I have just had the pleasure of meeting Abigail Tan, the CEO of U.K., Europe and North America for St Giles Hotels – writes Skier & Snowboarder editor Frank ‘Scoop’ Baldwin.
OFFICE CHAT: Abigail and Frank in front of her Whistler art
We met at St Giles Hotel in London to talk about her love for skiing (look out for a future My Perfect Day feature on Abigail) and as you can see from the photo here, she even has a special piece of art from Whistler in Canada on her office wall.
Crystal Ski Holidays has added the Austrian resort of Hopfgarten and Drei Zinnen in the Italian Dolimites to its programme for winter 2019/20.
PHOTO: SkiWelt-Hopfgarten/Christian Kapfinger
Part of the huge SkiWelt area, one of Austria’s three biggest ski regions with more than 285km of piste, the traditional Austrian village of Hopfgarten is just over an hour’s transfer from Innsbruck and only an hour and a half from Salzburg.
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.
SKI 2 is offering Adventure Ski Weeks in Italy for youngsters who might think that they are too old for ski school.
Champoluc specialist ski tour operator Ski 2 is running the courses to those who ski very good parallel and are looking some high energy ski tuition.
ALPINRESORTS.com is the largest online marketplace for ski rental and ski lesson bookings in Europe. It has 1,000 partner shops and 150 ski schools throughout the Alps. Last year more than 300,000 customers booked their ski equipment online in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Italy, France, Andorra and Bulgaria via ALPINRESORTS.com
By booking online customers can claim a discount of up to 60%. Plus the ALPINRESORTS service saves you times when picking up your equipment from the rental outlets as it has already been prepared for your arrival.
Hollywood star David Hasselhoff – the star of hit shows such as Knight Rider and Baywatch is a brand ambassador for ALPINRESORTS.com.
www.alpinresorts.com/en/ski-rental
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.
PHOTO: TVB Paznaun-Ischgl
THE snowstorms have cleared and revealed Superheroes on the sunny, snowy slopes of Ischgl, in the Austrian Tirol. Batman, Superman and Wonder Woman will preside over Ischgl until the Spring thaw – thanks to the 26th annual Shapes In White competition, which was implemented due to the abundance of snow in this special snow pocket of the Alps.
THERE is still a chance for skiers and snowboarders to ski with legendary British Olympic Ski Jumper, Eddie the Eagle Edwards in January while staying at Chalet Monique in Courchevel with Ski Weekends.
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.
Ski Arrangements, whose roots in Val d’Isere go back to 1992, have the perfect chalet available for New Year, February half term and Easter weeks in the famous French resort this winter.
Chalet Le Cabri sleeps 12 and is in a stunning location on the edge of the nursery slopes and 200m from the new Solaise Gondola. Ski Arrangements says this location couldn’t be better.
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.
Experience the Japanese Winter Dream at Madarao, Japan’s hidden gem for powder snow. Those who have experienced their first time in Japan before, will know the adrenaline is felt as soon as they walk out of the airplane. Foreign language, etiquette like no other country in the world, amazing food, and futuristic restrooms, Japan is like an out of this world wonderland.
JET2.COM is introducing its biggest ever ski programme this season with over 65 weekly departures to eight ski destinations airports including: Geneva, Grenoble, Salzburg, Turin, Lyon, Verona, Barcelona (Andorra) and Lleida (Andorra).
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
The French resort of Les Gets provides excellent skiing in a traditional, friendly and welcoming environment.
Chalet 1066 manages 33 chalets and apartments, from economy to luxury, in the village which forms part of the massive Franco/Swiss Portes du Soleil ski area.
Ski Collection (023 9289 0960) is offering clients a buy one get one free deal on Tignes Val d’Isere lift passes when skiers book to stay in Tignes for the week commencing 8 Dec or 15 Dec 2018. It’s the perfect opportunity to enjoy some early season skiing in this vast ski area.
LES GETS, which forms part of the huge Franco Swiss Portes du Soleil ski area is a wonderful and traditional French ski resort and the village itself dates back to the 11th century.
It has won four awards for the world’s best family ski resort, is high enough for good snow, yet not too high for high winds and regular lift closures.
ARE you thinking about what to do for your Ski 2018/2019 holiday? Look no further! Lagrange Holidays provides self-catering accommodation in the Alps and Pyrenees.
As a French Ski specialist, we also arrange everything you need for your ski holiday including ski hire, lift passes, and lessons at your selected resorts.
There is good news for ‘foodies’ visiting the French resort of Les Deux Alpes this season.
Fabien Poirot, the chef who earned the resort’s first Michelin star when he was working at the 4* Chalet Mounier, has opened a new restaurant in the village called Chamois Lodge.
ZENITH HOLIDAYS/VARIOUS: For families or couples looking to spend Christmas or New Year on the slopes, Zenith Holidays has a choice of getaways in France.
For families, a week from 23 December at Chalet Clautre at Montgenevre in the Southern Alps is now priced at £2,500, saving £500. This price is for two adults and two children (aged under 12 years) and includes return flights from Stansted or Gatwick, transfers and chalet board accommodation (breakfast, afternoon tea and dinner with wine) in two adjacent en suite rooms.
For couples, a week from 30 December at Chalet Refuge in the old town of Villeneuve in Serre Chevalier – one of the biggest ski areas in France covering 410 acres of pistes at altitudes of between 1200 and 2800 metres – now costs from £645 per person ( saving £120). This twin share price includes return flights from Gatwick, transfers and chalet board accommodation (breakfast, afternoon tea and dinner with wine).