Wet Feet Update!

Ski Boots Tested in Megeve!

For those of you who have been keeping a close watch on my woeful tales of wet feet the news is...... My ski boots leak!    Jonny subjected them to technical tests over the summer (stood them in a bucket of water) and then poured water out of them.  He believes that the seam along the side has split.  So, it's official, I do not have sweaty feet.   I am hoping that Davide, from whom I bought them, can send them back to the manufacturers, or at least, I might get something  off a new pair.  They are about four years old and have had a bit of a bashing but I have never had boots that leaked before.  Anyway, John now knows what to get me for Christmas!

Did you know?

Jean Stanford, who started the business, won the Ladies' Downhill at Val d'Isere in 1956

John bought Stanford Skiing from her and it is now his 19th season running the business with Elizabeth & Caroline, his daughters and Kathryn, his wife. 

When we took over Stanford Skiing we had the Sylvana Hotel in the picturesque resort of Megeve which we rented.  We bought this about 16 years ago and it is a firm favorite with all our returning guests with it's welcoming and friendly ambience.

We rented our catered chalet/hotel Rond Point in the centre of Megeve for about 12 years and bought it 2 years ago.  It's great for short ski breaks and ski weekends.

Our superior chalet Les Clochettes, next door to the Sylvana, was offered to us and to two French gentlemen when the owner died.  Fortunately for us the other parties did not want to buy it.  It consisted of 8 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms, none en-suite.  We renovated it to 10 en-suite bedrooms all en-suite and an apartment on top with a further two en-suite bedrooms.  It is now a very comfortable chalet in a great spot and we've run it for 6 years.  After the renovations the staff finished cleaning everything about 3 hours before the arrival of the first guests.  An exhausting start to that season!

Jonny and Tracey, our new resort manager's and their team having been working hard over the summer to redecorate everywhere.  I'm sure all our guests will appreciate the difference.

Our staff are the jewel in our crown being friendly, welcoming and helpful.  Guests often cite the friendliness of the staff alongside the specialness of Megeve, with it's cobbled streets, medieval village square and fabulous ski area as reasons for returning year after year.  

We have a super team in place for this year along with excellent chefs (all important!).  Roll on the season!

Did you know?

That Megeve tourist office was opened In 1914 and celebrates its centenary next year.  It now occupies the building by the stream near the St George hotel.   

That in 1933 an entrepreneur by the name of Charles Viard built the first cable car  in Megeve  specifically designed for skiers.  The old cable car has since been replaced but the old one can be seen at the entrance to the village. 

That Allards, the smart clothes shop in the square, designed the stirrup type ski trousers which were all the fashion 50 years ago.

That the local boy, Emile Allais, who won all three events at the 1937 World  Championship and the gold in the combined event in 1938, died last year at the age of 100.

Beautiful day!

Couldn't resist this shot.  What a beautiful day in Megeve!  Shame the lifts aren't open yet - only two months to go.

Snow Has Fallen!

First snow of the season, always nice to see.  There's 10cm forecast for tonight down to 1400 which is just about the Sylvana level.  It's early days yet but a little bit of early snow always puts us in the mood for a great season.  Here's some photos taken yesterday.  Jonny said it was still snowing this morning, big flakes!

Extreme Kayak World Championship

Congratulations to Joe Morley who beat an Italian and Russian to win the Extreme Kayak World Championship.

Joe worked for Stanford Skiing as driver/handyman at the Sylvana last winter.  We are hoping for great things for Joe at Rio as he just missed selection this last time.  He was first reserve for the kayak team.

Joe is the second member of Stanford's staff to become a world champion after Tom Stallard, who won a gold medal in the World Rowing Championships in a four and silver at the Beijing Olympics in an eight.   Our staff are obviously experts at the wet stuff.  All we need now is a world class skier!

Check Joe out at Extreme Kayak World Championships

Peak Weeks Nearly Full!

According to Where to Ski and Snowboard, snow has already fallen in the Alps this year, so now's the time to start thinking about this seasons holiday! 
We have very limited availability for peak season weeks of Christmas, New Year and Half Term.  At Half Term we have only one room available for the full week in our catered Chalet/hotel Sylvana otherwise short breaks only in that chalet and the Rond Point.  Our superior chalet Les Clochettes is still available for the whole week so get in there quick!  At Christmas we only have two rooms in the Sylvana and a couple for short breaks in the Rond Point.  New Year, is full everywhere with just a few rooms still available in the Sylvana. 
 So, if you think you may want to get away, don't leave it too late as things are booking fast and we'd hate to disappoint!