After an excellent lunch back at the hotel, which is full board and fully inclusive and of course the food is excellent, we would probably stay out on the mountain all day if it wasn't and get some lunch in one of the many mountain restaurants, but as the hotel is ski to the door, good food and wine and a coffee before setting out to try and burn off the calories just eaten!
This afternoon was going to be completely off piste, not just in the powder just next to a freshly groomed piste, but walking past the sign that states 'hors piste' and in some cases 'danger' signs. But we were with an experienced guide from the French ski school, which I regard as one of the best. Our guide had arranged some avalanche transponder units for us to wear around our waists and checked they worked from his unit. I asked what happens if he gets caught in an avalanche how do we find him? To the reply 'well we are in trouble then!' but seriously he had what is called an ABS which is a avalanche bag, when he pulls the cord it inflates a large bag with the idea he floats on top of the avalanche. Nice idea, hope you never have to use it I thought. He then explained there are other avalanche aids such as an oxygen bag with a tube, this sits in the front of your jacket and gives you 3 hours of oxygen, hopefully enough to survive until you are found.
The snow had been kind to us, we had 30cm the night before and the sun was out so there was some nice fresh powder, not loads to enough to do what we wanted to do.
Our first area we visited was an area called 'Charvet' not steep but some virgin snow and away from the pistes. The views and the tranquil surroundings were just amazing, and straight away the feeling of the busy day to day world had been forgotten. The mountain goats watched us as we skied down to a path that followed a route back in to some civilization. Although the ski down this side of the mountain was not too difficult, probably just right for someone that only skies once a year, it was still a thrill of a lifetime, being able to look back at the fresh tracks just made by our small group.
We skied some other off piste areas with some walking and trudging through the snow, which can be quite difficult at a high altitude. Through using the lift system and pistes were used to only get to another off piste, we covered quite a lot of ground in one afternoon. Some tumbles but unfortunately I never got them on my new iPod with video, which was a shame as I could have put them on here to show all.
A fantastic first day and a well earned drink and cake back at the hotel.
Friday, 29 January 2010
Wednesday, 27 January 2010
Skiing holiday day 2 morning
When only skiing one week a year (due to funds, not due to the lack of wanting to!) the first morning of the skiing holiday of 2010 is here.
There has been a very recent snow fall of up to 30cm on the higher slopes and 15 - 20cm on the lower slopes. The pistes have been groomed and the sun is out shining on the top of the mountains as I look out the window as soon as I get up. For those passionate about things you will understand when I say I feel like a young child at Christmas all excited about getting out on the snow, I can't wait.
I head down to the self service breakfast, more food than you can wish for, back to the room to get my salopettes and ski gear ready, then down to the boot room to get my boots and skis and walk out onto the snow just outside the door which handily leads to a gentle slope to the lifts and cable car.
As a couple of us chose to ski with a guide for the week, we meet up and join the English speaking class for the off piste, our guide is called Stefan and turns out to be a great guide and good fun for the week. The class is mixed with one guy from Netherlands but living in Geneva (so he did not have far to travel) and a couple from France and a couple of guys from Israel.
For the first morning we ski as a couple of groups on piste to warm the legs up and get our ski legs back, it is a fast pace, but on freshly groomed piste that is an ideal start to what we hope to be a fantastic week. Snow boarders are put into a separate group so we are all skiers at a similar level, which always helps so there is no waiting around.
I have skied at Val d'Isere for a few years now, but never get tired of the 300km of piste and plenty of off piste, so with the morning consisting of good snow, freshly groomed pistes, sunshine and a steady group to ski with, it was a fantastic start to the week. After a few hours warm up we head back to the all inclusive full board hotel for our two hour lunch, which normally I would only stop for an hour, but with the food being so good, a glass of wine (when in France do as the French do) is my motto, and at that time I did not appreciate how good and tough the week was going to be, so although I like to class myself as fit to ski, I felt I needed the 2 hour lunches by the end of the week.
There has been a very recent snow fall of up to 30cm on the higher slopes and 15 - 20cm on the lower slopes. The pistes have been groomed and the sun is out shining on the top of the mountains as I look out the window as soon as I get up. For those passionate about things you will understand when I say I feel like a young child at Christmas all excited about getting out on the snow, I can't wait.
I head down to the self service breakfast, more food than you can wish for, back to the room to get my salopettes and ski gear ready, then down to the boot room to get my boots and skis and walk out onto the snow just outside the door which handily leads to a gentle slope to the lifts and cable car.
As a couple of us chose to ski with a guide for the week, we meet up and join the English speaking class for the off piste, our guide is called Stefan and turns out to be a great guide and good fun for the week. The class is mixed with one guy from Netherlands but living in Geneva (so he did not have far to travel) and a couple from France and a couple of guys from Israel.
For the first morning we ski as a couple of groups on piste to warm the legs up and get our ski legs back, it is a fast pace, but on freshly groomed piste that is an ideal start to what we hope to be a fantastic week. Snow boarders are put into a separate group so we are all skiers at a similar level, which always helps so there is no waiting around.
I have skied at Val d'Isere for a few years now, but never get tired of the 300km of piste and plenty of off piste, so with the morning consisting of good snow, freshly groomed pistes, sunshine and a steady group to ski with, it was a fantastic start to the week. After a few hours warm up we head back to the all inclusive full board hotel for our two hour lunch, which normally I would only stop for an hour, but with the food being so good, a glass of wine (when in France do as the French do) is my motto, and at that time I did not appreciate how good and tough the week was going to be, so although I like to class myself as fit to ski, I felt I needed the 2 hour lunches by the end of the week.
Tuesday, 26 January 2010
Skiing holiday day 1
After laying down a deposit what seemed like months ago, winter ski insurance booked, we were finally ready to go skiing in Val d'Isere in France. The all inclusive full board hotel which gives a fantastic service, excellent food, great boot and ski room, gym, sauna and spa area and not to forget ski to the door is worth every penny plus more, was all booked for the group of 20 of us. Flying from London Gatwick a few of my friends had far to travel so some stayed in a hotel in Gatwick and one of friends stayed with me as I am not far from Gatwick.
Saturday night was a meal down my local Indian restaurant before the early start Sunday morning. After a short drive to the airport, car parked and we all met inside the airport to get checked in. All checked in okay even with one minor hitch of the lead name not on the booking computer at the check in desk?
The short flight of about one and half hours to Geneva, we all collected our bags, boots, skis and boards for those that had them which is always a good start. Boarded the coach for a 3 hour coach journey to Val d'Isere, about the only downside to the holiday is this long transfer, but is worth it to ski at the Espace Killy region with over 300km of piste.
One brief stop on the way and 3 hours later we were in the hotel. Welcome drinks, a brief talk about the hotel which most of us already knew as this being the ninth year at this hotel.
My mate and I are very keen skiers so we got our bags in the room and took our boots straight down to the ski hire room within the hotel. Now our skis and boots in the boot lockers ready for the first morning.
We both signed up for the top ski class which is also included in the price which is more of the tour of the mountains and all off piste by the French Ski School (Ecole du ski Francais)
A good meal and not too much wine so as not to affect the first days skiing the following morning.
Saturday night was a meal down my local Indian restaurant before the early start Sunday morning. After a short drive to the airport, car parked and we all met inside the airport to get checked in. All checked in okay even with one minor hitch of the lead name not on the booking computer at the check in desk?
The short flight of about one and half hours to Geneva, we all collected our bags, boots, skis and boards for those that had them which is always a good start. Boarded the coach for a 3 hour coach journey to Val d'Isere, about the only downside to the holiday is this long transfer, but is worth it to ski at the Espace Killy region with over 300km of piste.
One brief stop on the way and 3 hours later we were in the hotel. Welcome drinks, a brief talk about the hotel which most of us already knew as this being the ninth year at this hotel.
My mate and I are very keen skiers so we got our bags in the room and took our boots straight down to the ski hire room within the hotel. Now our skis and boots in the boot lockers ready for the first morning.
We both signed up for the top ski class which is also included in the price which is more of the tour of the mountains and all off piste by the French Ski School (Ecole du ski Francais)
A good meal and not too much wine so as not to affect the first days skiing the following morning.
Friday, 15 January 2010
Exercise tips_one
As I am keen on fitness as well as my skiing as firmly believe a better level of fitness helps you enjoy your skiing or boarding more, so I thought I would run a session of fitness tips specifically for skiing.
First exercise on the quads (thigh muscles)
An exercise that can be done almost anywhere, so you do not need any expensive gym equipment or memberships (although I would recommend using a gym too) but let's start with the main muscle group for skiing, the quads or thigh muscles.
Standing with your back against a solid wall, keep your feet together out in front of you. Then slide your back down the wall so your knees are at a 90 degree angle and your back is straight against the wall. You may need to move your feet out to get the correct position. With your arms down by your side and hold that position for as long as comfortable.
When you first try this exercise you should feel the thigh muscles in the front of your legs working. Try not to stay in that position too long for the first time as you do need to get back up out of the position and that will be easier said than done when you have been in that position for as long as you can hold it. If you can hold it for 2 and a half minutes then you are doing well.
If your legs are already strong and can hold this for longer, then you can always hold one kilo in each hand or a bag of sugar to add a bit of wait.
Do this exercise every day if you can, it will definitely help when you come to skiing and holding a tuck position or just getting off the floor after a fall if you are a beginner.
First exercise on the quads (thigh muscles)
An exercise that can be done almost anywhere, so you do not need any expensive gym equipment or memberships (although I would recommend using a gym too) but let's start with the main muscle group for skiing, the quads or thigh muscles.
Standing with your back against a solid wall, keep your feet together out in front of you. Then slide your back down the wall so your knees are at a 90 degree angle and your back is straight against the wall. You may need to move your feet out to get the correct position. With your arms down by your side and hold that position for as long as comfortable.
When you first try this exercise you should feel the thigh muscles in the front of your legs working. Try not to stay in that position too long for the first time as you do need to get back up out of the position and that will be easier said than done when you have been in that position for as long as you can hold it. If you can hold it for 2 and a half minutes then you are doing well.
If your legs are already strong and can hold this for longer, then you can always hold one kilo in each hand or a bag of sugar to add a bit of wait.
Do this exercise every day if you can, it will definitely help when you come to skiing and holding a tuck position or just getting off the floor after a fall if you are a beginner.
Mogul tips
Some tips for the skiers that are starting to tackle the moguls, first make sure you pick a mogul slope that is not too steep when you first start tackling the moguls. Skiing moguls is not for everyone, but can bring a great deal of satisfaction when you can ski them even if you only ski a few turns at a time then catch your breath. The feeling is awesome when you get into a good rhythm, so here goes for some great tips.
1. Keep your weight over the centre of your skis and keep the weight on the whole foot, not heels nor toes.
2. When riding the mogul try to keep your head at the same level so your knees are acting as pistons and shock absorbers absorbing the bumps.
3. It is important to keep your skis together, certainly no wider than your waist.
4. Keep your hands and elbows forward as if you are holding a hoop or a tray (making sure not to spill the imaginary drinks on the tray!)
5. When sliding down the mogul edge, use both skis to control your speed, controlling your speed at all times is very important, it also keeps you in control of which route you are taking through the mogul field. You can also check the skis (a slight parallel stop position to slow down not stop mid flow) on the base of the next mogul bump.
6. Try to plan and look about 5 turns ahead at all times.
7. Don't just use the edge of the ski to turn, try twisting your feet slightly to enhance the turn.
8. Try not to edge too hard this can have the opposite effect and actually create speed.
9. On drop of mogul absorb the drop like jumping off a wall.
10. Don't lift your inside ski in the turn, keeping them together and using both edges to turn as points 1, 3 and 5.
11. Keeping your stomach strong in the mogul field will help reduce the chance of being thrown back. If you get thrown back on your heels, then try to check your speed or stop as weight on your heels will create speed.
12. And finally, when out of the mogul field on the piste that is well within your limits, practice short swing turns thinking of the points above.
Hope that helps and enjoy your mogul fields, they can be a lot of fun. http://buybolleskigoggles.com
1. Keep your weight over the centre of your skis and keep the weight on the whole foot, not heels nor toes.
2. When riding the mogul try to keep your head at the same level so your knees are acting as pistons and shock absorbers absorbing the bumps.
3. It is important to keep your skis together, certainly no wider than your waist.
4. Keep your hands and elbows forward as if you are holding a hoop or a tray (making sure not to spill the imaginary drinks on the tray!)
5. When sliding down the mogul edge, use both skis to control your speed, controlling your speed at all times is very important, it also keeps you in control of which route you are taking through the mogul field. You can also check the skis (a slight parallel stop position to slow down not stop mid flow) on the base of the next mogul bump.
6. Try to plan and look about 5 turns ahead at all times.
7. Don't just use the edge of the ski to turn, try twisting your feet slightly to enhance the turn.
8. Try not to edge too hard this can have the opposite effect and actually create speed.
9. On drop of mogul absorb the drop like jumping off a wall.
10. Don't lift your inside ski in the turn, keeping them together and using both edges to turn as points 1, 3 and 5.
11. Keeping your stomach strong in the mogul field will help reduce the chance of being thrown back. If you get thrown back on your heels, then try to check your speed or stop as weight on your heels will create speed.
12. And finally, when out of the mogul field on the piste that is well within your limits, practice short swing turns thinking of the points above.
Hope that helps and enjoy your mogul fields, they can be a lot of fun. http://buybolleskigoggles.com
Mens downhill
After watching the mens downhill at Bormio, I found it interesting that a couple of new names seem to be appearing on the podiums. Now this could be for a few reasons, like a couple of injuries to the big names which is the case for a couple of unfortunate skiers, but is it also some of the skiers feel they have a decent chance of a medal at the winter Olympic games in Vancouver in a February? And they are backing off slightly to ensure getting down the mountain in one piece with some decent points to add to their championship. Now backing off slightly may sound like a crazy thing to do when these guys need to be committed 100% to their downhill run, but it does make sense. Backing off might mean doing 111 km/h rather than 115 km/h and coming in the top 10 instead of pushing and risking it all for that win. For the mere mortals that can only dream of skiing like these guys, which is most of us, we perhaps cannot appreciate the speeds and efforts required to get the ski edge to dig in at these speeds, but I for one have skied at a decent pace for my ability and I know that if I pushed a little faster, then the likely outcome would be taking a face full of snow as I slide down the piste in probably a spectacular wipeout that should be caught on camera and added to You Tube. So if my limit was 60km/h, which I am only guessing because I have never timed it and I skied at 55km/h that is probably enough to ensure I get down safely but not too far off my limit.
Now of course I am only speculating and it is my opinion, but whatever the reason I think it is great to see some new faces and names winning the downhill and could even carry that form through to the winter Olympics! which could make it very interesting to watch, bring on Vancouver.
Now of course I am only speculating and it is my opinion, but whatever the reason I think it is great to see some new faces and names winning the downhill and could even carry that form through to the winter Olympics! which could make it very interesting to watch, bring on Vancouver.
Just over 2 weeks to go
So with just over two weeks to go until my skiing holiday in Val d’Isere, can’t wait, mind you need to step up my training as I do like to ski from the morning’s first lift until I get the last lift back up the mountain and keep that going for the whole week. The great I love about Val d’Isere is the amount of skiing, now I know there are a lot of resorts like that but I do like to ski from one side of the mountain to the other side of the mountain range lifts pending of course. So with only a couple of weeks away I am well into the stretching and overall fitness as I find it helps me have a better week, just can’t handle the apres ski though, must be getting too old to burn the candle at both ends?
I am also thinking of getting my boots out of the loft and having a go down a dry slope, should have got my boots out last week or so as the amount of snow we had I’m sure would have made it better!
So for those that have already seen the new year in, happy new year, and for those about to see it in, have a good one, just about to go and get ready to go out now. So last skiing post of 2009, look forward to 2010 and of course my skiing holiday.
I am also thinking of getting my boots out of the loft and having a go down a dry slope, should have got my boots out last week or so as the amount of snow we had I’m sure would have made it better!
So for those that have already seen the new year in, happy new year, and for those about to see it in, have a good one, just about to go and get ready to go out now. So last skiing post of 2009, look forward to 2010 and of course my skiing holiday.
Looking forward to the new year
I don't like to wish my life away, but one of the great things about booking a ski holiday for January is it gives me something to look forward to after the Christmas break. Yes I could book any type of holiday that I would look forward to but a skiing holiday is different to a sun and beach holiday, firstly as long as I have the money then I can book a sun and beach holiday anytime of year to go where the sun is, but skiing normally does have its restrictions even if you can afford to ski both hemispheres, which I can't so having that time on the snow just after Christmas is a fantastic thing to focus and look forward to. So once we have all had a great time at Christmas, eaten loads and drunk loads for the lucky ones it is nice to then try to fit into my salopettes and ski gear and make my way to the slopes in January.
Ski fitness
With the new ski season about a month away for the northern hemisphere, you need to be thinking about your fitness to get the most out of your skiing.
Firstly for the beginners, don't make the mistake of thinking 'I won't be doing much skiing for the first week so I do not need to be fit'. I have helped teach some beginners and one thing I have learnt (because I done it myself) is when you are learning, one thing you will need to learn how to do is get off the snow after falling over!
And with all the ski gear, boots and skis on it can be tricky for the first time. The good news is there is a little technique which makes it all very simple. I will go into the technique in another blog, but for today I want to talk about the initial fitness.
Now there are a lot of programmes out there that you can follow which are very good, but the key muscles to get into shape before you go skiing are the legs (I don't say!) but also your stomach muscles abdominals and obliques (front 6 pack and sides of the stomach). The reason being is keeping the core of your body strong not only helps maintain a good skiing position but certainly helps when getting off the floor.
Oh, one other tip, if you have your ski goggles or ski glasses or anything else that can get squashed in your jacket pocket, try to put them in a top pocket that does not get squashed when you get up. A pocket that is legs and stomach may squash your ski goggles or ski glasses.
Firstly for the beginners, don't make the mistake of thinking 'I won't be doing much skiing for the first week so I do not need to be fit'. I have helped teach some beginners and one thing I have learnt (because I done it myself) is when you are learning, one thing you will need to learn how to do is get off the snow after falling over!
And with all the ski gear, boots and skis on it can be tricky for the first time. The good news is there is a little technique which makes it all very simple. I will go into the technique in another blog, but for today I want to talk about the initial fitness.
Now there are a lot of programmes out there that you can follow which are very good, but the key muscles to get into shape before you go skiing are the legs (I don't say!) but also your stomach muscles abdominals and obliques (front 6 pack and sides of the stomach). The reason being is keeping the core of your body strong not only helps maintain a good skiing position but certainly helps when getting off the floor.
Oh, one other tip, if you have your ski goggles or ski glasses or anything else that can get squashed in your jacket pocket, try to put them in a top pocket that does not get squashed when you get up. A pocket that is legs and stomach may squash your ski goggles or ski glasses.
Snow skiing
A fantastic past time to have for the winter has got to be skiing or boarding in my opinion. One of the attractions for me is the feeling of freedom on top of a mountain with the fantastic views of mountain tops covered in snow and getting to a high point where most good ski resorts have a scenic view point and often with a table naming all the peaks you can see for miles on a clear day.
Along with the amazing scenery, the exhilaration of skiing down a mountain whether it is on the crisp freshly groomed corrugated pistes, skiing in the powder off piste or searching for the steep off piste amongst the rocks (only recommended for expert skiers of course).
I have been skiing for close to 20 years but I still love skiing an easy blue because of the scenery and the feeling of the fresh clean air brushing past my face. So from beginners to expert there is always something for everyone.
So for the beginners I would always recommend hire the expensive equipment like skis and boots before you know you like the sport, you can even hire salopettes and jackets! For the more experienced, well they have enough experience to decide themselves.
The important pieces of equipment are to have skis, boots, salopettes, ski jacket, ski socks, hat, gloves and ski goggles or ski glasses. I find it best to have thin layers under the jacket and often I only wear one item with long sleeves and a round neck or even something like a roll neck.
It’s best to have good ski goggles and ski glasses as depending on the weather and how fast you ski depends on what you wear. But as long as they are a good make and the ski goggles’ have a double lens to avoid fogging you should be fine, I personally recommend Bolle Ski goggles, there are plenty of good makes out there but have a look at my link.
Along with the amazing scenery, the exhilaration of skiing down a mountain whether it is on the crisp freshly groomed corrugated pistes, skiing in the powder off piste or searching for the steep off piste amongst the rocks (only recommended for expert skiers of course).
I have been skiing for close to 20 years but I still love skiing an easy blue because of the scenery and the feeling of the fresh clean air brushing past my face. So from beginners to expert there is always something for everyone.
So for the beginners I would always recommend hire the expensive equipment like skis and boots before you know you like the sport, you can even hire salopettes and jackets! For the more experienced, well they have enough experience to decide themselves.
The important pieces of equipment are to have skis, boots, salopettes, ski jacket, ski socks, hat, gloves and ski goggles or ski glasses. I find it best to have thin layers under the jacket and often I only wear one item with long sleeves and a round neck or even something like a roll neck.
It’s best to have good ski goggles and ski glasses as depending on the weather and how fast you ski depends on what you wear. But as long as they are a good make and the ski goggles’ have a double lens to avoid fogging you should be fine, I personally recommend Bolle Ski goggles, there are plenty of good makes out there but have a look at my link.
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