GoPro HERO 3 - Park-Skiing Video

Winter Olympics skeleton champion Amy Williams learns to ski

Olympic skeleton champion Amy Williams receives her first ever skiing lesson from former downhill racer and Ski Sunday presenter, Graham Bell.
Williams, who won gold at Vancouver in 2010, admits she has never been on skis before, despite carving out a career in winter sports.

Watch Ski Sunday on BBC2, Sunday 24 February.

Get Ski Fit with a Balance Board

Balance is one of the most important skills needed when skiing. Good balance not only prevents us from falling over but it allows us to perform of all the other skills from a position that affords us the most opportunity for success.

If you’re going skiing soon it is definably worth spending some time on a balance board before you go. Whilst also improving you balance it will also tone your leg muscles so you’re ready for the slopes.

Available from Chelston Direct
Price: £11.99

What to pack for a ski holiday

What you may want or need to pack for a ski holiday will vary slightly depending on your circumstances and your mode of transportation, as luggage allowance is restricted on planes for example, but there are nonetheless some essential items that you can’t do without.

If you own your skiing gear, you will obviously want to pack your skis, although the cost of transporting them if you are flying to your destination might make it prohibitive. If your ski resort is in an area of great powder, then fat skis are indicated. Ski poles will be essential too, as well as warm ski boots. If you are planning to snowboard, then include your snowboard as well as board boots.

In terms of skiing and board accessories, items such as a lift pass holder may be indicated. Some resorts issue small cardboard tickets to use their lifts which can be easily dropped and lost, and a pass holder will ensure that they are stored safely.

Powder ribbons and straps are highly recommended if your ski resort is renowned for very deep powder. They should be attached to the heel of your boots rather than your leg to avoid injury in a fall, and should you jettison out of your skis, you will just have to pull on the strap to recover your ski. They may simply save you from losing skis altogether and are a well-worth investment. For the same reason, if you are going snowboarding, do pack a board leash. Ski holder straps to hold your skis together when you are not skiing will be useful, as well as ski and board locks.

As far as clothing is concerned, your priority will of course be to stay warm and have a number of layers that you can add or remove depending on the temperature. Face masks, goggles and gloves are a must, as well as a hooded top if you are going somewhere particularly cold. You may want to consider a neck warmer or gaiter which will offer you added heat insulation as the body loses a lot of it through that area. Pack thermal clothes, but not made of cotton as they retain moisture, a fleece, and a sufficient number of ski socks.

If you are planning to take photos, then silk or merino wool glove inners will prove invaluable. They will keep your hands warm while you take off your thick ski gloves.

by Rob Simon

UK Snow Conditions Update

Best Ski Run in Europe for Advanced Skiers

For those who know how to ski and looking for the ultimate challenge, here’s our top 10 black ski slopes in Europe.

10 - Grand Couloir, Courchevel, France
A nice wide slope for those who want a challenge but enough space around themselves. For those who want more of a challenge, there’s the Sous Pylons or Emile Allais jumps to master.

9 – La Face, Meribel, France
Possibly the hardest slope to find in Europe but well worth finding. A natural slope that hasn’t been touched too much by human hand, or should I say ski.

8 – Courchevel, France
This ungroomed patch of snow is full of lots of huge bumps. Perfect for the more technical skier.

7 – Cime de Caron, Val Thorens, France
This slope has it all, with a number of different ski runs perfect for those that like the powder.

6 - Tortin, Verbier, Switzerland
This is the perfect first black slope. The further you get down the slope, the more your adrenaline pumps as the slope gets harder and harder, but wide enough to bail out when it gets too much.

5 - La Chavanette, Avoriaz, France
Known as ‘the Swiss wall’, this is one of Europe’s most steep and rapid slopes. Famous for its hidden ‘wall’, a steep but wide 200m slope.

4 – Flypaper, Glencoe, Scotland
With stunning views the steepest piste black run in Scotland is a must visit.

3 - Face de Bellevarde Resort Val d'Isère, France
Home of the 1992 Winter Olympics, this slope is long and consistently difficult. You’ll need to be quick witted to master this course.

2- Zermatt, Switzerland
There is no easing into this slope, as it begins with a very difficult path from the very top. Good skill is needed if not to exhaust yourself by the time you reach the bottom

1 - Le Tunnel Resort Alpe d'Huez, France
Skiing through the 60m wide tunnel through the rock is a challenge, but worth it to see the picturesque views on the other side. It’s also home to the longest black run in Europe, the 16km Sarenn.

by Rob Simon

La Tania Snow Report