IMAGES: ROSS WOODHALL; ALAMY
SWITZERLAND
FOUR MORE
Places to learn with the snow pros
BACKCOUNTRY SKI ING & YOGA WITH JENNY JONES GRIMENTZ, SWITZERLAND Olympic snowboarder Jenny Jones runs a selection of workshops each season working on mindset, fitness and freestyle skills for intermediate to advanced snowboarders, together with a hand-picked selection of experts. Jenny has also recently introduced a bespoke beginners programme for riders who have had a few lessons and are looking to take the next step. The course runs 5-12 February 2023, and costs from £1,499pp.
workshopbyjennyjones.com
“Free yourself from any judgement,” says Dan. “And remember to breathe.” My turn arrives and I ski the pitch, stopping
beside Dan, struggling for air. I’d always assumed exerting myself at altitude made me breathless, but I now realise I’ve been holding my breath. How have I been skiing for so long without noticing that I hold my breath? I figuratively scratch my head while waiting for the rest of the group to catch up, while Dan shoots me a kind, wry grin. He’s seen it before. Making that one small adjustment — and
getting enough oxygen into my body — turns out to make a big difference. That and skiing for the joy of it, drawing comfort from the fact that even the pros work hard, helps shift my focus away from self-criticism on the mountain. After so long without skiing during the
pandemic, it seems time to truly enjoy the moment. And an afternoon’s skiing on Galtiberg, one of Engelberg’s ‘big five’ off- piste routes, really puts this to the test. The infamous run takes skiers on a descent of nearly 6,562 feet, via stretches of powder on the Galtiberggletscher glacier, occasionally perilous ledges and finally through forest- crossing streams and ending in the valley for a beer. It’s a long and testing descent that can easily throw up exasperation and joy in equal measure. But I’m off and skiing more strongly
and confidently than ever before, basking in the camaraderie of our group, each of us unlocking our own potential while descending one of the most iconic freeride runs in Europe. Even the weakest skier makes the run down, incredulous at what she’d achieved by simply stopping the chatter of inner critic. Afterwards, we head for some celebratory
beers before an early dinner, and the sharing of ski footage — with Marcus, Dan and his nephew Johnny guiding us through some of their most mind-boggling achievements. Being able to watch and learn from skiers at the top of their game is an absolute privilege, and there’s no doubt my skiing has changed for the better — somehow less heavy once I stopped battling mental demons. It’s what Dan calls “skiing in the flow state” — and I now can’t wait to just go with the flow.
HOW TO DO IT Engelberg’s Steep and Deep freeride camp, run by Alpine Luxe takes place 4-11 February 2023. Early-bird pricing is US$7,500 (£6,500) per person including instruction, accommodation, food and lift pass, but excluding travel. After 1 December 2022 the cost increases to US$8,100 (£7,015). Additional freeride camps and ski trips are planned this season in LAAX, St Anton, Bormio and Zermatt (among others).
alpinluxe.com
SKI ING STEEPS WITH CHRIS DAVENPORT SUPERSTARS CAMP, CHILE Two-time world extreme skiing champion Chris Davenport is joined every August by legends of the ski world including Cody Townsend, Mike Douglas and Ingrid Backstrom on a skills camp in Portillo, Chile. Learn how to ski steeps with the pros or work on your 360 skills with Mike Douglas, the man who invented the twin- tip ski. 12-19 August 2023; recent camps have cost US$2,975pp (£2,570).
chrisdavenport.com
SKI WITH KONRAD BARTELSKI , PARTY WITH BEN KAY SAINTE FOY, FRANCE Sporting legends Konrad Bartelski (former British World Cup racer), Austin Healey, Paul Grayson and Ben Kay (former England rugby players) host skiers on and off the slopes for a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Sainte-Foy in France, with off-piste and heli-ski, full chalet board and private transfers. In 2023 courses are 22-26 and 26-28 January, and cost £2,950pp.
ourlegend.com
TAKE A PRIVATE LESSON WITH A PRO VARIOUS RESORTS, EUROPE Ski instructor platform Maison Sport has an option for skiers to book a range of private lessons with ex pro-skiers and snowboarders. Lessons are with the likes of former Olympians Graham Bell and Emily Sarsfield, ex World Cup Swiss ski racer Ella Alpiger and 1998 downhill gold medallist Jean-Luc Crétier.
maisonsport.com
WINTER SPORTS 2022/23 47
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