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

Our Top Reasons to Visit Megeve

The beautiful picture postcard location of Megeve, situated in the south east of France near the Italian & Swiss borders and became more popular in the 1920's as a luxury ski resort.Retaining the old fashioned and traditional charm whilst offering its high end and glamorous position, this stunning village is completely worthy of its hidden gem status. If luxury, sophistication and fantastic food are you idea of paradise then Megeve may be the ultimate ski destination for you!

Here are our Top Reasons to Visit Megeve

It's the 3rd Largest Ski Area in France

Sitting at the heart of the Evasion Mont-Blanc ski area, Megeve stretches over 445km and contains 220 slopes, 107 ski lifts and 5 incredible snow parks as well as 5 nursery parks for beginner skiers. 

The area is a great place for all skiing abilities whether you're brand new to the slopes or an advanced snow sport pro! 

The Magical Village Centre

Unlike other larger ski resorts in the European Alps, Megeve has historically shunned the party scene and keeps to the quiet and peaceful side of life. There is lots of space on the glorious pistes around you and you'll never need to worry about the town being packed to the brim.

The charming atmosphere of the village's centre is something to behold. It's car free and has plenty to see and do. Every year, local artists are commissioned to decorate a gigantic Christmas tree in the centre. Locals also take tourists for scenic rides on horse-drawn carriages. 

Its Natural Beauty

Rather than having completely mapped out slopes, Megeve boasts ski slopes with far more intimidating and challenging experiences. You'll be going past stunning rock formations as well as fairytale like woodlands with trees bending under the weight of freshly fallen snow.

Try the High Altitude Dining

Megeve features some truly amazing high altitude Michelin-star restaurants that not only offer some delicious cuisine but also adds in the experience of 360 degree views of the mountains surrounding you. Some of the highly esteemed restaurants include Le 1920, Flocon de Sel and L'Alpette.

It Offers Incredible Five Star Luxury

Balancing the Alpine charm with contemporary design, Megeve features a range of major French designer shopping including Hermes & Faconnable as well as other retail therapy opportunities to suit every taste.

There's Plenty of Activities for Non-Skiers

There are a wide range of off-hill options for any non-skiers in your party and retain the fun and excitement of the Alps. Ice skating, tennis, climbing and swimming as well as the previously mentioned shopping opportunities can all be on your agenda if skiing isn't your plan for the day.  The casino and the famous Cinq Rues Jazz Bar are popular late night attractions for the area. 

Some Fantastic Events Exclusive to the Area

Megeve have a long standing history with the equestrian industry and hold annual events including the Polo Masters Cup which sees the horses and riders play on snow and ice as well as the International Jumping Competition.
Winter Golf is also a major event in Megeve and is home to the annual Snow Golf Cup.

National and international championships for figure skating and ice hockey at the Palais des Sports Stadium.

Thinking of a snowy trip to the European Alps?
Contact our dedicated luxury chalet and apartment specialists today:

enquiries@elegant-address.com

+44 (0) 1244 629 963 

MOUNTAIN LOVERS - Elegant Address Ski want you!

We have an exciting opportunity for you ski lovers out there to become a part of Elegant Address Ski! 

We have a position available for a Ski Consultant where you can combine your love and passion for the mountains & an exciting career within an award winning company.....

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Elegant Address Ski is part of the Elegant Address Luxury Property Group - A property consultancy specializing in luxury chalet rentals across the European Alps. Our team of expert consultants is expanding, and you could be a part of it!  

Chalet Grace - Zermatt 

 Chalet Grande Corniche - Les Gets 

Chalet Mon Izba - Verbier 

Place Blanche 2 - Verbier 

We offer fantastic opportunities and incentives (as we speak one of our employees is currently on her way to Courchevel to view some of the world's most luxurious chalets, not bad hey?) 

We are delighted to offer these incredible trips for our team, as it enables them to have an up to date knowledge of the market, ensuring we are offering our clients unsurpassed levels of service. 

Combining your passion with our training, you'll be a valuable member of the team! 

We are excited to be expanding and can't wait to have some new additions!  

To be a part of our lively & friendly office, contact us today and it could be the start of an exciting new adventure! 

Email: lucy@elegant-address.com 

http://elegant-ski.com/

We look forward to hearing from you! 

    

Toblerone's Hidden Message

The Toblerone bar is a much loved holiday treat, usually picked up at the airport on the way back from a ski holiday as a last minute gift – but did you know this Swiss chocolate has a secret symbol?

During this Christmas there will be tonnes of Toblerone hanging in stockings before being demolished in front of the TV or around the fire as an evening treat but next time you break off a triangular chunk– have a look at the packaging. The famous Toblerone logo has an image of the iconic Swiss mountain; the Matterhorn in Zermatt, but if you look closely there is secret creature in the mountain shadows….A bear!

The hidden bear is in reference to the town of the creator Theodor Tobler and the chocolates origin – Bern – which has a bear featuring on its coat of arms. The triangular shape of the Matterhorn in the Swiss Alps is commonly believed to have given Theodor Tobler his inspiration for the shape of Toblerone. However, according to Theodor's sons, the triangular shape originates from a pyramid shape that dancers at the Folies Bergères created as the finale of a show that Theodor saw.

News just in! The Toblerone shape has been CHANGED!! The UK isn’t happy about it, as they are reducing in size with less peaks, Scandal! What do you think?

We highly recommend visiting the beautiful resort of Zermatt and seeing the Matterhorn Moutain in it's glory. Our award-winning ski specialists (who have lived in Zermatt!) would be delighted to organise your ski trip with our incredible portfolio of luxury chalets in this prestigious Swiss resort. 

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

Our Ski Expert Abi Visits Zermatt!

Our return to Zermatt starts in the most beautiful way; the stunning train journey around Lake Geneva and up through the Alps. Even from landing at Geneva, the riot of colour is evident; the icy, bright blues of the rivers winding through the rich greens of the forests and farmland – Switzerland must be one of the most beautiful countries in the world!

Wending its way out of Geneva, the train line skirts the very edge of the lake for what seems like an impossibly long time, while mountains ringing the edge of it gradually increase in height. Changing to the Matterhorn Gotthardbahn in Visp, the train winds along the valley, climbing all the way, until the lifts at Klein Matterhorn and Gornergrat come into view, glittering in the summer sun.

Zermatt itself is exceptionally beautiful in both summer and winter. In winter, the dark woods of the traditional buildings contrast with the white snow and crisp blue skies, and outside bars and restaurants fur-covered seats are invitingly cosy while inside log fires burn. In the summer, the balconies overflow with flowers in every colour, and the green of the mountain sides and forests is complemented by warm sunshine. Always the Matterhorn looms above, so striking a view that it almost doesn’t look real.

On our brief stay this time, we crammed in some fantastic experiences; our second day began with a trip to the very top of the ski area – from 1600m to 3,883m in 45 minutes. Getting on to the Matterhorn Express lift, the bubble takes you up through Furi and up to Trockner Steg, where you switch to the cable car to the very top. Currently a new lift is being built to run alongside the cable car and increase capacity dramatically –this should be open for 2017/18, which is great news for skiers, and will make heading over into Italy a lot easier.

The top of the lift is the highest lift station in Europe; from the panoramic viewing platform you can see the Alps stretching in every direction, the clouds hugging the mountains way below you. Down in one direction you can see the chocolate box village of Zermatt, and to the other Cervinia is just visible. All around are glaciers with the tracks of hikers criss-crossing them.  An unmissable stop here is the Glacier Palace – carved into the glacier itself, the network of tunnels are home to ice sculptures lit by multi-coloured lights, and even an ice slide carved into the glacier. If you prefer the sun outside, take the option of the ice slide outside in a rubber tube!

From here we took the lift back to Furi, where we spent an enjoyable few hours learning to clay pigeon shoot. With bright coloured clays and guns converted to laser rather than real bullets, it’s an activity for all year round, and for all levels. The stunning backdrop is distractingly lovely, but nevertheless we managed a very successful competition!

A short walk through sun drenched paths between chocolate box houses brings you to Restaurant Zum See – an absolute gem in a village renowned for its gourmet food. Local homemade dishes and Swiss wine, set amongst the green of the meadows with the Matterhorn above you – it’s a must-visit. In the winter you can ski to and from it, making it a fabulous lunch stop. In the summer, it is an easy and wonderful downhill walk to the village.

Zermatt’s nightlife is also not to be missed – bars dotted along the main street feature live music, unique and delicious cocktails, Swiss wines and beers and a huge range of spirits. Whether you prefer bars or clubs, there’s a selection of both – if you feel up to if after apres at Hennu Stall and a sumptuous dinner in your chalet that is!

No matter when you come in the year, and whether or not you love to ski, hike, climb or simply love to enjoy the ambiance of the mountains, Zermatt has something for every person. There is something truly special about it. It is undoubtedly one of the finest ski resorts in the world, and my absolute favourite place!

Blog written by our award-winning ski specialists, Abigail who has lived in Zermatt previously whilst working a season there. 

If you are interested in visiting the region, or any other European resorts, Abigail would be delighted to talk with you! - Contact her today. 

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