Val d'Isere Ski Sunday

Bonjour from Val d'Isere for this second instalment of Ski Sunday.

When snowboarding arrived in Europe in the late '80s, a lot of people

thought it would end up consigned to the winter sport bin labelled "fad"

alongside mono-skis and snow blades. But 25 years on, it's obvious that

snowboarding has stood the test of time. Its roots in surfing and

skateboarding have helped it become a cornerstone of winter sport. In

the 21st century skiers have to give snowboarders credit for more than

just baggy pants and silly trick names. You can say thank you if you

want, Graham. There is a clue in the title of the show. It's called "Ski"

Sunday. First up, the women are pointing the

skis down the mountain and going hell for leather in our feature race

- the women's downhill from Val d'Isere.

If you want more danger and excitement, then hold on to your

bobble hats. Making its Ski Sunday debut, we're bringing you the

thrills and spills of ski cross from Val Thorens. .

And if you think that just because we're avoiding the board this week

we're forgetting our freestyle fans, then think again. We catch up with

Candide Thovex, a Frenchman with a penchant for the