Whether it's an office secret Santa with your work colleagues or a tradition for the whole family, here are 10 secret Santa gifts that anyone will love.
After a long day on the slopes, there's nothing better than coming back to a warm and comforting cup of hot chocolate. This gift is perfect for any skier or snowboarder who loves to relax and indulge after a day filled with adventure. You can put together a DIY kit with different flavours of hot chocolate, marshmallows, and even some mini liquor bottles for a festive touch.
If your secret Santa recipient loves spending time in the mountains, chances are they also enjoy cosy nights in with friends and family. A board game related to skiing or snowboarding would be a great gift idea, such as "Avalanche at Yeti Mountain" or "Snowboard: The Ultimate Snowboarding Game". This gift will provide hours of entertainment and laughter during the holiday season.
For a more personalised touch, consider getting your secret Santa recipient a custom-made ski or snowboard accessory, such as gloves, goggles, ski ties or helmet covers with their name or favourite mountain resort embroidered on them. Not only will this gift be practical and useful for their next trip to the slopes, but it will also show that you put thought and effort into finding the perfect gift.
Let your secret Santa recipient bring a piece of the mountains into their home with some festive decorations. You can find ornaments shaped like skis or snowboards, mini snow globe scenes, or even a wooden sign with a mountain quote on it. Baubles, personalised mugs and more can double as great decor options. These decorations will not only add a touch of holiday cheer but also remind them of their love for the mountains.
Nothing beats a personalised gift. With these alphabet ski mugs, you can choose the letter of your choice and the mug will be printed with a skiing figure spelling out that letter. These mugs are not only practical for everyday use, but they also make for great decor pieces in any kitchen or dining room.
For those who also love to cook, a mountain-themed cookbook would be a great addition to their collection. From hearty meals perfect for cold days in the mountains to recipes for homemade energy bars and snacks to fuel their next adventure, this gift will be both useful and inspiring.
Candles are always a great gift idea, and for the mountain lover, there are plenty of ski or snowboard themed options available. These candles will not only add a cosy touch to any home but also make it feel like a winter wonderland.
Give the gift of beautiful mountain views with some stunning art prints. Whether it's a painting, photograph, or graphic print, there are plenty of options available that will make any mountain lover's heart skip a beat. You can even find prints of their favourite mountain resort or landscape.
Elevate your secret Santa recipient's dining experience with some mountain-themed tableware. This gift could include items such as mugs, coasters, plates, or even a cheese board shaped like a ski slope. With these additions to their kitchen, they can enjoy a meal or a hot drink while reminiscing about their favourite mountain adventures.
Last but not least, snoods are a practical gift that any skier or snowboarder will appreciate. Keeping your face and neck warm while out on the mountain is very important. Luckily there are some snowboard-themed snood designs out there, keeping you stylish and warm at the same time.
We hope this list has given you some inspiration for your secret Santa gift exchange with your skiing, snowboarding or mountain-loving friends and family. Remember, it's not about finding the most expensive or extravagant gift, but rather one that shows thoughtfulness and appreciation for the recipient.
So, for any family member, colleague or friend, find the best secret Santa gift at Powderhound. To find more inspiration for fun Christmas gifts, browse our selection of tableware, napkins, Christmas decorations and more. So, throw on your party hat and get the festive season started!
]]>Mountain lover gifts for him or her
Whether you’re buying gifts for “him or her”, there are plenty of gift options out there for mountain lovers. From accessories to clothing and tableware, you can find something perfect for your special someone all at Powderhound. Check out our list of the best winter gifts below.
Baubles are a classic seasonal decoration, so why not let your loved one enjoy their fascination with the mountains during the jolly holiday? These high quality baubles made of fine bone china can bring an extra sprinkle of happiness to the snowy season. They’re the perfect keepsake that anyone can look forward to taking out every Christmas, again and again.
Looking for a more year round gift? Ski or mountain themed tableware including bowls, plates and egg cups are a brilliant way to bring the snowy motif to your loved ones’ house no matter what season it is. Show them you care by surrounding themselves in things they love!
Candles are a great option to add style to any room and they also make a perfect winter or year-round gift. Featuring ski and snow themed prints designed by artist Natasha Durlacher, these quality bone china candles are perfect for bringing about a touch of winter to your loved ones’ home and making it feel extra cosy, even in the cold. With a high quality candle that elevates your home and provides a nostalgic sea salt & spray scent, you really can’t go wrong.
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Struggling to find practical winter gifts that will actually be used? These mountain ski-themed water bottles are a great gift for mountain lovers. Lightweight and durable, these bottles will keep water cool all day long. They’re the perfect gift for those who are always out on an adventure.
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Explore our range of Powderhound ski-themed apparel. This soft, comfy clothing range is the ideal way to celebrate a love for the mountains all year around and our options come in a huge range of sizes so they're perfect for anyone!
Let the mountain lover in your life enjoy a piece of the mountains wherever they are with our high quality art prints. From original art pieces to artisanal photography printed on matte ultra paper, our winter art prints come in a range of landscapes and designs, fitting for every style of home interior out there.
Everybody has a favourite mug, and we think it will be this one. Our fine bone china mugs are another great gift option that is practical and for those who miss the snowy slopes. These make the perfect winter gifts for him and her. Our range of printed espresso cups are also a great choice for the coffee lovers out there too!
Finally, the search for the perfect gift is over. Can’t wait to see the looks on their faces as they receive their gift? Place an order at our online store today to avoid disappointment.
And why not also accompany your presents with a mountain themed card to really show your loved one you care? Explore our full collections today to give a gift that will show your appreciation for years to come.
]]>To celebrate international dog day and to introduce the Powderhound Dog collection here we explore three remarkable and beautiful mountain dog breeds, Bernese Mountain Dogs, St Bernard and the Siberian Huskies. These were specifically chosen as rescue dogs in the mountains due to their fearlessness and heightened ability to both smell and hunt.
Bernese Mountain Dogs
Native to the cold regions of the Swiss Alps, Bernese Mountain Dogs have a thick double coat that keeps them insulated. Their strong build allows them to trudge through deep snow, making them resilient against the harshest conditions. The Bernese Mountain dogs have one of the most acute senses of smell, making them adept at detecting the slightest disturbances. Their heightened sense of olfactory ability allows them to sense the pheromones released in the air by humans trapped under the snow.
Saint Bernard
Their natural disposition is to guard and protect, making them fiercely loyal. Originally developed by Monks at the St. Bernard Monastery and Hospice founded during the 11th century, the majestic Saint Bernard is famous for rescuing adventurers caught in avalanches on the Swiss alps. However today, Bernards are not used so much as mountain rescuers but instead as gentle and faithful companions. With a legacy rooted in saving lives, Saint Bernard’s are enduring symbols of hope and bravery in the mountainous regions.
Siberian Huskies
Historically used as sled dogs Siberian Huskies have incredible stamina. This ensures their ability to cover vast mountainous regions without tiring easily. The Siberian Husky have a unique eye structure that captures more light, making their vision sharper during the dim mounting nights, enabling them to spot troubled or lost victims easily. Native to the chilly Siberian regions, their thick white and black coat offers protections against the cold. These attributes, combined with rigorous training molds these breeds into the formidable rescue dogs that they are. Not only their inherent breed characteristics, but also their indomitable spirit, fierce loyalty and the heart-warming bond they share with humans that truly establish them as genuine guardians of the mountains.
Shop the Powderhound Hound Collection today and discover the perfect addition to your mountain inspired dog loving lifestyle.
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The Grossglockner High Alpine Road, Austria
This scenic drive offers breath taking views of the Austrian Alps and the Grossglockner, the country's highest peak. It takes about one and a half hours to complete the drive without stops.
This winding mountain pass is a favourite among driving enthusiasts, with its hairpin turns and stunning views of the Italian Alps. It is the highest paved road in the Eastern Alps with an elevation of 2,757m above sea level.
This high mountain pass in the French Alps offers panoramic views of the surrounding peaks and valleys. It is situated in the Mercantour National Park so if you look around you, you might see some special wildlife.
The Great Dolomites Road, Italy
This road winds through the heart of the Dolomites, offering stunning views of these iconic mountains. It stretches along roughly 140km passing through the South Tyrol, Trentino and Veneto. Starting in Bolzano and finishing in Cortina d’Ampezzo across the Costalunga, Pordoi and Falzarego passes.
This winding mountain pass offers incredible views of the Swiss Alps, while connecting Gletsch, Valais with Realp, Uri. It was featured in the James Bond Goldfinger movie shot in the 60's, where James in his Aston DB5 was chased by Tilly Materson in her Ford Mustang.
This is the highest mountain pass with a paved road within Switzerland. It offers stunning views of the Bernese Alps and Gries Glacier.
The Route des Grandes Alpes, France
This scenic route connects the French Alps from Lake Geneva to the Mediterranean, offering stunning views of some of the region's most iconic peaks. It is also one of Europe's iconic cycling routes.
This high mountain pass offers incredible views located on the border between Switzerland and Italy. It is open 365 days a year, and also crosses paths with the historical Bernina Express Train.
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James Bond: The Spy Who Loved Me (1977) - James Bond investigates the hijacking of British and Russian submarines carrying nuclear warheads, with the help of a K.G.B. agent whose lover he killed. We later see an iconic ski chase scene, in which Bond skis off a cliff and opens a parachute.
Kingsman: The Golden Circle (2017) - After the Kingsman's headquarters are destroyed and the world is held hostage, an allied spy organization in the United States is discovered. These two elite secret agencies must band together to defeat a common enemy. This sequel features an insane action scene in which the main characters get stuck in a fast rotating ski lift.
Inception (2010) - A thief who steals corporate secrets through the use of dream sharing technology is given the task of planting an idea into the mind of a C.E.O, but his tragic past may doom the project and his team to disaster. Later on we see an unforgettable ski chase scene in which the main characters ski down a mountain while being attacked by gunmen.
Chalet Girl (2011) - This romantic comedy follows a former skateboarding champion Kim who wants to make more money after her mother's tragic death. She joins the elite posh servicing company, which sends her off to the Austrian Alps as she works as a chalet girl and falls in love with a wealthy ski resort owner.
Downhill Racer (1969) - This classic sports movie follows a young ski racer as he joins the US ski team as a downhill racer and clashes with the teams coach. There is lots of good skiing action leading to an exciting climax.
Force Majeure (2014) - This Swedish film tells the story of a family on a ski trip in the Alps who are forced to confront their deepest fears after a devastating avalanche.
Eddie the Eagle (2015) - This biographical sports comedy follows the story of Eddie Edwards played by Taron Egerton, a British ski jumper who became an unlikely hero at the 1988 Winter Olympics.
Hot Dog...The Movie (1983) - This is a classic ski comedy that follows Harkin Banks who heads to a skiing championship in California. A teen runaway tags along as he parities and competes with friends and foes.
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The Alps are home to some of the most breathtaking scenery in the world, and one of the best ways to experience it is on foot. From snow-capped peaks to rolling meadows filled with wildflowers, the Alps offer an incredible variety of landscapes to explore. In this blog, we'll take you on a journey through the top scenic alpine trails in the region. Whether you're an experienced hiker or just looking for a leisurely stroll, there's something for everyone on these trails. So, lace up your hiking boots, grab your camera, and let's hit the trail!
Davies Alpine House, Kew Gardens, London
Venture into high-altitude territory and experience the cool, dry and windy conditions that allow alpine plants to flourish...in London !
This is a protected area that's home to many types of alpine flowers including orchids, lilies, and gentians. This protected area is not only home to a diverse range of alpine flowers, but it's also home to a variety of wildlife, including red deer, chamois, and ibex. Visitors may be lucky enough to spot these animals while hiking the Val Trupchun trail.
Alpe di Siusi, Italy
This is Europe's largest alpine meadow, known for its stunning displays of wildflowers in the summer. In addition Alpe di Siusi is also home to a number of traditional mountain huts, some of which date back to the 16th century. These huts provide a glimpse into the rich history and culture of the region.
This reserve offers a number of flower-filled hiking trails, including the Lac Blanc trail, which offers stunning views of Mont Blanc. This reserve is not only famous for its fields of edelweiss, but it's also home to several mountain lakes, including Lake Devero. Visitors can hike along the shores of the lake, taking in the beauty of the surrounding mountains and forests.
This reserve is not only famous for its fields of edelweiss, but it's also home to several mountain lakes, including Lake Devero. Visitors can hike along the shores of the lake, taking in the beauty of the surrounding mountains and forests.
This valley is not only known for its colorful displays of wildflowers, but it's also home to several picturesque villages, including St. Moritz. Visitors can stroll through the charming streets, admiring the traditional architecture and sampling the local cuisine.
This area is not only home to a number of rare alpine flowers, but it's also known for its rich history and culture. Visitors can explore the ancient ruins of the Roman city of Celeia, or visit the medieval town of Skofja Loka.
This park is home to a number of alpine flowers, including the gentian, which is often used to make liqueurs. In addition to the gentian, this national park is also home to a number of other rare and endangered species, including the Apollo butterfly and the Eurasian lynx. Visitors can learn more about the park's conservation efforts at one of the many visitor centres.
This mountain range is not only known for its meadows of wildflowers, but it's also home to the Rila Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Visitors can explore the monastery's stunning frescoes and admire its ornate architecture.
This park is not only home to a variety of alpine flower species, but it's also home to the Krimml Waterfalls, the highest waterfall in Austria. Visitors can hike along the falls, taking in the beauty of the cascading water and the surrounding mountains.
Bring some indigenous Alpine Flowers into your home with our Alpine Flower homeware collection!
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10 questions to test your knowledge of ski resorts around the world
Which North American ski area is located close to the town in which the outlaw Butch Cassidy is reputed to have robbed his first bank?
Answer: Telluride
Butch Cassidy, birth name Robert Leroy Parker, and three other men robbed the San Miguel Valley Bank in Telluride, Colorado, stealing $21,000, on June 24, 1889. After a spell in prison, he formed 'The Wild Bunch' in about 1896. Harry Longabaugh, "The Sundance Kid", was one of the men who joined. The ski resort of Telluride extends to about 2,000 acress and has 115 trails.
Which ski resort features in a John Denver song?
Answer: Aspen
"It's a long way from LA to Denver
It's a long time to hang in the sky
It's a long way home to Starwood in Aspen
A sweet Rocky Mountain paradise
Oh, my sweet Rocky Mountain paradise"
John Denver was one of the first stars to make a winter home in Aspen, Colorado.
Which was the first ski area in North America to host a Winter Olympics?
Answer: Lake Placid
Lake Placid hosted the III Olympic Games in 1932. It also hosted the XIIIth games in 1980. Other US rests to host the games were Squaw Valley in 1960 and Salt Lake City in 20002. In Canada Calgary hosted the 1988 games, while Vancouver was picked to host the 2012 games.
Most people are familiar with the story of the Vonn Trapp family, whose flight from Austria was immortalised in "The Sound of Music". The family subsequently established a ski hotel in North America. At which resort is it located?
Answer: Stowe
The Trapp Family Lodge opened in 1950 with 27 rooms, but greatly expanded in subsequent years. Stowe's skiable area of 485 acres has 116 trails.
Which French ski resort has a piste named after two Olympic champions?
Answer: Val D'Isere
The 'OK' piste was named after Jean Claude Killy and Henri Oreiller. Although neither was born in Val d'Isere, they were brought up and based there. Killy won three gold medals at the Grenoble Olympics of 1968, while Oreiller won two golds at St Moritz 20 years previously.
What type of racing are you more likely to go over 100 Kilometers an hour?
Answer: Downhill
Which French ski resorts were connected by an amazing double-decker cable car for the first time in 2003
Answer: La Plagne and Les Arcs
The 'Three Valleys' ski area in France is centered around the resorts of Courchevel, Meribel and Val Thorens. Which linked village lies in what was sometimes called 'The Fourth Valley'?
Answer: Orelle
Les Trois Vallees is a magnet for skiers and snowboarders from many countries and has something to offer winter sportspeople of all abilities. Meribel has a reputation of being a winter home-from-home for Britons. Courchevel is probably the most glamourous in the area and attracts a lot of Russians. Val Thorens is the highest resort in western Europe.
The term 'fourth valley' is a colloquial one. Les Quatres Vallees (The Four Valleys) is the official name of a linked ski area in Switzerland.
Scotland has its devotees among very hardy skiers and snowboarders, but which has the most ski runs?
Answer: Glenshee
Glenshee has 36 runs; Cairngorm 23; The Lecht 20; and Glencoe 17
Several neighbouring resorts in Italy and France are part of a huge ski region that shares its name with a chocolate bar. Which chocolate bar?
Answer: Milky Way
The Milky Way includes Sesteriere, Sauze d'Oulx and Sansicario in Italy, and Montgenevre in France. The entire area has more than 400km of pistes.
Choose your favourite resort from our a Mountain Art Collection
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Obsessed with the mountains? If your loved ones are anything like us, there's never a wrong time to give them a fitting gift. We've put together a list of some of our, all year round, best gifts for skiers, snowboarders and mountain lovers including a few Powderhound essentials, of course!
Powderhound's very own bestseller. The perfect addition to every skier and snowboarders' home. Featuring beautifully hand painted illustrations by artist Natasha Durlacher, with miniature skiers and boarders spelling out each letter of the alphabet on a double sided fine bone china mug. Exquisitely crafted by hand in Stoke on Trent.
The amazing history behind the best ski trails in the world.
Veteran ski journalist Patrick Thorne has unearthed the incredible stories behind 50 unique runs from the utterly unmissable to the totally unexpected. Discover the two different Alpine ski areas who claim to be Hannibal's route through the mountains with his elephants; the debate around what is really the world's steepest slope; how smugglers have used ski runs to escape custom patrol; and why hundreds of skiers dress as witches at Belalp in Switzerland every year.
Features skiing from across Europe, North America and South America, as well as fascinating global ski destinations including China, Iran and even North Korea. Along the way we'll meet Franz Klammer, the greatest ski racer in history, as well as The Beatles, Count Dracula, St Patrick and James Bond. Complemented with practical information and trail maps, it is the perfect gift for the skier in your life.
No more digging for your phone or taking off your helmet to make a call. Simply press the right button twice to activate Siri or Google Voice to make a call or change your playlist using the built in microphone.
UNIVERSALLY COMPATIBLE - Works with most audio ready helmet brands including Wildhorn (Checkout out our Drift helmet!), Smith, Poc, K2, Giro, Bolle, Anon, Burton and others. Just make sure your ear pads are audio compatible and the Alta speakers will drop right in.
INTUITIVE DESIGN - Designed in Utah by skiers and snowboarders that wanted a hassle free premium audio experience. You will never have to remove your phone from whichever coat pocket it's hiding in again with this thoughtful gift.
For the chilly days. Hand warmers are a perfect gift for the alpine adventures or in winter in general. Not only can they warm your hands, but they can also charge your mobile phone when you need it.
Milo revolutionises the way we communicate on outdoor adventures. Forget about push-to-talk walkie talkies that only allow one person at a time to speak. Milo lets you and your friends enjoy hands-free group voice chat while on the move. No phones or Wi-Fi needed. Milo creates its own secure MiloNet™ mesh network so that everybody in the group can share the moment, in the moment. It's also water resistant.
Everybody knows that ski apparel can be difficult to gift, especially for size-dependent things like ski pants - that's why we've made it super easy to shop for casual après ski apparel with our Powderhound shirts. Rep your love for mountains and skiing with these classic, fun-loving designs - available in all sizes.
Shop our collection of long and short-sleeve designs, made with soft 100% organic cotton that gives them a comfortable fit to complement your style. Perfect for a cosy winter day or take them with you on your next mountain adventure.
Indulge in some apres ski with these beautifully handmade gingerbread biscuits by the amazing London based Biscuiteers. Hit the slopes with delicately hand-iced skis and ski poles, warm up with a bobble hat and hot chocolate, before kicking off the ski boots in our cosy chalet. Almost too good to eat but nevertheless a brilliant gift for the ski mad friend, host or family member.
Treat your loved one to a tailor made weekend in the mountains organised by the people at Ski Weekend, founded in 1987 by Gavin Foster & Sue Greenslade. Aware that busy people might only be able to snatch a few days away at a time, their concept was simple – find awesome ski resorts as close as possible to major international airports and offer short breaks on the snow for keen skiers. Keen to get started on your first ski trip with Ski Weekend? Grab your ski gear ready to go.
The only right pair of socks anyone will need. Let the skiers in your lives show their love for the winter sport by donning a pair of stylish patterned ski socks. The perfect addition to any skier's wardrobe, these soft and comfortable socks are sure to keep your feet warm from soggy boots, even on the coldest days!
Not sure what to get a skier? How about our best-selling Powderhound snood? It’s the perfect gift to keep skiers' and snowboarders' neck and face warm in the cold winter weather. Soft and comfortable, our choice of 4 designs feature playful illustrations of skiing figures and are made from stretchable fabric with a black fleece lining to help keep you warm and snug. Our snoods are unisex and machine washable. Whether you're in the mountains or in the city, you can look stylish and stay warm with a Powderhound Snood.
So there you have it! Our list of our favourite gifts for skiers and snowboarders. We hope this list has helped make your ski gift shopping a little bit easier and a lot more fun, and don't forget to spread the mountain love. Hopefully these gifts can even bring back the cherished memories and spark the same excitement you felt on your first trip.
For more ideas check out the Powderhound website.
]]>Nestled high in the peaks, surrounded by stunning natural beauty, there is no better place to ignite the flames of love. Whether you're a seasoned skier or just looking for a winter wonderland to escape with your significant other, ski resorts offer the perfect blend of adventure and relaxation. From skiing and snowboarding down pristine slopes to snuggling up by a warm fire, ski resorts provide endless opportunities for couples to strengthen their bond and create lasting memories.
Here we've put together a collection of some mountain top locations that will help you go the extra mile when it comes to romance .
So grab your skis, or just a warm blanket and let the love come down.
There's nothing quite as romantic as tying the knot on Valentine's Day, and nothing quite as fun as saying "I do" on a ski slope while dressed in your wedding attire over your thermal wear. Imagine sharing this special moment with hundreds of other couples, either getting married or renewing their vows, all while surrounded by the breathtaking beauty of the mountains. To top it off, participating in this annual event, the "Marry Me and Ski for Free" promotion, now in its 32nd year, comes with the added bonus of a free lift pass! The ceremony takes place at the appropriately named Loveland ski area at high noon on Valentine's Day.
"Lifts of Love" is a unique spin on speed dating, where eligible singles have the opportunity to ride the chairlifts and mingle with new people in a ski resort setting. The concept is simple - each ride up the chairlift serves as a quick speed date, giving individuals just a few minutes to strike up a conversation and see if there's a connection. At the top of the lift, guests have the option to continue their conversation or move on to someone new. The excitement continues with an Après Ski Mixer, featuring a live DJ, at Norquay's Lone Pine Pub, making it the perfect opportunity to make new friends, socialize, and maybe even find love on the slopes!
What could be more romantic than to float over Europe's tallest mountains in a hot air balloon with your loved one. As you float in the air, the only sounds you'll hear are the gentle breaths of the burner that keeps the balloon aloft. This extraordinary and peaceful experience offers a 360-degree view of the Gran Paradiso and the stunning Aosta valley below.
If you’ve never exactly played by “the rules”, and like to use special occasions as a chance to tick items off your bucket list, make the Snow Village near Levi a stop on your Valentine’s adventure. Hewn entirely out of ice, the hotel, restaurant, bar, slide and chapel here melt every summer and are carved anew in different and impossibly intricate designs. It’s like Narnia, with Tom Collinses. Bring your beau for winter magic (sans Santa); a romantic weekend on ice that’s lit up like the Northern lights which, incidentally, are just a sleigh ride away.
Tiroler Zugspitze Arena in Austria’s picturesque Tirol region is a great choice for romantics. Besides the extensive skiing on wonderful ski slopes surrounded by beautiful mountain scenery you can choose from a long list of low-key activities where you can really enjoy your time together. A hike by torchlight, a spot of ice skating or perhaps an evening with a good meal and traditional Tirolean entertainment in a mountain hut.
..and to complete the package why not add something from the Powderhound Heart collection
The great Lauberhorn downhill from Wengen in Switzerland. The race is one of the oldest and longest in the world, dating back to the first running of it in 1930.
The longest downhill race in the FIS World Cup calendar is also the most beautiful. With a backdrop featuring the north face of the Eiger, the Monch and Jungfrau, this is one race the organisers don't have to try too hard to sell
The course features many famous sections such as the Hundschopf jump (where the racers appear to be jumping off a cliff face !); the Kernen-S where the skier hurtles into a 90 degree turn onto a small bridge and then into another 90 degree turn
The Wasserstation where the skier goes under the mountain railway in a tunnel, and the infamous Haneggschuss, where the top speeds can approach the 150km/h mark.
Spectators who fancy there chances at emulating the professionals can actually ski the course after the race has finished
The Snowsport Mug with all the snow sport disciplines including Downhill, Slalom, Snowboard , Cross Country and Freestyle.
L'Espace Killy ( Val D'Isere and Tignes) is often regarded as having the most reliable snow in the Alps, primarily due to the extent of its high altitude skiing (60% of its 300km of slopes are above 2500m). Although it's on the northern side of the Alps, its proximity to the Italian border means that snow can also arrive from the south-east, Throw in a couple of glaciers and nowhere else in Europe can offer such a variety of snow-sure slopes for such a long season. If there is a weakness in Tignes, it is that some of the home runs are quite exposed to the sun and, given the heavy traffic, can become tricky in spring.
Averaging 11m of snow each year, St Anton is often top of the snow-depth records in Austria, owing to its legendary off-piste skiing. Plus, 72% of the ski area's slopes have snow making capabilities. With a reputation as the cradle of alpine skiing and with 276km of piste, Arlberg joins together the resorts of St Anton, St Christoph, Lech, Zürs, Zug, Stuben and Sonnenkop
Mammoth lies just to the east of Yosemite National Park, around three hours south of the resorts surrounding Lake Tahoe. Its location is usually incredibly snowy, indeed base depths here regularly top 5m at the top of the mountain and skiing in recent years has continued on spring snow right through to the July 4th holidays, despite the resort averaging 300 sunny days a year. 150 trails await, including some seriously steep routes at the top, the world-famous Mammoth Unbound terrain park and numerous family-friendly groomed routes.
If you’re looking for reliable snow, high altitude skiing and a charming Swiss village then look no further than Saas-Fee. You’ll spend most of your time skiing here at between 2500m and 3500m – something that is pretty much unrivalled in Europe. What this means is that great snow is pretty much guaranteed, especially as the resort possesses one of the largest glacier ski areas in the Alps. The two nearby areas – included on the wider area lift pass – of Saas-Grund and Saas-Almagell add good variety to what is a relatively compact ski area.
Don't forget to put some t shirts, hoodies and the beautifully practical snoods in your bag
FRANCE
USA
SWITZERLAND
ITALY
AUSTRIA
Have you ever been skiing and wondered what the resort looks like after the snow has melted? The answer? Even more incredible views than during winter; beautiful chocolate-box villages adorned with bright hanging baskets, tumbling streams and ice-cold glacial rivers working their way through lush meadows grazed by cattle with bells around their necks, craggy mountainsides teaming with blueberries and the most exquisite wild flowers — everything Natasha depicts in our hand-painted Summer Collection.
It sounds a cliché, but every bit you might have read or seen about summer in the mountains is true. But if you, like us, like a bit more action on holiday than the summer fly-and-flop — where are the best places to find it? Mountain resorts do all offer a bit of everything, but here we’ve rounded up a selection of some of the better options for summer mountain fun.
Best for biking: Méribel, France
Biking in the mountains is glorious — because unless you’re trying out the Tour de France climbs on your road bike, you can use the ski lifts for the ascents. And what’s not to like about that? The French resort of Méribel, in the heart of the Three Valleys, is as much a paradise for cyclists in summer as it is for skiers in winter. There are 11 downhill itineraries, nine enduro itineraries, six itineraries designed specifically for electric mountain bikes and three cross-country itineraries. Méribel has also this year launched three new gentle trails aimed specifically at families — Le Clos Bernard, Les Cotilles and Col de la Loze Sprint. There are myriad bike hire shops, as well as events, training and guided tours all focussed on the bike. More information about what’s available for cycling fans in Méribel is available here.
Best for climbing: San Cassiano, Italy
While most climbers might think all roads — or routes — lead to Chamonix in the summer, why not think outside the box and explore this pretty, car-free mountain village with a secret reputation among hardcore climbers? You’d be hard-pushed to find better scenery — the Dolomites are a UNESCO World Heritage site — and the there is something for all level of climber. There are beginner walls and a Via Ferrata, but the star of the show is the Sass Dlacia, the biggest sport-climbing area in the Dolomites. There are more than 200 routes on this imposing, vertical crag, with a BBQ area and campsite at its base, as well as mountains filled with incredible restaurants, for which Alta Badia is famed, for that all-essential refuel.
Best for walking: Zermatt, Switzerland
This Swiss ski resort is hands down one of our favourites all year round. Rising to 4478m, the Matterhorn is spectacular whatever the weather, and you don’t have to be a hardcore mountaineer to make the most of hiking in the area. There are scores of marked trails around Zermatt and its famous peak, as well as the other 37 peaks of 4,000m surrounding it — so you can plan a walking holiday in the area based in a hotel, B&B or guest house in car-free town or why not stay in mountain huts? These linked-up wooden huts really come into their own on summer nights. A bit like its ski offering, Zermatt has walking routes for families right through to experts who might want to tackle the Matterhorn. More details of Zermatt’s walking options can be found here.
Best for watersports: Whistler, Canada
Avid skiers might consider visiting Whistler a waste of time during the summer months, but think again. Canada is a treat any time of year and the glacial valleys and Coast Mountains of British Columbia are extraordinary in summertime. The area teams with water of all kinds — rivers, lakes and the nearby coast — ideal for white-water rafting, kayaking, paddleboarding, swimming, waterskiing and wake-boarding and even fishing and sailing. The beaches on Whistler-Blackcomb’s lakes are equipped with BBQs, perfect for family feasts after an action-packed day exploring. It doesn’t all have to be water-based, either, there is rock-climbing, mountain biking, bungee jumping, horse-riding trips, bear-viewing safaris and even summer bobsleigh at Whistler’s Sliding Centre, the only active sliding track in Canada.
Best for yoga: Verbier, Switzerland
This Swiss ski resort is year-round home to a huge, yoga-mad community which means yoga classes are available in every hotel and on every street corner. It’s become so popular among skiers and snowboarders — who recognise the benefits to mind and body through daily yoga practices — that the town now hosts its own yoga festival in late August. The Inspire Festival runs for three days (26-28 August 2022), bringing in holistic healing and yoga instructors and gurus from all around the world for yoga, meditation and relaxation sessions, lectures, and much, much more.
Best for trail running: Chamonix, France
We can’t talk about summer in the mountains without mentioning Chamonix, and while the legendary French ski resort is home to incredible mountain biking, hiking, climbing and mountaineering — it’s also become world renowned for its trail-running. The Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc (UTMB) is the pinnacle of the event calendar for most serious mountain runners, 10,000 of whom converge from all over the world to take part. The event had turned into a week-long trail running festival (22-28 August 2022), featuring seven different races but also host of talks, films and special events for the thousands of volunteers and spectators who turn up for what is an incredible spectacle. Read more about the UTMB here.
]]>Most skiers hang up their boots by mid to late spring, when lifts stop turning in ski resorts, but if you are in the growing band of folk who like to earn your turns, there’s riches to be found when the mountains go quiet.
Ski touring is by far the most environmentally friendly form of skiing; and perhaps one of the most rewarding. Climbing far away from the madding crowd on skis equipped with mohair skins, with nothing but pristine mountains, blue skies, clear air and good food and like-minded company on dark nights, is about as good as it gets.
Powderhound has put together a wish list of the most awe-inspiring ski touring routes around the world. They’re in no particular order, but enough to get us dreaming!
Where: France-Switzerland
Distance: Approx 75 miles
How long: 5-6 days
While the term “haute route” translates literally to “high route” and applies to any high-mountain route for hikers, cyclists and skiers, when skiers speak of The Haute Route they mean the one from Chamonix to Zermatt, probably the most famous off-piste ski-touring route in the world. This iconic trip was initially conceived for walkers, in 1861, but morphed into the must-do tick on any ski tourer’s list thanks to its iconic scenery and the start and finish in two historic Alpine centres.
Where: Colorado, USA
Distance: Approx 350 miles in total
How long: your choice
Not a specific touring route per se, but a system of mountain huts in Colorado for one or multi-night stays. Huts are not as common in the US as they are in Europe, so this collection of 34 close to some of Colorado’s big-name resorts including Aspen and Vail, are one for the list. Tour from hut to hut in any combination, or start with an overnighter, with the average route to any hut being six or seven miles from a ski area, with a climb of between 1,500 to 2,500 feet. Routes to some of these huts last well into early summer.
Where: Interlaken / Munster or Grimsel
Distance: Approx 52 miles
How long: 5-6 days
This is an immense and classic tour, through huge terrain, that can be tackled right up until June, thanks to the fact that much of the skiing and touring is on giant glaciers. There are various options for routes, all high and remote, including the possibility of skiing 4000m peaks. This is big glacier skiing at its best, through some of the wildest and very best scenery the Alps has to offer, including the Jungfrau, Mönch and, of course, the Eiger.
Where: Bormio, South Tyrol, Italy
Distance: Varies
How long: Around 6 days
A lesser-known corner of the Alps, the Ortler Alps is in the South Tyrol, close to Italy’s borders with Austria and Switzerland. While the terrain is glaciated and dramatic, the peaks are slightly lower than in the Western Alps — there’s nothing over 4,000m — but the area is quiet, with Stelvio National Park being one of the largest in Europe. Like most ski tours, the exact start and finish and route depend on the mountain guide’s plan, and the conditions of the day, but the Ortler isn’t a point-to-point ski tour and Bormio is a good central springboard.
Where: Kulusuk, Greenland
Distance: Varies
How long: The longer the better
You’ll struggle to find more remote mountains than on Greenland, basically a huge icecap in the middle of the Arctic Sea. Late spring to early summer is the best time to visit, when light starts to return to a wild land, inhabited only by a small number of Inuits, where peaks rise to a relatively easy 1000m offering boundless ascents and descents to melting fjords. Reach the mountains by boat, dog sled or helicopter, for one of the world’s last great ski touring experiences.
Where: Vent-Vent
Distance: Approx 46 miles
How long: 5-6 days
Starting at the end of the Ötztal valley, in the quaint village of Vent, surrounded by wild and huge scenery, this classic ski tour takes skiers over the Wildspitze, at 3770m the highest peak in the Tyrol and the second-highest in Austria, as well as five of the other highest mountains in Austria. Most of the runs are on northerly aspects, which means this is a good ski tour for late spring. The comfy, well-furnished huts on Ötztal Ski Traverse are what also make it special — with excellent food, good beer and often small rooms with duvets.
Check out the Powderhound Touring range to take you back to your best Touring days on high.
]]>A ski holiday isn’t just about time on the pistes — many skiers choose their resort based on the après-ski party scene, too. Whether you want to sit quietly with a pint enjoy the last rays of sunshine on the mountain or totally let your hair down at a slopeside party, dancing in ski boots to a DJ or live band, après is an important part of the skiing day?
Every skiing country in the world does après slightly differently but one thing’s for certain: there’s guaranteed fun across the board.
We’ve picked out some of the best ski resorts to party at après, some of the big headliners where you’re guaranteed some fun.
There can be fewer more famous places in the world for après than the MooserWirt, an Austrian institution. Sitting just above the town on the Galzig piste, this place is heaving every afternoon with DJ, beers and shots of Jägermeister until 8pm (Powderhound tip: here’s a hotel behind it, so you can stay right at the heart of the action). Across the piste is the Krazy Kanguruh — again not for the faint-hearted. Both require a ski down to the town afterwards, when you can stop in at Basecamp and complete St Anton’s very own après-ski equivalent of the Bermuda Triangle. If you need something a little less rowdy, Heustadl is on the Blue 1 piste, or Anton Bar, at the base of the Galzig gondola, offer more laid-back options. Scotty’s needs a mention, too (great pizzas).
Top of the charts for its massively varied scene — most skiers will recognise the big names here even if they haven’t skied Val d’Isère. This resort was the site of the very first La Folie Douce, the open-air nightclub where the table stomping is in full swing every afternoon until 5pm. Situated at the top of La Dialle, although you can ski in, you can also get the lift back down. Then there’s Cocorico at the Rond Point des Pistes, another massive open-air party scene which kicks off slightly later in the afternoon with DJ and live band. Other (slightly quieter) institutions are the Pacific Bar, Le Bananas and the Moris Pub — one of the very first pubs to open in Val d’Isére. Later on the party moves to the infamous Dicks Tea Bar or the Underground Café.
Rub shoulders with the rich and famous in Verbier. Negotiate the likes of Ice Cub (at Ruinettes) or the yurts of Bar 1936 before dropping down into the town to enjoy some chic après at Le Rouge at one end of the town or some rowdier fun at Pub Mont Fort at the other. Another old favourite is Fer à Cheval (Powderhound tip: free pizzas are handed out at après), or head to the central Farinet, which hosts live bands every night of the season. If your après antics take you as far as the Farm Club, Verbier’s long-standing nightclub, don’t forget your credit card — the Farm is renowned as one of the most expensive destinations in the Alps.
A perhaps surprising entry, the freeride Mecca of Andermatt is sneaking its way into the après-ski charts. The resort has a special après-ski adapted coach on the railway taking skiers between the linked resorts of Sedrun and Disentis via the 3000m Overalp Pass (an overall journey time of an hour). Consumption of food and drink in the bar is mandatory, and (Powderhound tip: there’s an on-board DJ at weekends). In Andermatt itself, the arrival of La Vache — from Rob Sawyer, James Blunt, Lawrence Dallaglio and Carl Fogarty, the same team behind the Verbier restaurant — is shaking things up. Resident DJ is Konal Kirsten (from Chicago, London and Ibiza) with the likes of Seb Fontaine, Brandon Block, Toby Anstiss and Goldfish performing throughout the season.
North America isn’t known for its après scene, but Whistler is one of the exceptions with the Garibaldi Lift Company (GLC) topping the bill. Located just above the Whistler gondola building, you can enjoy a shot skis and beer on the terrace while watching skiers coming down the mountain (Powderhound tip: there’s a masseuse going from table to table at GLC, too). If you’re staying in Whistler’s Upper Village, Merlin’s, at the base of Blackcomb Mountain, is a great place to enjoy some end-of-day nachos. There are many other places to explore — Buffalo Bill’s with its a resident DJ and a great cocktail menu, the ubiquitous Irish pub, Dubh Linn Gate, serving up live music and Guinness and more pumping music at the Longhorn Saloon.
Surprisingly European in its approach to après, the residents of this town ski hard and party harder. Things kick off at Cloud Nine on Highlands, with a classic European open-air party, ski boot table dancing, champagne quaffing and live DJ. On Aspen Mountain, Little Nell this year launched “The Beach” at Sundeck —where skiers can enjoy drinks and snacks and live DJ while lounging on deckchairs. For a chic atmosphere, head to the Wet Deck at the W, Ajax Tavern at the Little Nell or Chica at the Little Nell Residences just next to the Silver Queen Gondola at the base of Aspen Mountain. (Powderhound tip: Ajax Tavern serves up unbeatable truffle fries.) Then there’s the Red Onion and Limelight Lounge — the latter des great pizzas after skiing. Later in the evening, Belly Up Aspen is an institution — the live music venue was founded in 2005 and still goes strong. Then there’s the Caribou Club and 7908 Aspen for a more chic vibe.
Home of the Snowbombing festival, this town goes off at après, starting at the Pilzbar at the top of Penken cable car with its umbrella bar and terrace. Further down in the town is the Bruck n Stadl which regularly features international DJs and a crazy party vibe that seems unique to Austria. (Powderhound tip: for a unique vibe, try the White Lounge — a giant candlelit igloo where waiters skate around serving drinks.) There’s dancing on tables to classic tunes at the Ice Bar next to the Penken lift, while the Scotland Yard Pub enjoys a huge reputation as one of the best places to party in Austria.
There’s more saxophones, dancers, DJs and fun from La Folie Douce where you can stomp in your ski boots until late into the afternoon before transferring to the Underground Bar in town. Known for its live sports, music and loyal clientele, this place is run by Brits and (Powderhound tip) serves up reasonably priced drinks. Smithy’s Tavern is a favourite watering hole, and when the shadows have grown (very) long, revellers head downstairs to L’Igloo which stays open until 0530am but probably best ditch your ski boots before that point. The Speakeasy Arena is known for its brilliantly eclectic and varied selection of music while Mo’s serves up cheesy choons at après for those who want to party hard.
Several new hotels have opened this winter in this buzzy Italian resort that offers a cheaper view of the Matterhorn — likely to only increase the already well-established fun at après-ski. Grab beers by the pitcher at the Yeti or enjoy live music and terrace drinks at the Thistles Pub in the Dragon hotel which offers a homely vibe with its British pub décor. The Umbrella bar, right at the foot of the slopes, is a firm favourite with live music midweek, while the family-run Lino’s bar, opposite Cervinia’s ice rink, is known for its live music on Sundays. (Powderhound tip: if you like a G&T, the tiny Tasty bar on Cervinia’s main street has more than 500 different types of gin). Later in the night head to the Sound Club which has a great cocktail menu.
The 210km Grandvalira attracts skiers for its low-VAT and duty-free prices, and while the après is lively at all the resorts, its Pas de le Casa that attracts the real party-hard crowd with almost too bars many to mention. The scene kicks off at the Coll Blanc, Kamikaze Surf bar and the Mazaya Igloo terrace. Pas 83 is great fun — a ski hire and storage location with a bar featuring live music and DJs (Powderhound tip: if you store your skis here you’ll get a free drink every day). Free popcorn and shots are hounded out early at the London Underground, then there’s Costa Rodana, Paddy’s Bar, the Dubliner, an Irish bar split over two levels as well as sports on the big screen at the Milwaukee Bar.
]]>INSPIRING WOMEN OF THE MOUNTAINS
International Women's Day is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. The day also marks a call to action for accelerating women's equality. Globally, International Women’s Day 2022 is shining a light on gender equality through its' #BreakTheBias campaign, supporting global efforts towards creating a diverse, equitable and inclusive world where difference is valued and celebrated.
This year we are shining a light on some inspirational women of the mountains.
Mathilde Gremaud
On September 14, 2020, Mathilde took female freeskiing to a new level when she was the first ever female to land successfully land a Switch Double Cork 1440, a real watershed moment. Then, just a few months later, in January 2021, she took the trick to the contest slopes and landed it in competition for the very first time in the Ski Big Air finals at the X Games Aspen, earning her the gold medal in the process.
She's showing no signs of slowing down either, continuing to add more silverware to her collection with every passing competition – including a bronze medal in 2022 from the Free ski Big Air event in Beijing, China.
Matilde alongside Kelly Sildaru, Jennie-Lee Burmansson and Tess Ledeux created this fascinating mini-series provides a glimpse into the world of women's freeskiing, seen through the eyes of four of its biggest talents.are four women who're ushering in a new era of freeskiing and living their lives at full speed.
Watch Four - the next generation of freeskiers here.
Chemmy Alcott: Olympian and British Sporting National Treasure
Powderhound’s brand ambassador Chemmy Alcott is a true inspiration to us. As a little girl, Chemmy she always keen to prove she could be doing whatever the boys were doing. Growing up with older brothers, and sporty parents, she propelled herself into the world of skiing and was natural from the start. Since then, Chemmy has competed in four Winter Olympic Games and seven FIS World Championships and has been overall Senior British National Champion 7 times. Chemmy is passionate about ensuring there is accessibility in women’s ski racing working with ‘Woman Who Ski’ to run a skiing experience in St. Anton, Austria. Being a busy working mother herself, Chemmy is passionate about promoting skiing in early motherhood, and making sure skiing is accessible to women at any stage of their life. She has spoken out publicly about the gender gap in skiing and is a shining inspiration to any young girl with aspirations to make it as a professional ski racer.
Read Chemmy’s fantastic article on the gender gap in skiing here.
Tina Basich
Tina Basich was one of the first women to bring female snowboarding into the spotlight. She began snowboarding when it was still a ‘new’ sport, back in 1986 and has been a consistent face in the sport ever since. Her list of achievements is lengthy; from becoming the first ever woman to win an X Games gold and the first woman to successfully land a backside 720 in competition (1998 X Games), to winning the 1997 ESPN Freeride Big Air in Aspen, Tina is definitely one of the mothers of modern freestyle snowboarding. Her autobiography ‘Pretty Good for a Girl’ is an essential read for any young aspiring snowboarder.
Lynsey Dyer
One of the world’s top female freeride skiers, Lynsey Dyer makes even the toughest terrain look like a walk in the park. Winning every big mountain competition she has ever entered, has starred in a number of films and was the first female to grace the cover of Freeskier Magazine.
However, Lynsey does not only inspire through her personal skiing successes, but also through her off-slope ventures. She founded production company, Unicorn Picnic (UP), a female driven collective of adventure lovers, who bring a light, fresh take to ski movies to empower women to get involved in the outdoors. Their first release ‘Pretty Faces: Diary of a Skier Girl’ was fully community funded and received widespread praise for bringing the fun, unique freeride experiences of an all-woman cast to the big (or little) screen.
Their latest mini series, ‘Lighten UP’ aims to continue this, showing a light-hearted, behind-the-scenes type look at the whole big mountain experience.
Committed to encouraging and empowering female participation in outdoor adventure, Lynsey also co-founded non-profit organisation SheJumps. This organisation looks to educate and inspire girls and women not only in snowsports but in all outdoor activities, bringing women together to achieve the best of their potential.
Millie Knight
Millie demonstrates an inspiring determination and resilience that very few people have. After losing her sight at the age of 6, she found a passion for skiing and was determined to pursue her dream of skiing professionally. Millie now competes in the slalom and giant slalom events, and in 2014, was chosen as the flag-bearer for Paralympics GB the Sochi 2014 Paralympic Games. At just 15 years old, she was the youngest person ever to compete for Paralympics GB in the Winter Paralympics and achieved an amazing fifth place in both disciplines. Since then, she has become the first ever British Paraskier to win the world championship title, taking gold in the 2017 World Para Alpine Skiing Championships in Tarvisio, Italy. Despite a concussion that left her out of much of the remaining 2017 season, Millie has remained focused on building on her success at the 2018 Paralympics in PyeongChang.
Follow her blog to read more about her achievements here.
Elizabeth Simisola Oke - Mount Noire
In 2019 Oke went skiing in Chamonix, France, with her university friends and future business partners -Tobi Adegboye, Wenona Barnieh, Blessing Ekairia and Adeola Omotade.
The uncomfortable stares and unsolicited comments about "not realizing Black people ski" continued. Oke explains that you can't help but "feel insecure" when people stare, noting "It's as if you are walking around naked." Despite this, Oke describes skiing "with a group of other people who looked like me" as "the best experience" she'd had on the slopes.
The close friends found inspiration behind their shared encounters, sparking the formation of Mount Noire, a London-based ski travel company with the aim of "bringing colour to the mountain." Adegobye explains that: "Mount Noire reminds you that you are welcome in all spaces, no matter what your background or heritage is. It is companies like Mount Noire that are transforming snowy landscapes into inclusive spaces.
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While pondering Dave’s remarkable backstory — he’s now 35 and began skiing on his local dry slope — we started wondering what other inspirational athletes have blazed trails in winter sports, and came up with the list of names below.
There were so many contenders for our top ten most inspirational athletes though, who do you think we have missed out?
“I’m 35 now, but I never stopped believing, I never stopped trying, and to bring the first victory for Great Britain in a World Cup, in Kitzbühel, I don’t know if dreams are made better,” said Dave, after his historic win on Saturday (22 January).
Amazing words from a man whose childhood ambition was to be one of the world’s top 30 ski racers — and hasn’t that dream come true! Ryding started skiing aged six on his local dry slope in Pendle, Lancashire. While his family took annual holidays to the Alps, Dave did his first ever ski race on a dry slope at the age of eight. He was selected for the English Schools team aged 13, and for the British Alpine team aged 19, in 2005 — and it was 12 long years until his first World Cup podium, a second place in January 2017 (also in Kitzbühel). During the intervening years he briefly had his funding withdrawn, in 2010, the year of his first Winter Olympics (in Vancouver). Dave competed at the Sochi Winter Olymipcs in 2014 and at Pyeongchang in 2018 — it goes without saying that we will all be willing him on for success in Beijing 2022.
Few children who lose their sight at the age of six would think of taking up skiing at the same time, but this is exactly what Millie did. The Paralympic star describes her sight as “pretty rubbish” after eye infections during her very early years — but that didn’t stop her becoming “pretty obsessive” about skiing. Millie took up racing seriously in 2012, winning bronze medals in her first competitive races aged just 13. Aside from her visual impairment, Millie has battled several serious concussions in big falls on the racecourse to compete in alpine skiing in the slalom, giant slalom, super-G, super-combined and downhill events with her sighted guide, Brett Wild. The now 23-year-old from Canterbury, Kent, became the youngest British athlete to compete in a Paralympic Games at Sochi in 2014 and is now facing her third Winter Paralympics in Beijing.
Now aged 52, Tina from Sacramento, California, helped paved the way for women to become professional snowboarders during the 1980s, at a time when snowboarding wasn’t even considered to be a sport, let alone a sport for girls. Tina says double-edged comments like “You’re pretty good … for a girl” (the name of her autobiography) pushed her to go harder and faster than the men, creating female-specific snowboards and clothing lines that stood out from the baggy, grungy over-sized kit available for men.
Among Tina’s incredible achievements include being the first woman to successfully land a backside 720 in competition, at the 1998 Winter X-Games, which secured her win in the Snowboard Big Air. In 1996, Tina co-founded the not-for-profit Boarding for Breast Cancer and now, as an artist, works to raise awareness for scoliosis, a condition with which her daughter was recently diagnosed.
Tina says: “There’s been this whole revolution of women in all sports. My mom was a cheerleader in high school because that was the only activity that was offered. Nowadays it’s such a strong statement to be a female athlete and to be widely accepted.”
At the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics, the 38-year-old former DJ from Northampton will become the first ever athlete to represent Jamaica in an alpine skiing event. It’s been a remarkable journey to the Olympics for Benjamin, who has no full-time coach and only took up skiing in 2015. But remarkably, on 12 January this year he finished seventh in the GS at the Cape Verde National Ski Championships in Liechtenstein an incredible feat that has qualified him for Beijing. The engineering graduate says one of his biggest mentors during his journey was Dudley “Tal” Stokes, of the 1998 Jamaican bobsleigh team (about which Disney made the film, Cool Runnings). In Beijing, Benjamin will be the 15th athlete ever to compete for Jamaica at a Winter Olympics.
Michael David Edwards (nicknamed “Eddie” by schoolfriends) barely needs an introduction — in case you haven’t seen it, a film has been made about his life. Cheltenham-born Eddie first went skiing on a school trip when he was 13 and became hooked. After failing to gain a place on the British downhill squad, Eddie switched to ski jumping during the 1980s, deciding he stood a better chance of making the Winter Olympics as he was the only Brit competing in the discipline at that time. At Calgary in 1988 Eddie became the first Brit to compete in Olympic ski jumping since 1928, despite being 9kg heavier than any other competitor and being totally self-funded. He also had to battle “fogging” of his glasses, being very near sighted, a problem with which many other skiers who wear glasses will identify. Eddie’s 71m jump at Calgary was a British record, putting him in the top six of British ski jumpers, and although he sadly failed to qualify for any subsequent Winter Olympics because the rules were tightened, Eddie won a firm place in the British nation’s hearts for his dogged determination and good-natured enthusiastic love of the sport.
This inspirational man was the first and is still the only person to have undergone an organ transplant and subsequently compete in an Olympic Games. But Klug went one better — by winning Olympic bronze, too. The now 49-year-old received a liver transplant in 2000 when he was 28 and critically ill, but was back on his snowboard just eight weeks after his operation. Two years later, Chris went on to compete in the 2002 Salt Lake City Winter Games, winning bronze in the parallel giant slalom. He says meeting the parents of his donor the day after his win was as a more emotional experience than winning bronze. Chris, who now lives with his family in Aspen, Colorado, wrote an inspiring book about his story as a transplant survivor, and in 2003 formed the Chris Klug Foundation. He works tirelessly to raise money and awareness, inspiring people to register as organ donors — and is well known as being one of the nicest guys in winter sports.
Together these women formed Nigeria’s first ever bobsled team and competed at the 2018 Pyeongchang Winter Olympics. While the trio drew comparisons to Jamaica’s first (male) bobsled team who competed in 1988 at Calgary, there was a difference. Not only was this team female, but all three trailblazers were summer athletes — runners, to be precise. Seun Adigun even represented Nigeria at the London 2012 Olympics in the 100m hurdles. In order to compete, the trio had to form a governing body in their country — so in 2016 created the Bobsled and Skeleton Federation of Nigeria and subsequently raised $75,000 in just over a year to pay for their campaign. While they sadly finished 20th out of 20 teams, Adigun said: “This is a huge milestone for sports in Nigeria. Nothing makes me prouder than to know that I can play a small role in creating opportunities for winter sports to take place in Nigeria.”
An incredible 22 Paralympic Winter gold medals have earned this Norwegian Nordic skier the title “Queen of the Winter Paralympics”. Despite competing for the first time in her 40s and retiring after the 2002 Games, Ragnhild (now 78) remains the most decorated Paralympic athlete of all time, with 22 golds, three silvers and two bronzes to her name. Ragnhild suffered polio as a child, but started her medal spree at the 1988 Calgary Games with five golds and one silver. She continued to medal every year, at five Games, until Nagano 2022, where she increased her tally by another five golds, competing in short, middle and long-distance races, as well as cross-country, relays, biathlon and ice sledge speed skating, too.
Norway has produced another inspirational athlete in Marit Bjørgen, who holds the title of most decorated Winter Olympian of all time — with 15 medals to her name. Eight of these are golds, not a bad haul for a farmer’s daughter who learnt to cross-country ski as a child. Marit, a Nordic skier, began competing internationally at the age of 19 and bagged her first Olympic medal at Salt Lake City in 2002, as part of the Norwegian quartet in the team relay. Now retired, her tally is an impressive one and still unbeaten.
Not content at being at the top of her game in one Winter Olympic discipline, this 26-year-old Czech from Prague won gold medals in both skiing and snowboarding events at the 2018 Pyeongchang Winter Olympics. Aged just 22 at the time, Ester took gold in skiing’s super-G event and gold in snowboarding’s parallel giant slalom. In doing so, the young Czech made history — becoming the first person to win two golds at the same Winter Olympics using two different types of equipment and the first woman to win gold in two separate disciplines at the same Winter Olympics. Ester took up skiing at four and snowboarding a year later, winning her first gold medal at the age of 17, in snowboarding parallel slalom event the Junior World Championships. Not a bad feat, we think she’s definitely one to watch at Beijing 2022.
Check out Natasha's homage to GB Snowsports athletes; the new Snowsports mug - featuring Downhill, Slalom, Freestyle, Snowboard, Cross Country and Ski Jumping ⛷
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£29.99
The best way to cut down the use of plastic bottles and cups is to take your water with you. Available in red or black, with classic Powderhound silhouetted skiers design, this stainless steel, BPA-free water bottle will help keep skiers hydrated on the slopes and save money, too. The bottle, by Mizu, is 500ml and comes with a handy lid to attach to a backpack.
£24.00
Made from wood, these personalised piste marker are a fun wall ornament and a brilliant way to remember a special ski holiday. The markers come in green, blue, red and black can be personalised with the place, number and name of your choice. Hang on the wall and remember amazing times on the slopes all year round.
£63 for 90 minutes
Give the gift of skiing! Why not buy the teenager in your life a snowboard group lesson at The Snow Centre in Hemel Hempstead. Gift vouchers are valid for one year from the date of issue — so your teen can take the lesson at any point and book themselves online. Print off the gift voucher from the Snow Centre’s website and fill in with a code when you buy online. Lessons for younger children and adults are available, too.
A long-lasting gift that will bring a touch of Alpine magic to your recipient’s Christmas tree every year, this set of four fine-bone china Christmas baubles feature Powderhound’s classic skier designs has been designed, manufactured and decorated in the UK. Also available as singles, from £16, and why not look at the Powderhound range of mugs and washbags, too.
Is your loved-one trying something new on the slopes this year? Going away for their first ski touring trip perhaps and don't own any lightweight ski kit? Buying a new Patagonia ski jacket and pants will set you back hundreds, but renting is easy on the pocket and the planet. Eight day’s rental of a Patagonia Ascensionist men’s jacket costs £37.86 and Patagonia Snow Guide men’s softshell pants £36.71. Why not add an avalanche bag? An Ortovox Ascent 30 Avabag costs £93.29 for eight days (compared with £600 to buy).
Ski accessories have traditionally been made in plastic but now there’s no need — Devon-based firm Dewerstone sells a range of wooden and plant-based acetate sunglasses, all of which have polarized lenses, come with a proper cleaning bag, two-year warranty and crash replacement policy. If that’s not sustainable enough for you, all sunglasses are certified Climate Neutral, a tree is planted with every sale and donation given to 1% for the Planet.
Aside from that — they look extremely sharp on the slopes and the beach.
£16
Made in one of the last remaining potteries in Stoke on Trent, these personalised Alphabet Ski Mugs will brighten up anyone’s tea break and bring mountain memories straight to your kitchen. Miniature skiers in Powderhound’s signature skier and snowboarder design spell out your chosen initial on the front and back. The mugs are dishwasher safe and designed and decorated in the UK — we think they’re the perfect stocking filler for everyone in the family.
£72.99
Everything the ski lover needs for snacks on the go. This set includes a Picture Organic Asbury 450ml insulated tumbler for coffee, tea and hot chocolate, the stainless steel Black+Blum 750ml, 100% leakproof insulated water bottle to keep drinks cold for 24 hours or hot for 12 hours and a Black+Blum sandwich box. This fab 1.25L stainless steel lunch box has a bamboo lid with natural anti-bacterial properties that doubles as a chopping board.
£10
Another fab stocking filler, this high-performance “once-a-day” no-mess, clear, breathable sun protection has been designed by Olympians for athletes and is used by the British Triathlon team. Specifically designed for high-intensity sports where skin must breath and will sweat, Pelotan is also available as a 200ml spray for £20 — so we think it’s reasonably priced, too.
Free from parabens, preservatives and oxybenzones which cause skin reactions, Pelotan has not been tested on animals and every sale donates 1% for the Planet. In 2020, Pelotan also became one of the first companies in the world to be certified ‘plastic positive’.
From £40
What can be more sustainable than a gift that will sit on the wall all year round, for years to come, reminding your loved one of the mountains? This original modern photography ski print by Powderhound founder, photographer Natasha Durlacher, is available framed or unframed, and in two sizes. There are host of other prints to choose from, too — featuring photographs, art and beautiful scenes from the mountains. The perfect gift for skier homes.
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There’s nothing quite like browsing luxury and inspiration ski chalets dreaming of the properties we’d own, or holidays we’d take, if we had a sudden windfall. So as winter draws near, and the ski season is about to start, we’ve done all the trawling for you to compile Powderhound’s top ten most inspiration ski chalets — whether that’s for interiors, remote locations or funky design. We’ve got it all covered here. Sit down with a coffee in one of our Powderhound mugs and let the dreaming commence…
Compiled and written by Abi Butcher @abibucher
The Penthouse, Haus Alpina, Klosters, Switzerland
Sleeping 12 guests in six en-suite bedrooms, this chalet is the luxurious private home of Chrissie Rucker, founder of The White Company. The interior by award-winning interior designer Nicky Dobree is a mix of soft neutral tones, with liberal use of home comforts from The White Company — including toiletries and candles, throws, cushions and furniture.
The penthouse has two double-height living rooms, a small Swiss stube (dining room) for cosy breakfasts and an elegant formal dining table with a huge antler chandelier overhead. The magnificent second-floor master suite has a freestanding bath and there is a treatment room for post-skiing massages. Bliss.
Chalet Artemis, St Anton, Austria
This chalet is the second home of Andrew Dunn, owner of Scott Dunn, so it is perhaps unsurprisingly that the property has been designed to perfection thanks to Andrew’s many years’ experience of providing top-notch, luxury ski holidays. Chalet Artemis had a makeover for the 2019-2020 season, with new rustic alpine décor, Tyson London lamps, Rolf Benz designer sofas and a large Paul Smith rug. The chalet sleeps 12 in six bedrooms (all named after Greek gods, too) — with vast emporer-size beds that can be set as doubles or twins. The property has its own private cinema with velvet chairs and a 24ft indoor pool with jet stream and spa with eucalyptus steam room and sauna.
Scott Dunn no longer offers chalet holidays, but Andrew has hand-picked the best of his former chalet stuff to work in this now privately available chalet.
Backstage Chalet, Zermatt, Switzerland
Designed by renowned architect Heinz Julen, Backstage Chalet is an incredible contemporary ski property with 360-degree views of Zermatt village and the Matterhorn. Constructed with glass and local larch, the 320m2 chalet has open gables, and an open-plan living room featuring bespoke cowhide and leather sofas.
The showstopper is an indoor/outdoor hot tub that glides up through the living room through retractable glass panels to the roof where you can sit enjoying fantastic views of the village. There’s also a gym, a sauna, a cinema room and ski room with lovely boot warmers. Backstage Chalet sleeps 10 adults in five bedrooms with an additional loft room for children.
Designed by award-winning Scandinavian architect Snorre Stinessen, this contemporary and luxury lodge, built in 2021, is set in the pristine wilderness of the Lyngen Alps and offers front-row seats for the Northern Lights. With its floor-to-ceiling, wraparound glass and clad in patinated green copper, the lodge blends with the wild environment, sitting just 100m from the sea shore giving the best possible access to spectacular views.
The furnishings are bespoke and include Hästens beds and Antonio Lupi bathrooms. There’s a traditional Norwegian sauna outside beside a little creek, along with a hot tub and six luxurious suites for up to 12 guests. On hand is award-winning nature photographer and marine biologist Auden Rikardsen to talk guests through the local nature.
Mi Chalet, La Villa, Alta Badia, Italy
Boasting a panoramic view of the Dolomites — a UNESCO World Heritage Site — this was the area’s first luxury chalet for two. Inspired by the surrounding nature, Mi Chalet was designed as an eco-friendly “Clima House” by Dr Karl Heinz Castlunger, a pioneer in wood architecture. Dr Karl’s wife, interior designer Antejesusann Castlunger, took charge of the interior that features locally sourced wood, calm colours and simple elegance. The living room sits on the first floor, with a cylindrical, hanging woodburner and spectacular mountain views; the bedroom features a walk-in closet, bath and shower and an infrared sauna — as well as glass doors out onto the garden. The property isn’t fully catered but sits in Alta Badia, the gastronomic capital of the Alps with four Michelin stars within just nine square miles.
michalet.it
Chalet Marmottière, Verbier, Switzerland
This magnificent and inspirational ski chalet (well, two linked chalets) uses a mix of natural materials and modern bespoke design with floor-to-ceiling windows to create a dramatic, sophisticated atmosphere. With its Andy Warhol prints on the wall, enormous antler chandeliers and unrivalled facilities, it’s no wonder Chalet Marmottière was named the World’s Best New Chalet in the 2020 World Ski Awards. Sleeping up to 18 guests in nine en-suite bedrooms (including two huge master suites), its facilities include a huge 17m indoor pool, 3D cinema, a bowling alley, billiards room, bar, hot tub, sauna, gym, spa and treatment room. The 1500m2 property also has a conference room and is just a four-minute drive or ten-minute walk to either the ski lifts or resort centre.
Eagle’s Eye Suite, Kicking Horse, Canada
Perched high in the Purcell Mountains of British Columbia, above Canada’s highest five-star restaurant (Eagle’s Nest, at 7,700ft or 2,400m) the Eagle’s Eye Suite is the perfect place to stay for a night. Complete with a private chef and butler service — and jaw-dropping views of the surrounding peaks, all to yourself — the Eagle’s Eye Suite is Canada’s highest hotel suite and earns its place on this list for sheer drama.
The suites themselves (there are now two) are reminiscent of an old log cabin, with wood panelling, four-poster beds and cosy leather sofas. You get a complimentary bottle of bubbly with every booking and the best fresh tracks of the day the following morning.
Montana Treehouse Retreats, Whitefish, Montana
Sitting on this seven-acre property outside Whitefish, this fairytale treehouse was built in 2016 by outdoors-loving couple Kati and Darin Robison. The treehouse sleeps two ‘privately’ and up to four ‘comfortably’ over two flours with two spiral staircases. The chalet has a bedroom loft with a tempur matress, fire pit, wifi and 1.5 bathrooms over its 500m2 living space, with plenty of room for ski gear.
There’s a second property now, the Raven’s Nest Treehouse, an A-Frame building that sleeps up to seven. Located in Columbia Falls, there is ski touring or cross-country direct from the door of both properties and Whitefish Mountain Resort is only a 15-minute drive away.
Chalet Joux Plane, Morzine, France
This ski-in chalet in central Morzine has been constructed almost entirely of glass, to make the most of the mountain vistas — with a bold glass atrium dissecting the property to flood it with light. If you get tired of the views, which are best enjoyed (we imagine) on the swings in the double-height lounge area, Chalet Joux Plane has its very own art gallery! There is 680m2 of living space, with six en-suite bedrooms accommodating 10 adults and four children — with a lounge area, library, snug, 23m indoor-outdoor swimming pool, Bamford spa with treatment room, sauna and gym as well as cinema room. To add to the James Bond feel, you enter Chalet Joux Plane via a 15m tunnel.
Sitting on a ridge protruding from the Ruth Glacier, just 10 miles from the summit of Denali, the highest peak in North America at 6190m, Sheldon Chalet is one of the most exclusive experiences skiers could want to have.
Since this five-bedroom, 2000ft2 hexagonal chalet is 27 miles from any road, you have to fly in from Anchorage or Talkeetna by helicopter. The first mountain house was built here 50 years ago, but replaced by a new lodge that was finished in 2018 by the Sheldon family. Before that, the only way to stay in this location — the 35mile2 Don Sheldon Amphitheatre on the glacier — was in a tent while eating trail mix and dried rations.
Now you can enjoy world-class food, luxury bedding, running water and keep toasty warm while soaking up the remote, jaw-dropping views 24 hours a day whether the crisp peak of Denali, visible from every room by day, or the Northern Lights or meteor showers by night. Just about the most inspirational ski chalet we could find!
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So we’ve picked the ten best ski resorts for Christmas skiing – don’t forget to pack a few Powderhound gifts to put under the tree while you’re there.
Written and compiled by Abi Butcher.
With slopes up to 3,899m, skiing is guaranteed all year round in this magical Swiss resort — especially at Christmas. There are 360km of pistes, scores of wonderful mountain restaurants, tree-lined runs, a view of the Matterhorn that never gets old, and a car-free village where horse and sleigh or carriage is one of the main modes of transport.
Zermatt is fab for families — children up to the age of nine travel free on ski lifts and trains (with the Wolli Card) and there is a special beginner pass for older kids and adults learning to ski for the first time. On Christmas Eve a large furry sheep (called Wolli, rather than Santa Claus) will give away gifts in the church square and there’s an ice rink as well as church services and music concerts throughout Christmas week.
Zermatt is fab for families: https://www.leotrippi.com/switzerland/zermatt/
Another car-free village, Wengen oozes traditional, chocolate-box charm set on a sunny plateau in the Lauterbrunnen valley and shares a ski area with Grindelwald in the majestic Jungfrau region. Wengen’s long, intermediate pistes are perfect for Christmas family cruising, with gentle nursery slopes in the heart of the village for beginners and wonderful mountain railways making it easy for non-skiing family members to get about, too.
Over Christmas, the streets come alive with decorations and there’s a traditional midnight mass with hot chocolate and ringli (homemade donuts) served afterwards. Celebrate with Christmas gift ideas like Powderhound art prints to keep the memory of your trip alive.
As well as more than 200km of skiing (up to nearly 3,000m), there are taboggan runs, curling and outdoor skating, too.
Yes this isn’t the highest ski resort but it beats so many others in the Christmas atmosphere, and has one of the longest seasons of any non-glacial ski resort in the Alps — thanks in part to some impressive snow-making and summer snow-farming.
Every December, the mediaeval village is transformed into a winter fairytale from the very start of advent, with decorations, carol singers and regular Christmas markets with stands selling everything from regional handicrafts, roasted chestnuts, gingerbread and fruit punch.
As well as downhill skiing (on the Streif, if you dare follow in ski boots of racers who tackle the Hahnenkamm) there is cross-country skiing, tobogganing, horse-drawn carriage rides and no shortage of places to eat Christmas lunch on the surrounding mountains.
Stay until New Year for three spectacular firework displays over three days from 30 and 31 December then on 1 January – the “Rasmusleiten”.
Stay until New Year for three spectacular firework displays over three days from 30 and 31 December then on 1 January – the “Rasmusleiten”.
With its high, snow-sure slopes, including two glaciers, Val d’Isère is a sure bet for Christmas skiing. To get everyone in the spirit of the festive season, there is a free Christmas Village and a whole range of festive events — from ice sculptures, torchlit descents, face-painting, concerts and carol singing. On Christmas Eve children can meet Father Christmas outside the tourist office in the early evening and on Christmas day you’ll spot Father Christmas and his elves giving out sweets at the lifts and on the slopes to young and old. It's the perfect opportunity to grab some Christmas gifts, or pick up some ski themed baubles to commemorate your wonderful trip.
Of course, for a livelier Christmas party there’s the Folie Douce — and you can even stay high up in the mountains in Le Refuge de Solaise, the highest hotel in France (2551m) in France’s oldest cable-car station.
Val d’Isère is a sure bet for Christmas skiing: https://www.leotrippi.com/france/val-disere/
Nowhere does Christmas as well as North America, and the resort of Whistler-Blackcomb, with its lively village base and extensive tree skiing is the perfect Canadian ski resort for a Christmas holiday. British Columbia is cold so while the mountains aren’t phenomenally high (Blackcomb is 2,285m and Whistler 2,180m), there is usually decent snow in December.
In the very heart of Whistler Village, where all the trees are lit with coloured lights, sits an outdoor ice rink and the restaurants across Whistler offer special brunches, dinners and lunches for families and friends congregating for the holiday.
On Christmas Eve, Whistler hosts a carol service, and for 15 days over the holiday period a free “Whistler Holiday Experience” for the little ones with bouncy castles, crafts, a mini putt course and table games as well as coffee or hot chocolate for parents. At New Year, Whistler puts on a fireworks display.
Aspen is a dreamy place for a ski holiday at any time of year, and with its four towering mountains open by the third week of December, why not head to Colorado for Christmas. Every year this quintessential ski town hosts a huge 93ft Christmas tree on Main Street, and decks itself out for “12 days of Aspen” (20-13 December) with activities from ice-skating and eating s’mores to meeting Santa and his reindeer, cookie-, ornament- and stocking-decorating, art workshops and more. For adults, there’s the “12 Days of Après” culminating in a New Year’s Eve firework display to end all the celebrations. Aspen is a cultural town, and its Wheeler Opera House hosts Christmas-themed performances during Yuletide including its annual staple The Nutcracker. Hotels, restaurants and taverns get involved with special Christmas buffets, brunches and dining with church services and carol singing across town.
The snowy village of Lech might only be set at 1,450m but there’s plenty of skiing to be had by Christmas — and thanks to the huge ski area it shares with neighbouring St Anton, there’s terrain for every level of skier or snowboarder over the mighty 305km pistes of the Alberg.
Often voted “Most Beautiful Village in Europe”, Lech is idyllic at Christmas time, nestled beside the eponymous river and with a festive mass held in its 13th century church, aptly named St Nicholas. Lech holds a Christmas market at Rüfiplatz throughout the month of December, perfect for perusing with a glühwein in hand. There are also horse-drawn sleigh rides, walking paths and tobogganing, as well as a natural ice rink in nearby Zürs.
Lech is idyllic at Christmas time: https://www.leotrippi.com/austria/lech/
The cobbled, car-free centre of this Italian village sitting in the shadow of Mont Blanc is another fabulous place to spend Christmas. The resort has its own version of Father Christmas, a figure called Rhémy de Noël — a fabled chimney sweep who was born in Courmayeur on Christmas Day. As legend tells it, he climbed Mont Blanc one Christmas Eve to find out why the town wasn’t covered with snow. No, it wasn’t climate change on this occasion but because the snow had all been trapped by a very lonely giant — and when Rhémy went to keep him company, snow began to fall on Courmayeur and turned the town white. Every Christmas Eve, the chimney sweep visits the town and gives presents to children who light a lantern to show him the way. If that’s not reason enough to ski in Courmayeur this Christmas, along with its incredible restaurants and family-run hotels, we don’t know what is.
Some of the prettiest skiing in the French Alps with a chic resort crafted from a traditional farming village by the Rothschilds, only an hour’s drive from Geneva and with beautiful views beneath Mont Blanc — there’s very little not to like about Megève. It’s not high altitude, from 1,113m to 2,350m, but the snow cover is usually reliable given its proximity to Mont Blanc and the abundance of artificial snowmaking if nature fails.
In early December, Megève holds a Christmas tree lighting ceremony and festival, complete with Father Christmas, in the town square, where an enormous tree decorated with Swarovski crystals has proudly taken centre stage for more than 50 years - ideal for Christmas ski holidays.
While staying over the festive period, skiers can enjoy the Megève Christmas village, visit the nearby reindeer farm, Domaine le Coulairon, and watch the parade on Christmas Eve when Santa and his elves give out presents. There’s also no shortage of top restaurants in which to enjoy Christmas lunch, and Midnight Mass is special in the 13th Century church.
If you’re looking for a proper festive atmosphere and tradition, why not go all out and head to Lapland for a Scandinavian Christmas? There are no shortage of reindeer in Finland and as well as skiing and reindeer sleigh rides you can go husky sledding and watch the Northern Lights.
Levi is Finland’s premier ski resort but it’s also a winter sports destination so while skiers can keep themselves more than entertained on 43 slopes over around 50km of skiing, there is also ice-fishing, ice-karting, snowmobile safaris, cross-country skiing, snowshoe tours and ice-skating. The gently rolling forested hills are great for beginners and intermediates — totally uncrowded and exceptionally beautiful.
Voted the best ski resort in the world in both 2021 and 2022, this famous resort cuts straight to the heart of seasonal joy. With a combination of bars, shops and restaurants, Verbier encompasses visitors in the classic Swiss ski resort feel. Head to Verbier for a guaranteed white Christmas!
Now that you have a list of the best ski resorts for Christmas, it's time to start planning your trip. But before you hit the slopes, don't forget about the most important aspect of any holiday: gifts! And what better way to celebrate Christmas in a ski resort than with gift ideas specifically designed for skiers and mountain lovers? Check out our recommended gifts here.
Save time on Christmas shopping this year and get ahead of the busy Christmas season. We offer gift vouchers for Powderhound, the perfect present for any ski lover - there are plenty of Christmas presents available including snow sport themed tableware, après ski wear, tea towels, baubles, personalised mugs and more.
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With its breathtaking views of the Matterhorn, the scenery at this mountain restaurant couldn’t be more Instagrammable. Set at 2130m in Findeln above Zermatt, this former farmhouse has been home to the family that runs it for more than 100 years. During the summer, cows and sheep graze the pastures surrounding the restaurant, which serves organic, local and home produce from livestock raised solely on grass. Specialities not to miss include dry-cured meats, locally made cheeses and homemade sausage using recipes passed down through the generations.
Powderhound top tip: The Vrony Burger is one not to miss.
Set at the top of Cloud Nine ski lift on Aspen Highlands, this legendary restaurant has incredible views of Highlands Peak (3777m) and Highlands Bowl. The European-style wooden cabin serves up raclette, fondue and apple strudel along with more Rocky Mountain-style cuisine together with cocktails, fine wine and of course champagne, obligatory for when the party kicks off.
Powderhound top tip: book a table for a late lunch because the tunes will start to get cranked up by the resident DJ, the dancing on tables begins and the champagne corks pop
This futuristic cube sits on the summit of the mighty Gaislachkogl at 3,048m, accessible during both summer and winter seasons. Costing €4.5million to build, the glass and steel structure has incredible views of the surrounding peaks in the Öztal Alps — it’s no small wonder that the restaurant was a shooting location for the James Bond SPECTRE movie. As energy-efficient as it is beautiful, ice Q is triple glazed and has a heat-recovery system, and for warmer days there’s a stunning roof terrace to soak up the sun and snap some mountain selfies.
Powderhound top tip: while the gourmet restaurant is Austria’s highest toque-rated eatery, the ice Q Lounge & Café offers a less formal experience with equally delicious strudel.
This is the highest restaurant in Canada at 2347m, with 360-degree, eye-popping panoramic views of no fewer than five surrounding national parks. Just getting there — Kicking Horse is 6.4km west of Golden in British Columbia — offers skiers the drive of a lifetime from Calgary, through Alberta, along the Trans-Canada Highway.
Eagle’s Eye sits at the top of the Golden Eye Express Gondola, so it’s accessible with or without skis, summer and winter. There are floor-to-ceiling windows and chandeliers made from antlers, and hearty but fine food with plenty of elk, bison and steak on the menu.
Powderhound top tip: Try the poutine (a Quebecois speciality of chips, cheese and gravy).
Set at 2457m on the south side of Mont Fort, this rustic high-altitude restaurant offers the perfect and most scenic place to eat in the glitzy ski resort of Verbier. You can stay overnight — it’s a 100-year-old hut used by ski tourers and a stop on the popular Chamonix to Zermatt Haute Route — but also perfect pitstop for refreshments during any point in the day, summer or winter. Skiers need to be reasonably competent to ski down the red from Col des Gentianes (2950m) but you can hike/ski tour up from La Chaux and rest in the enormous sunny terrace in front of the hut, with spectacular views across the valley to peaks including Mont Vélan, Six Blanc, Mont Rogneux — and even Mont Blanc on a good day.
Powderhound’s top tip: Don't leave without trying the cakes and deserts — all are home-made.
Preparing to host the 2026 Winter Olympics, Cortina is deep in the Dolomites and home to some incredible mountain dining. Open during the winter and summer seasons, Refugio Pomedes was originally built for athletes before the men’s downhill races in the 1956 Winter Olympics. Today it is still managed by the same family and reached on foot or by chairlift with a huge and welcoming sunny terrace that overlooks Mount Pelmo, Croda da Lago and the Lastroni di Formin. Cuisine at Refugio Pomedes is home-made and traditional — think beef goulash, dumplings with cured meet, casunziei (half-moon shaped pasta) filled with beetroot, Tyrolean cold cuts and cheeses.
Powderhound top tip: Watch the sun rise and set by staying the night — the breakfast buffet is worth the effort. There are dormitories for ski tourers as well as a couple of private double rooms.
Open during the summer and winter seasons, Face Au Mont Blanc sits right at the top of the Le Jaillet with incredible views of Mont Blanc from its sunny terrace. Accessible on skis and on foot, there are two restaurants within the chalet (one cheaper, serving pasta dishes and one finer dining) and also a summer food truck launched during the Coronavirus pandemic. The service is consistently good and friendly here, and hot chocolate is highly rated. There is a vast stone fireplace in the centre of the restaurant, and wonderful mountain memorabilia including chandeliers made from antlers.
Powderhound top tip: ask to take a peak into the VIP room for some real mountain ambience
While the Matterhorn might not be as iconic a view from the Italian side, it towers dramatically above Cervinia — and the family-run Chalet Etoile set among the blue runs above Plan Maison an unfailingly popular place to enjoy the view. The interior is designed in true mountain style — rustic tables, cow-skin benches and seats with walls hung with old farming and Alpine memorabilia. Chalet Etoile busy, but the service swift and efficient thanks to its Swedish owner Cesare Frassy and the food created by his wife Ulla is unmissable. Think reindeer fillet tempura and king crab ravioli. Yum! It’s open for dinner, too.
Powderhound top tip: Chalet Etoile is popular and gets crazily busy so make a reservation.
Set high on the Wurmkogl ridge on the Austrian-Italy border at 3080m, this circular restaurant and bar has 360-degree panoramic views of the surrounding Öztal Alps as far as the world-famous Dolomites. It is an incredible place to enjoy a final drink of the ski day — the viewing platform is perfect for mountain selfies. The “star bar” is encrusted with thousands of Swarovski crystals and the handrail around the bar features names of all the surrounding peaks and distances to many cities.
Powderhound tip: There is live music every Saturday or if you’re really flush, you can rent the entire place for a private party.
No guide to the most scenic restaurants in the mountains would be complete without a revolving restaurant and this one is complete with a James Bond connection — On Her Majesty’s Secret Service was filmed here some 50 years ago. The Piz Gloria at the top of the Schilthorn revolves once an hour so visitors can enjoy a 360-degree view from 2970m and the viewing platform outside is the perfect mountain selfie spot, summer and winter. If you haven’t bought a lift pass to ski in the area, you can make a booking at the Piz Gloria and travel up the cable car is included in the meal price.
Powderhound tip: Book the James Bond Brunch for croissants at altitude.
Why not checkout our Powderhound Mountain Art Collection
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Judith Kasiama: Founder of Colour the Trails
Chemmy Alcott: Olympian and British Sporting National Treasure
Alice Robinson: Young Talent
Meredith Erickson: Author of Alpine Cooking
Chloe Kim: Snowboard Queen
Image from @pinterest.uk
The adrenaline rush of skiing down a snowy peninsula will forever be a feeling that is unrivalled. Skiing and snowboarding perfectly blur the line of ‘a good time’ and ‘high-intensity exercise’. Unfortunately, this winter, many resorts have remained firmly shut. National lockdowns have meant our access to outdoor exercise altogether has been heavily restricted.
It’s not all doom and gloom though! It has meant we have been on the lookout for new and unusual ways to break a sweat indoors. Enter, the wonderful world of home workouts, zoom live classes and a lot of jumping up and down in your living room.
Exercise is a great way to get those endorphins flowing. Of course, it doesn’t have to be an hour-long HIIT class which leaves your legs feeling jelly. Any and all movement is incredibly beneficial for your mind and body. Taking time each day to move your body, no matter how slow and steady, is a great way to look after your mental health.
We also know many of you will be keen on keeping up your fitness levels for when we can return to the mountains. And that’s why we have decided to tell you about some of our favourite online fitness coaches that have been making us laugh, keeping us sane and pushing us to be more active indoors!
First on our list is popular YouTube channel, Yoga with Adriene. The benefits of yoga are endless, and Adriene’s calming videos are a perfect way to start your yoga journey. Accompanied by her equally-as-zen dog Benji, each video is designed to tackle a certain mood, emotion or action. You can browse through Yoga for Vulnerability right the way through to Yoga for Writers. Adriene has also several follow-along 30-day yoga challenges, where she sets you a different yoga flow to complete each day. Taking part in one of Adrienne’s challenges is a great way of feeling a small accomplishment each day and many will benefit from the structure and routine they provide during lockdown.
Next, we move on to TV fitness coach and all-around national sweetheart, Joe Wicks. His fitness method uses short high-intensity interval training workouts which are sure to send your heart rate skyrocketing. Passionate about keeping kids active, Joe live streams weekly follow-along fitness classes straight on to his YouTube channel, The Body Coach TV. Joe’s workout’s run on infectious energy and positive vibes - the perfect workout to do with all the family.
Our next fitness star was recommended to us by friend of Powderhound and legendary food and travel writer Meredith Erickson. In our Q&A with Erickson, she shed light on fabulous choreographer Ryan Heffington and his dance workout classes ‘Sweat Fest’. We were not disappointed, and boy we can tell you, they live up to their name. Each week via his Instagram live, Ryan walks you through a series of hilarious, bold and joyous dance moves, all whilst wearing neon shorts and tie-dye. What’s not to love?
Lastly, we have Georgie Spurling with her tried and tested GS method. Georgie’s fitness programme focuses on your body working effectively from the inside out, improving stress levels, circulation, lymphatic system, gut health and more. Her method is low impact, non-aggressive, but always high burn. It works by turning on deep local muscles that barely get used in the body to help strengthen from the inside out. Contracting muscles for longer meaning quick results! Having followed her workouts for nearly a year now I can guarantee they will make you feel incredible with her contagious energy, you will build up a sweat!
Hello Powderhounds! We are thrilled to hear how much you enjoyed our Q&A with the legendary Chemmy Alcott. Fear not! We are back with a second helping of equally as lovely chatter with the 4 time Olympian and all round skiing icon. This time, we discuss Chemmy’s inspiring efforts to bring more young women into world of winter sport, as well as her hopes to raise her two sons as mountain lovers. We also discuss Chemmy’s can-not-live-without Powderhound product. Spoiler Alert: She’s a coffee lover!
Having competed in four consecutive Winter Olympic games, what were the best memories?
I think probably my best memory was almost quite a sad memory. It was the (inaudible) Olympics I came in eleventh in the downhill, I had the most spectacular run, I was actually in third place until the last split and then I made a mistake and I ended up coming in eleventh. But I still superseded my expectations and I came through the finish and my whole family were there. It turned out to be the last time my family were there all together because my mum passed away shortly after. So I’ve got these amazing, kind of bittersweet memories of being in kind of my prime and being supported by all those who loved me. It was just an epic, epic day.
You did a great article interview on the gender gap in skiing in the Telegraph (linked at the end) What advice would you give to young women who want to get into skiing professionally?
Well first of all, I didn’t know that they printed that article! I wrote that ages ago and I was really passionate about getting more women into sport. Every winter I try and do a women specific ski experience. I actually do two a year, I do a ladies ski racing camp and then last year I worked with Woman Who Ski to run an experience at St. Anton. So I’m really passionate about that because there’s some crazy stats out there which show, especially new mothers if they don’t get back to skiing in the mountains within five years of their child being born then they sometimes never get back. I am very fortunate to have opportunities in motherhood to be with my passion in the mountains, so I really try to promote that side of it. I think young women getting into skiing professionally - it’s a fantastic sport in terms of putting your heart and soul into something. The amount of athletes around the world in different sports globally that I meet now who resent the sport that they competed at, they did it because they were good at it or because they were making a living not because they loved it. It’s outrageous for me to understand! Because I absolutely live to ski, and all my peers live to ski. So to be an environment with your friends, out there, pushing your limits - it’s amazing. I genuinely believe it’s the best sport in the world.
What is it you love so much about the mountains?
Oh my gosh. I am just sitting in my office in London and I’ve got this wall up of the back side of Mont Blanc. It’s wallpaper which covers the whole wall, I’ve got some 1950s wooden skis on the wall and I’ve got a picture of me the first time I did the jump after I broke my leg, two years after (Lake Louise). It’s just the mountains are in my heart and soul. They are so epic and they make you feel so little but in a really positive way, in a powerful way. When you get out there, and you're dedicating your time to be out there on the mountain and see it in all it’s quietness and it’s eeriness. And you can choose how fast you ski on some empty piste, it’s just absolutely epic.
Will you be sharing your passion with your sons Lockie and Cooper?
100%. Yeah, I mean Lockie hasn’t seen the mountains - and Cooper. We actually did get out there in July and Lockie came up the glacier one day and had a ski. And he’s asking me the whole time, as soon as it gets dark he’s like ‘Ahh! That means winters coming! So are we going to the mountains?’ I just want them to love it. They don’t need to compete, they don’t need to do anything that I want but I just want their lives to be enhanced by being out there in the mountains in nature, and doing sport. I think that’s so important.
What is your favourite Powderhound product?
Oh that’s a tough one. I think it’s my coffee mug because I start every day with it. And I love coffee. And every day I set it out- I’m a bit geeky actually because I wake up really early with the boys and I need my coffee to function, so I get it all ready the night before! I get the coffee machine ready so I just have to press the button into my Powderhound mug! Yeah, the kitchenware is just beautiful, the china! I just think you know, you're sitting there and you're looking into your bowl and you see all the skiers and snowboarders around the outside and it’s just like yes! This is why I am up at 5.30, so that can be me one day.
What is your favourite ski resort and why?
I don’t have a favourite ski resort per se. I don’t think it’s about where you go, I think it’s about who you’re with and how the conditions are. I’ve been to some tiny resorts that have been dumped with powder and I’ve been with skiers who push me and really challenge me to try new things and that's amazing. Equally, I have been to some of the biggest resorts and the snows not been great and I’ve just thought it doesn’t matter where you go! I love the variety of life’s different cultures you get, all throughout Europe from travelling from Austria where you know you are gonna get perfectly green pistes to the cheesy après ski to France and the amazing food to Switzerland with the lovely beds and duvets and bread! I mean I’ve got some weird things I do in every single country but I’m just very fortunate to travel to a lot of them and experience all the different feelings and cultures in the mountains.
]]>Hi Natasha! Life is crazy for me at the moment, a lot more admin than normal, running a European Ski Racing Club! Actually, I am just at Chatham at the moment doing some dry-slope stuff with a bunch of athletes.
How did you get into skiing?
I always say that I was made to be a Skier. We had this ski-mad family growing up. My dad was a rugby player, my mum was a swimmer. I always say I was genetically made to be a mountain goat - I got his glutes and her lungs! The other reason I think I really got into the sport is because my brothers were already doing it. I thought they were really cool and I wanted to do what they were doing! So at eighteen months old, my second Christmas, I was begging to go skiing! I did my first race at three years old. I always say I won that race but unfortunately, my Dad took twenty years to read that in multiple newspapers to tell me that I did not win that race. I disputed that because I have a teddy upstairs with a gold medal around his neck! And he said that everyone under the age of five got that teddy! I said ‘well I must have been fast because obviously, I went on to go to four Olympics’ He said no you stopped to give your videoing Daddy a kiss on the way down, which was definitely not the fastest line.
What pushed you to take skiing to professional levels?
Definitely 100% my passion for the sport. Having had quite a few injuries I knew that the grass wasn’t greener and that I was able to make a living doing something that I absolutely love. In fact, that made retirement so difficult because I just love everything about skiing. It’s being out in nature in the mountains, pushing your boundaries and your speeds physically to the limit, making incredible life long friendships. It’s a fantastic sport to compete at the highest level because instead of being jealous about those who beat you, you shake their hand and congratulate them because I guess there’s the danger element that they have gone further towards their limit than you that day. I just always just dreamt of being a ski racer. Actually, when I was younger I wanted to be a ski racer in the winter and a tennis player in the summer, I thought I could be a winter and summer Olympian! But I quickly realised that I had to be a bit more dedicated to one to achieve either.
You have spent much of your life since your retirement in 2014, what was it like to help the Ski Sunday to cover the WInter Olympics in Korea?
Covering the Winter Olympics for BBC was amazing. I was actually in the studio in Manchester whereas the team were out in the mountains, I chose that because I had a little baby, and I wasn’t able to take him over to South Korea. I didn’t know how I would react in the studio but I knew I was in the best hands because I was with my buddie Claire Balding and she just coached me through it. You know I got an amazing opportunity to really be myself in a live TV studio and it was just a fantastic environment! I probably felt more Olympic in that studio then I ever felt when I went to the Olympics because I got to watch more sports than when you are actually competing yourself.
You were a complete natural at presenting. Did it feel that way straight away?
Ah thank you, that's very sweet. Ski Sunday was always my favourite show growing up. It would have been - If someone had said to me you’re gonna get to go to four Olympics and then you’ll be a presenter on Ski Sunday, I would have said pinch me because that is just everything. I love talking, I love asking people questions, I love hearing everyone's stories and the different dynamics and the different methods that they use to reach their goals. Seeing that vulnerable side of Athletes I think is really important because it’s not an easy sport to do, so I love being able to interview my peers and my friends. But no, I definitely worked at it, I’m highly self critical every season I end it and I write to the producer and say ‘right, what can I do better?’ and thankfully I get some really good feedback, and there's always opportunities to improve, just like being an athlete.
We’ve been loving your at-home workouts, it looks like you're keeping very busy in lockdown. How have you found it?
Well actually the beginning of lockdown I actually loved! I’ve always wanted to pause in life, I’m like a swan above the water. I look calm and collected and underneath I’m just frantic and I’m just surviving with all of the workload I have. Being a business owner, being a mum, the TV presenting, being an ambassador, with everything! So actually it was really nice for a while to just take a step back and be more present in daily life, with the boys. Now though trying to run a European based travel ski race team, it is brutal. I mean, the workload in front of the computer, stalking of the travel corridors, the change of it every day. It’s been really tough but I am trying to get as many people and commit to getting as many mountain lovers to the mountains and coach them and host them as I can this year. And if it means I have to work all-nighters to do so then I will because as I said I am so fortunate to have lived a life through sport and it’s made me who I am and I just don’t want anyone to miss out on those opportunities.
Lastly, what are you looking forward to most about this season's Ski Sunday, now that you are an official presenter?
I am really excited to rise to the challenge. Graham and Ed have been a duo for so long and a few times I got to be a trio in that. I’m going to be excited to push myself to be better, to improve my skills. I love Ed, he’s amazing, he really helps bring out the best in everyone so I know I am in safe hands there. I just hope that we get to show our passion, that the Brits have the winter sports in the right way. There’s definitely a few tiers of level that we might be able to show the show from, so whether that's in Europe, in Scotland or in the Snow Domes but you know I will fight to make that as watchable as possible.
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Share the Warmth
A hot drink is a hug in a mug. Give the gift of warmth this Christmas, treat a fellow Powderhound to a mug this year. Chic, thoughtful and something every snow lover needs.
All mugs in our classic ski designs are available on our website and are a match made in heaven with all the following winter warmers.
Powderhound’s Hot Drinks Guide
Hot Chocolate
Hot Chocolate is probably the most indulgent hot drink of all time. Rich and velvety, it is the drink we crave after facing the cold. Top with marshmallows and cream if you like to be fancy or keep it simple - hot choc is always a delight.
Chai Tea
Chai Tea is made from brewing black tea with strong spices, like cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, ginger and black peppercorns. It can then be thickened with milk and sweetened with honey or sugar. The flavours are reminiscent of a bright autumnal day and it is simply divine to drink before a day on the mountains.
Mulled apple juice
Mulled apple juice is the unsung hero of the hot beverage world. Warm, uplifting and packed full of flavour, it is best enjoyed with a slice of apple strudel or a warming plate of Kaiserschmarrn.
Packing the Punch
Looking for something equally as Boozy as it is Toasty? These drinks make for the perfect tipsy nightcap.
Mulled Wine
Sipping mulled wine at après is a hallmark of a truly festive Ski holiday. Laden with citrus flavours and aromatic spices, it is truly Christmas in a cup. Sip slowly, to avoid excess wobbling as you glide back down the mountainside.
Bombardino
This hot, rich Italian drink packs a punch. Made from equal parts Advocaat/eggnog and brandy, you’ll find the Bombardino in all the good South Tyrolean ski resorts. Make sure to get it with whipped cream on top.
Hot Toddy
The Hot Toddy combines whiskey, honey, water and lemon and is sure to warm you right down to the bones. Did you know it also doubles up as a remedy for coughs and colds? The perfect hot drink to revitalise after perhaps getting a little too chilly on the slopes.
Irish Coffee
Add a kick to your coffee with the addition of a hearty splash of whiskey. This is the perfect drink to keep you going through a long evening of après-ski. Switch it up by adding brandy, Grand Marnier or anything you fancy
The Ultimate Wintery Cocktail
Legendary mixologist and friend of Powderhound Jack Jamieson (@scottishmixology) has concocted a fiery and sophisticated whiskey-based hot cocktail reminiscent of days on the mountains and captured beautifully in our classic ski marker mug. The recipe is below, we recommend you try this one at home on a cold winters evening.
Ingredients:
60ml Peated/Smoky Whisky
20ml Chocolate Liqueur
20ml Amaretto
15ml Absinthe
150ml Hot Chocolate
Whipped cream
Mint dark chocolate
Shop the perfect mug to pour your hot drink into
1900s
Prior to the 20th-century skiing was a very male-dominated sport and subsequently, skiwear for women was less than practical. It was usual for women to wear heavy woollen skirts down to their ankles. This look was often completed by a thick fur scarf and extravagant hat. Both men and women’s skiwear was made entirely from wool, as this was the most effective way to stay warm in the 1900s.
1920s
By the 1920s women’s skiwear had adapted and evolved beyond the skirt. The first Winter Olympics in 1924 popularised specialised skiwear, and garments were designed with functionality in mind. Women could now don trousers, although off the slopes it would still be outrageous to do so. During the 20s, any respectable man would rarely be seen without the classic flat cap, a look which reached the mountains.
1930s
During the 1930s manufacturers were in the full swing of making clothes that were comfortable and practical. Women sported Norweigian trousers, pants that were baggier at the top and then cinched tightly at the ankles. These were often paired with a tailored jacket, inspired by the uniform worn by pilots. The invention of the first goose down jacket in 1936 marked the end of skiwear made out of lambswool.
1940s
By the 1940s, developments in ski lift technology called for a more streamlined look. Now that you could ski downhill at greater heights, it was essential that clothing became more aerodynamic. Women’s trousers were now slim-fitting right the way down and tops were airy, designed for mobility. The colour palette of this era consisted of earthy tones - mustard yellow, muddy brown, with the odd pop of primary red often in the form of a jacket trim. Men tucked their ski pants into a pair of argyle print socks, and it was not uncommon to spot a beret being worn.
1950s
The 1950s brought the invention of Spandex and subsequently, ski wear became more stretchy and tight-fitting. The plaid flannel parka was a strong look during this decade, as was the beanie. In 1952, inspired entrepreneurs René Ramillon and Andrè Vincent created the first Moncler Jacket, the name an abbreviation of Monestier-de-Clermont, a mountain village near Grenoble. This jacket sparks a relationship between high fashion and skiwear for years to come.
1960s
The 1960s was a glamorous time for fashion in general, and this mood reached the slopes. Manufacturers used the latest fabric technology of the time to create sleek and slender pieces. The days of bulky skiwear were over and the snood was making its first appearance. Mod ski goggles were all the rage, inspired by the space-age fashion of the time.
1970s
The 1970s saw jumpsuits paired with turtlenecks complete with matching fluorescent accessories. Colours were big, bright and often psychedelic. Skiwear was now exclusively being made from synthetic materials, practical enough to wear as everyday clothes. Streetwear and skiwear were having a cross over, and people were loving it. Also, enter the Moonboot.
1980s
The 1980s was arguably the most iconic era for Ski fashion. Men and women both wore fluorescent neon snowsuits in bold colours. The invention of Gore-Tex meant that skiwear was lightweight, breathable and waterproof - super practical. Hairstyles achieved shocking heights due to excessive backcombing - slightly less practical.
1990s
Snowsuits were a continual theme throughout the 1990s, although the colour scheme was made up of more candy and pastel tones. Women would often sport a colour coordinated headband, and skiwear was lined with fleece to keep the wearer warm. The iconic 90s crop top made its way on to the slopes, often paired with high waisted leggings.
2000s
Throughout the Noughties, both men and women’s skiwear moved towards a baggier fit. Bulky, less tight-fitting clothes became known to be associated with the ‘snowboarder’ look. Many sported quilted parkas with faux fur hoods. The bright and bold colours and patterns of the 80s seemed to fade at the turn of the millennium, although block colours were still in.
2010s
Over the past decade, the main trend in skiwear has been specialised technical gear designed for high-performance skiing. It is common for luxury fashion houses to feature skiwear on the runway. The Moncler coat has remained a symbol of high fashion since the 50s and is still worn by the rich and glamorous today.
Ski Fashion Today
The year is 2020 and we are at the beginning of a new decade. What do you think the future of ski fashion is? The evolution of ski fashion over the past century demonstrates how advancements in fabric technology play a big part in moulding the style for that decade. Here at Powderhound, we make all our clothes from organic cotton, a sustainable fabric that is kinder on the planet. In recent years, we have seen an increase in alpine eco-initiatives and an emphasis on preserving the mountains for future generations to enjoy. Perhaps the next step for ski fashion is to see skiwear steering towards more sustainable, ethical materials.
Why not make your dreams a reality by giving your home a minor (or major!) chalet makeover. To give you that inspirational push, here are 5 useful tips for recreating a chic chalet vibe at home. If you are looking to plan an alpine escape this winter, then be sure to read to the end because there is a surprise in store.
Adorn Your Walls With Art
Decorate your walls with art you can get lost in. If chalets feel like the ultimate escape, then you deserve a mountain daydream from your kitchen table. Adorn your walls with artwork nostalgic for days on the slopes. Here at Powderhound, our founder Natasha Durlacher has created a range of unique prints, all reworked from photographs captured on her own alpine adventures. Choosing artwork will add an individual flair to your chalet look, so browse below our most iconic prints.
The feeling of relaxation is quintessential to any chalet interior. Our second tip for reaching this state of ease? Review your colour palette. Chalet’s are awash with calming neutrals, wintery greys and the odd pop of warming brassier tones. Giving your living space a lick of paint can be a daunting task, but oh boy can do it wonders. If you are not up to painting the whole space then why not try a well-placed statement colour across one wall. Choose a dark bold colour, to stand out against the neutrals. Easier ways of changing up your colour palette could be adding a cream throw or a couple of beige scatter cushions. This will make your living space feel cosier too, which is always a bonus.
Image: Chalet Tataali - Morzine, France
Our third tip is simple, add dimension to your space using different textures. Chalet interiors famously contrast hard finishes with softer tones. The addition of aged wood echoes the natural wooden interiors found in traditional alpine chalets. Antique markets are ideal for sourcing wood furniture with a more distressed finish. Combining different textures in your living space to perfectly juxtapose one another is a modern-day art-form in 2020. For example, Take a rattan wood chair and drape a faux fur rug across its elegant arms. You have achieved the height of chic.
Image: Chalet Sapphire - Morzine, France
Be inspired by the great outdoors. Being mindful about the four elements of nature (Air, Water, Fire and Earth) is a great place to start when redecorating. An important theme in the world of chalet interiors is bringing the elements from outside, inside. Create an airy interior inside your home, to remind you of the crisp mountain air. Achieve this by positioning a chair in natural light, or better yet by building a cosy window seat. Let warmth be the focal point, whether it be an actual fireplace or a cosy rug in shades of red and burnt orange. The elements are there to inspire your chalet dreams. We recommend creating a mood board around each element and see where your own creativity takes you.
Lastly, the final step to finessing a chic chalet vibe is the smaller, finishing touches. Your living space should be filled with light to mirror the large windows of a chalet. By nightfall, create a rustic ambience by lighting juniper berry and pine candles. It is okay to leave some empty space. To create a truly sophisticated vibe, it is important to avoid overcrowding. Centre your space with the addition of a large vase filled with crisp flowers and fresh pine cones.
Looking to go on Holiday Winter 2022?
We hope you have found these tips helpful, and your home is a little more alpine. However, if you are still dreaming of your perfect chalet, we know just the place to go. The Chalet Edit is a curated index of luxury chalets escapes and a remarkable resource for anybody browsing skiing holidays. Sit back, relax and enjoy the fun parts of planning a holiday. Expert Ski Specialists will assist you in hand-crafting the perfect trip, right down to booking all the fiddly after-thoughts that go with your dream escape. With years of experience and first-hand relationships with some of the worlds most luxury chalets, The Chalet Edit is something you can expect excellence from. If you would like to browse their chalets (fun activity even if you are not going away!) then click here. To speak to a Ski Specialist directly, call +44 (0) 208 133 1130.
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2020 has been a year. One global pandemic plus one hot, humid summer - we are not surprised you are desperate to escape to the cool breeze of the mountains. If you are planning on hitting the slopes this year then why not do so in style? We have put together a list of the our favourite and some of the best luxury European ski resorts you can visit this winter.
St. Moritz, Switzerland
St. Moritz is a tiny Swiss mountain village located in the Albula Alps below the Piz Nair. The village overlooks the wide glaciated valley of the Upper Engadine and the beautiful Lake St. Moritz. The town attracts the daring and adventurous, having twice hosted the Winter Olympics and famously setting the scene for the legendary opening sequence of the James Bond film ‘The Spy Who Loved Me’, featuring Roger Moore speeding down the mountainside.
Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy.
More commonly referred to as Cortina, this Italian resort attracts the famous and the fashionable. The town is nestled in the centre of the Dolomitic Alps in the Veneto region of Northern Italy. Known for its trendy Italian boutiques and glamorous style scene, Cortina hosts a fashion weekend at the start of each December. Corso Italia, the towns main high street, transforms into a glamorous runway show. Moon boot-clad fashionistas traipse the cobbled pavements, a true spectacle for any Cortina holiday-goer to enjoy.
Lech, Austria
The village of Lech is located in the Bludenz district in Vorarlberg, Austria on the banks of the river Lech. This upmarket ski resort is known for its charming picture book houses and beautiful summits. The streets are lined with old school chalets and quaint buildings, giving it the feeling of being inside of a vintage snowglobe. Lech is also home to the notable ‘The White Ring’, the world’s longest round ski run connecting together the villages of Lech, Zürs, Zug and Oberlech.
Val D’isere, France
Val d’Isère is a ski resort in the French Alps, not far from the Italian border. Val d’Isère is one of the most popular high-end ski resorts in the whole of Europe, and rightly so. It has an average record of 800cm of snowfall every winter, ensuring you are never struggling with less than perfect conditions and are guaranteed with snow all year round. The village itself is architecturally superb, with the beautiful traditional Tarentaise church located in the middle of the village. Every year, Val D'Isere hosts its famous New Year’s Eve Fireworks party, so we recommend this resort for any party-loving mountain goer.
Zermatt, Switzerland.
Zermatt is in the south of Switzerland’s Valais canton, nestled directly below the Matterhorn peak. The village is famous for its varied ski runs and extraordinary hiking possibilities. This luxury resort is perfect for outdoorsy types as there is a mountain trail for cyclists and walkers starting at the Winkelmatten and continuing up the Furi. The town is a famously a car-free zone, except for silent battery-driven vehicles. This means that the stunning view of the Matterhorn is never obstructed by air pollution. This makes for the perfect peaceful, luxury escape.
Verbier, Switzerland
Verbier is a village found in the canton of Valais in south-western Switzerland. This mountain town has attracted many from the upper echelons of society and is even known to be the stomping ground for royals. It is also frequented by several notable pop stars - to put it bluntly, there is a ski lift named in James Blunt’s honour. The glamour does not stop here. The resort’s nightlife is almost as legendary as its slopes, so if you enjoy après you will certainly love Verbier.
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The Ski Star T-Shirt: Our Slow Fashion Journey
At Powderhound, we take pride in how we make our clothing, the materials used, and the process behind each piece. Sustainability has always been at the heart of our company values. Therefore it is important to us that we play our part in the Slow Fashion movement. This means when you buy a T-shirt from us, you can be proud of the journey it’s made. All our designs are created by company founder Natasha Durlacher at a London office. We would like to share with you our process, from initial design conception right the way to our approach to ethical manufacturing. First of all, what exactly is Slow Fashion?
What is Slow Fashion?
To understand the Slow Fashion movement, we must first familiarise ourselves with the hangups Fast Fashion industry. The high street today profits from a clothing industry that produces ‘on trend’ pieces designed to be worn once, and thrown out once the season changes. This approach relies on exploiting factory workers for cheap labour and sourcing low-quality materials to keep retail prices low. In contrast, Slow Fashion takes a more measured and responsible approach. Styles are not governed by the seasons. Designs are released less often and do not simply cater to the latest fad. The second essential feature of Slow Fashion is their manufacturing process. The clothes are produced locally to minimize their carbon footprint. The factories are a secure and safe environment for garment workers, and their wages are never compromised to keep costs low. Lastly, the Slow Fashion movement cares about the fabric of your clothes. They are created from high quality, sustainable materials that are made to be durable. Slow Fashion is all about fairness and transparency, which is in line with our values here at Powderhound. In the interest of this, we would like to share with you our own ethical manufacturing process.
Made to Last
All our clothes are made locally in London from 100% organic cotton. Cotton originally comes from plants. Like all plants, vegetation, and heavily farmed resources it is important that we harvest them with concern for the environment. Organic cotton is farmed without the use of any pesticides and fertilizers and in doing so, their production systems work to replenish and maintain soil fertility. It also means there will not be any toxic chemicals entering the ecosystem and harming the surrounding wildlife. The planet is happier and so are we because in turn, the fabric produced is softer, stronger, and more durable. We chose to manufacture our clothes at a factory in London because it is only a short drive away from our head office. This lowers the carbon footprint of our clothes by cutting down air miles on our end of production.
Winter 2020 T-Shirt Designs
Lastly, we wanted to introduce you to our newest arrival and give you an insight into our creative process. Our latest designs are some of our favourites yet and completely unique to Powderhound. The Ski Star collection of T-shirts feature an understated retro-chic design centred on a white background. Creative director Natasha Durlacher was inspired by badges she collected as a child competing in ski races, as well as her own collection of vintage 70’s style comic book stickers. The design was intended to be a nostalgic nod to these old school days, reimagined into Natasha’s own unique artwork. During her time in the mountains, Natasha photographed a skier in mid-air and this action shot completes the Ski Star design. We believe that reworking a photograph gives a wonderful sense of movement to the artwork and really brings the design to life. This T-Shirt truly is a timeless piece, inspired by a life long love of the mountains.