Finding the perfect resort for your ski
vacation can be a daunting task regardless of your ability, priorities or
budget. From the epic Ecrins to the mighty Mont Blanc Range this comprehensive ski
guide France will help you choose your next winter-sport holiday destination
with ease.
Here are some factors you should consider
before settling for a resort:
If you are a ski beginner, it’s important
to know the basics of the runs before you settle for a resort but in most cases,
most of them will have at least 3 colour codes used to distinguish between
slopes suitable for all levels: beginner, intermediate and expert.
The blue and/or green runs are suitable for
starters and children, the red is best for intermediates and the black is best
left for pro skiers.
Despite the fact that France is loaded with
world-class resorts dispersed across the Northern Alps, the Southern Alps and the
Pyrenees, most of them are well connected to
international airports and public transport so they a can easily be accessed.
Guide
To French Ski Resorts
Generally, the choice of accommodations and resorts is unparalleled plus there is plenty of lively après-ski in France but a guide to French ski resorts is crucial to avoid disappointments.
Ideally, here is what you should be keen about:
Guaranteed snow – the main
reason why you’re taking a skiing holiday is to enjoy some snow, so don’t
gamble on the chances of having enough especially if your vacation comes early
or late in the season. You can be pretty sure of snow in Tignes for instance.
Your level of skills – as a
beginner, your aim should be a resort with fantastic ski schools and gentle
slopes. If you are an intermediate, you need slopes that will give you more
thrills and exposure while an advanced skier will need more challenging
terrains.
Your company – if you are with
family, you’ll need to settle for a resort that caters for all ages and
abilities. If you’re with friends, on the other hand, you might want to settle
for a place with different amenities to cover different preferences including
nightlife or diet meals.
The duration of your vacation –
a sneaky adrenaline-filled weekend break is fantastic, and with time being a
factor, it’s important to settle for resorts that are easily accessible and have
short transfers. The point is to spend as little time on the road as possible
and more of that time on the slopes.
France
Ski Guide
If you have limited time to enjoy your
winter holiday, choosing the time that’s going to suit you best is crucial.
This France ski guide on the best time to visit will shed some light to help
you mark your calendar.
December has the vibe and buzz of the festive
season which resonates quite well will the charm of falling snow whilst January
is a little bit quieter and snow-sure.
February is a perfect time for families
especially with school–going kids, while March and April boast settled and
warmer weather but obviously longer days with slushy fun.
Ski Blanc is a family run chalet operation exclusively in Les Allues, one of the lower villages of Meribel. They have been running for around 20 years and have a lot of repeat customers, especially our own, which is naturally a very good sign a company is doing something right. Our clients have always loved staying in their chalets and rave about how Janey, the owner truly cares about the experience of her guests. This is why we have no qualms about sending them to go and stay in a Ski Blanc chalet.
The owner and the employees live and work all year round in Les Allues, so they know the area like the back of their hands. Their chalets are all in wonderful locations and offer excellent value for money. We are going to look at the different reasons why you should stay in one of Ski Blanc’s chalets and never need to hesitate.
Excellent Reputation
Ski Blanc have an excellent reputation for good quality
chalets coupled with scrumptious food all for a very reasonable price. They
understand that for families they often like to sleep together in the same room
which not only saves money, but also means that if there are little ones that
they can be kept an eye on. This is why families and their friends often choose
this family run company because they know that their needs are understood and
looked after. What else could you ask for when going on a holiday than a
company who is living the same familial situation as you. They are always on
hand to help you, give advice about the local area and go that extra mile to
make everything extra special. Janey makes sure to train everyone to a high
standard throughout the season and to continuously do so, so that nobody rests
on their laurels. If you need something whilst out there, you’ll have a mobile
number to always be able to reach someone, and being avid skiers themselves, it
is highly likely one of the Ski Blanc employees won’t be far away to come and
see you if they are not already looking after you in the chalet. They can even
give restaurant ideas for the staff nights off.
Ski Blanc Les Allues
As the Ski Blanc employees spend all their time in Les
Allues, they know it like the back of their hands. It is a small and compact
village offering excellent value for money with the 3 Valleys. Ski
Blanc Les Allues is not the place to come for wild night life with bars and
clubs. This is the village you come to which is easier to get to than many of
the other resorts and villages in this domain due to its lower altitude at 1100
metres, meaning less road and shorter transfers. This is the village for you if
you want a familial place offering activities for families such as dog sledding.
Les Allues is for those who want access to one of the biggest ski domains in the world but not to pay the big prices that are necessary to stay higher up and in the thick of it. Being lower down and out of the way, means you can get some amazing priced chalets.
For example, the Chalet Covie in Meribel which is only 100 metres from the ski lifts and the village centre. It can sleep up to 14 people in 5 bedrooms and offered 2 family bedrooms for the little ones to sleep in the same room as their parents. As added bonuses, there is a hot tub, a log fire and a wonderful terrace to enjoy your time together whilst over-looking the valley without the noise you often get when higher up in the bigger villages.
Ski Blanc Meribel
Like we said earlier, you are lower down in the valley but
this doesn’t mean you can’t easily access the high altitude skiing! Thanks to
Ski Blanc Meribel, their chalets are extremely close to the bubble lift which
takes you straight up to the centre of Meribel at 1450 metres. From here, you then
have access to the rest of the 3 Valleys vast skiing domain. Once you are
finished with your skiing, you can either choose to ski down to Les Allues or
take the bubble down if you didn’t fancy skiing. Or there is the added bonus of
Ski Blanc courtesy minibus service running from 5pm until 1am which means that
if you want to, you can stay in the centre of Meribel to do some après ski,
shopping or wander around the village, and when you are ready, you can give Ski
Blanc a call and they will come and pick you up!
Another excellent option for a chalet is also the Chalet L’Erine in
Meribel which sleeps 13 people in 5 en-suite bedrooms and is only 50 metres
from the lifts! You can pretty much roll out of the chalet and straight onto
the bubble lift to start your skiing. Of course, there is still the spa with a
hot tub and also a log fire to warm yourselves up and chat about the wonderful
days skiing you have just had and how easy it was to get back to the chalet.
So please don’t hesitate to ask us about staying with Ski
Blanc as we have a wonderful relationship with them and would be happy to send
you to stay in one of their chalets if you have been sold by our description!
People hear the words off piste skiing and panic. They
think of disappearing off into the wilderness and getting lost, others think
that you take a helicopter and ski some normally inaccessible pistes. Others
just simply think about skiing next to the designated pistes, going on and off
them. The truth is, they are all true. There is no single true definition of
off piste skiing as it is very subjective and depends on you personally on how
to define depending on your own experiences.
Off Piste Skiing
Some people, if not most, are quite happy to stay on the
designated and flattened pistes which is perfectly fun, relatively safe and
sometimes better than off piste skiing! Unless you are on a mogul field, then
everything if flat and uniform, you can try little tricks and if you fall over,
it isn’t a massive difficulty to get skiing or snowboarding again. When you are
off piste, the terrain is more unpredictable and can be very tiring to get
going again if you fall over.
By far the most popular type of off piste skiing is next to
the designated pistes which involves skiing down one of the controlled and
prepared slopes which are normally called green, blue, red and black runs. You
can choose to come back onto the designated slope whenever you want to, it is
relatively safe as there are less risks to there being avalanches (there is
still a possibility so please still be careful) and they tend to be much easier
to ski/board technically. You can be of any level of skier or boarder to try this,
with those people feeling comfortable on regular blue runs in general will feel
comfortable going off piste next to the blue run. You can discover this style
of skiing quite easily as there are many possibilities, especially after a big
dump of fresh snow. Be sure to be the first on the slopes if this is the case
so others don’t get to them first!
Ski Performance Courses
This is the next step if you decide you are comfortable with off piste skiing is taking ski performance courses. It is quite expensive, but you are taken by a professional guide who will know the areas perfectly, will know where and when to take you, will have all the necessary equipment with him or her if there is a problem such as an injury or possibly an avalanche and can give you advice on how to navigate the fresh powder and make the most of your experience. You could even try heli-skiing which is technically not allowed in France, so one way around this is to go to one of the resorts next to Italy, such as La Rosiere where you can ski over to Italy, do some heli-skiing and then come back once you are finished. It is a truly wonderful experience to be taken to some fresh powder snow that maybe hasn’t been touched by anyone, away from everything, and you can have the mountain to yourself. It is a great sensation when you feel the light, fresh snow underneath your skis or snowboard knowing that you might be the first person to have ever touched this part of the mountain! Okay, so this last bit is pretty unlikely, but when you are practically alone with a small group of 6 or 8 people, you would be forgiven for having this thought! A highly professional group such as the ESF school can take you from La Rosiere to experience this phenomenal activity.
Off Piste Skiing Insurance
When you make the choice to ski off piste, it is very
important to realise that you are taking a big risk with both your life and
those around you. It is an incredible experience which many people strive to
experience every time they go skiing, but with this need for powder comes a high-risk
sport that can have potentially fatal consequences. Therefore, it is imperative
that you check your travel insurance and that it is specifically written that
it covers off piste skiing. We hear of people every year thinking they are safe
as they have bought a regular or even a ski travel insurance, so they are free
to explore the wilderness, take risks, even cause avalanches and won’t have to
pay if there is a problem. This is not always the case. Having to call in the
patrol, perhaps the helicopter and perhaps hurting someone else can be
extremely costly if you don’t have the appropriate off piste skiing insurance
so it is vital that you check the small print before you try it.
Off Piste Clothing
Now this is the most important part of skiing off piste.
You have to know where you are going and when to go as you’ll need to venture quite
far away from the regular runs, away from the ski patrol and quite far from any
form of help. We strongly recommend that you pay for a local guide to take you
out as the risk of avalanche is very present, especially if there has been a
recent dump of fresh snow and even more so if fresh snow has fallen after a
period of no fresh snow and so is sitting on a very hard icy base which could
slip at any moment. You must be very careful and be an experienced skier or
boarder. Therefore, you MUST have the necessary equipment and clothing with you
as help may be far away if there is a problem which you either need to solve
yourself or you need to help the ski patrol to find your location. The following
off piste clothing is including but not limited to a:
A beacon – so you can be found in case of an
avalanche
A probe – to locate the exact location of
someone if one of your group was taken down by an avalanche
A shovel – to start digging when you have
located the buried person
Avalanche airbag – if you set off an
avalanche, it is highly recommended to have one of these with you which you can
activate and potentially keep you above the snow and help stop you being buried.
There are many possibilities, but here are some examples of airbag backpacks
How To Ski Powder
There are many schools of thought on how to ski powder and
even the type of skis you have can make a massive difference. Rather than
explain the best way via text, it will be much easier to see how to ski powder
by checking out this video for tips and techniques:
How To Snowboard Off Piste
Similar to with skis, there are different opinions on how
to snowboard off piste. Getting the right snowboard, choosing the right length
of board and even its width all make a big difference. However, like above,
check out this video on how to snowboard off piste:
There are many resorts to try off piste skiing, however one
of our favourites has to be the fairly unknown Sainte
Foy Tarentaise. This resort offers some of the best-off best
skiing in Europe! So much so, that when the Tignes, Val d’Isere and other
surroundings ski resort instructors have days off, this is where they go. It
offers an incredible variety of pistes for different abilities from
intermediate to highly advanced, so be sure to choose your runs very carefully.
Again, please pay that little extra and take a local guide with you.
There is a massive choice of off piste skiing in France, and several of us are
passionate about it! If you have further questions, want some advice, or would
like to book an off piste skiing holiday, don’t hesitate to contact us.
Mountain Heaven is a small family operated chalet and apartment company offering both catered and self-catered options in Courchevel Le Praz, La Plagne 1800, La Plagne Montalbert, La Rosiere and Morzine. The company is run by a ski loving couple called Nick and Vicki and they convert their love for skiing into a good value accommodation provider that gets a lot of our repeat customers requesting to stay with them again and again.
Mountain Heaven has been around for over 15 years and has worked hard to build a good reputation in the ski industry for high standards but at a reasonable cost. There are many reasons why we like to work with them but here are just a few.
Mountain Heaven Ski
Mountain Heaven make a lot of effort to please their guests
with a balance of well-located and good standard accommodations, quick
responses to any queries and problems that may occur during your stay and
offering great advice on what to, where to ski and where to eat if and when you
are not eating in one of their accommodations. Thanks to this balance along
with good prices, our clients are happy to stay with them time and time again.
Nick and Vicki don’t take this attitude lightly and try their hardest to make
sure everyone that works for them respects this style of service from the
chalet hosts, to the chefs and the drivers that they use when they include
transfers from and to Geneva airport. You can
also feel safe about booking your holidays with them as they are protected by
the ABTA and ABTOT bonds, so no matter what
happens your holiday is safe and secure.
Mountain Heaven Chalets
They offer a good variety of both catered and self-catered chalets and apartments. This gives you total freedom to choose the best and easiest way to spend your hard-earned ski holiday. Perhaps you prefer to not have anything to do and want your chalet hosts to look after you, cook your food and clear up as well?
If this is the case, then a great option is the Chalet Chamois d’Or in Morzine which sleeps 14 people in 6 en-suite bedrooms, is almost a ski in chalet as you can ski back to it within 100m, and the piste to start skiing as just at the end of the garden. There is a wonderful hot tub and open fireplace in the middle of its contemporary style interior making for a cosy but modern feel.
Another great catered option is the Chalet Boule de Neige in La Plagne which sleeps 14 people in 7 en-suite bedrooms. It is incredibly convenient as it is ski in/out with the pistes only 30m away; you can almost ski back into the heated boot room. There is a real log fire and the chalet is decorated in stone and wood which feels very warm and inviting.
Or perhaps you prefer the freedom and fun of a self-catered
option where you eat whatever and whenever you want. You can make use of the
great kitchens on offer, buy local produce from the supermarkets normally only
minutes away and clean up when you choose. This is of course a cheaper option
so you can save a little bit of money to spend on something else during your
holiday. A very popular option is the Courchevel
Los Robles in Courchevel as it offers intimacy for a family of 4 to 6
people in a great location only 75m from the lifts, coupled with a great
kitchen to prepare those hearty meals typical of those you have to eat whilst
in the mountains such as Tartiflette and Raclette!
Top Notch Food
If you opt for the catered option in one of Mountain Heaven’s chalets, you’ll be treated to a hearty cooked breakfast on 4 mornings and a continental breakfast for the other 3 mornings. For 6 of the afternoons, you can treat yourselves to some tea and cakes. And then for 6 of the evenings, you’ll be treated to a 3-course meal prepared by your chalet hosts with some excellent wines. They try hard to prepare lovely meals and it is for sure you won’t go hungry. You’ll be charged up (perhaps too much!) and ready to go for the next days skiing, with your stomach full and your legs rested; especially if you are staying in one of the many Mountain Heaven chalets with hot tubs. They can also take into account any food allergies or dietary requirements you may have, as long as you tell us at the time of booking so we can pass this information onto them. They will adapt the menu as much as necessary so everyone will feel as if they are receiving a personal service.
Winter holidays! Bring on the snow, sun and skiing! But hold on…
Before we cruise the piste we need to cruise the route. And unless you are
arriving by helicopter or private plane, you’re going to travel by road. Whether
you drive from home, from the airport by hire car or are driven in a private
airport transfer, it’s helpful to know the conditions.
At Mountain Rescue Ski Resort Transfers we have snow-shovels of
experience gleaned from years of winter driving. Unfortunately, we cannot
predict the exact conditions you’ll face, but we can make an educated guess as
to what you MAY face. So please read on for our take on what you may encounter
on your drive up into the French Alps. Particularly the Tarentaise valley and
access to the major resorts: The Three Valleys, La Plagne, Les Arcs, Val d’Isere
and Tignes.
Firstly, the majority of journeys are smooth. Maybe a little heavy
traffic at peak periods or ice and snow up high, but nothing that a capable,
prepared driver can’t handle. But just like that sudden white-out when you’re
skiing, or larger-than-expected snowfall, things can, and do, change quickly.
Traffic conditions
School holidays, Christmas and New Year bring the traffic. French
holiday makers love to ski and flood in over the weekends of the festive period
and in the February and March holiday periods. French school holidays are
stuttered by geographical department, meaning there can be busy periods for
extended weeks.
If you are hiring a vehicle at the the airport it is worth being
mindful of delays. Geneva airport can be deluged by rush hour traffic
heading to the border. Lyon, Grenoble and Chambéry don’t suffer from the same
inner-city problem, but if your heading to any of the resorts mentioned above
you may hit traffic as you enter the mountains.
As traffic enters the Tarentaise valley it is naturally bottlenecked
by the landscape and smaller road system. Traffic can be under tight control by
a traffic management system, which employs traffic lights and junction closures
– to stop congestion spreading to nearby villages – on the major N90 artery.
Unfortunately, there is little escape from this without local number plates and
local knowledge. Fortunately, the majority of this disruption is on peak
Saturdays, so a simple plan to travel on an alternative day will greatly reduce
the chances of disruption.
Our advice:
Preplan your route, the sat-nav may lead you astray into high passes
or closed roads.
Check French holiday dates to predict traffic conditions.
Be prepared for rush hour if departing Geneva in the week between
17h and 19h.
Road conditions
It is not uncommon to have snowfall on the motorways and lower roads
in mid-winter. Ploughs are a common sight. Do be aware of other drivers, it can
be surprising the speed at which some drive in the snow, their patience worn
down by delays, or their confidence high from experience, or both.
Val
d’Isere has a white-roads policy. You will encounter snow in the village.
The centre is flat but it’s worth checking the approach to your chalet or hotel
as some have a steep approach. Mountain Rescue drivers often have to put
snow-chains to get to the door of particular establishments.
Val Thorens, St Martin de Belleville and Les Menuires, have a long
and winding approach (40km to VT), which is often snow covered. Val Thorens has
snow on the roads all season.
Les Arcs split into Arc1600,
Arc1800, Arc1950 and Arc2000 are accessed by a main road which winds its way to
2000m from Bourg-Saint-Maurice (800m). As with all resort roads it is well
ploughed and gritted but can be icy the higher you climb. Do be cautious as
black ice can be prevalent toward Arc1950 and 2000 on this route.
Keep an eye out for illuminated signs that will suggest or obligate
you to put on snow-chains. There are also specific areas where you can do this
marked, ‘Aire De Chainage’.
Finally, don’t be surprised to encounter heavy fog. But as quick as
it arrives it can disperse. As with all driving, patience is a virtue.
Our advice:
Practice and pack snow-chains.
Keep rested, don’t try and drive too far in one go.
Follow the advice of the signs, and your common sense, put chains on
at a safe place when in snow.
Know your destination. Is it a tricky approach to the chalet/hotel?
As already mentioned, most journeys are nuisance free, but
combinations of the above factors do arise to make things challenging. Without
fail tricky conditions arise every season but researching the weather and
planning your travel will go along way to making sure your French ski holiday
gets off to an awesome, hassle free start. Bonne Route!
Montchavin is a wonderfully traditional resort nestled into the La Plagne and Paradiski ski areas. Far from the hustle and bustle that you’ll find in the bigger villages higher in this world class skiing domain, Montchavin offers you a touch of authenticity rarely seen in the Alps. You won’t find any of the major ski tour companies here, nor any of the major hotel chains. You’ll only find small, family run businesses offering chalets and apartments with their own personal touch. Here, you’ll see that the locals really do care about your experience in this lovely village offering rustic architecture all built using locally sourced materials, friendly service and top-notch skiing right on your accommodation doorstep.
We are going to go through several reasons why you should try out this great resort for your next ski holiday and why making that extra effort through tailor making your ski holiday will really pay and you’ll be coming back time and time again.
Traditional Village
This village offers an incredible location in the centre of
the Paradiski domain, offering the possibility to either go straight up to La
Plagne with its dizzying peak at 3300 metres, or you can go to the left and ski
Les Arcs taking the Vanoise Express opening up another massive ski area that
you’ll never have time to totally cover in 1 week unless you are really hungry
to put kilometres under your belt! Another huge advantage to Montchavin is that
the ski lift is right in the centre of the small village which makes ski in/out
very possible, or for a worst-case scenario, a 2-minute walk to get to the chairlift.
The chairlift itself is very modern, comfortable and quick and has the added
bonus of avoiding the queues you find elsewhere in the region even at peak
times. Even on the crazy weeks such as half term, the queues are very minimal,
and you’ll very quickly be onto the pistes. Plus, you can ski back to the
village which is at a good height of 1250 metres, meaning that it is pretty
snow sure throughout the season.
Montchavin Ski Resort
The Montchavin village itself is a joy to wander around
with its traditional architecture and wooden and stone buildings that
beautifully blend into the mountains themselves giving you the feeling that you
are in a genuine village and not a purpose-built resort. Majority of the
buildings were built using locally sourced wood and stone which means the
colours of the surrounding area is totally respected. There is so much to do
for a relatively small resort such as wandering the cobbled streets, visiting
the local farm animals whilst they graze peacefully in the fields and visit the
shops selling locally made products such as toys, ornaments and of course food
such as cheeses, meats and sweets.
There is the aquatic centre called Espace
Paradisio which offers slides, saunas, steam rooms and relaxation
areas which are perfect after a hard day on the slopes or if you simply want to
relax and have a massage. There is an ice rink, a cinema, husky rides and snowshoe
walking; all inside a car free village which means it is also very safe to let
the children run relatively freely without the fear of passing cars zooming by
to get to the village above.
Click on the download link to check out the Montchavin
piste map and see its exceptional position within the domain. It is right at
the bottom in the middle of the Paradiski region. One of the most wonderful things
about this village is the tree lined pistes you can find starting from the Dos
Rond lift at 2340 metres all the way down to the village. This makes for
wonderful skiing compared to the massive empty pistes that you find in say
Tignes or Val Thorens (which do have their advantages of course).
Looking again at the Montchavin piste map, you’ll see that
there are 2 possibilities to go up to the skiing. You can either take the Cabin
lift up to Les
Coches which makes it perfect for beginners or those who simply
want to visit another village (with or without skis). You can then choose to
either ski back down the red run on the left called Montchavin or follow the
wonderful blue run called Mont Blanc that slowly makes it way back down through
the pristine and untouched forests on a calm piste often with practically no
people on it. Making it perfect for beginners or those uncomfortable having
people zip past you very quickly as you can take your time and enjoy the
incredible views of the forests and the snow-covered valley in front of you.
There is of course the other option to keep going up higher
and higher very easily via either the Vanoise Express (which needs the Paradiski area
pass) and is an experience in itself taking you across the valley in a massive
stand up cabin with views across the entire valley. You’ll then be able to ski
all of Les Arcs and of course make your way back at the end of the day and
arrive practically in front of Montchavin with only a tiny bit if skiing to get
back to the village if you are very tired (this is a massive domain!). The
other option is to stay within the La Plagne area and keep going up and up via
fast and modern chairlifts to then access all that La Plagne has to offer with
skiing for every level from beginners up to hardened skiers and boarders
searching for a real challenge.
Montchavin Weather
One of the big advantages here is the Montchavin weather
due to the fact that the village and its respective pistes are protected by its
surrounding forests. Like said before, this offers beautiful skiing and
stunning views. However, there is another massive advantage, which is that the
pistes are protected from storms and fogs which you can naturally experience
when skiing. Even when the higher open pistes are being battered by high winds,
white outs and bad weather, you can be sure that the Montchavin pistes will be
open, offering protected pistes that will allow you to ski no matter the
weather. This is fantastic for those who don’t like to ski when you can’t see
what you are doing as well as those who love some off piste skiing through the
trees. There are so many possibilities to ski or board down through the trees
for those with a higher level, or for those with a lower level can enter the
forest right next to the runs and then ski back onto them very easily whenever
you feel you have had enough. There are so many opportunities!
Alpine Action is a small family run chalet tour operator
which have been running for almost 30 years. Their chalets are exclusively in
La Tania and Meribel which means their knowledge of these 2 resorts and the
surrounding area is very specialised and detailed. We have no hesitation in
reserving holidays with Alpine Action for our clients and they always come back
happy after their experience. They are ATOL protected and so offer the
possibility to book packages including the flights from London, Birmingham and
Manchester, accompanied by shared transfers to their chalets. Thanks to the
Alpine Action ATOL and our
accreditation with the Protected
Trust Services (PTS) and their respective consumer protection, your
holidays and monies are assured no matter what happens. Let’s look at the many
reasons why you should feel comfortable and happy to book an Alpine Action
holiday.
Specialised in 2 resorts
Thanks to the fact they have decided to concentrate on 2
specific resorts being La Tania and Meribel, they have an in-depth knowledge
and appreciation for this area which they happily pass onto us. Combining both
their and our knowledge, coupled with regular visits to the resorts, we can
offer their chalets to the clients we feel would really appreciate them and is
suited perfectly for their needs. This level of specialisation also allows them
and in turn us, to have insider knowledge of developments happening as soon as
they do, whether it be new lifts being built, road conditions and local events
occurring in the resorts throughout the season.
Alpine Action Chalets
Their chalets range from 6 sleepers up to 14 sleepers, so
whether you are 1 family looking for your own tiny chalet, or perhaps several
families and/or friends wanting to celebrate in your private chalet, Alpine
Action can work for you. They offer a variety of locations with some chalets
being in the centre of Meribel or La Tania which are walkable to the pistes,
shops and restaurants. Other chalets are more secluded in Meribel Morel
allowing for total privacy and solitude but coupled with their private mini-bus
service to take their clients to and from the chalets to the pistes, it is
never difficult to access the skiing. Their chalets offer a variety of
different styles which range for traditional mountain style with rustic
features and fireplaces, to more contemporary style chalets with some modern
touches. A lot of the Alpine Action chalets have access to private saunas, hot
tubs and sunny terraces which make the holiday even more special with your
friends and families and are of course ‘mandatory’ after a days skiing to help
you to relax your weary legs.
There is for example the Chalet Cote
Coeur in La Tania which is only 3 minutes-walk to the pistes, 5
minutes-walk to the centre of La Tania, has its own outdoor hot tub and
fireplace and sleeps up to 14 people. It is very rustic with wooden furnishings
throughout and all the rooms are en-suite.
Or how about the popular Chalet Serpolet
in Meribel which is a secluded chalet 1km from the piste but has the
advantage of a private mini-bus service so you are never far from the pistes.
It has a sauna, outdoor hot tub and a balcony offering incredible views of the
surrounding scenery.
Alpine Action Food
One of the special features about Alpine Action holidays is
their special attention to high quality staff. Thanks to the fact that they are
a small operation in a specialised area, they take the time to carefully choose
their staff and train them to a very high level. The chalet hosts are taught
how to prepare the food with love and attention and can even take into account
special dietary requirements for those who perhaps don’t eat meat or need to
avoid gluten.
Your day starts off with a hearty cooked breakfast with a
large selection of cereals, yoghurts and juices. On 5 of the 7 mornings, you’ll
have freshly prepared hot options such as scrambled eggs, bacon and sausages. 2
of the mornings you’ll have a self-service whilst the hosts have some well-earned
time off to recharge their batteries to maintain a high level of service and
enthusiasm. After you have finished with the skiing, you’ll come back to some
afternoon tea and snacks to tide you over until the evening. Then the fun can
begin for 5 evenings out of 7, where you’ll be served scrumptious home cooked
meals accompanied by a good selection of wines and cheeses; and let’s not
forget the desserts.
Alpine Action Group Deals
Alpine Action are always happy to offer generous reductions to groups, especially when they rent out an entire chalet for 10, 12 or 14 people. Depending on the date, you’ll be able to obtain at least £30 off per person for a group of 10. This of course equals £300 off for the group; the equivalent of a free lift pass. These discounts can be accumulated with our own special offers such as half price ski equipment; saving another £30 – £40 per person. With all these discounts and special offers, you start to save significant amounts of money which can go towards other aspects of your holiday such as eating in a restaurant on the staff nights off, some après ski in the villages or if you prefer, can stay firmly in your pocket and will go towards your next ski holiday with us!
The Alpine Generation are one of our many chalet suppliers offering excellent value for money coupled with a friendly service. They offer chalets in Morzine, La Tania and La Rosiere in various locations such as in the centre of their respective villages, more secluded and private and by the pistes. They don’t offer luxurious accommodations that are plush and expensive. Their aim is to offer great chalets in excellent locations which serve lovely food by respectful and friendly staff. We are going to look at the different reasons why we enjoy working with them and why we have no hesitations in sending our clients to stay in their chalets.
Wonderful service
Anytime we need to contact The Alpine Generation from the
moment we enquire about one of their chalets, to the booking process and after
the chalet has been booked, there is always someone available to help via email
or telephone. We know that if we have a burning question that needs an
immediate response, someone is there with expert knowledge of their products
and services. Even the very few times there has been a problem, they are
extremely quick and obliging to find a solution and make sure everything is
taken care of.
The Alpine Generation Chalets
These are spread about in the 3 resorts, with each one
offering something different depending on your needs and wants. For example,
there is the Chalet
Coeurs in Morzine which is situated outside the village centre with access
to a bus. However, due to the wonderful service offered by The Alpine
Generation, they operate a mini-bus service to and from the pistes in the
mornings and afternoons, so you don’t need to take the buses. You’ll feel so at
home with the sauna, outdoor hot tub and wood burning stove that you won’t feel
the need to go into town in the evenings as you’ll just want to stay in the
chalet, relax and keep warm with your friends and family.
Another example would be the Chalet
Les Oursons in La Tania which is a ski in/out chalet for those who don’t
like to walk around in their heavy ski boots. You can literally strap on your
boots and ski onto the piste from outside the chalet and back again at the end
of the day. What more could you want in terms of convenience. The style is very
rustic and warm with lots of traditional features. You can even watch the
people ski pass the chalet that it is so close to the action. It does keep its
privacy as it is 10 minutes-walk to the centre of La Tania so you won’t be
bothered by the noise of the après ski or restaurants. Naturally, you wouldn’t
choose this chalet if that was what you wanted! You choose it for intimacy and
quietness but still unbeatable access to the pistes.
The Alpine Generation Food
The hosts of the Alpine Generation chalets are not professional 3-star Michelin chefs. However, this doesn’t mean that they don’t serve beautifully and lovingly prepared meals that you’d expect when in the mountains. They serve a hearty breakfast from early in the morning for those who want to be the first on the slopes. In the afternoon after your hard day on the slopes, you’ll find a freshly baked cake and some biscuits served with teas and coffees to warm you up. Then moving onto the dinner, you’ll be served a three-course meal with unlimited red and white wines (unlimited whilst eating) all prepared with care and attention. If there are little ones, they can be served earlier if you would like, with food that they will love. Or of course, if you prefer, they can eat with you. For The Alpine Generation team, nothing is too much trouble.
With so many reasons to book a holiday with them, coupled
with our impartial advice and help from the start of your reservation right
until you come back from your holiday, you are sure to have an exceptional time
without breaking the bank. Especially if you go on the quieter weeks, you can
expect to pay anything from £250 per person for a catered chalet which is truly
exceptional when you think about all that is included. You can trust in us when
we say that The Alpine Generation is top notch and to book something with them,
you won’t be disappointed.
Midweek ski breaks are perfect for those who have a limited amount of time or can’t take a full week off work. Try one of our ski holidays and squeeze in a few days skiing without losing too much holiday time or time away from your family. There are many advantages and ways to take a midweek ski break and we are going to run through them with a few suggestions and ideas to help you make your decision.
Midweek Ski Breaks
Lower prices:
The midweek flight prices are much lower than if you fly at
the weekend. You can book your flights via the major flight websites such as Easyjet, and you’ll see that
the prices are very reasonable and flying from many regional airports. Your
best bet is to fly into Geneva airport as it is the closest to those resorts
most suited for a midweek ski break such as Morzine (1
hour and 15 minutes) or Les
Gets
(1 hour and 10 minutes).
Much quieter in the airport and on the roads:
Flying midweek means that there will be dramatically less
people in the airports and less cars on the road; especially once you get to
France and you are on the roads going to your chosen ski resort. This makes for
a less stressful experience, plus if your flight is early enough, you can
actually ski the same day you arrive!
Plenty of choice
Much less tiring:
Although skiing for a week does have its advantages, it can
be very tiring, especially if you ski for 6 days. Taking this style of short
ski break, you get to ski for around 2 and half to 3 days which for many people
is more than enough! You’ll can take a Wednesday or Thursday morning flight,
arrive into the ski resort for the early afternoon around noon, ski the
afternoon and then fly back on the Friday or Saturday evening after skiing
during the day. Most hotels don’t mind if you leave your luggage in their
holding rooms and some will even let you use their facilities to wash up if you
ask really nicely.
Much cheaper:
If you only stay for 2 or 3 nights in a hotel, then
naturally you save a lot of money on your accommodation. There are lots of bed
and breakfast and half board hotels that are happy for you to only stay for a
few nights, especially if you travel on an off-peak week. These can of holidays
are in general not possible during peak period such as Christmas, New Year and
half term as the accommodations require for everyone to stay for 1 week and
more specifically, from Saturday to Saturday or Sunday to Sunday. Travelling
during the first few weeks of January is ideal for midweek ski breaks as the
resorts are very quiet, very cheap and many accommodations are very flexible
with how long you need to stay for.
Midweek ski breaks Geneva
Choice of catering within your accommodation:
This type of trip is generally not possible in catered
chalets and apartments as they expect you to stay for 1 week. However, you can
choose to stay in a bed and breakfast hotel or even a half board hotel. Both
options are open to you when travelling for a shorter period. It depends if you
want to discover the many restaurants available in the resort, which you would
choose bed and
breakfast. Or if you feel you’ll be too tired after an intense days skiing,
you can choose to eat in the hotel’s restaurant. Again, it would be much
cheaper to do a mid-week ski break as you only need to pay for 2 or possibly 3
nights worth of dinners instead of 7 with a classic weeklong ski holiday.
Less time away from family and work:
Perhaps you don’t have enough holiday time with your work, or you don’t want to be away from your family for an entire week. However, you still want to a few days on the mountains to satisfy that strong skiing need that we all feel! Taking a short ski break can satisfy both your family and your boss as you can be with them at the beginning or end of the week (depending on when you travel), and quench that thirst for a cheeky few days skiing through that lovely white stuff. If you are really lucky, your loved ones, friends or even your boss could come with you on your midweek ski break as it is only for a few days, and you’ll be back home or to the office for the early evening or the more daring… early in the morning!
Les Coches is one of those small villages that make up the
massive La Plagne resort. Each village has their own feel and this one is no
different. You come to Les Coches for relative peace and quiet away from the
crowds, the queues, the crazy nightlife to find a secluded and peaceful place
to relax. However, don’t be fooled into thinking that because it is so quiet
and relaxed, that there isn’t a massive amount of skiing to be had. Read on to
know more about the wonderful Les Coches and what it has to offer.
Les Coches is a secluded village away from the hustle and
bustle of its bigger brothers like you’ll find in Plagne Centre or La Plagne
itself. It is designed for those who want to be secluded and to be in their own
little worlds whether it be with your family, friends or maybe just with your
loved one. The joy of this village is that it has been designed for the
majority of the accommodations which are chalets to offer ski in / out
possibilities. Even these can vary as you can choose to come down blues or reds
which are of course suitable for most people. Or, for the more adventurous and
skilled, can choose to ski back to your chalet via off piste routes going
through the incredible forests that surround Les
Coches. Whichever option you choose, you can put your skis on from outside
your chalet, ski down to the lift which is only a few minutes away, and ski
directly back to your chalet, quite often into the ski room itself!
Privacy and Authenticity
One of the massive advantages of Les Coches is that even
though it is relatively secluded and quiet, it is part of the massive La Plagne
ski resort which is part of the humungous Paradiski domain. From this village
you ski down a few minutes, take one lift up and then either go left to go
across to Les Arcs or continue going upwards onto La Plagne. All of this
without the long queues you’ll find in the bigger and busier resorts in and
around La Plagne. What more could you ask for? From this amazing little
village, you can have access to one of the biggest ski domains in France with
so many choices of greens, blues, reds and blacks; the choices are endless. On
top of the regular pistes, you can take your pick of the many off piste routes
going from the top of La Plagne at 3300 metres all the way down to 1250 metres.
Now that is a lot of choice.
Once you are finished with your skiing, you can come back to
Les Coches and know that you can be peaceful and quiet, with practically no
noise surrounding you except the people that you are staying with. And as most
people come here for peace and quiet, in general they want the same thing, so
you can be rest assured that the intimacy and tranquillity you came here for
will be shared with everyone else within this village. So a quick summary would
be peacefulness, ski in / out and access to massive skiing; sound good? Please
don’t choose Les Coches if you are looking for crazy nightlife, restaurants
everywhere and lots of après ski facilities. These are accessible if you want
them, but you have to be fairly motivated to make the effort to get to them
from this quaint and peaceful paradise.
From this page, you’ll be able to download the Les Coches piste map and its location at the bottom left, above Montchavin and below the rest of La Plagne. You’ll be able to see on the piste map that the incredible Vanoise Express lift is just on the left. This was opened for the 2003 ski season and allows people to access Les Arcs in 7 – 10 minutes. This is a massive advantage for those staying in Les Coches as there are very few queues even in peak season, and practically nobody during the low season. So you can know that staying in this village which may look totally remote and cut off, offers arguably some of the easiest accessing to the Paradiski area in the entire domain. Again, getting back to the village is wonderfully easy as you’ll either ski directly to the village from higher up in La Plagne, or take the Venoise Express from Les Arcs back to Les Coches and then ski into your accommodation.
Les Coches Weather
There is another advantage to this amazing little gem of a village.
Even if there is an unbearable wind higher up, or it drops down to minus 20 in
La Plagne, or perhaps there is a white out which would normally stop you being
able to ski safely. Because it is lower down, plus you are totally surrounded
by majestic forests, this is not the case here. The Les Coches weather is quite
unique in the region as you are protected by the surrounding forests. This
makes for some of the most beautiful skiing possible, in our humble opinion,
plus you can be sure you’ll be able to ski no matter what the weather is
elsewhere in the area. Even those with a lower level will be able to appreciate
the protection the forests offer and may even be tempted to ski in and out of
them on the easier runs you can found in and around Les Coches. For us
personally, skiing in and next to pristine alpine forests is the most magical
skiing experience possible, coupled with the possibilities of off piste skiing
if you fancy it. Thanks to the Les Coches weather, everybody of any level can
appreciate skiing.
Restaurants – Where to Eat
Although as mentioned previously, that this village is very
quiet, it is still possible to find some Les Coches restaurants which offer
exceptional value for money. They are very quaint, rustic and offer some of the
best value food in the region. Thanks to the fact that those who live and work
in this village, have of course chosen it for the same reasons as you which
have been described in this blog. Therefore, they have made massive efforts to
create a peaceful atmosphere which is traditional and family friendly. You’ll find all the classic mountain dishes
such as Raclette, Tartiflette and fondue but at amazing prices and top notch
locally sources products. Even if you are staying in a catered chalet, there is
that 1 night off a week that you are not prepared food by your hosts, so get
out there and try one of the many Les
Coches restaurants on offer.
Les Coches Apres ski
Whilst this village isn’t known for a tremendous choice of
activities outside of skiing, there are a number of activities in neighbouring
Montchavin such as ice skating, the Espace Paradisio Wellbeing Centre with an
indoor pool, sauna, whirlpools, steam rooms and massages. There are also lots
of walking trails through the forests and on the pistes. If you fancy a lot
more night life or even some extra apres ski before the pistes are closed, then
La
Plagne offers a massive choice of bars, restaurants and activities. You can
then either choose to ski down to Les Coches later on in the afternoon, or take
a taxi back down to the village if you want to stay particularly late. Of
course, as we said before, for most people who have chosen this village, it is
for the quietness and intimacy it offers as well as the ski in / out
possibilities, so we doubt you’d be interested to check out the La Plagne
activities, but you never know of course.
You might think that having a ski packing list for your next ski holiday is complicated and there is always the worry that you’ll forget something which will oblige you to buy in the ski resort which can be more expensive. Should you bring 7 pairs of socks, loads of t-shirts, no t-shirts, normal shoes, boots, perhaps even a swimming costume! To make it as easy as possible, follow our guide below, ticking off the skiing checklist as you pack everything, so then you can rest assured that you’ll have everything you need for your exciting ski holiday.
Things you’ll need to get to your chosen destination
These things are what you need to take with you to make sure
you can actually start your ski holiday. Forgetting these will mean that you’ll
either be unable to board your plane, train or ferry, or could cause you major
headaches if you experience any problems during your trip:
Plane/train/ferry tickets – depending on how you are travelling to your ski resort
Passport – you won’t be able to leave the country without it!
Ski specific insurance – don’t have just any old travel insurance. Make sure it covers for ski holidays specifically. You can book it here.
Driving license – if you are planning to drive, make sure it is valid in Europe (which you can know if the blue European flag is on your license).
GPS / Google Maps / Navigation App – again, if you are driving then it is fairly essential so you don’t get lost or can attempt to bypass heavy traffic if you have chosen a peak date.
Snow chains – essential if you are driving to the resort. Be sure to practise at home so you know how to put them on before leaving.
Packing for a ski holiday
Things you’ll need to pack to actually ski and/or snowboard
The next suggestions for your ski packing list are a little dependent on the individual and whether you go very often or not as this skiing packing list can vary:
Skis and/or snowboard – this depends on whether you own your equipment or not. If you do and you are travelling by plane, be sure to pre-book the ski carriage, if you prefer to rent in resort, you can book your ski equipment via this link.
Skis and/or snowboard boots – similar to the point made above. However, we believe that owning your own boots is more important than the skis or snowboard. Especially as you can stuff them in your suitcase, so you don’t need to pay extra for the ski carriage.
A backpack – this is essential to carry snacks, drinks, tools, tissues and money whilst on the mountain. We would suggest one that is very small such as 6 litres to limit the amount you take on the slopes. For example this one
A helmet – wearing a helmet is becoming more and more common and mandatory for children in ski school. Naturally you can rent them in resort but it is more comfortable to have one that you know fits your head perfectly and will keep your head warm if you suffer from the cold.
A multi tool – sometimes bindings need adjustments and whilst most cabins where you take the lift have them available, it is very handy to have your own one in case you get into trouble away from civilization.
Airbag, transceiver, shovel and probe – these are essential for those going off piste! Please don’t assume that the ski patrol will help or even find you in case you are lost or worse yet, caught in an avalanche. People die every year whilst off piste so please be prepared.
Packing list for ski trip
The following items can vary on how you personally suffer
from the cold and what period of the season you are going skiing:
Thermal bottoms and tops – essential if you ski
in January and February and less necessary the other months, especially during
April and if your trousers have a fleece built in already.
Warm jumpers or fleeces – for when it is really
cold and you need to protect your body and neck
Skiing jacket and trousers – don’t just wear any
old jacket thinking that it is warm! Several hours out on the slopes, sitting
down, standing around, snowing and minus 10 temperatures require specific ski
clothing. You can find very reasonably priced clothing here.
Good skiing gloves – don’t underestimate how
cold your hands can get. Nothing is worse than your hands freezing up and you
are obliged to warm up in a restaurant or worse yet, go back to your
accommodation.
Proper ski socks – be sure to take at least 3
pairs of snow socks if you are staying for a week. We recommend to have a very
thin sock to wear underneath a think ski sock if it is very cold and just the
thick socks if it is reasonably cold or mild.
A warm hat – if you don’t want to wear a helmet
(which we recommend), then you’ll need a very warm fleeced winter hat. This is
one of those skiing essentials that can make or break a ski holiday as you
could suffer from headaches and even pass out from several hours of cold.
Strong sunglasses – we suggest level 4 protected
sunglasses as the sun on mountains is much stronger than anywhere else.
Skiing packing list – you don’t want to forget these items
Regular but still essential clothing and items when checking off your ski packing list
The following items are the more regular items that you
would probably take on most holidays but still good to make sure you have them
with you:
A scarf – you can wear this when wandering
around the resort or when you pop out for a bite to eat or drink.
Good shoes – make sure they have a good grip on
the bottom so you don’t slip if it is snowing or icy around the ski resort.
Sports bra – essential for the ladies so you
feel comfortable when bombing down the slopes.
Regular socks – to wear when you are not skiing
and for the après ski.
T-shirts and jeans – again, to wear for the
activities outside of skiing or just for relaxing in your accommodation.
Sunscreen and lip balm – to protect you from the
sun and wind.
Swimming costume – it is more and more common
for accommodations to have their own spa, swimming pool, hot tub and steam
room. These really help after a hard day on the slopes! Check out these ski
accommodations that have spas and/or swimming pools.
Phone and camera chargers – the cold really zaps
the batteries so be sure to be able to charge them each day.
Plug adapters – a must have when travelling
outside of the UK.
Ever wondered which ski resorts are near Grenoble? Look no further for the definitive guide to Grenoble skiing with a list of which resorts are closest to this very well-connected airport. There are many airlines such as Easyjet and Jet2 that fly into Grenoble from many regional airports from around the UK. Being able to quickly access your ski resort has never been so easy, with the option to rent a car, take a bus or organise a private door to door transfer. Whichever option you choose, there are many ski resorts near Grenoble and under 2 hours transfer time. Are you looking for a big ski resort with a huge amount of pistes, a small traditional village that feels more authentic, or perhaps a hidden gem with limited accommodation possibilities but massive skiing? From Grenoble airport, all these options are possible, it just depends what you want from your ski holiday.
Ski resorts
near Grenoble airport
Alpe d’Huez – a
mighty ski resort with endless possibilities
Alpe
d’Huez ski resort offers a massive 250km of pistes ranging from total
beginner to the truly advanced skier. There are the green and blue runs
connected to the centre of the village all spread along a massive area, giving
many possibilities to access different parts of the resort for those just
starting out. For the most experienced of you, try out the might Le Tunnel run
which is considered one of the most difficult in Europe, or La Sarenne which is
the longest black piste in Europe. If you choose the later, know that once you
are on it, you can’t get off and it is really really long! The resort itself is
spread over several satellite villages each offering their own ambience whether
it be those looking for night life right in the centre of Les Bergers, or those
who like it more traditional and down beat would choose Vieux (old) Alpe d’Huez.
The lift system is very well connected, and it is easy to access the different
areas either using your car, the resort shuttle buses or the various ski lifts
and cages that will take you around the resort.
Distance from
Grenoble airport – 1 hour 40 minutes
Vaujany – Small
quiet village, big skiing possibilities
The wonderful
but quiet Vaujany
ski resort offers families the perfect option as it is very small, with
only a few bars and restaurants. However, there are many family activities
organised by the locals to keep everyone amused from sleigh rides, farm visits
and games to play. The bonus about this village is that it is part of the Alpe
d’Huez skiing domain. So you can enjoy the massive skiing possibilities
mentioned above, but you get to go back to a quiet village offering exceptional
value for money without the noise and hustle and bustle associated with bigger
ski resorts. As an added bonus, it is also closer to Grenoble airport with a shorter
transfer time than its bigger brother.
Distance from
Grenoble airport – 1 hour 20 minutes
Grenoble Skiing
– So many options
Les Saisies – A
little known typical French gem
This resort has
become one of our favourites in recent years. Apart from the fact it is one of
the ski resorts near Grenoble which is of course an added bonus, it is a truly
beautiful and traditional French village very unknown amongst most British
skiers. If you want to be surrounded by mainly French people, discover their
magnificent culture and food whilst being able to ski surrounded by pristine
forests, then Les
Saisies is for you! It isn’t for those who want super high lifts as the highest
is at 2650 metres. It is for those who want to go back in time before ski
resorts were overly developed and see to typical mountainous architecture seamlessly
built into the landscape. However, don’t be fooled into thinking there isn’t
anything to do here. There are plenty of shops selling locally made and produced
goods, top notch restaurants, a bowling alley and swimming complex and a very
amusing luge which goes surprisingly fast.
Distance from
Grenoble airport – 2 hours
Les Deux Alpes – Snow sure skiing on its glacier
If you are
looking for high, snow sure skiing, then Les
Deux Alpes doesn’t get much closer to this definition. It goes up to a
dizzying 3600 metres and offers glacier skiing which means that even if it is
warm lower down, there will still be plenty of snow up top. There isn’t a
dedicated centre to this resort. It is a long narrow valley offering many possibilities
to stay close to one of the many lifts spread throughout the village. There are
lots of restaurants, bars and shops. Skiing wise, it is more suitable for either
the experienced skier due to its aforementioned glacier skiing offering reds
and blacks, plus a black straight through the middle of the mountain from the
top all the way to the village, or ironically for beginners as there are many
green runs from the village, plus a beautiful and long meandering green piste going
from quite high up all the way back down to the resort.
Distance from
Grenoble airport – 1 hour 40 minutes
Ski resorts close
to Grenoble
La Grave – The legendary
off piste Mecca
This is not for the faint hearted! Nor for those who are not very experienced. There is one lift that goes all the way from the small village up to the top. From here, there are no marked pistes, no ski patrol and no markers or ropes to tell you where to go. Here is the ultimate place for some serious off piste powder skiing almost unrivalled in Europe. La Grave is only a small village offering limited accommodation possibilities. You won’t find large chain accommodation companies like Accor, nor the classic ski tour operators like Crystal. It is a village run by locals for those looking for an extraordinary experience on an untamed but incredible ski domain. Unless you have skied here before and so already know the pistes, you must take a professional guide with you to show you where and where not to go. If you want to try your hand at some serious off piste skiing in search of untouched powder snow and away from the masses, this is the place for you.
Distance from
Grenoble airport – 1 hour 45 minutes
Grenoble airport
– who flies there
There is a
large selection of low-cost airlines who will make Grenoble skiing relatively
cheap such as Ryanair, Monarch, Easyjet, Norwegian, Flybe, Jet2 and British
Airways. You can fly from many regional airports such as London, Birmingham,
Manchester and Bristol.
Grenoble
airport restaurants and bars
It is a medium
sized airport which offers a decent amount of options if you arrive too early
for your transfer to the ski resort, or perhaps you have arrived too early for
your flight back to the UK. You won’t find as many like you’ll find in Gatwick,
but there are local food options, some fast food and a bar to make sure you don’t
go hungry. The prices are surprisingly reasonable considering it is an airport.
Ski resorts
near Grenoble – the all in 1 guide
Grenoble airport
facilities
This is becoming more and more international, so with it comes plenty of facilities to make your journey easy. There is free Wi-Fi throughout the airport, a help desk for any questions you may have, you can book car hire and transfers if these were not booked ahead of time. The airport is working very hard to become recognised as one of the go to airports for getting to the slopes, so the employees are friendly and make a big effort to make sure getting to ski resorts near Grenoble is as easy as possible.
Yes, it is possible to have Winter Snow Holidays for Non-Skiers! Of course, when people think of snow holidays, a lot of people think automatically that it is to go skiing from 9 till 5 for 6 days a week. This may have been the case before, but not anymore! You can be a lover of the cold fluffy stuff and never have to strap on a pair of skis or a snowboard. There are so many activities for you to see and do which can be done throughout your holiday in many ski resorts. In fact, it is becoming more and more necessary for ski resorts to offer activities outside the traditional ski slopes to cater for those who simply dislike skiing, are unable to ski the entire day, prefer to only ski a couple of hours and those who have finally realised that the mountains offer so much excitement. They are now ready to discover what is waiting for them off the slopes and why ski resorts offer Winter Snow Holidays for Non-Skiers.
Driving on ice in Tignes
Try your hand
at driving on ice in Tignes. You are accompanied by a professional who will
advise and guide you how take corners, accelerate and decelerate which are all
totally different compared to driving on regular roads. It is a truly exciting
experience when you slide on the snow and ice but in a controlled manner, in a
high powered car, safe in the knowledge that a professional is on hand to help,
plus it is not your car in case there is a problem! You’ll follow a set course
which is dedicated to people learning to drive on ice and you’ll have an
incredible experience taking in the views whilst calmly mastering the curves.
Remember, don’t take what you’ve learnt from this experience and practise on
the open road as this will naturally be very dangerous to both yourself and
others.
Winter Snow
Holidays for Non-Skiers
Ice cave in Alpe d’Huez
Visit the
original and wonderful ice cave in Alpe d’Huez. There are many individual ice
sculptures as well as pieces built into the cave itself. This is something for
the whole family to appreciate. You’ll see bears, cars, buildings and even
dinosaurs. It is always being changed so you could visit it every year, and
every time there will be something different. In addition to seeing this rare
wonder only found in a select number of resorts, you’ll be able to enjoy the
views travelling up and down the gondola that you’ll take to get to the 2700
metres point that this cave is located.
As part of our non-skier’s
guide to winter, have a look at the edge of Les Saisies village, 5 minutes’
walk from the centre is the new Le Signal bowling alley. Have a great afternoon
or evening with family and friends and try your hand at some ten pin bowling,
whilst listening to a live band and drinking some cocktails (non-alcoholic ones
available). Whilst this activity may not have anything to do with snow
directly, how often can you say you have been able to do some bowling in a ski
resort! Offering wonderful facilities, friendly staff and fun for all ages.
Ice climbing
For those of
you who want to something that gets your adrenaline going, then ice climbing is
for you. You’ll be given the necessary equipment along with the harness, spikes
to put around your shoes and a helmet, and then you’ll have to do the rest!
Climbing up the ice using the pick to give you grip is very exciting and not
for the faint hearted. Of course, you’ll be totally protected by a professional
who’ll make sure you are safely strapped to them so you can’t fall if you lose
your grip. Once you make it to the top, you’ll have a wonderful sense of
achievement and of course an incredible view of the valleys below. Tignes is one of the resorts to offer this activity.
Husky dog sledding
Non-skier
holiday activities can also include these beautiful animals that offer you the
opportunity to not only stroke them, they’ll even take you out into the
wilderness whilst pulling your sleigh. Such a magical moment for everyone
involved with no physical activity involved. Just sit back and relax, whilst being
drawn through a forest, stop off and feed these incredible animals and then
continue on your way back to the ski resort. You’ll be wrapped up nice and warm
in the sleigh but remember to wear the appropriate winter clothing with hats
and gloves as you won’t be moving, so it can get cold if you are not prepared.
There are many resorts that offer this activity, however one of our favourites
is Chamonix because you can either choose to simply
sit back and enjoy the ride, but you can also choose to take control of the
sleigh and steer these doggies around the course.
Non-skier
holiday activities
Snowmobiling through the mountains
This activity
is again for those who love a bit of adrenaline but can also be for those who love
automobiles and nature. You can either choose to ride your own one, share one
with a friend taking turns to drive, or if you feel more comfortable then you
can go on the back of a professional’s snowmobile who’ll then take you around
the resort, winding through the forests, climbing up the pistes and riding
through some fresh powder (dependent on the conditions). You can learn some
history about this loved sport and hobby here. It can be done in many resorts, with
some leaving in the afternoon and others the evening. Be sure to check in
advance if you have a particular day or time you would like to do it.
Aqua centre with slides, pools and saunas
Winter Snow Holidays for Non-Skiers
There are many ski resorts that offer Winter Snow Holidays for Non-Skiers with aquatic centres with various mini slides, small pools and spas. The one that took our breath away, and is considered one of the best ski resort based aquatic centres in the world is the Aquamotion in Courchevel 1550. This place is simply breath taking and has to be seen to be believed. It has long water slides, shoots, several swimming pools both inside and outside and a wonderful spa with steam rooms and saunas. However, the ultimate activity here is the ride wave machine where you can practise surfing, and body boarding! This extra activity has to be booked separately from the entrance to the centre, but it is definitely worth it. Don’t be fooled into thinking that because you can snowboard (if you can), then you can automatically do this. It is a real challenge but if you succeed, it is seriously fun for everyone!
Visit historical sites
Believe it or
not but you can even find history and heritage in certain ski resorts. Take the
example of Samoens which offers buildings dating back to
the 15th century. You can wander the streets and take some
incredible photos which will confuse you into thinking you had stepped back in
time to a medieval village. Many of the buildings are originals which also date
from the 17th and 19th centuries. Whilst the others are
off skiing, you can soak up this rich history, have a coffee or hot wine in
front and imagine what life was like here over 500 years ago. If you want to
have some in depth knowledge of the village, the tourist office can give you
pamphlets and information that will further your fascination with this
wonderful resort.
There are many ski resorts nearGeneva, which allow for very short transfer times to some of the most beautiful and well served ski areas in France. It has by far, the shortest transfer time starting from only 1 hour (traffic dependent), there are many UK airports that fly into Geneva such as London, Manchester, Birmingham and Edinburgh, plus, there is a massive choice on how to transfer to your chosen resort whether it be a private bus, shared bus or hiring a car….the choice is yours.
Here, we are
going to look at the some of the resorts available to you from Geneva airport
and what they have to offer:
Morzine – Both traditional and lively: The
perfect combination
Beautiful
resort with a river running through it
Easy
lift access to the massive Portes du Soleil domain
Lots
of skiing amongst the trees
Wonderful
for families
Choosing
Morzine means choosing a wonderful village that offers so much more than just a
ski holiday. With its traditional architecture, offering wood and stone in
equal measure, it is a pleasure to simply wander the streets and get lost in
the many side streets and boutique shops you’ll find scattered throughout. There
is actually a lot to learn about this village’s history and significance in the alps if
you are interested.
Ski resorts
near Geneva – Flaine and Morillon
The transfer
time is only 1 hour and a half, with very little curves and mountainous roads
to get there, it is a great choice for those who get travel sick or are scared
of heights. In addition, it is part of the Massive Portes du Soleil ski area
(Les Gets, Avoriaz and Morzine), so there is definitely no shortage of runs.
Number of Pistes: Morzine – 81 & Portes du Soleil –
300
Number
of Lifts: Morzine – 67 & Portes du Soleil – 193
Terrain
Parks: 1 park, 1 pipe & 1 boarder cross
Ski resorts close to Geneva
Samoens – A rare find in the Alps: 15th
Century buildings coupled with great skiing
One
of the oldest and most beautiful ski resorts in France
Access
to the huge Grand Massif ski domain
Very
old churches and architecture
Easy
access from Geneva airport
Are you a
history lover who wants to visit old architecture with character and heritage?
If the answer is yet, then Samoens is for you. Here you’ll be able to ski some
wonderful and varied pistes that are part of the big Grand Massif ski domain.
Afterwards (or instead of), you can walk around and visit the ancient chapels,
farmhouses and shops that date back to the 15th and 16th
centuries. This is a truly a unique experience. If the Telegraph says it, it must be true!
There is only a
70-minute transfer, which makes it a great choice for families with young
children. Every level of skier is catered for here, whether you are a complete
beginner or a seasoned skier. It isn’t for those who want a noisy nightlife,
but there is still plenty to do whether you want lovely restaurants or a few
bars.
Number
of Pistes: Samoens – 28 & Grand Massif – 351
Ski resorts
near Geneva airport – St Gervais and Les Carroz
La Clusaz – Absolutely charming and top-notch
skiing
One
of the prettiest resorts in France
Excellent
local produce
Plenty
of skiing connected to the village
Wonderful
character and friendly locals
Ever wanted to
ski somewhere so beautiful that some people never ski anywhere else? Then La
Clusaz is the place. This wonderful village is a must see if you wanted to be
pampered by the locals, be surrounded by mountainous buildings and want some
unbelievable skiing all in the same place. On top of that, it is very user
friendly with everything walking distance away.
It is an hour and 20 minutes transfer to reach this wonderful winter wonderland meaning it truly is one of the ski resorts near Geneva. There are many ways to get there with very regular public and private transfers throughout the season. In addition, the skiing is excellent and if you are a snowboarder, this resort has a long and proud history of one of the pioneers of the sport! It is not often that a ski resort is so highly rated by professionals.
Number
of Pistes: 83
Number
of Lifts: 55
Terrain
Parks: 1 park, 1 pipe
Combloux and Le Grand Bornard
Avoriaz – A unique experience in the Alps with
a aquatic swimming complex
High
altitude resort – 1,800m
Massive
selection of pistes
Car
free village centre
Pistes accessible from all accommodation
The wonder and
magic of Avoriaz is apparent the moment you arrive in the resort. There are no
cars allowed in the centre, which makes for a clean aired, relaxing experience
extremely rare in a ski resort. You can easily walk to everything in the
resort, however if you don’t fancy walking, you can take a horse drawn carriage
taxi anywhere you need to go!
It is one of
the further ski resorts near Geneva in Switzerland, being almost 2 hours away,
but this is because it is so high and snow sure. Therefore, it is still
comfortable enough for families or those who demand guaranteed snow without the
3-hour transfer mark. If a national newspaper is happy with it, that is a pretty good
sign. In addition, there is a spectacular aquatic centre with slides and tubes,
plenty of night life to keep you busy with regular festivals throughout the season.
Number of Pistes: Avoriaz – 49 & Portes du Soleil –
300
Number
of Lifts: Avoriaz – 35 & Portes du Soleil – 193
Terrain
Parks: 2 parks, 1 pipe & 1 boarder cross
Geneva ski resorts – Praz de Lysa and Aravis
Les Gets – A winter playground full of character
and grace
Pretty
and traditional village centre
Part
of the massive Portes du Soleil ski area
Most
nursery slopes are close to the village centre
Plenty
to do off the slopes
This delightful
resort is only 1 hour and 20 minutes from Geneva making it possible to ski the
same day you arrive. With its charming shops and low-lying buildings all built
to be in harmony with the mountains, this is a fantastic choice for anyone.
Every level of skier will be ecstatic to ski here with its huge choice of
beginner runs leading into the village, and more challenging runs being
available due to it being part of the extensive Portes du Soleil domain.
If you fancied,
you could come here for the weekend, by flying in Friday morning, ski for 3
days and then fly back Sunday evening. However, to do justice to this pleasing
place, you should do the full week to give you time to explore all the nooks
and crannies hidden away in the village, as well as ski the large array of
pistes on hand.
Number of Pistes: Les Gets – 65 & Portes du Soleil –
300
Number of Lifts: Les Gets – 52 & Portes du Soleil –
193
Chamonix – A living legend in the Alps – not for
the faint hearted
Beautiful
and traditional village
Very
high-altitude skiing
Excellent
for experienced skiers
Lots
of activities outside of skiing and snowboarding
This incredible
and historical town is one to be taken seriously by experienced skiers and
boarders. Whilst it is truly beautiful and can be appreciated purely for the
village and lower levels, only those of a higher level can truly appreciate
what this beast of the Alps has to offer. Don’t just take our word for out,
check out external reviews as well. This is truly a sight
to be seen and hopefully skied at least once in your life.
An added bonus
is that it is only 1 hour and 20 minutes from Geneva, making this a top resort
for those looking for short transfers coupled with exceptional skiing at high
altitudes; up to the dizzying height of 3840 metres! There is world renowned
nightlife here as well, so for those looking to rip up the slopes during the
day, and party all night, this is the place for you.
Number
of Pistes: Chamonix – 69 & Mont Blanc – 490
Skiing has grown from a lowkey European sport, to a beloved pursuit by people all over the world, from all walks of life. It used to be a secluded sport for the notoriously rich who can afford to shell out tons of money for equipment alone. Nowadays, it has become more accessible to a bigger part of society.
Thanks to the effort of government officials and businessmen, skiing spread from the European Alps to various mountain ranges all over the world. If you and your loved ones have been planning to go on a ski trip in France, then you’ve come to the right place.
Planning any trip is a challenging activity and it can become stressful if you aren’t adequately prepared. Your travel arrangements from your plane, your land transportation to your accommodation must be smoothed out way before your trip begins. Messing up this part of the planning process can lead to you wasting time, trying to make last-minute reservations instead of enjoying your holiday.
One thing that you should also keep your focus on is choosing the right ski resort for you. It might seem like the best ski resort is the cheapest one, but there are actually a lot of factors that you need to take into consideration.
Thankfully enough, there’s a ski resort for every kind of traveller out there. Whether you’re on a trip for the love of the sport or more of for luxury, you’ll definitely find one that fits all your preferences.
Why go for France?
So you’re probably reading this because you’ve set your heart on embarking on French mountains. Here are a few reasons why France is the perfect destination for skiing:
The French Alps have the best variety of ski resorts in the world. From those with high-altitudes to those that are purpose built, there’s a whole wide world of French skiing waiting to be discovered by every kind of skier.
Not only will you have your pick of the best of the best, you’ll surely land on one that fits your budget while making it worth every penny. The great thing about the variety is that it’s nearly impossible to not discover the right one that will tickle your fancy.
Things to consider for your ski trip
Now, we’ve talked about why France is the best place to go on a snowy holiday. It’s time to pull up your sleeves and get to the nitty-gritty details of the things you need to consider for your ski trip.
It’s important to go in depth with the resort you’ll choose because it can make or break your trip.
A lot of the success and enjoyment of your outing relies on the resort you’ll stay in. After all, it’s the place for your rest and respite, and it’s the first place you’ll stay in when you arrive in the skiing region.
Not to worry, though. It may seem like a daunting task, but we’ve got the perfect guide to make sure that it goes smoothly. Take notes of our following tips to get the perfect holiday started!
Here are the questions you’ll need to ask yourself:
#1: When do you want to go?
Now that you have a rough idea of where you wanna go, it’s important to take into account when you’ll go as well. Unless you’re travelling solo, you need to book dates in advance, and check if everyone in your skiing party will be available then.
This will probably be the second most crucial thing you need to decide, as this determine the feasibility of the trip. If everyone can reserve a few days off work or school for the trip, then that sets off the whole planning process.
For travellers on a budget, December may be one of the best times for you to visit. Even though the colder December seasons may seem like the peak season, the opposite is actually true. There’s the risk of poor snow due to the initial onset of the season, which is why you may find good discounted deals.
Resorts often offer cheaper lift passes during this month. One thing you may want to consider is going for higher resorts that are more sure to have snow. The worst thing that can happen is for you to go on a ski trip…on a resort with no snow.
December is also a great time to visit as it’s a perfect escape from the Christmas and New Year holiday stress. Time to lace up and get your heart pumping during the holiday season for a change!
Another more cost-effective month to visit is January. The crowd starts to thin out, and last-minute deals from resorts are abundant. January is also a month that has a good track record for snow. The downside, however, is that it’s chillier and that days are shorter. On the upside, it’s great snow without all the long queues.
Now, onto the busier months. February is the peak season for skiers and thus, it can get pretty packed. These are usually the go-to time for families, so it’s best to avoid it if you don’t have any children in tow.
With more people hitting the slopes and prices skyrocketing, we discourage this month. However, if you’re a first-timer who don’t mind a little company, then February is worth considering.
April is the best of the best months as, once spring hits, the temperature is just right for skiing without feeling like you’re about to experience hypothermia. You can gear up for longer, sunnier days that have the perfect, snowy slopes. You can chill back with grills afterwards for the perfect leisure experience! This is the last window of calm before the crowds fill in for February.
#2: What is your skiing group’s skill level?
The brochures may feature skiers doing backflips on the snow but, more often than not, people taking on the slope are beginners.
It’s important to take into account the collective ability of your group when it comes to skiing. You wouldn’t want to book a resort situated near slopes that are for advanced people. You won’t enjoy the experience, and you probably won’t even be let in if you’re not experienced enough.
If your skiing party is relatively inexperienced, it might be best to go for terrain that is beginner-friendly. Source a resort that will have plenty of beginner’s areas around, and maybe even guides that you can hire.
For more skilled groups, you might fall in love with Val d’Isere. These steep slopes will be challenging for you, and you’ll find thrill in this exciting terrain. You can also take note of Courchevel is famous for a relaxed cruise that will give you the perfect views to match.
#3: What is your budget?
There’s a certain ballpark for these ski resorts, although you may be lucky enough to score one that’s the best bang for your buck.
The best indicator for these are the lift pass prices. In essence, resorts with expensive lift pass prices will cost an arm and a leg per night. The best thing to do is draw up a pros and cons of each potential resort, and compare it with what you need out of your lodging.
#4: What do you want to do after skiing?
Of course, the main objective of your trip is skiing, but you won’t be on the slopes all the time. You’ll need to think about the things you can do once the ski lifts are closed.
If you’re travelling with family, you may want to find one that offers activities and entertainment for the children or the whole family.
For groups of friends, check out what nearby establishments are available so you can get to know France from a different perspective! It’s important to take into account the surroundings, as these will be vital to your overall enjoyment of your stay.
Check out restaurants or pubs that are situated close by, and pencil them in your itinerary. If you’re not itching to go out, check out what amenities are available in the resort of your choosing. Whether you’re looking for a more relaxed, or something livelier, you need to factor that in your choice.
Carefully planning for your ski trip means having to look at the nitty-gritty details. From your activities to the ski resort you choose, it’s important to get a full-view of what you signed up for so that you won’t encounter any problems on-site.
Feeling overwhelmed? Make a checklist with our questions above, and here are some more last minute tips:
Don’t forget to exchange currency! This will make everything flow faster and smoother for a hassle-free holiday.
With the right attitude and proper preparation, your ski trip will be a sure success.
Need help with planning the perfect ski trip in France? France Skiing is here to help you choose the best ski resort for you with high quality, personalised service. We’ll make sure your trip goes smoothly from the moment you book, until you’re safe back home!
If you are looking for a skiing chalet France based, you might be tempted to book with a big tour operator, and get a package deal. But these ‘deals’ aren’t always the best thing for you or your budget. Sometimes, it can be better to book everything separately and create your own DIY adventure holiday.
Part of the fun of ski chalet holidays France based is the après ski. Literally translated as ‘after ski’, après ski is the evening time fun and entertainment. It usually consists of drinks, food, parties, and general merriment. It’s not for everyone, but many people wouldn’t miss out on it.
If you decide to go skiing and book into a chalet ski France based, you will either already know how to ski, or you’ll need instruction. Even if you do already have the basics mastered, you might want to have a few more lessons to ensure you are completely confident out on the slopes.
The world is full of incredibly beautiful and exciting places to ski, but there are some places that are much more impressive than others. Compare chalet ski holidays France based with those in America, and you will see the difference straight away. When it comes to skiing, France is way out ahead.
Choosing your accommodation for your skiing holiday can be the trickiest part of the whole booking process. After all, there is so much to choose from including hotels, self-catering chalets and catered chalets. Choosing poorly could affect your whole experience. It is essential to gather as much information as possible, so you can see why a catered ski chalet France is essential to your trip. Continue reading “Why A Catered Ski Chalet Is Essential For Your Holiday”
So, you have thought long and hard about taking your child on their first skiing holiday. Whether they went along with you as a baby and spent time in child care or not, their first actual skiing experience is going to be a challenge for you and for them. The key to successful family ski holidays in France is to start your preparations early. Continue reading “Preparing Your Children For Family Ski Holidays In France”
Do you do the same thing every Christmas? Pray for snow, which never comes, cook dinner for the whole family, watch Christmas films, and play a game of charades? Why not make this Christmas one to remember? After all, it is the most magical time of the year, and thus it should be celebrated in style. One of the best ways to do this is to book a chalet ski France vacation. Read on to discover everything you need to know.
Are you planning your very first skiing holiday? If so, you are bound to have a great time! Skiing in France has become exceptionally popular over the years, and there are slopes for all levels, so you don’t need to worry about it being too difficult for you. Nevertheless, before you enjoy your ski break, we have some top tips, including booking a top catered ski chalet France has to offer, and more.
There is nothing better than going on vacation as a family. It is precious moments like these that you will cherish forever. But, where should you go and what type of holiday should you book? One option that is certainly worth considering is family ski holidays France way. Below, we reveal the reasons why.
If you are ready to book your next vacation, and you have decided that you want to go skiing in France, you will have plenty of options at your disposal. All you need to do is a quick search on the Internet, and a whole host of websites will come up claiming to offer the best deals. Nevertheless, when booking your vacation, it is wise to consider the ski package holidays France has to offer. There are many benefits associated with package holidays, as you will discover below.
Family ski holidays in France are an exceptionally popular choice. France is great for children, as it is only a short distance away, and a ski holiday means that there is fun for all ages. However, to make the most of your vacation, you will need to do careful planning before. Read on for some top tips.
Group ski holidays France wide are ideal if you are looking to enjoy a vacation with a group of friends or your entire family. However, they can also be the most difficult to plan. After all, you have got more people that you need to please. With that being said, read on for some top tips on booking ski holidays France based for a large number of people.
Ski chalet rentals France based are the perfect choice for those who are seeking a fun and memorable vacation. Whether you are an experienced skier or new to the slopes, there is a lot to love about skiing in France. But, one of the first things you need to do is decide on what ski chalet France based to hire. There are many factors that will go into your decision. The first of which is whether to go for a catered chalet or not. Read on to discover more.
Have you been thinking about booking a winter break? Winter is usually a time that is a bit dull and dreary, but you can make sure that this is not the case by enjoying a vacation, and one of the best options to consider is one of the available ski holidays France wide. Read on to discover why this type of vacation comes so highly recommended.
When it comes to any type of holiday, choosing your accommodation with care is imperative. After all, if you do not like the place in which you reside, it will put a downer on your entire break. With that being said, read on to discover how to locate the best ski chalet France has to offer for your vacation.
Did you know that France was voted the most popular skiing destination in the world, according to Domaines Skiables de France, in 2013, dethroning the United States? One thing’s for sure; people are attracted by France’s vast, picturesque, snowy landscapes, which provide the perfect place to go skiing. Buy why do thousands of people go skiing in France every year? Let’s find out…
Mention the French skiing resort of Tignes to some and you’ll be met with a look somewhere between confusion and scepticism. Built largely in the 1960s, Tignes is dominated by concrete buildings from the era, putting a lot of people off visiting, believing the buildings will detract from the splendid beauty of the French slopes.
When we ski, we’re often wary of going off-piste. We hear about it and see people skiing outside of the designated runs, but our first thoughts are that we should stick to the marked areas. It’s the safest and easiest place to ski.
As we ski more and more, our interest in off-piste skiing can increase. We start to feel comfortable on the runs and as soon as we master some of the red runs, we hear more and more people talking about off-piste skiing, which does nothing but further spark our interest. Continue reading “How To Make The Most Of Off-Piste Skiing At Any Resort”
When you first think about taking your children skiing, it can seem like the best idea in the world. Miles and miles of beautiful snow for them to play in. Cosy chalets where you can all relax on an evening. Often so many things to see and do that it’s likely to be just as action packed as a trip to Disney World.
We love skiing. We love the feeling you get when you’re gliding along the snow. We love the atmosphere in the après-ski bars. We love curling up at the end of the day in our catered ski chalet.
Here at Simply Your Holidays, we have been skiing for several years now and we all feel particularly confident in our ability. However, we can all still remember what it was like when we put on our skis for the very first time and headed to the nursery slopes. Continue reading “A Beginner’s Guide To The Perfect Skiing Etiquette”
Most sports are good for you. Even when you consider something particularly sedate such as darts or chess, you might not move that many muscles to make it physically demanding, but it’s fantastic for mental stimulation.
If you fancy swapping the city or town life for some crisp mountain air then a career as a ski instructor could be exactly what you are looking for.
Many young people that have enjoyed skiing holidays are now taking up the opportunity to either teach people to ski at the dry ski slopes in the UK, or moving abroad to live and work. Continue reading “Would You Like To Become A Ski Instructor?”
We offer group skiing holidays to a wide variety of destinations because we know just how fantastic they can be; we aim to have a selection of skiing holidays available that are going to appeal to all skiers, whether they’re experts, beginners or they haven’t even been before.
However, we know that not everyone loves skiing. We understand that it may not be for every single person out there and there are some who might even say they hate it.
No matter how well planned your skiing holiday is, or how perfect your catered chalet is going to be, there are some things you simply cannot avoid that will ruin your holiday.
The wrong type of snow or extremely bad weather, or being in a ski school with the most annoying person in the world, are some of the things you can do nothing about; they are out of your control. Continue reading “3 Tips For Buying Your New Ski Boots”
After your skis and boots, your skiing jacket is probably the most essential part of your winter adventure holiday.
If you didn’t already know, it can get extremely cold when you are at your ski resort, so a big ski jacket is essential; otherwise you are not going to be able to handle the temperature and weather conditions that come with a skiing holiday. Continue reading “What To Look For When Buying A Ski Jacket”
Skiing; one of the best experiences you will ever have the luck to be a part of. We simply think that this holiday will not be matched by any other holiday you ever go on.
Regardless of how good you are at skiing – whether you spend your day flying down black runs avoiding moguls or learning the ropes on the nursery and blue slopes – you will always notice when you are on a chairlift climbing up the mountain, that there are some amazingly fast skiers flying down. Continue reading “3 Steps To Carving When Downhill Skiing”
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