by Mollie Millington | Sep 23, 2019 | outdoors, ski, travel
 |
| View of the valley |
Skiing is one of my favourite ways to enjoy the winter. Unfortunately, London doesn’t get much snow but mainland Europe does. If you plan ahead, cheap flights can be obtained for a quick weekend getaway on Easy Jet or Ryan Air. Of course, you need to factor in the equipment you are taking in terms of luggage but their are ways to make it affordable. I don’t have much time or knowledge of the European resorts aside from Vernier, so when I saw No Boundaries (NB) was planning a short ski weekend in Italy with yoga in February 2019, I booked in right away (#ipaidforit). I knew it would be an intense weekend with long days and late night dinners with wine but I thought I could make it for three days. Just. With some energy drinks.
 |
| Hotel lobby |
The NB team can book flights for you with hopefully a discount if there are enough people booked in. I opted for this with a payment of £125 but there were not enough people to get a discount. NB kindly paid the difference for the ticket though. The cost of the weekend included accommodation, airport transfer, hotel breakfast, and lift tickets plus several yoga classes (in the morning and afternoon on full days). NB likes to work with local businesses and guides where possible and booked us at a family-owned hotel that was about 10-20 minute drive from the mountain. The hotel was a bit dated in its decor but very clean and had a state of the art spa and room for yoga in the disco. Unfortunately, I was too tired to spend a lot of time in the spa or take photos. It had a small pool, steam room, cold shower and place to relax. The annex of the hotel had a boot drying rack with a place to leave skis and snowboards overnight. This meant everything was dry for the next day and didn’t clutter up your room.
 |
| Yoga in the former disco in the basement |
Yoga was at 7am and about 5pm (depending on when the skiers and ice climbers returned) on the full days. We also had a session the evening we arrived and the morning we left. It was beautiful spring spring weather in the Brenta Dolomites (Pinzolo – Madonna di Campiglio -Folgarida/Marilleva Ski Area). It is a small mountain, perfect for families and beginner to novice skiers. There was a van that the hotel lent No Boundaries to drive us to the mountain. We left between 8-8:30am depending on the day and then headed back about 3-4pm. Some people who lived in Italy had driven to the resort, rather than fly, and drove to the mountain on their own. I was a little disappointed the first morning as we didn’t get on the mountain until after 11am. This was because we had to wait for people to get fitted for their rental gear and the company rep to obtain the lift passes in a long line.
 |
| Small bags and good snacks |
With a limited amount of time to ski, I prefer carrying snacks and eating on the chair lift. This also saved me some money too. The sunshine was amazing though and many people enjoyed a drinks and some french fries. The food prices were extremely reasonable for a ski resort but the lines were also long. We didn’t have time to stop at the grocery store for sandwiches either.
There are a few small shops within walking distance of the hotel and a large supermarket on the way to the mountain. The hotel has a three course dinner available for 15 Euros. Most of the group met about 7-7:30pm to have dinner together. We all shared common interests in travel, being outdoors and keeping fit. It was lovely to meet several other women who were also travelling alone. Although booking solo holidays isn’t always fun, I don’t want to wait around for someone else to join me. It is too hard to find dates off work, a destination, activity, and budget that matches up. Of course, there was plenty of delicious wine along with dinner to fuel the conversation (you have to pay for it but again, the prices were very affordable). Our last night, there was a grappa tasting at the hotel put on by a local distillery. Not sure how often this happens but it was a nice treat.
All in all, I had an awesome time. The only problem was the traffic on the way back to the airport (which should have been a three hour drive) meant I missed my flight. As I had to check in my skis, the airline counter had closed by the time I got there (30 minutes before departure). My tour guide who didn’t have any luggage was able to make the flight and was very helpful getting me in touch with the NB main office who paid for my hotel and new flight hoe the following morning. I am sure NB took this hiccup on board, as well as my feedback to obtain the lift passes ahead of time so that people who have their own equipment can do so asap.
I once again have extreme travel insurance which covers winter sports, so I am thinking about booking another weekend with NB. It will have to be after the Tokyo Marathon though so I don’t know if there will still be snow on the mountains. If you want to get away and ski or snowboard for an affordable weekend this winter, check out the ski/snow board page on No Boundaries website and let me know when you are going in case I can join you.
As I said earlier, I paid for 100% of this trip. No Boundaries is not compensating me in any way for sharing my experience or their links. I enjoy supporting small businesses that promote leading an active lifestyle and spending time outdoors.
by thinkmarsh | Mar 15, 2019 | product review, safety, ski
I grew up playing in the snow during the long winters of Upstate New York and downhill skiing on the weekends. It is one of the activities I truly love, and miss most since moving in London. With my extreme travel insurance for Ultra X Jordan, winter sports were covered. There was no way I was going to miss a chance to ski this year. I was lucky enough to go skiing in both Italy and Switzerland this year and am already making plans for the next season.
Now that I work with brands, I tend to notice more what people are wearing in the lines at the lift. This year, 99% of the people I saw were wearing helmets. Bike helmets are something I feeling strongly about, and I feel the same about ski and snowboard helmets. Think about how much time, effort, and money you put into your education. Think about how lucky you are to be able to go skiing and not limited in your ability to move. Wearing a helmet won’t 100% protect you from injury or death, but it can reduce the risk of impact and/or injury should you have an accident.
 |
| James giving me his best Blue Steel while putting on Carv 700 and G540 |
James and I tried out the Wed’ze Carv 700 with MIPS (thanks Decathlon!) ski/snowboard helmet during our recent trip to Switzerland. He has had his previous helmet since we lived in the USA and noticed that the polystyrene lining was starting to degrade. The Wed’ze Carv 700 seems to have universal fit, as it fit me and our friend, Jamie, too. All of our heads are different shapes, but the Carv 700 has a ratchet fitting that can adjust the tightness. My helmet is a POC Bug and I have had it since 2010. Although it doesn’t show any signs of wear and tear, it has been checked as hold luggage more times than I can count. I decided it couldn’t hurt to replace my helmet as well. I soon learned there are many helmets of various pricing and styles out there! Hopefully this post will help you decide which ski helmet is best for you.
When you go to purchase a helmet, there are a few features to consider: the fit, the ventilation, how to store it, and when to replace it. Hate to say that the color is the last thing to think about. Let’s break down each point.
Fit: This is the most crucial bit for obvious reasons. I asked Adam Summerfield, the SMITH UK brand manager at UltraSport, for advice on how to find the perfect helmet. Summerfield says:
To get a good fit the first thing you will need to do is measure your head, take a soft tape measure and wrap it around your head about 1cm above your eyebrows and ears. Once you have the measurement you should fit into one of the following sizes S (51cm-55cm), M (55cm-59cm), L (59cm-63cm), XL (63cm-67cm). When choosing your helmet it should feel snug but not tight, if you feel your head is being squeezed it’s too small or if the helmet can move around freely on your head it’s too big. A lot of helmets now come with fit systems which allow you to adjust the helmet to get the perfect size.
Fit is the most important thing to consider (not color, sorry) as if the helmet doesn’t fit properly, your head will not be protected. Also check how your googles will fit on/with the helmet. You will need ventilation to prevent the googles from fogging up and, of course, it needs to be comfortable when you have them on. For example, James felt the Carv 700 pushed his goggles down his nose a little bit compared to his old helmet. His goggles, Wed’ze G540, were also new (and a different design than his old ones) so he might just need to get used to the change. The goggles didn’t fog up though, so that was a good indication that the goggles and helmet were the right fit.
 |
| How goggles attach to the back of Carv 700 |
Does it have MIPS (Multi-Directional Impact Protection System)? This is a feature that is now becoming more and more popular in both cycling and snow sport helmets. it works by separating the shell of the helmet and the liner by a low friction layer. In a crash, this allows the helmet to slide relative to the head reducing rotational force on the brain. The SMITH Mission and CARV 700 both have this feature.
 |
| SMITH Mission |
Another safety feature to look for is RECCO(R) search and rescue compatibility if you tend to be an advanced snow sport athlete. Rescuers will send out a signal that is reflected by the sensor in the helmet, such as after an avalanche. Of course, you need to check with the resort you are visiting to see if they use a RECCO(R) compatible system. The Wed’ze Carv 700 has this feature (although thankfully we didn’t have to try it out).
Ventilation: Personally, I am always cold and even wear a thin hat under my POC helmet. However, I can removed pieces of the lining if I start to overheat (but I never have). My husband, on the other hand, is always hot and prefers his ventilation fully open. Consider how your body temperature runs and where you are likely to be skiing when you make your selection. The Salomon Sight has a unique climate control system that includes 12 vents with six adjustable zone, an EPS4D internal airflow system, and quick drying fabric to help you regulate your body temperature while enjoying time on the slopes.
 |
| Salomon Sight helmet |
Ear covers: Bern makes a multi-purpose helmet that works for skiing, snowboard, cycling, skateboarding. Our friend, Jamie, has one. This is a good choice if you are limited on space to store things. However, it didn’t have any ear covers, so Jamie’s ears were cold this year at Verbier.
How to store it: Summerfield recommends trying to find somewhere dry and not in direct sunlight as the UV rays can break down the materials of a helmet over time. When travelling, try to avoid checking the helmet in the hold and instead carry the helmet with you (If you are on EasyJet, I am sure you have seen people wear their helmets on board to save checking a bag). Or you can invest in a hard case to protect your helmet when travelling or storing.
When to replace it: The most obvious time would be after a crash but every three to five years is a good idea too. As James has observed, the polystyrene will start to degrade. Storing the helmet in the proper climate (as mentioned above) and carrying it onto the plane (rather than checking) will help extend the life of your helmet too.
Hopefully, these tips will give you a few things to look out for the next time you have to invest in a snow sport helmet. Leave a comment below and let me know what make and model you have and why you choose it.
Thanks to Decathlon for the gifted Carv 700 ski helmet and G540 goggles. All opinions are honest and our own.
by Mollie Millington | Mar 15, 2019 | product review, safety, ski
I grew up playing in the snow during the long winters of Upstate New York and downhill skiing on the weekends. It is one of the activities I truly love, and miss most since moving in London. With my extreme travel insurance for Ultra X Jordan, winter sports were covered. There was no way I was going to miss a chance to ski this year. I was lucky enough to go skiing in both Italy and Switzerland this year and am already making plans for the next season.
Now that I work with brands, I tend to notice more what people are wearing in the lines at the lift. This year, 99% of the people I saw were wearing helmets. Bike helmets are something I feeling strongly about, and I feel the same about ski and snowboard helmets. Think about how much time, effort, and money you put into your education. Think about how lucky you are to be able to go skiing and not limited in your ability to move. Wearing a helmet won’t 100% protect you from injury or death, but it can reduce the risk of impact and/or injury should you have an accident.
|
| James giving me his best Blue Steel while putting on Carv 700 and G540 |
James and I tried out the Wed’ze Carv 700 with MIPS (thanks Decathlon!) ski/snowboard helmet during our recent trip to Switzerland. He has had his previous helmet since we lived in the USA and noticed that the polystyrene lining was starting to degrade. The Wed’ze Carv 700 seems to have universal fit, as it fit me and our friend, Jamie, too. All of our heads are different shapes, but the Carv 700 has a ratchet fitting that can adjust the tightness. My helmet is a POC Bug and I have had it since 2010. Although it doesn’t show any signs of wear and tear, it has been checked as hold luggage more times than I can count. I decided it couldn’t hurt to replace my helmet as well. I soon learned there are many helmets of various pricing and styles out there! Hopefully this post will help you decide which ski helmet is best for you.
When you go to purchase a helmet, there are a few features to consider: the fit, the ventilation, how to store it, and when to replace it. Hate to say that the color is the last thing to think about. Let’s break down each point.
Fit: This is the most crucial bit for obvious reasons. I asked Adam Summerfield, the SMITH UK brand manager at UltraSport, for advice on how to find the perfect helmet. Summerfield says:
To get a good fit the first thing you will need to do is measure your head, take a soft tape measure and wrap it around your head about 1cm above your eyebrows and ears. Once you have the measurement you should fit into one of the following sizes S (51cm-55cm), M (55cm-59cm), L (59cm-63cm), XL (63cm-67cm). When choosing your helmet it should feel snug but not tight, if you feel your head is being squeezed it’s too small or if the helmet can move around freely on your head it’s too big. A lot of helmets now come with fit systems which allow you to adjust the helmet to get the perfect size.
Fit is the most important thing to consider (not color, sorry) as if the helmet doesn’t fit properly, your head will not be protected. Also check how your googles will fit on/with the helmet. You will need ventilation to prevent the googles from fogging up and, of course, it needs to be comfortable when you have them on. For example, James felt the Carv 700 pushed his goggles down his nose a little bit compared to his old helmet. His goggles,
Wed’ze G540, were also new (and a different design than his old ones) so he might just need to get used to the change. The goggles didn’t fog up though, so that was a good indication that the goggles and helmet were the right fit.
|
| How goggles attach to the back of Carv 700 |
Does it have MIPS (Multi-Directional Impact Protection System)? This is a feature that is now becoming more and more popular in both cycling and snow sport helmets. it works by separating the shell of the helmet and the liner by a low friction layer. In a crash, this allows the helmet to slide relative to the head reducing rotational force on the brain. The SMITH Mission and CARV 700 both have this feature.
|
| SMITH Mission |
Another safety feature to look for is RECCO(R) search and rescue compatibility if you tend to be an advanced snow sport athlete. Rescuers will send out a signal that is reflected by the sensor in the helmet, such as after an avalanche. Of course, you need to check with the resort you are visiting to see if they use a RECCO(R) compatible system. The Wed’ze Carv 700 has this feature (although thankfully we didn’t have to try it out).
Ventilation: Personally, I am always cold and even wear a thin hat under my POC helmet. However, I can removed pieces of the lining if I start to overheat (but I never have). My husband, on the other hand, is always hot and prefers his ventilation fully open. Consider how your body temperature runs and where you are likely to be skiing when you make your selection. The Salomon Sight has a unique climate control system that includes 12 vents with six adjustable zone, an EPS4D internal airflow system, and quick drying fabric to help you regulate your body temperature while enjoying time on the slopes.
|
| Salomon Sight helmet |
Ear covers: Bern makes a multi-purpose helmet that works for skiing, snowboard, cycling, skateboarding. Our friend, Jamie, has one. This is a good choice if you are limited on space to store things. However, it didn’t have any ear covers, so Jamie’s ears were cold this year at Verbier.
How to store it: Summerfield recommends trying to find somewhere dry and not in direct sunlight as the UV rays can break down the materials of a helmet over time. When travelling, try to avoid checking the helmet in the hold and instead carry the helmet with you (If you are on EasyJet, I am sure you have seen people wear their helmets on board to save checking a bag). Or you can invest in a hard case to protect your helmet when travelling or storing.
When to replace it: The most obvious time would be after a crash but every three to five years is a good idea too. As James has observed, the polystyrene will start to degrade. Storing the helmet in the proper climate (as mentioned above) and carrying it onto the plane (rather than checking) will help extend the life of your helmet too.
Hopefully, these tips will give you a few things to look out for the next time you have to invest in a snow sport helmet. Leave a comment below and let me know what make and model you have and why you choose it.
Thanks to Decathlon for the gifted Carv 700 ski helmet and G540 goggles. All opinions are honest and our 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.
 |
| 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!
 |
| 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.
 |
| 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.
 |
| 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.
|
| 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!
|
| 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.
|
| 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.
|
| 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 thinkmarsh | Oct 22, 2016 | ski, sponsored post, travel
During my childhood, I was lucky enough to spend many winter weekends skiing at a small private club in Upstate New York. As I grew up, I was lucky enough to be able to explore the slopes in New England, the Rocky Mountains, and most recently, the Swiss Alps. My husband and I even got engaged on the way home from a ski trip to British Columbia. It has been a few years since we have been to Verbier, but I am always looking for the next opportuntity to follow the snow.
|
| Red Mountain, BC |
No matter where in the world I am going to ski, I will always have to pack up kit as the mountains are unfortunately not on my doorstep. Having the right kit will make your time on the slopes much more enjoyable. Here are my suggestions on what to have to survive the elements:
1.
Merino base layers and socks– Merino wool helps keep regulate body temperatures by wicking moisture away from your body and doesn’t smell even when you sweat. Cotton will keep wet fabric near your skin and that will get cold quick.
The Techwool 190 Zip allows for some ventilation if you heat up riding down the hill but get chilly on the chair lift on the way up.
2.
Waterproof trousers– I love these
pink Slide 500 Women’s ski trousers that are fitted, stretchy and waterproof. My ski jacket is bright blue and would lovely pairs with them. Believe me, no one likes a wet bum from sitting on the chair lift when it is dumping powder.
3. Sunscreen– The snow can reflect the sun and the cold wind can make your cheeks turn red too. Keep your skin fresh by applying sunscreen before you head out in the morning. (Although having a ‘ski google tan’ when you arrive back at the office is priceless).
 |
| First trip to Verbier |
4.
Helmet– It is important to play it safe these days. When selecting a helmet, be sure to get one that observes the CSN EN 1077 European Standard. Also, find one that has enough ventilation holes for you if you tend to overheat when you exercise. As you know, I have a thing for pink and really like this
Uvex Gamma WL Titanium helmet.5.
An action camera– Document all the slopes you shred by mounting a camera to your helmet or board. The
Garmin VIRB X is an affordable alternative to a GoPro, and it is currently on sale at
Decathlon.co.uk.
6.
Gloves– This is another piece of kit that you want to be waterproof. Consider it an investment into your long-term happiness out on the slopes all day. It also needs to be breathable so your hands don’t sweat. You may need to treat your gloves each year with Nikwax, or something similar to keep the waterproof quality. Kids will spend a lot of time falling down and making snowballs, so these
Chill Heat Jr Ski Gloves, would be a perfect fit.
7. Friends– After getting first tracks, my favorite part of the day is après ski. Relaxing with friends in sunshine, surrounded by gorgeous views, is not a bad way to end the day.
 |
| The Chalet gang |
These are just a few suggestions from my personal experience out in winter conditions around the world. What can I say? I like to be warm and dry. What essentials would you suggest to someone going to ski or snowboard for the first time? Let me know today during a
Twitter chat at 6pm to talk about what it takes to get #totheslopes.
Recent Comments