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Posts Tagged ‘meribel’
Pierre Vacances: Altitude Festival 2009
If you’re planning to squeeze in a ski trip to the French Alps at the end of the season, make your way to the fabulous resort of Meribel for first-class snow action and belly laughs on the piste.
Featuring some of the biggest names in comedy, the annual Altitude Festival, runs in the beautiful resort of Meribel from 28th March- April 3rd 2009.
Co-created by British comedian Marcus Brigstocke, the Altitude Festival offers the ultimate in après-ski entertainment. This year’s line-up features the cream of the British comedy crop, including Phil Jupitus, Ed Byrne, Andrew Maxwell, Lee Mack and Jenny Éclair.
Internationally acclaimed DJs, Brandon Block and Hed Kandi are also featured and the fellows from the Ministry of Sound are scheduled to play a set, too. While the full line up of bands won’t be announced until mid-January, The Dub Pistols are top of the bill – and guaranteed to get the party started. Having gained much credibility after collaborations with Busta Rhymes, Ian Brown, Bono, Moby, and Terry Hall from The Specials, the band also scored a hit at music festivals this summer.
And if you speak the lingo, check out some of the French bands too –an intriguing mix of upcoming French acts have been drafted in to give the snowy festival that extra je ne sais quoi.
The highlights of the festivals, in addition to brilliant stand-up performances, include screenings of comedy films, gigs and a lot of messing around on the piste. Join your favourite comedians for some top entertainment on the slopes, including three legged ski-races, snowball fights and expression sessions.
On a more serious note, visiting Meribel at the end of the season also means you’ll also get to watch the pro-skiers and snowboarders in action. The British Ski Championships takes place in the same week as the Altitude Festival… escapes to the piste don’t come much better than this!
Comedy at Altitude festival
Last year’s highlights included impromptu heated pool parties, The Highest Stand Up Gig Ever (at 2,800km) and a group invasion of the nearby Courcheval resort organised by Andrew Mar who insisted everyone dressed up in masks and capes.To get a feel for the festival, watch last years highlights:
Green giggles
Festival organisers are also aware of the environmental impact on the resort, and are aiming to make this year’s Altitude comedy party, a carbon neutral festival. They are not only offering a lift-sharing service, but customers are being encouraged to travel by train. All the ski lifts in the resort are powered hydro-electrically, and there are many piste-cleaning parties currently being planned.
Getting there
If you’re travelling by train, the nearest station to Meribel is Brides des Bains and the nearest airports are Lyon, Geneva or Grenoble.
Where to stay at Altitude festival
Pierre Vacances has seven self-catering residences at very affordable prices in Meribel.
Choose from a wide range of comfortable studios and apartments – all of which have modern kitchens and facilities, and are situated in the heart of the resort close to the ski lifts.
Altitude Festival accommodation
A stay for the entire festival (28th March- 3rd April) at PV-Holidays Residence Maeva Les Ravines, in a studio, which sleeps four people, cost from just £527. For detailed property information, see the page here or watch a virtual tour of the resort.
For those on less of a budget, a stay for the duration of the festival at PV-Holidays Residence Les Crets will cost from just £891, for a one -bedroom apartment, which can sleep up to five people. Find more information on the website here.
For our current special offers see our website here!
Make sure you visit the Altitude Website to find out more information as the website is updated regularly.
Thanks for reading,
PV-Holidays.
*Pictures provided by Altitude organisers.
Pierre Vacances: Top Ten Family Ski Destinations
If you’d rather swap the drizzle and Brussels sprouts for a festive family ski holiday adventure, why not take your children to the beautiful French Alps?
We’ve rounded up ten of the best family friendly ski resorts in France with some top deals for comfortable self-catering ski holiday apartments that won’t break the bank.
Most of the featured apartments in these resorts are also ski in ski out locations – perfect for little ones, and a White Christmas is guaranteed!
1.Avoriaz
One of the biggest, most beautiful and innovative ski areas in the world, the bustling resort of Avoriaz also boasts pristine eco credentials. This car-free ski heaven is home to ‘Le Stash’ – Europe’s first environmentally friendly snow park, and the fabulous Children’s Village, created by top skier Annie Famose, who is also a mum who understands the demands of kids on holiday. There is also a skating rink, a fully equipped sports centre, and sleigh rides to get you in the Christmas spirit!
December deals
Studios are available at the Residence Maeva Balcons de Soleil from 378 Euros per week from 20th December. Each studio sleeps four.
2.Les Arcs
Overlooked by Mont Blanc and next to the Vanoise National Park, the Les Arc ski area is also car-free and easy to navigate, making it a great choice if you’re taking your first ski trip with young children. A bowling alley is close by, as is a spa if you manage to secure an afternoon away from the slopes.
December deals
One of the best family-friendly self-catering apartments in Les Arcs, Residence Pierre & Vacances Le Belmont has four-person studios, from 940 Euros for seven nights, from the 19th December. Little ones love the onsite kids play area, there’s a wide choice of games to borrow, and the property has a library, too.
3.La Plagne
Comprising a network of ski villages, La Plagne is well-connected until midnight by an excellent system of lifts and buses. The ski area is an intermediates paradise with long reds and blues to explore making it a great choice for more experienced skiers and families with snow-mad teenagers. There’s an excellent ski school and crèche, too.
December deals
A popular self-catering apartment in La Plagne, The Residences MGM Les Hauts Bois has one-bedroom apartments (for up to six people) for seven nights for 1550 Euros, from 20th December. The residence also has a food shopping delivery and bakery services.
Ideally located for some of the best 3 Valley pistes, Les Menuires is not only very child-friendly but offers free ski passes for children under five. There are plenty of ski schools for beginners, and a magnificent snow castle for the little ones to play in once they’ve tired of the slopes. Highlights for older children include snow mobiling and husky dog sledding.
December deals
Residence Pierre Vacances Aconit offers one-bedroom apartments for families of four, for seven nights from 19th December. Prices start from 949.97 Euros. Recently renovated, this residence now features a great new swimming pool and ice rink.
5. Flaine
Nestled in the heart of a natural, tree-lined bowl, Flaine is a modern, car-free resort with fabulous views of Mont Blanc. The highlights for children include a go-karting track, indoor pool and climbing wall, while parents with an eye for art will love the monumental works by Picasso and Dubuffet on display in resort.
December deals
Residence La Foret residence offers seven nights in apartments that cater for up to five from 550 Euros, from 13th December.
6.Valmorel
Frozen waterfalls, horse -drawn sleigh rides and an igloo village are among the highlights of the magical resort of Valmorel. Surround by rustic residences, this picture-postcard resort looks like Disneyland in the snow!
December deals
The comfy Pierre Vacances Valmorel Athamante & Valeriane has seven nights in four-person studios from 621 Euros, from 20th December. The residence is baby-friendly, and has a toboggan run just for kids.
A fun, relaxed resort, Alpe d’Huez caters for both experts and novices. The designated ‘slow zone’ is perfect for any first timer, or mini-skier. Attractions include igloos, glacier tours, snow mobiling, and a sports centre with ice rink and heated indoor pool.
December deals
Residence Maeva Les Melezes has seven nights in studio cabins for families of four for 430 Euros, from 20th December. The ‘Les Eterlous’ children’s village is nearby.
8. Courchevel
Ice karting, snow mobiling, snow rafting and tobogganing are just a few of the attractions to keep active kids entertained. Courcheval is a great choice for skiers of all levels and offers excellent crèche facilities and ski schools. There’s also the Olympic ice rink and a cinema.
December deals
Courchevel 1850 – Chalets du Forum, is right at the foot of the slopes, and offers easy access one-bedroom apartments (which sleep 5) from 1970 Euros for seven nights from 20th December.
A network of charming villages and hamlets, the resort of Serre Chevalier has a lovely tree-lined ski area. Families love its peaceful, traditional atmosphere but there’s also plenty to appeal to young thrill-seekers. Horse and carriage rides, and snow scooter trips are among the highlights.
December deals
Residence Pierre Vacances L’Alpaga has seven nights in four-person studios from 630 Euros, from 20th December. Baby-friendly apartments are also available.
10.Vars
Older children and teenagers have a ball in Vars. This action-packed resort offers snow bikes, ‘seal skin’ hikes, tobogganing, and helicopter flights, as well as a host of treats for grown-ups, including saunas, spa treatments and Turkish baths.
December deals
Residence Pierre Vacances L’Albane has four-person studios available for seven nights from 690 Euros, from 20th December.
Click on the links at the side of the page for more information or visit our website here: PV-Holidays.com
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