Effective and efficient transport links from the UK to the French Alps, especially Annecy, will improve opportunities for skiers and snowboarders from Britain to take part in the 2018 Winter Olympics, if Annecy`s bid for the games is accepted.
Already in place are the existing links to the French Alps via the Eurostar and the airports of Geneva and Lyon. Geographically, Annecy with its lakeside location, at the base of four mountains, is in an excellent position to host the games.
The area is already on the map sitting just an hour away from Chamonix where the 1924 games were held. Alpine skiing and ice hockey competitions would use this venue. The iconic and hugely challenging Mont Blanc could be the scene of dramatic competition.
Other venues will benefit from being improved from the 1992 Albertville games. It is planned that Les Houches and La Plagne will host the Bobsleigh, Luge and Skeleton competitions. Annecy will host the skating and curling events whilst La Semnoz will have responsibility for Snowboard and Freestyle skiing. Nearby, La Clusaz and Le Grand Bomand will host Nordic events.
Annecy wants to offer visitors the best experience during the games and complimentary tickets to the events will be on offer to visitors holidaying in the host resorts.
July 2011 marks the date when Annecy, alongside fellow candidate cities Munich and Pyeongchang, face the vote of IOC members at their annual conference in Durban, South Africa.
Meanwhile, Annecy`s promotional campaign is well under way at a series of World Cup Competitions this winter. Look out for the Cross Country in La Clusaz in December,Men`s Downhill in Chamonix in January and the Ski Halfpipe in La Plagne in March.
Sunday
Trespass Ski Wear at Atomic Freeski Academy
ChelstonDirect.com stocks a huge selection of Trespass ski wear,
visit our website today!
Chemmy breaks leg in training run
Skier Chemmy Alcott has reportedly broken her shin and perhaps fractured another bone in her right leg. The injury was sustained whilst training in Lake Louise, Canada.
Alcott said on Twitter: "Thank you everyone for everything. Insane that something that brings you so much pleasure can also bring so much pain."
The three-time Olympian and British number one female skier has been working towards the World Cup season since competing at this year's Winter Olympics in Vancouver.
The British Ski and Snowboard chief executive Dave Edwards gave the following statement:
"Chemmy is a great athlete and has worked very hard to be ready for the World Cup season, so missing it will be a big blow. Naturally, we wish her all the best and hope that she makes a rapid and complete recovery."
Alcott said on Twitter: "Thank you everyone for everything. Insane that something that brings you so much pleasure can also bring so much pain."
The three-time Olympian and British number one female skier has been working towards the World Cup season since competing at this year's Winter Olympics in Vancouver.
The British Ski and Snowboard chief executive Dave Edwards gave the following statement:
"Chemmy is a great athlete and has worked very hard to be ready for the World Cup season, so missing it will be a big blow. Naturally, we wish her all the best and hope that she makes a rapid and complete recovery."
Tuesday
Weston-super-Mare Snow dome?
A multi-million pound snow dome could be built in Weston-super-Mare, it has emerged.
Leisure Dome UK is in talks to purchase land on the Weston Airfield development to build the south west's first indoor ski centre featuring real snow.
If planning permission is approved by North Somerset Council, the venture could be up and running within two years.
The development would also feature a spa and skateboard park.
Leisure Dome UK is in talks to purchase land on the Weston Airfield development to build the south west's first indoor ski centre featuring real snow.
If planning permission is approved by North Somerset Council, the venture could be up and running within two years.
The development would also feature a spa and skateboard park.
Wednesday
Glencoe ski site 'is world's snowiest'
The ski centre at Glencoe Mountain had the most new snow of any winter sports resort in the world on Wednesday, its operators have claimed.
Spokesman Andy Meldrum said data collected by the British Ski Club revealed the area experienced a fall of 80cm over 24 hours.
Heavy snowfalls were also experienced at other Scottish ski resorts.
Snow fell to a depth of 70cm at CairnGorm, 60cm at both The Lecht and Nevis Range, and 50cm at Glenshee.
Mr Meldrum said: "We have had a colossal amount of snow. At car park level we've probably got a metre of snow.
"The amount of snow on the mountain is absolutely epic."
Mr Meldrum added: "We must have a metre and a half of snow up there."
Glencoe came out ahead of the Sugarbush and Mount Snow resorts in the USA which had 76cm of new snow on Wednesday.
Spokesman Andy Meldrum said data collected by the British Ski Club revealed the area experienced a fall of 80cm over 24 hours.
Heavy snowfalls were also experienced at other Scottish ski resorts.
Snow fell to a depth of 70cm at CairnGorm, 60cm at both The Lecht and Nevis Range, and 50cm at Glenshee.
Mr Meldrum said: "We have had a colossal amount of snow. At car park level we've probably got a metre of snow.
"The amount of snow on the mountain is absolutely epic."
Mr Meldrum added: "We must have a metre and a half of snow up there."
Glencoe came out ahead of the Sugarbush and Mount Snow resorts in the USA which had 76cm of new snow on Wednesday.
Thursday
Midsummer skiing at CairnGorm
Skiing could take place at the CairnGorm Mountain resort at midsummer for the first time in living memory.
The site's Colin Kirkwood said skiing would be available this weekend for the first time since 1992 but skiing could continue until after 24 June.
CairnGorm Mountain's season will continue over weekends while there is enough snow.
The Ptarmigan Bowl and the resort's sledging area still have deep coverings of snow.
CairnGorm, along with ski centres at the Lecht, Nevis Range, Glencoe and Glenshee, benefited from heavy snow and freezing conditions over the winter.
Mr Kirkwood said: "If there is skiing at midsummer then that would be the first here in living memory."
The season ends when ski tows and the ski patrol no longer operate.
Figures recently released by Ski Scotland showed the country has had its best season in 14 years.
Since late November, Scotland's five mountain resorts have attracted 373,782 customers.
The ski season is estimated to have attracted £37.5m into the local economy.
The site's Colin Kirkwood said skiing would be available this weekend for the first time since 1992 but skiing could continue until after 24 June.
CairnGorm Mountain's season will continue over weekends while there is enough snow.
The Ptarmigan Bowl and the resort's sledging area still have deep coverings of snow.
CairnGorm, along with ski centres at the Lecht, Nevis Range, Glencoe and Glenshee, benefited from heavy snow and freezing conditions over the winter.
Mr Kirkwood said: "If there is skiing at midsummer then that would be the first here in living memory."
The season ends when ski tows and the ski patrol no longer operate.
Figures recently released by Ski Scotland showed the country has had its best season in 14 years.
Since late November, Scotland's five mountain resorts have attracted 373,782 customers.
The ski season is estimated to have attracted £37.5m into the local economy.
Sunday
Rise in Popularity Barefoot Running
Footwear constricts our feet. The rise in popularity of barefoot activity in the UK is undeniable. Health experts and habitual barefooters generally have stronger feet, better flexibility and fewer ailments. Going along with nature, baring your sole, walking your socks off, are commonly used phrases by advocates and enthusiasts who cannot get enough of the sensory delight the experience offers.
World history and context offers a background. In China, reflexology paths paved with stones have been used for thousands of years to enhance physical and mental well-being.
Bavarian monks in the 19th century believed that wading barefoot through wet grass or shallow water stimulated internal organs, strengthening the immune system, and helped the body to heal itself. Today, variations of this `Kneipp` therapy are practised in spas worldwide. In the late 1960s, hippies shunned footwear, forcing authorities to introduce policies against bare feet, causing the practice to become out of style.
Today there is a massive resurgence. In 2000, John Woodward, an Alexander technique teacher, launched barefoot running courses in the Lake District. 2006 saw the UKs first outdoor barfuss (german for barefoot) trial open in Nottingham, followed by another in greenwood forest park in Gywnedd in 2009. Many intellectualise about the increased popularity, or illustrate the health benefits; others claim that the experience is for fun!
The growing catalogue of scientific reference and support for barefoot running and activity, is impressive. Daniel E Lieberman, professor of human evolutionary biology at Harvard, has conducted his own research, and concludes that people who don’t wear shoes when they run have an astonishingly different foot strike. Barefoot runners who land on the middle or front of the foot, experience very little impact collision, and much less than most shod runners generate when they heel strike. Runners and walkers alike, will say that heel striking is painful, and can be damaging unless rectified. It could be argued therefore, that barefoot running can lead to a reduction in repetitive stress injuries.
Ted McDonald, featured in McDougall`s ‘Born to Run’ book, cites barefoot running as the only solution he could find to unbearable lower back pain. It is also relevant and interesting to see that he became the only barefoot runner in the copper canyon Mexican ultra marathon.
Barefoot running is still quite rare in elite competitive situations. Previous exponents, such as Abebe Bikila; Rome Olympic marathon champion in 1960, Tegla Laroupe, and Zola Budd regularly competed unshod. For lesser athletes and those going barefoot for fun, a gradual approach is likely to reap most reward! Walking barefoot, then starting to run on grass and or concrete, strengthening the feet skin, and increasing time and distance will allow that sensory delight to develop!
Vibram Five Fingers are available from Chelston Direct.com
World history and context offers a background. In China, reflexology paths paved with stones have been used for thousands of years to enhance physical and mental well-being.
Bavarian monks in the 19th century believed that wading barefoot through wet grass or shallow water stimulated internal organs, strengthening the immune system, and helped the body to heal itself. Today, variations of this `Kneipp` therapy are practised in spas worldwide. In the late 1960s, hippies shunned footwear, forcing authorities to introduce policies against bare feet, causing the practice to become out of style.
Today there is a massive resurgence. In 2000, John Woodward, an Alexander technique teacher, launched barefoot running courses in the Lake District. 2006 saw the UKs first outdoor barfuss (german for barefoot) trial open in Nottingham, followed by another in greenwood forest park in Gywnedd in 2009. Many intellectualise about the increased popularity, or illustrate the health benefits; others claim that the experience is for fun!
The growing catalogue of scientific reference and support for barefoot running and activity, is impressive. Daniel E Lieberman, professor of human evolutionary biology at Harvard, has conducted his own research, and concludes that people who don’t wear shoes when they run have an astonishingly different foot strike. Barefoot runners who land on the middle or front of the foot, experience very little impact collision, and much less than most shod runners generate when they heel strike. Runners and walkers alike, will say that heel striking is painful, and can be damaging unless rectified. It could be argued therefore, that barefoot running can lead to a reduction in repetitive stress injuries.
Ted McDonald, featured in McDougall`s ‘Born to Run’ book, cites barefoot running as the only solution he could find to unbearable lower back pain. It is also relevant and interesting to see that he became the only barefoot runner in the copper canyon Mexican ultra marathon.
Barefoot running is still quite rare in elite competitive situations. Previous exponents, such as Abebe Bikila; Rome Olympic marathon champion in 1960, Tegla Laroupe, and Zola Budd regularly competed unshod. For lesser athletes and those going barefoot for fun, a gradual approach is likely to reap most reward! Walking barefoot, then starting to run on grass and or concrete, strengthening the feet skin, and increasing time and distance will allow that sensory delight to develop!
Vibram Five Fingers are available from Chelston Direct.com
Saturday
SnOasis - Suffolk Snow Dome
SnOasis is a unique concept in sporting excellence and family activity holidays, based in East Anglia, amongst fine countryside. The SnOasis is a centre which will be used by British teams at all levels, and amateur enthusiasts across the age and ability span.
SnOasis is an all encompassing tourist destination, built on a 350-acre site and entirely privately funded. With an estimated construction time of 30 months, this project creates 3500 jobs and, on completion, the equivalent of 1800 full time positions. It is at the forefront of technologically advanced planning to cater for projected visitor numbers of 650,000 per year. It plans to generate 75% of energy used from low carbon and renewable technologies all closely monitored by developers and governments across the world.
This winter sports academy offers extensive and first class facilities for elite and visiting athletes, students, school parties, families and individuals all requiring the best in winter sports opportunities and the best in accommodation -hostel, apartments, or log cabins. All this and more is designed on one site, with every holiday activity right on your doorstep.
At the heart of SnOasis is Europe’s largest ski slope: 415 metres long and 70 metres wide, incorporating 100 metre vertical drop, enough to challenge and satisfy dedicated and fun seeking skiers alike!
The centre offers world class facilities in 14 different winter sports, incorporating a 400 metre ice skating track, a cross country skiing circuit, and 100 metre bobsleigh push start track.
SnOasis is designed with the family in mind and offers a fast transition from street to snow. The 100-metre long nursery slope is designed to build confidence and skill. There will be a luge run, a bobsleigh fun ride, an ice climbing wall, leisure ice rink, swimming pool, fitness gym, jogging track, skate park and 10 pin bowling alley plus other fun activities housed in the dedicated entertainment dome.
Also, SnOasis incorporates water-based activities: fishing, windsurfing, rowing, canoeing, and sailing. The entertainment dome features a snooker/pool hall, rock climbing wall, squash and tennis, and 5 a side football facilities.
It is planned that this East Anglian gem is easily accessible by road, rail and air. The project includes improvements to the A12/A14 road intersection, and a new mainline station, giving a direct link to Liverpool Street and more. Cycle tracks, planting 130 000 trees and working to offer the best experience to all visitors is the driving aim of the project.
SnOasis is an all encompassing tourist destination, built on a 350-acre site and entirely privately funded. With an estimated construction time of 30 months, this project creates 3500 jobs and, on completion, the equivalent of 1800 full time positions. It is at the forefront of technologically advanced planning to cater for projected visitor numbers of 650,000 per year. It plans to generate 75% of energy used from low carbon and renewable technologies all closely monitored by developers and governments across the world.
This winter sports academy offers extensive and first class facilities for elite and visiting athletes, students, school parties, families and individuals all requiring the best in winter sports opportunities and the best in accommodation -hostel, apartments, or log cabins. All this and more is designed on one site, with every holiday activity right on your doorstep.
At the heart of SnOasis is Europe’s largest ski slope: 415 metres long and 70 metres wide, incorporating 100 metre vertical drop, enough to challenge and satisfy dedicated and fun seeking skiers alike!
The centre offers world class facilities in 14 different winter sports, incorporating a 400 metre ice skating track, a cross country skiing circuit, and 100 metre bobsleigh push start track.
SnOasis is designed with the family in mind and offers a fast transition from street to snow. The 100-metre long nursery slope is designed to build confidence and skill. There will be a luge run, a bobsleigh fun ride, an ice climbing wall, leisure ice rink, swimming pool, fitness gym, jogging track, skate park and 10 pin bowling alley plus other fun activities housed in the dedicated entertainment dome.
Also, SnOasis incorporates water-based activities: fishing, windsurfing, rowing, canoeing, and sailing. The entertainment dome features a snooker/pool hall, rock climbing wall, squash and tennis, and 5 a side football facilities.
It is planned that this East Anglian gem is easily accessible by road, rail and air. The project includes improvements to the A12/A14 road intersection, and a new mainline station, giving a direct link to Liverpool Street and more. Cycle tracks, planting 130 000 trees and working to offer the best experience to all visitors is the driving aim of the project.
Wednesday
Ski and Snowboard Show
This winter the Ski and Snowboard Show will return to London Olympia from the 20th – 24th October having secured a three year dual media partnership with The Independent and London Evening Standard.
The media partnerships reflect the new direction in which the annual consumer ski and snowboard show is moving, as it introduces a range of activities and ticket packages aimed at attracting a broader spectrum of visitor.
Tim Holmes, Head of Snowsports said:
“We are extremely excited about teaming up with the Independent Newspaper and the London Evening Standard. The partnership is perfect for the show in that it combines the renowned travel editorial position of the Independent with the ability to target a precise London audience through the Evening Standard. The long term nature of the deal represents a huge potential for growth in the audience of the show as well as providing our sponsors and exhibitors with the support they require from national UK newspapers.”
The dual media partnership will see both publications have a presence at the show and will support the annual event through both advertising and editorial coverage.
Simon Calder, Senior Travel Editor of The Independent, said:
"The Independent Traveller has always sought to inspire, inform and entertain skiers and snowboarders, with top-class writers including Stephen Wood and Tam Leach carving new frontiers in winter sports. We are thrilled to be supporting the UK's premier ski show in 2010 and beyond, and look forward to an exciting event."
Jon O'Donnell, Advertisement Director of the Evening Standard said:
“A long term partnership with the Ski and Snowboard Show makes absolute sense for us at a time when they are focussing even more on attracting our key audience - young, upmarket Londoners. As London's quality newspaper we've consistently supported the kind of events and exhibitions that affluent Londoners love, and our greater reach and readership means that we can do this even more effectively than ever before.'
Previous partner Land Rover returns to the 2010 show after signing a two year deal with VOS Media to become the Official Vehicle Sponsor. This year they will support three areas of the exhibition including a free Land Rover ice driving experience for visitors.
The annual consumer event will also host an all-new Mountain Theatre with talks from awe inspiring explorers such as Sir Ranulph Fiennes along with Winter Olympians and world class ski and snowboarders. The new theatre takes its place alongside popular existing attractions, Destination Quebec Husky Lodge, Trespass Big Air Competition and Les 3 Vallees Resort Bar.
A new pricing structure has also been launched with 500 exclusive passes entitling visitors access to an Aosta Valley VIP Lounge, sample food and drinks from the region, front row seating for the Mountain Theatre and wintersports kit.
The media partnerships reflect the new direction in which the annual consumer ski and snowboard show is moving, as it introduces a range of activities and ticket packages aimed at attracting a broader spectrum of visitor.
Tim Holmes, Head of Snowsports said:
“We are extremely excited about teaming up with the Independent Newspaper and the London Evening Standard. The partnership is perfect for the show in that it combines the renowned travel editorial position of the Independent with the ability to target a precise London audience through the Evening Standard. The long term nature of the deal represents a huge potential for growth in the audience of the show as well as providing our sponsors and exhibitors with the support they require from national UK newspapers.”
The dual media partnership will see both publications have a presence at the show and will support the annual event through both advertising and editorial coverage.
Simon Calder, Senior Travel Editor of The Independent, said:
"The Independent Traveller has always sought to inspire, inform and entertain skiers and snowboarders, with top-class writers including Stephen Wood and Tam Leach carving new frontiers in winter sports. We are thrilled to be supporting the UK's premier ski show in 2010 and beyond, and look forward to an exciting event."
Jon O'Donnell, Advertisement Director of the Evening Standard said:
“A long term partnership with the Ski and Snowboard Show makes absolute sense for us at a time when they are focussing even more on attracting our key audience - young, upmarket Londoners. As London's quality newspaper we've consistently supported the kind of events and exhibitions that affluent Londoners love, and our greater reach and readership means that we can do this even more effectively than ever before.'
Previous partner Land Rover returns to the 2010 show after signing a two year deal with VOS Media to become the Official Vehicle Sponsor. This year they will support three areas of the exhibition including a free Land Rover ice driving experience for visitors.
The annual consumer event will also host an all-new Mountain Theatre with talks from awe inspiring explorers such as Sir Ranulph Fiennes along with Winter Olympians and world class ski and snowboarders. The new theatre takes its place alongside popular existing attractions, Destination Quebec Husky Lodge, Trespass Big Air Competition and Les 3 Vallees Resort Bar.
A new pricing structure has also been launched with 500 exclusive passes entitling visitors access to an Aosta Valley VIP Lounge, sample food and drinks from the region, front row seating for the Mountain Theatre and wintersports kit.
Saturday
World Bellyboarding Championships
The World Bellyboard Championship is a celebration of how surfing began in Britain more than a century ago.
Surfers of all ages gather together on Chapel Porth beach near St Agnes with wooden belly boards to ride.
Surfers from as far away as New York, Denmark and Australia have taken part in the event in previous years.
Now in its 8th consecutive year, the event is organised and hosted by the National Trust.
The event has gone truly global in recent years with entrants from Australia, New York, San Francisco and British Virgin Islands.
Robyn Davies, contest director
The celebration of all things connected with the art of traditional wooden board riding is held on the first Sunday in September.
Two friends came up with the idea for the event in 2002, to remember a holidaymaker from London, the late Arthur Traveller, who used to bring his wooden board to Chapel Porth every year.
Keen surfers Chris Ryan, who's the National Trust Car Park Attendant at the beach, and Martyn Ward, an RNLI Lifeguard Supervisor, have seen their creation take off from its small beginnings.
Robyn Davies, contest director and NT surf guru says, "The World Belly Board Championship celebrates all that is good about surfing! This event brings a communal stoke factor back to an ever growing sport.
The National Trust feel it's really important to highlight the pressures put on the coast and the beaches and what better way of doing this than by dusting down your old plywood stick, grabbing your brand new shaped model or unveiling your homemade creation and heading down the beach for a whole load of fun!"
The first surfers in Britain are believed to have been soldiers returning from the Great War in the 1900s. Stories of surfing from South Africa, Australia and Hawaii led them to copy the Hawaiian wooden 'Paipo' boards, which had no fins.
When Captain James Cook and his botanist Joseph Banks sailed into the Hawaiian Islands in 1778 they recorded sightings of natives riding waves stood on wooden boards.
Records show that it wasn't until the late 19th century that Hawaiian surfers travelled to California and ridden waves.
More info: http://www.bellyboarding.co.uk/
Surfers of all ages gather together on Chapel Porth beach near St Agnes with wooden belly boards to ride.
Surfers from as far away as New York, Denmark and Australia have taken part in the event in previous years.
Now in its 8th consecutive year, the event is organised and hosted by the National Trust.
The event has gone truly global in recent years with entrants from Australia, New York, San Francisco and British Virgin Islands.
Robyn Davies, contest director
The celebration of all things connected with the art of traditional wooden board riding is held on the first Sunday in September.
Two friends came up with the idea for the event in 2002, to remember a holidaymaker from London, the late Arthur Traveller, who used to bring his wooden board to Chapel Porth every year.
Keen surfers Chris Ryan, who's the National Trust Car Park Attendant at the beach, and Martyn Ward, an RNLI Lifeguard Supervisor, have seen their creation take off from its small beginnings.
Robyn Davies, contest director and NT surf guru says, "The World Belly Board Championship celebrates all that is good about surfing! This event brings a communal stoke factor back to an ever growing sport.
The National Trust feel it's really important to highlight the pressures put on the coast and the beaches and what better way of doing this than by dusting down your old plywood stick, grabbing your brand new shaped model or unveiling your homemade creation and heading down the beach for a whole load of fun!"
The first surfers in Britain are believed to have been soldiers returning from the Great War in the 1900s. Stories of surfing from South Africa, Australia and Hawaii led them to copy the Hawaiian wooden 'Paipo' boards, which had no fins.
When Captain James Cook and his botanist Joseph Banks sailed into the Hawaiian Islands in 1778 they recorded sightings of natives riding waves stood on wooden boards.
Records show that it wasn't until the late 19th century that Hawaiian surfers travelled to California and ridden waves.
More info: http://www.bellyboarding.co.uk/
Thursday
Vibram Five Fingers Footwear
For those who crave the sensation of running barefoot but want the protection and grip afforded by running shoes, Fivefingers are the solution. Those who have used them are truly converted to this new way of running, feeling more in tune with nature and reaping the benefits of improved balance and agility.
Vibram Five Fingers are available from Chelston Direct.com
Five Finger footwear can be used for a variety of activities from fitness training and yoga, to running and trekking, to kayaking and sailing.
Vibram Five Fingers are available from Chelston Direct.com
Five Finger footwear can be used for a variety of activities from fitness training and yoga, to running and trekking, to kayaking and sailing.
Monday
Surfing on the Lincolnshire Coast
When thinking about surfing we think of far flung exotic beaches, not necessarily the Lincolnshire Coast.
According to the Lincolnshire Surf Club it's a growing sport with more surfers being seen in Lincolnshire.
The Lincolnshire Surf Club was established in 2006 to bring together the growing band of surf enthusiasts enjoying the Lincolnshire beaches.
These include traditional stand up surfers but also body boarders along with kite and wind surfers.
Matt Strathern from the Lincolnshire Surf Club said: "The club's primary function is to bring together like minded individuals. Lincolnshire and the North Sea isn't readily associated with surfing but with regular Northerly groundswells and prevailing SW offshore winds the conditions here can be good."
According to the Lincolnshire Surf Club it's a growing sport with more surfers being seen in Lincolnshire.
The Lincolnshire Surf Club was established in 2006 to bring together the growing band of surf enthusiasts enjoying the Lincolnshire beaches.
These include traditional stand up surfers but also body boarders along with kite and wind surfers.
Matt Strathern from the Lincolnshire Surf Club said: "The club's primary function is to bring together like minded individuals. Lincolnshire and the North Sea isn't readily associated with surfing but with regular Northerly groundswells and prevailing SW offshore winds the conditions here can be good."
Thursday
Chelston Direct Introduces New kigo footwear Styles to European Market
Chelston Direct has added kigo footwear to their offerings, becoming the first retailer in Great Britian to carry the newest style lines. kigo footwear is eco-friendly minimalist shoes that are stylish enough for everyday wear and durable enough for wet or dry athletics and outdoor activities. The company is gaining increased awareness as durable, versatile footwear, especially among active individuals.
kigo footwear shoes are designed with lightweight, water-resistant materials and a slip-free flexible outsole, which offers a protected barefoot feel when worn. The design also creates easy portability. A unique foldable outsole and compressible materials make the shoes ideal for transitional footwear, travel or sport activities.
kigo footwear shoes are designed with lightweight, water-resistant materials and a slip-free flexible outsole, which offers a protected barefoot feel when worn. The design also creates easy portability. A unique foldable outsole and compressible materials make the shoes ideal for transitional footwear, travel or sport activities.
SeaSpecs Now In Stock
The SeaSpecs Extreme Surf Sunglasses have now arrived.
All SeaSpecs come with Polarized lenses and offer 100% UVA & UVB protection.
They feature an easy adjustable and comfortable secure strap, keeping your sunglasses on your head during extreme watersports.
SeaSpecs feature a full wrap-around frame offering complete protection from sunlight and sea spray from your eyes.
Visit our shop at http://www.chelstondirect.com/seaspecs-extreme-surf-sunglasses.html
Testimonials
Owning and operating a full time surf tour operation, I surf on average between 4 and 8 hours per day, and at 29 years old I have already suffered from multiple bouts of long-term sun blindness and have a pterygium encroaching on my iris. Ever since I started wearing SeaSpecs, however, my eyes have been perfectly fine. Matt Rott at "Sidedish" - Kosrae, FSM.
What a great product! I am a 62 year old surfer and have been looking for this type of eye protection, and your SeaSpecs are perfect. Chuck MiddletonSan Onofre Beach (Dog Patch)
All SeaSpecs come with Polarized lenses and offer 100% UVA & UVB protection.
They feature an easy adjustable and comfortable secure strap, keeping your sunglasses on your head during extreme watersports.
SeaSpecs feature a full wrap-around frame offering complete protection from sunlight and sea spray from your eyes.
Visit our shop at http://www.chelstondirect.com/seaspecs-extreme-surf-sunglasses.html
Testimonials
Owning and operating a full time surf tour operation, I surf on average between 4 and 8 hours per day, and at 29 years old I have already suffered from multiple bouts of long-term sun blindness and have a pterygium encroaching on my iris. Ever since I started wearing SeaSpecs, however, my eyes have been perfectly fine. Matt Rott at "Sidedish" - Kosrae, FSM.
What a great product! I am a 62 year old surfer and have been looking for this type of eye protection, and your SeaSpecs are perfect. Chuck MiddletonSan Onofre Beach (Dog Patch)
Riding the waves in Morocco's surf capital
As Abdul Nasser Ouahad walks out of the water and up a sandy Moroccan beach the thing that stands out most on his white surf board is the word "Moor".
Morocco may not be the first place that springs to mind when one thinks of a surfing paradise.
But Mr Ouahad, in his 30s, is one of a new breed of sports entrepreneurs in the North African kingdom.
He is combining his love of the waves with the benefits that come from having a monarch who is a fan of water sports.
Abdul Nasser Ouahad learnt how to surf by joining a royal sports club "I began surfing when I was young," says Mr Ouahad, who runs Explora - one of the most popular surfing shops in the Moroccan coastal town of Essaouira.
"I joined one of the royal sports clubs here.
"In those days it was the only way of learning how to surf and being able to borrow a board."
Nowadays there are companies all along the bay of Essaouira offering tourists the chance to buy or rent all the kit needed to surf, kitesurf or windsurf at a low price.
First discovered by Europeans for its year-round waves and wind which favour different types of surfing depending on the season, the beach in Essaouira stretches the entire length of the town.
Although it has more than a mile of golden-yellow sand because of the constant wind blowing in from the Atlantic Ocean, it is not a place to lie and sunbathe for hours at a time.
The hip crowd sit in the beach-front cafes and sip soft drinks.
And the music they listen to is more likely to be Gnawa, a deep soulful sound derived from sub-Saharan Africa, than the Beach Boys.
For the last few years, the town has been cashing in on the world's surfing fraternity as the waves can vary from half a metre in summer - safe for beginners - rising to three metres in the winter.
Essaouira's winds gust from two directions, so the waves vary in size Hassan Quessan, who is the Moroccan co-ordinator of Union of Open Air Sports Centres, feels that warm weather and the safety offered by the bay has helped win Essaouira the title of "Morocco's windsurfing capital".
"We offer training for would-be kitesurfers from Europe," he says.
"But we don't only get beginners. The conditions appeal to those at an intermediary level and those with experience.
"We bring groups over from France on package holidays."
You get more help here than elsewhere because the residents of Essaouira are so friendly. Some of the profits from the water-sport tourists are channelled into getting local Moroccan children interested in the water.
Primary school groups and youngsters from orphanages are encouraged to get their first taste of the sea under the watchful eyes of trained Moroccan monitors.
They learn to swim and are taught about the marine environment as well as initiated into ecological awareness and safety.
Morocco may not be the first place that springs to mind when one thinks of a surfing paradise.
But Mr Ouahad, in his 30s, is one of a new breed of sports entrepreneurs in the North African kingdom.
He is combining his love of the waves with the benefits that come from having a monarch who is a fan of water sports.
Abdul Nasser Ouahad learnt how to surf by joining a royal sports club "I began surfing when I was young," says Mr Ouahad, who runs Explora - one of the most popular surfing shops in the Moroccan coastal town of Essaouira.
"I joined one of the royal sports clubs here.
"In those days it was the only way of learning how to surf and being able to borrow a board."
Nowadays there are companies all along the bay of Essaouira offering tourists the chance to buy or rent all the kit needed to surf, kitesurf or windsurf at a low price.
First discovered by Europeans for its year-round waves and wind which favour different types of surfing depending on the season, the beach in Essaouira stretches the entire length of the town.
Although it has more than a mile of golden-yellow sand because of the constant wind blowing in from the Atlantic Ocean, it is not a place to lie and sunbathe for hours at a time.
The hip crowd sit in the beach-front cafes and sip soft drinks.
And the music they listen to is more likely to be Gnawa, a deep soulful sound derived from sub-Saharan Africa, than the Beach Boys.
For the last few years, the town has been cashing in on the world's surfing fraternity as the waves can vary from half a metre in summer - safe for beginners - rising to three metres in the winter.
Essaouira's winds gust from two directions, so the waves vary in size Hassan Quessan, who is the Moroccan co-ordinator of Union of Open Air Sports Centres, feels that warm weather and the safety offered by the bay has helped win Essaouira the title of "Morocco's windsurfing capital".
"We offer training for would-be kitesurfers from Europe," he says.
"But we don't only get beginners. The conditions appeal to those at an intermediary level and those with experience.
"We bring groups over from France on package holidays."
You get more help here than elsewhere because the residents of Essaouira are so friendly. Some of the profits from the water-sport tourists are channelled into getting local Moroccan children interested in the water.
Primary school groups and youngsters from orphanages are encouraged to get their first taste of the sea under the watchful eyes of trained Moroccan monitors.
They learn to swim and are taught about the marine environment as well as initiated into ecological awareness and safety.
Night Surf victory for France's Gordon Fontaine
France's Gordon Fontaine was crowned the 2010 Night Surf champion after overcoming Reuben Ash in the final at Fistral Beach.
Newquay's Ben Skinner won the longboard title for a second year running, with a win over Ben Haworth in the final
The women's division title went to French surfer Anne Cecille, who beat defending champion Beth Mason.
The Stand Up Paddle competition was won by Chris Griffiths, with Elliot Dudley coming home in second.
news.bbc.co.uk
Newquay's Ben Skinner won the longboard title for a second year running, with a win over Ben Haworth in the final
The women's division title went to French surfer Anne Cecille, who beat defending champion Beth Mason.
The Stand Up Paddle competition was won by Chris Griffiths, with Elliot Dudley coming home in second.
news.bbc.co.uk
Wednesday
Devon's Surfing Beaches
Surf's up and everybody's going board crazy as Devon's long relationship with surfing continues to go from strength to strength.
Not since the early 80s, when the county boasted its own English and British champions, has the sport attracted such large numbers eager to ride the waves which pound the county's beaches.
With a coastline as diverse as its landscape, Devon has waves to suit all abilities.
Croyde Bay, on the north coast, is one of the main draws courtesy of its hollow powerful low tide waves which on their day produce beachbreak waves as good as anywhere in the world. Winds from an easterly direction are offshore.
Situated just a few miles from Barnstaple, and with a rich surfing history stretching back over forty years, Croyde has spawned some of the sports top competitors.
Former English and British champion Richard Carter and Ralph Freeman are just two surfers who have contributed to Croyde's reputation in the British and European competition arena Scott Rannochan heads the new crew taking the sport to new heights.
With North Devon bearing the brunt of atlantic swells, the area boasts several other top surfing locations.
Travel north from Croyde and you are faced by the sweeping sands of Woolacombe Bay.
Nestled in its southern corner is Puttsborough.
It comes into its own when the south westerlies blow high cliffs diverting all but the strongest of gales away from the breaking waves.
Despite not having the same power as Croyde, the waves can pack a punch when they pass the mid-tide sandbanks.
BBC Website
Not since the early 80s, when the county boasted its own English and British champions, has the sport attracted such large numbers eager to ride the waves which pound the county's beaches.
With a coastline as diverse as its landscape, Devon has waves to suit all abilities.
Croyde Bay, on the north coast, is one of the main draws courtesy of its hollow powerful low tide waves which on their day produce beachbreak waves as good as anywhere in the world. Winds from an easterly direction are offshore.
Situated just a few miles from Barnstaple, and with a rich surfing history stretching back over forty years, Croyde has spawned some of the sports top competitors.
Former English and British champion Richard Carter and Ralph Freeman are just two surfers who have contributed to Croyde's reputation in the British and European competition arena Scott Rannochan heads the new crew taking the sport to new heights.
With North Devon bearing the brunt of atlantic swells, the area boasts several other top surfing locations.
Travel north from Croyde and you are faced by the sweeping sands of Woolacombe Bay.
Nestled in its southern corner is Puttsborough.
It comes into its own when the south westerlies blow high cliffs diverting all but the strongest of gales away from the breaking waves.
Despite not having the same power as Croyde, the waves can pack a punch when they pass the mid-tide sandbanks.
BBC Website
Monday
Surf's up at new Bedford attraction
A facility which allows people to surf indoors has opened in Bedford.
The operators of FlowHouse say it is the UK's first indoor surfing attraction, aimed at surfers, skaters and complete beginners.
The centrepiece is FlowRider where people can try 'flowboarding', which bosses say is influenced by surfing, skateboarding and snowboarding.
It uses technology that allows riders to surf on a "high-energy film of water".
Construction of the facility began in October 2009 and members of the public can ride the wave for the first time on Sunday.
The operators of FlowHouse say it is the UK's first indoor surfing attraction, aimed at surfers, skaters and complete beginners.
The centrepiece is FlowRider where people can try 'flowboarding', which bosses say is influenced by surfing, skateboarding and snowboarding.
It uses technology that allows riders to surf on a "high-energy film of water".
Construction of the facility began in October 2009 and members of the public can ride the wave for the first time on Sunday.
Wednesday
Skechers Tone Ups Now Available
Here at Chelston Direct we have just launched Skechers Tone Ups.
Designed to improve your life by changing the way you walk, Tone Ups feature a unique, soft, kinetic wedge insert to simulate walking barefoot on a giving surface such as sand or grass.
Designed to improve your life by changing the way you walk, Tone Ups feature a unique, soft, kinetic wedge insert to simulate walking barefoot on a giving surface such as sand or grass.
Tuesday
Mens Columbia Walking Shoes Under £40
Make every step count in the Firelane Mid Omni-Tech®, a waterproof, multi-functional hiker built to enhance your trail time, rain or shine.
With a waterproof suede and mesh upper that incorporates a waterproof-breathable Omni-Tech membrane to keep the foot dry and comfortable all day, this midcut trail shoe supports the foot and ankle as you take on tough terrain. A gusseted tongue keeps debris out and a rubberized toe overlay adds durability and protection to the forefoot. Inside, the Contour Comfort™ 2D footbed offers personalized cushioning while AgION® anti-odour treatment combats “the funk” after a long day on your feet. Columbia’s innovative Techlite™ midsole provides lightweight cushioning and houses an exposed shank to deliver excellent torsional rigidity and support. Omni-Grip® traction gives optimal grip on rocks and trails, making this a solid choice for the weekend warrior or hardcore hiker.
Waterproof suede and mesh upper
Gusseted tongue keeps debris and moisture out
Omni-Tech waterproof-breathable membrane provides dry, comfortable environment
Rubberized print toe overlay for abrasion resistance
Contour Comfort™ 2D footbed with AgION® anti-odor treatment
Techlite molded midsole for lightweight cushioning and comfort
Exposed shank provides torsional rigidity and support
Non-marking Omni-Grip rubber compound with a stable hiking design for ultimate traction on any terrain.
Buy from our shop
Thursday
British ski team secures funding
Britain's top skiers have secured funding for the next two years, ending months of uncertainty after the governing body went bust.
Prior to the Winter Olympics in February the team had to fund their own training after SnowsportGB went into administration, owing £300,000.
But the newly formed British Ski and Snowboard has found an as yet unnamed sponsor for the 11-strong senior squad.
The money will enable skiers to pay for coaches and organise race programmes.
Britain's top skier Chemmy Alcott and slalom specialist Noel Baxter had warned they were considering their futures in the sport because of the financial situation.
But they have agreed to carry on - along with Ed Drake, Dougie Crawford, Andy Noble, Dave Ryding, Jan Kochalski and Pam Thorburn.
606: DEBATE
Give your reaction to British ski team's funding boost
The sponsorship deal means there is also funding to enable youngsters TJ Baldwin , Jai Geyer and Louise Thomas to make the step up to the senior squad.
Chief executive Dave Edwards told BBC Sport: "We have made some really good progress and are in much better shape than we were three to four months ago.
"The funding is secure for the next two years and the athletes are keen to get stuck into their summer programmes.
"This is an exciting group of athletes and we will do everything we can to ensure they deliver great results in international competition."
There will be changes in the coaching staff with Alcott's coach Mark Tilston deciding not to carry on.
Mike Pilarski will take up the position of head coach and it is hoped Alcott will benefit from a collaboration with the United States ski team.
"There's no doubt that British skiing has been through a difficult period recently so it's great to put the coaches on a firm footing," added Edwards.
He estimated £1.5m per year was needed to fund the ski and snowboard teams, which includes alpine, cross-country and freestyle.
Edwards added BSS would continue to seek new sponsorship opportunities - possibly tapping into a link between the leisure skiing industry and the racing one - to raise further money.
http://news.bbc.co.uk
Prior to the Winter Olympics in February the team had to fund their own training after SnowsportGB went into administration, owing £300,000.
But the newly formed British Ski and Snowboard has found an as yet unnamed sponsor for the 11-strong senior squad.
The money will enable skiers to pay for coaches and organise race programmes.
Britain's top skier Chemmy Alcott and slalom specialist Noel Baxter had warned they were considering their futures in the sport because of the financial situation.
But they have agreed to carry on - along with Ed Drake, Dougie Crawford, Andy Noble, Dave Ryding, Jan Kochalski and Pam Thorburn.
606: DEBATE
Give your reaction to British ski team's funding boost
The sponsorship deal means there is also funding to enable youngsters TJ Baldwin , Jai Geyer and Louise Thomas to make the step up to the senior squad.
Chief executive Dave Edwards told BBC Sport: "We have made some really good progress and are in much better shape than we were three to four months ago.
"The funding is secure for the next two years and the athletes are keen to get stuck into their summer programmes.
"This is an exciting group of athletes and we will do everything we can to ensure they deliver great results in international competition."
There will be changes in the coaching staff with Alcott's coach Mark Tilston deciding not to carry on.
Mike Pilarski will take up the position of head coach and it is hoped Alcott will benefit from a collaboration with the United States ski team.
"There's no doubt that British skiing has been through a difficult period recently so it's great to put the coaches on a firm footing," added Edwards.
He estimated £1.5m per year was needed to fund the ski and snowboard teams, which includes alpine, cross-country and freestyle.
Edwards added BSS would continue to seek new sponsorship opportunities - possibly tapping into a link between the leisure skiing industry and the racing one - to raise further money.
http://news.bbc.co.uk
Boscombe's £3m surf reef 'sub-standard'
The performance of Boscombe's £3m artificial surf reef since it opened has been sub-standard, Bournemouth Borough Council has confirmed.
The findings came from experts at Plymouth University who assessed the quality of waves enhanced by the underwater creation over six months.
The team found the surf reef only achieved four of its 11 objectives.
The council said it would withhold a £150,000 payment from its creator, ASR Ltd, until it is satisfied it works.
The New Zealand-based firm denied the reef failed and said it was only one of the criteria - the wave lengths - which it had not met.
Plymouth University, home of the UK's first marine institute, has been assessing the quality of the reef's waves and the number of days suitable for surfing since last September.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/
The findings came from experts at Plymouth University who assessed the quality of waves enhanced by the underwater creation over six months.
The team found the surf reef only achieved four of its 11 objectives.
The council said it would withhold a £150,000 payment from its creator, ASR Ltd, until it is satisfied it works.
The New Zealand-based firm denied the reef failed and said it was only one of the criteria - the wave lengths - which it had not met.
Plymouth University, home of the UK's first marine institute, has been assessing the quality of the reef's waves and the number of days suitable for surfing since last September.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/
Tuesday
Friday
Croyde Bay, Devon
Croyde Bay in North Devon is excellent for families and surfers alike. Croyde village is a little hamlet of thatched cottages with many places to eat, buy gifts and hire surf equipment - including surfboards. Croyde Bay sits in between the neighbouring beaches of Saunton Sands, Putsborough and Woolacombe.
Croyde Bay in Devon is best known for its beach with its wide sheltered bay and excellent surfing. The beach is privately owned and has lifeguards patrols between May and September. Baggy Point and the adjoining National Trust land has some delightful walking with brilliant views.
There are a variety of restaurants and pubs in the area, along with numerous options for accommodation to make your stay in North Devon an enjoyable one, no matter what time of year you visit. Croyde is perfecet for experienced and novice surfers.
Croyde Bay in Devon is best known for its beach with its wide sheltered bay and excellent surfing. The beach is privately owned and has lifeguards patrols between May and September. Baggy Point and the adjoining National Trust land has some delightful walking with brilliant views.
There are a variety of restaurants and pubs in the area, along with numerous options for accommodation to make your stay in North Devon an enjoyable one, no matter what time of year you visit. Croyde is perfecet for experienced and novice surfers.
Gul Rash Vests
Chelston Direct stocks a wide range of Gul Rash Vests:
Provides additional comfort under a wetsuit and provides protection from the sun. Very comfortable stretchy nylon & spandex.
Gul rash vests feature overlock seam construction and UV sheild.
From £17.99
Provides additional comfort under a wetsuit and provides protection from the sun. Very comfortable stretchy nylon & spandex.
Bristol Surf Show April 2010
The UK's only surfing show, which aims to inspire the public about the environment, comes to Bristol in April.
Surf Show 2010 will feature technical workshops with industry professionals, exercise sessions, live music and the WaveRiders Film Festival.
The Surf Show started in 2008, with an aim to promote surfing culture and lifestyle in the UK.
The event, on the 24 and 25 April 2010, will take place at the Anson Rooms on Queens Road.
Surf Show event director Edryd Kaill said: "The Surf Show is a great mix of exclusive film premieres and insightful workshops, making this event a great day out for the whole family."
For more information about the event, including ticket prices, check out the Surf Show 2010 website.
Surf Show 2010 will feature technical workshops with industry professionals, exercise sessions, live music and the WaveRiders Film Festival.
The Surf Show started in 2008, with an aim to promote surfing culture and lifestyle in the UK.
The event, on the 24 and 25 April 2010, will take place at the Anson Rooms on Queens Road.
Surf Show event director Edryd Kaill said: "The Surf Show is a great mix of exclusive film premieres and insightful workshops, making this event a great day out for the whole family."
For more information about the event, including ticket prices, check out the Surf Show 2010 website.
Thursday
Royden Bryson wins Cold Water Classic Scotland
South African Royden Bryson won the O’Neill Cold Water Classic surfing competition at Thurso.
The 27-year-old from East London held his nerve to defeat Brazilian Yuri Sodre in the head-to-head final at Thurso East.
The 27-year-old from East London held his nerve to defeat Brazilian Yuri Sodre in the head-to-head final at Thurso East.
Wednesday
Thurso Cold Water Classic
The O'Neill Cold Water Classic Series is taking place in Thurso - where the average water temperature is just 6C. Almost 130 surfers will compete for the $50,000 price money.
Andy Bain the event organiser said despite the cold conditions the event was attracting some of the world's top surfers.
He said: "Scotland has always been under the radar in terms of its surf but it's starting to get recognised now.
For more info visit:
http://www.oneill.com/cwc/scotland/
Andy Bain the event organiser said despite the cold conditions the event was attracting some of the world's top surfers.
He said: "Scotland has always been under the radar in terms of its surf but it's starting to get recognised now.
For more info visit:
http://www.oneill.com/cwc/scotland/
Thursday
Friday
Chelston Direct to sell Typhoon surf gear
Chelston Direct introduces a new range of Typhoon surf gear. Products include: wetsuits, boots, rash vest, masks, snorkel and fins.
Wednesday
Chelston Direct Launches Info Hub
Chelston Direct are pleased to announce the launch of their new outdoor clothing information service ‘Info Hub’.
The new section http://www.chelstondirect.com/info/ will allow customers to browse through the extensive additional information before buying a product.
Managing Director, Rob Simon added, “We wanted to enable our customers to make informed decisions about which products are best for them.”
Users of Info Hub can also leave comments to help inform other customers.
The new section http://www.chelstondirect.com/info/ will allow customers to browse through the extensive additional information before buying a product.
Managing Director, Rob Simon added, “We wanted to enable our customers to make informed decisions about which products are best for them.”
Users of Info Hub can also leave comments to help inform other customers.
Thursday
Chemmy Alcott takes 13th in Downhill
After delays and setbacks caused by conditions in Whistler, Chemmy Alcott was finally able to get her Olympic sojourn underway with the Women’s Downhill on Wednesday 17 February.
Racing second in a field of 45, Alcott held the gold position briefly following the crash of event opener Klara Krizova and finished in an impressive 13th overall, narrowly missing out on a top 10 finish.
In fact, Alcott was racing so hard that she crashed into the safety barriers in the finish area before jumping up unharmed. “I just did that to give everyone a close-up look of a proper alpine crash” joked the ski racer. “I just forgot to slow down at the finish”.
The British number one enjoyed taking to the course at Whistler Creekside remarking “it’s the perfect women’s downhill, the best I’ve ever skied”. The ski racer, who is known for her aggressive skiing added “it’s bumpy, it’s icy and it’s great fun. You look at this and you think to yourself ‘this is what we do this sport for’.
“I lost a bit of time at the top in the soft stuff, and that affected my run” commented Alcott, who finished in a time of 1:47.31. “I think I could have gone quicker but I made a few silly mistakes. But it’s the Chemmy way - I went for it totally and when you ski like that, it’s hard to avoid a couple of tiny slips. It’s always like that with me”.
The race was a great Olympic opener for Alcott, who achieved 11th position in the same event in Turin. “The race was an awesome experience. I’m doing a few events here, so that was an amazing way of getting rid of some cobwebs” said the alpine skier. http://www.skiclub.co.uk/
Racing second in a field of 45, Alcott held the gold position briefly following the crash of event opener Klara Krizova and finished in an impressive 13th overall, narrowly missing out on a top 10 finish.
In fact, Alcott was racing so hard that she crashed into the safety barriers in the finish area before jumping up unharmed. “I just did that to give everyone a close-up look of a proper alpine crash” joked the ski racer. “I just forgot to slow down at the finish”.
The British number one enjoyed taking to the course at Whistler Creekside remarking “it’s the perfect women’s downhill, the best I’ve ever skied”. The ski racer, who is known for her aggressive skiing added “it’s bumpy, it’s icy and it’s great fun. You look at this and you think to yourself ‘this is what we do this sport for’.
“I lost a bit of time at the top in the soft stuff, and that affected my run” commented Alcott, who finished in a time of 1:47.31. “I think I could have gone quicker but I made a few silly mistakes. But it’s the Chemmy way - I went for it totally and when you ski like that, it’s hard to avoid a couple of tiny slips. It’s always like that with me”.
The race was a great Olympic opener for Alcott, who achieved 11th position in the same event in Turin. “The race was an awesome experience. I’m doing a few events here, so that was an amazing way of getting rid of some cobwebs” said the alpine skier. http://www.skiclub.co.uk/
Saturday
Olympic training scaled back to protect snow
VANCOUVER—They're expanding the search for snow to cover bare patches on Cypress Mountain, where freestyle skiing and snowboard events are slated to take place at next week's Winter Olympics.
Officials Saturday also said they've had to cancel two of the five days of training for halfpipe snowboard athletes because of the lack of snow on Cypress.
This past month was the warmest January on record in Vancouver, and the snow at Cypress has been hard to come by. They've moved truckfuls of the stuff from higher parts of the mountain and also have brought it in by helicopter from nearby hills.
Saturday they announced they'll start hauling the white stuff in by helicopter from Yak Peak in the Coquihalla Pass/Coquihalla Highway region, which links the Okanagan area and the interior of B.C. to the lower mainland.
The weather forecasters are calling for slightly cooler temperatures in Vancouver as the week goes on, but not particularly cold. It's supposed to be 11 degrees on Sunday and the forecast shows the lowest high temperature for any day this week will be 6 degrees.
VANOC officials wouldn’t say how much the snow effort is costing. But they said most snow venues haven’t had problems and that overall contingencies for all the venues are helping cover the extra Cypress costs.
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