Archive for January, 2010

Half-Term Skiing in Val d’Isere

Friday, January 15th, 2010

So, why book a ski holiday in France when the UK has seen the heaviest snowfall since records began?  The Scottish ski resorts are reporting their busiest season ever, with excellent skiing conditions for all levels.

Well, this is exactly the reason why you should still consider going further afield for your annual powder fix.  British skiing is wonderful when you can get it, but the travel time for many of us means that skiing abroad is a more convenient option.  If you then have to queue endlessly for the lifts, the restaurant, it quickly loses its appeal.

A resort such as Val d’Isere is geared up for a massive influx of visitors every year, with over 300 km of pistes and a combination of cable cars, funicular, chair lifts and tows totalling over 100 lifts which serve 135 runs.  Even at the height of the season, queues are virtually non-existent as there are over 78,000 rides per hour to whisk you up the slopes.  Add to this the bluebird days and spectacular scenery, and you’ll be in ski heaven.

If you want to be truly pampered, look at our selection of luxury catered ski chalets for a unique and memorable experience.  The winning combination of luxurious yet welcoming surroundings, fine cuisine prepared to your tastes, hot tubs and ski in, ski out access is unforgettable.  For families, we can arrange nanny services in addition to our experienced and welcoming chalet staff and concierge service.  The resort itself has excellent creche facilities and ski tuition for all levels.

For children, there are endless activities to choose from. Every Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday from 5pm, they can ‘airboard’ – 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.

So, how do you get there?  Val d’Isere travel options include flights to Grenoble, Geneva, Chambery or Lyon from many UK airports.  If you prefer to let the train take the strain, the nearest station, Bourg St Maurice, is only a 20 minute taxi ride from Val d’Isere.

Le Chardon Mountain Lodges

Family Ski Holidays

HAPPY NEW YEAR 2010 FROM VAL D’ISERE

Monday, January 11th, 2010

Val d’Isere has enjoyed an action-packed start to the season, with the Criterium de la Premiere Neige tournament just before Christmas, and the Army Ski Championships last week.  Of course, one of the highlights for countless visitors at this time of year is the New Year celebrations.

Whilst the weather hadn’t been behaving in the last few days of 2009, on New Year’s Eve itself the sky was clear with a beautiful full moon.  The slopes were bathed in brilliant moonlight, whilst hundreds of sky lanterns and searchlights shining on Le Face added more magic to the scene.  Hosts of revellers gathered at the roundabout for the countdown to the bells, and at the last stroke there was of course general mayhem and good cheer with some very loud bangers to mark the occasion.

On New Year’s Day all the resort’s 150 ski instructors gathered together to put on a wonderful ‘Snow Show 2010’ which featured music and live entertainment, a  torchlit descent down Le Face, and a spectacular fireworks display, not forgetting the ready supplies of mulled wine to keep the party atmosphere going.

An extra-special addition to the resort this year is the new Sports and Leisure Centre, which only opened on 20th December.  Boasting  a huge swimming pool, spa area, climbing wall, squash courts and gym, this is one of the biggest investments Val d’Isere has every made as a resort, and a great place to go if skiing conditions are not perfect or you fancy a change of scene.
There has been lots of new snow in the past few days and we’ve had some amazingly clear blue skies, perfect skiing conditions.  Off-piste is fantastic at the moment too, but make sure you arrange to go with an experienced guide and check for avalanche warnings before you set off.

Le Chardon Mountain Lodges

Luxury catered ski chalets