La Tania Archives - Page 7 of 14

5 Reasons why we think we are the best ski company to work for.

Posted on October 1, 2015 by Jim Duncombe

5 Reasons why we think we are the best ski company to work for.

We have worked hard to establish our reputation in the ski industry as providers of excellent ski holidays over the last 25 years. We have many guest that comeback every year to ski with us because they like the way we do things. One thing that is very important to us is our staff. We know that we must have the best team every year to make sure we can provide the lovely ski holidays that we want to. This means making sure we have amazing and happy chalet hosts.

1. Staff Accommodation

Jim Duncombe used to specialise in seasonal recruitment and has worked for Natives.co.uk and other ski companies, we asked him for his thoughts on our accommodation. “Working with some of the big tour operators, I have seen a big variety of staff accommodation. I once even spent a season in a triple bunk. However I have to say that Alpine Action staff accommodation is some of the best I have ever seen and is often coveted by other resort staff.”

2. We are small and independent

Being small means that we can spend more time making sure our staff are looked after and have everything they need. It also means that we get to know all of our team well and can do as much as we can to support them and ensure they have a great season.

3. Experienced Management

All of our management team have done many ski seasons and have worked for Alpine Action for a long time. This means that we know what is needed to make the winter a great experience for our team. Ian our resort Director has lived in Meribel for over 20 years, this means that he knows a lot of people and is able to help our staff settle into their new home very easily. It also means that we have a great reputation and relationships with lots of companies in the resorts such as bars and hire shops.

4. Skiing and Snowboarding

Sometimes a week’s ski holiday isn’t long enough and that is probably why most of us go and do a ski season. Because all our management team are all passionate skiers or snowboarders we know that getting out on the mountain is a big part of being a seasonnaire. That is why we work hard to make sure you get as much time on the mountains as possible. We will even show you around so you know where the best runs are.

5. Having fun

There is nothing worse than a boring job. Some people often leave their boring jobs to come and do ski season. During the winter we will make sure you have a great time. First of all you can be sure that the rest of the resort staff will become your new best friends and some may even stay best friends for life. I have just been the best man at my friend’s wedding, we met on a ski season 10 years ago. We also organise parties, days out and socials all throughout the season.

For more information on working for Alpine Action and to find out about all the jobs that we have please go to our recruitment page.

Please note that we can only accept applications from EU Passport holders, resident in the UK and those with a UK National Insurance number.

Posted in Alpine Action, La Tania, Meribel | Tagged chalet host, recruitment, ski jobs, ski season

Where do ski instructors come from?

Posted on September 3, 2015 by Jim Duncombe

A ski instructor is a highly skilled, highly trained and highly qualified individual they don’t just get dropped of by the ski stork pre-packaged in their instructors uniform. To become an instructor the individual must be highly motivate and incredibly committed as the cost of the training can be similar to the costs of attending university and getting a degree. As we all know there are international qualifications and there is the “French” qualification. As many of us ski and have lessons in France we have written this guide on the difference between the two systems and the route an instructor takes.

Ski Instructors from Most of the World

It may seem an oversimplification to lump everyone together but in general the qualifications follow a standard structure such as in Canada and New Zealand but for ease we will look at the UK system. The British qualification comes from the British Association of Snowsports Instructors (BASI), and fortunately the qualification can be obtained in other country’s. Many ski instructors holding a BASI qualification will have gained their qualifications in Scotland or in a European ski resort with many wannabe instructors opting to spend whole season training on residential ski instructor courses with companies like Basecamp, who run theirs out of Meribel.

There are generally 4 levels of instructor qualification to obtain. It should be noted that each course requires a level of skiing competence to be accepted on to the program. Also each course covers elements of first aid and emergency procedure that is appropriate to level of instruction they will be qualified in.

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Photo from Basecampgroup.com

Level 1 – This can take three weeks and the end the instructor will be qualified to teach on indoor or dry slopes, children up to the age of 12 as part of a ski school as well as run ski racing training sessions for more serious skiers.

Level 2 – This is a 7 week course and as you can imagine requires more in-depth training and focuses more on technical aspects of ski racing as well as developing the skills of the instructors on piste coaching.

Level 3 – Is where it gets tough and moves in to international territory and the qualification needed can an be obtained from the ISIA . Before an instructor can move to level 3 they must have completed 200 hours of teaching, have a second language and passed a level 1 in a second discipline such as snowboarding. During the course they will have train in mountain safety, performance training and a common theory course and exam. All the hard work means that they can teach most mountain styles and techniques as well as being able to take clients off piste.

Level 4 – Requires a further 200 hours teaching and 6 days of ski touring achieved before they can start the course. They are also required to take the following: Euro Speed test, a written project, endless theory courses, Level 2 in a second discipline and be subjected to a interview. But all this hard work makes them able to teach anything to anyone and go anywhere on the mountain, the dream job.

Instructors are required to take a refresher courses every three years, to make sure they are up to date with safety, first aid and technique developments.

Photo from www.esf-meribel.com

Ski Instructors in France

Despite what your are lead to believe being an instructor in France isn’t exclusive to the French, it just requires a bit more work as they have a different route to become a ski instructor and is similar to the systems of Italy and Austria. In France a individual wanting to be a ski instructor must first get into a ski school registered to train, get a first aid certificate, complete a two week residential and pass the notorious Test Technique, which requires an instructor to complete a slalom course within a set time. This first step is the equivalent of Level 1 and the progress is very similar from there on with instructors to pass different levels of competence and complete 100’s of teaching hours to move up the qualifications. Once an Instrcutor has.reached the highest level then can then leave the umbrella of the ESF and set up independent ski schools such as Magic in Motion. It is possible for people from outside of France to enter the system at any stage but the Test Technique is an essential requirement as is speaking French.

This is just a summary of the levels of training an instructor has to go through just to make sure we aren’t dragging out inside edge when turning. If you are interested in finding out more about how people become ski instructors the take a look at these websites Basi.org.uk, Baseampgroup.com, isiaski.org and esf-uk.co.uk

Photo from www.magicfr.com

Posted in Alpine Action, La Tania, Meribel, Ski | Tagged ski instructor, ski lessons, ski school

New lift pass to cover 3 Valleys, Paradiski and the Espace Killy

Posted on August 19, 2015 by Jim Duncombe

The Alpine Legends Ski Area – One Pass to Rule Them All

Have you ever thought to yourself “there just isn’t enough skiing in the 3 Valleys”? If you have then you will be please to know that there is now going to be a new mega pass. This new pass, called the Alpine Legends pass, will cover some of the worlds legendary and iconic ski resorts and areas. The 6 day ski ticket will allow you unlimited skiing in all of the 3 Valleys areas, Méribel, La Tania, Courchevel and Val Thorens which are all impressive ski areas in there own right. The pass will also include Les Arcs and La Plagne which form the amazing Paradiski and if that isn’t enough Val d’Isere and Tignes are both included, which combined makes 1325 km of pistes to explore.

The Alpine Legends lift pass is expected to cost around €340 which is only €51 more than a 3 Valleys pass, so that means you get an extra 725 km for less than the price of day pass.

How to get about

If you are considering buying an Alpine Legends Ski Pass you will need to think about how you are going to commute around the areas as they are not all linked by lifts and runs.

Car: Probably the easiest of all the options is to do a self drive holiday or hire a car either at the airport or in resort, then you can just drive yourself around from resort to resort each day. All resorts have car parks close to the slops and many have free parking if you are on a budget.

Bus: All these resorts are linked by a bus service of sorts. You can get from the Three Valleys to the Paradiski via a bus from Le Praz in Courchevel to Bozel at the bottom of the valley where you will have to change and catch a second bus to the small resort of Champagny that is linked to La Plagne. We have done this route many times and you can read our experience here. If you wanted to catch public transport to and from one of the resorts in the Espace Killy you will have to make your way down to Bourg St Maurice, which you can do via the funicular in Les Arcs. From Bourg St Maurice you can get on the daily service to Val d’Isere or Tignes and will cost about €18 for a one way trip, timetables can be found at www.altibus.com.

Ski: It is possible to ski from Tignes to Les Arcs, but this is a serious mountain route and you would need to take an experienced guide with you.

Where to stay: Naturally we recommend staying in one of our ski chalet in La Tania or Méribel and either would make a great base for exploring the Alpine Legends ski area. Take a look at what have to offer.

Posted in La Tania, Meribel, Tips | Tagged alpine legends, Courchevel, lift pass, tignes, val disere, Val Thorens

Countdown to the Méribel ski season 2015

Posted on August 19, 2015 by Jim Duncombe

The countdown to start of the ski season in Méribel has begun!

Read on to find out about resort opening dates, lift pass prices, special offers on ski holidays in Méribel and La Tania and our chalets.

Méribel Ski Area Opening Dates 2015/16

5th December 2015 – 24th April 2016

Méribel Valley Lift Pass Prices 2015/16

Child 6 day pass : €194
Adult 6 day pass : €239 or €229 when booked through Alpine Action

Three Valley Lift Pass Prices 2015/16

Child 6 day pass : €234
Adult 6 day pass : €289 or €274 when booked through Alpine Action

La Tania / Courchevel Valley Lift Pass Prices 2015/16

Child 6 day pass : €196
Adult 6 day pass : €245 or €230 when booked through Alpine Action.

Special Offers : Méribel and La Tania

Click below to find out about all our special offers and last minute ski deals to Méribel and La Tania

Special Offers

Ski Chalets in Méribel and La Tania

Alpine Action has 10 chalets located throughout Méribel, take a look and see where they are located.

Méribel Chalet Locations

We also have 4 popular chalets located in the wonderful resort of La Tania, which is located in the Courchevel ski area.

La Tania Chalet Locations

Posted in La Tania, Meribel, Ski | Tagged countdown, liftpass, winter 15/16

Beer in the Alps

Posted on August 4, 2015 by Jim Duncombe

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“Have you tried the local brew Mützig, no one knows what strength it is but it will get you drunk?” is a phrase often heard in bars across the 3 Valleys. Sadly this isn’t always quite as true as we would like it to be. In this blog you will discover where Mützig is actually brewed, that there is two different Mützig brewed with different strengths and how to make the correct choice when ordering your pint. We will also introduce you to some other Alpine beers that you may want to try next time you are holidaying in Méribel.

The truth About Mützig!

If the definition of local beer is, brewed in the same country, then my local beer could be John Smiths. CAMRA, the dictators of UK ale standard, states that a beer is only deemed local if it is served within 30 miles of the brewery. The French Biére bores may have a different opinion to CAMRA but I expect they would agree that Mützig is as local to Méribel as Amstel and is actually owned by the same brewery. I say this with a heavy heart as I was once a believer in the myth that Mützig is a local brew and if I am honest I probably repeated the same information as everyone else as if I was an authority on the matter. The truth is that there is that Mützig is originally brewed in Alsace just down the road from Mutzig which is about 400 miles away from the 3 Valleys, however, Alsace is near to the ski resort of Des Bagenelles, (nope us neither) so it has some kind of ski pedigree. In 1987 Heinken bought Mützig and it is now brewed under licence in 6 countries and is the second most popular beer in Rwanda. So sadly Mützig it isn’t a local beer brewed in the alps just for the benefit of thirsty skiers.

The next thing you need to know is that there are two types of Mützing, there is standard Mützig and Mützig Old Larger. The standard one is 5.5% ABV, just like many other premium larger, and the Old Lager is 7.5% .So next time make sure you know which one your drinking before blaming it on the Mützig!

The 3 Valleys local Beer

There is now a true local option and it is called Biére des 3 Valleys and is brewed by Brasserie Alpine in the town of Moutiers which itself is located at the entrance to the 3 Valleys. It went on sale in bars across the ski area in 2014 and has been growing in popularity ever since. The owner is Nicolas Daniel and he originally worked for the local tourist office, after 20 years he went and trained in the art of brewing and returned to start making handcrafted bottle conditioned beer. The beer he makes is made using the mountain water of the 3 Valleys, which Daniels claims gives his beer a “power and freshness”. You can buy this brew in nearly all bars in La Tania and several in Méribel although none of the “British” bars are stocking it at the moment. Click here to find out where you can sample it.

If you want some more established local Ale you are not going to be in luck. Most small brewers of the area seem to center around the Chambery area and if you are interested in them then this article on justanotherbeerblog.com will excite you greatly.

Alepine beer

If beer is more a way of getting drunk to you than about locality then you could stick with the Mützig. But there is another beer that could soon to be in town looking to appeal to aprés ski market and it is the cleverly titled Alepine. You may cynically think that we only included this beer in the hope that they would send us some free tasters and the fact they invited us to a BBQ in Méribel, then you are probably correct. This beer is being brewed somewhere in Essex by what we guess is an ex-seasonnaire who is looking to make some good beer with an ethically driven company as well as getting some time on the mountains. Details are scarce and we couldn’t tell you if it tastes any good as we haven’t tried it, but it probably will. Rumor has it that there will be stocks hitting Meribel in October and lets hope they bring enough for our arrival in November. Keep an eye on our Facebook page and as soon as we have more details we will be posting them.

If you want book a real ale ski trip to the alps the give us a call on 01273 466535 or go to www.alpineaction.co.uk

This article was amended on the 14th of August after a Mr Richard Gill pointed out that we might have had a few to many Mützigz and go our facts wrong.

Posted in Alpine Action, La Tania, Meribel | Tagged ale, alps, beer, mutzig

Albert Action’s 2015 Winter Season

Posted on May 5, 2015 by Jim Duncombe

Albert Action’s 2015 Winter Season

This winter ski season was Albert Action’s first and what a great time he had. At the begin of your ski holiday Albert asked you to show him a good time and share your experiences on twitter using #AlbertAction, which you did.

This season Albert has been skiing and snowboarding all over the three valleys, he event went Heli skiing. Albert also got drunk, had some great chalet dinners, got lost and found. At one point it seems that Albert was so extreme that he had to got to hospital.

Albert would like to show his appreciation for the fun he had. So he is going to give a prize to the most liked photo in his Facebook album. CLICK TO VOTE

Posted in #albertaction, La Tania, Meribel | Tagged competition, Ski, win

How to tell if you are a ski geek

Posted on April 27, 2015 by Jim Duncombe

How to tell if you are a ski geek.*

*nb: In this article ski can be substituted for snowboard in most instances and as the ski v’s snowboard things is getting old we are just using the word ski because a). there are more skiers, and b). ski is a shorter word than snowboard. Any real ski geek may want to dispute this, please do so in the comments below.

Can you remember every ski holiday you have ever been on?

A true ski geek can remember more than if they just had a good time. They should be able to remember the exact dates, who went on holiday with them, which ski resort they went to, the flight times, the exchange rate at the time and the chalets hosts name.

Do you own your own skis?

Most experienced skiers will at the very least have their own boots, which is sensible and comfortable. But the true ski nerd will have their own pair of skis, preferably two, a set for normal conditions and a wide pair for powder days. They must also own a pair of ski poles.

Can you pack everything into your ski bag?

A proud ski geek should be able to proudly inform you that they can pack all they need for a ski holiday into their ski bag, thus making a saving on excess luggage. For extra kudos they should have a story about being told off by an airline for this, with the story concluding “anyway they let me on and they said don’t do it next time”.

Do you have a second “budget” ski holiday every year?

The best ski geeks will take a second ski holiday every year. However, this trip must be so cheap that it doesn’t sound any fun. The holiday must include some of the following; a coach trip from the UK with three or more stops: hostel style accommodation; two hour commute to the slopes each day; no free wine; other ski geeks; no eating out; hitch-hiking; homemade fondu; booking every aspect online separately.

Can you name every run in resort?

For most people a simple “I will meet you at the bottom of that run yesterday next to the bar we like” is all we need to arrange to meet up. For the ski nerd you must you use the piste name as well as give a recommended route and call each lift by name.

Have you ever been on a ski holiday on your own?

If you love skiing so much that you are prepared to leave your loved ones at home so that you can ski all day where you want and apres as late as you want, not get first lifts if you don’t want, drink as much at lunch as you want, then…. errm…. why don’t we all ski alone?

Do you have a collection of lift passes?

Most ski geeks will have at least one electronic lift pass in their wallet at all times. They will also have a collection of passes from all past ski trips. Attached to their ski trousers must be at least one day ticket from a snow dome or obscure ski resort. The older skier must also be able to produce a photo id ski pass from the good old days.

Is your facebook/twitter profile a picture of you skiing?

All true ski nerds live ski all year round on their social media pages. That is until they get married, then they will change their profile to a photo of them getting married, this will last a week then it will be back to a picture of them in hat and goggles, or of them getting some air, or a snow covered mountain range.

Have you ever had an argument about which is the best ski resort?

This is similar to an argument about which football team is better, the only difference here is that they will be using examples of black runs as opposed to formation strategy.

Why not unleash your inner ski geek and give us a call to discuss your next ski holiday 01273 466 535 or take a look at our chalets in Meribel and La Tania.

Posted in Alpine Action, Comment, Funny, La Tania, Meribel, Ski | Tagged Apres Ski, Courchevel, food, guides, holiday, hot tub, La Tania, Meribel, Ski, skiing, snowboard, snowboarding, three valleys

3 Valleys Snow Report – 29th March 2015

Posted on March 30, 2015 by Jim Duncombe

3 Valleys Snow Report – 29th March 2015

The report comes from our lovely La Tania Chalet hosts in Chalet Toubkal.

Here is a little update on the snow and weather conditions out here in the 3 Valleys. Over the last week we have had a mixture of snow and sunshine with snow even down to resort level in La Tania.

We started of with a few centimetres of snow on Saturday night which was followed by sunny spells up until Wednesday afternoon, then overnight there was another few centimetres of snow. This was followed by snow on Friday morning which gave way to sunshine in the afternoon and into Saturday, it was even cold enough on Saturday morning that the snow cannons where working down in La Tania.

The weather for the week ahead is promising with heavy snowfall on Sunday night at around 1700m and above which is forecasted to become lighter but continue for most of Monday and even Tuesday morning, then the sun is set to return for a couple of days before more snow at the end of the week!

The forecast is looking like it could be a snowy end to the season so even if your not out until the last week there should still be plenty of snow for everyone out here on a ski holiday enjoy.

Click here to book a ski holiday to Meribel or La Tania next winter.

Posted in Alpine Action, La Tania, Meribel, Snow Report | Tagged Apres Ski, Courchevel, holiday, La Tania, Meribel, Ski, skiing, snowboarding, three valleys

Three Valleys Snow Report – 22/3/15

Posted on March 23, 2015 by Jim Duncombe

Three Valleys Snow Report – 22/3/15

This weeks snow report is supplied by Pete and Karolina

It has been another sunny week here in the 3 Valleys. Up until Saturday 21st March when the weather took a slight change with cloud rolling in and snow arriving at about 1800 meters and above, unfortunately it came down as rain further down in resort.

The snow higher up has stayed well but below about 1700 meters has been a bit slushy and thin in places especially on the south and west facing slopes, there is still plenty of good skiing on pistes higher up the mountain.

Continue reading →

Posted in Alpine Action, AtoZ, La Tania, Meribel, Snow Report | Tagged Apres Ski, Courchevel, holiday, La Tania, Meribel, Ski, skiing, snow report, snowboarding, three valleys

Guests Tips – Making the most out of The 3 Vallées.

Posted on March 16, 2015 by Jim Duncombe

Guests Tips – Making the most out of The 3 Vallées

We asked our Facebook fans and guests how they make the most of a ski holiday in the 3 Valleys. The best tip won a helmet and a pair of goggles thanks to our friends at the Meribel North Face ski hire.

Winning Post – Jonny L Vacca – The more time you spend on lifts in 3vallees the better the run down! I find if I spend a lot of time getting lifts to the very peak I can have a 30 minute run down to the bottom with varying pistes and challenges!

Chelsea Taylor – Always have a hip flask!

Joe SirDrinksalot Walbyoff – Have a couple (or more) of drinks in pub le ski lodge down in La Tania!!

Ed Dalgleish – Mountain burger.

Sophie Milne – challenge yourself to the black mogel field just above the la follie douce, 8 mins, no one on the group falls that means a cheeky beer and boogie! If someone fails back up the chair! Great way to challenge yourselves! Val T!

Bradley Michael Wigglesworth – Don’t miss the last lift from Les Menuires to Val Thorens, did it 2 days on the trot!!!

Tony Smith – Having just come back from the 3 valleys yesterday, I’d say my top tip is get out there and enjoy yourself, if there’s someone in your group that wants to stay at the hotel bar then let them, get out on the first lift ski/board hard and go up on the last lift, make the most of it, there’s so much to see and you’ll be on your way home before you know it, but most importantly have some fun that’s what it’s all about.

Posted in Alpine Action, La Tania, Meribel, Tips | Tagged Apres Ski, Courchevel, facebook, holiday, La Tania, Meribel, mountain restaurants, Ski, skiing, snow report, snowboard, snowboarding, three valleys, Val Thorens

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