Issue No. 13

Not only was the ski in, ski out a much needed
plus for our family, we also had access to every
single thing we need for our week’s stay
literally at our fingertips. For also at slope level,
and in the same complex building, was Ski
Shop Helios to hire ski equipment; a
supermarket to stock up on supplies (if you
want freshly baked croissants and pain au
chocolat without leaving the apartments you
can opt for them to be delivered to reception at
8 am every morning); a cafe; and a restaurant.
And as if that wasn’t enough, the French Ski
School ESF (Escole Ski Francais) even has an
office on slope level to book lessons/ The
instructors pick up children right outside the
building at 9.30am and return them three
hours later each day!
What more could a parent ask for?
Well, perhaps a bit more since the Helios
Apartments also boasts a nice pool, separate
toddler area, sauna, steam room and outside
hot tub where you can bask in the beauty of
the surrounding snow covered mountains, as
well as a spa offering a range of treatments.
And if you still want to enjoy the great outdoors
after the pistes have closed then the
apartments also loan out a range of sledges
without any extra charge.
There are several levels at different altitudes in
Flaine, they are the Forum, Foret and Mont
Soleil.
But while other levels were more of a concrete
block-style, Mont Soleil, where Helios is based,
was, for me, definitely the more aesthetically
appealing, as it’s more alpine, with a more
pleasing wood and natural stone look.
My family and I enjoyed a thoroughly
comfortable stay here, and a week of fabulous
ski-ing so I’ve no hesitation in recommending
other families to follow in our snowy foot
prints...