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Latest Reviewed Products |
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FRANCE - Chalet Ride & Slide (Morzine) |
 4.73 of 5 (24 reviews) |
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| Description |
| Based in the heart of the Portes Du Soleil ski area, in the valley above Morzine, and just 500m from the main ski-lift, Chalet Ride & Slide offers an ideal setting for the perfect winter sports holiday. |
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| Reviews: 1 |
| South Glamorgan |
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  5 of 5, "Ride & Slide Avoriaz/Morzine" 08/07/2008 @ 11:21:53 |
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| 1 member has given this review a rating of 4 of 5 |
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| Revision #1 (Last edited: 08/07/2008 @ 11:24:01) |
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| Price Paid |
| Very Reasonable |
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| Booked Chalet Through |
| Directly with the owner Jonny |
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| Times Visited |
| Just Once |
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| Review Detail |
A last minute booking prompted by a response to a want-ad on this forum resulted in me and the family (wife and two kids) heading off to Morzine for a week of snowboarding/skiing in April this year. We were met at the airport and began our transfer to the chalet. The drive from Geneva was about an hour and half from memory, passing though some fantastic scenery on our way. We shared the transfer with some girls who were doing the girls boot camp, but unfortunately they stayed in a different chalet from us. Hope you had a good week girls!
Upon our arrival we were met by Juliet and she showed us to our room. Craig was introduced as our co-host later in the day. We were very impressed with the quality and cleanliness of our home for the week. I say home, because that is how it felt. We were made to feel so welcome that our initial reservations (we had never stayed in a shared chalet before) were quickly dispersed. We were very fortunate that the other guests were very easy going and we all got on rather well. The chalet is a recently converted barn, and will be undergoing further improvement this year by making each room en-suite. A wise decision because if there were any negative points to make about the accomodation, this would it. Fortunately the guests we shared a bathroom with were usually out before us in the morning, so it wasn't as much of an issue as perhaps it could have been.
Every other aspect of the chalet was excellent. The chalet is situated a reasonable walk from the prodains cablecar to Avoriaz. Every day we were given lifts to and from there in the minibus by Craig who waited patiently for us even when we were slightly later that anticipated. We did walk on a couple of occasions though, and whilst it's not a great distance for a single person, it did prove to be a tiresome journey for little ones and also for adults carrying, not only their own, but also the childrens ski kit. There is a free bus service, but unfortunately the chalet is inbetween stops and the French bus drivers are not in the habit of stopping despite being within a stones throw of the stops. Thanks guys!! The drying room downstairs was ok if a little on the small side, only once did my gloves fail to dry completely overnight, and the boot drying device worked a treat.
The complimentary wine was more than acceptable, and me and the wife made full use of that particular facility. The chalet operates an 'Honesty Box' for small consumable items such as cans of pop and chocolate bars, they were reasonably priced but it did add up by the end of the week.
We were also very fortunate in having Craig as our chef for the week. I cannot begin to describe the fantastic meals he created each night, we were really spoiled in that respect. The owner of the chalet, Jonny, came to visit us a couple of times during our stay, as well as his wife and beautiful new daughter Seren. As well as our chalet hosts, Craig and Juliet were also our ski guides. I spent a couple of days with them and some of the other guests and I can honestly say that these were the best days I have ever spent snowboarding. We had fresh powder pretty much every day and the off-piste stuff was more than I would ever have attempted alone. I don't have a great deal of experience of other resorts, having only been to Les Deux Alpes, but I was very impressed with the pistes available. My lift pass covered something like 400km of available runs, and despite my best endovours, I only managed to cover a fraction of that.
Ski hire for the rest of the family was sorted by Jonny. A mobile van came on our arrival and sorted us out in our own time without the need for queuing or hassle. The kit was of a high quality, much better than some hire shops privide according to the other people with us. I've no idea about skis I'm afraid.
This level of accomodation does not normally come cheap, so I don't think it would suit everyone especially those on a very tight budget, but it does offer a high standard and I think that this is the market that Jonny is aiming for. Having said that, we did manage to strike a deal on a very-last-minute holiday which offered excellent value for money. And when you conside that you are receiving restaurant quality food every night and the high cost of eating out, on balance it probably does represent a good deal.
As you may be able to tell, we had a fantasic stay with Ride & Slide and would love to revisit next year and would highly recommend it to anyone who looking for this type of accomodation. |
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| Strengths |
Definately Craigs cooking skills
High standard of accomodation
Staff could not do enough for you |
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| Weaknesses |
| Fair walk to the cable car for families with small children with all the kit. Perhaps think about hiring skis from shops with lockers in Avoriaz and leave them there overnight. |
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| Similar Chalets Visited |
| Le Bluets - Les Deux Alpes |
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| 4.5 of 5, "Fantastic staff" 24/03/2008 @ 18:10:32 |
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| 2 members have given this review an average rating of 3 of 5 |
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| Booked Chalet Through |
| direct |
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| Times Visited |
| Just Once |
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| Review Detail |
Last minute booking for 3 of us was easy through Jonny. Communicated well via email.
When we arrived at the chalet was met by our hosts for the week Craig and Ju. Chalet was very clean, looked like staff had been on their hands and knees and used a tooth brush to get it so spotless! Chalet was not full the week we went. I imagine if it was full space in the living areas would be a bit tight but was great for the 6 of us that was there for the week. All guests got on really well which made the stay even more fun. Good facilities with board games, internet access, small pool table (it's amazing how much fun can be had from one of these), dvd player and playstation. Rooms were not ensuite which did not bother us as we are used to staying in budget chalets however some people may feel a luxury chalet should have ensuite rooms. Jonny did mention that they are going to change layout to include ensuites.
The location may put a few people off as it is some distance from Morzine town however only a short 5 minute walk from the pondains lift was provided quick easy access to avoriaz area. This was great for the week we were there as it rained at lower areas and therefore we did not go over to Morzine slopes that much. Some guests did walk into Morzine at night (by choice as staff offered them a lift) and repeatedly told us the walk was very picturesque and only took 30 mins or so. We were just too lazy!
The real 'luxury' of this holiday was the chalet staff. They could not have done more for us. Despite only being a short walk to the lifts they drove us every morning. They even drove us into Morzine at night on the 2 occassions we felt we could drag ourselves away from the unlimited wine. The food they cooked was absolutely fantastic, 4 courses every night, so delicious that no one could leave any which meant that most nights we were too stuffed to make it into town! They came out on the slopes with us which meant that we got loads more boarding in than if we had to plan our own way. They even took loads of photos of our 'big air jumps' (he he) and then emailed them.
Get a good crowd in this chalet and it won't be beaten - Craig and Ju and fantastic! |
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| Strengths |
- Chalet staff
- Relaxed feel in chalet
- closeness to pondains lift |
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| Weaknesses |
| - Some people may be put off by distance from Morzine town but there is a bus that runs til early pm and staff seem more than happy to provide lifts or organise taxis. |
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| 5 of 5, "A Very Happy Freestyle Camper" 10/06/2007 @ 11:38:18 |
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| 7 members have given this review an average rating of 3.57 of 5 |
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| Booked Chalet Through |
| Directly |
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| Times Visited |
| Just Once |
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| Review Detail |
I was in the lucky position to be able to go on two trips this season, but not lucky enough to have any mates to go with a second time. I came across the Freestyle Camp on this forum and after several emails with Ride&Slide I decided to go ahead and book it.
My principal concern prior to booking was my complete lack of freestylin’ skills, and doubting how well I could actually ride… I was still stacking it getting off the chairlifts at that stage! I was reassured by the emails I received from Ride&Slide on this issue, especially as they felt that I was in a good position to learn on the camp.
After a week in Chatel, another part of the Portes du Soleil, in early February I was constantly monitoring the webcams for signs of snow as it came around to the trip. Thankfully it thoroughly dumped, the evening I arrived it was lashing it down in Geneva which was a good sign of things in the mountains… It hardly stopped snowing during the week! Loads of powder and soft landings!
The Freestyle Camp is basically two holidays, you eat, sleep and drink with Ride&Slide and ride with the OurCamp team. The two companies are independent of each of other and worked well with each other. There were a few niggles to iron out during the week but they were all quickly resolved.
I learnt so much on the week, clean dismounts from all sorts of lifts, riding fakie, nose/tail presses, 180s and even managed a few boxes in the park. The tuition was great I was not pressure to do anything I didn’t feel comfortable with and I never felt that I was being criticised. The coaches were pleased to see the progress we made, landing new tricks, or simply landing in my case!
The Ride&Slide Chalet was great, I shared a room with four strangers but this didn’t faze me and we were all still speaking at the end of the week. It’s a good-sized Chalet and the hosts were great, ferrying us around during the day and friendly when we were relaxing in the evening. The food is lovely and the free wine slips down a treat.
A few other campers have mentioned some niggles but for me there was nothing that spoilt my holiday. I met some great people- Campers, Coaches, and Chalet Hosts & Owners and enjoyed brilliant riding conditions. I’ve not been to any other Chalets but I have travelled a bit and been on many trips which have been far less professionally run, overpriced and not put the customer came first. Overall Ride&Slide were keen to ensure that everyone got the trip they wanted, and they worked very hard to make this happen… but be assured that we weren’t made to anything we didn’t want to do.
I have no complaints; I went with an open mind and thoroughly enjoyed myself. If there is a GB Camp in 2008 I might just see you there! |
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| Strengths |
OurCamp’s Coaching – friendly, knowledgeable
Ride&Slide Chalet – comfortable, warm, friendly
Campers – a nice mix of abilities and all good craic
Weather – we were very, very lucky! Almost too lucky as some days the visbility was poor |
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| Weaknesses |
| None, I had a great time |
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| Similar Chalets Visited |
| N/A |
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| 5 of 5, "Home from Home" 09/06/2007 @ 14:47:41 |
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| 8 members have given this review an average rating of 3.25 of 5 |
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| Revision #1 (Last edited: 10/06/2007 @ 11:57:33) |
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| Booked Chalet Through |
| direct |
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| Times Visited |
| 2-5 Times |
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| Review Detail |
I have stayed twice this year with Ride & Slide and i think the fact i returned is testiment to the service i personally received!!
I went there on my own, as friends had other commitments this year so was a little sceptical but upon arrival this were dispelled straight away. But this would be a great chalet to stay in for all party sizes!!
Pick ups at airport were great, without the usual fuss of having to wait for other flights and was whisked along to Morzine in double quick time. I stayed at the newest chalet, Chalet Guytaune and was surprised by how homely the place felt for a new building. Cosy living area with Wi-Fi, flat screen TV, SKY and ample dvds to while away down time from the slopes. Rooms were perfect, with ample storage and nice finishing touchs(no doubt Lisa's doing).
Food was excellent can't really add anything more , with wide variations of menus that will suit all tastes. Just watch out for the desserts if your a "Nicole Richie" wanabee. Not a problem for me though!!
Ample tea and coffe available at all times, and of course my favourite the consantly stocked honesty bar. Which on the last trip i made full use of after an accident on slope.
Drop-offs to and from Lifts were catered without problem, even to the point of finding the entry lifts with the shortest ques in the morning. Though a 10-15 minute walk to Super-Morzine lift is an ideal way to wake your legs up for the morning if you fancy it of course.
Jonny,Lisa and the Hosts even take the time to come and find you and ride with you if they get the time. Something i enjoyed as it nice to ride with others with good local knowledge!!
Personally nothing seemed too much trouble for them, especially after i had my accident badly damaging my knee and which led to me being ferried to and from the doctors by hosts(thanks Ian!!). Which from previous experience other company wouldn't have bothered with, even to the point of Jonny and Lisa picking me up in there own time to take me up to Avoriaz to meet the rest of guests for lunch.Thanks Guys!!
After having several bad experiences of other less reputable chalet companies i found this a great re-introduction to chalet life after several years of avoiding!!! Top Chalet, Top Guests backed up with excellent service
Thanks Jonny and Lisa!! |
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| Strengths |
Great Modern Chalet
FOOD!!!!!
Service from Hosts
Jonny and Lisa
Excellent local knowledge of terrain
PDS area |
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| Weaknesses |
| Just watch that waist line with all the food on offer!! |
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| Similar Chalets Visited |
| Alpine Elements(formally Snowboard Lodge) |
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| 5 of 5, "Best chalet! Think about your reviews" 30/05/2007 @ 15:26:50 |
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| 15 members have given this review an average rating of 2.4 of 5 |
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| Price Paid |
| Ranges |
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| Booked Chalet Through |
| The website |
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| Times Visited |
| 2-5 Times |
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| Review Detail |
| I would just like to say how wrong the reviews i have read are! To start off with i can't believe people have written them, Lisa and Jon always provide a excellent service and i have nerver had a problem with them not once, and i took my mom over there and she loved them all. Now if i did have a problem i wouldn't have gone back but in April was my 3rd time i had been there this year, if there was the slightest little problem i wouldn't have gone back. They make you feel home away from home, great food, comfortable area to relax after a hard day of work, and one this is they try to push you also encourage you to get on and have ago, everyone gets competative but these two people (Lisa + Jon) are two of the most amazing people you will meet they never have a problem if you don't want to eat in or anythink, so i can't complain. If you would like a fantastic holiday in a nice homey chalet then this is the one to go to and it's called RIDE & SLIDE! Don't listen to these nasty reviews, Ride & Slide is close to the town if you want to pop out for drinks, theres a bus to take you to and from the moutains, but it's only a short distance to the bubble ride which will also take you up the moutains. The rooms are just right enough space for clothes and to dry your boots and board in, you know were after a holiday not a castle, i think that's enough said so i hope you take up the offer and go and visit Ride & Slide, not only that Lisa and Jon also try to join in and there always up for a laugh or going out for a drink, there relaxed and go with the flow! |
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| Strengths |
| Everything about it. |
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| Weaknesses |
| Absolutely nothing. |
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| Similar Chalets Visited |
| None, wouldn't go any where else. |
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