Ski Independence Blog
Posts Tagged ‘France’
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
Snow, snow and even more snow!
December 7th, 2011I woke up on Sunday morning and it was snowing!! How can someone in their late 20’s (come on allow me some poetic license) get so excited every time it snows? If you know the answer please let me know! So I thought to myself, if it’s snowing here in Edinburgh then it MUST be snowing in our favourite ski resorts across the world – right? RIGHT!
It started to snow across France on Friday, across Switzerland on Saturday and it’s not stopped since. In fact my email inbox is full of like minded people getting really excited about the snowfall. Have a look at this picture that has just been sent to my colleague Eve (one of her friends is in Val d’Isere and like a kid at Christmas, that’s his car!)
Dude, Where's my car?
How much snow has fallen though – that’s always a question…here is an answer from La Rosiere:
Almost 1 metre of fresh snow in La Rosiere!
Yep, that’s a good old metric meter!! And there is plenty more in the forecast too over the next week or so, I just wish I was there instead of here…ho hum!
Not only am I getting bombarded by snow messages from our European friends but Karen from the Ski Independence office is in Colorado just now, checking out the product (as we do once in a while, you know just to make sure everything is ok for our clients) and she has been leaving me messages like this on Facebook:
Beaver creek is full of hot ski racers! Makes for some good views 
Bit of world cup ski racing to watch this morning. See how it’s supposed to be done. Awesome!
OMG! Truly amazing day skiing Vail. Ski fast enough and the cold can’t catch you. I’m a very lucky girl!
Fab day skiing in Breckenridge but it could take a while to thaw out! Brrrrrr!!!
She’s skied Breckenridge, Beaver Creek and Vail over the last few days and reports some great powder, a decent base and some cold (cold) temperatures, perfect for topping up on Mother Nature’s bounty! It sounds like an amazing trip and I’m really really happy for her (no, really) but there is no need to rub my nose in it is there? We’ll be having words when she gets back…
And we can’t do a snow update without mentioning Whistler – they’ve had over 10 feet of snow this season, they have over 5000 acres open to ski (more coming available later in the week as they make things safe in the high alpine) and they have almost ONE VERTICAL MILE of skiing too with the Whistler Village ski out being open as early as I can ever remember it!
It’s looking good out there – I can’t wait for my holiday and will keep checking out the best snowfalls around, we’ll update you here once in a while so come back to see if your favourite resort is flying the EPIC flag today…
Movindependence – Update
November 15th, 2011On first glace as I sit here looking around the Ski Independence office nothing seems out of the norm… that’s until one of the “guys” look up from their computer screen to show off their 15 days of growth on their top lip (now more commonly known as a lip cosy!), some may be impressive, some may be sculpted (Andy’s Trucker!) and some are just plain ridiculous!
To clarify the situation for those of you who are wondering why a bunch of guys at Ski Independence are growing (or attempting to grow) moustaches, it’s all in support of Movember. No, that’s not a spelling mistake, Movember is correct – a very worthwhile charity with one aim, to raise money for prostate cancer, a subject which I am sure is close to many. Now, this is not a plea for money by any means however if anyone does have a few spare coins (or notes) and would like to support this worthwhile cause then they can do so by visiting the Movindependence site to make a donation!
Team Movindependence!
So, now that part is out of the way, let’s talk tash…the one thing that has become apparent from all those participating (hands up I dropped out on day 4) is that what was once a feeling of embarrassment has now been replaced by pride in the fact that most have achieved a pretty thick covering…well most of them (cough cough Jamie!). So much so, I have a funny feeling that come the 1st of December and beyond there may be a few lingering tashes around the office!
With a little help from some of the girls in the office (Claire and Suzanna) and the Movember style guide, the following styles have been awarded!
The Movember Style Guide courtesy of www.movember.com
Porn Star – Jon
Gringo – Adam
Undercover Brother – Dave
Connoisseur – Gordon
Trucker – Andy
Jihad Jack – Gareth
After Eight – Jamie
Box Car – Pete
Major – John
And let us not forget the Ski Independence girls who have taken part in Movember, I think we will all agree that they have done a great job!
The Ski Independence Ladies!
Not only does November see the Ski Independence staff raise money, we also have some fantastic money saving offers for you! Up until the 30 November we have a great selection of Paradiski properties available with 15% off. This offer is valid on all dates throughout the season, including school holidays. Simply book before the 30 November to get the very best price!
For more details on this fantastic offer call a member of the Ski Independence team on 0131 243 8097 or request a quote here.
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.
Monster Ski
October 21st, 2011I have a few ski trips planned for next season but I have to say the one I’m most looking forward to is leading the Monster Ski group in Tignes in March.
This will be the 6th season of Monster ski which is a challenge to raise money for the MS Trust. The challenge is to ski 29,029 ft of vertical descent a day. Now this may sound just like a large number but it’s the height of Everest and you have to do this for 3 days. It is a mammoth task and a big challenge but it was so rewarding at the end last time when everyone in the group of which some had been diagnosed with MS achieved the challenge.
The sense of achievement and team spirit was fantastic and just seeing the look on everyone’s faces after the last run was something I’ll keep with me forever. Despite the lean snow year last season Tignes had fantastic piste conditions and was the best in the Alps. So I was really pleased to hear it was going back to the Espace Killy and in particular Tignes as it has such an extensive ski area and you have some seriously long runs especially down to La Daille on the Val d’Isere side.
Participants will be guided so you don’t have to worry about where you are going, so no checking piste maps and asking lifties. All you have to concentrate on is skiing awesome runs, logging up the vertical and of course having a great time (which is compulsory!).
Even though we were tired after every day we all still managed a bit of après ski and the Hotel L’Ecrin du Val Claret was a perfect base to enjoy a few wines before sitting down and enjoying the traditional food that is included in the half board. The hotel also boasts a spa with a pool and Jacuzzis and if the body is really feeling it after skiing the height of Everest then you can always treat yourself to a massage.
If you want to get a serious amount of skiing in a world class area and raise money for a great cause this is the trip for you.
Monster ski is calling!
Its Snowing!
October 12th, 2011As resorts across the southern hemisphere close their doors to skiers and boarders it’s now the turn of Europe, the USA and Canada to get in on the action. After a week of newsletters bombarding my inbox with “It’s Snowing” in the subject line I’m in no doubt we’ve now seen the first significant snowfall of the 2011/12 season on both sides of the Atlantic.
In Europe, the Swiss Alps were the winners with up to 80cm of fresh snow falling. In France, Les Menuires in the Three Valleys also fared well with up to 40cm and Chamonix, Courchevel and Meribel awoke to a moderate covering of snow on Sunday morning. After a month of no resorts being open in France, Tignes re-opened the Grande Motte Glacier which will now remain open all the way through until May 2012.
Monday morning in Chamonix under the Autannes chairlift. Photo: Compagnie du Mont-Blanc
Across the pond it was Whistler making the headlines with their video “First turns of the new season in Whistler”. Making the most of the fresh snow on the Blackcomb Glacier skiers Callum Pettit and Mike Douglas were choppered up to sample some of the fresh powder. Here’s how they got on……”Watch first turns of the season”
Moving south into the USA, Mammoth reported 40cm of fresh snow followed by similar reports from Park City, Squaw and Jackson Hole.
Over 20cm of snow fell in Panorama, Canada.
With another El Nina year predicted and significant early snow already falling, we’re preparing for a bumper winter season. We’ve got some outstanding Early Booking Offers throughout France, the USA and Canada but deadlines are fast approaching so be quick.
For expert advice on your perfect Winter 2011/2012 holiday call us on 0131 243 8097 or fill in an email quote request by clicking here.
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.
Fact Files: Gareth
June 29th, 2011Over the years we receive superb feedback on the knowledge, passion and experience of team here at Ski Independence. So we thought it would be an idea to give you a bit of an insight into who’s who..
To start things off, here’s Gareth, our Sales Manager:
For the benefit of our readers could you explain your role at Ski Independence and what you’re responsible for?
I do a bit of everything which keeps my days varied. The bit I enjoy the most though is booking the most amazing holidays for our clients (and myself). Another enjoyable aspect of my job is working with a great bunch of hotel, transfer and on mountain suppliers from all over the world. You get to meet some fantastic people and I think they like working with us too – hence the reason we get some of the best ski deals in the market! We have a fantastic team here in the office and the job wouldn’t be the same without them – I love every minute of my working week with them. Don’t quote me on that over the busiest parts of the season please…!
Gareth (left), Sales Manager, enjoying Aspen & the view of the Highland Bowl
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