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No. 1 / Sep ‘11 winter breaks

a special Guide to planning your winter holiday 2011/12 have a magical getaway Explore the possibilities: From extreme sports to relaxing retreats, your winter break can be anything you wish for See the light Winter sports Experience the Staying active world’s greatest and having fun light show on the slopes image by Andy Keen/aurora hunters.com switzerland tourism Photo: switzerland tourism

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11.SKI_201x40_2.indd 1 13/09/2011 10:08 2 · September 2011 An independent insert by Mediaplanet Challenges

Deciding on a winter break can be confusing because of the vast range of destinations and packages now available. But help is at hand, says Heather Carswell of Lonely Planet We recommend The Ski and Snowboard Show at Earls Court from 19th - 23rd October Get planning for 2011. Go to the event to meet our snow sports experts Jenny your winter escape Jones and James Woods - featuring on ith the holidays when prices rocket and page 14 blink-and- the resorts are at their busiest. you-miss- it summer Opportunity a distant Away from the slopes, Europe has memo- plenty of other fantastic winter ry, now ’s trips up its sleeve. A pre-Christ- the time to start looking ahead Heather mas city break can be a great op- W Carswell to a winter escape. Europe makes Lonely Planet portunity to get into the festive We make our readers succeed! a great destination for a festive spirit. Cologne, Prague, Bruges and Enjoyable winter breaks getaway. As the home of some Vienna are just a few of the spots 1st edition, september 2011 of the world’s top ski resorts, in- Accommodation varies greatly in with Christmas markets which are Managing Director: Willem De Geer cluding the magnificent Alps, price and quality. One of the most en- well worth exploring with a cup of Editorial Manager: Faye Godfrey Business Development manager: Brits are spoilt for choice with a joyable options is renting a cabin for a mulled wine in hand. Hannah Butler range of action-packed holidays week with a group of friends or fami- Alternatively, embrace the cold Responsible for this issue just a short flight from home. ly. Many cabins include breakfast and and head to northern Europe. Nor- Project Manager: Anna Papakyriacou Phone: 020 7665 4405 With so many options, choos- dinner — which is cooked for you in way, Sweden and Finland have E-mail: ing the package to suit you can your cabin — and is included in the some once-in-a-lifetime experienc- [email protected] Distributed with: The Guardian be incredibly confusing. First do price. Being able to ski straight from es that you can only have in winter Print: The Guardian print centre some research into the resorts. your accommodation can bump up such as seeing the Northern Lights, Mediaplanet contact information: Consider if you want a quiet vil- the price but will make life easier. travelling by a husky-drawn sleigh Phone: 0207 665 4400 Fax: 0207 665 4419 lage or a lively town. It also de- Booking early will ensure that and sleeping in an igloo. E-mail: [email protected] pends whether you have a cultur- you get the type of trip you want Just because summer has gone al preference, such as a penchant and is typically cheaper than doesn’t mean that getaways have to With thanks to for Italian food as this may influ- holding out for a last-minute stop — or your options for a holiday ence which country you opt for. deal. Where possible, avoid school have to narrow. PREMIUM ALL-INCLUSIVE HOLIDAYS

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703057_CMUK_Guardian_ad_201x289.indd 1 14/09/2011 12:33 4 · September 2011 An independent insert by Mediaplanet inspiration

Question: What does Finland have to offer as a winter break destination? Answer: The Aurora Borealis for starters — the ultimate sight-seeing adventure that can be a life-changing experience, says Aurora hunter Andy Keen

Fuel your imagination

cilities you could ever need. There’s al- experience. It’s so captivating; and the col- change so husky-sledging, snow-mobiling, and ours are different, depending on which gas- Andy Keen says that the Aurora Borea- cross-country skiing. When I saw the es are burning in the air at the time.” lis — the world’s greatest atmospher- place it fired my imagination.” Finland is a fascinating country, says ic light show — changed his life. In his But that was nothing compared to the Andy and he feels that it — and the Au- early twenties, Andy had woken up one first time Andy saw the awesome Auro- rora — helped his condition. “You can to- morning paralysed from the waist down ra Borealis, which is caused by highly tally relax and re-charge your batteries and was eventually diagnosed with a con- charged electrons interacting with ele- there,” he says. “It helped me re-focus.” dition called Periphal Neuropathy. After ments in the Earth’s atmosphere. “The The Finns are very welcoming and loyal, making a recovery, he is now Chief Execu- first night in Vasatokka I went out onto have family values and English is widely tive and Founder of the Neuropathy Trust the frozen lake and the Aurora appeared spoken. Finnish food is fabulous and var- — and an Aurora Borealis hunter. right overhead. The whole place lit up. ‘The whole ied, too, says Andy – not just the stereo- Three years ago, Andy saw Joanna Lum- I just lay on my back in the snow and place lit typical reindeer and fish. ley’s TV documentary about the Aurora watched it.” Tourists have an 80 per cent Then there are winter activities. Borealis — aka the Northern Lights. He chance of seeing the Aurora, says Andy up. I just “Around Inari there are places where was so impressed that he started his own — but you have to look for it. It won’t lay on my you can snowboard,” says Andy, “but the tour company, Aurora Hunters, based at necessarily come to you. back in the focus is more on cross-country skiing. Vasatokka, in Inari, northern Finland. And lots of people like to go snow-shoe- Captivating snow and ing. Don’t try it when you are Aurora- Facilities No description of the Aurora can possibly watched it’ hunting, though. It’s exhausting!” “It’s basically a nature resort slap bang do it justice. “You have to experience it,” Andy Keen in Aurora country,” says Andy. “There is says Andy. “And when you first see it, you Aurora hunter tony greenway no light pollution and it has all the fa- turn back into a child again. It’s a spiritual [email protected]

Even Ibiza doesn´t have a disco ball five kilometres in diameter.

THE NORTHERN LIGHTS ARE SOMETHING YOU HAVE TO EXPERIENCE FOR YOURSELF. An independent insert by Mediaplanet september 2011 · 5 inspiration 4 visit finland: popular destinations

Helsinki The Finnish capital is 1 compact (it’s home to just 500,000 people) and easi- 1 ly navigable by foot or tram. Plus it’s by the sea, surround- 3 ed by an archipelago of tiny islands (around 330). In 2012, Helsinki will become the World Design Capital. Turku Currently the European 2 capital of Culture, this is Finland’s oldest city, located on the southwest coast on the shores of the archipelago. Rauma Founded in 1442, this sea- 3 side location features the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Old Rauma, the largest pre- served medieval wooden town area in the Nordic region. Lapland Rovaniemi is the capital Take in the beauty 4 of Lapland — and the of- 1. Igloo camping in Finland ficial town of a certain Mr San- 2. Be different. Go husky-sledging 3. Beautiful scenery in the winter ta Claus. Activities include 4. The spectacular view of the snowmobiling, ice fishing and aurora borealis husky sleigh rides. Photos: andy keen/copyright http://aurora- hunters.com all rights reserved 2 4

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For details regarding future publications please contact Business Development Manager: Hannah Butler 020 7665 4414 [email protected] 6 · september 2011 An independent insert by Mediaplanet inspiration For lovers of the white stuff, there are numerous snowsports championships and festivals across Europe and beyond this winter

Festival Fever: What’s on - and where? OCTOBER 2011 FEBRUARY 2012 Ski Championships which have APRIL 2012 Relentless Freeze Festival World Snowboarding Championships moved from Italy to Switzerland Snowbombing 28-29 October, Battersea Power Sta- 10-19 February, Oslo, Norway and is now part of the broader Mo- 9-14 April, Mayrhofen tion, London www.wsc2012.com mentum Ski Festival. Up to 350 ski- www.snowbombing.com www.relentlessfreeze.com Ben Kilner, Billy Morgan (pictured ers from over 50 City firms will sign The 2012 line-up had yet to be an- A snow, ski and music festival in below), Laura Berry and Kate Fos- up for the Championships. Music nounced at the time of writing, but the UK, featuring the world’s best ter will be among the British rid- and comedy are promised too. previous artists included Fatboy boarders and skiers, 500 tonnes of ers going for Gold. Slim, Friendly Fires, The Prodigy snow and a musical line-up includ- The BRITS Snow & Music Festival and Mark Ronson (pictured below). ing The Streets (pictured below), 18-25 March, LAAX, Switzerland Groove Armada and Zane Lowe. Seven nights of live music and DJ acts — and seven days of snowboard and ski action. UK freestyle ski- ers and snowboarders battle it out for the coveted British Champion- ship medals, including the Protest Slopestyle and Trespass Ski/Snow- boardcross titles. photo: www.the-brits.com

photo: noam wind/shutterstock

JANUARY 2012 MARCH 2012 photo: noam wind/shutterstock Winter X Games Crystal Ski Fest 26-29 January, Aspen, Colorado, USA 11-18 March, Sestriere, Italy Telus World Ski and Snowboard Festival ESPN’s annual winter games, fea- www.crystalski.co.uk 13-22 April, Whistler, British Colum- turing more than 200 athletes Back for its eight year, with events bia, Canada competing in snowboarding, designed for skiers of all abilities. www.wssf.com snowmobiling and skiing events. The 17th annual Telus event takes Winter X Games Europe place in April, featuring major Winter Youth Olympic Games 14-16 March, Tignes, France photo: switzerland tourism professional ski and snowboard- 13-22 January, Innsbruck, Austria The European version of the X ing competitions, music and cul- www.innsbruck2012.com Games, in Tignes, with 125 of the The Big Snow Festival tural events. The very first 1st Winter Youth world’s best riders in competition. 23-29 March, Kopaonik, Serbia Olympic Games, with 1,058 ath- www.thebigsnowfestival.com letes (aged 14 to 18) from over 70 The third year of this big winter countries competing in 63 sport- event, and it’s doubled in size: slopes ing competitions. by day (with 62km of runs for every level), music by night.

Altitude Comedy Festival 26-31 March, Mayrhofen, Austria www.altitudefestival.com

photo: vvk1/shutterstock Jimmy Carr, Frankie Boyle, Ed Photo: vojta herout/shutterstock Byrne and Al Murray are some of Momentum Ski Festival the comedy stars appearing over 15-18 March, Crans Montana, six nights in a “holiday/comedy Switzerland festival fusion”, now celebrating tony greenway photo: dutourdumonde/shutterstock City types take part in the The City its fifth birthday. [email protected] Today Vadstena Klosterhotel is a modern weekend- and conference hotel. We have taken ultimate advantage of our unique medieval environ- ment, without compromising comfort or quality. The Hotel and the Monastery Restaurant are housed in some of Sweden’s oldest buildings, the St. Birgitta monastery from the 1300s and Birger Jarl’s palace from the 1200s. Vadstena benefits from an incredibly well preserved history and is surrounded by the idyllic landscape of Östergötland and the crystal-clear waters of lake Vättern. There are plenty of opportunities for guided tours, or alternatively you can explore the rich history and culture on your own. Read more about us at: www.klosterhotel.se Swedish Christmas in a Monastery Environment! With a Christmas Smorgasbord Weekend in the medieval town of Vadstena, you will get the precise taste of Christmas. Experience an atmospheric Christmas holiday at our unique Monastery Hotel, decorated for Christmas. Enjoy the fantastic Christmas Smorgasbord at the Monastery Restaurant. On Christmas Eve we have a dramatic story time for both young and old, and Santa Clause will of course arrive with presents for all children. Christmas Smorgasbord Package e Christmas Weekend 23-25/12 from £379 / per person from £120 / per person 23/12 24/12 * Welcoming Coffee * Large breakfast buffet * Welcoming Coffee * Historic Tour * Christmas treats with “lussebulle” and other treats * Mulled Wine and Gingerbread * Welcoming Drink * Monastery Christmas Smorgasbord and dessert table * Traditional Christmas Smorgasbord * 3-course dinner * Monastery Santa porridge and snacks * Grande dessert table * Accommodation * Coffee and our great candy table * Dance, only Friday and Saturday * Accommodation 25/12 * Grande breakfast buffet * Grande breakfast buffet

H 5 OT 6 ELL 372 3 Tfn +46 (0)143-315 30 • [email protected] • www.klosterhotel.se

More slope time...

For years ski and boot manufacturers have been trying to make skiing easier and safer; as the design of skis and boots has improved over the years, the number of ankle and lower leg injuries has dramatically reduced, but more and more stress and strain is now exerted on our knees. Also, improvements to lift systems mean we can now spend more time skiing than ever before and in our desire to make the most of our precious time on the slopes – our knees take quite a pounding. Figures vary, but all show the most common ski injuries are now to the knees. It is also generally acknowledged that one of the major contributory factors to skiing accidents is fatigue. Protect your knees ~ Reduce fatigue ~ Lower Risk of Injury When using the revolutionary ski~mojo knee support system, some of your weight is off-loaded from your knees directly through the shell of your ski boots, taking around a third of the strain off the knee joints. There are other benefits too! There is less strain on your thighs too, so little or no “thigh-burn” and less stress and strain overall means less fatigue and fewer fatigue related accidents. The spring loaded knee supports act like shock absorbers; gently supporting you in the correct posture for skiing while smoothing out the chatter and compressions, improving your control and stability. It’s like having bionic knees. But this misses the most important aspect of the ski~mojo……… It makes skiing more fun! www.ski-mojo.com [email protected] 05603 458846 8 · september 2011 An independent insert by Mediaplanet news

Question: Switzerland has a reputation as an exclusive winter breaks destination. Does that mean it has to be expensive? Answer: No. It’s not all Gstaad, St Moritz and Klosters. If you look around, you can find some affordable holidays in spectacular surroundings Swiss efficiency? It runs like clockwork ■■It’s the British that made Picturesque hotels,” says Marcelline. “So you do beautiful with small, family-run ho- Switzerland the very first winter The Brits are still coming, lured these pay a little bit more.” The fact is that tels where the lift passes are a bit holiday destination, says Marcel- days by snow sports, clean moun- the words ‘Swiss-made’ have always cheaper compared to the high-end line Kuonen, Director of Switzer- tain air, wonderful views, pictur- stood for excellence — and that can resorts,” says Marcelline. The more land Tourism. “Switzerland and esque villages, mouth-watering food be reflected in the price-tag. popular resorts can feature a range of the UK have a long established and a transport system that runs like For winter sports enthusiasts, accommodation possibilities. relationship,” she says. “In sum- clockwork. Yet of all the winter holi- there’s a choice of around 250 resorts. Switzerland is clean, safe, well-run mer, around 100 years ago, the day destinations, Switzerland gets The number one region for Brits is and family friendly. Away from win- Brits came to Switzerland to only a small percentage of the mar- Bernese Oberland, with destinations ter sports activities there are cities climb the mountains. The Swiss ket share, which adds to its exclusive such as Wengen, Mürren, Grinel- to visit such as Geneva and Lucerne. began to think that tourism could reputation. “Quality has always been wald and Interlaken. Second favour- And from Wengen or Interlaken, you be a business… but in winter very important to our hospitality and ite is the Valais region with resorts can be in the capital, Berne, with its no-one wanted to visit because including Verbier and Zermatt; after pretty old town that has been given of the snow. “Then, one sum- Marcelline that comes the swish Davos Klosters, UNESCO World Heritage Site status. Kuonen mer, a hotelier in St Moritz said Director of Flims Laax and St Moritz. “You can rely on our public trans- to a rich English guest: ‘Come to Switzerland port,” says Marcelline. “It’s precise. Switzerland in winter and I guar- Tourism Precise Because Switzerland is small, it’s antee you’ll love it. If you don’t, Still, this is a country which can be well-connected.” I’ll pay for your stay.’ So his guest visited on budget if needs be. “There came, he DID love it… and that’s are little resorts such as Graechen in tony greenway how it started.” the Matterhorn Valley, which is very [email protected]

Eat, drink and relax. In other words: avant-ski. Why not start your ski holiday before you arrive? We’ll greet you with the same hospitality that awaits you in our quaint ski villages. Now that’s a ski lift ticket. To pick from 32 daily  ights to the Alps contact your travel agent or visit us online.

Fly to the Alps from £

79return, ski equipment travels free SWISS.COM

Fare quoted as return correct at time of print, per person, includes all airport taxes and surcharges, credit card fees may apply, departing from Manchester. Ski equipment transportation: 1 pair of ski boots, 1 pair of ski sticks, 1 pair of skis OR 1 snowboard, 1 pair of snowboard boots are free of charge.

021_300_Landing_433x90_WinterBreaks 1 05.09.11 15:14 An independent insert by Mediaplanet september 2011 · 9 news 3 Marcelline’s best tips

Photo: switzerland tourism

Check your altitude Average altitude of Swiss 1 ski areas and resorts is the highest of any country in Eu- rope. In some resorts such as Zermatt and Saas Fee, you can even ski in summer. Be 007 for a day Piz Gloria, on the Schilthorn, 2 was the setting for the 1969 Bond film, On Her Majesty’s Secret Service. In the movie, Piz Gloria is the villain’s alpine lair — now it’s a revolving restaurant. Afterwards, don’t ski down the mountain with SPECTRE gunmen after you. It’s much more relaxing to take the cable car. Go off the beaten track Affordable resorts include 3 Graechen in the Matterhorn spectacular scenery Valley; Riederalp (which is car- Switzerland is not only a great winter sports free and has the highest 9-hole destination. Take the time golf course in Europe); and Leuk- to appreciate the views erbad for spa treatments. Photo: switzerland tourism

Eat, drink and relax. In other words: avant-ski. Why not start your ski holiday before you arrive? We’ll greet you with the same hospitality that awaits you in our quaint ski villages. Now that’s a ski lift ticket. To pick from 32 daily  ights to the Alps contact your travel agent or visit us online.

Fly to the Alps from £

79return, ski equipment travels free SWISS.COM

Fare quoted as return correct at time of print, per person, includes all airport taxes and surcharges, credit card fees may apply, departing from Manchester. Ski equipment transportation: 1 pair of ski boots, 1 pair of ski sticks, 1 pair of skis OR 1 snowboard, 1 pair of snowboard boots are free of charge.

021_300_Landing_433x90_WinterBreaks 1 05.09.11 15:14 10 · september 2011 An independent insert by Mediaplanet news

visiting austria - tips

1

Herwig Kolzer Austrian National Tourist Office

2 Enjoy good value ■■For example, the Alpbach val- ley, Ellmau, Hintertux, Mayrhofen, Schladming or Bregenzerwald, According to the WTSS (resort- price-index) many Austrian re- Stunning settings Experience the breathtaking sorts offer holidays with great scenery in Norway value for money packages. 1. Go husky sledging 2. See the fishermen at work 3. Get off the beaten track Photos: dog sledging tromso/fishing terje Try some après-ski 3 rakke nordic life/ Lyngen Lodge ■■Typical après-ski takes place on the slopes or in huts. The many ski huts and bars imme- diately adjoining the pistes are simply too enticing to pass up on Northern Exposure the way down. And, as is often the case, the intended short swing ■■ Question: Is Norway a Hanne Knudsen Hemsedal, which has been nick- into one of these establishments viable option for a winter break? Visit Norway named ‘the Scandinavian Alps’ for turns into an extended relaxing ■■Answer: It’s more than its raw and wild beauty, with some evening stay. viable – it’s popular with of the most challenging skiing in lovers of snowsports and Northern Europe; and Beitostølen, a with sightseers who want to family resort with gentle, uncrowd- Take a spa experience a holiday with a ed slopes in a stunning setting that ■■Austria is well-known for its fascinating difference are safe and fun for beginners. If you long-standing spa tradition, with ern Lights. Norway is also relatively want something a bit quirkier, Voss historical records noting patron- Viewers of the reality show 71 De- snow-sure: certain areas see snow and Myrkdalen resorts, just outside age even by Austrian emper- grees North will know all about Nor- from November to May. Bergen, give visitors the chance to ors and other nobility at its spa way’s North Cape, the northernmost ski with fjords as a backdrop. towns and resorts throughout point of Europe. Right now, various Beauty the last century. Although times celebrities are there, busy testing “Norway may not be at the forefront Experience have changed — with modern ac- out their survival techniques in one of most people’s mind for skiing,” Tromsø makes a great starting commodation and world-class of the most spectacular (if unforgiv- says Hanne. “But we have a saying point for a sightseers. From here spa facilities meeting the highest ing) landscapes in the world. that Norwegians ‘were born with you can travel to the peninsula of of international standards — the “This is a popular destination skis on’ and it’s one of the most pop- Lofoten, the island of Senja or on- mentality of “spa-ing” in Austria for tourists visiting northern Nor- ular pastimes in the country.” wards to Finnmark to enjoy the has remained largely unchanged. way,” says Hanne Knudsen of Vis- Popular ski destinations include traditional Sami culture. it Norway. “And with the show on Winter breaks in Norway don’t right now, I’m sure more Brits will Facts have to be too expensive as rea- Go sight-seeing want to visit.” ■■ Get around by using cheap sonably priced hotel rooms are ■■Towns which people should If you’re planning to do the same, trains or local buses: tickets for long available. “What you get is an ex- visit are, for example, Innsbruck, go prepared: think ‘layers’ (Nor- journeys on the train cost NOK199 perience for your money as well as which is a great place to com- wegians live in thermals and wear (around £23) if booked in advance good quality. And in summer, our bine sports and culture/shop- merino wool layers); bring a sol- ■■ Book into a romantic snow or ig- ‘right of access’ means you can set ping. Innsbruck is also the on- id pair of winter boots with rubber loo hotel in the north of the country up your tent almost everywhere ly city where the Olympic Win- soles, a down jacket and a woollen ■■ Eating in restaurants can be ex- for free.” Hanne explains. ter Games will take place for the hat. More than a third of Norway is pensive — but some places offer set third time. Other cities would be north of the Arctic Circle and its lat- menus with UK prices Graz and Salzburg, especially dur- itude makes it one of the best spots tony greenway ing the weeks before Christmas. source: visit norway in the world to witness the North- [email protected] Best of Winter. Now in Austria. Enjoy Austrian hospitality, delicious food and great comfort on your way to Vienna and onwards to over 130 destinations worldwide with Austrian Airlines. Flights from London to or via Vienna – Europe’s fastest transfer airport.

Earn miles with Miles & More. Information & booking at www.austrian.com

330105_aua_Winterhuette_Guardian_201x289_iWC.indd 1 13.09.11 11:48 12 · September 2011 An independent insert by Mediaplanet news Discover the French Alps ■■Question: Why are the child-care. If you’re on a budget, French Alps one of the go a little off-piste: Maurienne most popular places for Valley is a hidden gem with 24 snowsports? villages and resorts such as Les ■■Answer: It’s the largest Sybelles, which offer free accom- ski domain in the world and modation when you buy a ski pass caters for everyone from in March. singles to families. You don’t have to be a snowsports fan Panoramic to enjoy it If you’ve never been on skis or a snowboard in your life — and don’t France is a magnet for snowsports intend to start — the French side tourists. The number of boarders of the Alps still has much to offer. and skiers who visit the country “There’s lots of wildlife to be dis- every year is staggering. covered from hiking and snow- “France has 357 resorts — not Have fun on the slopes The French Alps can cater for all - families, couples and shoeing in the French mountains,” just in the Alps but also in the groups. Check out which resort suits you best Photo: atout france says Jacqueline, “and resorts will be Pyrenees, the Jura and Les Vos- able to suggest routes and guides. ges,” says Jacqueline Mirtelli, Off-piste Families should check out re- “If you want to avoid con- Head of PR at tourism develop- Purpose-built La Plagne, mean- sorts such as Les 2 Alpes and tact with the snow, resorts such ment agency Atout France. “We while, boasts a big snow park and Les Menuires, which have been as Chamonix offer panoramic estimate that 10million people a range of bars, pubs and night- awarded the Family Plus label. train rides along gorges in Swit- come skiing in France every year, clubs; and Alpes d’Huez, in central This guarantees excellent servic- zerland or up the Mont Blanc. be it for classic downhill skiing, French Alps, is one of the oldest es for children, includes activities Shuttle busses also run to out- snow-shoeing or cross-country.” French resorts (founded in 1936). for all ages and offers professional lying villages and hamlets with The French Alps is the big- 17th and 18th century baroque Facts gest draw, however, and the larg- churches, museums, farm vis- est ski domain in the world. For ■■ Chamonix Mont Blanc is popular snow-mobiling, winter trail walking — its and cheese-makers. And in young snowsports enthusiasts, with off-piste thrill-seekers. and even paragliding. Val d’Isère, the tourist office or- resorts such as Tignes are pop- ■■ Mont Blanc is the highest moun- ■■ Low cost flights are available to ganises guided tours to nearby ular places to ski hard and par- tain in Europe and accessible by lifts the French Alps from across the UK. baroque churches as well as day ty hard. This features the largest and cog railway. ■■ Eurostar runs a “Ski Train” from Lon- trips over the Iseran to Italy.” snowpark in the world and has ■■ You can go hiking in Chamonix don to the heart of the French Alps. become a regular haunt for free- with huskies – and donkeys. tony greenway style-lovers. ■■ Activities at Alpes d’Huez include source: Atout france [email protected]

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A truly unforgettable adventure untravelledpaths.com Use promo “GU code at unt ARD ravell IAN edpat ” hs.com 14 · september 2011 An independent insert by Mediaplanet Panel of experts

Jenny Jones Ben Kilner James Woods Snowboarder and Seven times Slopestyle skiing X Games and Euro British Bronze medalist, X games slopestyle Snowboarding Euro Winter X gold medalist Champion Games

Question 1: Definitely. Good instruction Yes! Before I hit the snow an- 100 per cent ‘yes’. Of course, Should ski/snowboard will stop any bad ‘style’ habits ywhere, I think I’d had about two you can have lessons when you are forming before they start. It will years’ worth of lessons! So I’d say on your holiday; and I do recom- novices have lessons also reduce the amount of pain it’s vital: although it is easier to mend doing that, even if you can before a winter sports incurred in your tail bone by the learn abroad because the condi- ski well — there are instructors and holiday? end of the week. Plus, getting a tions are better there. That said, coaches through all levels. If you head start before you go means we have snow domes all over the spend your whole holiday in a heap that you’ll be able to take in UK now and they’re not too steep on the nursery slopes, I more of the surroundings — not so you can learn quickly, and they don’t think you’ll en- just the beginners’ slopes. have good services and facilities. joy it quite as much. Ask the experts! Question 2: Altitude! You need to look at I think most people look for I’d recommend What should people look how high your resort is in rela- good mountain facilities with looking for the place tion to the month you are going. a range of different pistes, from in which you’d feel for in a winter sports There have been years where the beginner to advanced. You want most comfortable. Some destination? snow has taken a while to fall. somewhere that caters for all resorts are more modern and cater The same applies to end of sea- needs. And the après-ski and the for a younger crowd; some are more son. Always check out what runs town surroundings are vital, too. traditional with fewer visitors and are on offer, too. Will they suit There should be a lot to do in the more locals; and some are just all your abilities? And how good are resort because you’re going to round great family resorts. The type the bus systems? Will you get spend half your time there, and of activities you enjoy should play free transfer to the mountains? half on the mountain. big role in your decision too.

Question 3: Innsbruck, in the Austrian France is very good for après- For après-ski, if you are after Where are the best places Tyrol, is very picturesque and ski – but Austria leads the com- mellow days on the mountain makes a good day trip away from petition. They LOVE their après- and slightly more enthusiasm in you’ve been for après-ski surrounding resorts. The famous ski - it’s the culture. In Europe, for the bars later on, I would definite- and sight-seeing? Goldenes Dachl — or Golden sightseeing or exploring, you’re ly recommend Europe. France and Roof — in the old town is worth never far from a remarkable his- Austria tend to send it the hardest a photo stop. St Anton, also in torical town or city. When board- in my opinion: Mayrhofen, Les Austria, has a lively atmosphere. ing in the USA I love LA – that’s Deux Alpes and Morzine are a few Morzine, in the French Alps, is an escape into summer from the bangers. As for sight-seeing, it’s a great place for strong Mutzig mountains; and, in New Zealand, Switzerland for me: the moun- beer and friendly folks. Queenstown is great. tains are just beautiful.  Have you heard? Protect your ears from discomfort, irritation or infection with our innovative range of earcare products for water based activities, bathing and travel. World Leaders In Innovative Earcare

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