The French Alps Ski Season 2012/13: Forecasting Bliss!

Posted on September 18, 2012 by Valdisere Chalets

The Val d’Isere Winter Ski Season kicks off on the glorious 1st December 2012 until the 5th May 2013.

As many of Le Chardon’s regulars will know by now, there is something for everyone in the best French Alps resort of Val d’Isere.

If you are, or are in a relationship with, an extreme skier seeking the ultimate ski experience … or perhaps a young, time-precious family looking for a cozy mountain retreat, Val d’Isere specialises in glamour, adrenaline, luxury and relaxation.

Young or old, skier or apres skier, celebrity or royal, Val d’Isere is the top of the pops for quality runs, great night life and luxurious ski accommodation.

What’s more, if celebrity-bagging is your thing, then celebrity shoulder-rubbing will not be in short supply during the winter ski season of Val d’Isere 2012/13.

In fact, according to Le Chardon HQ’s Celeb-skidar (celebrity ski radar, sorry!), the word on the street is that this winter ski season in Val d’Isere is forecast to be particularly memorable.

Val d’Isere Ski Season Royalty

Le tout royalty of Great Britain seems to have passed through the slopes of Val d’Isere at one point or another.

The younger Princes William (pre-marriage) and Harry would often shake loose from the cloisters of their father, Prince Charles at Klosters and enjoy some fun in the notorious Val d’Isere nightclubs.

Even Princess Beatrice has been known to cut a fine figure on the slopes.

French Alps Pop and Hollywood Aristocracy in Val d’Isere

With its fabulous mix of glamour and luxury, Val d’Isere plays host to the world’s top stars of the international stage and screen.

Kate Moss, Bono, Victoria Beckham, Hugh Grant, Jemima Goldsmith and Robbie Williams to name-drop just a few.

Not to mention Cameron Diaz, Colin Jackson, Steve Coogan, Rob Bryden, David Suchet, Richard Branson Gary Barlow and the late Alexander McQueen. They have all found solace, camaraderie, good cheer and high spirits amongst friends old and new in the

wonderful French Alps.

There are bound to be tonnes more. Can you think of any? There must be loads who have come over the last 60 years. Do you have any photos you could share?

As usual, our staff are sworn to secrecy about the Who’s Who of visitors at Le Chardon. Exclusivity, luxury, privacy and attention to detail are just some of the reasons why our valued clients come back year after year.

Exclusive September 20% Special Offer at Le Chardon

What’s more, if you are thinking about taking a luxury ski holiday in the prestigious French Alps, the best time to book is most definitely now.

During the pre-season period, we have an exclusive deal for our loyal blog readers.

With a scattering of snow across the Alps this weekend there was a buzz of excitement about the forthcoming winter and thoughts turned to ski holidays and if we were going to receive that same bumper snow year like last winter.

With this in mind we thought it was about time that we brought you some great deals on luxury ski holidays in the French Alps.

So, for the month of September, we are offering 20% discount on the following luxury chalets for sole occupancy bookings on the following dates, 27th Jan, 3rd Feb, and the 14th April.

Chalet Le Chardon Val d’Isere : sleeps 20
Chalet Lafitenia Val d’Isere : sleeps 12
Chalet Mistral Val d’Isere : sleeps 14
Chalet Bergerie Val d’Isere : sleeps 11
Chalet Kilimanjaro Val d’Isere : sleeps 8

If you are looking for a delightful mix of glamour and cosy mountain comfort, Le Chardon Mountain Lodges can arrange everything to suit your heart’s desire.

If you would like to enquire about any of our luxury chalets, then please contact our bookings team … or call us on … to discuss further details.

Your Turn

Do stay in contact with this blog by becoming a subscriber. That way, every time a new blog post is published, with loads of goodies to do with local nightlife in Val d’Isere or the French Alps, unusual winter sports, bargains and discounts in the local areas (child care, ski lessons, ski hire, etc), they will all be announced here.

Otherwise, if you like Facebook, why not come over and join the conversation there. Le Chardon aims to be the number one luxury ski, activities and accommodation information resource so if it’s happening in Val d’Isere, it’s happening on this blog. Plus we’ve got some really inspirational images over there.

Similarly, if there’s any issues or topics you would like us to cover, don’t hesitate to holler here in the Comments box below, on Facebook or even on Twitter.

Val Heli-Ski: Pook Heli-Lodges

Posted on August 8, 2012 by Sarah Fox

As promised, we have the first of our guest bloggers and she’s a firm favourite of ours, Claire Jeffery from Val Heli-Ski….

Val Heli-Ski offers Le Chardon Mountain Lodges’ guests the unique opportunity to add a day or two of heli-skiing whilst staying in Val d’Isere. We offer a unique door-to-door high end service including lunch and the use of our commercial helicopter landing pad back at Pook Heli-Lodges to make your day truly unique and exclusive. We are the only heli-lodge in France and therefore offer our clients a door-to-door heli-ski experience likened to destination heli-skiing found in Canada. There is no need to be an expert skier or boarder to get the most out of heli-skiing and for more information and booking please feel free to contact Val Heli-Ski or Le Chardon Mountain Lodges concierge team.

Come and enjoy with us……..www.valheliski.com

We Recommend a Ski Retreat this Winter

Posted on November 23, 2011 by Valdisere Chalets

A 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

S’No Queen Collection Ideal for the French Ski Chalet

Posted on November 18, 2011 by Valdisere Chalets

As the winter sports season approaches many enthusiasts will be looking for at the latest ski holiday brochures and searching for a new wardrobe to look as good as the beautiful French ski chalet they will be staying in. However, ski fashion has become as important as the equipment itself and for many, looking good on the mountain slopes is vital. For fashion-conscious ski enthusiasts the new S’No Queen Collection has been revealed, offering ladies the perfect thermal wear for both comfort and style.

Val d’Isere is one of the world’s most prestigious skiing resorts and as such attracts hundreds of people every season who want to indulge in both thrilling ski slopes and après ski activities. Evening entertainment has become as important as the slopes themselves, and being able to simply remove a ski coat and be ready for the night without having to return to French ski chalets for extensive amounts of time will be an attractive option for many.

A S’No Queen spokesperson revealed that the 2011/12 collection was a range of chic and stylish thermal base pieces, with the range now available so that fashion-conscious enthusiasts can get prepared ahead of their holiday. “Made from luxuriously warm climate control fabric and embellished with crystal detailing, the collection features cami tops, long johns, polo neck and long sleeved ‘v’ and scoop neck, knickers, head bands and neck warmers……..all designed to take you from the Piste to Après Ski socialising whilst retaining an elegant and glamorous look.” For those wanting the latest fashion trends whilst keeping to warm and comfortable garments, the latest S’No Queen Collection will be the ideal option.

Val d’Isere Offers More Than the Perfect Chalet

Posted on October 11, 2011 by Valdisere Chalets

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/

Spotlight on our largest chalet – Le Chardon

Posted on August 29, 2011 by Valdisere Chalets

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.

Snowboarding in Val d’Isere

Posted on July 28, 2011 by Valdisere Chalets

Snowboarding and Val d’Isere have been pals for a very long period of time, just as you would expect from a resort that is “with it.” There is a great deal to please boarders of all ranges in the Espace Killy, whereby children who are only 14 and 15 years of age can be seen expertly turning 360’s within the terrain park.

The Snowpark is among the world’s biggest at 35k sq. metres, and includes two boardercross, quarter pipes, a half pipe, big air, bumps and tables, along with music. There is even a station for board repairs.

Boarders who are seeking to increase their technique have a wide selection of public and independent tuition choices, such as the Billabong Snowboard School that specialises in off-piste. It is possible to board throughout the year on the adjoining glacier at Tignes, with summertime boarding on Val d’Isere’s very own glacier during mid-summer.

You can also visit the Trampoline School, on a snowboard in the summertime.

If you happen to be searching for some high-class French ski chalets to stay in whilst you are on your snowboarding holiday, then Le Chardon Mountain Lodges within an extremely exclusive area of Val d’Isere, can provide you with a selection of lodging choices influenced by how big your group is, each with ski in and ski out accessibility to and from the slopes.

Our accommodation varies in size from Le Kilimanjaro that caters for around eight people to the biggest chalet, Le Chardon, which is perfect for groups of up to 20 people.

Happy New Year from Val d’Isere

Posted on January 7, 2011 by Valdisere Chalets

The festivities over Christmas and New Year have been as exuberant as ever, with a great party atmosphere amidst all the revellers at the roundabout! Of course, whilst in other places there’s a bit of an anticlimax after the holiday season, in the top ski resorts it just gets busier and busier from now on.

If you’ve been over-indulging and are thinking of going skiing soon, try and build up your fitness well beforehand – don’t leave it too late. I’ve been told that wobble boards are great for muscle tone and stamina, not tried one myself so would be interested to hear your feedback if you’ve tried one. I’ve got plenty of wobble without needing a board thank you very much!

Piste conditions are excellent just now, with more snow due in the next few days. Off-piste conditions are variable – please exercise caution, avalanche safety devices are not always infallible. The recent tragedy just before Christmas has made us all sadly aware of the unpredictability of some of the terrain.

Remember that there are lots of things to do in Val d’Isere other than skiing, it really is a great all-round holiday spot – one of the ‘in’ activities at the moment is ‘Yoga with Altitude’ – great name!

Choose French Ski Chalets for Christmas Skiing

Posted on October 8, 2010 by Valdisere Chalets

Christmas ski holidays in Val d’Isere are, quite simply, unforgettable. The traditional Savoyard houses clustered around the 17^th century church create an enchanting setting for the village festivities. From the third week of December to the first week of January, the village comes alive with sparkling fairy lights, a bustling Christmas market, ice sculptures and snowmen, and children’s shows.

Every Thursday evening during the festivities period, the centre of Val d’Isère becomes a wonderland of street entertainments, including parades, music and fireworks. There are always lots of things going on to keep the children happy.

Of course no Christmas would be complete without a visit from Father Christmas, who appears in a horse-drawn sleigh to everyone’s delight. All in all, Val d’Isere at Christmas is a magical experience. Yet more magical is returning to one of our five luxury ski chalets for a soak in the hot tub followed by champagne and canapés before dinner.

So, why not treat yourself and your loved ones to one of the best luxury ski holidays you’ll ever experience. We’ll arrange everything down to the finest detail, and you can take the credit for a stress-free, relaxing and fun time. Our experienced chefs will cater to all your likes and preferences, we will also arrange for a selection of ski equipment to be brought to you so you may choose in the comfort of your chalet.

As one of the top high-altitude ski resorts in Europe, Val d’Isere has a longer ski season than most, so you will be able to enjoy some great skiing too.

We look forward to seeing you.

French Ski Resorts are Tops For Food-lovers

Posted on September 30, 2010 by Valdisere Chalets

Cuisine is taken very seriously in France - despite the rise of the fast-food phenomenon in recent years. Meal times are generally considered to be valued occasions – a time to stop doing other things and simply savour and enjoy delicious flavours with friends and family.

You may have heard of haute-cuisine, a very elaborate preparation and presentation of food which is served over many courses in very small quantities. At the other end of the scale is regional cooking carried out in homes and local restaurants, where the emphasis is still on high quality, but much simpler altogether. High-quality, imaginatively prepared, regional French dishes are hard to beat, especially when you can enjoy them in their country of origin.

French ski resorts are renowned for the range and quality of their food establishments, from the fast-food style buffet through to the Michelin-starred restaurant, from traditional Savoyard fare to Chinese, Italian and Spanish to name just a few. In fact, the quality of cuisine is undoubtedly one of the reasons for France’s enduring popularity as a top ski holiday destination. The other reasons, of course, are the excellent pistes and lift networks, and its convenience for British skiers.

Savoyard cuisine, from the high Alps of France, is one of the best-loved regional cuisines in France. It can be described as robust, rich, varied and down-to-earth. It makes excellent use of local cheeses such as reblochon for authentic dishes such as fondue and tartiflette. Other specialities include the local variations of saucisses (salamis) and patisseries. Val d’Isere boasts many bars and restaurants serving excellent food, from simple snacks to full-scale gourmet feasts. Additionally it has several first-rate boulangeries and patisseries serving specialties of the region.

This type of cooking is perfect for skiers who have burned off loads of calories during the day and need to refuel before the evening’s entertainment. Combined with a stunning backdrop of alpine scenery or within the cosy ambience of a traditionally built ski chalet, the food takes on a new dimension.

At the same time many lighter options are also available, making good use of fresh local produce. In our chalets, an experienced and imaginative chef will liaise with you to prepare menus to suit your party, including many specialty dishes from around the world. So, much as you may like tartiflette, you don’t need to have it every day (unless you want to, of course!).

Chalets in Val d'isere – luxury catered ski accommodation

5 luxurious ski chalets in Val D'isere, France

Tag Archives: French ski chalets