What our guests say about the AlpSun experience

On an ice climbing trip to the Ecrins over New Years 09/10, we rented out both apartments to provide accommodation for 6 of us.  We found the accommodation perfect for our needs, and in an excellent location that is well situated for exploring the entire area. 

What really set the accommodation apart for us was the level of service provided by Helen (the owner).  Put simply she couldn't do enough to help us, including offering to purchase supplies before our arrival, providing plentiful information on the surrounding area, and generally always being a smiling and approachable face, regardless of our queries.  As such during a spell of unseasonably warm weather we spent a day skiing with Helen, before welcoming in the new decade with her, her friends and family.  This truly is a testament to the friendly and approachable nature of the owner.

Neil Ferguson

January 2010

After a week of ice climbing in the ecrins we feel that our arms are only just hanging on! The ecrins is a superb base for getting into european style cascade ice fall climbing. Having had a number of trips to scotland where either a sudden thaw, or heavy dumps of snow or gale force winds can significantly reduce the number of available climbing days, climbing in the Ecrins was a revelation. Waking every morning to perfect blue skies, frozen water ice and stunning climbing was a joy to experience .
 
We climbed in Ceillac, La Grave  and the Fressinieres valley in our 6 days here, highlights being the stunning gd. IV of the pylon in La Grave and the classic of Un forme du chaos gd. IV at Ceillac.
 
Pete and Helens apartments are a perfect base from which to set out, being within a half hours drive from anything from  easy grade II intro ice to serious M9 pyscho climbs. The apartments are  very keenly priced and are comfortable , clean and warm. Just what you need after a hard day. The cooking facilities allowed us to eat in every night, keeping the cost low.
 
I will definately be back, bringing the family in both summer and winter as this area truly is a outdoor sports paradise.

Nadir Khan

February 2009

This was the second time staying at the Bouquetin apartment so really there is no better recommendation than that!

The first time was in Sept 07 with a group of friends for a weeks mountain biking. As I had such a good time I knew I just had to come back with my girlfriend.

The apartment is in the perfect location for Jo and myself as we brought mountain bikes, road bikes, canyoning, via ferrata and climbing gear and all 5 sports are available right from the front door. We have so many great memories from doing the 100km Col d’Izoard round trip on road bikes to mountain biking up the Col de Granon and bombing down the other side on sublime singletrack all the way to Briancon. Pete and Helen are great hosts very warm and friendly with great local info on all sports and always eager to help.

Ollie Sanderson and Jo

June 2008

We had a super time in January 2008 staying at Alpsun and skiing and snowboarding in the resort of Puy St Vincent. The accomodation was perfect for a couple with two kids who slept well in the cosy bunk beds.
The skiing instruction was excellent at Puy and the quality of the hire equipment from the shop in Vallouise was great too. We had lots of snow and sun - a perfect family skiing break. Thanks Pete and Helen.

P.S. Here is a little video we made of our skiing trip.

Dave Reeve and Family

January 2008

I kept a blog of my visit to AlpSun for a Mountain bike course with the OTC. I had a great time and Pete and Helen were excellent hosts. Take a look here David's Blog

David Martin, Philipines

May/June 2007

Thank you for a lovely week, it has been very enjoyable. The apartment was lovely and well equiped. I know for our next visit I won't need to do my girl guide bit because the apartment has everything we would ever need.

Lisa, Simon and Holly Foster

South Yorkshire, UK

February 2006

Just wanted to say thanks so much for a fantastic holiday – the apartment was perfect for what we wanted. The family had a great time skiing, and because the apartment is right next to the slopes, it was so easy for us to come and go as often as we wanted. The views from the apartment are amazing! With all the restaurants at the resort, it made the holiday much easier for us. If we have another skiing holiday next year, you’ll definitely be our first choice!

Iain Fogg and family

West Yorkshire, UK

December-January 2005/6

The place for people who simply love the mountains. It may not be as well known as Chamonix, but that’s where the appeal lies for me because you’re more likely to have those fantastic peaks to yourself. It’s a stunning area, the small villages and less crowded feel gives it a more remote atmosphere though there are still sport shops, bars and places to eat in the evening.

There’s so much climbing in the local area I’m sure you can find your ideal spots very quickly, Pete and Helen know the area well and you won’t be short of recommendations and options at every level. With the accommodation being next door to their chalet advice is close to hand and it’s a real bonus to have this level of insider knowledge literally on your doorstep.

Overall, a great spot for any outdoor activity. I found the area first time round during a cycle tour of the Alps and came back to have a closer look at the mountains on foot, and will return to continue exploring the area - plans for another trip started on the way down from the Glacier Blanc and by the time we got down to Ailefroide for a beer (the local Tourmalette is highly recommended) it was set…Be warned, one visit will not be enough!

James Olsen

Herts, UK

September 2005

Great beer….

Great food….

Friendly people….

No Chamonix type poseur mountaineers….

No chavs….

Pete & Helen are very helpful and have excellent local knowledge about climbing and other outdoor activities….

But Pete’s climbing wall is too hard for old fat people like me….

Martin Lane

Herts, UK

September 2005

We stayed at the Bouquetin apartment for two weeks and were very comfortable. The apartment was very well equipped meaning we could really enjoy eating in every day. Peter and Helen were very helpful and knowledgeable about the area and Peter joined us climbing one day to introduce us to a couple of his favourite crags. The area has an incredible amount of things to offer. The climbing was exceptionally good and I definitely plan to return to tick off a few more multi pitch climbs.

Alan Barnes

Manchester, UK

August 2005

Had a great stay. A great base for a variety of different rock types and areas. The weather was fantastic and I would definitely return in the future. The chalet has multi pitch and single pitch unpolished classic routes within a short drive away. Having stayed in the Chamonix valley in the past the Ecrins offer shorter walk ins, more settled weather and less people. I would recommend the area highly as an area for all outdoor activities

Mark Grist

Manchester, UK

August 2005

I would like to thank you both for a fantastic stay, all six of the group had a great time. Your local knowledge and advice really helped us all to maximise our time in the area and more importantly, helped us find the best pizzeria. Location wise I don't think we could have wished for any more, so many quality climbing venues and other activities within easy reach. The apartment was everything and more that a group of climbers could ever need, and both yourself and Helen made us feel very much at home. Thank You.

Jim Gayler

Sheffield, UK

July 2005

This year, we had one of our best-ever holidays, in the French Alps, at the end of May. We can’t wait to return next year, to breathe the fresh air once again, and the scent of the wild-flower meadows. A warm welcome awaited us, and a superb, well-equipped apartment. Very comfortable. It also had the added bonus of a furnished balcony, with spectacular mountain views, where you could enjoy your first cup of tea (or coffee) of the day, in the morning sunshine. Helen and Pete Laundon have lived at Les Vigneaux for a number of years, and therefore have considerable local knowledge. Detailed maps, and details of walks are available in the apartments.

Patrick and Pauline Currie

Suffolk, UK

May 2005