Independent Mountain

Chalet Abode, St Martin de Belleville - Where Exceptional Style & Service Come Hand in Hand!

Olivia — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 09:34:44 +0000

Looking for a catered chalet whose service is as exceptional as the décor? Want a ski holiday where all your needs are taken care of in a friendly and efficient manor? Not to mention the comfiest beds in the Alps?

Look no further as Chalet Abode in St Martin de Belleville answers all of the above requests and then some!

The most obvious thing that strikes you whilst enjoying a stay at Chalet Abode is the immaculate attention to detail. From the stylish bedrooms furnished with sumptuous colours and soft furnishings through to the stunning open plan lounge and dining area complete with a view to thrill, you are aware immediately, that you are staying somewhere quite special.

Based over four floors (including boot room with heated boot racks), every corner of the chalet has been thought about and created with the guests stay in mind. All the bedrooms are ensuite and look fresh from the pages of a high end style magazine, with the main living space combing contemporary design and comfort which is a fantastic mix of New York loft meets Alpine chic!

Chalet Abode and its stunning design is a product of the love and passion owners Helen and Chris Raemers have poured into it. Lovingly converted by Architect Chris and dressed with select pieces from around Europe thoughtfully gathered by Helen, the chalet oozes style and charisma that is a testament to the couples hard work and passion for providing fantastic catered ski holidays.

This attention to detail and exceptional work and customer service ethos has been passed on by Helen and Chris to the rest of their team who host the chalet on a daily basis. And boy do they host it! Kate and Ben have been with The Alpine Club for two years now and their level of service and culinary expertise is more a likened to a first class restaurant than an Alpine chalet. Combining charm and expertise with a huge dose of friendliness, guests feel at ease immediately and completely taken care of – the perfect home coming after a hard day skiing the fabulous Three Valleys region!

It is easy to see why guests of Chalet Abode are often repeat ones, as after a week enjoying sumptuous surroundings, delicious food, fantastic views and friendly conversation – the only question you leave with is “when will we be returning?”

If you want to enjoy the delights of Chalet Abode and take advantage of the comfiest beds in the Alps then please contact us here or visit here for more details.

Independent Mountain’s Latest TravelMole Column

Olivia — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 07:28:34 +0000

No man, chalet business or holiday company is an island:

Running a ski holiday company – the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth!

by Independent Mountains Marketing Manager Olivia Gascoigne

January is a wierd old time…. by now your well under way with your season (yep, there’s no turning back it’s actually happening!), you’re rushed off your feet hosting clients or in our case taking bookings and are already thinking about changes you want to make for next year. However, despite this hive of activity it can also be quite an isolated and lonely time.

Queue the violins and sad melody!

Anyone, who works in this industry and most importantly in this industry and based in a ski resort, knows that you wave goodbye to your friends at the beginning of December, trying to remember every detail of their faces as you wont be seeing them again until the end of April.

You see, you may be surrounded by guests, the phone ringing and the frantic tap of computer keys as the emails flood in, however, when you’re running your own business and your world consists of you, your partner and your shared dreams, you can fall folly to feeling a little cut off and as Celine Dionne once belted out “All by Myself!” Couple this with the great January snow you haven’t got time to enjoy and having to endure all the other “normal” (i.e those that holiday) people in resort as they head off up the hill with delirious grins on their faces and here commence a bad case of the January Blues!

Here in the Independent Mountain office we have been suffering with the classic symptoms (along with dreaded flu bugs brought into resort by aforementioned “normal” folk) Therefore, this week we banished the blues as we decided to mix business with pleasure and pack our bags for a road trip to the Three Valleys to visit a couple of property owners who advertise on our site and also to organise a marriage proposal for one of our clients (more on this in my next blog!).

Wow, what a difference it makes to get out of the office and out of resort meeting like minded people who make you realise that you are not alone in this industry, that other couples out there are working and struggling towards the same goals as you and feel as passionate as you do about your business and the mountains! A huge thanks to Chris and Helen at Chalet Abode in St Martin de Belleville, for helping us banish the blues and re connect with other people out there in the industry in the same boat as us!

This got me thinking…. there must be others out there, like us, running their own business, mid season and in need of a bit of a lift….Hell, there’s no must about it, I know there definitely is as I speak to you on a daily basis for business!

Therefore, from this week on I would like to hear from you! I want to start a conversation between us all as it’s about time, us mountain entrepreneurs and entrepreneurs in general had a mouth piece to air our thoughts, wisdom and general rants. Therefore, think of me as just that – your weekly release from the difficult chalet guests, general slog of running your own business and every day pressure of having to make this season and your company a success!

So what are you waiting for??

Get in touch and let me know what’s infuriating, enlightening or exciting you at the moment and if it’s worth a mention then I will pay homage to it in my next blog!

Send your rants and ramblings to olivia@independentmountain.com and keep your eyes peeled for the next blog to see if your topic gets a mention - well that’s obviously depending on if anyone actually reads this column, if not then I guess it will be just lil old me! (I can hear another Celine classic coming on!)

Got something to say? Then let me have it here olivia@independentmountain.com

Marriage Proposals in the Alps!

Olivia — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 11:30:15 +0000

The Course of True Love Never Runs Smooth – Especially when that course involves proposing on the side of a mountain!

We felt a bit like God this week or should I rephrase that and say the God of Love! Yes, I am proud to announce that we played a key part in the best day of someone’s life to date and I admit the amore has gone slightly to our heads!!

This week myself and James headed down to the Three Valleys to organise a marriage proposal for one of our clients. Yes, here at Independent Mountain we not only deal with matters of holidays but of the heart aswell! (It was basically a little idea/business venture I set up in the UK and brought with me when I moved to the mountains organising Perfect Proposals on the Pistes!)

So all was in place, the client (female proposing to her boyfriend), were staying in Mottaret and unbeknown to her betrothed she was planning to pop the question up the mountain half way through the holiday. Here’s where we came in, as we were hired to recce the best spot up the mountain (preferably at one of the highest points to get the best views) where we would then organise a Champagne picnic with the words “Will you Marry Me?” etched in the snow against a backdrop of stunning mountain peaks and bluebird skies!

No problem, we said!

And it wasn’t a problem (as we had organised scenarios like this before) until, the aforementioned betroved took a nasty fall whilst snowboarding the day before and was rendered immobile! Hmm getting him to hobble up the mountain was going to be tricky!

Dreams of mountain side proposals were cast aside as we worked at lightning speed the morning of the proposal to find a suitable and equally as stunning plan B!

After a frantic couple of hours exploring the resort and keeping in mind it needed to be somewhere picturesque, private and not to far a hobble to from the hotel we found the perfect spot that ticked all the boxes! Phew!

Now all we had to deal with was digging a pathway to the snowy boulder that was going to be our canvas for the proposal, avert the oncoming snow plough that was set on a direction to plough though the champagne picnic and literally shoo away curious passers by who wanted to take pictures of the crazy lady in the snow digging out her marriage proposal! I received so many rounds of applause and shouts of “Bon Chance” from people wrongly assuming I was the proposee!

We managed to skilfully avert any incoming disasters and the proposal site remained in tact ready for the romantic pair. He said “yes” and both our client and new fiancé celebrated their happy news over a bottle of snow chilled Champagne! All in all a good days work for Independent Mountain!

Perfect Proposals is a bespoke marriage proposal service helping you to pop the big question in style! It has been set up in conjunction with mountain holiday company Independent Mountain organising marriage proposals in the Alps ranging from your very own igloo to balloon rides, romantic walks to torchlight descents with our main aim being to provide a host of ideas for a range of budgets.

Here at Independent Mountain we take care of all the marriage proposal organisation, from working with the proposee to design a proposal perfect to them, recceing the scenario to ensure everything runs to plan and organising all the elements to ensure the marriage proposal is perfect! So all the proposee has to worry about is the question!

If you are planning a romantic holiday for a loved one and want to make it extra special then drop us a line at olivia@independentmountain.com

If you are planning to propose and want some help conjuring up the perfect idea then get in touch here.

For the best romantic ski accommodation please visit here

Half Term Ski Holiday Meribel

Olivia — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 09:12:04 +0000

Families travelling to the well known resort of Meribel in the Three Valleys for their half term ski holiday will be spoilt for choice when it comes to keeping the whole family entertained.

On the piste, the ski resort of Meribel offers a fantastic range of terrain and challenges for all levels of skiing ability, with a great selection of ski schools ensuring your little ones are in safe hands and most imporantly will be whizzing down the slopes alongside you in no time.

The resort also provides lots of fun activities off the slopes with half term week being no exception. During the week, families will be able to keep their children entertained in and around the resort, with one of the must do activities being the Ice Party Disco on Ice at the Olymoic Ice-rink. Children and parents alike will be able to put their moves to the test as they skate around to the latest music and lighting systems - entrance is €7.50 including skate hire.

For those parents and children who are a bit older and a bit more advanced, then why not test your skills on the slopes by taking part in the Moon Park Mini Competition on Friday 19th February bewteen 12.00-14.00 hrs. This is a really fun competition that is free to enter and open to all providing lots of goodies to win! An unpressurised competition allowing you to put your skills learnt during the week to the test!

Did you miss out on your preffered ski property Meribel for you half term 2010 ski holiday? Don’t miss out again, instead BOOK EARLY with Independent Moutain and get the best property and price to suit your requirements!

To book your half term 2011 ski holiday to Meribel or any ski resort of choice then please send us your requirements or give us a call on 00 33 450 748 379 and we will send you a selection of fantastic half term 2011 ski accommodation!

Half Term Carnival Week in Les Menuires

Olivia — Fri, 15 Jan 2010 12:45:53 +0000

Anyone travelling to Les Menuires for their haf term ski holiday will be pleased to hear that the resorts carnival week will be on hand to keep the children entertained.

We all know the half term ski holiday can be anything but relaxing for parents as they ferry their children and all their ski gear to and from ski school, whilst trying to squeeze in a few hours of adult time up the hill. However, the resort of Les Menuires will be doing all they can to keep down parents stress levels by hosting a week of activities during half term week.

Throughout the week children and parents alike will be invited to join in the festivities that include face painting, children’s show, torchlight descent and fanfare.

Don’t miss out on your half term 2011 ski holiday - CONTACT US NOW!

To book your half term holiday 2011 please send us your requirements here or visit us to see the great range of properties we have available!

We have a great range of Les Menuires ski accommodation - check them out here

Half Term 2011 Ski Holidays

Olivia — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 08:25:40 +0000

With the half term ski holiday week being one of the most popular, now is the ideal time to start thinking about half term 2011 and getting your first choice property secured with Independent Mountain before it gets snapped up by other early bird holiday bookers!

Booking of the key ski weeks gets earlier every year, with those holiday makers in the know, booking as early as possible to avoid dissappointment!

We have a fantastic range of half term 2011 ski properties available and with us taking bookings for half term 2011 ski holidays already, now is the time to be contacting us with your requirements.

Get in touch with us now and send us your requirements for your 2011 half term ski holiday and we will send you a range of fantastic properties!

Email us here or give us a call on 00 33 450 748 379 to find out where you can be spending your 2011 half term ski holiday.

NEW YEAR SKI ACCOMMODATION 2010

Olivia — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 10:48:01 +0000

Did you miss out on your first choice New Year ski property? Did you make the age old mistake of not booking your New Year ski holiday well in advance? Make sure that this year you are one step ahead of the game and the rest of the New Year ski holiday makers by booking your New Year 2010 ski holiday with Independent Mountain as soon as you can!

Here at Independent Mountain we are already taking bookings for New Year 2010 ski holidays, therefore, if you are planning on a ski holiday this New Year and want to have the pick of the bunch send us your requirements and we will send you a selection of fantastic New Year ski properties that are most importantly available!

Drop us a line here or give us a call on 0033 450 748 379 to book your New Year 2010 ski holiday!

Ski Deals and Early Availability for Season 10/11

Olivia — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 17:36:39 +0000

JANUARY SKI DEALS & EARLY AVAILABILITY FOR SEASON 10/11

The New Year is here, the snow is falling everywhere and it’s about time to escape to somewhere where you can put the snow to good use! Check out our latest ski deals and plan your escape to the snow now! EMAIL US TODAY WITH YOUR REQUIREMENTS

BOOK YOUR CHRISTMAS, NEW YEAR AND HALF TERM SKI HOLIDAY 10/11 NOW AND ENSURE YOU GET THE SKI PROPERTY YOU WANT! CONTACT US WITH YOUR REQUIREMENTS AND LET US FIND YOU A FANTASTIC 10/11 SKI HOLIDAY!!

HOT PROPERTY OF THE MONTH! LOTS OF AVAILABILITY! CHEZ ZITA, SELF CATERED PROPERTY, MERIBEL

Chalet Zita is a luxury three floor apartment located in a brand new development in the original Meribel village. The apartment , which sleeps 12, is conveniantly near the Telesiege de Golf - a chairlift that takes you into all of the vast Three Valleys ski area. This is a luxurious and spacious apartment with supermarket, good restaurants, pub and carry-out pizzeria close-by. Find out more here

CHALET LA ROCHE, CATERED CHALET, MORZINE

Chalet La Roche is superbly located for quick piste access. Ski back to 200m from the chalet on the blue ‘Le Crot’ piste or off piste to within 100m conditions provided, return by free ski bus also possible. 300m from the main gondola the Prodains cable car or 1 minute from the free ski bus every 15 minutes. Find out more here

HAMEAU DES MARMOTTES, CATERED OR SELF CATERED PROPERTY, LES MENUIRES

Hameau des Marmottes is a luxury Chalet in prestigeous ski area with 7 Bedrooms, 5 bathrooms, ski inout, open fire, balcony with great south west views.Self or Full Catering.Located at Le Hameau des Marmottes, Les Menuires, Three Valleys, France. Situated at 1800 metres, this resort has an excellent snow record and access to the whole 3 Valleys ski region, including Meribel, Courcheval and Val Thorens.With 600 kilometres of prepared slopes, and 200 ski lifts, it is the biggest and most prestigious ski resort in Europe. Find out more here

THE EDGE CHALET, CATERED CHALET IN MORZINE

Located in the heart of the Portes du Soleil, our en suite bathrooms, private balconies, outdoor hot tub, sauna, open fireplace, silk duvets and pillows, table tennis table & board games/Wii will make your time off the slopes truly memorable here at The Edge Chalet! Find out more here

LATEST SKI DEALS!

We have HUNDREDS of FANTASTIC SKI DEALSavailable throughout all major ski resorts. Be sure to take advantage of our LATEST SPECIAL OFFERS HERE:

SKI DEALS IN MERIBEL

SKI DEALS MORZINE

SKI DEALS LES MENUIRES

SKI DEALS LES CARROZ

SKI DEALS CHAMONIX

SKI DEALS LA PLAGNE

SKI DEALS LES ARCS

ORGANISE YOUR SKI HOLIDAY HERE!

Trying to organise a ski holiday for your family or friends but don’t have the time to source the best ski deals and meet all your groups long list of “must-have” requirements?

Check out how we can make your life easier at www.independentmountain.com or email your requirements to info@independentmountain.com

BOOK YOUR EASTER SKI HOLIDAY!

GROUP BOOKINGS! Organising a group trip away? email us with your requirements

CHRISTMAS, NEW YEAR & HALF TERM 10/11 SKI HOLIDAYS! EMAIL US YOUR REQUIREMENTS

BOOK A HEN DO IN THE ALPS! EMAIL US

BOOK A STAG DO IN THE ALPS! EMAIL US

MARRIAGE PROPOSALS IN THE ALPS!

Natives Challenge Ski Race in Meribel

Olivia — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 08:42:09 +0000

Wednesday 27th January sees the Natives Challenge Ski Race come to Meribel! This fun race day is hosted from the Stade at Meribel’s La Chaudanne and invites holidaymakers and season workers to test their snowboarding and skiing skills as they take part in the Individual Giant Slalom and the Team Parallel Slalom.

Competitors can choose from four different catergories: instructors, workers, guests and novices. With winners being rewarded with an arrary of prizes presented during the after party at Jacks Bar.

Entry fees are as follows:

€10 in advance for the Individual Giant Slalom (€15 on the day)

€40 per team (€60 on the day) which includes a free BBQ and beer and entry into the race.

For the best ski accommodation meribel please click here or check out our latest meribel ski deals here

Want to organise a ski holiday and want us to do all the hard work for you? If so, send us your requirements and we will send you some fantastic options!

Independent Mountain in the UK Press

Olivia — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 08:15:37 +0000

To kick the New Year off in style we have teamed up with leading UK Female Magazine, Essentials Magazine, offering readers the chance to win a luxury ski holiday to the beautiful Chalet Chantelle in Morzine!

We are also joined by our friends at P&O Ferries (providing the crossing), Ski-Lifts (providing the airport transfers) and Ski Set (providing ski hire) to ensure a fantastic prize for the lucky winner!!

This is one of the many appearences we have made in the UK press over the last 6 months with us making a splash in Zest Magazine, Woman & Home and Sainsbury’s Magazine! We have lots more in the pipeline so be sure to keep your eyes peeled for us!

If you would like the opportunity to holiday in one of our fantastic properties then please visit us, email us or call us on 00 33 450 748 379!