Belgium is far from being a snowsport hub, low-lying and lacking the regular snow needed. But one workshop in Malmedy, in the country’s east, has put geography and climate aside, carving a respected niche for itself in the world of high-end ski manufacture. Each pair of Pierre Gerondal’s handmade wooden skis take around 30 hours to make. “Our goal isn’t to become the biggest ski manufacturer in the world” he says, explaining that his team aims instead “to be sure that each pair of skis is made with the same care.”