voyager PLaCeSUK p32 / St moritz p38 / denmarK p42

hUrtLing head-firSt down a moUntain usually indicates the need for the emergency services. But airboarders do it for fun. Participants storm down snowy slopes, lying on their stomachs on an inflatable, sledge-like cushion. despite the fear-factor, it’s essentially a fusion of the childhood pursuit of sledging in the park, ramped up to meet a more grown-up desire for adrenaline-fuelled pursuits.

to manoeuvre the airboard, you steer by shifting your body from side to side, braking with your feet. despite an increasing demand for it, many winter resorts are reluctant to allow it on their runs. airboarders can cause real danger to other slope users if the board veers out of control.

the french resort of alpe d’huez (70 minutes from Lyon) has taken a common-sense approach. airboarding is allowed every friday from their Poutran lift, and more established riders can use the resort’s luge piste. you can hire an airboard from the resort’s Sport 2000 shops. alpedhuez.com, ski-hire.sport2000.frmatthew Priest

[ Lyon ]

extreme sledging

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voyager 29