Thursday 29 January 2009

Snow Shoes Rule

Nicely back from Argentiere, 'stookie' (that's a cast on a broken bone if you're not familiar with Scot's dialect), Gordon is full of praise for snow shoe trips. Undeterred by broken bones incurred as a result of a try at cross country skiing, plans are already being made for the next trip! Perhaps the photos reveal why!

There's lots of talk about the comparative strength of the Euro against the pound at the moment, but with 2 weeks of blue skies, sub zero temperatures and oodles of fun you've got to admit that its money well spent.


Julia from Tracks & Trails is the person to speak to if you fancy a bit of snow shoeing or some ski de fond / cross country skiing. And she promises that most of her clients don't end up getting plastered, at least until they've hit the pub later that is. (Sorry, terrible joke I know. I'll get my coat.)

It all goes to show that just because its winter, you don't have to be a downhill skier to have a great time staying at our apartment in Argentiere. The Chamonix valley has much to offer, and we're only just scratching the surface at the moment. Tandem paragliding next, then?


And if, like Gordon, it all goes pear shaped out there on the white stuff, you can always take a hike up to a sunny slope side restaurant, and enjoy the sunshine and a glass of the old vin rouge!

Wednesday 14 January 2009

Enjoy your break!

Gordon, our man from Clachaig has been out in the apartment in Argentiere this last 10 days or so. We've had the odd text or 2, taunting us with tales of deep snow, blue skies and French wine. It sounds like you don't need to be hardcore skier to enjoy the Alps, even at this time of year.

With walks in the snow and with views like this who needs skiing?! Well, it sounds like a reasonable alternative at least.

And for a view like this, down into Switzerland, how about a day snow shoeing? Amidst the gloating, we detected that Gordon had a fantastic day with Tracks & Trails and an introduction to snow shoes.

However, latest reports suggest that cross country skiing isn't perhaps all its cracked up to be. Within a couple of hours he'd broken his wrist and was bound for the Argentiere clinic, hot on the trail of Kylie (see below)! Ouch!

Tuesday 6 January 2009

I should be so lucky...

Chances are that by now you've heard how good the start to the winter season has been. Snow, snow and more snow, ensuring that the Chamonix Valley got one of the best starts to a winter season in years.

Our Christmas guests had a great time and have provided some very positive feedback:

"Can I say what a fabulous time my family had in your Argentiere apartment over Christmas. The apartment was lovely; well equipped and cosy. You have obviously made it in to an apartment that you would feel comfortable staying in - not usually the case! The Christmassy decorations were a delightful addition and with our roaring fire on Christmas Day made our holiday. It was light, spacious, thoughtfully decorated and warm - I don't want this to sound like a criticism, but almost too warm! It seemed a shame to open the windows when things got too toasty, but better warm than cold! The area is lovely and we had a fantastic time in the mountains. What a view from the balcony!!

I loved your apartment and I'm very jealous as I wish I had one just like it! A beautiful setting, a homely, cosy apartment and fantastic owners who genuinely seem to care.... brilliant!"

And it seems that someone told diminutive pop princess and so it would appear keen snowboarder Kylie how good it was this year. Sounds like Kylie and her current have been shredding the slopes of the Grand Montets over New Year, although the 'current' might have over done it a little as local sources report Kylie as last being seen in the Doc's surgery in Argentiere. Ouch!


I've always had a soft spot for Kylie, ever since the Charlene days (well, students watch Neighbours even today don't they?) and the little kids from next door to our flat in King Edward Street in Gateshead used to tease me and my (diminutive) girlfriend that it was Kylie & Jason coming home. (That's the Mrs. now, and the frizzy perm look has gone). I do, of course, have to deny rumours that Kylie booked with StayInChamonix for her New Year retreat. I should be so lucky...