Skier and Snowboarder Winter 2023

kier kier

& SNOWBOARDER

WINTER THE AUSTRIAN WAY

Well-groomed ski pistes, modern infrastructure and a warm welcome await

Editor JOANNE LEWIS

Content Consultant

FRANK BALDWIN

Publisher SPACE MARKETING LTD

Printing MICROPRESS

Welcome

As a new season dawns so does a new era for Skier and Snowboarder magazine. Having been under the expert direction of Frank Baldwin for 34 years, Skier and Snowboarder has now been bought by Space Marketing Ltd.

Carrying on the winning formula, we will continue to offer a great combination of first person experiences from resorts throughout the world, holiday news, the latest equipment, UK slope and club news, competitions and more!

If you are thinking about where your skiing or snowboarding will take you this season and are looking for inspiration on where to book, in this issue we have some great features on Ski Amadé in Austria, Pays De Gex and La Plagne in France, and Val Gardena in Italy. Plus check out the holiday news pages for what’s new this season. And don’t forget you can keep up to date with the latest news and special offers on our website at skierandsnowboarder.com

Editorial

Email: skierandsnowboardermag@gmail.com

Tel: 01892 677 740

Advertisement Manager

SHARON MASLEN

Email: sharon.maslen@spacemarketing.co.uk Tel: 01892 677 742

Front Cover Photo: Are you ready for winter the Austrian way? This year is all about experiencing the snowy season like a local: Whisk down the pistes early in the morning, enjoy regional delicacies in a cosy hut, and wind down at a heated pool amidst snow-covered mountains after a fun-packed day. austria.info/en/winter

While all reasonable care is taken to ensure the accuracy of information included in Skier & Snowboarder magazine, the publishers take no responsibility for the accuracy of statements made by contributors or advertisers. The publisher reserves the right to refuse, cancel, amend or suspend an advertisement or insert and no liability can be accepted for loss arising from non-publication or late publication of any advertisement or insert. Skier & Snowboarder magazine accepts no responsibility for unsolicited features, images, products or any other materials supplied. © Skier & Snowboarder magazine. Space Marketing Ltd. Co Reg: 06025172.

member of SIGB (Snowsport Industries of Great Britain).

PHOTO: © Oesterreich Werbung, Christoph Oberschneider

LOW CARBON HOLIDAYS LAUNCHED

skiline.co.uk has launched package holidays with its partner Inghams to bring the greener travel option by rail to Europe’s most popular ski resorts in France, Austria, Switzerland, and Italy. It’s part of a drive to be a leader in low carbon skiing holidays from the UK.

Despite some routes requiring a couple of changes to complete the journey, the company is confident that there is a huge demand among skiers keen to reduce their carbon liability.

MAMMOTH RECORD RIDE LES GLACIERS GONDOLA

Following a record-breaking season, Mammoth Mountain in California extended its ski season into early August, the third time in its 69-year history. It received a recordbreaking amount of snow over the 22/23 season, totalling 18.1 metres, and as a result, was able to continue all winter operations through the summer months until 6 August.

Once the final skiers left the mountain in La Plagne last April, the famous Bellecôte Gondola was dismantled, and the 102 cabins went up for auction. These vintage bubbles, dating from 1973, had a starting price of €500/£430 each and sold in just one-and-a-halfhours. On 16 December 2023, a new lift, Les Glaciers Gondola, will whisk guests up the mountain. Although the departure point is still the same (Roche de Mio) the cables follow a different trajectory and arrive at a new sector that is anchored into the rock, at an altitude of 3,080 metres. On reaching the top, pause at the brand-new Live 3000 ski area – before setting off down the mountain.

SKIING WITH A DIFFERENCE

Looking for something a bit different? How about backcountry skiing in Afghanistan and Iraq? There has been a boom in people taking up backcountry skiing, which is now rippling through to the adventure travel industry. Adventurous tourists are increasingly seeking wilder, more obscure and more remote locations to ski, including the likes of Afghanistan and Iraq.

Untamed Borders have run ski trips to Afghanistan since 2011 and Iraq since 2017, but there has been a noticeable trend postpandemic of more people seeking virgin ski routes. With many traditional ski resorts

closed for periods over recent years, many sought out backcountry routes instead.

Sales of backcountry skis increased by 81% in 2020, according to Snowsports Industries America, and the sector has continued to be buoyant since – with backcountry snowboard sales also spiking by 146%.

Untamed Borders are returning to Afghanistan for a group ski trip in February 2024, where guests will have chance to explore fresh routes in the country’s Bamian Province. The company is also organising a group ski trip to Iraq in February 2024, where guests will head to Choman, near the Iranian border.

THE OFFCUT FOOD TRUCK ON THE SLOPES

Spearheaded by Executive Chef Martin Göschel, Switzerland’s five-star hotel The Alpina Gstaad’s zero-food-waste philosophy will be transported to the slopes this winter. Surrounded by pristine landscapes and accessed by the Eggli Porsche cable car and ski lift, ‘The Offcut Food Truck on the Slopes’ will serve up delicious dishes created from leftover ingredients from the hotel kitchen. The truck will operate 10am-3pm (weather permitting) from mid-December to mid-March 2024 and can be found on the snowy slopes of Vorderes Eggli, in the Gstaad ski area.

FOR THE LATEST NEWS AND OFFERS VISIT WWW.SKIERANDSNOWBOARDER.COM

KEEP UP TO DATE AWARDS SUCCESS

COMBATTING CLIMATE CHANGE

Brighton-based Ski Beat, the UK’s largest ski chalet holiday provider to France, has taken a further bold step towards helping to combat climate change in the mountains, with a threeyear alliance with the pioneering environmental advocates, Protect our Winters (POW).

Ski Beat has joined the organisation as a Ridge Partner and is the first major UK ski tour operator to join at this level. The alliance demonstrates a tangible commitment to enabling clients and employees to embrace practical steps to achieve systematic solutions to environmental change.

POW was founded in the U.S. in 2007, as the

voice of the millions of outdoor enthusiasts who walk, run, climb, swim, bike, ski, and snowboard, with an aim to unite and take action against climate change, through education, lobbying and engagement programmes.

With immediate effect, Ski Beat is undertaking an Intensive Carbon Literacy Training Course, among their UK and overseas staff. The training seeks to inform and identify specific ways in which the organisation and those who travel with Ski Beat can improve their carbon footprint in the mountains.

Ski Beat’s participation as a corporate partner enhances the company’s existing positive climate change activities, from procedures aimed at reducing food waste and energy consumption, to initiatives to reduce food mileage, upgrade waste recycling and avoid single use plastics in chalets.

SUNWEB TEAMS UP WITH EUROPEAN GAY SKI WEEK

Leading ski operator Sunweb has announced its new partnership with European Gay Ski Week, which kicks off in March 2024 in Val Thorens, France. The partnership makes Sunweb the first international tour operator to support European Gay Ski Week and will mean booking your place at the festival is easier than ever before. With flights, accommodation, lift pass and – most importantly – the Event Pass included in one, neat package – attending European Gay Ski Week couldn’t be easier.

Sunweb is the festival’s sole tour operator; creating and maintaining the booking site and taking care of the holiday makers’ complete journey and stay. European Gay Ski Week will take place from 16-23 March, and is set to be the ultimate celebration of skiing and inclusivity. The festival takes place in Val Thorens, which sits in the largest ski area in the world – Les 3 Vallées – offering 600km of France’s finest slopes to carve up.

IGLU CROWNED ‘ONLINE AGENCY OF THE YEAR 2023’: The Travel Weekly Agent Achievement Awards are the largest celebration of the travel trade in the UK and Ireland and the highest accolade for travel agencies and agents. The awards are designed to honour those travel agencies and travel agents who truly represent the best of the travel industry, and recognise excellence in a range of categories and specialisms.

The

Awards have been running since 1998, with the last taking place in 2019, when Peak Retreats also triumphed. The annual awards are decided by votes from Telegraph readers, with over 27,000 readers voting this year for their favourite destinations, airlines and travel companies. Xavier Schouller, Peak Retreats Co-Founder said: “It means so much to us that discerning Telegraph readers, who we know are keen skiers, have recognised us with this award.”

PEAK RETREATS WINS BEST SKI OPERATOR AT TELEGRAPH TRAVEL AWARDS 2023:

Telegraph Travel

PHOTO: © BenLis

Ben Ross, Head of Travel @ Telegraph with Alison Willis from Peak Retreats

PHOTO: © Sap

A warm welcome awaits

Sharon Maslen set out to explore three resorts in the Ski Amadé region –and discovered skiing is just the beginning of what Austria has to offer

Local tradition, good food and a friendly welcome awaits you in Austria.

Salzburg airport immerses you straight away into the ski atmosphere as you land in a small airport surrounded by mountain peaks, from where my taxi whisked me to Flachau, nestled in the heart of the Ski Amadé ski region, in less than one hour.

This region offers a range of activities and resorts suited to advanced skiers, families and groups. At the Hotel Reslwirt, keeping to Austrian tradition, the receptionist greeted me wearing traditional Austrian dress – a Dirndl –still commonly worn on high days and holidays and at important events such as a wedding. In the restaurant, which has a real Austrian feel, I enjoyed four courses of traditional, local fare accompanied by fine Austrian wine.

Our aim over the following three days was to explore three different resorts within the Salzburger Sportwelt – Flachau, Filzmoos and Radstadt. We started with Flachau and an attempt to complete the 12 Peaks Trophy.

This is a new ski circuit which connects five valleys in the heart of Ski Amadé. Being 91.5km in total, it is quite a challenge, and you receive a special black trophy if you complete it in one day.

However, having breakfasted and sorted out skis from a very friendly shop next to the slopes, we found we had started too late. You need to start at around 8.30am to complete it in a day. So, instead, our fabulous guides gave us a great taste of the breadth of skiing available with plenty of long red slopes.

At lunchtime we headed for the traditional Burgstall-Hütte, one of the oldest and most pleasant mountain restaurants I have ever been in. We sat inside surrounded by old farming implements, but were told that this restaurant had started life as a smelting house for iron ore. Unbelievably, up until the 19th century, Flachau was a centre of iron smelting, and this was one of the few remaining buildings from that time.

Now, totally changed, it supplied us with

PHOTO: © Rohrbacher19/max zebe kickerline

PHOTO: © Lorenz Masser Fotografie

Wurst and Radler (beer and lemon) – perfect sustenance for the skier.

In the afternoon, Flachau offered up a range of great red and black runs, and at the SnowPark – Burton the Stash, we were happy to watch skiers and snowboarders jump and twist through the air over hidden obstacles. This popular snow park has around 80 obstacles, with plenty of options, and at the exit there is a Powder Shuttle – perfect for beginners or children.

At teatime, we headed for the Lumberjack restaurant, where we ordered a very popular traditional dish Kaiserschmarrn – the most amazing pancakes with blueberries and sugar. The Lumberjack is an organic green restaurant in the mountains, using only seasonal and organic food from the local area.

On the second day we were driven to Filzmoos. This is perfect for a family. Here we found miles of gentle, empty runs with a sea of fresh, white snow, and to keep children and adults entertained, a few play competition runs set up at the side of the slopes.

Pop your euro in the machine and as you push through the barrier and head for the first gate you can pretend to be Franz Klammer for a few seconds. You even get to see your time.

There are also children’s runs through the woods where you ski under tunnels, past animals and hit the spinning hands.

Radstadt was our third resort destination. As in Filzmoos and Flachau, you ski along tree-lined slopes, and are carried quickly and comfortably up the mountain on Salzburger Welt’s complex network of chair lifts.

Alongside the lifts in Radstadt they also had paths up the mountain for skiers wanting to walk up the mountains on their skis – a form of ski touring.

Across the three days here I also saw

many skiers practicing cross country skiing.

Radstadt has ideal accommodation for groups and whilst there, we saw many school groups enjoying the perfect snow.

In the evening there is a plethora of entertainment. There is Apres-ski Austrian style in the DampfKessel. Packed to the rafters, skiers sing along to well-known local tunes, whilst baskets on pulleys send drinks to the farthest corners of the bar. Local restaurants serve up traditional Austrian food such as Wiener Schnitzel, venison stews and burgers and of course Apfelstrudel.

Horse drawn sleigh rides can take you on a magical evening journey where you can see traditional Austrian buildings such as the UnterHof Alm. Built in 1776, it’s old world charm exudes magic, making it a choice place for weddings as well as skiers.

Ski Amadé offers a great range of skiing.

Choose your resort and then you can stay put or travel around – whatever you prefer and everywhere you go, you will experience the traditional Austrian food, style and warmth.

TRAVEL FACTS

Sharon Maslen flew direct from Gatwick to Salzburg with British Airways. She was hosted by SalzburgerLand (www.SalzburgerLand.com) and Ski Amadé (www.skiamade.com/en) and stayed at the Hotel Reslwirt (https://www.reslwirt.at/)

Sharon Maslen drinking Radler in the Burgstall-Hutte with Peter Oberreiter

The Lumberjack Hut

Winter the Austrian Way

Welcoming guests with warmth and hospitality, Austrian hosts include you in their way of life, building authentic connections and allowing you to immerse yourself in nature. Here the Austrian National Tourist Office explains how...

You can go skiing, cross-country skiing, winter and snowshoe hiking in many places around the world. So, what is it then, that makes a winter holiday in Austria so unique? Well... it’s the Austrian way of life.

A trip to this beautiful country allows you to spend quality time with family and friends, made all the more special being surrounded by a magical setting of snow-covered mountains and being welcomed by, and becoming part of the family of, your hosts.

This friendly atmosphere is infectious, making other guests you just met at the ski lift your new friends. These authentic connections between people and the chance to immerse yourself in the surrounding nature is what makes these holiday so unique – and these are winter holidays the Austrian way.

Stepping into small alpine villages, the connection with nature feels particularly intensive and getting involved with the people living here you experience their lifestyle and become part of the Alpine way of life.

Austria’s ski resorts and winter sports villages create the perfect mixture of snowcovered mountain panorama offering a beautiful landscape in which to ski, with historic town centres in many of them for you to explore on your time away from the slopes.

People in Austria have always known and loved the snow and their mountains. Skiing in this country therefore has a special tradition that you will love to immerse yourself in. The amazing feeling of being on the slopes on an ice-cold sunny day, the panoramic view of snow-covered peaks, the pit-stop in a mountain hut and the traditional Kaiserschmarrn – all this is part of a legendary ski day on a winter holiday in Austria. Well-developed pistes and cable cars as well as a modern infrastructure round off the experience.

But whether you are an experienced skier, a beginner, or returning to the slopes after a break, there is something for everyone.

In Austria’s ski schools, beginners are in good hands – the experienced ski instructors

Austria offers well developed pistes and cable cars

and the gentle ski areas make sure of that. Returning skiers feel just as comfortable here as advanced winter sports fans – with a fantastic mountain panorama and the most beautiful peaks.

And what better way to enjoy the beauty of the imposing mountains during an eventful day of skiing than with a “Einkehrschwung” (when you stop for a break at a hut). Unstrap your skis and snowboards, take a seat in the cosy parlour or on the sun terrace.

Kindness and hospitality are values that distinguish Austrian hosts and make a winter holiday in Austria so special. Austrian “Gemütlichkeit” (cosiness) usually plays a major role – it is almost a philosophy that brings people closer together. It warms body and soul, literally at the ski hut with delicious classics like Kaiserschmarrn, Käsespätzle or Speckknödel.

Winter and skiing holidays in Austria’s Alps are legendary, with its clear mountain air, impressive panoramas and winter sports with passion. But to keep it that way, many things are changing for a sustainable winter holiday. But how can we reconcile climate protection and a skiing holiday? If you want to be close to nature, and contribute to sustainability and climate protection, you can do a lot for it.

When planning your holiday choose

sustainable ski resorts, book environmentally certified hotels and consider planning your journey by train. Or why not spend your winter holiday on an organic farm or stay on the slopes?

Then during your holiday use sustainable mobility in the ski resort and rent ski equipment with eco standards. You could even try out mindful winter activities.

Plus, what better excuse is there to enjoy the regional, seasonal and organic food – allowing yourself a unique culinary experience too.

Austria doesn’t just offer a great winter holiday – a trip here provides the chance to immerse yourself in nature and a way of life that you will treasure forever.

austria.info/en/winter

Enjoy an unforgettable family experience

PHOTOS: © Oesterreich Werbung, Christoph Oberschneider

Full of surprises

It’s quiz time and Frank ‘Scoop’ Baldwin asks: ‘Which ski area is this?’

It is only a 20-minute drive from Geneva Airport, making it ideal for families with young children, or skiers and snowboarders looking for quick access to a short break. It is made up of three different resorts where lift passes, the cost of accommodation, and dining on and off the mountain, are cheaper than other popular ski areas. Plus, there are a host of other attractions and activities to enjoy on and off the slopes. Sounds like a ski and snowboard utopia.

Have you guessed where it is yet? The answer is… Pays De Gex in the Monts Jura region of France.

I can visualise the blank looks on your faces as, despite all the advantages listed above, Pays de Gex is not well known to the British market.

Its three resorts provide a variety of skiing and snowboarding. Mijoux La Faucille has something for all abilities on its 12 marked runs. From the Col de la Faucille (1,323m), skiers can descend to Mijoux (1,000m) or reach the Petit Mont Rond at 1,540m.

The resort of Menthières (1,070m) is

Lélex-Crozet

can enjoy 21 different runs, some between

located the foot of the Grand Crêt d’Eau massif and has seven runs. The highest point is the Crêt des Frasses at 1,535m.

is the main resort in the Monts Jura where skiers and snowboarders

beautiful fir trees. There are several lifts including two gondolas – one from Lélex and one from Crozet – which take skiers and snowboarders to the summit at 1,680m. Here

Frank Baldwin sandwiched between members of the Brotherhood of Cheese at the Fête Nordique

they can enjoy magnificent views of the Mont Blanc massif and the Alps.

Pays de Gex offers great value for a family, couples, or a bunch of friends looking for an inexpensive short break. Daily lift passes range from €25-€35 depending on your age and there is plenty of accommodation options from budget B&Bs to luxury 5* hotels.

To give you an idea of cost, I stayed at the 3* Bois Joly – boisjoly.com – which is €147 half board per night for two people (€91 room only) and €213 for a two adult + two children family room (€101 room only).

There is, in my opinion, one drawback for skiers and snowboarders staying in the Pays de Gex area. Except for school holiday times, there is no shuttle bus between the ski areas. Some hotels, the 5* Jiva Hill Resort in Crozet for example, provide their own shuttle bus service to the slopes. Or you can also choose a hotel at the foot of the slopes like the Loges du Léman in Crozet, L’Hôtel du Centre in Lélex, or La Petite Chaumière in La Faucille.

To take advantage of the whole Pays de Gex area, hire a car from Geneva airport. Splitting the cost between two or four of you means a three-night trip will only set you back about £350 per person for everything including return flights to Geneva, car hire, lift pass, and half board accommodation – add a little more if you need equipment hire and drinks or meals on the mountain.

TRAVEL FACTS & ATTRACTIONS

Monts Jura region: paysdegex-montsjura.com

Other attractions

In the La Faucille ski area, thrill seekers can hurtle down a toboggan on rails and fly down to the village on a Zipline.

Mijoux La Faucille hosts an annual Fête Nordique (espacenordiquejurassien.com) in January. There is a special race for serious Nordic skiers, and biathlon experts are also on hand to give beginners instruction.

The Fête features exhibition stands where you can enjoy specialities such as a fondue or get a taste of the local produce from the Brotherhood of Cheese who man their stand in colourful traditional costumes.

If you still have some energy to burn

after a day on the slopes, special snowshoeing night hikes can be organised which include a fondue in a mountain hut.

For more info on the ski areas and to book the attractions go to paysdegex-montsjura.com

Sample the beers at the brewery ‘le QG’ (Brasserie Gessienne) in Ornex, where there are regular music gigs and other events in the intimate bar area. Food is available from a mobile diner outside. brasseriegessienne.fr

Culture vultures will be tempted to visit the Château de Voltaire in nearby Ferney. The impressive structure and beautiful parkland was the home of famous writer, philosopher, and historian Voltaire. chateau-ferney-voltaire.fr

from £29pp

Magic in the mountains

Frank ‘Scoop’ Baldwin found surprises on and off the slopes during his chalet holiday in La Plagne

Like many skiers and snowboarders, I find there is something magical about being surrounded by snow-covered mountains, but during a trip to the La Plagne area with my 27-year-old daughter Connie, we found the resort has taken ‘magic’ to another level.

Skiing down one of the blue runs to Plagne Montalbert, through the Foret des Lutins, we

spotted strange figures on the side of the treelined piste. On closer inspection these figures turned out to be witches, warlocks, fairies, goblins, and elves. They are the work of local artist Gombert Nicolas, whose skill at creating carvings out of wood and ice with a chainsaw has made him and his company Icewood wellknown in the area.

I have visited La Plagne several times, but it never fails to produce unexpected surprises. Another one we discovered was an impressive giant ‘Angel Skier’ sculpture made out of parts of old ski lifts at the top of the Arpette chair out of Plagne Bellecote.

Connie and I have not been able to ski together for several years due to a combination of her being at university and because of travel restrictions during covid but finally made it to the slopes together when we joined a group in Ski Beat’s Chalet Alisier in Plagne 1800, just across the road from the Bas Télésiège chairlift.

This location, combined with the hire shop right next door, made it easy to get kitted out and up the mountain to tour around the 11 different La Plagne areas which all have their own character.

Plus, the resort is lift linked to Les Arcs, which has created the vast Paradiski area, but during our stay Connie and I used our time to take a laid-back tour of La Plagne.

The relaxed approach to the week meant sometimes guests went exploring just with their partners and other times we all headed

Frank takes a break with a couple of dragons

out together. Some days we would arrange to meet up later for some runs before enjoying après on the mountain at places like the lively La Bergerie.

And once back at the chalet there was more social chit chat before dinner in the sauna or large hot tub on the terrace.

The chalet holiday experience reminded me just how pleasant this type of trip can be. From the moment we arrived, the Ski Beat chalet hosts Emma and Sasha made us feel welcome and comfortable.

At breakfast time they were well-informed about the day’s weather, where to find the best conditions, and any special events going on in the resort. They also knew all the best places to go for some après ski, or bars to visit with live music etc.

Throughout our stay Emma and Sasha not only served up tremendous food – not forgetting their lovely home-made cakes at teatime – but also found the right balance between being there when we needed them and quietly withdrawing to allow guests to finish off the dinner wine in the spacious living room area while chatting about the day’s

TRAVEL FACTS

Frank and Connie Baldwin flew to and from Lyon Airport and stayed in La Plagne 1800 with catered chalet specialists Ski Beat – www.skibeat.co.uk

Equipment hire. Skiset: www.skiset.co.uk and Ski republic: www.ski-republic.com

During the stay Chalet Alisier guests enjoyed a beer tasting session with the Les Névés microbrewery – lesnévés.fr and experienced a bobsleigh run on La Plagne’s Olympic track (more information on the resort’s website – see below)

For more information on La Plagne go to: www.la-plagne.com

escapades or indulging in a few silly but highly enjoyable card and board games provided by Ski Beat. I was also introduced to ‘Heads Up!’ which you play using your mobile phones. Try it, it’s hilarious.

Enjoying some après ski at La Bergerie

Connie is dwarfed by the Angel Skier sculpture made out of old lift parts

Terrain expansion plans for valley

ALTERRA Mountain Company has announced a major terrain expansion of Deer Valley Resort that will add 3,700 acres of terrain to its world-renowned, ski-only destination located in the Wasatch Mountains in Park City, Utah. In addition, the development of a new village and portal will dramatically improve access to the resort while adding world-class lodging, dining, and retail amenities in partnership with Extell Development Company.

The expansion will more than double Deer Valley’s skiable terrain, adding 16 new lifts and a new 10-passenger gondola. The diverse terrain will also be supported by a new cutting-edge snowmaking system and feature precise snow grooming.

The complete project will unfold over the next three seasons, with a significant portion of the new lifts and trails set to open as early as the 25/26 winter season. When completed, Deer Valley will offer 5,726 acres of ski-only terrain spread across 10 mountains. alterramtn.co

UTAH POWDER HUNTER SKI SAFARI: New for 2023/24, the Utah Powder Hunter Ski Safari is the ultimate snow-filled adventure for advanced skiers looking to tick a lot of resorts off their bucket list. They’ll ski up to six resorts from two bases – Ogden and Cottonwood –and with all the ski areas covered on the IKON Base Pass they can choose where to ski each day based on the best conditions. Stay in Ogden for easy access to Snowbasin. Stay in Cottonwood Canyon to ski Brighton, Solitude, Alta, Snowbird and Deer Valley.

• 18 night Utah Powder Hunter Ski Safari from £3,649pp based on 2 adults departing February 2024. Price includes 5 nights at the 4* The Hilton Garden Inn in Ogden, 13 nights

at the 4* Hyatt Place in Cottonwood Canyon, return flights London Heathrow to Salt Lake City and 5 seat SUV car hire. Add an IKON Base Pass from £714pp. skisafari.com/experiences/ski-safaris/ utah-powder-hunter-ski-safari

under development and will be the mountain’s first significant addition since the opening of the Silver Queen Gondola in December of 1985. Pandora’s will be accessed via a highspeed quad and will include 1,220 vertical feet, more than 150 acres and 15 new trails as well as gladed areas, ranging from intermediate to advanced terrain. aspensnowmass.com

JACKSON HOLE MOUNTAIN RESORT: After 31 years of ownership, the Kemmerer family announced its intent to sell Jackson Hole Mountain Resort (JHMR). The Kemmerer family bought JHMR in 1992, and their passion, dedication and commitment turned the resort into a world-class destination.

As the Kemmerers watched the consolidation of the ski industry, their highest priority was maintaining JHMR’s status as an independent, family-owned resort. Owners Jay, Connie and Betty Kemmerer found the perfect buyers: Teton County residents, close Kemmerer family friends and JHMR Board Members Eric Macy, Mike Corbat, their families and a small, select group of co-investors. jacksonhole.com

ASPEN SNOWMASS, COLORADO: Set to open for the 2023-24 season, Aspen Mountain is increasing its skiable acreage by more than 20 per cent. The area, called Pandora’s, is currently

DODGE RIDGE MOUNTAIN RESORT, TUOLUMNE COUNTY, CALIFORNIA: Perfect for families with young children, this relaxed and friendly resort located near Pinecrest offers 67 runs for all abilities across 862 acres. Part of the new Cali Pass which launched in 2023, 2023/24 season passes are on sale now and offer users the opportunity to experience three resorts with unlimited access to Dodge Ridge, China Peak and Mountain High, plus three free days at all 19 Powder Alliance Resorts Worldwide. Additional perks include 8 discount buddy tickets (2 per month) and discounts on retail, dining, lessons and more in the resort. visittuolumne.com

STEAMBOAT SPRINGS, COLORADO: Steamboat Springs three-year project, Full Steam Ahead is set to conclude. Set to become the second largest resort in Colorado, the final stage of the Wild Blue Gondola is set to open in winter and will earn the resort the title of having the longest and fastest gondola in North America.

The completion of the project will also see the opening of the new Greenhorn Ranch – a dedicated beginner’s area at the top of the gondola which features advanced terrain-based learning. The resort will also see a huge terrain expansion, a new avalanche dog programme for the 24/25 season and the reimagining of Steamboat Square. colorado.com

INSET

PHOTO: Courtesy of Jackson Hole Mountain Resort

PHOTO: © 2023 Deer Valley Resort Company. All rights reserved

The expanded terrain at Deer Valley

PHOTO: © Aspen Skiing Company/Daniel Bayer 2022

Aspen Snowmass

Jackson Hole Mountain Resort

New quad chairlift to open

Marmot Basin ski area, located in the Canadian Rocky Mountains of Jasper National Park, Alberta, will be opening a new quad chairlift in the uppermost alpine regions of the mountain for the 2023/2024 season.

The new chairlift, dubbed “Knob Quad” is a fixed-grip quad chair with conveyor loading, taking guests to an unload elevation of 8,261ft. The new chairlift rises 1,289ft and 353ft above the existing Knob double chair it replaces.

Skiers and snowboarders will have lift access to more terrain than ever before as the new Knob Quad will reach the highest lift accessible point on the mountain. Access to “Marmot Cirque”, Marmot Basin’s newly opened terrain will be easier, as will access to Marmot Peak.

The load terminal will be at an elevation of 2,125 metres with an inclined length of 1,087 metres. Moving at a speed of 2.3 metres per second and carrying 1,200 people per hour, load to unload will take under eight minutes.

“The terrain in the Knob area has a long and storied history and is a favourite among avid local skiers and snowboarders and visitors alike,” says Jason Paterson, Marmot’s

NEW RADIO FREQUENCY ID TECH AT GATES

Skiers and snowboarders at Tremblant can expect an even more seamless experience as the resort plans to integrate Radio Frequency IDentification technology for the 2023/24 season.

This will mean the gate will open automatically as users pass through as the technology reads the content of users’ cards. It is expected to improve visitor experience by speeding up access to the lift while also reducing the risk of loss and breakages of passes and cards.

The resort offers some amazing skiing and this innovation will enhance the experience further, head to the South side to catch stunning views over the Tremblant lake or venture to the Beauvallon haut for panoramic mountain views.

President and CEO. “The new quad chair that takes riders up higher to the second rock band on Marmot Peak, and into our newly opened Marmot Cirque terrain, is a real game changer for our guests as the runs are expansive and the views absolutely breathtaking.”

The new chairlift has been in the planning stages since 2008. Marmot Basin has worked closely with Parks Canada every step of the way and has cooperatively undertaken numerous environmental impact studies adhering diligently to all mitigations as provided by Parks Canada.

These include caribou, goat and rare plant studies as well as roosting bat and migratory bird surveys.

The new Knob Quad will open as soon as the snow allows in the 2023/2024 season.

SKI SAFARIS TRENDING SAYS FRONTIER SKI

Leading luxury, tailor-made ski specialist Frontier Ski says ski safaris in North America are in demand, with Canada the destination of choice. On a marked upward trend since the end of the pandemic, the tour operator claims the desire to chase the powder at several resorts parallels our new-found desire to experience more and live life to the full. Interestingly, says the tour operator, the trend isn’t just dominated by serious skiers, as families are also choosing to combine resorts, for example, Sun Peaks and Whistler, where they can enjoy some of BC’s finest ski-inski-out accommodation.

A snowboarder on Upper Basin Run in the Knob area

Go with the flow

Mark Nicholls had a choice of colours when he visited Val Gardena in northern Italy

There are two colours that dominate in Val Gardena: green and orange. The shades are the way-markers of the famed Sellaronda ski circuit which flows in either direction around the massive Sella Gruppo rock formation in this part of the Dolomites.

All around are the jagged teeth of an ancient mountain range, guarding the precious centrepiece which provides Val Gardena with one of Europe’s more famous ski routes.

Skiing with my daughter Sarah, we opted for the green route in the anti-clockwise direction – arguably against the run of play as the orange route (which I had skied before)

is the higher and more popular, clockwise, direction. Green, however, is a growing theme in Val Gardena, as ski resorts across Europe come under increasing scrutiny for their carbon emissions and energy use.

As a UNESCO World Heritage Site area, it has taken tentative steps toward sustainable tourism by gaining GSTC (Global Sustainable Tourism Council) certification and the start of broader projects focusing on environmental protection and social responsibility. Goals include cutting car traffic, expansion of renewable energy sources, and reducing plastic use.

But back to the Sellaronda; a magnificent

Mark Nicholls enjoys an Aperol spritz in Selva

set of lifts and runs of reds and blues, plus black diversions for those tempted. It is 42km long, with 27km of skiing and whichever way you go takes about five hours for most of us.

I bumped into seasoned skier Nigel Hanson who has visited the region on 10 occasions and likens the Sellaronda to the M25 with other ‘motorways’ leading off it. “You can easily use the Sellaronda to head off for adventures in different areas,” he explains.

This leads to exploration of routes around Alta Badia, Sieser Alm, Col Raiser and Seceda for long runs down into Ortisei, or across to Araba and beneath the Marmolada, the highest mountain in the Dolomites at 3,343m.

The former computer programmer from Southampton first came to Val Gardena in 2010 and has been coming back ever since.

“Each time, I discover new areas, a new adventure,” adds Nigel, who has skied in several European resorts but believes Val Gardena offers something different in terms of scenery, accommodation, food, value, and service. He points to new lifts and fresh runs as the ski terrain evolves, with snow-making facilities ensuring that 98 per cent of slopes can be covered with artificial snow from December to mid-April.

As we talk in the bar of the Oswald Hotel in Selva where he is staying, Nigel, 58, casually mentions it is his third visit of the 2023 season. “Val Gardena is now my firstchoice resort,” he says.

Val Gardena includes the three villages of Ortisei (1,236m), Saint Cristina (1,428m) and Selva Val Gardena (1,563m), within the

TRAVEL FACTS

Mark Nicholls stayed at the 4* Hotel Oswald in Selva where Inghams offers seven nights including flights and transfers from £1,359 (www.inghams. co.uk ). Six-day ski pass is €373.

For ski and snowboard rental visit: www.dolomiti-adventures.com/en and for resort info, see www.valgardena.it

Sellaronda, with access to 500km of ski slopes, 115km of cross-country ski trails and 30km of winter hiking paths.

From our base in Selva, we picked up our ski hire from Dolomiti Adventure and took the Ciampinoi lift as our entry point into the Sellaronda and a landscape with access to specific areas such as Alta Badia and the Dantercepies lifts, or the Passa Sella and runs in the shadow of the Sassolunga (long stone), a giant wall of rock on the some 4km long and 1km high. There’s an abundance of runs including the new black slope “La Ria”, starting at Dantercepies, or the ‘Pilat’ slope running almost 5km through forests.

For foodies, Val Gardena has its share of Michelin starred restaurants but across the

slopes there are plenty of huts, whether you want a bowl of goulash soup and a cappuccino or a regional speciality such as Spinatknodel (dumplings with spinach, butter, and parmesan cheese).

We flew in from London Gatwick on an early flight to Innsbruck with a transfer of less than two hours, potentially giving time to ski that same afternoon. Instead, we took a more sedate introduction, strolled around Selva, popped into an apres-ski bar for Aperol spritz (€5) and took in the ambience of the resort. Look out for the interesting sculptures as you wander.

With such a fabulous ski area in Val Gardena, you understand why many return to this location amid the mighty Dolomite range of rock massifs and jagged tooth summits.

Mark Nicholls and his daughter Sarah (pictured) followed the colour signs from Val Gardena

New run one of the steepest in the world

With a maximum gradient of 46° (104%) the new “Black Wall” run joins the ranks of the steepest groomed slopes in the world. Thanks to a 265-metre tunnel cut through the mountain, this 3-kilometre descent links the resort’s summit (3,000m) to the valley station in Col du Pillon (1,546m).

With a steepest part at 46°, the slope has this particularity of being groomed, making it all the more demanding. “Only the expert skiers will be able to tackle this run,” explains Bernhard Tschannen, CEO of Glacier 3000.

Digging a tunnel instead of building a new lift... While this might seem like a crazy idea, it really does make sense. Skiers going up and down have used the cable car linking the Col du Pillon to the middle station of Cabane for the past 20 years. Now – and thanks to the tunnel having been built – this installation

serves both a black run and a ski route. It is 265m long, 2.50m wide, and 3m high, has a 14% steep, and is equipped with an indoor magic carpet enabling skiers to cross the cliff in less than one minute.

“It is now possible, therefore, to ski down from the top of the resort at over 3,000m to the Col du Pillon car park, the gateway to the ski area,” says the manager.

While skiing in the Tzanfleuron glacier area is uncertain for the next few decades due to ice melt, the Glacier 3000 ski area now has a competitive offer, with three major flagship runs, namely the: Combe d’Audon (7km), Red Run (8km), and Black Wall (6km, combined with the upper part of Red Run) – all three of which are located on northern slopes, and with ski-run starts at over 3,000 metres above sea level, thus guaranteeing natural snowcover for five months out of the year.

SUNRISE SKIING IN SAAS-FEE

Experience sunrise at 3,500m above sea level. Travel by cable car at sunrise to the highest point you can reach in Saas-Fee for a spot of skiing and enjoy having the slopes all to yourself.

Absolute tranquility, panoramic mountain views, unbeatable golden light and perfectly prepared slopes await early risers who want to carve their tracks through the fresh snow.

Before heading off skiers can stock up on breakfast at the Allalin, the worlds highest revolving restaurant. Sunrise skiing plus breakfast costs £60 (€70) per person, not including ski pass. saas-fee.ch/en

PHOTO: Germain Favre-Felix

PHOTO: © VISUALPS

PHOTO: © Schweiz Tourismus/Lorant Buntye

The tunnel

VERBIER RACE EXPERIENCE

This winter, skiers can enjoy a new dedicated race area at the top of the La TzoumazSavoleyres sector. With a state-of-the-art timing system and an exhilarating giant slalom

course featuring around 15 gates, it’s open to everyone. Whether competing with friends or on your own quest for speed, it’s the stopwatch that decides the outcome. verbier.ch

PONTRESINAST MORITZ

For the upcoming season, Powder Byrne have developed a new programme in Pontresina St Moritz, offering the dramatic landscape of the upper-Engadine valley and access to some of the most impressive highaltitude skiing in Europe.

Being only a short drive away from the centre of St Moritz and the buzz of Switzerland’s most glamorous skiing destination, Pontresina offers a more relaxed base from the Grand Hotel Kronenhof. From here, guests have easy access to the main ski areas of St Moritz, with extensive skiing on both the Corviglia and Corvatsch slopes, as well as easy access to the quieter slopes of Diavolezza and Lagalb, where serious skiers will find miles of challenging slopes and breathtaking high-alpine vistas.

From £3,343 per person including private transfers, Superior Room at Grand Hotel Kronenhof, Bed and Breakfast, and Powder Byrne concierge service. powderbyrne.com

Less than a five-minute stroll from the Medran ski lift, the Ride Inn B&B holds a prime position in the heart of Verbier. The chalet offers seven bedrooms accommodating up to 13 guests. Inside, discover an expansive open-plan living area, a fully equipped kitchen, and a welcoming dining space for a shared dining experience. And for those who prefer to have the space to themselves, the property is available to rent for private use only. therideinn.com

OPENING OF THE ALPINE CROSSING

An 80-year-old vision has finally become reality with the completion of the Matterhorn Alpine Crossing. The Matterhorn Glacier Ride II, opened in July this year, forms the last section of the crossing connecting Zermatt and the Italian resort of Cervinia, and is operational all year round.

The highest continuous Alpine Cable car crossing, the new crossing’s total journey time is 90 minutes, and the final section descends from the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise to Testa Grigia in Italy in four minutes (7.5m/s). matterhornalpinecrossing.com/en

AN OFF-PISTE ADVENTURE

Off-Piste Powder Ski & Mountain Adventure, Grindelwald: This fivenight ski and mountain adventure is designed for advanced and expert skiers seeking an off-piste thrill. With roots deep in the powder snow of Grindelwald and the heart of the Jungfrau region, Powder Byrne’s exclusive ski adventure is perfect for avid skiers looking for an adrenalinepacked long weekend full of ski touring, unique mountain experiences, good food and great company this winter season.

Staying in Grindelwald at a superior hotel, guests can enjoy a hosted Powder Byrne experience showcasing the very best of all mountain skiing searching for the perfect powder runs in Switzerland.

Price from £7,150 per person including five nights bed and breakfast basis, dedicated Powder Byrne Client Concierge, five-star resort services including Powder Byrne driver and ski hosting and transfers. powderbyrne.com

PHOTO: © Zermatt Bergbahnen

PHOTO: © Verbier 4Vallees

PHOTO: © The Ride in Verbier

The Race Experience

FRANCE

VAL D’ISÈRE:

This season, one of the infamous symbols of Val d’Isère, the bearded vulture (or gypaète), will have its own adventure slope named after it on the Bellevarde. The slope will be dotted with features themed around the local fauna and made using natural materials. Inspired by land art, guests can enjoy a vulture-themed ski-through tunnel, an impressive arch that marks the start of the slope, a giant feather that can be played like a xylophone, a slalom and much more.

LES 2 ALPES:

New lifts are set to improve the flux for visitors across Les 2 Alpes area. The lifts taking users from the bottom of the slopes to high altitude are being updated: the Télémix du Diable was completed in 2023, the Télémix de Belle Étoile will be ready for 2024 and the Jandri 3S cable car will open for the winter of 2024–25. The aim is to improve the departure of skiers, bikers and pedestrians from the bottom of the resort to the high-altitude area, and also to facilitate their return to the resort, depending on the crowds and the snow.

VAL D’ISÈRE:

Club Med has made its first foray into the alps with the only Club Med Exclusive Collection Resort to launch in the mountains, and the village’s only all-inclusive resort. Perfect for both families and lovers of skiing, fine dining and wellness looking to reconnect with nature in a luxurious setting, the resort offers a tranquil spa, yoga classes, a pool, delectable dining options, unrivalled mountain views from elegant suites and outdoor activities, including hiking and e-biking.

ALPE D’HUEZ, ISÈRE:

Women make up 47% of skiers, so the French Ski School (ESF) has created an exclusively female Ladies Camp. The three-half-day programme, led by an experienced female instructor, has three different options: Progression Ski, Precision Ski and Premium for a mix of skiing, massages, yoga and wellness.

MORE DETAILS ON THESE STORIES AND OTHER HOLIDAY NEWS ARE AVAILABLE ON THE SKIER & SNOWBOARDER WEBSITE, ALONG WITH UPDATES ON SPECIAL OFFERS FOR THIS SEASON AT: WWW.SKIERANDSNOWBOARDER.COM

MÉRIBEL:

This December, The Venice Simplon Orient Express is set to unveil four new winter journeys between Paris and the French Alps. Ride the luxurious blue and gold carriages through some of France’s most picturesque snow-blanketed countryside up to the alpine train stations of Albertville, Bourg-SaintMaurice and Moûtiers. These new train routes bring a fresh meaning to flight-free travel to the popular Méribel resort, giving UK travellers an easier and more sustainable option for their travel this upcoming ski season.

ITALY

LA THUILE:

Skiworld are offering a trip for foodies who also love to ski, or even people who love to immerse themselves in local culture. Part of their Experience Collection, A Taste of Italy is a carefully, hand-picked experience for guests to enjoy. Skiers will experience culinary excellence mixed with fantastic skiing, surrounded by friendly local culture. The trip will take place from 2-9 March 2024 and is based in La Thuile featuring accommodation at Hotel Eden. Costs start from £1,681pp.

A real hidden gem, La Thuile offers 160km of slopes to all levels of skiers. The terrain is seen as one of the most varied in the Aosta Valley and is renowned for great snow

conditions. Due to its location, skiers can also experience La Rosiere on the French Alps side as La Thuile is located in the Espace San Bernardo ski area which connects the French and Italian alps.

AUSTRIA

OBERTAUERN:

Tucked away in Austria’s Salzburg Alps, Obertauern’s snowcapped mountains are the perfect destination for those looking to get back on the slopes this winter. Valamar, Croatia’s leading hotel and resort brand, has a wonderful selection of destinations for this ski season with three hotels located in Obertauern and their newest hotel, Obertauern [PLACESHOTEL] by Valamar opening in December 2023.

The new Obertauern location provides guests with the [PLACESFLEXI] program, ensuring guests can experience a carefully crafted menu inspired by regional and international dishes. Guests can unwind at the spa, or enjoy a dip in the freshwater pool. Prices start from £218.83 per room per night with Flexi Half Board.

SPAIN & SLOVENIA

Crystal Ski Holidays has unveiled two new destinations for Winter 2023/24 – the exciting and rather unique destination of Spain, as

Hotel Kompas in Slovenia

well as the budget-friendly Slovenia.

Swap sun and sangria for après ski and snow-covered mountains in one of Spain’s largest ski areas at the Baqueira-Beret resort, which lies at the head of the stunning Val d’Aran, tucked away in the Spanish Pyrenees. The ski area boasts 165km of piste and skiing elevation as high as 2,600m. Flights for the

Spain programme will begin on 17 December 2023 and will run until 6 April 2024, with flights from Birmingham, Bristol, London Gatwick and Manchester to Toulouse-Blagnac.

Slovenia brings with it three picturesque resorts – Kranjska Gora, Bled and Bohinj, all of which offer great value, are perfect for beginners and feature beautiful, winter

wonderland scenery. There will initially be five hotels to choose from in Kranjska Gora and Bohinj – such as the Bohinj ECO Hotel and Hotel Kompas, both of which have easy access to the slopes. Flights will begin on 23 December 2023 and will run until 23 March 2024.

JAPAN

HIRAFU NISEKO:

Due to launch in Q4 2023, Niseko Kyo is set to become Hirafu Niseko’s only ski-in-ski-out property. Suitable for families and groups of up to 14, the property houses 22 luxury residences, most being equipped with their own in room private onsen. Niseko Kyo is located right in the heart of Hirafu, with room options that overlook Hirafu’s Ace Family Run or the majestic Mt. Yotei.

TRAVELSKI EXPRESS

Travelski’s 2023/24 Travelski Express is now available to book. Running outbound from London on Saturday mornings from 30 December and returning the following Sunday (also daytime) the new packages will offer daytime train travel in both directions and eight nights of accommodation (to facilitate a full seven days of skiing) as standard.

As before, the packages include return train travel, but now with a train change in Lille, plus accommodation, transfers and seven-day local area lift pass. The line-up of resorts remains unchanged with accommodation available in Tignes, Val d’Isere, Val Thorens, Meribel, Brides les Bains, Courchevel, Les Menuires, Les Arcs, La Plagne and La Rosiere.

Train travel typically generates less than a quarter of the carbon emissions of a similar package involving flights and remains the most environmentally advantageous option for skiers.

Famous for bringing fun and colour back to the mountains with retro inspired designs, OOSC have updated and upgraded their catalogue for the new season.

Embrace the spirit of skiing with new fashionable and functional pieces. The top performing Yeh Man & Yeh Girl jacket and bib pant collections are perfect for the piste, whilst the new Snow Park and After Party pay tribute to the park riders and adrenaline junkies. The long awaited statement Ski Suit designs are revealed, now available for the very first time in curved fits, and the luxury Chic Range has been extended with suits, pants and puffer jackets.

From first lifts to last orders… OOSC has you covered! oosc-clothing.com

Time to layer up!

FLATIRON COLLECTION: Named after the iconic rock formation in Boulder, Colorado, ARTILECT’s awardwinning Flatiron collection delivers unmatched thermoregulation and moisture management to keep you comfortable all day long. The critical next-to-skin foundation baselayer is a part of the ARTILECT A/SYS system and powered by Nuyarn merino fabric. artilect.studio

CLEAR, FLIP AND FERDI SNOW GOGGLES: MessyWeekend’s winter collection features the viral magnetic ski and snow goggles with either high-contrast XE2 lenses or their top rated photochromic XEp lens. The styles Clear, Flip and Ferdi feature anti-fog and anti-scratch coating with 100% UV400 protection and magnetic lens change. Each style is lightweight and offers an over the glasses fit, adaptable for most helmets and now comes in the new shade – magenta purple. messyweekend.co.uk

S/PRO SUPRA BOA 130: Challenging traditional boot constructions to introduce a new standard of perfect fit, Salomon’s Supra BOA 130 are built to maximise foothold and performance. The ExoWrap® Construction combined with the BOA® Fit System provides a micro-adjustable, precision fit and a targeted wrap around the foot that can easily be adjusted throughout the day.

salomon.com

JONES WOMEN’S TWIN SISTER SNOWBOARD Available at The

Snowboard Asylum, this board is for intermediate to expert riders looking for a truly versatile board that won’t hold them back in any terrain or conditions.

snowboard-asylum.com

OOSC ARE BACK… BIGGER, BRIGHTER & BETTER THAN EVER FOR 23/24

CUMBRIA

Anything Technical Ltd

Sand Aire House, New Road, Kendal, Cumbria, LA9 4AY Tel: 01539 734701

Email: info@skiequipmentuk.co.uk

Web: www.skiequipmentuk.co.uk

Ski boot fitting and ski/ board servicing experts. Ski boot spare parts specialists. Technician training courses.

DORSET

Snowtrax Limited

Matchams Lane, Hurn, Christchurch, Dorset, BH23 6AW

Tel: 01202 499155 ext 5

Email: andy@snowtraxstore.co.uk

Web: www.snowtrax.eu

Snowtrax Ski and Snowboard

Store in Dorset, is your trusted Ski and Snowboard Equipment Specialist Est. 1989. At Snowtrax we rigorously test all equipment to ensure quality #wetestweknow. Shop top brands like Salomon, Burton, Dakine, Hestra, Atomic, Black Crows, Capita, and Union. Our onsite workshop services skis and snowboards ready for your next trip. Step into performance and comfort in The Boot Lab, where our experts craft the perfect ski boot fit.

EAST SUSSEX

Snowlab UK Ltd

Knockhatch Ski Centre, Hailsham Bypass, Hailsham, BN27 3GD

Tel: 01323 848410

Email: shop@snowlab.co.uk

Web: www.snowlab.co.uk

Specialist winter sports retailer. Custom boot fitting service available. All major brands stocked.

ESSEX Skee Tex

The Old Mill, Battlebridge, Essex, SS11 8TR

Tel: 01268 768282

Email: info@skee-tex.co.uk

Web: www.skee-tex.co.uk

Specialist snowsports shop, established over 70 years. Experienced boot fitters, full service workshop. Main dealers for Dahu, Salomon, Rossignol, Head, Armada, Picture, Hestra, Scott, Olang, Spyder, Henri Duvillard and Protest to name a few.

HAMPSHIRE

Snowtogs

429/431 Millbrook Road, Southampton, SO15 0HX

Tel: 02380 773925

Email: info@snowtogs.co.uk

Web: www.skishops.co.uk

Snowtogs Southampton.

One of the oldest family run ski shops in the country, established in 1969. Well known for our custom ski boot fitting with boots from the worlds best brands. We have a full ski workshop on site providing servicing and binding fitting. We also stock a massive range of helmets and goggles and loads of other essential accessories. We now have an onsite booking system for custom boot fitting appointments. Please see our website for more details.

KENT

Captains Cabin Sevenoaks

113/115 St Johns Hill, Sevenoaks, Kent, TN13 3PE

Tel: 01732 464463

Email:

sales@theski-shop.co.uk

Web: www.theski-shop.co.uk

Fantastic choice of ski clothing and equipment. All major brands stocked. Professional boot fitting service, hire and workshop repair.

LANCASHIRE

Rivington Alpine

The Old Methodist Church, Market Street, Adlington, Chorley, Lancashire, PR7 4HE Tel: 01257 483999

Email: sales@rivingtonalpine.co.uk

Web: www.rivingtonalpine.co.uk

Specialist ski boot fitting, modification and footbed manufacture. All major brands stocked and all levels of skier welcome. Free parking outside. Call for an appointment.

LEICESTERSHIRE

Love & Piste Alberts Barn, 33 Costock Rd, East Leake, Loughborough, LE12 6LY

Tel: 01509 853944

Email: sales@loveandpiste.co.uk

Web: www.loveandpiste.co.uk

Independent Local Skiwear Specialist for 20 years catering for the whole family; clothing, helmets, goggles, sunglasses & luggage. Brands include; BUFF, CMP, Coolcasc, CRAFT, Hestra, Killtec, Manbi, Oakley, Protest, Reusch, Rossignol, Salice, Snokart, Steiner, Uvex, Weedo. Shop online or in our East Leake store where we have an inhouse Coffee Shop and large free parking area. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook @loveandpiste.

LINCOLNSHIRE Tallington Lakes Pro Shop

Barholm Road, Tallington, Stamford, Lincolnshire, PE9 4RJ

Tel: 01778 347000

Email: sales@tallingtonlakesproshop.com

Web: www.tallingtonlakesproshop.com

Est 1975. An independent ski and snowboard retailer, with years of experience, including custom ski boot fitting service. Large selection of quality clothing and hardware from quality brands. On-site dry ski slope and equipment servicing workshop. Free delivery with online orders over £100.

LONDON

Finches Emporium

25-27 Perry Vale, Forest Hill, London, SE23 2NE

Tel: 0208 699 6768

Web: www.finchesemporium.com

Finches Emporium is a family run business established since 1947. Our main departments are ski, snowboard, cycle and skateboard with everything you might need for your sport as well as experienced workshops in each discipline.

LONDON

NORFOLK Snowfit

Unit C & D, Yarefield Park, Old Hall Road, Norwich, NR4 6FF

Tel: 01603 716655

Email: info@snowfit.co.uk

Web: www.snowfit.co.uk

Norfolk’s premier ski and snowboard store. 25 years experience, expert advice, fitting and service. Equipment and accessories from the brands you would expect to find in a proper winter sports specialist –instore or online.

SCOTLAND

Banks of Perth 29 St John Street, Perth, PH1 5SH

Tel: 01738 624928

Email: enquiries@banksofperth.co.uk

Web: www.banksofperth.co.uk

Large range of equipment plus junior and adult ski clothing. Specialists in boot fitting and custom insoles.

SUFFOLK

Active Snowsports Suffolk Ski Centre, Bourne Hill, Ipswich, Suffolk, IP2 8NQ Tel: 01473 487474

Email: info@activesnowsports.com

Profeet Ski Boot Lab

867-869 Fulham Road, London, SW6 5HP

Tel: 020 7736 0046

Email: info@profeet.co.uk

Web:

www.profeet.co.uk/skiing

Profeet are ski boot specialists – extensive selection for all foot shapes and skiing abilities. The latest, alpine, freeride and touring models. By appointment custom fitting with custom ski insoles, custom liners and boot heaters. Comprehensive comfort guarantee.

Web: www.activesnowsports.com

Custom boot fitting, service and repair, skis, snowboards, boots, clothing and much more.

WIN a family holiday to Italy!

Forty years ago… It all began for Interski when we took our first clients to Courmayeur, in Italy’s Aosta Valley, way back in Winter 1983/84. Forty years later and we’re still providing the same great service, taking happy skiers to the mountains every winter.

We’ve looked after hundreds of thousands of clients, skied endless miles of piste, met some fantastic people, employed some incredible individuals and introduced the world of skiing to many more. Our reputation

has been forged through our commitment to customer service which is why so many people travel with us year after year. We’ve dedicated ourselves mainly to one region, the Aosta Valley, to ensure we are true specialists in the holidays we offer, with unrivalled knowledge and expertise. For us, skiing is not just a business it’s a passion – join us this winter to help us celebrate 40 years of Interski.

To mark this fabulous milestone, we’re giving away a ski holiday for a family of four to

the incredible resort of La Thuile. Sitting high up in the Northern end of the Aosta Valley and straddling the border with France, La Thuile is truly a skiing paradise that caters well for skiers of all abilities.

To be in with a chance of winning, just visit interskiholidays.co.uk/Competition and complete the simple form. The competition will close at 17:00 on Friday 23 February 2024. All details and terms and conditions are on our website. Good luck!

Over £1,500 raised for Disability Snowsport UK

To celebrate raising over £1,500 for Disability Snowsport UK, thanks to customer donations, travel agents from the Iglu Ski team, headed up by Head of Sales and Service, Philip Wright (pictured far left), took a trip to the Snow Centre at Hemel Hempstead to test out special ski equipment.

Wright said: “We spent last winter encouraging our customers to support the remarkable efforts of Disability Snowsport UK, and it was a great opportunity to go to the Snow Centre, not only to celebrate the fundraising milestone, but to check out the DSUK equipment and meet the staff for ourselves. We look forward to raising more funds this winter to enable more adults and children to get onto the slopes, build selfconfidence and make long-lasting friendships.”

PLANS FOR WORLD CLASS RESORT

A planning application has been submitted for the Rhydycar West development, a proposal which seeks to create a world class leisure resort in Wales.

It aims to be an outstanding and internationally recognised, sports, leisure and tourism destination offering a unique experience not only to the people of South Wales, but UK and international visitors too.

The resort plans to have the UK’s longest Indoor Snow Centre, a Tropical Waterpark, an Indoor and Outdoor Adventure Centre, and a range of accommodation.

At over 400 metres long, the scheme is set to have one of the largest indoor ski

slopes in world, with indoor snow sports one of the anchor attractions there.

Using state of the art technology and the existing topography of the land, the snow centre will operate all year round providing amazing ski conditions for all seasons.

It plans to host the Welsh & UK training headquarters, creating a National Centre of Excellence for snow sports as well as offering world class recreational facilities.

The national governing body for Snowsports in Wales, Snowsport Cymru Wales have campaigned for this facility for nearly a decade, GB Snowsport are also campaigning for this development.

WORK UNDERWAY ON HILLEND SITE

Work is underway on a new access road, car park and landscaping as part of Midlothian Council’s ambitious Destination Hillend project. Council Leader Councillor Kelly Parry and the Cabinet Member for Economic Development, Councillor Colin Cassidy visited the site to hear more about progress on transforming Midlothian Snowsports Centre into a multi-activity, year-round leisure attraction.

Councillor Parry said: “We’re confident the breadth and quality of the activities and the unique location will increase visitor figures from around 139,000 a year to an estimated 485,000. We’re looking forward to welcoming people from across the UK and beyond,

putting Destination Hillend firmly on the map while generating more than £1 million of income annually to spend on council services.”

Destination Hillend will offer indoor soft play and climbing, shops and a high-quality food court, all housed in a modern, energy-efficient building, which will be fully accessible by bus.

Councillor Colin Cassidy said: “The centre is known for having the longest and fastest dry ski slope in the UK and the only one with a chairlift along with a well-used new funslope and other attractions like tubing.

“However, the building itself is no longer fit-for-purpose so we need to breathe new life into what has potential to be one of the most exciting leisure destinations in the UK.”

From left: Philip Wright, Iwan Williams, Joseph Bowler, Iglu Ski with James Sterry, DSUK