will end up.

You’ve worked to support Protect our Winters over the years. Have you changed your own approach to environmental sustainability?

I think as I've got older, I've tried to buy less stuff I don't need, and when I do buy it, I try to buy it from a company with a more sustainable outlook, and also I try to buy with the outlook of quality over quantity. I also try and use sustainable packaging whenever possible, whilst also hoarding cardboard boxes, just incase I can use them again!

It's hard to be involved with an industry that is predominantly based on people buying new product each season, however. But with Jones Snowboards as a brand, it’s nice as they strive to make the best product, that will last a long time, while still keeping an eye on the sourcing and overall environmental impact of their product.

How much time to you get in the mountains these days?

Any big trips planned for this winter?

I don't get to travel overseas anywhere near as much as I'd like to. I usually try and get away to Austria a couple of times each winter, and don't have anything lined up for this winter as of yet. Luckily I now live on the edge of Snowdonia, so I get my mountain fix on my doorstep. I just hope we get some snow this winter.

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rp roberts

//

your source of information for Morzine, Les Gets & Avoriaz

An authentic, family-run Savoyarde hotel in the perfect location

Mid-way between Morzine and Avoriaz | 300m from the Prodains Express lift station At the foot of the Prodains cliffs and surrounded by fir trees | Ski to the door Flexible bedrooms | Restaurant serving delicious, traditional French food Airport transfers, equipment rental and ski school also available

Prices from €75 to €95 per person per night, half board Discover more

www.leslans.com

ART

ETEMPXORPAIORE

15 DÉC 31 MAI

What’s your impression of the resorts in our valley?

I do have a strong affinity and fondness for the area, as I know a few people who have lived and worked in the valley. From the guys at Treeline Chalets, to various friends from my days working at the The Snowboard Asylum.

What advice would you give to other aspiring mountain artists?

Painting is such a great escape from everyday problems, struggling to make a painting work is a sure fire way of forgetting about every day stress, and hopefully at the end, you'll have a piece of work you love. If you're hoping to go down the route of making painting a job, try and find your own style and try to develop that and make it your own. It's easy to just copy someone, but harder to make mistakes trying new things, over and over until you've found your own style. I've spent hundreds of hours trying new things, where the work ends up in the bin, but eventually you will hit on a technique, or material that allows you to express yourself the way you want to.

Discover more: website: rproberts.com Instagram: @rp-roberts

© New Deal - Grenoble. Photos : Emmanuel Bour, Abbaye d’Aulps, X-Droits réservés.

I think with any type of artistic endeavour, try and do it every day and don't get put off by mistakes or difficult times. The more you work at something, the more you get out of it. When it comes to mountain artists, first and foremost, enjoy being in the mountains and enjoy painting.

EMMANUEL BOUR A B B AY E D ’ AU L P S

961, ROUTE DE L’ABBAYE - 74430 SAINT-JEAN D’AULPS • TÉL.: 04 50 04 52 63

www abbayedaulps fr

//

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75

t r o suppteam

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Panther Snow Co

Simply Morzine

Chalet Roc Central Morzine

We have two luxury self-catered properties available for rent winter and summer in the Portes du Soleil.

These consist of one luxury chalet in the charming hamlet of Essert Romand, Chalet Aix (sleeps 8) and one high-end new apartment in Morzine town itself, Marmottiere (sleeps 8+2). Please see our website or call Richard for further details.

Shortlisted as ‘Best Chalet Company’ by the Telegraph. Simply Morzine boast some of central Morzine's best located & on-piste luxury catered chalets & hotel plus self-catered luxury chalet & self-catered on-piste apartments. All chalets & hotel include hot tub, pool or sauna.

Detached, modern chalet in central Morzine with 5 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, outdoor (under cover) hot tub, full digital entertainment (Netflix, Spotify Premium, PlayStation, Alexa, UK Freesat and French digital tv) and modern log burning fireplace. Only a short (400m) walk from the restaurants and bars in town and both cable cars. Mention Morzine Source for a discount!

panthersnowco.com

simply-morzine.co.uk

ChaletRoc.com

+44 (0) 7836 611 076

+44 (0) 1664 568902

+44 (0) 7887 551 921

info@panthersnowco.com

info@simply-morzine.co.uk

reservations@chaletroc.com

Skiology

Treeline Chalets

Apex Morzine

A passion for good food, service with care, delivered environmentally responsibly. Catered and self catered 6-14 bed chalets in Morzine and Les Carroz, close to the lifts and pistes. Foodie ski menu with unlimited Paul Boyer wine. Come and join us this winter!

Award winning chalet company in Morzine with a range of catered, flexi-catered and self-catered properties. From 2 bed apartments to 6 bed luxury chalets, we have a large portfolio to suit all group sizes and budgets. With a friendly team full of local knowledge, we are here to help from the moment you book so you can really make the most of your time in Morzine.

Apex offers comfortable, relaxed accommodation in a renovated 180 year old farmhouse, close to the Super Morzine lift and town centre. Choose from either our 2 bedroom self-catering apartment available on a weekly basis, (Saturday changeovers), or B&B in 5 en-suite bedrooms, with flexible arrival days. Minimum stay 3 nights. Free WIFI. Open winter and summer.

skiology.co.uk

treelinechalets.com

apexmorzine.com

+44 (0) 207 183 0688

+44 (0) 1483 220 505

+33 (0) 4 50 74 65 49

stay@skiology.co.uk

info@treelinechalets.com

apexgroup@free.fr

Alptitude Chalets

45 Degrees North

Ride & Breakfast Chalet

A great portfolio of self-catering chalets and apartments sleeping from 4 - 13 guests. A great choice of central village locations, plus a selection of more peaceful locations away from the hustle and bustle.

From comfortable to more luxurious and all at great value. We provide a unique and personal service which is second to none and perfectly efficient from enquiry to departure. All Alptitude clients also benefit from discounted lift passes, airport transfers and ski hire.

45 Degrees North is a family-run business based in Morzine and we have been offering cycling and skiing/snowboarding holidays here for 5 years. At our chalets, we aim to provide a warm, welcoming and relaxed environment for your holiday where it feels like a home away from home.

The R&B Chalet is located in the centre of Montriond and is a dedicated place to live and share your passion for all mountain outdoor sports. We can’t wait to show you around!

alptitude.com

45degreesnorth.co.uk

rideandbreakfast.com

+44 (0) 7891 021 292

+33 (0) 7 69 44 52 69

+33 6 07 45 35 18 / +33 6 11 04 28 58

info@alptitude.com

hello@45degreesnorth.co.uk

contact@rideandbreakfast.com //

accommodation Directory

77

Croc Blanc 4 Saisons

Elevation Alps

Chalet Pleney

Your ultimate ski holiday on the doorstep of the Pleney, the sights and sounds of Morzine surround you. Our unique chalet sleeps 10-12 people with a new and private wellbeing space including sauna, wood spa and relaxation zone. Modern, stylish interiors, panoramic terrace views and private garden. Flexible catering arrangements available.

Luxury self catered chalets in Morzine for ski and summer holidays. We have over 30 chalets and apartments in central Morzine with hot tubs, saunas and ski-in, ski-out locations. Add our concierge services to personalise your stay, such as private chefs, transfers, wine and grocery deliveries and lift passes.

A ski-in, ski-out chalet right on the Pleney piste, just 5 minutes walk from the centre of Morzine. Thoughtfully designed for winter holidays with modern features to fulfil all your ski holiday wishes. This luxurious chalet has 9 en-suite bedrooms which can sleep 25 people.

The spacious open plan lounge and dining area has a log fire and large picture windows offering spectacular views.

croc-blanc-chalet.com

elevationalps.com

woodlandschalets.com/chalet-pleney

+33 (0) 6 31 45 30 21

+33 (0) 6 50 26 70 95

+33 (0) 7 68 97 59 20

olivier@croc-blanc-chalet.com

kath@elevationalps.com

info@woodlandschalets.com

La Desmeuniere

Morzine Retreats

Les Trois Mazots

A beautiful 18th century farmhouse with traditional features and character. High ceilings and a spacious lounge with log fire makes the perfect ambiance of a classic alpine ski chalet. The 8 en-suite bedrooms sleep 21 people. There is a sauna and outdoor hot tub, which is the perfect place enjoy a glass of bubbly. The open plan kitchen allows you to take a sneak peek at what the chef is preparing.

Chalet Le Cabri with stunning views across Morzine, 5 beautiful en-suites, sleeping up to 12 people. Relax in the jacuzzi after a great day skiing, easy access to the slopes and town. We offer flexible catering in winter. Established company with 20 years in Morzine.

Situated in a quiet area yet close to all amenities.

Owner operated.

Truly unique and cool accommodation located in a quiet and exclusive part of Morzine but within a stones throw of lifts, bars, restaurants, swimming pool and all you need for an amazing holiday! The property is three mazots that provide stylish and cosy accommodation with a hint of luxurious cool. Staying is believing!

woodlandschalets.com/la-desmeuniere

morzine-retreats.com

lestroismazots.com

+33 (0) 7 68 97 59 20

+33 (0) 6 30 79 55 15

+33 (0) 7 71 15 67 32

info@woodlandschalets.com

info@morzine-retreats.com

info@lestroismazots.com

Mountain Highs

Hunter Chalets & Apartments

La Source

Morzine self-catering specialists since 1995! We have a complete range of chalets and apartments to suit all budgets, winter and summer, from 4 to 15 people. Highquality service, detailed resort knowledge, attention to detail. We also offer a lift pass delivery service, airport transfers and help with arranging childcare and ski lessons.

Hunter Chalets offers some of the most luxurious chalets and penthouses in Morzine and Les Gets. We have recently won Best Luxury Chalet Company 2021 (South East France) at the LUXlife Awards and offer a free concierge service before and during your stay to ensure everything is perfect.

A gorgeous family owned chalet on the sunny side of the valley offering bespoke holidays for families and groups alike. Drink in the view along with champagne in the outdoor hot tub and enjoy apres ski in the unique glass-floored bar. Catered or self catered and private driver all available in this luxury Morzine hideaway just a short walk from the centre of town.

mountainhighs.co.uk

hunterchalets.com

lasourcemorzine.com

33 (0) 6 24 79 07 09

+44 (0) 203 745 3452

+44 (0) 7799 472 139

info@mountainhighs.co.uk

info@hunterchalets.com

lucy@lasourcemorzine.com

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accommodation Directory

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your source of information for Morzine, Les Gets & Avoriaz

Emerald Stay

Apartment Carlina du Pleney

AliKats Mountain Holidays

Merbau is a contemporary apartment in the heart of Les Gets. Next to the slopes and only minutes away from all nearby conveniences, this home features 3 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms plus a coin montagne, modern equipment as well as a fully-equipped kitchen.

A fireplace and a private parking are also at your disposal.

Stylish new build 3 bedroom apartment (sleeps 6), located next to Pleney lift, Morzine centre. With over 25 properties in Morzine & Les Gets to choose from, Mountain Xtra can accommodate groups of different sizes, in both winter and summer. We’re sure you will find your perfect retreat with that little mountain Xtra.

Ridiculously good chalet holidays in Morzine, offering beautifully curated spaces with real food made from scratch. So good you might forget to go out skiing.

emeraldstay.com

mountainxtra.com

alikats.eu

+33 (0) 1 88 22 01 11

+44 (0)1483 608396

+33 (0) 7 83 49 67 03

info@emeraldstay.com

info@mountainxtra.com

bookings@alikats.eu

Hôtel & Spa Le Dahu ****

the HOFNAR experience

Chalet Florence

Nestled along the south side of the Morzine Valley, the 4* Dahu Hotel & Spa offers guests a uniquely sunny location and a panorama that encompasses the emblematic mountains of the resort and its lovely mountain village.

We run the best trips for those travelling 'solo' fantastic accommodation, great value-for-money, fun, laid-back vibes, it's like being on holiday with a group of mates you just haven't met yet. We have two chalets in Morzine; Chalet Skade for those in their twenties / thirties & Chalet Hubert which has no age limits, except no kids!

Chalet Florence is a traditional alpine chalet located on Route d'Avoriaz, with unbeatable views across Morzine.

The chalet is spacious, with a large living dining room, patio doors opening onto the terrace with panoramic views of Morzine town over to the ski slopes. Perfectly located for a quiet family holiday with easy access to Morzine town and the ski lifts.

dahu.com

hofnar.com

airbnb.com/h/chalet-flo

+33 (0) 4 50 75 92 92

+44 (0) 203 286 4469

+33 (0) 6 33 18 07 16

info@dahu.com

hello@hofnar.com

hello@thelittlemountainchalet.com

The Farmhouse

Morzine Ski Chalets

Summit Special Ltd

Built in 1771, The Farmhouse is the oldest building in Morzine, known to the locals as ‘Le Château’. One of the most desirable hideaways in the Alps sits in the heart of this beautiful alpine village just two minutes walk from the centre. Once you have discovered this gem you will return year after year…

This luxurious Savoyard style chalet blends alpine charm with contemporary elegance sleeping 13 people in 6 luxury en-suite bedrooms. It has a spacious lounge/ dining area with open pitched beamed ceiling, opening out onto a large balcony and offer a stunning hot tub.

This property is fully catered in the winter months.

We have one aim, to make your visit as memorable and enjoyable as our own visits to Les Gets over many years, Our 8 bedroom catered chalet is located in the heart of the village, just metres from the lifts and pistes. Chalet comforts include a large relaxing lounge, open log fire, sauna and Wifi. We serve delicious 4 course meals on 5 of your 7 night holiday, wines, beers and soft drinks are included.

thefarmhouse.fr

morzineskichalets.com

summitspecial.co.uk

+33 (0) 6 83 86 55 49

+33 (0) 6 06 47 59 13

+44 (0)1625 315076

info@thefarmhouse.fr

joanna@morzineskichalets.com

info@summitspecial.co.uk //

accommodation Directory

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Avoriaz Holidays and Avoriaz Premium offer all you need to plan a perfect holiday in the Portes du Soleil’s highest ski resort. All properties are ski-in, ski-out, bed linen is included (breakfast delivery included with Avoriaz Premium), and we arrange discounts on ski passes and equipment rental on your behalf.

Here are a selection of our properties:

Chalets Hauts Forts

Chalet Aspen

NEW in Avoriaz! Located in the oldest neighbourhood of Avoriaz, facing the Dromonts Hotel, discover these 2 incredible chalets. Modern, spacious and designed with high quality materials, the chalets have a capacity of 11 guests.

Built in a traditional ‘alpine’ style but with all the perks of a new build, they will make you feel settled in and relaxed from the moment you walk in. Rental from 5 850€ per week.

Saskia Apartment

NEW in Avoriaz! An exceptional modern alpine living space set in a prime central location.

Designed in Jean Michel Villot's iconic architectural style, upon which Avoriaz is typically built. Chalet Aspen is comprised of 5 luxury-grade triplex apartments each able to accommodate 10 to 14 people, with quality interior design and decor and 400 m2 of shared basement space dedicated to spa, heated pool and ski room. There is also a fitness room and a massage room. Apartments available to buy or for rent from 5 550€ per week.

Residence Kouria

Located on the 4th floor of the Saskia Residence in the Falaise area, this apartment sleeps 6 people in comfortable rooms. There’s 1 double bedroom, a bunk room and a sofa-bed in the lounge. Facilities include beds made before arrival, WIFI, TV, kitchen with microwave, fridge and dishwasher. The south-west facing balcony offers stunning views! From 1 366€ per week.

This beautiful, uber-modern apartment sleeps 10 people in 5 bedrooms. It has its own private lift, a beautiful living room with a large fireplace and a fully equipped kitchen. Other features include heated boot warmers, laundry room, access to an indoor swimming pool, hammam and beautiful south facing balconies. From 4 800€ per week.

Chalet Alaya Amazing 16 berth 340 m2 chalet on 3 floors located in the Ruches area of the resort. With an extension built in 2017, this large chalet has high-end furniture; home cinema, sauna, two living rooms, fire place and 8 bedrooms. Thanks to its central location and comfort, the chalet is ideal for a perfect stay. Available to buy or for rent from 8 100€ per week.

a selection of avoriaz accommodation from avoriaz-holidays.com | +33 (0)4 50 74 16 08 80

accommodation Directory

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your source of information for Morzine, Les Gets & Avoriaz

NAPOLITAN STYLE FRESH SEASONAL INGREDIENTS ORDER NOW !

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resort information

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THE

Antonin Guigonnat INTERVIEW

by Amie Henderson

82

antonin guigonnat interview

// © Agence ZOOM

your source of information for Morzine, Les Gets & Avoriaz

Shooting for the Stars Antonin Guigonnat is one of the brightest stars in the world of biathlon, which is a great place to be during an Olympic winter. As part of the French national ski team, he came fifth in the biathlon relay in Pyeonchang in 2018 and has two World Championship medals on his wall, the most recent being a gold from the single mixed relay competition in Slovenia in 2021. Is this Antonin’s winter?

In case you need a synopsis, biathlon combines cross-country skiing and rifle shooting. During each race, contestants ski a varied trail littered with shooting rounds; mounted on their back you’ll see a small-bore rifle.

The skiing is based on speed, the shooting on accuracy with missed shots resulting in extra time added to each contestant’s total. It’s thrilling and has its roots in the Norwegian military.

Antonin is the poster boy for the sport of biathlon in our valley, but how did that happen?

“..the precision of the shot with the effort in crosscountry skiing is a constant challenge”

How did you discover biathlon?

I was in a cross-country ski club and we were offered an initiation to the shooting element one day. At the time I found cross-country skiing to be hard and quite monotonous but I quickly understood that this alternative could make me love the competition! By adding in the shooting range we totally change the sport! Combining the precision of the shot with the effort in cross-country skiing is a constant challenge.

Competitions become exciting and the training is more varied.

What is your association with Morzine?

My mother is from Morzine, but I grew up an hour's drive away in Juvigny, near Annemasse. We came to Morzine every weekend to go skiing >> //

antonin guigonnat interview

83

during the winter and I’ve been downhill skiing since I was two years old. I discovered cross-country skiing later, around the age of eight or nine, when my parents suggested my older sister try the sport.

Here in Morzine I have a big family, many cousins ​​who all grew up in the village or Les Gets. We are a very close family and my grandmother is still known as ‘le loup blanc’ (white wolf) in the valley! In 2015, I was looking for financial support to take on my professional biathlon season so I went to the Mairie de Morzine-Avoriaz to

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antonin guigonnat interview

present by big project - my aspirations. I took my license at the Morzine-Avoriaz ski club and the town became my first sponsor.

What other sports did you do while growing up?

My cousins all ​​ play ice hockey but I couldn't really find a sport that suited me. Alpine skiing yes, but not in competition. I've done judo, soccer training, but I'm clearly not made for it! My parents always took us hiking in the mountains with my sisters, even though I was rarely motivated for it!

How intense is your training programme?

April is the only month in which I can stop training for a few weeks. I’ll play other sports without thinking about the competition. But the preparation for biathlon is very long. From the beginning of May to the end of November when the winter season begins, I’ll train constantly.

The summer is definitely my busiest training period, when I train twice a day, six days a week. You’ll see me roller skiing, cycling, mountain biking, running, weight training...

// © Agence ZOOM

Total Chalet Services Half Page Winter 21.pdf your source of information for Morzine, Les Gets & Avoriaz

1

13/09/2021

When you're not training, what do you like to do?

I really like being outside and playing sports. My favourite thing is downhill mountain biking with my friends. Morzine is often the place to meet because today the resort is one of the best in the world for this discipline. But when I have to rest, I spend a lot of time on social media or YouTube to make myself want to go outside afterwards even more!

Our family run business provides peace of mind for property owners, and hassle-free holidays for your guests.

We take care of:

le t

e

nt

ha

C

“We are a very close family and my grandmother is still known as ‘le loup blanc’ in the valley! ”

making life easier

M anagem

C le a nin g

H o t Tu b s

C a t erin g

Morzine, Les Gets & outlying villages

dinners delivered Total flexibility for catering your self-catered holiday!

How important is the funding and support of sponsors such as Morzine-Avoriaz?

In 2015, the first year of our partnership, it was essential for me to find enough money to finance my season and to leave my parent's wallet alone!

Being an ambassador for the resort makes me very proud, even if cross-country skiing is not the ‘big business’ here or the focus of the village, you can still find great trails and I try to promote them too!

I am also in partnership with the Haute-Savoie.

I really love my hometown and it is a pleasure to represent my region!

Three dining options starting from €12.50 per person including our recipe bags, fully cooked meals or in-chalet chef service

OPEN DAILY

8AM-10PM

AUTOMATIC LAUNDERETTE - COMMERCIAL LAUNDRY

After the 2018 Olympics in Korea, I was recruited by the army to be part of the French military ski team. This is the most classic way to become a professional athlete when you are a high level skier. This gives us sa backup plan and support, in the event of an injury or for retraining at the end of a career, for example. It’s a great experience. I never thought I would be in the military in my life!

If you were not a professional athlete, what job would you do?

I decided to stop studying to devote myself 100% to skiing. I couldn't find my way in higher education either. But if we talk like that without a >>

SERVICE WASHES CHALET LAUNDRY RESTAURANT LAUNDRY 1571 Rte des Grandes Alpes, 74430, St Jean d'Aulps +33 (0)6 47 94 65 69 | +44 (0)7870 19 11 44 FREE PARKING

FREE WIFI

info@totalchaletservices.com www.totalchaletservices.com //

antonin guigonnat interview

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11:18

diploma after the baccalaureate, I think that I would be a ski instructor, mountain bike instructor, mountain guide or a bicycle mechanic. I have always followed my destiny from day to day, without worrying too much about it. So I don't really know what else could have become of me today!

What are your hopes for this winter season?

Last season I had some good results which allowed me to dream a little about the coming season and the Olympics in Beijing. I am certainly not arriving at The Games as a leader, but people who follow the discipline of biathlon know that GUIGONNAT is able to surprise everyone on a very good day! That's what I love about biathlon. You can create a surprise and win the race with a good shot, even if you are not the best skier on the day.

The Olympics is the race for a day, and if all goes well and the opponents make mistakes, it can become the race of a lifetime. I will go to China to give the very best of myself. By doing this I won’t be disappointed, whatever the outcome.

Why should we tune in to watch biathlon this winter?

Biathlon is a sport that is well suited to television. There are incredible leaders to follow and a staggering number of outsiders who can turn the world hierarchy upside down with every race. Nothing is ever finished and reversals are frequent!

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antonin guigonnat interview

//

“April is the only month in which I can stop training for a few weeks.

I’ll play other sports without thinking about the competition. ”

“I really love my hometown and it is a pleasure to represent my region” Follow Antonin's journey to Beijing on Instagram @antoguigo

CALL IN OR PRE-ORDER YOUR PICNIC BY CALLING

+33 (0) 4 50 75 94 24

YOUR GOURMET MEALS,

your source of information for Morzine, Les Gets & Avoriaz

ON THE GO… BREAKFAST-TO-GO

LOCATED AT THE TOP OF THE RUE DE BOURG IN CENTRAL MORZINE

&STREET-SIDE HOMEMADE TREATS VIN CHAUD & POMME CHAUD KIOSK

HOMEMADE SANDWICHES

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CHILD-FRIENDLY &

VEGETARIAN DISHES APRÈS-SKI FONDUE TABLES BETWEEN 4PM AND 8PM

FOR COLLECTION EACH MORNING ON YOUR WAY TO THE LIFT STATION

374 RUE DU BOURG, MORZINE

ALL MADE FROM LOCALLY-SOURCED INGREDIENTS AND CONVENIENTLY PACKAGED FOR YOU TO TAKE AWAY

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40 YEARS AT THE HEART OF THE MORZINE SKI & MTB COMMUNITY

95 ROUTE DE LA COMBE À ZORE

OPEN EVERY DAY THROUGHOUT THE WINTER SEASON

SKI RENTAL: Rent from Caribou1 or Caribou 2, both locted in central Morzine From beginners to advanced skiers, we have something for everyone Enjoy our dedicated ski and boot storage in the centre of the village

THE SHOP: Inside you’ll discover a huge range of technical clothing, goggles, helmets and more with an experienced team to help you

BOOT FITTING: Our skilled boot fitters are famous for improving your ski holiday.

We have specialised equipment to custom-fit your ski books improving your performance and your comfort!

WINTER >>

SUMMER >>

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trending - interiors -

kyles garrett interior architect shepandkyles.com

Tom Raffield Drift Pendant contemporary chandelier tomraffield.com

Tom Raffield is one of shep&kyles designs favourite suppliers. Amazing eco-credentials teamed with gorgeous design and fabrication means that we love working with them on many of our projects. They have just launched a new collection,“Comber”, and we can’t wait to use their Drift pendant light in one of our forthcoming projects.

Heals Lea Randebrock vases heals.com

UK furniture store Heals champion new talent, and shep&kyles design have fallen in love with the beautiful glassware from Lea Randebrock.

Using glass offcuts that are often thrown away, Lea has worked with the London Glass Company to design beautiful, unique vases. Simply fabulous.

Jay & Co Birds And Bees G Plan 6250 jayand.co

Sustainability is key for the Modern Restorer Jay Blades (of The Repair Shop fame) and his team. They source and restore used furniture, giving it a re-design and a contemporary twist that we adore. This G Plan 6250 armchair is just one example of their unique transformations - renovating the original chair and upholstering in shep&kyles favourite Timorous Beasties Birds ‘n’ Bees fabric. Stunning.

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trending - interiors

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Modus Bob stool modusfurniture.co.uk

Modus Furniture is an award winning sustainable furniture brand, known for their innovative, contemporary designs. We love the quirky Bob stools by designer Michael Sodeau, crafted entirely from recycled cork. 10% of the profits from the sale of Bob goes to Movement On The Ground, a foundation that supports refugees at the forefront of the European crisis.

your source of information for Morzine, Les Gets & Avoriaz

Weaver Green Juno Floor cushion weavergreen.com

Having seen first hand in Asia the damage that plastic bottle waste can wreak, Tasha and Barney, founders of Weaver Green, spent seven years perfecting a technique that would transform used plastic bottles into fibres that would amazingly provide all of the softness and texture of wool. The end result of this is their collection of rugs, throws and cushions that we proudly recommend to shep&kyles design customers.

We love their floor cushions - soft and comfy, yet hard-wearing, with excellent eco-credentials.

SELLING? WE LOOK AFTER THE SALE OF YOUR PROPERTY AS IF IT WAS OUR OWN • 15 years of experience • Bilingual French and English • Free valuation of your property • Buyers waiting

Nkuku Narwana Leather Round Stool nkuku.com

Nkuku work with small independent businesses, co-operatives and social projects to source and create their collections, using only reclaimed or sustainable materials. We love their ethos and their products, such as their gorgeous Narwana round bar stool that we are specifying on a current local project.

Caroline Hiseman

Joanna MacGovern

Tel: 04 50 38 46 30 | info@geranium74.com

www.geranium74.com //

trending - interiors

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Property is hot right now. There’s a pandemicinduced wave of demand for properties in all budgets, sizes and states of repair across the

property

length and breadth of our valley, so if you’re in the market, you’ll need to move quickly.

Here’s our round-up of some excellent homes for sale right now, you’ll find more over on ou @morzinehomes Instagram channel.

L'Op Traken An excellent new-build programme of only 17 apartments in a low-rise, chalet-style residence right on the ski bus route and only a short walk from all the amenities that Montriond village has to offer. The advantages of buying off-plan are numerous. Newbuild purchases benefit from reduced stamp duty, are covered by a number of guarantees, both financial and structural, so you are fully protected from the moment you sign the reservation contract, until 10 years after completion. Naturally, buying new also means that the construction will be up to the latest environmental and insulation norms, ensuring that the property is inexpensive to run.

€341,000 to €908,000

MORE INFO:

Marie-Anne Denicolo, Alpine Property +33 6 08 15 46 54 | marieanne@alpine-property.com Alpine-property.com

Chalet Mustang

€2,850,000

Superb traditional and charming chalet at the foot of the Super Morzine ski lifts. Renovated in 2005, this chalet is perfectly laid out, offering large rooms and plenty of storage with opportunities to add value. The location is ideal for doing everything by foot whilst also being in a quiet spot and enjoying a magnificent view. On winter evenings, having explored the ski area, it is in the charming mazot which houses the sauna that you will relax. In summer, you will enjoy the view and barbecues with friends on the magnificent terrace. A chalet of exceptional quality, location and views.

MORE INFO:

Aurélie Bonnet, My Home In The Alps +33 (0) 9 54 76 22 30 | info@mhita.com myhomeinthealps.com

Traditional Chalet in Les Gets Offering incredible views over the Chavannes in Les Gets, this five en-suite bedroom sunny chalet is a must-see! Built over three floors and with a TV den / office area off the living room, south facing balcony and outdoor hot tub, you will be sure to have family ski holidays to remember. There is space for your very own wine cellar and alongside the handy utility, boot rooms and garage, this beautiful and well constructed chalet is a rare find in Les Gets!

MORE INFO:

Nina McArthur - France Property Angels +33 (0) 6 07 45 15 10 | ninamc.fpa@gmail.com francepropertyangels.com

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hot property

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€1,225,000

your source of information for Morzine, Les Gets & Avoriaz

Apartment Mélèzes €790,000

A rare opportunity to purchase a triplex apartment in Avoriaz. On the ground floor you’ll discover an entrance hall, WC, plenty of storage space and a fully-equipped kitchen with a living room and dining space.

There’s also a closed fireplace and a terrace on which to enjoy those mountain views. The first floor is home to a double bedroom, separate shower room and a laundry room in addition to a family en-suite with a twin bedroom and a mezzanine area. On the top floor there’s an additional double bedroom. With contemporary fixtures and fittings throughout, this great ski-in, ski-out apartment is ready to go!

MORE INFO:

Immobiliere des Haus Forts +33 (0) 4 50 74 21 63 | info@avoriaz-holidays.com avoriaz-holidays.com

Chalet Bouton d’Or €1,700,000

A recently constructed three-bed plus bunk room chalet with an additional two-bed apartment on the lower floor. This property occupies a superb location with a south-facing orientation overlooking the rooftops of Morzine and the wider valley. It’s also just 600m from the Super Morzine lift! Inside you’ll discover double height ceilings and exposed beams, terraces and balconies, a mezzanine area and plenty of storage for all of your mountain kit. This property is in excellent condition; it would make a great family home and has lots of rental potential.

MORE INFO:

France

Ingrid Maes, Morzine Prestige +33 (0) 4 50 04 33 26 | info@morzine-prestige.com morzine-prestige.com Property Angels half page winter 21.pdf 1 24/09/2021

15:28

Find Your Alpine Escape Dreaming of a property lifestyle change?

France Property Angels, estate agents and property finders – We are here to help you find your perfect property. image credits: bluejayphoto

www.francepropertyangels.com | info@francepropertyangels.com | +44 (0) 1225 442128 //

hot property

91

Superb Sunny Chalet A superb unobstructed view for this magnificent chalet located in a very popular area of Montriond. It benefits from a large, sunny plot of land with garden shed and the stone paved terrace is particularly pleasant. This chalet is bright and warm with a large living room, open to the kitchen, 3 beautiful double bedrooms with built-in storage, a large bathroom, shower room, bar area, storeroom, laundry and 22m² garage. This lovely and well maintained property represents an ideal investment, either as a main residence for a family, a second home or a holiday rental.

€960,000

MORE INFO:

Century 21 Call Home +33 (0) 4 50 04 94 76 | ag3156@century21.fr callhome-morzine.com

Chalet Lapia, Apt 002

€900,000

Luxury 4 bedroom apartment in a quiet location in the centre of Morzine close to the Chaudanne wine bar and restaurant. The apartment is brand new and is sold fully furnished. A perfect opportunity for someone looking for an apartment that is ready to go. The apartment has a garden and a hot tub. The residence was built to the highest standards and has just 12 apartments in the building. The apartment is sold with 2 underground secure parking spaces and 2 caves. Contact us for plans and more photos.

MORE INFO:

Morzine Immo +33 (0) 4 50 79 13 09 | contact@morzine-immo.com morzine-immo.com

Chalet Avenir

€699,000

A beautifully maintained 5 bedroom chalet in St Jean d’Aulps. It has the most wonderful views of the surrounding mountains. Built in the early 1990s, the chalet is divided into two separate apartments, which can be easily recombined to make one family dwelling. It is located just 5 minutes walk from the skiing and 15 minutes from St Jean d’Aulps itself. The walk to the skiing is not ideal for ski boots, however there is a ski bus that runs past the property. The walk to the village is on a woodland path.

MORE INFO:

Ailsa Bishop, Alpine Property +33 6 71 14 68 08 | ailsa@alpine-property.com alpine-property.com

L’Orée des Bois Exceptional location in Morzine with maximum sunshine and unobstructed views in a calm environment, just 2km from Morzine and close to the buses. Access to the Dérèches river path is just by the chalet, which has a large 1276m² flat and enclosed garden, plenty of storage and outbuildings, a large parking area and two individual apartments allowing an immediate rental income. The ground floor apartment is 75m² and opens up onto the garden and the other is a duplex 140m² with three bedrooms, high ceilings, large and sunny balconies and stunning views. This chalet to renovate has so much potential, it is a must see!

MORE INFO:

Aurélie Bonnet, My Home in the Alps +33 (0) 9 54 76 22 30 | info@mhita.com myhomeinthealps.com 92

hot property

//

€895,000

your source of information for Morzine, Les Gets & Avoriaz

Offices in Morzine & Les Gets

One Step Away From Making It Happen #mountainliving Sales • Rental • Management • Surveyors

Morzine Immobilier

+33 (0)4 50 79 13 09 contact@morzine-immo.com //

hot property

93

Morzine Three Bed Apartment

€600,000

This is a rare opportunity to buy a high spec apartment 2km from the centre of Morzine. It was built in 2014 and boasts three very good sized bedrooms, one of which is en-suite and the two others share a lovely bathroom. It includes a fully equipped kitchen with a breakfast bar which leads out into the living and dining area. The sun beams into the living room through the French doors. It is a very warm apartment with underfloor heating. Sold with a large 6m2 cave, a ski locker, a garage and an exterior parking space.

MORE INFO:

Catherine Allen, France Property Angels +33 (0) 7 67 87 79 28 | cathallen.fpa@gmail.com francepropertyangels.com

Chalet Alaya Located in the very heart of Avoriaz, this huge chalet sleeps 16 people in accommodation arranged over four floors and offers exceptional rental income as well as being the perfect holiday home for large families. Ski directly to the door and inside you’ll discover a ski room, sauna and laundry room on the lower floor.

At ground floor level there’s a large, contemporary and spacious living area, fireplace and reading corner in addition to a beautiful kitchen and a movie room. There’s a collection of 7 double, twin or children’s bedrooms, several bathrooms, a gym and rooftop terrace to complete this stunning property.

€4,500,000

MORE INFO:

Immobiliere des Haus Forts +33 (0) 4 50 74 21 63 | info@avoriaz-holidays.com avoriaz-holidays.com

Chalet Les Combes

€849,000

Located in a quiet spot, yet close to the centre of Morzine, this four bedroom, three bathroom traditional chalet comes with lots of traditional Savoyarde charm whilst occupying a large plot. The gardens, terraces and mazots are beautifully presented and there are several parking spaces too. Inside there’s a fireplace, large windows to take in the views of Nyon and plenty of space for a large family.

MORE INFO:

Ingrid Maes, Morzine Prestige +33 (0) 4 50 04 33 26 | info@morzine-prestige.com morzine-prestige.com

Authentic Renovated Farmhouse Located in La Mernaz, a very popular area of Morzine, the farmhouse is composed of two apartments. The first spans 80 m² and offers a living room, open kitchen, 3 good sized double bedrooms with one en-suite shower room and a family bathroom.

The second apartment of 125m² is also very comfortable with a large living room, kitchen, 4 double bedrooms with en suite bathrooms or shower rooms. There is also a covered parking for 2 cars, a laundry room, 3 caves and a storage area.

MORE INFO:

Century 21 Call Home +33 (0) 4 50 04 94 76 | ag3156@century21.fr callhome-morzine.com 94

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€1,198,000

your source of information for Morzine, Les Gets & Avoriaz

ESSERT ROMAND • LES GETS • MORZINE • TANINGES

Tél: 04 50 75 74 00 contact@muffat-pierreyves.com

HEATING & VENTILATION / CHAUFFAGE, VENTILATION RENEWABLE ENERGY / ENERGIES RENOUVELABLES BATHROOM PLUMBING & INSTALLATION / SANITAIRE

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THROUGH THE

keyhole Chalet la Bergeronnettes is tucked away on one of Morzine’s most charming back lanes. It’s the alpine home of Emma Pocock, one half of acclaimed international interior design agency Turner Pocock.

I’ve passed this beautiful building hundreds of times over the years and I distinctly remember its condition, pre-renovation. When Emma invited me inside for a peek, I couldn’t help myself…

Emma, when did you buy Chalet La Bergeronnettes and what condition was it in?

We bought the property in autumn 2014 and it hadn’t been touched for 40 years. I would say it was in two halves; the ground floor flat with its front door onto the lane outside and a first floor flat, which was accessed via an external staircase around the side of the building. In the first floor flat we discovered a huge attic with three locked rooms. We could never get into them during our viewings but we took a punt and ended up gaining a whole floor up there with two extra bedrooms, a bathroom and a study area.

How did you balance the original features of the building with the need to renovate? How long did it take?

I’m an interior designer and architect by profession, so I was very clear about what I wanted. We meticulously planned the project and designed the interiors through that first ski season so we were ready to go with our project manager Olaf Ademec (of Alitosa) by the end of the 2014/15 winter season. We ended up having to replace the roof and remove every wall and floor; at one stage you could stand in the cave and see the sky three storeys up - which was terrifying! We tried to keep all the big original beams in the house and we kept the outside looking exactly the same… it actually needs some work now!

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How much were you influenced by the surrounding architecture and style?

We couldn’t afford lovely old wood cladding and yellow pine is not my thing, so we went for a Scandi vibe, white tongue and groove everywhere, punctuated by the old oak beams. Olaf ordered all the panelling from Norway and it arrived already painted white. Many locals thought I was bonkers, a man came to fit the fireplace and said it looked like Miami. I think they all got it in the end though!

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Do you have any advice for others renovating traditional homes in the mountains?

From an aesthetic angle, don’t be scared! Anything works from a smart chalet vibe, Scandi influences… just have faith in your vision and go for it.

On a more practical level, find someone to act as a general contractor (which is not really a thing in France compared to the UK). By this I mean someone who can manage all of the subcontractors and there are several project managers and builders in town who do this. To manage all the sub-contractors yourself is a full time job. The other thing I would recommend from a professional point of view is ‘designing’ the house before you start. Make every single decision you can in advance from the floor layout to the sanitary ware, your kitchen supplier and more. Pass this information on to your project manager as this will get your quotes much closer to your final budget if you don’t change things when on site.

www.turnerpocock.com

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How do you use the chalet as a family?

We live down in Geneva so we come up as much as we can, every weekend during the ski season and summer months and then for holidays throughout the year. We rent it out a few times a year to help financially, but first and foremost it is our home, and it really feels like it!

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“Photographic Art from the French Alps” FinessePhotographicArt

@finesseartphotos

fine art for your walls

browse by colour

commission your favourite view

+33 (0)6 83 08 67 59 | hello@finesse-art.com | www.finesse-art.com

Voulez vous manger avec moi?

Fall in love with eating in. Choose a sustainably made birch plywood kitchen from Berchen. www.berchen.co

For more information on the work of Turner Pocock head to turnerpocock.co.uk //

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THE WINTER 2021

property market REPORT

by gareth jefferies

Bydirector gareth marketing at jefferies alpine-property.com Marketing Director at alpine-property.com

Despite the difficult winter of 2020/21 when our lifts never opened, plenty of people still came to the region on holiday. They came to enjoy the outdoors and everything the mountains have to offer.

Some people I know with apartments to rent only lost 10 or 20% of their revenue compared to a normal year. The main bit of feedback was that visitors missed the cafes and restaurants, especially when the weather made staying outside hard to do! COVID-19 did cause some real issues for the local economy, for workers, hotels and restaurants, most of which were (more or less) supported by the government.

The benefit to our area was that the situation opened our eyes to the potential of our mountains when the lifts aren’t open or if snow conditions make skiing a trial.

This past summer was more like the summer of 2020. It was a little less manic on the tourism front, but no less busy as far as interest in buying property goes. The rush from the cities and the search for space continued. Overall, here at Alpine Property, 2020 was our busiest year in the 20 years we have been operating. 2021 is already busier. We are used to a 50/50 split in our customers, between the Francophone and Anglophone. That has changed slightly to 50/50 Francophone/ other. When I say “other”, I mean Swiss, Belgium, Dutch and

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then generally Franco+British expatriates from all over Europe and the rest of the world.

The summer really was a frenzy at times. There were a few weeks in August when new properties coming onto our books were being sold within a week. The last time we dealt with a rush like that was 2006, when sterling was particularly strong against the euro. This has caused inflation busting price rises that have particularly affected the outlying areas. Places like St Jean d’Aulps, Le Biot and Seytroux are now considered mainstream, whereas in 2006 they were the poor neighbours!

Thanks to extra restrictions on travel between the UK and France, the British have figured less in our business, although we have done some business virtually and we have dealt with lots of interest. But, quite rightly, most people have wanted to visit potential properties in person before making any big decisions. UK visitors only started arriving in the numbers we are used to towards the end of the summer and during the autumn holidays.

your source of information for Morzine, Les Gets & Avoriaz

I’m writing this property update in November and as far as we can see, there is a lot of pressure for a completely normal winter season. Most in the accommodation sector have excellent bookings in place. It seems as if our regular visitors are really determined to make up for lost time.

“as far as interest in buying property goes.

The rush from the cities and the search for space continued.”

Something that will help buyers from “the Sterling zone” will be the relative strength of the pound. This will only increase if the Bank of England decides to put interest rates up. Historically, demand always increases as the buying power of the pound increases. That’s 100% logical.

A slight brake on future interest in ski properties from the UK will be the difficulty of obtaining a mortgage. It’s not impossible, but it has become harder since Brexit. Our advice is to speak to a broker in the UK before you start your search.

As time goes on people are getting their heads around the visa system for moving out here and for work. This year is the first year that it has been in place and it is a learning process, both for us and the authorities. Believe it or not, questions to the British consulate on these matters are often responded to with a reference to one Facebook group or another. It’s not ideal!

Thanks to Brexit and COVID, many people have spoken of the “death of the chalet holiday”. The chalet holiday providers have been at the forefront of promoting this area, and their loss would be a blow to the economy and to our general marketing power. However it is too early to buy the flowers; they are adapting like everyone else. They are learning how to obtain work visas for their British staff and they are becoming adept at employing Irish and other English speaking workers from around Europe. Long may it continue.

INTERIOR DESIGNS & FURNISHINGS LA CONCEPTION DE VOTRE INTÉRIEUR lisa@rsinteriordesigns.com

More Info: Stay up to date on further developments and trends in our

+33(0) 6 32 31 81 94

www.rsinteriordesigns.com

local property market at blog.alpine-property.com

The Design Studio: 8 Route d’Avoriaz, 74110, Morzine //

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property news Do you have a property in Les Gets?

Meet Berchen

Out with the old, in with the new

Les Gets luxury accommodation operator Chalets 1066 report a huge upturn in demand for holidays in their 40+ properties this winter and are keen to speak to anyone considering purchasing a property in the resort. As a family-owned company with several years experience, the team at Chalets 1066 are well-versed in the end-to-end property management industry, providing solutions that allow you to optimise your property income and take care of your property if you live elsewhere. As Les Gets residents, they’re also able to take care of maintenance programmes, using only tried and trusted local suppliers. They use advanced sales and marketing techniques to achieve a high level of occupancy while at the same time providing expert local knowledge to guests throughout their holiday.

Launching this winter in Morzine, Berchen create bespoke birch plywood kitchens for people that seek joy in everyday life. Their designs hit the sweet spot between aesthetics, functionality and sustainability and we’re looking forward to seeing them installed in homes across the valley. Birchwood ply is a durable, planet-friendly material; it’s soft to the touch and catches the light beautifully. At Berchen, the designers get to know clients by taking time to understand their tastes, how their home is set up and their lifestyle needs.

The end result is a kitchen that lasts a lifetime, surpassing changing trends and developed with the welfare of our mountains in mind. As Berchen co-founder Chris Lavender explains, “Our mission is to build beautiful products without harming the planet. We’re a way from achieving this environmental goal, but we’re proud to share the story of our journey to sustainability – the ups, the downs and the downright impossibles.”

Geranium, the well established high street estate agency in Saint Jean d’Aulps specialising in the Morzine valley, is launching a new website this winter season to better respond to clients’ needs in the fast moving Alpine property market post COVID, and to better comply with current French property industry regulations. The bilingual new site will be easier to navigate, contain access to the extranet for vendors and packed full of useful property buying information.

discover more: chalets1066.com

A new office for My Home in the Alps The estate agent and property management company established in 2011 have moved ahead of this winter season to new offices on the rue du Bourg in central Morzine. It’s from this new location that Aurélie, Nico, Lucy and the team can help to make your alpine property dreams come true. If you’re looking to buy, pop in to discuss your requirements and discover several properties available to buy in a range of budgets right now.

My Home in the Alps also coordinate maintenance schedules on behalf of their clients, undertake marketing campaigns and organise property cleaning and changeovers too, making them a one stop shop for property owners.

Discover more: berchen.co

Check it out from January: www.geranium74.com

Morzine Homes on Instagram So inspired were we by various changes and developments in the local property market, the team at Morzine Source Magazine launched the @morzinehomes channel on Instagram this year.

Here we answer your questions on what it’s like to live in our valley, how the purchasing process works and much more. We also present a steady stream of properties currently on the market, we talk about our own farmhouse renovation and we introduce you to the local experts who can make your property dreams come true.

Head to Instagram now to find us! @morzinehomes

A New Showroom for Pierre-Yves Muffat Plumbing, heating and bathroom specialists Pierre-Yves Muffat have opened an additional showroom and workshop in Morzine this winter to supplement their existing offices and showroom in Les Gets. This long-established company are experienced in renewable energies, water treatment and ventilation in addition to supplying contemporary sanitary across the valley. You’ll find the new showroom at 36 route des Grandes Alpes in the Plagnettes area of Morzine.

You’ll find the new office at: 315 rue du Bourg, Morzine

for more information: muffat-pierreyves.com

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France Property Angels are expanding France Property Angels, the agency that specialises in helping Englishspeaking buyers and sellers with their projects has been around for over 20 years and goes from strength to strength. New to the team are Cath Allen living and working in the Morzine area and Nina McArthur who lives and works in Les Gets. With these two new Angels, the agency is well equipped to accompany international buyers who are looking for their dream property in the Portes du Soleil and is the ideal partner to help english-speaking property owners to sell. A recent happy client has said that “from the very beginning through to the handover of keys, we were thoroughly impressed by the France Property Angels service.

We have no reservations in recommending them to future buyers and sellers.”

Member of the European Federation of Chimney Sweeps

Service de ramonage | Chimney Sweep service

to view properties currently for sale: francepropertyangels.com

we accept: nous acceptons:

Tel: +33 (0)6 82 57 56 41

info@proramonage.com Our Mountains in your home Launched by renowned local landscapes photographer Jacquie Cutler in response to requests for prints of her work, Finesse Art is a web gallery packed full of beautiful images. Featuring all of your favourite landscapes, peaks and seasons, Jacquie’s work makes the perfect holiday souvenir. Choose to print your favourite view on a range of different materials, from the highest grade Hahnemühle art paper to HD metal and several other options in between, in many different sizes. Your order will be delivered directly to your home (or second home here in the mountains), enhancing your holiday memories forever more! Jacquie also provides a consultancy service for properties in the local area matching artwork to your interiors for that extra special touch.

/proramonage

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Making your dream mountain home a reality

Interior Design - Renovations Project Management - Staging

www.clairecollinsinteriors.com +33 (0)6 36 21 78 82 //

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home what makes a

Piers Taylor the

interview

By Amie Henderson

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The BBC / Netflix Series ‘World’s Most Extraordinary Homes’ made for the perfect lockdown viewing. Hunkered down in our homes, evaluating our surroundings and unable to travel much further than the end of the road, architect Piers Taylor and actor Caroline Quentin served up the ultimate escapism.

Escapism that could also inspire.

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Definitions of home vary from the logical; “a place in which ones’ domestic activities are centred” to the emotive; “a place where you feel in control and properly orientated in space and time”. Do you look at your home differently, having spent so much time in it of late? Has your perception of home changed?

Award winning chartered architect and TV presenter Dr Piers Taylor knows a thing or two about the concept of home. His simple, cost-effective and sustainable approach to designing and building the spaces we inhabit pushes boundaries and ecological sensitivity is at the core of Invisible Studio, Piers’ architectural practise, which is based in the UK. What’s your definition of home?

That’s a really interesting question. I think that ‘place’ is really important.

You could have the perfect interior environment, but its meaningless without context. I couldn’t have a home that’s divorced from its place; I need to live somewhere that’s as closely connected to its natural environment as it can possibly be. This’s my ideal and my definition of home.

Has our concept of ‘home’ changed over the last 18 months?

I’ve lived in the same house for more than 20 years, although I’m spending an increasing amount of time in Greece these days, where I’m building a home that can open up and close down as the weather permits, making the most of every season. We had just one child when we built our home 20 years ago, now we have four, varying in age from 30 to 10, so certainly how we use our home space has changed.

Most prominently from an environmental perspective however, a lot has changed in 20 years, so we’ve recently rebuilt our home, retro-fitting it with more passivity. I originally designed it having studied in Australia >>

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Showroom by appointment : 53, Route du Contat 74110 La Côte d’Arbroz Tel : +33 (0)6 88 27 90 98.

E-mail : info@parquets-stores.com Website : www.parquets-stores.com

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with the famous architect Glenn Murcutt; he’s the master of building spaces in a wild context with minimal resources to make the most of its place. Ventilation and sunlight were his principles and I carried them into the architecture of our old home when we built it. Yet over the years, designing homes for others, I became aware that my own home was deficient in its passive environmental performance. As I get older, the practical elements of making a building perform become incredibly important - I want to be thermally comfortable at home and to control the temperature of my environment as each season changes, while still being connected to the natural environment outside.

Of course for others, COVID-19 changed the concept of ‘home’ too. 12 years ago I left my architectural practise in London for a more flexible way of working, be that at home, or away, but never in an office. Post-COVID, many people have realised that they want to be at home more, they can work from anywhere and very few people are going back to their offices - we’re no longer beholden to them and life in the wilderness is calling. Additionally, not commuting is one of the very best things we can do for the planet.

How does a good home benefit individuals, families and society more generally?

We’re deeply affected by the spaces that we occupy in many ways and we’re conditioned by the buildings that we grow up in. Your home is a way of reflecting your identity back at yourself and allowing you to cast your personality in a true and obvious way. Our homes connect us to our community, to the seasons and we carry our sense of home with us as we go - it’s grounding and it’s primeval.

There’s no escaping the places that we dwell and none of us live isolated existences in hermetically sealed pods. We live in places that subtly connect us to other people - to the community and wider society - the shared endeavour of dwelling in a particular place is deeply important.

Sharing rhythms and space with each other is too. I’m not a huge fan of the house that has massive barriers around it - fences or gates, for example - that stop you connecting with the people that live there. It’s not healthy, we should be sharing the natural environment around our homes instead of trapping each other in. Buildings also have an obligation to be part of a place and their design is key to this, whether you’re on a new build estate in the UK or in a small rural village in the French Alps.

Do you believe that a good home is achievable for all, regardless of budget?

I absolutely do. Look at the council houses of the ‘50s and 60’s - they had the best spaces and daylight standards we’ve ever known. A modest cottage can be the most fantastic place to live, but I’d argue that you need big windows, access to nature and not much more. We built a house for my daughter for just £45,000. OK, it’s quite small but it has an amazing sense of space and she loves living there.

In terms of sustainability, should we renovate and retro-fit an old home, or build a new one?

Generally, I think it’s better to renovate and retro-fit this is the most sustainable way to make a home. Our old buildings have already paid their carbon debt, reusing the materials embodied within them, where possible, 108

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“very few people are going back to their offices we’re no longer beholden to them and life in the wilderness is calling ” is an excellent idea. It’s incredibly difficult these days to find carbon-neutral building materials and when we look at living sustainably, this is an important consideration. The other thing that’s changed a lot is how we heat our houses. 20 years ago, 80% of the carbon emissions of a house came from our heating.

These days, and because of vastly improved insulation, 80% of the carbon emissions come from the embodied energy of the construction materials. Choosing to invest in the reutilisation of a building’s fabric is the most sustainable thing to do. Insulation is everything; making a house so efficient that you don’t really need to heat it, that’s key.

Meet

Marine, Laurane, Frédéric & Fanny Designing interior spaces in Morzine and the surrounding valley for over 20 years

Which was your favourite extraordinary home in the series?

And were any a little bit ’too much’?

I loved the final home in the final episode of series two in Mumbai, India. Four generations of the same family live inside Collage House, it’s a beautiful space, truly extraordinary in every sense of the word and featuring recycled materials throughout, from windows to doors. Actually, I also loved The House with No Corridors, the very first home we went to in the Arizona desert too. It’s made from rammed earth to create a beautiful building that’s really part of the landscape.

What I try to do, is always talk about what’s in front of me as we’re presenting an extraordinary home, rather than be impressed by the grandeur. It’s my job to describe what the building is and why its been designed in a particular way - I’m not there to judge the opulence. Of course, architecturally, there were buildings that I liked less than others, but what we tried to do was present a diverse range of buildings that had interesting stories to tell. I often think it’s interesting to learn what you don’t like as well as what you do. Plus visiting all these places across the globe was amazing too!

Our Showroom 1992 route de la Plagne, 74110 Morzine Discover furniture, bedding, kitchenware, window dressings and lighting Open year-round, 9h30 – 12h00 / 14h30 – 18h00. (closed Wednesdays and Sundays)

Our Design Service From decoration advice in a single room to full turnkey projects for large chalets, we work with our clients on projects of all sizes

Did your own definition of an ‘extraordinary home’ change as you filmed the series?

I get asked this a lot, but in some ways, no. The greatest luxury is a building which allows you to be connected to the natural world.

The House with No Corridors in Arizona is a great example of this, it does that in spades. It’s made from the earth, Caroline >>

contact us:

contact@decodenhaut.com

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decodenhaut.com

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(Quentin, Piers’ co-presenter) and I have always responded to these characteristics of a home. We’re both building houses now, half a mile from each other in Greece and they’re very similar. They’re low tech, very simple and raw but provide an amazing quality of space, shade and view. There’s a modesty to them but a grandeur in the connection to the natural environment.

That’s the greatest luxury we have now.

Where would your ideal home be, and what would it look like?

It will be in Greece and it will look very modest - almost like a piece of agricultural infrastructure. It’ll be in an olive grove with no fences around it and made very simply from materials that were found locally - crushed limestone with very thick walls and lots of shade. I want lots of outdoor space that’s shaded and an internal open plan arrangement that allows us to make pretty much everything out of one material. It’ll feel like part of the landscape - simple, durable and modest, but expansive spatially.

I also love buildings which are perched in the wilderness, almost without touching their surroundings. Almost as if they’ve been parked there. It’s the domesticity of buildings which spoils them. Driveways, curbs, garages, lawns, they kill places. Can we get beyond these functional aspects? © Sebastain Zachariah, PHOTOGRAPHIX

What do the homes of the future look like?

The housing stock that the UK needs for the next 40 years has already been designed; I don’t see our houses changing so much in the near future. We want to live in a combination of dense settlements, such as villages and

“I also love buildings which are perched in the wilderness, almost without touching their surroundings.

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Discover more: Invisible Studio - invisiblestudio.org Instagram - @invisible_studio Seasons One and Two of The World’s Most Extraordinary Homes are available to watch on Netflix now.

your source of information for Morzine, Les Gets & Avoriaz

“Our homes connect us to our community, to the seasons and we carry our sense of home with us as we go - it’s grounding and it’s primeval.” towns, where the buildings are part of the fabric of the place. I think we also want to carry on living with more space and nature. The pattern that we have now for two, three, four, five and six story buildings is a pattern that will be continued I think. It’s efficient thermally and spatially.

I hope we’ll begin to rely on lower carbon building materials sourced locally, such as timber for example.

I think we’ll become more precious over our natural landscapes too. They’re the lungs of the planet, we’ll appreciate them more. We also need to make sure we continue to build in a style that speaks of its location.

We’re social beings and we like villages and towns were we can share things with people, walk places and so on. That’s my instinct. What we won’t be doing is living as they do in the suburbs of the US, where people live on a half acre of land and have to drive everywhere for everything.

Is Caroline Quentin as amazing and fun as we imagine?

Yes! She’s a friend for live and I really love her! She’s one of the most irreverent and funny people I know.

Together we’re working on another show that will be bigger and better than Extraordinary Homes - it talks about how we’ve lived and how we need to live and how buildings and places are inextricably linked.

For example, Italy. We’re travelling through a large palazzo and considering how they might have lived 200 years ago, then on to Milan to visit at a slick, innercity apartment. During the series we travel through a country from top to bottom, getting under the skin of the architecture and culture. COVID put a spanner in the works, but it will air at the end of 2022 hopefully.

614, avenue de Joux Plane - 74110 Morzine

+33 (0)4 50 04 94 76 www.callhome-morzine.com

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say hello to

“My husband is a chimney sweep and for the last couple of years he’s been working on the rooftops of the Vallee d’Aulps while I took care of the admin. I started helping him ‘on the ground’ and it soon became obvious that we needed a second chimney sweep on the team.

Our business was growing, we were busier than ever so I had the idea to do my own qualifications. We also have an altitude restaurant (Restaurant La Grande Ourse on Mont Chery), which was obviously closed because of the COVID-19 situation. It seemed like the perfect time for me!

Chimney sweeping is a great job. You see a definitive result once a job is complete. All that black, dirty soot is removed and a clean, safe chimney is revealed. I get a lot of satisfaction from a job well done and although the days are now much more physical than sitting at a desk, I really enjoy them.

Of course, you can’t just become a chimney sweep overnight. I started my ramoneur / fumiste training in January 2021 at the Confederation de Ramoneurs Savoyardes in Annecy. The six month course was intensive and involved a mixture of long days in the classroom focusing on technical drawings, mathematics, communication skills, business studies and more, combined with on the job training with a tutor. I was really lucky to work with Bonhomme de Suie in Taninges; they are a very well-organised team and were brilliant teachers. The most important element was the knowledge of the regulations for chimneys.

At the end of the six months, I needed to pass four individual exams including a four-hour written exam, a presentation and a personal dossier that included a demonstration of an individual installation, explaining how I’d swept it and how it functions. We then had to answer questions from a jury of three experienced chimney sweeps. It was intense and I was very nervous stepping into what is essentially still a man’s world. I passed all four parts and I am so glad I did the qualification!

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“My dad and step mum opened our family bar in Morzine back in 2000. They’d been running nightclubs for 22 years but wanted to create a smaller, cosy venue that was inspired by my dad’s travels and his time running an oriental furniture shop. Back then of course, it was called the Buddha Bar and many of you still refer to it as ‘the Buddha’ these days. They focused on great music from the 70s, 80s and 90s and the bar became quite famous for good times during your ski holiday.

Having spent three years working in hospitality in London, I returned to Morzine in 2001 and immediately joined my family in the busy bar.

Morzine was becoming very popular as a ski destination in these early years and we wanted to develop the bar to offer really excellent service and create great memories for people. Service was (and is!) our main focus and even to this day, the bar is one of the only places you’ll enjoy table service during your evening.

In 2008 we changed the name to the Tibetan Cafe that you all know (and hopefully love!) today. This marked a new start for the bar as I took over and my family finally retired! I had big shoes to fill! During the winter season we open each day at 4pm. We kick off our apres party with live music from different local bands and we follow this up with a live DJ set later each evening. Back in 2008, two of our first musicians were Jamie and Dan, they really packed out the bar and we had a lot of fun. Dan returned to Morzine recently and has formed a new band called Encore, I can’t wait to welcome them back to the Tibetan stage this winter. We also show all the major sporting events on our screens and because I’m a huge rugby fan, the Six Nations championship is a big deal in the bar each year.

We had a fire in our bar as we prepared to open for the 2017/2018 season. Fortunately the bar was closed at the time and no one was injured, but the damage was extensive and we couldn’t open for the whole winter. The experience was heartbreaking for my family and I, but we rebuilt the bar, had a complete refurbishment, and reopened better than ever the following winter.

It’s really nice to work with my husband and I don’t know any other husband and wife ramoneurs at all! We get to spend our days on the rooftops, taking in the extra special views and at the end of each day we can take pride in the work we’ve done.

Since then my focus has been on providing the same friendly, generous, warm spirit that my parents started all those years ago.

People often ask me how I do it; work all night, every night in the bar before returning to my own young family in the early hours of the morning. Yes, sometimes the winter season can feel long and at the end I’m ready for a very long holiday, but it’s worth it to see the faces of our regular guests year after year. They’ve become friends, we know each other well and welcoming new visitors is always great fun. I also love enhancing our range of drinks, creating new cocktails, discovering new gins for our annual gin festival… the work never stops but I wouldn’t have it any other way”

Find out more about Sarah, Ross and Pro Ramonage at proramonage.com

Follow the Tibetan Cafe on Facebook and Instagram this winter for live sports updates, music announcements, new drinks and more.

say hello to

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NEW TRATTORIA ITALIANA

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resort information

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listen WE’RE HERE TO

By Alice Adamski

It’s safe to say that we live in one of the most stunning places in the world, surrounded by masses of open space and incredible natural beauty. However, this doesn’t mean we are safe from problems like everyone else around the world and this can create an uncomfortable conundrum - are we allowed to have the feelings we have? It’s important to remember though, that life can be tough wherever you decide to call home.

The last two years have certainly taken their toll on our mental health and those of us that live here in the Portes du Soleil haven’t escaped that. Everyone has been affected by COVID-19 and the resulting lockdowns in some way, whether it be missing loved ones, dealing with financial struggles, managing health issues or simply working out how best to move forward after a global pandemic.

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we're here to listen

The pandemic has also had a bigger impact for some people and mental health charities are reporting a surge in the rise of anxiety and depressive disorders.

And it’s not just adults that have been affected. Our children and teenagers have found things particularly tough. Young Minds has conducted studies which show that COVID-19 has led to our youngsters feeling isolated, alone and anxious. Life without COVID-19 was tough enough, now with this added extra, it’s clear that mental health is taking a bit of a battering.

Ellie’s Safe House was originally set up to provide workshops, guidance and support for young people and parents in the valley, but over the last year it has really started to evolve into something slightly different. We have been contacted by adults AND children who live in the valley looking for help, asking where they can find support and generally needing that extra bit of guidance. Lots of us here at Safe House undertook Mental Health First Aid Training so that we can be that initial contact for anyone struggling or looking for a bit of advice and direction.

// illustrations by icons8.com

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Here are some things you can do to help yourself.

• Take some time out for you • • Call or speak to someone you can trust • • Ask for help if you need it • • Do something that you love • • As daft as it sounds, focus on your breathing for a little while •

At the Spectrum IFA Group, our registered and authorised advisers live and work in France, offering the highest quality of financial advice and planning services.

I’m Alan Watson, the Spectrum IFA Partner in the Rhone Alpes region.

On the surface, it might look like we aren’t doing much, but in the background we have been trying our best to help a number of people navigate their way through some really difficult situations. We aren’t mental health professionals with the power to make your problems go away, but we do hope that we can point you in the right direction and give you some of the tools you might need to get through some of the toughest of times.

As we head towards winter, we are also faced with a host of new challenges. Businesses haven’t been operating properly for a while now and with everyone hoping for a “normal” season, workloads are increasing, anxiety about the impact of Brexit is ramping up and general fears for the future are taking their toll. We expect to see more people contacting us in the coming months so we are busy planning workshops and support groups to help navigate our way through this tricky season. We will also see lots of new faces in the valley as seasonal workers make their way into town. Although doing a season can be fun, it can also be tricky for some people. We want to equip workers and their employers with the tools to spot when someone is struggling and give them some of the tools they need to help make life a little better for that person.

We are still working to create a support network for parents and young people in the valley too and our original mantra hasn’t disappeared, but we are also focused on providing what is really needed at this particular moment. We hope that by being here for people, we can help you keep your heads above water. Mental health problems can creep up on you at any point and can affect anyone. It’s important to give yourself a break and to look for help if you need it.

If you’d rather speak to someone else, there are some great helplines: SOS Helpline FRANCE (English speaking helpline) www.soshelpline.org operates 3pm-11pm +33 (0) 1 46 21 46 46 SOS Amitié (French speaking helpline) www.sos-amitie.com | +33(0) 9 72 39 40 50

Remember, if you feel alone in all of this, you are not.

Send us an email, we’re here to listen.

Contact Ellie's Safe House via the facebook page facebook.com/ellies.safehouse

If you’re considering joining us for the good life here in France, here are five financial considerations for new French residents.

• Local accountants are good - locally, but are they aware of your international tax situation? What are the implications of keeping your UK ISA investments, but living in France?

• Brexit has changed many things, with more changes still to come. You need to be aware of your personal choices, wills, how to maximise your hard-earned savings to benefit your loved ones.

• Pensions can be complex, and usually in GBP. What are your options? Can you benefit from the French pension system and what is the best route for you?

• If your work is based in France, but you’re still contracted from your UK company, how can you best take advantage of this situation? How can you maximise your personal benefits?

• Since 2016, the Common Reporting Standard (CRS) has been in place. You should be aware of your local reporting responsibilities, it’s just not worth the risk!

To discuss these important matters and others personal to your situation, please get in touch. Without charge I offer an introductory meeting, making you aware of the fiscal requirements of your new country and giving you the peace of mind to enjoy your fantastic new lifestyle.

+33(0)6 21 57 41 19 alan.watson@spectrum-ifa.com www.spectrum-ifa.com The Spectrum IFA Group is a founder member of the Federation of European Independent Financial Advisers. www.feifa.eu • TSG Insurance Services S.A.R.L. • Siège Social: 34 Bd des Italiens, 75009 Paris • R.C.S. Paris B 447 609 108 (2003B04384) « Société de Courtage d’assurances » « Intermédiaire en opération de Banque et Services de Paiement » Numéro d’immatriculation 07 025 332 – www.orias.fr « Conseiller en investissements financiers », référencé sous le numéro E002440 par ANACOFI-CIF, association agréee par l’Autorité des Marchés Financiers »

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Are we making a difference?

Meet Alice de Chilly

of Montagne Verte

Hello, I’m Alice and I’m the new Montagne Verte General Manager. I joined the charitable association in June 2021 and my role is a permanent one. I’ll be monitoring projects, working to increase our membership, raising important funds and creating links and partnerships to keep our association alive.

I’m here to ensure that Montagne Verte enhances its impact in sustainable development and the preservation of our alpine environment.

Our biggest challenge with last year's restrictions was to keep the community engaged. Due to the slightly different circumstances during the Winter 20/21 season, we were lucky enough to find a space to open a pop-up second hand shop and Fix It centre in Morzine. It provided volunteer opportunities for unemployed seasonal workers, offered clothing and equipment at an affordable price for those struggling financially and ensured that unworn clothes were properly recycled.

The clothes that were damaged or unwearable were either repaired to be sold or passed along to a fabric recycling project in Thonon. Having a physical premises is a real step forward for Montagne Verte, as it allows us to have a permanent presence and people know exactly where to go to find us.

I’m often asked whether I think tourists are becoming more aware of the climate emergency. Certainly photos of glacier melt at the Mer de Glace in Chamonix spread quickly on social networks so tourists are becoming more and more conscious of the risk of the lack of snow and the shortening of our winter seasons. I feel a real awareness is starting to develop.

However, the complexity and uniqueness of our Alpine environment is often overlooked.

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Our mountains are home to endemic species and varied wildlife because of the highly selective terrain and climate conditions.

Microcosms and the incredible ecosystem of our valleys are very fragile and global warming is happening twice as quickly in the Alps than elsewhere in the world. What is also more difficult to grasp - and this is where the role of associations such as ours is fundamental - is to link climate change with our individual and collective actions. There is hopefully a general trend that people are more concerned about climate change and their carbon footprint. I think that the progress of sustainable tourism has only just begun.

We also organised a food collection as the Winter 20/21 season came to an end to avoid waste. Many local businesses got involved and we joined forces with other food collection projects for the Association Ancr'age in Annemasse. The shop has been a really great way for us to make collections a lot simpler.

Our team also organised the first Fête de la Nature in the Vallee d’Aulps last May, marking a first step in our education project and in keeping our village alive all year round. We want this event to become a major part of the agenda in the years to come, including different communities and generations as we grow.

Fortunately, I have quite a few new community initiatives to tell you about. After the success of our pop-up shop last winter, we were offered the opportunity to open up the shop once again on a more permanent basis; we opened in the autumn on the rue du Bourg in Morzine. It’s much more than a shop - it’s a real community space. A place to bring together both English and French inhabitants with events, workshops and creative projects. For example, we've been working with One Tree At A Time to up-cycle branded ski jackets from ski schools. This has engaged local businesses, seamstresses and volunteers to give a second life to these jackets and promote a circular economy.

Of course, the question I ask myself every day is this; are we making a difference? This is our major objective after all. I believe that we need to make a difference collectively and that individuals cannot be asked to solve a systemic problem such as the climate crisis alone. The major responsibility lies with politicians and businesses.

are we making a difference - montagne verte

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But citizens also have a role to play. Sharing information on climate change has a psychological impact. Once you know, you can't 'un-know'. There isn't an off switch for this problem. So we have to do our best to raise awareness and create examples of sustainable

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living. This is why education, of the young and old, is so important. The more people truly understand the problem we face, the more they will be truly motivated to help affect change.

We are heading into difficult times, but the more people who commit to building resilience and acting with empathy, the better off we'll all be. Solidarity is essential, because the first safety net is the network we manage to pull together around us.

I am lucky enough to mix my work and my convictions, this is probably the best part of my job. Montagne Verte requires a great deal of crossdisciplinary work; it allows links to be created between many players and solutions to be found, the impact of which goes far beyond skiing or tourism. Climate change is also a subject that is constantly evolving, and for which everyone's experience is essential to find the right strategy.

I like this way of working. You also have to be able to always question yourself and find the meaning of your commitment, this is really challenging.

The pace of development at Montagne Verte has been incredible since we founded the association in 2019. Our flag ship project will launch in December 2021. It's a train line linking London-Lille-Cluses, which will enable British skiers, those from northern France and Belgians to reach our valley by train. Around 75% of the carbon emissions associated with tourism in the northern Alps are from travel ; mobility is therefore a priority in our action plan and this development will be very significant for the wider winter tourism industry.

We also do believe that environmental and social change cannot be dissociated; we must make access to nature, to the mountains and the environment open to all. We’ll continue organising events such as the Fête de la Nature, Fix-it Festival and a notable Climate Conference next May, plus Climb It For Climate. We’ll be providing resources and

will also focus on education, which is a key lever to work on to change behaviours. We want people to keep asking “What am I doing for the climate and the environment, and what more could I do?” We’ll provide resources to answer these questions. We envision a valley in which the mountains, people and biodiversity thrive; a united community building a carbon neutral, sustainable future for all. Our vision drives us forward in our work.

Maybe my words above have convinced you to get involved and believe me, we need everybody on board. Be it as a donator, contributor, or a shopper, you can provide direct support for our actions on the ground here in Morzine. We’ve made much progress so far, but our young association still needs new members as together we have more weight to convince our decision makers and add more strength to our actions.

Join us as a volunteer and get involved with a group of people who work towards the same goal. It’s very rewarding! Additionally, local businesses can sign the Montagne Verte Pacte. This engages your business to improve its environmental practices and makes your company an agent of change on these major issues. Profound changes are on the horizon, even a simple idea will help take us further. It is the thoughts, dreams and ideas that precede any small or large achievements.

All that remains is for me to thank our members and volunteers - indeed, we cannot thank you enough. Your financial support is invaluable, but also the time spent on our projects, the advice, the ideas and your involvement. This inspires us and gives us strength and faith every day.

Our members make it possible for us to exist, and above all, they are the ones who keep us going.

Follow Montagne Verte on Instagram @montagnevertemorzine or head to the website for useful resources and donation links montagnevertemorzine.com

GioFleming

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trending - eco -

amie henderson morzine source magazine editor

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Dragon Alliance have been true pioneers when it comes to introducing plant-based technologies into the creation of their sunglasses. Plant-based resin is a natural, bio-based plastic made from castor bean oil; it’s a highly resilient and renewable plant resource and is a much cleaner alternative to standard petroleumbased plastics. The Drac model features a keyhole nose bridge for a stable, comfortable fit and, as we’ve come to expect from Dragon, there’s also Lumalens technology serving up remarkable depth perception and crystal clear vision. And if all of that isn’t enough, the Drac is also available with Dragon’s H2O floatable technology.

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Two thirds of our planet is covered by ocean and this brand is committed to protecting what we all know and love. TwoThirds make clothing using only sustainable and recycled materials that have a lower impact on the planet and their merino beanies are a winter staple. As we all know, merino is a thermo-regulating fabric, which makes it perfect for the varying conditions here in the mountains. Merino is also super-soft and TwoThirds use only mulesing-free wool, which means the fabric was harvested using a process that’s kind to the sheep. Available as both men’s and women’s alternatives, there’s a colour variation for everyone and free shipping within the EU.

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It’s a dog’s life here in the mountains, but there’s nothing worse than heading out for a trail run and stomping in a pile of you know what.

That said, plastic poop bags certainly aren’t reusable (in fact they’ve been banned in many counties across the globe) and alternatives are now plentiful. Biodegradable alternatives are an excellent idea, but you can go one better with these compostable versions from Beco. They’re made from only plant-based materials including cornstarch, they can be composted at home and they’ll completely biodegrade back to their natural elements. Note, the compost produced by these poop bags should be used to feed non-edible plants and flowers as opposed to your veggie patch.

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TruEarth Laundry strips rrp €17.95 32 loads tru.earth

This summer we discovered how much one round of laundry in our tumble dryer costs and we’d encourage you to try and calculate the same for your home. The results are pretty shocking! And that got me thinking - how else can we clean up the steady steam of laundry Chez Source? These Tru Earth laundry eco-strips pack ultra-concentrated, hypoallergenic, eco-friendly cleaning power into a tiny, pre-measured strip of liquidless laundry detergent that you simply toss into your washing machine. They’re gentle enough for super-sensitive skin, there’s no chlorine or other nasties and there’s even free shipping when you purchase directly from the Tru Earth website. Imagine the space you’ll save too. //

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decisions, decisions...

HOW CAN WE BEST PROTECT OUR MOUNTAINS

For reasons that haven’t yet been uncovered, science tells us that average temperatures are rising more quickly in the mountains than anywhere else on earth. Despite this, just 3% of all philanthropic giving goes to environmental causes. getting involved? You’re motivated for change, you’re

promote a cleaner, greener environment. You’ll find

ready for action, but which group most needs your

mention of many of them on the pages of this magazine

help? Or your money? As mountain lovers, you have a

and on our social media channels, but who should you

range of very relevant and passionate organisations to

support? Which group best aligns with your own values

support. We’ll break down some of your options right

and concerns? And what’s different about each them?

here.

LOCAL Founded in 2019 by a group of passionate locals, Montagne Verte Morzine is our valley’s very own sustainability initiative and they’ve made swift and inspiring progress over the last two years. With the aim of providing solutions for mountain residents, visitors and businesses to minimise their environmental impact whilst working to make Morzine and the surrounding valley a sustainable tourism destination, no moment has been wasted. The Montagne Verte Pacte is a great example; it helps businesses to create a personalised set of sustainably-focused decisions, whilst The Green Pages of the Montagne Verte website are a one-stop-shop for eco-friendly product purchasing. So much time, research and knowledge has been ploughed into Montagne Verte, it’s no wonder so many local businesses have signed up to become monthly donors.

Get Involved: montagnevertemorzine.com Become a contributing member for €10 per month 120

how can we best protect our mountains

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NATIONAL

Perhaps all this overwhelm is stopping you from

organisations, charities and associations that exist to

NATIONAL

It’s overwhelming though, isn’t it? The number of

Since 2001 Mountain Riders have been educating mountain lovers on the challenges facing our snowcapped peaks and the villages beneath them. By empowering us with knowledge and supporting the actions of communities, Mountain Riders has grown into a powerful force at a political level, where real difference can be made. Creating awareness of sustainability issues amongst holiday makers, supporting the education of young people and encouraging knowledge sharing between various mountain stakeholders are just some of the day-today jobs undertaken by this passionate team who span the length and breadth of France. Mountain Riders also lead the Flocon Vert accreditation, which you can read more about on page 122.

With the aim of changing behaviours and protecting our mountain environments one tree at a time, this organisation seeks to remove any feelings of overwhelm by breaking down the environmental crisis through community events. Designed for both businesses and individuals who’d like to make an impact, a business pledge, consultancy service and training courses are available, whilst a community hub delivers workshops on clothing repair, bike servicing, mountain safety and much more. A circular ski shop also helps to fund the organisation, lessening the volume of kit that ends up in landfill.

Look out for Climb It For Climate events hosted by One Tree At A Time and Montagne Verte in Morzine and the surrounding valley this winter.

Get Involved: mountain-riders.org Make a donation from €15, become a monthly donator from €3

Get Involved: onetreeatatime.fr Make a one-off donation or become a monthly donor from just €5 per month

INTERNATIONAL

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Turn your passion into action. That’s the message from POW founder Jeremy Jones (read more on page 18), who watched the snow slowly disappear from some of his favourite mountain resorts. Spurred into action in 2007, POW is now a global organisation with various different chapters across the world fronted by passionate mountain lovers. POW France published a really powerful message this year; “Instead of chasing perfection, let’s pursue progress.” The outdoor community has the passion, information and resources to make a huge difference and POW France are supported by some of the biggest personalities in snow sports. If you’re UK-based, there are a number of ways you can support the snowline for future generations through POW UK, where campaigns, corporate partnerships and community events are plentiful.

INTERNATIONAL

Get Involved: Global - protectourwinters.org France - protectourwinters.fr UK - protectourwinters.uk On all sites you can make a one-off or monthly donation with no minimum amount

The premise here is simple. Across the globe businesses and individuals are handing over 1% of their annual profit or salary to tackle the climate emergency. 1% For The Planet collects these revenues and uses them to tackle our planet’s most pressing environmental issues. Since its formation in 2002, 1% For The Planet has raised nearly $300 million from 5840 members in 91 countries, distributing financial resources to 4535 trusted non-profit partners who directly work in six core areas; climate, food, land, pollution, water and wildlife. Consciously buying from businesses who donate 1% of their profits to tackle climate change is a great way to purchase for the planet, rather than against it.

INTERNATIONAL

Get Involved: onepercentfortheplanet.org Join as an individual or as a business or make a one-off or monthly donation

Here at Morzine Source Magazine paper is our product. It’s what we buy, it’s what we consume, it’s what we recycle. But is that enough? In 2018 we decided it wasn’t… that we could do more. Working with our incredible printers, we selected a paper that was both recycled and recyclable; we’re not chopping down trees to produce this magazine and that’s hugely important to us. Additionally, the purchasing of our paper supports the World Land Trust established by Sir David Attenborough in 1989 to protect the world’s most biologically significant and threatened habitats, acre by acre.

On average, each issue of our magazine preserves the future of acres of land - over 2.3 million acres have been funded by the World Land Trust so far.

Get Involved: worldlandtrust.org Buy your own acre of habitat for £100 or become a regular donator from £5 per month

#We are moving!

For all your property needs, come to meet our team in our new office, 3 15, rue d u Bourg i n M orz i ne A well established French/British team for all your estate projects!

315, rue du Bourg 74110- Morzine Tel: +33(0)9 54 76 22 30 info@mhita.com/loc@mhita.com

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By amie henderson

On Thursday 9th September 2021 Morzine-Avoriaz was awarded the prestigious Flocon Vert accreditation during an invite-only gathering at the Palais du Sport.

Mountain Riders Association Directrice Camille Rey-Gorrez presented this muchcoverted award to the Mayor of MorzineAvoriaz Fabien Trombert during a ceremony attended by those that had worked hard for several months on its achievement. But what is the Flocon Vert? And why is it important?

Founded in 2006 with an eco guide for mountain resorts, Mountain Riders is a French association with a big mission. They launched the Flocon Vert award in 2011 to give mountain lovers a clear vision of which mountain resorts were committed to sustainability. “Choosing a Flocon Vert resort for your holiday means you’re supporting responsible tourism” is the idea in a nutshell.

If you’re imagining a lengthy tick-box questionnaire and a few waffly statements that demonstrate a commitment to the planet, think again. Mountain resorts must satisfy 21 individual and important criteria to achieve the Flocon Vert label, covering everything from sustainable waste management to the management of artificial snow. Education and communication were also essential elements of the award application, particularly at

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a resort governance level, where a large and committed team formed to make the application. To date, just nine resorts have done enough to achieve the award.

What makes Morzine and Avoriaz so sustainable? Let’s look first at transportation.

As a fully pedestrianised resort at 1800m, this surely helps in the soft mobility category of the

Flocon Vert. In Avoriaz, winter transportation is limited to skis, snowboards and horse drawn sledges while travel to and from the resort can be arranged in partnership with car-pooling website Blablacar. Electric powered snowmobiles are used by the Office de Tourisme in the arrangement of daily activities while four electric car charging points are also available. In Morzine, plans are afoot to make much of the village centre into a pedestrianised space, limiting the volume of cars and carbon. Two public electric car charging stations are available, and a further eight have been provided by hotel operators and supermarkets within the village.

Of course many of you visit Morzine for its village charm and family friendly facilities. But how do we balance these traditional aspects of resort life with the need to modernise and become more sustainable? During the summer months, activities such as guided hikes, botanical walks and tree climbing workshops help to increase awareness of our local environment. Mountain Riders noted that these cultural and social activities bring sustainability to the fore amongst visitors to

Georgie Kennington Pilates half page.pdf

Morzine-Avoriaz. The Stash and the Lil’Stash are further great examples of this.

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01/10/2021

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YOUR PILATES SPACE

As our regular readers will know, Avoriaz is a purpose-built resort, conceived in 1962. The Mountain Riders assessment team noted the remarkable measures taken to guarantee its integration into the landscape during construction.

This original architectural commitment is governed and protected by ALDA, the Association Du Lotissement du Domaine d’Avoriaz. A further point was the southern exposure of most residences in Avoriaz, offering up lots of natural sunshine and light and allowing for significant energy saving during the course of each year.

IN MORZINE

Our local lift operating companies also play a significant role in the conservation of energy. In Avoriaz, 41m2 of photovoltaic panels were erected on the Proclou lift arrival station ahead of the last winter season. Even though the lift failed to turn due to COVID-19 restrictions, the solar panels still produced over 9000kWh, all of which will be dedicated to the operation of the ski lift and reducing its reliance on regular energy sources. Wouldn’t it be amazing to see solar-powered lift stations across the Portes du Soleil?

ES

S T U

PI L AT

D

I O

M

E O R N Z I

B A S E D AT T H E H I V E In Morzine, the pistes of the Pleney, Nyon and Chamoissiere are groomed by state of the art piste bashers equipped with the cutting edge SnowSat system. Not only do these machines run on non-toxic, biodegradable fuel, they also feature a piloting software to better manage snow conditions. A GPS installed on each groomer allows its operator to precisely measure the depth of snow on any given piste. This means that snow can be redistributed and dispersed where required, reducing the resort’s reliance on cultivated snow.

I could go on listing examples of excellent sustainability initiatives in our valley, I really could and you’ll find them littered throughout this magazine. But it’s important to remember how far we’ve come. The climate battle often feels overwhelming, yet it’s still all to play for and the Flocon Vert accreditation gives us a real sense of hope; what we’re doing as a resort and as a valley is worth while; it’s notable and it will have an impact. I hope the Flocon Vert inspires everyone to take better care of our mountains.

More Info: To find out more about the award head to flocon-vert.org

A be a uti f ul a n d s pa c i o us m a t work a n d a ppa ra tus Pi la te s Studi o wi t h v i ews of the m o un ta i n s a n d tre es. In pe r s o n c la s s e s whe n re s tr i c ti ons a llow a n d o n li n e c la s s e s fo r th ose ti m e s i n - be twe e n !

Jo i n Geo rg i e fo r movement d esi g ned to ma ke yo u f eel stro ng, stretched a nd c o nnec ted to yo u r b o dy a nd mi nd .

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w w w. s t u d i o p i l a t e s m o r z i n e . c o m //

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cover story

By RP Roberts

I love the way that alpine villages are dwarfed by the mountains yet still feel like an integral part of the landscape.

To me, alpine villages always feel like they've evolved and grown in a natural way, in response to the environment.

In the making of this magazine cover, I wanted the buildings to look like they'd grown amongst the trees to become a part of the forest.

I started by talking with Amie and Michael at Morzine Source Magazine about the specifics for the cover. They gave me an overview of the theme for this issue and I learned that the natural environment runs throughout the pages.

I then set about trying to find the correct reference photo to work from. Nyon is a fantastic looking and iconic peak, but I wanted to show the town alongside the mountain.

Morzine isn’t just a ski resort; it’s a home to many people and I wanted to reflect this on the cover.

Once I'd found the correct angle, it was time to sketch it out. I wanted to keep a crisp edge on the top half of the piece, then fade out into a looser piece down below.

Masking taping the top and side edges meant I could go a bit wild with the ink and still get a crisp edge, whilst also allowing it to fade out to looseness towards the bottom of the piece.

I wanted to use a more autumnal colour scheme, and not go too cold with the winter colours. Morzine is a resort for all seasons, I wanted to show this in the piece. I usually get the lightest colours blocked in first, then start to build up the detail with a fine liner pen.

This cover took me just over two days to complete from start to finish and I’m very happy with the result. I wanted to make the buildings look like a part of the Alpine environment, blending in to the forest and mountain and I really hope you enjoy it.

Head to page 150 to discover how you can buy a limited edition print of our cover artwork 124

cover story

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summer runners ARE MADE IN SUMMER

By Edwina Sutton

They say running is an addiction. I know I am certainly an addict. I need that time outside, in nature, in the mountains to breathe, to move my body and often gain perspective on the mad world we are living in!

Here in the Portes du Soleil we are blessed with kilometre after kilometre of incredible mountain trails, there is no need to ever do the same route twice and though the uphill grind might be a shock to those more used to urban miles, the reward of the view at the top is always worth the sweat!

Cross training. I always like to remind clients your heart doesnt know if its running/cycling or skiing, but is happy beating hard and getting stronger, whatever sport you choose! If you think you would like to try something different, here’s a few suggestions right from your doorstep.

However, between November and April, something gets in the way of our need for speed and Strava kudos. That thing is snow.

My first suggestion is to ditch the trainers for touring skis. After the saison blanche last year, most of the keen ski population, in a desperate attempt to get their downhill fix, took up ski touring or randonnée skiing. This is when you attach ‘skins’ to the bottom of your skis, change your bindings and simply ‘walk’ up the piste. Looks easy. It is and it isn't! Its a hard effort dragging your skis uphill, but once you master the technique, it is strangely satisfying to use your own human power to earn your turns on the way down - and it’s better for the environment too! You can now choose from dedicated ski touring pistes in Avoriaz. These are pisted solely for ski touring, which means you are safer on the up and can ski down on the piste. It’s the dream! Clocking up the ‘metres’ climbed can soon become your new alternative to miles ran!

Many panic that not being able to run will mean that by spring or summer, you will have lost your hard fought for fitness and you can write off your trail race dreams. But don't panic; take a look at any of the brilliant trail runners, many based around Morzine or in a similar mountain climate, (I’m thinking of @kilianjornet, @tinaemelie,@alexis_sevennec, @laury_eloy) and you will find that in the winter they ditch the trainers and find new ways to get their exercise hit. Mountain runners always come out of the winter as some of the fittest, strangest and most robust athletes on the planet. So what’s their secret?

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Touring skis can be hired from most local ski shops. If you’re unsure on how to use the equipment, I thoroughly recommend booking a touring lesson. Local guide Paddy Morris (paddy_morris@hotmail.com // +33 (0) 6 77 05 29 61) specialises in taking groups or individuals out for ski touring adventures or lessons and I thoroughly recommend learning the basics as no one wants to find themselves at the top of Arare googling ‘how to change you binding to ski mode!’

If hiking your skis uphill seems a little daunting, why not consider cross country skiing (AKA nordic skiing or skating)? Morzine and Les Gets are very proud to have provided a number of world champions recently in both biathlon and cross country skiing and there’s a reason why these athletes have demonstrated some of the highest fitness levels in the world! This is a tough sport, but just like all our mountain activities, it can be done at your own level and speed. There are a number of pistes located all over our three resorts and both the ESF (www.esf-morzine. com) and local guide Ali Gibb provide group and individual lessons.

// Illustrations by Pablo Marquez from Ouch!

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Edwina Sutton is an international ultra runner and running coach based here in Morzine. She’s inspired many local runners to discover our local trails and as a busy mum of three, the juggle is real. Follow her winter fitness progress on Instagram @edwinasutton, listen to her weekly podcast where she twitters on about life living and training in the mountains (runtothehills.buzzsprout.com) or head to her website - edwinasutton.com

Ski in/ski out Hotel

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s well as getting your fix of alpine air, the winter is also a great time to hit the gym and work on your weaknesses. One of our major flaws as runners or addicts to mountain sports is that we neglect our bodies and ignore those little niggles that often to crop up, mainly because we prefer to spend our time outside rather than doing boring core exercises! With the arrival of the brilliant new Hive in Morzine, and the continuing flourishing Mountain Rehab, we have two superb indoor facilities to choose from offering a range of membership passes to suit all. There are also excellent pilates classes, strength sessions, spinning classes, yoga and body conditioning, there really is something for everyone! The gym is also a great option for white out or wet winter days!

There are still plenty of runnable snowy trails around Morzine and Les Gets, so there really is no need to ditch your ‘baskets’ completely. I think by adding in a variety of sports that are right on our doorstep, you can come out of the winter stronger, refreshed, and injury free. It’s often daunting and takes nerve to learn a new sport or to change from what you know and love, but I do believe that with a little bit of patience, a swallow of ego and a trust in the process, winter can be the gateway to a truly great summer on the trails.

+33 4 58 57 1800 reservation@hotelmil8.com www.hotelmil8.com //

summer runners are made in the winter

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trending - travel -

Michael Henderson morzine source magazine creative director

Eastpack Tranzpack rucksack RRP €100.00 eastpak.com

With a whopping 42 litres of capacity and featuring both storable side and shoulder straps, this hand luggage sized travel bag is sure to make your adventures a breeze. The handy double compartment separates your kit and there’s a 17-inch laptop compartment fitted with protective technology to keep it extra safe. Eastpack’s excellent compression straps feature, helping you to reduce the size of your bag when it’s not fully loaded.

686 waterproof hooded puffer blanket €169.95 eu.686.com

There’s very few things in life that can’t be improved by a good blanket, we say. This fine specimen from 686 features a two-layer 10k waterproof and windproof fabric and it’s double-sided for extra snuggle value. But it’s the extra little details that we’re most excited about. The packable waterproof and breathable hood is a joy while the internal fleece-lined phone stash pocket will also keep your hands toasty. Snap together the double clips on each side to use your blanket as a handsfree poncho and pop the whole thing in the washing machine when necessary. Weighing in at just 1.7kg in total, this blanket should be a staple part of your adventure travel pack.

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Lems Trailhead RRP €135.00 lemsshoes.com

Is it a trainer? Or is it a hiking boot? These Lems Trailhead shoes come with a minimalist style that’s perfect for both the trails and the streets. Made from microfibre and air mesh with a full length rubber outsole, they weight barely anything and we all know that makes for a happy traveller. They’re also 100% vegan, feature a natural shape toe box paired with a slim heel fit and we just love the retro sneaker styling. They’re available in both mens and women’s varieties and in a number of different colour ways to keep you comfortable all day long.

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Voited Gamma Pull Over shell Jacket RRP €99.95 voited.eu

This lightweight, hooded rain jacket from Voited uses REPREVE fabric made from discarded plastic bottles. It’s also rather lovely to look at. There’s plant-based Teflon EcoLite lamination for enhanced water resistance, the end result is a windproof and breathable coat that will see you right through all conditions.

The custom fit storm hood can be adjusted to suit while the hem drawcord system at the front and back can also be adapted to fit. half page SOURCE.pdf 1 too.

19/10/2021 15:07 The jacket Dixie comesBar with a handy bag for storage

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NOCS provisions standard issue 8 x 25 bioniculars RRP €97.00 nocsprovisions.com

Why would you reinvent the binocular? To make them more durable of course and the features list here runs strong. They’re waterproof and come with a no-matter-what lifetime warranty.

The optics are best in class and feature a 25mm lens with a multicoated, anti-reflective lens. They’re filled with nitrogen to prevent fogging, there’s a rugged, no slip design and the twist up eye cups are compatable with glasses. We also love the huge range of colour options, the smart, neat pack up and the packaging too!

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road trip THE GREATEST

By amie henderson

In October, as we do most Octobers, my family and I journeyed back to the UK in the car. There’s a two-week school holiday this month, which comes just weeks before our winter magazine deadline. With very little going on locally to keep my small people (aged six and three) entertained, and no childcare to help us work, we plot the 14-hour route to Wiltshire, where the Source grandparents reside.

We packed the car with all kinds of boredomreducing tricks. And a Lot of snacks. I recorded the journey on our Instagram stories and the response was enormous (thanks to everyone for keeping me entertained!). So many of you have great memories along the route; spotting the giant cock on the roadside in Bourg en Bresse.

Gliding through the Champagne region. The change in landscape as you near the coast, which looks startlingly like England. We asked you to send us your ‘driving to the mountains’ tips to share with others considering doing the same thing. As it turns out, there’s a lot of you doing just that!

The 879km journey from Calais to Morzine takes 8.5hours, before you factor in fuel, coffee, toilet and rest stops. The route is a perfectly pleasant, quiet motorway until you get to within 45km of Morzine and the ascent begins. Along the way you’ll spot several aires or picnic / toilet stops on the side of the motorway, which come in handy when you’re hurtling along, successfully running down the sat nav and your three-yearold starts screaming for a pee pee now! Larger service stations with cafes and EV charging points are also frequent.

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In more recent times, we’ve used Le Shuttle to cross the channel. The tunnel will always be more expensive than the ferry, but the journey takes just 45 minutes, compared to 1 hour 45 by sea. The Le Shuttle terminal also delivers you further down the motorway on the French side, saving up to an hour on your journey. When we factor in loading time on the ferry versus the train, the total time saving is probably around two hours, which is not to be sniffed at. Of course the ferry does give you the chance to have a good break, stretch your legs and do a bit of duty free shopping on board.

Many people (including us) opt to stay overnight en-route and there are a few logical stop off points. Reims, in the heart of the Champagne region, is approximately one third of your way between Calais and Morzine. There’s a handy Novotel just off the motorway; it’s inexpensive, clean and has a restaurant. If you’re keen to push on a bit further, Troyes is another option.

There’s a wider selection of accommodation options here, including the charming Chateau de Montabert, which is just off the motorway, or the budget Ibis where rooms are just €51 per night. Further still is Dijon, which sits just 316km

from Morzine. There you’ll find a perfectly pleasant Best Western for a super simple stay and family rooms cost just €120 per night.

If you’re travelling with small people, the advantages of taking a break and staying overnight are obvious. It’s all part of the adventure and you wake up refreshed, ready to drive on in the morning. We also find that our boys have the capacity for approximately four solid hours in the car before someone starts screaming because they dropped a green Haribo crocodile and they need a run around.

Of course, staying over adds to the cost of the trip and if you’re able to share the driving, or drive through the night, you may find it easier to charge on.

Driving to Morzine also means you can bring more kit with you. Gone are those infuriating EasyJet baggage restrictions, there’ll be no more fearful glances at the scales during check-in (“eeeeek, it’s all the baby stuff!” I used to plead) and, depending on the size of your car, you can literally bring as much kit as you need.

A note of caution here, however. Post-Brexit, it’s now forbidden to bring meat or dairy into

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France from the UK and you might experience checks at border control. By all means load up on snacks for the journey, but save your food shopping for when you arrive in resort. No one wants to have a kilo of sausages swiped at customs after all.

Of course, there are other routes to consider too. We once (pre small people) drove from Morzine to Amsterdam in 10 hours, had a great night out, then boarded the overnight ferry to Newcastle, which left the following day. If you live in the north of England, this route is really convenient, as is the Hull to Rotterdam option.

The ferry isn’t cheap, but when you consider the time and fuel saving, it’s probably on par with driving the length of England to get to Dover. During a quick route plan on Google Maps you might also discover there’s a toll-free way to drive to Morzine. If you’ve the time and inclination to take this more scenic route, we’re delighted for you. It looks stunning! But if the clock is ticking because the snow is falling and you want to arrive in time for dinner, stay on the motorway. Avoiding the toll roads adds an extra three hours to your journey.

As for those tolls… the prices nudge up slightly each year, but the journey between Calais and Morzine will cost you approximately €73 each way. Over on Instagram many of you agreed that it’s a wonderful idea to buy the autoroute

toll tag for your car. With this you’ll avoid any queues at the toll gates and it automatically charges your bank card each time you pass through. When ordered online, the toll tags can be posted to your address in the UK in advance of your journey and they cost very little. Find out more at atmb.com.

The other big tip coming from Instagram - in fact this one was mentioned more than any other - was snacks. At the end of the journey my six year old announced that he hadn’t eaten a single meal all day! Terrible parenting, guys.

That’s because, from the comfort of his child seat in the back, surrounded by toys and with his i-Pad perched in front of him, favourite movies on repeat, he’d consumed a picnic fit for a king, but had clearly forgotten. It’s a tough life. Take more snacks than you’ll ever need, factor in potential delays and then add more snacks to the bag.

Now, this wouldn’t be an article in this issue of Morzine Source Magazine if we didn’t factor in the environmental consequences of driving to the mountains. Door to door, the average journey by airplane from London to Morzine takes around seven and a half hours to complete. Each passenger produces around 80kg of CO2 per flight. However, four people sharing a vehicle for an average journey of 12.5 hours (the equivalent of driving from London

to Morzine) results in 52kg of CO2 per person.

These figures come courtesy of SnowCarbon (snowcarbon.co.uk), who’ve also calculated that taking the snow train to the mountains produces a much reduced 15kg of CO2 per person during a journey that takes an average of 10.5 hours. You’ll find more details on a new snow train in our next issue.

Also on Instagram, many of you told us that you enjoyed having your car in resort, especially during the summer season. Being under your own steam means you can visit activities and places further afield, adding a new dimension to your holiday. Winter drivers take note however; when driving in the mountains, it’s mandatory to carry either fabric or metal snow chains for at least two driving wheels in the boot of your vehicle between 1st November and 31st March each year, or fit snow tyres to your vehicle. This rule applies regardless of road conditions and there’s a fine of up to €135 if you fail to comply, so make sure you leave a space amongst all the snacks for your snow chains.

Some people are long distance drivers, others aren’t. If you’re the former, I suggest you give driving to Morzine, Les Gets, Avoriaz and the surrounding valley a go. Even with small people on board, it’s possible to have loads of fun during the journey, just don’t forget the snacks..

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the greates road trip

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yoga poses FIVE

FOR YOU THIS WINTER

By Emily Williams

So you love skiing and snowboarding and want to get more out of it? Here are five Yoga poses that can help improve your performance on the hill and your recovery off it!

Emily Ruth Yoga | www.emilyruthyoga.com | www.youtube.com/emilyruthyoga | Instagram & Facebook: @emilyruthyoga

1. Cat and Cow - Pre & Post riding

This warm up and cool down movement awakens the spinal column, increasing blood flow between the vertebrae. If you’ve ever experienced a bad back, you’ll know how important it is to look after your spine! But the additional benefits of these two poses warm up the chest, the shoulders, the hips, the abdomen and the lungs, meaning that even your walk to the lift in the morning will feel a little easier!

HOW TO: Come into a table top position (on hands and knees), shoulders over wrists, hips over knees. Take a couple of moments to find your breath and begin to breathe through the nose. With your inhales, begin to drop the belly, open through the chest and lift the chin.

With the exhale, tuck through your tailbone, round through the spine and draw your chin towards your chest.

Repeat, at your own pace, taking your time. Keep the breath steady and close your eyes down.

2. Table top core flow - Pre riding

Add this in each morning, after Cat and Cow, to get your core stabilising muscles firing, as well as your posterior chain. A few rounds on each side, slow and steady and with the breath.

HOW TO: Come back to tabletop position, reach your left arm forwards, your right leg back.

Cultivate balance here by really grounding down through your grounded hand, and the top of your grounded foot. Inhale in this fully extended position and exhale to draw your elbow towards your knee/nose, rounding through the spine.

Repeat this motion a few times, slowly and with the breath, then switch to the other side.

BONUS GLUTES: Get your glutes (Yep, the muscles in your butt!) firing, and wake them up before heading out!

HOW TO: At the end of your table top core flow, plant your lifted hand down, bend the knee of your lifted leg, and flex through your ankle. Keep your spine long here (avoid shifting back into cow pose where the belly drops down), and go for 10 pulses pressing the sole of the foot up towards the sky. This movement should stem from the glutes, with the movement coming from the hip joint.

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3. Crescent lunge/Half split pose - Pre & Post riding

This is another great set of poses you can flow between pre and post riding to stretch into the hips and legs. Crescent lunge works into the front of the hip flexors and psoas and by staying active through the back leg, into the top of the quadriceps too. It also helps open up through the front of the chest and shoulders. Half split pose focuses on releasing through the hamstrings, lower back and into the calf muscles.

HOW TO: Crescent lunge: Starting with your right foot forwards, step your left leg back and lower your knee to the ground. Front knee stacked on top of your ankle. Hands can rest on top of your front thigh, or for an added stretch, reach your arms up towards the sky.

HALF SPLIT: Draw your hips back to stack on top of your back knee, extend through your front leg and flex through the ankle. Keep your spine long, hinge forward as far as you can through your hips and support hands on the ground (or onto blocks if you have them).

Repeat on both sides.

4. Janu Sirsasana - Pre & Post riding

This pose will help relieve tension through the hamstrings, lower back and into the groin muscles - a great option for when you come off the hill. It can also help improve digestion - great if you’ve been enjoying all of the Savoyard cuisine! Additionally, taking the revolved variation will work into your side body, an area that often gets missed and should feel oh-so-good.

HOW TO: Begin seated, with both legs in front of you (option to use a cushion/rolled up blanket to sit on), and draw your right foot to the inside edge of your left thigh. Sit up tall through the spine and begin to tilt forwards from your pelvis. Walk your hands forward whilst keeping the spine long, and stop when you feel resistance. Pause here, breathing steadily. Repeat on the other side.

REVOLVED: From this position, open your hips up, so your left leg is on an angle out to the side. Place your left hand next to your left leg. Reach your right arm up on an inhale and tilt to the left with your exhale. Keep the side of the body long. Walk your left hand out further if you have the space, whilst keeping the alignment.

Stay for a few breaths, then repeat on the other side.

5. Pigeon Pose [with variations] - Post riding

A Yoga classic that ticks so many boxes, use this after riding to stretch into the gluteal muscles, as well as the hip flexors, that have been working all day long! If you have any knee injuries, you can take a variation of this on your back, which puts less pressure into your knees.

HOW TO: From table top position, slide your right knee forwards to behind your right wrist, and wiggle your right toes across towards the left. Slide your left leg back as far as is available. Gently flex into your font ankle to help protect your knee and keep the hips level. With your hands supporting, roll your shoulders back and open up through the chest.

Repeat on the other side.

OPTIONS: 1. Add in a quadricep stretch by bending the back knee and reaching for your back ankle with the same hand. Some balance is required!

2. Lower down onto your forearms for a more restorative version of this pose.

3. Take the supine variation on your back: Lie down, bend both knees, then cross your right ankle over the opposite knee, flexing through the ankle. Slide your hands behind the left thigh, and draw the left knee towards you, just as far as your body allows. Pause here for a few breaths, then repeat on the other side.

Honestly, I could share so many more poses for you to use; ones that will cultivate space and strength and your body this season, but I’m going to have to stop there! Look after your body, and make it your best winter of riding yet! Yoga can transform how you feel physically and mentally, in turn improving your snowboarding and skiing.

If you’d enjoy further guidance, or if you want to learn more, join me in the studio or online for a range of yoga classes. From open and private classes in Morzine, to monthly online subscriptions enabling you to take “yoga in Morzine” home with you!

Give yourself the tools to look after your body, from your head to your toes.

So if you’re sitting here reading, take a deep breath now (in through the nose, out through the mouth), allow your shoulders to relax and drop away from the ears, and release any tension from your jawline. Now get out there and let’s have a rad winter! //

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trending - down days -

amie henderson morzine source magazine editor

costa board artist series rrp €189.00 // NLG Sphere - €19.95 costaboard.com

This is the original freestyle balance board and it’s perfect for practising your balance and perfecting new tricks indoors. Costa developed their boards to make you more creative, whichever variant of board you ride outside, helping you to develop coordination skills in a fun, inspiring way. Using only material sourced in Europe and avoiding all plastics in the prints, the rocker shape has been designed to feel like a natural riding experience. We love the Artsist Series but there’s a stack of other beautiful boards to choose from. All boards come with a eco-friendly cork roller and you can add on an NLG Sphere to raise the difficulty level quite significantly.

Les Girls Les Boys Oversized Hoodie & Track Pants RRP Hoodie - €95.00 // Track pants - €82.00 lesgirlslesboys.com

Designed for sharing, these unisex, oversized hoodies from athleisure brand Les Girls Les Boys are made for the chalet. Go the whole hog and combine your hoodie with the matching loose fit track pants for the full effect. The whole lounge range is made from organic cotton with zero-waste production methods, which ticks the sustainable box nicely, plus there are several other colour ways to choose from (hello velour fans, I’m looking at you!) if red isn’t your colour.

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Mathilde M Cotton Flower Candle RRP €29.00 mathilde-m.com

Nothing creates a warm, cosy atmosphere like a scented candle or two (or 10!) and if you forgot to bring one with you, then Delbard garden centre in Morzine stocks this lovely range from famous French scent house Mathilde M. The scent is of white flowers, cotton and wood and the pot is made from porcelain and a floral pattern. Light it as the snow begins to fall outside for extra magic.

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EMILY

RUTH

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YOGA CLASSES PRIVATE SESSIONS ONLINE YOGA & RETREATS FEEL GREAT THIS WINTER!

MORZINE | AVORIAZ | LES GETS & OUR ONLINE COMMUNITY!

Marshall Major IV Wireless Headphones rrp 140.00 marshallheadphones.com

Whilst it’s not news that Marshall deliver unrivalled sound compared to every other speaker or headphone on the marked, it’s worth noting that these iconic headphones have been redesigned to provide 80+ solid hours of wireless playtime, plus wireless charging and a new, improved ergonomic design. Marshall have packed over 55 years worth of sound research into the Major IV and the wireless charging dock delivers 15 hours worth of battery after just 15 minutes of charging.

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There and Back - Photographs from the Edge RRP £30.80 Available on Amazon

Best enjoyed on the sofa, fire roaring, this stunning book is a compilation of iconic adventure photography from Free Solo and National Geographic photographer Jimmy Chin. On its pages you’ll discover some of the greatest moments from the most accomplished climbers and athletes in the world and spanning the last 20 years.

When else, in everyday life, do you get a moment to enjoy a book like this? There are more than 200 photos of death-defying challenges from Everest to the Ennedi Desert. I really loved the behind the scenes elements of this book; they tell the tales behind the images, which I found fascinating.

www.morzineskichalets.com //

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view THE

By Carrie Greer of Little Wild

What do you see when you look out of your window?

Stop, put the magazine down (only for a minute) then go and really look out of the window.

How often do we really, truly look at what’s around us? We’re so busy, caught up in our day to day. Hectic mornings, getting the kids, the family ready to leave the house, commute, get to work, rush, rush, rush, it’s hard to notice the world we’re living in.

When we first moved here eight years ago, I made a pact with myself that I wouldn’t take the grandeur, the splendor of these awe-inspiring mountains, for granted. It’s easy when you’re first here, when you’ve moved from suburban Manchester and the view from your window was your neighbours garden and suddenly you have this - view - it’s so hard to believe that it’s really there.

Over time I started to spend more time looking down than up. Starting a couple of small businesses meant a lot of time on my phone. Ridiculous screen time, learning how to navigate social media, playing with the algorithms more than I was playing with the falling snow. Rushing, once

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more, from school drop to work and in my main job as an holistic therapist, spending most of my days in my selfstyled ‘woodland cave’ - with no windows.

I did get to a point of total tech overload. I love social media, I love the connections that my words written online bring to me, but I definitely felt lost, distant, disconnected from nature.

We’re lucky enough to live on the side of the hill directly opposite Pleney. We’ve got a great big sliding window that looks out across the valley. I looked at that view every day for four years. I posted pics of it on my socials, but did I really look at it?

When lockdown hit in March 2020, spring properly started; long, hot sunny days. So we sat outside a lot. The snow started to melt quickly as there was no point in grooming the pistes anymore. We had a little bet between ourselves to see when it would finally melt. Turns out there’s a little sheltered spot just under the first clump of trees to the right of the bubble path, where the snow really lingers. We were all looking at the mountain everyday and scrutinising it to see who would guess the closest. It was the 28th May when it finally disappeared.

In our front garden we’ve got a beautiful beech tree. Every spring I’ve waited to see it bud and I always miss it. All of a sudden it’s got loads of leaves and I wonder how I missed

// illustrations by icons8.com

la of grange new winter 22.pdf Les1Gets18/10/2021 your source information for Morzine, & Avoriaz

them coming. During March and April 2020, I sat everyday with a coffee and watched the tree. I saw the birds starting to come out and hop about on its branches (we made homemade bird feeders then I asked for a bird table for my 40th - totally rock n’ roll!). I saw the first buds come and I watched as the tree started to unfurl its beautiful red gold leaves. It felt good to see it, finally. After a busy summer we went back into a lockdown for November and I got to sit again and watch all the leaves fall.

Open for lunch and dinner

In 2020 I looked at our view so much, for so long. I now notice so many different things about the valley; the way the town lights up as evening comes in, which parts of town get their snow cleared first on winter mornings, traffic jams (as much as there ever are) when morning deliveries begin on the top part of rue du Bourg. I can see the carousel going round in the square opposite the Office de Tourisme. Parapentes landing on the front de neige behind the Aubergade. Wedding ceremonies on the front lawn at The Farmhouse.

I know that the woodland on Pleney is a mix of evergreen and deciduous trees. Watching the greens change to orange and brown, the pines getting darker, some trees losing their leaves, the first snow settling, I know those woods now.

08:51

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14:46

Green fields like you cannot believe, turning to golden bales of hay, turning to powder fields of pure white. Untouched. Then you spot a line from an early ski tourer, then more and more until the mountain is cross crossed with adventures.

A view that is never the same, a view that you can immerse yourself in, mindfulness, meditation, a true moment of peace as the world around stills and quiets and your focus is purely on finding that beauty that is so often right there in front of you; yet you’re too busy to see it.

apeeling CAKES

If you’re reading this in Morzine then lucky you, you’ve got it easy, almost everyone would say their view is the best. If you’re in suburban Manchester it might be a little harder, but it’s still there.

The colour of the sky, blue or silver grey. The passage of the clouds, the change in the sky from a city sunset. The reflections in your neighbours window. The birds, the grass, the plants and flowers.

Really look at them.

When we stop, just for a minute, breathe and look around us with fresh eyes, this world is a wondrous place. Look after it, look after you, post it on Insta, but only after you’ve really looked at it with real eyes.

Discover more about Carrie and Little Wild at littlewildspace.com.

Follow progress on Morzine’s Pleney each day by following @365_daysofpleney on Instagram.

Delicious, bespoke, homemade cakes delivered directly to your home or chalet

Celebration cakes, everyday cakes, afternoon tea, decorated cupcakes, cookies & more.

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choice?

SPOILT FOR

By Natalie Elvy

Recently, listening to a podcast about Tinder, I learned about the Paradox of Choice - a term coined by American psychologist Barry Schwartz. Apparently online daters are being overhelmed by the sheer number of options available on the dating app and instead of feeling empowered, users are either incapable of making any selection (decision paralysis) or else worried there may have been a better option than their eventual swipe-right (decision regret). I’ve never been on Tinder, but it sounds a bit like being on holiday with lots of exciting and competing opportunities clamouring for our attention. Each option sounds equally ideal but rather than rejoicing at our great fortune, we’re left with the niggling anxiety that we might make the wrong choice at the expense of the right one.

Having multiple choices should be a good thing, although it seems that without a strategy for deciding between several same-same-butdifferent options, we can quickly disappear down the rabbit hole of ‘over-choice’. Persuasive marketing manages to disguise minor choices as life-changing decisions, exhausting our ability to distinguish important decisions from insignificant ones. Fortunately psychologists have devised a ‘decision-making spectrum’ to enable us to identify the type of decision-maker we are.

At one end of the scale are ‘Maximisers’: people motivated enough to research, compare and analyse all the options with the objective of making the ‘right’ decision. The greater the number of options, the longer Maximisers spend ensuring his or her choice is optimum. Maximisers are inclined to perfectionism and excellence, and would seem to be able to resist the ‘Fuck-it Factor’ (the moment we exhaust our ability to analyse and agonise, and

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Maximisers are inclined to perfectionism and excellence, and would seem to be able to resist the ‘Fuck-it Factor’

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Satisficers don’t usually agonise about the ‘what if’s’ of making the wrong decision

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haphazardly make a snap decision on the spur of the moment) more successfully than those of us at the other end of the scale: the Satisficers.

Satisficers come to a decision just as soon as for their priorities are met. Being closer to this end of the scale myself, I’d suggest that Satisficers are probably lazier than Maximisers - we are prone to accepting ‘good enough’ in place of ‘perfect’. Of course, not all Satisficers are as lazy as me. Maybe your list of essentials takes longer to satisfy, but when you’ve ticked must-have boxes, you stop looking because your choice has fulfilled your existing priorities. Satisficers don’t usually agonise about the ‘what if’s’ of making the wrong decision. Maximisers on the other hand, despite their extensive preparation - or perhaps because of it - are more inclined to experience postdecision regret, worrying that a different decision could have had a better outcome.

Imagine two companions on a cold day on the mountain; Ms Satisficer and Mr Maximiser pop into a mountain restaurant to refuel. After a quick look at the menu, Ms Satisficer decides hot cheese is what she needs, and happily selects fondue. Job done, she can get on with enjoying being in a restaurant on holiday in the mountains.

Mr Maximiser, already worried they should have gone to a different restaurant, considers the menu carefully. There are a lot of choices. Hoping hot cheese is the right decision, next he has to >>

Glasses, sunglasses, children’s eyewear, sports glasses, accessories and more

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choose between raclette and fondue. After weighing up the pros and cons, he chooses raclette (Ms Satisficer has confirmed she will share her fondue with him). He’s hedged his bets, but secretly hopes his choice is best - it would be nice for Ms Satisificer to envy him for once. His raclette arrives and it looks fabulous.

But then Ms Satisficer’s fondue arrives and Mr Maximiser kicks himself because Ms Satisficer looks even more pleased - he should have chosen fondue! After all the effort that went into it, Mr Maximiser feels irritated he has made a bad decision. Again. Ms Satisficer is not only entirely content with her zero-stress fondue order (she would have been equally happy with raclette, but fondue was first on the menu), she has also had time to appreciate the mountain scenery and Mr Handsome-SkiInstructor at the bar.

The repercussions of decisions tempt us to assign ‘good’ and ‘bad’ to choices retrospectively

Given the time and effort that goes into their decision making, one might think Maximisers should do better overall. Tragically however, both Mr Maximiser and Barry Schwartz’s research suggests that while Maximisers often do fare better in life in general, their over-analysing tends to render them less satisfied with their greater success. Unfairly, it seems that hard working Maximisers do not consciously reap the benefits of their effort, because rather than increasing their confidence in their decision, their research has left them with the fear they’re missing out on something better. Undeserving Satisficers, who invest minimal time and effort, may do objectively less well than Maximisers, but are nevertheless more contented with their lot.

The repercussions of decisions tempt us to assign ‘good’ and ‘bad’ to choices retrospectively, but if a decision is difficult to make, it’s probably because the options all balance at the time you’re making it. If an option is obviously bad, it is easy to discount.

Deciding to ski rather than snowboard is a choice, but neither skiing nor snowboarding are inherently good or bad options. If you choose to ski and damage your knee you might question your decision in hindsight, but which decision would you question? Skiing rather than snowboarding? Doing the last piste where you fell? The wine you had / didn’t have at lunch? Coming to France? Going on holiday?

And what if skiing was in fact a blessing - had you snowboarded, perhaps you would have broken your shoulder. Had you stayed at home, perhaps you would have fallen off the pavement and been hit by an articulated lorry.

Perhaps healthy decision-making comes from remembering that choices are a privilege not everyone has the luxury of, so try not to see them as a burden. If too many options leave you bewildered, remember Ms Satisficer! Kick back, relax, count your blessings and don’t let being spoiled for choice spoil your appreciation of the moment.

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Kick back, relax, count your blessings and don’t let being spoiled for choice spoil your appreciation of the moment.

// illustrations by icons8.com

Déjeuner & Dîner : midi à 14h30 - 19h à 23h30 Lunch & Dinner: noon to 2:30pm - 7pm to 11:30pm +33 (0)4 50 86 31 12 reservation@vina-annapurna.com 2421 route des Grandes Alpes, 74260 Les Gets

Déjeuner & Après-ski - Terrasse ensoleillée, skis aux pieds : 10h à 17h Lunch & Après-ski - Sunny terrace, ski-in ski-out: 10am to 5pm +33 (0)4 50 75 80 66 - reservation@croixblanche-lesgets.com 3973 route des Chavannes, 74260 Les Gets //

resort information

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Restaurant Guide THE MORZINE SOURCE MAGAZINE

DURING WINTER 2022

Perfect for after the gym Wild Beets Kitchen

Perfect for date night Hotel Le Dahu

With cafes in both Morzine and Les Gets, Wild Beets Kitchen serve up healthy, fresh meals and smoothies, some slightly naughty cakes and very tasty coffee. In Morzine, Wild Beets is located inside the Hive gym, making it very handy for those post-workout snacks. In Les Gets you’ll find Wild Beets in the village centre, just across from the front de neige. Search Wild Beets Kitchen on Facebook to check for menu updates, opening hours and to book a table.

There’s always something a bit special about dining in a hotel restaurant and at Le Dahu, the lights of Morzine twinkle below you. The menu embraces fresh, local and seasonal ingredients to offer you a true taste of the mountains. There’s a cosy bar for pre- and post-dinner drinks and a beautiful dining room from which you can enjoy the stunning views across the whole valley. advance reservations required +33 (0) 4 50 75 92 92

Perfect for a big night out La Bokka Opening this winter in Les Gets with a menu that promises a true taste of Italy and using only the freshest, most authentic ingredients, la Bokka is a chic cocktail bar, a large, funky restaurant and late night entertainment venue combined under one well-located roof. Expect live bands and DJs to keep the party going long after dinner has finished with a very fine wine list to accompany.

Perfect for a night in Bon Appetite Alpes For those nights when you want to just snuggle up on the sofa and enjoy a simple, home cooked dinner, minus the actual cooking. Bon Appetite deliver delicious frozen dinners directly to your accommodation. Pre-order on their website and they’ll arrive the following day, ready for you to cook. Think warming cottage pies, really excellent curries and even deserts too.

Reserve your table in advance

Pre-order now

+33 (0) 4 80 16 12 60

bonappetitalpes.com

Perfect for burgers O Chalet

Perfect for a cosy lunch on the slopes La T’Chapa

Although they do serve other dishes too (think panini, kebab, wraps and salads), O Chalet is widely regarded as the best burger bar in Morzine. Available to eat in or to take away, the menu here is enormous and great for families too. Here’s a top tip for vegetarians; every burger on the menu is available as a veggie alternative! Savoury and sweet crepes are also available, as are bagels, which make a really great breakfast on the run. You’ll find O Chalet on the Route de la Combe a Zore in the centre of Morzine.

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Ski directly to the door of La T’Chapa in the goat village in les Lindarets for delicious mountain treats and Savoyarde classics.

Inside you’ll discover chic interiors, first class service and a warm, friendly atmosphere.

There’s a terrace for those sunny, warm afternoons and also a BBQ where fresh meat and giant prawns are grilled to order.

Booking in advance! +33 (0) 4 50 74 07 86

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Perfect for Afternoon Tea Apeeling Cakes

Perfect for Families Le Colibri

Maybe you’ve booked self catered accommodation this winter, maybe you’re missing a vast array of homemade treats on your return from the slopes each day.

Apeeling Cakes are here to serve! Order your afternoon tea in advance and Sarah will delivery it directly to you. Prices start at just €5 per person and you can even order celebration cakes for birthday parties too.

With a menu to suit all appetites and including great children’s options, Le Colibri comes complete with an indoor children’s play area, cosy seating and a relaxed vibe that’s perfect for little ones. Whether you’re looking for a place to settle for the afternoon and drink hot chocolate while the snow falls outside or an early evening supper, Le Colibri is the perfect spot in the centre of Morzine.

For more details

Book your table in advance

apeelingcakes.com

+33 (0) 4 50 06 18 53

Perfect for a taste of the mountains La Grange

Perfect for a quick lunch on the slopes Changabang

One of the busiest restaurants in Morzine, La Grange has an excellent reputation for serving up classic Savoyarde dishes and it’s our favourite place to go for a fondue.

This is a cosy, traditional restaurant and over the years owners Alex and Fred have gathered a loyal following of holiday makers who return year after year.

Good times guaranteed inside this fast food eatery in Avoriaz, which sits directly opposite the Prodains Express top station.

Perfect for those days when the sun is shining and you’ve no time to waste at a restaurant table, Changabang is also a really popular end of day beer stop before taking the home run back to the bus stop.

book in advance

Follow changabang on instagram

+33 (0) 4 50 75 96 40

@le.changabang

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Perfect for Pizza L’Improviste

Perfect for a taste of home Le Local

In many ways a pizza makes the perfect apresski meal and at L’Improviste in the centre of Morzine you’ll find a long list of both classic pizzas and unexpected toppings to eat in or take away. L’Improviste opened last winter as a takeaway, you’re now welcome to enjoy the really cosy yet contemporary bistrot for a very casual dinner. If you’re felling adventurous, try the Sicilienne, you won’t regret it!

Celebrating their very first winter season, Le Local (on the site of the old Sherpa Bar in Morzine) is a fantastic community pub and restaurant with a menu that’s constantly changing. Expect holiday classics as well as Sunday roasts, fish and chip suppers and the odd spicy curry thrown in for good measure. There’s also lighter bites, cocktails and a kids menu too.

Book your table or order a takeaway

Reserve your table

+33 (0) 4 50 04 63 80

+33 (0) 4 50 72 74 65

Perfect for lunch on the move Au P’tit Casse Croûte If you’re gathering up a picnic to enjoy on the mountain or in the cable car, head directly to Au P’tit Casse Croûte in the centre of Morzine. Choose a sandwich or piadina (folded Italian flatbread) stuffed with delicious, fresh ingredients, plus salads, sweet drinks, tea coffee and more. New for this winter, you’ll find a very cool outdoor fondue table just outside the cafe, making for a unique apres-ski experience!

Perfect for modern dining Hotel Mil8 Hotel Mil8 in Avoriaz opened just before COVID-19 arrived, yet its two restaurants received rave reviews for contemporary cuisine and exceptional service. This is a design hotel and the restaurant is, as you’d expect, tres chic. Open for lunch and dinner, there’s a intimate, cosy vibe that feels very different to everywhere else in the resort.

View the menu and book a table hotelmil8.com

Reserve your table in advance or pre-order your picnic +33 (0) 4 50 75 94 24

Perfect for lunch in the sunshine La Croix Blanche Under new ownership and completely transformed for the Winter 22 season, this ski-in, ski-out restaurant at the Chavannes mid-station in Les Gets has an expansive terrace and a menu featuring all your favourite mountain dishes, plus some exciting extras.

This is a real foodie lunch and the restaurant can also be access easily on foot via the Chavannes cable car.

Perfect for a lively night out Bar Le National Located slightly down the valley in St Jean d’Aulps, Bar Le National is always a great night out with a proper pub feel.

It’s busy from apres until late each day throughout the winter season while the kitchen serves up incredible pizzas, sushi and many other treats. Plan your night right and you might even end up winning a pub quiz!

Keep an eye on what’s going on Facebook.com/barlenational

Reserve your table +33 (0) 6 75 11 31 58

Perfect for Cheese Refuge L’Abricotine

Perfect for a lunchtime Plat du Jour La Biskatcha

There’s no shame in admitting that you like to consume cheese for breakfast, lunch and dinner during your ski holiday.

We’d argue that it makes you ski faster.

Stock up with Benjamin and his team at Refuge L’Abricotine, where specialities include tartiflette, berthoud (Abondance cheese, boiled potatoes and smoked ham) and the Gratinée de l’Abricotine featuring potatoes, lardons, cream and more Abondance cheese. L’Abricotine is located at the base of the Brochaux and Mossettes chairs above les Lindarets.

Just off the slopes in Les Gets and within the Hotel La Marmotte, you’ll discover this great restaurant where service is friendly and speedy and the menu expansive to suit all tastes. There’s a great value, daily changing menu and plat du jour featuring seasonal, local ingredients and often with a twist. It’s entirely fine to visit La Biskatcha in your ski kit, also!

Reserve your table

reserve your table

+33 (0) 4 50 84 55 35

+33 (0) 6 66 26 05 26 144

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resort information

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WHAT EVER HAPPENED TO THE

Col du Corbier?

By michael Henderson

You’d imagine that a ski resort located at 1,237m above sea level might get enough snow to sustain itself. After all, that’s 237m higher than Morzine, 65m higher than Les Gets. You’d also imagine that a ski resort sandwiched between two much higher mountains - Mount Ouzon (1880m) to the north and Drouzin (1621m) to the south might provide enough of a playground to keep skiers entertained each winter. I’m talking about the Col du Corbier of course, or Drouzin-le-Mont as it was named back in 1975, a ski resort just 16km from Morzine and which closed in 2012.

Its history was steeped in religion during the 1800s and then agriculture in early 1900s, but summer tourism arrived in the Col du Corbier with the creation of a restaurant in 1961, closely followed by a bar at the end of the same year. Both were closed during the winter however, when the volume of snow restricted access to the Col. The first ski lift came to life in 1966. A 200m tow rope powered by a generator carried 305 skiers an hour and established the small village as a ski destination - ski races and a ski club followed. The Col du Corbier even hosted the Olympic flame in February 1968.

The resort grew slowly but surely in the decades that followed. New lifts were installed, car parking created, electricity supplies enhanced, holiday homes developed, while all the time respecting the natural environment. Yet in 1994 the electricity to the Col was cut following the non-payment of a half-million franc bill dating back to 1986. Eventually the ski area passed from public ownership by the communes of Le Biot 146

what ever happened to the Col du corbier

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and Bonnevaux into private hands. Was this the beginning of the end? Of course, the answer to that question depends on who recounts the years that followed.

Under private ownership, the new custodian of the Col du Corbier Monsieur Michel Vivien found it difficult to enhance, modify and expand the ski area. A public square featuring shops, services and resort facilities was planned and blocked. All and any application for development received strong opposition on ecological grounds. Mountain Wilderness, an international association charged with the preservation of mountain areas, became involved ‘to protect an area already so disfigured by ski tourism’. We can think of far worse. Although the respective town halls eventually approved a development application, an administrative blunder meant it wasn’t filed in time and became invalid.

On 3rd April 2012, Michel Vivien announced his intention to cease operations at the resort now

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named Drouzin-le-Mont. He could no longer afford the anticipated €450,000 per year running costs when revenue per season was through to have been around €150,000. An uncertain snow future was cited as one reason, skiers headed for the larger, connected skier areas another. The village of Le Biot declined to buy the resort from Michel Vivien, making its future even more uncertain. At the time there were 179 primary homes in the Col du Corbier, plus a staggering 562 second homes.

What would become of the ski resort that no one wanted?

It took just 12 months for a new plan to emerge.

The local council, charged by a desire to preserve their ‘easy mountain’, acquired the resort, its reception centre, two ski lifts and maintenance equipment. In the years that followed we watched a new type of mountain resort emerge.

Ski touring, snowshoeing, dog sledding, hiking, climbing, trail running, mountain biking and so much more are now available at Drouzinle-Mont. We were especially grateful for the magic carpet and beginners slope, which opened during the COVID-19 ‘saison blanche’ as the rest of our ski network stood still. During the school holidays extra activities are planned for children, including ski joering, snowshoe archery, evening performances and more, with the accompaniment of a free shuttle bus from Le Biot and the Roc d’Enfer resort. It really is a lovely place to be, come summer or winter.

So, all’s well that ends well we might say. Might things have been different if Drouzin-le-Mont were attached to the wider Portes du Soleil ski area? Might other resorts have stepped in to prop up the resort and its dwindling number of skiers?

Since 1951 over 150 ski resorts in France have closed and as recently as 2007 Abondance (one of 12 resorts in the PDS network at 1000m) was threatened by closure due to poor snow and poor links to the wider lift network. The cost of running the lifts wasn’t financially viable until recently, when a new investor stepped in to create Les Montagne d’Evian, a cluster of small, separate ski resorts under one inexpensive lift pass.

What will become of these deserted playgrounds?

Can there be an ‘easy mountain’ plan for each of them? Or will lift pylons litter the mountainside, second homes stay empty, carparks closed? Will our disused mountain mechanics, our obsolete installations create an imbalance between the ski holidays of yesteryear and the natural mountain environment? Time will tell.

With that in mind, do try and visit some of the smaller, further-flung sectors of the Portes du Soleil this winter. Mont Chery is always worth a visit, especially on a powder day and the views towards Mont Blanc are unmissable. The Roc d’Enfer in St Jean d’Aulps serves up a lovely, family-friendly tour and can easily sustain a day’s worth of skiing. Torgon, at the furthest end of the Portes du Soleil piste map is a great challenge for those with strong ski legs. You’ll be rewarded in each by near-non-existent lift queues, quiet pistes and the trill of visiting somewhere new.

BACK TO NATURE RETREATS Quiet the noise, rediscover your path, move forward with purpose.

Our holistic coaching retreats follow the seasons and are inspired by nature’s power to reconnect us with what really matters. These experiences include: • 1-1 & group coaching with Life & Leadership Coach, Caitlin Cockerton (PhD, CPCC) • Guided daily hikes, forest bathing, wild swimming • Yoga, meditation, Qi Gong • Seasonal, nourishing, healthy meals • Luxurious, sustainable mountain accommodation • Extra details that make you feel truly taken care of

OUTDOOR COACHING EXPERIENCES Overcome the overwhelm of recent years, regain your direction, discover inner resources you didn’t know you had.

Caitlin is passionate about helping people through big work and life transitions so that they feel more aligned in who they are and what they do. She believes that nature, movement and human connection are vital ingredients to support change and she creatively integrates these elements into her outdoor coaching practice.

CONNECT FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT RETREATS & COACHING PACKAGES. www.greatheightspathways.com connect@greatheightspathways.com @greatheightspathways //

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NEWS FROM

morzine source magazine It’s been an incredibly busy year for our small team here at Morzine Source Magazine. Here’s a round up of our various community and commercial projects, if you’d like to join us, we’d love to talk to you! Simply email amie@origami-media.com.

Our 2022 Charity Calendar

Last Minute Morzine, Les Gets & Avoriaz

2022 // morzine, les gets

& avoriaz //

So well-received were our 2021 calendars, we decided to repeat the project again for 2022. Featuring 12 stunning landscape images from 12 local photographers, we printed and donated 250 calendars to the APE Essert Romand et La Côte d’Arboz, a charitable association that funds extra activities for the children in our local schools. Huge thanks if you bought a calendar! Look out for the 2023 version coming this summer.

2022 Calendar.indd 1

15/10/2021 10:05

During previous (regular) seasons we’ve spent a lot of time responding to your individual requests for accommodation recommendations, last minute availability and so on. We’ve developed our brand new Last Minute Morzine, Les Gets & Avoriaz platform to give you a live view of your last minute accommodation options from our accommodation partners across the valley.

Head to morzinesourcemagazine.com and tap the ‘Last Minute’ tab to view a range of holidays in a range of budgets, but all with an arrival date within the next six weeks.

Whatever your reason for booking last minute - a fresh snow dump, unexpected holiday from work or discovering cheap flights - you’re sure to final a last minute deal to suit. follow on instagram @last_minute_morzine

Morzine Source Magazine Summer 22 Summer in the mountains is no longer the best kept secret in travel and many of you have been inspired to visit our valley during the warmer months. Our Summer 22 magazine will therefore be bigger than ever! If you’d like to get involved, either as a contributor or as an advertiser, we’d love to hear from you sooner rather than later!

Our Subscriptions

Did you know that our ever-growing list of magazine subscribers receive their personal copy of each new magazine before anyone else? They also receive a monthly email from the Morzine Source Magazine team with updates on resort life, snow conditions, events and more. Subscribe on our website and you’ll receive the next two issues of Morzine Source Magazine as soon as they’re published. Use them to help you plan your next visit to our valley, use them to help you get excited! We also have a limited number of back copies for anyone looking to complete their collection!

Subscribe morzinesourcemagazine.com/subscribe

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Email to say hello

email if you’re missing any issues

amie@origami-media.com

amie@origami-media.com

4 SHOPS !

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ARDENT SPORTS MONTRIOND

Centre Village +33 (0)4 50 75 79 38 Télécabine d’Ardent +33 (0)4 50 37 48 22

LA TERCHE SPORTS SAINT-JEAN-D’AULPS Télécabine Roc d’Enfer / +33 (0)4 50 79 64 68

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trending - gifts -

amie henderson morzine source magazine editor

A Domain of Characters RRP €18.00 pass.lesgets.com

Launched to celebrate the 30th anniversary of Les Gets lift operator SaGets, this book takes us on a trip down memory lane, tracing the history of one of France’s finest ski resorts. From the very first pioneers building the very first ski lifts to some familiar faces you’ll still see on the slopes today, this booked is filled with adventure, innovation and a collection of stunning images. It makes the perfect give for the Les Gets lovers in your life and the 128 pages would look marvellous on your coffee table. Available in French and English, you can either order online for delivery to the UK (shipping is €3), or you can purchase directly from the Office de Tourisme in Les Gets or the Passaquin stationary shop in the centre of Morzine.

The Morzine Source Magazine Calendar RRP €15.00 morzinesourcemagazine.com

Chances are, we might have a few copies of our 2022 landscape photography calendar remaining while you’re reading this magazine, but if we don’t you should definitely join the waiting list for next year.

Featuring the work of 12 local professional photographers, they make it easy for you to watch the seasons change across our valley from the comfort of your own home. We donate half of the calendars we print to raise money for our local schools and if you’d like to add your name to the list for our 2023 calendar, send us a message via Facebook or Instagram.

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The Stash x Avoriaz Cap RRP €35.00 thestash-avoriaz.com

This signature cap pays homage to the ongoing collaboration between Avoriaz 1800 and Jake Burton’s Stash legacy. Only available in grey and in one size, this adjustable snapback features a brushed suede peak and makes the perfect holiday souvenir. You’ll buy from the dedicated Stash Avoriaz website (thestash-avoriaz.com), where you’ll also discover more clothing, caps and coats.

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Our front Cover Illustration rrp tbc rproberts.com

RP Roberts is one of the most revered artists in the world of snow sports and we were incredibly humbled when he agreed to create our cover for this issue. Having released the cover image in advance of this issue, your demand for prints was overwhelming. The artist has therefore created a very limited number of prints for you to buy directly from his website, when they’re gone, they’re gone!

WWF x Picture Organic Hampton Bottle rrp €20.00 picture-organic-clothing.com

This reusable bottle marks the beginning of an exciting collaboration between two brands committed from the core to environmental sustainability and it’s available to purchase from Hubert Sports in Morzine. Made from BPA free 100% stainless steel, this single walled bottle has a wooden lid and weighs just 240g. It’s also part of a range that features beanies, mugs, caps, t-shirts, sweat shirts, coats and more.

Le Choc’Alpin rrp €tbc choc-alpin.com Morzine-Avoriaz Penguins hoodie rrp €50.00 boutique.hockey-morzine.com

Nothing pledges your allegiance to your favourite ski resort than a hockey club hoodie and we hope you’ll wear it with pride following your return to the real world. Available to purchase on the Penguins website or directly from the Skoda Arena, this raglan style jumper has tapered cuffs, it’s cosy and comes in the colours of the club.

When Tristan of local furniture design company Tanko Designs isn’t making beautiful pieces for your home, he’s making chocolate.

Alongside co-founder Lucie, they’re launching a brand new, Alpsinspired range of treats this winter. Everything will be manufactured and packaged locally using chocolate moulds created by Tristan in his design studio. Keep an eye on the Morzine Source Magazine social media pages to discover where you can stock up on these essential local treats before heading home this winter. //

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summer lovin' If you’ve enjoyed your winter holiday in our valley, just imagine the fun you could have in the summer! Our little corner of the Alps punches way above its weight when it comes to hosting top-class events.

You’ll also discover a huge range of activities for everyone in your family.

Here’s our guide to Summer 2022 in Morzine, Les Gets, Avoriaz and the surrounding valley, keep an eye on our website for more highlights.

Le Tour de France

Harley Days

Pass’Portes du Soleil

Morzine’s association with the world’s most-watched annual sports event goes back generations. During Summer 22 our village will host the mid-Tour rest stop on Monday 11th July, in addition to a stage depart in the direction of Thonon les Bains and on to Megève on Tuesday 12th July. It’s hard to over-exaggerate how significant Le Tour’s arrival in Morzine will be, especially for local business owners who’ve had a tough time in recent years. Not only does the event bring thousands of keen cyclists to our streets, it also guarantees a legacy for years to come. It’s anticipated that over two billion people will watch our mountain village during Le Tour de France in 2022!

You can obviously expect loads more news on Le Tour in our Summer 22 magazine.

It really doesn’t matter whether motorbikes are your thing or not, this event is a spectacle! Every other year the official Harley Davidson owners group (HOG) descends on Morzine and the roads of our valley for their members meet-up - expect up to 20,000 bikes, exhibitions, live music concerts and a LOT of leather during the Bastille Day weekend, 14th - 17th July 2022.

This is an experience for everyone, whether you’re into your loud exhausts and lots of leather or not!

Harley Days isn’t just about bikes, however. It’s also about rock music. In previous years the HOG have brought the likes of Toto, Supertramp’s Roger Hodgson and The Original Blues Brother Band to a large stage in the centre of the village. 2022 sees the return of Status Quo, who last headlined the festival in 2011. For the first time the concert will be a ticketed event, visit the HOG website for more details.

Dedicated mountain bikers from across Europe assemble for this annual challenge that takes in the entire Portes du Soleil summer lift network. Join the fun between 24th and 26th June 2022 but you’ll need to be quick! Spaces sell out quickly when registration opens on 2nd February 2022. The route travels through 80km of trails between France and Switzerland, using 13 summer lifts. You select one of eight resorts to begin the challenge in and there’s even an e-bike option plus a Pass’Portes Kids challenge too. This summer the accompanying bike show will be in Les Gets. Visit your favourite bike manufacturers, take part in the organised night rides and soak up the atmosphere.

MORE INFO

MORE INFO

MORE INFO

letour.fr

hog-france.fr

passportesdusoleil.com

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Refuge L’Abricotine has been a warm, welcoming restaurant for hikers and skiers for 40 years

Located at the foot of the Brochaux chairlift and very close

RandAulps Walking & Hiking Festival

to the Cascade de Brochaux,

Vivien and Jason of DaysAway Adventures launch this brand new festival, giving everyone the opportunity to explore the outdoors and celebrate the beauty of our natural environment. Based around the Roc d’Enfer in St Jean d’Aulps and talking place on 13th and 14th August 2022, we can expect guided walks, camping opportunities, adventure films, guest speakers and more. If you like to enjoy the mountains at a more tranquil pace, then this event is just for you.

our restaurant menu features Alpine cheese specialities, a plat du jour, plus our famous savoury and sweet crêpes.

MORE INFO daysawayadventues.com/randaulps-festival

Morzine-Montriond Triathlon An event that’s gone from strength to strength since its launch in September 2018, the MorzineMontriond triathlon is now one of the most eagerlyanticipated challenges on the summer calendar. 2021 saw the finish line move to the Dereches in Morzine, whilst an Olympic distance triathlon was added for the first time. 2022 sees the launch of a brand new fun run, further enhancing the family-friendly feel of this great event. Make sure you’ve signed up in advance to join the fun on 27th August 2022.

MORE INFO

The Restaurant

Summer & Winter

GPS: 46.1993143, 6.7874067

The Refuge

triathlon-morzine-montriond.com

The UCI MTB World Championships in Les Gets All eyes on Les Gets between 24th and 28th August 2022 as the village hosts the absolute pinnacle of global professional mountain biking. It doesn’t get any bigger than this! Les Gets has been hosting rounds of the MTB World Cup since 2019, drawing in crowds keen to see the creme de la creme of the sport, but this summer is the big one. On the Chavannes side of the valley, trails have been significantly modified in recent months, adding more challenging technical sections for the Cross Country (XCO) competition. The circuit has two loops with two almost parallel climbs followed by two descents, making it physically challenging and an incredible spectacle to watch. The fast, technical trails of Mont Chéry are famous across the world of Downhill Mountain Biking (DHI), combining fast sections through Alpine pastures and technical challenges through woodland. This event will be the show stopper… don’t miss it!

Inside our refuge you’ll discover two dormitories sleeping up to 24 people.

You must book in advance and our packages include speciality Savoyarde dinner, bed and breakfast for €47 per person.

MORE INFO lesgets2022.com

Discover More info@refuge-abricotine.com | www. refuge-abricotine.com For reservations call +33 (0)6 28 70 05 59 or +33 (0)6 66 26 05 26

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summer lovin'

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More than just a ski lesson.

Independent ski instructors are renowned for going the extra mile, ensuring ski lessons are the highlight of your holiday.

With over 100 instructors available in Les Portes du Soleil, choose your instructor and book your lessons with Maisonsport.com this winter.

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Reserve now with a 20% refundable deposit!

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