Category Archives: Featured

What to look for in a ski helmet

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Throw the debate about wearing a skiing helmet on to an on-line forum and you’ll see a host of postings, for and against. It’s mostly a personal choice thing, although in some countries wearing a helmet is now dictated by law. For many skiers and snowboarders, though, it’s not a question of whether to wear a helmet, but more about what is the coolest, most comfortable helmet to buy that will also protect their heads while out on the slopes.

Bright pink ski helmet

Bright pink ski helmet

What to look for when buying a ski helmet

The outer shell: The shell of a ski helmet is generally made of a polycarbonate material. This is designed to be lightweight but still extremely strong. The theory is that skiers and snowboarders want head protection that is light enough to still be able to enjoy their sport, but robust enough to protect the head if they take a fall. It’s straightforward stuff, really!

Look inside: The interior of most ski and snowboard helmets is made of a double-density polystyrene to offer further protection for your head and to add comfort.

Even more comfort: Many ski helmets also have a softer material that rest against the head and padding around the ears and on the chin strap. Comfort is important when you’re whizzing about the slopes getting hot and sweaty.

Great ventilation in a ski helmet

Great ventilation in a ski helmet

Talking of sweaty: Ventilation is another important factor to consider when buying a ski or snowboarding helmet. Some skiers even buy two helmets: One to suit warmer weather conditions and another for extreme cold. If you are buying just one helmet think about how you normally feel when skiing. Do you get very hot and sweaty? If so, look for a helmet with greater ventilation.

Full face: You’ll see helmet with a full-face protection but these are normally reserved for competitors in downhill and slalom competitions. These are for protection for falls at high speeds. It’s rather like the difference between a road cycling helmet and a downhill mountain bike helmet. One sport has greater potential for a face plant, just like with the range of disciplines in skiing.

Open face helmets: Perfect for leisure and holiday skiing and the helmet that most folks will be buying.

Funky ski helmet for kids

Funky ski helmet for kids

Three types of ski helmet to think about

Full shell, short shell and competition helmets. Let’s explain:

  • Full shell helmets offer maximum coverage for recreational skiing. They are designed for protection and to keep the wind and weather off your head as well. These helmets are also a good idea if you’re planning on some top speed skiing and lots of tricks.
  • The short shell offers adequate protection but less helmet coverage. This might suit people who are excellent skiers and who tend to play it safe, or people who prefer a bit more ventilation.
  • The competition helmet is designed to save your life, ears, and jaws in a serious fast crash. If you are competing you should be wearing this design.

Fun looking skiing helmets

Fun looking skiing helmets

Ski helmets look cool so wear one

Looking around ski resorts these days it’s difficult to spot skiers and snowboarders without a ski helmet… which is why people now look for helmets that are fashionable, stylish, different, cool, whatever! Helmets come in a range of colours and designs and for extra uniqueness why not add your own stickers or spray paint design?

A snowboarding helmet with its own pompom hat!

A snowboarding helmet with its own pompom hat!

Added extras: Look for integrated head phones or helmet accessories such as add-on mohicans and helmet hats!

Top 10 Christmas gift ideas from Simply Piste

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1. The Super Tramp Colint Folding Davos 100 is a tradition wooden sledge, ideal for the whole family.  With its handmade beech frame and steel runners the sledge offers unbelievable value for money and hours of winter fun. The folding aspect also makes it very practical for off season storage.  Super Tramp Sledge

2. The Dakine Wheeled Duffle

Ideal for your ski and snowboarding trips, this small Dakine bag has a 58 litre capacity and the locking zippers ensure your contents will stay inside the bag whilst the end pockets provide plenty of space for stashing essentials and keeping them close to hand. The practicality of the product is matched by it’s durability, so rest assured this is money well spent.

Dakine Wheeled Duffle Small

3. The Motorola TLKR T8 Walkie – Talky
Keep in touch on the slopes with the TLKR T8 Walkie – Talky from Motorola.  This device allows effective communication whilst out skiing, hiking or camping. It comes with a range of functions including, hands free control, a range of up to 10km, LED torch whilst also being splash proof.

Motorola TLKR T8 Walkie - Talkie

4.  O’Neill – The Snug Headphones
Ski in style while listening to your favourite tunes, produced by Philips in conjunction with O’Neill to provide high quality sound with good build quality. Some of the features include a tangle free cable, comfy padding, dynamic bass and the flat fold storing capability. Excellent for on the slopes!

O'Neill - The snug headphones

5. Camelbak – Childrens Kicker Winter Hydration Pack
Keep your kids hydrated with this funky Camelbak backpack. Great for ages 5 and above, this little backpack also has a large compartment that will also hold accessories or other items. Helping you’re children to be better equipped on the slopes.

Camelbak hydration pack

6. POC Lobes Goggles
The ultimate style statement, the Lobes ski goggles from POC and its fully optimised lens allows skiers and snowboarders to perform on the slopes without any hindrances.  The features of this goggle completely justify the price of the item. They include a perfectly shaped spherical lens (reducing optical distortion), anti fogging properties and anti scratch properties.

POC Lobes Goggle

7. Protec Riot Helmet
Cool in style and colour, the riot ski helmet by protec is a popular choice by many skiers and snowboarders. Its lightweight approach gives you more freedom than conventional helmets. It features an EMS impact liner, 7 passive vents, wind shield, removable washable interior, detachable lined ear pads and RECCO reflectors.

Protec Riot Helmet

8. Didriksons  Kids Kilimanjaro  Coverall
Warm, comfortable and cool, keep your children happy in the snow! The Didriksons Kids Kilimanjaro Coverall has been a very popular item for us this year.  The young girls ski outfit boasts some great features such as their storm system which has sealed seams, chin guard, adjustable cuffs, hem, hood and waist, whilst also containing many zips to place your accessories.

Didriksons Kids Kilimanjaro coverall

9. Helly Hansen – Men’s Brevent Jacket
The Brevent ski jacket by Helly Hansen has received some good reviews so far this season. The jacket is waterproof, breathable, fully seam sealed and includes warmcore, a powdered skirt and multiple external and internal pockets.

Helly Hansen Mens Brevent Jacket

10. Oakley Womens GB Insulated Jacket
Keep warm and cosy this winter in this stylish jacket, the womens GB insulated jacket by Oakley is right on trend this season. The excellent features give protection from draughts and moisture entering the jacket and the large pockets will house all your ski accessories. It comes fully loaded with your every day ski jacket features whilst also including a magnetic storm flap.

Oakley womens GB insulated Jacket

The Extreme Ski Challenge – Beyond MT.Everest

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The Extreme Ski Challenge is a downhill ski event where, in teams of 4, participants will downhill ski 5,000 feet higher than the vertical ascent and descent of Mt Everest over a period of 48 Hours. The event is a fantastic way to see St. Anton, but more importantly, it is an opportunity to be part of an amazing, unforgettable experience that will bring some comfort to those with terminal illness and their families. The Hospice in the Weald provides specialist palliative care advice and clinical support for people with life limiting illness, their family and the bereaved in Kent and Sussex. The money raised in sponsorship by the participants will go towards to Hospice, which is funded solely by charity donations.

The Extreme Ski Challenge is a team endurance event where you will ski 70,000 vertical feet over a two day period. The event is organised by Vous2 Events Management exclusively for the Hospice in the Weald.

Entrants in teams of 4 will ski 35,000 vertical feet on Day 1 and the same again on Day 2. The event will take place from the 17th – 20th March 2012 in St Anton. It costs £185 to register for the Extreme Ski Challenge and each entrant will need to raise a further £1,750.00 in sponsorship for the Hospice in the Weald.

Included in this great price are flights, transfers, half board accommodation, (Pre-Race Dinner & Prize giving Dinner) two day lift pass and race entrance.

You love to ski, now push yourself to the limit and take two days to do something that you love, but do it for some someone you don’t know.

Interested please visit the booking team directly at extreme ski challenge

Exclusive Q&A with moguls champ Ellie Koyander

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We caught up with Ellie Koyander, Great Britain’s Number One Freestyle Mogul Skier and Team GB Olympian to find out more about her life as a skier and her aspirations for the future.  Ellie is 20 and hails from Tideswell, Derbyshire, England.

Ellie Koyander is GB's mo

Ellie Koyander is GB's No1 freestyle mogul skier

At what age did you start skiing? “I first began skiing on a family holiday in Italy at only 18-months-old and quickly caught the skiing bug. My parents had to stuff newspaper into the end of my little ski boots to make them fit my feet. Every time we came to the bottom of a ski run my dad would ask me what I thought and my reply would simply be, “AGAIN!” I have watched the home video of that day it’s clear to see the shear delight on my face!”

So, we’re presuming your whole family has always been into skiing? “Growing up we would always go on family holidays skiing in Europe. My dad loves loves  skiing and coached the England moguls team for several years as I was progressing as a young athlete. Both my parents have been so supportive and amazing throughout my journey so far – and made it possible to achieve my dreams in moguls skiing.”

When did you realise you were ace at skiing? “I have always had a huge passion for skiing and was a real Tomboy growing up loving anything adventurous and the outdoors. I joined Sharks ski club at Sheffield ski village and raced slalom as well as taking part in the freestyle disciplines. I was 12-years-old when I realised moguls were what I loved to do best and when I was 14 I found out that you could compete in the Olympics for moguls skiing, so I decided that that was what I wanted to do.”

Why do you like moguls skiing so much? “Moguls skiing is just such a challenge and I love that it can be so technical but has that danger element, too, such as when I pull a big back flip off the bottom jump on the moguls course!”

How did you get into moguls competition? “Being a member of Sharks ski club really helped me to get started with competing on the artificial ski slopes around England and the indoor snow domes, too. I quickly progressed through the ranks of the Yorkshire freestyle ski squad and then the England freestyle ski team.”

What was the turning point for you competitively? “I began competing internationally on the World Cup circuit for Great Britain when I was only 16. At this time I held the title of Junior French, Australian and USA regional champion and so the GB selectors decided it was time to let me ski against the world’s elite ready for the Winter Olympic Games in 2010.”

MOgul skiing Olympic champ Ellie K

Mogul skiing Olympic champ Ellie Koyander

What are your best ski champs achievements? “My career highlight so far is representing Team GB at the Winter Olympics in Vancouver last year (2010). I was the youngest member of Team GB and finished 24th place, which I was really happy with.”

Do you have tips for beginner skiers? “I don’t remember learning to ski as I was so young but for anyone who is just starting out my advice would be to get nice and forward in your ski boots on your skis and keep your hips high (don’t let you butt drag!) with your arms facing forwards and down the hill. Staying well-balanced and forward will help you to stay on your feet for longer and enjoy the challenge of different slopes.”

And what about tips for people keen to ski moguls? “Moguls are so much fun and a real challenge to ski once you have mastered the basics of good skiing technique. I suggest taking it easy to begin with, try some quick turns out of the moguls on the flats and then take these into a few moguls at a time on an easier slope. With a bit of practice, you can increase the number of moguls you can ski in one time and find a steeper slope to shred down. As before, make sure you keep those hips nice and high to allow for good absorption and stay forward on those skis to keep better control.”

What are your next competition challenges? “After a great summer training in the USA and Australia I can’t wait to start competing again this winter. My first event on the World Cup tour this year is on December 10th in Finland. I’m feeling stronger and fitter than ever! You can follow my journey at  www.elliekoyander.com, Twitter and Facebook.”

Tell us your dreams for mogul skiing. “I am now aiming to be a medal contender at the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia. With a strong programme in place, and a great support team around me, I can’t wait to go for gold in just over two years’ time.”

We wish Ellie all the best for the coming season and for her Olympic hopes.

Being There – By Field Productions

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I woke up this morning with the urge to get onto Youtube and Vimeo and check out some cool freeski videos. After an hour of envy I realised I only had around 15 minutes to catch my train to work, so running like a high school geek with red cheeks, a sweaty fringe and puffy cheeks became my morning look, to the amusement of all the kids on the commute.

Back to the videos, one that particularly caught my eye was field productions latest ski movie instalment….“Being There”. The movie was shot on various locations around Norway, Sweden and Japan and features some great athletes such as Tom Wallisch and Aleksander Aurdal.

The movie is all about Freeskiing, and the stunning scenery accompanied with immense action shots display an extreme passion for the sport. And armed with a top notch film crew and their high end HD cameras, means this move will blow your mind.

The release date was the 26th of October 2011, one for the Christmas list I think.

Skiology – Fine Dining in Morzine

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If luxury food is something that you look forward to every time you take a trip to the slopes, you might want to consider a trip to Morzine this season. Skiology.co.uk has been a hit in the region since their inception.  Their emphasis on comfort and a high quality personal service has allowed them to keep a customer retention figure of around 60%.

So how did it all start? Brothers Luke and Dom worked for a large ski operator in Val D’isere in 2005 and although they absolutely loved the experience it then dawned on them that they could do better. They saved everything they earned to pay for a summer visit to the Alps whilst looking for a chalet to rent. Their perception of an “ideal resort” was a large interlinked ski area, smaller lift queues, virgin snow and a great night life…. Hello Morzine.

“The Turner Brothers have revolutionised the standard chartered chalet formula”, they now have two chalets in Morzine and two in Les Carroz, all of them boasting impressive interior decorating, great communal areas and of course fantastic homemade cooking, I’m actually dribbling as I write this.  Morzine in one of the top 5 in demand resorts for British skiers and also just 40 minutes away from Les Carroz.

Since their arrival, Skiology has been featured in the telegraph, metro snow, the evening standing and the food and travel magazine.  They maintain the fact that they are small and flexible enough to offer what they think would be “the ultimate ski holiday”.  All chalets contain wifi, Nintendo wii, TV’s that access the internet, board games, large communal areas, panoramic views of the Alps, luxury linen, heated boot rooms, DVD libraries and sky TV.

But what about the food…….. ?

Skiology has revolutionised catering on the Alps. They’ve established business links with the best catering and hospitality courses in the UK, with all students accepted having to have an active interest in food and a minimum of 2 years kitchen experience. Their passion toward good food was highlighted when Luke turned down a position to work at Heston Blumethal’s Fat Duck restaurant to follow his dream.
They can cater for any dietary requirements without compromising great tasting food. They also have a dedicated menu for children.
If the garlic rosemary infused roast lamb or red pepper and goats cheese tart doesn’t get you taste buds going what about the Fillet mignon with rostis or the winter parcelets shown below.

skiology3

skiology2

Still Hungry? What about this Mirtileberry cheesecake ?

skiology4

Feel free to visit their gallery for more fantastic looking food.  All this has made me extremely hungry.  All in all, I urge you to at least check them out next time you book  a trip to the Alps.

Nudist Ski Resorts: Would You Dare to Bare?

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With the existence of many nudist ski resorts, and let’s face it, a lot of deserted mountain space, more and more people are choosing to bare it all for the rush and ski or snowboard in the nude.  As the economy forces people to tighten their purse strings, you might be able to forgive them for wanting to save money by opting out of ski clothes whilst still hitting the slopes – the epitome of travelling light!

1But with the very obvious downside of frozen nether regions, and a slight suspicion that those doing it might be a little bit more than simply off piste, what is the appeal?

Nudist skiers attest to a feeling of liberation and fun whilst flying down the slopes in an icy breeze (brrrr), a sentiment obviously shared by hundreds of spectators and skiers who attend nudist ski events and competitions.  Possibly the most infamous of these events occurred in the wonderfully named Crested Butte in Colorado, which hosted an annual end of season naked ski procession that was unfortunately disallowed in 1998 when it all became a tad too boisterous.

There are other scantily clad ski events still running such as the Undie 500 Race on Mount Cheeseman in New Zealand, where contestants are positively encouraged to wear the bare minimum – but still hide their modesty – whilst completing a complicated slalom course.  With prizes to be won for the first to finish and, slightly ironically, the ‘best dressed’, the race seems as fun to watch as it is to participate in!

It is now more difficult to find fully nude ski resorts, but should the mood take you there are still a few places in which you can legally do so, one of the best being in Obertraun.  Tucked away in the Austrian Alps, Obertraun is run by the German nudist association (the Germans appear to have a particular penchant for nudism!).  Whilst there, you can indulge in some liberating cross country skiing on the beautiful Dachsein plateau, and when you’re done go for a candle lit skinny dip in the lake.  Refreshing!!

2Some words of warning if I have inspired you to undertake this chilly version of our favourite winter sport:

  • You need high factor suncream everywhere. Don’t forget that snow is reflective, therefore, the UV rays will bounce upwards leading to some seriously uncomfortable sunburn!
  • The sense of humiliation when you fly down the ski slopes on your face, or flip upside down on the ski lift because you forgot to get off (genuinely done by my accident prone brother), will probably be even keener with your frozen pink derrière in the air.
  • Additionally if you fall, you take the risk of getting snow burn in some very painful places.
  • You must be considerate of those who have to use their chairlift after you, and be weary of the dangers of freezing cold metal on bare skin – ouch!

Two final alternatives for the less brave:

  • It would need a particular dedication to undertake the ‘discipline’ of skiing au naturel all day long.  Consider doing a victory streak at the end of a run instead.
  • Scotland (somewhat unsurprisingly) holds the world record for the most people skiing at once – in kilts.  I’m assuming it might be a better, if not still breezy, alternative to being fully nude.  Of course you still need to be aware of UV glare, and sudden gusts!

Best Excuses for Quitting Your Job to Become a Ski Bum

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That awkward moment when you’ve just had a call from your friends telling you they’re all going skiing for a season, you’ve just started a new job and there’s no way you’re missing out on this trip.
So after 3 months of heavy training and expensive investment in your services, you’re now considering telling your boss that the role is “No longer for you” and you’ve realised that you don’t want to start your life of servitude just yet.
So what do you do? Do you sell everything you own and go? Do you drag your job out to the last moment and collect all the money you can and then leave your boss in the pits after “everything they’ve done for you”?
Below are what we think are the best excuses for quitting your job and seeking out that “Ski Bum” role that we all dream about whilst racking up the credit card allowance and personal loans.

1.)    If you have a great respect for your boss and feel guilty about leaving, try this: “I hate getting paid for working – I need at least 6 months out in the French Alps to cleanse my soul.”

2.)    An alternative to the above: “I am going through a hard time and I couldn’t handle this job right now. I found out that my long lost grandpa has died and he lives in a ski resort somewhere in Europe. I need to spend 6 months finding his resting place so I can show my last respects.”

3.)    Another alternative: “Dear boss, I’ve heard rumours that you will be leaving soon. Since the only source of fun and laughter is gonna disappear, I don’t see any point in sticking around anymore”

4.)    If you can no longer stand your boss and you’d like to get that final “up yours” in, try: “I have an eye problem, I just can’t see myself turning up anymore”, or…

5.)     “I’d like to inform you that with the generous raise you gave me last night, I was able to afford to buy a pen, paper and enough ink to write you this message…… …………..I quit”
I’ve personally handed in a resignation request just once in my short career of 5 years and to be perfectly honest I’d rather never want to endure those awkward two weeks up until your leave date, ever again.  I think from now being sacked is perhaps more satisfying and it gives you a chance to cause havoc for a few weeks up until your departure……. Plus its way more Rock N Roll.
5 ideas for getting fired.
1.)    Do nothing…. Let your phone ring, ignore your e-mails, spend all day on facebook and refer all hard work to your boss.

2.)    Use your boss’s credit card on adult entertainment sites.

3.)    Park in your boss’s space every day ….. “By accident”.

4.)    Suddenly develop Tourettes syndrome and shout random abusive language across the office.

5.)    Re-arrange your boss’s keyboard keys to spell out something funny or abusive.

Have a laugh – and get fit for snowboarding

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You’re dedicated to getting fit for snowboarding… but you’re just a little bored of the same old exercises. Instead, you might want to give the Indo Board a try. The latest – and most fun – way to improve the strength and balance required for snowboarding, this is an inspired fitness gadget.
The Indo Board comprises an oval plank of wood that lies on top of a small cushion of air, thus simulating a snowboard, and also a surfboard, riding the snow, or the waves. Trying to sit, stand or lean on the board engages a wide range of muscles.
Try performing a few exercises such as sit-ups, squats and press-ups on the Indo Board and you’ll see just how difficult it is to do these routine exercises without allowing the board to touch the floor.
The Indo Board is fantastic for your core muscles as you try to maintain your balance, and also targets the legs, arms, abdominals and butt. So, all those muscles that you’ll be engaging while snowboarding on the pistes this winter.
Created by Florida-born surfer, the Indo Board has now become the focus of gym classes across America – and we’re predicting it will reach these shores in the very near future.

Of course, you’re dedicated to getting fit for snowboarding… but you’re just a little bored of the same old exercises. Instead, you might want to give the Indo Board a try. This inspired fitness gadget targets all the muscles that you’ll use for snowboarding and gives participants a real giggle as they try to stay balanced on the board while sitting, standing or simply leaning on it.

Indo Board's the way to better snowboarding fitness

Indo Board's the way to better snowboarding fitness

So what is the Indo Board? The fitness equipment comprises an oval plank of wood that lies on top of a small cushion of air, thus simulating a snowboard riding the snow. (It’s also ideal for practising surfing on “waves”.)

The Indo Board exercises: To start with you’ll want to attempt to stay balanced while standing on the board. Adopting the snowboarding position, see how long you can remain balanced, and check out how much you’re using all your muscles. Now try performing a few exercises on the Indo Board, such as sit-ups, squats and press-ups (rest your arms on the board and your feet on the floor) and you’ll see just how difficult it is to do these routine moves without allowing the board to touch the floor.

What are the benefits?: The Indo Board is fantastic for your abs and back muscles as you try to maintain your balance, and also targets the legs, arms and butt. So, that’s all those muscles that you’ll be engaging while snowboarding on the pistes this winter.

What’s the trend?: Created by Florida-born surfer, the Indo Board has now become the focus of gym classes across America – and we’re predicting it will reach these shores in the very near future.