If you can’t wait until next season to get your fix of fresh Alpine air, why not check out our new 2012 summer website at www.ernalowsummer.co.uk, for our handpicked selection of summer Alpine holidays. See below for some of our current summer offers.
L’Aiglon de Morzine 7 nights from 25th August - just £128 per person, based on maximum occupancy in a 3 bedroom 6/8 person apartment.
Le Nevada, Tignes 7 nights from 7th July – just £76 per person, based on maximum occupancy in a 2 bedroom 4/6 person apartment. BOOK BY APRIL 30TH AND SAVE AN ADDITIONAL 10%!
Les Fermes de St Gervais 7 nights from 23rd June – just £60 person, based on maximum occupancy in a 2 bedroom 6 person apartment. BOOK 12 NIGHTS & GET 14, OR BOOK 2 WEEKS & GET 3!
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…
Don’t delay the snow will soon be gone for another winter so grab yourself an offer and head to the Alps now!
Morzine for £175 per person Save £83 per person on a week’s self-catering board in Residence L’Aiglon de Morzine, sleeping 8. Includes return Eurotunnel crossing with Free FlexiPlus upgrade, departing 14th April.
Val D’Isere for £149 per person Save £80 per person on a week’s self-catering board in Residence Eureka Val, sleeping 6. Includes return Eurotunnel crossing with Free FlexiPlus upgrade, departing 14th April.
Eureka Val - Val D'Isere
Courchevel for £132 per person Save £47 per person on a week’s self-catering board in Residence Les Montagnettes – Les Chalets de la Mouria, sleeping 8. Includes return Eurotunnel crossing with Free FlexiPlus upgrade, departing 14th April.
Plagne Soleil for £155 per person Save £54 per person on a week’s self-catering board in Residence Sun Valley, sleeping 6. Includes return Eurotunnel crossing with Free FlexiPlus upgrade, departing 14th April.
Simon, one of Erna Low’s sales consultants, flew in from Geneva and returned to the office this morning after his trip to Morzine this weekend – check out that snow and sunshine in the pics below – it’s not too late to go yourself if you have the chance!
Blue skies, deserted slopes and great snow – what a beautiful weekend in Morzine. The bountiful snow this season has created great end of season conditions and with the sun out it’s a great time for a last minute trip to the Alps.
I had never been to Morzine before but was very impressed, not only by the lovely traditional resort but by the huge variety of skiing on offer. Avoriaz offers high alpine skiing and access to the pistes over in Switzerland whilst the Morzine/Les Gets area offers kilometer upon kilometer of lovely blue and red run cruising.
We stayed at the L’Aiglon which has a superb location just 5 minutes walk from the Super Morzine lift to Avoriaz and 10 minutes from the Pleney bubble lift which accesses the Morzine/Les Gets sector. The L’Aiglon offer superior quality accommodation and all bedrooms have en-suite facilities, as well as balconies and a huge terrace on which to enjoy the afternoon sun. There is also a supermarket just 1 minute away as well as the excellent la Chaudanne restaurant just across the road for that special evening meal.
We still have some last minute availability for the L’Aiglon for both the 31st of March and the 7th of April and with a Special Offer discount of 35% what’s stopping you?! If you need any more persuading, then check out the pictures below and my attempt at a Graham Bell handy-cam run.
Happiness is…deserted slopes, great snow and sunshine.
Its not quite the end of the season, but you can feel it in the air – don’t miss out on this bumper snow, get to the slopes with one of our special offers! See below a selection for the 24th March for 7 nights including a Eurotunnel crossing for a self drive holiday, however if you are looking for a different date or method of travel please contact our sales team on 0845 863 0525 or visit our website www.ernalow.co.uk for our special offers and up to date availability.
45% off accommodation price @ Puy St Vincent, France: £62 (reduced from £89) is the total price per person based on maximum occupancy in a 1 bedroom + cabin 6 persons apartment in Residence Le Hameau des Ecrins.
Le Hameau des Ecrins
40% off accommodation price @ Les Menuires, France: £121 (reduced from £183) is the total price per person based on maximum occupancy in a 2 bedroom 6 persons Comfort apartment in Residence Le Hameau des Airelles.
35% off accommodation price @ Morzine, France: £198 (reduced from £292) is the total price per person based on maximum occupancy in a 3 bedroom 6/8 persons apartment in Residence L’Aiglon de Morzine.
30% off accommodation price @ Flaine, France: £106 (reduced from £141) is the total price per person based on maximum occupancy in a 2 bedroom + cabin 8 persons apartment in Residence Les Pleiades.
30% off accommodation price @ Belle Plagne, France: £194 (reduced from £268) is the total price per person based on maximum occupancy in a 4 bedroom 8 persons apartment in Les Montagnettes de Belle Plagne.
30% off accommodation price @ Arc 2000, France: £196 (reduced from £261) is the total price per person based on maximum occupancy in a 1 bedroom 4 persons apartment in La Cime des Arcs.
This season, the best for a minimum of 25 years according to many sources, it really is a case of ‘no resort is too low’.
In the ski holiday industry we hear the words ‘I’ve got to go high’ more than any other from clients but this year absolutely everywhere is fair game!
Our opinion in the office is that a lot of the higher, purpose built resorts lack the charm, character and alpine feel of a lot of the lower resorts so if this picture, taken above Morzine recently doesn’t tempt you then nothing will!
The snow is in fantastic shape and the base will probably see us well into April, even if it doesn’t snow again…saying that the 9 day forecast suggests there could be up to half a metre on the way…you don’t want to miss out do you?
We have some fabulous late season offers, such as savings of up to 35% at the superb Residence L’Aiglon de Morzine – See all our current offers here.
5 DAYS OF MUSIC – 6 SNOWPARKS – 650KM OF PISTE - 1 SUPER PIPE – MOUNTAIN MADNESS
Basscamp will be Morzine’s first 5 day music, ski and snowboard festival. It takes place between Mon 2nd April and Fri 6th April 2012 and will be spread over 5 or 6 main venues throughout the day and night in Morzine. International DJs will play the best in electronic music in all the venues, but the headline DJs will perform at Morzine’s only nightclub, Le Opera discotheque.
Every afternoon there will be a huge après party at the bottom of the slopes at Le Tremplin where all Basscamper’s can jump around in their ski boots, enjoying the best music and atmosphere in Morzine. On the last day of the festival, there will be a huge 1980 Themed fancy dress street party for all wristband holders and for the general public.
Throughout the week there will also be on the piste events for professional and amateur snowboarders and skiers. At these locations there will be DJs playing many different genres of music to keep the crowd buzzing while they enjoy taking part or just watching the competitions.
Wristbands cost €100 per person for the festival, however, Erna Low are offering our guests an amazing deal.Book a 2 bedroom or larger apartment at the Residence L’Aiglon de Morzine and receive 2 FREE WRISTBANDS PER BOOKING, AND 20% DISCOUNT ON THE LIST PRICE!
Guests in our 1-bedroom apartment will receive 1 free wristband and 20% discount on the list price.
Rob returns to Erna Low HQ a stone lighter and very proud of his snowboarding teams achievement!
I last checked in during night stage number two with a caption of ‘worse ways to spend a Friday night’. I think this was a Mutzig induced comment and, on reflection on Saturday morning, my legs thought there wasn’t possibly a worse way to spend a Friday night.
Saturday morning and it was up and downstairs for 8am again, bus to Super Morzine (just a few mins walk away from the wonderful Aiglon!) for first lifts. The sun was out at the top of Super Morzine and we all breathed a sigh of relief as it lulled it into a false sense of confidence that we may actually be able to see something while riding that day. How naïve we were. A cat track and a couple of chairlifts along and we were back in the cloud above Avoriaz, and that’s how it stayed for the remaining 8hrs!
We had our route, we had our snowboards and we had our pride, determined to prove that snowboarders are quicker than at least half of the skiers on the trip we covered the mountain at a cracking rate, taking in the areas above and around Avoriaz, Les Crosets, Champery, Chatel and, finally, the Lindarets bowl. With legs of lead we gathered above Super Morzine, salivating at the thought of a well earned drink and feed, and embarked on a bit of a Chinese Downhill (anything goes, no turns allowed) race to catch the lift back.
Team FB
In the end, Team FB (the B is for brilliant, I won’t say what the F is for…) covered 184km in 48hrs, a top speed of 89km/h and altitude (positive and negative) of nearly 20,000m. We came third out of the five teams and delighted in rubbing that fact in the face of the ‘skiing is great and we are well fast’ devotees in the teams below us.
Thanks to everyone who donated, Snow-Camp is a fantastic charity, and big thanks to our guide Staff, of The Lodge Morzine, for his guiding skills and putting up with the odd (or maybe a bit more often) moment of complaining!
Take advantage of the amazing snow conditions and build your own package for a bargain getaway to the slopes.
Putting together your own ski package allows you to book your own flights at times that suit you, shop around for the best prices, choose the most convenient departure point and tailor your holiday to your own requirements.
With the amazing snow conditions across the Alps, we have put together some examples of how you could be on the slopes as soon as the 28th January for less than you may think.
Example 1 – Flaine (6 people sharing)
Easyjet flights from London Luton to Geneva – £73 per person Private transfers with Ski Cab to Flaine – £52 per person
7 nights in a 1 bedroom + cabin 6 person apartment at the Residence Les Pleiades - £108 per person Total holiday price – £233 per person
Example 2 – Alpe d’Huez (4 people sharing)
Easyjet flights from Liverpool to Grenoble – £105 per person
Return transfers with Ben’s Bus to Alpe d’Huez – £45 per person
7 nights in a 1 bedroom 4 person apartment at the Horizons d’Huez - £135 per person Total holiday price – £285 per person
Example 3 – Morzine 4* (8 people sharing)
Easyjet flights from Newcastle to Geneva – £92 per person Private transfers with Ski Cab to Morzine – £40 per person
7 nights in a 3 bedroom 8 person apartment at the 4* Aiglon de Morzine - £189 per person Total holiday price – £321 per person
If you need some advice on the best way to put together your own ski holiday, or maybe you can’t spare a full week and would like to book a ski weekend, give us a call on 0845 863 0525.
Our weekly update of offers is back and as usual we have some great deals to be had across the Alps!
For full details of our special offers please visit our ski deals page and for our pick of some of the best check out the prices on offer below for a weeks stay from the 28th January:
La Tania for £125 per person Save £135 per person on a week’s self-catering board in Chalets de La Tania, sleeping 10. Includes two return Eurotunnel crossings with Free FlexiPlus upgrade.
Les Menuires for £135 per person Save £61 per person on a week’s self-catering board in Residence Les Chalets de L’Adonis, sleeping 8. Includes return Eurotunnel crossing with Free FlexiPlus upgrade.
Plagne Soleil for £156 per person Save £68 per person on a week’s self-catering board in Residence Sun Valley, sleeping 6. Includes return Eurotunnel crossing with Free FlexiPlus upgrade.
Morzine for £238 per person Save £54 per person on a week’s self-catering board in Residence L’Aiglon de Morzine, sleeping 8. Includes return Eurotunnel crossing with Free FlexiPlus upgrade.
L’Aiglon de Morzine
PLUS BOOK BEFORE THE 31st JANUARY FOR A CHANCE TO WIN AN iPad 2!
