When the UK gets a sprinkling of snow everything grinds to a halt, plans are put on hold and most disappointingly everything seems to symbolise the winter blues. When the Alps get their seasonal snowfall however, thanks to Winter Sessions, things explode in an exciting blend of winter sports, music, comedy, arts and festivities.
Winter Sessions takes the Alps’ superior slopes and festive feeling and combines it with live music, comedy, art, club nights and extreme sports to produce one of Europe’s most unique cultural events.
Back in 2004 the Alpine Tour established itself as a totally new way to enjoy the beauty and atmosphere of the Chamonix, Meribel, and Val D’Isere regions of the French Alps. Ski by day and party by night enjoying some of the world’s top sports men and women, DJ’s, bands, artists, comedians and entertainers.
The foothills of the Mont Blanc will play host to 2010’s Winter Sessions in April where the valleys will come alive with freestyle ski and snowboard competitions, stand up comedy, movies screenings, street art installations and jaw dropping, bass line jumping concerts.
30 separate events and 4 tours will spread across 3 of the best French Alps ski resorts from now until April. All of this will culminate in one huge weekender where sports, music and culture will meet.
The Winter Sessions 2010/2011
The first of the Winter Sessions events kicks off on the 21st December with The Nextmen playing a three night session, one in each of the resorts.
Then Jon Kennedy will play the Winter Session NYE in Chamonix to see in 2011 in style and kick off what is set to be a great 5th consecutive year for Winter Sessions.
The third Winter Session, taking place in the new year will see Norman Jay MBE bring his eclectic R’n’B, Hip-Hop styles to the decks in the three resorts from 19th-21st January.
A Disco Bloodbath DJ Set will then take place between 23rd-25th February beginning in Val D’Isere and rapping up in Chamonix.
The fourth ‘WS Tour’ is due to be confirmed and will take place a month later in March.
Whilst the final details of the lineup is confirmed there are a few thing to consider before jetting off for the Winter Sessions.
Where to Stay?
Make the most of the Winter Sessions’ beautiful surroundings. Whether you opt to stay in Chamonix, Meribel or Val D’Isere, you’ll find that luxury and comfort come as standard with a lot of the available accommodation, not least those offered by British-run company Fish & Pips.
With a total of eight ski chalets, 5 in Meribel and 3 in Val D’Isere, Fish & Pips can offer affordable, luxury accommodation for Winter Sessions visitors. You really can’t get any further from typical festival fare trading in tents and wellies for delicious ski chalets and log-fires.
The 5 Meribel chalets sleep 8-10 people whilst the Val D’Isere chalets sleep 6-8, so there’s no fear of not finding a place to suit large group bookings.
Not only that but you’ll get a host and a chef to look after you during your stay and be just a stone’s throw from both the slopes and the town so you’ll never be far from seeing what Winter Sessions has to offer.
With a 10% off saving for all January bookings why not try Fish & Pips for a New Years getaway and return for Winter Sessions in April?!
Things to Do…
Whilst you’ll most likely be skiing the slopes in the day and partying in the valleys by night there are plenty of other activities to experience in the region. Here are a selection of extreme activities not for the faint-hearted:
Aguille Du Midi – See the Alps from 3800m by taking the trip to the top of one of the highest peaks in Europe, Aguille Du Midi.
Mere du Glace Glacier – see one of Europe’s largest glaciers up close and personal. Take the train up and walk inside to touch the ice that has been travelling for centuries.
Valle Blanche – if you are braver than you thought you might like to take a trip down the Valle Blanche the Worlds longest ski run for a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Paraglide – Some areas are simply to steep to ski down. Winter Sessions can arrange for you to fly down in tandem with one of our pilots!
For more information on Winter Sessions click here
For ticket bookings click here
Find out more about Fish & Pips accommodation here