Author and Illustrator of Ski A to Z Kimberley Kay and Snowsport England coach Dr Carol Porter have launched a research project to understand fears and anxieties that skiers and snowboarders experience, which may be barriers to snowsport participation and enjoyment.
Supported by Snowsport England and The Hill, home of Ski Rossendale in Lancashire, the project sets out to understand, address and mitigate fears that are potential barriers to snowsport.
Why Visit – The Must-Read Guide to Pila, Aosta Valley
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Pila is a resort that I’ve got to know by chance. I’ve drove with my family to Ollomont, a tiny ski resort at the end of the road of the Valpelline Valley, north of Aosta for the first ski holiday of my little one that was three. (My eldest went once to ski in Portillo before!)
Nice and warm day in Pila, snow became corn snow overnight- still nice! Photo: The-Ski-Guru. The Must-Read Guide to Pila, Aosta Valley
As the ski area of Ollomont was too small (even though at first, I’ve thought it was ideal), and it did not have ski instructor nor skis or boots for my little boys, I had to go elsewhere. Somebody told us to go either to Pila in Aosta, or Crévacol, by the Grand Saint Bernard Pass. We went to Aosta, and the next was history.
We have been going ever since there, even though now we do not stay at the bottom of the main cable car, but in our home in Morgex (30’ away).
My youngest learnt to ski there, and my two boys love the resort, so we keep on going back for more. Even though I am more nearby La Thuile and Courmayeur, we tend to go to Pila, as it is a very easy-to-deal with and family-friendly ski area.
I have the chance to try the Dynastar M-Pro W 92 skis at the Ski Press event at the Snow Centre in Hemel Hempstead. I have tried already another pair last year which I really liked, and was keen to see how this ski would do.
A freestyle ski, intended to be an all-mountain ski for advanced to expert skiers. Built with a wood core (hybrid core 2.0) – it is designed to be great on powder and forgiving in piste.
Getting my skis ready by Scott Dobson of Dynastar skis. Photo: The-Ski-Guru
It features a moderate waist width to ensure a smooth transition between groomers and fresh powder, and a dual rocker that enhances its manoeuvrability in soft snow while still giving you a grip on hard-pack, due to its traditional camber.
If you go here, you can hear me talking about Valle Nevado and Portillo and their upcoming ski season. The show also talks of other subjects, such as the Ski Club of Great Britain reps (with journalist Lou Cameron-Hall), and what is going on in the ski industry.
The View from Aiguille du Midi towards Grandes Jorasses. 65 x 50 cm. In my shop here.
Start planning your next trip!
You can search for your own accommodation in the snow for your next ski holiday through our Accommodation Search tab. Or if looking to stay in the heart of the Mont Blanc Valley in the Aosta Valley, check the direct booking for Il Coure della Valdigne here. This is our own family home in the mountains, that I am renting out when not using.
Il Cuore della Valdigne. Book your lodging directly with me here.Il Cuore della Valdigne. Stay at the Heart of the Valdigne to ski in Courmayeur, La Thuile and Pila/Aosta.
Featured Image: Skier off-piste in Portillo. Photo by Liam Doran. Courtesy Ski Portillo.
I’ve got the luck to get a Snow Finel’s merino jumper after attending the Ski Press Demo day. I am so lucky about it as I was eyeing them for a while!
Snow Finel Kitzbühel Jumper with its characteristic chevron.
The one I got is a Kitzbühel chevron stripe jumper in navy with orange chevron stripes. I love the softness of the wool, and the seamless construction. It is not bulky at all, as it sits well hugging your body. What I like of merino wool (which I use a lot), is that it is great for exercising, as it wickers the sweat very fast and the fabric dries without making you cold. The fabric also does not stink, thanks to its antibacterial qualities.
This is a perfect second layer under a ski jacket, as it is not bulky. I would use it year round, as it is pretty light to use when is chilly in summer too!
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