The Ski Blog

Ski Life Stories: Chalet le Péry, Grand Massif

For those of us with a passion for the mountains and skiing, the last year has most likely been one of the hardest ever. We know that it's not quite over yet, but we're confident that by next winter, the European ski industry will be raring to go!

Chalets Direct began life as a passion project over 20 years ago - and we're proud to say that the same love for the great alpine outdoors is what inspires us today. We're not the only ones - there are so many mountain lovers out there who have made them their home.

This series is to tell the stories of some of our many members who came to the mountains and stayed. Enjoy!

John & Julie - Chalet Le Péry, Grand Massif, France

See Chalet Le Péry on Chalets Direct.

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John is from Jersey, Channel Islands and I am originally from the UK, although I had lived in Jersey since 1988.  We first met each other when we stayed in the same chalet on holiday in Tignes Le Breviere in 2011, but actually got together through internet dating 6 months later!  We have both skied (well John is a full-on telemarker now), for over 30 years and we loved going on skiing holidays in winter and mountain hiking holidays in the summer (we are not beach or city people in the slightest).

 

We stayed at a chalet in Chatel in 2012 and we really liked the way that the host operated his business. This was the start of a little bug in our heads that kept niggling away saying 'wouldn't it be nice to pack it all in and follow a dream'. 

 

Roll on another year and we stayed at a catered chalet in Les Carroz, this was our first time to the Grand Massif and we loved it.  Whilst it isn't one of the biggest or well known resorts, it offers you everything that you need for your ski holiday and more.  The chalet we stayed in at the time was not the best experience we have had, and this got us thinking again that surely this is something that we could do, right?  Roll on another year and in March we went back to the same chalet in Chatel for a friend's 50th birthday - a complete surprise for him and a great week for everyone.  Whilst there, we asked questions and picked up some great hints and tips from the host and that sealed the decision for us - we were going to sell up, move to France and run a catered chalet!!

 

We put our house in Jersey up for sale in June 2014 and in August spent two weeks' holiday in and around Morillon. We had decided that the Grand Massif was the place for us after we had discovered it on our trip in 2013.  Our whole two weeks there it rained and rained, it was the wettest summer in 30 years, but we still loved it.  We looked at around 8 properties in total but fell in love with our chalet from the first time we saw it, we really wanted it but we hadn't sold our property. 

 

On our return to Jersey just as we were about to board the ferry we received a message from our estate agent that we had sold our house, it was fate!  We waited a few weeks to make sure that everything was ok with our sale then put in an offer on the chalet which was accepted.  On the 10th November we packed everything up and moved to France and the chalet sale was completed on the 14th November 2014.

Our first winter season was difficult, having only moved here in November so it was mainly friends and family staying in the months of February and March (bless them). Since then we have gone from strength to strength, until COVID hit of course! 

 

We already had a lot of experience, having stayed in numerous catered chalets over the years, so we had a really good idea of what we wanted to offer our guests.  That said, we are constantly learning and adapting what we offer to ensure everyone who stays with us has the best experience.

 

Our first summer season was a bit of a shock as we had intended to offer the same catered service as we do in the winter, but this really didn't work out, so from the middle of April to the end of October we offer a flexible catered service where guests book on B&B terms with the flexibility of reserving a two course meal on the evenings that suit them.  

 

Looking back we can honestly say there is nothing that we would change. It was the best decision that we made, and we are still loving every day living in the mountains, experiencing all the Grand Massif has to offer!

We can't wait for each new season to arrive which brings with it a variety of guests all looking for something different from their stay.

Julie & John Nicolle

 

Check out Chalet Le Péry on Chalets Direct! You can already book for Winter 21/22 - see prices here, and summer stays are available on a b&b basis.

 

Vegan Ski Holidays in January in Paradiski

 

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Have you heard of Veganuary? Veganuary is a charity which is hoping to inspire people to try a plant-based diet in January. There are lots of good reasons to try a vegan diet - not least of them for health, humane and eco-friendly reasons. Take a look at the Veganuary site for more details

Hidden Alps are taking it one step further and, for one week in January, are offering a vegan catered ski week in their Mountain Maison in Les Arcs.

We think it's a great opportunity to get back to a healthy diet after the festive period - and accompanied by fresh mountain air and exercise it's a great way to kick start your year!

Vegan Ski week runs from 19th - 26th January and it’s only 575€ per person catered, including return airport transfers from Geneva if you book direct with Hidden Alps. Sunday to Sunday stays are also possible, and the chalet is adults-only that week too!

To get more information and to get in touch - click here

La Folie Douce comes to Avoriaz! Opening party 15th December!

 

Everyone in Chatel and the whole Portes du Soleil is super excited about the opening of the La Folie Douce Avoriaz this winter, with the opening party on 15 December bound to go off with a bang and set the tone for the rest of the season.

With great live acts and DJs planned, all La Folie Douce Avoriaz needs to get the party started is for the skiers of the Portes du Soleil to get their dancing shoes on everyday from 2pm.

If you haven't yet experienced La Folie Douce, it really is something special! With locations in Val d'Isere, Meribel, Megeve and more, the Folie Douce experience takes apres-ski to a whole new level. It's all about live music, DJ's, dancers, great food and fun - all in one exciting venue with amazing views.

What to do to after La Folie Douce - Apres-Ski in Chatel

Juliet of Snow Situations has compiled this handy guide for the best apres venues in Chatel.

If you want to continue partying when you are safely off the mountain, Chatel has something for everyone when it comes to Apres Ski. A lively but not rowdy town with a great live music scene. Here is our round up of the best bars:

Best For:
Cocktails and DJs: Nazca: A great sun terrace and fabulous selection of cocktails this is a bar providing a fun and chilled vibe with live music early evening from Saxaphone to reggae; post dinner this becomes the place to see and be seen attracting some of the best DJs in the area.

Happy hours and happy people – Bar l’Avalanche: With happy hour starting at 4.30, this is a hub for post ski beers with everyone in great spirits discussing the day's adventures. A real pub in the alps, it is a gem of a place which is also great for those big rugby and football games.

Late lunch and real Ale – A good location to stop off before making your way back from La Chapelle d’Abondance (the bus takes 10 minutes if you have too many real ales to ski back!) if you are into beer and ale with a fantastic micro brewery and huge, tasty, good value bar snacks.

Live Music and Open Fires - Chevy Bar: With a beautiful central open fire and comfortable sofas, this is a great place to end the day when the weather is closing in or you have had an epic day and want a relaxed vibe with acoustic tunes and great service.

Rum – Bar L’Isba: Yes, that’s right – Chatel even has a rum bar!

Pub games – Le Chaudron: Great for teenagers as well as those adults who can’t resist, this place has bowling, table football, pool and live sports. Also serving a good selection of beers and pizza.

Clubbing –Sloopys: The best nightclub by default as it is the only one. With the great DJs at Nazca and Avalanche, you will probably be ready for bed by 3am if you don’t want to miss fresh tracks in the morning but if you really can’t resist the opportunity to experience a nightclub in the French Alps (which is quite an experience!) – Sloopy’s is the place taking us back to the days where techno met cheesy 80s pop.
 
EVERYTHING - The Exclusive Chalet Chatel by Snow Situations: With the best service in Chatel, in house bar, excellent sound system, an extensive wine list, private hot tub, balconies with panoramic views and sunbeds, quality musical instruments, TV room with all sports, large lounge with comfy sofas and armchairs, reading area and board games by the open fire – Why go out at all?  

One of the largest ski areas in France, the Portes du Soleil is a great place for your next winter holiday! Check it out!

Samoens' Wild West Weekend

As the USA gears up for the big July 4th celebrations this week, thousands of miles away, in the heart of the Haute Savoie, the charming alpine town of Samoens is also getting ready for its annual celebration of Americana. There'll be free Country & Western concerts, you can sign up for line dancing lessons, see the great parade of Harley Davidsons, classic American cars and cowboys, and enjoy special American-style menus in the local restaurants.

Samoens' American Festival is now in its 10th year and it promises 4 days of fun and entertainment, kicking off at 8.30pm on July 5th with a Country Ball. Throughout the weekend there's lots of opportunities to practise your country moves, shop for stetsons and cowboy boots, and see the best French barrel racers in the rodeo area. 

The entertainment is free, if you want to hone your line dancing skills there is fee for lessons but there's lessons for beginners right through to advanced dancers!

If you haven't discovered Samoens in the summer then it is a real gem. Set in the beautiful Giffre Valley and just an hour from Geneva airport, it's a great destination with a lot to offer whatever the season.

Alps Accommodation can provide some excellent places to stay for all kinds of group sizes and you can find the full summer line up of events on their website. They specialise in accommodation in both Samoens and Morillon.

July is a busy month in the French Alps, there's national celebrations for Bastille Day on July 14th, the Tour de France alpine stages will be coming through during the latter part of the month (more details here), and generally lots of festivals, fun and events for the summer months.

We'll keep you posted - and if you have any news of what's going on and want us to shout about it just send us an email!

La Plagne kicks off summer with it's 8th Motor Sportive Day

If you’re a sports car fanatic, you won’t want to miss the 8th Motor Sportive Day in Montchavin and Les Coches, La Plagne on 1st July 2018.

An enormous number of super cars, sports cars and super bikes are driven up to the resort for the day. The road is then closed between Montchavin and Les Coches and punters can pay to be driven between the 2 resorts in a car of their dreams. It’s fast, noisy and there are lots of hairpins. All the big boys will be there – Ferrari, Maclaren, Porsche, Lamborghini, Lotus, KTM and BMW to name a few.

Thanks to Alpine365 for the heads-up - and to see what else they have going on this summer see their summer news page! 

Alpine 365 have 4 great places to stay on Chalets Direct - and the beautiful Chalet Chocolat and Chalet Grizzli are also available for summer stays!

Les Menuires - All you need to know about Les Bruyeres

Are you looking for a different destination for your next ski holiday? Check out Les Bruyeres, part of Les Menuires in the massive Three Valleys ski area - and  a favourite with Ski Amis. Here they give us all the info!

Les Bruyeres:

The village of Les Bruyeres, situated at 1850m, can be found in the heart of Les Menuires and offers all you could need for a ski holiday - it has even been described to be its own ‘mini resort’. The Three Valleys are literally right on your doorstep, with fantastic easy access up to Val Thorens or the Meribel Valley. 

Why is Les Bruyeres great for families?

• Nursery slopes and ski school meeting points right at the foot of the piste
• The gondola lift is also located near most accommodation too, so for little legs carrying their own skis and walking with heavy boots on, it’s not far to go! 
• The gondola lift is also having an upgrade over the 2018 summer ready for the 2018/2019 season. There are rumours it is going to hold more people and be a lot comfier!
• There are a range of slopes to suit all abilities that are easily reached, as well as being an excellent base for high-altitude skiing
• There are plenty of non-ski activities to keep children entertained in Les Bruyeres. An Aqua Fun swimming pool and a mini rollercoaster called Speed Mountain
• For smaller children between 18 – 30 months, there is even a ‘Club Piou-Piou’, a day nursery run by ESF for you to keep your little ones occupied and looked after whilst you venture out on the pistes

How far away is the Croisette? (Town centre)

The Croisette is the main hub of activity in Les Menuires; it’s where you will find the majority of bars, restaurants and local shops and amenities. The walk to here from Les Bruyeres will only take you around 15 minutes, and if that is too much after a full on day of skiing then there is a free shuttle bus from Bruyeres to the Croisette every 20 minutes. 

Places to eat and drink 

There are plenty of choices for you to enjoy that traditional French cuisine you’ve been dying to try; ‘La Marmites’ in Les Bruyeres has some excellent reviews - this is the place to try! It offers traditional Savoyard dishes such as fondue and raclette, along with other hearty dishes such as steak or duck breast! Perfect for refuelling after tearing up the piste! Another fantastic restaurant would be ‘Les Marmottes’ – again, it has been highly praised in reviews and offers a quality French menu created using as many locally sourced products as they can. 

Why Ski Amis love this mini resort

• Great views
• Excellent location
• Speedy access to slopes
• Snow Sure and great access to high altitude skiing
• Fun for all

Where to stay in Les Bruyeres

Ski Amis offer quality catered accommodation within their very own ‘Chalets des Bruyeres’. There are 5 chalets for you to choose from, all very similar inside but 3 different sizes to choose from depending on your group size. They are located just opposite the Bruyeres Gondola lift and are all ‘Ski in/Ski out’, so the location couldn’t get much better! 

For the month of June Les Menuires is their ‘Resort of the Month’ and they are offering a fantastic promotion of £50 off per adult for any Les Menuires catered chalet booking made before the end of the month. Contact them now!

So there you have it! For more options in Les Menuires click here!

Savoie Porsche Cup in Morzine this weekend!

Fancy a quick break this weekend?

Check out the Savoie Porsche Cup taking place in Morzine from 22nd-24th June. 

This is a rally and car show dedicated to Porsche. Over 400 of these sleek and sexy cars will be gathering in Morzine and around 200 will take part in a mountain rally. Events kick off at 10am on Saturday and there will be various Porsche-related events going on throughout the weekend.

Of course as well as the Porsches you can expect spectacular scenery and a charming and chilled atmosphere!
More Mountain have some wonderful places where you can lay your head in between soaking up the atmosphere - either this weekend, later in the summer or in the winter. Check out their options!

Tour de France 2018 Alpine routes

©ASO/Pauline Ballet

A little under two months sees the Grand Depart for the Tour de France 2018. This year's tour is a little different to previous years, when the early stages have taken place outside France. The 2018 event is all within France and covers all points of the compass from north to south, east to west. 

Kicking off in the Vendee region on 7th July, the tour winds around the country and will arrive in the Alps for the first mountain stages on 17th July. Here the riders will face the gruelling Col de la Colombiere on their journey from lakeside Annecy to Le Grand Bornand.

The following two days sees further punishing climbs as they make their way further south through Savoie and into Isere culminating with the infamous ascent into Alpe d'Huez.

On day 11 - July 18th - the Tour leaves Albertville and heads up to La Rosiere. This is the first time this charming little alpine village has been a stage finish, so there will be lots of celebrations both before and after the tour rolls into town. 

The 11^th stage will set off from Albertville and pass through Beaufort, the Cormet de Roselend and Bourg-Saint-Maurice. The cyclists will then have a steep climb of 20km ahead of them (1,000m ascent) up to the resort. In total, they will pedal 108km, making it a relatively short stage, but one that promises some spectacular action. It is expected to be one of the key stages of this year's tour.

If you haven't yet witnessed the Tour de France up close, it's definitely worth it. The excitement and atmosphere are amazing. The small towns and villages along the routes pull out all the stops to make sure that the day is special. You can't help but be infected by the enthusiasm of the visitors and locals and enjoy the anticipation!

If you'd like to experience the buzz first hand then we have a few options. Chalet Pecchio is a great place to stay for that week. It's a large, beautiful, self-catered chalet which sleeps up to 10 and is a perfect venue for your friends or family holiday. You can book the whole chalet for just €2600 for the week!

Alpine Vista's Chalet Mathilde is also a great option if you want to catch the tour and if you want to ride some of the climbs yourself. Situated in the heart of the Savoie you can start and finish your rides from the front door. They offer catered packages for groups of up to 10 with prices starting from just £275 per person!

After the sun - there's more snow on the way! The latest snow report from TDCSki

Snow Report 29th Jan 2018 Val d'Isere Tignes from tdc - the development centre on Vimeo.

Here's the latest report from TDC Ski from Val d'Isere. It's a good summing up of conditions so far this January.

Yes it's been an up and down month with a series of storms bringing LOTS of snow, with swinging temperatures meaning that the rain-snow limit has varied enormously, and with strong winds which has accentuated the avalanche risk at higher altitudes and led to lift closures.

This last week however has brought some sunshine, clear blue skies and excellent piste conditions. 

As if on request Mother Nature will be dumping more snow on the Alps for the start of February - stay tuned for up to date info and photos.

There's still time to book if you're looking for a last minute break - and with the snow accumulations we have now, skiing is sure to be good for Easter and beyond!

This week's snow report from TDCSki from Val d'Isere

Snow Report 21st Jan 2018 Val d'Isere Tignes from tdc - the development centre on Vimeo.

There's been more wild weather across the Alps - and loads more snow. Yes it's turning out to be an incredible winter in terms of snowfall with January bringing us a series of storms and snow dumps measuring in the metres.

It's not all been rosy - the snow has come with high winds and temperatures have been very up and down - resulting in high avalanche risk and lift closures. However the skiing that has been available has been great! At this rate we'd say it's unlikely that you'll see a rock until at least April.

Mountain weather is changeable and the large accumulations of snow will inevitably bring risks. Lift companies will be pulling out all the stops to make sure that areas are secured and once they are you can be sure of great conditions. From tomorrow there will be a respite from the stormy weather and sunshine and warmer temperatures before temperatures plunge again at the weekend.

If you're tempted to go skiing it's certainly not a bad idea to escape the winter wet and head for the snow! Check out our Last Minute Offers!

More about TDCSKI

The old style of ski school, and ski lessons where you follow around your ski instructor needed a revamp. So TDC have adopted a much more dynamic and personal program of ski coaching and ski improvement. Experience the difference with small, high quality ski coaching clinics, which allows your coach to concentrate on you.

Gone are the days of "bend ze knees" - they have the philosophy that you can improve with greater success when you are presented with intelligent, clear and well presented information. Do this in a positive and safe learning environment and the results will be easily seen.

TDCski are a group of highly motivated ski instructors who hold the highest international qualification with full French equivalance. Having all qualified through the British system and with English as a first language, they specialise in high-quality, focused and rersonalised ski coaching. 

With centres in Val d'Isere, Tignes, Meribel and Courchevel. why not get in touch with them to take your skiing to the next level! See their website: TDCSKI