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!

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.

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

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!

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

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

Flight operator, Flybaboo, has just announced that they will operate a twice daily flight from Oxford Airport to Geneva from 19 December 2009 until 13 March 2010.  Flights will leave Oxford at 12.20 and 14.05 (so civil … no battling the Oxford ring road rush hour)! Flybaboo says if there is enough demand, they’ll extend the route through Easter which falls between 2-5 April next year.

For those of us who live in Oxfordshire and the surrounding areas, this news will transform our ski holidays.   Between the cost of a car to London airports or the slog of taking a bus (with skis anyone?) and the simplicity of checking in at a smaller airport , the time saved and the hassle avoided is an early Christmas present. 

Watch Flybaboo’s flight finder in the next week or so for the newly announced Oxford-Geneva route!   Then match it with one of our many nearby destinations in France or Switzerland.   Witwoooooooooo Flybaboo!!!