|
|
 Morzine is a historic market town that is located between Mont Blanc and Lake Geneva.
It is found in a very picturesque part of the Alps and has been established as a skiing resort in the area since the 1930s, when its first cable car was installed.
It was not until the 1960s however that the skiing location became very popular. During this time it became known as where the rich and famous went to enjoy a skiing holiday, and gained the nickname ‘the St Tropez’ of the snow.
It is located right in the heart of a place called Portes de Soleil which is known as the location of many famous French skiing resorts, as well as several in Switzerland. It is one of the largest skiing areas in the world and is an interlinking of many world-class resorts.
In this area there can be found nearly 700 kilometres of ski runs, divided into nearly 300 individual locations. There are numerous different types of sections, including those that run through woods as well as those that are wide open. It is not just natural skiing opportunities that exist, and there are numerous snow parks that have been purpose-built just for special types of skiing.
It is not just runs the area is famous for, and there are numerous off piste opportunities for more adventurous skiers. It is also an area that has numerous snow cannons to ensure that there is a good amount of snow throughout the entire season.
If the idea of off piste skiing scares you somewhat then you need not worry, as Morzine also has a great deal of opportunities for new skiers. There are specially created nursery areas where skiers can get used to the slopes and learn the basic skills that are required for tackling some more advanced skiing.
Once you have perfected the basics in the nursery skiing area, you can attempt one of the areas many blue runs. If you feel you need some expert tuition then there are numerous skiing tutors in the area who will help you learn in a relaxed environment. You can either choose one-on-one tuition, or go for a group lesson with other people of the same ability. Learning to ski in the area is quite affordable and you can easily arrange lessons on quite short notice.
For those who are a bit more experienced in skiing, there are plenty of challenging runs and off piste locations. Avoriaz is one of the best locations to find more challenging runs and the skiing area was created in the 1960s and has ski lifts and runs that are perfectly organised.
The skiing season often extends late into May which means that sunbathing can often be combined with skiing. Even once the snow has disappeared, this part of France remains a popular holiday destination for other activities, such as golfing and mountain biking. The views that can be enjoyed from some of the highest points in the region are exceptional and will provide a holiday you won’t soon forget.
 Val d’Isere is regarded as one of the best skiing locations in the world as it has a world-class set of slopes and because of this hosts numerous sporting events in the winter.
In the past this has included the World Ski Championships, which took place in the region in 2009. Val d’Isere also hosted the Winter Olympics around 20 years ago.
Val d’Isere can be found in the Rhône Alps region which is part of south-east France. The area is linked to Tignes by lift and as well as fantastic skiing there is a great amount of activities to take part in après ski. There are numerous restaurants both off and on the mountain and although they are quite expensive the food in them is exceptional. There are numerous accommodation options here as well as activity centres for visitors.
Compared with some of the other ski resorts in the region, Val d’Isere is quite far away from the airports. Many people find that the extra travelling distance is worthwhile though as the skiing in this part of France is truly world-class. Geneva is probably the best airport to fly into but it is also possible to come to Val d’Isere through Grenoble or Chambery airports.
The most cost-effective way of getting from the airport to the resort is to take the train or bus. Visitors should be aware however that the train only runs twice a week on Saturday and then on Friday. It is possible to take a train all the way from London and this is a very convenient way to reach this famous skiing location. If you are planning to take the bus it is essential that you book ahead as there is an enormous queue for those who don’t.
If you are going to take a car then it would be recommended to either take your own four-wheel-drive, or rent one. Having a car will allow you to do more exploration and do some skiing in at other close by resorts.
The problem is that parking in the resort is expensive and you will have to book ahead or you are going to have to pay more and will face some hassle. The travel time from Calais to Val D’Isere is around 12 hours and you should be prepared to shell out around €70 for the tolls on the motorways alone.
Val D’Isere is best for professional and intermediate skiers but there are areas available for learners. There are 22 green runs for beginners, 61 blue runs for intermediates, 46 red runs and 25 black runs from more experienced skiers. The lifts in the area are designed to take a large number of people and can accommodate nearly 70,000 skiers per hour.
If you are interested in off piste skiing then there are also plenty of opportunities. Also, because of Val D’Isere’s high altitude, there is almost always snow throughout the entire season.
Accommodation is extensive in the region and as well as there being very affordable hostels, there are very upmarket hotels and chalets to be enjoyed. The nightlife in the region is lively because there are usually so many visitors. If you are looking for more affordable accommodation then you should head to La Daille village, which is close by but the price of rooms is significantly lower.
 Val d’Isere is one of France’s most famous ski resorts and there are numerous activities to take part in here, both on the slopes and off.
In Val d’Isere there are three main skiing locations; Bellvarde, Le Solaise and Le Fornet.
For beginners, La Solaise has lots of nursery slopes to get skiers started and once they’ve done this they can try out the green runs at Bellvarde. At Bellvarde there are not just green runs but also some blue ones in the more northern regions. In fact, if you head a bit further away from the blue runs you will find some very challenging red runs and even the famous La Face black run.
It is not just skiing that is popular at Val d’Isere and it is also a very popular snowboarding location. There is an excellent park for snowboarders as well as some spectacular on piste snowboarding. Other attractions here include snowshoeing, ice skating, dogsledding and ice driving. The number of activities to take part in after a day on the slopes is also extensive in this area and there are numerous restaurants, bars and clubs to choose from.
Around 20 minutes drive from Val d’Isere is Tignes which has a huge selection of pistes which, in total, run for about 300 kilometres. Tignes tends to be a little quieter than Val d’Isere and there are ski runs to suit people of all abilities. It is also possible to take part in skidoo expeditions, ice climbing and even helicopter rides in this region. Like Val d’Isere, there are also plenty of appealing options for visitors after a day’s skiing.
 Skimium now utilise Ski Hire Europe comparison service www.ski-hire-europe.com, the first ski hire comparison site in the UK has announced that from now on they will also be featuring Skimium, the French ski rental giant amongst their comparisons. The addition of Skimium adds a further 270 shops in 210 locations in 3 different countries, Italy, France and Andorra, to their already impressive list.
They are offering a limited 1 years free membership for new customers and there are over 750 resorts for skiers and snowboarders to choose from. Skimium, a globally established company that is part of the Decathlon group, join other major ski hire companies such as Snowrentals and SkiSet on the UK site.
The site also offers discounted ski rental from AlpinResorts.
The move will allow skiers and snowboarders everywhere to search over 750 European resorts, with well over 1000 shops being featured.
It also marks SkiHireEurope out as Europe’s leading site for the range of its shops and locations it offers.
Mark Bower, Managing Director of SkiHireEurope, said; “We are delighted to welcome Skimium to the SkiHireEurope panel. They offer a great range of equipment, are particularly competitive when it comes to skiers for the first or second time, and are very strong in both France and Italy.”
50 additional resorts will be added to those already on offer, meaning customers will now have the widest choice available across the continent when they come to SkiHireEurope.com.
SkiHireEurope’s UK call centre also means they are always on hand to help with queries and questions of all kinds.
The site not only compares prices, but also offers additional discounts for both members and casual visitors to the site.
Membership normally costs £7.50 p.a. but for the rest of February the site is offering one year’s free membership to new customers who use the discount code – newfeb – when registering on the site.
Bower continues; “Skiers and boarders can not only obtain discounted prices from leading ski firms in one search, but with the exclusive additional discounts offered they can make a real difference to the cost of their ski hire.”
 Taking a holiday in France can be a fantastic idea and one of the best locations to head to would be the French Alps.
This is an incredibly beautiful location and there are numerous wonderful experiences awaiting all those who are planning a trip to this stunning part of the country.
Alpe d’Huez is located nearly 1900 metres above sea level and is a wonderful skiing resort that is surrounded by beautiful mountain villages. Some of these villages include La Garde. Villard Reculas and Auris-en-Oisans. It is easy to reach this part of France through Grenoble airport and it is easy to transport ski equipment from wherever you are coming from right to the resort.
The skiing location is right in the centre of Grandes Rousees and because of the high altitude it has some of the most favourable snow conditions anywhere in Europe. Here you will find nearly 250 kilometres of pistes as well as a vertical drop that runs for 2000 metres. As well as slopes for experts there are also plenty of gentle slopes that are ideal for beginners.
There are convenient transfers running from Grenoble airport to guest accommodation in the area. If you want to get to your accommodation, this is one of the best ways to do it and the transfer vans will be able to accommodate your bulky sports equipment.
The ski resort villages in the area have some luxurious accommodation, but there are also facilities to suit people on a smaller budget. If you are looking for just a weekend getaway, or a longer holiday, then there are accommodation options to suit your needs.
In Alpe d’Huez skiing is just one of the many entertainments and after a day on the slopes you will find there is plenty of evening entertainment. There are numerous types of restaurants nearby serving up a wide variety of food including excellent French cuisine. There are also plenty of bars and places to get snacks as well as a good selection of nightclubs. Many of these locations play live music several nights during the week.
 Do you break out in a cold sweat if anyone mentions skiing fitness tips? Do you joints start to ache merely thinking about taking exercise before the skiing season begins?
If this is you then please read on, as however you despise the thought of it, fitness and skiing together like bread and butter. Being fitter will not only boost your confidence on the slopes but will also greatly improve your skiing ability and stamina.
Skiing is a very physical sport that requires strength, ability, balance and aptitude. Now, just because you are super fit does not necessarily mean that you will step into your skis and be an expert, but it will make a helluva difference to your enjoyment out on the slopes as if you do one run and are worn out, what is the point? So if you hate exercise and enjoy being unfit, a better sporting choice for you would be darts.
Whilst pre-skiing exercises are a must, there is no need to go and pump 90kg of iron or run 30 miles on a treadmill with lead weights strapped to your ankles. A regular, disciplined programme that includes both cardio and weights will ensure that when you do hit the slopes you will be in great shape both physically and mentally.
By working on increasing your aerobic capacity and weights to improve the strength in your stomach, calf and thighs muscles you are going to feel great when you fly down the piste. A great way to combine these is to run or power walk up and down hills, if you don’t live in an environment that allows you to do this, do your programme at the gym, and stick to the plan the instructor devises for you.
If you are getting aches in your thigh muscles after your runs, here is a tip from the great Jean Claud Killy that he used to do for 5 minutes every morning. He used to sit against a wall with his knees bent and his calves straight so they were at right angles to the thighs. Sit like this, with your arms crossed, every day in the month leading up to your ski trip, and you too can have strong thighs like the triple Olympic gold medallist.
To be honest, you should have some kind of exercise programme in place all year round, so you are not panicking a few weeks before the plane takes off and running the risk of injury by trying to do too much too quickly. Don’t neglect mental fitness either, you have to be seriously on the ball when you are skiing as you will be reaching high speeds and have to have your wits about you at all times.
Here is a tip that deals with mental fitness. As mentioned earlier, balance is essential when skiing, so fashion yourself a balance beam by placing a piece of wood between two strong supports. Start about a foot off the ground, and walk backwards and forwards until you can accomplish this easier. As your balance improves, raise the height and narrow the wood. After a couple of weeks you will have much better balance and mental stamina.
 Skiing the French Alps is an experience that is not to be missed, whether you’re a novice or a pro, and one of the best spots to learn or to show off your most daredevil skills is at Meribel in the Three Valleys. The resort was founded in the late 1930′s by a German skier, Peter Lindsay, and you get the benefit of his knowledge and love of the sport in everything from the easy access skiing to the wonderful range of terrain.
The Altiport area is just perfect for beginners, only a short ride from the main lift area. Its mild slopes will allow all the practice needed to gain confidence for more challenging runs, and mini-passes are available that cover the whole area for a day or half-day.
For small children not quite ready to strap on skis, there are sleighs and toboggans galore, providing a lot of fun for the little ones, not to mention parents who need a bit of a rest from the steeper slopes. Snowboarding is another great introduction to the world of winter joys, and lots of space is available for first-timers as well as advanced boarders.
If you are an aficionado of fresh powder, Mount Vallon, Meribel’s highest mountain at 3,000 metres offers an expanse of un-pisted slopes with an absolutely exhilarating 5km run from the top. You might have to hike a short distance from the lift, but if you do you’re likely to find paradise in stretches of untouched powder.
Those with plenty of experience can find all the challenges they can handle on the mogul fields to the side of the slopes accessed by the “Dent de Burgin” lift. Then there’s glacier skiing at Val Thorens and off piste slopes with some seriously adrenalin-producing runs like the “Combes de Saulire” that runs down almost to Courchevel.
One of the most beautiful runs (not for beginners) “Le Grand Duc” is reached via the “Olympic” chairlift; that one is scheduled to host one of the races at the World Cup in 2015, with good reason.
If you catch the “Caron” gondola to the top of Val Thorens you’ll get to ski down some pristine runs, and the next valley over is also a terrific spot for long, uncrowded runs to the valley.
If competition is your thing, competition you will find. Races, tournaments and exhibitions of skill are going on all the time in different areas and aspects of winter sports. For a little extra excitement, you will occasionally hear a sound like a gunshot, but it’s only the management setting off one of the controlled avalanches – a safety measure, not a threat.
It’s definitely worthy of note that Meribel and the Three Valleys are a year-round resort area, but there are more world-class ski resorts concentrated here than in any other place in the world. Chalet and hotel accommodations of all types are available throughout the year, with slightly cheaper rates during off-ski season. The area also boasts a multitude of good restaurants and lively pubs, so there’s no lack of après ski activities.
 The ski season has begun and many people who enjoy snow sports can’t wait to get out into the skiing regions around Europe. France is one most popular destinations for skiing and if you have never been skiing there before then finding out which area is best for you can be quite confusing.
The biggest skiing area in France is Les Trois Vallees which has more than 600 kilometres of runs. If you are a skier who likes covering a lot of ground then this is one of the best places to head to. It is also one of the areas most likely to receive snow on a regular basis because most of the slopes are located above 1800 metres.
There are many resorts in the area including, Meribel, Les Menuires, St Martin de Belleville, Val Thorens and Courchevel. Courchevel is one of the most upmarket resorts in this part of France and as well as having excellent skiing has numerous Michelin starred restaurants. The area is also only around one and a half hours drive from Geneva airport.
The Chamonix Valley is in the shadow of Mont Blanc and has over 150 kilometres of pistes. Here you will find Brevent, Flegere, Les Grands Montets, Le Tour, Les Houces and Argentiere. This part of France is mostly known for its off piste skiing and steep runs, which include some of the most famous descents anywhere.
Despite this challenging skiing, there are also plenty of opportunities for beginners and it is also one of the easiest areas to reach and is located just over an hour away from Geneva. Other than skiing, the area is famous for its breathtaking scenery and charming old streets.
Another resort that is close to Geneva is Megeve and it has a lot of appeal because it is very much a traditional village and has a great many excellent restaurants. Unfortunately, the snow is less reliable here than when compared to some other areas because of its relatively low altitude of 1000 metres.
Another location is Les Portes de Soleil which has 12 resorts all linked together on both sides of the Swiss/French border. These results include Les Gets Chatel, Avoriaz, Marzine, St Jean d’Aulps and Chappelle d’Abondance.
Here you will find a great deal of off piste skiing which will satisfy even expert skiers. This area has some facility for beginners, but is mostly suited for those at an intermediate level as well as those with a great deal of experience.
Flying through Geneva airport, or those at Lyon or Grenoble, is not the only way to go skiing and it is possible to take Eurostar to Bourge St Maurice. Here you will find resorts such as Val d’Isere and Tignes, both of which have a great deal of skiing which is suited to people of all skill levels. Over 70 percent of this area is above 2000 metres in attitude which means it provides some of the most reliable skiing runs in France.
 The French Alps are home to some of the best skiing and all-round scenic terrain to be found anywhere. At the beautifully developed town of Morzine, in the heart of the Portes du Soleil ski area, visitors will find a winter playground with the charm and tradition of village life alongside all the modern amenities of the best resorts in France.
From the 650 km of ski slopes to the lively nightlife in town, this is a prime spot to hone your skiing skills and then enjoy the pleasures of apres ski entertainment and relaxation. For skiers and snowboarders the options vary from gentle beginner slopes to the sort of off-piste areas that will challenge the most expert and adventurous winter sports enthusiasts, with plenty of in-between for those who want a challenge but not a daredevil run.
Back in the early 1900′s Morzine was mostly supported by the local industry of slate mining, and you’ll see some of the products in the streets and roofs of town. It is still a traditional market town, with very little of the commercialisation that has overtaken many of the larger French resorts.
When you’re not skiing, or if you don’t even like to ski, there is lots more on offer in Morzine to provide a memorable holiday. You can ice-skate on either an indoor or outdoor rink, or go dog-sledding, or take a horse-drawn carriage for a cosy and relaxing tour of the town, and there are two cinemas as well as some excellent shops if indoors is your preference.
The French do nightlife very well, and food, of course. There are several top-quality restaurants as well as quite a few good value cafes and pizzerias. The night life sizzles at Le Dixie Bar, or try Le Rhodos for a more soothing atmosphere. All things considered, Morzine really is an ideal destination for a winter break.
 Les 2 Alpes manages to be a great holiday spot all year round, with plenty of events that take place and, of course, endless activities for those that are brave enough to get outside and try them. For instance, during the winter months sleigh rides, ice skating, and glacier walking are all popular activities and great ways to get outside and see a bit of Mother Nature while not gliding down the slopes.
Of course, for the ultimate experience you might want to book a helicopter tour and really see some of the most impressive ice sculptures of the areas. Families may also enjoy heading down the hills on toboggans and the winter trails are great for a short walk. On days when the weather is poor, or when you just want a chance to do something inside in the warmth, Les 2 Alpes offers plenty of indoor activities as well that range from gym facilities to swimming to spas and general wellness centres.
When on holiday everyone likes the chance for a little relaxation and pampering. You can usually find these types of activities inside the Les 2 Alpes hotel or at most accommodation locations nearby. Also in the town is the opportunity to head out to museums, bowling alleys, galleries, and cinemas.
You will also find about 120 shops along the main street allowing for some time to check out the local boutiques that feature everything including sports equipment, fine jewellery, trendy fashion, bakeries, and of course chocolate shops. There are also plenty of great dining locations that offer area specialties such as homemade pizza, Italian, and high end French cuisine.
|
|
Morzine is a historic market town that is located between Mont Blanc and Lake Geneva.
Recent Comments