One Helluva Helmet Dilemma….

With great snowfall this week Bardonecchia’s gearing up early for another amazing season and so we have set about gearing ourselves up accordingly for the winter ahead.  However, this year we’re committing to a radical change as we’re taking the plunge and adding another “must-wear” item to our long list of accessories…the much maligned helmet. 

As a boarder, Graeme has been a convert for some time, to enjoy the thrills and spills of the Snowpark a helmet is compulsory for all who enter. See http://www.bardonecchiaski.com/en_US/inverno/snowpark/safety for excellent information on how to make your experience in the park enjoyable and safe for everyone concerned.  Yet for our day to day fun on the pistes wearing helmets is something we’ve continued to resist or ignore…. but no longer.

In recent years high profile incidents, notably that of actress Natasha Richardson (Liam Neeson's wife) whilst skiing in Canada in March 2009, have led many countries and ski areas to promote and encourage the use of helmets on the slopes.  Italy has long led the way in Europe with legislation in 2005 making them compulsory for children under the age of 14 and they should be automatically issued as part of your child’s ski hire.  For the fashion-conscious Italians to make such a commitment to a previously “uncool” item demonstrates how safety considerations and technology have combined to produce helmets which are now more functional, attractive, light and less restrictive than ever before.

Take time to choose the helmet which suits both your head and your pocket and seek the advice of a trained sales assistant in the same way that you would do if buying new boots. We paid a visit to our favourite local Ski Sport Dain, where they patiently brought out box upon box until we were all satisfied. Having decided upon the style we took time to ensure that our helmets fitted squarely with uniform pressure all around and once the chin straps were fully fastened they continued to feel snug and comfortable.  We opted for designs which have a removable liner and a rotary micro-adjuster at the back allowing us to achieve that perfect fit.  Remember to take your goggles along to try with your helmet or buy a pair with a swinging outrigger system joining the frame to the strap to ensure that they sit comfortably on your face.

The real upside in all this is that having solved our helmet dilemma we’ve also cracked the problem of Christmas Stocking fillers.  There’s a great range of novelty helmet covers to suit all personalities and (poor) tastes.  So if you are fortunate enough to be out and about on the slopes of Bardonecchia this season and spy a snowbunny and koala in happy partnership that could just be

the pair of us at Sempre Ski schoop-schooping on by.

Pre-season blues....waiting for the white blanket

It’s a strange time of year to be in a ski resort.  With no snow, skiers or vin chaud in sight the question has to be begged what do you do out of season? We’re quite fortunate as we have a 16-bed chalet to decorate which occupies most of our time, but when we need a break from the monotony of painting we’re learning to discover all the other attractions that Bardonecchia and the surrounding area have to offer.

        In Bardonecchia life carries on after all the snow has melted.  It is a working Italian town with an average population of 3000, which swells to almost double that on the weekends when the fur coats ship in from Turin for their weekly passeggiata (stroll).  Only one hour from Turin by car or 1hour 30mins by train, Bardonecchia is in a perfect location, far enough away from the hustle and bustle of a major city but close enough to take advantage of all it has to offer.  Turin is a hub of culture, shopping and to die for hot chocolate! During the winter season when the calf muscles are screaming for mercy Turin is the ideal break away.  Take a stroll through the many piazzas or stop for lunch along the river Po and admire the view.

        Alternatively, you can soak your tired and aching legs in Bardonecchia’s local swimming pool and wellness spa or just drink through the pain in one of the many on-slope bars.  A great Italian antidote to sore muscles is Bombardino, a hot drink made from Italian eggnog (Vov), brandy, whipped cream and with or without coffee depending on whether you need that extra kick.  

         With snow forecast in the next few days it feels like winter is on its way.  If snowfall is anything like it has been for the last few years then we’re in for another awesome season and our bar will be open with Bombardini at the ready!!!