Why you need a glove liner....

Do you take your skiing gloves off when you stop along a beautiful alpine run to take a photo, when getting kit out of your rucksack or even to zip up your ski jacket at the top of an exposed mountain? 

Hestra Merino Liners

You will rapidly lose heat that takes a while for the body to get back so, especially if you feel the cold, wear a glove liner under your regular gloves so that you don't need to expose your skin as you will always have a protective layer on your hand.

If, like me you hate cold hands and really feel the cold while skiing, there is no better system than the layering system with Hestra.  I wear (and can highly recommend) the Hestra Merino Liner as this transports any moisture away and creates a warming layer of air.

I then chose the Army Leather Heli Ski Female glove which comes with a removable liner or base glove which has Bemberg insulation.  This thicker liner really keeps your hands warm in normal weather and protects against the wind.

Hestra Army Heli Female 

Then when you add the third layer, the outer shell part of the glove, it protects against the extreme weather you experience whilst skiing.  The Army Heli I wear has a soft leather palm which grips well on ski poles, extra long cuffs that go easily over the ski jacket and stops any unwanted draughts and chills getting in and cuffs that loop over your wrists so you don't drop them in the snow when you take them off!

Hestra advise that  mittens are warmer than gloves but I chose the gloves as a personal choice, however they do do a cross between the two with one finger!

If you combine a liner, base glove and shell outer you increase the warmth by 50%!

I've worn mine for 3 skiing holidays, in freezing windy exposed resorts and my hands have never been warmer.  I keep them in good condition using Hestra Leather Balm when I return from my skiing holiday and I expect them to last many years.

Tess Bradshaw, Little Skiers

What makes a good ski jacket?

-->

We know how difficult it is to choose a ski jacket for you and your children. We have done our research and put in what we already know to give you the best possible idea of what to search for when looking for a perfect ski jacket - don’t just assume that tons of padding is the way to go!

The more expensive a ski jacket is, the less the thickness of a ski jacket should actually matter. Usually the more expensive ski jackets tend to be made to feel and appear a thinner material, but this is made up for by the amount of time that has been spent on the technology and the design of the ski jacket. The features of adults and children’s ski jackets really do depend upon the brand.

Taped seams are 100% essential - think when you're stitching - every stitch you make creates a tiny hole in the material? Well, you may not realise it, but that is what allows water to flow in! A little bit of an exaggeration, but this is one of the most important elements when it comes to waterproofing in ski jackets. It involves taping every single seam on the jacket (regardless of where it is situated), to make sure that there is optimal waterproofing! It also adds valuable strength and makes your ski jacket last a lot longer.

In a ski jacket, snow gaiters are extremely useful when it comes to preventing snow from getting up the bottom of the ski jacket or up the sleeves, should you fall over. These usually come with zips, poppers or Velcro to make it easier to loosen to get the snow out.

Air ventilation and breathability are absolutely essential when looking for a good ski jacket for you or your children. You need to look out for zippers in the sleeves and underarms which prevent sweating by wicking moisture away from the skin, they are great for Spring skiing or if you really work hard on the slopes.

Look for insulation! The best ski jackets have three layers especially designed for cosiness and warmth - not ones that are just layers and layers of padding, but ones that are layers and layers of specially designed fabrics and materials. A bit later on I will tell you all about the three different layers in a ski jackets and their uses.

Weatherproofing is a necessity when it comes to ski jackets. You need to have waterproofing and windproofing features otherwise the ski jacket will not last very long at all! Further on in this blog I will also give you an idea on what the best unit of waterproofing to look out for is and why.

One of the most important factors of ski jackets is the use of technology within them. When it comes to waterproofing, you must always check the label! Manufacturers typically describe the waterproof breathability of fabrics using two different units:

·       Millimetres (mm) – measure how waterproof a fabric is. The higher the number, the higher the waterproofing.

·       Grams (g)/square metre (m2) – measure of how breathable the fabric is, expressed in terms of grams of water vapour that can pass through a square metre of the fabric from the inside to the outside.

Waterproof Rating (mm)	Resistance Provided	What it can withstand
0-5000	No resistance to some resistance to moisture	Light rain, dry snow, no pressure
6000-10,000	Rainproof and waterproof under light pressure	Light rain, average snow, light pressure
11,000-15,000	Rainproof and waterproof except under high pressure	Moderate rain, average snow, light pressure
16,000-20,000	Rainproof and waterproof under high pressure	Heavy rain, wet snow, some pressure
20,000+	Rainproof and waterproof under very high pressure	Heavy rain, wet snow, high pressure

It’s also really important for you to stay warm on the slopes.. That’s why you need to consider the different elements and layers included in clothing insulation – its not just padding!

For optimal insulation in a ski jacket, there are three different layers which all have their own importance:

• The first layer near the body is for hygiene. The role of the first layer, such as polyester, is to get rid of sweat so it does not remain in contact with the skin;
• An outer close-knit or closely woven layer of polyester or merino wool, as a wind breaker, usually thin — if there is a risk of bad weather this should be impermeable, the ideal being a textile that stops water droplets but allows water vapour to pass so as to remove evaporated sweat (a textile like this is said to "breathe");
• And between the two, a thick layer of fleece traps the air and prevents contact between the skin and the wind-breaking layer.

The RECCO® Rescue System is a technology which has been used by ski resorts and mountain rescue teams for a while now, all just to keep everyone safe on the mountain if you ski off-piste. 

The RECCO® Rescue System has two uses - RECCO® detectors and reflectors.

The RECCO® detectors are used by ski resorts and mountain rescue teams which send out a search signal after a bad accident on the mountain or an avalanche. But to have a built-in RECCO® reflector, you need to do your research! They can only come in specific ski clothing, such as Trespass ski jackets. The reflectors then bounce back a directional signal which then directs the rescuer straight to the reflector and the person/people in harm. This one thing is what can make the best possible ski jackets around. 

May Johnson, November 2013

Kids Ski Harness - How to Help your Kids Learn to Ski

When your children begin learning to ski, before getting them to start ski school, it is important that they know how to get around in skis, feel confident and have fun. One way to do this is to use a ski harness and reins. This will really help your children learn the basics of skiing and build their confidence so they find it easier when starting skiing lessons.

The way ski harnesses work is that they will help your children learn how to control their speed on a slope, how to stop and then once these are mastered, it will help them to gain more confidence on increasingly harder runs. Having an adult hold on to the other end of the ski rein, it will keep your children safe in case of run away skis!

It gives your children more of an opportunity to try out different ski slopes and ski chair lifts, as they are both difficult to master right away. One of the main pros of using a ski harness and reins is that if your children fall one on of the steeper slopes or while getting on and off the chair lifts, you can just pick them right back up again using the handy handles.

The top two ski harnesses and reins we sell are from Lucky Bums and NipperGrip:

The Lucky Bums ski harness and reins is perfect for teaching your kids how to both ski and snowboard. From America, this child’s ski harness and skiing reins system combines the safety and usefulness of the Lucky Bums signature integrated handle with 2 detachable learn-to-turn skiing trainer reins and the small back pack is ideal for keeping emergency snacks and tissues handy! Ideal for an introduction to skiing and brilliant at controlling speeds of more accomplished Little Skiers as they try harder pistes. It also has a robust handle for lift safety and  picking up children after the inevitable falls!

The NipperGrip ski harness is a more basic ski harness with a handle on the back (for control over all mentioned above). Uniquely, it also has a ski harness on the front, so that whatever position your child ends up in, even flat on their back, you will be able to just pick them back up onto their feet. The reins are removable for kids “free” skiing in front of you, good for when they begin to tackle more difficult pistes. It is also small and lightweight so wouldn’t be a problem when taking it on your skiing holiday in the winter.

May Johnson, October 2013

Monty the Marmot competition September 2013

Feel free to enter our most recent Little Skiers competition! You have the opportunity to win a Monty the Marmot beautified full resolution PSD image of a personal skiing photo of your choosing, with an original sketch of Monty in the background. This is all to be done by the author of the children’s book, Monty goes Skiing, Richard Liddle, by simply liking our facebook page: http://on.fb.me/182q2X3. You now are able to access and click on the ‘Win Monty’ button at the top of our page and then the only thing left to do is to enter your name and email address that will then be put into random selection. Just click to win Monty, then there’s nothing more to it than that.

Don’t you hang around for too long though because the closing date for the competition is Sunday the 3^rd November 2013, so enter now while you still have the chance to win a one of a kind image of your family skiing holiday photos!

May Johnson, September 2013

Interview with the author of the Monty Goes Skiing childrens book, Richard Liddle

Following up from last weeks blog, we catch up with the author of Monty Goes Skiing, Richard Liddle...

What gave you the idea of combining photography with illustration in your images?

I really enjoy taking landscape photographs especially at scenic places, and there is a lot of beautiful scenery when you’re up and skiing on the mountain. My main focus was to capture the ‘drama’ of the mountains, and to give these photos a ‘wow’ factor to put in the book for kids. I also used illustration in my images, because from what I’ve seen, the combination hasn’t really been used very much before which helped make my book original and stand out from the rest.

You’re a BASI ski instructor yourself, from your point of view, who’s more enjoyable to teach skiing to? Children or adults?

Both the same, to be honest – but for different reasons! When teaching adults, there is more chance of having a better, more flowing conversation with them, which makes it more fun in that instance, because I feel as if I can relate to them a lot more. Whereas with children, they just do not care about how they look on the slopes or falling over, no matter how many times they fall or get it wrong.  This makes it enjoyable to teach because they are willing to get up and try again.

What are the main things you wanted children to learn from this book?

I thought it would be important to introduce a lot of the things that children should expect to find when going on a skiing holiday. Firstly, I thought it was important for children to learn about what the Marmot is. This is the animal you would generally hear about most when visiting ski resorts, as they live in the mountains. Keeping warm is one of the most important tips for enjoying a ski holiday. It’s not very enjoyable if you’re cold, and that’s why you need a whole lot of extra layers!

If children want to start skiing, it’s best to introduce to them the ski equipment to get them started; for example, skis, snowboards, ski helmet, skiing and snowboarding boots.

If I was to sum up what I wanted children to learn from the book is that snow is fun. By including the helpful ski tips at the back, that’s what would make skiing more enjoyable when you know to get about on skis. But really, snow is fun. You can have snowball fights or build snowmen, or maybe even build an igloo!

What would you say is the best age to get your children up on skis?

If you’re not thinking about skiing lessons right away for your child, it’s best to start them off at the age of 3 so they can get used to being on skis, which prepares them more for when they do start skiing lessons.

This is really depending on what ski school you choose. A lot of them are very different from each other in their teaching methods, as some ski schools start really full on.

Is there any ski school that you would not suggest for beginner children skiers?

Well, Snowzone is currently setting up an academy with a 13-week ski program for beginners. From what I’ve heard it’s very full on with their methods and not best for children who are only just starting off.

 What is your favourite resort/country for skiing?

The home of Mont Blanc, Chamonix is my favourite resort. It is a great place for skiing with its fantastically deep, soft snow, and it also has the most stunning scenery! Although, Austria has to be my favourite country for skiing. With ski resorts like Kitzbuhel and St Anton and with it's breathtaking views, I decided to use some of the landscape images I took there and put them in this children’s book.

Are you planning on starting any competitions?

I am considering that, yes. I hope to make this competition very unique because what I would like to do is get people to send in their name and addresses and a photo of them or their kids skiing and then put a cartoon sketch of Monty popping out from a corner or just an empty space in the photograph, and then send it back to them.

May Johnson, September 2013

Monty goes Skiing – written and illustrated by Richard Liddle

A funny children’s book about a skiing, talking marmot that lives in the mountains and enjoys going out skiing at every chance he can get. This wonderful story is perfect for young children as it has eye-catching images and characters that are fun and out-going. All in one, it is entertaining, educational and informative.
                                                                      
The book combines reality with fiction, mostly by the use of the pictures.  The pictures that you will see inside the book are unique. It actually merges the photos with the illustration, for example a cartoon skier could be skiing on a photograph of actual snow. The book is full of these pictures from start to finish.

Made-up words within the book makes the characters seem as if they’re having fun, and that always makes a good read for kids. The whole of this book is filled with what kids love to hear when their parents are reading them story at night and will get them excited ahead of the family skiing holiday.

The author is planning on writing a second story about Monty and his friends for children to enjoy after reading this one. The ‘see you next time’ by Monty and Mortimer at the end of the book shows that their story is not yet over.

The ‘Marmot Ski Awards’ at the end of the book will help your Little Skiers with their first time skiing and subsequent holidays after seeing how they have improved.  It will make your children want to interact more within the book making it more fun and enjoyable after the story – so make sure you take it with you on holiday!
                                                                                                                                                  
Richard is a BASI ski instructor himself, which he tells us at the very beginning of the book. It proves that skiing doesn’t just have to be a hobby; it can also be made into a career. He finds it necessary for children to learn about the perks of skiing and also to follow the simple instructions that make skiing easier when having a go and also more fun. It sparks an interest in skiing to those who may not have considered it before. After a first read, it makes skiing look tough but fun, making the story more realistic.

 May Johnson, September 2013

Not tried Prosport sun cream yet? Read on as to why you shouldn't miss out

Prosport is a market leader sun cream - long-lasting protection for sports people and people with an active lifestyle.

Owned by SolRx , Prosport sun cream is popular in over 18 countries, including Australia, Caribbean, Europe and throughout the USA. It was originally manufactured for surfers, windsurfers, sailors, skiers, snowboarders, cyclists, triathletes but is extremely popular for all the family because of its special waterproof properties.

Prosport sunscreen is the top sun protection product for world-class professional athletes and other outdoor enthusiasts. They were official suppliers for Olympic Skandia Team GB in Weymouth and also for many other International events in 2013.

Prosport sun cream is different to other high street brands in which it is essential to re-apply throughout the day after being in the water. Prosport sunscreen was developed to allow water sports enthusiasts to carry on their activities in the water for a longer duration without having to keep stopping to re-apply it. It is a waterproof not just water resistant  as well as being sweat proof. It goes on like a moisturiser and soaks into the skin within minutes. It then lasts for 8 hours, and allows athletes and families to spend their whole day out by the sea without worrying about being burnt.

It is perfect for family holidays when on the beach, as it does not allow sand to stick to your skin once it has dried and soaked in. It also includes parosol 1789, a new UVA filter and during testing it has virtually zero wash off, keeping its 97-100% strength.

Reviews and feedback for Prosport sunscreen are positive, which is important for users to be confident in the product. When looking through reviews on the Prosport sun cream products that are being sold on Amazon, there appears to be not a single negative review:

Kitster, says “as a fair haired, light skinned person who goes red at the first bit of decent sun during the day and can say this product works a treat I work as a skipper on a yacht and I am in the direct sun for most of the day. I would apply Prosport 44 about 0900 in the morning and then usually forget about sun protection for the rest of the day. While I would get some colour, I was spared the usual lobster man comments from my crew and clients. I will say that if the temperatures got into the late 30s or 40+, I would apply a second coat shortly after lunch, but this was solely down to my propensity to burn. I have complete faith in this product even when jumping in and out of the water and when sweating profusely while waiting for my less experienced clients to accomplish a tricky stern to mooring in a tight Greek fishing port”.

Book fiend “Enthusiast” says that “Prosport sunscreen is ‘the best I’ve ever used”.   Further reviews can be found on our website and currently ProSport sun cream is on offer, saving 10% and only £15.75  

Montgenevre - an excellent choice for a family ski holiday

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

Booking a ski holiday with older children?

Have your Little Skiers got a lot bigger now? Hotel kids club to young for them? Are you now too boring (or too slow) for them to be happy skiing with you all week? Well, with a little preparation you can have the skiing holiday you want AND keep them happy.

1. Consider a little Freestyle training before you hit the slopes….
Salomon Freestyle Grom Camps are the perfect place to get your budding freestyle addicts some training. These are held all over the UK in indoor snow slopes and outdoor dry ski slopes, all through the year. There is no age limit and the youngest was 5yrs old! They cater for all standards of skiers, even if they have never jumped before (as long as they can ski in a controlled manner). They will be coached by professional skiers and it is a perfect opportunity for them to mix with experienced freestylers. www.salomongromcamps.co.uk

2. Look for resorts with dedicated teen tuition
Teens do not want to be mixed in with younger kids or adults that have started learning late in life, but it is often difficult to get around this. Many teens fall into a middle ground where they still need ski school for the technical training and to ensure they are skiing in a controlled manner but you could balance it out with one or two private lessons after ski school.
ESF offer one hour lessons (or more) in either Freeride (lessons concentrate on skiing or snowboarding outside the marked and prepared pistes) or Freestyle (combines the basics of snowsports with those of acrobatics and involves completing a series of aerial tricks on a snowboard or skis). Visit their website for more details and how to contact them for advice. Ecole du Ski Francais
Some resorts are starting to offer week-long lessons or dedicated camps and clinics. But these tend to be more in America, your travel agent can be a great help here as many resorts are moving toward this type of lesson and so are constantly changing what is available. Crystal Ski recommend Panorama in Canada, with Amy Fletcher saying "Panorama is home to of the best ski schools in Canada, and with all the accommodation at the base of the mountain, 100 yards or less to the slopes, its ideal for families and saves the hassle of long walks in uncomfy ski boots or taking the bus to the ski area. Everything is right there on the doorstep. There are big hot pools and saunas overlooking the slopes where people can chill out at the end of the day, and the spacious apartments are an excellent value option for families. The whole resort is very reasonably priced, but that’s not to say you’ll be scrimping on the ski experience. There is an incredibly varied amount of terrain, suitable for all abilities and activities include snowmobiling for teens, dog sledding, sleigh rides, snoeshoeing".

3. Check your resort has a terrain park
These are must for them to try out new skills and just have a laugh, even for parents that aren’t interested in trying any tricks out, they are great places to watch them in action. They will be happy to hang out there most the time!
Resorts with Terrain Parks worth considering:
France
Flaine, La Plagne’s Teenager Zone, Alpe H’uez, Meribel, Les Deux Alpes, Les Arcs(one of the best parks in Europe suitable for beginners to pro freestylers)
Austria
Zell am See, Kaprun
Italy
Val di Fassa, Madonna di Campiglio
America
Breckenridge, Buttermilk, Aspen, Copper Mountain, Jackson Hole

4. Choose central accommodation
As with younger children, it is worth trying to secure accommodation close to the slopes rather than relying on ski buses. This will allow a greater amount of freedom & independence. But these do book up early so try to get an early–bird package with discounts to offset the increased cost of close accommodation.

5. Consider GOING in half–term
A lot of parents (us included) try to go skiing outside of the holidays, mainly for the cost but also for the quieter slopes. With pre-teens and teens this is a lot harder as schools are less accommodating but the upside is that during the school holidays resorts often have more activities geared to that age and ski school lessons often have more of that age group present. As Sarah from Crystal said “ Skiing in school holidays don’t have to mean crowded slopes and queues for lifts. Consider a larger resort with a few gondolas going up to a large ski area and you should be fine”.

For a full range of youth ski jackets, going into adult sizing, along with lots of accessories visit our  ski wear shop.