- We quite like the thought of being shuttled to and from the lifts in your minibus but what happens if we need to come back early before the time we arranged with you?
- There are the odd times when we realise it is necessary
to return from the skiing unexpectedly. Occasionally there
is an injury or maybe you could be unlucky enough to experience
severe weather. You
will be given a card with our mobile and fixed line telephone numbers
on, give us a ring and we will endeavour to get someone to pick
you up as soon as possible. Please bear in mind that we may not
be immediately available as we are shopping/at the airport/(or
with any luck)out skiing or snowboarding. For emergencies we always
pull all the stops out.
We do ask however that you respect our time too. Please do not ask
us to be an all day taxi service, we are always busy and if we can
grab some free time it's well received.
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- How do we get back from the
lifts if we are late for your shuttle?
- With difficulty usually! We will not leave you stranded
and we react quicker if you have phoned us to give us warning a
reasonable time in advance of the rendezvous. We may wait
a while for you but only if any other guests waiting are happy
to do so, after all they are entitled to go on time if they have
arrived on time. Please bear in mind that if you miss the shuttle
you may have to wait a while as it is one of our busiest times and
we plan our time carefully.
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- If I ski over to another area of the Portes du Soleil and it
takes me longer to get back than I think and the lift that links
back to Morzine is closed what do I do?
- Quite frankly don't let it happen. We will not have the
time to pick you up without seriously affecting the service to
our other guests. A taxi is the only choice and they don't
come cheap...
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- We would like to spend some time in Morzine after skiing but
we prefer to be taken to Ardent lift to start skiing?
- Not a problem. Ski back to Morzine via the Super Morzine
gondola and it's a very short walk into town. We can meet you at
the lift and collect your skis and exchange ski boots for shoes. Again
though, please not every evening as it's time consuming and we
have other guests to think of.
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- What if we want to sample the night life in Morzine?
- On one night per week we are happy to run you into town (if you
can drag yourself away from our cosy chalet after a sumptuous meal)
and pick you up up to midnight. After midnight please get
a taxi (£20 - £25) otherwise breakfast could be thin on the ground. Other
nights you could always try doing a deal with the chalet staff
- it's up to them and there are always taxis. Both Essert
Romand and St Jean d'Aulps have bars and restaurants worth a visit.
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What happens on the chalet staff day off?- Continental breakfast will be left out for you, please do not
use the kitchens for cooking. You will taken and brought from the
lifts as normal and there will be a simple après-ski snack. Rooms
will not be serviced. We ask you to sample one of our excellent
local restaurants in walking distance for your evening meal.
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- I have never skied before, what clothes do I need?
- Layers are good, you will probably wear less than you may think. Make
sure you have a durable and waterproof jacket and trousers, not
necessarily specialist ski wear. Ski gloves are essential. The
choice of socks varies, some people like thick ski socks, I often
wear ordinary socks. Layers of thin clothes are best, and if you
get too warm you can peel some off. Sun cream and sun glasses
are essential and if the weather is poor goggles too. Don't
forget a hat, outrageous is OK.
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- Is it better to hire ski equipment in the UK or locally.
- It's not just a matter of price, in fact I would say that is
one of the least considerations. If you hire locally and
your boots are uncomfortable you can easily exchange them. If
you fancy a change from skiing and would like a go with snowblades
or a snowboard then you are not paying for 2 hires. Remember
too that airlines often charge extra to carry sports equipment,
so take that into account too.
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- Can I book group ski lessons mid-week to mid-week?
- No, the lessons all start on a weekend. Consider private
lessons.
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- At Chalet la Moussière
I am not sure if I will want bed and breakfast or half board. Can
I decide when I arrive?
- In the ski season we only offer catered accommodation whereas in summer
we can be flexible. Although we do need to be informed if
you wish to have an evening meal on your first night. As long as
you let us know reasonably in advance you can mix half board and
bed and breakfast. Please be aware though that we only offer half
board at short notice subject to sufficient demand.
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- I have not booked an activity package, how soon do you need to know to book activities for me?
- Most activities can be reserved at short notice, although during peak periods
it may be prudent to book sooner rather than later to make sure you can go
when you wish.
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- When I arrive at Geneva airport what is the routine?
- We will be waiting for you as you enter the arrivals hall after
customs. Look out for someone holding up a board with our
name on it. Sometimes we may also be picking up clients from
another flight but we never wish to keep clients waiting long.
Occasionally
you may be met by another ski company on our behalf, they will
either have a sign with Allez Alps or your name held up. Sometimes
we have to do this if we are meeting lots of flights and there
are conflicts or if there is only one or two of you. We will
always try to notify you in advance.
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- What happens if my flight is late?
- We will do what we can to pick you up in time. Please ring us
to tell us of the delay as soon as you know and ring us again as
you are boarding. That way it helps us minimise delays. Depending
on our schedules we may arrange for another ski company to meet
you. If you don't notify us and the delay is significant there
may be times we cannot wait any longer for you as we need to get
back to pick up clients to catch a flight. For obvious reasons
we always give priority to departing clients.
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- Can I get Euro currency easily when I arrive?
- Yes, the easy options are at Geneva airport (yes, I know it's
in Switzerland but the cash machines do dispense Euro) and in St
jean d'Aulps.
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- Do I need any Swiss Francs?
- Almost certainly not unless you are intending to spend time in
Geneva itself. The airport retailers accept Euro as do the
mountain restaurants in the Portes du Soleil.
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- Do I need to carry my passport when crossing the mountains into Switzerland?
- There are no border controls other than on the roads. So
the answer is basically no, but there is a requirement in France
to carry identification at all times.
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- I am driving to you in winter, do I need snow chains?
- No easy answer to this. It's going to be safest to have
them as if it's snowing hard when you arrive the police may not
let you through without them. However the roads are usually
clear and they are not normally necessary. If you have a
4x4 you will not need them, otherwise you may wish to see what
the weather forecast is like and if it looks dodgy buy some in
a hypermarket before you reach the Alps.
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- I'm booking my flights and Saturday flights are much more expensive
on the week I wish to book. Is there anything I can do?
- Ring us, we may be able to vary the dates a bit, especially
off peak. Peak weeks however are a problem. A
few options may be:
- Fly out late on a Friday and stay in an hotel either at the airport
or in Geneva. It often works out cheaper.
- Stay your last night in an airport hotel and fly on a Sunday if it's
cost effective.
- Fly out even earlier or depart later and spend time in Geneva, a 2 centre
holiday
- Look at roundabout routes. Some clients arrive via Paris, Amsterdam and Frankfurt. I'm sure some enterprising person can come up with another even more interesting route.
- Drive. In peak weeks flight delays are not uncommon. If you live in the
south east it's worth considering, the drive from Calais usually takes about
9 hours.
Please note that, if you need tuition, the ski
school group lessons start on a Sunday. They will not take first
time skiers in a group lesson after first day.
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- I'm bringing a baby, what do you have that I could leave at home.
- Highchair, travel cot, sterilising equipment, baby bath, toys. Bring
a baby alarm if you wish.
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