“We first discovered the Manigod valley during a skiing trip to La Clusaz in 1990. When we drove up the twisting road from the traditional market town of Thônes and the valley was revealed, we could not believe what we saw; the perfectly formed slopes, bathed in soft evening light, dotted with farms rising to the peaks of Tournette, Val Sulens, and Point Percee. We immediately thought “what a beautiful place to spend a holiday” prompting us to start looking in the local agents’ windows. And it was to be three years later that we finally bought a part-built chalet, nestling on the southern slopes mid-way between the village of Manigod and the ski lifts of Croix Fry.
Since then, Chalet Gingembre has been the setting for so many memorable holidays. Now our children, Lola (5) and Daisy, (18 months) are just starting to enjoy the same amazing array of activities we have over the years.
The great thing about the skiing here is that there is something for everyone. Lola is having lessons up at Croix Fry with Paul the ESF instructor, whilst we, (Rupert and Kate) love to ski and board the pistes and off-piste powder areas of L’Etale and La Balme. And at the end of a good day in the snow, there’s nothing nicer than putting another log on the fire and lazing on the sofas, catching up with the rest of the world through the Wifi, or just reading a good book or watching a film. (Apart from when Lola insists on another game of table football)
As well as the obvious winter sports, La Cusaz has also embraced summer activities in a big way. For instance for mountain bikers, it has built three very different runs through the trees, the longest and most demanding, my favourite, is ‘Ferriaz’, from the top of the Beauregard Telecabine all the way down to the town. A real adrenaline ride! As a family as well as walking, we love going down to Lake Annecy and hanging out in the sunshine with a picnic, playing vollyball, swimming and sailing in the Lake. Its very safe and clean and the children love it.
In the summer, the mountains can get very hot, so we throw the windows and doors open, have a bbq and eat out in the garden or laze on the loungers or in the hammock. And when we want to get away from the kitchen, there are lots of great restaurants serving everything from the finest local cuisine, to great pizzas and steaks to choose from. Our favourite places are, fine dining at the Croix Fry Hotel, three minutes drive from the chalet, the pizzas and pasta of La Ferme, in La Clusaz, or great traditional dishes, including the best steak in Savoie (in my opinion) at Le Foly in Les Confins. Yum Yum.
Chalet Gingembre is our second home, our escape from the bustle and pressure of working in London. We have been coming every year for the past 16 years and never tire of it. It is just a joy to wake up in the morning and stand on the balcony, gazing at snow-covered Tournette bathed in early morning sun, eating a freshly baked croissant from the Manigod bakery, thinking of the skiing down the powdered slopes of L’Etale or La Balme. What could be better? We only hope that you have as memorable and comfortable a holiday as we always do.”
Rupert, Kate, Lola and Daisy Day
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