Tag Archives: luxury ski chalets

Enjoy great skiing, snowboarding and live music at The BRITS

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BRITS festival in TignesNot to be confused with the similarly named UK music awards, The BRITS is Europe’s original winter festival and offers unrivalled opportunities for entertainment and relaxation. It’s unlikely that attendees will at any point be subjected to the sight of Jarvis Cocker’s malnourished rear end, find themselves embroiled in a feud with Liam Gallagher or incur the wrath of Adele. Instead, they can expect to enjoy breathtaking views, stunning slopes, the finest refreshments and late night live sets from a host of world class DJs and performers. The festival offers an impressive week’s worth of activities and can only be enhanced by a stay at one of our luxury catered ski chalets in Val d’Isere.

The BRITS is perhaps best known for its winter sports championships and the high standard of talent that these attract. Any British national can enter in the hope of achieving athletic glory, the most prestigious being the Slopestyle Championship, a celebration of aerial acrobatics certain to result in an adrenaline rush for both competitors and spectators alike. The Trespass Cross event was the most watched at the 2010 Winter Olympics and has been a phenomenally popular draw at The BRITS ever since, while the Dare2b British Half Pipe Championship is set to be equally unmissable. To cap things off, a new contest designed to test the prowess of daredevil British jibbers debuts this year.

If all of the above sounds a bit too daunting, then fear not. The beauty of The BRITS is that it offers something to enthusiasts of all skill sets. Festival wrist bands and lift passes offer week long access to numerous slopes of varying difficulty, while its musical programme has been designed to engender communal good times. The atmosphere of London eight piece Lazy Habits’ gigs has been compared to that of “the best house party that your parents never wanted you to have,” while a Back to the 90s disco will provide the perfect opportunity for many festival goers to relive their best years. Just be sure to pack your Adidas Originals in with your skis and snowboard.

Le Chardon luxury catered ski chalet in Val d'IsereBased in Tignes, an attractive commune nestled within the Tarentaise Valley, the festival’s hive of activity is but a brief distance from Val d’Isere, both settlements comprising the famed Espace Killy ski area.  However, while seven days of uninterrupted revelry from 23 March 2013 doubtless appeals to many, our catered ski chalets in Val d’Isere mean that guests can choose when and for how long they wish to commute over to Tignes for a little Brits mayhem and use our designated drivers to take the pain out of skiing there and back.

Image source:
www.the-brits.com
www.lechardonvaldisere.com

Great food can make all the difference to skiing performance

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View of breakfast table at Le Chardon luxury catered ski chaletEnergy and lots of it is required when exploring the spectacular snow covered slopes of the popular ski resort of Val d’Isere.  Preparing for a ski trip by being physically fit as well as enjoying a healthy, nutritious diet both before departure and at the resort can make all the difference to the whole skiing experience.  At the luxuryLe Chardon catered ski chalets located in the private area of La Legettaz in Val d’Isere, cuisine is of paramount importance, with locally sourced fresh gastronomic food and fine wines available.  Each chalet has a personal chef who designs delicious menus and creates splendid meals for visitors.

Being exposed to higher altitudes means the air is dryer, so when out all day on the slopes it is so important to keep hydrated by drinking lots of water.  Drinking water will re-hydrate the body and keep energy levels high reducing the risk of a mid-morning or afternoon dip.  The ideal way to start the day in preparation of being on the snow is to have a healthy filling breakfast, which will keep the body and muscles fuelled all morning.  Carbohydrates are an excellent source of energy and also a great choice for a mid-morning or mid-afternoon snack.

Hot tub view from Le Chardon luxury catered ski chaletCome lunch-time, the body is ready for a balanced meal combining lean protein, carbohydrates and healthy fats which provide the vital ingredients to keep energy levels up until it’s time to head back for a well deserved rest and a tasty evening meal.  To re-charge the muscles after a long day out on the snow, nothing beats a soak in an outdoor hot tub.  From there you can relax and take in the stunning scenery from a different point of view whilst you recall the twists and turns of the day and plan tomorrow’s adventures. To enjoy the ultimate skiing and food experience in Val d’Isere, visit Le Chardon to find out more about a luxury ski break in one of the leading French ski resorts.

Image credits: http://www.lechardonvaldisere.com

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

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

Getting fat air on a snowboard in Val d'Isere.

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

Cameron Diaz winter ski season

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.

If you hurry…

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There’s just one week’s hire left for the exclusive Le Chardon chalet before the end of the season.  The week of March 18th is still available for anyone looking for true luxury and wonderful skiing.

This season’s snow and weather has been perfect and shows no sign of breaking, so you’re guaranteed a terrific week on the slopes whether you’re skiing, telemarking or boarding.  At the end of the day you can wind down in one of two private treatment rooms with a private masseur, enjoy a glass of champagne while you relax in a hot tub or take a gentle swim in the 18-foot swim spa.  Or you could just do nothing in front of the open fire in one of the two living rooms.

The chalet’s only a two-minute drive in our chauffeured car from the centre of town and the buzzing nightlife, if you want to go out.  But there’s no need: everything you could possible want has already been thought of.  There’s an open bar stocked with beers, fine wines, spirits and soft drinks.  Children’s lunches and dinners, if required, and five-course gourmet dinners cooked by your private chef.   Satellite TV and internet connection.  A concierge and two hostesses on hand to pamper you.  Not to mention a terrace with a carved-snow bar and, in daylight, spectacular views from every room.

Le Chardon really has to be the best luxury ski chalet in France, for families, friends or corporate groups.  It sleeps up to 20 in ten twin or double en-suite rooms.  Everything is designed for your comfort.  You can ski to the pistes in two minutes so there’s no time wasted at the beginning or end of the day.

All you need now is your 19 closest friends!

Spotlight on our largest chalet – Le Chardon

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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.

A French Ski Chalet – ideal for a Valentines Break

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How fortunate for us that the ancient Roman tradition of celebrating 14th February to honour Juno, queen of the gods, continues today as St Valentine’s Day, when we can indulge our loved ones (and ourselves) with tokens of love and appreciation.

If you’ve exhausted most choices of gifts over the years, how about surprising the person in your life with the pick of luxury ski holidays in one of the top ski resorts in the world – Val d’Isere?

The deciding factor when thinking about luxury catered ski chalets must surely be the fact that you can share the experience together, and the food and service will be second to none.

Remember that in Val d’Isere, skiing continues right through until the end of April, so your Valentine ski break doesn’t have to take place in mid-February. If it is going to be a Valentine’s gift, why not gift-wrap a small token – maybe a bobble hat and some lipscreen, and let them work it out?

Christmas Skiing in Val d’Isere

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At Le Chardon we go to every effort to guarantee that your Christmas is festive, fun and stress-free, so for a magical and memorable Christmas ski holiday why not get in touch? We pride ourselves on attention to detail, personal service and extra touches which all add to the enjoyment of your holiday.

When you arrive and catch the first glimpse of your chalet, you will see that the exterior, and a number of  surrounding trees, are lit by twinkling fairy lights, creating an enchanting setting amidst the snow. Inside, all our chalets are magnificently adorned with trees, lights and decorations.  The Christmas tree, a real fir, can be decorated before you arrive or we can leave it for the children to decorate on your arrival.

Of course Father Christmas will make an appearance on Christmas day, at a time to suit you (he’s very accommodating), with a sack full of goodies for the children.  You may prefer the main meal at lunch; or you may prefer dinner to be served.  We are very flexible both in the timing and the menu, and will liase with you in advance to ensure that everyone in your party is delighted with the menu. You can rest assured that your talented and experienced chef will serve up a delicious and exquisitely presented Christmas dinner.

There are just 2 chalets still available for Christmas week; La Bergerie and Kilimanjaro.

La Bergerie for 10 people, on the site of a 17th century shepherd’s hut, retains many original features. The beautiful spacious living/dining area is warm and welcoming with an open log fire. The floor to ceiling windows offer amazing views, and the secluded hot tub and terrace are also perfect places to relax and watch the sun set. The cinema room comes complete with a Nintendo wii, and there is also a massage room for physiotherapy treatments.

Kilimanjaro for 8 people is also a stunning chalet, elegantly finished with warm Italian tiles and 200 year old reclaimed wood. Like La Bergerie, the private terrace and hot tub enjoy spectacular views, making for an ideal place to relax and enjoy a glass of champagne after a day on the slopes. The huge, open plan living area is fabulous, with deep sofas, a roaring fire and soft textured furnishings.

Each chalet is fully catered and comes with a range of chalet services to ensure your skiing trip is restful, relaxed and enjoyable.

Choose French Ski Chalets for Christmas Skiing

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Christmas ski holidays in Val d’Isere are, quite simply, unforgettable.  The traditional Savoyard houses clustered around the 17th 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 Expensive Resorts Worth It?

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It is a cliché because it is almost always a fact – you get what you pay for.  Is it worth paying more for a skiing holiday?  It depends on how much time you want to spend actually skiing, as opposed to waiting to ski.  If you don’t want to wait in lengthy queues to hire ski equipment, or to use the chair lift or tow, or to do anything at all, then it’s probably worth paying more.

In France, high altitude snow-sure resorts with a good mountain access system and a superior range of shops, bars and restaurants, can be quite expensive. In our view they are worth it as you will undoubtedly get far more hours of skiing than in cheaper, lower resorts.  A world class resort such as Val d’Isere gets skiers up the slopes in large numbers and incredibly quickly, and offers a unique alpine ambience and a range of high quality accommodation and eating establishments.

Going cheaper usually means choosing a resort where snow conditions are unpredictable or perhaps poor, or where there are few lifts and lengthy queues, or where there isn’t much to do after your skiing. It’s a balance between the amount of time you’re prepared to spend waiting to ski versus the amount of time you’re actually skiing, and the relative cost!

Après-ski is also an important part of any ski holiday, and it is important to have a wide range of things to do that will suit everyone in your group. For these reasons, along with the snow of course, Val d’Isere is considered one of the best ski resorts in the world.

Famous for the massive Espace-Killy ski area and beautiful scenery, Val is one of the top ski resorts in the world. With over 300 km of pistes and more than 100 lifts serving 135 runs, its ease of access to the slopes is incredible. Even on the busiest days, queues are uncommon, as there are more than 78,000 rides per hour to take you to the top of the runs. If you also happen to be staying in one of our luxury ski chalets, you will undoubtedly be in ski heaven.

Also worth considering are the well-known destinations of Chamonix and Les Trois Vallees, which also enjoy perfect skiing conditions over a long season, although, naturally, we would choose Val d’Isere any day!