Les Chalets de St Martin

MOST ASKED QUESTIONS.

SKI HIRE

There are five ski and boot hire shops in the village most are franchise operations. We have long favored SPORT 1500 (Tel. 0033 (0)479089072) in the village centre a family run business who over the years have proved to be very helpful with a good range of equipment. As with all the others there is a choice of skis and boards depending on ability, the beginners ones are naturally cheapest, a mid range is also available these are usually the top range from previous years and the top of the range new models are naturally the most expensive to hire.

Whilst it is tempting to hire in advance, I would not recommend it for boots as the comfort factor can only be judged by trying them on. However I suppose you can always change them when you arrive,  but do remember to order a half size larger than your normal shoes.

http://www.sport1500.com/en/index.php

Prices fall into three brackets, bottom range for beginners, mid for the average recreational skiier and top range for performance skis and snowboards.

6 day MID range boot and ski hire adults ----- 152 euros

6 day child’s boot and ski hire----- 81 euros (very young children 67 euros)

(On line booking discounts available)

SKI PASSES

This is a bit of a jungle, basically there are four options,

1. A village pass for 6 lifts, really only suitable for beginners who would be best taking the joint ski school ski pass option. (see ski school para.)

2.Les Menuires zone, comprising 37 lifts, the cost of this is 177euros for six days adult. 117 euros Children over 5 and under13, 124 euros.                    147 euros   for over 65 year olds

3 Belleville Valley which adds Val Thorens and comprises 66 lifts. prices for six days, adult 213 euros Child 149, Over 65 ,181. This option is probably the least interesting, as to upgrade the pass to a 3Valley for one day is about the same as taking a 3V in the first place for the 6 days.

4. 3 Valley Pass, Which adds, Courchevel, Meribel and all the satellite resorts comprising 200 lifts. Prices once again for 6 days, Adult 232 euros, Child 174 and seniors 197euros. This has to be the preferred option for anyone with a few years skiing under their belt, let's face it you have come to the worlds biggest ski circuit so why take advantage of just one corner of it?

FAMILY PASSES.

Families of 4 or over who want to ski together should consider this option .The deal allows families with at least two children up to the age of 18 to have a reduced price which equates to roughly one child free. After a lot of fuss from tour operators unmarried partnerships will be accepted. Passports will be required but don't try to slip in a friend of one of the kids who you have brought along, with a name that does not relate to either of the parents it won't be accepted!

FREE PASSES.

Don't get too excited these are only for under 5 and over 74 years old.

Last year photos were only needed for ski passes over 13 days but just in case they change the rules it's not a bad idea to have some especially for family passes.

SKI SCHOOL

The ski school in St. Martin is effectively a branch of the Les Menuires ESF. That said we do have our own director and office staff, the teachers tend to be from Les Menuires on a rotating basis, however whilst Les Menuires caters mainly for the French, in St Martin the visitors come mainly from the UK, Germany, Holland and Denmark consequently we do get the teachers with language skills. Classes usually run from Sunday for six days, they can be mornings or afternoons or should you wish all day. However the afternoon tends to be a repeat of the morning class. They start at 9am.early season then from half term, later at 9.30am. whilst the morning lessons are the most popular, afternoon classes are smaller. Most classes are in any event not larger than 10 people. High season childrens classes can be larger but there is usually a junior instructor working with a senior one.

Lessons can be taken on a day to day basis but the daily rate works out a lot more expensive, so most feel it is better to take a 6 day course and skip the last couple of days if they wish to ski with others in the party.

PRICES

Beginners, (also level one and two for children.)----The best option by far is the joint school plus ski pass option. The pass can be used outside the lesson and covers the Les Menuires zone. It is not extendible so should you wish to go beyond this area an additional full or half day pass needs to be purchased. Prices vary slightly depending on the month but cost around 40-60 euros more than the weekly lesson only rate

Lessons only 08/09

Six day adult mornings 147 euros   Afternoons 108 euros

Six day child mornings 138 euros   Afternoons 99 euros.

Private lessons 42 euros per hour for one or two people, 63 euros for three to five people.

(during the school holidays these can only be taken between 12 and 2pm.)

There are lots of other options, cross country, Snow board and Telemark lessons full details available on the ESF web site. www.esf-st-martin-belleville.com      Tel.0033 (0)479002478.

INSURANCE.

This is of most interest to UK visitors as most continental skiers get their insurance included with ski club affiliation.

Carre Neige Insurance.

Basically it is possible to buy with your ski pass for 1.50 euros a day a very comprehensive skiing insurance. It will get you off the mountain on or off piste and to the clinic or hospital. It is important to have a valid E111 and it covers any excess not covered by the E111. It will also pay for repatriation. It will not cover your journey to and from St. Martin.

ARRIVING IN ST. MARTIN.

Most chalets and apartments are not usually ready for occupation before 4-5pm.The village does have a room below the Salle de Fetes, in the village centre where it is possible to leave your luggage and get changed if you arrive early. The cost is around 1 euro per piece.

OTHER SERVICES.

There is no medical centre in St. Martin the nearest is in Les Menuires, however we do have a really good Chemist who can supply medications for most non serious ailments. Village centre.

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Laundry, Village centre, will do your dry cleaning and laundry, they also hire bedlinen by the week.

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Bank, There is a branch of the Credit Agricole in St. Martin situated towards the bottom of the village. You should be aware that it is open Tuesday to Friday and Saturday morning. There is no Bureau de Change so you cannot bring cash or Travellers cheques.(This service is now available from the post office) There is a card machine so you can draw cash 24/7. Most restaurants and shops accept Visa or MasterCard.

 But don't expect to get far with Am Ex or Diners virtually no one accepts them!!

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Shopping, there is a satisfactory range of shops in St. Martin for all your food and other requirements, Uk newspapers availible from the Tabac and stamps from either the Tabac or Post Office. Medical supplies from the chemist.

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Taxi Services----Caroline. based in St. Martin, Renault espace. Tel 0680404978

            Simon ,based in St. Jean, has 9/12 seater VW's.  Tel 0033 (0)479223894

www.mountainexpress.co.uk

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Gendarmerie based in Les Menuires you will need to go there to report any stolen items to them if you want to get your insurance to pay. Don’t forget to note down the number on your skis in case of theft Tel.0479006546

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FLYING AND CAR HIRE

Flying in, and need a cheap car hire, try. www.carbookers.com. Nearest airport Chambery, next best Lyon or Geneva. If you can't find a flight at the right price from the Flybe, Easy jet, etc sites, try www.satellitetravel.co.uk they buy in unused seats on charter flights and are very  competitive.

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FINALLY IF YOU NEED HELP FINDING A CHALET OR APARTMENT TO RENT

Thinking of buying and need to discuss how to go about it? You have a property and need someone to look after it? Or indeed anything else pertaining to St Martin, just call or e-mail for free impartial advice we are happy to be of help. Contact us via any of the numbers on the front page.

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