Tag: winter destination

A busy winter season

Posted on by Al Slinn

As the end of March approaches, we are still buzzing as we look back to the ski season just passed. After Covid slowed down the event industry for over two years, who would have thought we’d have such a busy winter season!

Our calendar overflowed with events and we probably had one of the busiest months of March ever, with 9 events across France, Austria, Italy and the UK. Here is a photographic overview of the places we have visited with our clients since the beginning of winter.

Val d’Isère

We started off visiting one of the most renowned ski resorts in France. Val d’Isère is known for its big party scene and it’s home to the first Folie Douce ever built. We found some great snow conditions and weather!

Verbier

When in Verbier, try the Rösti! This Swiss ski resort is impressive in size and quality of the skiing. That said, we still prefer the French cuisine…

Courmayeur

Finally, a little jump on the sunny side of Mont Blanc. Courmayeur never disappoints: the weather is often sunny indeed, and if it’s not, you can always get into a fancy après bar or a wooden restaurant on the slopes to eat delicious food. Our n.1 recommended restaurant on the slopes: Maison Vieille.

Chamonix

Chamonix is our base and we will always consider it the best ski resort in the world! We ran several events in Chamonix this winter and our clients stayed in great hotels as well as fabulous private chalets. Look at that stunning view! Not too bad for a lunch spot, is it?

London

If Chamonix is indeed our new home, most of the Ten80 team is originally from the UK and has spent a part of their life in London. That’s why it is always so emotional to go back with our clients. We ran this event at 180 The Strand, an inspiring venue for a very inspiring conference!

St Anton

If you are looking for a party spot in the Alps, look no further than St Anton. This resort is legendary for its crazy après, and we are sure our clients could confirm! In the picture: Krazy Kanguruh, the most well-known après spot in St Anton.

Flaine

And finally, Flaine. This French ski resort is not one of the most well-known, but it certainly delivers in terms of skiing and value for money. It was a great resort to close off our season and get a bit nostalgic already.

We are now off to some well-deserved rest for a few weeks but we will back soon, running our summer events and organising our next ski season. We can’t wait for another amazing winter in the Alps!

The Vallée Blanche

Posted on by Al Slinn

Even though our winter events include mainly on-piste skiing, it isn’t unusual for clients to ask for adrenaline-fuelled activities off piste. The Alps, especially Chamonix, are a beautiful terrain for all sorts of adventures. With the help of an experienced guide, you can spend a truly memorable day out there! Our top recommendation for expert skiers in the Chamonix Valley is, without a doubt, The Vallée Blanche.

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!

Courmayeur

Posted on by Al Slinn

After our habitual quiet time in February, we are getting ready for the busiest time of the season. March will be a pretty exciting month, with several events happening all over the Alps! Our first destination is Courmayeur, on the Italian side of Mont Blanc. Courmayeur could be considered the antithesis of Chamonix – glamorous, fashionable and chic as opposed to sporty, casual Cham.

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?

Après

Posted on by Al Slinn

With the ski season well under way, we have already taken our groups to ski resorts across Austria, Switzerland, and France. Our clients do love skiing, but we can confidently say the best part of every ski trip is the après-ski! The combination of post-ski adrenaline, excitement to be in the mountains, good music and Prosecco is just magical.

Today, we have decided to check the best après ski spots in Europe according to Condé Nast travel. We are happy to say we’ve got most of them covered, even this winter season!

Verbier

For: a high low mix of international glamour and beer-soaked live gigs.

Everyone knows the après is on par with the first-class skiing in Verbier. The Swiss resort has a ski-hard play-hard mentality that sees early risers maximise slope time before piling into a long lunch, which invariably rolls onto a rosé-fuelled afternoon at Bar Le Rouge. If pounding tables in ski boots to live music is on the cards, head to Le Mouton Noir, Le Farinet for its live music and retractable, fair weather roof, and seasonaire hotspot pub Montfort. Where you choose to après, it’s Verbier tradition to visit a hole-in-the-wall bakery en route home, soaking up the rosé with a pain au chocolat.

Chamonix

For: a metropolitan take on the mountains

This French resort’s après scene is as vast and varied as its terrain. Except for La Folie Douce on the lower green Brevent piste, après mostly takes place back in town or at the foot of the lifts. Skiers energised after a full day on the slopes spill onto Marmottons’ terrace for panachés and Indie performers. At the north end of town, Chambre Neuf is the classic, where cool beer, bro-beanies and live music coalesce in sticky, sweaty rapture. Just opposite, ski guides and real-deal mountaineers debrief the day’s adventures at Elevation 1904, which swiftly loosens up into bar mode.

St Anton

For: A boot-stomping belter of a party

With over 305 km of varied piste to carve and conquer, St Anton is a hard-and-fast snowglobe of fun for skiers. Krazy Kangaruh is St Anton’s après original where Schnitzels, beer and table dancing convene for a party that kicks off around 11am. Fellow mountain party cabin, MooseWirt, pumps out the Euro tunes for ski boots pounding the tables under a giant disco ball. Basecamp collects those unwilling to go home and get changed. Bodo’s is the spot for a clipped cow-bell spin on karaoke and cocktail-fuelled dancing.

Val Thorens

For: mountain cabaret and subterranean clubbing

As the highest resort in les Trois Vallées, Val Thorens’ snow cover is as sensational as its après. La Folie Douce enjoys a near-sacred status in this resort, despite its spin on the Val d’Isere original, where performers lift the terrace onto tables from their chalet balcony stage. The Brits descend on the Frog and Roastbeef for happy hour and pub grub, or join the locals at Rhum Box for an unbuttoned après. For full-throttle clubbing, Malaysia is the Alps’ biggest club, with world-famous DJs oiling the crowds until the early hours.

Livigno

For: city-grade nightlife without the VIP nonsense

High-altitude Livigno offers some of Europe’s best skiing. From a sleepy, Lombardy village in the 1950s, the resort now offers a cornucopia of post-ski frolicking. Yes, there’s the salopetted-and-booted après at Alegra with its crowd-pleasing tunes, or the circus-themed Statlet, both at the bottom of the black Carosello run. But Italians do things a little differently. Rather than a beer-soaked après, they break up a day’s skiing with a long lunch or a red wine and chicchetti pit stop, then a shower, snooze and suddenly it’s aperitivo hour. At precisely this time, Milky’s Aperitivo Bar switches on the charm with Bombardinos or Aperol spritz, while Tagliede après ski is more about the relaxed pizza and Peroni.

Val d’Isere

For: the original, hardcore après

Val d’Isere’s après scene remains predominantly British and invariably wild. By 2pm, ski helmets are typically tucked over chairs at the original La Folie Douce, at the top of La Daille gondola, where a saxophonist loosens the crowd and cabaret dancers lure in diners from La Fruitiere and la Cucina. Just above the Olympic gondola, Cocorico’s heated terraces host a more home-spun style of show, with the tabletop dancing to live music and a short slide home that can barely be categorised as skiing. The party typically moves from the slopes to the foot of the runs around 4pm.

St Moritz

For: how the other half après

St Moritz is essentially one chic century-long party laced in curious traditions and star-studded lore. Most tales emerging from years of refined revelry lead back to Badrutt’s Palace, St Moritz’s fairytale turreted hotel, which recently opened its own mountain club, Paradiso. Here, a mix of serious skiers and gondola-riding designer creatures sip Champagne to Euro hits. Sternbar Marguns has been around a little longer, with its sun trap terrace and famously louche bar 2,838 metres high. Schneebar Pirates on the Rocks is another less ritzy spot at Corviglia’s top station, whose live music and laid-back allure feel out of step with everything St Moritz stands for. Finaly, the Roo Bar at Hauser is a St Moritz classic, whose cellar dance floor mops up the après crowds who’ve made it home to change.

Kloster

For: the fireside drinks that just occasionally get spicy

Kloster’s après takes its cue from the resort’s clientele – discreet royals and old money eager to pelt down its 320km tangle of pistes for a Swiss hot chocolate or lunch at Wolf’s Den. Most après take place in the cosy, amber-lit Pellegrini Bar and the traditional chalet-style Alpina Bar by the station. A curious blend of traditional chalet and school disco, Casa Antica absorbs the revellers, with its pocket-sized dance floor and cosy booths.

A guide to Chamonix

Posted on by Al Slinn

Having been based in Chamonix for almost 20 years, we are obviously very fond of this town and all it has to offer. It’s always exciting to show our clients around this incredible destination! We work constantly to build local connections and discover new gems for our future events here.

That’s why we were quite curious when discovering an article recently published by The Guardian, where a local shares his tips for a stay in Chamonix. It puts together a guide to Chamonix that’s both very accurate and personal, and we definitely agree with its suggestions.

Here are some highlights from the article.

Food

Cool Cats in the Rue de Moulins is best in the summer when you can sit outside. But as it does artisan hot dogs and street food such as nachos, it can also be good when you’re coming off the mountain in winter.

Le‑Cap‑Horn, in the same street, is a good option for sushi but a bit more expensive. Being able to get good sushi makes Chamonix a bit special for a mountain town.

Inspiration

The mountains here are unique but I think what makes Chamonix special is that they are so accessible from the valley. And because this is the birthplace of alpinism, when you’re in the mountains you’re either on a historic route or you can see one. I enjoy just being in the mountains with good friends and family, but in town, the Maison des Artistes, an artist’s residence dedicated to musical creativity, has a concert programme that changes all the time and can be quite unusual.

Neighbourhood

Chamonix is incredibly international: people from all over the world are brought together by the mountains. This part of the Arve valley is divided into three main towns: Argentière, Chamonix and Les Houches. I live in a hamlet called Les Bois, between Chamonix and Argentière. Closest to me is another hamlet called Les Praz, which has a nice bar, Le Petit Social, for coffee or après ski.

On the other side is Le Lavancher and a 30-minute walk from that hamlet is la Buvette du Chapeau. This is a mountain cafe with traditional food (cheese, charcuterie, chanterelle omelettes) and desserts such as fruit tarts and faisselle (local fromage blanc) with blueberry jam.

Nightlife

Chamonix is a busy mountain town with lots of tourists so the nightlife is good. But my preferred way of spending an evening is getting the cable car to Plan de l’Aiguille and watching the sunset from the Refuge du Plan de l’Aiguille, which is a 15-minute walk from the cable car.

You can have dinner and stay the night there, too, but in summer I like to take a picnic and camp up there. It is my favourite refuge in the whole Mont Blanc range and the mountains are pretty steep from there on, so if I stay the night, I know I can soon be up and doing something interesting the next morning!

Stay

Pointe Isabelle, in the centre of town, is a hotel, bar and bistro with 72 rooms. It sits on a corner, so it’s a good place for apéro and people watching.

Christmas markets

Posted on by Al Slinn

Christmas is approaching and one of our favorite activities this time of year (aside from skiing!) is Christmas markets shopping.

We are lucky to be located a stone’s throw away from Italy and Switzerland, as well as Geneva airport – a gateway to most European destinations. This means we can easily organise trips to the best Christmas markets around Europe!

You might be wondering which markets are worth a visit this year – so we have found this list by The Times, compounding the best 24 Christmas markets in Europe for 2022. Here are the top 10 on the list.

1. Cologne, Germany

Cologne has several Christmas markets, the largest of which is in the city centre, beneath the cathedral. Markt der Engel provides some of the most magical moments, with hundreds of twinkling lights suspended overhead like stars, and angels flitting between elaborately decorated gables.

2. Salzburg, Austria

The pretty hometown of Mozart comes into its own at Christmas, with snow-sprinkled renditions of Silent Night (the carol was written and first performed nearby) and market stalls that look much as they did when they were first set up way back in the 15th century.

3. Berlin, Germany

For a more modern take on tradition, arty Berlin has it covered. The city centre is festooned with around 80 Christmas markets (there’s even one specifically for dogs), so don’t try to cover them all.

4. Budapest, Hungary

Igniting the Christmas atmosphere in mid-November, Budapest brings two Christmas market contenders to the table: Vorosmarty Square and Basilica. Vorosmarty Square is Budapest’s oldest Christmas market. Here, you’ll find plenty of food stalls, handicraft shops and free concerts. Basilica has all of the above, but with the slight edge: Christmas laser projections on the Basilica and an ice-skating rink that circles around a grand Christmas tree.

5. Prague, Czech Republic

Postcard-pretty Prague is perfect for the festive season. Make like a local and swap your mug of mulled wine for a glass of grog — rum, water, lemon and sugar.

6. Strasbourg, France

France’s “Capital of Christmas” looks like a real-life nativity scene at this time of year. You’ll find 300 traditional market stalls crowding the city’s central squares, doing a strong line in hand-painted wooden Christmas decorations.

7. Gothenburg, Sweden

Liseberg, Sweden’s most popular amusement park, morphs into one of the world’s classiest Christmas open-air markets — no creaky Ferris wheels, plastic Christmas trees or drunk elves here.

8. Bratislava, Slovakia

Christmas in the Slovakian capital is a time of childlike wonder. Fairy lights are draped around Christmas trees, while market stalls sell traditional wooden toys and handsome Christmas decorations.

9. Bohemia, Czech Republic

In search of Christmas decorations and Christmas lights beyond Prague? Head for the southern Bohemian cities of Ceske Budejovice and Cesky Krumlov and you’ll find two of the most atmospheric markets in Europe.

10. Vienna, Austria

Come Christmas and Vienna sparkles with fairy lights. Snowy streets glow as light spills out from vast palaces; icicles dangle off grandiose Habsburg buildings. Add in steaming drinks in made-to-linger coffee houses and you’ve got a city full of festive atmosphere that doesn’t feel twee.

A luxury chalet ski deal

Posted on by Al Slinn

It’s been two years since Covid turned the events and travel world inside out. No more company outings, incentive trips, or corporate travel allowed. What a nightmare!

We have been extremely grateful for events resuming slowly over the past year or so, and we have just had one of our busiest summers. Now, it’s time to offer a little incentive on ski trips!

We are proposing an amazing, luxury ski deal to our clients for this upcoming spring. It will be hosted in Chalet Wapiti, a modern and bright mountain luxury retreat.

Here are some details of our deal, based on 16 guests.

 Included at £1350pp (based on 16 pax):

  • Sun 12- Wed 15 March 2023
  • 3 nights at Chalet Wapiti, Chamonix
  • Exclusive use of the chalet
  • Return airport transfers from Geneva
  • Fully catered inc. open bar
  • 3-day ski passes
  • Ski or snowboard equipment hire
  • 2 dedicated ski instructors throughout
  • Ten80 Event hosting service

More about Chalet Wapiti:

  • 10 ensuite bedrooms
  • Spa and sauna facilities
  • Walking distance to town
  • Private chef
  • Chalet host
  • Ski boot heaters
  • In resort transport

Are you interested to know more? Contact us via email: info@ten80events.com or by calling: +33 (0) 672 659 2212 

We hope to see you there!

Verbier

Posted on by Al Slinn

Winter’s back again and we are super busy planning our events for the ski season. After two years of closed borders and restrictions, we are excited to embark on overseas trips again. This winter, we will finally be back in one of our favourite Swiss ski resorts: Verbier.

One of the advantages of living in Chamonix is proximity to the Italian and Swiss border. We often take our clients over to Courmayeur, the Italian and sunny side of Mont Blanc. Pizza, coffee and après are quite amazing there! However, for a more glamorous touch and a very cheesy experience, we are also just a stone throw’s away from the Swiss resort of Verbier.

Here’s how the resort is described on seeverbier.com:

“Verbier has developed into a glamorous winter playground for anyone who wants to splash the cash. It’s an expensive resort but with its superb skiing, international clientele, high-quality accommodation and phenomenal bars and restaurants, it’s most certainly worth it.

Situated in the canton of the Valais, Verbier is bordered by France to the west and Italy to the south. It’s about a two-hour drive from Geneva airport, or you can take a train from the airport to Le Chable and then hop onto the gondola to the centre of resort.

Verbier suits both the keen skier, with its amazing and easily accessible off-piste, and the more leisurely skier who enjoys cruising the blues before relaxing on a sun lounger for the afternoon. It’s also the perfect spot for the après-ski enthusiast, with a world-famous selection of lively bars and clubs.”

We can’t wait to have our clients discover this exciting resort. Verbier’s unmatched skiing, elegant vibe and party scene are always a guarantee for a successful event. Not to mention the top-quality cheese!

Mountains on Stage

Posted on by Al Slinn

There is a mountain film festival we look forward to every year: Mountains on Stage. If you are a lover of the mountains like us, you won’t want to miss this year’s edition.

Mountains on Stage is a film festival aiming to bring the mountains into cities with a selection of the world’s best mountain-related films. These include sports such as skiing, mountaineering, climbing or paragliding.

As explained on the festival’s website, Mountains on Stage was born in 2013, when founders Cyril and Manon met Yves Exbrayat – organiser of “Les Rencontres du Cinéma de Montagne de Grenoble” festival. The event gathered more than 3000 spectators each night during 5 nights.

Cyril and Manon decided to develop their own mountain film festival in Paris, using the same concept of Grenoble’s festival. The projection of mountain films would be followed by the intervention of their protagonists on stage. A true moment of sharing and exchanging. 

The festival was born in March 2013 and has since then grown year after year, in France as well as in Europe.

We will be watching the 2022 edition in Chamonix, where our offices are based, but films will be broadcasted all over Europe starting December 7th. If you are a mountain nerd like us, you might want to go check the nearest projection to you!

The MoonBike

Posted on by Al Slinn

There’s a new, sustainable way to get around in the Alps: the MoonBike. If you have never heard of it, read on.

As we found out in this article on Euronews, the idea of building an electric snow bike came to Nicolas Muron – CEO of MoonBikes – in 2015, when visiting his grandparents’ home in the French Alps. He made a simple observation: transportation options are infinite in the summer months, but when winter comes around, heavily polluting cars and snowmobiles are the only viable option.

Nicolas took on the challenge of finding a solution. He created the world’s first electric snow bike – an ambitious undertaking aimed at protecting the environment he calls home, and having some fun along the way.

A sustainable solution

At just 87 kilograms, the MoonBike provides a speedy alternative over three times lighter than a conventional snowmobile. But while ergonomic factors remain a key selling point for Muron’s design, his main drive lies in bringing sustainability to an industry infamous for its gas-guzzling.

Fossil-fuel powered skidoos cause significant damage to land cover, affecting vegetation growth throughout the year. In one hour, a typical snowmobile can emit as much hydrocarbon as a 2008 model automobile emits in 86,000 kilometres of driving. Their exhaust fumes contain dangerous levels of toxins, degrading air quality and altering snow chemistry for good.

The MoonBike, meanwhile, can cover up to 64 kilometres with a single 2.5 kilowatt battery. It can climb groomed slopes with a 40 per cent steepness, and boasts top speeds of up to 42 kilometres per hour. “In the powder snow, it seems like skiing or snowboarding,” says Muron. “Because it’s completely silent, you really feel like you’re sliding, you can really curve lines just like you do when skiing.”

You can watch a video of the MoonBike in action here.

Iceland – the Land of Fire and Ice

Posted on by Al Slinn

One of our all time favorite destinations for corporate events is Iceland – the Land of Fire and Ice.

We have discovered this magical land on a corporate trip in 2018 and we’ve since been dreaming of running another event there. This week, it finally happened: we are back in Iceland with our clients!

But why is Iceland such a popular destination for corporate travel?

As this article on cooltraveliceland points out, Iceland has first of all a breathtaking, extremely varied landscape. Glaciers, volcanic landscapes, waterfalls, and black sand beaches, to name just a few.

However, the country also offers a rich culture, a world-class food and drink scene, and some of the most amazing natural hot springs in the world. Quite a few ways to relax and unwind after a busy day in the conference room!

Corporate trips in Iceland can be planned at any time of the year, as the country has something different to experience in every season. From puffin watching in the summer, to discovering ice caves and watching the Northern Lights in the winter. The best news? Its bustling capital city, Reykjavik, has a wide choice of hotels and conference venues to suit every budget.

As our local connections in this destination increase, we will continue to propose Iceland to our clients for future trips. We do hope to see you there on your next corporate event!

Le Chalet Mont-Blanc

Posted on by Al Slinn

Finding the perfect accommodation for clients is a key part of event planning. Along our almost 20 years of work in the Alps, we have built solid local connections with chalet owners and found some real gems. One of our favourite chalets in Chamonix is without a doubt Le Chalet Mont-Blanc: an impressive, multiple award-winning property. In 2019, The World Ski Awards named Le Chalet Mont-Blanc World’s Best New Ski Chalet.

As this article on chamonix.net points out, Le Chalet is surrounded by stunning mountain scenery, including Mont Blanc. It features an indoor swimming pool, jacuzzi, sauna, gym, massage room, cinema, wine cellar, helipad, 13 bedrooms, plus a studio. All rooms have a south-facing uninterrupted view on the entire mountain chain and get the longest hours of sun in the Chamonix valley.

Le Chalet is an ideal accommodation for guests looking for wellbeing, relaxation and contemplation as well as for those attracted by sporting conquests. It is perfect for corporate groups, large families and friends.

On the outside of the property, guests can explore the beautiful grounds and often spot wild deer or chamois. There’s also a private stream with a waterfall.

Would you like to stay at this stunning property on your next corporate event? Don’t hesitate to get in touch with our Ten80 Team!