Ski In Ski Out Chalets

All Is Quiet During the Month of June

2011-06-04T09:28:00.000+01:00

The month of June is always a quiet month for ski operators as client attentions turn towards their summer holidays and most of the maintenance issues have been crossed off in May. Three or four years ago June was a different picture with many ski chalets going through wholesale transformations either prior to the summer months of July and August or in the larger transformations the winter season. The economic recession has certainly put a stop on the renovation market and most operators today are undergoing the bare minimum hoping for sunnier days in the not too distant future.

Whilst ski in ski out holidays have bucked the downturn, the poor currency exchange between the Pound and the Euro has cut spending also.

Chalet Ski Holidays Chamonix

2011-05-20T09:14:00.000+01:00

If you are looking for a great ski in ski out chalet in Chamonix, Chalet Ski are offering the 5 star Chalet Prarion, once frequented by a rather famous golfers wife we are led to believe! Situated right on the piste, this fabulous 6 bedroom chalet has a sunken hot tub on a south facing decking, Projection Cinema, its own Games Room with a full sized pool table and 50 inch plasma Wii station, and four staff to pamper your every whim!

Families in particular will just love the free Nanny service and childrens ski school drop off that will just take the hassle out of skiing with children. There is also a childrens entertainment hour so you can enjoy some apres-ski or just relax without hassle in the sunken hot tub.

Ski In Ski Out Chalets

2011-04-07T10:36:00.000+01:00

If you are like us and believe the best ski chalet holidays are on the piste you may be pleased to know that our friends at Chalet Ski have just launched a new site called Ski In Ski Out Chalets which to coin the Ronseal advert "does everything it says on the tin". Providing just ski in ski out slopeside chalets it is the A to Z of ski in ski out holidays from what we have seen with Chalets being added daily.

Chalet Ski

2011-01-26T00:31:00.000Z

Chalet Ski have just announced a series of new websites that are to be launched next month, one of which will be a dedicated site just for ski in ski out properties. Sharing our views, these will be 'true' ski in ski out chalets and therefore next to the piste we are told, and not via a disused railway line, in between Aunties Bloomers and crossing a 20 foot river! Fingers crossed!

Ski New Year

2010-08-03T21:50:00.000+01:00

This year the New Year ski break looks set to be one of the busiest yet again with many chalets already booked, and those that aren't filling up pretty damped quick during September and early October. With groups coming in to party, the first chalets to are typically the catered chalets with anything else not far behind. Val d'Isere is particularly popular with its nightlife and great skiing, as is Zermatt for its chocolate box charm, Verbier for its nightlife, and Chamonix for its skiing. But book early if you don't want to miss out on the good times!!

Ski In Ski Out

2010-07-26T21:33:00.000+01:00

As we get closer to August and the end of summer, yet again our thoughts turn towards the ski season and the hopes of early snowfalls and November on the slopes! And after a nervous 2009 and 2010 ski season, the 2011 ski season looks set to be a bumper season for bookings as anyone who missed the previous years, looks to avoid missing out this winter.

Talking to Ski In Ski Out Chalets, demand is particularly strong for slope side convenience so for the best ski in ski out accommodation an early enquiry is therefore advisable.

Family Chalets

2010-06-25T11:46:00.000+01:00

The great thing about ski in ski out holidays is that it really does take the hassle out of a family ski chalet holiday. If you have had to carry your ski equipment and your children onto a bus, or down snow covered, slippery paths and roads, whilst trying to stop children falling in front of cars, you will probably be able to identify with the benefits.

Step outside the door, put on the skis, and start the family ski day as it should, happy and effortless as the children ski down to their ski school.

Ski In Ski Out

2010-06-22T22:28:00.000+01:00

If you are looking to secure one of Chamonix's ski in ski out chalets, the best ski in ski out chalet the Valley has to offer, Chalet Prarion, is being snapped up quickly so time is of the essence. in terms of the peak weeks that are still available, the NewYear ski week is stilling showing as available, and at £14,500 you can follow in the footsteps of a famous golfer's wife who partied there last New year. Most of the other peak weeks have however already gone but off-peak availability is still possible.

Ski In Ski Out

2010-06-22T22:26:00.000+01:00

If you are looking to secure one of Chamonix's ski in ski out, the best ski in ski out chalet the Valley has to offer, Chalet Prarion, is being snapped up quickly. Of the peak weeks the NewYear ski week is available, and at £14,500 you can follow in the footsteps of a famous golfer's wife who partied there last New year.

Skiing Half Term

2010-06-07T21:25:00.000+01:00

The two most popular ski weeks of the season have started to sell well. The New Year ski week and the half term ski weeks are both two of the most sort over ski holidays in the calendar. The ski half term break this years covers two weeks whereas the February just gone we not only had all schools off the same week (public and private), we also what seemed half of Europe at the same time.

Whilst the split will help availability, don't expect any last minute bargains as this weeks is always a sell out and if any chalets have a room to rent by the end of 2010 for the half term skiing holidays, there's probably a very good reason why. And whilst all children can be testing, I know our can, they don't deserve second best, least of all a room rented by the Adams Family!!

Gay Ski

2010-05-10T09:28:00.000+01:00

Well done to a company called Pink Ski who are to launch a dedicated ski site for the gay and lesbian ski community. Whilst the world has in our opinion moved on somewhat from the bigoted prejudices of yesteryear, sadly it still exists and therefore this site should fill a void in promoting resorts, accommodation, bars and nightclubs that will welcome gay skiers without any awkwardness that can sadly occur. God luck to them and we'll try and let you know when this site goes live.

Skiing Easter

2010-05-02T18:45:00.000+01:00

For families one of the best weeks to get away are the Easter ski holidays and this year's Easter ski holiday's well and truly illustrated the point. Great weather, longer days, great snow, including powder on and off the slopes, all make the Easter ski holiday one of the best weeks to take the family skiing.

Best Chalet - Part 2 (Ski In Ski Out)

2010-04-25T11:54:00.001+01:00

Part 2 of our best chalets series is taking a look at some of the best chalets in Val d'Isere. Unlike Best Chalet - Part 1 which was a relatively straight forward call, there are numerous luxury catered chalets in Val d'Isere so the decision is that much harder. Nevertheless here we go:

Part 2 of Best Chalet we have given to Chalet Mistral, a fabulous luxury Ski In Ski Out chalet, that is a special chalet with its quirky beams and high ceilings. But want gets it our vote is its cosy warmth, with a large open log fire and floor to ceiling windows framing the spectacular view of the Manchet Valley and beyond.

Seven bedrooms, sleeping 14, this ski in ski out luxury catered chalet has real character, a south facing terrace,and great mountain views. All bedrooms have luxury en-suites and a combination of Savoyard wood and Italian marblethat gives them real style. But its not only one of the best chalets for friends and corporate events, it is a great family chalet too with its ski in ski out convenience, a TV room with sofas, games, satellite TV and a DVD player, and room in abundance outdoor for snow games and sledging.

Luxury Ski Resorts

2010-04-18T17:49:00.001+01:00

If you are going to the best chalets, which ski in ski out are, why ruin the choice other than by choosing one of the great luxury ski resorts that Europe and America has to offer. So here's my Top 10 recommendations for the ultimate in luxury ski resorts to guarantee the best chalets and best skiing in Europe:

Aspen (and Vail)
Chamonix
Courchevel
Meribel
Park City
St Anton
Val d'Isere
Verbier
Zermatt
Whistler

Probably missed one or two such as Banff, but its enough to get your teeth into for the time being!!

Best Chalet - Part 1 (Luxury Catered)

2010-04-11T19:03:00.004+01:00

This week we are starting a periodic feature where we will feature some of the best chalets in the Alps and this week we are starting in Chamonix with Chalet Prarion. This chalet is not only one of the best chalets in Chamonix, it is also one, if not the best family chalet in the Chamonix Valley.

Situated on three floors and consisting of circa 250 square metres, with six en-suite bedrooms sleeping 12 in style, the ground floor consist of the Ski Room, a large double / twin bedroom and a Games Room that is 25 foot by 13 foot approximately and boasts a full size pool table, Wii play station, home cinema for the children, and a library of games and DVD's.

If you haven't already got a strong impression of why this is on our list of best chalets, although I guess you probably have, let me continue with the first floor. The centre piece is home for the double sided fire that lights up the Living Area and Dining Room. The latter is a place to behold, a large traditional farmhouse oak table, and in the Living Room leather sofas and oak continues the luxury theme, with high definition projection cinema providing the opportunity to spend in night at the movies, without leaving your ski chalet! The large french doors open on to a large decked terrace and secluded garden that at the bottom joins the piste, and on the south facing decking, there is a luxury sunken jacuzzi for a night of relaxation and a glass of champagne! There is also a large family sized bedroom on this floor.

The top floor consists of four good sized bedrooms, two large family rooms with south facing balconies looking out to the piste.

We hope you agree, a great chalet to start our 'Best Chalet' feature over the coming months!

Luxury Catered Chalet Val d'Isere

2010-04-06T20:52:00.001+01:00

Val d'Isere has to be the epitome of luxury catered chalets, or maybe not. If the International Standards were based on Val d'Isere, there would be very few luxury catered chalets, and certainly not enough to meet demand.

In a round about way, I guess what I am intimating here is that when people talk about luxury catered chalets Val d'Isere, they are typically talking a cut above the rest! Val d'Isere chalets take luxury to an extreme in terms of space, rooms, facilities, and service and as a consequence the chalets have facilities the 'mainstream' luxury chalets just couldn't compete on, such as indoor swimming pools, billiard rooms, and a lot more too!

Easter Ski

2010-04-01T22:07:00.001+01:00

This Easter the Alps has seen an abundance of fresh snow so Easter ski visitors are in for a treat with many of the big luxury ski resorts expecting a further dump on Saturday and Sunday. Having skied myself today, the snow was fantastic, and with temperatures plummeting this week, the powder was immense (fluffy, deep, and light).

Personally i am often asked what it is like to ski Easter, and people I think struggle to believe me when I suggest that the Easter ski break is one of the best times to ski. Well, if you don't believe me, ski this Easter and then let me know what you think?

Family Chalet

2010-03-26T20:38:00.001Z

Following on from our last blog on family skiing, this week we are focusing on a great family chalet in Chamonix, Chalet Prarion. This luxury catered chalet has a great ski in ski out location that is unsurpassed by any other chalet in the valley. Right next to the slopes, with its own private garden, this is not only the best ski in ski out family chalet in the Chamonix Valley, judging by its reviews its probably one of the best family ski chalets in Europe with 250 square feet of luxury.

Chalet Prarion boasts six bedrooms and sleeps 12 in luxury. Downstairs there is an en-suite bedroom, ski room, and a Games Room with a pool table, Wii, and home cinema.

The main floor accommodates the tastefully appointed living area with high definition cinema projection, a centre piece log fire, and the grand dining room with its stylish traditional oak table taking centre stage. One of the three family sized en-suite bedrooms is also located on this floor down the corridor.

The 2nd floor houses the remaining four bedrooms, all are ensuite and two are again family sized rooms.

Outside there is a large south facing decking and a sunken luxury hydro therapy hot tub to help relax busy mums and dads at the end of the family ski day.

Certainly a great family chalet for all ages to have a great ski chalet holiday.

Family Ski

2010-03-17T22:54:00.001Z

If you are booking a family ski holiday, a ski in ski out chalet is probably the ideal choice. Being located on the piste, a ski in ski out holiday helps remove the hassle from other 'lesser' holidays. So if you haven't had a ski in ski out holiday before, just imagine waking up as the sun shines through the window, looking out on the piste during breakfast, and then as you ski out from the door and arrive with the family graciously at ski school, quietly gloating as other family ski visitors struggle carrying skis and everything else, or falling out of packed ski buses (sometime literally)! Yes, there is another way to make the next family ski holiday a hassle free one!

Ski In Ski Out

2010-03-12T19:33:00.001Z

Well ski in ski out availability for this season is nigh on impossible to secure as the sold out signs have been up for a while yet and already sales are good for the 2011 ski season with the ski New Year week being the most popular, followed by the ski half term week, and then the ski Christmas week in terms of popularity. These weeks for ski in ski out properties typically go by the end of June, with many of the other weeks going by the end of September. Therefore if you are looking for a ski in ski out holiday, it doesn't pay to hang around, particularly as there aren't that many genuine properties that really are true slopeside ski in ski out.

Ski Christmas

2010-03-07T19:12:00.001Z

If you just come back from the family ski half term week, you may already be pining for the ski slopes already. Well there is of course the Easter ski break, but if this season is not an option, then it might not be as bad as you think as the new season is just over nine months away! Sounds interesting?

In the high altitude ski resorts, the ski season start late November, and for family ski groups just three or four weeks later. That is if you take the great opportunity of using the Christmas ski opportunity. You may be thinking but won't this be expensive, but surprisingly not probably as expensive as you might think. The real prime weeks are the New Year ski and and half term ski holiday, and whilst the Christmas skiing week is highly desirable, it isn't as busy as the previously two mentioned and therefore prices can be very reasonable.

Ski Half Term

2010-02-20T22:06:00.001Z

Well today another ski half term week came to a close and already families are scrambling to book the best family friendly ski chalets. Chalet Prarion, a ski in ski out chalet in Chamonix reported this week that this years ski in ski out guest have already booked again for next year.

I guess such demand reflects the convenience of ski in ski out properties for family ski groups whether to ski Christmas, ski New Year, or for the half term skiing break. So good luck in booking next years ski half term break, it is after all never too early!

What Makes A Family Friendly Ski Chalet

2010-02-17T11:46:00.000Z

It would be easy to think that being ski in ski out chalet was family friendly enough, so I found it very interesting to read Chamonix Exclusive's take on what they think makes their ski chalet stand out from the rest. Whilst clearly ski in ski out Chalet Prarion benefits from its great location, they list a number of criteria that they believe makes their's stand out from the competition.

As a ski in ski out specialist I think the one that stands out is that they care! yes you need to still have the right processes and infrastructure to make it work, but too often we find that people don't. I say too often, more than once is too often, and I do think mot family ski guests make a great choice and have a great time, but for those that don't, please take a read and a lesson out of one of the best family ski companies in Chamonix!

Luxury Catered Chalets

2010-02-12T21:52:00.002Z

Recently the term luxury chalet or luxury catered chalet seems to be somewhat over used in many quarters, and one company that seems focused on bringing some order back to the term is our own friends at Ski In Ski Out, who have applied a rather stringent, but more reflective star system for their Ski In Ski Out slopeside luxury catered chalets.

Their luxury catered chalets Val d Isere page is a case input, whereas some operators are marking what many would consider to be three star properties as luxury for star chalets, and sometimes five star luxury catered chalets, ski in ski out have resisted this temptation.

Speaking to their Sales Director Sarah Lancaster she was adamant that this would not change "I think we personally have a duty to be honest about the properties we sell and rather than over sell like some of our rivals, our ski in ski out luxury catered chalets are graded o ensure we delight and that we retain our clients in the future, as they trust us. It is only short sighted companies that over sell and that just is not how we want to be seen".

Check out the links above and see why for yourself that Ski In ski Out are set to be one of the best agents for luxury catered chalets, and ski in ski out ones at that!

Ski New Year

2010-02-07T09:27:00.003Z

If you want to secure the best luxury ski chalets, least of all ski in ski out accommodation, now is the time to book. For many this may seem surprising, but in the ski calendar, New Year every year is the most sort after week. You might think at this point, yes, but with the economic situation, things will be different and I'm therefore going to hang out for a last minute bargain, but if you do - think again, after September, and for many ski chalets, long before in February and March, the ski New Year week is snapped up.

The most popular New year ski destinations are typically Courchevel, Merivel, St Anton, Val d'Isere, and then Chamonix. Big resorts, high altitude skiing, and a reputation for great night life and therefore the perfect place to ski before the New Years Eve celebrations! Therefore if you are looking to book a New Year ski vacation, in one of the best ski resorts, least of all ski in ski out, now is the time to book to avoid the 'Christmas' leftovers!

So for the fun loving ones, book now for that special ski in ski out accommodation for the ski Christmas and New Year ski weeks and live a little!

Luxury Catered Ski Chalets Chamonix

2010-02-01T09:01:00.003Z

Chamonix is a ski mecca for all skiers and mountaineers from across the world. Nestled under the Mont Blanc it is probably the most famous mountain resort. The town itself is unquestionable a treat, charming, historic, full of boutiques and hip ski and mountain shops, and a good nightlife that makes apres ski time a real treat.

The resort itself has four distinct areas and each has something for everyone. Les Houches and Le Tour are ideal for beginners and intermediates, Les Houches being particularly attractive and famed for the rich and famous who stop in this beautiful mountain village, then there is Brevent and Flegere, an ideal south facing ski area for intermediates with stunning views of the Mont Blanc, and finally the big daddy of Chamonix, the Grands Montets! If you haven't skied the latter, then some locals in Chamonix might suggest you haven't skied yet! Its steep, most people ski off-piste, and therefore the terrain is either powder, moguls, or both! A must visit ski area.

In terms of ski in ski out Chamonix accommodation, there are only three true ski in ski out chalets to choose. Maison Jaune is a nice chalet, unpretentious and the slightly lower cost option, Chalet Schuss a a small step up, and finally the real stand out ski in ski out accommodation in Chamonix, Chalet Prarion and hence why its featured on www.skiinskiout-chalets.com. Chalet Prarion really is the choice for the discerning skier with luxury unrivaled by the others, and hence why it's clientele includes the rich and famous, and the suprising factor here is that it is only a marginal increase in the price (if you don't believe us check out the other two)! Chalet Prarion boasts six bedrooms, all en-suite, a luxury hydro therapy spa, HD cinema projection, and new for 2010/11 we are told that it will be added a games room, including pool table, Wii, home cinema, and much more to entertain all the family ski members and ski friends too!

Ski Val d'Isere

2010-01-26T11:14:00.008Z

This week Ski In Out have added the exceptional Chalet Yeti to the the very impressive Ski In Ski Out Portfolio. In Val d'Isere, the luxury catered ski chalet portfolio boasts 6 outstanding ski in out, boutique luxury chalets.

At ski in out, the ratings unlike some operators are based on fair and objective criteria, and therefore some of the ski chalets that other agencies would class as 5 star ski chalets, here are only marked 4 star! But in this collection of six outstanding ski in ski out luxury catered ski chalets, everyone is a 5 star luxury boutique chalet.

And don't just take our word for it, check out the ski Val d'Isere page and the specific chalet pages of (even if it is only window shopping):

Undoubtably one of the best Val d'Isere and Espace Killy luxury chalet potfolios we think you will come across.

And if you are looking for other ski in ski out France properties, click on the hyperlink to see Ski In Ski Out's full list of ski France properties.

Ski In Ski Out - Chalets

2010-01-19T23:57:00.006Z

The specialist Ski In Ski Out site, www.skiinskiout-chalets.com will shortly be going through rebranding exercise. The new site is going to be called www.skiinout.com and the new ski in ski out logo will receive a darker, more luxurious ski make over, as will the main site, whilst retaining the current characteristics.

The new ski in out brand as you will see here retains the skis within the the 'ki' but accentuates a stronger 'ski in ski out' imagery with the 'n' and the 'u' linking the ski 'in' and 'out' convenience that such ski in ski out holidays deliver.

We certainly feel it brings a stronger appeal but would welcome your feedback before its official launch in February.

Heavy Snowfall Across Europe Brings Great Ski in Ski Out Conditions

2010-01-09T17:39:00.001Z

This week it seem that nearly every house in Europe and parts of America are ski in ski out!! Heavy snowfall and an arctic freeze have transferred much of the two continents into a winter wonderland! From a ski holiday perspective, this is great news as ski conditions have gone from good, to fantastic, with more snow expected this weekend and next week.

This said, the cold weather, whilst preserving the powder for the ski powder enthusiasts amongst you, has meant skiers have had to wrap up warm with that extra layer. The Family Ski Advice Blog has some useful tips for children's ski clothing, that at the current time might be useful for older ski holiday makers too!

Enjoy the great snow, but wrap up warm. And if you haven't booked already, it not too late to book that ski in ski out holiday!

Ski In Ski Out - Les Houches, Chamonix

2010-01-06T22:23:00.001Z

Les Houches this week seemed to receive a great deal of attention in the press this week, although reading between the lines, there was more than an element of creative journalism (we are of course being nice here with our wording)!

Les Houches certainly is one of the gems in the Chamonix Valley and has steadily built up a select and knowing following who love the quaint, and pretty Les Houches, and its large chalets and alpine gardens. Whilst at one time Les Houches chalets were predominantly owned or given to the farming community, the Les Houches luxury chalets we now see are a far cry from these, and the old farm houses transformed into luxury boutique chalets.

As for the ski in ski out Les Houches chalets, these are few and far between, and there are few of note. According to press reports, one of them, Chalet Prarion, is the most exclusive ski in ski out chalets in the world and we tend to agree. However, the claims of this property being $10,000 a night appear somewhat 'expanded', and this ski in ski out luxury chalet Les Houches can be secured from anything ranging from $10,000 for a week, up to $20,000 in high season.

More Snow On Its Way

2009-11-29T22:38:00.002Z

This week we have been eagerly awaiting he season and whilst some resorts are open, the general warm spell, at least in Europe anyway has limited the extent of the skiing. Early next week a colder spell has been forecast with around 40cm forecast down to around 800m.

In terms of preparation, certainly most resorts are now either ready or gearing themselves for the impending ski season and one of the peak Christmas weeks now less than three weeks away, you can feel the anticipation building.

In tewrms of ski availability, after a slow start to the season for many operators, November has seen a significant surge in demand and with more snow to fall, many chalets operators in many of the favourite resorts are already places the 'full' signs up already.

This Weekend

2009-11-18T22:26:00.003Z

A milder week this week has left one or two of the slopes proposed to open this weekend looking a little heavy and whilst they are still likely to open, our view is one more week should do the trick. Next week temperatures are expected to drop dramatically and snow again is a strong possibility low down.

Whilst we have not personally ruled out getting on the 'planks' this weekend (the desire to get out again is strong), it may well be wise to put it on hold just one more week and use this weekend to get the Christmas shopping done before the real season starts!

Ski In Ski Out USA

2009-11-14T13:19:00.002Z

This week Ski In Ski Out Chalets have added USA to the mix with the introduction of what is probably one of the best ski in ski out luxury villas, Casa Nova. Located in Deer Park in the ski area of Park City, Utah, this exclusive 'village' provides spectacular ski accommodation that really provides an exclusive feel.

Having been in the industry for many years, and skied across the world for over 20 years, there must be few ski properties that offer such outstanding ski accommodation. This is a luxury ski villa that will take your breath away, regardless of how well heeled and used to such luxury retreats you are.

Set next to the slope, what sets this ski in ski out villa is the attention to detail and the delicate way they have balanced this spacious villa accommodation, with an eye for warmth and that home from home feel. The large bedrooms all have Master Suites and the log fire in each makes for that cosy romantic ski in ski out vacation.

When Ski In Ski Out Chalets opened the USA wing, they certainly didn't do so in halves!!

Make The Most of The Early Snow?

2009-11-07T22:29:00.001Z

Well it is true, by now you may well of had the newsletter telling you that the snow is falling in the Alps! Early days one might add but it is certainly probably not a bad sign we would guess in respect of what may or may not happen in respect of snow conditions for the impending season.

So does this mean that we are in for another very good season? Well we don't profess to be experts and the ones that are from our experience seem to struggle to guess this one anyway. But, if there is one thing that we have seen, and this is based on experience rather than being scientific and / or supported by significant research, that snow conditions do seem to be cyclical and that the pattern seem to follow a five to seven year cycle (we think closer to the latter). Good news one hopes for this season as conditions weren't too bad in 2003 but 2013 might be one to avoid after 2006!!! Metreologists will tell you about all sorts of reasons this may be so and the more recent talked about example being El Niño.

So if you are looking to book, our suggestion would be to take the plunge, not just because already conditions are pretty good, and hopefully will continually to be again over the coming months, but the industry needs you. The global recession is effecting us all and the ski industry is of course reeling from such as people cut back and despite us all loving this sport, some unfortunately just simply can't afford it and bookings are therefore down. Add to the fact that for many British operators the exchange rates aren't helping either as clients pay often in sterling yet the operators they visit have costs predominatly in Euros (many operators are selling at the same prices as last year yet costs have risen 30% due to exchange rate fluctuation). So with out your support, you may find the choice you have today isn't the same tomorrow

Skiing For Beginners (Part 1) – What, And When

2009-11-02T20:42:00.002Z

So, you have had enough of your friends and family boring you with the latest snow reports in July, how great a skier little Jonnie is, and how many couloirs they skied in Bulgaria, and you have decided rather than to beat them (literally), that you are going to join them! So what next?

I guess the first two questions are what and when. Lets deal with the when, and move on after to the where. It used to be a rule in thumb that January wasn’t great for beginners, your first holiday after all needs to tie you in, and January can be a little chilly. Whilst still more prone to colder days, the changing climate has shifted this a little. So if cost is an issue, late January is a good choice as snow is generally quite good and days warmer. February, unless holidays dictate is probably best avoided as for your first time why pay premium rates to ski a nursery slope? March however is a great option, especially the first couple of weeks when the snow is typically still in good condition, the days are moving towards spring time (although it can snow a lot as a consequence) , and are therefore quite warm (great when you are stood around listening to your instructor) and prices are a little more reasonable. April, well with spring conditions, we suggest not. Typically pistes are hard and icy first thing, not ideal for learning, and heavy and sticky just after lunch, again not ideal conditions to learn and best left to the addicted skiers get in their fourth week of the season!

So where, well if money isn’t an issue, Courchevel has to get a vote, with wide open pistes at 1850, and snow sure pretty much all season. It has a great centre and good bars and restaurants, and you won’t find it difficult to get in to après skiing in any one of the many chic bars and restaurants, an important part of your introductory vacation. But if your budget is a little more price conscious, the Milton Keynes of Europe, without the cows, La Plagne is one of our recommendations. It is higher enough to have good snow at most times of the season, and whilst it isn’t the prettiest of resorts its convenience and excellent English speaking instructors will take the pain out of the first introduction on snow. It is also reasonably snow sure resort, and has gentle pistes that won’t leave even the most nervous of skiers a petrified mess! Others iworth considering in our book nclude La Clusaz, Megeve, Obergurgl, and for that little bit of Swiss glitz – St Morritz.Gastro fans will love Megeve (claims the most Michelin Star restaurants outside of Paris - but not sure if this is the case but judging by the number of Parisian diners it may be true(!)), and St Morritz for the swiss equivalent. Oh, and yes, they aren't the cheapest places to learn as a consequence!

Our 3 Favourite Ski Resorts

2009-10-30T08:48:00.001Z

Well being in an office with male and female skiers, this created some real debate! Many names were thrown into the hat for the favourites category, with Aspen, Chamonix, Meribel, St Anton, Val d’Isere, Val Thorens, Verbier, and Whistler the main culprits.

Whistler was one of the first to be added, with generally good snow conditions , awesome back bowls, and a great lift system, especially now Whistler and Blackcomb have been linked, so it was soon pencilled in.

The second consensus was St Anton, if you haven’t been you are missing out, big time, as this resort has it all. Great snow record, awesome skiing (the mogul fields off the Valluga mean that even the macho skiers won’t leave disappointed), but all this is only half the story. St Anton is a skiers place, not pretentious (ignoring of course Lech and Zurs) and like Chamonix attracts great skiers by the day, but leaves Chamonix miles behind with its social side (Compagnie du Mont Blanc take note). Somehow Visitors to St Anton can not only drink a ‘yard’ for breakfast (generally on the way home from the night before actually), they can do so at lunch, on the way down the slopes, pre-dinner (assuming they even bother with dinner) and after It is this that sticks out in St Anton, it is all well natured, but from the moment you hit the mountain bar on the way down, you just know its going to be painful in the morning! But this is probably why it is so mesmerising, like a drug, the following day you say no, but there you are again, enjoying its captivating atmosphere.

So the third, Chamonix, well no actually, a huge bias in the office of course towards this resort, with probably the best off-piste in the world and a great ski town, but this is a ski in ski out site and we all acknowledged, that despite huge investment recently, the lift system still isn’t quite there yet. Also the spread out nature of the resort means that mixed abilities can end up skiing in very different areas. Verbier was also discarded, surprisingly easily in fact, another great resort but doesn’t quite offer enough ‘skiing’, and the cost of the nightlife makes one’s mortgage payments seem a ‘walk in the snow park’! So Val d’Isere then? Afraid not, too pretentious was the verdict, great skiing but more a place to be seen than to ski! Meribel did however come close, and so did its brother Val Thorens, with some of the most extensive skiing in the world, but none of which we felt was that memorable (old age possibly creeping in and becoming forgetful) . So Aspen it is, well nearly, if the town had more character it would have probably been there, but there was a distinct unease that we were forcing a third and we weren’t really quite convinced. That was until someone through Chatel into the mix and there we are. It is worth noting here that this might be a wind up as I can occasionally be a little disparaging towards this region, so not my choice as never skied Chatel to be honest, but what I am told is that this is a beautiful resort with great treee line skiing and on powder days offers some of the best untracked powder trails through the trees you can experience. Still not convinced, well nor I am quite yet so I’m now off to ski it in December so as not to be the only one in the office that thought anything in the Portes du Soliel should be confined to the ‘resorts for others’ file!!

Getting Ahead With Some Early December Skiing

2009-10-29T12:55:00.003Z

Reminiscing back to last year we recalled that on 10th November 2008 we were lucky enough to be skiing some great snow in Cervinia. Will we be so lucky this year? Probably not, but in 4 or 5 weeks time it is still a likely possibility with the snow line at just above 2,000m and the weather getting noticeably colder by the day.

So where should you ski if you fancy getting away for an early December ski, a time you are sure to probably get a great deal. The obvious pointer is somewhere high, but this shouldn’t be the only driver, as high depends on many things, is the high mountain prone to high wind this time of year (exposed and not sheltered) , is it rocky mountain that will need a metre and half of snow before the rocks are covered, is it predominantly north facing and therefore likely to be unbearably cold in December (November and December can be some of the coldest months in the mountains), etc.and if you aren’t sure, ask the operator is our advise before you book.

Once you have crossed off the resorts that aren’t ideal, the final pointer should be the weather and where the snow has fallen most. December won’t be too busy so booking too early isn’t essential for the early weeks before the festive surge. Assuming an equal spread of snow some obvious candidates are going to shine such as Aspen, Banff, Cervina, Courchevel, Meribel, and Val d’Isere, Mammoth, Tignes and Verbier, and Zermatt are just some of the big name resorts that stand out year after year.

What Ski Operators Really Mean!

2009-10-28T23:20:00.004Z

We thought we would take a lighter look at what owners are really saying in our Top 5 quotes:

We’re just overlooking the main village – which means: get the oxygen tent out if you are walking back after a night of apres ski as you’ll have a 2mile walk and a 1,000ft ascent!
We should have the new photo’s on the site next week – which is code for: basically the chalet is an absolute mess, being totally gutted, debris everywhere, and if we're finished by March we'll be lucky!!
More snow is forecast next week and the slopes are holding up well – which translates: it hasn’t snowed once this season, the pistes looks like a mud wrestlers paradise with a sprinkling of artificial snow, so bring your wellies!!
Can I call you back I’m just in a meeting – which politely means bog off primarily, but also: don’t want to rub it in, but whilst your in a stuffy office in a polluted city, I’m getting first tracks in bright sunshine and fresh alpine air, so leave me alone (pleeeaaassse)!
Yes you can ski in ski out conditions permitting – we couldn’t refuse to get on our soap box with this one at number five (we are afterall a ski in ski out blog), and it of course really means: if the chalet up the road hadn’t put that damned hedge in their garden, the snow plough decides not to clear the main road, and someone can get a piste basher between the chalets we have a good chance of keeping 5cm of snow and mud and you skiing back at least!

What Makes A Holiday Ski In Ski Out

2009-10-28T16:07:00.007Z

For those of us that deem a great ski holiday to include the convenience of being able to ski from the door, and then back again, without having to jump over fencing, ski across gardens, roads, and mud patches (sounds familiar) may therefore want to add their thoughts to the mix on our first blogger blog?

Research certainly suggests that there is a large ski in ski out market, and you will therefore not be surprised to know that many operators claimed that they can offer a ski in ski out property. Well, sort of, when we started delving a little further, things however looked quite different in our view.
Much of the information reading the small print seemed to add ‘snow conditions permitting’ or that the chalet is ‘500m from the slopes’. I guess this is open to debate, but shouldn’t a ski in ski out property be by the slopes and if it is, shouldn’t the piste be maintained and permit skiing back (unless it isn’t via a piste - excepting the end of the ski season such can’t always be guaranteed)?

Strangely not, the term ski in ski out seems to some to mean, just another catch all phrase along with the word ‘luxury’ when you can just tell from the pictures it is 2 star accommodation at best!

Our view, and I guess it is open for debate, is that ski in ski out should really be a slopeside property. On the http://www.skiinskiout-chalets.com/ site there is a 20m tolerance, but ideally slope side, with the slope that the accommodation is actually next to being part of the regions main network. It is questionable I guess whether 20m still counts, but at least it goes a long way to sieving at least some of the more spurious (in our opinion) claims that many come across.

Of course if you disagree, or have some interesting experiences on this, why not drop us a line and we’ll post the interesting ones here at the Ski In Ski Out blog.