Get a taste for skiing on these webcams

The snow really is coming and it is time of wax the skis and book skiing holiday!
We have chalets reduced by 25% for Christmas!

Please look at the following resort webcams…

VAL D’ISERE – Tourist office webcams

View from Chalet Le Chardon. The chalet sleeps 20 people and is one of the best in the resort.

ZERMATT – Tourist office webcams

VERBIER – Tourist office webcams

Please contact us for all special offers available for the first few weeks of the season.

info@oxfordski.com or +44 (0) 1865 398 130

Early snow records set to be broken in Austria

“Early snow records set to be broken” reports Lisa Chapman in the Austrian Times

Report from 12/10/09

“Austria’s provincial capitals are expected to see their earliest snowfalls in history today (Mon) as Arctic air sweeps the country.

Josef Haselhofer from Vienna’s Central Agency for Meteorology and Geodynamics (ZAMG) said today (Mon) Arctic air would probably result in the first snow cover in provincial capitals before 20 October in history and said Innsbruck, Salzburg and St. Pölten were likely to see snow.

He said as much as 30 to 40 centimetres of snow was likely down to 1,200 metres and snow could fall as low as 400 metres later this week, adding it had already begun to fall in Vorarlberg. He also predicted low temperatures would be minus five degrees at higher elevations and zero degrees in the lowlands by Thursday morning.

Haselhofer warned of possible impassable snow drifts in some places and the danger of avalanches in low-lying areas.

Car club ÖAMTC reported today that chains were mandatory for all vehicles on stretches of the Arlbergstraße (L197), Lechtalstraße (L198) and the Silvretta-Hochalpenstraße (L188) in Vorarlberg.

The club said snow was falling down to 1,500 metres and the snow line would drop to as low as 900 metres in the province before it stopped snowing there.

The record for early snow in provincial capitals was set in 2007, when snow remained on the ground in some of them from 20 to 24 October. The average high in October, according to ZAMG, is 15 degrees.

The snow warnings come after weather records tumbled last week, with a number of places seeing records for the highest October temperature in many years, according to ZAMG.”

The good news is we have some fantastic chalts in the Arlberg region to stay in. Please have a look at the following resorts on our website www.oxfordski.com/.

Lech – Chalet Furka (Sleeps 14)

Zurs – Bentleys House (Luxury Serviced Apartments of 4, 6 or 7)

St Anton – We have a choice of 17 catered chalets or all sizes!

Please do call our Sales Team to find you the right holiday on +44 (0) 1865 398 130

A Super Luxury Dragon’s Den

Hidden Dragon (Sleeps 12 – very comfortably) “ski in ski out”.

Resort: Veysonnaz, near Verbier, Switzerland

Hidden Dragon is undoubtedly one of the most exclusive, private, Alpine lodges in the heart of Switzerland’s dynamic 4 Valley ski region. Nestled in a forest, above the village of Veysonnaz, this secluded mountain retreat is discreetly located in its own extensive grounds accessed by private road. Perched at 1,500m, this year-round hide-away offers uninterrupted panoramic views over the Rhone Valley. Idyllic throughout the seasons, Hidden Dragon offers skiers and non-skiers the ultimate Alpine get-away as it is only 15 minutes drive from Sion’s private heliport and airport. Using ancient Feng Shui and Shinto principles, Hidden Dragon was built with escape in mind.

Hidden Dragon offers four floors of spacious Alpine-chic living, harmoniously fusing antiques with contemporary pieces. All six en-suite, guest bedrooms offer luxurious comfort, while the multiple stylish living quarters, including a professional sound-proofed cinema, ensure maximum guest indulgence.

Guests are encouraged to handpick wines to accompany their evening feast from the state-of-the-art extensive wine cellar, and to enjoy the wraparound balcony for sunset cocktails and star-gazing through the vintage telescope. Winter guests benefit from skiing in and out of the elegant ‘Gentlemen’s Club’ style, ski-room complete with guests’ very own après-ski bar. Just seconds to the slopes, guests have easy access to one of the most dynamic ski regions in Europe, reaching the top of Mont Fort and its infamous off-piste trails in no time at all.

After skiing guests return to a haven of luxurious pampering – with a hammam, sauna, hot-tub, meditation room, yoga deck, rain showers, and massage therapy all on offer to soothe aching limbs.

Summary of Recent Alpine Visit

We have just returned from a trip to the Alps where we were busy working on our portfolio of chalets with some exciting new additions for next season. The good news is the standard of chalets and choices of holidays in the Alps keeps going up.

The resorts we visited were Morzine, Les Gets, Megeve, Chamonix, Verbier and Veysonnaz. We very equally impressed by the quality of the chalets as we were by the beautiful sunny Alpine Summer which is not to be missed!

The feedback from various mountain authorities was also very exciting with improvements planned for many of the lift networks and even more detail being put in to the service you receive when going on holiday.

Please find below a selection of chalets from the resorts we visited.

VERBIER

Chalet Le Ti (Sleeps 6 + 3) a stunning Alpine chalet suitable for one or two families. Available for New Year

Chalet Nyumba (Sleeps 14 + 2) nothing has been left to chance in the design of this new chalet. Available for New Year.

MEGEVE

Chalet Firmin (Sleeps 8 + 4) is a classic stand alone chalet which is also linked to a brand new hotel and spa complex. You therefore have the privacy of your chalet with the added luxuries of a spa, restaurant, bar and full hotel concierge. (Average price £1,737 pp).

CHAMONIX

The choices of high-end chalets in this resort increases each year and is now competing with the best of the Alp.

Chalet Saphir (Sleeps 12) “a cutting edge chalet”.  Available for New Year.

Chalet Maison Village (Sleeps 10 + 2) Great for families. Catered from £7,800 for Easter

MORZINE

Alaska Lodge (Sleeps 14 + 2) ticks a lot of the boxes for a skiing holiday. This chalet positioned only 100m from the Super Morzine lift and in the centre of town. You would never need to get in a vehicle during your holiday.  New Year week is still available. The adult price is £1,409 including flights and transfers.

For more information on this chalet please call us on 01865 398 130 or view the chalet on The Oxford Ski Company website

Two Impressive New Chalets in Morzine

Chalet Alaska, sleeps 14 + 2

Alaska Lodge is one of our exciting new properties available to rent this season in Morzine, France. It is a superbly designed apartment with a blend of fashionable and contemporary features along with practical functionality which makes it somewhat unique in the resort.  The chalet has subtle ultra-modern lighting to highlight soaring eaves. Alaska lodge is superbly placed within the resort, just a stone’s throw from the Super Morzine cable-car which gives you immediate access to the fantastic skiing in the Avoriaz ski area.  For those wishing to explore the wide-open runs of the Les Gets ski area, the Pleney lift is only 5 minutes walk away.

This luxury chalet apartment is available to rent in both summer and winter. The winter rates range from £399 to £1,409 per person, per week. The booking price includes a chalet host who will greet you on arrival and provide you with their intimate knowledge of the resort. They will also provide a delicious breakfast each morning to set you up for your day on the slopes and exquisite dinners each evening.

Valdez Suite, sleeps 4

The Valdez Suite is the other lusciously decorated property located in the same building as the Alaska Lodge. It is rare to find such intimate accommodation, and virtually unheard of in such a spectacular location. The suite is entirely self-contained, comprising two boutique-style en-suite bedrooms, and a spacious lounge area. With a south facing balcony perfect for soaking up the après-ski high street buzz, this is a property that one could really imagine living in and as such is very hard to leave once you have stayed there for a week!

This luxury chalet apartment is available to rent in both summer and winter. The winter rates range from £399 to £1,149 per person, per week. The booking price includes a chalet host who will greet you on arrival and provide you with their intimate knowledge of the resort. They will also provide a delicious breakfast each morning to set you up for your day on the slopes and exquisite dinners each evening.

As regards the resort of Morzine, mountain restaurants are a real highlight: expect value-for-money traditional log cabins with open fires, local speciality dishes and ‘vin chaud’ on tap. Renting accomodation in Morzine puts one in a perfect place to explore the Portes du Soleil; the largest linked ski area in the world. Pretty and traditional by day, the village comes alive in the late afternoon and those so inclined can happily drink and dance into the small hours. More family-oriented options include an ice-rink, bowling alley, weekly market and a host of cultural and historical activities that recall Morzine’s traditional farming roots.

For more information on this chalet please call us on 01865 398 130 or view the chalet on The Oxford Ski Company website

Wonderful Chalet in Morzine in an incredible location

Chalet du Pre, sleep 10 people

Completed in summer 2008, this Chalet in a modern take on the traditional apline chalet model. The spacious living area is tastefully decorated in modern French style and opens onto a large terrace, with further balconies for four of the five en suite bedrooms above. There is also an additional TV room upstairs  giving the additional space to relax often needed for groups of ten. The chalet is superbly situated on a large plot in the centre of Morzine. It is within site of the Pleney lift, only 100 metres away. 500 metres away in the other direction the Super Morzine lift sits ready and waiting to whisk one up into the fantastic avoriaz ski area and  even on into Switzerland. Such is the extent of the Portes du Soleil ski area.

This luxury chalet  is available to rent in both summer and winter. The winter rates range from £399 to £1,129 per person, per week. The booking price includes a chalet host who will greet you on arrival and provide you with their intimate knowledge of the resort. They will also provide a delicious breakfast each morning to set you up for your day on the slopes and exquisite dinners each evening.

For more infomration on this chalet please call us on 01865 398 130 or view the chalet on The Oxford Ski Company website

Morzine – Excellent value skiing in the extensive Les Portes du Soleil

Morzine is a beautiful ski resort just over an hours drive from Geneva Airport which is not always given the credit it deserves. We have some fabulous catered chalets in this resort which all represent very good value.

Morzine is part of the massive Portes du Soleil ski area. This is a wintersports playground covering two countries (France and Switzerland), twelve resorts and in total over 650km of piste skiing! All only one hour from the airport. The skiing is suitable for all levels but is particularly ideal for beginners and intermediates. This makes is a perfect family ski resort. It is also worth noting the ample ”cruiser” skiing is excellent for the older generation!

Some facts:
266 Pistes: 25 black runs, 100 red, 106 blue and 35 green
195 Ski lifts
10 Snowparks
694 snow cannons
89 mountain restaurants – a very important part of skiing!
Click here to have a look a the Piste Map

One noteable bonus about Morzine is how central everything is. The majority of the chalets are in or very clsoe to the centre of town and the ski lifts. You should never need to step in a vehicle from the minute you arrive in the resort. That is certainly a big plus point.

Here are some examples of excellent catered chalet at sensible prices.

Chalet du Pre (Sleeps 10).
Average price £966 per person including flights and transfers. For full information on the chalet please click here Chalet du Pre

Chalet du Bois (Sleeps 12 + 2) “ski in ski out”
Average price £922 per person includes flights and transfers. For full information on the chalet please click here Chalet du Bois

Ferme d’Elise (Sleeps 16+2)
Average price £717 per person (excludes travel). For full information on the chalet please click here Chalet Ferme d’Elise

Chalet Chesetta in St Moritz gets a mention in Harper’s Bazaar Travel Directory

The Alps is not just about the Winter months on snow capped mountains. The Summer is equally beautiful as just been written in the Harper’s Bazaar Travel Directory. This discerning guide is always worth taking into account when looking for luxury places to stay around the world.

This feature is on the fabulous Chalet Chesetta which is a rare opportunity to rent a family property in exclusive and private resort of St Moritz. Chesetta is unique in terms of location, configuration and design. The former blacksmiths was re-built to the highest standard in 2008 and comprises two houses connected at the lower ground floor. The property offers all conceivable mod-cons (individually controllable under-floor heating, wireless broadband, home cinema, steam-room/sauna, gym, etc). The interior is modern but sumptuous with great attention to detail. All fabrics and upholstery are designed by ETRO. Deep, comfortable sofas and local antiques sit against a backdrop of old wood and granite. To quote Harper’s Bazaar “all lovingly sourced by Patricia (the Chalet’s owner).”

To top it all off, the dedicated service team including a gourmet chef, butler and housekeeper will look after every one of your needs and with more than 5,000 sq ft, Chesetta is the luxury rental property in the St. Moritz area.

To find our more about how to book this chalet in the Summer or Winter please contact us on +44 (0) 1865 398 130 or go to our website www.oxfordski.com.

Focus on Klosters

The ski resort of Klosters is probably best known as the resort of the Prince’s as it has been a favourite with the Royal Family for many years. The reason they keep going back is quite simply because it is a fantastic resort. However, put this aside, it is very much a resort for everyone and in particular if you are a family looking to get away from the busier slopes of a larger resort such as Meribel or Val d’Isere.

The ski area covers some 320km of skiing and is easily linked in with the resort of Davos, which is also only ten minutes drive by car. The resort is excellent for all levels of skiers. Children have an excellent area almost exclusively dedicated to them on the Madrisah mountain. For the more experienced skiers there is excellent off piste but for cruising around everyone will also be happy.

Non skiers will also have a wonderful time in Klosters with great access to mountain restaurants and also a wide variery of shops and restaurants in Klosters and Davos.

Featured Chalets:

Chalet Bear -Sleeps 8
This is a rare opportunity to stay in an unspoilt but very comfortable and cosy private family chalet in this resort. Situated in a prime position in the resort you are an easy walk to the town centre and main ski lift. This chalet is ideal for families looking for the traditions “Swiss Alpine Chalet” experience. The chalet is catered and you will be looked after to make sure your family holiday is ideal.

Chalet Eugenia –  Sleeps 12 + 3
Chalet Eugenia is a truly magnificent building that has been beautifully furnished and lovingly maintained. It was built by Baroness Thyssen-Bornemisza in the resort’s early years and has remained the winter residence of the same family ever since.

It is located in a prime position in the village, only a two minute chauffeured drive from the restaurants, bars and lifts. It is also extremely private with its own driveway and several acres of open space between it and the nearest chalets to the south. The location makes it ideal for families, with a beginner’s piste on the doorstep which is easily visible from the chalet, allowing parents to relax indoors whilst their children ski or play in the snow. This chalet is serviced and catered to the highest standards. You will not be disappointed.

Links:
Klosters Tourist Office

New high speed chair lift in Meribel Village makes Chalet du Vallon an even better place to stay

With a spacious living area and open log fire, take time to sit back, relax and enjoy a glass of wine whilst looking at the stunning views across the valley. Meribel Village is spoilt with the last of the sun in the resort.

There is a separate entertainment room, to ensure that the living area remains an oasis of calm. All the bedrooms are en-suite and have large comfortable beds.

Please note a new high speed chairlift in Meribel Village for this winter gives you instant access to the Altiport and heart of Les Trois Vallees. It also means you can avoid the busy Chaudanne in Meribel itself.

For further information on this chalet please contact The Oxford Ski Company on 0870 787 1785.

For full details on this chalet please click here Chalet du Vallon.