Chalet la Bas

  • Home
  • Chalet la Bas

Chalet la Bas Ski, Board And Mountain Bike Chalet, Les Arcs, France.

Catered ski chalet offering great priced accommodation and high levels of friendly service to our guests

Well, where are we?. Here's the first picture and I want the correct place, not just a country.First one gets £500 off ...
02/09/2024

Well, where are we?. Here's the first picture and I want the correct place, not just a country.
First one gets £500 off a ski holiday with us next season.

If you already have been told by me then you are disqualified from entering.

Further clues will be given if no-one gets it.

CLB on tour Day 1-3Unbelievable, we picked up the car in LA without a hitch, well almost without a hitch. We did have ...
02/09/2024

CLB on tour Day 1-3

Unbelievable, we picked up the car in LA without a hitch, well almost without a hitch. We did have cross words when my location skills were questioned whilst searching for the car rental shuttle bus, but we won't dwell on that, will we. So, we headed North, fairly fresh, even after the 11 hour flight.

The rush hour traffic was heavy, so Connie was driving. Why Connie you ask? Well have you been driven by me, even on quiet roads, into Bourg St Maurice! There's your answer.

I was chief navigator and lookout through a multitude of intersections and speed traps along the route. I had to advise on the ever changing speed limit and pre-warn of lane closures.
This sounds quite straight forward, for most people. However, for me, first time in California and easily distracted by the interesting sites en route, it proved to be the point of harsh words coming from my co-traveler.

Anyway, 2 hours later we were with our lovely friends in Santa Barbara. They used to live in San Jose and then I would have been able to stop and ask someone if they knew the way! I didn't know any humourous references to SB.

Some of you may be surprised that we have friends. No, correction, you may be surprised that I have friends, not Connie.
Well, not only are they friends, they have also visited CLB as guests and have seen my hospitality skills in action and in spite of this, they invited us to Santa Barbara!

They were also excellent tour guides and we loved every bit of Santa Barbara. A Spanish heritage city with a real homely vibe.

Day4,5 and 6
Sad to leave, after being treated to such excellent tours and plentiful fayre each day, we just managed to tear ourselves away to explore further.

We headed South and into the desert looking for a horse with no name!
No, we went to Palm Springs. Desert, yes, but no horses in the brutal 47c mid afternoon heat.

The Joshua Tree National Park was visted and a journey up by cable car to the high Sierras and forests at 9000ft was complimented by a look up Marylin Monroes dress.

Yesterday, we returned to the cool of the coast in LA. We did the usual, Beverley Hills, Hollywood, cruised the Santa Monica Boulevard listening to Sheryl Crow and the not so usual by finding the building used as the location for the 90's TV series, Melrose Place (Connie liked it)

Later on we went down to muscle beach and I looked for some over muscled Arnold Schwarzenegger types to pick a fight with. Lucky for them, they had gone to lunch.
Abandoning hope of a good punch-up, we just checked-in to our last Hotel in California, it had plenty of room and we hoped they would let us leave to start the second leg of this Phileas Fogg adventure.

But where?

29/08/2024

CLB on tour, extra.

We had an encounter with a UFO over the desert.
Connie hoped that I was about to be abducted and experimented upon to change me for the better.
The aliens thought it would be a challenge so, breath out dear followers, I will be the same,warm,friendly chalet host, next season.

Ok , perhaps that wasn't too difficult to guess where we are, but look at these pics as we neared LA. Incredible views o...
29/08/2024

Ok , perhaps that wasn't too difficult to guess where we are, but look at these pics as we neared LA. Incredible views of the Grand Canyon.
The window seat I paid £26 for, paid off.
Now I don't have to take Connie on an excursion to see it. That's a big saving, prices are high here and the £ is not strong against the dollar.
And yes, followers, I did let Connie look out of the window for a few minutes, surely that was generous?

Chalet la Bas on tour 2024.Day 1Where to this year?Connie forgot and forgave all of the mishaps of previous years and le...
28/08/2024

Chalet la Bas on tour 2024.
Day 1

Where to this year?

Connie forgot and forgave all of the mishaps of previous years and let me organise the tour once again.
She told me, "no more money saving trip choices, just make it smooth and comfortable and definitely no more hotels like Freddies Swamp Motel in the Everglades.....or that one in the boyz from the hood area in La Fortuna, Costa Rica...... and definitely no more waiting at bus stops in wilderness areas north of the arctic" circle.
I agreed and proceeded, but then found this bargain on Skyscammer, sorry Skyscanner. What could go wrong?
I just clicked on the link.

Now, before telling you where we are going, why don't you have a guess for yourselves, here's are a few photos to help.

If you have previously been told about this trip, shhhh! Don't post the answer

Winter wood, first delivery. Stacked and waiting for our guests!
06/08/2024

Winter wood, first delivery. Stacked and waiting for our guests!

Just when you thought it was safe, Here I am again with a summer update.Boiling hot down here for the past month.Most da...
04/08/2024

Just when you thought it was safe, Here I am again with a summer update.
Boiling hot down here for the past month.
Most days peaking at 34c or 93f. It's been cooler in the mornings though. That's been good for me as I've been working on the CLB2 build.
Very soon we are off on our annual CLB tour. Connie, unwisely, let me organise everything, flights car hire, hotels, trains, ferries and a spot of long distance walking!!!
What could go wrong?

We've had a flurry of bookings in for next ski season, but New Year and February half term is still available.

Anyway, enjoy your summer holidays, we will

Chalet la Bas is on tour in England and enjoying all the old favourites. Fish and Chips, Roast Beef and Yorkshire Puddin...
21/05/2024

Chalet la Bas is on tour in England and enjoying all the old favourites. Fish and Chips, Roast Beef and Yorkshire Pudding, curry galore!!! and visits to country pubs.
But, you can't be at home without a good supply of chocolate, can you?

Well, our ski season finished a couple of weeks ago. The lifts are all closed now, but there's been plenty of snow abov...
09/05/2024

Well, our ski season finished a couple of weeks ago. The lifts are all closed now, but there's been plenty of snow above 2000m ( and rain down here). The real beauty of this landscape is coming through. Snowy peaks, the dazzling green of fresh leaves on the trees, blue sky and sunshine.

I'm still busy on the build for CLB2 and the concrete for the base is being poured next Monday.

Then, at last, we start our travels. Heading for Kent first, then the West Mids, followed by Derbyshire and Sheffield. You are warned!

Edit: add Hampshire and Dorset to that list. You are now threatened Chrissie Bailey!!!

Here's lovely Bellecote this evening and just to show we keep the standards up without guests, our meal tonight, Spaghetti Puttanesca

29/04/2024

Cattle stampede at the top of our drive!
Well, perhaps not a stampede but a race to fresh green pastures and the beginning of their slow 4 month climb up the mountains for the summer.
They will be back at the end of October and greeted by thousands in their annual procession through Bourg St Maurice.

Seasons over, but we're planning for next season already.Today has been spent chainsawing the trees I took down 18 mon...
16/04/2024

Seasons over, but we're planning for next season already.
Today has been spent chainsawing the trees I took down 18 months ago into the correct size for the log burner.
Plenty more to do as everything needs splitting- more about that shortly!

That's it, the party's over. The last guests have gone, the rooms are empty and the last croissant has been baked, yes...
14/04/2024

That's it, the party's over. The last guests have gone, the rooms are empty and the last croissant has been baked, yes baked, not cooked!!!!

Anyway, it's an April heatwave here. 80f or 27c. That's the 5th day this month with temperatures at 27c.
The only decent skiing on the slopes would be the water variety.

So, we start our hols! Only 249 days to go until we start again.

I'm getting into the build of CLB2 full time for the next month although it's getting hard during the afternoons due to the heat.

Back to Blighty in mid May to end June. Places and friends to visit. Be careful because it may be your doorstep we arrive on.

There will be some "CLB on Tour" adventures in the coming months, Connie has already said that any trips cannot include bus stops and 20 mile walks around capital cities or along fjords inside the arctic circle.
She didn't mention anything about deserts and outback though.....

Here are a few springtime pictures and the progess of the first floor of CLB2.

Our guests went to Tignes today, the snow is better.But, their extra special bonus was seeing two wolves on the piste.He...
12/04/2024

Our guests went to Tignes today, the snow is better.
But, their extra special bonus was seeing two wolves on the piste.
Here's one of them.

Curry night at CLB. Last one of the season, our final guests leave on Sunday.Good snow this week although visibility ha...
10/04/2024

Curry night at CLB. Last one of the season, our final guests leave on Sunday.
Good snow this week although visibility has varied over the past 2 days. Tomorrow , Friday and Saturday sunshine. Its the perfect finalé.

The curry is a Chicken and Banana Pathia. The view is from the top of the Grizzly lift in Valandry.

Croissant-gate!So, I got up for breakfast service and baked 8 lovely croissants. 7 were for our guests and 1 for me to ...
04/04/2024

Croissant-gate!

So, I got up for breakfast service and baked 8 lovely croissants. 7 were for our guests and 1 for me to enjoy with my favourite Cortado coffee.

However, someone, and the rumour is that the "someone" was young Tom Scarratt, scoffed my croissant and ruined my morning!

The injustice of it all! I've never done harm to anyone.
Below is what I should have enjoyed.

Aside from that, lots of snow this week and although the visibility has been poor for 3 of the last 4 days, the next 3 are looking g good spring skiing.

We've had very violent winds blowing from Italy and the San Bernardino pass the last couple of days. Almost all of the...
30/03/2024

We've had very violent winds blowing from Italy and the San Bernardino pass the last couple of days. Almost all of the high lifts have been closed.
Here's a horrific video clip showing just why the chairs lifts close in such weather conditions.

Look close and you will see people still on the chair lift.

This happened in the Aosta valley, just one valley over from Les Arcs/ La Plagne.

Thankfully the wind suddenly dropped this morning around 11.30, its now calm.

What fun we had!
28/03/2024

What fun we had!

28/03/2024

Chalet la Bas went to the Brasserie du Petit San Bernard bar and brewery tonight for a disco..........
However due to age limitations we left before it got going!

Bellecote glacier looking beautiful in the evening light.Photo taken from the kitchen window!
27/03/2024

Bellecote glacier looking beautiful in the evening light.
Photo taken from the kitchen window!

23/03/2024

Dance routine practice at CLB.
Problem is they are practicing above my bedroom- no sleep tonight.

Tonights meal: The Hairy Bikers Salmon en croute, a tribute to Dave.Empty plates all round.Salmon with spinach, garlic, ...
23/03/2024

Tonights meal: The Hairy Bikers Salmon en croute, a tribute to Dave.
Empty plates all round.

Salmon with spinach, garlic, onions and cream cheese!

23/03/2024

Sheffield girls week. Here's some of the team getting the party going on the last funicular down (they almost missed it as they stayed too long partying and dancing in the aprés at Folie Douce Arc 1800)

Tonights fare:Filo Spanakopita, without Feta! Chicken and Apricot Tagine.Followed by Moroccan Strawberries and Madagasc...
12/03/2024

Tonights fare:
Filo Spanakopita, without Feta!
Chicken and Apricot Tagine.
Followed by Moroccan Strawberries and Madagascar Vanila Ice Cream.

Just right after a day on the slopes.

Chalet la Bas is having a scheduled week off this week. The sofas and the tv control are ours. Watching Griselda on Netf...
27/02/2024

Chalet la Bas is having a scheduled week off this week. The sofas and the tv control are ours. Watching Griselda on Netflix.

So far this season we've served 247 breakfasts and 214, 3 course evening meals. Not to mention cheese boards and Connie's freshly baked afternoon cakes.
After quite a few years in tourism and catering we are beginning to slow down the tempo " un petit peu".

Its our second free week of the season, in January we popped down to Bordighera on the Italian coast for a couple of days.

We might be going skiing to Bardonecchia on Thursday-Friday. Its just through the Frejus tunnel and only 90 minutes from here. Travel agents would call it an educational trip.

Next guests arrive on Sunday. Its number 1 CLB regular Fraser from Sheffield. He's clocked up almost 30 visits now. His second of this season.

This week's ski team enjoying a bluebird day in Les Arcs. The Smouts and The Careys.
24/02/2024

This week's ski team enjoying a bluebird day in Les Arcs. The Smouts and The Careys.

Lots of snow yesterday, with more forecast.Today's a bluebird powder day.
23/02/2024

Lots of snow yesterday, with more forecast.
Today's a bluebird powder day.

08/02/2024

Team CLB on the piste.

A great day skiing in Pralognan la Vanoise.9 guests and us two.Beautiful conditions and probably the best mountain scen...
07/02/2024

A great day skiing in Pralognan la Vanoise.
9 guests and us two.
Beautiful conditions and probably the best mountain scenery in the French Alps.

Here's a story. In 2009 we had a visit from the McClean clan of Dublin. Gamblers , enjoyers of wine, food and skiing. A...
13/01/2024

Here's a story. In 2009 we had a visit from the McClean clan of Dublin. Gamblers , enjoyers of wine, food and skiing. Amongst them was one Paul Clifford who consumed the grub provided in great quantities. He was always most appreciative. In fact, so appreciative that we dedicated our website menu to the ecstacy shown each evening at the dinner table.

Well, roll the clock forward 15 years and his nephew, Reuben of the aforementioned McClean clan is now here. 15 years old and he has eaten us out of house and home.
Profits are down. We are almost on the edge of financial collapse.
The only c***k of light is that he doesn't like avocados and fresh tomatoes! Other than that, he devours. Luckily, his sister Honor is a light eater, so we may yet survive.

In light of this, Chalet la Bas will now be introducing a DNA test to find out any potential guests have the "Clifford" gene and impose an appropriate supplement.

I'm sure you all understand and support this!

Below is an example of a light snack for the young Rueben.
His Dad had the wine

Tonights feast will be,
Warm goats Cheese Salad, with bacon lardons on a green Salad Bed with honey and mustard dressing

Duck a l'Orange with Hasselback Potatoes and steamed veg.

Desert: Profiteroles in Chocolate Sauce

I have purchased double portions!

*picture below is a mock up!

Address


Telephone

0033479221062

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Chalet la Bas posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Business

Send a message to Chalet la Bas:

Videos

CLB on tour, extra. We had an encounter with a UFO over the desert. Connie hoped that I was about to be abducted and experimented upon to change me for the better. The aliens thought it would be a challenge so, breath out dear followers, I will be the same,warm,friendly chalet host, next season.

Cattle stampede at the top of our drive! Well, perhaps not a stampede but a race to fresh green pastures and the beginning of their slow 4 month climb up the mountains for the summer. They will be back at the end of October and greeted by thousands in their annual procession through Bourg St Maurice.

Chalet la Bas went to the Brasserie du Petit San Bernard bar and brewery tonight for a disco.......... However due to age limitations we left before it got going!

Dance routine practice at CLB. Problem is they are practicing above my bedroom- no sleep tonight.

Sheffield girls week. Here's some of the team getting the party going on the last funicular down (they almost missed it as they stayed too long partying and dancing in the aprés at Folie Douce Arc 1800)

Team CLB on the piste.

Sheffield girls aprés.
Sheffield girls aprés.

Austrian aprés ski at CLB. Starring the Sheffield girls ski team

Steve thinks he skis good........!
Steve thinks he skis good........!

I decided to go Sainte Foy today and ski for the first time in 25 months. I must admit I had lost enthusiasm after the lockdowns but beautiful conditions today made it most enjoyable.

Sheffield girls in the Abba mood
Sheffield girls in the Abba mood

Party night at CLB

The black run home.
The black run home.

This week's Sheffield lads group went to Tignes today. Great conditions!

Winter wood
Winter wood

Steve gets his chopper out. The winter wood for Chalet la Bas is complete

Taming of the mountainside.
Taming of the mountainside.

Billy Bob's hard work

Shortcuts

  • Address
  • Telephone
  • Alerts
  • Contact The Business
  • Videos
  • Claim ownership or report listing

  • Want your business to be the top-listed Travel Agency?

Share