inthesnow monarch issue 1 - september 2012

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THE UK'S MOST READSKI & SNOWBOARDING MAG

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MON

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Monarch's new routes coMplete

access to every side of the alps

patricK thorne reports 04

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218192 Monarch Winter Sky DPS 564x400indd 1 28/08/2012 16:46

see website for details.

Up to 7 flights a week to friedrichschafen, MUnich, grenoble & innsbrUck

6x british chaMpion,

cheMMYalcott

flies with Monarch

218192 Monarch Winter Sky DPS 564x400indd 2 28/08/2012 16:46

the snow studio 16 kings lane south heath bucks hp16 0qy +44 (0) 1494 862 423 [email protected] twitteR @skinewsuk www.inthesnow.coM

Publisher

doMinic [email protected]

Production Director

Matt [email protected]

Editor

patRick [email protected]

Design By

Rocket basewww.rocketbase.co.uk

News Correspondent

ben [email protected]

Reporters / Contributors duncan woRRell debbie gabRielellie koyandeRgavin Robbiedavid black

Boot room supplied by ellis bRighaMwww.ellis-brigham.com

Tuition Correspondent

Jon [email protected]

Photography

See individual images for specific credits. Any uncredited images supplied by third party suppliers, agencies and/or advertisers

© copyRight 2012

No part of this publication may be copied, photocopied or reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted, in anyway or means, either by recording or otherwise, without permission of the publishers in writing.

Monarch Airlines (www.monarch.co.uk/ski)

has announced twelve new routes for winter

2012–13, including scheduled flights from

Leeds Bradford International Airport for the

first time.

These routes will provide easy access to

some of Europe's best winter ski resorts

via Grenoble airport, with links to key

resorts in France and Western Switzerland;

Friedrichshafen with excellent access to

the Western Austrian resorts in Vorarlberg,

the Tyrol and the Graubünden region in

Switzerland; Munich with broad access to key

ski resorts in the Tyrol, Salzburg region and

Bavaria; as well as Innsbruck, which has great

access to most of Austria’s best known resorts

in the Tyrol and Salzburg region.

These new services will complement the

airline's existing services to Milan, Venice and

Verona, which gain access to the Southern

Alps and the Dolomites.

Munich flights will launch in mid-

September, and flights to Grenoble,

Friedrichshafen and Innsbruck will launch in

mid-December, running until early April 2013

concluding with the Easter holidays.

Friedrichshafen, a popular destination

for many ski tour operators already, is well

placed for skiers and boarders wanting quick

access to some of Europe’s best ski resorts in

three countries. For example, the top German

resort of Oberstdorf is only 99km, and

Austria’s Ischgl and St Anton are also close.

Munich is a little further north, but has

great high-speed autobahn connections into

the Austrian Alps. The road to Ischgl, 230km

away, is so good that the trip can be made

in just 80 minutes, or the famous German

resort of Garmisch-Partenkirchen is only 90

minutes’ drive, and pretty Alpbach in Austria

is 2 hours away.

"The launch of these routes for winter

2012/13 marks an exciting new era

for Monarch as we introduce our first

programme of scheduled ski flights and

target a new customer base of skiers looking

to fly to Grenoble, Friedrichshafen, Munich or

Innsbruck as well as via our numerous Italian

destinations” said Kevin George, Managing

Director of Monarch Airlines.

Grenoble, a former Winter Olympics host,

has 40 top French resorts nearby, and is

indeed much closer to most of them than

Geneva is to more northerly French Alpine

destinations. Alpe d'Huez, for example, is only

99km away, and the Olympic downhill venue

at Chamrousse is just 60km – or 40 minutes

drive from the airport.

Innsbruck joined London in hosting in its

third Olympics in 2012, in its case the first

Youth Winter Olympics. The capital of the

Tyrol is the gateway to literally hundreds

of ski areas, and even offers a ski pass of its

own, which gives access to the slopes of

nine ski areas nearby if you stay in the city

only. Famous resorts located close by include

Mayrhofen, Obergurgl and Seefeld.

Along with the new routes, Monarch’s

existing routes to Italian airports are still the

best way to access key ski destinations in the

Southern Alps and the Dolomites. Milan is

close to a remarkable total of more than 60

Italian ski areas in the west of the country,

including famous names like Cervinia; Verona

has the best access to a similar number of

central northern resorts such as Madonna

di Campiglio; and from the world-famous

coastal canal city of Venice there are more

than two dozen ski areas close by, including

the famed Cortina d'Ampezzo, which is

2 hours drive north.

All in all, with its new routes Monarch has

the Alps covered.

patRick thoRne

Friedrichshafen: Ischgl, Lech, St Anton Grenoble: Alpe d’Huez, Serre Chevalier, Les 3 Vallées Innsbruck: Kaprun, Saalbach, SeefeldMunich: Alpbach, Kaprun, Zell am SeeMilan: Bormio, Cervinia, Val GardenaVenice: Cortina, San MartinoVerona: Alta Badia, Madonna di Campiglio

MonaRch announce huge Route expansion

The weak Euro looks set to make skiing in Austria, France and Italy more affordable for Brits next winter.

With the official exchange rate passing 1.25 EUR to the GBP, and currency exchange bureaux offering up to 1.23 EUR to the GBP in recent weeks, the cost of skiing in the Eurozone will be down more than one-fifth on recent seasons if the current situation lasts until next winter, when the exchange rate reached almost parity.

Many ski resorts in Austria already have their lift ticket pricing up online for 2012–13 with advance purchase and immediate payment offered by some. French resorts typically publish their prices later and Italian and Andorran last of all, but these should be appearing over the next eight weeks. So, in some cases it may be possible to make purchases of ski rental, ski school and lift tickets – as well as accommodation if booking direct – for those who already have their 2012–13 ski season holiday booked.

Set against the reduced cost of the Euro are price increases in ski resorts. Early indications are that these will vary tremendously, with most resorts holding lift ticket increases to 2% or less; although Les 3 Vallées is bucking that trend, with a cost increase of more than 6% on a 6-day ticket – but in all cases the stronger Euro means far greater savings than any price increases can nullify.

So far it is only the Eurozone that has seen a marked price decrease for Brits, the US and Canadian dollars, along with the Swiss franc, all remain very strong.

And, of course, it is unknown whether the current exchange rate between the pound and the Euro will remain stable, or if the Euro will regain in strength, or if the pound will get stronger still against it.

MON

ARCH

Ski Areas Near Monarch Destinations

www.inthesnow.com4

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Complaints from skiers and snowboarders that a new £50m gondola across London doesn’t access any ski slopes have been tackled head-on by the capital’s only indoor snow centre – The Snow Centre at Hemel Hempstead (www.thesnowcentre.com), just north of the Olympic city.

Travel agency Ski Solutions (www.skisolutions.com) has already sent a party of skiers to ride the new Emirates Airline gondola and show Londoners its ”real” use,

now The Snow Centre is doing its bit to prove that no ride in a gondola is complete without snow.

“The Snow Centre are keen to compensate for any disappointment by offering gondola travellers substantial discounts on real snow experiences – along with a free drink in their Alpine-style cafe overlooking the closest real snow to the Olympic Park” said a statement from the Centre, which is offering a 50% discount on a beginners snow sport lesson and a free soft drink in The Edge Cafebar afterwards if you show your gondola ticket.

Pakistan’s only commercial ski area will be rebuilt, according to the local Khyber Pakthunkhwa regional government who say they are working on a redevelopment plan as a “top priority.”

Malam Jabba ski area was built in 1988 in the country’s scenic Swat Valley thanks to assistance from the Austrian government, which installed a double chairlift and built a hotel. However, it lay idle for much of the 1990s and it was more than a decade before the resort was officially opened because of problems paying for its operation.

The Taliban occupied the region and destroyed the ski resort’s lift and hotel between 2007 and 2009, as part of a wider policy enforcing a strict version of Islamic religious law.

A Peace Ski Gala 2011 was organised by Swat’s Pioneer Ski School and skiers have been hiking up the slopes.

pakistani ski Resort destroyed by the taliban to be Rebuilt

Free Drinks For London Gondolaben clatwoRthy

Paradiski in France, the world’s third largest ski area created by the linking La Plagne, Peisey Vallandry and Les Arcs, has announced that it is now using 100% renewable energy to power its ski lifts and other electrical needs.

“Since our inception we have been committed to playing a major role in respecting the environment and in effectively managing natural resources” said a statement from the resort.

Paradiski joins 60 other leading ski areas around the world that claim to use,

and in some cases generate, 100% green energy for their power needs, either from local generation, or by

offsetting their purchase of ”brown” energy against the production of an equivalent amount of green energy.

paradiski gets greener

SARA

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iNeT

www.inthesnow.com 5

A new survey has found that hotels in Courchevel, France Lech in Austria and St Moritz in Switzerland were the most expensive to stay in – based on their average rate for a double room in

January. However, several of the top-rated properties are “suites only” with no double rooms.

In top spot was The Suites de la Potiniere with an average room rate of $1958 (£1245) per night. Eight of the ten most expensive were in the three

aforementioned European resorts, with hotels in Deer Valley, Utah and Aspen Colorado in the USA taking the other two spots.

The survey, by Luxury-Hotels.com, backs up the findings of luxury chalet specialists the Oxford Skiing

Company, which compiles an annual list of what they have found to be the 20 best ski chalets in the world (www.luxurychaletcollection.com) – although not necessarily the most expensive. They found this season that a property in Courchevel – Ormello-peaked at €200,000 a week – almost twice the cost of Richard Branson’s The Lodge in Verbier – for its most expensive week over New Year.

Ormello’s amenities include a private cinema, indoor swimming pool, hot tub, and fitness and massage rooms, but that’s not dissimilar to those provided by other luxury chalets who charge much less, so what makes Ormello so special? According to the Oxford Ski Company (www.oxfordski.com), which book holidays there, “The list of reasons is pretty exhaustive … a chalet with nine bedrooms is a rare find in itself. Add to this an impressive

array of facilities and include a level of service unrivalled in Courchevel. This really is like renting your very own boutique hotel, and is leagues ahead of many other chalets in the Alps.”

Courchevel, renowned in recent years

for its popularity with Russian skiers, and for one highly-publicised case of closing a piste for a wealthy South Korean businessman in 2005 so that he could learn to ski alone, takes top spot for price in both the hotel and chalet categories. This also shows that costs for top-end accommodation in France can outstrip Switzerland despite the strength of the Swiss franc.

ben clatwoRthy

Courchevel Tops Luxury Lodging Cost League for Hotels and Chalets

1. Les Suites de la Pointière (Courchevel, France) $1958 2. Aurelio Lech (Lech-Arlberg, Austria) $1423 3. Carlton Hotel (St Moritz, Switzerland) $1256 4. Almhof Schneider (Lech-Arlberg, Austria) $1185 5. Suvretta House (St Moritz, Switzerland) $1121

The Top 5

Via Speckbacher 9, I-39012 MERANO Tel. +39 0473 447654Fax +39 0473 222726 www.westend.it - [email protected] O T E L

An oasis of well-being in town

www.inthesnow.com6

A lucky British family, the members of which should never have skied before, will win the chance to become expert skiers by the end of the coming ski season, by spending weekends and full weeks away in the world’s largest ski area.

That’s the prize awaiting the winning family in a contest being organised by Les 3 Vallées in France, the world’s largest ski area, with all flights to Grenoble provided courtesy of Monarch Airlines.

The full prize includes several weekend breaks, and two week-long trips to Les 3 Vallées over the course of the 2012–13 winter season. The prize includes accommodation, ski passes, ski equipment and ski lessons for the whole family.

To be in with a chance of winning, the British family of four non-skiers (two parents and two children) should visit www.les3vallees.com/en and click on the ”Easy rider” link on the menu, following the instructions on how to enter the contest.

The family will be asked to submit a 90–120 second video to introduce

themselves and say why they should win the competition. A jury of mountain professionals will select the lucky family who will be heading out to Les 3 Vallées to learn to ski.

The aim of Les 3 Vallées (comprising the resorts of Courchevel, La Tania, Méribel, Brides-les-Bains, Les Menuires, Saint Martin de Belleville, Val Thorens and Orelle) is to turn the family into ski enthusiasts in just one season, so that by the time the Easter holidays come around they’ll be ready to compete in the fun 3 Vallées Enduro race on 7 April 2013. This ski rally takes place across Les 3 Vallées, and covers an incredible 600km of interconnected slopes.

Once first turns are mastered by the winning family in special beginner areas, separated from the main slopes, they’ll

find that 56% of the terrain is rated easy or very easy, so getting around to see some of the spectacular scenery won’t be a problem. From the glaciers of Val Thorens to the apple trees of Brides-les-Bains, taking in the pine forests of La Tania along the way,

Les 3 Vallées offers you the guarantee of being able to ski different runs every day, with a backdrop of breathtaking scenery. Snow cover won’t be a problem either, as 85% of the ski area is located above a snow sure 1800m, stretching right up to 3230m, with 2050 snow making machines covering a third of the ski area.

Getting back up the slopes will be a breeze too, as the huge lift network is designed for maximum comfort and safety, with minimum waiting times thanks to no less than 172 cable cars, gondolas, comfy high-speed detachable chairlifts, and other lifts to choose from. A hands-free ski pass system (rechargeable

online at www.les3vallees.com) means freedom, comfort and speed.

Off the slopes the winning family will also be able to enjoy some of the best gastronomy in the Alps, with nine Michelin-starred restaurants in Les 3 Vallées – an incredible concentration of

prestigious restaurants and chefs; the only ones of their kind and the only place in the world where all of the restaurants are accessible on skis. These are among the 51 high-altitude slopeside restaurants, which are spread across the ski area, with menus to suit all budgets.

Monarch, the scheduled leisure airline,

operates flights to Grenoble from Birmingham, Leeds Bradford, Manchester and London Gatwick airports, with fares, including taxes, starting from £30.99 one-way (£67.48 return). For further information or to book flights please visit www.monarch.co.uk.

patRick thoRne

SEASON

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80 Piste Bashers60 Visiting Nationalities51 Mountain Restaurants3 Valleys

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The Ski Solutions ”Make a Wish” Ski Challenge moves to Champoluc next year from 14–17 March 2013 (www.skisolutions.com).

The inaugural charity fundraising event launched last year, and staged at another Aosta valley resort, Courmayeur, will quadruple in size this season, with a target of 80 participants aiming to raise over £60,000 between them for Make a Wish. The charity has a single purpose – to grant magical wishes to children and

young people aged 3–17 years fighting life-threatening illnesses.

The aim of the event for each participant is to clock-up as many vertical metres during the weekend in teams of two or three. Last year’s event saw the winning team reaching 150% of the target 43,314 vertical metres by skiing or boarding 65,400 metres of vertical. Participants are sponsored for their efforts, and flexible all-inclusive packages are available to cover travel and resort costs. Last year’s event raised a total of £17,169.

ski the world challenge back for March 2013

Several surveys looking at different types of ski resort destination preferences in Switzerland among single skiers and boarders have put Davos as their top overall choice.

In a survey by an "online partnership agency’" called PARSHIP.ch, 26% of single male skiers said Davos was their destination of choice, followed by Zermatt in second place with 19%, while Lenzerheide took third place with 15%. When Klosters is added (8%, fifth place), over one-third of male singles visit the neighbouring villages marketed together as Destination Davos Klosters.

This naturally raises the question of where do the female singles go?

In the second part of the survey Davos ranked second with single female skiers, with 19%, behind Lenzerheide, with Zermatt coming in third.

“This means that the chances of a great weekend may be higher in Davos than

anywhere else, because the difference in the percentage of male and female singles from the lowlands is balanced by the population of Davos itself,” the resort suggests.

The Swiss federal census, last taken in 2000, showed that Davos has the highest proportion of single women aged from 20 to 40 in the whole of Switzerland.

Singles Opt For Davos

ben clatwoRthy

Les Deux Alpes has traditionally staged a big opening week, for two weekends and the 5 days between, which attracts thousands of enthusiastic young skiers and boarders for

new season gear testing and a festival vibe.This year is no different, with the glacier

slopes and snow park at 3200m open from 27 October–4 November, before closing again until the official 2012–13 season opening date of the 1 December 2012.

“Enjoy the Glacier is a real ‘taster’ of the 2012–13 winter season and it will be sporty and fun! Snowboard and skateboard contests, gear tests, the chance to meet with pros, a giant BBQ, gigs, movies … wintersports addicts, this is the place to be!” said Héléna Hospital from the Les Deux Alpes press office.

enjoy the glacier!

www.inthesnow.com8

WHAT DID YOU DO AT THE WEEKEND?

Ready-made hassle free packagesweekends and mid-week short breaks

If you are a ski-aholic like me then this could be the way forward. Last season I did two weekends and got 8 1/2 days on the slopes staying in the pretty town of Morzine and then a ski-in-out chalet in Reberty, two areas both offering over 600kms to explore. Best of all I got fresh snow both times and only used 5 days annual leave.

How did we do it?

We booked a flight package to Morzine - flew out Thursday and back Monday night, we could have flown back on Sunday but wanted more ski time. We were on the slopes by 12:30pm on Thursday! We chose a package because it meant everything was arranged for us including the transfer and that way we could control the cost. When I’ve arranged it myself in the past it always works out much more than we think. It works for us as we don’t have to take any whole weeks out of the office, we get two shots at great snow and ski two areas, plus if we are honest after 4 days we are knackered anyway.

Top tips

Book early as the flights only go up, weekend availability gets really tight last minute, don’t worry about the transfer time - you don’t loose ski time, just sleep time. Book a package or you’ll waste time and save no money. Don’t forget to book your ski pass and equipment before you go as it will save you time and it isn’t any cheaper when you get there. We’ve tried a few companies but I recommend Skiweekends and if you book two trips ask for a discount.

Steve A, Hudersfield

One week on the mountain not enough?How about a piste on the side?

Living in a resort is great fun with a lively community, but it is also a great way to make new lifelong friends. It’s hard work, but you get the mountains as your office!

Not only can you earn a good living, it’s also truly rewarding spending your days teaching people to ski, building their confidence and watching them succeed.

join the experiencewww.international-academy.com

so how do you do that?By taking an instructor course, with a company with 12 years experience will give you the best chance of realising that dream that many people have, but not everybody acts on. You can become a qualified ski instructor in as little as 3 weeks and be able to teach beginners in Canada. Invest a little more time doing a 10 week course and you can be BASI/CASI Level 2 qualified and able to teach to around the world. You can spend the winter teaching in the Canadian Rockies, followed by the summers in Cardrona, New Zealand. By taking an instructor course it can set you on the path to that dream lifestyle you have always wanted and never thought possible.

There are several companies that specialise in Instructor Training and it’s vital you choose one with the very best instructors with real hands on experience. This is what will get you a job at the end of the course, so check it out carefully. Don’t forget that the place you stay in and what food is included really can make a difference to your pocket and enjoyment. Many companies promise work, but in reality it’s down to you to impress and win that dream job.

Call 02380 206 977 for further information.

live the dream, become a ski instructor

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The Government has announced a cut in VAT on lift tickets in Scotland, after years of campaigning by Scottish centres to have the purchase tax on lift tickets reduced, in line with other countries with ski areas in Europe.

In fact, the VAT cut for lift tickets – from the standard 20% to 5% – is actually better than in some major ski nations. The former rate of 5.5% in France was recently increased to 7% by the French government. The reduced British tax rate is due to come into effect in 2013, Scottish ski areas are yet to say whether they'll cut prices.

patRick thoRne

cut in vat on uk ski lift tickets

Snow holiday specialist Neilson (www.neilson.co.uk) has launched their 2012–13 preview brochure with, the company says, “a price match promise, more ‘ski inclusive’ properties, more group places, and more early booking savings than ever before.” The company now has 122 slope side properties and for 2012–13 has more adventure options, including guided snowshoe treks in Switzerland with an overnight stay at the world famous Grand St Bernard Monastery at an altitude of 2469m.

Early-booking offers include upgrades, savings of up to £100, and 2-for-1 on all pre-booked equipment – saving up to £104. The company also promises to “beat the prices in resort.” Neilson Ski Inclusive options start from £399, including flights, accommodation, return transfers to resort, lift pass, ski or board hire or carriage, boot hire and dedicated Neilson rep service.

New Holidays Announced By Neilson In Preview Brochure

Already one of the world’s leading snow makers, and after all the natural snowfall this winter they’ve hardly needed them, Courchevel have nevertheless added 13 additional snow making machines this winter on the Murettes slope, providing a second point of access to Le Praz. Like all of the 2100 snow guns in Les 3 Vallées ski area, the machines run on renewable energy, using only natural water with no additives, with 80% of it returning to the groundwater table when the snow melts.

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The high altitude observatory at Pic du Midi is a highlight of the French Pyrenees, surrounded by nine conventional ski areas; someone also had the good idea of creating an exciting off- piste ski route down from it at 2877m.

Previously, access to the Pic du Midi was quite limited, but this year it’s open all day and all night throughout winter and spring (until 7 May 2013), for the first time ever. This is when the luminosity of the skies is at its very best, facilitating spectacular stargazing for overnight guests.

A new attraction this winter is a "tyrolienne" – a kind of horizontal zip wire you pull yourself along, as well as a climbing wall.

Also new is "AquaPic" a special €42 ticket

that includes a return cable-car trip to the Pic du Midi and an Aqua-Pass for Aquensis with 2 hours to luxuriate in the Bagnères-de-Bigorre thermal spa.

More At The Pic du Midi

A new book celebrating 60 years of O’Neill is out now and for sale through oneilleshop.com. Jack O’Neill, who began his first surf shop from his garage in 1952 and began a brand which now sells in nearly 50 countries as part of a $6.2

billion industry, is best known for the invention of the wetsuit so it’s easy to forget he is also equally passionate about the mountains.

The evidence includes everything from sponsoring the O’Neill World Cup of Snowboarding back in the early 1980s when the sport was new, to staging some of the most important winter events, including the 6* TTR O’Neill Evolution, and sponsoring some of the world’s best athletes, such as World Snowboard Championship 2012 podium winner Seb Toots and freeride legend Jeremy Jones.

60 years of o’neill

Tailor-made ski specialist Powder White (www.powderwhite.com/winterbreaks) has launched a swathe of new themed ski holiday ideas for the coming winter, including a package aimed at singles looking for love.

Powder White Potentially will provide the informal setting of the Chalet Amelie in Courchevel 1650, and promises an equal quota of men and women, great food, free-flowing wine, and the exhilaration of the mountains to set hearts aflutter. The company also promises there’ll be no cringeworthy enforced dating games. Prices start from £499pp (based on two sharing a twin room).

find yourperfect Match on the slopes

patRick thoRne

Mammoth in California’s Unbound Terrain Park has continued to evolve this winter. The Art Park, a hit last year in its inaugural season, has returned with Jamie Lynn as the featured artist designing a whole new array of features. In addition, resort partners Monster Energy and Oakley created their own unique terrain features to add to Mammoth’s fleet of over 90 rails, boxes and jibs. Mammoth has also opened a new snow tubing park just above The Village at Mammoth.

"art park" back at Mammoth

SKI & SNOWBOARD SCHOOLMOUNTAIN GUIDE OFFICE

+41 27 771 74 [email protected]

www.inthesnow.com 11

© Surfanic International Ltd. 2011

Exploring lesser-known resorts, and those just off the beaten track, isn’t of appeal to everyone looking for a snowy escape, but for those willing to explore, these hidden Alpine gems can offer so much more than the average ski resort – even some of the most famous ones.

However, not all smaller resorts can be classed as hidden gems, and there are several important factors to consider when it comes to choosing such a resort. Vallorcine, despite being within a stone’s throw of the larger, more commercialised Chamonix, easily falls into this category. This authentic mountain village, which is also a gateway to the vast “Pays du Mont Blanc” lies just minutes from Switzerland, and comprises a number of hamlets.

The resorts of Chamonix and Martigny are a short 35 minute train ride away from the village, although there is plenty of skiing to be had in the Balme area, accessed by taking the

gondola directly from the village to discover the 19 slopes. The resort is also a favourite with cross-country skiers. For those looking to explore the whole area, the “Chamonix Le Pass” gives access to the Balme, Grands Montets, Brévent-Flégère and Chamonix ski areas.

Another major bonus is Vallorcine’s ski school, which unlike many other small villages so close to major resorts, is operated and run from the village. The ESF (École du Ski Français, ecole-ski-vallorcine.com) runs the school and offers a wide range of lessons and classes suitable for all abilities.

For those who need to rent equipment, Sanglard Sports (rentski.com) offer the best skis, boards and boots at very

affordable prices. They are situated right at the entrance of The Residence and Spa Vallorcine.

The Residence and Spa Vallorcine (chamonix-vacances.com) is 5 and has a lovely pool, spa and ice

rink, as well as offering spacious accommodation. The village is small, and local amenities are few and far between, but this needn’t be an issue. For those opting to self-cater the nearest supermarket can be found in Argentère, which offers a full range of goods, but a local shop in Vallorcine does unexpectedly offer most must-have items.

ben clatwoRthyoff the beaten tRack:

Vallorcine

Located just over an hour’s drive from Geneva airport the resort couldn’t be easier to get to in terms of transfers. Ski-Lifts (ski-lifts.com, 02088197950) offer a range of resort transfers, from shared lifts to a group minivan, with prices starting from €23.50.

Getting There

ben clatwoRthy

www.inthesnow.com12

First there was the Dolomiti Superski pass in Italy, then there was the Zillertal Superski pass in Austria, and now there’s a new Swiss Superski pass for 2012–13.

Well, actually it’s just the ”SuperPass” so snowboarders need not feel alienated.The new pass includes the ski lifts of Villars, Gryon and Les Diablerets, including the famous Glacier 3000, and those

for the ski areas around Gstaad. Altogether this new SuperPass will offer 116 ski lifts and 420km of piste, but unlike some of the other giant ski area amalgamations that have emerged in recent years, particularly in Austria, separate local versions for the Villars region only or the Gstaad region only will continue to be offered. In either case children aged up to 9 years ski free.

The size of the new area is such that it will be among the 20 largest areas in the world.

new swiss superpass for 2012-13

vailVail Mountain in Colorado, the

largest ski resort in the US, has

already begun making plans for

its 50th anniversary in December,

with the announcement of a

new, state-of-the art gondola to

replace the Vista Bahn Express

Lift (#16) in Vail Village. The

new gondola will be in the

same location as the existing

lift, a high-speed quad that was

installed in 1985, and will reach

the same location at Mid-Vail.

les MenuiResInTheSnow has had access to

the plans for a new six-seater

chair lift. The new lift will replace

the current Reberty fixed-grip

cabins, with the base station in

the original location next to the

Doron chairlift, and the arrival

station on a new site higher up

the mountain. The new lift will

vastly improve access to the

Sunny Express six-person chair

lift, which is currently underused,

despite installation in 2009.

Jackson holeThe Casper triple chairlift will be

replaced with a new high speed,

four-passenger detachable

chair this summer. Along with

the lift installation, the Casper

trail network will be enhanced

for intermediate skiing and

riding, with summer grooming

and widening of several trails

in the area. The resort will also

expand intermediate terrain over

the summer as part of a wider

scheme to attract more skiers to

the resort. The base of the new

Casper lift will not be changing,

however the top terminal will

move northward to the opposite

side of the lift line trail.

Got a story? Know of a new lift

coming soon to a resort where

you ski? Drop me an email, my

address is [email protected].

ben clatwoRthy

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A skiing holiday isn’t always easy to plan, and keeping the whole family in good sprits, especially where children are concerned, can be a challenge. For that reason, when choosing a resort, it’s important to consider the varying needs of children in different age groups. Teenagers, arguably, being the hardest market to cater for; a 12-year-old isn’t going to be looking for nightlife, whilst a 17-year-old is. Ski writing has taken me the length and breath of the Alps meeting teenagers and parents alike, school ski trips, and even groups of kids on holiday away from the family, all of them have their own wants and needs. It would seem the equation for a winning ski trip is harder than GCSE Maths.

Learning to ski is the main goal of course, and if you are looking for tuition whilst on holiday, ski school lessons can dramatically speed up the process, and give your child confidence in a safe environment. For younger children, group lessons are probably the most effective, and cheapest, whilst for older children, or ones looking to improve their technique, private tuition is likely to be the quicker and, ultimately, the best value option, despite the higher outlay.

There are now an increasing number of British-run ski schools in the Alps, especially in the major resorts, all employing a number of very highly-trained British instructors who, of course, teach in English – always an advantage. However, it is worth pointing out that many foreign-based schools also employ some staff that speak very good English too, so it’s worth

checking beforehand. Companies such as ESF (École du Ski Français) are often considered the best for private tuition, but their prices do reflect this reputation.

It’s also important to consider how to entertain the family once the sun sets. Swimming is a great pastime and most sizeable resorts have a leisure centre, so remember to take a swimming costume. Bowling is also an ideal family activity for a cold evening, along with climbing and ice skating. It’s also worth considering the more unusual activities that may be on offer. Husky dog sledging can be a magical experience, whilst for the more adventurous, many resorts offer snowmobiling and even quad biking.

Bigger resorts are a must for teenagers. Lively après-ski events can leave the parents with some quiet time come 5pm. Smaller resorts, although

often cheaper, require more thorough planning if you want to avoid sibling fights in the gap before dinner! There’s so much fun to be had on a skiing holiday for the whole family. Just because it’s cold and the nights draw in early doesn’t mean the day has to end, but don’t stay up too late, there’s plenty more skiing to be had in the morning!

ben clatwoRthy

children the challenge of any holiday

www.inthesnow.com14

The world’s first ski in/out Starbucks has opened at Squaw Valley, California, USA.

It’s just the latest in a series of catering-related firsts for the ski industry – which opened the first ski in/out McDonalds at Lindvallen Högfjället in Sweden in 1996 (“McSki”) and more recently the world’s first ski in/out toilets at Tryvann in Norway, currently hosting the World Snowboard Championships.

Squaw say they worked closely with the famous coffee house brand based just to the north of them in Seattle, Washington State, to create a unique experience.

“Nowhere else in the world can skiers and riders enjoy a delicious Starbucks coffee

without missing a beat on the slopes,” said Andy Wirth, Squaw Valley’s President and CEO.

“Starbucks is passionate about providing customers with the unique Starbucks Experience wherever they are, including Squaw Valley’s upper mountain,” said Doug Satzman, Vice President, Channel Development – Branded Solutions for Starbucks. “We look forward to serving our signature espresso and coffee beverages to the thousands of skiers and riders at Squaw Valley through our first-ever ski-in/ski-out Starbucks location.”

The mountaintop Starbucks store is located at the Gold Coast mid-mountain complex and can be accessed by the resort’s Funitel with or without ski or snowboard equipment.

A new Ski Train service has begun operations from Quebec City offering a direct service to Le Massif – a ski area located above the mighty St Lawrence River and one which has seen huge investment in upgrades over recent years.

The plan is to launch a ski train service, with sleeping cabins, where skiers and boarders can stay overnight after travelling to the slopes in the morning and spending a day on the snow.

This season the $229 adult ticket ($179 Youth aged 6–17 years or $79 child aged five and under) includes: return travel, breakfast on the

morning journey, day lift ticket and gourmet après-ski fare on the return trip. Services run on most Fridays and Saturdays until April 7.

ski train on the Rails

First Ski In/Out Starbucks

david black

A 10-year battle by an Arizona ski resort to be allowed to use purified reclaimed waste water for snow making scored its latest victory last week, but whether the end is nigh remains to be seen.

Arizona Snowbowl first put forward plans to use re-treated waste water from the nearby city of Flagstaff to make snow more than 10 years ago, but their project was rejected by a combination of local Native American groups, who hold the mountain where the skiing takes place to be sacred, and by environmental groups.

They object to the plans for multiple reasons, including the insult to their religious beliefs in spreading reprocessed waste on land they hold sacred, and also the potential health dangers in making snow from reprocessed waste water.

An original legal action in 2005 eventually

reached the US Supreme court but ultimately failed in 2009. However, a similar legal action by another, closely-related group was then launched, and in its latest stage this week the California-based Federal Appeals panel ruled the new case was effectively the same case rehashed, and implied it was an abuse of the legal process. The group say they may appeal.

Reprocessed waste water is widely used in agriculture, and has previously been used on golf courses and school playing fields in Arizona. It is reported to be cleaner than rainwater. Other ski resorts in different parts of the USA and the wider world are already using it for snow making and one resort in Australia has won an environmental award for water conservation for doing so.

Snowmaking From Wastewater

Cortina d’Ampezzo in the Italian Dolomites can now offer its guests the chance to sweat in the sauna or soak in the hot tub high up on its slopes.

This fabulous Finnish sauna is located at altitude alongside the Croda da Lago Refuge, a few steps from the lake of the same name. Here lucky guests can enjoy the aroma of burning wood and the crackling of the fire, while the heat melts away every tension in the body.

The structure offers optimal air circulation

providing even heating, thanks to its circular cross-section which allows for faster heating and lower energy consumption. A place where you can truly indulge all your senses, immersed in a natural paradise and surrounded by the impressive Dolomite peaks of Croda da Lago, Pomagagnon, Cristallo, Sorapis and Becco di Mezzodì.

Alternatively, you can enjot a soak in an outdoor hot tub at an altitude of 2137m by the Scoiattoli Mountain Refuge, sipping champagne under the stars. www.cortina.dolomiti.org

Chemmy Alcott (www.chemmyalcott.com), the highest ranking British female skier ever, has made a triumphant return to the slopes, nearly 2 years after a devastating crash during training left her with a severely broken leg. She took to the slopes in Kaprun, Austria, in the summer to begin training for the upcoming 2012–13 World Cup season, the first step on her road to Sochi 2014, the Winter Olympic Games to be held in Russia.

Having recently received the news that she (as well as the male British alpine speed skiers) will not be financially supported by British Ski and Snowboard (BSS) for the coming winter, Alcott has had to turn to friends, family, and corporate sponsors to self fund her return to racing. Despite falling short of the £75,000 needed annually to fund a world-class programme, Alcott is resolved to find a way.

“I’m over the moon to be back on my skis.

My leg feels great and I’m confident about the season ahead” said Alcott, “I’m obviously devastated that BSS has pulled much-needed funding from me, Dougie [Crawford] and TJ [Baldwin], but I won’t let that stop my comeback. Getting a podium finish in Sochi is still my focus.”

Alcott will join the Canadian Ski Team this month to continue training.

Chemmy Returns To Racing

hot tub on the slopesdavid black

D G

BAN

DiO

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Anyone planning a summer skiing trip in 2012 might wish to take note that the picturesque resort town of Lake Wanaka in New Zealand’s Southern Alps has been named as one of the top 25 ski towns in the world by National Geographic.

Tipped as best for, “skiers and snowboarders from the northern hemisphere who just can’t let go when winter slips way,” Lake Wanaka is the only town in the southern hemisphere to feature in the list and shares this top 25 recognition with Aspen, Zermatt and Chamonix.

Lake Wanaka gets the most snow in New Zealand, with over 4m in an average season and the local Treble Cone ski area has more snow and skiable terrain than any other

South Island resort. A second area, Snow Park, NZ boasts a world-class terrain park, and is surrounded by stunning, "Lord of the Rings-style" alpine scenery. Cardrona Alpine Resort and the cross-country ski area, Snow Farm, are also nearby.

“We have four ski areas within half an hour’s drive and a further two within an hour, providing the most varied and extensive terrain in Australasia,” said James Helmore, General Manager of Lake Wanaka Tourism (www.lakewanaka.co.nz). “Combine this with the region’s spectacular scenery and the largest heli-skiing area outside of North America and it’s easy to see why the world’s skiers and boarders would come here!”

nZ ski town one of world’s best


on The

SlopeS

of Serbia

You may have heard of The Arlberg – home of legendary resorts like Lech and St Anton, but what about Vorarlberg?

Well Vorarlberg is an Austrian province, just like the Tirol (which it borders – along with Germany, Switzerland and Liechtenstein), and this winter it gets much closer to us thanks to new Monarch airlines flights to Friedrichshafen (from Gatwick or Manchester) and Munich (from London Luton, Birmingham, Manchester or Leeds Bradford), both in Germany and to the north of the province.

Vorarlberg is also home to some 50 ski areas, some of which (like Lech) you may have heard of, but several others you may not have done, but which deserve to be better known in the UK – particularly now they’re just a few hours away.

Many of these ski areas are small, unspoilt, family-friendly, traditional villages, with

picture-postcard scenery and spectacular mountainscapes beyond. Others, well known on the continent but almost unknown in Britain, are world-class resorts, with state-of-the-art fast and comfortable chairlifts and gondolas to whisk you up immaculately groomed slopes.

Here are some ideas.

MoNTAfoN

The Montafon pass covers one of the largest ski areas in Austria, connecting up the skiing above a dozen different villages. The largest village, Tschagguns, where Austria’s first chairlift was built in 1947, still has a population of only 2000. If that sounds too cosmopolitan, perhaps Gargellen, a pretty village at the head of the valley and thus without through traffic, would be a better choice?

The famous American writer Ernest Hemmingway visited the Montafon region in 1925, 25 years before

the first lift was built. He did manage a little ski touring though and fell in love with the place.

You can choose to stay in a selection of small-to-medium centres, all with a strong reputation for their family-friendly attitude, services and facilities. As an example, there are over a dozen ski schools all competing to offer your youngsters the best service possible.

The skiing is accessed via a network of gondolas, cable cars, chairs and funiculars, from a dozen or more base stations spread along 30km of the valley floor. There’s up to 1500m of vertical, with most of the skiing today at above 1850m. The highest mountain in the area is Piz Buin at 3312m.

patRick thoRne

www.inthesnow.com16

In fact, three-quarters of

the 200km of prepared pistes are now lift-linked together in the Silvretta-Nova sector, thanks to €30m in recent investment to make new connections, and indeed overall the 60+ lifts of Montafon include some of the fastest, most comfortable lifts you’ll find anywhere, including no less than six six- and eight-seater chairlifts to whisk you up the slopes.

3 TäLEr PASS (3 VALLEyS)

Not Les 3 Vallées in France you may have heard of, but a conglomeration of no less than 36 small-to-medium-sized ski areas, most of them in Vorarlberg, which you can travel between using just one lift pass. Few are interconnected, most are small, but if you’re looking to escape from this era of super-resorts and enjoy completely relaxed days on the slopes above unspoilt, traditional villages, without any risk of running into another Brit, this is the place for you! (With a pass priced at €192 for 6 days in high season, it’s more than a quarter less than its French namesake).

Among those dozens of little ski areas to choose from, you could stay in the romantic & unspoilt villages of Au and Schoppenau, which both access the Diedamskopf ski area with its 40km of piste & 1200m of vertical. In common with many Vorarlberg villages they’re very pretty places, and in this case the picturesque architectural Bregenzerwald style has been maintained.

KLEINWALSErTAL

A third Vorarlberg ski region worthy of investigation is Kleinwalsertal, up near the German border – and indeed incorporating leading German ski area Oberstdorf in the ski pass, and less than 113km from Friedrichshafen airport.

In fact, the Kleinwalsertal region can only be reached by car from the German side of the border. It takes in the villages of Hirschegg, Mittelberg and Riezlern, and an impressive ten gondolas and 13 chairlifts provide fast access to more than 120km of ski runs. The wide-ranging terrain caters for everyone from absolute beginners to freeride fans or mogul freaks, and there are also two fun parks.

As with so many Vorarlberg ski areas, stunning mountains surround Kleinwalsertal on all three sides of the valley, and there’s no noise pollution, just an undisturbed natural wonderland.

Apart from the ski slopes you can enjoy no less than five toboggan-runs, the longest 1.6km and one

with its own lift. There are also snow bikes to have fun on too, or you can just take a relaxing sleigh ride.

So all in all Vorarlberg has much to offer, and it’s as quick and straightforward to reach the slopes once you arrive in Friedrichshafen or Munich as it is to fly there. It’s equally easy to book accommodation and ski essentials for all the family online knowing that you can rely on Austrian efficiency, as well as a warm welcome when you roll up in your chosen resort.

Monarch: www.monarch.co.uk/ski

Au-Schoppernau: www.au-schoppernau.at

Gargellen: www.gargellen.at

Kleinwalsertal: www.kleinwalsertal.com

Montafon: www.montafon.at

Silvretta: www.silvretta-montafon.at

Tschagguns: www.schruns-tschagguns.at


Anyone considering buying new equipment for the coming season might like to head-out first to Saas-Fee for the resort’s annual autumn gear-testing sessions on the glacier.

The sports shops in the famous Swiss resort, which started its 2012–13 ski season in July and will remain open to mid-May next year, organise their “Swiss ski tests“ to take place in October and November.

Skis and snowboards for the coming winter season can be tested in the resort’s Allalin snow sports area, hopefully with powder snow conditions.

In addition to the pistes, the Kingdom Snow Park is also open, with large and small lines of kickers, pipe & various rails.

ben clatwoRthy

Ski And Snowboard Testing In Saas-Fee

Salomon Grom Camps (www.salomongromcamps.co.uk) is continuing to offer freestyle training sessions at Tamworth Snowdome, Chille Factore, and Sno!Zone Xscape Castleford, as well as regular freestyle nights at indoor slopes around the country.

“The only think you need to attend a Grom camp is to be passionate about skiing and the rest is easy” says Pat Sharples who established the camps in 2005, subsequently attracting skiers aged 4–64 years. The camps have been a major contributor to the growth of the UK freeski scene, and prices are kept to just £30 so that they’re accessible to everyone who wants to give freestyle skiing a go. There’s always plenty of swag up for grabs too, from sponsors including Salomon and Oakley.Upcoming events take place at Chill Factore, Manchester, on 20 September, 18 October and 22 November from 7–9pm, and at Tamworth Snowdome on 13 November from 8–11pm.

Salomon Grom Camps Return To UK’s Indoor Slopes

Disability Snowsport UK (DSUK) has launched a new campaign with an aim to ”make a million friends”. They say that if every skier and boarder donates £1 they would receive £1m, having a great positive impact on their work throughout the UK and overseas.

Anyone can donate when they book a holiday with TUI companies, including Crystal, Thomson and Flexiski, or online at www.justgiving.com/dsukfriends or by sending a text to 70070 with the message DSUK60 £1 (or any other amount you would like to donate).

dsuK want ”a Million friends”

www.inthesnow.com18

Autumn sees snow freaks getting twitchy as

we start to think about which resort we’ll be

heading to this winter, and start checking snow

reports for pre-season snow to build up bases.

But there’s a whole other level to winter for an

ever-growing contingent of Brits, more interest

in bass than base, as the annual music festivals

and fun-filled weeks for party people in the

Alps are also being announced for 2013.

There’s a narrow time slot of just 3 weeks

from mid-March to early-April 2013 when most

of these events take place, so it’s time to pick

where you want to go.

Each of the major snow and music festivals in

the mountains this winter will have a different

flavour, as well as a different location choice –

you can choose from festivals where the main

thing is the music and no one cares much if you

can stand up on skis, others that showcase the

best skiing and boarding talent there is, and

also have plenty of gigs and parties, and others

that fall somewhere between the two.

You can also choose the type of music you like

– most of the big festivals go for past or present,

but for something a little more hardcore club

sounds wait for April and the Basscamp Festival

in Morzine, or Electric Mountain in Sölden. But

all genres are catered for. If you like jazz, for

example, there’s a festival for you in Avoriaz,

France (Jazz Up, 6–12 April 2013, avoriaz.com),

or for acoustic there’s Zermatt Unplugged

(9–13 April 2013, www.zermatt-unplugged.ch).

For a different style of music festival, the third

Rock the Pistes in the Portes du Soleil, which

straddles 650km of piste between a dozen

resorts on the French-Swiss border, could be for

you. Free open-air daytime gigs are staged, at

venues announced shortly before you need to

ski to them.

You can even do comedy – the Altitude

Festival is established in Mayrhofen, Austria,

and last year saw Frankie Boyle, Jimmy Carr

and Ed Byrne headlining.

What’s New?There are a couple of venue changes from

the big players already announced for next

winter. After a long partnership with the

Swiss resort Laax, The Brits are hitting the

road and heading to Tignes, France, which is

increasingly securing its status as one of the

coolest destinations in the Alps, having already

signed up the massive Winter X Games for

Europe (20–22 March 2013, xgames.tignes.

net/en). The Brits arrive in town the very next

day so you could tag the two together. The

Brits mix up wild party events with big gigs,

and the best British riders competing in official

British national competition.

Also changing venues, after an unsuccessful

attempt to be based in Kopaonik, Serbia’s top

ski area last winter after 3 years in Andorra, is

the Big Snow Festival. It’s heading to the party

town of Sauze d’Oulx, Italy, which looks a

much better bet and is certainly easier to get

to. This is one of the most ”up for it” festivals

of the lot, where music and having fun in the

snow are the priorities, whether you can ski or

board or not (the majority of Big Snow festers

are newbies).

Who’s On?Nobody’s telling us yet, but the announcements

of headliners should be with us shortly.

Snowbombing, the biggest and oldest of the

festivals, which overruns Mayrhofen each

winter, traditionally gets the biggest stars – Fat

Boy Slim, Dizzee Rascal and the Prodigy have

all been on stage recently for them. The world’s

biggest stars – in recent years, Kylie, Elton, Pink,

Rihanna, and many others, turn up at Ischgl

(ischgl.com) for their season starting (in the last

weekend of November) and ending Top of the

Mountain (the last weekend of April) concerts.

Enjoy!

patRick thoRne

Big Snow Festival (17–24 March): www.thebigsnowfestival.com

Altitude (18–23 March): www.altitudefestival.com

The Brits (23–30 March): www.the-brits.com

Rock The Pistes (20–24 March): www.rockthepistes.com

Snowbombing (1–6 April): www.snowbombing.com

Basscamp (2–6 April): www.basscamp-festival.com

Electric Mountain Festival (2–6 April): www.electric-mountain-festival.com

2013 Snow Fests By Date


ben clatwoRthy

The mother of a 13-year-old boy from Milwaukee, who narrowly escaped death after hitting a tree whilst skiing without a helmet, has told local media that she has told her son, "...you're a miracle, and God has a plan for you... even if it's just to get the message out to wear your helmet, even if it's not cool when you're skiing."

The parents of 13-year-old Jacob DeGroot were airlifted from the slopes of Nordic Mountain to a local trauma centre where surgeons told them the odds were not good and that Jacob had to have surgery within 5 minutes to avoid certain death. They removed part of his skull to relieve the swelling of his brain, and Jacob subsequently lost some hearing and has speech issues, but doctors hope to replace the section of his skull they removed in mid-March.

"On ski hills, wearing a helmet can help prevent injury by up to 50%. Those are some overwhelming stats, to keep our kids safe," child safety advocate Lisa Klindt-Simpson told local media.

A dozen piste marker signs, with a combined value of $3600, have been stolen from the slopes of Telluride, Colorado. The signs, including those for the Dynamo and Electra runs, may have been missing for some weeks before anyone realised they’d been stolen.

The local sheriff’s office say that so far they have no idea who might have taken the signs, but they believe that “… most likely a vehicle and a ladder were involved.” Telluride is offering a $500 reward for information leading to the recovery of the signs and the identity of the thieves.

colorado piste signs stolen

Thanks to Bollé your ears and head will never again get cold on the slopes. Bollé have developed the world's first heated helmet, the B-Hot (£180 RRP), which incorporates an exclusively designed Thermic heating system invisibly integrated into the ear pads. Three different heat levels can be individually set, fuelled by a rechargeable lithium battery for up to 6 hours of warmth. Thanks to two front vents and eight holes, the hot and humid air from the head is constantly drawn away to prevent overheating.

A group of eight climbers from the Indo-Tibetan Border Police have become the first Indians to ski down Mt Everest from the Chinese side.The team reached the 8848m-high summit of the world’s highest mountain by taking the more challenging northern ascent route from Tibet. At least 15 attempts to ski down from the Chinese side in the past have failed. The squad also brought back garbage from the peak, which was sent for recycling or disposal to plants in Nepal and China on their return.

Bollé to sell heated helmet

indian police ski down everest

Child’s Survival Is Message From God To Wear Ski Helmets

T H E L I F E, S I N C E 1 8 8 8

©2011 Francis B

OM

PARD, C

hristophe PALLO

T/A

GENCE Z

OOM

bolle.com

Pierre Vaultier - 2010 Snowboard Cross World Champion

B-Style Helmet & Nova Goggle

www.inthesnow.com20

ben clatwoRthy

In an era of ever better safety equipment being available to skiers and boarders, and of more and more challenging jumps and rails in the terrain park, but also with increasingly higher costs from airlines for carrying baggage on your ski trips, Ski Republic is offering body armour rentals to hire for adults and children alike.

Ski Republic (www.ski-republic.com) is offering RXR Protect Body Armour to rent this winter. The body armour features patented Air Shock Absorber (ASA) technology, which in professional testing was shown to absorb nine times more energy than conventional plastic protectors, and ten times more than foam.

The body armour is available in two sizes – child and adult, and two types – Strongflex and Airback (their expert staff will advise which is best for you) – but one price regardless – €5 per day. Ski Republic also offer free helmet hire, and offer two sets of rentals for the price of one.

ski Republic offers body armour Rentals

Retro Rentals in Morzine is a unique new ski outfitter that owns about 250 retro one-piece ski outfits, rented out to people on a day-to-day basis.

“Anyone can enjoy epic retro days up on the slope, in all sorts of amazing, tragic, bright, tight, multi- patterned designs,” says co-owner Kyle Dickson (www.retro-rentals.eu) who says he and joint-owner Rob Purver run the service, “…mainly for the love of the one piece, and for an excuse to put on all out epic 80’s parties!”

Get retro in Morzine

Smartphones (iPhone or Android) can do more in Dolomiti Superski than perhaps any other ski region. New mobile features include a social networking game “SkiBeep”, the Dolomiti Superski App, the augmented reality service DolomitiSuperski.AR, and there’s also the 3D Dolomiti Superski with the Check Performance and Skiplanner features, as well as a mobile internet site. You can download them all for free from the Apple Store and Android Market and you can then use them for free too at Dolomiti Superski’s free WIFI hot spots located at the ski pass offices and lift stations.

St Moritz will host the 2017 Alpine World Ski Championships. It will be the fifth time the famous Swiss resort has hosted the Championships, since first staging them in 1934 and most recently in 2003. The next two Championships will be staged in Schladming, Austria, in February next year (www.schladming2013), and in Beaver Creek/Vail in Colorado in 2015.

hi-tech dolomites

st Moritz to host 2017


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11603 130 x 180mm.indd 1 23/8/11 09:54:29

Car-Free Resort

Similar to other Swiss resorts, such as Zermatt, Saas-Fee is a car-free resort throughout the year. For city dwellers this is a real selling point and helps maintain the resort’s tranquillity. The only noise you hear comes from the hum of electric buggies, owned by many hotels and restaurants in order to transport guests around the resort. There is also a taxi company, and if you’re feeling friendly you could always befriend a local for a lift.

Skiing Galore

With in excess of 145km of groomed slopes, the Saas valley has something special for everyone, from wide, smooth pistes for those looking to put in some fast turns, moguls fields for the more adventurous, and flat pistes for beginners. There are also a variety of ski schools which cater to all abilities and ages. The resort also boasts a number of freestyle parks and jumps for those looking for an adrenaline rush.

Wellness Heaven

The Bielen Leisure Centre has something for all ages with its variety of indoor and outdoor sports facilities. The swimming pools, saunas and whirlpools are a great place to relax and recharge your batteries after a hard day on slopes. The resort also has a number of ‘wellness hotels’ with their own spas and pools.

What A View!

Enjoy a hot chocolate in the revolving restaurant, ‘Metro-Alpin’, on the Mittel-Allalin. The restaurant holds several records; not only is it Switzerland’s highest restaurant, it is also the world's highest revolving restaurant. Just be careful not to leave your helmet and gloves on the side ledge, they’ll be on the other side of the restaurant when you’re done!

Summer Skiing

If you just can’t get enough snow then Saas-Fee offers skiing throughout the summer and autumn. The glacier at 3600m offers around 20km of pistes with three T-bars, as well as a freestyle park. Ski teams from all over the world come to Saas-Fee in preparation for the winter season, including the Swiss and British national squads. Just beware; it’s a long way up to the glacier, two gondolas and then a funicular railway.

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Autumn is here and if you thought you had to wait until December to go skiing you’d be wrong. Half a dozen glacier ski areas will open in September as autumn begins, and by early-November that number is nearly 50, with the first areas opening at northern latitudes, such as Canada (Banff) and Finland (Ruka), and usually at high altitudes, if it’s cold enough, at resorts like Loveland, Arapahoe Basin, and Copper Mountain in Colorado.

Although it’s always a bit of a gamble, some years see great powder skiing

from early autumn for those lucky enough to be on the (fairly empty) slopes, paying low ticket prices and benefitting from low air fares to get there in this quiet season.

Switzerland already has two ski areas open throughout September and they’re among Europe’s highest – Zermatt and Saas-Fee. The latter had a 1.5m base as we went to press, and both are in good shape with terrain parks open on each glacier. Other centres, including Glacier 3000 near Gstaad and Engelberg, are open from October.

Austria usually offers the biggest choice of early autumn glacier skiing. Tux and the Molltal glaciers opened back in the summer (in fact, Tux is always open), and the country’s highest lifts and runs on the Pitztal glacier, as well as those glaciers at Sölden (staging World Cup season-openers on 27–28 October), Stubai, Kitzsteinhorn, Dachstein and Kaunertal all offering autumn skiing and boarding.

Tignes is the only French ski area open right through the autumn, re-opening at the start of October for autumn snowsports, and Les Deux Alpes re-opening for 10 days at the end of October, for 2012–13 gear tests and a festival atmosphere that normally draws thousands.

Elsewhere in Europe, Cervinia, Passo Stelio and Val Senales in Italy, as well as Folgefonn and Galdhoppigen in Norway, may be open subject to conditions.

North AmericaIn North America the continent’s one near-year-round ski area, Timberline on Mt Hood in Oregon, closes for maintenance for most of September. The highest areas in Colorado usually open

thanks to snowmaking (or if they’re very lucky, thanks to early natural snowfalls) in October or November.

Southern HemisphereAutumn is, of course, the ”spring ski season” in the southern hemisphere, and after a shaky start in some places it’s been a good one for most in 2012. Australian resorts have had the best snow cover for eight seasons, with many

areas passing the 2m snow depth mark by early September for the first time since 2004, and reported falls of up to 50cm in 24 hours.

Over in New Zealand there has been more of a roller coaster season, but again

big snowfalls here too, and it’s similar again in Argentina and Chile, with big falls reported by Portillo and Valle Nevado.

Most southern hemisphere areas do close by the middle of October, but Mt Ruapehu in New Zealand has a reputation for going having a longer season, occasionally opening for a white southern hemisphere Christmas, but more often having enough snow to keep the lifts running to ”snow-vember”!

patRick thoRne

The aUTUMn SnoW reporT


get theRight kitSome of the equipment you will need – but not an exhaustive list: skins which stick onto the bottom of your skis to allow you to walk uphill; touring bindings which in walk mode allow your heel to lift up off the ski; avalanche gear if you are off-piste (shovel, probe and transceiver). Plenty of water (it is thirsty work on the way up).

what is ski touRing?Ski touring is using your skis and some specialised equipment to walk up the hill rather than take the ski lift. It is usually used to access terrain where there are no lifts, off-piste or away from the ski area. It is also a great way to get some exercise and fresh snow after the resort has been tracked out.

Jon (aka westy) at altitude

Jon is one of the few instructors in the world to hold the top qualifications from France, Switzerland and Britain. He can teach on- and off-piste skiing throughout the Alps, and as Ski School Director, Jon helps manage the ski and snowboard school, the instructor training Gap programs, the Verbier freeride camps, and also the winter and summer kids camps. www.altitude-verbier.com; +41 277 716006

SKiToUrinGThis month Jon looks at a side of skiing that is not new but is undergoing an explosion in popularity – ski touring.Ski touring is an amazing way to see the mountains in an entirely different way and to get away from the crowds. If you ever wanted to stand on top of a slope of virgin powder with no one else around (and can’t afford heli-skiing) then start touring.

ALL

iMAG

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THOM

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“I have been skiing for 35 years,competitively for 18 years and 10years as a member of the BritishAlpine Ski Team.I retired from competitive skiingafter rupturing my cruciate ligament.Following 9 knee operationsI had been skiing with knee pain forthe last few years, but now I havediscovered the ski~mojo.Quite simply this is the product manypeople have dreamt of; using theski~mojo enables me enjoy skiingthe whole mountain pain free.”Adam Sullivan Former British Alpine

Slalom Champion

The productmany peoplehave

dreamt of

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t: 05603 458846www.ski-mojo.com

”The catered chalet on the edge of the Savoy piste in

Chamonix, opposite the Brevent lift.

www.chamchalet.co.ukwww.chamonixskiout.com

Chamonix Ski In // Ski Out

www.inthesnow.com24

be caRefultake a guideWhen you go touring for the first time it is definitely a good idea to take a fully qualified IFMGA mountain guide, and many people never feel comfortable or experienced enough to go without a guide.

Stay safe, have fun and get out and earn those turns!!

know wheRe you aReIf you are venturing away from the resort without a guide it is important to have a map, and good knowledge of the area. Be aware of the weather forecast. Know what the current avalanche risk is and have sufficient knowledge and training on how to use your avalanche gear; even if you are with a guide (you might need to rescue them).

Over the following 4 issues we willtackle: Powder Skiing / Carving / Bumps /

Instructor Training.PIC

Europe has this year been experiencing a very cold winter, with temperatures as low as –18°C in resort - temperatures similar to those regularly experienced when skiing in North America. It is hugely important to ensure that your kids stay warm both for their safety and their enjoyment . Children lose heat quicker than adults and their energy levels can drop suddenly. If they go from being lively to quiet and more withdrawn, perhaps struggling with a piste you would expect them to be fine on, or if they keep falling over on easy runs, check on how warm they are.

Here are some tips for keeping them (and you) warm:

Small Kids (3–5 year olds) – Often they won’t tell you they

are getting cold until they are very cold. Keep checking to see how warm their hands are. Layering – Several layers of thinner clothing are better than one thick one as they are easier to adjust for temperature changes throughout the day. Don’t wear cotton as once it is damp it loses a lot of its thermal properties. Ski Boots – Make sure they are properly dried out every evening, ideally use boot dryers overnight, alternatively take the inner boots out and place them on a radiator (make sure you put them back in the right boot) or use a hairdryer. Mittens – These are warmer than gloves and inner thermal gloves can be used for added warmth. Again, make sure they

are dried out properly overnight. You can get ones containing a pocket into which you can insert a hand warmer. Hand dryers in the toilets on the mountainside are useful for warming mitts up. Frost Nip – Regularly check for frost nip, small white patches on exposed skin usually on the nose, cheeks or ears. Skiing at speed increases the chance of it happening due to wind chill, ski several short turns to reduce the speed and to keep everyone warm. A neck warmer or face mask can help prevent frost nip, but in any case, keep checking underneath this to be certain. Make sure someone checks you as well. If you do suspect frost nip, move inside and warm up immediately as the next stage is frostbite which will require medical attention.


scott crus’air £640The revamped Crus’Air will ski any terrain and condition in the search for fresh snow and

new challenges, being light enough to skin up and powerful enough to rip back down. A

construction of wood core and 3D carbon matrix keeps the weight low, and provides the

torsional rigidity for strong skiing. The new wider dimensions and increased nose rocker ensure

it has the capacity to deal with any depth of snow.

BlacK diaMond Bandit pacKaGe £229.99A slick package combining a Bandit

Avalung pack, a Quickdraw Super Tour

probe and Deploy 3 shovel. The pack is

lightweight and streamlined, and can

carry all the essentials necessary for the

backcountry. The built-in Avalung allows

the user to breathe fresh air directly from

the snowpack if buried by an avalanche.

Also designed for minimal storage.

Mountain equipMent randonee Glove £59.99The glove of choice for cold weather

ski touring, the Randonee combines

Schoeller dry skin extreme soft

shell fabric that sheds water, with a

Pittards Armortan leather palm and

fourchettes. The lining is quick-drying

and warm.

ortovox 3+ transceiver £259.99This 3+ antenna transceiver is simple

to use and processes information fast.

The circular display clearly guides you

at each stage of a search, promoting

fast recoveries even when faced with

multiple burials. All housed in an

ergonomic, rubberised case in black

or green.

the thrill of backcountry and ski touring is undeniable, but it needs to be balanced with suitable gear, and some good rescue equipment in case of emergencies. here is a taster of some of the many products recommended and tested by the experts at ellis brigham.

scarpa Maestrale (Mens)

Gea (Womens)

£440 The Maestrale and the Gea were new

last season and proved an instant

hit with their lightweight, great fit

and remarkable performance. The

anatomical shape increases comfort

and sensitivity, whilst improving the

power transmission. An Intuition liner

provides the best possible custom fit

and keeps the weight down. The cuff is

also ventilated for drier liners.

www.inthesnow.com26

For more information visit

www.ellis-brigham.com

Ellis Brigham Mountain Sports has 23

shops nationwide; go online to request a

free catalogue featuring the UK’s biggest

range of mountain and snowsports clothing,

equipment and accessories.

scott crus’air £640The revamped Crus’Air will ski any terrain and condition in the search for fresh snow and

new challenges, being light enough to skin up and powerful enough to rip back down. A

construction of wood core and 3D carbon matrix keeps the weight low, and provides the

torsional rigidity for strong skiing. The new wider dimensions and increased nose rocker ensure

it has the capacity to deal with any depth of snow.

MarKer tour f12 £290Marker’s Tour F12 is a lightweight touring binding, which incorporates well thought-out features

with excellent downhill ability. A height adjustable gliding AFD is designed specifically for AT

boots (it will accommodate alpine boots), the twin connecting brackets use a glove-friendly

lever and allow the ski to flex smoothly, and the hollow axle heel focuses energy directly

to the heel of the boot for optimum skiing performance.

dalBello v.i.r.u.s. tour id £475The innovative V.I.R.U.S. Tour ID is packed

with clever features that make it stand out

from the crowd. The Cabrio design uses a

three-piece construction, with a patented

hinging tongue; this improves the glide/

stride range of motion forwards and back,

and also creates a low cuff hinge for a

natural flex when skiing. The polyurethane

shell is responsive and precise, the ID liner

is light and comfortable, and the rockered

sole uses tech inserts and Vibram rubber.

arc’teryx rush JacKet £439.99The newest Arc’teryx WhiteLine jacket

delivers unmatched big mountain

performance combined with a modern

freeride cut. The three-layer GORE-TEX

pro shell fabric delivers the best in

waterproof and breathable protection,

whilst aggressively engineered

construction ensures fantastic freedom

of movement.

arc’teryx saBre pant £299.99Superb relaxed fit ski pants in highly

breathable three-layer GORE-TEX soft

shell fabric, with a brushed inner face

for targeted warmth and moisture

management. There’s also a concealed

Recco reflector, laminated inner gaiters

and watertight zips.

K2 cooMBacK£390The ski of choice for guides and

freeriders who like to earn their powder

turns. 102mm in the waist provides

plenty of floatation, the all-terrain

rocker ensures smooth handling in

all conditions, and the 22m radius

guarantees stability whatever the

snow or speed. Cap construction adds

toughness; a fir and aspen core is

wrapped with a carbon web to keep the

weight down.

in association with


snow chateauxLes Arcs / Le Plagne / Tignes

0800 066 [email protected]

'Voted one of the top 5 places to stay' The Daily Telegraph

Charming ski in / ski out chalets with hot tubs, saunas & games rooms in 3 of the Worlds largest linked ski areas.Special offers - free passes, massage and more

chalet tReiZe etoiles iiVerbier

+44 (0)207 401 [email protected]

Located moments from Place Centrale, this stylish and rustic apartment never fails to impress. It is equipped with state of the art technology including a Mac computer, Sonos music system, Wifi & plasma TV screens in every bedroom. Wonderful luxuries are bountiful in this chalet with a hot tub on the balcony and spa area with sauna & hammam. Guests will receive Ski Verbier’s 5 service with a private chef, host & 24hr driving service.

chalet claReLes Crosets, Portes du Soleil

+44 (0)1258 [email protected]

Large newly built traditional swiss chalet situated in Les Crosets at 1750M, gateway to the Portes du Soliel ski area. Easy access to lifts. Usually able to ski, in ski out. Sleeps 8 in four en suite double rooms, seperate studio sleeps 2. Large open living area with wonderful views. Sauna/Steam room. Garage for three cars. 2 hours from Geneva.

chaM chaletChamonix Mont – Blanc


Catered chalet for upto 8 guests. Truly on the piste, opposite Brevent lift station. A panoramic setting, hot tub with view, but still close enough to walk to the centre of town (5 minutes). Excellent food & wine. Wood burning stove. Owner managed.

chalet 1066Les Gets


With 12 Self Catered Chalets & Apartments and 1 Fully

Catered Chalet all in Les Gets, Chalets1066 also offer

services for self catered accommodation normally associated

with a Catered Chalet, these include: ski pass delivery, ski/

boot fitting in the Chalet, fresh croissants, lifts to ski school,

etc. Additionally, Chalets1066 fully Catered Chalet has highly

experienced staff and assures clients of outstanding food.

hotel alex Zermatt

+41 (0)27 9667070 [email protected] www.hotelalexzermatt.com

4

www.clubchalets.co.ukSearch ski chalet accommodation

Monthlyguide toaccoMModation

5

les chalets de philippeChamonix

+ 33 (0)607 231 726 [email protected]

A cluster of eight chalets with spectacular views of Mont Blanc, located in a quiet corner of Lavancher.Alpine Antique furniture mixed with contemporary features such as flat screen TVs and WIFI access throughout and spa services include hammam, hot tubs, sauna and massage. A chauffeur is also available as well as Michelin-starred food!

The Hotel Alex is perfectly situated in the centre of Zermatt just off on a hidden back street but with the bustle of beautiful Zermatt right on your doorstep. The warm and friendly welcome here is simply hard to beat. Described as having an “extravagant mountain style”, each room has been designed in its own eclectic way, with surprises at every turn. The Alex is famous for a wonderful lounge-cocktail-bar with intimate corners forming an alpine world of art displays and designer fabrics.

www.inthesnow.com28

the clubhouseChamonix – Mont Blanc


The Clubhouse is a boutique chalet-hotel, bar and restaurant which sits inside a magnificent 1920s Art Deco mansion. The building has undergone major refurbishment to create seven ultra modern rooms with accommodation for up to 20 guests. The range of rooms (from the sumptuous Myla Suite to the comfortable bunk rooms) boast his-and-hers, teak-decked, power showers, Frette linen and fat duvets.

the penthouseLa Rosière


A stunning chalet in the Les Eucherts area of La Rosière at 1850m. The Penthouse is a large chalet set over two floors with stunning views down the valley from the beautiful lounge / dining room with six en-suite bedrooms, three are doubles and three twins.

chalet cole RidgeGrimentz


Chalet Cole Ridge is a magnificent premium chalet located in a stunning position directly on the piste and overlooking the historic village of Grimentz in the Val D’Anniviers. Sleeping up to 10 people and with a south-facing sunken Jacuzzi with stunning views overlooking the mountains, this chalet is exceptional.

Mountain heavenMorzine


Chamois D'Or is in a prime location just seconds away from the Nyon cable car & ski slopes. The chalet has an outside hot tub perfect for easing those aching muscles after a long hard days skiing. The chalet sleeps 12 in 6 en-suite bedrooms, there is an additional bunk bedroom with an en-suite shower sleeping a further 2. Each bedroom also has a south facing balcony & stunning views.

4 unofficial

ski-base:chalet de la cloche Val d’Isère

+44 (0)20 3432 8446 [email protected]

Chalet de la Cloche is in the heart of Les Brevieres, Espace Killy, considered to be one of the greatest ski areas in the world.The Ski-Base team have created a wonderful chalet described by ‘Harpers Bazaar’ as a “haven of sensual indulgence”. It is one of Conde Naste Travellers top 10 chalets in the Alps.

the caMbRianAdelboden

+41 (0)33 673 83 [email protected]

Stunning mountain views in every direction, The Cambrian offers the kind of location that desk huggers the world over spend their days dreaming about. Located in the leading resort of Adelboden in the Bernese Oberland, the hotel provides authentic local colour, cosmopolitan comfort and inspiring cuisine backed up by superb service.

4

alpine actionMéribel & La Tania

+44 (0)1273 [email protected]

Specialist in chalet holidays for 18 years, Alpine Action offers superior service, cuisine and wine, at their well-appointed chalets in central and piste locations in Meribel and La Tania. Several chalets have hot-tubs, spa baths or saunas; all have free Wi-fi, SKY/Freeview TV, and DVD. For a superior holiday in this wonderful location, choose Alpine Action.

vitalhotel & Mountain ResidenceObergurgl

+43 (0)52 566 767 [email protected] www.hotel-muehle.at

The four star Vitalhotel and adjacent mountain residence provide a choice of comfortable hotel or spacious self catering. Either way you have full hotel facilities and a door step shuttle to Obergurgl’s slopes, two minutes away.

5

MatteRhoRn focusZermatt

+41 (0)27 966 24 24 [email protected]

Here you can enjoy privacy, outstanding design and a unique stay in 30 individual rooms. Situated in the most fantastic position with unrivalled views of the Matterhorn, the modern, elegant architecture blends in beautifully, elegantly and somewhat obtrusively but perfectly into the mountain around.

5

4 unofficial4 unofficial


12701 in the snow _Fullpage_.indd 1 1/2/12 20:51:33

William Cottrell has recently competed in the Special Olympics GB National Alpine Championships, placing fourth in both the Advanced Slalom and Super-G, as well as placing fifth in the Advanced Giant Slalom. At the 2009 Special Olympics in Boise, Idaho, USA, he won a bronze medal competing in the Intermediate Slalom. Cottrell has Down’s Syndrome and his mother Maureen joined him during this interview.

How do you think you did at the National Championships?Wc > I think I did well. It was very cold, but I managed to complete all the competitions without missing any of the gates, and got good placing in the advanced group.

And this was your first time performing in the advanced group?Wc > Yes it was. I was very happy. I told my dad, mum, sisters, brothers and friends. I was very proud that I got to race in the very best group at the Special Olympics.

How did it feel to get to represent your country at the Special Olympics?Wc > It feels very good. When I was in America, in Boise, the head coach told me he was very proud of me, and we would always hug after I cleared the course. I do it for my loved ones and for my country, and because of that I skied very well.

How has the Special Olympics helped you?Wc > It’s given me a lot of happiness, I can do what I dream to do and it’s been really good, I’ve made friends and learned a lot from professional skiers.

Who did you meet through the Olympics?Wc > I’ve met Graham Bell several times. He came in 2009 during the Special Olympics and coached us. He taught me a lot about skiing. Before the Games we got to meet Sebastian Coe who took us around the Olympic site; in fact, I’ve now met him several times because I’m going to be a volunteer for the Olympics and Paralympics.

You’re at a level where you can easily manage a black run how tough do you find it?Wc > Skiing is a very difficult sport, but I’ve got a personal trainer that helps me with my fitness levels so that I’m prepared, and I also practise every other week at the Bromley ski centre to keep up my fitness and ability levels.

Anything you want to add?Wc > Thanks to all the great people at the Special Olympics, but especially

the coaches, they really are the best coaches in the world. They helped to prepare me for the National Championships, and I’m very grateful for all the hard work they’ve put in.

And you Maureen?Mc > The overwhelming feeling we have is that we are tremendous fans of the whole organisation. It’s tough if you are a person with special needs, and everyday living can be a struggle. The Special Olympics give the athletes something of their own, something special, something to work for and enjoy. Just because you’ve got special needs doesn’t mean you haven’t got ambitions. That’s where the Special Olympics is incredible. It gives these athletes the chance to live their dreams. I’ve never experienced anything like it.

William Cottrell

ben clatwoRthy

www.inthesnow.com30

12701 in the snow _Fullpage_.indd 1 1/2/12 20:51:33

inthesnow monarch issue 1 - september 2012

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