Customize your ski helmet…

Having lost track of how many ski shows I have been to over the years, one of my favourite pastimes is browsing all the stands and trying to spot the latest NEW idea in the ski industry.

This year the winner for me is a company called Topace that specialises in ‘headware for helmets’ – a stylish way to accessorise your ski outfits whilst wearing protective headgear!

I had to buy myself one – so here I am with Christina Collier of Topace, modelling their lovely fluffy hats on top of my ski helmet!

Joanna tries out some Top Ace style

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!

FlexiPlus Eurotunnel – smug, moi?

Or should it be re-named Club Class?  Joanna opts for driving to Paris and finds the smoothest modeof transport in a weekend of travel chaos…

We decided on a whim to self-drive to france for a meeting in Paris – so very nearly booked flights – and what a relief as it just happened to be the day iceland’s volcano caused complete havoc in the skies!

We didn’t need to think about limiting ourselves with our luggage and chucked everything randomly into the boot of the car – what bliss not having to squash things into suitcases only to be told we were overweight by some arrogant  airline.

Travelling FlexiPlus with Eurotunnel means you  get  directed down an empty lane for the first available crossing and you get to overtake hundreds of cars sitting waiting obediently for their appointed time. FlexiPlus signposts guide you past the bottle necks and you arrive at the wonderfully empty flexi lounge  exclusive to FlexiPlus clients – where you get to stuff your face with a limitless picnic including wine, wide variety of sandwiches and puddings, fruit, chocolate, crisps – and topped off with complimentary newspapers and comfy sofas.  Quick snooze on the train and you are all set for your journey!

First hand account of the Olympics – is the negative hype to be believed?

Joanna, our CEO at Erna Low, is at the Vancouver Olympics and full of praise despite the negative publicity…

Waking up today to 10 cm of snow and perfect sunshine looking out over Whistler Creek from my cosy condo as The First Tracks Lodge, what better start to a day can you have?  Excitement was building at the sheer thought that we were going to be watchng the ladies’ downhill in just an hour and a half – and the whole resort was buzzing!   Sitting on a chairlift on the way up  Whistler mountain the snow was positively glistening and we were regailed with stories of bears hibernating – Ben  Ayling, our very own ErnaLowian turned Whistler-owian – spending his winters out in Whistler and summers in New Zealand – was taking us to a secret spot where only a handful of skiers could take advantage of a perfect view of the starting podium to the Women’s Downhill – where we would catch a glimpse of Britain’s own Chemmy Alcott competing against the best athletes in the world.   Leaping out of her hut – second out of 38 skiers down the treacherous slope, she managed a very admirable 13th spot – and just 2.5 seconds behind the American winner!  

Starting gate for the Women's downhill - C'MON CHEMMY!

As I watched the incredible prowess of the female athletes, it struck me again how brilliantly the Canadians have organized the whole event – and I could not stop myself feel more than slightly cross at the negative publicity coming out of the UK about the Olympics – as if some of the journalists had set their story before they had even written it.  Although the death last Friday on the luge was tragic and terrible, one feels that this has fuelled ALL the news to be negative – but if you are actually here on the spot, you experience a Canadian efficiency and hospitality second to none!

Me and my sons enjoying the privileged view

After having watched the downhill, we then spent the whole day floating through powder – silk under your feet, and views to die for!  We were so privileged:  there could have been no more than 500 skiers on Whistler mountain – normally 23,000!   And having explored the nooks and crannies of Whistler, we ended up on Blackcomb – connected by the incredible Peak to Peak gondola – and staring over mountain ranges that stretch up to Alaska ….

Finishing the day on the champagne powder

Hurry! Snow (and prices!) are falling in the Three Valleys!

We are overjoyed with the recent news that the 3 Vallees – generally renowned for its expensive prices – has had a change of heart by adapting their food and drink prices to better represent the current economic market. The prices of beverages, snacks, and meals in various resorts around the French ski area are becoming more competitive, making it possible for skiers to not only enjoy the thrills of the slopes, but also the comfort of a hot chocolate or warm meal at the top of the mountain without breaking the bank! Such resorts participating in this new ‘low price’ campaign include favorites like  Les Menuires, St Martin de Belleville, La Tania, Courchevel, Méribel and Val Thorens. With so many options to choose from, skiers can now take fantastic ski holidays to the 3 Valleys with prices to suit all budgets and tastes. The process is ongoing and is still only in its initial stages, but prices have already fallen exponentially with 27% of 3 Vallees resorts having lowered their prices for this winter season! Val Thorens has persuaded 85% of bar and restaurant owners, so far, to change their coffee prices from €2,20 to less that €2.00; though this may seem minimal, we all know how quickly money adds up, and with all that saved change, why not purchase a beer – now less than €3 in 40% of the restaurants! Méribel, too, sets a good example for other resorts, with restaurant owners now applying VAT cuts on at least 8 leading products, such as pasta, fizzy drinks, coffee, children’s menus, and dishes of the day! Furthermore, half of the resorts participating in the price cuts are charging only €10 (or less!) for each main course, and 35% of restaurants will be applying the VAT reduction. With all these fabulous deals, skiers are given yet another excuse to enjoy a family lunch overlooking the snowy mountain tops. Seems that they have the right idea and hopefully other resorts won’t be far behind! Happy skiing!

mine's no longer a tap water!

Erna Low & Baboo Celebrate Oxford-Geneva Ski Flight Connection

What a fantastic evening we had at the London Oxford Airport in Kidlington celebrating the launch of  Baboo’s new Oxford-Geneva winter flight route!   Our friends at WeLove2Ski.com were on hand to help raise awareness for both the new flight service and for the British Ski Cross team who will take to the Olympic slopes for the first time ever at the Winter Olympics 2010 in Vancouver.  

Guests received their very own boarding pass and entry into the evening’s prize draws which included a week’s stay in a studio cabin for four in Avoriaz, two sets of free flights from Oxford to Geneva, and a pair of custom made ski boots from Daleboot, courtesy of Outdoor Traders in Abingdon.  The proceeds from the prize draw went to support the Ski Cross team’s Olympic  fundraising efforts.  David Surley, Head of Customer Services at the airport, was on hand  to offer First Class service to all our guests and charmed everyone with his tales from the tarmac. 

Being an Oxfordshire resident myself, I can vouch for anyone living in the Oxford area that flying via London Oxford Airport to the Alps is the only way to travel!  Parking five minutes from the terminal, quiet, relaxing lounges before you board, baggage and security cleared in seconds and you’re on your way to the slopes.   From the turnout last night, Baboo is on to a winner here!  Have a peek for yourself below at the evening’s entertainment and don’t forget to book yourself in to one of our favourite French ski holidays close to Geneva and grab yourself a seat on the easiest most convenient ski route from Oxford to the Alps this winter!

My three minutes in the spotlight — thanking our many friends and guests for coming out and celebrating with us on the night.

The endlessly entertaining David Surley from London Oxford Airport.

And finally a lovely thank you from the GB Ski Cross team! We’re looking forward to seeing them race down the slopes in Whistler this February!

Oldest Ski Company Meets Newest Ski Company

Our very own CEO, Joanna Yellowlees-Bound, goes back to the Erna roots when pondering her latest investment…

Many a morning I sit at my desk and feel the inimitable Miss Low peering over my shoulders wondering what is in store for us today.  Tut-tutt!   After 20 plus years of working by her side, I still feel her energy permeating our offices, spurring us on to new and exciting adventures.  Never have I thought of her more, though, than over these past few weeks after a decision to personally invest in the newly launched Consensio Holidays! 

Erna Low on the slopes back in the 1930s

Erna would have loved what the founders, Ceri Tinley and Stuart Pinnell, are doing to launch this new co-operative chalet business — she prized smart, dynamic people sharing new ideas and business models.   Thanks to Ceri and Stuart’s wealth of experience in the ski and hospitality industry, they have managed to secure the most luxurious chalets in the Alps and are launching a business that will allow chalet owners to have the pick of the weeks they want AND share the benefits of increased chalet occupancy.  In the past, chalet owners would have just received a flat season rental with no uplift on successful occupancy.  With Consensio Holiday’s model, they will enjoy the rewards of ownership on a profit-sharing basis, lowering their risk in recessions like this and increasing their gains in better times.  And this can only be good for the quality of enjoyment of the consumer, where everyone benefits!

I’m struck by how this parallels another part of our business we focussed on this summer – which is working on behalf of the owners at the Residence Aiglon at Morzine by re-creating a model that empowers the owners themselves, rather than the management company.  When the owners of the Aiglon (including my husband and I!) woke up with a jilt one morning last March to find that its management company had spectacularly gone into liquidation, we were left stranded with no rental return to pay our massively spiralling mortgage.   So we quickly created a new owners-controlled company to run the building and take charge of the rentals – see www.aiglonmorzine.com   It has been a massive few months re-structuring and founding our own jointly shared owners company for Morzine but we are proud of what we have achieved – and bookings are pouring in, with all the upside set to go to the owners themselves!

So while I rummage through my buzzing inbox (with Erna peeking in), I can’t help feeling proud of the fact that we breathe her trailblazing principles in to every new adventure we take.

Have your own peek at  Consensio Holidays and let us know what you think!

Joanna

Paradise — Mauritius style

Just back from action packed 68 hours in Mauritius – hurrying around fabulous developments and brainstorming real estate on this beautiful island with a team of experts from Mauritius, South Africa, France and the UK.  We visited one of our newest sites as soon as we arrived – perched above the untouched village of Chamouny on Mont Blanc.   (Who says Erna Low only deals with ski holidays and ski property?) 

Coincidence as it happens!  Our developers, Steve and John, managed to find a ‘mountain’ on Mauritius for our beautiful gem of a development – Emerald Heights - though no ski slopes – even though rumour has it that a ski lift may be built to get up it!   The resort site is now under construction.  Our first phase of 29 units – from one bedroom apartments to 5 bedroom villas all overlook the panoramic ocean. 

Before I left, I sat on a pick-up truck, imagining the finished resort, and looked out to sea – on my left stretched out in front of me was a storm at sea, in the middle a perfect rainbow, and on my right blazing sun. Where else but a tropical island!

Joanna

Ski Costs to Soar??? Bunk off school??? Is that what I said???

After reading the Sunday Times travel section this morning, I imagined for a moment having to wear large hats and dark sunglasses into my sons’ school plays and assemblies for years to come !   Thank goodness their headmaster has a sense of humour (I hope!).  It did make me think though that I better clarify the avalanche of great press we’ve received this week.

Earlier this year, Erna Low Ski undertook a series of studies to understand why our clients changed their holiday habits last season. We wanted to know why we had lost and why we had gained bookers, and how tour operators and skiers might behave next winter in light of the current economy.

The facts and insights from those studies were so compelling in terms of market trends and consumer behaviour that we shared the results with journalists around the country last week in our The Credit Crunch Report 2009.

Key to that report are two trends:

1) The growing number of people waiting to book, in the hope of cost-saving last-minute deals
2) Tour operators’ more cautious approach to guaranteeing beds during the 2009-2010 ski season which will reduce capacity all around.

In view of how many tour operators had to slash prices in order to fill beds last year, exercising caution this year is simply good business sense. But the reality is that ski-lovers who wait until the last minute expecting a deal like they had last season might find that there’s no deal at all to be had! And that’s what we wanted to share with consumers, not as a hyped-up fear tactic but to give consumers insight on what’s likely to happen so they can make the best choices possible for themselves, their families and their friends.

And what I was also trying to get across in our report is that back-end bookers very often get back-end product. It might sometimes be a bit cheaper, but you have far less choice than the front-end early bookers. What you usually get are left-overs that front-end skiers don’t want. Often last minute ‘deals’ are just a way of major package operators off-loading weak stock of flights and beds. It’s just basic demand and supply – there will be monumental growth in demand for a fixed supply of beds so that package operators and resorts will milk this for all it is worth. In difficult economic times this is their single chance to mint money! We at Erna Low advocate that, if you are tied to school holidays, you can get the best deals by self-drive and choosing one of our huge variety of apartments – whilst at the same time avoiding the humiliation of airports and price-gouging .

What you won’t have seen in all these reports are the many options available for skiers who have to watch their budgets. Included in the Credit Crunch report is sensible advice on how to get you skiing this winter without breaking the bank.

We’ve also pulled together our top five credit crunch beating ski holidays and have created a Ski Calculator to help you decide whether booking early or waiting until the last minute is a good idea for you this season.

And as for bunking off school? Well, it’s certainly true that UK and EU half terms are coinciding this year which will make it tougher to secure the accommodations you want in your favourite resorts. But do check with your headmaster or mistress first – somehow I can’t imagine getting away with it just because Erna Low told you to!

Joanna Yellowlees-Bound – CEO Erna Low

Here’s a few of the latest headlines:
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/snowandski/5450953/Cost-of-skiing-holidays-expected-to-soar.html
http://www.travelshorthand.com/taking-the-kids-skiing/
http://www.travelmole.com/stories/1136681.php?mpnlog=1
http://www.snowmenu.com/ski-holiday-prices-could-raise-by-more-than-20/

Reaching new depths at the Eurotunnel Terminal

It was with some trepidation that I set out on my ‘behind the scenes’ tour of Eurotunnel. I had vivid memories of the fire in the tunnel last year and the potentially drastic effects of it – though Eurotunnel had reacted very quickly and efficiently and it was a credit to their crisis management that there were no casualties and the news was contained without hysteria letting loose. 
Did you know that Eurotunnel actually has three tunnels, 2 running tunnels that are used by trains and the service tunnel – specifically designed as a “safe haven” for customers in the event of an emergency.   The service tunnel is also used for regular maintenance as well!
But did I really want to go down the service tunnel?  Normally no members of the public are allowed in there and I was a bit hesitant about making my trip down into the unknown.

It was a revelation to me that there was a whole team of people on standby in case there was an emergency situation. Their whole life geared up for a crisis, only to happen probably once in a life time.  It was mind boggling to drive deeper and deeper into the service tunnel riding in one of the specially adapted vehicles. We stopped at one of the Cross Passage Doors – this is the door linking the train tunnel to the service tunnel and can be used in the event of an evacuation.  It felt like I was tracing the steps where hundreds of passengers would potentially escape from …. It had that eerie feeling that you wouldn’t have been surprised if James Bond were to jump out at you from behind a security door! 

On leaving the service tunnel, we were taken to the “Nerve Centre” of the tunnel, a NASA inspired control room – a train spotter’s paradise – no windows and computers/electronic charts blinking everywhere with the longest and largest electronic chart showing every single movement of every train in the tunnel, or about to go into the tunnel.  We were treated to a fascinating lesson on how the trains were controlled by our Eurotunnel mentor, Paul, who lived and breathed the complexities of every train entering into the tunnel. 

One of the other aims of the day was to try for myself the whole experience of going by Eurotunnel.  I had been part of the privileged few to travel the tunnel when it opened in 1994- and even have the certificate to prove I was in the first 500 passengers – so it was great to re-visit it 15 years later.  This time I was “trying out” Flexiplus  *. Travelling using Flexiplus was an experience that way exceeded my expectations. If you have ever been to Disneyland and purchased fastpasses to beat the queue, you will appreciate Flexiplus – being one of the smug few travellers to jump all car queues and be loaded on first.  On top of that, Flexiplus allows you to stop at the exclusive lounge, where you are given a generous snack of sandwiches, fruit, wine, cakes and coffee, while picking up a newspaper and taking a break.  Check out www.ernalow.co.uk for further details of how to travel Flexiplus.

*Full Flexiplus service is open to vehicles under 1.85m