La Plagne - Luxury Ski News Archive

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!

The UK sales team recently had the pleasure of meeting with Vivienne, Oxygene’s Marketing and Communications Co-ordinator, to discuss some of their initiatives.

Oxygene strongly believe that skiing should be accessible to everyone...

...as do we. Their goal is to allow anyone and everyone to hit the slopes with their friends and family in an inclusive and comfortable environment.  Whether you have impaired vision, you are an amputee, injured or able-bodied, incredible advances in technology and tailor-made instruction are making snow sports increasingly available to everyone. Adaptive skiing is also a great option for elderly guests or recently injured travellers who had originally planned to ski.

Not 1 but 4 types of adaptive skiing!

Stand-up Adaptive skiing 

Irrespective of your ability, if you can stand independently on one or two legs and you have good coordination, Stand-up Adaptive skiing is a great option for anyone requiring assistance.

Solo Sit-skiing 

Whether you are a wheelchair user or you struggle to coordinate your lower limbs, Solo Sit-Skiing is a fantastic discipline for beginners to off-pisteurs alike.

Piloted Dualskiing 

Piloted Dualskiing is geared towards people with limited independence. It’s a versatile experience allowing you to enjoy the same sensations as solo sit-skiing with the help of a highly qualified adaptive skiing instructor.

Taxi Skiing 

If you’re unable to ski without aid, then taxi skiing is certainly worth a try! Attached to your guide’s skis, the practice gives you the ultimate feeling of gliding down the mountain without a care in the world.

Oxygene work with Tessier to provide good quality gear and ensure they are using the most up-to-date technology. Their adaptive ski programme lessons can be booked in timeslots ranging from 2 hours to a full day (or any length in between). Book ahead of your holiday or in resort (subject to availability).

So what's next?

If you have booked or you are considering booking a holiday to Val d’Isere, la Plagne, Meribel or Courchevel, we can pre-book all Oxygene ski lessons on your behalf.

Oxygene’s ski school instructors have a particular affinity and a wealth of experience with children and adults, beginners and experts alike. Call us today on 0208 875 1957 to discuss ski school with our knowledgeable sales team.

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.