Newsletter #36
Welcome Back Winter!
Ooh it is cold, minus 5 this morning in Chamonix and a light dusting of snow on the peaks, the first for the winter. Lots of excitement here, skis are coming out, neighbours are getting the wax iron out, WINTER IS HERE! And we have some deals to get you going and some news and views from the Chamonix Valley.
| Chamonix news | Try biathlon shooting in Chamonix this winter | |
| London ski shows | New apartment | |
| Hot deals in a cold winter | New sport of cross country snowboarding | |
A new chair lift in Les Houches replacing the three drag lifts that returned from the St Gervais side of the mountain and the beginners are and Les Planards has a shiny new 4 seater chair lift. Not very exciting for the hardcore riders in Chamonix but good news for the beginners.
After some politically bullying and a bit of money being thrown around Les Houches is finally back on Chamonix Unlimited ski pass. If you havent skied in Les Houches then this is the year to check the famous Verte piste where the Kandahar world cup downhill is held and try a few of the quality mountain restaurants, without a doubt the best in the valley.
The top of the Bochard piste is being widened, anyone who as ever skied this run will know exactly how much this was needed.
Compagnie des Alpes, the main share holder in the Chamonix lifts company, decided to sell its share in Verbier ski area but were good enough to swing a deal, if you have an UNLIMITED pass this winter you can ski in Vebier Switzerland as well.
If you plan to holiday between 5 to 18 December 2009 and from 10 April to 9 May 2010 then the lift company are offering discounted lift passes up to 30% off.
To get you into winter there are 2 snow events coming up in London in the next few weeks.
Metro Ski & Snowboard Show
This long running annual event is a must visit for winter sports enthusiasts and this year for the first time in a few years Chamonix will have its own stand complete with après ski band and Chamonix brewed beer from MBC.
Where: Grand Hall, Olympia, London
When: Wednesday 21st to Sunday 25th Oct 2009
Times:
Wed 21st - 11am to 8:30pm
Thu 22nd - 11am to 9:30pm
Fri 23rd - 11am to 10:00pm
Sat 24th - 10am to 6:00pm
Sun 25th - 10am to 6:00pm
London Freeze
Billing itself as the UK's ultimate snow sports and music festival, an edgier, hipper kind of place to go and get in the mood for snow. If you prefer your music from a DJ and you think your bum crack showing is a must fashion statement then I reckon this is the event for you.
Where: Battersea Power Station, London
When: Friday 30th Oct to Sunday 30th Nov 2009
Times:
12pm to 10:30pm everyday
Ever fancied a go at biathlon? Well maybe not the drooling and passing out as you cross the finish line but the shooting with a bit of cross-country skiing is fun and you can now have a go in Chamonix.
Local biathlon team trainer Richard Etellin has decided to take it to the public and you can join in the fun, get a group of your mates together and spend an afternoon with Richard learning the finer points of shooting from skis. He has targets and rifles that shoot pellets and if you have children or you are not keen on shooting real guns then he has a laser target system as well.
View Richards biathlon page here.
Although it is still early days we are running a few deals for early January and one for Christmas week.
Arriving 19th December 09 for 7 nights
Chalet Bois -15% now 3185 Euros sleeps 8
Arriving 9th January 10 for 7 nights
Chalet Tetras -10% now 810 Euros
Periades -10% now 810 Euros
Lodge - 10% now 1350 Euros
Arriving Sunday 10th January for 4 nights
Clos 3 sleeps 8 now only 600 Euros
We have a wonderful new self catered apartment for this winter.
Le Chamouny is well located just a short minutes walk from town centre, 4 bedrooms sleeping 8, just refurbished and with great views.
Excellent for families or friends looking for quality affordable accommodation.
View Property Here
Our largest self catered property sleeping 12 in 5 bedrooms is currently undergoing a ground floor refurbishment with new kitchen, lounge area and cosy fire place being installed.
Perfected located, between Chamonix and Les Houches, to take advantage of all the lifts in the Chamonix valley. A firm favourite with our guests for a few years now; ideal for large groups looking for quality affordable accommodation in Chamonix.
Did I mention the sauna!
Check out the latest hybrid winter sports straight from the US. I am unsure if this will catch on anywhere outside of its home resort but stranger things have happened.
Be warned if you come across anyone Skootching then be kind to them, they probably need your help and they may be dangerous.
See the video below