With this unseasonably warm weather in November, your first thoughts may not be to digging out last years snow boots yet. Yet after a sludgy Sunday afternoon walk out, I am glad that both mine wore theirs; warm and dry feet all round and no slipping on the mud!
The Trespass Kukun Snow boot completely sold out last year before Christmas and Trespass could not re-supply. They were the first snow boot they produced for children last year and are a great addition to their winter/skiing clothing range. It's worth checking if you need to buy the next size up soon as they really are great for the price, only £19.99 (RRP £24.99), and as they are waterproof, can be used now and through into spring instead of chilly wellies.
Buy Trespass Kukun Boots now
Some recent reviews:
I bought these for my son who is 5. They arrived in time for all the snow in the New Year and they were fantastic. My son was able to go out all day and not get wet cold feet. Bought a size bigger so they would last- great with thick socks. Recommended
Bought a pair of these for my young daughter, in preparation for the wintry weather ahead. They arrived quickly and are super. My daughter says that they are lovely and cosy.
Boots are easy to get on with an extra gusseted side zip, so no problems for my 5 year old to get on. The only comment that I would really say is choose a size if not 2 larger. My little boy is a size 11 so I bought a 12 and they are fairly snug, certainly not room for 2 pairs of socks, not that you actually need 2 pairs because they are very warm.A good buy.
Great sturdy boots that look like they will live through the winter, lovely warm furry inside so will keep feet warm as well as dry !! Just waiting on the snow now !!!!
Stylish, waterproof, lovely blue, fit well, rubber heel and toe to help with frost. Amazing boots. Would buy Trespass again and again
Sunday 20 November 2011
Monday 20 June 2011
Montgenevre is an excellent destination for a family ski holiday in 2012
The resort is on the French/Italian border and offers holidaymakers the opportunity to ski in 2 countries. Montgeneve lays claim to being the first ski resort in France and hosted the first international ski competition in 1907 whilst more recent competitive skiing in the area was the 2006 Winter Olympics. The facilities in the resort are excellent and the skiing offers a wide range of runs to suit skiers of all ability. The village height is 1860m and this ensures that it has an enviable snow record. It is part of the famous Milky Way which also includes the Italian resorts of Sestriere, Claviere and Sauze D’oulx. In aggregate, the ski area has 400km of pistes which should keep most “distance hungry” skiers satisfied. The resort has a warm convivial atmosphere which has benefitted from the re-routing of the main road so that only local traffic now comes into Montgenevre – the lorries and through traffic travel underground in the tunnel and are not seen or heard!
Parents benefit from an excellent range of child care options with child care available for children from 6 months to 6 years.
The large area devoted to the children will bring a satisfied smile to the parents as they head away up the mountain knowing the children will have great fun.
Montgenevre has a range of bars and restaurants but this is not party town – this is a family ski resort where the afternoon will be spent enjoying the Monty Express toboggan run or sledging on the slopes that run back in front of the resort centre.
Why take the family to Montgenevre?
• Short transfers from Turin
• Many accommodations just moments from the slopes
• Recognised as the best value ski resort in the French Alps
• Awarded the prestigious “Famille plus Montagne” in recognition of its family credentials
• Excellent snow record allowing early December and late April skiing – great for the budget too
Getting to Montgenevre
Montgenevre is easy to get to by plane train or car and packages are available from a range of tour operators including Zenith Holidays.
Access details:
Travel by train: SNCF to Briancon (12km) or TGV to Oulx (20km)
Travel by plane : Turin 107km (1¼ hrs), Chambery 155km (1½ hrs), Grenoble 222km (2 hrs)
For more information on the resort or to enquire, do email doingmore@ZenithHolidays.co.uk
Blog article written by Stuart McLeod, Zenith Holidays
Thursday 16 June 2011
Low cost airline EasyJet flies into Salzburg
EasyJet has just announced that they will begin operating a new route to Salzburg this winter from London Luton. The inaugural flight to Salzburg will depart on Saturday 17 December and will fly twice weekly, with fares starting from £27.99 (one way including taxes).
From Thursday 16 June more than 9,000 seats will be on sale on easyJet’s 33rd route from Luton Airport.
Salzburg is a popular European destinations for alpine skiers.
EasyJet is quoted as saying “Salzburg is an attractive destination which will appeal to many holiday makers. From its musical heritage and stunning architecture through to its ski offering I’m sure it will tick many boxes for the discerning traveller.”
The new Salzburg route increases the choice of ski destinations including; Geneva and Grenoble.
ski resorts near Salzburg Airport by J2Ski.com
From Thursday 16 June more than 9,000 seats will be on sale on easyJet’s 33rd route from Luton Airport.
Salzburg is a popular European destinations for alpine skiers.
EasyJet is quoted as saying “Salzburg is an attractive destination which will appeal to many holiday makers. From its musical heritage and stunning architecture through to its ski offering I’m sure it will tick many boxes for the discerning traveller.”
The new Salzburg route increases the choice of ski destinations including; Geneva and Grenoble.
ski resorts near Salzburg Airport by J2Ski.com
Tuesday 7 June 2011
A round up of the skiing industry - 2011
A summary of the 2011 International report on mountain tourism
The world ski market of Alpine Skiing is enjoyed in some 80 countries internationally. There maybe many more snow fields around the world but just counting ski resorts with at least 5 ski lifts, there are currently around 2,000 ski resorts.
The numbers skiing have remained stable over the last ten years, estimated at around 400 million skiers visits around the world. The Alps are still the leading international destination, attracting 45% of skier visits. North America is the second most popular attracting 23% and until recently Asia-Pacific attracted similar numbers but has recently seen a decline in skiing in Japan which has not been replaced with the increasing levels of skiing in South Korea or China. It is predicted however, that India and Pakistan may in the longer term, contribute to rising numbers in this region. Finally, the "Non-Alpine" skiing resorts in Northern, Southern and Western Europe (classed as Western Europe) attract about 11% of the market, albeit spread across a lot of smaller resorts.
The report also estimates the total number of skiers in the world by their country of origin which makes interesting predictions for the future growth of the industry. The total number of Alpine skiers in the world is estimated, according to visitor levels in different countries and how often their citizens practise skiing, at an increased figure in 2011 of 110 million Alpine skiers. Eastern European and Asia-Pacific account for 33% of the world's skiers but they only attract 21% of the world skier visits to their resorts, suggesting potential growth in the further. Skiing in China and similar countries are predicted to have increased skiers visits over the next decade with numbers in 2020 reaching the same level as their own numbers of skiers i.e.; 33%.
So assuming that this growth over the next decade in Asia-Pacific does not affect the visits to Western Europe, total international skier visits could potentially rise from 400 million to 410 million between now and 2020.
Onto general observations now. The USA, Japan and France offer the greatest number of actual ski resorts (with at least 5 ski lifts), with 200 areas identified. Germany has a significant number of basic skiing areas, the majority are very small and are not considered to be ski resorts according to the above definition. Only Austria and France are home to more than 10 resorts that attract over one million skiers visits per season. France, Austria and USA have the most ski lifts, each with around 3,000 and they are also the most visited countries attracting more than 50 million skier visits. USA being the most but followed very closely by the other two, who could very soon equal it.
Austria, Norway and Switzerland have the highest levels of their own population skiing, with at least 25% skiing. USA, Germany and France account for the greatest number, with each country having approx. 12 million of their population skiing, largely due to their larger sizes. The majority of skiers in most countries are, in fact, not foreign as foreign visitors only contribute marginally to skiing visitor numbers. The exceptions are Andorra, Austria and Switzerland where international skiers account for between 50-95% of skiers visits.
Reference: Laurent Vanat: 2011 International report on mountain tourism
The world ski market of Alpine Skiing is enjoyed in some 80 countries internationally. There maybe many more snow fields around the world but just counting ski resorts with at least 5 ski lifts, there are currently around 2,000 ski resorts.
The numbers skiing have remained stable over the last ten years, estimated at around 400 million skiers visits around the world. The Alps are still the leading international destination, attracting 45% of skier visits. North America is the second most popular attracting 23% and until recently Asia-Pacific attracted similar numbers but has recently seen a decline in skiing in Japan which has not been replaced with the increasing levels of skiing in South Korea or China. It is predicted however, that India and Pakistan may in the longer term, contribute to rising numbers in this region. Finally, the "Non-Alpine" skiing resorts in Northern, Southern and Western Europe (classed as Western Europe) attract about 11% of the market, albeit spread across a lot of smaller resorts.
The report also estimates the total number of skiers in the world by their country of origin which makes interesting predictions for the future growth of the industry. The total number of Alpine skiers in the world is estimated, according to visitor levels in different countries and how often their citizens practise skiing, at an increased figure in 2011 of 110 million Alpine skiers. Eastern European and Asia-Pacific account for 33% of the world's skiers but they only attract 21% of the world skier visits to their resorts, suggesting potential growth in the further. Skiing in China and similar countries are predicted to have increased skiers visits over the next decade with numbers in 2020 reaching the same level as their own numbers of skiers i.e.; 33%.
So assuming that this growth over the next decade in Asia-Pacific does not affect the visits to Western Europe, total international skier visits could potentially rise from 400 million to 410 million between now and 2020.
Onto general observations now. The USA, Japan and France offer the greatest number of actual ski resorts (with at least 5 ski lifts), with 200 areas identified. Germany has a significant number of basic skiing areas, the majority are very small and are not considered to be ski resorts according to the above definition. Only Austria and France are home to more than 10 resorts that attract over one million skiers visits per season. France, Austria and USA have the most ski lifts, each with around 3,000 and they are also the most visited countries attracting more than 50 million skier visits. USA being the most but followed very closely by the other two, who could very soon equal it.
Austria, Norway and Switzerland have the highest levels of their own population skiing, with at least 25% skiing. USA, Germany and France account for the greatest number, with each country having approx. 12 million of their population skiing, largely due to their larger sizes. The majority of skiers in most countries are, in fact, not foreign as foreign visitors only contribute marginally to skiing visitor numbers. The exceptions are Andorra, Austria and Switzerland where international skiers account for between 50-95% of skiers visits.
Reference: Laurent Vanat: 2011 International report on mountain tourism
Monday 23 May 2011
Private nannies are a good option to consider if you are staying in a chalet with your family or a group of friends. They can make your holiday and give you as much skiing time as your legs can cope with.
You can expect the Nannies to come to your chalet armed with arts & crafts, games and bags of enthusiasm to keep your children entertained all day or after ski school if they are a little bit older.
There are a huge range of Nanny companies available in most European resorts. So, to help you decide whether this option is for you, I asked Alexandra Chapman from Snow Angel Nannies a few questions:
What are the most important things to check with a private nanny service before booking with a company?
That the nannies are qualified, CRB checked and carefully selected and interviewed by the company.
What age range will Nannies cater for and will the look after a mixed age group with older children?
For a Snow Angel Nanny looking after all age ranges is a joy, It is no problem to have differing ages in the group so long as the number of children fit within our ratios.
Will the Nannies drop some of the children to ski school while looking after the younger children?
Yes they will. In fact a trip to ski school can be made quite fun with hot chocolate stops or snowman building on the way back!
How many children will one nanny look after?
All companies have different ratios they work to, it is important to ask this at the time of booking. Snow Angel Nannies works on a 1:1 under a year 1:2 from a year to 2 years and 1:4 for older children.
What type of activities can I expect my children to be doing?
You should expect a multitude of activities based around your children's preferences and ages. Some examples include Snow sculpturing, sledging, scrapbook making, treasure hunts, painting/drawing, reading, singing, snowy adventures and many more!
So if this sounds the perfect solution then start now contacting the companies as the popular skiing times get booked up early!
You can expect the Nannies to come to your chalet armed with arts & crafts, games and bags of enthusiasm to keep your children entertained all day or after ski school if they are a little bit older.
There are a huge range of Nanny companies available in most European resorts. So, to help you decide whether this option is for you, I asked Alexandra Chapman from Snow Angel Nannies a few questions:
What are the most important things to check with a private nanny service before booking with a company?
That the nannies are qualified, CRB checked and carefully selected and interviewed by the company.
What age range will Nannies cater for and will the look after a mixed age group with older children?
For a Snow Angel Nanny looking after all age ranges is a joy, It is no problem to have differing ages in the group so long as the number of children fit within our ratios.
Will the Nannies drop some of the children to ski school while looking after the younger children?
Yes they will. In fact a trip to ski school can be made quite fun with hot chocolate stops or snowman building on the way back!
How many children will one nanny look after?
All companies have different ratios they work to, it is important to ask this at the time of booking. Snow Angel Nannies works on a 1:1 under a year 1:2 from a year to 2 years and 1:4 for older children.
What type of activities can I expect my children to be doing?
You should expect a multitude of activities based around your children's preferences and ages. Some examples include Snow sculpturing, sledging, scrapbook making, treasure hunts, painting/drawing, reading, singing, snowy adventures and many more!
So if this sounds the perfect solution then start now contacting the companies as the popular skiing times get booked up early!
Monday 16 May 2011
NipperGrip: Teach your kids to ride a bike
The warmer weather has encouraged us to dust off the bikes and start cycling as a family again. On a particularly busy afternoon at Clumber Park, I noticed all the little ones out trying to cycle on two wheels and many older one on stabilisers that really need to just go for it. I remember teaching my two how to cycle on a big open park in just the same way, but running alongside side, holding the seat and letting go (usually at the wrong time). I then remembered Katherine from NipperGrip recommending its uses that weren't just skiing.
So if you have bought a NipperGrip during the last ski season on thinking of doing so for next year's season remember that it can also be used to teach your child to ride a bike and swim (without the reins on!)
The harness fits snugly and securely with a handle on both the front and back so you can run alongside your child and guide them as they build their confidence just to cycle.
The key to teaching them is to have as big a space as possible and just go! At least using a harness you wont be running along bent over like i had to! Wish I had thought of it then!
Buy NipperGrip ski and bike reins
So if you have bought a NipperGrip during the last ski season on thinking of doing so for next year's season remember that it can also be used to teach your child to ride a bike and swim (without the reins on!)
The harness fits snugly and securely with a handle on both the front and back so you can run alongside your child and guide them as they build their confidence just to cycle.
The key to teaching them is to have as big a space as possible and just go! At least using a harness you wont be running along bent over like i had to! Wish I had thought of it then!
Buy NipperGrip ski and bike reins
Monday 9 May 2011
Families on the slopes
The ski season is ending in Europe, so now is the perfect time to organise your next ski holiday. Mountains are definitely at their most enchanting in winter, with stunning snowy scenery. Ski resorts across Europe offer plenty of ski classes to help improve your skiing skills. Most of them speak English and provide everything needed for adults and kids alike. But if you want to be sure of where you should book next year, here is a small selection of the best ski resorts that are best suited for families.
Italy’s reputation for ski holidays is growing year after year. Val di Fassa ski resort is ideal for family holidays. You will find plenty of activities especially for the kids in the famous kids’ club, as well as easy slopes to practice on.
Villars in Switzerland is a friendly resort with one of the most original ski schools. Here you will learn how to ski with short skis. The better you get, the longer the skis you can wear! On top of that, the village is lovely and offers nice relaxing evenings in restaurants.
Austria is not to be missed either. Fieberbrunn is a real hidden gem, that you have to go to at least once in your life and there is plenty to do on and off the slopes. What’s more, the resort isn’t too crowded, even during holidays, so you can enjoy the skiing area in its entirety.
In France, of course, you have a choice to make. More than 40 resorts are supposed to be the best for families and kids. Amongst them, Les Gets in the northern Alps offers a free area called Mappys, especially for kids wishing to live with…. Native Americans! It is by far the most unusual club in the Alps!
Of course this is a just a small list of what there is on offer for families looking to ski in Europe. Plenty of resorts have everything you need for your ski holidays. If you want more tips on booking, where to go to, or what to do in the mountains, just read The Ski Holiday Guide by SkiHorizon.
Italy’s reputation for ski holidays is growing year after year. Val di Fassa ski resort is ideal for family holidays. You will find plenty of activities especially for the kids in the famous kids’ club, as well as easy slopes to practice on.
Villars in Switzerland is a friendly resort with one of the most original ski schools. Here you will learn how to ski with short skis. The better you get, the longer the skis you can wear! On top of that, the village is lovely and offers nice relaxing evenings in restaurants.
Austria is not to be missed either. Fieberbrunn is a real hidden gem, that you have to go to at least once in your life and there is plenty to do on and off the slopes. What’s more, the resort isn’t too crowded, even during holidays, so you can enjoy the skiing area in its entirety.
In France, of course, you have a choice to make. More than 40 resorts are supposed to be the best for families and kids. Amongst them, Les Gets in the northern Alps offers a free area called Mappys, especially for kids wishing to live with…. Native Americans! It is by far the most unusual club in the Alps!
Of course this is a just a small list of what there is on offer for families looking to ski in Europe. Plenty of resorts have everything you need for your ski holidays. If you want more tips on booking, where to go to, or what to do in the mountains, just read The Ski Holiday Guide by SkiHorizon.
Tuesday 18 January 2011
Ski Jackets – are thin ski jackets really warm enough?
This is one of the most difficult things about buying a ski jacket for children. You want the reassurance that the jacket is going to keep them warm and toasty while on the cold slopes and your natural instinct is that the jacket should be thick and padded. But is this right? I decided to find out once and for all and ask the people that know – the manufacturers.
Linda from KoziKidz, the Swedish skiwear company for children, is an expert in cold weather clothing for children. She explains that layering is the key to keeping children warm on the slopes, not bulking up heavy thick layers and heavy padded ski jackets. “It is obvious that jackets must be waterproof but they should also be breathable, the jacket’s main purpose is to protect you from the snow and the wind and so it is important to have critical seams taped and to be 100% waterproof. They should be insulated but not with bulky material as this impedes movement as well as trapping the heat generated by the body inside the jacket, creating moisture and it is this moisture that creates a chill. Base layer, mid layer, outer layer is the key.”
Danish skiwear designers Molo also stress the importance of a 3 layering system. “The outer layer must create a protective shield from the wind and weather. This layer has to resist wind, rain and cold but must also be breathable so that it is comfortable for the child. MMP's outer layer is made of a functional shell material. The strength of the shell material is that it is light, which means it is easy to move around in but it is still extremely wind and water resistant. The MIDDLE LAYER purpose is to retain warmth. It is an insulation layer that must release moisture without losing warmth. MMP's middle layer is made of a lightweight, fleece quality. The INNER LAYER has to be a warm thermal and draw moisture away from the body”.
So that seems straight forward enough. Breathable outer jackets are the priority. But, it is the inner layers that are key to providing the warmth. Back to Kozkidz. “Wearing cotton or other absorbent materials under the outer layer work against the breathable properties of the jacket as they will just retain the moisture which in turn will chill”. Linda recommends a fleece layer worn under the jacket and over the thermals.
So to summarise, the inside layer or base layer is worn next to the skin. This wicks the moisture away and pushes the vapour to the next layer of clothing. These are usually thin as they are only really designed to retain the body heat as its main function is wicking the moisture away.
The next layer “mid layer” is the key one to regulate according to the weather conditions. Warm day skiing? Then leave this layer out. Minus -20 c – then wear a top and bottom mid layer. This layers role is heat conservation as well as wicking the moisture from the base layer, out through to the outer layer or jacket. Two thinner mid layers are much warmer and more comfortable than one thicker garment. Micro fleece tops and/or bottoms are perfect for this layer.
So what will my children be wearing for this years skiing holiday? My slight 5 year old girl will be wearing the KoziKidz set, the lovely purple and pink jacket and pants, with the fleece thermal top and bottom set and KoziKidz thermals. My son, the dare devil 7 year old skier will be wearing the Molo layered ski set. What this space for the photos and feedback!
Tess Bradshaw, owner Little Skiers & mummy to 2 Little Skiers
Linda from KoziKidz, the Swedish skiwear company for children, is an expert in cold weather clothing for children. She explains that layering is the key to keeping children warm on the slopes, not bulking up heavy thick layers and heavy padded ski jackets. “It is obvious that jackets must be waterproof but they should also be breathable, the jacket’s main purpose is to protect you from the snow and the wind and so it is important to have critical seams taped and to be 100% waterproof. They should be insulated but not with bulky material as this impedes movement as well as trapping the heat generated by the body inside the jacket, creating moisture and it is this moisture that creates a chill. Base layer, mid layer, outer layer is the key.”
Danish skiwear designers Molo also stress the importance of a 3 layering system. “The outer layer must create a protective shield from the wind and weather. This layer has to resist wind, rain and cold but must also be breathable so that it is comfortable for the child. MMP's outer layer is made of a functional shell material. The strength of the shell material is that it is light, which means it is easy to move around in but it is still extremely wind and water resistant. The MIDDLE LAYER purpose is to retain warmth. It is an insulation layer that must release moisture without losing warmth. MMP's middle layer is made of a lightweight, fleece quality. The INNER LAYER has to be a warm thermal and draw moisture away from the body”.
So that seems straight forward enough. Breathable outer jackets are the priority. But, it is the inner layers that are key to providing the warmth. Back to Kozkidz. “Wearing cotton or other absorbent materials under the outer layer work against the breathable properties of the jacket as they will just retain the moisture which in turn will chill”. Linda recommends a fleece layer worn under the jacket and over the thermals.
So to summarise, the inside layer or base layer is worn next to the skin. This wicks the moisture away and pushes the vapour to the next layer of clothing. These are usually thin as they are only really designed to retain the body heat as its main function is wicking the moisture away.
The next layer “mid layer” is the key one to regulate according to the weather conditions. Warm day skiing? Then leave this layer out. Minus -20 c – then wear a top and bottom mid layer. This layers role is heat conservation as well as wicking the moisture from the base layer, out through to the outer layer or jacket. Two thinner mid layers are much warmer and more comfortable than one thicker garment. Micro fleece tops and/or bottoms are perfect for this layer.
So what will my children be wearing for this years skiing holiday? My slight 5 year old girl will be wearing the KoziKidz set, the lovely purple and pink jacket and pants, with the fleece thermal top and bottom set and KoziKidz thermals. My son, the dare devil 7 year old skier will be wearing the Molo layered ski set. What this space for the photos and feedback!
Tess Bradshaw, owner Little Skiers & mummy to 2 Little Skiers
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