Chalet de mes Rêves is perfectly located for a ski-in/out holiday in Morzine. It’s an easy ski down to the main Pleney gondola in the morning and a short walk to the town centre. We operate a fully catered package for exclusive occupancy or mixed bookings; our formula is well balanced and varied but ultimately aims to spoil you!

The chalet has three double bedrooms and one twin (bunk) bedroom; three bathrooms; two lounges with televisions, sky and wi-fi. The large sun-filled terrace has a hot-tub and is ideal for relaxing in the evenings after a long day of skiing and the playroom downstairs will keep the kids entertained during your pre-dinner drinks!

Beautifully furnished and well equipped, Chalet des Mes Rêves will welcome you with open arms and a roaring fire this winter season!

Don’t miss out on our fantastic Christmas week offer… Just £750 per person from the 21st – 28th December.  Contact us now to avoid disappointment!  BOOK NOW or find out more here 

There is no Romantic Gesture too great that they cannot organise for you.

I think my favourite proposal that they have organised so far was for a lovely young couple whilst on a Ski Holiday in the Three Valleys.    This involved setting up a surprise Romantic proposal spot, complete with flowers and champagne, on top of a stunning snow capped mountain peak where  the young man could ask for his young ladies hand in Marriage.

Sadly, the couple’s 2 beloved pets could not come on  this particular  romantic ski break with them and share the most magical moment when she said “i do!”  so Jamie and Olivia were asked if they could recreate 2 animals to represent their absent friends… et Voila.   2 very EPIC Snow Cats were born….

What a talented pair they are (Jamie and Olivia i mean. Cannot comment on the Snow Cats as they have since melted into Snow Cat heaven..)

Following recent articles in the British press regarding poor snow conditions in the Alps, let me just put the records straight. Yes, it has been a slow start to the season, but let’s not jump to conclusions and say that there’s going to be ‘No’ snow for season 11/12. Over the last week the northern Alps have had over a metre of snow upwards of 1300m and ski areas such as the Portes du Soleil are opening as planned this weekend. There is further snow forecast over the next few days and everyone coming out for an early ski is going to enjoy some fantastic pre-Christmas ski conditions.

Resorts such as Tignes, Verbier and Saas Fe have been enjoying nearly perfect snow conditions for the last few weeks and with the recent snowfall, pretty much every ski area is now ready to open the gates to everyone looking for some fun on the slopes.

Let’s face it, these are testing times for everyone right now and articles from journalists (not meteorologists) self proclaiming that the snow will never arrive has a massive knock on effect to all the companies that work incredibly hard to run businesses abroad in the mountains. Most of the small companies are on very small profit margins with property rental rates going through the roof the last few years, so when bad press goes out regarding the snow industry, then bookings and enquiries simply just stop coming through as people are too scared to take the risk on their holiday. This then results in most companies having to drop prices just to get people over to the mountains and try to break even, and many of the small companies are literally promoting rates which are actually costing them. Although this is good for the consumer, it’s actually just another nail in the coffin for the economy and we need to be supporting and doing our best for all the hard working small companies out there to help get things back on track again.

The reality is, that even with one of the worst seasons on record last year, with all of the infrastructure that modern day resorts have in place with making artificial snow, the snow conditions on piste were actually really good, and the general feedback across the Alps for the season was – “it was so much better than we expected it to be!!”

We don’t know how this year is going to be in the mountains, but what we do know is that snow conditions are superb right now and there’s nothing to say that the rest of the season isn’t going to be the same.

Ski and Snowboard holidays are always going to be a bit of a gamble regarding the weather – some like fresh snow, some like the hard pack piste and it’s difficult to please everyone – but as long as there’s white stuff up top then you can rest assured that you’re going to be able to have fun up there……………..and that’s what it’s all about!!

So to all the non-believers out there - Don’t Believe The Hype!! Rest easy that you can book your ski holiday in confidence, and if the fresh snow isn’t falling, then they’ll be working the snow cannons to have the pistes in fantastic condition.

Here’s to a great season 11/12 – I know that I’m going to be making the most of the snow so don’t be put off………not everything you read is true!!

If you’re looking for a ski or snowboard holiday this winter then check out http://www.independentmountain.com/

Here are some more photos taken today up in Avoriaz to help entice you over to the mountains:

Avoriaz is officially opening this weekend – with around a metre of fresh powder over the last few days, the Portes du Soleil has been transformed into a winter wonderland and is now ready for some fantastic early season fun up the mountain.

Take a look at the live 360 degree Avoriaz webcam to see how much snow is up top:

http://livecam.avoriaz.com/

Tignes is also in fantastic condition where people have been lucky enough to be skiing waist deep powder………………don’t believe all the bad press – take a look for yourselves at the Tignes webcams here:

http://www.tignes.net/en/skiing-in-tignes/webcams-290.html

We’ve got loads of great special offers running if you’re wanting to get away to the snow, so just drop us a line at info@independentmountain.com and let us find you a great deal!!

Please make sure to join our new page http://www.facebook.com/pages/IndependentMountaincom/131551656945760 as this is where you’ll find all of our regular posts.Avoriaz is officially opening this weekend – with around a metre of fresh powder over the last few days, the Portes du Soleil has been transformed into a winter wonderland and is now ready for some fantastic early season fun up the mountain.
Take a look at the live 360 degree Avoriaz webcam to see how much snow is up top:

http://livecam.avoriaz.com/

Tignes is also in fantastic condition where people have been lucky enough to be skiing waist deep powder………………don’t believe all the bad press – take a look for yourselves at the Tignes webcams here:

http://www.tignes.net/en/skiing-in-tignes/webcams-290.html

We’ve got loads of great special offers running if you’re wanting to get away to the snow, so just drop us a line at info@independentmountain.com and let us find you a great deal!!
Please make sure to join our new facebook page http://www.facebook.com/pages/IndependentMountaincom/131551656945760 as this is where you’ll find all of our regular posts.

View from the Independent Mountain HQ

FINALLY……The snow has arrived and in good old mountain fashion it is dumping!! After a record number of weeks of opening the curtains and groaning at the sunshine and tepid temperatures we are now jumping for joy as the temperature has dropped and the white stuff has arrived!!
Across the Alps, resorts have been transformed into winter wonderlands and with more on the way, season 11/12 is set to start with lots of fresh powder!
If you like many others have been waiting on the edge of your seat for the snow to arrive to book your ski holiday then there’s no better time than the present! We have lots of fantastic catered ski accommodation and self catered ski accommodation available along with some amazing ski deals!
Check out where you can be enjoying the snow now!!  Too busy christmas shopping…then drop us a line and we will do all the hard work for you!  Check out our catered ski accommodation and self catered ski accommodation Or drop us a line at info@independentmountain.com or give us a call on 00 33 450 748 379

Strong legs are essential for winter sports, with huge numbers of skiers and snowboarders suffering knee and lower limb injuries each season….and most of these injuries are due to muscle weakness and fatigue.

There are two main areas you need to address when performing leg exercises that aim to prevent the risk of you injuring them, these being muscle strength and endurance. Improving the strength and endurance of your primary leg muscles (hamstrings, quadriceps and calves) will help ensure the integrity of your joints, such as your knee and ankle joints, is maintained when large external forces are applied. It will also mean that you will excel in deep powder days when the leg muscles can fatigue and loss power quickly.

This exercise can be performed simply against your own body weight (beginner) or with dumbbells providing added resistance (intermediate to advanced). Complete the exercise a total of three times, performing it 12 to 15 times each time (3 sets of 12 to 15 repetitions). Perform the exercise a minimum of three days per week.

1) Start by standing straight and with your feet shoulder width apart and shoulders set back (dumbbells held in hands by side of the body if using them)

2) Slowly bend an equal amount at your hips and knees and ensure that you maintain a nice flat and straight back during the entire range of the exercise….do not just bend at the knees, bend at the hips too and stick your buttocks out so that you keep your knees behind the tips of your toes and the natural curves of your spine.

3) Slowly continue to bend at the hips and knees and lower yourself towards the ground, performing the exercise to a depth that you are comfortable and confident that you can return to the starting position from without losing your technique.

4) Never perform the exercise to a depth that means that your hips and buttocks are below being parallel with your knees.

5) Slowly push back up to the starting position using your leg muscles only….if your are performing with body weight only do not rest your hands on your thighs and push up using your arms also.

Recommended breathing pattern as you perform the exercise is inhale on relaxation (as you squat down) and exhale on exertion (as you push back up and return to the starting position

For the best resorts and best ski accommodation to put your powder legs to the test please visit independentmountain.com. We have a great range of catered ski accommodation and self catered ski accommodation across the Alps to suit all budgets. Email us on info at indpendentmountain.com or call us on 0033 450 748 379.

Planning a Chamonix ski holiday? Then be sure to check out the Chamonix lift prices for season 2011/12. When ski ing in Chamonix you have a number of choices as to the ski pass you buy all depending on your level of ski ing and the amount of area you are wanting to cover during your holiday. For those hard core skiers wanting to cover as much terrain as possible then the Mont-Blanc Unlimited pass is the pass for you. It gives you unlimited access to the three main ski areas (Brevent-Flegere, Le Tour and Grand Montets, plus, top
station Grand Montets, Aiguille du Midi, Montenvers train, Tramway du Mont Blanc, Les Houches, Courmayeur and Verbier.

For those looking for a pass a little easier on the legs and the pockets then the Chamonix Le pass is the pass for you.

The Chamonix Le Pass, is cheaper than the Mont-Blanc Unlimited and gives you access to the three main valley ski areas: Brevent-Flegere, Le Tour and Grand Montets. For those watching their pennies the Les Houches pass is the cheapest one available and gives access to Les Houches and all its fantastice terraib.To purchase your pass please visit the lift office or buy them online

Looking for catered accommodation Chamonix or self catered accommodation Chamonix? Then pay us a visit at www.independentmountain.com and let us find you your ideal Chamonix ski accommodation. Send your holiday requirements to info@independentmountain.com or give us a call on 00 33 450 748 379 to chat through your requirements.

Save up to 40% on your Chamonix ski pass and pre book your ski pass now! Huge discounts are available up until 14^th October when you pre buy season and annual ski passes for the Mont Blanc unlimited ski pass and the Le Pass ski pass.
These fantastic deals are fresh from the Compagnie du Mont Blanc with skiers being able to make huge savings, however, you need to be quick as rates will increase after the 14^th October, increasing to their normal price come the end of November.
Book online and not only do you get the special offer, you are also able to pay the rates in three installments!
Looking for catered accommodation Chamonix or self catered accommodation Chamonix Then pay us a visit at www.independentmountain.com and let us find you your ideal Chamonix ski accommodation. Send your holiday requirements to info@independentmountain.com or give us a call on 00 33 450 748 379 to chat through your requirements.

To ensure you and your pins are in tip top powder condition for your ski holiday, Independent Mountain has teamed up with mountain fitness gurus, Mountain Bodies, to provide you with a weekly ski fitness program to get you and your legs ready for those long glorious days up the hill.

Week by week, Personal Trainer Troy Knecht, Mountain Bodies, will be bringing you ski exercises of the week, complete with top tips to help you through the ski exercises and most importantly provide you with thighs and buns of steel any pro would be proud of!!

Follow the ski fitness program on the Independent Mountain blog, Facebook page or on Twitter and get yourself fighting fit for the mountains.

To find out more about Troy and the individually designed and highly enjoyable one on one or group fitness sessions he offers in Morzine search for Mountain Bodies on facebook or call him direct on 0644199242. Current summer specials include your first three 60 minute 1 on 1 sessions for a total cost of 35 euros and group classes of between 2 and 6 people at a cost of 10 euro per person.

To book ski accommodation please visit independentmountain.com. We have a great range of catered ski accommodation and self catered ski accommodation across the Alps to suit all budgets. Email us on info at indpendentmountain.com or call us on 0033 450 748 379.

Getting into shape for your winter holiday is just as important as shaping up to look good on the beach during your summer break. Before heading off for your winter ski holiday it is imperative that you’ve undertaken a ski fitness exercise regime to ensure you are fighting fit for the slopes!

Now you don’t have to transform yourself into a slave to the gym, however, doing a few sets of squats whilst queuing to board the plane will not suffice. To help get you into fine form, without you having to spend lots of money on gym membership or lots of time pumping iron, here are a few simple ski exercises you can build into your weekly regime to give you and your body a fighting chance and nice and prepared for long days up the hill.

Your Ski Fitness Program

Squatastic for Awesome powder Pins

Whilst they may not be everyones favorite exercise, they are the ones that get the best results. Doing sets of squats, lunges and wall sits 2-3 times a week will help build up your muscle strength and whip your thighs into shredding shape in no time. Remember no pain no gain!

The Squat

Stand with your feet slightly wider than hip distance apart, straighten your back and slightly bend your knees (so they are not locked) Slowly lower yourself down to 90 degrees in a controlled motion focusing on the muscle groups you are working (quads, gluteus and hamstrings). As you lower yourself into the squat it is very important to ensure your knee stays above your ankle and does not go over your toes. As you get to 90 degrees, hold for one count and then slowly rise up to your starting position. Start off with three sets of 8 and gradually increase the reps as your strength increases.

Handy Hint

Worried about your posture? As you lower yourself into the squat imagine you are sitting down onto a chair. This will help you keep the correct posture for your squat.

The Lunge

The Godfather of all thigh exercises, the lunge is a fantastic thigh burning exercise that separates the men from the boys!

Relax your legs (do not lock your knees) Place one leg in front with your foot flat on the floor and your other leg behind you, with your heel raised off the floor so the weight of your leg is on your back toes. Straighten your back and place your hands on your hips to help with balance. Similar to the squat exercise be sure to take your back leg far enough behind you to ensure that when you lower into the lunge your front knee is above your ankle and no further than your toes. Lower yourself into the lunge in a slow and controlled manner, hold for one second and then slowly raise yourself back to your starting position. Repeat on the other leg. Start off with three sets of 8 and gradually increase the reps as your strength increases.

Handy Tip

For a more complex lunge you can add movement by doing a walking lunge from one side of the room to the other. Follow the same principles as a static lunge, however, when you raise out of your first lunge, you then travel forward by moving your other leg to the front and going straight down into the lunge. Repeat on both legs until you reach the other side of the room.

The Wall Sit

Ensure your legs have staying power up the hill with this fantastic resistence exercise.

The aim of the game with the wall sit is to increase your resistence and strength by holding the same position for set periods of time. Stand up straight with soft knees and legs just wider than shoulder distance apart. Lower yourself down into the squat in a slow and controlled manner and hold the position for 30 seconds. Once the 30 seconds is up (or if it becomes too uncomfortable) then raise yourself slowly and controlled into your starting position. Remember to try and evenly distribute the weight throughout your feet. Repeat times to begin with and increase the repetitions as you resitence and strength heightens.

Handy Tip

If you find it uncomfortable try doing the exercises against a wall with a gym ball behind your back. This will offer more support for your back.

By introducing these exercises into your weekly routine, you and your legs will be powder ready in no time and ready to hit the slopes!

Looking for ski accommodation for your ski holiday then check out our fantastic range of catered ski accommodation and self catered ski accommodation across the Alps here at www.independentmountain.com We have ski properties to suit all requirements and budgets! For more information click here, drop us a line at info@independentmountain.com or give us a call on 0033 450 748 379.