Training in the off-season for the ski-season – Nordic Walking.

Training in the off-season for the ski-season - Nordic Walking. Nordic Walking in Vancouver - Waterfront.

Training in the off-season for the ski-season – Nordic Walking.

This article may contain affiliate/compensated links. For full information, please see our disclaimer here.

We are all excited that winter is coming. Weather seems a bit warm for October in the UK, but it will soon change. With some snowstorms already in the Alps and in America, I can’t wait for the ski season to start!

But how should we get ready for it? Lots of people do cardio exercises. I am not that kind of person. I like being outdoors, but don’t go running as my knees and ankles are not too good. But I can walk. And I’ve learnt that Nordic walking is a great sport, that uses all your muscles in your body and allows you to go in a good pace doing long distances.

I tend to do (when weather is not as bad as last week, or I don’t have ski industry events to attend), a long walk of 2 ½ hours or up to 3 hours. I have found a nice road with trees, go all the way through Blackheath and the bottom of Greenwich into the Maritime Museum where I stop for a tea and a snack and a quick wee, and then I go up the hill all the way back home.

Nordic walking in Lost Lake, I was happy I did not have a 'bear' encounter! Training in the off-season for the ski-seasonWhistler. Photo: Ester Servat.
Nordic walking in Lost Lake, I was happy I did not have a ‘bear’ encounter! Training in the off-season for the ski-seasonWhistler. Photo: Ester Servat.

If you can walk you can Nordic Walk. I suggest you getting good walking poles. The brand I love, and I also used over the years a lot for skiing is Leki. Leki is the German brand of inventor Klaus Lenhart. The brand has different models of poles for alpine skiing, ski touring/snowshoeing, trekking, Nordic walking, freeskiing, cross country and trail running. Even all are similar, they all have their differences too, so if you can afford to do so, buy yourself a pair of Nordic walking poles. I’ve started using my hiking poles for Nordic poling but was soon after having problems with my carpal tunnel syndrome in my wrists, that was making my hands go numb!

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A fast-melting glacier in the Mont Blanc raised an alarm in the area of Val Ferret of Courmayeur.

Plampincieux Iconography - from Daily Mail. A fast-melting glacier in the Mont Blanc raised an alarm in the area of Val Ferret of Courmayeur.

A fast-melting glacier in the Mont Blanc raised an alarm in the area of Val Ferret of Courmayeur.

This article may contain affiliate/compensated links. For full information, please see our disclaimer here.

The Planpincieux glacier on the Grande Jorasses peak of the Mont Blanc massif, which marks the border between Italy, France and Switzerland is fast-melting and could provoke a collapse of 8.8 million cubic feet mass of the 512 square mile glacier.

A helicopter rides on top of the glacier. Photo: Antonio Calanni AP - The Guardian. A fast-melting glacier in the Mont Blanc raised an alarm in the area of Val Ferret of Courmayeur.
A helicopter rides on top of the glacier. Photo: Antonio Calanni AP – The Guardian. A fast-melting glacier in the Mont Blanc raised an alarm in the area of Val Ferret of Courmayeur.

The glacier overlooks the Val Ferret and Planpincieux, 7 km up from Courmayeur. Experts from Fondazione Montagna Sicura (Safe Mountain Foundation), a charity in charge of monitoring the glaciers of Aosta Valley, said that this glacier has been moving since they have been monitoring it closely starting in 2013, but the size of a recent fracture and the increase of the speed at which the ice is melting raised the alarm.

This area is popular with hikers, so Courmayeur’s Major Miserocchi closed as a safety measure, mountain refuges and part of a road upon which the ice could directly fall. Contrary to first reported, only one home had to be evacuated. The rest of the 10 homes in the hamlet beneath the glacier are empty summer holiday homes.

A group of 160 or so pupils marched on Friday to protest against climate change with banners and slogans from “Ban plastic, save our planet” to “You broke our glacier”.

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How to buy a home in the mountains.

An aerial shot of Val d'Isère- Photo: Val d'Isère TO. Val d'Isère starting the ski season with clear protocols.

How to buy a home in the mountains.

This article may contain affiliate/compensated links. For full information, please see our disclaimer here.

If you are a fanatic mountain lover and a skier or boarder, you know that you are thinking about the mountains all the time. If you could, you would be there as much as possible, maybe try to work for the season, and if you are very lucky, stay year-round.

This idea might be great if you have no family and you don’t need to ground yourself down because of your kids. I have a friend when living in Argentina that was doing the ski seasons in Las Leñas with his kids, and another friend in common kept on saying that those kids were not going to learn anything – I would say they will learn the ‘school of life’. But it is not an easy option.

Le Genepi in Les Gets. How to buy a home in the mountains.
Le Genepi in Les Gets. How to buy a home in the mountains.

So, if you are lucky enough of being able to have the money, receive an inheritance, put money aside every month for some (or many) years, or get money for a deposit and look into getting a mortgage, maybe investing in a home in the mountains could be an option for you.

I always wanted to live in the mountains. When I was young and I lived in Colorado, I was really happy waking up there every day. That was the case in Crested Butte, even more than in Aspen. And working for the seasons in Las Leñas and Bariloche also had its appeal.

But having your spot where to stay in the mountains, and not necessarily having to be working there, is the best of both worlds.

Dining room render of the Génepy. Les Gets. How to buy a home in the mountains.
Dining room render of the Génepy. Les Gets. How to buy a home in the mountains.

So how you can do this.

I obviously started looking online, at new developments that can be bought from the builder, some of them ski in/out and then looking at different websites, of the likes of Rightmove of Idealista (for Italian properties).

There are a couple of UK realtors that are dedicated to selling properties in the Alps. Such is the case of Alpine Property Intelligence, which has a very good website featuring different apartments and chalets in the Alps- specifically in France, Switzerland and Austria. Not only they offer a range of apartments for-sale, but also for rent.

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Not for profit organisation UCPA launches new ski touring week in Norway

UCPA Norway ski touring program. Not for profit organisation UCPA launches new ski touring week in Norway.

Not for profit organisation UCPA launches new ski touring week in Norway

Not for profit organisation, UCPA, has launched a new ski touring trip away from its home in France, based in the north of Norway around Tromsø and the Lyngen Alps. 

It’s an expansion of the program that already offers one of the largest choices of ski touring and splitboarding holidays for all levels of skiers and snowboarders across the French Alps.

The 7 night fully guided trip is suitable for skiers with previous off-piste and touring experience only, with 6 days of non-lift accessed skiing through backcountry terrain in remote locations. Potential summits include Store Jaegervasstinden, Russelvjellet, Giilavari, Daltinden, Svarthamartinden, and Gråtinden plus many more.

It’s a chance for skiers to experience a trip that could normally incur huge costs, but at the all-inclusive price that UCPA is well-known for.

The accommodation will be in comfortable guest house style lodges and rooms typically shared between 2 and 4 persons, all meals are included, with the exception of the first and last night dinner in Tromsø.

UCPA Norway ski touring- Northern Lights. Not for profit organisation UCPA launches new ski touring week in Norway
UCPA Norway ski touring- Northern Lights. Not for profit organisation UCPA launches new ski touring week in Norway

Managing Director of Action Outdoors, the UK arm of UCPA, said: “This trip really is one of a kind. The scenery alone in this corner of the world is like no other. The mountains are Alpine in character and contain several glaciers, providing it with exciting terrain despite the highest peak being just 1,833m above sea level – the latitude certainly makes up for the altitude. There may be the chance to witness some of the northern lights too. Although the costs exceed a normal UCPA week in the Alps, we really feel that it provides amazing value considering the potential costs normally involved with fully guided, organised and all-inclusive trips to Norway”.

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So, you want to take your family skiing, but you do not know where to start?

The kids at Maison Vielle- enjoying the day in the sun. Photo: The-Ski-Guru. So, you want to take your family skiing, but you do not know where to start?

So, you want to take your family skiing, but you do not know where to start?

This article may contain affiliate/compensated links. For full information, please see our disclaimer here.

The summer holidays are finished, kids starting school again, and you got the holiday blues. The best thing to do to combat this feeling is getting ready for your next holiday.

I don’t know if you are like me, but I always need to have a holiday to look forward to. How about if you want to initiate your family into skiing but have never done so? And what happens if yourself are not that experienced at it? You might have gone when young with your school but did not think any more of it.

And maybe the mountains caught your attention, but you did not have the money when young and the world was a big place to discover and were not thinking in this kind of holiday.

The boys waiting for their ski race- Photo: Patrick Hinchy. So, you want to take your family skiing, but you do not know where to start?
The boys waiting for their ski race- Photo: Patrick Hinchy. So, you want to take your family skiing, but you do not know where to start?

Now you are tied down with kids, and holidays are completely different. But you’ve heard of friends going skiing already, and of how much fun they had, and how good it is for your kids to start the sport when they are young, as they are not afraid about falling.

You could maybe master a couple of blue or red slopes, but you are not an expert, or, you have never skied.

The problem with skiing, is that it seems daunting: with the travelling, lodging, transfers to the mountains if not lodged ski in – ski out; the equipment, the weight of it all, the clothing you need, the ski or snowboard school for getting all started….you are tired of it before you even begin organising yourself!

But do not despair – I know that all seems awful before starting, but if you like to master tasks and break them into little bits and bops to tackle one at a time, you can definitely be organising the first of an annual holiday that you’ll cherish for ever. Or, if you could not be bothered with the fuss, but still want to introduce your family to a holiday in the snow, then you can always contact a tour operator or travel concierge!

Kids Waiting for the Funicular in Courmayeur Mont Blanc- Soft Pastels by Martina Diez-Routh. In the shop for sale here.
Kids Waiting for the Funicular in Courmayeur Mont Blanc- Soft Pastels by Martina Diez-Routh. In the shop for sale here.

The big picture

Just imagine the rewards, paradisaic landscapes in pristine snow and blue skies, or snow tip-tapping in your face, the silence you can feel when it is snowing, cuddling up under a fluffy blanket by the fire with a nice cup of hot chocolate or wine, the interminable strings of stories of hilarious things that happen to you when you are in the mountain which are great to share with friends. All these things make these kinds of holidays really worth it. For me, it is the holidays I like the best, I think all year of them, I crave my time in the mountains like crazy when I am in the lowlands.

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Ikon Pass to include Zermatt and Cervinia for the 2019/20 ski season

Matterhorn at dusk. Photo credit: Marc Weiler. Zermatt Tourism Office. Ikon Pass to include Zermatt and Cervinia for the 2019/20 ski season.

Ikon Pass to include Zermatt and Cervinia for the 2019/20 ski season

Ikon Pass expands into Europe with the addition of Zermatt in Switzerland and Cervinia Valtourneche in Italy for the 2019/20 ski season

Soak up the magic of the Matterhorn as Zermatt in Switzerland becomes the first European destination partner on the Ikon Pass. Now Ikon Pass holders have access to snow at 41 global destinations across five continents.

The iconic Matterhorn towers over more than 3,500 acres (1,416 hectares) of terrain that spans both Switzerland and Italy, offering Swiss hospitality coupled with Italian lifestyle, in the highest skiable terrain offered in the picturesque Alps. Connected lift service offers Ikon Pass holders access to Rothorn, Gornergrat and the Schwarzsee-Matterhorn glacier paradise within the Zermatt ski area, plus Cervinia-Valtournenche ski areas in Italy, collectively known as Matterhorn ski paradise.

The IKON Pass extends into Europe. Ikon Pass to include Zermatt and Cervinia for the 2019/20 ski season.
The IKON Pass extends into Europe. Ikon Pass to include Zermatt and Cervinia for the 2019/20 ski season.

Ikon Pass holders will have seven-day access to Zermatt and the Matterhorn ski paradise network on the Ikon Pass with no blackout dates, and five-day access on the Ikon Base Pass, also with no blackout dates.

“The Matterhorn is a true icon known around the world, so we are thrilled to have Zermatt join the Ikon Pass community,” said Erik Forsell, Chief Marketing Officer for Alterra Mountain Company. “Ikon Pass strives to continually offer pass holders unique experiences in the mountains. Now they can experience Zermatt’s glacier skiing, traditional Swiss fondue, plus its infamous European après ski across two countries, on one pass.”

“Zermatt and Matterhorn ski paradise are pleased to be the first European destination on the Ikon Pass, and we look forward to offering our best Swiss quality and Italian lifestyle to Ikon Pass holders everywhere. We are excited to share our passion and devotion to skiing within the Ikon Pass community and its impressive destination partners across the globe,” said Sandra Zenhäusern, Director of Marketing, Zermatt Bergbahnen AG.

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Second fire at Chapelco Ski Resort within a couple of weeks.

Second fire at Chapelco Ski Resort within a couple of weeks. Ski Map of Chapelco ski resort.

Second fire at Chapelco Ski Resort within a couple of weeks.

The ski resort of Chapelco, in the Lake Region of the Argentine Patagonia, has suffered a second fire within a couple of weeks. The resort located just outside the village of San Martín de los Andes recorded a fire this morning, around 9.30 AM local time, in the equipment rental shop called Austria, located at the entrance of the resort.

Fire of the rental shop Austria in the base of Chapelco, in San Martin de los Andes. Second fire at Chapelco Ski Resort within a couple of weeks.
Fire of the rental shop Austria in the base of Chapelco, in San Martin de los Andes. Second fire at Chapelco Ski Resort within a couple of weeks.

For unknown reasons, the flames consumed in minutes the whole rental shop, while the tourists where running away barefoot. Three groups of firemen went to put the fire out.

A big dense cloud of smoke can be seen from the city, located 5 km from the resort. The skiers and tourists have been posting all day photos and videos on social media.

The fire occurred in the parking lot where the rental shops for picking up and leaving ski and snowboard equipment are located, and the shop called Austria was completely burnt. The firemen where working to avoid the fire to spread out.

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Arapahoe Basin is now part of the IKON Pass

Arapahoe Basin photo: Dave Camara. Arapahoe Basin is now part of the IKON Pass.

Arapahoe Basin is now part of the IKON Pass

Arapahoe Basin has made the news recently for leaving the alliance with Vail Resorts and being part of the Epic Pass due to major problems with overcrowding, including parking on US6 that was making it just dangerous for visitors and drivers alike.

Arapahoe Basin Cam. Arapahoe Basin is now part of the IKON Pass.
Arapahoe Basin Cam. Arapahoe Basin is now part of the IKON Pass.

I guess it is difficult to be an independent resort in the current climate of concentration of the ski market in the US, so now A Basin will be part of the competitor of the Epic Pass – the IKON Pass. The IKON Pass can be used in 40 global ski destinations, including six in Colorado, now with A Basin:

Aspen Snowmass, Steamboat, Winter Park Resort, Copper Mountain, Arapahoe Basin Ski Area, and Eldora Mountain Resort.

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Stream bursts banks and floods Zermatt

Matterhorn with an imposing ram in front of it. Photo Leander Wenger. Zermatt Tourism Office. Stream bursts banks and floods Zermatt.

Stream bursts banks and floods Zermatt

From Swissinfo.ch

A torrent of water in the Triftbach stream caused unexpected flooding in the Swiss resort of Zermatt. A pocket of meltwater in the glacier above is believed to be the cause.

Despite it being the hottest day of the year without a drop of rain in sight, the Triftbach stream took Zermatt by surprise on Wednesday when it transformed into a gushing torrent of grey water for a while. News website 20 Minuten was able to source footage from readers.

(Keystone / Philippe Mooser) Swissinfo.ch. Stream bursts banks and floods Zermatt.
(Keystone / Philippe Mooser) Swissinfo.ch. Stream bursts banks and floods Zermatt.

No one was injured, the municipality said.

A glacier is probably at the origin of these torrents of water carrying sand and stones, said mayor Romy Biner-Hauser, who described it as “an unpredictable whim of nature”.

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FIS CAMP- South America Chile July, 2019

FIS CAMP- South America Chile July, 2019. Photo Courtesy: FIS Camp, Chino Martinez.

FIS CAMP- South America Chile July, 2019

By Chino Martinez- Coach and Pro Skier

The FIS Camp is a classic event every season, with one version in Europe and one in South America.  The International Ski Federation supports this fantastic camp to create the future World Champions and FIS racers from all over the world.

FIS CAMP- South America Chile July, 2019. Photo Courtesy: FIS Camp, Chino Martinez.
FIS CAMP- South America Chile July, 2019. Photo Courtesy: FIS Camp, Chino Martinez.

16 kids, ladies and men spent 21 days in a ski resort in South America; this year it was the chance for EL Colorado, in Chile at the base of the Andes to host the camp. El Colorado is located one hour from Santiago City. It is a great ski resort, with lots of experience in ski racing and race training, which hosted many amazing athletes over the years of the likes of Ilka Stuhec, Lindsey Vonn and Mikaela Shiffrin.

The FIS race camp is about skiing and much more: the camaraderie between the kids and coaches while staying at the same Hotel and sharing ideas and techniques is invaluable and creates a great vibe for the entire group.From 6;45 am breakfast is served, in order to start skiing at 7:30 am for 3-4 hours. Then is time for lunch all together, with a second short session in the afternoon.

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