Consensio Luxury Lifestyle Magazine - Fifth Edition 2018

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L U X U R Y

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M A G A Z I N E

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Welcome This year we have been working hard to think up some

it happen. Maybe heliskiing with a world-class freestyle

completely unique experiences for you to enjoy while staying

snowboarder, or taking part in your own James Bond film

with us at Consensio. Our world class accommodation and

– the only limitation is your imagination (page 50). More

exceptional service are just the start of your holiday, and

sedately, perhaps a private wine tasting in an exclusive

your personal sales director, acting as your expert concierge,

location somewhere in the Alps. Did you know there is a

will be on hand to tailor-make a truly outstanding holiday. In

private cellar under the Folie Douce in Val d’Isère?

our pages we are delighted to share with you just a few of the amazing concepts you can enjoy this winter.

We have also suggested some of the best apps available to download before you head to the Alps (page 24),

Before you arrive, spend a night above 2,000 metres at the

not forgetting our very own brand new Consensio app,

newest high-altitude hotel in the French Alps, or maybe try

designed to help you maximise your holiday experience

it as an exciting alternative to eating in a local restaurant

with us.

on your chef’s night off (page 42). Perhaps you fancy a private theatre performance in your chalet? We can arrange

Enjoy,

it via our partnership with the amazing Revels in Hand theatre company (page 20). Do you have an out-of-this

Ceri Tinley

world bucket list idea? Share it with us and we will make

Co-Founder / Managing Director

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E D I T O R

Helen Orford For all media and marketing enquiries, please email Helen at: helen.orford@consensiochalets.co.uk

C O N T R I B U T O R S

Arnie Wilson was the Financial Times ski

Michael Cranmer is an award-winning freelance

correspondent for 15 years and then edited the Ski Club of Great Britain’s magazine Ski+board for 13 years until 2014.

In 1994, he skied every day of the year in 240 resorts in 13 countries and has now skied a total of 729 resorts, including ski areas in all 38 of America’s ‘skiing states’.

travel writer and photographer specialising in skiing. A former qualified instructor, he now spends his winters sampling a wide variety of resorts. “It’s the incredible people I meet that make my job the best in the world,” he said. “Val d’Isère is a magnet for the most extraordinary of those people.”

Peter Hardy is co-editor of the website Welove2ski.com,

Neil English

a freelance travel writer specialising in skiing, and has been visiting up to 40 resorts each winter for more years than he cares to admit. For 25 years he was the Chief Ski Correspondent of The Daily Telegraph, and continues to contribute to The Telegraph on a regular basis.

Gabriella Le Breton has been skiing since she was two and a half and writing about skiing for nearly a decade.

She contributes regularly to national newspapers and magazines, including The Daily Telegraph, Financial Times, Conde Nast Traveller and Vanity Fair, and is the author of ‘The Stylish Life of Skiing’ and ‘The Ultimate Ski Book’.

Liz Schultz has an agency background in creative digital strategy and experiential marketing, and is the Digital Marketing Manager for Consensio, currently on maternity leave. Despite being born and raised in sunny Australia, she was fortunate enough to have learnt to ski at a young age.

With London now her home, Liz makes it to the Alps with her family whenever she can to carve it up on the slopes.

is in his 23rd year as specialist ski/travel correspondent for The Mail on Sunday, also writing freelance for numerous national titles, magazines and websites with joint sporting and epicurean interests in golf, cycling, hiking and all things gourmet.

Russ Atkinson is a freelance writer and graphic designer who rediscovered a love of skiing while throwing himself (literally, at times) head first down the Vallée Blanche in Chamonix 10 years ago. Having survived to tell a number of alpine tales since, he hasn’t looked back once.

Other than to try and locate various items he’s managed to drop from ski lifts, that is. More commonly found writing about or racing cars and motorbikes, his Mastermind subject would be BMWs from the 1980s.

Hanneke Maljaars is one of Consensio’s sales & guest relations directors. With over 20 years of knowhow in sales & marketing gained in the super yacht environment, Hanneke has lived in Switzerland, Spain and France before settling in the UK in 2001. An avid skier she looks after all aspects of Consensio clients’ Concierge needs.

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Contents 6 - 9 Top runs in The Three Valleys

42 – 45 Take refuge in luxury

10 -13 Quirky places to eat

46 – 48 What’s new?

16 - 19 Skiing with a legend

50 – 53 Making your dreams come true

20 - 23 The whole world’s a stage

54 – 57 Fashion

24 - 26 Apps for your mountain holiday

58 – 61 Magical milestones

28 - 31 Enjoy your own space

62 - 64 Perfect protection for your lips

32 - 35 A new gin for you to enjoy

66 – 69 Dates for your diary

36 – 40 Broaden your horizons

70 – 71 Consensio’s green credentials

72 – 74 Triumph over adversity

Photographers

David Andre

JB Bieuville

Gio Flemming

Courchevel Tourisme Media

Andy Parant

M. Mitré

Waterline Media

Meribel Tourisme

Brendon Tyree

Eric Montgobert

N.Joly

Sylvian Aymoz

Tomas Turpie

Office du Tourisme Val-d’Isère Design & Print

Vespa Design & Publishing Ltd – contact@vespadesign.co.uk Mountain Marketing Ltd – frank.baldwin@mountainmarketing.co.uk

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Spoilt for choice

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WITH 375 MILES OF PISTES SPREAD BETWEEN EIGHT RESORTS, INCLUDING MANY HUNDREDS OF GROOMED RUNS AND AN ALMOST INCALCULABLE NUMBER OF OFF-PISTE RUNS, THE THREE VALLEYS APPEARS TO HAVE IT ALL. ARNIE WILSON PICKS OUT SOME OF HIS FAVOURITES

T

here’s no doubt about it, skiers and snowboarders

to miss both this run and St Martin itself as they often dash past

in The Three Valleys are spoilt for choice. So of

without even noticing it. But St Martin is the only genuinely

course, any choices about the best runs are bound

pretty old village in The Three Valleys so it’s well worth a visit.

to be subjective. But here are some of mine.

Apart from Jerusalem, most of my favourite runs are

Jerusalem, which descends joyfully from the ridge

actually off-piste. It’s hard to beat the col on the Méribel

between the Méribel and Belleville valleys down to the

side of the Aiguille du Fruit – a classic big mountain face

picture-postcard village of St Martin de Belleville, is an

off-piste area. You follow the Saulire ridge to the Col du

easy but truly exhilarating reddish-blue run.

Fruit (2,516m), and from here you can either ski back into

It’s so easy for skiers determined to get from Courchevel or Méribel to Val Thorens at the far end of the St Martin commune

the Creux bowl under the Aiguille du Fruit to rejoin the Creux piste or ski the Vallée du Fruit.

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Another outstanding run I once skied

with

the

legendary

David

Lindsay, the brilliant UK skier whose father Peter started Méribel, was so steep and (let’s be honest) scary that I hesitate to name it in case any of you with more bravado than sense were to try it. I only did it because I was with the maestro himself. And it turned out later that the only reason he took me there was because I’d kept nagging him to show me some new couloirs.

It didn’t immediately cure me of couloir-itis, but as the years have flown

by I’ve become a little more sensible in the severity of my skiing ambitions.

One of my biggest surprises was discovering that even at Courchevel 1650 (Courchevel Moriond), there is some fantastic skiing in this lower The slope is fairly steep, but the snow is usually pretty

ski area’s ‘own’ mountains. You don’t need to always be

good. You eventually join the long off-piste Glacier de

heading for the heights. So while so many skiers head

Gébroulaz descent from Val Thorens.

automatically for 1850, which they imagine are the only

My favourite (although very tiring) route to the Gébroulaz

slopes to be seen on, they are missing out on the likes of

glacier is from Val Thorens itself. It’s quite a hike uphill to

Signal (2,250m), Pyramides, Col de Chanrosa (2,540m) and

the glacier and seems to take forever, but once you’re en

Roc Mugnier. I had an absolute ball here skiing off-piste

route for Méribel you’re rewarded with a delightful and pretty

with a local ski school.

leisurely ski all the way down. I’m not sure I’d want to do the

You may think you know Les Menuires, but have you

climb again – but it’s a run everyone should do once in their

crossed the valley for a closer look at the Point de la

lifetime! I did it with the then tourist director, so there was no

Masse (2,804m)? There’s some challenging off-piste here,

way I could turn back, but I know others have!

particularly the run all the way down to Lac Noir – another

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favourite of mine. But take care, it starts out with pretty easy

from the top cable car station. Indeed, some would say

terrain but then gets a bit steep!

this is the most difficult part of the descent. Jaded experts

Courchevel’s three celebrated couloirs, the Grand, Sous

dismiss them as being neither long, nor narrow, nor of a

Téléphérique and Emile Allais, can all easily be skied in the

sufficiently sharp gradient to produce the necessary surge

same day if you’ve a mind to. Any experienced intermediate

of adrenalin. But the couloirs can have their moments –

can enjoy them, or at least cope with them! They used to

moments when the skier suddenly wishes he or she was

be black runs on the piste map, but these days, for legal

somewhere, anywhere else, but there!”

reasons, they are flagged up as off-piste ‘itineraries’.

As my good friend and colleague Peter Hardy once wrote: “The couloirs are reached by a steep and tricky path

I would agree. When I skied all three on the same day I felt that mixture of exhilaration and minor anxiety that all offpiste skiers feel from time to time. But that’s skiing for you!

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Mountaintop menus YOU ARE SPOILT FOR CHOICE WHEN IT COMES TO RESTAURANTS IN THE HUGE SWISS FRANCO PORTES DU SOLEIL SKI AREA. NEIL ENGLISH TAKES US ON A GASTRONOMIC TOUR OF SOME OF HIS FAVOURITES

At 2,227m, Cookie Café Mossettes claims to be the highest restaurant in the Portes du Soleil

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ne of the best loved and highest restaurants

“It was a huge shock and personal blow to us both,” said

in the fabulous Portes du Soleil ski area nearly

Richard, “but we didn’t have long to decide whether or not

suffered an early demise when one of its founding

to continue with Cookie Café, since preparations for the

partners was tragically killed by a shark.

next ski season were already under way.”

But British businessman Richard Learwood, a financial

They faced a number of challenges with licences,

backer of the Cookie Café Mossettes, and his wife Julie,

suppliers, exchange rates and staff, but with a lot of hard

were determined to prevent their refreshing concept in

work Cookie Café Mossettes has survived and evolved into

alpine mountain food from, metaphorically, falling off

an important Portes du Soleil institution with accolades

the dramatic cliff it so proudly sits on at nearly 2,300m.

galore, including a rating in the Daily Telegraph’s Top

Moreover, they were driven by the desire to keep alive the

Mountain Restaurants in the Alps.

legacy of their close friend and restaurateur, David Jewell.

The beef for the legendary Cookie burgers is sourced

David, originally from Fremantle in Western Australia,

from a noted Swiss butcher and the buns are still delivered

had built up a small portfolio of restaurants in the Swiss ski

from Charlet, the artisanal boulangerie near Villars. Craft

resort of Villars, and wanted to introduce the cool vibe of his

beers from the canton of Valais, a great wine list, homemade

alpine gourmet pub concept to the nearby Portes du Soleil.

shakes, soups, salads and pizzas have all helped conjure the

With Richard and Julie’s financial help, it was possible

Cookie culinary niche.

to take on the restaurant at Mossettes, where views of the

For me, the success is as much to do with the laid-back

Dents du Midi and beyond are jaw-dropping – and access

ambience, plush sofa suites, huge sun terrace with Swiss flag

via the two Mossettes chairlifts (one from Les Lindarets on

table cloths, the free Wi-Fi, the free phone-charging units,

the French side, the other from Les Crosets on the Swiss

the sought after playlists, the bar, the chill-out lounge, the

side) is quick and easy.

mini library with book exchange facility, and the general,

But in September 2016, only three seasons into this

cool vibe that reflects its Australian creator, right down to the

enterprise, David took a well-earned watersports holiday

life-sized, colourful reindeer mounted in the snow outside –

with like-minded, adventure-seeking mates, on a giant

proven to be a hit photo-op for kids and adults alike.

catamaran off the coast of New Caledonia in the south-

“Last winter was our most successful yet,” said Richard.

west Pacific. In a freak accident – while kitesurfing a mile

“DJ (as David was affectionately known) would be proud

offshore – the 50 year old suffered a powerful shark bite

to see the popular following that Cookie now enjoys in the

through his thigh. Despite desperate attempts to drag him

Portes du Soleil, especially that we now employ some of

aboard the catamaran, David lost critical amounts of blood,

his top team from Villars. Part of that success is down to

went into cardiac arrest and was pronounced dead shortly

our policy of price-matching our menu to that of the best

afterwards by maritime rescue services.

quality and best value restaurants on the French side, so

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Some of the tasty desserts on offer at La Paika

seven summits soaring above 3,200m.

Didier Défago, from the village below, carved his name deep into the ski world of fame when he won Gold in the blue riband Mens’ Downhill race at Vancouver’s Winter Olympics in 2010.

Such was the local euphoria, lift company bosses christened a slope in his honour.

Didier is

on

record

as

saying:

“Undoubtedly one of the best slopes in Morgins, 2kms long with a very steep start. The slope runs from the top of the Point de l’Au chairlift down towards Morgins in a beautiful valley, previously accessible to off-piste skiers only.”

A blue detour is also available.

The

attractive

hameau

of

Les

Lindarets, a goat village on the French side, features a cluster of restaurants and bars housed in chalets and mazots.

It’s always busy here on a sunny day, so it’s wise to book if you have a preference. our guests need not fear the Swiss Franc effect.”

When it comes to traditional alpine fayre, choice is abundant in this 650km network of pistes and lifts.

Picking favourites is always subjective, but for location and fame alone, the Défago family restaurant above the Swiss village of Val d’Illiez ranks high.

I was recently highly impressed at La Crémaillère on Route de Lindarets, where I found one of my favourite dishes, Tournedos Rossini – beef fillet topped with a slab of pan-fried foie gras and unctuous jus – as the Plat du Jour for €24. It was a heavenly steal.

Over the Col de Bassachaux there’s another trove of

Richard might generously concur that the Ü Yeü tsalé 1808

restaurants at Plaine Dranse in the Chatel sector, but for

above Morgins in Switzerland tops even Cookie for the best

super typical Savoyard dishes with cheese from his own cows,

view of the Dents du Midi – the captivating massif comprising

it’s difficult to beat the trés bijoux pit stop of Chez Denis.

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La Vaffieu, at the top of the Folliets chairlift above Les Gets, is another gem, albeit closer to fine dining than traditional with

piste. Here you’ll find giant gambas, marinated chicken and juicy steaks grilling on the terrace of La Paika restaurant.

its specialities of rack of lamb, scallops and oysters, and be

La Paika’s views and hot chocolate are a local talking point,

sure to leave room for the house ‘café gourmand’ – an espresso

while the dessert buffet has the dual capacity to make eyes

served with ‘mignardises’ (delicious desserts in canapé form).

bulge and taste buds dance. It’s also possible to walk here (or

While skiing around this Morzine/Les Gets area, irresistible barbecue aromas might entice you down the blue Varosses

snowshoe depending on conditions), from Les Gets.

Bon ski et bon appetit!

La Vaffieu, at the top of the Folliets chairlift above Les Gets, is another gem

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PERRIER-JOUËT, THE ALLURING CHAMPAGNE

Photography by Warren & Nick

Since its foundation in 1811, the champagne house Perrier-Jouët has crafted elegant, floral wines of rare finesse with a Chardonnay hallmark.

The elegance of the cuvees echoes that of the Art Nouveau anemones adorning the Belle Epoque bottle and offers moments of pure delight and beauty. www.perrier-jouet.com

PLEASE DRINK RESPONSIBLY

Tasting the snow MICHAEL CRANMER TRAVELS TO VAL D’ISÈRE TO MEET A MAN WHO MAKES LIFE-OR-DEATH JUDGEMENTS EVERY MORNING DURING THE SKI SEASON

The Pure Ski Company & Helicopter Service is available from Val d’Isère this season

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ook around you in the café next to the ski school meeting point

and

you’ll

spot

him

taking his first espresso of the day.

Easy to recognise amid the bustle and chatter, he remains seated, smiling and calm.

Instructors, pisteurs and guides all shake his hand and exchange some words, as if paying homage to their Capo di tutti Capi (Chief of all Chiefs).

As he greets them one by one, his intense blues eyes flick from their faces to the mountains. He’s assessing the snow conditions, listening to reports from his trusted capos, discussing the weather forecast, the avalanche situation, judgements that could mean life or death for him and his clients.

This is the legend that is Pat Zimmer.

What he learns over his espresso could make the difference between

Pat Zimmer is one of the world’s top off-piste and heli-skiing specialists

an unforgettable day in the mountains or disaster for him and his clients. Pat is one of the world’s top off-piste and heli-skiing specialists.

“I always think of him, and never ski a slope without running through my personal checklist. I remember that

“During my first years in Val d’Isère, three friends taught

the best off-piste run is always the safest. If one thing is

me what I needed to learn to be a good off-piste guide,”

wrong I prefer not to ski it. The slope will be there another

says Pat. “My guru was Albert Bozon. But even he, with all

day and will certainly survive me.”

his great experience, died in an avalanche…” Pat’s voice falters… ”I lost a great friend.”

All this is a long way from Alsace, where Pat and his brother were raised in the devastation of post-war

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Pat Zimmer skiing off-piste

Europe. Bitten hard by the ski bug, he and brother Jean

Français, which at that time had a stranglehold on all ski

rose high in the select world of top downhill racers.

instruction, went to the French high court.

Then, after a couple of years instructing with the ESF

But Pat, fed-up with what he believed were prescriptive

in Val d’Isère, Pat told le directeur he was going to set

classes that ignored client’s requirements, was having

up his own school.

none of that. To the shock of the établissement he won

This bombshell rocked the ski establishment at the highest level. The powerful and monopolist École du Ski

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the right to open France’s first independent ski school in Val d’Isère.

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In 1976, Top Ski was born, conceived of the credo of individuality – that each person has different needs – a principle that has succeeded right through to when Pat moved on a couple of years ago to work as a freelancer.

I had a chance to find out what makes this remarkable man tick when I skied with him.

We shake hands and I’m welcomed like an old friend.

His movements are contained, economic, unhurried, and I sense behind the craggy tanned face and his blue, blue eyes I’m being given the once over.

“What do you want to do?” he asks. I tell him of my

difference in the exposure can make the difference between a safe or dangerous run.”

Sobered by these facts, but feeling completely secure in his hands, I launch down the Pisallais.

True to Pat’s word, the snow has warmed in the last half-hour. I’m in a zen-like bubble, tingling with each grain of snow, each breath of air, each carved turn, which leaves me giggling like a schoolgirl on a first date.

Pat has stopped by the edge of the piste, head cocked, listening, absorbing, like a gun-dog pointing, sniffing the air to the side of the groomed run.

psychological fear of off-piste, of skiing when I can’t see

“Have you ever skied spring snow, Michael?” asks Pat.

my feet and the terrain beneath – a legacy of two bad

“This looks good. Follow me.” My gut-wrenching fear

accidents. He nods. “Come, my friend, we will see if we

of off-piste overwhelms me, but I try to focus on Pat’s

can find you some good snow.”

tracks. The surface is velvety, my skis (slalom carvers)

It is the penultimate skiing week in Val d’Isère, the tail-

barely sink into a solid base below. First turn, normally a

ender that has seen a record 784 cms snowfall, buildings

signal to panic and sit back, is accomplished smoothly.

at resort level still buried up to their first floors.

Another linked turn and another. I don’t want it to end –

The combination of fall upon fall and intense May sunshine has the snow in a precarious condition.

“Look closer,” Pat says, “the snow has frozen overnight, and is slowly melting. We’ll have some warm-up runs on-piste and wait until it’s right.”

this feeling of control off-piste – that I feel on-piste.

Pat waits for me, smiling, watching, with head cocked again. “Michael,” he pauses, ”I have been watching your degustation de la niege… tasting the snow.”

Words of wisdom from the legend.

We head up high on to the Pisallais glacier. Pat talks about the two complex weather systems that collide over Val d’Isère – the Atlantic NW front and the ‘Retour

Pat Zimmer

d’Est’ from the Gulf of Genoa, the latter gifting dumps

Pure Ski Company and Heliski

denied to more westerly resorts. But both fronts are

Val d’Isère

followed by high winds creating slab and avalanche risk.

Tel: + 33 (0) 6 12 69 81 82

Twenty died in avalanches in France last season.

Email: valdisere@pureski-company.com

“The danger can be quite high. Just a few degrees’

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All the world’s a stage…

The Revels in Hand team

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REVELS IN HAND IS A BESPOKE THEATRE SERVICE UNIQUELY CRAFTED FOR INTIMATE SPACES SUCH AS DRAWING ROOMS, CHALETS, YACHTS AND BEYOND. THEY OFFER THE ULTIMATE IN THEATRICAL ESCAPISM – AN EXCLUSIVE OPPORTUNITY TO HIRE A COMPANY OF PROFESSIONAL ACTORS TO PERFORM JUST FOR YOU AND YOUR GUESTS, IN WHATEVER SETTING YOU WISH. CONSENSIO MET UP WITH CO-FOUNDERS MELANIE FULLBROOK, FREDDIE HUTCHINS AND LUCY EATON TO FIND OUT MORE

Tell us a bit about yourselves MEL We all met at Cambridge University, a little while ago now. We were all at different colleges doing different things, but became friends when we all immersed ourselves in the fabulous theatre scene there – Footlights pantomimes, musical theatre and Shakespeare. After that, we all went to train at separate drama schools, but came back together with a wish to be more proactive in the creative industry.

What inspired the start of Revels in Hand?

LUCY There’s a fine tradition of private theatre that dates back to Shakespeare’s day. The idea of courtly individuals hiring ‘the players’ to entertain them and their friends is

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into your own personal space for the enjoyment of just you and your guests. We’ll use your living room, your garden, your marquee, your hotel suite. Wherever! And we can provide our services in and around London or overseas at your holiday home. Imagine a piece of Shakespeare on the lawn of your Hamptons retreat, or a French farce played out on the deck of your Mediterranean yacht.

FREDDIE Or what better in terms of après ski, than a drawing room comedy by the fireside?

MEL It’s a thrill for us because our clients’ surroundings provide incredible, unimaginable settings. An elegant, real, lived-in domestic space in which to perform Noël Coward, or a beautiful garden for a private performance of Shakespeare.

A scene from a performance at the Shangri-La Hotel in The Shard, London

LUCY What’s really exciting at the moment is that we’ve just commissioned our first original script – a short comedy written by a brilliant young writer that fits the mould of

mentioned in Hamlet and A Midsummer Night’s Dream,

what we do perfectly. If all goes well, we’d love to continue

and we know it was a favourite pastime of Elizabeth I at

commissioning new work.

Hampton Court Palace.

FREDDIE We thought reviving this tradition, giving it a good

How do the audience get involved?

dusting-off and exploring it anew, could be really exciting.

FREDDIE Oh that’s a wonderful question. They get involved

LUCY We like to joke that our biggest competition is

in many ways. We tend to use the word ‘intimate’ rather

Netflix! We represent television, but without the screen.

than ‘immersive’ when describing what we do. Certainly,

In a time when people spend so much time glued to their

no-one in the audience is going to get ‘picked on’ – our job

TVs, we wanted to bring that up-close and intimate kind of

is to make everyone feel totally at ease, and completely

performance live into people’s homes.

transported by what we do.

MEL However, we have had clients in the past who really

What does Revels in Hand offer?

want to get involved! During a performance at a wonderful

MEL The options are endless. Revels in Hand will bring a

50th birthday party, we incorporated the hostess’s son into

complete piece of theatre, from 25 minutes to two hours,

the piece we were performing. As a surprise, he suddenly

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appeared as the butler halfway through the play and his

What does the future hold for Revels in Hand?

family were delighted.

MEL We now offer our private theatre experiences to

LUCY We’ve also had instances where the audience have

Consensio guests, and hope to be out in the Alps this winter

got involved without warning. There was a wedding we

providing some memorable entertainment. Our roots are

were appearing at in Knightsbridge last year. and we were

absolutely in London, but for exactly that reason we love

performing the lovers’ argument scene from A Midsummer

to take our quintessentially British style of theatre overseas

Night’s Dream. Mel and I were hurling those delicious

and are excited to explore other international possibilities.

Shakespearean insults at each other as Helena and Hermia,

Meanwhile, on home turf, we’ve got a busy year coming

stood at opposite sides of the room, separated by a sea of

up with private bookings and a handful of shows at the

champagne-fuelled guests. Suddenly one woman turned

Shangri-La, where we’ll be performing monthly in one of

to me and said ‘God, she’s something isn’t she?’

their signature suites about 40-storeys high. Tickets are £85

MEL Lucy started talking to her in character, and the

and include a glass or two of champagne. It’s an opportunity

audience loved it!

to experience the close-up nature of what we do, but if you want the full experience you’ll have to hire us yourself.

What has been your favourite experience so far?

FREDDIE That’s really hard to say. We really do have great fun every single time, but perhaps one of the most memorable

Revels in Hand can provide up-close and intimate performances

performances was on the edge of a private polo field. We performed a play that was totally unsuited to such a wide, open-air space, but it was exactly what the client wanted and they – as well as we – just had a whale of a time making it work.

LUCY We’ve also had a lot of fun performing in some utterly stunning hotel rooms. We’ve done an assortment of shows for members of Home House in Portman Square, and the decor of their suites is completely gorgeous.

We have also recently started a partnership with the Shangri-La Hotel at The Shard. There we performed a piece of theatre set in a bedroom, and Freddie and I got to spend the whole evening curled up on the simply gargantuan super emperor king-size bed, watching the sun set over the city behind our audience.

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Snow mobile A ROUND-UP OF SOME OF THE BEST APPS TO MAKE THE MOST OUT OF YOUR WINTER HOLIDAY

SNOWCRU SKIING & SNOW TRACKING

SKIFIT 8

Available on iOS and Android

Available on iOS and Android A short, intense, video-based training programme for all levels of skiers to help you get into the best physical shape to have a great time on the slopes. Led by a clinical expert and physiotherapist, the videos offer up a series of exercises that can be completed in just eight minutes. You will be guided through exercises that touch on balance, coordination, core and strength endurance. Workouts can be done in the

Adding a bit of a competitive edge to your skiing trip, this

gym or at home and don’t require any sort of equipment.

app records data while you’re on the mountain and then

Featured by the Telegraph, World Snowboard Guide and

uses it to compare against the data of your friends. You can

Family Ski News.

measure vertical feet that have been travelled, most runs per day, and fastest speed. Stay in touch with your friends

PEAKFINDER AR

while you’re skiing, and then compare all of your stats back

Available on iOS and Android

in the chalet over a nice glass of wine afterwards.

If

Ranked by Snowboard Magazine, Wired Magazine and SKI

peaks you’re passing, download PeakFinder for your

Magazine as the #1 best snow sports app.

next

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CONSENSIOCHALETS.CO.UK

you’ve trip

ever into

been the

skiing

mountains.

and This

wondered worldwide

which app

E XC E P T I O N A L C H A L E T S • E XC E P T I O N A L S E R V I C E

that operates in every corner of the globe. Members receive instant access to their team of security experts, who provide a full range of security services including an SOS panic button with free 24/7 emergency response, and free evacuation from

extreme

weather

and

security risks. Also included are functions

completely

offline,

finding

your

location

real-time tracking and instant

and showing the names of all the mountains and

security

alerts

wherever

you

peaks surrounding you, with a 360° panoramic display.

are in the world, and unlimited

Featured by the National Geographic.

expert travel and security advice.

Although not cheap, this app is

OPEN SNOW

sure to give you peace of mind while travelling the world.

Available on iOS and Android

Featured in Condé Nast Traveler, Monocle, The New York

An app built by skiing meteorologists

Times, The Times, the BBC and Financial Times.

who love powder, this is a free onestop shop for weather forecasts and

SKI TRACKS

reports. Included are real-time forecasts

Available on iOS and Android

for resorts all over Europe, North

This app works as a GPS tracker to record and measure your

America, and Japan, as well as weather

speed while sailing down a mountain, and at the end of the

analysis from local forecasters. You

day it tells you your total

can compare your favourite resorts all on one screen and

distance covered. No data or

search for the most snow with their Powder Finder feature.

phone signal is required for

Named as one of ‘The Best Mobile Apps for Skiing and

recording, making this app ideal

Snowboarding”’by WIRED.

for backcountry adventures, or for use in countries where

CLOSECIRCLE

roaming charges apply.

Available on iOS and Android

Featured by CBS, Independent,

From their state-of-the-art operations centre in the UK,

T3, The Telegraph, The New

CloseCircle offers a premium safety and security service

York Times and many more.

CONSENSIOCHALETS.CO.UK

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E XC E P T I O N A L C H A L E T S • E XC E P T I O N A L S E R V I C E

FATMAP

Skadi uses complex algorithms of local resort information,

Available on iOS and Android

terrain geo-data, and user behaviour records to create a one-of-a-kind ski experience especially for you. Each route has its own story, and as you ski you will be able to participate in their unique virtual feature where you can catch creatures of the snow and collect crystals and exchange them for privileges, bonuses and gifts from Skadi’s partners.

Featured in The Times, The Telegraph, National Geographic Traveler, Snow Resort and more.

This free 3D skiing map uses high-resolution satellite

OFF THE GRID – DIGITAL DETOX

images and GPS-enabled navigation to allow skiers to

Available on Android

move around the mountain with ease through various

Want to unplug from the modern world of technology and

perspectives and angles. In the premium version, there are

really reconnect with the outdoors without the constant

added features like avalanche risk zones, crevasse zones

distractions from your mobile phone? Off the Grid locks down

and gradient heat mapping.

your

“An app that will revolutionise your backcountry freeriding

stopping it from

experience” – Red Bull.

intruding on your

phone,

life. It also sends SKADI FIS SKI & PLAY WITH AR

custom auto-reply

Available on iOS and Android

messages to let people

know

you’re ‘off the grid’ when they attempt to

contact

you.

You can whitelist apps and numbers so important messages can get through, and it stores any calls and messages received while offline, so you can catch up with them while relaxing back in your chalet.

Featured on digitaltrends.com.

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CONSENSIOCHALETS.CO.UK

e

n

m o ntagn

e

B

ne San n o

té

65, Les Andes, 4th Floor Val d’Isère 73150 +33 (0)4 79 06 07 27

Keeping you mountain fit

Specialists in the treatment of skiing, boarding and sporting injuries

For over twenty years, Bonne Santé clinic has excelled in the treatment and management of alpine injuries through physiotherapy, massage, biomechanics, training and education.

If you need to soothe those aching muscles with a sports massage, want a relaxing massage, take a Pilates or Yoga class to wind down or improve your core fitness, we’re there for you too!

We can also help people confidently equip themselves for a day on the piste with our pre-ski service that includes a guided warm-up and any support taping.

You can find us in our clinic in the centre of Val d’Isère, but we are always happy to come to see you in the comfort of your own chalet.

To book any treatment or class talk to your Consensio Chalet Host or contact us by phone, email or through social media.

info@BonneSanteAlps.com www.BonneSanteAlps.com @bonnesantealps

Freedom to enjoy your own space

Consensio’s apartments are every bit as stylish and luxurious as their chalets.

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CONSENSIOCHALETS.CO.UK

E XC E P T I O N A L C H A L E T S • E XC E P T I O N A L S E R V I C E

YOU CAN NOW HAVE THE BEST OF BOTH WORLDS SAYS GABRIELLA LE BRETON – A PRIVATE, LUXURIOUS, SELF-CATERING SKI APARTMENT, BACKED UP BY CONSENSIO’S LEGENDARY CUSTOMER SERVICE

E

verybody’s definition of luxury is unique, but Consensio is seeing that for a growing number of people the ultimate luxury is not a gold leaf hot tub

or Michelin-starred chef, but privacy.

Having your very own space, with or without your personal staff, enables you to simply revel in the freedom, flexibility and spontaneity that total privacy delivers. This goes a long way to explaining the success of Consensio’s growing portfolio of self-catered apartments – plush pads that deliver all the style and comfort of ultra-luxury chalets without an army of (well-meaning) staff to tempt you away from the local bars and restaurants.

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29

Urban Corniche has its own grand piano, sauna, pool table and Jacuzzi

Let’s the

be

clear,

Consensio

compromise.

way

Despite

self-catering is

not

about

boasting

a

lower price tag than catered chalets, Consensio’s apartments are every bit as stylish and luxuriously appointed as their all-frills cousins, and are each located bang in the heart of town with skiing and/or walking access to the lifts and bars.

Add daily cleaning, Perrier-Jouët chilling in the fridge upon arrival, and the option to request grocery shopping, it’s no wonder that guests are increasingly choosing to enjoy a catered chalet holiday along with a self-catered break.

The blend of Consensio’s signature Consensio has chosen a selection of six self-catered

luxury properties and attention to detail, plus understated

apartments in two of the world’s best French resorts,

service, means the apartments are equally popular with

Val d’Isère and Les Gets.

families looking for great value for money and groups of

These exceptional properties provide you with a choice

friends seeking a swanky pad for a fun-packed week away.

of taking advantage of the retinue of staff and gourmet

Martin Lightbody, owner of the 11-person apartment

meals, which historically has been an intrinsic part of luxury

Urban Corniche in Les Gets, explains: “All too often

ski holidays, or the chance to enjoy a more private holiday.

apartments are built with the focus on how many beds you

All this comes complete with Consensio’s legendary

can squeeze in, rather than creating luxury entertaining and

pre-arrival and in-resort concierge service. Particularly

dining spaces. With Urban Corniche we’ve included fun

in such thriving resorts, you simply cannot put a price

facilities such as a grand piano, sauna, pool table, Jacuzzi –

on having a facilitator to book the top ski guides, secure

even an oversized swing by the bar.”

the best tables for lunch and bag VIP spots at the most popular après-ski bars.

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CONSENSIOCHALETS.CO.UK

Martin, who also owns chalet Grande Corniche (winner of the Best Ski Chalet in France 2017 at the World Ski

E XC E P T I O N A L C H A L E T S • E XC E P T I O N A L S E R V I C E

Awards and recognised as one of the world’s top three ski chalets), adds: “No one had created this level of luxury accommodation with these facilities in the centre of the resort. No hotel, or apartment had done it before, so we decided to create it ourselves. We wanted to experience a different type of holiday to the catered chalet, to give you the freedom to fully experience what the resort has to offer.”

It’s a freedom that each of Consensio’s carefully selected properties deliver, from the brand new ski-in, eight-person duplex apartment Lorenzo to the 14-person Sorbieres or the family sized Aviemore, each complete with outdoor Jacuzzi.

The only caveat is that the demand for these rare properties is already so great you’ll have to snap one up quickly!

One of the attractive bedrooms in Etoile Filante

There has been an increase in demand for self-catering apartments such as Les Sorbiers

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E XC E P T I O N A L C H A L E T S • E XC E P T I O N A L S E R V I C E

Gin journey WHEN DAVID GRANVILLE AND JULIE LE ROUX TOOK A CAREER BREAK IN FRANCE THEY WERE SURPRISED THAT THERE APPEARED TO BE NO SPECIALIST GINS IN THE COUNTRY – SO THEY DECIDED TO MAKE THEIR OWN! HERE, DAVID EXPLAINS HOW THE JOURNEY TO CREATING C’EST NOUS GIN STARTED

J

ust like everyone else at the moment, we love gin!

in mind, we spent the summer brainstorming ideas and names

From working in hospitality and as a sommelier and

and it was whilst working between the vines during the grape

living in London, Julie and I were constantly able to

harvest in Champagne that we decided on our brand name –

try the latest gin, or visit a new distillery, even trying gin jam!

C’est Nous. Simple, clear, and most importantly, French.

When we decided to take a little career break in Julie’s

With a ski season working for Consensio planned, we

native France a couple of years ago, we hopped on the ferry

put C’est Nous on hold and headed over to Val d’Isère to

and moved over to Normandy.

start our pre-season preparation, finding ourselves in some

It was there we noticed that the ‘gin boom’ had failed to

of the best chalets in France.

cross the Channel. Caves would stock the big names, but

Working in Chalet Montana and Chalet Solyneou

the small batch micro-distilleries were nowhere to be seen.

allowed us to experience a unique and unrivalled working

It was then we thought, why not create our own?

environment, coupled with the chance to ski some of the

Our initial aim was to create a fresh, premium brand that, unlike other French gins, had a clearly French name. With this

best pistes in Europe each day.

There’s not much more you can ask for!

CONSENSIOCHALETS.CO.UK

33

appreciation for gin that made us fully realise that the gin boom was not only limited to the UK, but was also destined for Europe and beyond.

At the end of the season, we headed back to Normandy and started the process of creating our company and buying our supplies.

After several weeks of testing to find the perfect balance between the various botanicals, we found our recipe. Using a French wheat alcohol we extensively macerate Juniper, orange, lemon, angelica root along with several other botanicals in our copper alembic, before distilling the following day.

The result is an aromatic, adaptable, classic gin, with clear flavours of juniper and citrus. Our first batch went on sale at the end of October 2016, and since then we have been working hard to expand.

We bought a larger alembic at the beginning of 2018 and were delighted that our gin was recognised at the International Spirit Challenge in London with a Bronze and Silver medal in 2017 & 2018, matching many of the With a great team of colleagues in our chalets and the resort, day-to-day tasks were ever-changing, which allowed us to develop a range of skills that have become crucial to our business.

Furthermore,

working

big-name brands.

We are now in the process of developing a new product which should be available later this year.

Consensio were one of the earliest supporters of

with

Consensio

gave

us

C’est Nous Gin, stocking it in their chalets for the winter

the opportunity to see which drinks and spirits the

season 2016/17. We now work with Le Verre Gourmand

multi-national clientele preferred. Although wine and

for distribution throughout the Alps to keep chalets and

champagne were, of course, very popular after a hard day’s

bars stocked with our product.

skiing, gin was also high up the list.

From gin cocktails to even organising a gin-tasting evening for an Israeli client, it was this international

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CONSENSIOCHALETS.CO.UK

For this season, we have created a couple of cocktail recipes for Consensio that reward those hard days skiing and are the prefect start to Après.

E XC E P T I O N A L C H A L E T S • E XC E P T I O N A L S E R V I C E

C’est Nous Gin ‘Chaud’

C’est Nous G&T

250ml Apple Juice

50ml Gin C’est Nous Tonic

100ml Gin C’est Nous

25ml Apple Juice

Spices, Cinnamon, Cloves, Orange

Mint Leaves

Heat the apple juice, gin and garnishes all together.

Add Ice cubes and C’est Nous Gin to the glass.

Heat and remove just before boiling.

Top-up with Premium Tonic and add a dash of Apple Juice.

Garnish with mint leaves.

C’est Nous Gin can now be found in bars, caves and hotels in various regions in France, and also online at:

UK

www.thewhiskyexchange.com www.masterofmalt.com

FRANCE

Your Chalet Bar! www.distilleriecestnous.com Alps Distribution – Le Verre Gourmand

ITALY

www.bottegaalcolica.com/en

HOLLAND

www.dirkschram.com

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Broaden your (snow-capped) horizons THERE’S MUCH MORE TO SPENDING TIME IN THE MOUNTAINS THAN SKIING AND APRÈS, SAYS RUSS ATKINSON 36

CONSENSIOCHALETS.CO.UK

E XC E P T I O N A L C H A L E T S • E XC E P T I O N A L S E R V I C E

Take a plunge in one of the ice-covered lakes in Tignes

F

or many, the lure of the mountains as winter draws

But why wait until you’re on the lift? We live in a fast-paced

nearer and the moment the first, magical dusting of

world and have grown to expect instantaneous results. What

white stuff falls from the sky, is almost too much to

if you could feel as if the trip had begun even sooner?

bear. As we venture up into the loft, or to the depths of an

The formula is well known; settle into your accommodation,

overcrowded garage to retrieve our boots, boards or skis,

relax a little, then hit the slopes, maybe venture off-piste and

our sights are set on one thing and one thing only – the

enjoy a little aprés-ski. Repeat daily!

moment that bar comes down on the first lift of the winter.

Ladies and gentlemen, your trip has officially begun.

Well, I’ve got news for you – there’s much more to spending time in the mountains than skiing and après.

CONSENSIOCHALETS.CO.UK

37

Go for a spin with Val d’Isère’s BMW Ice Driving experience

Val d’Isère, in particular, has more activities than you can

If your bravery exceeds what most would consider

shake a ski pole at, as I found out during a recent visit to

normal, they also offer tuition on two wheels – behind the

Consensio’s Chalet Elephant Blanc.

handlebars of a KTM electric motorbike. Studded tyres

Any high-octane thrill-seeker’s first port of call should

come as standard!

be Val d’Isère’s BMW Ice Driving experience. Don’t even

For those seeking a slightly tamer joyride, Evolution 2’s

unzip your bags, just head straight to their 800-metre track,

dog sledding experience will be right up your… snow-covered

where you can hone your driving skills or head out for a

track? You can take in the sights on a journey through the

passenger ride with one of their instructors.

Manchet Valley while mushers show you the ropes in

Imagine a rollercoaster, except, instead of the ups and

preparation for you to drive your own dog sled. Or you can

downs, you’re flung side to side as the rear of the car drifts

simply ride along as a passenger and enjoy the stunning vistas.

effortlessly around the corners.

If you fancy a go but aren’t brave enough to jump straight into a BMW, there are ice karts available.

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CONSENSIOCHALETS.CO.UK

If all this sounds a bit too extreme, a visit to La Cave is guaranteed to be a more all-round relaxing experience. Step into the warmth, hang up your coat, gather around a table,

E XC E P T I O N A L C H A L E T S • E XC E P T I O N A L S E R V I C E

settle into your seat and prepare for owner and ‘vin virtuoso’,

surface. You keep all of your ski gear on underneath the

Antoine, to lead you on a journey to cheese and wine heaven.

drysuit that you’ll shoehorn yourself into, and the water

Oozing with Gallic charm, and with enough wine in his

under the ice is above zero Celsius.

cellar to last a nuclear winter, expect not only delicious

I cannot recommend this highly enough, so if diving under

degustations prepared by his chef, but entertaining tales

a frozen lake floats your boat, (because let’s face it, when

and local gastronomic history. All washed down with a few

you say it out loud it sounds like lunacy) then give it a try.

choice glasses of wine, of course.

With so many activities on your doorstep in Val d’Isère, you might be pushed for time to enjoy them all in just one trip. So, if you liked the sound of the last two activities, why not combine them at Evolution 2’s Camp Trappeur?

Round up your travel companions and journey into the wilderness for a traditional Savoyade dining experience, served up in toasty-warm yurts hidden away in the woods.

Cooking, lighting and heating are all done the oldfashioned way, so warm yourselves by the fire and enjoy a drink beneath the stars before dinner is served.

Then race back down the mountain to Les Brevieres on sledges as the ski runs you thought you knew well are painted in a new light – torchlight!

If the idea of sledging on a full stomach isn’t for you, fear not – you can always be driven down to the village instead.

If you’re hungry for something even more extreme than hurtling around an icy racetrack or sledging under the stars, you could always consider sinking instead. Take a plunge into the ice-covered depths of Tignes’ lake, experiencing the surreal underwater world that awaits you. No previous SCUBA diving experience is required, and you’ll be accompanied by a qualified instructor at all times.

To answer the question on everyone’s lips, no, it isn’t cold. In fact, it’s noticeably warmer than being on the

Drive your own dog sled, or just enjoy the views

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E XC E P T I O N A L C H A L E T S • E XC E P T I O N A L S E R V I C E

If you feel uncomfortable at any time, your instructor will take you straight back to the surface, but once you’ve entered this

Enjoy a traditional Savoyade dining experience at Evolution 2’s Camp Trappeur

calming, underwater world you won’t be in a hurry to leave.

Take in even half of those activities during your stay in Val d’Isère and you’ll leave with a richness that’ll be the envy of all with whom you share your stories.

And whilst you’ll have spent a little less time strapped on to your board or skis, surely that is the perfect excuse to pencil in another visit to redress the balance?

If you would like to try any of these activities, talk to your Consensio pre-arrival concierge who can make the arrangements for you.

Consensio’s Chalet Elephant Blanc is just one of the places in Val d’Isere you can base yourself while trying out all the activities on offer

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CONSENSIOCHALETS.CO.UK

Bighorn Revelstoke, British Columbia

We find, build and manage all manner of luxury and investment property all over the World. www.simontinley.co.uk • info@simontinley.co.uk

Take refuge in luxury THE OLDEST CABLE CAR STATION IN FRANCE HAS BEEN TRANSFORMED INTO THE COUNTRY’S HIGHEST HOTEL – LE REFUGE DE SOLAISE IN VAL D’ISERE – AND PETER HARDY HAS ALREADY BOOKED HIS ROOM

The hotel has spectacular 360-degree mountain views

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CONSENSIOCHALETS.CO.UK

E XC E P T I O N A L C H A L E T S • E XC E P T I O N A L S E R V I C E

A

night in a refuge can add an exciting – even exotic – spice to any holiday in the Alps. When the lifts close for the day and the last skiers have finally

descended in search of après-ski and a hot shower, you immerse yourself in the tranquillity of the mountains.

It’s a chance to commune with nature, watch the sunset, and relax over a pleasant candlelit dinner with the love of your life, or in the company of close friends. It’s a beautiful, bonding experience. Gaze at a star-studded sky without light pollution and you’ll sleep like a log without any ambient noise, apart, perhaps, from a passing piste machine.

In an ideal world, 20cm of fresh snow will have fallen overnight, and by 8am the sun will be shining from a cloudless blue sky. But regardless of the weather, the mountain still remains your personal domain until the lifts open. You get the chance to cut first tracks all the way to the valley floor.

However, a word of warning from someone who has been lucky enough to do this on a number of occasions around the world, choose your refuge with care and match it to your companion(s).

On her 30th birthday, I took my wife and a couple of friends to a remote hut above Tignes, where we’d planned to spend the night before touring with a guide across the mountain range to Courchevel the next day.

The hut was, I have to admit, a tad more basic than I had led her to believe – the loo was a chilly outhouse and we had to chop our own wood for the stove. Bad weather meant we were unexpectedly joined in the last light of the day by 15 strangers who snored loudly in the single dormitory room that we all had to share. At 4am, our guide shook us

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At 2,551m, it’s considerably higher than its nearest luxury rival, Terminal Neige Montenvers on the Mer de Glace above Chamonix. Snow cover at this heady altitude is guaranteed throughout the winter season – that stretches this winter from November 24 to May 1, 2019.

Regular visitors to Val d’Isere will remember it as the Tête de Solaise mountain restaurant, along with the top station of both the Solaise cable car and the Express chairlift, which were dismantled in the summer of 2016.

The two lifts were replaced in December 2016 by the new 10-seater gondola, which has a new top station on the summit of Solaise, 100m higher.

The hotel (think five-star, but as a refuge it doesn’t have a star classification) is the brainchild of local restaurateur Jean-Claude Borel, who owned the Tête de Solaise, and local architect Jean-Charles Covarel, who is responsible for some of Val’s most sumptuous chalets.

Le Refuge has 34 rooms, three large luxury apartments, Enjoy first tracks in the morning on the glorious piste M

and a traditional refuge dormitory with 14 beds.

Facilities include a 300-seat gourmet restaurant, a cocktail bar, and a seminar and projection room, as well as

awake (well, we weren’t exactly slumbering) and urged us

a children’s play area and a spa with a 23-metre pool that is

to leave immediately before the temperature started to rise

open to the public during the day.

and increase the already serious avalanche danger. It was

The hotel has truly spectacular 360-degree mountain

a birthday my wife has never forgotten – not necessarily

views and it’s built in traditional stone, wood, and slate – in

for the fondest of reasons. I’ve since learned my lesson –

keeping with its isolated and beautiful mountain setting.

there’s more to a ski holiday than skiing.

Le Refuge de Solaise in Val d’Isere, which opens this winter, promises an altogether more comfortable experience. The oldest cable car station in France has been transformed into the country’s highest hotel.

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CONSENSIOCHALETS.CO.UK

It’s decorated in modern alpine style, but at the same time some of the engineering features of its 80-year history as a cable car station have been retained.

Its location provides dramatic views across the peaks of the Haute Tarentaise and beyond. On warm afternoons it’s

E XC E P T I O N A L C H A L E T S • E XC E P T I O N A L S E R V I C E

always been a spot where skiers like to linger over drinks until

hours (a tracked vehicle takes you and your luggage from

the sun sinks beneath the horizon, before leaving for the last

top station), and there’s a covered magic-carpet lift back

run to the valley.

up. The owners plan to open their Base Camp hotel in

However, from this winter you can spend the night up here and enjoy first tracks in the morning on the glorious piste

the village centre in December 2019, which will provide alternative accommodation for late arrivals.

M, or the more demanding Rhône-Alpes, all the way to the

I’ve already planned a visit myself to Le Refuge with my

village. Alternatively, if you’re a less accomplished skier, you

wife, confident in the knowledge that the loos are en suite

can make an early start on the adjoining green and blue runs

and I will not need to chop the firewood, or leave by 4am.

reached from the top of Solaise.

But first of all, you’ve got to get up there. Access in

If you’d like to book a special night in Le Refuge during

winter is only by the gondola or on skis. For this winter,

your Consensio holiday, simply contact your prearrival

guests will need to arrive and depart during lift opening

concierge to arrange.

Le Refuge has 34 rooms, three large luxury apartments, and a traditional refuge dormitory with 14 beds

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45

What’s new?

HERE’S A SELECTION OF WHAT’S NEW FOR THE COMING SEASON, BOTH IN THE CONSENSIO CHALETS AND APARTMENTS AND IN THE RESORTS

The spa and swimming pool area at Le Grenier in Mèribel

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E XC E P T I O N A L C H A L E T S • E XC E P T I O N A L S E R V I C E

NEW CHALET Le Grenier, Méribel: Sleeps 12 Guests A stone’s throw from the Morel chairlift and Hulotte piste in Mèribel, Le Grenier is a fabulous addition to Consensio’s chalet portfolio. Located in the heart of the resort, its superb location is accentuated by stylish interior design and breathtaking mountain views of Les Trois Vallèes.

After a day exploring the vast terrain on your doorstep, Le Grenier’s exceptional spa and wellness area will be the perfect remedy to soothe tired, sore limbs. Suited to any type of ski holiday, this magnificent chalet is truly an idyllic destination for your next ski holiday.

NEW SELF-CATERED APARTMENT Lorenzo, Val d’Isère: Sleeps eight guests Lorenzo is the newest addition to Consensio’s self-catered apartment collection. A beautiful duplex apartment in

The Lorenzo lounge area

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Val d’Isère, it is spread over 125 m2 and sleeps eight

welcoming home-away-from-home feel. Guests will benefit

guests. Set back from the road, it benefits from a quiet

from convenient ski-in access from the Solaise ski area with

location on the Avenue Olympic and provides ski-in

an easy walk to Val d’Isère village and all the resort amenities.

access direct from the Solaise ski domain. Within easy

With a cosy open fire to unwind around at the end of the

walking distance to all resort amenities and Val d’Isère’s

day and a balcony with mountain views, this magnificent

old town, it is ideally suited to families or guests who

apartment is the height of self-catered ski accommodation.

enjoy dining out and being in the heart of the action.

CHALET RENOVATION NEW SELF-CATERED APARTMENT Tournesol, Val d’Isère: Sleeps eight guests

Elephant Blanc, Val d’Isère.

Elephant Blanc in Val d’Isère has long been one of

Ideally located within resort, Tournesol is one of seven

Consensio’s top-selling chalets. However, last season it was

duplex apartments that make up the private apartment

given a revamp and is looking fresh-faced and beautiful for

complex Myrtille in Val d’Isère. Sleeping eight guests it is

Winter 2018/19. Keeping its original alpine charm, the prime

tastefully designed to create a warm alpine ambience and

location of this warm and intimate chalet is every skier’s

The Tournesol apartment is a new addition in Val d’Isère

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dream, providing direct ski-in/ski-out to the Solaise area.

MARCO POLO ADDS SOME NEW TOYS Throughout the last season the multiaward-winning world-class chalet Marco Polo in Val d’Isère expanded its already impressive repertoire of bling features. In addition to the chalet’s jaw-dropping gold leaf swimming pool designed by Christian Lacroix and very own wine and cheese cave, Marco Polo

The award-winning Marco Polo even has a car race track

landed a new retro racing car game (think grown-up Scalextric), a biathlon laser shooting range

awards ceremony in November. Fingers crossed we can

and a real tèlècabine relocated from the piste to serve as a

bring home our sixth consecutive win.

fabulous spot to be fitted up for skis and boots. Full details are available at consensiochalets.co.uk/luxury-ski/marco-polo.

NEW IN RESORT With Val d’Isère’s €200m Le Coin redevelopment well

WORLD SKI AWARDS

under way, there are many new restaurants and bars

Last season saw Consensio’s fifth year of success at the

popping up within the resort this season. However, big on

prestigious World Ski Awards, when the magnificent

the agenda for Winter 2018/19 is the opening of Le Refuge

Grande Corniche in Les Gets was not only crowned

de Solaise, which claims to be France’s highest hotel (see

‘Best Ski Chalet in France 2017’ but also received formal

full story on pages 42-45). This 40-bedroom boutique hotel

recognition as being amongst the ‘Top 3 Chalets in

will offer a luxurious refuge-style experience, complete

World’. This year, Consensio is proud to be nominated for

with a gastronomic restaurant and spa. A long-awaited

‘World’s Best Tour Operator’ and to have five chalets in the

new gondola at La Daille is set to replace the existing lift

running for ‘Best Ski Chalet in France 2018’. We wish Mont

that also provides access to La Folie Douce.

Tremblant in Méribel, Shemshak Lodge in Courchevel,

New ski lifts have also been proposed in Morzine and Les

Grande Corniche in Les Gets, Jejalp in Morzine and Marco

Gets, which will open up the ski area and provide better

Polo in Val d’Isère the very best of luck at the upcoming

links to the Grande Terche and Avoriaz.

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Dreams really can come true HELEN ORFORD TALKS TO A COMPANY WHICH CAN TURN YOUR DREAMS INTO REALITY

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H

ave you ever wanted to star in your own movie, have an ice driving lesson with The Stig from Top Gear, or give your children the surprise of

their lives by transforming your chalet into an ice cave from Frozen?

I met up with Mark Pepler, director of Footprints and Dreams, to better understand this new trend of treating your loved ones to a once-in-a-lifetime bespoke experience.

With

more

organising

than

40

large-scale

years’

collective

immersive

events

experience within

the

international corporate market, Mark and his business partner, Waiwan Lee, decided to focus on special bespoke experiences for smaller groups. “Simply put, Footprints and Dreams in an experience company,” says Mark.

Mark starts listing the mind-blowing experiences they have created for a number of UHNW individuals, and the level of detail that goes into their planning is astounding.

They run from producing a number of private Great British Bake Off competitions for families in the privacy of their gardens, complete with their favourite chefs from MasterChef as judges, to something a little more dangerous.

Mark says: “Last year we were approached by a woman who wanted to learn to do stunts in a helicopter, so we organised for her to have a Hollywood stunt pilot, who worked on a number of the Fast & Furious films, to teach her some helicopter tricks over Hollywood.

“We organised a race day for a client where a Formula One driver taught them how to race, properly race.

Afterwards, they competed against each other in race cars around a private circuit.”

With ice-race tracks only a short distance from the

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Alps and the plethora of ice-driving stuntmen Footprints

Martin, the lucky participant will be sped off to a military

and Dreams have on speed dial, the possibilities for an

war museum to drive a tank and defuse a bomb. After being

incredible day with your whole group while on holiday is

whisked over the border on a Harley motorbike to a castle,

dangerously captivating.

he will sample some of the world’s most exquisite food, find

Everything they do is confidential and discreet; however, Mark is able to hint at their latest commission for ‘a Swiss banker who wants to be James Bond for the weekend’.

an antidote, and discover the location of the evil scientist.

The following morning, he will be met by a group of his friends to invade an island in Croatia together in formation

It is clear just how much Mark loves his job as his eyes

on boats, blowing up buildings and taking on military

light up while reeling off all the amazing things they have

stuntmen in a paintball fight like no other. The adventure

lined up for this lucky Bond fan. A live real-time Bond

culminates with a flight to Venice for a casino party where

experience, all captured by drones and a film crew on the

our hero can take down the villain at a game of poker. All

ground, to be broadcast live online via a private secure URL

devised and organised by Mark and Waiwan.

for friends and family to watch.

Two adrenaline-fuelled days of non-stop, live, real-time adventure that will become one of his most treasured memories.

Collected from his private jet by Felix Leiter, a famous character and stunt driver from the Bond films, in an Aston

If the high-stakes action adventure isn’t for you, never fear, Footprints and Dreams tailor their experiences to each client and any dream can be realised.

The experience that really catches my attention, however, is the one Mark calls ‘the perfect dinner party’.

They profile every single guest in advance and invite each person’s favourite celebrity to dinner. These may include sporting idols, fashionistas, favourite childhood music artists, authors, and Disney characters! Just imagine the fascinating combinations of people and threads of conversation that would occur across the table. With a service so bespoke, you really can bring dreams to life and make your skiing holiday even more memorable.

Planning can take anything from a few months to a year, so it’s important to book well in advance, although Mark assures me anything is possible with enough creativity. With connections to the top people in events, showbiz, and the film industries, Footprints and Dreams can source not only actors, but also the behind-the-scenes superstars, such as writers,

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stuntmen, full film crews, and costume and fashion designers.

in the privacy of your own chalet, or receive private tuition

Why not have your own private fashion show in your

from a top stunt woman on how to do epic ski jumping

chalet staged by the world’s leading designers, followed

stunts off the mountains, with Footprints and Dreams, truly

by a consultation by a top fashion designer who will create a haute-couture, one-of-a-kind look for you, complete with custom-made Christian Louboutin shoes to be delivered at

For more information on turning your dreams into

the end of your holiday, Mark asks. Why not indeed?

reality, talk to your Consensio concierge manager

Seemingly no request is too large or small. “We could build a beach party in your chalet in the Alps, design a themed menu

to arrange. Alternatively, you can contact Footprints and Dreams directly:

with your chef, dress it all out with Caribbean palms, bring in sand, pools, heating, lighting, performers and flair cocktail staff

Tel: +44 (0) 208 0373226

and turn it into a complete party!” An evening your corporate

Email: florence@footprintsanddreams.com

party will be talking to their grandchildren about!

Website: www.footprintsanddreams.com

Whether you want to create your own Chanel perfume

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Get some snowhow – your guide to looking good on the slopes this winter TO GET THIS SEASON’S LATEST FASHION TIPS WE CAUGHT UP WITH TAMSIN BURFORD, THE CREATIVE DIRECTOR AND FOUNDER OF WINTERNATIONAL, AN ONLINE LUXURY LADIES SKI-WEAR COMPANY. TAMSIN’S INCREDIBLE SKI FASHION BRAND CURATES A COLLECTION OF SKI-WEAR PRODUCED WITH THE BEST FABRICS BY A SMALL COTERIE OF THE BEST DESIGNERS

T

his winter we see the emergence of new colours

Tones of burgundy and maroon can be seen in our

and prints for the piste. There are wine colours to

ski-wear

tempt you and some gorgeous interpretations of

Goldbergh. Luxury styling combined with their brand

the leopard print and the diamanté trend.

collections

from

Sportalm

Kitzbuhel

and

ethics of excellent performance help to create styles that

At Winternational, we’ve had the best time putting

are hard not to love. Goldbergh present a more streamlined

together our collection for winter 2018-19 and we’ve

athletic and pared-down look, with the introduction of earth

introduced some new brands.

tones plus blacks and, of course, the wine colours we are

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Goldbergh Vita

Goldbergh Kuga

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falling in love with. Red is always a favourite and

Sportalm

Goldbergh’s poppy red is a sure winner.

Sportalm go all out with their combinations of maroons, ambers and metallics. Your eye is drawn to the delicious lines and overstatement, which makes their ski-wear so striking.

Emmegi, the small designer ski-wear house, go from strength to strength. In our edit, we see a return of biker chic with a leather-look star printed ski jacket, as well as Sportalm

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gold and black tones. We’re excited to announce our winter collection features Emmegi X Winternational exclusively.

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A stunning one-piece catsuit available only at Winternational – a catsuit to slink down the slopes!

S’No

Queen

make

the

prettiest thermals. The diamanté

This silhouette is super important. Black is the colour we

features mean you can keep

know works in all lights and on all figures, looks cool, and is

warm in style this season. Layer

captivatingly chic against the snow.

up and look good!

For the best dressed (and protected) lips, we’d recommend Albus

&

Flora’s

S’No Queen

wonderful

lip balms. The favourite colour here at Winternational is Snowberry Red! It has a faint red tint that goes with anything and the formulation keeps lips soft.

Albus & Flora

Don’t be left in the cold… call our style team anytime to look good on the slopes. Our gift to you – 10% discount when you use code Consensio18 Tel: + 44 1235 760077 Email: lookgood@winternational.co.uk Emmegi

Website: winternational.co.uk

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Magical milestones A PARTY IN A CONSENSIO LUXURY CHALET COMBINED WITH A SKI ADVENTURE OR ROMANTIC HUSKY RIDE IS THE NEW WAY OF CELEBRATING A MILESTONE BIRTHDAY

A private team will look after your every need

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The Consensio chefs can create your favourite dishes

A

BBQ in the back garden or a house party with friends and family, complete with a lovingly curated photo collage, is no longer the way to

celebrate your milestone birthday.

If you’ve never considered inviting a few of your old mates to ski down a steep back country couloir, then maybe it is time to start thinking about it!

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If that all seems rather extreme, think again. Climbing the Vallon above Meribel at sunrise, zooming down pistes on wooden parets, or hiking to the Col d’Isèran in the hope of seeing the famous Val d’Isère eagle are just a few of the adventures that now mark what used to be considered your ‘over the hill’ birthday.

There is a growing trend for baby boomers and Generation X to take on wild adventures with friends to celebrate turning 40, 50, or even 60. So-called ‘milestone travel’ has seen a surge as more and more people plan adventures around their big celebrations.

Consensio is currently experiencing an increasing number of clients who plan their ski chalet stay to coincide with a landmark birthday or anniversary. Climbing a mountain is often aptly used as a metaphor for life, and time is an increasingly rare commodity, so we are happy to point you in the right direction.

So what are the ingredients for a great party?

Property first – and size matters. The larger chalets provide an opportunity to dine with a large number of guests as well as having flexibility with bedroom arrangements. The luxury of having your own spa and unlimited après ski beverages all help bring you closer together.

Your private team is on hand to look after every need and your pre-arrival concierge manager can organise and arrange every aspect of your celebration. What could be better than a spectacular bespoke evening with musicians or magicians in a chalet decorated according to your specification?

The Consensio chefs will create your favourite dishes and the concierge team can source rare wines or arrange The concierge team can source rare wines for your special occasion

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a cocktail mixologist to whisk up fabulous drinks. A variety of activities from ice-driving, husky sledging, scenic

E XC E P T I O N A L C H A L E T S • E XC E P T I O N A L S E R V I C E

heli-tours to mountain fly overs have all been arranged as

So, what are you waiting for? Whether it’s your 21st,

part of milestone celebrations in the past. The Consensio

30th, 40th, 50th, 60th, 70th or 80th birthday or any other

service is entirely bespoke and arrangements can be

celebration, why not go a little wild? It’s a great excuse to

made to match your specific needs.

indulge in a life-changing adventure.

Treat yourself to a hot stone massage, one of the many treatments available at Consensio chalets

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Natural beauty 62

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THE ALBUS & FLORA JOURNEY TO FIND THE PERFECT PROTECTION FOR YOUR LIPS STARTED HIGH IN THE MOUNTAINS, WHERE ALTHOUGH BEAUTY CAN BE BREATHTAKING, THE CLIMATE CAN BE HARSH AND EVER-CHANGING

F

or millions of years, plants in harsh climates have

extreme environments, is based in Courchevel and can

devised remarkable ways to protect themselves

be found climbing up or skiing down mountains at every

against UV rays, the intense cold and dehydration

opportunity. She is looking forward to a seventh season

of winter and the heat and sunrays in summer.

in the Alps.

The resilience of alpine botanicals inspired ALBUS

Speaking to medical professionals at the recent Facial

& FLORA founder Rachel Williams to create a range of

Aesthetic Conference & Exhibition, Rachel highlighted the

balms that support today’s modern active lifestyles and

vulnerability and required care of the lips. Due to a poor

nourish, hydrate and protect against premature ageing in

skin barrier function, much thinner skin (3-5 cellular layers,

all climates, including altitude.

compared to 16 layers on the face) and the lack of

Rachel Williams, a physiologist with a background in pharmacology and an expert in acclimatisation to

sebaceous glands, the lips are highly susceptible to damage from UV and harsh climate conditions.

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E XC E P T I O N A L C H A L E T S • E XC E P T I O N A L S E R V I C E

highly anti-oxidant, vitamin and omega rich balm, with broad spectrum UVA/UVB SPF30 protection, ideal for winter sports.

The balms are formulated with arctic cranberry and raspberry seed oil to protect against sun damage, fine lines and loss of lip fullness. Seaberry, avocado and blackcurrant seed oils are used to nourish, stimulate cell renewal and support skin barrier function, and beeswax, jojoba, grape and sunflower oils are infused to hydrate, condition and reduce moisture loss. Alpine rose is also included in all their formulations. Not only is it an anti-oxidant, anti-ageing powerhouse, but it is also 100 per cent anti-viral. In their These external factors increase the risk of dryness,

balms you will find no petrolatum, parabens, mineral oil,

premature ageing, skin cancers and loss of lip fullness due

silicones, sulphates, propylene glycol, phthalates, PEGs, or

to loss of collagen and elastin. It is important to note that

synthetic fragrances. And they are never tested on animals.

the lips are not an uncommon, but often overlooked site for non-melanoma skin cancers, namely basal and squamous

albusandflora.com

cell carcinoma. Individuals over the age of 45 with a history of unprotected sun exposure are most at risk.

In mountain environments, the fewer pollutants, higher

The ALBUS & FLORA name reflects the origin of the

altitude and reflection of rays from the snow mean skin is

products. Albus means white in latin and symbolises

exposed to much higher levels of UV. These levels increase

the natural purity and lightness of the formulations,

by approximately 10 per cent with every 1,000m climbed.

plus the fun and freedom of adventures in the

Unprotected skin can burn within six minutes at 3,000m

snow. Flora represents regional plants and is the

as it is exposed to 30 per cent more UV at this height than

name of the Roman goddess of flowers and spring.

at sea level. Lips are especially vulnerable to burning, and

The company says this symbolises the beauty and

the supressed local immune system from exposure to high

resilience of the alpine botanicals it uses.

UV levels means this often leads to dry, sore, peeling lips and a dreaded cold sore.

To combat the raised UV levels and harsh conditions at altitude, ALBUS & FLORA has created a deeply nourishing,

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ALBUS & FLORA lip balms are now available in all Consensio luxury chalets.

From group lessons for adults and children to private coaching and off-piste experiences, our team will help make your holiday unforgettable.

+33 (0)4 79 22 25 70 www.oxygene.ski

What’s on?

THERE’S PLENTY OF ENTERTAINMENT ON AND OFF THE SLOPES THIS WINTER

COURCHEVEL

80 athletes compete in the two stages of this year’s World Cup, featuring ladies’ slalom, and ladies’ giant slalom. Come

All winter

and join the celebration of the world’s top skiers, whether

DALI ON THE SLOPES

spectating or joining in with the range of entertainment on

Ten years after Courchevel and Galeries Bartoux first created

the ground and in the air.

an open-air surrealist exhibition, Dali’s work is returning to Courchevel’s mountains to celebrate the anniversary of Art at the Summit. Come and find Dali’s most renowned

14 February to 7 March 2019 INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL OF PYROTECHNIC ARTS

sculptures and original pieces, created during the 1980s,

Firework artists from all over the world are set to provide

dotted all over the resort.

four Black Pearl themed evenings for the 17th edition of this festival. The only event of its kind in the world, where the

21 – 22 December 2018

audience now forms part of the jury. A magical dive into the

LADIES ALPINE SKI WORLD CUP

world of Pirates of the Caribbean, with a whole festival of

Join around 10,000 spectators and 100 journalists to watch

incredible firework displays.

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28 February 2019

22 – 30 December 2018

ARIONDAZ BY NIGHT XXL

‘THE MAGIC OF CHRISTMAS’ WEEK

If you love skiing by the light of the stars, then this is

Val d’Isère invites you to discover a host of festive

the perfect event for you! Indulge in festive, spectacular

decorations to get you in the Christmas spirit, including

night-time skiing with great music, dancing and stunning

giant snow sculptures, ice carvings, giant Christmas

views at this special evening within the International Festival

baubles and even a visit from Santa and his reindeer,

of Pyrotechnic Arts.

who will start the Christmas festivities on Christmas Eve from 5pm.

VAL-D’ISÈRE

30 – 31 January 2019 ALPINE SKIING EUROPA CUP

7 – 16 December 2018 CRITÉRIUM DE LA PREMIÈRE NEIGE The Audi FIS World Cup Downhill, Slalom and Super

Val d’Isère is hosting a Europa Cup giant slalom event, which will see skiers from all horizons competing. Come and watch the champions of tomorrow on the Joseray slope.

G will give the world’s top ski racers the terrain for the performance of a lifetime. This week offers races,

2 April 2019

demonstrations, trials and plenty of parties. Something for

SCARA RACE

the whole family to enjoy.

This international ski race brings together the top young skiers from France and abroad aged from 12 to 15 years.

Over 1,500 competitors representing 32 nations will be battling it out on the famous ‘OK’ race slope during this Junior World Championships race.

15 – 19 April 2019 22ND INTERNATIONAL ADVENTURE AND DISCOVERY FILM FESTIVAL The Conference Centre and cinema are to play host to this 4-day festival, where you can discover the nightly showing of 11 films to be judged by the professional jury. The festival also features exhibitions, entertainment, demonstrations, literary encounters and book signings.

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MÉRIBEL

translucent skinned dragon wandering the streets of Méribel with its friend, the larger than life character Astro

31 December 2018 ESF TORCHLIGHT DESCENT

Diva. This evening is sure to amaze both young and old with its puppetry and pyrotechnics.

MORZINE

22 December 2018 to 4 January 2019 ENCHANTED VILLAGE Two weeks of entertainment around the theme of light.

Workshops, performances, light shows and DJs – there really is something for everyone!

5 March 2019 LADIES NIGHT A stunning torchlight display organised by the ESF ski

An exceptional evening with the best French female skiers.

instructors of Méribel, descending simultaneously in three

The ladies face up to each other in a parallel slalom on

different locations. Shown in centre of Méribel on the Chaudanne snowfront, Méribel Mottaret on the snowfront, and Méribel Village.

2 February 2019 YOONI MOON TRIAL Whether you’re a trail amateur or an experienced runner, swap your skis for your sneakers and a headlamp for one night only and join this snow-covered race in the moonlight.

20 February 2019 DRAGON TIME PARADE A fantastic night-time firework show featuring a colourful

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the floodlit Pleney stade. A unique night-time show with a great atmosphere.

17 – 22 March 2019 ROCK THE PISTES FESTIVAL An exciting festival combining snow and music, where artists perform in scarves and woolly hats and spectators dance in ski boots. Gigs are performed at the top of the Portes du Soleil slopes on festival stages that are erected overnight, as the venues change resort each day between France and Switzerland. There are over 35 concerts during

the Maison des Gets. A wide choice of themed shows and

the week, and three confirmed acts this year are Gaetan

family events are planned for all ages throughout the week.

Roussel, Hyphen Hyphen and Charlie Winston.

28 January to 1 February 2019 (TBC) 31 March 2019

THE 100 CIELS D’HIVER

FÊTE DES CHAMPIONS DES PDS

Inspired by the summer version of this festival, this themed

A big race bringing together not just ski clubs and schools,

week is dedicated to well-being in all its forms. Individual

but also holidaymakers. The children ski under the watchful

and group workshops run by professionals both inside

eye of the Portes du Soleil ski champions, with advice,

and outdoors enable visitors to discover or deepen their

signing sessions, selfies and prize-giving on the podiums.

understanding of the wide variety of well-being disciplines

This is sure to be an unforgettable day for young skiers!

available. All with the common objective of relaxing, unwinding and taking time out for oneself.

LES GETS

22 – 31 March 2019 SPRING LOUNGE MUSIC FESTIVAL

15 January 2019 THE SAVOIE MONT-BLANC GRANDE ODYSSÉE

Spring is a great time to party! To prolong the party atmosphere of the Portes du Soleil Rock The Pistes Festival,

A unique event uniting the best mushers from around the

Les Gets resort has created a winter version of its renowned

world. This international long-distance dog sledge race spans

summer event – The Lounge Music Festival. The concept is

900km across the French and Swiss Alps. The circuit covers

relaxed and simple, with free concerts performed in

the Chavannes pistes, following a spectacular section under

different venues across the village.

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Green credentials CONSENSIO IS GOING GREEN – ONE RECYCLED PERRIER JOUËT BOTTLE AT A TIME

S

urrounded by the most picturesque mountains in

amount of paper used. Similarly, we minimise our use of

the world, we’re passionate about looking after our

single-use plastics wherever possible, using only reusable

beautiful planet and believe in making changes to

shopping bags, and providing recyclable, biodegradable

make this a better place for future generations to enjoy.

paper straws in all of our chalets.

We source our incredible fresh produce from local

We are currently fitting our chalets with energy-saving

independent sellers where possible to invest in the

bulbs, which not only use less energy but can also be

community, providing fresher and better-tasting ingredients

recycled, unlike traditional bulbs. All of our chalets have

and reducing our carbon footprint as a company. From our

cosy log fires for additional heating, and some even use

delicious cheeses and fresh bread collected by hand from the

geothermal heating. Additionally, a growing number of our

nearby fromagerie and bakery, to vegetables sourced from

swimming pools are chlorine-free, using an environmentally

the local farmers’ market, to our meat and fish bought fresh

friendly ozone water treatment system, which is a kinder

directly from neighbouring butchers who are supplied directly

alternative for both skin and the environment.

by nearby Savoie farmers., everything is sourced locally.

Going green helps the environment by reducing the

All of the rubbish from our chalets is separated by hand

amount of pollution that enters the soil, water, and air.

and recycled, and we keep our waste to a minimum by

By using alternative energy sources rather than fossil

continuously monitoring our stocks. All of our guest invoices,

fuels, and by recycling and reducing waste and operating

rental agreements and staff employment paperwork is

more efficiently, fewer pollutants are released into the

sent and signed electronically, significantly reducing the

environment, making for a greener and happier world.

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Triumph over adversity ANNA MAXWELL HAS HAD TO FACE A SERIES OF TRIALS AND TRIBULATIONS, BUT THE COMBINATION OF HER OWN COMPETITIVE SPIRIT AND HELP FROM SUPPORTING WOUNDED VETERANS HAS SEEN HER EMERGE AS AN EVEN STRONGER PERSON. LIZ SCHULTZ REPORTS…

I

t was an honour to meet Anna Maxwell. I can

and bred in Yorkshire, Anna is a country girl through and

honestly say I left our lunch meeting with a refreshed

through. She went to boarding school in the Lake District,

perspective on my petty complaints with everyday life.

and upon completing her A-levels she was encouraged to

All the same, I found myself procrastinating when trying to write this article.

pursue a civilised career as a lady behind a desk.

Having joined cadets at school, Anna had always been

I felt an overwhelming sense of responsibility to genuinely

drawn to the great outdoors and was attracted to the

capture Anna’s remarkable courage and warm disposition

lifestyle the Army could offer. Following her heart, this was

with the integrity it deserved. Anna’s inspirational story

the direction she decided to take.

extends far beyond her injury and the rehabilitation from a

“It was an exciting time for women in the army. It wasn’t

devastating luge accident that resulted in the amputation

without its struggles, but it promised change and it was a

of her leg. Anna possesses a strength of character and

privilege to be a part of that,” said Anna.

attitude towards life that I wish I could bottle and drink.

In addition to being captain in the Adjutant General’s

As we sat in a busy Bond Street café in London, I lost

Corps and completing two tours in Iraq, Anna was a

myself in complete admiration of this strong woman. Born

professional full-time athlete in the army. Initially, she

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competed as a ski racer before moving into ice sports

Anna Maxwell (pictured right) is back on the snow in a sit-ski

and taking up luge. In 2005, Anna was in Latvia preparing to qualify for the Turin Winter Olympics being held the following year. Hurtling down the luge track at speeds exceeding 120 km per hour, Anna’s life was catapulted in a painful new direction in the blink of an eye.

It’s one thing to sit on the sofa and watch a seemingly fearless person launch themselves feet-first on a flat sled down a sharply descending tube of ice. But to hear Anna explain how the force of hitting a tiny glitch in the ice at speed has the power to rip your leg from its socket, vividly brings home the immense high risk of this sport.

Following an X-ray and treatment in Latvia, it was confirmed Anna had not broken any bones in the accident, but she had suffered a severe dislocation and ligament damage. Upon her return to the UK Anna began her rehabilitation, still distantly hopeful that she would be fit in time to qualify for the Turin Olympics. This dream was abruptly shattered when her doctor called and requested she return to his surgery immediately.

The thrills and adrenaline rush of being an elite athlete

He explained that although the exterior shell of the bone in

dissolved into a life confined to a wheelchair. Anna’s mental

Anna’s lower leg had appeared to be intact in the initial X-ray,

health deteriorated and if it wasn’t for the companionship

a follow-up MRI showed it to be internally shattered.

of her dog, she questioned whether she would’ve been

Anna underwent a series of unsuccessful surgeries to

able to continue.

repair her injuries. In constant agony, as time progressed

One day when venturing out and about in her wheelchair,

she developed a condition called Complex Regional

Anna fell over while in a crowd of people. Every emotion

Pain Syndrome (CRPS). In layman terms, CPRS is a poorly

that had been boiling inside her, from humiliation and anger

understood condition in which a person experiences

to despair and frustration, erupted all at once. Little did

chronic pain that is severe and debilitating.

Anna know in the moment that this was rock bottom and

Anna explains: “Eventually the brain gives up on the infected limb inflicting such physical and mental strain and it basically begins to die.”

would mark the start of a hopeful new chapter in her life.

Anna returned home and called her doctor. She had come to the conclusion that her life was one worth living and

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the only way to improve the quality of this life was to remove

She said: “I could have never anticipated the timely

her leg to minimise her discomfort. Anna’s doctor agreed this

support that followed.” Post-surgery, SWV organised for

was the best decision and, subsequently, Anna elected to

Anna to be mentored by Jane Durgan, a former solicitor,

undergo a through-the-knee amputation of her left leg.

mother of three and amputee herself, who offered Anna

As part of her rehabilitation, Anna set herself two goals: 1. To walk her dog, which up until this point she had not been able to do. 2. To ski again.

invaluable support.

“Not only could Jane understand my frustrations and relate to my fears, she provided me with hope and reminded

Within a matter of weeks, Anna took her first liberating steps in five years, and before long she was able to walk

me that it is possible to live a full life with a family as an amputee,” said Anna.

her dog. Skiing became an integral part of her rehabilitation

Now the very proud mother of a beautiful little girl,

and, never shying from a challenge, in a mere 37 weeks

Anna’s life has taken on another new lease of energy.

following her surgery, Anna was not only back skiing but

With the thought that her skiing days were behind her,

competing on the Paralympic circuit.

the glitter of freshly groomed corduroy still beckoned

Unfortunately, the pressure of intensive training and ski

and in 2017 Anna was invited to join the Blesma

racing on one leg came at a cost

Hartford Ski Spectacular trip to

and Anna’s right leg began to suffer,

Sit-down skiing is completely different to

Colorado. Never one to say no

reaching a point where she could

stand-up skiing… it was a good challenge

to an opportunity, she accepted,

no longer stand up to ski. Having

but I was terrified

however, making it back to the

recently married, Anna made the decision to retire and pursue another of her dreams – to have a family. She was medically discharged from the army in 2012.

snow would be no easy feat.

Anna said: “Sit-down skiing is completely different to stand-up skiing. I had to forget everything I knew and rely

While many people experience stress and complications

solely on my upper body and head. It was the most awful

when trying to have children, few people are given the

four days. I had gone from being a proficient skier to

medical advice to remove six inches from an already

a complete beginner. It was a good challenge, but I

amputated leg. Never to be defeated, Anna once again went

was terrified.”

under the knife to create room for a more stable prosthetic.

“I try to never say no to an opportunity, you never know

Before doing so, she received a tweet from Supporting

where it will take you. This has opened so many more doors

Wounded Veterans (SWV) with an invitation to join the

for me. I have been on stage in a West-End play, climbed a

2014 Ski Week in Klosters. This was to be Anna’s last

mountain in the Antarctic, even given a TED talk as a part

hurrah before her operation, and would be the last time

of International Women’s Day! You just never know where

she would stand up ski.

saying yes will take you.”

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JOIN A VERY DIFFERENT SKIING CHALLENGE IN KLOSTERS, SWITZERLAND Thursday 31 January to Sunday 3 February 2019 Help Supporting Wounded Veterans change more veterans’ lives whilst having the time of your life!

Held annually, THE SWV SKI CHALLENGE is a fun and demanding, adrenaline fueled and competitive skiing event.

A testing Marathon and Slalom race – the course having been set up with intimate knowledge of the terrain and resort.

For further details, a brochure, call or in house/at home presentation email info@supportingwoundedveterans.com Teams compete against each other and, uniquely, against 5 wounded veteran teams. • An extraordinary opportunity for networking, teamwork and personal development on many levels, with the competitors invariably inspired and motivated by the veterans and their needs. • Teams of 2-4 people, or enter on your own and SWV will complete the team for you – teams can be either corporate or social. • To take part you only need to be an intermediate skier or snowboarder (and above!). • The funds raised will go directly to Supporting Wounded Veterans. • Cost is £1,800 per person to include 3 nights’ half board accommodation at The Silvretta Parkhotel (based on 2 people sharing a standard twin room), transfers to/from Zurich airport to meet the recommended flights, ski passes and complimentary winter sports holiday insurance (UK residents only). It does not include flights, equipment hire or lunch. • Approx £1,000 per entrant goes directly to supporting the Charity’s projects and this can be fundraised separately. SWV is able to fully support you in your fundraising efforts. • If entering a corporate team please find out if matched funding is available.

info@supportingwoundedveterans.com www.supportingwoundedveterans.com

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