Ride with a Pro: Press Trip

Our guests were hosted around the slopes of Morzine/Avoriaz by Two of Britain’s best riders. Dave Houghton (ski) and Mike Austin (Board).

Day 1

Day 1 was all about enjoying the conditions. Dave showed off his switch Powder before heading off to set up for his shoot. George Powell (Co-Owner and resident photographer) was on hand to catch guests in action.

Just before lunch guests caught up with Dave again. He was 30ft above us on a rather intimidating cliff. Guests all huddled in the snow with camera phones set to record while Dave and George made final preparations.

Then Dave Launched. It’s only when you are there that you “get” the scale. Big.

Dave Hit the Cliff twice as the first time wasn’t good enough (he claimed).

That evening just before Dinner guests met with Dave again to finish a build. The shot was a kicker down a stair well. The photo is great but helping to build the run in (down a road) and the landing (A pile of broken snow next to a road) gave so much more appreciation of how much goes into these shots.

Day 2

Mike Austin was Board Hosting on Day 2. Just riding behind Austin is amazing. Where I see a hazard, he sees a play thing.

Austin took us to the “Stash” (a natural board park) in Avoriaz where he proceeded to demonstrate his Rail skills. After sliding across a supple tree trunk fashioned into a rainbow rail as if it wasn’t even there. Austin stopped to talk through the finer points of a box slide. It’s amazing how much confidence riding with a pro gives you. Everyone managed to slide the wooden box feature.

After Lunch a picnic table that had been fashioned into an obstacle was selected for Austin’s shoot. Guests were invited to be part of it (see snap).

At the end of the day Guests were given their own CD diary of the trip before Lola (TGski Landrover) ran everyone back to Geneva in time for the last flight home and last orders in the local.

Ride with a Pro can be added to any TGski Holiday for £50 per person.

TM