At times my inelegant style didn’t quite live up to what was beneath me, but despite an influx of Britons this season, the slopes were quite clear and it didn’t take long to find a steep and fairly empty red run. And then… “It’s good to be back,” I rejoiced.
No one needs an excuse to go skiing this winter, or next, but if you want to do so in style, the public opening of this workshop in Verbier is a perfect opportunity. Boarding the gondola for another go on my custom pair, I didn’t feel the need to prop the skis up on my boots. I just held them out in front so everyone could see.
The verdict
The experience at First Tracks Lab strays into money’s-no-object territory, but if you are intent on buying a pair of skis, it’s not much different to a high-end boutique set – and they’re a real one-off. Certainly a conversation piece at the après bar.
Certainly, it’s not cheap, but it is a one-off experience with a one-off result at the end: custom planks. Even the most gifted DIYer in the world won’t be able to turn out their own pair of skis. If you are interested in business, entrepreneurialism, or just making something you can be proud to own, it’ll be right up your piste.
As for the experience on the slopes, they actually helped me slow down. I’m occasionally guilty of skiing too fast; using a bit of speed to compensate for a lack of technique. Having made them myself I was mindful to test the ski; really see what it could do.
Essentials
A two-day ski-making workshop costs £1,530 with First Track Lab (firsttracklab.com). B&B at the four-star Hotel de Verbier (00 41 2756 44000; hoteldeverbier.com) costs from £185 per night. Return flights to Geneva are available from £118 with SWISS (0345 601 0956; swiss.com). Return rail transfers to Le Châble cost from £132 via sbb.ch.
Covid rules
No testing or entry forms are required for under-16s or vaccinated adults. The unvaccinated must meet certain criteria, show evidence of a negative PCR test or LFT taken prior to travel, and fill in a passenger locator form. For full details, see telegraph.co.uk/tt-skirules.
