WINTER SPORTS

Anybody who has read this far probably has a good idea of what to expect from a winter stay in the Alps, in terms of the sports on offer, but we will offer a guide here to the uninitiated as to what is out there!  And we will attempt to explain some of the jargon and parlance used by winter sports enthusiasts too...:

Ski-ing & Snowboarding

These are the classic “Alpine” sports; and when we say “Alpine” this does not indicate that they are sports that can only be done in the Alps, but more as a way of differentiating them from the “Nordic” winter sports of cross-country ski-ing and telemarking.

In general, Alpine ski-ing and snowboarding involves the use of a resort-based lift network, allowing access to both on-piste ski-ing (using the prepared and patrolled “piste” network) and off-piste ski-ing (using the un-groomed and un-patrolled parts of the mountain).  “Piste” is a French word, meaning “track”.  Ski-lift passes are expensive, but do offer the opportunity to ski all day, covering huge amounts of ground, brushing up on technique and simply having fun in the mountains, with the minimum of effort.  Increasingly, these ski areas have become larger, more interlinked with one another and have also invested heavily in artificial snow-making facilities, as well as snowparks (areas full of jumps, rails, half-pipes etc. for freestyle enthusiasts).  This environment is also home to numerous mountain restaurants, offering outdoor terraces, hot wine, great (but often unhealthy!) food (if at slightly inflated prices) and plenty of sunbathing opportunities.

On the periphery, you also  have various other ways of going uphill using the lift system and sliding downhill; telemark ski-ing, mono-boarding or snow-blading for example

Ski touring

Ski touring involves equipment which looks, at first sight, similar to that used by downhill skiers.  However, the similarity ends there as the skis are predominantly designed for going uphill, with “skins” attached to the bottom of the ski, allowing purchase on the ski when pushed backwards.  The heel is free to lift too, allowing the user to “walk” uphill efficiently.  The scope for covering ground on these skis is huge, as is the possibility of running into avalanche risk, so caution (and lots of safety equipment) are the order of the day.

Cross country ski-ing

This is the “queen” of the “Nordic” winter sports.  Cross-country ski-ing is the perfect complement to road cycling for us here – when it is too cold and snowy to cycle, we can get the cross-country skis out.  It involves ski-ing under your own steam up and down hill and is an amazing cardiovascular workout. 

There are 2 disciplines to choose from:  “Classic” (also known as “alternative”) and “Skating”.

The 'Classic' discipline takes place on prepared trails, the skis moving in parallel grooves cut into the snow; this is often the method preferred by beginners, with the action being similar to an exaggerated walk and slide.  This method is also quite easy to learn.

The 'Skating' discipline involves forward motion provided by putting sideways pressure on the skis; it employs many muscle groups, including “poling” and a lot of upper-body input. Many endurance athletes use Skating as a way to keep fit during the winter months.  Paula Radcliffe and Greg Lemond are both keen advocates of cross-country ski-ing as cross-training.

We are hugely fortunate to have 26km of cross country ski pistes on our doorstep, not to mention the many pistes in other surrounding resorts. One of the beauties of cross country ski-ing is that you do not normally have to rely on mechanical uplift, so once you have bought a pass you can ski whenever you like. Early morning or even moonlit night  outings (with head torches) can be rewarded by some great wildlife sightings and by having the mountains to yourself.  Cross country ski-ing is a sport where all ages can participate.

Cross country skis, boots and poles are all available for hire locally and are normally much cheaper than Alpine equipment.  A daily cross country ski pass is also much cheaper than an Alpine ski-pass (somewhere in the region of €8- €10 per day). Cross country ski lessons can be arranged; these are more likely to be available on a 1:1 basis with an instructor than in a group lesson.

Cross country ski pistes are graded by colour in the same way as downhill pistes :
Green - (very) easy/beginner
Blue – medium/easy/intermediate
Red - difficult/medium/advanced intermediate
Black - (very) difficult/advanced

Their grading is more a question of physical effort required rather than technical proficiency.

Snowshoeing
Snowshoeing is a great way to get about in the snow for all ages and all abilities. No lessons are needed as it's just so easy to pick up - if you can walk, you can snowshoe! Snowshoes come in all sizes and just strap on to the outside of boots or sturdy shoes, all you need then are a couple of trekking poles and you're away!  Snow/water-proof trousers or gaiters are the only additional recommendations for this activity. Snowshoes and poles can be rented locally for just a few Euros a day. There are marked trails from our door as well as the occasional organised walk with guides in the local area and even night walks.

Ski Lessons
For beginners and infrequent skiers/boarders, etc. it is advisable to take lessons to get yourself started. Most ski resorts have at least one ski school and most instructors speak a good level of English.

Ski lessons can either be taken in a class (usually for a period of one week), or individually on a 1:1 basis with an instructor. Individual lessons are taken by the hour and are slightly more flexible but more expensive.

It is always better to pre book your lessons ahead of your trip. At certain times of the year, especially the February school holidays and Christmas/New Year period, demand is very high so it is essential to book in advance to avoid disappointment.

Lessons can often be booked on-line (see 'LINKS' page for individual resort ski schools).  Please be aware that most ski schools require payment in full at the time of booking.

Equipment hire and maintenance
If you do not have your own equipment (boots, skis, poles, boards, etc.) then it is very easy to hire from ski shops in the surrounding resorts. It is a good idea to know your European shoe size  and your weight in Kg (see 'LINKS' page for metric conversion calculator) for boot and ski/board fitting . Ski shops also hire out helmets for kids and these are advisable for all levels of participation in winter sports.  The most important items of clothing are: jacket, trousers, gloves and goggles or sunglasses.

Insurance
If you already have holiday insurance, it is worth checking your policy carefully to see that you are covered for winter sports as some providers consider this group of activities as 'dangerous sports'. If you do not have winter sports cover there are many companies that offer good deals specifically designed for all types of winter sports (see LINKS page).

A recommended cover whilst in France is 'Carre Neige', which is bought at the same time as your ski pass (€2.70 per day). This insurance covers you if you have to be taken off the mountain in the event of an accident or injury, or even for repatriation.  It also covers the refund of your ski pass or missed ski lessons as a result of any injury/accident.  (see 'LINKS' page for more information).  

It is NOT, however, a replacement for medical insurance once you have been transported off the mountain and find yourself being treated by medical practitioners.

Guides
Mountain guides are available to accompany you off-piste or for other specialised sports such as ski touring or ice climbing. Off piste ski-ing in the Alps is only really advisable with a qualified guide and for those with suitable experience and safety equipment (that means avalanches probes, snow shovels, avalanche transceivers, etc. as well as training in the use of this equipment).

If you would like to book some time with a mountain guide, it is advisable to do so in advance. We are happy to do this on your behalf.

Please be aware that some guides may require payment in advance and in full; also, many guided activities are very much weather dependent so are subject to change or even cancellation in adverse conditions.