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2012: Will It Be The Best Year For Snow Ever? Patrick Thorne

After a nervous November, winter 2012 is shaping up to be one of the most snow-tastic this century so far, after falls of up to 3m in the Alps during December set Europe up for one of its best ski seasons in years. As we went to press at the start of the month the snow was still dumping down across Europe. Among the big winners were Chamonix in France and Saas-Fee in Switzerland – both with snow depths of more than 3m, also the Paradiski region of Les Arcs and La Plagne in France, which became one of the few resorts in Europe to receive a ”World’s Greatest Snowfall” certificate from snow reporting agency Skiinfo.co.uk, when it reported more than 1.8m of snow in 7 days. “This season has really had the most extraordinary start. In the 10 years that I’ve worked for Paradiski I’ve never known it to begin to snow so late in the season but once it started there was no stopping it” said Ghislaine Volpe from the region, adding “I spent some time in Paradiski when the resort opened on the 17th and the snowfall was phenomenal, it just kept snowing. The result is some of the best skiing conditions I’ve seen at the start of the season for a long time." But it’s not just France; across Europe resorts are reporting great conditions, from huge snowfalls in the Austrian Arlberg to Italy’s Aosta Valley where snow is laying metres deep. Dolomiti Superski had more than 1000km of slopes open for New Year 2012 too. It was an autumn of extremes, with the warmest November in a century for Scandinavia – meaning resorts opened up to a month late, resulting in some events being cancelled and transferred to North America to take advantage

Publisher

Dominic Killinger

of the great November conditions there. In the UK, Scotland got off to a great start to the season with all five resorts opened by midDecember thanks to good early snowfalls, but only after some of the strongest winds ever measured in the UK battered the slopes at up to 170mph, cutting out power and damaging lifts leading to delayed openings. This was followed by the third warmest Christmas on record in the UK sending temperatures up into double figures, thawing much of the snowpack and leading to all five resorts closing. The good news – as we went to press – was that fresh snow was falling and the

On The Spot: Les 3 Vallées InTheSnow’s News Correspondent, Ben Clatworthy, spent the festive period in Les 3 Vallées, the world’s largest ski area,“During November, people were sitting outside in just a t-shirt; resort openings were delayed, including Val Thorens, Europe’s highest resort. However, just over a month later, there’s over 2m of snow at the resort’s summits. Conditions on the slopes are fantastic and fears of a snowless January have certainly been quashed. Let’s just hope the ‘white gold’ keeps on falling.”

ski centres were re-opening. The Pyrenees had the most alarming start to the ski season, with almost no fresh snow fallen by mid-December, and temperatures too warm for the mighty snowmaking arsenals of Andorra to operate. Thankfully that’s all changed too, with snow depths approaching 2m at the big resorts like Baqueria Beret in Spain, and Grandvalira in Andorra, as we went to press. It’s a particularly exciting winter for Grandvalira as it is set to expand its ski area to 205km – the first ski area in

Reporters / Contributors

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PATRICK THORNE

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JON WEST

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more than a few runs, reliant on snowmaking that, on the east coast in particular, it was too warm to operate. Colorado reported the lowest snowpack at Christmas since the 1990s. But, thankfully, there were reports of healthy snowfalls on each side of the continent as we went to press so hopefully the US ski season will get back on track, while in the Alps there should be no repeat of the snowless lower slopes of January last year, and winter 2011–12 will remain epic through to spring.

Editor

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MATT NICHOLSON

the region to pass the 200km of ski runs mark. It’s a mixed picture in North America where the promised return of a La Niña weather system off the Pacific, which brought huge snowfalls to the west of the continent last winter, seemed to start well with good November snowfalls and the International Ski Federation (FIS) moving competitions from snowless Scandinavia to US resorts. But in December the snow stalled, at least in California (the deepest snow at present is in Canada’s Alberta and British Columbia), and resorts which this time last year were digging out from 5m falls were having difficulty opening

ROCKET BASE

www.rocketbase.co.uk News Correspondent

BEN CLATWORTHY

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Well it seems like the ski season has only just started, but here we are in 2012 already, and the first of two Olympic Games this year will take place this month in Austria. Didn’t know there was another Olympics besides the one in London we’ve all been hearing rather a lot about? Well yes, this month Innsbruck hosts its third Olympics (the first city ever to do so) with the Winter Youth Olympics in town. One hundred competitors aged between 14 and 19 years, hailing from 60 countries, will be taking part in more than 60 contests and 15 disciplines – good luck to them all! Let’s hope the snow remains good for the season. As I write this shortly before Christmas it’s looking great across nearly all the skiing world with heavy snow reported from Alaska to Asia (travelling the long way round). North America has had an epic start to the season, with some western Canadian resorts reporting half their average annual snowfall in early December with five months of the season still to go. Europe had a nervous November, leading to media reports of a disastrous winter ahead, but old hands held their nerve and by 10 December a week of heavy snow had brought up to 1.5m (nearly 5ft) of snow to many resorts, transforming them in time for Christmas, let’s hope this has continued while InTheSnow has been at the printers! But to prove that whatever happens on the slopes this winter, another ski season is just around the corner, the UK’s biggest ski holiday company, Crystal Ski, has already launched their preview edition of their ski and snowboarding brochure for NEXT winter – 2012–13. Prices start at £329pp and the first (very) early booking offers have been announced – book before 31 March 2012 and they’re offering 2-for-1 ski/board hire, saving up to £184, at any European or North American resort; or 2-for-1 ski carriage, saving up to £35, to any European resort before 31 March 2012; finally, book before 31 May 2012, and you can save 25% on childcare, saving up to £55, at various resorts. Well I suppose there’s no harm in planning ahead. Let’s hope that whatever happens during 2012, next winter will start as snowy as this one, and we might even see a lifting of the economic gloom that continues to hang over us. You never know.

© 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.

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First Resort Makes Helmets Compulsory For All BEN CLATWORTHY

LA PLAGNE A new high speed six-seater chairlift has replaced the old fixed-grip Verdons Sud chairlift that serves the Champagny to Les Verdons sector above Plagne Centre. The new lift will dramatically improve the travel time from Champagny, and also reduce the bottleneck that often forms around the lift during peak times. BEN CLATWORTHY

SELLA RONDA The Bamby quad chairlift between San Cassiano and La Villa has been upgraded to a new six-person lift, and a new quad chairlift has replaced one of the old two-person chairs from Passo Campolongo to Monte Cherz.

LAAX

The easterly Canadian province of Nova Scotia is the first in Canada, and believed to be the first in the world, to introduce compulsory helmets for everyone using the ski slopes, adults and children, the provincial government has announced. Helmet wearing for children has been a legal requirement, with a small fine for transgressors, in France and Italy for some years,

and more recently was made law in the US state of New Jersey, but has not been enforced on adults anywhere before, except in some cases by individual ski resorts, where staff and people taking ski lessons or using their terrain parks have been required to wear one. The new law will put the onus on skiers and boarders to wear helmets, rather than on the areas to enforce them to do so, and transgressors could face fines of up to CAN$250. Inspectors will be sent

to ski areas to enforce compliance, and the areas will be expected to put up clear warning notices to slope users. The law will come into force in November 2012. Although not a major skiing destination, or well known to the international destination skier market, Nova Scotia has four small to mid-sized ski hills. Nova Scotia’s Health and Wellness Minister Maureen MacDonald says that since 2000, there have been 11 traumatic

A new six-pack chairlift has replaced two old draglifts above the resort of Laax. The new lift serves the Alp Dado sector, with the arrival station above Crap Sogn Gion. Following the installation of this new lift, the resort is also planning new blue runs for the area. Last season capacity was increased on the Laax cable car and also on the gondola out of Flims.

ST MARTIN DE BELLEVILLE InTheSnow has learned that the planned upgrade of the St Martin 2 chairlift from a quad to a sixpack for the 2012–13 season has been postponed. The current chairlift was to be re-installed in one of St Martin’s hamlets, but this is also now on hold. The resort has not confirmed the reason behind the delay.

brain injuries attributed to people skiing or snowboarding without a helmet in Nova Scotia. "It may seem like a small number to many spread over this 11-year period, but when we consider the impacts there's nothing small about it" MacDonald told a press conference. It was also noted that it costs the local health system about $400,000 per year to care for people with a brain injury. Lynn Fenerty, Research Manager at the Neurosurgery Department in the provinces QEII Health Sciences Centre said that "Brain injuries are not like a broken bone that heal within six weeks, but have lifelong consequences for patients' families and communities at large." Local media reports say that about 88% of Nova Scotia skiers already wear helmets, the highest percentage in Canada and probably the world. The issue of helmet wearing legislation hit Canadian and world headlines in March 2009 when the actress Natasha Richardson, wife of actor Liam Neeson and daughter of actor Vanessa Redgrave, died from a head injury sustained following a low-speed fall on a beginner slope, while being taught at the Eastern Canadian resort of Mont Tremblant, Quebec.

Gondola Link Plan Rejected

Work Until 6pm In The UK, Be Skiing The Alps By 8am A new shuttle bus service from Zurich Airport to Engelberg at 11pm at night means that skiers arriving on 27 different evening flights from around Europe can be in the resort soon after midnight, ready to ski after a good night’s sleep. Engelberg-Titlis is the closest snow sure ski resort to Zurich Airport, and now offers the late shuttle transfer each Thursday and Friday

until late April. It takes less than 90 minutes to reach the resort, but those intending to use the service must register to do so at least 48 hours in advance of their arrival via www.engelberg.ch/en/ airport_shuttle. Evening flights from Birmingham, London City, London Heathrow and Manchester all connect with the shuttle.

A request for $5000 (£3100) to run a study into the viability of linking Aspen’s four separate ski areas has been rejected by the famous Colorado resort’s Elected Officials Transportation Committee (EOTC). The plan had been submitted by an Aspen resident, but he was told that he’d need more public support in order for the proposal to be considered seriously. Some councillors supported the proposal saying it would be good for the environment and good for integrating the ski areas at Snowmass, Aspen Highlands, Buttermilk and Aspen itself. However, opponents said that the existing bus service needed further support, sensitive wildlife habitats would be impacted, and a gondola system would not provide big enough transport capacity and might cause problems for customers relying on it if high winds stopped operations.

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Nichollsokyo Wins In T DAVID BLACK

British snowboarder Jamie Nicholls took his rail skills to the streets of Tokyo recently for the first ever Burton Rail Days competition at the Roppongi Hills Arena, with over 3000 people packed around the rail set-up to watch some of the world’s best street snowboarders in action. The rail jam competition kicked off with a total of 17 riders, competing in a 45-minute jam format for eight spots in the knock-out

round. Once the eight best riders made the cut, the action heated up with riders competing in a head-to-head format. Nicholls won the entire event with two superb runs. “When they announced that I won, I honestly couldn’t believe it, especially because there were so many amazing riders there and everyone smashed it” said Nicholls. “The crowd was amazing – let’s just say that I love Japan, Tokyo and everyone there.”

Frank Gardner Elected President The Ski Club of Great Britain has elected the BBC’s award-winning Security Correspondent Frank Gardner as its new President. Frank started skiing as a teenage trainee biathlete with the British Army, and went Nordic skiing across the Arctic Circle in his gap year. When he finally graduated to downhill skiing at the age of 23 years, he enjoyed the opportunity to explore some of the world’s more unusual slopes in Iran, Lebanon and Transylvania. Gardner was awarded the OBE after surviving being shot six times by terrorists at close range when on assignment for the BBC in Saudi Arabia in 2004. After his gunshot injuries Gardner retrained to ski in a sitski, and has

since competed in the BBC Ski Sunday Slalom at Courmayeur, coming – according to him – spectacularly last! “After I was shot I knew there were two things I just couldn’t give up – I had to keep skiing and scuba diving” he said.

More Improvements At Mammoth Visitors to Mammoth in California, which was one of the first Californian ski areas to open in early November having only ended their 2010–11 season in July, can enjoy the fruits of $20m spent on enhancements over the summer. These include the installation of a new Doppelmayr high-speed quad chairlift, providing more air time and less chair time by halving the original ride time. The resort’s Unbound terrain park has newly constructed features, and there’s a new Snow Tube Park just above the village, designed for family fun.

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Adelboden Steps Up Green Efforts New Attractions At Pila In Italy

Patrick Thorne

Adelboden’s lift company (www. adelboden-silleren.ch) is working with an energy management company on various technical innovations to make the ski experience ”greener” on its slopes. Top of the list is public education, and along the sides of the piste from Sillerenbühl to Oey,

guests will find seven information panels on all things environmental. If you study as you ski or board you can then enter a daily competition, based on testing your newly-acquired knowledge, with prizes awarded daily. The lift company is also buying in green power to run its Aebi chairlift, and every guest can make a contribution towards

clean power too, as at the Silleren base station you can use your key card to make a donation of CHF5 towards energy from renewable sources. There has also been investment in a new piste maintenance vehicle. Equipped with the latest engine emission technology (EUROMOT III – Regulation B), the vehicle produces even fewer

particles and environmentally harmful substances as it smooths the slopes. Adelboden is also one of the Swiss resorts that only use clean water and air without chemicals for its snowmaking. “Great care is taken when extracting water from the rivers to ensure the necessary residues remain in the water” said a resort statement.

Main image photographer: Ben Burnett© Athlete: Ally Watson.

Pila in Italy’s Aosta Valley, which British ski racing star Graham Bell recently announced was his favourite resort, has announced that a new family Fun Park is open for children this winter, with brightly coloured rubber mattresses and leapfrogs all designed in fun shapes for snow tubing and sledging. A new magic carpet makes getting back up the slopes easier. In addition, the Aosta Race Academy (www.aostaraceacademy.co.uk) has set up its race camp base in Pila, where it combines race training with educational studies, offering children camps ranging from 2 weeks to the entire winter season.

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Burton European Open 2012 Postponed

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Patrick Thorne

In a sign that all was not well with early snow conditions in the Swiss Alps, Burton Snowboards and LAAX decided in November to postpone the Burton European Open from January to the end of February, a few weeks before massive snowfalls arrived in the Alps.

“Burton and LAAX are committed to providing a very high standard of Slopestyle and Halfpipe snowboarding events. The temperatures at the moment do not allow preparation of a park set-up in time that meets the expectations of organizers and riders. For this reason postponement of the event has been confirmed” said a statement from Burton in mid-November. The Burton European Open is now scheduled to take place from 25 February–3 March 2012.

Scottish Ski Areas Open After Storm

CMY

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All five Scottish ski areas had opened for the season by 17 December 2011, after two had to delay their planned opening when 130mph (209kph) winds hit the mountain tops on the west coast. When the winds subsided staff at Nevis Range were eventually able to access the mountain, where they found that almost every lift and chair had been ”derailed”, and large lengths of the cable had fallen deep into the snowy ground, bringing with it chairs and t-bars. However they managed to open after repairs a week later.

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Freeride World Tour To Stop Off In Norway

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The Freeride World Tour (FWT) is back for its fifth season, and will consist of four main stops kicking off in Chamonix on 21–27 January, widely considered as the mecca of freeriding, with the final taking place in Verbier on the intimidating Bec des Rosses. The best male and female freeride skiers and snowboarders from around the world will be in competition. Many have traditional Alpine ski backgrounds, including representative honours at FIS World Cup and Olympic level, whilst others herald from the snow park/freestyle scene. In 2012, the FWT will have professional

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athletes from over 10 countries. New this year is Norway, with the second stage of the competition in Røldal from 25 February–1 March. Røldal is a resort that “epitomises the true spirit of freeride“ say the organisers, boldly claiming to have the “deepest snow in Europe”. The FWT also returns to Austria’s best kept big mountain secret, Fieberbrunn, from 9–15 March. Freeriding started in the 70s, and the first freeriding competitions took place in the 90s. The first ”Xtreme” took place in Verbier in 1996. It is considered within the freeriding community to be the most prestigious freeride event of all, and is the final of the FWT.

Get Your Teens To The Alps Activity holiday leaders PGL (www.pgl.co.uk; 0844 371 2424) has the answer for non-skiing parents with winter-sports-mad teenagers – a new ski and snowboard holiday to Austria for the February half term. This fully-supervised, 9-day holiday is open to teenagers aged 13–17 years and costs £899, inclusive of travel, accommodation, ski packs, and comprehensive winter sports and travel insurance. Luxury coaches depart Manchester (+£49), Birmingham (+£38), London and Dover (or Folkestone) on 11 February 2012 for overnight travel to Austria, and 6 days of skiing or boarding in the Glemm Valley above Saalbach. Full-board accommodation is at JGH Mitterlengau, a family-run youth centre next to a nursery slope, and well-placed for the Hochalm lift in Hinterglemm. The ski package includes 6 days hire of boots, skis and sticks, a lift pass, and group instruction from qualified instructors, who may be PGL

staff or local English-speaking guides. No youngster is ever left to ski or board alone, but there are plenty of opportunities for exploring the runs and having supervised fun. Teenage-focused après-ski includes excursions for bowling or ice-skating, together with games rooms and DVDs at the accommodation.

Fencing Fest At Nevis Range Steven McKenna For Ski-Scotland

See

Scottish skiing has always relied a good deal on its snow fencing, which holds the snow on the mountain side in strong winds. Workers at Nevis Range ski area have been busy through the summer installing 1200m of fencing, of which 900m is a completely new style of fencing, with horizontal rails as opposed to the more commonly used thin stakes held together by wire netting. This rail type of fencing is much cleaner as there’s no wire used in the construction and, ultimately, it improves the look of the mountain and is in keeping with Nevis Range’s environmental policy.

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ALL PICS: Dolomiti Superski Region

Skiing in the UNESCO Natural World Heritage Dolomites: The Dolomiti Superski area is the world’s largest interconnected ski network with 1200km of slopes and nearly complete snow guarantee; all accessible with one single ski pass!

By Ben Clatworthy www.dolomitisuperski.com

Off-piste: Val Mezdì in Alta Badia is a must for freeride lovers looking for an adrenaline rush.

Events: Swing on the Snow on the Alpe di Siusi/Seiser Alm; the finest Jazz concerts hosted up high on Europe’s biggest mountain pasture. The 7th edition of Swing on Snow will take place from 22–29 January 2012.

Gourmet: Val Gardena and Alta Badia together boast five Michelin stars, and what’s more you can enjoy the stars on the slopes too with “taste for skiing”. Try Michelin-star dishes in 11 of the alpine huts in Alta Badia.

Wellness: Try the new 5 hotel, ‘Alpina Dolomites Gardena Health Lodge and SPA’ in Alpe di Siusi, with its 2000m² of wellness heaven.

Enjoy the Sellaronda literally, “around the Sella”; 26km of perfectly groomed pistes!

And finally, after a long day on the slopes enjoy Italian fashion shopping at Selva/Wolkenstein in the valley of Val Gardena.

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Keep Your Feet Warm This Season The Ziller OC, a classic ladies snow boot with the integrated OC Ice Grip System is an ideal winter companion. Soft durable fabric, front zip opening, side bow and stitching detail combine with a tough winter specific rubber sole unit and a water resistant liner to ensure feet are kept warm and stylish during the colder months. The clever hinged OC Ice Grip System sits recessed in the sole unit so wherever you go you know you have help at hand. At the first sign of hazardous conditions the ice studs can be revealed to help keep you safe and upright on any snowy surface. Find luxury encompassed within whilst feeling secure with every step. Soft durable fabric, water resistant Olantex membrane and Sherpa fleece lining, combined with a tough winter specific rubber sole unit ensures feet are kept warm and stylish during the colder months. Available in Black or Coffee Sizes 36 – 42. RRP £99.95

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Salice Vedi Italiano The Italian spirit runs through the heart of Salice’s core values. They have been creating eyewear on the shore of Lake Como for over 90 years and they always will do. Still owned by the founding family, Anna Salice is firmly at the helm. The products benefit from a combination of forward thinking and modern manufacturing whilst still being heavily influenced by the traditional values that made Salice who they are today. Salice is, synonymous with speed, sport, energy and adrenaline, the design concept for Salice’s goggles has always been a fusion of high technical specification with great looks. The flagship models, Pro and Free perfectly combine Italian flair with practical and useful features that enhance the performance of its own athletes as well as its loyal following of amateur and professional skiers and riders across Europe. Affectionate to their country you will always find the Italian flag running through their collection.

Salice Pro £70 Whether you're hitting the park or staying on the piste the Salice Pro goggles won’t let you down. The mirrored lenses feature a double layer polycarbonate spherical construction providing an increased field of vision and clarity. Protection against misting up is guaranteed by the antifog coating and lens air-inlets, which increase ventilation inside the goggles. The frame profile ensures a great fit when worn with a helmet and also features a double adjustable elastic strap and face gasket lined with velvet. For stockists please visit www.salice.co.uk

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New Rail Packages To The Austrian Tirol

DAVID BLACK

Hundreds of skiers will be able to enjoy two extra days on Austria’s slopes with the launch of new rail-inclusive ski packages to three resorts in the Tirol: Alpbach, Hopfgarten, and Söll. Skiers can travel by Eurostar to Paris, and then take a City Night Line sleeper train to Wörgl station, from where it is a short taxi ride up to the resorts. The packages, offered by ski tour operators such as Skiline, include rail travel at preferential rates, in a joint venture between tour operators and Deutsche Bahn, arranged by ski-rail website snowcarbon.co.uk.

The new rail packages will benefit families in particular: children under 15 years, if accompanied by a parent or grandparent, will pay only €20 each way on the City Night Line, plus their Eurostar fare. “Few skiers realise that Austria can be reached easily by overnight train. The City Night Line isn’t a traditional “ski train” – there’s no disco carriage – but it’s fun, kind of romantic, and comfortable” says Daniel Elkan, Co-Founder of snowcarbon. ”Travelling to the slopes by train creates a fraction of the pollution of flying or driving, and when you arrive at Wörgl station the next morning, you are minutes from the slopes.”

Ex-Lieutenant Holds "Ski BASH" An ex-army lieutenant has set up a new action sports travel company, AdventureBASH, aimed exclusively at young professionals aged from their 20s to early 40s. The company is offering group adventures in different sports, year round, including lively skiing trips based in Morzine, France, throughout winter 2011-12. The idea for AdventureBASH came to then army lieutenant Monty Mavelian when he got his soldiers to make their own fancy dress costumes out in the desert, in an effort to keep up morale in Afghanistan. Designed for the more outgoing traveller, AdventureBASH aims to bring people together for a sociable group experience. The company says it offers, “a more tasteful scene” with all inclusive entertainment such as snow picnics, wine tasting and slope barbeques. “A few years ago, as a small group of friends, we were looking to book a ski holiday that specialised in bringing together young, professional people in their 20's & 30's. We didn't want the hardcore 18 30's scene, but also refused to be stuck in a chalet

with a group of families, kids, 'past it' parents or cocky teenagers! So after endlessly searching and finding nothing we created AdventureBASH,” says Monty, who after initially joining the army in 2002 was recommended to attend the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst and trained at the same time as Prince William. The ski BASH in Morzine is based in luxurious Chalet Amis which has outdoor hot tub, sauna, games room and modern media throughout and costs from £800 per person including transfers, ski guiding, rentals, lift pass, entertainment and chalet board with wine but excluding flights.

Courmayeur Top Choice For Valentines Courmayeur’s patron saint is Saint Valentine, and the famous Italian resort boasts a festival of lovers like no other as the Aostans really know how to party. Fancy dress processions weave through the cobbled streets to the beat of local folk music and bright red heartshaped balloons adorn street corners. Lovers are recommended to book into the Suite Mont Blanc at the Mont Blanc Hotel (www.montblanchotel.it), with its private rooftop Jacuzzi. Prices from €280 per night on a bed and breakfast basis, based on two sharing.

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Apple Uses Ski Resorts As iOS Code Names BEN CLATWORTHY

The association between technology and skiing seems to get ever stronger. Along with the many uses resorts are currently finding for GPS and social networking, and Google’s infamous annual company ski holidays, it has been revealed that Apple has been using North American ski resort names as internal company code for new operating systems. According to a Twitter posting by iOS developer Steve Troughton-Smith, the first version of iOS in 2007 was internally named

Alpine within the company after California’s Alpine Meadows ski area. iOS 2.0 was named after another Californian ski area, Big Bear, and a third, Kirkwood, was used for iOS 3.0. For the first iPad operating system Apple’s developers switched to the east coast resort of Wildcat in New Hampshire, and then went north of the border in Canada for iOS 4.0, named Apex after the British Columbian ski area. The current iOS 5.0 is named after Colorado resort Telluride, and iOS 5.1 is codenamed Hoodoo – an Oregon ski resort.

Double Olympic Gold Medallist Has First Ski Experience Indoors “I’ve never even been on a ski lift before” admitted Dame Kelly Holmes after enjoying her first proper experience on real snow at The Snow Centre (www.thesnowcentre.com) in Hemel Hempstead. Since retiring as a professional athlete, the first British Olympian to win double gold has relished the freedom to have a go at a range of sports, which might previously have interfered with her career on the track. With plans to go skiing this year, Dame Kelly was keen to ensure a level of ”snow confidence” before hitting the slopes, and booked lessons at The Snow Centre to help her feel more relaxed on skis. Unsurprisingly, Holmes proved a natural, and progressed rapidly from the centre’s nursery slopes to taking the button lift to the top of the main 160m slope. Head of Snowsports, Pete Gillespie, said “Kelly’s obvious natural athletic skills combined with her ability to listen and act on instruction made her a delight to teach.”

As a Centre of Excellence The Snow Centre employs 120 qualified instructors providing group or private lessons, including Ski and Snowboard Days for adult beginners, with 6 hours of tuition for £169 – or a course of four 1½ hour lessons for the same price. Equipment (by Head) is included in the cost of lessons, and good quality clothing (by Columbia) is available to hire.

Capes For The Homeless Arc’teryx, the famous outdoor clothing company based in North Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada – one of the most affluent and environmentally-conscious cities in the world – is aiming to offset some of the unkindness of winter through the distribution of all-weather capes to the homeless and disadvantaged. In its 3rd year, the Arc’teryx Birds Nest Project involved volunteers from Arc’teryx staff who donated their time to sew the capes at the company’s Burnaby factory. The 65–70 strong team of volunteers, lead by a core of volunteer in-house professional sewers, gathered on three separate Sundays to produce the GORE-TEX capes. This year’s Birds Nest will see over 700 windproof, waterproof capes distributed at the Harvest Project in North Vancouver, and Harbour Lights in Vancouver.

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Snoop Dogg For Snowbombing

The full line-up for this season’s Snowbombing Festival (www. snowbombing.com) in Mayrhofen, Austria, which takes place 9–14 April 2012, has been unveiled. This year Snoop Dogg and Example will headline, and Fat Boy Slim will throw a street party. Snowbombing is sold as an accommodation and entertainment package, so the event wristband is included in the price of your accommodation. A deposit of £100 is required to secure the package, with a wide variety of accommodation on offer.

Kvitfjell Alpinanleg

Brits First At Norwegian Resort BEN CLATWORTHY

Three Brits have decided to look East rather than West for a country with which to form a “special relationship”, and have opted for the Norwegian ski resort of Kvitfjell. As a reward for their dedication to bringing excellence to the services offered at Kvitfjell, the three were allowed to be the very first on the slopes when the resort opened last month. First in the resort 8 years ago was Englishman Scott Hammond who runs Kvitfjell Ski Shop – a unique concept of retail, rentals and bar allin-one, and who also works in the ski school.

Hammond was joined last season by Scotsman Greig McColm, who also works in Kvitfjell’s ski shops, and by fellow Englishman Morgan Lewis who is in charge of quality control at the resort’s ski school. On the slopes it’s easy to see why the three men fell for Kvitfjell. The centre was host to the men's downhill and Super G contests for the 1994 Lillehammer Winter Olympics. There are also wonderful views of the Gudbrandsdal Valley. But clearly the other ”wonderful views” in Kvitfjell caused all three men to fall for local Gudbrandsdal Valley girls, so they are likely to be staying in the area for a good while longer!

A New 5-Day Music Festival For Morzine Morzine will host a new music 5-day music, ski and snowboard festival this Easter when the Basscamp Festival hits the famous French resort (2–6 April 2012). Acts already on the banging bass-heavy line-up include Thomas Gandey, Benny Page, DJ Switch and Marco del Horno, alongside many others. There’ll also be three on-piste snow sports competitions for pro skiers and snowboarders, and those that aspire to be! Eight hundred tickets are available for Basscamp Festival, and accommodation packages, which will include a 5-day festival wristband, are available from €299. The Festival will finish with a thumping free après-ski street party, with a 1980s fancy dress theme, for festival wristband holders and the rest of the resort too, slap-bang in the centre of Morzine. Five-day festival wristbands are €100, and are available to buy now on the Festival website www.basscamp-festival.com.

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Lake District Ski Club Celebrates 75th Anniversary With New Loo Snow+Rock Open In Scotland

Snow+Rock has opened their first store north of the Scottish border within Frasers Glasgow, a House of Fraser store. The 163m2 concession opened in Frasers Glasgow on 15 December 2011, offering a selection of Snow+Rock products, including adult and kids ski wear and accessories, from brands such as The North Face, Kjus, Peak Performance and Schoffel. “The prestigious ranges surpass offerings from other retailers in the area and will give local customers the opportunity to shop for fashionable skiwear on their doorstep” said a company statement.

Patrick Thorne

One of England’s highest flushing loos has been completed and christened in a mountain ceremony with a difference. Standing at 762m on the flanks of Raise near Helvellyn – the Lake District’s third highest mountain –

this is no bog standard privy. In fact, it has taken 75 years to bring the convenience to one of the most inconvenient locations in the land. But then the water closet’s creator, Lake District Ski Club (www. ldscsnowski.co.uk), thrives on endurance – and challenge. The powder room mission

unleashed a chain reaction among the club’s 240 members, many of whom helped with the project. It comes at the 75th anniversary of skiing on Raise. Carrying much of the equipment by hand – including the septic tank – up a steep fellside was a huge undertaking, according to

committee member Roger Newbold. “Although the ultimate loo with a view had been in our minds for a great many years, the logistics of getting planning permission, putting up a building and organising the plumbing was far from easy. However, it is testimony to the true grit of our members that in 300 hours over 38 working days the seemingly impossible was achieved. I guess this brings a whole new meaning to toilet training and we’re inordinately proud to have pulled off this amazing feat in our anniversary year. We think there is only one higher flushing lavatory and that’s in the Civil Aviation Authority’s radar building on Great Dun Fell, near Penrith.” Leading the project was club stalwart Bernie Warriner, nearing his 80th birthday, who was also responsible for the “Lake District premier ski resort’s” remarkable tow and members’ hut. A commemorative edition of the Club’s anniversary journal is now available to order on the website.

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Have You Ever Eaten Ostrich On A Ski Lift? Les Gets in France is offering the chance to “surprise your loved one”, with a romantic dinner by starlight in the Mont Chery gondola on Valentine’s Day 2012. The lift’s cabins will be decorated to provide a warm, romantic atmosphere, and each course will be served every time you pass through the lift station, enjoying views of the resort at night. The menu will be a starter of Feuillantine of Corsican figatelli with figs and myrtle cream, served with wild nettle panna cotta, peanuts and spices; the main course, a filet of grouper with Indian spices or filet of ostrich served with a creamy brandy and cèpes sauce, accompanied by a marmalade of apple and courgettes, Darphin potatoes and roasted tomatoes; and finally for dessert there’s chocolate and honey fondant served with a rose-scented coulis and mini toffee apple. The dinner lift ride is €50pp with champagne and wine included, book at www.lesgets.com/valentine.

Or you could simply travel with the Swiss Transfer Ticket. MySwitzerland.com A flat-rate return ticket allowing one-day transfers from point of entry to any destination in Switzerland and back. Only available in the UK. And children under 16 travel for free. Contact the Switzerland Travel Centre on MySwitzerland.com/rail or call us on: 020 7420 4937.

BEN CLATWORTHY

Free Ski Fit Sessions

If your boots are fine but your body needs work, Profeet (www.profeet. co.uk) the custom ski boot fitting people, is running free in-store ski fitness sessions every Wednesday at 6.30pm with ski fitness professional Neil Welch. Welch has an MA in Strength and Conditioning Coaching, works at Profeet as a Ski and Run Technician, as well as working with the England junior ski team. Welch says “Skiing is a physically demanding sport and these sessions aim to cover warm-ups, core activation strength, balance and flexibility, all of which result in better skiing”.

Swiss Are Best Say Which?

Buy before you fly! Adult 2nd class £99, 1st class £152. Children under 16 travel for free. Prices are subject to change.

Swiss International Air Lines has been named Best Short Haul Airline by Which?, the product testing and consumer campaigning organisation. SWISS has been rated significantly higher than all the other short-haul airlines, with an impressive customer score of 76%. SWISS offers 35 daily flights to Switzerland from London Heathrow, London City, Birmingham International, Manchester and Dublin. “We are constantly working to maintain high customer satisfaction by enhancing the quality of our products and building new services and routes” said Felix Rodel, UK and Ireland Country Director.

Ice Age Comes To Verbier Verbier’s Cultural Centre is running a special exhibition on the Ice Age movies through to 26 February. The exhibition features exclusive images from the up-coming fourth Ice Age movie, featuring favourites Scrat the squirrel rat, Manny the mammoth, Sid the sloth, and other characters from the movies. The exhibition is open from 1–8pm from Wednesday to Sunday each week in the resort’s Centre Culturel du Hameau – admission is free.

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Children The Challenge Of Any Holiday

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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!

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Michelin Star For Arosa Hotel BEN CLATWORTHY

The Tschuggen Grand Hotel’s La Vetta restaurant, Arosa, Switzerland, has been awarded a Michelin star, thanks to the efforts of Executive Chef Uwe Seegert and his team who use the finest local produce to create what the hotel describes as “an alpine gourmet fairytale.” The ultra luxurious 5 Tschuggen Grand

(www.tschuggen.ch) is one of the most spectacular hotels in Switzerland, with its own private funicular to take guest to the slopes, and one of the best spas in the Swiss Alps – the 5000m2 Tschuggen Bergoase Spa designed by Mario Botta. Powder Byrne (www.powderbyrne.com) is offering three nights B&B at the Tschuggen Grand Hotel from £999pp, based on two adults sharing, the cost includes flights and transfers.

Revelstoke Gets Family Friendly

Revelstoke in British Columbia, Canada, one of North America’s newest destination resorts, now in its 5th season, and holder of the ”biggest liftserved vertical in North America” title, has made big efforts to widen its appeal this winter. Along with a new beginner area, with magic carpet lift and a family tubing area, Revelstoke has some excellent new family facilities indoors too. The new Kids ROC (Revelstoke Outdoors Centre) is a dedicated space for young snow

school participants, which allows for easy drop-off and pick-up for parents, facilitates instructor and student gathering, and provides an entertaining lunchtime space for children enrolled in full-day programmes. There are ”fun play structures”, including a ball pit with cargo netting above, mini climbing wall, giant helicopter, and snow cat TVs, as well as cubbies, tables, and washrooms – all kid-sized. In the evenings, Kids ROC will host après activities on certain nights of the week, including movies, games, tubing, and other themed activity nights. Dinner-included options are available with health, fun, and activity, as the programme focus. Revelstoke has also inaugurated a new mountain childcare facility for children aged 18 months through to 6-years-old, with both daytime and in-room evening services available for visiting guests.

Cresta Run Packages In St Moritz The Kulm Hotel St Moritz (www.kulmhotel-stmoritz. ch) is offering modern-day adrenaline junkies the chance to sample the historic Cresta ice run of St Moritz during its brief opening until 9 February 2012 (excluding Saturdays). The Cresta Run package includes three nights accommodation, a lavish daily breakfast and lunch in the historic Sunny bar, as well as five Cresta rides over 2–3 days, including tuition, equipment, and a 25-minute massage –

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Switzerland: Higher, Sunnier and Snowier BEN CLATWORTHY

Switzerland Tourism (www.MySwitzerland. com/winter) has done a bit of research and discovered that not only is it home to the highest pistes in Europe (at Zermatt), with many above 2000m and even 3000m, magnificently ringed by Switzerland’s signature 4000m peaks (52 of them), it also has more than 450 mountain restaurant terraces on which to enjoy being closer to the sun after a spell on the slopes. “Yes, we counted them” confessed a spokesperson for the country’s national

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Aspiring young ski racers are being offered a new concept in ski race camps this winter at Cairngorm Mountain. The Alpine Training Centre (www.alpinetrainingcentre. com), run by the British Children’s Alpine Ski Team coach Sean Langmuir, is offering camps for talented young skiers during the school holidays, and weekend programmes spanning the winter season. The new Pathway to Podium camps offer young skiers the opportunity to get into competitive ski racing in a safe and controlled environment. The weekend camps cost from £350, and are designed to provide a clear pathway from grassroots to elite level skiing. The camps that are specifically run during school holidays enable children aged between 9 and 13 years to hone their skiing skills whilst continuing full-time education. “We launched Pathway to Podium earlier

Chef’s Cup Back In Alta Badia

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this year in Europe, but after spending many seasons skiing at Cairngorm Mountain, I believed that there was the demand for this type of camp in the Scottish resorts” said Langmuir. “The camps are suitable for children who are already on the racing scene, but equally they are ideal for children who are showing potential and want to start racing competitively.”

Norbert Niederkofler, creator of the Chef’s Cup, and the genius behind the two Michelin-starred St. Hubertus at the 5

Relais & Chateaux Rosa Alpina hotel in Alta Badia in the Italian Dolomites, is again leading the Chef’s Cup, which this winter runs from 22–28 January. During the week, chefs with and without Michelin stars, restaurateurs, wine producers and personalities from the world of sport and culture, defy each other on the Gran Risa ski slopes of La Villa and in the kitchens of the valley’s restaurants. Rosa Alpina (www.rosalpina.it) offers six nights B&B during the “Chef´s Cup 2012” for €1904pp (£1630), based on two adults sharing.

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Result Launch New Inflatable Ski Jacket Result’s new Airdown R166X Jacket (www.resultclothing.com) has been designed to provide ultimate warmth comfort and protection in extreme temperatures. Simply inflate as the temperature drops, and deflate as the temperature rises, enabling you to self-regulate your body temperature and adapt to the change in conditions without adding or removing layers. The R166X AirDown Sphere Inflatable Jacket is a dynamic, highly refined garment, which is pumped full of performance and offers full function flexibility. The highly innovative AirDown inflatable inner, when inflated, is as warm as a 12oz down jacket, and will provide torso protection against temperatures down to –20˚C. Further superior weather beating performance is provided by the waterproof HydraDri outer (8000mm), which also offers breathability (5000g) to keep you warm, but not clammy. The unisex R166X Jacket is available in sizes XS–3XL and has a RRP of £118.95.

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Piste Basher For Nevis Range

Nevis Range has a new PistenBully 300 Polar piste basher. The machine’s blade is significantly larger than any of the existing groomers, enabling it to quickly shift hundreds of tonnes of snow around the pistes, making it particularly useful for building jumps and shifting snow in the summit terrain park. It’s also got a flex-tiller, which will leave a cleaner and much better prepared piste than before.

The North Face Safety Campaign Skiwear manufacturer The North Face has launched a new panEuropean online snow safety campaign called Know Boundaries. The website (snowsafety. thenorthface.com) provides snow safety information aimed primarily at skiers and boarders. Each segment introduces key concepts, such as snowpack layering, how to recognise an avalanche terrain, signs of unstable snow, and safe travel techniques. Each chapter features videos and tips from The North Face Global Team snow sports athletes, such as Xavier De La Rue, along with certified mountain guides.

Grandvalira Gets Bigger

T H E L I F E, S I N C E 1 8 8 8 Pierre Vaultier - 2010 Snowboard Cross World Champion

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Andorra’s Grandvalira ski area has opened five new pistes this winter, extending its runs by 12km, from 193km to 205km, making the resort the first in the Pyrenees to offer more than 200km of runs. More than half of Grandvalira’s slopes have snowmaking cover (124km). This winter the resort celebrates two historical sporting landmarks, in the form of the Alpine Skiing World Cup (above Soldeu) and the Flying Kilometre Speed Skiing World Cup (at its Grau Roig sector).

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It’s All Happening in Italy’s Aosta Valley Patrick Thorne

Located between the highest peaks in Europe, namely Mont Blanc (4810m), the Matterhorn (4478m), Monte Rosa (4634m) and Gran Paradiso (4061m), much of Italy’s Aosta Valley remains for many an undiscovered gem, apart from those world-famous ski resorts, such as Courmayeur and Cervinia. Yet aside from these well-known destinations, you’ll find deep snow, big vertical, traditional mountain communities, with cuttingedge ski lifts, all at better value than you can expect at some of the familiar resorts nearby. And this winter there are new developments to make the Aosta Valley better still.

Ski The World Challenge Specialist ski travel agency Ski Solutions is working with Make-A-Wish UK in a bid to raise £40,000 this winter, to help grant magical wishes to children. You

can be part of this by joining the inaugural Ski the World Challenge, which will take place in the Aosta Valley from Friday 30 March–Sunday 1 April 2012. The aim of the challenge is to ski, as one of a pair of skiers, the height of the largest peak in each continent across a weekend – that’s 43,314 vertical metres over 3 days. Equipped with a G Trek Satellite Tracking System and a sense of adventure, participants will head out to the mountains for 3 days of skiing in the beautiful resort of Courmayeur. Each pair will check in daily to monitor their progress throughout the contest. To take part in this challenge, in which former five times Olympic skier and TV presenter Graham Bell will also be taking part, participants pay a registration fee of £200 and promise to raise the minimum sponsorship of at least £1300. In exchange they receive Heathrow flights, transfers, full board, insurance, lift pass and rentals for the trip. If you can’t make it to Courmayeur that weekend, Ski Solutions (www.skisolutions.com; 020 7471

7700) has a huge range of tailor-made packages available there all season.

Short Break Superstar The Aosta Valley is the closest region of Italy to the UK, and less than 2 hours drive from Turin, Milan and Geneva airports. Add in the good value, for which it’s famous, and the area is an ideal base for easy, affordable short breaks. It’s easy to organise a short break yourself, but companies like Ski 2 (www.ski-2.com) do all the

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Aosta Valley Stats + Links Piste: 800km+ Lifts: 160+ Aosta Valley: www.aosta-valley.co.uk Aosta Valley Social Networking Site: www.iloveaosta.co.uk The Aosta Race Academy: www.aostaraceacademy.co.uk Cervinia: www.cervinia.it Courmayeur: www.courmayeur-montblanc.com La Thuile: www.lathuile.net Monterosa Ski Area: www.monterosa-ski.com Pila: ww.pila.it Pre-St-Didier Spa: www.termedipre.it Ski The World Challenge: www.skisolutions.com/pages/ski-the-world-challenge

hard work and avoid any pitfalls by offering ski and boarding weekend packages. Many tour operators want you to travel out on a Friday and stay for a set number of nights in a resort, but Ski 2 offer the flexibility of travelling on any day of the week (weekend or not!), arriving at any time of day or night, and staying for as long as you wish (subject, of course, to hotel availability). “As our lives become increasingly hectic, our Ski 2 weekend breaks have proven to be a stress-free haven for our clients. Their popularity has increased dramatically over the last few years as new clients learn of the benefits of our travel and returning clients take advantage of our hassle-free, high level of service” said a company statement.

Aosta Race Academy If your children are budding ski racing stars, there’s now a chance for them to really hone their skills by signing up for the new Aosta Race Academy, run

by Impulse Racing, which offers training and racing throughout the winter. “Last season, we ran training and race camps for 17 weeks of the season between November and the British Championships in Méribel in April” said a company statement. “With this level of programme, we believed it was time to establish a base in the Alps and introduce an education element to compliment and build on our successful skiing programme. After careful consideration of a number of resorts/areas, the Aosta Valley in Italy stood out, with training, for the main part, in Pila, and accommodation in, or close to, Aosta town.” Impulse Racing chose Aosta because of its easy access to the slopes, easy access to Pila from three nearby airports, and easy access from Pila to other races venues (Welsh, English, etc.) in the Alps. Aosta Race Academy has secured apartment accommodation just outside of Aosta, with facilities for ski maintenance, internet access and fitness facilities close by. It runs a flexible programme, with

a typical day involving training on the hill in the morning, lunch, education then fitness, with days off scheduled into each week for recuperation. Camps are available from 2 weeks to the entire winter season.

Pay Less, Ski More The Valle d'Aosta Ski pass offers skiers access to all the ski areas in the Valley, as well as to La Rosière in France, Zermatt in Switzerland and Alagna Valsesia in Italy. You’ll actually pay less to ski into Zermatt from Italy than if you buy your ticket in Zermatt itself! The pass offers skiers complete freedom to choose to ski according to their ability, quality of snow and weather conditions on any given day. You can bypass any lift ticket queues by buying online at www.skivallee.it; ordering via SMS at www. bemoov.it; or just purchasing them at your hotel. Alternatively, for the ladies only, on Wednesdays you can pay just €25 for a day ski pass in any of Aosta

Valley’s ski resorts, and later sooth your aching limbs in the thermal waters of the Pre-St-Didier spa for €25 after 4pm.

Get Social The Aosta Valley is all about community, good friends and good times, so it is an obvious fit with the current trend of ”social networking”. With this in mind, the new www.iloveaosta.co.uk website is a one-stop shop to discuss all things Aosta with fellow fans and enthusiasts; you can exchange views, pick up tips and news, and generally get in the spirit of the region before you visit, or reimmerse yourself after your return to help deal with the inevitable separation anxiety! There are posts, tweets, news, videos and pictures – plenty to satisfy your every Aosta Valley need.

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SNOW PLANNER IN ASSOCIATION WITH

FEB

Fireworks Festival Courchevel

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SFR Freeride Competition Tignes

Olympic Celebration Val d’Isère

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Ice Climbing World Cup La Plagne

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BMW Polo Masters Courchevel

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Winter X Games Tignes

Méribel Live Méribel

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Ice Trophy Tignes

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Freeride World Tour Finals Verbier

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JANUARY 2012

Rock The Pistes Portes Du Soleil

Please check event timings on company websites. Subject to change.

VAT Increase On French Lift Tickets

Following the trend around Europe, the French Government has decided to make skiers pay for its increasing debt mountain, and has recently increased the VAT on lift passes from 5.5% to 7% as from 1 January 2012.

Award-winning tour operator Peak Retreats (www.peakretreats. com) told its clients that it has, however, decided to hold all its lift pass prices despite the increase. The company currently has a wide range of offers including

seven nights self-catering in the residence Les Flocons d’Argent in Aussois, located in the Savoie region at the foot of the Alps with an indoor pool, for £194 per adult and £176 per child (under 11 years) including a 6-day Aussois lift pass.

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Goodbye Cold Corners. Hello Hot. BEN CLATWORTHY

Dyson, famous for their vacuum cleaners and hand dryer have moved into the world of heating and developed a fan heater, ideal for use in chalets. Conventional heaters have limited settings; like a watched pot that never boils, they can’t always heat a whole room quickly, and central heating is sometimes wasted on the whole house. Engineered to heat the room, Dyson Hot fan heater rapidly warms the room evenly. Chalets are renowned for dramatic changes in temperature, from when a guest leaves a window open to those late-night parties well past when the central heating switched off. But the Dyson Hot looks to put an end to this, “Other fan heaters rely on inefficient motors or dust friendly grills. As the heat rises you’re left with a partially heated room and a worrying burning smell. Dyson engineers have developed a heater that produces no smell and heats the whole room” says Founder and Designer James Dyson. InTheSnow’s News Correspondent Ben Clatworthy spent the festive season as a chalet guest in St Martin de Belleville, France, and took a Dyson Hot with him on his travels. “Turning up with my own heater did raise a few eyebrows, but my new gadget came into its own within minutes of arriving, having just left the door open for an age bringing luggage in from the car. Dyson Hot fan heater can be set between 1°C and 37°C. When it hits the desired temperature, it monitors the room temperature by measuring the surrounding air. If a drop is detected, the heater turns back on to maintain

the set temperature. This was a key feature as it meant we weren’t sat at supper sweating, and it didn’t need constant attention or altering to keep the room at a steady temperature. More than anything the sleek design didn’t look out of place in the modern chalet I was staying in, and the quietness of the product was certainly a benefit.” For full stockists see www.dyson.co.uk.

Ice Carving and Snow Kiting In Italy’s Cortina d'Ampezzo

January sees a number of major events in Italy’s Cortina d'Ampezzo (www.cortina. dolomiti.org). In the town, some of Europe's top ice sculptors will be transforming massive blocks of ice into works of art. The International Festival of Snow Sculpture has become one of the leading events of its kind in the world, and

sculptors will be competing for the top prize. Their amazing creations will be on display along the Corso Italia, turning this already picturesque town into a stunning outdoor winter art gallery. The competition will run from 19–22 January. Up on the mountain one of the most eye-catching and fascinating contests of the winter will take place in

the shape of the 5th annual Cortina Snowkite Contest. The resort rates this as one of the most exciting events of the winter, and it offers a great opportunity to see in thrilling, swooping action some of Europe's leading exponents of this enthralling, and still fairly new, sport. The contest, from 26–29 January, takes place on the slopes of Passo Giau. In addition, on 22 January, many of the major winter resorts will unite for a day dedicated to children and families – with safety the theme and involving avalanche rescue dogs. A special day on the snow with the slogan ”Explore, Enjoy, Experience” will be organised to emphasise safety in the mountains.

TRACKER HELMET | DANA GOGGLE | FIX GOGGLE JADE HELMET | SOFT FLEX CRX BACK PROTECTOR X-ACTIVE BACK PROTECTOR | ANTI HELMET

scott-sports.com © SCOTT SPORTS SA 2011 © SCOTT SPORTS SA 2011

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Skiing and Wine In Samoëns BEN CLATWORTHY

ABSOLUTE

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Absolutely the best catered chalet holidays in the French Alps. ES 201 1-12

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After the success of the first event in 2011, Samoëns is holding its second Winegrowers’ Week from 14–21 January. With the snow-covered slopes of the Grand Massif as a backdrop, guests can experience the ancient culture of the traditional village of Samoëns, along with tasting some of the best food and wines the region has to offer. The programme includes new wines, food workshops and gastronomic evenings. Skiing will be at leisure, but guests can go out for a full day with a guide to explore the ski areas of Samoëns, Morillon, Les Carroz and Flaine. “The aim of Winegrowers’ Week is to introduce

people to the world of wine so that food lovers, whether beginners or not, can understand the bouquets, flavours and subtleties of wine, and learn about the best combinations of food and wine, all in a convivial atmosphere where they can chat with enthusiastic producers in the unspoilt surroundings of our mountain village” says Jean-Claude Balbarbe, wine merchant at La Feuille de Vigne Savoyarde and volunteer for Winegrowers’ Week. Peak Retreats (www.peakretreats.co.uk/ samoens; 0844 576 0123) is offering packages combining the Winegrowers’ Week with accommodation in the 4 luxury self-catering residence Le Reine des Pres, with pool, sauna, steam room and Jacuzzi, from £681pp.

ALSO FANTASTIC HOLIDAYS IN ANDORRA AND NORWAY

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New Device To Revolutionise The Performance Of Skiers Worldwide A Lancashire-based firm has launched a new training device designed to show skiers how to find their “sweetspot” resulting in better balance, smoother turns and a more professional style, the company say. The SkiA Sweetspot Trainer consists of specially designed balance blocks that clip to the underneath of a skier’s boot to line-up exactly with the location of the “sweetspot”, helping to improve balance and coordination. “By wearing the trainer, skiers can practise on the balance blocks away from the slopes so

that when they hit the snow, their balance and coordination on the sweetspot is dramatically improved” says a company statement. Martin Breach who invented the device explains, “Using the sweetspot is the bestkept secret in skiing. Many skiers are unaware of its importance and may mistakenly believe that it is found under the ball of the foot, or even under the toes. In fact, it is right in the centre of the foot. The Sweetspot Trainer is priced at £45 per pair from www.skia.com and independent ski retailers.

Base Layers For Kids Odlo (www.odlo.com) has launched a range of technical base layers designed to keep kids warm on and off the slopes. The Evolution Warm range is perfectly shaped for children, is soft on the inside, and offers warmth insulation as well as moisture transportation. The shape and highly elasticised material used for the Evolution Warm collection ensures that kids have freedom of movement and optimum comfort, whatever activity they’re doing. Products in the collection have permanent odour prevention and antibacterial elements, thanks to Odlo’s specialist “effect“ fibre, which has silver ions in the material. The Evolution Warm pants and crew neck top are available in black and phlox pink and are both RRP £35.00. The crew neck top and bottoms from the Warm Kids collection are available in a variety of colours, each priced at RRP £20.00.

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Ski Off f o o R e Th In Levi BEN CLATWORTHY

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Leading tour operator Thomson (www.thomsonski. co.uk) is the latest to launch its new ski brochure for the 2012–13 winter season. “While customers are certainly savvier and more aware of the different types of getaways available to them, quality holidays, which offer peace of mind, great value and exemplary service are still very much in demand” said a statement from the company. Early booking offers include a 2-for-1 ski/board hire offer – saving up to £154 for bookings before 31 March 2012, or 2-for-1 ski carriage –

Thomson Launch 2012–13 Brochure

Skiing off the roof of your apartment block is rarely recommended, but that’s exactly what the designers of a spectacular new apartment complex, planned for the Arctic resort of Levi, expect their guests to do. The Danish-based architectural firm BIG won a contest to design a new 47,000m2 resort and recreational area development at the leading Finnish resort of Levi. BIG’s winning design will see a series of buildings that radiate out from a central square, and whose ends touch the ground to create four freestanding buildings, each providing access to the roof and allowing the skiers to descend from the resort’s rooftop downhill in any direction. “The soft curves of the undulating roofs of the four buildings create a visual continuity of the natural landscape while lending the whole village the unique character of a ski slope skyline that creates an inhabited mountain top” said a BIG statement. The idea was that the location of the development meant that skiers and boarders faced a pole push or trudge through the snow to reach the slopes, but by ”raising the height of the summit” with the apartment complex, skiers and boarders will have the momentum

to keep on sliding onto the main slopes. The future Ski Village, on which work is due to begin in 2013, is being developed by Finland-based company, Kassiopeia Finland Oy. The company already owns and operates Hotel Levi Panorama, Levi Summit Congress Center and Hotel K5 Levi, and has interests in developing the exquisite Koutalaki area. “BIG’s visionary approach of combining unique types of accommodation and amenities along with the leisure activities offered at the resort, left the jury in awe. BIG’s ambitious plan challenges traditional thinking and we believe that the collaboration between Kassiopeia Finland and BIG-Bjarke Ingels Group will rise to the occasion” said the Kassiopeia jury. BIG had already hit the ski world headlines, with their design for a giant new power plant near Copenhagen, which incorporates a dry ski slope in its outer shell. ”The Koutalaki Ski Village is conceived as an extension of both the summit and the resort. Grown from the natural topography rather than dropped from the sky – the architecture extends the organic forms of natural landscape creating an inhabitable as well as skiable manmade mountain. As a result, our design for the Koutalaki Ski Village creates a new hybrid integrating distinct identities such as village and resort, shelter and openness, cozy intimacy and natural majesty, unique character and careful continuity – or simply – architecture and landscape” said Bjarke Ingels, Founder and Partner, BIG.

Backdoor access to main resorts Quality Self-catering sleeping 2-18 Self-drive / accommodation only Charming traditional resorts Ski Packs at great prices Resorts include: Samöens for Flaine, Les Gets for Avoriaz, Vaujany for Alpe d’Huez, Peisey for Les Arcs, St Martin de Belleville for Méribel & La Tania for Courchevel

saving up to £35 on all charter flights when booked by the same date. Families booking before 31 May 2012 will receive 25% off all-day childcare, worth up to £55 for the duration

of your ski holiday. The offer is valid for Pepi Penguin and Whizz Kids clubs, for children aged between 6 months and 11 years, in selected accommodation in selected resorts.

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Marmot Basin Opens Canada’s Biggest Ski Lift Development Marmot Basin Chairman John Day has officially opened the Jasper, Alberta, Canadian ski resort’s newest chairlifts, the CAN$6m Paradise high-speed quad chair, and the School House triple chair. “These two new lifts constitute the largest ski lift development in Canada this year, and their opening is a big story not only for Marmot Basin and Jasper, but also for Alberta tourism. Skiers are now enjoying about 24 percent more time on our slopes and are thrilled with the changes we have made” said Day. The new lifts have improved the Marmot Basin (www.skimarmot.com) experience, which will run to 6 May this season, in several ways. The Paradise chair is 70% longer than the old chair and almost twice as fast, with a ride time of under 5 minutes – making it easier to access the top of the hill more quickly and comfortably. The School House chair will service novice runs and vastly improve the learning experience for new skiers and boarders.

BEN CLATWORTHY

Swindon Centre Moves Forward

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Skis Have Improved in the Last Few Years Isn’t it About Time You Upgraded Yours? A year after Swindon Council said it was looking for tenders to take over operation of its Oasis complex, to be used either as an ice centre or snow slope, requiring refurbishment of the current structure or demolition of the existing building and a new construction, councillors say the project is still on track and they hope a planning application will be made in early 2012. Three preferred bidders have been identified, and the council have reportedly decided that an indoor snow slope is the preferred option.

Snowy Start To Quebec’s 2012 Mont-Sainte-Anne in Quebec, Canada, has started 2012 buried in snow after a challenging autumn. Over the last week of 2011, 50cm of fresh snow was received, and the resort expanded its skiable terrain to 53 trails, which is more than 80% of the entire terrain. “No need to say that skiing and snowboarding fanatics have rushed to the mountain to get – according to many – the best snow conditions in the province! There is no doubt that the Quebec City area ranks first this season for natural snowfall” said resort spokesperson, Lisa Marie Lacasse.

Free Yoga For Skiers At Aspen This winter the iconic Sundeck restaurant at the peak of Aspen Mountain is offering two unique experiences: ”Yoga for Skiers” and ”First Tracks Breakfast”. The former enables skiers to take part in free hour-long yoga classes at the Sundeck on Sundays, Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9.30am. The latter enables guests to ride the Ajax gondola at 8.15am (45 minutes before the general public) to enjoy breakfast at the Sundeck before bagging first tracks. Tickets cost $25 (£16), including breakfast, and must be purchased the previous day.

The most comprehensive range of skis and boots in the UK. Custom boot fitting specialists. RACE | RECREATIONAL | FREERIDE | FREESTYLE 45 Years of advice and expertise with a reputation that’s stood the test of time! Helping you ski better everyday! Ski Bartlett, Uxbridge Road, Hillingdon, West London, UB10 0NP | T: 020 8848 0040 | E: info@skibartlett.com www.SkiBartlett.com

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01 BOLLÉ B-STYLE HELMET SOFT RED GRAFFITI RRP £67 This adjustable helmet offers more than great styling, it benefits from an inmold shell to reduce weight and features vents to help manage air flow. The ear pads and hypoallergenic padded liner are both fully removable so they can be washed. The B-style also comes with an adjustable, padded chin strap with quick release buckle along with goggle retainer clips. It is ASTM/CE approved and supplied with a storage/travel bag.

02 BOLLÉ NOVA GOGGLE BLACK & WHITE / VERMILLION GUN RRP £52 The lightweight Nova features a vermillion gun lens; the rose coloured base highlights the contours of the snow whilst its silver coating reflects distracting light. The antifog double lenses and Flow-Tech® frame venting along with the anti fog/anti scratch treatment keep your view crystal clear at all times. The Nova also benefits from double layer face foam for extra comfort. All Bollé goggles are helmet compatible and provide 100% UV protection.

03 BOLLÉ PYTHON SUNGLASSES WHITE / POLARISED FIRE RED RRP £98 The Python is extremely strong, yet lightweight and flexible so perfect for any sport. The Thermogrip® nose pads and temple tip inserts with moisture absorbing properties provide a solid yet soft fit at all times. The optically superior polycarbonate lenses are made from lightweight, premium grade resin that’s 20 times more impact-resistant than glass – and three times lighter. Polarised grey lenses with a fire red mirror finish eliminate glare on extra bright days and also provide 100% UV protection.

Stockist enquiries: 020 8391 4700 / www.bolle.com

Awesome slopes. Woodland runs. Open bowls. France. Oui!

A charming resort, (1200 – 2830m), linking four fabulous villages between Briançon and the Col du Lautaret, southern Alps. Over 250km of snow-sure, tree-lined slopes for skiers and boarders. Great snow and sunshine record. Family incentives: free passes for under 6’s. Easy access: Turin, Grenoble, Lyon and direct rail to Briançon.

Visit Les Grands Bains du Monêtier – the perfect experience of pools, relaxation, health and beauty, with spa and wellness facilities

Accreditations: Agence Zoom

7 nights 6-day s/c inc. lift pass , 09 pp from £2 tes. d da selecte

Serre Chevalier Vallée Tourist Office 0033 (0)4 92 24 98 80 www.serre-chevalier.com

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Niseko Tourist Office www.nisekotourism.com British Airways flies daily to and from Tokyo Haneda using the Boeing 777 in a three class configuration, Club World, World Traveller Plus and World Traveller. British Airways (www.ba.com) is a member of â€œOne Worldâ€?. The Roving Ambassador (www. tourismcorp.co.za), based in Cape Town, New York and London, and YTL Hotels (www.ytlhotels.com) offer holidays to Niseko Village.

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Duncan Worrell

Our British Airways flight from Tokyo Haneda airport touched down gently at Heathrow’s Terminal 5. The next day, one of the largest earthquakes ever recorded spawned a tsunami that smashed into the eastern coast of Japan, killing more than 18,000 people and making hundreds of thousands homeless. Mother Nature at her absolute cruellest.

地理 Geography Japan’s northernmost island, Hokkaido, makes up a fifth of Japan’s land area. Freezing Siberian winds track across the Sea of Japan, sucking up moisture and dumping it on Mount Niseko-Annupuri, about 129km west of Sapporo. This conical, but nonvolcanic summit peaks at just 1308m, whilst the resort nestles at 260m. Compare that with 3456m and 2100m for Tignes, France. But from January, it usually snows here for 6 weeks non-stop, and Niseko can boast consistent annual snow depth figures of between 10m and 16m, numbers that only Mount Baker in the US can match and Tignes does not. With low temperatures and low humidity, Niseko’s powder snow is so light and dry it offers no resistance.

歴史 History The Austrians introduced the Japanese to skiing some 80 years ago. During the economic boom of the 1980s, the government offered tax incentives for domestic leisure activities, and suddenly the country had approaching 800 ski resorts. Although 1998 saw the Winter Olympics in Nagano, the sector was in decline, lift systems became obsolete and resorts were abandoned. In the late 80s and 90s, snowboarders had to pass a proficiency test at some resorts, now some studies show that 80% of Japanese slope users snowboard.

再発見 Rediscovered Throughout the 20th century Japanese skiing and boarding was little known outside the country, but over the past decade, first the Aussies and more recently the Brits, along with powder fans from every nation, have rediscovered skiing in Japan. For the Australians it’s closer than North America and without the jet lag as the time zones are almost identical, just different hemispheres, so Japan’s powder has become impossible to ignore. And whilst the Japanese economy remains fairly lifeless, the rapid growth in neighbouring China has seen huge investments by the Chinese in Japan’s resorts, which are now developing rapidly and catching up with the rest of the world in terms of facilities.

ニセコ Niseko We stayed at The Green Leaf Hotel (www. thegreenleafhotel.com), with its traditional onsen (single-sex kit-off hot springs), fine restaurant and well appointed rooms. We had guided tours and bamboo tapping back massages. We dined in a private dining room at the nearby Niseko Hilton, and had gold leaf sprinkled on our shiitake mushrooms. That was all rather nice, but I’d have happily slept under a stone for what was outside the hotel’s doors. Read this bit slowly … the slopes are simply beautiful. The white birch trees and powder-laden tree runs are unique, and have to be some of the most exciting in the world. Snowboarding through the trees at night is exhilarating. The season runs from late November to early May at Niseko Village Resort (www.niseko-village.com/ en). The best time to visit is January, between our New Year and the Chinese New Year, so you can enjoy practically empty slopes. During January/February most days are powder days. We don’t mean those first-track “powder days” you tell your mates about. We mean the waist-deep powder days you see in ski and snowboard films

with the beardy bloke playing peek-a-boo with the cameraman, and almost certainly in slow-mo. We didn’t see any rocks in Niseko. None at all.

ゲレンデ外の Off-Piste Niseko is unusual for Japan in that it has lots of off-piste within bounds (and off-piste outof-bounds is mostly illegal in Japan, so Niseko has most of what you can do, legally). Short hikes at low altitude lead to backcountry gates, which grant access to extensive off-piste areas. However, much of the hill is considered too extreme by this naturally conservative nation and ducking the ropes is not tolerated. Things are changing slowly. Niseko is the only resort in Japan using dynamite for avalanche control, and they run an avalanche education program that sees people venture further off-piste with an experienced guide. Access to the backcountry and those extreme areas is set to expand as restrictions are gradually relaxed. You will certainly feel foreign in Japan, but the Japanese are a wonderfully welcoming people who pride themselves in not inconveniencing their guests. Japanese students learn written English at school, but few will speak it, so learn a few polite Japanese phrases before you go. The local dining is awesome; from fresh sushi to steaming ramen noodles, traditional sake to chilled Sapporo beer. Whilst we experienced the high life, you can visit Japan on a less extravagant budget. Niseko Village Resort is developing a new residential area called Hinode Hill (www.hinodehill. com), comprising 125 fully furnished ski in/ out apartments. All this will make it easier for Europeans to visit. The Japanese certainly want you to come, especially in the literal wake of the recent tsunami. Simply put, Japan guarantees some of the best powder skiing and snowboarding in the world, in one of the most beautiful places on Earth. Mother Nature at her very best.

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Most Terrain In North America Whistler Blackcomb is the largest resort in North America with 3307 hectares of skiable terrain – offering visitors an opportunity to experience more than 200 marked runs, 16 alpine bowls, and three glaciers. Last season, a record-breaking 15.5m of snow fell on the slopes, and this winter already boasts a base of 1.8m, with a cumulative snowfall of 4.6m since opening day. A promising start to what is shaping up to be another amazing La Niña season.

BY BEN CLATWORTHY

REASONS TO VISIT Whistler

Olympic Legacy Experiences This season, visitors have a variety of Olympic legacy experiences to explore. The Whistler Sliding Centre is offering bobsleigh ride and skeleton slide programmes for the public. Reaching speeds of more than 135km/h, adrenaline junkies are sure to get their fix. Try out your marksmanship at Whistler Olympic Park with the Biathlon Experience, and head to Whistler Olympic Plaza to strap on your skates at the ice rink or watch a concert at the world-class entertainment site.

Après Scene Whistler is renowned for its après scene, whether it's enjoying a pint on a sunny patio along the Village Stroll or sipping sake in a washitsu room. The après options range from the refined to the raucous – fine dining using regionally-sourced ingredients, the infamous shot-ski (think old wooden ski affixed with four shot glasses), and grand wine cellars. As for libations, there's everything from award-winning locally-distilled organic vodka and gin, to pints of in-house and micro-brewed ales, bitters, lagers and IPA.

Peak 2 Peak The PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola spans 4.4km between Whistler and Blackcomb mountains. Take the glass-bottom cabin across the valley in only 11 minutes, and with a lift capacity of 4100 passengers per hour, the PEAK 2 PEAK provides the opportunity for visitors to carve more tracks in a single day than one ever thought imaginable.

A Winter Wonderland A genuine winter wonderland, Whistler offers endless ways to enjoy the great outdoors. For those who prefer to take some time off the slopes, adventures await, such as zip lining, dog sledding, tubing, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing, just to name a few. If you are looking to go deeper into the mountains, the Whistler backcountry offers even more endless terrain to explore, and is accessible by the many heli-ski, snowmobile, cat skiing and touring outfitters in Whistler.

Hollywood Stars In Banff Some of Hollywood’s biggest stars will be in Banff this month to ski and be seen, as well as to raise money for the charity Robert F. Kennedy Jr’s Waterkeeper Alliance. Past attendees have included Alec Baldwin, Robin Williams, Michael Douglas, Catherine Zeta Jones, and many more. This season visitors to Sunshine, one of Banff’s

three ski areas (www.skibig3.com) and where the on-snow events will take place, will also notice upgrades to the tune of £1.2m, including the new Strawberry Express high-speed quad lift. The area’s new look Rogers Terrain Park also opens this January, the biggest one yet at 6 hectares, with all natural snow and dozens of features.

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SKI FREE

Ski Free In Chamonix and CHAMONIX Aspen With Helly Hansen HELLYHANSEN.COM/SKIFREE

BEN CLATWORTHY

Ski wear manufacturer Helly Hansen has teamed up with Aspen and Chamonix to give its customers the opportunity to ski for free. The company’s Ski Free campaign (www. hellyhansen.com/skifree) offers a free day pass at either of the famous resorts, with the purchase of any Helly Hansen jacket

MONT-BLANC HELLYHANSEN.COM/SKIFREE

featuring a Ski Free tag. Over 25 stylish winter jackets are included in the promotion, ranging from insulating down, and protective shell jackets, to professional grade Odin kit for the more adventurous. Helly Hansen has a multitude of technical winter kit for all ski enthusiasts wanting to take to the slopes this winter with a free day pass in-hand.

New Lift & Piste For Cortina Cortina d’Ampezzo, one of the resorts bidding to host the Ski World Championships in 2017, has announced that in the process of renewing and upgrading the Lagazuoi 5 Torri Giau ski area, one of the world’s remaining old single-seater chairlifts has been replaced by by the new Alpe Potor-Nuvolau lift, increasing capacity on the route by 70% and the operating speed by 30%. The connection between 5 Torri, Giau and Falzarego will now be much easier, allowing skiers to enjoy the extraordinary views of the most famous Dolomite peaks – Tofana, Civetta, Pelmo – without having to deal with queues. Cortina also says that a brand new slope will be ready in Faloria for the 2012–13 ski season. Access to the new Scoiattolo slope, named in honour of the Ampezzo climbing group, will be provided by the quad chairlift at Pian de Ra Bigontina. The piste, with an average width of 32m, 27% average

slope and 53% maximum slope, will be 856m long with a vertical drop of 225m. Cortina’s three ski areas include 33 lifts serving 115km of piste, divided into 62 well-groomed slopes with 95% snowmaking cover, all part of the wider Dolomiti Superski region, with 1220km of piste and 450 lifts on one ticket. With just one click you can take part in the nomination of Cortina for the Ski World Championships in 2017 at: www.vote. cortina2017.it.

Ski The Lebanon

A visit to Beirut between early December and late March offers a chance to experience a ski break Middle Eastern style. Just 1 hour’s drive from Beirut downtown, Mzaar is

the largest ski resort in the region, popular with skiers and snowboarders of all standards. The Phoenicia (www. phoeniciabeirut.com), in partnership with

Abercrombie & Kent (www. abercrombiekent.co.uk), has created a 4 day trip to sample the goods, including two day trips from Beirut to the resort. Mzaar features 80km of groomed slopes and from its highest peak of 2465m there are spectacular views across the Bekaa Valley to Mount Hermon, The Cedars and the Mediterranean. The package includes transfers, international flights, rentals and lift tickets, and costs from £1595pp based on two people sharing.

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Special Olympics GB National Alpine Championships

BEN CLATWORTHY

Emile Allais 100-Years-Old

A delegation of 73 learning disabled skiers, and 59 coaches and volunteers, are preparing for Special Olympics Great Britain’s National Alpine Ski Championship in Pila, Italy, 15–22 January. According to Head of Delegation Candy Wragg, “This is the largest delegation to date! It’s exciting to see the ski programme grow each year – especially in a country with very little snow. It will be the second time we hold our Ski Nationals in Italy.” The skiers will be representing their regions and are competing for medals, as well as the chance to be selected for Special Olympics World Winter Games in Pyeong Chang, South Korea, 26 January–6 February 2013, the year before the Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia. One hundred nations will participate with 2500 learning disabled participants.

One of the greatest names in world skiing, Emile Allais from Megève in France, celebrates his 100th birthday on 25 February 2012. Allais swept the board with gold in all events at the 1937 Chamonix World Championships, then went on to invent new skiing techniques in the 1930s, designed several of France’s top ski resorts, and made a worldwide impact with his creation of the first metal-edged skis and the famous aerodynamic “fusée" ski pants. In Megève today you can follow the ”Emile Allais itinerary” around the slopes, including the piste named in his honour and visit the original Aallard ski shop.

Bulgarian Stand-Off The company that runs the Vitosha ski area, the main Bulgarian ski centre for the country’s capital Sofia, has said it won’t open the ski centre this winter as the long-running conflict between environmental groups and ski resort operators intensifies. The main issue dividing the two interest groups at almost every Bulgarian ski area is expansion of lifts and ski runs onto national park land without full legal authorisation. Environmental groups organised an ”unofficial opening” of the slopes without lifts operating last month.

New Rail Riding Record Set Snowboarder Calum Paton set a new record in December, officially recognised by the famous Guinness Book of Records, when he rode a 78m-long rail set up at the Sno!Zone in Xscape Milton Keynes. "I'm so stoked, I wasn't expecting to do it at all!" said Paton in a statement. Paton’s record was set on a specially created 91.5m-long rail, and beats the old record of 67.9m set in 2009 in the Madrid Xanadu indoor snow centre in Spain.

5.2 OUNCES OF WTF CONTOURGPS The world’s first hands-free video camera to shoot HD 1080p video while tracking location, speed, and elevation with an integrated GPS receiver. View Jeremy Jones’ story and others at Contour.com Bluetooth enabled to use your phone as a viewing screen

For retailers please visit www.ultrasporteu.com

www.inthesnow.com

Totally Ski. Exclusively Family.

Learn To Ski With Adrenaline! BEN CLATWORTHY

Suddenly winter has arrived and all those thoughts about it never snowing again have been forgotten. Fresh snowfall and great snowmaking systems means that Verbier is ready for the holidays to begin. What better way to get the most from your time on the slopes than with a professional instructor? Adrenaline will cater to your needs; whether it be those first magical steps for your children as they discover the joys of winter sports, or a technical lesson for yourself to get rid of that thigh burn, or an introduction to the wonderful world of powder skiing, Adrenaline will help you to achieve your goals.

We provide a dedicated children’s programme to maximise enjoyment and learning for children. The school provides lessons ranging from the ”baby-rider” introduction to skiing for children from 2½ years, up to “ride and style” sessions for wannabe powder freeriders and park experts. Sessions range from 1½ hours up to a full-day programme. There is a maximum of six children per session, and an instructor who speaks their language guarantees a quality product and maximum potential for improvement. So whether your children are making their first trip to the mountains or are just far too good for you to keep up with, then Adrenaline Ski School has everything you need to make your family holiday one to remember!

Quality chalets with inclusive childcare. This is the ﬁrst holiday we’ve had where everyone has relaxed. It has opened our eyes to the beneﬁts of childcare. Thank you! McAnallen family, Les Menuires, Feb 2011

Visit

skifamille.co.uk or call us on

0845 64 437 64

to discuss your family’s requirements.

British Alpine Champs In Méribel British Ski and Snowboard (BSS), the national governing body for skiing and snowboarding in the UK, has announced that the 2012 Delancey British National Alpine Championships will be held in Méribel, France. The senior/junior championships will be held from 25 March–2 April 2012, and the children’s championships from 3–6 April. Méribel offers some of the best recreational and competitive skiing in Europe, as well as outstanding facilities, and with support from Méribel tourism, and sponsorship from specialist real estate investors Delancey, this will be the biggest event on the British alpine calendar this winter. “We are delighted to provide the opportunity for British athletes to race on the same pistes

that have been chosen by FIS to host the Finals of the Alpine Ski World Cup in 2015” said BSS CEO Dave Edwards. “We are very proud to be entering into our second year of sponsorship, particularly given the fact that 2012 is such a huge year for British sport generally” said Jamie Ritblat, Chairman and CEO of Delancey.

"Pockets Of Availability" In Holidays

The heavy snowfall in the Alps in December has helped boost tour operator sales. “Easter and February half term has sold particularly well with only small pockets of availability left. In particular we have seen an increase in bookings in

resorts in Italy and France” says Lisa Tyrell of Inghams (www. inghams.co.uk). “Our new chalet and chalet hotels have sold really well, with many skiers choosing the high-value fullycatered option.” Deals are still to be had, however, and Inghams is offering seven nights at half term departing on 11 February 2011 to the 3 Chalet Hotel Elizabeth, Kühtai, Austria ,on chalet board from £999pp, saving

£150pp. The price includes full skiers buffet breakfasts, afternoon teas, coffee and cakes, and five-course evening meals, and flights from Gatwick to Innsbruck (regional flights available). “If you’re not tied to school holidays the best time to book a ski holiday is mid-March and Inghams still has plenty of availability in Italy, France, Switzerland and Austria with some fantastic deals available” says Tyrell.

Looking For Great Ski Accomodation We offer a unique collection of first class properties in France, Italy, Austria, Switzerland, Bulgaria, USA and Canada

www.chaletfinder.co.uk // 01453 766094

Alps Accommodation

Somewhere Ltd

MountainSun Ltd

Premier Chalets & Apartments in Samoens & Morillon

Ski La Tzoumaz/ Verbier at affordable prices

Ski chalets in La Plagne, Tignes & Dolomiti Superski

ALL IMAGES: Nick Thomas

www.inthesnow.com

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

SKI PSYCHOLOGY This month Jon examines an important part of skiing that is often overlooked – the psychological side. A lot of skiers’ performance is limited not by their technique (although this may be the case as well!), but by psychological barriers. Usually fear. If you can overcome these barriers, you can make big improvements.

VISUALISATION

Small steps & goal setting

Visualisation is an important tool for any athlete, and can also be a big help to the recreational skier. If you are at the top of a slope and find yourself freaked out, imagine yourself skiing down. Imagine the route you would take and how and where you would make your turns. Visualising a successful outcome will usually lead to success.

If you have a fear of a certain aspect of skiing, e.g. steep terrain, then try to set a goal for yourself, like a certain slope that you would like to be able to ski. Don’t go there straight away but build up to it slowly taking small steps by skiing each day something slightly steeper. You only have to expand your comfort zone in baby steps and before long you will have made big gains!

Advice. Flexibility. Choice.

Exceptional offers on flights, accommodation, rentals and lift tickets from the UK’s leading ski specialist For a tailor-made quote call us today on 0131 243 8097 or visit www.ski-i.com

www.inthesnow.com

Over the following 4 issues we will tackle: Powder Skiing / Carving / Bumps / Instructor Training. PIC

Repetition

SELF BELIEF

In order to get comfortable doing something or being in a certain situation you need to repeat it numerous times. Before long, something that felt hard or daunting will seem comfortable or even easy. Then move onto the next step, which before seemed unthinkable, now seems achievable, and with repetition will itself become comfortable. This goes hand in hand with “small steps”.

It is important to believe in yourself. To build that confidence up, try to give yourself credit for having done something well. If you have underachieved or had a bad day, do not dwell on it or “beat yourself up”. Consign it to the past and move on. Every day is a new day and a new chance to improve and overcome your psychological obstacles!!

Make sure you and your kids know the FIS safety rules of the slopes. All skiers and snowboarders should know the rules of the slopes, just as you would expect all drivers to know the rules of the road. Too often we see incidents on the slopes, where people’s lack of adherence to the rules lead to accidents or near misses.

• The person in front has right of way – they can manoeuvre as they like and it is your responsibility to avoid them. • When overtaking leave plenty of space for the person you are overtaking – remember they might be nervous. • Stop to the side of the piste and make sure people coming from above can see you so they don’t crash into you. • When setting off look uphill and make sure it is safe to go before you set off.

To help keep your kids safe make sure you teach them the basic rules:

Other things for you and your children to be aware of:

• Control of speed – one of the biggest sources of accidents is when people lose control due to going too fast. Of course, kids will want to push the limits, and you can get them used to going faster by choosing a slope that has a good run out area and is not too crowded.

• Slow down before you get to the bottom of the slope or lift. • Adjust your speed to the slope conditions, slow down if it is crowded, visibility is bad or the piste is in poor condition.

• Skiers and snowboarders take different lines, watch out for this when overtaking. • When stopping, stop below the group so you don’t accidently crash into anyone. For a full list of the FIS code of conduct, see www.fis-ski.com This winter Altitude Ski and Snowboard School in Verbier have their own private kid’s garden located at the beginners slope in Verbier. This is safe and fun place for young children to learn and develop their skills. Remember it is very important that the children stay safe and have lots of fun. For information on which schools provide good facilities throughout the Alps please don’t hesitate to contact jon.west@altitude-verbier.com

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This selection is aimed at the skier who enjoys being on the front side of the mountain – whether they’re charging down groomed pistes, dipping into powdery edges or popping through trees.

Salomon Impact 120 CS £300

Giro Seam £150

The Impact 120 CS is for skiers who like

The Seam is the must-have helmet

to push the limits but won’t sacrifice

for skiers who want the best. In-mold

Hestra’s luxury glove aimed at the

comfort. The flex is firm and works

construction ensures the weight is

resort skier. Soft but durable full

with the Backbone spine to produce

kept to a minimum and that there are

This brand embodies everything that

leather construction with a built-in

excellent control and response. Custom

plenty of carefully positioned vents

is great about modern top-end men’s

C-Zone waterproof and breathable

fit options include molding of the

for powerful cooling – a slider controls

alpine ski clothing: high performance

barrier. Warmth comes from the

shell, heat fitting of the liner, moveable

the airflow to maintain the perfect

waterproof and highly breathable

Fibrefill insulation. Keep the leather

buckles and twin cuff alignment.

temperature. The In Form System

fabrics, cutting edge construction

fed for a long, durable life.

Power, performance and comfort.

provides customised fitting, making

techniques, form flattering styling,

this the most comfortable helmet on the market.

Scott Fix GOGGLES £90 Not only is the Fix one of the most stylish goggles on the mountain, it’s also one of the most practical. The Light Sensitive Lens uses photochromic technology to adapt automatically to sunlight intensity. Three-layer foam improves comfort, a spherical double lens provides excellent optics, and the Air Control System (ACS ) prevents fogging and condensation.

Hestra Leather C Zone gloves £79.99

Spyder Leader £399.99 Dare pants £279.99

all day comfort fit and long term durability.

www.inthesnow.com

iation with c o s as 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.

Blizzard G-Force Ultrasonic Sport IQ £500

Scott Derby Gtx Gloves £45

Atomic Hawx 90W £275

This is a really cosy glove thanks to

Fit is crucial with a ski boot, and the

Blizzard make some of the best and most

its soft fleece lining and fleece cuff.

Hawx ticks the right boxes with an

desirable high-performance piste skis. The

But don’t be fooled – underneath

impressively universal fit. A rigid frame

Ultrasonic (to shorten its name!) combines

the gentle exterior is a seriously

of hard plastic provides support and

the award-winning IQ binding system

hardworking glove which will keep

power to drive skis, whilst a softer

with a quick turning waist and powerful

you warm and dry. It uses a GORE-TEX

plastic wraps the foot providing

construction, the result is smooth gliding,

waterproof and breathable barrier

comfort. Heel hold is good, the flex

instant response and impressive edge grip

construction and has a Toughtek

is smooth and responsive, and the

The suspension system dampens the ride

palm for reinforcement where the

customisation of the heat molded liner

for even better performance at speed.

most wear occurs.

optimises the already fabulous fit.

Salomon Snowtrip Jacket £260 Pants £170 A beautiful printed version of Salomon bestselling women’s jacket. The ClimaPro 10/10 softshell fabric delivers a high level of weather-shedding protection. It has a great stretch fit whilst the bonded fleece inner face manages insulation and prevents overheating. The co-ordinating pant is another bestseller thanks to its great fit and superb all day comfort.

Volkl Attiva Sol £475 The Sol is the ideal choice for ladies who enjoy fast turns on piste and mix it up with occasional runs through softer snow. Women’s specific technology and dimensions mean it’s instantly comfortable with no loss of performance. The shape ensures it is quick and nimble on groomed snow, with the metal reinforced wood core adding power and precision for perfect carved turns.

www.inthesnow.com

DYSON HOT £269.99

Contour ROAM £199.99

ideal for all weather use on the mountains.

Dyson Hot fan heater can be set

The ContourROAM is the ideal

this winter. With adjustable air vents to

They have a very comfortable fit, tough

between 1°C and 37°C. When it hits

camera for a fun and easy experience

control air flow, removable foam inserts

Windex snow resistant outer. Supatex

the desired temperature, it monitors

capturing your adventures anywhere

and velvet lined removable ear pads

waterproof breathable insert and Thinsulate

the room temperature by measuring

life takes you. The award-winning

the helmet is designed with comfort in

thermal layer there is no chance of having

the surrounding air. If a drop is

design is tough, compact, waterproof

mind. The helmet comes in the following

cold hands! For those with powder skiing

detected, the heater turns back on

to one metre, and versatile

colours; Stars White Multi, Black Digital

in mind the barrel lock snow cuff, smart

to maintain the set temperature. The

which means you can use your

Grey, White Digital Grey, Black Stripes,

closure wrist strap will stop any unwanted

Dyson Hot is available in iron/blue and

ContourROAM anywhere, anytime and

White Dots, Plain White, Plain Black.

snow from entering the glove.

white/silver.

capture all the action you want.

www.manbi.com

www.dyson.co.uk

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Manbi Park HELMET £49.95

Manbi Motion Black £24.95

This lovely helmet is perfect for anyone

These new technically advanced gloves are

hoping to look their best on the slopes

Bollé Gravity Goggle £99 Introducing the Bollé Gravity, specifically designed to provide the widest field of view in a spherical goggle. Combined with Bollé’s signature Modulator lens which constantly adjusts to changing light conditions, it’s a goggle unlike any other. The more UV light exposed to the lens, the darker it will become providing perfect visibility whatever the weather conditions. www.bolle.com

www.inthesnow.com

Tour Op Resort Staff Learn Emergency Life Support Zenith Holidays (www.zenithholidays.co.uk; 01737 852242) believes it is the first UK tour operator to have all its resort staff embark on the London Ambulance Service’s (in conjunction with the British Heart Foundation) Heartstart Course, which teaches members of the public emergency life support skills: the set of actions needed to help keep someone alive until professional help arrives. Taught by fully qualified London Ambulance Service personnel, all Zenith Holidays’ resort staff have now been trained in what to do in the event of a life-threatening emergency involving adults, children and infants, including assessing an unconscious patient, emergency life support, cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (CPR), the recovery position, and defibrillation familiarisation. "Skiing and snowboarding is an adrenalin sport, and with that comes inherent risks. Providing this course to all our resort staff – from drivers and chefs to chalet hosts and resort managers – gives us another way of delivering excellent customer service experiences, even in first aid and emergency life support" said Zenith Holidays’ Co-Founder Katie Waddington. ambul 210x297.ai

17/10/11

10:18

World Snow Day In 39 Countries BEN CLATWORTHY

The First FIS World Snow Day (www.world-snow-day.com) is being promoted as the largest winter event in the world. The inaugural FIS World Snow Day, set to be held on 22 January, aims to bring children aged between 4 and 14 years – together with their families – to the slopes, trails and tracks, in a fun-filled day of events, activities and competitions on snow. The inaugural World Snow Day will consist of 225 events in 39 countries. The event’s motto to ”Explore, Experience and Enjoy the Snow” will be consistently shared across the world. The initiative falls under FIS's ”Bring Children to the Snow” campaign, which celebrates winter sports as fun, healthy and social recreation activities for children of all fitness levels and capabilities. The World Snow Day 2012 will be the first snow event to be conducted on a global scale, celebrating snow sports as part of a healthy lifestyle,

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and promoting global awareness of the importance of nurturing the natural environment. Countries participating include America, Switzerland, Austria, Canada, Finland, Germany, Great Britain, Kazakhstan, Norway, Poland, Sweden, Turkey, Pakistan, India, Japan, Iceland, Australia, Russia, and Spain, amongst others. Events include a winter wonderland in the heart of Tokyo; free ski and snowboard lessons across Poland; a Snow and Ice Festival in China; free skiing and snowboarding for kids under 12-years-old in Lake Louise, Canada; Winter Sports Festival in Lake Placid USA; and free ski and snowboard lessons in India.

www.inthesnow.com

MONTHLY GUIDE TO ACCOMMODATION

HOTEL ALEX

Zermatt

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 â€œextravagant mountain styleâ€?, 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.clubchalets.co.uk Search ski chalet accommodation

+41 (0)27 9667070

info@hotelalexzermatt.com

www.hotelalexzermatt.com

CHALET 1066

Chalet Max

SNOW CHATEAUX

Les Gets

Verbier

Les Arcs / Le Plagne / Tignes

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.

Located moments from the piste and centre of Verbier, Chalet Max is the perfect chalet. This stunning chalet sleeps eight guests in comfort and luxury. The hot tub on the balcony with breathtaking views provides the perfect place to unwind with a glass of champagne after skiing and the chalet chef will prepare four course feasts for the senses.

'Voted one of the top 5 places to stay'

+44 (0)121 288 0586 sue@chalets1066.com www.chalets1066.com

+44 (0)20 7401 1101 info@skiverbier.com www.skiverbier.com

0800 066 4996 info@snowchateax.co.uk www.snowchateaux.co.uk

lES CHALETS DE PHILIPPE

CHAM CHALET

CHALET CLARE

Chamonix

Chamonix Mont-Blanc

Les Crosets, Portes du Soleil

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!

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.

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.

+ 33 (0)607 231 726 contact@chaletsphilippe.com www.chaletsphilippe.com

+44 (0)20 7193 0648 info@chamchalet.co.uk www.chamonixskiout.com

+44 (0)1258 820779 richard@markusproducts.co.uk www.chaletclare.com

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

www.inthesnow.com

MATTERHORN FOCUS

THE CAMBRIAN

Zermatt

SKI-BASe: chalet de la Cloche

Adelboden

Val d’Isère

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.

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.

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.

+41 (0)27 966 24 24 info@matterhorn-focus.ch www.matterhorn-focus.ch

+41 (0)33 673 83 83 info@thecambrianadelboden.com www.thecambrianadelboden.com

+44 (0)20 3432 8446 info@ski-base.com www.ski-base.com

Vitalhotel & Mountain Residence

ALPINE ACTION

MOUNTAIN HEAVEN

Meribel & La Tania

Morzine

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.

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 Wifi, SKY/Freeview TV, and DVD. For a superior holiday in this wonderful location, choose Alpine Action.

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 ensuite 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.

+43 (0)52 566 767 info@hotel-muehle.at www.hotel-muehle.at

01273 466535 sales@alpineaction.co.uk www.alpineaction.co.uk

+44 (0)151 625 1921 info@mountainheaven.co.uk www.mountainheaven.co.uk

Obergurgl

Chalet Cole Ridge

UNOFFICIAL

Grimentz

THE PENTHOUSE

UNOFFICIAL

THE CLUBHOUSE

La Rosière

Chamonix – Mont Blanc

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.

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 ensuite bedrooms, three are doubles and three twins.

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, teakdecked, power showers, Frette linen and fat duvets.

+44 (0)151 625 1921 info@mountainheaven.co.uk www.mountainheaven.co.uk

+33 (0)450 984 220 reception@clubhouse.fr www.clubhouse.fr

www.inthesnow.com

Rick Jensen PATRICK THORNE

Rick Jensen is President and CEO of Panorama Mountain Village in British Columbia (BC), Canada. How and when did Panorama get started? RJ > The ski hill was the brainchild of three local residents Guy Messerli, Karl Strobl and Fritz Zehnder, opening in late 1962. Panorama was named after the local area. Located in the Kootenay Rockies about 2 hours west of Banff, the ski area is now going into its 50th year, and consists of 1200 hectares and 1220 vertical metres of controlled and patrolled terrain. I think it’s fair to say Panorama is not one of the best known resorts in BC over here in Europe, how do you differ from the likes of Fernie or Whistler? RJ > We take the best of what both the other ski areas offer, resulting in an exceptional ski getaway. The family atmosphere and activities programming on and off the slopes sets us way ahead of the ski resorts in the Canadian Rockies region. Panorama is a full package, offering a destination resort for the skier that wants a truly authentic Canadian experience – without the hype or crowds. I know Panorama used to be owned by Intrawest, the company that runs Whistler, what benefits did the Intrawest ownership bring to your resort? RJ > Intrawest did well building the infrastructure and foundation for a world-class destination resort. The new investors, made up of a group of people who are all tremendously passionate

about Panorama, saw the opportunity and purchased the resort in February 2010. They are committed to seeing Panorama grow into the best familyfocused mountain resort in Canada. … and now you are independently owned, are there advantages there too? RJ > The advantage of being independently-owned is that decisions can be made quickly, and are focused purely on what is best for Panorama guests, making their experience an exceptional one. Stepping out of the shadow of being owned by a large corporation, with diversified interests, means our resort is always top priority. It’s a special position for a Canadian ski resort to be in, and we are very excited about what’s in store for us. It’s a long way to travel from the UK to BC for a ski holiday, what are the main things that make Panorama worth the effort? RJ > The resort offers a wide variety of terrain, from fall-line perfect pistes, to the steeps and deeps of our 300+ hectares of Taynton Bowl and Extreme Dream Zone. Our pedestrian-friendly village and abundant ski in/out accommodation makes our guests feel at home. Forget about further travel and take in everything that the resort has to offer beyond skiing. Lodging is within steps from RK Heliski, nordic skiing, snow tubing, snowmobiling, shopping, restaurants, kid’s activities, and the incredible Panorama springs pools. UK guests can fly into Calgary International Airport and reserve a seat in our resort shuttle, which travels through two National Parks, so they can take in the sights and leave the driving to a professional.

I heard Panorama and other resorts in BC had some of the best snow in North America over Christmas and New Year when most other regions were struggling. Has that been a big boost to your business? RJ > We had a great start to the season and have had tons of snow! This year was extra special as we had consistently cold early season temperatures and an abundance of natural snow come in November. Attributed to the La Niña effect we received an additional 40cm over 4 days through the Christmas period, making it a real treat for our holiday guests. What’s really special about the slopes of Panorama is that they are not crowded, which

allows for powder stashes to be found even days after a big snowfall.

SKI HOLIDAYS

January 7 Nts

February 7 Nts

Was

Now

£754

Now

£395

£432

Incl 7-Nts, Flights, Catered*

Easter 7 Nts

March 7 Nts Was Now

£895

Was

£827

Now

£1114

£477

£449

Incl 7-Nts, Flights, Catered*

Call now on

0844 273 6207

*Offers include: 7 Nts Chalet or Hotel Accom, Gatwick Flights, Transfers, breakfast, 3 course catering with wine. Offer may be withdrawn at any time.

alpineelements.co.uk | sales@alpineelements.co.uk

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www.igoski.co.uk | 0844 770 40 74

from

£299 All-in!

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