The snow is falling in abundance and it doesn’t look like it will come to an end any time soon. We’re fewer than 10 days away from opening the doors on Winter 2019/2020 and we couldn’t be more excited!
Here are some beautifully snowy photos captured in recent days. Surely it’s enough to tempt you, but the hardest decision...which resort will you choose?
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 14th 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.
We don’t think an excuse is required, but here is one of many great reasons why you should book your next ski holiday now – our saver week discount is coming to an end! All of our holidays are discounted by £100 per person on every week inJanuary and on 15th March week.
Though most of our January and March bookers return faithfully year on year on the same weeks, other, like-minded skiers are sometimes more hesitant.
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!
Skiing since the age of five and passionate about all things snow. On a mission to bring you the latest updates, news and features from all of our resorts.
After bidding farewell to Georgia, our Meribelresort specialist, in July, we knew we had big boots to fill. Luckily we’ve welcomed Katie Durack and Libby Hunting to the team just in time to gear up for winter 2018/19.
We chatted with both of them to find out what they love about skiing and managed to get some insider tips on their favourite spots in Meribel and Val d’Isere.
What Katie did next....
Katie worked for us in winter 2016/17 as a chalet host in Indiana Lodge, Meribel. In between whipping up mouth-watering afternoon teas and keeping the chalet spik-and-span she could be found on the slopes, skiing every day no matter the weather.
“If I had to describe Meribel in three words I’d pick beautiful, energetic and traditional. A contradiction in terms perhaps, but the old French buildings hum with energy throughout the season. On a bluebird day I used to love catching first lifts to the top of Saulire and skiing down Creux, a long blue run which winds its way over to the Courchevel valley. Whilst you’re round there the hammocks by the Altiport are a lovely spot to stop and soak up some sunshine, before hopping back over to Meribel and ending the day with apres in Ronnie’s.”
Teacher's pet
Libby is new to the VIP SKI family but brings a wealth of experience to the sales team, having gained a BASI level 2 qualification in Val d’Isere. We’ve already booked her instructing services for our end-of-season staff trip and can’t wait to be pulled up on the bad habits we’ve all picked up over the years.
“My season in Val d’Isere was a blast from start to finish. After a long day of training we’d all pile in to Blue Note, a seasonaire bar which has to be the best kept-secret in Val d’Isere. If you go between 5pm and 6pm they lay on free dips and nibbles which you can enjoy alongside a beer pêche. The hill above the Folie Douce was another favourite spot for a picnic and hours of hilarity watching the madness which would ensue from 2pm every afternoon.”
Three's a crowd
With girls now outnumbering the boys in the office 7:3 we’re lucky that Andy Sorenti has also rejoined us, fresh from a summer season in Morzine. If you’re looking for a summer chalet holiday then call Andy for the low-down on mountain biking, parapenting, hiking, road cycling, swimming…he really did cram everything in to the summer and needs a few months behind a desk to recover!
Between the team we’ve been to every resort, stayed in every chalet and can confidently steer you towards the best option for your holiday. We love nothing more than a good chat about all things skiing.
Libby, Andy, Katie, Lou, Lottie & Jonnie are ready and waiting to pick up your calls on 0208 875 1957.
Skiing since the age of five and passionate about all things snow. On a mission to bring you the latest updates, news and features from all of our resorts.
The 2018 summer season has now sadly come to an end. Although we can’t contain our excitement for the winter ahead, now is the perfect time to reflect on a jam-packed summer.
We’ve been catching up with some of our summer staff members and just had to share a few of their amazing photos. Whether mountain biking, hiking, parapenting, riding or even skiing (believe it when you see it) they’ve shown that the Alps are just as beautiful without snow.
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.
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