L’Héliopic Hotel Sweet & Spa in Chamonix- a hotel’s review

Going back to L'Héliopic after a day out in the mountains. Review of L’Héliopic Hotel Sweet & Spa in Chamonix.

L’Heliopic Hotel Sweet & Spa in Chamonix- a hotel’s review

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L’Héliopic Hotel Sweet & Spa is a four stars hotel next to the Aiguille du Midi lift in Chamonix. Very well located in Chamonix; it is ideal if you are going up to the Aiguille du Midi and 10 minutes from Chamonix centre.

We have been twice at the hotel with my kids and husband in the summer in our way to Italy. My kids called it ‘the best hotel in the world’ – mostly because it has a dedicated kids’ area with free sweets, juices and a virtual reality machine and computer…. No brainer! The only thing is that while you are having breakfast suddenly your kids -maybe yours are very well educated and don’t do that, but I can say I educated mine, but they still disappear from the breakfast room and suddenly are – where? – obviously in the kids’ area having more sweets than their little bellies can bear!

The bar at L'Héliopic. Review of L’Héliopic Hotel Sweet & Spa in Chamonix.
The bar at L’Héliopic. Review of L’Héliopic Hotel Sweet & Spa in Chamonix.

My kids would also say that the spa area is really good, which it is indeed! With a nice large pool, a jacuzzi, an ice grotto, an ice dive standing pool, a sauna and hammam, plus a lovely relaxation area with hanging cocoons, it is a very nice place where to finish your day. It can get busy, so choose your time during the early afternoon or a bit late, just before it closes in the evening.

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Why Stubaital is a great region for the entire family.

It's well known already that kids up to ten years of age do not pay for a skipass in Stubai! Why Stubaital is a great region for the entire family. Photo: Stubaier-Tirol Werbung.

Stubaital is an area that suits the entire family well. The area has received many awards as the Alps’ most family-friendly skiing region.

The mascots of the BIG Family Stubaital welcome young visitors in winter. The resorts itself cater well to families and offer free rides for children under the age of ten when accompanied by a paying parent, as well as many very good ski schools. All ski instructors know how to engage the little ones in your family, making the adults have a care-free holidays knowing they are well catered for.

At the Skicamp on the Stubai Glacier Kids learn skiing under the best circumstances.Why Stubaital is a great region for the entire family. Photo: Stubaier - Tirol Werbung.
At the Skicamp on the Stubai Glacier Kids learn skiing under the best circumstances.Why Stubaital is a great region for the entire family. Photo: Stubaier – Tirol Werbung.

At the Stubai Glacier, Austria’s largest glacier ski area, the mascots B.BIG and Mini B. welcome their protégés to the BIG Family Children’s and Youth Ski Camp, where children from age four can learn how to ski in the Mini- and the Kinderland areas. Even during lunch, kids are well looked after in the Kingdom of Snow. In addition to the colourful BIG Family Kinderland, the BIG Family Kindergarten and the spacious BIG Family Children’s Restaurant are also part of the glacier’s family offer. The weekly snow cat rides and the exciting ice rally through the ice grotto, a fascinating tour directly in the eternal ice, will make your kids’ eyes sparkle. Blue ice, mysterious holes and fascinating layers – 30 metres below the ski slope the mountain looks weird and fascinating at the same time. Skiing fun and action can be experienced by young and older guests alike on the BIG Family Boarder Cross trail with wave tracks and steep bends, the BIG Family Slalom or on the one-kilometre BIG Family Fun Slope. NEW this winter is the BIG Family Slopestyle area at the Gamsgarten, where the freestyle stars of tomorrow show their first jumps.

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Adelboden Lenk Kandersteg: What is going on for the 2018-19 ski season

ADELBODEN - Three friends taking their sledges up the slope. Copyright by Adelboden Tourismus By-line: swiss-image.ch/Anja Zurbruegg Adelboden Lenk Kandersteg: What does Climate Change will mean to a Mountain Nation such as Switzerland by 2060.

Adelboden Lenk Kandersteg: What is going on for the 2018-19 ski season. Adelboden Lenk Kandersteg is located in the Bernese Oberland region, between the region’s capital Bern and Interlaken. It is an area of immense beauty, not known by everyone, but that itself makes it special.

So what to look forward if you are visiting this season?

With 210 km of pistes and slopes for all ages and abilities. This region is in the top 3 places for skiing in Switzerland and has secured the FIS World Cup every year.

ADELBODEN - Every year the FIS Ski World Cup comes to Adelboden .  Copyright by Adelboden Tourismus By-line: swiss-image.ch/Peter Klaunzer. Adelboden Lenk Kandersteg: What is going on for the 2018-19 ski season.
ADELBODEN – Every year the FIS Ski World Cup comes to Adelboden .
Copyright by Adelboden Tourismus By-line: swiss-image.ch/Peter Klaunzer. Adelboden Lenk Kandersteg: What is going on for the 2018-19 ski season.

One thing you should try, is going Ice walking in the UNESCO-listed Oeschinen Lake. Switzerland’s famous Oeschinen Lake freezes over in winter, allowing visitors to walk on one of the world’s most majestic lakes located within a World Heritage Site. The vistas here are awe-inspiring and it is such a winter wonderland that rivals any top natural sights you could have ever seen!

This is the location of the largest snow igloo restaurant in Europe – If you love cheese, a trip to the Fondue igloo is a must! The restaurant has a cosy and romantic atmosphere within its icy halls, decorated with ice statues and rustic tables with warm blankets to wrap up. The fondues are hearty, made with local cheese produce. The restaurant has an adjacent igloo hotel, where you can stay the night!

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Epic Pass expands European Access in World-Class Resort in France and Italy: Les 3 Vallées in France and Skirama Dolomiti Adamello Brenta in Italy.

Back Bowls of Vail, Colorado. Photo: Jack Affleck - Vail Resorts. Epic Pass expans European Access in World-Class Resort in France and Italy: Les 3 Vallées in France and Skirama Dolomiti Adamello Brenta in Italy.

Epic Pass expands European Access in World-Class Resort in France and Italy: Les 3 Vallées in France and Skirama Dolomiti Adamello Brenta in Italy.

  • Vail Resorts expands access to seven consecutive days of skiing at Les 3 Vallées in France and Skirama Dolomiti Adamello Brenta in Italy with no restrictions, resulting in 26 days of European access 
  • The Epic Pass is the ONLY multi-resort pass to offer significant access to European resorts
  • In one year, the Epic Pass has added access to 20 world-class resorts, inviting guests to experience an unprecedented total of 65 resorts throughout eight countries for $949, offering unlimited, unrestricted access to North America’s best resorts including Whistler Blackcomb, Vail, Park City and Breckenridge
  • The last chance to buy the 2018-19 Epic Pass is Sunday, Nov. 18.

Vail Resorts, Inc. announced today that Epic Pass holders will now receive seven days of skiing or snowboarding with no blackout dates at Les 3 Vallees, France and Skirama Dolomiti in a long-term alliance beginning with 2018-19 winter season. The Epic Pass, available for $949, offers skiers and snowboarders unlimited, unrestricted access to 19 mountain resorts, including world-class destinations like Whistler Blackcomb, Vail, Breckenridge and Park City, plus additional access to 46 more throughout the United States, Canada, Australia, Japan, France, Switzerland, Italy, and Austria. The Epic Pass is the only multi-resort pass to offer significant access to European resorts. Sunday, Nov. 18 is the last chance to buy the 2018-19 Epic Pass and the entire suite of Epic Season Pass options.

Skiing began in Europe and that storied heritage – along with the incredible terrain and abundant culture – puts Europe on the bucket list of every skier and snowboarder. The Epic Pass was the first multi-resort pass to offer North American and European access and now it offers an even more expansive experience.

Jardin d'enfants in Val Thorens. Photo credit: Les 3 Vallées. Epic Pass expans European Access in World-Class Resort in France and Italy: Les 3 Vallées in France and Skirama Dolomiti Adamello Brenta in Italy.
Jardin d’enfants in Val Thorens. Photo credit: Les 3 Vallées. Epic Pass expands European Access in World-Class Resort in France and Italy: Les 3 Vallées in France and Skirama Dolomiti Adamello Brenta in Italy.

“The value of the Epic Pass is giving skiers and snowboarders the flexibility to ski and ride where and when they want,”said Kirsten Lynch, chief marketing officer of Vail Resorts. “Our long-term alliances with Europe’s best ski resorts truly put the Epic Pass in a class of its own.”

“Les 3 Vallees is proud to expand the alliance with the Epic Pass and give skiers and snowboarders access to the largest interconnected ski area in the world,” said Vincent Lalanne, general manager of Les 3 Vallées. “We look forward to welcoming Epic Pass holders to experience the French Alps this season.”

Les Trois Vallées, an amazing expanse of pistes and off-pistes to challenge any type of skier. Photo: Les Trois Vallées.Epic Pass expands European Access in World-Class Resort in France and Italy: Les 3 Vallées in France and Skirama Dolomiti Adamello Brenta in Italy.
Les Trois Vallées, an amazing expanse of pistes and off-pistes to challenge any type of skier. Photo: Les Trois Vallées.Epic Pass expands European Access in World-Class Resort in France and Italy: Les 3 Vallées in France and Skirama Dolomiti Adamello Brenta in Italy.

Les 3 Vallées, the world’s largest connected ski area, is located in the Tarentaise Valley, in the heart of the French Alps. As implied by its name, the area consists of three valleys: Saint Bon, Les Allues and Les Belleville. The ski area is a network of seven resorts Courchevel, Méribel, Brides-les-Bains, Les Menuires, Saint Martin de Belleville, Val Thorens and Orelle. With 155 lifts, 372 miles (600km) of skiing on 332 marked pistes, Les 3 Vallées offers incredible skiing on high altitude terrain. 85% of the runs are above 5,905 feet (1 800 meters) and Les 3 Vallées is home to Val Thorens, Europe’s highest ski resort, at an altitude of 7,545 feet (2 300 meters).

Madonna di Campiglio, part of Skirama Dolomiti. Epic Pass expands European Access in World-Class Resort in France and Italy: Les 3 Vallées in France and Skirama Dolomiti Adamello Brenta in Italy.
Madonna di Campiglio, part of Skirama Dolomiti. Epic Pass expands European Access in World-Class Resort in France and Italy: Les 3 Vallées in France and Skirama Dolomiti Adamello Brenta in Italy.

South of the Alps, nestled amongst some of the most beautiful mountain peaks in the world such as the Brenta Dolomites and Adamello, is some of the best skiing in Italy. Skirama Dolomiti Adamello Brenta is home to 150 lifts and 236 miles (379 km) of ski slopes that make up acclaimed resorts such as Madonna di Campiglio and Pinzolo in Val Rendena; Folgarida-Marilleva, Peio and Tonale in Val di Sole; Ponte di Legno, Andalo-Fai della Paganella, Monte Bondone and Folgaria-Lavarone. The winter offering is enriched by the high-quality cuisine and the exclusive “Italian style.”

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Vail Resorts Announces Long-Term Wind Energy Contract And Plan To Eliminate Conventional Single-Use Dining Plastics In Its ‘Commitment To Zero’

Beaver Creek solar panel. Vail Resorts Announces Long-Term Wind Energy Contract And Plan To Eliminate Conventional Single-Use Dining Plastics In Its ‘Commitment To Zero’. Photo: Vail Resorts.

Vail Resorts Announces Long-Term Wind Energy Contract and Plan to Eliminate Conventional Single-Use Dining Plastics in its ‘Commitment to Zero’

Vail Resorts, Inc.  yesterday took major steps in its ‘Commitment to Zero,’ as the Company announced a long-term wind energy contract to purchase the equivalent amount of electricity needed to power 100 percent of its estimated FY 2019 North American operations by 2020. Additionally, Vail Resorts announced a partnership with Eco-Products to supply all of its North American restaurants with compostable and recycled-content items and eliminate conventional single-use plastics, a process which will begin during the 2018-19 winter season.

Eco - Beaver Creek Gold Dust Trail Snowmaking Compressor- Photo: Vail Resorts. Vail Resorts Announces Long-Term Wind Energy Contract And Plan To Eliminate Conventional Single-Use Dining Plastics In Its ‘Commitment To Zero’.
Eco – Beaver Creek Gold Dust Trail Snowmaking Compressor- Photo: Vail Resorts. Vail Resorts Announces Long-Term Wind Energy Contract And Plan To Eliminate Conventional Single-Use Dining Plastics In Its ‘Commitment To Zero’.
  • The agreement with Lincoln Clean Energy will produce enough wind energy to reduce the emissions associated with Vail Resorts’ estimated FY19 North American electricity use by 100 percent, which includes 17 resorts and their associated retail, hospitality, and corporate offices
  • Eco-Products named ‘Official Zero Waste Partner’ of Vail Resorts to help divert nearly 300 tons of waste from landfills through sustainable sourcing, including a Smart Straw initiative  
  • Today’s announcements are a part of the Company’s first EpicPromise Progress Report around its ‘Commitment to Zero’ initiative and corporate giving programs

Vail Resorts, Inc. (NYSE: MTN) today took major steps in its ‘Commitment to Zero,’ as the Company announced a long-term wind energy contract to purchase the equivalent amount of electricity needed to power 100 percent of its estimated FY 2019 North American operations by 2020. Additionally, Vail Resorts announced a partnership with Eco-Products to supply all of its North American restaurants with compostable and recycled-content items and eliminate conventional single-use plastics, a process which will begin during the 2018-19 winter season.

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Cortina d’Ampezzo is gearing up for a great winter season and the 2021 Ski World Championships

Having an outdoor evening time in Cortina D'Ampezzo. Photo www.bandion.it - Cortina Marketing. Cortina D’Ampezzo is gearing up for a great winter season and the 2021 Ski World Championships.

Cortina d’Ampezzo is gearing up and getting ready for a great winter season and for the 2021 Ski World Championships.

The ski pistes of the Tofana Area, where the Ski World Championships will be held are being improved for the ski season: the Olympia and Vertigina pistes have been enlarged and slightly modified in their slope and bends to respond to requirements for the World championships.

Wherever you look at, the views are amazing in Cortina D'Ampezzo. Cortina D’Ampezzo is gearing up for a great winter season and the 2021 Ski World Championships. Photo: www.bandion.it - Cortina Marketing.
Wherever you look at, the views are amazing in Cortina d’Ampezzo. Cortina d’Ampezzo is gearing up for a great winter season and the 2021 Ski World Championships. Photo: www.bandion.it – Cortina Marketing.

Snowmaking facilities are being upgraded, three tunnels were dug to enhance the access to the slopes, and work to prepare the finish area of the Rumerio is ongoing. These improvements will be completed prior to the 2019 Female Ski World Cup (19th-20th January) and will provide world class slopes to Cortina’s guests for the rest of the season.

The Tofana-Freccia nel Cielo cable car has reached its 50th year anniversary. On this occasion, the lift managing company presented a project to renew the first stretch of the cable car, from the centre of Cortina to Col Druscié, venue of the slalom competitions in 2021. The project includes the substitution of the current 70 cable cars with a new lift with 10-seat gondolas, increasing the transport capacity from 700 to 1800 skiers per hour. With a new intermediate stop at Colfiere, the gondolas will also substitute the current chairlift serving the A and B pistes of Col Druscié.

Cortina da Cojana. Photo: Cortina Marketing. Cortina D’Ampezzo is gearing up for a great winter season and the 2021 Ski World Championships.
Cortina da Cojana. Photo: Cortina Marketing. Cortina d’Ampezzo is gearing up for a great winter season and the 2021 Ski World Championships.

Considering the upcoming start of the work for the new road of the Col Druscié and Rumerio areas, the gondolas will also serve as a convenient and environmentally friendly way to reach the Finish Area of the Ski World Cup and 2021 Ski World Championships.

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The Ski Resort Gudauri in Georgia is rebuilding one lift and adding six new lifts by Doppelmayr and Poma.

The ski resort Gudauri is rebuilding one of its lifts and is installing six new lifts by renowned companies Doppelmayr and Poma. These lifts will increase the skiers uplift capacity by 3.5 times and help in reducing queues.

As a result of this, the ski area will be expanded with new trails by 20 per cent due to the installation of the new lifts and the reconstruction of the existing one. A second phase of installation of artificial snow making system will be installed in Gudauri. This will be ready for the 2018-19 ski season in a second piste. The first phase was installed for the 2015 ski season.

Gudauri ski resort will reconstruct one lift and add six new lifts from Doppelmayr and Poma. Photo: Mountain Resorts of Georgia.
Gudauri ski resort will reconstruct one lift and add six new lifts from Doppelmayr and Poma. Photo: Mountain Resorts of Georgia.

The Mountain Resorts Development Company, which depends from the Ministry of Economy and Sustainable Development of Georgia, has trained its staff’s qualification in accordance to European standards. We have already reported of this in a post. Employees understood a series of technical training this year.

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Vallnord-Pal Arinsal, Andorra. Police investigate sabotage attempt after cable cut on chairlift

A chairlift takes you up Vallnord-Pal Arinsal . Photo Vallnord- Pal Arinsal. Vallnord-Pal Arinsal, Andorra. Police investigate sabotage attempt after cable cut on chairlift.

The director of the Vallnord-Pal Arinsal (Andorra) ski resort, Josep Marticella, has assured that these degradations will not affect the station’s opening forecast, set for December 1st. He denounced, however, an attempt to “sabotage”.

The Andorran police opened an investigation after an alleged “sabotage” attempt against ski lifts at the Pal ski resort in Vallnord, in the parish of La Massana, one of the seven in the principality, it was reported Tuesday with the police.

Police investigate sabotage attempt after cable cut on chairlift.
Police investigate sabotage attempt after cable cut on chairlift. Ouest France Facebook page

The police were required Monday by the station officials for “a cable cut” on a chairlift while the station has not yet opened.

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Season Opening’s at the different ski resorts of Sudtirol and Christmas Markets

These unique Dolomite vistas encompass the extensive Alta Badia ski area, with magnificent views of the Sasso Lungo Peak and the Sella Mountain Range. Season Opening’s at the different ski resorts of Sudtirol and Christmas Markets. Photo: IDM Sudtirol.

Season Opening’s at the different ski resorts of Sudtirol and Christmas Markets

When you think of Sudtirol you think of the Dolomites in Northern Italy. The province of South Tyrol, or Sudtirol is bordering in the north with the Tirol in Austria and to the south with Trentino. The scenery is to die for, in reality, I have never seen more impressive and beautiful terrain in the world, the mountains are impressive and very rocky sculptured peaks, and at dawn or dusk, they turn into pink, thanks to the Enrosadira effect.

Cross-country skiing through the calm winter idyll with a view on Mount Sciliar/Schlern: the snow-capped wooden fences of the high plateau are the sole witness to the pastoral activities of summer. Season Opening’s at the different ski resorts of Sudtirol and Christmas Markets.
Cross-country skiing through the calm winter idyll with a view on Mount Sciliar/Schlern: the snow-capped wooden fences of the high plateau are the sole witness to the pastoral activities of summer. Season Opening’s at the different ski resorts of Sudtirol and Christmas Markets.

Enrosadira is the term given to the phenomenon whereas the peaks of the Dolomites turn into a pink/reddish colour, and then gradually turning into a violet. The reason of these changing colours is because the calcium carbonate and mangnesium carbonate of the dolomite, the mineral found in large quantities in the rocky walls of the Dolomites. Enrosadira is a Ladin term meaning ‘turning pink’. Ladin is an ancient language of the inhabitants of the Dolomites.

There are more than 30 ski areas located across all of South Tyrol. Most of these are part of the two larger ski associations.

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The roof of the Rifugio Comici in Selva Val Gardena was restored in record time.

The Alpine huts along the ski slopes of the Gardena Valley serve local fare mixing traditional Italian with South Tyrolean dishes; against the magnificent background of the snow-capped peaks of the Sella Mountain Group in the Dolomites. Photo: IDM Sudtirol - The roof of the Rifugio Comici in Selva Val Gardena was restored in record time. Photo: IDM Sudtirol - The roof of the Rifugio Comici in Selva Val Gardena was restored in record time.

The roof of the Rifugio Comici in Selva Val Gardena was restored in record time.

Only two weeks after the tragic meteorological event at the end of October, which has brought numerous damages in the Alps, also blowing away the roof of the Comici hut of Selva Val Gardena, works to rebuild the roof are almost completed before the imminent snowfalls.

The time schedule of the works seemed almost impossible, but it was being able to be restored in record time – in just 11 days, with an already final solution that will be completed in the coming days, just in time for the start opening season.

The roof of the Rifugio Comici in Selva Val Gardena was restored in record time.
The roof of the Rifugio Comici in Selva Val Gardena was restored in record time.

This success was due to the coordination of the Marzola group and to the workers of the companies Lignosystem and Zumprafux who have worked uninterruptedly and with great skill at 2153 m to make all this possible. The Comici hut will therefore open in perfect normality at the beginning of the next winter season on Thursday 6 December 2018.

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