Europe Travel Blogs

Mark Warner Ski Review: Beginner Ski Holiday

Thinking of booking a beginner ski holiday? Find out more about learning to ski on a Mark Warner holiday in this first hand account.

All the gear and no idea. That’s how I’d describe myself as I headed to Heathrow Airport on a dark January morning ready for my first ever ski trip. I’d signed up to a beginner ski holiday with Mark Warner.

Kitted out in newly purchased snow boots and a borrowed ski jacket, I felt like a massive fraud. I’ve never skied in my life. I struggle with activities that involve balance or co-ordination. Don’t even ask about my track record on a bike…

Despite this, I like to think of myself as a bit of adventurer, yes really! I’ve hang-glided in Rio De Janeiro, volcano boarded in Nicaragua and I’m an adrenaline freak when it comes to rollercoasters. I’ll try most things once. So why did the thought of hitting the slopes fill me with fear? Well for a start, who learns to ski at the age of 30?!

SKIING FOR BEGINNERS

Thankfully this was a ski trip to ease anxious sorts like me into this bizarre concept of sliding down a mountain with two planks strapped to my feet. From London, I travelled to the Mark Warner resort in Tignes Val Claret in the French Alps. It was a beautiful journey – with fir trees dusted in white powder, frozen lakes and frosty mountain peaks. My home for the next few days was the chalet-style Hotel L’Ecrin du Val Claret (full review coming soon). Covered in a snowy cotton-wool blanket, the hotel was beautifully cosy with large lounge areas, an inviting fireplace and a luxurious spa. I started to think I could fit in here.

Spectacular snowy drive in the Alps… Feels like Christmas all over again! #mwmoment

A photo posted by Chloë Gunning (@wanderlustchloe) on Jan 13, 2016 at 3:31am PST

Hotel L'ecrin Du Val Claret — Hotel L’ecrin Du Val Claret

The most exciting new festival to hit the capital – Lumiere London has attracted big crowds wanting to see London’s light festival.

Top artists from around the world were tasked with illuminating the city’s most iconic streets and landmarks with a mix of 3D projections, interactive installations and illuminated art works.

Thousands of Londoners and tourists alike braved the freezing January temperatures, in the hope that the neon glow would warm them up!

Wanderlust Chloe at Lake Bohinj, Slovenia

Follow this Slovenia itinerary and you’ll see the best sights, eat the best food and have a great time in an extremely beautiful and underrated country.

Slovenia is the only country in the world with love in its name…

You know that magical moment when you’ve flown somewhere at night, only to open the curtains the next day and see an incredible, unexpected world outside your window. That’s how my time in Slovenia began! ALMOST.

From fascinating caves to great pubs, find out the best things to do in Nottingham.

Nottingham – land of Robin Hood, Sherwood Forest and a football team I have no interest in. Home to a university I never visited. The birthplace of HP Sauce. Yes really.

Oh, but hang on, what’s this. Nottingham: City of Caves? How had I never heard about this before? Earlier this year I visited Cappadocia in Turkey – a land of cave hotels and ancient underground cities, but it turns out there was another underground world just a few hours away by train.

Get this! It’s only November, but I’ve already set a New Year’s resolution. Yes me, who never usually bothers, knowing there’s no way I’ll stick to it. Oh and guess what, a few weeks in and I’ve actually stuck to it so far.

Last year was all about big, brave adventures in Mexico, Central America and Cuba. Not only was it a break from reality, it was a big change. I went partly to tick off that old cliche and ‘find myself’… but actually what I found was far more exciting!

This year has been all about Europe and breaks closer to home. It’s been great to explore countries I’d never stepped foot in before (Lithuania, Estonia and Turkey to name a few) and return to others for further exploration (including Greece, Spain and Morocco).

These are all of my Europe travel blogs!

Mark Warner Ski Review: Beginner Ski Holiday

Thinking of booking a beginner ski holiday? Find out more about learning to ski on a Mark Warner holiday in this first hand account.

SKIING FOR BEGINNERS

Lumiere London – A Round Up Of The Best Installations From The Light Festival

The most exciting new festival to hit the capital – Lumiere London has attracted big crowds wanting to see London’s light festival.

The Ultimate Slovenia Itinerary – Food, Wine, Mountains, Lakes And More

Follow this Slovenia itinerary and you’ll see the best sights, eat the best food and have a great time in an extremely beautiful and underrated country.

Things To Do In Nottingham – Caves, Restaurants And More

From fascinating caves to great pubs, find out the best things to do in Nottingham.

Surprising New Year’s Resolutions… One Month Early!

Get this! It’s only November, but I’ve already set a New Year’s resolution. Yes me, who never usually bothers, knowing there’s no way I’ll stick to it. Oh and guess what, a few weeks in and I’ve actually stuck to it so far.