The latest information appears to predict a “La Nina” and positive “North Atlantic Oscillation” (NAO+) which would forecast a colder than normal start to the season (which is great for freezing the ground so the first snowfall sticks) followed by a mild, wet winter which normally brings abundant snow to the higher ski resorts, such as Chamonix, Val d’Isere, Tignes.

Last season was an El Nino and NAO- which resulted in the coldest UK winter in 30 years with 7 consecutive days where the temperature did not exceed zero degrees celsius.

Post-1950 years with La Nina and NAO+ are in green. Source: pistehors.com Red line shows 5th order polynomial trend line

Ski-concierge.com has got it’s hands on a great discount voucher from Eurolines. Get 10% off single or return journeys from London to……

Cluses
Chamonix
Moutiers
Aime
Bourg-St-Maurice
Tignes-Le Lac
Tignes-Val Claret

This Eurolines offer is available on bookings made between 1st October – 15th November for travel during 8th January 2010 – 12th March 2010 (excluding 12th Feb 2010 to 19th Feb 2010).

All you need to do is visit the Eurolines website and enter the code: SKITEN

Alpine Elements, specializing in the organization of resort holidays, recently started an innovative campaign. The targeted audience of the initiative is ‘Star Wars’ fans worldwide. Alpine Elements believes that ‘Star Wars’ fans will be interested in visiting Avoriaz in the French Alps. This French mountain resort is home to ‘Star Wars’ – a ski run which runs from Avoriaz to the tiny hamlet of Ardent.

Owner James Hardiman remarks, “Alpine Elements wants each of our customers to get as much as possible from their holiday. We thought that the ‘Star Wars’ ski run would add an extra special touch to any fan’s winter holiday. If you’re a ‘Star Wars’ lover, could you ever find a better ski run than this one in Avoriaz?”

James Hardiman quickly points out, “Of course, Avoriaz has much more to offer than a single run. Avoriaz was the first resort to offer snowboarding in the 90s. This charming resort is still a popular location for the sport.”

To learn more about the ‘Star Wars’ ski run in Avoriaz, contact or if you’re planning a skiing or snowboarding holiday in the French Alps, contact Alpine Elements.

All this talk of the Star Wars ski run in Avoriaz got us thinking about other fun piste names. Twitter us the best ones via www.twitter.com/skiconcierge.

You can book tickets for trains up to 3 months in advance, so today you can book tickets up until 14th January 2010. For journeys after this date, go online and book them “exactly” 3 months before you return journey date.

The way the ski train tickets work is that you go to Paris on the Eurostar from St Pancras, also bookable through Rail Europe, then you change trains to a French network train that whisks you to the Alps.

Resort Destinations with a ski train from Paris

Get off the ski train at Moutiers for the following ski resorts (transfer times in brackets).

Courchevel (30 minutes), Les Menuires (40 mins),  Meribel (20 mins),  Valmorel  (40 mins) and Val Thorens (35 mins).

Get off the ski train at Aime La Plagne for La Plagne ski resort (30 minutes).

Get off the ski train at Bourg St Maurice for the following ski resorts:

Les Arcs (35 minutes), La Rosiere (40 mins), Tignes (25 mins) Les Arcs provides perhaps the easiest transfer with a short funicular ride from Bourg St Maurice station up to Les Arcs 1600. All other resorts are accessible via public transport links, or taxi.

The above are the major well known resorts that people know they can travel to using the French ski train services. However skiiers often don’t realise that you can also get to other ski resorts easily by train.  These destinations also tend to be cheaper than tickets to Bourg St Maurice or Moutiers.

Get the ski train to Oulx for ski resorts Sauze d’Oulx, Sestriere, Montgenevre and Claviere.

Get the ski train to Briancon for ski resorts Serre Chevalier, Puy St Vincent and Pelvoux.

Get the ski train to St Jean de Maurienne for ski resorts Les Sybelles, Valloire and Valmenier

Get the ski train to Grenoble for ski resorts Alpe d’Huez, Les Deux Alpes and La Grave amongst others.

Most of these ski train destinations offer daily services in about 4 hours from Paris or overnight services in about 7/8 hours. If you take the overnight service then it works the same way as the old, now defunct, Snow Train you will be able to ski for 8 full days.

Book your ski train tickets now.

When the ski train tickets to France are available to buy online is one of the most popular questions at the moment. Well basically Rail Europe are going to release the ski train tickets to France on 14th October for all sk trains up until 14th January. After that you can book your ski train tickets 3 months before your travel date.

Click here to book your ski train tickets online.

So first off, it’s the French rail network. Ok so most of you probably know now that getting to many French ski resorts is really easy by train. If you get the Eurostar from St Pancras to Paris, and then change to a day or overnight train to the Alps from Gare du Lyon or Gare d’Austerlitz. It’s really easy to do, and can take about the same time as a flight if you live down south.

But……….. why on earth can the French rail network get it’s act in gear and release the tickets further in advance? Currently you can only book 3 months in advance, meaning you have to purchase your Eurostar tickets earlier (released 4 months in advance) to ensure you get the best price, which leaves you open to issues with the French train prices.

As far as I know, the French trains to the Alps have been running on practically exactly the same timetables for years now, so it’s not like they don’t know when they’re going to go, so why not get a grip and release them at the same time as the Eurostar, 4 months in advance! They’re supposed to be encouraging travel through Europe now from the UK by train, but if they can’t get such a simple thing as timetable release dates correct then I do wonder!!

Right, moan over. Seriously it’s a great way to travel, just remember to go online exactly 3 months before your trip and book your French trains on the Rail Europe website.

Scott Dunn, Eagle's Nest, Val d'Isere

Scott Dunn has a range of luxury ski chalets and 5 flagship luxury ski chalets. One of these based in Val d’Isere is the Eagle’s Nest.  It is an award winning chalet spread over four floors and linked by an internal lift. This extraordinary ski chalet comes complete with an indoor pool (7x5m), sauna and steam room. Services include a private chef, chalet hosts and driver service. Costs from around £2500 per person. Visit the Scott Dunn website for more information.

Mr and Mrs Smith, Chalet Lumiere, Chamonix

Just outside the French Alpine resort of Chamonix and surrounded by some of the most dramatic scenery in the region, Chalet Lumière is a traditional-style ski chalet that doesn’t compromise on modern comforts and exceptional service. This luxury ski chalet sleeps 10 people and can be booked only in it’s entirety. Opt for self catering with prices starting from 11,000euros, alternatively the fully catered option cost from 17,000euros. Visit the Mr & Mrs website for more information.

Oxford Ski, Chalet Eugenia, Klosters

Chalet Eugenia is a truly magnificent building that has been beautifully furnished and lovingly maintained. It is located in a prime position in the village, and in walking distance to a green piste. A chauffeur is also on call to whisk you to the village or main lifts. Includes a Massage Room, Outdoor Hot tub, Sauna, Steam Room / Hamma, plus free access to the Vereina Spa only 2 minutes away. There’s also a Grand Piano, office, WIFI in fact everything you’ll ever need on your ski holiday. Chalet Eugenia sleeps 12 + 3 children and is available catered for around £2,800 per person per week. Visit the Oxford Ski website for more information.

Virgin, The Lodge, Zermatt

For the ultimate in luxury in the Alps, why not stay in the Zermatt at a certin Mr Branson’s ski lodge. Called “The Lodge”, the property sleeps 18 adults in 7 bedrooms and 2 spacious suites. They will cater for your every need, including access to their extensive wine cellar. Facilities include an indoor pool, steam room and indoor and outdoor Jacuzzis promise sublime levels of relaxation. Active types can also wind down in the gym, children can also take to skates or the adults can enjoy a spot of curling on The Lodge’s own mini ice rink. Everyone can chill out in the party area, with books, games, DVDs, the latest games consoles and a karaoke machine or relax in the living room in front of an open fire. Prices start from £58,000 for taking the entire lodge. Visit The Lodge website for more information.

Operations Managers – Courchevel, St Anton. We have an exciting opportunity for a dynamic, motivated and highly organised person to take on the role of Operations manager to cover maternity leave for the 09/10 winter season…….

Chalet Couple – Morzine-Avoriaz, Portes du Soleil. We are currently seeking to employ a chalet couple for our Chalet Pascal, which sleeps between 14-20 guests. We need a mature, independent couple who can work in a professional manner……….

Bar Staff – Tignes, Val d isere, Valthorens. Bar staff needed to work at the Saloon Bar in the French Alps. You’ll work behind the bar, mixing cocktails and serving drinks…………

Creche Assistants – Austria, Italy, Switzerland. Childcare jobs in the Alps! The Powder Byrne crèche is called ‘pb’. It provides for our youngest guests aged between 6 months and 3 years with a stimulating programme of activities………

Cook – European Alps. Spend the winter flexing your culinary muscles in a European ski resort! We’re looking for chefs to prepare a bistro-style menu for between 25 and 35 guests…………

Operations Managers – Courchevel, St Anton. We have an exciting opportunity for a dynamic, motivated and highly organised person to take on the role of Operations manager to cover maternity leave for the 09/10 winter season………..

Chalet Couple – Morzine-Avoriaz, Portes du Soleil. We are currently seeking to employ a chalet couple for our Chalet Pascal, which sleeps between 14-20 guests. We need a mature, independent couple who can work in a professional manner………..

Childcare Staff – Nendaz, Switzerland. Spend the winter working in a luxury chalet in Switzerland! Ted Bentley stands for luxury. For the coming season we need to find professional Nannies to help with childcare in our chalet operation……..

Chalet Staff – Chatel, France. Ever fancied spending the winter in the Alps? We are looking for an individual or couple who are friendly, motivated and hard working to help run our luxury ski chalet in Chatel…………

Chef – Courchevel, French Alps. Are you either a qualified chef or someone with plenty of catering experience? Would you like to utilise your creative chefing skills whilst working in lovely chalets………….

Chalet Couple – Sainte Foy, France. Snowology – more than just another ski job! We provide fun holidays for groups of up to 14 people in our catered chalets………….

Airport Reps – Chamonix, France. Looking for a customer service job this winter? We are seeking to employ Airport Representatives for the winter season 2009/10………….

Sous Chef – Morzine, France. Are you an experienced sous chef looking for job in the Alps this winter? Base Camp Restaurant and Pizzeria at The Lodge – Morzine is a 60 cover restaurant, open for in-house guests………….

For further information on any of these jobs just visit http://www.resortwork.co.uk/monthly_ebulletins.aspx.

As part of our summer in the Alps series, I thought after cycling and walking that a more sedate activity should be in order and just as I was thinking that a brochure from Great Rail Journeys landed on my doorstep offering late availability for Alpine train journeys. Some of them sounds amazing and well worth a last minute summer booking.

All train journeys depart from St Pancras and head to the Swiss Alps for various destinations. Your journey will begin on the Eurostar to Paris, you will then transfer to a TGV train in Paris to complete your journey to Switzerland, then the real journey will begin to see the delights of your chosen tour.

Train journeys to the Swiss Alps include
Alps of Lake Geneva – based in the market town of Vevey
Glacier Express re-discovered – The Glacier Express is famous for it’s views, across the Oberalp Pass.
Glacier Express to St Moritz – this trip takes in the whole length of the Glacier Express and heads into St Moritz where you can shop, spa and treat yourself to gourmet dining.
Walking in the Swiss Alps – based in Kandersteg which is a true alpine gem, surrounded by unspoilt scenery. An ideal base for walking and for enjoying the mountain railways.
Jungfrau Express – based out of the town of Meiringen, and taking in the views of the Jungfrau and the local steam railways and cruises.

All the trips sound amazing and most of the deals include breakfast and dinner as well.

View more information and book at Great Rail Journey’s website http://www.greatrail.com/great-rail-holidays-themes/lakes–mountains.aspx?page=2

If you’re not into organised travel then you can visit these destinations independently by booking your trains seperately through the Rail Europe website, it takes a little bit of time and effort but no doubt will secure you the most cost effective price. Visit Rail Europe.