Pooch in the Powder: Taking your dog to the Alps

Next time you plan your trip to the Alps, why don’t you consider taking Bouncer with you?  Our loyal and most lovely client Mr Drabble and his family take their beloved dog Rosie with them to La Plagne every year and have kindly agreed to share their tips and tricks on how it works, read on to learn more:-

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!

Last Minute December Ski Holiday Offers!

With plenty of special offers up for grabs and huge snowfalls all over the Alps why not book a last minute ski trip to get away from it all with Erna Low…

La Tania for £175 per person (30% off accommodation price)

Save £67 per person on a week’s self-catering board in the Chalets de La Tania, sleeping 10. Includes one return Eurotunnel crossing with Free FlexiPlus upgrade, departing 17^th December.

Chalets de La Tania

Serre Chevalier for £99 per person (40% off accommodation price)

Save £50 per person on a week’s self-catering board in the Les Chalets du Jardin Alpin, sleeping 7. Includes one return Eurotunnel crossing with Free FlexiPlus upgrade, departing 17^th December.

Belle Plagne for £173 per person (40% off accommodation price)

Save £86 per person on a week’s self-catering board in Residence Cassiopee, sleeping 4. Includes one return Eurotunnel crossing with Free FlexiPlus upgrade, departing 24^th December.

Les Menuires for £260 per person (20% off accommodation price)

Save £60 per person on a week’s self-catering board in Residence Les Chalets de L’Adonis, sleeping 8. Includes one return Eurotunnel crossing with Free FlexiPlus upgrade, departing 24^th December.

Valloire for £140 per person (30% off accommodation price)

Save £47 per person on a week’s self-catering board in Residence Les Valmonts, sleeping 6. Includes one return Eurotunnel crossing with Free FlexiPlus upgrade, departing 24^th December.

Flaine for £182 per person (20% off accommodation price)

Save £38 per person on a week’s self-catering board in Residence Les Pleiades, sleeping 6. Includes one return Eurotunnel crossing with Free FlexiPlus upgrade, departing 31^st December.

For our full selection of special offers visit our website special offers page here.

Plus book before midnight on the 19th December and receive an additional £50 off courtesy of Erna Low, just call it an early Christmas present from us!  Terms and conditions apply, for full details visit our website here.

Our Top 15 Money Saving Ski Holiday Tips

As featured in the Erna Low Ski Report 2011/12, we bring you our Top 15 Money Saving Ski Holiday Tips:

1. Book early – and take advantage of precious Early Bird discounts of up to 20%

2. Choose lesser known resorts – cheaper accommodation, cheaper lift passes and cheaper après ski

3. Self drive – you know it makes sense. Convenient with kids; fun exploration on your journey; use our free Eurotunnel FlexiPlus upgrade for maximum freedom

4. Self cater – less expensive than catered chalets and hotels; easy on tired children; relaxed and informal; masses of top end, spacious and elegant accommodation to choose from

5. Choose off-peak dates when you can but if restricted to school holidays, opt for Christmas or Easter rather than New Year and Half Term

6. Purchase groceries before you reach the resort – buy in the valley or bring supplies with you so you have total control over your Euro household expenditure. Remember staples like coffee, preserves, dishwasher tablets – fill your boots!

7. Pre-book your extras – take advantage of preferential ski hire, ski school and lift passes available through your tour operator

8. Take it with you – that’s not just food but expensive sun screens, essential sunglasses, ski accessories – hats, gloves scarves – it’s miserable without them and expensive locally

9. Free ski passes – there are some great offers for young kids and senior skiers in some resorts such as La Plagne and Les Arcs

10. Keep your après ski costs to a minimum – and still have fun. Check out free events such as night time ski descents; take the family swimming or ice skating; hire a toboggan; pack your favourite books, games and DVDs to avoid expensive local impulse buying

11. Stock up on bumper packs of snacks; pack a picnic for the slopes, it’s still the same view and the same sun – but don’t forget the waterproof travel rug; enjoy produce the from local bakeries and delis

12. Watch where the seasonnaires and students hang out; guaranteed to be good value. Just party and they’ll soon overlook your age!

13. Check out Happy Hours – a different bar every day if you’re organised. You do deserve it after a hard day on the slopes. Just remember to leave after 60 minutes!

14. Avoid an avalanche of hidden costs - Check your provider charges for roaming costs making and receiving calls and voice mails. Internet? Sign up for Skype

15. Money – consult a site like Martin’s Money Saving Tips for best deals on credit cards – using plastic overseas can result in a mountain of hidden charges. For currency purchase – pre-purchase online using services like HiFX, compare websites, commission, delivery charges and exchange rates

La Descente des Fromages, La Plagne

Here’s another insight into life in the mountains during summer, and how much escapes us when we go on our ski holidays.

Life is tough at the Alpine Lècheron, at 2094m above the ski resort of Champagny, in the La Plagne ski region.

The steep and narrow path is inaccessible to machinery, equipment and vehicles for cheese. And with electricity produced by a generator and water from a source, cheese is still made in the traditional way.

Beginning in June, farmers head up to the pastures below the Bellecôte glacier to live with their herds of cows and goats.

Then in August, the first cheeses produced is taken down the valley to Champagny Le Haut.

Moving the cheese by sledge

In the absence of vehicles, the cheeses are moved by downhill by sledge – an extremely difficult process.

It’s something that always attracts a large crowd to watch this unique spectacle, and also to snap up some of the fresh and tasty cheese.

Sleet or slush? Changable conditions greet our rep in La Plagne

Easter conditions report from Tim in La Plagne…

The weather in the Alps has been very changeable over the last few weeks with January style temperatures of -20 for a while and then a very warm period last week, with rain up to 2000m.

Thankfully the snow is now back in force with cooler temperatures and more snow due above 1200m over the next couple of days.

In Paradiski even when the spring snow gets slushy in the afternoons there is always something to keep you busy. I recently tried cross country skiing for the first time, and now that my legs have stopped aching, I can look back on it with some satisfaction!

Tim making it cross-country

There is a large network of trails around the la Plagne ski area which are also fun to walk if you don’t fancy the unknown quantity of free heel cross country skis. I took several falls due to trying to manipulate these skis as I would alpine skis and I can tell you it doesn’t work!

The best off piste skiing in France?

 Tim shares the secrets on the best off piste skiing in France…

Mention the words off piste, backcountry or freeride and the French resorts that spring to mind are probably the likes of Chamonix, Val d’Isère, St. Foy, la Grave to name a few. It’s unlikely that high on the average list would be the family friendly resort of La Plagne. More well known for its extensive beginner and intermediate terrain, few are aware of the joys that lie outside the marked runs.

La Plagne - a resort for beginners and intermediates?

Perhaps what makes la Plagne so great after a fresh dump is the very fact that most people are slow to leave the designated pistes, even for just a little play in the powder that beckons only a few metres away.

Fresh tracks on the Friolin Bowl

The terrain that awaits them if they do is extensive and rivals many of the aforementioned big guns. I have to mention at this point that those wishing to discover it should do so with the correct equipment and a professional guide. Other contributing factors include the management’s reluctance to open the higher lifts straight after fresh snow. This might seem like a disadvantage, but it means the powder hungry can make the most of the lower sections and have a second powder day awaiting (if their legs can take it) once the full area opens.

Powpow...

I remember a few years back, on a day trip to Chamonix, being shocked by what I saw in the lift line. Over half the waiting crowd had helmets on and a significant portion were equipped with harnesses, ice screws, ropes etc. All very sensible for an area with so much glacial terrain, but also an indicator of just how quickly any easy fresh tracks will be obliterated and how quickly the ante will be raised if you want to go in search of more.

A freeride Mecca is always full of other eager freeriders and there was much excitement in the valley that day about what turned out to be only 5-10cms of very light snow over an unforgivingly rocky base. I was cautious about damaging my equipment and was surprised to see a small crowd of people huddled round a guy who appeared to be about to drop into a tight couloir with dubious snow cover. As he leaned forward from his perch I was about to shout “’ere mate, you’re still roped to the barrier”, when I realised that there was a photographer climbing up his back trying to get a good shot with the logo on his hat and his ski tips pointing into the void. I left the tourists to find out for themselves that he had no intention of skiing it.

On my first day skiing la Plagne many years ago, I took the gondola up to the glacier only to be greeted by a mogul-filled black run, or a rickety old chair lift to a narrow, snaking red cat track. Not very inspired on first impressions until you realise that these lifts give access to some wonderful off piste itineraries including the Friolin bowl, the Rochu sector, the Cul du Nante and not least the north face of Bellecote. A mythical descent off the back of our highest peak, descending all the way to the nordic ski area of Peisey Nancroix. Not a piste marker in sight for the whole route and entrance points varying from a simple traverse to 45 degree couloirs that you have to rope into.

WHEN THE WEATHER SETS IN THERE IS STILL PLENTY TO DO, WITH SOME EXCELLENT TREE SKIING, WHERE YOU CAN SPEND A WHOLE DAY (OR EVEN A WHOLE WEEK) AND NEVER DO THE SAME ROUTE TWICE.

Powder in the trees

I COULD GO ON, BUT THERE ARE NEW ITINERARIES CALLING, THAT EVEN I HAVEN’T SKIIED AFTER 2 SEASONS, SO ALL THAT REMAINS TO SAY IS GET OUT HERE AND SEE FOR YOURSELF. ACTUALLY, COME TO THINK OF IT, I HEARD CHAMONIX IS PRETTY GOOD… YOU SHOULD PROBABLY GO THERE INSTEAD.

Get the most out of your ski pass and discover other Alpine resorts

Taking advantage of the quiet January weeks, Tim Wilson, our rep in La Plagne heads over the 3 Valleys with a friend for the day…

With our Paradiski season passes we get 2 free days in the Three Valleys (Courchevel, Meribel, Val Thorens) and two in the Espace Killy (Val d’Isère/Tignes). There is a reciprocal arrangement between these three domains allowing people with a six day full area pass to use one of those days in another domain. Just ask the lift pass office for a special card which will then be stamped when you get your day pass in the other area.

We set off at 8am from la Plagne and got to Brides les Bains within 45 minutes, only a short drive up the Bozel Valley from Moutiers.

Me at top of Orelle overlooking Maurienne valley

The Olympe gondola from Brides les Bains gets you to to Meribel in about 30 minutes, from where we headed for Val Thorens. Having worked seasons in VT a while back, we both had our favourite spots to aim for. The “Boismint” red piste off the top of the chair with the same name had perfectly groomed snow, leaving our legs burning by the bottom.

Another old friend was the “Tete Ronde” from the top of the Funitel Peclet which used to be a red run but is now designated a blue.

As one of the highest ski areas in the Alps, Val Thorens is blessed with very good snow quality, but we had to keep one eye on the clock and start making our way back to the Meribel Valley in good time.

Stunning panoramic views from the top of Val Thorens

On our way up the Plein Sud chair we saw the new Folie Douce mountain restaurant just getting into gear with a house DJ and live musicians accompanying. The legendary Val D concept has found a welcoming crowd in Val T!

It seemed a shame to leave behind such a great party vibe, but the last gondola down is at 5pm so we made the most of the final descent with a beautiful late afternoon light over the mountains.

Quiet slopes on the way back down to Mottaret

Latest snowfalls in La Plagne

Tim, our resort manager for La Plagne, reports in the current conditions out in resort…the pictures speak for themselves!

After some unsettled weather and even some rain over the week of New Year, the Alps are back in full winter mode. The last couple of days have seen some of the best skiing conditions of the season so far, with blue skies and fresh snow.

view of the Mont Blanc from the Aiguille Rouge in Les Arcs

I used my day off to do a tour of Paradiski starting in Plagne Bellecote and heading to les Arcs. The views from the summit of the Aiguille Rouge were phenomenal and from there we undertook the longest run in Paradiski, non-stop to Villaroger. Some beautiful pistes through the trees that I’d never done before and the snow low down was surprisingly reasonable.

I paid a brief visit to our Erna Low Property office in Arc 1950 to see how fellow employee Alice was getting on before heading back home to soak my tired legs in the bath!

January is a great time to be here, with empty pistes, hardly any queues and great conditions. Accommodation prices are also significantly cheaper than the holiday periods so why not come and see for yourself?

buried car... spot the wing mirror!

Current snow conditions in La Plagne

Tim Wilson, our highly seasoned seasonnaire, heads out to La Plagne for another eventful winter and gives us a first hand snow report of the conditions for all you lucky readers heading out over the festive season. Enjoy!

Well it’s the start of another winter in the French Alps. As Erna Low’s Resort Manager for La Plagne in the Paradiski area, I am busy preparing for the first arrivals.

The set up period is busy for all the tour operators and the fact that I’ve been here the 2 previous seasons gives me a great advantage.

Catching up with all our suppliers and checking for any new procedures or activities is the order of the day. That doesn’t mean I haven’t had chance to get a few runs on the mountain…. Of course, it’s an important part of my job to know the current conditions and where’s good to ski etc

Looking over to Courchevel from La Plagne

 It’s been very cold for the last few days and the snow cannons have been working to build a good base and ensure that the opening of the Paradiski link is a success.

The on piste conditions at high altitude are surprisingly good in places and hopefully this current snowfall will be a bit heavier lower down.

Back with more soon,

Tim

Ski holidays to La Plagne start at only £96pp based on 6 people sharing a lodge apartment at Les Chalets des Alpages in Plagne Soleil on a self-catering basis from the 16 – 23 January 2010. Includes return Eurotunnel crossings with free upgrade to FlexiPlus as well as a 25% accommodation discount.  Call us on 0845 863 0525 or drop us an email to info@ernalow.co.uk to book!

Christmas queues and views in La Plagne

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