VIP SKI Blog

This free-flowing red piste is often overlooked. Tucked at the top of the Manchet Valley, it's a run to nowhere, so ignored by anyone wanting to "travel" across the Espace Killy.

The first third is the perfect place to pick up the speed and practise carving. Split into three steeper pitches followed by gentle sections. You'll be able to push yourself safely, knowing there is a section to regroup and, if needed, regain control.

The middle third is nice and wide with a consistent gradient. This is another excellent place for advanced skiers to practise long carved turns, but the pitch doesn't change, so work on controlling your speed with your turn shape. If you want to take it easier, this is a great place to practise short turns.

With a little dog leg, the final third is the steepest pitch of the run. It's worth scrubbing a little speed as a sharpish right-hand turn can be crowded with people regrouping.

There is nothing not to love about this run. It's quiet, has a great rhythm and can be enjoyed by intermediate and advanced skiers, so it is perfect if you're skiing as a mixed group.

Despite not going anywhere, the lift back out of the Manchet Valley is the modern Manchet Express, so you'll be back at the top in no time. We regularly lap this run with our Advanced Ski Courses.

It is one of several red runs above La Daille, perfect for advanced skiers seeking a challenge. The OK is a famous downhill course that lets you test your skills on a world-class racing slope.

The piste descends more than 1000m in altitude from the top of the Bellevarde at 2800m to La Daille at 1785m. World Cup skiers make it top to bottom in about 1 minute 45 seconds.

Don't just ski this run once. You'll find incredible rollers, open sections and exciting turns as you ski the run. Learn these and build a picture in your mind. Work out which rollers you can jump off, where you can let your skis run and crank some incredible carved turns and where you need to scrub the speed and get back on top of things.

Then, put it all together. Have a go at skiing from top to bottom. You won't regret it.

An ungroomed black run feared by students on their BASI (British Association of Snowsports Instructors) exams, Piste S is a complete change of pace from the previous fast and flowing runs. The moguls here only get bigger as the season goes on. If you want a challenge, look no further.

We suggest skiing this run later in the day once the sun has had a chance to soften the snow. If you find yourself at the top of Piste S after heavy snow, beware. It might look lovely and smooth, but the bumps are right there, lurking beneath the surface.

We have a whole article on skiing moguls if you want some tips. 

Yes - it's technically three pistes, but they link together perfectly to form a continuous run from the top of Solaise to the snow front. Plan is a steep red run perfect for short turns. Please keep your eyes peeled for other skiers, as it can be busy.

We love skiing on the right-hand side of the piste as this is often a little quieter with better snow. It also makes it easier to find the junction to Rhone Alpes.

Rhone Alpes is an excellent black run for those jumping from red to black. It has steep sections followed by flatter runouts, is nice and quiet and is regularly groomed by the piste bashers. Confident black run skiers won't be bored as they can test themselves on the steep sections with a great safety net if it doesn't go to plan.

Combe Martin is steep, often bumpy and right under the lift, so you always have an audience. We love this run, as you can see from the top right to the bottom. Stop at the top and practise picking and visualising your line. Then ski it with intent, turn where you planned, and fight to keep that rhythm rather than react to each turn individually. Building that rhythm and skiing with intent is a significant part of improving your skills.

It's an obvious run to include on the list, and you've probably already decided to ski it. So here are our top tips.

This iconic black run was designed for the men's Olympic downhill at the 1992 Winter Olympics. La Face plunges down the mountain from the top of the Bellevarde cable car, offering steep, challenging terrain with a vertical drop of over 900 metres. When skiing this run with clients, we often break it into three main sections.

The Cable Car to the Road: This top section starts super cruisy. It's not steep compared to the rest of the run and has some brilliant sweeping corners and fun rollers. As you exit the second sweeping left-hand turn, start to kill some speed. As you approach the sharp right-hand turn onto the road, the run gets steeper and narrower. If you're with a group and know you have a couple of nervous skiers, you can take some time and regroup on the far right-hand side of the piste in the middle of the second sweeping left. The piste is wide here, and you'll spot an obvious place to stop. The right-hand turn onto the road is sharp. Make sure you're ready. The Road is a short, narrow section that takes you to the top of the Wall.

The Wall to the Pylon: The Wall is the steepest section of the run, dropping away sharply to the left from the road. It's nice and wide but best skied early in the day before it gets bumped up. A word of warning: at the bottom of the Wall, there is a prominent roller. Make sure you're in control of your speed. We have seen people so focused on surviving the steep section that they don't even realise it's there. They hit it at speed and go flying. Between this roller and the pylon, you have another two steep sections followed by incredibly fun rollers.

The Pylon to the Snowfront: The Home Straight. Consistently steep, nice and wide, with just one roller to worry about. It's the perfect place to nail those short slalom turns. This section is used for the men's World Cup Slalom at the start of the season. The piste is often injected with water to make the snow firmer (icier). It takes a good few snowfalls for the fresh snow to cover this, so be cautious early in the season.

The team of Ski and Snowboard Instructors at New Generation are available for Private Ski and Snowboard Lessons, Group Coaching or Off-piste Guiding. 

If you’re looking for somewhere to relax and unwind after a day conquering the infamous red and black runs in Val d’Isere, we have 18 luxury catered ski chalets to tempt you...

Which ski run will you tackle first?

This auction is running exclusively to help raise funds for Max with all monies going to Max’s Winter Sports Foundation. Money raised will help towards to the considerable medical, kit, training, transport and accommodation costs as Max gets off the operating table, back onto the hill and focuses once again on races at events across Europe with the goal of qualifying once again for the 2025 World Junior Championships.

Bear Lodge is the heart and soul of our piste-side resort in the centre of Arc 1950. Just 30 bedrooms right on the edge of the piste and opposite the chairlifts. There is a spacious lounge, bar and dining room plus pool complex with sauna, steam room and Jacuzzi, massage suites, exercise room, cinema, kids playroom and ski room with lockers and boot warmers.

Just a short walk across the piste is the completely charming and rather magical traffic free village of Arc 1950 with its charismatic shops, cafés, bars and restaurants.

When?

Those placing the two highest offers can choose to travel week commencing 10 March, 17 March or 7 April 2024.

• 7-night stay in Bear Lodge for 2 people (week commencing 10 March, 17 March or 7 April 2024) 
• Choice of complimentary coach transfer from/to Geneva 
• Daily breakfast, afternoon tea and 3 course evening meal followed by cheese & coffee 
• Wine included with dinner 
• Canapés on first and last evenings 

The value of each stay is £3000-£3500, depending on when you chose to travel but there is no reserve and the two 7-night stays will be sold to the highest bidders.

The following items are not included in the bid price but can be pre-booked at a supplement: Lift passes; Ski equipment hire; Ski lessons; Childcare; Private taxi transfers.

Flights and insurance are not included.

Simply fill out the form before midnight on Saturday 11 February 2024 clearly stating your full name, bid value and contact phone number. The winners will be contacted on Monday 12 February.

Remember all money will be going directly into Max’s Trust. Support GB Skiing and experience the 2023 Best New Ski Hotel in the world. What’s not to like?

VOTING IS NOW CLOSED AND THE WINNERS HAVE BEEN NOTIFIED.

Impossible to answer, very few of us want to lug around more than one pair so it’s always a compromise. When I was exploding with energy three decades ago, I was happy to carry the weight and shin-chafing stiffness of a race boot on a long touring climb because I loved the control it gave on the descent and wanted to tear up the first lift corduroy in front of the girls.

A bundle of years later I have much less energy and a hybrid touring/piste boot is much better suited to bending over the kids, carrying them on your back when they are tired and enjoying a 2pm glass of rosé with my wife before an afternoon nap.

I played with some new race skis last week thinking I was still ‘Jack the Lad’. My boots stretched and groaned with the strain but held their own and kept me happily in the carve - it was my quads that screamed and me alone that needed a lie down at lunchtime.

Do you want to rip up the hill, pootle about all day on the reds and blues or dance on the tables? More importantly, which are you best at?

Even more impossible to answer. That’s all about foot size & shape. Just like a motorbike helmet, some fit, some don’t. Try not to be fixated on the colour and logos and never ever buy online. I will never forget, in my early days of guiding, when a guest only realised her boots were on the wrong feet when she noticed on the second chairlift that the stripes on her boot didn’t match the stripes on her ski trousers. Yep, true story. The boots were slightly more comfortable the right way round, but never going to get the best out of her skiing.

I’m ashamed to say that I once bought a pair of Rossignol Limited Edition race boots because they looked cool (purple … double the shame) but had to remove them halfway down the mountain after half a day of agony and tears and went home in my socks. Needless to say, I couldn’t give away the racy purple boots for love nor money and they’re still upstairs in the attic.

So, the type of boot depends on you, how you ski and how you’d like to ski, and you can ignore the brand. The only important thing is the fit.

The rest of this blog post is quick and easy, there is only one man. Mark Wilkinson, Wilkie to his mates, at Surefoot Val d’Isère. He fits most local skiers I know and a great number of our guests in Val d’Isère.

For the record, friend though he is, we have no commercial relationship, everyone says that he’s the best. Answer his questions on your ability and aspirations accurately (you need to be honest with yourself), he’ll look at your feet, and you can trust him to fit you into a shell and liner that works. If it is not perfect after a few days on the piste, go back and he’ll make some changes. I know guests with awkward feet that have gone back again and again until the fit was right. OK, bespoke boots and service like this is not cheap, but in the context of the priceless hours you spend on the snow, for me it represents no-brainer value for money.

Comfy feet have no price, neither on a treacherous black in a whiteout or standing on a table and banging out the moves at Cocoricos.

Lastly, whether you have inbuilt warmers or not, make sure your boots are warm when you put them on. All of our chalets have great boot warmers but if you are staying somewhere else, buy some portable heaters and carry them with you. Hot boots are so much easier to get on your foot, and they seem to fit better and stay more supple all day (author’s note: absolutely no science to support this).

Really lastly this time (!), always do your boot up as if it were on your foot even when it is not, it helps retain the shape and will distort much less over time. It’s worked for me; I’ve only ever owned four pairs of boots in the last 35 years (ignoring the pair in the attic).

Contact: Mark Wilkinson, Surefoot Val d’Isère (by appointment only)

valdisere@surefoot.com +33 4 79 09 76 60

Need somewhere to stay whilst you get your boots fitted? Grand Choucas is our closest chalet to Surefoot, fifty yards away in the very centre of Val d’Isère. 

With over 650 kilometres of pistes in 14 resorts and 2 countries, the Portes du Soleil is one of the largest ski areas in the world and there are pistes to suit skiers of all levels.

For beginners, gentle slopes and excellent ski schools ensure a safe and enjoyable learning experience. Meanwhile, more advanced members of the family can tackle challenging runs like the infamous “Swiss Wall” and enjoy some off-piste adventures.

While skiing is undoubtedly a highlight of any winter holiday, the Portes du Soleil goes the extra mile to keep families and non-skiers entertained with activities such as sleigh rides, ice skating and husky dog sledding.

Read all about our favourite non-ski activities on offer in Morzine, Les Gets and Avoriaz. 

We love Morzine! It offers convenience and family-friendly fun and with short transfer times (around 90 minutes from Geneva airport), it is ideal for families with young babies and children.

Morzine's main square transforms into a magical winter wonderland during the ski season, featuring an outdoor ice rink, carousel and trampolines. You might also be able to catch the local ice hockey team in action!

If Morzine sounds like the resort for you, read our A-Z guide to this fabulous family friendly ski resort. 

Avoriaz, a car-free paradise, is a short transfer away and boasts high-altitude skiing. Create some magical memories exploring the village on foot or by horse-drawn sleigh. Within Avoriaz, there is a fantastic indoor water park, an ice rink, a bowling alley and even a cinema. Your kids will be spoiled for choice!

Located in the Lindarets sector of the Avoriaz ski area, there is a fabulous eco-friendly snow park in Avoriaz called the “The Stash” with a dedicated freeride and freestyle area that your children will NEVER want to leave!

There is also a “Snake run” where boardercross fans can practise on the very tight berms. You will even find a hut, halfway down the Stash – a great spot for a picnic. Access is via the 6-seater Prolays chairlift.

Les Gets offers the unbeatable combination of ski-in, ski-out convenience and snowy evening strolls. When the ski lifts shut outside Altitude Lodge, the pistes become an empty wonderland. Take a late-night wander or try some bum boarding on the piste.

With a short transfer from Geneva and family rooms available in Altitude Lodge, Les Gets ensures a seamless and memorable family ski holiday.

The Portes du Soleil isn't just about skiing; it's a winter wonderland brimming with activities that cater to every member of the family. From ice skating and carousel rides to high-flying trampoline adventures and exciting ice hockey games, get ready for an incredible family holiday filled with laughter, snow and cherished memories.

Tempted?

Browse our luxury catered chalets in Les Gets, Morzine and Avoriaz.

Not sure which resort to choose? Have a chat with one of our Alpine Advisors. With extensive knowledge of the resorts and chalets, they are on hand to help you find the perfect destination for your February half-term ski trip.

One of the most important aspects of enjoying your time on the slopes is to prioritise yourself. It might sound a bit selfish, but it's crucial for your safety and enjoyment. This is one of the most important ski tips for beginners as you shouldn't feel pressured to take on runs that are too difficult for your skill level. Instead, choose runs that match your abilities, even if it means saying 'no' to the more challenging ones.

Remember that snow conditions and the number of skiers and snowboarders on the slopes can significantly affect how a run feels. Timing is key. Consider skiing challenging runs mid-morning when they're less crowded and haven't been cut up too much.

It's also okay if your ski or snowboarding buddies want to tackle more challenging runs. If they're impatient, encourage them to ski on their own while you enjoy the slopes at your own pace. Skiing should be fun, not a race.

If you're skiing with a group of varying skill levels, finding runs that allow you to do circuits is an excellent strategy. Look for runs that are interconnected or form a loop. This way, you can all stay in the same general area while skiing at your own pace.

In this scenario, it's quality over quantity. You might only complete two quality runs while others in your group do five or more. The goal here is sociable skiing, where everyone gets to enjoy the mountain without feeling rushed or held back.

At the end of a tiring day on the slopes, it's essential to stay in control. If you're exhausted and feel like you've had enough skiing or snowboarding for the day, don't hesitate to ride the cable car down. This is your time to rest and reflect on the fantastic experiences you've had during the day (and avoid the often icy and crowded home runs back into the resort).

It's normal to feel a bit guilty for not sticking with your partner or group for one more run. However, taking charge of your decisions ensures that you end your day on a positive note. Maintaining a positive attitude not only benefits you but also prevents your frustrations from affecting the rest of your party.

Skiing is about having fun and enjoying the mountain at your own pace. Prioritising your safety and well-being, finding runs that suit your skill level, and taking charge of your choices are all essential elements of a successful skiing experience.

So, hit the slopes, think about yourself and embrace the joy of skiing at your own pace. Hopefully, these skiing tips will help you manage your group’s dynamics in a way which suits you.

Need a little confidence boost at the start of your holiday with some private lessons or group tuition?

Let us pre-book your ski lessons for you with one of our ski school partners in resort.