J2Ski Forum Posts and Replies by J2SkiNews

Bill Bailey has been named as one of the headline acts for this season's Altitude comedy festival in Mayrhofen. Stand up extraordinaire, erstwhile Bill Bailey comedy partner and 8 Out Of 10 Cats team captain, Sean Lock is another headliner.

"Every year when we start putting our line-up together, I pull out my trusty little black boot of clowns and maniacs and go straight to B for Bailey, and finally, after all these years, he's said yes! Bill Bailey at Altitude. COME ON! Add to that the genius of Sean Lock and you're already well on the way to a legendary year. I couldn't be more excited," said Altitude's joint founder, comedian Andrew Maxwell (pictured above).

The Altitude Comedy Festival will run from 23rd-27th March and as always will offer the chance to catch some of the very biggest names in some of Europe's most charming and intimate venues.

Also on the bill will be the other altitude festival founder, Marcus Brigstocke, along with numerous acts including The Boy with Tape on his Face, Miss Behave's Gameshow, plus after missing last year, Abandoman are definitely back this year, along with Altitude favourite German Michael Mittermeier.

New to the line-up are two Altitude virgins - Mock the Week regular and Bethnal Green's sassiest lady - Gina Yashere, and Live at the Apollo and Stand Up for the Week funny man Simon Evans. And there are many other well known names on the bill..

This year Altitude has teamed up with tour operator Neilson who are offering packages which include return flights and resort transfers, plus seven nights bed and breakfast accommodation at the Mayrhofen Guesthouses from £399per person.

Festival wristbands are available for the early bird price of £155pp, but rise to £180 on 10th February (both plus booking fee) or £200 if bought in resort (no booking fee).

VIP Altitude Tickets which not only gives you entrance to all Altitude shows, but also a free bottle of wine (or up to four beers) for the Gala shows, reserved seating, meet and greets with the comedians, a chance to compete in the clown hill race, and a splendid Altitude t-shirt are also available at £280.00 (plus booking fee).

Four of Scotland ski centres are to spend £5.5 million on upgrades. Glencoe and Glenshee will upgrade chairlifts, whilst The Lecht and Nevis Range will upgrade drag lifts. It is unclear as yet if the replacement lifts will be brand new or better second hand lifts than those they replace.

The new cash follows a similar investment announced last June for Cairngorm, of around £6m. In both cases the vast majority of the money – more than 80% in Cairngorm's case and 75% for the other four centres – comes from public funds, particularly Scottish Enterprise and Highlands and Islands Enterprise. The ski centres also benefitted from a VAT rate cut on lift ticket sales announced in the budget, allowing them to keep more of the money raised from ticket sales.

The new chairlifts will cost approximately £2.5m at Glenshee and £1.9m at Glencoe taking up the bulk of the spend. The drag lift upgrades at Nevis Range will cost just over £700k, at The Lecht, £456,000. The investment at Cairngorm over the next five years is largely on buildings and other infrastructure, but their 14-15 news press release hinted at some lift upgrades this coming summer for winter 15-16, although when asked for details by J2Ski operator Natural Retreats did not respond.

Last season in Scotland around 235,000 skier days were recorded in Scotland, a fraction of the numbers during the heyday of skiing in the country in the 1970s and early 1980s but still a major contributor to the regional economy, according to Scottish government ministers.

Resorts in Colorado have been enjoying their best snowfalls of the year so far with up to 50cm (20 inches) of fresh snow falling in the last 48 hours leading to powder conditions.

The new snow was welcome in most of the state's resorts, which although in good shape thanks to healthy snowfalls pre-Christmas, has had little fresh powder to talk of for over a month.
However it did lead to the postponement of races at the current Alpine skiing World championships in Beavery Creek.

Winter park, Vail, Steamboat and Arapahoe Basin (pictured) all reported 40-50cm of new snow so far, with a foot to 16 inches (40cm) at Copper, Keystone, Beaver Creek and Breckenridge.
Further north in Utah there was fresh snow too, but smaller accumulations of 10-20cm.

Unfortunately Californian ski areas which once again are badly in need of fresh snow, did not report any, although there is some good news on the horizon with fresh snow expected there too.

On the east coast – which had seen more snow than the west in the previous fortnight until the Colorado storms – it is still snowing and 7 day totals are as much as two feet at resorts like Smugglers Notch in Vermont.

However the biggest snowfall in the country, once again, was at Jackson hole, Wyoming which reports nearly three feet ( 83cm to be exact) of new snow and a 2.4m (8 feet) base, the deepest in the US at present.

The powers-that-be in Verbier have decided to cut prices on some lift passes, rentals and holiday accommodation by 15% ("terms and conditions apply") in response to the Swiss National Bank's decision to end its policy of a fixed exchange rate pegged to 1.20 Swiss francs for 1 euro, a decision which has had the effect of making holidays to the resort for Brits about 15% more expensive.

The price cut announcement came after business leaders in the resort met to discuss possible solutions to combat the strength of the franc.

The Association des Gérants Immobiliers de Verbier (Verbier Real Estate Agent Association) has decided to grant – for all new holiday reservations made up and until the end of April – a discount of up to 15% on all accommodation offers published on Verbier's official website.
Sports shops which are members of the Société des Commerçants et Artisans de Verbier (Verbier Association of Retailers and Artisans) have decided to offer a 15% reduction on clothing, equipment and rentals.

Téléverbier will offer a 15% reduction on pre purchased six-day ski passes for Tour Operators working in the UK when offered as an accommodation and ski pass package, and bought and paid for at least 10 days prior to customers' arrival in the resort.

"Verbier values its clients and hopes through these efforts that clients can benefit from a number of advantages, despite the strong franc. The region cares about its clients and above all, wishes to retain both its Swiss and overseas visitors," said a statement from the resort.

Millie Knight and Jennifer Kehoe won gold yesterday at the IPC Alpine World Cup skiing event in St Moritz, Switzerland, which means that Millie Knight achieved the Overall World Cup GS title for 2015!

Millie is a Paralympic athlete and student who competes at international level for ParalympicsGB in alpine skiing in the slalom and giant slalom events with a sighted guide Jennifer Kehoe.

When Millie was one year old, she contracted toxocariasis which resulted in the loss of most of her vision by the age of six. She joined the Great Britain Paralympic skiing team run by Disability Snowsport UK in 2012 and progressed to compete at international-level events.

Millie's first world stage event was at the age of 15 at the 2014 Winter Paralympics in Sochi where she was the youngest Paralympics GB competitor at any Winter Paralympics.

She was the flag bearer at the opening ceremony for Paralympics GB team. She came fifth in the slalom completing both of her runs and finished again in fifth position in the giant slalom event on 16 March 2014. Her target now is the 2018 Winter Paralympics in Pyeongchang.

Review by Patrick Thorne (who is a fan of the resorts and not just writing this for the money)

It's one of the easiest areas in Europe for us to reach – the shortest and easiest drive through France from the channel or just 50 minutes from Geneva International Airport; it's one of the larger ski areas in France; it has much more authentic charm and character than most of the other famous French ski destinations thanks to its century of Alpine skiing tradition mixed with continuing strong agricultural roots …and yet you may never of heard of it.

"Lake Annecy Ski Resorts" huh?

Well for those who know their French geography and how marketeers work, the answer is simple. This is the new-ish name (it's actually been around a few years now) for long standing French favourite ski areas La Clusaz and Le Grand Bornand, as well as their smaller neighbours, Manigod and St Jean de Sixt.

La Clusaz



The best known of the Lake Annecy Ski Resort on the British Market, La Clusaz is one of the few resorts in the top division of French destinations that was not purpose built, so is rich in ambience and traditional architecture rather than awash with concrete.

In fact it (as indeed the whole Lake Annecy Ski Resorts region) is distinguished by its sporting spirit and its leading freeride area. Home to no less than 10 world champions, it also has one of the longest runs in the region, from the top of the main Balme mountain to the village there's over 1500m of vertical to ski.

This traditional Savoyard village is regarded by some as one of the most picturesque in France and has attracted tourists since the beginning of the twentieth century, establishing itself as a ski destination 90 years ago – long before resorts like the 3 Valleys and Paradiski were even thought of.

Today La Clusaz's skiing spreads across five mountains - Beauregard, La Croix Fry-Manigod-Merdassier, L'Etale, L'Aiguille and Balme, inter-connected by more than 50 lifts.

This huge area covers all kinds of slopes from large wooded trails for relaxed descents, to high summits and steeps. There are terrain parks, beginner zones, children's snow parks – everything you could look for in fact. The Telemark World Championships and the Freestyle World Championships are among top level events that have been staged here.

Off the slopes La Clusaz is a bustling, thriving, traditional resort. Along with its extensive accommodation, shopping and dining options, recent developments have included a fun swimming adventure pool complex and the resort was one of the first French ski areas to offer a five star hotel as an accommodation option along sides its numerous other accommodation options which cover every category from camping or a youth hostel up.

Manigod



Of the two smaller members of Lake Annecy Ski Resorts, Manigod is linked to La Clusaz by its wide sunny slopes of Croix Fry and Merdassier, making it a well kept skiing secret !
The village has many chalets scattered around the charming valley, which is particularly regarded for being home to several highly rated chefs and Michelin starred restaurants.

This season almost half of the ski slopes are open at night every Friday and Saturday evening until 9.30pm and every night during the February school holidays.

St Jean de Sixt

Located only 3km from La Clusaz and from Grand Bornand, this warm and welcoming village is well placed to reach either of the big areas of Lake Annecy Ski Resorts in just a few minutes on the free ski bus, it is also a centre for cross country skiing and other Nordic sports and has a small ski area of its own – ideal for beginners and families.

Le Grand Bornand



A jewel in the Aravis crown and a member of the prestigious Club TOFTA – Top of the French Alps – the unassuming Le Grand Bornand was remarkably the French resort whose athletes won a record number of medals at the Olympic Games in Sochi last winter.

Along with a good sized ski area, Le Grand Bornand has two base villages to choose from - at Le Grand Bornand Chinaillon and Le Grand Bornand itself. It is the only French resort is modern times to stage biathlon world cup events and you can try this great sport yourself, which combines cross country skiing with breaks to try to shoot at tiny targets by holding your rifle still as you're gasping for breath, in its international biathlon stadium.

But you'd be forgiven for not realising you're in one of the world's most successful breeding grounds for winter sports stars as you wander around this quiet resort, an authentic Savoyard village with its 400 200-year old chalets, passing its many farms producing reblochon cheese.

Not Just Going Downhill



Cross-country skiing is another strength with 70km of trails spread across the two plateaux of Confins and Beauregard. Snowshoeing is also popular here and there are a large number of cleared winter hiking trails.

But there are more than 40 activities listed in the area. Apart from all the usual on snow activities, (and many unusual ones), there's the chance to try biathlon (see le Grand Bornand) , perhaps go dog sledding or ski joëring (towed on your skis behind a pony), ice climbing or skating.

Adrenaline junkies have plenty of freeriding opportunities plus snowpark hits to enjoy but could also try speed riding with an instructor (skiing down a powder slope wearing a small parasail for really big air) or the world's first Bun J ride – a kind of bungee catapult on skis.

New this season on the edge of La Clusaz on the route des Confins is the chance to drive 100% electric Renault Twizy cars on an ice circuit (circuit-glace-laclusaz.fr) whilst in La Clusaz there's the option to spend a night in an igloo after an evening snowshoe hike.

If that sounds too energetic, or you just need a break afterwards, the Aquatic Centre in La Clusaz includes a 100m2 outdoor pool, indoor pools, spas, saunas and fitness centre and there are several other swimming pools and spa facilities in hotels in the various villages.

Cheese

Reblochon cheese is a big part of Lake Annecy Ski Resorts. All of the villages are home to small dairy farmers making this delicious cheese, which is served up in local restaurants and sold in shops and traditional markets. The farmers help maintain the ski slopes in the summer and maintain the year round communities here when again other famous resorts tend to shut down outside the ski season and become ghost towns. In Le Grand Bornand life still revolves around the traditional mid-week farmers market, alongside the Reblochon Market, first held in 1795.

But Lake Annecy ski resorts are real villages with a year-round life and small community and family businesses besides 'just' snow sports.



Lake Annecy Ski Resorts In Numbers

Highest lift: 2600m
Biggest Vert: 1600m
Total Runs : 220 km
Total Lifts : 85
Terrain P:arks: 3
Snow Guns: 350
Cross country trails: 130km
Toboggan runs : 7
Tourist beds : 64,300
Lodgings : 3214
Shops : 264
Restaurants : 128
Bars: 24
Discos : 3
Hotels : 38
Ski buses : 20

Get There

By air: Geneva (50 minutes/km)
Lyon Airport (90 minutes/150km away)
By Road: Autoroute A41 - Exit Annecy North.
By Rail: Annecy TGV Station (35 minutes away, 3.5 hours from Paris).

More: http://www.lakeannecy-skiresorts.com

ends

(After simulated crash and deployment)

32 year old British speed skier Jan Farrell has become the first man to complete a 'live test' the new air bag approved for downhill ski racers by the International Ski Federation (FIS).

Farrell took to the slopes of La Pinilla, a small ski resort an hour north of Madrid yesterday, 2nd of February, to test out the D-Air® Ski device, just before the start of the Alpine World Championships in Colorado.

The new airbags, designed to increase safety and minimise injury for ski racers are the result of several years of research and development by Italian company Dainese, the market leader for protection in sports, working with several of the world's top ski racers.

Jan staged his crash at 80kph (50mph), substantially less than one of his standard runs but a good test speed for the device. The unit activated successfully, ensuring a safe injury-free fall and demonstrating the performance of the system.

"Before the first impact against the ground, the D-air deployed. I heard a boom and instantly felt how the airbag inflated, it was like being inside a shell. I felt safe and protected during the fall: after the initial tumbling and sliding for about 70m, I came to a stop, unbruised," said Jan.

This is the first time Dainese has performed a simulation in real life conditions with a production unit, aside internal initial testing.

Vittorio Cafaggi, Director of Strategic Development for Dainese was present during the testing in La Pinilla, and commented,

"Today's test was very important in case any athlete still had any doubts. Thanks to Jan, we've tested that the system works and that it doesn't interfere in the natural movements and performance of the skiers."

D-air® Ski is able to absorb 61% of the force generated by impact and is fully integrated into an elastic vest that fits under the race suit and above the back protector. The algorithm now implemented in the D-air® Ski system is the result of a thorough analysis of data from the runs of the World Cup over two seasons, involving 4 federations, 26 athletes, 238 runs and 700 minutes of data. It was written to meet the specific requirements of Alpine skiing, it activates each time the athlete's body performs rotations that are anomalous compared to normal racing dynamics and the signals coming from 7 sensors exceeds a predetermined threshold.

The two building blocks of the D-air® Ski are the electronic and the pneumatic components. The electronics are housed in a pack on the back and include an inertial platform with 3 accelerometers, 3 gyroscopes, a GPS, a microprocessor for algorithm management and memory. Signals from these sensors are constantly analysed by the algorithm, and inflation is triggered if the conditions require it; The pneumatics consist of a bag with an internal 3D structure, inflatable to high pressure, and a "cold" gas generator.

A giant snow sculpture of the infamous new music talent critic Simon Cowell is looming large over the slopes of Ischgl in Austria's Tirol at present.

This is not the actual Mr Cowell, but a snow sculpture replica of the famous man's head, carved from a 4m block of snow.

The smiling snow sculpture is the work of English brothers Justin and Simon Scott, who have taken part in the resort's Shapes In White snow sculpture exhibition 11 times out of the 22 years it has been held.

This winter's contest was themed on 'Casting Shows' and the Scott brothers were one of ten two-man teams to take part in the exhibition.

Ischgl is quite a change of scene for gardener and tree surgeon Justin, from Driffield in Yorkshire, and Simon, a sales director from Acle in Norfolk.

"We enjoy taking part," said Justin. "The hospitality in Ischgl is fantastic."

The snow sculptures will remain in place for as long as it remains cold enough, and Ischgl has a very long season lasting another four months to the start of May. ischgl.com