EVENTS & NEWS
Planning a weekend
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Ski Trip 2008 Details
2008 will see the club trip going to Courchevel 1650. There are 61 places available on a first come, first served basis.
This gives us exclusive use of the Chalets Cascades & Sabots De Venus so no bothering anyone else if the evening après-ski gets a bit lively! If you fancy a week of exciting winter sports away from the rubbish weather in Britain at the end of January, this could be for you.
With 61 people, there will be all levels of skiers and boarders from the complete beginner, through total speed freak to the very advanced. Don't worry if you don't know who's a Green slope "Greenhorn" or a Black slope "Bat out of Hell" (or you just don't know anybody!).We'll put you in contact with those in your ski comfort zone before the trip by organising a few social get togethers where you can mix a bit of networking with a drop of plonk or pilsner. A few visits to the local dry ski slopes at Gloucester or Churchill will also be sorted for those who either want to master the basics (before venturing on the actual white flaky stuff) or see if they can remember them! The dry slope session might even be followed by a 'wet your whistle' session at a local hostelry giving an opportunity to discuss your technique and tender bits.
During the trip the Information / Message board will give details of who's meeting where, what time (depending on what sort of an 'eventful' evening has been had the night before!) and what experience level so you don't have to solo ski. It can also be used to list events and anything else which may be useful including rubbish restaurants or special slopes you may want to tell your fellow AOAC peeps about.
Resort
Courchevel is made up of four different resorts, which are indicated by their height in metres (1300, 1550, 1650 and 1850) and is part of the extensive Three Valleys ski area, considered by many British skiers to be one of the top places to ski in Europe. With over 650km of prepared piste there is plenty to keep both skiers and boarders from complete beginner through to the very advanced busy.
For boarders, there is also a large dedicated "snowpark" under the Plantrey chair lift as well as numerous off piste challenges throughout Courchevel. The area near the Biollay chairlift is especially popular.
For those who are interested in ski lessons or coaching, there are several ski schools in the resort. We will be investigating these options later in the year so you can book your lessons before leaving the UK.
Accommodation
We have booked two chalets and have full occupancy of both. A cooked breakfast is served daily, except on the chalet staff's day off, where breakfast will be left out for us. Afternoon tea is also served so you can have a refreshing slurp and nibble while discussing your adventures of the day when you return from the slopes. Dinner in the evening includes unlimited wine during the meal service will be served on 6 of the 7 nights. We will get the chance to sample the local cuisine on the night of the chalets staff's day off.
Chalet Cascades
A three star Chalet which was extensively refurbished last year. This is in the very centre of Courchevel 1650, just opposite the Ariondaz gondola lift so no long trek required for slope access. Also for your convenience the Intersport equipment hire shop is located below the chalet for those last minute adjustments or purchases.
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With 40 people in this chalet everybody gets a comfortable twin room including some with a balcony.
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Chalet Sabots De Venus
A converted village home, the Sabots de Venus boasts a cozy ambience with the living and dining area separated by a warming traditional stone fireplace. The chalet also offers a high ratio of bathrooms to bedrooms and is close in proximity to chalet Cascades.
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Fancy Dress!
In keeping with the club's ski holiday tradition, we will be having a fancy dress night towards the end of the trip. We are planning to hold it on the Friday night. This will be the last night for those in the Sabots De Venus Chalet and the penultimate night for those in Cascades.
This year’s fancy dress theme is "what I would like to be when I grow up". So get your thinking caps on, sewing machines out (or visit a hire shop) to come up with some creative designs, and you could be in store for one of the fab fancy dress prizes.
Travel details
Flights are from Bristol to Chambery with the Coach transfer to Courchevel 1650 taking approximately two and a half hours.
Chalet Cascades - Outbound flight: Sunday 27th Jan 2008 @ 7.45 arriving 10.40. Inbound flight: Sunday 3rd Feb 2008 @ 11.40 arriving 12.25
Chalet Sabots De Venus - Outbound flight: Saturday 26th Jan 2008 @ 7.00 arriving 9.45. Inbound flight: Saturday 2nd Feb 2008 @ 10.45 arriving 11.45.
Cost
The trip organisers have worn out our keyboards, racked up mega phone bills and have had travel agents quaking in their boots at the thought of more price reducing negotiations with us to get this great deal for you! So get your cheque book out right now! The sooner you sign up, the sooner you'll have 2008 off to a great start.
Equipment hire, ski lessons and the evening meal out on the chalet staff's night off are the only things not included.
Chalet Cascades - £635 per person, includes your ski pass.
Chalet Sabots De Venus - £686 per person, includes your ski pass.
The cost of the ski/snowboard carriage has turned out to be a little more expensive than we first envisaged. The cost will be £21. Can you please send Rachel the additional £6 if you have not already done so, and PRONTO!
Lessons
If you require lessons or coaching please complete THIS FORM and e-mail back to the ski organisers by 18/12/2007. We are currently discussing options with a BASI School in Courchevel and we need to understand your requirements ASAP.
AOAC Membership
To take part in this trip you have to be a member of Avon Outdoor Activity Club for insurance purposes. This costs £20 per year for those living in the Bristol area and £10 if over 50 miles away. This also gives you access to many other organised activities such as sailing, canoeing, walking, badminton, tennis, caving etc.
Trip Organisers
The ski strip is being organised by Mark Athay, Karen Brittle, Rachel Dunn, Les McColl and Chris Tovee.
If you have any questions regarding the trip, please speak to Mark, Karen, Rachel, Les or Chris on a club night, or drop an e-mail to ski.aoac"@"yahoo.co.uk (without the quotes).
Equipment Hire
Having checked out the websites of all the rental shops in Courchevel 1650, they are all pretty much of a muchness where price is concerned and the shop directly under the Chalet Cascades is slightly cheaper for some packages and of course more convenient location wise. Pre-booking equipment on-line can give you a saving of up to 40% on the in resort shop price. Click here if you wish to pre-book on-line.
Ticket Collection
Due to circumstances beyond our control, for those staying in Chalet Cascades only, tickets will now be handed out at the airport.
The Ski Organisers plan to be stationed by the Subway sandwich bar at Bristol airport between 4.45 - 5.00 am to distribute the tickets. We would appreciate you arriving at this time and not keep us hanging around. Please note, that as there are now no tickets to distribute for either chalet during w/c 21st January, the Ski Organisers will NOT be at the The Llandoger Trow on Thursday 24th January as previously communicated. We will however be there on Wednesday 23rd January from 8.15 for a few hours if you have any final questions and more importantly buy us a well deserved a beer!