For the 2010 / 11 ski season Ski Republic (www.ski-republic.com) is offering a free day’s ski and snowboard equipment hire for every one day booked, and the seventh day free for bookings made online, or on site in their 32 Ski Republic shops in 24 resorts in the French Alps, regardless of the resort or the time of year,
The offer brings the cost of skis, boots, poles and a helmet down to just 10 € / day, for standard sport skis of a guaranteed top brand, including Salomon, Roxy, Dynastar, Rossignol and Coreupt, and 15 € / day, main brand performance skis.
Ski Republic’s Lionel Favre, CEO and founder, said
“Since we launched in 2007 our aim has been to offer a simple, swift, online ski rental service with guaranteed high quality ski and snowboard equipment and clean, dry ski boots, without having to queue. For too long the world’s ski resorts were dominated by ski hire companies offering old equipment, a lack of choice and poor service.
Ski Republic has changed the face of ski equipment hire. This season we’ve taken it one further by offering two days for the price of one and prices that are less than even we were charging last season. Not only are we offering top quality skis and no-nonsense service, but all of are skis are checked after every single rental and either serviced in store or in our main servicing centre in Seez ”.
Ski Republic includes free use of a helmet with all equipment hire and insurance is available at an optional 1 euro / day for sport skis and 2 Euros for performance skis, or free for kids, covering theft, damage and cancellation.
Val Thorens
Val d’Isere
Meribel
Meribel Mottaret
Vallandry
Les Arcs 1800
Les Arcs 2000
La Plagne Centre
La Plagne Bellecôte
Sainte Foy
Tignes Lavachet
Tignes Val Claret
Tignes Le Lac
Les Menuires
Courchevel 1850
Courchevel 1650
Les 2 Alpes
Valmorel
La Rosiere
Chamonix
Saint Jean D’Arves
Chatel
Avoriaz
Les Coches
Serre Chevalier
The ifyouski sale is now on, and there genuinely are some exceptional offers available for Christmas and New Year. If you are looking for something different, our Isola short breaks in January are very good value and include a lift pass, all meals and unlimited drinks! Great for groups.
Les 2 Alpes 3*+ Club Hotel with pool, Christmas (Save £265)
£479pp (was £744) for 7 nights at 3* Club Hotel La Brunerie, Les 2 Alpes through ifyouski.com (020 7471 7733, www.ifyouski.com) Price includes flights, transfers and 7 nights FULL BOARD accommodation. Depart from London Gatwick on Monday 20th December 2010.
£595 (was £995) for 7 nights at 3* Chalethotel Les Avals, Courchevel 1650 through Ski Solutions (020 7471 7700, www.skisolutions.com) Price includes flights, transfers and 7 nights chalet board accommodation. Depart from London Gatwick or Manchester on Sunday 26th December 2010.
Something different? Isola 2000 – Short Break January
£645pp (was £795) for 4 nights at 3* Hotel Pas du Loup, Isola 2000 through Ski Solutions A La Carte (020 7471 7777, www.skisolutions.com) Price includes flights, transfers and 7 nights fully inclusive accommodation (including lunch, unlimited drinks and lift pass). Depart from London Gatwick or Heathrow on any Thursday in January.
A chic and luxuriously appointed privately owned chalet situated in snow-sure Zermatt, Chalet Zen is an absolute gem of a property discreetly located just 100m from the main lift up to Schwarzsee, the Matterhorn glacier, Riffelberg and Gornergrat. Both incredibly cosy and distinctly luxurious, Chalet Zen offers all the amenities for modern day living yet retains the traditional feel of an authentic Swiss chalet. Furnished with antiques, rugs and paintings from across the globe Chalet Zen has the wonderfully welcoming feel of a fabulous private home.
For a limited time only, Chalet Zen is offering 10% off whole chalet bookings throughout the season saving upto CHF 4,170/£2,665…but you’ve got to be quick and book by 15th November to take advantage of this fantastic offer!
Sample Price: Chalet Zen, Zermatt (+41 (0)79 916 13 72; www.chalet-zen.com) offers 7 nights from CHF2,250/£1,435pp (based on 8 sharing) departing 5th December 2010.
Price includes accommodation, champagne reception, staff, moring tea & coffee in bed, afternoon tea daily, champagne & canapes daily, dinner on 6 evenings includng wine, open spirit bar, Jo Malone bathroom products, fresh flowers & newspapers daily.
Terms & Conditions: 10% off all weeks excluding 19th Dec 2010, 13 & 20 February 2011 departure dates, book by 15th November 2010.
In this age of equality, there are very few things that women cannot do, but the rules of the privately-run St Moritz Toboggan Club, which oversees all activities relating to the Cresta Run, prevent them from the nerve-tingling sensation of hurling themselves down this world-famous ice run.
Luckily for all male adrenalin junkies over the age of 18 years of age, despite it being a private club, they can ride on non-race days (Saturdays, Sundays and one weekday during the season, which extends from just before Christmas until the end of February/early March, though it is dependent on weather conditions).
Probably the easiest way to get access to the ice run is to buy a Cresta Run Package from the Kulm Hotel St Moritz, which houses the Sunny Bar, home of the Cresta outside riding hours. The Cresta Run Package includes 3 nights’ B&B accommodation, fresh fruit and water changed daily in the room, lunch daily in the Sunny Bar and five rides on the Cresta Run during your stay, as well as tuition, equipment and a 25-minute massage, which should come in handy to soothe bumps and bruises!
Though ladies are not allowed to ride the Cresta Run, they are welcome to accompany partners who are and can purchase the same Cresta Run Package, with the Cresta element substituted for a CHF400 (approx £260) credit in the hotel’s stunning Panorama Spa (please note that the credit for the spa treatments cannot be reimbursed if it is not used in full).
The Cresta Run Package costs from CHF1480 (approx £960) and is valid from 9 January 2011 to 11 February 2011.
For further information on the Kulm Hotel St Moritz and its Cresta Run package, please visit www.kulmhotel-stmoritz.ch.
Reductions of £100 per person on a choice of skiing holidays for solo travellers in the French Alps – with a seven-night break now costing from just £495 per person – is the offer from singles specialist, Friendship Travel.
Deals include week-long holidays at Les Deux Alpes – a resort suitable for every type of skier and boarder – at £495 per person for Gatwick departures on 12 December inclusive of return flights, transfers and half-board accommodation at the three-star plus Chalethotel la Berangere.
There’s also a reduction of £100 per person on Christmas holidays at Tignes, with a week from 19 December at the three-star Chalethotel Hauts de Toviere now costing £885 per person inclusive of return flights, transfers and half-board accommodation.
The above prices also include sole occupancy of a double room, afternoon tea, wine with dinner and the services of a local host. Regional departures are also available, supplements may apply.
Are you looking to stretch those ski legs before the season begins? Perhaps you’d like to finally break through into the nirvana that is effortless carving on sheet ice or snorkel skiing in bottomless powder. Join one of VIP SKI’s pre-season courses in Val d’Isère and La Plagne on the 5th & 12th December, including intense personal tuition, avalanche awareness, evening video analysis and no doubt a little bit of ski banter over an evening glass of wine!
Choose from:
4 nights with 3 whole days intensive ski tuition from £499pp
7 nights with 5 half day intensive ski tuition from £579pp
The courses are designed for all levels of skier, above beginner, and are adapted to each participant’s level giving personal attention to each individual, targeting weakness’ in existing ski technique whilst also building new ones.
Further Details:
In conjunction with Oxygène Ski School, VIP SKI’s new early season ski courses are available in Val d’Isère and La Plagne:
4 night/3 day courses running from Wednesday – Sunday with tuition from Thursday – Sunday, 09.30 to 15.30, with an hour for lunch.
Price per person from £499 for 4 nights at Bellevarde Lodge, Val d’Isère, 5th December departure or Lucerne Suite, La Plagne, 12th December departure.
Or
A 7 night/5 half day course running from Sunday to Sunday with tuition from Monday – Friday from 09.30 to 12.30.
Price per person from £579 for 7 nights at Bellevarde Lodge, Val d’Isère, 5th December departure or £699 at Lucerne Suite, La Plagne, 12th December departure.
All prices are per person based on 2 sharing a room. Single supplements apply. Flights and transfers not included. Cost also includes evening debrief in-chalet, video feedback session and an end of course report. Maximum class size will be 7 and off-piste equipment will be provided if required (transceiver, probe, shovel, rucksack).
For more information or to make a booking with VIP SKI ring 0844 557 3119 or visit www.vip-chalets.com.
The ultimate indulgence for winter sports enthusiasts has been launched in the UK, enabling private individuals the chance to purchase their own luxury ski slope for their home. If you’re thinking great, best to pop to the bottom of the article and check the price before you get excited!
The Skiplex ‘endless ski slope’ (www.skiplex.co.uk) enables skiers and snowboarders to maintain their fitness levels and provides an opportunity to hone their technique all year round.
The ski slope simulator features a smooth, continuous track, which enables skiers and snowboarders to burn over 400 calories an hour while finessing their technique.
Watch Skiplex in use:
Over 100 slopes are already installed across Europe and now wealthy ski enthusiasts in the UK will be able to enjoy the benefits of all weather skiing in the comfort of their own home.
Gym enthusiasts run on a treadmill, but do not actually move. A Skiplex slope operates in exactly the same way, using a large white treadmill about the size of a squash court, allowing up to four people to ski or snowboard at any one time.
The large moving track is operated by a handheld remote controlled device which can speed up or slow down the track and increase or reduce the elevation.
As a result, a Skiplex Ski Centre can accommodate beginners at a low elevation and slow track speed all the way to experts at a steep elevation and fast track speed.
Practicing on the Skiplex endless slope enables enthusiasts to refresh their technique, whether they are practicing the most basic snowplough turns for beginner skiers, or more adventurous snowboarding moves such as ollies, butters and air to fakies. Unlike dry slopes or in snow domes, skiers and boarders can practice in the privacy of their own home, saving any embarrassment from public training sessions before jetting off to the glamorous slopes of Vail, Verbier, Aspen or Courchevel.
Skiplex also provides a fantastic platform for beginners who want to learn to ski or snowboard in a safe environment.
Many beginners feel intimidated on dry slopes or on outdoor slopes, where they run the risk of being hit by other skiers or boarders.
Chemmy Alcott, Britain’s number one Olympic skier commented: “The Skiplex endless slope is an awesome way to train for the mountains. Repetition is really important in the learning process and the rate of improvement you can attain with Skiplex is incredible, as you don’t have to stop to take lifts so you can literally ski or snowboard continuously until you need to stop through fatigue. This makes it really good as a high-end fitness and endurance training innovation, and it is really good fun too -- what better way to train than in the privacy of your own home?”
Mark Strachan, CEO of Skiplex said:
“We are delighted to launch the ultimate luxury for winter sports enthusiasts.
What better way to show your friends your passion for the piste than to purchase your very own ski slope for your home.
This puts an end to the days of being forced to share slopes with the general public at snow domes and dry slopes.”
Many skiers get frustrated that they can never see their own skiing style. Skiplex solves this issue by allowing individual skiers to critically appraise their technique with the help of a two-way mirror, making it easier to get more intensive tuition from an instructor.
The system can be used for introducing absolute beginners to the sport, or for training the world’s top skiers.
Those purchasing the slope have the opportunity to welcome Britain’s number one Olympic skier Chemmy Alcott to open the facility and provide a demonstration or a masterclass.
In addition, Skiplex can supply BASI (British Association of Snowsport Instructors) instructors at a cost of £100 per hour plus travel and accommodation costs.
The slope can be purchased by private individuals, ski and fitness centres or event organisers as the ultimate party entertainment for £150,000 + VAT.
To enquire about purchasing your very own endless ski slope, call Mark Strachan on 07802 408 133, email m.strachan@skiplex.co.uk or visit www.skiplex.co.uk.
Whizzing down white slopes, warming up with mulled wine and après ski fun – Design Hotels™ presents five chic ski resorts in Sweden and Switzerland that guarantee a winter in style. Situated on top of Mount Förberget in Åre, Sweden, Copperhill Mountain Lodge (http://designhotels.com/copperhill) is in the largest skiing area of northern Europe, and has its own lift ‘The Copperhill Express’ which takes guests straight from the slopes to the hotel’s entrance. For a complete ski-in/ski-out experience, as well as a new but authentic alpine lifestyle, rocksresort (http://www.designhotels.com/rocksresortin) Switzerland is a self-contained village in Laax with a variety of restaurants, bars and shops, as well as a swimming pool, saunas and whirlpool. In Verbier, Hotel Nevaï (http://www.designhotels.com/nevai) is the place for stylish party-goers with its cozy bar and adjacent Farm Club, famous for its legendary parties. With its beautiful winter garden, and outdoor thermal pool, guests at The Cambrian (www.designhotels.com/the_cambrian) are encouraged to relax after an action-packed day in the surrounding Swiss Alps. For a modern take on a traditional mountain lodge, The Omnia (www.designhotels.com/omnia), set on a hill above the town of Zermatt, is the ultimate place for sophisticated ski and snow lovers.
Copperhill Mountain Lodge, Åre, Sweden
With its new extended Sami-inspired spa opening in December, Copperhill Mountain Resort has yet one more outstanding feature that makes it Sweden´s best ski destination. Drawing inspiration from Åre’s grand era of copper mining, the lodge boasts a warm helping of rustic mountain charm, while at the same time featuring all the comfort and services of an exclusive resort. The 112 rooms range from doubles to eight-bed suites, all with magnificent views – the perfect spot to cozy up with a cup of hot cocoa after a jam-packed day skiing and exploring Jämtland. Apart from snow mobile safaris, dog sledding, ice driving with specially prepared cars, guided off-piste and helicopter skiing, this winter the Copperhill´s own Skier’s Inn “Coppermine Co” offers après ski with live music and rustic dishes. The right choice for a romantic evening is the “Fireside Lounge & Bar” with soft piano music.
(http://designhotels.com/copperhill)
Hotel Nevaï, Verbier, Switzerland
Known for its luxurious and alpine-chic ambience, Hotel Nevaï, Verbier is surrounded by more than 400 km of slopes for skiers of all levels. With its name denoting “snow” in Patois (the language traditionally spoken in this region of Switzerland), Nevaï draws its inspiration from its surroundings. The 33 rooms offer stunning vistas of the Swiss Alps and all come with a private south facing balcony. In the evening the restaurant is a buzzing place to feast on grilled meats, fish and vegetables, after which a drink can be enjoyed in the cozy Nevaï bar. The hotel’s famous Farm Club is still the place to see and be seen later on, where an international crowd has been mingling for over 35 years.
(http://www.designhotels.com/nevai)
Rocksresort, Laax, Switzerland
Rocksresort offers everything needed for a superb winter holiday, including a ski and snowboard school and a variety of restaurants, clubs and bars. The hotel is situated adjacent to the base station in Laax, Switzerland’s leading freestyle winter resort, and offers a range of four-star services on request. Finished in rough-hewn stone, the cubic exterior of this hotel complex succeeds at blending in with its environment. The sleek self-contained, minimalistic complex houses furnished holiday apartments, shops, restaurants and bars, all arranged around a central square. Although consciously unpretentious and minimalist, the self-catering apartments offer a warm and inviting atmosphere using precious natural materials such as untreated gnarled oak, aged linden wood, coarse linen and concrete. For the best ski-in ski-out experience, rocksresort is located at the base station of Laax, at the bottom of the slopes. Due to its altitude, the resort has gained a reputation for being a reliable place to find natural snow.
(http://www.designhotels.com/rocksresortin)
The Omnia, Zermatt, Switzerland
The Omnia is located in the center of Zermatt, 45 meters above the rooftops of the alpine village with 300km of pistes and more than 70 lifts. With its warm atmosphere and personalized service like homemade cookies and milk brought to the rooms, guests know immediately this is a place to feel at home. The interior is a modern interpretation of a ski lodge and is a magnificent place from which to take in views of the Matterhorn. By ski bus, electro-taxi or on foot, the slopes are only five to 15 minutes away. After an action-packed day in the snow, the open fire at The Omnia´s lobby invites guests to relax and delve into the numerous art books of the hotel´s library with a mulled wine.
(www.designhotels.com/omnia)
The Cambrian, Adelboden, Switzerland
Nestled deep in a valley in the Swiss alpine village of Adelboden, The Cambrian looks out onto one of the world’s most spectacular landscapes. Combining smooth, modern design with an innovative use of natural, local materials, The Cambrian’s interior effortlessly reflects its natural setting. The central lobby’s stone fireplace, the indoor pool and waterfall, the outdoor thermal pool that actually seems as though it is flowing right into the mountains and the Finnish Sauna with Bisazza mosaics, all maximize relaxation. However, the highlight of Adelboden are the extraordinary sports like freeride tours and lessons, fullmoon snowshoe hikes and sledding by day or night. To finish off the night, an igloo is the setting for a romantic dinner, followed by an après ski drink as DJs perform live at the hotel. (www.designhotels.com/the_cambrian)
Indie rock band Gossip is to get Ischgl’s winter season off to a high energy start, the resort has announced.
The Austrian resort’s legendary opening concert is set to attract a crowd of 20,000 people – numbers more associated with a city stadium than an open-air winter concert in the Alps, such is the popularity of the event.
“Gossip will provide a brilliant start to the new season,” said Andreas Steibl, Tourist Director for Paznaun-Ischgl. “We have many treats in store for skiers and boarders this season and this is just the first.”
Ischgl’s five month long season opens on Friday 26 November and Gossip will be in concert at dusk on Saturday 27, in an outdoor arena in the shadows of the Silvretta mountains. Beth Ditto, the band’s powerful front lady, will get fans going with hits including Heavy Cross, Love Long Distance and Standing in the Way of Control, with the distinctive Indie rock beat played out by band members Nathan Howdeshell and Hannah Blilie.
Gossip joins the Hall of Fame for Ischgl’s Top Of The Mountain concerts.
Recent acts include Katy Perry, Alicia Keys, Kylie Minogue, Elton John, Rihanna, The Pussycat Dolls and Lionel Richie.
There are two new chairlifts on the mountain this winter – the first is the 8million euro Lange Wand chairlift, a luxurious black framed six-person heated chairlift with weather hood that will transport skiers and boarders up to Ischgl’s highest point of Greitspitz. The second is a replacement of the Muller-Bahn with a six-person chairlift with weather hood.
Ischgl boasts more than 41 lifts accessing 238kms of groomed piste.
Crystal Ski offers a week’s b&b including flights and transfers from £559 in the three-star Hotel Garni Neder. See www.crystalski.co.uk for more details or call 0871 231 2256.
London Luton Airport is offering a selection of flights this winter for the benefit of all ski lovers out there. Working closely with its airline partners there are flights to a multitude of skiing gateways serving literally hundreds of resorts and thousands of kilometres of piste, including the hair-raising ‘Men’s Olympic downhill’ in Val d’Isere and the infamous black runs in Chamonix.
Flights to the following ski destination airports are now available to book from the respective airline websites:
Simon Harley, the Airport’s Business Development Manager commented:
‘There are a number of ski destinations available between November and March from London Luton Airport, providing passengers with an extensive choice of winter sports holiday options at convenient flight times. Our commitment is to offer more choice to our passengers and with a varied selection of ski packages, we aim to cater to the snow sports enthusiast.’
