France

Review of Les Alpages de Reberty, Les Menuires

PowderBeds clients Jon & Pamela have sent us a roundup of their recent trip to Les Menuires. Two fantastic weeks of non-stop skiing, staying in - in our view - one of the best value ski-in/ski-out residences in the French Alps. Les Alpages de Reberty sits in its own hamlet above this high-altitude resort in the Three Valleys, and features comfortable and stylish apartments that come with WiFi access. Guests also have access to the property's swimming pool, sauna and steam room. Here's more from Jon: "We've just returned from a two-week ski holiday is Les Alpages de Reberty, and enjoyed an excellent time there. Perhaps the most important thing is that the accommodation was precisely as advertised, so no unpleasant surprises and a few pleasant ones! We were later than average arrivals; it's a long drive from the UK, departing Rotterdam at 10 o'clock. and arriving nearly twelve hours later. We knew the office would be closed, but so did our booking agent, and all arrangements were in place as per the briefing prepared for us. We were soon in our apartment in Les Bluets, getting orientated and unpacking as quickly (and quietly as possible). First run of the day We were only a couple, so the six-bed apartment was generous for us. For four, it would be perfectly comfortable with its two proper bedrooms one of which is en-suite with a shower and one larger standalone with a bath. For six, hmmm, OK for a family using a sofa bed but I would offer that six adults would need to be very comfortable in each other's company. But that is standard in our experience of French accommodation. The kitchen was well appointed and equipped. Even a multi-use oven (a bit non-standard), with four hot rings and a microwave, just fine for us. Good dishwasher, substantial dining table and lots of storage space. In fact, while on storage space, lots throughout so it was easy to keep the apartment tidy. And a safe for security. On arrival, the apartment was clean, and mid-way though our stay, we had a cleaning service, sheet change and fresh towels. Our apartment had a large balcony, but as temperatures dropped to -23 degrees C, we didn't use it. Facing the mountain, we didn't have much of a view, whereas I assume those on the other side would have had amazing views of La Masse. But we were there to ski, not admire views. View from the apartment Car parking was straightforward; a short drive back down the hill to access secure underground parking, with lift access to a chalet adjacent to reception. Which brings me on the the real positives. The location is superb. For a start, it's in the Three Valleys and access to 600km of world class skiing. I would assess it as ski-in / ski out. The boot room is adjacent to reception with individual lockers, though without boot heaters (we have our own, so took ours back to our apartment). From there, a side-door, and onto an access slip adjacent to La Ferme de Reberty. With skis on, straight down the Boyes piste; our normal start was up the Sunny Express lift (smaller queue than Les Bruyeres) and straight onto the mountain. At the end of the day, just slip off the Boyes piste and you can glide to the access door (except for the last few steps down). Or enjoy an end of the day drink in La Ferme. More positives. Right outside, a small but superbly stocked Sherpa supermarket. Adjacent to that, ski hire and an ESF office. Oh, and did I mention ESF lessons meet right on the edge of the Boyes piste, as close to the accommodation as possible? Also outside, over the road, all the recycling points. And a ski-bus stop. We caught the bus back twice, once for the request free ski-bus service from Les Menuires' La Croisette, and a second time after a day-off alpine, cross-country skiing right down to St Martin. And it changed my perception. I'm pretty familiar with the Three Valleys, but have never stayed in Les Menuires, merely skiing through as part of a Three Valleys big day out from one of the other resorts. But Reberty is not strictly Les Menuires. It is separate, and does have more of a village atmosphere, separated from the massive accommodation blocks that dominate Les Menuires. And the pistes are really excellent. And fun! We had a great time. Got what we expected, and with the location, would assess our stay as great value for money. A huge thanks to PowederBeds.com for helping us to source Les Alpages de Reberty and making the arrangements for an excellent couple of weeks." Thank you so much to Jon for sending in the review. > Search & Book Les Alpages de Reberty Today

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Our Favourite Alpine Recipes

We don’t go just for the food, but a trip to the Alps would never be complete without all those delicious Alpine dishes. After memorable mornings and exhilarating afternoons on the slopes, there’s nothing better than drifting under the snow-covered rafters of a snug mountain hut for some local grub. And whether it’s photos, food or just funny memories, it’s nice to be able to take a piece of your holiday back with you. We think these Alpine-inspired recipes are a great way to relive those mountain moments at home. Tartiflette This mouth-watering masterpiece of the Alps originated in the Aravis valley - also the home of Reblochon cheese - where you'll find the ski resorts of La Clusaz and Le Grand Bornand. But although it’s become synonymous with the Alps, it’s not actually all that traditional. Tartiflette was in fact only born in the 1980s, when Reblochon trade union needed a way to help boost sales of the cheese. But we don’t mind – like many things from the 80s, it’s amazing! Although recipes vary from village to village, it always contains cheese and potatoes, and normally bacon as well. Ingredients • 800g waxy potatoes, skins on • Approx. 230g reblochon cheese • 140-170g bacon lardons • 15g butter • 1 medium onion, finely chopped • 60ml dry white wine or dry vermouth • 90ml double cream • Salt and pepper to taste Method 1. It’s best to use potatoes that are all the same size so that they cook more evenly. Boil them in their skins for exactly 20 minutes, until they’re just starting to get tender. Make sure not to overcook! Rinse with cold water to stop them cooking once you’ve taken them off the heat. 2. While still warm, peel the potatoes, and using a very sharp knife, cut them into slices about 2cm thick. Then cut the slices into rough cubes. 3. Melt the butter in a large frying pan, and then cook the lardons over medium-high heat until crisp and golden brown. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the bacon fat in the pan. 4. Preheat the oven to 180°C/350°F/Gas mark 4. 5. Cook the onions in the bacon fat over medium heat, stirring regularly, until slightly golden. Drain in a strainer, pressing with a spoon to remove as much fat as possible, and leave them there. 6. Pour off the fat in the pan, return the bacon and onions, and add the wine. Cook over high heat until the wine is nearly evaporated. 7. Add the diced potatoes and cook for a minute or so, stirring constantly until all the ingredients are well mixed together. 8. Add the cream and salt and pepper to taste. Try using a little more salt than you might think is necessary, at least 1/2 teaspoon. Stir all the ingredients together for a minute. 9. Lightly butter the inside of a 10- or 11-inch earthenware baking dish. Add the potato mixture and smooth the surface. 10. Cut the Reblochon in two down across the top so that you have two half moon shaped pieces. Put one half away to use another time. Use a sharp knife to lightly score the crust of the remaining half every 2-3 cm. Then carefully slice horizontally through the centre, so that you have two halves again. 11. Place the two pieces of cheese crust-side-up on top of the potatoes so that they form a circular cheese again. Cover the dish tightly with aluminium foil and bake in the centre of the oven for 1 hour. 12. After removing the foil, stir the cheese (with the crust) into the potatoes, and mix well. Place 10-15cm under the grill and cook until golden brown on top. Croque Monsieur Although perhaps less typically Alpine, the heavenly croque monsieur is a prominent dish in the mountains. There are many variations – including the famous ‘croque madame’, which has a fried egg on top – but the original is a simple toasted sandwich made the French way. It’s easy to make and perfect for those chilly winter days when you need something hot but haven’t got time to make it! Ingredients For 1 sandwich • 2 thick slices French bread • 10g butter • 55g Gruyère, thinly sliced • 55g ham, thinly sliced • 10ml Dijon mustard Method Butter one side of each slice of bread and spread with mustard. Place ham on one piece of bread, and cheese on the other. Place under the grill, and when the bread is crunchy, place the cheese side on top of the ham. Serve immediately. Soupe à l’Oignon Another wonderful, warming speciality in the restaurants of the Alps, French onion soup has been enjoyed since Roman times. The caramelised onions give the soup the delicious, rich flavour that makes it so addictive. Luckily, it’s also surprisingly easy to make. Ingredients • 4 large onions • 850ml of beef stock (to make a vegetarian version, try a home-made onion stock) • 120ml white wine/Sherry • 20g flour • 30g grated Gruyère • 4 slices French bread • 1 clove of garlic • 20g butter (for the soup) • 10g butter (for the croutons) Method: The soup 1. Slice the onions and sauté them gently in the butter. You mustn’t rush this part! Stirring regularly, let the onions brown very gently for about 30 minutes 2. Add the flour and stir. 3. Add a quarter of the stock and stir for a while. Add another quarter of the stock, and the wine, continuing to stir. Finally, add the rest of the stock and then turn down the heat and allow to simmer for about 15 minutes. Method: the croutons 1. Crush and chop the garlic. Butter each slice of bread on one side, and then rub the garlic into the bread. 2. Divide the cheese between the slices of bread and place under the grill for 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the bread toasted. 3. Serve the soup immediately with the croutons on top. Raclette This is the perfect hearty dish for cold nights. Although typically made with Raclette cheese and scraped from a large wheel onto your plate, you can make this at home by substituting it for Compté or Gruyère if you can’t find Raclette. Serves 6-8 Ingredients • 500g Raclette/Compté/ Gruyère cheese • 1kg new potatoes or Charlotte potatoes • 1 jar good quality French cornichons • 1 jar of pickled pearl onions • 2 good quality French baguettes Method 1. Scrub the potatoes thoroughly. You can peel them, or choose to leave the skins on for added nutrition. 2. Bring a large saucepan of water to the boil and add a pinch of salt and then the potatoes. Make sure the potatoes have ample room. 3. Allow to boil for 25 to 30 minutes. You can test them by piecing them with a sharp knife or skewer. 4. When they’re cooked, drain the water but leave the potatoes in the pan until you are ready to use them. Pull off any loose skins. 5. Cut the cheese into 2cm cubes or slices. You can cut them into smaller pieces if you want to speed up the melting process. 6. Place the cheese onto a metal or oven-safe glass plate or pan and place under the grill until the cheese is just melted. 7. Scrape or pour the cheese onto individual plates, and serve with the vegetables and potatoes. Fondue Many true Alpine-food devotees will feel that fondue is the region’s real signature dish, and although you might need a fondue set to get you started, this can be turned into one of the simplest, tastiest and most fun meals in existence! You can make different fondues depending on what kind of pot you have – a small ceramic one lit by a tea-light is all you need for chocolate, whereas a larger pot with an alcohol or gel burner is better for melting cheese. Basic Alpine Cheese Fondue Equipment • Fondue pot • Fondue forks or wooden skewers Ingredients • 1 clove garlic, halved • 350ml dry white wine • 1 tablespoon cornstarch • 2 teaspoons kirsch • 230g Emmental • 230g Gruyère For dipping • Cubes of French bread - ideally slightly stale Method 1. Rub the sides of a heavy saucepan with the cut sides of garlic, and then discard the garlic. 2. Add the wine to the pot and allow to simmer over a moderate heat. 3. Stir the cornstarch into the kirsch in a bowl. 4. Add the cheeses to the cooking pot gradually, and stir constantly (in a zigzag pattern rather than with a circular motion) until the cheese is melted and creamy. Do not allow to boil. 5. Add the cornstarch mixture to the fondue and stir. 6. Bring the fondue to a simmer and continue to stir until the mixture is thickened – for about 5-8 minutes 7. Transfer to a fondue pot over a flame and serve with the bread for dipping. This makes a lovely basic fondue, but if you’d like to test out a twist on the original you can always try using different cheeses – or even using beer or whisky instead of wine. You can also experiment with different foods for dipping – try chunks of courgette or aubergine, artichoke hearts or potato wedges, or even something sweeter such as pear slices instead of bread. Be creative – you might discover something amazing! If we've left you feeling hungry for an Alpine getaway, book your accommodation with PowderBeds today. > Search & Book Now  

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22 Ski Holiday Money Saving Hacks

Avoriaz by Dominique Granger If you're wondering how to save money on your next ski holiday, we'll let you in on our secrets to reduce the cost of your next trip. Here's our comprehensive list of money saving hacks that'll help everyone - from complete beginners to seasoned pros. 1. Book Off Peak If you can travel off peak you'll save yourself some money. Even if you're tied to school holidays you might get lucky and find a week that a lot of schools don't have off. Our top tips would be checking out the week before Christmas (just choose a high altitude resort to ensure the best possible snow conditions). There's sometimes a week after New Year and often two half-term weeks with one busier than the other. Choose your Easter week carefully, as it's often possible to avoid a peak travel week, especially late March when snow conditions should be better. 2. Free Lift Passes for Kids If you're taking the family skiing this winter then look out for deals on lift passes - as no ski holiday is complete without them! Tignes - Val d'Isère and Le Grand Massif (for Flaine, Les Carroz, Samoens) are all offering FREE ski passes for all under 8's for the whole of winter 2022/23, and 8-15 year olds will benefit from children's lift pass rates. If you can't find free lift passes for children, the next best thing is family lift passes - you'll find these in plenty of destinations including Les Arcs and Chamonix. 3. Book Early Take advantage of Early Bookings Offers which can save you up to 20% and get you the best pick of accommodation and room types. Also, flight prices generally only go up the closer you get to your departure date so set your alarm for when they release the flights and grab a bargain. 4. Book Last Minute This is a risky one but it works well especially if you're looking for smaller apartments sleeping for 4 people or less. If there's a late season dump of snow this is a great way to sneak in a ski holiday. 5. Try Somewhere New Lesser known resorts can offer better value versus their big name neighbours and you can still ski your favourite terrain. If you love the Three Valleys, why not try Les Menuires, part of the same ski area as Val Thorens so you'll be skiing the same slopes and still be able to stop at the Folie Douce for après. 6. Be Flexible Being flexible with your dates can save you some money on flights and you’ll still have a great selection of accommodation to choose from. Many hotels and apartments now don't have a set Saturday – Saturday changeover day so there’s a lot more flexibility – just ask! You might also find Sunday - Sunday is available at your chosen property which makes for a quieter transfer day, plus the chance to ski on 'transfer Saturday', probably the quietest day on the mountain! 7. Make a Packed Lunch You can have your lunch with the best view without queueing, scrabbling for the last table on the sun terrace and without the hefty price tag. Whether it’s a classic sandwich with delicious local cheese and meats or something more refined, it’s well worth taking a little time to organise a packed lunch so you don’t have to pay €20 every day for a raclette, chips and a soft drink. 8. Debit & Credit Cards When using your debit or credit card abroad check what your bank’s fees are and always make sure to pay in the local currency if you’re given the choice as this will be the best rate. If you’re looking to avoid being charged card fees altogether you can use a Monzo card or a prepaid travel card. 9. Rent Your Equipment It’s no surprise that renting can be better value than buying ski gear and paying the airline carriage fees to get it all the way to the resort with you. If you’ve booked through Powderbeds you can save on your equipment (up to 40%!) when you hire from SKISET. 10. Stock Up in the Valley If you’re staying in a self-catering accommodation it’s wise to do the bulk of your food shopping down in the valley as the supermarkets will be far larger and better priced that their mountain equivalents. For example, if you’re staying in Les Arcs the best supermarket would be in Bourg-Saint-Maurice. 11. Self-Drive Why not try something different this season and drive to the Alps? It’s better for the environment than flying (if there's a few of you travelling in the same car) and will mean you won’t have a strict baggage allowance to stick to. You could even make a road trip of it and stop off in a few locations overnight on the way. 12. Compare Your Flights If you’re flying to the slopes this winter then use price comparison sites like Skyscanner or Kayak to find the best prices for flights. 13. Rent Your Ski Gear or Buy Second Hand Rather than spend a fortune on brand new ski gear, why not try renting this season? You could check out Ecoski for their clothing rental service, with a focus on eco-friendly and sustainably minded brands such as Patagonia and Picture Organic Clothing, or use their repairs service to give your old gear a new lease of life. Alternatively look out for second hand bargains online - try WhoSki.com, a peer to peer marketplace a little like eBay for skiers. 14. Ask the Experts It can be exhausting hunting around for the best accommodation deals so why not sit back, relax and let the experts do all of the hard work? They’ll know the best value accommodation, latest deals and best resorts so you can’t go wrong. Ask one of the Powderbeds team to help, email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. document.getElementById('cloak5e5c86f68bb1f56a16aed69a4b05a4da').innerHTML = ''; var prefix = 'ma' + 'il' + 'to'; var path = 'hr' + 'ef' + '='; var addy5e5c86f68bb1f56a16aed69a4b05a4da = 'info' + '@'; addy5e5c86f68bb1f56a16aed69a4b05a4da = addy5e5c86f68bb1f56a16aed69a4b05a4da + 'powderbeds' + '.' + 'com'; var addy_text5e5c86f68bb1f56a16aed69a4b05a4da = 'info' + '@' + 'powderbeds' + '.' + 'com';document.getElementById('cloak5e5c86f68bb1f56a16aed69a4b05a4da').innerHTML += ''+addy_text5e5c86f68bb1f56a16aed69a4b05a4da+''; or call: 0131 240 3300. 15. Be Financially Protected  Look for ABTA bonding for accommodation-only bookings and ATOL protection for holidays including a flight within the package. Powderbeds offer ski accommodation only and are ABTA bonded so your money is 100% financially protected. Our ABTA number is V3690. Many online travel agents offering ski accommodation don’t offer any financial protection so be careful! 16. Bin Your Cookies This is a great tip for when you’re booking anything whether it be flights, accommodation or ski hire. Clear your cookies before booking so that you don’t fall victim of a sudden spike in price because you’ve returned to your basket a few hours or days later. 17. Water This is one of the easiest ways to save money when you’re on the slopes and it’s good for the environment as well. Take a reusable bottle with you so that you can fill it up at your accommodation before you head out for the day and you won’t need to buy bottled water on the mountain. 18. Choose Your Resort Carefully Resorts like Courchevel, Méribel and Val d’Isère come with a premium because of their luxurious reputations and picture perfect villages. Check with our ski experts first to avoid paying €10 for a hot chocolate that could cost you half that on the other side of the mountain. 19. Plan Ahead Have a plan and book restaurants for lunch before you find yourself standing in the middle of a piste, cold, hangry, possibly with cold and hangry children, ready to spend an arm and a leg just for a slice of pizza. 20. Check the Forecast That unexpected cold or sunny spell during your trip could cost you if you’re not prepared. With a captive market, the price of extra layers or sunglasses in resorts can be significantly more than back in the UK. 21. Pack Smart  Be sure to write a list and check it twice. It will make sure you pack exactly what you need and you have a list to check when you’re leaving to make sure you haven’t forgotten anything. That one lonely glove is no use to anyone. 22. Sharing is Caring Whether it’s for ski lessons or airport transfers, doing shared transfers and group lessons is a great way to reduce your spend or save a little money for après. There you have it, our top money saving hacks for your next ski holiday. To book your stay now, check out our huge range of ski accommodation today. > Search & Book Now  

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Ski Touring in the French Alps

Main image: Les Posettes Ski Touring Piste in Chamonix Ski touring is the latest big trend in snowsports and no serious skier or rider is now without a stash of ski touring kit in their garage or loft. Running alongside traditional lift-serviced downhill skiing, touring options are cropping up in all the major French resorts. So… legs and lungs to the ready, here’s our lowdown on the best ski touring and split-boarding options in the French Alps. Whether you’re always on two planks or split-boarding is your game, there’s a resort out there for you... First-off – the equipment You need specialist gear for ski touring, including specific skis with adjustable bindings, ‘skins’ to stick to the base of your skis when in walk mode, touring boots and telescopic poles. Touring equipment doesn’t come cheap so if you’re not ready to invest just yet there are heaps of options for rentals in resort and all the major rental shops have touring kit in stock. As well as the skis and boots, you’re also going to need a backpack that can carry skis & poles, and you'll need to load it up with: A thermos flask with your favourite hot drink A water bladder or bottle Snacks and/or lunch Thin gloves and your usual ski gloves A Buff or neck warmer High SPF suncream Spare layers Helmet & goggles Sunglasses If you’re venturing away from marked & controlled areas it’s essential to carry an avalanche transceiver, shovel and probe – and make sure you know how to use them! Where go ski touring? Val Thorens A great place to get started, consider Val Thorens if you're a ski touring novice. To encourage people to give the sport a try, Val Thorens has created the perfect introduction to touring with an all-levels trail called La Camille. This 1.9km itinerary has 235m of gentle climbing and lovely views all along the route. La Camille starts next to the Chalet Des Neiges Hermine residence, just 150m from the 'normal' slopes. © T.Loubere OT Val Thorens Dynafit Snow Leopard Tracks: with the help of volunteer professionals, you can join these group sessions for a sociable ski touring experience. Borrow top of the range skis & boots free of charge from Dynafit and head up towards Chalet de la Marine to enjoy delivious Savoyarde fayre as the sun sets, before skiing back down guided by the light of your head torch. You need to be a member of Club Val Thorens, but joining is free and quick to do. Ski Touring Top Tip #1 >> Find a flat area of snow and have a few practice-runs, switching from walk mode to downhill mode. You’ll soon get used to fixing your skins on and putting your snowboard back together (for split-boarders). Also practice your kick turns before setting off – it’s a key technique and you’ll need to master it quickly! La Plagne There are 7 dedicated ski touring itineraries across La Plagne’s satellite villages, with plenty of options for anyone just starting out as well as more advanced terrain. You can pick up a free ski touring guide at the La Plagne Tourist Office. Col de Forcle from Plagne Bellecôte: A 5km route with 350m of climbing featuring a mixture of pisted and non-pisted ascents, ideal for getting into the technique. Magnificent Mont Blanc views will help propel you to the top! Plagne Montalbert - Le Fornelet: Great for practising techniques such as kick turns, this intermediate-graded itinerary has 545m of ascent over a 4km forest trail. Head back down to Plagne Montalbert on the "Montalbert" blue piste. Local ski school Oxygène run dedicated ski touring lessons and you can hire equipment from them too. Ski Touring Top Tip #2 >> Touring in a ski resort often means shared access on the trails so, just as with other winter sports, keep an eye out for others using the slopes. Chamonix The home of mountaineering, it’s no surprise Chamonix is on the list of go-to places for ski touring in the French Alps. Surrounded by sharp, steep peaks and numerous glaciers you won’t fail to be in awe of the mountains here. A resort in its own right and just a few kilometres from Chamonix, Les Houches is a great place to start for less experienced tourers. Next to the Prarion lift in the valley, you can embark on a 850m climb and finish up at the top of the Prarion lift at 1860m. The route is marked all the way up and it’s a great choice when you’re just getting into things. © OT Chamonix-Mont-Blanc If you’re looking for a serious challenge, Chamonix is certainly the place to find it! There are so many options but among the classics are the Crochues Berard (9.5km, 535m ascent, La Flegère-Le Buet), Le Col du Belvedère (650m ascent, top of Index chairlift at La Flegère-Col du Belvedère via Lac Blanc – warning: this route involves a roped descent!) and Le Col du Passon (480m ascent, top station of Les Grands Montets-Le Vormaine at Le Tour). Ski Touring Top Tip #3 >> We strongly recommend you hire a guide if this is your very first time or if you’re choosing more of a challenge, especially in a place like Chamonix. Avoriaz There are three excellent and easily accessible ski tours in Avoriaz: La Crête d'Arare: from the top of Les Prodains cable car in Avoriaz village, there are great views from the off. This is a short 2km route with 470m of ascent and blue, black or off-piste options for your descent.  Les Jordinières: begin at the bottom of Les Prodains cable car you’ll climb 600 metres mostly through the forest leading up to Avoriaz – an excellent thigh and glute burner! Le Vanné: great for beginners, this is a mostly forested itinerary between the village of Les Lindarets and the top of the Crêtes des Lindarets, a gentle 4km climbing up 350m with a lovely view to greet you at the top. Advance to Point de Vorlaz if you feel ready, but definitely go with a guide on this route! Ski Touring Top Tip #4 >> When ascending, skiers set your boots to climb mode, snowboarders keep your boots fairly loose, so you can manoeuvre your way up comfortably. Val d’Isère La Daille-Folie Douce: Break up this 3km beginner’s itinerary with a welcome drink at Val d'Isère's famous après-ski spot La Folie Douce, but maybe keep it non-alcoholic as you’ll need to ski back down to La Daille afterwards! © Val d’Isère Solaise: over at La Solaise there's another marked trail with 425m ascent over 1.8km through the Rogoney forest. Ski Touring Top Tip #5 >> Ski touring is calorie busting so don’t forget your snacks and put them in an easy to reach place. Go for high energy foods like trail mix, nuts and muesli bars – and have a decent breakfast! Tignes Tignes has a 3 dedicated ski touring trails that are patrolled and secured, meaning you can have a go without taking on the risks associated with venturing off-piste. Once you’ve got your confidence up, head a little further out and discover the serenity of the Vanoise National Park. Evolution 2 and Ski New Gen ski schools both run dedicated touring lessons to get you further into the wilderness. Ski Touring Top Tip #5 >> Try not to get your skins wet with snow when switching from uphill to downhill mode as this can make them less sticky for the next climb. Les Arcs There are a few itineraries on offer in Les Arcs from easy to difficult: Tetras, Arc 1800: this easy trail starts from the top of the Villards cable car (you’ll need a lift pass or you can buy a single ticket for 5€) and from there you head towards the Tetras (grouse) forest where you might catch a glimpse of the hibernating birds – careful not to disturb them! – before the trail opens out and you climb upwards towards the summit. Towards the end you’ll being going up the downhill Grand Melèzes piste and touring etiquette means you must stick to the left-hand edge of the piste and keep an eye out for skiers and boarders coming down. For more of a challenge try Les Verdaches in Peisey-Vallandry, which meanders up to the top of the Grizzly chairlift. You’ll be off-piste all the way so you need to be confident in your abilities. Choose any marked piste to get back to the bottom. © Les Arcs Ski Touring Top Tip #6 >> Stay hydrated and that beer at the end of the day will taste all the better! Now you have our top tips for ski touring in the French Alps, check out our huge range of ski accommodation and book your stay today. > Search & Book Now  

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Top 5 Places to Stay for Maximum Mileage on the Slopes This Winter

Thigh burning descents, rapid coffee stops, joining the single skier's lift line (sorry friends, no time for chairlift chat) and planning your route down to the nth degree. Sound familiar? If you’re a high mileage skier or rider and you love nothing more than non-stop sliding from first to last lifts, then we’re here to help! If clocking up the ski miles is what you crave on your precious week-long holiday in the Alps, let us be your guide to the top places to stay for maximum mountain time. Ski-in/ski-out convenience is the name of the game here and we have plenty of options to inspire you: 1. Residence Saskia Falaise, Avoriaz For great value ski-in/out convenience, look no further than the 3-star Saskia Falaise apartments in Avoriaz. These cosy apartments have everything you need for a comfortable stay and you can ski straight from the door for instant access to the vast Portes du Soleil ski area. There are plenty of bars & restaurants within easy reach too including the famous Folie-Douce après-ski party venue. With some of the best views in resort, you won’t even have to spend any time checking out the webcams before you set off in the morning – step onto your balcony for an instant overview of the weather and you’ll know where you want to head from the off. And after skiiing, if you still have the energy, the impressive Aquariaz indoor water park is a 10 minute walk away from the Saskia Falaise. Not only is this residence situated in the heart of one of the ultimate ski-in/ski-out resorts, but Avoriaz itself is just a short hop from Geneva airport (around 1hour30mins). If you can time it right with your flights you might even manage to squeeze in an extra morning or afternoon on the slopes at the beginning and end of your holiday. > Book Now Like this? Why not check out >> Residence La Daille, Val d’Isère 2. Residence L’Oxalys, Val Thorens Val Thorens is a resort that puts ski-in/ski-out convenience at the heart of everything, so it’s pretty easy to access the slopes wherever you decide to stay, but the 4-star Residence L’Oxalys occupies a superb slopeside position above the blue Cairn piste and a short ski to a choice of 2 chairlifts. These traditionally styled apartments are a brilliant option for die-hard skiing enthusiasts for their incredibly easy access to the huge 3 Valleys – how many slopes you can tick off in a week? If all that skiing still doesn’t satifsy, the indoor pool, jacuzzi, sauna and steam room are perfect to rejuvenate for the following day’s exertions. And if you’re really tired after your big day on the mountain, the on-site restaurant is popular and the cosy public lounge is a great place to chill out. > Book Now Like this? Why not check out >> Residence Lodge des Neiges, Tignes 1800 3. Le Village Arc 1950 There’s so much to love about the superb apartments in Arc 1950, but perhaps its biggest plus is that you can step out of any of the 8 apartment blocks and instantly be on the slopes. If you have kids in ski school, Evolution 2 and the ESF have meeting points in the village whilst Supreme and New Generation meet in Arc 200 - a super easy 3 minute ride up the cabriolet gondola (open at 8.45am) from Arc 1950. The whole village is designed around convenience, not only for the skiing but for the complete self-catering holiday experience. Numerous shops, restaurants and bars are located in the streets between the apartment buildings, the underground car park means the resort is idyllically car-free, and the whole place is ski-to-door, all making for a fantastic residence for families and couples alike. > Book Now Like this? Why not check out >> Residence L’Amara, Avoriaz 4. Chalet Izia, Val d’Isère 50 luxury apartments make up the slopeside Chalet Izia residence, one of the most popular properties in our entire programme - and it’s easy to see why with its clean, contemporary feel, unbeatable location and stunning public spaces. If you’re into interior design, then the Chalet Izia definitely won’t disappoint. Complementing the stunning, spacious apartments are a beautiful public lounge with bar, an on-site rental shop, children’s area off the main lounge (which is huge) and an amazing spa and swimming pool with quirky décor. All around the residence the décor grabs your attention – think bold wallpapers, thoughtful lighting and complementary colours. They’ve really thought of every last detail here. Ski-in/ski-out in Val d’Isère is hard to come by, so it pays to book Chalet Izia early for the pick of the availability and to secure your perfect ski-in/ski-out stay in Val d’Isère. > Book Now Like this? Why not check out >> Residence Annapurna, Les Gets 5. Hotel Taj-I Mah, Les Arcs 2000 The first 5-star hotel in Les Arcs, Hotel Taj-I Mah is a unique place to stay. This luxury retreat couldn’t be closer to the slopes of Arc 2000 and features generous rooms and suites, a gorgeous 400m2 spa, a Michelin-starred gourmet restaurant, on-site rental shop and unbeatable floor to ceiling vistas. When you want as much time on the slopes as your energy levels will allow, the stunning Taj-I Mah offers the perfect combination of luxury, style and convenience. > Book Now Like this? Why not check out: Hotel Daria-I-nor, Alpe D’Huez So, that's our top 5 but there are many more! Where will you choose for your perfect ski-in/ski-out accommodation? Start searching now and book your ski accommodation today.

Explore Top 5 Places to Stay for Maximum Mileage on the Slopes This Winter

The Top 5 French Ski Resorts for Après-Ski

Unlike our Austrian friends, France might not boast more après-ski related injuries than ski injuries but France has its fair share of lively French ski resorts where dancing on the table in your ski boots with a pitcher of beer in hand is par for the course! Whether you're looking for a French Alps party experience, or resorts with good nightlife and live music, we've rounded up the top spots. Read on to find out where the best après-ski resorts in France are: 1. Val d'Isere Après-Ski A favourite amongst Brits, Val D'Isere is home to the infamous La Folie Douce just up from La Daille where you can party in ski boots into the early evening. La Folie Douce is all about DJs on a balcony, banging euro style dance music, shots and magnums of rosé - it's not for the faint-hearted! The Morris Pub, a British style bar serves awesome burgers, and there's also Le Petit Danois, a Danish bar, which serves free shots during happy hour! At the end of the night, visit the legendary Dick’s Tea Bar which has been catering to Val d'Isère's party loving crowds for over 30 years. This ever popular Val d’Isère nightlife haunt, located near the foot of La Face piste, opens for après-ski at around 4pm every day with live bands and DJs. The fun continues right up until 10.30pm when the 'After Dinner Club' kicks off with more live music until 1am. Then the nightclub starts and continues right through to 5am at which time it's not unusual to see people emerging still in their ski gear. There are also loads more low-key options if you just want a few quiet après beers before heading back to your Val d'Isère ski accommodation, or one of the many Val d'Isère's restaurants for dinner. Best for: On piste après at La Folie Douce Experience the après-ski scene at La Folie Douce, Val d’Isère 2. Chamonix Après-Ski As you'd expect from one of the largest, coolest and most popular towns in the Alps, Chamonix has a vibrant party scene. And unlike many of the puropse-built resorts in the Alps, which largely cater to a seasonal influx of tourists, Chamonix's size and perennial population mean it offers much more in the way of après-ski and nightlife. The town centre is jam packed with bars and restaurants, with plenty to suit all ages, tastes and moods. One of the most popular spots for après-ski is Chambre Neuf, which has live bands from 5.30-7.30pm, 6 days a week, throughout the winter. Expect crowds and plenty of dancing on tables in this popular Chamonix nightlife spot. At the foot of the Flegère cable car, the terrace at Le Castel is a great spot for panoramic views of the Mont Blanc Massif. At the Les Houches end of town, don't miss new kid on the block Brewpub Le Solerey with its sunny terrace, djs and laid-back staff. All beers are brewed on site and the menu includes amazing 'smoker' meats including the Smoked Brisket Burger. For live music and good beer you can’t go wrong with the Jekyll. The MBC - a microbrewery owned and run by Canadians with a passion for craft beer - is ideal for some great beer and food - they serve amazing burgers, and don't miss the legendary half-price chicken wings every Monday night. Well-heeled guests should try out Le Privilège.The cool ski and board kids hang out in Chamonix Sud at Monkey bar and South Bar, which are both full of beautiful Scandinavians. Both have live music and are open from 4pm until late. 2018 saw the dawn of the first ever La Folie Douce Hotel which opened in Chamonix offering all the best of the classic Folie après-ski entertainment with the added bonnus of being a hotel with a great choice of Chamonix restaurants, bars and fantastic leisure faciltiies. Best for: Mixing with Swedish, French and British party animals. Party into the late hours at La Folie Douce Hotel, Chamonix 3. Meribel Après-Ski Meribel is a cracking party town with some great legendary bars and nightclubs. No trip there is complete without checking out The Ronnie, officially Le Rond Point, an après bar on the slopes that does jugs of beer, shots, wine and live music – The Feeling used to be the house band! If you've taken full advantage of the beers and wines available, be very careful skiing or boarding back down to town! Over in Val Thorens there's been a Folie Douce for a couple of seasons and in 2013 Meribel opened its very own outpost. So if loud music, dancing in ski boots and Jäger bombs are your thing then head on over. In town, L'Abreuvoir is a stylish new French bar – a welcome change from Alpine pubs and grungy British watering holes. La Taverne Bar is an established favourite along with Scott’s Bar and Jack’s Bar for post ski, pre club drinks as part of Meribel's nightlife. Then it’s time to head to a club hosting excellent DJs and themed nights. Best for: Beer in the afternoon sun at the Ronnie.           View this post on Instagram                       A post shared by The Rond Point, Me?ribel (@rondpointmeribel) 4. Val Thorens Après-Ski Val Thorens was chosen as the location of the second incarnation of La Folie Douce and with good reason. The highest resort in the Three Valleys, and indeed Europe, has a well established reputation as a party town, and the arrival of La Folie Douce and the adjoining La Fruitière restaurant has just helped to cement that further. The site they've chosen is a total sun trap and we'd recommend a long lunch at La Fruitière before walking a few steps across the deck to La Folie Douce for some of the best, and sometimes strangest, après-ski in the Alps. If you're skiing nearby, you'll almost certainly hear La Folie Douce before you see it, and you may have to look twice when you see hordes of skiers and snowboarders dancing on tables to ridiculously loud euro pop! Almost surreally, the party ends abruptly when the lifts stop, and the fervent crowd weave their way back down the slopes to continue the fun in one of Val Thorens' many other après-ski hot spots. Other popular haunts include the very British Frog and Roastbeef, or if it's a few beers in the sun you're after, head to Bar 360 which has a massive terrace, live music and an après happy hour. If you want to party the night away at Europe's highest nightclub then head over to Le Malaysia, where you'll find an inconspicuous little hut in the centre of the main square that serves as the entrance to the huge 1000m² underground club below. Malaysia is infamous in the après scene and has played host to legendary DJs and artists such as Calvin Harris, Chase & Status, Rudimental, Afrojack and Eric Morillo to name a few, making it the perfect place to experience Val Thoren's nightlife. If you want to party at Europe's highest bar, club and sun deck then Val Thorens is the place to come. Just remember that sun, altitude and alcohol can be a pretty heady mix! Best for: Partying in two resorts in one day. Enjoy a huge underground club at Le Malaysia, Val Thorens 5. Les Deux Alpes Après-Ski In the Southern Alps, Les Deux Alpes comes up trumps for being the best night out. Le Saloon has a wide range of burgers, including sushi burgers, or The Secret serves up good pizza and live music. The variety of Les Deux Alpes restaurants make it a great choice for those seeking good food and entertainment after a day on the slopes. La Rhumerie does as it says on the tin and has a host of flavoured rums on offer while the Windsor Pub is a classy boutique pub. At the end of the night check out the L'Avalanche club for some of the best Les Deux Alpes nightlife. Best for: Flavoured Rums at La Rhumerie. Honourable Ski Mentions: Avoriaz & Morzine Après-Ski In recent years Avoriaz and Morzine have upped their après-ski game: there's now something for everyone with the latest La Folie Douce fast becoming the go-to après spot in Avoriaz and of course, Morzine holds its own with a reputation for cool live DJ sets. If you’re on the slopes of Avoriaz around après o’clock start things off in the centre of town at La Cabane’s outdoor bar with live music and a great atmosphere or with a cocktail on Globe Trotter’s sun terrace. Head along to La Folie Douce to keep the party going until 6pm, expect plenty of dancing on the tables in ski boots then slide back down to The Place or Shooters for evening drinks and enjoy the Avoriaz nightlife. In Morzine, after a day on the slopes head to Bar Robinsons (affectionately known as Robbos) or Happy Hours Bar at the bottom of the Prodains lift for live music then keep the night going at the only nightclub in Morzine, L’Opera where you can party the night away. Best for: Ski-in/Ski-out nightlife. Enjoy the best of Avoriaz après-ski Alpe D'Huez Après-Ski With the arrival of Tomorrowland festival back in 2018, Alpe D'Huez put itself firmly on the map when it comes to après. The festival has managed to create a successful winter version of the legendary festival which is usually held in Belgium during the summer each year. If you've never heard of it before, imagine lots of pyrotechnics, fireworks, extravagent staging and plenty of performers all centred around live DJ sets from world-renowned artists. Throw in a 30,000 strong crowd of wild party people from all around the globe and some snow and you've got Tomorrowland winter. Best for: an out of this world festival experience. Unwind after a day on the slopes at Alpe d’Huez If you want to experience après-ski in France for yourself this season, we can help you plan the perfect ski holiday. Whether you're looking for a lively nightlife, stunning mountain views or a relaxed post-ski drink, our range of French ski resorts offers something for everyone.

Explore The Top 5 French Ski Resorts for Après-Ski

Start of the Season Snow Update

By Saturday all of the resorts in the French Alps will be open for season 2019-20! With many resorts like the Portes du Soleil already having opened two weeks early there aren't many left to open their slopes.  If you've been living under a rock and missed us and everyone else in the ski world shouting about the incredible early season snowfall for the past month then: firstly, follow us on Facebook and Instagram so you never miss important updates like that again and secondly, check out the snow updates from this week in the Alps below.                 View this post on Instagram                   Le soleil nous fait admirer les sublimes paysages blancs de l'hiver ????? C'est parfait avant l'ouverture et le retour de votre Taj-I Mah ce vendredi ! ? ? ????? ? Réservez votre séjour soleil & ski : https://buff.ly/2JVPnfD? ? ???? @lesarcs ? #LodgeandSpaCollection #TajIMah #Hotel #Winter #Landscape #LandscapePhotography #Sun #BlueSky #Mountains #White #Photography #LesArcs #FrenchAlps #PerfectPlace #BienEtre #Nature #Ski #Snow A post shared by Hôtel Taj-I Mah (@hoteltajimah) on Dec 10, 2019 at 5:34am PST Avoriaz Val Thorens Courchevel Tignes           View this post on Instagram                   Picture perfect pistes for opening day in Courchevel ?? #courchevel #courchevelski #luxuryski Image: Courchevel Tourism A post shared by Ski Independence (@skiindependence) on Dec 10, 2019 at 8:36am PST   The conditions in the Alps are unseasonably good, it would be rude not to take advantage and get out there! Browse all accommodation or get in touch with one of our experts on 0131 240 3300 or email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. document.getElementById('cloak9b7b51aba0bba67d5b74c2e7855de6dd').innerHTML = ''; var prefix = 'ma' + 'il' + 'to'; var path = 'hr' + 'ef' + '='; var addy9b7b51aba0bba67d5b74c2e7855de6dd = 'info' + '@'; addy9b7b51aba0bba67d5b74c2e7855de6dd = addy9b7b51aba0bba67d5b74c2e7855de6dd + 'powderbeds' + '.' + 'com'; var addy_text9b7b51aba0bba67d5b74c2e7855de6dd = 'info' + '@' + 'powderbeds' + '.' + 'com';document.getElementById('cloak9b7b51aba0bba67d5b74c2e7855de6dd').innerHTML += ''+addy_text9b7b51aba0bba67d5b74c2e7855de6dd+''; .  See you on the slopes!

Explore Start of the Season Snow Update

French Ski Resort Opening Dates 2019-20

French Ski Resort Opening Dates 2019-20 Portes du Soleil * Opening early: partial opening from 30th of November * Avoriaz 14th of December 2019 - 13th of April 2020 Morzine 14th of December 2019 - 13th of April 2020 Les Gets 14th of December 2019 - 13th of April 2020   Le 3 Vallees Val Thorens 23rd of November 2019 - 03rd of May 2020 Courchevel 07th of December 2019 - 26th of April 2020 Meribel 07th of December 2019 - 26th of April 2020 Les Menuires 07th of December 2019 - 26th of April 2020   Espace Killy Tignes 30th of November 2019 - 03rd of May 2020 Val d'Isere 30th of November 2019 - 03rd of May 2020   Paradiski Les Arcs 14th of December 2019 - 25th of April 2020 La Plagnes 14th of December 2019 - 25th of April 2020 Peisey-Vallandry 14th of December 2019 - 13th of April 2020   Chamonix-Mont Blanc Chamonix 23rd of November 2019 - 03rd of May 2020   Grande Massif Flaine 14th of December 2019 - 19th of April 2020 Samoens 14th of December 2019 - 19th of April 2020   Espace San Bernardo La Rosiere 14th of December 2019 - 24th of April 2020   Grand Domaine Alpe D'Huez 30th of November 2019 - 25th of April 2020     ** Dates are weather dependent and may vary slightly. **

Explore French Ski Resort Opening Dates 2019-20

How to Find the Best Places to Ski in France

With over 200 ski resorts in the French Alps, you’d be forgiven for feeling overwhelmed with the amount of choice when deciding where to go on your next ski holiday. So we’ve put together a handy guide with some great tips to help you choose the perfect resort for your next snowy adventure. A great place to start is deciding on a few aspects that are most important to you and your fellow travel companions; these could be how to get there, budget, your skiing ability, atmosphere or which activities are available in the resort.   How to Get There Many people choose to fly and then take a transfer or rent a car for the last leg of the journey from the airport to the ski resort. The best airports for travelling to the French Alps are Geneva, Lyon, Grenoble, Chambery and for the Southern Alps, Turin. Although it’s conveniently located, Chambery is small and has fewer scheduled flight options plus it can be affected by bad weather more easily than the others. Geneva has the best flight and transfer options with a great range of routes to a wide variety of UK airports every day and private or shared airport transfers to most French resorts. Geneva airport has plenty of facilities to keep you entertained before your flight including great kids play areas and a great chocolate gift shop for last minute souvenirs, though if you’re like us they might not make it all the way home! For the more independently minded, driving to the Alps is a fantastic option and it’s very often great value as well. You can make the most of fresh snowfall and last minute deals by setting off when you want and best of all you won’t be stuck queueing at an airport or restricted by a tight luggage allowance! You’ll be able to go at your own pace, taking in the scenery and making pit stops wherever you fancy to enjoy the local food and stretch your legs. If you’re feeling adventurous and want to explore a few different ski resorts then having a car will make this a lot easier than relying on shuttle buses. Our top tips for drivers are to check the highway code of the countries you’ll be driving through as there’s some surprising differences compared to the UK. Another thing to bear in mind is to be prepared for all weather conditions, making sure you’ve got snow tyres or chains, which can be mandatory to access certain resorts in poor weather. We speak from experience… it’s also not cool to get stuck and have to ask the locals to help push out your car! Last but by no means least, there’s the train. The Eurostar offers a direct service from London to the French Alps twice a day on Saturdays between December and April. The Eurostar benefits from a generous luggage allowance plus a pair of skis or snowboard. On the outward journey from London St Pancras there’s three stops in the Alps - Bourg-St-Maurice, Aime la Plagne and Moutiers. From Bourg-St-Maurice there’s quick and easy access to Les Arcs, Val d’Isere, Tignes, Sainte Foy and La Rosiere, from Aime La Plagne the villages in La Plagne and Peisey Vallandry are a short shuttle bus away and from Moutiers Meribel, Courchevel, La Tania, Les Menuires and Val Thorens can be accessed by bus transfers or taxi. It’s important to note that the return train only calls at Bourg-St-Maurice and Moutiers. Tickets for the Eurostar service to the Alps go on sale in the summer, usually around July so set yourself a reminder because tickets sell fast. Alternatively, if you can get to Paris you can access a greater range of ski resorts by train with frequent departures to the other main train station hubs in the Alps like Lyon and Annecy. Best for plane: All resorts Best for driving: All resorts Best for train: Bourg St. Maurice- Les Arcs; Moutiers- Tignes, Val d'Isere, La Tania, Courchevel, Meribel, Val Thorens, Les Menuires; Aime la Plagne- La Plagne   Skiing Ability To make sure everyone in your party is able to enjoy skiing it’s helpful to consider the ability level in your group and pick a resort that’s suitable for the lowest level of skier. Whilst most resorts will have plenty of runs to suit all levels there are a few resorts which are better for advanced skiers and some which are especially good for beginners. For example, Chamonix is a fantastic option for advanced skiers and provides a great range of challenging slopes as well as off piste possibilities so it would be difficult for a mixed ability group to ski together or for beginners to get the most out of the slopes. On the other hand, resorts like Flaine, Avoriaz and Tignes are more suited to mixed groups and allow beginners to discover much more of the resorts. These resorts provide gentle beginners ski areas and plenty of easy blue runs to allow beginners to explore other areas as well as more challenging runs and off piste for intermediate and advanced skiers. Another thing to note is that resorts which are predominantly ski-in/ ski-out can be much easier for beginners as they won’t have to lug their gear about and can just pop their skis on and go from their accommodation. If you’re a beginner or have beginners in your group always check which runs can be used to access your accommodation as some have access via more challenging slopes. Something which we highly recommend to anyone, no matter what their ability, is taking skiing lessons or hiring a local guide. They’ll make sure you get the most out of your trip by helping you navigate the pistes and showing you the best hidden spots all whilst improving your skills and confidence. If you fancy getting some lessons or a local guide then it’s worth bearing in mind before you book your trip as they will book up fast even in larger resorts where there’sa huge choice of ski schools. Want to know more about French ski schools? Check out our Guide to French Ski Schools. Best for beginners: Morzine, Les Gets, Flaine, Les Houches Best for advanced: Chamonix, Val d’Isere Best all-rounders: Avoriaz, Tignes   Atmosphere & Activities All of the resorts in the French Alps are unique in their own way so there really is something for everyone! The smaller resorts tend to be quieter and more traditional with buckets of charm and are great value for money. Often these smaller resorts were once traditional farming villages with wooden chalet style buildings close to the slopes but not necessarily ski-in/ ski-out like you would get in a purpose built resort. If a cosy and traditional ski resort is what you’re after then we’d recommend Meribel for a luxurious trip, Samoëns for access to a great ski area and Les Gets for families. As mentioned, the larger purpose built resorts usually offer easy ski-in/ ski-out accommodation as well as plenty of choices for eating and drinking out. If being right on the slopes is what you’re looking for and having plenty of choice when it comes to all things off the slopes then we’d recommend Val Thorens and Avoriaz as fantastic all-rounders that are sure to please everyone and although it’s got a fantastic range of slopes for every ability, Tignes has some especially good spots for those looking to do some more adventurous skiing. Families For families, all of the main resorts have fantastic activities for kids but to give you some inspiration, here are some of our favourite family friendly options. Les Gets is ideal because of its gentle beginner’s slopes and fun Indian Village beginners play area. Families will love Avoriaz because of all of the off the piste activities like Aquariaz, Le Lil’ Stash kids snowpark, sledging and cinema to name just a few. Les Arcs is also a fantastic option with snowy activities like dog sledding, ski-joering and snow shoeing to keep the whole family entertained when they’re not skiing and when you are, Mille 8 is great fun for little ones learning to ski or building their confidence. Finally, Val d’Isere has a huge selection of activities for families from ice driving and glacier walks to relaxing spas, you’ll be spoilt for choice! All of these resorts have a great range of ski schools and family friendly accommodation too. Après Val d’Isere is known for having a cool après scene thanks to hot spots like Dicks Tea Bar and La Folie Douce. Val Thorens is also worth a mention and is home to Europe’s highest nightclub, Malaysia, and a great selection of bars providing a well-earned pint or cocktail after a day on the slopes. Chamonix has a wealth of cool bars like Elevation 1904 and South bar where you can party into the night to live music. The resort is also host to festivals like Musilac at the end of April each year which has features big names like Razorlight, David Guetta, Blink 182, London Grammar and, would you believe it, Elton John! If you want to find out more about the best après in the French Alps then check out our blog post. If you want to know more about any of the French resorts then check out our resort pages where we have handy guides to help you get to know the resorts including accommodation and ski school guides. Best for traditional charm: Samoëns, Le Grand Bornand Chinaillon Best for families: Les Gets, Avoriaz Best for après: Val d’Isere, Chamonix Best for families: Montgenevre Best all-rounders: Val Thorens, Tignes   Budget Almost every resort will have a range of accommodation from budget friendly apartments to luxurious hotels so it’s not a massive factor when choosing a resort but it is worth noting that some resorts are predominantly made up of luxurious offerings and as such it’s more expensive to eat and drink out. If you want to stay somewhere lavish then Val d’Isere and Courchevel are the places for you. Both resorts ooze luxury and are full of high-end bars, restaurants and designer shops to enjoy when you’re not exploring the slopes. For budget friendly skiers, smaller resorts offer great value for money accommodation but if you prefer a larger resort then La Plagne is a great choice too. If you know you won’t be venturing far then many resorts, like Les Gets and Les Houches, do local passes which cover a portion of the wider ski area and will cost less than the full pass. If you don’t want to be restricted by a local pass some ski areas offer very reasonable rates like the Aravis ski area where passes are about €50 cheaper than big name ski areas like The 3 Vallees. Best for luxury: Val d’Isere, Courchevel Best for budget: La Clusaz, Les Gets, Les Houches, La Plagne   When to go Our final tip is to consider the time of year you’re looking to go skiing. If it’s early or late in the season and you’re booking in advance then we’d suggest picking snow sure high altitude resorts like Val Thorens, Tignes and Val d’Isere.   We hope this has made planning your ski holiday a little easier and maybe even convinced you to try somewhere new this coming season! Head over to powderbeds.com to find the perfect accommodation for your next trip or if you’re still undecided on where to go or want some help, give our sales team a call on 0131 240 3300 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. document.getElementById('cloaka12cf2325df043e0b3e87aa75d2da563').innerHTML = ''; var prefix = 'ma' + 'il' + 'to'; var path = 'hr' + 'ef' + '='; var addya12cf2325df043e0b3e87aa75d2da563 = 'info' + '@'; addya12cf2325df043e0b3e87aa75d2da563 = addya12cf2325df043e0b3e87aa75d2da563 + 'powderbeds' + '.' + 'com'; var addy_texta12cf2325df043e0b3e87aa75d2da563 = 'info' + '@' + 'powderbeds' + '.' + 'com';document.getElementById('cloaka12cf2325df043e0b3e87aa75d2da563').innerHTML += ''+addy_texta12cf2325df043e0b3e87aa75d2da563+''; they love skiing as much as you do and have years of experience in the Alps so they’ll be sure to find the perfect place for your snowy adventure.

Explore How to Find the Best Places to Ski in France

Snow Update!

The Easter holidays are just around the corner and if you haven’t already booked your ski trip then make the most of the last minute offers and get yourself to the Alps! Conditions are great in the French Alps despite unseasonably warm sunny spells in January and February. The end of March is set to be gloriously sunny so if you love stopping for lunch in the sun and enjoy sunbathing with your après then grab your skis and make the most of it. There is forecast to be a top up of snow over the Easter break and the following week which will ensure pistes stay nice and fresh as well as bringing temperatures down close to freezing during the day. From the looks of the webcams and the forecasts, the usual suspects Val Thorens, Tignes, Avoriaz, Les Arcs and higher areas of La Plagne will be good options for late season ski trips. If you’re heading off to the Alps, enjoy and don’t forget to pack some sun cream! Check out the conditions across the Alps: Val Thorens         View this post on Instagram                   [En direct] Devinez où nous sommes ! ???????? — [LIVE] Guess where we are! ???? ???? A post shared by ?? Val Thorens ?? (@val_thorens) on Mar 24, 2019 at 5:39am PDT   Tignes         View this post on Instagram                   The chairlift of happiness ?? #tignes A post shared by Tignes (@tignesofficiel) on Mar 25, 2019 at 9:41am PDT   Avoriaz         View this post on Instagram                   Heading off on a 4 day adventure into the mountains! #neverstopexploring #ridewithus #mintsnowboarding A post shared by MINT Snowboarding Morzine (@mintsnowboarding) on Mar 24, 2019 at 9:56am PDT   Les Arcs #Printemps tombe le même jour que la #Journeemondialedubonheur... Coïncidence ? ?????? ---#Spring and #InternationalHappinessDay at the same time... Coincidence ? ?????? pic.twitter.com/juNRiq2xIN — Les Arcs (@LesArcs) March 20, 2019   La Plagne Pour la #Journeemondialedubonheur on a la solution #happy : le printemps du ski à La Plagne !! ????? #maplagne pic.twitter.com/E7Lad7Ij2C — La Plagne (@LaPlagne) March 20, 2019  

Explore Snow Update!

February Half Term Snow Report

February Half Term is fast approaching and it won’t be long until you’re cruising around the slopes taking in the stunning views and fuelling yourself up on all of the tastiest French food. With that in mind, we bet you want to know what the weather will be like so that you can start packing and get excited about your ski trip. Look no further, here’s the weather forecast for the French Alps. It’s a similar story for most of the French resorts, 15-30cms of fresh snow forecast for today then a week of sunshine and cold temps before another top up of snow starting on the 19th lasting until the 20th. Temperatures will start off pretty cold in the first part of next week before seeing warmer temperatures towards the end of the month. Our advice would be to pack sun cream and plenty of layers so that you’re prepared for the sunny cold spell at the start of the week and the milder end to the holidays. Happy skiing when it comes! Avoriaz this morning before the snow started falling.  Les Arcs in between snow showers earlier today. A very snowy view from Tignes Val Claret this morning.

Explore February Half Term Snow Report

Short Ski Breaks Guide

Desperate to get on the slopes and make the most of the fresh snow but don’t have time for a week away? Well then, a short ski break is the answer! Our short ski break guide will give you all the tips and tricks you need to plan your short ski break so you don’t have to miss out on the snow. Tip number one is to visit a resort with a short transfer time from the airport to maximise your time skiing. The best resorts for short ski breaks are Chamonix, Samoëns, Flaine, the Portes du Soleil and Aravis ski areas. Transfers to these resorts from Geneva airport are between one and two hours long making them easily accessible. To make the most of your trip, try to find accommodation that is as close to the slopes as possible so that you can maximise your time on the slopes! Another tip is to look at hotels for your accommodation, they offer the most flexible dates. But if you’d rather be in a self-catering apartment then we have a sneaky insider tip for you. Not all ski accommodations have to be booked Saturday to Saturday. There’s occasionally some apartments in Avoriaz, Chamonix and Les Houches that we can get flexible bookings for, the best way to take advantage of this is to give us a call and we’ll do the leg work for you. And finally, on the topic of dates, another trick is to travel mid-week, this will mean you can make the most of availability gaps and lower prices. Now that you know how to plan the perfect short ski break, here’s some inspiration for your trip.   Terminal Neige Totem, Flaine 3* Flaine is a purpose built skiing paradise with convenience at the forefront of the resort and accommodation. Flaine has a great range of runs for all abilities and looks stunning in the winter season with plenty of trees and fantastic views. The cosy and stylish Hotel Terminal Neige Totem is a great base for skiers who want convenience. Everything you need is within the hotel including a ski hire shop, bar, restaurant with a wide range of dishes and fantastic spa and wellness area. Cristal de Jade, Chamonix 5* For the real ski fanatics, Chamonix is the place to be. This high-end residence Cristal de Jade is a great base for your short ski break. Located close to the shops, restaurants and bars and with regular shuttle busses to the slopes, you can enjoy the best of both worlds. Hotel des Dromonts, Avoriaz 5* Step into winter wonderland in Avoriaz with its horse drawn sleighs and convenient ski-in/ ski-out accommodation. This pedestrianised resort is a fantastic base to explore the Portes du Soleil from. Hotel des Dromonts is the perfect place for a luxurious short ski break. The Hotel’s retro chic décor creates a totally unique atmosphere and will make your stay a truly memorable experience. Hotel Au Coeur du Village, La Clusaz 5* Warm and friendly hotel only 20 metres from the slopes and a short walk from La Clusaz’s town centre. Hotel Au Coeur du Village is a real luxurious treat for skiers who want to explore the slopes then come back and relax at the hotel’s award winning restaurant then unwind in the spa.  

Explore Short Ski Breaks Guide