Ron’s athlete’s tour

Ron envisioned a lads’ tour that transcended the usual offerings, strategically planning it during the half-term break to accommodate a school teacher within the group and to avoid the bustling crowds. The team, seasoned skiers growing weary of the routine, sought a refreshing experience. Choosing Secreto Royale for its vibrant street culture and uncrowded slopes, their agenda included invigorating days on the slopes, followed by siestas and vibrant nights indulging in authentic local cuisine.

A minibus was procured for the group’s self-driving adventures, ensuring easy access to skiing while staying away from the best nightspots. Their base in Vielha, a charming old town, featured a spacious chalet that proved perfect for the team’s needs. The nights unfolded as a mix of lively bar and tapas crawls, culminating in a splendid final night of fine dining. The team was captivated by the remarkable quality and variety of wines, as well as the authenticity and exceptional value of the local culinary offerings. This authentic food culture experience stood in stark contrast to the predictable offerings of purpose-built ski resorts.

The journey wasn’t solely about skiing; some members opted for a well-deserved break, taking a day off to let their muscles recover. A memorable snowmobile trip into the stunning national park added an extra layer of adventure to the tour. In the end, Ron’s athlete’s tour succeeded in delivering a unique and invigorating experience that surpassed the ordinary, leaving the team already reminiscing about their next escapade.

Ayer

About

Half way between the main ski resorts Grimentz and St Luc the small sleepy rustic town of Ayer offers a great base for those with an eye to explore.

Armed with a car you can visit a different resort every day.

We have a catered chalet, available as a whole or by the room and two self cater chalets, one for up to 10 and the other for up to four.

Defining features

Non-skiing activities

Accommodation

St Luc - Chandolin

About

St Luc and Chandolin are a pair of small resorts located high above the Val d’Anniviers floor, the small windy road opens up these quality high altitude gems offering beautiful views and seriously good skiing. We have some very stylish hotels in these villages. 

Together they are the sunniest resorts in Val d’Anniviers. The villages are at altitude and combine the rickety rural charm of the area with a grand Victorian vibe, from the early grand tour hotels built here. The views from the top are breathtaking and there is plenty of skiing here. The best slopes are accessible only by surface lifts. Of particular note is the long red from Bella Tola at 3026 down to the fabulous bar Le Prilet, a fine way to end the day.

 

 

Defining features

Non-skiing activities

Accommodation

Grimentz - Zinal

About

Picturesque and charming mountain villages, uncrowded slopes and oodles of local charm make this ‘end of the road’ cluster a true hidden gem.

The Jewels centre around the Val D’Anniviers valley, which culminates in Zinal where 3 glaciers meet in spectacular fashion, beyond this lie the views and the mountains that make up the crown. The skiing in this area is excellent, varied and at altitude snow sure. The resorts remain small and slightly disjointed due to the natural geography of the area. This in turn keeps the crowds away and so the villages have kept their charm, the slopes are less skied out and you are in a perfect place for whatever holiday you are after.

Those in the know rate the snow quality in these resorts as second to none in Switzerland. These are the true hidden gems of Swiss skiing.

Defining features

Non-skiing activities

Accommodation