Another Munro done. Dan Goodwin

The season of 2010 was one of the best with huge amounts of snow falling in the Highlands and with some great weather along with it, many where out enjoying the conditions. ’The worst winter in 30 years’ the BBC news reader stated, ’Hard times in the Highlands’ said the Oban Times but for skiers and winter climbers alike this was the season that people had been dreaming of. It doesn’t need to be the best season of a lifetime though to provide good ski weekends. Having been here for the last decade there hasn’t been a winter where the ski’s have stayed inside, there have been winters that where late coming and some that finished abruptly some wet runs but the winter always throw up a good spell. Some understanding of the weather and keeping an eye on the weathers history over the weeks before will provide you with the info needed to decide whether to get in the car and start the M6 dash.

Ski mountaineering in Scotland offers a huge wealth of ski trips from the rolling Cairngorm range to the sharper and steeper mountains on the west coast in the shape of the Grey Corries and Glen Coe ranges. From there you can head further North into remote glens and the big Munros of the North West.

Scottish ski mountaineering much as in the Alps requires a few winter mountaineering skills as well as the ability to ski. For those aspiring to the classic tours in the Alps Scotland can provide a good training ground helping hone some fundamental mountain skills. You need to be able to navigate confidently in sometimes harsh weather and poor visibility, be proficient in the use of ice axe and crampons and also have some knowledge of avalanches and how they occur.

These skills are very important and do cause serious accidents and many people who don’t have them often require the services of the local mountain rescue team to get them back to safety. The most common reason people get into trouble is due to poor navigation. If your looking to brush up these essential winter skills or to gain them for the first time then I would highly recommend booking a winter skills course usually run over two days or a long weekend in the Highlands. These can also be tailored to suit ski mountaineers.

The odd heather shuffle adds interest low down. Dan Goodwin

For ski mountaineering skiing is also a vital skill, it seems a rather obvious thing to be recommending but its often underestimated. Having a basic grasp of skiing wont always be enough when it comes to mountain terrain. With a variety of ungroomed snow types to tackle from deep soft powder to hard icy wind packed snow , brittle crusts and deep heavy snow. A good level of confidence is required in your turns as often they can be long days and time can be of the essence.

Armed with those skills the Highlands open up offering a lifetimes worth of ski tours. The weather certainly plays a large part in what happens in Scotland with sometimes fickle conditions but almost all the time during February through to April there will be snow, you may have to boot pack it up a little way to get the ski’s on. The amount of readily available information on mountain conditions has also helped aid the decision making on a Friday night. One very important service to check is the Scottish Avalanche Information Service (SAIS) they run a service from the 15^th of December through to April the 15^th. This is a  Sport Scotland funded programme where two people head out on a daily basis in their allocated area gathering snow data which is compiled into a report and published on the internet and other information areas. This offers some indication on the level of avalanche hazard and some possible aspects that people need to be aware of. Avalanches can and do occur causing accidents and sadly fatality, some snow awareness is essential to staying safe. Blogs, internet chat rooms and up to the minute weather reports all help to give you a good indication of what’s happening on the hill at that moment but remember they are only shaping a picture and the most important  information you need to interpret is what you see around you and under your feet when you get into the mountains.

Which way, lots of lines from the summit of Cairngorm. Dan Goodwin

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Guest post sent from Dan Goodwin – MountainPlan.com.

Indoor snow centres are an entirely different experience from the dry ski slopes that you might remember from your youth. They are fully maintained, pisted slopes available for your delectation any time of the year without stepping on a plane.

These things are expensive to maintain, and as such, snow centres also tend to offer other entertainment beyond the slopes, and try and attract large groups with corporate events that can start in the meeting rooms and continue onto a day at the slopes.

Indoor snow centres are great for teaching kids how to ski in advance of their first ski holidays or just to brush up on your skills during the year while you don’t have the opportunity to go abroad and hit some outdoor powder.

The Austrian landscape has been maintained to remain natural, pure and beautiful, providing a wonderful backdrop to any skiing trip.
Of course, no ski resort can fully satisfy everyone without a buzzing apres ski scene, and that’s another area that Austrian ski resorts really deliver in. With great beer, wine and simple but delicious food, Austrians really know how to show their guests a good time. Kitzbuhel in particular is famous for being a beautiful ski resort with a medieval feel to it.

I would definitely recommend that you visit it on your next ski trip and enjoy the natural scenery of this beautiful ski resort.

The chalet is an old building which has been renovated to a high standard to offer guests comfort and luxury as well as retaining traditional charming features such as dark wood beams, wooden floors and a beautiful log fire. Creating the perfect atmosphere and environment to relax with a drink and a cake in the spacious lounge after a great day on the slopes.

• Chalet Jora sleeps up to 14 guests
• 5 bedrooms – 2 doubles, 1 twin and 2 quad rooms
• 4 modern bathrooms, 1 with a bath tub
• Comfortable and cosy lounge with log fire
• Flatscreen TV with cable channels, DVD selection and Nintendo Wii
• In chalet laptop and free Wifi internet
• Heated boot room
• Chalet honesty bar in the lounge
• Separate dining room
• Fully catered with breakfast, afternoon tea and hearty 3 course evening meals on 6 nights
• Unlimited wine and soft drinks to accompany your evening meal
• Free use of Sauna and Jacuzzi at nearby hotel (just 20m away)
• In house massage available (payable locally)
• Chalet Jora is rated #1 Speciality Lodging on Trip Advisor

Owner run by Brits Jay and Laura, Chalet Jora’s home from home style makes the chalet the perfect choice for larger groups of friends or families wanting to relax together by the fire in the lounge and watch a movie, play games, or enjoy an after dinner drink from the honesty bar.

With a massive 650km’s of pistes (not to mention the numerous km’s of off-piste!), the area offers superb skiing and snowboarding for all ages and levels. From spacious and wide slopes for beginners, cruising runs for intermediates, and challenging black runs and off-piste skiing for the more advanced skiers, the huge Portes du Soleil ski area and stunning scenery is shouting out to be explored.

The Portes du Soleil ski area itself offers a mix of open and wooded slopes suitable for all abilities. Nestled between Lake Geneva and Mont Blanc, the ski area creates its own micro climate thus giving the area an amazing snow record – don’t be fooled by a higher resort having better snow, this is not always the case! With easy access to Avoriaz, Chatel, Morzine and the Swiss side of the Portes du Soleil ski area, the area is an extremely convenient location. Perhaps ski France one day and then Switzerland the next, the choice is yours!

With such a large ski area, the amount of off-piste is massive. It is even great for intermediate skiers wishing to experience their first powder run. For those in the know The Happy Valley at Chatel’s Linga ski area offers some of the best and varied off piste in the Portes du Soleil, and for the more adventurous, you can hike up to the bowls overlooking the Mossets chair lift to enjoy the fluffy powder fields and amazing views of Mont Blanc.

As for ski accommodation the Portes du Soleil provides lots of different options from hotels, catered ski chalets, self catered apartments and even camp sites!

The article was written by Paolo Sebastianelli who has been running a catered ski chalet since 2006.
Catered ski chalet Chatel

Going on a ski holiday with young children can be a huge logistics exercise.

Most skiers are eager to get up and go early to catch the first lift or to meet for their ski lessons. Your nanny will come to your chalet or hotel full of ideas to entertain your precious ones. She will take them away from you so you can get organised to hit the slopes or take them to their ski school while you are busy getting to yours.

Some families ask the nanny to meet them for lunch on the slopes or take the children on a gondola ride, practise putting their skis on and sliding on a gentle slope, having a hot chocolate in a nice café or taking them to swim or ice skating.

Many resorts provide private childcare which can be organised in advance even prior to booking your accommodation for a hassle free holiday. Your nanny is absolutely invaluable for an enjoyable stay.

A good private nanny agency can be an excellent choice.

The nannies stay in resort for the whole season or even year because they love the mountain life, the skiing or boarding and they do this job with pleasure unlike other nannies who are employed by some childcare companies to work in a creche.

Private nannies can be more mature and usually have an intimate knowledge of the resort they choose to go to. They can accommodate more of the family needs eg some shopping for the children prior to your arrival.

There are excellent childcare providers in popular ski resorts. Some will only hand pick their nannies for their professional and friendly nature and enthusiasm for their job. These agencies place great emphasis on the high levels of the service the clients can expect.

Most chalets offer one day off for their staff to rest. The nanny will still come to you to take care of your children while you ski or board or even to babysit in the evening while you can enjoy a nice, quiet dinner.

Your holiday can last as long as you like, from a week or two or even a quick weekend. Your nanny can accommodate all your needs for the duration of the entire stay.

The warm and caring service will make you and your children feel that you want to take your nanny home with you. This is why most families return year after year to the same nanny agency and ask for the same nanny. It all becomes a family matter in the end…

For anybody travelling on a ski holiday to Meribel.  Merinannies is an excellent recommended private nanny agency in the region.  You can visit the website at www.merinannies.com or contact Katia on +44(0) 7860 925055

WHISTLER, BC — There are many great debates to have in Whistler: where to party, which restaurant to eat at, which patio to hit for Après. But none can be as challenging as standing at the base of Whistler and Blackcomb and making the call on which mountain to hit.

At the north end of its village, both mountains will call your name. Whatever you decide, you’re going to experience some of the best runs you’ll ever shred. Even if it was just one mountain there would be enough options to keep you busy for weeks. But combined, it makes for an unrivalled experience. Over 200 runs, 8,000 skiable acres (the largest in North America), 38 lifts and an average of over 10 metres (33 feet) of snow in a season are just a few of its impressive stats.

Doc Pow’s choices

Blackcomb is home to some of my top picks, including the areas known as Seventh Heaven and The Blackcomb Glacier. In my opinion, Blackcomb’s upper alpine area is supreme; Seventh Heaven has lived up to its name more than a few times. Massive glade options on the lower half of it, and wide open powder bowls to the top make this my choice for those powder-filled mornings.

If you are looking for something a little more adventurous, make the hike up and onto the Blackcomb Glacier, accessible by the Glacier T-Bar found at the top of the Jersey Cream Quad. While on the Jersey you’ll note, to your left, a line of hikers making their way up to what’s known as Spanky‘s Ladder. This provides access to Ruby Bowl.

Ruby Bowl is not for the faint of heart. This adrenalin-pumping double diamond run delivers a guaranteed grin from ear to ear.

The Blackcomb Glacier is a little more tame, and features a nice hike to its entrance with a wide open powder bowl waiting to reward you for those efforts. Don’t miss out on a signature Blackcomb experience with a stop in for some stellar waffles up at the Crystal Hut.

Over on the Whistler side, my choice would be to head right in for some sweet tunes coming out of Symphony bowl. It was just recently that Whistler developed this area by adding in a great new quad chair.

In-bound backcountry

With some outstanding hiking options, here you’ll get to “ski the backcountry” while remaining in-bounds. The lower half of Symphony, accessible by blue and green runs, features some stellar skiing and riding for the entire family. Whistler is also home to the “fresh tracks breakfast,” which gives you access to the mountain before anyone else and features a great breakfast up at the Roundhouse mid-mountain. On a powder day, this is an investment that will not steer you wrong.

Last season, Whistler/Blackcomb helped make the decision of which mountain to hit just a little easier, by installing the multi-million dollar (and now world famous) Peak 2 Peak Gondola.

Bridging the gap between both mountains at around their mid-mountain points, this $55 million engineering marvel is the world’s longest horizontal gondola in the world – at over three kilometres – and over 400 meters above Fitzsimmons Creek below.

“Peak 2 Peak really gives you options; you don’t have to stick with whichever mountain you started with,” said former Crazy Canuck, ski legend Steve Podborski. “This project is simply unique. Two mile-high mountains now joined at their mid points.”

One of the biggest things this development allows is exploring both mountains with only an 11-minute transfer.

Staying up in the pow

“If the snow is really good, my pick is to head up Spanky’ s Ladder and into Ruby’s Bowl, but if it’s a bit more skied out, I like to head into Lower Franz,” said Podborski, who was also part of the 2010 Olympic organizing committee.

With Ruby’s on Blackcomb and Franz on Whistler, both options are that much closer now. This development is really going to come in handy in the early and late parts of the seasons, keeping you where the powder’s at.

However, a little word from the wise here – because of the size of each mountain, work to master one before taking on the next. This way you can truly unlock all the secret stashes that await on either Whistler or Blackcomb, and get to know these world treasures intimately.

For more than 750 pages about the ski and snowboard adventures that await you in Whistler and the rest of Western Canada, check out SnowSeekers @ www.snowseekers.ca.

Chamonix lies in one of the most spectacular valleys of the French Alps. Reminiscent of the Himalayas, the area is dominated by deeply crevassed glaciers and the highest peak in Europe of the Mont Blanc. The Aiguille du Midi, a solitary spire of rock near Mont Blanc’s summit, which has postcard perfect views.

Chamonix is the perfect place to come for a weekend break, week’s holiday or even a longer, seasonal stay. This lively alpine town offers something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for sport or a stroll, adventure or relaxation, you will always find something to do. Everybody experiences Chamonix in their own way.

ChamServe can provide you with a great range of holiday accommodation rentals from studio apartments to large family chalets. We will go the further mile to assist you with transfers and once you have arrived local advice, booking activities/sports and discounts for ski hire, guides etc.

Whether you are looking for excitement with shops, restaurants and bars on your doorstep or relaxing in the peace and tranquility of the surrounding valleys forests, ChamServe’s large selection of holiday accommodation rentals will meet your requirements for an unforgettable holiday!

Call us for any enquiry UK Phone: +44 845 8682006 or FR Phone: +33 450 533641 Email info@chamserve.com or visit www.chamserve.com

WHISTLER, BC – After skiing and snowboarding for 19 years, getting my first turns at Whistler today left serious impressions. Not to brag, but I’ve ridden nearly every resort in Western Canada. I rode the day “epic” became canon. I’ve had turns so deep, my board ran into bioluminescent sea creatures. In short, the last two decades have been good … really good.

However, my life as a rider will forever be divided into two categories: before and after Whistler. Coming into town, it’s very clear Whistler is not a typical ski town; it’s a mecca. There’s a reason Whistler is consistently ranked amongst North America’s best ski destinations, and it begins in the village.

Perfection around every corner

The cobblestone streets are lined with the best restaurants, shops, pubs and clubs. Each one potentially contains your idea of a perfect party. Each menu contains your idea of the perfect meal. Each shop has that perfect item you can’t find anywhere else. Sure the chains are present, but they’re buried within the most eclectic collection.

Of course the good attracts the bad. Prices go up. Pretensions rise. Exclusivity becomes the norm. The only element devoid of this phenomenon, however, is the riding. It’s all good.

Best of the best

To get an idea of what Whistler Blackcomb is like, picture your top five favourite mountains. Then think of what makes them your top five: terrain, specific areas, hiking, glades, groomers. Then take those five elements and put them into one hill. Heading up the 7th Heaven chair, I saw the Sunshine Garbage chutes, Revelstoke’s North Bowl, Lake Louise’s glades, Terminator from Kicking Horse, and Red Mountain groomers. Then I realized, I was on one chairlift, of one section, of just one hill.

For more than 750 pages about the ski and snowboard adventures that await you in Whistler and the rest of Western Canada, check out SnowSeekers @ www.snowseekers.ca.

From the gentle nursery slopes in town, you can progress to the blue runs at Savoleyres, Lac des Vaux and La Chaux. For a great selection of red runs, you can take the routes from Attelas and Ruinettes down to Medran. For the more adventurous skier ,there are the endless possibilities of challenging off-piste terrain. Verbier is lucky to boast a huge range of itinerary routes ,all of varying lengths and difficulties. These are patrolled off-piste slopes and are either bumpy, or after fresh snow, a haven of powder and soft snow! You don’t need all the avalanche safety kit for these runs but you do need to be aware of rocks, trees and cliffs and how the conditions are and might have changed. ‘It’s always best to be with a guide or instructor’ says Jon West of Altitude Ski and Snowboard School. Itinerary runs are a great way of exploring off-piste while being comfortable that you are in an area that is marked from the top to the bottom and controlled for safety. For the expert skier, take a guide and discover the back of Mont Fort or Stairway to Heaven for a truly magical adventure.

If you prefer to watch the off-piste, visit Verbier in March for the final of the O’Neil Xtreme on the Bec Des Rosses. Due to the extreme nature and difficulty of this event, only the very best riders are selected, including Altitude Ski & Snowboard School Director Andre Sommer. The O’Neil Xtreme is an amazing freeride event which offers Verbier skiers the opportunity to witness firsthand some of the best skiers and riders performing in probably the most extreme Ski/Snowboard Competition in the World.

For anyone who wants to improve their technique be guided around Verbier or become an instructor, Altitude Ski and Snowboard School run ski and snowboard lessons, performance clinics, instructor training and off-piste guiding. See www.altitude-verbier.com, or contact them on info@altitude-verbier.com or +41 (0)27 771 6006