Catered ski chalet accommodation - Chatel

Ski in ski out Self catered apartment to rent in Chatel

noreply@blogger.com (Alpine-Connection Blog) — Sat, 30 Aug 2008 19:12:00 +0000

Alpine-Connection are glad to bring you for this season La Corniche a self catered ski apartment which sits above centre of Chatel. La Corniche is a ski in ski out (most of the winter season)

The apartment, close to the centre of Chatel village, is south facing and benefits from the sun for most of the day. This self-catered ski apartment consists of two bedrooms, a bathroom, an open plan living room/dining area and kitchen which stretches the width of the chalet. To the front of the apartment is a large sunny terrace for relaxing after a hard days skiing.
The apartment offers complimentary linen and towels for up to five people. Also available is free wifi, 10% off ski equipment hire and free parking. We can also help organise your ski passes ready for your arrival.
In total the chalet is 52 sq.m. and is one of the few ski in ski out apartments in Chatel.

For more details please contact us at info@alpine-connection.com

Luxury ski apartments for sale in Chatel

noreply@blogger.com (Alpine-Connection Blog) — Sun, 24 Aug 2008 09:18:00 +0000

Ever dreamed of buying your own luxury ski apartment in Chatel, the Abondance Valley.Well now you can.

La Carlina are 28 top quality ski apartments for sale, modern, well planned spa facility with an indoor swimming pool, sauna, jacuzzi, fitness suite and two treatment rooms. This in itself presents a unique opportunity in the area. Other facilities including a roof terrace bar, resident masseuse and hotel style concierge, laundry service and use of Le Carlina ‘s minibus all add to the quality of this exclusive opportunity.

The ski apartments have one, two or three bedrooms, high specification kitchens and luxury bathrooms and are served by a lift. All are well designed and finished with an excellent standard of fixtures and fittings. Buyers who commit to purchasing from an early stage will have the opportunity of personalising the finish.

Le Carlina is in a great setting between La Chapelle and Châtel with fabulous views to the Dents du Midi and the Mont du Grange. It is set in grounds which include a very peaceful wooded area. There is ample parking and Le Carlina is in easy reach of the ski lifts, ski de fond and summer walking trails, bars, restaurants and shops.

Also Alpine-Connection can find you ski chalets,ski properties and new build for sale in the area, for more details contact us at info@alpine-connection.com

Chalet Rustique summer update

noreply@blogger.com (Alpine-Connection Blog) — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 17:18:00 +0000

Hi Everyone

Its been a long time this i have updated the blog. Well its been a hot summer with tempertures in to the 30's. There has been a lot going on in Chatel Village and the mountain. This year has been extremely busy with mountain bikers has Chatel mountain improves the runs.

This week-end sees the 2008 IXS Downhill cup.

After Scuol in Switzerland and Canazei in Italy, Châtel welcomes the Elite men and women form Europe, as well as amateurs, for the French session of the 2008 IXS mountain biking Downhill Cup.

The event will be organised on the Châtel Scott mountain bike park, exactly on the black run called “Bike Patrol” which has 360 meters difference in level and is approximately 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 !!!

The event runs from 8th August - 10 August

Will keep you all updated with more events

End of the season

noreply@blogger.com (Alpine-Connection Blog) — Sun, 27 Apr 2008 08:50:00 +0000

Hi guys

Well its another season over and what a busy one its been. Our season was very successful with the chalet being full apart from a couple of weeks which is fantastic for our second year.
Next year is looking busy with this years clients already booking for next season.The snow also this year was amazing and what a season i have had with around 25 powder days.
We are now off to Scotland for break, i have even brought my snowboard with me as there is still snow falling in the Scottish ski resorts.I will post some photos and a update on the skiing.
Myself and Lindsey would like to thank all our guests for visiting us, we have great fun and really enjoyed this season.

Hope to see you all very soon

Paolo and Lindsey

Zoe takes gold at the National Championships in Laax.

noreply@blogger.com (Alpine-Connection Blog) — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 21:08:00 +0000

I would like to say a big congratulations to Zoe for taking Gold in Laax this week.

Zoe fininshed her most successful season ever on Monday by winning gold at the National Championships in Laax in the TTR Snowboardcross competition.

Zoe showed her extreme professionalsim this weekend by convincingly qualifying first, winning her heats and then went onto to win the competition without any faults. This was truely an awesome display of the World Ranked No 7 athlete and her unrivalled experience and raw talent.

Zoe is now comfortably in the running for a gold medal at the next Olympics in Vancouver in 2010 and after a deserved break in the forthcomming two weeks in the Isle of Man will be heading to Bath to start her Summer dry land training.

Zoe swept the board at the Isle of Man sports awards

noreply@blogger.com (Alpine-Connection Blog) — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 15:44:00 +0000

The Isle of Man Bank Sports Awards for 2007 took place in the Royal Hall at the Villa Marina on Thursday night. Former Island resident and 1992 Formula One World Champion Nigel Mansell was the Guest-of Honour.

Snowboarder Zoe Gillings was the biggest individual winner at the Isle of Man Bank Sports Awards gala ceremony at the Villa Marina.

At the gala ceremony, Zoe had plenty to celebrate. She was named Sportswoman of the Year, been selected for inclusion in the Sports Hall of Fame, and was presented with her British Olympic Association Athlete of the Year accolade.

Having lived in the Isle of Man all her life, this was one of the most memorable days Zoe has spent on the Island.

Zoe podiums and takes 2nd in Japan FIS World cup final

noreply@blogger.com (Alpine-Connection Blog) — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 15:40:00 +0000

Zoe finished in an excellent 2nd place at the FIS World Cup Snowboardcross competition in Japan.

World Cup success
Following her 4th place result at last weekends World Cup event in Korea, Zoe firmly had her sights set on a podium finish in her next World Cup competition. Today in Japan, Zoe made that happen when she successfully knocked out a multiple of World Class riders to take silver, moving her into 4th place in the World Cup Rankings.

Beating the top names
Charging her way through to the finals despite the changing snow conditions, Zoe demonstrated her strength and ability, as she headed into the final heat against Lindsey Jacobellis (USA), Maelle Ricker (CAN) and Mellie Francon (SUI). From the start of the final, Zoe had a disadvantage due to her allocated lane but stayed strong and showed her experience by passing Mellie Francon in the first burm. Zoe subsequently passed Lindsey Jacobellis securing a well fought out and deserved 2nd place. Zoe who was all smiles after the race commented, "Woohoo" I’m stoked, its amazing to be back on the podium, and I’m really pleased I was able to pass two girls and catch up a little bit to Maelle, id really like to take gold next time”

Zoe Finishes 4th in Korean FIS World Cup

noreply@blogger.com (Alpine-Connection Blog) — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 15:35:00 +0000

Zoe Gillings, Britain’s number one Snowboardcross athlete produced her best result of the season today, Friday 15th February, when she finished in 4th place at the FIS World Cup Snowboardcross competition in Sungwoo, Korea.

Zoe qualified into the finals in ninth position, and won her first heat convincingly leaving World Number one, Lyndsay Jacobellis trailing behind. The line up in the second heat was particularly tough as it included three of the Worlds top racers, each with World Cup victories under their belts. An extremely focused Zoe didn’t let this faze her and produced yet another great result finishing second and securing her place in the final.

In the final it was a head-to-head dual down the technical and demanding course with each rider battling hard for position. Unfortunately being placed in the slowest of the narrow lanes, Zoe was unable to overtake and finished in 4th place, narrowly missing out on a podium position. This is Zoe’s best result in three and a half years and she has now competed in two finals in the past four weeks. Zoe commented after the race, “Its great to be back reaching the finals again, a World cup win is firmly in my sights.”

Zoe Gillings - Professional Snowboarder

noreply@blogger.com (Alpine-Connection Blog) — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 15:21:00 +0000

Having lived in Chatel for the last 14 months I have got to Zoe Gillings Uk's No 1 and world No 7 in Snowboard cross.So I have decided to keep you updated with Zoe's progress over the last couple of months and any future competions.

Fantastic Snow - April Availabilty in our Catered Chalet

noreply@blogger.com (Alpine-Connection Blog) — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 16:44:00 +0000

Just a quick note to say that we are having a great March with lots of snow falling in the last couple of days. The powder as been deep and fluffy.

Chalet Rustique our catered chalet is fully booked till the 6th April but we have availability after then. With the snow so good it looks like April should be a great month.

I have been out for the last three days and i have had some of the best boarding in a long time. If you are interested please email us for a price.

See you all soon

Grants 50th Birthday " Love the hair "

noreply@blogger.com (Alpine-Connection Blog) — Thu, 28 Feb 2008 18:09:00 +0000

Saturday 16th was Grants 50th birthday and among the presents his family and friends bought him was this amazing hat that they made him wear for the day. Not only did he wear it for the day but he even managed to pull off some air up in the snow park of Avoriaz.

Also pictured below are :

Katie coming in nice and steep

Hamish with a wicked 180

Mr Cool - Graeme with nice distance

Both families who stayed with us during the half term had a great time, we had a brilliant time looking after them and hope to see them all very soon.
Oh by the way has any one see Hattie's skis?!!!!

Rossignol Air Tour - Chatel

noreply@blogger.com (Alpine-Connection Blog) — Sat, 16 Feb 2008 22:12:00 +0000

The Rossignol Air Tour - Pre-la-Joux - Sunday 17 February 2008
It's an international Freestyle skiing tour for young skiers and snowboarders, aged up to 15yrs. The competitors will meet on snowparks specially shaped for the occasion and well adapted to their size.

The first 6th dates of the tour, including the Châtel one, are qualificative and the finale will take place in La Clusaz on the 9th of March 2008.

A great day out for all, lots of freebies and pros showing off there skills.

http://www.rossignolairtour.net/

Winter season so far

noreply@blogger.com (Alpine-Connection Blog) — Thu, 07 Feb 2008 21:13:00 +0000

Now that we are into February things are starting to get busy at our catered chalet. We are now fully booked until the 6 April which is fantastic and for our second season things are going well.To be honest i thought we would not be fully booked but all the hard work promoting the website has really paid off. We are already getting enquires for next season so it could be a bumper season, also with the good snow record in Chatel and the Portes du Soleil i think has also helped.

The snow keeps falling

noreply@blogger.com (Alpine-Connection Blog) — Wed, 16 Jan 2008 08:28:00 +0000

It looks like we are going to have great couple of days with more snow falling.

TODAY - WEDNESDAY JANUARY 16 2008
Gloomy - snow
SKY CONDITIONS (cloud - sunshine) : overcast - becoming mostly cloudy - possible fleeting sunny spell towards the middle of the day - period of sunshine close to 10%
PRECIPITATIONS : continuous and light in the morning - showers in the afternoon, locally heavy - rain-snow limit towards 1100 m, dropping towards 900 m - expected snowfall towards 1800 m : 20-30 cm.

OVERNIGHT
Mainly cloudy - snow showers
SKY CONDITIONS (cloud) : mostly cloudy.
PRECIPITATIONS : showers - locally heavy in the first part of the night - becoming scattered - rain-snow limit towards 900 m - expected snowfall towards 1800 m : 10-20 cm.

TOMORROW - THURSDAY JANUARY 17
Bright sunny spells - slightly colder
SKY CONDITIONS (cloud - sunshine) : partly cloudy or cloudy with sunny spells - becoming overcast at night - period of sunshine close to 60%.
PRECIPITATIONS : none.

FRIDAY JANUARY 18
Unsettled - getting milder - strong wind high up
SKY CONDITIONS (cloud - sunshine) : mostly cloudy - possible fleeting sunny spell towards the middle of the day - period of sunshine close to 20%.
PRECIPITATIONS : showers in the morning and towards the evening - rain-snow limit rising up towards 1500 m.

For more info click on www.chamonix-weather.com

My best day ever

noreply@blogger.com (Alpine-Connection Blog) — Wed, 16 Jan 2008 08:14:00 +0000

What a day yesterday, the night before it had snowed some 20-25cm above 1500m and i had decided to get up early and catch the first chair up at Pre la Joux.Thinking it was going to be busy with the new fluffy stuff i was wrong, all the more for me.
I spent most the morning ridding the off-piste underneath the Combes and Cornebois making first tracks.It didnt really start getting busy until 11am even then there was still plenty off piste to go around.
I later hooked up with a couple who are staying at our catered ski chalet next week from South Africa and gave them a quick tour of the off piste which they enjoyed.
I am already looking forward to the next couple of days with more snow to fall.

Great Skiing

noreply@blogger.com (Alpine-Connection Blog) — Sun, 23 Dec 2007 21:20:00 +0000

Its been a great week of boarding, with all the lifts open from the 15th and the pistes being in fantastic condition what more can i say. Early last week there was still some powder to be had with some areas still not tracked out.Im looking forward to this week.
Our catered chalet saw its first clients of the season arrive yesterday. They went out today and had a great time, and all happy with the conditions, great snow and sunny skies. Fingers crossed we might get some snow this week.

The snow is here

noreply@blogger.com (Alpine-Connection Blog) — Fri, 14 Dec 2007 20:31:00 +0000

Finally the snow arrived this week with nearly three foot in the garden. It started snowing Sunday night and continued till Tuesday night. With temperatures set to stay cold it looks like the snow is here to stay!
Tommorrow 15th December sees the lifts opening for the season and I will be on the slopes to enjoy the powder - with the temperatures low, the snow should be in great condition!

The week-end should be a sunny one, with more snow hopefully comming early next week. A great start to the season. We still have availability for January in our catered ski chalet and with conditions like this what more can I say!

The Stash, the first ecological snow park to arrive in Avoriaz, Portes du Soleil.

noreply@blogger.com (Alpine-Connection Blog) — Mon, 03 Dec 2007 21:39:00 +0000

The Stash, the first giant ecological snow park comes to Europe

Avoriaz has always succeeded in being creative when designing its ski runs and snowparks.

This year, Avoriaz has brought to Europe a new generation of 100% natural snow playgrounds: «The Stash».

A new concept in snowparks imported from the Californian resort of North Star, it was developed by Jake Burton himself, famous for his visions on the future of the snowboard.

Attracted by Avoriaz’s reputation as a snowboard centre, the professionalism of the teams here and the resort’s ability to designate an area reserved for the project, Burton chose Avoriaz as the only European resort capable of managing this ambitious project.

Burton’s philosophy is to create an area in the middle of the forest that caters for a mixture of freeride and freestyle, whilst simultaneously transmitting messages about environmental protection.

The "Stash" is born from absence –as Jake Burton stated –sliding structures for ‘senior’ riders who started freeriding about 20 years ago and who now have children who are into freestyle, not only on snowboards but also on skis, where there is enormous potential for development.

Parents and children aspiring to ride together in this area whilst doing different forms of snowsports will find here a domain that is, by common consensus, ideal for shared fun. Riding the Stash means heading into the heart of nature but on secure terrain.

Situated in the middle of a large expanse of un-groomed snow it is ideal for trying out wide turns in powder snow. These slopes wind in and out of the trees in the Lindarets forest and are punctuated with hidden wooden obstacles all around the circuits that skiers stumble across when hurtling down a ‘secret passage’. You have to ski or snowboard down the same slope many times to discover all the concealed modules

3 slopes of varying levels join up half-way down and lead to a cabin hidden in the middle of pine trees, then separate again to snake their way along this beautiful forest’s hidden by-ways. The cabin is where messages are subtly spread - not forced down throats –about actions that can limit environmental damage. It is also possible to engrave your own message in the wood.

Avoriaz and Burton’s goal is to make the Stash a reference point in Europe for both snowboarding and skiing, where ski schools can take pupils, thereby creating a new approach to the teaching of snowsports. They also wish to target parents and children wishing to have a go at backcountry skiing in a safe place.

Why go catered when on a Ski Holiday

noreply@blogger.com (Alpine-Connection Blog) — Wed, 12 Sep 2007 20:40:00 +0000

Have you ever been on a ski holiday and realised how much hard work it is arranging it....... pick ups to and from the airport, ski hire, places to eat, these are just a few things to mention. Just imagine you have a large family to book a holiday for 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 til you 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 what do you do, basically nothing!

Arriving at the airport you will normally be 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 the chalet a hot drink normally awaits you 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 no worries 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 for ski hire e.g. height, foot size etc. and info on ski lessons, if required. 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, so no need to worry about ski schools being booked up. How easy is this, wait it gets better!.

In the morning you will awake to a delicious continental breakfast, following which you will be chauffeur driven to the slopes, ready for a days skiing. If you are a beginner to the resort then 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 then take you for some après ski drinks and then back to the chalet for your dinner.

After your weeks holiday you are then taken back to the airport for your flight home.

A catered ski holiday is definitely 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!

FlyBe - Brand new winter routes launched

noreply@blogger.com (Alpine-Connection Blog) — Thu, 12 Jul 2007 19:18:00 +0000

Flybe, Europe’s largest regional airline, today launches its comprehensive 2007 winter schedule which, effective 28th October, offers its biggest ever winter seat sale and the introduction of 8 brand new routes along with the reintroduction of popular winter services to destinations across the UK and Europe. Routes are available for booking now and throughout the winter at www.flybe.com (for full list of destinations from UK regions please see notes to editors).
The announcement sees Flybe significantly increasing its offering to winter sun and city break destinations from its regional bases across the UK. With 7-million seats on sale nationwide, the programme further reinforces Flybe’s commitment to bring convenient, low cost travel to the regions and reaffirms its position as Europe’s largest regional airline.

Flybe’s new schedule sees major expansion within the Swiss market with the launch of three brand new routes into Geneva from UK bases including Isle of Man, Jersey and Newquay, opening up Switzerland to these regions for the first time. This is in addition to the reintroduction of popular winter services between Geneva and Birmingham, Exeter, Norwich and Southampton.

In addition to the Geneva service, the airline is increasing its services to other popular winter sports destinations across France, Austria and Germany including new routes to Chambery, Berne and Salzburg.

Flybe’s brand new winter routes commencing for the winter season 2007/2008 include:

• Southampton to Brussels and its first ever winter service to Avignon
• Isle of Man to Luton and Geneva
• Cardiff International to Paris Charles de Gaulle
• Jersey to Geneva
• Newquay to Geneva
• First ever winter service between Edinburgh and Newquay

Mike Rutter, Chief Commercial Officer, Flybe comments: “Following the successful acquisition of BA Connect earlier this year, the launch of our winter schedule for 2007 sees us continuing to deliver on our promise to bring travel choice to the regions and building Flybe into a bigger and stronger airline.

“The introduction of an additional route between Southampton and Brussels and the expansion of our services to Switzerland is of great strategic importance, demonstrating Flybe’s aggressive expansion policy as we spread into new European territories and continue to open up the UK regions to a wealth of exciting destinations.

“Flybe is committed to promoting the growth of regional air travel. with the launch of our winter schedule we will continue to bring exceptional service and low-cost travel to the regions whilst promoting our positive environmental policy through our recently launched eco-labelling scheme and the ongoing deployment of our environmentally sensitive fleet across our network.”

The new routes offer a mix of business and leisure destinations and are available for booking now at www.flybe.com.

Chalet Rustique's 1st hen do!

noreply@blogger.com (Alpine-Connection Blog) — Thu, 05 Jul 2007 09:50:00 +0000

On 1st June 2007, Chalet Rustique experienced it's very first hen party! Travelling all the way from Edinburgh to Geneva was my cousin Heather (the "Bride to B"!) and all of her hens! After lots of chatting and singing on the journey, we arrived at Chalet Rustique where the fun was about to begin! Poor Heather didn't know what she was letting herself in for!

The day started quite tame with a trip to the thermal pools at Lavey-Les-Bains. Whoever said the Nordic Pavillion (a snow and ice grotto at -8C) is good for you, we will never know! But by the end of the night, the champagne was being glugged down and a few naughty games were being played (can't go into much detail in case any mum's or the best Nan in the world reads this!). Bet hey, by the state of Jenny at 2am, you can tell it was a good night!

The next day we went twister rafting (not crazy white water rafting but scary enough to see by the look on people's faces who wasn't enjoying it!). Unfortunately we were placed into either the "skinny people" raft or the "not so skinny people" raft (we all know which rafts we were in - ha ha!). Thanks to my instructor and fellow rafting buddies, I ended up getting chucked in the river at the end of day! Nevertheless, it was ace fun!

After that, there wasn't much time to get ready before heading straight back out again for dinner and drinkies in Chatel! A few drinkies then turned into a few more drinkies and a few more drinkies and before we knew it, we were pole dancing in the middle of L'Escalier Bar (this is almost a regular occurence for me at this bar now - doh!). After we stumbled out of the bar, we headed back to the chalet, where we continued to party, dance and limbo (don't ask!) until 4am!

Unfortunately, everyone was going home on the Sunday morning and there were definitely a few people feeling v hungover (perhaps even a bit sick, eh Fee?)! The journey back down to Geneva Aiport was the quietest journey E.V.E.R!

Sadly, the hen party was over. But we're all looking forward to a re-union on the big day itself! Whoo hoo - can't wait!

Chalet Rustique, Luxury catered chalet, French Alps

noreply@blogger.com (Alpine-Connection Blog) — Thu, 28 Jun 2007 17:01:00 +0000

Welcome to Chalet Rustique. We thought we would introduce ourselves. My name is Paolo and I run a ski chalet alongside my girlfriend Lindsey. We moved from Jersey in the Channel Islands to Chatel in the Northern French Alps in November 2006. We decided to follow our dream of running a ski chalet after spending many holidays snowboarding. The months leading up to the move have not been easy,to say the least, it really was just like you see in the television programmes.
We spent about a month and half searching the French and Swiss Alps, before settling on the Abondance Valley which links into Portes du Soleil, the ski area in Europe. We came across two British builders,who were in the process of building a new chalet which we viewed off plan. They showed us around come of the chalets they had built previously and as soon as we walked into them, we knew we had the right constructors.
Our chalet is situated between Chatel and La Chapelle D'Abondance. We are 20 second drive to the nearest ski lift.
We have now completed our first season and considering the chalet was still not ready and it was close to the time of our first clients arriving (!) it has not been too bad. It's been hard work - as a trained chef I have been doing all the cooking (please check out future posts for recipes), driving clients to the slopes, while Lindsey is in charge of the front of house and bookkeeping.
Now that the summer is here we have a lot more time to relax, enjoying the green mountains and lots of Mountainbiking (which is nothing like the mountainbiking we did back in Jersey!).
I hope you stay posted to our blog, we will be posting more about events happening at the chalet and activites in and around the valley. See you soon!