 Meribel - Courchevel: Photo Christopher Sims ©
 ATOMIC MAVERICK 86 C The Atomic Maverick 86 C Skis, a fantastic choice for those who love wide versatility on the slopes. With a carbon backbone, this lightweight design provides an easy manageable and sharp turn performance on groomed runs, and with more rugged snow conditions I was surprised how flexible, quick and sharp carving was in deeper yet loose snow and light moguls. Pretty extraordinary believe me.  The Atomic Maverick 86 C I was expecting the Atomic Maverick 86 C not to be so agile due to the width and length. But not only were they agile on groomed slopes, they felt incredibly grounded and secure, light and giving a real sense of extensions to the body. Taking them off piste into deeper snow they are stable, capable to move quickly, and sit above the snow pretty well while being incredible robust. What was noticeable was the control in the tip and heal of the skies, allowing accurate and steady alterations in movement with surprising ease and grace.
As I traveled across the changing conditions after a heavy 20cm snow fall the night before, then onto more groomed areas the following day I could feel a kick in the heal of the ski when needed to elevate over, or into a position with mogul, pretty awesome and a new experience for me. These ATOMIC are something else, and have had rave reviews from both novices skiers and experts alike. This is not particularly a speed ski, but as a certified speed freak myself, these were a really enjoyable ride all day. The skis took more control of my speed and I wasn’t just racing away with myself. Often I find I’m having to control my speed and pull back, but with the ATOMIC Maverick 86C it felt as if the skis was regulating my speed to a degree. Believe me this was great to spend a day cruising the mountains.  Photo Christopher Sims © No doubt you can gather some speed on these for sure, as I experienced once the conditions got more set on ground level, but they don’t tend to run away with you as I have experienced with other styles. And the control over them, and myself was extraordinary. Skiers who want to feel that the skis also have good control over them, not only with the speed but with the grounding and one’s control; these are a great option in mixed conditions. I really enjoying working with them on moguls as the skis kept me grounded and were easy to operate and manoeuvre. In fact they taught me some really good lessons on skiing, and on moguls I actually really enjoyed. An Excellent technology from ATOMIC, I will seriously be looking into acquiring this style.
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 Photo: Christopher Sims ©
And one of the many benefits of staying in Les Menuires sunny drenched location, along with its choices of wide and long runs, is the accessibility to Masse which peeks at 2800meters and is part of the Belleville valley. Masse has become a main attraction across the 3 valleys in recent years. And with a new infrastructure completed just 2 seasons ago, you can now take one of France’s fastest gondoliers direct from base Les Menuires to the top of Masse. Previously this took 2 gondoliers to reach Masse, and both were pretty slow in a rather 80s fabulous way.
Along with the new express gondolier came a huge viewing platform and sun deck, which provides a picking area and toilets. First thing in the morning with your flask of coffee and croissants stuffed in a pocket all set, with just the one express ski lift taking you to spectacular views over the entire Bellville valley and across the Alps toward Lydon. It’s a biblical experience, as if viewing the ends of the earth. Masse has become a main destination for skiers, especially that first ski run of the morning when the sun is hitting it. There are several runs down from the top of Masse, varying from blues to blacks, all in the top bracket for on piests adventures, and some great off piest if you’re that way inclined. With several rout options and all runs being wide, it never seems that busy, even with the crowds that venture there.  Photo: Christopher Sims © As we enter the afternoon the sun has drifted off the slopes, and although this area is still incredible to ski, there’s nothing like skiing down a sun drenched mountain. However if you to head to Masse for the last ski of the day, you will whiteness the most incredible sun as it is setting. The conditions on Masse are pretty exceptional all season. However if the weather draws in, visibility can be harsh. And as Messe has long and wide runs, but with no tree line, this can be a challenge when the visibility drops.  Photo: Christopher Sims © With good visibility and full blue skies, or some lighter clouds hovering, the views are incredible when looking over the tops of the Alps, and the wide winding runs hold breathtaking visuals. We would recommend Le Chalet De La Masse for lunch, snacks or morning coffee when heading down from Masse, just before you arrive back at the lift. With a very friendly service and spectacular views over Les Menuiers brutalist utopia town, this is one of our favourite destinations due to its pleasant vibe.  Photo: Christopher Sims © SøEdited Team SøCultures Editor: Alexander James SøEditor-in-Chief: Chris Saint Sims SøFashion Director: Savannah Barthorpe Yes, we get it, you’re just itching for escape from long nights and a combined overdose of Netflix and Amazon Prime. Don’t just settle for any old bolthole, rent the whole building, igloo, cabin or even an entire castle to match your travel desire. That’s what is on offer with a game-changing platform that makes Airbnb look like a miserable minnow. Lesser-known portals, such as the design-minded accommodation folks at Welcome Beyond have winter travel picks that extend from log cabins in a former Colorado mountain ghost town, to spectacular igloo stays in a winter wonderland. For example, you can escape to a backdrop beneath the Northern Lights. The Austnesfjorden, Aurora Cabin is a cosy hideaway in the Lofoten Islands, Norway. It features three bedrooms and interiors crafted from untreated wood by a local carpenter. Or nestled in a quiet corner of the Dolomites, Castel Maurn is a 1,000-year-old residence now transformed into a luxury boutique hotel featuring spacious suites, a luxurious spa and a swimming pool. Then there’s the Fjellhytte cabin located in Trysil, Norway - Innlandet, a winter resort. Set amongst trees with stunning views of mountains, Trysil is a walking and skiing paradise, with options for cross-country downhill skiers and snowboarders, or just kicking back on fur drapes. You can soak in a thermal hot tub cabins in Tranyslvania, or rejuvenate in a spa, that was also once a prison, in Berlin. Located in the heart of Romania, Portal Village is an adults-only retreat near the UNESCO-listed village of Sibiel. Meanwhile, Berlin’s Wilmina was converted over ten-years reformation project from jail to sanctaury, complete with lush gardens and interflowing courtyards. For some good deals to winter destinations, check out Fly Norse Atlantic: Norse Atlantic Airways (flynorse.com) |
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