Archive for July, 2011
The Breckenridge Dream
Last 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. Read the rest of this entry »
Top Tip – Free Cookies in Beaver Creek
The friendly folk in Beaver Creek want to make your ski holiday as enjoyable as possible. They know that a way to the heart is through the stomach, and this particularly true with children!
So, after a day on the slopes in Beaver Creek make sure you head to the Centennial Chairlift (Chair #6) at 3pm where you’ll find resort staff handing out hot, chocolate chip cookies. But don’t worry they are for adults too!
Beaver Creek Cookie Chef. Photo: MountainYahoo
Best Family Restaurants in Whistler
When on a family ski holiday one of the biggest expenses is eating out, and whilst choosing a self catered property provides you with the flexibility of heading to the supermarket and eating in, it’s always nice to try some of the local restaurants in resort.
This might bring a bead of sweat to the forehead of some parents who may panic at the thought of finding somewhere where their children can relax and be themselves, that the bill for a family of four for a simple dinner will be over £100, or that they don’t want to have their food served on a tray and have to unwrap it before eating. So to help you ahead of your holiday to Whistler, we’ve pulled together some of the recommended family restaurants which all come in at under $50 all in for four hungry skiers! If you have a favourite, we’d love to hear from you. Just comment at the bottom of the blog.
You can’t go wrong with an Italian restaurant and certainly not with Pasta Lupino. A firm favourite amongst the Whistler locals, there is always a good atmosphere here. The mac & cheese is one of their top selling dishes and they’re more than happy to put together half portions for children. During the day, for lunch and an early dinner prices range from $4.25 for kids to $7 – $13 for adults. It’s worth noting though that prices increase after 5.30pm for a more formal dinner experience.
What’s new in Avoriaz 2011/12
My 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: Michael
Over the years we receive superb feedback on the knowledge, passion and experience of the 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..
Michael, Managing Director.
For the benefit of our readers could you explain your role at Ski Independence and what you’re responsible for?
I’m the Managing Director of Ski Independence and responsible for the day to day running of the business as well as our strategy for the future. My job is made all the easier by having such a superb team of committed people working here who are all passionate about winter sports and focused on delivering the best possible holiday experience to our clients. Read the rest of this entry »
The best of Chamonix, without the crowds
The latest addition to our range of French resorts, we’re pleased to be featuring Vallorcine for Winter 2011/2012.
Considered by many people to be a true hidden gem, Vallorcine is an authentic and unspoilt mountain village located at the end of the Chamonix Valley, just before the Swiss border.
It’s the perfect choice if you’re looking for a peaceful retreat, great value, and all the benefits of a large ski area without the drawbacks of big crowds.
Stay in Residence L’Ours Bleu for great quality self-catered apartments – ideally located in the very heart of the village and close to the Vallorcine gondola.
Picturesque Vallorcine in the Chamonix Valley
Call the reservations team on 0131 243 8097 to find out more and to check availability.
Fact Files: Claire
Over 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..
Claire, European Product Manager
For the benefit of our readers could you explain your role at Ski Independence and what you’re responsible for?
I recently took on the role of European Product Manager, after being Assistant Product Manager here for over 4 years. The role involves contracting all the elements of a skiing holiday, brochure production, dealing with operational issues during the season and anything else to ensure that things run smoothly! Read the rest of this entry »
Kate & William’s Banff Getaway
Everybody needs a break these days. After weeks of speculation on where the Royal couple would find quiet personal time during their whirlwind tour of Canada, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge finally chose Skoki Lodge in Banff National Parkfor a very special overnight getaway. Read the rest of this entry »
SWISS increase baggage allowance
In times when airlines are constantly decreasing baggage allowances and increasing ski carriage, we’re delighted to announce that Swiss International Airlines (SWISS) have in fact increased their baggage allowance and promise to keep FREE ski carriage – yes, more bags & free skis!! Can you believe it?? Read the rest of this entry »
Moguls move uphill – who knew?
Scientists studying the formation of moguls in Winter Park, Colorado (we want their job!) have found that over time moguls actually move uphill.
It sounds illogical, but the science behind it is that as skiers and snowboarders turn the snow is pushed downhill and into piles, causing the start of bump formations. Each time a skier scrapes snow off the downhill side of a bump, it simultaneously collects on the uphill side of the bump below. Each mogul therefore is scraped away on the downhill side, but collects new snow on the uphill part of the bump…the result being bumps moving uphill. Just watch the time-lapse video below filmed over the course of several weeks to see the proof! Read the rest of this entry »
