VIP SKI Blog

Skiing burns calories

Firstly, how could we ignore the fact that a day’s skiing is one of the only ways to exercise from dawn til dusk without even realizing. Absolutely uniquely placed to offer a killer combination of endurance, cardio and resistance training, skiing has been likened to cycling or rowing and can burn up to 400 calories per hour. This increases markedly if you are a beginner, although unfortunately the gains come with traversing, poling and pulling yourself to your feet after a fall. Skiing teaches balance, spatial awareness and works muscles which you didn’t even know you had – a fact which anyone who has woken up with strange aches after the first day on the slopes will attest to. Skiers engage in interval training, one of 2018’s biggest fitness trends, without noticing. A blast downhill followed by a rest on a chairlift will repeatedly elevate and lower your heart rate – just rinse and repeat for all the benefits of a fitness class without any of the misery of attending the gym.

Skiing boosts mental health

We’ve taken care of the physical side, now what about the mental side? There’s good news there too as spending periods outside is widely recognized as one of the best ways to boost your mental health. Add in the time spent socializing with your nearest and dearest and you’re on to a winner. The beauty of the mountains is the ideal setting in which to switch off from the distractions of your inbox and reconnect with nature.

Carry on the good work

After a long day on the slopes it is all too easy to lose the zen at apres-ski, but think of it as another opportunity to shape up and work those muscles. Dancing is almost as beneficial as skiing and you can easily ditch another 300 calories without realizing by tearing up the dancefloor for an hour. If your idea of apres is more sedate, choosing to drink red wine over beer or the deadly toffee vodka has been shown to help prevent cardiovascular disease, safeguard against the common cold and even lower your chances of developing dementia. Add a slice of orange with your vin chaud and it’s practically a fruit salad.

...and relax

Many of our chalets are equipped with hot tubs and slipping into one after last lifts can continue the good work you’ve put in throughout the day. A half hour dip in a hot tub will help to lower blood pressure, relieve stress and prepare you for a good night’s sleep. A glass of red wine in the hot tub is clearly not to be sniffed at in wellness terms!

What are you waiting for?

 Call the sales team on 0208 875 1957 to chat about holidays in all of our 10 resorts.

Joachim, also known as Joe, started his career as a chef 10 years ago. Since then, he has worked in a range of restaurants, including a prestigious Michelin star establishment. His love of food and determination to provide outstanding hospitality lead him to direct a successful business offering high-end catering for weddings, corporate functions, festivals and events. We were thrilled when he accepted the job with us in St Anton this winter.

Our chalet host cookery course

Joe is delighted to be a part of the training team this summer and will be leading our Chalet Host cookery courses on 23 & 30 June. The course covers all aspects of life as a chalet host, in a real chalet environment.

The course is delivered in the Alpine resort of Morzine. Based in one of our luxury chalets (with a hot tub!) it provides the perfect learning environment; you’ll be cooking in a chalet kitchen, at altitude, and with similar hours to that expected of you in a chalet host role.

Guaranteed interview

All participants of the course will be offered the opportunity to interview for a chalet host role with us for the 2018/19 winter season.

How much?

Alongside Joe, the course is delivered by experienced chalet hosts offering you their knowledge and guidance in a relaxed environment and with a maximum of 8 participants in any one session. It is designed to encourage you to interact, ask lots of questions and learn, not just about cooking but also life in general as a chalet host. 

£645 per person in a shared twin room

£745 for single occupancy of a double room

Please note that flights are NOT included. We will be providing a return transfer service so do ask about this upon booking.

Book now

Places are limited so do get in touch if you have any questions regarding the course. Call our team on 0208 875 1957 or email ski@vip-chalets.com

Click here to read more about what’s included and to read the full course details.

Ingredients

- 1 x 1.5kg boned leg of lamb
- 3-4 shallots, finely chopped
- 1 tomato, diced
- 30ml butter
- 1 tsp cracked black pepper
- 1 sprig fresh rosemary, chopped
- 500ml red wine
- 500ml chicken stock
- 1-2 tsp corn flour

Method

1. Preheat the oven to 200°C/gas 5.

2. Rub your leg of lamb all over with olive oil and salt and pepper and place in a roasting tray. Roast for about 1hr 30minutes in the preheated oven, basting occasionally.

3. When the lamb is cooked, remove from the oven, cover with foil and rest for 20-30 minutes.

4. While the lamb is resting, make the sauce. Melt the butter in a frying pan and sauté the shallots, tomato, peppercorns and rosemary for about 2 minutes, until the shallots are softened. Add the wine and reduce to a third. Add the stock and allow to reduce again, then thicken with corn flour if necessary. (Make sure you cook it for at least 10 minutes after adding the corn flour to cook out the floury taste.) Strain the sauce through a sieve, season to taste, then serve with the sliced lamb. 

Serve with roast potatoes, cauliflower puree, roasted root vegetables and green beans

Looking for an Easter break?

We've got a handful of rooms left in Val d'Isere for this weekend from £1200pp. We also have some availability for holidays on 8 April from £700pp. Click here to see our special offers for upcoming weeks.

Easter opening hours

Good Friday: Open 10am – 5pm
Saturday 31 March: Open 10am – 2pm
Sunday 1 April: CLOSED
Easter Monday: Open 10am – 5pm
Tuesday 3 April: Normal office hours resume.

Don't forget, you can search live availability and book online using our website. Our team will confirm your booking as soon as they are in the office.

2. Have a few drinks on us this Christmas

We’re offering all adults staying in Hotel Theodul €100 to spend behind our bar this Christmas.

Only 16 days left – Offer expires 10 November

3. FREE or HALF PRICE childcare at New Year

Book a whole chalet in any of our resorts and get a FREE VIP SKI nanny or book rooms in a shared chalet and get a nanny for half price.

Only a few days left – limited nannies available

4. Hit the slopes with lift passes & skis on us

Stay in Bellevarde Lodge Merlot on any January date or 4 Feb and get your lift pass and ski hire completely FREE (not combinable with Saver Week discount)

Only 23 days left – Offer expires 17 November

5. Ski in La Plagne from £999pp

Our La Plagne chalets couldn’t be in a better location. With ski in ski out access they’re the perfect place to enjoy the delights of the Paradiski area. Book any Jan date or 4 Feb and ave up to £260 , special offer price £999pp

Only 1 month to book – Offer expires 24 Nov

6. FREE ski hire with in chalet fit in Val d’Isere

Stay in Chalet Davos on 4 Feb, 11 or 18 March and not only will you get a FREE gold ski hire, the team from Precision will also pop into your chalet and fit the skis for you.

Only 1 month to book – Offer expires 24 Nov

Book now

If you’re spending the weekend looking for your next ski holiday, then we’re here to help. We’ll be open 10am – 2pm on Saturday or you can browse any of the above offers on our website. Alternatively, call Gina, Lottie, Jonnie, Andy, Lou or Georgia from 8:30 – 7pm Monday to Friday to take advantage of any of our six great offers.

What are the awards?

The World Snow Awards recognise the best in the world of skiing and snowboarding. There are more than 20 awards up for grabs with different categories celebrating the best brands, operators, retailers and more.

Four of the categories are open to the UK public to have their say, including Best UK Snowsports Tour Operator. 

So why do we deserve the award?

VIP SKI have been offering luxury ski holidays for over 25 years but what is it that makes us stand out from the crowd I hear you ask? Here are just a few reasons why we deserve your vote.

VIP SKI have over 60 chalets and 3 hotels across 8 French and 2 Austrian ski resorts. We pride ourselves on our commitment to our guests, and we’re always finding ways in which we can improve our service and build upon our portfolio. Over the past few years we’ve added new chalets and hotels, built swimming pools, rolled out new website features and ensured there’s WiFi at every pillow. 

In our years of experience, we’ve found that flexibility is key to our guests’ happiness. That’s why we offer a range of options when it comes to catering. Whether it’s light bites, a chef service, a bespoke menu plan or simply some additional nibbles and drinks each evening, we’ll do all we can to ensure our guests’ needs are met – we even offer tea in bed each morning.

And of course, it’s our staff that set us apart. Our UK Sales team know our chalets inside and out, they’ve bubbled in the hot tubs, walked the pistes and no doubt partied in some of the best of the Apres bars. Overseas we employ more than 250 staff to make your holiday an unforgettable experience. Whether its cooking your meals, whisking you to the piste or caring for your little ones, our staff are passionate, honest and understanding. They’ll ensure you get the very best out of your holiday.

How do I vote?

Head over to the World Snow Awards website where you can find out all about the current shortlist, previous winners and cast your vote. 

Considering VIP SKI for your next holiday? Give us a call on 0208 875 1957 or email ski@vip-chalets.com to speak to one of our sales team.