Get on track with your Jungfrau VIP Pass

This year it’s time to take a holiday to a whole new level thanks to the Jungfrau VIP Pass. This entitles unlimited travel on the magnificent Jungfrau Railways network, uniting seven spectacular mountain transport systems in the very heart of Switzerland.

This summer Switzerland is celebrating its 150th anniversary of Switzerland's first Grand Tour and the birth of modern tourism. Valid for either three or six consecutive days, the passes offer plenty of time for sightseeing, hiking and simply taking in all of the wonderful sights and sounds of the Jungfrau. Located in the Bernese Oberland, against the incredible backdrop of the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau massif, the region offers visitors the chance to enjoy an incredible variety of natural attractions. Easily accessed by cogwheel railway or aerial cableway are lush Alpine meadows, snow-capped peaks, glaciers, lakes and waterfalls, vast hiking areas and, of course, spectacular views.

The Jungfrau VIP Pass to the magnificent Jungfrau Railway system offers access to all of these unique natural wonders in the UNESCO World Heritage of the Swiss Alps Jungfrau-Aletsch. The highlight of the journey, and one of the modern wonders of the world, with the Jungfrau Railway link, carries passengers on an incredible journey through a world of rock, ice and snow. Seven of its nine kilometres pass through a tunnel hewn into the rock of the Eiger and Mönch mountains. The train stops at the Eigerwand (Eiger Wall) and Eismeer (Sea of Ice) stations, where it’s time to marvel at the fascinating mountain world through the carriages’ panoramic windows.

Climbing 1400 metres in 50 minutes, the final destination from Kleine Scheidegg is the Jungfraujoch. Perched at 3454 metres, this is known as Top of Europe and is the continent’s highest-altitude railway station. Here fine dining and unparalleled views from a choice restaurants open 365 days a year can be enjoyed.

Another major highlight, which is included in the 6-day Jungfrau Railway Pass for 2013, are the BLS cruises on Lake Thun and Lake Brienz: voyages on the turquoise blue waters that will take you to picturesque fishing villages and past fabled castles sitting high in the surrounding mountains with the six day Jungfrau pass.

Take time out, too, to enjoy the Snow Fun Park on the Jungfraujoch or visit the Alpine Sensation exhibition and the ice palace. For a surefire adrenaline rush, why not try the First-Flyer zip ride, a scooter ride on Grindelwald First or even paragliding from Schynige Platte?

With the VIP Pass to freedom, a variety of wonderful accommodation options from simple hostels to luxury hotels, and an Alpine wonderland, there’s never been a better time to visit Jungfrau. For more information on the 3-day Jungfrau VIP Pass and 6-day Jungfrau Railway Pass and to book your place on the adventure of a lifetime visit www.jungfrau.ch

Jungfrau VIP-Pass, 3 days Valid for three consecutive days of unlimited travel on the Jungfrau Railways network, from May 4 – October 20

Prices

Adults.............................................................................CHF 235 (£160*)

Half-fare Card, Swiss Card, Swiss Pass, Eurailpass........CHF 180 (£123*)

Children (age 6 –15).......................................................CHF 70 (£48*)

Jungfrau Railway Pass, 6 days Valid for six consecutive days of unlimited travel on the Jungfrau Railways network, from April 30 – October 20

Adults................................................................................CHF 250 (£171*)

Half-fare Card, Swiss Card, Swiss Pass, Eurailpass...........CHF 185 (£126*)

Children (age 6–15)...........................................................CHF 75 (£51*)

Connecting return ticket Eigergletscher to Jungfraujoch....CHF 58 (£40*)

*Currency conversion correct at time of printing

VIP SKI OFFERS NEW SHORT BREAKS

Hankering for a quick ski fix pre-Christmas but short on time? Specialist ski company VIP SKI is delighted to offer short ski breaks in Val d’Isere and St Anton between 1^st and 22^nd December 2013.

The super-stylish Hotel Montjola in St Anton, launched last season was treated to a total overhaul by VIP SKI’s interior designers to give the hotel that special VIP twist and is open for the first time for early season short breaks. St Anton is a skiers resort; varied terrain and lots of it, fantastic snow reliability and a state of the art lift system make it a skier’s delight no matter what your age and experience.

Val d’Isere, offers practically limitless skiing and breath-taking surroundings. L’Espace Killy which comprises of Val d’Isere and neighbouring Tignes is the highest extended ski area in the world, with a well-founded reputation for excellent snowfall. Val d’Isere’s 300km of pistes include everything from green and reds to the legendary Face de Bellevarde black run and some of the most exhilarating off-piste worldwide. VIP SKI’s boutique hotel style chalets offer plush accommodation in excellent central locations in the heart of Val d’Isere.

At long last, an opportunity to book early and enjoy VIP SKI chalets and service on a short break – perfect for that pre-season warm up, an office Christmas reward for staff or to inject some pre festivities romance into the month!

VIP SKI will publicise online a collection of rooms and chalets available on a short break basis. Prices will be £149 per person per night for the usual VIP SKI fully catered product, staying a minimum of 3 nights.

Sample package: VIP SKI (0844 557 3119; www.vip-chalets.com) offers a long weekend break, arriving on a Thursday and leaving on a Sunday (3 days skiing) from £447 at Aspen Lodge in val d’Isere. Price includes catered chalet accommodation including cooked breakfast, afternoon tea, three course evening meal followed by cheese board and coffee and mints, house wine, daily newspapers and complimentary toiletries. Flights and transport to resort not included but can be arranged at a supplement.

Snow-Camp Launches New Apprenticeship scheme

Snow-Camp is delighted to announce the launch of their very own Snowsports Apprenticeship Programme enabling 5 young graduates from the Snow-Camp programmes to join the head office team in a full time role for a year.

Having been inspired to launch the programme by SkillsActive and with a solid partner in Youth Force supporting the initiative, Snow-camp is looking forward to launching the new Apprenticeship programme in May 2013. An apprenticeship is a nationally recognised training programme combining real work with learning and training, both on and off the job. Snow-Camp Apprentices, aged 16-20, will be able to learn on the job through a range of activities and placements and get paid while studying for an NVQ Level 2 Activity Leadership qualification. Apprentices will gain valuable experience from involvement in all Snow-Camp programmes where leadership and coaching is required.

Dan Charlish, Snow-Camp Director said; “The programme is designed for individuals who wish to gain a broad yet solid foundation to support a career in the snowsports industry and wish to gain key qualifications and practical experience in snowsports delivery, together with mentoring in coaching and leadership skills. There will also be opportunities to work in a variety of snowsport placements across the industry over the 12 month period of the apprenticeship”.

The successful Apprentices will gain:

Access to a full-time paid apprenticeship programme of 30 hours a week over 12 months including:

• An NVQ Level 2 in Activity Leadership
• Experience of working alongside Snow-Camp staff and planning and instructing snowsports sessions during all Snow-Camp programmes (SC London, SC Graduate, SC Excel, SC Italy)
• Various work experience placements in the ski industry with our key partners including retail business Ellis Brigham, tour operators Ski World, Ski Safari and Interski.
• Experience of working at National Snowsports events such as Ski & Snowboard Show, Freeze Festival etc
• A Ski / Snowboard Technician qualification – focusing on repairing and servicing equipment
• Skills and learning for employability including employment rights & responsibilities, financial planning, health and safety etc
• A BASI (British Association of Snowsports Instructors) Level 1 Alpine Skiing or Snowboarding qualification
• Paid at National Apprenticeship wages

For more information on the Snowsports Apprenticeship Programme please take a look here.

Deadline for applications will be 31^st May 2013. There will then be interviews for the 5 available places in the first week of June.

ALTA BADIA SANITÉ

Health and Well-Being: A Way for Life in the heart of the South Tyrolean Dolomites 

Alta Badia devotes July 15^th – 31^st July entirely to the well-being of body and mind when this mountain playground turns into an outdoor gym at 2000m. Nordic walking, chromotherapy, Pilates, themed tours, a day with a personal fitness trainer, a meditative walk or healthy cooking classes are on the agenda which will suit men, women, children and sportspeople alike.

Daily activities are suitable for all levels and include Nordic walking excursions or tours exploring medicinal herbs. And for the more sporty the fitness programme includes zumba, step, and body workout days, as well as a special day with an expert fitness trainer who will offer participants useful advice on how to keep fit when they return to city life. All the activities are strictly outdoors.

Research confirms there are many benefits to physical activity: it reduces the chance of cardiovascular diseases (hypertension, heart failure, stroke, etc.), reduces cholesterol and prevents obesity. Outdoor sports have beneficial effects on both body and mind. Practicing sports in the mountains is an effective way to recharge batteries and return to work after the opportunity to recapture some space and time with colours, lights, rhythms, silence and the sounds of nature.

Physical activity at high altitudes is a real cure not just for the body but also for the mind, especially outdoors, away from the stress and pollution of the city, with a view over some of the most stunning Dolomite peaks in the world.  During the weeks of “health & well-being” in Alta Badia, special initiatives aimed at regenerating the mind, such as the meditative walk “Nature and Breathing”, are suitable for all ages. The walk, with physiotherapist and kinesiologist Maria Pescollderungg, take place at 09.30 on 18^th July; will start from Armentarola, then through the woods, and up to the meadows of the Sass Dlacia, beneath the Conturines rock faces. Participants will learn about best breathing approach and develop new breathing techniques. Also on offer is a Pilates session and a conference on the benefits of chromotherapy, scheduled for 16^th July with General Practitioner Dr Fausto Neeresh Pagnamenta.

Health and well-being are not just synonyms for physical or mental activity. In fact they represent a way of life involving many other factors too, like a correct and balanced diet, rich in vitamins and low in fats. To understand the importance of this subject, a healthy cooking course, held by Andrea Irsara, will be organised at the Gourmet Hotel Gran Ander on the 19^th and 26^th July.

Alta Badia encourages children to make healthy eating choices and are organising an event specially designed for young audiences and their parents. The programme is aimed at encouraging physical and mental activity in children, which is crucial at a time when a sedentary lifestyle and child obesity are constantly on the increase. After a few hours of outdoor activities, the children will be offered a packed lunch containing a healthy snack, with the ideal combination of foods to provide a genuine and complete kids meal.

The Movimënt Areas – Green Movement at high altitude

There are two areas situated at Piz Sorega and Piz La Ila at 2000m offering panoramic platforms with a variety of fitness equipment including two kneipp green routes and natural routes for plantar reflexology. Entry and use of equipment are free. The two “Movimënt” areas are easily accessible by cable car from San Cassiano or La Villa, thanks to the Alta Badia Mountain Pass. The Pass allows both adults and children to use 15 ski lifts, all the buses around the Sella group. The pass is free for children up to 6 years of age, if combined with the purchase of an adult pass, www.mountainpass.it.

Candle Lights in San Cassiano

As part of the health and well-being concept the buildings in the centre of San Cassiano will switch off their lights from 21.00 on the 21^st August. The centre will be lit only by candles and torches, offering a unique experience in a truly distinctive tranquil and relaxing atmosphere. Restaurants will prepare simple dishes and all this will be accompanied by purely acoustic music. The aim is to rediscover the most innate senses and give a helping hand to Mother Nature!

Ski champion joins Round the Island Race

Olympic hopeful Emily Sarsfield swaps skis for sails

Ski champion Emily Sarsfield is swapping the mountain snow for the ocean waves to take part in this year’s J.P. Morgan Asset Management Round the Island Race. Britain’s number one ski cross racer will take part in the prestigious event off the Isle of Wight with SkiWeekends.com on June 1.

Emily says: "I'm really excited about taking part in the Round the Island Race this year. Although I have sailed before, I’m a virgin racer. I'm really looking forward to helping the SkiWeekends team get the best result possible and seeing their brand new spinnaker!"

Eight times British champion Emily finished 17^th in this year’s Freestyle Skiing World Championships and is currently the only British Ski Cross athlete who meets the BOA selection criteria for the 2014 Olympic Winter Games in Russia. In 2010 she achieved the best result for a British female skier, finishing 11^th in the Ski Cross World Cup Finals in Italy and made history by being the first British female to win a Europa cup event.

Based in Shamrock Quay Marina, Southampton, SkiWeekends.com is supporting Emily in her mission to secure a place at the Winter Olympics in Sochi next spring by sponsoring her for the 2013/14 season.

Dan Fox, Managing Director of SkiWeekends, says: “SkiWeekends.com is delighted to have Emily as part of our Round the Island Race crew. We feel privileged to be able to help one of our most successful winter sport athletes on the ‘piste’ to the Olympics. Emily has achieved fantastic results and deserves the chance to represent her country and has the potential to gain her best ever result, fingers crossed for a medal. As keen skiers and sailors ourselves, we know many people compete and play in both sports, so inviting Emily to join Skipper Mike Saqui and the crew on the famous RTI race was irresistible. She’s so excited already. We can’t wait to bring her competitive athleticism and spirit on board!”

SkiWeekends.com is sponsoring the yacht previously named Edith (GBR6831T) – for Round The Island she will be known simply as SkiWeekends.com. The IRC-optimised Elan 333 enjoyed a triple whammy last year by winning the Solo Offshore Racing Clubs Solent series, the Royal Southampton YC Double Handed series and the Royal Lymington YC Thursday night series. Edith and her team also came second on count back in the Royal Solent YC Tattinger regatta.

Emily is happy to be interviewed about joining the Round the Island Race and her aspirations for the Olympic Winter Games in Russia. Emily will be attending the Press Conference on Friday 31^st May at 12 noon at the ISC, Lower Marquee Island Sailing Club, Cowes, Isle of Wight.