VIP SKI Blog

Andy Sorenti (the older brother)

What's your favourite resort for snowboarding?

A - "My favourite resort is Coronet peak in New Zealand on a powder day. If that’s a little too far to travel for your weeks skiing, the Arlberg ski region is a close runner up."

What's your all time favourite ski run?

A - "There are honestly too many to choose from but it’s safe to say the 5pm run down from la Folie Douce in Val d’Isere to la Daille is a firm favourite."

Jonnie Sorenti (the younger brother)

So, which is your all time favourite resort?

A - "My favourite ski region would have to be the Portes du Soleil area and especially Morzine and Avoriaz. With lots of likeminded boarders out on the mountain, plenty of tree lined runs and the Stash snowpack in a Avoriaz it’s a great place to board."

Do you think its easier to learn to ski or snowboard?

A - "I would say snowboarding. As a skier come snowboarder I am definitely a convert. The learning process was slower to begin with but I found once it clicked I progressed very quickly and never looked back."

What are the advantages of snowboarding?

A - "The boots for a start! And when the snow gets a little slushy and tiring on skis snowboarding gets better! It’s less tiring on your legs and more fun. And let’s be honest, it’s far easier to dance on the tables in snowboard boots."

Your favourite après place?

A - "I really enjoy apres at Ronnies in Meribel, I think that has to be my favourite venue."

Whether you are looking for a holiday for a large group or small family, want to try snowboarding for the first time, or are a seasoned pro. If you’re looking to explore the slopes in France or Austria, we have plenty of fabulous chalets to choose from.

 Call Jonnie & Andy today on 0208 875 1957 to discuss your next snowboarding (or skiing) holiday.

Alpe d'Huez

Last snowfall 14 November - 12cm due in next 3 days

Known by locals as L’Ille au Soleil (Island in the sun), Alpe d’Huez never fails to disappoint in sun or in snow. Just an hour and a half from Grenoble and with seven piste-side properties, a holiday in Alpe d’Huez is as seamless as can be.

Portes du Soleil - Avoriaz & Morzine

Avoriaz

Last snowfall 16 November - 50cm due in next 3 days

The pedestrianised streets, horse-drawn sleighs, ski in/ski out chalets and a baffling 350 km worth of skiing, make Avoriaz a worthy crowd pleaser. The striking architecture designed to make the town blend into the mountain-side makes it all the more charming and intriguing.

 

Morzine

Last snowfall 16 November - 50cm due in next 3 days

Having drawn on its past, Morzine has successfully retained its tradition of hospitality which, combined with modern facilities, fantastic access to dizzying heights and just an hour and twenty minutes from Geneva, makes it a brilliant option for beginners and experts alike.

 

Three Valleys - Meribel & Courchevel

Meribel

Last snowfall 22 November - 151cm due in next 3 days

Sitting gracefully in the heart of the Three Valleys, Meribel ticks so many boxes. Offering a quintessential ski holiday, Meribel boasts beautiful scenery and ample activities both on and off the slopes.

 

Courchevel 1850

Last snowfall 22 November - 92cm due in next 3 days

Courchevel 1850 was built in a woodland setting, shortly after World War 2. It’s chocolate box chalets, luxury boutiques and fabulous sking have transformed a previously purpose-built resort into one which oozes character, elegance and charm.

 

Paradiski - La Plagne

Last snowfall 14 November - 55cm due in next 3 days

Aside from consistently reliable snow records, la Plagne can guarantee one thing, you won’t get bored! The Paradiski region is a vast snow sports’ playground with 425km of pistes. It may not be renowned for its aesthetics but that can be forgiven thanks to its convenience, altitude and magnitude.

Espace Killy - Val d'Isere

Last snowfall 15 November - 95cm due in next 3 days

Val d’Isere has earnt and maintained its world-famous reputation for excellent snowfall, a vibrant après scene and an altitude that reaches up to a whopping 3465m! Full of life and character, Val d’Isere is a firm favourite amongst returning guest.

Arlberg - Lech, St Anton & St Christoph

Lech

Last snowfall 14 November - 27cm fell

Lech is known as one of the finest ski resorts in Europe, and rightly so. It is timeless and effortlessly picturesque, whilst also delivering an impressive record of snowfall.

 

St Anton & St Christoph

Last snowfall 14 November - 23 cm fell in St Anton and 23cm in St Christoph

St Anton is often referred to as the ‘Cradle of Alpine Skiing’ due to its role in inventing the sport! With a wealth of history and a huge character, St Anton is not one to miss. Five hundred metres above is St Christoph. This traditional and refined resort was recognised in the 14^th century when a hospice was set up and thus the tradition of hospitality began and continues to be deeply instilled today. St Anton, St Christoph and Lech sit comfortably within the Arlberg region, an area which averages nine metres of snowfall each winter!

 

With a wondering eye constantly ending up on the webcam pages, we are eagerly awaiting for the season to begin!

If you’re interested in any or all of the resorts above, call us today on 0208 875 1957 to speak to our knowledgeable sales team and find out which of these resorts would be the best fit for your next ski holiday.

Why we endorse January skiing...

1. Undoubtedly your primary concern when choosing a skiing holiday is the snow. With temperatures at their coldest and slopes at their quietest, it’s safe to say good snow conditions are almost guaranteed. Thanks to those temperatures, snow maintenance and artificial snow are readily available should they be required.

2. New year, new gear! For those of you renting equipment and/or clothing, you can be sure to find some brand spanking new hire ready to carve through that fresh January powder.

3. If you’re looking to avoid the hustle and bustle of school holidays, you’ve hit a jackpot. The slopes are empty and the queues short!

4. Wanting to avoid the gloomy return to a banal routine following the hype of Christmas and New Year is reason enough!

If you’re unsure about January, mid-March skiing could be for you…

1. March has an excellent track record for snow fall and you’re pretty much guaranteed to spend most lunch times soaking up the sun! March can offer the best of both worlds with fresh snow and blue bird days.

2. Similarly to January holidays, March is often far quieter than December and February periods. Remember, the sooner you can get up those lifts, the soon you can wizz down the freshly groomed pistes.

3. Contrary to popular belief, dancing on tables at après is almost as exhausting as a day’s skiing. I think we can all agree that the longer the day lasts, the more time you can spend at après.

Whether you’re looking to escape those lingering January blues, or you would like to return from a ski holiday in March with panda eyes we’re confident we have a ski holiday perfect for you.

Don’t wait though, book before the end of the month to save £100 pp. Call us now on 0208 875 1957 to discuss your next chalet holiday!

Modernism is in

It may not be to everyone's tastes but there has been a greater appreciation of modern ski resort architecture over recent years.

This shift is reflected in the interiors of the latest chalets to be built in the resort, with their modern design including graphite-coloured kitchens and black fixtures and fittings. 

High end buyers are increasingly interested in a style that reflects what they would choose for their own home rather than one imitating an old-fashioned Alpine look."

Epitomising this look is a new chalet from VIP SKI, which was built specifically for rentals in Avoriaz.

Its plans were put together by the company's boss Andy Sturt, with the interior design completed by Laughland Jones.

Interior designer Andrew Laughland, explained: 'Avoriaz is stunning, in an avant-garde way. There is great continuity in the architecture.

Pops of colour

'Inside the chalet, there are lots of oranges, with a grey, modern background. We tried to make it jolly and fun, along with durable.

'The art is colourful and the cushions are lively. There are nooks and crannies that light up.

'There are lots of bright colours with pings of copper, which is a material often used on the outsides of chalets as it is good in cold climates.'

He concluded: 'The attention to detail is second to none. That is reflected throughout the whole operation at VIP SKI. If you go there, then you will be really well looked after.'

Andy Sturt, owner of VIP SKI, added: 'With any ski property, altitude and location are key, and we have achieved this by choosing to build at 1850 metres, on the slopes and in the centre of Avoriaz.

Find out more...

You can read the full article online. Chalet Kobuk and Chalet Beluga are fully booked for this season, but we’re taking bookings for winter 2019/20 in all seven of our new Avoriaz chalets. Call the team on 0208 875 1957 to experience the magic of Avoriaz for yourself.

Avoriaz: the ultimate resort

Q - With chalets and hotels in 10 different resorts, why have you chosen to concentrate on Avoriaz? What makes it so special?

A – “To put it simply: Avoriaz has it all. At an altitude of 1800m it’s always the first resort in the Portes du Soleil to open and invariably manages to squeeze a couple of extra weeks onto the end of the season after Morzine and Les Gets close. The pedestrianized roads mean that once the lifts have closed the resort is a haven of peace and quiet and the location; perched at the edge of dizzying cliffs overlooking Morzine, is nothing short of spectacular. A ski holiday should be a real departure from humdrum everyday life and I can’t think of anywhere better-suited to knock our customers’ socks off.”

Private catered chalets for 6-8 guests

Q - Who should look at ski holidays to these chalets? Will they be suitable for families?

A – “We tend to sell smaller chalets like these to small groups of friends or families who enjoy the luxury of a private chalet. Each of these new chalets sleep 6 guests in 3 en-suite bedrooms, with an additional 2 bunk beds in Chalet Kipnuk which are bound to be a hit with our little customers. Children in these bunk beds are charged at half the adult rate - making a real difference to your holiday cost. They will of course all come kitted out with a wireless music system, UK freesat TV, cosy log fires and the pièce de résistance– a dedicated VIP SKI chalet host to prepare gourmet 3-course evening meals, hearty breakfasts and scrummy afternoon teas.”

Perfect for all skiing abilities

Q - I haven’t skied in the Portes du Soleil before, what’s it like? How large is the ski area?

A – “650km of runs, over 200 lifts, 13 resorts to explore and 2 different countries: it’s tiring just thinking about it! The Portes du Soleil extends to over 1036 square kilometers with pistes to suit all abilities. On a sunny day take the Chavanette lift to the border with Switzerland where the brave can tackle the infamous Swiss Wall and the sensible can admire the views over the Dents du Midi at 3257m. If the weather isn’t on your side, then head lower down to Les Lindarets where the tree-lined runs ensure good visibility. Squeezing the whole of the Portes du Soleil into one week is no means feat, which is why we’ve chosen a central piste-side location. Clipping into your bindings outside the front door in the morning is a luxury which can’t be underestimated.”

What's in a name?

Q - Finally, where do the unique names come from? Is there a story behind them?

A – “Once the plans have been approved, the contracts signed and the builders have begun laying foundations, naming new VIP SKI chalets is an amusing perk of the job. The name of a chalet conjures the all-important first impression in our customers’ minds and must be snappy, memorable and unique. There are hundreds of chalets in France named in the tradition of the language – I’m sure that everyone has stayed in a Chalet Pierre, a Chalet Chapelle, a Chalet Marmot or a Chalet Flocon (okay, even we’re guilty of one of these). For the latest three additions I’ve looked to towns in Alaska and Canada for new inspiration. I’m constantly motivated by the incredible standards of interior design, architecture and service which you can find across the Atlantic and intend for our new properties to emulate the best of the West, only a little closer to home”.

How can I book?

Chalet Kipnuk, Chalet Sakami and Chalet Ipaka are on sale now from the 15^th December 2019 to the 19^th April 2020. They’ll be completed over the summer and we’ll be sending our photographer out in early December to capture the finished product, including those breathtaking panoramas from the balconies. For now, check out the CGI images which show exact layouts and are overlaid with real drone footage showing the views from each window. Bookings made before the 31^st October 2019 can save £100pp on holidays in January or on the 15th March, but don’t delay, we’re sure that these chalets will have been snapped up long before then.