France
by Lulu Sheard
Ben’s Bus, the airport transfer service to resorts throughout the French alps, has now opened bookings for this season’s services to and from Geneva, Grenoble and Lyon Airports. The company will continue to run all their routes for the coming winter season, with added safety measures such as restricted numbers travelling on each bus and regular cleaning of the interiors.
by Lulu Sheard
Skiers and snowboarders have had some encouraging news from Chamonix for the coming season when the resort announced that several lifts in the French ski resort have opened again for the summer after being closed due to Covid.
Eurostar will not run its iconic Ski Train this winter. A campaign, Save the Ski Train, has been launched in an attempt to persuade the cross channel railway service to reinstate this service.
Since 1997, the train has run twice weekly from London and Ashford to the Tarentaise region of the French Alps, dropping skiers at Moutiers, Aime la Plagne and Bourg St Maurice stations, a short hop by bus or taxi from 16 major ski resorts, including Méribel, Courchevel, La Plagne, Les Arcs, Tignes and Val d’Isère.
Les Carroz in the Grand Massif has come up with a unique package to help visiting skiers and snowboarders get the most from their trip. Petra Shepherd went to ski with the boss to find out what it’s all about.
Skier & Snowboarder editor Frank ‘Scoop’ Baldwin goes for a ski in the French Pyrenees – and ends up getting his feet wet
WATER WORKS: Relaxing in Ax les Thermes after a day on the slopes
Here’s a bit of après ski with a difference in the French Pyrenees. After a day’s skiing the 80km of slopes in Ax les Thermes, come down in the gondola which drops you off right opposite one of the main squares in the town, cross the road, order yourself a beer from one of the atmospheric bars, take your boots and socks off – and jump in the free bath.
Have we found the brainiest chalet owner in the French Alps? Austria loving ROB REES overcame his lifelong aversion to French skiing to make a long overdue return to The Three Valleys after 27 years away with a stay with the marvelous Ski Talini
The charming village of Samoëns in the Grand Massif area in the French Alps is a picture-perfect destination to spend time with the family over Christmas. The resort has a tranquil family-friendly feel, with a pretty village centre.
Rob Freeman goes back to school in Morzine – and can only ski in his break
I was in a ski resort, having intensive lessons. But not skiing lessons.
This was French language school and I was experiencing the toughest few weeks I have in the mountains for many years. It’s not easy going back to school.
Mark Nicholls skis across the Swiss-French border for some ‘rock’ on the pistes
Against a backdrop of stunning mountains, rock is the order of the day.
The Dents du Midi – the seven defining peaks of the region – are jaggedly formidable against the skyline.
Do you want some old school ski lessons? Is a techno music festival your thing? Or do you just want some peace and quiet mixed in with a bit of culture. Then look no further than the Isère region says Petra Shepherd
A family who booked a ski trip to one of the first chalets to be run by British company Le Ski in Courchevel 35 years ago had such a good time that they have returned every ski season since then. Michael Cranmer went to find out what makes them keep coming back
by Tom White
LUXURY chalet operators Bramble Ski and Haute Montagne have doubled their property portfolio in the French resort of Méribel for the coming season with the inclusion of two more chalets. The starting price for seven nights is a cool €20,990.
THEY say there is no such things as a free lunch writes Skier & Snowboarder magazine editor Frank ‘Scoop’ Baldwin – and this was the case when I was invited to sample the fantastic food on offer through Huski, the company that delivers delicious meals prepared in the French Alps direct to your ski accommodation.
Club Med opened the doors to its impressive new resort in the French Alps, Les Arcs Panorama at the start of this season which has added another 433 rooms for guests during the winter and summer months. The opening celebrations were attended by Team GB Winter Olympic snowboarders Jenny Jones and Billy Morgan.
ACTION Outdoors has launched two new programs for anyone between the ages of 18 and 25 – that heavily discounts the cost of a normal all-inclusive ski holiday package across 10 different resorts in the French Alps and a Youth Program – specially designed for 16 and 17 year olds that can enjoy an autonomous trip away from home under supervision.
SERRE Chevalier, which lies in the largest ski area in the Southern French Alps, with 40 hectares of pistes set amidst larch forests, opens in December with three new attractions – writes Briony Key
The list of ‘other’ activities you can enjoy in a ski resort, other than skiing and snowboarding, seems to grow longer every year. Last season Skier & Snowboarder editor Frank ‘Scoop’ Baldwin witnessed two of the more unusual ones in Les 2 Alpes
by Skier & Snowboarder editor Frank ‘Scoop’ Baldwin
RESORTS have many different names for it – fresh tracks, first tracks, first lift, early birds – the list is fairly extensive. But what they all have in common is that getting up with the lark to hit the slopes while they are empty and untracked is really rather special.
PROMOTION
If you are looking for an airport transfer this season, Whiterides can help. The company offers a very competitive, friendly and professional transfer service.
With over 10 years’ experience in the industry and a huge return client base, Whiterides says you can rest assured you will be in safe hands on route to your ski holiday.
Morzine has something for everyone, from miles of tree-lined slopes for beginner and intermediate skiers to more technical for the advanced.
Alpine Elements has a wide selection of accommodation: From the Hotel Les Dents Blanches, a charming little hotel in a great location, to the Premium Plus Chalet Austin, a new luxury chalet with elegant interior, hot tub and incredible views. All their Christmas holidays include festive meals with all the trimmings!
No matter what you’re looking for from your next ski holiday Morzine ticks all the boxes, be sure to book early for the best price. For more info click here