Newsletter

Contact

Login

01273 977 677

Tag Archives: Ski

3 Valleys Snow Report – 9th February 2015

Posted on by

IMG_08723 Valleys Snow Report – 9th February 2015

What a week we have had out here in the 3 Valleys it has snowed so much over the last weekend that we nearly lost our snow-o-meter! Since then the temperatures have been really cold which means the snow has stayed and turned the whole area in to a winter haven.

The pistes are in a really good condition with some soft snow on top of the mountain and a really good base layer which makes for great skiing. The weather is set to stay cold for the next week but with plenty of sunshine and even possible snow showers towards the end of the week heading into the weekend.

The on piste skiing should be near on perfect this week with the clear blue sky’s and freshly bashed pistes. If your out here this week don’t forget to put your sun tan cream or you could be going home with a nice goggle tan!

We are really enjoying the season so far and we are only half way though! We have had lots of fantastic guest staying with us and we can’t wait to meet some more. If you haven’t booked yet and are thinking of a ski holiday come out and see us here in Meribel and La Tania, we still have space’s in our chalets for March and April so come and join us after the February rush.

Posted in Alpine Action, Live Blog, Meribel, Snow Report | Tagged , , , , , , , , ,

3 Valleys Snow Report – 30/1/15

Posted on by

FotorCreated3 Valleys Snow Report – 30/2/15

By Pete & Karolina

It has been a snowing all week here in the 3 Valleys, we started off with a couple of centimetres of snow on Saturday night and then about 10 centimetres on Monday night and into Tuesday. We woke up on Thursday morning to a similar amount of snow and it is still snowing now as I pen this. It is set to continue snowing on Sunday with the heaviest snow falling on Thursday night. 

It has been cold this week and with the fresh snow the slopes have remained in good condition and are improving as the grooming team work their magic. The forecasters are saying that next week the snow is due to return on Tuesday and the temperatures are set to stay low. 

I think we will have to get a prediction from the guys at cab9 snowboarding more often as they said it would snow most of this week and it has! The skiing and snowboarding conditions are improving everyday and with the amount falling at the moment it’s looking good for skiing this half term week!

We are heading out nearly everyday to the slopes to get some footage of what the snow is like for you (I know, it’s a hard job! ;)) So check us out on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, get that tingly feeling in your feet and then come out and stay with us here inMeribel!

Posted in Alpine Action, La Tania, Meribel, Snow Report | Tagged , , , , , , , , ,

How to watch The Jump and Ski Sunday

Posted on by

ski03How to watch The Jump and Ski Sunday

For many of us Ski Sunday and The Jump will be our window to the Alps, when we are not on our annual ski holiday. So lets make the most of them and watch like we really can’t wait for our next fix of snow.

Turn the Volume up!
The theme tune to Ski Sunday is arguably the best bit so turn the start of it up and imagine your racing through a tree run that is knee deep with fresh powder.

Get Dresses Up
Your ski outfit is like a wedding dress and only gets worn once a year (or is that just my wife?). Get the most out of your salopettes, goggles, etc and put them on when watching Ski Sunday or The Jump.

Make Your Sofa Into a Chairlift
Find a scaffolding pole and rest it across the arms of your settee and lock the whole family in for the show. Make sure the bar isn’t lifted until the end credits. For added realism watch the program on iPlayer and when it buffers pretend the lift has stopped.

Invite a foreign national of your choice.
Preferably invite an Austrian or French person and ask them to adhere to out of date cultural stereotypes and make small talk in your appalling accent and pigeon secondary school foreign language.

Get Drunk
Stock your fridge with Jagermeister, Red Bull, Toffee vodka and Larger and get drunk like you’re at an apres ski bar. This means drinking your normal Friday night out in two hours, for added realism be late for dinner.

Big Yourself Up
Both these programs provide you with the perfect opportunity to criticise other people’s technique while bigging up you own prouesse on skis or a snowboard. Why not go the whole hog and strap in at the top of your stairs then sideslip the whole case.

Post it on Facebook.
Make sure you take lots of photos and post them to your social media accounts to make your friends jealous of the excellent time you are having. Then make sure you pay your mobile phone provide double the amount next month to simulate data roaming charges.

If this too much for you then why not book an actual ski holiday.

Posted in Alpine Action, Tips | Tagged , , , , , , ,

Boot Room Etiquette

Posted on by

Boot Room Etiquettealpine action chalet holiday boot room

Boot Rooms can be a confusing place and it is hard to know what the rules are. To help you here is our guide to using a boot room and not making a fool of yourself.

  1. Always put your skis back in the same slot. This is super helpful if you have identical hire skis.
  2. Keep a pair of indoor shows in the boot room. At the end of the day the floor can get a bit wet and enjoying your afternoon tea cake is no fun if your socks are wet.
  3. Make space. if you are dressed and have all your kit on make a move outside if possible.
  4. Don’t leave your coats in the boot room hang them up in the cloakroom.
  5. If trays are provided for your equipment then pop them in. It will keep the floor dryer and help with number 2.
  6. Make sure you take advantage of the boot warmer and if you are staying in a chalet without a diligent host then make sure you turn it on to avoid the disappointment in the morning.
  7. The boot warmer is for boots, not gloves.
  8. Leave your poles with your skis. There is nothing worse than getting to the top of the hill with a childs set of sticks.
  9. Before entering the boot room check you have your ski pass. Scenario one is you have to take your boots of an go back in for it, scenario two means making your freinds wait at the bottom of the lift as you go back to the chalet, take off your boots and get it.
  10. Don’t sleep in the boot room if you can’t remember the code to get in, it is the coldest place in the chalet.

To book a chalet with a great boot room take a look at our chalets in Meribel and LaTania.

Posted in Alpine Action, Tips | Tagged , , , , , , ,

3 Valleys snow report 16th January 2015

Posted on by

3 Valleys snow report 16th January 2015 

This weeks snow report comes from the team in Chalet Toubkal 2 in La Tania

FotorCreated

Peter and Karolina filed the below snow report on the 16th of January. That very night this happened…… click here to see lots of snow!

Snow Report 

This week it’s been a bit of a mixed bag weather-wise in the 3 Valleys. Sunday morning started with heavy rain in resort which luckily turned into snow before noon. Unfortunately the temperatures went up later on which as you can imagine had stopped the snow from settling on the lower slopes. However, on Tuesday and Wednesday we had more mild snowfall which freshened the runs and made for better skiing.

The best snow conditions are still higher up the mountain and on the runs that have snow cannons. All the resorts can be skied back to on open runs, in La Tania the Plan Fontaine has opened so there is now a green and blue run down to the town. However some brave or crazy, I’m not quite sure, I’m one of them, take also the still closed red run down to the La Tania bubble.

The best news is that we are expecting a drop in temperatures on Friday with a significant amount of snowfall coming on Friday afternoon into Saturday morning. The cold weather is set to stay for the rest of next week with more snow on its way later on in the week!!! Sounds like the best week so far!!

The snow that we had during the week has helped a lot to keep the pistes open and skiable. With the cold weather returning and snow at the end of this week and into next, the runs will get the kick start they need to turn the ‘OK’ conditions into ‘WOOOO YAAAAAYYYY’ conditions.

We hope to see you out here soon!!

Click here to see all our chalets in Meribel.

FotorCreated1

Posted in Alpine Action, La Tania, Meribel, Snow Report | Tagged , , , , , , ,

3 Valleys snow report 9th January 2015

Posted on by

 

3 VaA day in Meribel and La Tania. Alpine Action ski holidays. lleys snow report 9th January 2015

This is Pete’s snow report for the week. If you want to find out more about Pete take a look at his profile page. 

There has been lots of beautiful sunshine and cold temperatures 🙂

After the snow fall just before the New Year it’s been another beautiful week here in the 3 Valleys!! We have had pretty much wall to wall sunshine with cold temperatures since then with a few more centimetres of snow higher up the mountain early in the week.

VIDEO SNOW REPORT

The snow conditions are good from about 1800 meters and above, the temperatures have been sub zero and the snow cannons have been working well to keep the pistes in good order. It’s true, below 1800 meters the slopes are not in such good condition however the Folyères run to La Tania has been kept well thanks to the snow cannons being on and also the shade from the trees help keep the piste in good condition. The runs back into Meribel and Meribel Village are also open so skiing back to resort is not a problem.

The weather forecast for the next week looks much the same, with cold temperatures and sunshine. Apart from Sunday when we are expecting snow!!! There is also a possibility of more snow later on in the week for which we are keeping our fingers crossed!

Overall, there is some good skiing to be had higher up the mountain and with snow forecast for Sunday next week looks like it will be a good one here in the 3 Valleys.

If you want to book a holiday to Meribel or La Tania take a look at our website or call us on 01237 466 535.

 

Posted in Alpine Action, La Tania, Meribel, Ski, Snow Report | Tagged , , , , , , , , ,

What’s on in Meribel and La Tania – January 2015

Posted on by

What’s on in Meribel and La Tania – January 2015

There are always great things going on in the resorts of La Tania and Meribel. You will find that there are great bands and promo nights on all the time. Your chalet host and our resort reps will be able to tell you what is going on every day. However, there are some great events on in January you may not want to miss. Here is a list of events in January that are worth looking at.

5th to 8th January – Inuit Adventures 

The Meribel Altiport area has gone all Arctic this season! It is holding a variety of free events that will make you feel as if you are a real Inuit. The main attraction is ice fishing.

6th January – Russian Christmas

A large number of Russians are now holiday in the Three Valleys, we even have quite a few come and stay in our Alpine Action Chalets. This is great news for Christmas lovers as the Russians don’t get around to celebrating it until the 6th of January and it is well and truly embraced in Meribel!

17th January  – Moguls Competition

Want to feel inferior about your technique and ability to tackle small bumps on the piste? Then head up to Motteret and watch the French Freestyle Mogul Cup. It is even more impressive than watching it on the telly. Find out more.

18th January – Colour me Rad

We spotted this event thanks to Merinet. It is a charity fun run where you get a variety of colours thrown at you as you run. Start out in a white running kit and finish in either a vibrant rainbow of color or a sort of brown purple. It is only 5km up the mountain and there is a party at the end! Go on have a go!

20th Jan Meribel v’s Courchevel Hockey

During the season there are quite a few Hockey matches but this is a big one, Courchevel against Meribel. This is quite a grudge match, I remember watching these two battle it out at the Courchevel rink a few years back and it was brutally exciting. I didn’t really understand what was going on but it was exciting nonetheless. This event is held at the Meribel Olympic Ice Rink and is only €5 per adult.

Jan 26th – Australia Day

It seems that it isn’t only the Russians that have brought their traditions to the Alps, the Australians have too. Expect drunken people called Tad and Jason to run around bars drinking Fosters dancing to Men At Work covers and wearing beanie hats with chalet wine corks hanging from them.

Posted in Alpine Action, La Tania, Meribel, Whats On | Tagged , , , , , , , , , ,

A ski holiday with children is easy if you use a Nanny service

Posted on by

A ski holiday with children is easy if you use a Nanny service

This blog post is by Nicole Wallbank from Meribel Nanny Services 

nanny childcare ski school meribelA day with a nanny!

You’re looking at all the things ready to put in your suitcases and wondering, how is it going to fit? And have I got everything? Going skiing with your children is a great holiday but there’s a lot of organising to be done before and after you arrive which can feel overwhelming………..

Cue your private ski nanny, she knows what the children need for the day ahead, how to get their ski boots on, where ski school drop off is, the best places to take the children to lunch and the best places for snowman building and sledging.

Having a flexible private nanny for the week can mean you really can just ski, relax and enjoy your stress free holiday.

What does the nanny actually do with the children all day?

The first day is the most hectic.Your nanny will swoop in early to make sure she has all the correct details, which of course she does as you have spoken to the childcare manager before your arrival and the nanny has even bought a toy box with lots of amazing toys, including a mass of train track pieces which you had put on your information form as a favourite toy of your sons.

Knowing there is a toy box at your chalet for the week has meant that you haven’t had to bring a whole suitcase just full of toys!

meribel la tania ski school childcareSki School

Ski school starts at 9:15 and the nanny has let you know it is best to get there for 9am on the first day to find the right class and settle the older children in. She starts to help get the children ready which is great as you also have to get ready yourself and you haven’t got a clue where your ski pants and helmet are.

She goes through the check list, thermals, fleece, ski socks, ski pants, waterproof mittens, sun cream, snood, coat, helmet and boots and ski’s oooops and not to forget a snack in their pocket plus 5 euros for a drink and that’s the children ready.

The children are in the car and ready to go as the grown up’s collect their last bits together and off we go.

Its half term and ski school can be really busy but the nanny knows exactly where to go and who to speak to, to find out who the children’s instructors are. The older two are happy to go off with their instructor but little Jack is only 4 and has never skied before. He is feeling a bit shy and unsure but the nanny reassures him and tells him she will stay with him during his lesson then after they can go for a play in the snow together.

This cheers him up and off they all go with the instructor leaving mum and dad to head to the chairlift for their first day skiing relaxed and sure that their children are in safe hands.

Once little Jack is finished his first ski lesson he and the nanny go off to do a bit of sledging, go for a play at the park and for a Crepe then at 1:15 go to pick up his older brother and sister from their lessons and get the bus back to the chalet.

Mum and Dad give the nanny a quick call to see how everything is and all the children are fine and happy.

They have a nice warm pasta lunch and build a town with a gigantic train track running through and around it a game of hide and seek before colouring a picture to stick in their holiday diaries.

Then it’s time to pop on all their layers and ski clothes and head out to play in the snow, building snow castles and a snowman the size of Jack.

Meanwhile mum and dad have had a great ski a lovely lunch and have come back to very happy busy children, a warm cup of tea and a lovely afternoon tea cake while their chalet hosts get dinner ready….. A very relaxing first day of skiing.

 Take a look at the childcare and nanny services that we recommend in Meribel and La Tania.

Posted in Alpine Action, Ski | Tagged , , , , , , , ,

Who we would like to see on the next season of The Jump

Posted on by

Who we would like to see on the next season of The Jump

Channel 4’s The Jump is set to return to our screens this winter. The Jump is a TV competition where celebrities spend a week in the mountains injuring themselves while attempting various winter based activities, just like the Winter Olympics. The winner is the person who manages to complete the week without hurting themselves, not quite like the Winter Olympics. As the name suggest there is a ski jump, this forms the premise of the live show, where the two famous people that either didn’t injure themselves or performed worst in the days activity, have to go down the jump to stay in the competition. There is probably a judge and a public vote but if I am honest I can’t remember.

channel 4 the jump

Last year it was won by a celebrity that is a celebrity because he won a make me a celebrity competition in the past. Other famous faces were Marcus Brigstocke, Sinitta, an Orange Woman from Chelsea and Sir Steve Redgrave. The show was hosted by Davina and Alex Brooker with support from Graham Bell and Amy Williams.

Wikipedia FACT :- The show’s working title was The Alpine Games.It was initially taken to ITV in 2012, but was declined after it was deemed “too dangerous” by chiefs.

We loved the show so much last year that we live blogged most of the episodes.

We can’t wait for it to return and here is who we would like to see compete this winter season.

Timmy Mallet

Mr Mallet is a ski fan. I known this as he regularly stays with a friends rival ski chalet company. He also likes to paint ski scenes, which you can see on his brilliantly title website MalletsPallet.

Prince Charles

We all know HRH loves to ski, we also know that he hasn’t changed his ski outfit since the 80’s, meaning he will fit right in.

Eve Muirhead

She was on our TV twenty four seven during Sochi 2014, as she skippered the GB Curling team to a bronze medal. We don’t know if she has ever skied before but her experience on the Ice means she could secure The Jump gold.

Boris Johnson

It would just be great to see him hurt himself.

Me

I, Jim Duncombe, who is not famous, would love a go at all the sports in show, pick me Channel 4, pick me!

Clare Balding

I once saw Clare in a bar in Meribel, so she must like skiing. Book her Channel 4 just for that reason.

 

P.S

We would also like to see the show moved to Meribel, they could even stay in one of our chalets.

Article by Jim Duncombe

 

Posted in Alpine Action, Funny | Tagged , , , , , , , ,

MERIBEL – What it really means

Posted on by

MERIBEL – What it really means 

Today’s blog is brought to you by the letters M E R I B E L and the number 3.

M. M is for the massive ski area. Thanks to the joining up of the 3 Valleys many years ago Meribel is part of the biggest ski area in the world. Some say that a week isn’t long enough to ski every run and others claim that you couldn’t ski all the backcountry in a lifetime.

E. E is for English.  Of all the resorts in the Alps, Meribel is probably the most British. It still retains the french charm that lured us there all those years ago, but we love the UK-run bars and pubs that make the Apres so much fun.

R. R is for Rad, short for Radical and Radiliciouse. Rad may hark back to ’80s but used correctly it is a great word. Rad describes Meribel perfectly. The atmosphere is rad, the resort is rad, the people are rad, the skiing is rad and most people come back saying they have had a rad time.

I. I is for Ice Hockey. Sometimes skiing and getting drunk can get a bit, you know, erm… anyway if you do want something else to do then the ice rink often host some big Ice Hockey games that are well worth a watch. Be prepared to be confused about the rules and wince at the aggression.  Also this isn’t just any old ice rink this one hosted the Olympic finals in 1992.

B.  B is for Bad, see R.

E. E is for everyone.  Meribel really does cater to all people. There are great runs and schools for beginners, a generous helping of intermediate skiing as well as plenty of Blacks, and accessible off-piste for the hardcore. There is also lots to do for the non-skier. And Meribel can cater to any budget.

L. L is for Lift. There are 180 lifts in the 3 Valleys. Just imagine the fun to be had at the top of all of those chairs, gondolas, and bubbles. Lifts help fulfill your ski dreams quicker.

By Jim Duncombe

Posted in Alpine Action, Funny, Meribel | Tagged , , , , , ,

Meribel Chalet Holidays

Find out more about our chalet holidays to Méribel

Contact Us

If you would like to chat about Chalet Holidays to Méribel, please get in touch via one of the methods on our contact page.

Our Favorite Topics

Tags

#Alpinebakeoff #Snow #Chaletholidays #cake #Meribel #LaTania #LoveMeribel #LoveLaTania #Meribel #LaTania #snow #Chalets #skiing #snowboarding airport Apres Ski A to Z chairlift Channel 4 Christmas. conditions Courchevel family skiing food free bus guides holiday hot tub jacuzzi La Tania lessons lift pass lunch Meribel mountain restaurants off piste powder sauna Ski ski hire skiing ski jobs ski school ski show Ski Sunday snow snowboard snowboarding snow report spring skiing summer the jump three valleys twinning towns Val Thorens What's on Womens Down Hill

Recent posts