Archive for ‘France’
Chamonix for Beginners?
The walk in to La Vallée Blanche, Chamonix (image: Patrik Lindqvist)
The legendary alpine town of Chamonix Mont Blanc is renowned for its steep, extreme ski terrain and its mountaineering legacy. But did you know that Chamonix also boasts a great range of dedicated novice ski areas? What’s more, many of these areas offer special lift pass rates to save you splashing out on a full area pass until you’re ready to venture beyond the beginner slopes. Below is our short guide to Chamonix for beginners: Read the rest of this entry »
Top Tips for a Successful New Year Ski Holiday
Celebrations in Morzine
Along with the partying, eating copious amounts of food and celebrating in the streets, one of the most integral elements of a New Year ski holiday is snow. The start of the year is generally a great time to ski in Europe, however snow cover in late December and early January can vary from resort to resort, so why not pick our brains for information on the most snow-sure destinations?
Our knowledgeable reservations team will be more than happy to talk through your requirements and point you in the right direction. So whether you’re looking for wild après, the ultimate in-resort dining or high altitude slopes, we’ll do our best to make sure you bring in 2019 in style.
La Folie Douce on the slopes of Val Thorens
Here are just a few of our picks for high-altitude early-season skiing in Europe:
Verbier, Switzerland
The highest slopes sit at 3,300m, ensuring snowy mountains throughout the season.
Tignes, France
Great piste-grooming and high altitude make Tignes a dependable New Year resort!
Val Thorens, France
The village sits at 2,300m, making it the highest resort in the Alps and a snow-sure destination.
Our Top Tips
1. Once you’ve decided where to go, make the most of the mountain by letting us organise your instructor. Whether its group or private lessons, we can help!
2. Book your lift pass before you travel. With the majority of our French resorts, we can send your hands-free cards out with your travel documentation to ensure you’re not waiting to get on the slopes. Read the rest of this entry »
10 of the Best Luxury Ski Escapes this winter with Ski Independence
It takes a special blend of ingredients to create an unforgettable luxury ski escape. Beautiful surroundings, luxurious facilities, first-class service and outstanding food – to name but a few.
That said, there’s no ‘one size fits all’ when it comes to luxury ski holidays. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful getaway in an alpine village or an action-packed break in a lively resort, it’s all about finding the perfect 5-star ski holiday for you.
Why not take a look at our pick of the best luxury ski escapes this winter for a little inspiration?
Hotel W, Verbier
Best for: urban decor and stylish après ski.
Our Pick of the Best Family Ski Holidays
Our top 9 recommendations for 2018/19
A family ski holiday is one of life’s great pleasures. There’s nothing quite like being together in the fresh air of the mountains, watching your children grow in confidence and ability. Ski Independence have been a family ski holiday specialist for 25 years and we know from experience that the bet family ski holidays take a lot of careful planning and a good dose of detailed knowledge – so why not leave it to us? We’ve highlighted some of our recommendations for the best family ski holidays for next winter, and if you don’t see what you fancy below we’re happy to recommend a huge range of alternative destinations, accommodation & activities to suit your family. So, in no particular order…
The excellent nursery slopes at Aspen Snowmass
1. Les Gets, France
A short transfer from Geneva and a traditional pretty village are often two sought-after points on a family holiday wish list and Les Gets more than ticks these boxes. The centre of the village is lined with shops and restaurants serving a selection of Savoyard specialities along with a couple of lively bars offering laid back après-ski. Read the rest of this entry »
New for 2018/19 – Ski Independence Update
Find out all about what’s new for 2018/19!
We’re excited to announce that the brand new Ski Independence brochure has arrived, bookings are rolling in and early booking offers are high in demand.
Now is the best time to book and to give you some inspiration here’s an overview of what’s new for our European & North American programmes.
>> Order your copy of our Winter 2018/19 brochure now
Europe
Les Gets is a hotspot for families with its French charm and easy access to the huge Portes du Soleil ski area. Read the rest of this entry »
Two days of luxury at Hotel L’Apogée Courchevel
The wonderful Hotel l’Apogée overlooks Courchevel 1850 from its unrivalled ski-in/ski-out position in the Jardin Alpin area of the resort. Part of the growing Oetker Collection group, each property is unique.
Oetker Collection promise guests will “discover a ‘passion for living’, an appreciation for culture, gastronomy and the pleasures of nature”. One of our Ski Specialists, Karen M, had the chance to experience all of this and more on her recent visit to experience the 5-star luxury at Hotel L’Apogée.
Hotel L’Apogée sits in a prime ski-in/ski-out location in Courchevel 1850
Upon arrival at Geneva airport we were met by one of Hotel L’Apogée’s pristine vehicles and headed up to the mountains. At just two and a half hours, the journey to Courchevel is more than do-able for a short break or not too far if travelling with the family for a week. Once at L’Apogée we were greeted by inviting and friendly faces of the hotel staff and led to the Bar de L’Apogée for a tasty lunch. The bar menu is great for lunch or a light dinner with everything from burgers to ‘fish of the day’ dishes. The barmen here were so attentive and talked us through the wine choice of the afternoon while we waited for our order to arrive. After an early start that morning the hearty burgers went down a treat! Read the rest of this entry »
European Ski Extras Service Better than Ever!
Hitting the slopes hassle-free in Flaine
Saved time on the first day having lift tickets!
James, Flaine, February 2017
Booking the right lift passes, ski & snowboard tuition and rental equipment for your ski holiday can be a daunting prospect. Should I book a local or full area lift pass? Is it better to book full or half day lessons? Where will I be able to pick up my rental equipment?
The Ski Independence Private Collection
Exclusive ski properties, à la carte services
Residence La Canadienne in Val d’Isère
We’re delighted to introduce The Ski Independence Private Collection, a brand new luxury product for Winter 2017/18. The Ski Independence Private Collection is a selection of private chalets and apartments boasting excellent facilities and à la carte services. We’re offering this exclusive new product in sought-after European ski resorts including Val d’Isère, Courchevel, Méribel, St Anton and La Clusaz. Three of our Ski Specialists visited a range of Private Collection chalets and residences last winter; here’s what Morven had to say:
From picture-perfect traditional Alpine chalets, complete with original features and full of character, to modern, luxurious interiors, ski chalets come in all different shapes, sizes and styles. Originating as farmers’ abodes in the summer months, the modern chalet provides a home-from-home for holidaymakers.
From luxury self-catering to fully staffed, 5-star service, we ventured out to three of France’s top ski resorts to check out the very latest in luxury lodging. Read the rest of this entry »
Ski Cool Gives You Wings! Wingjump Val Thorens
Wingjump Val Thorens (image: Office de Tourisme, Val Thorens)
If you have recently returned from a trip to the Three Valleys, you might have spotted groups of children whizzing about the slopes in Val Thorens with wings attached to their backs (yes that does say wings!). This has nothing to do with fancy dress. In your head you might be picturing some sparkly fairy wings, but think more parachute-like cape and you will be closer to reality.
Wingjump, to give it its official name, is the latest innovative teaching aid to be employed by instructors working for Ski Cool in Val Thorens. Aiming to provide a better sense of balance and instil confidence in learners, the Wingjump is ideal for skiers who are trying to improve their parallel turns. The added feeling of lift that the Wingjump provides encourages you to keep your weight forward, making turns that bit easier whilst allowing you to build up some speed at the same time. And what’s more it’s great fun!
Here’s a clip from Ski Cool’s Facebook page to give you a flavour: Read the rest of this entry »
A 5-star Experience – Ski Independence go skiing
Karen M and Adam from the Ski Independence team had the pleasure of visiting a huge number of our featured luxury hotels and residences in the Tarentaise ski resorts of Val Thorens, Tignes, Val d’Isère and Les Arcs in December, as well as sneaking in a couple of days on the slopes. Karen sums up the trip below.
Adam & Karen enjoying a sunny lunch
5-Star Experience – First stop: Val Thorens
We arrived in Val Thorens on the afternoon of a beautiful sunny day at the start of December to begin our mini-tour around the Alps. Neither of us had been here before so it was great to see it for the first time on such a lovely day. After quick lunch we started our visits around to a few of the luxury hotels Val Thorens has to offer. Read the rest of this entry »
