CRAIG ROSTOCK
MY TOP FIVE
Snowboarder and Ski Club Rep Craig Rostock names his favourite runs in his favourite spots
1 Red 30, Söll I came late to snowboarding, aged about 40, and had my first proper trip in Söll, Austria. At that time dubbed ‘Ibiza on snow’, it lived up to its name, but I somehow got to bed early enough for a good start each day.
Red 30 was my best run that week. It has everything: narrow cat-tracks, tree-lined paths and wide steep sections. From the Hohe Salve top station take Red 30 towards Itter village. We’d try to do the run without stopping, only slowing down on the gradual uphill run
to Itter base camp.
Once, in the friendly Salvista Stadl bar over a Weissbier, a local told us the story of nearby Itter Castle, which was the scene of a Second World War siege when German and Allied troops fought together against Nazi SS soldiers. Enjoy your beer then hop on the soon-to-be-replaced, ancient, tiny but brilliant Salvista gondola.
2 Talabfahrt, Ellmau I did a few seasons of instructing in Ellmau and a normal day’s work would end with a noisy ride down in a gondola full of excited children. On days off though, the Talabfahrt was more fun. Start on Red 80 and head down, as all roads lead to Rome here. It’s a long, tree-lined run with small bars dotted along. Before the final bend keep the speed up to the new Ellmau base station. Don’t get caught doing the snowboarder’s shuffle of shame in full view of the spectators waiting for friends and family in the swanky new seating area.
Across the car park is Fabels, where the Dutch and English instructors meet up, and where 4pm is like 2am in a nightclub. It’s cheesy, but we’d all sing Sweet Caroline together every time.
3 Aliga, El Tarter I’ve spent a lot of time in Andorra and think the Grandvalira ski area is one of Europe’s best. It hosted the ski World Cup finals this year, and Aliga was the women’s downhill.
It’s a run of two halves: the first section is wide and not too steep without bumps or dramatic features. Head from the Tosa chairlift towards the bronze Falcon.
After slowing down to meet skiers from the right from Soldeu, cross to the right and enter the second section.This is where it gets serious. Steep with rollers and adverse cambers, this part – even at only moderate speed – is a challenge. Stay away from the netting and control your speed all the way down to El Clos café. Have a well-earned drink then ride the chairlift opposite to repeat.
4 Youla chutes, Courmayeur This region has easily accessed off-piste terrain, and that’s what makes these chutes great – no hiking required.
Take the Checrouit and Youla gondolas, and for a breathtaking view of Mont Blanc, continue on the Arp gondola and climb to the top of the viewing gallery. After taking in the sights return to the Youla stop and exit to the left. A red run faces you, but turn left around the back of the mountain. After a brief shuffle between rocks it opens out into a massive powder field. There are no obstacles so enjoy some massive powder turns before rejoining the piste. Share a few high fives before continuing down Red 18 and Black 8 to the Val Veny camping area and the La Zerotta restaurant.
5 Mont-Valaisan, La Rosière Last year, on a ski camp in Pila, Italy, we were struggling to find untracked terrain and decided to hire a guide. Six of us were driven to La Thuile, where we headed to the top. From there we aimed for La Rosière and the new Mont-Valaisan chairlift, which leads to Espace San Bernardo. The guide suggested a steep 45-minute hike to find the best snow. After a brief discussion about fitness, or the lack of it, we agreed and headed up to Punta Valletta. From the large metal cross at the top we were roped one by one off a small cliff. When we had the courage to turn around we were faced with an untouched powder field. We took it one at a time, whooping all the way. It was over too quickly but well worth the work. So much so that we rejoined piste six to La Thuile and did the whole thing all over again!
Access all areas via the new Mont-Valaisan lift
Craig Rostock factfile
Craig joined the Ski Club… in 2016 after riding every day on a trip to St Anton with a hardcore group of skiers who were members.
Favourite après spot… Mooserwirt in St Anton. But don’t get tangled up with the worse-for-wear skiers weaving down to the village.
Favourite mountain meal… Tiroler Gröstl mit Spiegelei – potatoes, bacon and onion, with a fried egg on top
Best hidden gem… La Caleta, a great little tapas bar in Soldeu, Andorra.
Top tipple… Ramazzotti. Late at night in Austria an Absacker (nightcap) is what’s called for. It tastes like cough medicine but hits the spot.
Last and next repping slots… Soldeu and Ischgl.
