Consensio brochure 2015 issuu

Y O U R

L U X U R Y

L I F E S T Y L E

I S S U E

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M A G A Z I N E

S O P H I S T I C AT E D A N D C H I C C H O C O L AT E M A D E I N L O N D O N Available from Fortnum & Mason, Selfridges, Wholefoods and www.ameliarope.com

Welcome

CONSENSIO

Nothing unites us quite like the pleasure of a shared holiday memory - perhaps watching your child master their first snow-plough, an early morning adventure on the freshly groomed pistes, or those first tracks in the untouched powder.

It’s times like these that create special memories for both young and old, and reliving them together can be nearly as much fun as experiencing them in the first place.

We have four fabulous new chalets this winter, along with a host of additions to our inchalet service, such as our Après-ski revival service and our exclusive chocolate treats from Amelia Rope (see page 55).

Here at Consensio we are really excited about the season ahead, and can’t wait to make your holiday memories even more special this year. We like to remove all pre-holiday stress for you by making sure that every conceivable thing has been organised in advance, ensuring that you can make the most of your precious time once in resort - be it out on the pistes with your ski guide, or enjoying a much needed massage.

Our handpicked teams undergo special training to ensure they create magical experiences throughout your stay in a Consensio chalet, and our top chefs are on hand to create mouth-watering menus with all your favourite dishes.

Everyone at Consensio is passionate about creating lasting memories just for you, and we hope this magazine will give you a little taste of what we have in store for you this winter.

Ceri Tinley Managing Director Consensio – Chalets \ Yachts

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L I F E S T Y L E

M A G A Z I N E

Editor Clare Meaney For all media and marketing enquiries please contact Clare on 07941 568679 Or email: clare@consensiochalets.co.uk

C O N T R I B U T O R S Peter Dean is an award-winning journalist writing about drinks and luxury travel for magazines, websites and brands including The Guardian, BBC, Tempus and Harper’s. When not travelling he lives in London and the South of France.

Arnie Wilson was the Financial Times ski correspondent for 15 years and then edited the Ski Club of Great Britain’s magazine Ski+board for 13 years until 2014. In 1994 he skied every day of the year in 240 resorts in 13 countries and has now skied a total of 729 resorts, including ski areas in all 38 of America’s ‘skiing states’.

Rob Rees is a director of Inside Out Skiing. He teaches skiing all year round at The Snow Centre, Hemel Hempstead and in a variety of alpine resorts during the winter months. Prior to becoming a ski instructor he worked in education policy and management.

James Devine has just completed his second internship as a Marketing Executive with Consensio. Having graduated from Cambridge with a degree in Social Anthropology this summer, he is now looking forward to furthering his marketing career in London.

As well as being a ski writer, Michael Cranmer is a James Bond fan, vastly preferring the books to the films.

His favourite 007 actor is Sean Connery and his favourite book is Casino Royale. He differs from Bond in that he prefers vodka in his Martini, having had a bad experience with gin in his youth.

C H A L E T S E X E C P T I O N A L

C H A L E T S

I I

Y A C H T S E X C E P T I O N A L

9 R EE CE M EWS , S O U TH K ENS INGTON , LON DON , SW7 3HE | +44 (0) 203 393 0833 SALES @CO NS ENS IO C H ALE TS .CO.UK | WWW.CON SEN SI OCHA LETS.CO.U K

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S E R V I C E

CONSENSIO

Contents 6 - 8 My Perfect Day

42 - 43 Top ski tips

10 - 13 Poster power

44 - 46 New gadgets and gizmos

14 - 15 Safety on the slopes

48 - 51 A taste of fine wines

16 - 19 Après ski hot spot

52 - 53 What’s in store?

22 - 24 Artist captures winter scenes

55 - 58 What’s new this season?

26 - 29 Fashion

60 - 63 World Ski Awards

30 - 31 Skiing and snowboarding - indoors!

64 - 66 The jet set

32 -35 The name’s Bond - James Bond

68 - 70 Food, glorious food

36 - 37 Snow making factory

72 - 73 Set sail on a superyacht

38 - 41 Linda Barker’s active life

74 Skiing with heroes

Photographers Andy Parant Fredrik Schenholm Niclas Karlson Camille Pouvelle Photography Office du Tourisme Val d’Isère Marko Shapiro The Chalet Photographers Design & Print Anthony Thornley Design – ant@thornleydesign.com Mountain Marketing Ltd – Frank.baldwin@mountainmarketing.co.uk

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CONSENSIO

My Perfect Day Former ski racer Konrad Bartelski still holds the record for achieving Britain’s best ever finish in a World Cup race after he took second place on Val Gardena’s infamous Saslong piste in 1981. Even though the Italian resort is still close to his heart, Konrad would still head for Val d’Isère for a perfect day on the slopes.

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PHOTO: Marko Shapiro

CONSENSIO Is there any particular reason why you

Who would you choose to spend your

would choose to spend your perfect day

perfect day in Val d’Isère with?

in Val d’Isère?

I would love to spend a day with an

I first skied in Val d’Isère in 1969 so I am

eclectic mix of interesting minds, some

quite familiar with all the terrain and have

who I already know and some who I would

a reasonable idea of where to find the type

love to meet.

of skiing that I enjoy.

I do not even know if she can ski, but Lauren Laverne starts every week off in an

What do you love most about Val d’Isère?

inspiring and inclusive way with her BBC

I love the history of the place. Having skied

Radio 6 New Music Monday Programme. So

there for more than 45 years and spent

I would ask her along so that the evening’s

time racing there in the Premier Neige

music selection would be something to

races that used to kick off the World Cup

look forward to. Another of my guests

season, there are many special memories

would be Damon Hill as he is another fun

that add an extra dimension whenever I

skier to share the hills with.

visit the place.

BBC’s

security

correspondent

Frank

Gardner, who skis in a sit ski after being severely wounded, would bring a tangential intellectual dimension to our chairlift chat and to raise the skiing standard I would ask former British racer Alain Baxter along. He was such a hard working and talented skier in his time, sadly cheated by the bureaucrats when he won the Slalom Bronze medal in Salt Lake City in 2004.

I have yet to ski with British snowboarder and Olympic bronze medal winner Jenny Jones, so this could be the chance to explore the mountains with her.

To look after us all, I would also invite my good friends Julien and Mathieu Ottobon, two wonderful Tarentaise lads, who I ski with each winter. These Evolution 2 guides truly love the mountains and share the same passion for finding the tranquil lines with the best conditions. Between them they would be able to manage

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CONSENSIO the expectations, of what is probably a

huge roller coaster, with

broad range of skiing abilities, yet enable

not a soul in sight. Just

each and everyone to get the very best

magical.

from the day.

Then I could concentrate

on my passion and seek to capture some

Where would you have

memorable photographs of what will

lunch and what would

be a remarkable day, irrespective of the

you eat?

weather or the conditions.

Mathieu

and

Julien

always come armed with What kind of accommodation do you

the perfect lunch. Their

prefer?

rucksack is packed with

With Frank in the group we would need

some

disabled access but the key would be a

cheese,

high quality sound system so it’s probably

the milk from Julien’s

best if the accommodation was well sound

farm

proofed or quite isolated. A comfortable

sausages

lounge with a log fire would create a

Mathieu. So it is lunch

wonderful atmosphere at the end to the

on a ski, literally, with

day. We could listen to good music and

some fresh bread and a

have some fascinating dialogue.

corkscrew for the local

fresh

Beaufort

made

and

from

homemade prepared

by

tipple. And the brothers What would you choose for breakfast?

always manage to find

A well-prepared fruit selection, followed by

the most tranquil spot

some eggs fresh from a local farm would

with a view that money

be a good start, backed up by some freshly

cannot buy!

Konrad pictured during the Val Gardena World Cup race in 1981.

squeezed grapefruit juice and a strong Italian double espresso.

Where would you go for après ski?

enjoying the tranquillity and privacy of

The Bar XV is a good place to grab a few

the chalet where the chef can conjure

Which is your favourite run in Val d’Isère?

beers at the end of a good day’s skiing. It’s

up something that would appeal to all

The run that remains etched in my memory

authentic and genuine. But I would also

the guests.

was skiing down the back of Le Fornet

like the option of a soothing massage after

in the first week of May, probably more

a day on the mountains, which would set

What advice would you give to youngsters

than 20 years ago now. I was skiing with a

us all up for a relaxing night in the chalet.

starting off in ski racing today?

friend and we chanced upon some of the

The key thing is to take full responsibility

best spring snow that you could ever find.

Where might you have dinner and what

for your own ambitions. That way you will

The rolling terrain just complemented the

would you eat?

have a much clearer perspective to being

conditions so, that it was like skiing down a

The eight of us would be happiest

able to realise your dreams.

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LOOK GOOD ON THE SLOPES Designer ski wear by Winternational.co.uk

CONSENSIO

Poster power B

of

glossy

artistic styles. Thanks to the ordinary ski

really knows how many copies there are

social

media,

poster, the history of winter sport from

remaining in circulation. The ski poster

ski resorts only had one way of

bobsledding to ski jumping has been

market, like skiing itself, is driven by

getting their message across to potential

chronicled in glorious art form.

passion – a passion for the sport, and

holiday-makers – the humble ski poster.

With their powers of seduction, and

a passion for a particular resort – with

They may seem like a fairly primitive form

ability to leave us all pining for the

most purchasers choosing a poster quite

of advertising by today’s standards, but

glamour of a bygone age of skiing, when

simply because they like it.

many of these iconic posters have been

the slopes were deserted and the fashion

These

reproduced

such

was fabulous, ski posters have become

simple, but they were certainly effective.

as ski passes over the years and have

a popular choice for those looking to

Who would have thought that these

consequently become collectors’ items

decorate both their chalets in ski areas

promotional pictures would be adorning

for winter sports fans around the world.

and properties back home.

the walls of mountain homes in ski

Eager to portray their own area as the

The demand for original ski posters has

resorts around the world after all these

most stylish and desirable place to stay,

been growing steadily over the years and

years? It seems somewhat unlikely that

the railway companies and tourist offices

the general rule of thumb when looking

50 years from now anyone will remember

would provide the poster designers with

to make such an investment comes down

a tweet, Facebook post or any particular

a standard text and encourage them to

to basic economics – the fewer original

Instagram picture out of the millions of

interpret the character of the location

copies there are of a particular poster,

images that we are bombarded with

and the joy of winter sport in their own

the more valuable it will become. The

every second of every day!

unique way, creating a huge range of

slight problem with this is that nobody

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efore

the

magazines

on

days and

everyday

items

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early

adverts

may

have

been

Railway companies and tourist offices encouraged designers

This Russian ski poster was sold for ÂŁ36,500 as the result of

to create posters that would capture the excitement of winter

a bidding war at the Christie’s Ski Sale in 2008, achieving the

sports.

highest price ever recorded for such a poster. Both artist and buyer remain anonymous.

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Increased demand for ski posters from clients, and a personal

Although artists are important in this market, the resort featured in the

passion for the sport, gave Christie’s poster specialist Nicolette

poster is more likely to have an effect on its value. Posters featuring

Tomkinson the inspiration for the inaugural Christie’s Ski Sale

the world renowned Swiss resort of St. Moritz usually command the

back in 1998. Since then the market has continued to grow, and

highest prices. This poster was sold for £30,000 at the Christie’s Ski

the 18th Annual Christie’s Ski Sale will take place at 1pm on 21

Sale in 2015 – a world-record price for a Swiss ski poster.

January 2016 at their auction house in South Kensington.

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The largest collection of ski posters (over 600 in total) was

Ski posters are a uniform size, usually 40 x 25 inches (102 x

amassed by American ski enthusiast Mason Beekley who

64cm) and 50 x 35½ inches (127 x 90cm) and can work well

died in 2001. Until recently this collection was housed in

in both modern and traditional interiors.

the Mammoth Ski Museum in California. It is currently in a warehouse in Denver looking for a new home.

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CONSENSIO

Playing it safe As a man who in 1994 skied every day of the year in 240 resorts in 13 countries, and has now skied a total of 729 resorts, it’s fair to say that Arnie Wilson knows a thing or two about playing it safe on the slopes. The safety of our guests is paramount to us at Consensio, so we asked Arnie to share a few words of wisdom with us about how best to avoid injury, and what to do if you are unfortunate enough to be involved in, or witness, an accident.

PHOTO: WPLYNN

A

ccidents happen everywhere. In the home. In the street. On the roads. In the air. And, of course, in

the mountains. You don’t have to be doing anything dramatic, dangerous or daring on skis – which is why you can never completely guard against something happening. If you knew that you were only going to hurt yourself when you jumped off a cliff, then you could pretty much guarantee your safety by not doing so. But many, many ski accidents happen on easy runs.

This could be because the skier is thinking about

lunch

and

not

concentrating,

assuming that nothing could go wrong on such a simple run. An accident can happen in a high-speed collision, or just as easily in a slow-motion fall. Whilst we mustn’t let the threat of injury spoil our enjoyment of

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CONSENSIO

PHOTO: Fredrik Schenholm

a sport we love, there are certain things that we can all do to avoid injuries, and certain things we must do if we are involved in an accident.

1. Be prepared – work on your fitness before you go skiing – concentrate on your endurance, strength, core stability and flexibility.

2. Warm up before skiing and make full use of the spa, sauna and massage facilities afterwards.

3. Take lessons from a qualified instructor.

4. Stay hydrated, especially when you are skiing at high altitudes.

5. Stop when you are tired.

6. Ski within your limitations – especially when skiing in a group of mixed abilities.

7. Avoid alcohol – remember that drinking and skiing can have the same devastating consequences as drinking and driving.

8. Equipment – ensure that your equipment is

snowboard well above the injured person.

involved are duty bound by the FIS Rules

fitted correctly and is of the highest standard.

This will protect the casualty and those

of Conduct to remain at the scene, offer

9. Remember that avalanche and other

helping from further injury and help the

assistance, provide witness reports and

warning signs are there for your safety

emergency services locate the scene of

exchange details, regardless of the law of

and should always be obeyed.

the accident.

the country.

10. Protect your skin and your eyes. Even if

2. Call for professional help. The number

it doesn’t look particularly sunny, the sun

of

the

emergency

services

should

Remember it’s always wise to have the

can still cause serious damage to your

be on your lift pass or piste map.

details of your insurance company and

eyes and skin at altitude.

Otherwise ask somebody who was not

policy number with you at all times, along

involved in the accident, or a witness

with your EHIC card where applicable.

What you should do if you are involved in,

to the accident, to ski down to the

or witness, an accident.

nearest lift station where the piste

All

patrol can be informed.

familiarise themselves with the 10 FIS

1. Make the accident area safe and secure

3. Remain with the casualty until help

by crossing your skis, or planting your

arrives. All skiers and snowboarders

skiers

and

snowboarders

should

Rules for Conduct which can be found at www.fis-ski.com

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CONSENSIO

Après ski If you are one of those people who prefer their skiing with the word ‘après’ in front of it, we urge you to pop along to Val d’Isère’s newest après ski hot spot, Cocorico. With a mix of live music and DJs, the large terrace attracts an eclectic bunch of happy, smiley people who all share a common goal – to have as much fun as humanly possible.

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CONSENSIO Photos: Niclas Karlson/Glacierfilm.se

A

fter just one season, Cocorico

felt there was a need for a new exciting

has gained a reputation for being

après spot in Val and we had what seemed

the place to head to straight

like the perfect location, so we cooked

from the slopes for some spontaneous,

up Cocorico! With a great mix of French,

unadulterated

manager,

Scandie and Austrian ingredients, it seems

Victor Jarland Strid explains the secret of

fun.

Cocorico

that last season we gave Val d’Isère exactly

their success.

what it was craving! We were very happy

new for Val d’Isère. Our aim was to put Val

with the way our first season went, and

d’Isère on the après ski scene map. From

Cocorico has just enjoyed its first season

we are looking forward to making it even

day one we were fairly certain what we

in Val. Did everything go according to

bigger and better.

wanted to do with Cocorico. The whole concept came to us very naturally –

plan?

Before we opened Cocorico we ran ‘Le

What was your vision when you opened

everything from the music and design to

Chalet’ for four seasons, but our goal

Cocorico?

the way to work. Cocorico will always be a

was always to have an outside bar. We

It was important for us to create something

crazy place for après ski with the focus

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CONSENSIO firmly on the fun! For the end of the season party we made a huge splash pool just in front of Cocorico!

What kind of people come to Cocorico?

Cocorico attracts a great mix of people from every corner of the world. We are catering for anyone who likes a good party.

It is important to us to treat everyone as VIPs, no matter if you’re a celebrity or a seasonaire. Believe it or not, most people are in Val d’Isère to ski, but everyone loves a fun party at the end of the day and I believe we really do have something for everyone.

Is Cocorico now firmly established in the Val après scene?

We weren’t really starting from scratch as we’ve had Doudoune Club on the scene for a

ever worked with was MULLIT, and they’ve

have a wonderful Vin Chaud that we ‘spice

while now and Cocorico wouldn’t be where

been with us since the beginning, in various

up’ a little to keep you warm.

it is today if it wasn’t for Doudoune. We’ve

different forms. Last season we had more

built a strong client base over the past few

bands than we’ve had before, and we would

What is the most popular night of the

years and we see a lot of them returning

like to continue that way. We are always

week?

year after year. So, just like Doudoune, it

looking for live acts with a lot of energy and

The weekend is generally quieter because

might take a while to put Cocorico firmly on

good crowd participation.

of guest changeover, so Monday to Friday

the map, and it might take us a few seasons

were our busiest nights during last season.

to gain the same reputation as other bars

Will you be having the same acts next

We do have our live bands on everyday

in town, but we won’t sit back and relax for

season?

however, and with our brilliant DJ Phil

one second and will be constantly striving

We will stick to the favourites, but always

Garner anything can happen.

to move things forward. We have already

try new bands. Last season Firekind really

started expanding the outside area which

showed us what they were born to do, and we

What are the most requested tracks?

will allow us to create another bar for next

hope to see them back this coming season!

Our top five songs from last season were:

season.

1. Curtis Mayfield - Move On Up What are bestselling drinks in Cocorico?

2. John Paul Young - Love Is In The Air

How did you choose the live acts?

Après Ski = Large beers and Jägerbombs!

3. Spice Girls - Wannabe

Over the years we’ve worked well with a lot

That’s the best formula for getting revellers

4. Blur - Song 2

of musicians and live acts. The first band we

up on the tables. If you’re not into beer, we

5. Joe Cocker - You Can Leave Your Hat On

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CONSENSIO Are there any tracks you refuse to play?

Do you have plans for expansion next

undoubtedly one of the best places to

(We’re thinking The Birdie Song here)

season?

ski in the world, and has something for

is

We are extending the terrace this

every level of skier.

banned at Cocorico. The Birdie Song is

season with one more bar outside,

actually one of our favourites…

and much more room to go wild. This

* Located right at the foot of Solaise and

will be ready for the opening in early

Face de Bellevarde, Cocorico is easily

December 2015.

accessible either straight from the slopes or

All

House

Music/Electronic

music

Is Cocorico only open for après ski?

Cocorico is a place to party from 2-8pm.

is a short stroll from all of Consensio’s luxury

We want to keep our focus on these

What do you think makes Val d’Isère so

chalets in Val d’Isère. Your chalet chauffeur

hours. For the proper party animals we

special?

will of course be happy to take you there

have our nightclub Doudoune Club just

Val d’Isère has something for everyone.

and collect you when you are ready.

one floor down. It’s open from midnight

No matter if you’re here as a family,

every day until late.

group of friends, old or young, it’s

www.cocoricovaldisere.com

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PERRIER-JOUËT, THE ALLURING CHAMPAGNE

Photography by Warren & Nick

Since its foundation in 1811, the champagne house Perrier-Jouët has crafted elegant, floral wines of rare finesse with a Chardonnay hallmark.

The elegance of the cuvees echoes that of the Art Nouveau anemones adorning the Belle Epoque bottle and offers moments of pure delight and beauty. www.perrier-jouet.com

PLEASE DRINK RESPONSIBLY

Along came Johny CONSENSIO

The fun winter scenes created by artist Johny Midnight are in great demand.

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CONSENSIO

D

utch painter, Pieter Bruegel the

scatter it with fantastical miniature Mont

Elder, established an interest in

Blancs and Matterhorns. It should be

the winter landscape and started

remembered that something of a mini ice

something of a craze amongst artists for

age started in the mid-1500s, which went

snowy scenes, when he created what is

on to inspire a future generation of artists

probably the world’s most famous winter

to depict snow and ice in all its glory.

painting, The Hunters in the Snow, back

A succession of styles followed over

in 1565.

the

Whilst it might seem rather peculiar

the woodblock prints of Hokusai and

that an artist from one of the flattest

Hiroshige, to the ‘effet de neige’ of Monet

countries in the world which has very

and Manet. English artist JMW Turner

few hills, let alone mountains, should get

went on to give us some of the most

so carried away with his depiction of a

terrifying images of snow in the early

winter scene

1800s, with his depiction of Hannibal and

that he felt compelled to

next

few

hundred

years,

W W W. C O N S E N S I O C H A L E T S . C O . U K

from

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CONSENSIO his army crossing the Alps.

bright and breezy scenes

Then along came Johny…

of

While many of the artists of old may have

on lifts, après ski bars

focused on the hardship of winter, with

buzzing with banter, fun

scenes of men struggling through storms,

snowball fights, shoppers

contemporary

strolling

artist

Johny

Midnight’s

focus remains firmly on the fun.

Johny

likes

to

paint

from

lads

larking

leisurely

through his

about

snow

covered

own

streets, and skiers and

adventures, and his love of skiing and

boarders ripping it up on

passion for snow is evident in the way he

the slopes.

depicts the winter landscape as a place

In

for family and friends to enjoy.

has been working hard to

Johny is no stranger to the Alps, and

bring the marvel of the

his years of ‘hanging out’ in Chamonix

mountains to the streets

have stood him in good stead to bring us

of

recent

times

London,

Johny

creating

a

spectacular snowy scene on the side wall of the prestigious office address in

South

Kensington

that Consensio has the privilege of

and

sharing

pleasure

with

Erna

Low, the UK’s oldest ski holiday company.

“If

you

can

someone’s for

hold

attention

more

than

a

few

moments, then you have achieved

as

an

artist.

stopping and staring at this wall for many

On lengthier inspection they may love

years to come!

it, they may hate it, or they may not

You can view Johny’s original artwork

understand it. But the thrill is to make

together

them stop and stare,” says Johny.

edition prints either in person at Gallery

Well, let me tell you Johny, the good people

of

The

Royal

Borough

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a

selection

of

Midnight in London, or by visiting:

of

Kensington and Chelsea are going to be

24

with

www.gallerymidnight.com

limited

The Art People christies.com

CONSENSIO

High fashion After nine seasons of running international skiwear business Winternational, Tamsin Burford knows a thing or two about slope-side fashion. She’s even had a best-selling jacket named after her! So, spill the beans Tamsin, what WILL we be wearing on the slopes this season?

PHOTO: Sportalm Kitzbuhel

1

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Cacha

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CONSENSIO

How old were you when you first skied and in which resort?

I first went skiing age 14 to Santa Caterina in the Pyrenees. A school ski trip full of apple-pie beds, snowploughing badly (on my part!) and laughter.

What is your favourite ski resort?

Hard

question!

Each

skiing

holiday

brings with it so many special memories, fantastic food, sunshine, views and the silly moments. In Verbier we celebrated my son’s 21st birthday. Méribel is such a great family resort and where my three sons learned to ski. In Banff we watched reindeer wandering down Main Street on Boxing Day and Ischgl is memorable because I saw a gig by the Scissor Sisters on the slopes.

2

Have you always worked in fashion?

Not

always.

I’ve

been

involved

Goldbergh all in one

in

property development and also been an assistant to an investment banker.

for

running

a

business

looms

large

my eyes to the possibility of growing a

I had worked in fashion in a variety of

sometimes, but one can gradually figure

business in an area I was interested in.

businesses and roles prior to setting up

things out, seek advice and learn.

My mother was, and still is, a great role

Winternational.co.uk. My first job when a

model to me every day.

teenager was in Wembley Market selling

Where do you get your entrepreneurial

beautiful

spirit from?

What

The internet has opened up the world

Winternational?

to the entrepreneur. In my business it’s

I’d noticed the exciting ski wear that

Have you always wanted to run your

the opportunity to engage with skiers

women in Europe were wearing. The

own business?

everywhere. Working as assistant to

resort shops were wonderful too. I had

Yes, on the days when it’s all going well,

an investment banker who invested in

serious ski wear envy! Not wanting to

and no, on the days when it’s not, but on

a wide variety of businesses as well as

give up valuable skiing time to schlepping

balance YES! Of course the responsibility

having a large property portfolio opened

around the resort shops, I looked in

brightly

coloured

designer

jeans and dungarees – it was the 80s!

inspired

you

to

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start

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CONSENSIO

the UK for designer ski wear that was luxurious,

well

fitting

and

that

free and be happy.

still

performed on the slopes, but I couldn’t

What

find any. And that is how the idea for

business?

Winternational was born.

is

your

proudest

moment

in

We decided

There are so many. One of the designers

to sell exclusively online as I wanted to

we work with, Milos Gvosdich of Emmegi,

help women everywhere find beautiful

named one of his designs after me. That

ski wear. A physical shop would have

was really flattering. The Tamsin jacket

been geographically limiting whereas

was a best seller too! One customer

we can now deliver to most countries.

bought a white ski jacket, ski pants and base layer for her wedding on the slopes

What is the best thing about your job?

in Canada. It sounded like so much fun

The feedback from customers! So many

we were hoping for an invite!

people are pleased, even thrilled to have found us. I love receiving emails and calls

Have you plans for worldwide expansion

from customers. Actually, probably the

and global domination?

best thing is when we are sent photos of

So

our customers on the slopes in our ski

and carefully, expanding each season

wear, just seeing their smiles. It’s not just

incrementally.

about looking good on the slopes – it’s

Our ski wear sells all over the world –

certainly could scale up our business

how it makes you feel. Having beautiful

that’s the wonder of the internet. But if

model.

ski wear gives you the confidence to be

the right opportunities came along we

far

we’ve

being

growing

4

slowly

Coral

How did you select the brands that PHOTO: Sportalm Kitzbuhel

you work with, and what makes them special?

First we have to love the looks they offer and then the garments have to perform on the ski slopes. There is no point having ski wear that looks wonderful but leaves you freezing or clammy. All our collections with Emmegi, Sportalm Kitzbuhel and Goldberghh are made to order, and that way our customers know there will be limited runs of each garment.

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There is something special about wearing Everlasting Pink

W W W. C O N S E N S I O C H A L E T S . C O . U K

clothes that aren’t available everywhere.

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5

Faux Fur

We’re always looking for new labels to

which we would never have thought to

The question we’ve all been waiting for

add to our collection but not at the cost

do. If it works for them and they feel

– what WILL we all be wearing on the

of our core values. Winternational ski wear

beautiful, then we are happy.

slopes this season?

must look good but it must be technical

It’s all about luxury. Great fabrics which

enough to keep people warm and dry on

Do

the slopes too.

influenced by general fashion trends?

and seaming to keep garments close and

you

think

ski

wear

trends

are

move with you as you ski, clever cutting

We like to think our ski wear remains

slinky. Look out for matt blacks, faux

Do you think each nationality has its

in

season.

leathers, muted silvers and classic navy.

own LOOK on the slopes?

Partially that’s because of our careful

There’s pink and coral too for those

Some nationalities like more diamante

buying, and partially because ski wear

who like brights. We’re very pleased

and fur, while others go for bright

fashions change more slowly. Skiing

with this year’s collection. Visit us at

colours. But the one sure thing we have

is a sport, and so to some extent that

Winternational.co.uk to be tempted!

learned over the years is never say never.

dictates some of the styling decisions

Some

designers make.

customers

put

looks

together

vogue

for

more

than

a

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Inside out Injured during your ski holiday? There’s no need to pack away your ski and snowboard equipment. Just head indoors says winter sports instructor Rob Rees.

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F

or many years only the most ardent skiers took to their skis between skiing holidays by heading for the

‘dry’ ski slopes around the country. But now, an increasing number of British skiers and snowboarders are keeping themselves in shape all year round by using the indoor real snow slopes in the UK. Chilled to -5 degrees and with the same kind of snow cannons that you see at the side of the pistes in most Alpine resorts, there are currently five indoor slopes in the UK with several more planned. Each of the indoor slopes is relatively short – no more than a couple of hundred metres – and not very demanding. At the most they are equivalent in steepness to a stiff blue piste in the Alps.

Therefore, indoor ski slopes should not be

provides something for just about every

assessment and treatment with confidence

seen as a replacement for your favourite

standard of skier and boarder, children and

building ski lessons individually tailored to

ski holiday, in much the same way as a golf

adult alike.

the each client’s rehabilitation programme.

driving range is not a replacement for a round

Currently there are indoor ‘real snow’ slopes

The programme also includes a physical

on your favourite 18-hole course. However,

located at Hemel Hempstead, Milton Keynes,

assessment of each person’s strengths and

indoor slopes do provide a valuable training

Tamworth, Castleford and Glasgow, with

weaknesses to help avoid further injuries

opportunity to improve your skiing and

planning permission granted for several

when skiing.

boarding skill and make sure you don’t revert

more around the country. They are open all

The programme is run by physiotherapist

to bad habits. They are also a good location

year round, although the advice from regular

Lisa Cordwell who is also an internationally

to test new ski and board equipment and

users is to make the most of the summer

qualified ski instructor with eight years’

to take part in some specialist coaching, or

months when the slopes are at their quietest,

experience of working with injured skiers and

even to qualify as a ski instructor.

and the snow is at its best!

snowboarders. Rehabilitation from classic

In addition to recreational skiing for a

In addition to ski and snowboard training,

injuries such as snapped ACL tendons, leg

couple of hours, just look at the wide range

innovative new programmes are beginning

fractures and shoulder dislocations can all

of courses and programmes you can join.

to take advantage of the indoor slopes.

be accelerated with a bespoke programme

Learn to ski or board in a day, improver

One such programme has been developed

of therapy and a gentle reintroduction to

classes, skills clinics for intermediates and

by Inside Out Skiing and is for skiers who

skiing and snowboarding, using the indoor

advanced skiers, mastering bumps, skills for

are recovering from injury or working to

ski slope at Hemel Hempstead.

steep terrain, freestyle training, skier-cross,

overcome old ailments. The Return to

race clubs and more. This range of options

Skiing programme includes physiotherapy

www.insideoutskiing.com

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Licence to thrill Who is this old age pensioner who causes trouble in every ski resort he visits?

R

ock up to any half-decent ski resort in Europe and you’ll probably find a certain 95-year-old has been

there before you.

This ‘pensioner’ is known as a bit of a rabblerouser and the ski resort locals all have tales of wrecked cars, explosions, gunshots and fights.

Women seem strangely attracted to the nonagenarian and he doesn’t mind a drink or two, usually a dry martini, made with

The 007 symbol over Courchevel Altiport.

three measures of Gordon’s, one of vodka, and a half a measure of Kina Lillet which is shaken until ice-cold, before a large thin slice

with his licence to kill, has discovered the

Daniel Craig, all in the twinkling of a James

of lemon peel is added.

secret of eternal life through the ability to

Bond movie contract.

You will have guessed by now that this

transmogrify from Sean Connery, to Roger

The films are based on the books by Ian

particular 95-year-old is none other than

Moore, to David Niven, to George Lazenby,

Fleming who began writing the James

British superspy James Bond 007 who, along

to Timothy Dalton, to Pierce Brosnan to

Bond adventures in 1953. In a later fictional

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biography about the spy his birth date is given as 11 November 1920.

Since then, four of the actors to play Bond in the movies have taken to skis during their

battles

against

world

domination

and the locations – Kitzbühel, Chamonix, Cortina

d’Ampezzo,

Mürren,

St

Moritz,

and Courchevel – all have a common denominator. Glamour!

George Lazenby may have only made one Bond film, but he was the first 007 to appear George Lazenby was the first Bond to ski in the film On Her Majesty’s Secret Service.

on skis in On Her Majesty’s Secret Service in 1969. Nothing defines a decade more than fashion and the Australian actor put his stamp on the 60’s by taking to the ski slopes

earth under a Union Jack parachute.

in some nifty blue stretch Bogner ski pants

During the ski slope and resort scenes, Moore

with contrasting light blue stripe.

cut a bold sartorial dash in a bright yellow

In a poster promoting the movie, the love

jumpsuit with contrasting red bits and bobs,

interest, Contessa Teresa di Vicenzo, played

ideal for blending into the background in St

by Diana Rigg, is decked out in skimpy purple

Moritz. Mmmm. Nice.

stretch pants and a gold jumper, apparently

But the best skiing in a Bond film

doing the Hokey-Cokey on skis. And check

must be in The World Is

out the leather ski boots you oldsters.

Lazenby was replaced by Roger Moore in 1977 in The Spy Who Loved Me which featured one of the best starts to any Bond movie when he skied off the side of a mountain and then floated down to

The Courchevel Altiport provided the backdrop for the opening scenes in Tomorrow Never Dies.

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CONSENSIO Explosive skiing scenes with Pierce Brosnan in The World Is Not Enough.

Not Enough, released in 1999, when Pierce Brosnan hitched on the 007 shoulder holster and was caught in an avalanche with his female lead, Elektra King (Sophie Marceau).

The ski scenes were supposedly set in the Caucasus, but were actually shot in Chamonix

Daniel Craig outside the Ice Q Resturant in Sölden during Spectre, the latest Bond film.

and unsurprisingly Pierce and Sophie did not actually do the avalanche stunt themselves.

with 99 lives and in the latest epic, Spectre,

movie is guaranteed to give a massive boost

Filming was delayed by a real avalanche, the

due for release in November this year, Bond

in tourist numbers, and the lucky winner

crew helping in the rescue.

takes to the ski slopes again, this time in the

this time around is… Sölden in Austria,

Despite being shaken but not deterred

form of the pectorally-perfect Daniel Craig.

its epicentre being the Ice Q Restaurant,

James Bond survived like a litter of kittens

Anywhere used in the filming of a 007

doubling for the fictional Hoffler Klinik, a

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CONSENSIO private medical clinic.

Maybe it was just a coincidence then that in real life, Ötzi the Iceman, a well-preserved body from about 3300 BC, was found nearby on the Austrian/Italian border in 1991. An autopsy showed he had died a violent death, and was clutching a bronze axe. No shoulder holster has yet been discovered.

To round off this little flight of fantasy is a quiz question: Less than a kilometre from Consensio’s super-luxury Shemshak Lodge in Courchevel 1850 is a location used twice in James Bond movies.

What is the location, and in what movies has it been used?

Answer: Courchevel Altiport was used in the opening sequence filming of Tomorrow Never Dies and possesses the world’s steepest runway. The landing strip, which is a mere 1,722 feet long, is angled at 18.5 degrees and definitely not for the faint-hearted. The short length of the runway means aircraft have to take off downhill and land uphill. The dangers associated with operating out of Courchevel are such that pilots are required to obtain certification before attempting a landing.

The location was also used in footage left over from Octopussy (1983). A small plane that appears to crash at the end of Octopussy actually continued flying up and over the next hill while the cameras were still rolling.

The 007 film makers used this footage to create another crash shot that was then used in Goldeneye (1995).

Waste not, want not. Wait a minute! Could that be a good title for another Bond movie?

Roger Moore in The Spy Who Loved Me.

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Snow business What’s the worst thing that could possibly happen when you arrive in a ski resort? You discover there isn’t any snow! Luckily with its latest state of the art snow-making facilities, Val d’Isère has this one covered.

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L

ast year, a snow-making factory –

€16m (£11.1m) two-year development project

and the 560 snow cannons that shoot the

reportedly the largest snow making

at the top.

snow on to the pistes.

facility in Europe – was built in Val

Located in a giant hangar beside the

The snow itself is created using a mixture of

d’Isère. The French resort already has a

Olympique gondola, the factory, created

air and water. No additives are used which

great snow record between the months

almost entirely by Val d’Isère engineers,

means it still has an authentic feel underfoot.

of November and May, but the factory’s

cost €3 million (£2.1m) to build. The running

The method involves delivering water under

production of artificial snow plays a critical

costs per winter amount to €3 million, but it

pressure in an underground network of pipes

role in keeping the 300km of pistes in Espace

is already earning its keep by giving skiers

spanning 65km across all ski areas. Water is

Killy in immaculate condition.

and snowboarders the confidence to keep

then projected in to the air where it crystalises

Last December saw the poorest snow cover

coming back.

to form little snowflakes. Water involved in

in 40 years throughout Alpine resorts but

In production periods, a team of 15, led by

the process is returned to nature in liquid

visitors to Val d’Isère were delighted to find

Peter Daniel, works meticulously both day

form, either in snow melts or evaporation,

that all the main runs were open thanks to the

and night to pump out enough snow in an

making the process entirely sustainable.

new snow-making factory.

hour to fill Wembley Stadium to a depth of

Skiers and snowboarders always expect the

The facility was primarily built to service the

half a metre and it can cover the whole of the

best in Val d’Isère. This includes its luxury

Solaise development. The Solaise, one of the

Bellevarde mountain in under a week.

hotels, boutique restaurants and events -

two iconic mountains reached from the front

The team operating the factory has created

Now Val d’Isère can add snow to that list.

de neige base area, is currently undergoing a

its own software to control snow production

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Active life Who wants to ski forever? We do! It would be great to think that we could all carry on skiing into our 70s, 80s or even 90s, but realistically we all know that there may well be a few obstacles standing in our way as we strive to extend our skiing into old age – aching bones, creaking joints and hip replacements to name a few.

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W

e all know that we can help

the

ourselves to stay ‘ski fit’ by

as

eating a healthy, well balanced

knee surgery, and this

diet and taking regular exercise, but what

specific joint complex

about the possibility of taking a health

helped

supplement to allow us to get a few more

with the pre-operative

years of skiing under our belts? We talked

and post-operative care

to

to

fitness

fanatic

and

TV

personality

joint I’ve

supplement recently

had

enormously

ensure

I’m

doing

Linda Barker about the Revive Active

the very best to help

supplements she takes on a daily basis, and

my knee get back to

the benefits she believes they can bring.

normal.

What prompted you to start taking Revive

What are you hoping

Active in the first place?

to achieve by taking

A friend of mine introduced me to the Revive

Revive Active?

Active sachets – his clear instructions were

I

to take them every day for a month, and

continued good health

to witness the results. True to his word, my

and increased fitness

energy levels were off the scale only a few

levels. I race around

weeks later – I felt like I had a real spring in

all

my step, and my skin was clearer and my

have no intention of

hair and nails stronger. I was such a fan of

keeping still. The daily

the sachets that I recommended these to

supplements

all my friends and family, then after a year

that I’m doing the very

or so Revive Active asked me to become a

best that I can to keep

brand ambassador for them, and I’ve been

up to the lifestyle that

using the product ever since.

I love.

Do

you

take

both

the

Health

Food

hope

Did

day

it

to

achieve

long

meet

and

I

ensure

your my energy levels.

supplement and the Joint Complex on a

expectations?

daily basis?

Revive Active met all of my expectations,

I take the Revive Active green sachets

and more! If for any reason I forget

What changes did you notice?

every

quality

to take the supplements (if I’m away

There was a noticeable improvement in my

day.

ingredients

They

contain

including

all

high

vitamins,

travelling for instance and I forget to

energy levels, my hair became stronger,

minerals and amino acids that I need to

the

pack them) I really start to notice the

and my skin became softer and a little less

make me feel great. Periodically I take

difference in my general well-being and

wrinkly too.

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CONSENSIO

Have you experienced any unwanted side

do now. I’m in my early 50s now and I am

on skiers that take it and those that don’t.

effects?

without doubt the strongest and fittest

I think there’d be a noticeable a difference

No side effects whatsoever. The sachets

that I’ve ever been.

– just being able to ski that little bit longer

are best on an empty stomach, so I always

perhaps. The supplements are good for

take them first thing in the morning, which

Do you ski?

anyone who adores any kind of sporting

couldn’t be easier.

Yes I do. I rediscovered my love for the

activity, or even those who simply want

slopes in my mid-40s and although I don’t

to increase their energy levels to get them

manage to get to the slopes every year, I

through their normal day.

Have

you

always

exercised

regularly

throughout your life?

love it when I’m in those beautiful snowy

I was always a lover of sport and outdoor

mountains – there’s nothing quite so

Your

activities as a young girl and always part

wonderful.

attracted much attention during your time

of my school sports teams - swimming,

athletic

body

shape

definitely

on the hit TV show Splash! Did you have to

netball, tennis, that kind of thing. There

In what way do you think Revive Active

train very hard for the show?

was a period of time in my 20s and early

could benefit skiers?

I had no time for extra training for Splash!

30s when I didn’t do quite so much as I

We should do a Revive Active experiment

I’ve always been a regular in the gym and I

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love my fitness, so I was kind of ready, but nothing could have prepared me for the fear I got when standing at the top of the 10m diving board.

Have you tried a variety of different sports?

I love to vary my sports. If I always did the same thing every day I would become bored and lose interest for sure.

I’m in the gym twice a week if possible with a personal trainer. I cycle and swim regularly and I love long distance walking.

I’ll quite often walk 7-8 hours a day for 4-5 days if I can escape the normal routine.

The

benefits

that

Revive

Active

can

bring to those with an active lifestyle are unquestionable. Increased energy levels will make sure you are working out, running, swimming or skiing to your max! I feel as if I’m simply addicted to feeling good.

To what do you attribute your age defying body shape and fresh look features?

Thank you for the compliment! I genuinely love being active, which helps a lot. I have the odd couch potato moment, don’t get

Consensio luxury ski chalets would you

me wrong, but I’d rather choose a fitness

most like to stay in?

The manufacturers of Revive Active advise

holiday over a sun lounger holiday every

Ski chalets showcase everything that I

consumers to seek their GP’s advice before

time. I think that’s just about how I’m

absolutely adore about interiors. The use

taking any of their supplements. See www.

hardwired, and that helps me stay youthful

of natural materials and the strong timber

reviveactive.com for testimonials from

I believe. I’m a person who loves being

structures really resonate with me and all

athletes, and information on worldwide delivery.

outside a lot too.

the Consensio chalets look incredible. But if I had to single one out it would have to

As we all know, you have something of

be Chalet Lhotse in Val d’Isère.

an eye for interiors! Which one of the

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Ski tips Ken Smith from the Progression Ski & Snowboard School provides some of his top tips to help you get more from your skiing.

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CONSENSIO Posture - hands out By keeping your hands out in front of you, your posture and balance will be improved and your weight will be in a better position over the skis. It will feel weird at first but persist and everything will fall into place.

Also keep your chin up. This makes you naturally look forwards and hold a better posture and position over your skis.

Balance Take up a natural stance, as if you are sipping on a nice glass of Perrier Jouët champagne!

This

comfortable

natural

stance can easily be transferred across into your skiing which improves your balance (unless you have had too much Perrier Jouët). Your feet should be about hip width apart. If they are too close together it is far too easy to fall over.

Moguls

Steeps

Powder

Practise your short turns away from the

Commit to your turn. Don’t hold back.

When skiing in powder, keep your weight in

bumps. Then when you get into a moguled

Better to make an ugly committed turn

the middle of the ski or occasionally on your

area you can focus more on tactics. Start in

than to hold back and fail badly.

heels. A flowing, smooth pole plant really

an easy place with a comfortable first turn

improves the timing and rhythm of your turns

and plan a route down the next three to six

Flat light

which is so important off piste. Practise this

bumps before setting off.

Most skiers tense up in flat light which

on piste before venturing off piste.

makes things worse so try to relax as best Slush

you can. Plus, it doesn’t matter how good

Ice

Speed is the key. If you go too slow you’ll

your goggles are if they are wet or damp

Most people try and dig their edges into

get bogged down. Let the skis run so that

as this will make them steam up. So keep a

the ice but often fail to get any grip. It’s

your momentum punches the skis through

lens wipe handy.

better to take a more defensive attitude

the slush. Rounded turns are also important

and flatten the skis so they skid over the

to maintain speed and so that only the tips

…and smile

ice. Put the brakes on when you hit a snowy

of the skis are hitting the slushy bumps

You will have more fun.

patch beyond the ice.

rather than the full length of the skis.

www.progressionski.com

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Gadgets & Gizmos Ellis Brigham picks out some of this season’s top accessories for skiers and snowboarders.

Halo 28 JetForce ÂŁ899.99 Designed to prevent you being buried in an avalanche, airbag back packs are becoming increasingly popular.

If you’re spending time in avalanche risk areas, then you need to consider having one strapped to your back.

The Halo 28 features the game-changing JetForce avalanche airbag system. Designed from the ground up to improve ease of use and performance, the JetForce airbag system is the first system to use jet-fan inflation. Easy to repack, rearm and redeploy on a single charge, this travel-friendly system is set to revolutionise the avalanche airbag market.

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CONSENSIO GoPro Hero4 Session £329.99 Nothing beats the immersive and dramatic footage you can get from an action camera.

From recording the amusement and drama of your first forays onto snow, to capturing the thrill of a heart-in-your mouth black run, an action camera is a must have.

In the world of the action camera GoPro reign supreme and the Hero4 Session is their smallest, lightest and most convenient camera yet. It is rugged and waterproof (to 10m) eliminating the need for separate housing, and comes with specially designed mounts and accessories that work seamlessly with other GoPro gear, making the Hero4 Session the most wearable and mountable GoPro ever.

Fēnix 3 Performer Bundle £399.99 The Fēnix 3 is a cutting edge sports watch which fuses state-of-theart fitness training features with powerful navigation functionality for use across a full spectrum of sports and terrain. With GPS, a barometric altimeter and electronic compass all at your disposal this watch provides a plethora of useful data to aid safe navigation in the mountains. It will also tell you just how fast that last run was, your total run count for the day and even if you’ve burned off all that lunch time tartiflette!

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CONSENSIO Outdoor Tech Chips £100.00 Chips are Bluetooth, universal, fully-wireless audio systems for ski and snowboard helmets. Connect them to a bluetooth device and drop them into any helmet with an audio liner. Play and pause, raise and lower volume, answer calls and skip tracks from the Chips’ two button interface, all without removing your gloves. Warm hands, total audio control, no wires, fresh powder, and whatever music you please.

Giro Range £220.00 The Range is the beginning of a new chapter in helmet design. It is packed with effective features like In Form sizing, MIPS protection and adjustable vents, but the most impressive is the articulating hard shell construction. Apart from the liner adjusting, the actual shell of the helmet can be changed in volume for the perfect fit. It feels, and it is, unlike anything else on the market.

All the items featured are available from Ellis Brigham stores or from their website: www.ellis-brigham.com 46

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CONSENSIO

Antoine Veuriot, proprietor of La Cave sur le comptoir in Val d’Isère.

Fine wine exploration A fine wine tasting at Marco Polo in Val d’Isère gave Peter Dean a chance to discover some of France’s lesser-known gems, through the eyes of expert supplier Antoine Veuriot.

A

fter a punishing day on the slopes

His shop has a tempting array of key trophy

when I first saw the secluded tasting cellar it

most skiers would probably turn to a

wines, most in half a dozen or so vintages.

was then that my pulse really started to race.

vin chaud, schnapps or lager rather

These ‘blue chip’ wines include the Lafites and

This is the ultimate ‘boy’s toy’. Beautifully

than a perfectly kept bottle of Romanée-Conti.

La Taches of this world but also hard to find

designed with stone, wood and stainless steel,

Fine wine isn’t something you normally

Chateauneuf du Papes such as Rayas.

it has a large tasting table illuminated by a

associate with a ski holiday, unless of course

However, like all true wine lovers, Antoine is

contemporary Portuguese glass chandelier,

you are staying at Marco Polo in Val d’Isère –

not blinded by rarity and cost. It’s what’s in the

a massive cave, all the decanting kit you

but there again, Marco Polo isn’t your average

glass that counts. A two-hour tasting hosted

could wish to play around with – and to top

ski chalet.

by Antoine in Marco Polo’s purpose-built wine

it off a professional meat slicer. Bring it on.

Antoine Veuriot, proprietor of La Cave sur le

cellar, is an opportunity to discover some of

The bottles that were in the cave were pretty

comptoir in Val d’Isère does provide Consensio

his favourite French wines that are not yet on

special too.

customers at Marco Polo with at least one top-

the radar of top vinologists.

Antoine

end Burgundy or first growth Bordeaux each

I love skiing and was truly impressed with the

prophetically as it turned out: “I will talk a lot

week on request during the season.

wellness and gym facilities in Marco Polo, but

and later you will talk a lot.” His wisdom

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began

the

session

by

saying,

CONSENSIO

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CONSENSIO

The wine cellar in the Marco Polo chalet has been purpose built.

was imparted with perfect balance to a crowd

syrah blend from Peyrassol in Provence,

such as grassiness to those who thought

of us that ranged from knowing a fair amount

a 2010 Margaux from Bellevue de Tayac,

the grape should always taste like (New

about wine to those who knew precious little.

and a Beaune Clos de la FĂŠguine from old

Zealand) fruit bombs.

His insights were illuminating, enthusiastic and

favourite Domaine Jacques Prieur.

Like everything in Marco Polo, the emphasis of

from the heart, and he never told us what we

Each wine was well matched with food, for

the evening was on exploration and discovering

should be tasting but allowed us to discover

example, delicate medallions of smoked

the very best the world has to offer.

that for ourselves.

monkfish were served with the Sancerre,

He showed two whites and three reds.

my standout wine of the evening. Not only

* Peter Dean is the Drinks Editor of

An old vine Pouilly-FuissĂŠ from Robert-

was it a beautifully balanced wine with

luxury lifestyle Tempusmagazine.co.uk.

Denogent, a Sancerre called Harmonie

real class and purity, but it also showed off

Follow him on Twitter or Instagram as

from Vincent Pinard, a 2004 cab sauv/

Old World sauvignon blanc characteristics

@Tweetadean.

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CONSENSIO

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CONSENSIO

Life is sweet

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CONSENSIO

S

weet

Ski

renowned

in

Val

d’Isère

for

its

welcoming

atmosphere,

superior

is

service

and friendly staff, so it’s not hard to work

out

why

Consensio

has

been

recommending them to our guests for several years now.

Nothing is too much trouble for the Sweet Ski team. Prefer to have your equipment brought to you for a private fitting in your chalet? Pas de probleme!

Want to swap your for GS skis for an allterrain model? Coming right up.

Sweet Ski stocks a vast range of skis for

you

to

choose

from,

including

Fischer, Volkl, Zag and Head, but they are particularly proud of their exclusive partnership

with

top

Swiss

brand

Stockli which allows them to offer their customers a wide range of high tech skis, bringing exceptional comfort and grip to seasoned pros and beginners alike.

Sweet Ski prides itself on the comfort of

Sweet Ski proprietor Eric Vaesa picks out his top three skis for this season.

Best for the experienced skier: Stockli LaserGS - Giant Ski Race.

their rental boots and this season they’ve gone one step further with the new model of heated boots from Salomon.

For the boarders amongst you, Sweet

Best for the all-terrain skier: Stockli Laser AX.

Ski has teamed up with the super cool snowboard brand Nitro to bring you a full range of gear from Freestyle to Freeride.

During the summer months, the Sweet Ski

store

has

undergone

a

Best for the free rider: Stockli Stormrider.

radical

refurbishment and with some swanky new brands in store such as Postcard, Goldbergh

and

Lacroix

there

are

temptations aplenty!

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A PR ÈS I

SK

CONSENSIO

So – what’s new?

It ‘snow’ use pretending we know every single thing that’s happening, in every single ski resort across the globe, but we do know what’s happening in the wonderful world of Consensio, and it gives us great pleasure to bring you a little round up of ‘what’s new’ for this season both in our chalets and in our resorts.

Consensio revival kit After a long day on the slopes, our brand new Revival Kit will perk you up, prepare you to party and restore you to your former glory – perfect for those who like to live it up!

Chocolate skis Exclusive to Consensio and Selfridges, Amelia Rope’s super stylish chocolate skis will be available in all of our chalets throughout the season. They look too good to eat!

Well, almost…

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CONSENSIO

Mont Tremblant New for 2015, Mont Tremblant is a ski chalet with style and presence, located in its own grounds right in the heart of Méribel.

Consensio cocktail This season we will be serving the The Consenski, our own special cocktail made from Grey Goose, rhubarb syrup and lemon topped up with our all-time favourite fizz – Perrier Jouët. Try one! Anytime, anyplace, anywhere!

Nannies For the entire 2015/16 season we are now able to include a free all-day nanny service (see conditions below) on all remaining off-peak weeks in the two of our family friendly chalets – Chalet Chopine in Méribel and Chalet Elephant Blanc in Val d’Isère. For little ones there are our super cute Consensio slipper socks which will keep them cosy and warm inside the chalet.

Conditions: one nanny offered only * not changeable for any other supplier services * full time for 8 consecutive hours x 6 days * hours non-negotiable * not available in any other chalets within the Consensio portfolio

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CONSENSIO

Jejalp in Morzine

Solyneou

This is Consensio’s first ever season

Another Val d’Isère newbie for

in Morzine and we have a shiny new

2015 is Solyneou where traditional

chalet to entice you. Among the many

Alpine style effortlessly blends with

attractions at Jejalp is the wine cellar

contemporary cool.

which is located over four floors.

Le Rocher This truly magnificent ski chalet offering spectacular views over the valley is a welcome addition to Consensio’s Val d’Isère family.

Doudoune Club Doudoune Club in Val d’Isère has had a full-on facelift.

Look out for the shiny new Cirque/Baroque interiors, as well as the stunning new lights and sound! The nightclub will have an earlier opening time of 10.30pm this year with live music, and deals on drinks till midnight.

Montana Our head chef Liam Malcolmson is returning from Marco Polo to Montana in Val d’Isère this season.

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CONSENSIO

Aquamotion in Courchevel Take a dip in Aquamotion, Courchevel’s new aquatic park where you will find pools, slides, a spa, a wave pool and outdoor pools heated to 34°C.

Alpine Legends superpass This lift pass gives you access to all three huge Tarentaise ski areas – Espace Killy, Paradiski and the 3 Valleys, for just €50-70 more than the six-day passes for a single area!

Let is snow!

Consensio has teamed up with Wthrly.com to create a bespoke weather and snow report app exclusively for Consensio clients. Available to download for both android and apple devices.

Free wifi in Méribel Woo-hoo! FREE wifi hot spots in Méribel will bring a smile to A new look for the top of Solaise, Val d’Isère The current Solaise Express lift is to be replaced by a 10 person gondola lift. Modern, high performance compartments with heated seats and wifi will whizz you to the top of Solaise in seven minutes. Bring it on!

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everyone’s face!

Your Healthy Lifestyle Starts Here…

Welcome to Healthouse Las Dunas. Located on the peaceful southern shores of Spain’s Andalucian coast, Healthouse Las Dunas is a five-star luxury health and wellness centre, boasting world-class facilities and surrounded by lush sub-tropical gardens with panoramic views of the Mediterranean Sea and the African coast.

Health and wellbeing are at the epi-centre of what Healthouse Las Dunas offers, with fitness and specially-formulated spa treatments as key to each itinerary. The retreat also prides itself on its gastronomy, not least with the appointment of world famous chef Andoni Luis Aduriz, a two Michelin starred chef of renowned restaurant Mugaritz. The experienced team tailor-make a personalised plan for each guest, whether in need of a detox, weight loss, quit-smoking or destress programme, ensuring every guest is provided with the right care for their needs.

Healthouse Las Dunas

Urbanizacion la Boladilla Baja – Carretera Marbella-Estepona, km 163,500 29689 Estepona, Malaga - T +34 951 082 090 info@healthouse-naturhouse.com - www.healthouse-naturhouse.com

CONSENSIO

And the winner is...

Best Ski Chalet in France From chic and designer, to traditional and homely, this category seeks to identify the finest ski chalet in France. Catering for families or larger groups, the emphasis to winning an award rests upon impeccable levels of service, cuisine – and location. Consensio

Excitement is mounting as the grand finale of this year’s World Ski Awards gets closer.

nominations within this category include:

T

• Chalet Marco polo, Val d’Isère

• Shemshak Lodge, Courchevel

• Chalet Lhotse, Val d’Isère

• Chalet Grande Corniche, Les Gets

• Chalet Les Brames, Méribel

• Chalet Le Rocher, Val d’Isère

he World Ski Awards 2015 will take place over the weekend of the 20 22 November at the A-ROSA hotel

Shemshak Lodge in Courchevel.

in Kitzbuhel, overlooking the legendary Hahnenkamm race piste.

Launched in 2013, the aim of The World Ski Awards is to drive up standards within the ski industry by rewarding organisations that are leaders in their field.

This year Consensio has received no less than nine nominations spanning three categories.

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C CO ON N SS EE N N SS II O O The entrance to Chalet Grande Corniche in Les Gets.

The dining area at Chalet Lhotse in Val d’Isère

The Ice Bath and Hammam at Chalet Les Brames in Méribel.

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CONSENSIO

Chalet Marco Polo in Val d’Isère won the award for Best Ski Chalet in France in 2013 and 2014

The attractive interior at Chalet Le Rocher in Val d’Isère.

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C CO ON N SS EE N N SS II O O

World’s Best New Ski Chalet Looking at new chalet openings over the last 12 months throughout the world, this category celebrates those properties setting world standards. This year two Consensio chalets have received nominations in this category. They are: • Chalet Mont Tremblant, Méribel • Chalet Jejalp, Morzine

One of the cosy bedrooms at Mont Tremblant in Méribel

Chalet Jejalp in Morzine.

Best Ski Tour Operator This category is open to those companies that

combine

proven

expertise

with

specialist knowledge, to give the ski tourism consumer the best value for money and the best ski holiday experiences. Consensio is honoured to have been twice nominated in this category.

The winners will be unveiled on Saturday, 21 November at a glittering gala dinner attended by the great and good from the world of ski tourism. With 11 categories featuring over 20 countries it looks set to be an exciting night!

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CONSENSIO

The jet set Travelling by private jet has become more popular than ever. Consensio asked Lisa Moss from Jet Escapes Ltd to explain why.

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CONSENSIO

W

e’ve all been there… you arrive

for you. You can get to the airport minutes

at the airport to be faced by a

– not hours – before departure, and show

long check-in queue followed

your passport to the ground handlers while

by the stress of wrestling with plastic bags,

your luggage is loaded for you. Then, hey

taking laptops and iPads out of your hand

presto, you are off!

luggage or being asked to take your shoes off after another long wait at security.

2. Convenience

Even if you have booked the most exclusive

When travelling by private jet you choose

seats, or taken advantage of one of the

the most convenient airport for your

lounges, a standard scheduled flight still

departure and arrival. You get the privilege

means you have to fit in with the airline’s

of flying direct from an airport close to

itinerary and share your space with other

home and arriving as close as possible to

passengers.

your final destination. Private jet charters

Therefore, it’s not surprising that millions

have access to thousands of conveniently

of

located airports worldwide, reducing the

people

worldwide

are

now

taking

advantage of the increasing number of

need for long ground transfers.

private jet companies which have been set

Parking

up to help people avoid the airport scrum.

and often is just steps from the jet. This

Here are Jet Escapes’ top five reasons for

not being the case, chauffeurs can drive

taking a private jet together with a few tips

out on to the apron to drop and collect

on booking.

passengers at the steps of their plane.

is

complimentary

and

secure,

And if you’re running late, then there’s no 1. Time saving

need to worry – the aircraft won’t depart

One of the biggest bugbears for travellers

without you!

when taking a commercial flight is the checking in and waiting time. Even with

3. Inclement weather and strikes

preferred check-in desks for business and

As

first class, you are still required to arrive at

aircrafts are of course impacted by weather

the airport a minimum of an hour before

and strikes. However, while the knock-on

departure to get through check-in and

delays and cancellations at commercial

security before you board. There is also the

airports can take hours, or even days, to

added delay of waiting for everybody else

rectify, private aircraft are free to fly as

to board.

soon as there is a window in the weather

When flying privately, the experience could

that allows for safe operation.

not be more different. The aircraft and

In a worst case scenario – snow closure for

crew arrives a minimum of an hour early

example – they can also divert to the

with

commercial

airlines,

private

W W W. C O N S E N S I O C H A L E T S . C O . U K

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CONSENSIO nearest available alternative airport and a car can be pre-arranged and waiting for you so you can complete the journey.

4. Pet lovers If you can’t bear to leave your beloved pet at home, but are also concerned at the thought of them being stowed along with luggage away from you, then private jet travel is most certainly the option for you.

Some commercial flights are not licenced to carry animals but when you fly privately your pet stays with you at all times. As long as they are micro-chipped, fully vaccinated and hold a pet passport they are free to join you on board!

5. Personal service and privacy

friends and colleagues are always a good

On a private jet, in-flight catering is tailored

place to start, along with trusted contacts

to your specific requests – a real bonus if you

in the travel industry. Jet Escapes, an ATOL

have special dietary needs. Plus, if you want

bonded specialist in luxury breaks by private

to discuss confidential personal or business

jet, can tailor-make your complete holiday.

matters, not even first-class cabins on

They will suggest a range of private aircraft

commercial flights are able to offer complete

to suit your needs, from a cosy cabin for

privacy. On a private jet, passengers are able

a romantic getaway, to a larger plane to

to travel without having to worry about who

accommodate groups of family and friends.

is watching and listening.

This is especially desirable for winter breaks.

Skiing is perfect by private jet as you can

A quick visit to a local vet for a booster

Tips for booking

fly to the smaller airports either in or close

may be required before flying back to the

Booking a private jet may seem a fairly

to the mountains, and of course there is no

UK, but your private jet broker can help

daunting task for those who have never

chance of your skis not arriving with you.

arrange this.

done it before. Recommendations from

www.jetescapes.co.uk

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Fly in a class of your own

Your journey, your way www.flyacc.com +44 (0) 01737 232 230

CONSENSIO

Food, glorious food Sumptuous meals prepared by some of the world’s top chefs are guaranteed when you stay in a Consensio luxury chalet.

Head chef Liam

I 68

n days gone by you would have

a coq au vin and muster up a cake from

been forgiven for assuming that

a packet mix before dashing off to

the only qualification necessary

spend the rest of the day on the slopes.

for being a Chalet Chef was to be called

The guests would then be expected to

Arabella, Pandora or Lucinda. Back in the

wash this down with vast quantities of

day, these charming young girls, who had

undrinkable wine later that evening.

little interest in whether their sauce was

Well, how times have changed. Being

seasoned to perfection, or their soufflé

a chef in luxury ski chalet is a serious

was going to rise, would throw together

business

W W W. C O N S E N S I O C H A L E T S . C O . U K

these

days,

as

Consensio’s

CONSENSIO

Scallops

so that Liam can get a feel for what it will

look

like.

Ingredients,

influences

and flavour combinations are carefully considered, and plating techniques are explored to ensure that the desired effect is always achieved.

So sit back, relax, and allow Liam to whet your appetite and tantalise your taste buds with a selection of the fabulous new creations you can expect to find in our luxury ski chalets this season.

Marinated Salmon with Oriental Salad, SautĂŠed Scallops and Miso Dressing.

Line-caught salmon and fresh scallops are partnered to perfection in this Asian influenced dish. The fillet is marinated Head Chef Liam Malcolmson will have

practising

Before

whole in a combination of mirin, ginger

you know. Liam worked in various top

the start of each season, his meticulous

and yuzu for four hours, making it fragrant

restaurants

South

planning ensures that he will always bring

and sweet, while the scallops are sautĂŠed

West of England for 14 years, where the

some exciting new dishes to the table.

with sesame and soy for a contrasting

abundance of fresh fish and seafood,

Every new dish is lovingly sketched out

depth of flavour.

and

hotels

in

the

new

plate

designs.

and unique rare-breed farms in the area fuelled his passion for sourcing local ingredients, and showed him how to get the best out of fresh produce.

He developed a style of cooking where dishes are never over complicated and food is kept as clean and honest as possible,

allowing

the

quality

of

the

ingredients to play their part. In 2008 Liam started working in some of the most uber-luxurious chalets in the Alps and most exclusive villas in St. Tropez.

Liam is constantly looking for innovative ideas, searching for new ingredients and

Foie Gras

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CONSENSIO

Rack of Lamb

Fresh Foie Gras

Rack of Lamb

Fresh Foie Gras needs only to be simply

The secret with this lamb is in the timing.

seasoned and seared in a hot sautĂŠ pan.

Racks of lamb are rubbed with a traditional

With such a rich and creamy texture, foie

mix of sea salt, rosemary, thyme and garlic

gras should be paired with something

and left overnight. These simple flavours

sweet and acidic as well as being light

are the starting point from which this

and balanced at the same time. Here

dish gets its focus. To complement this

we have a fresh salad of asparagus and

dish, a buttery green pea purĂŠe infused

baby spinach which is dressed with wild

with fresh mint, adds a richness and

garlic dressing. The dressing has been

comforting texture. Fondant Potatoes are

emulsified with fresh lemon and a few

cooked in saffron, garlic and chicken stock.

leaves of sorrel which gives the necessary

Fresh spring vegetables are tossed with

acidity,

beetroot

a rosemary infused olive oil to enhance

brings the much needed sweetness. A

while

the

candied

the continuation of flavours from the rub.

traditional accompaniment of toasted

Finally a reduction of lamb stock and

brioche adds texture and completes the

Heirloom tomatoes is emulsified with black

balance of this dish.

olives for the jus.

Dark Chocolate Torte When

it

comes

to

chocolate,

you

get back what you put in. This Dark Chocolate Torte is made with a high quality chocolate of 75% cocoa solids to ensure the depth of flavour in this dish which is then enhanced by adding Tahitian vanilla and Kahlua to comfort the taste buds as they search out each flavour. Sugared walnuts bring an earthy sensation and a much needed crunch to the texture. The Tonka bean and Kahlua butterscotch intensifies the vanilla and coffee base notes associated with dark Dark Chocolate Torte

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chocolate.

© Phillipe Rebreyend

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LUXURY CONCIERGE SERVICE

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CONSENSIO

Let’s do lunch…

One of the best things about chartering a superyacht is the freedom and flexibility it affords you. You can spend your summer doing whatever you like, whenever you like, and when you’ve had your fill of cathedrals, cobbled streets, designer shops, art galleries and all night parties, you can simply drop anchor and linger over lunch.

W

hen it comes to long, lazy lunches,

The

Sea

Club

restaurant at the Cap Rocat

hotel in Mallorca takes some beating.

Popular with Hollywood A-listers and Spanish

royalty

alike,

this

open

air,

waterfront restaurant provides a little piece of paradise in the Bay of Palma.

Cap Rocat, is a former 19th Century military fortress

which

comes

complete

with

sandstone walls, turrets, trenches, ramparts and draw bridge. But don’t worry, there’s no need to do battle over lunch – simply moor up on the hotel’s very peaceful, private jetty.

And here’s what you can expect. Top notch, traditional wood-fired Mallorcan cuisine served in a sublime setting, beneath a seductive, secret citadel, overlooking the sun-drenched Mediterranean Sea. www.caprocat.com

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“After the guns have fallen silent, and the din of battle quietened, the real fight begins.”

HRH Prince Henry of Wales

Skiing with Heroes Your donation will help us support wounded veterans back into occupation and employment.

SWV/SWH runs a Skihabilitation programme together with: Ski Buddies Mentoring Pain Management Support Occupation into Employment.

YOU CAN HELP RAISE FUNDS BY TAKING PART IN OUR SKIING WITH HEROES BUSINESS CHALLENGE 28-31 JANUARY 2016

Please visit our website: www.skiingwithheroes.com SUPPORTING

WOUNDED

VETERANS

Val d'Isère and Tignes leading Ski & Snowboard School

Fully Qualified Instructors Beginners to Expert Lessons Private and Small Group Lessons Kids and Teen Groups Off Piste and Freeride Free ABS Bags

enquiries@progressionski.com | +44 (0) 208 123 3001

www.progressionski.com

E X E C P T I O N A L

C H A L E T S

I

E X C E P T I O N A L

9 R EECE M EWS, SO UTH KE NSINGTO N LO NDO N, SW 7 3H E +4 4 (0 ) 2 03 393 0 833 SA L ES @CO NSE NSIO CH ALETS.CO.UK WWW.CO NSENSIO CH ALETS.CO.UK

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