Posts

Posted on

Getting a European Passport for your Pet to travel to Europe? Not for everyone!

Ozzy at home after a long trip from London to Morgex in the Italian Alps. Getting an European Passport for your Pet to travel to Europe? Not for everyone!

Getting a European Passport for your Pet to travel to Europe? Not for everyone!

Would you get a European Passport for your pet to travel to Europe? I would. I know this is not for everyone, but after forking out £180 per trip in my last trips to the Alps, I’ve heard that there was a third way. Being Argentine, I like third ways…. So listen on…
 
For all of you having a second home in the continent, or having family there, you can register your dog in that address in Europe with the police. Then, you can get a passport. I am not sure in each country, but in Poland, it can be done directly by a veterinary. The same case is in France. For us, in Italy, we had to make an appointment with the USL.
Ozzy posing for Gemma, of A Girl and her dog in Courmayeur blog! Getting an European Passport for your Pet to travel to Europe? Not for everyone!
Ozzy posing for Gemma, of A Girl and her dog in Courmayeur blog! Getting an European Passport for your Pet to travel to Europe? Not for everyone!
Once there, it was simple as chips. With the paperwork done, and the rabies vaccine given in Europe you can get a European Passport. It costs EUR 20, and as far as I can see, there is no expiration date!
So, this is a no brainer! Brexit has made it much more difficult going into Europe with things we used to be accustomed to before. But I like always when there is a third way!

Continue reading “Getting a European Passport for your Pet to travel to Europe? Not for everyone!”

Posted on

New flight from London Gatwick to Bolzano airport with Sky Alps

SkyAlps airways. Photo by Armin Pixner- Alta Badia Brand. New flight from London Gatwick to Bolzano airport with Sky Alps

New flight from London Gatwick to Bolzano airport with Sky Alps

A new flight is launching on 15 December 2021 from London Gatwick to Bolzano airport with Sky Alps. This flight will operate weekly on Wednesday in December. It will then operate twice weekly on Wednesday and Sundays from Jan 5-16 March, 2022.
Prices start at £116 each way. Bolzano is only 90 minutes from renown resort Alta Badia. This is as well as all the different resorts from Sudtirol and Trentino.
Usually people going to Sudtirol or Trentino tend to go to Verona or Innsbruck or Bergamo. This new route opens a much easier connection to the heart of the Dolomites. People going to Trentino or Belluno (home of Cortina d’Ampezzo), use Venice or Milano (MXP or LIN).
Santa Croce in Alta Badia. Photo by Paola Finali- Alta Badia Brand. New flight from London Gatwick to Bolzano airport with Sky Alps
Santa Croce in Alta Badia. Photo by Paola Finali- Alta Badia Brand. New flight from London Gatwick to Bolzano airport with Sky Alps

Continue reading “New flight from London Gatwick to Bolzano airport with Sky Alps”

Posted on

$75 Airfare Offering into Aspen; Book by Friday, Oct. 8

$75 Airfare Offering into Aspen; Book by Friday, Oct. 8 Photo Aspen Snowmass.

$75 Airfare Offering into Aspen; Book by Friday, Oct. 8

In Celebration of Aspen Snowmass’ 75th Anniversary Ski Season, $75 Airfares to/from Southern California to Aspen/Pitkin County Airport

 Special this Winter, Also Book $75 Lift Tickets

This winter, Aspen Snowmass celebrates 75 years of skiing in Aspen. In conjunction with this occasion, airlines are offering special $75 airfares to/from Southern California to Aspen/Pitkin County Airport. This unique deal features direct service from Los Angeles and Orange County into Aspen and is available now through Friday, Oct. 8.

Aspen Mountain with the Town of Aspen. Photo Dan Bayer- Aspen Snowmass. $75 Airfare Offering into Aspen; Book by Friday, Oct. 8.
Aspen Mountain with the Town of Aspen. Photo Dan Bayer- Aspen Snowmass. $75 Airfare Offering into Aspen; Book by Friday, Oct. 8.

“Our 75th anniversary is a historic milestone and we are thrilled that our airline partners have joined the celebration by matching $75 one-way airfare offerings,” says Kristi Kavanaugh Bradley, vice president of sales, at Aspen Snowmass. “With up to seven flights daily between Los Angeles and Aspen, during the winter season, it’s a great time for guests to take advantage of these specials.”

 

The 75th anniversary airfare offers round-trip flights into Aspen/Pitkin County Airport from carriers American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and United Airlines, with $75 one-way, or $150 roundtrip basic economy fares. Bookings are valid 21 days starting now through Feb. 28. Minimum stay requirements apply and vary based upon departure date. Inventory is limited to certain fare classes and will not be available on every flight. Restrictions may apply. This offer expires Friday, Oct. 8.

Continue reading “$75 Airfare Offering into Aspen; Book by Friday, Oct. 8”

Posted on

Ski holidays by train return for 2021/22, from London direct to the heart of the Alps with European tour operator Travelski.

Photo: Travelski. Travelski is cancelling all guests from the UK from 17th December to 7th January

Ski holidays by train return for 2021/22, from London direct to the heart of the Alps with European tour operator Travelski.

European tour operator Travelski (www.uk.Travelski.com, 0800 260 5082) has listened to UK skiers and is exclusively launching rail inclusive packages from St Pancras station direct to six major ski resorts in France.
– The Travelski Express train will leave St Pancras on Friday evenings arriving into Moutiers and then Bourg St Maurice the following morning.
– Transfers will then be waiting at the stations to take guests direct to their accommodation in Tignes, Les Arcs, La Plagne, Meribel, Les Menuires or Val d’Isere.
– There is a broad range of accommodation options selected to appeal to the British customer.
– 7-day lift passes are included in the package to enable skiers to ski on arrival day and maximize their ski experience
With a dedicated check in at St Pancras, the service (operated by Eurostar) will be exclusively for guests of Travelski and is not available to book separately, or through other tour operators.
Aimed primarily at families, couples or individuals wanting easy and comfortable travel to their ski holiday, the Travelski Express is a stress-free experience. The emphasis will be on a safe and relaxed environment,
Lead in prices will be from £640pp for a family of 4 staying in an apartment in the Résidence CGH & SPA Kalinda 4* in Tignes, including return rail travel from London, ski passes and transfers to/from the accommodation.
Travelski Express packages will be bookable online and via their call-centre later in September and the packages will be fully ABTA bonded for the peace of mind of our customers.
Eurostar ski train. Ski holidays by train return for 2021/22, from London direct to the heart of the Alps with European tour operator Travelski.
Eurostar ski train. Ski holidays by train return for 2021/22, from London direct to the heart of the Alps with European tour operator Travelski.
CEO of Travelski, Guillaume de Marcillac comments “We know that a high proportion of British skiers would like to take the train for their ski holidays. As well as being environmentally advantageous, it is also easy, comfortable and delivers you to the heart of the resorts that are constantly popular with British skiers. Through our exclusive tie up with Eurostar we are now able to offer a rail inclusive package that will appeal to many skiers, especially families. Our packages allow you to check in at our dedicated desk at St Pancras, safe in the knowledge that transport to your accommodation will all then taken care of. We feel that this is a very interesting and valuable addition to our existing portfolio of ski holidays throughout the French resorts”

The only tour operator offering rail inclusive ski holidays direct from London St Pancras, Travelski (https://www.uk.travelski.com/travelski-express ; 0800 260 5082) has opened sales for packages in six popular French ski resorts.

 

Covered by ABTA bonding (number Y6751) for complete security and peace of mind, these packages all include exclusive transfers from the stations of Moutiers or Bourg St Maurice direct to guest’s accommodation in Tignes, Les Arcs, La Plagne, Meribel, Les Menuires or Val d’Isere. Seven-day lift passes are also included in the package to enable skiers to get on the slopes on arrival day.

 

The train service will leave London St Pancras at 19.45* on Friday evenings and travel through the night, arriving at Moutiers and Bourg early the following morning.  With a dedicated check in at St Pancras, the service (operated by Eurostar) will be exclusively for guests of Travelski and is not available to book separately, or through other tour operators. Aimed primarily at families, couples or individuals, the emphasis will be on a safe, relaxed and stress free experience.

Example prices on two dates are as below and are shown per person, for a family of four.  The price includes return direct Eurostar from London St Pancras, accommodation, transfers direct to/from accommodation and seven day lift passes.

w/c 15/01/2022   w/c 12/02/2022

Pierre & Vacances Premium residence Arc 1950 Le Village                                 £723             £1,717

Résidence CGH & SPA Kalinda 4* – Tignes 1800                                                £680             £1,710

Résidence Belambra Le Hameau des Airelles – Les Menuires                             £569            £1335

Résidence Prestige Odalys Front de neige 4* – Plagne Villages                            £661             £1,473

Apartments Bec Rouge – Tignes 2100 Le Lac                                                     £620             £1307

Apartments Les Hauts De Rogoney – Val D’Isere centre                                      £726             £1415

Pierre & Vacances Premium residence L’Hévana – Meribel Centre 1600               £741             £1813

 

CEO of Travelski, Guillaume de Marcillac comments “We are very pleased to be opening bookings today as this will allow skiers to fully assess what is included in the Travelski Express holiday package. Our packages allow you to check in at St Pancras, safe in the knowledge that transport to your accommodation will all then be completely taken care of. We believe Travelski Express offers excellent value for money for skiers wanting a safe and relaxing ski holiday. As well as being environmentally advantageous, the direct train is easy, comfortable and delivers you to the heart of the mountains with minimal fuss. The holiday begins as soon as you get on the train in London and when you arrive in Bourg or Moutiers you are already surrounded by the mountains.”

 

Travelski.com is part of the Travelfactory group which is an online holiday specialist that has been providing excellent holiday options to the Alps for over 15 years. Owned by Compagnie des Alpes, Travelski is expanding its reach by offering premium access to the top end ski resorts in France to the UK ski market.

Continue reading “Ski holidays by train return for 2021/22, from London direct to the heart of the Alps with European tour operator Travelski.”

Posted on

Vail Resorts announces indoor safety protocols for 2021-22 season

Kids Ski School at Vail, CO. Photo: Daniel Milchev. Vail Resorts. Vail Resorts announces indoor safety protocols for the 2021-22 season.

Vail Resorts announces indoor safety protocols for 2021-22 season

Vail Resorts today announced its Winter Operating Plan for the 2021-22 ski and ride season across its 34 North American resorts, centered on its commitment to safety and the guest experience. The protocols were shared in a letter to guests Monday, and focus on the spaces most prone to transmission – those located indoors. 

 

Straight from the Newsroom of VailResorts.com 

Photo: Craig Orsini. Vail Resorts. Vail Resorts announces indoor safety protocols for the 2021-22 season.
Young and Independents walk through the village to ski in Vail, CO. Photo: Craig Orsini. Vail Resorts. Vail Resorts announces indoor safety protocols for the 2021-22 season.

“We are fortunate that the core of our experience takes place outdoors in vast mountain settings,” said Rob Katz, chairman and chief executive officer of Vail Resorts. “However, as we welcome guests from around the world to the indoor experience at our resorts, we feel it’s important to do our part to combat the spread of COVID-19. We all need the opportunity to enjoy and experience the great outdoors, and we could not be more excited to welcome guests back to our resorts for the 2021-22 ski and ride season.” 

 

All safety protocols outlined in Vail Resorts 2021-22 Winter Operating Plan are subject to change based on the evolving nature of the pandemic as well as federal, state and local public health guidelines. Key details include:  
Continue reading “Vail Resorts announces indoor safety protocols for 2021-22 season”

Posted on

Will the Green Pass be the new normal on the South Tyrolian and Aosta Valley lifts this coming season?

Alto Adige - Trentino. Photo Iuliia Boiun- Unsplash. Will the Green Pass be the new normal on the South Tyrolian and Aosta Valley lifts this coming season?

Will the Green Pass be the new normal on the South Tyrolian and Aosta Valley lifts this coming season?

 

The coming 2021-22 ski season might bring the use of the Green Pass to get on the lifts of Sudtirol and the Aosta Valley.

 
This is what it looks like at the moment. It is at least, as per what I’ve read on Neveitalia and as reported by ANSA, La Stampa and the portal Trentino.
Alto Adige - Trentino. Photo Iuliia Boiun- Unsplash. Will the Green Pass be the new normal on the South Tyrolian and Aosta Valley lifts this coming season?
Alto Adige – Trentino. Photo Iuliia Boiun- Unsplash. Will the Green Pass be the new normal on the South Tyrolian and Aosta Valley lifts this coming season?

The case of Alto Adige. Will the Green Pass be the new normal on the South Tyrolian and Aosta Valley lifts this coming season?

 
In Alto Adige (Sudtirol), the president of Dolomiti Superski wants to impose the Green Pass. Dolomiti Superski is a big carrousel of interconnected lifts that is located east of the Autopista del Brennero. It comprises 1,200 km of pistes, including Alta Badia, Val Gardena, Cortina d’Ampezzo, Val di Fassa, Val di Fiemme, Kronplatz, amongst others.
 
Helmuth Sartori, the president of Dolomiti Superski supports this motion. He said: “We support political efforts to introduce the Green Pass as a pre-requisite for access the ski lifts.” This was at the assembly of the Association of South Tyrolean cable car operators held in Bolzano. “Winter 2020/21 could have been a record season, considering the early snowfalls and the optimal Easter date, it will instead go down in history as a total failure – added Sartori – and we can no longer allow another to occur a situation of this kind”.
Alta Badia. Gruppo del Sella. Photo: IDM Südtirol- Alex Filz- Alta Badia. Will the Green Pass be the new normal on the South Tyrolian and Aosta Valley lifts this coming season?
Alta Badia. Gruppo del Sella. Photo: IDM Südtirol- Alex Filz- Alta Badia. Will the Green Pass be the new normal on the South Tyrolian and Aosta Valley lifts this coming season?
 
More than 360 million euros in turnover is missing. Companies that did not have been operating during the summer have been without income for 20 months. They are fighting for economic survival. All these solutions have to be looked in advance for the 2021/22 season. Sartori wants that the legal framework is set up in advance.
 
South Tyrolean lifts engineers estimate that lift capacity can be reduced to 80% in closed cablecars. This was reported on the online portal Trentino. They agree to the Green Pass and other measures such as obligation of use of masks and providing desinfectant gel. They want to act now to plan security in advance to the season.
 
 

Continue reading “Will the Green Pass be the new normal on the South Tyrolian and Aosta Valley lifts this coming season?”

Posted on

News of Cortina d’Ampezzo for the 2021-22 ski season.

News of Cortina d’Ampezzo for the 2021-22 ski season. Photo credit: Pietro Albarelli. Cortina Marketing.

News of Cortina d’Ampezzo for the 2021-22 ski season.

Cortina d’Ampezzo is preparing for the 2021-22 ski season. Here you have the news of the Queen of the Dolomites.

This article may contain affiliate/compensated links. For full information, please see our disclaimer here.

A classic in Cortina d'Ampezzo- Bombardino in a terrace absorbing great views! Photo credit: Cortina Marketing.
A classic in Cortina d’Ampezzo- Bombardino in a terrace absorbing great views! Photo credit: Cortina Marketing.

New chairlift: Ra Valles

There will be a new four-seater chairlift in the area of Ra Valles. This is the highest in Cortina. You reach it with the Freccia nel Cielo Gondola and cablecar from the town centre. This new chairlift will replace two lifts.
It will reduce transport time dramatically. You will be able to reach much faster the top of the Bus de Tofana slope. This is the highest slope in Cortina,starting at 2,743m.
Posted on

Our trip to the mountains for our summer holidays.

Our trip to the mountains for our summer holidays.Photo: The view just in the entrance to Lago d'Arpy- the view of the Catena di Monte Bianco.

Our trip to the mountains for our summer holidays.

After such a hectic year with Covid, and thinking that travelling should be easy by now, we got to know we were wrong. At least, we managed to do our trip to the mountains. Here I will recount how it went on our summer holidays.

This article may contain affiliate/compensated links. For full information, please see our disclaimer here. 

Preparations. Our trip to the mountains for our summer holidays.

We had mixed messaging from the UK government, that we could travel and then not. This topped up with the Italian and French governments changing their minds weekly.
Getting onboard the Eurotunnel from Folkestone to Calais. Our trip to the mountains for our summer holidays.
Getting onboard the Eurotunnel from Folkestone to Calais. Our trip to the mountains for our summer holidays.
The last week before travelling, when I’ve thought that we were going to get finally away, we had to do the following. First, if double vaccinated, the French were allowing us to come in without quarantining. This was the same for the kids of fully vaccinated adults. The only thing that was not clear is if our boy of 12 needed or not a further test. Just in case, at the last moment, we went to get an antigenic test at a drive-through at the O2 in Greenwich. There was a line on the advice stating that self-administered tests did not count. At least, we could use antigen tests for both Italy and France.
I’ve bought a series of tests for the whole family for France and then for Italy. I was afraid of not being able to use one for both destinations, as we were sleeping over in France. Then France changed the advice that those needing tests from the UK, they had to have their test up to 24 hours prior travelling. So only my eldest son (maybe) required a test to travel into France.

Continue reading “Our trip to the mountains for our summer holidays.”

Posted on

The Must-Read Guide to the Rhône Alpes

Les Saisies. Photo: C. Martelet. Rhône Alpes Tourisme. The Must-Read Guide to the Rhône Alpes.

The Must-Read Guide to the Rhône Alpes

Here I have put together the must-read guide to the Rhône Alpes. It is pretty inclusive so I’ll do it as a bit of a bullet point. But it is a good start where to see all their ski resorts and which ones could tempt you for your perfect ski holiday.
The Rhône Alpes is an extensive area in the Central West of France. From west to east it offers the Auvergne Volcanoes to Lyon and the French Alps and Mont Blanc. This is the roof of Europe at 4,810 meters.
Pointe d'Ireuse. View on Mont Blanc. Chablais Massif. Photo: Christian Matelet. Auvergne Rhône Alpes Tourisme. The Must-Read Guide to the Rhône Alpes.
Pointe d’Ireuse. View on Mont Blanc. Chablais Massif. Photo: Christian Matelet. Auvergne Rhône Alpes Tourisme. The Must-Read Guide to the Rhône Alpes.
 

This article may contain affiliate/compensated links. For full information, please see our disclaimer here. 

How to get there: The Must-Read Guide to the Rhône Alpes. 

 

By Air:

 
  • Paris Airport- transfer to Lyon is 45 minutes.
  • Geneva Airport
  • Chambery Airport
  • Grenoble Airport
 

By Train:

 
  • Paris – TGV (fast train)
  • London with the Eurostar
  • Brussels with the Thalis
 

By Car:

 
  • Lyon airport: 1-3 hours
  • Geneva airport: 1-3 hours
  • Chambery airport: 1-1.5 hours
  • Grenoble airport: 1-1.5 hours.
Sunset on the Grandes Jorasses. Mont Blanc Massif. Photo: Carmen Villa/Auvergne-Rhône Alpes Tourisme. The Must-Read Guide to the Rhône Alpes.
Sunset on the Grandes Jorasses. Mont Blanc Massif. Photo: Carmen Villa/Auvergne-Rhône Alpes Tourisme. The Must-Read Guide to the Rhône Alpes.
 
 

The French Alps – The Must-Read Guide to the Rhône Alpes

 
The French Alps are the most renown ski mountains in the world. Here are some specs to explain why:
  • It has been three times host of Winter Olympic games:
    • Chamonix in 1925 (first edition)
    • Grenoble, 1968
    • Albertbille, 1992.
  • The 3 Valleys is the world’s largest ski area, with 600 km of ski slopes and more than 200 cable cars. Most of the terrain is above 1800 m altitude.
  • There are different connected ski areas, or if you prefer to call them ski carousels.
    • Les 3 Vallées
    • Paradiski
    • Val d’Isère- Tignes.
  • It has the longest snow season in Europe, from November (October for Tignes this year!) to May.
  • It offers summer skiing from June to August at
    • Val d’Isére-Tignes
    • Les 2 Alpes
 
This guide will pinpoint the unique particularities of the different main ski resorts.
 

Continue reading “The Must-Read Guide to the Rhône Alpes”

Posted on

Relaunch of international route to Scandinavian Mountains Airport: -The Scandinavian ski resorts are once again more accessible for Dutch ski enthusiasts

Relaunch of international route to Scandinavian Mountains Airport: -The Scandinavian ski resorts are once again more accessible for Dutch ski enthusiasts. Photo: Skistar/BBYTravel.

Relaunch of international route to Scandinavian Mountains Airport: -The Scandinavian ski resorts are once again more accessible for Dutch ski enthusiasts

As of 19 December 2021, Dutch company BBI Travel is relaunching its flights from Groningen Eelde Airport to Scandinavian Mountains Airport. The Dutch can return to SkiStar’s Scandinavian ski resorts on Thursday and Sunday every week, giving them a more efficient and faster journey.

Great Dane Airlines will operate the route in collaboration with Scandinavian Mountains Airport. The type of plane that will be used is the Embraer 195, with a capacity of 118 passengers.

Scandinavian Mountains Airport can already offer several attractive routes for mountain and ski enthusiasts from several Danish, British and now even Dutch cities, with Groningen Airport Eelde.

Relaunch of international route to Scandinavian Mountains Airport: -The Scandinavian ski resorts are once again more accessible for Dutch ski enthusiasts. Photo: Skistar/BBYTravel.
Relaunch of international route to Scandinavian Mountains Airport: -The Scandinavian ski resorts are once again more accessible for Dutch ski enthusiasts. Photo: Skistar/BBYTravel.

In recent years, there has been an increased interest in Scandinavian mountain experiences, both summer and winter. The Netherlands are no exception.

– The Netherlands is an important market for us and showed increased interest prior to the Corona pandemic. The Dutch generally love snow and winter sports. With this route, combined with a simple and convenient journey to our ski resorts Sälen and Trysil, plus the offer of first-class, safe mountain experiences for the whole family, we hope and believe that even more Dutch people will want to spend their holiday with us, says Mathias Lindström, Commercial Director of SkiStar AB.

Continue reading “Relaunch of international route to Scandinavian Mountains Airport: -The Scandinavian ski resorts are once again more accessible for Dutch ski enthusiasts”