TheSkiSchools.com - SKIING | SNOWBOARDING | TELEMARKING | SKI TOURING

Find Your SKI PAD

2012-02-10T05:00:00.002Z

Introducing Ski Pad

Seeing as Ski Pad is fairly new to the ski accommodation rental market I figured my first guest blog would be a good opportunity to introduce the Ski Pad brand and explain just what we are about here at Ski Pad Towers!

Ski Pad was founded in 2010 by one of our Directors, Gary Hector. Gary's desire to start Ski Pad grew partly from his struggle to find a service that specialised in ski accommodation yet offered enough for skiers and snowboarders.

The ethos at Ski Pad is to simply offer novice and seasoned skiers alike a one-stop website to find accommodation to fit your needs. A no-nonsense search facility with direct access to ski accommodation owners means you can find exactly what you need. Accommodation owners simply list their accommodation with us and wait to hear from potential holidaymakers. This has been the main focus of the business in the first year, offering a website that gives skiers and snowboarders a plethora of options when looking for their ideal ski holiday accommodation.

However, Ski Pad was determined not to stop there. Our aim is not only become one of the best websites in the UK for private ski chalet and apartment rentals, but one that offers solutions and services to cover almost every aspect of a skiers holiday, from start to finish.

We also offer our Suppliers Directory, a service that allows ski-related businesses to advertise their wares for free. The directory allows users to find a service that they may require for their holiday. Airport transfers, childcare, pub and restaurant listings and much more are featured on the Suppliers Directory, meaning that once you've used Ski Pad to find and book your ideal ski chalet or apartment you can then click through to the Suppliers Directory to look up local airport transfers, childcare, airport parking and anything else you may need to book for your holiday.

In the summer of 2011 we took a huge step, not only for ourselves but for ski accommodation services everywhere by releasing our very own iPhone App! Developed under close scrutiny by Ski Pad we were able to ensure that everything we felt made Ski Pad great was transferred to the app. Not only that, we are still, to our knowledge, the only ski accommodation listings website with it's own dedicated smart phone app. The reception to the app has been great, and 20% of all enquiries made on Ski Pad properties now come from our app. Android users shouldn't feel left out as we do have plans for an Android version of the app as well.

Customer service has always been an important factor for any business, and with Ski Pad this is no different. We pride ourselves on the high level of customer service that we offer our owners, as well as other users who contact us. Our Live Help service allows us to deal with owners problems when listing properties in real time, as opposed to solving the problem through a series of emails. We're also happy to assist owners where we can and make suggestions about any issues or problems that they encounter.

The next piece in the Ski Pad puzzle is our blog, which is why I am writing this post. We launched the blog at the beginning of the year, and we've been posting some great content on there over the past 6 weeks. In fact, the best material has come from our guest bloggers. Other, more established ski companies may have the luxury of staff in resorts across Europe that can bring their know-how to their blogs, so to counter this we thought what better way to discover the best resorts and best places to eat and drink than to ask our owners and friends of Ski Pad themselves!

Our guest blog posts aren't just focused on the best places to ski though, as we've recently secured the services of a resident 'go-to guy' who has been coaching skiing for over 20 years, and is providing us with some great short posts about staying safe on the slopes, something that is often overlooked.

So, come take a look at Ski Pad and see how we're getting on. Browse some properties, download our app (it's free!) and subscribe to the blog!

BIO: Lee is Ski Pad's resident Customer Support guru. He loves watching horror films, eating Mexican food and of course skiing!

Ski Safe Off Piste

2012-01-14T05:00:00.001Z

Ski Safe Always!

France is one of the leading countries in the world with expertise and experience in all mountain craft.

The French use a three colour coded FLAG system to highlight daily observations and danger levels that may be relevant to specific skiing areas, towns and villages, aimed to make you better informed!

Take note, here are the three important FLAGS to look out for when skiing or snowboarding in France.

YELLOW FLAG

Risk 1 and 2

This level of warning is defined as:

Risk confined to a particular location or site

Risque Localise

CHEQUERED FLAG

Risk 3 and 4

This level of warning is defined as:

High Risk

Risque Important

BLACK FLAG

Risk 5

This level of warning is defined as:

Full Scale Risk

Risque Generalise

Do the right thing and hire a serious snowsports professional now!

© theskischools.com

The truth about Your Off Piste Skiing

2011-12-25T05:00:00.002Z

Your ski experience on the mountain is influenced by a wide variety of internal and external factors, all of which lead you to become a happy contented off piste skier or on the flip side, an under confident scared off piste skier.

The majority of good skiers, those of you who've developed a level of understanding of ski technique and control on piste will find and know that as soon as you take the next step into ‘the off piste zoned areas’ your game can simply fall apart fast.

The biggest truth about your own ability is that you have plenty of skill and talent to tackle and handle the whole off piste thing with a heap of confidence and more, knowing how is one of the biggest secrets in my arsenal.

My first off piste experience was during my first ski holiday to Serre Chevalier, France. I remember it well, Jacques was my moniteur, a leisurely sporty skier with a rampant sense of adventure in his bright red outfit.

Whilst following Jacques I dived into the off piste at any given opportunity. I was always on his heels, totally exuberant and forever knocked about. I was pulled down, covered in snow and my whole self confidence took more than a few blows...

I understand the difficulties, it took many disciplined and focused attempts over the years to come to understand where the real control lay.

The big changer that led me to get to grips with this almighty off piste challenge and become a master, leader and expert was partly down to two things.

Firstly it was ‘Experience’, more of which I required and am ever acquiring (important).

Secondly it was my understanding of the most important part of the turn that leads to real control of speed, the turn completion phase.

I want you to do the right thing, you owe it to yourself to take control of your speed and gain more experience.

Simply enjoy your skiing where ever it is you go and remember that when you go off piste, if you don’t consider the terrain as a new ‘experience’ and if you don’t ‘complete’ your turn that little bit extra in the curve then your speed will become an issue and too much to handle.

Best wishes,

Martin Mckay

About

Martin Mckay is a fully qualified BASI Alpine Level 4 ISTD instructor, coach and teacher and holder of the full French equivalence BEES 1er degré ski alpin. Martin has passed the much respected Test de Capacité and is based in Val d'Isere, France where he runs skimckay.com

The best snowsports professionals

STOP - Red Light!

2011-11-27T05:00:00.001Z

Don't ignore these guys...

Not only do the piste patrol look after your safety, picking you up, mending and sending you to hospital, they also do a whole lot more...

The piste patrol teams located in the ski resorts of the alps are experts in their own micro climatic zones, they manage the local areas of snow, they know what is safe and what is fragile.

We strongly advise that you STOP and observe the local area ski patrol.

Also, study the local weather pattern, considering the past, present to future conditions as well as the local avalanche daily risk. Only then make a decision on what and where to ski.

RED IS WARNING AHEAD

How many of you have jumped a red light in your car, a few, more…!?

After a big snowfall, skiers rush out onto the big ski slopes and set off unintentional avalanches…. deaths occur!

THIS IS THE REALITY OF IGNORANCE

Knowing when to STOP is your safety net, the PISTE PATROL study, observe and manage the local conditions of any given resort. Managing slope security.

If a slope has been closed due to warm weather, large amounts of snow or fragile early season conditions are evident then STOP, remember the RED LIGHT.

Too often people jump the RED LIGHT.

1) Observe the local weather bulletins - past, present, future.

2) Don't ignore the ski patrol.

3) After a snow storm, STOP, allow fresh snow to settle.

4) Consult the most suitable professionals.

The mountain is a recipe for fun or disaster, make the right call.

Fit to Ski?

2011-09-01T09:00:00.008+01:00

We gain hugh benefits to our personal enjoyment and physical output if we choose to exercise, after all, "this is a choice right?"

Exercising actually puts you in a better mood. When you exercise, your brain releases various chemicals known as endorphins, these endorphins improve your sense of wellbeing.

It’s very simple..... “Are you fit to ski or snowboard”.

Get started, Get moving, Let’s go!

Cardiovascular / Aerobic

Try swimming, play basketball, ice or roller hockey, walk (quick), jog, sprint (up hill), inline skating, soccer, cross-country skiing, biking, rowing and skipping.

Strength

Use dumbells and do some arm curls, shoulder exercises, chest work, leg work, squats etc, join a gym, Let’s move!

Flexibility

Join a yoga or pilates class, powerful stuff. Do good quality stretching, always warm up before stretching.

Agility

Try using a skipping rope, run around cones, do some bounding work, plyometrics.

Feel the power of the endorphins!

This may all sound obvious but the reality is humans are becoming lazy and fat and unable to get the most out of their bodies.

Your mind is what you make it and feed it. By getting active you will in turn raise your arousal levels and optimise your performance output, who knows, you may even hit “Peak Performance”.

Watch out generation Y!

Always consult a fitness professional before undertaking exercise.

Skiing this Summer...

2011-05-16T09:00:00.014+01:00

France is arguably the finest ski country in the world boasting some of the best skiing and snowboarding terrain on a scale that is truly unimaginable.

Tignes ski resort in Savoie is a premier ski, snowboarding and sporting mecca, the local glacier on the Grande Motte offers great summer skiing for the die hard technicians out there.

Open from June 18th - September 4th, 2011.

This sporting hub is well worth a visit.

Focus on the detail of sport in Tignes.

Going skiing for the first time?

2010-11-27T05:00:00.007Z

Here's a few tips...

Ski Boots

Visit a local ski shop in the ski resort that you're visiting, here you'll be able to hire boot’s, ski’s and pole’s. Ski shops generally have good experienced boot fitters.   Ski boots must not be too big when fitted or else your foot will move around from the forces of skiing and become uncomfortable and un-responsive. Ensure the measurement is as tight as comfortable. Your boot fitter should correctly measure the length of your foot as well as inspecting your general foot shape.

If it’s your first time skiing then hiring boots is preferable to buying them as it can be a big outlay to an already expensive holiday.

If you eventually return for a second ski holiday, deciding that skiing is for you, then certainly consider buying your own ski boots as these are the first most important skiing hardwear purchase. Always search out a highly reputable boot fitter.

Ski Socks

Wearing a thin ski sock is ideal. Ski boots are meant to fit snug, therefore you do not need large thick ski socks.   Don’t double up with your ski socks, this will cause your foot to move about in the ski boot and will also be very un-responsive and uncomfortable.

Jacket, Pants and Thermals

A breathable waterproof ski jacket and ski trousers are a must as you may fall a few times. If the snow sticks to you as it can do depending on the humidity levels, then high quality waterproof outer garments are essential.

Ski Jackets or pants can be either padded, shell like or both. The secret to good efficient warmth is to use multiple layers underneath your outer waterproof garments. Modern thermal garments are designed to breath efficiently, wicking away your body moisture.

Make sure your ski jacket has plenty of pockets. Not only will you need these for your ski pass but also for the common accessories that you will need on the mountain ski slopes such as face and lip cream, an energy bar or two, your mobile phone, piste map, hat, googles / glasses, cash / credit card and so on.

Neck warmer - A must have

This is a great garment that sits around your neck, keeping the cold wind out of your jacket top and helping you to maintain a warm body core. On really cold days, a neck warmer is crucial as not only does it cover your neck, chin, nose and head but it will let you get on with learning in comfort, shielded from the cold. This garment is a real joy to wear, don’t leave your ski home without one!.  

Check out the local ski shops in your ski resort, they should have a selection of neck warmers to choose from.

Gloves / Mittens / Inner Gloves & Hand Warmers

Ski gloves with individual finger slots should allow your fingers to move freely yet not be too large in fit, you will need a reasonably good fit so that you can hold your ski pole handles, carry your ski’s, poles as well as accessing bits and bobs from your pockets.  If you're concerned about your hands getting cold then consider wearing mittens, these tend to keep your fingers tight together keeping them nice and warm on cold days high up in the mountains.

Buying thin inner gloves is a really useful tip, these are made of thin cotton / silk / synthetic type materials. When you go to remove your outer gloves, say on the ski slopes to get a better grip on your camera or grab a well earned 50 note for that morning hot chocolate round, these inner gloves will allow you the dexterity to handle finer personal effects, all the time shielding you from the mountain cold.

Last but not least is the trusty ‘hand warmers’, these can be purchased in small packs or individually. Set off by means of rubbing them together, they will last for a good few hours and are an essential hand warming back up.

Sunglasses & Goggles

Always invest in high protection eye wear.

 Ski glasses should ideally wrap around your eyes so that the sun does not get in through the sides. The reflection from the snow, even when the sky is overcast is very bright. Glasses will come in different shades allowing for different levels of definition, these variances of shade will give you more choice for the daily weather conditions and much improved definition for the conditions that arrive that day. Pick up a sun glasses ‘string’ incase they fall off, at least your ski glasses have a better chance of staying on you incase of a fall and not lost in the snow.  

If it snows goggles will also help to keep the snow from your eyes and keep your immediate eye area warm.  You can purchase googles that fit on top of prescription / glasses.   Good quality goggles do have better ventilation to avoid misting up.

Goggles like glasses come in different choices of shade for different light conditions. If you can afford it, having a couple of pairs with different shades will assist you in very dark and bright light.

Skiing Helmet & Hats

Like cycling helmets, ski helmets are very popular and a must for most people, especially children. When hiring or buying a helmet make sure that it fits properly. Whilst in use, make sure the chin strap is fastened to keep it in place.

Make sure to get a proper ski helmet (not a cycling or non skiing specific helmet) that allows space for your glasses, goggles and ventilation. You can and will want to wear a hat under your helmet in times of cold, always have a warm thin hat at hand that you may use when you buy or rent a ski helmet so that you can try these on together.

If you prefer to wear a hat then go for a hat with a fleece breathable material which can easily be pulled down to cover your ears.

Skis & Bindings

Be sure to buy or rent skis that are appropriate for your skiing ability, your ski shop assistant will advise you further.  

Ski’s, their performance characteristics, length and brand do slightly vary from year to year. In general, ski’s are measured to your eye level.

  Bindings hold your ski boots to the skis tightly, they will release your feet if you fall, they should only be adjusted by a trained professional at a ski shop.   Skiing bindings use a universal safety setting mechanism standard (DIN) that is set in accordance to your weight, height and skiing level, be sure to know your weight in both kilo’s and pound’s and height in inches and centimetres so that when you go to the ski resort shop you have this important information at hand for the ski / boot / binding fitters.

  It's very important for bindings to be able to release in case of a fall to prevent injuries, this is why binding setting is taken very seriously.  

Ski Poles

Skiing poles act as stabiliser's when skiing. Skiers become very dependant on ski poles, using them to guide and select their route as they descend the mountain. It is not unusual when learning to ski to leave them at the bottom of the ski run occasionally and to ski without them so as to help improve your ski technique during your early learning phase.

See your ski shop assistant for measurement advice.

Here is a list of essential items...  

1) Ski pass (Buy this in resort or in advance online).  

2) Piste / Slope Map (Pick one up from the local lift pass / tourist office in town).  

3) Sunscreen (Use a high factor - apply at regular intervals).  

4) Lip cream (Use a high factor - apply at regular intervals).  

5) Energy bars (Slow release energy bars).  

6) Water (You can buy bottles with waste belts for ease of access).  

7) Heat pads / Hand warmers.  

8) Cash for food and drinks.  

9) Tissues.  

10) Mobile phone.  

11) Ruck sack.  

12) Glasses and Goggles.  

13) Spare Hat / Helmet.  

14) Input the local piste patrol emergency telephone number into your phone.

Ski Instruction

Rule number 1, Don't hire an illegal ski instructor, they do operate.

Also, friends who are not qualified generally don't know what they are talking about.

It is highly unadvised to take any lessons from an illegal ski instructor.

The safest and best option for ski instruction is to book a professional, either a ski school group session or book a private ski instructor.

The fastest way to achieve improvement is to hire a private instructor.

Alternatively, if on a budget, go for the group booking with a ski school or if you have a group you are holidaying with who are all at the same level then booking a private instructor for a small group can work out just as cheap but with better results.

Whichever instruction you choose immerse yourself for the first couple of days in an all day instruction session and then go for either mornings or afternoon lessons, so you can meet up with your ski friends for some leisure skiing and enjoyment in between.

Which Ski Resort?

Make sure that the resort you choose has plenty of beginner and intermediate slopes with wide pistes.

Most resorts have detailed information on the grades of slopes and experience required so just do a little homework on each resort and all will be okay.

Before you embark on your ski holiday

The best way to prevent injury and enjoy your ski holiday is to make sure you are fit and healthy beforehand. Stronger muscles, healthy lungs and good flexibility will help you maintain better skiing control and enjoyment.

Skier Etiquette 1, 2, 3, domino...

1) Remember that skiers in front of you or below you on the slopes have the right of way. You can see them, but they probably can't see you, so it's up to you to avoid them.  

2) Don’t stop in the middle of the slope, if you feel you need to stop move to the side of the slope.

  3) Look uphill to make sure no one is coming toward you before you start down a piste or merge onto a new piste.  

4) If you decide to stop next to your group / friends, always stop below the bottom skier to avoid the ‘Domino effect’!

What should you expect

1) Fun, the best holiday ever!  

2) Be prepared to fall, but don’t be put off by this as this is normal, you are learning!  

3) After about day two / three you will start to make progressive leaps.

 4) You may well feel the cold so ensure you wear layered thermal clothing. If you get too hot, remove a layer.

“Like anything you do in life, preparation is key to enjoyment, so take time to plan what you can in advance.”

Enjoy your ski holiday!

Why protect your eyes from the sun?

2010-09-16T08:00:00.005+01:00

We all know that the sun can damage your skin, but it can also adversely affect your eyes!

Ultraviolet (UV) radiation, from natural sunlight or artificial UV rays, can damage the eye’s surface tissues as well as the cornea and lens. UV radiation can burn the front surface of the eye, comparable to sunburn on the skin.

There are three types of solar radiation; UVA, UVB, UVC. UVC rays are non-damaging but exposure to UVA and UVB can have adverse effects on your eyes and vision.

One of the short-term effects of UV radiation on the eyes is Photokeratitis, which is an inflammation of the cornea caused by a brief exposure to UV radiation, usually when combined with cold wind and snow. Like a “sunburn of the eye”, it can be painful and symptoms include red eyes, a foreign body or gritty eye sensation, extreme sensitivity to light and excessive tearing. Fortunately, this is usually temporary and rarely cause permanent damage to the eye.

Long term exposure to UV radiation has shown that exposure to small amounts of UV radiation over a period of many years may increase the chance of developing a cataract, and may cause damage to the retina, the nerve-rich lining of the eye that is used for sight. This damage to the retina is usually not reversible. Cumulative damage of repeated exposure may contribute to chronic eye disease, as well as increase the risk of developing skin cancer around the eyelids. Long-term exposure to UV light is also a risk factor in the development of ptergium (a growth that invades the corner of the eyes) and pinguecula (a yellowish, slightly raised lesion that forms on the surface tissue of the white part of your eye.)

UV Radiation Protection

It is not yet known how much exposure to UV radiation will cause how much damage, but a good recommendation is to wear quality sunglasses that offer good protection and a wide-brimmed hat when working outdoors, participating in outdoor sports, taking a walk or doing anything in the sun. To provide sufficient protection for your eyes, your sunglasses must:

• block out 99 to 100 percent of both UV-A and UV-B radiation
• screen out 75 to 90 percent of visible light
• be perfectly matched in colour with no distortions and imperfections
• have lenses that are grey for proper colour recognition

If you spend a lot of time in bright sunlight which you will if your skiing, wrap-around frames can provide extra protection from harmful UV radiation by keeping UV rays from reaching the eyes. Don’t forget children or young adults, who typically spend more time in the sun than adults. If you wear contact lenses that have UV protection, you still need to wear sunglasses. UV rays may affect the eye tissue that is not covered by the contacts. Your eyes will be more comfortable, too, with most of the bright light blocked.

REMEMBER!

Exposure to UV radiation has cumulative effects on the eyes. Damage today leads to problems tomorrow!

The beauty of Downhill Skiing

2010-02-21T19:02:00.014Z

The wonderful fact is that this sport is accessible to everyone. Downhill skiing is a sport enjoyed by millions of skiers across the globe.

Downhill skiing or alpine skiing as it is sometimes referred to was pioneered as a sport in the early 1900's by British born Sir Arnold Lunn. Sir Arnold traveled to Switzerland and used the existing railway lines around Interlaken as upward access to the mountains, thus negating the need for cross country or telemark skis to ascend the slopes. The equipment used for downhill skiing has progressed enormously from these early days when skis were made purely of wood, ski boots were leather and held to the skis with cables. One of the biggest changes came with metal edges, which allowed the skier to grip on harder snow. The advent of plastic ski boots further enhanced the control a skier had, giving a quicker response and more stability when downhill skiing in any snow conditions.

Today skis consist of many different materials including carbon, resin and wood. The most popular ski development in recent times is the carving ski which has a wider tip and tail and is narrow in the middle. This allows the skier to turn with a smaller radius and with less effort than a traditional straight ski. Some would claim it has revolutionised the sport of downhill skiing for recreational skiers and racers alike.

These ski's have their limitations of use. People learn downhill skiing at all stages in life. Although fairly demanding physically it is possible to learn downhill skiing with a moderate fitness level. There is a typical progression that is taught by all ski schools and ski instructors around the world and the emphasis is always on safety, enjoyment and learning. Once beginners master the art of stopping and changing direction they can progress quickly to longer and more challenging downhill skiing slopes. In Europe, the most popular place to go downhill skiing is in the major premier alpine regions.

Downhill skiing is the number one winter sport in mountain areas. The pinnacle of the sport being the World Cup and Olympic downhill skiing events. Downhill ski racers compete against each other in timed descents of a marked course typically lasting up to 2 minutes for the men and a little less for the women. Downhill ski racers reach speeds of up to 120 kilometres per hour that places enormous physical pressure on their bodies. The downhill ski racer will try and stay in a low position as much as possible. This is often referred to as a tuck position and is used to increase speed, as it is an effective aerodynamic shape. Learning to downhill ski from scratch is fun and easy.

© theskischools.com

The 2010 Olympic Winter Games

2010-02-04T11:33:00.013Z

From the 12th - 28th February 2010, Vancouver will be host to the XXI Olympic Winter Games.

The 3 Olympic values are

Excellence

Friendship

Respect

The supreme winter sporting elite of the world will be on show during this two week period.

Snow conditions

The latest 14 day outlook (Feb 4th 2010) continues to forecast warmer than usual temperatures. This could mean that whatever precipitation falls during the day may not be snow.

Fingers crossed for lots of snow!

2010 Vancouver website

© theskischools.com

A brief history of Ski Schools

2010-01-25T08:00:00.006Z

Ever since Hannes Schneider founded the first ski school in 1922 in St Anton, Austria, the growth of the industry has gone from strength to strength. As the popularity of the sport grew and holiday makers started to travel to the mountains to enjoy skiing as a recreational sport, the need for professional ski instruction grew.

Because of the massive changes in ski equipment technology through the years and the development of snowboarding as a mainstream sport, the techniques that were taught then vary enormously from what you will find today.

Skiing as a sport grew relatively slowly until the outbreak of the Second World War when skiing became a useful form of transport in the fight against invasion, especially in Norway and Finland.

As the sport grew after the Second World War and people once again become more affluent, winter resorts started to establish themselves across Europe and North America. Small towns and villages in Alpine regions transformed themselves from farming communities into major tourist destinations in a short space of time. The demand for skiing instructors grew and local people spent their winters becoming better skiers and gaining employment from the skiing school that established itself in the resort.

In the French winter resorts the Ecole Du Ski Française was established in 1937 by Emile Allais and directly after the war quickly established itself as the dominant force. Linked directly with the government the E.S.F had the advantage of being able to act as one organisation even though it operated out of many different resorts. Today there are over 200 ski schools and 16,000 instructors who work across France in the many winter resorts.

During the last decade there has been a proliferation of skiing schools and private ski instructors in France and the rest of The Alps. With European regulation it is possible to establish a skiing school or work as an instructor providing you have the relevant qualifications. France has some of the most demanding regulations of any country when it comes to ski schools and instructors. Many people want to become ski instructors in France and for this reason, strict demands are placed on anyone who wishes to legally teach skiing in the French Alps or Pyrenees.

The International Ski Instructors Association (ISIA) regulates many countries official ski instructor bodies including those in France, Switzerland, Austria and Great Britain. The purpose of the ISIA is to consolidate the standards of all its member countries to ensure the quality of ski instruction is consistent and of high standards.

The ISIA badge is not the only level of recognition. Governing bodies of each country are responsible for training their snowsports candidates, there are multiple levels of 'ski instructor' that can be attained.

If in doubt, ask your ski instructor what level she or he is.

Cold Hands!

2009-12-08T08:00:00.004Z

As a newcomer to the slopes and normally used to sunny beach holidays, I continually suffer from cold hands whilst on the slopes.

What causes cold hands? 

Everyone gets cold hands and feet sometimes, especially during winter but most definitely when you’re on a ski holiday. One reason for feeling severe reactions to the extremities may be that you are suffering from Raynaud's disease where you lose blood circulation in your outer extremities at the slightest change in temperature. As a result your fingers and toes turn white or take on a bluish tinge as they get colder, and they may feel painful or numb. When they warm up again, they become red as the blood returns and sometimes throb with pain for a few minutes to several hours, depending on the severity of the reaction. However, there are other causes why one might experience cold hands and feet. As unlikely as it may seem, it could also be the sign of a simple iron deficiency.

Here are some tips to counteract the effects of COLD HANDS whilst skiing:

Layering - Just like wearing thin layers underneath your ski/boarding clothing, wearing a thin silk glove inside your outer padded waterproof glove works well to preserve the rapid loss of heat from the hands during long ski/boarding days. Invest in some good quality outer glove as I started with some cheap gloves and suffered the consequences - unfortunately it is true that you do get what you pay for and when it comes to keeping my hands warm, having suffered countless times the dreaded piercing fingertips and being near to tears, I would definitely recommend investing in a good pair as they will last you years and years. Take the time to do a little research and try on numerous pairs I’d recommend good gore-tex waterproof breathable material with a lining of down/fleece. At the moment I am wearing a silk glove and a good quality gore-tex mitten type glove, which allows me to exercise my fingers inside the glove plus provide a nice little home for my hand warmer heat pads when required.

Hand Warmers - Which are sold at any ski shop or pharmacy are also a great way to counteract the cold. When required you just open the packet containing a pair of heat pads, the pads are air activated, you then place the heat pad inside your glove and within a couple of minutes you have about 3 to 4 hours of warmth. The downside to the heat pads are they are single use only, so after the 3 to 4 hours of use you must then throw them away and purchase another for the next day. Personally, I find if I have 2 to 3 heat pads in my pocket/rucksack just in case I need them, it almost acts as a placebo. If you do a search on the internet you can also find some reusable heat pads plus some hand warmers which require a small battery.

Cold Water Fish - There are some ways to give your blood flow a little helping hand to get your extremity temperature closer to normal. Fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids, such as mackerel, herring, salmon and anchovies, help reduce the painful blood vessel spasms that cause the shutdown of blood flow. That is why you should eat plenty of these cold-water fish to ease the pain of Raynaud’s or other circulatory problems due to cold weather or emotional stress.

Iron Deficiency - A woman’s core body temperature is between one or two degrees lower than a man’s. Also, women are more likely to have cold hands and feet, whether due to Raynaud’s or not. One reason for the lower average body temperature is that many women are iron-deficient. Lack of iron can alter your thyroid hormone metabolism, which regulates body heat generation, so women who are aware of this try to consume the recommended 18 milligrams of iron a day, but even so, iron stores are depleted during menstruation. If your body iron is low, more iron consumption translates into more body heat, which is a good way to counteract your cold hands and feet.

Stay Dry - Since dampness leads to chilliness, you should also try to keep your hands and feet dry, absorbent foot powders are excellent for helping keep feet dry. Using foot powder on a regular basis is recommended, even sprinkling it between the toes.

Hot Chocolate/Vin Chaud Stop - A good old fashioned warm-up break to enjoy a warm drink and body thaw-out can do wonders for those piercing fingertips as well as improve your days performance on the slopes.

Finger and Hand Excercises - Another way to help your cold fingers and hands if any of the already mentioned options are not available on the day is to:

- Take off your glove and pop each hand under your armpits for a couple of minutes, or

- Move your fingers up and down vigorously, as if you are playing the piano double handedly, this will help the circulation of blood around the fingers therefore providing heat.

Another useful tip one Ski Instructor showed me when it is far too cold to take your glove off, is to punch your fist into the palm of your other hand, constantly alternating hands - amazingly it works well and get that blood circulating in double quick time!

Keep warm and have big fun!

No Need To Curtsey!

2009-10-06T09:00:00.023+01:00

Have you reached a point in your skiing life where you need something new?

A new challenge? A new way of getting about the mountain?

If you and your partner are at very different levels with your skiing, spending time together on the slopes can be difficult. One of you is inevitably bored out of his/her mind and you seem to spend most of the day arguing! One solution is for the more advanced skier to switch to another discipline, re-discovering the challenge of learning to ski through another avenue whilst the other is suddenly delighted to see you struggling and falling over as much as he/she is! Lots of people go down the snowboarding avenue for this reason but why not switch to Telemark?

Telemarking is the oldest form of skiing. You are attached only by a toe binding, so it challenges your balance in a totally different way from alpine skiing. Because you get no support from the front of the boot or binding it’s a great way of finding your centre. The lunging style of the sport makes it physically demanding, so great for fitness. Remember though, some people call it free heeling or downhill cross-country because you don’t always have to Telemark - you can alpine on the kit too! No need to curtsey!

If you already alpine ski finding your way around the mountain is relatively easy provided you don’t mind falling over a bit. But if you want to develop into a real Telemark skier please get some lessons, so many times I’ve seen people struggling about on their own trying to get it and oh dear! They are leading with the wrong leg!

Think of the feelings you get when you’re skiing down your favourite slopes and the way it felt being challenged to get where you are on your normal kit, you get the same buzz out of learning to master bumps, steeps, powder and carving on this new kit. The skis are doing a very similar thing to alpine but the skier is totally different.

I started to Telemark as a new challenge – also because the kit is lighter it’s good for ski touring. Now, however if given the choice I don’t think I can choose between them, they’re just so different and yet the same. The same buzz, the same skills, same skis - just different aches! (Which reminds me to say Tele boots are so much more comfy.)

There are two popular sayings amongst the ski fraternity which sum up the opposing attitudes between the two camps. ‘Free the heel & free the mind’ boast the telemarkers! To which the alpinists retort ‘Fix the heel & fix the problem!’

Why not give it a go and make up your own mind which camp you are in!

Catch up with Joe Beer in Morzine where he runs his own ski school.

alpinelearningcurves.co.uk

© theskischools.com

Lance Armstrong takes the Tour de France to the ski resort of Verbier

2009-07-19T16:00:00.015+01:00

This is the first time Verbier has hosted the Tour de France.

Verbier is famous for celebrity visitors and super ski runs!

The final climb to Verbier was between 7 - 9% with a touch of 12% close to the finish line. The road climb has been described as a mini Alpe d'huez yet it still tested the best.

Verbier is a very popular skiing resort with a huge fan base, the whole of the resort was out in full force to support the arrival of the cyclists.

Today, July 19th was also a super day for British rider Bradley Wiggins.

Results for the Tour de France - Pontarlier > Verbier - July 19th 2009

1) Alberto Contador Team Astana

63h 17" 56"

2) Lance Armstrong Team Astana

01' 37"

3) Bradley Wiggins Team Garmin

01' 46"

Save on your money

2009-04-14T08:00:00.007+01:00

Caxton FX provide a financial service enabling you to secure the best rates on a pre paid card before you go skiing or snowboarding, here is some information provided by Caxton FX: -

Designed for travelling and spending overseas, the Caxton FX prepaid MasterCard® is a great way to save on your travel cash. Safer than cash and easier than travellers cheques, the Caxton FX card is a must-have for the savvy traveller.

· Free card
· Best exchange rate guarantee
· No commission
· No charges on purchases
· Convenience and security of a plastic card

How does it work?

1. Load the card before your trip and use it just like any other card to buy things and get cash out.

2. Check your balance and reload when you need to (by text, online or over the phone).Use it again and again and again!

For more information click here

Meeting Michel Bordet, Mountain Guide in Chamonix

2009-02-23T08:00:00.009Z

Michel BORDET is a fully qualified UIAGM mountain guide based in the Chamonix valley. Chamonix is located in Haute Savoie, France. Michel Bordet has been a mountain guide for 20 years.

In 1980 Michel commenced his professional training to become a professional mountain guide. Michel always had a great passion for the mountains, this naturally became a way of life.

Michel has worked as a mountain guide all over the Alps, both ski touring and climbing. In the summer months Michel ascends major alpine peaks over 4000 meters high. He has also guided in the Himalayan ranges, Patagonia, Moroccan Atlas mountains and Kilimanjaro. Michel has carried out numerous trekking expeditions.

Keeping an eye on conditions, monitoring the daily snowfall as well as registering past snow layer history gives Michel a better understanding of slope safety.

Michel says …

“I have skied down every slope and every "couloir" in the Chamonix area. I have visited all of the important alpine mountain ranges from Corsica and Mercantour in the Southern Alps to the Tyrolean mountains in Austria. My speciality is the Chamonix - Zermatt Haute Route as well as the Mont Blanc ski ascent.”

Michel believes strongly that a good Mountain guide must seize the moment when the conditions are naturally good and go!

Michel's season is long, it starts in December and runs all the way until the start of June, during these months Michel works off piste, ski touring and mountaineering. Michel sees his role as a guide and a teacher where by he shares his mountain experience with his clients, adapting his mountain plans to the abilities of his clients and the conditions equally.

Above all, safety and security are top of Michel's list.

See Michel below in action in this video

Website: Michel Bordet - UIAGM

World Ski Championships 2009 in Val d’Isere

2009-02-02T08:00:00.004Z

Between the 2nd to the 15th of February brings an exciting and much awaited buzz to Val d’Isere, France with the 2009 FIS alpine world ski championships. This is Val d’Isere's first time hosting the FIS alpine world championships, but it is no stranger to organising such events with 151 accredited to date.

Gian Franco Kasper, President of the International Ski Federation (FIS) will open the championships on the 2nd February, with 72 nations and 594 athletes taking part.

The championships will take place on the Face-a-Face mountains, with the men’s and ladies’ competition directly opposite each other on the Solaise and Face de Bellevarde slopes. The majority of the runs can be seen from the finish line, which will make it a spectacular adrenaline rushing event for competitors and spectators alike.

Entry to the whole ski area is free of charge, which is a first for any FIS championships, to date 170,000 people have registered their free invitation.

If you're going to Val d’Isere and want to take up some skiing instruction then hire a ski instructor or mountain guide, check out theskischools.com

Ski holidays around the credit crunch

2009-01-17T08:00:00.008Z

The news coming out of the ski industry right now is that bookings are stable due to the fantastic snow conditions that the Alps experienced early on this winter 08/09.

But, the reality of the current economic climate and exchange rate between the Pound and the Euro has put extra pressure on UK holiday maker.

The good news is that there are plenty of options available out there as the competition between airlines, tour operators and travel agencies heats up.

The budget airlines are as ever fighting it out. Travellers need to take advantage of this as airlines like Easy Jet and Ryanair travel to great locations and are offering great deals.

Grenoble is a fantastic airport for resorts such as Les Deux Alpes and Alpe d’Huez and both Ryanair and Easy Jet fly from multiple UK departure points.

Geneva serves the major French resorts like Morzine, Avoriaz and Chamonix in Haute Savoie as well as those in the Savoie region such as Val d’Isere, Tignes, Meribel and Courchevel. Verbier and Zermatt in Switzerland is also best accessed by Geneva. Geneva airport is used by Easy Jet and British Airways who have some great deals.

The great thing about the internet is the ability for all of us to become our own travel agents. Booking your accommodation through an independent chalet operator or an in-resort accommodation agency can save large amounts of money.

It’s worth thinking about getting a larger group of friends together for a skiing trip. With a larger group you have the economy of scale to save money on your accommodation, a major outlay on any holiday. Usually you will be offered a free place in a stunning chalet with flights and transport if you can assemble a large group, do enquire.

Once your flights have been booked then check out the options from the airport to the resort. If there is a large group of you then renting a car can be a good option, beware, ski resorts nowadays are cracking down on cars, encouraging you to park up upon your arrival fast, this can be expensive to park your car, this is all part of the current green picture. Otherwise the options for coach and mini bus transfers are plentiful.

Finding your ski instructor, snowboard instructor or mountain guide these days is also a simple process. With the abundance of options available in all the major resorts, from the larger ski schools to independent instructors, the choice has never been better. Make sure you get your lessons booked up before you leave, this is easy to do for the premier resorts that we go to, check out: -

theskischools.com if you have not already. Book your skiing lessons via the site.

Even in these tough times, look around, there are many opportunities to enjoy a great winter sports holiday without breaking the budget.

Interactive resorts are a specialised chalet operator, they have great deals right now and they come highly recommended by us, visit them today to book one of the best deals about.

See interactiveresorts here.

Rob Stewart

The top 10 ski runs in the Alps!

2009-01-05T14:00:00.016Z

As long as there is good snow there is great skiing! There are so many fantastic ski runs across the Alps, but here we give you a few tips on those special descents in some of the top European winter sports destinations. From perfectly groomed pistes to moguls and off piste itineraries, here are some classic ski experiences that every alpine fanatic should tick off the list.

1) Chamonix: The Vallee Blanche

The world famous Vallee Blanche starts at the top of the Aiguille Du Midi with a roped descent on foot to the glacier below. Magnificent scenery is not the only distraction, as the huge glacier must be tackled with care due to crevasses. This is a day trip to remember and there are several variations to suit intermediate level skiers upwards. Always go with a fully qualified mountain guide.

2) Courchevel: The 3 Valleys: Combe Saulire

This famous red run in Courchevel gains its reputation from always being immaculately groomed with fantastic snow conditions. Long and wide it provides skiers of all abilities the chance to cruise down with effortless joy. Get there first thing in the morning for the best conditions.

3) Morzine / Avoriaz: The World Cup downhill course

High above the town of Avoriaz at the top of the ‘Hauts Forts’, the world cup downhill run starts its long journey down towards Les Prodains in the valley below. The piste is marked black all the way and is used on the women’s Alpine world cup downhill calendar. Although challenging it is possible for experienced recreational skiers to tackle in good snow conditions. As you arrive at the end of the run you will feel a sense of achievement and a well-deserved rest in the excellent restaurant, before jumping on the cable car back up to Avoriaz.

4) Zermatt: Klein Matterhorn

The Klein Matterhorn lift is the highest cable car in Europe at 3820 meters. You walk through a tunnel carved through the rock and appear on the glacier with fantastic views of the Matterhorn right in front of you. From here you can ski all the way down into the town of Zermatt itself. In total you will descend 2200 vertical meters and ski for 13 kilometres taking in some of the world’s most stunning scenery. Best in good weather conditions and normally fully open between late November and April.

5) Verbier: Vallon d’Arby

Verbier is renowned for its off piste skiing but Vallon d’Arby is a must do route for any powder snow fanatic. It is marked as an itinerary route on the piste map and when closed must always be skied with a fully qualified guide. The access to Vallon d’Arby is via a road carved out of the mountainside by a machine. After a heavy snowfall this route can be tricky, but once the main skiing bowls are reached there is a huge descent through open fields and into trees finally ending up in the village of La Tzoumaz.

6) Val d’Isère: Col Pers off piste ski run

Val d’Isère has an incredible array of ski runs, one of the all time classic off piste routes is the Col Pers, this can be accessed from Val d’Isere’s Pissaillas glacier. This run can be tricky if one descends in the wrong direction therefore it is always advised to take a professional ski instructor or mountain guide to show you the way and how to ski the mixture of powder snow and steep slopes! The ski run route ends up in Le Fornet.

7) Tignes: Vallon de la Sache

Although Tignes has an abundance of fantastic piste skiing it does also have some classic off piste routes. The Vallon de la Sache is located beside the famous Aiguille Percee or eye of the needle, a formation in the rock that has been there for millions of years. The first part of the descent is steep but afterwards the skiing becomes gentler. You can ski all the way down to Tignes le Brevieres way down in the valley which is the lowest point in the resort. This makes the Vallon de la Sache one of the longest off piste itineraries in the Alps.

Take a professional.

8) Les Deux Alpes: Vallons de la Meije and La Grave

Les Deux Alpes is a huge resort and for most skiers or snowboarders you will find enough to keep you occupied for weeks. If your sense of adventure gets the better of you then hire a qualified mountain guide and ask them to take you to La Grave. From the top of the glacier you can hitch a ride on a piste machine that will take you across the high altitude terrain to La Grave. This is not just one ski run but a resort of almost exclusively off piste skiing. Even the marked runs are itinerary routes and are great fun themselves. Deviating from them requires the services of a guide and most of the skiing is on glaciated terrain.

9) Alpe d’huez: La Sarenne

Officially the longest black run in the word the Sarenne is a classic route that will take you from the highest point in the skiing area all the way down to the bottom of the Chalvet ski lift over 1000 vertical meters below. Although not technically challenging as a whole, the run is not usually groomed at all and as it is so long, provides a challenge for all levels of skier and snowboarder. Best to start first thing in the morning when the legs feel fresh and finish with a nice lunch in one of the many mountain restaurants.

10) La Plagne: The Paradiski region: Montchavin powder skiing

The Paradiski region is the combined area of skiing for Les Arcs and La Plagne. The area is fantastic for all levels of skier and in the right snow conditions (light, fresh powder snow) the slopes between the Dos Rond and Mont St Jacques in the Monchavin/Les Coches sector are great for perfecting those powder turn techniques. These big open bowls are easily accessible and not too steep. Closer to the villages lies some excellent tree skiing which on a bad weather day provides excellent shelter from poor visibility. Remember not to go off piste without a qualified mountain guide or instructor.

Rob Stewart

© theskischools.com

What kind of tuition is available, choosing wisely...

2008-11-18T10:00:00.006Z

Today the modern snowsports holiday offers a variety of mountain activities to suit everybody. The more traditional sport of skiing remains strong but snowboarding in the last ten years has grown into a mainstream sport that has Olympic status and millions of enthusiasts.

Advancements in skiing equipment technology has also meant that recreational skiers can experience both higher speeds and more control on-piste and also search more easily for the legendary powder snow that can be found off-piste.

Demands on ski schools and instructors to cope with the speed of skier and snowboarder advancement has meant thinking out of the box for many established and new businesses in major alpine winter resorts.

Specialist snowboard schools have been created to serve the growing number of beginners who need help and guidance during those early days. Snowboarding can be more physical at the start and for this reason a dedicated snowboard instructor will be able to help with the challenges encountered at those early stages. Many snowboarders choose to go alone after these initial lessons but having specialist instruction from a snowsports professional at all levels will increase the learning potential, and ultimately the pleasure gained. As a snowboarder, choose a school that represents the ethos and lifestyle of the snowboarding culture and try out everything from carving to park tricks.

Telemarking, the original form of skiing where the heel of the boot is not attached to the ski is as popular as ever and many skiers want the opportunity to try the sport on their winter sports holiday. There are not many pure telemark ski schools in existence but there are some schools that actively promote Telemarking as part of their package and employ experienced staff who are qualified Telemark instructors. It is crucial to have professional coaching in telemark skiing as the techniques are quite precise and getting things wrong at the start will have negative consequences for the future.

With the popularity of off piste skiing growing every year the role of the mountain guide has never been more important. A mountain guide is a qualified professional who holds a specialist qualification (UIAGM). These dedicated mountain professionals are not ski instructors but extreme alpine experts with knowledge of the mountain environment. They are qualified to lead people over glaciated terrain, attach ropes for safety and lead multi day ski tours through the mountains. A ski coach diploma holder (in France) is able to guide and coach you over much of the off piste terrain, technically the non glaciated areas. These professionals specialise in off piste ski technique coaching not just guiding.

Many ski schools and private instructors also run specialist coaching clinics for a variety of disciplines. For example, you can learn to ski through slalom gates like the racers you see on television! Of course you need to be at a certain level of skiing, but there are many ski schools that can prepare you for this stage. Never skied off piste? Then search out a specialist off piste clinic that concentrates specifically on the necessary techniques that are essential for safe and enjoyable experiences in the powder.

With an abundance of choice out there it is up to you to decide what you want and find what ski school, instructor or guiding service will suit you best. If what you want to do is simply improve your skiing, well, that’s what all good ski or snowboard instructors want to do for you, so enjoy yourself and if you are not happy in one place then remember, you can always go 3 doors down to the next ski school in town.

Rob Stewart