Welcome to winter

Not quite the 1st December here but the last Autumn leaves are fighting a loosing battle against the snow. Down at Les Allues Village level yesterday we had a steady fall of snow which lasted most of the day. Walking boots have now been replaced by snow boots with spikes on the sole and a ski pole is advisable to at least minimise the slipping and sliding. 

These pictures were taken yesterday on our walk towards the Refuge de la Traie at 1650m:

Last of the Autumn leaves

The current forecast for the next 5 days indicates a further 53cm of snow at the top of the resort so the opening of the lifts on 8th December should be great day. Temperatures are falling, even at Les Allues level we are bracing ourselves for a minus 16 degree Sunday night bbrrrrrrrrr.
Today has brought us sunshine so we may venture up to Mottaret and report back on how the new lift buildings are looking, we may even see a Piste basher out busy preparing the runs for next Saturday.

Time for exercise and relaxation

In between finishing off a few jobs around the Chalet we are currently fortunate enough to have a bit of spare time and have been blessed with glorious weather. The autumn colours are especially strong against the snow capped mountains and the seemingly endless blue sky. Yesterday we walked on the opposite side of the valley which gives great views down towards Moutiers. Walking trails in the area are plentiful, well marked and well maintained.

Earlier this week we walked from Meribel to Courchevel 1850 where the cranes are working overtime to get building projects complete or at least to a lock up stage before winter sets in. The views this time were up the valley towards Le Grand Bec which sits between the villages of Pralognan-la-Vanoise and Champagny-en-Vanoise.

Walking can be a bit like skiing, sometimes more enjoyable while you are participating than afterwards when aches and tiredness sets in. We all know a massage can work wonders although once it is cooler and you have been out all day the thought of going out for a massage can be off-putting. Luckily there is an answer in the form of "Pamper Off Piste" who offer professional massage, beauty and spa treatments in the comfort of your holiday accommodation. From a foot and leg massage to help you forget your ski boots to indulgent facials the team can help you make the most of your holiday and leave you ready for another day on the snow. I made time last week for a much needed massage so I can vouch for the restorative effects even before my ski boots have been on. To read more about their great work and make a booking see their website or e-mail them on: enquiry@pamperoffpiste.com

First post of the new season

The weather has been getting colder in Meribel over the last month and several falls of snow have resulted. It is often the case that when snow arrives early it disappears very quickly because the ground and the air temperature is simply not cold enough. The early snow this season has been a little different and has settled being topped up every couple of days with fresh falls. Whilst we had read about the snow and seen web cams it was still a surprise to see the Alps look so white as we flew into Geneva.

The view coming into Geneva

Pretty as a picture alps

 By the time we arrived in Meribel we didn't need a thermometer to know it was cold, it felt more January than November the 1st. Day two at Chalet Vache Bleue brought welcome sunshine and it seemed only right that we took a break from unpacking and went to see the snow for ourselves. We climbed up from the Altiport to just below the new Saulire lift station building and can confirm it certainly has been snowy. 

The weather forecast for the next 5 days is for another 30cm of snow to fall on the summits with smaller amounts lower down. The cold will continue with a predicted minus 12 on Wednesday night - at the bottom of the resort, not even the top. Definitely time to rug up and maybe try the first mulled wine of the season.

Here are a few pictures taken today while we were out walking:

The view from Meribel Altiport

First snowy footprints

Why did we pick Les Allues?

One of the questions we frequently get asked is why did we decide to base ourselves in Les Allues. Deciding to be within the Three Valleys was easy - the largest ski area in the world. Meribel is the middle valley so a natural choice giving easy access to the other valleys.  At this point the choice became interesting. We have spent many ski holidays in Meribel predominately based in Mottaret in an almost ski in and ski out position which in terms of ease of access to the snow cannot be beaten but when thinking about running a business and being able to "sell" a little bit of France to visitors Les Allues won hands down.

Les Allues is an authentic French mountain village. More than 2,000 people live in Les Allues all year round, it is the home of La Mairie - the Mayor of the area. There is a primary school, a bread oven (or two) a beautiful church and even a Museum.

Museum Les Allues

The links to the ski area from the village are excellent. The Gondola stops in the village and travels on to the central lift network at Meribel giving you direct access to the whole area. There is also a free regular bus service to Meribel Village giving direct access to the Altiport ski area and the Loze link to Courchevel

After a day in the mountains you can return by the free bus, the Gondola or when the snow conditions are good via the Village run which ends in Les Allues, (conveniently opposite a bar). With all those year round residents to serve we have more than one bar plus several restaurants ranging from Pizza to fine dining. Add a small supermarket - fresh bread and pastries twice a day- a ski shop, a post office and even an ATM what more could you want?

Well yes if you want night clubs, casinos, all night parties and being woken from your well earned sleep by over enthusiastic apres skiers then maybe a purpose built ski resort is more your thing. It's a personal choice but we are very happy and proud to call Les Allues home and love to share this slice of mountain life with all our guests.

Looking across the valley from Les Allues

Future plans for Courchevel

Following the update on what is happening in Meribel as preparation for next season we now turn our attention to our neighbour  Courchevel and their plans for improvements.

Courchevel have released an ambitious and extensive 7-year plan, which is estimated to cost 118m Euro. The plan does not just impact the main area of Courchevel but extends to satellite areas of 1550, 1650 and Le Praz and as far down the valley as Bozel, which will also give a lift link from St Bon.

Like all 7 year plans there will no doubt be changes along the way but it certainly shows the commitment to the area and the bigger picture rather than seeing piecemeal changes year by year. The proposals encompass new lifts, piste improvements, new snow cannons and the re-naming of the satellite areas. No more 1650 instead it will be known as Moriond and 1550 will become Courchevel Village. They can change the name but we are sure The Bubble Bar in 1650 will still be the best spot in the whole area for great hot chocolate at great prices!

For next season the most exciting change will be the replacement of the Biollay Chairlift, which will transport more users, more quickly. This is great news for us as we often use this lift to reach the Suisse Chair on the way back to Meribel Valley. It looks like the new Biollay may end in a slightly different place when it is completed, we will have to wait and see.

Of course the best news about all the changes to the Courchevel area is that we will be able to get there quickly via the new Meribel Gondola previously posted about. So quickly we will beat many people actually staying in Courchevel!

Video of how things are in the winter..................

We love hearing from guests from a quick "thanks we had a great time" as their car leaves Les Allues to the repeat bookings which are starting to appear in our in-box. We shared a couple of weeks last season with a pair of Australians and although they are now back living the beach lifestyle in Sydney they sent us this video, thanks guys come back soon.