Posts Tagged ‘family ski holidays’
Monday, November 7th, 2011
When you want to go skiing, the time of year depends on what you want and how much you would like to pay.
Prior To Christmas
The slopes are vacant and costs are lower. Val d’Isere cannot ever completely guarantee great snowfall, however, the snow has been wonderful for the previous two years. The World Cup circuit is assured, though – here you will find men’s races on the Face in the middle of December.
Christmas
Enjoy a white Christmas with your family which the majority of British children simply dream about. You take the gifts, and a tree is provided to place them around. Enjoy the mulled wine, mince pies, Christmas puddings, turkey and log fire that goes to make up the festive atmosphere. The slopes tend to be remarkably uncrowded at Christmas, yet prices are about 25% less expensive compared to the next seven days in the run-up to New Year.
New Year
This is a fantastic period to ski, just make sure that you go somewhere with sufficient pistes and lifts to deal with the crowds as everywhere is relatively busy. Val d’Isere has a huge ski area as well as 16 lifts from the foot of the valley. Revellers enjoy the partying on New Year’s Eve; skiers adore the vacant slopes several hours later.
January
It may be a bit colder compared to other months; however, January is normally the sunniest month of the winter season. It may snow every single day, so fresh snow is not a problem. The slopes tend to be less crowded at this time of year and this is when a Val d’Isere skiing holiday can be very enjoyable.
Original news source: yseski
Tags: christmas val d'isere, family ski holidays, French ski resorts, skiing val d'Isere france, val disere skiing, When to ski in Val Disere
Posted in Best ski resorts France, Best time of year to ski, christmas skiing, christmas val disere short break, easter skiing holiday, family ski holidays, French ski resorts, group ski holidays, New Year, Package deals Val D'Isere, Resort advice, Skiing advice, skiing france, skiing val disere, special offer valdisere christmas | No Comments »
Monday, October 31st, 2011
It has been revealed that the popular pastime of skiing is now more freely available to everyone than ever before, not restricted to the middle and upper class. With travel to French ski chalets easier and cheaper than it used to be, families, friends and couples are finding it far simpler to afford great breaks away. Whether individuals are simply enjoying the slopes for a long weekend, or indulging in a luxurious week or two, skiing is now open to all.
Staying in top resorts, buying all the required equipment and heading out to long days on the slopes used to be very expensive, putting such holidays far out of many people’s reach. However, with the rise of air travel and the Eurostar’s snow train, passage to top skiing regions such as Val D’isere has become far cheaper. In addition, with so many resorts and companies now catering towards wintersports holidays in French ski chalets, great deals can often be found.
Ski retreats are now seen as open to all, whether people are travelling on a romantic break, holidaying with their families, or are part of a group of friends going to indulge in a great trip away. Most resorts now cater towards families by providing kid’s clubs and even nanny services, allowing for parents to enjoy a few moments to themselves. Meanwhile, with chalet boys and girls offering breakfasts and dinners, it is easy for groups to enjoy a little bit of extra luxury whilst away. French ski chalets around Val D’isere are some of the best available, and the snowy slopes can now be enjoyed by everyone, regardless of their background.
Source: http://www.southwarknews.co.uk/news/00,news,24125,440,00.htm
Tags: easter skiing, family ski holidays, french ski chalet, French ski resorts, Package deals Val D'Isere, skiing val d'Isere france
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Tuesday, October 25th, 2011
Val D’isere and the surrounding area is about to receive a small makeover, offering new facilities to visitors. For luxury catered ski chalets, France is ideal, especially the area of Val D’isere. For those who have been to this area before, new services and attractions are to be welcomed.
It has emerged that the ski lift company STVI met with councillors last week to discuss an investment of approximately €51 million to redevelop certain aspects of the area. Offering great new facilities for winter seasons, the project includes plans to replace the current Solaise Express with new cable car operations.
Val D’isere village is also to get a small makeover, including both local improvements and better traffic networks. For enjoying luxury catered ski chalets, France offers a great variety of options, with Val D’isere being highly popular. As such, guest numbers to the region are high, with councillors wanting to offer the best possible holiday for visitors. Le Fornet’s central square is to get a new water fountain to add to the area’s attractions, whilst there are also plans to pedestrianise Laisinant during the winter months. Meanwhile, with the region very popular with families, there is also the possibility that a dedicated small children’s village area will be added to both Le Joseray and Rond Point des Pistes.
With a field meeting planned for the 2nd September, developments are yet to be set in stone. However, with the winter season looming, those travelling to this popular French ski area can expect a number of beneficial changes.
Source: http://www.valdinet.com/news-and-weather/val-d%27isere-to-get-a-mini-makeover.html
Tags: catered ski chalet, family ski holidays, French ski resorts, Val D'Isere ski lifts, Val Disere make over, val disere skiing
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Tuesday, October 11th, 2011
Anyone wanting the perfect chalet accommodation, Val d’Isere is the only place that should be in mind. With a variety of high end and luxurious options, families, couples and friends can find the perfect chalets in Val d’Isere for their needs. However, being one of France’s top skiing locations, Val d’Isere offers far more than luxury chalets.
Being one of the high altitude resorts, the skiing is fantastic and is the number one attraction for visitors. For those with a short schedule it is not unusual to see guests dumping their bags and running to the slopes because, with a range of fantastic pistes and off-piste routes, there is a huge variety to keep winter sports enthusiasts happy. Meanwhile, with a great number of pros in the area, taking a few lessons is a great way to spend a morning or so.
In addition to skiing and top accommodation, Val d’Isere offers great sightseeing and social attractions. The Alps are stunning and even those on the thrilling ride downhill should take time to look across the panoramic views. There are also great dining opportunities and trying fondue and raclette is a must. For those who want to party whilst they are in the Savoie region, Petit Danois, Dick’s Tea Bar, Pacific and Face are ideal locations to drink, dance and have a good night out.
With skiing in Val d’Isere the number one attraction it can be easy to forget that there is so much more to do. For travellers wanting a little bit of everything on top of great accommodation, Val d’Isere is the place to go.
Source: http://www.travelcontentonline.co.uk/5-reasons-to-leave-your-chalets-%E2%80%93-val-d%E2%80%99isere-awaits/
Tags: catered ski chalets val d'isere, family ski holidays, French ski chalets, French ski resorts, luxury catered chalets, luxury skiing france, skiing val d'Isere france, val disere skiing
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Tuesday, September 27th, 2011
A ski company in the UK has revealed that they are to offer ski safaris to the French Alps this winter. With Val d’Isere skiing one of the most sought after pastimes for the winter season, the tours will offer access to this area in addition to La Plagne, Meribel, Courchevel and Tignes.
Adventures in the Alps is a company that offers a range of skiing retreats for winter sports enthusiasts looking for their next thrilling ride. For the 2011/12 season, the company are offering the Big Ski Trip; a package that will allow guests to experience a maximum of ten resorts in just six days. Professional mountain guides will offer experienced knowledge of the regions slopes, whilst ski passes and restaurant bookings will be made in advance to offer visitors as little hassle as possible.
The Big Ski Trip is an ideal way for families and friends to travel to the fantastic French Alps where Val d’Isere skiing is renowned as being some of the best in the world. Both on and off-piste routes will be provided for skiers to indulge in, giving enthusiasts the best opportunity to revel in the glorious surroundings that Val d’Isere offers. Additional tea and cake afternoons, three course meals with wine, and indulging in saunas will make the holiday very attractive. For those holidaying between 22nd and 29th January or 4th and 11th March who want to explore Val d’Isere, the package from Adventures in the Alps could be ideal.
Source: http://www.travelbite.co.uk/travel-news/2011/09/07/new-ski-safari-holiday-in-the-alps
Tags: family ski holidays, package ski holiday, skiing val d'Isere france
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Tuesday, September 13th, 2011
Our chalets are starting to fill up with bookings for the 2011/12 season and it is lovely to see so many enjoying a family ski holiday together. After all, skiing is the perfect holiday for people of all ages to enjoy.
What other activity can everyone do together: mums as well as dads, daughters as well as sons? Or perhaps where parents are able to hand their children over to skilled experts, knowing that they will be happy and safe in trained instructor’s hands. Skiing is equally thrilling and healthy – an uncommon mix – and one does not need to be especially fit or sporty to take pleasure from it.
Our chalets in Val d’Isere tend to be more relaxing for families compared to hotels. Mums and dads hate to think their little ones are annoying fellow visitors and in self-catering apartments so much time is spent shopping and cooking and cleaning – none of which are particularly welcome after a days skiing.
Unsurprisingly, Val d’Isere is the perfect ski resort for families and we believe our catered ski chalets add to the whole experience. Val has great snow, short queues, nursery slopes that are broad and have free lifts, a village that is flat, regular buses that are free of charge, excellent ski schools, teachers who speak English and plenty of British children.
Nonetheless, despite a successful family ski holiday does require a certain amount of planning. Planned in the same manner an ascent of Everest! Again, this is where Le Chardon Mountain Lodges excel – we can organise your transportation from the airport, greet you all on arrival with refreshments and have your skis and boot hire brought to the chalet. We can also organise any lessons well in advance of your holiday as ski schools and private instructors can quickly get booked out. All in all , what make our holidays stand out is the ability to take the stress out of everything and leave you with the time to relax and enjoy each other’s company.
Tags: children skiing, family ski holidays, French ski resorts, luxury catered chalets, ski schools val disere
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Tuesday, August 2nd, 2011
When planning a family ski holiday over the Christmas and New Year period you have to plan ahead. There are the invites, the actual trip preparations along with everything to do with Christmas such as presents and family meals/entertainment. Here at Le Chardon Mountain Lodges, we take a lot of the stress out of the preparation through our planning service and the fact we can organise, on your behalf, almost anything you wish to do whilst in Val d’Isere.
The festive time of year within the wintry Alps is definitely enchanting and each year there is a special event in the ski resort to celebrate the occasion. Christmas is much less commercial in France compared to the United Kingdom, which means that you will not find Santa in the shops or hear “It’s Christmas Time” in October – however, you can invariably be certain of a cup of mulled wine, several carols as well as some fantastic fireworks – the occasion does not go unmarked.
Staying in catered ski chalets means you can plan with our chef in advance what your party would most like to eat and drink, but if choosing to eat out, most places will put on a Christmas menu with bubbly as well as standard French meals. Le Chardon can recommend and book beforehand on your behalf if you wish to treat yourself to dinner out. Similarly, planning in advance is recommended for those who really want to see in the New Year in a specific club or bar – most of them tend to be ticket only, so it is important to enquire beforehand to prevent disappointment!
The week prior to Christmas sees Val Thorens gleaming with festive cheer. The festive lights are up throughout the entire resort, the market is under way and Santa Claus himself might even appear. Christmas mass, music concerts as well as shows for children all add to the fun of your ski trip.
At midnight on New Year’s Eve tons of drunken revellers head down to the roundabout in the middle of the resort for the big countdown – not a recognised occasion as such, more of a long-held custom. When the clock strikes 12, champagne corks are popped and fireworks are set off in celebration.
Here’s the link to our chalet availability and pricing over the Christmas and New Year period. Call or email us if you would like to be kept up to date with offers and last minute cancellations deals.
Tags: catered ski chalets, christmas ski holidays, christmas val d'isere, family ski holidays, luxury ski holidays, valdisere
Posted in best christmas ski chalet, best christmas ski chalet france, best christmas ski chalet val disere, best new year ski chalet france, best new year ski chalet val disere, christmas skiing, christmas val disere short break, special offer valdisere christmas, val d'isere ski, valentine ski breaks | No Comments »
Monday, July 25th, 2011
In the Alps children are encouraged to ski from a young age and become proficient very quickly. Competing in races and events is commonplace amongst children in ski clubs and La Scara, established 35 years ago as an international alpine ski race for boys and girls aged between 12 and 15 years is one event many aspire to. It is held at the conclusion of the winter months.
In the past, it was a competition for the youngsters from Val d’Isere as well as other nearby ski clubs, however, more and more newcomers led to the coordinators looking at the format of the race, and enrolling the competition on the International calendar. La Scara is currently regarded in the world of skiing as a genuine “Children’s World Championship” and it is used today as a part of the selection procedure at national level.
The competition was originally opened to boys but in 1990 it allowed girls to compete, and runs over four days. French children need to qualify for the “International races” which in turn take place over the subsequent days.
In the past, the competition has drawn attention to 1,400 competitors; consisting of roughly 300 International skiers coming from 28 countries and 1,100 French skiers. The standard of skiing is extremely high and there are definitely several potential Winter Olympic candidates in the making!
For 30 years, the Val d’Isère skiing club has continued to use the name Scara, and these days it acts not only as a certification regarding racers potential selection at a countrywide as well as global level but it is additionally a part of the inner circle of the five key children’s international competitions including the Pokal Loka (Slovenia), Topolino and Pinocchio Cup (Italy), and the Whistler Cup (Canada).
Original news source: valdinet.com
Tags: family ski holidays, french children skiing, luxury ski holidays, ski championship valdisere, skiing for children, skiing france, val disere skiing
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Thursday, July 21st, 2011
Having operated in Val d’Isere for around 20 years now, Le Chardon Mountain Lodges is firmly integrated into the local ski community. However, we thought you may be interested in a few historical facts around the town which is now famous as a one of the best ski resorts in the Alps.
Val-d’Isère is situated in South-eastern France on the boundary of the Vanoise National Park, and is only three miles (five Kilometres) from the Italian border (when you buy a ski pass ask for a Val / Tignes pass as the locals do). Many alpine ski events were held here during the 1992 Winter Olympics including the men’s giant slalom as well as the alpine mixed. Part of the town was restructured especially for these winter games. Val-d’Isère also played host to the FIS Alpine World Ski Championships in 2009.
The central and western parts of Val-d’Isère are mostly identifiable by their “chalet” structures, offering holiday ski accommodation, whilst the eastern area of the town houses high buildings that dominate the scenery. Together with nearby Tignes the region makes up part of the “’Espace Killy,” the self-titled “Most Beautiful Ski Area in the World.”
The Pissaillas Glacier provides good summer skiing giving the illusion of typical winter fare but without the harsh winds found on the Glacier during the coldest spell of winter. Snow cannons are put on particular slopes to support heavy skiing during the peak season, so ski conditions are almost always perfect. High capacity lifts offer great accessibility from the valley and there is no shortage of fast chairs higher up. However, there are still several slow chairs as well as draglifts available that suit beginners and children and the Olympic Gondolla is a great way to get to the top of the mountain ski range and into Tranquil. There are brushed slopes to be found and also backcountry (off-piste) skiing, with plenty of powder. The slopes’ difficulty level is especially high. Nevertheless, as in Tignes, there are many good, simple motorway pistes to enjoy.
Val d’Isère skiing first began in the 1930’s after a drag lift was constructed on the slopes of the Solaise. This was then followed by a cable car and is now a a plethora of chair lifts, gondollas and toe-ropes which cover the resort and enable skiers of all ability to to enjoy the mountains from October through to April. We’re all excited about the 2011/12 season and hope you can join us out there.
Tags: children skiing, family ski holidays, French ski resorts, luxury ski holidays, ski resorts, skiing val d'Isere france, skiing val disere, val disere skiing, valdisere skiing
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Monday, July 18th, 2011
Following on from our update in June, we have some further news on the exciting La Becca. La Becca, which is a restaurant situated in Val d’isère has formally become a member of France’s Michelin Star institutions. Antony Tempesta who is a young chef at La Becca, has just gained his very first star from the well-known culinary information book.
This particular acknowledgement arises from many years of hard work and discipline, as well as self-criticism. Over time, Antony has been successful in creating a typical culinary character, rooted within the French Alps. He concentrates on using products that are locally sourced and also aims to make regional flavours sublime. Whatever the ingredients of the day are, each and every meal includes a particular mountain influence. The products that he uses originate from small suppliers that are nearby; therefore, everything that is delivered on a daily basis is fresh, including the Lake Geneva char and the Savole chestnuts.
La Becca is due to undergo a handful of modifications, with the new classification.
“We’re planning to do some works in the restaurant, especially on the decoration” the young chef said. He added “We’re going to make the interior more comfortable and renovate the terrace.” For now, however, there are no price adjustments planned.
There are fixed price menus that are available for €33.90-€95 and these include a number of treats.
Even if your Val d’isere skiing holiday is in a fully catered ski chalet, you may also want to spend one night out in the town and this is a great restaurant for those who appreciate fine dining?
Original news source: onthesnow.co.uk
Tags: catered ski chalet, dining in val disere, family ski holidays, ski chalets val d'isere
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