Skiing powder at the end of April?  Skiing with Graham Bell the day after he ran the London marathon too.  Surely I am making things up?  Not so, the  20^th Anniversary ABTOF Conference was held in Arc 1950 on 22^nd -25^th April this year and we had 2 mornings of the most fantastic conditions I had ever seen.  Take a look at the picture of us with Graham Bell if you don’t believe me…

Yep that is Jane (on the right) skiing with Graham Bell!

The lovely new Pierre & Vacances premium apartments in Avoriaz are great.  We were lucky enough to get a tour round this season and they have a fabulous location and are very well designed.  The spa facilities which are exclusive to PVP clients are very welcome after a hard days skiing.  Avoriaz desperately needed some up-market accommodation and now it has.  Would definitely recommend it.

Typical L'Amara Bedroom

 Why not contact the sales team now to book your apartment for winter 2012/13!  Call us on 0845 863 0525 or email info@ernalow.co.uk, we look forward to hearing from you soon.

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!).

If you would like the chance to see your name in print (well, on our blog!) and fancy sharing your stories of the Alps, we would love to hear from you – feel free to send us your blog entry (can be as short as you like) along with photos and we will get it up on here as soon as possible – contact us at admin@ernalow.co.uk.

We look forward to hearing from you soon!

Courchevel
After working a couple of seasons in Courchevel, I cannot recommend this resort highly enough.  One of the great advantages of this little piece of heaven on Earth is not only the variety of skiing, but also that it has extensive slopes for beginners as well as intermediates and advanced skiers and boarders.

Courchevel 1850
I worked my first season in Courchevel 1850 and though it has changed significantly since then, it provides a great base with immediate access into the main skiing area and into the 3 Valleys beyond.  This is the most expensive part of the resort, as the designer shops and Porsche 4×4’s will testify to – but there are still some good value options available – for a premium residence try Les Chalets du Forum, which sell out quickly due to their excellent location or for more value Les Ecrins, which is still in the centre of the action.

There are great off slope diversions in 1850, including a bowling alley, climbing wall and amazing tobogganing course which descends to Courchevel 1550, 300 m below.  You can rent toboggans in the sports shops and do as many laps as you can handle, returning to 1850 via the Grangettes bubble lift (included in your lift pass)

There is some excellent advanced skiing to challenge you here, including the couloirs on the Saulire as well as some long black pistes down to Le Praz, which are also normally very quiet.  The pistes down to La Tania are also excellent and a good stop for a quick drink before returning to the adventures above.

Cable car to top of Saulire, Courchevel 1850

Some other favourite runs include Marmottes, an undulating and very long run all the way down to Prameruel (which is the main link to Courchevel 1650) and Suisses, a real leg burner!

Fields of powder all to ourselves – Courchevel (Loze sector)

For beginners, the excellent Jardin Alpin area allows access to a varying length of green runs which allow good progression and the chance to feel like you are really skiing the mountain.  By the end of your first week, because of the excellent linked skiing, you should be able to ski over to Courchevel 1650 for lunch and back again.

Courchevel 1650
I am a big fan of Courchevel 1650 – it offers a more relaxed and ‘village’ feel compared to 1850, as well as some great value accommodation.  If you have a large group, Les Montagnettes – Les Chalets de la Mouria are a great option.  For smaller families, couple or small groups of friends, great value can be found in the Maeva Le Moriond apartments.  For those wanting to splash out, Le Portetta Lofts offer amazing luxury (but with a price tag to match).

There is a great array of blue and red slopes here and I would always find myself skiing here more than any other part of the valley as it was always so deserted.  The Signal and Chapalets are both modern lifts and allow to you ski various runs endlessly – I never bored of this area and the views over to the Vanoise Parc National will take your breath away.  There is also an excellent restaurant at the top of the Ariondaz bubble lift called the Bel Air, by Courchevel standards it offers good value and has a much appreciated 3 tier terrace, perfect for lounging in the sun with a beer.  Another great little restaurant/bar in the centre of Courchevel 1650 is La Boulotte, which offers great fresh food and hospitality.

Empty slopes in Courchevel 1650

Courchevel 1550
The smallest of the 3 Courchevel resorts but also the best value.  It is linked straight into 1850 by the Grangettes bubble lift and has a great local bar, called The Bar, which is a very popular and entertaining place for a night or two.  We have two good value residences in 1550, Les Brigues and Les Grangettes as well as a lovely family run hotel Les Ancolies.

Further afield
From Courchevel, you have two access points into the 3 Valleys, the largest linked ski area in the World.  I generally always accessed the other parts of the 3 Valleys via the Saulire, as this gives you the option of heading into either Meribel Mottaret or Meribel Centre, which is where the main onward lifts depart from.  Also the pistes from the top of the Saulire are great fun too!

Some of my favourite areas of the 3 Valleys, outside of the Courchevel Valley are:

Meribel
Mont du Vallon – 2 mega red runs descending from the highest point in Meribel.  I always warmed up on the piste to the right of the lift as you look up, before the main event to the left.  There is also some amazing off-piste around here (always hire a guide!).

Olympic/Tougnette – an under visited part of the Meribel valley – quiet blue and red runs with good snow conditions.

Cote Brune – similar to the Mont Vallon area – great fast red runs and the main return route from Val Thorens – leave some energy in the tank for the return.

Venturing further afield - Top of Mont du Vallon, Meribel

Val Thorens
Pointe de Thorens – the highest point of the Val Thorens resort, offers a fantastic red and generally good snow as it is on a glacier.  Watch out for the high winds!

Cime de Caron – an amazing journey to the top by cable car and even more mind blowing descents.

Grand Fond – various fast red pistes.

La Folie Douce – the only need for ski or board boots here is for dancing on the tables.  If you have been to the Val d’Isere version – this is much more fun (remember your fancy dress).

Orelle – the magic 4^th Valley.  I always accessed via the Grand Fond lift as the pistes from here to the Plan Bouchet, where the Orelle lifts head up from will made you scream for joy.  The highest point in the 3 Valleys (or should we say 4 Valleys) is here and is a must for any strong intermediate/advanced skier.

La Folie Douce, Val Thorens – a great place for friends, music, beer and bananas!

Les Menuires / St Martin de Belleville
Jerusalem – this red run into St Martin just keeps on going and giving.

There are a lot of great cruising runs in Les Menuires that are fantastic for the afternoon sun, but the one stand out area for me is La Masse – a huge hulking piece of mountain that nobody seems to bother with (so keep it quiet).  Long red and black runs are the order of the day here and some great off piste opportunities too.  Just beware the run back towards Les Menuires gets narrow and moguled towards the bottom.

La Masse – don’t tell anyone

On April 13^th it was time for the Erna Low guys and gals to have a little fun of our own and on April 13^th we headed to Montgenèvre for our end of season weekend. It was my turn to experience what you Erna Low clients love to do year after year….

I was booked in for two 2 hour private lessons with A-Peak ski school to develop on what I had previously learnt at Hemel Hempsted Snow Centre in August, and early Saturday morning I was met by my instructor Philippe. Was I nervous? Yes, Yes I was but I really shouldn’t have been as Philippe made me feel relaxed and comfortable. As Saturday is the changeover day the beginner slope was extremely empty therefore if I were to make a fool of myself I could do so without being extremely embarrassed!

Emily heads off with Philippe for her first lesson on the mountain!

After quickly going over the basics such as how to carry and put on the skis, walking around and climbing up the slope it was time to take the button lift and re-learn how to do a snow plough and use the space across the slope. Slowly but surely I was able to convert my weight so I could successfully control my turns and not once did I fall over – good start! Next was learning to go across the slope with my skis parallel and pushing my inside edges into the snow, then changing into a controlled snow plough to turn before taking my skis back parallel. I was thrown off by my lack of balance to begin with however soon learnt to put more pressure where needed.

Each time we went down the slope I was asked to do different things such as alternating lifting my knee so I could learn to centre my balance or sticking my arms out wide so I could get used to using my leg to control my turns not my shoulders. Gradually we took the lift higher and higher and towards the end of the lesson we finally did a few runs from the top of the slope. I must admit my first lesson wiped me out but after a well deserved drink and a trip to the spa I felt back on form and excited for my next lesson.

"This is how you put your skis on"

Overnight we had a fresh fall of snow and on the Sunday the slopes were bustling with new arrivals, therefore I now had to learn to compete with the other learners on the beginners slope by navigating my way down without knocking into anyone.  After doing a few runs on the beginners slope and dodging children half my size I was now told it was time to hit the Green Slope.

Emily re-charged in the Le Chalet des Dolines spa area

I felt comfortable leaving the beginners area, onboard the lift I felt like an excited toddler as it was my first time using a bubble lift and my first experience on a proper ski run. Once we reached the top I followed Philippe down the slopes and felt at ease even though others were whizzing past me. The scenery was amazing and the views so spectacular that it was quite hard for me to try and concentrate on the slope ahead of me and wipe the smile of my face! I did at one point take a tumble at the edge of the slope but was quickly pulled back on my feet – it really is tricky getting back up when you land in the most awkward of positions! We were able to fit in two runs, both were exhilarating and I certainly felt a rush – why hadn’t I done this before!?

Enjoying the exceptional snow conditions in Montgenevre

I didn’t realise how much I would learn in the two 2 hour private sessions I had, I didn’t even think I would head down a green run on day two…but I did! With a private lesson you can’t hide behind others, the focus is purely on you and your development, I was always told how to improve but at the same time acknowledged and supported on what I did well. A note for beginners: be relaxed and try not to get too frustrated and overwhelmed. It’s just like learning to ride a bike for the first time in which everything will soon come naturally after practise!

I cannot recommend enough A-Peak ski school, I enjoyed every minute of my lessons especially with such a patient and professional instructor and Montgenevre was certainly the perfect place to learn.

Will I be going skiing again….well I’m already rounding up some friends to tackle the mountains with me next year….

Meet the Drabble Family

Just a few thoughts relating to taking a pet to France…

1.    Most people taking their pets abroad, particularly for the first time, would be apprehensive.  In reality, if all the rules and regulations are observed, there is nothing to fear.

2.     The regulations do change from time to time.  New rules were introduced in January 2012 which actually make travel easier so make sure you understand them.

3.    The Pet Travel Scheme applies to all cats and dogs and allows them to enter or re-enter the UK from approved countries without quarantine.  To comply, the pet must have been Microchipped, have had the necessary vaccinations and have been issued with a Pet Passport.

4.    All our cross channel journeys have been on Eurotunnel which is a fast and efficient way to get to France.  You can remain with your pet for the 35 minute crossing.

5.    The Eurotunnel Flexiplus upgrade offered free of charge by Erna Low is a major benefit.  It takes all the worry out of the arrival/departure time for the crossing and usually ensures a departure which is earlier than scheduled.

Walkies in the snow for little Rosie

6.   France is far more dog friendly than the UK.  Dogs are readily accepted in most restaurants.

7.   Don’t forget a French collar tag containing your mobile phone number and holiday residence in case your dog is lost whilst you are away.

8.    Make and keep the appropriate vets appointment prior to leaving France to have your dog treated against tapeworm.  The treatement has to be administered no less that 24 hours and no more than 120 hours (1 – 5 days) before the scheduled arrival time in the UK.  Make sure that the relevant pages of the Pet Passport are completed and stamped by the vet as they will be checked by the transport staff prior to leaving France.  They will also check that the Microchip is in place so ask the vet to show you its exact position.  Don’t panic if the chip cannot be located immediately as they can move.

9.    Keep the Pet Passport safe as no other documentation will be accepted.

Puppy powder - more walkies in the trees

10.    Final thought – A typical day in the Alps:

a. Up with the larks and a walk with Rosie before breakfast.

b. Out on the 1st chairlift and ski until lunchtime.

c. Back to the chalet for lunch and to collect Rosie.

d. A walk into the mountains to find a suitable bar/resaurant for an afternoon in the sun with the occassional hot chocolate or vin chaud.

e. Gentle stroll back to the chalet in time to get ready for evening meal.

A perfect day.

Enjoying the afternoon sun with a chocolat chaud

The majority of our residences allow pets to stay in their apartments, just ask us and we can check all the details before you book.  Please note that some residences limit the number of pets allowed per apartment and additional charges will always be applicable (50-100€/pet/week).  There is also a pet supplement for travel on the Eurotunnel (£35/pet/return – based on winter 11/12 rates).

Erna Low Loyal Client Spotlight: The Drabble family have stayed in the Les Granges du Soleil, Plagne Soleil for a number years now and previously Residence Aspen in Plagne Village was their favourite.  They try to book two ski holidays a year with us and always book early – they have already pre-booked their trip back to Les Granges du Soleil with us and we bet Rosie can’t wait to hit the slopes again!

Looks like January but trust us this is the current April snow conditions!

At silly o’clock on Friday morning, we met at Gatwick and boarded an Easyjet flight to Grenoble.  We all caught up on some sleep on the flight and 3 hour transfer to the resort, which took us through the Tunnel de Frejus over to Italy – as the Col du Lautaret was closed.  Going through the Italian resorts, we could see the great snow cover still lining the roads and we weren’t disappointed when we reached Montgenevre.  It was cold and snowing, so it was settling nicely and we were all getting very excited about the conditions that awaited us on the mountain.

Inside the lovely Chalets des Dolines

The boys couldn’t wait, so headed up the mountain that afternoon to get a feel for the area. The girls, however, took a slightly more leisurely approach and ventured to the resort centre for lunch, followed by a spa session at the luxury Residence Le Chalets des Dolines.

Cold and snowy conditions - Meet the ladies that lunch (Vic, Polly, Nicky, Emily and Sappho)

We were given several two bedroom apartments and found them to be very well appointed, with large living areas, modern kitchens and beautifully soft beds.

The spa area offered sumptuous facilities, with views of the surrounding mountains from the pool. It’s safe to say we made the most of this, as well as the Jacuzzi, sauna and steam rooms. There’s nothing better than a bit of pampering after a hard day up the mountain.

Le Chalets des Dolines luxurious pool and spa area

On the Saturday morning, we were all booked in with A-Peak – the ESI ski school in Montgenevre.  Emily, who had only ever had one days ski lessons at the Snow Centre in Hemel Hempstead (see past blog here), had her first ever lesson on the mountain, whilst the rest of the team were led by Sebastian, an A-Peak guide and instructor to explore the local ski area.

Approximately half of the Montgenevre ski area was open as the resort is starting to close down for the winter (too early we say, given the current superb snow conditions!).  The base is currently 70cm at the bottom and the top 120cm deep. Much to our delight, we found fresh powder all over the mountain.  Coupled with quiet pistes, we really felt like Montgenevre was our own personal playground for the weekend.

Amazing snow conditions

Sebastian took us up the main lift from the resort, the Chalmettes, which has both chairs and bubbles. He explained this was perfect for taking a group of ski school children up in one go, if parents were worried about their little ones being on a chair lift alone.  Montgenevre have put a lot of thought into how to make children (and parents) happy, and has been rewarded for its efforts with the ‘Famille Plus’ label resorts strive to achieve.  For example, there’s a large beginner area at resort level, a number of calm green runs easily accessible for all, dedicated sledging areas for different age groups and from the top of lifts there is often the choice of green/blue/red runs which meet at the bottom, giving everyone a chance to ski at the own ability.

Starting out with A-Peaks's Sebastian

Sebastian explained for the more adventurous, there is some great off-piste available in the area – even for those without much experience.  A-Peak can organise off-piste guiding for half days or full days to show you where to go and how to do it, as well as drive you back when you can’t ski back to resort.

There are three ski area/pass options available to guests; one covers Montgenevre only and is sold per day, ideal for beginners or visitors.  The most popular is the ‘Mont de La Lune’ covering 110km of pistes and includes the neighbouring Italian resorts of Claviere and Cesana (and no you don’t need to carry your passport with you to ski there!); while the largest ski area available is known as the ViaLattea (aka The Milky Way), which easily rivals the 3 Valleys with 400km of pistes.

Ouch - Joe's tremendous face-plant!

Philippe Chartier, the manager of the Skiset shop located steps away from both the residences we feature in Montgenevre, explained to us that in order to make the most of the ViaLattea it is well worth investing in a guide as their local knowledge will ensure you make the most of your time on the slopes, showing you the best there is to offer.

Montgenevre itself is a beautiful traditional resort, which is expanding with a new area to the far side of the resort where our accommodation was located.  The resort has a selection of restaurants and bars to suit all budgets and tastes and is easily navigated along a promenade style level main road through the resort.

Team EL on the slopes

All in all, we had a great few days in Montgenevre and we’ll definitely be highly recommending it to our client’s, especially families and beginners – now we’ve had firsthand experience of this amazing resort.

GETTING TO MONTGENEVRE:-

• Drive with our inclusive Eurotunnel crossing from the UK (ferry options also available) – 10hrs drive from Calais (which is the same time it takes to drive to our other family favourite resort of Arc 1950)
• Fly to Turin/Grenoble/Chambery airports and hire a car or book a transfer to resort – 1.5hr to 3hr transfer to resort
• Take the train from the UK to Oulx (indirect) followed by a 30min transfer to resort.

Last ones standing (Joe, John, Vic and Gary)

The company was set up in 1932 by the eponymous Miss Low, who placed an ad in the personal columns of the London Times in 1932.  Seven decades on, we are the largest UK self-drive tour operator to the French Alps.

It’s a book…and a film
To celebrate the anniversary, we are currently working our way through the archives and in autumn 2012,  we will be publishing a book about the history of Erna Low, as well as organising a unique VIP premiere screening of original archive footage filmed by Miss Erna Low herself.  We will also be updating our Facebook page to include all of our history as well.  Watch out for more details about these events in due course.

What are your first memories of Erna Low?
As part of the 80th celebrations, we  are also asking the most important people in the Erna Low story – our customers – about their experiences of the company. We would love to hear from you…!

It could be a photo of one of your holidays with us, or simple when you first came across the company.  Maybe you even met Miss Erna Low herself – we would love to hear about that.

All that we ask is that you let us know the approximate date (the year will do) of your Erna Low memory, so we can fit it into our history in the right place.  You must, of course, be happy for us to share your memory with our other fans, customers and supporters.

How to share your Erna Low memory…
If you would like to share your links with Erna Low over the years, then you can send us a message via our Facebook page or email your memory to us.