Ski Independence Blog
Posts Tagged ‘ski holidays’
Ironing in ski boots
January 25th, 2012I bought a new pair of ski boots last week (Atomic Hawx w90 if you’re interested). As any skier will know this is a milestone event. I’ve had my last pair for 10 years and we’ve skied together in 7 different countries and over 50 different resorts. We’re old friends now. I know that when I get them out of the attic for the first few turns of the season they’ll be a bit grouchy – a little light punishment for leaving them in the dark for all those months – but within a few hours they always came good. Now it’s time for them to take semi-retirement and they are soon to be packed off to my mum’s house up north where they’ll be handy for those occasions when Scotland’s snow obliges. I’m told that breaking in a new pair of boots should not be the agonising pain that it used to be – heat moulding speeds up the process and while spending 20 minutes standing in tuck position in the middle of Ellis Brigham made me slightly self conscious I’m hoping to reap the benefits when we get out on the snow!
Atomic Hawx w90
Since the new boots came home I have got them out of the box most days – sometimes putting them on, sometimes just admiring their shiny newness. I’m supposed to wear them around the house for 10-15 hours before taking them on snow. However, human decency suggests that’s not a good idea given that I live in a second floor tenement flat with wooden floors.. not sure the downstairs neighbours would enjoy that! So it was suggested to me that I wear them to do the ironing – thing is, I don’t usually do that much ironing. Either my clothes are all going to get a lot less wrinkled or I’m going to take my chances when I go skiing.
This does however, raise the issue preparation for a ski trip. It’s pretty simple maths that the higher your level of fitness to begin with, the better you’re going to feel on the snow. Here in the Ski Independence office activity levels are beginning to rise, although it’s not exactly easy at this time of year when we’re at our busiest! Running, cycling, fitness classes, swimming… they are all good ways to prepare for your ski holiday. Even walking to work is better than nothing at all. Skiing uses muscles that you’re not even aware of having most of the time (and don’t even start me on snowboarding! I’ve had a few goes at it and been unable to walk for days afterwards). So basically, whatever you do, you know there will be an element of pain involved when you get on the snow (usually the afternoon of day three for me). Now’s the time to put the work in and feel the benefits in resort.. so I guess I’d better start some training.. I want to make sure me and my new boots get off on the right foot!
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…
Whistler: The most skiable terrain in the World
December 2nd, 2011Whistler has the most open terrain IN THE WORLD right now! I know we make a big fuss about Whistler but no wonder – they’ve had over 10 feet of snow fall this season alone!
Today the Peak Chair opens, tomorrow Harmony Express opens – I have one question for myself, what am I doing sitting here at my desk? I should be there…
Of course I’m here so I can book holidays for those who are able to take time off at this time of year (and beyond) – I won’t get to ski until Mid March and only then if we are quiet enough, one of the pitfalls of working in the ski industry, we’re busy when the snow is falling and everyone else is skiing.
November Powder on Blackcomb Mountain, Photo: Michael Neumann
So while I’m thinking about Whistler let me share a few of my top tips…
- Book by 5 December and travel from the UK between 20 December and 31 December (subject to availability of flights) and you can save £1000’s on British Airways Club World flights – these are the lowest prices I have EVER seen on business class to Vancouver!
- Book to Four Seasons Resort Whistler and you’ll get the best price offered at the hotel AND a room upgrade. So (for example) book a Resort King Room to get the best price and we’ll upgrade you to a Superior Room free of charge!
- Book your holiday with Ski Independence, pre-book your lift passes and rentals and the kids will ski for FREE. Yes, FREE!!
Taken at the base of Whistler Blackcomb
With a bag full of other offers throughout the resort, a huge snow base and a season that will last well in to May and terrain that seems never ending there is no reason why you wouldn’t want to go to Whistler…is there?
For more information on our Whistler offers you can call a member of the Ski Independence team on 0131 243 8097 who will be able to help with any questions you may have…after all we have been to Whistler over 60 times so know pretty much everything there is to know! Alternatively you can request an online quote here.
Our Whistler Top 10
November 29th, 2011I can’t remember what sparked the conversation in the Ski Independence office, but we worked out that between us, we’d visited Whistler Blackcomb over 60 times. That’s far more than any other ski resort we feature but there’s a very good reason; Whistler is our biggest selling North American resort. Apart from meaning we’ve racked up a lot of both air and ski miles, and stayed in a lot of Whistler hotels it also means we know Whistler Blackcomb inside out. Our clients can therefore be confident our unrivalled Whistler knowledge allows us to recommend the perfect flight, transfer and accommodation recommendations to ensure the perfect Whistler ski holiday
We then took it a stage further and asked what our favourite things about Whistler were. After some debate we came up with our Whistler Top 10 which you’ll find below.
Do you agree with us? We’d love to hear what you love about Whistler and you can leave comments at the end of this blog.
1. Get Fresh
If there’s fresh snow in the forecast, say no to that nightcap, have an early night and make sure you’re at the base of Whistler Gondola at 7am for Fresh Tracks. They let a maximum of 650 skiers and boarders up on the first gondolas between 7.30am and 8.30am – first stop is a hearty breakfast at the Roundhouse and then you’ll be let out to play in the virgin powder and groomers.
Tickets cost around $18 for adults, $13 for children aged 7-12 and it’s free for anyone under 6
2. Steeps and Ladders
Spanky’s Ladder is on Blackcomb Mountain and is Whistler’s most famous steep, expert only terrain. Take the Glacier Express chair and ski or board along the ridge and then it’s a short 50ft hike up to the way in. Catch your breath, say a prayer, clip in and drop in to some seriously steep terrain. Fresh snow makes this special experience an extra special one.
3. Don’t Look Down
The Whistler Peak 2 Peak gondola linking Whistler and Blackcomb mountains is an engineering marvel that was completed just before the 2010 Winter Olympics. It holds a number of world records including the longest unsupported span of over 3kms (gulp) and is 436 metres above the valley floor at its highest point (gulp). Two of the 28 cabins have glass bottomed viewing windows but you’ll be pleased to hear there are separate queues for each type otherwise waiting in line would be a kind of Russian Roulette for the vertiginous.
This photo is taken looking down from the highest point of the Peak 2 Peak Gondola!
4. The Ultimate Backcountry
Stick ‘Ride of the Valkyries’ on your ipod as the helicopter takes off and whisks you to your 1500 square mile backcountry playground. Whistler Heli-Ski has been running for over 30 years and offers daily heli-ski packages offering various amounts of vertical but with every turn being a powder turn. At the end of the day there’s an après party at the Bearfoot Bistro where they show videos of the day’s adventures. You can book your Whistler Heli-Ski package with Ski Independence from £559 per day
Whistler Heli-Skiing
5. Feel the Burn
Peak to Creek is a four mile (7km) top to bottom leg burner over on Whistler Mountain that starts in the Upper Bowls and ends 5000ft later at the Creekside base area. It’s more of a zone than one single run, with lots of different ways down and in the main this is intermediate terrain. Time it so you hit the bottom at the end of the day and get stuck into some of the legendary après ski offered at Dusty’s Bar and BBQ.
6. Slopeside Apres
Irish bars have sprung up all around the world and even Whistler hasn’t been immune. It’s fair to say that some of them can leave you flat but not the Dubh Linn Gate. Located at the Whistler Mountain base under the Pan Pacific Mountainside hotel, the Dubh Linn Gate is one of the best we’ve been to. It’s an après ski mecca, dishing out pints and great bar food with an Oirish accent. If you prefer something more Canadian there’s the legendary Garibaldi Lift Co (GLC) or The Longhorn and over in Blackcomb you won’t go wrong at Merlins. Down at Creekside everybody ends up at Dusty’s. However be warned; some of us have found ourselves in ski boots past midnight – so don’t go before a powder day!
7. Scream If You Want to go Faster
The 2010 Winter Olympics at Whistler Blackcomb brought a lot of practical improvements. They spent many millions rebuilding the Sea 2 Sky highway cutting half an hour off airport transfer times. The Olympic legacy also meant some less practical and altogether more exciting projects that remain to this day. The Whistler Sliding Centre is the rather underwhelming name for the bobsleigh and skeleton track – 1700 metres of steeper than you’d think sheet ice capable of spitting you down at speeds of up to 75mph. The brave and the foolhardy can now experience this for themselves for around $150 as part of the Whistler Sport Experience programme.
Scream if you want to go faster!
8. Fine Dining
As well as being an exceptional winter sports destination, Whistler is also renowned as having arguably the best dining options of any North American ski resort. There’s a mind boggling choice of restaurants offering everything from fast food to high-end fine dining. The stand out for us is The Rimrock Café in Whistler Creekside. The Rimrock offers superbly cooked and presented fish and game in a relaxed atmosphere with a diverse and eclectic wine list. Although they modestly call themselves a café, this is a grown up fine dining restaurant with prices to match but we feel it’s worth every penny.
9. Hot Air
No Ski Independence top 10 would be complete without mention of the Fairmont Chateau Whistler in the Upper Village at the base of Blackcomb Mountain. A resort institution and a firm favourite with our clients, the Chateau offers guests a relaxed, stylish five-star experience and yet manages somehow to do it at a surprisingly affordable price. We highly recommend an après ski drink by the fire pits on the terrace outside the Mallard, the Chateau’s famous lounge bar. It’s the perfect slopeside spot to regale each other with tall tales from your epic day on the mountain.
10. Down Time
If you’ve ticked off the first nine things on our list we reckon your body might be in need of a little TLC. The Scandinave Spa is a spectacular outdoor eco spa located a little north of Whistler Village, spread over three acres with staggering views of Whistler Valley. The Scandinave concept is based around Finnish hydrotherapy and the spa offers Scandinavian baths, massages and relaxation areas. The focus is on nature and natural healing so expect lots of outdoor pools and treatment areas plus a bistro serving healthy fresh food and juices.
Kick back and relax at the The Scandinave Spa
Ski Independence are the leading UK Tour Operator featuring Whistler Blackcomb. To find out more about the resort or to plan a holiday there contact our reservations team on 0131 243 8097 or fill in a quick online quotation
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.
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.
Breckenridge turns 50!
October 27th, 2011Breckenridge is 50 years old this winter, that’s nearly as old as our Product Manager Nick Laver (there is (not) a prize if you correctly guess how old he is/which one is older, answers on the website please!)
I am lucky enough to have visited Breckenridge a few times now and still love skiing the huge area and finding new terrain. There is loads of varied terrain, enough to keep the most diverse group of skiers happy with the gentle beginners slopes close to the town to the amazing cruisers and rollers off the Independence Super Chair over on Peak 8. The Imperial Super Chair drops you just shy of 13,000ft above sea level (highest lift access in Continental America) to access some incredible terrain, even for an intermediate skier like me, but I’m told that the double diamond skiing from here is even better!
Fresh snowfall in Breckenridge this morning
Once the slopes are closed Breckenridge really comes alive with some great bars and restaurants. You can have a relaxed meal for two or hit the town and party all night long – that’s never really been an option for me while in town as I am exhausted after a long day on the mountain.
To celebrate this milestone we have some truly unbeatable offers in Breckenridge with savings on flights, accommodation AND lift passes – but these offers all finish soon so you need to let us know what you want to do and book soon.
We have some great rates on the United Airlines indirect flights, if you keep clear of Friday and Saturday travel you’ll get the very best price. To match these great flight offers you can stay at The Village at Breckenridge for 7 nights in January (including transfers from Denver) for as little as £849 per person. If you want to stay a bit longer, treat yourself to 14 nights for under £1200 per person!
At around 50 most of us are ready for pipe and slippers (Nick?) but Breckenridge is a long way from retirement – have you booked you holiday there for this winter? If not why not – it’s going to be one heck of a party starting 11.11.11.
See you there!!
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!
The Breckenridge Dream
July 29th, 2011Last Autumn Duncan Newbury was the lucky winner of an all expenses paid ski holiday to Breckenridge, thanks to Vail Resorts at the screening of “Light The Wick”, the new Teton Gravity Research film. Here’s how he got on…
I got hooked on Teton Gravity Research (TGR) ski and snowboard films back in 2005 when I first saw Tangerine Dream. So, when I heard that their latest release, Light The Wick, was going to be premiered at the O2 Shepherds Bush Empire last Autumn I grabbed a ticket straight away.
I genuinely couldn’t believe it when I was lucky enough to win a competition at the film screening for a trip to Breckenridge, Colorado, thanks to Vail Resorts and Ski Independence. The chance for my girlfriend and I to head out on an all expenses paid trip to some of the places I had seen in many a TGR movie was a once in a lifetime opportunity.
Duncan enjoying a blue bird day in Breckenridge
The Ski Independence team were fantastic at getting everything sorted for us and in early April we were heading out on a very comfortable British Airways flight to Denver and then on with the Colorado Mountain Express transfer service to The Great Divide Lodge, just a few metres from the Breckenridge lifts. Having left mid-morning, and with the time difference in our favour, we got to the lodge the same evening and, after a hearty breakfast, were ready to head up the mountain on the first lift the next day.
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