I launched off the final jump of the World Cup course in Val Thorens (having momentarily snowploughed on approach), my heart in my mouth as I fly through the air. To my right, above me, is ex-British Olympic racer Graham Bell, and following close behind (later I learn, slowing down, expecting the two of us to end up in a heap) is GBR number one Emily Sarsfield.
Welcome to ski cross: arguably the most dangerous, adrenaline-fuelled alpine winter sport, and certainly not for the faint-hearted.
The resort was playing host to a round of the World Cup, an event that doubles up as an Olympic qualifier for the fast approaching 2014 Games. Val Thorens (or VT as it is known by locals) has hosted the Europa Cup annually since in 2010, and was later awarded the World Cup, which it hosted in December 2012. In fact, it’s the first time Europe’s highest ski resort has hosted a FIS World Cup, despite having opened over 40 years ago. And it’s just the kind of sport that a resort like VT should be playing host to.
Created in the 90s, ski cross made its first appearance at the Winter X Games in 1998, before becoming a World Cup event in 2004. However, it took a further 6 years before ski cross rose to worldwide fame following its debut at the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics. Ski cross made skiing cool again, and had the world talking.
It’s a demanding sport; the athletes need the skill of a downhill racer, the ability to hold their nerve, and of course a bit of feistiness. Our hopes for 2014 all lie with one girl – who definitely gives as good as she gets when it comes to the racing.
Sarsfield missed out on the 2010 Games, despite a frantic return from injury – she tore all four ligaments in her knee in one crash – but now has her sights firmly set on Sochi 2014. But it’s not going to be an easy journey to the Russian city by any means. “It’s tough,” she tells me. “I’m entirely self-funded so have to arrange all my own sponsorship, I act as my own PA, driver, technician, fitness coach and I’m an athlete. Could you imagine Lewis Hamilton having to change his own tyres?”
VT may have a reputation that precedes itself — yes, it is ever popular with university groups — but in reality it offers real diversity. Last season, the resort’s first 5« hotel, the Altapura (altapura.fr), opened, and over the summer the 4« Hotel Val Thorens (levalthorens.com) underwent a full refurbishment.
The Altapura — owned by the Sibuet family who have a portfolio luxury hotels and farmhouses all over France — was described by a guest last season as “austere and charmless”. The general manager is quick to admit that first seasons are always difficult, and that a modern hotel is never going to be to everyone’s taste, however the hotel definitely offers something new for Val Thorens. The hotel houses a branch of the famous Paris restaurant “Les Enfants Terribles”, as well as two other eateries and several bars. In the bedrooms the mélange of warm wood tones and vibrantly coloured fabrics are the perfect contrast to the cold snow seen behind the huge bay windows overlooking the Cime de Caron.
Back on the snow, the VT ski cross course (albeit a vastly scaled down version, with the jumps, or “features” as the pros call them, removed) remains in place all season for anyone to try their hand at the sport, and race each other down the mountain.
VT remains a unique resort. It’s inherently different to its neighbours Courchevel and Méribel, but that’s what makes it special. As a resort, VT caters equally for all nationalities, diehard skiers, families, and those looking to party. It’s an attribute few resorts can boast, especially in Les 3 Vallées. Resort bosses might be trying to change the image of VT, looking to cater for a more sophisticated market, however, they ought not tinker too hard as diversity is the lifeblood of the resort.
The spotlight will once again shine on ski cross next year, when the daredevils compete at the Olympics: only this time we’ll know to expect hair-raising moments and plenty of high-octane action.
