Get me to the Alps

08/11/2024

The snow worries have begun! ❄️

With this industry being so weather dependent, talk of snow is year round for us. We know that last year has panicked people and we are obviously aware of how difficult things have become to predict snow.

We're already starting to get comments from booked and prospective customers around snow levels and forecasts... We completely understand this. You've spent money on the holiday but please try not to panic! It's still early days and weather is very much its own force of nature. Yes, snowfall has been low and temperatures have been up, but we're still a month away from most resorts starting to open 📆 You can still make some great memories!🍾

Temperatures are forecast to start dropping which is great news, with some resorts also forecast some sprinklings of snow next week which is a perfect time for base layers to start appearing. There was a flurry of excitement a few weeks ago as snowfall started, but really, that was too soon! Now is when we want to start seeing things come in ⛷🏂

So let's try not get too hung up on it! We know, we know, it's hard... Close that weather app and stop frantically checking the weather forecast for your holiday booked in early Jan, it won't help! What's the saying... a watched kettle never boils? 🤔🫖

22/10/2024

We recently did some analysis of our bookings for this season and we have established that over 40% of our current bookings are returning customers from within the last couple of seasons! 💅

We're taking this as a HUGE positive and we are extremely proud of that 💪 We're evidently running great value and well-organised trips or people wouldn't keep trusting us to keep organising their holidays for them! 🎿

I mean, look at us... Who wouldn't want to book a ski holiday with us 🫠

Availability is so so so low across the board now, especially on peak weeks like Christmas, New Years and half-term but also on those well priced weeks particularly in January, so we really would recommend getting something locked in sooner rather than later. Drop us a comment or message with your requirements and let us do the work. 🗻

08/10/2024

🫡 Write positive reviews! 🫡

We don't necessarily mean for us (although if you feel like it, please do! Our reviews are great which we're exceptionally proud of💅) but writing reviews when you have a good experience somewhere.

Reviews can be helpful to pin down things that others have noticed about an accommodation or things you may not have noticed in the accommodation details. 🏨However, we really would implore you to have a good think about what you're reading in a wider sense. So many times we've seen groups write off accommodations that would be perfect for them because they read 1 or 2 slightly negative reviews.

Here are some things to keep in mind when reading accommodation reviews:

⭐️ People are always always more likely to write a review after a negative experience than they are after a positive one. We're all guilty of it! This can mean that the reviews you read aren't necessarily a strong reflection of what's actually going on.

⭐️How many are new? When you look at a review site, check how many are from the latest season, and we wouldn't recommend going too far back. Things can change season to season so looking at what someone wrote 2 seasons ago, could be irrelevant to now. If there are only 9 or so reviews, try and think about how many people there are that didn't write reviews! This ties in with our point above. You read 5 "negative" reviews, but the residence might hold 200 people a week. Those reviews are a drop in the ocean.

⭐️ Be aware of people purposefully trying to skew results. Unfortunately, we see it more frequently than we'd like. A group of 6 who didn't like something, each putting a bad review on. This makes something look worse than it really is. Keep an eye out for any reviews that seem exceptionally similar about an experience and from the same time. If you have a group with a positive experience and only 1 person from 1 group writes about it, that is outweighed by the 6 bad ones from 1 group.

⭐️ Think about who they are angry at. Again, we see it more frequently than we'd like that people write negative reviews that are nothing to do with the residence and are unfair to be mentioned in their review. For instance "we didn't know we had to pay tourist tax, we booked with ###" or "we arrived and had to pay a €400 security deposit that we didn't know about. We booked through ###". These things are exceptionally common with European residences and your booking provider should have informed you of this before you travelled. This should be on a review of the holiday provider, not the residence.

In short, reviews can be helpful if you use them correctly and think about them more widely BUT don't pin absolutely everything on them. While you're here, why not help someone out and write a positive review of somewhere you've been recently?

02/09/2024

Did you know that Avoriaz was one of the resorts with the best snow records last year? Just one of its many bonuses! ❄️

Some more highlights?
🚌A short transfer of around 1.5 hours from Geneva airport
🗻A resort height of 1800m
🚶‍♀️It's pedestrianised so no worrying about cars when you're walking around resort
🏊‍♀️A lovely aquatic centre so even if you don't have a pool in your accommodation, it's still super easy to access one!
💃A Folie Douce for some dancing

We have a wide range of accommodations in Avoriaz that can cater to many budgets whether you're looking for an economic base for the week to focus on skiing or whether you're looking for something a bit more luxurious to treat yourself. Today we're looking at l'Amara 🎿

This 5* residence is ski-in/ski-out and gives you free access to their indoor swimming pool, steam room and sauna. With apartments ranging from 1 bedroom to 4 bedrooms, it can cater for families or friend groups.
Our deals include return shared transfers from Geneva airport, 7 nights self-catered accommodation, 6 day local area lift passes and 6 day economy skis, boots and poles as standard, with the ability to tweak as necessary.*

Drop us a message or comment GET ME TO L'AMARA to get a quote for your group today!

*Prices based on 6 adult travellers in the most cost-effective apartment available, other group sizes will vary. Subject to availability. Prices and availability correct at time of posting

21/08/2024

It has been announced today that we will need to have a travel authorisation to enter 30 EU countries including France 🇫🇷, Switzerland 🇨🇭, Austria 🇦🇹 and Italy🇮🇹. This will be called the Etias (European Travel Information and Authorisation Scheme) and will cost €7 💶

The start date is to be confirmed but suspected to be in the first half of 2025. It will be connected to your passport and last for 3 years or until passport expiration, whichever is first 🛂 Approval should be within minutes of the application but in some cases can be more than this.

The website is pretty comprehensive but of course as it's new and with dates unconfirmed, the understanding of everything in practical terms is still in the early stages.

Whilst we aren't angry about this, it was always likely to come into place and it's such a miniscule amount of money in the grand scheme of things (well maybe a little annoyed at those that voted for Brexit 👀), we can't help but think how this is going to lengthen time at the airport. We've already seen passport queues much longer than normal in the last 2 seasons, this certainly is not going to help!

If this ends up coming into place before or during the Winter season, we'll be keeping our customers updated.

07/08/2024

This feels a bit bittersweet for us 🥹

Of course, we're proud that the mountains that we love will be host to something as special as the Winter Olympics and the world will have the chance to see everything there is to offer.
Of course, we're very hopeful that the communities in these resorts, and within Europe will reap the benefits of visitors staying, eating and shopping there.
Of course, we're hopeful that maybe we can get out there to watch some events!

However, we can't escape this underlying feeling of uncertainty. We simply cannot ignore the huge environmental issues that the Alps are experiencing. We can all agree that the snow the last few seasons has been unusual. Whereas previously you could make a pretty decent assumption on what the snow pattern would do, the last couple of seasons have completely thrown this out the window. No snow in February but dumping in April? Temperatures are rising, and snow levels are dropping. There's a very real risk of lower resorts disappearing 😞
Word on the street is that one of Frances main reasons for pushing to host (after missing out on 2018) is the fear that further down the line, the Olympics may not be able to return to Europe which is heartbreaking 😢

The Olympic committee does seem to have a framework list that they're aiming to work towards to help reduce the environmental impact and we really hope that they stick to it.
Things on the list are using 100% of the infrastructure which is already in place, using predominantly natural snow for the bulk of slopes, not using helicopters unless it's for security or rescue purposes, not producing/using single use products. These are all great things to help reduce the impact on the Alps.

We want many future generations to be able to enjoy skiing for a long time to come. We can't see something so short-term create big negative long term effects. Come on Olympics, you can do this 🇫🇷

It's official ✅

The decision makes it a French double with the summer games set to kick off in Paris in just two days time 🇫🇷

24/07/2024

We've, annoyingly, been having a few issues with people requesting quotes via our social media adverts but the requests not making their way through to us 😤

If you're expecting a quote from us and haven't received one, drop us a message and we can look into it for you.

16/07/2024

What is this weather? Is it sunny 🌞, is it raining?🌧

We don't know but we don't like it. We'd rather be up on a bluebird day 🗻

Is your ski holiday booked yet? We're increasingly finding groups coming to us with larger groups or specific requirements and they're struggling to find what they're looking as availability is already low. Don't wait to get booked in! Drop us a message today.

03/07/2024

The sheer panic we feel every time we get off a ski lift 🫠

02/07/2024

🖐This is your two-week warning! 🖐

In less than two weeks, the first batch of early booking discounts will end 😟 and this includes some of our best-selling accommodations: Les Balcons de Val Thorens, Les Balcons de Belle Plagne, Val Chaviere, Les Balcons de Val Cenis Village (and Le Haut) and Les Balcons de la Rosiere.

After this discount runs out, the prices will increase so if you're on the fence about whether to book or not, or your friends are being slow 😴, this is the time to urge them on! Booking now gives you the best prices possible 🤑

Availability is already incredibly poor on some weeks (28th Dec is pretty much sold out on these accommodations, 15th Feb is very low, 25th Jan is pretty much gone at Les Balcons de Val Thorens) so there really is no reason to delay 🏃‍♀️

Drop us a comment or a message with your requirements and take advantage of this discount!

24/06/2024

Following on from our post before the weekend about the exciting changes happening in Les Deux Alpes this season, we're here with an exciting property for you so you can go and see it for yourself! ⛷

You can read about Les Clarines here: https://getmetothealps.com/france/les-deux-alpes/les-clarines-les-deux-alpes/

The team visited this residence in April and loved how fresh it felt, its proximity to a lift (and to the town) as well as the swimming pool 🏊‍♀️. We can offer this property self-catered, B&B with the meals served on-site or half-board (7 mornings of breakfasts, 6 evening of meals). To offer the half-board we have teamed up with local restaurant The Spot L2A which is around a slow 5-10 minute walk away. The food here is DELICIOUS (we still dream about the loaded fries) 🍟! We know that set menus can be restrictive. You sit down, see someone order something gorgeous, but then you have a soup delivered. To avoid this, we're offering €30 per per, per night (applicable to food only) to allow you to order anything from the menu! No food envy here. 🍔

We've prepared a handy little table with some key weeks on. Don't see your week? Don't worry, just ask!
Our prices include return shared transfers from Grenoble airport, 7 nights accommodation, 6 day lift passes and 6 day economy skis, boots and poles as standard with the ability to tweak as necessary *

Availability is changing daily and we think this option will do very well so drop us a comment or message in order for us to prepare your accurate quote.

*prices based on 6 adult travellers in the most cost-effective apartment. Different group sizes and apartments will change the price
** prices and availability correct at the point of posting

19/06/2024

Did you know that there are big works happening in Les Deux Alpes at the moment, scheduled to be up and running this Winter?


The Jandri Express is being replaced by a new "3S" cable car. The 53 cabins are set to be even faster cutting the journey up to 3200m to 17 minutes (currently 40 minutes). They will be able to carry more passengers (32) therefore reducing waiting times and with more spacious cabins offering more seats (24 seated, 8 standing). The cabins were shown off at an exhibition show in Grenoble and are going to benefit Summer too (the central seats will be removed to allow space for bikes).

It's certainly a very exciting time for Les Deux Alpes!

We'll come back soon with an equally exciting deal to Les Deux Alpes soon... Keep your eyes peeled 👀

11/06/2024

Today we're looking at an option in Avoriaz which is included in the sale ❄️

Avoriaz itself sits at 1800m but the ski area (Portes du Soleil) goes up to around 2460m and covers around 600km of pistes. Avoriaz has a great history with snow and last season, it was one of the resorts with the best snow records, helped by them really looking after their pistes and snow. 🗻

The transfer from Geneva airport to Avoriaz is around 1.5 hours which helps it be a firm favourite with families, beginners, those with group members that get travel sick and also with people looking for a shorter trip. 🚌

This residence is less than 100m from the slopes (which is the case with lots of Avoriaz residences) and offers a great value base for your weeks skiing. ⛷

Our holidays include return shared transfers from Geneva airport to the Welcome centre, 7 nights self-catered accommodation, 6 day local area lift passes and 6 day economy skis, boots and poles as standard with the ability to tweak as necessary.
Here are some example prices...

2 people in a studio apartment:
4th Jan from £735pp
18th Jan from £820pp
1st Feb from £875pp

4 people in a 1 bedroom apartment:
4th Jan from £605pp
18th Jan from £645pp
1st Feb from £675pp

6 people in a 1 bedroom + 1 cabin apartment:
4th Jan from £565pp
18th Jan from £590pp
1st Feb from £610pp

You can read more about the accommodation here: https://getmetothealps.com/france/avoriaz/saskia-falaise-avoriaz/

Drop us a message or comment today and allow us to take the stress out of organising your ski trip!

07/06/2024

We have some great news....

There is a sale currently running on various properties for departures through January into early February! This deal offers an additional 10% off. Over the next week or two we'll highlight some properties that we think are incredible value and great options to be considered. 🥳

Today, we're looking at a gorgeous option in Arc 1800! ⛷

This lovely residence is located right at the foot of the slopes and offers doorstep skiing. Sitting on the edge of the forest, you can easily access the 200km of pistes that Les Arcs offers, or why not upgrade to the Paradiski pass and enjoy the full 425km of pistes across Les Arcs and Belle Plagne? 🗻

Your ski hire shop is located within the self-catered residence (how easy!) and its height (1800m as the name suggests) really helps with snow levels. 🎿

Our holidays include return shared transfers from Geneva airport, 7 nights accommodation, 6 day local area lift passes and 6 day economy skis, boots and poles as standard, with the ability to tweak as necessary.

Here are some example prices...

2 people in a studio apartment:
4th Jan from £725pp
18th Jan from £870pp
1st Feb from £915pp

4 people in a 1 bedroom apartment:
4th Jan from £625pp
18th Jan from £705pp
1st Feb from £740pp

6 people in a 2 bedroom apartment:
4th Jan from £615pp
18th Jan from £675pp
1st Feb from £705pp

We don't expect these apartments to be around for long with these incredible prices so drop us a message today with what you're looking for and we can price something up for you!

06/06/2024

How do you keep on top of your skiing/boarding during Summer? ⛷️🏂

It can be a long gap between ski trips and it always feels like the first day is spent getting your snow legs back. What can you do to help bridge the gap? Well exercise is obviously great for this - core work, leg work, balance work, it all aids snowboarding and skiing.

Other really helpful (and really fun!) methods are any sort of board sports (or ski sports)! Wakeboarding🏄‍♀️, kitesurfing🪁, skateboarding🛹! The skills used in all of these sports are very transferable - core, stamina (🫠), leg strength 🦵

Wild Shore Blackpool has recently opened up (previously Blackpool Wake Park) under new management and it is great! It's been jazzed up, with new changing facilities, the cafe is delicious (it's obligatory to have an ice cream or a pint after 🍦🍺) and the staff are an absolute dream. If you're in the North West, we would definitely recommend it here!

Do we have any watersport fans here?

03/06/2024

Another week, another spotlight on a gorgeous residence 🥳

This 4* residence in Val Thorens is right by the beginner slopes, making life super easy, especially when you have kids in tow. The apartments are well-equipped and well-styled, and are available with 1, 2 or 3 sleeping spaces. 🎿

Whilst the apartments come with fully functioning kitchenettes, we have teamed up with the local restaurant just next door, La Grange, to offer this property B&B, with dinners only or half-board. This restaurant is tried and tested by the team and it is DELICIOUS! 🧀

Our holidays include return shared transfers, accommodation, local area lift passes and economy skis, boots and poles as standard with the ability to tweak as necessary. For a group of 4 adults at this residence, you could be looking at £699pp self-catered and £970pp half-board on 14th Dec, £815pp self-catered and £1085pp half-board on 11th Jan and £915pp self-catered and £1185pp half-board on 22nd March.** And guess what? None of these prices will use sofa beds or bunk beds!* 🛌

Read more about the residence here: https://getmetothealps.com/france/ski-holidays-val-thorens/village-montana-val-thorens/

Availability is already low (unfortunately, it's completely unavailable on 28th Dec 😔) so do not wait to get your trip sorted! Drop us a comment or a message today and we can price up your trip.

*bunk beds used in 6 person apartment.
**prices and availability correct at point of posting. Subject to change. Different group sizes, apartments and dates will change the price.

27/05/2024

This is what we feel like when we get 1cm of air on an Ollie... 🫠

21/05/2024

✈️ EasyJet have now released their flights for Spring - early March onwards ✈️

If you're looking at Easter trips, get booking! 🛩️