Piste Jan 04 04/03/2004 10:59 am Page 1
£2.50 January 2004 Fostering, promoting and developing the interests of English skiers
ADVENTURE IN AN ENCHANTED LAND Special travel ‘I couldn’t make report the Austrian Team when I was young’ MEET ‘THE HERMINATOR’
Champion skier Hermann Maier COMMUNITY reveals the secrets BACKS of the slopes – and the YOUNGSTER’S hardships of youth WORLD CUP see pages 10-11 AMBITIONS
Have YOU got what it takes to be cool? Check it out on page 18 Piste Jan 04 04/03/2004 10:59 am Page 2
2 THE piste January 2004
The Piste is the official magazine CONTENTS of Snowsport England. No part of this publication may be FAREWELL TO A BIG NAME 5 reproduced by any mechanical, photographic or electronic means Top female world cup slalom skier bows out without the express written permission of Snowsport CLUBS ROUND-UP 7 England. We invite all Swimming with Sharks is our future ... contributions from members.
Please submit your articles, COVER STORY photographs and letters to Adventure on 9 Piste Editor Barry Spouge. jagged peaks Also contact Barry with your advertising requirements at: MAN ON A MISSION 10-11 Countrywide Publications, Hermann Maier fights back to fitness 27 Norwich Road, Halesworth, Suffolk IP19 8BX. WHAT’S NEW 15 Tel 01986 834216 Fax 01986 834270 Our guide to the latest ski gear in the shops ISDN 01986 874752 Email: [email protected] TRAVEL DESK 16-17 We take a look around the world’s top resorts Next issue: June 2004 Copy deadline: 4 June LAST LAUGH 18 Ad deadline: 4 June Top tips on how to look cool
Fancy a flutter? LOTTERY WINNERS Did you know about the Snowsport England Lottery? You may have seen a list of lottery winners published in each issue of Recent winners have been: The Piste, and wondered how to be a winner yourself. It’s simple. Just complete the standing order below for £6.50 SEPTEMBER 2003 a quarter and send it back to the office (address on page 19). Every month a percentage of the total income is divided among 1st Jonathan Hopper five lucky winners – so the more people who join, the bigger the 2nd Betty Davies prizes. And, most importantly, half the profits go to support 3rd RE Barton skiers via the Skiers Trust, and the other half goes to support 4th Lance Robinson skiing generally through Snowsport England. 5th Geoffrey Oliver
STANDING ORDER MANDATE OCTOBER 2003 To the Manager, ……………………………………….……...... Bank 1st Bridget Nelson Postal Address ...……………………………………………………...... ……….……...….. 2nd Robert Waterhouse ……………………………………………..……………………………………………...... ……….. 3rd Michael Sarre Please pay HSBC Bank, Halesowen, Sorting Code number 4th Pat Cassidy 40-23-03, for the credit of Snowsport England, A/C number 81794523 5th Christopher Day (quoting reference "Lottery"), the sum of £6.50 (six pounds fifty pence) commencing ….... / ….... /2004 and thereafter every quarter until further NOVEMBER 2003 notice, and debit my/our account accordingly. Name of Account to be debited …………..…………………………………………………….. 1st John Lowther Sort Code……………….....………. Account Number …………….……………...... …… 2nd Eileen Lockerbie 3rd RD Rawlings Signature(s)……………………………………………….. Date ……………………...... 4th Alan Stenton Address …………………………………………………………………………………...... …... 5th Betty Davies …………………………………………..……………………………………………...... ………..
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January 2004 THE piste 3 Community boosts bid to help Sega come FIRST
A close community is rallying behind a 13-year-old athlete training for her ambition to compete at World Cup level. Supporters in Swadlincote and Ashby on the Derbyshire / Leicestershire border, as well as people in the wider area, are backing Sega Fairweather, one of three girls in the British Children's A Ski Team. Sega's mum Tina and other Just champion: supporters have launched the FIRST Sega hard at initiative (Fundraising Initiative work in training. Recognising Sporting Talent) to help raise funds and other support for her venues used, travel costs alone are her daughter realise her potential, daughter, as well as to highlight astronomical. the FIRST initiative will also highlight many families’ funding problems. To represent Great Britain the plight of many families regarding “There is a popular misconception internationally requires a year-round funding and provide a model for that once an athlete reaches the dedication, training for about 12 other parents and communities pinnacle of their sport and represents weeks from May to October, and wanting to give their talented their country, sponsorship is assured, competing on the road from children the chance to do the same. and the individual is taken care of November until April. “Ultimately, we hope that others financially,” said Tina. Sega has a quiet determination and may copy our ideas, copy our She added: "The reality is very an optimistic attitude towards her posters, make the same contacts – it different." skiing; given the right opportunities certainly makes you wonder how may Sega is busy training every evening many believe that she will represent talented kids out there have been after school, travelling between local her country at world-class level. denied a chance to reach their dry slopes, gym clubs and most Funding support is coming from a potential because of funding, not just distant indoor snow centres. wide range of organisations and in skiing but across the board,” said At weekends, throughout the individuals. Tina. winter, Sega travels to Wales for more Sega's school Ivanhoe College is “ At the end of the day, everyone specialist training at Pontypool or showing particular dedication to their can fight for their kids, but there are around the UK for dry slope star pupil with a variety of innovative different ways to approach it.”. competition. ideas. Sega’s website will soon be live at Despite support from many of the Tina hopes that, apart from helping www.segafairweather.co.uk
Former coaching director honoured by local sports council John Shedden, formerly Achievement Award by Merseyside Ski Club sent We are delighted that the English Ski Council’s Wirral Sports Council for a copy of the article John John’s work has been Director of Coaching, was his service to skiing. Shedden, Mr ESC by Bob recognised in this way recently presented with In support of its Trueman, published in by his home local the Wirral Lifetime nomination of John, the ESC News, summer 2001. authority.
T: 0121 501 2314 / F: 0121 585 6448 / E: [email protected] / W: www.snowsportengland.org.uk Piste Jan 04 04/03/2004 11:00 am Page 4
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INbrief
Alpine training option for 2004
Alpine race training is available at Alpe d’Huez in the Isère region of France in 2004. You can: Train at altitude to enhance fitness levels, confident there will always be snow on the glacier (the Pic Blanc Fit for anything! The team take time out for a photo call at Saas Fee. stands at 3330 metres) Work out at the fitness centre in Alpe d’Huez Buy a discounted season’s pass What a treat - it’s Fly cheaply to Lyon Contact Team Excel at [email protected] [email protected] or visit the websites: www.teamexcel.uk.net time to get fit! and www.alpedhuez.com David Ryding reports on the England Alpine Ski Team October Training Camp at Saas Fee, Switzerland After training on the Saas Fee glacier lucky enough to be trying out their in summer, the team were looking new skis. But two days of heavy snow forward to returning there for the in the village prevented us from going October Camp and to seeing the on the slopes. glacier with its winter snow. This was Tim and Dave’s chance to The summer camps had given us a introduce us to “Fitness Treat Time”. good idea of where we were at in our Down to the Sports Centre for Our competition asking Snowsport training and what needed to be done. gruelling circuit training and then out England members to design a new Lots of gym work in the autumn on in the atrocious weather for several logo brought in many entries. strength and flexibility gave us an fast games of hand ball and other And we were so taken with the appetite to get out on the new snow. aerobic delights – we loved it really! lovely painting by our eight-year-old The resort was very busy with a Thanks to our coaches for their member Emily Bainbridge that we number of national teams training hard work and support and house turned it into our official Christmas after the World Cup event in Solden. mother Chrissie Drake for her TLC. card (above)! Tim Fawke and Dave Renouf were To keep up to date with the Thank you and well done, Emily. our coaches and training focused on programme, visit our website at Slalom and GS, with some athletes www.englandskiteam.org.uk A big thank-you to everyone who helped with great The England Alpine Team were at Milton Keynes in was made after race training. About 20 prizes had been December training, sorting out the latest squad clothing donated, ranging from a holiday for two in the Italian from Five Seasons and preparing for a photo-shoot. Lakes to a copy of the latest horror movie. People who ski At the same time, further south in Aldershot, the or support skiing from all over the country won prizes. national raffle organised by the events committee from A big thank you goes to the organisers and the people L&SERSA with the help of the Snowsport England office who donated prizes as well as those who worked hard to was taking place. The Aldershot Race Ski Club members sell tickets in support of our Alpine team. Well done to and Jade Law, England team member, drew the raffle, in everyone. support of the England Alpine Team. At about the same time, a sponsored ski, again More than 2000 tickets had been sold and the draw for organised by the L&SERSA committee and sponsored by the prizes, donated by Thomson, Kent Messenger Group, Wycombe Summit and Ski Bartlett, was taking place on Ski Bartlett and many parents and supporters of the team, the Wycombe slopes. The new owners SD Leisure were
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January 2004 THE piste 5
MYstory
Top skier Emma When I was six years old, I had a dream ... to compete at Olympic Games, World Championships and race with the best in World Cup competition. Over the next 20 years, I realised that very dream and enjoyed a fantastic says farewell career, rich with triumphs and disappointments. I competed in my first International competition as After 13 years on the a cocky 11 year old. I was sure I would stand on the podium at what was the most prestigious of the international circuit, Britain’s international children’s events. I was blown away by most successful female World the fierce competition and from that moment realised Cup slalom skier of recent years I had serious work to do. Emma Carrick-Anderson, 28, I badgered my parents until they succumbed, (Dunbar/Edinburgh) is to retire allowing me to attend an international racing school from top level international ski in Schladming, Austria. This was a school full of racing and concentrate on a budding young racers like Michaela Dorfmeister, who career in the media, coaching went on to win numerous titles. and working in the specialist In Schladming I had the opportunity to train with fitness and nutrition industry. the best and combine my studies with sport. It was a Since making a big impression fantastic set up – no wonder the Austrians produce some of the best in the world! the 1992 Albertville Olympic It was during my first season in Schladming that I Winter Games, when she skied was asked to represent Great Britain at the to an inspirational eighth place Albertville Olympics. I was an inexperienced 16 year in the Combined Slalom as a old with absolutely no pressure and nothing to lose. I 16-year-old at her first major went there to gain experience and to give it my all international event, Emma and was absolutely delighted to finish 8th in the showed grit, determination and Inspiration: Emma Carrick-Anderson. combined Slalom event. EC-A talent as she fought her way to the top ranks of world slalom. scored five Top 30 World Cup The highlight of Emma’s career finishes in the 1999-2000 season was her 11th in the Alpine World which she freely admits was her Championships Slalom in best. She also scored three top Sestriere, Italy, in 1997 which three finishes in Europa Cup that many consider was a foundation season. result for the current generation Emma was one of the first of of World Cup Slalom racers such the recent generation of top as Alain and Noel Baxter. British racers to forego the home The change to the Olympic comforts of life in Scotland and cycle meant Emma skied at four go to school in Austria. She Olympics: Albertville, attended the Skihandelschule in Lillehammer, Nagano and Salt Schladming while a member of Lake, as well as six World the Scottish Alpine Ski Team Championships. until successfully completing her AN INVITATION She made modern British exams and joining the British to the slalom racing history when she Land Alpine Ski Team. 8th ENGLISH ALPINE fundraising team raffle CHAMPIONSHIPS pleased to help out and although it was cold and a few were put off over £600 were raised by skiers ranging from ages five to 50. 11 - 16 APRIL 2004 Any region which has other ideas for raising funds to at support their national teams in any snow sport should contact the office for details about assistance. PUY ST VINCENT, FRANCE There is also now a small marketing group, which meets to consider ways to promote and raise the profile of snow Vallouise sports in England. You can contact the group through Stuart Stephen on For further details, contact Gill Todd [email protected] or Sandy Telling at [email protected] [email protected]
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6 THE piste January 2004 Tour operator steps in with aid for alpine team The British Land Alpine Ski Team has gained valuable season, Finlay to be scoring regular top 25s on the additional sponsorship from Directski, the specialist downhill circuit, and Chemmy striving to score points snowsports tour operator. across all disciplines as she works towards her goal of a Directski has made a significant financial commitment medal in the Olympic Combined in Turin. as co-sponsor and official travel supplier to the 11-strong With the profile of British Alpine ski racers at an all-time Alpine team, which features top names such as World Cup high thanks to recent World Cup successes and TV slalom racers Alain and Noel Baxter, downhiller Finlay coverage, Directski aims to build on the association with Mickel and leading female downhiller and all-rounder the sport's leading exponents. Chemmy Alcott. Directski has also sponsored Snowsports GB's annual The financial aid from Directski is an important year planner which is distributed to 40,000 skiers and component as the athletes focus on goals for the season riders in the UK, and are supporting the sponsorship with ahead – Alain is looking to re-establish himself in the the offer of a number of holiday prizes for consumer and world's Top 15, Noel to crack the World Cup top 20 this trade competitions. Athletes climb up rankings
Alain Baxter and Chemmy Alcott tricky track in Flachau, Austria while proved they can carry their world over in Megeve, Alcott finished a cup form into the new year as both solid 17th in the World Cup Super G. of Britain's leading alpine racers The course for the Super G, which scored world cup points, continuing caught out several girls because it a steady ascent of the Audi FIS Ski was so direct on a comparatively World Cup leader-boards. simple hill, proved testing for Alcott, After both posted 11th place who admitted to being a little more finishes just before Christmas, the nervous in her quest to prove that her symmetry nearly continued when career best 11th in Park City, Britain's Alain skied to 18th on a deceptively best-ever Women's World Cup Super G result, was no fluke. While the Austrians dominated with a one-two-three lead by McKenna Alexandra Meissnitzer, Alcott was a very respectable 2.02 seconds adrift. spends In Flachau – a new hill to Baxter at Tough field: Andy Bennet. World Cup level – the piste looked deceptively simple, but the regular Christmas rhythm changes between offset gate Bennet’s boost in Lesley combinations requiring quick edge to on top McKenna edge control and fast flush sections debut Half-Pipe on both courses meant the whole Lesley McKenna spent Christmas on the field finished in tight groups. Congratulations to Andy Bennet, who slopes in Europe safe in the knowledge Finland's Kalle Palander all but ran finished 16th in the first Half-Pipe World that she has completed another first for a away with the race after gaining an Cup, at Saas Fee, in November. British snowsports athlete this season, advantage of 0.84 of a second, but Andy, aged 20, and Tom Last, 17, who was when she took the overall lead in the half Baxter had it tough with some also at Saas Fee, learnt how to ride the pipe pipe discipline of the Nokia Snowboard awkward ruts when he raced 28th for almost exclusively at Sheffield Ski Village. FIS World Cup tour with a hard-won third his first run, making his targeted top Both spent the summer training in the Alps, place. 10 just too much. Lying 14th after the where Tom won the Saas Fee ride, and at The Scot, who proved her superb levels first run his second run was a mix of home in Sheffield. of strength and fitness with a BBC tactical attack and defence, ensuring The field was tough, with 58 of the world’s Superstars win in the summer, has her that he put World Cup points on the best men and eight women. The French and next event at Kreischberg, Austria on board for the second consecutive Americans had brought incredibly strong 23-24 January. race. teams making up over half of the field.
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January 2004 THE piste 7 Swimming with Sharks ... it’s our future
CLUBSround-up
Stewart Smith, Board Director of Snowsport England, reports on development at the grass roots Great fun: Gabby Cutler with the Sharks.
"And you don’t ski!" ... a typical instructor team made up of older the award system and are moving response I get from parents when members and parents of members. towards the new Snowlife Awards. talking about the Sharks Ski Club Saturday morning sessions run from Sharks Ski Club supports not only a where I am co-chairman. Their next 10 till 12, with eight groups based on race group but also freestyle with question is usually Why? The short ability, not age. moguls, aerials and acro. The senior answer ... I just love doing the job! About four years ago it was racers attend the Club Nationals and There are many people in a similar recognised that we were struggling to Grand Prix races held around the position at ski clubs around the offer our older skiers, typically 16 years country during summer, but it is country: dedicated volunteers. old and above, the enjoyment of skiing important that the younger members So why turn out (almost) every available at an earlier age. have the opportunity to participate in Saturday morning and Thursday night, So we offered them a Club Instructors competitive events. rain, shine and occasionally snow? course, funded by the club, with slope Sharks regularly run competitions Because it’s worthwhile. And it’s the time provided by Sheffield Ski Village. during the year for their members, lifeblood of our sport, why the grass The immediate benefit to the club was a including competitive slalom races, mini roots of English skiing are so important. larger instructor team. moguls and big air. All the members The Sharks Ski Club was formed The Club Instructor courses run by (and a surprising number of parents) nearly 15 years ago by a group of the Sharks have now been running for take part. parents whose kids skied and wanted four years, and we have had over 40 This year the younger Sharks have to start racing. The club is now a members and parents of members actively participated in and enjoyed the “social” ski club based at Sheffield Ski successfully complete the course. Rossendale Summer League. No doubt Village with nearly 200 members – but Some of these have progressed to they will go on to compete in that’s just the start. ASSI and BASI level; others have Snowsport England events in the The Sharks Ski Club is lucky, with the specialised and taken the ASFPC future. facilities at Sheffield Ski Village. We Moguls and Acro Coaches or the APC. For the senior racers we have just have a dedicated coaching and Like most clubs, we have supported held a race training session with Tim Fawke, England Alpine Team Coach – an excellent evening which gave our racers ‘There was activity everywhere’ the chance to ask questions and Nordic in the car park, All branches of skiing mogullers awed the crowd understand how the senior squad alpine, acro and aerials on were represented. with a display of aerials trains. For our freestylers, Eric Berthon, the main slope, exotic Members of the ESSkiA off an intimidating jump three times moguls world champion, pets, face painting – you squad demonstrated their and Ralph White gave a attends Sheffield once a year to work name it, there was activity alpine racing skills and the demonstration of with club, regional and national squad everywhere. Scaamoogs from Sheffield telemarking. members. It was all happening at performed a specially Meanwhile, in the car Grass roots skiing is about a desire to Telford on 12 September choreographed acro park (yes, truly, the car provide a fun, interesting and learning when the Schools and routine and shared their park), there were environment for all skiing members of a Youth Committee joined skills with groups of continuous taster club. I hope we have achieved this at forces with Telford Ski skiers throughout the sessions on roller Nordic the Sharks Ski Club. If you are ever in Centre to hold a day. skis with over 40 takers Sheffield on a Saturday morning, come development day. Stoke Ski Centre’s throughout the day. and see for yourself.
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INbrief Learning how to Coaches – it’s alpine snow course 2004 ‘get there’ and The Alpine Course for 2004 is being organised. If you are an ASSI who aspires to become a Development Coach then this course is essential. then ‘stay there’ The dates we have are 29 May to 12 June 2004. If you are looking at being a Coach Snowsport England coach Nigel Matthews reports and fancy a couple of weeks of hard work and serious skiing with some fun back from the 2003 Coaching Conference at Lilleshall thrown in - then see the enclosed leaflet for details. The conference this year was held at Coaches can be reassured that many of Lilleshall, centre of excellence for many their skills are transferable and teaching Attention all sports. It was opened by John Gledhill, the foundations is relatively simple, and chair of the Coaching Committee, who the message underpinning it all is still the SCO II holders introduced the first speaker, John Trower, same – “skilful skiing”. Something else to coach to Olympic javelin thrower Steve try. Anyone holding the old SCO II Award Backley. “Getting into the British Team”, needs to get in touch with June at the The talk centred on the relationship presented by Tim Fawke, was delivered Snowsport England office, as this between coach and athlete, and planning with passion and made everyone award is due to expire. There is the strategies. It was informative, funny, in recognise the constant battles of our top possibility of upgrading your SCO II to places bawdy, very informative and a great teams. Finance is the ever-present the Alpine Ski Course Leader Award way to start a conference. John was problem. This wasn’t a plea for money, but by taking an upgrade course. pragmatic and down to earth. For those of made clear how frustrating it can be to us working at a lower level it was a good work with elite performers on a shoestring Badges insight into the demands of the higher budget. echelons. It was also thought provoking, A lot of tips were given on working with Badges with the new Snowsport particularly references to “getting there aspiring youngsters and what they need to England logo on will be available soon skills” and “staying there skills”. achieve. Not surprising was their need to for Club Instructor, ASSI and Coach, The conference next broke up into a be good skiers. Obvious? Not really – how plus a new lapel badge. Get in touch number of workshops; as in 2002 it was many people spend hours driving with Jenny at the Snowsport England impossible to get to all of them. youngsters through poles because that’s office if you want to be one of the first Andy Lockerbie led a session on the “race training”. The message is fewer to wear the new logo on your jacket! Snowlife Awards, giving a much-needed poles and more free skiing to develop explanation of the new tasks. Fun and versatility. Posters informative. It was pointed out that the John Arnold delivered a workshop on the existing Snowlife Awards will be reviewed new Coaches’ Course, which looks to be If any Ski Centre, Club or School in two years’ time so anyone with far more comprehensive than in the past. wishes to have some Ski Way Code suggestions can feedback to Andy (while A modular approach means that it will posters (size A2 or A3 or both!) please waiting for the bruises to heal!). take longer to obtain the award, but get in touch with the Snowsport Do you fancy something a bit different? coaches will be better prepared. There’s England office. These are available Well, go telemarking! Andy Stewart, aided no reason why already qualified coaches free of charge while stocks last. But by Ralph White, did his best to convince shouldn’t complete some of the new they do have the old English Ski die-hard Alpine skiers that there is another modules to bring themselves up to date. Council logo on. way of getting around the mountains. How did it compare with 2003? In my Andy and Ralph’s enthusiasm for opinion, the conference worked well and Baseball Caps another aspect of our sport was that appears to be the general opinion. convincing. This new format is working, indicated by We have a few baseball caps in the Simon Ashton’s workshop looked at the numbers of delegates. Speakers from office with the old ESC logo on. You New Skool skiing (see pages 18-19). His inside and outside of the organisation can have one for only £5 (inclusive of simple explanations got rid of many of our gives a good balance. P&P). Just send a cheque for the misconceptions – some of it we’ve been What of 2004? Planning has already correct amount to Jenny at the doing for years, we just didn’t know it! started and, as ever, suggestions for Snowsport England office. Now that we do know, the new kit makes it venues and speakers are encouraged from easier and look as if it’s deliberate. Coaching Scheme members.
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January 2004 THE piste 9
GETTINGthere Adventure on Low-cost flights to either Treviso or Marco Polo airports in Venice are by Ryanair or EasyJet. We flew Ryanair – the fare was 1p jagged peaks each either way (plus airport taxes etc, adding up to about £40 return). Our transfer was arranged Barry Spouge run is situated, San Cassiano (1537m), through MountainSun Ltd, Pedraces (1324m) and La Val (1353m) operators of the Albergo Frohsinn in reports from Alta Alta Badia is situated in the Italian Sud San Cassiano at £15 pp each way. Badia, a number Tyrol. For many years the area was Full details are available on under Austrian rule, and it still retains www.mountainsunltd.com one ski area in the its Tyrolean charm. or call Jude on 0794 1196517. Italian Dolomites Situated in a natural basin at the foot of the “Sella”, surrounded by numerous peaks that all have their own natural Mention the Dolomites to many people shape while retaining the characteristic and they automatically think of the jagged Dolomite look, Alta Badia is a Sella Ronda. Well, I’ve recently number one ski area. returned from Alta Badia, an In the centre of the Dolomite skiing enchanted land where the mountains area, it has about 130 km of slopes with are tinged with pink at dusk but with 53 lifts and a developed system of You can also visit the Alta Badia an atmosphere that excites that spirit programmed artificial snow. website at www.altabadia.org or of adventure through the nature of its The slopes are prepared every email them on [email protected] terrain. evening with the help of over 20 snow Wherever you decide to go in the Made up of the villages of Corvara cats. A number of new lifts and region you will be assured of a (1568m), Colfosco (1645m), La Villa cableways have been installed. warm welcome, some superb skiing (1433m) where the Gran Risa World Cup Travel Desk - pages 16-17 and very friendly locals.
Enchanted land: Alta Badia in the Italian Dolomites. OURday
My wife and I spent the week as guests of 1000-piece Jigsaw, which my wife was the chalet group and staff. the Albergo Frohsinn at San Cassiano. determined to see finished by the time we The village where we stayed, San Situated on the side of the main lift slope left. Thanks to fellow guest Graham this Cassiano, has a good range of shops, it was literally ski in – ski out of this was achieved – he stayed up until 3am! hotels, chalets and restaurants. One that I catered chalet. The food was excellent, the service first would recommend is Hugs Piano Bar and It was our first “chalet experience”, and class and the fun had by all the guests Restaurant, situated in the main village it certainly won’t be the last. was an experience not to be missed. I street not far from the lift pass and local The whole team at Albergo Frohsinn worked on some days of my trip covering tourist board office. If you fancy a bit of were hell bent on giving us a good time, the World Cup races. clothes shopping for Versace and Gucci from ski guiding with Andrew through to My wife decided that she was having clothes plus many other top brands, games and night skiing, plus the odd so much fun she would ski every day with Gary’s is the place to head for.
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10 THE piste January 2004
BS Did you always want to ski for B your country? e ‘Herminator’ on h HM Yes, I always wanted to ski for the Austrian Ski Team. But I realized soon H that this was a real challenge. If you have 2 to qualify for a World Cup event every d training run within the Austrian team can a mission to regain " be a race for you. So world class racers u are fighting for their spot in the Austrian w Team – in any other country they would have their spot guaranteed. world class form B – BS At what age did you start skiing? After a chance email to the Hermann Maier website regarding r t HM I started skiing at the age of three press information, Barry Spouge was invited to attend the FIS with my parents. They run a ski school in Ski World Cup 2004 races held at Val Gardena in Groden, Italy H my hometown Flachau, and they are both r skiing instructors. just before Christmas. During this ‘Ski World Cup at Christmas’ t event a meeting with Hermann’s press agent led to an O BS How is the leg this season, how is it n standing up to the training and interview with the great man. A quiet unassuming person, the p competition events. I am aware that the “Herminator’ is on a mission – to regain his form from before s pins were removed earlier this year, How his terrible motorcycle accident two years ago. So far he has s is it progressing, is it better or worse r than expected? met the challenge and currently finds himself at the top of the t official World Cup standings e HM My leg is for sure not the same that it in was before the motor cycling accident. – Because many nerves were destroyed t through the accident I still miss a lot of feeling. But I’m really lucky that I am able B to ski at this world class level again. a After the 37cm long titanium rod in my The Herminator: On c right leg had been removed last February I a mission to regain started serious ski training this summer in form temporarily H New Zealand, and after two weeks of lost after a serious t consecutive skiing I felt again pain in my accident. knee. My patella tendon, which my doctor B had to cut (scratch) to get the titanium o rod out, was still weak. o So I needed more days for recovery E than usual. But I have to be satisfied with r the progress. I take this season as a Copyright: GEPA Pictures comeback season hoping that next year H I’ll be able to race with almost 100 per BS How much fitness training do you very important. With this as a basis I only m cent of my physical fitness. do now – in comparison with the need a few skiing days to get in shape y actual ski training? again. s BS When the accident happened in what were your immediate thoughts – HM If you look at my complete training BS What would you say has been o did you think that it was the end of program you’ll find out that skiing is just a your greatest achievement to date? c your ski career? small part. During the off season I follow a fitness program at the Austrian Olympic HM If you’re asking me about my biggest B HMRight after the accident I didn’t Training Center in Obertauern, Salzburg, victory I would say it was coming back y think about skiing at all. I was holding where I work out eight hours a day, six after the horrible crash and to win in w my leg in my hands, it was only days a week. Kitzbühel – there’s not much more you w attached with a few muscle fibres, and The most time-intensive thing is riding my can ask for! This means almost more to I was hoping that the doctors would ergometric bike, which I do even on skiing me than the two Olympic gold medals I H be able to save that leg. days. So I maintain my fitness level, plus I won in Nagano 1998 after the downhill t support the regeneration process which is crash. is
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BS What has been your most determined and follow your goals … I was HM I feel that I have still some more years enjoyable memory of the races you refused entry to the Austrian Team in my on top level in me. I’m looking forward to have had? youth years, so I followed my own plan the upcoming season (2004-05), because consequently, and joined the team again then I hope my physical level will be much HM Again Kitzbühel, Super-G on January at the age of 23. better than this year. And I would like to 27th 2003. Finding the perfect run for that go on until the Olympic Games 2006. As it day, I crossed the finish line and saw the BS At my ski club/ski centre in will be a long time until then I’m "1" flashing – after all the struggling, the Norwich, Norfolk, England, we have concentrating 100 per cent on skiing in ups and downs since the accident, this five young members of our club who the near future – I don’t want to waste was the perfect moment! represent Great Britain in the British time in thoughts about what’s going to Children’s Ski Team. Do you see a happen after I’ll retire. BS How do you prepare for each race British skier ‘making the grade’? – do you have a set routine – can you What advice would you give children BS What do you do to relax … when run through your preparations from starting on a ski career? you have the time? the week before the race for us? HM You have to spend as much time as HM When I relax I hang out with my HM The week starts usually with possible with snow and mountains. The friends – or I ride my motor bike or my regeneration and a workout program at secret behind skiing success is to start trial machine. Also shark diving and the Olympic Training Center in with ski training during early youth age. helicopter flying. Obertauern. On downhill weeks there’s And if you don’t have snowy mountains in not too much time, because downhill your neighbourhood come to Austria – BS Is it difficult to stay focused practice usually starts on Wednesdays – we’ve got plenty of them! between races? so you travel on Tuesday and have the same practice in the morning, HM I do my best to rule out all regeneration biking on the ergometer in distractions and temptations. the evening routine. On race days everything is very hectic – you have hill inspections, choose your perfect material – the race to the start can be as close as the real race for me. ‘Aggressive?
BS You are known to be an aggressive competitor – how do you channel that aggression into skiing? I just try to
HM Am I an aggressive skier? I just try to transform my abilities on the snow. transform BS What is your relationship with other team members? Much is made of the relationship with Stephan my ability Eberharter – is it really as bad as reported? Refused: Hermann Maier reveals the secrets of his youth. HM My relationship with other team on snow ...’ members is like it is in any sports where you travel a lot together. Sure, there are BS Do you look forward to Kitzbuhel? BS What message do you have for some guys you spend more time with, but What are your thoughts as you your many UK fans? in the end you spend most time on your approach the toughest course of all? own. Stephan is a colleague and a HM Use more sunscreen! competitor, and we respect each other. HM I look forward to racing in Kitzbühel, because it’s the most prestigious event of BS Many young British skiers look to the season. The first time I raced there it you as a role model, what one thing was pretty tough, but since my downhill would you say a skier needs to be a victory in 2001 I really feel comfortable on Following the Super G race on Friday world class competitor? this mountain. 19 December, in which Hermann was placed 3rd, he came 5th in the Downhill HM I would say a skier needs a basic BS How much longer can you on Saturday 20 December and 26th in a talent for sure, almost as much important compete at the highest level and GS race on Sunday 21 December in is determination. You have to be what will you do when you retire? nearby La Villa in Alta Badia.
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ENGLISH SCHOOLS' SKI ASSOCIATION
URGENT ... URGENT ... Great days for During the weekend of 20-21 September nearly 700 racers, Do you run, or are you planning to run, from 95 of the 118 English Schools’ Ski Association member ski courses for young people? schools, took part in the qualifying races at Chatham, Gloucester, Hemel, Pendle and Silksworth. Have you been on an SCO The winning boys and girls teams from each age group plus the three best runners up from the five qualifiers won (Ski Course Organiser's) course? through to the finals. Most LEAs make this compulsory In the mixed team competitions, the eight best performances/times compared with other teams at the five ESSkiA is running an SCO on qualifiers in the under 12/14 and under 16/19 groups were Sunday 14 March 2004 at invited to the finals. The finals were held on the weekend of 4-5 October at Great Wyrley High School Swadlincote.
If you are interested, fill in the slip below and RESULTS fax it to Tony Archbold at Great Wyrley School on 01922 857066 before 28 February. For more Under 12 girls Under 12 boys information, contact Tony Archbold on 1 Surbiton Junior Robert Clack 01922 857030 (school), 01922 417562 (home) 2 Abbot’s Hill Alderwickbury or email [email protected] 3 Simon Langton Cranmore
Under 14 girls Under 14 boys Under 14 mixed 1 Lady Eleanor Hollies Claires Court Coopers’ Company SCO Course 14 March 2004 2 Amberfield Hampton St Andrew’s 3 Hayes The Beacon Berkhamsted Great Wyrley School Under 16 girls Under 16 boys 1 Simon Langton Harvey GS Name! ...... 2 Sheffield HS Bridgnorth 3 Rochester Twynham ! ...... Under 19 Girls Under 19 boys Under 19 mixed 1 Millfield Clitheroe RGS Pates GS Address ...... 2 Surbiton HS RGS Newcastle Chosen Hill ! ...... 3 St Anthony’s Millfield Bishop Rawstorne ! ...... Open Team Championships
Girls Boys School! ...... 1 Lady Eleanor Hollies Harvey GS 2 Millfield Clitheroe RGS 3 Simon Langton RGS Newcastle Tel! ...... (work) ...... (home) BRITISHschoolsCHAMPIONSHIPS Fax! ...... The British Schools’ team competitions. Championships were held at Clitheroe and Harvey reversed Email! ...... Llandudno on Saturday 15 their English championship November 2003. From England, positions in the male competition five boys and eight girls teams and Lady Eleanor Hollis repeated qualified for the British Schools their English success. Cost: ESSkiA Member Schools - £20 Championships. Individually, Bill Latham and Non-Member Organisations - £40 English teams had excellent Daniel Wyatt took first and Cheques should be made payable to ESSKIA results taking first three places second place in the male race and in both the male and female Alice Thelwell was first in the
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ENGLISH SCHOOLS' SKI ASSOCIATION youngsters URGENT ... URGENT ... The boys and girls age group finals were held on the Do you run ski trips? Saturday with the mixed and open finals being held on the Sunday. Do you take students for supervised Chemmie Alcott attended the finals on the Saturday and skiing outside lessons? presented the prizes. Chemmie has been a great supporter of ESSkiA, taking part for her school every year from the age of Are you qualified? eight. She represented the English Schools’ team at three ISF English Schools Ski Association is World Schools’ Championships, gaining a first in the giant organising an Alpine Ski Course slalom and second in the slalom at the 1999 championships Leaders Award with a special rate for at Jezenik, Czech Republic. ESSkiA member schools On the Sunday Patrick Smith MBE, chief executive of the National Council for School Sport, presented the prizes. If you are interested, fill in the slip below and fax it to Tony Archbold at Great Wyrley School on 01922 857066 before 31 March. For more information, contact Tony Archbold on 01922 857030 (school), 01922 417562 (home) or email [email protected]
Alpine Ski Course Leaders Course 18-25 December 2004 or 26 March - 2 April 2005
The courses takes place in the Aosta Valley, Italy The winners: Boys Open Champions – Harvey GS; Girls Open Champions – Millfield. Name! ...... ! ...... Address ...... ! ...... ! ...... School! ...... Tel! ...... (work) ...... (home) Fax! ...... Email! ......
Cost: ESSkiA Member Schools - £350 Non-Member Organisations - £500 TEAM RESULTS Cheques should be made payable to ESSKIA Male Female 1st Clitheroe RGS Lady Eleanor Hollis Please tick which course you would like to attend and 2nd Harvey GS Simon Langton indicate, if numbers are not sufficient, if you could attend 3rd Newcastle RGS Sheffield HS the alternative course
female race. Overall English for next year’s British 18 December 2004 (if unavailable, teams performed excellently championships to be hosted by could you attend 26 March 2005 ensuring a strong England at Swadlincote on 20 26 March 2005 (if unavailable, representation of English teams November 2004. could you attend 18 December 2004
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Active people sought as X-C racers Keen and active sports people are being sought by Snowsport England to experience the fast, fun, furious and exciting sport of Nordic skiing. Ski coaches with Winter Olympic and international racing experience have been lined up by Snowsport England’s Nordic Key Committee to lead a special week-long training programme at Kvitåvatn in the Norwegian mountains in April 2004. The intention is to create a team of people who have already performed well in sports in this country – such as cycling, running, swimming or canoeing – and develop their skiing skills under expert tuition to enable them to compete in cross-country ski races. The committee is particularly interested to hear from active sports people aged in their 20s or early 30s. Details can be found at www.escnordic.co.uk Cross country ski racing (photo courtesy Mike Dixon) PISTEpromotion How skiers A brand new nursery slope and Snowflex system is being built and installed at Halifax Snowsports Centre (right). The centre has rolled out a benefited from a Snowflex main slope for two years and been widely recognised as a centre of excellence for new record skiers and snowboarders. The 300 square-metre area will provide the A record number of skiers took part in a roller ski training opportunity to learn in safety weekend held at Lancaster in September. and give the centre a new The course, organised by Snowsport England’s Nordic base on which to attract the Key Committee, saw 50 skiers on the track at any one public to snowsports. time, including 20 young members of the British Brian Thomas, Briton Development Squad. Engineering Managing This is the highest figure achieved in recent years – and Director, said: “A nursery contradicts assumptions that lack of British snow has slope at Halifax will be a severely dented participation in cross-country skiing. great feeder to the main It also shows that participation in the sport is still slope. The centre has always strong, with many skiers making use of cheap flights needed a Snowflex nursery abroad three or four times each winter – and recognising area to attract beginners, this that tuition on roller skiing is vital pre-season training to will now provide an make the most of the time on snow. outstanding facility for locals and the wider UK scene.” Expert tuition was again provided by leading UK instructors, with teaching groups divided into beginners/improvers, advanced, racing, and trainee instructors. As a result, four new roller ski instructors successfully passed the course and are now involved in instructing beginners to the sport. A series of fun races concluded the weekend. Nordic Key Committee chairman Ralph White said: “Congratulations go to the new roller ski instructors who, together with existing instructors and coaches, will play an important role in meeting our objective to increase the number of cross-country skiers in this country. “It was also very pleasing to see the exceptional skiing abilities of the young members of the British Development Squad, providing a very visible reminder that Nordic skiing really is a sport enjoyed by all ages.”
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