VIP SKI Blog

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.

Harry worked in Morzine and sent us this amazing picture of Lac Montriond. The perfect spot for an afternoon of paddle boarding, swimming, or simply relaxing with a good book. 

Tim and Andy also spent the summer in Morzine and managed to fly down the slopes on their skis AND their bikes. They both loved being able to pop over to Les Deux Alpes to ski the glacier in the middle of summer, though had to watch out for serious goggle tans.

Matt, our executive chef, spent his summer cooking and rock-climbing in Val d'Isere. This view of the lake at the bottom of valley shows the last vestiges of the immense 2017/18 season snowfall. 

The biggest thrill of the summer came when the Tour de France passed within touching distance of our Alpe D'Huez chalets this July. Geraint Thomas won the stage, and eventually the whole event, for Team Sky. He might have missed these views on the epic climb, but Andy took a more relaxed approach and stopped to capture the lake.

The Manoir terrace is the ideal spot to enjoy spectacular alpine sunsets before an alfresco dinner. Chef Tim caught this snap between evening prep.

With that it's sundown on another amazing summer.

If you've been inspired to visit the Alps next summer then contact the sales team to discuss our flexible approach. Whether you'd like the ease of a catered holiday, the flexibility of B&B or the freedom to self-cater we will have a property to suit your requirements.

Call us on 0208 875 1957 for more information.

The Development Centre Val d’Isere – Early Season Clinic

We’ve teamed up with TDC in Val d’Isere to offer an exclusive accommodation and lesson package at an unbeatable price of £899 per person. Use this week to tune up your technique after the long summer break and ready yourself for the best winter yet. TDC’s instructors all bring a wealth of experience to the table but are specialised in adapting their teaching methods to each individual participant. No monotonous drills here; just pure satisfaction as they help you to reach your full potential.

Early Season clinic runs on 9 December. Stay in Aspen Penthouse suite 8 for only £899pp, with coaching included.

Oxygene La Plagne – Ski Touring

If you’ve always wanted to make first tracks up the mountain and witness the morning sun in total seclusion then ski touring could be the sport you’ve been looking for. You’ll bypass the lifts and instead strap a pair of skins to your skis, giving you grip to slide up the hill. Similar to telemark skiing your heel is not secured to your binding, meaning that you can flex and get into a good rhythm. Lighter skis and boots are commonly used too. It’s worth all the effort for the sense of achievement when you get to the top and can make first tracks down an untouched piste.

Our friends at Oxygéne in La Plagne offer ski touring in a variety of group sizes, a must for anyone staying at Summit View chalets this winter.

Ski Schule Lech – Heliskiing

Being dropped by helicopter in pristine, untouched backcountry and spending a morning travelling through the mountains in complete seclusion is a thrill unlike anything else. Hotel Theodul in Lech is the ideal base for adventure-seekers who want to push beyond the confines of the piste and experience the Arlberg ski area from a new perspective.

Ski Schule Lech offer two different routes, both boasting spectacular views across the Austrian Alps. Bookings are extremely weather dependant and are only accepted a few days in advance to ensure suitable conditions.

Once you’ve made it safely home Hotel Theodul’s new sauna and pool area is the perfect way to ease tired muscles after a hard day in the back country.

If you've been inspired to take one of these courses then our sales team would love to chat through the details. Call us on 0208 875 1957 to chat about any of our chalets and all things skiing.

A regional airport near you

We understand that travelling isn’t the most enjoyable part of a holiday, that’s why we also provide charter flights from London Gatwick and Manchester, as well as scheduled flights from London Heathrow on selected dates. If, however, you’d prefer to fly from another regional airport, we’ll endeavour to find a suitable flight for you.

Our charter flights include seats on our coach transfers and where possible, we’ll reserve a seat on our transfer if you’re arriving from a regional airport.  We can also pre-book private taxis or smaller shared transfer services on your behalf, just ask our Sales Team for more information.

If you prefer to book your own flights and transfers, we can offer up to £150pp independent travel discount.

Book now and save

To celebrate the launch of our new Birmingham flight, book before the end of May and we'll waive the £35pp flight supplement. For more information about our travel options, click here or call our team on 0208 875 1957.

The nickname “Janpril” has surfaced amongst Val d’Isere locals, with cold temperatures and plenty of fresh snow. It looks like these wintery conditions are set to stay for a while. See it for yourself from £799pp from 15 April.

Taken from our webcam this morning, the conditions in Alpe d’Huez can only be described as spectacular. Wall to wall sunshine with powdery pistes, what’s not to love? We’ve got availability in our Chalet La Chapelle from 15^th April from £769pp

Reaching up to 3250m it’s easy to see why the Paradiski area is reporting 18cm of fresh snowfall and more to come in the next few days. We have rooms available in our La Plagne chalets next week, 15 April, from £700pp.

Mixed conditions have left our Meribel & Courchevel guests baffled, with blue skies in the morning turning to snow by the afternoon. Head out there this Sunday with 7 night holidays from £799 pp and short breaks in Meribel from £100pppn until 15 April.

Fabulous views from another of our resort webcams – this time Les Gets! Conditions in the Portes du Soleil region have been so great that they’ve extended their season by another week. Snap up a last minute special offer and ski next week from £799pp.

Courtesy of Lech Zuers, this aerial shot gives us a taster of the stunning conditions. Practically empty pistes, clear blue skies and great quality snow is keeping our guests more than satisfied. Last chance to ski in Lech & St Anton, Sunday 8 April holidays from just £700pp.