Ski Blog | Group Ski Holidays

Luxury for all the senses is now again possible in the Italian UNESCO-DOLOMITES.

Stay safe, stay well!

Tucked away from the crowdy and busy cities, to find peace somewhere - also during this After-COVID19-period - seems strange, but it is possible! 

We must admit, the last months weren’t that easy for anybody of us, no matter where we are from, North or South, East or West. We had to face extended time within our own houses, and for those who had gardens or at least a terrace or balcony, life suddenly seemed to be more comfortable.

Here in the Italian Dolomites, we experienced the same as you did in the UK, even if we were perhaps that lucky that the British people are, who are living in the countryside. In March, April and May, the days were sunny, and we were looking out of our windows – or balcony or terraces. Even if our hearts were a little bit sad because of the entirely white, but empty slopes of our Skiing Mountain Kronplatz – Plan de Corones, but finally we saw nature growing. The landscape was becoming green, strangely sooner than ever. 

It is true, living in the mountains was a slight, comfortable advantage during COVID19 period. We could walk first around our houses, then to jog in the fields, and finally walk in the surroundings of our Hotel and our Moutain Lodge. After a while, we could go further and use the hiking paths and forests, lying just right behind our houses, and afterwards, when the authority did allow it, finally climb up our Mountains again. 

It is true, we live in an ideal ambience, very near to the UNESCO-DOLOMITES, with lots of opportunities to explore, experience, enjoy and relax. 

What we appreciated most: be in nature, more ofter with nobody around us, and in case we did meet somebody, we did use and still do use all security rules in order not to get the Virus. Who actually “has gone” from our Italian Province South-Tyrol – Südtirol - Alto Adige. And we hope, forever.

We have good news: we have reopened our doors for our tourists! 

To pamper your palate with finest Mediterranean and Alpine culinary creations in stylish dining rooms - in the perfect distance one from each other - or come to balance with healthy, fresh cuisine, prepared with locally sourced ingredients, all this is again possible!

As we have our SPA area and stylish wellness embedded in nature, it is again possible to enjoy top-notch spa amenities in a great variety of vast open spaces and within a unique combination of luxury, design and exclusive concept.

5 STAR PREMIUM SPA HOTEL Winkler and also – in an even more exclusive ambience – our LUXURY MOUNTAIN CHALET with 5 Suites, Butler- and Concierge Service PURMONTES offer a wide range of sports and leisure activities and now in summer two private outdoor guides, in wintertime – again from December 2020 - ski programs in the Dolomiti Superski Area, at Kronplatz – Plan De Corones or in the Ski Resort 3 Peaks Dolomites or even in Alta Badia, as you like, and finally ski-free explorations of nature in winter. 

Hikes and bike tours in summer, springtime and autumn are a must, and for children and teenagers, we are famous for offering a special one-year entertainment program. 

With our being very serious and aware in general, we think that we can help you in recovering soon from this extraordinary hard period lived during the last mounts. We hope that you will trust us in that we will do our best in making your holiday in the Italian South Tyrol and UNESCO-DOLOMITES with our appreciated cousin, definitely a memorable one!

Independent Ski and Snowboard Hire

Altitude's ski rental partner Skimium are one of the largest ski providers in Europe. But despite their size and market leading prices, they maintain a personal touch. And by booking with the code ALTIT17 you can save a massive 60%!

The stores that are affiliated to skimium.com are independent stores located in the heart of the ski resorts. At these winter sports specialists, who all have a great reputation, you’ll find a wide range of the highest quality material that is available for either sale or rent. You can also find a variety of technical clothing and accessories and the men and machines that provide a highly professional workshop service. In the true mountain spirit, you’ll be looked after and advised by professionals that are passionate about their sport! 

skimium.com in a few words: it’s EASY, it’s the COMFORT of ordering from your own home and the BEST PRICE advantage through ordering on the internet (up to 20% discount off the public prices that are communicated in the stores), but it’s not only that...  

SKIMIUM IS EVEN MORE:

A wide selection of all the different categories of equipment in order to satisfy the requirements of all types of people, all types of ability and all types of desire.

An on-line Advice Guide enabling you to select the material that is the best suited to your ability, your desire and to what you want to do.

Only 25% deposit required, no administration fees.

Get the most of your skiing holiday with your family and friends with at least a further discount of 5% off the store prices for any reservation that includes at least 4 (or +) pairs of skis or snowboards.

Benefit from the Professional Advice to get the most out of your equipment.

A Commitment to guaranteeing your Safety, through our on-line advice service.

A Direct and Personal Contact with your rental store.

THE STORES THAT ARE AFFILIATED TO SKIMIUM.COM ARE COMMITTED TO:

Operating a Transparent Pricing Policy:

Benefit from the most advantageous prices by reserving on the internet

A Technical Charter:

A selection of the most reputable brands

Up to date material (no more than 3 seasons old)  

Equipment that is checked and prepared before each individual rental (sharpening, repairing of bases and waxing of boards; shoes are dried out and treated) 
The equipment is adjusted by professionals according to what you are going to do, your ability and your size  
 

A Customer Services Charter:

A friendly and personalised service 
Expert advice 
A product range dedicated to Women 
Your kids treated like little Champions 
Comfort for the duration of the rental period

HOW DOES IT WORK?

RESERVING YOUR SKI EQUIPMENT ON SKIMIUM.COM IS VERY EASY AND ONLY TAKES A FEW MINUTES: 

Today:

Select a skimium.com store in the resort where you will be heading to and indicate the date of your first skiing day along and for how many days you want to rent the equipment for.
Choose your material from a wide selection of skis, snowboards, shoes, boots and helmets.
You can consult our ‘How to choose the right equipment’ guides to help you find the material that is best adapted to your ability and to what you want to do.
Validate your selection and enter the personal details about yourself (height, weight, sizes...) and your preferences so that your material can be personalised just for you.
Confirm your reservation by paying a deposit of only 25 %. A confirmation email with the reservation form (with all the details concerning your order and other practical information) will be sent to you immediately.
Print and retain your reservation form and start getting ready for your holidays with peace of mind that your equipment will be waiting for you when you get there.

When you get there:

With your reservation form and a proof of identity, go along to the skimium.com store to settle the balance and collect your material that has already been prepared for you, once the adjustments have been checked.
Your skimium.com advisor will be extremely happy to welcome you and advise you on the use of your material.
Get your skis on and make the most of your holiday!

For further information, feel free to refer to our General Rental Conditions

Skimium.com is a partner of Decathlon

A Different Type of Holiday

Gone are the days of tiny basic self catered apartments - now you can have luxury and still be independent.

Our new partners at Square Break have merged with OneFineStay and have some great accommodation to chose from - check out their apartments, chalets, villas & houses here.

They can also offer a catered option as well so if you want to choose your own place to stay you can then upgrade and by paying an extra 1000€ per person per week in France and 1500€ per person per week in the Swiss resorts.

This chalet can be offered with a fully-catered option by a team of winter professionals to create a magical holiday experience.

WHAT’S INCLUDED ?

• Breakfast prepared in the chalet every morning: Hot breakfast (for six mornings on seven) served in the dining room accompanied by a selection of local yoghurts, muesli, cereals, and fresh crusty bread and jams (7d/7).
• Afternoon tea / After-ski: Buffet available of tea, coffee, fresh bread, jams, and delicious home-baked cakes or opt for something savoury if that is your preference.
• Champagne and aperitives before dinner
• Dinner six nights out of seven: After canapés, a three-course dinner will be served, followed by a locally-inspired cheeseboard. Dinner is accompanied by the finest selection of European house wines.

DISCOVERING LES ANGLES

WE'RE ON A ROAD TRIP IN THE PYRENNES AND ARE MOVING ON TO LES ANGLES…(read the about the whole trip here)

PART 3 - LES ANGLES

We are on the move again as we drive to Les Angles – it’s an easy drive of around 20 minutes from Font Romeu and we’re surprised at how large the town looks as we approach it. It seems to have a more Alpine feel to it as the runs come down to the resort through the trees.

We meet Antonia from the Tourist Office and head up the mountain to ski.  The weather is back to its weird 2017 showing and it feels like spring!  But the pistes are empty, so empty it feels like a private ski resort.  The views here are stunning and you feel higher than in Font Romeu which you can see from the top along with Spain and Andorra. 

The vertical is more and the pistes are in great condition with the recent fresh snow on the base of artificial snow they have been producing – nearly all of the runs are within the trees which bodes well should there be bad weather and apparently makes for some fabulous off piste – when the conditions are good which sadly they aren't right now.

Late afternoon we go dog sledding – I am always dubious about this and not 100% sure the dogs are happy but once more I am swayed that they are and that they do love running – here there is a mix of dogs, they are not all the expected huskies and include a labrador and collie!  In the capable hands of Guillame we head out into the forest and he explains how the dogs work together, some you can see take a rest and don't work that hard, they place the stronger ones at the back where it is heavier and they command the dogs with very soft words from the back.  To make them turn at the right time he calmly calls out “a droit” or “a gauche” and he is always giving them some form of encouragement and they respond immediately.

We see some deer in the forest – it’s a protected area and hunting here isn’t allowed – they aren’t daft! Through the forest, alongside the lake it’s a beautiful journey and back at the centre we get to pet the dogs who are all friendly and do seem very happy.

Dinner is at the hotel Le LLaret and we have just one day left in the Pyrenees – the forecast is at last for a lot of snow but with it stormy winds and so we’re not sure we’ll be skiing tomorrow.

It’s gone from French Riviera spring weather to Siberian winter overnight and there are hardly any lifts open – skiing is off the agenda, We’re neither brave nor stupid enough to head up so instead set off to see more of the incredible history of the area.  

We visit a walled mediaeval city Mont-Louis which is a UNESCO heritage site and then the thermal baths at St Thomas.  Back in resort later we venture out into the wind and discover a very cute little bar - Le Comptoir Montagne which doubles as a shop and we warm up with a vin chaud.

Restaurant Le Llaret feeds us again on our last night – great food and excellent service that feels very different to the usual Alpine resort food.

READ MORE ABOUT OUR ADVENTURES HERE....

PART 1 - AX 3 DOMAINES

PART 2 - FONT ROMEU

Ski Amis Launch Learn to Ski – 25 March 2017 – La Tania, Three Valleys

Catered chalet company, Ski Amis, has launched a learn-to-ski week in La Tania this coming March.

Spring is a great time to learn – the slopes are quieter, the snow is good and the days are longer. The resort of La Tania is the perfect place to learn to ski, with nursery slopes within easy access and stunning long tree-lined runs.

“We all have a friend or family member that would love to try out skiing, but is worried about being the only one who can’t stay upright. We created this package deal to bring together like-minded people who are all in the same boat” said Chris Woodbridge-Cox, Commercial Director of Ski Amis.

“When you’re learning in a group, things don’t seem so daunting. We are sure this week is going to be a huge success and all of our guests will head home loving skiing as much as we love skiing”

The week is aimed at adults who have never skied before, and will provide guests with a great introduction to this fantastic sport.

Here’s what’s included:

• Transfers from and to Geneva, Grenoble or Chambery Airport
• 7 nights ‘chalet board’ in Chalet Christine, La Tania
• 6 day local area lift pass (Courchevel and La Tania – 150km of pistes)
• 6 days of morning lessons with an English speaking ESF instructor (Max 8 per group)
• Ski, boot and helmet hire (Silver Evolution)

Price: £899.00 p.p. based on 2 adults sharing a twin room with en-suite shower/wc.

To find out more contact Ski Amis through their chalet page here. 

Optional:

Whilst most people who try skiing fall in love with it immediately, Ski Amis have recognised that is can be an expensive sport to take up and instead of investing in the latest ski gear before you have tried it, they have teamed up with Skismart, the ski clothing hire specialists, to get guest a top end jacket and pants set for just £60.00 for the week. This price includes delivery to and collection from your home, and you can even try the kit on for free beforehand to ensure you get a good fit.

Skimium, the exclusive ski hire partner of Altitude Holidays. Save over 50% off ski hire this winter

WHO ARE WE?

Skimium.com is a partner of Decathlon

The stores that are affiliated to skimium.com are independent stores located in the heart of the ski resorts. At these winter sports specialists, who all have a great reputation, you’ll find a wide range of the highest quality material that is available for either sale or rent. You can also find a variety of technical clothing and accessories and the men and machines that provide a highly professional workshop service. In the true mountain spirit, you’ll be looked after and advised by professionals that are passionate about their sport! 

skimium.com in a few words: it’s EASY, it’s the COMFORT of ordering from your own home and the BEST PRICE advantage through ordering on the internet (up to 20% discount off the public prices that are communicated in the stores), but it’s not only that...  

SKIMIUM IS EVEN MORE:

·       A wide selection of all the different categories of equipment in order to satisfy the requirements of all types of people, all types of ability and all types of desire.

·       An on-line Advice Guide enabling you to select the material that is the best suited to your ability, your desire and to what you want to do.

·       Only 25% deposit required, no administration fees.

·       Get the most of your skiing holiday with your family and friends with at least a further discount of 5% off the store prices for any reservation that includes at least 4 (or +) pairs of skis or snowboards.

·       Benefit from the Professional Advice to get the most out of your equipment.

·       A Commitment to guaranteeing your Safety, through our on-line advice service.

·       A Direct and Personal Contact with your rental store.

THE STORES THAT ARE AFFILIATED TO SKIMIUM.COM ARE COMMITTED TO:

Operating a Transparent Pricing Policy:

·       Benefit from the most advantageous prices by reserving on the internet

A Technical Charter:

·       A selection of the most reputable brands

·       Up to date material (no more than 3 seasons old)  

·       Equipment that is checked and prepared before each individual rental (sharpening, repairing of bases and waxing of boards; shoes are dried out and treated) 

·       The equipment is adjusted by professionals according to what you are going to do, your ability and your size  

A Customer Services Charter:

·       A friendly and personalised service 

·       Expert advice 

·       A product range dedicated to Women 

·       Your kids treated like little Champions 

·       Comfort for the duration of the rental period

HOW DOES IT WORK?

RESERVING YOUR SKI EQUIPMENT ON SKIMIUM.COM IS VERY EASY AND ONLY TAKES A FEW MINUTES: 

Today:

·       Select a skimium.com store in the resort where you will be heading to and indicate the date of your first skiing day along and for how many days you want to rent the equipment for.

·       Choose your material from a wide selection of skis, snowboards, shoes, boots and helmets.

·       You can consult our ‘How to choose the right equipment’ guides to help you find the material that is best adapted to your ability and to what you want to do.

·       Validate your selection and enter the personal details about yourself (height, weight, sizes...) and your preferences so that your material can be personalised just for you.

·       Confirm your reservation by paying a deposit of only 25 %. A confirmation email with the reservation form (with all the details concerning your order and other practical information) will be sent to you immediately.

·       Print and retain your reservation form and start getting ready for your holidays with peace of mind that your equipment will be waiting for you when you get there.

When you get there:

·       With your reservation form and a proof of identity, go along to the skimium.com store to settle the balance and collect your material that has already been prepared for you, once the adjustments have been checked.

·       Your skimium.com advisor will be extremely happy to welcome you and advise you on the use of your material.

·       Get your skis on and make the most of your holiday!

For further information, feel free to refer to our General Rental Conditions

Start saving now with Altitude Holidays and Skimium!

Why Ski At Easter?

Thirty years ago, going on a family ski holiday was considered a real luxury, or at least only reserved for those who are in the upper reaches of the middle classes. Now, in the wake of budget airlines, better transport facilities and more affordable accommodation, the ski holiday has become a lot more accessible and feasible.  Having said that, the Government and authorities are certainly seem to be trying their hardest to make it as difficult as possible to go on a family ski trip.

Officially, we are not allowed to take our kids out of school to go on trips (even ones like a ski holiday that will benefit them greatly in the great University Of Life), so we are forced like cattle to only go away in school holidays.

Now, with the ski season only five months at best in Europe, our choices are limited to Christmas, half-term and Easter.

It goes without saying that the February half-term is often the most snow sure, but for this reason it is the most popular time of year to go and so therefore can be busier out there on the slopes. 

Another factor to consider is that because Half-Term is at the peak of the ski season, it can be colder out on the mountains.  Make sure you have all the proper gear including neck warmers that you can pull up over your nose to keep the bitter wind and driving snow away from your face

Christmas is a pleasant time to go and there is something magical about being in snow at this time of the year. But, whilst many people believe December, January and February are the only months where snow covers the Alpine slopes, there’s actually far more to offer beyond that and many believe the best is yet to come.

The Easter break falls right in the middle of that late season period and it’s my personal favourite time to hit travel to the Alps.  It’s normally quieter on the slopes that it is during the other school holiday times and the snow is usually surprisingly good and in recent years it has been fantastic at Easter with a fresh dump of snow fall across most large areas of the Alps.

For me though, the best thing about Easter Skiing is the weather.  There is no better feeling than shredding the slopes in bright glorious sunshine!  There seems to be a different and relaxed ambiance out on the slopes, with many skiers and snowboarders casually weaving down the slopes without a jacket on, and in some cases, just a T-Shirt.  At lunch times, the mountain restaurants have rows and rows of deckchairs full of skiers and snowboarders packed out with sunglasses, tanning themselves as if they are on a beach in Benidorm.  In these conditions, a very high sun block screen is a must (including a lip seal) - it is amazing the amount of people who do not bother or simply forget and then look like a lobster by the end of the day.

The days are also longer and brighter so you can squeeze more slope time out of the afternoon.  And believe me, you will want to!  I have always found that because the weather is warmer, I am not itching to get off the slopes and head to the nearest alpine bar to get a hot chocolate or Glühwein as soon as it is 3pm Instead, I want to shred every minute that I possibly can until the chair lifts close, then head over to the nearest deckchair with a cold beer in hand (and of course with the mandatory sunglasses on), to drink in the atmosphere and beauty of the Alps, enjoying the warmth on my face of the last rays of sun that the day has to offer.  Bliss!

Easter skiing is also cheaper because it is not peak season, with excursions and lift passes reduced in price from that of the Half-Term holidays. Family ski holidays can be expensive so booking for Easter really can save a lot of money.

So the next big question is where to go?  The obvious answer to this, just like in the quiz show Play Your Cards Right (if you are old enough to remember the 80’s show presented by the one and only Bruce Forsyth) and go Higher!  The higher the resort the more snow sure it is likely to be.

In France, you could consider the Espace Killy resorts of Val d’Isère (1,850m) and Tignes (2,100m). Val d’Isère has many north facing slopes and so it’s not as affected by the spring sunshine as some other ski areas.  Tignes is not only higher, but it also boasts glacier skiing at Grande Motte (3,400m) which can stay open for 9 months of the year!

Val Thorens (up to 3,200m) is Europe’s highest major ski resort and is about as ‘snow sure’ for Easter as you can get.  Also, while considering France, you can do no wrong in heading over to the Paradiski area to Les Arcs and La Plagne, This vast ski area is one of the biggest in the world and offers something for everyone; including glacier skiing.

If you want to travel further afield than France, then you may want to consider Zermatt (up to 3,899m) in Switzerland. Zermatt has a huge glacier ski area as well as some of the highest slopes in Europe.  The scenery is spectacular with the iconic Matterhorn dominating the skyline.

In Austria, the lively resort of St.Anton (up to 2,450m) boasts a great snow fall record for March and the beginning of April with fresh snow dumps not that un-common. 

So, if you want a family ski trip on a budget, would rather ski in glorious sunshine rather than being so cold that your toes feel as if they are being gnawed by a snowvole, and enjoy a more relaxed atmosphere with less crowds, then Easter time is for you.

Mark Barber

Where’s the snow?

Are you panicking yet?  Have you got a Christmas ski holiday or New Year ski trip booked and been scared by the media that you won’t have any snow when you go skiing?

Yes it’s the usual annual media free for all - writing scare stories, overhyping, sensationalising and making things up!  Really? The press do that? Surely not I hear you say!  Afraid so I say!

It seems to happen every year – either at the beginning of December or nearer Christmas depending on what they have to fill up their grubby pages with.

Right now if you believe the press you’d think it was a disaster but there are loads of resorts opening early.  How does that work then?

It will snow – it always does.  It’s just a case of when does it arrive? Sometimes it comes early and sometimes later – last year for example Christmas skiing wasn’t great but over one weekend it dumped and New Year week was powder snow heaven!

Not so great if you were out at Christmas of course but the panic and concern for New Year skiers was gone overnight – well unless you were stuck in a snowy traffic jam for 12 hours!  You can’t win can you?

Anyway we can’t control it and if you skied at a certain time last season it doesn’t mean that the weather and snow will be equally good or bad at the same time this season!

Yes I do really get phone calls asking to go the second week in March as last year the snow was…… anyway that’s a different story!

Whenever and wherever you go we hope you get a load of snow!  

And if you don’t then remember you are on holiday and get out and explore the resort and fill your days with all of those off slope activities you keep meaning to do every year but never do because you don’t want to miss a days skiing. Enjoy! 

Altitude Holidays Review of Into The Mind

Usually sat on the end of telephone speaking to ski accommodation providers discussing our website we released Charlie from his desk and sent him along to the Premiere of Into The Mind.

This is what he thought......

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

On October 2nd, I found myself delighted to be en-route to Clapham Grand to watch the Ski/Snowboard film premiere of the year – Into The Mind. A few months ago I had watched the thought-provoking trailer and it clearly set this one apart from the rest. This film was going to be different from the usual pro team edits that crop up through out the year and I was ready!

“Into the Mind” is from the same creators that bought us the movie “All I Can”. This brings with it a certain element of expectation. The film ticked the boxes with some awesome cinematography alongside timelapses, slow-mo and dramatic landscape shots so frequently associated with big-budget ski films. However, it also brought a lot more that the audience probably didn’t expect!

When interviewed by National Geographic “Into the Mind” Director, Dave Mossop described the concept of his latest project;

“Into the Mind satisfies two of my deep-seated goals. One of them is that I’ve always been fascinated with dreams.

The second goal deals with death. I’ve lost a lot of friends in mountains over the years due to avalanches and head injuries. It’s very powerful. The incredible thing about using skiing or snowboarding as the centerpiece of your movie is that you can live and die doing these sports. You can have the greatest single moment you can ever possibly have on Earth, or you could die. The film is really a meditation on the moment of choice you have before you potentially kill yourself in the mountains. It plays out three scenarios that are the outcome of that decision. “

My advice? When you watch this film put your creative head on. It’s unquestionably deep. It questions the life-death choice that skiers and boarders make when stood at the top of a mountain about to drop and it looks into the dreams that encourage us to achieve our wildest of aspirations.  Basically, it tries to capture what makes us tick.

At times you are presented with the epic shots of in-your face downright rad-iculous steaze. This is mostly when the film depicts “dreams”.  Then you jump back to “reality”, to the more down-to-earth storyline that glues the whole film together. Yes it can be confusing at times but with your creative head on you will need to just accept this.

So appreciate the artiness of the film, the soundtrack that has been chosen to accompany the chapters and the ride it takes you on! Perhaps Into the Mind isn’t the ski movie I personally hoped it would be but it certainly is a ski movie and it’s pretty bloody epic then you have your ‘creative head’ on.

We want to see it again as it’s definitely gotten into our mind…. See what you think!  You can see it again or for the first time in Edinburgh on Monday 14th October (Ed.) 

Big thanks go to Emily Millns from Sub Zero Events, for organising the event and inviting Altitude Holidays along to the Premiere. A great night was had by all and it’s always good to see so many heads from around the industry… especially in the U.K!

Snow Parks, tricks and not enough….....

It would be showing my age too much to say I learnt to do heli's on 207cm skis so I won't admit to that - oh....er......

Anyway... if you don't know what the hell a heli is all about then you are a lot younger than me!!  I am not sure when, but at some point they became 360's!! 

Along with 180's and twin tips and riding switch there are a load of other jumps and tricks that I haven't a clue what they mean when I hear the term - riding goofie, ollie's, backside, grabs, cork's, mute's, inverted 540's the list goes on and I get more confused - which is, admittedly, easily done!

Nowadays most resorts have snow parks and half pipes and even large air bags where you can practise without, or at least lowering, the risk of injuring yourself!  

It's not just snowboarders who have all the fun - skiers are just as skilled and pull off all sorts of tricks and Britain has one of the top Freestyle skiers in James Woody Woods he made the BBC front page recently with a superb photo of him and has won a World Cup gold this season! Great work! 

I watch the guys and girls in the park and am amazed at the skill and bravery of them as they pull all sorts of amazing jumps and tricks and tell myself that if it wasn't for my dodgy knee and sore back I'd be in there doing all sorts of things with them when if the truth be told it's because I don't have large enough erm..........

So I caught up with Kai in the Avoriaz snow park last week to find out a little as to what is going on up there!