Jetsettersblog

Six key events combining music, with ski and snowboard will take place at altitude in Avoriaz, the birthplace of French accommodation specialist Pierre & Vacances, from December 2010 to April 2011 including the inaugural Festival de Concert Sauvages.

Bringing high-energy fun to the car-free ski and snowboard nirvana, the Rock on Snowboard tour kicks off the season in December. Snow Energy and Avo Night Parties follow with dance music inspired festivities in late January. Jazz Up Festival and Festival de Concert Sauvages in late March and early April respectively will delight live music fans, and the brand new Festival de Concert Sauvages promises to conclude the season with a great party atmosphere in April.

Please see below for Pierre & Vacances’ top picks for music events in Avoriaz this winter, including accommodation options to suit all budgets:

ROCK ON SNOWBOARD TOUR & COME ON SKI

Taking place from 11-12 December 2010, the festival includes a high octane amateur freestyle contest, the musically inspired snow park ‘shred zone’, gigs with DJ and air guitar champion Gaston Pluton and a freestyle show with live music in the resort centre on Saturday night.

The accommodation: Two nights in a studio apartment for up to four people from 11- 13 December 2010 costs €186 (approx £166) at the Pierre & Vacances Avoriaz La Falaise which lies at the entrance to the resort and is easily accessible, by skis, from the bars, pubs and restaurants.
http://goo.gl/7l0Z

SNOW ENERGY FESTIVAL

24-26 January 2011 promises a similar mix of parties, DJs, ski and snowboard high jinks mixed with fancy dress….

The accommodation: From 22 – 29 January 2010 a one bedroom apartment for up to four people costs €750 (around £669) at the Pierre & Vacances Avoriaz Les Balcons du Soleil which is located right next to the resort centre.
http://goo.gl/CaQ7

AVO NIGHT PARTIES

From 29 January to 5 February 2011, Avoriaz will see a week of partying and dance music with 60 club nights to choose from. Daytime pro competitions and demos at the Stash and Fun Park meet a night time mix of intimate gigs, intensive clubbing, chill out sessions and speed dating.

The accommodation: Prices start at €1,090 (around £971.73) for one weeks accommodation from 29 January – 5 February 2011 in a one bedroom apartment which sleeps up to five people at the Pierre & Vacances Avoriaz Epicéa. The residence is located right next to the resort centre and to the “La Falaise” district. The slopes are directly accessible on skis.
http://goo.gl/irvP

JAZZ UP FESTIVAL

Combining spring skiers and jazz fans, Jazz Up Festival is the first mountain jazz festival and boasts a top quality programme with live music in bars, cafes and restaurants throughout the resort. Taking place from 18 -25 March 2011, this will be the festival’s second year.

The accommodation: Pierre & Vacances Avoriaz La Falaise 19-26 March 2011 prices start from €722.5 (around £644) for a studio which sleeps up to four people. Lying at the entrance to the resort, it is easily accessible and well-placed for the bars, pubs, restaurants, mini-market, bakery and sports shops.
http://goo.gl/7l0Z

FESTIVAL DE CONCERT SAUVAGES

The first ever Festival de Concert Sauvages (Great Outdoors Music Festival) 2-9 April 2011 will bring in hot international and French headliners to front 20 ‘secret’ gigs at undisclosed, ski-to mountain side locations. SMS texts will announce acts’ locations shortly before the live events take place. Portes du Soleil ski passes double as the entrance tickets to the gigs.

The accommodation: From 2-9 April 2011 a two bedroom apartment for up to six people costs €636 (around £567) at the ski-in-ski-out Résidence Maeva Les Portes du Soleil which is just a stone’s throw from the heart of the resort. http://goo.gl/hdrO

About Avoriaz – the birthplace Pierre & Vacances.

Located between Mont Blanc and Lake Geneva, at the very heart of the Portes du Soleil skiing area, Avoriaz enjoys superb weather conditions and high snowfall. It is a unique resort that is completely pedestrianised with every apartment, chalet and hotel being accessible on skis. Avoriaz is just an hour and a quarter away from Geneva airport and is its nearest high altitude resort.

The Portes du Soleil ski area in numbers:
* 280 pistes stretching over 650 km
* 26 black/105 red/112 blue/37 green pistes
* 201 mountain lifts
* 650 km of groomed slopes
* 9 snowparks
* 89 slope-side restaurants

About Pierre & Vacances

Pierre & Vacances is the number one provider of holiday residences, resorts and hotels all over France and is the European leader in ski accommodation. The Pierre & Vacances group features 120 ski residences and hotels in over 40 major ski resorts across the French Alps and Pyrenees.

These properties range from affordable, self-catering studio apartments through to luxurious four-star chalets using the following brands: Pierre & Vacances Residences, Pierre & Vacances Premium, Maeva and Latitudes Hotels. NB Pierre & Vacances Premium incorporates properties formerly known by the Residences MGM and Intrawest brands.

Premier Cottages has launched its 2011 brochure featuring over 1,000 luxurious four and five star cottages located throughout England, Scotland, Wales, Ireland, Isles of Scilly and the Channel Islands.

Amongst the range of new properties, of which there are 32 in total, are:

* Carden Historic Cottages – luxury period cottages in Cheshire with access to the award winning Carden Park Hotel with its two championship golf courses set in 1,000 acres of a private country estate. Enjoy the luxury indoor pool and spa or try the country pursuits on offer which include archery, 4×4 off road driving, quad biking, tennis and high level rope courses.

* Devon Retreat – overlooking the sea with stunning views, this property offers accommodation where you can stay in an old smugglers house or a rambling coastal villa with its own turret. The location is an ideal base for River Cottage fans with the HQ just five miles away at Park Farm. The Deli and canteen is in nearby Axminster where you can watch the chefs prepare your food to eat in or take away from local seasonal produce.

* Bodnant Estate – located in North Wales, this property houses seven wonderful cottages in the wooded valley where traditional methods have been used in restoration creating comfortable stylish accommodation.

Garden lovers can enjoy the spectacular Bodnant Garden, now owned by the National Trust, with its famous laburnum arch, grand Italianate terraces, streams, waterfalls and views, and its National Collections of plants, including rhododendrons and magnolias.

* Beltingham House – this stunning 1750′s Georgian country house in Northumberland is adjacent to the 10th century church of St Cuthbert and Hadrian’s wall. The late Queen Mother and Princess Margaret made numerous visits to see previous owner Lady Mary Bowes-Lyon. Arrangements can be made for shooting, horse riding, fishing, a private chef and use of the wine cellar for connoisseurs.

* The Headland Cottages – Located in a remote part of Cornwall’s Atlantic coastline these cottages enjoy a unique setting where visitors can experience summer breaks down by the sea taking advantage of the on-site surf school.

For more leisurely pursuits facilities also include tennis courts, golf course, croquet lawn and two swimming pools. Winter visitors will enjoy an equally special break. The fantastic location allows guests to admire the power of the weather as the sea lashes against the rocks.

This impressive sight can be viewed the comfort of an armchair in front of an open fire enjoying the complimentary mugs of hot chocolate which are available on demand. Properties range in size sleeping between two and six guests.

* Rosehill Lodges – For an eco break in 2011 look no further than Rosehill Lodges in Cornwall where a range of measures have been taken including solar panels and grass roofs.

These luxury lodges are eco without compromising on style and comfort with features ranging from hot tubs and log burners to king sized beds and glass covered all weather decked areas for alfresco living.

Also new for 2011 are the Premier Cottages gift vouchers.

The vouchers come in denominations of £50 and £100 and can be used part payment towards a property or buy an entire holiday. The vouchers make ideal gifts and are perfect for wedding presents.

These can be purchased on-line at

www.premiercottages.com/vouchers

Premier Cottages is known for its eclectic mix of luxury properties and the ability to accommodate all types of guests.

The company can cater for any type of holiday from romantic breaks for two to property clusters that can accommodate over 50 guests.

Many of the properties also accept pets meaning that all the family can travel, while accessible properties have become something of a speciality for the group with many properties possessing awards for their facilities for mobility, vision and hearing.

Bookings are made direct with the owner ensuring breaks are tailored to any specific requirements. This personal service allows visitors to discover more about local places of interest, activities, restaurants and events that are happening, taking advantage of the owner’s local knowledge. Availability can easily be checked online, whether it’s from the complete Premier Cottages portfolio, individual regions or individual properties.

For further information including a full list of properties visit www.premiercottages.com

Ever sit in a concert hall listening to works from Bach, Stravinsky, Mozart, Tchaikovsky or Shostakovich and wish you had some scenery to complement the music? For over two decades, Dvorak Expeditions has successfully provided Classical Music rafting trips for all ages on both the Delores River in Colorado and Green River in Utah.

Experience a one of a kind rafting adventure with your own personal classical music soundtrack resonating off the canyon walls as you make your way down stream. Guaranteed, you have never heard acoustics like this before. Leave everyday life behind as you enjoy several days of world-class white water rafting or fishing. Slumber under the starts and let our professional musicians treat you to concerts through out the day and evening. Munch on fabulous hors d’oeuvres, a fine selection of wines or beer and gourmet meals from around the globe. After a full day of rafting, enjoy comfortable chairs or keep active by taking out one of our inflatable kayaks.

This popular and world-renown white water rafting trip which Dvorak Expeditions pioneered over 20 years ago is river rafting in classic style.

This “Bach before breakfast” trip truly defines the phrase “river magic”, the unique friendships which form when you combine athletics, teamwork and laughter on a river.

We relax in the sun while classical chamber music performances by musicians from the Los Angeles, Chicago, Denver, NY Philharmonic and other top symphonies fill the surrounding canyons.

These talented individuals play the viola, violin, cello and flute to create classical music that will touch your mind and soul. Our musicians come back year after year to share their talents with us and we just love them! We often have special guests along with hidden talents who join in and participate in this once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Experience a one of a kind rafting adventure with your own personal classical music soundtrack resonating off the canyon walls as you make your way down stream. Guaranteed, you have never heard acoustics like this before. Leave everyday life behind as you enjoy several days of world-class white water rafting or fishing.

Slumber under the starts and let our professional musicians treat you to concerts through out the day and evening.

Munch on fabulous hors d’oeuvres, a fine selection of wines or beer and gourmet meals from around the globe. Often surpassing the concert hall setting, the ancient sandstone caverns and rock cathedrals along the Dolores and Green River redefine great acoustics and set a new standard in musical enjoyment.

Drift through alpine forests of ponderosa pines and Douglas firs to the works of Mozart, Bach, Handel, Beethoven, Quantz, Kodaly, Ravel, Hindemith and (of course) Antonin Dvorak, a 5th generation of Bill Dvorak!

We have enhanced our Classical Music Journey with extra days of relaxation to explore more of the ancient surroundings, Anasazi ruins, Fremont Indian artifacts and other historic highlights within the Dolores River (Colorado) and Green River (Utah) environs.

We serve the finest gourmet delicacies on this trip, switching cuisines and countries every night from Indian to Italian and Thai to Mexican.

Finally, also included on the trip are impromptu reading sessions, open rehearsals and improvised solos on wood flute for those more musically inclined.

This is it! THIS is “river magic”!

Get a first hand experience; view our Music and Rafting Video presentation.

Dvorak Expeditions Colorado Rafting and Fishing Guides

Bill Dvorak Kayak & Rafting Expeditions, Inc & Dvorak Parkdale River Center, Inc. is an authorized concessionaire in Big Bend National Park and a recreation partner with the Pike San Isabel, Routt, Medicine Bow, White River National Forests as well as the Bureau of Land Management in Utah, Colorado, New Mexico, Texas, Wyoming and Colorado State Parks.

Colorado River Outfitters License #1 & # 0386 * Colorado Fishing Outfitters License #796 *

DVORAK EXPEDITIONS OFFICE:
17921 U.S. Hwy 285, Nathrop, Colorado 81236

1-800-824-3795 (Reservations)
1-719-539-6851 (Office)
1-719-539-3378 (Fax)
EMAIL: info@dvorakexpeditions.com

A TRADITIONAL LONDON CHRISTMAS AT MANDARIN ORIENTAL HYDE PARK

This Christmas, Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, London is once again offering families the chance to sample the festive delights of London with their “Christmas Extravaganza” programme including a Golden Pass to the Harrods Christmas Grotto, ‘Christmas Carols by Candlelight’ at the Royal Albert Hall and ‘Winter Wonderland Ice-skating’ in glorious Hyde Park.

Guests are invited to spend the festive season in one of the most spectacular buildings of the Victorian era for a time-honoured English Christmas with all the trimmings and unparalleled warmth, hospitality and service. Furthermore, the hotel’s concierge has created seamless arrangements to the most popular traditional Christmas festivities in the area.

Priced from GBP 2,750.00, the ‘Christmas Extravaganza’ programme includes:

-Accommodation for a family of four over three nights in two deluxe inter-connecting rooms, adorned with individual Christmas stockings, festive decorations, a bijou Christmas tree, and festive goodies at turn-down every evening

-Full English Family Breakfast every morning

-A Golden Pass to the Harrods Children’s Christmas Grotto at either 11.30, 12.30 or 2pm on Christmas Eve

-Access to the Mandarin Oriental box at the Royal Albert Hall for an evening of ‘Christmas Carols by Candlelight’ at 7pm on Christmas Eve

-Family Christmas Day Lunch in the winter wonderland ballroom sprinkled with festive family fun including Santa’s grotto, a caricaturist, balloon modellers, a live band and qualified child minders

A family pass to London’s largest outdoor ice skating rink at the magical Winter Wonderland in adjacent Hyde Park. Timings are subject to availability

Terms and conditions:

Prices are based on 2 inter-connecting rooms for a 3 night stay arriving 23 December 2010, for 2 adults and 2 children (0-12 years only) including a guaranteed early check-in at 9am and late check out to 4pm.

This package is subject to availability and is non-combinable with any other offer or promotion, and excludes 17.5% VAT and 5% discretionary service charge.

Bookings must be made two weeks prior to arrival.

Additional nights are available at prevailing rates.

Reservations for this offer can be made through Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park’s direct on-line reservations service www.mandarinoriental.com/london  

or by telephoning +44 (0) 20 7235 2000.

Desroches Island, an idyllic, coral, private island surrounded by white, sandy beaches in the Seychelles is celebrating after being named as one of the ‘The World’s Best 100 Hotels’ by the prestigious Sunday Times Travel Magazine.

The new ’100 Best Hotels In The World’ list, published in the November 2010 issue of The Sunday Times Travel Magazine, is compiled by a team of expert travel writers who spent many months visiting, comparing and exhaustively researching hundreds of hotels across the world.

Desroches Island is the perfect holiday destination for honeymooners, couples and families alike, and is a world class resort for ocean based activities; home to some of the best dive sites in the world.

Desroches, recently named by Forbes Magazine as ‘One of The World’s Most Remote Hotels’ is the ultimate luxury holiday location, with high-end, luxurious accommodation in a heavenly island setting of 13km of unspoilt beaches and lush, green forests.

Desroches is delighted to be included on the Sunday Times Travel Magazine’s list of the ‘The World’s Best 100 Hotels’.

Inclusion on a well-respected, trusted list emphasises our impeccable facilities and the quality of our services.

“Achieving quality customer experience is a key dimension, governing the overall success of Desroches Island. We are thrilled that our efforts have been recognized.” Enthused Sarah Jensen, Sales and Marketing Manager for Desroches Island.

Inclusion on such a prominent list is testimony to the outstanding level of excellence Desroches Island strives to provide to each and every one of its guests.

A haven of luxury and tranquility has been sympathetically created on Desroches Island, providing the ultimate indulgent holiday experience, within a remote and unspoilt island atmosphere. Paradise is lost no more.

The stunning Haweswater Hotel has launched wedding packages offering couples a chance to tie the knot and host a celebration in a truly unique setting.

Located on a secluded picturesque hillside overlooking Haweswater Reservoir, the hotel dates back to the elegant art deco era and offers a picture perfect setting for a fairytale wedding in the heart of the Lake District.

Surrounded by pretty gardens, imposing fells and one of Cumbria’s largest lakes there are certainly ample photo opportunities.

The interior is equally attractive with open fireplaces, art-deco furnishings and stained windows.

Ideal for intimate weddings, the Haweswater Hotel offers a complete wedding package from the ceremony right through to the wedding breakfast and evening entertainment.

The hotel can be hired for exclusivity and can accommodate 42 guests in high quality comfortable rooms.

A wedding planning service is available for advice and support with arranging the cake, flowers, decoration, cuisine, drinks and ceremony.

The catering is taken care of by head chef Phil Clarke, who has previously held 2AA Rosettes. Using local and seasonal produce, Phil creates a tailor-made sumptuous wedding feast of the highest quality and can also create evening buffets and rehearsal dinners.

The Haweswater Hotel also features an exclusive wine list with over 62 choices ranging from easy drinking wines to unique vintage bottles.

The honeymoon suite offers breathtaking views across the reservoir and valley, plus a whirlpool bathtub large enough for two!

Other rooms, of which there are 21 in total, are of equally high standards with extras such as whirlpool baths, waterproof bathtub TV screens and balconies overlooking the mountains and reservoir. The tasteful décor is in keeping with the art deco theme whilst also creating offering contemporary and stylish bedrooms.

Wedding packages at the hotel are entirely flexible and will be arranged to suit each individual’s requirements, whether they are hiring the entire hotel or just the main restaurant.

For enquiries visit www.haweswaterhotel.com  or call 01931 713235 and ask for Rachel who will arrange a preliminary meeting to discuss individual requirements.

Maybe not…but there’s no reason why you should accept that ‘Christmas comes but once a year’! And who says Christmas is ‘just for children’?

Warner Leisure Hotels love the festive season so much they can’t resist inviting guests to come and enjoy ‘adult only’ Festive Party Breaks on a number of dates and destinations throughout November and December.

Their popular breaks feature all that’s best about Christmas. They promise ‘great company, great food and great fun’! Guests will enjoy a visit from Father Christmas, a turkey roast with all the trimmings, carols around the Christmas tree, party games, mulled wine, mince pies and Auld Lang Syne!

The best bits of ‘Christmas Eve’, ‘Christmas Day’, ‘Boxing Day’ and ‘New Year’s Eve’ are all fitted into your break complete with gifts and an abundance of festive feasting.

It’s a chance to get together with friends and let your hair down whilst someone else does all the cooking and provides all the entertainment.

And of course you get to enjoy Warner’s great locations, facilities and activities – all included in the price.

Check out Alvaston Hall, near Cheshire where there’s a Festive Party Break on the weekend of 19th November. Three nights, including dinner, breakfast and heaps of festive fun starts at £179 per person (a discount of £75 on the brochure price) based on ‘Standard’ accommodation.

The hotel has its own nine hole golf course, indoor pool and fitness suite and offers cabaret dining every night.

Or head to Gunton Hall on the east coast of England where a four night ‘Turkey and Tinsel’ Break arriving on 13th December costs from £165 per person (saving £74 on the brochure price).

Enjoy an early Christmas at lovely Holme Lacy, a Grade I listed stately home in the Wye Valley where a festive break in glorious country house surroundings costs from £219 per person – for a four night break arriving December 13th.

All prices are based on a ‘Standard’ bedroom or chalet including dinner every night of your stay and a full buffet style cooked breakfast every morning.

And of course all the festive fun is included along with a range of activities and facilities including heated indoor leisure pools and fitness suites.

Click on www.warnerleisurehotels.co.uk  or call 0800 1 388 399 for more information and immediate bookings.

As festival season winds down in Europe, look further afield and carry on the party with the Great Adventure People

Festivals needn’t mean mud, wellington boots and warm beer. The Great Adventure People know where to find exotic, unique and charming alternatives around the world – here are their top five:

Mexico Monarch Butterfly Trail
Price: £579
Trip Code: CMMT
Departure: 30 December, 13 & 27 January, 3 & 17 February

Millions of butterflies congregate at El Rosario, a magnificent Monarch Butterfly Sanctuary, every year. Follow the Monarch’s migration, one of the most impressive and beautiful natural phenomenon you can witness, on this 10-day trip which takes you from the historic streets of Mexico City, through stunning national parks, colonial towns and beautiful countryside.
The price includes:

Nine nights accommodation, overland transport, the services of a CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout and the following excursions:

Guided Tours of Janitzio and Tzintzuntzan, Guided tour of El Rosario Butterfly Sanctuary, Guided tour of Sierra Chincua Butterfly Sanctuary, Morelia city tour and Angahuan by horseback.

Japan Spring Festival
Price: £1379
Trip Code: AJSF
Departure: 11 April 2011

This 10-day tour is a unique opportunity to see some of the most famous, historical and visually amazing spring festivals in Japan: Takayam, widely to be considered one of the most beautiful festivals in the country, is famous for the majestic festival floats; in Nikko, gaily decorated mikoshi (shrines) representing 13 neighbouring towns are paraded around this historical city, celebrating the start of spring; whilst at the Kamakura Festival, events include Shinto dances, yabusame (archery) and mikoshi parades celebrating the ancient world of the Samurai.

The tour also takes in Osaka and Kyoto.

The price includes: Nine nights accommodation, overland transport and the services of a CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout.

Kailash Saga Dawa Festival
Price: £1799
Trip Code: ACSF
Departure: 2 June 2011

Journey overland to Tibet and cross the ‘roof of the world’ to Kailash—Asia’s most sacred mountain—in time for the Saga Dawa Festival. You’ll join pilgrims and celebrate the renewal of the Tarboche flagpole, then embark on a demanding multi-day trek around the holy mountain which is said to bring good luck to whomever completes it.

Explore Lhassa and experience unparalleled vistas of Mt Everest at its base camp. Full of Chinese cultural treasures, remarkable Buddhist monasteries and the colourful markets of Kathmandu, this 21-day adventure truly is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

The price includes: 19 nights accommodation, overland transport, the services of a CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout and the following excursions: Entrance to the Great Wall and the Forbidden City, Terracotta Warriors, Kumbum, Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Sera Monastery, Yamdrok Tso, Tashilhunpo Monastery, Sakya Monastery, Pelkhor Chode Monastery, Mount Kailash, Lake Manasarovar and Qomolangma Nature Preserve.

To book or for more information on Gap Adventures call 08444 10 10 90 or visit their banner above.

Bavarian Forest Holidays Launch “Honeymoons In The ‘Hansel And Gretel’ House In The Bavarian Forest”

A self catering apartment is not the obvious choice for a honeymoon, yet it offers many advantages over a hotel – no irritating knock on the door from housekeeping, no having to turn up at mealtimes or pay extra for room service.

And at Bavarian Forest Holidays there are the additional advantages of 24/7 access to food and drink, nearly 400 DVDs to choose from for a cosy evening and, best of all, your own balcony or terrace directly overlooking the forest.

Good restaurants are close by and those concerned about the environment can relax knowing that their apartment is heated with renewable wood pellet central heating, their waste can be recycled and they can travel the area by bus and train – free of charge!

Bavarian Forest Holidays have launched this concept at today’s Wedding Fair in the village of Bayerisch Eisenstein, where the apartments are located.

The honeymoon package includes champagne, luxury local hand made chocolates and seasonal fruit, a free trip up the Arber mountain in the ‘Love Gondola’ (subject to availability), voucher towards a candlelight dinner in a local restaurant, a free sauna session and 20% off any massage or facial treatment.

The cost, including a 1 week stay in a 5 star apartment including all the usual extras, is €545 per couple (€595 in high season).

Travel to Bayerisch Eisenstein is not included.

More Skiers Can Go Green As Rail Ski Package Breakthrough Is Announced

Thousands more skiers will be able to head to the slopes by train this winter, with the launch of a range of rail-inclusive packages to a wide number of ski resorts in France, Switzerland and Italy.

More than 3,500 new low-carbon rail journeys have been created for the coming winter sports season in a landmark joint venture between 16 tour operators, Rail Europe and Eurostar, brought together by the two founders of ski rail website www.snowcarbon.co.uk.

The pair, travel journalists Daniel Elkan and Mark Hodson, share a passion for sourcing and developing rail options for skiers and snowboarders.

They have secured a breakthrough agreement giving tour operators access to a dedicated allocation of train seats at preferential rates, creating rail-inclusive packages at prices lower than could be secured independently by the traveller.

The journeys are on Eurostar to Paris or Lille and onward on either the TGV (for daytime travel) or Corail Lunea sleeper trains (overnight).

Skiers benefit over booking independently, because:

• The price of the rail travel is lower
• Travel can be booked for dates until the end of the season (as opposed to just 90 days in advance when they book independently
• Fares are fixed
• Travel is bonded
• Transfers from station to resort are included

Resorts available include Chamonix, St Gervais, Montgenèvre and Serre Chevalier in France; Crans-Montana, Grimentz and Leukerbad in Switzerland; plus Italian resorts including Sauze D’Oulx, Claviere, Bardonecchia and Sestriere.

These are in addition to Les Arcs, Tignes, Meribel and Courchevel, also served direct by the Eurostar Direct Ski Train.

The rail-based holidays  include transfers from station to resort and the option of a taxi transfer when changing terminals in Paris.

The cost of the rail component of the travel, from London St Pancras to the Alps, will be between £120 and £250 return for daytime travel and between £160 and £250 for overnight journeys (with a place in a six-berth couchette).

UK tour operators featuring the new range of rail travel are Erna Low, Peak Retreats, Ski Peak, Ski Famille, La Grange, On the Piste, Family Ski, Collineige, Mountain Heaven, Karibuni, Zenith Holidays, Ski Peak, Ski Beat, Interski, Snowcoach and Echo Travel.

Stuart McLeod, Director at Zenith Holidays said: ‘Skiers are increasingly looking for rail travel to ski resorts.

“They want a relaxing and environmentally friendly journey and they appreciate the luxury of being able to pack their bags and skis without having to worry about the airlines’ excess luggage charges.

“We are thrilled to be able to make this easier for customers by offering them rail-inclusive packages.’
Daniel Elkan explained: ‘Rail travel means a significant reduction in carbon emissions compared to flying. It gives skiers a more relaxing and enjoyable journey. Door-to-door, if you are travelling from close to London, it takes little longer than flying.

‘This new ability to book a wider range of rail journeys as part of a package from leading operators makes things much easier for those wanting to travel this way.

“And by booking through one of these operators, consumers have the reassurance of financial protection for their holiday.’

Elkan added that snowcarbon hoped to build on the availability of rail travel in future seasons, in line with a growing demand by skiers for sustainable travel.

Bookings may be made directly with the participating tour operators. Meanwhile, snowcarbon has also developed a unique search facility on its website to help skiers find the most appropriate holiday.

Skiers go to www.snowcarbon.co.uk/packages