Tragedy in Val d’Isere

The latest news from Val d’Isere has pulled on the heart strings of many who know and love the resort and especially with certain members of the team here at Oxford Ski.

The legendary Apres ski bar and restaurant Bananas burnt down at 3.00pm on Sunday afternoon. Smoke engulfed the iconic bananas roof as firemen battled the blaze, fortunately no one was hurt although this did not stop the pain being felt by everyone in resort who’s lives have been touched by this famous Val d’Isere landmark.

Despite the tragedy, Val d’Isere was abuzz over the weekend as the first lifts and pistes opened for the season, to the envy of many other Alpine resort which are still waiting for their first snowfalls. 

We still have some fantastic chalets available to make the most of this early snowfall; the fabulous chalet La Tene is still available from the 11th December, the cosy chalet apartment Santons Isere is available from the 10th December and Chalets Nanouk and Elena are available from the 17th December.

Call one of the Team today to find out more on +44 1993 899 421 or visit http://www.oxfordski.com for more information.

Best snow coverage so far is in Zermatt!

Zermatt has kicked off with the best snow in Europe for the November skiing with runs open over on the Italian side to Cime Bianche and Plan Maison and some great skiing, even a few powder turns already in the bag! As of the 26th November there will be over 70kms of groomed runs skiable making it the most extensive ski area open in the Alps so far for this season

CK Verbier launches new transfer initiative

Chauffeur driven travel to your luxury chalet may soon be a thing of the past! For those whom thought the ideal way of getting to Verbier was to be met in arrivals by a smartly dressed driver, whisked to your minivan with on-board hamper of chilled Champagne and fine food…then think again!

Our friends at CK Verbier have introduced a new transfer service to and from their chalets for selected weeks of the season, offering unrivalled panoramic views of the mountains and as much fresh mountain air as you wish!

Read more

Stay in the luxurious Ferme de Moudon this Christmas!

Chalet Ferme de Moudon is a traditional chalet that meets a chic and contemporary interior. The chalet is set in its own private grounds and is blessed with fabulous uninterrupted views. From the south-facing windows you can gaze out across the valley at the pistes, powder fields and snow clad trees.

Ferme de Moudon offers a wonderful fine dinning experience all throughout your stay including plenty of Champagne to get you into the Christmas Spirit.

If you are looking to spend Christmas in this perfect wonderland please give a member of our team a call now on 01993 899 421 to find out further information and pricing.

Download resort apps for your iPhone before you head off skiing!

Many resorts such as Val d’Isere and Verbier now have downloadable resort apps on their websites – an essential tool to get prior to jetting off on your luxury holiday with the Oxford Ski Company! With snow report updates, piste maps and more, they are so convenient and easy to use; we highly recommend them.

Aspen Snowmass opening early – Nov. 19!!

No further comment required – the season has almost started…

Giant Spiders in Verbier

We’ve all noticed that winter is just around the corner; and the question everyone is afraid to ask is, what’s the snow going to be like this season?

Fear not, however! Fortunately the boys at Performance Verbier ski school have a scientifically sound snow forecast. It involves the number of berries on the trees and size of the spiders in the sink.

Verbier is inundated with giant arachnids this autumn, which if superstition and old wives tales are to believed mean (along with the berries on the trees) that the snow is going to fall and give Verbier a fantastic season.

Q & A article on Rupert!

Check out this month’s issue of In The Snow and the Q & A article with Rupert Longsdon, Founder of The Oxford Ski Company

We have moved!

We have moved to our new (very smart) offices in the market town of Witney. Please note our new contact details are as follows….

PHONE: +44 1993 899 420

ADDRESS: 18 Thorney Leys Business Park, Witney, Oxfordshire, OX28 4GE

Gabriella Le Breton launches new website

http://www.gabriella-lebreton.com

Our good friend, globetrotter and ski enthusiast Gabriella Le Breton, has just launched her own website and travel blog to track her epic adventures both on, and off the piste.

Gabriella explains why she has decided to launch her own blog…

When I tell people I’m a travel writer, it invariably sparks some gentle abuse followed by a series of questions about how I get away with being paid for being “on holiday”. I frequently think I have the best job in the world, but budding travel writers be warned: it’s a career that pays more handsomely in experience than cash.

The travel editor of a national newspaper hit the nail on the head when he described travel writers as “Champagne paupers” – when I’m researching a feature abroad, I might be sipping Dom Perignon in a sumptuous chalet after a day’s heli-skiing but when I’m back home, chances are you’ll find me scouring the shops of Clapham for bargains…

The purpose of this intermittent blog is, therefore, to share the ever-changing routine of a travel writer – both the highs and the lows – with those curious about the reality of this extraordinary job.

Keep this site bookmarked (along with our blog, oxfordski.com and luxurychaletcollection.com) for some travel inspiration!