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All the latest news from around the 3 Valleys from the La Tania locals. A real blog since 2006, not just endless re-posts for search engine optimisaton! Photos, gossip, snow reports, what's on and all the latest on the Apres Ski scene... Now fully optimised for iPhone, Touch and Android Mobiles - just go to latania.co.uk/blog and view on your phone. Our other past blogs & favourites here

 


 

London Ski and Snowboard Show Review

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Yoann from The Tourist Office on the La Tania stand – The Three Vallleys is a big part of the show this year after being absent in 2012.

It’s the 40th anniversary of the Ski Show this year – an event that traditionally heralds the start of the ski season and for many a great excuse to catch up with friends that they only see in Winter. This could well be my 20th visit and its had its ups and downs through the years but holds a lot of memories for a lot of people.

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The first thing I noticed was that there appeared to be no big air / ski jump / quarter pipe / air bag for the first time in absolutely ages – something I always looked forward to seeing acrobatic skiers & snowboarders showing no fear despite the limited landing areas! There is a large beginners slope however, complete with tubing ramp and there will be a rail contest on Friday – maybe something else is planned for the weekend. No fashion show as far as I could see too this year.

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The second thing – While Ellis Brigham have a huge retail space as normal it was interesting to see that Snow and Rock only have a much smaller “Show Case” stand with staff handing out catalogues and discount vouchers (10% off on-line and £15 off over £100 spent in store).

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Also the hideous Sports Direct are here (I’m a Toon fan, right) flogging gear such as Nevica – remember them? Another retailer has joined them to flog skis and boots at the show too, but the sheer size, buying power and ruthlessness of SD must make them a very serious player in ski retail very quickly (although Tescos were a one year wonder a few years back I remember).

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The return of Nevica – will Mike Ashley get the C&A Rodeo brand too?

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The Retro Rentals guys really do have Rodeo gear though – and you’ll be able to hire their classic 80s one piece luminous suits in La Tania next season.

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Caught up with La Tania veteran Emma working for New Gen with BASI getting those Gappies sorted for Le Praz next season.

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Useful stand this – Cloud 9 iPhone cases – basically a plastic bag on a clip on lanyard but with a fully waterproof seal and still works fine through the plastic – at 3 for £10 it’s a bargain (considering what you get charged at some airports for plain bags!). Mention La Tania and they donate to the La Tania Escape Challenge being run in January 2014.

Also if interest to us was the new FluidCar one way car hire service – basically you drop the vehicle in resort so its free for someone to return to the airport. How many times have you paid for a weeks car hire only to pay to leave the car in a snow drift for 6 days? Could be a good option if the price is right and they’ll be launching on some peak weeks this season from Geneva to The 3 Valleys – where else!

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Curling – beginners welcome

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And the ice rink…

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Ibiza Rocks The Snow are coming to Meribel this Winter – they were banging out the tunes and promoting the 3 weeks of parties they have planned! Team #LaTania will be getting heavily involved with all this no doubt…

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Alternatively have a quiet browse of the Crystal photo competition gallery – some great work here.

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GoPro as expected had a very high tech looking stand showing off the latest 3+ models and some great video footage.

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Pure Ski Porn… more shaped, more rocker, wider, fatter, lighter, faster, harder, softer, better etc etc etc…

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And some more fun for the half term kids…

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Finally the food prices – meal deal prices to make you fell like you’re in The Alps!

Plenty of Après food and drink plus wine tastings, champagne bars and resort tourist office hospitality plus several stands to try things out on and videos, talks, etc – still worth the effort and this year for the first time ever they have the latest 2014 Three Valleys piste map (not the previous seasons as usual!) – worth the trip alone to see that new La Tania Chairlift marked up!

See you at the Après Party Thursday and 3 Valleys Bar Saturday afternoon…

2 Responses to “London Ski and Snowboard Show Review”

  1. Could have done with some snowboard porn… land in La Tania for the season November 21 and can't wait