As usual we will all be rocking out with a selection of RIDE snowboard gear again this season. Unlike in years gone by this is also the case for our outerwear uniforms and we are super stoked with the look.  Here’s a sneaky peak of Donnie giving it a test in the Glasgow snowdome a few weeks ago. As soon as we hit Davos you can expect a few more pics.

Here’s a quick look at each of the teams set up this season:

Donnie’s 2011-12 Stash:

This year I have opted for a slightly stiffer set up than usual in an attempt to protect my ankle. A stiffer set up will help in two ways. 1 – it will provide a little extra suport in the boot and binding and 2 – My overall level of movment in the lower body can be reduced without sacrificing what inputs go through to the board (in theory!).

I am usually a big advocate for softer boots to encourage lots of anke flex rather than just bending in the knees. I will be very mindfull though I promise! At the end of the day I want to strengthen my ankle but I don’t want to have to worry about it during the begining of the season (especially if I get carried away!)

Boots: I have gone for RIDE’s HI-PHY BOA lace boot this year in a nice and bright lime green!  I have never rocked the BOA system for any length of time before so I am looking forward to effortless tightening and removal! Stories of BOA failure these days are rare and new devices to help distribute the forces of the BOA lace are so good I can’t really see an argument against them. The boot as I mentioned is a little stiffer on the scale compared to my usual DEUCE boots but not really by that much in reality. They do however, fit like a dream and are without doubt the most comfortable boot I have ever used. They are not the most compact boot though so a size 9.5 does look a little like a 10 – but I ride a WIDE board so it’s of no concern!! The added ‘bulk’ is really just added warmth which is always a welcome factor in light weight boots (light weight normally means ‘made of very little’ that keeps you warm!!)

Bindings: I have always deemed bindings the least important part of my kit – and I still do. I don’t look for anything fancy, just solid! It’s for this reason RIDE’s bindings have always been whats connected me to my board (long before I discovered their boots and boards). This year however, RIDE have gone down the route of adjustability on their higher end range for the first time. Adjustability means move moving parts and more moving parts means more screws to keep things together.  The new CAPO’S are no exception. They are undeniable fantastic – particularly if you have the size of foot that requires a heel cup adjustment to get you centred on the board (laterally to reduce toe and heel drag)

HOWEVER, I am not someone that needs this adjustment so the weight has gone up a little for my liking with this addition of what they call the INFINITY CHASSIS. They have kept the all inportant straps that give great grip and allow flex and the high back is also a good mix of size for support but not so stiff that it translates micro movements into board outputs. I just hope those screws stay in with my hard charging, binding-bullying tendancies!! They have stiffened the base up a little by using these new MICRO base plates (the smaller a bit of metal is the harder it is to flex) but I’m yet to notice any real difference.

BOARD: This is the real exciting part of this years kit for me. I have finally crossed over to what has been the dark side and gone for some REVERSE CAMBER!! Well almost! The RIDE ARCADE (158 WIDE) is a duel camber board. It has Positive camber between and under the feet and (micro) RC at the nose and tail. In theory this should have all of the benefits of camber (power, response and rebound under foot) without any of the negatives of RC (twitchy, less poppy and washy). And so far so good! It’s their top of the range model (I normally stay away from these – too many ‘buzz’ words designed to woo your imagination!) which means its got the UL (ultra light) tag. This also normally means bad news for seasonal hard charging. Light weight remember means it’s not made of much so it’s not going to take 150 days of charging. Time and only time will tell but I am hopefull with the amount of carbon being used and other materials such as the hemp top sheet which are responsible for the lightness rather than losing important core features to reduce weight.

It’s got a ton of power, particularly laterally so this will help with fast hard carving and bigger kickers that demand more stability from your board. However, down the board it’s quite lively and poppy without being overly stiff (like the DH!!) making it a much easier board to live with day to day. Buttering and pressing will take a little getting used to and mid rail adjustments will be much harder with so much torsional rigidity but I’ll be watching my step in the park this year….until I regain some muscle in my leg that I broke!

Goggles: Gone are my trusted Addidas YODI’s! Shock horror! I am not convinced these are not still the best goggles in the world but alas I have decided to try something NEW in the shape of the very cool, very concept and VERY expensive POC LOBES. Lateral vision in these is as good as the YODI and they fit my wide face a treat. Depth is not quite as good (you only have to look at the underside of goggles to see how much foam they use to work this out) but almost negligable.  They look the absolute bomb though!! Bright purple with gold lens and a really cool lens attachement idea that should take all the hassle out of changing your lens (not that I do this very often as I keep a second pair of flat light goggles in the shape of thr Oakley Crowbar with high intensity yellow lenses – the best low light lens EVER).

STAV’S 2011-12 Quiver:

In our line of work one of the most fun things we have to do is create the perfect ‘Toy Box’. One winter box of toys and one for summer!  Here’s a peak at this year’s winter toy selection which suits all of my needs for coaching and personal riding.

Ride DH2 Snowboard 152 2012 – Whichever weapon of choice I decide on for the day whether it be snowboard or ski … It has to be a platform that suits most conditions and styles of riding. The DH2 is the perfect 4wd snowboard for me. Stomps the Piste, park and most importantly still gets me amongst the pow wow when it counts … This year’s board looks even better.

Rossignol Mini 121 Snowboard – Every instructor should have one of these. Best tool I’ve ever used for pointing out the fundamentals of stance and posture … plus they’re a whole stack of fun! I dare you to try!

Ride Delta Snowboard Binding (2010) – I love this binding! Ride have made it solid and simple. It has all the right stiffness in the right place but allows you to open up when need be in the park with the slightly softer high back.  Looks stylish too!

Burton Ion Snowboard Boot – The boot of all boots? Last year I used the Salomon Synapse, this year it’s the Ion. Great fit round the ankle with room for the toes to breathe. I can’t wait to use them.

Fischer Watea 84 167 Ski – Can’t wait to use these … Last year this was voted one of the best 4WD skis on the market. We’ll see but it certainly looks the part.

Marker Griffon Binding – And to accompany the ski ‘The Griffon’. Marker make a solid binding that boasts an excellent transition from the boot through the front end thus creating a more effective transition from edge to edge. Something you need when you have both shoulders facing down the hill at the same time!

Black Diamond Factor Ski Boot 110 – I was so impressed after testing Black Diamonds touring boot last year I had to get my hands on a pair of Factors for teaching and personal riding for this season. They feel Great!

Poc Helmet – Protection is everything on the hill these days and at Synergy we all wear helmets. My choice is the Swedish designed Poc ‘Bug’. It’s been very popular in Europe over the past few years and offers excellent ventilation without compromising the protection.

Anon Figment Goggle – I’ve owned several pairs of these, probably due to fact that I’m very good at trashing them or letting others do so. White frames are always a winner with a blue lagoon lens for those white out days.

Synergy Buisness Card – Why Not! I might forget my number

DC Bobble Hat – Never leave home without one!

We try to keep everyone happy at Synergy and we’re proud of our 78% return rate – it speaks volumes.  Some of you have even come back 4 times in a single season!! Here’s a few reasons why – straight from the horses mouth (you know what we mean!). If you would like to submit a review then please do below or on our Synergy FB review page.

Joe Singleton. February 2011

If you have been to any of the French resorts, you will have experienced the mental lift cue’s, Davos does NOT have these and it is bliss. That’s on top of the epic pistes, easily accessible off piste (with top guiding) sick park and if you’re brave enough the daddy of all pipes!!!
The Synergy crew are a top top bunch of guys looking to make your trip as much fun as they possibly can. I have personally improved my riding tenfold at least and it’s all been fun and packed with banter (advantage of British coaches) along they way.

That’s all the on hill stuff but there’s plenty of off hill things to do as well (amazing huge outdoor hot tub anyone??) tons of bars to party in and many different food options and the super chilled out Swiss way just caps it off.

I’m already booked up for this season (my third trip to Davos) So if you’re thinking of going, stop thinking and just book it, you will not regret it.

(not too many though we want to keep those lift queues down!!!)

Matt Bithell. Dec 2010 + March 2011

If you’re on this page you’ve found your way to first class snowboarding coaching by British Coaches, in possibly the best resort in Europe.
If you’re anything like me you’ve been on a few snow holidays, had a bit of teaching via Nielson (or another tin-pot snow holiday operators) and been farmed out to a local “fly-boy” more interested in showing off than showing you what it’s all about. Probably talks to you in pigeon English and not really have the vocabulary to explain the finer points of SHREDDING.
And then there’s Synergy. A team of snowboard and ski enthusiasts, who WANT to teach you to be better, go bigger, ride harder, head off piste and destroy the park.
My wife and I have spent the past few seasons in the hands of Donnie, Stav, Magic and the delectable C-Mazz. In the time we’ve spent with the team, our snowboarding has been stripped back to basics, and built back up using the BASi formula, learning basic turning, carving and wee ollies in the first 5 days. Then as we got better our techniques and advancements have still grown until literally the sky is the limit.
Synergy have helped me gain the skills and confidence in my snowboaring to get involved in off piste hiking at Rhinerhorn (after avalanche training), hitting the park on Jakobshorn and other local parks in nearby resorts, switch carving (although I’m still learning)….and even Skiing!!
As well as an epic snow experience, in the time we spent with Synergy we’ve met lovely, likeminded people all out for a good time on the snow and laughs in the evening. Davos’ offers great après at Chamois Bar, the Oschen and numerous other establishments, as well as Ice Hockey, an Igloo village (for the romantics), sledging (although you’re braver than me) and Eau-la-la the local Spa that has to be experienced to be believed
One thing you’ll be guaranteed – time and effort from the team, good times and epic snow conditions. Do your snowboarding a favour and get involved!!

Mike Broom. December/January 2010-11

Ok, my review of Synergy last year…. 2 days turned around 6 years of self taught bad habits. I now hit the slopes confident, and looking for the next feature to destroy. Oh and at twice the speed!! Unless your name is Travis Rice, there is no excuse, BOOK NOW.  Actually even if you are Travis Rice, book anyway, it’s worth it to just hang out with the guys….Already booked again for the 2011-12 season

Nick Byam. March 2011

I have been out with Donnie, Magic & Stav twice now and I can guarantee I will be riding with the Synergy team again!! Whether you are a complete beginner (like the first time I went out) or have been riding for years, whether you are on your own or with a family, whether you want to be pushed to your limits (safely) or you just want to consolidate on the basics, these guys can do it all!!! No duff!!

The wealth of knowledge they possess, the expert training they give and the great nights out they can offer should that be on the cards is second to none! Donnie has done a great job in offering a complete bespoke training/holiday package to suit your needs. Plus, the guys are cool as……and great fun to be around!

Not only that but the price for their training is pennies compared to how much your riding will improve and the experience you will have with them!

Plus….Davos and the surrounding areas has an abundance of trails, parks and backcountry that you will never get bored of the place!

I don’t know if you’ve gathered it yet but Synergy is AWESOME!

Thanks again guys…keep up the good work

Matt Newis. March 2011

” sssshhhhhhh don’t tell everyone that Synergy are the mutts nuts coz everyone will want to be going to the best damn place to shred with top notch instruction to boot…..funf stern

Gerry Broom. December 2010

AWESME!!!!!! had such a great time – one day of tuition last year made a massive difference and I am now so much more confident and a lot faster. I even ventured off piste. BOOK NOW and you won’t regret it!
After all these rave reviews you had better have time for me this year too!!!!!

Tom Cornflake. February 2011

A friend recommended Synergy Snowsports, having themselves had tution the previous winter.
I spent two weeks under the expert tutelage of the Synergy Snowsports crew: I booked in to undertake the backcountry snowboarding and avalanch training course which was excellent and, as we didn’t get the conditions for our planned heli drop, I added some 1:1 tuition to my trip. I had been boarding, on and off, for 15 years and have years of other board sports under my belt but Donny, Stav and Magic basically deconstructed my bad technique and habits and re-formed my riding into the snowboarding god I am today… I rate the Synergy crew a 8, nah no way they’re an 8… a 10! Excellent teaching methods, limetless patience combined with expert riders with a deep understanding of technical and physical demands of snowsports (no really, it’s bordering on the obsessive!) and throughly decent chaps to boot (that’s a myth!). Oh yeah, they also sorted out my accomodation and pass and used video to increase my understanding of riding technique.
So basically, anyone who is learning, progressing or shredding should do their riding a favour and book up asap! I’ll be booking in for that elusive heli-trip in Febuary, fingers crossed for POW!! Thanks guys!

Getting the most out of the mountains and the best out of you

We love a deal!  So here’s our very best.

Book and pay for your winter holiday in September and we’ll knock an additional 5% off ALL ADVERTISED PACKAGE PRICES (including already discounted offers) meaning you can save up to 20% from the price*

Whether you book in during peak times or off peak times it doesn’t matter the offer still counts. Likewise it’s not confined to a single hotel – the offer applies to all of our partner hotels and St Joseph’s Guest house and the famous Snowboarders Palace!  Sadly, we can’t offer this to everyone as places are limited so get in touch quick to make your booking with us and avoid disappointment.

Check out our packages pages and have a look at the great choice of SKI and SNOWBOARD LESSONS we offer. Drop us an EMAIL, fill out our ENQUIREY FORM or give us a call and we’ll talk it all over with you. Remember, yor’re not calling a sales office, you get to speak directly to the people who will be looking after you on resort!

We look forward to helping you plan this years trip to the mountains.

*20% Applies to the overall price of accomodation within out partnet hotels (Ochsen, Strela, St’ J’s and SP) and tuition only and is subject to availability. Offer does not include the New Year Week or Half term week in February.

HELLSYEAH! So the winter is over – Davos officially closed on Sunday May 1st, with a surprising amount of snow still kicking around it has to be said. Europe may have struggled a little this season but we certainly held it together very well in Davos all things considered and most of you that came out this year will testify to that ( Those of you booked on to the Heli trip in February especially!) but alas it’s over! A big thanks to everyone who came out and had a great time with us (except Matt who, for the 2nd time as a client with us, witnessed Donnie break his ankle – you’re banned!!).  On that note though Donnie is doing fine, physio is good and despite one leg being much small than the other he’s up and walking again!

Anyway, it’s summer time!! Stav has began his Kite surf season down in Brighton (www.bn1kitsurfing.com) and will be running his first camp abroad this June to Egypt. If your interested in joining Donnie and Stav for some beginner-intermediate (you’ve got to be able to stay up-wind or just about) then check it out here. And once again we have teamed up with Natives to provide you with your summer snow fix. Those that came along last year will tell you – this weekender is AMAZING and not to be missed!

It’s back to the mighty hills of ZERMATT from Thursday 14th – Sunday 17th July. From shredding the Glacier in the mornings (and racing if you fancy a little friendly slalom and team dual slalom competition) to sunny BBQ’s in the avo and fancy dress parties in the evening , we really have it all going on (Donnie holds both of the top prizes right now for ‘best fancy dress‘ and ‘fastest snowboarder in the business‘ – but with a broken leg the title could be yours!). The event is normally restricted to people who work in the industry and this is largely still the case (we love a good inter-industry knees up!) however, as long time attendees we’re allowed to invite JUST 10 of you guys so hurry and book now to avoid disappointment!

Donnie as Mr. Monopoly last year

Here’s what you need to know:

ONLY £149 INCLUDING LIFT PASS….BOOK NOW!

WHAT’S INCLUDED?
- Three nights’ B&B accommodation at Haus Theodul
- 2 x day lift pass (courtesy of Matterhorn Ski Paradise)
- FREE entry into the Ski Club of Great Britain Giant Slalom
- FREE entry into the Metrosnow.co.uk Team Dual Slalom (teams of 4)
- FREE entry into the Dare 2b Mini Olympic Games
- Welcome night BBQ at Nelly’s
- Giant Slalom ski training from Impulse Racing
- Snowboard coaching from Donnie Mcleod, founder of Synergy Snowsports
- Train transfer ONLY £69 pprtn courtesy of Switzerland Tourism
- Prize giving fancy dress night at Nelly’s – theme confirmed: 1920s Gangsters & Molls
- Chance to win weekend (2 nights) in a 4* Hotel for two incl. ski passes for two days courtesy of Zermatt Tourism and a pair of flights from SWISS

Why?
- Work in the snowsports industry?
- In need of a mid-season mountain fix?
- Want a fun weekend that’s amazing value?
Then why not join us at the ‘Snowsports Summer Weekender’…and compete at the Industry Ski Championships…

The Metro snow team dual slalom

WHY?
We have created this event so that all of us who work in the industry can fill that long summer gap between seasons with some more snow!
The Summer Weekender is a chance to catch up with friends, enjoy the Alps and – if you want to – represent your company in the Industry Ski Champs.
Don’t take it from us…
“The combination of skiing in the morning and sunny afternoons filled with volleyball/tennis/mountain biking or a refreshing dip in the lake…it really can’t be beaten. The great thing about the weekend was with so many different activities and competitions there was something for everyone, and for those who really aren’t competitive, there’s the evening entertainment, which was mainly uncompetitive – although some of the drinking games did turn a bit serious… ”
James Gambrill, Travel Plan

WHO IS ELIGIBLE?
To travel on the Summer Weekender, you must be currently working (in the UK or Alps) for a tour operator, chalet company, travel agent, retailer, distributor or other employer in the snowsports industry, have worked a season or be about to, or be connected to the industry in some way.

You do not need to have a full team of four to participate – individuals are very welcome and can take part in all activities, and even for the Metrosnow.co.uk Team Dual Slalom we will try to find a team for you to join!

WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED?
- Flights and train transfer (special discount on train transfer with Natives)
- Equipment hire
- Insurance

PRICES
The UK Snowsports Summer Weekender package is available for the amazing price of ONLY £149

HOW TO BOOK
To book you spot now simply drop Snergy an email at info@synergysnowsports.com and we’ll get back to you or for more information about booking call Alex at Natives on:
+44(0) 208 785 3888
or email: alex@natives.co.uk
See who else is coming on Facebook

The 2010 Summer weekender crew

GETTING THERE AND BACK
Flights
Zermatt is only a few hours from the international airports Zurich, Geneva, Basel and Milan
SWISS from London City Airport

Railways
Special discounted transfer when you book with Natives.co.uk of £69pp rtn from any Swiss border or airport.

The railway has direct connections in Brig and Visp to the modern narrow-gauge railway of the Matterhorn Gotthard Railway, which arrives in Zermatt after an hour and a half ride through the rugged and romantic Nicolaital valley. The new Lötschberg base tunnel from Frutigen (BE) to Raron (VS) significantly shortens the journey time to Zermatt by train. * from Zurich approx. 3 h 16 travelling time * from Basel approx. 3 h 15 travelling time * from Bern approx. 2 h 08 travelling time Zermatt is also the beginning or the end of the world-famous Glacier Express (St. Moritz / Davos – Zermatt).

If you need help choosing your equipment this year then let us know and we’ll try and shed some light on the do’s and don’t’s to make sure you get the most out of your shred sticks!

Watch out for Donnie’s video coming soon reviewing lots of this years kit from the London ski and board show in association with the World Snowboard Guide and remember you can get your hands on some great stuff in our shop from BOARDERS BOARDS with 15% off rrp.

Donnie ‘Donz’ Macleod

My stick of choice this year is the new RIDE DH 159 WIDE!  THere are lots of reasons for this choice but first and foremost because it’s heavy, strong and uses some technologies that really work to keep it alive for up to 200 days a year of shred!

Standard camber: I love the feel of RC and it’s playful nature and the fact that I don’t need a big board to jump into the deep stuff BUT it’s limitations far outweigh it’s benefits for an everyday workhorse.  I LOVE to carve the pistes to pieces! Those of you who have ridden with me will know I am every bit as happy charging the groomers as I am in the park, pipe or even off piste (unless I’ve just exited a heli!) so having a board that grips with a progressive power and plenty of rebound is really important. The DH uses Rides stiffer Pop Rods 2.0 in the nose and tail for tons of POP! This is great for ollying and air time but more so for all out grip particulary at the botom of a turn where you’ll blow out if you are able to reverse the camber of a board too much (you end up turning to tight and understeer/oversteer like in a car).

159 WIDE: I have a size 9 foot and if I had a £ for every tie some told me I don’t need a wide board I’d be rich! Remember, when you buy you board with YOUR money you get what YOU want. I may not need a wide board but I want a wide board, it suits my shallow binding angles and less that super wide stance (this also helps to bend a stiff board making it turn easier/better) so I avoid ever catching my heels and toes in the snow when I am carving the hell out of it. The wider platform also provides a greater base to help stabilise take off’s and landings on Davos’s huge kickers! The length of the thing is by-the-by. The more important number is the length of the effective edge (a big 165 board might have a huge nose and tail that don’t even make contact with the snow making the effective edge the same as a smaller board so why carry that extra length and weight?) I like to the get longest EE I can on the shortest board possible and a wide edition helps with this (there is more board available to create a sidecut from) This means I can turn sharper with less effort. Be warned however, that a long EE on a soft board may make it feel a little unstable at low speed. The DH is stiff enough for this not to be a problem.

Flex: I have mentioned the DH is stiff but more precisely it’s stiff through the nose and tail as a result of the POP rods it uses. Laterally, across the board it’s quite manageable (made less stiff by it being a wide – I have more leverage over the edges, more torque!). This means at low speeds I can manipulate it making it ideal to teach with and better still at making adjustments on rails and boxes. It also means I can engage my edges well when pedaling (if you don’t know what that is sign up to some lessons and we’ll change your life!) making the old edge-to-edge speed argument less of an issue (this is a famous retort to size 9er’s looking for a wide board to which I reply I’m not training for the Olympics…..any more!!!)

Technologies: Ride along with all the other manufactures has lots of techno jargon that means little to any of us. BUT there are a few things on this DH that do. The Slime walls for example do a great job at protecting the edges from damage when hitting rocks or landing hard on rails and dampening vibration on hard pack snow/ice.    The Cleave edge also makes it nearly impossible to pull your edge out from the board.

Boots: Ride Deuce boots in snakeskin white!  I have always been sceptical of any USP that involves it being light weight. If it weighs nothing, it’s probably made from nothing! These boots are not the high end light weight models but they are by comparision to a Burton boot for example very slight indeed! They are stiff in the right places, across the boots and the down the back of the heel abd offer good supprt to the ankles without loss of ankle flex (too many people forget about ankle flex and only lower themselves by bending at the knee…not good)  My only critisim is that as a light weight compact boot they have scrimped on insulation and I find my toes getting cold on occasions!

Bindings: Ride Delta in Black. Buying bindings should be the easiest bit of your set up in my opinion. They are there to bind your heel and toes to the board – simple. So good straps are important, particularly the heel strap – it should not get in the way of your ankle flex by stopping the boot from collapsing over itself. Ride cut away the centre section of the heel strap to create enough space to stop that happening.  The toe strap is made from silicon type material that moulds nicely around AND over your toes giving great grip when pulling on them (rather than using your high backs on your heel edge!) The highback is adjustable but most importantly is is capable of sitting completely upright allowing me to fully extend my legs without pressing against it and forcing me on to my heels edge.

The heel cups are adjustable to centre your foot over the board to help avoid heel and toe drag (a wide board should prevent this though!) and the new WEDGE footbed system in these bindings are fantastic.  With a wide ish stance you’re feet naturally pronate taking pressure away from the out side of your feet (which is where you send the most important pedaling signals from) so by raising the outside of the foot bed your feet stay in better contact with the board so you don’t need to shift your weight around as much to send those signals…brilliant!

Synergy has teamed up with Swisspasses to provide you with discounted rail travel and lift passes. Make sure you follow the link below to book your transfer from Zurich airport to Davos Platz and order your lift tickets for your holiday this winter.The journey couldn’t be any easier. Swiss trains are very efficient and the changes that you have to make are very straight forward. From the Airport to Davos Platz only takes 2.5 hours and it is a stunning journey. If you have a questions about the transfer then you only have to ask us. If you would prefer a mini bus transfer that can also be arranged, just let us know.

Davos and the surrounding hills have some of the most epic terrain in Switzerland for Cross country and Freeride biking not to mention the fact that loads of the lifts are available if the only way you want to travel on your bike is DOWN!

Our deals are off the chart so if you’re thinking about ditching the dales and abandoning the trail centre for the Awesome Alps then get in touch with us. Price start from £400 for the whole week half boad with your lift pass for the whole area and includes guiding and bike maintenance from Donnie.

18th – 25th July. Flights to Zurich. Train transfer to Davos (£60 return 2.5 hours)

Bike shredding the the Alps has never been cheaper! BOOK NOW!