THE Dec 09/Jan 10

pisteTHE MAGAZINE OF SNOWSPORT ENGLAND ALTA BADIA HEART OF ’S P16

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Snow continues to fall worldwide, Europe, worlds of Snowboarding – Tom Allen reports from the particularly Austria, Switzerland and Italy have London Freeze, plus a report from the 3rd Northern received some large falls at the time of writing, Telemark event held at SnoZone, Castleford, Leeds and with more forecast. a feature on the Combined Services Disabled ski team. The seasons first test took place during October, We also have our featured resort for this issue, Alta the two major ski shows opened at Olympia (Metro Ski Badia in the Italian Dolomites, at the time of writing Show) and the NEC Birmingham (Daily Telegraph Ski they had received some 80cms of snow with more on & Board Show). Generally both seemed to go very well, the way. I can thoroughly recommend the Dolomites attendances were very good, with sales of hardware for scenery, skiing and very friendly people. going pretty well. Interest in ski holidays was So another packed issue with fantastic apparent, with a recent piece of research saying that a competitions, features and interviews, but the most large number of those who did not take a ski holiday important element of all is falling overseas, SNOW. this year, are going to go for it this winter. But most Christmas and New Year Greetings go out to all our were looking to find ways of reducing the costs members and readers, if you are away in some ‘snowy’ through flights and accommodation. Lots of special clime over Christmas or New Year – enjoy. offers were available for independent and tour SPONSORS operator customers. We acknowledge our grateful thanks Some ski shops have been busy during the summer to the following organisations which months selling boots and skis, together with provide us with sponsorship or supplying quite a number of skis into Europe. I products. For sponsorship opportunities call 0121 501 2314 suspect the cost of equipment in the UK as opposed to euro rates had something to do with this. SPONSORS Sport England; Inghams, The next big adventure for our athletes is the 2010 ExxonMobil, click4quote.com Winter Olympics, being held in Vancouver, Canada. Happy skiing….Barry Spouge ALPINE SKI TEAM SPONSORS Team GB is still to be announced (January 2010) and P&O Ferries; swyss; Leisureshack; many of our athletes are working very hard to be in Ski Bartlett; wastelandski.com; DFDS the team. In this issue we catch up with 3 more, Zoe Seaways; Ski Out of the Blue; Chill COMPETITION WINNERS Factore Gillings, Dave Ryding and Ellie Koyander, from three Congratulations go to the winners of our Piste – AFFILIATES different disciplines, Boardercross, Alpine Slalom and snowrental; skiweekends.com; Moguls, all very proud to represent GB. For 3 weeks Oct/Nov 09 issue competitions. gear-zone.co.uk during February the nation will be glued to the TV and ATOMIC COMPETITION ALPINE SKI TEAM SUPPLIERS cheering our athletes all the way. We wish them very First prize: Atomic Snowboard Travel Bag; Helly Hansen; BeyondX; Sage good luck in their quest to bring home the medals. Physiotherapy; Gates; Holmenkol; Mr J Amos, West Sussex. solutions4feet So what do we have to offer in this issue, Second prize: Atomic Back Protector; 4 FABULOUS COMPETITIONS WIH FANTASTIC SUPPLIERS Paul Catling, Bicester, Oxfordshire Marker; Carrs of Sheffield; John Nike PRIZES, a Flip video camera, flights courtesy of BMI Third prize: Atomic 125 ski poles; Leisuresport; Sharks Ski Club; Ski Baby, the fabulous X170 helmet Action Camera and a John Cook, Liverpool Village; Swadlincote Ski & Snowboard copy of Where to Ski & Snowboard 2010. Great prizes, Centre; Head; Tyrolia; Waymark Holidays; Atomic; Volkl; Fischer; Rossignol; so get those pens out and complete the entry forms WHERE TO SKI & SNOWBOARD 2010 COMPETITION ukskiersresource.co.uk; Salomon; Tecnica and get them back to us ASAP. The latest from the This issues winner is: Bob Houghton, Lancaster

Produced by Countrywide Publications (a division of Micropress Printers Ltd) 27 Norwich Road, Halesworth, Suffolk, IP19 8BX Tel: 01986 834216 / Fax: 01986 834270 ISDN: 01986 874752 Published on behalf of Snowsport England Tel: 0121 501 2314 / Fax: 0121 585 6448 e-mail: barry.spouge@ snowsportengland.org.uk Web: www.snowsportengland.org.uk All editorial and advertisement copy should be sent to Countrywide Publications at the above address. Correspondents: Snowboarding: Tom Allen; Freestyle: Martin Carr, Nordic: Iain Ballentine, Telemark: Andrew Clarke. Publishing Director: Barry Spouge, Tel: 01986 834216/ Mob: 07802 824120, e-mail: [email protected] Printed by Micropress Printers Ltd, Tel: 01986 834200 Opinions expressed by contributors in The Piste are not necessarily those held by the publisher or Snowsport England. No part of this magazine may be reproduced without the specific written permission of the publisher. While every care is taken to ensure the accuracy of information contained in The Piste, we do not accept responsibility for any errors or matters relating.

Cover Picture: Skiing in Alta Badia, Italy.

the piste Dec 09/Jan 10 3 NEWS SKI SHOWS LAUNCH WINTER SEASON The annual ski shows in London and Birmingham have wakened the interest of the nations winter sports enthusiasts. First off the blocks was the Metro Ski Show at London’s Olympia, running from 21 to 25 October, talking to exhibitors and visitors alike they felt that it was well attended and plenty of interesting goings on. From the indoor slope hosting GET FIT 2 SKI the various competitions and The Fit 2 Ski training manual demonstrations, to the fashion will get you in better shape – shows, showcasing the latest physically and mentally – wear, the ‘have a go’ slope and before, during and after the ski après ski bars, the event lived up season to stay ahead of your to it’s expectations. Most of the competition. Whether you're a big names were there, Ski recreational or competitive Bartlett, Snow and Rock, Ellis skier, developing a proper Brigham plus lots more to see was relatively pleased”. attendance, Steve from training program will help and do. I grabbed a quick word The British Ski & Board show Filarinski’s was upbeat about the optimise performance in any with Terry Bartlett from Ski at the NEC, Birmingham followed new season, “We have had a lot of ski environment and in your Bartlett at Hillingdon, he was from 30 Oct to 1 Nov, packed with interest and sales so far, the snow general life. The high pleased with what would appear exhibitors from around the globe is looking good for this early in performance training tips in to be good attendances on most together with tour operators, ski the season, and the cost of buying Fit 2 Ski are designed by of the days, “you always get some manufacturers, hardware and equipment is much lower in the physiotherapists, coaches, slow periods during which you clothing suppliers together with UK now with the euro rate what it physicians, and other sports can take stock of what you are plenty of action on and off the is”. science professionals. Fit 2 Ski doing and get a break, but you slopes. Various demonstrations Generally visitors to the shows is designed to apply to skiers will always get the busy times, took place none more exciting were upbeat about taking a ski of all levels. particularly the weekends, when than the skiers and boarders on holiday this winter, with huge Ordering is easy with you get over run . Terry went on the display slope, starting high early snowfalls in Europe, so far PAYPAL via the website to say “we did well on sales of up in the roof of the building they then it could be the www.fit2ski.com ski’s, boots and snowboards thrilled the crowds. Exhibitors encouragement skiers and during the course of the show so I were pleased with the shows boarders need. WIN flights to the slopes with bmibaby!

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4 the piste Dec 09/Jan 10 NEWS Ski Club of Great Britain membership offer for members of Snowsport England Join the Ski Club and get a £10 Ellis Brigham voucher* As a member of a local ski club, you can join the Ski Club of Great Britain and we’ll give you a free £10 Ellis Brigham voucher!* But why join the Ski Club? Whatever kind of skier or snowboarder you are, once you join the Ski Club of Great Britain, you'll find everything you need from one source: premium snow reports, information, discounts on your holidays and Ski Club reps to show you the best of the mountains in 35 resorts worldwide. And that's just for starters. Hundreds of ways to save: • Up to 10% off with tour operators including Mark Warner, Skiworld and Neilson • Up to 15% off independent chalets and hotels • Discounts at UK artificial and real snow slopes • Savings at hundreds of UK shops including Ellis Brigham, Blacks and Snow+Rock • Savings on ski schools and instructor courses overseas • Comprehensive insurance policy covering a wide range of winter and summer activities • Savings on car hire, car parking, trains and ferries THE SKI CLUB OF GREAT BRITAIN Information when you need it: • Free subscription to Ski+board magazine • Free online TV - SkiTV.co.uk THE MYTHS DISPELLED • In-depth snow reports for 250 resorts • Unlimited info and advice Since its original formation over Club’s website is Ed Drake, one • Full online resort guides for 400 resorts 100 years ago, the Ski Club has of Britain’s best skiers, who they Skiing together: always existed for snowsports have sponsored for the past 11 • Ski for free with Ski Club reps in 35 resort worldwide enthusiasts, helping its members years. • Join a Ski Freshtracks holiday: action, performance, weekend, off-piste, heliskiing and make the most of their skiing As well as supporting touring trips time. Founded in 1903 by a small competitive racing, the Ski Club group of ski pioneers at London’s continues to have a strong focus With this fantastic offer, you will re-coup your membership fee in no time. Café Royal, it aimed to ‘assist on recreational snowsports. They Visit skiclub.co.uk to find out more… members in such matters as run group trips as part of their * £10 Ellis Brigham voucher for members of a local ski club who join the Ski Club of Great Britain. Offer applies to where to go, what sort of ski to ‘Ski Freshtracks’ programme, Individual and Family memberships only. Offer applies to new Ski Club membership subscriptions only. A Direct Debit must be completed. Offer valid from 1 November 2009 until 20 September 2010. Membership prices are set as of 1 purchase, from whom initial which are uniquely organised by September 2008. Ski Club reserves the right to amend the cost of annual membership. Call the Membership instruction could be had, what ski standard. The Club’s social department on 0845 45 807 82 and quote ‘UKSKICLUB’ to receive this membership offer or alternatively join online the general condition was in such focus has also meant that the at skiclub.co.uk and enter the joining code ‘UKSKICLUB’. and such a time of year.’ repping scheme, set up 50 years So, what is the Ski Club all ago, is as popular as ever. about now? Today, as the largest Stationed across 35 resorts in snowsports club in the UK, the Europe and North America, the Club is an up-to-date reps are there to run a varied ski organisation that provides social programme for members. opportunities, snowsports The Ski Club also remains information and deals and famous for the information it savings for keen skiers and provides. In addition to snowboarders. As it has grown publishing ‘Ski+board’ magazine and expanded, keeping in touch four times annually, the Club’s with its members has remained website (skiclub.co.uk) includes at the Club’s centre - it now has information and tips, provides over 33,500 members of all ages, the latest news, snow reports, disciplines and abilities. resort guides, fitness and safety The Ski Club has played a advice. One of the Club’s latest pioneering role in developing and ventures is SkiTV.co.uk, the UK’s promoting skiing and first online 24/7 snowsports-only snowsports. Starting channel. It features over 400 international ski competitions in hours of films, including 1920, the Ski Club then went on international events and extreme to organise the first World mountain sports and, throughout Championships in downhill and the winter, the weekly ‘Snowcast’ slalom racing ten years later. Not podcast rounds up the latest content with the inclusion of mountain news and gossip. only cross-country skiing into If you are involved in the inaugural Winter Olympics, snowsports you will have the Club’s appeal to the undoubtedly heard about the Ski International Ski Federation Club, but many people don’t meant that within ten years, realise what they actually do. The downhill and slalom were Ski Club remains a key accepted as Olympic sports. organisation in the UK The Club still retains a close snowsports industry and works link with SnowsportGB and the hard to promote snowsports, as Home Nations Governing Bodies, well as offering its members a and has a committed interest in range of benefits. These qualities helping professional racers and combined with a large riders. They sponsor several membership base allow the Ski athletes, helping to give them Club to continue to go from opportunities to enjoy and strength to strength. partake in the sports they love. For more information visit: Among the many talented www.skiclub.co.uk professionals profiled on the Henrietta Dehn

the piste Dec 09/Jan 10 5 NEWS

FORD DONATE MINIBUS TO SKI TEAM At a presentation the Chairman of the Combined Services Disabled Ski Team (CSDST) Colonel David Eadie accepted a minibus from Ford of Great Britain at a short ceremony at The Snow Centre, Hemel Hempstead. Ford donated the minibus to enable the team to move themselves and their team have been through horrific Team (BDST) and Paralympics GB, equipment around Europe injuries, especially those and were very much part of the during the forthcoming ski wounded in action on operations. launching of the Combined season. Francine Clarkson (wife They have all been through Services Adaptive Sports of Jeremy Clarkson), Major rehabilitation at Headley Court, Association (CSASA). General Lamont Kirkland and and now lead a largely During this summer the team many friends and sponsors independent life within the has trained twice a month at the enjoyed the ceremony. Forces. Their progress to indoor Snow Centre, Hemel The CSDST consists of eight recovery, which can never be Hempstead and on a two week members from all three Armed absolute, has been an Skills Camp in Neustift, Austria, Services who have either been enormously painful journey. The with training on the Stubai wounded in Iraq and rehabilitation process at Headley Glacier. By the end of the Skills Afghanistan and lost limbs there, Court is incredibly taxing and Camp the new athletes will have or have suffered traumatic non- those who have lost their lower the confidence and competence to battlefield injuries that prevent limbs have had to learn to walk undertake a continuation training them from undertaking Able- again using computer-controlled programme run under the wing of Bodied Sport and which restrict prosthetic legs. Thereafter they the Royal Engineer Alpine Camp their employment within the have had to learn to ski, a process also in Neustift, Austria. Senior Forces. in which falling over is infinitely Team members already invited Current team members are; more painful than it can ever be onto the BDST have international THE CSDST CONSISTS Capt Martin Hewitt (Parachute for an able-bodied skier. They race licences and will compete Regiment) who was shot through have faced extraordinary levels of “OF EIGHT MEMBERS where they can to begin reducing the shoulder joint in Afghanistan pain simply to learn to ski at FROM ALL THREE their race points with the aim of and Corporal Pam Grainger Novice standard. In order to be ARMED SERVICES WHO qualifying for the Europa Cup (Royal Air Force) who lost the use able to race at their current level HAVE EITHER BEEN competition next season and the of her right arm in a motorcycle of competition, they have had to WOUNDED IN IRAQ AND World Cup soon after. accident – both of whom push themselves an AFGHANISTAN OR HAVE With significant funding compete as a one-armed skiers; extraordinary extent; they have pledged and great support SUFFERED TRAUMATIC Sergeant Mick Brennan (ROYAL broken their good limbs and in attention will turn to establishing SIGNALS) who lost both legs some cases aggravated their NON-BATTLEFIELD workable rules and regulations to above the knee in a suicide-bomb original wounds. INJURIES THAT ensure serving disabled athletes blast in Iraq and Sergeant Stu The CSDST was set up in the PREVENT THEM FROM are as integrated as possible in Pearson (Parachute Regiment) Summer of 2008 from skiers UNDERTAKING military competition. The CSDST who lost his left leg and right across the three services who ABLE-BODIED SPORT.” aim is to establish internationally heel in multiple mine blasts in had shown promise during recognised ‘factors’ within Afghanistan and Lance Corporal Exercise Snow Warrior run by this opportunity as he had military races which will enable Pete Dunning (Royal Marines) Battle Back. Following selection returned to 2 Royal Tank disabled athletes to compete who lost both legs in a separate to the CSDST in 2008 Martin Regiment and was determined to competitively with their able mine blast in Afghanistan – all of Hewitt, Mic Brennan and Stevie deploy to Afghanistan again with bodied colleagues. This opens the whom compete as mono-skiers; Shine raced in the Divisional, his Regiment. He has now way to them being able to Captain Bernie Bambury (Rifles) Army and Combined Services returned from Afghanistan and is represent unit, Corps and Service who lost his right foot in an Championships in early 2009. back in training with the ski teams in the future. CSDST also accident on the Cresta run and Over the summer of 2009 Martin team. hope to continue to develop snow Lance Corporal Stevie Shine Hewitt and Mic Brennan Sponsorship from Help for sport opportunities for disabled (Royal Tank Regiment) who lost travelled with the British Heroes, KBR, Selex, Ford of Great service personnel with Battle his left leg in an Improvised Disabled Ski Team (BDST) to New Britain, Supacat, BLESMA, Back and other snow and ice Explosive Device incident in Iraq Zealand for a month of training Qinetic, Bloc, Augusta Westland disciplines. and Lance Corporal Si Wiggins culminating in their first and Trinity Insurance have Contact details and further (Coldstream Guards) who lost his international disabled race. Both allowed the team to purchase information on the CSDST will be right leg in a mine explosion in are firmly focused on trying to basic ski and protection displayed on the website (as soon Afghanistan – all of whom become members of the GB team equipment and the team have as we can find someone to help compete as 3-track skiers. for the Sochi Paralympic Games also been building relationships us develop it) at: www2.armynet. All of the members of the in 2014. Stevie Shine only missed with the British Disabled Ski mod.uk/csdst/index.htm.

6 the piste Dec 09/Jan 10 NEWS SKIING, WHAT ELSE! BY MAY FISHER When I first started skiing at the age of two, as both my parents say 'I took to it, like a duck to water', and ever since then skiing has been a major part of my life. And twelve years since my first time on skis, and also only 14 months since my first real experience of Telemarking, I was racing for the second time at the British Army Telemark Championships. A truly amazing experience, right from getting off the plane at Strasbourg and seeing all of the old faces, to the final day with the prize giving which was just great because I actually won five tankards. It was an honour to be winning prizes because I was doing something that was still started and just enjoyed it, very fresh and unknown to me, THEN CAME THE “5...4...3...2...” AND remembering the one thing I and because I was sitting I JUST WENT FOR IT, EVERY PART OF knew was key, always turn early. amongst some exceptional people I finished with a respectable such as; Chippy White, Andrew ME WAS READY FOR EVERYTHING time and it was getting better. Clarke, Patrick Mitchell, Phil “ THE COURSE COULD THROW AT ME.” Another race another day - Maddox, Carl Simmons, Huan when I started I knew it was the Davies, Adrian Pery, and who can last day and the last race. I went forget my old man Cameron could only be described as epic, it the only thing that was through the gates and it was Fisher. was of course my 'dobbin'. To be important. good, I landed the jump fine, and Then it was the couching honest I don't really remember So to the third race. We did the then came the skate, and there group selection, I was put in the fall itself but I know it was course inspection first, this is were all the faces that I knew Urban Simcic’s group - Urban just after the jump as I went to go where I normally didn't pay much cheering me on. I remember Simcic- a phenomenal through the next gate. attention. However one thing that smiling to myself half way skier/racer/coach/ person, his And then the next thing I did grab my attention was the through the skate because Nobby insight into Telemarking was remember is looking up and amount of ice on the course, was alongside me at one point incredible and no matter what seeing all these people that I have which to be honest did scare me a and me just remembering hearing you did mistake or no mistake he come to admire screaming at me bit. him say “FIGHT, FIGHT, FIGHT knew exactly why you had done “GET UPPPPPP!” But there was Then my time came, and I was LIKE YOU WANT TO WIN IT!” it and what had to be done to one face that has stuck with me ready, Bob did his bit as per Then Paddy, Chippy, Sticky and correct it. He coaches, the from that, Chippy's, screaming at usual. The top section went everyone guiding me through the National Slovenian team, and the me. So of course I got up and smoothly, but then somewhere whole race, it just re-filled me level of his abilities in every area carried on into the skate and before the jump I fell, but I with total excitement and of skiing were shown to its full finishing with a time of 1:15:47. wasn't going to let it phase me. determination. I finished and I extent. The fall didn't really affect me, The second run, I was so was unbelievably happy. Then to the first official race, it was just the joke of the day, and determined and I'd managed to So to the prize giving, it was which filled me and many others at the prize giving I was awarded move from the bottom to 47, great to see all the faces in one with two emotions, excitement not only a huge round of which was a plus. My time came, room, everyone was happy, I and fear. It came to my turn to hit applause for my 'dobbin' but also but by the time I was at the third came second in all races and the gates, I was standing at the second place in the women's. gate, I was down, again, with my third overall and also won the start with Bob to my right, he The next day, we had the ski off. I was so annoyed, but then Junior Combination Champion, gave me a little pep talk as many second race. And the same thing Urban skied over told me to stand which was such an honour. others had, which I will always happened to me, I fell over. Words up put my ski on then said to me I've still got an awful lot to be extremely grateful for, and cannot begin to describe the level “GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!”. I put learn about racing, but I promise then he said in his ever so polite of disappointment that I felt. But everything I had left into my race, I will do it. voice “Are you ready?” and I I was still second. and how can I forget the support I think that the whole of the immediately replied “Yes.” We got to the team captains I was given. I got through the Forces Telemark community, the And then came the meeting and they began to read finish and then the only way I likes of Nobby Clarke, and Matt “5...4...3...2...” and I just went for the bib numbers. My heart was can describe the way I felt is Higginson should be commended it, every part of me was ready for pounding harder than I thought bleak. Even though Nobby came for what they're currently doing everything the course could was possible, and I was listening over and congratulated me, and for the sport. It's because of throw at me. so closely. They said my dad's to tell me what I had just people like them that, great Going round the first gate I name at 47 and I knew that the achieved, skied down a world cup events like this can take place, could hear the cheers from bibs were only going up to 59. I standard course, against world and also because of them that the everyone I knew. The top section heard the bib numbers depleting, cup skiers. But it didn't matter to sport is now beginning to grow. was so much fun and I loved I really thought I hadn't made it me, I had fallen over, it wasn't Telemarking is a phenomenal every minute of it. Then the through. My heart skipped a beat what I wanted. sport and I would urge anybody jump- My thoughts “you know as I heard Adrian say “May I remember having a chat with to take part in it because it is just what to do, DO IT!” I could hear Fisher, 59” I really didn't care Paddy going up the t-bar, and we so great and not only that, the everyone screaming at me and that I was going last because I set our goals for the day, to not people you meet can change your then it came, something that was still doing it and that was fall over and to turn early. I life forever.

the piste Dec 09/Jan 10 7 NEWS

RISING FROM THE ASHES Following on from the recent reports featured in ‘The Piste’ regarding the demise of the Arrows Racing club, I am delighted to announce the successful birth of the new ‘Swadlincote Fireflies’ Ski racing club. After the Perma-snow ski surface developed by John Nike Leisuresport Ltd, was introduced at the centre in 2005, Swadlincote Ski Centre worked hard to find a suitable system for fixing slalom poles into the carpet style matting to allow Ski racing to continue. A solution was found and the 3 pronged base GET SOME WINTER to the slalom poles required to slot under the Perma-snow, was put into production in 2006. Since that time the centre has hosted an East Midlands SUNSENSE Open School Fun Race, 5 ‘Kings’ dual slalom races and the first Triple If you are heading to the Slalom ‘Collegiate’ race held for 10 years. The Arrows Race club also mountains this winter did you came back to train on the surface but struggled to attract new know that you could get burned members into the club. As reported by Gill Hall in the last edition twice as fast as you would do on of ‘The Piste’ the Arrows sadly folded early in 2009. a beach holiday. Avoid the Mark Morley Rudolph red nose look with Sunsense, Australia’s no. 1 sun care brand and enjoy your ski CRYSTAL SKI RESORT INFORMATION DIRECT TO YOUR MOBILE trip knowing that your sunscreen Crystal Ski customers can this winter receive an Buddy can provide free text messages with is the most recommended by UK essential ‘information pack’, including guidance and advice. dermatologists. downloadable piste maps and details of rep services Crystal also promises 50% more free ski Your lips are also particularly available in the resort, ready for their mobile phone. escorting this winter and have extended the service sensitive to the intensive sun. Crystal is replacing the traditional printed pack so it is now available three days a week. The ski Sunsense Lip Balm SPF 40 comes with an online pack which allows customers to escorts will show how to beat the queues, find the as a glide-on lip applicator access essential resort information up to nine days best runs and get inside information necessary for a which protects, soothes and before departure from their PC or web-enabled successful day on the slopes. moisturises dry, cracked lips. It iphone, BlackBerry and other devices. Customers will also be able to let us do the is soft and easy to apply and is Crystal Ski has also set up a partnership with queuing for them this winter in more resorts than suitable for sensitive skin. Travel Buddy to communicate by text messages with ever before. We will deliver lift passes before the Sunsense is sold online our customers while in resort. Receiving text lifts open either to our customers’ accommodation www.sunsense.co.uk and messages through Travel Buddy will be absolutely or to a convenient central point in resort. available from most local free. If an incident occurs in a ski resort or a flight For further information pharmacies. is delayed due to heavy snowfall, the Crystal Travel visit:www.crystalski.co.uk

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Simply answer and send it back to the following address. To win an incredible Flip Video Ultra, simply answer the following question: Where to Ski & Snowboard Competition, The Piste, 27 Norwich Road, Aside from the Flip Video Ultra, which one of the following is a Flip Video product? Halesworth, Suffolk IP19 8BX. Entries to reach us by 31 December 2009. (Here’s a clue – head to www.flipvideo.co.uk to find the answer!) If you are not a winner you can get a copy via publishers NortonWood Publishing a) Flip Maxi (Credit Card Hotline 01373 835208) for only £18.99 b) Flip Mino c) Flip Mellow (Postage & Packing FREE). Please quote The Piste magazine when ordering.

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8 the piste Dec 09/Jan 10 CAMERAS IN FOCUS

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the piste Dec 09/Jan 10 9 OLYMPIC AIM FOR MOGULS STAR Ellie Koyander looks set to achieve her dream of competing at the 2010 Winter Olympics in February, Barry Spouge caught up with Ellie recently to find out how she feels and her current thoughts on the coming season.

she said . “ Summer has just flown by and the winter snow is already back at Copper Mountain which is where I head for my pre- comp phase of training ! I think it’s going to be a good season for the snow if summer is anything to go by”. Have you taken part in any competitions whilst you have been away? “I had a great competition in Australia where it all came together so well ……. putting it all together is what we have been focussing on and the theme of training up until the start of the World Cup season” said Ellie. I hear you have had a new coach for the summer? Ellie replied, ”Yes I have been really fortunate this summer to be working with Cooper Schell – based in Boulder, Colorado. He is one of the nicest, and asked how preparations for knowledgeable coaches around . the new season are coming His credentials include coaching on? “I have been working so Johnny Moseley to Olympic Gold hard on so many fronts in 1998 in Nagano, and 4th place I in the 2002 Salt Lake Games. Coop since April of this year. My plans have been focused on one thing, has brought a new dynamic to the preparing for 2010. It’s been a team working with my main coach really hectic time and I think that Pat Deneen. We have been working I have had some of the best hard on building a strong quality summer training that I attacking platform under the feet have ever had” said Ellie . Where and my speed has really gone to a have you been based? “We’ve been new level “. based in Mt Hood, Oregon and She went on to say that on the Colorado for most of the early technical skiing side, ”It’s been a summer, Perisher Blue in Australia really exciting development for the whole of August and season over the summer, but then Zermatt Switzerland in October, of course with Moguls skiing you

10 the piste Dec 09/Jan 10 have to add into the mix two and world ranked no 3). World Rankings list ……it’s the little sister” said Ellie. aerial manoeuvres, which can act It feels all of a sudden very real hardest part of the game where Like many current athletes like a brake on the speed if you to be snapping at the heels of everyone is’ beyond good’ and it’s funding is difficult, how do you don’t work these up too – you mogul skiings ‘royalty’ – they have a case of working incredibly hard find funds/sponsorship? only have to visualise taking a all at one time been my hero’s and for very small gains . TASS 2012 funding has been ballistic run down a 200m slope role models to look up to as a I asked what was Ellie looking really critical to Ellie’s programme into a kicker and then pull say a young moguls racer”. forward to most in 2009/10? “Even and has helped her fund a number backflip to get what I mean”. What are you hoping to achieve though I have met all of the of key services. “Money is always a She went on “Moguls airs have this coming season? “I couldn’t be Olympic Selection criteria (as have challenge for any sport, she said to not only have ‘showmanship’ in a better position to start the around 60 or so other skiers and bobbing around the world on but also be perfectly executed , coming World Cup season, said around the world for the female the World Cup circuit is very the landing and flow back into the Ellie, my results in Australia have moguls event) only 30 can go, she expensive. I am really lucky on bumps has to be seamless and taken off a lot of pressure said, there is a complex process of this front to have Slipstream, a fluid, and the tricks just have to regarding meeting this last Nations being awarded quota professional media and marketing flow in slow motion and look Olympic Qualification criteria . spots and that’s the real selection company that take care of funding effortless. So does that mean a lot Specifically this season my goals criteria for anyone who has met and sponsorship so that I can of hard work on your part? “Yes are to be consistently in the finals the Olympic qualification focus on my skiing” . on the trampoline and water on the World Cup circuit. My standards. No British athlete from She went on to say, “I have been ramps to get the gymnastics bit focus is purely on improving my any winter sports discipline will so fortunate that my programme up to speed so as not to blunt the performance and to climb up the know until Team GB is announced has never been ‘clipped’ by having fast skiing bit. Chris my aerials in January 2010, but after last to cut things to a really tight coach has been doing a lot of season I was within the top 30 on budget each year the programme video analysis working on the the master quota list and my has gotten more and more detail and it’s been great to get skiing has only gotten better and ambitious, involved more and instant feedback and put things THERE’S NO DOUBT better. I guess it is going to be a more people and so become more into motion – especially on the tough start to the season, I asked, and more expensive ! There have water ramps earlier in the year … “THAT THE HIGHLIGHT ”Yes it’s going to be aggressive out been so many people who have ..even with a wet suit on, boy was OF THE COMING there in the first WC races during stepped in at the right time or that melt water COLD” SEASON IS GOING TO the qualification window and I am come along for the ‘adventure’ and What are your thoughts on under no illusions that people chipped in services for free … the your achievements last season BE THE VANCOUVER outside of the 30 cut will be bottom line is that I think that it and what is the lasting memory GAMES – IT’S DOWN attacking hard . But, I am really makes it easier to invest in an from last year? TO ME TO IMPROVE looking forward to taking my athlete if they show each season a “For me the highlight of MY POSITION skiing to competition - I am in a good strong improvement on the Summer was most definitely in different place to where I left off previous season and that really Australia, where throughout WITHIN THE TOP 30, in April and I am really excited helps when you are sat across the August, the feel of my 2010 STAY ON THE QUOTA about that – I am faster, meaner, table from someone thinking season’s ‘race product’ started to LIST AND OF COURSE higher and just a lot better than about investing in you ! Where I come together for the first time, AVOID GETTING last season”. have got to so far, it has all been said Ellie. She went on to say, My What about the Olympics? about having a strategy and then first Continental Cup race was a INJURED. “There’s no doubt that the going out and doing it and most strong field mixed with World highlight of the coming season is importantly doing what you say Cup and Noram skiers and an going to be the Vancouver Games – you are going to do. We have had a important race for anyone it’s down to me to improve my strategic development plan to be seeking to qualify for the position within the top 30, stay on at the Games since 2005 when I Vancouver 2010 Olympics . I the quota list and of course avoid was just 13 and it’s all gone pretty think that a lot of coaches getting injured”, she said. much to plan . Sponsors seem to and athletes saw that it was What are your movements over like the ability to show stability an early opportunity to the coming months? “I will be in and growth” . acquire one of the IOC’s Colorado for the whole of And your final thoughts on the (International Olympic November polishing everything Vancouver Olympics? Committee) qualification that I have put in place over the Ellie’s thoughts turned to the criteria of achieving over spring , summer and autumn. My course and competing, “The course 100 FIS points during the first competition is in Finland in at Cypress Mountain is certainly qualification window. December where we have a couple going to be interesting because its My 4th place result of Europa Cups to test the water. relatively low and close to the city secured 250 FIS points, That’s just a week before the – the Pacific climate and exceeding the requirement by World Cup event on the same conditions are so variable on the a very comfy margin, so I course. We then hill, one day boilerplate blue ice, was really pleased with head off to the next slush, the next day fog that, especially Meribel the bound, the next a sunny day. It’s placing nicely following going to be about versatility and behind the week for the the ability to not be fazed by the seasoned powerhouse next WC leg of fact that the previous days WC skiers of Aiko the season. training will probably bear no Uemura of Japan who took The World resemblance to the night time bronze (30yrs – current Cup circuit moguls event. The girls at the World Champion, 3 x then moves on top of their game know that and Olympian), Czech Republic to Canada in that’s one of the things that will star Nikola Sudova in January 2010 and make Vancouver a real skiers second (27yrs, 2 x then the USA before course”. Olympian, world the Games in So Ellie has her strategy and ranked no 5 ), and February. I will be has been working very hard over finally seasoned getting a few days the past eight months to ensure veteran Margarita off for Christmas, she has a great chance to achieve a Marbler of Austria which I am really dream. We wish her luck in her taking the gold looking forward quest. (34 yrs, three to, especially You can keep up to date with times Olympian catching up with Ellie at: www.elliekoyander.com

the piste Dec 09/Jan 10 11 I TRY AND “CONCENTRATE AND THINK ABOUT WHAT I AM DOING AND NOT WORRY TOO MUCH ABOUT WHAT THE OTHER GIRLS WILL BE DOING AND WHAT THEY ARE GOOD AT OR NOT GOOD AT.”

ZOE’S OLYMPIC MEDAL QUEST

oe Gillings, GB’s No1 want to go down this course in but I have a new coach this season Snowboarder, got the front of a crowd”, said Zoe. She and it was about a week before the snow bug whilst growing went on to try nearly all of the start of the World Cups and we had up on the Isle of Man, event types before deciding to not done many competitions having learnt to ski concentrate on boardercross. As together so we thought it would duringZ family holidays she they say the rest is history. A just give us a bit of good practice, eventually ’got a bit bored’ and veteran of a previous Olympics Zoe and I came second in it, which was THE BIG decided one plank was a good is looking forward to the 2010 fantastic”. Were you surprised by alternative and a new challenge. Vancouver games, “I now know that finish, “Yes I was” she said. INTERVIEW Snowboarding was quite a young what it is like, the build up, the Has it given you a taster for sport then so having decided this expectations and the media another event to go for? “A lot of ZOE GILLINGS was the way to go Zoe then had to interest. Last time I was nervous, people have asked if I am going to TALKS TO BARRY SPOUGE get the equipment, “It took me now I have been working on that compete in the GS in Vancouver about a week to find a board small and have ways of dealing with the now as well, but I have got my enough for me” she said, “things nerves, whereas last time I didn’t, I hands full with the one event to be have changed a lot, now you can feel more confident and prepared honest, one is enough for now” she get boards of every size quite this time, well as much as I can be”. said. At the same time you had easily”. Having worked hard at the With the new season underway your first World Cup boardercross learning stage Zoe then went on to Zoe has taken part in two event? “Yes I came 10th, which I competitive events, what was her boardercross events so far plus one wasn’t too happy with, I had a first ever event? “At the British unusual event! I asked about the crash right at the start in the first Champs, a slalom, and I came departure from the norm. “Yes it heat. It’s always frustrating when third in that, with next being a was a parallel , Zoe something happens which is out of giant slalom, with two other said, it was the first one I have your control and puts you out of PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY OF entrants, one getting injured and taken part in since 2003, I wasn’t the competition”. ZGCHILL.COM the other deciding she did not sure how I was going to go in that Obviously continuous training

12 the piste Dec 09/Jan 10 is a mainstay, what have you been qualification timed run on your concentrate and think about what doing over the summer? “I had a own around the course, you get 2 I am doing and not worry too couple of weeks in Argentina, runs each, your best time counts much about what the other girls before the competition started, then the top 16 girls and top 32 will be doing and what they are which was really good training guys go into the heats, then you good at or not good at. I just think but the rest of the time has been get a quarter final, semi final and about getting out of the gate spent in the gym, she said. “I final. Competition will be a lot getting my weight forward etc, planned to go out to do training in closer, I have 4 or 5 girls who are simple things about what I am New Zealand and glaciers in in contention with me. When I doing”. Is the push out of the gate Europe, but that didn’t happen”. started you would get seconds most important? I asked. “Yes You tend to think that more time between us, now it’s more like because it can determine where is spent in the gym than on snow, hundredths of seconds,” she said. you are at the first corner, if you Zoe’s response was “Not on What is it like standing in the can get out in front at the start it purpose, I would spend a lot more start gate with 3 other girls and is a lot easier to stay in front than time on snow if I could. I shall be the course stretches out in front of if you are in 3rd or 4th as then you going out to Hintertux for a you, what do you think about in have to attack the field”. month’s training before the next the few seconds before you launch As you get closer to the World Cup in Telluride in out of the gate, if indeed you have Olympics are you nervous or December”. time to think at all? “I try and excited? “It is a mix of both I I asked how it was having long suppose, I love everything about gaps between events or did she the Olympics, the environment, just want to get the ball rolling even just getting the team kit, it’s and keep going? “I think I would just a great time for sport”. rather just get going and keep the What does Zoe do in her ball rolling, people always ask me A LOT OF PEOPLE spare time and holidays, well when do you start, well September “ she loves watching movies and HAVE ASKED IF I is the first competition, then it’s as for holidays, she has not had like going back to summer again, AM GOING TO one for years, so planning one for then you start the winter all over COMPETE IN THE next year is quite exciting, no again in November.” Zoe went on GS IN VANCOUVER particular place in mind at the to say, “Once you have competed moment. So far thoughts extend to at Telluride on 20 December then NOW AS WELL, BUT water sports, a beach and a book, it is more regular. I shall make it I HAVE GOT MY that’s as far as she’s got - home for 4 days for Christmas, we somewhere hot and definitely no then have 3 competitions in HANDS FULL WITH snow. January, followed by the Olympics THE ONE EVENT TO Just a little matter of in February 2010, then a gap to BE HONEST, ONE Vancouver in between. around the 10 March and maybe a We wish Zoe all the very best couple more before the British IS ENOUGH FOR for the season and especially the Championships”. How did Zoe feel NOW.” Winter Olympics. about this year’s World Cup season? “I feel good, not too bad a start, would have hoped to be a bit better in Argentina. It’s a bit weird this season because I want to do well in the world cups individually and also the world ranking at the end of it, but the main aim is the Winter Olympics. I am almost thinking that all the events leading up to it are a bit like training competitions. That is not to say that I treat the world cups any lighter, I still want to do well and improve my ranking. The Olympics is one of the few chances I get to feel part of a team, my event is around 16 February, but I shall stay on and go and support the other members of Team GB in their events”. What are your thoughts at this stage, 3 months before they are due to start? “I am going to try my hardest to get a medal, I know no one can guarantee one, but I know that at one world cup or another I have beaten everyone in the world, so there is no reason why I shouldn’t do it again, it’s just a matter of everything going right on that one day. To put it into context a boardercross event takes about 7 minutes, that 7 minutes in every 4 years can determine whether you are a winner or not”, she said. What is the programme for your event? “First of all you do a

the piste Dec 09/Jan 10 13 THE ‘ROCKET’ AIMS FOR THE OLYMPIC ORBIT Another of England’s finest, Dave Ryding, has spent the summer training hard for Olympic selection, Barry Spouge caught up with Dave during a very short return to the UK.

ow have you spent the Europe after a three week stint in summer and how is Chile and 3 days indoors while the training for the new weather was really bad across the Hseason going? “In alps, before we headed back to general I would say training has Austria. We even started skiing at gone well this summer, it was Reiteralm which had been able to really frustrating at the start of the open on the 17th October. summer when we didn’t have a Unbelievable as it is only 1600 programme until September so my meters at the top. I have trained a training started by going to New lot of slalom over the summer and Zealand with Dougie Crawford and it seems to be going well. GS is a Pam Thorburn, in August, for three little bit behind my slalom at the weeks on our own getting what moment but it’s not too bad. As for training we could basically because speed well I think I might leave it to we were so unsure as to when the the other guys or wait until the team was going to start training. British to pull some results out of After three weeks in New Zealand the bag again”. we went straight to Chile to join up What are your hopes and aims with the team, and although New for this season? “This season I am Zealand was really good it was really hoping to step it up a level great to be back with our coaches and start to challenge for top 15’s and have everything structured for in slalom Europa cup races, and us. Chile went really well and I felt with the Europa cup slaloms being I made some real improvements at such a high level I may even be and was confident in my skiing able to put in some good world cup again”, said Dave. performances, but we will see I’m He went on to describe the next just hoping to ski consistent and a leg of the training, “Then back to lot better than last year, he said.

14 the piste Dec 09/Jan 10 What are you looking forward sponsor Vital, who have created to everyone who took part, to most in 2009/10? “It has to be me a website, and have done so donated and ran events for me, I the Olympics! Its every athletes much to boost my image, it really can’t say how grateful I am. dream and the pinnacle of the “THIS SEASON I couldn’t have come at a better Hopefully I can have a good sport, first I must get selected “ time because of the situation that season to thank you for the though”. AM REALLY Snowsport GB is in now and the support as well”. What is your race programme increased costs it has meant for Of all the disciplines what is for this season? “It’s hard to say HOPING TO STEP us! So I really owe them so much your favoured? “Well I guess it at the moment, I will know more IT UP A LEVEL and a Massive thanks! To find goes without saying it is slalom, once I have started racing and sponsors like this is really hard so and no matter how much I love how I am comparing to the other AND START TO I am very lucky to have C-tec and going fast or launching off jumps racers on the Europa Cup Circuit, Vital supporting me.” He went on in Downhill, nothing compares for if that is going well then for sure I CHALLENGE FOR to say “As for the funding, well it me, than to rattle through slalom would look to start some world TOP 15’S IN will cost me more this season as gates and no matter how many cups, but I don’t want to go to we now have to pay for lift passes gates I have skied since I started world cups just to be there, I want SLALOM EUROPA and a fee to ski on the team. skiing on dry slope and on snow to go there because I have a CUP RACES.” Overall funding towards that feeling just gets better and chance of doing something”. snowsports has decreased over better”. What are your thoughts on the past 8 years due to the lack of How did you get the nickname your achievements last season? results that the team have ‘Rocket’? “Ha-ha well it’s a long “Last season was a real roller produced on the big stage, which story, but Craig Ruddick and coaster for me, it started great in season it wasn’t great, until I was is fair enough but it does make it Anthony Heaversedge gave it to me the indoor Europa Cups but then able to go home relax and refresh. harder for the people who are on a camp with the England team when I got on to the real stuff it The end of my season was really coming through the ranks now. So when we were trying to do a bit of all went to pot. My equipment solid though and the lasting hopefully in a few years we will rapping and well it kinda stuck”. didn’t feel right, my confidence memory is for sure the British have a few guys starting and And finally the Olympics – are went and nothing was going well. Champs. However I learnt a lot consistently being in the top 30 in you excited by the prospect of Going to the world Champs was a last year and I will be able to draw world cups and we can make it competing at the premier event on high point but I would have liked upon this in the future and I can better”. the sporting calendar, what are to go there with more confidence learn from how it was when I What have you been doing to your hopes and aspirations? “Of and skiing well. I went home for a wasn’t skiing great and what I can raise your profile and gain funds course it is going to be a great break and when I came back it do to stop that”. to help with the cost of training? opportunity for me and I am was going much better and it all Like many current athletes “As I said earlier, my new sponsor looking forward to it a lot, but I’m started to happen again for me funding is difficult, finding has set me up a website so that not going to kid myself about what and having a few top 3’s in some sponsorship is tough, what are people can keep up with my I can achieve, all I will look to do, FIS races was good, but the main your views on funding in progress over the season, this as with any other race, is to give it achievement for the season was snowsports? “Especially with the should be updated weekly when 100% from turn one until the my whole week at the British Economic climate as it is at the I have the chance to get on the finish. If I happen to pull a good Champs when I defended my moment finding sponsors is really internet, and it is also possible run out let’s see where that puts British Slalom Title and won the tough. I have been really lucky for sponsors to find out more me. But for sure my main goals Overall British title with Ed. To be with being able to find sponsors about me. I have been and focuses are on the 2014 and honest I didn’t know I could ski and if it wasn’t for them I overwhelmed by the support that 2018 Olympics that’s when I will speed like I did so I didn’t think I wouldn’t still be skiing. C-tec has people have given me to help raise be at my peak and that’s where I had that much of a chance for the been my main sponsor for the last funds, organising races for me will look to deliver! First I have to Overall”. 4 seasons now, their support has and giving donations as well. I get selected though”. What is your lasting memory been unbelievable and I’m not cannot explain how humbled I am Well I am sure along with me, from last year? “Well other than exaggerating by saying if it wasn’t with all the support I have piste readers will want to wish not doing as well as I wanted to, for them I wouldn’t be skiing now. received and I would like to take Dave and all of our athletes, which if I have to evaluate my This season I have also got a new this opportunity to say thank you success and good luck for 2009/10.

the piste Dec 09/Jan 10 15 RESORT REVIEW

ALTA BADIA HEART OF ITALY’S DOLOMITES

ne of the wonders of Sella Ronda lifts whichever way the ski world is the you go, green or orange route. Dolomites in southern Alta Badia is a superb region OItaly, famous for the in its own right, full of history, ‘Sella Ronda’ ski circuit. Alta villages like San Cassiano, Badia is one of the ‘Sudtirol Corvara, La Villa, Colfosco, Badia regions providing a superb base and La Vol, each with its own for fabulous skiing. charm. Wherever you stay you It certainly has beauty on its will find runs of all types, plenty side. Stunning scenery, mountain of long reds, gentle blues and a ranges that change colour at few tougher runs like the World sunrise and sunset combined Cup run at La Villa. Whatever with friendly people plus your level you will enjoy the tree fantastic skiing and boarding, lined slopes, friendly locals and make this the ideal winter fine food. destination. I stayed in San Cassiano, with A winter holiday in Alt Badia its easy access to the lift system, offers so much more than just straight out of the door onto the skiing, combined with fabulous historic Corvara ski slope. Every slopes and away, a great food it has a winning Tuesday from early December experience and one that I enjoy combination. One particular through to March 16 2010, the every time I return. To find out initiative this winter is to involve Col Alto refuge offers an ascent ALTA BADIA IS A SUPERB more go to the Alta Badia website local mountain huts and by snowcat to the centre of REGION IN ITS OWN www.altabadia.org for more Michelin starred restaurants in Corvara. You start your day with “RIGHT, FULL OF HISTORY, information, maps, hotels etc. the whole of the an energy packed breakfast with VILLAGES LIKE SAN region promoting fine food and typical South Tyrol produce, How to get there: local produce. I can vouch for the bread, eggs, speck, apple juice, CASSIANO, CORVARA, LA You can fly with Ryanair, Easyjet food and wines from my honey etc, at the refuge combined VILLA, COLFOSCO, BADIA or British Airways to various experience of staying in the with a spectacular view of the AND LA VOL, EACH WITH airports around the region – region. surrounding Dolomite peaks. ITS OWN CHARM.” Milan Bergamo, Verona, Treviso, The whole area is a Then it is on to the slopes and Venice and Innsbruck. playground for skiers and down to the valley below before Superski pass which gives you During the winter season 2009 boarders. Have you ever the lifts open. A unique access to the Sella Ronda circuit, - 2010 comfortable low cost buses experienced the ski slopes before experience you will remember for certainly worth the trip. A connect the airports Bergamo, the lifts start running, while the years to come. circular run around the Sella Verona, Venezia and Treviso with first rays of sun tinge the peaks You can either purchase a Massif which takes you through the Dolomites and Alta Badia. of the Sella and Sassongher local ski pass, with plenty to a series of villages on a 20 mile Details at www.terravision.eu mountain ranges with red? This keep you happy for a week, or plus ski day. Start off early as you or you could hire a car from the winter you can, on Col Alto, the you can go for the Dolomiti have to connect with the main airport.

16 the piste Dec 09/Jan 10 NEWS SUCCESSFUL 3RD NORTHERN TELEMARK EVENT

MATT HIGGINSON, SSE TELEMARK DEVELOPMENT OFFICER

After organising five telemark skiing festivals as well as numerous telemark skiing taster sessions at ski slopes across the country over the last 4 years you would have thought that I would have got over the pre-festival nerves that I was experiencing as I was driving up the M1 on the morning of Sat 10th October 2009. I was en-route to instruct at the 3rd Northern Telemark Event at SnoZone, Xscape Castleford (Nr Leeds) the difference was that this time my eldest daughter Katrin was accompanying me in the passenger seat, a telemark festival virgin. At 9 years old she had been skiing alpine on freeheel gear for over a year and Northern Telemark Event delegates gather for an informal shot. was keen to- at last- join a group of other novices to learn how to novices, beginners and invaluable at these events. Committee along with the “tele” for real, having seen her intermediates all of who were See the Youtube footage at Nordic Key Committee have daddy eagerly promoting the about to embark on up to 6 hours www.youtube.com/watch?v=dTy been championing the sport of sport for a number of years. on slope instruction and up to 8 utWsVNpc telemark skiing for over three As usual I had filled the car hours skiing. The sessions were Feedback from the delegates years and would love to hear with more sets of skis and boots arranged in three x 2 hour at this year’s event have once what your views and thoughts than you can shake a stick at… sessions with suitable comfort again been extremely positive are on the sport. Any comments “You can never have too much breaks for skiers to get off the with many skiers asking for can be directed to Matt gear…” is what a university slope (if they wanted to), stretch details about future SSE telemark Higginson in the first instance friend used to say…. I was their legs and enjoy the other skiing events – we are working by emailing info@telemark- beginning to have my doubts…. amenities at Xscape. Big thanks towards keeping you better skiing.co.uk or phoning as was my back! must go to Aidan Harrington, informed about what is going on. 07813268124. Arriving at Snozone just Head of Snow School at SnoZone For those who would like to Please keep an eye on the before 11.00hrs I had just over an without whose energy and learn how to telemark ski, there SSE website for details of hour to unload all of the rental enthusiasm for telemark skiing will be at least 2 SSE telemark other telemark skiing activities equipment and prepare to meet a these events would be a good skiing festivals next year in your area or why not arrange hoard of telemark skiers who deal harder to organize. Thanks including details of which are a taster session for your would be arriving from across also to Ralph White and Cameron always posted on the SSE slope/club by contacting Matt the country. This year the Fisher whose coaching skills and website. (details above). Have a great gathering included as usual a dedication to the sport are The Telemark Development season! large number of new free heelers as well a number of old hands who had come along to soak up THE HERMINATOR RETIRES the atmosphere and share their skills and stories with those new Just a week before the start of the Audi FIS Alpine Ski World Cup season, one to the sport. The skiers were all of the greatest legends of the sport surprisingly announced his decision to ages, from the tender age of 9 retire. Herman Maier, announced the end of his illustrious career in Vienna on right up to….. well lets say that Tuesday 13th October. some have been enjoying the Maier, a four-time overall World Cup champion and a winner of 54 FIS benefits of retirement for a World Cup competitions since February 1997, had returned to training on the number of years!!! We even had a glacier above Soelden last week and indicated he would return to racing at the welcome visitor from Sweden end of November at Lake Louise, in time for the first speed events of the new who had brought her partner season. along to ensure that he learnt to He then changed his mind, however: "I enjoyed free skiing the other day in ski “properly”! Soelden and was happy that my body was back in shape after that long break. This years NTE differed But afterwards, I found out that it was also a good time to retire, it was a slightly from previous events in tough yet spontaneous decision." that the focus was going to be on "Last Friday, I suddenly decided to quit as I wanted to retire in a good more structured sessions which shape and relax a little. A week ago, I was not aware that this could happen so would focus on getting skiers to quickly, but the fact that I feel physically so great certainly pushed me towards focus on core skills which in turn that decision." would enable them to improve Maier exploded onto the ski scene in February 1997, surprisingly beating all their own skiing on and off piste top-favorites in a super-G race at Garmisch-Partenkirchen (GER). He became a later in the season – not that the world star a year later at the 1998 Games, clinching two gold medals only a delegates didn’t have fun.. there few days after a horrendous crash. He was nicknamed ‘The Herminator' by his was lots of sounds of laughter colleagues, the press and fans. throughout the day as some of Maier suffered a terrible motorbike accident in August 2001 and was lucky the alpine ski instructors were to survive it after a series of operations. Working his way back to the top, he humbled into taking the rope of celebrated an incredible comeback in 2003, winning the treacherous super-G novice once again. We had three race at Kitzbühel and a silver medal at the World Championships at St Moritz. groups of skiers, complete

the piste Dec 09/Jan 10 17 SNOWSPORT ENGLAND WHAT HAVE THE NEW UPDATE DEVELOPMENT OFFICERS BEEN UP TO...

Well we have certainly hit the ground running in our the consultation will shape some of the new roles! We have introduced ourselves to clubs work we do in the coming months. We will now and regions up and down the country via letters, be reviewing the shows and planning for the emails, meetings and at the Birmingham Ski and future events and opportunities we could Board Show. We would urge you to contact us if include. there has been no contact with your club as we may Other things we have involved in, includes not have the correct contact details. Our contact working with The Ski Club of GB on how we may be details can be found on the SSE website able to work together more closely for the benefit of www.snowsportengland.org.uk. Snowsports. Please see the article for exciting news We have both attended various SSE committee for members of affiliated clubs! We have also been meetings finding out more about what these looking for different ways to promote the great work committees are responsible for, the work they are and range of activities which take place at CEO UPDATE involved in and areas we may be able to support in Snowsport clubs in England. A number of tour With Christmas round the corner our roles. Core services and support for SSE clubs operators including school and University it has been an action packed has also been agreed with Sport England and we specialists are keen to promote the SSE affiliated autumn for all the staff at will be working with County Sports Partnerships clubs on their website by creating links from their Snowsport England. The two over the next couple of months to formalise links site to the SSE club section of the website. development officers have been with the clubs and facilities in their areas and any working extremely hard to initial initiatives clubs may be interested in being A BIG CONGRATS TO.... understand what needs to be involved in. Midland Ski Club who have achieved Snowmark done and meet as many people as SSE has also had a stand at both the School status – only the 3rd Snowsport club to achieve this possible. Please see the report Sports Conference and the Birmingham Ski and award – please go to the article to find out more which gives a little more Board Show. The delegates at the School Conference about the club and what it means to them. information about their progress. were really interested in the activities which take Congratulations to all involved at Midland Ski Club. There will be more developments place at the clubs and keen to find out more. This is We have a number of clubs who have signed up to throughout the year. an area of work we will follow up as we engage with work towards Snowmark and we will be supporting The office has been very busy the County Sports Partnerships. It was great to meet these clubs through the process in the next few processing all your renewals so many of you at Birmingham and put faces to months – if you would like to know more about this which will hopefully be complete names. The launch of the facilities strategy took national cross sport scheme please go to by the time you read this but if place on the Saturday of the www.clubmark.org.uk not please be patient as it is an show and the outcomes from Many thanks Jan and Vickie. extremely busy time of year. We also have a new website for the English Alpine Champs, this will have all the up to date information you need for the Championships. www. englishalpinechamps.org.uk I hope everyone has a Merry Xmas and a Happy New Year!! Tim Fawke, CEO, Snowsport England NEW SSGB CEO APPOINTED SnowsportGB is delighted to announce the appointment of John Dunlop as its CEO. John moved into sports administration following senior commercial roles in the European DRAKE TAKES FIRST PODIUM OF THE SEASON food industry. As Director of Britain’s top male skier, Ed Drake (23, Kingston-Upon-Thames) has started Policy and Administration at the winter season with a bang at the beginning of November, finishing 3rd the Scottish Football Association, in the opening event of the 09/10 Europa Cup Tour in Reiteralm, Austria. in addition to his core The result is a personal best for the Kingston-Upon-Thames based skier responsibilities for a multi and is a sign of his growing potential. British Alpine Ski Team coach, Mike disciplinary team, John led Pilarski, commented “Ed took the lead after his run, beating the 2009 changes in and established the Europa Cup Super G Champion in the process. He skied well today - his core processes of UEFA Club run was clean and technically good. There were a couple of key gates on Licensing. He also initiated and the course which he handled well and that helped him over the flat led the Football component of the sections”. Scottish Government's £95m Pilarski continued “The result is especially good when you consider he National and Regional Facilities has been suffering with a bug all week and missed a lot of training in the Strategy. The first of 6 planned lead up to today’s race. It puts him in a good position for the second race Scottish Regional Football tomorrow”. Centres opened this year at Drake commented “The first race of the season is always tough, it's the Toryglen in Glasgow and is first opportunity to race against your peers and to really find out how the recognised as the best such summer training has gone. Third in the first race of the season feels public facility anywhere in fantastic! Bring on the second race tomorrow." Europe.

18 the piste Dec 09/Jan 10 Midland Ski Club were presented with their SNOWSPORT certificates by Zoe Gillings, Olympic ENGLAND Snowboard Athlete, GRAND PRIX at the Birmingham Ski and Snowboard SERIES 2010 Show Saturday 31st October at the NEC. Following consultation with The other two racers, parents and coaches Snowsport Clubs changes are being put in place with Snowmark are for the 2010 Grand Prix Norfolk and Kendal. Series. Age group winners from the 2009 series will receive free entry into next year’s races. There are 6 races planned for next year, three on indoor snow and three on the outdoor plastic slopes. They will be spread over 4 CLUB HITS THE MARK! weekends with, on two weekends, races taking place Midland Ski Club achieves initiative and is the only national considerable efforts of a hard on Saturday and Sunday at Snowmark accreditation - Only cross sports quality accreditation working band of dedicated slopes close to each other, and the 3rd Snowsports club to scheme for clubs with junior volunteers, and it is to them that two traditional Grand Prix achieve this award. sections. It is built around a set credit for this award must be and Club National race The Midland Ski Club, formed of core criteria which ensure that given. Midland Ski Club offers weekends completing the in 1965, is one of the largest accredited clubs operate to a set skiing opportunities to all who series. independent snowsport clubs in of consistent, accepted and are interested in this sporting The indoor and outdoor the UK and has around 500 adopted minimum operating activity and the club’s races will each count as members providing a myriad of standards. Using the Sport achievements in competition separate series with the opportunities for enthusiasts to England Clubmark as a guide, whether it be on dry or snow, at age group winners being enjoy their snowsports. The club, Snowsport England has home or abroad, gives all awarded free entry into which is based at The Ackers developed its own club members something to aspire to. the corresponding series Adventure Centre in the Heart of development accreditation The facilities used at The the following year. the Midlands, offers members of scheme called Snowmark. This Ackers are being reviewed and if Trophies will be all ages the opportunity to learn, recognises that snow sports have funding is found for necessary awarded to the overall and develop, compete and enjoy their some characteristics which are improvements to go ahead it will age group winners from chosen Snowsport at all levels on unique to them and make them help us greatly to achieve our all six races and points both plastic and snow, in the UK different. Clubs attaining goals as a club and also those of collected in all six events and overseas. Snowmark will automatically get Snowsport England. will count. The club provides high Sport England Clubmark We will also benefit greatly The seed point cut off quality coaching for recreational accreditation as well. from the stronger links we will for Grand Prix races will be and competitive skiers of all The Club worked towards now have with schools and the increased from the current levels with one of its primary achieving Snowmark to ensure wider community as a result of 250 points to 300. objectives seeking out and they had consistent good practice the work to achieve Clubmark. We are currently encouraging younger members to and operating standards to The support from County negotiating the dates with develop their racing skills so as enable them to grow and develop Sports Partnerships and local the various slopes but are to become successful and strengthen their future school sports link officers will seeking to avoid both exam participants in club, regional, prospects. Having this quality help put snowsports and times and the summer national and international standard in place they hope will Midland Ski Club more firmly holiday period. competitions. They also provide demonstrate the club is on the map. Further details of dates opportunities to skiers of proven organised and managed on a For more information and locations will be ability to train up as instructors professional basis and with visit the Club's website: published soon. and coaches. Even non skiers in consistent good practice. www.midlandski.org.uk the family can qualify as race Bryan Thomas, chairman of officials so there is something for the club said: "Snowmark has everyone! helped us formalise many of the Midland Ski Club also things we were already doing and operates a number of very sharpen up the way we ran the popular holidays to resorts in Club. It has also helped to give Europe and North and South us more structure to what we do America which have been and some of the procedures put running successfully for many into place as part of the years. Clubmark process should make In recent times The Midland the day-to-day running of the Nordic Ski Club merged with the club easier and help to recruit MSC and so the club can now volunteers and coaches. offer many more opportunities in Achieving Clubmark has given Cross-Country, Roller Skiing (on everyone in the club a boost and tarmac), Ski Touring and has forced us to plan ahead more Telemark. and look towards developing the What are Snowmark and Club further on many fronts, Clubmark and what does it mean building on its success so far." for the clubs that are accredited? This success has been Clubmark is a Sport England achieved through the very

the piste Dec 09/Jan 10 19 SNOWBOARDING UPDATE

SNOWBOARD PHOTO COMPETITION Ever dreamed of featuring in a snowboard magazine? Well PICTURE CREDITS: now is your big chance. Send DUNCAN MILLS @ in photos of your snowboard WWW.STARSKI.COM experiences, whether park, piste, backcountry or your local dryslope, and we will feature the best picture in the next issue of Piste. LONDON’S FREEZE Check out these websites to get some inspiration from Snowboard competition. 16 of ourselves for the much- the professionals. REPORT BY TOM ALLEN the UK’s top boarders went head anticipated final, along with a www.andrewmillerphotos.com I was sat wasting time and idly to head on the 15-foot tabletop record crowd of just under www.danmilner.com browsing my facebook messages with Jamie Nicholls emerging as 13,000 excited fans. The format www.dopeshots.com when one suddenly caught my the overall winner. Qualifying for was 3 runs each, with the better Send your photos to attention. My old uni mate and the LG London Big Air started at of the 1st 2 and the 3rd summed [email protected] short chap ‘little Chris’ was midday on the Saturday. The to give the final score. This made (subject: piste photo) including highjacking the Saturday of the riders were separated into 2 for a tactical final where the a brief description and the Freeze for his birthday party. A groups with the top 5 from each riders were very keen to stomp names of the rider/riders and trickle of excitement ran down going through to the final. None their final trick. The competition photographer. Good luck! my spine when I delved further of the UK riders made the final just happened to coincide with Any photographs must and realised that a Plymouth despite some impressive Stefan Gimpl’s 30th birthday. be with us by 5 January 2010 Snowriders reunion was on the performances from Ben Kilner Stefan finished as runner up last for inclusion into the cards. and Nate Kern who finished in year and was keen to go one February/March 2010 edition. For those who don’t know, the 14th and 20th place, respectively. better and take the title. After a Freeze is a massive snowboard, Aside from the snowsports mid place scoring 1st run he ski and music festival, which competition there was more than nailed a super clean Frontside took place on the weekend of the enough to keep the avid festival 1080 on the 2nd positioning help but think what a perfect 30th October to 1st November. nut entertained. In the retail himself in 1st place going into opportunity the Freeze is to catch More to the point, Chris’ birthday village you could buy a new the crucial 3rd run. Just before up with old mates, plan your party was on the best day, the board from Revolutionz, book a he dropped in the crowd all sang trips, watch some amazing day of the LG London Big Air. A place on an instructor training happy birthday, the mass snowboarding and generally get selection of the world’s best scheme with Peak Leaders or just rendition must have hit home as very excited about the upcoming snowboarders, including Stefan chill out and watch the world go he stomped a super sweet Cab season. Gimpl, Petja Piiroinen and Kim by on a giant beanbag at the 900 to take 1st place. Big thanks to Duncan Mills @ Rune Hansen to name but a few, Fatboy trailer. There were also After prize giving we headed www.starski.com for the top would be throwing it down at plenty of bars in which to get the off to the main stage to get on quality photos. Battersea Power Station in an party going, including the alpine down to the Calvin Harris DJ Set, For more information: attempt to get their hands on the themed Apres Ski Bar and Ice fuelled by a cocktail of Relentless www.londonfreeze.com & 25,000 Swiss franc prize fund. Bar. and Rowntree’s Randoms. A few www.engineeringsport.co.uk/200 The festival kicked off on the As the sun began to set my hours later, as I rocked out to The 9/10/18/who-really-controls- Friday with the Battle of Britain mates and me began bracing Eagles of Death Metal, I couldn’t airtime/#more-113

20 the piste Dec 09/Jan 10 FREESTYLE UPDATE

PACKED FREESTYLE SEASON Winter is approaching and freestyle skiers are looking HERE ARE THE MAIN RESULTS forward to holidays and a season in the snow. The UK freestyle WESTBEACH HALIFAX JULY 09 BRITS SNOWTOUR – INDOOR SLOPESTYLE scene is very active in the new Men 1st James Machon; 2nd Charlie Smith; CASTLEFORD SEP 09 school area of Slopestyle and Big 3rd Robert Machon Mens 1st Josh Birch; 2nd James Woods, Air. Pat Sharple’s grom camps 3rd Josh Fawcett have been a major force in WESTBEACH BEARSDEN AUG 09 Womens 1st Katie Sumerhayes; 2nd Sissy Herant; bringing people into the sport Men 1st Murray Buchan; 2nd Andrew Mathew; 3rd Kelly O’Donnell and encouraging advancement. 3rd Andrew Wilson Small groups and clubs from Women 1st Kelly O’Donnell BRITS SNOWTOUR – BIG AIR INVITATION AT around many ski slopes also LONDON METRO SKI SHOW OCT 09 promote freestyle including WESTBEACH FINAL NOEUX LES MINES, 1st James Wood; 2nd James Webb; Sheffield, Norwich, Stoke , NORTHERN FRANCE 3rd Joe Tomlinson Manchester, Hemel, Bromley, Men 1st James Woods; 2nd James Webb; Christchurch, Warmwell and 3rd Chris Mavin LONDON RIDE INTERNATIONAL BIG AIR AT Bracknell. All have become, or are Women 1st Kelly O’Donnell; 2nd Charlotte Prince LONDON METRO SKI SHOW OCT 09 becoming, centres of excellence. 1st Murray Buchan; 2nd James Webb; The London and Southern regions BRITS SNOWTOUR – DRY SLOPE CHAMPS 3rd James Woods are following the lead of NORWICH SEP 09 Yorkshire in forming their own Mens Slopestyle 1st Josh Birch; 2nd James Woods; LONDON LG FREEZE freestyle squads. It is a 3rd Tyler Harding BEST OF BRITISH BIG AIR OCT 09 disappointment this year that Mens Big Air 1st James Woods; 2nd Josh Fawcett; 1st Paddy Graham; 2nd James Wooods; there is no World cup half pipe 3rd Charlie Richards 3rd James Webb competition in Europe in Womens Slopestyle 1st Katie Summerhayes; 2nd 2009/10 season, so the only snow Kelly O’Donnell; 3rd Rowan Cheshire LONDON LG FREEZE halfpipe competitions reachable Womens Big Air 1st Katie Summerhayes; 2nd INTERNATIONAL BIG AIR NOV 09 for most English competitors will Rowan Cheshire; 3rd Molly Summerhayes 1st Russ Henshaw (Aus); 2nd Bobby Brown (USA); be the Orange European Open & 3rd Andreas Hatveit Brits Snow tour both to be held BRITS SNOWTOUR – INDOOR BIG AIR Paddy Graham & James Woods represented UK in Laax, Switzerland. There is in MILTON KEYNES SEP 09 fact only one confirmed World Mens 1st James Woods; 2nd James Webb; cup half pipe in the USA in James Machon January, hopefully a small Womens 1st Katy Summerhayes; 2nd Sissy Herant; British team will be there to fly 3rd Kelly O’Donnell the flag. Back in the UK, the end of BRITS SNOW TOUR INDOOR SKIER CROSS summer through to early & RAIL JAM – GLASGOW SEP 09 November has seen a very intense Skier Cross Mens 1st Denzil Davies; As we go to press we have just heard that Paddy period of UK competitions to the 2nd Criag Conke; 3rd Mike Crawford has made the finals of the equivalent Big Air at point that its becoming Skier Cross Womens 1st Gail Ross; the Barcelona ski show. exhausting to attend all of them. 2nd Kelly O’Donnell; 3rd Danielle Freeze Commiserations to Josh Ingrams & Josh There has been the Westbeach Rail Jam Mens 1st Chris McCormack; Fawcett who both broke bones in their arm/s at series, the Brits Snowtour, the 2nd David Bilsland; 3rd Liam Beardsmore the Metro show event and hope that they will be London Ride and the spectacular Rail Jam Womens 1st Kelly O’Donnell, skiing again soon. London Freeze Big Air at 2nd Mia Cheshire Paul Webb SSE Freestyle (New school) Committee. Battersea.

THE STAKES ARE HIGH By the time you read this, Returning from his Head Skis have come up my wife, for encouraging me to Andrew and I will be in Finland, successful competition in trumps, finding a container of coach Andrew and be away from training in readiness for the Australia, Andrew’s sense of Mogul skis at their factory – home so often. new World Cup season. There is awareness continues to improve; thanks Matt! The stakes are high and a buzz around the whole ski perhaps it also has something to Sam and Chris Bevan of Andrew is looking forward to a circuit, from Australia to do with surfing with sharks, yes FAIISE have provided top notch successful season in every way. Zermatt; wherever there have sharks. clothing to wear both on and off Look out for his results on the been moguls, the talk has been Thanks must go to Teleri the slopes. A new English FIS website. all about Olympic selection. Wilson, Conditioning Coach at manufacturer supporting British I am really looking forward Andrew is on the long list, no Leeds Metropolitan University, talent . to taking my laptop to what mean feat for an athlete still in who has worked very hard with Special thanks as always to must be the best office in the his first year at World Cup Andrew and has devised a Paul and Janette for providing world – the mountains. Have competition level. The e-mails personal training programme their support and finances to a good season wherever you keep coming- sign this, agree to that certainly seems to be enable us to (literally) continue ski. that, what size shoes etc.-Wow! paying dividends. our journey. Thanks also to Sue, Jeff Fozzard

the piste Dec 09/Jan 10 21 FINAL WORD

COACHES CONFERENCE SPEAKER AND WORLD CUP WINNER CATHERINE QUITTET GIVES HER VIEWS ON HER COACHES AND AUSTRIAN LEGEND KLAMMER ALSO GIVES SOME ADVICE

BY RICHARD HARDINGHAM ‘I’m proud to work with you’, and (SNOWSPORT ENGLAND COACH) ‘I enjoy working with you because I believe in you’. t the 2009 Coaches Catherine also liked coaches who Conference, Catherine were happy to do activities away Quittet gave us a from skiing, for instance going revealing and amusing shopping with the team. A A few days later, I met up with description of her various coaches during her time as a ski the Austrian legend Franz racer. In her heyday she was a Klammer, to establish the male world cup winner and nine times view on coaches. French champion. Even talented sports people Her big break came whilst have to train, but how much is skiing with a regional team. The dependent on talent, and how head coach of the national team, much on training? Catherine who happened to be on an became the French downhill adjacent piste, asked Catherine champion at seventeen years old to join in training with the and felt that she had not had to national squad the next day. She train too much to achieve this. had a plethora of different Franz had come across skiers The subject of nutrition also when things go well. Even the coaches, including sad ones, who were not particularly came up, and the importance of best athletes are going to have passionate ones, and ones who talented, but who could succeed eating slowly and taking on doubts at times and will need spent more time chatting up girls by training harder than other enough water. Regular racers this encouragement. If an athlete than watching his performers. more talented skiers. often do not eat in mountain has a particular mental As coach feedback was fairly Catherine remembers coming restaurants when training, partly challenge, it is best for the coach minimal, the girls had to rely second in a world cup race, after for financial reasons and also not to become part of the mainly on watching ski videos of a poor run, and I love the way she because they can put the right problem and keep the right themselves to assess their described how “the skis were fuel in the machine by bringing emotional distance. Empathy is performance. However, at times going faster than me”. She their own food. In the Klammer more uplifting than sympathy. when he was coaching, this achieved a high placing because days, pretty well whatever was Franz felt that a fairly casual coach did introduce fun into the several Austrian girls were put on the table was eaten. relationship between the coach activities and was also always up disqualified for illegal fastening The French racer Julien and performer would work in for a party and therefore was of their bibs. She felt little Lizeroux has come through skiing but probably not for considered of some use in satisfaction for this high placing. recently as one of the best footballers. Not wanting to turn keeping the squad happy. Contrasting this, Franz technical skiers in the world. This Piste magazine into Football There were also coaches who confirmed that he did not mind has been partly attributed to him Weekly I did not probe further on were not particularly good at how he skied if he got the victory. being congratulated more often that one. making technical comments, but might have other qualities. Some coaches were obsessed with SOME OF CATHERINE’S TWENTY OR SO COACHES LEFT AN IMPRESSION, physical fitness. When one WHILST SHE CANNOT EVEN REMEMBER THE NAMES OF OTHERS... suggested a 6.00 am to 7.00 am training session prior to a day’s Franz Klammer had about ten coaches. His the coach had never mentioned this aspect of her skiing, she refused and another potential was first noticed at about the age of skiing. girl told him “you don’t speak to fourteen and he feels that a lot of technical work With Didier Cuche, a recent world cup winner me until I have had a coffee and is necessary for young skiers. Wherever possible at the age of thirty-five, the question had to be cigarette”. Despite missing these the coach and performer should stay together if asked why the average age of champions is so early morning training sessions, they get on. The atmosphere in the squad was much higher today? In downhill it was felt that and her tobacco habit, this girl obviously important, and it was important that the event is less dangerous now; whereas in did at that time win a world cup the coach used his/her imagination in the training Franz’s day it was quite possible to ski into a tree. race. The mistake here is for schedule. This raised the question of some well-publicised trainers to talk solely about the As with Catherine, he sometimes won without falls in recent years at the infamous Hahnenkamm physical work, instead of talking too much training. In general, he thought men are World Cup downhill. Franz confirmed that the about the outcome. The more independent than women and need less course was safe, providing the racers were performer has to see pleasure coaching, and possibly not so much affirmation of concentrating at key parts of the course. even in gym training. Catherine their strengths. On one occasion when the coach It would seem that coaching, safety and preferred to spend the early asked the French female racers what they thought nutrition are better today than they were, but do mornings mentally preparing their strengths were, one girl replied ‘the position not forget to concentrate and remember, that herself for skiing gates. Coaches of her arms’, and she seemed somewhat upset that without courage we remain dreamers. should be using expressions like

22 the piste Dec 09/Jan 10 LIGHTS CAMERA ACTION! Win a FABULOUS X170 Action Camera!

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