Tommy and Robert’s Father and Son Road trip

Right after the holiday festivities, Tommy and Robert embarked on an unforgettable road trip exploring the Gems Amongst the Giants Cluster in France, steering clear of crowds and steep prices. Their strategy involved cozy hotels in the valleys, as well as discovering hidden pathways to access mega resorts and uncovering special secret spots.

Picture this: skiing across the expansive 3 valleys with overnight gear strapped on, traversing from one side to the other and back again the next day. Amidst the bustling holiday season, they found the best skiing experiences in the more secluded and less trendy corners of the resorts—Orelle, La Pointe du Mass, St Martin de Belleville, and Signal.

The following day brought them to the charming gem of a resort, Pralognan La Vanoise, where they enjoyed the slopes from the comfort of a delightful hotel (LINK). Taking advantage of the Saturday changeover day, they opted for a quieter Les Arcs on a truly superb blue-sky day.

The pinnacle of their adventure was a fantastic powder day in the hidden treasure, Bonneval sur Arcs. It proved to be a revelation with outstanding off-piste terrain and a blissful scarcity of fellow skiers competing for the slopes. The entire journey was a perfect blend of exploration, serenity, and thrilling skiing moments.”

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