CHEF’S TABLE: SUINSOM IN VAL GARDENA GAINS MICHELIN STAR

CHEF’S TABLE: SUINSOM IN VAL GARDENA GAINS MICHELIN STAR

by | Feb 7, 2023 | Existing Clients, News, Press realeases

CHEF’S TABLE: SUINSOM IN VAL GARDENA GAINS MICHELIN STAR

Suinsom located at the Hotel Tyrol in Selva has become the third hot spot in Val Gardena to be awarded a Michelin star, the highest accolade within gastronomy.

Michelin starred young chef Alessandro Martellini operates tirelessly to create a delicate menu to spark the senses, dominated by the spirit of the mountains in two beautiful ‘stuben’, where 200-year-old wood lines the panelled dining rooms inside the Hotel Tyrol. Suinsom, meaning ‘at the summit’ offers gourmet cuisine combining local ingredients with a modern twist.

Val Gardena sits within the UNESCO World Heritage Site and the legendary Sellaronda – one of the best known ski circuits in the world – where ultra-modern lift facilities allow access to 500km of ski slopes, 115km of cross country ski trails and 30km of winter hiking paths. Together the three villages of Ortisei (1,236m), Saint Cristina (1,428m) and Selva Val Gardena (1,563m) create a vast snow bowl.

Memorable dining experiences are on offer with 65 mountain lodges scattered across the slopes of Val Gardena. Val Gardena promises a gastronomic adventure ranging from traditional alpine to highly sophisticated plates, with a south Tyrolean influence. From gourmet lunch, afternoon tea, apres ski, special evening ‘hutte’ meals, there is a hut to suit!

 

TASTE SENSATIONS

Feast in one of Val Gardena’s many unforgettable mountain lodges and restaurants, boasting some of the most sought after alpine cuisine in the world, five of which feature in the famous Michelin Guide:

 NEW FOR 22 Suinsom at the Hotel Tyrol, Selva* Michelin starred

Young chef Alessandro Martellini operates tirelessly to create a delicate menu to spark the senses, dominated by the spirit of the mountains. https://www.tyrolhotel.it/en/suinsom.htm

 Le Stuben, Alpenroyal Gourmet * Michelin starred

The skilful Mario Porcelli from Puglia successfully combines nostalgic flavours from his native region with distinct Alpine influences, using sophisticated techniques. https://www.alpenroyal.com/en/hotel-restaurant-le-stuben.asp

 Anna Stuben, Ortisei * Michelin starred

Reimund Brunner creates sophisticated plates with a firm focus on local Alpine produce. https://www.relaischateaux.com/gb/italy/restaurant/anna-stuben-alto-adige-ortisei-val-gardena-dolomiti

 Nives – Michelin recommended

A mountain style dining room with an unforgettable gastronomic experience, where modern fare is served with regional ingredients. https://www.hotel-nives.com/en/restaurants.asp

 Chalet Gerard – Michelin recommended

Overlooking the Sella mountains and Sassolungo peak, this is the perfect piste-side location to while away the hours, serving high-class traditional cuisine. Doubling as a guesthouse, this chalet boasts a sauna, fitness studio and hot tub.https://www.chalet-gerard.com/en/

 ENDS:

Photo link:

https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/c1i6onxsipylc2ujry9ld/h?dl=0&rlkey=oazaf3w520ln0r32x7hlyh9b6

  1. Dolomites Val Gardena

 For further information, images and press visits please contact: Vanessa Fisher PR, 07957 618525 vanessa@vanessafisher.com

Summer News 2022 from the Belleville Valley

by | Jun 21, 2022 | Existing Clients, News, Press realeases


Located between 1,200 and 3,200 meters above sea level, the Vallée des Belleville with its flower filled meadows rises up to snow-capped peaks, from the authentic village of Saint-Martin-de-Belleville to the lakes of Les Menuires, the green meadows give way to the blue colours of the glaciers and the peaks of Val Thorens.

Discover these three unique and contrasting areas via the free shuttle buses and lifts accessible to all, making trips between each resort extremely easy. Explore the valley by its many trail paths or by a mountain bike – find the secret valleys of Deux Nants and Les Encombres or discover the Belleville traditions.

Full Press Kit in an easy to read format:

https://en.calameo.com/read/0057989615fa0dffe12a1?page=1

New La Masse lift

The new Pointe de la Masse cable car is 3,318m long and covers a height gain of 1,050m at a speed of 7m/s or more than 25km/h. It is one of the longest in the Vallée des Belleville, but also one of the fastest in France and only the second one of its kind in the country. Hikers can go up to the top in less than 8 minutes and enjoy incredible views and hikes. Open from 9th July 2022

New eMTB bike track – ‘Via 3 Vallees’

This new cycling track is 34 km long and is asphalted from Courchevel to Val Thorens, passing by Méribel and Les Menuires. It’s both accessible to families on electric bikes and other riders on normal mountain bikes. It is dedicated to cyclists and stays away from hiking paths. One section is still to be completed, this new track opens for summer 2022 for bikers to experience the ‘Via 3 Vallees’. The whole valley offers 260km of bike tracks, with a new training area at La Croisette, ‘The Ludizone’ in Les Menuires.

Explore Vallee des Encombres

Relatively unknown, the Vallée des Encombres is accessible by mountain bike or on foot solo or with a guide.  When leaving Saint-Martin-de-Belleville, head towards the Châtelard hamlet, with its tiny, winding alleys and renovated chalets. Stop at the Gittamelon refuge in the hamlet at 1700m, this family chalet turned refuge is one of the last private refuges in the Alps.  A typical mountain hut, it sleeps 18 and belonged to the grand-parents of Marc Jay, the current guardian who has run it along with his wife Anne-Sophie since 1993.  The last ascent leads to the summit of the Col des Encombres at 2,325m with 360° views of the Ecrins massif and the high summits of the Vanoise National Park.

Tarentaise Baroque Music Festival at La Bouitte in Saint Martin de Belleville

La Bouitte – a 3 Michelin star Belleville restaurant, hosts the 31st edition of the Tarentaise Baroque Music Festival. The Vallée des Belleville is a hotspot for alpine baroque architecture – with 36 chapels and churches -enjoy a Michelin-starred dinner accompanied by music performed by soprano, Maria Cristina Kiehr, and harpsichordist Jean-Marc Aymes from Concerto Soave.  Chefs René and Maxime Meilleur have a great rapport with the musicians who will taste each dish a few minutes before the guests, and then play music which takes into account the emotions that the food evokes. It is a true musical, culinary and wine focused experience.

Glacier hike and the Three Lakes circuit

From the top of the new La Masse lift, after a fast eight minute ascent to 2,804m enjoy a 3hr 30 descent, via the Three Lakes Circuit taking in the Longet Lake, Black Lake and Crintalia Lake. From the heart of the Vallée des Belleville, you are surrounded by majestic alpine peaks that are reflected in roughly 15 mountain lakes spread out in this exceptional area.  Enjoy breathtaking scenery in the Lou Valley. Or take a guided day walk above Val Thorens to the Chavière glacier.

Kilbert Silvestre and the Black Honey Bee

Born in the Vallée des Belleville, Kilbert is a mountain guide and ski patrol member in winter and has been a beekeeper in La Biellaz since 2006. His grandparents already had beehives in Saint Marcel when he was just a boy, so the interest came naturally. He has been fighting to protect the black bee in Savoie. It is now threatened by hybridisation waves, a phenomenon that makes bees more fragile and less resistant. He also owns a hundred production beehives in the Vallée des Belleville and participates in a project to breed queens which allows him to give local beekeepers in the valley an isolated strain of black bees.  The beehives are kept with respect to the bee’s life, so the honey is harvested with care and sold in shops of the actual producers and in local Vallée des Belleville markets. You can visit his “honey house” in la Biellaz with the Bureau des Guides.

Key Diary Dates:

  • Every Monday: Solar workshops at the top of the Cime du Caron at 3200m
  • 1-3 July 2022: Ultra Cycling Tour de la Vanoise – Team or solo long distance cycling event
  • 16 July 2022: Craft Beer Festival, Saint Martin de Belleville
  • 28 July 2022: Dinner & Concert at La Bouitte, Saint Martin de Belleville
  • 30 July & 20 August The Tougnete Climb – depart Croisette @1800m to bike to 2304m
  • 5-7 August 2022: Val Tho Summit Games: Trail Running for all ages, Val Thorens

-ENDS-

For further information, press visits and images:

Vanessa Fisher PR – vanessa@vanessafisher.com 07957 618525

Link to online press kit and full pdf attached: https://en.calameo.com/read/0057989615fa0dffe12a1?page=1

OVO Network is Increasing its number of chalets

OVO Network is Increasing its number of chalets

by | Jun 21, 2022 | Existing Clients, News, Press, Press realeases

OVO Network is Increasing its number of chalets

with “Accueil Velo” – Cyclists Welcome – accreditation

 

OVO Network, chalet rental specialists in the French Alps, is increasing the number of its chalets that have the Accueil Vélo (cyclists welcome) accreditation.

Aside from skiing, the French Alps are renowned for their amazing cycling routes and events; biking enthusiasts will find no end of adventure for both road cycling and mountain biking, with challenging climbs, great views, and flatter valleys for all abilities.

Tim Andrews, founder of OVO Network comments, “The number of cyclists coming to the Alps continues to grow each year. The chance to cycle some of the famous cols and to follow in the tracks of the Tour de France are a major attraction for road bikers.

“But what these cyclists also want is a comfortable base to return to after a long day in the saddle. That’s where our chalets are proving very popular. Many are well equipped for cyclists, with secure storage, cleaning facilities, bike repair areas and extras such as hot tubs and saunas to help ease tired muscles.”

In response to the growing demand for high end cycling chalets, OVO Network is working with its chalet owners to help more properties gain the Accueil Vélo (cyclists welcome) accreditation. To achieve this, chalets must pass several checks, such as proximity to cycling routes and secure bike storage, which many OVO Network properties already have.

Andrews adds, “Accueil Vélo is aiming to help France become the world’s top destination for cycling tourism by 2030. We want to support this by encouraging our owners to apply for the accreditation. According to YouGov, 1 in 5 UK adults watched the Tour de France in 2021, so we know the demand for accommodation suitable for cyclists is there.”

OVO Network works closely with all its property owners to help them to maximise the potential of their chalets. With a strong demand from cyclists, chalet owners have increased occupancy rates, especially for the low seasons of spring and autumn shoulder seasons when cycling is at its best.

Upcoming cycling events in the French Alps include:

  • 5-12 June: The Criterium du Dauphine [stage 8 passes through Thones & Le Grand Bornand where OVO Network properties are located]
  • 11-12 June: Le Belier NEW Mountain bike event in La Clusaz
  • 10-12 July: Tour de France [stage 9 Chatel, stage 10 Morzine – Megeve where OVO Network properties are located]

The following chalets are ideal for cyclists and/or already offer Accueil Vélo accreditation:

* Chalet Crechoua in La Giettaz – A new five bedroom, five bathroom chalet set in the pretty mountain resort of La Giettaz with easy access to fantastic cycling, including the famed Col des Aravis. The chalet has bike storage, an electric bike charger, a hot tub and a sauna, as well as Cool for Kids Extra facilities such as swings and table tennis.  7-nights rental from €1990.

* Chalets Caramel & Nougat in Manigod – These two luxury chalets have everything a cyclist could want and have the Accueil Vélo accreditation. Set just off the famed Col de la Croix Fry, which is regularly part of the Tour de France, there’s great cycling on the doorstep. The two chalets share an indoor pool, with both having a hot tub, and Caramel also having a home cinema. 7-nights rental from €3090.

* Chalets Macaron and Meringue in Le Grand Bornand Chinaillon – Le Grand Bornand is regularly a stage finishing point in the Tour de France, and these two designer chalets have the Accueil Vélo accreditation. Semi-detached, making them a great option if you’re holidaying as a large group, each has its own hot tub, secure bike storage, and easy access to world-class cycling. 7-nights rental from €1690 for Macaron and from €2490 for Meringue.

www.ovonetwork.com

ENDS

 

For case studies, images or more information please contact: Vanessa Fisher PR: vanessa@vanessafisher.com 07957 618525

Nickie Mabey Announced as New Ambassador of The Skiers Trust

Nickie Mabey Announced as New Ambassador of The Skiers Trust

by | May 5, 2022 | News, Press

Nickie Mabey, Founder and owner of adventure ski specialist Mabey Ski (www.mabeyski.com), has become an ambassador of the charity, The Skiers Trust.

 

 

For over fifty years the Skiers Trust has been empowering young people, helping them to thrive and reach their potential through snowsports.  It gives a life chance to young people from disadvantaged backgrounds, with physical disabilities or with special educational needs, such as autism and down’s syndrome, whilst supporting the next generation of British competitors to develop so that they can compete internationally and at the Olympics.

The Penny Mabey Fund, part of the funds allocated to these young people by The Skiers Trust, was established in 1990 by a major donation from Penny Mabey (1923-2002), Nickie Mabey’s Grandmother. Penny was an active member of the Ladies’ Ski Club and had a lifelong passion for skiing, given to her by her mother and which she passed on to all members of her family.

Nickie Mabey comments, “My family has this incredible, historical connection to The Skiers Trust and whilst researching my family’s skiing history, I wanted to make sure the Trust and our family connection with the charity continues. We are a family of passionate skiers and whilst many of the family went down the ski racing line, I found myself escaping the crowds, skinning up remote mountains and exploring off-the-beaten-track ski destinations. This love for discovering new places like a local was behind me setting up Mabey Ski in 2017, and now as an ambassador for The Skiers Trust, I am looking to help the charity grow to keep supporting upcoming young skiers.”

David Budge, Chairman of the Skiers Trust adds, “We are delighted that Nickie Mabey has agreed to come on board and work with us to take the Skiers Trust forward in our mission to help young people.”

Nickie Mabey’s family have been skiing since 1912. Her great-grandmother Dorothy was one of the British pioneers of skiing, spending winters in Switzerland, learning to ski in long woollen skirts on 230cm wooden skis. Nickie’s grandmother, Penny, was unsurprisingly a natural skier. Tackling the slopes without gloves or a hat (let alone a helmet) she learnt to ski on the slopes of Murren, skiing on old wooden skis, which eco-conscious Grandpa Bevil would then cut down to size for daughters Biddy and Isy. Nickie’s father and five aunties progressed from ski school to trainees, two of whom made the British Ski Team. After competing at the FIS World Cup, Nickie’s auntie Isy, became the first ever female racer to be selected by BUSC in 1972, breaking a 47-year tradition.

The Penny Mabey Fund is given as a single award and is presented to a young amateur female skier who shows exceptional commitment and drive to become an international skiing competitor. Nomination for the award is made by the Ladies’ Ski Club. Recent awards have been given to members of the GB Snowsports Alpine World Cup and Europa Cup squads including current Alpine ski racers Alex Tilly ,Charlie Guest and Telemark athlete Jasmin Taylor.

-ENDS-

For historical images and images of Penny and Nickie: https://www.dropbox.com/t/kf0pf901VEyBWmjW

For Press Enquiries or to contact Nickie, please contact Vanessa Fisher vanessa@vanessafisher.com 07957 618525.

 

NOTES

ABOUT MABEY SKI  

Mabey Ski creates out-of-the-ordinary ski adventures across the globe that push boundaries and challenge the conventional.  Mabey Ski is a British-owned adventure ski specialist based in Whistler on a mission to conquer every continent. Founded by Nickie Mabey, whose family have been ski pioneers for over a century, skiing is more than just a hobby. It’s a lifestyle that has led her to ski peaks less tracked, explore remote regions, and create unforgettable ski adventures not found anywhere else. Find out more about Mabey Ski and its unique trips at mabeyski.com.

 

ABOUT SKIERS TRUST

The Skiers Trust is the UK’s oldest and widest reaching national snowsports charity for young people. It was created in 1966 to be the formal charity element of the triumvirate of British Snowsports alongside the National Ski Federation (now GB Snowsport) and the Ski Club of Great Britain. It was established by a core group of National Ski Federation and Ski Club members guided by Sir John Hunt who had been the first Director of the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award which he played a major part in devising and led for its first ten years. Sir John Hunt is internationally renowned for having led the first successful Everest expedition in 1953.

Today it supports young people from disadvantaged backgrounds who couldn’t otherwise access snowsports. It operates a Pool of Talent to recognise up and coming talented young competitors and has supported four of the current six person GB Snowsports World Cup Squad over recent years.  It supports activities at UK dry ski slopes, snowdomes and ski resorts across Europe. The Penny Mabey Fund is a Foundation Fund operated by The Skiers Trust.  Its aims are to support young female ski racers.

French Chalet Rental Specialist OVO Network Launches Summer 2022 with almost 300 Properties

French Chalet Rental Specialist OVO Network Launches Summer 2022 with almost 300 Properties

by | May 5, 2022 | Existing Clients, News, Press, Press realeases

image: C OVO Network Chalet Rocalillie Lodge

French Chalet specialist OVO Network launch their summer season with a record number of properties available to rent and rather than preventing growth, state that the pandemic has increased the popularity of both renting and owning chalets.

As the world entered an era in which people wanted to escape to nature, to get in touch with loved ones, or simply to reconnect with themselves, renting a chalet in France has grown in popularity. Plus, now, more than ever, owners of chalets are benefitting from renting out their chalets year-round.

Louis Andrews, Operations Director of OVO Network comments, “This winter season has seen a huge increase in demand – both from the French market and from overseas visitors.

“Fresh air, healthy living and accommodation with private facilities were key requirements at the height of the pandemic – luxurious Alpine chalets tick all of these boxes. As a result, demand for many of our properties was so great, that at certain periods we could have sold them several times over. Also, with our ‘OVO Verified’ status our guests are guaranteed the safety of their money when making chalet bookings with us*.

“Throughout the pandemic we took a bold stance to expand our programme, rather than reduce it. We took on new properties, introduced new destinations such as St Gervais and Chatel and more owners chose to work with us because of our expertise in the chalet rental market. This has paid off, with our chalet owners attracting strong bookings throughout the ski season and going forward into summer and autumn 2022.”

OVO Network has availability throughout the year at nearly 300 chalets across the French Alps, including:

Grand for Groups, Le Grand Bornand

Chalet Happyview in Le Grand Bornand – Enjoy a pool, gym, home cinema and sauna at this lavishly restored 440m2 chalet from which to explore the Aravis mountains; there are also Cool for Kids facilities.** Sleeps up to 23 guests. Stay 7 nights from 12th June for €6390 [£5394/£235pp], €8490 for 20th August 2022.

https://www.ovonetwork.com/en/chalets/france/le-grand-bornand/chalet-happyview

 

McCanna Lodge – Manigod

Offering wonderful views of the beautiful Manigod valley, this spacious chalet offers a jacuzzi, games room, TV lounge and an impressive master suite. Sleeping up to 11 guests, there are also Cool for Kids facilities.**

7-nights rental from 16th July 2022 – €3590/ 7-nights rental from 27th August 2022 – €3290

https://www.ovonetwork.com/en/chalets/france/manigod/mccanna-lodge

Chalet Gueret – Morzine

A gorgeous farmhouse, stylishly modernised to offer comfortable accommodation for up to 14 guests, with a sauna, summer swimming pool, beautiful gardens and panoramic views.

7-nights rental from 11th June 2022 – €3490/ 7-nights rental from 20th August 2022 – €5890

https://www.ovonetwork.com/en/chalets/france/morzine/chalet-gueret

 

Summer in Saint Gervais

Rocalillie Lodge has incredible views of Mont Blanc, an outdoor pool and hot tub, a sumptuous cinema room and is set in a large garden just outside St Gervais les Bains. Sleeps up to 14 guests.
7-nights rental from 25th June 2022 – €4290/ 7-nights rental from 27th August 2022 – €4590

https://www.ovonetwork.com/en/chalets/france/saint-gervais/rocalillie-lodge

Property Owners looking to rent out their own chalets via OVO Network receive a complete marketing, booking and management solution that makes it easy to successfully rent out a chalet. Dedicated to the Alps, OVO Network provides a sophisticated solution that covers everything from high quality photography and tailored marketing to bilingual guest communications and legal requirements. Plus, OVO Network owners can use their property whenever they choose.

**Cool for Kids- OVO Network Cool for Kids chalets offer a range of facilities for families holidaying with children, including black out blinds, bottle warmers, games and toys, plus extras such as Playstations, table tennis and table football.

www.ovonetwork.com


Ends

OVO Network in Numbers:

  • 296 properties, 175+ added since March 2020
  • 45 destinations
  • 185 pets hosted winter 21-22
  • 22% increase in chalet bookings winter 2021-22 vs 2020-21
  • 50% of bookings were made more than three months before the arrival date – with bookings made, on average 142 days before arrival 2021-2022 season vs 117 days last year 2020-2021
  • 10000+ guests season 2021-22, up 74% on same period 2020-21
  • 38 Chalets offer the ‘Cool for Kids’ status

Notes:

*OVO Verified Properties offers the following guarantees:

100% certainty that the property is genuine, and monies are safe: Every OVO Verified Property has been visited and checked by OVO Network Team. Instant, secure online payment.

For case studies, images or more information please contact:

Vanessa Fisher PR: vanessa@vanessafisher.com 07957 618525

The Return of the Sudtirol Gardenissma

The Return of the Sudtirol Gardenissma

by | Feb 14, 2022 | Existing Clients, News, Press realeases

February 2022

Press Release

The Return of the Sudtirol Gardenissma

Südtirol Gardenissima, the most demanding Giant Slalom in the world, is back! It returns to the slopes along with the Gardenissima Kids on 2nd and 3rd April 2022

Get ready for the Südtirol Gardenissima Weekend and its two amazing events! The first is dedicated to ski enthusiasts, FIS athletes, and our beloved Ski Legends from the past. The second event was created for the rising stars of the future.

Vanessa Fisher PR

The weekend kicks off on Saturday, 2 April 2022 with the longest Giant Slalom in the world – the Südtirol Gardenissima – and continues on Sunday, 3 April 2022 with the Südtirol Gardenissima KIDS dedicated to younger athletes. Both events take place against the breathtaking backdrop of the Dolomites, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The Südtirol Gardenissima, now in its 24th edition, is a 6-km slalom starting from Monte Seceda and ending at the Col Raiser cable car valley station.

Athletes kick off two at a time within their category. The first kilometre is a parallel slalom which then turns into a giant slalom. The race starts at 7.30 am. Representatives of a National Team and those skiers who competed in the European Cup or the South American Cup in the 2020/21 or 2021/22 season will start individually, one every 30 seconds, on track A.

The men’s category features: National Team skiers or those skiers who competed in the European Cup in the 2020/21 or 2021/22, Junior, Seniors, master A, master B, and master C. The women’s category features: National Team skiers or those skiers who competed in the European Cup in the 2020/21 or 2021/22, Junior, Seniors, and master D. Skiers without FISI or FIS points have dedicated categories.

To register, skiers must pay their registration fee and send their medical certificate of sound health. Italian participants must have a FISI card. Registrations will close once 680 skiers have signed up. Participants will receive a 50% discount on their Val Gardena/Alpe di Siusi ski pass for one, two, or three days (Friday 1 April, Saturday 2 April, Sunday 3 April). When registered, skiers can inspect the slope (only once and only upon presenting their race bib) but cannot ski through the gates. The Col Raiser and Seceda cable cars will open at 6 am.

Sunday 3 April and the Südtirol Gardenissima Kids will be dedicated to our younger skiers. The event starts at 9 am and the skiers of the future will tackle a somewhat demanding slalom on a breathtaking 2 km run from Monte Seceda to the Fermeda cable car valley station.

Vanessa Fisher PR

Like parallel slalom, there will be two starting gates. At the start, they will compete on a giant parallel slalom route which then becomes a single giant slalom route.

The categories are Superbaby, Baby, Cuccioli, and Ragazzi.

The young skiers will receive amazing prizes during the exciting Südtirol Gardenissima Kids official award ceremony.

To register, visit  www.gardenissima.eu

The event will comply with the existing Covid 19 regulations.

 

DOLOMITES Val Gardena                                     

Tel.: (0039) 0471 77 77 21                          

Christina Demetz                                        

pr@valgardena.it                                          

www.valgardena.it