Snowsport England

Transcription

Snowsport England

February-March 07
Fostering,
promoting and
developing the
interests of English
skiers and
snowboarders
£2.50
ROCKY
MOUNTAIN
HIGH!
Great holiday destinations in
Canada and Austria: 20-21
+
INSTRUCTOR COURSES CALENDAR / GET FIT SPECIAL
2 0 0 6 - 0 7 WO R L D C U P R E P O RT : PAG E S 1 2 - 1 3
2
THE
THE
piste
piste
Published by Countrywide Publications
(A division of Micropress Printers Ltd)
27 Norwich Road, Halesworth, Suffolk,
IP19 8BX
Tel: 01986 834216 / Fax: 01986 834270
ISDN: 01986 874752 / e-mail:
[email protected]
Published on behalf of Snowsport England
Tel: 0121 5012314 / Fax: 0121 5856448
e-mail: barry.spouge@
snowsportengland.org.uk
Web: www.snowsportengland.org.uk
All editorial and advertisement copy
should be sent to Countrywide Publications
at the above address.
Publishing Director: Barry Spouge
Tel: 01986 834216 / Mob: 07802 824120
e-mail: barry.spouge@
snowsportengland.org.uk
Printed by Micropress Printers Ltd
Tel: 01986 834200
Opinions expressed by contributors in The Piste are
not necessarily those held by the publisher or
Snowsport England. No part of this magazine may
be reproduced without the specific written
permission of the publisher. While every care is
taken to ensure the accuracy of information
contained in The Piste, we do not accept
responsibility for any errors or matters relating.
Cover picture: The Canadian Rockies
Photograph: Travel Alberta
February-March 07
May the snow
be with you wherever you
may roam ...
s another ski season comes and
goes, the main talking points seem to
have been the weather and global
warming.
Unseasonal conditions are not restricted
to any particular area. One side of the USA
gets more snow than ever before, and the
other virtually nothing by comparison, with
stories of ski areas closing down and laying
off staff. Europe has not escaped the snow
shortage either. Although some of the early
falls seem to have helped keep resorts open,
it’s really down to man-made snow to
maintain slopes in reasonable order – and,
with the warm temperatures, that has been
very difficult.
Whether this is a result of global
warming, or just one of those “blips” that
happen, I am not sure. Global warming is a
problem we need to address, and urgently.
A
From the
EDITOR
Barry
Spouge
Some ski resorts are now beginning to
believe that it’s happening and it takes a
year like this to hammer the message home.
At the time of writing, some excellent snow
is falling in many areas of Europe – the late
dump everyone was hoping for.
Temperatures have dropped and more snow
is forecast.
A plea – The Piste needs a volunteer who
can provide news and event information on
snowboarding throughout England. We
have had a number of comments regarding
the lack of snowboarding stories and
information. Can you help? If so, please
contact me on the e-mail address on the
left.
Finally, wherever you are going – to adapt
a popular phrase – “May the snow be with
you”!
February-March 07
THE
piste
3
New sponsor steps up for young GB racer David
Photograph: Racer Ready magazine
French ski manufacturers Dynastar and Lange ski boots
are sponsoring Alpine ski racer David Ryding.
David, aged 20, was selected for the British Land
Alpine Ski Team in May last year and has an
impressive record as a junior, which includes winning
both the Slalom and Giant Slalom and taking second
place in the Super G, at the British Junior
Championship in Meribel last season.
Adaptive team
gets set for
Olympics 2010
The British Adaptive Ski Team (BAST) has started its four-year
training programme for the 2010 Paralympic Winter Games with
a successful fortnight’s training on the Hintertux Glacier, in
Austria. The training camp was the team’s first of the season and
marked BAST’s commitment to bring medals home from the
2010 Vancouver Games.
The training camp was organised by Disability Snowsports
UK (DSUK), whose management team opted to use Austrian ski
specialists Redpoint Holidays (www.redpoint.co.uk) to make the
arrangements for the group, due to their experience in running
ski holidays for the disabled in the Hintertux area. The team then
moved to Pitztal, also in Austria.
The weeks proved productive for the team with excellent and
challenging training conditions. “Hintertux has been a great
place to train,” said Jane Stevens, one of the BAST team
trainers.
“The pistes are challenging and the lift operators couldn't do
enough to help us, from transporting all the equipment up the
mountain to allocating suitable race lanes. We also appreciate all
This was followed by winning the British Overall
Junior title 2006 and the Joshua Varley Trophy and
Scholarship for best performing English skier in the
British Junior Championships.
Dynastar and Lange’s 06-07 product collection
includes products catering for a wide range of abilities
and performance levels. There is also a dedicated
range of Dynastar products designed for women.
Quite a challenge: The pistes were challenging,
while the lift operators couldn't do enough to help
the team, from transporting all the equipment up
the mountain to allocating suitable race lanes.
the help from Redpoint, who sorted everything out in the resort
so we could concentrate on training.”
The BAST team members also felt that the fortnight was a
positive start to an intensive period of training. “We were very
pleased with the way the training went,” said Sean Rose, a
mono-skier and one of the team’s hopes for 2010, having
narrowly missed out on the medals at the last Paralympic
Games held in Turin.
With a grant of £80,000 from UK Sport, the body responsible
for distributing funds raised by the National Lottery, the team is
set to mount a serious challenge in the 2010 alpine skiing
events, where they can expect to compete against up to 40
countries from across the world.
The Hintertux Glacier is located at the very top of the Ziller
Valley and is open all year round for skiing and snowboarding. It
has 89km of runs to challenge all levels.
For more information on BAST, see www.disabilitysnowsport.
org.uk; for more information on adaptive skiing programmes
visit www.redpoint.co.uk
4
THE
piste
February-March 07
Talented athletes win TASS funding for 2007
Alpine
Thomas Baldwin
Peter Bruton
Fred Clough
Michael Colyer
Thomas Cox
Ivy Taylor
Ben Knox
Emily Richardson
Jake Shakleton
Laura Hill
James Foster
Jai Geyer
Jake Richardson
Samuel Wyer
Benn Hall
Christopher John
Joe Ogden
Aaron Tipping
Francesca Simonds
Freestyle
China Green
Harry Gilliam
Siobhan Murphy
Ellie Koyander
Snowboard
James McElvaney
F
B
C
PHOTOGRAPY
COMPETITION
WINNERS
Winners of the Snowsport England Photographic
Competition, sponsored by Integrated Handheld
Solutions, are:
1st place is F
Jo Llewellyn
£250
2nd place is B
Ellie Koyander
£150
3rd place is C
Franki Simonds
£100
The winner of the prize draw for one year’s
FREE membership of Snowsport England is
Trevor Harris. All winners will be notified by post.
Cross Country
Simon Spencer
TASS is a Government funded
programme that represents a
partnership between sport and
higher and further education. The
programme distributes awards to
talented athletes that are
committed to combining their
sport and education
For more information, visit
ww.tass.gov.uk
It’s farewell to
June Hale after
almost 20 years
As many of you may be aware, June Hale
left Snowsport England at the end of 2006
June started working part-time for the
English Ski Council in September 1987 as
Secretary to Sarah Morrison, who was the
Freestyle Manager. June also worked for
Iain Mackay, Chair of the Freestyle
Committee.
From 1992, June began working full time
on more varied work including membership
renewal, Alpine racing and seeding and the
database. Until the arrival of Ian Holloway,
June also worked with Andrew Jolly on the
accounts.
In 2005, June went back to part time
work focusing on the Alpine squad and the
membership renewal system.
June has given exemplary service to
Snowsport England and will be missed by
office staff and members. She will be
attending the annual general meeting in
2007 to say goodbye to members and we
encourage many of you to attend.
Members of the Snowsport England
Council would like to organise a
presentation to be made at the AGM from
the members of Snowsport England. If you
would like to contribute to the presentation,
all donations are to be sent to Snowsport
England Office for the attention of the Chief
Executive, marked Private and Confidential.
Office changes
There have been some New Year changes
to the office. Ian Holloway is now full-time
responsible Accounts, Competitions and
Teams. Jenny Wyatt is responsible for
Membership and Coaching. Joining Jenny
part time is new team member Julie
Copestick. Julie’s email address is
[email protected]
“
Children in any sport can be
exposed to abuse, and
Snowsport England needs to
follow government guidance
and best practice in this area.
“
The following athletes have
submitted successful applications
for funding under the Talented
Athlete Sports Scholarship
Scheme (TASS).
READ THE FULL STORY ON PAGE 6
February-March 07
THE
piste
5
New sponsor backs our
England Alpine ski team
Snowsport England is pleased to announce High Sierra as the new
luggage sponsor for the England Alpine Ski Team for 2006-07.
High Sierra has been a long-term sponsor of the US Ski Team, and
has recently launched a new product range in the UK.
For over 25 years, High Sierra Sport Company has specialised in
adventure travel bags, dedicated to function, design, and quality.
From athletes and outdoor enthusiasts, to students, travellers, and
professionals, the versatile, innovative products are designed to fit
your needs.
The team have been provided with the 32-inch wheeled duffel
bag, with plenty of room to fit all the kit required for an England team
camp!
Head Coach Tim Fawke said: “I am delighted to welcome High
Sierra as a new partner for the England Alpine Ski Team.
“This commitment to our programme is a huge boost to everyone
involved and has really added value to the team and we are excited
that such a well known brand in Snowsports is supporting the team.”
Snowsport England members can buy High Sierra products at a
discounted rate, for more information please go to the
merchandising section on the Snowsport England website
www.snowsportengland.org.uk
Easy travelling:
Joe Ogden, who
has qualified for
the Youth
Olympics along
with five other
English athletes,
with his new
High Sierra
wheeled duffel
bag.
MEMBER offer
Snowsport England is pleased to offer an exclusive deal to
members on High Sierra sport luggage. For over 25 years,
High Sierra Sport Company has strived to provide the bags
you need at a price you can afford. Specializing in adventure
32-Inch Drop-Bottom
Wheeled Duffrite
• Part wheeled upright,
part duffel bag, part
backpack, this roomy,
rugged carry-all tames the
toughest loads required for
an extended stay away. It’s
three bags in one! Use it as
a wheeled upright, a duffel
or as a backpack.
Available in Black RRP £120
Snowsport England offer £100
(inc post and packaging)
travel, their dedication to function, design, and quality
shines in each and every product.
Snowsport England members will be able to access the latest
luggage on the market at the following great prices:
Access back pack
With plenty of compartments and
lots of easy ways to get to your
gear, this handy, great-looking
pack will keep you on the move.
• Multi-compartment design.
• Padded computer sleeve, with
back-access, holds a 17"
notebook computer.
• Convenient side-access zipper.
Name
To order you goods please complete
the form below and return to Head
Office with a cheque for the full
amount.
............................................................................................ Return to Snowsport England,
Area Library Building,
Address ............................................................................................ Queensway Mall, Halesowen
........................................................ Postcode .................. B63 4AJ. If you would like to
22-Inch Wheeled Backpack.
Contact phone number
• Use it as a wheeled bag, a backpack or unzip
the day pack for a handy carry-on. With a large
main storage space and plenty of extras, this bag
lets you go from the airport terminal to the city
streets to a hike in the hills all with the same
smart pack
Email
• Water-resistant hidden hood in bottom.
pay by credit/debit card
........................................................ please contact head office on
............................................................................................ 0121 501 2314.
Items
Cost
Postage and packing
(included)
Total
6
THE
piste
February-March 07
Child protection
guidelines key to
our way forward
We all have an ethical duty to follow best practice when dealing with young
people, but additionally, as the governing body, Snowsport England has to
work with government agencies to ensure that the organisation complies
with their guidelines on child safeguarding and welfare. Children in any
sport can be exposed to abuse, and Snowsport England needs to follow
government guidance and best practice in this area.
Over the last 12 months Snowsport England’s Child Protection
Management Group (CPMG) has continued to improve and update our
child protection policies. Key developments include:
All clubs with U18 members should now have a nominated welfare
officer
An online policy learning system for members has been developed. You
can access this training system by going to:
www.freestyleweb.co.uk/ssechild protection/index.asp
Further guidance on overseas CRB checks, overseas and off site visits,
and mountain safety is being developed
The Child Protection Policy has been updated in line with recent
legislative changes
Trainers for the Time to Listen, a training programme for child welfare
officers, have been orientated and are ready to deliver this course.
Other developments include the preparation of a Child Welfare
Information Card. This card will be sent to Clubs and all members under 18
years of age in 2007.
Working with the snowsports governing bodies, we have developed an
information card intended to be read by children, entitled “Keeping Kids
Safe” on what is and is not acceptable, and what they should do if feel they
have been treated unfairly. This is a personal guide to what to do if children
feel they have been treated badly. It provides contact numbers and
information about who to speak to in confidence.
In 2006, the Child Protection Management Group developed a guidance
document for the Minimum Training and Awareness standards for all roles
in Snowsport England. The full document is available at
www.snowsportengland. org.uk/child_protection-227.html
The document highlights the wide variety of roles within Snowsport
England and clearly sets out what is expected in each role. It is important to
remember it is not expected that everyone will complete training overnight!
It is expected that training will be phased in over the next three years
It is the government’s aim that all persons who have regular contact and/
or are licensed to work with children in sports should attend awareness
training. In line with this government guidance Snowsport England accepts
the Sports Coach UK Safeguarding and Protecting Children or its equivalent
as the minimum training and awareness standard.
For example, the Coaching Committee has agreed that over the next
three years, as part of their revalidation process, all coaches and instructors
will need to have completed Safeguarding and Protecting Children or its
equivalent.
Efforts are being made to make this training as accessible as possible
and we are discussing how this might be most easily done.
Similarly, from 2007, it will be a requirement for all events involving
young people to have a nominated welfare officer who is responsible for
child welfare and protection.
An information pack has been developed to assist and is available at
www.snowsportengland.org.uk/child_protection-227.html
The development of our child protection policies and procedures is an
ongoing process and needs to take into account both government policy
and guidelines with our duty to skiers and snowboarders.
The volunteer Child Protection Management Group is continuing to liaise
with the appropriate interested parties to ensure that we make snowsports
accessible, fun and safe for all.
February-March 07
THE
piste
INSTRUCTOR COURSES CALENDAR 2007
CLUB INSTRUCTOR TRAINING COURSES (2 DAYS)
This course will be held predominately outdoors / on skis and will
address safety considerations; the basic principles of instructing;
examples of instructional activities; examples of teaching methods.
Emphasis throughout the course will be the safe introduction of
beginners to skiing on artificial slopes.
A COURSE WORKBOOK IS SUPPLIED TO EACH CANDIDATE ON
THE FIRST DAY TOGETHER WITH RELEVANT PAPERS AND CRB
FORMS.
10-11 March
21-22 April
21-22 April
14-15 July
14-15 July
13-14 October
Sunderland Snowsports Centre, Silksworth,
Tyne & Wear
£140 for the 2 days
0191 5535785
Ros Edwards
Snowtrax, Hurn, Christchurch, Dorset
01202 499155
Heather Buxton
Ski Rossendale, Rawtenstall, Lancs
01706 226457
Peter Hinde/Clive Escreet
Tyne & Wear
0191 5535785
Ros Edwards
01706 226457
01706 226457
stamp you will not be allowed to attend this course); practical
illustrations of personal skill showing understanding of the
principles which underpin skilful skiing; the candidates ability to
observe peers’ performances and provide feedback which serves to
improve their performances of the task which has been set by the
examiners.
Some time during 2007 the workbook will be replaced with CD’s
where you can print off the information as required or take your
laptops with you to your courses. If any ski centres have enough
instructors to go through to examination then the ski centre
Manager or organiser needs to get in touch with head office for
details at least 3 weeks before the course date.
23 June
Kendal Ski Club, Canal Head North, Cumbria
0121 501 2314
23 June
Gloucester Ski & Snowboard Centre
0121 501 2314
7 July
Tyne & Wear
0121 501 2314
6 October
Tyne & Wear
0121 501 2314
28 October
0121 501 2314
24 November
Gosling Ski Centre, Welwyn Garden City, Herts
0121 501 2314
Snowtrax, Hurn, Christchurch, Dorset
01202 499155
Heather Buxton
01706 226457
Tyne & Wear
0191 5535785
Ros Edwards
01706 226457
CI and ASSI REFRESHER COURSES (1 DAY)
In order that Snowsport England's appointed staff can meet and
appraise all our instructors and coaches. All qualified persons are
required to attend refresher courses. Instructors may attend these
as often as they wish but must attend at least once every three years
in order to re-validate their qualification.
These courses enable Instructors to clarify their own views and keep
up to date with Snowsport England's current policies. All
qualifications are valid for one period of three years.
Some time during 2007, the workbook will be replaced with CDs
laptops with you to your courses.
21 April
Hemel Ski Centre, Hemel Hempstead, Herts
0121 501 2314
21 April
Pendle Ski Club, Sabden, Lancs
0121 501 2314
16 June
Telford Ski Centre, Madeley, Shropshire
0121 501 2314
17 June
0121 501 2314
24 June
Gloucester Ski & Snowboard Centre
0121 501 2314
24 June
0121 501 2314
8 July
Tyne & Wear
0121 501 2314
1 September
0121 501 2314
15 September
Bromley Ski Centre, Bromley, Kent
0121 501 2314
7 October
Tyne & Wear
0121 501 2314
11 November
0121 501 2314
25 November
0121 501 2314
ASSI EXAMINATION (1 DAY EXAMINATION)
This Examination (Part II Assessment) will take place predominately
outdoors on skis where the appointed examiners will ask to see log
book records (if your log book does not contain the current date
Continued on page 8
ASSESSMENT FOR THE CLUB INSTRUCTOR AWARD (1 DAY)
A 1 day assessment for candidates completing Level 1 to become
Club Instructors. The award is aimed at skiers who wish to
introduce beginners to skiing at their local ski centre or within their
local ski club.
ALL CANDIDATES SHOULD BE CRB CHECKED BY THE TIME THEY
COMPLETE THEIR CI ASSESSMENT. IF THEY HAVE NOT BEEN
CHECKED THEN THE CANDIDATE CANNOT HOLD THEIR CLUB
INSTRUCTOR LICENCE UNTIL A CHECK HAS BEEN COMPLETED.
8 September
Pendle Ski Club, Sabden, Lancs
01200 425222
Helen Ashworth
ASSI TRAINING COURSES (2 DAYS)
This course will take place predominately outdoors and will address
revision of teaching methods; revision of safety factors;
investigation of and training in the essential elements of skiing
which link ploughing and parallel skiing;
This course also serves to refresh the Club Instructor Award for a
period of 3 years and is a pre-requisite for those wishing to
complete the ASSI Award.
A COURSE WORKBOOK IS SUPPLIED TO EACH CANDIDATE ON
THE FIRST DAY TOGETHER WITH RELEVANT PAPERS.
Some time during 2007 the workbook will be replaced with CDs
laptops with you to your courses.
19-20 May
19-20 May
8-9 September
22-23 September
7
8
THE
piste
February-March 07
Continued from page 7
ARTIFICIAL SNOWBOARD INSTRUCTOR COURSES (5 DAYS)
Ski centres organise these courses, so contact your local ski centre
to enquire if they are holding a course or check the Snowsport
England website. All qualifications valid for one period of 3 years.
10-11, 17-18 & 24 February
9-10 & 16-17 June
(five days into four)
Southampton Alpine Centre, Basset
0238 078 0676
Claire
Snowtrax, Hurn, Christchurch
01202 499155
Heather Buxton
ASSI COURSE - WEEKENDER (OVER 2 WEEKENDS
PLUS 1 ASSESSMENT DAY)
An alternative to the present method of becoming an Artificial Slope
Ski Instructor. Two consecutive weekend courses (plus one day
assessment) which takes you straight to ASSI once 20 hours
supervised instruction has been completed. Ski centres organise
these courses, so contact your local ski centre to enquire if they are
holding a course or call Snowsport England to see if they have any
dates. Most of the course material will be sent on CD for each
candidate starting in 2007.
0121 501 2314
TUTOR TRAINING DAY
This course is for coaches who wish to become Club Instructor
Tutors and appear on the roles and responsibility list to be able to
take CI training courses. Plus for CI Tutors who wish to be upgraded
to ASSI Tutor. This is NOT a revalidation course.
12 May
Date and venue provisional at present.
0121 501 2314
APC COURSES
For candidates who are registered as ASCs or ASSIs who wish to
become Racing Coaches. Further information will be available at a
later date. See www.snowsportengland.org.uk for new dates. Log
your name with Snowsport England head office. Limited places.
14 April
Pila, Italy
for booking form
0121 501 2314
Tutor: Tim Fawke
ALPINE DEVELOPMENT COURSE - 2 WEEKS ON SNOW
For ASCs or APC 1s wishing to qualify as coaches within the award
scheme as a Development Coach. (See booklet "How Do I Become A
Coach" for full information.) ADC courses will be run every two
years (next course will be in 2008). To log your interest please
phone Snowsport England Head Office 0121 501 2314.
DISABILITIES AWARENESS COURSE
This course is open to all Club Instructors, Senior Club Instructors,
ASSIs and Coaches who wish to be involved in teaching courses for
skiers with disabilities.
TBA
If any members are
interested in attending a course can they please log their interest
with head office.
0121 501 2314
COURSE SETTERS COURSE – LEVEL 1
This is a 1 day course and is designed to provide participants with
the basic principles of setting up a slalom course on an artificial
slope. Candidates must be registered with Snowsport England as
Club Instructor or above. There are no revalidation or assessment
requirements.
TBA
0121 501 2314
ARTIFICIAL SLOPE COACH AWARD (ASC) TRAINING AND ASSESSMENT
This Training and Assessment Course is open to aspiring coaches
who wish to coach club members in competitive skiing. The
Artificial Slope Coach qualification will authorise the holder to coach
on artificial slopes within the UK according to the coaches protocol
and codes of practice. It does not authorise the holder to teach
beginners to ski. Ski centres organise these courses, so contact
your local ski centre to enquire if they are holding a course or call
Snowsport England to see if they have any dates.
TBA
Norfolk Ski Club
(Please log your interest at Snowsport England head office).
SKI BINDING SEMINARS
Senimars will begin at 6.30pm and finish at 8.30pm. A certificate of
attendance will be sent by the organisers. Ski Tests for those
wishing to attend after the seminars may also be available at certain
centres.
TBA
0121 501 2314
ASC REVALIDATION COURSE
Ski centres can organise these courses, therefore either contact
your local ski centre to enquire if they are holding a course, or
phone Snowsport England to see if they have any dates.
0121 501 2314
COACHING SCHEME CONFERENCE
To be announced. Keep an eye on our website for any updates on
courses
www.snowsportengland.org.uk
FREESTYLE COURSES AND COMPETITIONS
Details of all Freestyle Courses can be found by going to
www.freestylesnowsports.co.uk and clicking on courses. You will be
able to register your interest to do a particular course on-line; more
specific details will then be sent to you.
Continued on page 22
READER offer
First Luggage is happy to offer readers a 10% discount off their service
until the end of February 2007. To take advantage of the offer readers
should call 08452 700 670 and quote ‘The Piste'.
First Luggage hails the end of stressful travel, enabling travellers to send
luggage and ski equipment separately, cost-effectively and direct to their
chalet, resort or hotel with complete confidence.
Luggage is collected from your home or work before the day of departure
and delivered to your destination in time for arrival. Bookings have tripled
in light of the recent baggage crisis.
With prices starting at only £49, this innovative service provides a smarter,
stress-free way to travel.
For full details of First Luggage go to www.firstluggage.com
February-March 07
THE
Spanish
resort to host
youth contest
Formigal, part of Spain’s
largest ski group, Aramón,
has been chosen to host the
2008 FIS Junior Alpine World
Championships.
Formigal’s move into the
international competition
began three years ago with
the Zagales Trophy for
children.
The resort, which this
season has seen an investment of 33
million euros, was chosen to stage the 2008
World Junior Championships between 25
February and 2 March. The programme will
include Downhill, Super G, Giant Slalom
and Slalom races.
The prestigious event, which during the
piste
past three years has brought
competitors from a total of 50
countries, will welcome
between 350 and 400
participants.
With almost the same
number again in terms of
technicians, trainers, doctors
and associated personnel, the
event is anticipated to be the
number one youth downhill ski
competition, or what the
organisers call “a trampoline
to launch the youngsters of
today who will be the
contestants in the Winter
Olympics of tomorrow”.
Aramón, Spain’s leading ski group, also
owns and manages the Aragon resorts of
Cerler, Panticosa, Javalambre and
Valdelinares.
Buy your ski passes in
UK, warns solicitor
The depth of snow on the ski slopes should
not be the only concern of skiers booking
holidays. Where you book your ski pass
could be the biggest problem, warn lawyers
Foot Anstey.
Solicitor Bethany Blamire says: “If you
have an accident on a ski slope, your travel
insurance should cover your hospital costs
and the cost of flying you home – but what
about compensation or loss of earnings? If
the accident is caused by poorly maintained
runs or defective lifts, it will be difficult to
recover these losses if you bought your ski
pass abroad.
“Many people don’t pre-book their ski
pass in the UK with a tour operator but buy
it at the resort. If you buy your ski pass
abroad, any claim for compensation is made
in that country and this can be fraught with
difficulty – different language, different legal
system, often less favourable levels of
damages if, indeed, damages are
recoverable at all.”
Under English law, liability in negligence
for personal injury or death cannot be
excluded by reference to a contractual term
or by notice. This is not necessarily the law
in other countries. Canada, for example,
allows “contracting out” with an exclusion
often printed on the back of a lift pass. In
these circumstances, no damages could be
recovered at all.
The Package Travel and Package Tour
Regulations 1992 give holidaymakers the
right, in certain circumstances, to sue the
tour operator in the UK for the negligence of
its foreign suppliers or agents.
The package must include at least two
Get on the right slopes - more cheaply
Low-fares airline easyJet has
joined the Ski Club of Great
Britain to provide skiers and
boarders with up-to-date
information on weather
conditions in Europe.
The Ski Club updates
conditions in more than 250
resorts every weekday through
the season, and over 40
resorts at weekends, with
information on snow dumps,
temperatures, the best resorts
to head to and where to avoid.
easyJet flies to Geneva from
UK destinations including
London Luton, London
Stansted, London Gatwick,
Nottingham East Midlands,
Liverpool, Newcastle and,
Belfast International,
Bournemouth, Edinburgh and
Glasgow from £23.99 single,
including taxes.
Geneva is at the foot of the
Jura Mountains and, with its
proximity to the French and
Swiss Alps, it is a good
springboard for winter breaks
in resorts, such as Val d’Isère,
Les Trois Vallées and
Chamonix.
easyJet expects to carry
more than 100,000 people a
week on its ski routes this
season to other destinations
including Basel, Lyon,
Grenoble, Munich, Milan, Turin
and Ljubljana, gateways to
snow resorts such as Zermatt
and Saas Fee.
Check out www.easyjet.com
components – for example, transport,
accommodation or other “tourist service”
(ie tour guide, excursion or ski pass). If any
of its “suppliers” breaks the contract, the
holidaymaker can sue the operator.
Ms Blamire adds: “When tour operators
sell a ski pass as part of a pre-booked
package, they provide access to the resort’s
lift system and slopes and are responsible
for their state and condition.
“So, when an injury occurs on an unsafe,
icy, patchy run, or on a poorly maintained
lift, the ski pass pre-booked in the UK gives
you the right to claim compensation directly
against the UK tour operator. Legally, they
have failed to provide safe facilities.
“Make sure you buy a ski pass in the UK
and this will give peace of mind before
setting off down that slippery slope.”
9
10
THE
piste
February-March 07
Make
the most
of the
snow –
at low
cost – in
South Tyrol
Are you keen to go skiing, but worried about the lack of snow and
your bank balance? Then head to South Tyrol in the Italian Alps
where you can take advantage of the new low-fare transfers and
guaranteed good snow conditions.
Currently enjoying heavy snowfall, and with its well groomed
pistes and excellent snow making machines, South Tyrol will not
disappoint skiers and snowboarders this season.
What’s more, you can get there more cheaply than ever before
thanks to the new low-fare transfers from Ryanair’s Verona
Brescia, Venice Treviso and Milan Bergamo airports to
the major ski resorts in the Dolomites.
From 12 euros per person for a single (about £8), or
22 euros return (£14), Ryanair passengers can get a
transfer from the airport to the major ski resorts in South Tyrol,
including Val Gardena, Plan de Corones and Alta Pusteria.
The transfers launched in mid December and have received more
than 1000 bookings so far.
South Tyrol Marketing has joined forces with Ryanair and
Terravision (www.lowcostcoach.com) to enable you to create your
very own ski package, including flights, transfers, hotel, ski pass
and ski rental - all bookable online via www.ryanair.com and
www.suedtirol.info/transfer.
All valleys in the Dolomites boast easy access to the world's
largest ski network, Dolomiti Superski, which features 460 lifts and
1180kms of pistes, with many interlinked circuits, all available on
one single pass.
Skiers’ fastest route from
Happy holiday:
Katarzyna Siegen
(left) and Izabela
Waclawek experience
the Gatwick Express
solution for skiers
and snowboarders.
Have you ever struggled trying to get your
luggage and ski equipment to the airport?
Gatwick Express, the non-stop rail air link
from central London to Gatwick Airport, has
the solution with their onboard facility to
carry skis and snowboards. Unlike many of
their competitors Gatwick Express can
accommodate all types of winter sports
equipment.
So if you're a ski tripper and if you're
travelling in a group, Gatwick Express, is
THE
piste
11
IN brief
Between January
and April this year,
Britain’s No1 female
moguls skier Ellie
Koyander (right) will
be representing Great
Britain in 10 Europa
Cup competitions
travelling to Italy,
Germany, France,
Czech Republic and
Switzerland.
After a string of strong Europa Cup
results, she hopes to be approved by the
GB Selection Panel to perform on the
World Cup circuit in 2008-09.
Realli-Ski, at Battlers Green Farm,
Radlett, near Watford, and at Barham, near
Canterbury, has put together a new year
ski lesson package for families. Two adults
and two children can each enjoy a 30minute lesson with a trained ski instructor
for £88. The centres are open seven days a
week, from October to April, 10am-10pm,
Monday to Friday, and 8am-8pm, Saturday
and Sunday.
Have YOU got a story to tell
that would interest Snowsport
England members? Contact
Piste Editor Barry Spouge see details on page 2.
Skiers in South Tyrol also have access to the famous Sella Ronda, a 26km circular tour
around the dramatic Sella Massif Peak, which links four valleys in the Dolomites including
Gardena and Badia. It’s a merry-go-round for skiers, the only one of its kind, and takes
approximately five hours to complete, offering some of the world’s most spectacular
scenery.
In addition, thanks to an advance in technology, skiers and snowboarders in South Tyrol
using the Dolomiti chip-card system can now go online at www.dolomitisuperski.com, click
on ski-performance and on inserting their ski pass code can access all the stats related to
their performance on the slopes.
They will see the number of kilometres covered, the changes in altitude experienced, and
a map indicating the lift systems used, allowing them to set up targets for the next day, or
show their friends back home what they have achieved.
For more information on South Tyrol visit www.suedtirol.info
The most prolific medal-winner in the
Central London to Gatwick Airport
also offering a “Four for Two” fare this
winter. The fare allows four adults to travel
for the price of two, which means prices
start from just £7.45 single and £13.40
return per person when travelling in a group
of four.
Available for adult Express Class and First
Class tickets, the “Four for Two” fare offers
a saving of up to £84 for four adults
travelling together (based on first class
return).
Tickets can only be purchased at Gatwick
Express ticket offices from either London
Victoria station or Gatwick Airport station.
The journey time on Gatwick Express is
30 minutes and trains run every 15 minutes
throughout the day.
The first trains leave London Victoria at
03.30 and 04.30 and Gatwick airport at
04.35 and 05.20 and the last trains leave at
00.01 and 00.30 and 00.50 and 01.35
respectively.
history of skiing, Kjetil Andre Aamodt
(above), is to retire from ski competition.
Aamodt won his20th medal – Super G gold
– at the Turin Olympics 2006.
Aged 35, he made the official
announcement at the annual Norwegian
Sports Awards. He said: “After racing on
the World Cup tour for almost 20 years, I
have decided to retire.
“My knee injury sustained late last
season has not recovered and will prevent
me reaching the very high physical and
technical standards, required in the World
Cup alpine competitions.”
12
THE
piste
February-
Star competitors: (from left) Chemmy Alcott, Anja Paerson, Julie Mancuso and Lindsey Kildow, Marc Berthod, Michi Walchhofer and Didier Cuche.
Winter 2006-07 has been one of the
hardest for FIS to organise since it started.
Not a week goes by when a race is not
cancelled, rescheduled or affected by the
weather in some respect. Take nature out of
the equation and this has been an exciting
year, with many of the old guard having
their noses put out of joint and even the
Swiss have won!
The record for the oldest winner was also
raised this year with the victory of Marco
Buechel in Beaver Creek, America in late
December. One hundred and four attempts
since the last Swiss win, Marc Berthod was
the man to see the Swiss flag raised in his
honour at a World Cup race after his
spectacular slalom win in Adelboden.
Having started number 60, Berthod did
just enough to qualify for the second run
and then used the deteriorating conditions
to his favour as the later runners – faster
over the first leg – were unable to better his
combined time.
For many, the adage “to finish first, first
you have to finish” was apt as many faster
racers crashed out.
Mario Matt, last a winner in Lenzerheide
in 2005, used the conditions to his
advantage as well as in surprising many, to
Neil McQuoid reports on World Cup ski racing with a difference
Sun, wind,
rain and
the odd
race too!
Picture this ... a unique collection
“Citius Altius Fortius” ... aspiring to
the Olympic ideal, the creators of the
Alpine Ski World Cup book collection
resolved to aim higher, go faster and be
stronger to provide skiing fans with the
eagerly anticipated 2006 edition.
It is a unique collection, launched in
2004 by Agence Zoom, the
internationally renowned specialists in
winter sports photography.
Alpine Ski World Cup 2006 offers an
enthralling insight into the spect
2005-06 World Cup season, chro
through images, stories, facts a
figures, with the essential addit
the greatest moments of the Tur
Winter Olympics.
The abundance of outstanding
taken last season led the author
place emphasis on the visual, in
the third edition of the collection
toiled long and hard sorting thro
-March 07
THE
piste
13
Pictures: Agence Zoom (www.zoom-agence.fr)
win the Super Combined in Wengen, having
placed 30th after the downhill. The slush
affected many of the later runners to hand
Matt victory.
Even the Austrians have had their
troubles this winter, and not just in hosting
races! Solden may have been cancelled due
to rain a week before the races but early
season snow helped see the men’s race in
Val d’Isere rescheduled to Reiteralm as was
St Moritz’s races for the women.
The Austrian men went 14 races without
a win, following Benni Raich’s season
opening victory in Levi, Finland. It was not
until Michi Walchhofer won in Bormio that
they triumphed in a mens’ speed race!
Then, like the buses, he won back-to-back
races in the same resort, becoming the first
man to do this twice! In his attempt to win
three years on the trot, he still trails the
consistent Didier Cuche in the downhill
standings.
Still no win for Hermann Maier this year,
yet Bode Miller has been carrying on his win
or bust style of skiing. The slalom skier of
old has struggled in the shorter discipline,
while winning Super Gs and downhills with
regularity. Swiss, Italian, French, Austrian,
American, Canadian, Norwegian, Finnish,
Swedish and Liechtenstein racers have all
won so far this year to add to the
international spice in the men’s races.
With the World Championships still to
come, the major personalities may not have
won but the guard is changing!
On the Women’s World Cup, many
thought that with Janica Kostelic taking a
season out, Anja Paerson would walk away
with the world cup this year.
Well, nobody told Marlies Schild and the
rest of the Austrian women! Kathrin Zettel,
Niki Hosp and Renate Goetschl have all won
across the disciplines, while Schild has won
five of the six Slaloms.
The only real challenge to the Austrians
has come from the two American girls: Julia
Mancuso and Lindsey Kildow; Karin Putzer
ended a three-year wait for the Italian team
with her win in Cortina d’Ampezzo at the
end of January.
Whatever happens in Are, Chemmy Alcott
will take heart from her outstanding third
place after the first run in the Kranjska Gora
Giant Slalom. “I know I can do it,” she
stated afterwards.
With strong points results in four of the
five disciplines, Alcott has raised the bar for
her own expectations this year – and with
this come the public’s expectations. Regular
top tens are not that far off.
of World Cup 2005-06 memories
tacular
onicled
nd
ion of
in
g shots
rs to
n this,
n. They
ough the
multitudes of great images to select the
most stunning and significant
photographs. The result is a remarkably
colourful and compelling volume.
I can say it is a wonderful
publication, full of interesting
information, skier profiles, fantastic
photographs, well worth the £21 cost.
The legendary Marc Girardelli
penned the foreword, following in the
footsteps of the mythical Alberto Tomba
in 2004 and the immense Toni Sailer in
2005.
Marc, one of the greatest champions
in the history of skiing, provides his
rationale for Benni Raich’s amazing
dominance and the impressive success
of Janica Kostelic.
A must-have for all enthusiasts of
alpine skiing!
Barry Spouge
On sale at : www.skiclub.co.uk
Winning ways: Renata Goetschl and Niki Hosp (above)
and Bode Miller.
14
THE
piste
February-March 07
WIN A COPY OF WHERE TO
SKI & SNOWBOARD 2007
The 2007 edition of one of Britain’s leading annual guides to winter sports
resorts is now available, and we have a copy for you to win. The latest edition
has more pages, more resorts, in more countries and with more detail,
including bigger and better piste maps.
With over 600 pages detailing over 430 resorts this publication is a must for
those skiers and boarders who checkout resorts throughout the world looking
for something different each year.
The 2007 edition also sees the introduction of new piste maps for the 20
top resorts. Each is printed over a double page spread and has key aspects of
the mountains highlighted in boxes. Each major resort chapter features photo’s
chosen to convey the character of the place and a clear layout.
To win the copy of this fabulous publication all you have to do is
answer the following question:
How many resorts does the publication cover?
1 Over 43
2 Over 430
3 Over 600
Simply circle your answer and send it back to the following
address. Where to Ski & Snowboard Competition, The Piste,
27 Norwich Road, Halesworth, Suffolk IP19 8BX. Entries to reach
us by 16 March 2007
If you are not a winner you can get a copy via publishers NortonWood
Publishing (Credit Card Hotline 01373 835208) for only £16.99 (Postage &
Packing FREE).
Name
...............................................................................................................................................
Address
...............................................................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................................
............................................................................... Postcode .........................................
Juniors get
set for Youth
Olympics 07
Members of the GB Junior Nordic Development Squad have
been training all summer and autumn in anticipation of the new
ski season. Two training camps were held in Aberdeenshire, in
August and October, attended by 20 skiers, many of whom also
competed in the British Rollerski series of races in Hayes,
Durham, Lancaster and Huntly.
In these races there were wins against senior opposition, a
pattern repeated in the inaugural Cairngorm Hill Climb held on
the steep road up to the Cairngorm ski lifts.
This year, the coaches decided the main focus would be on
getting skiers to the European Youth Olympics, initiated in 1991
by current IOC president Jacques Rogge. In February 2007, it
will be held in the Spanish Pyrenees.
Twelve hundred athletes aged 15-18 from more than 40
European countries will compete in ice hockey, figure skating,
alpine and nordic skiing, snowboarding and biathlon.
Britain has not sent any Nordic skiers since 1999, but this year
the British Olympic Association is sending a Nordic team of four
boys and two girls – the first time there has been more than one
British racer at the event.
So the seven skiers in the squad, who are in the right age
range, trained particularly hard in the hope of being selected
during the pre-Christmas camp, this year held in Poland. The
group put in about 50 hours a month of training: cycling,
running and roller skiing plus circuits, core stability exercises
and plyometrics.
The skiers all show tremendous commitment and enthusiasm.
Simon Spencer said: “The squad camps this year have been
good fun, but hard work, so that we could get the best out of the
time we are all together.” PJ Barron and Andrew Musgrave both
planned to race in Norway at New Year in the Norwegian Cup
race series. Andrew said this would pit them against some of
the best juniors in the world. PJ said it would also be good race
experience in the run-up to the European Youth Olympics. Simon
Platt said he, like most of the older age group, had exam
commitments at school this year so he was putting all his efforts
into a few races, especially qualifying for the EYO.
Six skiers in the younger age group are already looking to the
EYO in 2009. Callum Smith was rewarded this summer when he
became British U14 rollerski champion. Lauren Spencer was
looking forward to getting on snow so she could improve her
technique and get more race experience. Meanwhile, inspired by
the older skiers, the youngsters in the squad are thinking about
the 2011 EYO. There is great potential in this group.
Funding continues to be a problem. Travel and equipment
costs mount up rapidly, but this year the senior race group have
an agreement with Fischer for a talented athlete discount which
has made a big difference. Craft have sponsored the GB Team
race suit and warm-up gear, so the team present a smart and
professional image.
As always the squad owes a huge debt to their coaches, who
put in many hours of their own time, not just at camps but also
drawing up training plans for all the different age groups and
giving extra coaching whenever they can get together with any of
the young skiers. Hopefully, they get their reward when they see
how much fun all the kids have as well as how seriously they
take their commitment to the squad's programme - none of
them seems to be in the least doubt that if they carry on
working, they will compete against the best in the world!
February-March 07
THE
piste
15
Cool running: Vuokatti
offers 1.5km of
refrigerated tunnel
(right) lined with a
metre of artificial
snow. When there’s a
shortage of the ‘white
stuff’, international
teams flock to these
tunnels; and (bottom)
the party sets off for
Finland.
Tunnel vision training
Eurosport’s Patrick Winterton and
Mike Dixon take a Nordic race training
group to the North of Finland.
One of the great things about ski coaching
is that, in contrast to school, work, or even
the military, everyone there wants to be
there. Eyes sparkle, facial expressions are
never far from a smile, and enthusiasm
oozes from every pore.
This is why six-time Olympian Mike
Dixon, and myself signed up to the recent
Nordic Race training course in Voukatti,
North Finland. Little did we know that the
average age of the 12 course members was
approaching 50 – but the week was a
classic example of how a feel-good factor
makes coaches’ and athletes’ lives more
rewarding.
It was a brave decision from Snowsport
England’s Fiona Crossley to choose the
water wastelands of Northern Finland.
You can be certain that it will be cold and
it was (- 22 as we stepped off the plane),
but that doesn't necessarily mean snow.
Vuokatti does, however, offer 1.5km
of refrigerated tunnel that has been
lined with a metre of artificial snow.
In fact, when there’s a shortage of
the “white stuff”, the international
teams flock to these tunnels and they
get priority over groups of youthful
half-centurions. We’d have been left to
fight over the scraps outside.
As it was, we struck lucky.
Scandinavia and Finland got their first
big falls in early November and the
presence of a number of international teams
meant that, by the time we rolled into town,
the trees were dressed in their finest white
and there was 10km of immaculately cut
track. Spirits were high and Fiona could
relax for the first time since last year’s camp
in a snowless Sweden.
Mike and myself knew that the way to get
results was to work on weaknesses and put
an end to all those hours of skiing at a
steady pace without thought or purpose.
It takes one session to gain 10-20
seconds per kilometre by improving
cornering and increasing confidence on the
downhill. It would take an entire season to
achieve the same time improvements by
increasing fitness.
Eighty per cent of the work was
technique-based. Temperatures of -25 don’t
allow for BASI style demonstration watching
groups so it’s coaching on the move with
the video never far behind. Czech, Canadian
and Japanese internationals provided
valuable “how it should be done” footage
(saving the coaches some embarrassment)
and our group provided the entertainment.
Humiliating maybe, but it’s not intended.
Daily viewing provides the best possible
feedback and, come the end of the week,
both visual and timed improvements were
impressive and obvious. Two identical time
trials produced the evidence, with everyone
recording faster times with an average
improvement of 17%.
Sylvia Mercer, our senior skier, cut out the
chat and chopped three minutes off her time
(reducing her estimate time for the Engadin
marathon by over an hour). Alan Shepard
played it tactical and took many younger
skiers to the cleaners, winning the first time
trial and taking second in the next. Ying
Chan, above all, deserves a special mention.
His visual impairment is total but his
skiing ability and courage astound fellow
skiers. The acoustics in Vuokatti tunnel
make guiding almost impossible but,
despite multiple collisions with walls and
poles, Ying took his marks in the 5km time
trial. A time of 19 minutes put him sixth in
the group of 12. Totally inspirational.
Seven days, 14 sessions, three time
trials, 20 e-mail meals (eat as much as I
like), one successful training camp … I
have seldom seen so much enthusiasm or
commitment and was
hugely impressed by the group’s desire to
learn and willingness to push their
limits.
I know, and I say this as a guilty
party myself, that many of our
national athletes past and present
could learn from the attitude and
application of this group of rapidly
improving racers.
Without exception, they should
return home with a broad grin of
pride and the confidence to take on
the World Loppet Series.
16
THE
piste
February-March 07
SPONSORS
We acknowledge our grateful
thanks to the following
organisations which provide us
with sponsorship and support.
Fit to ski - tips
A key to skiing success is not simply how
well you train both on and off hill, but how
well you recover from hard workouts. Too
much physical training and too little rest
and recovery after hard workouts cause a
great deal of stress on muscles, joints and
bones. Carl Petersen (right) explains ...
Thomson is trading name of TUI UK Ltd
Athletes and coaches must constantly strive to find the optimum balance
between training and recovery.
Some athletes work out or ski even when they are sick and they
sometimes do too much, too fast, too hard and too soon – risking problems
associated with over-training or overuse injuries that impair optimal
function.
Learning survival strategies to minimize injuries is far more productive
than learning how to treat them. Follow the tips presented in Practical
Recovery Tips part I (see The Piste issue of February-March 2006) as well as
the following recovery tips to keep you “Fit to Ski” throughout the season.
Manby International Sportswear
Reconnect the core
Lie on your back, bridge hips up and
give a twist, rotating first to one side
then the other. Go slow and repeat
eight times per rotation.
Waymark
Holidays
Swadlincote Ski &
Snowboard Centre
Carrs of Sheffield
Doing some core exercises helps reconnect the core and get it firing
properly before your next activities.
This will help maintain alignment and ensure you have a stable platform or
base for the arms and legs to work off of during activity. This is especially if
you have any low back or hip discomfort.
Do some core strength work to re-connect to help maintain alignment
and ensure you have a stable platform or base for the arms and legs to
connect through during activity.
For Sponsorship Opportunities
contact Snowsport England on
0121 501 2314
Kneeling on all fours, exhale and arch back up like and angry cat. Hold
for eight seconds and repeat eight times. Breathe while you hold.
February-March 07
THE
piste
17
on recovery ... part II
Reset your balance
When joints are sore or fatigued the natural balance and protective
reactions can be inhibited.
Your body will be able to react to
unexpected events as well as stay protected
during repetitive motions. Ultimately, you
are helping to improve your posture and
decrease your chance of injury. Reset your
balance with some drills using wobble
boards, foam rolls, rolled towels or the
Fitness Edge/Skiers Edge.
Fitness Edge /
Skier’s Edge use this sport-specific
training device to
improve balance at the
ankle, knee, hip and spine.
Rolled towel balance - this can be done
anywhere to improve balance reactions.
Relax
Recovery menu
After your day on the slopes give the body's systems a
Try one or more of the following recovery techniques that are successfully used on the
chance to relax. This will help you regain your physical and
mental strength to ski hard or compete at a high level again.
It allows you to recharge the batteries or refill the tank. The
most natural way to relax physically and mentally is to sleep
but that is not always possible.
Physical relaxation can include sauna (see recovery menu
below), slow running or walking, massage, progressive
muscle relaxation, yoga, stretching or sleeping.
Mental relaxation can include breathing exercises,
meditation or yoga type exercises.
Emotional relaxation can include listening to music,
daydreaming, or drinking your favourite beverage.
World Cup circuit.
Alternate stimulation with hot/cold makes you feel perky and pepped up and
helps wash out waste products and metabolites and brings oxygen to the fatigued
muscles.
Showers - use them to clean pores (repeat often)- especially on warmer days)
Hot & Cold (A) hot (comfortable) x 2 mins
cold (as possible) x 10 sec
(repeat 6-10 times)
Hot & Cold (B) cold (as able to stand) x 1min
hot (as comfortable) x 30 sec
(repeat 8-10 times)
Water pressure
cold water hose
45 sec each leg / 30 sec each arm
Warm shower
30 sec each leg / 20 sec each arm
(repeat 5-7 times)
Carl Petersen is a partner and the director of
high performance training at City Sports &
Physiotherapy Clinics in Vancouver. He has written
Fit to Ski and co-authored Fit to Play Tennis with
coach/exercise model Nina Nittinger. For more
information, visit www.citysportsphysio.com
A key to skiing success
is not simply how well you
train and ski, but how well
you recover between hard
training sessions.
“
“
Hose pressure
aids muscle
relaxation and
helps decrease
tension due to
the effects of
contrasting
temperatures
and pressure
from the water.
Sauna/cold plunge (at least one hour after training)
Shower warm - cool 3-5 min (towel dry)
Sauna x 7 min (relative humidity 10-30%
and temp 80-90 deg C)
Cold plunge or shower x 15-30 secs
Rest (feet up) x 5 min
(repeat x 3 before day off)
(repeat x 1 before ski day)
Finish with warm shower 3-5 min
Use the sauna to stretch and
unwind tight muscles after a
hard day on the slopes.
18
THEE
piste
February-March 07
WIN
A COPY OF
FIT TO SKI
by CARL
PETERSEN
All you have to do is answer the
following simple question:
Who was Carl the travelling
physiotherapist for?
Write your answer here
…………………………………..
The first entry picked out will be the
winner
“All I want for Christmas is, one soft landing hill
and two qualified snow jumps ...”
Freestyle Aerial
training taking
to the snow
It was a short Christmas for the British Freestyle Aerials Training Team, as we
flew out to the first snow training camp early Boxing Day morning. We joined
our Swiss Aerials team friends from the summer water ramp training, to be
together in Mieringen at the aerials site.
Due to poor snow conditions across Europe we were joined by aerialists
from France, Austria and Czech Republic to do snow training at the Mieringen
site where the Swiss had been able to make additional snow to build the ramps.
Training days were non-stop, starting at 8.30am until 5pm, with plenty of
physical work preparing the hill as well as skiing techniques and drills, all
before starting to jump. The team quickly learnt all the changes in their training
regime relating to taking jumps from the water ramp on to the snow; adapting
warm-up routines before jumping suited to snow conditions, the importance of
speed checks and weather conditions; as well as the correct skiing techniques
for the landing hill.
There may have been a shortage of snow but there was no shortage of
enthusiastic support for all the juniors training there, especially for those
making their first snow jumps. The senior Aerialists supported and coached the
juniors, as they held their nerves while preparing to jump at the top of the in
run for the first time. Some of the highest ranking Aerialists in the world,
training along side the youngsters was good to see.
Send your completed entry form to:
Fit to Ski Competition
The Piste
27 Norwich Road
Halesworth, Suffolk IP19 8BX
Closing date for entries is 16 March
2007
The winner will be notified by post.
See pages 16-17
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Of the British Training Team, Sarah Ainsworth, aged 21, completed her first
back lays and China Green, 15, completed her first front tucks. Harry Gillam,
also 15, completed both first backlays and front tucks for the boys. All in all a
successful training camp.
Other members of the team, Siobhan Murphy and Emma Broome, who had
travelled out to train as well, concentrated on skiing techniques for the in run,
speed checking and riding the ramp as well as the landing hill, all essential
foundation work before progressing to jumping.
Later, there were sessions run by the Swiss coaches to cover conditioning
and stretching techniques, sports psychology and mental preparation in
relation to jumping. We returned home after a week to continue with fitness
training and high performance gymnastics / trampoline training in between
snow sessions.
The British Freestyle Aerials Training Team wish to thank all their sponsors:
Planet Knox for body protection – to whom we are eternally grateful as they
certainly put the body protection through its paces during the first few jumps!;
ski glasses for all weather conditions come from Eye Level Optical and ski
clothing was from our new sponsor, White Rock Outdoor, to whom we are very
grateful for supplying clothing of a very high technical specification as well as a
really cool look. Sarah Ainsworth is personally sponsored by Dragons Gym,
and Harry Gillam is personally sponsored by Rivington Alpine and Aedas.
For more information about Freestyle Aerials Training Team, please contact
Gladys Marr at [email protected]
February-March 07
THE
Seventh UK
snowdome gets
go-ahead
Work on a seventh British snowdome is
expected to begin by early spring following
the official go ahead for Hemel Ski Centre at
Hemel Hempstead to commence
construction.
Hemel has had an active community
using its artificial surface slope and had
planned to build a snowdome for some
years. In 2005 the council rejected initial
dome plans, unhappy with the appearance
of the proposed centre, but fresh designs,
including plans for a giant grass roof to
mask the building, were given the all-clear
in December.
Once completed, the new centre could
have the largest grass roof in the UK. The
roof will help to insulate the new ski centre
and collect rainwater which could be reused on the site. Trees at the front of the
site along St Albans Hill will be retained and
mature trees will be planted on land around
the new ski centre.
The UK has four snowdomes operating at
present, a fifth under construction in
Manchester and a six development, which
will ultimately house a snowdome, under
construction in Wales.
See Snow24 (www.snow24.com) edited
by Patrick Thorne (www.patrickthorne.com)
Apply NOW for jobs at Manchester’s
new ChillFactore indoor snow centre
piste
IN brief
Jason Cockburn has decided to
leave the post of chief executive of
SnowsportGB and make a return to
industry at the end of the current
season.
Commenting on his decision, he
said: "It has been a great pleasure
holding the post of CEO for the last
three seasons, however I have decided
that the time is right to seek fresh
challenges and pass the baton on to
someone new.
“I would like to thank the Board for
their tremendous support during my
tenure."
Oliver Jones, chairman of
SnowsportGB added: "Jason has made
many significant and positive
differences to the operations of the
Federation during his time with us and
we have seen many important
milestones achieved as a result.
“We are very sorry that he will be
leaving us, but wish him every success
in his new commercial sector role. The
appointment process for a new CEO is
now under way, and we are delighted
that Jason will continue to support us
in ensuring a seamless transition to his
successor.”
Specialist ski coaching company
After interest from skiers and boarders around the world, the bosses of the new ChillFactore indoor
Alpinecoaching is running skills
snow centre, currently under construction in Manchester, are inviting people hoping to work at the
development courses on the Hintertux
facility to register their interest on the company’s website, ahead of recruitment beginning in the
glacier over the Whitsun bank holiday
spring.
break in May-June 2007. BASI trainers
The £31m venue, scheduled to open in the autumn, is located next to the Trafford Centre shopping
will develop skiing during a five-day
mall, four miles from Manchester city centre, off junction 10 of the M60. Besides the 180m long
course. See www.alpinecoaching.co.uk
main slopes, which will be one of the world’s widest at 100m, it will also feature a rock climbing wall,
toboggan run and children’s snowplay zone,
complemented by a selection of shops, including a
large Snow+Rock store, bars and restaurants
arranged on the Alpine-themed street.
Salomon has signed a partnership agreement for
the supply all ski and snowboard rentals along with a
range of joint ventures and events. A Salomon Test
Centre will be established at Chill Factore where
customers can try out the latest technology and
equipment before it hits the shops.
Andrew Lockerbie, operations director, said: “The
idea of working in an indoor ski village has really
sparked people’s imagination.
“More than 200 jobs will be available and, as befits
a top leisure destination, we are determined to get
the best people for every position – highly skilled
snow professionals, retail, bar, restaurant,
maintenance, marketing, administration and cleaning
Oxygen Games has launched its new Winter Sports product, suitable for
staff.
PlayStation®2 and PC CD-ROM. Competing against friends or the world’s top
“Although recruitment of managers won’t start
winter sports nations, Winter Sports challenges you to put your stamina,
until spring, with the rest of the staff gradually being
endurance and will power to the ultimate test. “It dares you to put your ski and
brought on board from late summer onwards, we are
snowboarding skills into action and immerse yourself in its true-to-life
already receiving so many enquiries that we are
game-play, offering any fan of winter pastimes a genuine, exciting and easy to
asking people to register their details on the website
play winter sports experience,” says Oxygen. Events include slalom, downhill,
so we can contact them at the appropriate time.”
cross-country, ski-jump, biathlon and more.
See www.chillfactore.com, then go to ‘contact us’
and register their details under ‘recruitment’.
19
20
THE
piste
February-March 07
u
o
y
h
Wis
Winter sports enthusiasts are being encouraged to visit the Stubai valley,
located close to Innsbruck, the largest glacial region in Austria. It offers 44
modern cable car facilities, 147 kilometres of skiing, a range of activities, a
World Cup training run, snow fun park and Mickey Mouse children’s world ski
club.
The new 400-metre snow fun park allows novices and professionals to
enjoy a new banked cross with steep-wall curves, a waved track, three large
and small jumps, and three different fun boxes.
The new World Cup training course offers visitors the chance to ski like a
professional over longer distances, with a circuit favoured for training by the
Austrian Ski Association and national teams from Sweden, Canada and
Japan.
For children, the Mickey Mouse children’s world ski club has added a new
snow roundabout. Parents can leave children aged three or over under the
safe keeping of “Mickey and Minnie Mouse” and a team of experienced
skiers and nursery carers. The club is holding a Spring Festival on 12 April.
Latest weather information from the Stubai glacier can be accessed by
mobile telephone and views of the piste can be seen from the mobile livecam, along with weather data, piste information and a calendar of events at
www.neuschnee.at Further information can also be found at www.stubai.at
February-March 07
were
THE
piste
here?
The Piste takes a look at holiday
options in the Canadian Rockies and
the Stubai glacier region of Austria
Alberta, home of the Canadian Rockies, has been experiencing
outstanding winter sports conditions. Record snow levels have
produced good ski and snowboard terrain, from groomed runs to
powder bowls.
With a slow start to the season in Europe, UK enthusiasts have
been making the most of Alberta’s great value and heading to
Calgary or Edmonton and on to the Rockies to experience some of
the best wintersports in the world.
RESORTS news
Ski Banff, Lake Louise, Sunshine – www.SkiBig3.com
Skiers and riders are enjoying excellent skiing in all three resorts
with fresh snow falling, all lifts open and the sun shining. Norquay
has skiing and boarding available on groomed trails and off-piste.
The Lake Louise mountain resort has been blanketed in 35cm of
snow and Sunshine Village has received 50cm.
Marmot Basin, Jasper – www.skimarmot.com
A new Snow Train operated by VIA Rail started service on 12
January, easing the journey to Jasper from Edmonton. Unique
skiing in a National Park is providing a strong draw. Other activities
include moonlight snow-shoeing, hiking through frozen canyons,
wildlife watching, ice climbing, dog sledding, heli-skiing and a spa.
Websites for information on holidays
Crystal Ski (www.crystalski.co.uk) Inghams (www.inghams.co.uk).
For more information on wintersports in Alberta see
www.SkiCanadianRockies.com
21
22
THE
piste
February-March 07
Continued from page 8
SNOWSPORTS COURSE ORGANISER COURSE (SCO)
Course Date
Organisers
3, 10, 17, 24 February
Interski
17, 24, 31 March
7, 14 April
ALPINE SKI COURSE LEADER COURSES (Training/Assessment)
3, 10, 17, 24 February
Interski
Venue
Pila, La Thuille
or Courmayeur
Contact name and number
Karen Szczerbiuk - 01623 456333
Pila, La Thuille
or Courmayeur
Trisha Scott or Karen Szczerbiuk 01623 456333
17, 24, 31 March
7, 14 April
2-7 April
Hourmont Total Ski
Austria
Hannah Willis - 01273 220777
10-17 February
Environmental & Outdoor
Education Service
Arosa, Switzerland
Andy Stewart
[email protected]
ASCL REFRESHER COURSE
TBA
Torquay Alpine Ski Club
Torquay, Devon
Tutor: Alan Ashfield - 0121 501 2314
NORDIC COURSES AND EVENTS 2007
7-14 April
Nordic on-snow course
Kvitavatn
BMCCSA Roller Ski Training/
Race Weekend (British Series)
Roller Ski Training Weekend
On-Snow Race Training Week
Hetton Lyons, Durham
Helen Bell - helen@[email protected]
Ralph White - [email protected]
Adam Pinney - [email protected]
Hayes, London
Hetton Lyons, Durham
Salt Ayre, Lancaster
Venue TBA
Graham Aspinall - [email protected]
Fiona Crossley - [email protected]
30 June - 1 July
28-29 July
1-2 September
29-30 September
Early November
INSTRUCTORS NEEDED
Ski-ing Europe will require BASI / CSIA /
PSIA qualified ski instructors and
snowboard instructors for the 2007/8 winter
season. You will work alongside our current
team of instructors and local ski schools for
one/two/three week periods teaching our
school, youth and some adult groups in
various alpine resorts during the peak
school holiday times of New Year, Half Term
(mid-February) and Easter, plus some other
weeks. Also required are competent,
sociable, experienced skiers to act as
representatives and /or ski friends.
A good fully inclusive package will be
offered and you should contact Brian Snook
sending a CV to:
Ski-ing Europe, c/o 40 Meadow View,
Potterspury, Towcester, Northants NN12
7PH / Email [email protected]
Tel (mobile) 07976 707041 / 01908 542469
(evenings)
February-March 07
Property
specialist
supports
Alpine team
member
Richardson
Overseas property
specialist Howards Lifestyle
is supporting England
Alpine squad member Jake
Richardson. Lifestyle
manager Simon Ward
announced the sponsorship
at the athlete’s home slope
in Norfolk.
Jake will spearhead a promotional
campaign for the Bulgarian resort of
Bansko, where properties can still be
snapped up for as little as £12,000.
He said: “This is a great opportunity for
skiers to get a base in the mountains and
Bansko has received a lot of publicity, in
particular since Bulgaria has joined the EU.”
Bansko provides a combination of the
unspoilt nature of the Pirin Mountain and
THE
piste
READER offer
Skiers no longer have to struggle with
their ski boots in the morning, as the
Boot Tool Company have come up with
a simple but effective solution to help
buckle up awkward ski boots.
The release of the tool at the
Manchester and Birmingham ski shows
sparked huge interest from fellow
winter sports enthusiasts who were
tired of doing up their own or other
people’s boots.
Opportunity: Jake Richardson.
the atmosphere of the
ancient Bulgarian small
town. The snow records
and conditions in Bansko
are said to be excellent. The
Pirin mountain has a
predominantly Alpine
character with three peaks
towering above 2900 metres.
The slopes offer runs and tracks for all
grades of skiers, from novices to experts
who view a “black mogul field” with a wry
smile.
The town of Bansko at the foot of the
mountain has always attracted visitors from
Bulgaria and other eastern European
countries, but it is only over the last few
years that those of us in England have seen
what this Alpine region has to offer.
Now Snowsport
England members
can take advantage
of a special 15%
discount offer on
the tool.
Used by top
American and
European ski
instructors, you can
say goodbye to
sprained thumbs
and broken nails and crank your boot
buckles up for a bumps run or off
piste.
Already a big hit with women, children,
the elderly, the disabled and the
overweight, the tool also doubles up as
a handy ski boot carrier for those long
walks back to the rental shop.
INSPECTION trip
Howards is running a property inspection trip especially for Snowsport England Members,
departing Gatwick on 5 March and returning 8 March. The trip includes:
Schedule flight to Bulgaria (Sofia)
No charge for ski equipment on flight
Transfer from Sofia to Bansko
Four-star hotel accommodation with breakfast
Wine reception in typical Bulgarian restaurant
Property presentation and guided tour of Bansko and property opportunities
Afternoon’s skiing with Jake Richardson England Alpine Ski Team
Ski lift included (meals not included)
Planned departure 5 March 10.30
arrive Sofia 15.35
Return departure 8 March 07.45
arrive Gatwick 09.15
Cost per person
£135
Places are limited
Interested members can email [email protected]
or call 0845 38 90 454.
Normally retailing at £4.99 + P&P you
can buy the tool online direct at
www.boottool.com
With the special Reader Offer of
15% off for all members of
Snowsport England, you buy one at
£4.25, two for £8.50 and so on.
To order go to www.boottool.com click
on the Snowsport England logo and
enter username scriven and password
scriven.
Don’t forget you’ll get 15% off
23
Supports
Snowsport
England
e
h
t
t
a
Be
n
o
i
t
i
t
e
p
Com
Use Click4Quote Insurance Services for all of your travel and ski insurance
Our Specialist Ski Package Includes:
m
• Competitions/Racing/Training Cover Provided
• Comprehensive Cover
• Discount to Members
• Annual and Short Stay Policies
plus we also offer the following policies:
• Longstay/Backpacking
• Mariners Travel Insurance
For more information
or to get a quotation,
call:
08450
89 90 91
Authorised and Regulated by the Financial Services Authority. Ski Racing and Training available up to the
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Snowsport England

Transcription

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