France 2015/16
to France, s ip r t i k s l oo h c S nger skier ou y e h t it u s o t tailored ccommodation • Slopeside a e i fit and storag k s e s u o -H In • me s-ski program rè p a e s u o -H • In oms arty Leader ro • Upgraded P
ing! t n u o c d rs an a e y 0 3 d Nobody ever forgets their school ski trip… SkiBoun or the teacher who organised it! The school ski trip is one of the best memories of a student’s school life and, with over 30 years of experience, we have sent over ½ million students on memorable ski holidays across the world. We are extremely proud that school teachers recognise SkiBound as the market leader in operating exclusive Clubhotels in France, and as school ski experts to North America and Italy. We pride ourselves on having the most experienced team within the school ski industry, as the majority of our management team have been involved in school skiing for longer than they care to remember. Our extensive experience enables us to work in partnership with you to provide the perfect school ski trip that you and your students deserve. We hope this brochure inspires you to start planning your next school ski trip to France with us and we look forward to working with you soon. The SkiBound Team Call: 01273 767677 Email: info@skibound.co.uk
2
Discover mor e online www.skibound .co.uk
Contents Why France The best hotels Our expertise Alpe d’Huez Clubhotel Vallee Blanche Les Menuires Clubhotel Piolet Serre Chevalier Clubhotel Frejus Our Feedback Not just Clubhotels More than just skiing
4-5 6-7 8-9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18
3
ce? n a r F y h W There can be few quintessential rites of passage other than a school ski trip to France and once you discover the delights of legendary resorts such as Alpe d’Huez, Serre Chevalier and Les Menuires, you’ll be more excited than the kids. From traditional villages to purpose-built resorts, tree-lined runs to snow-sure glaciers - France’s ski resorts offer something for everyone. Add to the mix our very own range of exclusive Clubhotels, we are proud to be able to provide your students with the opportunity to ski in some of the world’s most prestigious resorts whilst maintaining exceptional value for money. In fact, we’re so confident about our Clubhotel product and pricing that we guarantee we won’t be beaten on price for any like-for-like quotation.
4
For more information about the resorts in France visit www.skibound.co.uk
e online eatured in this r o m r e v f e. Disco e resorts able onlin vail som s the awe en more options a n As well a v e estinatio we have d , e / r k u h .u c o o br ibound.c
w.sk Visit: ww
TOP RESORT
Les Menuires TOP RESORT
Alpe d'Huez TOP RESORT
Serre Chevalier
Call us 01273 767677 email us info@skibound.co.uk
5
nch Alps e r F e h t hotels in b u l C T S The BE
We know we have the very best Clubhotels in the school ski market and our Party Leaders think they’re great too, giving them an overall rating of 93%. Why do they love them so much? Exclusive to SkiBound, offering doorstep skiing in France’s premier resorts, unbeatable in-house après-ski options, full-board with hot lunches included, in-house ski fit and storage, and upgraded Party Leader bedrooms... the list goes on! 6
For more information about the resorts in France visit www.skibound.co.uk
for all Ultimate Comfort
The Apres SKi t e rg o F ’t n o D
Only with SkiBound do Party Leaders receive upgraded rooms with a few extra facilities to help them relax. These include; Luxury bed linen, towels, duckdown pillows, Nespresso machine, welcome drinks, mini fridge, tea & coffee facilities and a safe in the room. Our Clubhotels provide the ultimate in comfort and convenience for the students too. Each guestroom typically sleeps 4-6 students, all with en-suite facilities, plenty of storage space and breath-taking views of the surrounding mountains. As we fully manage our hotels, we have the ability to configure the rooms to suit your rooming requirements.
Our Clubhotels provide the facilities to offer our groups an exciting array of aprèsski activities, and our enthusiastic staff will ensure that the fun continues off the slopes. These entertainment options include; Wii consoles, juice bars, chill out rooms, pool table, giant Connect 4 and Jenga, Karaoke and disco nights. In addition, being based in premier ski resorts, your group can enjoy the numerous nearby sporting and cultural attractions available. We can also pre-book and pre-pay for these après-ski evenings prior to your departure, so you have less to worry about and less to budget for whilst in resort.
s All Our food is gloriou Our philosophy is simple; to provide healthy nutritional meals to even the most demanding of palates. To achieve this, our Clubhotel menus have been carefully designed and developed over numerous years of experience and input from our Party Leaders. Our chefs are also fully conversant with the many dietary requirements now seen as standard, with most requirements easily catered for. All of our staff understands the importance of various food intolerances and allergies, which are handled with ease and sensitivity.
Call us 01273 767677 email us info@skibound.co.uk
7
se i t r e p x e Our
8
It’s the experience of our staff that sets us apart from the rest.
For more information about the resorts in France visit www.skibound.co.uk
Ben Shinn
General Manager - France
turned out to French Alps with SkiBound for what pocket, I decided to head out to the back my time to my cate in ee dedi to degr g me n eerin drive engin has an Alps In 1998, with yone to enjoy their winter in the ever for ion ski market. pass ool ral sch natu A the life. in r my of be the best experience hotel programme is like no othe Club our that e, agre ers igious Lead prest t Party ce to ski in some of the world’s mos SkiBound and you. I believe, and our ch Alps and offer students the chan I strongly Fren then the ay, in holid high l ed hote locat Club are ls ound All five of our hote haven’t already experienced a SkiB you If ey. mon for value al ption resorts, whilst maintaining exce bucket list! recommend that it’s on your 2016
Sarah Crawford Tour Coordinator - France
Having worked for SkiBound since 2008, I have been heavily involved in the Clubhotel product and fortu the wonderful resorts of Les Men nate enough to visit uries, Alpe d’Huez and Serre Chev alier. The reason I’m so passionate because they are fully focused about our Clubhotels is on catering to the needs of our school groups and the feedback teachers and students, confirms we receive, from both this. If you were to ask what my favourite Clubhotel resort is, it’s d’Huez would have to be the winn a hard choice but Alpe er - Amazing skiing, great Clubhote l options and a wide variety of aprè village. As for my top tip, make sure s available within the you take your camera with you! From that perfect snap of your friend carv mountain to capturing that emb arrassing ‘wipe-out’... In years to ing down the com e, you will really enjoy looking back with of your school ski trip to France. fond memories
David Plommer SkiBound Sales Manager
French Alps, ering the clubhotel product in the ski industry, including 11 years deliv ol scho the le and passionate in e eab rienc ledg expe know of , s stic year With over 24 our French clubhotels. Our enthusia of one to trip ski ol Managers or over the scho unt a nd Acco I would thoroughly recomme r face-to-face with our Regional ut the entire booking process. Eithe s, budget and ski ugho need thro your you suits ort best supp that t will ff resor a sta sales to your requests and recommend listen will we , team sed e-ba offic rt phone with our expe tour requirements.
Call us 01273 767677 email us info@skibound.co.uk
9
uez H ’ d e p l A
from only
£699 by air
With 7 different ski areas to choose from Alpe d’Huez is indeed one of the top locations for school ski groups. Choice is everything and thanks to a series of excellent lift systems your group will be treated to a splendid array of wide open cruisers and challenging steeps to help all their winter dreams come true. If ever there was a ski area to encourage wary beginners from their comfortable cabins it has to be Alpe d’Huez. In fact, from the first stop of the Telecabline des Grande Rousses (DMC to the locals) there are no less than seven wide green pistes, each nearly a mile long, rolling back to the centre station. The centre bowl of ADH can be likened to a saucer and the simple rule is that the higher you go, the steeper it gets! All in all you’ll find over 230kms of skiable piste to choose from, and with the longest black run in Europe and 700 snow cannons pumping out the white stuff, ADH is pretty much the best France has to offer. 10
The facts...
Resort height: 1860m Green ru ns: Highest lift: 43 3300m Blue ru ns: No of lifts: 34 85 Red runs: KM of piste: 40 250 Black runs: No of runs: 16 133 Upgrade op tion: Ski Plus Pass
t... a y a t S
Clubhotel Vallée Blanche In a nutshell
• Centrally located in Alpe d’Huez and only a short walk to the lift • In-house disco for those all-important dance-offs • 42 rooms, accommodating up to 160 guests Kids! Don’t forget to try one of our non-alcoholic cocktails.
Prime location The Vallée Blanche is an extremely popular choice with our groups and it’s easy to see why; centrally located in Alpe d’Huez so easy to get to the shops and après-ski, but still only an amble away from the lifts! In no time at all, the students will be whisked straight up to the main ski school meeting area, where their ski instructors and 250km of pristine terrain await!
The fun continues Après-ski is simply what Alpe d’Huez does best. With an awesome selection of activities only a mere snowballs throw from your snowdusted doorstep there’s never a dull moment in town. Cafes, shops, icerink, outdoor swimming pool (heated!) and an all singing and dancing sports centre provide plenty of good times long into the evening.
The scores • The Vallée Blanche scored an overall average of 96% • The food served scored an average of 98% • The hotel service scored an average of 96% • The hotel staff scored an average of 99% • The hotel management scored an average of 99%
Call us 01273 767677 email us info@skibound.co.uk
11
uires n e M s e L
from only
£699 by air
As you’d expect from a resort that’s part of the enormous Three Valleys ski area, Les Menuires has plenty for everyone and a little bit more if you’re willing to explore. This really is an excellent purpose-built resort and boasts some of the most popular pistes in the entire region, which means staying local is pretty much the done-thing in these parts. Thanks to some well-considered architectural design you’ll discover your accommodation is right next to the nursery slopes; so rolling out of bed before rolling downhill couldn’t be easier. Once you’ve put any early nerves to one side it will be time to move onwards and upwards to a magnificent interlinked array of red, blue and green runs which allow you to develop at a level and speed which suits you. Experts will find just shy of 10kms at their disposal but to get some real kicks it’s recommended that you explore the rest of the Three Valleys which promise absolute advanced awesomeness. 12
The facts...
Resort height: 1815m Green ru ns: Highest lift: 13 2850m Blue runs : No of lifts: 37 34 Red runs: KM of piste: 24 160 Black runs: No of runs: 6 77 Upgrade optio n: 3 Valleys pass (6 00km)
t... a y a t S
Clubhotel Piolet In a nutshell
• Next to the slopes, so you can ski right up to the back door • Large sun terrace and lounge, with stunning views • 33 rooms, accommodating up to 134 guests Kids! Don’t forget to visit the heated pools in La Croisette
Prime location Clinging to the steep valley sides like a confident mountain goat, all of the public areas and most of the bedrooms have stunning views across the valley to the Cime de Carron ski area. With the slopes so close it’s almost possible to ski right up to the back door and straight into the bar! Once the basic skills have been mastered, your ski instructors are happy to meet you outside the hotels ski storage room – now that’s doorstep service!
The fun continues The large restaurant and bar is complete with flat-screen TV and our professional disco and karaoke equipment is ideal for hosting boogie nights and unearthing wannabe X Factor stars. The Piolet also boasts that all important games room, complete with a pool table, table football and arcade games.
The scores • The Piolet scored an overall average of 98% • The food served scored an average of 97% • The hotel service scored an average of 97% • The hotel staff scored an average of 100% • The hotel management scored an average of 100% Call us 01273 767677 email us info@skibound.co.uk
13
r
lie a v e h C e Serr
from only
£669 by air
You may or may not know that Serre Chevalier is actually the collective name for just over a dozen villages and hamlets which are dotted along the Guisane Valley, like freshly-baked croissants in a patisserie window. But enough talk of French fancies, the real star of this show is over 250kms of skiable piste which opens up a vast array of terrain in some quite fantastical pine-pitted scenery. With wondrously wide nursery slopes and excellent ski schools, Serre Chevalier offers groups the perfect introduction to winter sports within a truly gorgeous location. With two swooping bowls in Villeneuve and Chantemerle there are loads of chances to practise your turns before you progress and explore the resot of the mountain. As you climb you’ll find some excellent intermediates above the tree line, where the views are simply magnificent. If you fancy an advanced experience then check out the Olympic black runs at Chantemerle, although the terrain at Monétier-les-Bains is equally as hair-raising. 14
The facts...
Resort height: 1350m Green ru ns: Highest lift: 2830m Blue ru ns: No of lifts: 62 Red runs: KM of piste: 250 Black runs: No of runs: 102
24 28 37 13
t... a y a t S
Clubhotel Frejus In a nutshell
• Doorstep skiing hotel, only 50m from the main bubble lift • Enjoy our in-house disco and make some shapes on the dance floor • 24 rooms, accommodating up to 100 guests Kids! Don’t forget to join in on Sue’s chocolate Tuesday
Prime location For groups skiing Serre Chevalier, you can’t get a better location than the Frejus. This extremely popular Clubhotel is only 50 metres from the main telecabine, which is the quickest way into the heart of the extensive ski area, so the students will be up the mountain and skiing before you’ve had time to finish your morning coffee. With the Frejus situated in the quintessential village of Villeneuve, there’s plenty to do after a full day on the slopes.
The fun continues Evening activities can be as rock & roll or relaxed as you wish. The Frejus has a very welcoming lounge and bar area, complete with TV and a mesmerising open log fire. The in-house disco is always a popular choice with our groups, providing the perfect setting for those all-important dance-offs! Alternatively, head for the dizzy heights of nearby Briançon!
The scores • The Frejus scored an overall average of 98% • The food served scored an average of 92% • The hotel service scored an average of 92% • The hotel staff scored an average of 94% • The hotel management scored an average of 99% Call us 01273 767677 email us info@skibound.co.uk
15
.
on.. i n i p o r u ust o j t o n s ’ t I Steve Rose
Assistant Principal - Party Leader for 29 years 1. Why do you stay in our Clubhotels? SkiBound Clubhotels offer superb value for our school ski trips. They are excellently located in top resorts offering high quality accommodation, meals that our students genuinely like and many additional amenities to support our tour programme. Without exception the management and staff interact in a professional but friendly way with both my staff and students which serves to enhance their experience in the mountains/during their ski tour. 2. What sets our Clubhotels apart from our competitors? I never hesitate to book a SkiBound Clubhotel simply because I know that they consistently deliver an authentic and complete package which represents the best value on offer. It is highly evident from the levels and quality of service we receive at the Clubhotels, that SkiBound’s management and staff training programme is exceedingly effective. 3. Why would you recommend our Clubhotels to other Ski Party Leaders? I would unreservedly recommend any of SkiBound’s Clubhotels simply because of the peace of mind it gives you as a Party Leader. There are ever increasing demands and legal responsibilities placed on staff leading ski tours, so the assurance you gain by choosing a Clubhotel not only takes away so many potential difficulties, but ensures as Party Leader you can focus on a quality experience for your skiers. 16
Marcus Tinsley
Headmaster - Party Leader for 32 years 1. Why do you stay in our Clubhotels? The quality is consistent year on year, with development of the service something the company takes seriously. Investment in the hotels is evident and feedback from schools is worked upon wherever reasonable. The locations are good, especially from the Party Leaders point of view in terms of piste side, snow record and access to après-ski. All the resorts used are top locations respected in the ski world for quality provision, safety and service. Management in resort and support for the staff is proactive to strive for the company agreed service levels. 2. What sets our Clubhotels apart from our competitors? Overall the hotel service consistency is a real strength of the company, Party Leaders can chose any of the resorts (all good) and know they will get a high quality service. 3. Why would you recommend our Clubhotels to other Ski Party Leaders? For all the reasons mentioned above.
We’re no t just abo SuuntdCalyubRhote iverls SkiBound isn’t just about French Clubhotels! Our exceptional contracting teams have secured availability in some of the finest resorts throughout Italy, Austria and North America. So, whether you fancy combining great skiing, great food and great hospitality in Italy, fully immersing yourself in the charming resorts with traditional village life in Austria or experiencing the Big Apple after a week’s skiing in Vermont, USA - we have the expertise in providing a school ski trip that suits your needs.
Italy
Austria
North America
Call us 01273 767677 email us info@skibound.co.uk
17
Afforda e bl
Ed
u
ca
t io n al
andy School trips to Norm Save up to 30%
tel: 01273 767 675
info@travelbound.co.uk
www.travelbound.co.uk
Archery
Abseiling
C limbing
Watersports JCA are a leading provider of multi-activity centres across the UK: Scale new heights on our high ropes course in Shropshire, prepare to get wet in the Cotswolds or enjoy the beautiful Hampshire countryside - the choice is yours!
Zip Wire
call: 01273 647230 email: enquiries@jca-adventure.co.uk web: www.jca-adventure.co.uk
tion a n i t s e d kiing s a t s u j n Not only does France offer some of the finest More tha ski resorts in Europe, but this wonderful
country provides the opportunity for your students to fully immerse themselves into the unique culture and tradition. From visiting local markets to sampling traditional delicacies to conversing with the locals, the fun (and memories) will continue long after you’ve left the slopes. Contact us today and we will happily tailor your itinerary to suit your tour needs.
Call 01273 767677 Email info@skibound.co.uk Web www.skibound.co.uk SkiBound Head Office: Olivier House, 18 Marine Parade, Brighton, BN2 1TL. SkiBound Ltd, registered in England and Wales no. 1873956. Registered office TUI Travel House, Fleming Way, Crawley, RH10 9QL. SkiBound is a member of the TUI Group.
For our terms and conditions please visit our website. Please note: All featured prices within this brochure are based on 30 students + 3 staff, with 6 nights in resort and 5 days skiing
ABTA No.V378X
ABTA No.V378X
ABTA No.V378X