Ski Blog | France
CAN YOU SKI ON YOUR BIRTHDAY?
I’ve always envied people who can ski on their birthday – I learnt to ski when I was 8 years old and yet have never been able to ski on my birthday.
One of my sisters has a March birthday and has regularly skied on her birthday – including her 40th in Whistler!
My girlfriend only learnt to ski two years ago and has already skied on her birthday – celebrating in St Anton!
She did ski as well as apres! 
Me – I have a November birthday so it’s not as easy as it may sound.
I mean it’s easy if your birthday is between December and April – the European and North American season are underway and you’ll have lots of opportunities.
If you have a summer or autumn birthday June to October and you’re prepared to travel you’ll find some options in Argentina, Chile or New Zealand and if you’re lucky Australia!
Even glacier skiing in somewhere like Tignes you could have skied from 2nd July to 28th August this year.
So it’s really only a couple of months that it gets a bit tricky! Yes I know a glacier will be open somewhere in Europe if I really wanted to but even Deux Alpes was closed on my birthday this year being open from 22nd October 2016 to 1st November 2016 and then again from 3rd December.
So this year after 30...er...ahem... something years I finally got to ski on my birthday! I was on a road trip in the US and right at the end managed to get to Mammoth and get a days skiing in! With a visit to a ski outlet shop and hire kit I cobbled enough together to ski!
They only had about 6 lifts open and the conditions weren’t great and the lift pass still cost a whopping great full price 99US$! Well unless it’s your birthday and they give you 50% off!
Nice birthday present and I SKIED ON MY BIRTHDAY!! 
So is November the worst birthday month to ski or are there other months that are as bad?
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Is Chamonix the perfect ski town?
Chamonix has been synoymous with skiing and snowboarding since the early 1900's and the first ever Winter Olympics - held in Chamonix in 1924 - put it firmly on the map as a premier winter sports destination. More than 90 years on, it still has a place in most skiers 'top 10'. But unlike some of the other mega resorts, Chamonix has kept a charm and sense of history, not to mention more accommodation options than almost any other ski resort. ranging from small self catering apartments up to 5* hotels.
The reason for this is the unique layout of the town, the Chamonix Valley encompasses 16 little hamlets and villages with a variety of accommodation unmathced by most other ski areas.
Earlier this season we visited and stayed in Vallorcine, lying to the east of Chamonix town close to Switzerland, Vallorcine is a pretty hamlet with some excellent restaurants, and direct access to one of the main 5 Chamonix ski areas - Le Tour. Crucially there is also a train station with direct access to the town, so staying here and skiing the multiple Chamonix areas without a car is perfecrtly possible, though personally we enjoyed the flexibility of a rental car, and saved the train for one atmospheric ride to town.
We stayed at the 5* Vallorcine Residence and Spa. Perhaps a surprising find in a small hamlet, this impressive property combines apartment accommodation with a large spa complex with indoor pool, gym, massage and other spa services and a stunning ice rink lying in the brooding shadow of Le Tour.
Although there is no restaurant on site there are several excellent options within a 5 minute walk. Breakfast can be DIY in your apartment with fresh bread and croissants from the excellent on site bakery, who also offer a good value breakfast buffet. An on site ski hire shop is well stocked and friendly staff will arrange liftpasses and anythng else you need.
Snow conditions were best described as 'variable' but one of the beauty's of Chamonix is even when there is a lack of snow the sheer size, variety and layout of the ski areas means good snow can always be found somewhere, and boredom is never an issue as each area has its own distinct character. We skiied Brevent and Les Grand Montets over a 3 night stay and despite sunny skies more in keeping with Easter than Christmas skiing, we still had a great time with a mix of cruising pistes and more challenging terrain. Chamonix has a reputation as an 'experts resort' but really that's due to the extensive off-piste, for which you must have a guide, rather than the variety or marked pistes which offer plenty of options for intermediates.
Why Ski At Easter?
Thirty years ago, going on a family ski holiday was considered a real luxury, or at least only reserved for those who are in the upper reaches of the middle classes. Now, in the wake of budget airlines, better transport facilities and more affordable accommodation, the ski holiday has become a lot more accessible and feasible. Having said that, the Government and authorities are certainly seem to be trying their hardest to make it as difficult as possible to go on a family ski trip.
Officially, we are not allowed to take our kids out of school to go on trips (even ones like a ski holiday that will benefit them greatly in the great University Of Life), so we are forced like cattle to only go away in school holidays.
Now, with the ski season only five months at best in Europe, our choices are limited to Christmas, half-term and Easter.
It goes without saying that the February half-term is often the most snow sure, but for this reason it is the most popular time of year to go and so therefore can be busier out there on the slopes.
Another factor to consider is that because Half-Term is at the peak of the ski season, it can be colder out on the mountains. Make sure you have all the proper gear including neck warmers that you can pull up over your nose to keep the bitter wind and driving snow away from your face
Christmas is a pleasant time to go and there is something magical about being in snow at this time of the year. But, whilst many people believe December, January and February are the only months where snow covers the Alpine slopes, there’s actually far more to offer beyond that and many believe the best is yet to come.
The Easter break falls right in the middle of that late season period and it’s my personal favourite time to hit travel to the Alps. It’s normally quieter on the slopes that it is during the other school holiday times and the snow is usually surprisingly good and in recent years it has been fantastic at Easter with a fresh dump of snow fall across most large areas of the Alps.
For me though, the best thing about Easter Skiing is the weather. There is no better feeling than shredding the slopes in bright glorious sunshine! There seems to be a different and relaxed ambiance out on the slopes, with many skiers and snowboarders casually weaving down the slopes without a jacket on, and in some cases, just a T-Shirt. At lunch times, the mountain restaurants have rows and rows of deckchairs full of skiers and snowboarders packed out with sunglasses, tanning themselves as if they are on a beach in Benidorm. In these conditions, a very high sun block screen is a must (including a lip seal) - it is amazing the amount of people who do not bother or simply forget and then look like a lobster by the end of the day.
The days are also longer and brighter so you can squeeze more slope time out of the afternoon. And believe me, you will want to! I have always found that because the weather is warmer, I am not itching to get off the slopes and head to the nearest alpine bar to get a hot chocolate or Glühwein as soon as it is 3pm Instead, I want to shred every minute that I possibly can until the chair lifts close, then head over to the nearest deckchair with a cold beer in hand (and of course with the mandatory sunglasses on), to drink in the atmosphere and beauty of the Alps, enjoying the warmth on my face of the last rays of sun that the day has to offer. Bliss!
Easter skiing is also cheaper because it is not peak season, with excursions and lift passes reduced in price from that of the Half-Term holidays. Family ski holidays can be expensive so booking for Easter really can save a lot of money.
So the next big question is where to go? The obvious answer to this, just like in the quiz show Play Your Cards Right (if you are old enough to remember the 80’s show presented by the one and only Bruce Forsyth) and go Higher! The higher the resort the more snow sure it is likely to be.
In France, you could consider the Espace Killy resorts of Val d’Isère (1,850m) and Tignes (2,100m). Val d’Isère has many north facing slopes and so it’s not as affected by the spring sunshine as some other ski areas. Tignes is not only higher, but it also boasts glacier skiing at Grande Motte (3,400m) which can stay open for 9 months of the year!
Val Thorens (up to 3,200m) is Europe’s highest major ski resort and is about as ‘snow sure’ for Easter as you can get. Also, while considering France, you can do no wrong in heading over to the Paradiski area to Les Arcs and La Plagne, This vast ski area is one of the biggest in the world and offers something for everyone; including glacier skiing.
If you want to travel further afield than France, then you may want to consider Zermatt (up to 3,899m) in Switzerland. Zermatt has a huge glacier ski area as well as some of the highest slopes in Europe. The scenery is spectacular with the iconic Matterhorn dominating the skyline.
In Austria, the lively resort of St.Anton (up to 2,450m) boasts a great snow fall record for March and the beginning of April with fresh snow dumps not that un-common.
So, if you want a family ski trip on a budget, would rather ski in glorious sunshine rather than being so cold that your toes feel as if they are being gnawed by a snowvole, and enjoy a more relaxed atmosphere with less crowds, then Easter time is for you.
Mark Barber
Where’s the snow?
Are you panicking yet? Have you got a Christmas ski holiday or New Year ski trip booked and been scared by the media that you won’t have any snow when you go skiing?
Yes it’s the usual annual media free for all - writing scare stories, overhyping, sensationalising and making things up! Really? The press do that? Surely not I hear you say! Afraid so I say!
It seems to happen every year – either at the beginning of December or nearer Christmas depending on what they have to fill up their grubby pages with.
Right now if you believe the press you’d think it was a disaster but there are loads of resorts opening early. How does that work then?
It will snow – it always does. It’s just a case of when does it arrive? Sometimes it comes early and sometimes later – last year for example Christmas skiing wasn’t great but over one weekend it dumped and New Year week was powder snow heaven!
Not so great if you were out at Christmas of course but the panic and concern for New Year skiers was gone overnight – well unless you were stuck in a snowy traffic jam for 12 hours! You can’t win can you?
Anyway we can’t control it and if you skied at a certain time last season it doesn’t mean that the weather and snow will be equally good or bad at the same time this season!
Yes I do really get phone calls asking to go the second week in March as last year the snow was…… anyway that’s a different story!
Whenever and wherever you go we hope you get a load of snow!
And if you don’t then remember you are on holiday and get out and explore the resort and fill your days with all of those off slope activities you keep meaning to do every year but never do because you don’t want to miss a days skiing. Enjoy!
Debunking 11 Skiing Myths!
This is a guest blog by Sara from New Generation Ski & Snowboard School
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Whether you're a beginner or have skied for years it's hard to know if what you're doing is right, with so much contrasting advice out there. Especially, as what we know to be correct now, is very different from what was advised back when skinny skis were the norm. So if, like me, your legs appear to be tied together, or you're wondering whether you really should be leaning back off piste, here are a few ski myths demystified by one of our Courchevel instructors.
Bend the knees – MYTH!
Actually you need to bend the ankles. If you bend your knees then you sit back and will be out of balance. The flex should actually start from the ankle which means your hips and knees will follow and you'll stay centred
Lean forward – MYTH!
Try to avoid leaning forward. Instead, aim to be central. This is so you can use the whole of the ski from tip to toe, and your pivot point for initiating the turn is right under your foot.
Ski boots should hurt – MYTH!
Ski boots are not meant to be tight or uncomfortable. They should be well fitted. No movement in your foot, but you should be able to wiggle your toes.
Wear thick ski socks to keep your feet warm – MYTH!
Wearing thin, non-cotton socks will give you a better feel for your boot and ski. Wearing two pairs, or socks to thick, will make you hot and sweaty, and then as you cool down will make you cold.
I'm too old / young to ski – MYTH! - probably not! It doesn't matter if you are three or 83. While learning to ski might be tiring, if you are physically active in everyday life, then you should be able to learn to ski. It’s like riding a bike.
I must ski with my feet as close together as possible – MYTH!
Having a wide, shoulder-width stance keeps you balanced and centred.
I need to dig my edges in when it's icy – MYTH!
Actually, you need less edge and more balance.
It's safe to ski off piste if there are tracks to follow – MYTH!
You don't know how experienced those skiers or boarders are, or what equipment they had. You might even be following parapent tracks! It’s best not to take that risk.
I have an airbag and transceiver. I am safe to go off piste – MYTH!
Unless you know the area and all your party have experience and training on how to use the equipment then you could be at risk. If in doubt, go with a guide or instructor.
When skiing off piste you should always lean back – MYTH!
You should try to maintain a centred balance to manipulate the skis under your feet. If you bring your skis closer together, bounce more and stay centred you’ll feel the joy of skiing powder.
I can ski black runs and fast so I don't need lessons – MYTH! Actually skiing in control and rate of descent is the challenging part. We can help you explore the mountain safely and improve your technique.
Hopefully that has cleared up some of those nagging questions you’ve always pondered as you your mind wanders on that cold chair lift. If you’ve got any other myths you’d like debunking then drop us a line to info@skinewgen.com and we’ll get one of our instructor team on the case.
Flexible Catering for your Ski Accommodation!
This is a guest blog by Chez Toi.
So everyone who has ever skied knows about the traditional ‘Catered Chalet’ holiday which has been around for decades. You probably also know that you can stay in self-catered accommodation, be it an apartment or chalet which is rented as a whole. But did you know that you can have the best of both worlds? That’s right, in a few selected ski resorts you can now have the luxury of a catered chalet, combined with the freedom and flexibility of renting your own self-catered property. Morzine and Les Gets are two of the these ski resorts.
Why not just book a package holiday?
In recent years people have started to look at options to tailor make their own ski holidays. Of course this has been helped along by the advent of the ‘budget airline’. The likes of Easyjet and Ryanair now supply airports across the Alps and from many regional UK airports, making it easy and cheap to travel. Resorts such as Morzine, Les Gets and Chamonix benefit from being situated close to Geneva airport. This means short transfer times and plenty of well priced travel options available.
With more and more people booking their holidays piece by piece on the internet, there are now so many different types of holiday available in these resorts. Individuals based in these ski areas have answered the demand for more flexibility and it is now possible to book pretty much everything before you arrive in resort. From different catering options, to skis delivered to your chalet, to private ski lessons, childcare, pre-booked lift passes and so much more.
So how does flexible catering work?
Flexible catering has come about as the result of people demanding more choice between dining options in resort. Of course many people are happy with the six nights catering that you receive as standard during a one week chalet holiday. And some are still happy to go to the local supermarket and cook for themselves for the week. However a growing number of people are looking for a mixture of both. Perhaps you would like someone to cook for you on three evenings, eat out in a local restaurant for two and buy a frozen pizza for the other two. Well now this is not a problem.
At Chez Toi we aim to provide the catering package to suit you, in Morzine and Les Gets. We can provide a one off evening meal- maybe for a special occasion, or up to a full week fully catered package. Our chefs are flexible in what they offer and we will liaise with you before arrival in resort to agree menus. We will come to your chalet or apartment at a pre-agreed time to prepare and serve your meal. And the best part is we will clean up the kitchen and do the dishes afterwards so you won’t need to lift a finger!
For more information about the different packages on offer please take a look at our website or contact us by email.
Mint Snowboarding’s Guide to the Snowparks of the Portes du Soleil
This is a guest blog by Mint Snowboarding
The Portes du Soleil not only has an abundance of snowparks, but also some of the best snowparks in Europe. These parks cater for all levels of rider; from complete freestyle novices to world class pros. Local snowboard school, Mint Snowboarding, provide you with this guide to the best parks in the Portes du Soleil:
Avoriaz itself has a huge selection of snow parks sponsored by Burton and these are tiered to allow for rider development. The Avoriaz parks provide all you need; from short ride-on boxes, to little rollers, riders can get the feel of the terrain under them before stepping up to the medium size hits and rails off the ground. And once someone’s got the taste for air, they can light it up with gasoline and laser shows on the big jumps and in the Superpipe. Start small and learn big!
The Burton Parkway is the perfect entry level park for freestyle newbees. It has low-lying, wide boxes, very small jumps & rollers and is tucked away in a totally intimidation free zone!
Next is the Chapelle Park which is the perfect arena to learn, progress and hone your skills. Features vary every year, and throughout the season, but generally the Chapelle park has two blue jump lines, two jib lines as well as two green jump lines. Each line consists of 4 – 5 jumps or features. The jump lines range from tiny jumps to 10m table tops again with Burton’s Progression Park aim in mind. The jib lines include flat, wide boxes, a range or rails and other features.
The Arare Park contains much bigger features and there is a high level of riding to be seen here. There are usually a couple of smaller jumps at the top of the park which then lead into larger jumps ranging from 12m to 20+. There is usually a hip at the bottom of the park as well as an airbag which is free to use as well as a great way to learn tricks. The Arare park stays in the shade a lot of the day so landings can remain pretty solid mid winter.
Avoriaz also has a Superpipe which is well maintained on a daily basis. Avoriaz’s halfpipe is one of the best in Europe, yet it isn’t too imposing. Not only is the halfpipe right in the centre of the resort, but it is also serviced by its very own button lift so you can lap the pipe without unstrapping!
Avoriaz is also home to The Stash, a creative & organic snowpark invention by Burton. The Stash is a wooded tree run in the Lindarets bowl which is scattered with natural jibs, gaps, features & transitions. In this park there are rails, wall rides, logs, picnic tables all made out of natural materials. It is a great place to head in bad light / low visibility and is great fun to loop with friends, connecting hits and getting creative.
Les Crosets
Les Crosets, on the Swiss side of the Portes du Soleil, is home to a great in park for intermediate to expert level riders and is in a wonderful sunny location.
Jumps in Les Crosets range from 6m to 20m+ tabletops as well as a whole host of cool features. The line of about 6 smaller jumps are down the left hand side (skiers left) and the big jumps and jibs are in the centre and down the right hand side. At the bottom of the park there is a great natural halfpipe for boosting out of on the way down 8 man Express chairlift servicing the park.
The Chatel SmoothPark, located in the Super Chatel area, is a fun park with a wide range of jumps and jib features. It is generally quieter than the Avoriaz & Croset parks. In 2012 the Smoothpark hosted the French leg of the ‘Nike Chosen Series', giving proof that Chatel’s park shapers definitely know what they’re doing. At the bottom of the park is an airbag, free of charge and open from 12h to 15h. The park is service by two button lifts and also has a boardercross track down the length of it.
The park at Les Gets is on the Mont Chery area, which is south facing and in the sun all day. The park is serviced by an old two man chair and is always pretty quite so a good place to head to get away from the crowds during the holiday periods. The Mt Chery park has a number of features; from jumps, rails, boxes and often a wall ride at the bottom.
Les Gets is also home to a decent sized and well maintained boardercross course which runs under the Chavannes lifts. This is definitely the best of the board-cross courses in the Portes du Soleil and great fun for racing against friends.
There is a small park on the Nyon area of Morzine slopes, although not very well shaped and often full of ski schools. It does, however, have a fun boardercross course (although much smaller than the one in Les Gets).
Mint Snowboarding offers freestyle lessons, courses and snowboard camps for all levels in throughout the Portes du Soleil. They also offer group and private lessons, off piste sessions, instructor courses & much more!
For more information contact Mint here:
www.mintsnowboarding.com or 0033 680 77 66 09.
Edinburgh’s turn for Into The Mind
This is a guest blog from Emily Millns from www.subzeroevents.com
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After the success of the UK premiere of Into the Mind last week we are looking at a sellout at the Edinburgh premiere!
On the evening of Monday 14th October, Sub Zero Events in association with Sherpas Cinemas will be taking over the Pleasance Theatre in Edinburgh. Joining us are some great sponsors; Freeze Pro Shop, Syndicate, Sno Limit, Snow Camp & Hillend just to name a few.
There’s a raffle prize for everyone (almost) including:
- Salomon Jackets, pants & helmets,
- Fall line magazine subscription & gloves,
- Black Diamond back packs and hats,
- Syndicate goodies,
- Freeze pro shop - Oakley goggles
- Planks hats,
- John Mogul t shirt & leather gloves,
- Beginner lesson for 2 at Hillend,
- Coloud headphones,
- Arc'teryx Quintic 28 pack & hats,
- Recco t-shirts & avalanche DVDs,
- The North Face pack,
- Teva pack & boots,
- Blues 40% off voucher for Fischer vacuum boots,
- Stupid clothing goodies.
With stunning cinematography and groundbreaking storytelling techniques, the Sherpas (based out in Whistler, BC) blur the lines between dream state and reality, and immerse you into the mind of a common skier as he attempts to climb and ski the ultimate mountain.
Be the first to catch the film on the big screen, check out the sponsors, enter the raffle and do some shot skis. The event kicks off at 7pm and we will be partying apres ski style until 1am.
Tickets are £12 in advance from www.subzeroevents.com
See you Monday for a snow sports filled evening!
INTO THE MIND TRAILER EDINBURGH
New Ski Lift in Morzine
This is a guest blog from Tim Maitland from The Tasty Ski Company
The New Le Pleney Lift
With less than two months to go before the ski season begins we are all waiting with baited breath for resort life to kick back into action. Lots of holiday makers are looking forward to returning to their favourite spots, and also to see what is new in their top resorts. This has never been more true for Morzine with the construction of the new Le Pleney lift. The old gondola has been completely changed with a brand spanking new cable car that accesses both the Morzine and Les Gets ski areas. So how does this change the Portes du Soleil skiing for winter 2013/14?
Firstly the new gondola will provide an improved capacity and greater speed for anyone who uses it. Le Pleney lift is the main lift going out of Morzine towards Les Gets and also for all the skiing that heads back into Morzine town from Le Pleney side. It is possibly the busiest lift in the whole of the Portes du Soleil, particularly for holiday makers staying in Morzine who do not purchase a ski pass for Avoriaz and beyond. This is good news for families staying in Morzine, as the short trip over to the Les Gets skiing is often very popular.
Secondly the construction of the new gondola is an example of the continued development of Morzine as a skiing destination. It is one of the few established french ski resorts that still has a lot of area that can still be developed. This is in contrast to other large french resorts like Val d’Isere, Chamonix and The Three Valleys that are increasingly short of space. This results in lots of new accommodation popping up every year, and allows Morzine to be consistently more affordable than the other large alpine ski resorts.
And finally we don’t want to forget the mountain bikers! Le Pleney gondola was not in use for summer 2013 much to the frustration of downhill mountain bikers and walkers. However from 2014 there will be a faster service and larger capacity during the summer which can only be a good thing for the MTB enthusiasts!
The Tasty Ski Company run chalets in Morzine and Morillon and Tim will be writing some guest blogs through the season about food and will include some recipes! Yum! Looking forward to those!