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
 

Related Pages

  • MARIAH CAREY TO SING OUT ISCHGL'S WINTER
    The superstar Mariah Carey will perform the legendary season closing concert at the high profile luxury ski resort of Ischgl, in the Austrian Tirol on Monday 30 April -7Mar12
  • Ischgl Snow Jan 2012 ISCHGL, AUSTRIA IS CUT OFF BY MASSIVE SNOWFALLS
    The top Austrian ski resort of Ischgl has been cut off this week after huge snowfalls caused the closure of access roads. -11Jan12
  • The Killers end of season gig in Ischgl, 30th April 2011 Killers in Ischgl
    US band The Killers played Ischgls famous end of season concert this weekend to a reputed crowd of 15,000 people -2May11
  • Female winner Vojackgava Katerina at the 2011 World Rookie Finals Results from 2011 World Rookie Finals from Ischgl
    Ischgl, Austria and its impressive park setup played host to the 4Star Protest World Rookie Finals on Saturday April 9th, 2011. As the final stop of the World Rookie Tour, the event had attracted the crème de la crème of rookies and groms -15Apr11
  • The Killers The Killers to close Ischgl this season
    The Killers will be playing the season closing event at Ischgl on Saturday 30 April -16Jan11
Related categories

:: Ischgl stories
:: Ischgl has the X-factor, Leona Lewis opens season stories

News feed AddThis Feed Button Add to Google
Image Gallery
Click to enlarge Click to enlarge Click to enlarge Click to enlarge Click to enlarge
Click on an image to expand
Ischgl, Austria
Freeriding: 75% - Trees & some good off-piste
Freestyle: 75% - Great Park
Pistes: 80% - Nice wide, well maintained
Related pages
Main headlines