extravaganski

Though skiing is what draws most of the thrill-seekers, speed freaks and, as I often like to call myself, ‘atmosphere absorbers’ to the breath-taking valley of Courchevel at this time of year, it is not the be all and end all of the wintersports season. In fact, there is no real need to ski at all.

Though snowboarding long ago began to debunk the ‘ski’ holiday myth, I hope to shed some light on the other exciting alternatives to skiing that I have discovered this season. From exhilarating heli-skiing and hot air ballooning over the mountains, to fresh air of mountain hikes, there is far more to Courchevel than often meets the eye.

Fitting for the splendor of a stay at Chalet Pearl and it’s surroundings, helicopter rides are a stylish alternative to the snow shod mountain walk. Or, one step more sumptuous for those who are harder to please, fly your own plane around the playground of the Alps. Flying lessons are available in Courchevel and lessons can be designed around your every whim.

Don’t be put off a hike, through the settings that inspired the imaginations of some of the greatest Romantic poets however; beautiful secluded hamlets abound Courchevel, very handy if you have a whisky St.Bernard and a raffish mountain guide with you.

If none of the above has taken your fancy, why not try out Courchevel’s luge, unique in France and at 2km and floodlit, you can toboggan at night straight from Courchevel 1850, Chalet Pearl’s garden. Or take a snowmobile across the mountains and then a husky sleigh ride back for a truly majestic Snow Queen moment.

And if still none of that has tickled you, check out the twinkling International Festival of Pyrotechnic Art from the 12^th of February until the 12^th of March, where fire-starters from across the land come to compete in the firework shows. 

Failing that, just stay in, under the spell of Chalet Pearl’s lavish wine lists, and, in keeping with the philosophy of our ski holidays, bar tender on hand to mix you whatever you want, whenever you want.

The Age of The Railway

To slink in ten minutes before departure, just enough time to devour a glass of something bubbly before boarding and get away with no qualms at all, sounds like the dream I have the night before I travel anywhere, followed by a rude awaking to the blasting sound of the impatient London cabby’s horn and the near neurotic fit about how heavy our bags are and whether we really have (but are you SURE?) got passports, toothbrushes and occasionally children in tow.

Every traveler experiences at some point, this break down, in fast and furious attempts to make arrival times hours before flights, packing light to follow baggage restrictions and amnesia over various children.

This week I traveled out to Courchevel and back using the Eurostar. Which was, if you will, the stuff dreams are made of. Going direct from London Kings cross and stopping at Moutiers it was the perfect transition from city living to Chalet Pearl's alpine luxury. I was Chauffer driven direct from work to the station, arriving just ten minutes before my train departed, just enough time for my (now tangible) glass of champagne in the premier business lounge and a flick through of Vogue.

Compared to the hassle of flying it was glorious. All our ski baggage could be loaded onto the train for no extra fees and there was no chance of it being eternally lost in the Bermuda triangle of terminal 5. 

Once on board, the train provides space to work and (if I’m honest) chat on my iphone, all fears about electro-magnetic interference recklessly abandoned when your not up in the air. When you arrive at Moutiers you will be greeted warmly by Chalet Pearl’s Chauffer and their brand new long-wheel based Mercedes Viano complete with plasma screen TVs and leather interiors, which is at the beck and call of guests throughout the duration of their stay. The Chalet is perfect and attentive in catering to any bespoke needs of their lucky guests.

Although flying is often fantastic, this made a seamless transition to a week of skiing, Chalet Pearl and the Eurostar in many ways provide the perfect combinations of luxury and ease, with all needs catered for before one has even realized them. For the perfect start to a holiday, the two make for a pretty stylish couple.