InTheSnow Issue 22 - December 2011

All The lATesT News // A lIFe IN PICs 16 // TIROl 26-27 //sCOTlAND 36-37 // New ResORTs 48-49 // BUMPeR BOOT ROOM 64-67 // ACCOMMODATION 68-69 // 10MINs 70

What are youdoing forChristmas? ABTA No. V413808444 060600

New Year flight fr £488

New Year coach fr £399

Christmas flightsTHREE VALLEYS, CHAMONIX, MORZINE £404

fr

Christmas – ski 8 days THREE VALLEYS H/B £469

fr

Pre-Christmas – ski 5 days THREE VALLEYS, CHAMONIX, MORZINE £299fr

ABTA No. V413808444 06060008444 06060008444 060600

3 Valleys Flights

£299fr

3 Valleys Flights £299fr

New Year Coach 3 Valleys - Ski 4 days £429

frNew Year Coach fr

Christmas Coach Morzine - Ski 5 days £349

fr

Half Term Coach 3 Valleys - Ski 3 days £309

frWhat

did youdo at theweekend?

Read It Online

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PARTY

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THE ALPS

New ideas and destinations for music and dancing

on the snow. Patrick Thorne reports page 3

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News Correspondent

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Reporters / Contributors ellie koyandeR debbie gabRielsally bRookesdaVid black

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Skiing doesn’t get any better than this!

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Tecnica’s Cochise 120 is stacked full of innovative Hikeand Ride features, with the easiest switch between Hikemode and Ride mode available. Interchangeable sole units,lightweight Triax shell and mobility cuff are just a few ofthe many features that combine to make the Cochise 120the ultimate Freeride weapon.

For further information please contact: [email protected]@mastcoagencies.co.ukBlizzard ski test winner - Fall-line Skiing Magazine, Daily Mail Ski & Board and ispo European Ski of the Year 2011

InTheSnow_fp_280x400+3 22/07/2011 11:53 Page 1

Skiing doesn’t get any better than this!

Experience new dimensions of performancewith the award winning BullRide series of skisand boots from Blizzard and Tecnica.Blizzard’s Cochise redefines Freeride skis with therevolutionary FlipCore Technology which has allowedBlizzard to build the most natural rocker shape of any skion the market. ispo Ski of the Year 2011 and winner ofnumerous ski tests the Cochise is setting radically newstandards of Freeride Performance.

Tecnica’s Cochise 120 is stacked full of innovative Hikeand Ride features, with the easiest switch between Hikemode and Ride mode available. Interchangeable sole units,lightweight Triax shell and mobility cuff are just a few ofthe many features that combine to make the Cochise 120the ultimate Freeride weapon.

For further information please contact: [email protected]@mastcoagencies.co.ukBlizzard ski test winner - Fall-line Skiing Magazine, Daily Mail Ski & Board and ispo European Ski of the Year 2011

InTheSnow_fp_280x400+3 22/07/2011 11:53 Page 1

The trend towards music festivals in the Alps, which has grown up over the past few years, shows no sign of abating, and winter 2011–12 sees old favourites return, some renamed with a full makeover, along with new ideas and destinations for music and dancing on the snow.

The organisation of the music festivals varies, with some sold as full packages including travel (if you like), as well as ac-commodation and an access-all-areas wristband, others offering more flexibility, so that you can just buy a wristband to access gigs if you’re already in resort or would like to make your own travel and ac-commodation plans, and finally there are those that are free-of-charge, organised by the resorts themselves in order to entice more punters to visit.

What virtually all have in common is that they’re great fun, and they usually take place at the end of the season in the latter half of March or later, when the days are getting warmer, longer, and usually prices are dipping for things like lift passes, and everyone is feeling a little more chilled.

After its successful launch last winter, the series of music concerts in the Portes Du Soleil, which covers 650km and includes a dozen villages between France and Switzerland, are back this March with a better name Rock the Pistes (it was previously the Festival des Concerts Sauvages).

The idea is that the concerts are staged on the piste at locations around the vast Portes du Soleil area, and guests who have registered upfront will receive a text the day before each gig telling them where the concert will take place.

Last winter we were promised a mix of French and ”international” performers at the free concerts, but the line-up ended up looking very French. This winter we’re again promised an international mix, with locations

created overnight before each concert. To carry on the party, there’s the festival fringe with après-ski gigs in the dozen participating resorts, including Avoriaz, Châtel, Les Gets, Morzine and Champéry.

Also rebranding for 2012 is Méribel Live – previously the Little World Festival – which is staged at the heart of the world’s largest ski area, Les 3 Vallées, in mid-March. As we went to press little, but the name

change, was known about this season’s event but it seems likely to feature again ”local” band The Feeling, as well as friends including Squeeze and Sophie Ellis-Bextor, with dozens of gigs at venues around the resort and the trademark giant free concert at the base of the pistes.

Laax in Switzerland will again be the venue for The Brits, which will as always combine seven nights of live music and DJ acts with 7 days of top snowboard

and ski action featuring an eclectic mix of daily live après-ski music, a banging big name act, a hedonistic fancy dress party, and a different DJ or live band every night. That’s all after the cream of UK freestyle skiers and snowboarders battle it out for coveted British Championship medals, including the Trespass Ski/Snowboardcross and the Protest Slopestyle title each day. Marvellous.

patRick thoRne

paRty tiMe in the alps

With 2012 being a leap year, we can all enjoy an extra day’s skiing this winter! Well, it probably doesn’t work like that, but it sounds good doesn’t it? However, a leap year has also traditionally coincided with the fact that there is no major international downhill skiing competition, such as the Alpine Skiing World Championships (every odd year) or a Winter Olympics.

But, that will change this winter with the first ever Youth Winter Olympics being staged at Innsbruck and nearby Seefeld (www.innsbruck2012.com). Innsbruck will become the first city worldwide to host the Olympic Games for a third time, following the 1964 and 1976 games. Over 1000 athletes, from over 70 nations, aged between 14 and 18 years, are taking part.

But it’s likely that more of us Brits, over 10,000 in fact, will be attending one of the end-of-season music festivals in the Alps, which have become an annual fixture, and which we’ve featured in our lead story. In fact in the few short days since that feature was compiled, another new Festival has been announced at Morzine in early April. The Basscamp Festival promises to bring a banging bass heavy line-up to the famous French resort from the 2nd and 6th April 2012.

These events bring a whole new dimension to the annual snow fix with instant friendships formed, to add to the fun on the snow with gigs to go to each night.

But even if you miss the Youth Olympics and don’t attend one of the music festivals, perhaps you’ll get the chance to ski one of the new pistes opening this winter at Alpe d’Huez, Les Menuires, Méribel, Val Thorens, amongst others. Alternatively, you may choose to stay in one of the new resort developments that have appeared in Paradiski, Avoriaz and Valmorel – as detailed in our main feature.

When? What? Where?19-23 March Méribel live Méribel, fRa18–25 March the brits laax, swi24–28 March Rock the pistes portes du soleil, fRa/swi23–29 March big snow festival kopaonik, seRb9–14 april snowbombing Mayrhofen, aus17-21 april Zermatt unplugged Zermatt, swi

30 april top of the Mountain ischgl, aus

www.inthesnow.com 5

chÂtelAt Châtel on the French side of the Portes du Soleil, a new high-speed six-person chairlift in the Plaine Dranse sector replaces an old double chairlift, and more than doubles capacity on the route from 1200 to 3000 skiers per hour. The new lift is also twice as fast as the old one, travelling at 5m/s compared with the former’s 2.3m/s.

MÉRibelThe upper section of the Saulire gondola is to be replaced for the 2011–12 season. The old yellow cabins, which seated six, have been replaced by a faster, eight-seat gondola. A new green run has also been created during the summer, which will link to the existing green run down to the resort.

VeRbieRThe 2011–12 season will see a new six-person chairlift replacing two successive old chairs above Les Ruinettes nursery slope. The new chair will allow for much faster turnaround time, as well as reducing queues in this popular area of the resort.

chaMpÉRy-les cRosetsAt Champéry-Les Crosets on the Swiss side of the Portes du Soleil, the old Grand-Conche chairlift and draglifts are being replaced by a single high-speed six-seater lift at a cost of CHF13m, increasing capacity on the route from 1900 to 3000 skiers per hour. The new lift will also vastly speed up access to Avoriaz in France, a resort that has been getting a lot of attention recently due to the vast improvements that have been made to the resort for this winter season.

ben clatwoRthy

Aspen in Colorado, USA, is currently selling a lift pass costing $25,000 (approximately £16,000) to raise money for local schools and other good causes. It’s the third year the resort has offered the pass, and usually it sells just two or three, although a maximum of 18 will be made available. Among the perks of the pass are private access to the resort’s slopes before they open to everybody else, and the chance to meet members of the US Women’s Ski Team.

Although every residence in Arc 1950 already has its own swimming pool and gym, the resort wanted to offer its guests more, and so a large new spa, spread over 1000m2 and divided into various sectors, has been opened in Les Arcs.

Sectors include the ”Esthetical space” with nine treatment rooms, including a VIP room. The hammam space covers 95m2, with facilities including a four-seat hammam based around the theme of the five senses, and a traditional hammam (10-seater), in addition there is a cold-water waterfall, a spring, a body scrub room, and four cold-water ponds.

Other highlights include an ice cave (67m2) with different mineral experiences to try; a

”dragon cave” (20m2) that’s very hot (40°C); a beach space (95m2) for resting after a treatment; a balneotherapy swimming pool; and an outdoor sauna chalet. Beauty treatments will be provided in a nail bar, a “hair spa”, and a make-up cabin.

aspen sells £16k season pass

spa features “dragon cave”

Polar explorer and adventurer Mark Wood (www.markwoodexplorer.com) is attempting to become the first person in history to solo ski both the South and North geographic Poles consecutively.

Classed by Sir Ranulph Fiennes as “the toughest journey on the planet”, the expedition is highly ambitious, and is expected to take 110 days through winter 2011–12 in the Arctic and summer in the Antarctic.

“All my life I’ve wanted to walk in the footsteps of the great explorers” explained Wood. ”But thanks to man’s destruction of the planet, the paths they mapped no longer exist. The effects of climate change have left a very different landscape.”

Wood is using his challenge to engage people with the effects of climate change. He has set up an educational schools programme, where students can track his progress and speak to him at key milestones on his journey.

Using website The DoNation, Wood is asking for support through action not cash, with donations ranging from eating less meat to installing solar panels. The total carbon will be added together to reach Wood’s target of 100,000kg less carbon output.

The DoNation is also now available for anyone else similarly inspired to take on their own snow-based challenge (perhaps on a less ambitious scale than Mark!), and raise sponsorship through The DoNation to help fight climate change.

www.markwoodexplorer.com

polar explorer to ski solo to both poles

daVid black

In a world where even ski areas are increasingly being run by corporations, little Grimentz has been described by the highly-respected Where to Ski and Snowboard as “Europe's best-kept secret” and an “undiscovered gem”. If you like ancient, quiet, totally unspoilt mountain villages, together with a modern lift system, located less than 45 minutes from the nearest airport, then this is the place for you. In fact, the book’s

editors recommend you ”get there fast before it has time to catch up with the 21st century!”

In addition to the piste skiing, the area is famous for its fabulous off-piste skiing and its mountain touring. And for a magnificent view, just head off one of the pistes in Grimentz where you’ll find a stunning 360° panoramic view of the Imperial Crown – five 4000m peaks comprised of Weisshorn, Zinalrothorn, Obergabelhorn, Dent-Blanche and the Matterhorn.

The village itself has tiny cobbled

streets, and in some places they are so narrow that the roofs of the chalets almost touch each other in the middle.

Although not the resort for party animals, it is by no means dead and the best après-ski bar is Chez Florioz, which is located at the bottom of the slopes in Grimentz; this has good music, serves very nice food and is always packed. There are two pubs; Domino and Le County (which has a pool table and table football), together with one disco – Disco Shaddock – open until 3am.

Accommodation in Grimentz can be tricky to track down but the leading travel company in the village, Mountain Heaven (0151 625 1921; http://www.mountainheaven.co.uk), operates half a dozen chalets catering for up to 10 people in each, and ranging in quality from extremely comfortable to luxurious.

At the top end, Cole Ridge (www.cole-ridge.co.uk) is a large chalet in a stunning position on the edge of the home run piste overlooking the village, and has an outdoor south-facing sunken Jacuzzi with stunning views overlooking the mountains, as well as an indoor sauna on the lower floor. There’s a very large contemporary open-plan living room with double-sided open fireplace, and a dining area able to seat 10 people. The room has massive windows providing plenty of light, together with a gallery area above. There’s also a TV area with a 50" plasma TV, WiFi throughout, and a Wii in the media room. And new for the 2011–2012 season, Cole Ridge has its own private chef.

Stay at Cole Ridge with Mountain Heaven (www.mountainheaven.co.uk) this season; for more details see their website

grimentz: your last chance to ski the Real deal?

ben clatwoRthy

A new way to enjoy quality coffee ”on the go” has been invented by Grower’s Cup (£2.50). The company’s durable, lightweight pouch, packs very flat so is ideal for a day on the slopes, but has an in-built filter and is filled with 24g of organic freshly-ground quality coffee. Simply fill with hot water, and enjoy three cups of steaming hot fresh coffee whilst in the great outdoors. Furthermore, after pouring the first cup of coffee the brewing stops, so your second and third cups aren’t ruined. Genius!

Handmade biscuit specialists The Biscuiteers has created a stylish vintage-inspired après-ski collection of hand-iced biscuits.

Containing ski mitts, bobble hat, toasty warm scarf, set of skis and poles, ice skates, sledge, and even two retro woolly jumpers, this delicious collection is packed into a tin, perfect for your ski pass and maps once the biscuits have been munched.

All Biscuiteers biscuits are presented in stylish, traditional square-edged tins, which can be kept long after the contents have been devoured, with each collection beautifully decorated according to its theme.

Each après-ski tin contains up to 16 hand-iced biscuits, and costs £38.50 plus postage and packing. Orders can be placed online at www.biscuiteers.com, and delivery is nationwide.

Biscuits For Skiers (& Boarders) Coffee On The Go On The Snow

The Swiss resort announced gold had been found in a stream in October, but it emerged in November that the whole thing was a big PR stunt. The world’s media reported the discovery, which reported that a German hiker had found a 128.5 gram nugget of gold. The resort used the PR tactic as a way of attracting more visitors to the resort. We at InTheSnow are not quite sure what to think; clever PR stunt or a big lie?

crans Montana’s gold stunt

www.inthesnow.com6 www.inthesnow.com 7

Andermatt Swiss Alps (www.andermatt-swissalps.ch) celebrated a milestone recently, as the outer shell of the new 5 Hotel Chedi Andermatt was completed and the roof was placed in position.

The hotel is the first of six 4 and 5 hotels, planned as part of the largest integrated year-round holiday destination currently under development in the Alps.

Over the last 7 months, 250 construction workers have completed the outer shell of the building, which will open as planned at the end of 2013.

Attendees at the celebrations included Samih Sawiris, Chairman of the Board of Directors at Orascom Development Holding, which is behind the project that will ultimately include

490 apartments in 42 buildings, approximately 25 villas, 1970 parking spaces, 3.5 hectares of commercial space, a sports and recreation centre, a convention and concert hall for 600

guests, and an 18-hole golf course. As part of the development of the resort, the ski area between Andermatt and Sedrun will be modernised and integrated into a single ski area.

“This is an important milestone and a significant moment in the development of this exceptional new year-round holiday destination in the heart of the Swiss Alps” said Sawiris.

sally bRookes

Roof goes on first hotel in giant project

The Midlothian Snowsports Centre at Hillend in Edinburgh, which already operates one of the world’s biggest artificial ski slope surfaces, has received just over half a million in funding in order to add an extra 210m slope, another 80m nursery slope, to upgrade the existing nursery slopes, and to add new tubing runs and two new conveyor lifts.The new developments are part of a big turnaround for the centre, which was threatened with closure last year due to growing losses, but worked closely with the public body sportscotland to secure money for the improvement projects. The work will begin next month all being well, and the centre will be open as usual while it’s going on.

new Runs for edinburgh Midlothian snowsports centre

The low cost, no-frills airline has profited from the economic downturn, it would seem. They saw profits rise from £154m to £248m. Passenger numbers were up 11.8% in 2011. The airline, however, has cut services to and from the Alps this winter. "Our strong operational and financial performance is a result of the hard work and commitment of easyJet's people in delivering on our cause to make travel easy and affordable for our customers," said Carolyn McCall, the easyJet Chief Executive.

EasyJet Profits Rise £94m

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Disability Snowsport UK (DSUK) National Skiathon Olympic Challenge will take place on Tuesday 17 May 2012, with a target to raise £35,000.

The challenge is to ski 2012 runs in 6 hours, and the event will be held simultaneously at six indoor ski centres across the UK: Chill Factore in Manchester, Tamworth Snowdome in Staffordshire, The Snow Centre Hemel Hempstead, and Sno!zone centres in Glasgow, Castleford (West Yorkshire) and Milton Keynes.

“No need to be an expert skier or boarder: everyone is welcome and the Olympic-themed quizzes and games give teams the chance to win extra runs. Early fund-raising will also increase the chances of winning: the more money raised, the less runs your team has to ski, so start now” said a statement from the charity.

Skiers and boarders of all ages and abilities

are invited to enter in teams of up to eight, or as an individual to make up a team. The entry fee is £15pp (including equipment hire for the day and goodie bag), with a required pledge to raise a minimum of £150pp. To enter or for more details contact the fundraising team on 0161 749 2290 or email [email protected].

Ski Collection (www.skicollection.co.uk), the specialist for handpicked and newly-built 3 and 4 self-catering ski apartments in snow-sure, high-altitude resorts throughout France, is increasing its choice for 2011–12, with the addition of more brand new residences.

The company features nearly 40 resorts, including most of the well-known destinations, but also offers great value-for-money, lesser-known resorts.

Across the programme, the half term week commencing 11 February 2012 is generally cheaper compared with the half term week in the winter 2010–11 season. For example, for 19 February 2011, seven nights self-catering in a two bedroom apartment, sleeping up to seven,

in the 4 residence Les Balcons in La Rosiere was £289pp, for the equivalent half term week 2012 the same holiday is priced at £257pp – a saving of £32pp.

Easter is more challenging on price than last winter however, as it is several weeks earlier and closer to the main season, although there are still deals to be had. At least it will be a better bet for good snow than last season though.

New residences this winter include the 4 luxury L’Amara, located on the edge of Avoriaz close to La Falaise district, with a ski in/out position, complete with heated swimming pool, sensory pool, steam room, saunas, Jacuzzis and fitness room. Furthermore, there are further new 4 choices in Tignes Val Claret and Val Thorens.

disability snowsport announce 2012 skiathon date

half term price drop

ben clatwoRthy

Champéry, on the Swiss side of the giant Portes-du-Soleil ski area that stretches for 650km across the French–Swiss border, has a new six-seater chairlift this winter, which will make getting around the vast ski area a little bit quicker and more comfortable.

The new Grande-Conche chair replaces a couple of old drag lifts, dramatically increasing capacity, as well as comfort, on the route from 1900 to 3000 skiers and boarders per hour. The 3km-long lift ascends 450 vertical metres, and cost an eye-watering CHF13m (about £7m!)

new six-pack for champéry

www.inthesnow.com12

The Ski Club of Great Britain (www.skiclub.co.uk) has donated over 200 winter jackets, previously worn by Ski Club Leaders, to the charity Porters’ Progress UK who run a clothing bank for trekking porters in Nepal.

Following the Ski Club of Great Britain's rebrand, which included a change of logo and colour of uniform, Ski Club Leaders based across Europe and North America were asked to return their old jackets. The jackets will be put to good use by porters in Nepal who

are often under equipped for the harsh mountain environment in which they work.

"We are delighted to receive such a significant donation of high quality jackets from the Ski Club of Great Britain. They will be tremendously valuable in helping us achieve our goal of kitting out hundreds more porters on trails this season" said Gabrielle Dean from Porters’ Progress UK, which facilitates the safe treatment, education and empowerment of adult and child trekking and commercial porters around the world.

ben clatwoRthy

Ski Club Donates Over 200 Ski Jackets To Under Equipped Nepalese Porters

One of the best ways to see the slopes, or even a resort street, before you arrive is through the local webcam on your computer screen. All too often these cams have a small, grainy picture, are obscured by snow or just broken.

Nendaz in the Swiss 4 Vallées has decided to do something about it this winter, and has invested in the latest cam technology to create gleaming big images on your PC screen, helping you to drool over the stunning scenery before you arrive, or nostalgically when you’re back home. Seven cams are in operation, including a panoramic cam, which constantly pans around Mont Fort.

Bigger Webcams For Better Views Of Nendaz

A new Michelin star has been awarded to Antony Tempesta who has been recognised for his gastronomic excellence at his family restaurant, La Becca, in Val d’Isère.

Learning from the best, Antony began his career with the legends that are Michel Husser, Régis Marcon, Marc Veyrat and Gilles Goujou. Despite his natural talent on the snow, at 30-years-old Antony chose to put his skis aside to concentrate on his true love of cooking. He did, however, continue to maintain his competitive spirit, constantly striving for perfection, “that’s my sporting side.

We compete to be the best. It’s the same in the kitchen, we look for perfection.”

The young chef now holds an authentic culinary identity, working only with local products to bring out the natural flavours of the region. He took over La Becca restaurant 6 years ago, transforming it into an unmissable stopping point for lunching skiers and evening gourmets alike.

La Becca is now officially one of the finest restaurants in Savoy, and unlike most Michelin-starred restaurants, Chef Antony Tempesta says that despite the award the menu ethos will not change, but will continue to improve and progress, without a change in the prices!

ben clatwoRthy

Michelin star for Val d’isère Restaurant

Season worker website Resortwork.co.uk have just launched over 50 new video resort guides on their YouTube Channel. The guides were filmed by conducting interviews with past seasonnaires at the recent Ski Shows in London & Birmingham.

Each short film gives a season worker’s perspective on life in a particular resort as well as useful tips on the best bards

and entertainment venues. Resorts covered include all the popular european resorts as well as resorts in Canada, New Zealand, Japan and Argentina.

Andrew Bird, Director of ResortWork, commented on the instant popularity of the new guides, “Youtube users love this kind of material. Our new video guides received over 500 views within days of going live. There is a huge

appetite for this kind of information and the videos really tell it how it is with a no-nonsense style. They were great fun to make at the Ski Shows and the willingness of people to share their knowledge with the next generation of resort workers has been fantastic.”

To view the resort worker video guides visit www.YouTube.com/ResortWorkTV.

Resortwork launch 50 new Video Resort guides

Mammut has launched the new Ele-ment Barryvox avalanche transceiver, a three-antenna device, which has been pared down to offer an easy-to-use package of essentials at the push of a button. In an emergency every second counts, and that’s why Mammut’s Element Barryvox (RRP £290) is a life-saving companion, with clear instructions, one button operation, 200-hour battery life, and clearly laid-out display, this piece of kit guarantees fast and precise loca-tion information. It’s ideal for group-use as the screen can show multiple victims, including their distance and direction, helping the user to priori-tise who to rescue first.

Mammut Launch New Transceiver

The Residence & Spa Vallorcine Mont-Blanc, situated in the heart of the small hamlet near Chamonix, has been awarded a 5rating It is the first time an establishment of this type has received 5 rating in the Savoie Mont Blanc region.

The latest grading decisions take into account client expectations in the areas of comfort, facilities, quality of service, cleanliness, access to the latest technologies, accessibility and sustainable development.

“This recognition is a reward to the staff who aspire to maintain all round quality for their international clientele” said a statement from the Residence.

5 Star Hotel For French Resort

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LES 3 VALLÉES a life in pictuResLES 3 VALLEES a life in pictuResBen Clatworthy explores the world’s largest ski areaand discovers so much more than he bargained for...

Welcome to Les 3 Vallées, the world’s largest ski area with 600km of interconnected pistes and 180 ski lifts.

The fun doesn’t stop after the lifts close, even for the little ones. Get your sled out and go tobogganing or build a snowman!

Get set for fun; Les 3 Vallées Enduro, the largest fun competition for amateur skiers in the world, takes place on 9 April 2012.

Party into the night! There’s plenty of après ski in all of the resorts, and why not kick start the night on the slopes?

Accessible to all; there is ample skiing for all abilities in all the resorts. Enjoy the 51 green runs, 133 blue, 123 red and 31 black that make up the 600km of slopes.

Wellness: relax those aching muscles after a hard day on the piste. Many of the resort have their own swimming pool and spa.

Make first tracks; Les 3 Vallées prides itself on the quality of its groomed ski runs, making for perfect skiing conditions.

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See us at the October shows with...

White Mountain Ski,NEC, BIRMINGHAM.

AND Altimus,

Earls Court,London.in association with

subject to availability, for more information please see our website www.skitracer.com

Passo TonaleItaly0208 600 1650skitracer.com/price-watch.htm

£410pp

gatwick

7 Jan 2012

tRansfeR

7 nights at Hotel Sciatori (grade 3) now £410pp, was £535ppBargain basement skiing and après that won’t break the bank.

2hR 45Mins

Includes: • Saving of £125pp• Half board accommodation

• Flights and transfers• Based on 2 sharing a twin room

100km

£125pp

la PlagneFrance0208 600 1650skitracer.com/price-watch.htm

£485pp

gatwick

7 Jan 2012

tRansfeR

7 nights at Plagne Lauze (grade 2+) now £485pp, was £624pp Five star skiing at two star prices to conquer the post festive blues.

2hR 30Mins

Includes: • Self catered accommodation• Lift pass & Ski hire/carriage (excl. Boots)

• Flights and transfers• Based on four sharing

425km

£139pp

MayrhofenAustria0208 600 1650skitracer.com/price-watch.htm

£549pp

gatwick

17 MaR 2012

tRansfeR

7 nights at Vier Jahrszeiten (grade 2) now £549pp, was £639ppThe free lift pass makes Mayrhofen even more irresistible.

1hR 20Mins

Includes: • Includes 2 for 1 lift pass offer• Bed & Breakfast accommodation

• Flights and transfers • Based on two sharing

157km

£90pp

sauze d’OulxItaly0208 600 1650skitracer.com/price-watch.htm

£599pp

gatwick

30 dec 2011

tRansfeR

7 nights at Hotel Hermitage (grade 3+) now £599pp was £819ppSauze d’Oulx is getting ready to party and at these prices you can afford to make an early dash for the snow.

1hR 30Mins

Includes: • Saving of £220pp• Half board accommodation

• Flights and transfers• Based on two sharing

400km

£220pp

Northstar Resort (www.northstarattahoe.com) by Lake Tahoe in California has announced that it will expand the resort boundaries in two areas of the mountain, adding 69 hectares of new sidecountry terrain to the resort’s skiable area this winter. Guided sidecountry tours, and snow-cat-accessed skiing and riding, will also be offered for the first time to advanced

skiers and riders who want to explore the resort’s new terrain offering.

“Northstar already had some of the best tree skiing in Tahoe, but with the expansion of our boundaries, skiers and riders will now have access to even more powder stashes and incredible glade skiing” said Bill Rock, Chief Operating Officer at Northstar Resort.

Snow-cat-accessed skiing and riding will be offered on Sawtooth Ridge,

providing unprecedented access to a popular sidecountry area that was already included within the resort’s boundary, and previously open only to advanced skiers and riders when snow conditions permitted. In addition, guided backcountry tours will be available to advanced skiers and riders, when conditions permit, to a potential area of future expansion, which is outside the resort’s boundary on Sawtooth Ridge.

northstar gets bigger

Co-ordinating a large group for a skiing holiday can be a confusing chore. Family ski holiday specialist Ski Famille (skifamille.co.uk) is offering

home visits to groups of 12 or more people booking a whole chalet. One of the Ski Famille team will visit you at the venue of your choice

to talk through the whole holiday experience and discuss all options.

“Booking a skiing holiday isn’t always easy” explains Ski Famille Managing Director Chris Thompson, “Particularly if you need to take in to account the needs of a number of families. A skiing holiday for a large group is a significant financial commitment and online research and phone calls can only yield so much information.”

The service is limited to a 64km radius of the Ski Famille office in Farnborough, but this covers much of the South East. All Ski Famille asks for in return is a cup of tea, and possibly a biscuit, for their visiting expert.

Tour Op Offers Home Visits For Groups

ben clatwoRthy

For those who enjoy being in spectacular mountain scenery, but (weirdly) are less interested in skiing and snowboarding, there are some new developments, festivals, and season-long activities for winter enthusiasts in Banff and Lake Louise.

Options include spending the day dog-sledding, ice skating on Lake Louise, or spotting wildlife whilst snowshoeing or cruising in

the Lake Louise Gondola. If high adrenalin is required, ice-climbing is increasingly popular throughout the Banff National Park and is available for all abilities. After a day of winter activities, the Upper Hot Springs offer relaxation for body and soul in Banff.

The Ice Magic Festival, 20–29 January, in Lake Louise offers visitors the chance to watch internationally renowned teams compete in

the International Ice Carving Competition, which takes place over the first weekend of the Festival.

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http://www.skitracer.com/price-watch.htm




DIARYOF APRO

With newspapers shoved down the back of a pair of ski hire boots to make them fit, I made a really early start on my path to becoming a winter Olympian! I didn’t actually have much say in the matter, as my father was a ski instructor and my first taste of skiing was at the age of 21 months (I don’t actually remember learning how to ski, its just something that I have always done).

I just love the feel of the mountain underfoot. Even at the start gate at the 2010 Vancouver

Olympics, with three billion people watching live, I was extraordinarily relaxed, focused and confident, and ready to show the world what an 18-year-old Brit could do! Moguls skiing is all about feel. It’s the only freestyle skiing discipline where your balance is constantly challenged by bumpy terrain, and just like alpine racing, you have to race the clock. Then there is the added ingredient of being technically perfect in the air, pulling two tricks whilst pumping down through the course, pants on fire!

I first discovered my passion for speed, technical precision, and the fact that I was a bit of adrenaline junkie whilst out training as an alpine racer. I remember going out to the Tignes glacier on summer race camps, eyeballing the young French, Slovenian or Italian teams in the next lanes, and seeing how flustered they were to be beaten by a Brit!

Now, of course, I follow the snow all year round training throughout the summer and competing at the World Cup in winter. I love flying into Europe, there’s just something really cool about getting back to some of the resorts that I first skied as a kid!

My 4-year cycle since Vancouver is all about raising my game to get to the podium at the Sochi Olympics in 2014. The challenge is that each year, the pace gets just that bit faster, and the tricks are continually evolving and becoming more technical. For the guys, corked 1080s and back double fulls are where it’s at;

and for the girls, D-spins and 7s are starting to appear. I have a couple of new tricks in development, but in the meantime, my signature backflip, nicely X’d out, does it for me – I just love the calm of

flying upside down in slow motion when I hit the kicker at full speed!

If you want to get some tips and advice about moguls technique, check out my website (elliekoyander.com)!

Athlete Biography

At the age of 18 Ellie made her Olympic debut at the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics in the women’s freestyle moguls event. She is a member of the British Freestyle Ski Team and GBR’s number one female moguls skier. Ellie is on the FIS World Cup circuit currently working towards the Sochi Olympics in 2014. Ellie rides for Team SnoKart.Twitter @EllieKoyanderWeb: elliekoyander.com

ellie koyandeR

I just love the calm of flying upside down in slow motion

*Timing based on average driving speed. Transfer times will vary according to weather and traffic conditions.Price correct at time of printing and subject to availability

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The chairlift Mont Blanc at Arc 1600 will be replaced by a new, bigger and faster chairlift for the coming winter.

The new detachable chairlift will provide direct access to Les Deux Têtes area.

The old Les Deux Têtes and Pierre Blanche ski lifts, which the new lift replaces, will be removed.

This new lift service is designed to improve

the people flow around Les Arcs, and make it easier for people to go from Arc 1600 to Arc 1800 and Arc 2000.

In addition, new signage will be in place directing resort guests to every play activity site in the vast Les Arcs area.

For example, the resort’s ice cave, Rodeo Park toboggan run, speed slope, waterslide, boardercross, and so on, will be signposted from all parts of the resort with standard sign boards.

National Ski Patrol (NSP), the US leading authority for on-mountain safety, is testing Portaski on the slopes of Colorado. Portaski, a revolutionary ski-carrying device, features a patented wheel-sled, allowing skis to be effortlessly transported on any terrain. Tim White, Executive Director of NSP said “With the emergence of new snow sports requiring new safety and rescue techniques, Portaski is an interesting proposition.” He continued “The durability of Portaski has the potential to enable our patrollers to become more agile on foot which could ultimately save more lives.”

With a revolutionary design, the lightweight pocket-sized device carries up to 70% of the weight of your skis, and takes just seconds

to attach. Portaski works perfectly on skis of all sizes. Dedicated to serving the public and outdoor recreation industry, by providing education and accreditation to emergency care and safety service providers, NSP serves over 600 patrols, including alpine, Nordic, and auxiliary patrollers.

Portaski Trialled By NSP

bigger & faster chairlift for les arcs this winter

ben clatwoRthy

La Rosière (www.larosiere.net) has built a new kindergarten for visiting children this winter, and is also offering a special children’s spa!

The Odescimes Spa (www.cgh-residences.com) within

the CGH Les Cimes Blanches residence is open to guests and non-guests alike. This winter, children aged from 6–16 years can also their own spa time with, for example, the special sandman massage with

sweet-almond oil (30 minutes for €40), or a mother-daughter manicure (45 minutes for €50).

The French Ski School (ESF – www.esflarosiere.com) has completely renovated its kindergarten, located right in the heart of the resort. The new facility is larger, easily accessible, and has its own 46m-long magic carpet lift all the way up the Piou-Piou school slope. There’s new playground equipment on the snow too, to learn and have fun, and parents can register their children for a full day with meal from 9am until 5pm.

La Rosière’s New Kids Spa

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Spain’s leading resort of Baqueira Beret will open on 26 November if weather permits.

Their big spend for this winter is on the construction of a new lake in Orri, which will allow a significant increase in the resort’s ability to manufacture snow.

Half of a total €6m investment for 2011–12 is going on snow production, with the installation of 59 snow guns on the north side of the resort. Baqueira Beret has also purchased three new trail groomers.

Baqueira Beret Invests In Snow

Specialist snow holiday travel agency Ski Solutions (www.skisolutions.com) wanted to celebrate their 25th anniversary in style and decided on a book. The result is Unparalleled, an inspirational guidebook detailing 25 unforgettable ski experiences.

But the book is more than just a souvenir, as all profits from the sale of Unparalleled will go to the Make-A-Wish Foundation UK, to grant magical wishes to children and young people living with life-threatening illnesses.

Unparalleled Experiences

ben clatwoRthy

Duran Duran will be performing at the brand new Altitude Festival in Klosters on Saturday 21 January 2012. The festival kicks off at midday at Altitude Grounds, Auf Christli’s in Klosters

The new festival will be tied into the Klosters Snow Polo tournament, which runs from 18–22 January 2012. This annual event is the first tournament of the Swiss polo season, and also the only snow polo tournament worldwide to be played at night on a floodlit snow-covered polo pitch.

The Duran Duran gig and the Snow Polo contest are taking place during the same week as Klosters specialists PT Ski (020 7736 5557; www.ptski.com) offer a mini spa break (16–20 January), with 5 days of skiing and pampering staying at the Hotel Vereina with its superb spa. They can add-on the concert and Polo tournament tickets to complete your trip.

duran duran to play klosters altitude festival

Singles specialist Friendship Travel (www.singlesskiholidays.com) has announced savings of up to £400pp on a choice of peak-season New Year holidays.

Deals, for departures on 31 December, include seven night breaks at Les Deux Alpes in the French Alps, now £895pp, saving £400, including return Gatwick flights, transfers, and mainly half-board accommodation at the 3+ Chalethotel Bérangère. There’s also big savings on holidays to Courmayeur, Italy. Departures to all destinations are also available from Heathrow, Birmingham, Manchester and Bristol (supplements may apply).

Singles SaveAt New Year


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BRITS_ad_inthesnowissue3.pdf 8/9/11 12:28:33

Three sisters, based at the Italian resort of Montecampione, have each made it into the national squad, causing the most excitement among fans since the days of famous racers Alberto Tomba and Deborah Compagnoni.

The Fanchini sisters – Elena, Nadia

and Sabrina – all started skiing at 3 years of age in Montecampione, and are still based in the resort at the slopeside family home.

"Our father, who still works on Montecampione, supported us and encouraged us and I remember heading to the ski slopes of Montecampione instead of kindergarten" explains Elena, the

eldest of the three sisters. All three sisters have gone onto become national junior or senior champions with podium finishes in the World Ski Championships.

Elena won her first World Ski Championship race in 2005 in Lake Louise, Canada, and recently won the FIS competition in Cerro Castor, Argentina.

Middle sister Nadia won three world titles at junior level before being seriously injured, breaking both knees in St Moritz in January 2010, ruling her out of the Vancouver Olympics last year. She has recently sustained a further injury in Cortina. Despite this, she remains upbeat about her health and fitness, and aims to be back in action in 2012 and join her sisters in representing Italy at the 2014 Olympics in Sochi.

Each year the sisters travel to over 15 countries and many different ski resorts, each of them have their own personal memories of some world-class resorts. But Montecampione will always be the place they call home, where they learnt to ski, where they train, where their father works, and where the locals are proud to celebrate "Fanchini day".

Although only an hour from Milan or Bergamo airports, only one UK tour operator has so far discovered Montecampione, where there’s a good chance you’ll see the Fanchini sisters, or at least their father. ActivityBreaks (www.activitybreaks.com) offers ski breaks inclusive of accommodation, ski pass and rentals, from a remarkable €118 (excluding travel).

3 Sisters Make The Italian Ski Team

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Burton Snowboards and Lucasfilm have come together to launch a range of snowboard gear to groms. There are limited edition youth-sized Chopper snowboards ranging from 80–130cm long, showcasing eight different iconic images from the original Star Wars trilogy, including Yoda, Darth Vader, Luke Skywalker, and the original movie poster. There’s also an equally limited run Avid Grom R2-D2 helmet, which is inspired by everyone’s favourite droid sidekick, and features a lightweight in-molded polycarbonate shell.

burton brings the force to boarding

Europe’s highest ski resort had to delay its opening for the 2011/12 ski season due to a lack of snow. The resort is among a number of high-profile resorts that were forced to delay opening, including Verbier, Switzerland. Val Thorens was due to open on Saturday 19 November 2011 but had to push back until Thursday 24 November for a partial opening of the slopes.

Val thorens delays opening

Europe’s highest ski resort has announced a new funitel lift will open for the 2011-12 ski season. The new lift will give access to two new pistes, the red Les Asters and the blue Le Chocard, with each cabin carrying up to 33 passengers. The lift will be able to carry 1500 people per hour with a journey time of just two minutes. The new lift takes the number of funitels in the resort to four. They are a popular choice for high resorts as the cabins are very stable in high winds.

New Funitel for Val Thorens

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In the Snow Sept 277x85_HiRes.pdf 1 07/09/2011 14:28

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Britain’s ski show season is upon us once more!

Patrick Thorne has the low down on page 3






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The catered chalet on the edge of the Savoy piste in

Chamonix, opposite the Brevent lift.

www.chamchalet.co.ukwww.chamonixskiout.com

Chamonix Ski In // Ski Out

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Of course we all know of Innsbruck, Kitzbühel, Mayrhofen, and a dozen other famous resorts in Austria’s Tirol. But did you know that the region, one of the world’s leading ski destinations in its own right, is actually home to more than 100 ski areas? A stat matched by less than a handful of other states/regions/provinces worldwide.

Those 100+ ski areas are not all as big as those famed resorts, but many are well worthy of investigation; and all share the Tirolean characteristics of high quality on and off the slopes, and

ease of access by air or rail. You can visit www.visittirol.co.uk for this

season’s top ski holidays to Tirol. The site encompasses package offers from tour operators to accommodation-only options, bookable through local tourist offices.

VAST SKI AREAZILLERTAL SUPERSKIPASSMany visitors to Mayrhofen don’t realise that the Zillertaler Super Skipass, which is the pass obtained when buying for 4 days or more, gives access to one of the world’s

biggest ski areas, opening up over 668km served by more than 170 fast lifts.

The Skipass covers a number of separate ski areas, ranging from the guaranteed snow trails on the Hintertux glacier, available for year-round skiing, to several large lift-linked regions. The short bus trip between them is free to Skipass holders. One of the largest areas on the Skipass is the Zillertal Arena, which lift-links the skiing above Gerlos, Königsleiten, Krimml and Zell am Ziller. In addition, there are half a dozen individual ski areas. The price for a 5-day Zillertal Superskipass is €176 per adult. Further information: www.zillertal.at

Example package: Crystal (www.crystalski.co.uk; 0871 231 2256) offers seven nights half-board in the 3 Hotel Neuwirt in Zell am Ziller, including flights from Gatwick, from £385pp.

OFF-PISTEISCHGL

OK Ischgl is a well-known resort, but perhaps more for its après-ski scene, and network of high-speed lifts serving hundreds of kilometres of groomed piste, than for its less well-known powder side.

This huge resort's high altitude ski area, the largest in the Eastern Alps, is easily accessible from the village centre, with a choice of three gondolas to take you up to the skiing above. Although there is 200km of linked skiing between Ischgl and Samnaun, almost double that amount is available on the Silvretta Pass, with runs including long, wide, open cruisers of up to 7km in length.

But less well known are the high Alpine bowls and fun runs down through the trees. To make the most of the deep fluffy snow that accumulates here, head to the resort's

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single ski school, which leads off-piste and powder expeditions into this terrain. Experts have the choice of ten trails graded black in the region, with a total length of 40km – more than most other resorts anywhere. Further information: www.ischgl.com

Example package: Neilson (www.neilson.co.uk; 0845 070 3464) offers seven nights half-board at the 4 Hotel Wirlerhof in Galtür, including flights from Gatwick, from £595pp.

FAMILY HOLIDAYSWITH A BIT OF A CHAllENGESERFAUS FISS LADISSerfaus is an amazing village in that, in addition to a history dating back to 1500BC, a lovely atmosphere and first-rate skiing, it has its own underground railway system. Not bad for a population of 900!

Since 2005 the village has been jointly promoted with neighbouring Fiss and Ladis. The three villages are located on a high plateau above the Tyrolean Inn Valley, framed by the mighty 3000m Samnaun mountains

and the Ötztal Alps, located in one of the sunniest areas in the Tyrol, clocking up more than 2000 hours of sunshine each year.

In addition to the good weather, there are especially good facilities here for children of all ages. There are not only great gentle nursery slopes and facilities for young kids, but older families, where mum and dad are having trouble keeping up with their offspring, can make the most of the 204km of ski runs, of which 125km is at over 2000m altitude, served by more than 50 ski lifts, freeride slopes, terrain parks, and the whole gamut of winter fun sports.Further info: www.serfaus-fiss-ladis.at

Example package: Skiing Austria (www.skiingaustria.co.uk; 0208 123 7817) offers seven nights in an apartment at the holiday farm Fergl’s from £590 for two people.

LATE SEASON SKIINGKüHTAI

As Austria’s highest resort, Kühtai benefits from snow reliability, offering perfect ski

conditions until 22 April 2012, ski in/out convenience, and is located only 35km (30 minutes drive) from Innsbruck. Skiers will enjoy the option of night skiing, an afternoon trip to Innsbruck on the free ski bus, or for the adventurous the chance to test their skills in the snow park (k-park), with rails, kickers and corner jumps. The Kühtai Igloo Village is worth a visit, where you can enjoy a snowshoeing trip with sledging, or even learn to build an igloo.Further information: www.schneegarantie.at

Example package: Erna Low (www.ernalow.co.uk; 0845 863 0525) offers the luxurious Alpin Lodges with direct access to the slopes.

SKI AND THE CITYINNSBRUCK

City skiing has never been so easy, especially in Tirol’s capital city, Innsbruck. Not only can you be on the slopes within an hour of landing at the airport, but the ski lift takes you straight up the mountain directly from the city centre. What’s more

the Tirolean capital is surrounded by a total of nine ski areas and 285km of piste, making up the Olympia SkiWorld Innsbruck. From the Olympic slopes of the Axamer Lizum, to glacier skiing on the Stubai, all the ski areas are easily accessible using the free bus service, and covered by one lift pass – the Innsbruck Glacier Ski Pass. Of course, it’s not all about the skiing, spend a day exploring Innsbruck’s glorious past, stroll through the medieval lanes in the Old Town, marvel at the Golden Roof, and visit traditional treasures such as the Habsburg palaces – the Hofburg and Hofkirche.Further information: www.ski-innsbruck.com

Example package: Inghams (www.inghams.co.uk; 020 8780 4447) offers seven nights half-board at the 2 Hotel Gruberhof in Igls, including flights from Gatwick, from £405pp.

lATesT DeAlswww.visittirol.co.uk/offers

hOw TOgeT TO The TIROl

Innsbruck is the perfect gateway for the Tirolean resorts, with short transfer times. easyJet (www.easyJet.com) flies from Gatwick (twice daily), Bristol and Liverpool, directly to Innsbruck. BA (www.BA.com) flies five times per week from Gatwick to Innsbruck. For shuttle transfers to your favourite resort see www.transfer.tirol.at.

Alternative airports are Salzburg, Munich, Friedrichshafen and Memmingen, all of which will provide shuttle transfers from the airport to your resort.

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Snow+Rock (www.snowandrock.com) has opened their biggest store yet in Croydon, at 1300m2, with all three of their retail brands under one roof: Snow+Rock, CycleSurgery and Runners Need.

The store is located on Purley Way, one of the UK’s busiest retail destinations, between Ikea and John Lewis, and consists of two floors filled with the best brands in winter sports, outdoor, cycling and running.

On the ground floor Snow+Rock customers will be able to peruse ski, snowboard and outdoor wear,

with dedicated departments for The North Face clothing and footwear, and Oakley eyewear. Upstairs they can enjoy a fully equipped, state-of-the-art ski boot fitting lab, with raised seating for comfort and convenience, plus a WiFi-enabled coffee lounge to increase dwell time.

"We have been waiting for the right location to become available south of London and this is the bull's-eye!” said Dion Taylor, Managing Director of Snow+Rock Group. “We have put a lot of emphasis on the retail experience and interior design of the store, so we are sure customers will be delighted when they visit."

ben clatwoRthy

snow+Rock open biggest store yet

Panorama Mountain Village (www.panoramaresort.com) in British Columbia, Canada, will officially open for the winter season on Friday 9 December, and will welcome this winter with a host of on-mountain enhancements that will keep families, and advanced skiers and riders, smiling all season long.

Freestyle riders will find bigger

berms and rowdier whoops in the Rockstar Terrain Park’s permanent skier and boardercross tracks. The newly-extended banked track runs from the top of the park, and leads skiers and snowboarders to the medium and large features in the lower half of the park.

Skiers and riders venturing into Taynton Bowl’s expansive big mountain terrain, famed for holding untracked powder for

days after a storm, will be able to take advantage of even more fresh tracks with added glading and pruning.

There’s also a new Tube Park, which has been added at the base of the mountain so sliding fun can continue on into the night. Located steps away from slopeside accommodations it features multiple lanes and conveyor lift access via the Red Carpet.

new at panorama Mountain Village this winter

The Portes du Soleil region, which is spread between a dozen resorts on each side of the French–Swiss border, offers 650km of pistes on one lift ticket, and although not the cheapest, the 6-day lift pass (€216 for adults up to 30 March 2012, €184 for the rest of the season) is the best value-for-money you can get.

“With our 6 day pass, each kilometre of piste costs 33 cents for an adult and 28 cents for a child. In almost all other large linked areas in France and Switzerland you pay more than double that per kilometre of skiing available to you” said a statement.

Is This The Best Value Lift Pass?

Price quoted as return fare per person including all airport taxes and surcharges. Prices correct at time of print, departing from Manchester. An optional payment charge may apply. Ski equipment transportation: 1 pair of ski boots, 1 pair of ski sticks, 1 pair of skis OR 1 snowboard, 1 pair of snowboard boots are free of charge and in addition to standard baggage allowance.

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The ultimate lift to the Alps.In Switzerland, skiing is a national sport. So it’s no surprise we take the same care in bringing you to our ski slopes as we do preparing them. To choose from 32 daily ights to the Alps contact your travel agent or visit us online.

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Club Med (www.clubmed.co.uk; 08453 67 67 67), the famous French-based creator of all-inclusive holiday villages in ski resorts all around the world, even China, has opened a new resort closer to their roots this winter.

The £75m Club Med Valmorel offers three levels of accommodation, all at the top 4 and 5 Trident standard. It’s also the first Club Med to offer an ice rink within the resort itself, and there are two main restaurants, as well as a speciality restaurant providing a gourmet option.

A Club Med Spa by Carita, the largest spa in Club Med’s portfolio of mountain resorts, is also available to guests keen to relax and unwind

after a day on the slopes. In addition, there’s a complete range of children’s clubs, for four-month-olds up to 17-years-old, with dedicated activities and professional carers.

new club Med in Valmorel

Legendary Val d'Isère institution Dick's Tea Bar (www.dicksteabar.com) has had a major makeover, and introduced a brand new comfy après-ski bar, open from 4pm. As the afternoon turns into night, the bar opens up to the larger nightclub, with dancing right through to 5am. The new interior features large comfy sofas, log piles, stone arches and LCD fire screens.

When the après-ski bar turns into the nightclub it features a brand new DJ booth, dancefloor tables, as well as an exceptional VIP area overlooking the dance floor. A chauffeur service to and from your Val d'Isère chalet is available on request for

those wanting a VIP service. All VIPs are met at the door by the front-of-house, and introduced to their hostess for the evening who will lead them to their table. Full table service includes an array of drink choices, from champagne and spirits to the infamous ski-boot cocktail.

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dick’s Revamped

For the first time in France, the chairlift company, the tourist office, and the Les Gets golf course are all certified ISO 14001 (environmental certification). Every 3 years, there will be a new audit. There are also ”test audits” carried out once a year, which make sure that the resort is doing the right things to meet its environmental

management program, and that it is achieving its goals. The tourist office’s last test audit took place in September 2011.

“Let’s not forget that the ISO 14001 certification is part of the village’s global goal in getting the whole village to be a part of this environmental movement” said a statement from the tourist office. “An example of this, is the charter that the reservations centre put in place for all accommodation in Les Gets.”

Last winter, the reservations centre put together a questionnaire to identify tourists’ wishes with regards to eco-tourism. The information collected helped to make the charter more relevant to future tourism needs in Les Gets.

triple eco-certification for les gets

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If you're hitting the slopes with young children this season, the NipperGrip (www.nippergrip.com) ski harness is a practical way to keep a hold of your little one. The harness, developed by a husband and wife team whilst teaching their young children to ski, is suitable for a child aged 1–8 years as they learn to ski. With a handle on the front and the back, you can pick your child up whichever way they fall, and with a big handle this is also easy with ski gloves on. The harness is also useful for helping the child on and off chairlifts easily, meaning no more stopping the lift whilst you untangle your child on the floor. The harness also has detachable reins so you can control their speed and direction, whilst either walking or skiing behind. If you're not skiing, the NipperGrip is also good for cycling, swimming, skating or horse riding. Quote code: ITS1112 to receive 20% off when ordering.

nipper grip up this winter and get 20% off

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The era of affordable but distinctly ”bijou” apartments, available in the first few decades of modern-day French skiing, is long behind us. Most people now know that for more than two decades French resorts have been creating apartment complexes or ”residences” of a far higher 3 or 4 star quality, with more spacious suites of rooms within complexes, which often have bars, restaurants and swimming pools, and even spa facilities on-site. At the same time the things we love about French skiing have remained

– doorstep access to the some of the world’s biggest ski areas and most snow-sure slopes, and well-equipped apartments where everything you’ll need for your holiday is close to hand. Perhaps surprisingly, the value is still there.

What many people still don’t know, however, is that in the past few seasons French resort accommodation has notched up the quality levels yet again, with the advent of ever better 4 and the first 5 accommodations in a dozen or so of the country’s (and this is the world’s) leading resorts.

Leading the way is Pierre &

Vacances Premium Range (see www.pierreetvacances.co.uk) with luxury 4 properties in La Plagne, Les Carroz, Méribel, and top-of-the-range 5 options in Arc 1950 (with a new spa this winter), Avoriaz (new for 2011–12), Chamonix, Flaine (the first 5 residence in France), Les Menuires, Tignes, Arc 1800 and Courchevel.

And if the star rating sets alarm bells ringing on cost, you can rest assured. Apartments sleeping six people in a 5 residence can cost less than €800 per week – less than £100pp per week or less than £15 a day – not bad for 5!

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Win a week’s accomodation for four people in a Pierre & Vacances Premium residence by entering our InTheSnow competition on page 63.

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The resort has announced that every employee must wear a helmet whilst skiing or snowboarding on duty this season. The resort pioneers in safety and has enforced all children wearing helmets in ski school since 2002. Any company employee who doesn’t currently own a helmet will be given one free of charge. The resort had previously only enforced the rule for certain groups of employees.

Aspen Staff To Wear Helmets

Flaine

British Ski and Snowboard have 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 2012. Many British ski racers have been unhappy at how long it has taken for the announcement and say it has come far too late for them to take advantage of the cheapest flights and accommodation.

Early season skiers will be enjoying great conditions at Vail, Heavenly and Northstar. 52inches (133cm) of snow had fallen by the time the resorts opened for the season. Breckenridge which opened in mid-November had seen 48inches 122cm) so far this season and 14inches (36cm) between 10 – 17 November.

Brit Ski Champs Back In Méribel

Vail, Heavenly & Northstar Open


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

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

Initially designed as a way to allow skiers who become out of breath, suffer from thigh burn, or suffer through general lack of fitness, to ski for longer; the ski~mojo (www.skiallday.co.uk) has since been accepted as the ski industry leader in aiding skiers who may have suffered knee, leg or back injuries to get back onto the piste, and return to their usual ski style. Following its launch in 2007, the product has continued to be adapted and innovated, with the latest version weighing a third less than its predecessor, and with a slimmer more comfortable design. The ski~mojo is designed to give the user support to the knees and legs, acting in exactly the same way as shock absorbers, making for a less bumpy ride down the slopes.

The ski~mojo has had excellent feedback

from day one, something many products are unable to boast, and now it also has backing from many current and ex-professional winter sports athletes. Laura Donaldson, Olympic mogul skier, says, “the ski~mojo provides such powerful support I can jump again and I am able to ski more full days.” Moreover, former British slalom champion, Adam Sullivan, who had been skiing with pain following nine knee operations commented that “the ski~mojo enables me to enjoy skiing the whole mountain pain free.”

”L'adret“ is a patois word for the sunny side of the mountain, and this is where Chamonix regulars and newcomers alike will discover this new mountain restaurant at the Flégère. Serving farmhouse cuisine, including fondues, hot stone bakes, potato fritters and a dish of the day, it is newly-opened this winter. There’s a new snack bar next door too, Tendance Foehn, serving takeaway paninis, bagels and pasta.

Also new is ”Les Consorts“, located in the middle of the slopes on the Balme ski area. This converted farmhouse has been beautifully renovated and now houses a restaurant seating 50, with an additional terrace overlooking the entire valley. It serves traditional cheese and potato dishes, grills and brasserades.

Two New Mountain Restaurants

Ski All Day With Ski~Mojo

Extreme sports manufacturer Ruroc (www.ruroc.com), which design and manufacture their helmets in the UK, has launched a new ”Helmet 4 Life” scheme providing young ski-ers and boarders with a helmet throughout their youth, enabling them to exchange their helmet for a larger size as they grow.

The scheme allows the consumer to make a one-off payment of £4.99 on top of the purchase price of their initial RG-1

YL helmet, which then entitles them to upgrade their helmet any time 3 months

after their first purchase, with a 50% discount on subsequent helmet purchases with no upper age limit on the scheme.

The idea came after Ruroc research into the safety of children on the slopes found the

most common injury on the slopes was head trauma, accounting for

around 60% of all ski- and board-related fatalities. “It’s a real shock knowing how many

fatalities happen per year as a result of a head injury. Ruroc want to help enforce the importance of protection from a young age. The Helmet 4 Life scheme gives parents the opportunity to protect their children at a reasonable cost, safe in the knowledge that they will be covered as they grow up” said David Pearson, Ruroc’s Managing Director.

“More and more skiers are wearing helmets on the slopes. It's great to see a British company at the cutting edge of developing technology which will make skiing both safer and more comfortable” said Chris Exall, Ski Safety Consultant and Equipment Editor of The Skier and Snowboarder.

Kids Discount Helmet Replacements From Ruroc

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Scotland’s ski areas have had three straight excellent snowfall winters in a row, and are looking forward to winter 2011–12 with more optimism than ever before.

Buoyed by a great Scottish Ski Show in Glasgow in October, where pre-registered guests received a voucher for a free day’s skiing at one of three of Scotland’s ski areas (CairnGorm, Glencoe or Nevis Range), and the launch of joint marketing group Ski-Scotland’s website in a mobile format, spirits are high, with hopes of a repeat of the start of last winter when conditions were so good that all five centres were open together in early December for the first time.

“The Show was a huge success, bigger and better than our initial show last year. The free lift ticket offer was

tremendously popular and we’re looking forward to doing even greater things in 2012 now that we are a firm fixture in

the pre-season countdown for

Scotland and the UK” said organiser Josh Littlejohn of Capital Events. “Combining the ski show with our Outdoors Show which showcased all other aspects of

Scotland’s buoyant outdoors scene was a master stroke, which was also very popular with our visitors, along with their free goodie bags and free lift tickets for just a £10 admission fee.”

With statistics showing Scotland has more skiers-per-head than any other UK region, it should be no surprise that around 12,000 people attended the 2 day event, sponsored by Chamonix, where more than 100 exhibitors were there not just to give detailed information of Scottish skiing, but resorts all around the world; as well as clothing, equipment and every other aspect of a ski holiday.

Other promising signs for Scotland’s ski centres this winter are that following the successful staging of a number of increasingly high-profile competitions over the past few seasons, the Scottish Alpine Ski

Championships return to Scotland in March 2012 after a 10-year gap!

Visitor numbers to Scotland’s slopes have also remained healthy, not just because of the snow, but also because more people are realising how much more affordable and less hassle skiing on our own British slopes is compared with flying or driving to the Alps. A 6 day Nevis Range lift pass this winter will cost £120, compared with nearly double that for a leading resort in the Alps, and more than double that for one of Switzerland’s best resorts. There is the option to drive or take the train up, with bargain berths on the sleeper from Euston or other West Coast mainline stations up to Fort William for Nevis Range, or Aviemore for CairnGorm, costing from £19pp including rail ticket and bed in a twin

cabin. There are also

no baggage fees, no ski carriage fees and none of the airport hassles. Of course, you can choose to fly up to Inverness for CairnGorm or Nevis Range, or to Glasgow for Glencoe, both within about an hour of each resort.

Added advantages are that you’ll know what your pound will buy in terms of après-ski, there’ll be the stunning scenery of the Cairngorms or the West Coast to enjoy, and some of the UK’s best attractions – Loch Ness, Balmoral (open from Easter), and all those whisky distilleries.

So what’s new for 2011–12?At CairnGorm ski area above Aviemore,

money has been spent on heated doors for the funicular tunnel mouth opening as it approaches the top station to allow rapid de-icing, ensuring the train works

more efficiently in the coldest weather. New groomer access will permit snowharvesting from the car park, and there has been improvements to the flow in the hire and ticket areas.

On the west coast, Glencoe has on-site accommodation for the first time! Caravan hook-ups and camping spaces have been installed, and there are hobbit houses to stay in with a shower block on-site. There’s a new beginners’ tow and snowmaking on the plateau, a new ski school, and the midweek day lift pass has been reduced to £25 for an adult – lift ticket prices going down is not something you hear of very often!

Nevis Range’s excellent new café at the base of the gondola will see its

first winter, as will the enlarged

rental shop, which makes use of space vacated by the old café. There is also an avalanche transceiver training park, an additional groomer, and there’ll be Back Corrie freeride competitions.

Ski-Scotland’s new mobile website, launched at Scotland’s Ski and Snowboard Show, can be accessed from any Internet-enabled mobile device and offers fast access to information about each ski area for skiers and snowboarders, i.e. live snow and road conditions, webcam images, weather information, road, lift and run status, and news and contact information.

“The new mobile site was developed in close co-operation with

VisitScotland, who administer the Ski-Scotland website on our behalf. Our priorities were for a mobile site which would work well on any mobile device, regardless of operating platform, and deliver the information we know our customers want – fast! The system also recognises what equipment is accessing the website and delivers the full site to computers and the simplified site to mobile devices, so there’s no need to type in anything complicated – just www.ski-scotland.com, which can then be bookmarked easily” explained Heather Negus, Chair of Ski-Scotland.

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More Informationscotland’s ski and snowboard show: www.scotlandsskishow.co.uk

ski-scotland: www.ski-scotland.com

Visitscotland: www.visitscotland.com

scotRail sleeper trains: www.scotrail.co.uk/sleeper

nevis Range: www.nevisrange.co.uk

cairngorm Mountain: www.cairngormmountain.org

glencoe Mountain:www.glencoemountain.co.uk

glasgow sno!zone:www.snozoneuk.com

sCOTlANDReADY FORACTION


02 DEC

Core NightChill Factore, ManchesterFreestyle ski evening

03 DEC

ParkstrifeSNO!zone Milton KeynesFreestyle event

05 DEC

TSA Ski TestSNO!zone ScotlandSnowboard Asylum ski test event.

08 DEC


15 DEC

Grom Camp Chill Factore, ManchesterFreestyle coaching from top Salomon instructors.

16 DEC

Core NightChill Factore, ManchesterFreestyle ski evening

16 DEC

ParkstrifeSNO!zone CastlefordFreestyle event

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FIS World CupCourchevel

19 DEC


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Ice Sculpture CompetitionValloire

21 DEC 50th Birthday Celebration

La Plagne

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Specialist tour operator Le Ski (www.leski.com) has added a fully-catered chalet, designed for just two guests, to their programme in Courchevel 1650 this winter. Chalet Les Marmottes has a stylishly decorated bedroom, with an en suite bathroom with whirlpool bath, great views, dedicated chalet host, gadgets galore, and is 30 seconds away from the spa area with an endless pool and large hot tub. “There is obviously a huge demand for a catered chalet for 2 guests – within a week of announcing the option to take Chalet Les Marmottes as part of Le Ski’s fully catered service, 10 out of 17 weeks are already fully booked” said Le Ski’s Managing Director, Nick Morgan.

Prices start from £929pp for a week’s holiday, including flights, transfers, breakfast, tea and three-course evening meal.

le ski launches new catered chalet

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BMW Polo MastersVal d’Isere

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15 JAN Ice Trophy

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Open Air Curling TournamentZermatt

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BMW Polo MastersCourchevel

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Ice Climbing World CupLa Plagne

11 FEB Fireworks Festival

Courchevel

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SFR Freeride CompetitionTignes

14 FEB Olympic Celebration

Val d’Isère

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

Awesome slopes.Open bowls.

Woodland runs.France. Oui!

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

A charming resort, (1200 – 2830m), linking four fabulous villages betweenBriançon 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.

7 nights

s/c inc. 6-day

lift pass

from £209 pp,

selected dates.Visit Les Grands Bains du Monêtier– the perfect experience of pools,relaxation, health and beauty, withspa and wellness facilities

Accreditations:Agence Zoom

If you can’t make it to Lapland you can at least take your child to see Santa in a traditionally snowy setting, as Santa has set up his wooden grotto at The Snow Centre Hemel Hempstead (www.thesnowcentre.com).

But, it’s not just the grotto that will excite children at the snow centre this winter, as Christmas holiday courses are available for those aged 4–6 years, 7–10 years, and 11–16 years. Courses will take place over a choice of 2 or 4 days under the supervision of highly-qualified BASI instructors.

Number one British junior skier Max Baggio, who regularly practices at The Snow Centre, was just 4-years-old when he first hit the slopes, “Skiing is so much fun I think everyone should give it a go, it can be challenging but it’s also really exciting and it gives you such a thrill. I don’t think there is anyone who wouldn’t enjoy it!”

Christmas holiday courses cost from £40 for 2 days (based on two 1-hour lessons for 4–6-year-olds). A visit to Santa on the snow costs just £7 and booking is essential, as are warm clothes and flat shoes!

Santa Snow Sure InHemel Hempstead

A charitable trust, whose profits go to support the world-famous Ffestiniog and Welsh Highland Railways, is offering competitively priced rail tickets to Europe’s ski resorts.

Rail specialist Ffestiniog Travel’s tailor-made ticketing service supplies rail tickets for the UK and

Europe, and is an agent for ATOC (UK railways), SNCF (French railways), DB (German railways), SNCB (Belgian railways) and FS (Italian railways).

“We can arrange point to point tickets to all the major European ski resorts, sourcing the fastest or most scenic routes, booking overnight sleepers and reserving couchettes or seats, all at the best available price” said

Dan May, European and UK Ticketing Supervisor at Ffestiniog Travel (www.ffestiniogtravel.com; 01766 772050).

“We’ve seen a marked increase in ticket sales to European ski resorts this season, and it’s easy to see why. Travel to European ski destinations by rail is faster and cheaper than ever before. With the new Rhine to Rhône high-speed rail line set to open in December

from Dijon to Mulhouse, journey times from Paris and Lille will be greatly reduced into Eastern France, Germany and Switzerland. Lovers of the French Alps will also be pleased to know that Eurostar are operating their ski train service from London to Bourg-St-Maurice on Saturdays until mid-April.”

Journey times from London to an array of Swiss destinations have been cut, and Crans-Montana can be reached in 9 hours, Wengen in 10 hours and St Moritz in 11 hours. Second-class fares for any of these resorts, departing daily from London St Pancras, start at just £215pp with Ffestiniog Travel.

Slightly further afield, but still possible by train, the Austrian Tyrol and resorts like St Anton am Arlberg are straightforward to reach. Daily departures from London cost from £245pp return, and include overnight on-board accommodation in a six-berth couchette. An upgrade to a private en suite cabin is also available upon request. Travelling overnight, the journey time from London to St Anton am Arlberg is 19 hours.

For the French Alps, prices start at just £120pp travelling second-class from London St Pancras to ski destination hub Bourg-St-Maurice, via Paris and Chambéry.

Rail charity offers point-to-point Rail tickets from uk to ski Resorts

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In the run up to New Year’s Eve, St. Anton will be hosting the spectacular “Schneetreiben” (Snow Driving) ski show at the World Cup stadium from 9pm on 30 December. The show will depict amazing driving skills on the snow, and the historic development of skiing can be seen both live on the piste and in big screen format. The show will also include a firework display, and will be repeated throughout the rest of the season every Wednesday evening.

Admission to the event is free, but you can opt to pay €25 to watch it with an evening meal and drinks in the warm, glazed lounge at the World Cup stadium. Special buses to the event will be laid on from outlying villages, including Pettneu and St. Christoph.

new year snow driving show at st. anton


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The lift operator Compagnie du Mont Blanc will be installing a big air mattress at the Brévent ski area in the Chamonix valley this winter. The new facility will allow freestyle thrillseekers to make safe big jumps beneath the spectacular backdrop of Mont Blanc. “This will satisfy this area’s young clientele and create a new activity centre” said a company statement. Entry will be controlled and regulated for the greatest safety of thrillseekers.

Big AirIn Brévent

Any expert skier who wishes they didn’t have to spend time in their day on details like finding a restaurant, or

who has wished they were in another resort when they find another nearby had better conditions, should sign up for The Big Ski Trip provided by Adventures In The Alps – a guided ski

tour dedicated to finding the French Alps most challenging skiing on- and off-piste (winter.adventuresinthealps.com/the-big-ski-trip).

Led by a professional mountain

guide, groups of up to six skiers will be transported daily from the luxury chalet, Maison Caramel, to some of the Alps most picturesque ski spots in the Tarantaise Valley, including Val d’Isère, Méribel, Valmorel, Tignes, Sainte Foy, La Rosière, Les Arcs, Courchevel, Val Thorens and La Plagne. Each day the resort is chosen for snow and weather conditions so skiers are guaranteed the best skiing in the Valley.

The morning starts with a big breakfast to set guests up for the day, and everything from lift passes to lunchtime restaurants are organised for guests in advance. The Big Ski Trip is running from 22–29 January and from 4–11 March 2012, with a maximum of 12 people per trip, and costs £1800pp including luxury chalet accommodation and board, airport transfers, daily transfers, guiding, lift tickets and equipment, but excludes flights, insurance or lunch on the slopes. Only skiers who have experience both of black slopes and off-piste should book.

only for experts: the big ski trip

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Fujifilm (www.fujifilm.co.uk) has launched the world’s first waterproof, shockproof, dustproof and freezeproof camera, featuring built-in GPS functionality. The FinePix XP30 is designed to survive even the most extreme experience on the slopes.

The XP30 has a rugged exterior, and is freezeproof to −10°C, waterproof to 5m so it will even survive melt-water dips, as well as being shockproof to 1.5m so that it can withstand small drops in the boot room. In addition, it has geotagging, with locations displayed either as longitude and latitude coordinates, or by place name.

The camera also has an embedded list, featuring around half a million places of interest across the globe, so when a shot is taken, the image is tagged with location information, enabling you to quickly find shots of a place you’ve visited, whilst allowing you to track back to a favoured place when you’re out and about.

The camera’s functionality includes a 5×, wide-angle, zoom lens, a 14MP resolution, and a healthy range of picture-taking functions. If you want to shoot videos the XP30 offers HD movie capture of 720p at 30 frames per second, or conventional 640 × 480 pixel definition. Available in black, silver, orange, blue and green the XP30 costs around £139.

Uvex has launched its new range of sunglasses for 2011–12. Designed especially for extreme sports, Uvex sunglasses are famed for their high quality, superior comfort and snug fit. They’re made by German firm Rodenstock, established in 1977 and now the country’s leading manufacturer of ophthalmic

lenses and spectacle frames. Favoured by medal-winning skiers like

Ronny Ackermann, Uvex lenses are made from the high-tech material Makrolon, which is extremely lightweight yet exceptionally robust. The lenses are virtually unbreakable, and do not splinter even in a severe fall or collision.

Skiers are protected from blustery winds and poor weather conditions, while the built-in UV protection shields the eyes from harmful radiation and snow glare.

The glasses also feature an ingenious ventilation

system to prevent fogging, even during times of high exertion, and some models come with

interchangeable lenses to suit varying light

conditions, and all feature an anti-scratch coating and anti-glare vision.

The soft nose and temple pads provide comfort for long days on the ski slopes, and the wraparound design minimises impact and excessive movement.

uvex launch latest Range

Fuji Creates Snowsports Cam

The wraps have just come off the glacier at Argentière in the Chamonix valley, ahead of the first major snowfalls. It had been given a protective summer coat in a bid to slowdown its thawing as a result of climate change. Compagnie du Mont Blanc has spent €3000 on a small 750m2 tarpaulin to cover a sector at the Grand Montets. The technique of ice covering has been used previously on Swiss glaciers, to maintain glacier ice volume and limit the action of reflected sunlight.

Glacier Goes Under Wraps

Saas-Fee’s Spielboden cable car will be replaced over the coming summer by a new gondola lift to ensure greater passenger comfort.

The new lift will have a new valley station located next to the P2 multi-storey car park, reducing the walking time to the lift by 10–15 minutes. If everything goes to plan, the new lift will be opened for the start of the 2012–13 winter season.

Saas-Fee: Major Lift Upgrade

Eric Dénéréaz, master cheesemaker at the central dairy in Villars, has revealed the real recipe for a creamy fondue made with cheese from the famous Swiss resort’s pastures.

The secret? It’s all in the cheese. Dénéréaz says

you must use two-thirds certified Swiss Gruyère, and one-third Vacherin Fribourgeois (another, less well-known Swiss cheese) for smoothness. Rub your fondue pot (caquelon) with a clove of garlic, add all the ingredients, and heat at a moderate temperature, stirring all the time. When the mixture has boiled for 1 minute, place the pot on the warmer on the table, and savour your fondue with peasant bread (pain paysan) from the night before, cut into 2cm cubes.

Dénéréaz’s recipe for four people: 1kg fondue mix (available ready-mixed from the central dairy); 400ml dry white wine; 2 cloves garlic (crushed); 2tsp cornflour, dissolved in a small glass of kirsch; freshly ground pepper; and nutmeg for perfectionists – bon appétit!

The Real Cheese Fondue Recipe

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St Moritz will again see elegant, powerful racehorses competing on snow over three consecutive weekends, starting 5 February 2012, when guests and locals alike meet for the region’s largest horseracing event on the famous resort’s frozen lake.

The annual White Turf event, a tradition dating back to 1907, is no longer ”merely” a horse racing

meeting. It’s a unique social event, with thundering horses’ hooves on spraying snow; thrilling flat and trotting races; betting offices for a flutter; and brave jockeys on skis pulled at high speed by horses – this is one of the fastest skijoring races in the world!

New this year, the resort’s luxurious 5 Carlton Hotel is offering a VIP White Turf package, which not only includes a grandstand ticket with the best view of the races, but also provides access to

the champagne bar and the exclusive hospitality tents. For CHF3294 (£2327) the Carlton Hotel offers one night’s B&B, a dinner, 1-day ski pass, a "five-in-one" Carlton massage for two people (75 minutes), use of the 1200m2 spa, minibar and butler service.

Alternatively, a package including a grandstand ticket, but without the champagne tent and access to the hospitality tent, will cost CHF2544 (£1797).

white turf Returns

Following the eruption in Iceland, which disrupted travel plans for skiers returning home from the Alps and North America in April 2010, and the more recent eruption in Chile. which disrupted the 2011 ski season in parts of Argentina, travel insurer Columbus Direct (www.columbusdirect.com) has launched a travel insurance policy

specially designed to combat the perils of volcanic ash clouds.

Costing from £8 per trip, the policy protects customers in the event of their travel plans being disrupted by ash clouds from the 50–70 volcanoes, on average, that erupt globally each year.

“Having spent hours packing, checking your travel plans and

making sure everything’s in order, it’s incredibly frustrating to hear that your holiday or business trip has been cancelled due to a volcano erupting 1000 miles away! The only thing worse would be to discover your travel insurer says ash cloud delays aren’t covered” said Columbus Direct’s, Managing Director, David Evans.

“Our new Ash Cloud Cover, available either on a single trip or annual basis, offers customers cover for travel delay, abandonment and missed departure due to ash cloud disruption. It can also be bought in conjunction with our Emergency Travel Upgrade (ETU) on our Gold policies, which provides up to £4000 of protection for the cost of alternative accommodation or enables them to travel by alternative means to get home in the event of any unforeseen circumstance, such as ash clouds or airline staff strikes.”

ash cloud insurance launched

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St. Moritz was crowned “Best European Ski Resort” – ahead of Val d’Isère (second place) and Chamonix (third) – in the British Travel Awards 2011, in which more than 700,000 votes were cast.

We are very proud to receive this recognition from our British guests”

said Ariane Ehrat, Managing Director of Engadin St. Moritz, “especially because St. Moritz has such a long tradition of hosting British visitors.”

Around 1000 British travel experts attended the presentation in London. The Award winners are decided by both experts and the public, meaning the

British Travel Awards are also regarded as the “Oscars” of the industry.

st. Moritz Voted “best european ski Resort”

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With the new season opening of Keystone resort in Colorado, USA, earlier this month, owners Vail Resorts, arguably the market leaders in terms of hi-tech lift tickets, launched the new version of their EpicMix pass – the EpicMix Photo.

This second generation of the mobile and online application includes free professional photos, and, Vail Resorts say “… will revolutionise how guests take and share photos while on holiday.”

It works when skiers and snowboarders at Keystone (and other Vail resorts as they open) have their radio-frequency-enabled lift ticket or season pass scanned by any on-mountain EpicMix photographer and have their photo taken, and the result will be automatically delivered to their EpicMix account. They are then able to share these professional photos on Facebook and Twitter, again, at no additional cost.

“The feedback we have received about the second generation of

EpicMix and how we will incorporate photos into the experience has been overwhelming and we knew it was critical to get as much functionality as possible launched for the start of the ski season” said Rob Katz, Vail Resorts Chairman and CEO.

“Capturing the memories of a vacation is a critical part of the ’Experience of a Lifetime‘ we aim to provide our guests. EpicMix utilizes state-of-the-art technology to give our guests a seamless and easy way to save their special moments but does so without in any way interfering with their time on the mountain. It also changes the paradigm of professional vacation photos by giving free photos to our guests.”

Other changes to EpicMix (www.epicmix.com) for 2011–12 include an overhaul of the ticket’s mobile site and iPhone and Android apps; for those who used the pass in its inaugural season in 2010–11, you’ll have the ability to view vertical feet, stats and digital pins for both the current season and your last season;

the ability to see where Facebook friends are skiing and what they’ve accomplished; the option to connect your EpicMix account with Facebook and Twitter to automatically share information and photos; and the ability to earn more than 350 digital pins across all six mountains.

From December, Vail Resort guests will be able to take their own photos and combine them all in one place with their vertical feet, digital pins, professional photos, and other collected material.

Vail say that the safety and privacy of its guests are its highest priority, and no information collected through EpicMix is ”shared” unless a guest “opts in” and specifically chooses to share their data. Last winter nearly 100,000 Vail guests activated their EpicMix accounts, which equated to a 15% adoption rate, resulting in 275,000 social posts on Facebook and Twitter, and more than 35 million social impressions (based on Facebook’s estimate of 130 friends per person).

next gen lift pass

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The Austrian resort of Galtűr (www.galtuer.com) has announced a comprehensive package of measures to make the resort’s snow-sure slopes even more attractive to families this winter.

High in the Silvretta region of Tirol, Galtűr (Galtuer) puts a high premium on family skiing, and has put together offers aimed at making holiday money go further, as well as putting together an inventive programme of fun on the slopes for youngsters. Indeed, the resort has won several international awards for its emphasis on family-friendliness.

Galtűr has 40km of piste, and reliable snow through a long season thanks to its north-facing slopes, and has also won an award for being one of the best resorts for excellent grooming of runs.

All over the skiing area there are features to appeal to children and make skiing even more fun – such as Adventure Lane, including the Enchanted Forest, and Hunters’ Trail, the Action Park and Kingdom of Heroes. Families including children under 19

years can save up to 30% on lift tickets with the Silvapark Family Pass.

Off the slopes, Galtűr’s attractions include the indoor adventure swimming pool, which has a 45m-long adventure slide with light and sound effects.

galtur offers family activity savings

Neighbouring Austrian resorts Sölden and Obergurgl-Hochgurgl have become official sponsors of the US ski team, including Julia Mancuso and “Speed Queen” Lindsey Vonn, and also the official European training home base of the men’s team, who include Bode Miller and Ted Ligety.

“The US athletes embody what Sölden and Obergurgl-Hochgurgl stand for – sports, lifestyle, entertainment“ says Oliver Schwarz, Director of Ötztal Tourism where the resorts are located.

Austrian Resorts Sponsor US Team

Despite an overall drop of 4% in the snow sports market last winter, a 1% rise was seen in the number of bookings made through a tour operator, according to the Ski Club of Great Britain’s annual Snowsports Analysis report.

The number of skiers and

snowboarders travelling with tour operators has grown steadily by 5% over five seasons since 2006–07, reversing an earlier trend towards DIY holidays. More people seem attracted by the value-for-money, inclusive deals, and the financial security of booking with a bonded operator says the report. Due to unfavourable exchange rates and rising fuel prices, the cost

of booking holiday components individually remains higher than booking a package holiday. This could also account for the subsequent drop in the independent and self-drive travel sectors’ market share.

Awkward holiday dates led to a difficult season structure in 2011, and may have deterred bookings. A very late Easter, sporadic snow conditions,

and early spring thaw are thought to be the main catalysts for the 4% drop in the snow sports holiday market.

“Tour operators are innovating and adding value to their holidays in a number of ways – from introducing more all-inclusive packages, to offering deals on lift passes and free child places. Resorts are also doing their bit by revising their pricing and offering special promotions in an effort to win back the UK market. We hope this, combined with a more positive season structure (including an earlier Easter), will entice more people back to the slopes for the forthcoming winter” said Caroline Stuart-Taylor, Chief Executive of the Ski Club.

Despite the hard economic climate and fluctuating exchange rates the average cost of a ski holiday remains virtually unchanged year-on-year and now stands at £717. Tour operators have engaged their significant buying power and passed many savings onto the consumer.

Other findings from the report include the fact that Austria has increased its market share by 5% since 2007–08. This is due to people seeking a more affordable destination, and an increased capacity offered by tour operators to Austrian resorts. Club hotels saw a 2% increase in market share, and this number is expected to grow along with the number of catered chalets available for the coming winter.

study finds More people book ski holidays through tour operators

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The big news for Glenshee (www.ski-glenshee.co.uk) in Scotland is that a new chairlift serving the Cairnwell area and café will open this winter. There’s also a new tow lift and a larger beginners’ area at the resort in the Eastern Highlands, close to the Queen’s residence of Balmoral. In order to maximise snow cover when required another 4km of snow fencing has been installed this season to hold drifting snow, and new grooming equipment has been purchased to help keep car parking areas clear and stockpile snow. In addition, the rental shop has purchased 200 new sets of skis for hire this winter.

New Chairlift For Glenshee

Skiers looking for a new piece of alpine artwork can now pick up a signed, limited edition fine art print by artist William Thomas (www.williamthomasartist.co.uk). Thomas, who lives in London but regularly visits the French Alps to paint, has released his first run of limited edition prints of well-known alpine views. Limited to 150 signed editions of each print, and priced at £600 per print, buyers can choose from two of the Chamonix valley – the majestic peak of the Dru and the Mer de Glace at the end of the Vallée Blanche – and one of Tignes, namely the view from the Bolin Fresse chairlift.

The prints are custom printed from William’s original artwork onto high grade archival paper, which replicates the original work on canvas and remains lightfast for 90 years.

fine art limited editions of the alps


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MAN (DARRYL) WEARS: SIDEWAYS 3L JACKET, SIDEWAYS BIB PANT, BACKCOUNTRY BEANIE, X PRO 12 GOGGLE AND ENDURO XT800 SKI. MAN (EUAN) WEARS PIC DOWN JACKET, CHILL OUT II BIB PANT, GANGSTER BEANIE, X CITE 10 GOGGLE AND BBR 8.9 SKI. LADY (EMILY) WEARS BRILLIANT JACKET, ODYSSEY II GTX PANT, FREE BEANIE, X CESS 10 GOGGLE AND ORIGINS BAMBOO SKI. LADY (ALEX) WEARS PSYCHIC ONE PIECE, DIAMOND BEANIE, X CESS 10 GOGGLE AND GEISHA SKI.

“MOUNTAINS ARE OUR STADIUM”

A new hotel currently being built in Gstaad, Switzerland, will be the first 5 in the legendary Swiss resort to open in 100 years.The Alpina Gstaad (www.thealpinagstaad.ch) will open in December 2012, following an investment of CHF300m

(£207m). It will have 57 rooms and suites, providing spectacular views of the Bernese Alps, as well as a bar lounge, three restaurants, wine tasting room, cigar room, spa treatment room, ballroom and boardroom.

A 2000m2 spa will offer holistic treatments, energising fitness and rejuvenation programmes, exercise facilities and a 25m lap pool. “We are building the newest five star hotel in Gstaad in 100 years and the architecture design will be in traditional style inspired by local Swiss alpine culture and the rugged authenticity of the Bernese Oberland. It will be a cosy and luxurious boutique hotel providing an indulgent Swiss mountain experience” say hotel owners, Marcel Bach and Jean-Claude Mimran.

new 5 star hotel is the first in 100 years

The Bellevarde mountain dominates Val d’Isère, and provides a playground for the brave and committed.

One of the most revered ski runs in Europe, La Face is the site of Olympic and world championship drama and glory. This is a must for any advanced skier visiting the Espace Killy.

An early morning run on the perfectly groomed east facing black warms legs and lungs like little else. The slope is vertiginous, with sections at 50%, but the quality of the snow and the morning sunshine can make this mighty piste seem surprisingly easy. In the right conditions this potentially fierce and punishing slope can be conquered by intermediate skiers as long as they keep things simple and trust their technique. On completion, satisfaction is high and for those staying in the village they are reminded of their conquest every evening as “La Face” is lit up brightly against the black starry sky.

For those wishing to exit the groomed piste, the Bellevarde mountain provides a playground of open faces, steep chutes, and rolling fields to suit novice to expert skiers. Worth special mention is the couloir leading from the summit back in to Val d’Isère. Following in the footsteps of former champions, skiers tackling the “Table d’Orientation” pass the Olympic start hut on the way to the summit-top entrance. Inspired by the view of Mt Blanc, you plunge into a narrow, rock-lined gulley before exiting on to the wide open slopes of the “Kern”. Releasing the skis on this section brings speed and exhilaration before the tree line approaches and turns are forced to shorten again. A shimmy through the trees brings you back to the bottom of “La Face” where you meet up with skiers who have tackled the piste. On piste or off, this mountain has something to offer every skier.

www.tdcski.com Top quality ski coaching in Val d’Isère, Tignes and Méribel.

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Over the past 20 years, and particularly in the past 5 years, there’s been a big growth in the number of places people can sleep in igloos or ice hotels.

Many thousands of skiers and boarders have

tried it, and mostly had fun, but some did not enjoy the cold, and some have never tried it because they think it will be too cold.

Iglu Dorf (www.iglu-dorf.ch), one of the main ”chains" of igloo villages at half a dozen top resorts in the Alps and Andorra, which has already installed hot tubs in their ”romantic” igloos, hopes to attract the market that remain unconvinced with the launch of their comfortable heated ”Hot Iglu” in Engelberg.

From inside you can marvel at the clear winter sky through the room’s transparent dome roof and enjoy all the luxuries of a hotel room, right next to the original igloo village above Engelberg, where guests can take their meals too.

new hot igloo for engelberg

Peak Leaders (www.peakleaders.com) are running a two week ski camp in Verbier this Spring for people looking for a slightly more adventurous ski holiday. The all mountain programme, designed for people who want more than a bog standard holiday with ski guiding, aims to not only give skiers a fantastic holiday, but also an adrenaline rush. The holiday goes far beyond the piste markers giving everyone the opportunity to go backcountry skiing and discover some fresh powder as well as learning to skin (skiing uphill, not for the unfit). The holiday includes off-piste training and avalanche safety, from learning to pick good lines to basic transceiver skills. The skills you will

learn are invaluable for staying safe whilst having fun in the mountains. - If that’s not enough, snow permitting, you’ll even get the chance to do your first cliff drop. The course takes place in Verbier, Switzerland from February to March and prices start from £2250 pp.

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The Kristiania Lech (www.slh.com/kristiania), a member of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World group, is offering a Snowflake Special this season when you book seven nights between 2 December 2011 and 22 April 2012. Along with a daily à la carte breakfast and gourmet dinner, you’ll also receive a welcome bottle of champagne and homemade chocolates.

The Kristiania Lech Hotel has luxurious rooms with beautiful views across the village, and offers a range of high level personalised and flexible services. From ski guides who can introduce you to the runs and local mountains, to a ski and leisure consultant who can advise

on all the local secrets, and the best places to see throughout your stay.

Priced from €380 (£330) per room, per night based on two people sharing.

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MySwitzerland.comA 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.

Or you could simply travel with the Swiss Transfer Ticket.

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

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New ski resorts, except perhaps in developing economies like China, are a rare thing and new resorts in the Alps almost unheard of. But this winter three new developments in France are, perhaps, not quite ”new” resorts, but they are self-contained developments located in, or near, existing resorts, and are each so chock-full of on-site facilities that other than going out to savour the slopes, you need not leave them to visit the ”old” resort next door, unless, of course, you want to!

First up is Eden Arc 1800, a whole new resort addition to Arc 1800 in Paradiski (www.paradiski.com), which

opens its doors this winter. Eden Arc 1800, designed by Carlotte Perria, has put a contemporary twist on the always avant-garde architectural style of Les Arcs, with buildings constructed from the best local Savoyard materials including wood, stone and glass.

The first building to be completed is Souverains, a residence with 63 luxurious apartments, including a large outside swimming pool, an indoor pool, Jacuzzi, hammam, sauna and gym. Unlike the original Arc 1800

development, built in a different era nearly five decades ago, each two–five bedroom apartment is spacious and modern, and features its own terrace. There is ski in/out access, concierge, housekeeping, WiFi facilities, and a nanny service.

When Eden Arc 1800 is complete – scheduled for 2014 – the site will offer two 4« residences and a 4« hotel. Launch prices start from €650 per week for a two-bed apartment for four people (www.odalys-vacances.com).

A second major development is at the Portes du Soleil ski area of Avoriaz, which 50 years ago was a

small farming village known as Avorea before it was turned into one of the most distinctive and contemporary French ski resorts by Pierre & Vacances.

Avoriaz has now been redeveloped by Pierre & Vacances with a whole new ”district”, a new gondola linking it to Morzine below, and a new spa – which has all opened this winter.

The brand new 100 apartment district, Pierre & Vacances Premium L’Amara, lies at the resort entrance and offers ski in/out facilities, as well

as a cardio-training room, swimming pool and day nursery. Amara also has a separate spa building with a ”Deep Nature Spa” by Algotherm, five modern treatment rooms, four saunas, an outdoor Jacuzzi and a relaxation room.

Pierre & Vacances has also extended the Crozats district by 195 apartments to create Les Crozats. All the apartments, which are mainly south facing, offer panoramic views of the mountains, and have comfortable and modern facilities. Maeva Electra is the third new property opening this winter and features 74 one or two bedroom apartments. Electra is also located in Les Crozats area, on the hills above the

resort, and has uninterrupted views over the Morzine valley.

But, perhaps, most exciting for guests to Avoriaz is that in May 2011 work began on building Aquariaz, the first and largest water park ever to be built in the Alps and designed by the people at Center Parcs.

Aquariaz will be an aquatic paradise in the mountains featuring lush vegetation and rocks; a river with variable gentle current, a slidewinder (a kind of aquatic half pipe), a water playhouse, a paddling pool, a large pool with climbing walls, massage benches and the must-have – an open-air spa heated to 34°C surrounded by snow! This type

of water park is found nowhere else in the mountains and will feature a “hybrid” concept with natural tropical vegetation in mountain surroundings. Aquariaz won’t open this winter, but will be completed by July ready for winter 2012.

Finally Club Med’s (www.clubmed.co.uk, 08453 67 67 67) newest, and most outstanding mountain resort yet, opens its doors this winter at Valmorel in the Tarantaise Valley, which boasts 150km of pistes. Club Med Valmorel will offer a choice of luxury accommodation targeted at families, couples or groups of friends. Such is the significance of the £75m resort, the official opening was carried out by

French Prime Minister François Fillon.Located in the heart of the Savoy

region, and entirely built in natural materials (wood, stone and slate), the pedestrian resort is meticulously integrated into the local landscape, and has been given a charming and authentic traditional Savoyard atmosphere by architect Pierre Diener.

There are three choices of accommodation ranging from the 4 Trident resort, great for all, but perfect for families with 85% of the rooms interconnected; a 5 Trident Luxury Space with spacious suites and private concierge services; and the luxury Chalet-Apartments, ideal for groups of friends or large family reunions – where

there is the option to book a whole chalet with its own maid and butler.

The resort also offers a complete range of children’s clubs, from 4 months old to 17 years, with dedicated activities and professional carers, and other activities such as snowshoeing and ice-skating. Indeed, the ice rink uses revolutionary technology that allows parents with shoes to accompany their children’s first ”steps” on skates.

There are two main restaurants and a speciality restaurant for gourmets. A Club Med Spa by Carita is also available to guests keen to relax and unwind after an exhilarating day on the slopes – it being the largest spa in Club Med’s portfolio of mountain resorts.

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Specialist skiwear manufacturer Vaude has revealed an über-stylish new jacket for winter 2011–12.

The Alpamayo (RRP £370) features the award-winning new Polartec NeoShell fabric innovation, which helps make it waterproof yet extremely breathable, enabling the user to stay dry and comfortable during even the most energetic physical activity.

The three-layer softshell jacket, which will not only keep you warm but looks great too, has articulated sleeves, two

front pockets with water-resistant zip, an asymmetric, water-resistant two-way front zip, a sleeve pocket with water-resistant zip,

and a drawcord at the bottom hem that is adjustable through the pockets,

if you want to keep your hands out of the elements. There are also adjustable cuffs

with Velcro, an attached, adjustable hood, and water-resistant zips at the sleeves for ventilation.

The jacket weighs in at 698g, and is available in Black and Capri Blue in

sizes XXS–XL for women, and in Black and Red in

sizes S–XXXL for men.

A global innovation. Never before have everyday recreational skiers been able to buy a boot that can provide a 100% perfect fit. This new Vacuum Fit technology is a first in ski boot design due to a new VACU-PLAST plastic which is 15% lighter than conventional ski boots and maintains a stable flex in varying temperatures. The VACU-PLAST material allows the outer shell of the boot

to be heated then mouldedto the individual’s feet, giving an exact and comfortable fit with increased ski control. These new boots harness all the power in exactly the correct direction allowing for maximum power transfer, and greater acceleration through the turn, whilst the SOMA-TEC stand position allows for faster and easier edge transfers. The boots are suited to anyone of intermediate and above standard and the flex on the boots differs from model to model. A 110 flex is more suited for an intermediate whilst an advanced piste skier, or a racer, might look to the 130 or 150 flex options. The boot shell is heated

and then once the foot is in, compression pads are connected to mould the boot

to the foot. The whole moulding process is surprisingly quick and you only need to stand in the boot for seven minutes and then wait for the outer shell to cure overnight before use. The boots were first introduced onto the

World Cup Circuit last season and the feedback was great; this season they are on the shelf in selected specialist shops near you…

Available from the following stores:(selected locations, check with store for stock)Blues the Ski Shop: www.bluestheskishop.comSki Bartlett www.skibartlett.comSnowfit UK www.snowfit.co.ukSnow + Rock www.snowandrock.com

Vaude launch New Ski Jacket

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Kimberley Alpine Resort (www.skikimberley.com) has completed the second phase of enhancements to their famed Easter Chair. In phase one, Kimberley Alpine Resort built an alpine-themed building to house the bottom lift drive terminal, and also completed a restroom near the top station unload so guests can enjoy one of the four mountain faces, without having to return to the base area. Phase two has seen new lifts installed to increase comfort.

“The Easter Chair accesses some of the best and longest Fall Line Ski Trails in British Columbia” said Matt Mosteller, VP of Marketing. “Kimberley Alpine Resort offers a huge variety of terrain and is one of the biggest ski resorts in Canada.”

Kimberley Upgrades Lifts & Terrain

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Manchester skiers can write their names in history as record breakers, as they managed to break the Guinness World Record for the longest chain of skiers at Chill Factore (www.chillfactore.com).

The previous Guinness World Record for the longest chain of skiers stood at 50 people, and this was smashed on the indoor snow slope with a chain of 60 skiers.

The record is much harder than it sounds, as the chain had to travel for 100m without breaking in order to count as successful. After eight attempts, the record was broken on the final turn, much to everyone’s delight! The chain skied down the main slope in a snake formation to allow a record-breaking 60 people to ski on the slope at the same time together, all holding hands. The attempt was verified by two independent witnesses, and supervising officials made sure the chain stayed intact.

indoor skiers break guinness world Record

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Large Ski Area

Discover big ski areas at an affordable price this season. Also, why not discover more of the area whilst taking advantage of the ”alternative Maurienne” all-inclusive offers, which include seven nights accommodation, and a 6-day ski pass allowing you to really explore the area. What’s more, prices start from just €200pp.

Family Orientated

The Maurienne valley is ideal for a family holiday in the mountains, with resorts and activities to suit any age group. The 22 winter sports resorts, made up of both traditional villages and integrated resorts, are perfect environments for your little ones. There are also five resorts that have French “Famille Plus” status, which indicates their suitability for families; Le Corbier, Les Karellis, Valloire, Aussois and La Norma.

Beginners Haven

Many of the resorts are ideal for beginner skiers and snowboarders. Whether you’ve never seen snow or are starting to grasp the snowplough, there’s something for everyone in all the resorts at Maurienne valley. Moreover, there is the possibility to have ski school lessons in English in every resort.

So Much More…

Once you’ve hung up your boots for the day there’s no need to give up! There’s a whole host of other activities for both skiers and non-skiers in all of the resorts. Of course, there are all the usual offerings, as well as wellbeing centres, cultural sightseeing tours, snowshoeing walks, and dog sledding trips in many of the resorts.

Planes, Trains & Automobiles

Access couldn’t be easier, especially from the UK, with a vast motorway network and three airports to choose from, you won’t arrive stressed. There are bus transfers available from Lyon, Chambéry and Grenoble airports every Saturday during the 2011–12 winter season for those arriving by plane, or if you’re looking to travel overland, access to the area by train is also easy from the UK.

For more information on all the resorts in the Maurienne valley, and on access from the UK, check out the area’s website www.maurienne-tourisme.com.

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InTheSnow’s first inflight magazine for ski airline SnowJet has just been published. The magazine will be available on all flights to Chambéry and Sion, the two airports served by the airline. The three-year deal was announced by InTheSnow publisher Dominic Killinger during the summer, at the same time as new summer publication Vertical Drop (www.verticaldrop.co.uk).

InTheSnowJet from InTheSnow

From the streets to the slopes, Street View in Google Maps recently updated its special collections to include a number of new ski resorts, so you can tour some of the world’s most beautiful ski terrain right from your computer. Whether you’re planning your annual trip to your favourite resort or hunting for an exciting new adventure, Street View can transport you to your desired destination in just a few clicks. It certainly makes us crave the mountains.

Helvetic Airways is running a service from Bristol to Zurich this winter. The airline carries skis and snowboards free of charge, a major selling point. The airline has a 20kg luggage allowance too. The service starts at the beginning of December and flights are available on Mondays, Wednesday and Fridays. Prices start at £145 return.

Ski With Google Street View

Bristol To Zurich Flights

“We have had such a demand for more chalets to be open on the 9th Dec that we’ve opened a further eight chalets in our high altitude resorts of Val Thorens, Tignes and Val d’Isère” says Ski Total’s Moira Clarke.

The company (www.skitotal.com; 01252 618 333) is offering the Chalet Le Sommet in Val Thorens for the week commencing 9 December for £399pp. New to Ski Total this winter Le Sommet is reputedly the highest catered chalet in Europe, offering ski in/out slopeside access, and use of a shared swimming pool.

More chalets to Meet early demand

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http://www.maurienne-tourisme.com

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SNOWSpOrt iNduStrieS great britaiN

WHERE YOU SEE THIS SIGN

SIGB members take pride in their knowledge, their teams and their training. For the most experienced snowsports know-how, look for the sign

360°

This is the same as the flat land 360 but takes place in the air. Practice jumping 360° without skis, then with your skis on, on the flat not moving. Once you can get most of the way round you are ready to try off a small jump. Approach balanced as you take off, do exactly as you do on the ground leading with your head to spot your landing.

OllIe An ollie is when you use the bend, and pop in a ski to jump over or onto a small feature. First “load” the back of the ski by putting pressure on it, causing it to bend. As the front of the ski then lifts up, you re-lease the back of the ski and the rebound will cause you to pop into the air. You then tip the front of the ski back onto the ground, landing and completing the ollie.

swITCh skIINgBeing comfortable skiing switch is important if you want to be proficient in the terrain park, as well as great fun in itself. Choose the same terrain as the flat 360. Start by using a reverse snow plough and then turn up the hill to slow down, gradually make the snow plough smaller until the skis become parallel. Practice until you feel comfortable before progressing to steeper slopes.

FlAT lAND 360° This involves spinning a full 360° while your skis are still on the snow. Choose the flattest slope that you can slide on. Start by turning 180° to face up the hill, keep-ing your skis flat, then spin back and face forwards. After time and practice you will be able to link the two seamlessly.Once you have mastered this, move up to hills with a slight gradient.

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

ADVANCeD kIDsFUN TRICKS FOR KIDS(OR ADULTS!)

This month Jon explains some different tricks that kids and adults can try, to improve their skills, have fun and impress their friends.

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

Instructor Training.PIC

A few things to think about when going skiing with kids.

Clothing Warm clothing is essential for children; due to their smaller mass they get colder quicker than adults, so ensure you have plenty of waterproof warm clothing. Several layers are better than one thick layer, and all-in-ones are good at keeping the snow out, especially for smaller children (aged 3–10 years). Avoid slow drying clothing, like cotton, as once it gets wet it will get cold.

Skis Make sure they are appropriate to the size and ability of your kids. As a rough guide, for children aged 3–5-years-old the ski should be up to their chin, for older children up to their nose. As their ability

improves you can increase the length of the ski. Make sure the ski is correctly fitted to the boot before you go skiing, and check that all the DIN settings on the bindings are the same.

Boots Make sure their boots fit well and they are happy with them. Their boots should be snug on each foot with no pressure points, and when done up correctly each leg should bend. It can be difficult to tell with very young kids if their boots are comfortable, check after the first day for any rub marks from the boots, and if in doubt go and change the boots.

Helmet A must for all kids, as children are more likely to injure their head than adults. Most ski schools

will not accept children without helmets.

Extras Socks – long, fit well and are quick drying. Goggles – protection from the sun is essential for children. Even on a cloudy day the sun can be damaging to eyes. Gloves – waterproof, and preferably on a string so they don’t get lost. Body armour – for advanced skiers or anyone hitting the park

To Buy Or To Hire Unless you are going skiing several times a year it is generally cheaper to hire rather than buy equipment, as kids quickly grow out of it. Boots and skis can be easily hired in resort, and save you the hassle of transporting them from home.


http://www.altitude-verbier.com

A new Leitner-Poma high-speed quad at Tiehack on Buttermilk, one of Aspen in Colorado’s four ski areas, will replace both the Eagle Hill and the Upper Tiehack lifts, cutting the combined ride time from 18 minutes to just under 7 minutes. Construction began in spring on the $7m (£4.4m) Tiehack Express project, with completion anticipated in December 2011.Buttermilk's trail crew has also cleaned up the gladed terrain on the Tiehack side of the mountain, with the intention of breathing new life into this underused area. The rolling, gladed and groomed terrain is ideal for skiers and riders looking for single black trails off the beaten track.

aspen adds new lift & gladed terrain

The Zibob, a mini sledge that actually carves like a ski, is the latest craze to hit the Alps, and the Austrian ski village of Kappl (www.kappl-see.com) is the first in the world to create a permanent twisting 350m course with four “Zibobbers” allowed on together.

Family-friendly Kappl in Tirol’s Paznaun valley, just down the road from the party town of Ischgl, is confident that Zibob will be hugely popular this winter with children and adults.

The Zibob is compact, light and easy to transport. Apart from its size, the characteristic that makes it excitingly different to a conventional sledge is the side-cut, which gives it carving qualities. This means turns are much smoother and sweeping, with steering achieved by small movements of the body. It also has a grab handle, known as the Zipfel (hence, Zibob), for balance.

Kappl has 40km of prepared pistes and ten lifts, and will be opening for the new season on Friday 16 December. Every Monday of the season visitors will be able to make early-bird runs, at no extra charge on their lift pass, with the lifts starting an hour earlier than normal at 8am. Some hotels in Kappl have special deals for families, including free childcare in the Sunny Mountain complex. The fun for children at Sunny Mountain includes a merry-go-round, kids’ mogul slope and snow cave.

Zibob Zooms In To Kappl

The French resort of Chamonix has worked to improve entry access to lifts and trains. The old Chamonix season lift pass, "Chamonix à la Carte", has had a face lift and has been replaced by the new Rapid Card. The new annual card costs 25€, if purchased before 23/12/11 and 50€ from then on, and allows the user direct access to all the ski lifts and trains run by the Compagnie du Mont-Blanc. Once the card is purchased there is a single preferential price of 40 € per day throughout

the winter season, with a weekly direct debit taken from your bank card at the end of each week. The resort also provides an invoice on a weekly basis so you always know the amount taken is accurate. What’s more, once you have purchased the card you need not queue for a lift pass again all season, meaning more time on the pistes! Chamonix is famed as being one of the world’s best all year round resorts and the new card is ideally suited for people who regularly ski, hike and bike in Chamonix. The summer daily rate has just been set for 2012 and will be 23€.

new Rapid card for chamonix's slopes

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skifamille.co.ukor call us on

0845 64 437 64to discuss your family’s requirements.

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This is the fi rst holiday we’ve had where everyone has relaxed. It has opened our eyes to the benefi ts of childcare. Thank you!McAnallen family, Les Menuires, Feb 2011

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If you are planning for an early skiing warm-up weekend in December, your priority must be to go somewhere with reliable snow, such as Courchevel 1850 in France. With a combination of north-facing slopes, altitude, an abundance of snowmaking and excellent snow grooming, the famous French resort usually guarantees good snow. The pretty woodland setting & views of Mont Blanc, a huge variety of lifts and pistes to suit everyone, with no queues at all, six Michelin-starred restaurants, two new ”fun zones” for freestylers & boarders, and a formidable après-ski scene are all added bonuses.

Flexiski (www.flexiski.com; 020 8939 0864) offers a four night stay in Courchevel 1850, for £340pp from 7–11 December (Wednesday–Sunday), which includes flights from Gatwick, airport transfers, and four nights half-board accommodation at the Hotel Saint Louis.

early season warm-up weekend in courchevelBritish electro-dance legends Basement Jaxx (+ MC Vula DJ set) will headline The Big Snow Festival (www.thebigsnowfestival.com), which returns to the slopes from 23–29 March 2012 in their brand new home of Kopaonik, Serbia, promising snow and music fans a week of adrenalin-pounding entertainment.

Joining Basement Jaxx on the mountainside will be sets from a wealth of dance talent, including DJ Fresh, DC Breaks, J Majik and Wickaman, Micky Slim and Judge Jules, making next year’s event the biggest yet.

Event organisers have joined forces with EXIT Team, the creators of the legendary EXIT festival in Novi Sad, Serbia. Six or seven night packages (depending on the UK airport departure) to The Big Snow Festival are on sale now through the website, and include transfers, 6-day lift pass, and a Big Snow Festival wristband providing access to all the action and entertainment.

basement Jaxx to headline big snow festival

ben clatwoRthy

Les Menuires is offering the chance to get on two wheels on the snow this winter with a new activity – downhill mountain biking on snow. Their new “Roc’n bike” activity gives participants the chance to ride two 4km-long descents, guided by a qualified supervisor.The activity is offered on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday mornings from 9am at the bottom of the Roc des 3 Marches gondola, and costs €35pp including ski pass, bike and protective wear.

Continuing on from the Family Park, a new Park has opened this winter in Courchevel, complete with wooden modules that blend in perfectly with the landscape. There’s also a new boardercross course open to most skiers. At the same time the resort’s Plantrey chairlift, which was the world’s first four-seat detachable chairlift in 1983, has been replaced by a state-of-the-art six-seater. This means transport capacity will rise from 2400 to 3000 persons per hour.

Downhill Biking In Les Menuires

World’s First Quad Upgraded

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The Verbier St-Bernard region has signed an agreement with the famous German car maker Porsche, in what the resort describes as their “... quest to combine excellence with efficiency.”

Three service vehicles, painted in the region’s colours, will cruise the roads around Verbier this winter.

Keen to promote their progress in research on environment-friendly automobiles, Verbier-St-Bernard has selected Porsche’s hybrid models. Both organisations are partners of Green Mountaineering Summits, and say they will also collaborate in future on specific events.

Porsche Teams With Verbier

La Plagne celebrates its 50th birthday this winter. The big day itself is the 21 December 2011 when the resort plans a celebratory evening of entertainment and a live show. A commemorative book and DVD will also be published, which retraces the story of la Plagne and showcases photos and authentic documents retrieved from local history sources. There will also be an exhibition touring the ten sites of La Plagne throughout the season.

La Plagne Celebrates 50th

With just weeks to go before the start of the Alpine ski season high altitude specialists Take Me To (Ski) have completed a worldwide recruitment campaign with the appointment of Italian skiing legend Alberto Gugliemone to manage their flagship Hotel Les Grandes Rousses in L’Alpe d’huez. Take Me To (Ski) Managing Director Darren Parris said: “Although we had some outstanding candidates from all over Europe and beyond Alberto’s CV was in a class of its own.”

The fun amateur ski competition will take place on 9 April 2011 with events in all of the resorts of Les 3 Vallées. The event, now in its 12th year, is family orientated and aims to be a fantastic day on the slopes with challenges ranging from freestyle airbag to dual slalom.

Take Me To Ski Appoint Manager

Les 3 Vallées Enduro Dates

www.les3vallees.com

It’s all about you !CourChevel - la TanIa - MérIbel - brIdes-les-baIns - les MenuIres - saInT MarTIn de bellevIlle - val Thorens - orelle

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Brides-les-Bains (www.brides-les-bains.com), which celebrates 20 years since the 1992 Albertville Olympics this winter, claims to offer accommodation that costs up to 50% less than ”altitude resorts” to which it is linked by gondola in Les 3 Vallées.

Anyone staying in the spa village can also benefit from a range of benefits, including a free breakfast with coffee or hot chocolate in the Olympe cable car up to the slopes. In addition, on Mondays there’s a friendly welcome to get your stay off to a sociable start, with music and mulled wine around the ice rink enabling you to mingle with other guests, then on Wednesdays the village offers extra low prices in the shops, bars and restaurants.

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Brides Les Bains Offers Added Treats

Street graffiti and fine artist Meggs, of Melbourne, Australia, left his mark on Endeavor Snowboards’ Vancouver design office in Canada with a massive outdoor mural. The artist, who developed the artwork for Endeavor’s Live Series snowboard range, took to the exterior of the building armed with an arsenal of spray cans, stencils, rollers and brushes; he has left a dynamic work of art depicting a “cold front” superhero theme.

“We are an artist driven company and it has always been a dream of mine to have a work space which is creative and interactive” said Max Jenke, Managing Director of Endeavor Snowboards. “Having the opportunity to have Meggs do some installations was something we couldn’t pass up.”

Graffiti Makeover For Board Company HQ

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Advice. Flexibility. Choice.

Anyone with a head for heights will enjoy stepping out onto the new viewing platform that has been built overlooking the Gemmi mountain at Swiss resort of Leukerbad.

The Wildstrubel restaurant’s sun terrace, at the edge of the Gemmi’s sheer cliff face, has been extended to incorporate the dizzying new viewing platform. The steel construction juts out for 10m over the edge of a void, with its open-grid flooring and diagonal glass walls offering incredible views 300 vertical metres down to the valley below.

Leukerbad Viewing Platform

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Pierre & Vacances is giving one lucky InTheSnow reader the chance to stay free-of-charge for a week in one of their Premium Range one bedroom apartments sleeping up to four people.*

To win simply tell us which Pierre & Vacances Residence was the first in France to be awarded a 5?

(Hint: Read the short article on Pierre & Vacances Premium Range on page 32 to find the answer!)

Email your answer, as well as your name, telephone number and address to:

[email protected]

by Sat 31 Dec 2011 for your chance to win.

*Terms and conditions apply. Entries received after the closing date will

not be counted. The week’s holiday can be taken in any Pierre & Vacances

Premium residence except for L’Amara in Avoriaz. The holiday can be taken

at any time except during English or French school holiday periods, and

is subject to availability. The prize is for accommodation only and does

not include travel, meals or any other aspect of the ski holiday, except for

the accommodation. One correct entry will be picked at random after the

competition closing date of 31.12.11. The magazine’s decision is final. By

entering this competition you agree to your email address being passed to

Pierre & Vacances Group only. If you do not agree to this but still wish to

enter the competition please mark your email "NO OPT IN"

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France based Ski St Martin (www.skistmartin.com) is moving away from the traditional week-long chalet holiday and targeting those looking for a flexible short break in the Alps. Instead of only offering Saturday- to- Saturday stays, the company is now allowing guests to arrive and leave on whatever day of the week, and stay for as short or as long a time, as they wish. The concept is aimed at those who would prefer a weekend break, or who want to take advantage of cheap weekday flights to nearby Geneva, Lyon or Chambéry airports.

short break skiers targeted

A new social enterprise, The Good City Ski Company, (www.goodcityskicompany.com), was officially launched at London’s Ski and Snowboard Show last month. The initiative, set up by youth charity Snow-Camp’s Director, Dan Charlish, enables private group or company ski trips to make a positive difference to young people at no cost to them personally – simply by ensuring a proportion of the commission from any ski trip they book goes directly to support Snow-Camp. Dan Charlish told InTheSnow ”It’s a challenging time for charities at the moment and it’s hard for people to give when times are tough – so we need to be looking at new and innovative ways to address this situation. The huge benefit of The Good City Ski Company is that is doesn’t cost anyone anything. The donation to Snow-Camp comes from the commission, hence our strapline – ‘Do Something for Charity – Go Skiing!’.”

The new venture, which is run in partnership with leading snow sports tour operator Ski

Solutions, launches this season. ”The Ski Solutions partnership was essential” said Charlish. ”As an independent tour operator they have the ability to book any flight, hotel or package deal for our clients and with all the necessary protection required.“ Richard Visick, Chief Operating Officer of Ski Solutions said ”We are delighted to be involved with the new venture and fully support the goals of The Good City Ski Company. It’s an exciting idea – that people can have fantastic ski trips and still help charity at no cost to themselves, and we are looking forward to providing an exceptional service and seeing the new company grow.”

new initiative supports charity

It’s a well-known fact that heli-skiing is banned in France, yet some of the best ski resorts can be found there, which is a real upset for those looking for a heli-ski holiday and some lively après-ski. Val d’Isère, famed for its top skiing and lively atmosphere, is home to Val Heli Ski and Pook Heli-Lodge (www.valheliski.com), launched just 2 years ago the company offers all inclusive heli-ski packages. The Pook Heli-Lodge is new for the 2011–12

season, and provides corporate groups, as well as

small or large private groups, with the ultimate 5 ski break, complete with a hot tub, heli-pad and breathtaking views. From the Lodge, guests are able to jump in the helicopter for easy access to two countries (Switzerland and Italy), nine resorts, six glaciers, and over 311km2of backcountry skiing. The company prides itself on quality and comfort for skiers, and aims to make heli-skiing accessible to all ability levels. The company also provide heli-skiing and off-piste skiing day trips to corporate and private clients staying in Val d’Isère, Tignes, Méribel and Courchevel. Day trip prices for 2011–12 start from just over £120pp.

experience thrills & spills with the pook

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VISITINThesNOw.COMTO ORDER YOUR COPY NOW


NIPPERGRIP £25Nipper Grip is a clever invention designed to help you keep your young ones safe whilst learning to

ski. The reigns are designed to allow you to always keep a hold of your child whilst out and about on

the slopes, but also leaving enough room between both of you. There are also multiple handles on

the harness, big enough for use with ski gloves.

www.nippergrip.com

TECNICADEMON 130 £379.95 This boot uses the innovative link system of cuff and body of the boot. The vertical i-rebound plate is

integrated into the body of the boot starting at the heel and finishing at the velcro power strap and

works like an energy transmitter. Thanks to the power chassis the sole is 20% more rigid guaranteeing

perfect alignment between knee & boot, reducing loss of transmission and improving precision.

www.snowandrock.com and www.skibartlett.com

POWDER FORCE JACKET £260Jack Wolfskin’s Powder Force is a

technical jacket that will suit both

the passionate ski-tourer and powder

hound. It’s full of ski-specific detailing,

such as a pass pocket, goggle pocket,

powder skirt and shoulders reinforced

with TEXAPORE EXTREME, a little detail

you’ll appreciate when shouldering

your skis. The Powder Force is available

for both men and women.

www.jack-wolfskin.com

BERN WATTS EPS£80It may have been styled for the park

but this helmet works all over the

mountain. Powerful venting keeps

your head cool, and the removable

liner means you can wear a beanie or

goggles under the helmet. The ABS

shell and EPS impact foam ensure

this is a fully certified snow, skate

and bike helmet – how’s that for

versatility.

MEN'S ENZO JACKET £370The new Men's Enzo Jacket offers

highly versatile performance for

technical skiing and riding both in

bounds and in the backcountry. The

waterproof and breathable Gore-Tex®

three-layer fabric turns an impassive

face to the elements, while the Enzo's

clean lines and athletic fit are as well

suited for long slogs up a skin track.

www.thenorthface.com

KILLY’S WOMEN’S HOPE III £500Killy’s Women’s Hope III jacket is a

particular favourite of the girls at Killy

HQ and our tip for the slopes this month.

Not only have the French got a knack

for designing great ski clothing but this

jacket is tailored to fit and includes black

side panels to help give the illusion of

slimmer hips and waist.

www.snowandrock.com

FISCHER SOMA VACUUM 130 £499This new boot is a global innovation in the

ski boot industry. A boot that really has a

100% fit! Fischer Vacuum Fit technology

makes it possible for the first time to have

a completely anatomical fit of the entire

boot in a quality that was previously

unattainable. The easy adjustment

procedure takes only 20 mins & offers an

extremely reliable & stable result.

www.fischersports.com

FORCEFIELD SPORT LITE 2 £119.99 The protective qualities of the CE

approved Forcefield Sport Lite 2 back

protector are provided by Nitrex Evo®

a unique high tech shock absorbing

material designed to be soft, flexible

and comfortable whilst still providing

maximum protection even after

multiple impacts. Comes with a

removable and washable outer cover.

www.forcefieldbodyarmour.com

SALOMON QUEST 12£350.00Sometimes the best skiing takes a short

hike to reach, so Salomon have launched

the ground breaking Quest range.

The unique Ride & Hike Technology

consisting of a V-shape cutout on the

back of the lower shell allows a broader

range of upper cuff movement when the

boot is in walk mode. When you're ready

to ski, a flip of a switch tightly locks the

magnesium backbone into the V.

www.salomon.com

DURACELL PORTABLE USB CHARGER £39.99Duracell’s new Portable 5-hour

smartphone charger enables longer

connections by allowing a re-charge of

mobile devices on the go, providing up

to five hours of extra talk time anytime,

anywhere. The charger has been

designed to work with devices such as

smartphones and MP3 players.

www.duracelldirect.co.uk

SCOTTVENTURE£545The Venture is Fall-Line’s Silver Ski of Year,

designed to flow in powder and piste as

well as cruise over the crud! The bigger

brother to SCOTT’s legendary Mission ski, it

has full Woodcore and medium Venturi Tip

Rocker for effortless floatation in the deep,

combined with rock solid stability in tight

turns and groomed runs. The Venture is

freeride fun in any condition!

www.scott-sports.com

the team at inthesnow has put together a selection of this season’s hottest products on the market to wet your appetite for snow. bright colours are in fashion once again so expect some garish sights on the slopes this season and make sure you look the part too!


the freeride skier is all about exploring the mountain away from groomed trails - from lift access off piste and tree lines to hiked back country terrain and backside steep and deep. clothing and equipment is high performance and highly versatile, delivering without compromise in the massively wide variety of conditions encountered in a typical freeride mountain day!

SMARTWOOL MEN’S TML HALF ZIP TOP £109.99This technical top works hard

so you don’t have to. Incredibly

versatile hybrid fabric keeps you

warm without adding bulk under a

jacket. Merino wool inside provides

unbeatable temperature regulation

and odour control. Nylon outside

increases durability and weather

resistance.

OAKLEYTANNER HALL CROWBARSNOW GOGGLES£130The high quality of Tanner Hall’s pro model goggles reflects his standing at the top of the

freeskiing world. Performance optics ensure no visual distortion or glare, the three-layer foam

wicks away sweat, and the oversized lenses improve peripheral and downward vision.

LINE DART POLES £32Powder skiers want fat baskets, but not

every day is powder day so the Dart also

comes with thinner baskets for hard

snow or park sessions. Super grippy

BMX-style handles work with the Grab

Tabs for better retention, meaning you

can skip using the straps when skiing

in avalanche risk areas. It looks pretty

sweet too!

HESTRA MEN’S ARMY LEATHER XCR £115.00Top-of-the-range backcountry glove

for off-piste explorers, seasonaires and

mountaineers. The tough, durable

exterior hides a soft centre – waterproof

treated nylon with a goatskin leather

palm, filled with warm, low bulk Primaloft

insulation. A moisture managing liner,

and a long storm seal cuff round off this

superb glove.

ATOMIC BURNER 100 £300Burner 100 offers race-style response

in a boot set up for all-mountain riding.

A 98mm last ensures a good, close fit,

and shows the performance heritage.

The easy to use flex is well suited to

soft snow, and the extra 5mm of lift

increases leverage for wider skis. A

polyurethane shell provides plenty of

power, and the sole helps with grip

when hiking for the best lines.

BERN WATTS EPS£80It may have been styled for the park

but this helmet works all over the

mountain. Powerful venting keeps

your head cool, and the removable

liner means you can wear a beanie or

goggles under the helmet. The ABS

shell and EPS impact foam ensure

this is a fully certified snow, skate

and bike helmet – how’s that for

versatility.

ARC’TERYX SABRE PANTS £299.99Arc’teryx manufactures the world’s finest

snowsports clothing, thanks to state

of the art garment build, cutting-edge

technical features and unsurpassed

all weather performance. The Sabre

pant has a superb relaxed fit, and its

waterproof and highly breathable three-

layer GORE-TEX Soft Shell fabric, with

a brushed inner face, delivers targeted

warmth and moisture management.

in association with

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.

ARC’TERYX ATOM HOODY £179.99The ultimate mid-layer, designed for active

use on frigid days. It has a durable-water-

repellant-treated Luminaria outer fabric,

with warm and compressible Coreloft

60 insulation in the torso, arms and

hood. Polartec Power Stretch side panels

maximise breathability and improve

layering capability. Cut slim with two hand

warmer pockets, one internal pocket, front

zip and stretch-knit wrist gaskets.

ARC’TERYX RUSH JACKET £439.99 Arc’teryx works closely with both

hardcore ski professionals to identify

and address their needs, and with fabric

suppliers to engineer the best materials

to deliver the ultimate all weather

protection and all day comfort. The Rush

jacket, with its three-layer GORE-TEX

Pro Shell fabric, delivers unmatched big

mountain performance combined with a

modern freeride cut.

ATOMIC THEORY SKI£465 (with bindings)

Atomic’s new freeride ski hits the bull’s-eye with its all-condition, all-terrain performance, and is

justifiably winning awards all over Europe. A 95mm waist is wide enough for any depth of snow; the

wood core and sidewall construction deliver power and precision for every type of skiing, and the

Adaptive Rocker profile ensures perfect handling whether the snow is deep, tracked or packed out.


the clubhouseChamonix – Mont Blanc

+33 (0)450 984 [email protected]

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

chalet claReLes Crosets, Portes du Soleil

01258 [email protected]

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

chaM chaletChamonix Mont-Blanc

020 7193 [email protected]

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.

the penthouseLa Rosière


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

chalet cole RidgeGrimentz


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

Mountain heaVenMorzine


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

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

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

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

the caMbRianAdelboden

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

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

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snow chateauXLes Arcs / Le Plagne / Tignes

0800 066 [email protected]

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

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

chalet tReiZe etoilesVerbier

+44 (0) 20 7401 [email protected] www.skiverbier.com

Located moments from Place Centrale in Verbier, this dramatic and rustic penthouse apartment never fails to impress. It is equipped with state of the art technology including a mac computer, Sonos music system, Wifi and plasma TV screens in every bedroom. Wonderful luxuries are bountiful in this chalet with a hot tub on the balcony and spa area with sauna and hammam.

chalet 1066Les Gets


With Self Catered Chalets and Apartments and 1 Fully Catered Chalet all in Les Gets, we offer services normally associated with a catered chalet - ski pass delivery, ski/boot fitting in chalet, fresh croissants, lifts to ski school etc. Our fully catered chalet has highly experienced staff and assures clients of outstanding food.

alpine actionMeribel & La Tania

01273 [email protected]

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

Vitalhotel & Mountain ResidenceObergurgl

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

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

5

hotel aleX Zermatt

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

4

www.clubchalets.co.ukSearch ski chalet accommodation

Monthlyguide toaccoMModation

MatteRhoRn focusZermatt

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

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

5

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les chalets de philippeChamonix

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

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

4 unofficial4 unofficial

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


There’s not just one Olympics in 2012 but two! InTheSnow’s Patrick Thorne spent 10 minutes with Josef Margreiter, CEO of the Tirol Tourist Board, who has been influential in bringing the 2012 Winter Youth Olympic Games to Innsbruck next month, making the Tyrolean capital the first city in the world to stage three Olympic Games. It beat bids from Harbin (China), Kuopia (Finland) and Lillehammer (Norway)

How long have you been planning the Olympics?JM> Over the last 15 years there have been several approaches, which I have been involved in, to host the third Winter Olympic Games in Kitzbühel and Innsbruck. We’ve hosted other big events too, including the Euro 2008 football tournament, all of which play a very important role in drawing tourists to the region.

Who’s coming?JM> Over 1000 young competitors (aged 14–19 years) from more than 60 countries will participate in 63 competitions in 15 disciplines. Running parallel to the sporting competitions will be the Youth Olympic Games’ Culture and Education Programme (CEP) for athletes, spectators and local schools. The aim is to encourage new skills, educate about different cultures, and cover important subjects such as the benefits of healthy lifestyles, doping dangers, and the values associated with the Olympics.

Which facilities from the previous two Innsbruck Olympics were you able to use again?

JM> A requirement for the Youth Olympics is that no new sports venues should be built, and so all of the venues are from the 1964 and 1976 Winter Olympics, and are located in Innsbruck, Seefeld or Kühtai. The new Youth Olympic village will be the hub of all activity, and from April 2012, the 444 flats, built using the latest energy-saving technology, will then be made available to the local population.

Are there tickets left?JM> Yes, tickets are available – they are free of charge and you can register now at www.innsbruck2012.com. Outdoor venues do not require a ticket. Spectators will have the chance to witness brand new events, such as freestyle skiing halfpipe, snowboard slopestyle and women’s ski jumping – all part of the Olympic Games for the first time.

If you are just on holiday in Innsbruck while the Games are on, which events should you try to attend?JM> All the competition venues are easily accessible for those staying in the Innsbruck region. On the Patscherkofel mountain, the alpine skiing events will be a

big crowd-puller, and in Kühtai the ski cross competition should not to be missed.

What do you hope will be the main legacy of the Games for Innsbruck?JM> For local youngsters, and athletes visiting the region, we hope the first Winter Youth Olympics will serve as an inspiration, and provide them with an introduction to the Olympic spirit. Innsbruck has a long and old history, but as a university city its population is young and vibrant with strong connections to sport. To associate Innsbruck with

the first Youth Winter Olympic Games will further develop its image as the ”sports capital of the Alps”.

Josef Margreiter

Over 1000 young competitors (aged 14–19 years) from more than 60 countries will participate in 63 competitions in 15 disciplines

patRick thoRne

£299from

All-in!

*

alpineelements.co.uk | [email protected]

SKI HOLIDAYS

January 7 Nts February 7 Nts

£827£449

Was

Now

March 7 Nts

£754£395

Was

Now £895

£432Was

Now

Incl 7-Nts, Flights, Catered*Incl 7-Nts, Flights, Catered*

Incl 7-Nts, Flights, Catered*

£1114£477

Was

Now

Easter 7 Nts

Incl 7-Nts, Flights, Catered*

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

0844 273 6207Call now on

iGOSKiSKI WEEKENDS* SKI WEEKENDSwww.igoski.co.uk | 0844 770 40 74

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InTheSnow Issue 22 - December 2011

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Transcript of InTheSnow Issue 22 - December 2011