Islanders head for the slopes with direct flights to Grenoble
WEEKLY flights to and from Grenoble have been going down well with islanders this half term, with the seasonal direct connections to the French town proving a hit due to its proximity to several renowned skiing resorts.
Five flights departed the island on Saturday, three of them Blue Islands charters, and two operated by Aurigny.
Looking forward to getting back on the slopes after a three-year gap was Andrew Dawson, one of a party of 12 comprising three families, heading to Chamrousse, where they had rented self-catering chalets for a week.
It was not hard to spot members of the group, each of whom sported ‘Ski Trip 2023 Chamrousse’ hoodies.
The plan was hatched about eight months earlier, he said.
‘We just thought we’ve not been skiing in a while – we’ve not been since before Covid.’
Having a direct flight to Grenoble, an hour or so away from their resort, was a big attraction.
‘We’d have had to go via Gatwick otherwise. We went to La Plagne last time.’
The families were flying on Blue Island flights chartered by local holiday company Allez Ski, which had two planes departing on Saturday, while Aurigny’s direct service to the destination started the same day, with three planes scheduled.
The Bradshaw family was also headed to Chamrousse on what was to be the first skiing experience for Harry, 9, and Arthur, 8.
Dad Tom was a keen snowboarder, although he said that these days the craze seemed to have gone full circle and skiing was up in popularity.
‘I love snowboarding. It’s like surfing on snow,’ he said.
While he had last been on the slopes three years ago, wife Hayley was going to be donning skis again for the first time in 12 years.
‘It’s just like riding a bike,’ Mr Bradshaw assured her.
Another large family group was going to be making its way to Les Menuires in the Three Valleys.
‘It’s a very sociable holiday,’ said Hannah Hill, who, along with husband Ben and children Leo, 11, and Rupert, 7, was looking forward to the trip.
‘They’re very excited,’ she said of the two boys.
The family had been skiing last year but drove on that occasion.
‘This is the first time we’ve taken a direct flight,’ said Mr Hill.
‘I’m going with three people in a little lesson,’ said Leo, who said he particularly liked going to the snow parks where he could try out tricks.
