Posts Tagged ‘les arcs’
10 Ski Bucket List Experiences in Europe
The last couple of years have taught us just how important travel is for the soul. We all need a break from the everyday. The delight in being somewhere new, admiring spectacular scenery, sampling new food and exploring different terrain on your skis shouldn’t be underestimated.
With this is mind, we’ve put together a bucket list of top ski experiences in our European programme.
1. Marvel at the Mighty Matterhorn (Zermatt, Switzerland)
You’ve seen photos of this iconic mountain but have you seen it in the flesh? It really is as spectacular as it looks. Zermatt is a picture perfect resort and works well for skiers and non-skiers alike. The best views are from the top of the Gornergrat mountain railway at 3100m.
Read the rest of this entry »What’s New in the French Alps this Winter
France’s excellent ski resorts have all kinds of new activities, gastronomy and accommodation to discover after the hiatus of the past 18 months. Here’s a taste of what’s new in the French Alps this winter:
Après-Ski with a difference
Ice Floating
Take your wellness routine to the next level! Float on the icy waters of Lac Ouillette (Val d’Isère) or Lac de Tignes in a specially designed waterproof wet-suit and experience a completely unique way to relax. Get even closer to nature by floating under the stars once the sun has gone down.
Read the rest of this entry »Après-Ski with a difference
Ice Floating
Take your wellness routine to the next level! Float on the icy waters of Lac Ouillette (Val d’Isère) or Lac de Tignes in a specially designed waterproof wet-suit and experience a completely unique way to relax. Get even closer to nature by floating under the stars once the sun has gone down.
Read the rest of this entry »Our Tips for Driving to the Alps in Winter
Flaine, France. Credit: Kasya Shahovskaya on Unsplash
Not only is driving to the Alps cost effective, it gives you the freedom to travel at your own pace, stopping off en route at some lovely places. Read the rest of this entry »
Top 5 Family Ski Holidays
Europe’s short travel times and great skiing make for the ideal family ski holiday destination, but which resorts are best for families? Finding the right ski area, ski school, childcare options and accommodation all within a reasonable travel time can be challenging. With over 20 years of experience, we’ve short listed some of the best European resorts and accommodation for all the family…
Val Thorens, France
Val Thorens, France
Top 5 Mountain Restaurants – Europe
Most snowsports enthusiasts will agree that there is rarely a sight as beautiful as blue skies over the Alps. Dramatic snowy peaks drenched in bright, warm sunshine – these are the days when you ski hard in the morning and take a late lunch on a panoramic terrace and relax well into the afternoon. Here are Ski Independence top 5 mountain restaurants for a self-indulgent late lunch this spring.
Chez Vrony, Zermatt
Few mountain restaurants can boast the reputation or rich history of Chez Vrony. From its humble beginnings as a spartan farmhouse, to its current position as #1 restaurant in Zermatt on Tripadvisor – one trip to Chez Vrony will have you reminiscing for quite some time, especially if you visit under clear blue skies.
Chez Vrony, Zermatt
Mille 8, Arc 1800: Family Ski Holidays Just Got Better
Les Arcs is one of France’s largest and most popular ski areas. Located in the Savoie region and part of the Tarentaise Valley, Les Arcs links with nearby La Plagne to form the huge Paradiski area boasting over 425km of ski terrain. This vast ski paradise, linked by the spectacular Vanoise Express (a slightly scary double-decker cable car) is a firm favourite with British skiers and boarders.
- Image by: Manu Reyboz
Best winter for over 40 years!
Powder please? In spades? No problem…
You can’t help but notice the unbelievable levels of snow in Europe so far this season. All around us are reports of incredible conditions, some inspirational photos, and social media full of pre-holiday excitement – with yet more snow on the way, who wouldn’t want to go to the Alps and be a part of it all this winter?
Our friends from Paradiski, one of the largest ski areas in Europe linking Les Arcs–Peisey Vallandry and La Plagne, have been in touch with some spectacular photos and some truly amazing statistics!
The total accumulation of snow has already reached a whopping 4.78 metres in Les Arcs, with depths of 1.75 metres being reported at 1600m and 3.4 metres up at 3000 metres altitude. Corinne Chevance, of the Les Arcs lift pass company, confirmed this is the greatest volume of snow seen in Les Arcs since 1966! Yep, that’s more than 40 years ago! Neighbouring ski area La Plagne isn’t far behind with 3 metres of snow on upper slopes.
Check out the images below if you don’t quite believe us! Read the rest of this entry »
New Year, New Snow
Having witnessed one of the snowiest Decembers on record across the Alps; picture perfect conditions over the Christmas week, and a short lived spell of mild weather for New Year, the Alps are now getting ready for the first dump of 2012…and it’s another big one! With some European resorts already reporting more snow to date this winter than the whole of last season, the Alps are now enjoying some of the best snow conditions in the world. Below is a quick round up on where to find the best snow conditions. Read the rest of this entry »
New Spa at Les Arcs 1950
Le 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!
