Italy Snow

Switzerland – a haven for the older skier

Switzerland is the perfect blend of picturesque snow-capped peaks and cosmopolitan ski resorts. The country evokes classic impressions of Julie Andrews singing in the glorious valleys of this small, mountainous nation and is host to some of the world’s most prominent international organisations, such as the International Committee of the Red Cross and the World Health Organisation.

Historically, Switzerland has often attracted slightly older visitors who are drawn to the country’s distinctly conservative outlook, especially in regards youth-orientated nightlife. While some premier ski resorts such as St Moritz remain very expensive, many others offer cheaper holidays than those found in neighbouring France.

For those used to France’s notoriously efficient ski areas like Trois Vallées and Paradiski, some may find Switzerland’s Verbier’s Four Valleys resort rather difficult to navigate. However, there are thousands of acres of off-piste terrain which cater to the most advance skiers. The resort is one of the trendiest and most exclusive in the Alps; its luxury chalets, vibrant nightlife and elegant boutique hotels a testament to its glamorous prestige.

Another excellent resort is Zermatt, which is situated near the Swiss-Italian border. While the quality of skiing for intermediate and advanced skiers is among the best in the Alps, the resort is perhaps more widely noted for its outstanding dining. The dining at Zum See, Chez Vrony and Fran & Heidi’s offers some of the finest food to be enjoyed at any ski resort in the world.

The Val d’Anniviers resort is also perfect for those in search of a retreat from the crowds. While catered to intermediate skiers and limited in terms of nightlife, those who prefer the peace and quiet will feel right at home as they witness the stunning Alpine scenery here.

A first time skier

I can still remember the first time I put on a pair of skis. Having anticipated a full day with some sort of attractive Swiss guide, we were sent out onto the slopes to fend for ourselves after what can barely be described as a lesson. It was part of a multi-activity holiday, and I think because it was towards the end of the fortnight, the instructors were a bit fed up with teaching; they wanted to go off in search of some black run adrenaline for themselves.

So they pointed the few of us who were new to skiing down a gentle slope, showed us the ’pizza wedge'method, which we should employ when we waned to slow down or stop, and left us. My best friend and I stumbled along doing this for a short while, before deciding that we were perfectly proficient and we would be fine to tackle some of the proper slopes.

The trouble was we weren’t entirely sure about the grading system, and got confused between green (easiest) and red (almost hardest).

So we glided off gently from the ski lift, at the top of the longest red route on the piste. We clumsily made our way round the first corner, where the gradient was still very gradual, and before we knew it were faced with a terrifyingly steep slope. With a sort of giggly panic we both made attempts at the pizza wedge. Realising that there was no other way down, we watched the other passing skiers – the faster ones taking more direct lines, and the slower ones making more pronounced zig-zags. With our basic corner-turning ability, we decided that slow zig-zags were the only way to avoid certain death, and started to make our way down the slope. Left. Right. Left. Right. With skiers zooming past us at every turn we made our descent in what we were told was a record time of 1 hour and 20 minutes! I have never been happier to see Val Thorens accomodation in my life after that.