Sally and Skye at Lake Annecy

 
The crystal clear waters of the lake are inviting and the relaxed atmosphere in the park at the northern edge help you unwind as you make your final ascent to Bourg-Saint-Maurice and on to Les Arcs. Les Arcs is effectively made up of 4 separate villages, namely Arc 1600, Arc 1800, Arc 1950, and Arc 2000, which, demarcates their altitude. Having only visited Arc1950 on one previous occasion last summer, I was flattered by the car-parking steward remembering me, and the fact that I was driving a different car, and last time I had a bike in the roof. Coincidence? I like to think not. Friendly, welcoming staff in the hotel, cots and high chairs had been provided for the little ones, all arranged by Erna Low before we arrived. The apartment afforded us magnificent views of the surrounding mountains and the tranquil atmosphere in the Village make you feel right at home. 

View from Arc 1950

 
After a hot journey why not pop into Les Belles Pintes for a refreshing pint of Eidelweiss. Make sure you identify the location of the boulangerie/patisserie. Really difficult to leave with your freshly baked baguette without buying additional treats. The croissant abricot and their tarte citron come out as firm favourites. If you stay at the Prince de Cimes, the smell of the bakery comes wafting through the building. Nice! The Spar has pretty much everything you need including fresh milk, vegetables and fruit.

Skye and friend at George's bar

Sunday 1st August – Options are completely open, we decided to relax at the pool, while our friends headed up to Arc 2000 and beyond, for a gentle orientation, past the Chalet de L’Arc and up to the lake, affording you stunning views across the valley to Mont Blanc. The snow capped peaks look all the more majestic in the glorious sunshine. We took the easy option and popped down to the pool and relaxed in the sunshine. There is a fabulous indoor/outdoor pool at the Prince de Cimes, where can swim seamlessly from one to the other. There is also a jacuzzi, sauna and hamman. At night time the temperature drops and the stars shine brightly with the limited light pollution.
 
Monday 2nd August – Always reassuring when travelling away from home that there is good medical provision. One of the infants was poorly, which necessitated a visit to Arc 1600 cabinet medical. The doctor was brilliant. Good sense of humour, knew just how to handle the little one. He contacted the pharmacy for us so she was expecting us when we arrived. Felt really well cared for. A trip to Bourg-Saint-Maurice followed with a ride on the funiculaire back up to Arc 1600. A really interesting trip to make. Tickets for the lifts can be purchased from the Spirit 1950 office just off the main square. Worthwhile buying a pack of 10 for a discounted price of €49. The afternoon brought with it some rain but still took in a walk up to 2000 and beyond. It is advisable to take waterproofs with you, being in the mountains you have to take account of quite quick changes in the weather. If you need warming up afterwards, just head for the sauna. A relaxed evening followed with drinks at George Brown’s Wine Bar.

Stunning view at Mont Blanc

 
Tuesday 3rd August – For the intrepid, get yourselves a couple of bikes from Precision Sports shop and head down the mountain. Having done a great deal of road cycling, I was seriously outside of my comfort zone. Knee and shin protection is a must. Try the downhill run (route 5) from Arc 1950 through beautiful forest tracks to the  village of Villaroger. Don’t be misguided by the fact that you are going down hill. Once you reach the river east of Bourg-Saint-Maurice there are some testing little undulations to keep the heart rate ticking over at a fair pace. Caught the funiculaire back up to 1600 and got ourselves across to Arc 1800 to catch the Transarc lift over the top to get ourselves back to 1950. It was only going half way due to technical problems, so jumped off at the half way point and sped down the green slope (route 1) back to Arc 1600 for the free shuttle bus back to Arc 1950. Your could always bung your bike on the back of the free shuttle bus and get yourself back home for a lounge around in the pool and jacuzzi. Mid afternoon each of the families set off on different walks. The route down to 1600 and on to 1800 is a beautiful forested walk, and not terribly demanding. The route signs are generous in their time allocation so don’t be put off.
 
Wednesday 4th August – Decision was made to tackle the Aguille Rouge, which lies at 3226m. You could take the lift to Valet and the Cable Car to the summit from there, but the satisfaction gained from walking up to Valet is certainly worth doing. When you reach the little lake at Plan de L’Homme, it is a great place to stop for a snack. The views are magnificent, the lake crystal clear. It is only another 150m (vertically) before getting to Valet.

Andrew at the Plan de l'Homme

 
We took the cable car to the summit of Aguille Rouge where we had fantastic 360 degree views of white cloud – fun walking across icy snows, to the summit point. On a clear day you will get superb views across to the Italian Alps and beyond. We took the circular route back via the Transarc lift station and back down to the village. After a big day ou, we headed off to the Savoyard Restaurant to indulge ourselves in CHEESE! It was my first experience of Raclette! A must do, at some stage. I defy anyone to finish everything that is put in front of you! Awesome meal followed by big sleep.
 
Thursday 5th August – We took a trip down to Arc1800, a very different village, with an incredibly scenic golf course. Weather was a bit drizzly and but gave us the opportunity to browse around the shops in the village. Back up to 1950 and a relaxing afternoon chilling out in the apartment followed by a swim in the in the pool.  The creperie is worth a visit with a full range of sweet to savoury fillings. An evening meal at the Brasserie 1950 was enjoyed, lovely quiet restaurant, traditional brasserie faire with an alpine flavour, cured meat platters, beef steaks, delicious salads.
 
Friday 6th August – A trip round the Village on the Ponies is must for the children. They might not find it quite as exciting as the parents, but a worthwhile venture.

Skye explores the village on horseback!

 
A brisk walk in the mountain air is always good before lunch, especially if it leads you to Les Chalet de L’Arc. You need a healthy appetite. The portions are not only ample but truly delicious. For the meat eaters, the Le Geant Kebab, with a delicious combination of local sausage, chicken and steak is an absolute treat!

The Kebab Geant!

 
For the more traditional amongst you the tartiflette is one of their specialities. If the sun is shining make the most of sitting outside and enjoy the surrounding mountains in all their glory, but don’t miss out on having a peak inside to witness the warmth and uniquely rustic charm of the open bread-making kitchen. I definitely want to go back there to experience it as an après ski venue. For a pleasant morning trek, try the Plan de Violettes leaving Arc 2000 on the eastern side. It takes you through wooded areas with superb views over the valley towards La Rossiere and Mont Blanc and off course the villages of 1950 and 2000.

Aerial View of Arc 1950

 
Drag your way up the Aiguille Rouge red piste (great work out with a baby on your back), before heading right down the blue reservoir piste behind Arc 2000 and finishing at Les Chalet de L’Arc. A lazy afternoon with a swim in the pool and the dreaded feeling that tomorrow you have to leave.
 
Saturday 7th August – Departure day. You will undoubtedly leave with the feeling that a week isn’t long enough. On this trip, no golf, no kayaking, no white water rafting, no parasending, no tennis, no outdoor chess, not enough walking, biking, or chillaxing by the pool, that is why we will undoubtedly have to do it all again at some stage! Take a look at the Arc 1950 website to get a flavour of all there is on offer.

It is a French website, but for those who like me have very poor knowledge of the language, there are loads of visuals! It was only when a friend pointed out that there is in fact a UK button at the top that you realise how inept you are with IT skills. Erna Low have a real gem in their pocket, with this extraordinary and unique village on their books. There is an abundance of activity for all ages and tastes. The Kariboo Club for the children has not been explored by us yet, but it is worth knowing that Pierre & Vacances who manage the village offer two half days of child care per apartment included in your package. Bonus! www.arc1950.com and book your ski holiday to Arc 1950 with Erna Low www.ernalow.co.uk

Based in our French property office in picturesque Arc 1950, in the Paradiski region of the Alps, Alice has been discovering the delights of a summer season spent at altitude and that the Alps aren’t just for skiing! Surrounded by stunning views of green mountains, imposing forest and mountain lakes and rivers, taking a few photos must have been irresistible…

Enjoying a view of the Mont Blanc

a bird's eye view of Arc 1950

Another popular, and slightly more adventurous, activity! Paraponting offers an eagle’s-eye view of the breathtaking alpine scenery and a dose of adrenaline on the side! Alice even took her camera up for a few aerial snaps…

Up up and away!

free as a bird...

Back on land again, Alice takes a view from just outside the property office window. Snow-sure and ski-friendly in the winter, Arc1950 is surrounded by Alpine meadows and bathed in sunshine during the summer- meaning any ski property for sale in this charming alpine resort will be snapped up before long!

view from the office window - certainly beats London HQ!

Thanks for the pics Alice, wish we were there! Erna Low Property team x

PS: want to see more photos? Become a fan on the Erna Low Facebook page to see the rest of the album.

Fancy trying it for yourself? book your summer holiday to the Alps with Erna Low today www.ernalowsummer.co.uk

Having now returned from Morzine and having had an excellent holiday I can write and thank you most enthusiastically for offering it as a prize for the Sunday Times.

The trip went very smoothly – Eurotunnel got us across the channel with minimum fuss, including putting us on earlier trains as we arrived a little early, both ways.

We stayed a couple of nights in Troyes – fascinating, and well out of our usual travel area – and then arrived at L’Aiglon de Morzine in good time and a rainstorm!  However the latter was brief and virtually the only time we had other than hot clear weather.  Having not been there before we were not at all sure what to expect and arrived with several
books to keep us occupied in spare minutes: they remained largely unread – there is so much to do, even for those who not use a mountain bike!

The local way to travel

We used the extensive lifts almost every day to get to different places, combined of course with walking: probably the high point in more than one sense was to stand on a mountain top at about 6000 feet and look in one direction to see Mont Blanc and the other to see the Eiger while listening to the sound of cow bells drifting up from the valley beneath
- oh, and then walking a few yards to find oneself straying into Switzerland!

With a good enough imagination that is the Eiger!

We spent another day visiting Lake Léman and enjoyed a  visit to Evian ‘the water town’ while wishing we had more time to explore some more – on the deliberately ‘interesting’ route back, high up I even spotted a Golden Eagle.

Walking is always possible

The accommodation, of course was excellent – we were given Suite 5 which gave us a little extra space but clearly all the suites were very comfortable, providing plenty of space to relax and a more than adequate cooking facility should one require it: we particularly liked the proper coffee making machine!

Looking down from a ski-lift and listening to the cow bells

We returned home with a stop off at Reims – again a most interesting city – to complete an excellent, relaxing and of course quite unexpected holiday. Once again thank you and your team for organising it.

Summer in the Alps is glorious. Why don’t more Brits come here on holiday to Zermatt?  My flight with Swiss was seamless and then I enjoyed stunning views of Lac Leman as the train hugged the shore line.  In the morning I woke up in the best hotel in Zermatt to spectacular views of the Matterhorn and we were then treated to a helicopter ride circling the iconic mountain. 

our ride is here...

Our heroic helicopter pilot Daniel had recently taken part in the highest known helicopter rescue in Nepal so we knew we were in safe hands as he flew us seemingly within touching distance of the North Face. We were so close we could see the early climbers as they made their back down and we hoped that our intrusion did not hinder their concentration. Upon landing on the glacier we were transported to the highest ice palace in Europe by either piste basher or snow mobile. There were plenty of people enjoying summer skiing. After visiting the palace, we made our way to the viewing platform at 3883m above sea level where the panoroma is simply breathtaking. You can see 9 peaks over 4000m and numerous glaciers all glinting with hidden menace and with their own sadly shrinking story to tell.

With Clare on the sunny glacier!

After a brief refuelling stop we headed down to the mountain restaurant Blatten for a late BBQ lunch. Following a trusty guide we ducked off the visible path and soon it was time for our next treat which was a zip wire crossing over a vast gorge gushing with glacial melt water. It was a great experience to be dangling in a harness over the void that the whole group enjoyed.  We then gorged oursleves on a salad of pfifferlingers (chanterelle mushrooms but i loved the sound of the Swiss German name) before the main course of deliciously rare beef, lamb and chicken arrived. We were just thinking it would be impossible to consume more when the restaurant owner offered seconds. Pudding was strawberries with home-made rhubarb ice cream from rhubarb grown in their back garden. We waddled back to Zermatt to enjoy the spa facilities of our respective hotels, I was staying in the fabulously romantic 5* Hotel Zermatterhof.  Our evening hosts at the Monte Rosa, the oldest hotel in town, had seen our programme and had thankfully decided we would be grateful of some lighter fare for our evening meal. The chef had therefore painstakingly prepared for us a seemingly endless array of little treats ranging from chilled melon soup to mini churros via sliced duck on minted cous cous and tiger prawns.
 

On the wire

During this trip I did manage to visit some of Erna Low’s self-catering accommodation in Zermatt.  I was very impressed with the central location of the newly built or refurbished apartments all of which were close to a ski lift. An apartment in Zermatt would be a very cost effective way for family skiing as the supermarkets are centrally located and you have the flexibility to eat in or out.  Our recommendation would be the apartments in the Zur Matte building as these are apartments with swimming pool and spa facilities, are accessible in the nearby Mont Cervin Hotel.  Please call Erna Low on 0845 863 0525 for further information as I would be happy to recount further details of my trip!

L'Aiglon de Morzine

The teams and their extensive entourages will be arriving in style on Sunday 11th of July as they conclude their 8th stage of the circuit, rest on the 12th and then set off again on Tuesday 13th of July for St Jean de Maurienne. Why not join the fun and book a week at Aiglon to watch all the action?

Tour fans lying in wait

Prices start at £183 per person for 7 nights at the Aiglon de Morzine, self catering basis in a one bedroom apartment for week commencing 10/07 for the Tour de France. Doesn’t include travel. Eurotunnel crossings can be added on request. Call the office now on 0845 863 0525 or email info@ernalow.co.uk. 

Don’t forget your yellow jersey!

The cyclists racing into Bourg St Maurice in summer 09

A few weeks ago, I headed out on a 9hr flight to Canada and found myself in sunny Vancouver.  My first destination was up in northern British Columbia where I was lucky enough to experience the amazing sight of grizzly and black bears in their natural environment (luckily from a distance!). 

a grizzly out to lunch...run!

I then headed south to a resort which is regularly voted number 1 in North America and is also one of the venues of the 2010 Winter Olympics: Whistler.  Staying in the Pinnacle International Hotel, I had great access to all the resort facilities and, with all the hot weather, everyone was out experiencing the great activities on offer in the summer such as mountain biking, hiking, summer skiing and bear watching.  Fortunately, no bears came across my path this time! 

a black bear sizing me up

Whilst out in Whistler I had to get a head for heights experiencing the new Peak 2 Peak Gondola for the first time.  Connecting Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains, this gondola has broken a few records being the highest lift of its kind and having the longest unsupported span of 3,024km.  It was opened in time for the 2008/09 winter season and has been a great success making it so much easier to experience both mountains during both the winter and summer.

Georgina High, ski sales consultant, Erna Low

Why not experience it for yourself this winter? Erna Low’s ski holidays to Whistler start at £937 per person, based on double occupancy in a deluxe studio at the Pinnacle International Hotel for 7 nights on a room only basis, direct flights, shared shuttle transfers to resort and all applicable taxes and surcharges. Click here for more details or call me on 0845 863 0525. I would be happy to personally talk you through it… and tell you more about the grizzlies!

After such a great work trip to the Maurienne Valley a month earlier, I jumped at the chance to visit the Alps in the summer again.

At the crack of dawn we took an easyjet flight to Geneva and a short hop later we were picking up our hire car from Europcar.  One hour later we arrived in Morzine bathed in glorious sunshine and we settled into our spacious apartment in the L’Aiglon du Morzine offering spectacular views of the surrounding mountains.

We stayed in the apartment with all the windows!

After visiting the supermarket conveniently located just around the corner we strolled into the resort centre.  The Morzine tourist office staff were extremely helpful giving us leaflets on things to do and planned walks in the area.  We were spoilt for choice, activities included mountain biking, horse riding, tennis, swimming, paragliding, paintball, golf, quad-biking and fishing to name a few! 

We packed a lot into our long weekend, including a drive up to Lac du Montriond for a trek up to a picturesque waterfall, a walk along the river from Morzine, a trip up the Pleney gondola to watch the mountain bikers fly down the mountain and a long walk high up in the mountain, taking in the striking scenery. 

The stunning Lac du Montriond

We had planned to attempt Via Ferrata in the neighbouring resort of Avoriaz which is neatly camouflaged in the mountain side, but sadly not enough people signed up.  Instead we gave the Indiana Parc tree top adventure a go and after a comprehensive training session we headed up into the trees.  It truly tested our stamina, strength and any fear of heights; the adrenaline rush was plenty for me, so perhaps it was best that the Via Ferrata didn’t happen after all!

Me conquering the tree top adventure - hold on!

After 4 days of fun and relaxation we headed back on the last flight home.  We’re now planning our return to the Alps next summer for a longer break to test out more of the activities on offer.  Not before heading to the Alps for some skiing this winter, now to decide where to go…  until the next blog!

Victoria Lincoln, our fabulous Administration Manager, Erna Low.

Fancy giving it a go yourself? We can help you book a summer alpine holiday OR a winter ski holiday to Morzine staying at L’Aiglon which is the FIRST Erna Low managed residence in the alps. See you there!

When we were told earlier this year that Bourg St Maurice had been named as the arrival town for the 16th stage of the Tour de France, we immediately started looking into our flights. So imagine our excitement when we heard that 14 teams of the Tour would be starting in our beloved Arc 1950… Lance Armstrong and Bradley Wiggins included!

This called for some serious planning, not to mention an extra quick crash course on the world’s most watched race.
So I packed off, with a couple of journalists in tow, on Monday 20th July to Arc 1950, (Erna Low’s bestselling holiday destination as well the location for the Erna Low Property french office) and what a trip it was.
The village was looking its finest, the sun was shining, the cows were mooing and the whole village was buzzing with the knowledge that the cyclists fast approaching.

Les Maillots Jaunes proudly decorate sunny Bourg

On Tuesday 21st, after a morning of white water rafting from Bourg St Maurice to Moutiers along the Isere river, we took out seats in the ‘tribune’ seating area at the arrival in Bourg perfectly positioned under the big screen to watch the cyclists ride in from Verbier/ Martigny in Switzerland through La Thuile (Italy) and down from La Rosiere.
While ducking and diving for the freebies being hurled into the crowds, the crowds grew more and more excited at the cyclists descended. They made it look so effortless but we were reminded how dangerous it can be as one of them slipped coming down from La Thuile and had a nasty fall. Ouch!
Mikal Astarloza riding for the Euskatel Team was the first to come in with a time of 4h14m20s, swiftly followed by five other riders all making it 4h14m26s. For full table of results, please see here for the full results table.
The overall ranking was unaffected however with Contador (in the ‘Maillot Jaune’ for fastest overall time), Hushovd (in the ‘Maillot Vert’ for most points), Pellizotti (for most ‘climbing’ points), A. Schleck (fastest overall youth) and Astana (best overall team) still leading the way.
It was quick dash after the prize giving back up to Arc 1950 in order to beat the team’s trucks and entourage who would soon be making the slow climb. We sat in George’s Bar, drinking our beers in the sunset as we played cyclist celebrity spotting as they all made their way to their apartments. We saw Mark Cavendish making his way to Auberge Jerome and word on the village street was that Lance Armstrong was in Prince des Cimes and having dinner in Chalet Luigi that evening. Some of the Russian teams apparently travel with their own chefs to ensure a good nutrition but the rest were obviously out for the evening as the village restaurants were full to burst!
The village had relaxed their ‘pedestrian only’ policy for the evening as the streets where packed with the team trucks and thousands of pounds worth of bikes all strapped to the roofs of the branded cars.

Entourage in Arc 1950

After having breakfast in Le Brasserie 1950 on Wednesday 22nd, at the next table form Richard Virenque, the trucks and teams departed Bourg to commence the 17th stage of the circuit. The gruelling mountain stage from Bourg to Le Grand-Bornand through Beaufort, Megeve, Sallanches and Cluses. 
I now realise I hadn’t quite grasped how much more the Tour was than a few men crazy enough to cycle round a country but what it also means for the fans and the towns that welcome them. The buzz and excitement it brings with it is infectious and I can safely say I have been converted to a dedicated follower… now where’s the 2010 schedule?!

To view all the photos, become a fan on the Erna Low facebook page!

Sappho Barkla is the PR and Marketing Manager for Erna Low Holidays and Erna Low Property.

Summer stays are available in Arc 1950 from just £336 for a family of four in a luxury self catered apartment for 7 nights, includes free activity pass, self catering basis, no travel http://www.ernalowsummer.co.uk/ 0845 863 0525
Winter prices at Arc 1950 start from £533 for a one bedroom apartment for a week (up to two people sharing) including return Eurotunnel crossings with free upgrade to Flexi Plus. www.ernalow.co.uk 0845 863 0525