Coronet Peak Ski Resort Guide
Coronet Peak was New Zealand’s first commercial ski resort to open and is popular due to its proximity to bustling Queenstown. Coronet doesn’t receive huge amounts of annual snowfall but makes up for this with great snow cannon coverage. Coronet Peak ski area would be an ideal place to learn or to progress on the intermediate terrain before heading to the more challenging Remarkables ski area. Coronet Peak is the only Queenstown ski resort that offers night-skiing and it is popular with skiers and snowboarders every Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday throughout the season.
Coronet Peak Ski Resort
Coronet Peak First Impressions
The drive up to Coronet Peak is impressive and once parked you will find a modern ski resort. The base lodge has everything you would expect at a world-class ski resort. Walking through the base area and up the stairs, you are met by the Coronet Express Chair. Newly installed in 2019, the Coronet Express Chair takes you from base to summit in just a few minutes. After a couple of runs, it is obvious that the piste grooming at Coronet Peak is some of the best in New Zealand. The terrain at Coronet Peak is mostly aimed at intermediates however there are some steeps and a designated beginner area.
Coronet Peak Ski Resort
If you are used to the ski resorts of Europe you may be slightly dismayed when looking at the piste map for Coronet Peak. The Coronet Express Chairlift takes you from the base area to the top of the resort, a mere 460m of vertical drop. One positive is that the Express chairlift is fast so you can lap the terrain pretty quickly.
Coronet Peak has three chairlifts that provide access to its 40km of trails, including one to service the mellow beginner slopes. In addition, there are also surface lifts and T-bar at Coronet Peak. Although the majority of the trails at Coronet Peak are aimed at intermediate skiers and snowboarders, there is some fun to be had to the sides of the pistes should the conditions allow. Pay particular attention to the conditions report as you could easily find yourself with an issue. There are some steep runs around the resort with The Hurdle having a nice pitch.
Intermediates will love the Blue graded pistes of the Greengates Express Chairlift which take you back down to car park number 2. The runs off Greengates Express were quieter so this may be an area to head to get away from the crowds.
First-time skiers and snowboarders will find Little Easy and Big Easy runs the perfect place to practice those beginner turns at Coronet Peak. To have these slopes surfaced by the Meadows Express chair is a benefit to learning at Coronet over nearby Remarkables whose beginners area is serviced by magic carpets.
Coronet Peak Stats
Coronet Peak ski resort is one of two commercial ski resorts in the town of Queenstown on New Zealands South Island. In total there are 40km of slopes to ride at Coronet Peak and some of the key mountain stats are below.
Total Pistes - 40 km
Beg / Int / Adv - 8km / 16km / 16km
Highest Point - 1649m
Base Area -1229m
Coronet Peak Night skiing
Night skiing at Coronet Peak is pretty epic with runs open from the summit to the base area, live music, and competitions. Night skiing at Coronet Peak takes place every Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday between 4 pm and 9 pm. Night skiing is the perfect opportunity to watch the sunset over Lake Wakatipu just remember to wear that extra layer.
Views From Greengates Side
Coronet Peak Piste Map
Coronet Peak is divided into three main areas. To skiers right you have the Greengates Express chairlift, which has a number of great intermediate and advanced runs that are open during the day but not for night skiing. The main area of the resort is central and covers everything under the Coronet Express chairlift. This area is suitable for all abilities with advanced snowboarders able to access the Back Bowls and beginners heading to Arnolds way direct from the same chair. The final area is to skiers left and consists of some advanced runs only accessible via the Rocky Gully T-Bar.
Coronet Peak Ski Resort Piste Map
Lifts At Coronet Peak
At Coronet Peak ski resort there are three chairlifts; Coronet Express, Greengates, Meadows Express, and the Rocky Gully T-Bar. There is also further surface lifts in the beginner area.
Meadows Express is a slow quad chair that accesses the beginner terrain at Coronet Peak. This lift is mainly used for lessons so can become crowded during peak times. From the top of Meadows Express beginners can access Little Easy and Big Easy, two gentle green pistes to practice those turns.
The Coronet Express is the most popular lift at Coronet Peak and takes snowboarders and skiers from the base of the resort to the summit. This lift was newly installed in 2019 and is pretty effective at preventing queues even during peak periods. The Coronet Express is a six-seater chair and also is able to support gondolas.
Our favourite lift at Coronet Peak is the Greengates Express. The Greengates express is a fast six-seater chair that is less busy than the rest of the resort. Laps on the Greengates side can consist of a mixture of blue, red, and black terrain on the same lap.
Coronet Peak Snow Record
Ok, I am going to deliver a pretty disappointing stat here but don’t click away. Coronet Peak receives an average of 2m of natural snowfall a season. This doesn’t quite reflect the quality of snow at Coronet Peak as the resort team does a great job of snowmaking and grooming. The coverage on-piste during my extended visit was good, although the off-piste areas were pretty bare.
Coronet Peak Season Dates
The ski season at Coronet Peak runs from June - September although good years can see it remain open into October. As discussed earlier, Coronet is not blessed with a great amount of natural snowfall so it relies heavily on cold temps and snowmaking.
Coronet Peak Lift Tickets
A Coronet Peak ski pass can be expensive if you do not plan ahead. The most cost-effective way to enjoy a snowboard trip to Coronet Peak is to purchase the 3 Peak Season Pass. The Three Peak season pass offers access to both Queenstown resorts of The Remarks and Coronet Peak as well as Mt Hutt near Christchurch. When brought in advance the 3 peak pass will cost $699 NZD for unlimited winter access.
Alternatively, you can pay by the day however expect to pay upwards of $100NZD per day. For the latest lift pass prices click here.
Travel To Coronet Peak
Getting To New Zealand
With most international flights operating into Christchurch, this may be your best access point to the South Island. If you can, I would highly recommend flights into Queenstown as firstly you have direct access from Queenstown to the resorts of The Remarkables and Coronet Peak, but equally importantly it is one of the most scenic airports in the world. Flying into Queenstown is something I will not forget in a hurry. That being said if Mt Hutt is your only ski goal then flying into Christchurch makes more sense.
Check the latest flight prices here.
Where is Coronet Peak?
Coronet Peak is the closest ski resort to Queenstown and is a short drive from the town center. Expect a 20-30 minute drive, although this may increase after a snowfall. The drive is around 20 km and is on well-established roads.
Accessing Coronet Peak
Coronet Peak is a short drive from Queenstown and with the best access road out of the 3 Peak Pass resorts, driving is the best option. If you don’t have the option to drive then buses do run from various downtown Queenstown locations but I thought the prices were fairly steep. Hitching or rideshare is possible.
Coronet Peak Accommodation
Most people stay in downtown Queenstown which has accommodations ranging from hostels to more deluxe apartments on the Lake. One benefit of staying in Queenstown is that you also have the option to ski at the nearby Remarkables ski area.
During my trip, I split time between the Freedom Camping site at Kawaru Bridge where you are allowed 4 nights within a month.
Coronet Peak Pros
Coronet Peak offers night skiing three evenings a week.
Coronet Peak’s extensive snowmaking ensures the piste retains good coverage even in lean snow years.
Coronet Peak’s new Coronet Express chairlift is fast allowing for quick laps.
A 3 Peaks pass is value for money especially on the early bird deal and includes night skiing at Coronet Peak.
The views across Queenstown and Lake Wakatipu are worth the chairlift ride in itself.
Coronet Peak Cons
Low annual snowfall meaning Coronet Peak has a reliance on snow-making
Expensive coach transfer from Queenstown so if self-drive isn’t an option consider hitching to Coronet Peak.
With a very short vertical drop crowds can gather at the base during peak weeks. The new Coronet Express chairlift has helped reduce this during busy periods.
Nearby Coronet Peak Activities
Grab A Fergburger
Possibly New Zealand’s most famous burgers there are not many better places to have a post skiing dinner than Fergburger. Be sure to book in advance or be prepared to queue.
Adventure Capital Of The World
If you are taking a day off snow then Queenstown is the place to be. There is an endless list of activities to enjoy in Queenstown with the Shotover Jet Boat and the Skyline Luge particular favourites.
Lake Wakatipu
Lake Wakatipu is New Zealand’s longest lake at 50miles in length and is one of Queenstown’s most stunning natural landmarks. There are loads of great ways to see Lake Wakatipu from cruises to scenic lookouts, our favourite a bbq at the beach.
Sightseeing
Coronet Peak has more to offer than just skiing and snowboarding. A trip to the Peak as a foot passenger is a must to take in the views across Queenstown and Lake Wakatipu. From the sightseeing deck you will be able to see the Wakatipu Basin and the spectacular Southern Alps.
Tobogganing
Coronet Peak also offers Tobogganing in its snow play area with toboggans available to rent from the base area.
Coronet Peak Frequently Asked Questions
Which Is Better The Remarkables Or Coronet Peak?
This will completely depend on what you are looking for from your Queenstown ski experience. For us, snowboarding at both was worthwhile and pretty easy to do. The Remarks is great for terrain parks of hiking into off-piste areas whereas Coronet Peak is better for cruising the pistes. Coronet Peak also offers night skiing which is an added bonus.
How Far Is Coronet Peak From Queenstown?
Coronet Peak is 16kms from Queenstown making it the closest resort to the adventure capital of the world. The drive is easy and recommended as the resort buses are a complete rip-off.
Is Coronet Peak Good For Beginners?
The beginner's area under the Meadows Express chair is a great place to learn to ski or snowboard. Coronet Peak has its own ski school with instructors from around the world bringing a wealth of experience. One of the great parts of learning at Coronet Peak is there is green terrain accessible from the summit so beginners can explore the whole mountain.
Coronet Peak Videos
Coronet Peak Links
If you are planning to visit Coronet Peak then here are some useful links that can help you get the most out of your trip. If you want to check the Coronet Peak Webcam and stay on top of the Coronet Peak weather then click here. This link is where you will find the latest Coronet Peak snow information and equally important information about the Coronet Peak access road.
For more general information consider checking out the Coronet Peak Website or their social channels on Twitter and Instagram. If you have any general questions, I would be happy to help so drop them down in the comment section.
Hakuba Iwatake Ski Resort Review
Iwatake ski resort is a popular Hakuba Valley resort that is fantastic for intermediate and beginner riders. On my visit to Hakuba Iwatake, I was impressed by the wide cruisey blue runs and the mellow gated tree riding. On a clear day, the views from Iwatake are meant to be pretty impressive… unfortunately I didn’t get a clear day at Iwatake. One issue that Iwatake faces is its lower elevation and base area can mean that when it is snowing at other Hakuba resorts it can be raining at Iwatake. That being said Iwatake still gets its fair share of the snow and there are some great powder stashes to be found.
Hakuba Iwatake Base Area
IWATAKE SKI RESORT FIRST IMPRESSIONS
Arriving at Iwatake via shuttle bus you are dropped at the base of Noah Gondola. From here you can see a chairlift to the skier’s left which accesses a fairly decent beginner’s run that would be a good gradient for learning your first turns. Around the gondola base area, there are a few ski shops, accommodations and food vans that mean Iwatake is a fairly decent place to base yourself for a trip to Hakuba. When heading up the gondola it’s easy to see why intermediates love Iwatake, in each direction, you can see wide-open pistes and on my visits very limited crowds (potentially due to the weather).
IWATAKE SKI AREA
As previously mentioned Iwatake is lower than the other resorts in the Hakuba valley with a summit of 1,289m. This coupled with a rather pitiful 539m vertical drop (less than Thredbo in Australia) means that Iwatake is a fairly small ski resort. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing as Iwatake has some decent infrastructure with fast chairs that means although laps may be short, you can get multiple runs in rather quickly. In total, there are 26 courses at Iwatake with the majority of this terrain being beginner or intermediate terrain. There is only 20% of the piste map assigned as advanced terrain but there is nothing to really get the heart pumping.
SNOWBOARDING FOR BEGINNERS IWATAKE
Iwatake has a number of trails suitable for beginners with an international ski school offering instruction in English. The gradients at Iwatake are much more mellow than nearby Happo One or Goryu so beginners may feel less intimidated here. It is possible for beginners to access ski runs at the top of Iwatake without the need to ride to the base area. If beginners choose to, it is possible to down lift on the Noah gondola at the end of the day. At the base area, there is a green run that has its own chairlift, this would be my starting point as a beginner.
SNOWBOARDING FOR INTERMEDIATES IWATAKE
Iwatake is probably best suited to intermediate skiers and snowboarders. The groomed terrain across the mountain is generally wide and not too steep. Some of the runs at Iwatake are an amalgamation of other runs with a combination of colour ratings. The tree zones at Iwatake are open without requiring a course and offer some fun riding on mellower pitches.
SNOWBOARDING FOR ADVANCED IWATAKE
Iwatake ski resort has a designated off-piste tree skiing zone called The View. Japanese ski resorts take a pretty firm stance to riding outside of designated off-piste areas so be prepared to lose your pass for doing so. Sticking to The View and you will be fine with this area monitored by the Iwatake ski patrol. In all honesty, advanced skiers and snowboarders will likely get bored rather quickly at Iwatake with other Hakuba Valley ski areas offering more challenge.
FREESTYLE TERRAIN AT IWATAKE
Iwatake does have a terrain park that may be of interest to freestyle-inspired riders. The Iwatake terrain park has a number of jumps (various sizes) and some basic rails. The terrain park at Iwatake is serviced by its own two-person chairlift although this runs pretty slow.
LIFTS AT HAKUBA IWATAKE
Hakuba Iwatake ski resort has 8 chair ifts and a gondola. The Noah gondola at the base of the resort is the main access point to the rest of the ski area. The rest of the lifts at Iwatake are either Quads or Doubles, none of which are particularly speedy.
Lift queues at Iwatake ski resort are reserved for the weekend and peak periods. As more people learn about the Hakuba Valley the resort of Iwatake is becoming more popular and its location close to Happo doesn't help when avoiding crowds.
HAKUBA IWATAKE PISTE MAP
IWATAKE SKI RESORT PROS
Iwatake is perfectly spaced in between Happo One and Tsugaike which makes it really easy to visit for a day trip
Wide groomers at the Iwatake ski area will mean that intermediates will love riding around this resort.
Four gated tree areas are available to ski at Iwatake which is a nice step in comparison to other Hakuba resorts that close their tree areas.
Free shuttles run regularly to Iwatake from the Happo Bus Terminal and the train station
IWATAKE SKI RESORT CONS
Iwatake has a small vertical drop meaning the runs can be quite short.
Iwatake is rather low and its lower elevation can mean the quality of snow is not as good as at other Hakuba resorts.
TRAVEL TO IWATAKE SKI RESORT
Free shuttle buses run to Iwatake from both the train station and Happo bus terminal. The buses to Iwatake are probably amongst the more frequent as Iwatake is positioned between Happo One and Tsugaike.
Iwatake is under 5km from the Hakuba train station meaning connecting bus journeys take less than 10 minutes to reach the ski resort. There are plenty of regular bus services that run between Iwatake and other Hakuba ski areas; Tsugaike, Happo, Goryu, Hakuba 47 as well as to the Hakuba base area.
ACCOMMODATION AT IWATAKE
Basing yourself at Hakuba Iwatake would be a good option if you wanted a quieter base away from the main Happo Village but within a short bus or taxi ride. Iwatake accommodation would allow you quick access to most resorts in the Hakuba Valley. Alternatively, there are lots of accommodation options in Hakuba village and really depends on your preferences and budget. I stayed in a guesthouse which was fairly basic but provided a space to cook, wash and sleep.
If you are staying in one of the villages at the base of Iwatake you will need to access the resort via train or bus. It is possible to get a bus from Tokyo that directly passes Iwatake. Alternatively, a train to the Hakuba train station followed by a bus or transfer to your accommodation is recommended.
FINAL THOUGHTS ON HAKUBA IWATAKE
Unfortunately, on both my visits to Hakuba Iwatake ski resort, I wasn’t blessed with great weather. I was still able to have fun cruising around the wide pistes but the further down towards the base you went, the snow quality deteriorated. Iwatake location was great and because of the frequent buses, I was able to change resorts once I figured conditions would not improve. On a good day, I can see why people would enjoy visiting Iwatake, especially those who are looking to progress from the greens to the blues.
Zinal Ski Resort Guide
Like its neighbour Grimentz, Zinal ski resort is renowned for its epic freeride terrain. The traditional Swiss Village offers incredible charm and extensive off-piste terrain that will keep the most avid snowboarders in search of fresh lines.
ZINAL FIRST IMPRESSIONS
Accessing Zinal for the first time from Grimentz I took the Grimentz-Espace Weisshorn cable car. Not only does this cable car offer great views back over Grimentz village, it also gives you an incredible view down the Chamois off-piste run. The cable car ride was an eye-opener to everything that was possible in Zinal.
ZINAL SKI AREA
The combined Grimentz-ZInal ski area in the Val d’Anniviers region of Switzerland offers 115km of slopes, some insanely good freeride terrain and two authentic mountain villages. Popular with advanced skiers and snowboarders for high altitude skiing and an exceptional reputation for powder skiing. Getting between the two ski areas is easy via modern lifts.
In line with the freeride aspect of the resorts, you will find an avalanche training area to practice your beacon work that I hope you will never have to use for real.
BEGINNERS TERRAIN AT ZINAL
Zinal is less beginner-friendly than Grimentz although there are a couple of places for beginners to learn their turns. A magic carpet is situated near the base of the gondola next to the Swiss Peaks Resorts hotel. This area is small but well designed for your first ski or snowboard lesson. In the resort itself, there is no green graded terrain and all blues lead into reds. This can make Zinal a daunting place for beginners to learn.
INTERMEDIATE TERRAIN AT ZINAL
Intermediates will find plenty of fun blue and red graded pistes to enjoy in Zinal. L’arēte leads down from the Corne De Sorebois which has some great views across the valley. Intermediates looking to enjoy the off-piste should head to the Durand surface lift where options are aplenty either side of Crête and Durand pistes.
ADVANCED TERRAIN AT ZINAL
Zinal has a couple of nice steep black runs with the best pitch perhaps being Col. The Chamois run and the Dam run can be considered exhilarating with the freeride area offering some great off-piste options.
FREESTYLE TERRAIN AT ZINAL
Freestyle isn’t really a reason to head to Zinal. There is a small park with some ride on boxes and features.
LIFTS AT ZINAL
In the Grimentz-Zinal combined area you will find a total of 21 lifts. Zinal has a mix of modern lifts combined with older surface lifts. The village of Zinal is linked to the resort by a modern 8 seater gondola whereas the ski area is linked to Zinal via cable car. Within Zinal the Durand surface lift is long but offers some of the best runs in the resort. Corne 4-seater takes you to the top of the resort at 2896m.
ZINAL PROS
The terrain at Zinal offers plenty of easy access off-piste.
The village of Zinal has everything you would expect from a ski town.
There were no lift queues in Zinal despite visiting during the holiday period.
Zinal is part of the Magic Pass giving you access to other great Swiss ski resorts.
POV riding through the Zinal freeride zone
ZINAL CONS
Beginners don’t really have good options for learning to ski in Zinal.
Getting from Zinal to Grimentz feels more work than getting from Grimentz to Zinal. I would choose Grimentz as my base to explore both resorts.
TRAVEL TO ZINAL SKI RESORT
ZINAL BY CAR
Travelling to Grimentz-Zinal by car is fairly easy. It is likely that you will have arrived at one of the main airports. Geneva would be the closest option at just over 2 hrs drive to the village. The mountain road is well-maintained but you will have to look out for local drivers. I wouldn’t define myself as a slow driver and yet there was some mad overtaking happening around blind corners. If you plan to visit Grimentz-Zinal by car be sure to carry chains with you as this is a requirement for some roads.
ZINAL BY PUBLIC TRANSPORT
There are not many things in life more efficient than the Swiss transport system so why not try and reach Grimentz-Zinal by public transport. From Geneva to Sierre is the easy part, jump on the train and let it do the work for you. From Sierre, you will have to first take a bus to Vissoie before changing onto a bus to ZInal.
Honestly, although I am a big fan of Swiss public transport for me Grimentz-Zinal is a drive to resort.
ZINAL SNOW RECORD
The Grimentz-Zinal ski area is known for its freeride terrain and quality of snow. Surprisingly OnTheSnow list the average snowfall for Grimentz as 233cm per winter. 2m of snowfall in the area doesn’t seem like a realistic statistic so I would take that with a pinch of salt.
ZINAL LIFT PASS PRICES
In Zinal you have two main options in terms of lift passes. The first and my preferred option was to use The Magic Pass. The Magic Pass is a pretty sweet lift pass that combines 52 Swiss ski resorts on one lift pass. Buy it early enough and your Magic Pass could be available for as little as 399CHF.
Option number two is to purchase a local area pass for the Val d’Anniviers. The local area pass includes Grimentz-Zinal, as well as nearby St Luc and Vercorin. These local passes are available as 1 day, 2 days or multi-day options. A 6 day Val d’Anniviers pass will cost you 295CHF.
ZINAL SKI RESORT VIDEOS
ZINAL GALLERY
ACCOMMODATION AT GRIMENTZ-ZINAL
During my stay in Grimentz, I stayed in this pet-friendly rental apartment. It was a perfect location with a short walk to the Bendola gondola and the Zinal cable car. Located within walking distance of the supermarket, ski rentals and a great bakery it’s an ideal spot. Negatives… be careful not to get stung on paying for sheets etc which was added on at an additional cost. The village of Grimentz has lots of varied accommodation to choose from. Although I rented my apartment through Airbnb there are lots of locally run hotels that offer luxury stays or more budget-friendly options.
ZInal village has a Swiss Peaks Resorts hotel. Although I did not stay in Swiss Peaks in Zinal I did stay in their Vercorin location and was very impressed.
ZINAL SEASON DATES
The ski season in Grimentz-Zinal can begin as early as November with the season running through into mid-April. In the 2021-22 season, it is expected for the season to run until April 24th. In general, Grimentz-Zinal elevation at 1500m with skiing possible at near 3000m is a good guarantee of a suitable snow cover.
FINAL THOUGHTS ON ZINAL
I would love to revisit the Grimentz-Zinal ski area as I feel there is still lots of terrain left to ride. The terrain is more suited to advanced skiers and snowboarders with little in the way of beginner terrain. If I was to revisit the area I would probably opt to stay in Grimentz over Zinal. I feel a base in Grimentz gives you the best access to both resorts.
Salomon Taka Split Snowboard Review
Designed as part of Salomns hillside project the Taka split is an evolution of Takaharu Nakai’s solid board. The Japanese snowboarder has built his board around a powder shape that excels in the deep stuff. Now in split version the Taka Split is a take it anywhere on the mountain powder killer.
Disclaimer - I am not paid to write reviews about the gear I use and this board was purchased using my own money. I do not claim to be an expert just an average rider who is passionate about snowboarding and gear. If you find this review useful feel free to help me out and buy me a coffee using the button below.
SALOMON TAKA SPLIT OVERVIEW
SHAPE
The Salomon Taka Split has a directional freeride shape with a taper from nose to tail. The wider nose prevents the board from burrowing under the snow and sending you into a tomahawk. This is combined with the tapered tail which drops the tail of the board effortlessly preventing that powder leg burn. There is 12mm of taper from nose to tail.
CAMBER
The camber profile of the Salomon Taka Split is a hybrid camber with a combination of camber and rocker. The camber is under the insert packs ensuring control and stability of the Taka Split at higher speeds. Just after the front insert pack a long rocker starts which is perfect for ensuring extra float in pow. This rocker also helps turn initiation on-piste ensuring a less catchy ride.
FLEX
The Salomon Taka Split has a medium flex which is ideal for its powder performance. The nose feels soft and has some give in it which again helps it stay above the snow when needed. Despite not being overly stiff I found the Taka Split to hold an edge really well on harder snow.
CONSTRUCTION
The Taka split utilises Salomons Ghost Green Core. This core is constructed from their premium sustainable materials reducing board weight whilst being good for the environment. Salomon add what they call BA MD throughout the board which is a layer of fibreglass. The fibreglass weave keeps weight low whilst providing some predictability to the board’s performance.
SIZE GUIDE
The Salomon Taka Split is available in three sizes, 155, 158 and 161.
BASE
The Taka Split is fast thanks to its Sintered EG base. The sintered base on this board is one that I have had on a number of previous Salomon snowboards. The base does require regular waxing but if looked after performs brilliantly.
HOW DOES IT RIDE?
STABILITY
On piste and at speed the board feels solid despite being split down the middle. It holds an edge really well and wants to fly. This stability transferred into softer snow cutting through pow with ease and never feeling in danger of sinking.
FLEX
The Take Split has a medium flex under the feet but gets softer towards the nose and tail. The softness in the nose is perfect for keeping above deeper snow.
TURN INITIATION
The early rise rocker in the nose gives the Salomon Taka Split a loose feel rolling into and out of turns. I was taken back by how fun this board was to get on edge and turn with the expectation that performance in this area would suffer for powder performance.
ASCENT
The light construction of the Taka Split means it doesn’t feel heavy underfoot. The powder nose can be wider than the average skin track so you can find yourself cutting your own trail. Coupled with my Union Expedition bindings I was happy with the uphill performance.
POWDER
This board has a powder shape and a powder purpose. Without surprise, its designers Takahura Nakai and Wolle Nyvelt have hit the nail on the head with this one. Check out the videos below to see its powder performance.
PARK
This is not a freestyle board.
THE VERDICT
I really enjoyed riding this board although I did have a warranty issue with it. This has now been resolved by Salomon which is all you can ask for really. For accessing those areas close to the lifts this board was perfect and made my life a lot easier than boot packing it. I was really impressed with how this board floats in pow but more so how it rode around the rest of the resort. Its versatility meant I was happily riding it on a resort day just on the off-chance I would decide to get into hike mode.
Angletarn Pikes | Wainwrights Far Eastern Fells
ANGLETARN PIKES
Angletarn Pikes is a captivating fell, known for its distinctive twin peaks and the picturesque Angle Tarn nestled between them. The ascent to Angletarn Pikes is moderately challenging, making it accessible for most hikers while still offering a sense of accomplishment. The route typically starts from Patterdale, winding through lush valleys and ascending gradually to the tarn. Once you reach Angle Tarn, the landscape unfolds with stunning beauty—a tranquil body of water surrounded by rugged peaks. From there, a climb to the summit reveals panoramic views of the surrounding fells and valleys, making the effort well worth it. The twin peaks provide unique vantage points, each offering different perspectives of the Lake District. Angletarn Pikes embodies the essence of fell walking in the Far Eastern Fells, combining natural beauty with a rewarding hiking experience. It's a must-visit for anyone looking to explore Wainwright's routes in the Lake District.
ANGLETARN PIKES INFORMATION
HEIGHT IN METRES 567m
HEIGHT IN FEET 1860ft
RANGE Far Eastern Fells
GRID REFERENCE NY 413148
Have you walked Angletarn Pikes? Let me know what you thought of the views below.
ANGLETARN GALLERY
ANGLETARN PIKES RELATED POSTS
WAINWRIGHT’S GUIDES
ANGLETARN PIKES MAP
Prior Wildcard Snowboard Review
Hand-built in Canada just outside of Whistler Prior Snowboards have a fantastic reputation, although not yet globally renowned. They were formed in 1989 by the late great Chris Prior and have been doing their thing ever since.
Disclaimer - I am not paid to write reviews about the gear I use and this board was purchased using my own money. I do not claim to be an expert just an average rider who is passionate about snowboarding and gear. If you find this review useful feel free to help me out and buy me a coffee using the button below.
PRIOR WILDCARD OVERVIEW
There are lots of variations and customisations available with Prior Snowboards so first of all I will talk about the standard Prior Wildcard.
SHAPE
The Prior Wildcard is a true-twin shape that rides the same in both directions. This suits the board’s all-mountain freestyle focus as makes riding away in switch easy.
CAMBER
The Prior Wildcard utilizes a hybrid camber profile. The Wildcard has a camber under the feet with a rocker on the tip and the tail. This is actually my preferred camber profile as it provides stability and pop but with that bit of help floating in pow.
FLEX
The Prior Wildcard utilises what Prior call their Twin Flex. The Twin Flex means that the board flexes the same whether you are riding regular or switch. The flex of the wildcard is also dependent on the construction but more on that shortly.
CONSTRUCTION
Part of Prior snowboards uniqueness is the ability to customise their boards in a number of ways. When you buy a Prior choosing its construction is part of this process. Standard boards come with a Triax glass weave or you can upgrade to an XCE carbon construction. The XCE carbon shaves around 15% of the board's weight. As someone who owns a version of the Prior Wildcard with both constructions, the XCE is also a more damp ride although both versions are great at cutting through crud.
SIZE GUIDE
Check the size guide below for regular Prior Wildcard Sizing. As a brand that prides itself on providing customs it is possible to make adjustments to the below chart. I have a 156 standard sizing and a 159 with an increased waist width.
BASE
The Prior Wildcard has a sintered base that is fast but needs regular maintenance. I love the speed that you get out of these boards but the bases are quick to show dry marks after a couple of days riding.
HOW DOES IT RIDE?
STABILITY
Ultimately when I am looking for a board I really want something that feels stable and isn’t going to wash out on me. The camber under the bindings is reassuring throughout the turn and you can feel the board lock into a carve. Even on icy snow the Prior Wildcard feels stable.
FLEX
I am not really one for pressing and buttering boards but the Prior Wildcard makes you want to do it. With your hips shifted over your tip or tail you can hold your press with decent stability. Doing a tripod and you can lock it in and just go. The flex between your feet is stiffer than on the tip and tail which means you are not sacrificing performance for that more playful ride.
TURN INITIATION
Some of the earlier hybrid camber boards like the Salomon Mans Board still felt catchy when initiating turns. That’s is not the case with the Prior Wildcard. The rocker on the nose just seems to lift those pesky contact points enough that you can just roll into your turn. The Wildcard feels quick between edges and is easy to throw around some tight trees.
PISTE
The Prior Wildcard’s underfoot camber makes the board incredibly fun to turn whether arcing across the piste or performing short turns down the run the Prior Wildcard has you covered. Both the XCE carbon and standard construction have enough ummpfh to powder you into your next turn.
POWDER
I was surprised at just how well the Prior Wildcard performs in deeper snow for a true twin snowboard. The rocker helps keep the nose afloat and although powder performance is never going to be as good as a true powder board check out these videos to see how it performed.
PARK
The Prior Wildcard is touted as an all-mountain freestyle board so it is fair to say that you should expect good park performance, it delivered. The Prior Wildcard was really fun to throw off jumps knowing that it will handle the landings. Similarly it has helped my confidence grow on rail features although it is not a jib board.
THE VERDICT
I love this board and have ridden it for a number of years now. Although other true twin snowboards have caught my eye I cant see myself replacing my Wildcard’s in my quiver anytime soon.
Grimentz Ski Resort Guide
The Val d’Anniviers in Switzerland popped onto my radar when a Twitter follower posted a photo of a beautiful sidecountry ski run in Grimentz. The reputation that Grimentz holds for freeride is exceptional and it seems like every lift here opens up a new possibility. Arguably some of the best lift-accessible freeride terrain on my Magic Pass trip.
GRIMENTZ FIRST IMPRESSIONS
Waking up in Grimentz to a bucket load of new snow was exactly what was needed to start the trip on a good note. The Val d’Anniviers had endured around 10 days without snowfall prior to arrival so it was a pleasant surprise.
The Bendola gondola from the base area to the main resort area at 2112m gives you plenty of time to survey the tree lines runs that lead back to the village. It was here that I spent the majority of the afternoon escaping the cloud and seemingly finding every treestump hidden under the fresh snow cover.
GRIMENTZ SKI AREA
The combined Grimentz-ZInal ski area in the Val d’Anniviers region of Switzerland offers 115km of slopes, some insanely good freeride terrain and two authentic mountain villages. Popular with advanced skiers and snowboarders for high altitude skiing and an exceptional reputation for powder skiing, Grimentz is a paradise in the Valais.
In line with the freeride aspect of the resorts, you will find an avalanche training area to practice your beacon work that I hope you will never have to use for real.
BEGINNERS TERRAIN AT GRIMENTZ
This is where Grimentz doesn’t shine. There is a learners area at the top of the Bendola gondola but there is little in the way of suitable terrain to progress onto. A short run is accessible via the Marenda button lift and you also have the winding run from the top of Grands Plans chair.
INTERMEDIATE TERRAIN AT GRIMENTZ
Intermediate skiers and snowboarders will love Grimentz with plenty of long blue and red pistes. From the top of Orzival the Panorama run is popular along with Becs and Tsarva from the Becs De Bosson chair.
ADVANCED TERRAIN AT GRIMENTZ
Although the majority of challenging posted terrain is across in Zinal the advanced skiers will love Grimentz for its freeride opportunity. Lona is perhaps the most popular and famous option here, starting in the shadow of Becs De Bosson and running down to the village in the right conditions.
The Itinerary run, Abondance, is enjoyable in the right conditions with a number of chutes to drop into. This area is caked in sunshine and has been known to slide.
Also, consider Crēts a steep but short black piste that leads back to the top of the Bendola gondola.
FREESTYLE TERRAIN AT GRIMENTZ
Grimentz has a small terrain park accessible by the Orzival button lift. The larger features were still being constructed during my visit but the lower park was really nice with a couple of small jumps and some ride on rail features.
LIFTS AT GRIMENTZ
In the Grimentz-Zinal combined area you will find a total of 21 lifts. The Grimentz area is a mix of modern with some old surface lifts in place. The Bendola gondola is sufficient for ensuring there are no queues leaving the village. From the top of Bendola, the new Col Du Pouce chair is fantastic a large 6-person bubble lift that is modern and comfortable. From here you have the option to ride the Lona 2 surface lift but this is long and steep in places. Two further chairs Tsarva and Grand Plans link the area well, however replacing the Orzival surface lift could improve access to the Roc d’Orzival.
GRIMENTZ PROS
The terrain at Grimentz is exceptional with plenty of challenges to be found close to all the lifts.
Off-piste options in Grimentz seem endless!
The village of Grimentz is exactly what comes to mind when you think Swiss mountain village.
There were no lift queues in Grimentz despite visiting during the holiday period.
Lifts in Grimentz are modern and fast with further upgrades currently being planned.
Powder days in Grimentz were epic
GRIMENTZ CONS
Beginners are the ones that really miss out at Grimentz with a lack of real beginners terrain.
There are a number of long surface lifts that can feel arduous.
TRAVEL TO GRIMENTZ SKI RESORT
GRIMENTZ BY CAR
Travelling to Grimentz by car is fairly easy. It is likely that you will have arrived at one of the main airports. Geneva would be the closest option at just over 2 hrs drive to the village. The mountain road is well-maintained but you will have to look out for local drivers. I wouldn’t define myself as a slow driver and yet there was some mad overtaking happening around blind corners. If you plan to visit Grimentz by car be sure to carry chains with you as this is a requirement for some roads.
GRIMENTZ BY PUBLIC TRANSPORT
There are not many things in life more efficient than the Swiss transport system so why not try and reach Grimentz by public transport. From Geneva to Sierre is the easy part, jump on the train and let it do the work for you. From Sierre, you will have to first take a bus to Vissoie before changing onto a bus to Grimentz.
Honestly, although I am a big fan of Swiss public transport for me Grimentz is a drive to resort.
GRIMENTZ SNOW RECORD
Grimentz-Zinal ski area is known for its freeride terrain and quality of snow. Surprisingly OnTheSnow list the average snowfall for Grimentz as 233cm per winter. 2m of snowfall in the area doesn’t seem like a realistic statistic so I would take that with a pinch of salt.
Powder Day In Grimentz
GRIMENTZ LIFT PASS PRICES
In Grimentz you have two main options in terms of lift passes. The first and my preferred option was to use The Magic Pass. The Magic Pass is a pretty sweet lift pass that combines 40 Swiss ski resorts on one lift pass. Buy it early enough and your Magic Pass could be available for as little at 399CHF.
Option number two is to purchase a local area pass for the Val d’Anniviers. The local area pass includes Grimentz-Zinal, as well as nearby St Luc and Vercorin. These local passes are available as 1 day, 2 days or multi day options. A 6 day Val d’Anniviers pass will cost you 295CHF.
GRIMENTZ SKI RESORT VIDEOS
GRIMENTZ GALLERY
ACCOMMODATION AT GRIMENTZ
During my stay in Grimentz, I stayed in this pet-friendly rental apartment. It was a perfect location with a short walk to the Bendola gondola and the Zinal cable car. Located within walking distance of the supermarket, ski rentals and a great bakery it’s an ideal spot. Negatives… be careful not to get stung on paying for sheets etc which was added on at an additional cost. The village of Grimentz has lots of varied accommodation to choose from. Although I rented my apartment through AirBnb there are lots of locally run hotels that offer luxury stays or more budget-friendly options.
GRIMENTZ SEASON DATES
The ski season in Grimentz can begin as early as November with the season running through into mid-April. In the 2021-22 season it is expected for the season to run until April 24th. In general, Grimentz elevation at 1500m with skiing possible at near 3000m is a good guarantee of suitable snowcover.
FINAL THOUGHTS ON GRIMENTZ
As someone who prides themself on exploring new resorts around the world the biggest compliment I could offer Grimentz is that I would visit again and would happily look for an apartment here. The combined area of Grimentz-Zinal offers everything that I would want from a ski resort. The off-piste terrain here can be challenging, but even if you are considering your first forays into freeride then there are places you can explore. Perhaps the only people who miss out here are the true beginners with a lack of mellow runs.
Anzere Ski Resort Guide
Overlooking the Rhone Valley, Anzere ski resort not only offers incredible views but some great snowboarding that often gets overlooked for bigger-name resorts nearby. Seemingly next door to Crans Montana and across the valley from the 4 Vallees it is fair to say that Anzere can be the forgotten child. This is a bit unfair on Anzere, a ski resort that has plenty to offer both local and international skiers and snowboarders alike.
Duez - La Baté chair emerging from the clouds
ANZERE FIRST IMPRESSIONS
Anzere was having a dry spell during my visit with not much in the way of new snow over the course of the 10 days I was based there. This coupled with the south-facing aspect had left Anzere looking a little weathered. It made me think about the possibilities of this ski resort. There are plenty of peaks that would grab the interest of anyone freeride orientated, all that was needed was the right conditions.
From prior reading about Anzere, it had been mentioned that the slopes are often empty. This however was not my experience. The slopes were busy with sizeable lift queues but you have to accept this is going to be the case during major holiday periods.
ANZERE SKI AREA
In a beautiful setting a short drive from Sion, Anzere offers 60km of slopes that are suitable for all abilities. The village at 1500m provides access to 920m of vertical drop. with the highest point Le Bâte standing at 2420. The ski area is easy to navigate using the 12 available lifts. The majority of skiable terrain in Anzere is suited towards advanced intermediates with some great long red runs. The combination of pistes 20 (Combe d'Hérémence) and 21 (Les Rousses) makes for one of the longest runs in the resort.
BEGINNERS TERRAIN AT ANZERE
The beginner’s plateau is found at the top of the gondola at Pas De Maimbre. The area is serviced by magic carpets and has a decent gradient for learning those first turns. The is another beginner’s area in the village with another small magic carpet and rope tow. When beginners feel ready to leave the learners area and try some blue graded runs, their best option is to take the gondola to the mid-station, where they will find blue terrain.
INTERMEDIATE TERRAIN AT ANZERE
Anzere is best suited for intermediates with nice long blue and red graded runs across the whole mountain. Heading to any of the lifts in Anzere will give you the possibility to ski a nice long groomer! The lower section of Les Rousses run (Piste 21) was a particular favourite with the route lined by trees.
ADVANCED TERRAIN AT ANZERE
There is enough to keep the advanced skier or snowboarder entertained at Anzere. On piste, the pick is the long Les Masques run (Piste 1 & Piste 5) which takes you from Pas De Maimbre back down to the village. Elsewhere there are a number of itineraries if you prefer ungroomed terrain.
Touring within the resort is a possibility with dedicated routes marked on the Anzere piste map. You have to be fairly motivated to ski tour around Anzere with all of the paths easily accessible by lift. Exploring further away from the slopes remains a possibility.
FREESTYLE TERRAIN AT ANZERE
Anzere has a mini family park call FlyPark Anzere. The mini-park has some entry-level features perfect for your first foray into freestyle but little in the way of progressive features. Consider Leysin or Saas-Fee if you are more interested in Freestyle.
ANZERE PISTE MAP
Piste Map Anzere Ski Resort
LIFTS AT RESORT ANZERE
Anzere has 12 lifts, the majority of which are fast and modern. The main access to the resort is from the village via the gondola, although there is also parking at Les Rousses on the far side of the resort. Once in the resort, there are a number of modern quad chairs, a slow three-person and the interesting two-person Duez-Le Bâte lift which forms a crossroads with the Grillesses quad. The major bottlenecks and queues during my visit were found at the bottom of Les Rousses where the three-person chair also provides access for the toboggan run.
Anzere ski lifts
ANZERE PROS
Anzere ski resort gets plenty of bluebird days
The ski resort of Anzere is well-suited to intermediates skiers and snowboarders
The town of Anzere is well stocked with everything you would require.
Anzere has 60 km of slopes which is more than enough to keep most people entertained.
Getting to Anzere is easy via car or public transport.
The Wellness Centre in Anzere is great for soaking those muscles after a long day on the slopes.
ANZERE CONS
The close proximity to Sion can be a bit of a curse for lift queues on the weekend or during peak periods.
The sunny south-facing aspect can mean that snow quality deteriorates quickly if there is no regular snowfall.
TRAVEL TO ANZERE SKI RESORT
Anzere is a mere 20 minutes from Sion, although it is likely that you will fly into Geneva. Getting to Sion is no hassle at all using the Swiss rail network. From Sion there is public transport that runs up to the mountain village.
During my trip, I was driving so arrived in Anzere via car. Driving to Anzere is easy enough with some decent connecting roads. Be careful to avoid the sat navs requests to take you the back routes through the vineyards if you are of a nervous disposition. There are free car parks in the village that are connected to the ski resort by a complimentary bus service.
ANZERE SNOW RECORD
According to OntheSnow Anzere ski resort received an average of 4.49m of snowfall annually. More recently, there have been some bumper years with both 2019-20 and 2020-21 receiving over 6m of snowfall.
ANZERE PASS PRICES
Anzere is included on the Magic Pass. The Magic Pass makes for an affordable way to ski in Switzerland with 40 ski resorts included for 399CHF. To discover more about the Magic Pass click here
Anzere lift pass prices 2022
The Anzere lift pass prices for the 2021/22 season are detailed above. If you want to see the latest lift pass prices click here
ANZERE VIDEOS
ANZERE GALLERY
ACCOMMODATION IN ANZERE
During my stay in Anzere I stayed in this AirBnB. The Airbnb was perfect for a few days’ stay within a short 20-minute drive of the free car parking. If you would prefer to be in the village amidst all the amenities then Anzere offers plenty of accommodation from luxury hotels through to charming apartments. Search for your perfect Anzere ski resort accommodation by using the link below.
SEASON DATES ANZERE
Anzere ski resort opens in mid-December and closes in mid-April. In the 2021-22 season the ski resort of Anzere opened on the 17th December.
FINAL THOUGHTS ON ANZERE
Anzere is a picturesque ski resort perfect for a one-week trip or short weekend break. I need to revisit Anzere as I had a combination of ill health and bad snow during my trip.
Saas Fee Ski Resort Guide
Saas-Fee ski resort delivers a high-altitude snowsure resort partnered with a buzzing Swiss mountain village. The ski resort of Saas-Fee in the Valais region of Switzerland is world-renowned for skiing possible at 3500m and a long season that gets extended through the summer months. If you are looking for guaranteed snow then maybe Saas-Fee is the perfect destination for your next ski trip.
Saas-Fee Glacier early in the morning
SAAS-FEE FIRST IMPRESSIONS
Arriving in Saas-Fee at the bus station it doesn’t take long to notice that one thing is missing from Saas-Fee, cars! The pedestrian village is great and there are electric taxi’s if you don’t want to lug your ski gear around. In terms of the ski resort itself, the first thing that stood out was the size. There is nearly 1800m of vertical drop at Saas-Fee with the Pearl of the Alps also home to one of Europes largest glacier ski areas.
Looking back to the village from the Langfluh lift stations
SAAS-FEE SKI AREA
The ski area in Saas-Fee extends from 1800m at the village to 3600m up on the glacier. The resort feels fairly narrow all funnelling back down the village but there is more than enough terrain to keep you occupied for a longer trip. When you consider that nearby Saas-Grund and Saas-Almagell can be accessed fairly easily, this extends the possible skiing further. There is a good mixture of terrain at Saas-Fee with a dedicated beginner area near the base and some nice long runs around the rest of the mountain. It is possible to ski top-to-bottom at Saas-Fee in one run.
BEGINNERS TERRAIN AT SAAS-FEE
At the base of the slopes, there is a large beginners area. The area has a few different pistes for learning and is serviced by button lifts. At Saas-Fee, it is possible to find progression around the mountain with some nice blue terrain. Taking the Alpin Express to 3000m at Felskin will be the best area for this progression.
INTERMEDIATE TERRAIN AT SAAS-FEE
The Plattjen area is perfect for those intermediates looking for a longer red run. The lap from top-to-bottom of the Plattjen gondola allows you the choice to combine the red with either blue or black depending on your confidence level. The slopes on Plattjen tend to be quieter than in other parts of the resort.
Intermediates can’t ignore the great terrain on the glacier with snowsure pistes offering the perfect opportunity to practice that carving. Perhaps my favourite combination of runs in Saas-Fee is the combination of pistes 11, 11a, and 11b combines red and black pistes to make a long run under the Längfluh lift.
ADVANCED TERRAIN AT SAAS-FEE
With regards to the piste map, there isn’t much for advanced skiers and snowboarders at Saas-Fee. A few black runs are dotted about the mountain in addition to some marked itinerary routes. The layout of Saas-Fee and its position upon the glacier limits the off-piste options here.
FREESTYLE TERRAIN AT SAAS-FEE
Saas-Fee has a terrain park on the glacier. During my visit, the terrain park was not open as the jumps were still being built. The terrain park at Saas-Fee attracts professional skiers and snowboarders from around the world and is well known for it’s quality.
SAAS-FEE PISTE MAP
LIFTS AT RESORT SAAS-FEE
The lift infrastructure at Saas-Fee was my biggest downside to skiing in the resort. The lifts here are mainly gondolas or cable cars. This is a necessity for the resort, especially when you consider that the lifts travel large distances. For me though, I found it detrimental to my snowboarding experience as every lift it seemed required you to take your snowboard/skis off.
Despite my reservation about the number of gondolas and cable cars you are required to take the actual infrastructure is pretty good. The lifts are fast with options to depart at the mid-station or ride all the way to the top. Taking the positives from the gondola/cable car situation, they at least provide an opportunity to warm up on those colder days.
To access the glacier you will either take the Panorama T-bar from near the Längfluh lift or you will need to take the Metro Alpin. The Saas-Fee Metro Alpin is a funicular train that runs underground to the glacier. Actually, this was a pretty cool experience and something new for me. On the glacier, you will find only t-bars but that is perfect for the conditions up there. The use of surface lifts on the Saas-Fee glacier ensures this area can remain open even when the conditions are windy.
SAAS-FEE PROS
Saas-Fee is a snowsure ski resort
Saas-Fee is well suited to intermediate skiers and beginners
The car-free village of Saas-Fee is a great base for a ski holiday
Saas-Fee has plenty of other activities around the village, skating and curling are just some examples.
Saas-Fee has incredible scenery, surrounded by multiple 4000m peaks the views from Saas-Fee are great.
Saas-Fee is home to the worlds highest rotating restaurant which is a great dining experience
The Magic Pass combines Saas-Fee with Saas Almagell and the local pass also adds Saas-Grund ensuring there is plenty of skiing to keep most occupied.
SAAS-FEE CONS
Saas-Fee can be quite cold and spends a lot of the day in the shade. This is not one for the sun worshipers.
Due to the cold conditions, some of the main runs down to the village can get pretty icy in the afternoons.
The lift connections can feel clunky, it takes an hour to reach the glacier via the Alpin Express and the Metro Alpin, although this does open up 1700m of vertical drop.
Me sliding down an icy run in the afternoon
SNOWBOARDING IN THE SAASTAL VALLEY
Locally there are three resorts included on a single lift pass; Saas-Fee, Saas Almagell and Saas Grund. The ski areas are connected by bus routes which are free to use. Saas Almagell is the lowest of the three resorts but offers some fantastic intermediate terrain. The run from Heidbodme to the base is fantastic. Saas Grund offers further guaranteed snow with snowboarding possible between 3200m and 1570m. Saas Grund has some longer runs that are great for stretching those legs.
TRAVEL TO SAAS-FEE SKI RESORT
Saas-Fee is in the Saastal or Saas Valley in the canton of Valais in Switzerland. Reaching Saas-Fee will require either car hire or a combination of trains and buses. Most likely you will fly into Geneva although it is also possible to fly into Zurich.
When in Switzerland it is always worth travelling via train to your end destination. From Geneva, it is possible to travel to Visp by train where regular buses run between Visp and the towns of Saas Grund, Saas Almagell and Saas Fee. The 511 bus will take you to Saas Grund where you may need to change to the 513 to connect to Saas Almagell.
I was road tripping through Switzerland so arrived in the Saas Valley by car. The journey was simple and the roads were in great condition despite heavy snowfall. It is essential to carry snow chains, especially if not driving a 4wd car. It is worth noting that although cars are permitted in Saas Grund and Saas Almagell, they are not permitted in Saas-Fee. If staying in Saas-Fee you will need to park in the multi-storey and get to your accommodation either on foot or via electric taxi/hotel shuttle.
SAAS-FEE SNOW RECORD
According to OntheSnow the ski resorts around Saas-Fee receive an average of 5m of snow per winter. Saas Almagell has a much lower base elevation than Saas-Fee and Saas Grund so the quality of snow on the lower mountain can suffer.
SAAS-FEE LIFT PASS PRICES
Saas-Fee is included on the Magic Pass. The Magic Pass makes for an affordable way to ski in Switzerland with 40 ski resorts included for 399CHF. To discover more about the Magic Pass click here
A 7 day Saas-Fee Almagell lift ticket is 419CHF so that puts into perspective the value of the Magic Pass. For the latest ski pass prices check here.
SAAS-FEE VIDEOS
SAAS-FEE GALLERY
ACCOMMODATION AT SAAS FEE
During my stay in the Saas Valley, I stayed at the Montela Apartments in Saas Grund. The apartments were great with a fully functional kitchen, great facilities and a luxury feel. You can find the Montela Apartments here. There is also a great selection of luxury chalets in Saas Fee with The Luxury Chalet Company, they have a wide selection of rental properties for all types of groups and all types of holidays.
SEASON DATES SAAS-FEE
Saas-Fee ski resort has one of the longest ski seasons in Europe. The glacier opens in July for summer skiing. before the resort opens fully in November. The ski season in Saas-Fee lasts into late April with a short break in May and June before doing it all again.
FINAL THOUGHTS ON SAAS-FEE
I can see the appeal of Saas-Fee as a winter destination. The snowsure nature of the resort will appeal to most, especially those planning early or later season trips. On a personal note, I didn’t like the flow of the resort and for me I would opt to ski elsewhere in the future. I do think that Saas-Fee has a lot to offer and will be a great destination for most skiers and snowboarders.
Saas Almagell Ski Resort Guide
Saas Almagell ski resort, in the Valais region of Switzerland, is a small ski area that is linked to the larger Saas-Fee ski resort. Saas Almagell is a quiet escape from the world-renowned Saas-Fee with some pretty decent terrain of its own. You can ski top to bottom on a combination of red runs to descend over 700m to the base of the resort.
SAAS ALMAGELL FIRST IMPRESSIONS
Getting the local bus to Saas Almagell you are dropped a few minutes walk from the ski resorts base. The area surrounding the lowest lift has lots of hotels and chalets style accommodations. Saas Almagell is a quiet village with everything you need but no fuss or loud bars.
You load the two-man chair near the ticket office which takes you to mid-mountain. This chair is slow and indicative of the lift infrastructure at Saas Almagell. That is ok though as the slow lifts are probably what keep the crowds away. The terrain here is excellent and my first laps had me buzzing to ski more empty groomers throughout the day.
SAAS ALMAGELL SKI AREA
The Saas Almagell ski area is a small one with 14km of pistes. The ski area can be considered considerably bigger when you consider that the local lift pass also allows you to access Saas-Fee and Saas Grund. The Saas Almagell ski area is mainly suited to intermediate skiers and snowboarders with mostly red graded terrain. There is also a decent beginners area which has lots to keep young beginners happy.
BEGINNERS TERRAIN AT SAAS ALMAGELL
At mid-mountain, there is a small beginners area serviced by the Furggstolden button lift. This area has a nice gradient piste for learning to ski and snowboard at Saas Almagell. In addition to the beginner’s piste, there is an Adventureland to keep young learners entertained. The Adventureland has an Iglue, a tubing area and some mini skidoo’s.
INTERMEDIATE TERRAIN AT SAAS ALMAGELL
The whole mountain at Saas Almagell is well suited to intermediate skiers and snowboarders. The top to bottom run is excellent and allows for over 700m descent on red graded terrain. The red runs under Furggstalden chair running to the base can become icy in the afternoon due to being in the shade. There is also a long winding blue to the bottom from just below the mid-mountain however this is far less enjoyable than the reds.
ADVANCED TERRAIN AT SAAS ALMAGELL
There is little in the way of advanced terrain at Saas Almagell, a short black is available but the majority of the terrain is better suited to intermediates. If you are looking for a higher proportion of more advanced terrain then the larger Saas-Fee ski area might be of interest.
FREESTYLE TERRAIN AT SAAS ALMAGELL
There is no freestyle terrain at Saas Almagell. If you are interested in terrain parks then the Saas-Fee glacier is the place to go.
SAAS ALMAGELL PISTE MAP
LIFTS AT RESORT SAAS ALMAGELL
The lift infrastructure at Saas Almagell is sufficient for the terrain that is on offer, however, it cannot be considered modern. There are two main chairlifts at Saas Almagell both two-person chairs that run at fairly modest speeds. The Heidbodme chair takes 9.5 minutes to travel between mid-mountain and the top of the resort at 2400m.
In addition to the chairlifts, a few surface lifts are in operation. The Furggstalden button lift provides access to the beginner’s area. Whereas the Mittelwald button lift is fairly pointless and not entirely pleasant.
SAAS ALMAGELL PROS
Saas Almagell is much quieter than better known Saas-Fee
Saas Almagell has some exceptionally groomed pistes that are fun to bomb
The beginner's area at Saas Almagell is well-suited to young learners
The restaurant at the top of Saas Almagell has some incredible views of the surrounding valley
Transport between Saas-Almagell and neighbouring Saas-Fee and Saas Grund ski resorts is very good.
SAAS ALMAGELL CONS
Saas Almagell is over 1000m lower than Saas Fee and Saas Grund at their highest points. This can mean that snow quality is better in the over Saas valley resorts.
Limited terrain at Saas Almagell could mean you get bored after a few days of skiing there.
TRAVEL TO SAAS ALMAGELL SKI RESORT
Saas Almagell in the canton of Valais in Switzerland is part of the Saas Valley with ski resorts; Saas Fee, Saas Grund and small Saas Balen. Travelling to Saas Almagell by air is most likely going to be via Geneva airport where international flights are possible from London and other major airports.
When in Switzerland it is always worth travelling via train to your end destination. From Geneva, it is possible to travel to Visp by train where regular buses run between Visp and the towns of Saas Grund, Saas Almagell and Saas Fee. The 511 bus will take you to Saas Grund where you may need to change to the 513 to connect to Saas Almagell.
I was road tripping through Switzerland so arrived in the Saas Valley by car. The journey was simple and the roads in great condition despite heavy snowfall. It is essential to carry snow chains, especially if not driving a 4wd car. It is worth noting that although cars are permitted in Saas Grund and Saas Almagell, they are not permitted in Saas-Fee. If staying in Saas-Fee you will need to park in the multi-storey and get to your accommodation either on foot or via electric taxi/hotel shuttle.
SAAS ALMAGELL SNOW RECORD
According to OntheSnow the ski resorts around Saas-Fee receive an average of 5m of snow per winter. Saas Almagell has a much lower base elevation than Saas-Fee and Saas Grund so the quality of snow on the lower mountain can suffer.
SAAS ALMAGELL LIFT PASS PRICES
Saas Almagell is included on the Magic Pass. The Magic Pass makes for an affordable way to ski in Switzerland with 40 ski resorts included for 399CHF. To discover more about the Magic Pass click here
Below is a list of Saas Almagell lift pass prices for the 2021/22 season. For updated prices check this link
SAAS ALMAGELL VIDEOS
SAAS ALMAGELL GALLERY
ACCOMMODATION AT SAAS ALMAGELL
During my stay in the Saas Valley, I stayed at the Montela Apartments in Saas Grund. The apartments were great with a fully functional kitchen, great facilities and a luxury feel. You can find the Montela Apartments here.
SEASON DATES SAAS ALMAGELL
Saas Almagell ski resort is open between mid December and mid April snow dependent. In 2021/2022 season the predicted open and close dates are 18th December - 18th April.
FINAL THOUGHTS ON SAAS ALMAGELL
Saas Almagell is a nice alternative to the larger Saas-Fee. I actually really enjoyed the runs at Saas Almagell with the top to bottom run allowing for over 700m of vertical drop. The groomed terrain was exceptional despite a lack of early-season snow. If you are wanting to visit a Swiss mega-resort then Saas Almagell isn’t it. Saas Almagell has enough terrain to keep most people happy for a day or two but you will want to combine it with other resorts if you are staying for a week or more. Luckily, the bus service from Saas Almagell is brilliant and it is easy to combine your trip with ski days in Saas-Fee and Saas Grund.
Leysin Ski Resort Guide
Leysin ski resort combines with nearby Les Mosses and La Lécherette to make a fairly sizeable ski area. The 60km (local area) and 100km combined ski area are enough to keep most skiers and snowboarders happy for the duration of their ski holiday. Les Mosses is close to Geneva making it a great resort for hassle-free transfers.
LEYSIN FIRST IMPRESSIONS
Leysin has a famous revolving restaurant, Le Kuklos, that sits prominently at La Berneuse. Le Kuklos is one of the first things you will notice as you leave the gondola. Assuming you are heading straight to the slopes rather than the restaurant you will walk around 40 steps from the gondola to be met with a view across to Tour d’Ai. Under Tour d’Ai you will see the Leysin Park which is impressive.
One of the things that stands out at Leysin is the number of quality pistes for intermediates skiers and snowboarders. Pretty much from all lifts you can access a really cruise blue, so the whole resort has an accessible to everyone kind of feel.
View across to Leysin Park under Tour d’Ai
LEYSIN SKI AREA
Leysin ski resort has 100km of pistes if you include the combined ski area with Les Mosses and La Lécherette. Locally the 60km of pistes are well suited to intermediate skiers and snowboarders. There are plenty of well-groomed trails in Leysin to keep intermediates exploring the mountain. With the addition of terrain parks and boardercross tracks, Leysin would be a great place to progress your riding.
The Leysin ski resort is linked to Les Mosses and La Lécherette by ski bus, the journey takes 9 minutes and the service runs every 30minutes.
BEGINNERS TERRAIN AT LEYSIN
Beginners have two main options for taking their first turns in Leysin. Near La Berneuse gondola station at the bottom of the mountain is the Vallee Blanche beginners area. Serviced by a magic carpet this is probably the best spot in Leysin ski resort to have your first ski lessons. The pitch of the Vallee Blanche area is perfect for learning and the magic carpet makes it fairly hassle-free. The other beginner’s slope is found at the top of La Bernuese gondola and beside Le Kuklos restaurant. This area is convenient for use of nearby facilities but it is fairly small with only a rope tow to transport for back up the hill.
Around the rest of the mountain there are a number of nice blue runs for beginners to progress onto. However, proceed with caution and be sure to check the piste map before heading off as blues tend to merge into red runs in Leysin. I helped one poor lady down from a red after she had ended up their by mistake!
INTERMEDIATE TERRAIN AT LEYSIN
Leysin ski resort is really well geared up for intermediate skiers and snowboarders. The majority of the trails are either blue or red with plenty of long runs meaning you don’t need to keep stopping. The combination of runs that form a complete trail from La Berneuse top gondola station all the way to the bottom station is a leg burner. Although shorter, some of my favourite trails were found in Les Mosses with the Artet T-Bar accessing some nice runs. Within Leysin the red under the Solepraz chair is excellent, although the chair is slow and tedious.
There are two boardercross tracks within the ski area with the Leysin boardercross being fairly mellow.
ADVANCED TERRAIN AT LEYSIN
There is little in the way of advanced terrain with a singular black trail above the terrain park. The terrain park itself does have a large jump line and a half-pipe which should offer enough challenge for most. I mean if it’s good enough for Candide Thovex it is probably good enough for you and me.
FREESTYLE TERRAIN AT LEYSIN
The freestyle set-up in Leysin seems pretty good. Although my visit was early season there were a number of jumps and rails already set up and the construction of the large jump line and half-pipe was well underway.
LEYSIN PISTE MAP
LIFTS AT LEYSIN
The lift infrastructure at Leysin is pretty good with a majority of lifts being fast and modern. The notable exceptions are Solepraz and the terrain park chair, both slower two-person chairs. The chairs in place connect the ski area smoothly and ensure that it is easy to navigate Leysin.
Nearby Les Mosses and La Lécherette are linked to Leysin by ski bus. Be aware that when in Les Mosses and La Lécherette there are no chairlifts only surface lifts.
LEYSIN PROS
Leysin is a sunny resort with plenty of bluebird days
Intermediate terrain is aplenty at Leysin with some stunning red runs.
The terrain park at Leysin is renowned for its quality and is the best in the Vaudois valley.
Good lift infrastructure makes Leysin easy to navigate
LEYSIN CONS
Leysin has little in the way of advanced terrain and advanced skiers could get bored.
The link to nearby Les Mosses is via a ski bus that runs every half an hour, missing it can add a long wait to your day.
TRAVEL TO LEYSIN SKI RESORT
Leysin village is near the town of Aigle which is accessible by public transport from Geneva. The route by road is simple, a short 1hr 40min drive around Lac Léman leads you up to the village of Leysin via Aigle. Train routes are possible from Geneva airport with a change in Aigle before heading up to Leysin village.
LEYSIN SNOW RECORD
Leysin has an average yearly snowfall of 401cm according to OnTheSnow although this amount can fluctuate greatly.
LEYSIN LIFT PASS PRICES
If you are going to ski and snowboard in Leysin or any of the other Magic Pass resorts for more than a week, it makes sense to buy the Magic Pass at early bird prices. Below is a list of the Leysin ski pass prices in the 2021-2022 season.
LEYSIN VIDEOS
LEYSIN GALLERY
ACCOMMODATION AT LEYSIN
Leysin village is split across the mountainside with the majority of accommodation below the gondola in the main village. Some accommodation is available above the gondola in quieter areas of the village. In Leysin you can find everything from plush hotels, self-catering apartments to catered chalets.
SEASON DATES LEYSIN
Leysin opens in late November or early December and the season can last into mid-April. In 2021 its opening date was 4th December. The early and late season snow quality can suffer due to Leysin having a lower elevation.
FINAL THOUGHTS ON LEYSIN
Leysin is a popular resort with families with the location making it easily accessible by road or public transport. The 60km local area is enough for most people but the extended area that encompasses Les Mosses and La Lécherette will provide more terrain for those who really want to explore. Leysin receives an abundance of sunshine due to its orientation so a Leysin ski holiday should ensure a couple of bluebird ski days.
A Guide To Snowboarding In Switzerland
Snowboarding in the Swiss Alps offers you the opportunity to ski at some of the worlds best ski resorts within sight of the worlds most iconic mountains. Whether it is the Eiger or the Matterhorn there are resorts to suit all abilities. Welcoming of skiers and snowboarders alike, Swiss ski resorts have invested heavily in infrastructure to ensure they have not only some of the best lifts and terrain parks but also ease of access and resort accommodation is high quality as well.
Switzerland offers the convenience and grandeur of well-run mega-resorts alongside the charm of traditional chalets that throwback to simpler times. Of course, all of this comes at a cost with Switzerland being renowned for being an expensive place to ski. The luxury resorts of Verbier and Crans Montana are far from my comfort zone or my budget but visits to them have left me astounded as to the quality of snowboarding available in Switzerland.
Switzerland is home to some pretty impressive mountains. World-renowned Matterhorn and the Eiger particular highlights but with a large number of 4000m peaks, there is plenty of choices. With mountains running throughout central Switzerland the Swiss Alps also comes with a large choice of ski resorts.
Switzerland can offer a variety of ski experiences from small resorts in local villages up to the large Aprés towns with mega facilities. Here are some of my favourites that offer the best snowboarding in Switzerland.
THE 4 VALLEES
Combining together the resorts of Thyon, Veysonnaz, Nendaz, La Tzoumaz and of course Verbier the 4 Vallees is a sizeable ski area! Over 400km of pistes make the 4 Vallees the largest combined ski area in Switzerland and one of the largest European ski areas, behind the Three Valleys across the border in France. The 4 Vallees has some of Switzerland’s best freeride terrain and hosts the Freeride World Tour. The 4 Vallees is considered amongst the best snowboarding in the world.
GRINDELWALD
Grindelwald has to be amongst the most scenic mountain villages in the world. Its location in the shadow of the Eiger is awe-inspiring and taking the train to the resort adds a really cool element. Part of the linked Jungrau ski region Mürren, Grindelwald and Wenger are all included on one ski pass.
TRAVELLING TO SWISS SKI RESORTS
Travel to Swiss ski resorts is generally quite simple. Switzerland as a country is efficient and the transport is no exception. Most visitors will enter via the international airport in Geneva although flying to Zurich, Basel or Sion are also possible options. From Geneva, you will have your choice of options from; luxury private or shared transfers, self-drive or the world-famous rail network. Not only a sustainable choice but incredibly well run, the Swiss rail network will get you to resort quickly but also allow you to take in some of the worlds most scenic train journeys. You can search for train tickets at Rail Europe.
Geneva airport is conveniently located with easy access to; Verbier, Grimentz, Anzere, Leysin, Crans Montana, Grindelwald and many more.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is snowboarding allowed in Switzerland?
Switzerland welcomes all disciplines to its ski resorts so whether you are skiing, snowboarding, telemarking or yes… snowblading you will be welcome in Switzerland. Come on… this isn’t Deer Valley or Alta!
Is skiing in Switzerland Expensive?
Switzerland is an expensive country to visit in my experience but that doesn’t mean that you can not plan an affordable Swiss ski trip. When considering how much snowboarding in Switzerland costs you should keep an open mind to your ski destination. If planning your Swiss ski trip on a budget consider which resort you will visit carefully. Some of the mega-resorts will have higher prices for lift passes and accommodation but deals can be found when avoiding these larger ski areas. You can also save money on lift passes by booking them pre-season for discounts or using the Magic Pass which offers incredible value.
Can you ski year-round in Switzerland?
Switzerland is home to many high-altitude ski resorts that offer skiing and snowboarding in pristine conditions throughout the winter. Luckily though the fun doesn't need to stop when the winter ends as Switzerland is home to glacier skiing at some of its best-known ski resorts. Zermatt’s glacier is open 365 days a year and Saas-Fee operates from July right through until April.
Where should I ski in Switzerland?
Switzerland has plenty of choice when it comes to ski resorts. The big players in terms of name are of course Zermatt, St Moritz, Davos-Klosters, Verbier, Grindelwald, Wengen, Saas-Fee, Andermatt, Grimentz and many more! Why not check out some of the resort reviews below to find your perfect resort.
RESORT REVIEWS
WHY SKI OR SNOWBOARD IN SWITZERLAND
Switzerland is high on most skiers list of destinations they would like to ski but what is it that makes Switzerland such a fabulous winter destination.
Switzerland is an incredibly organised country and this means fewer headaches when it comes to exploring the country by public transport. From arrival airports, the transport links are great with efficient trains being a fantastic way to see the country.
The ski resorts themselves are abundant with beautiful mountain villages that maintain their rustic charm despite being modernised for lift infrastructure.
Swiss ski resorts have world-class facilities and encourage athletes to train year-round in their mountains. You too can have access to the fast lifts, the huge terrain parks but best of all some incredible mountain scenery.
SWISS SKI RESORT SNOW RECORD
Switzerland has enough snow for you to be able to ski year-round but that is more due to the altitude of the resorts than the magnitude of the snow. Verbier receives an annual average of 5.5m whereas Zermatt receives 3m according to sno.co.uk. When you compare these snow statistics to the resorts of Japan or even the likes of Kirkwood in the US there is no comparison. The Swiss resorts however do have altitude on their side which protects and maintains the quality of the snow for longer periods.
MULTI RESORT PASSES
Making a Swiss snowboard trip affordable can be helped massively by finding a good deal on a ski pass. Here are some of the best multi-resort passes to get you access to some of Switzerland’s best ski resorts.
MAGIC PASS
Not many ski passes have got me as excited to purchase them as the Magic Pass. Available on the early bird deal for as little as 399CHF the Magic pass provides access to 40 Swiss ski areas. Saas-Fee, Grimentz and Les Diablerets are a few on offer with this expansive pass. The Magic Pass does have some interesting add ons as well with Crans Montana, Glacier 3000 and a Spa Pools pass available to order.
SNOWPASS GRAUBÜNDEN
Laax, Davos and St Moritz are big pulls on the Snowpass Graubünden but with 40 resorts across Switzerland, there are plenty more that could pull your attention. Sadly, this pass fails to come in at anywhere near the same value as Magic Pass with a cost of over 1000CHF. Some may feel this is good value with resorts such as Ischgl also listed.
TOP 4 SKI PASS
Also available at a reasonable early bird price the Top 4 Ski Pass offers the best skiing in the Bernese Oberland. Ski and snowboard at the famous Jungfrau ski region, Gstaad and more with over 600km of slopes all for under 700CHF early bird price.
THE SWISS SKI SEASON
It is possible to have lift-assisted skiing 365 days a year in Switzerland but the main season runs alongside other European resorts. If you discount the glacier access at resorts like Zermatt and Saas-Fee the Swiss alps snowboarding season runs between November and April. The peak periods are as you would expect in the school holidays especially around Christmas and New Years weeks. February is also a busy time to ski in Switzerland.
SWITZERLAND GALLERY
SWITZERLAND VIDEOS
FEATURED POSTS
Grindelwald Ski Resort Review
Grindelwald, set against the backdrop of the Bernese Oberland Mountains, is a small mountain village famous for the Eiger. Grindelwald is stunning and has access to its own slopes via a scenic train ride from the village. Forming part of the wider Jungfrau ski region, Grindelwald is a fantastic snowboard destination for epic Swiss Alps scenery, a traditional mountain village and more than enough terrain to keep you occupied.
Photo @dilolwa
GRINDELWALD FIRST IMPRESSIONS
My journey to Grindelwald took me to the resort by train from Geneva. Arriving in Grindelwald by train is an incredible way to get to a ski resort. The Swiss rail system is efficient and easy to navigate and offers some of the most scenic rail journeys in the world. As the train wound its way up towards the village of Grindelwald it is impossible to not be impressed by the surrounding mountains.
The village and ski area of Grindelwald sit under the impressive north face of the Eiger, however equally impressive are the peaks on Jungfrau and Mönch which are visible from the Grindelwald Wengen ski area. Grindelwald offers extensive terrain with a mix of trails for various abilities, some impressive off-piste and a beautiful setting that will be sure to make any ski trip special. When you consider that the Jungfrau ski area combines with Adelboden-Lenk, Gstaad, and Meiringen-Hasliberg to form the Top 4 Ski Pass, there are plenty of options here.
GRINDELWALD SKI AREA
Grindelwald ski area and the wider Jungfrau region, encompass 211km of pistes across three mountain ranges, Grindelwald-Wengen, Grindelwald-First and Mürren-Schilthorn . Not many ski areas can claim such a fantastic backdrop with the peaks of the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau all overlooking the slopes.
Locally Grindelwald-Wengen has 155km of pistes with a good amount of intermediate terrain serviced by 33 chairlifts. The 14% of advanced terrain is supplemented with some exceptional off-piste. Some areas are designated as non-ski zones to protect the local wildlife that resides in the region so be sure to look out for signs. There is around 1400m of vertical drop at Grindelwald-Wengen and this can lead to quite drastic changes in conditions. The higher reaches of the resort maintain a good quality of snow throughout the season however lower pistes can suffer.
GRINDELWALD TERRAIN
There are a number of mellow runs around the resort so beginners will feel they are able to explore. If you are looking to learn for the first time the Bodmi nursery slope could be a good location to start. Intermediates will love the longer blue and red runs that are perfect for cruising around the resort. Kleine Scheidegg is particularly good for this with number 21 piste making an excellent run back down to the Grindelwald terminal if the snow is good. On piste terrain is limited for advanced skiers and snowboarders with the majority of challenging terrain reliant on good snowfall off-piste.
GRINDELWALD SEASON DATES
Grindelwald normally opens in late November and closes in mid-April. For up to date opening and closing dates check here.
GRINDELWALD PISTE MAP
GRINDELWALD PROS
Grindelwald is a great base for intermediate skiers or boarders with a good choice of long reds and blue pistes
Grindelwald has some amazing scenery that is quite literally jaw-dropping.
Getting the train to the ski resort of Grindelwald is a unique and very cool experience.
Grindelwald has a large vertical drop of nearly 1400m.
Ability to come Grindelwald with a trip to other Top 4 ski areas Adelboden-Lenk, Gstaad, and Meiringen-Hasliberg
Grindelwald could be the perfect eco-ski trip. Travel from the UK by train all the way to the mountains.
GRINDELWALD CONS
Grindelwald is quite literally overshadowed by the Eiger, beautiful to look at but wouldn't mind more sunshine!
The village and trains can be overcrowded with tourists at peak times.
Runs lower down towards the village can suffer in the late and early season due to low altitude.
GRINDELWALD GALLERY
GRINDELWALD LIFT PASSS
Depending on the length of your stay and your adventure level there are a few different lift pass choices in Grindelwald. Most people visiting for a one week trip will be more then happy with the local area pass covering Grindelwald-Wengen. This pass gives you access to the local 155km area and costs around 300CHF for 6days.
If you are looking to explore wider afield and want to take advantage of the larger Jungfrau ski region then a Jungfrau pass is around 370CHF.
Skiers and snowboarders looking for a longer trip or multiple trips throughout the season should consider buying the season pass which is available at early bird prices for under 700CHF. This pass includes the area of Grindelwald-Wengen the wider Jungfrau and the resorts of Mürren, Gstaad, Adelboden and Meiringen.
TRAVEL TO GRINDELWALD
The ski resort of Grindelwald is located in central Switzerland near the town of Interlaken. Interlaken will be the major transit point for most visitors heading to Grindelwald by train with the town only 40 minutes away from the station of Interlaken Ost. From Interlaken, you can connect with all major cities and therefore the major international airports in Geneva, Zurich and Basel. Taking the train to the resort is a great option with the scenery on the journey from Geneva to Grindelwald ensuring the journey isn’t tedious.
If you fancy the drive, the transfer times from major airports are similar times to the train journeys. One advantage with driving is not needing to change vehicle along the route which will happen a couple of times on the train journey.
GRINDELWALD ACCOMMODATION
On my trip to Grindelwald, I was staying lower than the village itself along the train route from Interlaken to Grindelwald. The setting was a perfect Swiss chalet-style apartment with views across the valley in all directions. The novelty of getting the train to the resort was great and I would recommend this as an option.
The village of Grindelwald itself has plenty of variety of accommodation options as it is a year-round tourist destination.
GRINDELWALD INFORMATION
Website: www.grindelwald.swiss
Instagram: grindelwald_eiger
Twitter: @GrindelwaldCH
Arcteryx Aerios FL Mid GTX Review
INTRO
Arc’teryx introduced the Aerios FL GTX and Aerios FL GTX Mid hiking shoes as lightweight waterproof options for hikes on variable terrain. I have previously owned the Aerios FL GTX and recently started using the Aerios FL Mid GTX so all opinions are based on the actual use of both shoes. I wear a size 10UK which is my regular shoe size and the Aerios FL and Aerios Mid are both true to size. The following is based on a year of use in the UK mountains and Fells in the Brecon Beacons and Lake District National Park.
WHAT IS THE ARCTERYX AERIOS FL GTX / FL MID GTX?
The nice thing about Arc’teryx products is that the clue is always in the name. FL stands for Fast and Light which is a large part of the appeal of the Aerios shoes. GTX stands for the use of GORE-TEX as a waterproof membrane in the shoe. These two characteristics mean that the Aerios FL GTX is a great lightweight hiking shoe for variable conditions. Think of the Aerios FL as an extension of the Arcteryx trail running range that is known for its lightweight comfort but with added stability and durability.
OUT THE BOX
WEIGHT
Taking the Aerios FL GTX out of the box it is possible to see the first real pro, the weight. Weighing in at 690g (size 10 UK) and 740g for the Mid, these shoes are incredibly light. The synthetic upper contributes to this massively and is pliable which will help the comfort.
SOLE
A quick look at the sole and you can see there are deep lugs that should help with traction. The sole itself is a Vibram Megagrip sole. Vibram Megagrip is a rubber compound that is both extremely durable and reassuring in terms of grip.
OUTER
The outer of the shoe is constructed out of a lightweight Cordura Mesh and sealed with TPU high abrasion protection films in the harder wearing areas. The Cordura Mesh comes in one piece, reducing the need for additional stitching on the walking shoe. This lightweight mesh doesn’t hold water so dry’s quickly when wet.
The minimal stitching on the Aerios FL is a deliberate ploy by Arc’teryx. By reducing the stitching, to the front of the shoe under the laces and along the back of the heel, Arc’teryx has also reduced the likelihood that the stitching will fail. Occasionally get ripped after rubbing against corse materials like rocks.
WATERPROOFING
Attached to the inside of the Cordura Mesh is the GORE-TEX membrane that keeps your feet dry through wet weather activities. GORE-TEX is the biggest name and still pretty much regarded as the industry standard for waterproof membranes.
BUMPER
The toes are protected by a somewhat beefy toe guard. This toe guard prevents abrasion of the shoe in an area that is high use ensuring durability.
COMFORT
The Aerios FL has a compressed EVA foam midsole that runs the length of the shoe and acts to stabilise and add comfort to the shoe. The midsole is thicker under the heel but there is ample cushioning under the toe box as well.
AERIOS FL GTX PROS
Available in two heights, mid and low top, mean that this shoe can suit a broader range of preferences.
Aerios FL is incredibly grippy across surfaces due to the Vibram Megagrip sole so you can spend less time worrying about your footing and more time enjoying the view.
An incredibly light shoe that is perfect for day hikes or for multi-day trips when reducing weight is important.
The Arcteryx Aerios FL has a nice design that looks good as well as being functional.
AERIOS FL GTX CONS
Arc’teryx products are not cheap and at £160 for the Aerios Mid, these shoes are at the upper range for shoes in the same category.
The Aerios FL isn’t overly cushioned so some people may want more in terms of comfort. The Ortholite insole that comes with the shoe offers 4mm of cushioning but this can be replaced for a more cushioned insole.
I would like to see offered in waterproof and non-waterproof versions similar to Arc’teryx trail shoes.
COMFORT
It doesn’t take long-wearing the Arc’teryx Aerios FL to realise it will not be the most cushioned shoe. Despite this, I found it an incredibly comfortable shoe. The Aerios FL is a stiff shoe and initially, this did lead to some blistering on my heel. The more I have used the shoe the softer the heel cup has become but the shoe retains its stiffness throughout the length of the sole. I have found no pressure points from the tongue or laces making this a very comfortable shoe.
GRIP
The success of a hiking shoe like the Aerios FL will most probably be decided on its traction. It is all well and good being incredibly light and comfortable but if the shoe doesn’t fill you with confidence on a range of terrain you probably wouldn’t use it. So far I have used the Aerios FL on; roads, public footpaths, fields, hills, woods, beaches and fells. Across all-terrain, I have found that the traction of the Vibram Megagrip sole was great. I haven’t slipped out, despite walking in some very wet conditions.
SUPPORT
My main concern with using the Aerios FL as my go-to walking footwear would be that it is a low top. As someone who has previously injured ankles, I prefer the support of a boot. That being said on the walks I have tested these shoes on I have had little trouble with unexpected ankle rolls. Carrying the added weight of a pack over rocks and uneven terrain caused no issues and I was generally impressed with how the shoe performed. If like me, you worry about your ankles this you should order the Aerios Mid version which will provide more support.
WEIGHT
As mentioned in the intro the Aerios FL is an extremely light pair of shoes. At 690g for the pair, it is hard to find a similar shoe on the market. I do worry with lighter products that they may lack durability over time but one year in and my Aerios FL shoes have stood the test of time.
WATERPROOFING AND BREATHABILITY
There is an argument that waterproofing in a shoe rather than a boot can be pretty pointless. The lop top design will normally lead to water entering the shoe in harsh weather conditions. The Gore-Tex held up well to rain as expected with no spots that held water.
DURABILITY
Buying Arc’teryx products often comes with a sense of reliability that befits the price tag. The Aerios FL Mid GTX are not cheap at £160 but this price tag reflects the craftsmanship. .
LOOK
The least important aspect of a hiking shoe is its looks but I guess it is still worth commenting on. The Arcteryx Aerios FL is an aesthetically pleasing shoe that doesn’t look out of place around town. This actually makes the shoe quite versatile as it could double as your walking shoe during the day and your round the town shoe at night. This could help you reduce weight in your pack and also help the price tag seem a little less steep.
AERIOS FL GALLERY
FINAL THOUGHTS
I have enjoyed wearing this shoe over the past year in a range of conditions. The shoe has stood the test of time and has been used during many walks across the fells in the Lake District and mountains of the Brecon Beacons. Overall I would recommend it to walkers who are looking for a lighter alternative to their bulky walking boots.
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Sanosaka Ski Resort Guide
Set in a beautiful location overlooking Lake Aokiko and away from the hub surrounding Happo One, Sanosaka is off the beaten track. A combination of Sanosaka’s location and an irregular bus service ensures that Sanosaka remains a crowd-free resort. People regularly use the terms quiet or crowd-free to describe ski resorts but at Sanosaka I genuinely felt that I was the only person there. Sanosaka is overlooked by many visitors which is an oversight as Sanosaka offers incredible views and uncrowded slopes.
SANOSAKA FIRST IMPRESSIONS
Arriving at Sanosaka you would be forgiven for thinking you are in the wrong place. The bus drops you at the road, a short walk into the resort. As you head through the car park you will notice there are very few cars and you know you will have a good day ahead. This feeling is amplified as soon as you walk through the main doors at the base area where I was met by @jupbrown an enthusiastic Kiwi who manages the resort. I have honestly never felt so welcomed at a ski resort and this personal touch makes a big difference!
Got to love having a ski resort to yourself
HAKUBA SANOSAKA SKI AREA
Even for Japanese resorts, it’s fair to say that Sanosaka is small. One of the smallest resorts in the Hakuba Valley with a vertical drop of 460m and 5 chairlifts Sanosaka is easily overlooked. Looking at the trail map doesn’t really do Sanosaka justice.
Sanosaka Piste Map
At Sanosaka the limited terrain is well maintained with perfect wide groomed pistes making it perfect for working on those carves. With 60% of the runs classified as red or black, Sanosaka is a resort that can offer a challenge although no pitch is particularly steep. There are plans for development at Sanosaka with the resort looking to purchase the closed down Aokiko which sits between Sanosaka and Kashimayari. This would significantly increase the ski area and make riding from Sanosaka to Kashimayari possible by chairlift.
My favourite run was Lake Down Trail which I continuously lapped. This run has some of the best views in the resort and is a nice wide groomer with some small park features at the bottom. This run made my list of the BEST FIVE RUNS IN HAKUBA.
BEGINNERS TERRAIN AT HAKUBA SANOSAKA
Beginners will find learning at Sanosaka particularly enjoyable. Firstly the terrain near the base area has a suitable learning slope with everything needed for your first lessons nearby; ski school, rentals, etc. With some mellow blue terrain, Sanosaka would be a particularly nice resort for beginners to progress at as they can head out around the rest of the Hakuba mountains.
INTERMEDIATE TERRAIN AT HAKUBA SANOSAKA
Intermediates will thrive at Sanosaka with most of the terrain at Sanosaka being nice wide groomed runs. Sanosaka ski resorts Lake Down Trail is the best of these with a wide pisted run down to a small terrain park nearer the chairlift. There is little to worry intermediate skiers and snowboarders at Sanosaka and they may even be tempted by the kinder black-graded terrain.
ADVANCED TERRAIN AT HAKUBA SANOSAKA
The advanced terrain at Sanosaka is negligible with only a couple of runs having any real pitch to them. Two steeper pitch runs in area C of the trail map alongside a mogul course near the base area are probably the pick of the lot at Sanosaka.
FREESTYLE TERRAIN AT HAKUBA SANOSAKA
There is a small terrain park at Sanosaka that consisted of two medium-sized jumps and some ride on tubes and rails. Better terrain parks are available elsewhere in the Hakuba Valley.
LIFTS AT HAKUBA SANOSAKA
Five chairlifts seem excessive for a resort of Sanosaka’s size but the lift infrastructure is pretty good. A fast lift from the base area into the main area of the resort alongside another fast lift that allows you to lap Lake Down Trail. Further slower two and three-person lifts make up the rest of the offering at Sanosaka.
HAKUBA SANOSAKA PROS
Hakuba Sanosaka ski area is quieter than the other Hakuba Valley ski resorts.
No lift lines make Sanosaka ski resort particularly appealing
Sanosaka’s great groomed terrain makes it a fantastic resort to hit first thing in the morning.
It would be interesting to hit Sanosaka on a powder day as you would have no crowds to fight with for freshies.
HAKUBA SANOSAKA CONS
Hakuba Sanosaka has a poor transport link up with the rest of Hakuba meaning bus options are few and far between.
Further from the centre getting to Sanosaka ski resort takes longer which can eat into your on snow time.
TRAVEL TO HAKUBA SANOSAKA SKI RESORT
Sanosaka is a little removed from the main hub of Hakuba Resorts. Sat between Kashimayari at one end of the valley and the main hub of Happo, Goryu and Hakuba 47 you can arrive at Sanosaka by train or via the free shuttle buses. Free shuttle buses run to Hakuba Sanosaka from the Happo Bus Terminal but are limited. The bus stops near the resort but doesn’t go in meaning a short walk to the resort from the roadside. Sanosaka is on the same bus route as Kashimayari ski resort. The 8:30 am bus will be your earliest option. For an up-to-date bus timetable click here
HAKUBA SANOSAKA SNOW RECORD
Sanosaka ski resort is in the Hakuba Valley which receives copious amounts of snow. At the other end of the Valley to Cortina which receives 12m per season, Sanosaka’s snow stats are less readily available. Sanosaka will receive less snow than Cortina but it will still receive around 8-10m of snow per winter.
HAKUBA SANOSAKA LIFT PASSES
HAKUBA VALLEY PASS
If you are planning to visit more Hakuba Valley ski resorts than Hakuba Sanosaka it may be worth picking up a Hakuba Valley pass. The Hakuba Valley Pass not only offers access to the slopes but the interconnecting resort shuttles. This means your transport and skiing are included on the same pass. Find out more by watching the video below.
EPIC PASS
If you are an Epic Pass season pass holder then you will get access to the resorts of the Hakuba Valley included with your pass. The Epic Pass allows for 5 consecutive days of skiing in the Hakuba Valley, additional tickets can be purchased at a discount.
PAY AS YOU PLAY
If you want more freedom to choose your day-to-day activities and resorts you won't lose much money by paying on the day. Paying for your lift passes on the day offers a number of benefits. You can get full-day, morning or afternoon passes which offers flexibility.
MORE HAKUBA VIDEOS
HAKUBA SANOSAKA GALLERY
ACCOMMODATION AT HAKUBA SANOSAKA
The traditional village around Sanosaka offers a more authentic feel than Hakuba village, but what you gain in authenticity you lose in surrounding amenities. This is why most people make the day trip to Sanosaka. It is unlikely you will opt to stay at Hakuba Sanosaka as it is further away from the main resorts. It would be better to find accommodation closer to Hakuba Base Camp and Echoland.
I stayed at Nori’s sharehouse, which is a no-frills share home in the Hakuba Village. The location was good and I had no complaints about my stay. The house even had a workstation to tune your gear. There are plenty of other accommodation options in and around Hakuba.
FINAL THOUGHTS ON HAKUBA SANOSAKA
I had my best non-powder day in Japan at Hakuba Sanosaka and I think that probably says all you need to know. Yes, it is small. Yes, other resorts have more runs. Yes, there is more challenging terrain elsewhere…. but Sanosaka is special. To have a ski resort pretty much to yourself is awesome and when the runs are maintained so well it’s hard to want to snowboard anywhere else.
How To Choose Your Snowboard Stance
Ensuring that you have the perfect snowboard set up for you will be a determining factor on how much fun you have on the mountain. Snowboard stance is a huge part of your snowboard set up and will help you dial feel comfortable and balanced on your snowboard. There is not a one size fits all approach to determining your snowboard stance so this post aims to provide you with advice that will help you decide the best snowboard stance set up for you.
WHAT IS MEANT BY SNOWBOARD STANCE?
Let’s start by defining what is meant by snowboard stance. Your snowboard stance refers to your bindings position on the snowboard. This can include; where to position your snowboard bindings, the angles your bindings are set to, the width of your snowboard stance, and whether you set up regular or goofy.
WHAT DETERMINES YOUR SNOWBOARD STANCE?
Your snowboard stance will be influenced by a number of factors with perhaps your riding style and what you want to do on your snowboard being the most influential. You may choose to adjust your stance depending on the conditions and where you intend to ride that day. For example, It is unlikely that you will ride with the same stance in powder as you would in the park. You may still ride with the same angles but it is likely that you will get better powder performance with a set-back stance. You should also consider your height and the type of snowboard you are using when choosing your snowboard stance.
REGULAR OR GOOFY?
One of the first decisions you will make when learning to snowboard is whether you ride regular or goofy. These terms refer to whether you ride with your left foot forward (regular) or right foot forward (goofy). This can be a hard decision to make if you have no context to refer to as its likely you will be making this decision before stepping onto your snowboard. Luckily there are some tests you can do that may provide some indication as to whether you will snowboard regular or goofy.
Do you have any previous board sport experience? Whether it is surfing, skating or wakeboarding your previous experience in board sports should help you decide whether you are regular or goofy. If you ride a skateboard with your left foot forward it is most likely you will be regular on a snowboard as well.
The Push Test
This doesn’t always work but can be a good indication of whether or you are a regular or goofy snowboarder. Close your eyes and have someone gently push you from behind. The foot that you step forward with is most likely going to be your front foot on your snowboard.
The Slide Test
Everyone loves a good slide along a hardwood floor and this test can help you determine whether you are goofy or regular. Set up with a pair of socks take a short run up and then slide across the floor. If you are already at the ski resort, you can do this on the snow in your snowboard boots. The foot that you place forward is the foot that you will use to lead your snowboard.
Dont Worry
If you are unsure then there is no need to panic. For beginners most boards are set up centred in duck stance (both bindings at the same angles) this means that the snowboard should ride the same in both directions. Take a couple of runs alternating the foot that was forward. This should help you determine whether you are regular or goofy stance.
Selecting The Correct Snowboard Stance Width
Often overlooked your snowboard stance width will affect your balance on your board therefore affecting how easy it is to manoeuvre the snowboard. Like with most aspects of snowboard stance there is going to be some trial and error involved in choosing the correct width for your snowboard stance and personal preferences.
Reference stance
Most snowboards come with recommended stance marked on the board. This is known as your reference stance. Although this is a good guide it is not a one size fits all approach and you should allow for some flexibility with your stance width. The reference stance is the stance that that board has been designed around but depending on whether you like to ride a slightly shorter or longer board this may need some adjustment.
Measure your stance from the middle of both bindings
I am 6ft and ride with a 22.5inch stance width. This took some refining over time and is the width I feel most comfortable with. It is likely if you are shorter than me you will want a narrower stance width. Similarly a taller rider may want to increase the width of their stance in comparison to mine.
Using a snowboard stance calculator is a good place to start but you should refine this information over time to get your desired stance width.
SETBACK OR CENTRED STANCE
Whether you decide to ride with a setback or centred stance on your snowboard will likely depend on two things; where you are riding (piste, park or powder) and how much time you spend riding switch.
If you like to ride switch then having a centred stance is better for ensuring that your snowboard rides and feels the same both in your regular and switch stance. This can be useful for landings for 180’s, 560’s etc where you land facing the reverse of how you take off. A centred stance can help you feel balanced on the board whilst performing ground tricks and butters as well.
If you like to ride directionally whether on or off-piste then having a set-back stance may suit your riding style. Having a setback stance in powder reduces the amount of effort you need to put in to keep your boards nose elevated out of the snow. This means you are less likely to have that dreaded back leg burn on those powder days. Another benefit to riding with a setback stance is that your board has a shorter tail. This means the board can be easier to Ollie or drive through your turns using your back foot.
Twin snowboards are normally set up centred.
Freeride boards normally have some setback to improve carving and powder performance
HOW TO CHOOSE YOUR SNOWBOARD STANCE ANGLES
Setting your snowboard angles correctly is one of the most important aspects of your snowboard set up. Your binding angles will determine how efficient your body can be at driving the snowboard through a turn. You may wish to adjust your binding angles depending on the type of snowboarding you are doing. Let’s delve deeper into some of the snowboard binding angle options.
WHAT ARE SNOWBOARD STANCE ANGLES?
Setting binding angles refers to how the bindings are angled on the snowboard. Bindings come with a baseplate that allows you to set stance angles between +30 and - 30 degrees. We will delve into the nuts and bolts of binding angles below but it is most common for the front foot to be a + angle and the backfoot a - angle.
FRONT FOOT
I have never met a snowboarder that doesn’t have their front foot angled towards the nose of their snowboard. Furthermore I can’t think of any reason why you wouldn't. The extent to which you angle your front binding will depend on your style of riding and what you want to achieve. An angle of +15 degrees is popular and is in the middle of the possible options. Utilising a +15 to +18 front foot angle seems to be the sweet spot for most of those I have asked.
BACK FOOT
The back foot is where people tend to have more variation in their binding stance angles. This can be influenced by the style of riding that person likes to do the most. Let’s look into some of the popular options.
DUCK
Duck refers to having your front and back feet facing in opposite directions. True duck is where those angles are the same; for example +15 (front) -15 (back) degrees. A duck stance is popular with freestyle orientated riders that like to spend time riding switch as well as regular. Snowboard bindings angles for park do not need to be true duck stance but this may help you feel more balanced when riding switch.
BACK FOOT ZERO
Having a Zero angle on your back foot means that your backfoot runs perpendicular to the snowboard. Using a zero binding angle on your backfoot is where I started before playing around with other stance angle options. Having a zero angle can help you drop your back knee linearly towards the snow helping you lean into toe-edge carves.
BACKFOOT POSITIVE
This has never felt good for me but is popular especially amongst freeriders who like to carve. Running a backfoot positive binding angle can make it more tricky to ride switch, but this remains possible with practice.
CHANGING YOUR STANCE
Changing and adapting your stance over time is natural and is part of how you and your snowboarding evolves. Taking the time to adapt your stance will allow you to feel out your preferred stance with micro adjustments that will eventually land on your preferred stance. You may wish to adapt your stance differently depending on the board you are riding and where you plan to head that day. Personally my stance width tends to stay the same regardless of the snowboard I ride, however my angles and setback will change dependant on where I want to ride that day.
Monata Roca Ski & Snowboard Helmet Review
MONATA ROCA SKI HELMET
The Monata Roca ski helmet is a lightweight and low-profile ski helmet suitable for skiers and snowboarders.
Price: $39.99
VIDEO REVIEW
OVERVIEW
The Monata Roca snowboard helmet comes in a pretty healthy price $39.99 so with this my initial worry was whether the low price meant low quality. I am happy to say that my thoughts on the Monata snowboard helmet were mostly positive. The helmet is lightweight and low profile which makes it comfortable to wear. Adding to the comfort is the fleece lining on the inside of the ski helmet and the removable padded ear warmers. There is a BOA style adjustment on the rear of the helmet and an adjustable chin strap to dial in the fit. The top of the helmet has eight vents to allow air to flow through the helmet.
THE FIT
The Monata snowboard helmet has a good fit mostly due to the adjustability of the helmet. The large size I tested is able to fit heads size 53cm-60cm in diameter. The dial fit system on the rear of the helmet resembles a BOA allowing you to tighten or loosen the helmet.
THE COMFORT
The helmet is comfortable with soft materials being used in areas that can become irritable. The soft ear pads and the padded chin straps are great examples of this.
THE VENTILATION
The Monata snowboard helmet has eight vents on the top of the helmet to allow air to circulate through the helmet.
GOGGLE COMPATABILITY
As demonstrated in the video above the Monata ski and snowboard helmet has a good fit with a range of ski goggles. Choosing a helmet that fits well with your goggles is important for comfort and ensuring a complete barrier from the elements.
Goggles fit well whether worn over or under the Monata helmet. There is a goggle clip on the rear to keep your goggles in place.
STYLE
This is always going to be somewhat of a personal opinion but I think that the Monata Roca snowboard helmet looks good. It has a low profile design so it doesn’t look clunky or oversized which to me is a win.
Disclaimer - This item was gifted to me to review. My opinions remain my own and thoughts on the product are genuine.
Landgraaf Snowworld
Snowboarding in Europe’s flattest country? Yes, it is possible. Snowworld at Landgraaf is Europes largest indoor snowdome with five pistes of varying ability. The snowdome at Landgraaf is a one-stop-shop for a different kind of adventure holiday with lots of activities besides the ski slopes.
Snowworld Landgraaf
Trying to explain to your mates that you are travelling internationally to visit an indoor ski slope can be met with confused faces. Here in the UK we have indoor snowdomes and international travel could be better spent travelling to actual mountains… but I have to say Landgraaf intrigued me. I firmly believe there is a place for indoor skiing and snowboarding and Landgraaf offers this but on a much larger scale than is possible currently in the UK.
LANDGRAAF SNOWWORLD FIRST IMPRESSIONS
Arriving at Landgraaf the scale hits you immediately. Over double the size of the Hemel Hempstead Snow Centre main slope and with a 6 seater chairlift it was easy to see the appeal. The chairlift alone makes the experience at Landgraaf better than our UK alternatives. The facility at Landgraaf has plenty to do away from the ski slopes. A large go-ape style climbing activity called the Adventure Valley, an Alpine Coaster and a zip wire course are some of the highlights. There is a convenient hotel on the site, a ski and snowboard shop and a choice of three restaurants.
LANDGRAAF SNOWWORLD SKI AREA
The ski area at Snowworld Landgraaf consists of five slopes including the largest indoor terrain park in Europe.
Piste 1
Red Piste
400m Length
FIS Official
Piste 2
Blue Piste
400m Length
Terrain Park
Europes Largest Indoor Terrain Park
Jump Line
Rails
Boxes
Beginners Area
Two slopes
Magic Carpets
Tubing Run
LIFTS AT LANDGRAAF
Landgraaf has a 6-seater chairlift that serves the three main slopes.
Slope 1 at Landgraaf has a button lift that runs top to bottom as well as access to the chairlift
Slope 2 at Landgraaf has a button lift running from the base area in addition to the chairlift.
Slope 3 the Landgraaf terrain park has its own short button lift if you want to lap quickly rather than heading to the base to take the chairlift
Slope 4 and 5 in the Landgraaf beginners area have magic carpets.
LANDGRAAF SNOW
The indoor ski slopes at Landgraaf is kept chilled to a brittle -4/-5 degree celcius. This cool temperature allows the piste crew at Landgraaf to keep the snow in good condition. As with most indoor areas if you are looking for pristine pistes then heading early in the morning will provide the best conditions before the slopes have been cut up throughout the day.
WHEN IS LANDGRAAF OPEN
Landgraaf snowworld is open year-round meaning you can get your snow fix throughout all seasons. The lifts start turning at 8:00 and run until 23:00 daily.
SNOWWORLD LANDGRAAF VIDEOS
TRAVEL TO SNOWWORLD LANDGRAAF
WHERE IS LANDGRAAF SNOWWORLD?
Snowworld Landgraaf is in the South of The Netherlands near the border with Germany. 141 miles from Amsterdam’s Schipol Airport, you may find it easier to access Landgraaf from Cologne or Dusseldorf across the border.
HOW TO GET TO LANDGRAAF
Hiring a car at your arrival point will probably be your easiest option, especially if you are carrying your ski/snowboard gear. The drive from Amsterdam was simple but uninteresting with a large majority of motorway driving.
INTERNATIONAL
Flights into; Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Cologne and Dusseldorf are all possible.
SNOWWORLD LANDGRAAF ACCOMMODATION
There are plenty of affordable accommodation options available in and around Landgraaf. I opted to stay in the less affordable but more convenient hotel at Snowworld Landgraaf and was very happy with the decision. Staying on-site meant that you were a short walk from the slopes and activities.
Consider using the link below to look for your SNOWWORLD LANDGRAAF Accommodation.
SNOWWORLD LANDGRAAF PROS
Landgraaf has two long slopes and the added terrain park which make is much larger then similar facilities in the UK.
Snowboarding indoors means that the conditions for learning are optimal year round.
Landgraaf Snowworld lift tickets were actually pretty reasonable with plenty of options to ensure you can make the most of your time on the slopes.
Landgraaf has a red graded piste that is FIS certified for races and training.
SNOWWORLD LANDGRAAF CONS
Indoor snowboarding can become repetitive
More entry-level features should be used in the Landgraaf fun park for beginners getting into freestyle.
LANDGRAAF SNOWWORLD GALLERY
Tiger Ridge Terrain Park
With the increasing excitement around the 2022 Beijing Olympics, there has been a steady demand for facilities available for public access across China. China has obliged and ski resorts and indoor facilities have been opening nationwide, with the South China Morning Post reporting that at present China has 700 ski resorts. One such project is Tiger Ridge Terrain Park, found in the North East of China close to the border with North Korea. Tiger Ridge is a purpose-built facility aimed at freestyle skiing and snowboarding during the winter months and Mountain Bike and Skating in the summer.
TIGER RIDGE TERRAIN PARK FIRST IMPRESSIONS
I didn’t know what to expect when arriving at Tiger Ridge. There was not a lot of information online regarding the ski resort or accommodation but a Youtube video had piqued my interest and I decided I had to go. All inquiries and my booking had taken place via WeChat, a Chinese social media app, where I had found that Tiger Ridge had a very personal customer service. This was the case on my arrival, where despite a very delayed flight and arriving extremely late, I was met by Fred who showed me to my accommodation. The accommodation was an on snow chalet big enough to host around 10 people comfortably and there were no other guests for the week. I was keen to get as much sleep as possible after a long journey especially as my flight delay had been caused by a snowstorm. Tomorrow was going to be an April powder day!
Rising early I got my first look at Tiger Ridge with a blanket of fresh snow. The base facilities are modern with a reception area, ski rental department, cafe, and more accommodations. I collected my lift pass and headed up the first chairlift. The chair from the base takes you up to the resorts main intersection. From here you have the option to ski back down to the base along with a fairly steep pitch or down the backside. The backside of Tiger Ridge Terrain Park is where the fun is found, three alleys (pistes) all with a varying range of freestyle features. This was going to be fun.
TIGER RIDGE TERRAIN PARK SKI AREA
Tiger Ridge Terrain Park is a small ski resort with only four trails or pistes. These runs are accessed via two chairlifts which run on either the front side or backside of the resort. The resort itself only has a vertical drop of 220m with its base area at 950m but given the nature of the resort, this is not an issue.
The resort calls its trails ‘The Alleys’ with each alley offering something a little different and being suited for an ability level. Despite only having four trails I was never bored at Tiger Ridge during my visit and this is thanks to the Park Crew who crafted some great facilities and there was a clear progression.
Frontside
The frontside of the ski resort is where you will find one steep pitch and a mini-park. The steep run that leads back to the base was a really nice groomed run that led down to a large jump complete with an airbag. The jump and the airbag were not open to everyone but that was probably a good thing in my case as I may have pushed my boundaries too far. However, it was great to see future Olympic hopefuls practicing their tricks on the airbag and it goes some way to demonstrating the quality of the facilities at this ski resort.
Backside
The backside of Tiger Ridge Terrain Park has three alleys, Small, Medium and Large. On these Alleys, you will find a progression of features and all of the Alleys lead down to the same chairlift. For a full ride through off the resort check out the video below.
LIFTS AT TIGER RIDGE
Tiger Ridge Terrain Park has two chairlifts and a magic carpet but there is a more interesting way to access the slopes, skidoo. At Tiger Ridge it is possible to hire your own sled driver and sled so that you can quickly lap the resort without needing to rely on the slow chairs.
TIGER RIDGE SNOW RECORD
Tiger Ridge is not blessed with mass amounts of snowfall. The benefit of skiing and snowboarding in the Changbaishan region is the cold temps tend to keep the snow in good condition for longer. Tiger Ridge also does a good job of snowmaking with snow stored for lean periods.
SEASON DATES
The Ski Season at Tiger Ridge runs between December - April. The majority of the snow at Tiger Ridge is man-made although there is natural snowfall. I was fortunate to have fresh snow during the first week of April but if you want to be certain of conditions I wouldn’t leave it this late in the season.
TIGER RIDGE VIDEOS
TRAVEL TO TIGER RIDGE TERRAIN PARK
WHERE IS TIGER RIDGE?
Tiger Ridge ski resort is found in the North East of China near the Changbai Mountain and the border with North Korea. The resort itself is situated in-between Erdaobaihe and the Changbai Mountain.
HOW TO GET TO TIGER RIDGE
INTERNATIONAL
If accessing Tiger Ridge Terrain Park from outside of China you will first want to enter via one of the large international airports. It is possible to get a connecting flight via Beijing or Shanghai which are probably the most suitable entry points.
DOMESTIC
Once on the mainland, you will need to take a connecting flight to Changbaishan Airport. Internal flights are reasonable in China and from Shanghai, the journey was only a couple of hours. From the airport, in Changbaishan you will need to head towards the town of Erdaobaihe where it is possible to stay if you are not staying directly at the resort. Prior to your flight contact the team at Tiger Ridge via the website and they will be happy to arrange a taxi transfer to the resort for you. The journey from the airport is around two hours of weather dependant.
TIGER RIDGE ACCOMMODATION
At the resort you will find varying accommodation options, from large Chalet-style residences to double or single rooms in the base area. The standard of accommodation at Tiger Ridge was very good. If you do not want to stay in the resort, which can be quite quiet after hours, you can focus your accommodation search around the town of Erdaobaihe where you will find hotels and guesthouses. The town of Erdaobaihe has a bit more going on with restaurants and shops to keep you occupied in the evening.
Consider using the link below to look for your Tiger Ridge Accommodation.
TIGER RIDGE PROS
Purpose-built facility with great freestyle terrain with a focus on progression.
Mostly quiet ski resort and if you discount the athletes there were barely any tourists skiing here.
Ideally located to add on a day trip to Heaven Lake which is absolutely stunning and marks the border of China and North Korea.
On snow accommodation possible meaning you can head straight to the lift from your front door.
TIGER RIDGE CONS
The resort pretty much shuts down after the lifts close meaning there is not a lot to do in the evenings.
Lifts can run slow which can cause queues at the bottom of the Small, Medium, and Large Alleys.
Mostly man-made snow means conditions need to be right to ensure good snow coverage.
TIGER RIDGE GALLERY
TIGER RIDGE TERRAIN PARK FINAL THOUGHTS
I really enjoyed my visit to Tiger Ridge but I visited with one aim in mind, improving my freestyle snowboarding. I wanted to visit a resort where I wouldn’t be tempted to ride any other terrain so I could focus on progression and for this purpose, Tiger Ridge exceeded my expectations. During my week here my freestyle riding progressed and my confidence grew which is a reflection of the facilities on offer and why China are using this resort as one of their training bases for their winter sports athletes.
13 Reasons To Ski In China
You’ve worked hard for your holiday and sometimes taking a risk with that time isn’t that appealing. Taking a trip to China to ski or snowboard could be seen as a risk as China does not have the same reputation in the ski world as other countries. However, what you may not know is there there is a ski scene in China and its popularity is growing.
PLENTY OF CHOICES
China is huge! With this in mind, it offers a diverse range of ski and snowboard opportunities. China has been going through a boom in regard to interest in skiing and snowboarding, and this has seen the development of new ski resorts across the country. There are over 700 ski resorts in China to choose from and this means you can definitely find one to suit your needs. From small resorts with a local feel to large international companies like Club Med Yabuli, China has everything.
CHINESE CULTURE
China has a culture that is diverse and completely different to anything I had experienced previously. A ski trip to China allows you to get those laps in during the day but also experience a wonderful culture at night. Whether it is eating local food delicacies or taking part in a Chinese calligraphy class, there will be ways for you to immerse yourself in history and local life.
SAFETY IN CHINA
Despite what the mainstream media may have you believe, China is an incredibly safe place to visit. Whether you like it or not China and its monitoring of its citizens and visitors actually make it a very safe place. You will need to use your passport to book your travel on public transport, such as the national rail network, in the same way, local citizens need to show their ID cards. You will notice a police presence but not in an overbearing way. But the most important reason you should feel safe in China is the people. Ultimately, Chinese nationals want you to have a great experience in their country.
THE LOCALS
The local people are incredibly welcoming and proud to host you in their country. During my time in China I found the Chinese to be incredibly helpful and the ski resorts were no exception. During my days on snow in China, I met many locals who were interested to know why I had chosen to visit China to snowboard. They were proud to tell me about their country and the best spots I should check out on future trips.
SKI FACILITIES IN CHINA
Being a constantly evolving country China has some of the best infrastructures in the world. Whether we are talking about the skyscrapers that seem to touch the clouds or the bullet trains that decrease journey times significantly, China is ahead of the curve. Not only does some of this infrastructure make your journey to the ski resort less troublesome but it is now being applied within the ski resorts to improve the guest experience. With the development of modern resorts, China has been investing money to ensure they are improving the quality of their facilities. Shijinglong Ski Resort near Beijing has invested in a nearby reservoir to ensure its snowmaking capabilities are increased, whereas Tiger Ridge near Changbaishan has recruited foreign experts in terrain park design to ensure features that are primed!
CHINESE LANDMARKS
Have you ever dreamt about standing on the Great Wall of China or visiting the forbidden city? Well, it is possible to do these things when combined with a Chinese ski trip. Consider heading to Beijing where you will find; Huaibei, Shijinglong, Badaling, Nanshan, and many more ski areas. From any of these resorts it would be possible to tag on a trip to the landmarks of China’s capital.
THE BIRTHPLACE OF SKIING
So when you think of the history of skiing maybe China doesn’t spring straight to mind. Maybe your mind is clouded with thoughts of Austrians in lederhosen yodelling as they make their way down the mountain. Or the Swiss making their ascent of the Alps on the back of a St Bernard before skiing into a powder field.. Ok sorry for the stereotyping but I guess China didn’t come into your mind. Well, some historians can date skiing in China back to the year 206BC. Skiers in the Altai region would fashion skis out of long pieces of wood, attach horsehair to the bottom and push themselves across the range with a long pole.
WORLD LARGEST INDOOR SKI SLOPES
Ok so you are visiting in summer and you don’t think you can ski, wrong! China is home to a number of purpose-built indoor skiing facilities across the country. From Beijing to Shaoxing you can find somewhere to strap into a snowboard at any time of year. If you are planning to ski indoors it might as well be at the world’s largest indoor ski resort. You will find the largest indoor ski resort in Harbin, home to the famous ice festival, and it is huge! Harbin Resort offers an indoor black slope, a terrain park and an ice castle!
CHINESE SKIING IS AFFORDABLE
Skiing and snowboarding in China does not need to be expensive. In fact, it can be an absolute steal. In China, you are a long way away from the overpriced lift tickets of Vail resorts or the €8 for a small plate of pomme frites in France. Eating lunch on the mountain can often be cheaper than bringing your own with noodle bars available alongside western alternatives. Most impressive though was the cost of accommodation. I stayed in a Chalet adjacent to the slopes at Tiger Ridge and it cost around £80 per night including a lift ticket. Similarly, you can pick up a week’s all-inclusive holiday at Club Med Yabuli for half the price of a stay at their European resorts.
HELI_SKIING IN CHINA
Our second stop to the Altai region on this list is for heli-skiing. As far as I am aware the Altai mountains are the one region in China where you can heli-ski commercially. The same operator also offers cat-skiing and snowmobile operations to help you access some of the best-untouched powder runs in the region. The benefits of heli-skiing in China are much the same as anywhere else in the world, except it tends to be a bit more budget-friendly.
CHINESE FOOD
Chinese food is amongst the most popular cuisines in the UK but this does not really tell you the story. Most people who eat local food in China will tell you it is not the same as you would experience at Chinese restaurants in the west, but this is not a bad thing. On the mainland you will be able to find a range of traditional dishes not experienced elsewhere, and depending on which region you are in you should research their local specialities. In addition to the Chinese traditional dishes, you will find a range of foods and restaurants influenced by other Asian countries and cultures.
BEIJING WINTER OLYMPICS
The biggest event in winter sports is coming to China and Beijing 2022 is set to be massive. Beijing will host a number of ski and snowboard events across its local ski resorts and this should go some way to demonstrate the quality of facilities. If skiing and snowboarding in China is good enough for Olympians then it is good enough for me.
STEP OUTSIDE YOUR COMFORT ZONE
Not to generalize but for most people a trip to China will be a step outside of your comfort bubble, it was for me anyway. This would apply when visiting the most accessible places like Shanghai with its English signage and easy to use metro system. Even more of a step outside your comfort zone would be a trip into the mountains, where locally your language is not spoken, there 100% will be no English signs and some of the apps that you could use elsewhere to ease the burden may not work. I actually found on my visit to Tiger Ridge Terrain Park that this was exactly my situation. But this made the experience even more fulfilling, from finding ways to communicate with locals to sharing a passion for snowboarding with local youth, China gives you the opportunity to grow as a person.
There you have it, 13 reasons why you should ski or snowboard at a Chinese ski resort this coming winter. But now I want to hear from you. Is China on your hit list? Would you consider it as a ski destination? If not, why? Let me know below in the comments.