New Self-catered chalet for Alpine-Connection

Hi Guys

We are happy to bring you Chalet Karibu a new self catered chalet for this season 2009/10, another four bedroom, three bathroom chalet on a self catered basis. Chalet Karibu is a luxury chalet, built by the same construction company as our catered ski chalet, Chalet Rustique, and also Chalet Nina (see below).

Chalet Karibu sleeps 8 guests comfortably. And as it is next door to Chalet Nina, they can also both be booked out for larger parties of up to 16 guests.

The chalet is split over three floors, on the ground floor there is a ski room with heated boot warmers and another room with washer/dryer and plenty of storage. There is also a secure garage giving you peace of mind that your vehicle is safe and that it will not be covered in snow in the morning!



The middle floor has a large open plan living room with a very modern kitchen and a fantastic wood burner in the middle of the room. From here you can relax with a warm drink and take in the views of the Mont De Grange National Park .

On the top floor there are four bedrooms - 2 x doubles and 2 x twin (one of these is under the eves). The master bedroom comes with its own amazing en suite while the three other bedrooms share a bathroom and separate shower room.

There is also plenty of outside parking and a small garden for children to play in. For those who wish not to cook every night we can arrange for someone to come to the chalet and cook for you. Or alternatively you can enjoy the restaurants in both the ski villages of La Chapelle d’Abondance or Chatel.

We can arrange ski hire for you with a 10% discount and have your ski passes ready for you at the chalet so you can hit the slopes straight away!

Prices start from £1,200 for the week. Please contact us for availability and prices at info@alpine-connection.com

Abondance Ski Area Re-Opens

After two years of closure, the ski resort of Abondance in Essert should again see skiing fans hit the slopes. A historic event for the village and its inhabitants. It is the first time in France as a ski resort stops and resumes its lifts. Reopening made possible through American society IAA. Yesterday, late afternoon, a convention of public service delegation (PSD) has been signed between the municipality and the company overseas, for the operation of ski lifts and ski runs. "Eighteen months of difficult negotiations were necessary to achieve this," confided the Mayor Paul Girard-Despraulex.
A delegation of a 12-year
The first elected to the town and CEO of AAI, Gregory Lynn (aka Woody) Sherwood, have endorsed this "partnership" for the next 12 years, in the presence of their respective lawyers and the local people came in droves. For that recovery is possible, the American entrepreneur had set up a company in France: Abondance Ski Valley (SVA), which is being registered.

How a company of the United States, a consultant to ski resorts in the country, she could land in this small village that is authentic Abundance? "We learned the closure of the station through an industry magazine," says Woody Sherwood. Vigezzi Christian, who has worked with a partner of IAA when he coached the ski team of New Zealand, then served as an intermediary, like the association "Abundance Tomorrow".

As to why the investment in the station Haute-Savoie, CEO of AAI said that it was simply fallen under the spell of the place. "I think this place is authentic. I appreciate people who live there. But of course, reason behind this bucolic, there are real financial issues. Woody Sherwood has a real vision for the village on the estate. "The urbanization of the nearest village should not intervene for two years. We will first consider the revision of local planning, "says the mayor of the town.

One thing is certain, the goal is to attract a growing number of customers to get the most from the ski area.

I have also heard that this is a testing area for a new range of snow cannons that work in warmer tempertures

Gillings Finishes 10th In Argentina

Zoe Gillings competed in the opening Snowboard Cross World Cup of the 2009/2010 Olympic Season today in Chapelco, Argentina, finishing in a credible 10th position which saw Zoe unavoidably crashing into World No 1 Lindsey Jacobellis (USA) just after the start of the race.

Zoe started the competition yesterday with time trials determining the 16 athletes who would progress into today’s finals. Following two serious crashes on the course which saw the air ambulance evacuate the badly injured athletes to hospital, Zoe finished in 8th position ensuring progression into today’s heats behind Jacobellis who finished 1st.

Zoe lined up in the heat this afternoon against Jacobellis, Isobella Clark Rimero (BRA) and Yuki Fujimori (JAP). Jacobellis quickly took the lead with Zoe closely tucked in just behind her when Jacobellis made a mistake and went crashing to the floor, Zoe had little time to react and just managed to stay on her feet avoiding Jacobellis. Unfortunately Zoe lost all her speed and could only go on to finish the heat in 3rd place behind Rimero and Fujimori effectively placing Zoe 10th Overall.

Zoe commented after the race, “There wasn’t much I could do, Lindsey fell in front of me and I had all on just trying to avoid her, I tried to catch the other two up but I had lost all my speed. Overall I’m happy though, the focus this season is on the Olympics so I’m using each competition as preparation for this and I’m taking away some valuable experience from today.”

The next World Cup Snowboard cross competition will now take place in Telluride, USA on the 20th December.

Please see www.zoegilings.com for a video interview of Zoe following the race.

Zoe Gillings takes 2nd Place in South America Cup

Zoe Gillings, the British No 1 and World ranked No 5 Olympic Snowboard athlete today clinched the silver medal in the opening Parallel Giant Slalom (PGS) South American Cup of the 2009/10 Winter Olympic season in Chapelco, Argentina.

Despite heavy snow fall and low visibility, Gillings started the competition as she meant to go on by qualifying in second place with a time of 48.72 seconds out of a total of 18 women which included both international and World Cup athletes. Gillings then continued into the heats where she went head to head against her fellow finalists where she dominated the field qualifying convincingly into the final. Gillings had a great start in the final taking the lead into the first three gates but then lost her balance, swung out of control and just before regaining her composure was overtaken by her fellow World Cup athlete Alexandra Jekova (BUL). Zoe chased Jekova down towards the finish line but Jekova just clinched the gold medal ahead of Gillings who took silver. This result is even more remarkable today as Gillings’s main discipline is Snowboard cross, not PGS.

Zoe commented after the race, “I’m really happy with my performance today, considering the serious lack of training over the summer, I’ve now got a little more confidence going into this Olympic season.” Due to serious funding problems in this Olympic season, Zoe has only managed to train on snow for 4 days this summer instead of the 7 weeks she had planned and has only just managed to secure the services of a coach within the last two weeks. “The British Olympic Association and UK Sport have helped tremendously since the funding problems began but I couldn’t have even competed in this competition if it were not for my personal sponsors, they continue to allow me to train and compete at the highest level in my sport which I couldn’t do otherwise,” continued Zoe.

Zoe is widely considered one of Great Britain’s highest medal prospects in the Winter Olympic Games to be held in Vancouver in February 2010, she now heads into the World Cup Snowboard Cross competition in Chapelco, Argentina on the 11th September.

For more information, images, results and video of Zoe competing in Argentina, please visit www.zoegillings.com.

Chatel and its Microclimate

Chatel may not be one of the highest resorts in Europe but it has some of the best snow falls in Europe.

Why you ask?

Due to its location situated between Lake Geneva and Mont Blanc, Chatel creates a microclimate. This gives Chatel a fantastic snowfall from December to April.
Also as most of the pistes are pasture land, Chatel only needs 20-30cm of snow to cover the pistes and give them a good base. Some of the higher resorts, there pistes are generally covered in large rocks thus needing 100cm of snow.

Chatel has a great snow record and last year for several weeks we were number 1 in the French Alps for the most snow on the highest slopes. Chatel highest slopes are at an altitude of 2200 meters and we were beating the high resorts of 3300 meters.

So what does this tell it's not always the high resorts to look out for but Chatel and the Portes du Soleil ski area. It's not about high altitude resorts but geographical position.

I hope this helps when you come to choosing your next ski holiday. We still have available space at our catered ski chalet so why not give us a email for a quote for you holiday.

Paolo

Chatel a little gem in French Alps

Located in the heart of the Portes du Soleil ski area is the very beautiful and picturesque village of Chatel. The village lies at 1200m and is situated on the French-Swiss border, towards the end of the stunning Abondance valley. Unlike many other ski resorts, this charming village has retained its traditional values and has maintained its rustic appearance with a claimed forty working farms.

It has excellent facilities for all ages and is an ideal place for a weeks holiday or a week-end break. Chatel, itself, is based around four key areas - Chatel centre, Petit Chatel, Vonnes and Linga. Each area can be accessed by a great bus service which is free during the ski season and can be found in the main square outside the local church. In Chatel centre you will find a great selection of shops, ski rental and restaurants all serving traditional local dishes. The Vonnes area boasts a stunning mountain lake with the highest water fountain in France. Chatel centre, Petit Chatel and Linga are all perfect places to stay if you want to be close to the ski lifts or the free bus service. The centre of Chatel has been given a massive make over in 2006 and is fast becoming a popular ski resort.

At present a small bus ride is needed if you wish to join on to the pistes of Linga from the village pistes, but there is talk of a possible new lift connecting all areas of the village. Chatel is ploughing a lot of money in improving its look - the village really is a little gem in the Alps.

Paolo

Why take the catered option on a Ski Holiday

Have you ever been on a ski holiday and realised how much hard work it is. Arranging pick from the airport, ski hire, places to eat, these are just a few things to mention. Just imagine you have a large family what a headache!

Well a catered ski holiday is what you need. Ski chalet accommodation has been around for a long time, but only in the recent years people are starting to see the benefits of a catered ski chalet holiday. You may think that your holiday is expensive but wait to see the advantages.

All you need to do is choose your resort and search the web for your ski chalet accommodation. Book your flights and the rest will be taken care of. If you are lucky your ski chalet will even sort out your flights for you. Then want do you do, basically nothing.

Arriving at your chosen airport you will be normally met by your chalet host who will then drive you and your party to your chosen resort and chalet. Normal transfers are around 1.5 hours to 2 hours. Once you arrive at chalet you will be treated to a warm drink while your host will place your bags in your rooms. Not a bad start to your holiday.

You will find with most ski chalet holidays that on arrival your ski pass will be ready for you so you can begin the next day skiing with not a worry about waiting in long queues and wasting valuable ski time.

If you have filled in a booking form before your holiday, the chalet may ask you for details if you require ski hire, height, foot size etc. and ski lessons. This is well worth filling in as your ski hire will be ready and waiting for you at the ski shop and lessons will be pre booked, no need to worry about ski schools been booked up. How easy is this, wait it gets better.

In the morning you will awake to a continental breakfast, after breakfast you will be chauffeur driven to the slopes, ready for a days skiing. If you are a beginner to the resort than don’t worry many catered ski chalets offer a free ski guiding service. This normally consists of been shown the best places to ski and great mountain restaurants. After a days skiing you will be met by your host who will them take you for some après ski drinks and then back to the chalet for your dinner.

If you have small children the chalet host will normally arrange a nursery for you so you need not worry. After your weeks holiday you are then taken back to the airport for your flight home.

A catered ski holiday is the way to go, you do not need to worry about a thing, your ski chalet hosts are there to make your holiday as easy as possible. Catered ski accommodation may be a little bit more expensive than staying in a hotel, but look at the advantages, this way you get a lot more skiing in and less of those headaches.

Paolo

The French reduce Vat on Restaurants and Cafes

VAT cuts in restaurants and cafés in France will help offset the weakness of the pound against the euro and encourage more UK holidaymakers, a specialist operator hopes.

VAT on all restaurants and cafés in France will be cut from 19.6% to 5.5% from Wednesday (July 1st).

French accommodation operator P&V estimates this will translate into a saving of approximately 10% when passed onto customers.

A meal typically costing €15 (£13) will be reduced to around €13.20 (£11.40).

The company also hopes the VAT reduction will make French ski resorts more affordable after they faced criticism last winter for inflated prices.

Theese are all good reasons to come to the French Alps for 2010.

Paolo

Day out at the Alpine Zoo Les Marecottes

Hi Guys

Today we decided to venture to an Alpine zoo over the border in the Swiss Alps. Yes you are probably thinking what a Zoo in the Alps. At this zoo you what find the usual English animals like Elephants, Giraffes and Hippo's but animals you find in the Alps.



The Zoo can be found at 1100m above sea level about a 20min drive from Martigny. The zoo also has a restaurant and a outdoor swimming pool. At 35,000 m2, you will discover most of the representatives of alpine fauna in their natural environment, such as black bears, wolves, lynx, marmots, foxes, owls, deer, chamois, ibex, wild boar and other animals.


It was a really great day and our little girl Sophia was very impressed by baby deer. The price of the entrance is only 10 Swiss Francs and they do a mean sandwich.

Paolo

Day out to Aosta, Italian Alps

Hi Guys

Thought I would write about our day out to Aosta last week. What a great day it was, we set of from Chatel around 10am and travelled towards Verbier turning off and taking the very scenic route to the Col du Grand St Bernard. The drive up to the tunnel was amazing and breath taking with fantastic peaks. We decided to take the tunnel and on the return drive over the pass.





We arrived in Aosta around 12 and just in time for a quick walk into the main town and find a place to get some tasty pasta. After lunch we walk the town streets and the designer shops before stopping for some home made ice cream which we all enjoyed including my daughter of 11 months.






After a great day out we decided to head back this time over the Col du Grand St Bernard. This was one of the best drives over a Col I have driven in a long time, with breath taking view and drops to the right of the car you really felt like you where floating on the air. When we arrived to the top at 2473m above sea level, it was 18 degrees bearing in mind when we left Aosta it was 32 degrees. From here the views are amazing and worth the drive up.
From here we rested a while before heading back to Chatel , a very enjoyable day out.

Paolo

Mushroom season in French Alps has arrived!

Hi Guys

Mushroom season has arrived, after a long wait the last couple of days have been very fruitful. With the warm weather and lots of rain have made the mountains perfect for picking wild mushrooms.

My choice of mushrooms for picking are the Porcini(cepes) and Chanterelle/girolles. With over a kilo of Porcini's today and 1/2 kilo of Chaterelle it was a great day. I am planning on freezing the mushrooms for the winter season and use in for our catered chalet guests.

If you are visiting the area and are thinking of picking mushrooms remember

Article 547 of the Code Civil stipulates that mushrooms belong to the owner of the land where they grow. Each commune has the right to decide whether mushroom picking is allowed, can say what quantities can be picked, can charge a fee or can totally forbid mushroom picking in the surrounding forests. .

A law passed in October 1989 gives the prefect (Préfet) of each region the right to take restrictive measures in order to preserve local fauna and to limit mushroom picking. Each préfecture can therefore regulate the quantity of mushrooms allowed per person, the days when mushroom picking is permitted and in some areas, there might be additional specific restrictions applying to certain species of mushrooms. Therefor, before going mushroom picking it is necessary to contact either the local town hall (mairie) in the commune where the person wishes to go picking or the local prefecture.

There are a number of rules that should be adhered to when picking mushrooms:

Mushrooms must be a certain size before being picked so that they have a chance to release their spores
Tools of any sort are forbidden with the exception of knives
A knife must be used to cut the stipe so as not to damage the mycelia
Mushrooms must be carried in a wicker basket to let the spores fall out and help propagation

2009 IXS Downhill Cup

Friday 14th August - Sunday 16th August

After Verbier in Switzerland and Leogang in Austria, Châtel welcomes the Elite men and women form Europe, as well as amateurs, for the French session of the 2009 IXS mountain biking Downhill Cup.


The next-to-last stop of the iXS European Downhill Cup will bring the downhill racers to Châtel,lying on the French side of the Portes du Soleil region, was already quite favourably received by the participants last year owing to the perfectly organised race and was successful even during its first year of establishing itself as a permanent component of the series. The diverse bike park will again provide a demanding and, at the same time, flowing course for this year’s French stop in the series.

For the second time in Châtel the IXS European Downhill Cup will take place on the "Bike Patrol" black run which has 360 meters difference in level ans is approximatively 2,5 km long.
4 main moments are expected on the descent of the riders on that black run : they will be directly involved with a rolling departure and big jumps, then the trail is going further on in undergrowth, becoming more technical with roots. Then they will arrive in a stony place ending once more with a more rolling section under the firs. Another way to say that all the criteria are put together for a promising race !!! Nick Beer who won the scratch last year rided it in 2mn53 which means he averaged 52 km per hour!

I have taken a walk up to the Bike Patrol and looking at the course it looks amazing and they are still shapping the course.

Will keep you posted on the event.

Paolo

Lac Des Ecoles , Les Gets

Hi Guys

Today at Alpine-Connection we decided to venture over to Les Gets to the Lake. Fantastic place sitting above Les Gets. With a small entrance fee of 3 Euros its well worth it, a beach in the mountains. We arrived about Midday and an hour later the place was filling up but don't worry there is lots places to put your towels down.
The temperture must of been around 25 degrees but with been up high its much hotter.There is small flumes for children and the besty part there are several life guards to keep an eye out.

A great day out for any one in the region!!

Paolo

Day out at the Aqua Park Switzerland

Hi Guys

Yesterday we decided to try out the Aqua Park on the shores of Lake Geneva, having heard so much about this place but in all the time we have been in the Alps we have never been. About a thirty five minute drive to Monthey and then 10 minutes around the lake we where there, Sun was shining and we were all getting excited. I had been lucky and phoned earlier to meet up with one of the manager's and get a guided tour.
The tour was fantastic and I learnt something this place is open all year round!! Great for our clients who stay with us not only can they come down in the summer but for those bad days we get in the winter or if our clients want a break from skiing, a cool place to come.



The Aqua park is a great place for all different ages , you have the flumes, a children's area , a pool with a wave machine , wellness centre and its own private beach on the shores of Lake Geneva, what more do you want!!
If you want something to eat you can choose from several different places, from burgers , sandwiches to a sit down restuarant overlooking the beach and the lake.






Included in your price is the entrance and usage of all the areas including sun lounges, there is nothing else to worry about apart from food. I liked the idea of been given a magnetic strap which you recharge in the changing rooms and present at the different eateries, like this you don't have to worry about bringing money into the swim areas.

We spent about 5 hours down at the Aqua park but could of stayed for longer, if you are ever in the area I highly recommend it!

For more in check out Aqua Park Switzerland

Speak to you all soon

Paolo

Lance Armstrong and the Tour De France

Hi Guys

Another day and another stage. We all decided at the last minute to pop down to Martigny for Stage 16 of the Tour. When we arrived the girls set of for a good view point, while I went to the start line. When I arrived the team buses where pulling up and Team Astana had not yet parked up. After about 10 minutes Team Astana pulled up and I happened to be right in front of the bus.





It was great place to be, you could get up close to the bikes and get a real good feel for the tour. I would recommend this any day. After about an hour of waiting Lance Armstrong pop out to do interviews, I managed to get some good snaps of Armstrong. A fantastic day out and worth all the hanging around.


Paolo

Tour de France Stage 15 Verbier

Hi Guys

What a great day, we all ventured to road leading up to Verbier to watch the Tour de France. It was my first visit to a stage of the tour and it was worth it. We found a great spot on one of the bends and set up base. At about 3pm the caravans past by with lots of freebies and load music playing.Then at just after 5pm arrived the riders, I could not believe that they just did not seem tired, fairplay.

A great day all round and looking forward to stage 16.

Paolo

Self catered accommodation in Chatel

Hi Guys

This year Alpine-Connection are able to bring you two new Self catered properties. First of all is a 4 bedroom luxury chalet sleeping 8,built by the same construction company that built our chalet, Chalet Rustique. A fantastic chalet with all the comforts of home.Chalet Nina is directly behind our chalet in the small hamlet of La Ville du Nant. We can also organise a catering service if you wish not to cook.As for Chalet Rustique we can arrange ski lessons and ski passes so you can have a bit more time to relax.




Our second option is a great located apartment in Chatel just 100m from Super Chatel ski lift.The apartment can sleep up to 6 people if needed. English & French digital TV, hi fi & DVD, selection of board games are available for use. A snow cave is available for the storage of skis, boots etc. The bathroom has a 1/2 bath/shower,basin & WC. A spacious balcony, bistro furniture available for the summer.


For more details on our Self Catered accommodation,Chatel click the link.

Paolo

Tour de France 2009

Hi Guys

Well the summer has finally arrived with temp reaching into the 30s. Just to hot to stay outside sometimes. We are off to the Stage 15 of the Tour De France, we are hoping to get a prime spot on the mountain climb to Verbier. I will keep you posted with photos of the day next week.

Paolo

Catching up with Zoe Gillings

Hi Guys

I finally caught up with Zoe Gillings in Chatel last week. Speaking with Zoe she was very happy with the way the season went and was looking forward to the Olympics 2010.
Zoe competed in her final Snowboardcross competition of the 2008/09 season yesterday with a breathtaking performance winning the gold medal at the British National Championships held in Laax, Switzerland. ITV covered the event which consisted of over 100 competitors including World Cup and Olympic athletes. Zoe dominated the competition from the outset, qualifying in 1st position in front of British Olympic snowboarder Lesley Mckenna. Zoe dominated the heats and quickly progressed to the final which consisted of three out of the four racers being National team members.

I will keep you updated on Zoe's progress and any updates.

Paolo

Summer at our catered chalet , Chalet Rustique

Hi Everyone ,

With the end of the season fast approaching with only two weeks to go we are looking forward to a break. But with seaseon finishing brings the summer.

We still have plenty of availabilty at our catered chalet. With temperatures reaching 25 and above the mountains are the perfect place for a holiday. The alps and Chatel have plenty to offer from mountain biking, walking, white water rafting are just a few things to mention.

Also we can arrange excursions to Evian and Lussane.

Why not contact us at Chalet Rustique for more information and prices for your next summer holiday.

Paolo

Brit Gillings Makes Final In Canadian World Cup

Zoe Gillings, Britains No 1 snow sports athlete finished in an impressive 4th position today in the Canadian FIS World cup final in Stoneham despite carrying a heel injury she picked up at the X-Games three weeks ago. This is the third World Cup final Zoe has competed in this season, securing her place as one of the best snowboard racers in the world. Zoe is Britains top snow sports athlete and is considered Britains best chance of an Olympic Snowsport medal in Vancouver in less than 12 months time.

Zoe went into the first heat against the World No 1, Lyndsay Jacobellis (USA), World No 2, Sandra Frei (SUI) and Susanne Moll from Austria. Zoe quickly settled in behind Jacobellis from the start and finished in a convincing 2nd position beating World No 2, Frei, securing her place in the semi final. Zoe then went into the next heat against Jacobellis , Anthoniaz (FRA) and Jekova (BUL).

Zoe continued in fine form right from the outset, quickly securing her progression into the final with another solid 2nd position finish just on the heals of Jacobellis. Zoe then went into the final against Jacobellis, Ricker (Can) and Francon (SUI), Zoe had an excellent start but lost her footing while negotiating the first banked turn effectively ending her race and finishing in fourth position.
Zoe’s World Ranking has climbed to 6th position and with 3 races left of the season, this is looking like one of Zoes best ever seasons on the World Cup snowboarding Circuit. Zoe commented after the race:- “Im really happy I made it into the final today since I thought my injury may have kept me out of the competition altogether, it was a really exciting race and I now have a few days off to find a physio and get some intensive treatment.” (Zoe gave this quote while sitting with a bag of ice on her foot)
Zoe will be releasing some exciting news in the coming weeks of her new sponsorship deal with SONY who will be providing Zoe with some technologically advanced training equipment on the lead up to the Olympics in less than 12 months time which will prove vital to her success. Zoe is continuing to prove to the World that she is a strong contender for the Gold medal at the Winter Olympics in 2010.

Paolo

Zoe Gillings X- Games Injury

Britains Zoe Gilling's was forced to retire early from the X-Games competition earlier today after a painful injury she recieved yesterday in qualifying.

Zoe qualified in an excellent 3rd place but on her second qualifying run sustained a painful compression injury to her right foot which put her participation in todays finals in severe doubt.

Despite suffering excrutiating pain, Zoe only decided to compete in the finals after completing one training run this morning. In normal circumstances Zoe would complete 5 or 6 training runs on the course to ensure she had the best possible chance of winning and fully understanding the course.

Zoe tentatively went into the semi finals against a World Class field including the current World No 2 (Sandra Frei) and last years World Cup Champion (Maelle Ricker)

Zoe started the race with obvious signs of pain comming out of the gate in 5th place but surprisingly managed to fight herself into a qualifying 3rd position for a majority of the course. Approaching the penultimate jump, Zoe was forced to slow her speed due to the athlete in front of her slowing herself, this caused Zoe to lose too much speed going into the jump where she then landed short of the landing area severely exagerating yesterdays compression injury.

This effectively ended Zoes X-Games competition as she was immediately taken to the medical centre for treatment.

Zoe is now expected to miss the next two competitions, hopefully being back to fitness for the next World Cup in Cypress, Canada on the 14th February.

Paolo

Armstrong plans 2009 Tour de France return,

Lance Armstrong will attempt to win the Tour de France for an eighth time after confirming he will compete in the 2009 race.

Seven-times winner Armstrong, 37, who retired from cycling in 2005, but is to return to the sport next year, had been coy about taking part in the Tour.

The American cyclist has previously announced that he will race in the Giro d'Italia for the first time in 2009.

Armstrong overcame testicular cancer before his seven Tour victories.


In October the Tour de France organisers, the Amaury Sport Organisation (ASO), said Armstrong's return would be "embarrassing".

The American has also questioned how safe he would be in riding the Tour, expressing concerns about being targeted by fans.

Armstrong will end a three-and-a-half-year absence from the sport when he rides in the Tour Down Under in Australia in January.

As the Tour de France will be in Martigny for a mountain stage and in Annecy for a time trail,our catered chalet, Chalet Rustique is situated close to both towns and could be a perfect location to base yourself to watch the two stages.

Why not contact us for our packages and prices for the Tour de France 2009.

Paolo

Christmas 2008 News just in !!!

Harry eats mushroom and Georgina finally gets her cooookooo-clocken

Well we have just had our first clients of the season over the Christmas week. The Hughes family.

What a week its been. Jerry skied like a pro and tackled the slopes with style, Tom my snowboarding buddy boarded like he had been bording for years. Lucy did a great job and overcame her fear of the reds. Little Harry did great, did not enjoy ski school much but enjoyed the lessons with Fifi. I think most of the time they sat around drinking fine wines and chatting up the talent.

And finally Georgina the star pupil. Well during the week of Christmas a new sport was founded "skiing on your bum ". You did very well.You came so close to a free holiday. The Perdix Blanche Bar would like to thank you as sales of Hot Choclates rose by 65% and have even named a hot choclate after you " I ve done enough skiing for today, another hot choclate and whatever your having landlady"They sadly miss you in there a wait for your return.

I am glad to see you that you got your Cookoo clock, its very nice.

On a serious note it was great having you stay with us and we had a Fantastic week having you at the Chalet.

Remember Harry did you eat your mushrooms last night.

Paolo, Lindsey and Sophia.

Athelete of the Year Snowsport 2008/2009

Zoe Gillings received an early Christmas present today when she learned she had been awarded the British Olympic Association (BOA) Athlete of the Year (Snowsport) 2008/09for the second year running. Zoe has had what can only be described as an incredible return to World Class form following her career threatening injury in 2005 where she was told she would never Snowboard again.

This award seemingly goes to confirm that Zoe Is Britains best hope of a Snowsport medal at the Olympic games in 2010; Zoe is currently ranked 6th in the World and has firmly set her sights on winning the Gold medal.

Zoe commented earlier today, “Im absolutely stoked that i have won it again, it was a great honour to win it last year but now for the second year running, i have a really big grin on my face! It wont last long though, im starting training on Sunday (28/12) so im going to enjoy it while i can.”

Sir Clive Woodward, The BOA Elite Performance Directors commented, "The presentation of the Olympic Athlete of the Year Award recognises the drive, determination and commitment of elite athletes across all of our Olympic sports as they strive to achieve their goals in the International sporting arena."

Zoe will head to Bad Gastein (Austria) for the second European leg of the World Cup tour on January 10th. For more information please visit Zoes website:- www.zoegillings.com.

Paolo