News & Press

Spring Forward

Julia Tregaskis-Allen

06/04/2012 11:56 am

April 2012 Newsletter - Biking, Running & Detox holidays in the Alps

Spring Forward

2 April 2012

Spring Ski Touring in Switzerland

Julia approaching the summit of the Strahlhorn, 4190m

Longer days means more time to play! Now that the clocks have changed and we are into Spring we have more daylight hours to enjoy.

How will you use yours?

In the Alps it's Spring skiing and Ski Touring season with blue skies and sunshine with the occasional dusting of fresh snow until late April. In the valleys the snow is steadily melting away and more and more runners, cyclists and rock climbers are creeping out of the wood-work.

In Norway, Lindsay has been exploring the backcountry, hut to hut touring, and has just completed working on our 'Venabu: Tracks and Tours trip'.

Venabu

Which means there still aren't enough hours in the day, as now we 'can' play any sport!

Julia and Lindsay

CYCLE SEASON HAS STARTED

So as the snow melts and the roads clear of ice it's time to get the bikes back out to play. 'Roadies' have been spotted now for the past number of weeks. First in the foothills and more recently the higher passes.

Our stunning Alpine playground offers first class road cycling; home to some of the most famous Cols in the world with the chance to ride Tour de France passes.

The Swiss, French and Italian Alps are also a mountain biker's paradise. Everything from easy trails, to singletracks, to technical downhills and long cross country trips, which are just pure enjoyment.

Ride through stunning alpine scenery of snowy peaks, dramatic glaciers, and lush alpine pastures. At the end of the day there is, of course, the chance to sample the local cuisine, as well as the local wines.

One of the World's Largest Bikes!

Built for 2010 Tour du France which lives in Lajoux in the Jura

Our guides are from the Alps and know and love the mountains you will ride in. Join us this summer and enjoy the thrill of riding some of the most exciting terrain in the world.

Our Mountain and Road Biking holidays start in May and run through to mid October.

You don't have to be Lance Armstrong to enjoy riding the Alps!

But, if you are concerned about pace, or can't match our dates, then why not consider a private trip for you, your family or local bike club?

Visit our Tailormade Biking pages for ideas of where to ride ths summer.

WHY TRAIN FOR A WALKING HOLIDAY?

It's just a long walk right? Not a race! So why train?

Alpine walking holidays offer unbeatable views and memories but it should not be under estimated as to how challenging it can be on the body.

So, the fitter you are the more likely you’ll enjoy every step of your holiday, and it's more likely you will complete each day in good time with ease. The aim of adding some training in before your trip to the Alps is to ensure that each day on trail is well within your comfort zone – ie easy! – rather than a struggle.

The fitter you are before you leave, the easier each day will be. Visit our Blog Pages and download our article to find out how more.

A weekend walk in the Peak District. Perfect training.

SWISS TRAIL RUNNING WEEKENDS - NEW for SUMMER 2012

Boost your training, fitness levels and love for the mountains. Our Swiss weekends are designed for regular trail runners wanting to explore a quiet and stunning corner of the Alps. Join like-minded people and run in the heart of Swiss Alps. We base these weekends in the quiet Zinal Valley, of the Valais, where the route choices are truly endless.

One of our 'must do' routes is the regions classic high balcony traverse which is part of the historic 'Sierre-Zinal' trail race.

The 'Sierre - Zinal' (12 August 2012, 39th edition), also called the Race of Five 4000m Peaks (due to seeing them not going over them!), is considered to be one of the finest mountain races in the world.

Our August dates for our Swiss weekends allow participants to watch or even enter this amazing event.

Sierre to Zinal race route

Swiss Trail Running Weekends

from £565 in June, July or August.

All meals and drinks included
Guided trail running
Option of a 3 or 4 night stay
Free 'Access Pass'

We base our weekends at Chalet Edelweiss, ideally situated with trails heading in all directions from the front door. Penny and Eric are wonderful hosts offering first class cuisine.

Chalet Edelweiss, Mottec

Where will your next adventure be?

IN THIS ISSUE:

Train for Trekking

Cycling Season

Swiss Trail Running

Detox and Wellness Holidays Explained

Does any of this sound familiar?

"I don't feel happy about myself and I'm sure if I ate healthier foods, drank less less caffeine and alcohol, made time for exercise....and got more sleep I would feel a lot better! I wish I had more time to exercise and plan what I eat. I seem to go for easy food options and then regret it later. But all that takes time....and it's stressful just thinking about where to start!"

So this is how 'Detox' and 'Holiday' CAN go together:

1. Break out from your normal routine to be able to accept changes to your diet.

2. Visit an area where you'll just want to get out & exercise!!!!

3. Time to focus on you.

4. Meet like-minded people with a similar goal.

5. An opportunity for your body to rest and rejuvinate.

6. Leave the distractions and stresses at home.

A JUICE DETOX

'Why would you do that to yourself?'

WHAT SCEPTICS SAY....

'I'll be hungry'

'I'll be too weak'

‘It's all suspicious hippy green stuff’
‘Only for girls’
‘I don’t like vegetables’

'It can't be good for you to starve yourself'

WHAT WE SAY...

1. It’s good for you to give your digestive system a rest
2. You’ll feel amazing
3. You’ll feel ‘cleansed’
4. Your body can absorb so many more nutrients from juices
5. You’ll be leaner
6. You’ll have more energy
7. You’ll sleep better
8. Your eyes will sparkle and your skin will look amazing

Our wellness weeks are not a boot camp or a week of starvation - it's all about (re)education and (re)finding the pleasure in - sustainable - healthy eating combined with light exercise. Enjoy classes in Nordic Walking, Yoga, Pilates and Core Strength.