Chatel – a great destination for family ski holidays

Chatel is a picturesque ski resort based at the heart of the Portes du Soleil – the largest linked ski area in the world. The resort caters for all the family which makes it an excellent choice for holidaying with children.

From as early as age 3, children can start their skiing in Chatel at “Les Marmottons” Kindergarten, run by the Chatel ESF team. Les Marmottons is situated within the main part of the village and is accessible by a regular free ski bus. It has a club house for refreshments and indoor activities, and a large ski area suitable for all first time skiers. They are also well staffed with English speaking ski instructors and assistants to help get the little ones on their skis.

Children can progress through all the various levels of skiing at Les Marmottons and can proudly return home as fully fledged skiers clutching their award medals. There are a number of ski lifts from small rope tows to Poma drag lifts which teaches the children the basics of getting up the mountain and the snow coverage on the nursery slopes is guaranteed as they also have added snow making facilities and their own piste bashers.

The other ski schools in the village, the ESSI and the ESF, also offer great group lessons or private lesson options for children as young as age 4 at the two main Chatel ski areas – Pre la Joux and Super Chatel.

The ESSI (International Ski School) is a small independent ski school with English speaking instructors, offering small class sizes and easy meeting points.

The ESF are able to offer fantastic value for money on their group and private lesson packages and offer meeting points at Super Chatel and Pre la Joux. Both ski areas are easily accessed by car or by the free village ski bus.

The Super Chatel ski area is reached by gondola from the centre of the village allowing parents with little children and even babies to go up the mountain and feel like they are part of the skiing action. There are sledging areas at the top of the gondola next to the nearby beginner slopes where the snow can be enjoyed by all with no need for Wii accessories.

At Pre la Joux the Pierre Longue chair lift is accessible to pedestrians and skiers alike allowing families and non skiers to go up and down the mountain by chair lift for lunch in one of the restaurants or for a hot chocolate or vin chaud on one of the sun terraces.

Families visiting Chatel find that very quickly they are able to find their way round the resort, skiing a range of slopes to suit all levels and ensuring that all members of the family feel like they can make the most of the ski area whilst still sharing quality time together.

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White-Peak Holidays (http://www.white-peak.com ) offers ski chalets in Chatel.

Eight Tips For finding Discount Christmas Vacations: Steps to Planning the Perfect Holiday

If you are looking for discount Christmas vacations, there are some simple steps you can follow to help you locate the best deals. Christmas is one of the busiest travel times of the year and you will need to plan ahead to avail of some of the best deals available.

Many of these tips for discount Christmas vacations are very simple, while others may require you to do some research to find just what you are looking for.

Plan Ahead- This is the number one thing you can do to locate discount Christmas vacations. The farther out you book your reservations, the more likely you are to get an outstanding deal. This can also prevent you running into availability problems during an area’s peak season.

Travel During the Week- Many airlines offer much cheaper fares when you travel on Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday. There are also other ways to save money, such as discount airlines, holiday specials, and weekend stays.

Look for Package Deals- Many of the best discount vacation deals are available in a package. These packages offer airfare or other transportation, accommodations, and even attraction tickets. Not only can you find great savings this way, you will also reduce many of the hassles involved with booking and purchases each part of your vacation separately.

Consider an Off the Wall Location- There are many destinations that are not normally high on a vacation list over the holidays and they typically make for cheaper holidays too. Cold weather climate destination, such as ice fishing or a winter hideaway cabin can cost much less than a week at a beach and also offer an entirely different avenue for fun.

Look for Out of the Way Lodging – If you are looking for a quiet getaway, consider lodging that is off the beaten path. You may find several hotels that have greatly reduced rates during the holidays. If you are driv ing a long way from major cities make sure you carry any spare auto accessories that you may need.

Speak with a Travel Agent- Travel agents can be a good asset when you are looking for discount Christmas vacations. Since most agencies purchase blocks of travel for resale, you can often come across a great deal if the trip does not sell out.

Look into Travel Clubs- There are many travel clubs that offer deep discounts on holiday travel. AAA and AARP both have sensational travel packages. While you may find some dates are unavailable, you might luck into a great holiday deal if you plan ahead.

Consider a Christmas Cruise- Some of the cruise lines have difficulty booking enough people during the holiday. You could stumble across a really nice deal if you do your research.

Research is definitely the key to finding amazing deals on discount Christmas vacations. There are many great travel websites that specialize in discount vacations. You can also talk with friends and family members to see if they can suggest a destination or activity. Some of your best vacation memories might be of a vacation where you didn’t do the “normal” activities.

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Huzaili Aris loves to travel and reveals more tips on how to get cheap airline flights at his website. Get travel destination tips and fun vacation ideas by visiting http://funvacationideas.com/

How to Avoid Altitude Sickness in Breckenridge Colorado

If you’re traveling to a high altitude ski destination, such as Breckenridge, Colorado this winter, it’s important that you bring along a thorough understanding of how higher elevations can affect your travels. With a base elevation perched at 9,600 feet above sea level, Breckenridge is one of the highest ski towns in the American West.

Most travelers will find that the altitude of Breckenridge has a relatively mild effect on them. It is not uncommon to notice a slight headache or have a bit of trouble sleeping for the first two to three days after arrival. Unfortunately, some visitors will experience more severe symptoms including nausea, vomiting, significant headaches and shortness of breath. The good news is that by following a few simple precautions, most travelers can mitigate the effect of altitude to the point that they are barely noticeable at all.

Visitors who believe they may be prone to the effects of altitude should consult their family physician before heading to Breckenridge. He or she may prescribe a drug known as Diamox. This prescription is taken for two days prior to your arrival in Breckenridge and for the first three to four days of your stay. It can help to mitigate the most noticeable symptoms of high altitude. Children may also receive a prescription for Diamox in smaller doses than those given to adults. You should also inquire as to whether Breckenridge’s altitude may exacerbate any health conditions that you already have.

Prior to arriving in Breckenridge, visitors should increase their water intake and be sure to remain well hydrated during the course of their stay. The body’s adjustment to higher elevations is accompanied by fluid loss. This is the result of an increased respiration rate, and with it, greater amounts of water vapor are exhaled. Try to consume a minimum of one hundred ounces of fluids each day to retain the level of hydration needed by your body. A diet that is high in carbohydrates will also help with acclimatization, as these simple sugars are more easily digested by your body, allowing it to focus more energy on adjusting to altitude. Avoiding caffeine and alcohol will also help, as they can contribute to dehydration.

Spending a night in Denver before traveling to Breckenridge can also be an effective method of acclimating. At an elevation of 5,280 feet, Denver offers an ideal median altitude to adjust to before moving on to higher elevations.

After arriving in Breckenridge, it’s a good idea to take things easy for your first day or two in town. Exhausting yourself by skiing from the time the mountain opens to the time it closes can bring on the symptoms of altitude sickness, even days after your arrival. Light activity is better for acclimating than bed rest, even if you do not feel well. Lying in bed or sleeping decreases the body’s rate of respiration which can actually amplify the effects of altitude sickness. Even if you’re not feeling one hundred percent, a short walk around town will help your body adjust to its new surroundings much faster than trying to sleep off symptoms. You may even want to visit a local “oxygen bar,” where for a few dollars, you can breathe an oxygen concentration resembling that of a much lower elevation.

Although altitude sickness has the capacity to put a damper on your ski vacation, understanding the simple steps that can be taken to avoid it ought to make your adjustment to Breckenridge’s elevation a much easier one. It is important that guests remember not to “overdo it” when it comes to activity, alcohol and caffeine, while increasing their consumption of hydrating fluids. By following a few simple precautions, you can ensure that your next ski or snowboard vacation in Breckenridge is a spectacular one. Most importantly, if symptoms of mountain sickness do not improve within a few days of your arrival or worsen, consult a local physician, as this may be a sign of a more dangerous condition known as High Altitude Pulmonary Edema.

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Ben Kelly is a resident of Breckenridge Colorado and enjoys snowboarding, hiking, mountain biking and fly fishing in the Colorado Rockies. He is the owner of Summit Vacation Concierge and can provide expert local advice on Breckenridge Lodging, Ski Vacation Packages and Activities.
http://www.summitconcierge.com

Finding Bargain Ski Holidays Online

The internet is a great place to find budget ski holidays. You can find some good deals on bargain ski holidays that include everything from your flight to accommodation and even ski-gear rental if you shop around. You should remember however, to not book the first holiday package that you find. Instead, check lots of places first and be sure you are getting a good deal.

Check Several Sites

Compare prices from several companies. Ideally, you should use a few different sites that compare prices from lots of major operators, and, if you can think of any companies that the price comparison sites do not cover, check those yourself too. Since you don’t even have to leave your desk to check, there is no reason to rush or cut corners. You could save hundreds of dollars just by spending a few extra minutes checking several different companies.

The Lowest Price Is Not Always The Best

The cheapest quote may not be the best value. Make sure you know what you are getting in the package. You may find that paying a little extra will get you shuttle to and from the airport, and include equipment rental, which would more than make up for the slightly higher price.

You should not be afraid to contact these online travel companies’ support centers, either. Comparison shopping may work wonders at getting you the best possible deal. Also, if you can get a better deal on airfare from one company, but prefer to fly the airline offered by another, you can try giving them a call, or sending them an email, and asking them if they can offer you the same price on airfare as “company b”. You may be surprised to know that many of these online travel companies are more than willing to try to get you a better deal on bargain ski holidays ‘ especially if it prevents you from using a competitor. That’s a true “win-win” situation.

Book Well In Advance

Unless you are willing to hold out for a last minute deal and accept the disappointment if one is not available, you should book as early as you can since prices tend to go up before they come down, so the sooner you can book the better. If you can be flexible about when you take your holiday, try plugging a few different dates in to the booking system to see how far ahead, and what time of year, will get you the best prices at your chosen destination.

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If you’re seeking to explore more than just the ski slopes on your next winter getaway to Breckenridge, Colorado, consider booking a snowmobile tour. Breckenridge snowmobiling provides an adventurous escape into the heart of the Rocky Mountain wilderness, treating guests to dazzling views and non-stop opportunities to play in the area’s deepest powder-filled bowls and high alpine meadows.

Local snowmobile tours travel as high as 12,500 feet atop of the Continental Divide, offering guests a new perspective on the spectacular mountain scenery that surrounds them. Each tour begins with a brief overview of your snowmobile’s operation and handling, followed by a short ride down a trail system that connects with an open practice area. Here, guests are invited to better acquaint themselves with driving their snowmobiles before tackling the more challenging terrain that lies ahead.

Following the practice session, guides divide snowmobiling parties into smaller groups depending on the level of adventure their members are seeking. The tour then begins climbing and weaving through the forest on trails that eventually connect to the open terrain of the Continental Divide. Upon leaving the timberline below, adventurous guests are invited to open up their throttles and bank turns off of the surrounding mountainsides, while those seeking a more relaxed ride can take it easy and appreciate the amphitheatre of 14,000 foot peaks towering above them.

As riding parties reach Chicago Ridge, located 12,500 feet above sea level on the Continental Divide, snowmobilers are invited to break for pictures with postcard-like scenery providing the backdrop. The tour then descends back into high alpine terrain below the ridge for some powder riding before re-connecting with a trail system that takes guests through towering spruce and lodgepole forests. Along the way, guides may offer the opportunity to break for hot chocolate at one of the historic miners’ cabins that remain intact along the lower elevations of Fremont Pass.

Snowmobile tours are an ideal non-ski activity for individual, families, friends and corporate retreats because unlike skiing and snowboarding, they require no previous experience for everyone to remain a part of the group. Tour guests will find complimentary transportation available from their Breckenridge lodging property to and from local snowmobile base camps. Local snowmobile outfitters provide helmets, snowsuits and boots free of charge. Guests are advised to bring their ski goggles and sunglasses with them for eye protection and a warm pair of mittens or gloves.

Whether you’ve never ridden a snowmobile before, or you’re an experience rider looking to ride some of the highest terrain the Colorado Rockies have to offer, snowmobiling in Breckenridge is sure to be the highlight of any winter vacation to the area.

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Ben Kelly is the owner of Breckenridge Snowmobiling and Summit Vacation Concierge and can provide expert advice on vacationing in Breckenridge, including snowmobiling, lodging, vacation packages, activities and travel services. He is a resident of Breckenridge, Colorado and enjoys snowmobiling, snowboarding, mountain biking and the Colorado backcountry.
breckenridgesnowmobiling.com

Planning a Canadian National Parks Adventure

If you’ve always wanted to explore the natural beauty of North America, then you’ll be able to find some incredible gems hidden in the National Parks of Canada. There’s no better way to experience the natural beauty of the country than by touring one, or several, of the country’s more than 40 National Parks. If this article whets your appetite, then you can find at more at the Parks Canada Agency website.

British Columbia National Parks

No trip to British Columbia is complete without a visit to Glacier National Park, assuming you don’t visit during the coldest months of winter when the park is not accessible. The park, which lies in Canada’s Columbia mountain range, is home to grizzlies, caribou, and a variety of other species native to the area. Skilled skiers delight in the back country skiing opportunities available within the park.

When in British Columbia, you’ll also want to visit Kootenay National Park. This park is open year round, and provides visitors with glimpses of interesting scenery. Where else can you see cacti and glaciers in the same location? You’ll enjoy an amazing glimpse of the unique beauty of the Canadian Rockies when your trip includes a stop at Kootenay National Park.

National Parks in Alberta

If you’re travels will take you to the Canadian province of Alberta, you must visit both Banff National Park and Wood Buffalo National Park. Both parks are open year round, with the exception of Christmas Day, weather permitting. When you visit Banff, you’ll be able to tour a majestic cave, see a real hot springs up close, and enjoy the breathtaking scenery that consists of awe-inspiring glaciers and mountains.

Wood Buffalo National Park is an ideal destination for those who enjoy outdoor activities, including bird watching, hiking, and canoeing. This makes the area ideal for outdoor sales training events. The most adventurous travelers may want to try backpacking and camping in the remote wilderness park, but others may elect more modern accommodations in one of the nearby towns.

Yukon National Park

If your travels take you to the province of Yukon, you’ll have an opportunity to view the highest peak in Canada in Kluane National Park. Known for its enormous ice fields and steep, rugged scenery, this park is home to Mount Logan. With its peak height of 5959 meters, you won’t find a taller peak anywhere in the country. Because of the icy terrain, you’ll need to visit this park between May and September, because it’s not open to the public the rest of the year.

Planning Your Canadian National Parks Adventure
These are just a few of the many breathtaking and awe-inspiring national parks located throughout Canada. No matter which of the country’s many provinces you plan to visit, you won’t be far from a National Park with scenery sure to take your breath away.

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Take a look at cheapflights.co.uk or flights to Canada

Planning a Ski Vacation in Colorado

Colorado is home to the beautiful Rocky Mountains. Can you think of a better place to take a winter ski vacation? A few years ago, this destination was the province of the rich and famous, but now everyone can take a trip to the wonderful ski resorts of Colorado, and enjoy the great scenery and luxurious hotels.

Booking Online

There are lots of companies that can help you plan and book your ski vacation. These companies will help you arrange everything from your flights to hotel bookings and resort passes. If you are able to book well in advance then you will have the chance to take advantage of some great low cost deals, and there are some good off-peak offers too.

Travel Agents
If you have a good relationship with a travel agent from previous holidays, it is worth asking them if they do ski vacations. They may be able to help you out with some good deals, as they have access to a lot of special offers that are not always made available to online travel companies. Often these deals need you to be flexible in your travel plans, if you are both in finance jobs this may be possible. These deals are typically scheduled during off-peak seasons when fewer people are visiting the area, and they are sometimes offered at the last minute.

Visiting during off-peak times means that you will get more personal service as the staff will have fewer visitors to look after, and supplies will be less taxed too.

More Than Just The Slopes

Ski resorts in Colorado offer more than just some slopes to ski down. They usually run skiing and snowboarding lessons, and have lots of restaurants that cater to different tastes too. Some of the resorts also have areas designated for sleigh rides and even special snow-mobile sections.

If you’ve never been on a snow mobile but would like to try one, you can ask for a tutorial session before you head out into the country by yourself. Children can usually ride with adults, or if, you don’t want to ride a snowmobile you could take a passenger ride on a sleigh instead.

Some of the hotels have indoor pools and saunas, which are perfect as a way to relax after a hard days skiing. If you are lucky, your hotels pool will have a nice view, and you can watch the clear night sky as you unwind. If you want a memorable family holiday, head over to Colorado this winter.

No matter when you visit, you will have a wonderful time as Colorado is a beautiful place with some great scenery, and some of the best slopes in the world.

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Enjoy a fun-filled ski vacation this year. Visit http://vacation.every1loves2travel.com , and explore the many options for the ski vacation of your dreams.

The Top Ski Resorts in France – French Ski Resorts

The most famous ski resort in the French Alps is Chamonix-Mont-Blanc. Chamonix is both the oldest and the biggest French winter-sports resort. Site of the first Winter Olympics, held in 1924, Chamonix boasts the world’s highest cable car (12,000 feet). From the top, the view of Mont Blanc, at 15,700 feet, is stunning.

Visitors to Chamonix can do more than ski, though. There are conferences, a science fair, fishing and hunting, various music and folk festivals, and an alpine museum. An 18-hole golf course will delight golfers, and three movie theaters provide enough viewing entertainment for even the dedicated film buff. Five dancing spots, or discotheques, will keep the under-30 entertained, while the health-conscious adventurer can indulge in day-sports like cycling, mountain climbing, hiking, horseback riding, swimming, tennis and ice skating.

Chamonix is part of the Ski Pass Mont Blanc Area, and provides access to more than 140 individual pistes, or dedicated ski runs covering more than 94 miles. A dedicated Ski Pass will provide access not only to Chamonix, but Argentière, Combloux, Cordon, Le Tour, Les Contamines, Les Houches, Megève, Passy Plaine Joux and St. Gervais Mont-Blanc as well. A good portion of the dedicated runs are above 8,200 feet, so year-round skiing is guaranteed. Chamonix also has 54 snow machines to provide adequate base and good terrain, and 49 lifts capable of transporting more than 52,000 passengers per hour.

Megève is built around a medieval heart, but boasts the kinds of amenities all travelers and ski enthusiasts will appreciate. Expensive and stylish, Megève was built in the 1920’s as a resort alternative to St. Moritz, and has continued to upgrade and attract discerning travelers ever since. Fortunately, you won’t need star status to enjoy one of the luxurious hotels or chalets, though you will need a sizeable vacation fund; Megève is not cheap.

The ski area, 185 miles of marked trails, has 81 integrated lifts – no T-bars for luxurious Megève. If you get there in the right year, you may even be able to witness a World Cup race, hosted on a regular basis (Chamonix was the site of the 2007-2008 race). If you get off on snowboarding, Megève also has two snow parks and a half-pipe (for the unfamiliar, think of a skateboarding park with snow). Megève gets 80 inches of snow a year, making for good to very-good base, and supplements Nature with 175 snow-making machines. Méribel, located in the center of the Three Valleys (the biggest, linked winter sports area in the world), has 200 lifts and 372 miles of dedicated trails.

Méribel used to be an intermediate site, but opening up Mont Vallon and the top of the valley have made it a destination-must for extreme skiers as well. The wooden chalets, many owned by British tourists who favor the ski slopes, are tastefully rustic, the language more often English than French.

Morzine has easy road access, and is ideal for beginning skiers. Its gently inclined, tree-filled slopes and pleasant atmosphere are non-threatening to those unfamiliar with French customs, cuisine, or skiing. The weather is also typically mild – no need to worry about getting lost in a snowstorm. The one drawback to Morzine is its non-central location and lack of adequate transportation to other ski sites. Morzine makes snow, but not in sufficient quantity to overcome localized snow conditions, which can be disappointing. This makes it ideal for cautious beginners, but a bummer for more advanced skiers, who would prefer Serre Chevalier, with its 50 runs designed specifically for advanced or expert skiers.

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