Riding mountains
We know that very many have skipped the last season of skiing – we had numerous postponed alpine events and opted to ride out the pandemic in the Alps. There isn’t a scrap of celebration with enjoying private slopes – our industry has been decimated by the pandemic and we spent much of the winter reflecting on how people make the ski experience so unique. And there really isn’t anything that can compete with the thrill of riding down mountains, sharing views with colleagues and watching the sunset over the snow fields of the Alps. We created an app to digitally reconnect skiers and snowboarders with the snow but appreciate that most would take the real thing, every time.
Not a parasol in sight
Tourist hotspots in Spain can see beaches overrun with parasols and loungers - not our idea of an escape. Coasteering though has come along and offered a whole new perspective on coastal Spain, with exploration of rugged, deserted coves on the rock and in water. It’s a whole new angle – where there were crowds and a rumble of life, coasteering instead offers solitude, adventure and the rhythmical sound of the ocean. Routes vary but generally, coasteering offers cliff jumps, swimming, climbing and caving. Plunging into emerald Mediterranean waters from cliffs is a special experience and a very new slant of coastal events.
Buzzing the roof of the Alps
Zip wires have been strung across many routes around the world, but few come close to the drama of the Orelle – Val Thorens zip that reaches speeds in excess of 100 km/h. At over 3000m high, the zip offers stunning views across the roof of the Alps, whilst the 250m drop to the valley isn’t a sight too many of us experience and live to tell the tale.
Not one for a crowded beach
It’s not something that lends itself to a Bournemouth bank holiday weekend but on windswept, spacious, low tide beaches, Blokarting is different and seriously special. With its roots in sand yachting, Blokarts are ultra-minimal triangular karting frames, underneath a sail. Haul in the rope, feel the wind hit the sail and hang on – these things are seriously quick and nimble. It takes just a matter of minutes to get the hang of speed and direction control and then it is time to show your colleagues who’s the boss. Unlike bulky and heavy sailing yachts, Blokarts are incredibly responsive and offer a wonderful intimacy with the power of the wind.
These offer you the chance for a G&T
Sailing shares the means of power with Blokarts - but little else. Crewed by teams, yachts are far more involved and less quick off the line. They are though powered magically by the invisible winds and there is huge team satisfaction in taking the clean air and line in front of rival boats. Unlike Blokarts, sailing yachts usually double as floating bars, with the chance to enjoy a drop of something in some of the exquisite locations imaginable.
Whilst we’ve missed these activities, it will be all the more enjoyable when we are finally standing atop of Mallorcan cove again!