Posted by admin on September 29, 2009 under Ski Blog News | 
I have to say that I found Sebastian Faulks’ feature in The Sunday Times last week (Sitting Pretty in The Alps) both amusing and informative in equal measure, leading as it did with the idea of staying in character villages close to ski resorts, rather than in the major resorts themselves. It’s a sentiment that I share completely with him, although sadly I’m not in the same market as he is, involving helicopter shuttles to the bottom of the ski lifts, endless Champagne and the ubiquitous hot tub!
His choice of “rustic village” was Le Miroir, sitting up the mountain behind Sainte Foy Tarentaise (which also incidentally got a mention), and I totally agree that it is indeed characterful and charming! It is however not linked in to any ski resorts via lift, so you’re faced either with a drive to the slopes, or if you’re lucky like old Sebastian, you can just hop on your helicopter!
My personal preference in the area would be to look across the other side of the valley, to the likewise charming traditional village of Villaroger, which has the benefit of a chairlift taking you up to the slopes of Les Arcs. And subject to your skiing ability and the snow conditions, at the end of the day, you can enjoy the 7km descent from Aigulle Rouge back to Villaroger and the local bar.
Happily, my views are shared by owner/manager Wendy Wedmore of Le French Chalet, pictured below:-
5 Bedrooms
Flexible Stays
WiFi, Satellite TV, iPod docking station
Log Fire
Sleeps up to 13
Childcare Available
With the option of flexible stays, and choice of catered or self-catering holidays, this is a great place to sample the delights of Villaroger. And there are still some places remaining for Christmas 2009, with the final 4 places now being offered at a reduced rate of just £425 per person fully catered More Details
Posted by admin on September 16, 2009 under Ski Blog News |
Chalet le Passeu, Peisey-Nancroix, Les Arcs, Paradiski
Yes, I know, a skiing holiday really isn’t about spending time in a bathroom, but there is something that appeals with this one, set as it is in what was the old wine cellar of this converted 18th Century Farmhouse!
Stylish “Boutique” Chalet
Balcony with stunning views
Gourmet dining
6 bedrooms - all ensuite
Sleeps up to 16
In-chalet massage
In-chalet Childcare
WiFi, Sky HD
What you really want to know of course, is that it’s in a great location in the pretty village of Peisey-Nancroix (just one lift away from the Vanoise Express lift linking Les Arcs and La Plagne), has been beautifully renovated in ’boutique’ style, and comes with all the toys … WiFi, Sky HD Movies / Sports and Wii!
Gourmet Dining is the order of the day - cooked breakfast, homemade afternoon tea and cakes, champagne aperitifs, and then on to a 4 course evening meal with unlimited wine. After that, maybe a bit of relaxing in the cosy lounge in front of the woodburner, before retiring to one of the six stylish bedrooms, each of which has its own ensuite bathroom.
Oh yes, and the skiing! Having in the past been a bit “sniffy” about Les Arcs because of its rather dubious 60s architecture, now that I’ve skied there a few times, I actually rather like it! While it is a ‘major’ resort, I’ve always found it to be just that bit quieter than the likes of Tignes, and its runs also appear to be a lot better linked together. There’s also something pretty much for everyone - pleasant tree-lined slopes around Peisey and Vallandry for beginners and intermediates, right up to some quite hairy runs and moguls above Les Arcs itself.
Needless to say, I’m delighted to be able to offer Chalet le Passeu on Internet-Cottages.com, and you can see full details at Chalet le Passeu Les Arcs
