Who wants to buy a bubble lift?

Image courtesy www.yodelmagazine.com

We recently came across this story on Yodel Magazine about the old four seater red bubble in Les Gets that was replaced in winter 2010.

What happens to old bubble lifts when they die?

The answer: they sit in bric a brac yard waiting to be bought.

The bubbles are a not really an austerity purchase at EUR1000 each, but that does include delivery (although probably not to Britain!).

The Portes du Soleil, from a beginner’s perspective

John goes back to square one in the Portes du Soleil…

Being a haggard old snowboarder with going on for 18 years of riding under my belt, I often find it a little difficult to answer the eternal question “which resort would you recommend for beginners”, so I found it an enlightening experience when my wife I and were joined on our recent trip to Morzine by my sister in law and her husband Ash, whom she wanted to introduce to the joys of snowboarding for the first time.

Thankfully, since they decided to tag along on our trip, the task of finding the perfect beginner’s resort was not an issue and we just had to hope that we weren’t going to be throwing him headfirst into a sea of black runs and the sworn enemy of the snowboarder, the dreaded Poma lift. As it turned out, the Portes du Soleil ski area is actually a great place to ski or ride for the first time and it was great to see the area from a beginner’s perspective.

Ash had decided to book a 2 hour private lesson on the first afternoon, so we all spent the morning on the nursery slopes at the Pleney base area, showing him the basics. Morzine has beginner slopes at both the base and top of the Pleney lift, so even if the snow isn’t great lower down, you don’t have to worry about spending the week sitting in puddles of slush at the bottom of the mountain.

By lunchtime, Ash was already completely hooked and even the odd fall couldn’t wipe the permanent cheesy grin off his face. Don’t take my word for it though, just check out his first chairlift dismount below!

By the end of the first day, Ash was already negotiating blue runs, so we were able to start heading a little further afield to see what else the resort had to offer fledgling skiers and snowboarders. We made our way over to Les Gets to find some ideal terrain for developing those first turns, especially the wide open green and blue runs that come down under the Chavannes lift and take you all the way back down to the village.

If you’re on a budget, there is plenty of terrain to keep less experienced skiers and snowboarders happy in the Morzine Les Gets ski area, which is available on a cheaper, limited area pass (158€ for 6 days). However, it would be a shame not to explore the full area by purchasing the full Portes du Soleil pass (219€ for 6 days), as there is also a huge amount of great beginner to intermediate skiing in and around the village of Avoriaz.

On our third day, we decided to check out the Avoriaz side, as Ash was determined to make it to Switzerland. We made our way over by taking the Super Morzine gondola, which then links into a couple more lifts that eventually drop you just above the village. However, new snowboarders may prefer to avoid this route, as it does involve a long flat cat track and it’s easy to get stuck if you’re not too confident at straight lining. The alternative is to jump on the regular free bus to Prodains, where you can take a telecabine that drops you right by the lifts at the bottom of Avoriaz.

One thing that really struck me about exploring the area as part of a mixed ability group is that even less experienced slope users can pretty much get around the whole area. With a variety of slopes available off most lifts, we were able to have a quick blast down a red or through one of the many parks, while Ash was able to make his way down an easier route and meet us at the bottom again, ready for the next challenge.

The highlight of my week was finding a deserted blue run that winds down through the trees from the top of the Prolays lift, all the way down to Ardent, ending at great bar called the ‘Happy Hours’, where we then spent an hour soaking up the sunshine with an ice cold beer (although I have to admit that it was probably the beer rather than the run that I remember the most!).

The aptly named 'Happy Hours' bar in Ardent

As for my brother in law, he’s already planning a Christmas snowboarding holiday and is taking the kids this time…

Focus on Les Portes du Soleil

With a choice of resorts offering everything from ski in, ski out convenience to traditional village charm – all linked by 650km of pistes – it’s hard not to love the Portes du Soleil.

For those not familiar with the area, here are our top 5 reasons to try the Portes du Soleil this season:

1. Easy to get to…
One of the most northern ski areas in France, the Portes du Soleil is easily accessible for both self-drive and air travel – located only 1h30m from Geneva and 9hrs drive from Calais. View driving directions

2. Something for everyone…
Whether you’re looking for the traditional charm of Les Gets or Champery, the seasonnaire buzz of Morzine, or the ski in, ski out convenience of Avoriaz, this area offers something for all tastes.

3. Expansive skiing…
With 650km of pistes across two countries, offering skiing for all abilities, there is more than enough to satisfy all levels of skier and snowboarder. For a real challenge, take the ‘Swiss Wall’, or check out the Stash for some great natural freestyle features.

4. Great new properties for 2011/12…
With the addition of three brand new properties in Avoriaz and the new residence ‘Les Fermes d’Emiguy’ in Les Gets, we have even more accommodation options for 2011/12.

And we shouldn’t forget our old favourite, and a favourite with our customers, Aiglon in Morzine which offers 4-star luxury in central Morzine

5. Lots to do…
Avoriaz is the only ski resort in Europe to schedule a season-long series of ‘snowsports and music’ festival events, making it the biggest mountain music and snowsports.  Click here for more information on 2011/12 events

10 Great Properties in the Alps handpicked for you…

You don’t have to spend a fortune to enjoy quality accommodation in great resorts.

We’ve pulled together our top 10 ‘staff picks’ – the 10 new properties that we at Erna Low know give you the best combination of quality, value and location.

Take a look below and if there’s nothing to suit, call one of our expert travel advisors on 0844 879 2921 or go online to find the perfect ski holiday for you.

And remember all prices include return Eurotunnel crossing with a free upgrade to FlexiPlus – giving you flexible travel, priority boarding and access to an exclusive lounge.

Our Top 10 New Properties in the Alps this season
		Edenarc, Arc 1800 Edenarc provides high end accommodation with great amenities and a desirable ski in/ski out location in the Chantel area of Arc 1800.
		Le Cristal de L’Alpe, Alpe d’Huez This new CGH residence will be located in the centre of Alpe d’Huez and will offer access to a large spa area with a swimming pool.
		L’Amara, Avoriaz This residence will consist of 6 buildings and will fulfil the current need for premium quality self catering ski apartments in Avoriaz.
		Les Fermes d’Emiguy, Les Gets A brand new residence in this pretty resort, the residence offers a high standard of accommodation and amenities, including pool and jacuzzi.
		Les Arcs Immobilier, Arc 1800 A number of stunning, premium apartments, offering direct access to the slopes from their location above the village of Arc 1800.
		Le Jhana, Tignes Le Jhana will be located in the heart of the lively resort of Tignes Val Claret, offering fantastic views over the surrounding mountains.
		Les Crozats, Avoriaz Located in the extended Crozats area, above the resort centre, the residence will offer direct access on skis and panoramic views.
		L’Oree des Neiges, Peisey Vallandry This quality CGH residence will offer doorstep skiing at the gateway to the Paradiski ski area, giving access to 425km of pistes.
		Village Montana Plein Sud, Val Thorens The new 5* Village Montana Plein Sud in Val Thorens will add to our portfolio of luxury accommodation in this popular snow-sure resort.
		L’Electra, Avoriaz The new Maeva residence “L’Electra” will offer a young, playful and friendly design, with the use of candy colours and bright interiors.