Improve your heliski performance: gourmet ski cuisine at Bighorn

Gourmet heliski cuisine at Bighorn

Bighorn Executive Chef Peter Hughes not only creates dishes to delight the taste buds but  he also knows that at Bighorn food is fuel for a day heliskiing in Revelstoke’s powder bowls. In the latest installment of Notes from the Chef’s Table, we focus on the humble walnut. After reading in Mens Journal that walnuts pack more than double the amount of anti-oxidants than any other nut, Peter decided to do a little research. The micronutrients in walnuts can help with balance and co-ordination as well as boosting blood flow to help your muscles perform harder, longer and more efficiently. It sounded like the perfect skiers nut!

Always thinking of the Bighorn guest experience, Peter is from this moment forth going to pair an indulgent walnut pesto with his homemade gnocchi. Here’s how…

1 large bunch of basil

250g crushed walnuts (fresher the better)

250g Parmesan

Juice of 1/2 lemon

Zest of 1/2 lemon

250 ml good olive oil (cold pressed)

1 punnet of rocket leaves

Blitz all ingredients together and store in the fridge for up to a month in an airtight container. Delicious as an accompaniment to pasta, gnocchi, stirred into hot steamed broccoli or just as a sandwich spread.

More top tips for foodie skiers will follow next week!

Revelstoke vs. Alaska: Which is the best heliski destination?

Revelstoke a lot of benefits over Alaska - the best tree skiing in the world is just one

 

Heliskiing is the ultimate thrill for any avid skier. Unsurprisingly this comes at a price, so careful consideration is required when deciding where to go for this indulgent trip of a lifetime. We asked one of our experienced guests at Bighorn to discuss the risk reward profile of two of the best heliski destinations in the world: Valdez in Alaska and Revelstoke, BC.

1) Terrain

Alaska has the best steep skiing terrain in the world. The proximity to the coast and extreme cold throughout much of the winter create a very low risk of avalanche. This allows skiers to ski terrain as steep as 60 degrees. Revelstoke has the best tree skiing in the world, and also has an abundance of excellent high alpine skiing in large glacial bowls. The terrain is extremely varied but, on average, will not be as steep as Alaska.

2) Snow

Both Alaska and Revelstoke are snowsure places to ski, the difference is the quality of the snow. As Revelstoke is located away from the coast in the interior of British Columbia, the snow has less moisture and is lighter. In Alaska, proximity to the coast means the snow can be wetter and heavier.

3) Down Days

This is the major difference. A week of heli skiing in Alaska will typically on average have 3 down days, Revelstoke will on average only have 1. In Alaska, when you cannot ski, there is very little to do as there is no lift skiing. There is only so much table tennis one can play in the mountains. In Revelstoke, guests at Bighorn can experience the all new Revelstoke Mountain Resort, which provides the perfect alternative to heli skiing. Boasting the longest vertical drop in the whole of North America, it is the perfect antidote to being told you cannot fly. In the wider Revelstoke area there are also a number of cat skiing operations which operate irrespective of the weather. In short, there is never a zero ski day in Revelstoke.

 

No one can argue against the fact that Alaska has excellent ski terrain. Every real skier should tackle an Alaskan spine at some point in their life. However, to travel so far, and then not to ski is unthinkable. It happens. Revelstoke provides endless options for amazing skiing whatever the weather, and with the addition of Bighorn, can boast the ultimate in luxury ski accommodation and service.

 

Luxury Heliskiing: 3 Equipment Essentials

Ripping up the pow on the K2 Pontoons
Ripping up the pow on the K2 Pontoons

Let’s face it, every time the air turns cold and the snow clouds begin to roll in, our thoughts turn to hitting the slopes.  Once that frisson of excitement subsides the lingering question remains, ‘Will my equipment live up to expectations and is there any must have kit that well…  I just must have?’  We can answer that for you with 3 of the hottest products to take your luxury heliski holiday to the next level.

There’s no doubt that ski design has come a long way since 2m skis were on the short side of acceptable.  The latest trend for those who look for deep snow is rocker technology.  Having a rockered ski that bends skywards at the front and back offers more floatation in the powder so you use less energy and can really make the most of your day in the deep stuff.  K2 pioneered this technology with the Pontoon and it continues to lead the way as one of the best powder skis money can buy.

Tired of having to always take your pack off to get at those essentials?  Fed up with the lumpy avalanche gear swinging around on your back?  The North Face Powder Guide Vest is the answer to your problems.  Stylish, compact, and comfortable, the Powder Guide Vest has all the storage exactly where you need it for a great day in Revelstoke’s backcountry.

What better way to relive that perfect day heliskiing than showing off your amazing footage in the Bighorn movie theater?  GoPro offers HD quality video from a camera that’s smaller than a juice box and a range of mounting devices that means you’ll always catch that enormous grin on your face as you put another turn down the perfect powder slopes of the Monashee Mountains.

Heliski in a Romantic Winter Wilderness this Valentines Day

 

It’s that time of year again – the shops are filled with pink balloons, expensive chocolates and teddy bears. Yes, Valentine’s Day is looming. The team at Bighorn know there is only one place to be in the middle of February however and that is on the slopes, as conditions in Revelstoke are amazing.  With heaps of fresh snow and bluebird skies, guests have been hitting the high alpine and loving the powder, views and awesome terrain.

The Bighorn Chef, Peter Hughes, can create a special Valentine’s menu for any love birds who want the best of both worlds: amazing heliskiing and romantic gastronomy. We’ve got a sneak preview of what he is planning, it sounds delicious even if you’re not feeling romantic! Perfect fuel for another day skiing the dream.

  • Canapé and champagne party
  • Truffled gougeres with dolcellate
  • Oysters Kilpatrick grilled with Canadian Bacon and Worcestershire Sauce
  • Teppanyaki Seared Scallops with Lemongrass and Ginger Infused Miso Broth
  • Frasier River Sockeye Salmon served En Croute and Carved Table Side
  • Chocolate Marquise Kisses with Gold Leaved Strawberry Crostilliant

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gourmet Skiing at Bighorn Revelstoke

Private chef at Bighorn in action

 

Allow us to introduce Peter Hughes, the Bighorn Executive Chef who is putting Revelstoke on the culinary map. We’ll be posting regular notes from the Chef’s Table at Bighorn, proving that ski fare can be innovative and delicious as well as satisfying after a day skiing the powder.

Focussing on local provenance and exciting flavor combinations, Bighorn cuisine is executed with flair and finesse.

 

To whet your appetite, here are the chef’s secret menu ideas for breakfast this heliski season…

  • Mango and strawberry smoothies (or green apple, wheatgrass and carrot for those who need a boost)
  • Homemade granola with greek yoghurt made in BC, berries and berry coulis
  • Bighorn Sausages – a collaboration with Barry the Butcher in Revelstoke, we’ve made the perfect breakfast banger
  • Really good double smoked bacon with oven roasted tomatoes
  • Local sourdough bread toasted and topped with scrambled free-range eggs and a grilled portobello mushroom
  • Sweetcorn and bacon fritters with mild tomato salsa and poached free-range eggs

We say that is the best possible way to start the day. No boring cornflakes and congealed eggs in sight. Unless that’s what you like of course, because remember Peter is on hand to cater for any (weird) whims!

Next week, we find out how Bighorn guests will be wooed, via their tastebuds, on Valentines Day.

More Snow Forecast in Revelstoke

Deep powder skiing Revelstoke

 

Do you want to know what 40cm of snow in 36 hours looks like? Check out this image of one lucky skier enjoying the epic conditions in Revelstoke.

After an huge dump at the weekend, cold weather has kept the powder fresh and fluffy and the resort is set for even more snow later this week. With 550cm of snow to date this season in Revelstoke, it does’t get any better than this!

Bighorn is perfectly placed to make the most of the next dump of snow, with access to the back country from our helipad, or lift skiing from Revelstoke Mountain Resort right on your doorstep.

We still have some availability for our ‘Open House’ week from 4th February, with bookings being taken on a room by room basis. This is a unique opportunity to experience the luxury living at Bighorn without needing to book the whole house. Enquire now for more information on this fantastic offer.

Top Fashion Trends for the 2012 Ski Season

Luxury ski fashion ideas for 2012

So, what should you be rocking on the slopes this season? After a few seasons of neon brights blinding us at every turn, this year it is back to simple primary colours: red, blue and yellow. Simple, unfussy blocks of colour. We love the Norrona Lofoten Pro Shell jacket and pants in ‘caviar’ black and ‘saffron’ yellow, perfectly blending function and design. www.noronna.com 

Under your ski jacket, it’s all about the layers. A high wicking base layer followed by a lightweight down jacket allows you to stay warm without restricting movement. Great brands to look out for include Icebreaker for base layers www.icebreaker.com and Peak Performance down jackets. www.peakperformance.com

After an exhilarating day’s heliskiing, back at Bighorn you want to be cozy, comfy and yet still fit with your stylish surrounds. Of course the house is exclusively yours, so in theory you can wear whatever you want, but we’d highly recommend slipping on a soft cashmere sweater to relax by the roaring log fire. Perhaps the most luxurious on the market are Brunello Cucinelli’s fine sweaters, made from the soft under-down of the Hircus goat. www.brunellocucinelli.com

Update your look with a few key trends for this season. For the ladies, leather trim, colourful cords and tweed. For the gentlemen, plaid check, camel and velvet. If you don’t have the time to shop for the new season, staff at Bighorn can arrange a consultation with a personal stylist before you leave home. Londoners will be assured of personal service at our partner Boutique at Home, whose owner Natasha will find a variety of smart casual looks to suit your needs. www.boutiqueathome.co.uk

To see some cutting-edge skiers working the primary colour-block look at Revelstoke, check out this video:

Revelstoke Hosts the Finals of the Freeskiing World Tour

This week Revelstoke Mountain Resort hosted the finals of the Freeskiing World Tour, welcoming some of the best and most daring skiers on the planet to it’s slopes. www.freskiingworldtour.com

Skier freeskiing at Revelstoke

The incredible terrain and deep snow in Revelstoke makes it the perfect venue for big mountain skiers to really show their stuff. Our friends at Selkirk Tangiers Heli Skiing are flying world-class skiers to the top of McKenzie Face, where they tackle the steeps and cliffs for their chance of glory. This year, skiers are encouraged not only to show their technical ability, but to get creative and wow the judges:

“Last year we took a huge step in the progression of the Subaru Freeskiing World Tour when we introduced the style/creativity category which has opened the door to a new generation of skiers who are incorporating new school tricks into fluid, solid skiing on big mountain terrain” said Bryan Barlow, Event Director.

Check out this video of competitors in action and hear why the judges love Revelstoke.

Everyone at Bighorn would like to say congratulations to Kye Peterson who won the men’s event and Angel Collinson who was the top-placed lady.

 

Get fit for your heliski trip in 6 weeks

Bighorn has access to a staggering amount of world-class skiing, over 1 million acres of pristine powder are yours to explore. To maximize enjoyment of your heliski experience, fitness is paramount. It’s not too late to build strength, improve stamina and encourage flexibility for this season. Our Bighorn fitness expert advises that you can make a real difference to your overall fitness in as little as 6 weeks.

Heliskiing is a full body workout and whilst many people focus on leg strength, training your whole body will ensure you are gaining true control of your movement. Angela Parker, owner of Body Inspired Fitness in Los Angeles advises, “properly training your core as well as your arms and back will take your skiing to the next level”.

Incorporating cardio activity such as running, cycling or swimming will also boost your performance, especially as you’ll be exerting yourself at altitude.

Many people forget to stretch after exercise, but this is equally as important as the work out itself. Thorough stretching will increase your flexibility, giving you better mobility in all joints. This in turn will allow you to be stronger over a greater range of movement. You will also be less susceptible to injury.

Try the following training programme 3 times per week to improve your overall ski fitness ready for the holiday of a lifetime:

  • Squat jump 10-12 reps
  • Push up hold and row 30 reps (15 rows on each arm)
  • Lunge jumps 20-24 reps (10-12 on each leg)
  • Russian twists 30 reps (15 on each side)
  • Lateral jumps 20 reps (10 on each leg)
  • Deck jumps onto a fixed platform 10 reps

Then take a 60 second rest and repeat the set as many times as you can in 30 minutes.

Now stretch…

Quads – lie on your stomach and bending you right knee gently pull your foot back to your butt with your right hand, hold or 30 seconds, then repeat on the left side.

Hamstrings – lie on your back with your knees bent raise and feet on the floor. Raise one leg straight up and gently pull towards you. Hold for 30 seconds and then repeat on the other side.

Back – on your hands and knees raise and round your back towards the ceiling and hold for 30 seconds.

Shoulders – standing straight clasp your hands behind your back and lift them away from your body, hold for 30 seconds.