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fter quite a few decades pondering the fact, I believe that it’s around mid-September that you can officially start to get
excited about the coming ski season.In fact, anticipation started to build up
in August this year, as we’ve had pictures arriving from the Rockies of ”the first snowfalls of winter 2013–14”, and news from New Zealand that current British World Cup champion (I’ve never been able to write that before) James ”Woodsy” Woods has won his first international freeskiing slopestyle competition in the ”build-up to the Sochi Olympics”. A metre of snow falling in 24 hours at Las Leñas also had pulses racing faster too, even if it is located on the other side of the world in Argentina. But then the southern hemisphere’s 2013 ski season is just winding down, which means the northern one is getting underway!
Indeed you can already ski at several top resorts – Hintertux in Austria, Saas-Fee or Zermatt in Switzerland, and depending on whether the snow arrives or not between my writing this and you reading it, there could be a dozen or so more glacier choices by early October. The first of the high-latitude, but non-glacial, resorts is Lapland, and the high altitude resorts in Colorado are next in mid-October.
Just how good a start this Olympic year gets off to is however, as it always is, down to the snow, and we’re all hoping for a third successive year of epic conditions in the Alps.
Besides the Olympics in February, there’s lots to look forward to in 2013–14, with new lifts extending the Austrian Arlberg from 280km to 340km, and Breckenridge in Colorado set to expand onto a fifth peak, to name but a few. You’ll find all the latest in the next few pages, or for the very latest check out our website at inthesnow.com, or our Facebook and Twitter feeds.Have a good one!
he countdown to winter
2013–14 and the Sochi
olympics in russia is on,
with the first of the season’s
world-class competitions having taken
place in new Zealand last month, and
glacier resorts in the alps already open for
skiers and boarders.
Team gB freeskier James ”woodsy”
woods from Sheffield, the reigning
slopestyle skiing world cup champion
from last season, got things off to a great
start with gold in the first competition
of the winter games new Zealand, he
was followed 48 hours later by fellow Brit
Jenny Jones, who took silver in the ladies
snowboarding slopestyle event.
it’s now just 4 months until the games
get underway in the mountains above the
Black Sea city of Sochi where, all being
well, the frantic construction of four
world-class ski areas is due to be largely
completed in time for the competition.
The longest ever olympic torch relay,
which will see the torch go to the north
Pole, to the bottom of the world’s deepest
freshwater lake (it’s 1637m deep and in
Siberia), and even go on a spacewalk.
woods’ and Jones’ competitive success
in new Zealand also comes after a
summer when resorts, including alpe
d’huez, cortina and Verbier, re-opened
their slopes to skiers and boarders due to
so much late-season snow. To complete
the positive picture, the uK’s biggest tour
operator, crystal, published their annual
industry report that showed more people
had booked ski holidays last winter than
the previous winter, reversing a four
season decline – albeit the growth was
modest at +1%.
"The decline in the ski market has now
bottomed out and we are starting to see signs
of recovery and growth. however, we cannot
rest on our laurels and need to
continue to deliver exceptional
value, innovation and great
service if we are to see the market
return to pre-recession levels”
said crystal’s managing director,
Simon cross.
other tour operators are
upbeat about the coming
season too, with many
reporting that sales are up,
in part due to the slowly
improving economy, but
perhaps equally if not more,
thanks to the recent run of
excellent snowfall seasons.
“Following a successful
2012/13 winter season we have
already seen an increase in
early bookings, particularly in
peak dates” said Paul markham,
general manager at Supertravel Ski. “we
are seven per cent up on last year and
ten per cent up on the 2011/12 season.
christmas is proving especially busy with
100 per cent sold in Zermatt already. There
is a lot of confidence in the early season,
due to two years of fantastic snow.”
Le Ski’s managing director, nick morgan,
was also feeling positive, “The snow was
unbelievable all season and there are still
areas of courchevel, where i am currently,
which have remnants of snow which it
certainly wouldn't normally. incredible.”
The company reported 99% customer
satisfaction rates (“we’re working on the
1% who gave us fair”).
crystal’s report showed the main area of
concern is the number of children going
away on school ski trips, which continues
to decline and is now at a 20-year low. it
is not known if more children are skiing
with their families to offset the decline, if
not this could be bad news for the future.
in any case a campaign has just been
launched in england, goSkigoBoard, to
try to get people to try skiing or boarding
for the first time at one of the region’s dry
slopes or indoor snow centres, first with a
taster session then with 6 hours of lessons.
all that’s needed now to make 2013–14
live up to expectations is the same as every
other good season – a lot of snow.
oLYmPic SeaSon iS go!PATRICK THORNE
See more
onlin
e at..
.
05
T
A
Crystal: Crystalski.comGoSkiGoBoard: goskigoboard.org.ukJames Woods: facebook.com/JamesWoodsyWoodsJenny Jones: jennyjonessnowboarder.comLe Ski: leski.comSki Supertravel: supertravel.co.uk/skiSochi: sochi2014.com/en
OCtOber 2013 | inthesnOW.COm
Arlberg A new funitel lift with 10 giant gondola
cabins will extend the ski slopes in the
Arlberg by some 64km and connect in
several more resorts to the Lech sector for
2013–14. The 2km long, €12m Doppelayr-
built Auenfeldjet cable-car, will cross
the Auenfeld pass to the Geissbühel Alpe
creating a link between Lech-Zürs and the
resorts of Warth-Schröcken. With 340km
the Arlberg will be one of the world’s seven
largest lift and piste linked ski areas, and
the largest in Austria. However, the links
are slightly tenuous with the connection
between the St Anton and Lech sectors only
skiable over fairly extreme terrain, and the
new connection being lift-only.
Alpe d’HuezHaving started improvements aimed at
first time skiers in its Les Bergers area,
Alpe d’Huez has announced further
improvements for 2013–14 in the Les Jeux
sector. Three draglifts will be replaced
by a “chondola” which contains a mix of
gondola cabins and chairlift seats on one
cable. With a high capacity of 4000 persons
per hour, they will make the resort more
efficient and user friendly for beginners.
plešivec The internationally unknown ski area of
Plešivec in the Czech Republic is to be
dramatically transformed this coming
winter. Previously a small ski hill with a 90
metre vertical, 400 metres of skiing terrain
and a couple of elderly drag lifts, Plešivec
is set to see the installation of three Leitner
quad chairlifts as well as half a dozen drag
lifts and carpet lifts with a combined uplift
of more than 13,000 skiers per hour. Nine
ski runs are being created, seven of them
easy, the longest a 4.2km decent.
pecialist ski tour operator
Dolomite Mountains
(dolomitemountains.com)
has announced their winter
2013–14 programme, with a new twist on
the theme of safaris. Instead of scouting for
wildlife, these safaris are all about putting
the kilometres under your skis.
Dolomites Ski Safaris last 4–10 days, and
encompass the vast Dolomiti Superski
region that links a dozen different valleys,
between them offering approximately
1200km of pistes; all within an area
of stunning natural beauty declared a
UNESCO World Heritage site.
Different from classic resort skiing,
Dolomites Ski Safaris also encourage skiers
to ski from valley to valley in the day, and
enjoy the hospitality of a rifugio (Alpine inn)
in the evening. Here guests savour cuisines
and cultures unique to each valley region.
The programme began last winter
with two itineraries; the trips this winter
expand to six new routes, including a
gourmet-focused trip featuring meals from
Michelin-starred chefs in the huts, and a
family-friendly option.
The new 3-Country Ski Safari includes
the exclusive slopes of St Moritz in
Switzerland, Lech in Austria, and Alta Badia
in Italy, with a private English-speaking
mountain guide, 5 accommodation and
gourmet dining. Transfers are possible
between each resort by helicopter. Prices
start from £2180pp (minimum four people),
for 4, 7 or 10 days.
Ski Three Countries On One Luxury Safari
BEN CLATWORTHY
06
S
Alone In Antarctica – London Presentation
n November 2011, Felicity Aston set off from the coast of
Antarctica on the Ross Ice Shelf to cross the entire continent on
skis by herself.
Ahead of her was a 1744km journey through the Transantarctic
Mountains, across the Polar Plateau to the South Pole then onto the far coast of
Antarctica. The physical challenges of the 59-day journey are astonishing, but it is
the mental hardships that Aston describes that are the most memorable.
The crushing solitude and emotional turmoil that she experienced on a daily
basis resulted in an appreciation of the details of the environment around her,
and a rather strange relationship with the sun!
In a presentation on 21 October at 7.30pm in the Ellis Brigham store at
Covent Garden in London, Aston will talk about the mental toughness
required, and the physical challenges that she endured to realise her goal of
becoming the first woman in the world to ski across Antarctica alone.
Aston’s book, Alone In Antarctica, is out now, and she will be signing copies
on the night of the presentation.
I
If you’ve ever been torn between taking a
rucksack and a wheeled case on your ski holiday
– one being better in the UK and at the airport,
the other more use if you have to get over
snow to your final destination – then luggage
manufacturer Osprey may have the solution,
with their new Ozone 70 convertible case.
For ease of handling and keeping baggage
costs down, the bag has an ultralight HighRoad
LT chassis, smooth rolling action, innovative
storage solutions, and retractable handle. There
is even a detachable 15L daypack, capable of
holding a laptop, and the choice to deploy
a back system and convert the case into a
backpack. The bag costs £180 – more details
from ospreyeurope.com.
The Ultimate Ski Luggage Solution
inthesnOW.COm | OCtOber 2013
C Giuseppe G
hed
ina
07
he new Folie Douce village
opening 2300m up at the
top of the Marmottes 1 lift in
Alpe d’Huez this winter will
be very different. Along with a choice of
restaurants and shops, the Folie Douce
daily cabaret show on a specially-built
stage will be a “high class, imaginative
dance spectacular, bringing the dining
show concept bang up to date, and
taking it high up on the mountain,” the
resort promises.
La Folie Douce team incorporates a
clubbing crew with resident DJ, a couple
of singers, and a mini horn section (sax/
trumpet). There’s an outdoor bar and
huge dance floor where the musical
content evolves throughout the day, with
lounge style during restaurant hours,
transitioning through the cabaret show
to a full-on dance party.
The new Alpe d’Huez Folie Douce is the
fourth after Val d’Isère, Val Thorens and
Méribel Vallée and will, like the others,
have a La Fruitière restaurant, a Nuvo self-
service, an outside bar and a Folie Shop.
DAvID BLACK
T
DanCIng On HIgH THIS WInTER
he Swiss ski area of
Meiringen-Hasliberg will see
a new six-passenger high-
speed chairlift installed for
next winter in the Hasliberg sector.
The new lift will be a replacement for
the Bidmi-Käserstatt double chairlift, with
the new lift following the route of the old
one but ascending 10m higher and 200m
to the east at the top for better run access
to Käserstatt and Mägisalp.
The new lift, which will be faster as
well as having a higher capacity than
its predecessor, will feature pull-down
protective weather protection hoods, and
child safety locks on the safety bar.
The local lift company believe that by
installing a better, faster lift on a route
with better alignment with the ski slopes
it will make the route more popular, and
make the previously under-utilised slopes
in the area more popular too.
The chairlift is for winter use by skiers
and boarders only; it will not be used for
pedestrians at any time of the year and
will be closed outside of the ski season.
T
New Six-Passenger Chairlift For Meiringen-Hasliberg
OCtOber 2013 | inthesnOW.COm
heavenly skiing, at down to earth prices
high quality catered& self catered accommodation
French and Swiss AlpsSnow Sure Resorts
On / Near Piste locationsNo Hidden Extras
Financially Bonded
m o u n t a i n h e a v e n
0151 625 1921mountainheaven.co.uk
“Don’t worry about frostbite
…” my ski instructor Jan
Philips tells my group
standing under the
thermometer, which is reading –32°C,
“your skin goes a tad white, then scabs,
but it won’t scar … do look out for your
friends though.”
Prior to my visit to Mont Tremblant,
Quebec, Canada, everybody to whom I
had spoken had warned me to take every
pair of thermals I own. But it’s not always
perishingly cold, and I was expecting it,
visiting in January – often the coldest
month on both sides of the Atlantic.
But it’s not a day to be standing around.
The pistes are virtually empty, and
the snow hard-packed and in perfect
condition. It may be bitter, but I’ve come
all this way, so why waste valuable time?
Skiing in Canada varies dramatically
coast-to-coast given the vastness of the
country, and East Coast skiing is certainly
a unique experience. Ski out of Quebec
City in Le Massif Charlevoix and you’ll
have a view over the St Lawrence River,
yet head west to Montreal, and Tremblant
is the largest settlement before the Arctic.
The views confirm this: from the north
side of the mountain forests stretch as far as
the eye can see, whilst the main south side
offers a breathtaking vista of the frozen Lake
Tremblant and distant wilderness.
Quebec is a fascinating place: bilingual
and with major cultural influences from
Europe and the States, it doesn’t really feel
much like Canada at all.
Access to the resort’s 2.6km2 of skiing is
easy, with a heated gondola whisking you
straight from the village – usually just a
short walk from your accommodation –
to the top of the south side. From here it
is possible to ski down to the north side
pistes, or onto Versant Soleil – a third
section of the ski hill (home to the casino
and further lodging) – or to The Edge,
which I’m told is the place to ski when the
powder’s good.
The ski area is not huge, and rather
surprisingly half the trails are classified
black, although in reality most of those
that are groomed could be considered
red runs. Plenty is ideal family-friendly
terrain. There are, however, a number
of bump runs, with the bitter conditions
ensuring a hard-packed (if not icy in
places) base. For intermediates, the wide
groomed trails make for excellent cruising
ground, while beginners can practice
within the safety of the nursery area,
progressing to the easy green runs.
The resort is the soul survivor on
Crystal Ski’s East Coast North America
programme, and its most affordable
transatlantic destination. “Tremblant
is an entry-level North American
resort,” Ian Davis the Product Director
of TUI Ski told me. “It’s ideal for a keen,
relatively experienced, skier looking
to discover new resorts but also spend
time in Montreal.”
Modelled in the style of a faux-
Quebec-City – and purpose-built by
Intrawest – the village contains vibrant
colourful buildings and cobbled streets,
and has been designed for maximum
convenience.
If sliding downhill isn’t your thing,
alternative winter activities include
80km of cross-country trails, which wind
their way
around the
Tremblant
National
Park, ice
skating
on the lake
or tubing,
or plain
old sledging
for free.
Snowshoeing
through the forest is
yet another alternative, and
one of the best ways to spot deer and
moose, the latter of which, outnumber the
population of Quebec.
Once off the snow, make sure to pay
a visit to La Diable microbrewery, an
après-ski hotspot serving six beers
brewed on site. Food plays a big part
in Canadian life, and much like all of
Quebec there’s a huge variety of choice
in the resort.
There is
something
bizarrely
humorous
about sitting
in Italian and
French-Savioe
restaurants
approximately
6400km across the
ocean, often paying
less and enjoying better
quality food than in the Alps.
CoCo Pazzo is the best in town for an
authentic Italian meal, but if you’re
looking for raclette and fondue, La
Savoie serves the traditional Alpine
French cuisine.
So, if you’re looking for a little
transatlantic jaunt this season, and fancy
something new, Tremblant (and Montreal)
are worthy contenders for your hit list.
D
BEN CLATWORTHY
BuRRRRIT’S COLD In TREMBLanT
Ben Clatworthy travelled with Destination Quebec (quebecoriginal.com/uk) and Crystal Ski (crystalski.co.uk), who offer a week’s B&B in Mount Tremblant
from £877pp (based on four sharing) at the 4★ Marriott Residence Inn, including flights with Air Canada (aircanada.com) from London Heathrow
to Montreal and transfers. Air Canada offers more daily flights from the UK to Canada
than any other airline (aircanada.com).
FOLLOW uS@inthesnowmag
08
Trem
blan
T
ben
Cla
Twor
Thy
BuRRRRIT’S COLD In TREMBLanT
w w w . e i d e r . c o m
Ph
oto
s c
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it:
Se
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Wide Angle
Adrien CoirierFreerider
09
hose who have looked
longingly at the powder
skiing pictures and videos
beloved of ski media and
marketing, but who feel unable to move
themselves from the safety of the on-
piste plateau, have some freeride long
weekends to consider this winter in the
world’s freeride capital, Chamonix.
The International Academy
(international-academy.com), in
partnership with ski school Evolution 2,
is launching a new weekend course to
teach key off-piste skills to anyone with
a good intermediate level of skiing. They
will prepare participants for all aspects of
the descent of the 22km Vallée Blanche,
mastering the conditions off-piste at the
time of the course (every day is different
off-piste).
The course costs from £965, including
return transfer from Geneva Airport,
4 nights accommodation in the 2
Hotel Vert, a 4-day Mont Blanc lift pass, 3
days of training (6 hours per day), and a
descent of Vallée Blanche on the Monday,
with departure dates on the 23 January or
the 13 March 2014.
BEN CLATWORTHY
T
From Intermediate Piste To Off-Piste
es 2 Alpes (les2alpes.com)
closed for summer skiing
on its glacier between
3600m and 3200m on
31 August, but the resort will re-open
from 26 October–3 November for an
autumn snow fix, with gear testing and
a carnival atmosphere. All of the hotels,
residences, bars, restaurants and shops
will be open.
On the opening weekend,
26–27 October, Les 2 Alpes will host the
events ”Enjoy the Glacier” for boarders, and
”Ski, Tests and Rock’n’Roll” for skiers, each
including contests, gear tests, guest pros,
giant BBQs, gigs, movies, art exhibitions, etc.
During the opening weekend there
will be a discounted lift pass at €22 per
day (£18), rising to €27.50 (£23) from 28
October–3 November. The resort also has
packages from €72pp (£60), including lift
pass, based on four sharing an apartment
for 2 nights on 25–26 October.
L
Les 2 Alpes For Autumn Half-Term
ouples who have ”lofty
ambitions” for their wedding
ceremony now have the
option of riding a beautifully
decorated wedding cable car to their
marriage in the Rellerli Mountain Inn,
which can accommodate up to 300
guests, on Schönried ski area above
Gstaad in Switzerland.
The Bergbahnen Destination Gstaad AG
has created a special wedding cable car,
available upon request, in which curtains
and lovingly-arranged floral decorations
complete the look.
“Being so far removed from normal,
everyday life, the happy young couple
float towards seventh heaven,” said a
resort statement.
The bridal couple travel for free of course –
normal rates apply to the remaining guests.
C
Wedding Gondola “To Seventh Heaven”
OCtOber 2013 | inthesnOW.COm
les 2 alpes TourisT offiCe
010
ew cable car cabins
installed on the existing
ropeway to the dachstein
glacier, near Schladming
in austria, have the novelty of an
upstairs “balcony”, where up to 10
passengers can get a fresh air view of
the massive dachstein massif as the lift
climbs 1000 vertical metres to 2700m
in 5.5 minutes, rising up to 210m above
the south face of the mountain and
requiring no support towers.
The new panorama lift will officially
open in July 2014, but is already
operating with access to the balcony
section on a first-come, first-served basis
at the lift stations at no additional cost.
The new lift, which is 15% faster
than its predecessor, carries 50 people
in each cabin, has a capacity of 550
people per hour, and travels at 43kph.
a large amount of glass has been
used in its construction to provide
spectacular views from inside as
well. There are also integral video
screens providing information on the
dachstein as skiers ascend.
The lift re-opened during
unprecedented summer snow
conditions on the glacier, which
received another 30cm of fresh snow in
the last week of June, giving ”powder”
conditions for skiers and boarders
visiting in July.
PATRICK THORNE
N
he hotel Saint Louis
in courchevel, France,
has been awarded
a gold award by the
international organisation Travelife
(travelifecollection.com), which is a
travel industry-led scheme launched in
2007, in partnership with tour operators
and endorsed by aBTa.
a prerequisite for this award is strict
compliance with all the criteria of
sustainability that helps hotels to improve
the way they manage their social, as well
as environmental, issues.
“we have been steadily working
through a programme of renovating
and improving the hotel, and delivering
a more sustainable product certainly
formed a significant part of this
process,” said Peter hillyard, new
Business and operations manager for
Flexiski (flexiski.com), which offers
holidays in the hotel Saint Louis.
The gold award means that the
hotel management must show that
they lead the way and have an active
environmental policy, publish regular
reports on their sustainability actions,
treat their staff fairly and with respect, as
well as helping local people.
new cable car has open-air Balcony
T
hotel wins eco gold award
he horizon Festival, which
launched last season, is one
of the first of the annual crop
of festivals to confirm it’ll be
back in 2014, allowing those prepared to
commit early to secure an early-booking
deal, and take advantage of advance
booking fares with airlines.
The Festival will be staged from Saturday
8 to Friday 14 march 2014; and a special
early Bird Ticket has just been released on
the website, which includes 6 nights on a
B&B basis at a 4 hotel, with inclusive spa
access, a 5-day lift pass, and access to the
Festival all for £209 (togetherholidays.net/
booking/horizon).
T
horizon Festival Back in Bansko
inthesnOW.COm | OCtOber 2013
Fly direct tO tHe
FreNcH AlPS FrOm
FiFteeN UK AirPOrtS
chambery-airport.comgrenoble-airport.com
Direct bus transfers timed to flight arrivals and departures available from both airports to the major ski resorts
£18PER PERSONPER NIGHT*
SHORT BREAKS FROM ONLY
Hotel-Spa FarandoleLes Deux Alpes
For details, contact us on:01737 30 60 [email protected]*£18 on a Bed and Breakfast basis. All inclusive options also available.
www.skipower.co.uk
SP Farandole3.indd 1 13/09/2013 13:32
ritish freeskier James “Woodsy” Woods, current slopestyle World Cup champion, got his run
up to Sochi off to a great start by winning the Parklife Invitational ”best male skier” title from
two-time winner Gus Kenworthy of the USA.
Some of the world’s top freestyle skiers and riders pulled out their best tricks in front of
thousands of spectators, at the Parklife Invitational rail jam in downtown Queenstown last month.
Competitors dropped down a specially-built 36m-long snow ramp, going head-to-head on a purpose-
built stair feature, set up by The Remarkables terrain park crew, and covered by snow trucked down from
the ski area. “It was an absolutely awesome show and the standard of competition was intense,” said local
ski area manager Ross Lawrence.
British World Champion Woodsy Wins In New Zealand
Free Ski pass& breakfastMéribel Vallée, the ”new” name that Méribel’s marketing team would prefer for what we once called Méribel, has announced a special promotion for opening day on 7 December. Early risers should head to the Tourist Information Office in Méribel-Mottaret, where the first 100 skiers to present themselves will be rewarded with a free Méribel Vallée ski pass and breakfast. Plus, all those who ski in resort on the 7 or 8 December are invited to participate in a prize draw to win a VIP weekend for two in Méribel.
New extreme black runA rare new black run will open in Austria next winter, an event so unusual that the new trail has already been given an intimidating name – the Black Mamba. ”Extreme piste” number 14, on the Kitzsteinhorn above Kaprun, will plunge 290 vertical metres over its 1km length, at gradients of up to 63%. The run will begin from the valley station of the Kristallbahn lift, and finish at Langweid.
Supertravel To Offer New chaletsSupertravel Ski (supertravel.co.uk/ski) has announced it will be offering three brand-new ski chalets for the 2013–14 season in St Anton. Chalet Stratus, Chalet Cirrus and Chalet Nimbus are newly-built, designer properties with views of the Rendl mountain. Chalet Stratus and Chalet Cirrus each sleep six, both boasting three en-suite bedrooms, working stone fireplaces, antique wooden beams and hand-picked furniture; while Chalet Nimbus is a five-bed penthouse chalet, offering the same balance of the traditional and modern.
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Bringing you the most comprehensive range of skis and boots in the UK.Custom boot fitting specialists.
With almost 50 years of advice and expertise and a reputationthat has stood the test of time,
our goal is to help you ski better everyday.
Ski Bartlett, Uxbridge Road, Hillingdon, West London, UB10 0NP T:020 8848 0040 | E:[email protected] | www.SkiBartlett.com
FREERIDE | FREESTYLE | TOURING | TELEMARK | RACE | RECREATIONAL
Expertise and Advice Since 1965...
BEST UKSPECIALIST RETAILER
Expertise Since 1965_wkg_ITS_A4_Map.pdf 1 02/09/2013 12:56
OCtOber 2013 | inthesnOW.COm
012
he Snowboxx festival is
returning to Andorra this
winter, after its successful
launch last season.
Curated by the pioneers of music
holidays Mainstage Travel, which runs
summer events in Spain and Ibiza,
Snowboxx ensures that holidaymakers
experience the best of the local area by
running partnerships with local bars,
offering discounts at local shops, and
running day trips to Grandvalira.
Snowboxx will run from 23–30 March
2014, and will be doubling the capacity
of 2013, with a still more ambitious line-
up and events. The festival also offers lift
passes, equipment hire, transfers, lessons,
and a huge range of accommodation
options through their website, with prices
excluding travel starting from £199.99 for
wristband, lift pass and accommodation.
T
Snowboxx Festival Back In Andorra
phot
os :
Chr
isto
phe
Mar
got /
Kal
ice
- cr
éati
on g
raph
ique
:
Dynastar.com
Sign the best turns, brave the best slopes ! *
* Signez les plus belles courbes, Défiez les meilleurs spots
CR 74 PRO //
September Marks Ski-Lifts 10th Anniversary
Founded in Morzine, Ski-Lifts (ski-lifts.com)
is this year celebrating its 10th anniversary.
It now offers transfers to over 200 ski resorts
throughout Europe and North America.
So, whilst a great deal has changed for the
company in the last 10 years, Morzine is still a
special place for them.
Situated at the heart of the world-famous
Portes Du Soleil ski area, Morzine allows access
to a vast range of skiing and snowboarding.
The village itself retains its traditional Alpine
atmosphere, while benefiting from all of
the facilities you would expect from an
international ski area.
To celebrate its birthday, Ski-Lifts is running
a competition to offer you the chance to win
an unforgettable holiday for two people in
Morzine this January. The lucky winners will
have the chance to experience the resort,
the ski area, and stay in the beautiful Chalet
Carclion, courtesy of Riders Refuge.
The prize includes:
• Catered chalet accommodation in Morzine
for 1 week, provided by Riders Refuge.
• Return flights to Geneva airport.
• Return transfers to Morzine provided by
Ski-Lifts.
• 6-day lift pass.
• Ski or snowboard hire for the week, delivered
to you in the chalet by Door Step Skis
For details on how to enter simply visit ski-lifts.com/competition.
doorstep skis
News
013
he giant Les 3 Vallées ski
region in France, which
includes leading resorts
such as Courchevel, Méribel
Vallée, Les Menuires and Val Thorens, has
announced a new lift pass price initiative
for the coming season, as the cost of a
6-day lift pass for adults and children
aged 13 and over 12 reaches €277 (£232).
When two people buy a ticket together,
they will be offered a discount on the
individual lift ticket price. For a 6-day
2013–14 pass this means the standard
rate will be €10 less at €267 for adults and
children aged 13 and over.
The discount was first offered when
three people bought passes together
last season, and that deal, with a greater
saving, is available again for 2013–14,
with prices reduced further to €262pp.
A family price, when two parents and
two to seven children aged 5–18 years
buy a pass together, is further reduced to
€221.60 each.
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anadian company BRP has
produced its three-millionth
Ski-Doo snowmobile – the
2014 Ski-Doo Summit X
E-TEC 800R model – in its Valcourt,
Quebec, manufacturing facility,
54 years after the Ski-Doo snowmobile
was conceived in 1959. Such is the global
recognition of Ski-Doo, many people still
refer to all snowmobiles as ”Ski-doos” –
just as many people refer to all sticky tapes
as Sellotape.
It was also exactly 40 years, day for
day, since the millionth snowmobile, a
1974 Ski-Doo T’NT Everest 440 model,
was produced, and 20 years since the
second millionth, a 1994 Ski-Doo Summit
snowmobile was introduced.
“From design to engineering, to the
assembly line via marketing, sales and
many more, BRP employees have made this
milestone possible by striving for quality,
innovative and industry leading products
that continually reinvent the sport,” said
José Boisjoli, President and CEO.
“I want to thank all of them for their hard
work, commitment and dedication over the
years, without them, this accomplishment
would not have been possible.”
C
The Three-Millionth Ski-Doo
rive an electric car to Squaw
Valley by Lake Tahoe in
California (if you can find
one to rent at the airport)
and you can now charge it up free of
charge, at one of four new electric car
chargers installed there for guests to use.
“We are committed to making Squaw
an environmental pacesetter for the Lake
Tahoe region,” said Andy Wirth, President
and CEO of Squaw Valley and Alpine
Meadows. “We know the region’s success is
dependent on our dedication to protecting
the special mountain environment.”
The charging stations will be open to
guests 7 days a week – however Squaw
says guests are asked not to leave their cars
at the charging stations for more than 10
hours at a time.
D
Free Electric Car Charging Stations
NEW RANGE INSTORE NOW
Discover our Autumn/Winter collection of soft, warm and highly breathable base layers.
For stockists information telephone 01572 772437
OCtOber 2013 | inthesnOW.COm
ValThoren
s_TourisT offiCe
he most expensive
ski chalet rental for
2013–14 is believed
to be the €450,000
being asked for a 10-night stay
at the start of January, over the
crucial russian new Year holiday
period, at chalet edelweiss in
courchevel 1850. That is the price
according to The Luxury chalet
collection (luxurychaletcollection.
com), which has released its
annual selection of the world’s 20
finest chalets.
“The edelweiss is officially
the largest and most luxurious
chalet in courchevel,” said
rupert Longsdon, Founder
and director of The oxford Ski
company, which compiles The
Luxury chalet collection.
The chalet sleeps 16, and
has a similar number of staff
including two chefs, two butlers,
a chauffeur, concierge, several
housekeepers, a massage
therapist, and a ski instructor.
at low-season dates you can
access all this, and its extensive
luxury facilities, for 80% less –
€80,000 – and it’s still available
to rent, even though the peak
period has now been booked.
it’s available at that lowest
rate for the end-of-season
week, from 20 april 2014, with
the 2 weeks before only a little
higher at €100,000. most other
remaining weeks of the season
are in the €200,000–280,000
bracket per week.
World’s Most ExpEnsivE ski ChalEt rEntal hits €450k p/WEEk
BEN CLATWORTHY
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Prince Dies Months After AvalanchePrince Friso of The Netherlands was laid to rest last month after dying ”from complications” apparently unexpectedly. He had been in a coma for 18 months, since he was buried by an avalanche at the Austrian resort of Lech in February 2012.Aged 44 years, Prince Friso had been skiing with friends when the avalanche struck and he was buried for approximately 15 minutes, suffering severe brain damage and never regaining consciousness.
inthesnOW.COm | OCtOber 2013
New Season. New Ski Guides. New Website.
Check out our new website on your PC, Mac, Tablet, or Smart Phone at
InTheSnow.com
Order the latest copy of our luxury ski hotels guide at
PowderRetreats.com
Order the 2014 Ultimate Accommodation Guide at
SkiAccommodationGuide.com
he Russian Federal
Space Agency
(Roscosmos)
has become an
Honoured Partner of the Sochi
2014 Olympic torch relay, which
is sponsored by Coca-Cola
– long associated with the
Olympics since 1928 and now has
a $3bn (business in Russia. The
Agency has agreed to take the
Sochi 2014 Olympic torch to the
International Space Station (ISS)
and on a spacewalk.
Although the flame has made
it into space before, ahead of the
1996 Atlanta and Sydney 2000
Games, this is thought to be the
first time that the Olympic torch
will be carried in open space.
The Olympic torch will travel
to the ISS on the Soyuz TMA-
11M manned spaceship in the
beginning of November. Once
in space, Russian cosmonauts
Sergei Ryazansky and Oleg Kotov
will take the Olympic torch on a
spacewalk. The cosmonauts have
already started their training at
the Yu. A. Gagarin Research and
Test Cosmonaut Training Centre.
For health and safety reasons, it
is not planned to light the torch.
The Olympic torch will return
to Earth with cosmonaut Fyodor
Yurchikhin, who is currently
based on the ISS. While based
on the ISS in 2007, Yurchikhin
and his colleague, Oleg Kotov,
supported the Olympic bid
presentation that was made in
Guatemala, following which Sochi
was elected as the host city of the
2014 Olympic Winter Games.
The 4-month torch relay, which
starts in Sochi on 7 October, will
be the longest Olympic torch relay
in Winter Games history, covering
more than 65,000km with 134,000
torch bearers travelling through
83 Russian regions. Methods of
transport will include car, train,
plane, troika, spaceship and
reindeer sleigh.
It is also planned that the torch
will make it to the bottom of
Lake Baikal, the world’s deepest
at 1637m.
The relay will end with the
Opening Ceremony of the
Olympic Winter Games in Sochi
on 7 February 2014.
Sochi Olympic Torch Set To Space WalkPATRICK THORNE
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Aspen gay Ski Week ceremonyThe organisers of the long-established Gay Ski Week in Aspen, one of the world’s oldest gay ski celebrations, as well as one of Aspen’s biggest annual events, have unveiled plans to stage a mass civil union of gay couples at 11am on 18 January as part of next winter’s event. The plan follows the decision by the Colorado state government to recognise civil unions involving gay couples in law last May; and the organisers hope it will be one of the biggest mass gay civil union ceremonies.
OCtOber 2013 | inthesnOW.COm
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he past two winters have
seen fantastic early-season
snowfalls in the Alps, with
those lucky enough to be on
the slopes in the weeks before Christmas
enjoying powder-filled slopes, often all
to themselves.
Apart from stealing a march on winter
2013–14 and being among the first to try
out the new season’s ski equipment and
new facilities in resorts, there are other
advantages to being one of the early
birds in the Alps. Not least are the price
incentives on lift passes, accommodation
and other resort services that most ski
areas offer in the weeks before Christmas.
With some high glacier ski areas
opening as early as September, and
many of the big name resorts open from
the end of November, the good news
is you can find snow-sure ski resorts
before Christmas too, so long as you’re
careful where you book.
Here are some recommendations:
Lech and St Anton Lech in the Austrian Arlberg begins
snowmaking as early as 1 October to
ensure its pistes have good snow cover in
time for its season start – the 6 December
this year. The pistes go right up to 2811m,
making snow cover (almost!) a certainty.
One of the biggest news stories in world
skiing for the coming winter is the
expansion of the Arlberg ski area with
the lift connection to the neighbouring
ski areas of Warth and Schrocken,
thus creating a 340km ski region.
Neighbouring St Anton is also a snow-
sure early season bet, although it does
not share the new direct lift connection
(but it is included in the lift pass) – instead
you’ll need to get a bus connection to
Lech to ski it. The best flight connection
for either resort is to Friedrichshafen only
90 minutes away. Monarch operates two
flights per week from London Gatwick,
and up to four from Manchester.
Davos and Klosters Davos and Klosters, only a little further
away from Friedrichshafen (2 hours
and 1 hour 5 minutes, respectively),
are another pair of early-openers, in
this case from mid-November, thanks
to glacier skiing on the upper slopes.
Although it may not all be open from
day one, a sizeable chunk of the area’s
320km of pistes will be operational by
mid-December.
Alpe d’Huez And Les Deux Alpes Two of the largest ski areas in France
are both only 75 minutes away from
Grenoble Airport, which you can reach
quickly with Monarch from Leeds
Bradford, which operates two flights
per week, or from London Gatwick
with up to four flights per week. Both
areas have high glacier ski areas above
3000m, topping off vertical descents
of more than 2000m – each above the
world’s top 20 greatest lift-served verts.
Both have big ski areas of 200km of
piste or more, and are also so snow-
sure they offered summer skiing and
snowboarding in 2013.
Sölden and Obergurgl Sölden has twin glaciers and is one of
the first resorts in the world to open
each season usually by September, prior
to staging World Cup competitions
by the end of October, the first in the
northern hemisphere each season. Its
Otztal regional neighbour Obergurgl
has a reputation as being the first non-
glacier ski area in the Alps to open,
this year on 14 November. As you can
read in our Tirol feature this month,
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Sölden will be unveiling a spectacular
new mountain restaurant, 3048m up
on Gaislachkogel, which you could be
one of the first to visit along with those
freshly-groomed pistes. The resorts are
an easy 3-hour drive down the autobahn
from Munich (two flights per week from
Leeds and Manchester, and up to four
per week from Luton, all with Monarch),
or only 98km from Innsbruck (up to
three flights per week from Manchester,
again with Monarch).
Passo Tonale Passo Tonale is one of four Italian ski
areas (from more than 300) that is
open into June each year, and which
re-opens in early October, thanks to
its glacier ski slopes above 3000m.
Located just over 2 hours from Verona
airport, served by Monarch flights from
Manchester, it is at the heart of the
Adamello ski area, which links 100km
of slopes, including a superb descent
11km-long over 1861m of vertical. Passo
Tonale is a great choice if you like
guaranteed snow, a better than average
chance of winter sunshine, better
prices than further north, and a relaxed
Italian attitude.
Tignes & Val d’Isère Tignes has a longer ski season than
any other French resort, and is the only
one (except for an October half-term
opening of Les Deux Alpes) that’s open
right through the autumn. So by the
time December rolls around, Tignes will
have already clocked up around
10 weeks of its 8-month-long 2013–14 ski
season (and that’s without the 2 months
more it re-opens for in the summer!).
Its neighbour in the giant Espace Killy
(300km of pistes), Val d’Isère, joins it at
the start of December to offer one of the
largest ski areas open in the world.
Monarch Flights Season Start Dates
Friday 13 December Leeds Bradford to Munich
Saturday 14 December Leeds Bradford to Grenoble
London Gatwick to Friedrichshafen
and Grenoble
Luton to Munich
Manchester to Friedrichshafen,
Munich and Verona
Sunday 15 December Manchester to Innsbruck
Year-round London Gatwick to Barcelona, for ski
areas in Andorra and Spanish Pyrenean
resorts like Baqueira – open from late-
November
Manchester to Venice for the world-
famous resort of Cortina d’Ampezzo, so
snow-sure it re-opened in the summer
as there was still so much snow left.
For more information, latest deals and to book visit: monarch.co.uk/ski
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Official Resort InformationFor Early Season Offers
Alpe d’Huez: alpedhuez.comDavos: davos.ch
Klosters: klosters.chLech: lech-zuers.at
Les Deux Alpes: les2alpes.comObergurgl: obergurgl.com
Passo Tonale: adamelloski.comSt Anton: stantonamarlberg.com
Sölden: soelden.comTignes: tignes.net
Val d’Isère: valdisere.com
mixed
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’hueZ Tourism
e
wning and running
a chalet can be
an interesting
proposition, but as
in all aspects of tourism it can
sometimes be a slalom race of
its own.
In the pre-crunch years
fuelled by cheap credit and
mushrooming property values,
chalet ownership offered the
temptation of annual price gains
and lucrative rental income as
well, of course, as an investment
in a ski resort. In particular,
with the rise of budget airlines
– quick and regular flights to
European ski resorts – came
huge demand for luxury chalets,
and a never-ending stream of
willing skiers keen to rent out
for holidays.
However, when the credit
crunch began to bite hard for
the second time, many owners
who had bought a winter retreat
as an investment began to panic
and put their properties on the
market. As global stock markets
began to wobble and confidence
in the financial system stuttered,
chalet prices began to slide
perilously, along with almost all
property types.
In Europe, prices slumped by
up to 25% in many French Alps
resorts, 15% in Italy and 12% in
Austria according to analysis,
while the falling value of the pound
heightened the financial pain.
With foreign exchange, many
ski chalet owners buy ahead
or purchase for the season at a
costed level. This is fine if you are
fully booked and cash-rich with
deposits; however, for many this
is not an option. MoneyMoFX
(moneymofx.com) has an online
system that allows any registered
client to deal online from
£1000 upwards free of charge.
MoneyMoFX also has the facility
to deal over the telephone.
THE SEaSOn aHEaD & THE IMPaCT OF THE CuRREnCY MaRKETS
BEN CLATWORTHY
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New boots Have Omni-HeatAmerican skiwear company Columbia has released new versions of their tried and tested footwear for 2013–14. The Bugaboot is fully waterproof with a Techlite shell, and 200g insulation combined with full Omni-Heat reflective lining, which keeps your toes toasty right down to –32°C outdoor temperatures. For maximum snugness a heated electric version is available. The boots also feature a Techlite lightweight cushioned midsole, and have exceptional grip thanks to the Omni-Grip non-marking rubber sole. So all in all a boot that does everything you need to stay warm and upright in the snow, without weighing you down (columbia.com).
Free Ski pass under Your pillowThe Swiss resort of Crans-Montana (crans-montana.ch ) has an enticing offer for anyone who books direct with one of 25 hotels in the town during the final 6 weeks of the ski season – a lift pass will be waiting for you under your pillow! The offer is valid from 17 March–27 April 2014, and one night stay/client = one free day ski pass. The offer is subject to the ski area being open, but with slopes extending up to 3000m above sea level and crowned by a glacier, that shouldn’t normally be an issue.
The Ski Trade launchedWe’re pleased to present The Ski Trade, a new publication that does exactly what it says on the tin – reports on all matters related to the ski industry from a trade perspective. We’ll be publishing The Ski Trade within our pages every issue from now on. If you’re in the ski industry and want to receive your free copy direct every month, then go to theskitrade.com and register. You can also follow the new publication on Twitter @theskitrade.
Seeing The Northern Lights Tops Travellers’ Wish List
eeing the Northern Lights is
the experience most travellers
would like to have according
to Lonely Planet Traveller
(lonelyplanet.com).
Of 1563 respondents to a survey for the
magazine, to celebrate Lonely Planet’s
40th anniversary, 58% said they’d like to
see the aurora borealis. This was the only
experience in the top 10 that you can do on
a regular skiing holiday. Eight of the other
pursuits, receiving 11–30% of the popularity
votes, were all warm weather destination
activities, apart from ”meeting penguins in
the Antarctic”, which came in at number
five with 22% of the votes.
“I’ve had the chance to consider just how
accessible, original and imaginative travel
experiences have become over the past 40
years,” said Lonely Planet Traveller’s Editor
Peter Grunert, “… seeing the Northern Lights
is one experience so many travellers would
realistically love to have at some point
during their lifetime.”
Several of the UK’s leading ski tour
operators, including Crystal (crystalski.
co.uk), Inghams (inghams.co.uk/northern-
lights) and Ski World (skiworld.co.uk), offer
ski holidays to Lapland.
Ski Safari also offer a special Northern
Lights and skiing trip to Western Canada,
incorporating a week spent in Whistler
before heading to Whitehorse, where
viewing the aurora runs from 9.30pm–
1.30am each evening, skisafari.com/
Northern-Lights-Experience-Details.aspx.
S
The new 4 Kalinda Village in Tignes 1800 Les
Boisses, complete with spa and leisure facilities,
is one of the big new French accommodation
options of winter 2013–14.
“Kalinda Village will be the perfect base for
a family at 1800m, ideally located with a new
beginners area near the residence, and close to
the eight-seater Boisses gondola for those who
wish to explore/ski further and higher,” said a
statement from Peak Retreats (peakretreats.co.uk),
one of the first operators to offer the resort, with
prices from £259pp based on five sharing.
The traffic used to run through Tignes 1800
les Boisses, but is now diverted via a by-pass
leaving it virtually traffic-free. The Kalinda
Village spreads out around the historic church
at Boisses. Built in the 1950s, it is a replica of the
one that was destroyed in the old village when
the dam (barrage de Tignes) was opened.
New 4 ResortFor Tignes
inthesnOW.COm | OCtOber 2013
Follow us on Val d’Isère | Tignes | Les Deux Alpes | La Plagne | Courchevel 1850 | Méribel | Courmayeur | St Anton
ATOL1176 protected. Prices shown are per person based on two people sharing, apply to 7 nights at Chalet Hotel Moris, Val d’Isère departing 20/04/14, are subject to availability, cannot be combined or offered in retrospect and can be withdrawn at any time. Facilities and inclusives vary between resorts. See website for Mark Warner Limited’s full terms and conditions.
Put yourself at the heart of the action with our snow sure locations high in the Alps. Our carefully chosen chalet hotels are in resorts that enjoy an enviable reputation for snow and there’s access to many kilometres of skiing that will satisfy the experienced, intermediates and beginners alike.
Follow us on
We’ gi� y� m� e � a � � daymarkwarner.co.uk | 0844 273 6825
Mark Warner ski holidays include: Direct Flights | Resort Transfers | Accommodation Welcome Drinks & Canapés | Breakfast | Afternoon Tea | 3 Course Dinner with WineEvening Childcare | Ski Hosting | Lift Pass Collection Service
£475from
Ski holidays
SKI IN ALL THE TOP PLACES
MWS1306 In the Snow FP aw.indd 1 29/08/2013 15:36
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here’s something special
about skiing, or indeed
snowboarding, in Gstaad.
It’s not so much the
250km of piste, which stretch right up
to the snow-sure Glacier 3000 slopes
on the road over to neighbouring
Les Diablerets, although that’s
very impressive. It’s not even the
pedestrianised village centre, lined
with designer shops and welcoming
bars and restaurants, although they’re
very nice too. It’s something about the
ambience of the place; you can feel the
ski history oozing out of it.
One of the world’s most famous ski
resorts for almost a century, Gstaad
really got on the map from 1917 when
the exclusive school “Le Rosey” decided
to open an annual winter campus for
the children of royalty, politicians,
showbusiness stars, and leading
figures of business and industry,
with the Palace Hotel catering for the
parents of these illustrious offspring.
As these children became adults, and
remained attached to the resort, they
returned and the resort thrived in the
post-war decades.
To do Gstaad right you need to arrive
by train. Only 2 hours from Geneva this
is one of the easiest Swiss resorts to get
to, and as you come up the valley you’ll
pass several of the smaller ski areas
above Château-d’Oex and Rougemont
– the former being where the famous
actor David Niven set up home, and
also the starting point of the successful
circumnavigation of the globe in 1999
by the Breitling Orbiter balloon. Pass
these and you depart French-speaking
Switzerland and enter the German-
speaking Bernese Oberland, reaching
your destination of Gstaad.
The railway continues on along
the valley floor passing more ski
areas – all now interlinked together
by lifts and runs on the slopes too,
creating Gstaad’s largest skiing sector
above Schönried, Saanenmöser and
Zweisimmen. Although there are bus
services, this really is the way to ski
Gstaad each day – jump on the train,
included on your lift pass, travel to
whichever sector you fancy, jump off
and it’s a short walk to the ski lifts at
each station.
The local Wispile area has some
village level nursery slopes, and an
easy run at the top of the mountain
accessed by a two-stage gondola.
There's a long intermediate and a long
black run from the top station back to
the valley. Most of the rest of the terrain
at all the other ski areas is graded either
easy (60%) or intermediate (30%), and
most of it takes place on wide open
trails cut through thin woodland on
north-facing slopes, and meadows on
the lower slopes.
The advanced ski runs are dotted
around the area, with most of the
individual areas having at least one
good long black to try. There are good
off-piste opportunities to tackle with a
guide, and heli-skiing is also available.
From Glacier 3000, the only skiable
glacier in Bernese Oberland, there's
a wonderfully long run down to the
valley, with one short chairlift link
enroute down to make the full 1650m
vertical, it’s a must ski during your stay.
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Although mountain tourism took
hold more than a century ago with the
coming of the Montreux-Oberland
(MOB) railway in 1905, the Saanenland
still has an active agricultural life and,
alongside the fur coats, 7000 cows
– one for every local – and 90 Alp
cheese farms.
Although there are plenty of excellent
hotels in Gstaad, for the full experience
it has to be the Palace, which is
100-years-old this year. Since the
early years of winter sports travel this
has been one of the world’s classic
ski hotels. Let’s face it, if the visitor
book includes Joan Crawford, Henry
Ford III, Danny de Vito, Jimmy Carter,
William Shatner and Bob Hope it has to
be good.
It’s not hard to see why. The snow
services are seamless, with a shuttle
to slopes, lift pass printed in the hotel,
latest gear supplied by the Silver Sport
shop on site, and all adventures are
available, including spectacular heli-
ski experiences if you like.
There is a phenomenal
1858m2 spa beneath
the hotel and half
a dozen bars and
restaurants to
peruse, the best,
in terms of its
16 Gault Millau
gourmet guide
points, the intimate
Le Grill Rôtisserie,
seating 35, where chefs
cook meals to order in an open
show kitchen.
To end the day the hotel’s GreenGo
nightclub is not ashamed of its retro
feel and, indeed, revels in the flavour
of the 70s, taking you straight back
to the classic Euro-cinema-stylised
flicks of 40 years ago. In this case that
ambience is the real thing, not a
retro recreation. Resident DJ
“Jim LeBlanc” (no relation to
Matt) spins the discs (or at
least, flips the switches)
for the GreenGo’s
illustrious clientele.
If you have a few
thousand Swiss francs
in spare change then
the legendary Penthouse
Suite, located on the roof
of the hotel, is widely regarded
as the best in the Alps. Accessed
by a personal lift, the Suite sprawls
luxuriantly across more than 232m2,
and then there’s the huge private
terrace, which provides 270° views
of the spectacular majesty that is the
Swiss Alps. Along with three bedrooms,
each with an en-suite bathroom and a
steam bath, a dining room, and a living
room with a real fireplace, there is also
a Jacuzzi and a sauna inside the tower.
“What makes the Palace special?”
asks Mr Andrea Scherz, the hotel’s
General Manager since 2001 and also
its owner. “Well, you see our hotel
from very far off. The Gstaad Palace
provides a relaxing atmosphere and
its spirit is influenced both by our
guests from all over the world and our
long-standing employees. We try to
be different from other luxury hotels
in the world by deliberately being a bit
resistant to trends. Instead, we adapt
to our environment and this beautiful
vacation region.”
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Piste:250km / 100 runs / 62 lifts
www.gstaad.chwww.palace.ch
G LORIOU S gSTaaD
nother 5 hotel
under construction
in courchevel will
take the resort’s total
to 18 for winter 2013–14, including
16 ”regular” 5 hotels and two with
the higher Palace rating, of which
France has only 12.
The 5 rating was only
introduced in France in 2010,
where 4 was the previous
maximum, and since then
courchevel has rapidly added
hotels in that category, more
than any other destination in the
country except Paris.
outside France, the most 5
hotels in a single resort are to be
found in Seefeld, austria, which has
seven. St moritz has five, although
all are graded 5 superior.
The new L’apogée courchevel,
with 33 suites, 20 double rooms,
and a spectacular penthouse
with its own jacuzzi and private
terrace, is situated at the heart of
the Jardin alpin in courchevel
1850 at the foot of the ski slopes,
and is scheduled to open on
11 december. The hotel will also
offer a private chalet, which will
feature five bedrooms, a spa, and
its own home cinema.
a signature restaurant,
under the supervision of two
michelin-starred chef Yannick
Franques, will also offer the
hotel guests a grand terrace for
relaxing, and there will also be a
champagne bar .
L’apogée courchevel will
also have a spa with four
treatment rooms and a suite
for the traditional russian
ritual "Banïya”, as well as an
indoor pool and a state-of-
the-art fitness centre. The two
existing Palace graded hotels in
courchevel are the cheval Blanc
and Les airelles.
nEW CourChEvEl 5 Will takE rEsort’s tally to EiGhtEEn!
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Ski Sales Hit New 5-Year HighAmer Sports Oyj (AMEAS), the Finnish-based world-leading seller of ski equipment and owner of brands Salomon and Atomic, reports sales are at a 5-year high due to a reported rebound in winter sports equipment demand. The company’s stock price hit its highest level since January 2008.Amer’s sales hit a record €2.06bn in 2012, and the company says it expects the figure to increase in 2013 after last year’s “mild” winter.
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kiing is a strange thing.
All year ski enthusiasts
look forward to that one
week when they can throw
ourselves off steep cliff-edges, twist
their bodies into awkward, unnatural
shapes and generally try to avoid any
kind of collision with either a tree or a
fellow skier. They moan about the bitter
UK winters, yet flock to the Alps where
the snow falls and the temperature slips
way below zero. You either love the sport
or hate it, but those of us who enjoy
skidding around at breakneck speeds
find ourselves being pulled back to the
mountains year after year.
Lorna’s the name. My first experience
of skiing was on a school trip at 15 years
of age, and I have become a typical ski
obsessive ever since. Aside from my
cat, my twin tips are the most precious
possession I own, and at Christmas
and on birthdays I simply ask for the
latest accessories to replace the battered
gear I’ve ruined during my spectacular
wipeouts. When I ran the snow sports
club at university members spent half
of the academic year counting down
to the annual alpine trip, and the other
half discussing where they wanted go
the following year. So it came as no
surprise to my friends and family when
in summer 2012 I announced that I
was planning to leave the dreary British
winter behind later that year for the lure
of the fluffy white pow.
Val Thorens was the resort of choice
for that first winter due to its fantastic
après scene, world-class ski area and
varied international crowd. The biggest
worry that us seasonaires had was
how the quality of the snow would
turn out. You may remember the
winter of 2011 when the rain replaced
the snow, and wet slush adorned the
once-white slopes. The thought of a
5-month season without decent snow
sent shivers down the spine of every
seasonaire venturing out for the entire
winter. But to me the weather was
kind. I was greeted in early December
by a winter wonderland with deep
powder already covering everything.
The first few days on the slopes were
spent battling the blizzards, and the
white-outs meant that you could barely
see the person centimetres in front
of you. A wrong turning was almost
guaranteed, but every marked slope was
like skiing off-piste, and every crash
was cushioned by the deep, cotton-
soft snow. This was pretty much how it
remained for the entire season.
But as every seasonaire will know,
spending such a long period of time
surrounded by the beauty of the
mountains, breathing in the pure, crisp
air, and having the opportunity to
practise the sport you love every single
day is something that never leaves you.
One of the first things I was told when
I moved to Val Thorens was that I’d do
another season. And that person was
absolutely right. In December I plan
to move to Tignes for another alpine
adventure. The apartment has been
sorted, and a job is close to being sorted
for the winter, so I’m now counting down
the days until I can make the mountains
my home once more.
S
DIaRY
SEASONAIREOF A
BY LORNA MCGACHIE
Seasonaire[see-zuhn-air]One who works a season in the Alps in order to ski or board a lot
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he Austrian Tirol region has
been one of the most famous
in the world for skiing, ever
since the early years of winter
sports more than a century ago.
But in recent years, along with its long-
standing reputation for atmospheric,
traditional buildings (no high-rise
concrete monstrosities here!) and
friendly welcome, the Tirol has also been
leading the world with innovation and
on-mountain comfort, with the latest
high-speed, high-comfort lifts, stylish
mountain restaurants, and many more
attractions opening up on its slopes.
Brits have been responding positively
to this investment; and last winter, the
Tirol region achieved some of its best
results to date, with UK visitor numbers up
5%, making a significant contribution to
the almost 5.4m arrivals during 2012–13
recorded in the region (Brits are the third
biggest market after the Germans and the
Dutch). This 5% growth was beaten only
by the rapidly-expanding visiting Russian
contingent, which was up by 8%, but from
a smaller numbers base.
St Anton remains the most popular resort
for UK visitors, followed by Obergurgl/
Sölden, Mayrhofen, Söll and Kitzbühel, but
the resorts that enjoyed the highest overall
increase in arrivals last season included
Seefeld (+25.7%), Alpbach (+23.3%) and
Wildschönau (+17%), the latter two as a
result of their interconnection in the new
Ski Jewel area.
New Season News
Rather than rest on its laurels, there’s another
long list of new attractions and upgrades
across the Tirol for the coming winter.
For tip-top dining you can’t get much
higher, or much better, than the new state-
of-the-art restaurant and design statement
being built at the top of the Gaislachkogel
above Sölden (soelden.com), at 3048m.
The new innovatively-designed
restaurant features impressive modern
architecture, the glass exterior creates a
transparent feeling making visitors feel up
close and personal with the spectacular
Ötztal’s panoramic mountain scenery.
The technical mastery goes one step
further, as the roof terrace is connected
to the Gaislachkogel mountain peak via a
suspension bridge.
To complete the gourmet experience, one
of the highlights will be a new signature wine
”Pino3000”, a cross-border wine project,
which has selected three top wine growers
from Austria, South Tyrol and Germany to
bring their best Pinot Noir to mature in a
special wine cellar at the Gaislachkogel.
For lots of new lifts this season the Zillertal
region leads the way with lift expansions,
in addition to accommodation upgrades
and new mountain huts and restaurants.
The Ski Optimal Hochzillertal/Kaltenbach
ski area, with access to 88km of pistes, will
welcome two new chairlifts, a new eight-
seater heated chairlift, the Kristall-Express,
and a heated six-seater chairlift, Mizun,
which replaces the old T-bar.
Regarded as one of the best mountain
huts in the Alps, the luxurious Kristallhütte
will be enhanced by four new two-
storey Panorama suites, with private
spa and open views of the Zillertal Alps.
In Hochfügen, a new alpine hut called
Holzalm will open, serving specialities
from the Tirol and Zillertal region.
At the other end of the Zillertal, in the
region of Tux-Finkenberg, there will
be a complete €13m (approx. £11m)
transformation by Hintertux Glacier
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lift company of the Tuxer Fernerhaus
restaurant. Features will include a table
service restaurant, sun terrace, and the stairs
are to be replaced by escalators, bringing
an end to the ungainly task of climbing up
and down stairs in ski boots! In addition,
the old Spannagelhaus will be transformed
into an inviting table service restaurant with
inimitable mountain hut charm – think
rustic lounges, open fireplace and warm
wood tones with natural stone.
Finally, the existing Lämmerbichl double
chairlift will be replaced by a highly
sophisticated six-seater chairlift, with full
weather protection hoods and heated seats.
Meanwhile the resort of Ischgl (ischgl.
com) in the Paznaun valley will open up a
new ski area on the Piz Val Gronda, with
the construction of a new aerial cable car to
access it. Particular attention has been paid
to protecting the landscape and ecosystem
during the construction process. From the
base at 2295m to the top at 2811m there are
only two support towers required, and no
cable trench is needed along the route. A
new 3km-long intermediate piste (no.42)
will be created by the new lift access, which
will also open up further freeride terrain.
New Hotels
There are plenty of new accommodation
options in Tirol this winter. The new
Fairhotel Hochfilzen (fairhotel-hochfilzen.
com) in the Pillersee valley, home to
Fieberbrunn, Pillersee and Leogang ski
areas, will become Tirol’s first ”passive
energy” hotel.
Following an environmental philosophy,
the hotel minimises energy losses
and maximises energy gains, through
innovative heating systems.
Offering functional interior design at
its best, guest comfort is ensured thanks
to Tempur
mattresses
on all beds,
and well-
being is
taken care
of with its
organic
farm-fresh
breakfasts.
Prices
start from
€49pppn
(£41) on a
B&B basis.
At Axamer
Lizum above Innsbruck, Hotel Lizum
1600 (lizum1600.at) is part of a new
complex built as a training centre for
ski instructors. Inghams has introduced
the resort and hotel for 2013–14, with
prices starting from £739pp for 7 nights
half-board,
including
flights and
transfers.
Finally,
the brand-
new lifestyle
Hotel Adlers
(deradler.com)
in Innsbruck
is the Tirolean
capital’s
tallest, with an
amazing roof-
top terrace and
impressive
restaurant. The excellent, high-value,
local lift pass provides access to eight ski
areas in the region and bus transport to
them. Winter prices start from €135 (£114)
per room, per night, for room only in a
Panorama Classic.
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ailor-made ski specialist Ski Safari (skisafari.com) has added Tirolean areas to its programme for the first time, featuring Innsbruck,
Sölden, Obergurgl/Hochgurgl, Kitzbühel, St Anton and Galtür.
Cosmos (cosmos.co.uk) is offering ski and snowboard holidays for the first time, including ten resorts in the Tirol, with flights from sister company Monarch airlines to Innsbruck, Munich and Friedrichshafen.
Supertravel Ski (supertravel.co.uk/ski) has three newly-built, five-or-six-bed designer properties in St Anton this coming season, with prices starting from £1059pp, based on six sharing, for 7 nights on a chalet-board basis, including flights and rail transfers.
Zenith Holidays (zenithholidays.co.uk) is exclusively adding the family-friendly resort of Kappl to existing options Ischgl and Galtür in the Paznaun valley.
After unveiling the stylish Hotel Montjola in St Anton last season, VIP SKI (vip-chalets.com) will add a further two St Anton chalets for 2013–14, with prices starting from £969pp based on two sharing, including return flights from London Gatwick, transfers, and catered chalet board.
Crystal Ski (crystalski.co.uk) has introduced a limited number of FREE first-time ski or board packages in Seefeld and St Johann, during selected weeks in January and March 2014. Packages include tuition, equipment hire, lift pass for the week – these must be booked by 15 November.
Inghams (inghams.co.uk) has introduced the resorts of Axams and Götzens near Innsbruck, Kirchberg in the Kitzbühler Alps, and Going in Austria’s largest ski area, the SkiWelt, as well as a new flight route from Southampton to Innsbruck this winter.
T
NEW HOLIDAYSTO THE TIROL
For more information on the Tirol region visit visittirol.co.uk or keep updated at facebook.com/visittirol.
solden
ith one of the
most significant
investments in lifts
ever made in Åre,
next season will see the addition
of no less than three modern
four- and six-seat chairlifts
(skistar.com/are).
The new lifts will boost
capacity in this Swedish ski
area by about 5000 people per
hour, and further improve the
skiing experience in the zone
below the treeline. They will be
situated at important hub areas
within the ski area, and will
make a big difference in terms
of orientation and efficiency.
“This is one of the biggest
investments ever made in ski lifts
in Åre. With these new lifts, Åre
will keep in step with the leading
Alpine ski resorts. We will become
even more attractive, not least
from an international perspective,”
said Niclas Sjögren Berg, Head of
Destination, SkiStar Åre.
The first new lift, a quad
chairlift will replace the T-bar
currently operating in Tegefjäll.
The 1.1km-long lift will double
capacity on the route to 2400
people per hour, and will offer
great potential for development
of the excellent natural
conditions in the Duved-
Tegefjäll part of the ski area.
The second new lift,
Fjällgårdsexpressen, a six-seater
chairlift, able to transport skiers
swiftly from Fjällgården up on
Sadeln, will run over 1.2km rising
270 vertical metres.
The third new lift,
Sadelexpressen, another six-seater
chairlift will take skiers from the
base station of Högåsliften in
Björnen to the top of Sadelliften.
The 1.6km-long lift will allow for
widening of the current runs.
THREE nEW CHaIRLIFTS FOR SCanDInaVIa’S BIggEST RESORT
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zermatt For cHF1.2bn SpendLeading Swiss ski area Zermatt has announced it plans to spend CHF1.2bn (£822m) in an initiative called Strategy 2018. Meeting on the resort’s Gornergrat, key partners of Destination Zermatt-Matterhorn have signed an action plan committing to an investment plan, the focus of which will be constant upgrades to the quality of the resort’s tourist attractions and infrastructure, as well as creating ”new tourist experiences and communication”. ‘‘Large and long-term investments secure our competitiveness,” said Daniel Luggen, Director of Zermatt Tourismus, who stressed that the secret of the success was everyone in the resort working together for the success of Zermatt. Full details of major capital projects resulting from the investment have not been published; however, while stressing the need for sustainable development the resort has spoken of creating a World Cup ski run, creating a ”spectacular ski jump run” over the Gornergratbahn tunnel, strengthening and securing its heli-ski business, and expanding its summer ski offering.
Snow Camp Rally Fundraiser Returns
S
hacky charity
fundraiser the Snow
Camp Rally is back
in 2013, with teams
racing between the five indoor
snow centres in England to raise
money for the charity Snow-Camp.
This year the 12-hour epic,
described by Ed Leigh as “the
closest thing you’ll get to the
Gumball Rally in the UK”, will
begin at The Snow Centre, Hemel
Hempstead, with skiing and
boarding before hitting the road
to the Milton Keynes Sno!Zone,
then onto the Castleford Sno!Zone,
and next Chill Factore, Manchester,
before the final 30 minutes in the
SnowDome, Tamworth.
Taking place on Friday 25 October,
teams of four must ride as many
runs as possible at each centre, with
almost 563km of tarmac to cover
between centres, and 30-minutes
maximum at each slope. Each team
must commit to raising £1000
between them, and prizes are
awarded in various categories.
The contest is limited to 20
teams. Information on registering
can be found at snow-camp.org.
uk/rally.
Snow-Camp is an innovative
youth charity that uses a
unique combination of skiing,
snowboarding and life-skills
programmes to support inner-
city young people.
W
inthesnOW.COm | OCtOber 2013
Jonas Kullm
anZe
rmaT
T To
uris
T of
fiCe
25 OCTOBER - 27 OCTOBER 2013
EVENTCITY, MANCHESTER
NORTH
SEE ONLINE FOR DETAILS
PLUS: CLAIM A FREE1 HOUR LIFT PASS AT OR
EARLS COURT 230 OCTOBER - 3 NOVEMBER 2013LONDON
SAVE £5ON TICKETSQUOTE ‘SNOWMAG5’ TO CLAIM**
*One lift pass per adult ticket booked can be claimed from the choice of international resorts. Snow Centre lift passes are available for visitors to collect at the London show, and Chill Factore lift passes are available for visitors tocollect at the North show, both on a first come first served basis, one per visitor, for first 10,000 visitors who claim. Restrictions apply to all lift passes - see website for full terms and conditions.
**Valid on adult tickets only on either show, excluding Sat 2nd Nov (London). Booking fee applies. Offer expires 24th Oct.
BOOK TICKETS NOW AT WWW.SKIANDSNOWBOARD.CO.UK
SkiAndSnow_400x280_2-084_Layout 1 18/09/2013 12:56 Page 1
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hamonix: there are few
resorts in the world with a
reputation as formidable
as this Mont-Blanc resort.
When the sun shines, the lofty peak of
the “White Mountain” towers above the
resort in magnificent glory. But when
the mountain is shrouded in cloud, and
snow is falling in the village centre, the
power of Europe’s highest mountain
can be felt – a timely reminder that the
mountains are formidable and should be
respected.
It’s a resort that features prominently
on the bucket list of all keen skiers, and
one that has the ability to lure people
back time and time again. In winter
holidaymakers and big mountain skiers
flock to the Alpine resort in search
of some of the best skiing in France,
whilst once the spring comes and the
snow melts, Chamonix sees a huge
influx – bigger than any other resort
– of outdoor adventure enthusiasts,
mountaineers, and sportspeople looking
to test their stamina.
There are some misconceptions that
people often make about Chamonix:
the main one – and the most important
to address – is that the resort is only for
experts. Wrong. In fact, not only are there
heaps of intermediate runs – 36% blue, and
32% red (although it helps to be a relatively
gutsy skier to enjoy the full benefits of the
resort) – but also a staggering half of all
winter visitors don’t ski.
But for those who do, there are many
treats at this exceptional resort. With
90% of Chamonix’s skiing located above
2000m, the resort is not only a safe
choice for early- and late-season skiing,
but often abundant with snow. The
highest area is the Grands Montets –
3300m – which offers skiing in second-
to-none conditions from December
until early May.
It’s no secret that the Chamonix valley
is considered a mecca for freeriders, and
it certainly attracts some of the world’s
best skiers, although you’ll rarely meet
them on a piste! But don’t be mislead;
the areas of Balme and Les Houches
offer wonderful family skiing – and are
the most suitable areas for beginners
and early intermediates – and fun
terrain parks, whilst the areas of Le
Brévent and La Flégère have a variety of
south-facing intermediate slopes with
breathtaking panoramas.
The most famous descent in Chamonix
– and in fact, probably Europe – is the
Vallée Blanche. Reached by a two-stage
cable car, which scales the Aiguille du
Midi (to the dizzy heights of 3842m),
followed by a hike along a narrow ridge,
the descent is one seldom forgotten.
For intermediates the standard 18km
”tourist route” through the Géant and
Tacul glaciers, and the Mer de Glace is an
unforgettable and dramatic run. There
are, of course, other routes, but these
require – in some cases – ice axes and
crampons in order to ensure a safe ski.
Of course, with all off-piste itinerary runs
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a guide is highly recommended.
But it’s not all about high-octane,
adrenaline-fuelled descents. Pop out
your bindings for an afternoon, or
eschew the skiing altogether, and you
won’t find yourself running out of
activities and inspiration.
Ride the Montenvers cog railway
up to the Mer de Glace, or ride the
aforementioned Aiguille du Midi cable
car – not for daredevil skiing, but to
marvel at the jagged peaks that spread as
far as the eye can see. Make sure to enjoy
a walk one of the winter trails, or try your
hand at sledding with huskies, skijoring
(towed by horses), or launch yourself off
the mountain paragliding.
Back in the resort, Chamonix’s
excellent facilities include an ice-skating
rink, indoor climbing walls, swimming
pools, a cinema – with English films –
and several highly-recommended spas.
It’s also very worthwhile taking advantage
of the free buses and trains within the
valley, and the opportunity to discover
some of the nearby villages and hamlets.
You really don’t have to be a sports
fanatic to enjoy the atmosphere of the
vibrant Alpine town. The pedestrianised
centre is home to countless shops
and attractive boutiques, as well as
a myriad of outdoor adventure and
mountaineering outlets.
After a busy morning – shopping,
skiing, mountaineering, walking (you get
the picture) – be sure to stop for coffee
at one of the many street cafés, perfect
for watching the world go by, or if you’re
feeling peckish one of the delightful
French restaurants.
Once the sun drops behind the Mont
Blanc, and après-ski is on the agenda,
you have to know where to go, especially
in such a large village. The bars next
to the train station are the best place
to head for a quick drink after a day on
the mountain, or the Rhododendrons
at Flégère, which has live music and an
unbeatable atmosphere. The MBC brews
its own beer, has jam sessions and great
burgers. The Rue des Moulins (Mill Street)
has a tremendous atmosphere, with a
number of wine bars, pubs, restaurants
and a nightclub, The White Hub.
An evening at one of the three Michelin
star restaurants – L’Albert 1er Le Bistrot,
Flocons de Sel, and Auberge du Bois
Prin – is not to be missed. If you’re
looking for something more casual and
relaxed, then Chamonix offers many
more restaurants than most French
resorts. There are, for those a little
more conscious of budget, a number of
affordable pizza and pasta restaurants,
most notably – and recommended –
Neopolis and Poele.
Chamonix will, as it always has,
remain a stalwart favourite of skiers,
mountaineers and mountain lovers
alike, for many years to come. There are
few resorts in France – or the world, for
that matter – that can rival the quality of
skiing, and the off-slope activities and
amenities that Chamonix provides. I just
wish I could have spent more time there
… a season, anyone?
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C H A M O N I xChamonix In Numbers
Adult 6-day ski pass: €230 (£193) Altitude: 1035–3840m
Lifts: 44Pistes: 155km
Green: 16%Blue: 36%Black: 16%
FAMILY FRIENDLY One of the “secret” resorts of the Maurienne
Valley, St François Longchamp, is a largely
purpose-built French resort offering 160km of
skiable terrain, and 86 pistes thanks to linked
access to the resorts of Valmorel and Doucy
Combelouviere. The resort is ideal for families – both
on- and off-piste – with easy access to accommodation, a
huge choice of non-ski activities, and (arguably the most
important factor) plenty of easy and intermediate skiing.
EASY ACCESS Arriving by car is straightfoward thanks to the
resort’s proximity to the A43 Autoroute, from
Chambéry and Albertville, just 12km from the
resort. The same distance away is the train station,
served by the TGV from Paris (and the Eurostar ski train), as well
as the bus depot, with regular services to the resort. Geneva –
the skier’s airport – is 2 hours from the resort, or 1 hour from
Chambery airport if you want to be that bit closer.
SKI, SKI, SKIWith 24 green runs and 39 blue, the Grand
Domaine is ideally suited to families and
beginners. Intermediates can explore the 19 red
trails; however, experts may find themselves
limited. There are eight (largely undemanding)
black runs, but also some worthwhile off-piste to explore.
Direct access to the Grand Domaine allows those a little
steadier on their skis to visit the other resorts in the area.
The wider area also boasts seven snow parks. Not far from
the resort, you can also ski 40km of cross-country trails.
WELLNESS CENTEROpened in 2010, the Centre de BalnéÔthérapie
is a new addition to the resort of St François
Longchamp. Here you’ll find pools and
hydrotherapy spas, as well as a relaxation area
for massages and beauty treatments, a gym and fitness
centre, a bar and bowling alley. Health and well-being
professionals are available for consultation and treatments,
as well as a physiotherapist and an osteopath.
WHAT vALUE!The 1650 sector of the resort is home to most of
the amenities, including a number of bars and
restaurants. Here prices are considerably better
value for money than in some big name French
ski resorts. A pizza will cost around €12 (£10), and a beer
won’t break the bank either. There are also supermarkets for
those self-catering.
Peak Retreats (peakretreats.co.uk), the French Alps
specialist, has accommodation in the resort, with prices
starting from £117pp per week, based on four sharing
a two-bedroom apartment. The price includes a return
Eurotunnel crossing for one car and passengers, with free
FlexiPlus upgrade.
1
2ST
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BEN CLATWORTHY
• Charming Pyrenean mountain villages • Ski & Spa • Unspoilt, snowsure pistes • Prices from only £60pp*
Cauterets - World’s Snowiest Resort 2013
Discover something different Ski the French Pyrenees
• Saint Lary • La Mongie/Grand Tourmalet• Cauterets • Peyragudes
Fly with Ryanair- Stansted/Lourdes (Tarbes)
Accommodation-only or self-drive deals Book now with a UK specialist tour-operator
Call us on 0844 576 0175
*T&Cs apply
skicollection.co.uk
Self-catering ski apartments at exceptional value
Self-drive packages or accommodation only0844 576 0173
the french alps ski specialist
peakretreats.co.uk
authentic villages
self catering
extensive skiing
expert knowledge
Early bookers save up to 25%
Voted ‘Best Ski Company’ 09,10 &11
Resorts include:
Samoëns for Flaine, Les Gets for Avoriaz,Vaujany for Alpe d’Huez, Peisey for Les Arcs,
St Martin de Belleville for Méribel & La Tania for Courchevel
inthesnOW.COm | OCtOber 2013
News
031
ift builder Doppelmayr will
have completed 35 new lifts
for the Sochi Olympics by
October, the Austrian-based
company reports.
The company built 16 lifts for three
resorts in the area between 2004 and 2010,
but will have completed another 19 lifts
this autumn. Most of the lifts are funitels
and high-capacity, high-speed chairlifts.
A further four lifts have already been
ordered for construction after the Games.
Almost half (17) of the lifts are for the
Rosa Khutor resort, another 14 for Laura/
Psekhako (Gazprom), and the remainder
for Alpika Service.
“Hundreds of contractors are
simultaneously carrying out construction
work for the Winter Olympics and
strict security regulations have been
put in place. This unusual situation
has presented its particular logistical
challenges,” said a Doppelmayr statement,
confirming they are ”up to the challenge”.
DAvID BLACK
L
Doppelmayr To Deliver 35 Lifts For Sochi Olympics
n what is being promoted as
a first in Europe, rudechalets
(rudechalets.com) is
offering special ”Mini shred
snowboarding weeks” for 4–8-year-olds
during the first 2 weeks of April (Easter).
The holidays are being offered in
response to increasing demand for
children’s snowboard schools and
equipment, according to the chalet
company who is working with Mint
Snowboarding to offer the holidays in
Morzine, France.
“As the first generation to embrace
snowboarding en-masse enters into
parenthood there is an increasing demand
for kiddies snowboard schools and
equipment,” said a company statement.
“The main focus of the lessons will be fun
through learning enabling the children to
adopt the basics of snowboarding in an
exciting and stimulating environment.”
Through rudechalets, children will have
access to a specialised fleet of Burton
Snowboards’ “Learn To Ride” equipment,
which is designed specifically for
youngsters under the age of 8-years-old.
Prices are from £699 per child per week,
including snowboard lessons, rentals,
transfers, en-suite half-board chalet
accommodation, and a mini-shred video
edit. Adults pay £469pp per week.
I
RudeChalets Snowboarding Weeks for 4–8-Year-Olds
ith the start of the ski season
for most resorts now just
2 months away, most are
beginning to publish their
lift-pass prices for the coming winter.
Inevitably, prices are creeping up
by a few Euros in most cases, but it’s
noticeable that ever more resorts –
particularly in France – are offering
discounts if you book in advance
online. So as soon as you know where
you’re heading this winter, check the
resort’s website to see if you can save
by paying ahead.
Among the deals currently on offer,
the Paradiski region, the world’s third
largest linking La Plagne and Les Arcs
and celebrating its tenth anniversary in
2013–14, is offering a discount of 10% off
all ski passes purchased online before the
31 October via lesarcs.paradiski.com or
skipass-laplagne.com.
W
Paradiski Celebrates 10 Years With 10% Off
Holiday Whistler
+44 (0)20 7060 [email protected]
Holiday Whistler Accommodations,
skiing holidays à la carte, offers
an extended range of chalets,
apartments and condos to suit
every taste and budget. Beautiful
log homes just feet from the piste,
spacious and luxurious chalets
on the golf course, sumptuous
apartments right in the village,
expansive views of the mountains,
private hot tubs on your deck or
nestled in the trees.
OCtOber 2013 | inthesnOW.COm
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SAFETYOFF-PISTE
• Remember to pack all the essential
safety equipment and know how to use
it. Especially a helmet (we encourage all
gap students to wear one all the time), a
transceiver, shovel and probe.
• For a long day out take food,
refreshments and spare clothes.
• Check the avalanche risk and
understand what it means and how it
affects your decision-making.
• Ask for advice and information from
the local ski patrol. They are the experts
so listen to them!
Jon is one of a handful of instructors
working in the Alps to hold the top
qualifications from France, Switzerland and
Britain. In his role as Ski School Director,
Jon is on hand to manage the different
parts of the Altitude company portfolio,
including the ski and snowboard school,
the instructor training programs, and the
off-piste courses (+41 277 716 006).
ast winter Jon wrote
about how to become
an instructor, and explained
what you could expect from a
gap course like the Altitude Futures course
in Verbier. Last winter was an incredible
season for snow in Verbier, and as a
result the gap students experienced huge
transformations in their powder skiing!
Safety being a priority when skiing off-piste
they not only learnt about good tactics and
techniques, but also about safety.
The following gives you some useful tips
regarding safety when going off-piste.
LJON (AKA WESTY) AT ALTITUDE
RIDE WITHSAFETY IN MIND
• Make sure your ski companions also
understand the risks and respect the
mountain and your safety.
• Also check for hazards such as ice and
wind lips, and assess whether snow is
hard, heavy or light.
• Make sensible decisions together
based on the facts not on where you
want to ski.
• Also, make sure your insurance covers
you for skiing off-piste – many don’t!
Isn't it time you tried one?www.ForcefieldBodyArmour.com
But don't just take our word for it...
“If you feel your arse needs protecting from the ravages of rails, rocks or icy impacts, check these out!”Whitelines Magazine 100 Best Products (Boom Shorts)
“The best protection and an essential part of my skiing Kit and something I will not ride without!”James Machon, Half pipe champion member of Team GB
“I have gotten away with some tough riding slams whilst using Forcefield Action Shorts. You will not find me snowboarding without them.”Jenny Jones, Triple X Games winner
"Forcefield Body Armour is a touch of new wave in the self preservation department..."Fall Line Skiing
- TesTed - Proven - TrusTed
Limb Tubes
Sport Lite 2
Pro Shirt
ALLNEW
Boom Shorts
Kids Kit Clothing
Warm clothing is
ESSENTIAL; due to their
smaller mass children get
colder quicker than adults
so ensure you have plenty of
waterproof, warm clothing.
Several layers are better than
one thick one, and an all-
in-one is good at keeping
the snow out, especially for
smaller children (3–10-year-
olds). Avoid slow drying
clothing, like cotton, as once
it gets wet it gets cold.
Skis
Make sure they are
appropriate to the size and
ability of your child. As a
rough guide, for children
aged between 3 and
5-years-old the ski should
be up to their chin, for
older children up to their
nose. As they get better you
can increase the length of
the ski. It is worth putting
stickers with their name
onto the ski so that they
don’t get mixed up in the
morning or outside the
restaurant at lunch.
Boots
Make sure the boot fits well
and your child is happy with
them. The boot should be
snug on each foot with no
pressure points, and when
done up correctly it should
make the leg bend. It can
be difficult to tell with very
young kids if the boot is
comfortable, check after the
first day for any rub marks
from the boots, and if in doubt
go and change the boot.
Helmet
A must for all kids as children
are more likely to injure
their heads 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. Even on
a cloudy day the sun can be
damage eyes.
Gloves – waterproof, and
preferably on a string so they
don’t get lost.
Body armour – for advanced
skiers and if hitting the park.
For information about
children’s lessons or summer
camps, please contact
call +41 277 716 006.
HIKING FORFRESH TRACKS
• Conserve energy to enjoy your descent
more! Take turns to lead, as boot
packing gets tiring.
• Study your descent as you hike.
• Choose your route carefully – it’s better
to walk over rocks or compact snow
than to sink into deep powder snow.
• Don’t sit back – there is a common
misconception that in powder you sit
back to get your skis out of the snow;
in reality this just puts you in a tiring
position that makes your skis difficult
to control, with the added possibility of
straining some ligaments.
PLAN & REMEMBER RISKS CHANGE
• Be aware that temperature and wind
may have transformed the avalanche
risks throughout the day. This applies
especially in spring, when you should
be back on piste by 2pm at the latest.
• Consider factors such as the slope
steepness, weather and temperature.
Even the experts get caught in
avalanches so be careful!
• Avoid any slopes steeper than 28°!
Learn to assess a slope’s steepness as
some are prone to avalanche, so avoid
these unless risk is very low.
• If you stop to wait, pick a safe spot.
Stay 6 nights, get the 7th night FREE!Ski Gstaad: over 220km of diverse terrain, up to 3000m altitude. Add to that a wide selection offirst-class luxury hotels, superb shopping and a warm welcome, and it's easy to see why Gstaad isso popular with those who enjoy the finer things in life. Travel to Gstaad with Ski Independence thiswinter and enjoy our fantastic FREE night offer and superb Swiss Rail transfer deals.*
Contact our reservations team today for a tailor-made quote.
Half Price Swiss Rail Transfers Book by 31 October 2013
• Valid on all 1st and 2nd class adult TRANSFER tickets
• Children under 15 years travel FREE on Swiss Rail
Glorious GstaadThe Ultimate in Swiss Luxury
Phone: 0131 243 8097
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.ski-i.com
*Terms and conditions apply. Image: Gstaad Saanenland Tourismus
If you would like further information about becoming a ski instructor then please contact us on info@altitude-
futures.com, or check out the website altitude-futures.com.
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MaRKER LORD
£275The only binding on the market to cleverly adjust to
accommodate both alpine ski and rubber-soled alpine
touring boots. Now there's no need to decide between
different binding and boot set-ups, touring boots one
holiday, piste boots the next. The Lord binding covers all
eventualities, piste and off-piste with any boot.
SCOTT RIOT POLE £79One of the fattest shafts available, with a unique tuck-away strap and comfy grip. The
Riot is super strong, very unique looking, and the best part is it glows in the dark –
what more could you want?
K2 PInnaCLE130 BOOTS £399With its 50 years of experience producing
all-mountain skis, K2 is now challenging
the world of ski boots. Built from the
ground up, the Pinnacle 130 maximises
performance both for downhill, with its
Spyne technology, and for the uphill, with
its uncompromised freedom of movement
for ski touring.
DOuCHEBag COLLECTIOn THE HUGGER 35L £129
SKI/BOARD BAG £199THE BIG BASTARD 90L £199A cleverly designed, durable AND lightweight, all-in-
one hook-up luggage system. Not only does each bag
hook onto the next, making hauling multiple bags much
easier, but the tough fabric also withstands baggage
handlers, packs small when you’re not using it, and they’re
lightweight for all the ridiculous baggage restrictions!
Douchebag is definitely number one on our equipment list.
SCOTT THE SKI £499Based on a legendary ski designed back in the 70s, which
was the ultimate all-mountain ski of choice in its day. Its
creator Bobby Burns inspired Scott to develop “The Ski” into
a modern-day ski quiver, brought to life with original retro
graphics! Super smooth, easy to ski on- and off-piste, and
great performance for a wide range of ability levels, this
really is “The Ski” to have this year.
nØRROna naRVIKJaCKET + TROuSERS £339 + £299Following on from its popular backcountry collection,
Scandinavian-designed Nørrona is now bringing you a
younger looser-fitting freeski collection. Still utilising its
renowned technical features and comfortable fit, once you
buy Nørrona you won't want anything else.
SHRED STOMP SHRaSTa SungLaSSES £139Retro style is back in fashion. A
combination of quality Italian
craftsmanship and beautiful
design make these glasses
very sought after.
POC MIPS HELMET& LOBES gOggLES£215 + £149Not only one of the safest helmets on the market, with
its MIPS technology, its Swedish design makes it
stand out from the crowd. The Lobes goggle
has a seamless integrated fit inside the
helmet, providing a great field of
vision and comfortable fit.
LInE SICKDaY 110 £449Addicted to skiing? Fancy pulling a sickie? On-piste,
off-piste, in the park ... your grin will say it all, and all
you'll be able to think about at the end of the day is how
much of a “sick day” you've had!
visit skibartlett.com to see moreWith over 40 years of history, Ski Bartlett is one of the
UK's most popular independent specialist ski shops.
With a massive range of products, they can guarantee
you the right kit and the best prices.
SCOTT THE SKI £499Based on a legendary ski designed back in the 70s, which
was the ultimate all-mountain ski of choice in its day. Its
creator Bobby Burns inspired Scott to develop “The Ski” into
a modern-day ski quiver, brought to life with original retro
graphics! Super smooth, easy to ski on- and off-piste, and
great performance for a wide range of ability levels, this
really is “The Ski” to have this year.
36
lans by North Korean
leader Kim Jong-un to
create the largest ski area
in Asia within a year has
suffered repeated setbacks.
After the project at Masik Pass, seen by
outside critics as an attempt to compete
with 2018 Winter Olympic host South
Korea, was announced to the world in
the spring, heavy rain caused problems
on the construction site; and now
sanctions have stopped North Korea
importing a chairlift from France,
Austria and Switzerland. One report
says Italy is still considering selling a lift
to the regime.
Kim Jong-un is believed to have learnt
to ski while studying in Switzerland; and
the country is believed to have already
provided North Korea with one second-
hand double chairlift some years ago for
an existing ski area at Begaebong, before
the current sanctions regime.
The ski area has a target of 110km of
piste; but a study of the existing slopes
using Google Earth, by ski area size
expert Christoph Schrahe, has put the
existing trail length at 16km, with 95%
of runs accessible from one lift if it can
be acquired. This would mean the area
would not be the biggest on the Korean
peninsular. Kim Jong-un says the ski
area will be open to all North Koreans
upon completion.
PATRICK THORNE
P
amily chalet ski holiday
specialist Esprit Ski has
launched its main 2013–14
ski holiday programme
in an upbeat mood, with company MD
Andy Perrin saying that last season
showed, “… encouraging signs of real
recovery. Not just because of the second
winter in a row with record-breaking
Alpine snow conditions, but more
generally, with more families feeling
more confident about taking winter
holidays again.”
The company says that as a result
it is increasing guest capacity by
approximately 10%. A new resort choice
has been added – Gressoney in Italy’s
Monterosa region – and three new chalets
in Tignes and La Rosière in France.
A half-term trip to the Chalet Hotel
Valverde in Gressoney (from 15 February
2014), with free children's ski rental and
free adult ski hosting is £1299 per adult,
from £649.50 per child, including flights
from London Gatwick, transfers, in half-
board catered chalet accommodation
(espritski.com).
Floods & Bans Hamper North Korean Ski Resort
F
"Encouraging Signs Of Recovery"
unshine Mountain in
Alberta, Canada, which
operates for one of the
longest ski seasons in the
northern hemisphere, has announced the
chance to enjoy a yoga and healthy eating
break, when you’re not skiing or boarding
its slopes this winter.
As the only on-mountain
accommodation in Banff National Park,
Sunshine Mountain Lodge’s yoga and ski
package will combine the Rocky Mountain
ski experience with the serenity and
relaxation of on-mountain yoga practice.
These weekend retreats, slated for
spring 2014, will include a specialised
menu featuring healthy, organic
fare, crafted exclusively by Executive
Chef Martin Brenner of the Sunshine
Mountain Lodge, and a guided mountain
experience with one of Sunshine
Village’s certified ski instructors.
S
Yoga & Ski In The Rocky Mountains
www.stardustfactory.eu
launch collection available now...
stardust-inTheSnow.pdf 1 17/09/2013 20:14
100 Chalet Holidays | 100 Self Catered Apartments | 30 HotelsFully Bonded | Very Experienced | Here To Help
0845 021 0222 | simplyvaldisere.com
VAL D’ISERE ACCOMMODATION SPECIALIST
4 sizes in each pack
SWEETSPOT SKI TRAINERTHE KEY TO GREAT SKIING!DYNAMIC, CENTRED BALANCE IS THE KEY TO GREAT TURNS. CHALLENGING, QUICK AND FUN TO USE FOR ALL ABILITIES,
AND PROVEN TO TRANSFORM SKIING PERFORMANCE
RRP £45.00 www.skia.com
“IT ACTIVATES YOUR BODY AND MUSCLES IN A WAY THAT NO OTHER SKI SIMULATOR TOUCHES. QUITE SIMPLY, IF YOU USE THIS YOUR SKIING WILL IMPROVE”!
Gavin Kerr Hunter. Director, SnowPerformance
inthesnOW.COm | OCtOber 2013
37
Set in the heart of the Chamonix Mont-Blanc valley, in the French Alps, the Résidence & Spa Vallorcine Mont-Blanc offers a cosy atmosphere and a warm welcome. Surrounded by mountains and forests, this newly-opened 5 residence is an ideal place for relaxing and exploring the Mont Blanc region.
RéSIDENCE & SPA vALLORCINE CHAMONIX MONT-BLANC
+33 (0)45 054 7520 | chamonix-vacances.com | [email protected] |
The Hotel Firefly is the first address in Zermatt for travellers who expect luxury and lifestyle of the highest level. In the midst of the breathtaking scenery of the famous glacier ski area, the hotel is only 3 minutes from the Klein Matterhorn cable car and from the centre of Zermatt. Each suite is individual, spacious and luxuriously furnished.
HOTEL FIREFLYZERMATT
+41 (0)27 967 7676 | firefly-zermatt.com
Located in the Mont-Blanc valley, in the centre of Chamonix, the 4 L'Héliopic Hotel Sweet and Spa is set at the foot of Aiguille du Midi lift. If you come as a couple, family or group for a special event, our 4hotel will take care of your well-being. Whatever the season, on an exceptional setting in the heart of Chamonix, our hotel offers a new level of comfort.
HôTEL L'HéLIOPICCHAMONIX MONT-BLANC
+ 33 (0)45 054 5556 | [email protected] | heliopic-hotel-spa.com |
Chalet Fourmiliere in Morzine is a boutique, owner-run, catered ski chalet, which is quickly gaining a reputation as a gastro-chalet. When you stay here your every need will be accommodated and no request is too small for the wonderful hosts and their staff, whose sole intention is to ensure you feel at home in their splendid abode.
CHALET FOURMILIEREMORZINE
+33 (0)45 075 4625 | [email protected] | chaletfourmiliere.com |
The Omnia is perfectly situated in the centre of
Zermatt just off on a hidden back street, giving
you the bustle of beautiful Zermatt right on your
doorstep, but the peace and quiet you would
expect from an escape to the mountains. The
warm and friendly welcome is simply hard to beat.
THE OMNIAZERMATT
+41 (0)27 966 7171 | [email protected] | the-omnia.com |
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 has created
a wonderful chalet described by Harpers Bazaar as
a “haven of sensual indulgence”. It is one of Condé
Nast Traveller's top ten chalets in the Alps.
CHALET DE LA CLOCHEvAL D'ISÈRE
+44 (0)20 3432 8446 | [email protected] | ski-base.com |
The luxurious Hotel Avenue Lodge is a superb base in one the world’s great ski areas, the exceptional Espace Killy. You’ll feel welcome from the minute you arrive with valet parking and the concierge service taking care of your luggage. The Hotel Avenue Lodge’s entire team is at your service to make your holiday in our resort an unforgettable stay.
HOTEL AvENUE LODGEvAL D'ISÈRE
+33 (0)47 900 6767 | [email protected] | hotelavenuelodge.com |
Chalet Zibeleine nestles in the trees above La Plagne 1800. The chalet is only a few minutes' walk from the centre of the village where you will find the local bars and restaurants. Another bonus is that just above the chalet on the main road you have a free bus stop (about 20m away). Sleeps eight people and is ideal for small groups.
CHALET ZIBELEINELA PLAGNE 1800
+41 (0)151 625 1921 | [email protected] | mountainheaven.co.uk |
OCtOber 2013 | inthesnOW.COm
nTheSnow’s Ben Clatworthy
spent 10 minutes with Matt
Petersen, Founder of Pre-Fit
Delivery – an innovative
solution to the laborious process of boot
and ski fitting in resort.
Matt, can you explain the basics of
Pre-Fit Delivery?
MP: Essentially we go to the client before
they depart for their ski or snowboarding
holiday, be that at their place of work, home,
university, school or military base. We
accurately measure and fit all the equipment
they need, boots, skies, poles and clothing
(should they require it). On arrival at the
resort, all of their kit is ready and waiting
for them in the ski hire shop, or at their
accommodation. This allows the client to
get straight onto the mountain as soon as
they arrive, and avoid the hassle of having to
trek to the rental shop after a journey from
the UK, or on their first morning, ultimately
wasting time. If you have your own kit we
can arrange equipment carriage for you,
from your home to the resort.
What spurred you on to set up the
company?
MP: I’ve been skiing for over 20 years,
and have been lucky enough to travel to
some amazing locations and resorts. More
recently, I have been involved in taking
large military groups to the Alps. Time and
time again I saw long queues of customers
outside rental shops on their first morning
in resort waiting to get their equipment,
wasting time and losing value from their lift
pass. Because of the huge demand, and time
pressure on the staff in the shops, the fitting
process is pretty basic at best, and often the
kit doesn’t fit properly and is poorly adjusted.
Even when equipment is booked online in
advance, if a large group arrives just before
you, you’ve no idea what kit you’ll get as the
stock in the shop starts to run out, and boot
and shoe sizes vary enormously. I always
thought ”there must be a better way”, so I
came up with the idea of having kit ”pre-
fitted” and delivered to avoid all this hassle.
How does it work exactly? Do you drive
the kit over, or have partners in Europe?
MP: The Pre-Fit team comes to you before
you travel, to measure and fit for all your
equipment. Your clothing is delivered to
you by post about a week before you travel,
and your technical kit is ready and waiting
for you when you arrive. We can provide
HD cameras, off-piste packs, and other
ancillaries. We have partners in-resort who
each receive the information from us, they
prepare the equipment and set it up with
the information we provide. If requested,
kit is delivered and collected from your
accommodation, otherwise it can be
dropped off at the ski hire shop. Any clothing
requested is sent back to us in a pre-paid
bag. We even offer a ”try before you buy”
service, so if the customer really likes all the
clothing, they can buy it from us at the end.
Can anyone use your services?
MP: Absolutely. We aim to look after most
groups, and have catered for groups as
small as five, and as big as over 400. We
normally plan on a fitting 2–4 weeks before
the client leaves for their trip, in order to
provide ample time to book the fitting team.
Depending on the advance notice, and the
location of the client, we deal with requests
on a case-by-case basis, but we’ll try our best
to support every trip that we can.
I understand Pre-Fit is working with
Wasteland Ski for university ski trips?
MP: Yes, this is a very exciting time for us.
Wasteland Ski approached us in February
as they could see the real value that this
service would add to their customers.
It is the most established university
tour operator, and is very focused on
delivering the best possible service to
their clients. By working with us, time
will be saved and a higher level of fitting
will be provided, which means that their
customers will have a premium service,
but within a university trip budget. The
travel industry is very competitive; and
more tour operators are approaching us
to offer this service to their customers in
order to make them stand out and add
greater value.
Have you always been in the ski industry?
MP: Only as a punter, working within
the industry is all quite new and I’m still
getting to know people, so it’s been quite
an education! I’ve been skiing for years,
but only came up with this concept in
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38
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BEN CLATWORTHY
THE PRE-FIT
DELIVERY CO
Price quoted per person including airport taxes and surcharges departing from London to Geneva. Price is correct at time of print and subject to change and exchange rate variations. Availability is limited. For some payment methods a charge of £ 4.50 may apply.
Effi ciency as beautiful as our slopes.From London to the Alps in practically no time at all. What else would you expect from the effi ciency experts? With 160 ights per week from Heathrow, London City and now new also Gatwick, we bring you closer to the slopes than anyone.
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£ 124SWISS.COM
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