The dawn of a new year generally signals that everybody is ready to put the cold winter hues of November and December behind them. With Christmas out of the way, it will be time to start unpacking t-shirts and shorts before we know it, ready for spring.

However, it is important to remember that we are still in the early months of the year. It certainly won’t be t-shirt and shorts weather for a few months yet and it won’t come as a surprise to feel a cold chill in the air as we make our way to work every morning. However for some, winter is the best time of year.

Winter sport

It is certainly a fantastic time of year for those looking to go on a winter sport holiday. Skiing and snowboarding holidays offer unparalleled levels of fun and can also be a great exercise tactic in the winter months as well. Andorra, Austria and France can all offer exceptional skiing experiences thanks to their mountainous landscape and below-freezing temperatures.

This may sound like stratospheric levels of fun – and believe me, it is - but before jumping into a skiing holiday with both feet first, it’s important to know some of the health risks involved.

Health and safety

Provided would-be skiers go through proper training and have the right equipment, skiing can actually be a very safe sport. Around three participants in every 1,000 need medical attention, which is much lower than a game of football, where injuries are commonplace. However, without the right training, getting injured en-piste is likely.

First, it’s important that any holidaymaker on their way to a winter skiing holiday takes out winter sports travel insurance. Most accidents occur due to sheer recklessness either on yours or another person’s behalf and bumps, grazes and ligament injuries are not uncommon. Shoulder, wrist and arm injuries are also prevalent among snowboarders. Insurance can help deal with medical bills for such injuries as well as lost equipment, depending on the type of cover.

Having the right equipment while on the slopes can also help holidaymakers to stay safe. Get your equipment checked by a reputable hire company or purchase your own items based on a rep’s recommendation.

It is also important for beginner skiers to stay on the starter slopes. This way, entry-level skiers can familiarise themselves with the slopes in the company of other like-minded beginners. Heading straight for the black runs (expert slopes) will only end in tears at the very least. Control your speed and ski within your own ability in order to ensure your ski trip ends with smiles all round.

Weather

Finally, it’s important to be cautious of the weather. As well as being extremely cold, sunburn (yes, sunburn) is also a frequent ailment of beginner skiers. Wrap up warm and make sure protective goggles are worn in order to protect your body from both the cold mountainous chill and the sun’s blazing rays. Clothes filled with down, Polartec or other insulation materials often offer the best protection.

Also, don’t forget your woolly hat!

About the Author: David Smithson loves to ski and has made a trip at least every other year since he was 12 years old so he’s used to preparing. David writes on behalf of winter sports travel insurer Holidaysafe.

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Most people would associate a holiday with sun, sand and swimming pools, or thoroughly exploring a famous city. However, one holiday that people don’t generally think of is actually one of the best for you, and that’s skiing.

A lot of people avoid skiing holidays because they don’t associate a holiday with a lot of exercise, cold temperatures and snow. However, a skiing holiday could actually be one of the best things you’ve ever experienced and once you’ve tried it you’re sure to go back year on year.
There are loads of benefits that skiing has on the body, here are just a few:

Skiing tones and builds muscle; skiing, along with swimming, is one of the only sports that exercises the entire body. Swimming is a great exercise because you’re continually twisting and turning and using your limbs to their maximum capacity; it’s the same with skiing, the constant twisting, turning and jumping will use a lot more muscles than you will feel and you will see the difference.

Skiing is also a great sport if you’re trying to lose weight. Depending on the intensity and the type of skiing you choose to take part in you could burn up to a massive 1,000 calories each hour. You can’t just get straight onto the slopes as a beginner and expect to do this though; if you want to burn a decent amount of calories when you’re out there then you’re going to have to practice when you’re at home. Whatever the intensity you decide on though, you can be sure you’ll be burning more calories than if you’d holidayed in hotter climates as it takes a lot more energy to keep the body warm in colder temperatures.

It’s also a great sport for improving the health of your heart; skiing requires a lot of energy which therefore gets your heart pumping much faster. This is a great thing for everyone, no matter how fit you are because it ultimately makes your heart muscle much stronger and circulation much faster.

Not only is skiing a great way to improve your overall fitness and health of the body, it’s also brilliant for your mood. When you do any kind of physical activity endorphins are released by the body which automatically improve your mood. The amount of endorphins that are released depends on the intensity of the sport so because skiing is incredibly intense, your mood will be improved for longer.

Oscar Worth used alpsaccommodation.com when he went on his holiday to france last year, he said it was the best holiday he’d had in years.

http://www.simplypiste.com/

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Tired of queuing for the lifts during peak ski-season? Snow-park jam-packed with pro’s and park-rats? No-problem – it sounds like you need to get away from the crowds – somewhere with plenty of powder, bowls, off-piste and spectacular views of course. If only you had a chopper – you could go pretty much anywhere – right?

Enter ‘heli-skiing- which as you might suspect form the name involves a helicopter, a suitably qualified mountain guide, you, your buddies and your safety and avalanche equipment.

Heli-skiing is off-trail, downhill skiing which embraces skiing in a natural environment, without the effort which would required for hiking into these areas to enjoy the same untouched runs as you would need via ski touring or ski mountaineering or other means.

Most heli-skiers are looking for natural powder snow, huge long descents, natural terrain contours and features, smooth corn snow, old-growth tree glades, and steep slopes – all of which are close to non-existent in the artificial ski-pistes and snow-parks found in ski-resorts.

Chartering a helicopter and a guide (to minimise risk), enables skiers with little or no mountain sense to enjoy a natural environment in a safe manner.

Equipment

Safety equipment should of course be used when heli-skiing due to the increased dangers of avalanches in highly elevated natural areas.  Remote avalanche transceivers, snow-shovels, and probes are required, as well as a backpack to keep your avalanche rescue gear in.

Clothing needs to be sensible too. As well as a helmet, goggles for eye protection, a suitable hat, ski gloves, neck warmers etc, layered clothing is important as you are likely to be riding in sub-zero temperatures.

Where to go Heliskiing

Heli-skiing Resources

Canada – http://www.canadianmountainholidays.com/heli-skiing/faq/trips

Italy – http://www.heliskivalgrisenche.it/

Himalayas – http://www.himachal.com/

Contributed by Niall Tomas – a powder lover and ski-blogger for the Independent snowboarding holiday Guide.

Article produced for Simply Piste

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There are lots of things which make for a great skiing or snowboarding holiday and the snow and the piste are just two of them. A great atmosphere, food, people and après ski is also something which can make your holiday that extra bit special, France has something to offer all tastes as well as levels of expertise. Whether you are the complete novice, an advanced intermediate or at an expert level of competence on your skis or board, the many ski resorts in France in the Alps and Pyrenees have something which is suitable for all abilities. You can also find a host of suitable destinations which are good for the whole family as well as plenty of places to party for the young and single people as well. With a mixture of great snow conditions, hospitable local people, excellent food and beverages, you really cannot go wrong in choosing France as your preferred destination for your winter holiday.

Les Deux Alpes: A value for money destination

France has long been one of the most expensive destinations for winter sports, along with Switzerland. There are some resorts which are good value for money though and are suitable for the more budget minded tourists. Les Deux Alpes has long been a popular destination for the winter enthusiast. With having the Glacier du Mont de Lans at the 3570m summit, even in the mildest of winters you can still ski along the glacier and is the largest skiable glacier in Europe. There is around 220km of marked runs as well as a 2,300m vertical drop so there are some excellent facilities for the novice skier or boarder and for the more experienced people there are some fantastic off piste options available as well. With being a popular resort, during the high season, you can end up queuing for some time in the morning to take the lift up the mountain. Included in the price of your ski pass is also free entry to the swimming pool and ice rink as well as free access to Alpe d’Huez which can be reached easily by bus and offers even more ski runs. With a range of accommodation on offer from apartments, chalets, holiday homes and hotels, you will be able to find something which suits both your taste and budget quite easily. You may need to book early though to make sure you get a good deal on your chosen dates and avoid school holidays where possible, this is an excellent way to save some money.

Val d’Isère: To push your ability

If you are a more advanced skier and are looking to push your ability to the maximum, then you may wish to look at visiting Val d’Isère on your next winter holiday. The resort is located in the Southeast of France and is just 5km from the border with Italy. Val d’Isère regularly plays host to World Cup Alpine events so you know there are some demanding pistes here. There is also some very technical off piste available as well which will test the most advanced athletes. The elevation of the ski area goes from 1550m rising to 3456m and has in the region of 300km of marked piste on the 158 runs available. Val d’Isère also boasts not one but two glaciers which can be used by boarders and skiers alike and the Pissaillas glacier even offers skiing in the summer. There are also a Cross Park and a Snow Park which should keep the boarders happy and offer lots of banked curbs, plenty of grinding opportunities and also lots of jumps as well. Being such a popular resort you will find that some of the accommodation here can be rather expensive, although you could try staying over the border in Italy and buy your ski pass, you will have the burden of travelling each day but may be able to save a bit of money in the long run.

Courchevel: Party after the piste

If you need to have a great party atmosphere as well as great skiing then Courchevel is the place for you. Courchevel is located in the Tarentaise Valley and is part of Les Trois Vallées. There are about 150kn of Alpine runs on offer is Courchevel and these are serviced by 62 ski lifts. There is a varying degree of difficulty available so the resort offers good runs for all abilities. You can also ski the 3 valleys which is the largest interconnected ski area in the world. The 3 valleys offers over 600kms of marked runs and the longest run on offer is Cîme de Caron which is 5km. The range in elevation goes from 1300m up to 3230m and the entire area is serviced by 183 lifts and over 2000 snow cannons. There is also excellent off piste available here which will test the most experienced of skiers. After you have explored the slopes and you head out for some Apres Ski, you will find a whole host of bars, cafes, restaurants and clubs which offer excellent cuisine, dri8nks and atmosphere and also a vibe truly unique to the 3 Valleys. There is something on offer for everyone in this vibrant resort and the only danger is that you party too hard leaving you up late the next day and missing out on exploring all of those runs!

Summary

France has long been a favourite destination for those of us that like to go away in winter. With the range on over in this wonderful country you can easily find something to suit all tastes, budgets and experience levels. With plenty of marked runs on offer and also lots of off piste opportunities as well, whether you are at a beginner or an advanced level, there is plenty to keep everyone happy. With not only great conditions and runs on offer, you also have the atmosphere, nightlife and all of that wonderful food as well, choosing a resort in France will make sure you have a trip to remember.

This article was written by Ted Hunter on behalf of Travel Republic. Travel Republic offer excellent deals on winter ski holidays to France to all of the top destinations. They can also arrange ski pass, ski and boot hire as well as cater for snow boarders as well. Ted is an avid skier who has skied lots of resorts in Europe, North America and also New Zealand. He loves to share his experiences on his travels in the articles and blogs that he writes.

Article produced for Simply Piste

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Harlem Shake Jackson Hole Tram a Ski video by tetongravityresearch

SONG NAME: Harlem Shake – Baauer

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The Top 10 Ski Resorts of Eastern Europe

The emergence of a number of Eastern European ski resorts has been one of the main travel stories of the past few years. But it’s fair to say that some of these resorts have received something of a mixed reaction.

Those who like heading for the traditional resorts of France and Switzerland may find that Eastern European counterparts are somewhat basic by comparison. This has tended to mean that a trip to Bulgaria or the Czech Republic has been associated with a budget ski holiday, rather than being seen as a luxurious experience.

It’s true to say, however, that the situation has been changing quite rapidly. Here are 10 of the finest ski resorts that are on offer in Eastern Europe:

1. Borovets, Bulgaria

Bulgaria actually has quite a selection of resorts, but Borovets is the largest of them. A recent modernisation project has transformed the resort, which is located within easy reach of the international airport at Sofia.

2. Krkonose, Czech Republic

The Czech Republic, located at the very heart of Europe, is building a strong reputation as a destination for skiing. The Czech people love all winter sports and Krkonose is the most popular ski located.

Located within the highest mountain range in the country, Krkonose has a selection of individual resorts. Harrachov offers plenty of opportunities for downhill and cross-country skiing.

3. Kranjska Gora, Slovenia

With English-speaking tuition available, Kranjska Gora is a fantastic budget option for those who aren’t prepared to pay to visit bordering Austria.

4. Pamporovo, Bulgaria

The town of Pamporovo has been seen by many western European investors as a great place to buy property. As a result, this modern resort offers no shortage of chalet rental options.

The season here lasts between December and April, with Pamporovo boasting more sunshine hours than most other European resorts.

5. Jasna, Slovakia

Jasna actually has 4 separate resorts and more than 20 miles of skiing opportunities. Recent improvements mean that the slopes are also now serviced by no fewer than 23 separate ski lifts.

Use is also made of an artificial snow system, which ensures perfect skiing conditions throughout the year.

6. Poiana Brasov, Romania

With lively nightlife, this resort is becoming increasingly popular. It also offers 12 separate slalom runs and is best reached via the airport in Bucharest.

7. Zakopane, Poland

A beautiful location, which makes up for the relative lack of luxury. Most visitors to Zakopane ensure that they also visit the wonderful, nearby city of Krakow.

8. Zare Lazarevski, Macedonia

Located within a National Park, this resort is relatively small, but it’s also perfectly formed! Visitors to Macedonia are often surprised by the incredibly warm welcome and the relatively low prices. An excellent choice for those looking for a relatively quiet resort, where the budget goes a long way.

9. Bansko, Bulgaria

Bansko has a reputation for being a family-friendly resort, partly because many of the ski runs are certainly designed with beginners in mind.

It should be noted, however, that the centre of the town also boasts a lively nightlife scene. Families may prefer to stay a little closer to the outskirts.

10. Sovata, Romania

Combining the excitement of a ski resort, with the relaxation of being a major spa town, Sovata tends to attract a slightly older crowd than the other locations mentioned. It does, however, have plenty to appeal to people of all ages.

Many of the resorts mentioned above have been transformed in recent years. Indeed, the East European ski scene is changing at quite a pace and it’s likely that visitor numbers will continue to increase.

Although you can certainly save money by heading to Bulgaria, Poland, or Romania, the low costs are by no means the only selling point. There is much to discover and an enormous amount to enjoy.

About the author

Keith Barrett enjoys ski trips, both with family members and friends. He uses www.verbier.co to identify chalet rental opportunities

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And it is the same with the slang terms and jargon heard commonly on the slope. Here are a few terms to start you off……

Expect many ‘butt plants’ to occur, falling on your bottom is one of least painful, though potentially most embarrassing type of fall you will suffer on your skiing experience!

‘Christies’ (skidded turns on corresponding edges) and ‘gorilla turns’ (forcing the turn using your whole body) are performed on the ‘piste’ or packed snow, one type of which is ‘corduroy’, fine tracks left by a sno-cat flattening out the tracks from previous skiers.

A ‘BAFL’ Big Air Flat Landing is undesirable, being a fall, which involves the body flying through the air, then landing flat, a circumstance which can cause compression fractures in the vertebrae.

‘Bono’ too, is not fun. It means skiing at full speed into an obstacle, especially a tree, unintentionally of course.

‘Catching air’, especially ‘big air’ is not for the beginner – initially concentrate on keeping both feet firmly in the ‘planks’ or ‘sticks’ on the ground – although take note that ‘plank’ can refer more to old skis/ boards.

‘Bumps’ or ‘moguls’ (lumps in the snow caused by previous skiers turning in one particular spot) and ‘chocolate chips’, rocks peeping through thinner layers of snow, can cause falls or ‘biffs’, which tend to be quick contacts with the snow, easily recovered from.

A ‘face plant’ – is exactly what it sounds like, falling in such a fashion that your face plants itself into the snow – is preferable to going ‘rag doll’ – rolling down the slope in a loose uncoordinated fall, often while unconscious.

With practise you can become an ‘air dog’, a skier or boarder who loves to jump or catch air, although when first building those skills you may ‘bail’ or change your mind at the last minute!

Having survived the slopes, head out with your ‘crew’ (the group you are skiing or boarding with, be they family or friends) and check out the ‘après-ski’ scene, literally after-ski – a fun night out of socialising and relaxing, before retiring, ready to do it all again on the morrow!

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Skiing is a fantastic pastime. Whether it is hurtling down a freshly bashed piste at breakneck speeds, watching your skis disappear under fresh morning powder or simply learning the ropes on a gentler slope, there certainly is something for everyone when it comes to a ski holiday. Whereas once images of luxury holidays may have been reserved for sipping cocktails on a sandy beach, you can now experience your skiing getaway in a similar style. Take a look at some of these examples to whet your appetite for luxury ski holidays:

• Looking for one of Europe’s top destinations for both skiing quality and buzzing nightlife? Then look no further than Austria’s gem, St Anton. With a fine selection of distinctive chalets to choose from that range from traditional Tyrolean homes to penthouse apartments with saunas and outdoor hot tubs, there is ample opportunity for any group size to experience their skiing holiday in lavish surroundings.

• Val d’Isére is France’s counter to St Anton with its legendary nightlife!

• Courchavel offers fine restaurants and shops at the foot of incredible skiing that just screams luxury.

• Not to miss out, Switzerland has a host of luxurious destinations. St Moritz oozes style, elegance and class.

• Zermatt will simply leave you breathless with the incredible Matterhorn as your daily backdrop.

• If you don’t mind going a bit further afield in search of your skiing Mecca, then Whistler in Canada could be the destination for you. With season long deep snow and the largest ski area in North America, this is a destination you should consider seriously.

• Head south into the USA and you will find an extensive range of ski resorts to tickle you. Lake Tahoe’s Heavenly, Northstar and Squaw Valley Resorts hum with Californian exuberance dusted with exceptional snow.

• When one thinks of luxury ski holidays in the USA however, typically the mind dreams of Aspen and Snowmass. Colorado’s red carpet runs through this beautiful town that is as pretty as the stars that visit it, and is the only North American resort to offer four incredible mountains on one ski pass.

• Lastly, for those looking to immerse themselves in authentic Western American culture, then Jackson Hole is ideal for you. The streets are dotted with wooden sidewalks and swing door saloons, allowing you to ski through masses of snow right into a Dirty Harry film set!

• Caroline Halloway is a massive ski fan and she likes to discover new destinations every winter. She is amazed how many more destinations are still out there to be discovered.

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As it is the case of other winter sports, choosing the correct skiing gear is an important factor when it comes to enjoying the practice of this fantastic sport. However, it seems that many ski enthusiasts focus on getting the right boots, goggles, helmets, and poles, but they overlook the importance of choosing the right kind of ski socks. It is often thought that any socks will do and that it is not really necessary to invest in technical ski socks, so regular cotton socks are not an uncommon sights on the slopes.

So why should ski socks we worn?

In the first place, wearing properly fitting ski socks can help your overall skiing experience be smoother and more enjoyable. Ski socks have been especially designed to aid your skiing by preventing unnecessary rubbing against the inner part of your boots. This means that by choosing to wear ski socks that fit correctly, you can reduce the chances of getting those all-too-common blisters. Ski socks do not have seams that may rub against your boots, and are reinforced with a thick lining in those areas that are more prone to blistering, such as the sides of the feet or the back of the heels.

Another advantage of wearing ski socks is that they absorb sweat much better than plain cotton socks. You will sweat when doing any strenous physical activity (including skiing), even when the outdoor temperatures are hovering around 0 degrees. When sweat builds up around the feet and ankles, the skin in those areas becomes more prone to blistering. Although ski socks cannot stop you from sweating, the materials they are made of will absorb sweat and moisture quickly helping you stay dry and comfortable.

Then there is the issue of insulation. If your feet become sweaty and you are not wearing ski socks, your feet will soon get cold, and this is something you want to prevent at all costs as cold feet can develop into hypothermia or even frost bite. Remember that it does not take long for these dangerous conditions to set in, and if not wearing the appropriate gear, they may appear in as little as 10 or 15 minutes.

Lastly, ski socks provide excellent support to your ankles and shinbones, helping prevent injuries like sprained ankles or bruising.

Now, what should you look for when choosing ski socks? Choose socks that are made of moisture wicking materials, such as merino wool or acrylic fibres, like polyamide or polypropylene. Some ski socks combine wool and acrylic materials for better performance. Look for socks that have cushioning around the ankles, toes, and shins, and that cover the entire calf for optimal warmth. By following these simple tips you will be on your way to a more enjoyable ski experience.

 Click here, to see Simply Piste’s fantastic range of ski socks

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