What is new at La Plagne for the 2018 – 19 ski-season.

What is new at La Plagne for this coming season? La Plagne is getting ready for the 2018 – 19 ski season. Here we have a summary of what you can look for when going to La Plagne next!

Bains & Spa La Plagne

Deep Nature is opening a new 1500 m2 spa for guests of all ages in the centre of Belle Plagne. With its superb view of the mountains, it offers three different areas with a space for kids to try their first- of many, spa experiences.

La Plagne - The Vanoise Express links the 2 Massifs in a mere 4 minutes! What is new at La Plagne for the 2018 – 19 ski-season.
La Plagne – The Vanoise Express links the 2 Massifs in a mere 4 minutes! What is new at La Plagne for the 2018 – 19 ski-season.

H036 Hostels

A new hotel concept has arrived in La Plagne! The h036 in Plagne Centre will revolutionise the whole concept of room and board with this new hostel in La PLagne, a 21st century combination of a hotel and a guest house. This will be an atypical location with stylish decoration and a relaxed atmosphere where everyone will get together on the large living room, the bar or the restaurant.

This is a great value for money option where you can get lots of interactions. There are some individual and shared rooms with a range of possibilities for all budgets and lifestyles.

More info: www.h036hostels.com

La Plagne, Paradiski. What is new at La Plagne for the 2018 – 19 ski-season.
La Plagne, Paradiski. What is new at La Plagne for the 2018 – 19 ski-season.

A new look for Plagne Centre

After fully renovating its shopping gallery, now is the turn to get a new look for the entrance to Plagne Centre in order to improved guests’ reception and comfort. Place Albert Perrière is to become an animated ‘village square’ offering a dynamic and multi-service activity centre. There will be a covered bus station, the tourist office reception, a bar with panoramic views of the Mont Blanc, a 4-lane bowling alley, a natural skating rink in the winter and a Heritage and Mountain Mining exhibition room.

It took an investment of 8 Million Euros.

Continue reading “What is new at La Plagne for the 2018 – 19 ski-season.”

L’Héliopic Hotel Sweet & Spa in Chamonix- a hotel’s review

Going back to L'Héliopic after a day out in the mountains. Review of L’Héliopic Hotel Sweet & Spa in Chamonix.

L’Heliopic Hotel Sweet & Spa in Chamonix- a hotel’s review

This article may contain affiliate/compensated links. For full information, please see our disclaimer here.

L’Héliopic Hotel Sweet & Spa is a four stars hotel next to the Aiguille du Midi lift in Chamonix. Very well located in Chamonix; it is ideal if you are going up to the Aiguille du Midi and 10 minutes from Chamonix centre.

We have been twice at the hotel with my kids and husband in the summer in our way to Italy. My kids called it ‘the best hotel in the world’ – mostly because it has a dedicated kids’ area with free sweets, juices and a virtual reality machine and computer…. No brainer! The only thing is that while you are having breakfast suddenly your kids -maybe yours are very well educated and don’t do that, but I can say I educated mine, but they still disappear from the breakfast room and suddenly are – where? – obviously in the kids’ area having more sweets than their little bellies can bear!

The bar at L'Héliopic. Review of L’Héliopic Hotel Sweet & Spa in Chamonix.
The bar at L’Héliopic. Review of L’Héliopic Hotel Sweet & Spa in Chamonix.

My kids would also say that the spa area is really good, which it is indeed! With a nice large pool, a jacuzzi, an ice grotto, an ice dive standing pool, a sauna and hammam, plus a lovely relaxation area with hanging cocoons, it is a very nice place where to finish your day. It can get busy, so choose your time during the early afternoon or a bit late, just before it closes in the evening.

Continue reading “L’Héliopic Hotel Sweet & Spa in Chamonix- a hotel’s review”

Epic Pass expands European Access in World-Class Resort in France and Italy: Les 3 Vallées in France and Skirama Dolomiti Adamello Brenta in Italy.

Back Bowls of Vail, Colorado. Photo: Jack Affleck - Vail Resorts. Epic Pass expans European Access in World-Class Resort in France and Italy: Les 3 Vallées in France and Skirama Dolomiti Adamello Brenta in Italy.

Epic Pass expands European Access in World-Class Resort in France and Italy: Les 3 Vallées in France and Skirama Dolomiti Adamello Brenta in Italy.

  • Vail Resorts expands access to seven consecutive days of skiing at Les 3 Vallées in France and Skirama Dolomiti Adamello Brenta in Italy with no restrictions, resulting in 26 days of European access 
  • The Epic Pass is the ONLY multi-resort pass to offer significant access to European resorts
  • In one year, the Epic Pass has added access to 20 world-class resorts, inviting guests to experience an unprecedented total of 65 resorts throughout eight countries for $949, offering unlimited, unrestricted access to North America’s best resorts including Whistler Blackcomb, Vail, Park City and Breckenridge
  • The last chance to buy the 2018-19 Epic Pass is Sunday, Nov. 18.

Vail Resorts, Inc. announced today that Epic Pass holders will now receive seven days of skiing or snowboarding with no blackout dates at Les 3 Vallees, France and Skirama Dolomiti in a long-term alliance beginning with 2018-19 winter season. The Epic Pass, available for $949, offers skiers and snowboarders unlimited, unrestricted access to 19 mountain resorts, including world-class destinations like Whistler Blackcomb, Vail, Breckenridge and Park City, plus additional access to 46 more throughout the United States, Canada, Australia, Japan, France, Switzerland, Italy, and Austria. The Epic Pass is the only multi-resort pass to offer significant access to European resorts. Sunday, Nov. 18 is the last chance to buy the 2018-19 Epic Pass and the entire suite of Epic Season Pass options.

Skiing began in Europe and that storied heritage – along with the incredible terrain and abundant culture – puts Europe on the bucket list of every skier and snowboarder. The Epic Pass was the first multi-resort pass to offer North American and European access and now it offers an even more expansive experience.

Jardin d'enfants in Val Thorens. Photo credit: Les 3 Vallées. Epic Pass expans European Access in World-Class Resort in France and Italy: Les 3 Vallées in France and Skirama Dolomiti Adamello Brenta in Italy.
Jardin d’enfants in Val Thorens. Photo credit: Les 3 Vallées. Epic Pass expands European Access in World-Class Resort in France and Italy: Les 3 Vallées in France and Skirama Dolomiti Adamello Brenta in Italy.

“The value of the Epic Pass is giving skiers and snowboarders the flexibility to ski and ride where and when they want,”said Kirsten Lynch, chief marketing officer of Vail Resorts. “Our long-term alliances with Europe’s best ski resorts truly put the Epic Pass in a class of its own.”

“Les 3 Vallees is proud to expand the alliance with the Epic Pass and give skiers and snowboarders access to the largest interconnected ski area in the world,” said Vincent Lalanne, general manager of Les 3 Vallées. “We look forward to welcoming Epic Pass holders to experience the French Alps this season.”

Les Trois Vallées, an amazing expanse of pistes and off-pistes to challenge any type of skier. Photo: Les Trois Vallées.Epic Pass expands European Access in World-Class Resort in France and Italy: Les 3 Vallées in France and Skirama Dolomiti Adamello Brenta in Italy.
Les Trois Vallées, an amazing expanse of pistes and off-pistes to challenge any type of skier. Photo: Les Trois Vallées.Epic Pass expands European Access in World-Class Resort in France and Italy: Les 3 Vallées in France and Skirama Dolomiti Adamello Brenta in Italy.

Les 3 Vallées, the world’s largest connected ski area, is located in the Tarentaise Valley, in the heart of the French Alps. As implied by its name, the area consists of three valleys: Saint Bon, Les Allues and Les Belleville. The ski area is a network of seven resorts Courchevel, Méribel, Brides-les-Bains, Les Menuires, Saint Martin de Belleville, Val Thorens and Orelle. With 155 lifts, 372 miles (600km) of skiing on 332 marked pistes, Les 3 Vallées offers incredible skiing on high altitude terrain. 85% of the runs are above 5,905 feet (1 800 meters) and Les 3 Vallées is home to Val Thorens, Europe’s highest ski resort, at an altitude of 7,545 feet (2 300 meters).

Madonna di Campiglio, part of Skirama Dolomiti. Epic Pass expands European Access in World-Class Resort in France and Italy: Les 3 Vallées in France and Skirama Dolomiti Adamello Brenta in Italy.
Madonna di Campiglio, part of Skirama Dolomiti. Epic Pass expands European Access in World-Class Resort in France and Italy: Les 3 Vallées in France and Skirama Dolomiti Adamello Brenta in Italy.

South of the Alps, nestled amongst some of the most beautiful mountain peaks in the world such as the Brenta Dolomites and Adamello, is some of the best skiing in Italy. Skirama Dolomiti Adamello Brenta is home to 150 lifts and 236 miles (379 km) of ski slopes that make up acclaimed resorts such as Madonna di Campiglio and Pinzolo in Val Rendena; Folgarida-Marilleva, Peio and Tonale in Val di Sole; Ponte di Legno, Andalo-Fai della Paganella, Monte Bondone and Folgaria-Lavarone. The winter offering is enriched by the high-quality cuisine and the exclusive “Italian style.”

Continue reading “Epic Pass expands European Access in World-Class Resort in France and Italy: Les 3 Vallées in France and Skirama Dolomiti Adamello Brenta in Italy.”

Important Pet Travel Scheme Update for Eurotunnel’s passengers

Get ready to take your pet abroad after Brexit is imposed. EU Regulations for travelling with your dog if we have a 'No Deal Brexit'. Photo Unsplash Jeremy Bishop.

Important Pet Travel Scheme Update for Eurotunnel’s passengers: thought that this might interest to those going to the mountains, whatever time of the year from the UK with their furry pals.

Eurotunnel has sent a DEFRA’s update on the Pet Travel Scheme if there is a ‘no deal’ Brexit.

This week DEFRA announced their recommendation that pet owners planning to travel immediately after 29th March 2019 contact their vet at least four months in advance of travel to check what they need to do.

Driving to the Mountains. Pet Travel Scheme. Eurotunnel. Picture Unsplash: Randy Fath
Driving to the Mountains. Pet Travel Scheme. Eurotunnel. Picture Unsplash: Randy Fath

For example, if you are travelling on 30th March 2019 the recommendation is that you visit your vet as soon as possible, and before the end of November 2018 at the latest.

DEFRA have advised that customers will still be able to travel with their pet to Europe after Britain leaves the EU, however they may need to take some additional steps to allow their pet/s to travel in a ‘no deal’ scenario.

Continue reading “Important Pet Travel Scheme Update for Eurotunnel’s passengers”

Snow in the Alps this weekend and the week to come

Driving with snow- check if you need snow tyres and/or snow chains. Photo Adrian- Unsplash. Skiers Face Winterisation and Ski Rack Charges Adding up to £179 On Car Hire Bill.

It has been snowing hard this weekend in the Alps, finalising the summer time as the clocks turned.

As per SWI – Swissinfo.ch – Arosa got over 70 cm and the Eastern Alps were affected in particular with snow in low altitudes.

Parts of Graünden got 30 to 70 cm of snow at over 1,200 m over sea level.

You can see here the difference in Davos from Saturday to Sunday, twitted by SRF

https://twitter.com/twitter/statuses/1056179352503808000

SRF is also warning of large snowfalls and rainfalls between Monday and Tuesday

SRF Meteo photo - They caution that on Monday and Tuesday there are risks of large rainfall across some Alpine regions.
SRF Meteo photo – They caution that on Monday and Tuesday there are risks of large rainfall across some Alpine regions.
SRF Meteo announces heavy rain from the Upper Valais over the Ticino to Southern Grisons.
SRF Meteo announces heavy rain from the Upper Valais over the Ticino to Southern Grisons.

Arosa got the highest snowfall at 72 cm.

Lenzerheide webcam - Bergfex cameras.
Lenzerheide webcam – Bergfex cameras.

Snow also fell down at 500 meters in some places, such as Zurich airport. But snow needs to fall at over 700 meters above sea level to stay. Southern Valais got 20-30 cm of powder snow and the Jura also got some snow, as you can see with these cows trying to find grass to eat.

Cows trying to find the grass under the snow at the Vallée de Joux in Jura- Photo Keystone -Jean-Christophe Bott- Swiss.ch.
Cows trying to find the grass under the snow at the Vallée de Joux in Jura- Photo Keystone -Jean-Christophe Bott- Swiss.ch.

WeathertoSki reported that there was lots of precipitation this weekend across the Alps, mixed with rain and snow from 600 meters up. Mostly the snow sat from 1000m to 1500 across the north-western half of the Alps, and between 1500 and 2500 across the south-eastern half. 

Continue reading “Snow in the Alps this weekend and the week to come”

What’s new in Chamonix for the 2018/19-ski season.

Le Brevent in Chamonix - ski with the views to the Mont Blanc. OT Vallée de Chamonix - Photo by Salome Abrial. What's new in Chamonix for the 2018-19-ski season.

What’s new in Chamonix for the 2018/19-ski season.

Chamonix is the capital of skiing, and it does not cater only to the daredevil, extreme skier, but also to families and beginners. Its different areas have something for everyone. Chamonix is a long valley within tall mountains, with a series of ski resorts on both sides of this valley.

Ready for the adventure - Vallée Blanche, Chamonix- what is new for Chamonix's 2018/19-ski season - Never ski the Vallée Blanche without a ski guide. Photo: Salome Abrial. OT Chamonix.
Ready for the adventure – Vallée Blanche, Chamonix- what is new for Chamonix’s ski season 2018-19 – Never ski the Vallée Blanche without a ski guide. Photo: Salome Abrial. OT Chamonix.

With 13,000 inhabitants Chamonix is a lively town that caters to tourists in all seasons. 400 shops opened all days, all year round and 130 restaurants can entertain the most discerning client, and those who don’t want to spend their bonuses. There are plenty of options for everyone.

Located in the border of France with Italy and just very near Switzerland, one can stay in Chamonix and ski the three countries with the Mont Blanc Unlimited pass. If you want to only ski in the Chamonix Valley Ski Areas, then purchase the Chamonix Le Pass.

Continue reading “What’s new in Chamonix for the 2018/19-ski season.”

CheckYeti enters a strategic partnership with Skiset.

CheckYeti enters a strategic partnership with Skiset. Photo CheckYeti.

Austrian start-up company CheckYeti enters a strategic partnership with Europe’s biggest ski and snowboard rental provider Skiset

The successful start-up company for winter sports, CheckYeti (www.checkyeti.com), with 1.5 million users and counting, has entered a strategic partnership with Skiset, Europe’s biggest ski and snowboard rental provider. With over 6000 offers in over 500 ski resorts, CheckYeti is the leading booking platform for winter-sports activities. Each year, the French company Skiset offers high-quality equipment to over 2 million clients in over 800 rental shops all over 400 different locations in Europe and North America. Together, CheckYeti and Skiset cover 80% of the Alps and thus allow all winter-sports enthusiasts to easily choose their skiing holidays online and to book completely stress-free. 

Ski, skiers, sun and winter fun - skiers enjoying ski vacation. Photo CheckYeti/Skiset. CheckYeti enters a strategic partnership with Skiset.
Ski, skiers, sun and winter fun – skiers enjoying ski vacation. Photo CheckYeti/Skiset. CheckYeti enters a strategic partnership with Skiset.

Thanks to winter-sports innovators CheckYeti and Skiset, booking a skiing holiday has never been easier. Their common goal is to help clients leave for the winter holidays completely stress-free through easier online-booking options. Courses, instructors, winter-sports activities and even the necessary equipment – all can be booked prior to the arrival at the ski resort. Consequently, queuing at the local ski rental shop as well as looking for the right ski school are now a thing of the past. Vacationists now can easily book their skiing holidays from home and thus make their first turns on the slopes already shortly after their arrival at the ski resort.

Continue reading “CheckYeti enters a strategic partnership with Skiset.”

Skiworld launch flash sale with big discounts on range of resorts

Darcy Conover skiing fresh corduroy down a steep snow covered groomed slope in the mountains at Aspen Mountain Ski Resort in Colorado - Aspen Mountain Announces Bonus Weekend June 1-2, 2019. Photo Aspen Snowmass.

Skiworld launch flash sale with big discounts on range of resorts

Flash sale on array of properties in wide selection of resorts, starting today and ending 12th October 2018.

Madeleine, Chalet in Val D'Isere, France, Firepace. Photo: Skiworld. Skiworld launch flash sale with big discounts on range of resorts
Madeleine, Chalet in Val D’Isere, France, Firepace. Photo: Skiworld. Skiworld launch flash sale with big discounts on range of resorts

Details of flash sale:

  • Save up to £400per person on selected European chalets. Dates include Christmas, New Year and 12th January. Prices as low as £499pp including flights, chalet board and transfers.

One of the best deals we have is 7 nights in catered Chalet Chanterelle in La Plagne, departing on the 22nd December 2018. This was £899pp and is now £599pp, saving a massive £300pp.

Continue reading “Skiworld launch flash sale with big discounts on range of resorts”

Richard Branson got ‘seconds from death’ on charity Mont Blanc climb

Sir Richard Branson and his son Sam almost did not make it in a charity climb to the Mont Blanc. Picture PA. Nepal Herald.

Richard Branson got ‘seconds from death’ on charity Mont Blanc climb

“Three seconds earlier we would all certainly have been killed. I have never come so close to losing my son,” Sir Richard said.

From: Nepal Herald and Sky News.

The 68-year-old, along with Sam and his nephew Noah Devereux reached the top of the mountain on Saturday afternoon after completing the 33-day Virgin Strive Challenge – a 2,000km trek across Western Europe.

Sir Richard Branson climbs Mont Blanc in the Alps in the final stage of the Virgin Strive Challenge (Picture: PA) Nepal Herald.
Sir Richard Branson climbs Mont Blanc in the Alps in the final stage of the Virgin Strive Challenge (Picture: PA) Nepal Herald.

A core team of 13 hiked, climbed, cycled and even used sea kayaks to complete their journey from Sardinia to the top of Mont Blanc – raising money for the charity Big Change which helps disadvantaged young people in the UK.

After completing the climb, Sir Richard said: ‘God forbid, a few seconds earlier it would not have been as pretty – so I’m very thankful we got through it.

Continue reading “Richard Branson got ‘seconds from death’ on charity Mont Blanc climb”

QC Terme, the Italian spa experience arrives in Chamonix

A new QC Terme opened in Chamonix - a sauna surrounded by skis.

QC Terme, the Italian brand of deluxe spas has just opened in Chamonix, by the Mont Blanc. There has been for years another QC Terme on the other side of the Mont Blanc, at Pré de St-Didier.

In this new QC Terme spa, nature is the protagonist, offering an indulging experience of swimming amidst the snow and grassy meadows.

Infinity pool at the QC Terme in Chamonix.
Infinity pool at the QC Terme in Chamonix.

The spa has an unexpected combination of warmth and freshness, water and earth. Within the spa’s 3,000 square meters there are more than 30 wellness practices, offering a multi-sensory journey. An infinity pool with a reflection that merges with the water of the adjacent Alpine lake and the Bossons Glacier.

Continue reading “QC Terme, the Italian spa experience arrives in Chamonix”