Posts Tagged ‘luxury ski holidays’

It’s August and the Christmas Bookings have begun

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.

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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 »

La Scara – Val d’Isere Skiing Championship for Children

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

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Posted in children ski championship, family ski holidays, French ski resorts, luxury ski holidays, skiing france, skiing val disere, val d'isere ski, val disere | No Comments »

A little insight in Val d’isere

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.

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Posted in family ski holidays, French ski resorts, group ski holidays, luxury ski holidays, skiing france, skiing val disere, val disere, val disere skiing | No Comments »

A French Ski Chalet – ideal for a Valentines Break

Monday, January 17th, 2011

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?

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Christmas Presents for Skiers – You’re Not Too Late…Yet!

Thursday, December 16th, 2010

The majority of you are probably organised and will have done most of your Christmas shopping. However, if there’s anyone out there like me, who hasn’t, then this blog is my Christmas present for you. I’ve done all the legwork and rounded up some of the best articles, blogs and websites for Christmas presents for skiers and snowboarders. Many are compact and can be easily and secretly transported to your catered ski chalet for your Christmas ski holidays.

So, here goes, in no particular order, my treasure trove of Christmas goodies. Enjoy…

Top Ski and Snowboarding Movies – An American slant but that’s no bad thing when there’s so much choice, and the author, Marko Pyjaharvi is a seasoned and knowledgeable ski veteran . All the DVDs listed should also be available in PAL format for the UK. Great for those days or nights when there’s a blizzard out there! http://homeboyski.com/2009/12/16/christmas-presents-for-skiers-10-ski-movies-to-entertain-you/

OnTheSnow.co.uk, the most popular snow sports Web site in the UK, provides ski and snow reports to over 2,000 ski resorts around the globe. Contributing Editor Rachael Hodson has put together some nice ideas for presents, although they’re all priced in dollars for some reason.http://www.onthesnow.co.uk/news/a/13783/onthesnows-picks-for-holiday-gifts-for-skiers-riders

Sail GB, as you might have guessed, caters mainly for the sailing and diving crew. However they have a nice selection of goodies for skiers, ranging from shin protectors to snow trikes, a good place to look for some novel ideas!http://www.sailgb.com/c/christmas_gifts_skiing/

Simply Piste – A very easy to navigate, clear website with every product you can think of related to skiing. Love the name, too!http://www.simplypiste.com/home.aspx

Blog – An excellent blog post by Powder Monkey. Although dated November 2008, it has some great ideas and links to useful sites.http://www.chamberyflights.co.uk/blog/ski-snowboard-kit/christmas-gift-ideas-skiing-snowboarding-fans

Finally, Alpine Guru have a great blog which leans towards all the latest gadgetry, which I love, and it also lists some brilliant safety kit too.http://www.alpineguru.com/6-gadgets-that-you-shouldn%E2%80%99t-be-without-in-the-mountains/

You should still be able to get most items by Christmas if you’re online shopping, but it might be worth checking to make sure, as some retailers have suspended deliveries to certain parts of the UK due to the recent bad weather.  Happy shopping…

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Ski Smart and Prevent Injury

Tuesday, June 29th, 2010

The last thing you want is to plan your perfect ski holiday, then spend it inside your chalet because you’ve been injured.

Here are some basic tips which, if followed, will help prevent injuries and ensure that your ski holiday is everything you hoped for.

1  Don’t borrow skis or boots from a friend or buy online without trying them on.  Your boots should be a nice snug fit, without your ankle moving around at all inside.  If you are hiring skis, don’t exaggerate your level of expertise. If you are given skis that are too long, you will find them harder to turn.  Also,  bindings that are set too high for your ability level could easily lead to injury.

2  Warm up and cool down before skiing. Take a few minutes to stretch your thighs, hamstrings, calves and hip muscles before you hit the slopes in the morning and make sure you hold each stretch for 30 seconds.

3  Book some ski tuition for your holiday, whether you are a novice or an experienced skier – avoid picking up or continuing with bad habits that could lead to sports injury.

4  Keep to your own ability level and don’t be tempted to keep up with more experienced friends. A lot of sports injuries happen because someone is trying to ski faster or on more difficult pistes than is safe for their ability level.

5  Keep your knees flexed at all times (but not more than is comfortable), and if you are going to fall, always aim to fall forwards, not backwards. Use knee supports to provide extra stability and to keep your knees safe from injury.

6  Gain some basic knowledge about first aid and specifically sports first aid so that you can be a help and not a hindrance if an accident occurs.

7 Always quit while you are ahead! Although it can be tempting to fit in one last ski, this can be a mistake! Don’t ski when you are feeling tired as accidents are most frequent at the end of the day.

Finally, if you are in a luxury catered ski chalet take up the opportunity to soothe your aching muscles with a long soak in your hot tub or book a relaxing body massage in your chalet.

Follow these simple tips and they will help you avoid knee injury and other sports injuries. Have a great skiing holiday!

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Seven Tips to Help Prevent Ski Injuries

Thursday, March 25th, 2010

The last thing you want is to plan an amazing holiday in one of our luxury catered ski chalets, then spend all your time indoors because you’ve been injured.  Knee injuries, for example, are common amongst skiers because, if the ski bindings do not release instantly when you fall, the knee joint takes the strain and ligament damage may occur.

Here are some basic tips which, if followed, will help prevent injuries and ensure that your ski holiday is everything you hoped for.

1  Make sure that your ski equipment and boots fit perfectly. Don’t borrow skis or boots from a friend or buy online without trying them on.  Whether buying or hiring, seek expert advice from staff.   Your boots should be a nice snug fit, without your ankle moving around at all inside.  For skis, don’t exaggerate your level of expertise to the ski hire assistant. If you are given skis that are too long, you will find them harder to turn.  Similarly, if the bindings are set too high for your ability level, this could easily lead to injury.

Le Chardon Mountain Lodges have teamed up with local ski shop Favre Sports, who will deliver and fit all your equipment in your chalet. This can all be pre-arranged by your very own concierge service. Daily ski testing can also be arranged giving you the opportunity to test the seasons new skis and snowboards.

2  As with all sports, it is crucial to warm up before skiing. Take a few minutes to stretch your thighs, hamstrings, calves and hip muscles before you hit the slopes in the morning and make sure you hold each stretch for 30 seconds.  You can make this a fun group activity in the chalet’s large living area before you head out, as all our chalets in vald’isere have ski in ski out access to the slopes.

3  Book some ski tuition for your holiday, whether you are a novice or an experienced skier – you really do need to learn how to ski properly and avoid picking up or continuing with bad habits that could lead to sports injury. We have strong working relationships with some of the best ski schools in Val d’Isere.

4  Keep to your own ability level and don’t be tempted to keep up with more experienced friends. A lot of sports injuries happen because someone is trying to ski faster or on more difficult pistes than is safe for their ability level.

5  Keep your knees flexed at all times (but not more than is comfortable), and if you are going to fall, always aim to fall forwards, not backwards. Use knee supports to provide extra stability and to keep your knees safe from injury.

6  Gain some basic knowledge about first aid and specifically sports first aid. Should there be an accident, you need to know how to deal with emergencies and avoid making a bad situation worse.

7 Always quit while you are ahead! Although it can be tempting to fit in one last ski, this can be a mistake! Don’t ski when you are feeling tired as accidents are most frequent at the end of the day.

Follow these simple tips and they will help you avoid knee injury and other sports injuries. Have a great skiing holiday!

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Christmas in Val d’Isere

Friday, December 4th, 2009

If you’d like to treat yourself and your loved ones to one of the most luxurious skiing holidays they’ll ever experience, look no further than Le Chardon.  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, a selection of ski equipment will be brought to you so you may choose in the comfort of your chalet.  Even getting to the slopes is pure enjoyment as all our chalets are in prime locations for ski in, ski out access.

Christmas ski holidays in Val d’Isere are truly magical and memorable.  The traditional Savoyard buildings clustered around the church create the perfect setting for the festivities you can enjoy when not on the slopes.  The village celebrations run from 21st December to 4th January:   magical fairy lights, a Christmas market, snowmen, children’s shows and a visit from Father Christmas all join together to make Val d’Isere at Christmas an enchanting experience.  More magical still is returning to your luxury catered Le Chardon chalet for a soak in the hot tub followed by champagne and canapés before dinner.

Getting to Val d’Isere is now even easier, with a choice of airlines flying to Grenoble, Geneva, Chambery or Lyon from many UK airports or 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.

Festive Highlights to come:

Premieres Traces / First Lines
The jitters about the recent mild weather have been quelled by heavy snowfall in the last couple of days.  More snow is forecast, so the excitement is steadily building, with a real party atmosphere in the town.  The opening weekend on 28th-29th November, ‘Premieres Traces’ (First Lines, promises to be a big success.  Make sure you try out all the big-name brands of skis and snowboards on offer.  These include Atomic, Black Crowes, Dynstar, Elan, Fischer, Head, K2, Kastle, Movement, Nordica, Rossignol, Roxy, Salomon, Scott and Volkl for skis.  Snowboarders will also be able to take their pick from Apo,  Arbor, Burton, NDK, Nitro and Ride.  There will be music, mulled wine and a range of fun activities for everyone.

This year sees the 54th Critérium de la Premiere Neige (‘the first races of the new snow’), with the men’s events taking place on 11th-13th December and the women’s on 18th-20th December 2009.  There will be 6 Alpine World Cup Ski events and masses of entertainment for everyone.

Le Chardon Mountain Lodges

Luxury catered ski chalets Val d’Isere

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