ski articles

Off Piste Equipment Guide.

8 December 2018 by Beth Lloyd

Many skiers looking to take themselves to the next level turn their ski tips towards the off piste. What can initially seem quite daunting, easily becomes an obsession driving riders to go again and again, pushing for bigger and better lines. But how does one make those first few tentative turns? What equipment can guide us through these new variable conditions? And what dangers should we be aware of when leaving the piste?

Well, before we do anything, there’s a gear checklist and not a whole lot of negotiation on it.

Anyone heading off piste needs to be carrying the Holy Trinity: Transceiver, Probe and Shovel. These three things together are the base line when it comes to straying from the pistes. In the event of an avalanche they can enable you to search and dig out your friends or save your life if it’s the other way around. Just carrying them isn’t enough either, knowing how to conduct a search properly can save you precious seconds.

Transceivers on the most part, are fairly straightforward to use. That’s not to say you shouldn’t practice with them. They have two settings, transmit and search. When transmitting they give off signals in concentric arcs meaning that sometimes they can be misleading to follow. You should always get out and practice with your transceiver and the stages of conducting a thorough search.

Probe. Also very lightweight and compactable, probes fold down to little more than a forearms length. When extended however they will allow you to push deep into the snow and feel for suspected burials once you have carried out your transceiver search.

Shovel. A shovel’s a shovel right? Well yes, but the one you would carry for avalanche safety will likely be compact, light and possible to separate the handle. You’ll be pleased of this when it saves you space in your backpack.

Getting some mountain safety advice from Mountain Guide Brian Farquharson

Powder Skis.

Skiing off piste snow conditions isn’t all about wearing the fattest powder skis you can find. In fact you can ski variable conditions on almost any ski with good technique. Having more ski underfoot does give you a better surface area to play with, which helps to create more float in deep snow. But realistically, unless you’re in the fabled powder fields of Japan, you’re not going to need anything drastically big. Very wide skis can also be less nimble and trickier to roll from edge to edge when the conditions firm up again. That’s where a decent all mountain ski comes in.

We asked our friends at Glacier Sport Zermatt to recommend some of their favourite skis in this category. Their answer? The Volkl Kenja for the ladies and Kendo for the guys.

Image may contain: one or more people, mountain, sky, nature and outdoor — The women’s Volkl Kenja in their natural habitat

Repeatedly voted top in ‘All mountain’ ski categories, the Kenja and Kendo skis are well loved for their versatility. With 90mm under foot they are easy to manoeuvre in variable snow yet can be rolled from edge to edge with ease back on piste. They perform well at speed and feel stable. Both of these skis would be a great option for those looking at trying a more all mountain approach for the first time, or a more playful ski for someone who’s intermediate/advanced. Interested? Head into Glacier sport to find yourself a pair.

If you’d like to perfect your new found love of off piste skiing why not book a private lesson with one of our instructors? In Verbier we’ve just released the Big 5 Challenge for those who are already confident in variable conditions. Get in touch with us on our bookings page here.

8 Reasons why Verbier is Europe’s Premier Snowboarding holiday resort.

27 November 2018 by Matt Spragg

Everyone has a different idea of what they want from a Snowboarding holiday. If you’re going to spend your hard earned cash and accumulated holiday time, you want it to be an awesome holiday experience.

With an abundance of pistes, totalling 56, and the longest being 15km long you can see why Verbier is a world renowned luxury resort. Throw in some epic snow and a crew to shred with, and you’re half way to heaven. From perfect groomers, a freshly shaped terrain park and world quality off-piste terrain, its difficult to see why Verbier doesn’t make all top 10 snowboard resort lists. It’s an absolute undiscovered gem of quality riding that only the few know about.

Here’s why Verbier is probably Europe’s best snowboarding resort.

1. WEATHER

The amazing weather that Verbier offers is second to none. If you want sunny and warm conditions then this resort delivers. The town and a number of slopes are south facing so sunshine is not a problem to find. Perfect for some softer snow on a cold morning or for aprés beers after a long day of shredding.

2. ENDLESS SNOW

If fresh snow is what you desire then the slopes around Verbier have this covered. With lifts going up to 3300m, there is no problem finding fresh snow. Verbier town is situated at 1500m, giving a total vertical descent from the top lift to town of 1830m. If you are unsure of where to go and find untouched freshies, why not get a backcountry day. You might even pick up a tip or two.

3. LIFT NETWORK

A good lift is essential, and a network of lifts is even better. Verbier has 150km of pistes divided into roughly 45% easy, 45% intermediate and 10% advanced slopes. Verbier has an enormous ride area when joined with Nendaz,(links?)Veysonnaz, La Tzoumaz, Thyon and Val de Bagnes to create the 4Vallees. 94 lifts and over 400km of pistes all on one pass. It’s hard to see why Verbier is the most underrated for snowboarding in Europe.

4. FRESH, UNTRACKED SNOW

The off piste terrain is so incredible they hold the final of the Freeride World Tour here! Verbier is a freeride mecca and has been known as Switzerland’s version of Chamonix, with its high peaks and endless backcountry.

5. A BIT OF A CHALLENGE

If you are looking for a challenge then look no further. Verbier has a number of marked and controlled off piste routes for the more advanced rider. If you’re looking for a variety of terrain within one resort, Verbier’s itineraries has it covered.

6. SNOW PARK

Verbier hasn’t had the best reputation for its terrain park in the past, but over the last few years even more money has been put into improve the jumps, boxes and rails. There are many new features each year and the freestyle area continues to advance leaps and bounds.

Here are the stats that are changing Verbier’s freestyle image. Located at 2250m, the La Chaux snowpark delivers guaranteed snow and sunshine. The park is suitable for all levels and is maintained daily. The park includes 2 starts, 5 lines, 1 airbag and a boarder cross race track.
Features include:
Green line (woops)
Blue line consisting of 3 kickers and boxes for beginners.
Red line consisting of 3 kickers and 9 rails.
Pro/black line consisting of 2 kickers and 5 rails.

7. APRÉS SKI

Verbier has an endless amount of places to party after a long (or not so long) day on the hill. Up the mountain you’ll find Chalet Carlsberg, Bar 1936 and IceCube to name a few, with live music and DJs. To end a long day with a sunset then Le Rouge (Café del Mar Ibiza vibe) is the place to go, and you can ride right to the door.
If you prefer to sing and dance your heart out then in the centre of town you will find the Farinet Aprés Ski bar. This place will blow your aprés expectations into the next universe. Live bands perform every day of the season with a new band every week. Verbier has 4 night clubs, so partying on until the early hours is possible no matter what your taste. If you are looking to party hard Verbier has got what you need.

8. LOCAL SNOWBOARD SHOPS

There are plenty of local ski and snowboard shops. If anything goes wrong, there is always a shop on hand with stock to cover all eventualities, so you can get back to riding as soon as possible.
If you want to talk about progressing your snowboarding in Verbier, get in touch!
If you still don’t believe us then Verbier’s British ambassador and BBC snowboard correspondent Ed Leigh will show you. He loves the snowboarding in Verbier so much he moved here with his family!

By Matt Spragg at es-ride.com

Winter warmers: How to keep warm skiing.

19 November 2018 by Beth Lloyd

Keep Warm Skiing

So you get cold easily and want to keep wam skiing. It’s to be expected when taking part in a sport thousands of meters above sea level at below zero temperatures. Having the right gear to combat the elements is important. Choosing the right layering system, cosy gloves and woolly socks is on the minds of many at this time of year. It would be a shame after all to book a ski holiday, book lessons and then be unable to enjoy yourself because you can’t feel your hands and toes.

For some though buying a nice warm jacket isn’t quite enough. Long days on the mountain can cool off the hardiest skiers and extra measures need to be taken! Luckily there are lots of ways to warm up with some of these great winter warmers.

Getting your layering system right.

Base layers: Merino

The materials we choose to dress ourselves in matter and so does the way we layer them. With a decent base layer we can keep ourselves dry, regulate our temperature and even manage unwanted odours. There are many natural and synthetic solutions to this out there on the market today and the choice can be a little overwhelming. Keep Warm Skiing

Merino has always been a firm favourite for skiers and hikers. This particularly soft sheeps wool is a great choice for base layers as it is finer than more traditional wool and therefore much less likely to cause irritation. It is highly breathable, wicking away moisture to help you stay dry and yet has anti-bacterial properties that reduce body odour. Even when damp, the material has the ability to both retain body heat as well as release it if you were to get too hot.

Mid layers: Down and synthetic

Having your trusty down jacket can be a saviour on the chilliest of days. Yet they are infamously difficult to look after. Washing, drying, repairing, and conserving a down jacket can be a tough job, so why own one?
Well firstly down’s ability to conserve heat is well established. Couple that with its warmth-to-weight ratio and you’re onto a winner. Down insulation is made from the natural midlayer of geese or ducks, using the fluffy, lofty feathers beneath their outer plumage. It is extremely breathable and packs down easily too, which is great for mountaineers and skiers who may be out in changing weather conditions.

It does however fall victim to wet, humid weather and once those feathers are wet your jacket’s performance will suffer. Which is where synthetic insulation comes in. It aims to do everything down can do and continue to do it when wet. Synthetic fibres dry faster and come with a cheaper price tag too. That said, it struggles to match down’s natural warmth-to-weight ration however, so you need to decide what is more important to you .

keep warm skiing — One of our instructors in their trusty down jacket, out exploring last year’s record snowfall in Zermatt.

Outer shell: Gore-tex

Two of the biggest factors in cooling are wet weather and wind chill. Both on their own and in conjunction with one another, they can do a great deal of damage to your core temperature. So having an outer layer that can protect not only you but your thermal layers below is pretty important. Gore-tex is one of the most well known brands in this area because of its ability to protect from wind and keep you dry. It is also breathable, a problem with most waterproof garments. It’s all very well being protected from wet weather on the outside, but if you are too hot and sweating inside your jacket, you can begin to cool down just as quickly. Keep Warm Skiing use Goretex.

Ski Boots

Getting the right fit with your boots has a big part to play in preventing chilly toes! Too big, and the air space around your feet can cool quickly, too tight and blood flow will be restricted, leading to the same problem. The socks you wear can also contribute to this. You should only wear one pair of thin, technical ski socks. This helps with circulation and allows your feet to breathe. More than one pair of socks can lead to discomfort and overheating, sweating, then cooling.

Adjusting your boots in different situations can also be useful. When you’re on the lift, undo your clips to give your feet a little space. Then, when you tighten them back up to ski, be sure not to over tighten them! Keep Warm Skiing!

Heated clothing

If your layering system still isn’t working quite well enough you can turn to the world out heated ski clothing. Battery powered gloves, socks, and jackets are steadily becoming less bulky and more affordable. There’s no unwieldy battery packs or tangled wires. You’ll just see neatly concealed systems that could leave onlookers completely unaware that you are secretly being kept toasty warm!

For example, once your toes go it’s very difficult to concentrate on working your skis. But in a space as small as ski boots, preserving heat can be challenging. Heated socks and/or foot beds are a great solution.

You don’t need to compromise your custom foot bed and liners either. Many boot fitters will help to build the heating elements into your boots. Then they run streamlined wires along the soles and up out of the liner to small battery packs on the cuffs. Some systems can even be controlled by Bluetooth from your mobile phone. So there’s no need to roll up the bottom of your ski trousers to control them.

So with all that sorted you should be able to head out on the hill insulated, regulated and protected against whatever mountain conditions you may face. If you’re not worrying about numb toes or a bitter, winter wind then you can focus fully at the task at hand -skiing! Keep Warm Skiing.

Ski Touring is Fun: Why not give it a try this winter?

7 October 2018 by Chloe Hardy

If you’ve been skiing in the Alps there’s no doubt you’ll have seen people ski touring. Those crazy-looking people going uphill on their skis. But ski touring is, in fact, a great way to explore the mountains and challenge yourself, all while burning calories and getting a healthy dose of fresh air.

Ski touring European Snowsport — Ski Touring is challenging, but it’s also social and fun!

You can learn to tour at any point in the winter, from early to late season, providing there’s enough snow. And there are so many benefits to earning your turns it would be a shame not to give it a try. For starters, it’s really good for you. Like going for a hike or a run, but on skis. And while walking downhill may be a little hard on the knees, skiing certainly isn’t. You’re also doing your bit for the environment if you forego the lifts (and the crowds!) for a few days and experience a more natural way of travelling uphill. Not to mention all the stunning views and beautiful scenery you’ll see along the way.

Despite popular belief, touring doesn’t have to be to be mega difficult. The average tour is about kicking back and taking it easy with a mellow ascent, lots of photo stops, a drink and a bite to eat at the top and then a fun ski back down. You can even do a tour up to a mountain refuge and have a fondue before skiing back to base. Short, mellow routes are the best ones to get you started, but after that, the possibilities are endless. Multi-day tours like the Haute Route, where you stay overnight in remote refuges, and races like the PDG are some of the more extreme examples!

It’s Not as Hard as it Looks!

If you’ve never been ski touring before, it’s easy to learn. Before you start you’ll need to have a decent level of physical fitness and be able to ski confidently off-piste. You’ll also need some special equipment; touring skis are fitted with special bindings that detach at the heel so you can lift them in order to easily walk uphill. You’ll also need skins, which are essentially strips of carpet that stick to the bases of your skis and stop you from sliding backwards as you walk. Often when you go touring, you’re heading outside the marked ski area so avalanche equipment and knowledge of how to use it is essential. It also helps to have adjustable touring poles.

Luckily, all this equipment can be easily rented from a decent ski shop, including avalanche gear. Now just to find someone to show you how to use it! Taking a lesson is a great idea and will start you off on the right foot. At ES we have plenty of instructors who are qualified to teach you the basics. Your instructor will show you how to use all the equipment, teach you the most efficient touring techniques and most importantly, keep you safe. They will carefully plan a route based on the snow conditions, the weather and your ability level, and will never take you anywhere you can’t handle. There are so many places to tour in the Four Valleys; there’s something for everyone.

Your first tour may be difficult (after all, you are walking uphill with a bit of extra weight on your feet!), and while a lot of people are put off by the fitness aspect, don’t let it scare you away. The fun is in the challenge, and you’ll always be rewarded by the ski back down. There really is nothing like the feeling of all that hard work paying off as you reach the top of a deserted mountain, knowing that a fun ski back down awaits!

If you’d like to learn the basics of ski touring, get in touch with ES to organise a lesson. And of course, all your equipment can be rented from Mountain Air in Verbier, Glacier Sport in Zermatt and Premier Alpine Centre in Nendaz. Happy touring!

So You Can Already Ski? Why You Should Still Take Ski Lessons.

4 October 2018 by Chloe Hardy

Why You Should Still Take Ski Lessons

So, you’ve skied for as long as you can remember. You go skiing at least once, if not twice, three times a year. You can ski all the pistes in resort no problem, and a lot of the off-piste. You’ve even helped your friends and family with their ski technique. You don’t need ski lessons anymore, right? Here is why you should still take ski lessons.

Not necessarily.

Even if you can already ski confidently on- and off-piste, you’re probably aware you have a weak point or find a particular aspect of skiing difficult. If you avoid black runs like the plague, always take the easy way out of the moguls or find your legs burning beyond belief in the powder, don’t just muscle through! Take a lesson. Ski lessons aren’t just for those who want to learn the basics; a ski lesson can focus on anything, from psychological aspects of skiing, like improving your confidence on steeper slopes, to the technical, like nailing your speed and control in the bumps.

In fact, skiing is such a technical sport that every day is a school day. The phrase, ‘Skiing? Completed it, mate,’ doesn’t exist when it comes to two planks. Even us ski instructors put weeks of our winter into training and making sure our technique is up to scratch. And that’s all part of the fun. But having someone around to let you know your skills are heading in the right direction makes the process that much more rewarding, enjoyable and adds just the right amount of challenge.

Why You Should Still Take Ski Lessons : Technique

Efficiency is also a big part of skiing, so if you find yourself tiring quicker than the rest of your group, your technique may well be in need of a few tweaks. A good ski technique is all about getting the maximum output while using the least amount of energy. Maybe your body position is all wrong, or you tense up all your muscles when you ski? Book a lesson. Those few hours with an instructor could see you skiing for longer every day.

And then there’s the bad habits. Maybe you never pole plant, or you snowplough when it starts getting steep, or you always forget to flex your ankles. Book a lesson. While there may be no quick fix for these little niggles, your instructor will help make you aware of them and help you find ways to improve them that you can practice in your own time.

Why You Should Still Take Ski Lessons : Goals

And finally, have you ever wanted to really push yourself? If there’s a certain off-piste run you’ve always wanted to do, or you want something more challenging than cruising the pistes but you’re not sure where to start, book a lesson. A morning or afternoon with an instructor will give you a clear view of what you can work towards and how to achieve it. Even if you’re in a new resort and you’re looking for someone to show you the best places to ski, an instructor will show you the best slopes to suit your ability level.

So, there you have it. Ski lessons aren’t just for those just starting out, everyone can benefit from a little tuition or helpful advice every now and again. And it can work wonders.

If you’d like to give your ski technique a bit of a refresh or you’re looking for a new challenge, get in touch with ES. We’re always available to pair you with the perfect instructor and organise your ski lessons to suit your needs. We also offer snowboard and telemark lessons so if you want to learn the art of the powder slash or perfect your lunge turns, give us a call!

How to Store Your Ski Gear

9 April 2018 by Chloe Hardy

What’s the best way to store your ski gear over the summer?

Storing your skis, boots and outerwear properly over the summer means they’ll perform better and last longer, plus look and feel good as new when you break them again next winter. A much better alternative to taking a slightly rusty pair of cobweb-covered, unwaxed skis from the corner of the garage in November! The end of winter is the best time to get any broken parts fixed and check everything is working the way it should. When you’re preparing for your next season or winter holiday you’ll probably have neither the time or the motivation to fix a ripped jacket or a core shot in your skis. But how should you store your ski gear for summer and how do you prep it for storage? Here’s our quick and easy guide.

How to store your ski gear — A good storage wax well help your skis perform for longer!

Skis

Making sure your skis are stored properly will make a massive difference to how they perform when you take them out again. When left for long periods of time, the bases tend to dry out which isn’t what you want to be trying to fix amid packing and sorting out how you’ll be getting to the airport. A good storage wax will protect your bases from drying out over the summer. But first…

Do you have any core shots or burrs in the edges that need to be fixed? If so, it’s probably time for a service.
A base grind will help your skis take to the storage wax but isn’t essential, especially if your skis are still in good condition.
Make sure your skis are clean. You don’t want dirt clogging up the bindings or getting in the way of a good wax job on the bases. Give them a wipe down before getting them serviced to remove excess grime.
Get a storage wax – this is the most important aspect of ski storage. A storage wax means applying a generous coat of wax to your skis but not scraping it off, which protects the bases from drying out over the summer months. This way your skis will be ready to go next time you need them. All you need to do is scrape the wax off.
Finally, store your skis somewhere that’s not too cold and damp, but also not too hot and sunny. Leaving them in direct sunlight can damage the plastic topsheets, while excess damp and cold can cause the edges and binding components to rust.

Boots

Your boots are arguably the most important part of your ski set up and it’s essential to the wellbeing of your feet that you store them properly! Storing your boots is a little easier than packing away your skis and your feet will thank you next winter.

Taking out your liners and footbeds and letting them dry out fully is the best way to start. This will stop the build up of bacteria and bad smells. Beware of leaving your boots too near a direct heat source like a radiator or fire as this can case the materials to degrade or, if your boots have been stretched out, cause the plastic to retract back to its original shape.
Once your boots and liners are nice and dry, check all the screws and buckles are nice and tight. Tighten up any loose screws as needed.
Check the soles of your boots for wear. If you’ve been walking around in them a lot, chances are you might have worn down the heel and toe, which can mean your boots fit less effectively into your bindings. However, some boots have removable toe and heel plates which can be easily replaced.
Finally, put your liners back in, make sure the tongue is in the correct position and buckle your boots back up. This will help them hold their shape throughout the summer.
Store your boots in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight. Somewhere they won’t get damp and smelly or attract mice!

Outerwear

At the end of the winter, your outerwear could end up looking a bit grubby from all that spring skiing. If you have Gore-Tex products or similar, dirt can clog the micro-pores and cause it to perform less effectively. There are some simple steps you can take to make sure your ski clothes are in prime condition for next year!

Give them a wash with a small amount of mild liquid detergent. Powder detergents, fabric softeners and stain removers can damage the external waterproofing, so stay away from these!
If you feel like the waterproofing has been less effective, now’s a good time to top it up. Putting your jacket in the tumble dryer on a low setting for around 20 minutes can reactivate it. You can also buy spray-on DWR or waterproofing treatments that can be applied in the wash.
Before washing or rewaterproofing, always make sure you follow the manufacturer guidelines for your chosen garments. Washing instructions can vary!
If you have any minor rips or tears, patch it up with some fabric tape or get it repaired by your local seamstress before you forget!
Make sure you store your outerwear somewhere cool and dry, out of direct sunlight. Direct sunlight can cause the colours to fade and the materials to degrade.

A few other things to think about…

Take the batteries out of your transceiver
Make sure your poles, shovel and probe have been fully dried out, too, particularly if you ski with adjustable-length poles.
Remove the lenses from your goggles and let them dry thoroughly before storing in a cool, dry place.
If you have leather gloves, think about topping them up with the manufacturer-recommended weatherproofing treatment. Also make sure they’re nice and dry before putting them away.
If you don’t have leather gloves, give them a wash, along with your glove liners. That way they’ll be nice and fresh for next season. You might also want to think about washing your hats / balaclavas / neck warmers as well. If your helmet has a removable fabric liner, go ahead and give that a wash, too.

There you have it, how to store your ski gear in a nutshell. At European Snowsport, we partner with the best ski shops in our resorts, Mountain Air in Verbier, Glacier Sport in Zermatt and Premier Alpine Centre in Nendaz. If you need an end-of-season service or any ski gear care products, these guys are the best in the business.

Off Piste Equipment Guide.

8 Reasons why Verbier is Europe’s Premier Snowboarding holiday resort.

Winter warmers: How to keep warm skiing.

Keep Warm Skiing