Why do Brits love their ski chalet holidays

Ski Vertigo ski chalets- Why do Brits love their ski chalet holidays

Skiing, prior to WWII, was a privilege afforded only by the elite few who stayed at some of the most elaborate Victorian hotels spread across the Alps, in between spending time on the slopes.

However, post 1950, things began to change dramatically as the sport got embraced by a wider group of people, especially the British, who were hungry for some outdoor fun after spending years of life in austerity because of the conflict.

In 1953 the travel industry began running ski parties where groups of Britons were invited to travel with the host to the Alps, but the idea of installing a chalet arose only in 1958 when one Colin Murison Small came out with a brochure offering comfortable, though not luxurious, accommodation including catering with wine at dinner at no extra charge.

The price was not only a bargain, but what was more important was the friendly atmosphere which the young Britons truly enjoyed. Additionally, the helping hand offered as they battled with unfamiliar ski equipment and the lift systems, endeared them to the ski chalet concept in no time at all.

The employment of charter flights in the 60s changed things for the better even further because of simplifying logistics. The weekly schedules of the chalet were perfectly adapted to planes arriving with one group and leaving with the previous guests, keeping both the chalet beds and airline seats always full.

Continue reading “Why do Brits love their ski chalet holidays”

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Our Half Term Ski Safari Trip to the Aosta Valley

Our Half Term Ski Safari Trip to the Aosta Valley. Photo: The-Ski-Guru. Piste 6 at La Thuile.

Our Half Term Ski Safari Trip to the Aosta Valley

So this was the time of the year, when we go with two family friends driving to the Alps. This is our half term ski safari trip to the Aosta Valley.
I am super lucky to have a place in the Alps and being able – now again – after the pandemic, to go back all year round. We left a bit earlier than usual, waking up at 1 AM to leave at 2.15 AM, as I have booked our crossing with Eurotunnel a bit late. Rates where too expensive to leave at 6.20, so we tried a 5.20 AM departure.
Tired kids in the car. Our Half Term Ski Safari Trip to the Aosta Valley
Tired kids in the car. Our Half Term Ski Safari Trip to the Aosta Valley
It was not bad at all. But, after the first day of driving, done by my husband, we were exhausted. I don’t drive but I do the copiloting- if that is a word! And try not to fall asleep during all the trip. The idea is to keep my hubby awake!
No-one was at the Eurotunnel terminal and we left one hour early. The weather was good and we did it to Chaumont, to our first pit-stop by 1.30 PM, local time.

Austria removes UK from Virus Variant List

The Flexenbahn has connected all the Arlberg region. Photo: Ski Arlberg- Lech Zürs Tourismus. Austria removes UK from Virus Variant List

Austria removes UK from Virus Variant List

Skiing in Austria just got a little easier!

 

Photo: Austria National Tourist Office
Hiking tour at the Sonnenplateau Mieming- © Österreich Werbung, Photographer: Robert Maybach Photo: Austria National Tourist Office

Good news for British holidaymakers: From 24 January, the UK is no longer classified as a virus variant region in Austria. Double-jabbed or recovered travellers can enter the country with a PCR test (valid 72 hours) OR proof of a booster jab (received at least 120 days after the second shot). Proof of recovery (within the past 180 days) also counts as a booster. Please find more info on the new entry rules here.

The new entry rules in a nutshell (update shortly)
Austria shortens validity of vaccination on 1 February

When in Austria, gaining “2-G” status is essential to enter hotels, restaurants, ski lifts etc. From 1 February, two-dose vaccinations are only valid for 180 days in Austria, after that a booster is needed. The third jab remains valid for 270 days from day one. Proof of recovery is also valid for 180 days. BioNtech/Pfizer, AstraZeneca (except Covishield), Johnson & Johnson, Moderna and Novavax – including mix and match vaccines – are currently recognised in Austria.Travellers can show their vaccination status using the NHS app, the EU Digital Covid Certificate (Green Pass) or a printed equivalent in English or German.

Everything you need to know about Austria’s Covid rules
Rules for children and teenagers

Children under the age of 12 do not need proof of vaccination/recovery or a PCR test (exception: in Vienna mandatory testing applies from the age of 6)
Teenagers (12 or over and born on or after 1 September 2006) who are not yet fully jabbed can use the  Holiday Ninja Pass both to enter Austria and to maintain “2-G” status
• For teenagers born before 1 September 2006, the same rules as for adults apply.

PCR tests are available for both locals and visitors free of charge in Austria.

More information about winter holidays with teenagers

Start planning your next trip!

 

You can search for your own accommodation in the snow for your next ski holiday through our Accommodation Search tabOr if looking to stay in the heart of the Mont Blanc Valley in the Aosta Valley, check Il Coure della Valdigne review here. This is our own family home in the mountains, that I am renting out when not using, you can always write me a private message if interested to info@the-ski-guru.com

 

Il Cuore della Valdigne. Stay at the Heart of the Valdigne to ski in Courmayeur, La Thuile and Pila/Aosta.
Il Cuore della Valdigne. Stay at the Heart of the Valdigne to ski in Courmayeur, La Thuile and Pila/Aosta.

You can book directly through Airbnb  through this link

Or check Booking.com on this link.

 

If you have some questions, contact us at info@the-ski-guru.com for more information.

If you want to take your family skiing and you don’t know where to start, read here. And search for your ski transfers from all airports to the Mountains here. And for those that are like me, that are lazy to cook, you can get your food, even gourmet mountain food delivered to your home with Huski.

If renting equipment (skis or snowboards)  check our agreement with Skiset– you can get up to 50% off ski or snowboard rental rates. I have been using them for years every year when I go to America  and Europe and they are great!

Shop for the Alpine Look with The-Ski-Guru HOME 

Already selling some alpine design items for your house. #bringthemountainshome with The-Ski-Guru HOME and put a smile in your face. These are hand-paintings done by me, applied to cushion covers, coasters and mugs.

Cushions, paintings and homewares from The-Ski-Guru HOME. To see the shop go here.
Cushions, paintings and homewares from The-Ski-Guru HOME. To see the shop go here.Featured Image: 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! 

Featured Image: The Flexenbahn has connected all the Arlberg region. Photo: Ski Arlberg- Lech Zürs Tourismus. Austria removes UK from Virus Variant List

The Mad Rush of the Last Days to get out of Britain in Time before Lockdown

Driving to the Mountains. Photo: The-Ski-Guru. The Mad Rush of the Last Days to get out of Britain in Time before Lockdown.

The Mad Rush of the Last Days to get out of Britain in Time before Lockdown

 

What a couple of days.  As Omicron made its way with exponential vigour in the British Isles- more so in England, and Boris Johnson was saying that a tidal wave of infections were looming upon us, all European countries started to freak out and make it more difficult- if not impossible, to travel for Christmas. Therefore, we had a mad rush during the last days to get out of Britain in time before lockdown.

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

It was Thursday morning and I needed to get into my computer early due to my work. It was then when I’ve seen one pop up on the News of my computer, with Sky News saying that France was cancelling travels from UK starting on Saturday. Our ticket was for crossing the Eurotunnel on Saturday morning. The story was being developed, so I’ve figured out that it was really fresh!

Queue of frantic drivers trying to get to France before the frontier was closed to us. Photo: The-Ski-Guru. The Mad Rush of the Last Days to get out of Britain in Time before Lockdown.
Queue of frantic drivers trying to get to France before the frontier was closed to us. Photo: The-Ski-Guru. The Mad Rush of the Last Days to get out of Britain in Time before Lockdown.

A French minister has been hinting that more restrictions were going to be done to the UK, as the UK was imposing more severe restrictions to French. But within the twiteratti world of tourism gurus, nobody was seeing this- they’ve thought that maybe the antigen tests were going to be requested 24 hours earlier, as Italy has recently done, or maybe a PCR test would be asked- which was still going to be difficult, as you need to get the result quite quickly if you want them for travelling. You can get PCRs fast, but they tend to be more expensive.

We were making it, getting on board of the Eurotunnel early morning before France closed its borders. Photo: The-Ski-Guru.
We were making it, getting on board of the Eurotunnel early morning before France closed its borders. Photo: The-Ski-Guru.

But this was the crude reality- the same was happening pretty much, that happened last year. I’ve grabbed my computer and took it to bed, while my husband was seeing I was trembling. Got into my Eurotunnel reservation, and as I have a trade account, I needed to ask for any changes via email. I’ve figured out that it was going to be impossible to expect an answer in time now, as Eurotunnel will have a lot of people wanting to change their tickets, so I went ahead and bought a new one way. Now, I should have bought a return ticket, but I did not think that at the moment, but that is for next time. (I could finally talk with Eurotunnel once in France, and buy the return ticket, as if you have your outgoing portion as a no-show, the whole ticket gets cancelled!)

Continue reading “The Mad Rush of the Last Days to get out of Britain in Time before Lockdown”

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

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

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

 

Following this morning’s announcement from the French Government, effectively stopping all non-essential travel from the UK into France, Travelski are having to cancel all guests arriving from the UK (covering the period 17th December to 7thJanuary). This also includes the first two rotations of the Travelski Express on 26th December and 1st January. All clients booked are being contacted by e-mail and offered a full refund, or a chance to rebook their ski holiday for later in the season.

 

As there is currently no end date for these restrictions later holidays may also be affected. In that event we would then take similar proactive steps for guests booked on these, contacting them directly, closer to their departure.

 

Guests can rest assured that the situation is being closely monitored and we will be operating our full range of ski holidays, including the Travelski Express, as soon as restrictions allow us to do so in a safe manner.

 

Any guests departing during the period 17th December to 7th January who have not received an e-mail can contact us using the e-mail address support.clients@travelski.com

 

Start planning your next trip!

 

You can search for your own accommodation in the snow for your next ski holiday through our Accommodation Search tabOr if looking to stay in the heart of the Mont Blanc Valley in the Aosta Valley, check Il Coure della Valdigne review here. This is our own family home in the mountains, that I am renting out when not using, you can always write me a private message if interested to info@the-ski-guru.com

 

Il Cuore della Valdigne. Stay at the Heart of the Valdigne to ski in Courmayeur, La Thuile and Pila/Aosta.
Il Cuore della Valdigne. Stay at the Heart of the Valdigne to ski in Courmayeur, La Thuile and Pila/Aosta.

You can book directly through Airbnb  through this link

Or check Booking.com on this link.

 

If you have some questions, contact us at info@the-ski-guru.com for more information.

If you want to take your family skiing and you don’t know where to start, read here. And search for your ski transfers from all airports to the Mountains here. And for those that are like me, that are lazy to cook, you can get your food, even gourmet mountain food delivered to your home with Huski.

If renting equipment (skis or snowboards)  check our agreement with Skiset– you can get up to 50% off ski or snowboard rental rates. I have been using them for years every year when I go to America  and Europe and they are great!

Shop for the Alpine Look with The-Ski-Guru HOME 

Already selling some alpine design items for your house. #bringthemountainshome with The-Ski-Guru HOME and put a smile in your face. These are hand-paintings done by me, applied to cushion covers, coasters and mugs.

Cushions, paintings and homewares from The-Ski-Guru HOME. To see the shop go here.
Cushions, paintings and homewares from The-Ski-Guru HOME. To see the shop go here.Featured Image: 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!

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

Travelling to the Alps this winter? Read the last rules for UK travellers

Travelling to the Alps this winter? Read the last rules for UK travellers

Updated 05/10/2023:  UK tour operator confirms all countries will be fully open with no entry restrictions.  Top UK ski specialist SNO holidays has confirmed today that none of the major alpine skiing nations will require proof of vaccination, nor proof of recovery, from Covid this winter.  “Older or vulnerable skiers might still want to take advantage of the free booster jab for the over 65’s as ski resorts will remain global meeting points and airports and aeroplanes may improve Covid transmission rates, but higher transmission rates will not translate into travel restrictions going forward,” said CEO Richard Sinclair.

Are you thinking in travelling to the Alps this winter? You need to read the last rules for UK travellers.
 
Please note that things change daily, so check on the Gov.UK website to be sure you are acting well!
Driving to the mountains- Photo Jeffrey Wegrzyn- Unsplash. Travelling to the Alps this winter? Read the last rules for UK travellers
Driving to the mountains- Photo Jeffrey Wegrzyn- Unsplash. Travelling to the Alps this winter? Read the last rules for UK travellers
 
There were major changes last week for UK travellers going to the Alps.
 
1) Now all travellers coming back to the UK will need a pre-departure test (before boarding to come back to the UK) that can be either an antigen or a PCR test up to 48 hours prior to departure. Without those tests, you cannot board.
2) Disregarding your vaccination status, all passengers coming to the UK, need to put on their Personal Locator Form, a code for the wrongly called Day 2 test. You can only use the UK providers for this test- check the Which website that gives you lots of codes for finding cheaper rates. It is wrongly called Day 2, as you can do the test, as soon as you arrive in the UK. You have to do quarantine until you get the result of the test. This is a bit chaotic, as many companies, were already delayed with their tests – now it will be worst – more if travelling for Christmas!
3) If going to France, now all people 12 and up- disregarding vaccination status- need a test- either a lateral flow or PCR test. This is for people 12 and over. Kids up to 11 years old do not need to do the test. For those vaccinated, tests can be taken up to 48 hours prior to departure. For the unvaccinated, up to 24 hours prior to leaving. So, if you are a family of 2 adults and at least one kid 12 to 15 that is not doubly vaccinated, do the test in the 24 hours prior to leaving! These kids that are not fully vaccinated can still go out without doing a quarantine, if the adults they are travelling with are fully vaccinated.

Continue reading “Travelling to the Alps this winter? Read the last rules for UK travellers”

Quarantine Rules Removed in Switzerland as of 4 December

Quarantine Rules Removed in Switzerland as of 4 December

Great news! The quarantine rules will be removed in Switzerland starting 4th December.
 
It was rather unfortunate timing the arrival of the new Covid variant Omicron. This when the first snow fall in Switzerland and resorts were starting to open!
 
Switzerland Tourism just shared the news that the Swiss Federal Council has announced today that these measures have been lifted.
 
All countries will be removed from the quarantine list. This means, per Saturday 4th December, entry into Switzerland will be possible without quarantine.
 
There will be a stricter regime in place.
 
Vaccinated and recovered travellers will have to present a negative PCR test before entry. They will have to carry a second test (PCR or antigen) between day 4 and 7. The test results will be reported to the Cantonal authorities.
 
More details can be found here

Continue reading “Quarantine Rules Removed in Switzerland as of 4 December”

Italy gets new ropeways ahead of the coming ski season

Leitner Sodlisia Chairlift in Colfosco, Alta Badia, Sudtirol. Photo: Leitner. Italy gets new ropeways ahead of the coming ski season

Italy gets new ropeways ahead of the coming ski season

Modern LEITNER systems for the ultimate in comfort and safety

 

Italy’s ski resorts are gearing up fast for the coming winter season. And proven partner LEITNER is constructing numerous new ropeways that will help to increase quality, modernize the resorts and ensure safe transport.

Ladurns cablecar by Leitner. Photo: Leitner. Italy gets new ropeways ahead of the coming ski season
Ladurns cablecar by Leitner. Photo: Leitner. Italy gets new ropeways ahead of the coming ski season

Starting this coming season, a 10-passenger gondola lift will connect the pistes of the Tofane in Cortina, one of the most famous and distinctive mountain groups of the Dolomites in the province of Belluno, with the slopes of the Cinque Torri ski area. The new gondola lift, “Torri I and II”, will have 52 cabins and will span 4.5 kilometres over two sections, with a middle station in Cianzopè. The project is an essential element in developing tourism around the Cortina d’Ampezzo region. The gondola lift will also take a lot of traffic away from the busy road between Cortina and the Falzarego Pass. The new connection also has an important, strategic significance in view of the 2026 Olympic Games.

In Cortina, LEITNER has realized another project this year: In the Ra Valles area, at the foot of the Tofane, a 4-seater chairlift with bubbles from another ski area was repositioned. The installation replaces two old chairlifts and was modernised in the course of the repositioning.

Continue reading “Italy gets new ropeways ahead of the coming ski season”

Val d’Isère starting the ski season with clear protocols.

Val d'Isère starting the ski season with clear protocols.Photo: Val d'Isère TO.

Val d’Isère starting the ski season with clear protocols.

 
I receive many emails from the different ski resorts and how things will take shape this season. I liked particularly the one I’ve received this morning of Val d’Isère that is starting its ski season with clear protocols.
 
Only a few days to go till the opening, Val d’Isère is striving to offer optimum health and travel conditions for its visitors. Val d’Isère is offering its guests to get an equivalence to the EU covid certificate for non EU nationals. It will also place a dedicated covid testing centre.
France Montagnes Protocols for Skiing. Val d'Isère starting the ski season with clear protocols.
France Montagnes Protocols for Skiing. Val d’Isère starting the ski season with clear protocols.
 
Starting from November 27th, an online scheduling platform will go live. Both French and foreign nationals will be able to create an account. Then they will be able to book an appointment with healthcare professionals go get tested. This service will be in both French and English. This centre will be open for asymptomatic people only. If you have symptoms, guests have to contact one of Val d’Isère’s medical centres. Val d’Isère pharmacy can deliver EU Covid certificates of equivalence.

 

Continue reading “Val d’Isère starting the ski season with clear protocols.”