Stuart de Bourgogne, Club Med’s UK agency sales manager, warned schools in France, Switzerland and Belgium would all be sharing their winter holidays with British schools, meaning there would be greater competition for accommodation in the Alps.

With family accommodation already virtually sold out for the February 2011 half-term in the operator’s flagship Peisey-Vallandry property, De Bourgogne is urging agents to act quickly after the operator started taking bookings last week.

“The availability on the peak dates is on a first come, first served basis so you need to get on to it now to make sure of it,” he said.

“However, the UK market is likely to book earlier than those of other markets and with our agent incentives and early-booking benefits, we hope that agents will be encouraged to start thinking about winter 2010-11 now.”

Having seen strong growth in sales of its ski product this year, De Bourgogne said there was currently no sign of demand for all-inclusive properties flattening out.

“The market for luxury all-inclusive has remained very popular. And given that the financial crisis is still going on, people want to pay one price before leaving,” he added.

De Bourgogne said the operator was featuring 22 ski properties in its 2010-11 programme, half of which have been newly renovated.

Early-booking offers mean savings of up to £180 per adult and £90 per child are available on selected properties for bookings made before July 14. Visit the Club Med website for more information.

SOURCE

PV Holidays have recently rebranded some of their brands under new Pierre & Vacances labels. This makes complete sense as Pierre & Vacances is the best known brand in the UK and Ireland. Residences MGM becomes Pierre & Vacances Premium (this also includes some existing Pierre & Vacances residences and the ex Intrawest residences in Arc 1950 and Flaine Montsoleil). The Pierre & Vacances Premium residences offer superior accommodation, leisure facilities, spa treatments, free wifi, and additional catering services. Find out more here Pierre & Vacances Premium Residences

1. Of all the visitors to La Plagne 76% are French. Of the foreigners British come highest with nearly 13% of visitors coming from Britain, closely followed by the Belgians and Dutch.

2. 50% of holidayers to La Plagne come with their families.

3. 15% of all visitors to La Plagne are snowboarders.

4.  Only 5% of visitors to La Plagne are beginners.

5. 36% of all visitors are returning to La Plagne.

6. 13% of all visitors regularly ski in La Plagne.

7. Men make up the vast proportion of La Plagne visitors with 65% (get on over single gals!)

8.  33% of all visitors to La Plagne are aged between 35 and 44 years old. A quarter older than in other surrounding resorts.

9. 436,517 holidays were taken in La Plagne in total in the 2008 / 2009 ski season.

10. La Plagne has the only official bobsleigh run in the whole of France 

The last interesting fact is that no doubt you’ll have a great holiday in La Plagne should you win our great competition at http://www.ski-concierge.com/competitions.

The week we visited (12th December) was the first week of the season that the Three Valleys was fully open and thus we had the chalet to ourselves. Having never been to Les Menuires before, but having heard a lot about it, we were expecting the 60′s styling of the resort, but as we headed up towards Reberty the buildings got more aesthetically pleasing. Reberty itself at 2000m is a development of traditional chalets, many of which are used by British Tour Operators. Once in Reberty, you really have no need to go down to Les Menuires at all, there is a fabulous bar / restaurant 30 metres from the chalet, La Ferme du Reberty, a Sherpa shop around the corner and a ski hire shop pretty much next door to the chalets.

Chalets Katie 1 and 2 are similar in layout and work really well for families. With a good mix of family suites, doubles, twins and triples, all ensuite, all families can be accommodated in either of the Chalet Katies which sleep 12 / 13. Alternatively Ski Famille also have Chalet Eva in Reberty, just across the road and this sleeps 21.

The Ski Famille service is perhaps what sets out this company from other non family specialists. Everything is set up to ensure that parents and children have a great ski holidays. I don’t have children myself, but have organised and been on many a ski holiday with friends that do have children, and understand the issues that are faced before and during the holiday. With our groups we’ve experienced problems with ski company creches, resort creches, ski classes, parents spending more time with children than on skis, evening meal issues etc. But no longer will this happen, as Ski Famille shall be our new saviour.

Within the price you pay for Ski Famille they provide childcare between 9 and 5 for 5 days of the ski holiday. For younger children the time is spent playing in the on site Ski Famille creche with the childcarers (carers are a mix of qualified nannies, teachers and nurses). For older children they are taken to and from the local ski school and whilst not in ski school entertained. This all means that you can have a worry free days skiing knowing your children are being well looked after. No traipsing back and forwards to ski schools! One day a week the childcarers have a well earned day off so you can have the opportunity to see your childrens new skills on the slopes! All this activity is eased along by the extremely experienced resort manager Kirsty, so you can ensure that everything will go exactly to plan.

On our week we were looked after by chalet host Frankie, who at 18 was straight out of school. However, boy could she cook well, having gone on a cookery course over the summer. I simply have to mention that we had the best scones ever on our last day! Ski Famille offers half board including breakfast, cold and a choice of eggs, afternoon tea, a pre-dinner drink and a three course dinner with a choice of wines. Children can be catered for in an earlier meal setting as required. All the food was fresh and compared to other ski companies I’ve stayed with seemed more nutritious. However even despite this I’m sure I had to let the belt out a couple of notches by the end of the week!

I’ve not even had time to mention what great skiing you’ll find in Les Menuires itself and in the rest of the Three Valleys. The link over to other Three Valleys resorts is easy by the Bruyeres 1 and 2 lifts at the bottom of Boyes blue (which runs 40m from the chalet), this lift and following ski down can take you into Val Thorens in less than half an hour and Meribel Mottaret (via Plan des Mains chairlift) in around 40 minutes, assuming no major lift queues. You can find more about skiing in all the Three Valleys ski resorts in our #twiskitrip ski reports here.

All in all we had a great week at Chalet Katie, with a great location and great staff really making this week such good fun. I’d recommend Ski Famille to anyone looking to holiday with children, this could possibly be the best ever ski holiday decision you make. Thanks Ski Famille for a great stay, and expect a call next time we’re off skiing with friends (and children)!

Should you want any further information on Ski Famille, just visit their website www.skifamille.co.uk, phone them on 0845 64 437 64 or check out their best deals on their twitter feed www.twitter.com/skifamille.

Dan started the HOFNAR experience in 2003 when he wanted to offer something different from the usual ski and snowboard companies – “no big anonymous groups, no cramped nasty hotels, no kids.”

The HOFNAR experience is really laid back, and this is the basic gist……  you stay in the HOFNAR chalet in the centre of Morzine either in a shared room (max 4 people) or you can upgrade to your own twin/double room. Although great for anyone wanting a social ski holiday, it really is a superb option for single skiiers as you can’t help but find someone to ski and apres ski with.

The HOFNAR experience is offered as semi catered, this gets you a continental breakfast every morning, plus a cooked breakfast one morning. Evening meals are not included in the price but the group tends to go to local restaurants first and last night of the holiday and for the rest of the time something can be organised to be cooked in the chalet and the costs can be split.

It will be a totally different experience on your ski holiday and perfect for lone travellers or groups of friends wishing to have a different ski experience.

There are some special weeks during the season including a 2 totally singles weeks, 2 learn to ski weeks (with lift pass, ski hire and lessons included) and an off piste week.

Prices for a weeks ski holiday with the HOFNAR experience start from £300. Visit http://www.hofnar.com for more information.

If you don’t have young children, and have no desire to be surrounded by other people’s children on your skiing holiday, Boutique chalet company, The Alpine Club, have earmarked a number of adult only weeks exclusively for fine dining and good company. The Adult Only weeks have been introduced this year in response to guest requests. “A number of our guests don’t want to share a chalet with children’, says Helen Raemers Company Owner, “it’s not that they are against children, indeed many have children, it’s just that they welcome a respite from time to time”. After a day skiing the endless terrain  of the 3 vallees, guests can simply relax by the fire & share the highlights of the day with like minded guests whilst their personal chef prepares food to die for in guaranteed peace & quiet!

The Alpine Clubs boutique chalets are situated exclusively in the chocolate box resort of St Martin de Belleville, offering direct & easy access to the 600km of piste of the Three Valleys network without the crowds that cluster around Meribel, Val Thorens and Courchevel.

The Alpine Club’s chalets are available on selected dates as ‘Child Free’ and along with charming chalets with en-suite as standard you will find outstanding service, attention to detail, & sumptuous food prepared by dedicated professional chefs.

Adult only weeks – 31st January, 7th February, 7th March & 14th March 2010.

Subject to availability & terms & conditions. Prices from £895pp. Includes seven nights luxury accommodation and cooked breakfast, afternoon tea, canapés and sumptuous five-course dinners on six days; medal winning house wines, fluffy towels, bath robes and toiletries, DVD, film library, wifi, chauffeured mini bus and local taxes. Excludes all travel. Visit www.thealpineclub.co.uk for further information on this deal.

Skipower.co.uk Hotel Gelinotte

Nestled in pine trees and just a few minutes’ walk from the centre of Val D’Isere, the hotel has just been completely renovated. With views overlooking the town centre, the chalet-hotel is ideal for those looking to get away for a relaxing break before the hectic festive season starts (facilities include a sauna).

The offer is only available to previous Ski Power guests and is subject to availability. Offer applies only to the week commencing 5 December and includes seven nights’ catered chalet-hotel accommodation (daily breakfast and a five-course evening meal six days a week).

Flights (departing Gatwick) and transfers are extra and can be added from just £154 pp. Alternatively trains to Bourg St Maurice including Eurostar can cost from as little as £140 pp, visit Rail Europe for further information.

Plus, all Ski Power guests pre-booking a week’s ski hire 48 hours before their holiday starts will only pay 37.50€, for the entire week – allowing a saving of 50% per person.

The good news is that it has beein snowing already in the Espace Killy region, and if we have as good a start to the season as last year then you’ll be laughing even that early on in the ski season. Visit the Ski Power website for more information on the hotel and phone Ski Power on 01737 30 60 29 to take up the offer.

If you usually book a catered chalet, it pays to think again. Why, oh why, would you shell out what amounts to the best part of £1000 for a family of four – excluding flights – when you can stay in a self-catering apartment in the same resort for around £450?

Opt for a catered chalet and by the time you factor in kids’ ski lessons, childcare, lunches and snacks out, and the cost of family lift passes and ski hire the average bill for a week in the French Alps totals a hefty £3000.

While there’s no denying that skiing is an expensive passion and the Euro exchange rate shows little sign of turning in our favour right now, it’s still possible to get a fantastic and affordable family holiday in the French Alps.

Follow our top tips for bargain family ski breaks….

1. Book well advance to take advantage of early bird offers and deals.
2. Research the best deals on self-catering apartments in the resorts of your choice. You’ll need a comfortable apartment with a fully-equipped kitchen and situated near the shops and main facilities of the resort.
3. Make sure your ski residence it is ski in/ski out – this not only makes your holiday more relaxing and convenient but means you can easily head back to your apartment for lunch rather than spend big bucks at the cafes. Ski in ski out apartments are also great if you’re travelling with little ones who will need naps and play breaks.
4. Weigh up the cost of the cheapest flight you can find versus taking your own car. Driving also means you can take prepared meals and basic supplies and foodstuffs which will also shave pounds off the food bill.
5. Don’t get stung by expensive ski hire and ski passes in resort – book your passes and buy your ski kit online before you go. UK ski websites such as Ski Republic discounts and 2-for-1 deals.
6. Go with a gang. Taking a ski holiday with friends who also have kids that are of a similar age to yours not only means that the little ones have playmates but allows you to share the childcare. Book adjoining apartments, take it in turns to have an evening out and you’ll all avoid pricey childcare bills.
7. Feast for less. If you plan simple but hearty evening meal, such as pasta or risotto, and plump for vin ordinaire, there’s no reason why shopping in resort supermarkets should cost you more than your weekly food shop at home. The trick is to come up with a meal plan and shop well.
8. Stop for lunch. Remember there’s a reason why the ski cafes and restaurants charge sky-high prices. If you get hungry at 3000ft, you don’t have much choice do you?! You’ll save even more money if you eat lunch at your self-catering apartment as well preparing your own breakfasts and most of your evening meals.
9. Put your spending money on plastic. Not your credit but a pre-paid currency card. Load your card with Euros before you go and you’ll get the very best exchange rate and avoid hidden charges and commission fees. Caxton FX offers one of the best rates on the market.
10. Roam free. Don’t run up expensive mobile phone bills while on holiday. If your network charges you extra for roaming and punitive rates for calls abroad, buy a local SIM card for your mobile phone. Alternatively take some walkie talkies and you’ll be able to stay connected across the resort and ski area.

We recommend P&V Holidays for booking self catering accommodation, they have a wide a choice of self-catering apartments in all the leading resorts in the French Alps, including the family friendly resorts of Meribel, La Plagne, and Avoriaz. Most of the residences are ski in ski out and all feature fully-equipped kitchens and cooking facilities.

Courchevel (1850) Les Ecrins Apartment from 575euros per week for a 4 person apartment

To make your holiday cash go even further, P&V has just announced that it will be extending its hugely popular ‘Eurobuster’ offer to include the winter ski season – giving at least 15 percent off all properties on all dates over the winter period, including the school holidays, Christmas and New Year. This will be launched on the P&V website on the 1st October 2009. The Eurobuster deal can also be combined with any other P&V deal currently on offer, including the 20% early booking discount, leading to savings of up to 35% on your winter ski holiday.

Visit PV Holidays for further information and all the latest deals. To get the additional “Eurobuster” 15% off any property just use the code 8258, this is on top of any discount already applied to the property – bargainous we think!

So, when we discovered that Hundred Hills offered weekends in a chalet in Val d’Isere we just had to blog about it.

Hundred Hills offers ski in/out accommodation in the Chatelard area of Val d’Isere. Chalet Echo provides spectacular views of the Bellevarde and Manchet Valley. It is located on the Santons blue run, so you can ski in and out, or it is just 15 minutes walk, or a short shuttle ride, from the village and main lift hub. The chalet is wooden built and offers comfortable accommodation for up to 10 guests.

On offer is custom length weekend and short breaks, as well as longer stays throughout the season. The Hundred Hills chalet offers ski in and ski out facilities for up to 10 guests. Weekends and short breaks start from just £150 per person for 3 nights. This is an early season price (27th November – 18th December) and with the snow usually being really good in Val early season it’s worth a look. For weekends in Jan-March expect to pay around £350 per person. Additional nights are priced at £50 per person.

Each bedroom sleeps two guests, and has private toilet and shower facilities. There is a spacious living area which opens onto a large sun terrace, offering beautiful mountain views. A storage area for outdoor clothing and equipment is also provided at the entrance to the chalet. Wireless internet access is available.

Breakfast and dinner are served daily by the chalet host. Afternoon tea is provided when you return from the slopes. All the food is freshly prepared on site, and dinner is complemented by a selection of red or white wine.

For more information visit the Hundred Hills website, www.hundredhills.com