The Ski Blog

Prime Time Skiing - why learning to ski can be done at any age!

It's great to start skiing at an early age - and as families head to the slopes for the February half term weeks, it's clear that a lot of parents recognise that.

However just because you didn't start young doesn't mean that you can't learn later in life. Don't let preconceptions about what you should or shouldn't be doing at a certain age stop you enjoying yourself - that's what we believe - and if you want to learn to ski in your 40's, 50's, 60's or later who's to stop you except yourself?

So with that in mind we asked Lynne Stainbrook, independent ski instructor based in France's Grand Massif, for his thought's on "senior skiing".

We're never too mature to increase our level of physical activity...

"It’s our prime time. We’re still very much alive and eager to ski, enjoying the mountains, the moment and ourselves. We have achieved significant success in business and our family lives. As we get older we understand our capabilities and limitations and set our own personal realistic goals. We don’t measure our personal worth by speed of descent, hang back recoveries or number of vertical metres logged. We appreciate the joy of blending gravity, snow condition, weather, equipment, physical condition and emotions.

We’re never too mature to increase our level of physical activity and quality of life. I personally recommend skiing as a lifetime activity to improve and maintain our quality of life."

Health benefits...

"Winter activities build coordination, strength and fitness while participating in a fun sport in fresh mountain air. There is always great camaraderie with like minded friends with whom we can make that special connection, on and off the piste.

If you are looking for the motivation to start skiing again, or just ski for the first time, let me help you count the reasons.

1. Physical activity has multiple beneficial effects on the heart and blood vessels.
2. Increased circulation transports antioxidants and nutrients to joints, muscles and bones, reducing stiffness, aches and pains.
3. Enhanced circulation builds a more robust immune system, increasing heart muscle mass and elasticity. The upside is fewer colds and flu, less heart disease, cancer, stroke, diabetes and lower back problems.
4. Skiing is an exercise you can do at and through an advanced age, especially if you suffer from nagging health problems.
5. When you ski, your body releases endorphins that make you feel good, relieving stress, giving you a natural energy boost. Each day you will be able to add a few extra runs, giving you better focus and coordination, both physically and mentally.

Skiing can do all the following: improve your overall fitness, create a positive emotional state, lower stress levels, reduce pain, increase flexibility and help you sleep soundly

So seniors; get active, ski for life, recreation and everyday better health. Get out of the armchair and onto the chairlift."

So whether you're 6 or 60, learning to ski is great activity to get into and with so many benefits what's not to like!

If you're a non-skiing "senior" who is eager to learn or refresh your skills, take a look at Lynne's ski clinics. With over 40 years of experience he can produce a programme specifically tailored to your needs and objectives. You might not want to be the fastest down the mountain but you could certainly develop the skills and confidence to enjoy it, whatever your age!

For more information on Lynne Stainbrook and his ski philosophy, and to book a clinic, take a look at: www.flaineskiclinic.com

Honor Clissold - International podium place and off to a great start this season!

We thought we'd just post this update about the diminutive but talented, and extremely fast, Honor Clissold.

Now aged 14, Honor went to Andorra as part of the GB children's squad to compete in the international Trofeu Borrufa children's competition. There were twenty nations competing; she won silver medals in Giant Slalom, Super G and Super combined. To get podium places at international level is a tremendous achievement!

She then went on to the British Schoolgirls Races in Flaine, France, with her school team, Richmond school in North Yorkshire. She won the giant slalom and was Overall Champion in her age group and the school team was fourth out of 39 schools and 52 teams competing.
 
She has now gone to St Johann with Team Evolution to train slalom prior to the English Championships in Bormio at half term.

It's a fantastic start for this talented racer and we'll be keeping a keen eye on how she does for the next couple of months - well done Honi and good luck for the English Champs!

That was the month that was.....

So January has given way to February and the ski season is set to be one of the best ever! Whilst the snow came late - the first weekend in December was when most resorts in Europe saw their first big snowfalls - it came in abundance. Following a white Christmas and New Year, January provided massive snowstorms - including the big "snowmageddon" storm which trapped holidaymakers in Zermatt for a few days whilst roads were cleared and avalanche risk was at the maximum 5.

More snow during the month now means that resorts are boasting record snowfalls for this time of year. The Paradiski area were quick to point out in a recent press release that they have recorded the most January snow in the area since 1966 - and they're not the only ones!

February is starting with a very cold spell as Arctic air covers most of Europe. If you're heading out to the mountains this weekend make sure you have those thermal baselayers packed - and don't forget snoods, mitts, face masks even. Temperatures in most alpine resorts are going to plummet to around minus 20 at most and with wind chill it won't be unusual to have -35/-40 at the top.

At the moment the forecasts are not showing anymore snow on the horizon - at these temperatures it's probably too cold to snow! However the cold temperatures will keep the snow in excellent condition.

With snow depths over the 3 metre mark in most places - which for January is a fantastic amount - winter 2011-12 is shaping up to be tremendous - something we're all happy about, especially after Europe's drought of last year. So if you've not yet booked your ski or snowboard trip then get out there and enjoy it!

A very cold, but beautiful morning in the Alps - taken this morning in Flaine as the sun starts to come over the mountain and cut through the wispy early morning clouds.