Author Archives: Alexis Morton

Top Tips for Bagging a January Bargain

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The ski season is well underway, with many resorts opening earlier than planned due to all the fantastic snow that has been falling throughout the European Alps. Don’t worry if you haven’t booked up yet as January is a great month to ski and if you book a catered chalet then there could be some hot skiing deals to take advantage of.

In living memory the early season snowfalls have never been this good, so what better excuse do you need to grab those skis, pack your bag and hit your favourite resort. With a deep snow base to cover the rocks the off-piste conditions are already fantastic – time to lay some fresh tracks? We think so!

Here are our essential tips to make snapping up a great chalet deal that bit easier.

1)    Find yourself 10 spare minutes and get yourself onto our website. Select either the ‘Ski Chalets’ or ‘Chalet Deals’ tab. The chalets, availability and prices that can be found in either section are exactly the same – it’s just that the information can be viewed slightly different from one section to the other. Use the search and sort functions to get a quick and easy feel for price – vs – quality for the week you wish to go. Then simply give us a call: 020 7801 1080. We are absolutely delightful on the phones (honest) and as these late deals don’t last long it’s always best to contact us directly to get the very latest prices and availability. Please remember that, as much as we would like it to be different, the availability on our website is NOT live.

2)    To give you some ideas every two weeks or so we will email out an e-Newsletter which highlights a quick view selection of the best current deals. It’s a great way of finding out the latest deals throughout the season, and with lift passes and free places on offer, what’s not to like? Sign up at the top of our website home page and while you are there please ‘like us’ on Facebook and ‘follow us’ on Twitter to see where we’ve been and what we’ve been up to.

3)    You need to be flexible on your departure airport. London Gatwick and Manchester will be your main getaways to the Alps – only very occasionally will you be able to get yourself a regional flight. On a last minute basis these are about as rare as a hen’s teeth.

4)    The popular chalets in the uber popular ski resorts of Courchevel, Val d’Isere, Zermatt, Verbier , Meribel and St Anton sell out faster than Usain Bolt runs the 100m. If you can’t find a chalet in your chosen resort at the price or quality you wish for then please simply trust our alternative suggestions. We know all the smaller resorts worth going to and will be able to give suggestions to places that you might not have considered. These will offer superior quality at a lower price compared to the premier league resorts – so why not open your mind and treat yourself to something different?

5)    Even numbers in your party are vital! Book in pairs to get the best deals and widest choice. No one wants to be an odd one out and paying the empty bed supplement for a ‘single use’ double or twin room will rain on anyone’s parade.

6)    If you are a ‘single traveller’ – be prepared for a room share. Most single rooms are snapped up months in advance.

7)    Think you can find a short break at a last minute bargain price? Then think again. Unfortunately there is no such thing as a reduced price for last minute short breaks. All short breaks are put together on a bespoke basis so there are no ‘committed’ beds or flight seats – hence why there are no last minute deals.

8)    Can’t decide which resort to go to? Why not check the Alpine Answers’ snow forecast page to get the latest weather and snow condition updates? This should give you some good ideas.

9)    Don’t worry, we haven’t forgotten about ski hire – we have some great on-line ski hire discounts to take advantage of when you pre-book. It will just take you seconds to book and will save you bundles.

10) Always remember… if you have seen a great deal then chances are someone else has too. Being the fastest finger to the buzzer is key! Be ready to make very quick decisions – often this means being able to book on the spot. No late deals can be held ‘off sale’ while you spend time calling around your mates and their mums. Delays may well mean you miss out on the fantastic offer we just found you!

If you are looking for a last minute deal or would like advice on any of our chalets or hotels please get in touch as we are here to help. Call us: 020 7801 1080 and speak to one of the sales team or visit our website: www.alpineanswers.co.uk

Val d’Isere Après Ski Hot Spots

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Those of you who have had the delightful experience of getting involved in the apres ski scene of Val d’Isere then you know that this should not be missed. With a great array of bars from live jazz music to bands there is something for everyone.

Folie Douce

Probably one of the best après bars in Val d’Isere, if not the Alps. For those of you who have experienced this you will know what I am talking about. After some refurbishments over the last few years, the introduction of Kely Starlight and the VIP area, this après scene is certainly not one to miss. Located on the piste on the way back to La Daille, après starts from around 3pm and is always packed all the way to the piste. Each day offers different entertainment with Kely Starlight and the DJ belting out some great hits from the charts to cabaret acts which were introduced last winter. I would get there early to avoid disappointment of a table as after a few cold beers you will want to be up there having a bogey in your ski boots. The Folie closes around 5pm when there is a mad rush to ski back down to La Daille or catch the bubble back down (long queues are possible). Don’t worry the party does not stop here – head on to Cafe Face in the town centre before you need to get back to your chalet in Val d’Isere for dinner.
Kely Starlight at the Folie Douce

Kely Starlight at the Folie Douce

Cafe Face

Cafe Face is well worth a visit with great prices on beers, rising by the hour starting at €2. Kely and his crew head here where there is a more relaxed atmosphere where you can enjoy the soulful tunes from the saxophone and violin players. There is not a great deal of seating so it’s worth arriving early to get a table and enjoy some delicious free après snacks – be quick though these snacks don’t hang around for long!

Cafe Face

Cafe Face, Val d'Isere centre

Doudoune Le Chalet

Le Chalet is not so well known but a great little après spot. Part of an extension to the Doudoune nightclub, Le Chalet is located on the Rond Point des Piste by the nursery slopes. Easy to reach by skis, on foot or by bus, drop by for some live music from Mullit (those who don’t know Mullit will do by the end of your trip!) or enjoy the beats from DJ Johan. A great little sun spot with some great music, reasonably priced drinks and bar snacks available.

Doudoune Le Chalet

Doudoune Le Chalet, Ronds Point de Pistes

Le Petit Danois

Where to start? This is a great Danish bar in the centre of resort with a very lively atmosphere. Head here for après between 16.00 and 19.00 and you get a free shot with every drink bought and don’t forget to try the legendary Red Eric beer! Whatever you do, do not miss 2 for U who are a fantastic band and play numerous nights during the week splitting their time between Val d’Isere and La Rosiere. If they can’t get you dancing and your veins pumping then no one will. The restaurant also offers meals like burgers, nachos and wraps all at a reasonable price.

Le Petit Danois

Le Petit Danois, Val d'Isere centre

Moris Pub

Located at the top end of town on the high street, the Moris Pub is renowned for its live music (and Moris Burger – a towering burger and beer for €15.50). Happy hour runs between 16.00-17.30pm where you can enjoy a jug of beer for €13. The Moris also holds some great fancy dress nights as well as great bands, from local too well known bands like the Coral. In the warmer winter days head down to the terrace where a BBQ is put on – a bar worth a visit or two for great value drinks and great burgers!

Moris Pub

Live music at the Moris

 

The other bars

Blue Note – Owned by a brother and sister, this is a great spot for the locals but don’t let this deter you. This small and cosy bar has a baby foot and pool table with a really friendly atmosphere where you can tuck into some après nibbles. Blue Note is located near the ESF ski school office.

Dicks Tea Bar – With a refurbishment last winter and a new après bar, pop by and grab something from the BBQ if you’re feeling peckish. In an easy central location close to the Gare Routiere.

Saloon Bar – Après scene not so bustling in this bar but definitely worth a visit later on in the evening for a jug of cocktail. Located near the ESF ski school office.

V-Spot – Again another quiet bar on the après scene front but worth a visit later in the evening (also has a clothing shop which has some great gear). Located near the Gare Routiere above the cinema.

Contact Alpine Answers to find out more about our luxury ski holidays and luxury ski hotels in Val d’Isere on 020 7801 1080 or drop us an e-mail on ski@alpineanswers.co.uk.