Those of you who have already skied on a glacier will know what I’m talking about. Skiing is just better than anywhere else, whether it’s on powder or on regular ski slopes. The ice under the snow works like a refrigerator, which explains why snow crystals on glaciers are different from those on other terrains. Look into your freezer to see how the ice crystal structure looks like on the outside.

The role of glaciers in alpine skiing is very important. First of all, major ski resorts have formed around them; also, they allow us to ski during summer as well. Unfortunately, due to global warming, they are reducing in size year after year. People who depend on them, as a source of income or otherwise, try to save as much as can be saved, and state-of-the-art snow canons make snow whenever temperatures drop below zero.

Soelden is a good example of that situation. Back in 1993, when it hosted the season’s opening races, there were no snow canons in sight because there was no need for them. The glacier was in all its glory and there was already plenty of snow at the end of October. Fifteen years later, the snow is artificial and the glacier is more than ten meters thinner. Snow canons are everywhere. Every year, when I come to Soelden, I realize just how serious the effects of global warming are. When you see a once majestic glacier disappear a bit more every year, right before your eyes, it becomes obvious why environmentalists are sounding the alarm. Earth needs our help!

In the last weeks before the season opening, high-level skiers always prepare on European glaciers, such as Pitztal, Zermatt, Saas Fee and Moelltal. Each year, there are more injuries caused by stones on the slopes, that sometimes lead to open wounds. Skis are often damaged too, which is also a problem. The question is: how will skiers prepare for the season when glaciers will be history and summer training will no longer be an option?

The snow coverage is shrinking dramatically from year to year. Consequently, the Earth doesn’t reflect as much sunlight, the heat is absorbed and this produces climate change. From a skier’s point of view, this is not good news. We can expect to ski less in the next few years, and might not ski at all in a couple of decades. At least not in a conventional way. Perhaps large conditioned halls will open, or maybe we will ski on other surfaces…

If you remember on thing of this post, it must be that snow is important for all of us. Let’s join up and work together for Earth’s better-being. Lets recycle, drive eco-friendly vehicles, turn off unnecessary lights and appliances and, in general, rationalize our consumption of goods. We can bring these little changes in our lives, but big steps need to be taken by governments all over the world… It might already be too late.

Europe is probably the world’s best retreat if getting down right silly for your ski holiday tops your To-Do list. Not only does Europe house some of the world’s longest ski runs, it also boasts several hundred large and small resorts that cater to everyone from nudist to purist, to wackos and hippies. I’ve compiled a list here to bring you some of the brainless, mindless and thoughtless things you might want to do this ski season. Not all are crazy but some are downright boneheaded and irrationally reckless—if this sounds like you, I invite you to read on you witless warrior.

Skiing Downhill, Fast:

If you want to try your hands at one of Europe’s steepest slopes, then you don’t have to look much farther than Austria, Mayrhofen(Zillertal) to be exact. The Harakiki slope angles at almost 80% or 40º, which creates enough speed to make even the slightest turns dangerous and mind boggling. Though there are some longer slopes for sure, Harakiki makes you feel like gravity has let go and human-powered flight on skis is possible.

Skiing Nude, Frozen:

If you’ve ever thought of disrobing just for the sake of it while on the slope, you’re not the only one. In fact, there’s a cross-country ski route in Austria—Obertaun (Obertauern) to be exact—where nude skiers are welcomed and invited to ski (sticking to the route) while in the buff. There are more resorts where skiing in your birthday suit suits the local authorities, but I’ll have more on that in my upcoming blogs. If you don’t mind snowburns, sunburns and shriveled (very tender) tissues to be showed off, then Obertauern, Austria, should make your dreams of “in the buff,” “bare,” or “buck-naked” come true.

Skiing Gambler, Broke:

If you like to gamble away little Susie’s college fund, then you should stay away from Les 2 Alpes in France this January (10th – 17th). It’s the first of many annual Poker Week celebrations where you can come, put your best Poker Face on, bluff like hell and either win buckets of Euros (drug dealers currency of choice over the flailing dollar these days) or go home bankrupt. Just make sure to pay your bills back home, pre-pay for the hotel room and little Susie’s ski lessons and let the gambling begin. Lay your best hand down for the best Poker Party this winter in Europe.

Skiing Night, Lost:

It’s not likely you’ll get lost if you try night skiing in Europe this year. There are loads of ski resorts that flick on the power to illuminate the slopes for all you night owls. Though the slopes might be frozen or even packed down from day skiers, night skiing has its advantages. Places like the Dolomiti Superski area in Italy, Saint Bernard in Switzerland and Maribor in Slovenia all gloat about their fantastic night skiing and venues. Before hitting the sack, be sure to hit the slopes on your next ski holiday. I find that though the slopes are not as well groomed, they are way less crowded and seemingly more dangerous. An easy intermediate suddenly becomes a treacherous black after the sun sets.

When I started following the alpine world cup as a reporter ten years ago, it was at the peak of its power. Fantastic, supernatural, arrogant, unapproachable…those were just some of the words I used at the time to explain why I admired Herman Maier. His skiing was simply a step above anyone else’s, which he knew very well and he behaved accordingly. He was in perfect shape for the 2001/2002 Winter Olympics and was ahead of his competition during trainings. He was so good he was convinced that there were no boundaries that could restrain him. He confessed that in his autobiography “The Race of my Life”.
On the road at Radstadt, destiny showed him just how wrong he was. He was so strong that when the car crashed, he held on to the seat so hard with his legs that he tore it away and the force of the crash threw him out of the car with it.
In January 2003, I stayed at the same hotel in Wengen as the Austrian team. Maier had returned to the slopes just a week before in Adelboden and it was a mere coincidence that we sat fading each other at the breakfast table. I was used to his behavior so I politely greeted him and then turned my attention elsewhere.
I was surprised when he asked me what brought me to this alpine village in the middle of the Bern Alps. “I’m commenting your race for TV Slovenia”, I replied almost timidly. We exchanged a few more words on his initiative. On the way to my booth I realized, that the rumors are true: the Herminator has changed. The Robot has become more human.
During the other half of his amazing career his opinions often influenced the public. He helped the efforts to improve the safety of the skiers, he found time to take part in fundraisers, he showed a decent sense of humor and above all, Herman Maier showed some warmth.
Isn’t it funny how something bad has to happen for us to change the way we think and to look at life from a different perspective. To stop and try to find something good in the people around us and to come to terms with our own mortality. Since the crash Herman Maier is thankful for every day. Skiing was his dreams and that’s why saying goodbye was so hard for him. He left behind what’s dearest to him and even though, he won everything that could be won, he was swept over by emotions this Tuesday at Vienna. When he composed himself, he explained the reasons for his retirement and added that his friend Steffi isn’t pregnant and neither is he.
If anyone should ask why he was so successful, he will probably find the reasons in talent, hard work, iron will and the circumstances in which he worked. What I’d add to the list is his way of thinking: he once said “I came in second. I lost the race.” That is the mind of a true champion. The Herminator was never satisfied with anything but gold, but Hermann Maier during the second part of his career didn’t have anything to prove to himself or to anyone else.

On the Cheap Ski Destinations for ‘09 & ‘010

A bad economy got you, your family, your pocket book or your bank account down these days? Maybe you’re like me and your life partner recently lost her job? Well, here’s how I feel about it: I can either let the winter blues get me glum till hit I hit rock bottom, or I can take advantage of some of the rock bottom deals taking place all across Europe this ski season. You see, the smarter resorts have lowered and molded prices to fit the flailing economy, and this keeps visitor numbers and profits up—this is good for you and for them. At any rate, rather than sit at home and count your dwindling centimes, it’s better to count all the savings you’ll have this year in Terry’s “On the Cheap Top Picks” ski holiday destinations guide. (This is just a small list of many deals spanning the EU.)

Andorra:
Vallnord Ordino, Arcalis: There’s not a whole lot of ski runs per se in Arcalis, but the deals are hot enough to melt the snow this winter—don’t worry, they won’t. For the price of a disco entrance and a drink in places like Italy and France, Andorra has some economy-considerate deals with hotel stays for as low as 50-some Euros per night. Ski passes may even drop lower than the usual 160-Euro high-season, six-day cost to boot. I could stay for a month at prices like that even with my penny-pinching lifestyle.

Austria:
Solden Glacier: Believe it or not, even the most popular and hottest places to ski this year have some of the sweetest and economy-thoughtful deals. Austria always has a long ski season so they know that even if they offer deals—like almost 10% pre-season—they’ll make up the loss with the influx of cut-rate skiers (like myself). One of the apartments goes for 265 Euros per night for a six person apartment. Allow me to do the math: that’s 43 Euros per night for an apartment in Austria. Get a good deal with Ryan Air or Easyjet and that’s about as close as one can get to “on the cheap” this year.

France:
Alpe d’Huez: Some resorts in Alpe d’Huez in the central French Alps are basically handing out keys to free rooms this year. OK, it’s not that great but it’s close: Take 40% off…heck go ahead and pay 50—no, 48—Euros per night for a self-catered studio apartment; that doesn’t do it for you, fine…try a French chalet for 17 Euros per person (if you fill the 14 person chalet with 13 of your friends). The ski pass is always under 200-Euros for six-days likewise. Even Val Thorens is jumping in offering some 20% off the ‘09-’010 ski holiday. The French, sacrebleu, have some of the premier deals this season.

Switzerland:
Saas-Fee: When I travel to Europe in any season, I know that a room will cost me, at least I tell you, 50 Euros per night, except Switzerland. That is, until now: For 50 Euros per person per night, you can stay in a four person apartment, or for a few Euros more, a three room four-person apartment in Saas Fee for around 50 Euros. If the 150 or so slopes don’t draw you here, then the roughly 200 Euro six day slope prices might. Switzerland may be where shady business folk go to hide their evasive monies, but it’s also a great place to ski on the cheap this winter (and spend your existing monies).

Other Considerations:
Italy, Spain and Slovenia are also offering up some economy-sensitive bargains. You won’t have to feed your family on a staple of beans and rice to take your ski holiday this year, either. Just be on the lookout for deals that offer all-inclusiveness, slope discounts and places where groups get kudos for being bigger. I only tell you this because I am at the bottom of the proverbial totem poll this year in earnings, and if I can have a ski holiday, then by Almighty, you can too.

As soon as I see the first falling leaves, I can always smell snow, which I always find exciting. I think of the days to come with a mix of joy (from watching the world cup alpine skiing races, traveling and discovering new things) and, well, stress (commentating about 40 men’s races is a difficult task that involves long drives on icy and snow-covered roads). This is pretty much my life from the end of October to the middle of March.

It will be my 8th season on the World Cup circuit. I admit that I haven’t really thought of skiing since the end of last season, but that’s normal: my head has to rest and evacuate all the information I gathered last winter. It obviously doesn’t mean that I don’t follow what is happening on the ski scene, but I leave the Sölden commentary preparation for just a few days before the event.

A few days ago, it was finally time for me to think about the upcoming season. While meeting with my boss, we went through some logistic details and confirmed the places I will travel to this year. The main event this season will unquestionably be the Olympic Winter Games in Vancouver and I expect to work hard to get as much information as possible, hoping to deliver the very best to our audience. Gladly, Matjaž Vrhovnik, our specialist, will join me this year for some races including the ones in Vancouver.

Bode Miller returns on the slopes this year, so skiing hasn’t yet lost its most controversial star. I also hope that the Slovenian team will perform OK, despite its many injured members. While Tina Maze is in good shape and Andrej Jerman is feeling better than last year, Bernard Vajdič’s and Aleš Gorzas’s seasons are threatened (but not lost yet) by back problems. Some of the ladies are also unlucky health-wise, but it’s not an exclusively Slovene problem. Didier Defago, Lara Gut, Markus Sandell, etc. are all injured but are looking at a quick comeback. On the healthy side, the Austrian girls are definitely up for success this year again. Marlies Schild is looking strong again and I’m curious to see how Linday Vonn will respond, since she will be using a new gear. On the men’s side, people are already arguing over who can challenge Aksel Lund Svindal for the overall title, and applauding the return of Daniel Albrecht, who had a horrible crash last year in Kitzbühel and is now training hard.

So, while waiting for the information about the Sölden races, the tension is building up. We will know next week if the World Cup Caravan meets there this year, depending on the snow conditions.
On a more serious note, please let me express my condolences to the family and friends of Toni Sailer, who passed away recently at age 72. The legendary Austrian won all three gold medals in the 1956 Olympics in Cortina and he leaves a great void in the skiing community.

While most of Switzerland’s ski resorts are located along the Italian, French or Austrian border, Engelberg stands alone in the centre of the country. The picture perfect village counts about 3500 inhabitants and is nested in the Obwalden Alps. In its early days, Engelberg’s activities revolved around its monastery, established in the 12th century, which was considered a great place of knowledge. Winter sports started to develop in the late 19th century, shortly after the first hotel was built.

In summer, the Engelberg-Titlis mountain cable-ways don’t stay still! In fact, they allow skiers and boarders to enjoy their sport even in the heart of summer, on the Titlis Glacier. All kinds of sport lovers can also enjoy their favourite summer activities, and there are plenty: Mountain bikers of all levels will find suiting challenge on one of the 14 mountain biking trails (from beginner to expert level). The Via Ferrata network offers five routes to choose from, and one has been designed for the whole family to be able to discover this alpine activity. While the Via Ferrata demands a good overall physical shape, the Seilpark (rope park) is accessible to most, given that they are not afraid of heights. The six trails are comprised of hanging bridges, Nepal walkways and exciting Tyroleans. For those of us who prefer having both feet on the ground, numerous opportunities of Nordic walking as well as hiking are offered and the Golf Club Engelberg-Titlis (18 holes, 5505 m, Par 71), with its fantastic panorama, is the perfect spot to combine sport, nature and well-being.

In winter, ski at an altitude ranging between 1000 and 3000 metres above sea level. The resort of Engelberg-Titlis has 82 kilometres of runs and 24 transport installations to offer, so one can expect perfect skiing enjoyment on blue, red and black slopes. Engelberg is definitely the place to be for snowboard enthusiasts, in winter or summer, since the offer is very complete here: a fun park on the Joch Pass during winter, on the Titlis glacier in summer and all of its runs. In addition to skiing and snowboarding, all winter activities usually found in European ski resorts are also found here: telemark, cross country skiing, sledding, Nordic walking, hiking, snowshoeing, etc. For sport events enthusiasts, the FIS ski jump world cup is held here in December and the Swiss Snow Walking Event in March. During both this events, think about booking your accommodation ahead because Engelberg hotels and apartments fill up quite quickly.

The impressive Benedictine monastery is still operational today, with more than 30 monks in residence. Visits are possible Wednesday to Saturday from 10AM to 4PM and typical regional cheese (ladled by hand into a mould by the monks) can be purchased in the boutique (open daily) located in the monastery.

My skiing slang may in fact be very different than your slang, if you get my (snow) drift. However, skiing words—like snowboarding—has evolved into something of a different language. The way you say something, indeed, will determine if others understand what you’re talking about. Should you find yourself on the snowy slopes of Austria, France, Spain, Slovenia or elsewhere, it’s a good idea to jot a number of these down to throw into the (English) conversation. Though many of these are intended to be funny, some aim to really teach you something—imagine that, me teaching you something, laughable at best. At any rate, here are some words, phrases and their meanings to get you skiing smoothly through the next round table of ski-talk.

Après-ski: If you are quintessentially American and speak only one language, then “après” in French means “after”. Après-ski literally means “after ski(ing)”. Generally, it’s used in unison with nightlife and what a resort has to offer off-slope.

Crash landing: This is when you perform a neat-o trick mid-air but then really boink the ending. That is, the landing wasn’t good at all and you probably crashed.

Face Plant: Falling, landing or tripping flat on your face. Not pretty. Hurts. Sometimes funny.

Biff: This one is easy to remember if you’ve ever seen the trilogy “Back to The Future.” Biff is when your body hits the slope but somehow you recover quickly and ski the rest of the way down.

Bomb Hole: A hold left by a bomb? Nope. This is the landing mark you make after catching some air and then landing in the snow. A heavier person might leave a bigger bomb hole than a skinnier person.

Bono: (This one is so wrong.) To pull a Bono means to face plant into a tree while skiing downhill (for Sonny Bono). Hopefully this doesn’t lead to death but only a mild concussion.

Carving: This happens when you turn your ski and make a nice half moon and stop (generally) without face planting.

Choco Chips: These are rocks that poke up out of the snow. They look like chocolate chunks inside a cookie or biscuit.

Freshie: If you get to the slope early enough then you might get to experience freshie. This is what the snow is called when it’s unskied.

Lift Licker: When you, your kid, or your partner decides it’s a good idea to lick the lift, which can cause one’s tongue to stick to the metal on the lift.

Off-Piste: This is part of the slopes that are not groomed by snow machines. These may be through the trees or even in the backcountry.

Planker: This is a word used to designate a skier, not a snowboarder.

Sick: This is often used to describe something that is extreme or hard. It is often interchanged with wicked, which has the same connotations of dangerous-ness.

Snotsicle: If you’ve ever had snot frozen to your lip, chin, beard or goatee, then you’ve had a snotsicle. These might be salty to the taste, however. Gross!

The series “12 Steps to Ski Like a Pro” has been filmed in the SnowWorld of Landgraaf, in the Netherlands. Intended for intermediate skiers, you will, through the 12 three to five minutes long movies, learn how and with which exercises you can bring your skiing to the level of the pros. Your instructors are the ski champions Urška Hrovat and Christian Mayer. Starting on the 27th of October, one new step will be release every Tuesday. Check out the trailer, it says it all.

Even if you’ve never stuck your ski poles into fresh resort snow, you probably still know the basics of what to take on a skiing holiday. I mean, anyone can guess skis, ski boots, ski poles, perhaps a helmet, gloves, warm socks and so on, right? The same holds true for snowboarding I would guess too: snowboard, boots, helmet, perhaps a tailbone pad, gloves and the like. Well, since we all know what to bring for skiing, it’s time to create a list to bring for comfort. I always try to pack things that will make my trip not only fun but also more enjoyable. Here’s what to bring if you’ve ever caught yourself saying things like, “Oh, man my lips are chapped.” or “The sun is sure bright today.” or “My hands [or feet] are freezing.”

“My hands or feet are freezing.”

Let’s start with probably the number one complaint while on the slopes. One of my favourite tricks for keeping my hands and feet extra toasty while battling Mother Nature’s winter fury is to pack hand warmers. I know of two kinds: the kind that you sort of crack that produces a chemical heat and the kind you light a carbon stick with a lighter and put inside a protective box. I prefer the latter because it’s cheaper, and I find the kind of heat produced by it more pleasant. These babies keep my hands almost sweaty which sure beats the fingernail-pull feeling of fingertips going numb!

“I don’t know where the h&@#$* I’m at.”

I use to carry my cell phone with me just in case I found myself lost, if that makes any sense—if it does then you probably have too. In any event, if you’ve ever muttered “I’m lost” or an above variation, then you should carry a trail map with you. Ok, sounds simple enough but I run into skiers and boarders all the time that don’t have a map with them. “All the slopes lead down, mate.” I was once told. I wanted to punch that dude, trust me. Just ask your hotel lobby informant or take a quick visit to the tourist office to get the most up-to-date trail and piste map.

“The sun is bright today.”

Most people bring either glasses or goggles to protect from the glare of the sun. Others, however, walk around with frozen water droplets splattered on their glasses and goggles. To avoid this, if I may suggest, is to bring a small chamois or lens cloth. I find myself cleaning my goggles almost every time I’m on the cable or gondola lift. Trust you me, once you find yourself on the Harakiki in Mayrhofen (Zillertal) in Austria for minutes at a time for example, you’ll have to use an ice scraper on your goggles to see clearly again.

“I sure get hungry and thirsty while on the pistes.”

If you ever get the munchies while skiing, then you should always carry a snack or two plus water or drink with you. I enjoy trail mix or an energy bar but sometime I crave a simultaneous sugar and caffeine buzz. If this happens, I like to take my favourite candy or chocolate bar. Chocolate is a notorious snack that gives you everything you need to stave off a large meal that would make you sleep rather than ski or snowboard.

Though you shouldn’t eat it, I like also to take sunscreen, chapped lip salve, a padlock (or money change) for lockers and (to be sure) my favorite apres-ski clothes. “You are not wearing that are you?” my girlfriend has never ceased asking. “What, I like them tight,” I always retort.