Current snow conditions in La Plagne

Tim Wilson, our highly seasoned seasonnaire, heads out to La Plagne for another eventful winter and gives us a first hand snow report of the conditions for all you lucky readers heading out over the festive season. Enjoy!

Well it’s the start of another winter in the French Alps. As Erna Low’s Resort Manager for La Plagne in the Paradiski area, I am busy preparing for the first arrivals.

The set up period is busy for all the tour operators and the fact that I’ve been here the 2 previous seasons gives me a great advantage.

Catching up with all our suppliers and checking for any new procedures or activities is the order of the day. That doesn’t mean I haven’t had chance to get a few runs on the mountain…. Of course, it’s an important part of my job to know the current conditions and where’s good to ski etc

Looking over to Courchevel from La Plagne

 It’s been very cold for the last few days and the snow cannons have been working to build a good base and ensure that the opening of the Paradiski link is a success.

The on piste conditions at high altitude are surprisingly good in places and hopefully this current snowfall will be a bit heavier lower down.

Back with more soon,

Tim

Ski holidays to La Plagne start at only £96pp based on 6 people sharing a lodge apartment at Les Chalets des Alpages in Plagne Soleil on a self-catering basis from the 16 – 23 January 2010. Includes return Eurotunnel crossings with free upgrade to FlexiPlus as well as a 25% accommodation discount.  Call us on 0845 863 0525 or drop us an email to info@ernalow.co.uk to book!

Christmas queues and views in La Plagne

Living the dream… a ski season in Val d’Isere!

Just embarked on her first season, Hannah, a loyal fan and friend of Erna Low, shares her first impressions of Val d’Isere.

In the past week, Val d’Isere has been blanketed in a layer of snow. So for beginners such as myself, means a lot of powder to fall into when the going gets tough. Since the beginning of the great skiing weather, Val has been turned into a winter wonderland in the day and a fantastic night out in the evening. With bars having their opening nights, there is always great deals going on that soften the cost of the Val lifestyle. During my time off I’ve been checking out some of the bars on offer including the Saloon bar and Dicks Tea bar. Both have totally different atmospheres; Dick’s, with its great dance floor, is fab for clubbing and the saloon is smaller and more laid back with really friendly staff. So depending on how knackered I am after a day of skiing and working as a chalet host at the lovely chalet Fjord, I love visiting both. Obviously I have a lot more bars to check out, like V Stop and the Morris bar, but with such a long season ahead, it won’t take long to become an expert. Being a first timer in Val, it’s been great to get to know the beautiful resort and do some great window shopping. With the massive range of top brands all with brand new lines added this season, I am in serious danger of blowing my entire season budget on one ski jacket. Luckily there are so many skiing opportunities in the Espace Killy that I am being distracted from that costly disaster.

Back soon,

Hannah

Prices for holidays to Val d’Isere start at only £117pp based on four people sharing a studio apartment at Les Jardins de la Balme for week commencing 9^th Jan 2010. Includes 30% accommodation discount and return Eurotunnel crossings with free Flexiplus upgrade.

Our Pick of the Best Christmas and New Year Ski Deals

Thinking of heading out last minute? I was in Val d’Isere and Tignes last week and was honestly skiing in some of the best conditions I have ever experienced….but more of that later! In the meantime, take a peek of our round up of our best deals this week – including 40% off New Year in La Rosiere and Les Arcs and 60% off Christmas in Val d’Isere and a huge 70% off Christmas in La Plagne.  Why not beat the British Airways cabin crew strike action and drive to your destination? All offers below include Eurotunnel crossings for your car (or two if you’re going to La Rosiere!)

60% Off Accommodation at Val D’Isere This Christmas
Erna Low is offering a week in Val D’Isere over Christmas for £155 (reduced from £362). This price includes 7 nights accommodation at the Chalet Tutel on a self catering basis and includes return Eurotunnel crossing with free FlexiPlus upgrade, departing on 19^th December. The apartment sleeps up to 9 people and is located a short 8 minutes from the resort centre, and 10 minutes from the slopes. 

Everything You Want For Less in Val Cenis This Christmas
Erna Low is offering 8 nights in Val Cenis over Christmas for £163 (reduced from £246). This price includes 8 nights accommodation at the  Les Alpages de Chantel on a self catering basis and includes return Eurotunnel crossing with free FlexiPlus upgrade, departing on 18^th December. The one bedroom apartment sleeps up to 4 people, and is a ski-in ski-out residence with many facilities including an outdoor heated swimming pool and fitness room.

Ski Paradiski for 1/3 of the Original Price
Erna Low is offering a week in Plagne Soleil over Christmas for £106 (reduced from £308). This price includes 7 nights accommodation at the   Les Chalets des Alpages on a self catering basis and includes return Eurotunnel crossing with free FlexiPlus upgrade, departing on 19^th December. The chalet apartment is for up to 10 people, and every apartment enjoys great access to the extensive skiing being very close to either the St Esprit lift or the Melezes chair lift.

A White Christmas In Morzine
Erna Low is offering 8 nights in Morzine over Christmas for £286 (reduced from £352). This price includes 8 nights accommodation at the L’Aiglon de Morzine on a self catering basis and includes return Eurotunnel crossing with free FlexiPlus upgrade, departing on 19^th December. The 2 bedroom and cabin apartment is for up to 7 people, and is a part of the newly-built luxurious residence in the centre of Morzine.

High altitude but not high prices a Week in Arc 2000
Erna Low is offering a week in Arc 2000 this New Year for £246 (reduced from £400). This price includes 8 nights accommodation at the Chalet Altitude on a self catering basis and includes return Eurotunnel crossing with free FlexiPlus upgrade, departing on 26^h December. Just 100m from the pistes and 500m from the centre of the resort, this apartment chalet can house 10 people, and enjoys the benefits of a complex with swimming pool, sauna, pub and mini-market.

Save Money and Ski In La Rosiere This New Year
Erna Low is offering a week in La Rosiere this New Year for £243 (reduced from £396). This price includes 7 nights accommodation at the Chalet Altitude, Le Refuge on a self catering basis and includes return Eurotunnel crossing with free FlexiPlus upgrade for two vehicles, departing on 26^th December. The apartment for up to 12 people is a top quality residence only 150m from the pistes, with access to indoor heated swimming pool and sauna.

Perfect Location, Prime Prices – New Year Skiing in Serre Chevalier
Erna Low is offering a week in Serre Chevalier this New Year for £213 (reduced from £260). This price includes 7 nights accommodation at the Best Western Premier Chantermerle on a self catering basis and includes return Eurotunnel crossing with free FlexiPlus upgrade, departing on 2 January. This apartment suite for up to 12 people is located in the centre of Chantemerle, just 5 minutes and across the road from the ski lifts and near to shops, bars and restaurants.

If you would like to discuss these or any other of our special ski offers, then just call our sales team (Rob, Andy, George, Kirsty or John) on 0845 863 0525  or email us on info@ernalow.co.uk

Happy Shopping!
Sappho

The Alps catch up… with massive snowfalls in the past couple of days!

First day of December and already plenty to get excited about!!  Not only did I bag the first choccy in the advent calendar but a quick look at the resort webcams and we’re jumping for joy. Perhaps all the early predictions of snowiest season ever could be spot on… here’s hoping anyway!
Falling hard since Sunday night, take a peek at our favourite alpine resorts from the webcams this morning.

Serre Che this morning

Serre Chevalier – 1st December 2009
Staying true to its reputation of sunniest alpine resort, Serre Chevalier got over 20cm of snow in the last couple of days and the sun is making it look lovelier. This picture is taken from Monetiers side of the mountain on the Bachas piste. Where are my skis!?

Arc 1950 – 1st December 2009
The village is opening this weekend in time for the first European Film Festival which is taking place in  Les Arcs all next week. The producers and directors are all staying in Arc 1950. We’re hoping all the celebs won’t be wrapped up too warmly… could hinder our star spotting activities!

Val d'Isere this morning

Val d’Isere – 1st December 2009
I’m heading out there next week so of course am keeping a close eye on the snow levels… the skis will definitively be coming out for this one!

Now…. stay put please!