First tracks
flexible stay in big name resorts, hostels can now be far from
basic. With HostelWorld (www.
hostelworld.com) Randolins in St Moritz costs from £35 a night and has a hot tub. And nights in the new Hi Whistler hostel
style makeover for thermal waters
Mineral-rich thermal water that springs from Mont Blanc at a natural temperature of 38ºC has been used for years in St Gervais, France, to help cure ailments from excema to rheumatism. the restorative waters are also
great for soothing aching muscles and softening the skin after a day pounding the resort’s pistes. last season, the spa underwent a €2.5 million restoration of its own. new facilities include a series
of indoor and outdoor bathing pools, steam rooms and alcoves
containing massaging water features, plus there are plenty of spa water treatments ideal for rejuvenating skiers and snowboarders. top of the list is lapiat de plate, or underwater massage, which involves a full body massage as you lie on a rubbery bed while sprinkler-type apparatus suspended above sprays water over the body. if total relaxation is more
your speed, the indien du visage (indian face massage) involves soothing music, apricot oil and
(above), built to house athletes for the 2010 Winter Olympics in the Canadian resort, start at £19.64.
Hostels go upmarket Good value and allowing for a
Stay in shape for the slopes with a visit to this state of the art spa
gentle massage. at the other end of the scale, the douche tonique, or hydro shower, means standing against a wall in a wet room while a therapist lets rip from a distance with what looks like a pressure washer. a scary prospect, but your thighs will thank you the next day for the pummelling. two hours at the thermes saint
gervais les bains, including one treatment, costs €53. find out more at
www.thermes-saint-gervais.com. > Read more about the slopes of St Gervais at
www.metrosnow.co.uk.
Check out my Epic winter… visit a vail resorts destination (vail, beaver
Creek, breckenridge or keystone in Colorado, heavenly or northstar in California) to
really discover the possibilities unleashed by hands-free lift pass technology. set up a profile online then check ski stats, earn badges and, new this season, create a
collage, including free photos taken by pros on the mountain, to share with friends. find out more at
www.epicmix.com.
l’amara apartments with a spa, pool and saunas have opened, plus a new open air ice rink. and fast six-seater chairs replace slow ones up to links with the avoriaz slopes from les Crosets and from the plaine-dranse area of Châtel’s slopes.
What’s new? Resort upgrades 1
portEs du solEil france & switzerland in avoriaz, the five-star pierre & vacances
2
Cortina italy in the Cinque torri sector
a new double chairlift from mid-mountain to the averau refuge replaces an ancient single-seater followed by a rope tow. Capacity is 70 per cent higher and total journey time halved.
10 3
squaw vallEy Usa Until now, no runs were
marked on squaw’s piste map – just lifts coloured green, blue or black. a change of ownership means runs are marked on the map, named and graded. on the ground there are new info boards.
recoverice.co.uk) wrap bandage fits easily in a pocket and is designed to combat swelling, bruising or just aching muscles. Soaked in arnica and with a cooling effect when applied, handy lines on it show how best to wind it for optimum compression. From £3.99 for 1m.
www.metrosnow.co.uk
Your portable nurse The new Recoverice (www.
words 3 of the best dave watts, st gervais spa abigail Challenor, other stories Catherine weakley
38ºc The natural
temperature of spa water in St Gervais
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