Archive for the ‘french ski chalet’ Category

We Recommend a Ski Retreat this Winter

Wednesday, November 23rd, 2011

snow covered house valdisere franceA ski retreat is an experience that everyone should try at least once in their lifetime. Winter holidays are the ideal time to get away and relax and enjoy the pure fresh air. Withour beautiful chalets in Val d’Isere offering ideal accommodation for guests to enjoy this winter is going to be the ideal time to try the Espace Killy region.

Whether you have never taken to the slopes before or are enthusiasts who explore slopes around the world each year, this winter is the ideal time to getaway. British meteorologists are forecasting snow in the UK early and we could all all be in for a long, cold season lasting through to April. However, by heading to a mountain resort which is geared up for winter activities, holidaymakers can actually turn the bad weather to their advantage, making heavy snow and glistening ice the key ingredients for a perfect and inspirational holiday.

There are a huge number of reasons to visit Val d’Isere. Gentle, quiet chair lifts provide the ideal opportunity to soak up the atmosphere before heading down a thrilling mountain run, whilst a huge variety of winter and après ski activities mean that, even for novices and those not necessarily keen on spending all day, every day on the mountain, there is plenty to do in the ski resort.

Our chalets in Val d’Isere are the ideal option for those wanting to get away from it all, we go out of our way to ensure your time in Val d’isere is spent relaxing, enjoying the atmosphere and most importantly catching up with friends and family – enough to take your mind of the worst any British winter can throw at you.

Phone us for a quote on our chalets, how we can offer you the best skiing holiday you have ever experienced now on 0131 209 2969

The beauty of Val d’Isere

Friday, September 9th, 2011

Val d’Isere is renowned for its skiing and Le Chardon Mountain Lodges has been an established provider of ski accommodation in the resort for the past 20 years, yet familiarity makes it easy to forget what a beautiful place this is and how Val came to find itself as one of the premier skiing resorts in France.

Originally a small farming village, Val d’Isere grew into a contemporary alpine resort whilst managing to keep its village feel and sense of tradition. Life within Val d’Isere centred around the church in the village square and this church continues to be an integral part of the town life and activity. The Old Town is without doubt the most attractive part of the resort, with quaint, aged, stone houses that line small snow-crammed roads. A particular Savoyard lifestyle is exemplified within these conventional stone and wooden homes.

This ski resort has traditionally been very popular with the French and British although the Russians and Americans have also found Val attractive in recent years due to its abundance of great boarding and skiing. There are more than 300km of marked piste runs as well as limitless off-piste skiing in the Espace Killy region, which makes it a perfect place for boarders and skiers of every ability to satisfy them. Together with its adjoining resort of Tignes, the Espace Killy region is devoted to every aspect of skiing – make sure you buy a Val / Tignes pass to make use of all the runs during your holiday.

Because of its location against the mountains of the Italian border, Val d’Isere’s record of snowfall is outstanding. It frequently acquires heavy snowfalls from the Mediterranean low pressures that deposit their snow on the Italian Alps. The snowfall coverage is amongst the best in Europe and conditions usually allow great Val d’Isere skiing right up until the end of the season aided by Val disere’s own snow canyons and piste management.

Le Chardon Mountain Lodges has specialised in 5 star catered accommodation to match this luxurious ski resort with chalets that will make your skiing holiday truly memorable. Call us on for more information on 0844 0920350 and find out what we can do for you, your family or company.

Spotlight on our largest chalet – Le Chardon

Monday, August 29th, 2011

Le Chardon is without a doubt one of the most appealing and unique ski chalets within Val d’Isere. Situated neatly to the side of the Solaise Mountain, Le Chardon is a destination for enthusiastic skiers and snowboarders of all capabilities. Its entire ten en-suite bedrooms offer ground to roof windows supplying continuous sights of the Vanoise National Park as well as the Manchet Valley.

Along with two individual living areas, big television room, dining area and study room, Le Chardon is the perfect chalet for bigger groups as well as business parties to take in the enchanting atmosphere. The big private terrace is an excellent place to have fantastic barbecues whilst, in the correct conditions, drinks are offered from a handmade snow bar. Le Chardon offers an ideal way to combine business and pleasure.

Following a busy day on the slopes, elect to unwind in one of the two personal hot tubs whilst enjoying a glass of bubbly or, for those who are more lively, a splash about in the swim spa. On the other hand you might decide to enjoy a complete body massage from a recommended professional physiotherapist or to relax in front of the open log fire whilst reading a great book. After unwinding, enjoy a five-course gourmet experience from a commended head chef, served in the recently extended dining area that overlooks the Manchet Valley.

Le Chardon has many features including dinner and lunch for children, a huge choice of wines, luxurious bath items and toiletries, fresh flowers and a chauffer service.

2011/2012 Season Bookings

Monday, June 13th, 2011

Val d’Isere and Le Chardon Mountain Lodges are preparing for the 2011/12 Winter sports season!

We have a superb Split Week offer. For those who wish to book a chalet room rather than a full chalet during low season dates we are offering a week’s luxury stay for two people sharing a room for £1,250.

The chalets are also available for large family, friends or corporate groups who wish to book all five chalets exclusively for a week. Located next to each other in a private hamlet next to the slopes they are ideal for exclusive stays.

Our bookings are picking up and the peak ski weeks are already in demand so we recommend you book your chalet now to secure the Early Booking Discount and the dates you want.

French Ski Chalets Val d’Isere – Bring on the Olympics 2018

Saturday, May 14th, 2011

With the three Winter Olympics 2018 contenders – Annecy, Munich and Pyeongchang in Korea – all presenting strong bids, it’s not yet a done deal. Munich has presented the strongest case for a carbon-neutral event with its emphasis on environmental sustainability, yet Annecy has the strongest technical merit according to some analysts. Meanwhile, Pyeonghang is once again resubmitting its bid – possibly third time lucky?

If Annecy is the winner when the final decision is reached on 6 July, the resulting media spotlight will be an excellent boost for the entire Savoie region. Already famous for its internationally renowned skiing in Val d’Isere, Chamonix and Les Trois Vallees, the increased publicity will highlight the ambience and culture which so many skiers have come to know and love. Indeed, for many French ski chalets, including Le Chardon, a large proportion of  bookings are repeat customers, who feel that their experience simply cannot be bettered.

We look forward to the announcement in July – vive La France!

End of Season at Val d’Isere

Friday, April 29th, 2011

Thanks to the phenomenal efforts of the piste maintenance teams in Val, we’ve all had a great season. High temperatures and the lowest snowfall for 40 years presented mighty challenges but skiers enjoyed groomed pistes and brilliant skiing right up to the end! Skiers from other resorts arrived in Val by the coach-load to take advantage of the better conditions.

Off piste it’s been a different story with a greater risk of avalanches than usual, and skiers urged to check avalanche reports and heed warnings before setting out.

All in all our French ski chalets have hosted a lively and memorable season for our guests. We look forward to seeing you in the winter of 2011/12.

Influx of Skiers as Temperature Soars

Sunday, April 17th, 2011

Possibly the warmest season since records began, the big thaw has hit lower-altitude resorts hard. The last few weeks have seen bus-loads of ski refugees arriving into Val, desperate for some high-quality skiing. Val d’Isere, with its famous Grande Motte glacier, has been happy to oblige, providing excellent conditions higher up for all levels of ability.

We’re proud of the fact that the official end of season date is 1 May, weeks later than most other European resorts. The end of season concerts will be held on 26th, 28th and 29th April from 5 pm in the village square, to ensure the season goes out with a bang!  You can now book a room in one of our unique French ski chalets on an individual basis, as for the end of season we operate some of our chalets as boutique hotels. Hope to see you there.

Off-Piste Skiing – Minimise the Risk

Tuesday, April 5th, 2011

It’s fair to say that most off-piste ski trips pass by without any incident, but when something does go wrong it’s naturally big news. As you may know, avalanches have sadly claimed several lives this season in Val d’Isere. This raises the question of whether it’s really worth risking your life for thrills and spills, and also whether it’s ever possible to accurately predict the level of danger.

Awareness of avalanche safety training is on the rise, and everyone should take sensible precautions. Basic advice such as never going alone, using a highly experienced off-piste instructor, and taking avalanche safety equipment is common sense. Studying the snow reports, avalanche bulletins and forecasts, particularly temperature fluctuations, are also crucial. Some companies and ski schools specialise in off-piste skiing and avalanche safety training and these are helpful to enhance your knowledge and confidence.

Ultimately each group makes their own decisions with, hopefully, all the information at hand and under the guidance of an expert. There are some wonderful off-piste routes on Espace Killy and you can have some incredible and exhilarating times.

If you’d like to find out more when planning your French ski chalet holiday, this recent Telegraph article outlines essential ski safety tips for an off-piste adventure. Henry’s Avalanche Talk is also a reputable source for gaining more experience and skills off-piste.

Skiing and Wine in Val d’Isere

Monday, February 21st, 2011

Please don’t be tempted to try skiing and drinking wine at the same time, but when you’re not on the slopes, why not look into some of the surprisingly good vintages produced in the Val d’Isere area.

The perfect partner to the delicious local cuisine, the wines range from dry and fruity whites, which account for around 70% of production, to full-bodied, oak-aged reds. You will find some of the choicest wines of the French Alps at your  chalet, along with a selection of the best wines from other parts of the world.

Your luxury ski chalet is the perfect place to return to after a tour and tasting at one of the local  wine  producers.

A votre sante!

February Half Term in Val d’Isere

Friday, February 11th, 2011

Why not take advantage of the kids being off school and jet off to the French Alps. Val d’Isere is still enjoying great conditions on the 300km of ‘Espace Killy’ piste as well as fantastic February blue skies.

If the stress of everyday life and the winter blues have been getting you down, how about a week of luxury in our Le Chardon Chalet? With ten en-suite bedrooms, two hot tubs and an 18ft swim spa it’s the ideal chalet in which to revitalise those aching muscles after a hard core day on the slopes.

Or if fine food and social evenings are more your thing, relax over champagne and canapés, gourmet 5 course evening meals and an open bar with a selection of fine wines, spirits, beers and soft drinks

See our Val d’Isere special offers for further details of our great deals for February and March