SKI SEASON TRAVEL NOTES
Scott Dunn’s superb Austrian chalet
Scott Dunn, the travel company with a core business in luxury ski accommodation, is launching a spectacular new chalet. Artemis chalet in St Anton sleeps 12 is high enough to guarantee good snow and is magnificently luxurious. It includes a cinema, spa area with sauna, steam room, pool and more, and a statue of Artemis herself (but of course). Book it for the week of 12 December for a 10 per cent discount. From £1,480.50 per person including return BA Club Europe flights, return transfers, gourmet half board and Scott Dunn driver service. www.scottdunn.com
Learn to freestyle in Laax
Laax, the hip Swiss resort beloved of snowboarders and freestylers, has launched Europe’s first indoor Freestyle Academy (to go with the continent’s largest half-pipe, above). You can get lessons in the safety of a padded environment before taking them to the new freestyle slope. For accommodation, take a groovy apartment in Rockresort – they come with access to the facilities of the four-star hotel next door. From £1,465 for a week in a two-bedroom self-catering apartment. Lessons, accommodation and ski hire can be booked through www.laax.com
New chalet part-booking service from VIP
Luxury chalet group VIP SKI has launched a useful service for those who don’t want to book out a whole chalet. The Club Chalets service can be used to reserve a room – in other words, hotel flexibility meets clubby, exclusive chalet atmosphere. Think canape receptions every evening, complementary beer and wine, breakfast and cleaning every day plus priority ski guiding. VIP SKI has chalets in Val d’Isere, Meribel, Alpe d’Huez and Morzine. From £819 per person for a week, including flights, transfers and catered accommodation. www.vip-chalets.com