Ski School - Luxury Ski News Archive

Equipment

It probably goes without saying, but you should always use the right equipment for skiing. Boots should be fitted correctly, and your ski bindings should be adjusted by a professional. Furthermore, the type of ski you choose should suit your level of ability and experience, as well as the type of snow you’re likely to be encountering. If borrowing equipment from a friend rather than buying or renting your own, you should have it thoroughly checked and fitted in a shop all the same, just in case.

Helmets
You can never be 100% safe when skiing of course, but wearing a helmet will greatly reduce your risk of suffering a serious head injury. Strange as it might seem, it was not until recently that ski helmets became ubiquitous. In fact, just 10 years ago, probably no more than half the skiers you’d have seen would have had any more head protection than a woolly hat. But improved designs, reduced prices, and several high profile, awareness-raising tragedies such as those involving Natasha Richardson and Michael Schumacher mean that it is now quite rare to see anyone on the slopes without a helmet.

Body Armour
Modern ski body armour isn’t just designed to protect your back and torso - it’s also lightweight, and unobtrusive enough to hide beneath your jacket. Basic body armour is available for under £100 and is worth the investment if you’re prone to wiping out at speed, you enjoy hanging out in the snowpark or simply want to get the maximum protection for yourself and your family.

Avalanche kit
Once your family has learned to ski at an advanced level, you may like to go off-piste occasionally, in which case it’s always best to be prepared for any eventuality. That means being fully aware of current and future weather conditions, and always booking a ski instructor or guide if you'd like to ski off-piste. They will provide you with the essential avalanche kit; transceiver, collapsible shovel and probe and take you to your favourite backcountry spots away from the crowds.

Behaviour

Ultimately, there is only so much that having the correct ski safety equipment can do. More than anything else, it’s sensible behaviour on the slopes that will protect you.

Always dress for the weather
On the mountain, weather conditions can change very rapidly, and it’s not uncommon for even the most experienced of skiers to be caught out. Packing for a ski holiday can be an artform but you should be looking to layer clothing, with an insulating mid-layer that can be removed and put in a backpack if necessary. Waterproof gloves are essential, and it’s sensible to bring both goggles and sunglasses so that you can cope with both sunny and snowy conditions.

Ski sober
Remember that drinking alcohol at high altitudes can lower the amount of oxygen getting to the brain, which is why so many air-rage incidents are blamed on in-flight drinking. Alcohol can lead to overconfidence, getting sloppy with technique and accidents, so if you’re skiing with your kids, it’s doubly important to abstain. Instead of beer or wine at lunch, drink water or soft drinks and save the alcohol for the apres-ski. It’s also a good idea to carry reusable water bottles in backpacks so that you can all stay well hydrated throughout the day.

Stretch
One way to help your family to avoid aches and strains while skiing, and reduce the risk of more serious injuries, is to get everyone performing some light stretching exercises before and after. It’s also a good idea to take regular rest breaks while skiing, pausing mid-run and for at least an hour at lunch, to catch your breath and give your legs a rest.

Respect others, and the mountain

Remember the basic rules of ski etiquette at all times, especially in high risk such as lift queues, or when one piste joins another. There are several golden rules in skiing - remember that the skier or snowboarder below you ALWAYS has priority, control your speed, and keep a safe distance from others, especially beginners in lessons and groups of children.

Lift etiquette
In popular resorts, some lifts will have long, tightly packed queues waiting for them. When approaching a lift queue, it’s vital to reduce your speed well in advance of reaching the end of the line or you could cause a major accident. Standard ski safety tips for lifts include making sure your poles are in one hand and your skis straight as you sit down, removing backpacks, and not raising the safety bar until just before you get off.

Flat light and blizzards

We all hope for blue skies and sunshine on our ski holidays (with a nice dusting of powder during the night) but sometimes, we must cope with flat light or skiing in a blizzard. Flat light refers to overcast weather conditions where the light on the snow becomes diffuse, creating minimal shadows and contrasts. This can make it challenging for skiers to distinguish changes in terrain and navigate slopes safely. Skiers often find it helpful to use low-light or flat-light lenses on their goggles to improve visibility in such conditions.

If the weather changes whilst you’re out for the day, head for tree-lined areas where possible (La Daille in Val d’Isère, Les Boisses and Brévières in Tignes, the Lil Stash and down into Les Lindarets in Avoriaz, Arc 1600 and Villaroger in Les Arcs). Put your goggles on and keep the piste markers (lollipops) on your right-hand side. (In France, the pole on the right-hand side of the piste has an orange top, helping you ensure you stay on track and don’t venture off-piste) and take your time!

Alternatively, why not head back to your chalet for a relaxing soak in the hot tub or a warm up in the sauna before everyone else gets back?

Know your limits

Being aware of your own abilities and not pushing yourself too far is something else that ought to come up early with instruction. Every year, many accidents are caused by skiers who try to tackle runs that are beyond their capability and end up in trouble. Pistes are clearly marked to denote the level of difficulty that can be expected, and maps are freely available too. If you do find yourself in a situation that you’re not confident that you can handle, slowly make your way to the nearest lift station.

Much of the above advice might seem obvious, but you would be surprised how often it is neglected. Just as many drivers will forget the basics of road safety over time, it’s common for experienced skiers to make common errors too. Parents have a responsibility when taking their children on family ski holidays to follow best practise at all times, as children will learn by example. And just as taking the odd lesson now and again can help you sharpen your technique, it can also refresh the memory on ski safety too.

End the day on a high

It’s not uncommon to have tired aching legs during a ski holiday, especially if you haven’t managed to do as much pre-season fitness training as you’d hoped. If you’re feeling tired, there’s no shame in taking the ski lift back down into the village and avoiding the often crowded and icy home run at the end of the day. If there isn’t an option to download, then head back down to the chalet earlier in the afternoon before the crowds and make the most of the delicious afternoon tea that will be waiting for you...

The UK sales team recently had the pleasure of meeting with Vivienne, Oxygene’s Marketing and Communications Co-ordinator, to discuss some of their initiatives.

Oxygene strongly believe that skiing should be accessible to everyone...

...as do we. Their goal is to allow anyone and everyone to hit the slopes with their friends and family in an inclusive and comfortable environment.  Whether you have impaired vision, you are an amputee, injured or able-bodied, incredible advances in technology and tailor-made instruction are making snow sports increasingly available to everyone. Adaptive skiing is also a great option for elderly guests or recently injured travellers who had originally planned to ski.

Not 1 but 4 types of adaptive skiing!

Stand-up Adaptive skiing 

Irrespective of your ability, if you can stand independently on one or two legs and you have good coordination, Stand-up Adaptive skiing is a great option for anyone requiring assistance.

Solo Sit-skiing 

Whether you are a wheelchair user or you struggle to coordinate your lower limbs, Solo Sit-Skiing is a fantastic discipline for beginners to off-pisteurs alike.

Piloted Dualskiing 

Piloted Dualskiing is geared towards people with limited independence. It’s a versatile experience allowing you to enjoy the same sensations as solo sit-skiing with the help of a highly qualified adaptive skiing instructor.

Taxi Skiing 

If you’re unable to ski without aid, then taxi skiing is certainly worth a try! Attached to your guide’s skis, the practice gives you the ultimate feeling of gliding down the mountain without a care in the world.

Oxygene work with Tessier to provide good quality gear and ensure they are using the most up-to-date technology. Their adaptive ski programme lessons can be booked in timeslots ranging from 2 hours to a full day (or any length in between). Book ahead of your holiday or in resort (subject to availability).

So what's next?

If you have booked or you are considering booking a holiday to Val d’Isere, la Plagne, Meribel or Courchevel, we can pre-book all Oxygene ski lessons on your behalf.

Oxygene’s ski school instructors have a particular affinity and a wealth of experience with children and adults, beginners and experts alike. Call us today on 0208 875 1957 to discuss ski school with our knowledgeable sales team.

Maintaining Balance

It may be stating the obvious here, but with skiing, balance is everything. Correct balance is what keeps you upright and out of the snow, where you should be, and moving forward at a safe pace. To begin with, settle yourself on flat terrain, and distribute your weight evenly, trying to keep your body weight above the narrowest part of the ski. Practise leaning forward gently, and side by side, so you become comfortable with the movement in your boots and how various body positions place pressure on the skis in different places.

When moving, your knees should be in line with your shoulders, and your shoulders pointing downhill. Most people will tell you that it’s important to bend the knees, but really you should be aiming to stand almost completely upright to begin with, and leaning gently forward so your shins press gently against your boots. It’s easy to make the classic mistake of leaning too far back, into an near-seated position, but when you do so, your body needs to work twice as hard to make a turn. If you’re correctly balanced however, skiing looks, and feels, practically effortless.

Getting Moving

To get going, push off with your poles, keeping the skis parallel as you do so. The process of skiing on flat ground can be quite exhausting at first, especially if you have to travel some distance. Lifting the skis off the ground to perform a kind of ‘clown walk’ can help you move faster, but you risk an embarrassing fall.

The Art of the Turn

Probably the most difficult part of learning to ski is mastering the turns, and when you first do it while going downhill, even on a gentle slope, it can be a little nerve-wracking, which is why instructors use terms like ‘pizza’ and ‘french fries’, to make it more fun for kids.

Almost everyone will start with the pizza turn, formerly known as the ‘snowplough’. Essentially, with the skis in a parallel position, you slide one ski over the snow without lifting your foot, pushing the heel outward while pointing the toe of the boot (and ski) inward. Then you bring the other ski into line, again without lifting your ski off the ground. It’s good to practise this a few times on flat terrain without actually moving, to begin, then try it while moving!

Now, it might seem a lot harder to do this while actually going downhill, but actually the opposite is true. Using a slope with just a slight gradient, you need to be moving parallel to the slope with the skis in the straight, ‘french fries’ position. Slowly moving into the pizza position, you put greater pressure on the lower of your skis, which will make you turn. Once you’ve completed the turn, you move back into the parallel ‘french fries’ position. You can expect a few wobbles and tumbles early on, but with a little dedication you’ll get it quickly enough. Now you need to learn the parallel turn!

Increasing Speed

Having conquered the pizza turn, you are now ready to start going a little faster. This is the fun part. One way to feel some speed is to drop into a tuck position, bending further at the knees, with your poles under your arms. Remember one of the most valuable skills in skiing is being able to judge the safety of your speed. If you’re not sure of the terrain ahead, always better to take it easy until you do.

Slowing Down and Stopping

Another essential technique of skiing to learn early on is how to come to a safe stop. Luckily, it’s very easy to get the hang of. You simply move your skis into the ‘pizza’ position, and then widen the angle at the back - the crust!- to slow down, with the edges of the skis encountering friction with the snow.

One golden rule of skiing is that when you stop, you do so with consideration for others. So, never in the middle of the piste if you can help it, but at the side. At the bottom of a run, if you’re part of a group, you need to stop at the back, to avoid the risk of a domino situation. And of course, if you’re heading towards a lift, you need to start slowing down well in advance, especially if you’re a beginner.

Getting Up After A Fall

This is among the hardest skills to master for a ski beginner but one that, let’s face it, you’re going to need, in spades. The trick lies in getting yourself into the right position before you attempt to get up.

1. If you have become separated from one or both of your skis or poles, you’ll first need to make your way to them. Usually this is best done by walking or sliding slowly down the slope on your bum, watching for other skiers coming down behind you.
2. Once you’ve reattached your skis, you need to angle them so they’re running sideways against the slope, with your body above. That way you can dig them into the snow, and prevent yourself from sliding further downwards.
3. Next, get into a crouched position, while lying down. If you don’t do this, you’ll push yourself across, rather than up.
4. Then slowly begin to stand, ensuring you are leaning forward and not back, and using your arms and poles for balance.

And off you go again. Good luck!

Where it all began...

Parallel Lines was established 19 years ago by Phil Bell and Ed Wooley, both of whom still direct the ski school to this day. John Hendry completes the trio of directors who can all still be found teaching lessons throughout the winter.  Since 1999 they’ve recruited a team of 17 ski instructors, hailing almost exclusively from the British Isles, and now run the largest British ski school operation in Meribel. All their instructors have been hand-picked based on experience, personality and passion for the mountains.

It's all in the detail

Last season the team invested heavily in a dedicated beginner area complete with magic carpet lift. This facility has already proved to be worth its weight in gold. Gone are the days when new skiers would have to expend precious energy walking up the nursery slopes. Beginner lessons today are a slick operation with most skiers graduating to the Altiport Zone by day 2 of their holiday. There’s even a complementary 2hr afternoon session offered on the first day to ensure that you begin day 2 with confidence. It’s details like this which make Parallel Lines stand out from the crowd.

This season the team are offering a kids’ lunch club option to extend the day to 4pm, giving parents time to really explore the extensive Three Valleys without having to keep an eye on the clock. This service is fully flexible and bound to be a hit with our little guests.

Lessons for advanced skiers

Advanced skiers needn’t feel left out. No matter your level it’s always worthwhile investing in a set of eyes on the ground to pinpoint any minor issues with your technique. Private ski lessons start from €119, with meeting points all over the Meribel and Courchevel valley to maximize your time on the mountain.

Those looking for group lessons can sign up to the Off Piste or Technical Improver Courses. These week-long courses are ideal for adults whose skiing has reached a plateau point. Of course Parallel Lines supply everyone going off-piste with a full safety kit; including probes, transceivers and shovels. Check out this video from last season for a taster of what you can expect:

What else sets Parallel Lines apart from other Meribel ski schools? It’s the personal touch and attention to detail which still sits at the heart of their business. Esme, Michelle and Zoe in the office know all returning clients by name and always go the extra mile to ensure that the they book the class which will prove to be the perfect challenge.

We could spend all day detailing every lesson on offer. Suffice to say there’s something for everyone throughout the season, all protected by Parallel Lines’ commitment never to cancel due to small group sizes.

Call the team on 0208 875 1957, or email ski@vip-chalets.com, to chat through everything on offer and discover the perfect lesson for your ski holiday to Meribel.

The Development Centre Val d’Isere – Early Season Clinic

We’ve teamed up with TDC in Val d’Isere to offer an exclusive accommodation and lesson package at an unbeatable price of £899 per person. Use this week to tune up your technique after the long summer break and ready yourself for the best winter yet. TDC’s instructors all bring a wealth of experience to the table but are specialised in adapting their teaching methods to each individual participant. No monotonous drills here; just pure satisfaction as they help you to reach your full potential.

Early Season clinic runs on 9 December. Stay in Aspen Penthouse suite 8 for only £899pp, with coaching included.

Oxygene La Plagne – Ski Touring

If you’ve always wanted to make first tracks up the mountain and witness the morning sun in total seclusion then ski touring could be the sport you’ve been looking for. You’ll bypass the lifts and instead strap a pair of skins to your skis, giving you grip to slide up the hill. Similar to telemark skiing your heel is not secured to your binding, meaning that you can flex and get into a good rhythm. Lighter skis and boots are commonly used too. It’s worth all the effort for the sense of achievement when you get to the top and can make first tracks down an untouched piste.

Our friends at Oxygéne in La Plagne offer ski touring in a variety of group sizes, a must for anyone staying at Summit View chalets this winter.

Ski Schule Lech – Heliskiing

Being dropped by helicopter in pristine, untouched backcountry and spending a morning travelling through the mountains in complete seclusion is a thrill unlike anything else. Hotel Theodul in Lech is the ideal base for adventure-seekers who want to push beyond the confines of the piste and experience the Arlberg ski area from a new perspective.

Ski Schule Lech offer two different routes, both boasting spectacular views across the Austrian Alps. Bookings are extremely weather dependant and are only accepted a few days in advance to ensure suitable conditions.

Once you’ve made it safely home Hotel Theodul’s new sauna and pool area is the perfect way to ease tired muscles after a hard day in the back country.

If you've been inspired to take one of these courses then our sales team would love to chat through the details. Call us on 0208 875 1957 to chat about any of our chalets and all things skiing.