I am working on a new Itinerary for 2011…

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Chalet des Alpes:

This recently constructed beautiful chalet offers alpine charm with a twist of modern. A warm and friendly welcome awaits everyone. The chalet can accommodate up to 10 guests in 5 twin or double rooms, each with en-suite facilities, and a magnificent view. Some rooms have balconies and all rooms have a private parking space. There is a spacious dining area with an open log fire and panoramic views of the Rhône Valley and a large balcony for those sunny days in winter and summer. This valley has over 300 days of sunshine a year.

We are situated in the charming village of Lens, at an altitude of 1128m.  The village sits on a sunny plateau, overlooking the Rhône Valley.  Some buildings in the village date from the 14th century, and pilgrims used to come here to visit the statue of Christ-Roi.  The village has a couple of restaurants, 2 banks, a Post Office, a chemist and a small supermarket.  The resort of Crans Montana is only 10 minutes drive away. Sion and Sierre are approx 30 minutes drive.

Lens is a quiet village. For après-ski & evening entertainment you will need to go to Crans Montana.

For the comfort of our guests, smoking is not permitted within the chalet, and we do not allow pets. We also kindly ask that guests do not wear Ski boots or Walking boots inside the chalet. For your comfort and enjoyment we recommend you bring slippers or comfortable indoor shoes.

Spring, Summer & Autumn:

Unlike many ski resorts, Crans Montana and the surrounding area is an all-year-round resort.  From mountain biking and walking on the high alpine passes through to more gentle walking, relaxing by the lakes or spas and exploring the many local vinyards, there is something for everyone.

The Chalet is open for business throughout the year. The spring weather in May & June is perfect for walking. July and August can be hot and there are plenty of lakes and pools to help you cool off. If you wish to walk above 3000 metres the top lifts are open in July and August. Lifts up to 2200 metres are open from June through to the end of October. September & October have comfortable temperatures and of course the wonderful Autumn colours. There are so many activities and places to visit - this is just a small sample:

Walking - 180 km of marked trails

Mountain Biking                            Horse Riding

Golf                                               Wine tasting

Parapenting (paragliding)             Alpine Adventure

Swimming (pools and lakes)        Hot Air Ballooning

Places to visit:

Sion - 30 mins (market every Friday)

Sierre - 45 mins

Underground Caves

Alpine Museum

Lens Museum

Other attractions nearby:

Salt Mines at Bex

Mountain Railways

Mont Blanc Express

Leukerbad 1 hr (largest Alpine Spa centre in Europe)

Zermatt 1 hr

Saas Fee 1 hr

Chateau d'Aigle

Foundation Pierre Gianadda, Martingny

All rooms have the following facilities:

En-suite bathroom with shower

Spectacular view

Hospitality tray with complimentary tea & coffee

Flat Screen TV

DVD player (please feel free to bring your own DVD's but we have a selection you can borrow).

Full UK TV Channels (BBC / ITV / CH4)

iPod docking alarm clock radio

Luxury bedding and towels

Complimentary bathroom products

Some rooms with balcony

Hairdryer

Local information folder and town maps

Free WI-FI in all rooms

Cuisine:

The emphasis at the Chalet is on freshly cooked home-made food, hearty portions and plenty of choice. The menus comprise a mixture of traditional British and International cuisine. Where possible we buy local and organic produce. We aim to provide a healthy, varied menu to suit all tastes and cater for all appetites. Meat is cooked on a griddle, the soups and sauces are home-made where possible, vegetables are steamed and the desserts are also home-made. If you have any specific dietary requirements please mention this at the time of booking.  We are happy for you to bring your own special food (gluten-free and diabetic products are very hard to obtain in Switzerland).

Pre-dinner drinks and snacks are served.

All evening meals comprise of 3 courses, with a choice of main course and dessert. Complimentary beer, wine and soft drinks are served during your meal. Tea or coffee and chocolates finish the meal.

Please see the specific winter and summer details to see how many meals are included in the packages. During your stay we will organise a meal in a traditional local restaurant where you can sample the local dishes of Fondue or Raclette. On nights when meals are not provided in the Chalet we will transport you to Crans or Montana, giving you the opportunity to try one of the many excellent restaurants.

Selection from Menus - changed daily.

Starters

Home made Soup

Quiche Lorraine

Paté

Risotto

Stuffed Mushrooms

Main Course 

Free-Range Chicken with honey and mustard glaze

Fillet Steak with wild mushroom sauce

Pork Schnitzel

Foil baked Salmon steaks with Rosemary and lemon

Lamb Cutlets with redcurrant jus

Marinated Pork Chops

Navarin of Lamb and dumplings

Fish Pie in a light cheese sauce

Traditional Shepherds Pie with leek and cheese mash topping

Selection of potatoes including Dauphinoise, Boulanger, Creamy cheese mash, Farmhouse roast and Bratkartoffel.

2 fresh vegetables (steamed where appropriate)

Desserts

Apple and Blackberry Crumble

Peach Brioche

Apple Strudel

Banoffi Pie

Chocolate Sensation

Sponge puddings

Selection of Gateaux

All deserts are served with cream, ice cream or custard (or all 3 if required!!)

Followed by tea or coffee & chocolates

Breakfast:

Included in the price is a sumptuous cold continental buffet breakfast: fruit juice, croissants, cheese, ham, jams, spreads, yogurts, cereals, toast, tea and coffee.

For a small supplement you are able to have a cooked breakfast such as porridge, poached or scrambled eggs on toast or the full English breakfast with sausages, bacon, eggs, beans & mushrooms.

Full itinerary now available,

please email me for full details:

Sion

Photographs & Video

Making traditional Swiss Cheese Fondu