It was an amazing feeling to end the week and see some real progress.

Each day Will took us out to his secret spots and really helped us perfect our technique and work on any area we wanted to improve on.

For me it was jumps. I wanted to know the technique behind a really good jump, getting decent air and, most importantly, how to land the jump.

So here goes, SurfGirl’s Top Tips For Getting Air

• First of all visualise yourself completing the jump. Really see it in your mind.
• Go into the jump with confidence and enough speed to get you up and over.
• As you approach the jump, bend your legs and get closer to your board.
• You don’t need to push off the jump. You will be accelerated naturally from the jump. Adding an extra push from you, may throw your body off balance.
• Keep you body aligned, that is keep your shoulders in line with your hips, your knees bent. Only your head is turned to see where your going. This is really important part. Most people tend to swing there shoulders as they jump which in turn throws you off balance and usually results with landing on our backside, or ever worse your head!
• As you hit the jump remember to look to where you want to land, keep you legs bent, stay low and ride it out.
• Confidence comes with practice, so try to keep repeating a set of jumps and keep the technique strong in your mind.
• And just when you least expect it… AIR! Enjoy.

Willy G, our instructor

If you fancy hitting the slopes this winter and would like to progress a certain area of your riding, or maybe you are a complete beginner, then it is really worth investing in some coaching. Will offers lessons from beginners to advanced skiers and snowboarders, specific coaching days to perfect any area you want to work on, as well as video coaching and photo packages. If you’re lucky he’ll even bring you to the infamous Irish Bar, Covey’s where he DJ’s on a Monday (http://www.coveysirishpub.com/) – but be warned, if they hand you a shot of black liquid that makes your eyes water just from the smell….. be afraid, very afraid!

Contact:
William Giles
0033 450 897073
www.chalet-loreade.com

Jane gets some air!

La Plagne boasts the only bobsleigh, luge and skeleton track in France. The Olympic standard track was built in 1991 for the Albertville Olympic Games, and is well known as the most technical track in the world. The record speed is 134 kph!
There are three bobs available to the public that require no training: the Bob Raft seats four passengers and runs at nearly 80 kph; the Mono Bob, which is a single-seater, self-steering bob with a semi-reclining position that travels at more than 90 kph with some extreme sensations in complete safety; finally there’s the Taxi Bob which is the Rolls Royce of the bobsleigh! Seating 3 passengers behind a professional driver, this racer can reach nearly 120kpm!

The only one of its kind in the World, the ice tower has stood in the Valley of Champagny le Haut at 1500m for the last 6 years. This year it is now hidden in heart of the Canada Forest amongst the larch trees, on the edge of the Vanoise National Park.
The ice tower brings the sport of ice climbing to anyone up for the challenge! The 22m high tower offers different levels of difficulty and is accessible to all. Beginners can start out on 85¬? climbs and experts take on verticals (90¬?) or overhangs of 45¬?.
All activities are supervised by specialist mountain guides, who are above all ice climbing enthusiasts!
At the end of January, the ice tower hosts the 7th edition of the Gorzderette Tournament Рa fun-filled multi-event alpine sports contest. Open to everyone, this event promised even the world’s ice-climbing elite a good show. www.gzd.fr

Extensive off piste terrain!
For those looking for fresh tracks and the ultimate freeride experience, then look no further than La Plagne. The resort makes up part of Paridiski area, which is one of the world’s largest ski areas, second after The Three Valleys. With more than 80% of the area being above 2000m it’s one of the most snow-sure spots in Europe, boasting miles of untouched terrain! If you’re looking for a challenge, then take on the famous North Face of ‘Bellecote’.

Freestyle Heaven:
The La Plagne freestyle parks are located in Belle-Plagne and with zones suitable for beginner and experienced riders. Featuring jumps, boxes, rails, tables and “torijib” (a tower of oil cans). The park promotes a weekly Big Air contest, open to all and there’s an air bag perfect for trying out new tricks.
What’s more, there are 2 half pipes in the resort, and the most recent addition is FIS standard at 150 metres long, 5,5 meters high, and has a 16 degree slope.

But the fun doesn‚Äôt stop there! The resort to proud to introduce some great new sliding sensations including the Speedel Snow, which is a cross between a sledge and go-kart promising fast and furious fun! The pilot steers with his feet on a pivoting bar and has a turning circle of 45¬? ensuring fast and precise handling. And also new this season is the Zipfy ‚Äì a mini freestyle sledge with a solid steering lever that guarantees great handling round the bends! Perfect for a day off from your skis!

For more info check out www.la-plagne.com

The Chalet is sponsored by Ride Snowboards and is stocked with a range of the latest demo boards to try out. If you’re thinking of buying a new board, this is a great option to try before you buy. There is a choice of three packages to suit all budgets: choose from fully catered, breakfast only or self catered.

Don’t forget to mention SurfGirl when booking to get your free day‚Äôs coaching!

The website is www.chalet-loreade.com and the email contact is will@chalet-loreade.com

girlie camps laax

Girlie Camps has an exclusive set up with lodging in the Curnius building. You wake up on the mountain at 1800 m, with only 50 m to the world-famous Laax Pipe.  After 4 nights you move down to stay at The Riders Palace, a hotel specially designed for skiers and snowboarders, who like to be in the right spot.  With a Bose sound system in the hotel disco and the best DJs, you will have the best of both worlds.

Camp dates for 2010
Laax, Switzerland               7 -–14 March
Laax, Switzerland               14 – 21 March

What is included in the camp
Accommodation 4 nights up on the mountain with breakfast and 4 dinners.
Accommodation 3 nights in the Riders Palace with breakfast
7 days’ lift ticket.
5.5 days coaching and snowboarding
Coaching and snowboarding with riders from K2
Lesson about safety on the mountain and on the slopes.
Do your own GirlieCamps video with a video camera and Apple MacBook Pro.
Video analysis to keep up with your progress
Girlie Mountain Compendium
2 yoga sessions
Girlie night out!

Price
840 EUR

For more detailed information check out the website www.girliecamps.com. Book at bookings@girliecamps.com.

/Marika and the Girlie Crew