Ski Independence Blog
Archive for ‘France’
Best winter for over 40 years!
February 6th, 2012You can’t help but notice the unbelievable levels of snow in Europe so far this season. All around us are reports of incredible conditions, some inspirational photos, and social media full of pre-holiday excitement – with yet more snow on the way, who wouldn’t want to go to the Alps and be a part of it all this winter?
Our friends from Paradiski, one of the largest ski areas in Europe linking Les Arcs-Peisey Vallandry and La Plagne, have been in touch with some spectacular photos and some truly amazing statistics!
The total accumulation of snow has already reached a whopping 4.78 metres in Les Arcs, with depths of 1.75 metres being reported at 1600m and 3.4 metres up at 3000 metres altitude. Corinne Chevance, of the Les Arcs lift pass company, confirmed this is the greatest volume of snow seen in Les Arcs since 1966! Yep, that’s more than 40 years ago! Neighbouring ski area La Plagne isn’t far behind with 3 metres of snow on upper slopes.
Check out the images below if you don’t quite believe us!
Top of the Aiguille Rouge in Les Arcs at 3226m
First lifts anyone? The village at Les Arcs 2000
La Plagne after "Tempete Andrea" sent by Brigitte Gelloz of the La Plagne lift pass company SAP
Many other ski areas are boasting some impressive figures too; not only in France, resorts in Austria and Switzerland have also seen a massive amount of snow so far. Here’s a quick overview of snow depths around the Alps:
St Anton – 490cm / Chamonix – 450cm / Saas Fee – 351cm / Alpe d’Huez/Vaujany – 350cm / Les Carroz – 345cm
With more snow forecast for next week, the 5 metre milestone in Les Arcs can’t be far away and the conditions for the half term holidays will be the best seen for many years – enjoy it if you’re already booked up to go!
Alternatively, get in touch and get involved in one of the best winters in years – request an online quote here.
Val Thorens turns 40
January 18th, 2012At an altitude of 2,300m the French ski resort of Val Thorens is Europe’s highest. In the 1960’s Pierre Schnebelen and his pioneering team lodged their visionary plans with the Savoie General Council to transform the small mountain village of Val Thorens into a thriving ski resort. Despite critics, plans were approved and in the summer of 1971 the first 3 ski tows were installed ready for their opening on the 18th December 1971.
Following a successful opening year, development steadily continued in the small mountain village and come the winter of 1972 the resort established itself with the opening of the local tourist office, ski school and first restaurant. Ten years after opening, in 1981, the project of building the world’s largest cable car began; the Cime des Caron. Ascending to 3,200m and carrying 150 people this marked a new era for Val Thorens and catapulted the resort into becoming one of Europe’s top winter destinations.
The Early Days - Val Thorens
With healthy investment, Val Thorens went from strength to strength throughout the 1980’s and continued to establish itself as a leading resort in Europe. Always one step ahead of neighboring resorts; in 1990 the ambitious plan to build Europe’s first Funitel lift system was completed. Followed by the construction of the world’s longest gondola in 1995, creating the essential link to the 3 Valleys, Val Thorens was officially on the international map attracting people from all over the world.
With world class skiing and a lift system to match, the development of Val Thorens turned to offering world class accommodation and facilities. With a fantastic selection of self catering apartments such as Chalet Altitude and Chalets Val 2400 to the new ultra modern 4* Hotel Altapura, Val Thorens has a great selection of accommodation to suit and cater for every need.
The resort of Val Thorens as we know it today
Off the slopes Val Thorens has a lively après ski atmosphere and a number of wonderful restaurants offering a great selection of food, whether it’s pub grub and a beer you are looking for or fine dining, you can find a menu to meet every need and budget.
For the fair weather or non skiers there are endless activities to keep you busy! The resort has a large sports centre, complete with fitness suite, swimming pool, Jacuzzi, sauna and children’s Fun Park. For the children amongst the group, pay a visit to the local ice rink. For the thrill seekers, why not have a shot at the 6km toboggan run!
For more information on Val Thorens and the accommodation we feature you can visit our website, or for a tailor made quote and itinerary call a member of the Ski Independence reservations team on 0131 243 8097. You can also request an online quotation here.
New Year, New Snow
January 4th, 2012Having witnessed one of the snowiest Decembers on record across the Alps; picture perfect conditions over the Christmas week, and a short lived spell of mild weather for New Year, the Alps are now getting ready for the first dump of 2012…and it’s another big one! With some European resorts already reporting more snow to date this winter than the whole of last season, the Alps are now enjoying some of the best snow conditions in the world. Below is a quick round up on where to find the best snow conditions.
The resort of Solden reported the most new snow across Austria last week. Following an impressive 1.1m of fresh snowfall, the clouds parted giving way to some great on and off piste conditions. St Anton also has some fantastic conditions with an upper snow depth of 298cm and has a further 65cm forecast this week. Lech despite having slightly less snow is still in great condition with 240cm lying on the upper slopes.
>>> More information on ski holidays in Austria
The picturesque resort of Lech
If you are looking to find the deepest snow in Europe, head to the the traditional village of Saas Fee in the Swiss Alps. The resort currently has an on piste snow depth of 340cm and another 20cm forecast for the end of the week. Not far behind, and forecast for another 40cm of snow this week, is Verbier where you will find a piste depth of 300cm.
>>> More information on ski holidays in Switzerland
A recent powder day in Verbier.
Following some truly incredible snowfall in the past month, France is undoubtedly the place to ski in Europe. As the forecast predicted; the snow has continued this week with a further 20 – 30cm falling and a further 50cm forecast tomorrow (Thursday). Many resorts around France including Chamonix, Les Arcs and Tignes are already reporting snow bases of over 3m with both fantastic on and off piste conditions.
>>> More information on ski holidays in France
125cm of fresh snow at the top of the Funicular in Tignes!
Conditions also remain good in Canada where most resorts in Alberta and British Columbia are sitting on snow bases of well over 2m. Following an incredible November with over 11ft of snow in areas it looks like the slight dry spell in December has come to an end. In the past 7 days Whistler welcomed 125cm of fresh snow, taking the accumulated snow fall to date this winter to 449cm! Further inland Fernie also saw a good snowfall, with 61cm hitting the mountains over the past week, bringing the snowpack up to 175cm.
>>> More information on ski holidays in Canada
Whistler following 100cm of snow in 7 days! Photo: Coast Mountain Photography
Despite snowfall in the USA being lower than last winter, many resorts are still reporting good on piste conditions. One exception in the USA, and matching its big mountain skiing and snow record, is Jackson Hole who had a welcome dump of 75cm last week allowing the resort to open in full.
>>> More information on ski holidays in the USA
Celebrating New Year and 75cm of fresh snow in Jackson Hole. Photo: Chris Figenshan
For first hand advice on where to find the best snow conditions and accommodation offers, call a member of the Ski Independence team on 0131 243 8097, visit our website or request a quick online quotation.
72 Hours in Courchevel
December 12th, 2011I’m sitting in our slopeside chalet watching the snow fall with a coffee in hand, looking back on the weekend and wishing I could stay for the rest of the week!
It has been 72 hours of full-on Courchevel 1850 experience. We arrived in the village on Friday afternoon, passing by the many boutiques, bars and restaurants on our way to Le Pilatus restaurant just above the resort’s Altiport (in case you prefer to take your private jet. I left mine at home). After an afternoon of work, we returned to our chalet (complete with sauna and pool table) to get ready for the opening night of the new 5* Hotel K2 (a sister property to the Kilimandjaro). And it certainly didn’t disappoint – both the hotel rooms and chalets were stunning and the facilities excellent (including private pools in the chalets, iPads throughout, fantastic restaurant).
Bluebird, fresh snow and empty slopes!
Saturday morning was spent discovering a couple of the non-ski activities on offer – we used various implements to slide down the pistes from traditional sledges to ski scoots to inflatables. Then the speed notched up a gear as we donned helmets and saddled up onto skidoos that we raced round the circuit. I hadn’t expected to be anything other than a passenger, so it was a real thrill to drive – I’d highly recommend it!
After visiting several properties in resort (watch this space!) we returned to the chalet exhausted but looking forward to the Savoyard feast ahead (I’ll admit I am a bit of a tartiflette fan). We arrived at the mountain restaurant, greeted with red carpet (on the snow!) and a glass of champagne - mountain restaurant, Courchevel style.
The next morning was our ski day and it was a beauty – blue skies and empty slopes. We couldn’t wait to get going and covered as much ground as we could before lunch, which in true French fashion took 2 hours and several courses. Keen to get back on the slopes we managed a few more runs before meeting with the ESF for a torchlit descent. Snaking down the mountain we were quite a spectacle as fur-coated guests came out of their exclusive slopeside hotels to take pictures of us.
The finale to the weekend was always going to be pretty special and dinner at Le Mangeoire certainly lived up to expectations. Once we’d made our way through the fantastic food and wine, the party started - tables were cleared to make way for huge cocktail jugs and dancing guests!
A great taste of what Courchevel has to offer – I just need to organise my return visit (and maybe next time I’ll bring the jet.)
The great news is that the snow is falling again! Courchevel on 12 December
Arc 1950 – Great Value Extras for Families
November 15th, 2011Les Arcs 1950 Le Village – now kids rent free!
Book your family holiday to Arc 1950 Le Village and make great savings on your ski and snowboard rentals, plus benefit from great value Family Lift Passes, all winter!
It makes a huge difference being able to book all your extras before you leave the UK and we can reserve lift passes, ski rental and ski school in many of the European resorts that we feature. Book your holiday to Les Arcs 1950 this winter we can pre-book all your equipment rental, lift passes and tuition, meaning you can get on with enjoying your holiday as soon as you arrive in resort.
Kids rent for free!
We have teamed up with Precision Ski & Snowboard shop in Les Arcs 1950 and are pleased to be able to announce a fantastic new offer for all Ski Independence guests staying at P&V Premium Arc 1950 Le Village:
- One child rents ski or snowboard equipment FREE with every qualifying adult renting equipment for 6 days or more
- Every child renting a Junior or Baby Pack with one qualifying adult receives Helmet rental completely FREE
Caribou Club, perfect for the little ones
You can also make great savings on lift passes: book your Family Pass with us and save up to £650 on a 6 day pass for a family of four. Already a firm favourite with Ski Independence clients, Arc 1950 Le Village is a fantastic option with superb onsite facilities and everything you need, right where you need it.
Doorstep Convenience
For further details or to make a booking, call our reservations team on 0131 243 8097 or fillin an online quotation form.
The White Stuff hits Serre Chevalier
October 26th, 2011As temperatures plummet this week and snow falls heavily across the valley, it looks like the local residents of Serre Chevalier have said farewell to summer and a big hello to winter!
Below are some pictures taken yesterday morning the recent snowfall.
Serre Ratier yesterday morning
The extensive ski area of Serre Chevalier is well worth a visit, not only for its stunning scenery, tremendous on piste terrain and well known “Melezone” snow park, the resort also benefits from its unique Mediterranean/Alpine weather offering over 300 days of sunshine per year!
Serre Chevalier is made up of 13 villages and spread over 4 ski areas of Briançon, Chantemerle, Villeneuve la Salle and Monetier les Bains. Boasting the most mountain peaks over 4000m, Serre Chevalier also offers over 250km of pistes, spectacular mountain scenery, traditional French ambiance and a fantastic snow record.
For additional information on Serre Chevalier you can visit our website, call a member of our reservations team on 0131 243 8097 or request a quote here.
Winter is coming (Honestly)!
September 30th, 2011Despite the unusual (but much welcomed) heatwave that we’re currently experiencing in the UK, reminders are popping up all over the place – from autumn leaves on the pavements, the snow show season, Edinburgh’s Mountain Film Festival to frost and snow warnings for next week – all letting us know that winter is just around the corner.
I recently spent a weekend in Chamonix and the changing of the seasons was in full swing. After scorching 34oC heat picking up the hire car in Geneva on the Friday, by Sunday morning the sun had vanished completely and temperatures were down to a chilly 7 oC! Here is a picture of the snow covered mountains peeking out of the clouds, a sure sign that winter is well on the way:
Chamonix last weekend!
The same weekend this picture was taken, Obergurgl in Austria reported significant snowfall, whilst over in Switzerland, St Moritz had 30cm of snow on the peaks and 20cm in the valley and Davos/Klosters had about 10cm in resort and 20cm up top. Long-range forecasters are predicting a colder than normal winter in continental Europe with plenty of snow to go around.
Here at Ski Independence we’re all getting excited by the prospect of a snowy European winter and can’t wait to get going. Get in touch if you have any more stories of snow in the Alps, we’d love to hear all about it!
What’s new in Val Thorens for 2012?
September 20th, 2011The French ski resort of Val Thorens has had a busy summer with the completion of a forth Funitel, the addition of a great new 4 star hotel, the Hotel ALTAPURA, and the development of 3 new slopes. The addition of these new pistes, Asters, Chocard and Triton increase the overall ski area of Val Thorens-Orelle to 150km of runs!
We’re really excited to be featuring the Hotel Altapura in our 2011/12 brochure, it’ll be a great addition to our extensive 3 Valleys offerings. The hotel has 3 restaurants, 3 bars, an indoor / outdoor pool and a fantastic spa, everything you would want from a 4 star hotel and the location is hard to beat being right on the slopes.
The 3 restaurants of the Hotel Altapura offer the chance to dine in style. Spoil yourself at the chic brassiere Les Enfants Terribles, enjoy some local delicacies and traditional fondues in La Laiterie or for those wanting a quick snack Le Deux Mille Trois is a great alternative. And you can choose where you dine on the half board basis.
The amazing views from the Hotel Altapura
At the heart of the hotel you will find the spa, inspired by the 5 natural elements of stone, wood, water, earth and fire, you will instantly feel relaxed and revitalised. The relaxation area proudly boasts an indoor/outdoor swimming pool, sauna, hammam, Jacuzzi, igloo and tepidarium, not to forget the masseuses ready and waiting to work those weary limbs!
Being the highest ski resort in Europe, Val Thorens is situated at 2,300m and 99% of the ski area is higher than 2000m, this almost guaranteeing snow from November through until May. Not only does the local ski area of Val Thorens offer 150km of pistes the resort is linked to the largest ski area in the world, the 3 Valleys. Offering 600km of groomed piste there is nothing to stop you having a spot of lunch in Courchevel or Meribel!
New Spa at Les Arcs 1950
August 4th, 2011Le Village at Les Arcs 1950 is a very popular choice with Ski Independence clients thanks to its slope side convenience, fantastic self catered apartments and high altitude skiing. Could it get any better?
Yes, is the answer! The 2011/12 season will see a brand new spa in Les Arcs 1950, located in the lower part of the resort, in the Sources de Marie residence. The Deep Nature Spa will include a 25m indoor pool complete with water therapy features, 3 steam rooms and 9 treatment rooms where you’ll be able to enjoy a range of massages, facials and other beauty treatments.
Relax and unwind in the new spa in Les Arcs 1950
It sounds like it’s going to be pretty different to anything currently in the Alps with an indoor beach, ice cave where you can try out a variety of different “mineral experiences”, a toasty cave which’ll get up to temperatures of 40 degrees and an outdoor sauna chalet but don’t worry you can jump into a cold water waterfall or one of four cold water ponds to cool down. The spa will also have a relaxation room with forest décor and a fire place. With all these beaches and forests, you might almost forget you’re in the mountains!
What’s new in Avoriaz 2011/12
July 20th, 2011My last trip of the 2010/11 season was to Avoriaz for the after season party and I couldn’t help noticing how much work was going on developing new ski apartments and also the large inflatable bears which were attached to the building work – a very novel way of disguising the cranes!
Avoriaz bears by moonlight!
I was intrigued by how many new buildings were being put up and the resort is going to have a huge revamp for the 2011/12 ski season. For those of you who know Avoriaz well, it’s going to look very new and to be honest really good for next season.
Blog
