Inside Track – Ski Bucket List; Andy
Andy is one of the longest serving members of our reservations team and he really knows his stuff, has visited resorts all over the world and is a pretty good skier to boot. A fully qualified BASI instructor, Andy still manages to get a couple of weeks teaching in each season in some of his favourite resorts and has often accompanied our group trips like the Monster Ski challenge.
Read on to discover Andy’s ski bucket list top 5, his favourite places to stay and his recommendations for couples and families. He also shares some memorable ski experiences from trips to Chamonix and Whistler.
Ski Bucket List; Andy
My top 5 ski destinations, in no particular order:
- Megève: Its French ambience, awesome mountain restaurants and charming village makes this a top place to visit. Still a hidden gem.
- Whistler: What’s there to say…? Ticks all the boxes, amazing area, awesome customer service, top après – near impossible to not have a fun time!
- Jackson Hole: Tough and challenging terrain from everything from trees, chutes, bowls and bumps. Real Cowboy town with great bars and lots of choice of eating out.
- Klosters/Davos: So much to choose from skiing wise, great snow, 2 towns packed with stuff to do. Off piste is incredible off the back of Jacobshorn and Parsenn.
- Espace Killy: Val d’Isère and Tignes have it all. In my opinion the most exciting ski area in Europe, state-of-the-art lift system and great après.
-
- Megève Tourism (c: JP.Noisillier)
-
- Learn to ski in Whistler (c: P Morrison)
-
- Jackson Hole steeps
-
- Davos (c: Benutzer-Flyout)
-
- Val d’Isère (c: Royer)
-
- Huge ski area – Tignes (c: C Tatin)
My favourite places to stay
- Fairmont Chateau Whistler: 5-star luxury with a nice informal feel. The Mallard bar is awesome, as is the outdoor pool with the underwater music.
- Hotel Lenado, Aspen: Great atmosphere, intimate feel, rooms with wood burning fires and what a breakfast!
- Hotel Le Chabichou, Courchevel: Amazing rooms, slopeside and a fantastic restaurant and bar.
Superb view from the Hotel Chabichou restaurant terrace
For couples I would recommend
- La Clusaz in France: Romantic setting, great places to eat out and skiing to suit all abilities so you don’t fall out.
- Lake Louise: an equivalent in Canada, especially if you stay in a lakeview room at the Chateau – big wow factor.
Impressive views above Lake Louise
For families I would recommend
- Les Arcs 1950, staying at Le Village: ski-in/ski-out, good kids ski school and car-free village. Lots going on for families.
- In North America, Sun Peaks for the same reasons.
Ski-in/ski-out Arc 1950 Le Village
My most memorable skiing experience
It’s a toss up between:
- Skiing down the Poubelle from the Aiguille du Midi down to the Vallée Blanches in Chamonix – the steepest thing I’ve ever been down and my heart was in my mouth. What a buzz at the end though!
- Or Heli-skiing in Whistler in April with knee deep powder, not as scary but just a fab experience.
Andy enjoying himself in Whistler
Get in touch with Andy or any of our reservations team by calling 0131 243 8097 for expert help and advice with your ski holiday plans this winter. Click here to request a tailor-made quotation online.
