Sub - Mardens Club

2009/2010
Season
www.mardensclub.com

✩ ✩ ✩ ✩ ✩ ✩ ✩ ✩ ✩ ✩
Hotel Fluela is a place where the past is still alive, a piece of unique hotel tradition that began in
1868 when Hans Gredig built the guesthouse Fluela for his son Andreas 1. who ran his inn
successfully and it soon became well established. His son Andreas Gredig II. (1880 – 1928)
carried out the change from a simple guesthouse to a modern hotel for a sporty well - off clientele.
In 1914 – just before the first World War – a last enlargement of Fluela took place. From then
onwards the Gredig family throughout two generations continuously put all their effort into
meeting with the ever growing demands of a fast changing society.
In 1928 Andreas Gredig III. took the business over and no doubt Jock Marden and his friends
enjoyed many a drink at the bar after yet another adventure on the mountain! During this period not
only had Marden's Club been formed but on the initiative of Andreas III. the Davos-Parsenn Bahnen
(1931) was built - an achievement which caused a big change for Davos, the change from a health
to a sport resort of highest standard and quality as well. A new era of boundless tourism was born.
Now over 140 years later the Hotel Fluela is run by Andreas Gredig 1V. who recognises the
obligation to continue in the history of Fluela and the motivation to preserve the heritage of his
ancestors in the best possible way.
Flüela Hotel, Andreas J. und Ruth Gredig
Direktion: Marco Borer
Bahnhofstrasse 5, 7260 Davos Dorf
Telefon ++41 (0)81-410 17 17 • Telefax ++41 (0)81-410 17 18
hotel@fluela.ch www.fluela.ch
2

WELCOME TO THE
3
© Pally Learmond

Happy Birthday to MARDEN’S CLUB from B&B Interior
Come and see us with all your interior decorating requests
B&B Inneneinrichtungen Innenausbau
Klosters: Landstrasse 152, 7250 Klosters
Telephone +41 (0) 81 422 10 00 Fax +41 (0) 81 422 51 15
Email: inneneinrichtungen@b-b.ch www.b-b.ch
4

from 17th
of October
2010
LIVE
2010 2011
PIANO DJ’S
Christmas drinks after church
25th of December 2010 – 6 pm
DANCING SEIT 1959
Casa Antica • Landstrasse 176 • 7250 Klosters
info@casaantica-klosters.ch • www.casaantica-klosters.ch
Table reservation: 081 422 16 21
5
at
10:30 pm

UNSERE HIGHLIGHTS
– 3 Mal an bester Lage am Ort
– Exklusive Sport- und
Trendmode
– Über 4000 Verleih-Artikel,
gratis Leihski-Depot
– Snowboard-Ranch auf 140 m 2
Davos
Tel. 081 410 12 12
www.ettinger.ch
Nach der Gründung im Jahre 1906 entwickelte sich das
Familienunternehmen Ettinger bald zum Pionier der schweizerischen
Skifabrikation. Die Entwicklung der Stahlkante stammt aus dem
Hause Ettinger. Heute wird das Unternehmen
in der 3. und 4. Generation geführt und 45
Mitarbeitende setzen sich dafür ein, die
Wünsche der Kundschaft zu erfüllen.
Shopper finden eine riesige Auswahl an
exklusiven Brands wie Moncler, Girbaud,
Sportalm, Burton, UGG und selbstverständlich
ein grosses Angebot an Ski- und Snowboard-Bekleidung sowie
Freizeit-Mode und Accessoires. Beliebt beim jüngeren Publikum ist
der trendige, 140m2 grosse Snowboard-Shop mit den führenden
Brands. Ob Ski, Snowboard oder Freizeitsport – die kompetente,
freundliche Bedienung gibts bei Ettinger Sport immer mit dazu!
6

Everything
Under One Roof
- Stübli Restaurant
International & Regional Cuisine
- Panorama Restaurant
Breakfast & Dinner Buffets
- Grischalina Restaurant
Typical Fondue & Raclette
- Pool area with sauna, jacuzzi,
gym and relaxation room
- Beauty & Wellness area
Cosmetic treatments & massages
- Piano Bar & Bowling alley
Live music daily
- Kids Club for all children
between 3 and 11 years of age
For questions & reservations
please contact us:
Silvretta Parkhotel
Landstrasse 190 / CH-7250 Klosters
Tel: 081 423 34 35 / Fax: 081 423 34 50
info@silvretta.ch / www.silvretta.ch
7

F inan cial adv ice and
❖ Asset Management
❖ Tax & Estate Planning
❖ Real Estate
❖ Mortgages & Loans
❖ Retirement Planning
❖ Pensions & Insurance
❖ Legal Advice
Key Investment
Landstrasse 1, 7208 Malans, Switzerland
Tel. +41 (0)81 2571314
bd@keyinvestment.ch www.keyinvestment.ch
Key Investment is an Anglo-Swiss IFA based in
Malans, Switzerland... only 30km from Klosters.
Company owner Brien Donnellon provides
independent advice, in both English and German,
for foreign investors, ‘expats’ and Swiss residents.
Key Investment is authorised by the Swiss
Banking Commission.
8

SANITARY / HEATING / AERATION
www.kunz.ch / mk@kunz.ch
10

Welcome Marden’s Members to our centrally located family hotel.
In our typically Swiss restaurant we serve various European foods,
local specialties, pasta and pizza.
Our Check-in Bar, our restyled Breakfast area and the night bar downstairs
will make your stay memorable. Our nice rooms invite you to have a
comfortable stay also longer than one night.
CH – 7250 Klosters
Tel. 081 423 26 00
Fax 081 423 26 10
Email: info@crestaklosters.ch
www.crestaklosters.ch
11

Be informed
about all Marden’s Club activities,
about the most interesting events, the most profitable actions
and that what you have to know,
you find in the «Klosterser Zeitung» weekly
in the high season also in English!
Subscribe the «Klosterser Zeitung» for your time in Klosters
or on your home adress all over the world
Duration «Print»-Sub «Online»-Sub «Combi»-Sub
4 months CHF 25.– CHF 25.– CHF 30.–
(season-sub 24.12.09–24.4.10)
6 months CHF 37.– CHF 37.– CHF 44.40
12 months CHF 69.– CHF 69.– CHF 82.80
Subscriptions by: Klosterser Zeitung, Gotschnastrasse 14,
CH-7250 Klosters
Phone +41 81 422 13 15
Fax +41 422 48 49
e-mail: klosterserzeitung@budag.ch
www.klosterserzeitung.ch
12

We do whatever it takes
to make your holiday perfect.
MySwitzerland.com
Switzerland’s popularity as a winter destination is legendary not only due to the outstanding
scenery and guaranteed snow in our ski resorts. Our hospitality is second to none and we
always put our guests first. For hundreds of winter holiday ideas in Switzerland, please visit
MySwitzerland.com or call us on freephone 00800 100 200 30.
FLYING, SWISS MADE
–
SWISS.COM
13
Mountain hut Fops, Lenzerheide, Graubünden

THE BEST SOUVENIR SHOP IN DAVOS
ONLINE SHOP WWW.SWISSALP-FANTASY.CH
EMAIL: INFO@SWISSALP-FANTASY.CH
14

THE KLOSTERS
SPECIALISTS
� FLEXIBILITY � QUALITY OF SERVICE �
� PASSION FOR SKIING � LOVE FOR KLOSTERS �
YOUR KLOSTERS HOLIDAY MADE EASY!
Our mission is for you to have the most wonderful experience
of Klosters and the mountains in a relaxed and hassle-free way.
Our emphasis is on quality and attention to detail.
When you organise your holiday through us, not only will you be well
looked after, but you will have access to our fabulous Children’s
Weeks and Off-Piste Weeks (which this winter will be open to Marden’s
members, irrespective of whether or not they are on a PT Ski holiday).
CALL US ON 0207 736 5557
WWW.PTSKI.COM
15

Parsenn Sporthotel CH-7260 Davos Dorf
The Winter Sporthotel opposite The Parsenn Railway
Telephone: 081-416 32 32
HANS AND MARTINA FOPP
www.hotelparsenn.ch hotel.parsenn@bluewin.ch
In Summer for wonderful walking
GASTHAUS ZUM TSCHUGGEN
FLÜELAPASS, DAVOS
Telephone: 081-416 14 82
Restaurant : Rooms with Showers : Dormitories
16

Our Farm shop is open every Friday
from 2 p.m. till 6 p.m.
Or by appointment.
Gandaweg 18, 7252 Klosters Dorf,
Tel. 081 422 39 77, www.kesslerhof.ch
17

Trustee Services:
Stahel Partner AG
Treuhand + Immobilien
■ Consulting ■ Tax Returns ■ Financial advising
STAHEL PARTNER AG, Landstrasse 189, CH-7250 Klosters,
Tel. 0041 (0)81 410 20 90, info@stahelag.ch, www.stahelag.ch
Immobilienservice
Klosters
Immobilienservice
Real-Estate Services: ■ Sales of real properties ■ Rentals
REMAX KLOSTERS, Landstrasse 189, CH-7250 Klosters,
Tel. 0041 (0)81 410 20 96, info@remax-klosters.ch, www.remax.ch
18
Klosters

Berghaus Alte Schwendi
We wish Marden’s Club Members
all the best for the Winter Season
See us in the Schwendi and try our delicious food,
rest your feet on the sun chair and raise a glass
at the bar for the Marden’s
Berghaus Alte Schwendi
Josefin Strand & Dominik Stolz
Schwendi118
7241 Conters i.P.
Tel: +41 81 332 13 24
Email: info@alteschwendi.ch
www.alteschwendi.ch
19

LIFE MEMBERS OF
THE CORVIGLIA SKI CLUB
WISH
MARDEN’S CLUB
ANOTHER SUCCESSFUL
SKIING SEASON
20

We Look Forward To
Welcoming Marden‘s
Members On The Madrisa.
21
www.davosklosters.ch

Johann Bardill Grischunaweg 8 CH-7250 Klosters
Fax: +41 (0)81 422 58 33 Mobile: + 41 (0)76 377 77 66
Email: jbardill@sunrise.ch
Gotschna Taxi – the perfect service for every occasion.
Whether you want a taxi ride, our limo service to the
airport or a group booking, it is our philosophy to provide a
professional, courteous, reliable and punctual service at all times.
Advance booking is recommended during high season
either by phone, fax or on our web site -
www.gotschnataxi.ch
We look forward to driving
Marden’s Club members around Klosters!
22

Landstrasse
Landstrasse
95,
95,
7250
7250
Klosters
Klosters
Tel.
Tel.
+41
+41
(0)81
(0)81
423
423
30
30
30,
30,
Fax
Fax
+41
+41
(0)41
(0)41
81
81
423
423
30
30
40
40
info@hotel-sport.ch,
info@hotel-sport.ch,
www.hotel-sport.ch
www.hotel-sport.ch
The hotel which offers
more than anyone expects.
An excellent Restaurant,
swimming pool 17 x 8 m,
bowling, dart, billiards,
Jacuzzi, sauna, solarium,
jungle bar.
More in summer:
Two tennis courts,
miniature golf tournament
course, bocce, mini zoo,
sun terrace and much
more…
23

Well known for exclusive properties.
Hodel Immobilien
Bahnhofstrasse 8 – 7250 Klosters
Real Estate
Tel: 0041 81 422 15 25 – klosters@hodel-immo.ch
– ask for Fredy Hodel
Rentals
Tel: 0041 81 422 49 56 – info@hodel-immo.ch
ask for Claudia Girardin
Come and see us to buy or rent in Klosters.
24

Bergrestaurant Gotschnagrat
Erwin and Kevin Ladner look forward to welcoming you in the
Bergrestaurant Gotschnagrat and Ski-und Berghaus Schwendi
both restaurants serving local homemade specialities.
Bergrestaurant Gotschnagrat Ski-und Berghaus Schwendi
Tel: 081 422 22 15 Tel: 081 422 12 89
Email: info@gotschnagrat.ch Email: info@schwendiserneus.ch
www.gotschnagrat.ch www.schwendiserneus.ch
25

H O T E L P A R D E N N
Over 80 years and still standing!
ENJOY THE HOTEL WHILE IT IS STILL STANDING!
Welcome to all Marden’s Club Members.
Come and enjoy our traditional hotel with
its excellent standard of service and outstanding cuisine.
We look forward to your visit!
Piano-Bar
2 restaurants
indoor-pool 20 x 10 m.
sauna and massage
Jean-Claude Huber and Team
Hotel Pardenn, Monbielerstrasse 18, 7250 Klosters
Tel. 0041 (0)81 423 20 20 - Fax 0041 (0)81 423 20 21
www.pardenn.ch - hotel@pardenn.ch
26

We are here to ski with you at all levels!
We are proud to be the official instructors of Marden’s Club
Junior Training and wish all the members and trainees an
enjoyable and successful time on the slopes this winter.
Swiss Ski- & Snowboard School Saas
Landstrasse 15, 7252 Klosters Dorf
www.sss-saas.ch
Email: contact@sss-saas.ch Tel: + 41 81 420 22 33
27

Gotschna Sport Klosters
welcomes
the Marden's Club
This winter is snowy, beautiful and full of fun
Try our exclusive ski brand from Klosters
28

CONTENTS
Officers of the Club . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
President’s Report . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Notices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
British Masters. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Obituary - Fred Berglas - My Father. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Grannies like Marden’s week too . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
New Arrivals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
Engaged . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
The Inferno . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
Update on Amy Donnellon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
Marden’s Pre-Christmas Race Training. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
Photos - 2009/2010 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
Marden’s Race Day on Pischa. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
The Family Race . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
Lunch and Prizegiving in the Schwendi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
80th Anniversary Reception and Prizegiving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
Half Term Race on the Madrisa. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
The Bat Marathon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
80 Years Anniversary Dinner at the Höhwald Restaurant. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
Behind the Scenes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62
Marden’s Junior Training 2010 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63
Junior Marden’s 2010 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64
Training on Pischa . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65
Spring Race on the Dorftali. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66
Prizegiving in the Sportzentrum . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70
Race Results. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74
Club Accounts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80
List of Members. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82
29

OFFICERS OF THE CLUB
As from the A.G.M. on 6th September 2010
President: Richard Berglas
Executive Vice President: Clair Southwell
Winkelstrasse 25
CH-7250 Klosters
Switzerland
Tel/Fax: +41 (0) 81 422 31 93
Email: clair@clairsouthwell.com
Hon. Treasurer: James Palmer-Tomkinson
Committee Members: Alexander Oakes
Heidi Maher
Casper Rock
Annie Marr Johnson
Hon. Editor Charlotte Arkwright
Lark House
West End
Kingham
Oxon
OX7 6YL
Tel: 01608 658205
Email: charlottearkwright@googlemail.com
Hon. Archivist: Bill Thomson
Hon. Secretary: Joanna Sanders (Mrs W.A. Sanders)
Nine Chimney House
Balsham
Cambridge
CB21 4ES
Tel: 01223 893 063
Email: sanderschimneys@uwclub.net
MARDEN’S CLUB SUBSCRIPTIONS 2010 / 11
Individual member £ 20 or CHF 50.-
Family membership £ 50 or CHF 125.-
Life membership £ 500 or CHF 1,250.-
Please note that Family membership includes parent(s) and any number of children under 25.
Subscriptions are due annually on 1st September and all members must sign a Banker’s Order at the time
of joining.
To be a temporary member for the season costs £20 (CHF 50.-) or family membership £50 (CHF 125.-)
To qualify for a cup in any of the Marden’s races you must be a fully paid up member before the race.
30

PRESIDENT’S REPORT
31
Dear Marden’s Members,
I would, first, like to reiterate the club's
appreciation for the great job performed by
my predecessor, Yvonne Bottenheim, both as
President for two years and as Committee
member this last year.
At the end of my first year as President, I can
only say how much I have enjoyed the
experience. What an honour to have been
your President in this special 80th
Anniversary year! Discussing the future of
our Club with our wonderful Committee and
making decisions regarding the direction in
which the Club is heading has been very
fulfilling indeed.
At the time of my election as President, I had wondered, "Why me?", but all the indications were that
there was a strong desire at the heart of the Club to take it down a more racing avenue and that I could
possibly help. I hope I have assisted the Committee towards achieving this goal.
That thinking was certainly in evidence in last season's action-packed sporting programme and I can
assure you it will be equally reflected in this winter's activities.
The first pre-Christmas race training took place on the Madher, in mid-December, and was well
attended. This very useful training will be scheduled a week later (20 - 22 December) this coming
season allowing even more people to participate. This is a great opportunity for all to get some
practice, sharpen their skills and ski through gates before the race.
Snow conditions were already very good early December and that remained the case for Race Day on
the Pischa (to be renamed Club Championship Race in the future) and you could actually see where
you were going which was a welcome bonus from years past. The overriding result of the race was
the fastest time of the day set by a lady - a feat never equaled before - in the youthful form of Amy
Donnellon who was over 2 seconds faster than the quickest male. A glaring illustration of what the
combination of talent, youth, opportunity and training can produce. Many congratulations to Amy
and very good luck to her on the English Junior Team but, please chaps, we can't let this happen
again...!

The race was followed that evening with the Prize Giving and a cocktail party at the Vereina to
celebrate the 80th Anniversary, in the presence of the Mayor of Klosters who made a very nice speech
on the village's long and close association with Marden's. The evening was greatly enjoyed by all, in
the smart lounge of the hotel.
Two further races were to be held during the season, the first on the Madrisa, in February, and the
second on the Dorftali, in April, in glorious Spring conditions. Both were well contested and showed
marked progress by many young racers, showcasing, once again, the value of race training and
especially the Easter edition.
I would also like to take this opportunity, as Captain of the British Masters Team, to mention what a
pleasure it was to welcome James PT and Ali Oakes in the Masters fold and to congratulate them both.
I hope we will race together for many years to come, although I understand that James will be
otherwise occupied this winter - all the best to James with his new venture, PT ski.
On the social side of the festivities, we were really spoilt with two new Club dinners which coincided
with the Anniversary celebrations. A delicious dinner at the Hohwald during the Easter week (with
sledge ride up to the restaurant!) was followed in early June by another dinner party, at the Bluebird,
in London (black tie de rigueur), the latter the occurrence of which had been laid down in the original
club rules but has been in abeyance for many years. No doubt the founding members would have
approved of such a chic gathering.
There are always many people to thank, people who give generously of their time, who advertise in
the Review, who welcome us at the Alpina, the Schwendi, the Sportzentrum and the Vereina as well
as Davos Klosters Moutains and the Saas Ski School who make things happen on the mountain. We
thank you all for your continued support.
Furthermore, a special thank you goes to our own Clair who tirelessly arranges most of the Club's
activities and to James and Sos for all their hard work in making the Easter week such a roaring
success.
And let me not forget my other fellow Committee members, Ali, Annie, Caspar, Charlotte, Heidi, and
Joanna whose contributions to the smooth running of the Club are always greatly appreciated.
Happy Christmas to all and I look forward to seeing you in Klosters, at the welcome drinks, on the
28th of December, which will no doubt kick off another fun and action-filled season for our Club.
PS: I would like to draw your attention to the following three points, effective this winter:
- The use of helmets will become compulsory for both Marden's racing and training.
32
Richard Berglas
- Any racer seen skiing through the gates during the inspection of the course, prior to the race, will be
disqualified.
- All racers are expected to pick up their bibs during the allocated time and will not be allowed to race
if they fail to do so.
Thank you for your understanding.

NOTICES 2010 / 2011
Following are the proposed dates for Marden’s races and events this winter:
Monday 20th - Pre Christmas Training
Thursday 23rd December
Tuesday 28th December Cocktail Party at the Hotel Alpina
(1st floor) from 6.30-7.30pm
(please note there will be a charge of CHF 10.- per member & guests over 16 years of age)
Thursday 30th December Marden’s Club Championships on the Dorftäli starting at 11.00am
Please register with Clair by 28th December
Prize Giving in the Casa Antica at 6.30pm – 7.30pm
Saturday 1st January Ingram Family Race – Parallel Slalom on the Mädher at 11.30am
Followed by Lunch and prize giving in the Gotschnagrat Bergrestaurant.
Monday 21st February Cocktail Party - at the Hotel Alpina
(1st floor) from 6.30-7.30pm
(please note there will be a charge of CHF 10.- per member & guests over 16 years of age)
Wednesday 23rd February ‘The Bat Marathon’ finishing at the Kulm Wolfgang
Friday 25th February Half Term race on the Madrisa followed by prize giving after
lunch in the restaurant
12th – 14th March The Parsenn Derby
Sunday 3rd April Cocktail Party and Junior Training registration in the Hotel Alpina
(1st floor) from 6.30-7.30pm
4th - 8th April Junior Training
(please note there will be a charge of CHF 10.- per member & guests over 16 years of age)
Wednesday 6th April Club Dinner in the Höhwald Restaurant (adults only)
Friday 8th April Spring Race on the on the Dorftäli starting at 11.00am
Prize giving at the Sportzentrum at 6.30pm
Wednesday 8th June Club Dinner in London (Venue tbc)
33

BRITISH MASTERS
When James P-T told me he was thinking of doing the Masters
series during his sabbatical, I thought “wow that’s awesome, but so
out-of-my-league”. But as James rationalized to me, “My Dad and
uncles all raced, and I’ve always thought it would be fun to
experience races outside of Marden’s”, I started to picture my Dad
flying down the 1960 Olympic course at Squaw Valley and,
unbelievably, heard myself say, “well I’ll join you…for some of
it…you know as a sort of ski carrier or something”.
James started fitness training in earnest, whereas I figured I was only
doing a few races and not really racing properly like him, so did not
need to go the whole hog. But when he sent me all the forms I had to
complete for Snowsport GB, Snowsport England and FIS and dragged
me with him in November for a week’s race training in Tignes with
former British number one Emma Carrick-Anderson, I realized
suddenly I was officially becoming a racer…
In the week before Christmas Marden’s introduced a race training week for adults and this proved
our last chance to hone our skill before our first race. Mirco and Michi put us through our paces and
I found their tips really starting to pay off (as an aside, I highly recommend this week, which we are
continuing this year and beyond if it turns out to be popular). Then the following Sunday, hideously
early, James and I caught the Vereina Express and drove off to Kaünertal in Austria, armed with new
skis and borrowed catsuits. We arrived, registered and retrieved our race numbers… we were now
“legit” and we were going to race!
We took a chairlift to the top of the slope and found Richard Berglas (as well as Marden’s president
he is also the British Masters team captain) who talked us through the course inspection. Our first
impressions were just how long it was – at least 33% longer than a Marden’s GS if not 50% - and how
unbelievable icy it was. In fact I was thinking “What sane person would ski down this, let alone race”?
We had to wait for about 2 hours until it was our turn. They usually start with the women, then the
oldest men (55-90+) and lastly us (30-55) – the ‘A’ Group. The waiting was agonizing, and what was
particularly tantalizing was not being able to see the course from the restaurant where we were
waiting. We were never sure if our nerves were more about the anticipation of the race, or the
possibility of missing it!
Part way through Richard headed off to do his run and returned before we left, confirming just how
juddery cold and fast the course was. This did not reassure me. Anyway, the time came and James
and I made our way down to the start. There were Swiss, French, Germans, Austrians, Italians,
Canadians, Americans, Poles, Czechs, Japanese…and us. I consoled myself that in the present
company the British were expected to be last or close to last. We edged closer. James was in front
of me. There was now only one man between us and our race. But then commotion on the course,
a blood wagon was called and there was a 5-10 min delay…just what we needed as the adrenalin was
going wild in the bitter cold. Believe me, for those of you who haven’t worn one, castuits are as thin
as Clingfilm and not as warm!
The man was suddenly off. It was now down to James and me. James shuffled into the start gate…and
then he too was off…straight into the tuck. I was now convinced that I was going to slide out of the
first gate, then the second, then the third before retiring in shame. But suddenly I was in the gate and
trying to find a firm hold for my poles in well worn snow. Then the starter guy said something
incomprehensible in German. I had to check with him “Is it okay to go?” he nodded. So this was it.
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I launched myself off rather haphazardly and went fairly wide into the tuck and onto the edges and just
hung on for dear life. There was a lot of judder through the middle of the course, but my gym training
was paying off and I held the gates. Unlike my previous technique, my skis were running as if on rails
and, apart from the judders, I was able to stay on the edges at all times. As I was reaching the end, the
likelihood of making each gate diminished and my lungs and thighs were begging for mercy, but I held
on and slid through the finish line. As I shook my head, James came up to me and said “well done,
that was a pretty good time”. I looked back to see it said 1:16. He said “I was 1:14 and Richard was
1:15. As I watched others come down the times varied, but some were definitely slower than me. Not
only was I not last, but I have never been only 2 seconds behind James !!!
Fast forward again to Wednesday 3rd March. James turned up outside my flat in Knightsbridge in his
‘Bling Bus’ at 7pm in time to catch the 9:40pm Eurotunnel train (which we duly missed) followed by a
long overnight drive… we were off to the British Masters in Megeve, with a short detour via Andorra!?!
We arrived in Andorra at Thursday lunch time and, after an altercation with Google maps, found our
perfectly adequate, but somewhat basic hotel…after all we had shared smaller more spartan rooms
in the past. We skied the afternoon in fog & rain, but thank heavens, because I felt like I was skiing
for the first time. It took all afternoon for me to get my ski legs. It would not have been good to start
the race like that straight off the bat.
That night, James went off for the Captains briefing as the British Captain and on Friday morning we
were up early, off to the small station at Arcalis for our first Super G. We retrieved our start numbers,
grabbed a croissant and headed off for the inspection. On the lift up, we went over the course and I
spotted a tricky bump & camber just leading into a gate and remarked “that’s the one we need to
watch out for”, but James was looking elsewhere, unconvinced.
The start of the course took us quite by surprise. Whilst we were well familiar with steep narrow
couloirs (courtesy of skiing with guide Anthony Franklin) we had never expected to be racing down
one in a Super G. It was a “hairy entry” and I figured I would have to ski like one to get down it!
The start launched us off from a little hut perched on a mini hill on the side of the couloir, and a short
distance across straight into a sharp left hand gate down the mountain. James was drawn before me
again. He was turning well. Now my turn. I went for it – a bit messy and tentative at the first gate,
then found the carve, and probably screamed for most of the way down! My thighs were like lead
by the end, but I had completed my first Super G. As I went thru the finish, I heard the immortal
words “For Great Britain, Alexander Oakes, with a time of 1min 24 seconds.”
Of course this meant nothing to me at that point. My heart sank as the next two came in at 1.19, 1.16,
but then 1.32 and 1.30 – "woo hoo1", I wasn’t last. James, bizarrely, was nowhere to be seen and then
suddenly he appeared from above the finish gate. It turns out he had popped a ski…guess where…on
that dodgy cambered gate I spotted on the way up! Luckily he still had his humour intact, because I
was able to constantly to throw in the odd line, such as “for those of us who have actually completed
a Super G”... it’s not often I get to say things like that to James, so I like to really milk it…
That afternoon and on the Saturday we did some free skiing, racing each other down the mountain,
practising race turns. This was all in vain as Sunday’s GS race was cancelled because it was too icy.
Too icy…after Kaunertal, we laugh in the face of ice, we thought.
So, we headed off to an earlier than planned exit to Mégève…for the British Masters, buoyed up by
lots of Queen and Led Zeppelin, before arriving later that night.
We found our way to our hotel in Sallanches (which James now knows well, having had to spend 4 days
in hospital there after ‘behaving like a teenager’ in the park at the end of the season), about 25 mins
outside of Mégève, in the valley on the way to Chamonix. A prompt start saw us up at Cotes 2000
35

around 09:30, where we found an eclectic bunch of other British Masters hopefuls. Canadian John was
bearded, stocky and very friendly. Brian talked the hind legs off a donkey and immediately picked up
on James’s surname, waxing lyrical about watching Jeremy P-T flying over the Hog’s back on the
Hahnenkamm racing in the 60s. Rob’s specialist subject if he were to ever enter Mastermind would be
on how to set a GS course, and apparently could recall the layout of every race he had ever done.
Course setter Rob had set up a short GS on the slope we were due to race on, but using only about
20% of the full length of the course. It was a sunny day and the slope was very forgiving. Everyone,
except us, took the turns slowly to build confidence. James and I took turns to video each other and
give advice about where we thought we needed to improve, based on our training. It was invaluable,
even if it was “the blind leading the blind”. There was no other instruction, except for a few tips from
Richard. We were joined by a Chilean in his late 50s / early 60s who became a guest…I’m not really
sure why though.
Tuesday was more of the same, although we were not blessed with such good weather and Wednesday
was slalom training. James and I might as well have tried Morris Dancing for all our ability to do
slalom, so we opted for a day at Chamonix. Not a hard choice. We did the 3 big descents. Good snow,
but not great visibility. We had a big lunch up the mountain and a light tea at Le Dahu for old times’
sake. Our training was completed on Thursday with a short morning’s training.
At 3pm we dropped off our skis at a ski shop where we had requested Super G edges (at an 88mm
slant) and wax prepared for a sunny day, but probably.
On Friday, Super G race day, we picked up our freshly waxed and sharpened skis (88 degrees and
special race wax fit for a cold, hard course, with us racing at 11:30am precisely), collected our race
numbers from a small tent near the finish line and went to inspect. A broken lift got everyone agitated
that we would not get up in time for the inspection., and one or two of the extra keen decided to
schlep up the course on foot with skis on shoulders. Anyway, the anxiety proved unfounded and after
the inspection, James and I had a quick warm up lap, before trying to psyche ourselves up over a
filthy, overpriced hot chocolate. Then off to the start…
Not long and I was off, skating out of the start gate, building up speed. It was straight forward until
gate 6 which was blind. It was quite a leap of faith and get it wrong you would either miss the next
gate or be in totally the wrong place for the gate after that. A nice, wide smooth banana gate followed
before tucking through the rest of the top section.
Then it was a case of building speed ahead of the flattest part of the course. I started to take each
gate as it came, feeling the pain in my legs & a lack of strength through my chest. I took the last
right hand turn downhill onto the final face of the course, much too wide, and struggled with the next
couple of turns, before shusching the last 2-3 gates.
After the race, we went off to lunch where I had to sit by the radiator to try and get warm, my mistake
for not putting on a jacket after the race. The radiator wasn’t enough and after a small soup, I
retreated back to the hotel and bed.
Saturday was slalom day, but neither Richard, James nor I had any training, or desire for slalom. I
stayed in bed for a while before heading off to an osteopath and a doctor, who diagnosed bronchitis.
He said that whilst it was physically possible for me to race the GS the next day, if I felt up to it, he
strongly advised against it unless it meant a championship position or something…no worries there!
So I bowed out of the GS and turned my thoughts to 2011…. more Marden’s Christmas training with
Mirco and Michi. …and the Inter-Club Championships sits on the horizon!
36
A.W.O.

Lady Mary von Westenholz congratulating Fred on
winning the Anniversary Cup at the Marden’s
Prizegiving in 2005 after his epic race on the Pischa.
OBITUARY
FRED BERGLAS - MY FATHER
Most Marden's members will remember my father
as a distinguished elderly gentleman who seemed
very keen to support his son's racing efforts. It is
true that I will miss the enthusiastic interest of my
biggest fan and, deep inside, I now realize that one
of my main motivations for competing was the
pleasure it gave him when I did well.
But what you probably don't know is that my father
was a top international racer in his own right. He
was selected for the US Olympic Team in 1948 and
sadly injured himself just before the Games in St.
Moritz. That disappointment was hard to swallow
but he went on to finish 7th in the famed
Hahnenkamm, in Kitzbuehel, in 1950 (or 1951).
I will always remember his tales of when he arrived in Europe with the first black metal skis
manufactured by Head and how the local racers ridiculed him... until he started winning races that is;
and how he mingled with a very young Tony Sailer and many other great racers of the time.
However, what impressed me the most as a teenage boy was when we were stopped whilst strolling
in Val d'Isere by non other than Jean-Claude Killy, who had recognized the Hahnenkamm medal my
father was wearing.
I'm sure it won't surprise you to learn that it took a very, very long time for my father to give up his
leather lace-up boots as well as his 2,20m skis. Even at the age of 82 he was skiing on 1,91 skis - he
had to look up to them...
Like a lot of us, he was a different, much happier man when he
was skiing and he, physically, seemed to lose at least ten years.
When his health did not permit him to ski, he intensely disliked
walking into the Chesa wearing after-ski boots, he wanted to be
in his ski-boots like the rest of us.
I was with him that day he skied the winter before last and I
think he instantly knew his skiing days were over - his balance
had gone. How fitting in a way that he should pass away in
January this year - a winter without skiing was not really
conceivable - as life had lost part of its allure.
My father was equally accomplished on water as he was on the
snow. He raced speed boats in the Med and actually held the
world record in water-ski jumping. (My grand-father,
Alexander, was one of the pioneers of the sport, one of those
snow skiers who wanted to have some fun on skis in the
Summer as well.)
37
Fred Berglas presenting The
Anniversary Cup (70 years & over) to
Bill Thomson the first winner of the
cup in 2004. This lovely cup was
given to the Club by Fred and has
only been won twice!

Sport was certainly a big part of my father's life (he was an accomplished tennis player and had
played American football for Yale University) and he passed on to me that passion for sport and his
love for the mountains and skiing, in particular. For this, I am for ever in his debt and I can assure
you that he will be by my side every time I make my way up the mountain for a day's skiing.
38
In 1963, on his way by train to St.Moritz -
where he and his father had always spent
their winter holidays and where my father
had put me on skis only a couple of years
earlier - he decided to get off at a small
station and had a walk around. He fell
under the charm of the quaint village and
decided to make a reservation at the old
Silvretta Hotel, for the following
Christmas. That was the beginning of a
love affair that lives on today between our
family and Klosters.
My father also distinguished himself in the business world, running the Berglas-Kiener textiles
factory in Colmar, France. For this, he received official decorations from the French and Italian
governments.
Without a doubt, though, his biggest
achievements have been as a wonderful
father to me and my sister Isabelle,
grandfather to my daughter Katherine and
husband to my dear mother, for over fifty
years.
We will miss him, always.
RB

GRANNIES LIKE MARDEN’S WEEK TOO
This is an article in praise of Marden’s week. I am often asked, as a
non-skiing Grandmother, how I fill in the time in Klosters when the
boys are on the ski slopes.
The week begins with a good window-shop and ends with several
purchases, mostly to be hidden away until Christmas-time, but always
with a little “wooden something” from Normi’s shop on the road to
Klosters Dorf.
Food is important. No problem here. A lunch on the terrace at the Alpina, Rösti at the Sports-Centre,
a hotdog on Madrisa, a wonderful walk to Serneus for a rustic lunch (waiting for the bus back can be
a temptation!) and a weekly visit to the Pizzeria where James and Harry take over and tell me what
I am going to eat!
Ah! Walking. I was inveigled into doing a snow-shoe walk on Madrisa. Our leader was Gudrun
Turner,who not only taught us what to do, but gave a very interesting nature-study lesson en route –
en route meaning up and down and round about, seeing Klosters Madrisa from every angle –
including the supine position. Just when further progress seemed impossible, other than by helicopter,
delicious tea and home-made biscuits were produced by Gudrun, amidst promises that the experiment
would be repeated at the earliest opportunity.
To take the train to and fro between the village and Davos and to look out over Selfranga in the
evening light is a beautiful way to “recharge one’s batteries”.
Making friends, enjoying the moment, I always look forward to the Marden’s week. I even have the
T-shirt!
Snow shoe walking 2010
Contact: gudrun@naturerlebnisse.ch www.naturerlebnisse.ch ph:0813321096
39
Elma Cathro

NEW ARRIVALS
Alfred Hector Palmer-Tomkinson born 22 Feb 2010
Evie Grace Scott born on
Wednesday 10th November 2010
40
Charles Nicholas Elliott Phillips
born on 26th September 2010

Miranda Lydia Nancy Baird born 9th June 2010
ENGAGED
Congratulations to William Duckworth-Chad and Lucy Greenwell
41

The queue of racers ahead of me had now
dwindled and it was now my turn to enter the
start hut. I bumped my head on the bottle of
schnapps dangling form the roof and had it
not been for the revolting blue colour I
probably would have had some. The racer
about 5 ahead of me had just had a massive
crash on the second turn. Skis and sticks had
flown everywhere as marshals ran to his aid,
waving yellow flags to warn the next racers
to be careful. This was hardly the sight I
wanted to calm my nerves before I embarked
down the longest downhill race in the world!
THE INFERNO
The Inferno race in Murren was founded in 1928 when Sir Arnold Lunn and 16 other members of the
Kandahar Ski Club skinned up the Shilthorn, spending the night at the top before racing down to
Lauterbrunnen the next day. Nowadays there are considerably more entrants with this year hosting
close to 1900! Many of them were in catsuits and downhill skis, but there were also plenty in
recreational ski clothing and GS skis. The spirit of the race is “friendly, amateur and sporting, with
simply taking part and getting down uninjured still the highest priorities” as Andrew Morgan put in
his book “The Inferno Story”.
As an adjunct to the downhill there is also a combination race held earlier in the week. With this
being my first time at the Inferno I felt honour bound to enter all events and so without looking too
closely at the entry form I enthusiastically put my name forward. To my horror I discovered that the
first part of the combination was a 6km langlauf around the village… and I say to my horror as I had
never put on langlauf skis before in my life! So it was a quick trip to the ski shop to hire the
equipment and after getting a couple of quick tips from the shop owner I hurried to the start.
Encouragingly for most competitors there is quite a nice downhill section to start with. However,
given that I was a complete beginner I promptly fell straight on my nose at the first corner!
Nonetheless I managed to survive the rigours of the cross country in an apparently respectable time
for a novice of 22 minutes. This put me in good heart for the much more familiar GS the next day,
held in glorious conditions under the Kandahar chairlift. Having enjoyed a week of gates in Klosters
in mid December as part of the Marden’s pre season training I thought I might be able to show our
Kandahar rivals what we are made of at the other end of Switzerland. Such thoughts of oneupmanship
were sadly soon shattered as some over exuberance on the penultimate gate, a lost ski and
a DNF against my name heralded an ignominious end to the solitary Marden’s entrant in the Inferno
combination!
All thoughts of the past evaporated as I was jolted back to the present as the racer ahead of me shot
out of the start. In 12 seconds racer number 1545 (ie me!) would also be on his way, and before I
knew it I was skating out of the start gate and into a hesitant tuck. This part of the mountain was now
in shadow and I had seen the skiers ahead struggle with the ruts. As I exited the first right hander I
felt like I was schussing through a mogul field and all I could do was grit my teeth as I clung on
through this first steep section.
42

A sense of relief enveloped me as I shot onto the gently sloping road which meanders across the
mountain. Over to my right stood the mighty peaks of the Eiger, Monch and Jungrau but I wasn’t
going to be distracted by such visions of awesome splendour, I was catching up the racer in front! I
soon left him in my wake and I started to focus on the next racer ahead of me. By now my legs were
beginning to burn as I felt the lactic acid start to build, but I still forced myself to stay in the tuck to
keep as much speed as possible. As I reached the end I skated into the next section feeling my legs
come back to life. A slight sense of déjà vu hit me as I found myself on a path very similar to the
one I had just come off. Just as long and just as much agony on the legs!
I reached the other end in agony. A girl was pushing up the short hill ahead of me and I was
determined to overtake. I skated and pushed with grim determination and managed to get past her
just as the next downhill section began. I could feel the speed pick up under my SuperG skis as I
sped through next few turns, adrenalin soaring through my veins as I entered the Mineshaft, a series
of steep slopes culminating in a narrow canyon leading into a sharp right hander. There was now
another racer just in front of me taking it quite easy so I was forced to be a little cautious as I went
over the jump into the Kanonenenrorh (cannon barrel), but I passed him quickly as I went back into
the tuck, accelerating down this steep slope. At the bottom there is a very sharp left hander which
came up on me far quicker than I expected. I nearly left my turn too late which would have resulted
in me crashing into the netting, the only thing between me and the abyss.
The switchbacks are next and
the sharp section of turns
proved tough on my tiring legs.
The way I negotiated it would
not find its way into any ski
manuals! However I was soon
out of this section and
schussing down the Hog’s Back
where lots of spectators were
gathered, cheering on the
competitors. A sweeping left
hander and then a right and I
was now trying to make as
much distance up the hill before
having to start pushing. About
half way up this most gruelling
section of the race the skating began. Amidst a handful of spectators shouting “hup! hup! hup!” my
skating soon descended into a sidestep as all energy deserted me. I reached the plateau and pushed
for all I was worth, attempting another feeble bit of skating and by the time I was on the downhill
side I felt myself retching. But now the wind was back on my face as I flew through the woods, the
new found reserves a complete surprise as I felt the end in sight. I tucked through the last turns and
carried the last uphill section, passing half a dozen fellow competitors puffing their way to the top.
Fifty yards more and I was going through the finish. My body was a wreck but I was completely
elated!
I cannot recommend this race more highly. It is terrific fun and a wonderful experience. I would
love to see more Marden’s entrants on the start list and if anyone would like information on how to
enter then please let me know.
43

UPDATE ON AMY DONNELLON
The 2009/2010 season was my first FIS year (International ski racing) and
without exaggeration, it was amazing. Conveniently it began locally on
Davos Parsenn but was quite daunting because it just happened to be a
Super G. To make it even more challenging some of Switzerland’s best
female skiers entered the race. I didn’t do very well as those dreaded nerves
got the better of me. Although the finishing place wasn’t great, my FIS
points were reasonable for the first race. The experience left me motivated
for my next race which went well on Jakobshorn the following day. Over
the next few months I was able to compete in FIS races all over Europe
including Garmisch/Partenkirchen in Germany, St. Anton in Austria,
Méribel in France and Bormio in Italy.
Home Nations Championships
My main focus last season was on the English as well as the British championships, which were held in
Bormio in February and in Méribel in March. The junior results went according to plan, especially the
British with silver in GS, bronze in SG and bronze Overall. I was very happy especially as the result
meant that I kept my place in the English junior team and helped the selection to the British Junior Alpine
Ski Team. I am now skiing for Britain and also train with the Swiss Canton of Grisons Ski Team (TZM).
Summer and Autumn
In August 2010 I commenced a four year Business Administration course in Switzerland. The school
allows time-off for training and competition and provides fitness training coordinated with my
personal training programme. Throughout last summer my preparation was very intense and
therefore my strength and fitness levels have improved compared to last season. This was confirmed
at both Swiss ski fitness assessments which I passed in July and October. I highly recommend that
all Marden’s racers ask Santa (not PT) for a “Slack Line” this year, as this is an excellent training
system for skiers. Since September the on-snow training has been very intense (weather permitting
3-5 days each week), mostly in Pitztal in Austria. The past year had many highlights including being
selected for the GB team and being invited to join the Ladies Ski Club of Great Britain. I have
switched to Head skis and have found several great sponsors.
Winter
One of my goals this season is to be selected to
ski for GB at the junior Winter Olympic’s which
will take place in February 2011. This December
will be spent training and racing in Colorado with
the GB junior team but I hope to be back for
Christmas and be able to take part at Mardens.
The Marden’s events are always fun and it is great
to feel the tension at the starting gate as the PT’s,
the de C’s and our President prepare to do battle.
I wish everyone at Mardens a great ski season.
All the very best,
Amy
44

MARDENS PRE-CHRISTMAS RACE TRAINING
My Christmas holidays started really well when I joined Mardens for the pre-Christmas training.
Every morning we had gate training from 9am to 12noon. It was fun training with Michi and Snoopy
(2 really good teachers from Saas ski school), India and Honor P-T. As we were the only ones under
16 we had a small group. In the afternoons we went with Michi and did cool powder skiing.
Harry and my cousin Struan had a great time with Mardens in February and particularly enjoyed the
race on FIS and the fun day on Madrisa.
Other highlights of my season were winning the Fischer International race on Madrisa, Klosters (with
one pole!) and qualifying for the Migros Grand Prix Final in Gstaad.
It was good to hear that Mardens are doing a pre-Christmas training in 2010, I intend to be there.
Bolgen, Davos April 2010
45
James Shaw