Matt Barr - Prep for the Piste

Matt Barr is co-author of both Snowboarding the World and Skiing Europe, and when it comes to the slopes this man knows what he is talking about. Giving you the best advice on where to get the most for your money this season, he can help with those all-important decisions on where to go and what to do...

Where is the best place you have ever been skiing or snowboarding?

The best place? I guess it depends on whether you mean for the snow or the whole travelling experience. The best snow I’ve ever had is probably in Japan in February 2004. We were very fortunate to get good conditions, and had three feet of powder to ride most days. It was fun for me because I was with a group of pro snowboarders (I usually travel with three riders and a photographer) and while they were off taking pictures, I was able to head off with a friend of mine and ride for the whole day in this amazing, snow-filled, deserted resort. Other places that stand out are Las Lenas in Argentina, Shemshak in Iran and good old Engelberg in Switzerland. I also like Baquiera-Beret in Spain. There are so many good resorts out there, it is hard to pick one as the best. On their day, with plenty of snow, they are amazing places to be. 

What’s the craziest experience you have had working in the field?

Probably the time spent travelling through the Middle East and Central Asia between 2005 and 2008. I was lucky enough to visit Lebanon, Iran, Russia and Uzbekistan during this time and it was pretty life changing stuff. Specifically, being cooked dinner by a family of Tajik locals high up in the Tan Shien mountains in Uzbekistan was very memorable. People are the same wherever you go in the world, and this was a brilliant reminder. 

What’s the worst injury you’ve sustained on the slopes?

Broken and dislocated collarbone in January 2007 in Laax, Switzerland. I caught my edge on a block of ice while going pretty flat out, and flew twenty feet onto my shoulder on sheet ice. I was riding again eight weeks later, but it was annoying because it meant I had to go to Uzbekistan a week later with my arm in a sling and my shoulder in two bits. Apart from that I’ve been pretty lucky to be honest.

With the pound still weak against the euro, where in Europe has the best value for money this season?

Unfortunately nowhere is especially cheap any more. But Austria, Italy and the Iberian peninsula will always be cheaper than France and Switzerland. 

Where is the best value for money location worldwide?

Well, skiing isn’t cheap per se. Obviously it is going to be cheaper buying a sandwich in an Argentinan resort than in France, but then you have to get there (which in this case means two flights) and pay inflated prices once in the resort. So genuinely cheap trips aren’t that easy to come by. I would say Baqueira-Beret in Spain is about as value for money as it gets in Europe. 

What tips do you have for cash-strapped skiers and snowboarders this winter?

Take advantage of one of the great deals that are around. Each of the main carriers are offering cut price package deals, and individual operations such as Chill Chalet in France (http://www.chillchalet.com/) have some brilliant deals on this year. Check Crystal, Inghams and all the big carriers for their best deals. Don’t wait either, the cheapest prices are likely to be now. If you want to go self-catering, try Interhome. They have a lot of accommodation all over Europe, and you’ll be able to pick up a bargain with those guys.

Where is going to be popular this season?

Whistler is going to be very popular, but with the eyes of the world on the place for the Olympics it perhaps isn’t surprising. I think Europe is set to be the main destination for most British people. North America and Canada is still perceived as being more expensive and the recession hasn’t helped. So France, Austria and Switzerland will be as packed as ever. Those looking to chance their arm should try Italy, Bulgaria and somewhere like Slovenia or Slovakia for a different and probably cheaper experience.

Where is the next frontier for winter sports?

The real final frontier for winter sports, in the classic exploration sense, are destinations such as Greenland, Alaska and Patagonia. Places that require a spirit of adventure, and willingness to find alternative ways of earning your turns, as these are places that don’t have lifts on standby. Unfortunately, these places are off limits for all but the very rich or the very determined. For ordinary skiers and snowboarders, I would say a trip to New Zealand, Japan or somewhere like Lebanon has the right amount of attainable adventure. There are resorts on hand, they are culturally interesting and just off the beaten track enough to feel as though you’re doing some actual travelling.

Both Skiing Europe and Snowboarding the World are packed full of useful information. When travelling, do you end up spending most of your day doing research, and not on the slopes?

Not at all. The best part about writing those books is being in the resorts, riding or skiing each day and feeling lucky to have such a great job. Most of the research is done by meeting locals, trying new things and keeping your eyes and ears open.

In light of recent events, would you still recommend Iran as a winter sports destination?

Thats a tough one, because I was supposed to go back to Iran in July 2009 but a FCO advisory meant the trip (it was an organised one) was cancelled. If it had been a trip organised by myself, I would probably still have gone. But I can understand why the headlines would put people off. My own experience has been that news reports and official opinions are not a good way of judging the reality of a country and its culture. I loved Iran and the Iranian people we met, who were genuinely thrilled that we had made the effort to see their country for ourselves. So the answer is yes, I would recommend it, but it would probably be sensible to wait for the FCO advisory to be changed.

What advice do you have for people who have never tried snowboarding or skiing, but who want to learn?

Get a lesson before you go. And when you’re there, pay for decent lessons with a good instructor. There’s no way around the fact that it is difficult to pick up at first, and any time spent on the basics beforehand is going to aid your holiday enjoyment. 

Where is the best place to ski or snowboard for the first time?

Somewhere pretty flat, so the Scandinavian resorts are good for that, and they have great infrastructure. It’s hard to go past the States and Canada though so making everything easy for you as a first-timer. The lifts work, everyone is friendly, the nursery slopes are segregated and they generally do everything they can to help make it a fun, memorable experience.

What about for those who are more experienced and want a new challenge?

Go to somewhere like Chamonix, Engelberg or La Grave. These resorts have serious backcountry terrain very close at hand. In the States, Big Sky, Baker and Jackson are equivalents. But the first three have enough scary terrain to keep most pro riders and skiers happy, let alone most twice a week skiers.

Where will you be going this winter?

This year I am off to Morzine in December, Leutasch in Austria and Meribel in January, and Aspen for a week in February. That’s it so far. Am hoping to also go to Romania at some point as well.