Tearing it up on and off piste in Tignes!

Gemma, the newest member of the Erna Low team, shares a censored version of her break to Tignes with her fellow students.

After a tiresome 24-hour coach journey filled with anticipation, I eventually arrived in resort for my ski holiday to Tignes with my fellow uni friends at our ski-in, ski-out accommodation right on the piste, Le Borsat IV for our week’s ski adventure. I was very excited but rather nervous as I had bravely hired a snowboard for the week after only having a measly few hours practice in lessons a couple of weeks before the trip but I brought along my ski equipment just so I could backtrack from my not-so-well thought out original plan.

I couldn't abandon the skis for too long!

The first day on the slopes consisted of falling off every chair lift and sticking to blue runs close to our apartment to steady my nerves but by 3pm, one of the many après bars at the base of the resort was the best place for me. I stuck to skiing for the rest of the week.

I arranged my ski trip with Canterbury Christ Church University and opted out of the extended lift pass to the Val d’Isere ski region as you could pretty much ski over to that area without forking out the extra Euros. Independently, Tignes boasts a large ski terrain for all ski types, for example there are several Snow Parks and a Boarder Cross that skiers can experience to get away from the pisted runs. The main benefits for visitors to Tignes are that it is part of the large well-linked ski area of L’Espace Killy and due to its high altitude (Tignes Val Claret is 2100m) the resort is renown with having a reliable snow record. Consequently its popularity has risen as in recent seasons there has been reduced snowfall throughout Europe, attracting holiday-makers to high altitude destinations.

choosing my line...

The many bars in Val Claret meant that every night was spent in a combination of different venues and the resort was very compact so that it wasn’t hard to find each hub! My favourites were Saloon Bar – with a massive party atmosphere, live music for après and a huge cocktail menu and Melting Pot, where you’ll find a good selection of dance music – Drum n Bass, Electro, Hip Hop and fortunately the prices are reasonable – for a club.

One of our numerous nights out...

I happily enjoyed a few blue skies and powder snow days on my trip, which was just ideal and the last day’s skiing was the best end to the trip with great snow and superb weather – without the outrageous goggle tan marks!

Our Arc 1800 property evening at the Ski Club

Alex, our Erna Low Property intern, reports on our evening at the Ski Club of GB to promote ski property for sale in Les Arcs…

We all had a fabulous night on Tuesday at our EdenArc event at the Ski Club of Great Britain headquarters in Wimbledon, and hope that those of you who were able to make it did too! Located in the Ski Club’s lovely library, we were surrounded by various awards, ski books from every era, and all sorts of ski memorabilia perfect for the set the atmosphere for the evening!

EdenArc event at the Ski Club of GB

 To begin, everyone happily mingled– discussing everything from the new development, to French property laws, to of course all of our passion for skiing!! Next came the daunting presentations… I always feel so nervous for the presenters, but every speaker was calm, collected, informative and each managed their talk very well. Who knew learning about mortgages and taxes could be interesting?? The various photos of EdenArc were also wonderful to see, and they really showed how incredible this new resort is going to be. The surrounding views of Mont Blanc and the Paradiski domain are spectacular, and the residence itself has massive windows to further enhance the experience of the beautiful scenery – even when behind closed doors! I especially enjoyed seeing the different floor plans that exemplified just how thought out and spacious the apartments will be. Luckily, my excitement for the project could be shared with everyone else after the presentations were completed when the wine started to flow (for a second time that night!) and the chatter picked up again.

Not only a very enlightening evening, but also a really fun one that had a heightened sense of enthusiasm from the moment the words “EdenArc” were said. A HUGE thank you to the Ski Club for graciously hosting us, and hope to see you all soon at our next ski property sales event!

We’re at the Winter X Games in Tignes…

The X Games come to Tignes and Erna Low’s roving reporter, Tim,  follows them there!

Since their launch in 1995 the Winter X Games have come to be known as one of the biggest freestyle skiing and snowboarding events on the calendar. Until now they have never been hosted in Europe, but Tignes has scored a contract for 3 seasons, starting now.

Over several days, the programme consists of Slopestyle and Superpipe disciplines, of which I saw the mens’ ski Slopestlye (a series of enormous jumps and rails for riders to show off their talent) and the snowboard Superpipe (which is like a normal halfpipe but ENORMOUS).

Slopestyle at the X Games

If the pipe doesn’t look that big take note of the small blob on the left hand side between the first 2 floodlights. Well, that’s an upside down person a few metres in the air!

The Pipe

The games have lots of things going on to attract an audience including a show of crazy people on skidoos who also like to spend time upside down very high in the air.

While I was in Tignes though I did catch up with some past seasonaire friends who were getting involved in the X-citement.

X-citement!

There are lots of evening activities and promotions including world class Djs, but I had to get back to La Plagne, where they are no doubt celebrating local rider Kevin Rolland’s victory in the ski superpipe.
Former Erna Low rep, Rick saw Rolland’s winning run and said that it was incredible how high the skiers can launch themselves.

Check out www.winterxgameseurope.com and you can see Rolland’s run below…. class!

The Olympics Win Gold In My Book

With the Vancouver Olympics now over, Cody sums up his views from his first hand experience…

There have been a couple of times over the last couple of weeks where I’ve been a little ashamed of my British routes. I remember overhearing (read: eaves-dropping on) some guys in a bar talking about how another article had been written that just ripped the Olympics apart, and they finished that conversation with: “…. and guess who wrote the article? The British (of course).”

night lights

The Olympics received a lot of bad press from the British, and it’s a bit confusing because, to me, criticising these Olympics is like criticising Elmo. Who could do that?! In reality they’ve been absolutely in…..sane.  I’m gonna go and throw modesty to the wind and tell all the doubters that I should know because I’m here! The Olympic buzz in Whistler never came to rest. Every night different artists played a gig at the bottom of the mountain and the medal ceremonies, to massive crowds that were living off the pure excitement of the games. The Swiss practically took over the village, and every time they won gold they marched down the street ringing those frickin cowbells. The different events all told their own stories, from Shaun White achieving legendary status in the half pipe to Canada taking down the USA in the ice hockey final, completing their revenge. I was even fortunate enough to attend the ski jumping and one of the ice hockey games (Canada vs Switzerland baby) as well as skiing to the side of the Dave Murray downhill and watching all the speed skiing. Being here in the flesh at such a historic moment is one of the greatest things I’ve ever done and I’ve loved every moment. Canada were excellent hosts, and I would advise anyone who’s read otherwise to listen to me instead. It’s just a media angle. GO CANADA GO!

me and my academy colleagues ready to win gold!

Well this was more of a cranky rant than a blog on this occasion but I think Vancouver should get the credit they deserve for pulling out all the stops and hosting an amazing Winter games. In addition I once again have no higher praise for Alltracks Academy, in this instance for providing me with the time to enjoy both the Olympics and my skiing equally.

crowds enjoying the atmosphere

Going, going, gone… Olympic ski fever comes to Christies!

What a great night it was! Celebrities, ski athletes, high bidders and of course the lovely ladies from Erna Low all came together last night at Christies Auction House to support and raise precious funds for the British Olympic Alpine Ski and Snowboard Teams heading to Vancouver next month full of Olympic dreams of gold medals for Great Britain.

Pommery champagne with a straw - still debating if it is a good idea!

As sponsors of a ski holiday to France, Erna Low joined the 200 strong group of attendees to support the teams at the thrilling auction which raised a whopping £18,000 for the team and included driving days, spa treatment, numerous ski holidays, ski equipment, magazine subscriptions and even an amazing luxury chalet holiday with Consensio Holidays to Meribel worth up to £15,000 !… Francois from the Erna Low Property office even took home the Fischer skis which should make him happier (and save some time) on his next trip to the Scottish slopes!! Read about his fateful weekend break here.

Ski holidays, spa days, ski equipment were all up for grabs at the fundraising auction

The evening took place at Christies in South Kensington, London so just over the road from the Erna Low office. The gallery was beautifully decorated with the vintage ski posters on view ahead of the vintage ski poster sale tomorrow (21st January) at 1pm. Those of you who know our ski holiday brochures will know that we are all huge fans of vintage ski memorabilia and I shall be there tomorrow to watch the bidding… and to keep CEO Joanna’s hands from flying up relentlessly!

George, Iolanda, Sappho with Alain Baxter, first Briton to win an Olympic medal for alpine skiing

Combined with the sale of entry tickets as well as the raffle organised by the Ski Club of Great Britain, over £30,000 was raised (exact amount to be confirmed) for the British Olympic Alpine Ski and Snowboard Teams which will no doubt be of great support to them. No excuses now guys…..go for gold!

...and with another national treasure... It's Craig, winner from Big Brother 1!

Christie’s and Erna Low fundraiser for the British Olympic Teams

a date for the diary…

Christie’s Auction House, (our South Kensington neighbours…and fellow vintage poster fans!) have teamed up with Snowsports GB to throw a fantastic event next week to raise money for the British Olympic Alpine Ski and Snowboard Teams dreaming of gold medals at Vancouver 2010.
Erna Low has got together with numerous other top ski companies to provide some fantastic prizes for THE FUNDRAISING AUCTION on Tuesday 19th January where lucky bidders can win vintage posters, spa treatments, skis and bindings, driving days as well as ski holidays to Vars, St Moritz, Couchevel, Meribel and Whistler. Tickets for this fabulous event are £20 each and ALL proceeds from the tickets sales and auction will be donated to the British Olympic Alpine Ski and Snowboard Teams.
Christie’s will also be exhibiting their upcoming vintage ski poster sale which will be on private view for all attendees. Tickets are extremely limited so please simply email sappho.barkla@ernalow.co.uk with your postal address, stating how many you would like and she will send you a pack with details on how to make payment.

Event details: Christie’s, 85 Old Brompton Road, South Kensington, London SW7 3LD
Tuesday 19th January – Champagne and après ski from 6.30pm to 9.30pm (auction at 7.45pm)

Party your way to the slopes… as Oxford airport flies to the Alps this winter!

Any new way of getting to the Alps is alright by us and that is why we are all very excited about the new ‘full frills’ service operated by Baboo Airlines. Starting on the 19th of December, Baboo will fly every Saturday between Geneva and Oxford Airport with seat prices from just £89 one way, including taxes, luggage…and even ski/board carriage! the perfect way to start your ski holiday!

Check out www.flybaboo.com for more details and reservations.

Why not join us as we celebrate the launch of this new service?
We have teamed up with Baboo and prolific ski website www.welove2ski.com to welcome guests at the VIP lounge at Oxford Airport for drinks, canapés and masses of prizes to be won including 2 return flights OXF-GVA, a week’s accommodation in the Alps, a pair of specially fitted Daleboots, a custom fitting ski boot fitting (both courtesy of Outdoor Traders, Abingdon) and plenty of goodies from our friends at www.welove2ski.com. All monies raised from the event will be donated to the British Ski Cross Team, who are in final preparations for the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver.

Taking place on Thursday 26th November from 6.30pm at Oxford Airport, the event is completely FREE and open to EVERYONE… so do pass it on to family and friends in the area who may want to join us.

Just RSVP to Alex (alex.yellowlees@ernalow.co.uk) so we can keep an eye on numbers.

Baboo takes off from Oxford this winter

Looking forward to seeing you there!
Sappho x

Living the Dream! Enjoying the pre-season action before embarking on a gap year ski course in Whistler

Our very own ski bum in the making, Cody Yellowlees-Bound, recounts his experience at the ski show before heading out to Canada with Alltracks Academy.

Most people have no idea what they want to do on their gap year; my best friend certainly doesn’t because his options are simply too overwhelming.  Opposed to that, I spent the first half of 2009 researching what I’ve been looking forward to my entire life. I looked at over ten different companies that ran gap year ski courses trying to weed out a course that offered me fun, structure and life experience before I finally settled on the Alltracks Academy. Now I’m jetting off to Whistler for 11 weeks to get my level 1 and level 2 ski instructor qualifications, and I’m counting down the days until I leave.

Cody and the Alltracks team at the ski show

What I read on the Alltracks Academy web page looked pretty unique, but what really got me excited, was the work they let me do with them at the London Metro Ski and Snowboard Show in October. Initially I was just there to give an example of one of the individuals going on a gap year ski instructor course as part of their career break, since I couldn’t really talk to people interested in the course in detail (that will come next year!). However, as the day progressed, I got to know the organisers of the course: Paul, Jonathon and Lindsey, and as I did so, all the questions I asked them about the course where answered. I found myself becoming familiar with all the detail of my ski camp, as well as the 4-week programmes and snowboard camps that they run in Whistler and Banff. Soon I was explaining to others everything they, and previously I, wanted to know. Things important to the experience, like a guaranteed view to improving my skiing skills, with small groups of skiers of similar ability, individual lessons and video playback. Accommodation was often a hot topic, and I enjoyed explaining how our lodgings where right in the middle of things within the whistler village, and people seemed to enjoy hearing it too. I listened to plenty of horror stories where others had been led to believe that they were twenty minutes walk away from the action, but instead ended up having to take twenty minute bus journeys everyday to the town and slopes. Just like me, they also appreciated that dinners were provided, and that the lodgings also had free Wi-Fi. What particularly makes me feel safe and comfortable about the Alltracks Academy is that there is always quick and convenient support available; if you e-mail Paul or Jonathon with any queries, or even call them, you are going to get a reply within 24-hours, full-stop. Trust me, sometimes it’s 24 minutes, crazy quick. Then there’s the little goody bag of bonuses, like lessons in first aid, off-piste skiing, avalanche training and the general flexibility of the camp; I still haven’t decided if I want to switch to snowboarding or do a freestyle course after my level 1. Working for Paul at the ski show has assured me that one of the biggest decisions of my life was the correct one and it has got me animated about the trip. I’ll meet a diverse group of people from all around the world, not just gappers like me, but also people on career break, and who knows, perhaps there’ll be honeymooners there, or even girls (frightening thought right?). I’m going to whistler in January, and I’m not looking back.

Cody Yellowlees-Bound: Ski Bum (to-be)

Cody will be blogging direct from the slopes of Whistler this winter so be sure to check back regularly to hear all his news on the course, the action and the Olympics!

Ski holidays to Whistler start at £1193 per person, based on double occupancy in a deluxe studio at the Pinnacle International Hotel. Price includes 7 nights lodging on a room only basis, direct flights with British Airways from LHR-YVR, shared shuttle transfers to resort and all applicable taxes and surcharges. Available through Erna Low www.ernalow.co.uk 0845 863 0525

It’s SHOW time! Erna Low at the Metro Ski and Snowboard Show…

The aftermath of the Metro Ski and Snowboard Show, Sappho gives her account of her busiest week of the year…

What a week it was! Acrobatic ski jumps, a fashion show, an ice rink, comedy club even real snow for the kids to play in… it was all go last week as Erna Low descended to the Metro Ski and Snowboard Show at London’s Olympia.
As always, the show proved the best way to kick start the season and we enjoyed seeing so many familiar faces on the stand as well as all at all the parties that accompany the show.

Olympia goes all out for the Ski Show

Wednesday 20th was opening day and we all got the impression that the show was much busier than usual (we put this down to the £5 tickets!). In addition to seeing all our favourite journalists and industry partners, many visitors dropped by to see what we have on offer for this winter. That evening we trotted down to the Putney Rowing Club for the Ski Club of Great Britain’s annual industry party which is always an event not to be missed, especially when it involves sipping bubbly with views over the river. Thank you all at Ski Club for keeping us so well hydrated! Thursday is always the personal highlight for the team when the entire Erna Low contingent descends on our stand for the client ‘Meet the Staff’ event. It was fantastic to see so many of you there and do hope you thoroughly enjoyed yourselves as much as we did. We sipped wine with you and toasted a great season ahead well into the night…let’s just say that I’m not sure we were all mentally ‘here’ the next day!

Erna Low's Emma, Jess and Victoria enjoying the show

Parties continued with the Snowbombing party on Friday night and we all enjoyed revisiting our student/seasonnaire roots at the Natives launch of their Show Love Tour at the imperial student union in South Kensington.
The rest of the show proved very successful with many visitors dropping by the stand to enquire about ski holidays as well as ski property for sale through sister company Erna Low Property.
Can’t wait to do it all again next year!

Sappho, PR/Marketing Manager at Erna Low

X-factor events in the Alps this ski season! Superslide me!!!

Our pick of the best events to be seen at this winter… Hope to see you there!

It looks set to be an exciting upcoming ski season in the Alps from world-class Superpipe competitions and giant Slalom contests to car racing on ice and prestigious film festivals. I hope you can take the time to experience some of these action-packed moments to come.

Take part in the ultimate season opening in Les Deux Alpes from 28th November to 5th December 2009 with the NJR Powderweek, which offers fun and action for any young skier or snowboarder. Depending on snow conditions, the complete ski region will be open to explore, meaning 220 km of wide pistes and a fantastic 240,000 m² large snow park! Check out this site for more details.

having a little too much fun girls?

I am particularly excited about the Winter X Games taking place in Tignes from 10th – 12th March 2010; the first X Games to be held outside the United States. Several world class sport athletes will be invited to France to compete in 8 different events over the 3 days including Ski and Snowboard Superpipe and Slopestyle. For more details go here.

Hop on over to Val d’Isere for the Superslide week starting on 12th March 2010 and enjoy 5 days devoted to all the different ways one can travel down the mountain on various contraptions. Go here for more info.

Two amazing events taking place in April 2010 are the Flying Kilometre in Les Arcs and the Val Thorens Luge Cup. Be part of the spectacular sporting contest of speed skiing in Les Arcs where contestents travel as fast as possible along a kilometre-stretch of piste with a near vertical run-up or take a trip to Val Thorens where the resort arranges a unique tobogganing competition with six kilometres of track; the longest tobogganing course in France, with different competitve categories for children, adults, couples and professionals.
For more on the Flying Kilometre go here or if the Val Thorens Luge Cup takes your fancy check this out .