Chalet News

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While we’re looking forward to the many exciting events coming up this summer season in Val d’Isere, the Le Chardon team are working hard now to prepare for the new winter season.

Some of you may have noticed that our Availability and Pricing page is ready to be updated for Winter 2013-14. At the moment, you can’t see the new availability and prices of our 5 star luxury ski chalets, but all will be revealed on our new website.

New Website

Which is our latest news!  The new site is being updated and will be rolled out in the next few weeks. In the meantime, we advise that any booking enquiries or reservation questions you may have for Winter 2013-14 can still  be made by phone on +44 (0)131 209 7969.

You can also send us an email at enquiries@lechardonvaldisere.com. The previous edition of our brochure is still available for download here.

Stay tuned for more news and updates from the Le Chardon team!

Ne’er cast a cloot till May be oot even in Val d’Isere!

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“Ne’er cast a cloot till May be oot!” is an old saying referring to the May blossom. Although my granny seemed to refer to the month of May itself, showing frowns and mumbling health warnings to any of us if we dared try removing our semmit (vest) before the end of May – even on a warm day!

However, it’s a good reminder of how seasons change our way of life. May is a great indicator of this seasonal change – Scotland wakes up in March & April but comes into full bloom in May as summer warmth finally hits the flowers, trees and gardens.

Winter clothes are packed away and summer activities make an appearance and at Le Chardon and even in Val d’Isere itself everything snow related is quietly removed as we prepare for a summer of activities.

The chalets have had a little R & R and are ready to greet our new cycling, wellness and family guests.

Everything changes in the summer. Whilst our gourmet chefs cook up warming suppers to keep our winter guests in tip top condition, in summer our resident nutritionist Amanda Hamilton will be creating mouthwatering dishes that not only nourish but help detox and re-energise our summer guests.  Perfect food to eat outside on our lovely terraces.

Families who may have spent the winter wrapped up in the latest ski gear will now have a chance to bond once again in the Alps but in the sunshine as they mountain bike, hike, horse ride or go for gentle walks around Val d’Isere trails that are hidden under snow during the winter months.

But for cycling fans out there, we have even more exciting news. Alpine Rouleur is ready to exceed your expectations with a choice of 4 different cycling holidays. Kicking off with L’Iseran Etape week and then the Tour de France week – both of which will give riders the opportunity to see the Tour de France in action.

Following hot on the wheels (excuse the pun) there will then be the Classic Cols cycling week on the 21st July with 3 days spent in our chalets and three days ‘on tour’ for the more leisurely cyclists looking to build fitness and enjoy the mountains.

And finally, for the serious cyclists amongst you, Alpine Rouleur are offering Alpine Epic cycling holidays on the weeks of the 21st and 28th July. This is serious cycling with big climbing days and a route that takes in some of the finest cycling in the Alps.

Because Le Chardon is hosting, rest assured everything will be topped off with excellent facilities, 5 star accommodation & dining and the attention to detail you have come to expect.

Fête de la Transhumance: Tradition in Val d’Isere

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A huge part of the appeal for many visitors to Val d’Isere is its inherently contradictory nature. When in season, the commune has much in common with most major ski resorts, offering a varied night life playing host to countless international guests, many of whom arrive armed with the latest equipment and technology.

However, in spite of all its dynamic goings on, a sense of history nevertheless pervades the area. This could be attributed to the to the surrounding mountains steeped in history. Yet it’s not just their age, so much as the way that they envelop and form a barrier between us and the rest of the world that brings this history to life.

However much we insist on equipping ourselves with all the latest communication devices, Val d’Isere always feels far removed from the rest of civilisation, at once modern yet unspoiled. Continue reading “Fête de la Transhumance: Tradition in Val d’Isere” »

Ski apps to play with before your next ski holiday

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In our last blog entry, we wrote about the holiday industry’s never ending commitment to ensuring the safety of its guests and concluded that, while health and safety is one of our top priorities, those who enjoy the mountains ultimately have a personal responsibility to look out for themselves and their companions.

This is where innovations such as the new iSis app come in. Continue reading “Ski apps to play with before your next ski holiday” »

Health, safety and learning from tragedy

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When guests come out to the Alps, they are usually alert to the dangers that can be involved in skiing, snowboarding and walking in the French Alps.  The mountain range is obviously immense, harsh and unforgiving in its natural state, but we, along with other tour companies and event organisers invest a great deal of time, energy and resources into ensuring that the resorts and tourist spots are as safe as possible for our guests and clients. It’s usually when people stray from designated runs or attempt activities beyond their level of skill that injuries and even fatalities occur.

Continue reading “Health, safety and learning from tragedy” »

Language schools: Spending interseason in the Alps

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The avalanche that recently brought the Espace Killy to a standstill may have suggested an excess of snow in the region, but it’s been melting rapidly and so the ski season has officially come to an end. Le Chardon has reluctantly bid farewell to its clients although this year, during the summer months we have Amanda Hamilton’s exciting new range of ActiveSpa holidays to keep us busy until we open our doors again in December.

The coming months will be quieter than we’re used to, and will certainly require some adjustment on our part, but we’re all glad for the period of relative rest about to be entered into. However, enough about us. In six weeks or so the Alps will play host to hordes of mountain climbing enthusiasts so the time between now will serve as a one of reflection and preparation for most residents and business owners. Continue reading “Language schools: Spending interseason in the Alps” »

Climate change in the Alps

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Visit anywhere in the French Alps and you’ll be struck by the sense of freedom that they impart upon residents and guests. The pure white snow that coats the area’s hills and mountains serves as a blank canvas onto which all manner of excitement, adventure and fantasy can be projected. Whatever one wants to do with their time here, be it performing athletic feats unencumbered, experiencing a spiritual awakening or simply taking in the vibrant social scene, the landscape offers a sense of unlimited possibility. Continue reading “Climate change in the Alps” »

Summer in Val d’Isere with Le Chardon Mountain Lodges and Amanda Hamilton

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Le Chardon Mountain Lodges and TV nutritionist and author Amanda Hamilton launch ActivSPA in Val d’Isere

ActiveSPA, a combination of Fit ‘n’ Fast retreats, Alpine Detox and Yoga and ActivFamily holidays, all from the stunning location of Le Chardon Mountain Lodges in Val d’Isere, France. 

Leading UK nutritionist, TV health expert and best-selling author Amanda Hamilton has launched an exciting new ActivSPA wellness holiday programme this summer in the iconic mountain resort of Val d’Isere in the French Alps offering mountain detox, yoga, walking and ‘ActivFamily’ holidays during July and August.

Based at the 5* Le Chardon Mountain Lodges in Val d’Isere, Amanda will be leading the delivery of her retreats personally with a team of experienced and professional therapists. Under the name ActivSPA, the wellness holidays include Alpine Fit ‘n’ Fast Retreats, Alpine Detox & Yoga Retreats and ActivFamily holidays.

“Over the past ten years I have held health retreats in the Alps, some of them shown on my TV series,  and 5* Le Chardon Mountain Lodges in Val d’Isere is the place where we have decided to base our ActivSPA Programme this summer – it is the perfect venue for all that we are doing” commented Amanda Hamilton.

ActiveSPA will offer guests three different retreat types this summer:  ActivSPA Fast ‘n’ Fit Retreats, will offers guests a chance to shape up, tone up and invigorate themselves with a luxury programme of activities, workshops and delicious food.   ActivSPA Mountain Detox and Yoga, offers a stimulating week of cleansing foods and juices, yoga in mountain meadows and a range of activities ranging from luxuriating in the sun or spa, to hill walking and cycling in the surrounding mountains.

The Bespoke ActivFamily weeks include a range of activities such as hiking, cycling and glacier skiing alongside wellness and nutrition therapies and consultations.  The teens, kids and toddlers will also be kept active in stimulating activity clubs which offer a massive range of outdoor activities – all with 5* accommodation, food and concierge support.

Amanda Hamilton’s ActivSPA programme joins her husband’s AlpineRouleur cycling tour company also working from Le Chardon, Val d’Isere.  The AlpineRouleur program offers  5* accommodation and cycling weeks, including L’Iseran Etape week, Tour de France week, and Classic Cols weeks throughout the summer.  Participants in the AlpineRouleur cycling weeks will also benefit from Amanda’s activities, including yoga, nutritional workshops, and specially constructed nutritional meals.

ActivSPA Alpine Fast ‘n’ Fit Retreats

Want the body benefits of fasting while enjoying fantastic food? Then this is your retreat!   Join Amanda and her experienced team this year in the comforts of Chalet Le Chardon for a deliciously healthy week based on the year’s hottest health topic, 5:2 fasting and HIIT (high intensity interval training) as currently featured in Amanda’s book Eat, Fast, Slim.

The Fast ‘n Fit package includes daily yoga, high intensity interval training and a daily outdoor activity.  All breaks include 2 x 500 calorie fasting days taken either as juices or light meals.

 “The recent popularity of the 5:2 fast has really helped people understand my holidays better – and prove the amazing benefits of fasting for health, weight loss and shape change.  Simply put, the body burns more fat in a fasted state. Expect to come back from a Nourish holiday looking and feeling amazing” Amanda Hamilton.

Dates: July 7th -14th inclusive
Prices: from £1,295 per person, sharing, en suite

ActivSPA Mountain Detox and Yoga Week

If you are in need of a bit more rest and relaxation, then the Mountain Detox and Yoga Week is a perfect all-round wellbeing holiday that takes in yoga, gentle hikes, spa treatments and delicious healthy food.   Led by Amanda herself the package includes a nutrition consultation, development of your own personal detox plan and daily workshops.

The menus are based on the French paradox of eating and drinking delicious food yet staying enviably slim! The package includes the chance to try out a juice detox day and take part in weekly healthy cooking workshops.

Dates: 14th – 21st July;  28th July – 4th August
Prices: from £1,295 per person, sharing, en suite

ActivFamily Weeks

Throughout July and August our ActivFamily Holidays offer guests a bespoke holiday combining all their favourite outdoor activities in the beautiful surroundings of Val d’Isere and the Vanoise National Park.  Designed especially with adults, teens, kids and toddlers in mind, our dedicated concierge team will happily talk you through everything that is available to keep you busy.

Whether it be white water rafting, horse riding, tennis, archery, mountain biking, hiking or cheering on mum in the adventure park, we have it covered!

This summer, we are also delighted to offer all guests a “carte decouverte” which gives unlimited access to the Val d’Isere lift system and the stunning Aquasportif centre and wellness spa, a half day guided hike by an experienced mountain guide and 2 free activities including archery and golf.

Dates:  July 7th to August 25th
Prices: from £1,795 per adult, sharing, en suite

About Le Chardon Mountain Lodges, Val d’Isere

Family owned and operated since 1992, Le Chardon Mountain Lodges in Val d’Isere is a venue known as one of the most exclusive in the Alps yet one that still offers that home from home appeal.  Le Chardon comprises five luxury chalets which are situated in a private enclave overlooking the Vanoise National Park and Val d’Isere, a view that many call “the best in the Alps”.

More Details:  www.lechardonvaldisere.com

About Amanda Hamilton

Amanda Hamilton, 38, is a health expert and nutritionist who regularly features on television and radio, most recently as This Morning’s resident nutritionist. She is a well-respected author and regularly contributes to national titles and is a member of the Guild of Health Writers. Best known by many in the health industry as the founder and director of a well-known and respected retreat company, her work has led to specialisations in the field of detoxification and weight loss. She is a Senior Associate of the Royal Society of Medicine. Her new book on fasting, called Eat, Fast, Slim was released in April 2013 and is due for release in the US in Jan 2014.

More Details: www.amandahamilton.co.uk

For more information

For more information on Le Chardon Mountain Lodges, the ActiveSPA  summer program and Amanda Hamilton please contact the Le Chardon Mountain Lodges sales team on 0131 209 7969 or email us on info@lechardonvaldisere.com.

More details on ActiveSPA and the packages available for Summer2013 can be found here.

End of season events in Val d’Isere

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valdisere skiingWe at Le Chardon hate saying goodbye almost as much as our guests regret having to end their stays with us. Make no mistake, we take great satisfaction in bidding visitors farewell safe in the knowledge that their break has brought them a wealth of memorable experiences and respite from the hectic pace and minutiae of their day-to-day lives.

It is, however, somewhat bittersweet parting with guests, most of whom we work with closely in order to ensure that their stay is as comfortable, relaxing and convenient as possible. Gone is the sense of expectation, excitement and possibility displayed as they arrived, replaced by dignified resignation at having to return to normality. It’s unfortunate for us that the more successfully we have done our jobs, the stronger these sentiments can be.

We like nothing more than to see people happy and it’s for this reason that we welcome and dread the end of the ski season in equal measure. There are surely few places on Earth as dynamic and full of life as the Espace Killy in April. In a previous blog entry, we made special mention of the Après-ski scene that reaches its annual zenith during this time, but the area has more to offer than even some of the most notoriously uninhibited parties in all of Europe.

Put simply, Spring’s combination of golden, sustained sunlight and fresh snow is so dazzling that it one can’t fail to be inspired by it. No artificial stimulants are required for an energizing, unforgettable time in such a climate and many are happy to limit their participation in Après-ski in favour of more subdued and reflective experiences.

For those interested in chilled out fun, dropping by the Foustock music festival is the perfect activity. Running from the 19th to the 21st of Apri, the event is held in Le Salon du Fous, a welcoming spot located in the heart of Val d’Isere and renowned for its fortnightly concerts. To cap the ski season off, a top bill has been assembled featuring the likes of atmospheric pop-rockers Sugar Girl and a lively troupe of gypsy jazz artists. It’s truly rare that one gets the chance to enjoy world class musicians playing against such a stunning backdrop and so this is certain to be a popular event.

 Elsewhere during the month, Val d’Isere’s long running series of daily football tournaments draw ever closer to their conclusion. Having kicked off on the 1st of February, entrants have until the 31st of May to show off their skills as teams of four engage in battle over a series of short games.

That these are played on snow results in some brilliantly unpredictable action as winter and summer sports collide!

With the usual host of eclectic activities on offer, perhaps the most essential is to simply take the local air in as one soaks up Val d’Isere’s unique magic. Between 6-7:30pm every Thursday until the 2nd of May, Airstar Night Light has made this possible like never before, transforming the village into a pedestrianised zone alight in a multitude of colours. With hot chocolate and vin chaud available, what more could one ask for? You’d have to be made of pretty strong stuff not to miss this when it’s all over.

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  • valdinet.com
  • boxofficefootball.com

How great skis can impact skiing performance

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Skiing fastWhenever the end of the ski season draws near, people of all nationalities make their way to Val d’Isere, eager to enjoy the area’s assets while they still can. Many of these individuals are seasoned ski veterans, perhaps having even acquainted themselves with our slopes in the preceding five months. Others are simply novices intent on experiencing the pleasures of winter sports while the window of opportunity remains open to them. Often furnished with all the latest equipment, most take to the snow with aplomb, conducting themselves safely on runs that match their levels of skill and experience. It has to be said, however, that a surprising number of visitors fail to fully comprehend the effect that the type of skis used can have on one’s performance and enjoyment.

As their name suggests, allround skis are the most versatile ski type and it’s no coincidence that they are far and away the most common on the market and on display at Val d’Isere. They are of medium length, width and stiffness, and can adapt to use in most skiing styles. It can be argued that, due to their lack of thrills, they allow the wearer to showcase their skills in their purest forms. The dimensions and properties of skis are responsible for their characteristics and, when straying from the allround’s conservative simplicity, one encounters more specialist fare.

Shorter skis, for instance, can be suitable for both beginners and Slalom racers depending on their stiffness. While a stiff ski benefits the latter by cutting through the snow as it aggressively builds momentum, flexibility allows beginners to recover from mistakes with greater ease. In both cases, the skis’ shortness allows for ease of movement and turning. In contrast to them, powder skis designed for off-piste skiing value width and length as a means of distributing weight across a large base. Once they pick up enough speed, this enables them to float above soft layers of unpredictable and unmaintained snow. Giant slalom skis and downhill skis (these can be dangerous in the wrong hands and so are generally commercially unavailable) are the longest by far, designed to pick up maximum speed and handle sharp turns. The most unconventional are freestyle skis, the twintips and flexibility of which allow brave wearers to ski backwards!

While the skis one uses should always be determined by their practicality, this is not to say that style shouldn’t come into consideration. The following, all top brands, are some of our favourite models spotted this season.

Salomon Rocker2 90

Salomon rocker 90 skisAn all mountain ski in every sense, Salomon’s Rocker2 90 is the pinnacle of skiing comfort. A playful ski recommended for those seeking leisurely routes down the slopes.

Wagner Custom 100

Like most Wagners, the custom 100 is an expensive model, yet its price is wholly justified. It’s been deemed “suitable for anyone, anywhere” and rightly praised for its ease of use. Quite simply, it’s custom-made perfection.

Blizzard Cochise

Capable of reaching jaw dropping speeds, the Cochise is aimed at strong, serious skiers. Thankfully, it doesn’t throw users in at the deep end, its rocker allowing for a smooth initiation.

K2 SideSeth

This new pro model from Seth Morrison is an incredibly versatile proposition, suitable for all terrain. Whether going slow or fast, its lighter construction, makes for a smooth descent.

Nordica El Paco

Supremely flexible and with an early rise built in to the tip, these skis were this season’s ultimate playthings.

Image credits:
valdisere-snowberry.com
icesi.org