by thinkmarsh | Jul 6, 2018 | clothes, Kilimanjaro, product review
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| First outdoor campout in the UK was with Adventure Queens along North Downs Way |
I am fairly certain my body struggles to regulate its temperature. When I get cold, I tend to stay that way. Sleeping as a child, I would have 10-15 blankets on my bed. To this day, I always sleep with socks on and religiously wear merino wool during the winter. On the flip side, such as this Wednesday, London was so hot I couldn’t cool down on my midday run. I was so desperate to cool off I took my shirt off and ran in my sports bra.
Staying warm was one of my big concerns for Kilimanjaro. We climbed on the cusp of the rainy season which meant the weather would be unpredictable and probably wet. I religiously use an electric blanket in the winter back home and wasn’t confident a hot water bottle would be sufficient on the mountain. Luckily, the good people at Polartec sent me the Norrona Lofoten Alpha Raw zip made with Polartec Alpha to test out. The hoodie is bright orange, which is very handy when I need to find in a dark tent. It also makes me easy to spot at a busy campsite. It has a insulating hood, integrated hand gaiters, and warming pockets. It is also very light and packs down small in a vacuum bag when travelling.
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| How I slept during my Kilimanjaro trek |
With my luggage weight on Kili limited to 15 kg, I wanted to test out the hoodie before my trip. In January, I joined the Adventure Queens for an overnight wild campout along the North Downs Way. I chose to bring my two person tent rather than sleep outside under the stars. It was due to rain a bit that weekend and being mid-winter, the temperatures were already low. I packed the hoodie in my rucksack and put it on once the sun started to set. The cold damp was starting to creep into my bones as we sat around the campfire telling stories and roasting marshmallows. I ended up sleeping in the hoodie and stayed fairly warm overnight. As I emerged from my tent the next morning, I found the air to be crisp so kept all of my upper layers but swapped my thermal tights for jeans.
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| Post-breakfast hike with new friends |
After breakfast, we broke into groups and too a very low-key hike through the local woods. There were a few hills which took some effort due to mud and warmed me right up. I had to tie the hoody around my waist to prevent overheating in my two other layers.
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| Along the way to the top of Kilimanjaro with the hoodie under my rain jacket |
The Lofoten Alpha Raw zip passed the test for me after this campout and made it onto my packing list for Kilimanjaro. I used the same approach on Kili as I did on the January camp out, sleeping in the hoody every night but also used it as one of my eight layers on summit night. The guides recommended seven layers but I get cold so I added an extra. It turned out that seven would have been the correct number! We summited at 8:30am and were so hot by the time we got to the top. I stripped most of my layers off at that point and carried them down in my rucksack. If I had a choice, I would always choose to be a little bit warm over a little bit cold so I didn’t mind carrying the extra weight.
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| At the top with eight layers on top and four on the bottom |
The Polartec Alpha fabric was originally designed for U.S Special Forces to be used in both dynamic and static situations. It is extremely breathable, lightweight, and dries fast. This means you don’t need to stop mid-activity and add or remove layers. It washes well and the hoodie didn’t leave fuzz everywhere even though the texture is fluffy.
Polartec Alpha is a fabric I will be sure to lookout for in the future when I am investing in new pieces for future outdoor adventures. Being lightweight, packable and versatile for layering makes it a good staple to keep in your rucksack.
How do you keep warm on your outdoor adventures? Leave a comment below and let me know.
by Mollie Millington | Jul 6, 2018 | clothes, Kilimanjaro, product review
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| First outdoor campout in the UK was with Adventure Queens along North Downs Way |
I am fairly certain my body struggles to regulate its temperature. When I get cold, I tend to stay that way. Sleeping as a child, I would have 10-15 blankets on my bed. To this day, I always sleep with socks on and religiously wear merino wool during the winter. On the flip side, such as this Wednesday, London was so hot I couldn’t cool down on my midday run. I was so desperate to cool off I took my shirt off and ran in my sports bra.
Staying warm was one of my big concerns for Kilimanjaro. We climbed on the cusp of the rainy season which meant the weather would be unpredictable and probably wet. I religiously use an electric blanket in the winter back home and wasn’t confident a hot water bottle would be sufficient on the mountain. Luckily, the good people at Polartec sent me the Norrona Lofoten Alpha Raw zip made with Polartec Alpha to test out. The hoodie is bright orange, which is very handy when I need to find in a dark tent. It also makes me easy to spot at a busy campsite. It has a insulating hood, integrated hand gaiters, and warming pockets. It is also very light and packs down small in a vacuum bag when travelling.
|
| How I slept during my Kilimanjaro trek |
With my luggage weight on Kili limited to 15 kg, I wanted to test out the hoodie before my trip. In January, I joined the Adventure Queens for an overnight wild campout along the North Downs Way. I chose to bring my two person tent rather than sleep outside under the stars. It was due to rain a bit that weekend and being mid-winter, the temperatures were already low. I packed the hoodie in my rucksack and put it on once the sun started to set. The cold damp was starting to creep into my bones as we sat around the campfire telling stories and roasting marshmallows. I ended up sleeping in the hoodie and stayed fairly warm overnight. As I emerged from my tent the next morning, I found the air to be crisp so kept all of my upper layers but swapped my thermal tights for jeans.
|
| Post-breakfast hike with new friends |
After breakfast, we broke into groups and too a very low-key hike through the local woods. There were a few hills which took some effort due to mud and warmed me right up. I had to tie the hoody around my waist to prevent overheating in my two other layers.
|
| Along the way to the top of Kilimanjaro with the hoodie under my rain jacket |
The Lofoten Alpha Raw zip passed the test for me after this campout and made it onto my packing list for Kilimanjaro. I used the same approach on Kili as I did on the January camp out, sleeping in the hoody every night but also used it as one of my eight layers on summit night. The guides recommended seven layers but I get cold so I added an extra. It turned out that seven would have been the correct number! We summited at 8:30am and were so hot by the time we got to the top. I stripped most of my layers off at that point and carried them down in my rucksack. If I had a choice, I would always choose to be a little bit warm over a little bit cold so I didn’t mind carrying the extra weight.
|
| At the top with eight layers on top and four on the bottom |
The Polartec Alpha fabric was originally designed for U.S Special Forces to be used in both dynamic and static situations. It is extremely breathable, lightweight, and dries fast. This means you don’t need to stop mid-activity and add or remove layers. It washes well and the hoodie didn’t leave fuzz everywhere even though the texture is fluffy.
Polartec Alpha is a fabric I will be sure to lookout for in the future when I am investing in new pieces for future outdoor adventures. Being lightweight, packable and versatile for layering makes it a good staple to keep in your rucksack.
How do you keep warm on your outdoor adventures? Leave a comment below and let me know.
by Mollie Millington | May 15, 2018 | product review
Often times when I dream, I am able to fly or bounce really high. I am taking this as a sign that flying should be my superhero power. Teleporting would be a close second but I only think this when I am wide awake. Other choices could be invincible, massive strength, running really fast, but for me flying would it. I have never really considered sky diving as an activity because it is just too scary for me. Jumping out of a plane, depending on parachutes, just seemed a bit risky, even if your first jump is tandem.
As you read last week, I recently made a trip out to Milton Keynes to ski at Snozone, an indoor snowsports facility. While I was looking at a map how to get there, I noticed that next door was iFly, an indoor skydiving facility. iFly is a worldwide company with three locations in the UK, who also operate wind tunnels all over the world.
What is indoor skydiving?
Indoor sky diving using a vertical wind tunnel to create the forces needed for you to be elevated off of the ‘ground’. The bottom of the tunnel wire mesh so the wind can travel through it yet provide a place to stand on. It simulates what it would feel like should you be fall through the sky, but gives you peace of mind because you are never more than 2 stories up in the air. The Milton Keynes tunnel is a wee bit smaller, but the other UK locations have the following stats:
- Max air speed of 180 mph
- Average flying height of 6 feet
- Maximum flying height of 39 feet
- Flight chamber diameter of 14 feet
My experience
I booked in last minute as there was a cancellation. Of course, I was super excited. The facility often books up ahead of time so you need to do a bit of planning if you want to go. iFly ask that you arrive an hour before your flight time to go through the safety process. First, you need to read and sign a declaration saying you release iFly of liability and that you have never has a shoulder dislocation or injury. After I did this, I then checked in at the reception desk, where I was again asked if I had a previous shoulder injury or dislocation. Thirty minutes before flight time, our instructor, Emma, gathered our small group of six flyers and took us into a separate room to watch a safety and instructional video. The video showed us the three important hand signals we would be using in the wind tunnel (chin up, straighten your legs, and relax)) and stated that if you have had a shoulder injury or dis locational,you need to tell the instructor. (See the theme here?). Emma came back in and went through the hand signals again and asked if we had any questions. Half the group were young boys with their moms there to watch. Then it was me and two men about my age.
Emma explained there would be an opportunity for two additional flight options while we are in the wind tunnel for additional cost. The first is spinning up to nearly the top of the tunnel with the instructor holding on to you. This would be in your second fly if you successfully demonstrate control and listening skills in your first fly. On a Saturday afternoon, this was £6. The other option was an additional flight (one minute) in the tunnel for £12. This is only available if there is time left at the end of the session and a pretty steep discount if instead you were to come.back for another visit.
After the video, we got suited up with goggles, helmet, and ear plugs. We also got a jumpsuit. Everything had to be locked up- rings, watches, earrings, so nothing could potentially fall off in the wind tunnel. You are required to wear shoes that tie, like a trainer (sneaker). I had my hiking boots on because of sledging next door which they said would be fine. Guess they are worries that shoes might fall off during your experience.
Once we were suited and booted, we climbed a flight of stairs to the viewing platform. There was a few benches and chairs for people who are with friends and family but not flying. We saw the end of the session before us. Before the group left, the instuctor had two minutes to literally fly all over the tunnel -spiralling down head first, swooping up at the last minute, hovering over the ground. It looked like CGI- the moves he made and the quick changes. It was amazing!
Finally, it was our turn. As a beginner, you get 2 one minute flights. The young boys went first and showed zero fear. At times, they struggled to understand that when Emma corrected one arm position, that meant they should do the same on the other side. As they were small and light, Emma was able to easily move them around so mom could get a good photo and they could try staying afloat near to her.
Then it was my go. I was able to float up well above Emma on my own. I tried to listen as best I could to her feedback and smile for the official camera at the same time. I did wish I had someone there to take photos of videos of me from the viewing platform but i knew i coukd buy the photos and videos that ifly take. Each minute does seems like a long time, especially when your body is bent in a way it isn’t used to and you are trying to stay relaxed as you go higher and higher. I felt like Charlie after he drank the Fizzy Lifting Drink at the Wonka Chocolate Factory.
Of course, I opted to go the top for the bonus spin. It was really fast, which kinda made me dizzy. We went up and down twice and I even drooled (hopefully just due to the force and not my old age).
The young boys each got an extra fly after mom’s approved from across the viewing platform. We were treated to Emma’s flying performance at the end which was spectacular. It really inspired me to develop this as an actual skill. We were told before leaving the tunnel waiting area that we could purchase additional flight packages at a discount that day as a “returning flyer”. I got a really good deal for my next visit which gives me six minutes of flight time. It was emailed to me and expires in three months. I need to book in soon so I don’t miss out!
We walked back down to the ground floor where we turned in our goggles, helmets and jumpsuits. Emma quickly processed our personalalized certification. You get rated on the essential manoeuvres to document how well you did in case you return. Emma told me I was a natural when I started asking her about the physics of the flying- how to turn your hands to start spinning or using leg position to go up and down. I observed her coaching the guy who was a returner, trying to figure some of these things out (the wind is way too loud to hear anything so you mostly rely on hand signals and exaggerated movements). I don’t know if I am really a naturual or just able to follow instructions. If I lived closer, I would consider making this a regular activity. Milton Keynes is just a wee bit far from where I live in London though to train on a regular basis.
All of the iFly staff was super nice. When booking in, I was on my phone on the train so I kept dropping in and out. The team was incredibly patient. Emma impressed me so much that I want to tell the manager. The person at reception said to leave a review on Trip Advisor and mentioned her. Of I did that, she would get a little treat at the end of the month. So I did.
Be sure to tell the truth about previous injuries
The most important thing I would say is to disclose any shoulder injuries you have ever had to your instructor. One of the guys in my group only told Emma about his shoulder dislocation at the age of 15 when we were turning in our equipment. I am a health and safety nut, but I think the fact they ask 3-4 times would clue participants in that this is a big deal.
In short, I loved it so much I bought another jump. If you are curious about skydiving and live in the UK, definitely check out iFly. And ask for Emma.
Thank you to IFly for having me out to try their facility. All opinions and stories of drooling are honest and my own.
by thinkmarsh | May 15, 2018 | product review
Often times when I dream, I am able to fly or bounce really high. I am taking this as a sign that flying should be my superhero power. Teleporting would be a close second but I only think this when I am wide awake. Other choices could be invincible, massive strength, running really fast, but for me flying would it. I have never really considered sky diving as an activity because it is just too scary for me. Jumping out of a plane, depending on parachutes, just seemed a bit risky, even if your first jump is tandem.
As you read last week, I recently made a trip out to Milton Keynes to ski at Snozone, an indoor snowsports facility. While I was looking at a map how to get there, I noticed that next door was iFly, an indoor skydiving facility. iFly is a worldwide company with three locations in the UK, who also operate wind tunnels all over the world.
What is indoor skydiving?
Indoor sky diving using a vertical wind tunnel to create the forces needed for you to be elevated off of the ‘ground’. The bottom of the tunnel wire mesh so the wind can travel through it yet provide a place to stand on. It simulates what it would feel like should you be fall through the sky, but gives you peace of mind because you are never more than 2 stories up in the air. The Milton Keynes tunnel is a wee bit smaller, but the other UK locations have the following stats:
- Max air speed of 180 mph
- Average flying height of 6 feet
- Maximum flying height of 39 feet
- Flight chamber diameter of 14 feet
My experience
I booked in last minute as there was a cancellation. Of course, I was super excited. The facility often books up ahead of time so you need to do a bit of planning if you want to go. iFly ask that you arrive an hour before your flight time to go through the safety process. First, you need to read and sign a declaration saying you release iFly of liability and that you have never has a shoulder dislocation or injury. After I did this, I then checked in at the reception desk, where I was again asked if I had a previous shoulder injury or dislocation. Thirty minutes before flight time, our instructor, Emma, gathered our small group of six flyers and took us into a separate room to watch a safety and instructional video. The video showed us the three important hand signals we would be using in the wind tunnel (chin up, straighten your legs, and relax)) and stated that if you have had a shoulder injury or dis locational,you need to tell the instructor. (See the theme here?). Emma came back in and went through the hand signals again and asked if we had any questions. Half the group were young boys with their moms there to watch. Then it was me and two men about my age.
Emma explained there would be an opportunity for two additional flight options while we are in the wind tunnel for additional cost. The first is spinning up to nearly the top of the tunnel with the instructor holding on to you. This would be in your second fly if you successfully demonstrate control and listening skills in your first fly. On a Saturday afternoon, this was £6. The other option was an additional flight (one minute) in the tunnel for £12. This is only available if there is time left at the end of the session and a pretty steep discount if instead you were to come.back for another visit.
After the video, we got suited up with goggles, helmet, and ear plugs. We also got a jumpsuit. Everything had to be locked up- rings, watches, earrings, so nothing could potentially fall off in the wind tunnel. You are required to wear shoes that tie, like a trainer (sneaker). I had my hiking boots on because of sledging next door which they said would be fine. Guess they are worries that shoes might fall off during your experience.
Once we were suited and booted, we climbed a flight of stairs to the viewing platform. There was a few benches and chairs for people who are with friends and family but not flying. We saw the end of the session before us. Before the group left, the instuctor had two minutes to literally fly all over the tunnel -spiralling down head first, swooping up at the last minute, hovering over the ground. It looked like CGI- the moves he made and the quick changes. It was amazing!
Finally, it was our turn. As a beginner, you get 2 one minute flights. The young boys went first and showed zero fear. At times, they struggled to understand that when Emma corrected one arm position, that meant they should do the same on the other side. As they were small and light, Emma was able to easily move them around so mom could get a good photo and they could try staying afloat near to her.
Then it was my go. I was able to float up well above Emma on my own. I tried to listen as best I could to her feedback and smile for the official camera at the same time. I did wish I had someone there to take photos of videos of me from the viewing platform but i knew i coukd buy the photos and videos that ifly take. Each minute does seems like a long time, especially when your body is bent in a way it isn’t used to and you are trying to stay relaxed as you go higher and higher. I felt like Charlie after he drank the Fizzy Lifting Drink at the Wonka Chocolate Factory.
Of course, I opted to go the top for the bonus spin. It was really fast, which kinda made me dizzy. We went up and down twice and I even drooled (hopefully just due to the force and not my old age).
The young boys each got an extra fly after mom’s approved from across the viewing platform. We were treated to Emma’s flying performance at the end which was spectacular. It really inspired me to develop this as an actual skill. We were told before leaving the tunnel waiting area that we could purchase additional flight packages at a discount that day as a “returning flyer”. I got a really good deal for my next visit which gives me six minutes of flight time. It was emailed to me and expires in three months. I need to book in soon so I don’t miss out!
We walked back down to the ground floor where we turned in our goggles, helmets and jumpsuits. Emma quickly processed our personalalized certification. You get rated on the essential manoeuvres to document how well you did in case you return. Emma told me I was a natural when I started asking her about the physics of the flying- how to turn your hands to start spinning or using leg position to go up and down. I observed her coaching the guy who was a returner, trying to figure some of these things out (the wind is way too loud to hear anything so you mostly rely on hand signals and exaggerated movements). I don’t know if I am really a naturual or just able to follow instructions. If I lived closer, I would consider making this a regular activity. Milton Keynes is just a wee bit far from where I live in London though to train on a regular basis.
All of the iFly staff was super nice. When booking in, I was on my phone on the train so I kept dropping in and out. The team was incredibly patient. Emma impressed me so much that I want to tell the manager. The person at reception said to leave a review on Trip Advisor and mentioned her. Of I did that, she would get a little treat at the end of the month. So I did.
Be sure to tell the truth about previous injuries
The most important thing I would say is to disclose any shoulder injuries you have ever had to your instructor. One of the guys in my group only told Emma about his shoulder dislocation at the age of 15 when we were turning in our equipment. I am a health and safety nut, but I think the fact they ask 3-4 times would clue participants in that this is a big deal.
In short, I loved it so much I bought another jump. If you are curious about skydiving and live in the UK, definitely check out iFly. And ask for Emma.
Thank you to IFly for having me out to try their facility. All opinions and stories of drooling are honest and my own.
by thinkmarsh | May 11, 2018 | family, product review, ski
I’ll admit I am pretty lucky to have spent many weekends at a local ski resort in Western New York with one chair lift. My dad was on ski patrol which meant we were able to afford as much time on the slopes as homework and extracurricular activities would allow. When I moved to Boston for university, it was so hard not being able to easily access good skiing. I always had my skis with me just in case there was a bus trip to Maine, Vermont or New Hampshire. The mountains of New England were nothing like the glacial hills of New York and much farther away. Eventually, I made it out west to Colorado, Utah, Wyoming, and British Columbia. As I travelled more, I soon came to realise that my skis and ability were better suited to icy slopes rather than knee deep powder. I just haven’t learned how to ski in fresh pow yet! When we lived in Michigan, we got season tickets to Caberfae Peaks, which was nearly a two hour drive on snowy roads in my Subaru. But once we got there, I was overcome with general ennui. Sure there were several chair lifts, but the runs were short compared to the Rocky Mountains. I didn’t care which slope we skied down as they were all nearly the same and over in a swift second.
Since moving to England, I have once again been jonesing for some snow. When we get a centimetre of snowfall in London, the city shuts down. I have heard there is skiing up in Scotland but I haven’t made it up there yet. Our good friends have a chalet near Verbier, Switzerland which we have been lucky enough to visit three times over the years. Many of the gang are school teachers or university lecturers which makes coordinating holiday dates tough. In addition, many children have now joined our tribe which meant we had to rent an additional chalet this year.
Because we rarely go skiing and have a small flat, my skis ended up in the shed for a few years. A week before we were due to go to Verbier this February, we pulled them out to find the skis were rusty and the bag covered in mould (God, how I loathe British weather!). My skis were a graduation gift for uni, so they are pretty old anyways but I was simply devastated to see them in that state. Luckily, I knew Decathlon had a ski shop so I quickly booked them in for a wax, sharpen and tune up. We also took my husband’s snowboard in for a wax (although his board is stored under the bed and was in much better shape).
The process was pretty simple. We called the Decathlon workshop, which also cares for bikes, and booked in our kit. I think they have limited ski/snowboard staff or did that week because it was a few days before we needed to drop off our kit. Due to our schedules, we asked if we could drop the kit off early and they said it wasn’t a problem. I picked the skis and board up a day before we were due to travel and they were transformed. I felt such relief. I also picked up a new ski bag while I was at the shop. My old one was plain black canvas (also wet and gross) but the Decathlon one is a bright blue, has a light waterproof lining and wheels on one end. It was so much easier to travel with. I always stuff my ski gear around for skis for protection and will with this bag too as there isn’t much padding.
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| Ready to board |
I thought this trip to Verbier would be the end of my skiing days for 2018, but I was wrong. Snozone is an indoor snowsport facility with three locations in the UK- Milton Keynes and Castleford both have artificial snow, while Skizone in Basingstoke and Castleford have a revolving astroturf carpet. A few weekends ago, they had a big event for their SOS (Summer of Snow). The day I went to Milton Keynes, it was over 20 degrees C outside. After walking 30 minutes from the train station to the facility, being indoors was a nice treat. Snozone Milton Keynes has equipment hire, a soft play zone for the kids, café and bar, large lounge with televisions, and of course, lots of real snow!
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| Cafe at Snozone Milton Keynes |
My visit started off with 45 minutes of sledging (or sledding as we call it in America). The group meets at the appointed time and are escorted to the bottom of the sledging slope by a member of the Snozone team. All kids under 12 must wear helmets and are available to anyone else who wants to wear one. I was the lone adult as it was families who had booked in. The sledge is a one-seater with a stick you put between your legs, like a horn on a horseback riding saddle. You have to walk up the hillw(hich is half of the indoor slope) and then use your hands to steer the sledge right or left. To brake, you have to dig your heels into the snow. I wasn’t keen on this because snow kept going up my snow pants and I wanted to keep my socks dry for skiing later in the day. I know for next time though to bring a change of leggings and socks. I can’t remember the last time I went sledging, so it was a lot of fun to let loose for a bit and enjoy the snow.
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| At the top of the slope |
My next activity was skiing. I was given a one hour timeslot with my slope pass, which included equipment hire, for just £30. The slope pass prices vary depending on day of the week, school holidays, and how long a session you want. Currently, an eight hour weekend adult pass is £37.49. For £10 more, you can hire ski clothes such as a ski jacket or snow pants. I was amazed at how affordable this is compared to ski resorts in Switzerland or USA. There are memberships available too if you live nearby and think you’d like to get practice in over the summer. My husband has been threatening to learn to ski for years and I am tempted to learn to snowboard. Taking lessons at Snozone seems much more economical that hiring kit, paying for lessons, and also purchasing a lift ticket in Switzerland. Plus, if we didn’t like it as much as we thought we would, we could just go home. Or sledging.
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| Always wear a helmet |
The memberships offer additional discounts too slope off of slope sessions, café and shop purchases, children’s parties, private lessons, and tune ups in their ski shop. Crystal Ski has a desk in the Milton Keynes location where you can book a ski holiday and receive additional benefits as a member too. I could see Snozone as an alternative stag, or hen-do for people who want something fun but doesn’t break the bank. The other thing that I think is pretty cool about Snozone is that they offer Disability Snowsports training. Anyone with a sensory, cognitive, or physical impairment can come learn to ski or snowboard. Their aim is to make snowsports inclusive and accessible for all. That is something I can 100% get behind.
If you are used to the Rocky Mountains or Alps, Snozone will probably seem a bit small to you. There is really only one run, but there are jumps and slide rails on which you can gain confidence for your tricks. Or, as I suggested above, you can learn a new snowsport for your next holiday. Everything you need, including lockers and showers, are available to you at the Milton Keynes location. If you have a free day, I recommend checking it out. I think I am going to organize a fitness blogger meet up there this summer because that group is always up to try something new. Snowsports are a great fitness activity, burning lots of calories and working your core and cardiovascular system too.
Do you know how to ski or snowboard? Did you take lessons when you were little or are you a natural in the snow?
Thanks to Decathlon for coming to my rescue by offering complimentary ski shop service and providing my new ski bag with such short notice. All views and opinions are own. Even though I am a member of the Decathlon Blogger’s Community, I can honestly say I love their affordable kit and ethos of #sportforall.
Thanks for Snozone for the complimentary visit to their Milton Keynes slope. All opinions and wipe outs are honest and my own.
by Mollie Millington | May 11, 2018 | family, product review, ski
I’ll admit I am pretty lucky to have spent many weekends at a local ski resort in Western New York with one chair lift. My dad was on ski patrol which meant we were able to afford as much time on the slopes as homework and extracurricular activities would allow. When I moved to Boston for university, it was so hard not being able to easily access good skiing. I always had my skis with me just in case there was a bus trip to Maine, Vermont or New Hampshire. The mountains of New England were nothing like the glacial hills of New York and much farther away. Eventually, I made it out west to Colorado, Utah, Wyoming, and British Columbia. As I travelled more, I soon came to realise that my skis and ability were better suited to icy slopes rather than knee deep powder. I just haven’t learned how to ski in fresh pow yet! When we lived in Michigan, we got season tickets to Caberfae Peaks, which was nearly a two hour drive on snowy roads in my Subaru. But once we got there, I was overcome with general ennui. Sure there were several chair lifts, but the runs were short compared to the Rocky Mountains. I didn’t care which slope we skied down as they were all nearly the same and over in a swift second.
Since moving to England, I have once again been jonesing for some snow. When we get a centimetre of snowfall in London, the city shuts down. I have heard there is skiing up in Scotland but I haven’t made it up there yet. Our good friends have a chalet near Verbier, Switzerland which we have been lucky enough to visit three times over the years. Many of the gang are school teachers or university lecturers which makes coordinating holiday dates tough. In addition, many children have now joined our tribe which meant we had to rent an additional chalet this year.
Because we rarely go skiing and have a small flat, my skis ended up in the shed for a few years. A week before we were due to go to Verbier this February, we pulled them out to find the skis were rusty and the bag covered in mould (God, how I loathe British weather!). My skis were a graduation gift for uni, so they are pretty old anyways but I was simply devastated to see them in that state. Luckily, I knew Decathlon had a ski shop so I quickly booked them in for a wax, sharpen and tune up. We also took my husband’s snowboard in for a wax (although his board is stored under the bed and was in much better shape).
The process was pretty simple. We called the Decathlon workshop, which also cares for bikes, and booked in our kit. I think they have limited ski/snowboard staff or did that week because it was a few days before we needed to drop off our kit. Due to our schedules, we asked if we could drop the kit off early and they said it wasn’t a problem. I picked the skis and board up a day before we were due to travel and they were transformed. I felt such relief. I also picked up a new ski bag while I was at the shop. My old one was plain black canvas (also wet and gross) but the Decathlon one is a bright blue, has a light waterproof lining and wheels on one end. It was so much easier to travel with. I always stuff my ski gear around for skis for protection and will with this bag too as there isn’t much padding.
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| Ready to board |
I thought this trip to Verbier would be the end of my skiing days for 2018, but I was wrong. Snozone is an indoor snowsport facility with three locations in the UK- Milton Keynes and Castleford both have artificial snow, while Skizone in Basingstoke and Castleford have a revolving astroturf carpet. A few weekends ago, they had a big event for their SOS (Summer of Snow). The day I went to Milton Keynes, it was over 20 degrees C outside. After walking 30 minutes from the train station to the facility, being indoors was a nice treat. Snozone Milton Keynes has equipment hire, a soft play zone for the kids, café and bar, large lounge with televisions, and of course, lots of real snow!
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| Cafe at Snozone Milton Keynes |
My visit started off with 45 minutes of sledging (or sledding as we call it in America). The group meets at the appointed time and are escorted to the bottom of the sledging slope by a member of the Snozone team. All kids under 12 must wear helmets and are available to anyone else who wants to wear one. I was the lone adult as it was families who had booked in. The sledge is a one-seater with a stick you put between your legs, like a horn on a horseback riding saddle. You have to walk up the hillw(hich is half of the indoor slope) and then use your hands to steer the sledge right or left. To brake, you have to dig your heels into the snow. I wasn’t keen on this because snow kept going up my snow pants and I wanted to keep my socks dry for skiing later in the day. I know for next time though to bring a change of leggings and socks. I can’t remember the last time I went sledging, so it was a lot of fun to let loose for a bit and enjoy the snow.
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| At the top of the slope |
My next activity was skiing. I was given a one hour timeslot with my slope pass, which included equipment hire, for just £30. The slope pass prices vary depending on day of the week, school holidays, and how long a session you want. Currently, an eight hour weekend adult pass is £37.49. For £10 more, you can hire ski clothes such as a ski jacket or snow pants. I was amazed at how affordable this is compared to ski resorts in Switzerland or USA. There are memberships available too if you live nearby and think you’d like to get practice in over the summer. My husband has been threatening to learn to ski for years and I am tempted to learn to snowboard. Taking lessons at Snozone seems much more economical that hiring kit, paying for lessons, and also purchasing a lift ticket in Switzerland. Plus, if we didn’t like it as much as we thought we would, we could just go home. Or sledging.
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| Always wear a helmet |
The memberships offer additional discounts too slope off of slope sessions, café and shop purchases, children’s parties, private lessons, and tune ups in their ski shop. Crystal Ski has a desk in the Milton Keynes location where you can book a ski holiday and receive additional benefits as a member too. I could see Snozone as an alternative stag, or hen-do for people who want something fun but doesn’t break the bank. The other thing that I think is pretty cool about Snozone is that they offer Disability Snowsports training. Anyone with a sensory, cognitive, or physical impairment can come learn to ski or snowboard. Their aim is to make snowsports inclusive and accessible for all. That is something I can 100% get behind.
If you are used to the Rocky Mountains or Alps, Snozone will probably seem a bit small to you. There is really only one run, but there are jumps and slide rails on which you can gain confidence for your tricks. Or, as I suggested above, you can learn a new snowsport for your next holiday. Everything you need, including lockers and showers, are available to you at the Milton Keynes location. If you have a free day, I recommend checking it out. I think I am going to organize a fitness blogger meet up there this summer because that group is always up to try something new. Snowsports are a great fitness activity, burning lots of calories and working your core and cardiovascular system too.
Do you know how to ski or snowboard? Did you take lessons when you were little or are you a natural in the snow?
Thanks to Decathlon for coming to my rescue by offering complimentary ski shop service and providing my new ski bag with such short notice. All views and opinions are own. Even though I am a member of the Decathlon Blogger’s Community, I can honestly say I love their affordable kit and ethos of #sportforall.
Thanks for Snozone for the complimentary visit to their Milton Keynes slope. All opinions and wipe outs are honest and my own.
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