Things to do:
Skiing
Saint-Jean d'Aulps ski resort is part of the Portes du Soleil ski area, with 650kms of slopes the Portes du Soleil is a group of 14 French and Swiss ski resorts, and is the biggest international ski area in the world. It covers 400 hectares, 206 ski lifts, and 288 slopes (41 green runs, 109 blue runs, 110 red runs, 28 black runs, and 4 snowcross).
It also has hundreds of kilometres of freeride areas.
The Saint-Jean d'Aulps ski resort is not linked by the slopes to the Portes du Soleil area, so short car or ski bus ride (10 minutes) is required. This means that the local St Jean D'Aulps ski area is relatively quiet, without queues and ideal for families, paticularly those with young children. [Ski bus will be running for winter 2009/2010 (Balad'Aulps Bus, 1Û per ride) and bring you to Montriond, Morzine and les Gets].
St Jean D'Aulps ski area, a 2 minute drive from the Chalet, is called "La Grand Terche" and is served by a regular free ski bus stopping near to Chalet Etoile. La Grand Terche offers excellent intermediate level skiing and magnificent scenery. The area is also linked to the resort of Bellevaux and it's "Domaine Roc d'Enfer", with an impressive 11 km run descending back to "La Grande Terche".
There is an 'ESF' ski school which provides lessons for all levels and accepts children from the age of 4. Younger children from 2 months can use the nearby créche which has a very good reputation.
St Jean D'Aulps is set in protected environment with fantastic views of the Dents du Midi in Switzerland, Lake Geneva, Mont Blanc & majestic Roc d'Enfer. "At Saint Jean d'Aulps, discover the wonderful Roc d'Enfer Tour! 20km ski slopes in a natural and protected environnement. You will enjoy the beautiful landscape with views of the Dents du Midi in Switzerland, Lake Geneva, the Graydon Combe and the majestic Roc d'Enfer!
Have a break in one of the typical savoyard restaurant and enjoy the cosy atmosphere!"
St Jean D'Aulps Ski Area details:
www.stjeandaulps.com
Snowboarding
"Morzine-Avoriaz Sector, Equally accessible from the village centre by the Super Morzine gondola lift (which is equipped with new cabins), it is comprised of 70 km of ski runs between 1000 and 2466 meters in altitude. This is paradise for those liking the more modern forms of snow sports, as there are 2 snowparks and the new "Biotop" (the first 100% ecological winter forest park), a half pipe, a "canyon" slope and a new boarder slope.
There are also and 4 'snowcross' where you can practice off-piste pursuits in total safety. This sector is home to the Lindarets village, a hamlet of high mountain farms, which have been turned into restaurants, to the great pleasure of all good-food lovers, and is the gateway to Switzerland."
www.morzine-avoriaz.com/home-in-winter.html
Overview of Snowboard Area at Avoriaz nearby (Need to go into the 'Sport' area of site, then 'Ski Area' & scroll down)
www.avoriazalpineskischool.com/ Avoriaz Snowboard Lessons We highly recommend Avoriaz Alpine Ski School, small groups, and excellent English speaking instructors based in perfect location for skiers of all levels. I use them regularly and can help here arranging booking. Please contact me.
Ski School
We highly recommend Avoriaz Alpine Ski School, small groups, and excellent English speaking instructors based in perfect location for skiers of all levels. I use them regularly and can help here arranging booking. Please contact me.
www.avoriazalpineskischool.com Avoriaz Ski School highly recommended.
Snowshoe Trekking
"You will enjoy a nice track going amongst the forest with magnificent views on the VallŽe d'Aulps, Morzine, the Dents blanches and the Mont-Blanc. (Take a left when you are at the top of the gondola)" Guides available - Half Day Trek 21 Û, Day Trek 30 Û, Trekking by moonlight with cheese fondue in mountain chalet 33 to 35Û Snowshoe trek and overnight stay in a refuge or igloo (adults only)"
www.stjeandaulps.com
St Jean D'Aulps Snow Shoe Trekking
Cross Country Skiing
"Enjoy the benefits of the Vallée d'Aulps's cross country ski circuits. They are free and designed for skiers off all levels!"
Paragliding
New : flight from Saint Jean d'Aulps station, First flights, weekend and week courses when you can learn to fly solo, First fligt from 65 €, Take-off is from the top of the mountains that can be reached by draglifts at Saint Jean d'Aulps or chairlifts on the other skiable domains.
Hot air balooning
"Flights over the Alps lasting between 45 minutes and 1,5 hours. Fixed-rope balloon rides. Trips are from 245 €"
Ice Diving
"Dive into a silent world: as soon as the ice forms over lake Montriond, it's possible to go on a first dive under the ice, to watch the bubbles dance in their attempts to escape from their ice-prison. Dry-suits protect you from the cold: the water temperature varies for 2 to 3°C. Dive to a depth of 8 to 10 metres. All equipment provided. Price : 60 €"
Cross Country Skiing
"Enjoy the benefits of the Vallée d'Aulps's cross country ski circuits. They are free and designed for skiers off all levels!"
Restaurants/Bars
There are four restaurants in walking distance from the chalet, Le Petit Coq, L'Amandier, Le National, and Mon P'tit Resto. L'Amandier serves excellent cuisine ranging from traditional Savoyarde dishes to a range of varied set menus. It has a very cozy atmosphere and friendly service. Le National is primarily a sports bar with pool table and Sky TV but does serve freshly baked Pizzas. The other two offer a wide range of dishes.
Small number of Shops
(Including 'Huit a 8' Supermarket)
The is a large Carrefour Supermarket on the way into Morzine just 2km away, however there is also a small all day opening 'Huit a 8' in the village. There are also 2 bakeries, a bank, a specialist cheese shop, a post office and a number of other small village shops where you can get cards and souvenirs.
Eating In
We provide a large gas BBQ with table and chairs on the terrace, the terrace area has double doors into the kitchen so is ideal for this, the outside table seats eight easily, more with a squeeze. There are fabulous views up and down the valley. The dining area inside provides ample space for groups of up to twelve, or table leaves can easily be removed to make more suitable for smaller groups.
DVD Library/Satelite TV/Books/Games/Broadband
We provide a large library of DVDs for all ages, approximately 160 titles. There is also a small selection of hardback and paperback books, along with children's games (chess, draughts, connect 4, playing cards etc). There
is also a TV, DVD player, Sky Box (free channels only) & a portable CD/Tape player and radio.
Hot Tub
There is an outside hot tub, a brand new high specification 'Beachcomber 350', designed for 8-9 people. Ideal if you have been out all day walking. This has various jet settings, different level seats, and flashing colored underwater lights if you wish. It is below the terrace area, with doors to it from one of the bedrooms or access can be by steps down the side of the chalet from the higher terrace BBQ area. (This is maintained and checked three times per week by specialist company).