The Alpine Bake Off: Apple and Almond cake

As the season comes to an end we really are going to miss our Chalet cakes. There is nothing better than coming back from a day on the mountain to the smell of baking. A long standing Alpine Action favourite is our “Apple and Almond” cake. This mouth watering goodness has a crisp outside and soft spongy middle. It lasts for ages if stored in a cake tin and if you like it as much as we do, you can even heat it up and serve it with a little cream for dessert.

Apple and Almond Cake

Apple and Almond Cake: Chalet Chez Menor
By Chloe and Oscar, Chalet Chez Menor

Serves 10
Preparation time  10 minutes
Cooking time: 45 minutes

Ingredients:
50g of almond flakes (plus some extra for decoration)
2 apples
125g butter
1 tsp cinnamon
2 eggs
300g raising flour
200ml milk
pinch of salt
375g brown sugar
80g raisins
Icing sugar (optional for decoration)

Method:
1. Peel, core, and slice apples.
2. Sift flour, cinnamon, and salt into a bowl.
3. Stir in the brown sugar, raisins, eggs, almonds, melted butter, milk, and apples.
4. Mix until smooth and pour into a greased and floured cake tin.
5. Cook for 45 minutes in a moderate oven (180ºC).
6. Stick a knife in the centre of the cake to check it is done, it should come out clean when removed.
7. Decorate with Almond flakes and a light dusting of icing sugar, or with almond icing, like Carmen in Chalet Telekie.

by Carmen and Sam, in Chalet Telekie
By Carmen and Sam, Chalet Telekie
By Bee and Emma, Chalet Azalee
By Bee and Emma, Chalet Azalee
Easter Decorations, by Chloe and Oscar, Chalet Chez Menor`Easter Decorations, by Chloe and Oscar, Chalet Chez Menor
Easter Decorations, by Chloe and Oscar, Chalet Chez Menor

Weekly Snow Report and Events in the 3 Valleys

It is sad to say this is the final weekly snow report and events for Alpine Action Winter Ski Season 2016/17. The 3 Valleys teams have really worked their magic this season ensuring it is the BEST ski area in Europe. Their commitment to having more lifts and runs open than any other resort has delivered and even as we approach the end of very warm and sunny Spring like conditions, they continue to ensure we can access the best snow high up the mountain.

New additions to the 3 Valleys have made it not only the best place to ski but the best place to be!

Some of the more noticeable highlights have been; luxury picnic areas, wifi hot spots, selfie spots with the most amazing back drops, increased liberty free ride areas (allowing you a taste of off-piste skiing in a safe controlled area), amazing Snow park set ups attracting world famous freestyle Olympians and teams. Events such as; the Aerosnow show in Meribel, the Alpine Skiing Europa Cup, torch lit decent’s by local ski schools during school holidays, mega firework displays in Courchevel, ice car racing in Val Thorens, the piste bash festival in Meribel (music and comedy in the mountains) and Champagne Yoga brunches at La Folie Douce. If that wasn’t enough after being released back into the Alps over 10 years ago we are finally starting to see signs of European wolves living free in their natural habitat.

The season isn’t over yet, the next two weeks see skiing in Spring-like conditions, long lunches at sunny mountain restaurants and the annual Meribel Village Charity Day party. Head down to Meirbel Village on Wednesday afternoon and see an incredible line up of local and guest bands/DJ’s playing, hosted by Radio 1’s Jo Whiley.

The weather forecast this week is mainly sunny with some clouds today and Wednesday morning. The forecast for next week, will start of bright and sunny with some light snow showers Monday to Thursday with sunshine for the remainder of the week.

All 3 Valley links will remain open and the majority of pistes. Routes down to Meribel centre will be shut, but lifts will remain open to allow you access back down to the main lift area “La Chaudanne”. For lift and run openings check out this link and scroll down, to see live information: http://www.meribel.net/infos-pistes.html

Temperatures are staying mild with highs of 14 degrees and lows of 1 degree. The coldest wind chill is forecast at -3, freezing level is at 2700m for perfectly groomed pistes first thing in the morning!

 

Image from Snowforecast.com
Image from Snowforecast.com
Image from: LE Meteo France 7 day forecast
Image from: Le Meteo France 7 day forecast
Image from: LE Meteo France 14 day forecast
Image from: Le Meteo France 14 day forecast

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Meribel valley currently has a reading of 14cm of snow at resort level (1450m) and 157cm at Altitude (2700m).

The Courchevel valley currently has a reading of 73cm at resort level (1850m) and 163cm at Altitude (2700m).
Avalanche risk is 2 out of 5 today.

We want to keep you up to date with weekly events and happenings in the 3 valleys so here are some of the best bits to get you in the winter holiday spirit…

What’s on this week in Meribel

Monday 10th
Himalaya by night: night sledging 5:30pm – 7:30pm Meribel Mottaret

Tuesday 11th
Market day in Meribel centre.

Wednesday 12th
Ice Hockey at the Olympic Centre: 8:15-11pm
CHARITY DAY♫

Thursday 13th
Himalaya by night: night sledging 5:30pm – 7:30pm Meribel Mottaret

Friday 14th
Market day in Meribel centre

What’s on this week in La Tania

 

Availability

If all of this has got you yearning for your next ski holiday, get ahead of the game and give our office a call today. Reserve your week in one of our fabulous chalet for next season 2017/18.    www.alpineaction.co.uk

 


Weekly Snow Report and Events in the 3 Valleys

As the final week of the season gets nearer, the resort is winding down for a little “you time”, from the 1st of April to the 14th, Meribel is focusing on being “Zen” and what a way to do it…

“Zen Altitude” is a two week event in Meribel that you can get involved with. Think piste nap time, mountain Yoga, leisurely lunches, girl power freestyle days with local ski schools and Spa’s for relaxation and pampering with a mountain back drop. Anyone coming to resort this week and next, can get involved just sign up to any the activities scheduled in the “Zen Altitude” itinerary.

If you are less Zen and more adrenaline junkie there is still lots to do, snow conditions may appear Spring-like with lower slopes naturally fading as a result of warm temperatures, but above 1800m the snow conditions are still great! Pistes are quiet and sunshine is forecast nearly every day for the next week.  This is also prime-time for paraponting in the Alps. Light snow showers are expected  for Tuesday afternoon and Wednesday daytime. Sunshine for the rest of the week followed by more snow showers Monday to Wednesday next week.

Temperatures have slightly dropped this week with highs of 6 degrees and lows of – 2 degrees. The coldest wind chill is forecast at -5 allowing for the snow to re-freeze overnight for perfectly groomed pistes first thing in the morning!

Image from: Snowforecast.com
Image from: Snowforecast.com
Image from: Le Meteo France
Image from: Le Meteo France
Image from: Le Meteo France
Image from: Le Meteo France

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Meribel valley currently has a reading of 25cm of snow at resort level (1450m) and 158cm at Altitude (2700m).

The Courchevel valley currently has a reading of 73cm at resort level (1850m) and 161cm at Altitude (2700m).

Avalanche risk is 1 out of 5 today, as it is Spring off piste skiing is limited to areas only accessible by ski touring. If you fancy some Spring lines, contact the local Meribel and Courchevel Guides to get involved with beginner – advanced, off piste touring days and see what end of season conditions have to offer.

We want to keep you up to date with weekly events and happenings in the 3 valleys so here are some of the best bits to get you in the winter holiday spirit…

What’s on this week in Meribel

Monday 3rd
Folie Douce: Power Ranger Party, 12-5pm
Himalaya by night: night sledging 5:30pm – 7:30pm Meribel Mottaret
Live Music
Evolution: Mardy Johnny Depps – 10pm
Lodge Du Village: Alex Davies – 4pm

Tuesday 4th
Market day in Meribel centre.
Live Music
Jacks Bar: Daisy B – 5pm
Lodge du Village: Bring Your Sisters – 4:30pm
Evolution: Hobo Chic – 10pm

Wednesday 5th
Yoga retreat hour: La Folie Douce, Champagne Brunch, 10am register at auxalpes.com
Ice Hockey at the Olympic Centre: 8:15-11pm
Live Music
The Rond Point: Bubble & Crisp – 5pm
Lodge du Village: The leggomen – 4:30pm
Doron Pub: Wingmen – 11pm

Thursday 6th
Himalaya by night: night sledging 5:30pm – 7:30pm Meribel Mottaret
Olympic Centre Ice Rink: Black out party, 8-10pm
Live Music
Jacks Bar: Hobo Chic – 5pm
Lodge du Village: Sian Hayley Smith – 4:30pm

Friday 7th
Market day in Meribel centre
Live Music
Lodge du Village: The Mardy Jonny Deps – 4:30pm

What’s on this week in La Tania

Last minute availability
As the season comes to an end we have limited availability next week. Chalets Ecureil and Telekie in Meribel both have a few beds left if you fancy a break from rainy England. Alpine views, glorious sunshine, end of season parties and Spring skiing what is stopping you from a last minute ski holiday to the 3 Valleys?


Weekly Snow Report and Events in the 3 Valleys

Hello from a sunny 3 Valleys, the forecast is looking fabulous this week after 30cm of snow fell on Saturday night. Waking up on Sunday morning to a sunny Winter paradise was pretty special and I imagine a great day for any families celebrating Mother’s Day in the 3 Valleys.

We have an action packed week in Meribel with the start of the annual “Piste Bash Festival” bands from across the Alps perform in Meribel’s La Chaudanne and popular Apres bars.  Special offers are on all week in the bars and restaurants, purchase your wrist bands from Jacks bar or Lodge du Village in Meribel.

The forecast for the rest of the week is sunshine, until Friday where clouds will start to form and light snow is predicted for the weekend. Moving into next week we have Spring like conditions with sunshine from Tuesday onwards.

Image from: Snowforecast.com
Image from: Snowforecast.com
Image from: Le Meteo
Image from: Le Meteo, France 7 Days

 

Image from: Le Meteo
Image from: Le Meteo, France 14 Days

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Temperatures this week have highs of 6 degrees at 2000 meters and lows of -3 degrees. The coldest wind chill is forecast at -5 and freezing level is around 2000 meters.

The Meribel valley currently has a reading of 38cm of snow at resort level (1450m) and 182cm at Altitude (2700m).

The Courchevel valley currently has a reading of 86cm at resort level (1850m) and 181cm at Altitude (2700m).

Avalanche risk is 3 out of 5 today, however, with temperatures warming up off piste skiing is not recommended.

We want to keep you up to date with weekly events and happenings in the 3 valleys so here are some of the best bits to get you in the winter holiday spirit…

What’s on this week in Meribel

Live Music with the Piste Bash Festival

Tuesday 21st
Market day in Meribel centre.
DC Area 43: welcome drink and games 2-4pm

Wednesday 22nd
Ice Hockey at the Olympic Centre – 8:15-11pm

Thursday 23rd
Himalaya by night: night sledging 5:30pm – 7:30pm Meribel Mottaret
Tobogganing and mulled wine at La Chaudanne, 4:15pm
DC Area 43: Shoes hunt, find goodies hidden around the park and win them

Friday 24th
Market day in Meribel centre

What’s on this week in La Tania

 


Last minute availability

The recent dump of fresh snow, sunshine all week and a top-up forecast for the weekend it would be rude not to treat yourself to a last-minute holiday in the heart of the 3 Valleys. We have limited availability next week with a few beds available in the chocolate box Chalet Cote Coeur in La Tania. Chalet Alysson in Meribel has 2 beds available and Chalet Telekie in Meribel 1600 has returning hosts Carmen (Queen of baking) and Sam and is available next week. Click here to book or find out more:  https://www.alpineaction.co.uk/special-offers-last-minute.htm

 


How Green is Méribel

Find out how Méribel reduces its environmental impact

You may be surprised to discover that Méribel is, environmentally speaking, considered a very green ski resort. Unlike the green runs which only accounts for 9% of the resort’s pistes. The Ski Club of Great Britain has identified 7 initiatives that ski resorts should be implementing for it to be considered an environmental friendly ski resort.

Only 2 resorts in Europe have the full 7 in place, and only 11 in France are implementing 6 green initiatives. Méribel is one of the 11 and is well on the way to having all 7 initiatives in place, making it the greenest resort in the 3 Valleys, although Courchevel has more green runs.

green2

Why is Méribel so green

The resort, along with the whole of the 3 valleys, source the energy needed to power the lifts and cannons from renewable sources in the form of hydro electric dams that are located throughout the local area. Local water  is also used to create the snow made by the cannons and comes from the nearby Ariondaz dam.IMG_0301

Renewable energy

The ski area also uses solar energy to power all radio communications that keep the slopes safe and maintained. There are also plans to ensure the ice rink and swimming pool are powered by renewable energy.

As part of its green plan Méribel encourages people to walk. Which may seem a simple solution but it makes a big difference in reducing the traffic in the valleys villages. The town has invested lots of money into ensuring there are safe walkways and that they are maintained throughout the winter.

Where it is clear that walking would be a bit to much the resort lays on a free bus service at a cost of 1 Million euros per season but it helps to reduce the need for private cars and local emissions so it is a worth while investment. The resort also has a policy of free open air parking or affordable underground parking.

Rubbish and Recycling 

Litter has always been an issue in ski resorts and we have all heard stories about the amount of rubbish and cigarette butts that appear under chairlifts as the snow melts in the spring.

Méribel is very proactive in discouraging skiers and boarders from littering and educating them about the impact throwing rubbish of chairlifts has. Despite all this there still needs to be organised mountain cleans at the end of every season.

The town has always had a recycling policy, just ask your chalet host how much time they spend ensuring the waste that the chalet generates gets put into the correct bin.

Architecture

One of the joys of Méribel is the architecture. There are no hideous high-rises and modern monstrosities that you find in many nearby ski resorts, this is down to the strict 80 year old building code of the town

It was’t probably introduced for environmental reasons but the policy of only using stone, wood and slate for building as well as strict height restrictions has minimised the environmental impact the development of the resort had had on the mountain.

Can Méribel It be greener?

Of course it could be more environmentally friendly, which ski resort couldn’t be. However, Méribel is working towards it. They are close to complying with the ISO 14001 which is an international standard of environmental management. Take a look at the ISO website if you want to find out more about the ISO 14001, but in short it is good for our planet and good for Méribel.

If you want to book a ski holiday to one of Europe greenest ski resorts take a look at our chalets in Méribel.

 


Weekly Snow Report and Events in the 3 Valleys

We have been feeling hot, hot, hot, in the 3 valleys this week with glorious sunshine, blues skies and warmer temperatures. Spring is finally here, driving up the mountain towards resort, spring flowers are starting to dot the landscape and with snowy peaks and sunshine what better time of year to come for a sunny ski holiday?

There are some fun events happening in resort this week, with our good old friends Magic in Motion ski school entertaining us on Wednesday. Find an action packed day of Skiing, Freestyle, music, BBQ, water slide and prizes at the top of Rhodos lift, opposite the Rhodos restaurant, to experience “Magic D Freestyle Day” at the Magic garden. On Thursday you can catch the DC pro-freestyle snowboarders as they warm up for the “DC Area 43 Hit and Run” competition on Friday – an event not to be missed you can read more about DC Area 43 on our recent Freestyle blog post.

Weather and snow forecast for the next week is promising, with sunshine today followed by the cloud moving in on Tuesday afternoon and light snow showers continuing into the weekend. Next week the cloud will clear on Wednesday leaving sunshine for the rest of the week.

Temperatures this week have lowered with highs of 5 degrees at 2000 meters and lows of -4 degrees. The coldest wind chill is forecast at -8 and freezing level is around 2000 meters.

Image from: Snowforecast.com
Image from: Snowforecast.com
Image from: Le Meteo, France
Image from: Le Meteo, France (7 days)
Image from: Le Meteo France
Image from: Le Meteo France (14 days)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
The Meribel valley currently has a reading of 45cm of snow at resort level (1450m) and 173cm at Altitude (2700m).

The Courchevel valley currently has a reading of 99cm at resort level (1850m) and 175cm at Altitude (2700m).

Avalanche risk is 3 out of 5 today, however, with temperatures warming up off piste skiing is not recommended.

We want to keep you up to date with weekly events and happenings in the 3 valleys so here are some of the best bits to get you in the winter holiday spirit…

What’s on this week in Meribel

Monday 20th
Live Music
Evolution: Mardy Johnny Depps – 10pm
Lodge Du Village: Coco and the Butterfields – 4pm

Tuesday 21st
Market day in Meribel centre.
Live Music
Jacks Bar: Daisy B – 5pm
Lodge du Village: Bring Your Sisters – 4:30pm
Evolution: Hobo Chic – 10pm

Wednesday 22nd
Magic D Freestyle Day: Magic Garden, 11am – 4pm
Yoga retreat hour: La Folie Douce – 10 -11am register at auxalpes.com
Ice Hockey at the Olympic Centre – 8:15-11pm
Lodge DU Village: Comedy Night with Marcus Briggstock – 10pm
Live Music
The Rond Point: Norman J – 5pm
Lodge du Village: Bloc off the Wall – 4:30pm
Doron Pub: Wingmen 11pm

Thursday 23rd
Himalaya by night: night sledging 5:30pm – 7:30pm Meribel Mottaret
Tobogganing and mulled wine at La Chaudanne, 4:15pm
DC Are 43 Hit and Run warm up: 11am – 4pm
Live Music
Jacks Bar: Hobo Chic – 5pm
Lodge du Village: Sian Hayley Smith – 4pm

Friday 24th
DC Are 43 Hit and Run competition: 11am – 4pm
Market day in Meribel centre
Live Music
Lodge du Village: Electric Spank – 4pm

What’s on this week in La Tania

 

Last minute availability

Spring is now here and it would be rude not to treat yourself to a sunny holiday in the French Alps. Apres ski is in it’s prime this time of year, with special gigs and events to keep you entertained. Ski all morning, have a late lunch on a sunny terrace then party until the sun sets with a mountain backdrop. Check out our latest offers for last minute chalet holidays in Meribel and La Taniahttps://www.alpineaction.co.uk/special-offers-last-minute.htm

 


FIRST SKI HOLIDAY WITH CHILDREN : PART 4 – The best holiday ever

Why our first ski trip was the best holiday.

I recently spoke to someone who had read the first few of my blogs about taking the family skiing. They told me that I had made it sound a bit stressful. Maybe they were referring to part 1 where we missed the flight , maybe it was the daily dash to ski school or it could have been the restaurant experience.

I would like to reassure everyone that we really did have a wonderful time on our ski holiday to Méribel. So much so that we have booked another ski holiday in spring, only this time we are driving.

Read about the rest of the trip
Part 1 : Part 2 : Part 3

I can truly say that it was the best family holiday we have been on so far.

Everyone had a lot of fun and it has been the topic of conversation since. I often have this conversation with the youngest who didn’t even really get to ski, “Go skiing now daddy?”… “ermm, no, we’re going to nursery”… “awwwww. Wanna go skiing”. Which is both very pleasing and irritating in equal measure.

When I questioned my 4 year old on the best thing she has ever done the answer was “skiing”, although when the same question was put to her by Grandma the response was “helping you plant flowers”.

 

Why was it so good?

Being proud is an important part of being a parent and there are many moments that will bring out that feeling, such as the first time they sleep through the night, writing their name or getting good exam results.

But none of that comes close to the selfish feeling of pride when they show a glimpse of interest in a passion of yours. I felt that on the the first day of Ski School when she was excited about going, then displayed as much skill as a 4 year old can when pointed down a hill on skies for the first time. Crucially she wanted to do it again and again. It was a very proud moment.

Another moment of family bliss came when we all sat down in a bar in Méribel Centre and all enjoyed a hot chocolate after spending the afternoon on beginner slope. The time was spent being shown what was learned at ski school, sledging and general sliding about. The sun moved on and we started to feel a bit tired and chilly. We head for Evolution and all sat down with our drink and a collective feeling of contentment. Once the warmth had returned to our extremities and the sugar rush has started to kick in, we were back out on the slopes earning our next moment.

I spent many years working in the Alps, single and childless, watching families get ready for the slopes. It always looked hard work and far from relaxing. I always assumed that stress would follow them around the mountain. But once out the door the pace changes, family life slows down and unlike many holidays you work as a unit, sharing a joy in the same pursuit.

Within a few days you settle into a routine and have learnt to be prepared to leave the chalet in time for ski school in an efficient manner that still eludes you at home when trying to get to work via school/nursery. But that’s probably because you don’t really want to go to work.

There were many firsts on this trip. The one I will remember the most was at 6am on the first morning. We were all awake and discovered that it had snowed. Understandably they were very excited.  I opened the door just enough to peer out. As it turns out it was also just enough for the children to squeeze past. And so their first introduction to fresh snow was barefoot in pyjamas being chased by parents, similarly dressed, shouting warnings about the dangers of frostbite.

The future bond

As a ski trip is unlike many other types of holidays it develops a special place on the Family calendar. I have noticed that the family ski trip lasts well past leaving home and for many becomes as important as birthdays and Christmas, as an occasion to get together. I think it is because it is a shared passion and everyone can sit round the chalet dining table at the end of the day and share their stories. Or it could just be that the parents are paying and you can’t turn down a ski holiday.

Read about the rest of the trip
Part 1 : Part 2 : Part 3


If you are looking to book a holiday for your family, young or old, then give us a call and chat about your next trip – tel:01273466535


Weekly Snow Report and Events in the 3 Valleys

The Alps is basking in glorious sunshine at the moment, after intense weather conditions last week it is a warming change. In the departures lounge at Grenoble Airport guests were rocking out their goggle tans after a sunny ending to their Chalet holiday.

This week sunshine and blue skies are forecast every day! Lunching on a sunny terrace with a view of the snowy mountains, Apres at the Rond Point and La Folie Douce will be divine in these Spring conditions. Moving into next week we have a mix of colder temperatures, sunshine and light snow showers.

As Spring skiing slowly moves in, temperatures are rising in the 3 Valleys with highs of 10 degrees and lows of 0 degrees. The coldest wind chill is forecast at -2 which is a lot warmer than last week’s -16!

Image from: Snowforecast.com
Image from: Snowforecast.com
Image from: Le Meteo France
Image from: Le Meteo France 7 day forecast
Image from: Le Meteo France
Image from: Le Meteo France 14 day forecast

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Meribel valley currently has a reading of 65cm of snow at resort level (1450m) and 195cm at Altitude (2700m).

The Courchevel valley currently has a reading of 114cm at resort level (1850m) and 174cm at Altitude (2700m).

Avalanche risk is 2 out of 5 today, however, with temperatures warming up the snow pack is loose and it is strongly recommended not to go off piste unless you are with a guide.

Don’t miss out on our latest offers, blog and snow reports

We want to keep you up to date with weekly events and happenings in the 3 valleys so here are some of the best bits to get you in the winter holiday spirit…

What’s on this week in Meribel

Monday 13th
Live Music
Jacks Bar: Jay Tamkin – 5pm
Evolution: Mardy Johnny Depps – 10pm
Lodge Du Village: Alex Davies – 4pm

Tuesday 14th 
Market day in Meribel centre.
Live Music
Jacks Bar: Daisy B – 5pm
Lodge du Village: Bring Your Sisters – 4:30pm
Evolution: Hobo Chic – 10pm
Doron Pub: The Slopes – 11pm
O’Sullivans: Bring Your Sisters – 12:30am

Wednesday 15th
Yoga retreat hour: La Folie Douce – 10-11am register at auxalpes.com
Ice Hockey at the Olympic Centre: Meribel vs Chamonix, 8:15-11pm
Live Music
Jacks Bar: The Maps – 6pm
The Rond Point: Bubble & Crisp – 5pm
Lodge du Village: Mr Clean – 4:30pm
Doron Pub: Wingmen 11pm

Thursday 16th
Live Music
Jacks Bar: Hobo Chic – 5pm
Doron Pub: Gareth & Westy – 11pm
Tav: Bubble & Crisp, 10pm
Mountain Movers, O’Sullivans: Dub Pistols Sound System – 12:30am
Lodge du Village: Two Par Cajon – 4pm, Bandeoke with Mikey Gray – 10pm

Friday 17th
St Patrick’s Day
Market day in Meribel centre
Giant Slalom: with ESF ski school, Meribel Mottaret – 1pm
Live Music
Lodge du Village: Coco & the Butterfields does St Patrick’s day – 4pm

What’s on this week in La Tania

 

Last minute availability

The sunshine is here to stay, why not treat yourself to a last minute holiday in the spectacular French Alps? Ski all morning, lunch on a sunny terrace overlooking the snowy mountains, dance on the tables at La Folie Douce, soak in a hot tub back at your beautiful chalet… it’s not a dream. Take a look at our latest offers to see what availability we have left for the rest of the Winter Season.

CLICK HERE: https://www.alpineaction.co.uk/special-offers-last-minute.htm

 

 

 


How to beat the post ski holiday blues

Guide: How to beat the end of ski trip blues

After a great week of skiing, delicious food in your catered chalet and little bit of aprés it is hard not to feel a little blue on the run back to the airport. There isn’t a 100% cure to the glumness inside but there are ways you can make yourself feel a bit better…

Talk about buying a place in the alps

“Maybe we should all chip in and buy a place in the alps” is how the conversation starts. You all know deep down that it won’t actually happen but that doesn’t stop anyone. Before the coach has arrived at the airport you have started a WhatsApp group and are sharing links to wildly unaffordable properties. One member of the group provides a spreadsheet breaking down costs that unlike your home has zero outgoings. In the arrivals hall while waiting for your luggage you all agree to look at how much you can afford to “put in” and promise to meet up soon to discuss it. You all leave happy and dreaming about the chalet you will never buy.

Consider a job as a chalet host

To avoid the post-ski holiday blues you could look into getting a job in the Alps next winter. Start by asking your host/driver/rep on that last day if they are enjoying their season. Undoubtedly they will say yes and stir up your desire even more. You can then spend the next few days after your trip applying for jobs and imagining how good you will be at skiing by the end of next season.

Book your next ski holiday

Beating the blues is all about having the next thing to look forward to. If you are out early in the season you could always book another ski holiday that season. Or you can start planning next winter’s ski trip and maybe go all out and put the deposit down. As they say booking a holiday is almost as exciting as going on one. It is worth noting that booking a ski holiday a season in advance can often be cheaper as many tour operators will honour the current season price.

Concoct an epic ski trip

Why stop at dreaming about your next ski holiday. Why not plan an epic snow chasing adventure like Travis Rice in The Fourth Phase in an attempt to abolish the sadness. You could keep it local and plan to ride every dry slope in the UK. Or maybe dream of riding a mountain on every continent, just imagine ticking off Antartica.

Buy some new ski kit.

For instant gratification get online and buy some stuff. During your holiday you will have decided that something needs replacing, maybe your jacket is a bit drafty or your goggles are scratched. It could be that you are still skiing in rear entry boots. A post ski holiday spending binge is the perfect way to cheer yourself up. Plus you get the 2nd tier of excitement when they arrive in the post and a 3rd wave of joy when after 10 months of never actually using whatever you ordered you discover it just before your next trip.

Start eating mountain style at home

They say food invokes memories so why not spend the week after your trip trying to recreate that meal you fell in love with that your chalet host cooked. Or maybe if you want more cheese and cream google a recipe for Tartiflette and indulge in some traditional Savoie food. You could even dig out the fondue kit that you found in the house when you moved in. Then get the ingredient from the supermarket and invite some friends round to indulge in melted fromage and ski stories.

Watch a ski or snowboard movie

Your final option is to wallow a bit longer, pull on your PJ’s, crack open a bottle of wine and stick a pizza in the oven. Then choose your favourite winter sports movie, snuggle up on the sofa, reminisce about the fun you had during your trip and dream of next time.


If you need some help getting over this year’s trip by planning for next year then take a look at our catered ski chalets in  Méribel. Or give us a call on 01273 977677.

Don’t miss out on our latest offers, blog and snow reports


Weekly Snow Report and Events in the 3 Valleys

Happy Monday from a Winter paradise in Meribel and La Tania! The snow just keeps on coming in the 3 Valleys and we are ecstatic. Heavy snowfall has been non-stop since last night and is forecast to continue well into Tuesday. The skiing footage on this weeks video report was taken on Sunday (5th March) between 11am-1:30pm… O how the weather has changed! Nearly half a meter of snow has fallen and who can blame us for feeling like children on Christmas morning!

Snow and weather breakdown

The weather forecast is looking fabulous with heavy snow today and tomorrow. The sun will be beaming down Wednesday through to Friday, followed by snow again early next week and sunshine towards the end of the week.

Credit to: Snowforecast.com
Credit to: Snowforecast.com
Credit to: Le Meteo, France
Credit to: Le Meteo, France
Credit to: Le Meteo, France
Credit to: Le Meteo, France

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Temperatures are looking promising over the next 7 days with highs of 6 degrees and lows of -10 degrees. The coldest wind chill is forecast at -19 on Tuesday evening… brrr chilly!

The Meribel valley currently has a reading of 65cm of snow at resort level (1450m) and 158cm at Altitude (2700m).

The Courchevel valley currently has a reading of 102cm at resort level (1850m) and 158cm at Altitude (2700m).

Avalanche risk is 4 out of 5 today, with this huge dump of snow we advise to not go off piste unless you are with a qualified guide.

We want to keep you up to date with weekly events and happenings in the 3 valleys so here are some of the best bits to get you in the winter holiday spirit…

What’s on this week in Meribel

Monday 6th March
Snowmobile circuit for children: Meribel Mottaret, 10 euros for 12 mins.
Live Music
Evolution: Mardy Johnny Depps – 10pm

Tuesday 7th March
Market day in Meribel centre.
DC Area 43: welcome drink and games, opportunity to win prizes, 2-4pm.
Live Music
Jacks Bar: Daisy B & Tom – 5pm
Lodge du Village: Bring Your Sisters – 4:30pm

Wednesday 8th March
Ice Hockey at the Olympic Centre: 8:15-11pm
Sheride Sessions: A girls shred day with lessons, BBQ and mini jam sessions, 25 euros, 10am-4pm.
Lodge Du Village: Village Fete: stalls, ski test, raffle and BBQ, 2pm-late.
Live Music
Jacks Bar: The Mardy Johnny Depps, Wingmen, Maps and Jass, 5-8:30pm.
Lodge Du Village: Alex Davies: 4pm & DJ Danz 7pm
The Rond Point: Bubble & Crisp – 5pm
Doron Pub: Wingmen 11pm

Thursday 9th March
Le Clos Bernard by Night: Mountain restaurant in the woods, 7:30pm – 12am.
Live Music
Jacks Bar: Hobo Chic – 5pm
Lodge Du Village: Rob Cross, 4pm.

Friday 10th March
Market day in Meribel centre
Giant Slalom with ESF ski school: Stade de l’Aigle, Meribel Mottaret, 1pm.
Live Music
Jacks Bar: Mikey Gray, 5pm.
Lodge Du Village: The Slopes, 4pm.

What’s on this week in La Tania

Last minute availability

With snow and weather conditions this good who wouldn’t want to book a last minute holiday to the French Alps? Check out our offers page for Chalet availability. We have three Meribel Chalets with limited spaces from the 25th March… it’s never to late to book.