Ski, Hike, Bike

H&F writer Sheila Reid gets active in Val d’Isère on a luxury snow adventure

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‘Skiing is a game – you need to control your skis, not let your skis control you,’ smiles Elliott, my 19-year-old ski guide and instructor. ‘Always look in front of you – not at your feet. Do long turns when the slope is steep and fewer turns when the slope is flatter.’ On this glorious morning, the sun is sparkling on the snow, the air is crystal clear, mountains are towering above us – and there’s no one else in sight as we carve our turns down the piste. I’m concentrating on my technique when Elliott notices I’m forgetting to breathe!

‘OK,’ he says. ‘Take an in-breath when you ski downhill and an out-breath as you plant your pole to turn. This helps you keep a rhythm when carving turns, and sends more oxygen to your muscles so your legs get less sore.’ And, as we scoot down the slope, I soon build up a rhythm as my breath flows in and out – easy when you know how!

HIP HIDEAWAY