ES Blog
Val D’Isère for Beginners
Val D’Isère is the newest addition to a collection of resorts that European Snowsport can proudly call home. But why make the move? Well, as always we wanted to make sure that there’s something for everyone. It doesn’t matter if you are a complete beginner or a seasoned skier searching out a new challenge, we know that Val D’Isère can provide across the board. ES Val D’Isère director Lara tells us more…
Ever heard of a run called La Face in Val d’Isère?
La Face is one of the most famous ski runs in the world, and rightfully so. Well known for being extremely steep, this slope runs from the top of the Bellevarde area all the way down into the village of Val d’Isère. That’s a vertical descent of around 959m! It also serves as an impressive back drop for the resort itself and helps to cement Val d’Isère’s reputation as a mecca for advanced skiers.
But that’s just the one run… Val d’Isère is also a true paradise for beginners and lower level skiers.
From the village itself you can walk straight onto the piste into an area with four free lifts and gentle slopes to safely start skiing. (With another two beginner slopes in La Daille.) Then when you need a well earned break from learning you will find yourself spoiled for choice, surrounded by ski in/ski out cafes, bars, restaurants and hotels.
Once you are ready to head up the mountain, a reduced price/access lift pass allows you to take the TC Solaise Express Telecabine. This will transport you up into a winter wonderland where you can feel fully immersed in the mountains. Newly made learner areas at the top of the mountain guarantee the best snow, and two state of the art covered magic carpets allow adults and children to safely practise their turns whatever the weather. When you’re ready for a break you’ll have easy access to many restaurants, ranging from a cosy Lounge café with picnic area, to the top end restaurant in the brand-new Refuge de Solaise hotel and spa.
Once you’ve mastered the basics it’s time to explore.
Both the Solaise and Bellevarde ski areas have wide green runs are reserved for beginners’ skiing at gentle speeds. These tranquil blue and green runs loop through open bowls and give access to most restaurants around the ski domain -Including the famous Folie Douce (a unique high altitude bar with cabaret and live music). Attached to the Folice Douce are the La Fruitiere and Les 3 Caves restaurants which boast incredible panoramic views. (La Folie Douce is also accessible to non skiers via the La Daille gondola.)
Once you are comfortable on Blue runs the huge ski area of Val d’Isère and Tignes is well and truly open…
You can venture to the Fornet and Glacier areas of Val d’Isère or ski over to the linked resort of Tignes.
And for the advanced skiers amongst us? Well I’ll let Val d’Isère’s reputation speaks for itself. For starters it is the only resort in the world with 3 world cup runs! It also boasts easily accessible off piste areas and itinery runs, breathtaking ski touring and heli skiing.
Sounds like something that could suit you? Get in touch with us at European Snowsport to book a lesson with one of our experienced ski instructors. They can help you to explore the slopes of Val D’Isère no matter what ability level you are. We look forward to seeing you on the snow soon!
Luxury winter rentals -Verbier.co
Verbier.co are an established accommodation partner and have been providing high end chalet and apartment rentals to clients from all over the world for almost 20 years.
Modern properties from 3 to 7 bedrooms are available on a self-catered or fully serviced basis and all clients are offered a comprehensive concierge service to help organise all aspects of their Verbier ski holiday. This includes discounted lift passes, ski rental and ski lessons. From the moment you are personally greeted on arrival, our year round resort staff will be on hand to help ensure an enjoyable and memorable holiday.
‘We had a wonderful time in Verbier. The apartment was wonderful. It had everything you needed. The beds were comfortable. The location was excellent. The quality of services you provided was excellent. I would recommend you and your service very highly. I have no suggestions for improvement. Thank you so much and we look forward to returning soon’ – feedback from client January 2019.
The accommodation allows you to enjoy free WIFI, local cable television, firewood and a Nespresso coffee machine as well as cleaning and linen changes.
Additional services can include a pre-arrival shop, to avoid the stress of finding the supermarket upon your arrival. Private or group ski instruction, mountain guiding, in-house massage, private chefs, airport transfers and child care.
European Snowsport have always helped ensure our clients have had the ultimate Verbier skiing experience, and we are very pleased to have had this longstanding relationship with such a trusted partner. We very much look forward to continuing this relationship, and working together to welcome more clients to these wonderful mountains !
Please click HERE to view the pricing and availability of all our properties for this coming winter season. Or get in touch with ES to find out how you can combine your Verbier Co. stay with our quality ski lessons.
Neal Wardman: Glacier trekking
Verbier instructor Neal Wardman tells us about his three day glacier trekking adventure across part of the famous Haute Route, a classic route that crosses the Alps between Zermatt, Verbier and Chamonix.
DAY 1.
The first day started out a little misty and was slowed by numerous boulder fields over steep terrain. The group scrambled on for many hours until the Salienaz Glacier eventually came into view.
« How much further until we get to the hut?” was the next question. “Just another 2 hours” the guide replied. “JUST!” we all muttered under our breath.
Phew … after around 5 hours of hiking we eventually got to the Cabane Saleinaz at an altitude of 2691metres, exhausted but totally exhilarated with the days achievements. Large bowls of warm tea greeted us provided by the couple who run the cabane. They sat preparing the evening meal which everyone was really looking forward to. “Yoga anyone?” I suggested. “OK then” was the reply of five of us so we took off our shoes and socks liberating our hard working feet from the days walk.
The team enjoyed a hearty evening meal then retired to a decent sized bunk room, with two rows of bunk beds. As expected the night was interrupted from time to time by headtorch-lit toilet trips.
DAY 2.
Sunrises in the mountains are absolutely spectacular and the next morning didn’t fail to impress.
The next day was to offer cooler temperatures and the first glacier crossing -after some more rocks of course. Fuelled by a typical alpine breakfast of bread, cheese and muesli the team packed their gear back into our backpacks and set off for the next day of adventure.
After some more precarious rock hopping they could see the glacier that they were about to cross.
…everyone marched across the ice, sometimes stopping to admire the crystals that had formed in the rock over thousands or millions of years. A geologists dream.
After successfully crossing the first glacier the group continued on snowy ground -familiar territory for ski instructors- and enjoyed lunch in the sun, pondering wishfully if the next accommodation would have showers to welcome them after another long day.
After lunch the ropes eventually came out and we were linked together in two groups with a guide leading each one. According to the guides it would be getting a little more dangerous so it was a good call from these experienced men of the mountains to rope up.
This part was a psychological test for many in the team.
We were told to put on our crampons and unleash our ice axes from their secure point on our backpacks. Now it was getting serious. All I could see was the small lake to the left of the ridge and a steep slope to the right. If we fell it could be serious. As we slowly and carefully made our way on to the ridge I could see the right drop.
Everyone made it unscathed and still roped up, made their way towards the Cabane de Trient.
They were welcomed by three delicious courses, served up by the two guides and a much appreciated dessert.
DAY 3.
The next morning the team gathered outside in the cold to pose for a group photo on their last day of the trip. They had one more glacier to cross before heading to Le Tour, their final destination.
The sun rose slowly over a peaceful moonscape of rock and ice. Once at the other side the Guide’s had a decision to make.
To get down to the Le Tour glacier there was a very steep section of rock followed by solid ice. These conditions couldn’t have been predicted and the guides took the decision not to take us down the route as it would have taken too long to belay everyone down there. There was an air of disappointment but we trusted our guides.
The decision was made to reverse the route and the group carried on in glorious sunshine with temperatures to match. The high altitude and sun exposure proved challenging but the terrain flattened out a little, giving some respite.
The landscape was amazing with the snow glistening like diamonds in the clear air.
At the next glacier the crevasses grew in size. Small streams snaked their way through the ice, producing cracks which had to be carefully negotiated. Eventually they reached dry land again and the ropes and crampons could be packed away once again.
The following descent flared up some sore knees but the beautiful scenery was enough to take their minds from the worse of it.
We meandered along the mountain side following the path that must have seen thousands of walking over hundreds of years. Some of the drops to the side were quite steep and had chains fastened to the rock for us to hold on to just for a bit of safety and peace of mind.
The last part of the journey was to be made by chairlift -a happy sight for sore knees. This took the team down to Champex Lac for a well deserved beer or two.
Photo credits to Marco Shapiro and Neal Wardman.
Ski Armadillo
Skip the beach and head to the Swiss Alps this summer! One can’t help but yearn for a sweet escape once summer comes knocking. Sun, sea and sand are often the usual requirements for the ultimate getaway, but to avoid the crowds and get a sense of real summer escapism, then head to the mountains for an unforgettable Alpine Adventure. New for 2019, our friends at Ski Armadillo will be opening up a selection of their winter chalets for summer use.
Beyond the snow Verbier is a summer resort that could rival the best! It transforms itself from a skiing mecca to a glorious mountain retreat, with a laid-back lifestyle and jaw-dropping scenery. Whilst most visitors and locals swap their skis for their mountain bikes, Verbier provides a wealth of summer activities for all ages. From biking to hiking, yoga to yodelling, climbing to kayaking and festivals to vineyards, there’s a Verbier for everyone to enjoy.
The chalets will be available on either a self-catered or flexi-catering basis. This flexible approach will ensure that you have the option of being completely independent, allowing you to cook for yourselves or enjoy the numerous restaurants in resort, or a chef can be provided on an ad-hoc basis to cater for your needs; from a cooked breakfast option to a picnic hamper, from a casual BBQ to a more formal evening meal… the choice is yours!
“Love this company! We’ve used Ski Armadillo on several occasions and we’re heading back again this year. Really great service, lovely food and chalet staff are very helpful. Verbier is a great resort and I imagine we’ll be heading back again next year too.”
Having been operating in Verbier since 2001, Ski Armadillo are renowned for their luxurious chalets, exceptional service and personable approach. With a hand-picked portfolio of five summer chalets, ranging from 6-16 bed, variety is key. From the spacious 16 bed Chalet Myla, complete with hot-tub, steam room/Hammam to the stylish 6 bed Chalet Baloo, with a spacious south-westerly facing garden, there is something to suit all budgets and requirements!
So why don’t you think twice about that beach holiday and experience a side to Verbier than might just leave you speechless?
If you would like to know more about Ski Armadillo or how you can combine ski lessons and these beautiful chalets during your next holiday, feel free to get in touch with us at ES here, or Ski Armadillo here.
Beth Lloyd: Australian Winter
Beth started with European Snowsport as part of the ES academy and now works as a full time instructor in Zermatt. This year she’s decided to head South for summer to the Australian ski resort Mt Buller. Here she tells us how the season has been so far:
It seems like a right of passage for any ski instructor to do at least one whole year of winter. Usually when April comes around it’s time to give the skis a hibernation wax and hang up my favourite jacket. Then I fill my summer with cycling, hill walking, wild lake swimming, rock climbing -basically anything I can to take my mind off snow and skiing and teaching until November comes round again.
Many of my colleagues however do back to back seasons, so I felt like it was time to try perpetual winter for myself and see what it’s like to be a full time ski instructor all year round.
There are many places a skier can head to if they fancy a Southern Hemisphere ski. Many of my family and friends were surprised to hear that Australia, New Zealand, South America and even South Africa have ski resorts! I decided to follow a few other ES Zermatt instructors to Mt Buller, located in Victoria, Australia.
See where other instructors have gone to work this Southern Hemisphere winter.
Around three hours drive from the city of Melbourne many Australians make the yearly pilgrimage through rolling country land and winding gum forest roads to reach the snow capped resort.
When I arrived back in June only three of the twenty-two chair lifts and magic carpets were operational, giving access to Buller’s most well known run, Bourke street. Anyone who has been to Melbourne will know that Bourke Street is an infamously busy part of the city; a bustling hub of traffic, trams and people! Anyone who has skied at Mt Buller will know the ski run is therefore well named. It is the central meeting point for the ski resort, surrounded by the main village, on-hill accommodation, bars, restaurants and ski school. Slowly though, as the season started up the snow arrived and one by one the other ski runs and lifts began to open.
I’ve been working in the 3-6 year old Bunyips department, similar to ES penguins and have taught some very cute kids to ski so far! Although the weather hasn’t always been on side I am getting to teach a lot and that is what I came here for.
So far we have enjoyed a rail jam in the centre of resort and Christmas in July -we had a staff roast dinner and secret santa and it even snowed. There’s been chances to learn about the Australian ski instructor system APSI, see summit sunsets and spectacular sunbows.
The season is much shorter than the Northern Hemisphere and we expect to finish mid September. After the season I am hoping to travel for a few weeks along the east coast of Australia before heading home. In the meantime I am looking forward to exploring more of the mountain when it opens up. Mt Buller has some great mogul runs I’ve heard which I can’t wait to try. (Yes I enjoy moguls…).
Here are some photos of the beautiful Victorian Alps:
If you would like to find out more about ES and organise your next trip to the mountains contact us here. We’re happy to help! See you next winter!