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

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:

Own a home in the snow! New properties for sale in Arc 1800

We are all very excited that sister company, Erna Low Property, has launched brand new apartments for sale at EdenArc 1800, one of our favourite resorts. Located just above the MGM residence, the 4 * development will consist of 252 apartments ranging from one to four bedrooms each. The prices start at 189,000euros for the one bedroom and the apartments can be brought on the French leaseback scheme thus allowing purchasers to waiver the VAT – a significant sum at 19.6% in France. The larger apartments (the 3 or 4 beds) can also be bought on the classical purchase which means it can be used as much as you like but you will pay the VAT for that privilege!
Les Arcs is a hugely popular destination, and since a link to neighbouring La Plagne was made in 2004, the resort and combined area of Paradiski, has gone from strength to strength.  With Arc 1800 property for sale in short supply, it’s fantastic news for those wanting to take their passion for the Alps to the next stage…

Interested in hearing more? The ski property for sale specialists can be reached on +44 (0) 207 590 1624 or property@ernalow.co.uk

EdenArc - the new development in Arc1800

Going, going, gone… Olympic ski fever comes to Christies!

What a great night it was! Celebrities, ski athletes, high bidders and of course the lovely ladies from Erna Low all came together last night at Christies Auction House to support and raise precious funds for the British Olympic Alpine Ski and Snowboard Teams heading to Vancouver next month full of Olympic dreams of gold medals for Great Britain.

Pommery champagne with a straw - still debating if it is a good idea!

As sponsors of a ski holiday to France, Erna Low joined the 200 strong group of attendees to support the teams at the thrilling auction which raised a whopping £18,000 for the team and included driving days, spa treatment, numerous ski holidays, ski equipment, magazine subscriptions and even an amazing luxury chalet holiday with Consensio Holidays to Meribel worth up to £15,000 !… Francois from the Erna Low Property office even took home the Fischer skis which should make him happier (and save some time) on his next trip to the Scottish slopes!! Read about his fateful weekend break here.

Ski holidays, spa days, ski equipment were all up for grabs at the fundraising auction

The evening took place at Christies in South Kensington, London so just over the road from the Erna Low office. The gallery was beautifully decorated with the vintage ski posters on view ahead of the vintage ski poster sale tomorrow (21st January) at 1pm. Those of you who know our ski holiday brochures will know that we are all huge fans of vintage ski memorabilia and I shall be there tomorrow to watch the bidding… and to keep CEO Joanna’s hands from flying up relentlessly!

George, Iolanda, Sappho with Alain Baxter, first Briton to win an Olympic medal for alpine skiing

Combined with the sale of entry tickets as well as the raffle organised by the Ski Club of Great Britain, over £30,000 was raised (exact amount to be confirmed) for the British Olympic Alpine Ski and Snowboard Teams which will no doubt be of great support to them. No excuses now guys…..go for gold!

...and with another national treasure... It's Craig, winner from Big Brother 1!

Christie’s and Erna Low fundraiser for the British Olympic Teams

a date for the diary…

Christie’s Auction House, (our South Kensington neighbours…and fellow vintage poster fans!) have teamed up with Snowsports GB to throw a fantastic event next week to raise money for the British Olympic Alpine Ski and Snowboard Teams dreaming of gold medals at Vancouver 2010.
Erna Low has got together with numerous other top ski companies to provide some fantastic prizes for THE FUNDRAISING AUCTION on Tuesday 19th January where lucky bidders can win vintage posters, spa treatments, skis and bindings, driving days as well as ski holidays to Vars, St Moritz, Couchevel, Meribel and Whistler. Tickets for this fabulous event are £20 each and ALL proceeds from the tickets sales and auction will be donated to the British Olympic Alpine Ski and Snowboard Teams.
Christie’s will also be exhibiting their upcoming vintage ski poster sale which will be on private view for all attendees. Tickets are extremely limited so please simply email sappho.barkla@ernalow.co.uk with your postal address, stating how many you would like and she will send you a pack with details on how to make payment.

Event details: Christie’s, 85 Old Brompton Road, South Kensington, London SW7 3LD
Tuesday 19th January – Champagne and après ski from 6.30pm to 9.30pm (auction at 7.45pm)

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!

Party your way to the slopes… as Oxford airport flies to the Alps this winter!

Any new way of getting to the Alps is alright by us and that is why we are all very excited about the new ‘full frills’ service operated by Baboo Airlines. Starting on the 19th of December, Baboo will fly every Saturday between Geneva and Oxford Airport with seat prices from just £89 one way, including taxes, luggage…and even ski/board carriage! the perfect way to start your ski holiday!

Check out www.flybaboo.com for more details and reservations.

Why not join us as we celebrate the launch of this new service?
We have teamed up with Baboo and prolific ski website www.welove2ski.com to welcome guests at the VIP lounge at Oxford Airport for drinks, canapés and masses of prizes to be won including 2 return flights OXF-GVA, a week’s accommodation in the Alps, a pair of specially fitted Daleboots, a custom fitting ski boot fitting (both courtesy of Outdoor Traders, Abingdon) and plenty of goodies from our friends at www.welove2ski.com. All monies raised from the event will be donated to the British Ski Cross Team, who are in final preparations for the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver.

Taking place on Thursday 26th November from 6.30pm at Oxford Airport, the event is completely FREE and open to EVERYONE… so do pass it on to family and friends in the area who may want to join us.

Just RSVP to Alex (alex.yellowlees@ernalow.co.uk) so we can keep an eye on numbers.

Baboo takes off from Oxford this winter

Looking forward to seeing you there!
Sappho x

Mass snows in Snowmass!

‘I’m talking about a little place called Aspen!’

Everyone knows Americans like things BIG and their snowfalls are no exception! After receiving over 60cm (2 feet) of snow last weekend, Aspen/Snowmass is hotting up (well, not literally) to open in 9 days time.
Opening weekend sees have the return of the FIS Alpine Women’s World Cup race on Aspen Mountain and it’s a great way to kick off the season and combined with great terrain, events, snow, restaurants and nightlife, Aspen sure looks inviting this season…. And not too heavy on the purse strings either…

Ski holidays to Aspen start from £881 per person, based on double occupancy in a Ridge View room at The Stonebridge Inn. Price includes 7 nights lodging including daily continental breakfast from 01 December 2009, direct flights with British Airways from LHR-DEN, shared shuttle transfers to resort and all applicable taxes and surcharges. Please note: flights into Aspen airport can also be arranged at a supplement if preferred, subject to availability.

mass snowmass snows Photo: Jeremy Swanson

Snowy Downtown Aspen Photo: Daniel Bayer

Snowy Downtown Aspen

Grab a bargain with our top weekly ski deals

Calling all blog readers who want to grab a ski bargain this winter! Take a peak at our personal favourites below and find the rest of them of our ski deals page on our website.

New Year skiing for only £180
Erna Low is offering a week in Puy St Vincent over New Year for £180pp (reduced from £220pp). This price includes 7 nights accommodation in a 1 bedroom apartment at the Residence Le Hameau des Ecrins on a self catering basis and includes return Eurotunnel crossing with free FlexiPlus upgrade, departing on 26th December. The apartment sleeps 4 people and is located in an ideal position at the foot of the slopes in Puy Saint Vincent 1800.

15% off and FREE breakfast in Serre Chevalier
Erna Low is offering a week in Serre Chevalier in January for only £186pp (reduced from £214pp). This price includes 7 nights accommodation in a luxury 2 bedroom apartment at the Best Western Premier Chantemerle with FREE breakfast and includes return Eurotunnel crossing with free FlexiPlus upgrade, departing on 9th January. The apartment sleeps 6 people and is located in an ideal position in the buzzing main resort of Chantemerle.

Luxury in Morzine for only £223
Erna Low is offering a week in The Lodge in Morzine for only £223pp (reduced from £270). This price includes 7 nights accommodation in a luxury 1 bedroom apartment at The Lodge Morzine on a self catering basis and includes return Eurotunnel crossing with free FlexiPlus upgrade, departing on 9th January. The apartment sleeps 4 people and the residence boasts a gym, jacuzzi and sauna as well as a bar and restaurant.

HUGE savings in Avoriaz
Erna Low is offering credit crunch skiing for only £91pp (down from £164 pp) in Avoriaz this winter. This price includes 7 nights accommodation in a studio/cabin apartment in the Maeva Residence Antares on a self catering basis and includes return Eurotunnel crossing with free FlexiPlus upgrade, departing on 16th January. The apartment sleeps up to 4 people and is located in the high altitude, ski in ski out resort of Avoriaz. 

Visit our website on www.ernalow.co.uk or call the sales team (George, Katie, Rob, Kirsty or John) on 0845 863 0525 for more information.

Be sure to check back often for our very own pick of the best deals!