3 Valleys, France

including a pre-trip to Paris!

March 2 - 13, 2010

Florida Ski Council Trip

The Space Coast Ski Club will begin our annual European trip with three nights in Paris, the City of Lights. Accommodations will be at the hotel Mercure Paris Suffren Eiffel, which is located at the foot of the Eiffel tower and just minutes from the Trocadero subway station and the banks of the Seine River. Museums and other points of interest are within walking distance from the hotel. After our three night stay in Paris we will board the TGV high speed train for the 3-Valleys ski area.

The only way to truly appreciate the size and scope of the 3-Valleys area is to compare it to the biggest North American resort. Take Whistler, Mammoth, Squaw Valley, Jackson Hole, Vail, and maybe Breckenridge and you’d still have room left over in 3-Valleys. With 373 miles of slopes, 200 lifts, 25 peaks, seemingly infinite terrain, and the most sophisticated inter-connected lift system in Europe, you could spend a lifetime exploring vast peaks and valleys while sampling all the fine food at the French restaurants along the way.

Accommodations for the FSC and the Space Coast Ski Club will be at the base of the 3-Valleys in the quaint village of Brides les Bains, which also has easy access to the multiple day trip excursions to all the scenic sites of the region. We will be staying at the Grand Hotel des Termes for seven nights, which is within a 5-minute walk to the gondola that will whisk you to the mountain village of Meribel. Meribel is the center of the three major resorts which also includes Corchevel and Val Thorens.

Price: $2,930 per person, double occupancy (based on Euro at 1.30)

Price Includes:

• Air between Orlando to Paris on Delta Air Lines
• Transfer between Paris airport and hotel with orientation tour enroute to hotel in private bus with English speaking assistant
• 3-nights accommodations in Paris at the Mercure Paris Suffren Eiffel hotel
• Buffet breakfast daily in Paris
• Transfer of luggage by truck to Brides les Bains hotel
• Transfer to Paris train station by bus
• 2nd class rail on the TGV between Paris and Moutiers
• Bus transfer between Moutiers and Brides les Bains
• 7-nights accommodations in Brides les Bains at the Grand Hotel des Termes in privileged rooms
• Continental breakfast buffet and dinner daily
• Transfers back to Lyon airport
• Return air from Lyon to Orlando on Delta Air Lines
• All local taxes
• Guide and hospitality desk each evening at the hotels in Brides les Bains
• FSC gala welcome party at the grand hotel
• FSC commemorative pin, passport cases and luggage tags
• Onsite Holidaze personnel for overall coordination during our stay

Payment Schedule: (per person)

• $300.00 with trip application
• Final balance due by November 16, 2009

Airline Luggage Notice - Please be aware that most airlines have instituted charges for checked luggage - including skis, boots and other sports equipment. Be advised that these luggage cost are paid directly to the airline at check-in and at the present time these costs will be the traveler’s responsibility.

Mail checks (payable to Space Coast Ski Club) and applications to:

For more information contact

TRIP LEADER:

Proposed Optional Day Excursions:

MONDAY, MAR. 08: Possible trip to Lyon

For non-skiing tour members could have a day at the Spa, take a trip over to Moutiers and sample some cheese at the factory, get a pedestrian pass and go up on the mountain, maybe even take a cooking class!

TUESDAY, MAR. 09: Tour to Chambery and Wine tasting at Combe De Savoie:

Depart Brides at 830AM. Arrive in Chambery at about 10AM. The 13^th Century Dukes of Savoie Castle is normally closed during the winter but we are trying to get special permission to be able to visit it in March. (TBA) If not, the Castle is still an impressive sight to see.  Afterwards there will be free time for lunch and shopping in the Old Town.  Chambery has existed since Roman times. In the Middle Ages, the centre of this ancient town was built up around the base of the Chambery Castle.  One of the important points of interest is the Charmette House. Jean Jacques Rousseau moved into the home of Mrs. de Warens in 1736.   Charmette House has been open to the public since 1810. It was listed as a Historical monument in 1905. The first curator was the sculptor from Chambery, Mars-Vallet, who sculpted the statue of Jean Jacques Rousseau.  After leaving Chambery there will be a stop at the Combe Des Savoie Wine Coop for a wine tasting before returning to the resort.  Return to Brides by 5PM. TOUR COST: $ 89.00 pp

THURSDAY, MAR. 11: Full Day Tour to Annecy for non-skiers:

Departure from the Hotel will be at 8:00AM, driving to Annecy and arriving there 9:30AM. Visit the old town with an English speaking guide. See its picturesque narrow streets, arcaded houses, quays, the ancient Thiou Bridge.  The castle was the former residence of the Counts of Geneva, overlooking the city, the lake, and surrounding mountains.  Lunch and afternoon will be free time to spend as you choose. Enjoy strolling in the pretty gardens that border the lake. There might be a possibility of a bike rental tour around the Lake at an optional extra cost.  Or visit the Palais de l’Isle (historical museum), the bells museum, or even from mid-March one can appreciate the cruise along the lakeside. Transfer back to your hotel arriving there at about 6:30PM.  TOUR COST: $ 92.00 pp

FRIDAY, MAR. 12: Full Day Tour to Grenoble, France:

Early departure by 7:30 AM from the Hotel, driving towards Chambéry, and then on to Voiron, which is only 15 km North of Grenoble. In Voiron there will be a visit the distillery run by the Community of Chartreux monks, whose monastery (we are not allowed to visit) is located in the surrounding mountains.  Enjoy a wine tasting at the famous Grande Chartreuse. Continue on to Grenoble, the city that was the host of the 1968 winter Olympic Games.  With an English speaking guide, discover the old city with the Hall of Justice, the City Hall, Notre Dame Cathedral, and more. Lunch and afternoon will be free leisure time. One may enjoy an optional ride by cable-car to La Bastille, overlooking the city, the Isère and Drac rivers, and all the superb surrounding mountains.  The chic boutiques are all situated in the district of square Grenette. The museums of Modern Art and the regional musée Dauphinois are both worth a visit. Transfer back to Brides. Arrive back at the hotel at around 6PM. TOUR COST:  $90.00 pp

Trip Application
Membership Application
Cancellation Policy

After September 1, 2009, a refund will be given, minus $100 per person. After November 1, 2009, a refund will be given only if the space can be sold, minus $100 per person, plus any travel and resort penalties that apply at time of cancellation. A written notice must accompany any cancellation.