The Latest from the Flexiski staff

Snowmobiling bliss!

Posted: Friday 5th February 2010 by Val dIsere

Val d’Isère is currently enveloped in a snowstorm, with up to 50cms due to fall in the next 24hrs. This large storm has been building up throughout the week; starting with beautiful blue skies at first lifts, high cloud accumulating through the afternoon and light snowfall in the early evening. The weather forecast for the weekend is for continued snowfall and low cloud, which will make for excellent conditions in the lower tree-lined runs.

Chalet Balias has had a busy chalet this week, with six very hungry & thirsty snowboarders to look after! James I, Chalet Balias’ staff, took our guests to Dicks Tea Bar on Tuesday night to savour the Val d’Isère nightlife. Dicks Tea Bar didn’t disappoint, with flowing drinks, a lively atmosphere and dancing into the early hours. Needless to say breakfast was a very quiet affair!

James and I were also invited to the ‘Igloo Experience’ this week. We met our guides Mattie and Bart at the snowmobiles, conveniently situated next to the Thommeuses chairlift, where we were given instruction on how to drive them. We then took off together on a 30 minute trail ride, getting up to speeds of 40mph through the powder, on our powerful machines. We twisted through tree-lined track and burned over untouched powder fields, until the igloo village started to appear in the distance. I confess to screaming most of the way there, so was delighted when we were greeted with a glass of Champagne and an open log fire to sit round! We were then taken into the cosy Yurt, which opened out into a large circular room with a wood burning stove in the very centre. Mattie & Bart stirred up the bubbling pot of fondue, laid out a large selection of local meats and invited us to help ourselves. After eating and relaxing in the warmth of the Yurt, we wrapped ourselves back up for a tour of the igloo. We crawled through the igloo’s small opening, which suddenly expanded into a large room with an ice bed and central table. Laid up in the centre of table was a tray of ice glasses full with Genepi (a local spirit), we made a toast and enjoyed the warming sensation it brought. Unfortunately, it was time to leave and make our way back to civilisation, so as we made our way back we briefly stopped off to see the fantastic view of the Mont Blanc where you can enjoy the sunset, and then sped back to our skis before last lifts. The igloo experience is by far the most exhilarating experience you can have in Val d’Isère and one of the few things you can enjoy with all your friends. We cannot recommend it enough and will certainly be visiting again soon!

Here in Val d’Isere we’re looking forward to welcoming next week’s guests to Chalet Balias and helping them to make the most of their stay in Val d’Isère.

We hope to see you soon!