National Geographic Traveller (UK)
ASK THE EXPERTS
NEED ADVICE FOR YOUR NEXT TRIP? ARE YOU AFTER RECOMMENDATIONS, TIPS AND GUIDANCE? OUR EXPERTS HAVE THE ANSWERS…
Where in North America offers intermediate skiers the most atmospheric and affordable ski experience?
It has to be a Panorama and Banff combination — two very different resorts in one trip, both home to some of the most dramatic mountain scenery in the world. Panorama is Canada’s take on a European style ski-in, ski-out resort, but better. There are varied slopes to suit all abilities, and more experienced skiers have almost unlimited terrain with heli-skiing available from the resort base area.
Banff has it all. A busy, authentically Canadian mountain town with lots going on and the opportunity to ski three unique peaks on one pass. My favourite area is Lake Louise for its easyaccess backcountry terrain — including the new West Bowl area.
A 14 night trip costs from £1,659pp, based on four adults travelling, including seven nights in a self-catered condo at Tamarack Lodge, Panorama, and seven nights in a double room at Elk + Avenue Hotel in Banff, room-only, return flights from Heathrow to Calgary and transfers. skisafari.com
RUPERT HATFIELD
When it comes to intermediate skiing, Banff and Lake Louise are undoubtedly a fine choice but I’d also recommend Breckenridge in Colorado. This Rocky Mountains resort has a choice of five separate skiable mountains, and it doesn’t get much better than that. Winding through the forests lower down, you’ll find easier slopes, while intermediates can tackle steep runs, chutes and bumps nearer the summits. The area is also great for snowboarders, with four huge snow parks and a superpipe that hosts international competitions every winter.
‘Breck’, as it’s known to the locals, has the feel of a Rockies gold rush town, and Main Street is lined with clapboard buildings and swingdoor saloons that could have come straight from a Western movie. Head here at the end of the day for local beers at the Breckenridge Brewpub or ribs and burgers in one of the resort’s friendly bistros. As for accommodation, it’s all about spacious hotel rooms and cosy selfcatering condos.
A week’s self-catering at the four-star Pine Ridge Condos costs from £2,056pp, based on two sharing, including return flights from Heathrow to Denver and transfers. crystalski.co.uk
SCOTT BRITTON
Do you need special insurance to ski in Italy now?
Since 1 January 2022, skiers heading for the Italian slopes have been legally required to take out winter sports insurance with public liability cover, which can cover the cost of damages to third parties or their property in the event of an accident. While there’s a threat of fines for travellers who fail to comply, those unaware of the rule change needn’t panic, as ski resorts are offering travellers the option to purchase the appropriate cover on arrival. In-resort policies are estimated to cost around €2-3 (£1.75-2.60) per day — though you won’t need to purchase this if you add winter sports cover to your policy before you leave.
Although Italy is so far the only country to introduce laws like these, a good winter sports insurance policy should be high on all skiers’ shopping lists, regardless of their destination. The risks associated with a ski trip are unique, and unlikely to be covered by a regular travel policy (for example, if you require mountain rescue, which can be a hugely costly operation). Travellers should also be aware that while the old European Health Insurance Card, or EHIC, covered some non-EU member states such as Switzerland, its replacement, the Global Health Insurance Card, doesn’t. Medical cover is therefore highly advisable for anyone travelling outside the EU. REENA SEWRAZ
I used to ski but I’m a sit-ski novice. Where is a good, accessible resort for learners? France’s Trois Vallées is great for skiers with disabilities, particularly Courchevel. Here, those learning to sit-ski, or as the French say, ‘handiski’, will find many accessible chairlifts and gondolas. Lift teams are knowledgeable and helpful when you’re getting on and off, and pistes are accessible without drag lifts. This means you can ski all over the mountain and journey throughout the Trois Vallées without worries about access.
Learning to sit-ski demands the use of fairly flat, wide terrain until you find your balance point. Courchevel has some amazing, wide green runs, allowing you to get the hang of things before trying the host of cruisey blue pistes. It also has lots of ski-in, skiout accommodation, which makes it simple to reach the piste without a wheelchair. And it’s an easy resort to access by road, with a blue badge parking bay right in the central Croisette in Courchevel 1850 ski area. Lift passes are half price with a blue badge. Many of the restaurants on the mountain also have a wheelchair, which makes transferring easy at meal times. Most importantly: select a qualified adaptive ski instructor who is capable and caring. Plenty in Courchevel speak English, including all guides at Maison Sport’s team there. It’s crucial to find a guide who is an experienced teacher; someone who can understand your needs, knows the resort well and has access to the most up-to-date equipment. maisonsport.com
LIZZY BENWELL
What apps would you recommend to help improve ski performance? There are a number of apps that can enhance your on-slope experience. ‘Digital ski coach’ Carv provides ski tuition from your smartphone using wearable tech (sensor-filled insoles that fit snugly under the liner of your ski boots). Many have questioned whether an app can really replicate a ski instructor, but I was impressed when I tried Carv. It provides exceptional levels of detail about your ski technique, from edge grip and balance to pressure and symmetry. It then uses this data to give advice, including real-time audio coaching cues as you ski.
The aim is to improve your Ski:IQ, a number that — for the competitive among us — can be compared to others in your area on a local leader board. getcarv.com
Ski Tracks is tried-and-tested with skiers worldwide. It lacks a modern interface, but its beauty is in its simplicity, with tracking options including speed, distance, altitude, descent and total skiing time. skitracks.com
Another useful app — both before and during your trip — is OnTheSnow Ski & Snow Report offering weather forecasts, snow reports, webcams and on-theground pictures from fellow skiers, giving you a clear picture of the conditions in your destination. The app offers information for more than 2,000 resorts, which you can add as ‘favourites’ in your feed. onthesnow.co.uk
MEGAN HUGHES