Jan 04 - LSERSA

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£2.50
January 2004
Fostering,
promoting
and
developing
the interests
of English
skiers
ADVENTURE IN AN
ENCHANTED LAND
Special
travel
report
‘I couldn’t make
the Austrian Team
when I was young’
MEET ‘THE
HERMINATOR’
Champion skier
Hermann Maier
reveals the secrets
of the slopes – and the
hardships of youth
see pages 10-11
COMMUNITY
BACKS
YOUNGSTER’S
WORLD CUP
AMBITIONS
Have YOU got what it takes to be cool? Check it out on page 18
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The Piste is the official magazine
of Snowsport England.
No part of this publication may be
reproduced by any mechanical,
photographic or electronic means
without the express written
permission of Snowsport
England. We invite all
contributions from members.
Please submit your articles,
photographs and letters to
Piste Editor Barry Spouge.
Also contact Barry with your
advertising requirements at:
■ Countrywide Publications,
27 Norwich Road, Halesworth,
Suffolk IP19 8BX.
Tel
01986 834216
Fax
01986 834270
ISDN 01986 874752
Email: [email protected]
Next issue:
June 2004
Copy deadline: 4 June
Ad deadline: 4 June
January 2004
CONTENTS
FAREWELL TO A BIG NAME
5
Top female world cup slalom skier bows out
7
CLUBS ROUND-UP
Swimming with Sharks is our future ...
COVER STORY
9
Adventure on
jagged peaks
MAN ON A MISSION
Hermann Maier fights back to fitness
10-11
15
WHAT’S NEW
Our guide to the latest ski gear in the shops
TRAVEL DESK
16-17
We take a look around the world’s top resorts
LAST LAUGH
18
Top tips on how to look cool
Fancy a flutter?
Did you know about the Snowsport England Lottery? You may
have seen a list of lottery winners published in each issue of
The Piste, and wondered how to be a winner yourself.
It’s simple. Just complete the standing order below for £6.50
a quarter and send it back to the office (address on page 19).
Every month a percentage of the total income is divided among
five lucky winners – so the more people who join, the bigger the
prizes. And, most importantly, half the profits go to support
skiers via the Skiers Trust, and the other half goes to support
skiing generally through Snowsport England.
STANDING ORDER MANDATE
LOTTERY WINNERS
Recent winners have been:
SEPTEMBER 2003
1st
2nd
3rd
4th
5th
Jonathan Hopper
Betty Davies
RE Barton
Lance Robinson
Geoffrey Oliver
OCTOBER 2003
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Please pay HSBC Bank, Halesowen, Sorting Code number
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3rd
4th
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Bridget Nelson
Robert Waterhouse
Michael Sarre
Pat Cassidy
Christopher Day
NOVEMBER 2003
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Eileen Lockerbie
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Alan Stenton
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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
supporters have launched the FIRST
initiative (Fundraising Initiative
Recognising Sporting Talent) to help
raise funds and other support for her
daughter, as well as to highlight
many families’ funding problems.
“There is a popular misconception
that once an athlete reaches the
pinnacle of their sport and represents
their country, sponsorship is assured,
and the individual is taken care of
financially,” said Tina.
She added: "The reality is very
different."
Sega is busy training every evening
after school, travelling between local
dry slopes, gym clubs and most
distant indoor snow centres.
At weekends, throughout the
winter, Sega travels to Wales for more
specialist training at Pontypool or
around the UK for dry slope
competition.
Despite support from many of the
Just champion:
Sega hard at
work in training.
venues used, travel costs alone are
astronomical.
To represent Great Britain
internationally requires a year-round
dedication, training for about 12
weeks from May to October, and
competing on the road from
November until April.
Sega has a quiet determination and
an optimistic attitude towards her
skiing; given the right opportunities
many believe that she will represent
her country at world-class level.
Funding support is coming from a
wide range of organisations and
individuals.
Sega's school Ivanhoe College is
showing particular dedication to their
star pupil with a variety of innovative
ideas.
Tina hopes that, apart from helping
her daughter realise her potential,
the FIRST initiative will also highlight
the plight of many families regarding
funding and provide a model for
other parents and communities
wanting to give their talented
children the chance to do the same.
“Ultimately, we hope that others
may copy our ideas, copy our
posters, make the same contacts – it
certainly makes you wonder how may
talented kids out there have been
denied a chance to reach their
potential because of funding, not just
in skiing but across the board,” said
Tina.
“ At the end of the day, everyone
can fight for their kids, but there are
different ways to approach it.”.
■ Sega’s website will soon be live at
www.segafairweather.co.uk
Former coaching director honoured by local sports council
John Shedden, formerly
the English Ski Council’s
Director of Coaching, was
recently presented with
the Wirral Lifetime
Achievement Award by
Wirral Sports Council for
his service to skiing.
In support of its
nomination of John, the
Merseyside Ski Club sent
a copy of the article John
Shedden, Mr ESC by Bob
Trueman, published in
ESC News, summer 2001.
We are delighted that
John’s work has been
recognised in this way
by his home local
authority.
T: 0121 501 2314 / F: 0121 585 6448 / E: [email protected] / W: www.snowsportengland.org.uk
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January 2004
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
stands at 3330 metres)
■ Work out at the fitness centre in
Alpe d’Huez
■ Buy a discounted season’s pass
■ Fly cheaply to Lyon
Contact Team Excel at
[email protected]
[email protected] or visit
the websites: www.teamexcel.uk.net
and www.alpedhuez.com
Fit for anything! The team take time out for a photo call at Saas Fee.
What a treat - it’s
time to get fit!
David Ryding reports on the England Alpine Ski Team
October Training Camp at Saas Fee, Switzerland
Our competition asking Snowsport
England members to design a new
logo brought in many entries.
And we were so taken with the
lovely painting by our eight-year-old
member Emily Bainbridge that we
turned it into our official Christmas
card (above)!
Thank you and well done, Emily.
After training on the Saas Fee glacier
in summer, the team were looking
forward to returning there for the
October Camp and to seeing the
glacier with its winter snow.
The summer camps had given us a
good idea of where we were at in our
training and what needed to be done.
Lots of gym work in the autumn on
strength and flexibility gave us an
appetite to get out on the new snow.
The resort was very busy with a
number of national teams training
after the World Cup event in Solden.
Tim Fawke and Dave Renouf were
our coaches and training focused on
Slalom and GS, with some athletes
lucky enough to be trying out their
new skis. But two days of heavy snow
in the village prevented us from going
on the slopes.
This was Tim and Dave’s chance to
introduce us to “Fitness Treat Time”.
Down to the Sports Centre for
gruelling circuit training and then out
in the atrocious weather for several
fast games of hand ball and other
aerobic delights – we loved it really!
Thanks to our coaches for their
hard work and support and house
mother Chrissie Drake for her TLC.
■ To keep up to date with the
programme, visit our website at
www.englandskiteam.org.uk
A big thank-you to everyone who helped with great
The England Alpine Team were at Milton Keynes in
December training, sorting out the latest squad clothing
from Five Seasons and preparing for a photo-shoot.
At the same time, further south in Aldershot, the
national raffle organised by the events committee from
L&SERSA with the help of the Snowsport England office
was taking place. The Aldershot Race Ski Club members
and Jade Law, England team member, drew the raffle, in
support of the England Alpine Team.
More than 2000 tickets had been sold and the draw for
the prizes, donated by Thomson, Kent Messenger Group,
Ski Bartlett and many parents and supporters of the team,
was made after race training. About 20 prizes had been
donated, ranging from a holiday for two in the Italian
Lakes to a copy of the latest horror movie. People who ski
or support skiing from all over the country won prizes.
A big thank you goes to the organisers and the people
who donated prizes as well as those who worked hard to
sell tickets in support of our Alpine team. Well done to
everyone.
At about the same time, a sponsored ski, again
organised by the L&SERSA committee and sponsored by
Wycombe Summit and Ski Bartlett, was taking place on
the Wycombe slopes. The new owners SD Leisure were
Let us have your comments on the magazine - Call 01986 834216 or email [email protected]
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January 2004
THE
After 13 years on the
international circuit, Britain’s
most successful female World
Cup slalom skier of recent years
Emma Carrick-Anderson, 28,
(Dunbar/Edinburgh) is to retire
from top level international ski
racing and concentrate on a
career in the media, coaching
and working in the specialist
fitness and nutrition industry.
Since making a big impression
the 1992 Albertville Olympic
Winter Games, when she skied
to an inspirational eighth place
in the Combined Slalom as a
16-year-old at her first major
international event, Emma
showed grit, determination and Inspiration: Emma Carrick-Anderson.
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
She made modern British
exams and joining the British
slalom racing history when she
Land Alpine Ski Team.
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.
Any region which has other ideas for raising funds to
support their national teams in any snow sport should
contact the office for details about assistance.
There is also now a small marketing group, which meets
to consider ways to promote and raise the profile of snow
sports in England.
You can contact the group through Stuart Stephen on
[email protected] or Sandy Telling
[email protected]
5
MYstory
Top skier Emma
says farewell
fundraising team raffle
piste
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
career, rich with triumphs and disappointments.
I competed in my first International competition as
a cocky 11 year old. I was sure I would stand on the
podium at what was the most prestigious of the
international children’s events. I was blown away by
the fierce competition and from that moment realised
I had serious work to do.
I badgered my parents until they succumbed,
allowing me to attend an international racing school
in Schladming, Austria. This was a school full of
budding young racers like Michaela Dorfmeister, who
went on to win numerous titles.
In Schladming I had the opportunity to train with
the best and combine my studies with sport. It was a
fantastic set up – no wonder the Austrians produce
some of the best in the world!
It was during my first season in Schladming that I
was asked to represent Great Britain at the
Albertville Olympics. I was an inexperienced 16 year
old with absolutely no pressure and nothing to lose. I
went there to gain experience and to give it my all
and was absolutely delighted to finish 8th in the
combined Slalom event.
EC-A
AN INVITATION
to the
8th ENGLISH ALPINE
CHAMPIONSHIPS
11 - 16 APRIL 2004
at
PUY ST VINCENT, FRANCE
Vallouise
For further details, contact Gill Todd
at [email protected]
Let us have your comments on the magazine - Call 01986 834216 or email [email protected]
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January 2004
Tour operator steps in with aid for alpine team
The British Land Alpine Ski Team has gained valuable
additional sponsorship from Directski, the specialist
snowsports tour operator.
Directski has made a significant financial commitment
as co-sponsor and official travel supplier to the 11-strong
Alpine team, which features top names such as World Cup
slalom racers Alain and Noel Baxter, downhiller Finlay
Mickel and leading female downhiller and all-rounder
Chemmy Alcott.
The financial aid from Directski is an important
component as the athletes focus on goals for the season
ahead – Alain is looking to re-establish himself in the
world's Top 15, Noel to crack the World Cup top 20 this
season, Finlay to be scoring regular top 25s on the
downhill circuit, and Chemmy striving to score points
across all disciplines as she works towards her goal of a
medal in the Olympic Combined in Turin.
With the profile of British Alpine ski racers at an all-time
high thanks to recent World Cup successes and TV
coverage, Directski aims to build on the association with
the sport's leading exponents.
Directski has also sponsored Snowsports GB's annual
year planner which is distributed to 40,000 skiers and
riders in the UK, and are supporting the sponsorship with
the offer of a number of holiday prizes for consumer and
trade competitions.
Athletes climb
up rankings
Alain Baxter and Chemmy Alcott
proved they can carry their world
cup form into the new year as both
of Britain's leading alpine racers
scored world cup points, continuing
a steady ascent of the Audi FIS Ski
World Cup leader-boards.
After both posted 11th place
finishes just before Christmas, the
symmetry nearly continued when
Alain skied to 18th on a deceptively
McKenna
spends
Christmas
on top
Lesley
McKenna
Lesley McKenna spent Christmas on the
slopes in Europe safe in the knowledge
that she has completed another first for a
British snowsports athlete this season,
when she took the overall lead in the half
pipe discipline of the Nokia Snowboard
FIS World Cup tour with a hard-won third
place.
The Scot, who proved her superb levels
of strength and fitness with a BBC
Superstars win in the summer, has her
next event at Kreischberg, Austria on
23-24 January.
tricky track in Flachau, Austria while
over in Megeve, Alcott finished a
solid 17th in the World Cup Super G.
The course for the Super G, which
caught out several girls because it
was so direct on a comparatively
simple hill, proved testing for Alcott,
who admitted to being a little more
nervous in her quest to prove that her
career best 11th in Park City, Britain's
best-ever Women's World Cup Super
G result, was no fluke.
While the Austrians dominated
with a one-two-three lead by
Alexandra Meissnitzer, Alcott was a
very respectable 2.02 seconds adrift.
In Flachau – a new hill to Baxter at
World Cup level – the piste looked
deceptively simple, but the regular
rhythm changes between offset gate
combinations requiring quick edge to
edge control and fast flush sections
on both courses meant the whole
field finished in tight groups.
Finland's Kalle Palander all but ran
away with the race after gaining an
advantage of 0.84 of a second, but
Baxter had it tough with some
awkward ruts when he raced 28th for
his first run, making his targeted top
10 just too much. Lying 14th after the
first run his second run was a mix of
tactical attack and defence, ensuring
that he put World Cup points on the
board for the second consecutive
race.
Tough field: Andy Bennet.
Bennet’s boost in
debut Half-Pipe
Congratulations to Andy Bennet, who
finished 16th in the first Half-Pipe World
Cup, at Saas Fee, in November.
Andy, aged 20, and Tom Last, 17, who was
also at Saas Fee, learnt how to ride the pipe
almost exclusively at Sheffield Ski Village.
Both spent the summer training in the Alps,
where Tom won the Saas Fee ride, and at
home in Sheffield.
The field was tough, with 58 of the world’s
best men and eight women. The French and
Americans had brought incredibly strong
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
"And you don’t ski!" ... a typical
response I get from parents when
talking about the Sharks Ski Club
where I am co-chairman. Their next
question is usually Why? The short
answer ... I just love doing the job!
There are many people in a similar
position at ski clubs around the
country: dedicated volunteers.
So why turn out (almost) every
Saturday morning and Thursday night,
rain, shine and occasionally snow?
Because it’s worthwhile. And it’s the
lifeblood of our sport, why the grass
roots of English skiing are so important.
The Sharks Ski Club was formed
nearly 15 years ago by a group of
parents whose kids skied and wanted
to start racing. The club is now a
“social” ski club based at Sheffield Ski
Village with nearly 200 members – but
that’s just the start.
The Sharks Ski Club is lucky, with the
facilities at Sheffield Ski Village. We
have a dedicated coaching and
Great fun: Gabby Cutler with the Sharks.
instructor team made up of older
members and parents of members.
Saturday morning sessions run from
10 till 12, with eight groups based on
ability, not age.
About four years ago it was
recognised that we were struggling to
offer our older skiers, typically 16 years
old and above, the enjoyment of skiing
available at an earlier age.
So we offered them a Club Instructors
course, funded by the club, with slope
time provided by Sheffield Ski Village.
The immediate benefit to the club was a
larger instructor team.
The Club Instructor courses run by
the Sharks have now been running for
four years, and we have had over 40
members and parents of members
successfully complete the course.
Some of these have progressed to
ASSI and BASI level; others have
specialised and taken the ASFPC
Moguls and Acro Coaches or the APC.
Like most clubs, we have supported
‘There was activity everywhere’
Nordic in the car park,
alpine, acro and aerials on
the main slope, exotic
pets, face painting – you
name it, there was activity
everywhere.
It was all happening at
Telford on 12 September
when the Schools and
Youth Committee joined
forces with Telford Ski
Centre to hold a
development day.
All branches of skiing
were represented.
Members of the ESSkiA
squad demonstrated their
alpine racing skills and the
Scaamoogs from Sheffield
performed a specially
choreographed acro
routine and shared their
skills with groups of
skiers throughout the
day.
Stoke Ski Centre’s
mogullers awed the crowd
with a display of aerials
off an intimidating jump
and Ralph White gave a
demonstration of
telemarking.
Meanwhile, in the car
park (yes, truly, the car
park), there were
continuous taster
sessions on roller Nordic
skis with over 40 takers
throughout the day.
the award system and are moving
towards the new Snowlife Awards.
Sharks Ski Club supports not only a
race group but also freestyle with
moguls, aerials and acro. The senior
racers attend the Club Nationals and
Grand Prix races held around the
country during summer, but it is
important that the younger members
have the opportunity to participate in
competitive events.
Sharks regularly run competitions
during the year for their members,
including competitive slalom races, mini
moguls and big air. All the members
(and a surprising number of parents)
take part.
This year the younger Sharks have
actively participated in and enjoyed the
Rossendale Summer League. No doubt
they will go on to compete in
Snowsport England events in the
future.
For the senior racers we have just
held a race training session with Tim
Fawke, England Alpine Team Coach – an
excellent evening which gave our racers
the chance to ask questions and
understand how the senior squad
trains. For our freestylers, Eric Berthon,
three times moguls world champion,
attends Sheffield once a year to work
with club, regional and national squad
members.
Grass roots skiing is about a desire to
provide a fun, interesting and learning
environment for all skiing members of a
club. I hope we have achieved this at
the Sharks Ski Club. If you are ever in
Sheffield on a Saturday morning, come
and see for yourself.
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Piste Jan 04
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THE
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INbrief
Coaches – it’s alpine
snow course 2004
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.
The dates we have are 29 May to 12
June 2004.
If you are looking at being a Coach
and fancy a couple of weeks of hard
work and serious skiing with some fun
thrown in - then see the enclosed
leaflet for details.
Attention all
SCO II holders
Anyone holding the old SCO II Award
needs to get in touch with June at the
Snowsport England office, as this
award is due to expire. There is the
possibility of upgrading your SCO II to
the Alpine Ski Course Leader Award
by taking an upgrade course.
Badges
Badges with the new Snowsport
England logo on will be available soon
for Club Instructor, ASSI and Coach,
plus a new lapel badge. Get in touch
with Jenny at the Snowsport England
office if you want to be one of the first
to wear the new logo on your jacket!
Posters
If any Ski Centre, Club or School
wishes to have some Ski Way Code
posters (size A2 or A3 or both!) please
get in touch with the Snowsport
England office. These are available
free of charge while stocks last. But
they do have the old English Ski
Council logo on.
Baseball Caps
We have a few baseball caps in the
office with the old ESC logo on. You
can have one for only £5 (inclusive of
P&P). Just send a cheque for the
correct amount to Jenny at the
Snowsport England office.
January 2004
Learning how to
‘get there’ and
then ‘stay there’
Snowsport England coach Nigel Matthews reports
back from the 2003 Coaching Conference at Lilleshall
The conference this year was held at
Lilleshall, centre of excellence for many
sports. It was opened by John Gledhill,
chair of the Coaching Committee, who
introduced the first speaker, John Trower,
coach to Olympic javelin thrower Steve
Backley.
The talk centred on the relationship
between coach and athlete, and planning
strategies. It was informative, funny, in
places bawdy, very informative and a great
way to start a conference. John was
pragmatic and down to earth. For those of
us working at a lower level it was a good
insight into the demands of the higher
echelons. It was also thought provoking,
particularly references to “getting there
skills” and “staying there skills”.
The conference next broke up into a
number of workshops; as in 2002 it was
impossible to get to all of them.
Andy Lockerbie led a session on the
Snowlife Awards, giving a much-needed
explanation of the new tasks. Fun and
informative. It was pointed out that the
existing Snowlife Awards will be reviewed
in two years’ time so anyone with
suggestions can feedback to Andy (while
waiting for the bruises to heal!).
Do you fancy something a bit different?
Well, go telemarking! Andy Stewart, aided
by Ralph White, did his best to convince
die-hard Alpine skiers that there is another
way of getting around the mountains.
Andy and Ralph’s enthusiasm for
another aspect of our sport was
convincing.
Simon Ashton’s workshop looked at
New Skool skiing (see pages 18-19). His
simple explanations got rid of many of our
misconceptions – some of it we’ve been
doing for years, we just didn’t know it!
Now that we do know, the new kit makes it
easier and look as if it’s deliberate.
Coaches can be reassured that many of
their skills are transferable and teaching
the foundations is relatively simple, and
the message underpinning it all is still the
same – “skilful skiing”. Something else to
try.
“Getting into the British Team”,
presented by Tim Fawke, was delivered
with passion and made everyone
recognise the constant battles of our top
teams. Finance is the ever-present
problem. This wasn’t a plea for money, but
made clear how frustrating it can be to
work with elite performers on a shoestring
budget.
A lot of tips were given on working with
aspiring youngsters and what they need to
achieve. Not surprising was their need to
be good skiers. Obvious? Not really – how
many people spend hours driving
youngsters through poles because that’s
“race training”. The message is fewer
poles and more free skiing to develop
versatility.
John Arnold delivered a workshop on the
new Coaches’ Course, which looks to be
far more comprehensive than in the past.
A modular approach means that it will
take longer to obtain the award, but
coaches will be better prepared. There’s
no reason why already qualified coaches
shouldn’t complete some of the new
modules to bring themselves up to date.
How did it compare with 2003? In my
opinion, the conference worked well and
that appears to be the general opinion.
This new format is working, indicated by
the numbers of delegates. Speakers from
inside and outside of the organisation
gives a good balance.
What of 2004? Planning has already
started and, as ever, suggestions for
venues and speakers are encouraged from
Coaching Scheme members.
Got a story to tell? Call 01986 834216 or email [email protected]
Piste Jan 04
04/03/2004
11:00 am
Page 9
January 2004
THE
Adventure on
jagged peaks
Barry Spouge
reports from Alta
Badia, a number
one ski area in the
Italian Dolomites
Mention the Dolomites to many people
and they automatically think of the
Sella Ronda. Well, I’ve recently
returned from Alta Badia, an
enchanted land where the mountains
are tinged with pink at dusk but with
an atmosphere that excites that spirit
of adventure through the nature of its
terrain.
Made up of the villages of Corvara
(1568m), Colfosco (1645m), La Villa
(1433m) where the Gran Risa World Cup
piste
9
GETTINGthere
run is situated, San Cassiano (1537m),
Pedraces (1324m) and La Val (1353m)
Alta Badia is situated in the Italian Sud
Tyrol. For many years the area was
under Austrian rule, and it still retains
its Tyrolean charm.
Situated in a natural basin at the foot
of the “Sella”, surrounded by numerous
peaks that all have their own natural
shape while retaining the characteristic
jagged Dolomite look, Alta Badia is a
number one ski area.
In the centre of the Dolomite skiing
area, it has about 130 km of slopes with
53 lifts and a developed system of
programmed artificial snow.
The slopes are prepared every
evening with the help of over 20 snow
cats. A number of new lifts and
cableways have been installed.
Travel Desk - pages 16-17
Low-cost flights to either Treviso or
Marco Polo airports in Venice are by
Ryanair or EasyJet.
We flew Ryanair – the fare was 1p
each either way (plus airport taxes
etc, adding up to about £40 return).
Our transfer was arranged
through MountainSun Ltd,
operators of the Albergo Frohsinn in
San Cassiano at £15 pp each way.
Full details are available on
www.mountainsunltd.com
or call Jude on 0794 1196517.
You can also visit the Alta Badia
website at www.altabadia.org or
email them on [email protected]
Wherever you decide to go in the
region you will be assured of a
warm welcome, some superb skiing
and very friendly locals.
Enchanted land: Alta Badia in the Italian Dolomites.
OURday
My wife and I spent the week as guests of
the Albergo Frohsinn at San Cassiano.
Situated on the side of the main lift slope
it was literally ski in – ski out of this
catered chalet.
It was our first “chalet experience”, and
it certainly won’t be the last.
The whole team at Albergo Frohsinn
were hell bent on giving us a good time,
from ski guiding with Andrew through to
games and night skiing, plus the odd
1000-piece Jigsaw, which my wife was
determined to see finished by the time we
left. Thanks to fellow guest Graham this
was achieved – he stayed up until 3am!
The food was excellent, the service first
class and the fun had by all the guests
was an experience not to be missed. I
worked on some days of my trip covering
the World Cup races.
My wife decided that she was having
so much fun she would ski every day with
the chalet group and staff.
The village where we stayed, San
Cassiano, has a good range of shops,
hotels, chalets and restaurants. One that I
would recommend is Hugs Piano Bar and
Restaurant, situated in the main village
street not far from the lift pass and local
tourist board office. If you fancy a bit of
clothes shopping for Versace and Gucci
clothes plus many other top brands,
Gary’s is the place to head for.
Got a story to tell? Call 01986 834216 or email [email protected]
Piste Jan 04
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04/03/2004
THE
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BS Did you always want to ski for
your country?
HM Yes, I always wanted to ski for the
Austrian Ski Team. But I realized soon
that this was a real challenge. If you have
to qualify for a World Cup event every
training run within the Austrian team can
be a race for you. So world class racers
are fighting for their spot in the Austrian
Team – in any other country they would
have their spot guaranteed.
BS At what age did you start skiing?
HM I started skiing at the age of three
with my parents. They run a ski school in
my hometown Flachau, and they are both
skiing instructors.
BS How is the leg this season, how is it
standing up to the training and
competition events. I am aware that the
pins were removed earlier this year, How
is it progressing, is it better or worse
than expected?
HM My leg is for sure not the same that it
was before the motor cycling accident.
Because many nerves were destroyed
through the accident I still miss a lot of
feeling. But I’m really lucky that I am able
to ski at this world class level again.
After the 37cm long titanium rod in my
right leg had been removed last February I
started serious ski training this summer in
New Zealand, and after two weeks of
consecutive skiing I felt again pain in my
knee. My patella tendon, which my doctor
had to cut (scratch) to get the titanium
rod out, was still weak.
So I needed more days for recovery
than usual. But I have to be satisfied with
the progress. I take this season as a
comeback season hoping that next year
I’ll be able to race with almost 100 per
cent of my physical fitness.
BS When the accident happened
what were your immediate thoughts –
did you think that it was the end of
your ski career?
HM Right after the accident I didn’t
think about skiing at all. I was holding
my leg in my hands, it was only
attached with a few muscle fibres, and
I was hoping that the doctors would
be able to save that leg.
January 2004
‘Herminator’ on
a mission to regain
world class form
After a chance email to the Hermann Maier website regarding
press information, Barry Spouge was invited to attend the FIS
Ski World Cup 2004 races held at Val Gardena in Groden, Italy
just before Christmas. During this ‘Ski World Cup at Christmas’
event a meeting with Hermann’s press agent led to an
interview with the great man. A quiet unassuming person, the
“Herminator’ is on a mission – to regain his form from before
his terrible motorcycle accident two years ago. So far he has
met the challenge and currently finds himself at the top of the
official World Cup standings
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The Herminator: On
a mission to regain
form temporarily
lost after a serious
accident.
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Copyright: GEPA Pictures
BS How much fitness training do you
do now – in comparison with the
actual ski training?
very important. With this as a basis I only
need a few skiing days to get in shape
again.
HM If you look at my complete training
program you’ll find out that skiing is just a
small part. During the off season I follow a
fitness program at the Austrian Olympic
Training Center in Obertauern, Salzburg,
where I work out eight hours a day, six
days a week.
The most time-intensive thing is riding my
ergometric bike, which I do even on skiing
days. So I maintain my fitness level, plus I
support the regeneration process which is
BS What would you say has been
your greatest achievement to date?
HM If you’re asking me about my biggest
victory I would say it was coming back
after the horrible crash and to win in
Kitzbühel – there’s not much more you
can ask for! This means almost more to
me than the two Olympic gold medals I
won in Nagano 1998 after the downhill
crash.
Snowsport England, Area Library Building, Queensway Mall, The Cornbow, Halesowen B63 4AJ
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January 2004
BS What has been your most
enjoyable memory of the races you
have had?
HM Again Kitzbühel, Super-G on January
27th 2003. Finding the perfect run for that
day, I crossed the finish line and saw the
"1" flashing – after all the struggling, the
ups and downs since the accident, this
was the perfect moment!
BS How do you prepare for each race
– do you have a set routine – can you
run through your preparations from
the week before the race for us?
HM The week starts usually with
regeneration and a workout program at
the Olympic Training Center in
Obertauern. On downhill weeks there’s
not too much time, because downhill
practice usually starts on Wednesdays –
so you travel on Tuesday and have the
same practice in the morning,
regeneration biking on the ergometer in
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.
THE
determined and follow your goals … I was
refused entry to the Austrian Team in my
youth years, so I followed my own plan
consequently, and joined the team again
at the age of 23.
BS At my ski club/ski centre in
Norwich, Norfolk, England, we have
five young members of our club who
represent Great Britain in the British
Children’s Ski Team. Do you see a
British skier ‘making the grade’?
What advice would you give children
starting on a ski career?
HM You have to spend as much time as
possible with snow and mountains. The
secret behind skiing success is to start
with ski training during early youth age.
And if you don’t have snowy mountains in
your neighbourhood come to Austria –
we’ve got plenty of them!
piste
HM I feel that I have still some more years
on top level in me. I’m looking forward to
the upcoming season (2004-05), because
then I hope my physical level will be much
better than this year. And I would like to
go on until the Olympic Games 2006. As it
will be a long time until then I’m
concentrating 100 per cent on skiing in
the near future – I don’t want to waste
time in thoughts about what’s going to
happen after I’ll retire.
BS What do you do to relax … when
you have the time?
HM When I relax I hang out with my
friends – or I ride my motor bike or my
trial machine. Also shark diving and
helicopter flying.
BS Is it difficult to stay focused
between races?
HM I do my best to rule out all
distractions and temptations.
‘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
Eberharter – is it really as bad as
reported?
HM My relationship with other team
members is like it is in any sports where
you travel a lot together. Sure, there are
some guys you spend more time with, but
in the end you spend most time on your
own. Stephan is a colleague and a
competitor, and we respect each other.
11
my ability
Refused: Hermann Maier
reveals the secrets of his youth.
BS Do you look forward to Kitzbuhel?
What are your thoughts as you
approach the toughest course of all?
on snow ...’
BS What message do you have for
your many UK fans?
HM Use more sunscreen!
BS Many young British skiers look to
you as a role model, what one thing
would you say a skier needs to be a
world class competitor?
HM I look forward to racing in Kitzbühel,
because it’s the most prestigious event of
the season. The first time I raced there it
was pretty tough, but since my downhill
victory in 2001 I really feel comfortable on
this mountain.
HM I would say a skier needs a basic
talent for sure, almost as much important
is determination. You have to be
BS How much longer can you
compete at the highest level and
what will you do when you retire?
Following the Super G race on Friday
19 December, in which Hermann was
placed 3rd, he came 5th in the Downhill
on Saturday 20 December and 26th in a
GS race on Sunday 21 December in
nearby La Villa in Alta Badia.
T: 0121 501 2314 / F: 0121 585 6448 / E: [email protected] / W: www.snowsportengland.org.uk
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THE
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ENGLISH SCHOOLS' SKI ASSOCIATION
URGENT ... URGENT ...
Do you run, or are you planning to run,
ski courses for young people?
Have you been on an SCO
(Ski Course Organiser's) course?
Most LEAs make this compulsory
ESSkiA is running an SCO on
Sunday 14 March 2004 at
Great Wyrley High School
If you are interested, fill in the slip below and
fax it to Tony Archbold at Great Wyrley School
on 01922 857066 before 28 February. For more
information, contact Tony Archbold on
01922 857030 (school), 01922 417562 (home)
or email [email protected]
SCO Course 14 March 2004
Great Wyrley School
Name! ..............................................................
!
..............................................................
Address ...........................................................
!
..............................................................
!
..............................................................
School! ..............................................................
Tel!
...................... (work) ................ (home)
Fax!
......................
Email! .............................................................
Cost: ESSkiA Member Schools - £20
Non-Member Organisations - £40
Cheques should be made payable to ESSKIA
January 2004
Great days for
During the weekend of 20-21 September nearly 700 racers,
from 95 of the 118 English Schools’ Ski Association member
schools, took part in the qualifying races at Chatham,
Gloucester, Hemel, Pendle and Silksworth.
The winning boys and girls teams from each age group plus
the three best runners up from the five qualifiers won
through to the finals.
In the mixed team competitions, the eight best
performances/times compared with other teams at the five
qualifiers in the under 12/14 and under 16/19 groups were
invited to the finals.
The finals were held on the weekend of 4-5 October at
Swadlincote.
RESULTS
Under 12 girls
1 Surbiton Junior
2 Abbot’s Hill
3 Simon Langton
Under 12 boys
Robert Clack
Alderwickbury
Cranmore
Under 14 girls
1 Lady Eleanor Hollies
2 Amberfield
3 Hayes
Under 14 boys
Claires Court
Hampton
The Beacon
Under 16 girls
1 Simon Langton
2 Sheffield HS
3 Rochester
Under 16 boys
Harvey GS
Bridgnorth
Twynham
Under 19 Girls
1 Millfield
2 Surbiton HS
3 St Anthony’s
Under 19 boys
Clitheroe RGS
RGS Newcastle
Millfield
Under 14 mixed
Coopers’ Company
St Andrew’s
Berkhamsted
Under 19 mixed
Pates GS
Chosen Hill
Bishop Rawstorne
Open Team Championships
Girls
1 Lady Eleanor Hollies
2 Millfield
3 Simon Langton
Boys
Harvey GS
Clitheroe RGS
RGS Newcastle
BRITISHschoolsCHAMPIONSHIPS
The British Schools’
Championships were held at
Llandudno on Saturday 15
November 2003. From England,
five boys and eight girls teams
qualified for the British Schools
Championships.
English teams had excellent
results taking first three places
in both the male and female
team competitions.
Clitheroe and Harvey reversed
their English championship
positions in the male competition
and Lady Eleanor Hollis repeated
their English success.
Individually, Bill Latham and
Daniel Wyatt took first and
second place in the male race and
Alice Thelwell was first in the
Let us have your comments on the magazine - Call 01986 834216 or email [email protected]
Piste Jan 04
04/03/2004
11:00 am
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January 2004
THE
youngsters
The boys and girls age group finals were held on the
Saturday with the mixed and open finals being held on the
Sunday.
Chemmie Alcott attended the finals on the Saturday and
presented the prizes. Chemmie has been a great supporter of
ESSkiA, taking part for her school every year from the age of
eight.
She represented the English Schools’ team at three ISF
World Schools’ Championships, gaining a first in the giant
slalom and second in the slalom at the 1999 championships
at Jezenik, Czech Republic.
On the Sunday Patrick Smith MBE, chief executive of the
National Council for School Sport, presented the prizes.
piste
ENGLISH SCHOOLS' SKI ASSOCIATION
URGENT ... URGENT ...
Do you run ski trips?
Do you take students for supervised
skiing outside lessons?
Are you qualified?
English Schools Ski Association is
organising an Alpine Ski Course
Leaders Award with a special rate for
ESSkiA member schools
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
1st
2nd
3rd
TEAM RESULTS
Male
Female
Clitheroe RGS
Lady Eleanor Hollis
Harvey GS
Simon Langton
Newcastle RGS Sheffield HS
female race. Overall English
teams performed excellently
ensuring a strong
representation of English teams
for next year’s British
championships to be hosted by
England at Swadlincote on 20
November 2004.
Cheques should be made payable to ESSKIA
Please tick which course you would like to attend and
indicate, if numbers are not sufficient, if you could attend
the alternative course
18 December 2004 (if unavailable,
could you attend 26 March 2005
26 March 2005 (if unavailable,
could you attend 18 December 2004
Let us have your comments on the magazine - Call 01986 834216 or email [email protected]
13
Piste Jan 04
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January 2004
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
PISTEpromotion
A brand new nursery slope
and Snowflex system is
being built and installed at
Halifax Snowsports Centre
(right). The centre has
benefited from a Snowflex
main slope for two years and
been widely recognised as a
centre of excellence for
skiers and snowboarders.
The 300 square-metre
area will provide the
opportunity to learn in safety
and give the centre a new
base on which to attract the
public to snowsports.
Brian Thomas, Briton
Engineering Managing
Director, said: “A nursery
slope at Halifax will be a
great feeder to the main
slope. The centre has always
needed a Snowflex nursery
area to attract beginners, this
will now provide an
outstanding facility for locals
and the wider UK scene.”
Cross country ski racing
(photo courtesy Mike Dixon)
How skiers
rolled out a
new record
A record number of skiers took part in a roller ski training
weekend held at Lancaster in September.
The course, organised by Snowsport England’s Nordic
Key Committee, saw 50 skiers on the track at any one
time, including 20 young members of the British
Development Squad.
This is the highest figure achieved in recent years – and
contradicts assumptions that lack of British snow has
severely dented participation in cross-country skiing.
It also shows that participation in the sport is still
strong, with many skiers making use of cheap flights
abroad three or four times each winter – and recognising
that tuition on roller skiing is vital pre-season training to
make the most of the time on snow.
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.”
Want to advertise your products or services? Call 01986 834216 or email [email protected]
Piste Jan 04
04/03/2004
11:00 am
Page 15
January 2004
)
THE
■ Atomic claims an
innovation is set
to revolutionise
ski bindings.
The Electronic
Binding
Management (above) helps
prevent skiing accidents by
running a safety check before you
step into your binding.
Atomic’s EBM provides the user
with information about whether
or not the binding is properly
closed, if the forward pressure is
adjusted properly or if binding
maintenance is necessary.
It is also possible to check how
many hours the binding has been
used, the condition of the battery
and the adjusted
piste
15
binding settings at any
time.
Similar to the onboard computer in a
car, the system gives
the skier an "OK"
signal if all binding settings
and functions are correct, which
will go a long way to reducing the
number of skiing accidents in the
future.
EBM will be available from the
2004-05 season, starting with
Atomic Neox EBM 412, and
will be available
in combination
with the new
R:11 Puls-ti Ski at
selected authorised Atomic
dealers.
■ The Energy range from Volkl has been designed for effortless
carving and turning with a new smoother and rounder profile.
Like most Volkls, the 420 has lots of edge grip, is very reactive,
and the Energy name lives up to its product with its performance.
Suitable for Intermediates and advanced skiers but also for those
who have just gone past the ‘beginner’ stage.
■ Rossignol's latest version of its ‘Bandit’ skis are
available now (see picture above).
Features include the “Free Absorber” which filters
vibrations under the feet to maximise contact
between skis and snow, “Free Dualtec”
construction which combines a cap with 20 degree
sloping sidewall to optimise power transmission
and “Cut Away Tips” to reduce swing weight and
protect the structure from shocks.
Shockwall sidewalls are built from two overlaid
materials, the top one compressible to damp
shocks under the bindings, with the bottom made
of ultra-stiff material to maximise grip through the
whole length of the skis.
The Bandit range comprises three models for
different Freeride needs: B1, B2 and the B3,
available at stockists.
The Energy range consists of the 220 (pictured above),
320 the 420 and a rental version for ski rental businesses
and slopes. See your local stockists.
■ A new range of “Soft” boots is available
from Lange (pictured left), aimed mainly at
skiers of average to advanced skills. The range
offers a single product that is easy to step in
and out of with the added attraction of
comfort. The boot was found to respond
quickly and precisely to the wearer’s
movements.
The range includes models for men and
women, new colours have been
created to highlight the shells
chromatic contrasts.
The range consists of: SFT 100,
SFT 100 W, SFT 90, SFT 90 W, SFT
80 and SFT 80 W.
■ Using Head's latest technology, which includes the
integrated railflex binding and intelligent chip system,
the 160 is claimed to be the better of the carving range.
It is aimed at early carvers who need to build
confidence.
The Head 160 is described as a forgiving ski, getting
a good edge and keeping in contact with the snow
through the carving turn. Its an ideal choice for the All
Mountain Skier.
Head also has a complete range of skis for all kinds
of skiers, beginner to Advanced and includes skis for
men, ladies and children plus a range of Race skis.
Better known to be the skis of Britain’s Alain Baxter,
but also used by other top skiers of the likes of Eckert
Florian (pictured above).
Want to advertise your products or services? Call 01986 834216 or email [email protected]
Piste Jan 04
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January 2004
Special offers as new
brochure launched
The snow is falling, many resorts are open and, for most
Britons, the winter ski season is just about to begin.
Thomson Ski & Snowboarding has launched the
earliest ever preview edition of its ski and snowboarding
brochure. The 2004-05 brochure features 86 resorts in 11
countries and claims to offer one of the market’s widest
choice of hotels, club hotels, ski chalets and self-catering
properties.
There are real benefits for early bookers, with many
prices as low as in 2002-03, thousands of free children
places on every departure date, a free all-inclusive trip to
the Italian Dolomites for group leaders and competitive
group discounts with up to one place in five free.
■ Self-drive gives you freedom and flexibility to travel as
you wish and is especially suited to self-catering holidays
and families. France is the obvious choice for most, due
to its close proximity to the UK and Thomson have put
together a selection of apartments in some of the top
French ski resorts, easily accessible by car.
The package includes a cross-channel ferry crossing
from Dover to Calais (additional supplements apply for
other routes) for one car and the whole apartment,
regardless of the number of people travelling - offering
great value for money.
Reservations: 0870 606 1470.
Website: www.thomson-ski.co.uk
ROVER European Travel
Over 20 years experience in school skiing
holidays, specialising in ski tours to Austria.
●
●
●
●
Ziller Valley
Zell am See
SaalbachHinterglemm
Wildschonau
Valley
●
●
●
●
●
Stubai Valley
Schladming
Soll
Lermoos
Wildkogel
Other resorts / ski areas also available.
In conjunction with Snowsport England, we
also organise Alpine Ski Leader courses.
For further information, please
contact David on
01453 832121
Rover European Travel,
The Coach House, Horsley, Stroud, Glos GL6 0PU
Savoyard style: All accommodation is
designed to maximise living space.
Soak up rustic
atmosphere in
new ski resort
In a natural setting at the foot
of a 60-metre waterfall in a
100 year-old pine forest with
views of Mont Blanc, a new
five star traditional Alpine
village has been created.
The Savoie resorts of Les
Arcs and La Plagne, part of the
newly created Paradiski area is
considered one of the most
beautiful ski areas in the world,
with 400 km of runs, two
glaciers and two peaks that
rise above 3000 metres.
The new village, ARC 1950, is
arranged around a main central
square standing on a 55,000
square-metre plateau beneath
the 3226-metre Aiguille Rouge
Glacier.
The shops and public areas
in the centre of the village are
bright and sunny, the outer
edge in contrast reflecting the
scale and character of the
rustic Alpine countryside.
Developer Intrawest has
experience in operating
mountain resorts; in North
America it has ten.
Designed in the rustic
Savoyard style, the
Let us have your comments on the magazine - Call 01986 834216 or email [email protected]
Piste Jan 04
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January 2004
THE
piste
17
Older skiers
losing ski
pass perk
Welcome to Travel desk where we
bring you a round-up of some of
the most popular ski destinations
plus some of the up-and-coming
resorts around the world
TRAVELdesk
accommodation offers a mix of
one, two, three and four
bedroom apartments, all
designed to maximise living
space.
All properties have a balcony,
loggia or terrace as well as use
of ski locker, heated storage
room and underground parking.
All residents are entitled to
take advantage of the Owners
Prestige Card, which provides
for five-star hotel services,
including 24-hour concierge
reception, room service,
housekeeping facilities plus
Snow Hunter Ltd has published its
2003-04 Lift Pass Price survey comparing
lift ticket costs from over 500 ski areas in
30 countries. Key findings of this year’s
survey include:
■ Free and reduced priced lift tickets for
older skiers are being cut by the majority
of ski areas. Free ticket age limits are up,
have become a discounted rate or have
been dropped altogether by dozens of
leading ski areas.
■ The weak dollar against the Euro has
brought the price of lift tickets in the US
down by up to 10 per cent for Europeans.
■ Prices in Andorra, once the low cost ski
destination of Europe, continue to shoot
up at double the rate of most increases in
other major European ski destinations.
■ The weakness of the Swiss Franc
against the Euro has brought down the
cost of skiing in Switzerland – traditionally
with some of the most expensive lift
tickets in Europe. For the first time, a
4 Valleys lift ticket for Switzerland is
cheaper than a 3 Valleys lift ticket for
France – if only by a Euro.
■ Leading ski areas in Quebec, Canada
offer some of the best value skiing in
North America, comparable with some of
the better prices available in Europe.
The full report which includes a price
comparison table for resort tickets and
one for the first time a new one for multiresort lift passes, is available from
17 December for $60 or 60 Euros as an
emailed or printed document. Orders to
[email protected]
message and fax services. Also
available are meeting facilities,
multimedia equipment, cable
television, sauna, Turkish baths
and exclusive fitness room.
Since it was first launched,
ARC 1950 has sparked a lot of
interest, with phase five about
to be released.
■ For further details about ARC
1950 contact Martine Davis,
Gascoignes International, tel:
01932 860200 or e-mail
info@gascoignesinternational.
com
Let us have your comments on the magazine - Call 01986 834216 or email [email protected]
Piste Jan 04
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04/03/2004
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Jumps - In the fun park, jumps come in
all shapes and sizes. They vary in size
from the easy to butt-clenchingly
terrifying. Most of these are tabletops –
a take off, a flat area and then the down
landing slope. There are also spines, a
pyramid shaped mound. This jump can
be taken in three different ways, either
side or straight on. When hitting a spine
height is generally higher than a
tabletop – the landing is also a lot
steeper.
Step up jumps have a take-off, a large
January 2004
Simon Ashton, with technical
help from Tom Last and Andy
Bennet, continues the
720: two full rotations; 900: two and half
rotations; 1080: three rotations. All of
the above can be done switch or regular
(straight) with or without grabs
Blagger’s Guide
to New Skool
Backflip - Only New Skool if carried out
off a cliff or building
gap and a landing that is higher than the
takeoff: 180: half rotation; 360: full
rotation; 540: one and a half rotations;
Misty - Front flip with half rotation with
a dynamic body shape (ie bent legs and
curved back). Confusingly also known as
Front flip - As above
Strut your stuff ... just
like the local gods
Style as ever rules these days in
skiing. The bright young things who
shop at the big London flagship ski
stores will still spend more money
than the average ski bum will earn in
a season on clothes for their next
romp through Val d'Isere’s bars.
Problem is money alone can't buy
you “cool”.
“Cool” are the guys who hang out
in the park and have got a down
payment on owning the whole
mountain, who can survive the
season on chips, baguettes and
tomato sauce, who look as though
their clothes were bought for their fat
brother/big sister and have the
haunted look about them of too
many late nights.
As holiday skiers it's difficult for us
to look “cool”, although everyone
with a Porsche Boxter or the like
aspires to it. So here's a few easy tips
to get that genuine ski bum look:
1 Most of the ski bums in resort will
have that supernova tan you only get
from being a few thousand feet closer
to the sun than the rest of the
population. So tip one is to get a tan
before you get out there. No I'm not
advocating you get a sun lamp and
try and burn your face off before you
leave. Get a fake tan from your local
Boots the chemist and slap it on – but
be sure to follow the instructions.
Dale Winton orange is definitely not
cool.
Simon Ashton
offers an image
makeover
2 Next you need to get the clothes.
These need to be baggy, preferably a
couple of sizes too big with enough
pockets to lose your mobile phone in.
Baggy pants are the most
important feature. Now some may
think that the baggy clothes escaped
from the skate scene, however I have
a theory that the clothes actually
fitted when they were purchased –
but after a season on just chips,
bread, tomato sauce and adrenaline,
wouldn't yours look too big?
Now we need the doorags, better
known as bandanas. The discerning
new skool skiers will not be found
without a couple of doorags tied to
their belt or jacket, creating the right
west coast (of America) feel.
Finally, you need a pair of goggles
that look like they’ve been designed
by NASA and have lenses that could
survive a nuclear explosion leaving
only your eyeballs on a smouldering
pile of ash (preferably mirrored).
Don't worry about equipment. If it's
new and funky then great, if it's old
but you've got the clothes right, just
tell everyone you're trying to get back
to the roots of real skiing.
All those in the know (and therefore
of any importance) will nod sagely in
LAST
laugh
agreement. This should also help
earn you a few drinks in the bar.
3 So you look the part in the streets
of the resort, but now you need to
show that you can strut your stuff on
the mountain.
Most of the time you only need to
be seen on the last run of the day
getting back into the resort. There are
a couple of options that we can look
at presuming you have spent the day
hiding in a bar.
The first is the “I've spent all day
off-piste so that's why you haven't
seen me around” option. A few props
are needed for this one: helmet,
rucksack, ropes and caribiners. Make
sure you stick some snow to your
jacket and ski down the last run at 80
miles an hour. Everyone will get out
of the way because they think you are
a local god.
The next trick does take a little skill
– ski backwards. Any self-respecting
bum who has spent the day in the fun
park will ski home backwards just to
prove how great they are. Just look
over your shoulder, stagger your skis
and let yourself go.
If you survive your run back into
resort then it's off to the bar to tell
everyone about how great you were.
Don't forget to drop in a few names
such as: "when I was skiing with
Shane/Glen/Tanner".
And never, never buy your own
beer.
Snowsport England, Area Library Building, Queensway Mall, The Cornbow, Halesowen B63 4AJ
Piste Jan 04
04/03/2004
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January 2004
THE
a Misty 5 (40) - 180 degs with the half
twist plus 360 degrees for forward flip
Misty 7 (20) - Front flip with a dynamic
body shape and full rotation (360 for the
forward flip + 360 for full rotation = 720)
Rodeo - Same as Mistys except
replacing front with a back flip.
Lincoln loop - Sideways full flip.
Cork (or corking up the spin) - Body
moves off axis in the spin (360 etc) –
feet and hips must remain level or below
head or it becomes inverted.
Frontside cork (Bio) - Body moves in
circular motion starting at front of skier.
Backside cork - Body moves in a
circular motion starting toward back of
skier: D spin 3 (60): back flip 360; D spin
5 (40): backflip 540
Zero spin - A jump switch to switch
with no rotation but can involve grabs.
piste
19
Remarkably difficult jump to do well and
big although it sounds easy.
Flat Spins - Same as rodeo except
remain flat in air without feet or hips
coming above the head.
Flair - Back flip 180
Dinner roll - Jump in moguls, which is
actually a cork 720
Next Issue: Pipes
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or 01442 220800
Guide price €105,000 furnished.
Further information tel: 01442 220800
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Piste Jan 04
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04/03/2004
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January 2004
Look good – and raise cash!
The British Children’s Ski Squad has
teamed up with clothing manufacturer
Buffera in a new bid to raise cash to
enable squad members to compete
against the rest of the world.
Made of 100 per cent polyester
microfibre, the “Buff” can be
made into a cap, scarf, balaclava,
head band or neck warmer.
It costs £9.99 with all profits going
towards the running costs of the British
Children’s Team and Development
Squad.
Each year the squad sends about 35
children in teams of ten to far-flung
places across Europe including Slovenia,
Croatia, Italy and Czech Republic.
Competition is fierce and prepares the
British children for future FIS races.
■ Further information and how to
obtain the exclusive “Buffs” can be
found at the British Children’s Ski Team
website www.gbjuniorski.com
Money-spinner:
Two of the
British Children’s
Ski Squad model
the new ‘Buff’.
Produced by Countrywide Publications, 27 Norwich Road, Halesworth IP19 8BX T/01986 834216 F/01986 834270 ISDN/01986 874752 E/[email protected]