CHEZ GIBSON

 

Sport



Heated swimming pool (summer)

Open from the end of June into September, the pool is heated and cleaned every morning. Complying with French law the Pool is surrounded by a lockable fence with the entrance gate at the far end, which is good for Chez Gibson as no-one walks near the apartment's patio.
There is a designated sunbathing area in which radios are not allowed, preeserving the peace and quiet.
The pool and sunbathing are are closed and locked after 11pm   
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Tennis

The complex has its own quality hard court, just a few hundred yards up the hill from 'Chez Gibson.
A reservation system is in operation which means every flat has a lockable reservation device which locks onto the 7 day reservation board outside the the tennis court in advance. Each key is different!! 
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Walking

Stepping out of the front door you enter the Haute Savoie - is a walker's paradise.

walking on Mont JolyThere are countless signposted trails through forests, meadows, tracks, mountains, valleys, gorges, and along mountain streams everywhere. Mostly through conservation areas, these footpaths are clearly marked including altitude and coloured waymarkers. A good footpath map of the local area is available in the guest info folder inside 'Chez Gibson'.

Starting right outside 'Chez Gibson' it is possible to join the Baroque Trail which is about 20 km long and passes eight unique baroque churches in differing stages of renovation. The pleasant walk to the baroque churches in St Nicolas De Veroche and further on to Notre Dame De La Gorge is definitely recommended. 

A variety of good maps are in the 'Chez Gibson'. The footpath waymarker signs are erected in springtime and are numbered so you know where you are. They also feature the altitude plan level or more extreme walks. Also coloured arrows direct you to named local villages. In short walking couldn't be easier!!! 

A range of "tupperware", plastic beakers and plates etc. are available in the Chez Gibson in case you decide to take a picnic.   
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Mountain Biking

Mountain Biking above Les CommunaillesMy first holiday at the flat was with three pals mountain biking. The bikes were delivered to the door and then and collected 3 full days later. During the night we simply locked the bikes out on the patio.

Our trip was made up of strenuous gruelling uphills through narrow pathways, undulating forest trails, and riding across open meadows. Of course all of this was mixed in with a local traditional hearty French three course lunch, washed down with a glass or two wine of course.
We enjoyed beautiful scenery, great hospitality and some of the most demanding biking we'd ever come accross. What more could a mountain biker want? During July and August, the cable cars enable you to take your bikes upto the top of the mountain should you only require a downhill blast.

You are welcome to use the Mountain Bikes during your stay.We have two new mountain bikes that are available free for use during your stay. We simply ask that you look after them and leave them in the same condition that you found them.

Should two bikes not be enough, 'Arnaud' at "Accro Bike" will deliver quality bikes at a reasonable rate. Open all year.He is based just outside St Gervais near the leisure centre.

Telephone Accro Bike on +33 [0] 000000000

 


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Skiing and snowboarding.

Snowboarding above MegeveImagine miles upon miles of ski slopes, meeting every taste and every style, authentic mountain chalets, all set against a backdrop of pretty pine forests. Imagine Le Bettex and the Megeve Ski Area.

Wind yourself through wide runs twisting between the trees or enjoy long straight open runs. There is much to suit every age, standard an dability of skier or boarder in this area. There are plenty of opportunities to ski or board to other neighbouring resorts for the day. It's all here.

 

  • 445km of pistes,
  • 113 ski lifts
  • Snow park
  • Free children's sledge / play area
  • Infant tuition area, separate beginner's area away from the pistes,
  • Cosy authentic rustic restaurants with family plat de jour.

 

You can buy Ski passes quickly and easily from the 1/2 way telcabine station at Le Bettex. You will need a passport photo. But if you forget one you can have a digital portrait taken for around 3 euros.

There is a choice of ski hire shops. I have found Twinner Sports at Le Bettex the best for service and price. To pre book, telephone +33 [0] 450 931216 and ask for Pierre. Tel him the Welsh bloke, tony, with the moustache and flat at Le Grattague recommended you.

For the keen snowboarders there is a great snow park at Mont Joux, which is close to the Mont Joux chair lift, and features hip, spire, handrails and new for 2006 - a half pipe!!!
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Ice skating

St Gervais indoor ice rink is situated just as you enter St Gervais from the Le Bettex side.

Alternatively for the posers, there is an outside winter ice rink at megeve at the top of town. Adjacent outside café.
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Parapente / paragliding

Go to the top of mont joly, altitude 2350m or mont joux altitude 1950, strap yourself to the instructor, inflate the 'chute with the incoming thermal, run or ski and up you go. It all sound svery simple but requires a lot of bottle. You can 'enjoy' this experience for somewhere between 40 - 90 euros per person. Look for the posters or visit either of these sites:

www.guides-mont-blanc.com
www.guides-des-cimes.com

 


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Horse riding

A few riding schools are situated around le bettex village. Daily treks or just a one hour escorted slow ride. Just turn up or book in advance.