And when a break from the slopes was needed, there was no shortage of activity, such as drinking a
vin chaud while watching daring downhill racers ski across a freezing swimming pool.
This is the place to go to enjoy
vin chaud and a French, low key Christmas atmosphere, without being smothered by festiveness.
No, not for us, for the most part, the chic designer ski-wear, the ski-in-ski-out convenience, the endless blue/blanc vistas, the picture postcard chalets staffed by Emilys and Poppys, the elegant apres or the stylishly-sipped
vin chaud.
Doesn't
Vin Chaud just sound so much more exotic than mulled wine?
The price includes six days fully-catered Alikats service (champagne and canapes on arrival, full English breakfast spread, afternoon tea with cakes, savouries, hot chocolate and
vin chaud, pre-dinner aperitifs and canapes, four-course evening dinner with good quality unlimited wine, use of the hot tub (and sauna in La Ferme a Jules), and private shuttle service to and from the slopes.
Major highlights resulting from the extensive renovation will include a brand new cantilevered deck complete with a hot tub with a view from which to enjoy an apres ski
vin chaud, a fabulous bar boasting spectacular views and games room including foosball and pool table.
We enjoy great
vin chaud, fondue and myrtle tart, and getting there and back by Snake Gliss (toboggan chain) was a scream.
But while apres ski tea and cakes followed by a glass of
vin chaud are often at the forefront of people's minds, the impact of the snow and sun on the eye is often overlooked.
Many resorts will host special New Year events: Martin Solveig will present an exclusive DJ set on December 31st in Tignes; visitors to Val d'Isere will be able to enjoy chocolate and
Vin Chaud tastings from their New Year menu; other resorts will provide live music, a torchlight descent on the piste, ski & snowboard shows as well as fireworks at midnight.
On Christmas Day many of the restaurants lay on a festive menu - and make sure you head to the town centre for a glass of
vin chaud (mulled wine), carols and fireworks.
And if your little darlings are left broken-hearted all day while you're out on the mountain, you'll feel so guilty that you won't enjoy a single turn, never mind a
vin chaud.
HEREFORD: 4.30 Thegaygardener, 5.00 Ruttan Lake, 5.30 Gentleman Jeff, 6.00 Maoi Chinn Tire, 6.30 Pasture Bay, 7.00 Maid Of Silk, 7.30
Vin Chaud.