Going solo on the slopes (From Swindon Advertiser)

Going solo on the slopes

9:14am Thursday 4th February 2010

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GOING skiing with my seven-year old-daughter – my first trip as a single parent – was exciting, if a little daunting.

Our trip from Heathrow to Geneva and then on to the beautiful Alpine resort of Avoriaz in the French Alps went smoothly, and I’m glad I chose the transfer from the airport rather than hire a car - have you seen how steep those winding roads are up the mountain?

There was a slight hiccup when we booked into our apartment. Our reservation had gone missing and, as I speak only a little French, it was great that the director of the hotel company spoke good English and got everything sorted.

Then, at the end of our busy day, I stepped out onto the balcony of our apartment to view the scenery around me.

Vast mountains covered in metres of snow encircle the resort. Forests of tall pine trees stand in clumps on the horizon and the beginnings of a flurry of snow settled on my nose.

I couldn’t help but think ‘this is the life’; 650kms of skiing in the Portes du Soleil region. Wonderful.

Avoriaz is the highest resort in the region, perched on the top of a sunny plateau beside a dramatic cliff edge.

It opened to skiers in the early 1970s when Olympic skier Jean Vuarnet wanted to link the pistes of Morzine below with those over in Switzerland.

Avoriaz continually builds on its environmental credentials: it’s France’s first car-free resort and has the world’s longest natural snow terrain playground called ‘Le Stash’.

Homes and chalets covered with a wooden layer of red cedar shingle flow with the natural surroundings, in harmony with the mountains, and the roof tops, covered in a blanket of snow, follow the angle of the slopes.

Horse-drawn sledges ease the strain of trudging through the deep snow and transport people at a moment’s nod to their required destination, but be warned - they can gather quite a speed.

One horse whizzed by my daughter Erykah with only inches to spare. After that, our ears were tuned in to listening out for their jingle bells so we could leap out of the way!

It didn’t take long for us to get organised with our equipment and passes. Our skis, helmets, poles and boots were hired at SkiSet’s SKILAND store.

Erykah was booked in for six days at the ski school L’Ecole du Ski Francais (ESF) and by the afternoon we were on the slopes.

During our stay, I wanted to get professional instruction for my daughter, and for me to go solo on the slopes without breaking a leg.

Our ski passes allowed us access to the pistes in the Avoriaz area which included three green, 24 blue, 15 red and five black runs to choose from, so there was plenty for us to explore.

For an additional cost you can ski further afield and nip over to Switzerland - all in one day.

A rosy-cheeked Erykah greeted me after her first session with a new friend in tow.

Her ESF instructor, Guy, was adventurous and fun and as the week progressed I watched proudly, skiing just ahead or behind as Erykah tackled steep runs, moguls and jumps in ‘Le Stash’.

Another mission completed - having fun.

Going on holiday with just the two of us was a challenge, but I was glad I’d faced it.

For all my initial worries and my mind working overtime, I won’t hesitate to book another holiday for us.

The trip was an invaluable experience for us both.

My only worry now is that next year Erykah wants to learn to snowboard!

TRAVEL FACTS Amanda’s trip to Avoriaz was organised by Erna Low and included the Ski Lift transfer (www.ski-lifts.com), a four-bed apartment, ski hire at SKILAND SkiSet in the Falaise area of Avoriaz and a six-day ski pass for the resort area.

Erna Low is a specialist in skiing holidays in France, Europe and North America and have been in business since 1932. The company was voted the Best Independent Ski Operator to France by Maison de la France in the 2008 British Travel Trade Awards.

Erna Low is operating a 15 per cent discount on accommodation in Avoriaz, as well as numerous other destinations, for the rest of the ski season.

Prices start at £580 for seven nights in Residence Antares (sleeps four people, which works out at £145 per person) in a studio cabin apartment. This is on a self-catering basis, includes Eurotunnel crossing with free FlexiPlus upgrade for one vehicle.

Includes 15 per cent accommodation discount. See www.ernalow.co.uk or call 0845 863 0525.

Amanda stayed in a four star Pierre & Vacances’ self catering apartment. The four bedroom apartments come equipped with TV, radio, microwave, dishwasher, kettle, cooker, storage and plenty of hooks for hanging wet ski clothing. See www.pv-holidays.com for more details.

IT'S SCHOOL, BUT NOT AS THEY KNOW IT There are several ski schools for children of different ages, from three to 16.

Ecole du ski Francais Avoriaz (ESF) offers ski instruction from age four to 12.

The price for six full days of skiing (9.30am to noon then 2.30pm to 5pm) is 160€. Six mornings costs 115€. See www.ski-school-avoriaz.co.uk Avoriaz Alpine Ski School is an English run school and caters for children aged seven to 11. See www.avoriazalpineskischool.com The Children’s Village (Les Village des Enfants) has groups for ages three to five and six to 16, as well as snowboarding lessons for children aged six to 16. Six full days from 205€ and five half days from 121€. See www.village-des-enfants.com The Ecole de Glisse offers group lessons for children and adults. Six days, two hours a day, from 150€. Go to www.ecoledeglisse.com Safety is important - helmets are compulsory for all children under 12.

Don’t worry if your little ones aren’t fluent in French! There are English-speaking instructors.

WHAT ELSE IS THERE TO DO IN AVORIAZ Skiing and snowboarding in winter, mountain biking in the summer. There’s also snow shoeing, sleigh rides, husky sledging, a cinema, bowling, a fitness centre, ice diving, torchlight descents and heliskiing. You can stop off for lunch or evening meals at the drop of a hat as the pistes go right through the centre of town.

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