Choosing a French Ski Chalet – Le Chardon Tops the List!

September 1st, 2010

Here at Le Chardon, we pride ourselves on our highly personalised service and extensive knowledge of Val d’Isere and its amenities.  With our Head Office in Edinburgh and a fully-staffed office in Val d’Isere, our experienced team  are on hand and well-equipped to ensure you have the best French skiing holiday ever.

We have completely refurbished all five of our chalets to provide the best possible welcome for our guests this winter, and we believe we set the benchmark for ultimate luxury and comfort across all French ski chalets.

As one of the top ski resorts in the world, Val d’Isere attracts a good balance of skiers and snowboarders taking advantage of over 300 km of pistes in the Espace Killy ski area.  Whether you are a complete beginner or an off-piste thrill-seeker, the spectacular scenery and facilities on offer make Val d’Isere a prime destination for everyone.

The winter season usually starts at the end of November as Val d’Isere benefits from high altitude, and by October the excitement is building to be first on the slopes and to be part of the special Opening weekend.

Our five luxury ski chalets are ideally situated in the peaceful and private hamlet of La Legettaz within Val d’Isere.  A two minute walk or ski to the lifts or the village makes it ideal for family, group and corporate ski holidays. Enjoying ski in, ski out access and amazing views, our chalets blend traditional Savoyard decor with luxurious touches such as hot tubs, wide-screen TVs and wi-fi access.

We go out of our way to help you relax and enjoy peace of mind, tailoring your holiday to suit you.   Our chefs will discuss the dietary needs of your party and create mouth-watering menus to suit both adults and children.   Our in-chalet ski rental service, the lift pass delivered to you by hand, your evening soak in the chalet hot tub all relieve the strain and make your stay more pleasurable.

Our personal concierge service provides the finishing touches to your luxury ski holiday – from your lunch reservations at the best mountain restaurants to your private chauffeur returning your skis at the end of a memorable week, no stone is left unturned.

Tags: ,
Posted in catered ski chalet, french ski chalet, skiing france | No Comments »

A French Ski Chalet… Don’t Just Dream it, Do it!

August 12th, 2010

France stands proudly as the top destination in Europe for British skiers, offering a fabulous choice of ski resorts to suit all abilities and budgets. Skiing in France is very diverse, with resorts in the Vosges, the Jura, the Massif Central and the Pyrenees. However, because of its high altitude, the French Alps offers the most reliable snow conditions.

Choose your French destination carefully to ensure the best conditions – ideally high altitude for perfect powder, with a wide variety of runs for all levels of experience.  This is especially important near the beginning or end of the ski season. All resorts have snow cannons and piste bashers, but the primary influence of temperature and location will play a key role in the quality of your skiing holiday.

In the northern Alps, you’ll find resorts such as Avoriaz (a mecca for snowboarders), and Morzine, although at an altitude of only 1000 m conditions are not always so reliable. Val d’Isere, Chamonix, and Les Trois Vallées can be a safer bet.

Val d’Isere, combined with Tignes, offer 300 km of pistes at high altitude – the highest are over 3000 m high.  The area has an extensive range of pistes for beginners and inexperienced skiers as well as challenging runs and off-piste skiing for the more adventurous. Val d’Isere is considered the best ski resort in Europe, and one of the top ski destinations in the world.

Families with children are restricted by school holiday dates, so it’s wise to plan ahead. Forward planning is also crucial if you have other specific requirements.  If you are planning a group ski holiday you should book in plenty of time to ensure the best price and accommodation choices. Repeat business is very high, especially for highly sought after large catered ski chalets, so our advice is too book up group accommodation well in advance.

Our french ski chalets offer ski in, ski out access, are fully staffed and include hot tubs, wide-screen TVs and full wi-fi access and are perfect for groups, families or corporate hospitality.

Tags: ,
Posted in skiing france, val disere | No Comments »

Skiing Exercises and Ski Fitness

July 27th, 2010

If you’re planning a ski break try to build up your strength, stamina and flexibility from at least 4 weeks before you go. Here are some basic exercises you can do in your own home.

Make sure you warm up with some light cardio exercise, and cool down with stretches at the end of each session. Keep your mind on your core stability by engaging your abs when carrying out these exercises.

  • Beginners: Perform one set of each exercise for 15-30 seconds
  • Intermediate/Advanced: Do each exercise for 1 (or more) minutes and repeat 1-3 times

Ski Jumps
Stand with feet together.  Bend the knees and jump to the left as far as you can – think distance rather than height.   Land with soft knees and immediately jump laterally to the right.  Repeat. Take-off and landing should be on both feet together.

Lunges
Prop right shin on a step behind you and bend left knee, slowly lowering into a lunge.  Squeeze through the heels to raise back up, making sure knee is behind toe and torso is straight, abs in.  You may add dumbbells as you progress.

Hamstring Strengthening

This can be done with heels firmly under a large heavy object, such as a sofa or bed. Place soft cushion under knees, heels locked. Lean slightly forward to a count of 5 and return, repeat 10 times. The hamstrings are important to help stabilise the knee joint.

Back Extension
Lie facedown with a cushion under your hips and lower torso.  Your heels should be under a large heavy object such as sofa or bed. With your hands behind your head, lift chest off the floor, bringing your shoulders up until your body is in a straight line.  Lower & repeat.

Squat Jumps
Stand in front of a step or low bench.  Bend the knees and, keeping the body very low, jump onto the step with both feet, landing in a squat with soft knees.  Step down and repeat, moving as quickly as you can.

Trunk Rotation

Lie down straight, face up and with feet together. Begin with right leg bent, left leg straight and approximately 12 inches above floor at the foot. Hands loosely touching ears, reach for right knee with left elbow and be sure to exhale at the same time. Try not to pull your head and neck forward. Repeat for opposite leg and elbow. Be sure to breathe steadily, exhaling with each cross-over.

You may still get a few aches during your skiing holiday, so why not book a massage with a highly trained physiotherapist or soothe your aches away in the chalet hot tub?

Tags: , ,
Posted in skiing france, val disere | No Comments »

Corporate Skiing Holidays

July 15th, 2010

Entertain special clients with a blend of fresh powder skiing, fantastic après-ski and a stay in one of our luxury catered ski chalets, providing a unique and memorable setting for your corporate entertaining to surpass all expectations.

We know that your time is precious – we ensure that the whole process is stress-free and effortless from the first time you pick up the phone. Our expertise and exacting standards will deliver everything you want and more. We work closely with you every step of the way to cater to all your party’s requests, be they discussed in advance or last-minute – nothing is too much trouble.

Our mountain lodges offer the latest technology and modern comforts housed within a traditional alpine exterior. The layout of interior spaces is perfect for uniting a group.  Combined, our 5 chalets offer 32 bedrooms in one convenient location.

Le Chardon Mountain Lodges promise an attention to detail which is second to none. Daily champagne receptions and canapés, gourmet 5 course dinners, fine wines, fresh flowers and daily international newspapers, and of course a chauffeur and concierge service are all part of the service to bring you and your clients a magical and memorable experience. We don’t forget the innumerable, less obvious tasks in order to ensure your stay is smooth and untroubled by any inconvenience. You can relax in the knowledge that we will have thought of everything so that you don’t have to.

As a corporate destination, Val d’Isere has the edge over other top ski resorts with its super-efficient mountain access system. Even at the height of the season queues are rare and it’s easy to avoid them. There are a host of other activities with which to entertain your clients such as snow-mobiling, paragliding, helicopter tours and heliskiing, ice karting, quad biking, sleigh riding and husky sledging amongst others. The resort also offers a variety of shops, restaurants, and bars, plus a state-of-the art sports and leisure centre provides high quality amenities for everyone.

Why not give us a call to discuss your requirements? Our friendly and knowledgeable staff are always happy to help.

Tags: , , ,
Posted in catered ski chalet, corporate ski events, luxury ski holidays | 1 Comment »

Ski Smart and Prevent Injury

June 29th, 2010

The last thing you want is to plan your perfect ski holiday, then spend it inside your chalet because you’ve been injured.

Here are some basic tips which, if followed, will help prevent injuries and ensure that your ski holiday is everything you hoped for.

1  Don’t borrow skis or boots from a friend or buy online without trying them on.  Your boots should be a nice snug fit, without your ankle moving around at all inside.  If you are hiring skis, don’t exaggerate your level of expertise. If you are given skis that are too long, you will find them harder to turn.  Also,  bindings that are set too high for your ability level could easily lead to injury.

2  Warm up and cool down before skiing. Take a few minutes to stretch your thighs, hamstrings, calves and hip muscles before you hit the slopes in the morning and make sure you hold each stretch for 30 seconds.

3  Book some ski tuition for your holiday, whether you are a novice or an experienced skier – avoid picking up or continuing with bad habits that could lead to sports injury.

4  Keep to your own ability level and don’t be tempted to keep up with more experienced friends. A lot of sports injuries happen because someone is trying to ski faster or on more difficult pistes than is safe for their ability level.

5  Keep your knees flexed at all times (but not more than is comfortable), and if you are going to fall, always aim to fall forwards, not backwards. Use knee supports to provide extra stability and to keep your knees safe from injury.

6  Gain some basic knowledge about first aid and specifically sports first aid so that you can be a help and not a hindrance if an accident occurs.

7 Always quit while you are ahead! Although it can be tempting to fit in one last ski, this can be a mistake! Don’t ski when you are feeling tired as accidents are most frequent at the end of the day.

Finally, if you are in a luxury catered ski chalet take up the opportunity to soothe your aching muscles with a long soak in your hot tub or book a relaxing body massage in your chalet.

Follow these simple tips and they will help you avoid knee injury and other sports injuries. Have a great skiing holiday!

Tags: ,
Posted in catered ski chalet, luxury ski holidays | 1 Comment »

Choosing Children’s Skis and Boots – Top Tips

June 22nd, 2010

Is it worth buying skis and ski boots for your children when they will very likely need to be replaced every season?  If your family goes skiing more than twice a year, you’ll probably want the reassurance of buying gear that is perfectly suited to your child’s size and ability.

If it’s your child’s first time skiing, or you ski only once or twice a year, you may prefer to hire.  Your child will get the opportunity to try out different brands and lengths of ski and, more importantly, decide if skiing is for them.

Ski and boot rental can often be a tedious process. The queues can be interminable, and children can very quickly grow bored and disruptive. Sometimes a child may end up with skis or boots that don’t fit properly, spoiling their experience and wasting time.

However, when you book one of our luxury catered ski chalets, our staff will liaise with you in advance of your trip for sizing information, and will arrange for a range of skis, boots and other equipment appropriate for your party to be brought to your chalet on the day of arrival.  This instantly eliminates hours of boredom and makes the whole process fast, stress-free, and even fun.

SKIS

The most important factor in a child’s ski is length. To get an accurate sizing, ask your child to stand up straight – the ski tip should end between the collar bone and chin, depending on your child’s weight and athletic ability. If in doubt, choose a shorter ski, which is easier for your child to control and turn.

Also, go for shaped skis instead of traditional straight skis, as they don’t exert as much leverage on children’s legs, are more stable and easier to turn.

Try not to push your child beyond their comfort zone when choosing skis.  Skis that are too long or heavy make skiing difficult and tantrum-inducing at best, but potentially dangerous at worst!

BOOTS

Our experienced and reputable ski partners are very experienced in fitting for children.  Your child will be offered several pairs of boots, in different styles and widths, to try. Your child should also be able to bend their knee over the toe of the boot without any discomfort.

The main aim of your holiday is for everyone to have lots of fun, which means comfortable-fitting skis that are easy to control, pain-free ski boots, and a beautiful catered chalet to head back to at the end of a fabulous day on the slopes!

Tags: ,
Posted in family ski holidays, luxury ski holidays | No Comments »

Top Tips for Children’s Ski Wear

June 8th, 2010

Getting your children kitted out for family ski holidays can be a time-consuming and wasteful process, as they grow so quickly that you might only get one season’s worth for each set of gear. Although it’s tempting to buy the next size up so they can ‘grow into it’, this can make skiing difficult which, in turn, makes it less enjoyable and can put your children off the sport completely.

Most ski clothing and equipment can be hired, which is a good option if it’s your first family ski holiday or you don’t ski very often. However it’s useful to buy some ski gear such as underwear, balaclavas, and ski gloves, as these can be used for general winter use.

As part of the service in our luxury catered chalets, we will arrange for a selection of ski equipment to be brought to your chalet on your first evening so that you can make your choices in comfortable and relaxed surroundings.

Make sure your children wear a properly fitted ski helmet, and set a good example by wearing one yourself.  These can also be brought to your chalet in advance of your first full day on the slopes.  New technology means that helmets are lightweight, comfortable and ventilated – there’s really no excuse not to wear one!

If you decide to buy ski clothing, you’ll find a huge range of funky bright designs from brands such as Billabong, Bonfire, O’Neill and Quiksilver. Most jackets have been designed so they can be worn back home on the street, so you should get lots of wear out of them. In skiwear, all-in-one suits are good for younger ones as they tend to be warmer than separates.

Protect your children’s eyes by ensuring they have goggles that fit well, offer both UVA and UVB protection, and have vermilion or citrus-orange lenses for higher definition of shapes and bumps in the snow. It’s easy to forget how much glare there is from reflection of the sun’s rays off the snow.

Coming up soon will be a feature on choosing children’s skis and ski boots.

Tags: ,
Posted in catered ski chalet, family ski holidays, luxury ski holidays | No Comments »

Catered Ski Chalets Best for Family Ski Holidays

May 13th, 2010

You might want to start planning ahead now to make sure your next family ski holiday is as effortless and enjoyable as it can be. If you know the size and standard of accommodation you’d like, and the level of service you require, it’s a good time to book early and eliminate the stress that can creep up as the ski season draws closer. Catered ski chalets are perfect for family ski breaks as they provide a comfortable and private home environment. Everyone can relax and enjoy the holiday, with a chalet host on hand to accommodate your requirements, and a chef who will create amazing meals to suit the tastes of everyone in the family.

Val d’Isere offers something for everyone regardless of ability, and there are some great ski schools offering expert tuition for all ages too. There is also a wide range of other activities for the times you’re not on the slopes. The new sports centre at the foot of the Bellevarde piste houses 2 swimming pools with jacuzzi, sauna and steam room. There is also a fantastic climbing wall, squash courts plus a gymnasium and fitness centre.

For children, there are countless activities to choose from. ‘Airboarding’ – using a snow bodyboard that gives the sensation of flying above the snow; Snake Gliss – a “snow snake” sleigh for up to 20 people (minimum age 7); or play 5-a-side snow football. This all takes place at the foot of the Solaise area.

More importantly, access to the slopes is super-efficient. Geared up for a massive influx of visitors every year, queues are virtually non-existent, perfect for impatient family members! Add to this the bluebird days and beautiful alpine scenery, and the whole family will be in ski heaven.

The best tip for a great family skiing holiday is to do your research as early as possible to ensure you get exactly what you want for your family or group, without having to make compromises.

Tags: , ,
Posted in catered ski chalet, family ski holidays, val disere | No Comments »

Chalets winding down as Val d’Isere celebrates great season

April 29th, 2010

With the end of an incredible season coming ever closer, our beloved Val is gradually becoming quieter and more serene. However, conditions are still good on many runs especially if you grab the first lift of the day. You can get some great skiing in before the official end of season on 2nd May, and top up your tan at the same time.

The Literary Festival, which runs until 1 May, makes for an interesting diversion when not on the slopes. Finally, from 27 April – 2nd May you can expect some great après-ski, lots of end of season celebrations, including parades and lots of vin chaud.

We’ll be hard at work over the next few months ensuring that our luxury ski chalets continue to be of the highest standard, ready for next ski season. We look forward to seeing you then, and in the meantime will keep you updated with news and snowsport info.

Tags: , ,
Posted in catered ski chalet, family ski holidays, luxury ski holidays, skiing france, val disere | No Comments »

Chalets Val d’Isere and Late Season Skiing – Pure Magic

April 14th, 2010

Our chalets Val d’Isere are noted as being amongst the best in Europe. We believe that our Mountain Lodges will quite simply offer you the best if you’re looking for something a little bit more special for your skiing holiday. Perfect for both family ski breaks and group skiing holidays, our five chalets offer a personal discreet service and are in the perfect location for ski in, ski out access.

As one of the best snow-sure ski resorts in Europe, Val d’Isere is a gem of a resort for the late season. Work hard, play hard seems to be the general rule, with over 300 kms of amazing pistes to explore, plus, of course, the allure of off-piste for the more adventurous. You’re almost guaranteed bluebird days, and the high altitude keeps the snow in great condition long after lower resorts are beginning to shut up shop.

After your strenuous day on the slopes, take it easy in one of the many bars, clubs or restaurants, many with amazing views over the valley. You can refuel with traditional Savoyard cuisine, carb-rich but oh so good! Alternatively, there are lots of other, lighter options which are not quite so calorific. As part of our concierge service, we can pre-book tables at any restaurants you fancy, and offer some recommendations depending on your requirements. Of course you may prefer to dine in at your chalet Val d’Isere every evening, which is a true gastronomic experience to round off a perfect day.

It is our aim to make your stay in one of our luxury chalets Val d’Isere simply magical!

Tags: ,
Posted in catered ski chalet, skiing france, val disere | No Comments »

« Older Entries