Background 
This will be the 9th Dance & Ski trip that Mike and Linda have organised. The success of these trips is based not only the planning and a careful choice of resorts, but also on the great people that come on the trip. There is a fabulous party atmosphere from the moment we board the plane or the train.
We think it's a testament to the trip that every year, we get more than half of the people from the previous year re-booking.
We try and plan every little detail and everything you need to know is contained in this information pack.
The trip is designed to give you maximum pleasure with the minimum of effort.
We have consciously chosen a resort for all types of skier, which has a different feel to it. Alpe d’Huez is a typically French resort with plenty of character and some great slopes.
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The Skiing
Alpe d’Huez is one of the highest resorts in France with guaranteed snow right up to 3300m. There are four well-linked ski areas with everything from gentle tree-lined cruises to steep exposed mogul fields, and the longest black run in Europe (the 16km Sarenne). With 220km of piste even the most dedicated of skiers have enough to keep them occupied. Alpe d’Huez has a large network of green runs directly above the village providing plenty of space for beginners to build up their confidence.
There is an efficient modern lift system providing fast and comfortable transport with minimal queuing and a wide network of snow cannons to ensure excellent conditions on the lower slopes.
Espace Visalp
- Height 1500M - 3300M
- No of Lifts - 85
- Marked Pistes - 220km
- Number of runs 111
- Green (beginner) 37
- Blue (easy) 32
- Red (advanced) 28
- Black (expert) 14
- Snowparks 1
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The Dancing
We will be hiring a venue for the 3 organised dance nights (Sun, Tue and Fri). Each party night will start with a dance class.
We take our complete music and lighting system to ensure reliability.
The hall is in the centre of town within 5 minutes of all the accommodation.
(Please note that only people on this organised trip will be allowed admittance).
Accommodation
We have 2 chalet hotels (the ‘Bruyeres’ and the ‘Petit Prince’) reserved exclusively for our group. We also have spaces available at the fabulously luxurious 4 star hotel ‘Royal Ours Blanc’ for those who want to pamper themselves.
Prices range from £689 to £899 and are based on 2 people sharing a room. If you’re booking on your own we’ll pair you up with someone. There are a limited number of single room available at a supplement of £150 in the 2 chalet hotels.
If you’re travelling with friends and would like to book a small chalet exclusively for your group, please call Jennifer Averill @ Tall Stories on 01932 252 002 for details and availability. These are very limited and you need to get in quick.
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The Food
In the chalet hotels, a 3 or 4 course evening meal with wine, coffee and mints is included in the price of your holiday. There is a continental breakfast available and afternoon tea with cake is served every day. On one evening food is not served, giving you the opportunity to sample the local cuisine, and giving the chalet staff a welcome break!
The hotel serves a 5 course evening meal every night with a choice of starter and main course. Breakfast is a sumptuous continental buffet.
As most skiers eat on the mountain, lunch is not included. You can choose one of Alpe d’Huez’s excellent mountain restaurants, or buy a packed lunch at the chalet hotels.
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Places
The price is discounted until the 6th December. After this time the price may increase (adding on next year’s supplement).
Also places cannot be guaranteed after this date and have to be requested from the Operator.
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Activities
Alpe d’Huez has all the facilities and activities available that you would expect in a modern resort. There is a large sports centre offering full multi-gym, indoor tennis, squash, and climbing wall! There is an ice rink,
indoor swimming pool and even a heated outdoor pool (remember to bring a pair of real trunks – Bermudas are not allowed). Apres-ski activities available include cinema, Devalkart, skidooing, snowshoeing, helicopter rides to Alpe
d’Huez, and an ice driving school!
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Apres Ski
There will be a specially tailored programme of apres-ski exclusively for the Dance and Ski Party for any body who has the energy left, and you will have plenty of opportunities to sample the bustling bars and night clubs of the resort. The Avalanche bar, the Vallee Blanche, The P’tit Bar de L’Alpe, and the Igloo are among the many venues which often have live singers and bands.
Other activities include night skiing, a torchlight descent, ice skating (open to 11.00pm), or just catching a movie.
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Ski Lessons
Ski lessons can provide something for everyone, from taking your first steps to exploring untouched backcountry, so we’re offering a range of lessons to suit all abilities.
If you’re a novice, or if you need to brush away the cobwebs, we suggest group lessons. These will take place on 6 consecutive mornings and they’re an ideal way to learn in a sociable and friendly atmosphere. All instructors will speak English and there will be a maximum of 8 people, usually all dancers, in each group.
If you don’t want to take lessons all week but do feel you need to be pointed in the right direction (or if you just want a dishy ski instructor all to yourself), you may want to try a private lesson. These are best organised in resort - you’ll probably find people of a similar ability in the group who also want a private lesson, and you’ll be able to book your lesson at a time that suits you best. Private lessons have the advantage of allowing you to tell the instructor where you want to go, so you can use them as a ski-guiding session or off-piste guiding if that’s what you’re after.
Beginner ski/ snowboard lessons
6 x 2 ½ hours Sunday to Friday
Price £90
Intermediate ski/ snowboard lessons
6 x 2 ½ hours Sunday to Friday
Price £90
Private lessons are £20 to £30 per hour.
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Compete Ski Novices
With so many people on the trip, there are always a good number of people who have never been skiing before. Skiing can be lots of fun even as a complete beginner. In fact, for many people the first time is the most fun. Complete beginners normally book 'Ski School' for the week, this is where you spend half of the day in a small group, most likely with other dancers on the trip, with an instructor who teaches you how to ski. The other half of the day you go off with your group trying to put into practice what you've been taught. Skiing is not a cheap holiday and although there are some cheaper resorts, we always select a resort that is ideal for beginners. This is important, because lots of nice wide slopes make it so much easier to learn. But don't take it from us, here are a few quotes taken from previous years:
"It was my first time skiing and I have to admit I was quite nervous about, however it was so much fun, I can't wait to go back".
"It was nothing like I expected, I was expecting it to be cold and wet, but it was lovely and warm and the scenery was breath taking". "I went for the dancing and the social side, I wasn't expecting to like the skiing, but it was more fun than I ever imagined".
"My ski group were loads of fun, and I've made so many new friends - thanks for organising a great holiday".
Equipment Hire
If you need to hire skis for your stay, these can be pre-booked for you when you book your holiday. To give you maximum flexibility, you will then pay for the skis in resort when you collect them (please note that you may be required to leave a damage deposit).
If you reserve your equipment in advance you may be entitled to a discount.
Tall Stories will be able to assist you with any problems concerning hired equipment if you reserve it through them.
Travel insurance tends not to cover the full value of hired winter sports equipment, so we recommend that you take out a special policy direct with the hire shop. The cost is about 10€ per week.
Below is an indication of how much equipment will cost to hire:
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Intermediate boots are provided for beginners and intermediates alike.
Please note that if you wish to bring your own equipment you should notify us at the time of booking. There is a £14 ski carriage charge (return) on flights.
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