J2Ski Forum Posts and Replies by calvahead

Hi

Good booking websites are
www.chaletfinder.co.uk
www.chaletsdirect.com

We also have a chalet have a look at www.chalet-chasseur.co.uk

Driving
In France mobile speed camera units will fine you on the spot, this has only happend to us once in two years living in France, they do have static cameras but not sure if they have access to the DVLA information to be able to send a fine.

Switzerland
You will need to buy temporary road tax as you cross the boarder which is about 40chf or £20. They don't like you bringing any food or drink into the country.
There are speed cameras but again don't know if they can send fines. If you are crossing mountains and there is a car train available I would take it. We crossed from Brig to Italy via the Simplon train in January which only cost 19chf or £10, check out http://www.sbb.ch/

I would say snow chains in winter are a must I think maybe a legal requirement in some places. You may also wish to check you anti freeze and screen wash as the UK stuff does not work when it gets really cold, you just end up with a blue sludge on you windscreen. Mayby a spade and some salt is a good idea too.

Have a great holiday :D

Hi

This may help it is a resort review I wrote a couple of weeks ago.

Thyon 2000/Les Collons/Les Masses

You'll have a hard time finding a better place to enjoy winter sports than Thyon-Région having great snow from November to April it is a skiers and boarders dream. The Val d’Herens is located in the heart of the Swiss alps on the Eastern side of the four valleys system one of the largest ski regions in Europe.
The area has over 400 kms of pistes and 100 ski lifts that seamlessly link - Thyon, Veysonnaz, Nedaz and Verbier.

There really is something for everyone, Thyon 2000 has wide open sunny slpoes for beginners and more challengin slopes for the intermediate and advance, including large areas of off piste the Billabong board park with nursery slopes for the little ones.

Thyon is one of the least know resorts in the 4 valleys, but not to say it’s not one of the best. Benefiting from the same lift system and similar altituds, the Thyon region offers better value for money and is less crowded than it’s better know neighbourgh Verbier. If you are looking for a true taste of traditional Switzerland this is the area to visit just relax and enjoy the fablouse views over the untouched alpine paradise.

With Evolene and Crans-Montana just a short drive away and the medieval city of Sion at the foot of the mountain everything is within close striking distance. Sion with it’s monastry and castle has a cosmopolitian feel with world class restaurants and designer shopping.

We know the are well so if you have any questions please don't hesitate to send a message.

Best wishes

Helen

Hi

Yes Switzerland is a good option. For a traditional Swiss Christmas you may wish to consider the Thyon/Les Collons area.

You'll have a hard time finding a better place to enjoy winter sports than Thyon-Région having great snow from November to April it is a skiers and boarders dream. The Val d’Herens is located in the heart of the Swiss alps on the Eastern side of the four valleys system one of the largest ski regions in Europe.
The area has over 400 kms of pistes and 100 ski lifts that seamlessly link - Thyon, Veysonnaz, Nedaz and Verbier.

http://www.chalet-chasseur.co.uk/

Hi

You are so right about the French resorts and Switzerland has become much better value for money, eating our and accomodation are better and the service is second to none. Have a look at this site
http://www.4vallees.ch/en/main/index.php

I am in my second season at Thyon/Les Masses on the 4 Valleys.

Chalet Chasseur sleeps 6 people - 3 en-suite rooms http://www.chalet-chasseur.co.uk/

Ski Area
Access to over 400k of piste, loads of off piste, you can ski to Verbier in just over one hour dependent on level and have the advantage of the great local ski area which is more relaxed and not crowded. Swiss ski school from 3.5 years, group and private lessons available. French speaking area of Switzerland.
If you have any questions just let me know.

Helen

SKI 4 VALLEYS – Thyon region – Les Masses/Les Collons
Chalet Chasseur sleeps 6 people 3 en-suite rooms http://www.chalet-chasseur.co.uk/

Hot tub/Jacuzzi - brand new outdoor - from May 08
SKI 4 VALLEYS - Thyon region/Les Masses
Chalet Chasseur - sleeps 6 people in 3 en-suite rooms
http://www.chalet-chasseur.co.uk/
Luxury five star owner run catered chalet only five minutes from the chair lift/piste at Le Masses.
Helen and Nigel will be on hand to provide a quality five star personnel service.

• 4 minutes drive to the lift piste, free transport
• New outdoor hot tub 08/09 with amazing views across the valley
• Free private transfers from Geneva/Sion
• Fly into Sion 20 only minutes drive
• Sauna with separate shower
• Free unlimited Wifi
• daily cleaning
• hairdryer
• warm and comfortable living area with under floor heating
• log fire, home entertainment
• DVD’s, games, books
• 183m2 living area, three balcony’s, heated boot rack
• Garage and parking next to the chalet
• More photos link http://picasaweb.google.com/calvadosonline/ChaletChasseurLuxurySkiChalet4ValleysSwitzerland#

Catering
Buffet style breakfast with hot dish of the day
Afternoon tea with homemade cake
High quality 3 course evening meal with wine

Ski Area – 4 Valleys - http://www.4vallees.ch/en/main/index.php
Access to over 400k of piste and masses of off piste.

Ski 4 VALLEYS - Thyon region/Les Masses
Chalet Chasseur - sleeps 6 people in 3 en-suite rooms
http://www.chalet-chasseur.co.uk/
Luxury five star owner run catered chalet only five minutes from the chair lift/piste at Le Masses.
Helen and Nigel will be on hand to provide a quality five star personnel service.

• 4 minutes drive to the lift piste, free transport
• New outdoor hot tub with amazing views across the valley
• Free private transfers from Geneva/Sion
• Fly into Sion 20 only minutes drive www.westernair.co.uk
• Sauna with separate shower
• Free unlimited Wifi
• daily cleaning
• hairdryer
• warm and comfortable living area with under floor heating
• log fire, home entertainment
• DVD’s, games, books
• 183m2 living area, three balcony’s, heated boot rack
• Garage and parking next to the chalet

Catering
Buffet style breakfast with hot dish of the day
Afternoon tea with homemade cake
High quality 3 course evening meal with wine

Ski Area – 4 Valleys - http://www.4vallees.ch/en/main/index.php
Access to over 400k of piste and masses of off piste.

Sample Menu 2008/09 Season which includes -
Sticky sweet & sour spare ribs - cheese baked with white wine, pork cordon bleu, mushroom risotto, Butter chicken, Balsamic roast pork , Luxury fish pie, Homemade honey ice cream, Chocolate orange mouse, Traditional baked cheese cake, Flambé bananas in Calvados

Thyon 2000/Les Collons/Les Masses

You'll have a hard time finding a better place to enjoy winter sports than Thyon-Région having great snow from November to April it is a skiers and boarders dream. The Val d’Herens is located in the heart of the Swiss alps on the Eastern side of the four valleys system one of the largest ski regions in Europe.
The area has over 400 kms of pistes and 100 ski lifts that seamlessly link - Thyon, Veysonnaz, Nedaz and Verbier.

There really is something for everyone, Thyon 2000 has wide open sunny slpoes for beginners and more challengin slopes for the intermediate and advance, including large areas of off piste the Billabong board park with nursery slopes for the little ones.

Thyon is one of the least know resorts in the 4 valleys, but not to say it’s not one of the best. Benefiting from the same lift system and similar altituds, the Thyon region offers better value for money and is less crowded than it’s better know neighbourgh Verbier. If you are looking for a true taste of traditional Switzerland this is the area to visit just relax and enjoy the fablouse views over the untouched alpine paradise.

With Evolene and Crans-Montana just a short drive away and the medieval city of Sion at the foot of the mountain everything is within close striking distance. Sion with it’s monastry and castle has a cosmopolitian feel with world class restaurants and designer shopping.

Hi

Les Masses/Les Collons/Thyon 2000 are all great resorts you can get a train to Sion then a bus or taxi to the resorts up the mountain. This is part of the 4 valleys system which includes Verbier, you can sk there from these resorts in about 1 hour.

Have a look at http://www.chalet-chasseur.co.uk/

If you have any questions about the area please don't hesitate to contact me via our site