SKI ANDBOARDALL YEARROUNDSki On Real Snow All Year Round At The Snow Centre In Hemel Hempstead
TAKE ME HOME TODAY
ISSUE 1 | 2013-2014
elcome to the launch
edition of our new
magazine SnowSure!
I hope you find it
interesting and
informative. Whether
you are a first time
skier looking to learn
before you go on holiday, or a regular participant
looking to improve your technique I believe here
at The Snow Centre we provide great products
and services for everyone. Our philosophy is
about teaching people to ski and snowboard
and sharing our enthusiasm for Snowsports
to ensure each and every person has an
enjoyable experience. We are very proud of our
reputation here for all the services we offer in this
fantastic facility. Over the last 12 months we have
significantly increased the number of schools and
youth groups who visit here, and we continue to
develop links in the local community as well as
building relationships with partners in the snow
sports industry. We cater for all ages and abilities;
our oldest skier who visited us this year was 91!
In partnership with DSUK and Snowbility we have
welcomed an increasing number of guests with
additional needs.
As we go into our 5th winter since opening, we
continue to invest significantly in our centre and
equipment to further enhance your enjoyment
each time you visit. We also continue to develop
new products such as the “Rusty Refresher” and
our new junior snowboard academy – Ignite – to
enhance the wide range of lift passes, lessons,
freestyle, sledging, parties, and corporate
products we currently offer. More details of all
these can be found in this magazine.
In February we will all be watching the Winter
Olympics from Sochi in Russia. I am proud to say
we host the Team GB Paralympic Team here at the
centre, as well as Ed Drake, a member of the GB Ski
Cross Team. I wish them well in their various events.
Looking even further ahead we plan 5 days of
celebration to mark our 5th birthday at the start of
May. I hope you will join us over these days.
Finally I would just like to say thank you to our
partners who have supported us since we opened
and with this magazine, in particular, The Oeztal
region in Austria – well worth a visit – B.A.S.I., and
Snow & Rock, located on the ground floor here in
the centre.
I do appreciate all the feedback we receive from you
about how much you enjoy visiting us and also what
we can do better. Please do not hesitate to contact
me directly by email [email protected] or on
twitter@MDTheSnowCentre
W
3
WELCOMEIan BrownManaging Director
InTheSnow
PUBLISHED BYInTheSnow [email protected]
EDITORPatrick [email protected]
DEPUTY EDITORBen Clatworthyben@inthesnow
The Snow Centre
HEAD OF MARKETINGJohn [email protected]
MARKETING EXECUTIVEJenny [email protected]
© Copyright 2013
No part of this publication may be copied, photocopied or reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted, in any way or by any means, either by recording or otherwise, without permission of the publishers in writing.
Printed in the United Kingdom
elcome to
The Snow
Centre
– home
to the
closest
real snow
to London
and the UK’s newest indoor snow
centre. You can hit the slopes here
363 days a year and conditions are
always excellent!
Whether you’ve come to learn to
ski or snowboard for the very first
time, brush up your technique ahead
of a ski holiday, keep your ski legs in
shape or just have fun in the snow
on a sledge, The Snow Centre has
fast become the greatest skiing,
snowboarding and sledging revelry
this side of the Alps.
Through the pages of this
magazine we’ll bring you a
widespread picture of all things
Snowsports inside and out of The
Snow Centre, including many
Winter activities you may not know
about! We’ll also introduce some of
the key members
of our 300 strong
team, take a
look behind the
scenes, provide
some insider tips
on making the
most of our many
facilities and let
you know what’s
new out on the
slopes.
Since the centre
re-opened 4
years ago with
fresh snow on
the impressive
indoor slopes,
over a million
people have enjoyed the fantastic
facilities, including everyone from
the Beckhams and family or Dame
Kelly Holmes to our very own Snow
Centre ambassador and British
Winter Olympian Ed Drake. So
you are following in some very
illustrious ski tracks!
But everyone is welcome here, be
4
W
ENJOY THE RIDE!
4 Years Old Opened May 2009
250 Schools Visit Each Year95K+ Hot chocolates served70 Our Oldest Ski Instructor18 Our Youngest Ski Instructor230K Ski Lessons Taught
SNOW CENTREIN NUMBERS
Welcome To The Snow Centre, Hemel Hempstead
it the hundreds of schools who visit
each year, or the participants in our
Snow Stars programme, our party
goers, our corporate guests or
our Olympian in training! In short,
anyone who loves snow will love
The Snow Centre!
What’s New:
Ignite Snowboard AcademyThe coverage snowboarding
received at the last Winter
Olympics fuelled the already fast-
growing Snowsport and now one
thing’s for sure: it’s a trend that’s
here to stay!
In line with this growing
phenomena, The Snow Centre
launched Ignite Snowboard
Academy, snowboard coaching
for snow-loving youngsters ages
7–16. Creating talent to match
that of our Junior Ski Academy,
Ignite aims to open doors for
many juniors, progressing
members technically and
socially within all aspects of
snowboarding. Preparing many
for competitions and to other
exciting events, weekly Ignite
sessions are about more than just
hitting the slopes on a board.
Rusty RefresherIf you’re looking to find your ski
legs again, but it’s been a little
while, then this one’s for you!
Our Rusty Refresher sessions
are the ideal way to get back
into skiing. If you’re wondering
whether you’re ready for the
mountain or don’t know which
level lesson to book our Instructor-
guided practice sessions will give
you all the help you need to move
forward on your skis.
thesnowcentre.com
5
Call 0845 130 1114 or visit your local travel agentwww.balkanholidays.co.uk
Bulgaria &SloveniaSki & BoardHolidayswith flights from London• LowDepositof£70pp• Non-EuroValueformoney• SkiPacksfromjust£115pp• 20kgLuggageFREE• FreeChildPlaces (conditions apply)
Pamporovo
Borovets
Lake Bled
Pricesfrom
£244perperson
earning to ski on our indoor
snow makes sense in so
many ways:
If you’ve never skied
or snowboarded before
The Snow Centre is your
chance to try the sport
easily and affordably with
friendly professional British instruction and with
guaranteed good snow conditions. It’s a much
better option than forking out thousands to travel
abroad to try a sport for the first time in potentially
difficult weather conditions that you don’t know if
you’ll actually enjoy, although, let’s be honest, the
odds are very high that you will!
So it’s no surprise that in the last 12 months
The Snow Centre has provided group lessons for
around 35,000 people, with more than 10,000
people opting for a Private Lesson.
Besides all these positives there are many
more reasons why many choose to learn with us!
For starters, with The Snow Centre Snow Sports
School you are truly in the hands of dedicated
and motivated teachers.
Our philosophy is that we teach PEOPLE
Snowsports rather than SNOWSPORTS to people.
We aim to be the best at what we do and infect
our guests with our passion for Snowsports. We
are at the forefront of jargonless teaching and
follow the basic principles of building fundamental
Snowsport skills in a fun and safe environment –
all delivered on the largest Lesson Slope in the
UK or our 160m Main Slope.
Our instructors are all qualified with a national
professional training body, with the majority
qualified through BASI (British Association of
Snowsport Instructors). As a team we train
regularly and review our products to match our
guests’ requirements, catering for a variety of
different learning needs.
It’s not just about learning technique either.
Learning to ski at The Snow Centre means you
can get used to all the equipment – the boots, the
boards, skis, helmets, and even lift passes – which
you’ll need if you hit the slopes at any regular
ski area in the world, but here it’s all included in
the price and all there to try out in a friendly, un-
pressured environment.
“Taking a few lessons on real snow before your
skiing holiday is the best possible way to boost
your confidence and give you the skills to ensure
you’ll enjoy the mountains from day one,” says
Pete Gillespie, Head of Snowsports at The Snow
Centre. He went on to explain, “I have been around
Snowsports all my life and have made my passion
my profession. The real joy now comes in seeing
L
6
LEARN TO SkI
people learn and develop a Snowsport on real
snow in this unique urban environment, something
that 25 years ago would have been science
fiction! The icing on the cake has to be the team I
work with, who are all dedicated and passionate
teachers looking to share their love of Snowsports
with as many people as possible.” A qualified
instructor will help ensure you can turn and stop
with confidence in an environment that it is wholly
safe and controlled. This better preparation will
mean you’ll spend less time on the nursery slopes
and more time enjoying the mountains.
We Introduce and Teach Many Children to Ski and Snowboard
At The Snow Centre we have introduced literally
thousands of children to Snowsports too, who
are now very accomplished performers. But
it is important to have realistic expectations
when bringing children in to Snowsports for
the first time. Each step must be introduced in
a fun and enjoyable way and we take pride in
understanding the required approach to each
child’s learning – which is so different from adults.
We know one size doesn’t fit all, so when we set
about giving juniors great Snowsports skills for life we
adjust our teaching styles, approach and timescales
to suit every individual. Which explains why we
have a tailor made junior level system, with more
developmental steps than our adult programme.
Comparably our Adult Lessons are available as 1 and
a Half Hour Lessons to full day courses, while we
offer juniors 1 Hour Lessons up to the age of 11 and 1
and a Half Hour Lessons for ages 11 –16.
We also take into account important influences
that can affect the enjoyment or learning process,
such as height, weight and other variables. For
example, children heat up and cool down very
quickly and can get uncomfortable at a different
rate to adults. Taking the time to make sure
children are suitably clothed or prompting fun
warm up exercise often proves a simple solution.
Understanding our guests is all part of what we do!
Just some of what we offer:
We offer a range of Group and Private Lessons
7 days a week. These range from 1 Hour Junior
Group Lessons to Adult Ski or Snowboard
Day Courses. Not forgetting our 2 Hour Après
Lessons, which are followed with a free drink
in the bar, or why not try one of our Private
Lessons, including our popular Family Lessons.
Alternatively, if you’ve ever thought of becoming
an instructor we host a variety of BASI and
IASI Level 1 Instructor Courses at fixed dates
throughout the year too.
We even have special group packages for
school children and corporate groups.
Find out more…
Call us on 0845 258 9000 or visit
www.thesnowcentre.com for bookings and
more information.
7
LEARN TO SkI
Pete Gillespie,Head of Snowsports School
lthough the easiest and
closest place to ski may
always be The Snow Centre,
thanks to glacier ski areas
like Sölden, which usually
open for the ski season in
September, you can travel to
the Alps at almost any time of
the year to ski.
With the Sochi Winter Olympics coming up, the
2013–14 ski season is shaping up to be a good
one, and there are lots of exciting plans from some
of the top resorts to look out for too.
Austria: New Cable Car Has Open Air Balcony
New 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 ten 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 but is already operating and access to the
balcony section is on a first come, first served
basis with special access at the lift stations at no
additional cost.
Austria: New Extreme Black Run
A rare new black run will also 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
during its 1km length, at gradients of up to 63%.
There is some debate as to which is Austria’s
steepest groomed piste but Mayrhofen claims
it is their 1.1km long Harakiri slope, which has a
gradient of 78%.
A
8
Patrick Thorne, Editor of InTheSnow Magazine, Investigates The Latest Happenings On The Slopes
WHAT’S NEW IN THE ALPS
France: Dancing On High
Alpe d’Huez has announced that a new main
attraction for winter 2013–14 is the Folie Douce
village – under construction at 2300m – the
fourth after Val d’Isère, Val Thorens and Méribel.
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.
The 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 outdoor
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.
Norway: Crystal Add Norway To Ski Programme
Crystal Ski, the UK’s largest ski holiday tour
operator, have launched their main 2013–14
brochure with winter sports holidays to three
continents, 13 countries and 132 ski resorts.
Norway is a new addition to the brochure
with three resorts to choose from: Geilo, a
traditional “chocolate-box” village at the heart
of Norway’s Winterland region with ski areas
on both sides of the valley. It offers 40 pistes
to suit mainly intermediate and beginner
skiers, several snow parks and over 220km of
cross-country tracks. Hemseda – renowned
as the largest ski area in Norway – offers a
huge diversity of terrain, some convenient
slope-side lodging and good children’s nursery
slopes. Finally, the small resort of Beitostølen
located in the Jotunheimen National Park
offers a well-planned and efficient lift network,
a high quality English-speaking ski school and
gentle, confidence-building slopes for families,
beginners and low intermediates.
9
he most expensive ski chalet
rental for 2013–14 was believed
to be the €450,000 being
asked for a ten night stay at the
start of January over the crucial
Russian New Year holiday
period at Chalet Edelweiss in Courchevel 1850.
That was the price according to The Luxury
Chalet Collection (www.luxurychaletcollection.
com) which has just released its annual selection
of the world’s 20 finest chalets, but if you wanted
to make a reservation you’re too late as that
period has already been booked.
The chalet sleeps 16 and has a comparable
number of staff, including two chefs, two butlers,
a chauffeur, concierge, several housekeepers,
a massage therapist and a ski instructor. During
low season you can access all this and its
extensive luxury facilities for 80% less, €80,000,
and weeks are still available during this
unfashionably quiet time even though the peak
period has gone. It was available at that lowest
rate for the end-of-season week from 20 April
2014 as SnowSure went to press.
World’s Most Expensive Ski Chalet Hits €45K Per Day
T
Switzerland: Old Friends United
Along with the news from Austria that the
Arlberg ski area will increase to 340km with a
lift connection from Lech to neighbouring Warth
and Schröcken, two long-standing neighbours,
Arosa and Lenzerheide, are finally to be physically
connected by a giant 150-person cable car
running between the Hornli and Urdenfirggli
mountains and by two high-speed six-seater
chairlifts. Altogether there’ll be 225km of runs
shared between them.
You can ski the area before everyone else
by buying a ‘Private Mountain’ package at the
luxurious Tschuggen Grand Hotel in Arosa on
Friday 29 November when the Arosa mountain
area will be opened especially for the Tschuggen
with two or three night half board packages with lift
pass (but not travel there and back) from £485.
In Other News…Ski Jacket To Become Holy Relic
The news that Pope John Paul II is to be made
a saint, having had several miracles attributed
to him, has implications for those who own the
former pontiff’s personal property, including a US
high school where Pope John Paul II’s ski jacket
is on display.
The ski jacket will now become a holy relic
(second class) in the eyes of the church. A second
class relic is normally something a saint owned in
their lifetime; a first class relic is normally part of the
physical body of the saint.
very parent wants to
nurture and encourage their
children’s talent – but when
you live in the UK it can
be difficult if they show an
aptitude for skiing or other
Snowsports!
Lessons at The Snow
Centre, Hemel Hempstead, North London take your
child from complete beginner through to level six
– increasing confidence on the snow and ensuring
they’re mountain ready before your holiday.
Controlled skiing, the ability to stop (always
important!) and competent use of the slope will add
hugely to their enjoyment and allows mums and
dads to relax and enjoy themselves too.
But what if they want to progress to the next stage?
The Snow Centre’s Snow Stars Ski Coaching is for
children aged 4–12 who are looking to significantly
improve their performance and technique.
Regular sessions and a club ethos with sweatshirts,
record books and the same instructor every week
really help develop their skills on the slopes.
“It’s a really fun environment that pushes the kids
onto the next level,” says Snow Stars instructor
Lesley Pinkerton, “We encourage them to improve
their technical skills but also teach them tricks and
build up their confidence on skis by getting them to
ski backwards, over jumps or on one leg! The kids
love it and Snow Stars has become a real social
highlight of the week for them.”
“We have a different focus each week and
because the kids are already competent on the
snow it means we can give lots of one-to-one
attention so they progress really quickly.”
Guest instructors include The Snow Centre’s
own Freestyle and Performance skiers and even
British Number One Ed Drake. Snow Stars at a
recent session were delighted when they realised
that their usual instructor had been replaced with a
Winter Olympics contender!
Ed, who started skiing before he started school,
works with kids on their technique and poses for
photos afterwards.
E
10
SkI STAR?
IS YOUR CHILD A...
The Snow Centre has the UK’s largest indoor
real snow nursery slopes as well as its 160m
Main Slope.
Expect first class instruction with well qualified
instructors – The Snow Centre is a BASI (British
Association of Snowsports Instructors) Centre
of Excellence and they boast the most qualified
instructors this side of the Alps.
For more information about performance
coaching in Snow Stars, lessons for all abilities
and ages (including adults) as well as school
holiday courses click on thesnowcentre.com
(then Lessons > Children’s Group Lessons) or
call 0845 258 9000.
WHY CHOOSETHE SNOW CENTRE?
11
Call us on 02380 206 971
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12
ERSOY TEWFIkHEAD CHEF IN THE EDGE CAFéBAR
It’s my job to make sure all our guests
are well-fed and can enjoy a range of
delicious dishes whilst appreciating the
panoramic view of the slopes.
skier or Boarder: I’m learning to ski.
Favourite resort: Sölden, Austria.
Time at The snow Centre: 4 Years.
Favourite Food at The eDGe CaféBar:
Chicken Caesar Wrap.
Top Tip: Don’t slave over dinner on
Sunday’s have one of our Roasts instead!
ZOE GREENSALES MANAGER
My team are here to help all our guests,
whether that’s over the telephone, at the
front desk or via our live web chat. We
can help you make the most of your visit!
skier or Boarder: Both but I think I’ll
always be a skier at heart!
Favourite resort: Banff & Lake Louise.
Time at The snow Centre: 2 Years.
Favourite Food at The eDGe CaféBar:
Tartiflette.
Top Tip: Pre-book your session, either
online or over the phone with one of our
friendly team!
GREG PRICESLOPE & RENTALS MANAGER
I work with my team to ensure visitors to
the centre have access to all the necessary
rental equipment they might need. We also
set up the slope with lesson and race lanes,
man the lifts and maintain slope safety.
skier or Boarder: Skier / ski instructor.
Favourite resort: Sölden and Whistler.
Time at The snow Centre: 4 Years.
Favourite Food at The eDGe CaféBar:
Cheesy beans on toast.
Top Tip: Buy a monthly pass, attend social
ski lessons and practise in your free time.
DAvID WILkINSONFACILITIES MANAGER
My team and I maintain The Snow Centre.
Known as the Technical Team we create
the snow on the slopes, drive the piste
basher and keep things running smoothly.
skier or Boarder: Skier.
Favourite resort: Glenshee, Scotland.
Time at The snow Centre: Over 4 years,
since day 1 in fact! Before that I worked
here when it was a dry ski slope.
Favourite Food at The eDGe CaféBar:
Burger and Chips.
Top Tip: Enjoy yourself; that’s what it’s
all about.
LUCY TAPEOPERATIONSTEAM LEADER
I work across departments as a team
leader in rentals and out on the slope. I
also teach skiing and snowboarding and
I even drive the piste basher.
skier or Boarder: I teach both, I’m a
snowboarder at heart though.
Favourite resort: Jasper, Canada.
Time at The snow Centre: 4 years.
Favourite Food at The eDGe CaféBar:
Kid’s Chicken Crunchies.
Top Tip: Come down in the morning
when the snow’s at its freshest.
STEvE CROSSFREESTYLE MANAGER
Responsible for delivering Thursday and
Friday night Freestyle sessions and other
events, I work on putting together new
and exciting park plans so our guests
can have fun styling tricks.
skier or Boarder: I Instruct both, but I’m
primarily a snowboarder.
Favourite resort: Sunshine in Canada.
Time at The snow Centre: Over 4 years.
Favourite Food at The eDGe CaféBar: I
Love the Pizzas.
Top Tip: Arrive early on Thursday night;
it’s often quiet at the start of the session.
MEET THE TEAM
13
ith the last two
winter ski seasons
seeing record
snowfalls, and with
new ski equipment
becoming better and better, there’s
the temptation to head further off-
piste in search of the powder. With all
this snow comes risk – but a risk you
can learn to manage.
Based in Val d’Isère, Henry
Schniewind, the founder of Henry’s
Avalanche Talk, is internationally
renowned as the expert on off-piste
skiing and snowboarding. If you’re
hooked on perfecting your powder
turns but you’d also like to learn to
risk manage them, a three day ‘Henry
Off-Piste’ course with Henry and his
Adventure Team is a must.
Based around the simple question
‘Is it safe out there?” the course
encourages you to assess the
conditions based on the quality of
snow in addition to decision-making,
and risk and crisis management.
Val d’Isère is one the leading ski
resorts in Europe and, linked with
Tignes, makes the area ‘Espace
Killy’ one of the largest in the world.
The region is renowned for its
off-piste skiing and is an ideal entry
environment for skiers wishing to
learn advanced off-piste technique.
Course PrerequisitesHenry Off-Piste courses are run from
Introductory Level Off-Piste (skier can
confidently get down a steep red run,
and traverse a slope in fresh snow) to
Advanced Level Off-Piste (skier can
link as many turns as you want in light
fresh snow). Henry Off-Piste courses
operate in Val d’Isère and Tignes
from December 2013 to April 2014.
Dates for the three day course are
Tuesday to Thursday, weekly from 10
December 2013 until 29 April 2014.
W
Three Days With Henry off-piste
ne of the UK’s
leading snow
sports charities,
snow-Camp, is
a key partner of
The snow Centre, using the slope
and other facilities for fundraising,
fun and educational activities.
snow-Camp (snow-camp.org.
uk) is an innovative youth charity
that uses a unique combination
of skiing, snowboarding and
life-skills programmes to support
inner-city teenagers. Through
the combination of snowsports
and lifeskills, their programmes
enable young people to grow
in confidence and self-esteem,
develop as individuals and make
positive choices in their lives.
Among many initiatives each year,
snow-Camp and The snow Centre
have teamed up with the British
Association of snowsport Instructors
(BAsI) to develop the skills of two
young aspiring instructors, taking
them on to the BAsI Alpine level 1
Instructor Course.
now fully qualified as a BAsI
level 1 ski Instructor, sponsored
student Aaron Minto (19) from
lambeth has been issued with a
certification to work on dry and
indoor snow slopes with novice
and early intermediate skiers.
“I want to thank BAsI, snow-
Camp and the Hemel snow Centre
for the opportunity to take part in
the BAsI level 1 instructor course.
It was a really intense week but
very enjoyable!” said Aaron. “our
trainer, Ali smith, was a pleasure
to work with and he was really
approachable.”
Aaron originally learnt to ski with
snow-Camp six years ago and is
now a long term volunteer at The
snow Centre.
O
Snow-Camp At The Snow Centre
now Swappers
(snowswappers.
com) offer ski
property owners
the chance to
explore other ski
resorts at minimal cost. The website is
a home swapping club exclusively for
property owners in ski resorts around
the world. The service is designed for
those who love their home resort but
also want the freedom to explore new
ski areas without any accommodation
costs. By arranging a home swap,
you can experience a new resort and,
likewise, your swap partner will enjoy
a holiday in your resort.
Members of Snow Swappers
communicate with other
homeowners, and agree to swap their
properties. The member you swap
with could be based anywhere in the
world, as long as they want to visit
where your own property is located;
then a swap can be arranged.
Who is the service aimed at? Home owners who live in a ski
resort but want to holiday in another.
Second home owners who want
to try another resort but always feel
they should use their own place to
save money.
For a family who live in a resort
all year round, the chance for free
accommodation in summer, or to
try somewhere new in winter, will
prove an opportunity hard to resist.
Snow Swappers charge an annual
membership fee of £39, allowing
access to every property featured
on the website. For a limited time,
membership will be offered free of
charge for the first year.
SBored of your own mountain view?
t’s especially easy to forget
that skiing and snowboarding
are in fact strenuous physical
activities, and require a good
level of fitness. Whether
you’re skiing indoors, or in the
mountains, much of the same
advice applies to both. Of
course if you are heading to the hills then the altitude
and a longer day contribute too – so an even higher
level of fitness is advisable.
But fear not. If you think your fitness isn’t quite what
it was when you were in your 20s, there are lots of
simple steps you can take to ensure you’re in the
best condition for your time on the slopes.
The fitter you are, the quicker your heart rate
returns to its resting rate – and, given that ski lifts can
be quite short, the faster the better.
Before
Try to improve your general fitness before embarking
on a ski trip. Taking a daily jog – or cycle ride – is
ideal for improving cardio endurance and increasing
lung capacity. The latter is particularly important if
skiing at altitude, but also if you’re planning on doing
lots of fast runs at The Snow Centre. Don’t go too
hard too soon though: it is more beneficial to start
slowly, but go every day, than to overdo it on the first
day, and need a week to recover.
Leg strength is crucial for both skiing and
snowboarding. Some of the best ways to achieve
this are by regularly doing squats, calf raises, and
lunges. If you are unclear on how to do an exercise
always seek advice, or you risk injuring your muscles.
Core strength is vital, especially if you’re a
beginner as you’re going to spend a lot of time
getting back up, but also for more experienced
skiers. Sit-ups and push-ups are a good starting
point, but the plank (lie flat, then push yourself
up on your toes, keeping your arms, and core
straight) is one of the best exercises. If you can
hold it for one minute you are doing well.
At the slope
Stretch. Stretching before – and after – physical
exercise is a must. Start at your toes and work
your way up the body. Warming up the muscles
makes them more flexible, so if you do fall you’re
far less likely to pull a muscle. A proper stretch
can take anywhere between 15 and 30 minutes,
but it’s well worth investing the time once off the
slope as well, to avoid stiffness the next morning,
and disperse lactic acid.
If you’re unclear on how to stretch properly then
any fitness professional will be able to advise you.
Crucially, if you are concerned about your fitness
then seek professional advice. Many gyms and
fitness clubs run weekly ski fitness specific classes
during the autumn and winter, so joining one may be
a good place to start.
I
14
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16
he Sochi Winter Olympics
are now only a few months
away, leading to ever greater
excitement at The Snow
Centre – not least because
we are home to Olympian
Ed Drake and our facilities
are used by other British
Olympians in training.
Although there has been controversy over the
Sochi Games (sochi2014.com), the Sochi 2014
Olympic Torch Relay 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 including by
car, train, plane, troika and reindeer sleigh.
The torch is also due to take excursions to the
North Pole, to the bottom of Lake Baikal in Siberia,
the world’s deepest at 1637m, and it will travel to
the ISS on the Soyuz TMA-11M manned spaceship;
and once in space, Russian cosmonauts Sergei
Ryazansky and Oleg Kotov will take the (unlit)
Olympic torch on a spacewalk.
It’s not known yet how popular Sochi will be as a
destination for Brits after the Olympics. The legacy
of the Games will be a network of four world-class
ski resorts, largely inter-connected by gondola lifts
and with a promised joint pass. However, Crystal
ski (crystalski.co.uk), who have been operating
holidays there for a few seasons, say that they
have not taken more than ten skiers a year there.
“We love Sochi for the snowfall, not dissimilar
from North America in its consistency, and for the
vast slopes offering a massive variety of skiing,
including plenty to keep even the hardcore skiers
entertained,” our friends at Crystal Ski told us.
If you want to go to Sochi for the Games itself the
advice boils down to “Good Luck!” Tickets and
accommodation packages are available through
website cosport.com but they’re not cheap and
keep changing. When we went to press, two
nights B&B in a Sochi tower block 3 star hotel,
with tickets for the Ladies’ Super Combined, and
Luge on 11 February 2014, were priced from €2243
for a double room, excluding travel to Sochi, or
from Sochi to the venues in the mountain above.
A five night package incorporating the Men’s
and Women’s downhill races plus the Opening
Ceremony on the same board basis quickly
rises above €6000 with plenty of choices above
€20,000 for your short Sochi break!
Thanks to the high prices and questions over
accommodation availability, international tour
operators are reported to have chartered seven
cruise ships to be anchored in the Black Sea off
Sochi, with over 5000 cabins to sell during the
games. They did the same in Vancouver for the
Whistler Games and say it really worked well.
Everyone heading to the Olympics will also need
a tourist visa and a special “Spectator pass” as an
additional security check.
It may be easier to watch The Olympic Winter
Games Opening Ceremony in Sochi on 7 February,
2014 on the TV, and then hit the slopes of The
Snow Centre to celebrate yourself and watch the
action on the sports TV in The EDGE Café bar!
T
READY FOR SOCHI? The countdown clock to Sochi is ticking, so get set for action, says Patrick Thorne
17
ast winter I caught
up with Phil Smith
and Emma Carrick
Anderson of
Snoworks to find
out what their
open teaching philosophy was all
about. Sports such as skiing aren’t the
same as running or swimming; the
environment is constantly changing
and we need to adapt to that. When
beginners learn to ski, they receive
specific commands necessary to
perform certain manoeuvres, and
whilst these work on the relatively
constant conditions of the nursery
slope, once they move beyond this,
things start to break down.
“Skiing is probably one of the most
‘Open’ and dynamic sports there is”,
says Phil, “yet the industry has built
its understanding and foundations of
skiing, and teaching, on ‘closed sports’
methodology. It’s why there are so
many different systems and ways of
learning to ski, and why so many skiers
are left confused, bewildered and
despairing at the inconsistencies of
how skiing is taught, and why so many
just don’t bother pursuing ski tuition
beyond the ‘basics’.”
An open sport such as skiing is
where the environment and conditions
are constantly changing. Skiers at any
level can learn to develop the skills
required to adapt to these changes,
and in turn they become better skiers.
I talk to one returning Snoworks
skier, Fabienne Durant, who’s honest
in saying she’s been skiing “badly
for years”. “The All-Terrain course
has transformed my skiing, and ski
experiences completely”, she says.
“I was always stuck on the blues and
reds, often struggling to get down
them. After taking part in the All-Terrain
course I can happily say I’m now a true
all mountain skier.”
Snoworks challenges the traditional
thinking of learning to ski and
encourages a new world of openness.
snoworks.co.uk
By robert stewart
ski Writer and BAsI Instructor
L
snoworks – open for snowy Business
d Drake, British Olympian, has
high hopes of racing for Great
Britain at the Winter Olympics
this season in Sochi, Russia.
Ed has switched from
downhill Alpine ski racing, in
which he was Britain’s number
one and the discipline in which
he competed at the Vancouver Olympic Games in
Whistler in 2010, to the exciting new Olympic sport
of Ski Cross.
Despite his busy life, when not competing or
training at his French Alpine base in Morzine, Ed
often finds time to visit The Snow Centre, both for
training and to help inspire the next generation of
ski racers.
We asked Ed about his Olympic ambitions and
his top tips for those hoping to emulate his many
achievements, or just to make the most of their skiing.
Q: What’s it like to be in the Olympics?ED: “Going to the Winter Olympics was unbelievable
– a real privilege. I remember standing in the
downhill gate and having to take some extra
breaths, remembering what a long road it was to get
there, and the sacrifices my parents and I had had to
make. It was an amazing experience.”
Q: Why switch to Ski Cross?ED: “I was ready for something different and exciting.
I wanted a fresh take on skiing, and I felt it was time to
move away from the Alpine side of racing. Moving to
Ski Cross restored the hunger that I had when I first
started doing Alpine. It has been really nice and exciting
to be in a new environment and a new discipline.”
Q: You started skiing before you started school. What are your top tips for people wanting to start Snowsports?ED: “First and foremost, if you’ve never skied
before get in some lessons before you go – ideally
on real snow. It will make such a big difference to
your confidence if you have mastered the basics in
stopping and turning. Look where you want to go,
choose a route and decide where you will make
your next turn. If you look at the snow just in front of
E
18
Olympian + The Snow Centre Ambassador
WO
RDS:
BEN
CLA
TWO
RTH
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PIC
: TB
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you the chances are that this is where you’ll end up!”
Q: What would you advise people wear to be safe, warm and comfortable on the slopes, inside or out?ED: “It’s important to dress adequately for the snow
– it’s so important to make sure you stay warm and
dry, especially if you’re new to Snowsports. Go for
lots of layers, ideally a thermal layer next to your
skin and make sure your outer layer is waterproof
(especially the bottom half). Sunglasses or goggles
and good quality gloves are essential. And whilst it’s
not always top of the fashionista list, don’t leave for
the slopes without a helmet!”
Q: Any other advice to new skiers?ED: “Make sure your boots are comfortable. If you’re
a first-time skier the chances are you’ll be renting
your boots but it’s worth making sure they fit well.
You should be able to move your toes but your feet
shouldn’t slip around inside the boot. Keep them as
tight as is comfortable around your legs but not too
tight across your feet otherwise they’ll restrict the
blood flow and you’ll get cold toes.”
Q: So once you’re warm and comfortable from helmet to ski boots, what next?ED: “Get familiar with moving your skis. It sounds
obvious but if you turn your foot to the right your
ski will turn to the right. Try picking up one foot at
time and turning to the right and left so you become
familiar with how it feels and which muscles to use.
Remember skiing under control means making
regular turns, shifting your weight from one foot
to the other. Make sure your stance is right. Lean
backwards and you’ll lose control as skis are
designed to turn when your weight is balanced
in the middle. For greater stability keep your feet
about a shoulder width apart, toes pointing slightly
inwards, heels apart. This is the snow plough
position and it will help you move under control until
you feel more comfortable about sliding down a
mountain on two planks!
Q: Back to your own career, how have you found the transition to the new discipline? ED: “I wouldn’t say I found it easy at all. I didn’t
understand it until I gave it a go. Skiing downhill
or Super-G I didn’t really have to concentrate
that much on turning – it becomes natural after
so many years – it was more about the line and
terrain, and, in fact, a lot of my Alpine skiing
when I was racing was autonomous. That’s all
different with Ski Cross. I need to think of lots of
things at the same time, which is when mistakes
start to creep in. Even though it is skiing, it’s
very different to what I was doing. The jumps,
or features, are vastly different to Alpine racing.
There are corners and high jumps, whereas
downhill is fast, long jumps.
Q: Will you be racing at Sochi?ED: “I would love to go to Sochi, but I’m not doing
Ski Cross just to go to the Games. I’m doing it
because I want to be good at it. I’ve already been
to the Games once, so have had the experience,
therefore, I only want to go again if I know I’m going
to be good, and vying for the top spots. For me in
Ski Cross it’s about being competitive at the “sharp
end”, and along with that will mean qualification for
Sochi. But we shall see.”
19
ne of the most
important
elements to
master for any
skier is the art of
centred balance.
It seems obvious that our balance
should be up to scratch when
we go skiing, whether we are
beginners or professional ski racers,
but surprisingly most people don’t
make it a priority. Expert skiers can
control their turns with very subtle
movements of the feet, something
that makes all the difference when
trying to break through to the next
level of the sport.
The SkiA Sweetspot Ski Trainer is a
dry land training device designed to
improve centred balance and therefore
make it possible for all levels of skier
to master those subtle movements
normally reserved for the elite.
With its four levels of difficulty,
starting with green, progressing
to blue, red and ending with
black, anyone from complete
beginner to downhill ski racer can
challenge themselves at their ability
level. The blocks are completely
interchangeable and fit easily onto
the trainer which in turn fits any adult
ski boot on the market.
The idea is to train in short bursts
of around five minutes and there
are several sets of exercises that
are recommended to teach the
central nervous system the ability to
unconsciously improve balance to a
very high level. Mastering each level
takes time and even the very best
skiers are challenged on the black
blocks, which are incredibly hard to
balance on.
The trainer costs £45 a pair and
comes with a full set of blocks (green,
blue, red and black). It’s available to
purchase online at skia.com.
O20
Train your balance for “Sweetspot” Success
f you’re looking
for the next
adrenalin
rush, an
unforgettable
day with a
group of friends
or somewhere
to celebrate a special occasion Lee
Valley White Water Centre is the
place to be. Choose from a range of
activities from beginner’s paddling to
extreme white water rafting!
Tackle the Olympic Standard
Competition Course with your mates
as you raft the rapids with 13,000
litres of water pummelling down per
second and a 5.5m descent – it’s an
adventure you won’t forget!
Adrenalin fans will also enjoy carving
and surfing the rapids of the 160m
Legacy Loop hydrospeeding; a fun
filled activity similar to bodyboarding
or our Hot Dog sessions are a great
introduction to kayaking as you
navigate your way down the white
water rapids in a two man inflatable.
If you’re a keen kayaker or want to
get into paddle sports you can also
choose from a range of kayaking and
canoeing sessions. Members can
paddle the Legacy and Olympic course
on successful completion of the centre’s
kayaking competency assessment.
For full information and to book
visit: gowhitewater.co.uk or call
08456 770 606.
We’re giving one lucky the reader
the chance to win a white water
experience at Lee Valley White
Water Centre. The winner can
choose from Rafting, Hydrospeeding
or a Hot Dog Session.
To be in with a chance of winning please visitvisitleevalley.org.uk/snowsure and answer our simple question:
How long is the Legacy Loop at Lee valley White Water Centre?
I
f you’re not on the snow,
the place to relax and refuel
at The Snow Centre is The
EDGE CaféBar.
With seating for 150, there
is plenty of room to enjoy the
great views over the slopes,
while being served by our
enthusiastic team. Open 7 days a week, it’s the
spot to enjoy your pre-ski or après-ski food and
drink, plan your time on the slope or relive your
experiences while watching the current action on
the snow and maybe even enjoy a glühwein or two.
That’s not to say you have to be into Snowsports
to come down and enjoy a delicious meal, coffee,
make use of the FREE Wifi or watch the fun on the
slope. Everyone is welcome in The EDGE!
There’s a fully licensed bar, a full wine list and
if you want a change from watching the skiing,
boarding and sledging out on the slopes, you can
enjoy live Sky Sports on one of the big-screen
TVs. In fact there’s no better place to watch
the Sochi 2014 Winter Olympics, or even next
summer’s world cup.
Our team of friendly, dedicated staff – lead by
Head Chef Ers Tewfik – serve up good sized
portions of freshly prepared hot food, sandwiches
and more, with daily specials and a kids menu
also available.
Ers is at least the third generation of his family to
be a cook and says that his main influences and
inspiration come from the Mediterranean region
he hails from.
The most famous people Ers has cooked for?
David and Victoria Beckham during their visit to
The Snow Centre!
I
21
THE EDGEC A f é B A R
Weekly SpecialsCheck out our daily and weekly specials on
your next visit or on our NEW Facebook and
Twitter Pages!
Facebook.com/TheEDGECaféBarTwitter@EDGECaféBarThe EDGE Café Bar offers a safe and
relaxed environment for adults and children.
With easy access and free parking.
www.thesnowcentre.com
Anyone for Après Ski? Relax and unwind at the bar
he Snow Centre has
successfully partnered with
ski resort Sölden since
opening – to the extent that
the centre’s very slope walls
are graced with the Sölden
mountains branding and the
famous panoramic viewing
platform at Gaislachkogl, Sölden. Proud to link with
one of the world’s leading resorts located in the
Austrian Tirol, The Snow Centre offers many of
our guests the chance to visit the resort on annual
group ski trips, plus our instructors visit each winter.
Because of its twin glaciers, Sölden can open for
almost as many days annually as The Snow Centre,
and unlike 99.9% of ski areas in the Alps, you can
ski there from September to late spring.
It’s also the ski capital of the world in October when
a varied event and activity programme kicks off with
the First Snow Glacier Start on 12–13 October, followed
by the FIS Alpine Ski World Cup from 26–27 October
and plenty of other highlights on almost all weekends
in autumn, winter and spring – until early May.
Linked Ski Areas in the Eternal Ice
The glacier slopes in the upper Ötztal, towering
high above the skiers’ village, offer perfect snow
conditions from early September. That’s the time
when the valley’s meadows and forests usually
wear their most colourful dress – ranging from
yellow to russet and dark red.
The highest panoramic road in the Eastern Alps
takes skiers and snowboarders effortlessly by car
or coach from Sölden to the slopes of Tiefenbach
and Rettenbach glacier, one of Austria’s largest
glacier ski areas.
The two glaciers are linked by a road tunnel and
a separate skiers’ tunnel. Sölden therefore boasts
the only interconnected glacier ski area in the
Alps. There are 36km of immaculate slopes and
10 mountain lifts with an hourly capacity of 20,000
persons to guarantee unlimited skiing fun for all ages
and preferences, and no queues.
Additionally, Sölden’s Rettenbach glacier
boasts the only European Test and Exhibition
Centre, where winter sports fans can test the
latest material and equipment for the 2013–14
ski season from all renowned sports brands from
September to November.
Sports Arena of Superlatives
In addition to the glacier ski slopes, the opening
of the Sölden and Hochsölden winter ski area is
expected for November. Skiers and snowboarders
can choose from no less than 144km of perfectly
groomed slopes for all levels and abilities, featuring
33 mountain lifts with absolutely no lift lines. Snow
SöLDENSnOW GALOrE + PurE Fun
T
22
is, of course, also guaranteed between 1350m and
3340m above sea level from October through May –
thanks to the modern snow making system covering
some 80% of all slopes.
Every Wednesday evening all Sölden fans can look
forward to a special attraction, the new multi-media
“Night Ski Show” taking place at the middle station
of the Gaislachkogl mountain gondola. The local ski
schools and the traditional Sölden Ski Club perform a
truly breathtaking winter sports show, giving an insight
into the roots of winter sports up to the modern age.
“Schmarr’n” means…
It’s not all sport though – the food is excellent
as well and what “Schmarr’n” means is a kind of
scrambled pancake – it’s delicious! A perfect snack
for hungry winter sports fans – light, fluffy and with
plenty of powdered sugar. This typical Tirolean
delight ranks among everyone’s favourites. Many
more regional specialties and hearty snacks
are served in 20 serviced huts and mountain
restaurants spread over Sölden’s ski area.
Hot Spot in the Alps
Phat beats, great shows and unforgettable moments
– these are the ultimate ingredients of Sölden’s top
class entertainment. Last winter the first edition of
the “Electric Mountain Festival” celebrated a great
success, featuring stars like David Guetta and DJ
Antoine. Of course the glacier spectacle “Hannibal”
also always ranks among the undisputed highlights.
The coming 2013/2014 winter will again see a
fantastic lifestyle and entertainment programme.
Party people get together for the Electric Mountain
Festival in April, which presents great attractions
and surprises on the world’s highest turntables. All
important details on event highlights.
Sölden has another unique attraction: Three
mountain peaks above 3000 metres which
are easily accessibly on skis - Gaislachkogl
(3058m), Tiefenbachkogl (3250m) and
Schwarze Schneide (3340m). A tour of all
three summits called “BIG3” can be made in
one day.
This spectacular “BIG3 Rally” starts at the
base terminal of Giggijoch mountain gondola
and ends at the base terminal of Gaislachkogl
mountain gondola. A truly challenging
experience: in four hours you conquer 50
kilometres of slopes and 10,000 metres of
difference in altitude whilst enjoying three
awe-inspiring panoramic views of the Alpine
scenery from the “BIG3” viewing platforms.
By prior arrangement at the Gaislachkogl
“BIG3” platform (weather permitting) small
groups of 4+ persons can enjoy not only
substantial Tirolean breakfasts or hearty
snacks but also fine gourmet dishes, Asian
delights, fresh-caught oysters, caviar with
champagne or Mediterranean-style seafood.
soelden.com
BIG3
23
Obergurgl -Always First to Open
Obergurgl-Hochgurgl – at 1930 meters
above sea level, the valley’s second
top destination, and surrounded by
countless mountain peaks beyond
3000 metres is the very first “non-
glacier” ski area to open in the Alps
each winter. Here you relish the
peaceful atmosphere of an almost
unspoilt mountain world, where guests
can expect plenty of snow and little
traffic. The resort offers atmosphere,
not a facade. It’s a truly unique place
where winter sports still have class.
This season kick-off will be on
14 November with opening parties
being held in the “Winter Palace” for
all Snowsport fans getting together in
“The Diamond of the Alps”.
The valley’s third biggest ski
region – Hochoetz – located
between 700 and 2000 metres
above sea level at the entrance
to the almost 70km-long valley, is
third after Sölden, then Obergurgl-
Hochgurgl, opening this winter
on 13 December, with affordable
package deals made to measure
for families.
The Very First Winter Kick-Off in the Alps
The “Diamond of the Alps” at the
top of Ötztal is not only located at an
altitude of 1930m above sea level,
but also offers top level quality in
every other respect.
The traffic-free village welcomes all
winter sports lovers who want to enjoy
unlimited snow, an unspoilt mountain
landscape and top levels of comfort.
In 2013/14 Obergurgl-Hochgurgl not
only offers 110km of immaculate slopes
with ski-in/ski-out convenience but also
a ten-day opening festival of concerts,
fireworks and parties at the “Winter
Palace” in the village centre and at the
many mountain huts on site, all with
reduced price season opening passes.
In Obergurgl-Hochgurgl winter
sports start where they usually end in
other ski areas as the huge ski slopes
stretch between an altitude of 1800m
and 3000m, offering breathtaking
views of 21 mountain peaks higher
than 3000 meters.
24 state-of-the-art mountain lifts with a
capacity of almost 40,000 persons per
hour ensure that you get up fast without
lift lines. They give you access to 110km
of immaculate slopes suitable for all
ages and preferences. As heavenly as
the conditions for winter sports are, they
are equalled by the wellness facilities.
Two well-known gourmet highlights
can be enjoyed high above the
clouds: the 360° “Top Mountain Star”
panorama bar at an altitude of 3080m
or the sunny “Hohe Mut Alm” mountain
restaurant at an altitude of 2670m.
Stylish après ski and the sophisticated
spa culture of varied top-class hotels on
site make your stay an unforgettable
experience. wobergurgl.com
A Peak of Design on Gaislachkogl Mountain in Sölden
With the start of the winter season
2013, Sölden’s lift company will unveil
a new restaurant of innovative design
on top of the Gaislachkogl peak.
This unique restaurant combines
modern architecture, top culinary art
and direct access to the peak via a
suspension bridge. Together with
the high-tech Gaislachkogl lift, this
new culinary meeting place on top
of the mountain is to be a gourmet
experience at 3048m altitude.
The new restaurant promises Alpine
cuisine and wine culture for guests
occupying the 100 seats indoors and
70 more outdoors on the terrace, with
an additional sun-roof terrace on top
of the Gaislachkogl Mountain.
The restaurant design comes from
the renowned Tyrolean architecture
group Obermoser, who also planned
the three mountain railway stations.
The glass exterior affords spectacular
views of the Ötztal’s mountain
scenery and gives the building a
light and transparent feeling. This
new restaurant, together with the
top station of the lift system, makes
the Gaislachkogl one of Tyrol’s most
impressive skiing peaks from an
architectural viewpoint.
Top Cuisine at Top Location
It will not only be the skiing area’s
highest restaurant in terms of altitude,
but will also offer top cuisine. Under the
title of “Alpine Cuisine” the impressive
menu includes traditional meals from
the region, cooked exclusively with
high quality local ingredients. The
meals are served in a modern style,
24
accompanied by high-end Austrian
and international wines.
Wine is the central element and
among other top class wines, a so-
called “Pinot 3000” will be served –
a cuvee out of three different grape
varieties matured in casks on top of
the Gaislachkogl Mountain itself.
Infine weather selected gourmet
meals and drinks will be offered in the
new “Gourmet View” area on stylishly
decorated bistro tables. How about
some fresh oysters and champagne?
Breakfast on top of the mountain? An
Asian snack? Or something heartier
with Tyrolean speck and a nice bottle
of wine, a pot of sausages and draught
beer? soelden.com
25
The glass and steel structure
is built at an altitude of 3048
metres, which means that it is
built on permafrost. To avoid
movement and subsidence
the restaurant’s foundation is
built on adjustable baseplates,
similar to those used for
lift stations. As well as the
restaurant, the four-storey
building also includes the
“Top Lounge” – an 80m2
multimedia room with a terrace
for presentations, meetings,
conferences, or other exclusive
events. On the very top of
the building visitors can enjoy
the view outdoors. The roof
terrace is connected to the top
of the Gaislachkogl peak via
a suspension bridge, which
adds an additional highlight.
The entire building is barrier-
free and suitable for disabled
persons as well as pushchairs.
The Gaislachkogl restaurant will
be open from December with
planned night-time operation.
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SnowSure_LVWWC_Aug2013.indd 1 15/08/2013 09:51:15
Three Days Off -Piste with Henry andHis Adventure TeamHenry is the leading authority on mountain and avalanche safety in the UK and is a fully qualifi ed ski instructor. His three day program based in Val d’Isère and Tignes combines great o� -piste skiing with the chance to understand the mountain environment and gain skills to stay safe out there. Courses are open to intermediate skiers and above (see website for more details) and run throughout the seasonfrom December to April.
www.henryoff piste.com
26
hen Stanislaw
Sosnowski’s daughter
asked him what he
wanted for his 90th
birthday his answer
wasn’t quite what she
expected. “I want to
ski,” he said. ‘I want to
feel the snow beneath my feet again.”
For many of us skiing has fast become
a seasonal holiday “must do” or with the
introduction of real snow indoor centres, an all
year round leisure activity, but when does it have
to end? As we begin to take hitting the slopes for
granted, is it age that will stop us in our tracks?
Thanks to The Snow Centre the long distance
travel difficulties maturity can often bring, didn’t
stop 90-year-old Stan getting back on his skis.
Stan from Surrey had skied all his life. He first
learned to ski as a young boy in Poland before the
war, on the hills just behind his house in the small
town of Chyrow. In those days boots were made of
leather, wooden skis were strapped on with leather
straps rather than bindings, and ski lifts hadn’t even
been dreamed of. It was all so simple – just pick
up your skis and walk up the hill and ski.
The war put an end to Stan’s skiing and, after
spending two years in a Siberian labour camp,
he joined the Polish army and ended up being
shipped to England where he joined thousands of
other young Poles as an RAF fighter pilot.
Stan’s birthday wish became a reality when The
Snow Centre put plans in place to host him in his
venture back onto the slopes. On Friday 26th
July 2013 Stan found his ski legs, becoming the
oldest person to ski the real snow, 160m Main
Slope. Our Team at The Snow Centre were so
pleased to offer Stan and family the chance to
enjoy a sport they thought unlikely they would
revisit again together.
The Snow Centre’s Managing Director, Ian
Brown said. “We aim to make the joys of
Snowsports and our fantastic facilities available
to as many people as possible. That’s why we
welcome a wide range of ages and abilities to our
slopes and go that extra mile to accommodate our
guests’ needs.”
W
27
YOU’RE NEvER TOOOLD TO SKI Young blood – 90-year-old hits the slopes of Hemel
F r e e s T Y l e r
28
From 14-year-old school boy to Freestyle Skier and
winner of the 2011 Ski and Snowboard Morrow Jam
Competition, Callum Welch has been skiing at The
Snow Centre since he was six years old; during this
time he has successfully competed in competitions
across the UK and in Switzerland.
Having been introduced to skiing on his family
winter holidays, Callum first tried skiing close to
home, at The Snow Centre, back in the days of
the dry ski slope. In May 2009, when the Snow
Centre re-opened with real snow on its slopes,
Callum’s passion for all things ski progressed to a
new level. With real snow on his doorstep, fitting
practice sessions in around his school studies
became much easier and three years ago he was
introduced to the joys of Freestyle Skiing.
Freestyle Skiing involves developing exciting
and challenging tricks in a snow park complete
with kickers, rails and half pipes. Taking inspiration
from Pro Freestyle Skiers and video edits, Callum
threw himself wholeheartedly into the world
of Freestyle and combined fun, hard work and
learning to achieve the high standard of Freestyle
Skiing he has reached today.
It doesn’t end there: when Callum isn’t sliding
on snow or travelling to the mountains, you can
find him preparing for his next competition in other
ways. Amongst other things Callum takes the time
to look after his ski equipment and keep himself
fit for the slopes through running and football.
Regular gymnastics sessions also contribute
towards his strength and the development of new
Freestyle Ski tricks.
Despite many believing skiing to be a seasonal
sport The Snow Centre allows Callum and many
others to train every week all year round. The Winter
Season offers him trips away to compete, but the
Snow Centre offers a place to train, compete and
have fun throughout the summer season too.
With an exciting Snowsports future ahead of him,
Callum Welch hopes to perfect many more Freestyle
tricks and win many more competitions. With
plans to seek further sponsorship to help fund his
spectacular achievements, it’s fantastic to witness the
opportunities a facility like The Snow Centre can offer.
: CALLUM WELCH
reestyle has been the biggest
thing in Snowsports for the
past few years and as ski
design has caught up with
snowboarding, anyone can
now take to the terrain park
features on one plank or two.
One of the great things
about indoor snow centres is that you can practise
your technique, and master your style, all year
round. As well as having a great time on the indoor
slopes whenever you like, when you get chance to
get out to the Alps, you already know the technique
and have the skills you need to master the terrain
park in whichever ski resort you roll up to!
our ever-Changing park
We design an all new terrain park on The Snow
Centre’s slopes every week. Each park design
includes up to eight freestyle features catering for
all ability levels. These usually include the biggest
kickers you’ll find in a British indoor snow centre!
It’s no surprise that The Whitelines Rail Tour voted
us “Best Park” earlier this year.
Our two main weekly community freestyle
evenings are Thursday Freestyle (6–10pm) and
Friday (6.30–11pm). Along with finding the new park
in tip top shape, there are our highly experienced
Freestyle coaches on hand to give you the best
advice – free of charge. Admission to either
evening is discounted to members and juniors.
On top of these regular weeknights we often host
special events such as All-Day Freestyle Saturdays
and work with organisations like Snowboard Club
UK (snowboardclub.co.uk) on other events.
The new park plans are published each week
online at thesnowcentre.com/freestyle/ where
you’ll also find online videos so you can see
what to expect. There are even specially filmed
hints and tips. Our Twitter feed
@the_snowcentre and Facebook page (‘The
Snow Centre – 6500 fans and counting can’t be
wrong!) are also good sources for info and the
latest community news.
(*You will however need to be a minimum Level
6 standard skier or boarder – check out our ‘What
Level Am I?” section at thesnowcentre.com/
lessons/ if you have any doubts!)
Freestyle Clinics
If you’re new to freestyle skiing or boarding then
our Freestyle Clinics are the best way to learn the
basics … or if you know them already, to brush up
on and progress your technique.
With the help of our expert freestyle instructors,
we will teach you how to best hit our range of
features and kickers. It won’t be long until you’re
enjoying our Thursday and Friday park features,
including our boxes, rails and kickers.
sponsored Freestylers
The Snow Centre is a leading sponsor of
emerging freestyle talent; after all this is an area of
Snowsports where Brits have gone all the way to
the top of the podium at senior international level.
Among the youngsters we’re supporting are
brothers Callum and Ross Welch (rosswelch.co.uk)
and 13-year-old freestyle snowboarder Cerys Allen.
All are already making their mark on the freestyle
scene nationally and internationally, competing
at events like the British Snow Tour and the
Relentless Freeze Festival.
F r e e s T Y l e r
f
29
30
ive-year-old Callum Christie
enjoyed his fifth birthday
party at The Snow Centre,
sledging with 17 of his
friends. Boys and girls hit the
slopes of Hemel Hempstead
on sledges, ringos and zipfys.
Having desperately
requested his very own sledging party months
before, Callum’s Mum, Emma Christie finally put
the date in the diary. “Callum, all of his friends
and the adults all enjoyed the party from start to
finish,” said Emma.
The children especially loved Snow Cat, who
visited them in the party room after sledging on
the slope. In fact the party was such a success
that many of Callum’s friends have already or are
now planning their own sledging party at The
Snow Centre.
Callum’s not done with the activities at The
Snow Centre yet; he like many others at the
party saw the joys of TSC’s latest attraction –
Arctic Alley – while they were out on the slope
sledging. When they are older they are keen
to have a go at sliding down the brand new
extreme Sledging Run.
f
PARTY TIME! The Snow Centre Is The Perfect Place For Your Child’s Party!
aking children up a mountain
can seem a daunting
prospect – even for parents
who were dedicated skiers
before parenthood. There are,
however, ways of ensuring it’s
fun, hassle free and enjoyable
for the whole family.
Travelling with a specialist is an obvious first
step. Ski Famille is fully focused on the needs of
families travelling with young children. All resorts
and properties have been chosen with the needs
of families in mind, but with no compromises in
terms of quality or location.
Whether you choose a catered chalet with
free childcare, a family-run spa hotel in a picture
postcard Tyrolean resort, or a self-catering
apartment in a high altitude modern residence,
you will return from the mountains well-rested,
well-fed and having enjoyed world-class skiing
or boarding.
Catered chalets
Ski Famille is best known for catered chalets
with inclusive in-house childcare. All Ski Famille
chalets are ski-in, ski-out or an easy walk from the
slopes. Childcare is included in the holiday price
and is hosted in the chalet you stay in, rather than
in an impersonal centralised crèche. Both you and
your children will quickly warm to the home from
home environment.
Inclusive Childcare
Ski Famille’s childcare service varies depending on
the ages of the children. For babies and toddlers, it
may mean tailored care in a warm and safe chalet
environment. Meanwhile older children might be
taking part in their very own “Winter Olympics”
or going on a Bear Hunt in the woods... don’t be
too concerned – in 22 years of searching the
Ski Famille nannies have yet to find a real one!
Children are also taken to and from ski lessons.
Expert Advice
All of Ski Famille’s UK office team are keen skiers
or snowboarders with young children of their own.
They know what is important when travelling with
children, and will help you select the best winter
sports holiday for your family’s needs. They can
arrange free nappies in chalets, private ski school
lessons, all of your lift passes – and can even
talk you through the chalet wine lists. What more
could you wish for?
Learn more at skifamille.co.uk or call 0854 64 437 64
T
31
SKIfAMILLE
Totally Ski.Exclusively family.
nce upon a time there were
three primary school teachers
called Sam (26), Jenny (21)
and Kirsty (23).
Sam thought they should all
get to know each other better
so suggested they all come to
The Snow Centre and learn to
ski and snowboard together.
Now with 10–15 lessons under their belts since
January all three now cruise around the slopes
without an instructor.
In fact Sam’s idea worked so well that the three are
not only off on a ski holiday to Austria this Christmas,
they’re also going to house share.
Sam’s Story
“I wasn’t so active before coming here. I’ve got no
coordination whatsoever but I’ve managed it. It
was more of a workout at the beginning but I think
it’s reignited my interest in being active. I don’t
remember learning to swim but snowboarding is
fresh in my mind so it feels like a real achievement. I
had a break and felt a bit demoralised when I came
back to see the others had progressed without me
but Jenny persuaded me to continue. That’s where
0
32
ONCEUPON A TIMEThe Story of Three Primary School Teachers Learning To Snowboard At The Snow Centre.By Dave Rogers, Ski & Snowboard Instructor
learning with people you know comes in really
handy.”
“I like that we make a whole event of it. It’s a good
way to catch up, the three of us. It’s a new skill. I like
learning new things and I found you do learn faster if
you have private lessons.”
Sam’s Hot Tip “In the beginning we were coming once every three
weeks or so but it wasn’t regular enough so we
stepped it up to once a week, and you learn faster
if you have private lessons.”
Jenny’s Story
Jenny had been a skier for six years but hadn’t
enjoyed it.
“Jenny who is not into sports at all has just taken to
this. We’ve been skiing for years and she’d admitted
she never got the hang of it. She hated it so much,
we’ve been astonished really,” said Jenny’s Mum,
Irene. “In the beginning we weren’t sure whether a
membership would be worthwhile but retrospectively
it would’ve made sense,” says Jenny, who bought an
unlimited pass in the summer.
Jenny’s Hot Tip: “Wear knee pads.”
Kirsty’s Story
Kirsty has been tap dancing since age two and
had skied once on a dry slope but considered
herself a beginner.
“I haven’t been on a cold holiday so I didn’t know
what to expect. The Snow Centre is really tall and I
can’t believe how good the snow is. You can do it all
year round and as The Snow Centre is open late we
can come here straight after work and there’s the
restaurant for afters.”
kirsty’s Hot Tip “Try and find a quieter time to come as you’ll feel
more confident. Learn with friends because it makes
it more exciting and it makes you more determined.
Don’t be afraid just enjoy it.”
Conquering The SlopeThe trio started with group lessons, with a
frequency of one lesson every three to four weeks
but decided the frequency of lessons wasn’t
enough so they started coming every week. They
enjoyed slow motion skiing past high fives and
stopping off to have a dance to the music
Jenny and Sam snowboarded in group lessons,
first with instructor John Challis, then with Kris
Amstutz, then had a private lesson with Dave
Rogers, whom they requested for the remainder of
their lessons. Kirsty learned to ski in group lessons
with Tom Harkins (Group) and had a private lesson.
“You see all the skilled people and you think you
must look uncontrolled, but then we didn’t look bad
on video,” said Sam.
“You feel like everyone is watching you all the time
but when you sit in the restaurant you realise they
don’t,” added Jenny, even though the friends play
“The Numbers Game,” when they are sat up in The
EDGE and try to guess who out of five people skiing
down the slope is most likely to fall over!
Family DinnersAfter each lesson, Kirsty’s mum Julie and Jenny’s
Mum Irene, who is in the process of moving to
Austria, join them for dinner in The EDGE.
“We are now experts at commentating,” says Julie.
“Ski Sunday will be calling us. We can tell what’s
wrong and what isn’t.”
“It’s great what with us moving to Austria and them
being dead excited to come and visit,” said Irene. “I
stopped skiing before because Jenny didn’t enjoy it.
We used to just sit in the cafés on the mountain and
not ski. She came home and was so pleased when
she could do it.”
“You might as well put a caravan in the car park,”
added Julie.
“I think Kirsty’s confidence has really come on and
it makes me itch to do it. I’m the only one in the
family who doesn’t ski or board now.”
The three all now visit The Snow Centre once or
twice every week and are thinking of becoming
members so as to access additional discounts
and special offers. Kirsty is looking at an unlimited
pass like Jenny (who has also bought her own
snowboard boots) already has.
Besides learning a new skill, the three friends all
agree that they have got to know each other a lot
better as a result of coming here.
33
34
ki and
snowboard
instructor
courses
were once
considered a
great gap year
option. And
although they still are the best way to
spend a season on snow, more winter
sports enthusiasts see becoming
instructors as a career option.
So how do you become an instructor?
To instruct worldwide you must take an
internationally recognised qualification.
In Canada these are authorised by
the Canadian Ski Instructors Alliance
(CSIA) and the Canadian Association of
Snowboard Instructors (CASI). In New
Zealand the NZSIA is the umbrella
organisation for ski and snowboard
instructor qualifications. In the UK the
British Association of Snowsports
Instructors (BASI) trains and certifies
skiers and boarders.
BASI run Level 1 courses in the UK
for instructors who want to teach on
artificial snow.
To work in the mountains, Level
1 and Level 2 courses are run in
Canada, New Zealand, and in the
case of BASI, in Europe.
Courses last from 3 to 18 weeks –
November to April in Canada, June
to October in New Zealand, and
December to April in Europe.
Once qualified you can work
anywhere in the world.
The Winter Sports Company has
managed instructor courses for
eight years. They provide the best in
training and give ongoing assistance
to find work after a course.
If you are interested in Canada, an
18-week course at the ski-in, ski-out
resort of Sun Peaks is an amazing
way to spend a season on snow. Here
the empty pistes – and the quality
snow school – guarantee a truly
Canadian experience.
For New Zealand the 10-week
course is run at Cardrona, staying
in the town of Wanaka. This is a
beautiful place, and there is no doubt
you will fall in love with New Zealand.
For a BASI qualification there can
be no better course than a 15-week
programme in Courmayeur, Italy. Here
you can qualify as a Level 2 instructor
within 10 weeks then roll straight into
paid work, teaching school groups
from the UK.
This all-inclusive training course
sees you learn, train and earn all in
one season.
All Winter Sports Company course
prices include flights, accommodation
and meals. There are no hidden costs
– pain free for budgeting with no
nasty surprises.
S
TRAIN WORk +LIvE SKIINg OR
BOARDINg
lready famous for our
children’s parties, The Snow
Centre is an excellent venue
for adult groups to have fun
in too.
If you’re planning a party,
corporate event, birthday
bash or reunion and trying to
find a venue with that extra wow factor then why
not throw some snow into the mix!
Fun on the snow doesn’t just mean skiing
or boarding, although we can offer Beginner
Lessons and cater for more experienced skiers
as part of a corporate or group event if you wish,
there’s actually plenty of fun to be had sledging
together or perhaps tackling our new Arctic Alley
high speed run on a Ringo.
Few party venues or corporate team building
exercises can match up to the chance of hitting the
snowy slopes together. You could do anything from
learn a new skill and progress together skiing or
snowboarding or just have effortless fun sledging.
There’s nothing quite like rolling around in the
snow to bring everyone together on one of our Team
Nights, tailor-made packages or Group Lessons.
Off-Piste
Along with snowy slopes and our skilled staff
to look after you, The Snow Centre boasts fully
equipped, bright air-conditioned conference
suites with panoramic views over the slopes and a
fully licensed bar and restaurant.
Our Corporate Team can create on and off
the slope or combined full day and half day
packages, with delicious buffets and many
other combinations to tailor for your individual
requirements.
It is also possible to hire the entire slope and the
bar for private use and corporate functions with all
equipment included.
More Information
Conference Suite hire £60 per day.
Full facility hire (slope and The EDGE CaféBar)
from £500 for 2 hours or £750 for 3.5 hours.
For more information on any of our group
packages contact our Corporate Team:
[email protected]; 0845
258 9000 (Select option 4)
Team Night Out
Our regular Team night Out is a great night to get
your friends and colleagues together for some fun
and challenging activities on the slope. Take on
the Snowman Skittle challenge, Snow Scooters
and much more. The winning team on the night
take home an annual membership each!
A
35
Great For Adult Groups!family, friends and corporate are all welcome at The Snow Centre!
Thank you very much for
an excellent day yesterday,
all of our guests thoroughly
enjoyed themselves. I was
very impressed with the
catering, being constantly
refreshed and clean.
RuTH DaleevenT ORGanISeR,lanD ROveR
36
ave you ever wondered how we
make perfect snow day-in, day-out
at The Snow Centre? It’s not as
easy as it might seem! And making
the snow is just a part of it; once it’s
made we need to maintain the snow
in a fresh and fluffy condition and
make sure it never gets icy or slushy.
The World’s Best Indoor SnowIndoor snow making has come on leaps and bounds
since the first refrigerated indoor snow centres
appeared in the late 1980s. Back then people
skied on a kind of vaguely snow-like chemical goo
spread on a sloping ice rink! Today, like all of the
world’s best indoor snow centres, The Snow Centre
uses snow making equipment supplied by Acer
SnowMec, a British company which has pioneered
the manufacture of real snow indoors, with no
chemical additives, since the early 1990s. Acer
SnowMec’s prestigious client list is spread across
dozens of countries, including the famous Ski Dubai.
How Do We Do It?Unlike a regular ski area, the snow has been lying
deep and thick and even on the slopes of The Snow
H
Centre for more than four years now – although it is of
course constantly replenished to keep the cover fresh.
Altogether there’s about 5000 tonnes of snow lying
on our slopes with the snow approximately half a metre
deep, providing optimal cooling from the underfloor
cooling system.
Of course with the temperature maintained a little
below zero all year round, we don’t get the daytime
thaw you get at a regular ski area as temperatures
warm up, but on the other hand we do need to refresh
the snow surface so it doesn’t get “tired”, so a certain
amount of snow is removed to keep the surface
constantly fresh.
Every night after the last person has left the slope
we bring the temperature of what we call “the snow
box” at The Snow Centre down to -6 °C for maximum
efficiency before we make fresh snow.
Our snow falls from eight gantry and two portable
mounted snow guns. You won’t normally see them
making snow during your visit, as few people enjoy an
indoor blizzard. On special occasions, including our
fourth birthday last May, we have given people the
chance to ski in falling indoor snow!
Efficient + Eco FriendlyBeing snow fans we care about looking after the
snow on our slopes and on the mountains, so it’s not
surprising we take steps to be as environmentally
friendly as possible. In fact The Snow Centre has to
be very efficient in order to be a viable business, and
because The Snow Centre is so well designed, keeping
our snow cold uses less energy than keeping a building
of similar dimensions warm in the winter.
In the snow box there is a ventilation system
controlled by the CO2 level. This can both extract or
add in cool air to keep the centre at the most efficient
operating temperature.
The cooling of our slope is also very efficient – the
walls are very thick to keep the cold in, and unlike
snow domes built on stilts, as some are to create a
slope on flat ground, The Snow Centre is built on a hill
so the ground temperature can be controlled. The roof
is also an organic living green roof, which also helps
with the insulation!!
Keeping It SmoothWe operate a special groomer or ‘piste basher’
designed for indoor use. Unlike the groomers used
outdoors, ours is electric so there are no emissions to
pollute the air indoors.
We groom the slope every evening after use. This is
to give the snow time to settle before our guests hit
the slopes.
Did You Know?Another way in which we differ from conventional ski
areas is that our lifts have to work much harder. Most
ski resorts only operate for 7 hours a day for about 4
months of the year. At The Snow Centre we open our
slope as early as 8am and close as late as 11pm, 12
months a year – so typically twice as long a day, for
three times as long as a ski season, which equals six
times the annual usage.
So keeping our machinery working at maximum
efficiency is always a challenge, but one we’re up to!
Meet The TeamTo make all this happen The Snow Centre has a
dedicated team of eight Team Members led by Facilities
Manager David “Wilko” Wilkinson, who has been head
of the hardworking Technical Team since The Snow
Centre opened. The Team is responsible for creating
the snow on the slopes, driving the piste basher and
generally keeping things running smoothly throughout.
37
Surprise snow deliveries!
Dropping tonnes of snow anywhere, from school playgrounds, to
zoos, during the summer offers everyone the chance to cool down
with some unique snowball fun. On the other hand, creating real
life winter wonderlands and spreading a little of the white stuff at
seasonal markets in the colder months makes the festive period all
that more magical! We love delivering all kinds of snow surprises all
year round. In fact The Snow Centre Team have even been known
to build ski slopes in central London.
If you would like your very own special snow delivery contact our
team on 0845 258 9000.
38
o what is a Ski Instructor Gap Course?A ten week training course
which prepares you for and
provides you with an instructor
licence. The exams assess your
skiing on piste and bumps, and
your ability to demonstrate the
central theme (technical progression from beginner
to parallel skiing) as well as your ability to teach! In
addition you can also expect to have a lot of fun, ski
off-piste, learn new skills, make friends from around
the world and of course enjoy some partying.
What can I expect of an Instructor Gap Course?Lots of skiing! The main element of the course is to
improve your personal skiing! This is usually achieved
by having training from top qualified coaches from
around the world, who will push you to learn and
develop your skiing and understanding of skiing.
Most providers also use video analysis so that you can
see for yourself the improvements to be made and
also develop your own knowledge of what makes a
good skier. The top qualified coaches will help you
understand exactly what you need to be able to do on
skis and how to reach this goal. Lectures often take
place to help you understand the terminology and
various other elements involved in the system.
Can I expect to actually work as an instructor after the course?This will depend on the resort you choose. For
example in France it is not realistic to work with
solely a BASI Level 2 qualification; you would
need to do further exams which are not included
in a gap course. Switzerland and Austria are
probably the easiest places in Europe to work.
Some gap providers are in-house and often
recruit students after the course to work for their
school during the busy periods of the season. In
such cases be aware priority for work is always
given to students attending their own in-house
gap courses.
What is included in the course fee?The Altitude Gap Course includes
accommodation, more than 200 hours of training,
your food 5 days a week, a season lift pass and
transfers from the airport. You can also expect
discounts on equipment and drinks in the local
bars, some happy memories and of course new
friends for life. When deciding on a gap course,
the main things to check are: who is delivering the
course and the number of training hours; check
the coaches are top qualified coaches with lots of
experience! Also, I would recommend asking for
pass rates and to talk to previous students.
Altitude Verbier
Altitude Ski and Snowboard School run their own
in-house BASI Gap Course in Verbier, Switzerland. If
you would like further information about becoming a
ski instructor then please contact Laura on
[email protected] or visit the website
altitude-futures.com
S
WANT TO BE AN INSTRUCTOR? A bad day in the powder is always better than a good day in the office – Becoming a ski instructor in VerbierBy Jon (Aka Westy)At Altitude Verbier
for great value skiing in France by coach, air, train & self-drive
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Free Ski PassesFree and half price ski passes
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16433 SNO Hemel Ski Slope Ad_Layout 1 06/08/2013 15:50 Page 1
39
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he Snow Centre prides
itself on offering the “best
Snowsports instruction
this side of the Alps” with
a highly qualified team of
instructors, but it’s not just
about mainstream teaching
– the centre is also home to
Snowbility, a provider of Snowsports coaching for
people with additional needs, which has recently
been recognised by the National Autistic Society
for its impressive results with children and adults.
Richard Fetherston, who joined The Snow
Centre soon after it opened as an instructor
and Duty Manager, is the driving force behind
Snowbility, which was established two years ago
in October 2011 to make a difference through
Snowsports to individuals with additional needs.
Richard’s students have a variety of needs such
as autism, dyspraxia, deafness or rehabilitation
challenges and he and his fellow instructors are
achieving dramatic results not just in improving and
developing their physical skills but in their social
skills, confidence and ability to communicate.
“My hobby is skiing,” said Richard. “My work is
motivating and inspiring my students to achieve
their potential through Snowsports.”
Snowbility tailor each session specifically for each
student, working with their parent, carer or school
to understand their individual requirements.
The lessons take place at The Snow Centre
alongside regular users of the slopes and
integrating the students with other skiers and
snowboarders can be a real confidence boost.
“We work with the students to understand
how they react, reading their non-verbal
communication, ability to balance and relate to
other users and reward and chart their progress,”
Richard continued.
Sometimes one on one sessions are combined
with, or replaced by, family sessions depending
on the needs of the student.
“Seeing a child empowered by their ability on
skis to feel parity with their siblings is hugely
rewarding,” Richard added, “as they develop their
confidence and enjoyment on the snow so it can
help boost their self-esteem and ability to relate to
other people.”
A typical Snowbility student is James – a young
man in his late twenties who has a mixture of
health and learning issues that lead him to need
daily one on one care.
Leaving the safety of his own home for a public
place creates significant anxiety and social and
communication skills are a constant struggle for him.
Working with Richard at The Snow Centre over
several years has seen a marked improvement
in James’ ability to ski, developing his physical
fitness and demonstrating skills that far exceeded
expectation. But just as important are the
improvements to his psychological well-being, with
a reduction in his levels of anxiety and a greatly
improved ability to communicate after his lessons.
“These skills are so valuable to his
development,” said his mother Helen, who is his
primary carer. “The improvements to both his
verbal and communication skills and to his ability
to tolerate others have made a real difference.”
“My aim is to establish The Snow Centre as the
primary centre for excellence for Snowbility and
then encourage other real snow centres around
the UK to offer a similar programme. We want to
make a positive difference through Snowsports to
as many people as possible,” concludes Richard.
snowbility.co.uk
T
41
IMPRESSIVE RESULTS FOR SNOWBILITY
AT THE SNOW CENTRE
42
any of you may have
met Snow Cat at our
Sledging or Snow
Scooter Parties, at
events and out on our
snowy slopes. The
Snow Centre mascot,
Snow Cat has graced
us with his presence since the centre opened four
years ago and now, for the first time ever, you can
take your very own Snow Cat
home with you!
However, he doesn’t have
to stay home bound; in fact
Snow Cat loves getting out and
about so much we’ve given
him his own passport. He has a
checklist of places he just can’t
wait to visit, from The London
Eye to the Austrian Mountains,
and you can help him see them
all and WIN yourself some great
prizes along the way.
We have skiing and snowboarding lessons , lift
passes, sledging and arctic alley sessions, plus
delicious family meals to give away. So pick up or
order your Snow Cat at The Snow Centre now and
start your own Snow Cat adventure today.
Snow Cat isn’t camera shy! All you have to do
to WIN some of these fantastic prizes is snap
him having fun in all the “must go” places in his
passport and more. Then return his completed
passport to The Snow Centre reception. Make
sure you send The Snow Centre these happy
snappies on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram; we
love to see Snow Cat on tour and you might just
WIN yourself some extra goodies too!
Get your Snow Cat Passport from The Snow Centre reception right now.
Need some inspiration? Check out some of the places Snow Cat has already been on our website!
Every completed passport returned before 30 September 2014 will WIN a prize. Subject to availability. One prize per completed passport. Further terms and conditions may apply.
M
THE ADvENTURES OF SNOW CAT! Start your Snow Cat adventure today and you might WIN some fantastic prizes!
SNOW+ROCK, THE SNOW CENTRE, ST ALBANS HILL, HEMEL HEMPSTEAD, HERTFORDSHIRE, HP3 9NH. TEL: 01442 250099
PLUS 9 OTHER STORES ACROSS LONDON AND THE SOUTH EAST:BRIGHTON I CHERTSEY I CROYDON I ROMFORD I PORTSMOUTH I COVENT GARDEN I KENSINGTON I MONUMENT
FOR A FULL LIST OF STORES AND TO SEE OUR FULL RANGE GO TO:
WWW.SNOWANDROCK.COMSTORE ALSO INCLUDES: CYCLE SURGERY
Find the world’s best snow sports brands atThe Snow Centre, Hemel Hempstead
no hasslesexchange
boot comfortguarantee
uk pricematch
£0%fi nance
%
Test all the latest skis and snowboards with our Demo Pool.*
Get your equipment serviced at our on site workshop.*
Master boot fi tters in-store.
Experienced staff available for advice and tips.
Learn about servicing at regular workshop evenings - ask in store for details.
*Fees apply.
3541 S+R HemelSnowsureAd.indd 1 09/08/2013 12:57
www.enjoyhertfordshire.com @enjoyherts