The holiday
Who is this for?
Active people who enjoy yoga, mountains, snow and cosy winter evenings. All skiing and snowboarding levels are welcome, as are non-skiers and yoga-only guests.
Is it suitable for beginners?
Yes. The local ski school is well suited to beginners and intermediates, and you don't need to be an advanced yogi either.
Do I need prior yoga experience?
Some experience is recommended, but you don't need to be advanced. If you've done a few classes and know the basics, you'll be absolutely fine.
Can I come on my own?
Absolutely. Solo guests are very welcome. Choose a shared twin to keep the cost down, or a single room if you'd rather have your own space.
Can a non-skiing partner come?
Yes. Partners who only want to ski, or only want to do yoga, are equally welcome. Everything on the timetable is optional.
Chalet, food and drink
What is the food like?
Hearty vegetarian half-board — a brunch and a three-course dinner, plus afternoon tea and cake. Homemade breads and juices daily. Most dietary needs can be accommodated with notice.
Is alcohol included?
House wines are served with dinner. There's an honesty bar for anything else, at your own cost.
Is there a sauna?
Yes — and the cold water immersion sessions alongside it are one of the most popular parts of the week with returning guests.
What time is check-in?
Check-in is from 14:00 and check-out is 10:00. Luggage can be stored if you arrive early or leave late.
Getting there
How do I reach the village?
Fly to Grenoble with EasyJet or British Airways and take an arranged transfer, about 1.5 hours. Or take the train from St Pancras to Grenoble via Paris, roughly 6 hours 40 to 7 hours 30, then the Transaltitude bus. Or drive — about 9 hours from Calais, 2 from Lyon.
Where exactly is the chalet?
Villard Reculas, above the Alpe d'Huez ski area, at 1,470m and about an hour from Grenoble. The village is tiny, traditional and largely untouched.
When should I book travel?
Early. Flights and trains both get considerably more expensive as the dates approach, and group transfers work out cheaper when several of us arrive together.
On the mountain
What is the ski area like?
Alpe d'Huez is one of Europe's favourite ski areas, with high-altitude pistes for every level and extensive off-piste. One fast lift from Villard Reculas takes you into the heart of it.
Can I hire equipment locally?
Yes. There's a sports shop in the village with full hire options, and Emma will help you arrange it and pre-book online where possible.
What if I don't want to ski every day?
Then don't. Snowshoeing needs no lift pass, and there's dog sledding, cross-country skiing, paragliding, snow-kiting, an outdoor pool, and the sauna back at the chalet.
Is January snow-sure?
The village sits at 1,470m with lift access to pistes up to 3,330m, so January is reliably good.
