Leona lewis learns to snowboard

Mon 08 December 08

After performing at the official opening event for the new season in Ischgl, Austria, she then took a bit of time out to take some snowboarding lessons

Leona Lewis has discovered a new passion – the exciting sport of snowboarding.

In the week her latest single Run became the fastest-selling digital release ever, Leona was to be found on the slopes of the Austrian ski resort of Ischgl having private snowboard lessons along with her boyfriend Lou Al-Chamaa.

Leona Lewis in concert in Ischgl 29thNov08
Leona Lewis in concert in Ischgl 29thNov08
Photo: Ischgl tourism

She starred in a weekend concert at the Tirolean village in front of a 20,000 crowd – her first trip to the Alps. 'I thought the mountain scenery, covered in snow, was just stunning,' said 23-year-old Leona. 'I've never seen anything so beautiful – so much so that I asked if I could stay on in Ischgl and have some snowboarding lessons. It's something I've never tried before.'

In the days following the concert, held to celebrate the resort's winter opening, she and Lou took lessons with Ischgl snowboard instructor Michael Zangerl. 'It's been great,' said Leona. 'The surroundings are wonderful. And the snowboarding has gone really well, I think – well, I haven't hurt myself and the snow is really soft when you do have a fall.

'It's the first time I've ever snowboarded – in fact, it's the first time I've really been in the mountains. And I absolutely love it.'

Leona Lewis snowboarding in Ischgl 29thNov08
Leona Lewis snowboarding in Ischgl 29thNov08
Photo: Ischgl tourism

The couple got on so well that by the second day they were taking a long T-bar lift up the slopes at over 7,000ft – with Leona, in hood and goggles, going unrecognised by other skiers and boarders.

Leona - the 2006 winner of The X Factor - was top of the bill at Ischgl's season opening concert. Also appearing were Australian star Gabriella Cilmi and Jenniffer Kae, from Germany
 

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Ischgl, Austria
Ischgl has plenty of good wide intermediate slopes, and hidden off-piste stashes. A super fast lift system, a season that lasts until May, great terrain park, and the most full on apres in the Alps, completes the package.
Freeriding: 75% - Trees & some good off-piste
Freestyle: 75% - Great Park
Pistes: 80% - Nice wide, well maintained
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