Addicted to R
ichard Sharp is an official ski addict and shares some inspiration for you to become part of the action in 2015.
Why not go on your own... or with your family – there's all sorts on offer!
My story begins in 1990 when I took my first skiing trip. It was a time of fluorescent one- piece ski suits (even that did not put me off!), bad haircuts (google Glen Plake) and 2 metre long skis. I progressed from the simple joys of blasting down mountain-sides, to instructing others and then on to ski racing – almost certainly the biggest buzz on snow – as well as a brief dabble on a snowboard (every junky has a dark secret). I have since hooked my darling wife and precious 4 children – purely selfish reasons you will understand – on this hedonistic and exhilarating sport. Do you want a fix too?
Without wishing to overdo the Skiers Anonymous opener, wintersports have much to offer the adventurous spirit – the clean crisp air, the startling Chocolate Box alpine views, bright winter sunshine and the heart- thumping excitement of conquering your trepidation. Like many of its winter cousins (cross-country, biathlon, bobsleigh and more), downhill skiing (and its closest cousin – Snowboarding) expands your travelled horizons, stretches your courage and boosts fitness, all while offering some of the most adrenaline-charged and stimulating thrills. Like any fanatic, I simply cannot understand why everyone does not want to do this!
If you are you tempted (you must be if you are still reading) then you may want to
know how you can have a go. Well, next January I can offer you a week or two at the Royal Air Force Ski and Snowboard Championships in Saalbach-Hinterglemm, Austria (other operators and expeditions are available). I know it sounds a bit hardcore (the Championships name does daunt some) but I promise that all standards are welcome, from beginners to budding racers to confirmed alpine ski/snowboard demons. Both my wife and 2 eldest children learned to ski at the Championships in the early Noughties (regrettably school age put an end to that) but many families continue to use the RAF Championships as a way to combine duty/leave with some adventurous activity and valuable family time – the only difference is your work will be an occasional race or lesson! They are also a great way to decompress from the hectic and tense operational tempo of modern life.
So what about the venue? Saalbach- Hinterglemm in Austria is a beautifully typical pair of alpine villages nestling in the crook of a valley at 900 metres altitude. Both villages have their distinct character and a vibrant but unobtrusive “take it or leave it” nightlife. A visit to the Goasstall (Goat Stall) is a must and is up there with the top après-ski venues. There are over 200km of piste in the SkiCircus, including World Championship runs and downhills, and much improved freestyle fun parks. Some 60 cableways and lifts link the Saalbach-Hinterglemm Skicircus in some of the most attractive skiing areas in the Alps. What is truly impressive is the way the resort continues to improve with major new lifts and projects every year, including toboggan runs and new spa hotels. The resort is Snowsure
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