Archive for ‘Skiers & Snowboarders’
A Mammoth Adventure
If I’m going to sit on a plane for 10 hours I want to make it worth my while – and that usually means combining a ski trip with some kind of adventure. This years trip was no different – even if our original plans had to change somewhat due to covid. Read the rest of this entry »
Our Guide to Europe’s Picturesque Ski Destinations
Whether you want to be able to show off to your Instagram followers, or just simply fancy visiting a stunning destination,we’ve got you covered. While we think there are amazing photo opportunities in all the European resorts we feature, we’ve narrowed down our picks of the must-Instagram moments for you!
Courchevel at Sunset. Image: Courchevel Tourisme/Patrice Mestari
Making the Most of Whistler
Whistler is one of the most impressive ski resorts on the planet. It has an incredible snow record: Last season saw over 9.5m of fresh powder and 80 snow days. Combine this with amazing skiing in Whistler Blackcomb’s huge ski area, world class accommodation, and fantastic restaurants throughout the village – and you’re already halfway to the ski holiday of a lifetime.
View of the Peak to Peak from Blackcomb – Image: Mike Crane
To help you get the most out of your Whistler ski holiday, The team at Ski Independence have put together a few of our top tips to getting you on your way, both on and off the slopes. Read the rest of this entry »
Top 7 Reasons to Ski BC Interior
The BC Interior ski resorts include Big White, SilverStar, and Sun Peaks. Each of these mountain resorts are unique in their own right, however all share the same great lightweight floaty powder and family friendly features in resort.
Our team of Ski Specialists have tried and tested all of these resorts, and together we’ve created a shortlist of a few of our favourite features.
Silver Star Mountain Resort – Credit: Destination BC/Andrew Strain
Eco-Friendly Travel Tips and Ski Gear
From packing eco-friendly kit to the choices we make when in resort, there are so many ways to limit your footprint when heading off on holiday. Here at Ski Independence we’ve come up with some of our favouite eco-friendly travel tips to help you pack – and travel – more sustainably.
Your Resort
Beautiful Saas-Fee (PHOTOPRESS/Saas-Fee)
Choose Switzerland!
Named number one eco-friendly nation in the 2018 Environmental Performance Index, measuring a wide array of factors including climate & energy, air quality, water & sanitation, biodiversity & habitat, Switzerland boasts amazing air quality and champions environmental best-practice. Benefit from the extensive (and highly efficient) Swiss Rail network and car-free environments in resorts such as Saas-Fee and Zermatt – keep an eye out for the silent electric taxis though! Read the rest of this entry »
Our Pick of the Best Family Ski Holidays
Our top 9 recommendations for 2018/19
A family ski holiday is one of life’s great pleasures. There’s nothing quite like being together in the fresh air of the mountains, watching your children grow in confidence and ability. Ski Independence have been a family ski holiday specialist for 25 years and we know from experience that the bet family ski holidays take a lot of careful planning and a good dose of detailed knowledge – so why not leave it to us? We’ve highlighted some of our recommendations for the best family ski holidays for next winter, and if you don’t see what you fancy below we’re happy to recommend a huge range of alternative destinations, accommodation & activities to suit your family. So, in no particular order…
The excellent nursery slopes at Aspen Snowmass
1. Les Gets, France
A short transfer from Geneva and a traditional pretty village are often two sought-after points on a family holiday wish list and Les Gets more than ticks these boxes. The centre of the village is lined with shops and restaurants serving a selection of Savoyard specialities along with a couple of lively bars offering laid back après-ski. Read the rest of this entry »
Women to Watch at the Winter Olympics 2018
Celebrating Women in Sport
Today we’re celebrating women in winter sports, on the day Britain celebrates 100 years since women first gained the right to vote. Below you’ll find Ski Independence’s pick of women to watch at the Pyeongchang 2018 Winter Olympics. Who’s your one to watch, be they a Brit or an international athlete?
Amanda Lightfoot
“Amanda Lightfoot is the only Biathlete competing for Team GB at Pyeongchang. Cross country skiing is recognised as being the most physically demanding sport, so adding shooting to the mix demands incredible fitness, stamina and recovery. She might not be a nailed-on medal hope, but I’ll be cheering her all the way!” Karen, Senior Ski Specialist
Amanda Lightfoot (source: Team GB)
>> When to watch: Saturday 10th Feb 11:15-12:45 7.5km Biathlon; Saturday 17th Feb 11:15-12:10 12.5km Biathlon Read the rest of this entry »
Ski Cool Gives You Wings! Wingjump Val Thorens
Wingjump Val Thorens (image: Office de Tourisme, Val Thorens)
If you have recently returned from a trip to the Three Valleys, you might have spotted groups of children whizzing about the slopes in Val Thorens with wings attached to their backs (yes that does say wings!). This has nothing to do with fancy dress. In your head you might be picturing some sparkly fairy wings, but think more parachute-like cape and you will be closer to reality.
Wingjump, to give it its official name, is the latest innovative teaching aid to be employed by instructors working for Ski Cool in Val Thorens. Aiming to provide a better sense of balance and instil confidence in learners, the Wingjump is ideal for skiers who are trying to improve their parallel turns. The added feeling of lift that the Wingjump provides encourages you to keep your weight forward, making turns that bit easier whilst allowing you to build up some speed at the same time. And what’s more it’s great fun!
Here’s a clip from Ski Cool’s Facebook page to give you a flavour: Read the rest of this entry »
Guest Blog: Take your skiing up a level!
Our latest blog post comes from Jenny Hyndman, Community Manager at Ongosa, who specialise in searching and booking qualified mountain guides and snowsports instructors. Here are Jenny’s thoughts on the best resorts in which to hone your skills this coming winter.
This is the season to take your skiing up a level!
It should be very difficult to progress in a sport when you only spend a couple of weeks (or days!) a year practising it. Therefore, any improvements that skiers make, year-to-year, are remarkable. Most skiers have been at the same level for years; everyone’s comfort zone will be slightly different, but most commonly, good weather, comfy boots and a fulfilling breakfast contribute to enjoyable skiing. However, this season we want to move up a gear and improve! Hopefully this list of tips and ideal European skiing locations will help beginners, confident skiers and off-piste skiers to take their skiing to the next level. We’ve included suggestions of where to go, and even what you can do at home.
Beginners, move off the blues and learn about your turns
Nick’s Mid-Summer Ski Adventure in Scotland…
My question – ‘Anyone want to go for a last slide of the season this weekend?’ – to my Ski Independence team last week was met with blank stares and hoots of derision. The old man of the mountains had finally gone mad apparently. But I had a plan, and a cunning one at that.
