Club Holiday 2008  
  Alpe D'Huez, France  
 

Dates: Saturday 29th March - 5th April 2008
    (2nd week of the Easter break)

Price:  £399 - Children Under 12 (Subject to availability)
  £499 - Adults & Aged 12+
 


Price Includes:   Half board at 3* hotel; Return flights from Manchester; Transfers; All supplements & taxes.

The holiday is open to all members of Merseyside and Oval Ski Clubs, however juniors under 18 should be accompanied by an adult member who will be responsible for them on and off the slopes. 

 
 

ALPE D'HUEZ

Glorious sunshine, clear blue skies, and 250 km of varied pistes make this resort one of the largest in France, and a major player on the world stage. Set on a high plateau in the Grande Rousses area of the Southern French Alps, you can expect good snow conditions here due to the altitude, glacier and extensive snow making facilities.  This ski area has something to challenge all abilities from long and taxing black runs to the open blue and green beginner slopes.

One of the top resorts for families, the facilities and off slope activities available are as varied as the slopes themselves.  Use of the Olympic size ice rink, heated indoor and outdoor swimming pools, sports centre, night skiing & tobogganing are all included with the lift pass. The Clubs' accommodation is centrally located, and only a short distance from the slopes, lifts, shops, ice rink, swimming pool and sports centre. Other activities and attractions include glacial ice carvings, snow-mobiling, ice driving,  parapenting, and helicopter trips. There is also a good selection of bars and lively après ski for those with the energy.

Alpe D'Huez is a high altitude, fun and friendly resort, the ultimate      example of a 'great all rounder' able to satisfy everyone.

The Slopes
Very few areas in the world rival Alpe D'Huez for extent and variety of terrain. This is a well organised resort where  queues are rare. A large network of green runs just above the village will suit even the most tentative skier. Whilst intermediate skiers will find anything they want, whether it is cruising around the whole area, or more challenging runs designed to push towards perhaps gentle moguls, or an introduction to off piste. More advanced skiers will find plenty of long and challenging black, and more difficult red runs, including the longest piste in the Alps--a 16km black!

The resort suits experienced boarders--the extent and variety of the mountains mean there's a lot of good free-riding to be had.

Mountain restaurants are generally good--even self service places are welcoming, and there are a good number of rustic places serving         excellent cuisine. Prices on the mountain tend to be reasonable, with some described in the independent guides as being "really good value."

 
 

 

Accommodation

We will be staying at the 3 star Petit Prince,    located within easy reach of the ski lifts and the resort centre's leisure facilities, with the        possibility of skiing from the back door. The   hotel is run by tour operator, 'First Choice' and provides a welcoming atmosphere, excellent  entertainment for children, good food and friendly service. The accommodation boasts unrivalled mountain views, especially from the hotel's terrace, and enhancing the dining experience from the hotel's restaurant. The bedrooms are basic, but are all en suite with their own balconies sharing the        magnificent views.


Facilities:
     * Bar.
     * Separate lounge with pool table, TV, and table football.
     * Children's play area.
     * Ski storage room.
     * Breathtaking views.
     * Central location within resort.

Meals:  Breakfast is continental buffet style,   including sliced meats, homemade bread, and  cereal. A hot  option, including porridge and eggs supplements the breakfast buffet. Evening meal is three courses, with an optional children's menu. Unlike Chalet accommodation, meals are served for all seven nights.

Rooms:   Twin, triple and quad rooms are available, all with en suite facilities, balcony, and many having fantastic views of the Ecrins National Park.

Additional Children's Services:  First Choice run dedicated children's clubs based in the    hotel, staffed by their own qualified personnel.  The children's clubs offer daytime craft and   activity sessions, together with a 'Pyjama    Evening Club.' The clubs cater for different ages, from 6 months to 12 years old.  If interested see brochure for       additional details and prices.

 
 

 

Flights & Other Information

The flights will be early afternoon Manchester/Grenoble charters (1hr 45min flight.)  The transfer time to the resort being around 1 hour 30mins.

The holiday is booked with tour operator First Choice, who are ABTA and ATOL bonded. Further details of the holiday can be viewed on page 188 of First Choice's first edition brochure, and also on their web site at www.firstchoice.co.uk/ski


Additional and Optional Costs

Holiday Insurance (NOT included in the package price)
Comprehensive winter sports travel insurance:  £20  (Adults)
(A suitable travel policy is advised soon after  £12  (Under 18s)
booking to protect against unexpected insured  £45  (Family)
cancellation.)

(All prices below are approximate and based on information in the tour operator's brochure.)


Lift Passes (Including entrance to Ice Rink, Swimming Pools & Sports complex)

Children 5  -  15 & Adults over 60 : £90   
Persons aged 16 - 59 : £125  
     
Ski/Board Hire Under 12 Aged 12+
Skis & boots £38 £60
Skis only £28 £45
Board & boots £59 £79
     
Ski/Board Tuition Under 12 Aged 12+
Ski School (6 x 3hrs) £85 £95
Snowboard Lessons (6 x 2.5hrs) £80 £80
     
(NOTE: Children must be aged 8+ to board)    
     

Carriage of Own Skis/Board
The tour operator charges £15 (return) per ski/board bag, for carriage of this additional luggage on the plane.


Further Information

To book a place on next year's holiday please contact Andy Kearney on the phone number below. A deposit of £100/person is required (any cheques made payable to 'Oval Ski Club.')  The balance must be settled by no later than 5th January 2008, and can be paid by cheque, or credit/debit card; by post, phone, or online.

Any questions, or further details, please ask Andy Kearney on 0785 566 2891.