Our Top Reasons to Visit Zermatt

Thinking of an epic skiing holiday next year but you're not sure where to go?

The European Alps offer some magnificent views of truly spectacular mountains, amazing skiing and snow sports opportunities as well as the chance to indulge yourself in the culture offered. 

This week Zermatt is top of our list and we'll tell you exactly why you should consider this stunning Swiss resort for your next snowy getaway!

Our Top Reasons to Visit Zermatt

It's the Highest Ski Resort in Europe

As a premier destination for skiers, snowboarders and fans of high altitude sports, Zermatt has the prize of 365 days of snow due to its high altitude. Visitors from all over the world come to enjoy the incredible skiing opportunities available and not many resorts can offer that year round experience. You can even ski from Zermatt into Cervinia in Italy for lunch and be back to Switzerland for dinner!

The Matterhorn

The icon of the Swiss Alps and one of the most photographed mountains in the world, it's not hard to tell why the Matterhorn is so loved by all in Zermatt. 

Standing guard over 3 countries - France, Italy and Switzerland- the grand rock face is an amazing sight to behold. 

The Scenery 

Obviously the Matterhorn is the centrepiece to the beautiful resort but don't think the rest of the scenery is anything less as the views are truly magnificent all year round.

Zermatt is a picturesque, 'chocolate box' resort and the strict building laws have maintained the traditionally Swiss feeling to the area as well as the architecture. Zermatt is also home to 94 natural water springs, trickling through the town and carving their way through the landscape over the years. 

Car Free

The village of Zermatt, in keeping with their environmentally friendly views, is a car free resort. This makes strolling through the streets and admiring your surroundings a lot less stressful. Horse drawn carriages were the main mode of transport until only 40 years ago. 

The Food

The people of Zermatt take their food and cooking very seriously and the quality can be seen through out the resort. Michelin star restaurants can be found on most streets and need to be booked in advance to avoid disappointment. 

Eating chocolate, cheese fondue and sipping wine is all part of the experience!

The Non-Skiing Activities

If you're looking to relax and take a break from the slopes for the day, there are still plenty of things to do to keep yourself occupied.

Numerous bars, restaurants and cafes situate the area if you're after some fine dining opportunities. Horse drawn carriages can take you for trips around the village for a unique take on the scenery and the world's highest clay pigeon shooting range can be found here too!

Matterhorn Glacier Paradise

Take a cable car to altitudes of 3,883m and see the highest cable car station in Europe as well as the best views of the highest mountains in Italy, France & Switzerland.

Here you can see 360 degrees from the viewing platform at the highest glacier palace in Europe. The ski area on Theodul Glacier is open 365 days a year and you can take in the sights of the ice sculptures, crevasses and slides in the ice tunnels. 

Mountaineers Cemetery 

This tranquil site features moving reminders of climbers who have tragically lost their lives in the mountains surrounding Zermatt. 

Seenweg 

This gorgeous walk is one of the most popular hikes to do in Switzerland. The 5-Seenweg Walk or the Five Lakes Walk takes you past the wonderful lakes of Stellisee, Grindjisee, Grunsee, Moosjisee & Leisee which offer amazing scenic views and reflections of those exceptional mountains. 

Gorner Gorge 

A natural beauty featuring greenish rock surfaces that are over 220 million years old. At only a 15 minute walk from the Zermatt resort, the Gorner Gorge should be seen to be believed. The most impressive sights are in mid-September between 3pm and 4pm and the wooden walkways will lead you through the incredible rock face safely. 

The Chalets & Hotels

The traditional Swiss architecture combined with contemporary interior design are the main features of the chalets and hotels that reside in Zermatt, allowing you to keep warm and cosy whilst enjoying those amazing views and keeping close to the slopes.

Our experienced and knowledgeable luxury ski chalet experts are here to help you choose your ideal snowy retreat.

Contact them today:

ski@elegant-address.com

+44 (0)1244 62 99 63

Top Fitness Tips Ready for the Slopes!

Fitness is incredibly important before a skiing trip as injuries are common to the unprepared whether you're a beginner to the slopes or a more advanced skiing fanatic.
As skiing uses different muscle groups to more conventional cardiovascular exercise, it's good to know how you can prepare yourself and prevent an injury from ruining your Alpine escape.

Here are our Top Fitness Tips Ready for the Slopes!

The majority of experts would advise to start around 2 months before your trip to really build up your strength, stamina and techniques. Doing this will allow you to build up your general cardio fitness which will help your body deal with less oxygen at those higher altitudes.
Being generally fit isn't the only thing that will make the most of your time on the slopes but having ski specific fitness is a must.

Cardiovascular Fitness

Just 20 minutes to an hour's worth of decent cardio training 3 times a week will definitely build your general cardio fitness and you'll start to feel the benefit in approximately 6 weeks.

Cycling is a preferred method of training for World Cup skiers as not only is it great for raising your heart rate but it also provides great practice for balancing.
Cross trainers break up what can turn into a monotonous training regime with a bit of variety.
Circuit Training is fantastic for short bursts of high impact exercise and also brings a wide range of exercises so you won't get bored of the same things.

Running is great for a high paced aerobic workout but it can be high impact on knees and swimming focuses more on your upper body strength.

Core Exercises

Your core is also incredibly important whether you're carving into the slopes or just trying to keep your balance! Your abs, obliques, lower back and hips are all part of your core muscles and will need some attention before heading out on your trip. Balance training such as Pilates or balance ball exercises are great ways to build up your strength.

Flexibility

Colder temperatures, like the ones you'll experience in the European Alps, make muscles stiffer, lack the range of movements and are slower to react than when we're at a normal altitude. Regular stretching before your trip as well as any time you plan to ski will not only lessen your chances of injuries but will also improve your ski performance.

Strength & Power

Your quads (the front of your thighs) and gluteals (the back of your thighs) are your main power muscles during skiing or snowboarding.
Exercises to help you train up include lunges, split squats, step ups or cycling. Try to avoid wall squats as these can translate to you skiing with weight going into your heels.

Weight Distribution

Your weight should be balanced over the centre of your skis to avoid any loss of control or injuries.

1st Time Skiiers

For the beginner skier, the thought of zooming down snowy slopes can not only be incredibly exciting but also daunting! The sensation of standing on a moving object is quite a strange one and definintely takes time to adjust to. Activities such as ice skating or roller blading will make this movement a lot less confusing and will still help you with the stance and balance you'll need for a successful ski.

Balance Boards are also a fantastic resource to help you train up for the ski season. They can be easily made at home or from specialist stores.

Advanced Skiers

For the more advanced skiing fanatic, there are more than enough activities to keep your skills up to par. Horse riding, mountain biking or gymnastics help hone in on your co-ordination and of course, balance.

Dont' forget there's always a chance to ski all year round at indoor ski slopes which are an ideal way to practice and really develop your skills ready for a successful skiing or snowboarding trip.

Want to try out the slopes for yourself? Our experienced and dedicated luxury ski chalet experts are on hand to help you find your perfect property during your stayContact us today:

+44 (0) 1244 62 99 63

ski@elegant-address.com

5 reasons to visit Val d’Isere This Season

Val d’Isere is the ideal ski resort with amazing terrain and beautiful traditional town – No surprise then that it is the UK’s favourite winter ski destination! If that wasn’t enough reason to visit Val d’Isere, we have come up with five great excuses to head to the French Alps this season to discover this fantastic luxury ski resort.

Traditional town

Starting off as just a 17^th century church and a couple of farm houses, Val d’Isere has developed remarkably whilst still keeping it’s traditional charm. There is even a strictly-enforced no parking policy on the town's roads and mature trees line the main street where cars once parked. New for the 2016/17 season is the Solaise gondola, a state-of-the-art lift to replace the old Solaise Express chairlift. The 10-person gondola, complete with heated seats and wifi to share those enviable, snow-filled shots straight fresh from the mountain!

The resort is home to a selection of the world's most prestigious shops, exclusive bars and Michelin star restaurants, there certainly won't be any shortage of things to do and the après ski is fantastic with ski in ski out bars nestled within the glistening slopes. Olympic Avenue is a must see, especially for your dining needs during your luxury ski retreat.

Skiing and Off-piste

Val d’Isere and the incredible Espace Killy ski area has some of the most varied, longest and best off piste skiing in Europe. There is a large selection of off-piste to explore and enjoy with each skiing area of the resort having something different to offer.

The advanced terrain is for confident skiiers to venture off to test their skills. It goes without saying that we highly recommend viewing the avalanche safety page for tips and hire an off piste guide who has the best local knowledge and tracks down the mountain. Val d’Isère is famous for its huge amount of back country skiing but it's also great for families and has 19 ski schools, many of which are multilingual.

Après ski

Val d’Isere is known for having some of the liveliest nightlife in the Alps with dozens of bars and nightclubs to choose from. There is the perfect balance for both party animals and those who prefer only the very best champagne or a quiet beer. Val d’Isere has great après ski options for everyone.

The famous La Folie Douce starts the party from 3pm at the top of the slopes and has a brave gathering of people dancing in their ski boots on the tables well into the evening! La Folie Douce also has a fantastic restaurant attached called the Fruitiere which offers a relaxed atmosphere with superb food and a good wine list.

At the bottom of the slopes, as well as plenty of lively bars offering happy hours, there are quieter options such as the sophisticated Rosee Blanche at the end of the piste in La Daille which is the place to be when the sun is out as it has a great deck to sit out on and the best vin chaud in town!

Linked to Tignes

Two ski resorts for the price of one! Val d’Isere is linked to Tignes to provide an amazing ski area totally 300km of pistes and 94 lifts! Unlike other resorts that claim a giant ski area, the pistes of Val and Tignes are naturally linked without the need for long and boring connecting trails or lifts. The standard of piste grooming is extremely high and the lift system is constantly being upgraded.

Val d’Isere itself has high quality, snow-sure slopes that are brilliant for both complete beginner up to veteran powder wizards. The season lasts from end of November all the way to the first week in May!

Incredible chalets

Chalet Le Chardon, view here: https://goo.gl/nGMjF8 

We have many beautiful Luxury chalets in Val d’Isere each offering the very best in alpine skiing you will be spoilt for choice, so to make the search process easier for you let our expert consultants take care of it for you. Choose from a variety of unique, resort centre or more private locations in the stunning village of Val d’Isère in the French Alps. Most of our chalets have luxury facilities such as indoor pools, Jacuzzis, private spas, private chef and more!

Chalet l'hotse, view here: https://goo.gl/YEmzEA

Chalet Marco Polo: https://goo.gl/5iB7LQ

Chalet Le Rocher: https://goo.gl/t8j5Dp

Research to Zermatt

For my first trip to Zermatt and Switzerland itself, Chalets Les Anges, Chalet Grace and Chalet Maurice were certainly impressive properties to start with. Little did I know what fabulous service, food and all round opulence was awaiting me!

Setback from the main town in Petit Village, the three properties are all within a short walk of each other making them perfect for large parties looking for peace and tranquility yet easy access to all the many amenities Zermatt has to offer. All the chalets boast the most stunning views of Zermatt below, with the majestic Matterhorn as an impressive backdrop. Whether you wish to lounge on the terrace with a glass of champagne or unwind in the outdoor hot tub, these impressive chalets offer you that unforgettable view that is impossible to ignore.

Chalet Grace's stunning living room with views of the Matterhorn

During my visit, I had the privilege of staying at Chalet Grace. With soft and elegant furnishings, grand open fireplace, wonderful spa facilitates and games room, this chalet is simply a dream. After a fun-filled day on the slopes, this is the perfect property to come home to and relax with an afternoon tea of delicious pastries, cakes, arrays of exotic fruits and every kind of tea imaginable! As I settled into my impossibly soft bed, I do not think I had ever felt so content.

Chalet Maurice jacuzzi deck looking out to a snowy Matterhorn in Winter

Chalet Maurice, with its private funicular for those looking to enter their chalet in style, is the epitome of modern luxury. Boasting six bedrooms over four floors with an internal elevator, this fantastic property would certainly not disappoint. With sauna, sunken jacuzzi and separate cinema room, you have everything you need for evening entertainment!

Chalet Les Anges looking stunning lit up at night!

Last, but by no means least, is Chalet Les Anges. There is no way you cannot be wowed as you walk into this beautiful chalet, with its unique and dramatic style. I was lucky enough to experience a magnificent 7 course dinner at Les Anges during my stay; with every course just as amazing as the last along with the outstanding service of our hosts who attend to your every need with no trouble at all. The most impressive part of the chalet has to be the wellness centre, with its spa, hammam, and sauna that opens onto the outdoor plunge jet pool. Even the water feature has been presented to the highest standard.

Whether you choose Maurice, Grace or Les Anges for your escape to Zermatt, you are guaranteed to have a stay you will never forget....

Written by one of our award-winning ski experts after her trip this September, Sophie Dobson

Top 6 activities for non-skiers in ski resorts

So you’ve booked your dream stay in the Alps and can’t wait to hit the slopes to shred the snow…But when there are some members of your party who do not ski. It can be a stressful thought to try and come up with ways to keep them occupied whilst you make the most of your time in the mountains.

Don’t worry! There are plenty of activities to keep even the most discerning traveler entertained and occupied...Especially with the help of our award-winning ski specialist team and concierge! To get an idea of the wonderful things that you can enjoy without skies strapped to your feet; we have compiled a list of our top six activity recommendations for non-skiers whilst staying in the resort.

Dog Sledging

Explore the mountains and plough through fresh powdery snow with a team of incredible Alaskan huskies. Whether you prefer to wrap up warm in a cosy blanket snuggled up to a love one on a sled, or taking control and standing up to drive and mush your powerful pups through the alpine countryside. Dog sledging is a fantastic experience for all ages and there is no experience necessary! 

Horse drawn carriage

Feel like you are living in a fairy-tale as you snuggle down under a cosy rug, riding through the beautiful, snowy countryside of St Moritz on a romantic horse drawn carriage ride. This is the perfect way to spend some quality time with your loved one, taking the breathtaking views of the mountains and alpine scenery whilst cuddled up and warm whilst listening to the gentle tap of the majestic horses feet in the snow.

Snow mobiling

Looking for something a little more fast paced? Discover a different side to the mountains by exploring the terrain by snow mobile. Take advantage of the emptying evening slopes and open space in Morzine by taking a tour at dusk to adventure into the valley. Great activity to do with friends, family or even by yourself!

Snow shoeing

Not the most stylish of ski wear on the slopes but this is a fun, active way to explore the mountains! Simply strap on two tennis racket like shoes and walk, run and jump around in the snow till your hearts content. You can book an off-piste a nature tour or just follow the signs and make snowy trails as you adventure around the white, powdery countryside.

Helicopter ride

One of the most incredible activities to experience and enjoy whether you are a skier or not! Take in the sensational, birds’ eye view of snow-capped mountains, glaciers and alpine forests as you fly elegantly across the Alps. For those a little more adventurous or wanting to celebrate a special occasion, why not stop off on top of a mountain for a bespoke luxury lunch on a table carved from the fresh snow? We highly recommend a helicopter ride in Verbier, Switzerland.

Spa Day

Annnnd relax! Take a break from outdoor activities and spend a well-earned lazy day in the spa. The perfect cure to relieve all of the stress from everyday life, heel sore muscles or just indulge in a fabulous pamper session. The French and Swiss Alps have some of the best spas and wellness areas in the World. Treat yourself to a range of luxury treatments, experience a traditional Turkish hammam and lounge in the Jacuzzi for a day of pure relaxation. One of our favourite spas is La Prairie spa in Le K2 5* hotel in Courchevel.  

At Elegant Address Ski, we are dedicated to finding your perfect, luxury ski chalet and creating your dream ski holiday experience. We are able organise and book a large range of incredible activities to make sure every member of your party has the most amazing holiday in the mountains. Get in touch today to talk to a ski expert to discuss how we can make your ski trip truly unforgettable.

What age is the best to learn to ski?

When is the best age to ski? A very tricky question! This question is usually asked when parents are considering entering their children into ski school for the first time, we will breakdown how to decide whether it’s time to strap of some skis and start mastering the snow plough!

It is natural for parents to worry they will push their children too soon into trying to learn to ski but they also don’t want their children to be left behind and miss out on mastering a new skill whilst having a fun! So when is the best time for the kids to start skiing?

Too early?

How early is too early? When you see very tiny children whizzing down the slopes and around adults, it may seem that they were born with skis attached but this is a rare occurrence and goes against the general rule. There is also the increased risk that children can be put off a new hobby or ski by starting too soon. So when should they start?

Realistically, the very earliest that kids can ski is from three years old. Children under three will struggle to co-ordinate and control their skis as well as lack the strength to stay up and balance. There is also the issue of more limited communication, concentration and the need for toilet stops!

Too late?

Wondering whether you have waited too long to start teaching your child to ski or sending them to ski school can be the bigger concern for some parents. The main thing that you must remember is that progress should be measured in terms of enjoyment and happiness for the young skier not in terms of technical accomplishments and trophies.

Like most sports, an early start can help but mainly if you want them to become an international sports star. Then again, a lot of the most competent skiers didn’t learn at a very young age. Skiing, like any skill, gets mastered through a combination of natural ability and a lot of practice! With getting a lot of practice or having a natural talent for skiing means that you can start at any age.

My first experience of skiing was at the age of 15 and although I might not be shredding down the black slopes, I have a decent level of ability and absolutely love my time in the mountains! So don’t worry to those parents worrying about when to start skiing. As long as your child is enthusiastic on the slopes and loves putting on planks; they will be skiing by your side in no time!  

Our Favourite Family Friendly Ski Chalets

Chalet Nyumba, Verbier

This beautiful chalet has stunning views over the valley, a magnificent spa, outdoor hot tub and massages for mum and dad with the option of having professional nannies and babysitters on hand to entertain the kids in the chalets indoor pool or fantastic playroom with a real tepee!

Chalet Elephant Blanc, Val d’Isere

This beautiful ski in/ski out luxury chalet comes with a complimentary nanny services included in the rental for off-peak weeks! There is also a kids TV snug, plenty of toys, games and sledges to keep the children amused whilst you take on the mountains.

Mont Tremblant, Meribel

This outstanding chalet in the heart of Meribel is a child's (and grown ups!) dream with a fantastic cinema room, separate living room just for kids to hang out and play table football, table tennis and plenty of games!