PlanetSKI at Latitude
29th July 2022 | James Cove, PlanetSKI.
Last modified on August 5th, 2022
You’ll normally find us at altitude in the winter, but in the summer months we’re mostly back in the UK. This time at latitude. We have been writing occasional articles to answer the question most asked at this time of year “What does PlanetSKI do in the Summer?”
Regular readers will know we have been hiking sections of the South Downs Way in preparation for a summer visit to the Alps and some hiking at altitude in the mountains.
We’ve taken a break, partly due to the hot weather but also due to recent train strikes.
We have recently been in Suffolk at the Latitude Festival.
It may not have much to do with skiing, but there was an apres ski bar.
Latitude Festival. Image © PlanetSKI
With something resembling snow falling inside.
And this was our food outlet of choice several times across the 4-day festival.
Latitude Festival. Image © PlanetSKI
As I have now passed the magical age of 60-years old I sometimes wonder how long I will be able to ski to the same level.
I am pleased to say there hasn’t been much difference, but there is no doubt that the clock is ticking and one can’t escape the ageing process.
I has similar thoughts at the Latitude Festival – am I getting a bit old to go to a festival?
My answer is the same about getting too old to ski.
An emphatic ‘No’.
Well, not yet anyway.
Though I do need the occasional comfy seat at a festival.
Latitude Festival. Image © PlanetSKI
And out in the mountains too.
Narvik, Norway. Image © PlanetSKI
I may not want to be at the front of the main stage for the headline acts, but at Latitude there is plenty of room across most of the day.
Latitude Festival. Image © PlanetSKI
Though when Maggie Rodgers encouraged the crowd to crouch down before leaping up I did wonder whether if I crouched down I may not be able to leap up with the same aplomb as years gone by.
Out on the slopes getting up from a fall is not quite so easy as it used to be.
I chose to remain standing.
The Festival also has numerous other stages including the Comedy stage where Marcus Brigstocke performed.
He is a keen snowboarder and we have split out sides laughing with him at The Altitude Comedy Festival, out in the Alps.
Marcus Brigstocke in the Alps. Image c/o PlanetSKI
And to continue with the alpine references the headline act on the final day was, er, Snowpatrol.
Though we saw a bit of welcome light rain rather than any snow.
Latitude Festival. Image © PlanetSKI
Snowpatrol was joined on stage for a couple of songs by Ed Sheeran who grew up in the nearby village of Framlingham.
Latitude Festival. Image © PlanetSKI
The Snowpatrol keyboards player, Johnny McDaid, writes music with Ed Sherran.
Including the global hit, ‘Shape of You’ that went to No 1 in 34 countries.
Ed Sheeran shot an Xmas video in the Austrian resort of Hintertux back in 2017.
And we have skied with his look alike, Geir Bottolfs, in Norway.
Image © PlanetSKI
Related Articles:
And as I age I must say I prefer a few more comforts on a ski trip than I used to.
Same with festivals.
I used to camp in the communal public areas, but now I prefer the private ones where a tent is put up for you complete with blown up mattress.
Latitude Festival. Image © PlanetSKI
Then you have access to hot showers, clean toilets and a private members bar.
I still prefer nights under canvass, but the other accommodation options at Latitude look interesting.
Latitude Festival. Image © PlanetSKI
Latitude Festival. Image © PlanetSKI
Latitude Festival. Image © PlanetSKI
And yes, like skiing, I need to pace myself across the day.
Latitude Festival. Image © PlanetSKI
Having my mate Mark on hand to keep me going helps – especially after a full headline set from Groove Armada on the BBC Sounds stage.
Latitude Festival. Image © PlanetSKI
There are veteran acts like the Manic Street Preachers and Shed Seven still performing at the top of their game.
A bit like slalom skier Dave Ryding at 35-years old still able to be up there with the best of them and making the podium.
With some creature comforts, pacing myself and the right attitude I reckon I still have a few more festivals in me.
And many more ski trips to the mountains.
Latitude Festival. Image © PlanetSKI
