One blissful summer holiday in Arc 1950

Two couples, with babies in tow, wing their way to the mountain region of Savoie, in the French Alps. For those of you who think that the Alps are for winter exploits only, think again. The myriad of activities on offer, leave you spoilt for choice. Valued client, Andrew Hall, describes their experience in this truly awe-inspiring mountain region.
 
Saturday 31st July 2010 – You can self-drive to Les Arcs or you can fly to Geneva and drive from there. With the little ones the prudent decision was to fly and drive. Much excitement from the little ones going on ‘airplane’. The perfect way to kick start your holiday is a stop off in the beautiful town of Annecy. 

Sally and Skye at Lake Annecy

 
The crystal clear waters of the lake are inviting and the relaxed atmosphere in the park at the northern edge help you unwind as you make your final ascent to Bourg-Saint-Maurice and on to Les Arcs. Les Arcs is effectively made up of 4 separate villages, namely Arc 1600, Arc 1800, Arc 1950, and Arc 2000, which, demarcates their altitude. Having only visited Arc1950 on one previous occasion last summer, I was flattered by the car-parking steward remembering me, and the fact that I was driving a different car, and last time I had a bike in the roof. Coincidence? I like to think not. Friendly, welcoming staff in the hotel, cots and high chairs had been provided for the little ones, all arranged by Erna Low before we arrived. The apartment afforded us magnificent views of the surrounding mountains and the tranquil atmosphere in the Village make you feel right at home. 

View from Arc 1950

 
After a hot journey why not pop into Les Belles Pintes for a refreshing pint of Eidelweiss. Make sure you identify the location of the boulangerie/patisserie. Really difficult to leave with your freshly baked baguette without buying additional treats. The croissant abricot and their tarte citron come out as firm favourites. If you stay at the Prince de Cimes, the smell of the bakery comes wafting through the building. Nice! The Spar has pretty much everything you need including fresh milk, vegetables and fruit.

Skye and friend at George's bar

Sunday 1st August – Options are completely open, we decided to relax at the pool, while our friends headed up to Arc 2000 and beyond, for a gentle orientation, past the Chalet de L’Arc and up to the lake, affording you stunning views across the valley to Mont Blanc. The snow capped peaks look all the more majestic in the glorious sunshine. We took the easy option and popped down to the pool and relaxed in the sunshine. There is a fabulous indoor/outdoor pool at the Prince de Cimes, where can swim seamlessly from one to the other. There is also a jacuzzi, sauna and hamman. At night time the temperature drops and the stars shine brightly with the limited light pollution.
 
Monday 2nd August – Always reassuring when travelling away from home that there is good medical provision. One of the infants was poorly, which necessitated a visit to Arc 1600 cabinet medical. The doctor was brilliant. Good sense of humour, knew just how to handle the little one. He contacted the pharmacy for us so she was expecting us when we arrived. Felt really well cared for. A trip to Bourg-Saint-Maurice followed with a ride on the funiculaire back up to Arc 1600. A really interesting trip to make. Tickets for the lifts can be purchased from the Spirit 1950 office just off the main square. Worthwhile buying a pack of 10 for a discounted price of €49. The afternoon brought with it some rain but still took in a walk up to 2000 and beyond. It is advisable to take waterproofs with you, being in the mountains you have to take account of quite quick changes in the weather. If you need warming up afterwards, just head for the sauna. A relaxed evening followed with drinks at George Brown’s Wine Bar.

Stunning view at Mont Blanc

 
Tuesday 3rd August – For the intrepid, get yourselves a couple of bikes from Precision Sports shop and head down the mountain. Having done a great deal of road cycling, I was seriously outside of my comfort zone. Knee and shin protection is a must. Try the downhill run (route 5) from Arc 1950 through beautiful forest tracks to the  village of Villaroger. Don’t be misguided by the fact that you are going down hill. Once you reach the river east of Bourg-Saint-Maurice there are some testing little undulations to keep the heart rate ticking over at a fair pace. Caught the funiculaire back up to 1600 and got ourselves across to Arc 1800 to catch the Transarc lift over the top to get ourselves back to 1950. It was only going half way due to technical problems, so jumped off at the half way point and sped down the green slope (route 1) back to Arc 1600 for the free shuttle bus back to Arc 1950. Your could always bung your bike on the back of the free shuttle bus and get yourself back home for a lounge around in the pool and jacuzzi. Mid afternoon each of the families set off on different walks. The route down to 1600 and on to 1800 is a beautiful forested walk, and not terribly demanding. The route signs are generous in their time allocation so don’t be put off.
 
Wednesday 4th August – Decision was made to tackle the Aguille Rouge, which lies at 3226m. You could take the lift to Valet and the Cable Car to the summit from there, but the satisfaction gained from walking up to Valet is certainly worth doing. When you reach the little lake at Plan de L’Homme, it is a great place to stop for a snack. The views are magnificent, the lake crystal clear. It is only another 150m (vertically) before getting to Valet.

Andrew at the Plan de l'Homme

 
We took the cable car to the summit of Aguille Rouge where we had fantastic 360 degree views of white cloud – fun walking across icy snows, to the summit point. On a clear day you will get superb views across to the Italian Alps and beyond. We took the circular route back via the Transarc lift station and back down to the village. After a big day ou, we headed off to the Savoyard Restaurant to indulge ourselves in CHEESE! It was my first experience of Raclette! A must do, at some stage. I defy anyone to finish everything that is put in front of you! Awesome meal followed by big sleep.
 
Thursday 5th August – We took a trip down to Arc1800, a very different village, with an incredibly scenic golf course. Weather was a bit drizzly and but gave us the opportunity to browse around the shops in the village. Back up to 1950 and a relaxing afternoon chilling out in the apartment followed by a swim in the in the pool.  The creperie is worth a visit with a full range of sweet to savoury fillings. An evening meal at the Brasserie 1950 was enjoyed, lovely quiet restaurant, traditional brasserie faire with an alpine flavour, cured meat platters, beef steaks, delicious salads.
 
Friday 6th August – A trip round the Village on the Ponies is must for the children. They might not find it quite as exciting as the parents, but a worthwhile venture.

Skye explores the village on horseback!

 
A brisk walk in the mountain air is always good before lunch, especially if it leads you to Les Chalet de L’Arc. You need a healthy appetite. The portions are not only ample but truly delicious. For the meat eaters, the Le Geant Kebab, with a delicious combination of local sausage, chicken and steak is an absolute treat!

The Kebab Geant!

 
For the more traditional amongst you the tartiflette is one of their specialities. If the sun is shining make the most of sitting outside and enjoy the surrounding mountains in all their glory, but don’t miss out on having a peak inside to witness the warmth and uniquely rustic charm of the open bread-making kitchen. I definitely want to go back there to experience it as an après ski venue. For a pleasant morning trek, try the Plan de Violettes leaving Arc 2000 on the eastern side. It takes you through wooded areas with superb views over the valley towards La Rossiere and Mont Blanc and off course the villages of 1950 and 2000.

Aerial View of Arc 1950

 
Drag your way up the Aiguille Rouge red piste (great work out with a baby on your back), before heading right down the blue reservoir piste behind Arc 2000 and finishing at Les Chalet de L’Arc. A lazy afternoon with a swim in the pool and the dreaded feeling that tomorrow you have to leave.
 
Saturday 7th August – Departure day. You will undoubtedly leave with the feeling that a week isn’t long enough. On this trip, no golf, no kayaking, no white water rafting, no parasending, no tennis, no outdoor chess, not enough walking, biking, or chillaxing by the pool, that is why we will undoubtedly have to do it all again at some stage! Take a look at the Arc 1950 website to get a flavour of all there is on offer.

It is a French website, but for those who like me have very poor knowledge of the language, there are loads of visuals! It was only when a friend pointed out that there is in fact a UK button at the top that you realise how inept you are with IT skills. Erna Low have a real gem in their pocket, with this extraordinary and unique village on their books. There is an abundance of activity for all ages and tastes. The Kariboo Club for the children has not been explored by us yet, but it is worth knowing that Pierre & Vacances who manage the village offer two half days of child care per apartment included in your package. Bonus! www.arc1950.com and book your ski holiday to Arc 1950 with Erna Low www.ernalow.co.uk

Our blog has WON an award!

We’re delighted to announce that we have recently received an award for our Erna Low ski blog!!

We’re very proud of our team and we love to share the news of our latest trips, plans and adventures with other ski-fanatics across the world. We are extremely grateful for the recognition of our dedication to skiing and blogging and very pleased to know our photos and stories are valued by other members of the ski community.

Blogs in receipt of the Tripbase Award are described as “seminal reading for the hobbyist and professional alike” and “an incredible service to the community -  long may they continue!”. Well, our blog-readers need not worry! We’ll be keeping the blog active and updated all year round, with exciting new entries planned for the 2010-11 season.

The Erna Low blog was specifically described as: “A personal ski and travelogue written by the reps at Erna Low. The stories written are wonderful, but you’ll almost certainly be left with a twinge of envy for what must be one of the best jobs in the world”.

We’d like to thank www.tripbase.com for the award and for the comments and encouragement that came with it. We greatly enjoy sharing our love of skiing via the net and wholeheartedly agree with their assessment of our jobs!

Alice’s Arc1950 summer in photos

Based in our French property office in picturesque Arc 1950, in the Paradiski region of the Alps, Alice has been discovering the delights of a summer season spent at altitude and that the Alps aren’t just for skiing! Surrounded by stunning views of green mountains, imposing forest and mountain lakes and rivers, taking a few photos must have been irresistible…

Enjoying a view of the Mont Blanc

a bird's eye view of Arc 1950

Another popular, and slightly more adventurous, activity! Paraponting offers an eagle’s-eye view of the breathtaking alpine scenery and a dose of adrenaline on the side! Alice even took her camera up for a few aerial snaps…

Up up and away!

free as a bird...

Back on land again, Alice takes a view from just outside the property office window. Snow-sure and ski-friendly in the winter, Arc1950 is surrounded by Alpine meadows and bathed in sunshine during the summer- meaning any ski property for sale in this charming alpine resort will be snapped up before long!

view from the office window - certainly beats London HQ!

Thanks for the pics Alice, wish we were there! Erna Low Property team x

PS: want to see more photos? Become a fan on the Erna Low Facebook page to see the rest of the album.

Fancy trying it for yourself? book your summer holiday to the Alps with Erna Low today www.ernalowsummer.co.uk

A first prize trip to Morzine!

Francis Barnard won our Sunday Times competition to win an Erna Low summer alpine holiday to Morzine. He took the time to tell us how it went and we just have to share it with you!

Having now returned from Morzine and having had an excellent holiday I can write and thank you most enthusiastically for offering it as a prize for the Sunday Times.

The trip went very smoothly – Eurotunnel got us across the channel with minimum fuss, including putting us on earlier trains as we arrived a little early, both ways.

We stayed a couple of nights in Troyes – fascinating, and well out of our usual travel area – and then arrived at L’Aiglon de Morzine in good time and a rainstorm!  However the latter was brief and virtually the only time we had other than hot clear weather.  Having not been there before we were not at all sure what to expect and arrived with several
books to keep us occupied in spare minutes: they remained largely unread – there is so much to do, even for those who not use a mountain bike!

The local way to travel

We used the extensive lifts almost every day to get to different places, combined of course with walking: probably the high point in more than one sense was to stand on a mountain top at about 6000 feet and look in one direction to see Mont Blanc and the other to see the Eiger while listening to the sound of cow bells drifting up from the valley beneath
- oh, and then walking a few yards to find oneself straying into Switzerland!

With a good enough imagination that is the Eiger!

We spent another day visiting Lake Léman and enjoyed a  visit to Evian ‘the water town’ while wishing we had more time to explore some more – on the deliberately ‘interesting’ route back, high up I even spotted a Golden Eagle.

Walking is always possible

The accommodation, of course was excellent – we were given Suite 5 which gave us a little extra space but clearly all the suites were very comfortable, providing plenty of space to relax and a more than adequate cooking facility should one require it: we particularly liked the proper coffee making machine!

Looking down from a ski-lift and listening to the cow bells

We returned home with a stop off at Reims – again a most interesting city – to complete an excellent, relaxing and of course quite unexpected holiday. Once again thank you and your team for organising it.

Would I Recommend Driving From England to Morzine?

Steve and Caroline Warner, treasured Erna Low clients, loaded up the car and set off to Morzine for a summer holiday in their apartment in L’Aiglon de Morzine.

We’re off on our family holiday to Morzine. We have 2 children aged 9 and 6. The main reasons for driving are that we are fed up with airport delays, airport queues, lifting a multitude of bags on and off trolleys and can take more toys for the kids in the boot of the car. This is a log of our journey, from my perspective – the mum and passenger.
Got up at 3.30am at our home in Suffolk so I could prepare food for the journey. Really did wonder if this was a good idea after all.
Car looked liked a NASA station when we set off at 5am with DVD’s, ipods, DS’s etc. Stopped at garage to fill the car and buy 2 cans of redbull for the driver. I’d made 2 travel mugs of decaf – husband not impressed.
45mins into our journey I started to feel chilled, kids were happy watching DVDs and asking for breakfast already. Going to be difficult spacing out a day’s worth of food! Thinking driving actually might just be the right decision after all as I sit here with plenty of leg room, travel mugs and other creature comforts. Just not sure about the Homer Simpson voice over the sat nav.
Arrived at the Eurotunnel Folkestone terminal at 7am – ahead of schedule – and they put us on an earlier train than booked – part of the wonderful Eurotunnel FlexiPlus experience! Managed to delay the kids breakfast until the train. Looking forward to getting to France and listening to my audio book all in one go. How often do you get the chance to do that!
Husband not quite so fortunate but he does like being in control of his travel.
The kids are REALLY excited at this novel concept of driving onto a train. It’s even inspired them to pause the DVD’s.
Arrived in France and disembarked at 9.30am (local time). Sat Nav estimates arrival at destination 5.20pm
Motorway proves to be easy and SO quiet. Husband now very happy and relaxed at the prospect of empty, straight roads with no pot holes or road works.

The end is in sight!

We are all amazed at the frequency of toilet stops – which we take full advantage of at least hourly. Since they are all picnic spots they are quite pleasant places to have a stretch. Unfortunately sight of picnic benches are making the children think of food. Only down side – NO toilet paper in any of them. Take your own!
Had a lazy picnic lunch – sat nav now predicting arrival at 6.30pm since we’ve stopped SO many times. Children sleep for a couple of hours after lunch. I doze on and off and husband drinks the red bull.
After that back to hourly stops.
Finally arrive in Morzine 6.45pm. Ended the journey feeling quite relaxed and refreshed considering how long we have been travelling. We chose to make the journey a relaxing one rather than driving straight and this was most definitely the right one. Despite the time it took to get here my vote is still to drive since it has been stress free, the kids vote to drive and the driver? Well he still votes to drive since it has been really easy.
Door-to-door, it took us around 11 hours, including time on the Eurotunnel.
And the cost? Train 63, tolls 67.70E, diesel 109E

Our end destination! The lovely Aiglon de Morzine

Living the high life in Zermatt…

Summer in the Alps is glorious. Why don’t more Brits come here on holiday to Zermatt?  My flight with Swiss was seamless and then I enjoyed stunning views of Lac Leman as the train hugged the shore line.  In the morning I woke up in the best hotel in Zermatt to spectacular views of the Matterhorn and we were then treated to a helicopter ride circling the iconic mountain. 

our ride is here...

Our heroic helicopter pilot Daniel had recently taken part in the highest known helicopter rescue in Nepal so we knew we were in safe hands as he flew us seemingly within touching distance of the North Face. We were so close we could see the early climbers as they made their back down and we hoped that our intrusion did not hinder their concentration. Upon landing on the glacier we were transported to the highest ice palace in Europe by either piste basher or snow mobile. There were plenty of people enjoying summer skiing. After visiting the palace, we made our way to the viewing platform at 3883m above sea level where the panoroma is simply breathtaking. You can see 9 peaks over 4000m and numerous glaciers all glinting with hidden menace and with their own sadly shrinking story to tell.

With Clare on the sunny glacier!

After a brief refuelling stop we headed down to the mountain restaurant Blatten for a late BBQ lunch. Following a trusty guide we ducked off the visible path and soon it was time for our next treat which was a zip wire crossing over a vast gorge gushing with glacial melt water. It was a great experience to be dangling in a harness over the void that the whole group enjoyed.  We then gorged oursleves on a salad of pfifferlingers (chanterelle mushrooms but i loved the sound of the Swiss German name) before the main course of deliciously rare beef, lamb and chicken arrived. We were just thinking it would be impossible to consume more when the restaurant owner offered seconds. Pudding was strawberries with home-made rhubarb ice cream from rhubarb grown in their back garden. We waddled back to Zermatt to enjoy the spa facilities of our respective hotels, I was staying in the fabulously romantic 5* Hotel Zermatterhof.  Our evening hosts at the Monte Rosa, the oldest hotel in town, had seen our programme and had thankfully decided we would be grateful of some lighter fare for our evening meal. The chef had therefore painstakingly prepared for us a seemingly endless array of little treats ranging from chilled melon soup to mini churros via sliced duck on minted cous cous and tiger prawns.
 

On the wire

During this trip I did manage to visit some of Erna Low’s self-catering accommodation in Zermatt.  I was very impressed with the central location of the newly built or refurbished apartments all of which were close to a ski lift. An apartment in Zermatt would be a very cost effective way for family skiing as the supermarkets are centrally located and you have the flexibility to eat in or out.  Our recommendation would be the apartments in the Zur Matte building as these are apartments with swimming pool and spa facilities, are accessible in the nearby Mont Cervin Hotel.  Please call Erna Low on 0845 863 0525 for further information as I would be happy to recount further details of my trip!

Tour de France is coming to Morzine…

We’re all at the edge of our saddles as we prepare for the Tour de France kicking off next month!  This high adrenalin race never fails to impress and always attracts huge international attention and Erna Low will be watching all the way round France… particularly when they hit Morzine on the 11th of July!
The ski resort will be going all out to welcome them especially as they are stopping for a couple of nights. We will have a front row seat in the beautiful Erna Low residence, L’Aiglon de Morzine, ideal located in the heart of Morzine right near all the action!

L'Aiglon de Morzine

The teams and their extensive entourages will be arriving in style on Sunday 11th of July as they conclude their 8th stage of the circuit, rest on the 12th and then set off again on Tuesday 13th of July for St Jean de Maurienne. Why not join the fun and book a week at Aiglon to watch all the action?

Tour fans lying in wait

Prices start at £183 per person for 7 nights at the Aiglon de Morzine, self catering basis in a one bedroom apartment for week commencing 10/07 for the Tour de France. Doesn’t include travel. Eurotunnel crossings can be added on request. Call the office now on 0845 863 0525 or email info@ernalow.co.uk. 

Don’t forget your yellow jersey!

The cyclists racing into Bourg St Maurice in summer 09

Combining Golf and Spa in the South of France

Joanna combines her favourite things as she visits St Endreol Resort and Spa in the South of France – property, spa and free flowing wine… Careful on that golf buggy Joanna!

I was driving on my golf buggy hunched up to my friend Cathy, touring the stunning golf development of the wonderful golf and spa resort of St Endreol in the heart of the Provence.  We stopped to admire a particularly hair-raisingly difficult golf hole that involved whacking your golf ball at least 400 meters up and above a beautiful river below to land on a tiny putting green in the distance.  I was just thinking how absolutely impossible it looked to a non-golfer like me, when I asked Philippe, our host about it.    He said it was not suitable for ‘Ladies, beginners and so-on’ –  so I decided I fell neatly into all three categories of his description, especially the ‘so-on’ one – and gave up any further hope of shining at golf!

Later, we went to visit the state of the art spa of St Endreol which fitted the perfect retreat for a relaxing spa holiday. Particularly attractive to me was the ‘body scrub with Noirmoutier sea salt’ – it sounded like just the treatment to enjoy against the background of the Esterel mountain range in the distance …

Paused for a quick view shot!

A ski haven here in the UK…SnOasis – plans revealed!

At least clouds of ash, strike-happy cabin crews and eye-watering euro rates won’t stop us enjoying the snow here in the UK… if we can wait until 2014 that is!
See YouTube vid below:

Tearing it up on and off piste in Tignes!

Gemma, the newest member of the Erna Low team, shares a censored version of her break to Tignes with her fellow students.

After a tiresome 24-hour coach journey filled with anticipation, I eventually arrived in resort for my ski holiday to Tignes with my fellow uni friends at our ski-in, ski-out accommodation right on the piste, Le Borsat IV for our week’s ski adventure. I was very excited but rather nervous as I had bravely hired a snowboard for the week after only having a measly few hours practice in lessons a couple of weeks before the trip but I brought along my ski equipment just so I could backtrack from my not-so-well thought out original plan.

I couldn't abandon the skis for too long!

The first day on the slopes consisted of falling off every chair lift and sticking to blue runs close to our apartment to steady my nerves but by 3pm, one of the many après bars at the base of the resort was the best place for me. I stuck to skiing for the rest of the week.

I arranged my ski trip with Canterbury Christ Church University and opted out of the extended lift pass to the Val d’Isere ski region as you could pretty much ski over to that area without forking out the extra Euros. Independently, Tignes boasts a large ski terrain for all ski types, for example there are several Snow Parks and a Boarder Cross that skiers can experience to get away from the pisted runs. The main benefits for visitors to Tignes are that it is part of the large well-linked ski area of L’Espace Killy and due to its high altitude (Tignes Val Claret is 2100m) the resort is renown with having a reliable snow record. Consequently its popularity has risen as in recent seasons there has been reduced snowfall throughout Europe, attracting holiday-makers to high altitude destinations.

choosing my line...

The many bars in Val Claret meant that every night was spent in a combination of different venues and the resort was very compact so that it wasn’t hard to find each hub! My favourites were Saloon Bar – with a massive party atmosphere, live music for après and a huge cocktail menu and Melting Pot, where you’ll find a good selection of dance music – Drum n Bass, Electro, Hip Hop and fortunately the prices are reasonable – for a club.

One of our numerous nights out...

I happily enjoyed a few blue skies and powder snow days on my trip, which was just ideal and the last day’s skiing was the best end to the trip with great snow and superb weather – without the outrageous goggle tan marks!