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There are many traditional ski resorts and alpine communities in France and one of them is Megève. Guests love to visit the Megève’s skiing area known as Domaine Évasion Montblanc. Megève and the entire Domaine Évasion Montblanc have the best ski slopes in Europe. There are excellent hotels in Megève that will meet everyone’s preferences, budget and requirements.

One of the best Megève hotels is HMC Hotel l’Arboisie. This hotel is centrally located on Mount Arboise Road and offers one of the most fantastic views of the village. This hotel offers beautifully appointed and spacious rooms perfect for guests looking for an ideal mountain resort experience. Another tourist accommodation that boasts of breathtaking views of the mountains is Lodge Park. The proximity of the Lodge Park Hotel to the casino gives their guests an alternative activity during the evenings.

Another hotel in Megève that has a great view of the mountains is Au Coin du Feu. The welcoming atmosphere of this charming hotel will give you that feeling of a home away from home. Guests will love to have a quiet and romantic dinner in their cozy restaurant that serves a wonderful blend of European dishes.

One of the most recommended Megève hotels is Le Fer de Cheval located in the heart of the village. This quaint and beautifully maintained hotel offers excellent cuisine surrounded by antiques in rustic settings. It is not cheap but the price you pay for the experience of staying in Le Fer de Cheval is worth it.

There are many other hotels in Megève that cater for couples, families and groups. All the hotels in Megève offer great service and are sure to make your holiday a memorable experience.

For a full listing of Megève hotels, we advise you to visit the following link http://www.mountvacation.com/en/france/megeve/, where you will be able to read reviews, view pictures and tariffs of all the accommodation found in Megève

Great video! Check these lads snowboarding Paris asif it was the last place left on earth to do so. It’s fun and HISTORICAL, watch It!

Unfortunately we don not have any chalets to rent in Paris. It’s giving me ideas though! However, should you really want to escape on a lovely ski holidays simply visit our site at http://www.mountvacation.com.

Paris - Montmartre_Google maps

Arabba is a small town in the area of the Dolomites mountain range in Italy. It is one of the ski villages in the Veneto region, the other ski villages are in the South Tyrol. To ski in Arabba is one of the best skiing experiences. This is one of the most exciting ski resorts in Italy. It is in the Marmolada Mountain, tagged as the Queen of the Dolomites, where most people ski in Arabba. The Arabba village is a great starting point to access the ski slopes.
There are also mountain ridges or passes that surround Arabba; the Passo Camplongo is a towering area between Alta Badia, Corvara and Arabba. The Passo Pardoi is connected by lifts to the area above the resort of Canazei and the Passo Pordon connects the skiers to the Malga Ciepela area and the Marmolada zone. To ski in Arabba and also in its neighboring areas is a must for ski lovers.
Those who do not want to ski in Arabba Italy can participate in the many other activities this place has to offer visitors. A visitor can also try trekking or hiking in the area. There are many tours suggested for people to try. One of these is The Hunter’s Track, where visitors hike through a circular path that will start and end in Arabba and will pass along Cherz Plateau. Visitors can also try the Strada Da La Vena tour where they will come across the alpine forests, wooden hay sheds and pastures. They will also learn the history of Colle Santa Lucia where the Andraz castle is located and where mining is done. Viel Dal Pan is another tour package that follows an easy path from Passo Pordoi and reaches the crest of Portavescovo. Here visitors will see the remarkable views of Lake Fedaia and Marmolada.
A visit to the Arabba village during the summer won’t go to waste. This place is also famous for its recreational activities during the summer such as mountain biking, mountain climbing and cycling. People won’t only love to ski in Arabba but will also have fun with their family and friends participating in the many activities that this memorable destination has to offer. Simply visit Mountvacation.com main site here, and browse through the Arraba hotels as well as other accommodation on offer.

I know there are many of you out there that aren’t enticed by the word Free. In fact, there are probably more of you out there that dash away from Free because it probably has strings attached, isn’t of good quality or doesn’t really exist (No such thing as a free lunch, etc.).

Well, put all your trepidations aside and open your heart and mind to the idea of first-rate free, a.k.a nothing, on the house, open, liberated  or gratis. . . you get the idea. Today, I’m here to tell you about about Free Ski-iPhone Apps you can download to your iPhone and get some really stellar information, from trail maps to lift openings to snow reports to directions and much more. You can get apps from Apple’s App store or find guys who post them on their own websites.

The Ski-O-Meter iPhone app lets you keep your iPhone snug in your zipper breast pocket and record everything from distance, speed, maximum, average, and minimum speed. All you have to do is press Play, while being sure to put the iPhone in the lock position. I know I love having this information after a long bike ride, so now it’s possible with skiing. I think this app is really great for either alpine or cross-country skiers.

The Snocater iPhone app is probably one of the most diverse iphone applications; plus, it’s really built for skiers and boarders by skiers and boarders. The displayable trail maps not only show you where you are, but allow you to interact and see where you’re going or how to get there (mid trail). Not to mention, you can access mountain cams, get forecasts, check nearby lifts and runs and terrain, all while  keeping in touch with friends through Sniff—a texter that allows you to text friends and see where they are at too. The designers, Liberty Media Corps, are offering both US and International locations (coming soon).

The RealSki iPhone App doesn’t use virtual reality but claims to be unique in it’s use of AR or Augmented Reality. To describe it, the app overlays digital graphics by utilizing, “camera, compass, and other 3GS features to overlay ski runs and key points of interest in AR.” Essentially, as you turn the iPhone to the slopes, little ski trail and resort signs (green here) pop up on the screen telling you which way to this or that run.

The Hangtimer Iphone App maybe doesn’t do a lot of fancy-shmancy stuff, but it does do one thing that all the other never thought of—catch how long you catch air! I like this app because it’s good for skiing but good for a lot of other sports where air time may not be important but is fun. Apparently, in using some arduous math skills, it can tell when you take off and when you land, whether jumping off a cliff or careening down a slope or roller coaster.

The REI Snow Report iPhone App pretty much has it all. You can view snow reports around the globe, so it’s not just US-Centric! From Australia to Chile, New Zealand to Austria, this app can show you the depth, forecasts, trails, maps, open and closed lifts and even projected snow fall. You can even access web cams and links to other web resort sites. Aside from Hangtimer, this app can do what all the others can do, combined. Improved from last year and unique, get it for free now.

The iTrailMap 3D iPhone App lets you see yourself on a 3D mountain and record them and later get them on the web. Additionally, you can keep record of your stats, like distance, speed, vertical drop and much more. Some unique, fluid features include rotating 3D, panning, switch from digital to paper maps and even see the snowscape in landscape mode, showing you all the terrain and topography. Whats more, once you have the maps downloaded, you don’t need cellular connection while mid-piste. You’ll have access to it all from memory and see it when you want, regardless of connection.

The SkiJump Lite iPhone App has been said to be a very addicting game. I’ve not tried it, but for all it’s worth, I thought including a generic little game would keep you from getting bored with all the serious stuff. What is really cool about this game, however, is that once you do make an amazing jump (longest, as this is the aim of the game), your score is uploaded to the database automatically and you are entered to win some cool prizes, from Gore-Tex jackets to Softshells that make skiing fashionable and fun.

From Strap-Ons to Snowboard Slings, I’ve looked for some of 20-10s cutting edge toys to help you squander that ski holiday money. At any rate, I just wanted to give you some ideas for the slopes to help you with everything from staying warm to staying in step. Here are some things to help you get at it!

iPhone Apps

I might as well give you a sneak preview of next week’s blog article: iPhone Apps. I’ll soon give you a run-through and teach you about some of the niftiest iPhone applications related to skiing, but for now, I’ll tell you that there are all kinds of apps for gear, snow conditions, trail maps, international and US ski resort information and weather updates. It’s like playing God, pointing to what you want to see and instantly knowing. Oh the Power! (Stay Tuned.)

Battery-Heated Ski Socks

Say you’re on ski holiday but you never really get to enjoy those Alps in Tonale, Italy nor do you ride the runs in Tignes, France because you’re always just too cold. If you’re the type that freezes to death on a summer’s eve, it’s time to quit shivering. May I introduce to you the battery-heated ski sock, long enough so you can still fit into your ski boots, and warm enough to keep you skiing merrily till dusk. If you’re still cold you can try Smartwool socks, Insolator winter insoles or Thermastat silk that heats up naturally. Ther-Mic Foot warmers have insoles already built in to a battery operated heater sock. You may never have to enjoy hot cocoa again…

No Such Thing As Handicapped

If you have an amputation above the knee, then do not fret—Your high-adrenaline rush will continue to flow with the XT9 Energy Storing Prosthetic Knee. From Telemarking in Kranjska Gora to Alpining or Cross-country skiing in Les Orres, SymBiotecks make it possible to ice climb, play ice hockey, go ice skating or, yes, snowboard (among many other non-ski related fun). Your next skiing holiday will be just as fun as you remembered it, but this time, you may even be better than ever!

SnowQ Snowboard Sling

Though this doesn’t involve any batteries or windy widgets, the SnowQ Sling allows you to carry your snowboard or skis on your back. This is especially handy, if like me, your ski hotel, hostel or apartment is immeasurably far from the slopes (yes, because I’m poor and cheap). At any rate, no more lugging your skis or board to the slope with arms achey and numb. (So far, I think these are only available online from retailers in the USA.)

Tri-Slider Sled

Some of us just want to stay off our feet while on ski vacation. One way we can do this and have more fun is through the tri-slider sled. This sled allows the rider to comfortably sit over the top of their legs and have control whilst going vroom down hill. The concept is quite easy and nicely ergonomic. There’s even brakes and steering handlebars.

Strap-On Snow-blades

You’ve probably heard of these because they have been around for a few years. Snow-blades are unique in that they are shorter but wider and mainly used for Alpine skiing, though denomination groups for snow-blades may very well use them for all kinds of purposes. They are easy to carry around and great for carving. Usually, these are worn with your alpine ski boots, without poles.

Before hitting it to France with MountVacation.com I’m obliged to stay at home and shred nothing but the resort near my place. It doesn’t offer any rails, parks or back-country, but at least it’s skiing. Better than nothing right?

Check out this little edit from myself.

Whilst you’re watching this clip, I’ll be out on the field doing some street rail filming.

After winning Air&style, Marko Grilc made it to the premiere of Burton’s new movie in Ljubljana. It was soooo sick to have him here, not only as a host but also as a friend. He’s achieved so much and made at least 400 people at the party soooo proud of being in the Slovenian extreme sports scene.

“‘Yo dude you gotta come over here…the premiere is on!’

“Grilo in the name of love”

It felt so good to be back among friends who I haven’t seen for  such a long time. I took a picture with everyone I knew, or didn’t and it made my day.

The press car only means trouble!

and tall girls mean only…long legs…definitely not trouble!

the hat means having a cool lifestyle

and a wink means only ALL IN!

a movie night gives us all a reason to hang out

the crowd shows appreciation of it!

and a group photo means nothing but love.

Yesterday, I got home from Kaprun where I spent 4 days hanging out with really cool people. BTW, the Cosmopolitan ski opening for women hosted by Mountvacation.com was also taking place. You can imagine what was going on mostly… Or not. Anyway, I tried to find the first pow in the season to draw some lines. I found it for sure but, unfortunately, there was a lack of base snow so the ‘reef sharks’ peeked out of the snowy cover almost everytime in the steeper parts. There were only couple of lines, but that was all I needed to start the season in Europe. Only freeriders know this feeling and what it can do for you for the rest of the day.

Laughing at one of the lamest and easiest short lines…but it was just so cool!

The line in the middle was rough to my skis, and the next one was rough to my body after falling from a rock 4m high to other rocks.

I just love these ends of day

Two days ago at 3 o’clock in the morning I was partying pretty hard and I got news from Innsbruck where my friend Marko Grilc won the Air & Style competition… I couldn’t believe it and i still can’t really tell how cool it is to hang out with my friends who achieve so much in their lifes and inspire me every single day, no matter where we hang out. Every single one has done so much in this season already and it hasn’t even started yet. Trust me good old YUGO’s will rock this year everywhere. No matter where and how we gonna kill it!

Marko invited us for a dinner tonight

As we are in the very beginnings of the skiing season across much of the northern hemisphere, it is important that we not forget how this great recreation came about, evolved and turned into a present-day phenomenon. Nearly all forms of skiing had its beginnings in something related to survival. Whether used for hunting, for gathering, for escape, for war, for military maneuvers or for traveling over expansive distances and mountains, we can thank those who persevered for the evolution later turned recreation sport of skiing. As you hit the slopes this holiday skiing season, be sure to keep in mind the histories of this now worldwide pastime.

Long Ago-ish History of Skiing:

I think it is safe to say—and historians who get paid to do this sort of research likely agree—that the modern type of skiing we know today was invented somewhere in northern Europe. Skis dating from about 5000 years ago were found on the border of France and Switzerland with a ski as old as 6500 years old found in a swampy bogland in Sweden. Even older drawings of skiers using one pole are depicted in carvings from over 7000 years ago in Nordland, Norway. A ski recently found and carbon tested dates at over 1000 years old.

Ergo, we can safely assume that, yes, northern Europe generally and Nordic people specifically were setting a world example even way back when. Most of the time, unlike today however, these Nordic and Sami populations used skiing as a way of survival and livelihood rather than recreation and holiday getaways. Be thankful (heck we should throw an annual party) that these guys survived to pass on their intimate knowledge of this sport.

Not So Long Ago-ish History of Skiing:

If you know some history of skiing, then you’ve probably heard the name Sondre Norheim pop up now and then around the midday meal. Some researchers give Norheim the honor of the “father of modern day skiing.” All those slopes you’ve enjoyed, all those innovations to your over-priced skiing equipment and all those cracked bones, twisted ankles and bruised knees and tailbones can be attributed, then, to Norheim himself.

Again, thanks goes out to northern Europe and Norway again, Norheim advanced the sport of skiing by his innovations in secure and stiffer ski bindings. He didn’t use animal skin or leather like others before him, but made his quite tough but pliant straps from the dug up (or newly dead) roots of birch trees. Norheim’s contribution, especially to downhill skiing, made it possible for skiers to not only go downhill faster, but accompany this newfound speed with jumps, turns and before unseen maneuvers—today, they might be aptly more known as “tricks.”

Norheim some decades later kept making improvements to his and other’s design with more narrow, curved and shorter skis—today’s telemarking. All sorts of woods and layers of wood were used for decades to come, and improvements came quickly with international exposure; however, Norheim’s crafty hand played a huge role in what we all get to enjoy (no matter the type or skiing) today.

or: What Happened When Others Weren’t Expecting

Skiing, as you may know, can be a dangerous sport. Most of the time, a wipe out leads to a yard sale (when your ski gear spreads out over the slope after a wipe out) and everyone is OK and laughing—a bruised tail bone or ego is all you go home with that day. Others, however, have had more traumatic experiences, though often still humorous. As long as someone doesn’t have to be flown home in a casket, I think you can always find a little amusement. At any rate, I’ll add some of my own (and others’) ski holidays that had a unexpected twist. If you got any slapstick ski stories to toss in, then by all means tell me about them here. (We’ll take a vote in about a month to see who gets the best “Gone Bad Ski Trip” award for 2009.)

Took My Girlfriend Out:
This is one of my own stories, one where I play the protagonist and by girlfriend the antagonist—though she may still see it differently. Neither of us are expert skiers. We stick to the easy and intermediate slopes and become experts when it comes to the resort food and late night drink-fests. Anyway, we were skiing in Courchevel in France in the Les Trois Vallees and both took to the slope at the same time.

I am, of course, crazier than she, so I was zigzagging, trying to show off. My girlfriend was pretty much bee-lining straight for the bottom. Instead of either going behind or in front of her, as we both caught some nice speed, I ran straight into her. “How does a person who weights 72 kg (~165 lbs) take up the space of a bear? You are a Manimal,” she often tells me at least thrice per day. That day, my bearness was out of control. When I said “Took my girlfriend out” above, I didn’t mean to fine dining and a movie. I mean, actually, that I took her legs out from underneath her body. I was Superman-ing downhill while she was on her back, sliding down backwards, legs up in the air—kid you not—like a turtle! We slowed down and I got a beating of a life time; I think she even kicked me in the ribs. Save for a few bruises and scrapes, we didn’t really feel hurt until the next day when we had to shower in hot water for twenty minutes in order to walk straight. Girls have a funny way of getting even over a very long time, but I won’t go there now…

Check Out Her Rack:
Though this is something you might say to your buds over sipping some brewskies, unfortunately, I’m neither talking about fun bags, jugs nor knockers. This story will be much quicker, because conversations about melons never end. At any rate, my two friends Sheila and Bart had just gotten back from a ten day ski holiday in Italy. Bart retold with hilarity how in Livigno, Italy, to be exact, Sheila had somehow managed to get her ski pole forcefully, aptly and firmly between her legs. Apparently, Sheila lost some control after rushing down a pretty intense blue slope and in an effort to (stop?, keep balance?, keep going?) gain control, she got her ski pole stuck in the frozen ground in front of her. In one single motion, she ended up with the ski pole racking her between the legs. When she came to a stop, according to Bart, she laid holding her bruised nether-regions for several long minutes. Shelia told me later that the worst was how Bart kept laughing at her, not helping her one bit. She eventually got up and started beating Bart on his back. They were equally bruised when they got to their hotel that night, I (without asking) understood.

Now, it’s your turn to add your ski vacation story that went for the worst: