The Ski Blog

The Lowdown on Ski Touring and Split Boarding

Ever wondered what it all means? Backcountry, ski touring etc? 45 Degrees North, based in Morzine, explain it all for you!

What is ski touring?

Get off the beaten track with a local guide and discover a different way to see the mountains.  Stop at one of the many refuges in the hills, often only accessible to backcountry skiers and run by mountaineers, trail runners and people that are passionate about the mountains.  There might not be a menu but quite often you’ll get a hearty meal, a mug of something warming and if you’re lucky maybe a local brew made with one of the high altitude flowers like Genepi.

Essentially its a way to explore the mountains in winter, getting to places that are either less accessible by chairlifts or where there are no lifts at all.  Also known as ski mountaineering, ski touring is a growing sport in Morzine, where the European Championships were held in 2007.

A lot of the Morzine locals will spend their winter mainly ski touring and splitboarding so you don’t need to go far in town to find all the gear and expertise you need.

Can I ski-tour in Morzine?

Yes, there are lots of places to explore and unless you take a chairlift its all free of charge!

Morzine’s top 3 backcountry ski areas:

1. The Vallee de la Manche – this is a perfect place to explore with lots of pure backcountry and no ski lifts for miles.  You can either ski tour up from the bottom or drop over the back from Avoriaz into a beautiful powder field taking you all the way to the bus stop back to town.
2. Encrenaz – this beautiful area is situated around the back of Mont Chery. Catch the first lift over and then tour up a variety of different slopes to suit all abilities of ski touring.
3. Porte du Soleil – There is some amazing touring just off the top of the lifts in Porte du Soleil. Taking a chairlift up the slopes and then heading away from the people, means you have all the fun with less effort, my kind of touring.

Morzine is a great place to explore the off piste and Some of the Morzine locals will head out in snow shoes and take their dogs for a walk, usually they have the mountain to themselves.

How do I start?

If you’re an intermediate skier or snowboarder and looking for some fresh powder, a different way to explore the mountains and a new challenge, head to the backcountry.  Depending where you’re going you’ll need the right equipment and its always a highly recommended to get some tips from one of our partners like New Generation Ski and Snowboard school’s Backcountry Skills lessons, Alpine Ski School’s Off-Piste and Backcountry Guiding or one of the other schools in Morzine.

Beacons or transceivers, ski probes and shovels are just some of the items you’ll need to bring with you when ski-touring:

It can be a beautiful and serene way to explore the mountains and with a little preparation, a lesson in avalanche safety and a guide to take you to some of the best spots, you’ll soon find out why the sport is growing so quickly.

Disclaimer: while every effort is made to give you all the advice you need to get started we strongly suggest that anyone new to the area and backcountry skiing or snowboarding should take a qualified guide with them.

45 Degrees North have 2 great chalets in Morzine - see them here!

 

 

Tips on Tipping during your USA ski holiday!

Holidaying in the US this year? Helen of Chalets USA has given us some invaluable information on that tricky topic of tipping - how, when, why - read on!

Every year our clients ask us what the etiquette is on tipping in the USA...

If you don't often travel to the States it can be difficult to know what to do with regard to tipping or the "gratuity" as it is often referred to.

America has a huge service culture & whilst that is great for visitors, it does mean that tipping is more widely expected than in some other countries.

Here's the scoop on what to do & why!

1. Restaurants

Restaurants are really the most important places to tip of all.

Waiters & waitresses are exempt from the normal minimum wage requirements, which means they are often paid a very low standard of wage of around $2-3 per hour. This is not much at any exchange rate (!), so they really rely on your tips to for almost their entire income.

In restaurants, the standard tip is 15% for decent service & 20% for excellent service. If the service is really bad (hopefully never), but it looks like it's the kitchen's fault & not the wait staff, you can indicate your discontent by giving say around 10%, but you really should still give the waiter something, even in those circumstances.

So here's what to do: when it's time for the bill to arrive  (usually a paper bill inside a black wallet left for you on the table),  don't say to the waiter "just round it up to $x". Instead, give them your credit card to charge for the bill amount. (By the way do expect them to take your credit card away, they don't often have machines to bring to the table).

Then when they bring your card back with your copy to sign, you'll see there's a line at the bottom where you can add the tip & the total. Sign your copy & give it back to them & they then add the tip you've given them. Sometimes the receipt will help you with the maths by showing example tip amounts of say 15, 18 & 20%, so you can use one of those or add in the amount you'd like.

Alternatively you can just leave cash in the wallet on the table, which is usually preferred by the wait staff!

2. Bars

Now barman do get paid a better hourly wage usually, but do still expect to make good tips - it's a pretty well paid hospitality job if you're a good barman in the US!

Definitely tip a dollar a drink for a beer or wine & more for a cocktail or a round.

If you go up to the bar just leave cash on the bar when you pay or tell them to keep the change if it's a suitable amount.

Many bars do have table service though & if this is on offer, the waitresses will look after you much better if you order all your drinks 

through them, instead of going up to the bar. In this case you will mostly just run a tab with your waitress or waiter & then should tip her / him a suitable 15-20% of the bill at the end in the same way you do in restaurants.

3. Buffets

Several hotels & apartments with hotel services in the USA do offer breakfast, whether it's included in your ski holiday or an added extra - Lodge Tower in Vail or Limelight Hotel in Aspen for example. These tend to be buffet style with hot or cold items which you go up & help yourself to, plus sometimes chefs to cook you tailormade omlettes or sometimes french toast etc.

Obviously if you are helping yourself you don't need to leave a big tip, but if waiters, or "servers" as they are often referred to in America, are clearing your plates away & refilling coffee etc, a couple of bucks (dollars) left on the table is definitely appreciated.

4. Drivers

Many people do take a shuttle transfer from the airport to their accommodation when they're travelling to ski resorts from overseas, particulary if you're arriving late & are tired.

Typically if you're on a shared shuttle with other people, gratuity is not included in the price. Particularly if your driver has been chatty & helpful, maybe sharing information or pointing out sites etc, a tip as you leave the shuttle is appropriate.

Usually with private shuttle transfer (just for your group), the base gratuity is included. If they have been very good though an additional tip if you would like to give it is always welcome!

Bus drivers around the resorts sometimes have a bucket out to collect tips - totally discretionary for them!

5. Ski instructors

So the official line from the ski school is:

*Gratuities for coaches are not a requirement but an appropriate and appreciated gesture. A 15-20% gratuity based on the cost of the lesson will make your coach feel very appreciated and valued." 

This is a bit of a tricky one. Some people feel that as private lessons are already quite pricey they don't want to pay more, but many Americans do tip their private instructors on top. If you had a really great experience or may want to use the same instructor again a tip is appropriate. In the end it's up to you.

Tipping with children & adult group lessons is less common, but again if you can do it & they have been really good & helpful, a gratuity is appreciated...

6. Others

As in most top hotels, the bell staff normally do get a tip for helping you with your bags or showing you to your room.

Ski valet, where available, is normally a complimentary service. It can be awkward to tip every morning / afternoon when they're helping you with your gear, so a small gesture at the end of the week left at the front desk or taken to them can be appropriate.

Housekeeping sometimes leave an envelope in your room for you to tip your maid if you feel like you've had good service.

Summary

These are the main people to think about regarding tipping on your USA ski holiday. If you've had great service from someone else & you feel like they deserve a little something, of course do give them something that you feel is appropriate.

At the end of the day, tipping is discretionary & totally up to you, but I hope these "tips" help give you an idea of appropriate gestures in the USA ski holiday industry.

Ask Chalets USA about your USA skiing holiday today!

We live in the USA, know the ski resorts & accommodation and visit them regularly.

We can give you expert advice and save you time & effort finding the right USA ski holiday for you.

Happy Skiing!

Top Tips for the February Half Term Ski Holidays

Half term weeks are fast approaching and if you're setting off soon we thought you might like our top tips to help you get the best from your trip!

Weather: 

Keep an eye on the weather forecasts for your resort before you go so that you have an idea of what the temperatures will be like during your stay and whether there is snow on the way. Generally forecasts up to 3 days in advance will be the most reliable and beyond that you can at least get an indication of how things will pan out.

Good weather sites include Snow-Forecast.com, Meteoblue, Netweather - and you can also check the resort website for weather updates.

Layer up:

If you know you're expecting snow and cold weather then you can prepare for it by packing some extra layers. 

Temperatures can vary enormously in the mountains during the day and at different altitudes so be aware of that. Whilst it may be a pleasant 5 degrees at 1500m for example it can easily be a lot colder at 3000m with wind chill. 

Make sure you're prepared - and layer up. Base layers are a must and will often make the all the difference. If the weather is going to be very cold, or if you suffer from cold hands, a thin pair of inner gloves is also a good idea for both adults and children.

Tips for Families:

If you have children in ski school then it's a good idea to have a morning checklist written up somewhere visible in your accommodation so that nothing is forgotten - both for yourself and the kids. It's too easy to leave behind those all important items such as gloves, goggles/glasses etc.

There are other small items it's worth slipping into their pockets too; small change should the instructor take them inside for a hot chocolate mid-lesson, mini snack bars to keep them going, tissues.

If ski school starts on Sunday then get as much done on the Saturday evening as you can. Many ski shops will stay open late on the Saturday to give new arrivals time to get organised and you'll feel happier on Sunday morning knowing that at least the gear is sorted and you just need to get to the ski school rendezvous.

Non Ski-Schoolers:

If you are not tied to the ski school timetable then make the most of it to get some quieter time on the piste. Most ski schools will start around 9-9.30am, when the pistes suddenly get a lot busier. Aim to get out as soon as the lifts open so that you can get at least a couple of runs under your belt before the classes get underway. 

Similarly morning sessions will usually finish around midday - when most families will reconvene to get lunch. Lunchtime can therefore be a great time to ski. Either have your lunch early or late so you can avoid both the restaurant crowds and the lift queues!

Check out what else is going on:

Even the most diehard skiers and snowboarders will come to a point when they need to take some time out during the week.

Check out what's happening in your resort over the week so you can plan for it and make it part of your holiday. There's usually a lot of resort happenings taking place over the February weeks - torchlight descents, shows for children, competitions, live music etc. 

There's also the opportunity to try out activities which may not be so accessible at home - ice skating, snow shoeing, ice driving, tobogganing, even snowman-building. 

The good news is that the Alps, Pyrenees and North America have all recently had good, substantial dumps of snow - so conditions for February are looking great! If you're looking for a half-term break then you've left it a bit late but there may still be some availability - check out the half term promotions or try the Solutions Room. 

Where to ski in December?

We asked Powder n Shine, experts in the Three Valleys,  for their ideas on where to find the best December skiing and this is what they told us!

Snow-sure December skiing in high altitude Reberty!

With the understandable wariness that follows the late arrival of snow in both 2014 and 2015, one thing is becoming increasingly advisable for Christmas (and earlier in December) ski holidays:

AIM HIGH!!

One example is the quaint and attractive village of Reberty, based above Les Menuires at high altitude – 2000m, which is one of the most snow-sure places in Europe, throughout the duration of the season. Even in those tricky years, chalets in that particular spot were open from the second week in December (the first scheduled week of the season), able to capitalise on the proximity of Val Thorens – Europe’s highest ski resort – where necessary.

 

These two pictures were taken on December 1st 2015 last winter. As you can see there is plenty of snow AND topped up with the excellent facilities of the snow cannons!

 

The fantastic job that the local pisteurs manage to do should also not be under-estimated – though this is potentially more visible at the end of the season when snow may not have fallen for a few weeks. Together with the vast network of snow cannons across the resort (Les Menuires has 418 cannons for its 160km of pistes), they ensure that the pistes can stay linked and open from the first week right until the end of April, earning the resort the “Guaranteed Snow” title.

 

As an industry, we are hoping that this year will be third time lucky in regards to the arrival of the first substantial snowfall, but if the late arrival of snow trend does continue, there are ways to enjoy European skiing from early December.

 

See the Powder n Shine portfolio on Chalets Direct !

 

 

Getting the shot - how to capture the action

There are generally two ways of getting a good action shot.

The first is to set yourself up in a place with a great vantage point, and let things play out in front of you. The other is to communicate directly with an athlete, so that you can work together on getting a shot, which was the case here.

It had been snowing for 3 days straight in Aspen, and the snow was deep. That morning I thought about not even bringing my camera, because it would get in the way of some great riding. Then realized I would also be missing out on some cool shots, so I stuffed it in the pack and headed out.

Visibility on the mountain wasn't great because the snow was still coming down (not that I was complaining), but you can always count on visibility in the trees. Which also provides a unique kind of light as opposed to open areas. So we rode around in the tress for a while until we found a nice open area with deep untouched powder. I went down first and instructed Jordan where to ride and where to turn in order to get a solid shot. This is the outcome.....

See more of Rob's work at Rob Hammer Photography

Short client list: Nike, Under Armour, Reebok, Adidas, Foot Locker, Fox Sports.

Short list of athletes: Kobe Bryant, Shaquille O'Neal, Kevin Durant, Blake Griffin, Russell Westbrook, Kyrie Irving, James Harden, Von Miller.

Five reasons to love Courchevel in Spring

Clare from Ski Magic shares her top tips for spring skiing in the Three Valleys area of France.

Late season is a great time to visit the Three Valleys.

Anyone who has skied back down to resort after a beautiful day on the slopes with a long shadow following their every turn will agree! Here are our reasons to love Spring skiing:

1) From February, the lifts will start opening for longer which of course means even more time on the hill AND even more value from your lift pass! 

2) The Courchevel Valley is lucky to have a North-facing aspect which, in combination with the high altitude ensures that the snow stays in lovely condition and means that the resort can stay open until late: 24th April this year.

3) The snowpack generally continues to freeze overnight which means that the amazing piste maintenance team can groom the slopes back to corduroy ready for the opening of the lifts. We can’t get enough of that fast and fun morning skiing on seductively smooth slopes. 

4) With a little forward planning, you can follow the sun around during the day: as the sun starts to soften the pistes, you can enjoy really getting onto those edges and practising your carving technique. Feel that exhilaration from skiing those wide, flattering slopes that makes the Three Valleys so famous!

5) The Spring sunshine also means lingering longer over a cool beer or vin chaud on the terrace of a mountain restaurant, overlooking the stunning scenery of the mountains as the sun lowers in the sky. Would you rather be anywhere else on earth?

There are still have a few spaces left for this season in some of Ski Magic's gorgeous chalets in La Tania in the Courchevel valley.  La Tania stays open until 24th April. Prices start from just £349 for a catered week in one of their lovely chalets. For more information see their properties on Chalets Direct or go to the Ski Magic availability & booking page. 

Snowy Saturday forecast for the start of February half term!

This Saturday, 13th Feb, is going to be probably the biggest and busiest of the season so far! Lots of holidaymakers leaving and a big influx of families arriving for the half term break. It's also forecast to be a snowy Saturday - which can make travelling a bit more problematic. 

If you're driving out to resort or are picking up a hire car at the airport then chances are that you could be required to stop and put on snowchains, so we've got together a few tips which will hopefully come in useful. We posted these tips a couple of years ago and they're as relevant now as they were then. Preparing for the journey will help to make it more fun and take some of the stress out of the day.

1. Firstly make sure you have chains/snow socks etc. If you're driving out to the Alps it is obligatory to have some kind of snow equipment available. If you're buying them for your own car check your manual so you know the tyre spec, if you're using a hire car make sure the rental company has provided them - check before booking and check again when you pick up the car.

2. Make sure you know how to fit them. It really makes sense to do a practice run at home on your driveway. There's few things worse than having to stop halfway up a mountain road as night is falling, trying to make sense of a flimsy paper instruction leaflet when the snow is coming down and said instruction leaflet is quickly disintegrating. Having a couple of dry runs, if you can, in more comfortable ambient temperatures in full daylight, with the prospect of popping inside for a cup of tea afterwards, can make all the difference.

If you're hiring a car at the airport it's worth opening up the chains before you set off and having a good look through so you're at least more familiar with them should the need arise to use them.

3. Dress for the occasion. If you're driving out from home it really makes sense to put an old jacket in the car - one that you don't mind getting dirty or wet. Fitting snow chains can be messy - so avoid wearing your brand new white ski jacket. It's also worth having something you can kneel on - again something old which you can put on the ground which will save your knees getting wet. If you're fly-driving then check the weather and road conditions before you fly so you can anticipate what to wear.

4. Know your car. This might seem obvious but, as seasoned mountain drivers will tell you, it's not unusual to see rear wheel drive cars with chains on the front and vice versa. So just make sure you know which set of wheels should be chained!

5. Other useful equipment to have in the car include a head-torch which frees up both hands so you can fit the chains and still see what you're doing. Fingerless or thin gloves will also be useful.

6. It's important to fit chains sooner rather than later. Don't wait until you're stuck as you'll have less room to manoeuvre. If you have standard summer tyres then it is highly likely that you will need chains on a snowy road. If you see snow on the road then start thinking about stopping to fit chains, as you gain in altitude the snow on the road will increase. If the road is clear then you don't need chains.

We've found a useful youTube video below - and there are lots more available - so spend sometime planning and researching.

If you are heading out this weekend we'd like to wish you a comfortable and safe journey - and it's going to be well worth it when you get there!

It's a great time to get a ski holiday!

After a shaky start January has, as ever, been proving to be a great time to ski. The snow fell abundantly in the early part of the month, followed by a spell of sub-zero temperatures mixed with more snow. The forecast is set fair now for a few days at least and, as almost everyone in the know will tell you, January skiing is special. Quiet pistes, quiet airports, cheap flight options, and available accommodation. 

The good news is that there's still a week of January left - and the first week of February is also going to be excellent before the half term rush! So check out our last minute offers and grab a quick ski break!

If you're still looking for your February half term break there's still availability too - book with Pierre & Vacances before 27th Jan and you can get 40% off for holidays throughout February, including the half term week - and there's more half term deals available here!

The view of the Mont Blanc massif yesterday (23rd January) - inspirational n'est-ce pas?

Winter is here! Get ready to ski!

The view from one of the Meribel webcams yesterday (21st Nov) - thanks to Meribel tourist office for sharing!

All of a sudden the weather has turned decidedly wintry and whilst you're probably jumping for joy - it's time to get down to the serious business of ski holiday prep! Here's a few tips.

1. Holidaying in the school holidays? Take a look at our special sections.

If you're already booked for Christmas, Half Term or Easter - great! If not take a look at our school holiday sections so you can get straight to the availability and offers for those periods. Find Christmas, New Year, Half Term and Easter by clicking on the relevant link! Fortunately it's not too late and you can still find some great chalets or apartments for those dates.

2. Have beginners? Book some lessons.

If you can, get them some pre-season lessons. Snow domes, snow centres and artificial ski slopes all over the country offer beginner lessons aimed at children and adults. This can make an enormous difference to how successful the beginner ski experience will be in resort - and will often allow for quicker improvement and more enjoyment once on real snow.

Whilst it may seem like an unecessary expense think of it as an investment. 

 3. Physical Preparation.

Ok so you say it every year about this time - I must get fitter for skiing. But somehow, with the pressure of work, family, social life, the best intentions get forgotten. Then suddenly you're at altitude and trying to negotiate something steep and you wish you'd taken the time to do just a bit more. Make this the year that you do something about it! Just stepping up your regular fitness routine by about 10-20% will pay dividends in a few weeks - so by the time you're on the slopes you'll feel the benefit.

Just googling "exercises for skiing" will give you a great range of resources and tips. Start easy and adapt exercise to your level. It's never too late to start. 

4. Learn about Snow Conditions

If you're an experienced skier/snowboarder chances are that you will at some point be skiing off-piste. Modern skis make it much easier for relatively inexperienced skiers to try the powder - and snowboarders have been doing it for years. So if you are going to do that it makes sense to learn more about the environment. During this autumn Henry's Avalanche Talk has been running regular sessions in partnership with Ellis Brigham. 90% of avalanches are triggered by the victim, and in many cases the situation could have been avoided with a bit more knowledge. Check out the link for the  HAT Autumn Tour. If you're an off-piste regular you owe it yourself and your ski/snowboard buddies to go along.

 

And the winners are ....

What a great response to our Ski Slick Limerick Competition! Your entries had us rolling in the aisles of CDHQ and it took us a little while to come to agreement over the winners. Thank you all for taking the time to indulge us and brighten up our day!

However unanimous decisions, with perhaps a little arm-twisting, have now been made and the winning limericks are published below. Well done to all the winners - you will be contacted by email to receive your tickets. 

What's on at the Shows

Don't forget the Ski & Snowboard Show North opens tomorrow at EventCity, Manchester. There'll be appearances from top GB athletes including Jamie Nicholls, Katie Summerhayes and Rowan Cheshire. The Mountain Talks Theatre will give you invaluable information on off piste and backcountry skiing, Ellis Brigham will be offering free boot-fitting clinics, there's the chance to get a free virtual one-to-one lesson with Warren Smith, and there's so much more going on - live music, great food, free lift pass offers, pro-rider demos - phew!

The London Show takes place next week - 5th - 8th November, and promises to be the best Ski Show yet! The much-loved Aimee Fuller will be among The Team GB athletes in London, Santa will be flying in, Mount Battersea will be the venue for London Ride Freestyle Competition and for the first time the Altitude Comedy festival will be coming to the Show!

At both Shows there'll be plenty of opportunity to talk tips, resorts, equipment, apparel and see what's hot for this winter. So even if you're not a winner why not get along and get buzzed for the ski season ahead!

Without further ado and waffling here's our winning limericks - thank you all!

From Nikki Willard:

There was a keen skier called Joe,
At any chance to the slopes he would go,
And with Chalets Direct,
He could always connect, 
To the best deals for fun in the snow!

From Rosie Dendle:

There was a keen skier called Joe 

Who yearned for sun fun and snow 

With no need to reflect 

He called Chalets Direct 

Where dreams still come true...have a go!

 

From Stella Coton:

There was a young skier called Joe
Who loved to carve and slide on the snow
His life was perfect
After Surfing Chalets Direct
Christmas holiday now booked – yo ho ho

From Steve & Lesley Jayne:

There was a keen skier called Joe
Whose aim was to go to the show
he composed a quick rhyme
which took little time
and Chalets Direct said no...........?

(except we said ... yes ... ;) )

From Fionagh Harding: 

There once was a keen skier called Joe,

who was feeling incredibly low

but he booked for a trek

with Chalets Direct

and was soon high on life and the snow.