We are now open on Saturday mornings from 9am to 1pm through til April. Call or browse online this weekend to find an extra special offer.
Thanks for visiting our blog. We'll be regularly adding news and information right here about our chalets, our ski holidays, the ski resorts we feature, and anything else ski related we think worth sharing. We hope you enjoy what you find, please do come back to read more.
Copywriter & Content CreatorWith a passion for snowsports and all things travel related, Kate is a whiz with words, and has a love of all things digital, especially social media.
Wed November 29, 2023
From snow clearing to hot tub filling, here’s what’s happening behind the scenes out in the Alps...
Val d’Isere is gearing up for its opening weekend on 2nd December. It’s not always been easy getting to work with all the fresh snow. Snowforecast.com reported 39 cm (15 inches) of snow fell over Monday and Tuesday this week!
The team are working hard clearing snow ready for our first guests who arrive on 6th December. They'll be experts in no time at all!
Our Les Arcs & Portes du Soleil staff arrived in Les Arcs for their pre-season training on Monday. They’ve been having fun getting to know the resort and enjoying the fresh snow.
The finishing touches are being made to our chalets in Avoriaz and the new hot tubs and pools are being filled ready for our first guests. Now how about that for a view!
Back in Val d'Isere, the Bellevarde chalets are having a little facelift with new soft furnishings and furniture. Watch this space for new pictures - we're sending our photographer in next week.
Meanwhile, our friends at Massage Me are taking online bookings for massages for guests in the comfort of your chalet bedroom and our dedicated spa treatment room at Bear Lodge.
Not long to wait until we’ll be welcoming our first guests of the 2023/24 ski season.
Are you hitting the slopes this winter?
If you haven’t booked your escape to the Alps yet this winter, then do check out our luxury catered ski chalets and award-winning ski hotel.
And don’t forget to follow us on Instagram, Facebook, X and TikTok for regular snowy updates from all our resorts...
Copywriter & Content CreatorWith a passion for snowsports and all things travel related, Kate is a whiz with words, and has a love of all things digital, especially social media.
Fri November 24, 2023
Over the last few years, we’ve noticed a growing trend in multi-generational travel. Here at VIP SKI, we’ve certainly seen an increase in people booking ski holidays for extended family groups.
A trip to the Alps with grandchildren, parents and grandparents can be a wonderful way to spend time with your loved ones but it’s important to choose a resort that will meet the needs of all the members of the group. If you’re considering a multi-generational ski trip, read on for what we believe makes the perfect holiday.
Nestled in the heart of the French Alps, one of our favourite resorts for a ski holiday with grandparents is Morzine. This charming resort offers something for everyone, from the youngest snow bunnies to seasoned winter sports enthusiasts and grandparents looking for a wide range of non-skiing activities on days when they might not feel like hitting the slopes. Beyond skiing, Morzine's picturesque village with cosy traditional restaurants and a wide range of shops and après-ski activities, provides the ideal backdrop for family gatherings and quality time.
The extensive Portes du Soleil ski area consists of 650 km of ski runs in 14 resorts in France and Switzerland and includes the infamous “Swiss Wall” black run. It caters to all skill levels, ensuring that both beginners and experts can make the most of their time on the slopes. There are numerous ski schools offering group and private ski and snowboarding lessons tailored to various age groups and abilities. We work closely with New Generation, BASS, ESF and Supreme in Morzine.
Our Morzine chalets redefine luxury in the cosiest way. Think private hot tubs, balconies offering stunning mountain views and toasty log fires for a perfect evening back at the chalet. We've got all the modern comforts too, including WiFi in all our chalets. Plus, with the exceptional VIP SKI service that comes as standard, you will have time to chat and play games before dinner, enjoy reading bedtime stories with the children or relax with a glass of wine and a book if you prefer. What’s more, all our chalets in Morzine are located right in the centre of the town within easy reach of the slopes.
If you are looking for a destination with a huge variety of activities for skiers and non-skiers alike, then Morzine really does deliver. From dog sledding, ice diving and snowmobiling to snowshoeing, sleigh rides and ice skating, adults and children alike will find plenty to do all week.
A shuttle bus runs every 30 minutes from Morzine to Montriond Lake, which is a beautiful spot for a wintry stroll through the trees. You can also enjoy a warming coffee or lunch at one of the rustic restaurants overlooking the lake.
If the skiers in your group are skiing over to Avoriaz, then non-skiers can also get the shuttle bus to Ardent (a short drive past Montriond Lake) and walk up to meet them at Goat’s Village (or get the bubble up and walk down) for lunch in one of the many traditional restaurants there.
For those looking for vibrant nightlife and apres-ski, Morzine won’t disappoint! The apres-ski scene in Morzine offers something for everyone with a huge array of bars for a pre- or post-dinner drink or two.
As passionate skiers with children of our own, we know firsthand that happy children mean happy parents and exceptional childcare is crucial for any family holiday. We also understand that many grandparents enjoy helping look after their grandchildren on holiday so with our flexible private nanny service, grandparents can enjoy their own adventures and relaxation time too.
We appreciate that planning and coordinating a trip for multiple families can be a logistical challenge which is why our Alpine Account Managers are on hand to help create tailor-made accommodation suggestions for your party. They can also pre-book nannies, lift passes, ski hire and ski lessons for everyone so that from the moment you arrive on holiday you can relax knowing everything is organised and enjoy time with the family.
The short 90-minute transfer from Geneva airport to Morzine is ideal for those with young children. We offer four transfers a day on Sundays to enable families to fly in from different airports if needed before coming together for champagne and canapés and a delicious 3-course dinner, carefully prepared by your chalet host.
Private transfers from the airport can also be arranged on request. If you’re wondering what you need to pack for a ski trip to Morzine, then do take a look at our What to pack for your next ski trip blog.
Although Morzine is a fabulous winter destination from December to April, if you are considering a ski holiday with grandparents, we recommend travelling at Christmas or New Year for a festive experience or in March or April when the weather is a little warmer.
With activities on tap and beautiful chocolate box charm, Morzine is without a doubt, one of our favourite resorts for a multi-generational family ski trip and is the perfect place to create unforgettable memories with grandparents this winter...
Tempted? Browse our luxury catered chalets in Morzine.
Copywriter & Content CreatorWith a passion for snowsports and all things travel related, Kate is a whiz with words, and has a love of all things digital, especially social media.
Thu September 28, 2023
We understand that for many guests an important part of their ski holiday is enjoying an après ski beer or dancing the night away into the early hours.
Here’s our shortlist of the 5 best bars in and around Arc 1950.
Don’t forget to ask your Chalet Host for advice on which venues are the best. They will after all, probably have frequented most of them!
1. George’s Wine Bar (Arc 1950 - under new management this winter)
George’s Wine Bar is a popular, convivial spot to enjoy a post-skiing debrief. Aside from their impressive wine collection, they also sell a large selection of beers from around the globe.
2. O’Chaud – Bar club (Arc 1950)
This modern, yet cosy, lounge-bar offers a relaxing environment in the day and a lively party scene by night. With a high standard of food, drinks and music, it’s a brilliant place to dance the night away. They regularly host events throughout the winter, opening daily between 15:00 and 03:00. Make sure you check out their cocktail menu!
3. Pub Les Belles Pintes (Arc 1950)
It doesn’t matter how far you travel, there always seems to be an Irish pub around the corner. With a wide selection of draught beers, wines and live music, les Belles Pintes is a great place to unwind after skiing and you will no doubt be able to catch the latest sporting events on a big screen. Don’t miss out on Happy Hour between 16:00 and 17:00 every day.
4. Le Chalet de Luigi (Arc 1950)
Chalet Luigi is the perfect spot from which to enjoy some delicious Italian specialities and an extensive collection of fine wines. Around 15:00 the restaurant transforms into a lively après ski party and this atmosphere continues throughout the evening and on into the night with great live music, DJs and discos running until the early hours of the morning.
5. La Folie Douce (Arc 1800)
The infamous Folie Douce rightly deserves its reputation as one of the best après ski destinations in the area. It's worth popping down to Arc 1800 to enjoy the live music, cabaret and ultimate après-ski party! Dancing on the tables – optional...
Of course, there is a 6th bar to add to the list… our very own Bear Lodge bar & lounge.
Whether you’re staying in our hotel or chalets we’d love to see you for an après ski or pre-dinner drink. We have a selection of beers, cocktails and soft drinks, and our attentive staff waiting to hear about your day on the slopes.
See you in Bear Lodge.
Cheers!
Marketing ManagerA Marketing professional with a love of travel and all things ski related. Nici secured her dream job with VIP SKI in 2010 and hasn't looked back since!
Tue September 26, 2023
"The most trying hours in life are between four o'clock and the evening meal. A cup of tea at this time adds a lot of comfort and happiness." Quote: Royal S. Copeland
After a long day on the slopes there are few things that are more decadent than settling down after you’ve changed out of your ski clothes, had a hot shower and put your feet up in front of a log fire to a meal dedicated to indulgence. That is Afternoon Tea. It's one of the most favourite aspects of the British classic, and much loved. catered chalet holiday. Your dedicated chalet host prepares for you freshly-baked baguettes, a lip-smacking sweet treat, and, of course, a good cup of tea.
The dilemma, do you head straight back to the chalet to tuck into the feast that awaits you... or do you head to one of the many après ski bars?
Enjoying an après ski drink (whatever your tipple; beer, cocktail, champagne) is, after all, an essential part of the overall holiday experience. An opportunity to unwind, share stories about your day and make lasting memories.
If a post-ski drink gets your vote, don't worry, we can always save the cake and you can take it out for elevense's the following day!
Why not try creating your own piece of happiness at home with our apple and cinnamon cake recipe. This is guaranteed to evoke memories of a fun-filled skiing holiday or make you reach for your phone and book onto a snowy break.
Preparation time - 5 minutes
Cooking time - 45 minutes
Ingredients
2 apples
85g butter
1 tsp cinnamon
2 eggs
200g raising flour
150ml milk
pinch of salt
280g brown sugar + extra for sprinkling
60g raisins
Method
1. Peel, core and chop up 1 ½ apples, leaving ½ with the skin on and then slicing it to decorate the top of the cake.
2. Sift flour, cinnamon and salt into a bowl. Stir in the brown sugar, raisins, eggs, melted butter, milk and apples.Mix until smooth and pour into a lined cake tin.
3. Decorate with sliced apples and sprinkle with sugar.
4. Cook for 45 minutes in a moderate oven (180ºC).
If you have given this scrumptious cake the thumbs up, you're going to love what's on the menu this winter.
Waiting for you on your return from the slopes you can expect delights such as Blueberry & White Chocolate Muffins, Espresso Traybake, Date Slice and Carrot Cake.
And if you still have room after canapes, starter and main course, you can enjoy another sweet treat that is dessert. On the menu this winter; Lemon curd Cheesecake; Chocolate, espresso & cardamom mousse cake and Croissant & marmalade pudding.
Copywriter & Content CreatorWith a passion for snowsports and all things travel related, Kate is a whiz with words, and has a love of all things digital, especially social media.
Fri September 15, 2023
With an airport transfer of just 90 minutes, Morzine is understandably a popular choice, especially for families with young children. Part of the vast Portes du Soleil ski area, Morzine boasts 650 km of pistes in 14 resorts and 2 different countries! Whether you’re tackling the infamous ‘Swiss Wall’ or cruising down a beautiful tree-lined blue run, we guarantee that you will fall in love with the traditional, understated charm that Morzine exudes. Snowboarders will also feel at home here in one of the many purpose built board parks.
Got a non-skier in your group? Then this is the resort for you. With a plethora of activities ranging from snow-shoeing and dog sledding to paragliding and swimming, there is plenty to keep non-skiers busy all week…
Here’s our A-Z guide to this fabulous ski resort...
Aquariaz is an indoor aquatic paradise in the mountains. It boasts a river with a variable gentle current, a slidewinder (a kind of aquatic half-pipe), a water playhouse, a paddling pool, a large pool with climbing walls, massage benches and the must-try: an open-air spa heated to 34 degrees!
The Bec Jaune is a trendy micro-brewery in Morzine. It serves up 3 or 4 different ales each week and the kitchen offers a new menu each season. The place to visit for locally brewed beer and locally sourced food, this little brewery is open every day from 3pm to 11.30pm. It gets busy so make sure you book.
Nestled in a picturesque valley surrounded by stunning mountain scenery, Champerty oozes Swiss Alpine charm with traditional wooden chalets, narrow streets and cosy restaurants serving delicious Swiss cuisine.
The word 'diot' comes from the Savoyard dialect and means sausage. These smoked pork sausages are usually cooked in white wine with onions or grilled and served with potatoes, crozets (small, square-shaped pasta) or lentils.
Did you know that the Portes du Soleil ski area is made up of EIGHT French ski resorts (Abondance, Avoriaz, Châtel, La Chapelle d'Abondance, Les Gets, Montriond, Morzine and St-Jean-d'Aulps) - plus four Swiss resorts? Bonus!
If you’re looking for the ultimate après-ski party on the slopes, then look no further than the Folie Douce. With two lunchtime dining options - La Fruitière (fine dining) and La Petite Cuisine (think gourmet self-service) - you can refuel in style before the dancing on the tables begins! To get back to Morzine, take the Prodains Express cable car then jump on the ski bus (Route A) back into central Morzine (don’t forget to check the shuttle bus timetable beforehand.
An essential piece of ski or snowboarding kit, especially now that the majority of skiers and snowboarders wear helmets. Not only do they protect your eyes from harsh UV rays on bluebird days, but with the correct lens, they increase visibility in low-light conditions. If the weather is looking mixed, try goggles with interchangeable lenses for maximum comfort. And don’t forget your sunglasses for your lunchtime stop on the mountain!
Avoriaz village which sits above Morzine is totally pedestrianised, so the sleighs operate as taxis. A perfect way to spend an afternoon is to take the children up in the Prodains cable car to meet the rest of your party for lunch at one of the exceptional restaurants, admire the view and relax afterwards in a horse-drawn sleigh under the warmth of a thick sheepskin blanket, catch the cable car back down and finish the day off waiting for the others at the bottom with a delicious hot chocolate.
Skate on the large indoor ice rink, home to the Morzine-Avoriaz hockey club, the Penguins, or enjoy a loop around the outdoor ice rink on the tourist office square. With music and lights, it’s perfect for all the family.
This unique equestrian activity is a fun way to get around on skis. Admire the beauty of the forest all around you, whilst being pulled along by a horse! No previous experience necessary, it is suitable for everyone aged 6 and over. You just need to be able to stay upright on skis and like horses.
With dog-sledding, sleigh rides, ice skating, skidooing, swimming pools and an igloo village, there is plenty to keep the whole family entertained both on and off the slopes. And if you’re looking for some well-deserved ‘me’ time, our private nannies are on hand to make sure that children have a fun-filled holiday while parents have a chance to ski or snowboard together or unwind.
The picturesque village of Les Lindarets, or “Goat Village” as it is more affectionately known, is located just below the Lindarets bowl. With a large selection of restaurants, it is a lovely place to enjoy lunch in the sun.
Learn to drive a sled dog team with a professional musher! This is an unforgettable experience suitable for all (children must be 5 or over to be a passenger and 10 to drive the sled), making it a must-try activity during your holiday.
If you are looking for spectacular 360 degree panoramic mountain views then the Pointe de Nyon viewing platform won’t disappoint. The 10-metre viewing platform is 2019 metres above sea level and has a glass floor at the end with breathtaking views of the valley below.
Rated #6 of 90 restaurants in Morzine, this place is infamous for its gourmet hamburgers. A favourite for lunch between Pleney runs, crepes in the afternoon, or a beer or two post skiing.
Paragliding with an instructor during the winter is an exhilarating experience offering breathtaking aerial views of the pristine slopes below. Definitely an activity to add to your bucket list!
We get it. Once you’ve safely landed at Geneva airport, you want to get your chalet as quickly as possible, especially if you have young children. In just over 90 minutes, you could be unpacking your ski gear and enjoying champagne and canapés by the fire.
105 to be precise! The Portes du Soleil is a fantastic ski area for intermediate skiers but don’t worry, with 300 runs, there is something to suit every level of skier or snowboarder.
Good luck getting your children (and friends) out of this fun-filled eco-friendly winter playground!
Every Tuesday in Morzine, the ESF instructors come together for a traditional torchlight descent. With fireworks and free vin chaud afterwards, it’s definitely worth leaving your cosy chalet for…
Morzine's unpretentious Alpine charm is one of its defining qualities. With its traditional chalets and family-owned businesses, this chocolate-box village exudes a welcoming and down-to-earth atmosphere in both winter and summer.
This private two-bedroom chalet is an absolute gem. Overlooking the high-street in the very heart of the resort, this is the perfect choice for 4 friends or a family looking for a private ski experience in Morzine.
The Swiss Wall, known as "Le Mur Suisse" in French, is a challenging ski run. Famous for its steepness and difficulty, it has earned a reputation as one of the most demanding marked ski slopes in the Alps. Due to its formidable nature, the Swiss Wall is often considered a rite of passage for advanced skiers looking to test their skills on one of the toughest marked runs in the Alps. Beginners and intermediates - avoid!
With its pedestrianised streets and horse-drawn sleighs, Christmas in Morzine is a magical experience. Enjoy carol singing, seasonal markets and Christmas dinner with all the trimmings back at your chalet after a day on the slopes (without the washing up)!
Perfect for lunch or après-ski drinks, the Yeti bar is located next to the Folie Douce so you can enjoy the buzz of the entertainment and music without the price tag. Serves sweet and savoury pancakes, Alpine favourites like tartiflette and tasty vegetarian options.
Looking for an unforgettable holiday experience with a little adrenaline thrown in? Then why not try the Fantasticable zipline? Located in Chatel at the top of the Chaux Fleurie lift, this zip wire covers over three kilometres in two stages and reaches speeds of up to 100 km/h. You can even do it in tandem if you need some moral support!
What are you waiting for?
Check out our Morzine chalets or call the team today on 0203 892 4060 to chat about your next ski holiday.
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