Summertime Sporting Activities in the Alps

There are several sporting activities in the French and Swiss Alps with skiing and snowboarding being a preferred choice in the winter and the summer being jam packed with events such as watersports, cycling and much more.

One such event is the International Jumping of Verbier where both professional and amateur horse riders come together to compete in the impressive arena which has been built to a world class standard. The show features some of Europe’s top riders displaying equestrian skills in the forefront of an incredible backdrop and with the beautifully presented horses it is a shoe not to be missed.

In 2014 the show will run from August 20-24^th entrance is free and visitors can enjoy the exhibitor’s village, splendid cuisine, amazing presentations and finally the highlight of the Grand Prix on August 24^th.

In 2014 the show will run from August 20-24^th entrance is free and visitors can enjoy the exhibitor’s village, splendid cuisine, amazing presentations and finally the highlight of the Grand Prix on August 24^th.

At the end of August the North Face Ultra trail du Mont Blanc takes place, this is another example of the sporting excitement carried out within the Alps. Beginning in Chamonix this running race sees participants cross three countries; France, Italy and Switzerland. Covering a total distance of 166km in 3 days runners’ race both up and down 7 valleys, tackling 71 glaciers and 400 summits. This race is tough for even the fittest of people, but for those who complete this challenge they will truly feel ‘on top of the world’.

The Mont Blanc Motor Rally is another event held in the French Alps, rally driving is a popular sport throughout the mountain range due to the risk of the sport and the unique track the Alps provide. Driver’s must take considerable care when taking each corner and be extremely cautious when approaching a blind spot due to the unpredictability of the road, one wrong turn and it is a long way down.

 There are several phenomenal sporting events held throughout the Alps all year round, it really is a spectacular place to visit, and with Elegant Ski you can visit in style in one of our Luxury Ski Chalets you will feel as though you never want to leave.

Top Ski resorts with the best runs

The Alpine Mountain Range provide a variety of ski slopes to suite all levels of skier, therefore choosing the best runs can be difficult and is generally dependent on what each individual is searching for. 

Many would suggest that the high altitude resorts such as Val Thorens - which sits at 2,300m altitude, offer the best skiing opportunities due to the length of the seasons and variety of slopes. ValThorens provides one terrain with 39% of its runs being for advanced skiers.

Beginners may choose to visit the resort of Megeve which is a fantastic place during the Christmas period with its many resort features it is perfect for groups travelling with first time skiers. There are three main skiing areas with an offering of a regional lift pass, with approximately 450km of runs there is something for everyone. For regular skiers the blue and red ski runs are perfect with the closet runs to the resort being on Rochebure. Most of the terrain is located below tree line allowing for several cruising ski areas.

Meribel is a popular ski resort with skiers from the UK returning annually to experience the ski area of the 3 Valleys and its variety of terrain. 44% of the 150km runs are for intermediate level and only a small percentage are suitable for beginners. This is a brilliant resort for regular recreational skiers which is the reason for Meribel’s high return rate.

One of the best ski resorts for non-skiers is Gstaad with its luxury chalets and fabulous retail therapy opportunities everyone will be satisfied. For those who love to ski there are 220km of runs and a guaranteed skiing season from October to the beginning of May lasting 7 months.

Off-piste skiing is rapidly growing in popularity and Vald’Isere and Chamonix offer some great opportunities working on client’s technical abilities and awareness of off-piste runs to ensure they experience off-piste skiing at its best. There are plenty of off-piste ski schools throughout alpine resorts which teach and help to develop off-piste ability before you venture by yourself.

Elegant Ski take all of our client’s requirements into consideration so if are you searching for that magical Christmas atmosphere or that group adventure we can help you find it! Just contact our Luxury Ski Property Consultant whose passion for skiing and adventure will ensure your perfect skiing vacation. Not all of our properties are displayed on our website, for a truly tailor-made service please contact us directly via 

+44 (0) 1244 62 99 63 or +44 (0) 2037 57 66 09

The outstanding service of the ski sector

Known for adventure and sport, skiing holidays have always appealed to the most adventurous of people, and this is exactly what the French and Swiss skiing resorts are renowned for. Although there is a much more relaxing side to a skiing vacation.

Planning your perfect skiing experience can appear very overwhelming and this is where Elegant Ski come in we can assist you with the finer details to make your skiing holiday perfect. Our concierge service ensures your requirements are met from the very beginning when you will be appointed your very own expert ski specialist. Your appointed specialist will take care of your every need from private heli sightseeing trips to luxurious in-house beauty treatments, anything our client’s desire we aim to provide giving you more time to anticipate the incredible adventure you are going to pursue. 

Many of our outstanding properties offer a fabulous selection of services of which are included within the price of your stay in our luxury chalets. We can cater for the highest level of 5* service our clients require, or arrange simply chef and maid service, the package is bespoke to suit our client’s exact requirements.  The finer details can also be arranged such as peak side picnics in the snow and dog sleigh rides helping to create those extra special memories.

Summer Snow Park - Tignes

During the winter months Tignes shares its skiing area with Val d’Isere collectively these areas offer phenomenal experiences in the night and day… but for those eager skiers who cannot wait for the winter, one of the few places to offer summer skiing is Tignes. With the Grand Motte glacier placed high over the resort it is the perfect area for summer skiing.

The amazing glacier offers 12 ski lifts, a Snow Park of 3,456m, and module lines to suite all levels with approximately 10 kickers and 15 rails.

There is also the rare opportunity to learn some new skills from watching Championship skiers such as the Canadian slope style team who trained at Tignes summer resort.

Throughout the summer the snow park will be shaped to provide a different experience every time.

To ensure the summer skiing experience is nothing but fantastic Elegant Ski Property Search Consultants can locate for you the most luxurious properties in Tignes and Val d’Isere as well as many other renowned skiing regions in the French and Swiss Alps. We aim to provide our clients with the ultimate ski holiday experience.

Top Prestigious Alpine Ski Chalets

Elegant Ski have a vast selection of skiing properties located throughout the French and Swiss Alps, within our selection are some of the world’s most Luxurious Skiing Chalets, below are just a few of the amazing chalets we offer.

Falcun, Klosters – Swiss Alps

This magnificent chalet located in Klosters comprises 6 bedrooms, built in 2008 the property offers spectacular views of Gostchna and Kublis peaks. Falcun provides the best in comfort with several amenities creating a relaxing ambiance. 

Chalet Brames, Meribel –France

Les Brames encompasses 6 bedrooms, an outdoor Jacuzzi, ice bath, rain forest shower and much more ensuring the ultimate luxury is delivered. Located in Meribel one can be sure that the facilities surrounding the chalet also exceed expectation in this fantastic resort.

Chalet Marco Polo, Val d’Iseres – France

This spacious and open chalet comes complete with spa facilities, A la Carte Services, a dedicated professional team and is located within short proximity of skiing tracks. This truly is a spectacular property situated in the vibrant and active village of Val d’Isere.

Ormello, Courchevel - France

Chalet Ormello is luxuriously elegant with 9 bedrooms, a gym and several more amenities amidst a traditional atmosphere it is the perfect place for a fabulous skiing getaway. The skiing opportunities surrounding the chalet are world class with a variety of coloured runs.

Edelweiss, Courchevel - France 

This is a Ski in and Ski out chalet equipped with a variety of facilities it is one of the largest and most luxurious Alpine properties. Edelweiss is a newly renovated chalet with ensuite bedrooms furnished to the highest standards.

Here at Elegant Ski many of our properties are not publicised on our website as the owners are very private. For a tailored property search please contact one of our Elegant Ski experts today with your requirements for a bespoke property selection.

Tour de France

At Elegant Ski we are passionate about the skiing market and the beautiful Alps that stretch across three countries, although we specialise in the skiing market we also have many properties available for summer rentals and there is plenty of activity in the French and Swiss Alps all year round. One such event that inspires and encourages summer holidays to the French Alps is that of the Tour de France.

The tour de France is perhaps one of the most renowned cycling events to take place annually in Europe. The race sees professional sports men travel across the French Alpine mountain range and neighbouring countries to win the honour of wearing the iconic yellow jersey.

The Tour de France began in 1903 in Montgeron and had 6 stages with 60 cyclists, only 21 of which completed the whole tour ending in Paris. Cycling this distance in 1903 presented more difficulties than today with the basic bicycles tackling the terrain was an epic battle. Some people found the idea of cycling this distance to be idiotic but soon found that they had great respect for the men who managed to triumph. The first winner of the Tour de France earning himself 6,075 francs was Maurice Garin.

In 1906 the Tour de France came to the French Alps, and in 1919 the yellow jersey was created and was worn by Eugene Christophe. The move to the Alps began to attract spectators from across the world due to the extravagant challenge and spectacular place offering the most incredible views.

Eventually, records were being created and the competition really began with Jacques Anquetil becoming the first rider to win Le Tour de France five times. Shortly after Eddy Merckx became the only rider to win all separate classifications of the tour. Many other records have been broken and the race continues to test even the most physical of men.

In the twenty first century the Alpine mountains are filled with budding cyclists eager to attempt such a challenge, others may travel to the French Alps to cycle and take in the phenomenal scenery along some of the well preserved cycle paths. There is always activity in the Alps and what better way is there than to end a day’s action than returning to one of Elegant Ski’s Luxury Chalets.

Summer Activities

Summer in the Alps is just as exciting for thrill seekers as the winter with hiking, cycling and grass skiing being just a few of the fantastic sporting activities one can endure. Cycling is exceptionally popular in the French Alps due to the famous Tour de France which in 2104 sees cyclists travel from Harrogate in the UK to Oyonnax. Elegant Ski are especially excited to see the race start in York this year as we are based within the UK, it is nice to see both the UK and the French Alps working together.

The stunning Alpine fresh water lakes also provide amazing water sporting locations. One can enjoy a relaxing lunch on the lake and an afternoon of water skiing. Lake Leisee in Switzerland is situated below the Sunnega it really is the perfect place to relax, sunbathe and cool down in the heat.

If you are searching for adventure travel to the highest peak of the Alps ‘Mont Blanc’, from here you feel on top of the world as if you are stuck in the clouds. Close to the peak is Chamonix home to the phenomenal glaziers.

The Alps provide phenomenal views making them an amazing place for hiking, people of all ages travel from all around the world to partake in the adventurous walking routes of the Alps. Many choose to walk so as to experience the Alpine wildlife with rare beautiful flowers and many birds the area is full of life but extremely peaceful all at once.

The Alps offer some of the most picturesque views in the world providing the perfect scenery for an active vacation. Elegant Ski offer clients the most luxurious in Alpine living having hand-picked our portfolio of properties to ensure they meet the highest of standards. For more information regarding our skiing locations and properties please do not hesitate to contact us http://www.elegant-ski.com/index.asp.