What to Buy to Get Ready for the Ski Season

Going up the gondola, one happy child - Photo by The-Ski-Guru - Pila, Aosta Valley.

It is starting to snow (and rain) in the Northern Hemisphere. This is a sign that the ski season is coming around the corner! This is a list I have done quickly of what you should think of getting, if you are planning to go skiing.

If you are a seasoned skier or boarder, you must have all your equipment, even though sometimes you want to upgrade something. If you are starting, this is a good guide of what to think to be warm in the mountains. And how to keep your family happy and warm…. Nothing is worst than having a crying kid because is cold!

I am putting all items you can find on Amazon, for a fast easy shop.

And here is a link for some coupons on Amazon, on the Capital One Shopping site. 

My youngest with my husband after his ski lesson in Madonna di Campiglio. 7 things that can help you when taking kids skiing.
My youngest with my husband after his ski lesson in Madonna di Campiglio.  What to Buy to Get Ready for the Ski Season.

Merino Base Layers

Nothing helps you better to stay warm than a thermal layer. I love merino as it keeps you warm and dry, and it does not stink as quickly as other materials. It is also cool for summer, so a great material!

Another thing to think, to keep happy feet, is to get at least two or three pairs of ski socks – so you can alternate during the week (more if you do not have a washing machine!)

You also want to have a warm head. Heat leaves you fast through your head and your extremities (feet and hands). So here is a selection of beanies – I prefer wool to synthetic ones, but that goes with taste. A beanie is also useful if you wear a ski helmet (it is obligatory for kids to wear helmets while skiing). If it is very cold, you can add the beanie under the helmet.

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Reasons Why Morzine Resort is Loved by Brits

Morzine photo by The-Ski-Guru. Reasons Why Morzine Resort is Loved by Brits

Winter is a great time when you can make the most of the holiday season and spend quality time with your family and friends. Many people prefer to head to some of the popular ski resorts in Europe and North America where they can have fun and enjoy skiing and snowboarding activities. Even if you are not much into skiing and snowboarding many people would want to explore these ski resorts and enjoy apres ski and other non-skiing activities.

Morzine ski area, a grand expanse for all kind of skiers. Reasons Why Morzine Resort is Loved by Brits.
Morzine ski area, a grand expanse for all kind of skiers. Photo: Pixabay. Reasons Why Morzine Resort is Loved by Brits.

If you are in the UK, you can browse from a list of many ski resorts in France, Italy and Switzerland that offer you the best deals. Morzine, however, has remained one of the most obvious choices as most Brits prefer it to any other ski resort in the French Alps. Hence, you can always look for excellent Morzine ski holidays plans that allow you to make the most of your time and money.

Here are 7 reasons why most British skiers prefer Morzine over any other ski resort.

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Using the Grand St Bernard Tunnel as the Mont Blanc Tunnel is closed till 18th December.

Grand St Bernard Tunnel, another option into the Aosta Valley. Photo: The-Ski-Guru. Using the Grand St Bernard Tunnel as the Mont Blanc Tunnel is closed till 18th December.
On our recent trip to our home in Morgex, we have to use the Grand Saint Bernard Tunnel, instead of the Mont Blanc Tunnel. This is because the latter has closed for repairments. It will be doing so for many more years to come. The Mont Blanc Tunnel will open in the night of 18th December 2023, in time for Christmas.
Grand St Bernard Tunnel, another option into the Aosta Valley. Photo: The-Ski-Guru. Using the Grand St Bernard Tunnel as the Mont Blanc Tunnel is closed till 18th December.
Grand St Bernard Tunnel, another option into the Aosta Valley. Photo: The-Ski-Guru. Using the Grand St Bernard Tunnel as the Mont Blanc Tunnel is closed till 18th December.
Coming from Britain, the way to come into the Aosta Valley is then via the Grand Saint Bernard Tunnel. That implies driving through Switzerland.
Martina Diez-Routh with her painting of the Maroon Bells in Aspen, Colorado. Soft Pastels on paper, 60 x 80 cm (24"x31") You can check it out in the shop here.
Martina Diez-Routh with her painting of the Maroon Bells in Aspen, Colorado. Soft Pastels on paper, 60 x 80 cm (24″x31″) You can check it out in the shop here.
It has some pros and cons.
 

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INDY PASS ADDS PREMIER INTERNATIONAL RESORTS – PASS SALES RESUME TODAY

Kiroro Resort. INDY PASS ADDS PREMIER INTERNATIONAL RESORTS - PASS SALES RESUME TODAY Photo Courtesy to Indy Pass.

Indy Pass: SkiWelt, Austria; Big White, BC; and Kiroro, Japan, join Montana Snowbowl to lead the 23/24 class of new resorts totaling 183 worldwide.

The Indy Pass announced today that 54 new partner resorts (see below) have signed on for the 23/24 season, including some of the biggest in Europe, Japan, and Western Canada, and dozens of independent Alpine and Nordic resorts across North America.

SkiWelt, the largest resort in Austria with 88 lifts, paves the way for European resorts seeking to tap into Indy’s passionate passholders. Similarly, Kiroro Resort in Northernmost Hokkaido, Japan, and Big White in British Columbia, both major destination resorts in their respective countries, have joined the alliance, now numbering 183 resorts worldwide.

Big White photo. Courtesy of Indy Pass. INDY PASS ADDS PREMIER INTERNATIONAL RESORTS - PASS SALES RESUME TODAY
Big White photo. Courtesy of Indy Pass. INDY PASS ADDS PREMIER INTERNATIONAL RESORTS – PASS SALES RESUME TODAY

Along with these notable international destinations, Indy Pass has added 30 total Alpine resorts, including Montana Snowbowl, and 24 cross-country resorts, including Whistler Olympic Village, British Columbia, and Trapp Family Lodge in Stowe, Vermont.

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Why all-inclusive ski holidays become so popular

Our half term ski-safari holiday based in the Valdigne of Aosta Valley- Courmayeur, Pila and La Thuile. The boys happy after a great ski day.

You’ve probably spotted that a lot more of your skiing friends have plumped for all-inclusive ski packages. We’ve always booked independent travel ourselves and so do most of our guests, but there are good reasons for the recent rise in all inclusive ski holidays, so we’ve done the research with top UK ski operator SNO, to bring you the low-down on the all-in skiing experience.

Let’s dive into the reasons, shall we?

A happy family in the snow. Photo: Richard Sinclair. Sno.co.uk
A happy family in the snow. Photo: Richard Sinclair. Sno.co.uk. Why all-inclusive ski holidays become so popular
  1. Smart Budgeting: With the economy having its ups and downs, knowing your full holiday cost upfront is a game-changer. Think about it: an all-inclusive deal covers your accommodation, meals, lift tickets, maybe even gear rentals. You’re not left guessing how much that après-ski hot cocoa will set you back!

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36 hours in Chamonix in Summer

My little boy in Plan Praz in Chamonix. Photo: The-Ski-Guru. 36 Hours in Chamonix in Summer.
Because of a technical glitch with the booking platform for our flat in Morgex, we got overbooked, and this summer we had to spend 36 hours in Chamonix.
 
This was not a bad thing. I’ve thought, as it was going to be a Saturday when we needed to cross the Mont Blanc Tunnel, it was better to stay next to it. Saturdays during the summer season, it get super busy to cross the tunnel.
 
We’ve booked our stay at the Wanderlust Motel. The hotel, an old Mercure, stands across from the Des Bossons Glacier, by the A40 motorway. It is better to pay the difference and have the glacier view. Not only because of the amazing view, but the rooms towards the motorway might get noisy.
View from the Wanderlust Motel in Chamonix. 36 Hours in Chamonix in Summer. Photo: The-Ski-Guru.
View from the Wanderlust Motel in Chamonix. 36 Hours in Chamonix in Summer. Photo: The-Ski-Guru.
 
The hotel itself was very nice. I’ve found the rooms a bit boxy, but the common areas are great. There was a couple of pool tables and football tables, as well as ping pong, and an indoor pool. The boys loved the freedom they had so they were all over the place.
Lobby at the Wanderlust Motel. Photo: The-Ski-Guru. 36 Hours in Chamonix in Summer.
Lobby at the Wanderlust Motel. Photo: The-Ski-Guru. 36 Hours in Chamonix in Summer.
The young staff was mostly from Argentina (as I am), which I found amusing. Looks there is a scheme that allows you to go to work in Chamonix for one year! And all the Argentines are taking advantage of it!
 
The day we’ve arrived, we stayed on the veranda having a drink and reading while the boys were having a splash. Then we had dinner in the hotel’s restaurant. Their menu was more of a diner, which was nice enough.
The View from Aiguille du Midi towards Grandes Jorasses. 65 x 50 cm. In my shop here.
The View from Aiguille du Midi towards Grandes Jorasses. 65 x 50 cm. In my shop here.

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Mountain Artist Martina Diez-Routh will be Painting Live at the Ski Club of Great Britain 120th Anniversary Dinner Gala

Martina Diez-Routh starting a painting at the easel. Photo: Carry Hornby.

Mountain Artist Martina Diez-Routh will be Painting Live at the Ski Club of Great Britain 120th Anniversary Dinner Gala

 

London, United Kingdom. – London- based mountain artist Martina Diez-Routh will be painting live at the Ski Club of Great Britain 120th Anniversary Dinner Gala on Friday 30th June to be held at the Café Royal in Regent Street.

Martina is exhibiting here on a boat on the River Thames during Listex Luxury.
Martina is exhibiting here on a boat on the River Thames during Listex Luxury.

At the Ski Club of Great Britain event, Martina will be creating a piece that will be a time capsule, to reflect the founding event of the Ski Club of Great Britain 120 years ago, at the Café Royal, and where the club is aiming to be 120 years in the future. It will connect the founding fathers of the ski club, with today and future members through their love of the mountains.

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Ski Apparel Review: the Maier Sports Vroni Slim Ski Pants

Maier Sports Ski Pants Review- Ski Apparel Review
I’ve had the chance to try some ski apparel and equipment on my last trip to the Snow Centre in Hemel Hempstead. This is the indoors ski slope north of London. This review is of the pair of Maier Sports Vroni Slim Pants I have used there.
Maier Sports Vroni Slim Ski Pants. Photo Courtesy of Maier Sports.
Maier Sports Vroni Slim Ski Pants. Photo Courtesy of Maier Sports.
 
Skiing in Hemel Hempstead, is literally skiing in a fridge, and I was cozy and warm with them. I’ve found them super comfy,
with a high waist. The waist is higher in the back with good padding, (so if you tuck you are not showing your bum line!)

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Testing the new Women’s Dynastar E-Cross 82 skis.

Dynastar-womens skis

Yesterday I had the chance to test the new women’s Dynastar E-Cross 82 skis. I have not skied Dynastar for a long time, as I have sticked to my Volkl, and then only tried Black Crows in Aspen. I was really looking forward to testing these pair of Dynastars!

Here I was going to try the new women’s Dynastar E-Cross 82 skis-an all mountain ski. I was yesterday at the Snow Centre in Hemel Hempstead, an indoor- ski slope fill up with man-made snow. That is tricky in itself, as in the mountain, it tends to be a better experience.

Still, I had a blast. These skis are so responsive, doing short or long turns with no problem. I could get on top the harder spots of the slope with complete control, pointing them down and turning immediately. I had an hour of pure bliss, just doing lap after lap, like a little kid!

Dynastar built this pair of skis thinking on an intermediate to advance skier who wants to ski on piste or be free to do a bit of freeride.

Dynastar Skis
Testing the new Women’s Dynastar E-Cross 82 skis. The Dynastar waiting for me on the rack. Photo: The-Ski-Guru

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A New Mountain Art Trail in Courmayeur and Morgex

Lago Blu & the Cervino- Soft Pastels, Pan Pastels and Charcoal on La Carte Pastel- 60 x 80 cm. In my shop.
I’ve put together a new mountain art trail in Courmayeur and Morgex of my soft pastels paintings.
 
You can go up and down the valley, enjoying seeing different hotels and bars. At the same time, you can see my paintings. They are in permanent exhibition there. Please note that the hotels close in the low season, and you might have to contact them before going.
Art Trail Map - Mountain Art of Martina Diez-Routh
Art Trail Map – Mountain Art of Martina Diez-Routh – A New Mountain Art Trail  in Courmayeur and Morgex. See the paintings here.

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