This multi-faceted destination has been in our portfolio for years and we have run some memorable corporate events there in the past. That’s why, when our client suggested Morocco, we immediately thought of Agafay desert.

What is Agafay desert?

This desert is located about 1 hour drive from Marrakech and covers several hundred hectares. Since several years now, it has become the place to be for visitors coming to Marrakech. The landscape is impressive, with rock dunes and a breathtaking view of the mountains during the winter.

What to do in Agafay desert?

One of the most incredible activities in Agafay desert is enjoying an exceptional night in one of the camps. There is a wide choice of accommodation: domes, lodges, or tents. This is a great way to admire the beautiful sunset and dine under the starry sky of Agafay.

If only spending the day, a great option is a lunch or dinner by the pool in one of the camps with a panoramic view of the desert. This is also a great opportunity to try the delicious Moroccan cuisine.

In the mood for some exploration? It’s time for a quad ride! This is by far the best way to discover the most beautiful landscapes of Agafay desert, while taking a tea break in a traditional bivouac.

And finally, for those looking for something unique, a camel ride will take you to the heart of Agafay in the most authentic of ways.

{ Source: Marrakechbestof.com }

One thing’s for sure: we can’t wait to write up the agenda for this Moroccan event!

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Although Flaine might not get the sparkly reputation of resorts like Chamonix, we do think it deserves some credit as it proved to be a solid destination for events. This article on onthesnow.co.uk does a good job listing Flaine’s perks. Here’s a summary of the main ones.

The historical side

Purpose built in the 1960s in a large bowl of powder facing West and aptly nicknamed the “big snowy bowl”, Flaine offers the widest range of skiing in the Grand Massif ski area. The resort is not the most picturesque and for some visitors the architecture is too much to take. But if you can ignore the concrete buildings and focus on the fluffy white stuff, you’ll find a resort with excellent facilities. The village centre is mainly car free, compact and convenient.

The cultural side

Flaine is regarded as a cultural landmark in France having been designed in the Bauhuas style by architect Marcel Breuer. As a result, it is a hub for modern arts and at the bottom of the slopes there’s a range of art by abstract artists, the most notable piece being a large Picasso sculpture of a woman’s head. In recent years, the resort has also undergone a number of refurbishments. The Totem, a hotel originally designed by Breuer, has been revamped and rebranded as the ultra-cool and minimalist Hotel Terminal Neige Totem.  

The economical side

Among Flaine’s many attractions, is that it’s a resort that won’t break the bank. There are plenty of low-cost accommodation options available to appeal to a hip crowd of skiers who are more appreciative of Flaine’s artistic credentials than previous visitors. Newer chalet style accommodation is also available.

We do hope to keep Flaine in our destination portfolio for the winters to come. Experiencing quirky or less well-known ski resorts is part of our job, and one that we certainly appreciate!

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Rock the Pistes is a pop/rock festival in the French-Swiss Portes du Soleil ski resort. For a whole week, spectators can enjoy live concerts by international artists right on the ski slopes, in the middle of the mountain.

This year the festival runs from 12th to 18th March. The program is quite impressive:

12/03 Morzine-Les Gets – Martin Solveig
13/03 Morzine-Les Gets – Suzane
14/03 Châtel – MØME
15/03 Montriond-Les Lindarets-Domaine skiable Avoriaz – Klingande
17/03 Châtel – Eagle Eye Cherry
18/03 Morgins – La P’tite Fumée
18/03 Morgins – Étienne De Crécy

Concerts happen during the day on ephemeral stages all over the ski area and are only accessible by skiing. There are also after-ski concerts in the afternoon, for a total of 35 live concerts during the week.

This unique festival is accessible with a Ski Concert Pass (Portes du Soleil ski pass), which is available at all the ski lifts of the 12 Portes du Soleil resorts.

In short, Rock the Piste festival is: 5 major artists in concerts on the slopes at 1:30 pm (warm-up DJ sets at 12:45 pm) + 30 après-ski concerts in the heart of the resorts with emerging artists from the international scene. A truly sensational event not to be missed!

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As explained in this article by Chamonix All Year, skiing the Vallée Blanche is an incredible, high-altitude off-piste experience. This route descends from the top of the Aiguille du Midi, at 3,842m altitude, down to Chamonix, 2,800m below. It is most famous for its spectacular glaciated terrain. As such, you need a minimum of knowledge of alpinism and the local environment, and you must be well-equipped.

Access for Skiing Vallée Blanche

Historically, the best conditions to take on this route are from January to May depending on the snow cover. To access the starting point at 3,842m you must take two cable cars from the centre of Chamonix to the top of the Aiguille Du Midi.

The cable cars are included on your Chamonix ski pass if you have the full area Mont Blanc Unlimited pass. In high season you can also reserve a cable car in advance at a time to suit your itinerary – usually one of the first few for a full day and fresh lines!

Initiation: the Arête

The ridge that connects the Aiguille du Midi to the Vallée Blanche is a test of nerve ahead of meeting the departure point for your day’s adventures. Consider it your initiation for an adrenaline-packed day!

Not for those with a fear of heights, there is a 150m hike across a ridge line that takes you to a wide platform, which opens directly to the Vallée Blanche.

You can put your vertigo at ease as, once the snow base builds up, you will be faced with a rope to hold onto and a groomed / maintained path about 1m wide (not necessarily level). Crampons are therefore often recommended by your guide, to whom you may be attached as an added security.

Once you reach the natural platform simply strap on your snowboard, or step into your skis. Don’t forget the time for a quick photo! You are surrounded by the breathtaking peaks of the Chaine du Mont Blanc, now closer than ever.

In good company: your guide

The Vallée Blanche is an off-piste, unmarked route which takes place on a glaciated high-mountain terrain. Supervision by a qualified high mountain guide is the safest way to fully enjoy the snow and views. From experience, your guide will choose the best route for your level and share their knowledge and history of the surrounding mountains.

Public groups are limited to a maximum of eight people, allowing the guide to provide personalised advice and ensure optimal progression. You will also be grouped together, either with other skiers or snowboarders, so that you can take the optimum route for each style.

Alternatively, you can hire a private guide. This is ideal if you want to try an alternate route, mix skiers and snowboarders, or create a special itinerary to make your ski dreams come true!

Skiing & snowboarding: your level

Skiing the Vallée Blanche should not be your first foray into off-piste skiing, but you don’t have to be an expert either. There is something for all to enjoy as long as you can turn accurately and stop at will in unpredictable off-piste conditions.

You will also need a decent level of both cardio fitness and ski fitness. Not only is there roughly 25km of variable skiing conditions, there’s either lengthy stairs or a hefty hike out towards the end.

It is said that the technical difficulty of the Vallée Blanche (Classique) is similar to that of a red piste. Much like any popular piste in good conditions, there is the potential for moguls to develop. Moguls may slow the rhythm of snowboarders in particular, however skiers should also know how to navigate them with ease.

Snowboarders must also be wary of long flat traverses that may require poles. Meanwhile, skiers must know how to control their speed, side-slip confidently, and make parallel turns.

The way down: skiing Vallée Blanche routes

1. The Classique. This is the easiest route technically and the most “tracked” or travelled line. It follows the slower route in the heart of the great labyrinth of glaciers: the glacier du Géant, the Tacul glacier and the Mer de Glace. Making your way across the arête, and the sometimes delicate passage of seracs before joining the Mer de Glace, constitute the main technical difficulties.
2. The “True / Vrai Vallée Blanche”. This historic route is located between the Vallée Blanche Classique and Envers and offers a course in the heart of ice formations. This is a beautiful route famous for spectacular turquoise ice structures and small seracs. It requires a good level of skiing due to its constant proximity to crevasses.
3. The Petit Envers. A nice alternative to the classic Vallée Blanche, penetrating between the “True Vallée Blanche” and the Envers du Plan glacier. This itinerary is a wonderful option for skiers who want to graduate from the True Vallée Blanche, without being too technical.
4. The Grand Envers. Want to ski steep slopes reserved for very good skiers? This is the route for you. With slopes at 45° and the reputation for being the most beautiful (and difficult) route of the valley. Take off directly from the arête onto the Envers du Plan glacier. This route is technically demanding with a mix of slopes and passages between large seracs.

The final stretch: Montenvers train vs Buvette des Mottets

When the Vallée Blanche is coming to an end your guide will decide between two finishes, based on conditions.

1. Either hike out of the Vallée Blanche to join the ski piste that will take you back to Chamonix,
2. Or climb the steps to join the Montenvers train which will take back to Chamonix town centre.

If in late spring, you can’t ski back down to Chamonix due to snow conditions and you will have to take the train. You might also choose the Montenvers train for its history and views. But remember you’ll still need to take on roughly 400+ steps to reach the cable car, which will link you to the train station.

Alternatively, should there be plenty of snow, after fifteen minutes of steep tiresome hiking you will reach the Buvette des Mottets at 1,638m. Formerly on the edge of the glacier, it is now over a hundred metres away. The hike joining the two skiing sections is increasing each year, as the Mer de Glace retreats.

Once you reach the top you can stop for a drink or picnic with breathtaking views on the west side of the Aiguille des Drus. Then, head down a fun (boardercross-like) forest trail descent back to Chamonix!

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There are many reasons why we love Courmayeur (the pizza, for example!). But the main one is, this resort has much to offer to both skiers and non-skiers.

On this article on. Svadore.com we found a list of activities to do in Courmayeur, whether you are a pro skier or just a very passionate shopper & eater!

1. Cafes

How can you be in Italy and not try the very italian espresso + cornetto breakfast? Caffè della posta, Caffè Centro and Bar la Briciola are all great spots to experience a well-made traditional Italian breakfast in Courmayuer.

2. Aperitivo

Same goes for the traditional Italian aperitivo! We have personally tried Café Roma, where the EXTREMELY copious buffet will be enough to cover your aperitivo, dinner and midnight snack. For a more fancy vibe and an outdoor lounge, you want to try the Grand Hotel Royal and Golf right in the pedestrian center of Courmayeur. Other pretty cool spots are La Bouche and Le Dahu.

3. Skyway Monte Bianco

Skyway Monte Bianco is what some call the eighth wonder of the world. A sight like this of Mont Blanc and its neighbouring alps cannot be described or captured in pictures. Above it all, it feels like you are walking on an entirely separate planet. Skyway Monte Bianco opened in 2015 is the world’s most expensive cable car linking Courmayeur to Pointe Helbronner. But it’s not just any ordinary ski lift…there are plenty of cool stops along the way you’ll want to experience. You can visit the highest library in Europe, stop by any of the 3 Skyway Monte Bianco Stations for a luxurious Alpine meal, wander through the Saussurea Alpine Botanical Gardens, toast to your experience with a glass of wine at the Cave Mont Blanc, and more.

4. Ski

And then, of course, the skiing! In Courmayeur you can ski leisurely on some easier slopes, take on some harder less frequented slopes, or find a perfect balance of on-piste and off-piste activities. This is just perfect for our corporate groups, where ski levels typically vary. And if you want to take a break and have a fancy glass of Prosecco, Super G on the slopes is where you want to head to!

5. Shop

Hit the slopes, then hit the shops on the main street, Via Roma. Courmayeur is ritzy with its ’70s style buildings lining the main street, but ritzy is not always a bad thing. It also means the town is extremely well maintained. Shopping here is definitely at the top of many people’s lists. There’s no shortage of Mont Blanc, The North Face, Gucci, Hermès, Balenciaga, Aspesi, Rolex, Moncler etc. Of course, for a different type of shopping, you can also visit Enoteca Gioio: you will find plenty of grappa ai mirtilli here!

6. Dinner on the mountain

One of the best and most unique things about Courmayeur is that you can enjoy dinner on the slopes till midnight. Some restaurants offer transportation in different and fun forms, whether it’s by dog sled, snowmobile, or other means. Some even offer the added experience of skiing back down the mountain with an instructor at night. Our n.1 recommended spot for this experience is Maison Vieille, where we have been taking our clients for years. On the menu: a 4-course dinner followed by grappa and lots of dancing!

7. QC Terme Pré Saint Didier

After a few days skiing, you’ll be in need of a thermal bath to help your muscles relax. The hot waters are said to stimulate blood circulation and improve muscle movement. QC Terme Pré Saint Didier, just a 10-minute drive from Courmayeur, is a stunning spot for relaxing after a day on the slopes. Who doesn’t want to sink in a hot thermal bath surrounded by snow capped mountains anyway?

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1. Viareggio Carnival, Italy

One of the most renowned carnival celebrations in Europe is the Viareggio Carnival. This carnival takes place in Viareggio, an Italian coastal town in Tuscany, and attracts around a million visitors every year. It first started back in 1873 when the city’s rich residents protested the high tax rates.

Viareggio Carnival is famous for the most amazing floats, which are the biggest and the best in the world. The floats are giant 20-meter-high papier-mache floats that will usually represent that years’ current carnival theme. The floats can range from mythical creatures to politicians like Donald Trump. There is also a famous Carnival Museum in town where you can see the floats or do a papier-mache workshop.

2. Nice Carnival, France

Many speculate that Nice Carnival may be the oldest carnival celebration in the world. There are documented records of it dating as far back as the 13^th century. It runs for two weeks prior to Ash Wednesday and attracts a million people.

Nice Carnival hosts several street parades, but the one that it is most famous for is the Flower Parade. The Flower Parade sees participants riding impressive decorated floral floats and throwing flowers to the audience. It is estimated that around 100,000 flowers are thrown during this parade. Another popular parade is the Night Time Parade.

The celebrations end with the Grande Parade followed by an impressive firework show and bonfire. There are numerous street parties that occur during carnival and it is a time that sees revellers over-indulge in food and drink.

3. Venice Carnival, Italy

Venice Carnival is one of the most famous carnival celebrations in the entire world, it dates back centuries and is famous for its venetian carnival masks. Millions come from all over the world to marvel at the beautiful period costumes and masks that look majestic against the beautiful backdrop of Venice. 

Venice Carnival is also famous for throwing extravagant, luxurious and glamorous private masquerade balls and parties in grand Venetian Palaces. St Marks Square is the epicentre for all the action, and sees parades, costume competitions, acrobatic shows, theatre performances, live music and more. Shrove Tuesday is the main day of celebrations.

Wearing masks is an ancient carnival tradition that allows people to hide their social class and anonymously get up to some debauchery. It means that a housewife could indulge in some hanky panky or a noble man could mix with the common people. The Venetian Carnival masks are famous all around the world and are usually white with some intricate design on the edges.

4. Binche Carnival, Belgium

Binche Carnival is one of the oldest carnivals in all of Europe. UNESCO recognises it for its Intangible significance. Binche is a small town located south of Brussels and is only a short car ride away.

This carnival is famous for its main character the Gillies. The Gillies are mythical creatures that date back centuries to its pagan roots. They perform traditional dances and make scary noises to chase away the evil winter spirits and usher in the spring. The Gillies are performed by thousands of local boys and men who wear traditional carnival costumes and masks.

Binche Carnival attracts about 100,000 visitors every year and its main festivities occur in the three days prior to Ash Wednesday; Shrove Sunday, Rose Monday and Shrove Tuesday. During these days there are street parades, a confetti battle, firework shows, a champagne and oyster breakfast and lots more.

5. Ivrea, Italy

Ivrea Carnival is another ancient carnival that occurs in the small medieval town of Ivrea in Italy. It dates to medieval times and it hosts Italy’s biggest food fight, known as The Battle of the Oranges.

The Battle of the Oranges uses 400 tons of oranges in their food fight and re-enacts an ancient battle from when the town of Ivrea was freed from an evil tyrant that ruled the city. You can opt out of the fight by wearing a red hat but what’s the fun in that!

6. Santa Cruz de Tenerife Carnival, Spain

Santa Cruz de Tenerife Carnival, held in Spain’s Canary Islands, claims to be the second best carnival celebration in the world after Brazil. While this is a debatable statement it certainly is a popular and wild carnival celebration.

Santa Cruz de Tenerife Carnival in kicks off the celebrations with electing a carnival queen in a competition that sees candidates wear elaborate costumes that can weigh up to around 200 kilos. For the entire week prior to the carnival there are 24/7 wild street parties and live music concerts that feature lots of Latin tunes. Celebrations end with burning of a giant sardine.

7. Notting Hill Carnival, UK

This carnival is a summer carnival taking place in the month of August. Notting Hill Carnival is Europe’s largest street party with about two million people taking to the streets of London. It occurs on the Sunday and Monday of August Bank Holiday in the UK. Notting Hill Carnival was created to celebrate and embrace London’s Caribbean communities.

There is lots of drinking, dancing and socialising. The rum flows freely and people dance the day away to all the Caribbean music that pumps out from the 40 sound systems set up all over West London’s streets. You can also taste some of the delicious Caribbean cuisine like jerk chicken or goat curry.

8. Cologne Carnival, Germany

Carnival in Cologne is considered to be the ‘fifth season’. It officially begins on the 11/11 every year at 11:11am. Cologne Carnival is full of street parties, pub parties and parties that occur throughout the Cologne’s public squares, where the beer doesn’t stop flowing from morning until night.

The biggest day of carnival is Rose Monday which is when the three main carnival protagonists; a virgin, prince and a farmer, are marched through the streets of Cologne in a huge procession that features thousands of participants. Cologne Carnival is also known for the locals wearing extravagant costumes which are on par with what you would expect from Comicon.

Basel Fasnacht, Switzerland

Fasnacht is the name for carnival in many areas of Germany, Switzerland and Austria. There are numerous Fasnacht celebrations that occur all over that area of Europe but the biggest and most popular Fasnacht celebration is Basel Fasnacht.

What is unusual about Basel Fasnacht is that it starts one week after carnival. Basel Fasnacht features lots of parades and street parties. But the unique thing about it is the insane amounts of confetti. After the parade you may find yourself knee deep in confetti and that is because this town actually invented confetti!

Cádiz Carnival, Spain

Heading back to Spain, the Cadiz Carnival is one of the most renowned carnival celebrations in all of Europe. This carnival is a ten-day celebration of music and humour and was the only carnival in Spain that Franco couldn’t ban.

Cadiz Carnival features numerous street processions, live music concerts, comedy shows, theatre shows, puppet theatres and fireworks. It is known for everyone dressing up in the most amazing costumes that are more satirical then sexy in nature.

One of the main features of this carnival is the “Chirigotas”, satirical singing groups that make fun of current events and politicians. The groups spend most the year planning for carnival.

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