Jenny Weller worked as Chalet Chef in Chalet Braye for the winter 07-08. Here she tells of her experience as someone who had spent little time on skis before last December. Jenny is currently cheffing her way through the summer picking up new skills before returning to us at Fish and Pips to continue creating culinary feasts in Chalet Braye for the 08-09 winter.

April saw the end of the 2007-2008 skiing season in Meribel, which luckily for us had plentiful snow dumps throughout the season. The last few weeks in April saw some spring snow and the Lapin run back down to Meribel village was still open! Although the best snow was to be had up high and in Val Thorens.

Having only skied once before I was amazed at how much snow there was when we arrived in December and throughout the season. No matter how much snow you have seen in the UK it’s nothing like the amount that falls on the Trois Vallees every year.

During the week I got accustomed to waking up every morning with a view of the beautiful Savoie mountains. Each Saturday however I was reminded of this view as new guests entered the chalets and saw the mountains for the first time.

After picking up skiing pretty quickly I was soon exploring the expansive Trois Vallees which are on the doorstep of all the Fish and Pips chalets. While enjoying their afternoon tea the guests often saw one of the staff ski back, dropping in on the deck outside as they returned to work to cook supper.

By the end of the season the Fish and Pips team were, shall we say ‘knowledgeable’ about where to go for the best après – ski! The famous Rond Point is not to be missed with their large sun deck and live music which you can enjoy and still be back at the chalet in time for dinner.

Sadly after many a good bye party and the last few days of skiing it was time to return to England. For me the hills of Surrey don’t compare to the Alps which is why I cannot wait to return to Meribel and Fish and Pips this winter to continue cheffing in Chalet Braye and exploring the 3Vs.

Hello all

The lifts have been open in Meribel for a couple of weeks now. Not quite the skiing we know and love, but beautiful Alpine scenery and plenty of activities to occupy the time. Holly and I have just booked flights back to France ourselves in August. Do contact us at summer@fishandpips.com for any last minute summer self catered or activity holidays.

Meanwhile winter preparation is in full swing already. The hot tub is nearly installed in Chalet Aurigny and we are very excited about testing it out. How lovely to soak away aches and pains watching the sun sink over the mountains.

We hope to have our new Fish and Pips team for the winter 2008 - 09 in the next month or two. Recruitment is in full swing and we have been eating delicious gourmet meals cooked for us by brilliant chefs. Luxury food still remains in the forefront of our minds (!) as we go through menu plans of potential chefs. Once the team is finalised we will introduce them all through the blog.

Holly and I are busy in the office working hard on next years bookings and all the logistics. It seems skiing holidays are on people’s minds at the moment as enquiries are coming at a steady rate, thank you all for spreading the word. The Trois Vallees seems as popular as ever, Meribel and its extensive lift network does draw in the crowds year in and year out.

We will continue to update you on all our news so do keep having a peak!

Philippa and Holly