THE MÉRIBEL TIMES
Independent - Méribel - News
Tuesday,
December 16, 2003 |
Edition
No. 8 |
| The
Insider’s Guide to the Three Valleys For an adventurous day trip to remember, why not take a Guide de Haut Montagne and head towards the Glacier de Gebroulaz? After a blast over to Val Thorens and the Col chairlift you find yourself donning skins and starting the two-hour climb to the Col de Gebrolaz (3434m) which is a perfect spot for a picnic as long as the wind is not blowing. Don’t be put off; the climb just involves walking on skis with skins and specially adapted touring bindings, followed by climbing a steep-ish bank (there are no drops, just a slide back down if you fall).
The last few steps to the col de Gebrolaz Once you arrive at the col you almost immediately start skiing on the glacier. This is when your guide comes into his own as he is specially trained to ski on glaciers and deal with crevasses. Some crevasses are apparent only in summer when the snow has melted, but others are clearly visible in winter as you ski right past them. As this glacier is almost completely north facing the snow is often fabulous. Last April when the pistes where somewhat slushy we skied fresh powder on the Gebrolaz almost all afternoon. The skiing is not terribly difficult, although some previous off piste experience would be useful. Your guide will assess whether the skiers in your party are capable of the descent, taking into consideration weather and snow conditions. The scenery is spectacular and there is something special about having the huge winter landscape all to yourself - save the odd chamois or bouquetin (Ibex) - with not a lift in sight.
The Glacier de Gebrolaz You can either ski back into the Méribel valley, or if you turn right off the glacier you find yourself in the Pralognan valley. Pralognan is a small resort to the east of Courchevel, although it is not linked by lifts. Its main claim to fame is that it held the 1992 Olympic curling championship. A very pretty resort, it is open both summer and winter, welcoming thousands of hikers and touring skiers who wish to explore the Vanoise National Park. A day’s ski touring from here will bring you to Tignes or Val d’Isère. At the end of the descent some poling is required, and as you swing round a corner in the valley the Refuge Roc de la Peche appears like an oasis. (You are probably quite tired by now). The first time I arrived there it was a very cold January evening and we were fairly late. The refuge appeared out of the dusk blinking and glowing like a Texaco Garage, and even the idea of a normal refuge (shared bunks and DIY food) was appealing by this time. On walking in I realized this is no ordinary mountain refuge; the bar and restaurant and the smiling face of our host made this clear. On further inspection we found a Jacuzzi, sauna steam bath and even a cinema where we were able to view our day’s activities via our camera. Finished off with a fabulous fondue, the evening could not have been better. It is the perfect end to long hard ski, and some hotels in Courchevel would struggle to compete with the facilities. If you don’t fancy the schuss down into Pralognan there is even a Helipad where you can be picked up from and whisked back to the Altiport in Méribel. Refuge le Roc de la Peche is open summer and winter for lunch or dinner plus overnight stays. Book on 04 79 08 79 75. By Chris Learoyd Building a chalet in Méribel. Without doubt, the most satisfying way to owning your own Alpine chalet is by having it built for you from scratch. Also, you will invariably get better value for money than by buying one already built although the process is not without its complications and pitfalls. The first issue to address is finding a site. Available building land is now very rare in the major Tarentaise resorts and anything that does come on the market is usually snapped-up by the established developers. That is not to say that it is impossible to buy land but prices can be high – expect to pay 1,5M Euros for a plot to fit a five to six bedroom chalet in Courchevel 1850! In any case, all land purchases should be subject to obtaining unchallenged planning permission and this should be established as a condition in the compromis de vente for the acquisition. Building land is generally sold according to the amount of floor area you can build on it – m2 SHON – and this refers to the internal habitable space that may be created, excluding certain areas such as cellars, garages and rooms where the ceiling clearance is below 1,80m. A comfortable and yet modest five bedroom chalet with en-suite bathrooms and a decent size sitting room, dinning room and kitchen would therefore require some 180 to 200m2 SHON. Alternatively, an existing building could be bought with a view to its reconstruction to a greater or lesser extent. Experience has, however, shown that the renovation of an old structure can be a false economy and its complete demolition is often a more economic solution despite the high cost of the initial acquisition. This is especially so for old barns. Once a suitable plot has been located, the first and most important step is to get the professional assistance of a project manager or architect. Depending on the qualifications of the party concerned, the project manager will also be able to handle such matters as financing, estimates, build specifications, contractors and coordinating the construction itself whilst in conjunction with an architect he will also assist with the conception of the project and obtaining the relevant planning authorisation or Permis de construire. Many local architects also undertake the wider roll of project management but it is important that they be licensed to practice in France as all but small buildings require a suitable architect to sign off the relevant planning application. What is more, an architect who is known to the local authorities will greatly facilitate planning procedures. Once planning permission is granted by the municipality concerned, details of the authorisation must be advertised by displaying a suitable notice on the site and this should be witnessed by a bailiff or huissier who will issue a report, the date of which establishes the start of the two month period during which third parties may raise objections. A recent development is that the authorities now have a further two months after the initial two month period in which to lodge their objections so a full four months needs to pass after the issue of any planning permission for it to be considered to have been “obtained”. In some resorts, objecting to planning permission has become a local sport, motivated in some cases, not so much by genuine concerns for the details of the project but by mischievousness or the opportunity for monetary gain. Whilst many third party objections may indeed prove for the most part groundless, the length of the related procedure in the Tribunal Administratif is so long – typically two to three years – that in many instances, it is preferable to just pay-up so that the construction may proceed unhindered! In the next instalment, we will explore project budgeting and the building process itself. It should be noted that the above in no way constitutes professional advice, which should be obtained from a suitable specialist on an individual basis. By Ed Mannix |
The Snow Report Snow
at 2700 / 1400m: 60cm / 10cm Currently 17 pistes have opened in Méribel and Courchevel, mostly high up on the Saulire. There is not yet enough snow below the mid-stations to open the runs back into the resort. Much of the snow on piste has been created by snow canon, and is in good condition (and is likely to become even better with the forecast fresh snowfalls. More pistes are expected to open soon. The off-piste is not yet practicable. Christmas and New Year Festivities If you are escaping the gloom of a British winter to celebrate Christmas or New Year in Méribel, here are some festive dates for your diary. 24
Dec. Christmas Mass at the Ice Rink Could massage improve your skiing? Alp Leisure’s resident masseur explains how massage, stretching and hydration are the keys to feeling great on a ski holiday.
Whoever comes on holiday fit enough to ski all day, every day for six days? Not me. So how do you make the most of the legs you have, maximise enjoyment and minimize the risk of injury? 1.
Stretch, stretch, stretch. 2.
Drink water. 3.
Receive massage Micro-tearing sets off the inflammatory process to a greater or lesser degree and tissue repair begins early in this inflammatory process. The body replaces damaged tissue with connective tissue patches which form in a criss-cross pattern over the muscle fibres which are themselves aligned in parallel. Massage or gentle mobilization can help straighten out these criss-cross collagen fibres and unstick adhesions that feel like knots in the otherwise smooth muscle. Massage promotes the removal of waste products such as lactic acid and brings in nutrients and oxygen to help repair and re-establish muscle tone. A toned muscle is firm with use and elastic at rest. Muscles and tendons in good shape protect the bones and are themselves less susceptible to injury. Arnica
montana 1) Walk down stairs on day three and notice discomfort level in quads (thighs) 2) Massage Arnica cream into one leg 3) An hour or so later take yourself downstairs …. Any asymmetry? Arnica is also available in granule form to be taken by mouth, or blended with fast release sugars and sold as a sports aid in the chemist. The granules alone really work to prevent or treat tight muscles. Back to massage – the fact that massage feels so heavenly is all the reason that most people need to book regular sessions. However, if you are not driven by pure hedonism, by now you know that massage is good for you - it stimulates circulation, improving muscle tone and reducing the risk of injury. It regulates blood pressure, speeds up healing and raises levels of “happy” endorphin hormones; these boost immunity and clarity of thought and promote that feeling of well-being. This winter the following treatments are available chez Alp Leisure; sports massage, Shiatsu massage, hot stone massage, beauty massage with essential oils and Isisian facial. By
Alison Prideaux |
So, you want to become a ski instructor? Well, there are ski instructors, and there are ski instructors! Would you be happy just to be able to slip into the conversation down your local that, by the way, you're a qualified ski instructor, or do you see yourself blasting down the off-piste in Méribel followed by a posse of wide-eyed powder-hounds? If your answer is the former, then you could set your sights at the BASI instructor qualification, but if you intend to work in France you'll have to set aside a few years to get to the top of the ski instructor pile.
Here's how it works: most British people wishing to become ski instructors look first to their national training organisation, The British Association of Snowsport Instructors, or BASI, as it is known. It is responsible for the training and grading of ski, snowboard, telemark and cross country skiers in the UK. BASI is a member of the International Ski Instructors Association (ISIA) ,the global organisation that sets international standards for the training of snowsport professionals. BASI is also a member of the club within a club, the Eurogroup (Austria, France, and Italy); countries which, having most of the best mountains in Europe, are able to set their own (higher) standards. BASI has three levels of ski instructor; the entry level Ski Instructor (grade 3), the more advanced Ski Teacher ISIA (grade 2) and the top qualification, International Ski Teacher Diploma (grade 1). The grade 3 qualification can be completed after a one-week trainee ski instructor course followed by a two-week ski instructor exam, but employment opportunities are limited. Some tour operators will take grade 3s' to teach school groups in Austria and Italy, but France will only allow grade 3s' to work if they have completed the Eurogroup's "European Speed Test", a timed giant slalom run organised under international race conditions. I'm also aware that some grade 3s' have secured employment in resorts in the USA and Canada. Anyone contemplating a career in ski teaching would have to progress at least to grade 2 level. This qualification comes with the ISIA badge and is recognised in most countries apart from our friends in the alpine cartel - oh, I mean Eurogroup, of course! Grade 2s' can work in France as Stagières (trainees) for three years before they have to have passed their speed test and moved on to the top, grade 1, qualification (known as a National in France). Wages for ski instructors are structured according to qualifications: a grade 1 working in France could make a very comfortable living. I've heard of some instructors doing up to 800 hours of ski teaching in a winter season and at an average of around €45 per hour....well, you can work it out. Grade 2s' in Europe are more likely to be paid a stagière wage, so can lose up to 40% of a full hourly rate to the ski school. Grade 3s' working for tour companies could expect no more than €350 a week and will probably only be allowed to work for a limited number of weeks in a season (e.g. three in Italy). So you still think you fancy it? Well, here's how to get on board: you need to apply to BASI to get on one of its Trainee Ski Instructor courses (foundation course). These are held throughout the winter season in various ski resorts around the world or on glaciers in the summer months. Selection is by self-assessment and candidates must be a minimum of 16 years old. The self selection criteria state that you should have completed a minimum of 16 weeks on snow, can ski confidently on black runs making rhythmical turns close to the fall line at a steady pace and can also ski confidently in control in off piste conditions.
In the next Méribel Times I will be looking at the other ways
of getting started on the ski instructor route, at the standards and
requirements for the various ski instructor levels, and at what to expect
from the dreaded speed test. By Michael Harrison Beat the cold this winter! December and January usually bring the lowest temperatures of the season. If you dread cold days on the mountain, and stoically put up with freezing fingers and toes, here are a few tips to keep you toasty warm this holiday. Eat, drink and be merry. A bowl of cornflakes may see you through a morning in a heated office, but doesn’t provide enough calories for physical exercise in below-freezing temperatures. Eat a generous breakfast, carry cereal bars, and drink enough liquids – curiously, being dehydrated will make you suffer more from the cold. Use your loaf. We all know that body heat is lost through the head, so wear a woolly hat, however unflattering, and rise above the comments. Wear the right layers of clothing. Your base layer should be made of man-made fibres, e.g. a treated polypropylene/nylon mixture, which will wick away any moisture. Avoid natural fibres like cotton or silk that will hold moisture and chill you as soon as you stop exercising. Fingers. Mittens may remind you of being six, but will keep your fingers warmer than gloves. Silk or thermal inner gloves help too. Be the envy of your friends and buy heat pouches to put inside your gloves. Toes. Properly fitting boots that allow blood to circulate will keep you warmer than any amount of thick socks. If your toes feel as if they have been deep frozen, it may be time to replace your ski boots. Face savers. Wear special ‘ski’ sun cream – the oily formula protects your skin. A fleece muffler, and goggles rather than sunglasses, will also protect your face from cold winds. Hot chocolate stops. Stop regularly for hot drinks and snacks – but remember that alcoholic drinks encourage heat loss, so go easy on the vin chaud. Herbal help. Some swear by Ginkgo biloba, which may improve circulation. Take 40mg three times a day. By Ed Mannix.
Contributors: Ed Mannix runs London Overseas Consultancy, and specialises in advising British property owners in Méribel. Gary
Ward is Technical Retail Manager, Freeride Chris Learoyd is Director of luxury chalet company Alp Leisure Ltd (www.alpleisure.com) Alison Prideaux is the masseur for Alp Leisure and specialises in Skiers, Isisian facial and luxury hot stone massages Simon Rowe is an accounts consultant. Francis Petex is a Guide de Haute Montagne Fpetex@aol.com Michael Harrison is a ski instructor and BASI grade 1. www.eliteski.co.uk We’re interested in your views. Please e-mail us at yourviews@themeribeltimes.com For more information on Méribel see independent website www.merinet.com, and www.meribel.net, the official Tourist Office site Feel free to forward this to friend but please keep it in its entirety. All rights are reserved. To
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