More Snow On Its Way

This week we have been eagerly awaiting he season and whilst some resorts are open, the general warm spell, at least in Europe anyway has limited the extent of the skiing. Early next week a colder spell has been forecast with around 40cm forecast down to around 800m.

In terms of preparation, certainly most resorts are now either ready or gearing themselves for the impending ski season and one of the peak Christmas weeks now less than three weeks away, you can feel the anticipation building.

In tewrms of ski availability, after a slow start to the season for many operators, November has seen a significant surge in demand and with more snow to fall, many chalets operators in many of the favourite resorts are already places the 'full' signs up already.

This Weekend

A milder week this week has left one or two of the slopes proposed to open this weekend looking a little heavy and whilst they are still likely to open, our view is one more week should do the trick. Next week temperatures are expected to drop dramatically and snow again is a strong possibility low down.

Whilst we have not personally ruled out getting on the 'planks' this weekend (the desire to get out again is strong), it may well be wise to put it on hold just one more week and use this weekend to get the Christmas shopping done before the real season starts!

Ski In Ski Out USA

This week Ski In Ski Out Chalets have added USA to the mix with the introduction of what is probably one of the best ski in ski out luxury villas, Casa Nova. Located in Deer Park in the ski area of Park City, Utah, this exclusive 'village' provides spectacular ski accommodation that really provides an exclusive feel.

Having been in the industry for many years, and skied across the world for over 20 years, there must be few ski properties that offer such outstanding ski accommodation. This is a luxury ski villa that will take your breath away, regardless of how well heeled and used to such luxury retreats you are.

Set next to the slope, what sets this ski in ski out villa is the attention to detail and the delicate way they have balanced this spacious villa accommodation, with an eye for warmth and that home from home feel. The large bedrooms all have Master Suites and the log fire in each makes for that cosy romantic ski in ski out vacation.

When Ski In Ski Out Chalets opened the USA wing, they certainly didn't do so in halves!!

Make The Most of The Early Snow?

Well it is true, by now you may well of had the newsletter telling you that the snow is falling in the Alps! Early days one might add but it is certainly probably not a bad sign we would guess in respect of what may or may not happen in respect of snow conditions for the impending season.

So does this mean that we are in for another very good season? Well we don't profess to be experts and the ones that are from our experience seem to struggle to guess this one anyway. But, if there is one thing that we have seen, and this is based on experience rather than being scientific and / or supported by significant research, that snow conditions do seem to be cyclical and that the pattern seem to follow a five to seven year cycle (we think closer to the latter). Good news one hopes for this season as conditions weren't too bad in 2003 but 2013 might be one to avoid after 2006!!! Metreologists will tell you about all sorts of reasons this may be so and the more recent talked about example being El Niño.

So if you are looking to book, our suggestion would be to take the plunge, not just because already conditions are pretty good, and hopefully will continually to be again over the coming months, but the industry needs you. The global recession is effecting us all and the ski industry is of course reeling from such as people cut back and despite us all loving this sport, some unfortunately just simply can't afford it and bookings are therefore down. Add to the fact that for many British operators the exchange rates aren't helping either as clients pay often in sterling yet the operators they visit have costs predominatly in Euros (many operators are selling at the same prices as last year yet costs have risen 30% due to exchange rate fluctuation). So with out your support, you may find the choice you have today isn't the same tomorrow

Skiing For Beginners (Part 1) – What, And When

So, you have had enough of your friends and family boring you with the latest snow reports in July, how great a skier little Jonnie is, and how many couloirs they skied in Bulgaria, and you have decided rather than to beat them (literally), that you are going to join them! So what next?

I guess the first two questions are what and when. Lets deal with the when, and move on after to the where. It used to be a rule in thumb that January wasn’t great for beginners, your first holiday after all needs to tie you in, and January can be a little chilly. Whilst still more prone to colder days, the changing climate has shifted this a little. So if cost is an issue, late January is a good choice as snow is generally quite good and days warmer. February, unless holidays dictate is probably best avoided as for your first time why pay premium rates to ski a nursery slope? March however is a great option, especially the first couple of weeks when the snow is typically still in good condition, the days are moving towards spring time (although it can snow a lot as a consequence) , and are therefore quite warm (great when you are stood around listening to your instructor) and prices are a little more reasonable. April, well with spring conditions, we suggest not. Typically pistes are hard and icy first thing, not ideal for learning, and heavy and sticky just after lunch, again not ideal conditions to learn and best left to the addicted skiers get in their fourth week of the season!

So where, well if money isn’t an issue, Courchevel has to get a vote, with wide open pistes at 1850, and snow sure pretty much all season. It has a great centre and good bars and restaurants, and you won’t find it difficult to get in to après skiing in any one of the many chic bars and restaurants, an important part of your introductory vacation. But if your budget is a little more price conscious, the Milton Keynes of Europe, without the cows, La Plagne is one of our recommendations. It is higher enough to have good snow at most times of the season, and whilst it isn’t the prettiest of resorts its convenience and excellent English speaking instructors will take the pain out of the first introduction on snow. It is also reasonably snow sure resort, and has gentle pistes that won’t leave even the most nervous of skiers a petrified mess! Others iworth considering in our book nclude La Clusaz, Megeve, Obergurgl, and for that little bit of Swiss glitz – St Morritz.Gastro fans will love Megeve (claims the most Michelin Star restaurants outside of Paris - but not sure if this is the case but judging by the number of Parisian diners it may be true(!)), and St Morritz for the swiss equivalent. Oh, and yes, they aren't the cheapest places to learn as a consequence!