Swim
There is something so ridiculously indulgent about lazing around in a beautifully warm pool surrounded by snow, and the new outdoor heated swimming pool in Puy st Vincent is stunning. It is only a 2 minute walk from the apartments and at 30 degrees the water is perfect for relaxing in. It is open from 3pm-7pm but the earlier in that time that you go, the more sun is on the pool and of course the more sun, the warmer the bits of you that aren't under water are! We went up on one of the first days when we were not as confident skiing on our own and fancied doing something different, and it was the perfect way to relax and enjoy the stunning scenery.
Eat at Le Chaumiere
A short walk up the slope (long enough to make me feel like I had earned all the cheese I was about to eat though) is a lovely little restaurant called Le Chaumiere. We ate there as part of a half board dining plan with Snowbizz, and every night we had a set three courses. Usually I love the choice but actually having it taken away was great as I tried new things and the food was well presented, authentically French and rather filling by the end of the third course! We had everything from buffalo mozzarella, to snails, to duck and polenta, to cheese fondue, to crepes with apple flavoured ice cream and the most indulgent chocolate torte. The boys were served fish fingers and mash, smiley faced pizza and cheesy pasta among other things and their dishes were served first and were big enough for the boys to share. The restaurant also has an a la carte menu if you want to sort out your own food and every dish I saw looked delicious!
There were some hardcore skiiers who were out on the slopes from 9 when the lifts open until half four when they shut, and then there were the people like us, who probably couldn't manage quite that long. We had a lesson every day from 11 until 1 and then skiied in the afternoons, but our mornings usually involved dropping the boys down at the creche soon after nine, grabbing some fresh croissants and pain au chocolate from the little bakery next door on the way back and sitting on our balcony with our feet up watching those keen early risers, enjoying our breakfast and indulging in some quiet reading before we took to the slopes. As the boys are not usually in nursery, having any time to myself in the day was a complete novelty and I really enjoyed some quiet in the mornings before we set out for the day.
Stopping at 2100m for a drink.
The restaurants and cafes at 1600 where the Snowbizz resort is are lovely, but as we got more confident on our skis, we started exploring new slopes and taking the lifts higher. We found our favourite cafe very soon and situated at 2100 it was the perfect stopping place for a hot chocolate or coca cola. Surrounded by snow we would ski down to it, stop for a rest and to take in the stunning scenery before heading back down. The hearty mountain food they serve is very generous in portion size and there is something so incredibly romantic about the log cabin style, the warmth inside and the pure white snow that is in every direction as far as the eye can see.
Chat
The week we visited was quiet with most children still being in school, but we met some lovely people and the atmosphere was so friendly. The people we met were beginners like us, as well as those that have been skiing for years, and they offered advice on different routes and slopes, someone to chat to when your legs got tired, and some tips on what was good for lunch! Without exception, everyone had either visited before and come back, or was planning another visit already as Snowbizz is great for children, beginners and those that like a challenge and zoom down the black runs without a second thought. We met a couple who had been coming for 10 years and eventually bought a place out there as they loved the area so much. Snowbizz is a family company, specialist in family skiing and there was always someone about for a chat.
Add in to this some skiing, sledging with the kids and a rather feeble attempt at building a snowman (Dylan wanted to try again when there was some warm snow!) and you have a little insight into our amazing week.
Add in to this some skiing, sledging with the kids and a rather feeble attempt at building a snowman (Dylan wanted to try again when there was some warm snow!) and you have a little insight into our amazing week.
Disclaimer: Our ski trip was courtesy of the lovely people at Snowbizz
but all thoughts, opinions and photos are completely my own.
Wow it all looks so amazing. Glad you really all had a great time. I am so very jealous. I can't wait for all of us to go on a skiing holiday. This sounds fantastic too! I will definitely keep it in mind. I have snowboarded a bunch growing up but Mr P has never skied either. I would love to take lessons with him like you guys did. Love all the photos.
ReplyDeleteWow! I'm so jealous! It looks amazing, I haven't been on a ski holiday since I was in my teens but I can't wait for the kids to be a bit older so we can go. Not sure about those snails though! x
ReplyDeleteLooks like a wonderful holiday, I don't know how I'd cope with the cold but the outdoor heated swimming pool would be a must!
ReplyDeleteWOWSERS - I can't begin to tell you how incredibly jealous i am, this place looks amazing! So glad you all had such a wonderful time xxx
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