0:00:02 > 0:00:03We go where you tell us to go.
0:00:03 > 0:00:06You've been e-mailing and tweeting your suggestions
0:00:06 > 0:00:08and we'll rate and review them for ourselves and you at home.
0:00:14 > 0:00:17This week we're hitting the slopes in La Plagne in the French Alps.
0:00:23 > 0:00:26To get to La Plagne you can fly from Belfast or Dublin to Geneva.
0:00:26 > 0:00:28The flight takes around two hours
0:00:28 > 0:00:31and the transfer time to the resort in France is about three hours.
0:00:36 > 0:00:40Coming up - I try skiing for the very first time.
0:00:40 > 0:00:42- Oh, my God! Amazing!- Fantastic!
0:00:42 > 0:00:45We take part in one of the fastest growing winter sports in the world...
0:00:45 > 0:00:47SHE HOLLERS HE LAUGHS
0:00:47 > 0:00:49..test our nerve on a bobsleigh run...
0:00:49 > 0:00:51SHE SCREAMS AND LAUGHS
0:00:51 > 0:00:53..and take a short break closer to home in Limerick.
0:00:53 > 0:00:56You can feel it, it's in the air, there's something special here.
0:00:59 > 0:01:02La Plagne is a ski resort in southeastern France
0:01:02 > 0:01:03in the Rhone-Alpes region.
0:01:03 > 0:01:05It's connected to two other ski resorts,
0:01:05 > 0:01:07Les Arcs and Peisey-Vallandry,
0:01:07 > 0:01:09and collectively the area is known as Paradiski.
0:01:10 > 0:01:12La Plagne is made up of ten villages,
0:01:12 > 0:01:15six high resorts and four mountain villages.
0:01:15 > 0:01:18The high resorts are linked by free shuttle buses
0:01:18 > 0:01:20and the more experienced skiers among you
0:01:20 > 0:01:22can ski in and out of all the villages.
0:01:25 > 0:01:28This is a high-altitude resort with a glacier,
0:01:28 > 0:01:30which means you can come late in the season.
0:01:30 > 0:01:32Lucky for us, because we're here in April.
0:01:36 > 0:01:39So, Aoibhinn, what are you most looking forward to on this trip?
0:01:39 > 0:01:43I've always wanted to go on a ski holiday but didn't got around to booking it,
0:01:43 > 0:01:46so I want to see if I actually like it and I want to see how good I am at skiing.
0:01:46 > 0:01:48I reckon you'll be annoyingly natural at it.
0:01:48 > 0:01:51I've done a couple of ski trips. I'm more looking forward to seeing
0:01:51 > 0:01:54what else is available to do apart from skiing and snowboarding.
0:01:54 > 0:01:57And also, in the very austere times we live in,
0:01:57 > 0:01:59how expensive is it going to be?
0:01:59 > 0:02:01- Ski hire, food and drink's expensive.- Hm.
0:02:01 > 0:02:04- I wonder, can we do this on a budget? Shall we check it out?- Yeah.
0:02:11 > 0:02:14Apparently it gets crazy busy at the ski hire and lots of you recommend
0:02:14 > 0:02:17that we collect our skis the night before the skiing lesson.
0:02:17 > 0:02:18And we absolutely agree.
0:02:18 > 0:02:22You'll be more relaxed and the staff will have more time to give you advice on your boots,
0:02:22 > 0:02:24your skis and your snowboard.
0:02:27 > 0:02:30There's no room for messing when it comes to getting your gear.
0:02:30 > 0:02:35It has to fit perfectly and even then it can feel a bit strange.
0:02:35 > 0:02:37So I'll just get you to sit down here
0:02:37 > 0:02:39and ask you your size of feet.
0:02:39 > 0:02:41- 38-39.- 38-39.
0:02:44 > 0:02:47- It's the most comfortable we have. - This is the most comfortable?
0:02:47 > 0:02:50- One of the most, yeah.- Oh, my God! That's so hard!
0:02:50 > 0:02:52SHE LAUGHS
0:02:52 > 0:02:55I think they're too small!
0:02:55 > 0:02:57I'm going to have a crack at snowboarding
0:02:57 > 0:03:02and to hire the helmet, boots and snowboard for a week it'll cost you around 110 euro.
0:03:02 > 0:03:05Make sure you add this to the budget when you're totting up the cost of your holiday.
0:03:05 > 0:03:08This one. Just need to open everything.
0:03:08 > 0:03:11- HE LAUGHS - Look at the size of those!
0:03:11 > 0:03:13Titanic, Olympic, look at that.
0:03:13 > 0:03:16- Brilliant! Thank you very much. - You're welcome. It was a pleasure.
0:03:17 > 0:03:21Skiing kit costs more or less the same as snowboarding gear.
0:03:21 > 0:03:26You'll pay around 115 euros a week to hire your skis, a helmet and boots.
0:03:26 > 0:03:28- Put them on your shoulder now. - OK. Cool!
0:03:28 > 0:03:32I've got my boots, I've got my board and I've got nerves of...
0:03:32 > 0:03:34steel wool.
0:03:38 > 0:03:41We asked you for your suggestions about the dos and don'ts
0:03:41 > 0:03:43of skiing holidays in La Plagne.
0:03:43 > 0:03:46And you've been e-mailing and texting your top tips.
0:03:46 > 0:03:49Thanks to Edna Regan who suggested that first-time skiers
0:03:49 > 0:03:51should get a few lessons at home before they come out here.
0:03:51 > 0:03:55And Kasia Bialek from Dublin said that the first time she put on skis,
0:03:55 > 0:04:00she was scared stiff but that the instructors out here were really good. I hope she's right.
0:04:01 > 0:04:03Now, even if you're an experienced skier,
0:04:03 > 0:04:07it's worth paying for at least one refresher lesson to find your ski legs.
0:04:07 > 0:04:10You can book group lessons or private lessons.
0:04:10 > 0:04:13I've gone for the private one because I'm a bit nervous about this
0:04:13 > 0:04:15and I prefer to have the one-on-one experience.
0:04:15 > 0:04:18Now, it's a good idea to book these lessons before you travel.
0:04:18 > 0:04:23I've got my boots on now, they're really uncomfortable and I've no idea how this is going to work out.
0:04:28 > 0:04:33- And line it up. Great! You're in. All secure.- Ooh, that's slippy!- OK.
0:04:33 > 0:04:35I am going to fall.
0:04:35 > 0:04:37OK. Woo! THEY LAUGH
0:04:37 > 0:04:40Oh, no! This is going to end in tears.
0:04:40 > 0:04:42- How do I move now?!- Just going to shuffle along.
0:04:42 > 0:04:45- So I shouldn't lift them? - No, don't lift them.
0:04:45 > 0:04:49- Feel the skis sliding on the snow. That's it.- No.
0:04:52 > 0:04:53Quite a lot of you on our website
0:04:53 > 0:04:56said ditch the skis and go straight for snowboarding.
0:04:56 > 0:04:58Snowboarding began because it was the winter pursuit
0:04:58 > 0:05:01for surfers and skateboarders but it is becoming more mainstream.
0:05:01 > 0:05:04- You haven't got too much movement. Comfortable?- Yeah.
0:05:04 > 0:05:07OK. On a snowboard you definitely want the contact with the snow,
0:05:07 > 0:05:09you want it on the front.
0:05:09 > 0:05:12OK? So if you've got your weight on the front at least you can control the board.
0:05:12 > 0:05:14That's it.
0:05:14 > 0:05:17- Great! Whoa! Whoa. - HE LAUGHS
0:05:18 > 0:05:21- We're going up the hill a little bit, OK?- Yep.
0:05:21 > 0:05:24One, two. That's it.
0:05:24 > 0:05:28- Woo!- That's it, so put your skis into my boats. OK?- Mm.
0:05:28 > 0:05:33This is more undignified than a grown man should be putting himself up for.
0:05:33 > 0:05:35- That's it. - SHE SCREAMS
0:05:36 > 0:05:39- OK. OK.- That's it. Great!
0:05:39 > 0:05:41- And...brake. Brake! - SHE SCREAMS
0:05:41 > 0:05:43That's it.
0:05:43 > 0:05:45Nice and aggressive.
0:05:45 > 0:05:47- SHE SCREAMS - That's it.
0:05:47 > 0:05:49- Great! Well done.- Cool!
0:05:49 > 0:05:50Right, forward.
0:05:50 > 0:05:52That's it. Whoop!
0:05:52 > 0:05:55No, plough position. Push your left ski round.
0:05:55 > 0:05:57Open that door.
0:05:57 > 0:06:00- Woo!- That's it. Snowplough. Great!
0:06:00 > 0:06:03- Look at that. Fantastic. - Oh, my God! Amazing!- Well done.
0:06:03 > 0:06:07Look at me! It's actually tough work but I'm enjoying it.
0:06:07 > 0:06:09And I didn't think I would yesterday.
0:06:09 > 0:06:11Whoa. That's it.
0:06:11 > 0:06:12Great!
0:06:13 > 0:06:15So there you are.
0:06:15 > 0:06:18You've managed to sort of turn and change direction there. OK?
0:06:18 > 0:06:20In an extremely clumsy, chaotic way.
0:06:20 > 0:06:22- Look at me.- Yeah.
0:06:22 > 0:06:25And lots of weight on that ski. Lots of weight...
0:06:25 > 0:06:27SHE SCREAMS THEY LAUGH
0:06:30 > 0:06:32I absolutely loved that and I really didn't think I would.
0:06:32 > 0:06:35Get a private lesson. The tutor was so patient.
0:06:35 > 0:06:38He was so encouraging and now I can't wait to get back up.
0:06:38 > 0:06:41To be honest, I thought I was at a disadvantage as I don't play sport,
0:06:41 > 0:06:45but I think the Irish dancing came in handy for your core strength.
0:06:47 > 0:06:49You'll love this. This will give you a wee bit of inspiration
0:06:49 > 0:06:52if you think you'll never succeed at snowboarding.
0:06:52 > 0:06:56Gioval Scalzo from Dublin sent us in this video of him snowboarding here.
0:06:56 > 0:06:59Bear in mind this is only his third time snowboarding ever.
0:07:14 > 0:07:17Wasn't that something? Here's a piece of advice Gioval sent us.
0:07:17 > 0:07:20Bring a packed lunch but don't eat at lunchtime.
0:07:20 > 0:07:23Why? What he means is that at lunchtime everyone else
0:07:23 > 0:07:27is down there having lunch. You will have the slopes to yourself.
0:07:27 > 0:07:30Gioval, you're a cheeky one!
0:07:30 > 0:07:35Now, there's no doubt about it, group lessons are cheaper than private ones
0:07:35 > 0:07:39and it's no bother to move up or down classes until you're happy with the level that you want to work at.
0:07:39 > 0:07:42You'll need a lift pass to get around the slopes.
0:07:42 > 0:07:45Here we'd recommend getting a pass which covers La Plagne only
0:07:45 > 0:07:49as there are enough runs here for all levels of ability.
0:07:49 > 0:07:51And I liked this tip.
0:07:51 > 0:07:55You advised to plan the time that you leave the ski slopes and your route home.
0:07:55 > 0:07:57It can get very busy around four o'clock.
0:07:57 > 0:07:59Edward Ford from Mitchelstown in County Cork
0:07:59 > 0:08:01said that it's a good idea to book a ski school
0:08:01 > 0:08:04that's close to your accommodation and he's right.
0:08:07 > 0:08:10We heard from you that La Plagne is a family-friendly resort.
0:08:10 > 0:08:14If you want to spend a day on the slopes there are creches for children up to three years of age,
0:08:14 > 0:08:18and from three years onwards they can attend snow kindergarten
0:08:18 > 0:08:19where they learn how to ski.
0:08:19 > 0:08:23Some schools will even pick up the kids, give them lunch and drop them off.
0:08:23 > 0:08:26Happy children, happy parents, a perfect holiday.
0:08:26 > 0:08:29Thomas and Fiona McAreeve of Lurgan, County Armagh,
0:08:29 > 0:08:33said they found the ski schools very attentive and the gentle slopes perfect for kids.
0:08:33 > 0:08:37Here's their top tip. After lunch treat the nippers to a wee hot chocolate.
0:08:37 > 0:08:41It'll give them enough energy for the afternoon's activities. Fiona, Thomas, I like it.
0:08:41 > 0:08:44Practicality and good parenting combined.
0:08:51 > 0:08:54It's not every day you get invited to an igloo village,
0:08:54 > 0:08:56so despite the fact that my legs are killing me,
0:08:56 > 0:09:00I'm walking 15 minutes up a mountain to see the village's nine igloos.
0:09:00 > 0:09:03That's if I can find them.
0:09:03 > 0:09:05Everything is pretty well camouflaged.
0:09:06 > 0:09:08Are we there yet?
0:09:10 > 0:09:12At least there's a warm welcome.
0:09:12 > 0:09:15It's a bit of a walk up here but it's absolutely worth it
0:09:15 > 0:09:19to be able to sit around the fire in the evening and enjoy a hot wine.
0:09:21 > 0:09:25So now I've found them, what are the igloo villages like inside?
0:09:26 > 0:09:28This place is absolutely gorgeous.
0:09:28 > 0:09:32It's like camping in ice and I've been to the Icehotel in Sweden
0:09:32 > 0:09:33and I really liked it,
0:09:33 > 0:09:35but to be honest, I think I'd prefer to stay here.
0:09:35 > 0:09:38I imagine it gets pretty cold in the middle of the night,
0:09:38 > 0:09:41but what an experience to say you've slept in a real igloo.
0:09:41 > 0:09:46'And if you're looking for a retro dining experience, you'll be glad
0:09:46 > 0:09:49'to hear that fondue has never gone out of fashion in the Alps.
0:09:49 > 0:09:52'The best fondue is made with Gruyere, Emmenthal
0:09:52 > 0:09:54'and a splash of local wine.
0:09:54 > 0:09:57'The igloo village works like a good hostel.
0:09:57 > 0:10:00'I caught up with Edouard Amouroux to find out more.'
0:10:00 > 0:10:03It gets quite cold in the middle of the night,
0:10:03 > 0:10:05so do people need to bring a lot of clothing with them?
0:10:05 > 0:10:09No, in fact we give to people a sleeping bag, a really hot one,
0:10:09 > 0:10:12so they don't have to take a lot of stuff with them.
0:10:12 > 0:10:15They just come in pyjamas.
0:10:15 > 0:10:16THEY LAUGH
0:10:19 > 0:10:23The igloo village is open Wednesday to Saturday, December to April.
0:10:23 > 0:10:27Bed, breakfast and dinner costs from 99 euro per adult for a night.
0:10:29 > 0:10:33This place is really special. It's like Middle Earth in the snow
0:10:33 > 0:10:35and it's a lovely place to spend the evening or the night
0:10:35 > 0:10:37and the fondue is really good.
0:10:39 > 0:10:43Now, if you have absolutely SNOW interest - sorry - in a ski holiday,
0:10:43 > 0:10:46you might want to try something a bit closer to home.
0:10:46 > 0:10:49This week I'm in the southwest of Ireland, in Limerick,
0:10:49 > 0:10:51Irish City of Culture 2014.
0:10:52 > 0:10:55My first stop is St John's Castle, recently reopened after
0:10:55 > 0:10:58a 5.7 million euro redevelopment programme.
0:10:58 > 0:11:02Its interactive exhibitions have been designed by part of the team
0:11:02 > 0:11:05responsible for the Titanic Visitors Centre in Belfast,
0:11:05 > 0:11:07so my expectations are pretty high.
0:11:07 > 0:11:11The castle is located on King's Island on the River Shannon,
0:11:11 > 0:11:13right in the heart of Limerick City.
0:11:13 > 0:11:16Each of the castle towers has been dressed to recreate
0:11:16 > 0:11:21the daily operation of a busy military castle, complete with armoury and mint.
0:11:22 > 0:11:26Castles were an essential part of the defence of every medieval city,
0:11:26 > 0:11:28so it was important they were built quickly.
0:11:28 > 0:11:31This section - I find this hard to believe - only took ten years
0:11:31 > 0:11:32and around £700 to build.
0:11:32 > 0:11:35You'd barely get a shed for that these days.
0:11:38 > 0:11:42What they've attempted here is to recreate an authentic experience
0:11:42 > 0:11:46which gives visitors a sense of the 800-year history of the castle.
0:11:49 > 0:11:52It's amazing to walk around a castle that's been restored to this level
0:11:52 > 0:11:56because you really get a feel for what life was like back then.
0:11:56 > 0:11:58Even if you missed every history class at school,
0:11:58 > 0:12:00you'll find this place interesting.
0:12:02 > 0:12:04Ah! Welcome.
0:12:05 > 0:12:09You're brought through a major interactive exhibition
0:12:09 > 0:12:12with maps, costumes and discovery drawers revealing castle treasures.
0:12:13 > 0:12:18There are eight centuries of stories of siege and warfare to be told here.
0:12:18 > 0:12:20That's a strong look!
0:12:21 > 0:12:22The idea is to give visitors
0:12:22 > 0:12:26an insight into both the general history of King John's Castle
0:12:26 > 0:12:29and its position within Limerick and the greater region.
0:12:31 > 0:12:33After you've gone through the exhibition,
0:12:33 > 0:12:35you're taken into the castle courtyard,
0:12:35 > 0:12:38where you'll find all sorts of historic high jinks.
0:12:38 > 0:12:40It's a bit of a time travel experience.
0:12:40 > 0:12:43They've recreated two periods of history here,
0:12:43 > 0:12:45the 13th and 17th centuries,
0:12:45 > 0:12:49but boys will be boys whatever the year. Fight!
0:12:53 > 0:12:55And from one Limerick fortress to another.
0:12:55 > 0:12:58It is the home, nay, bedrock of Munster rugby,
0:12:58 > 0:13:03one of the most successful and fervently-supported rugby teams in the country.
0:13:03 > 0:13:05I hear they've won a few things recently.
0:13:05 > 0:13:09But it was the 12-0 triumph over the All Blacks in 1978
0:13:09 > 0:13:13that secured Munster's reputation as rugby gods.
0:13:13 > 0:13:16No other Irish team has ever matched this victory.
0:13:16 > 0:13:18Thomond Park was redeveloped six years ago
0:13:18 > 0:13:22and the stadium, as well as the team, is hugely popular.
0:13:22 > 0:13:27In a recent online survey fans voted it the world's top rugby venue.
0:13:27 > 0:13:28Dorothy works here at the stadium.
0:13:28 > 0:13:31- This is a nice place you have here. - Yes, it's not bad, is it?
0:13:31 > 0:13:32Pretty cool.
0:13:32 > 0:13:37The Munster fan is notorious in Ireland as being the most passionate rugby fan.
0:13:37 > 0:13:40What is it about Munster that makes them
0:13:40 > 0:13:42such passionate followers of the sport?
0:13:42 > 0:13:44I think it goes back to the fact that, well,
0:13:44 > 0:13:48particularly in Limerick, rugby has always been played
0:13:48 > 0:13:51by doctors and dockers, is what they used to say.
0:13:51 > 0:13:53- Sport for everybody. - Absolutely, yes.
0:13:53 > 0:13:55Now, just say there were some crazy people in this country
0:13:55 > 0:13:59- who didn't support Munster. You know...- Just some crazy people?
0:13:59 > 0:14:00Hypothetically speaking!
0:14:00 > 0:14:04Why would someone come here to see the stadium?
0:14:04 > 0:14:07For the tour. To experience what it is all about.
0:14:07 > 0:14:14To see behind the scenes what makes this X-factor, to see what makes this passion.
0:14:14 > 0:14:17You do come across somewhat as a Munster rugby fan,
0:14:17 > 0:14:19- and you get to work here. How is that for you?- Oh, sure, look at it.
0:14:19 > 0:14:21It's my dream job, you know.
0:14:21 > 0:14:24If ever there was a job made for me, this is it, seriously!
0:14:27 > 0:14:29The stadium tour takes you places
0:14:29 > 0:14:33only accessible to the players and the officials on match days.
0:14:33 > 0:14:36So you get the opportunity to experience the thrill
0:14:36 > 0:14:38of walking down the tunnel
0:14:38 > 0:14:40and nosing around the home dressing room.
0:14:40 > 0:14:43You can really get a sense of what the atmosphere
0:14:43 > 0:14:45would be like on match days.
0:14:45 > 0:14:48The interactive museum allows you to learn more about
0:14:48 > 0:14:51and appreciate the proud history of Munster rugby.
0:14:51 > 0:14:54You would imagine all stadiums are exactly the same,
0:14:54 > 0:14:56especially when they are empty.
0:14:56 > 0:15:01But when you come here, when you go through the museum, especially after talking to Dorothy,
0:15:01 > 0:15:03you get the passion for Munster rugby.
0:15:03 > 0:15:07Even if you're not a rugby fan, you can feel it. It's in the air. There's something special here.
0:15:15 > 0:15:17The last stop on my mini tour of Limerick
0:15:17 > 0:15:20is the Foynes Flying Boat Museum. Yes, you heard me right.
0:15:20 > 0:15:23A museum dedicated to the flying boat. And it is a wee gem.
0:15:26 > 0:15:29The museum transports you back to a bygone age
0:15:29 > 0:15:32and the highlight is the full-sized replica
0:15:32 > 0:15:34of the Boeing 314 flying boat.
0:15:37 > 0:15:39During the 1930s and early 1940s,
0:15:39 > 0:15:42the flying boat was the most glamorous way to cross the Atlantic
0:15:42 > 0:15:46and the Port of Foynes just a few kilometres outside Limerick City
0:15:46 > 0:15:48became the new gateway to Europe.
0:15:52 > 0:15:56Is it true that this was once the busiest airport in Europe?
0:15:56 > 0:15:58- Am I right in thinking that? - I'd say it was,
0:15:58 > 0:16:01because if you were transiting from North America to Europe,
0:16:01 > 0:16:03you had to come through here.
0:16:03 > 0:16:07Particularly once the Second World War began and Ireland being a neutral country.
0:16:07 > 0:16:10If you think about it, during the war, all these famous movie stars, singers...
0:16:10 > 0:16:12You've seen some names come through here.
0:16:12 > 0:16:16Yes, Gracie Fields. You had Hemingway, John F Kennedy,
0:16:16 > 0:16:20- Bob Hope, Al Jolson, you know, Roy Rogers...- Incredible!
0:16:20 > 0:16:25We have a photograph in our archives of Roy Rogers on a donkey for the locals!
0:16:25 > 0:16:29The locals actually challenged him to a donkey race on the harbour.
0:16:29 > 0:16:32- And he did it?- And he got up on this donkey...- Fair play.
0:16:32 > 0:16:35I am sure it was the most... I would say it was a mini Casablanca.
0:16:38 > 0:16:42There are lots of exhibits in the original terminal building,
0:16:42 > 0:16:45including navigation equipment, transmitters, receivers
0:16:45 > 0:16:47and Morse Code machines.
0:16:49 > 0:16:52You know, this really was the only way to fly.
0:16:52 > 0:16:55A big drink of water and I can happily stretch out here.
0:16:55 > 0:16:58And everyone on board got their own bed.
0:16:58 > 0:17:01I do believe that is my prawn cocktail on its way.
0:17:03 > 0:17:06And I'm going to have a go up front in the cockpit.
0:17:06 > 0:17:08Chocs away, Ginger. I've popped the kettle on,
0:17:08 > 0:17:11I'll be back from New York in time for tea.
0:17:14 > 0:17:17This week we're taking a skiing getaway in France.
0:17:17 > 0:17:19We're in La Plagne in the Alps
0:17:19 > 0:17:22and we've been getting to grips with the white stuff.
0:17:24 > 0:17:26I've found my ski legs, sort of,
0:17:26 > 0:17:30and Joe's been brushing up on his snowboarding skills.
0:17:30 > 0:17:33And we're also going to be getting the adrenalin pumping
0:17:33 > 0:17:34with an activity unique to La Plagne.
0:17:35 > 0:17:39But before that we're taking a day trip to Montchavin
0:17:39 > 0:17:42where we're going to experience the Alps in a different way.
0:17:42 > 0:17:44From La Belle Plagne you can take a chairlift
0:17:44 > 0:17:46and then ski into Montchavin.
0:17:46 > 0:17:50This village is one of the quieter places to stay in the Paradiski area
0:17:50 > 0:17:52and it's got heaps of Alpine charm.
0:17:55 > 0:17:58Some of the skiing villages in the area seem more concrete,
0:17:58 > 0:18:03more purpose-built. Whereas this is just all about the quaint.
0:18:03 > 0:18:07As you can see, in the snow, it just looks lovely.
0:18:14 > 0:18:17In the 1960s these houses used to be farmhouses,
0:18:17 > 0:18:20holding up to 12 family members and all of their animals.
0:18:20 > 0:18:22You had to have provisions for at least six months,
0:18:22 > 0:18:24because the weather would be so bad.
0:18:24 > 0:18:26But I'd say the smell was pretty bad as well.
0:18:30 > 0:18:31How times have changed.
0:18:31 > 0:18:34Now one of the star attractions in Montchavin
0:18:34 > 0:18:38is Espace Paradisio, a spa with indoor and outdoor pools,
0:18:38 > 0:18:40just the thing after a hard day on the slopes.
0:18:40 > 0:18:42After you.
0:18:42 > 0:18:43But no rest for the wicked.
0:18:43 > 0:18:46We've come to Montchavin to have a go at snowshoeing,
0:18:46 > 0:18:50one of the fastest-growing winter sports in the world.
0:18:50 > 0:18:54To start off, our boots are fitted with strange contraptions.
0:18:54 > 0:18:56- You are a real wintery Cinderella. - Thanks!
0:18:56 > 0:18:59- You're one of the ugly sisters!- You!
0:18:59 > 0:19:03- Bonjour!- Bonjour.- Ca va?
0:19:03 > 0:19:06- Je suis Yannick. I'm Yannick. - Bonjour. Je m'appelle Joe.
0:19:06 > 0:19:10- OK, Joe. I'm Yannick, your hiking guide.- Excellent.- Let's get at it.
0:19:14 > 0:19:16People have been snowshoeing for thousands of years
0:19:16 > 0:19:20but the technique has become more sophisticated over time.
0:19:21 > 0:19:23If you like hiking you'll love this.
0:19:23 > 0:19:25There are no complicated moves to learn
0:19:25 > 0:19:28but it'll still give you a really good workout.
0:19:28 > 0:19:31You'll be burning up to 600 calories an hour.
0:19:31 > 0:19:33But, believe me, it's not as easy as it looks.
0:19:33 > 0:19:37LAUGHTER
0:19:37 > 0:19:40You all right?
0:19:40 > 0:19:42It costs from seven euros for half a day
0:19:42 > 0:19:44to hire snowshoes and walking poles.
0:19:44 > 0:19:48Throw in an official guide and then you'll have to pay another 23 euro.
0:19:51 > 0:19:53We would recommend hiring a guide.
0:19:53 > 0:19:55It's a good way to guarantee that you're being navigated
0:19:55 > 0:19:57along the best routes with the freshest snow.
0:20:04 > 0:20:06- What do you think of that? - I am exhausted.
0:20:06 > 0:20:09But it was lovely to be out in the middle of the trees.
0:20:09 > 0:20:12Especially when it's snowing, because it is so beautiful, so calm.
0:20:12 > 0:20:16It's good to get away from the hustle and bustle of the slopes and everything, just coming here.
0:20:16 > 0:20:18The thing I like is it's for all abilities.
0:20:18 > 0:20:20You don't have to be super fit to do this.
0:20:20 > 0:20:23- It's just a really beautiful way to spend an afternoon.- Yes.
0:20:23 > 0:20:26If you just need a break from all the excitement of the slopes,
0:20:26 > 0:20:28this is definitely an activity to do.
0:20:28 > 0:20:31Make sure you wear an extra pair of socks. My feet are freezing!
0:20:31 > 0:20:33- Come on, sugar toes. - Back. I want a hot chocolate!
0:20:42 > 0:20:44There are lots of restaurants on the slopes
0:20:44 > 0:20:46and you can pretty much ski up to the front door.
0:20:46 > 0:20:48I've heard this one is very good. Let's check it out.
0:20:51 > 0:20:53Eating out in a ski resort is not cheap.
0:20:53 > 0:20:56We found the restaurants on the slopes were pricey,
0:20:56 > 0:21:00but you are in the French Alps where you can find some of the best food
0:21:00 > 0:21:01and views on the planet.
0:21:04 > 0:21:07This is my friend Roland who is going to teach us
0:21:07 > 0:21:10- how to make a traditional dish of the region. How are you?- Morning.
0:21:10 > 0:21:15- What are we having today? - Tartiflette.- Tartiflette. OK.
0:21:15 > 0:21:18- What's in it?- Pomme de terre. - Potato.
0:21:18 > 0:21:20- Oignon.- Onion.
0:21:20 > 0:21:24- Le plus important - cheese locale. Le Robuchon cheese.- Robuchon cheese.
0:21:24 > 0:21:26- Cheese locale.- Yes.
0:21:26 > 0:21:28- Et lardons.- Bacon.
0:21:30 > 0:21:32Coupez.
0:21:33 > 0:21:37This is the ultimate super food for skiers and snowboarders.
0:21:37 > 0:21:40The dish was first mentioned in an 18th century cookbook
0:21:40 > 0:21:43and it's been on mountain restaurant menus ever since.
0:21:48 > 0:21:50If you're on a diet, I apologise right now.
0:21:51 > 0:21:53There is a lot of cheese.
0:21:59 > 0:22:01Check out the end result.
0:22:01 > 0:22:05Lots of meat, lots of cheese, lots of bacon, give you loads of energy.
0:22:05 > 0:22:08And as it happens, it is delicious.
0:22:08 > 0:22:10Here's another tip,
0:22:10 > 0:22:13if you're ordering a wee tipple, order the house red.
0:22:13 > 0:22:15Much cheaper than ordering off the menu.
0:22:19 > 0:22:23There are heaps of family activities apart from skiing and snowboarding,
0:22:23 > 0:22:27including airboarding - like bodyboarding on snow -
0:22:27 > 0:22:30and good old-fashioned sledging.
0:22:30 > 0:22:33But there's a unique activity in La Plagne
0:22:33 > 0:22:35that you said we just couldn't miss.
0:22:47 > 0:22:50You told us that we couldn't come to La Plagne without taking a look
0:22:50 > 0:22:52at the bobsleigh run which is apparently fantastic.
0:22:52 > 0:22:55It was built for the Albertville 1992 Winter Olympics.
0:22:55 > 0:22:57It's completely unique to La Plagne
0:22:57 > 0:23:00and it's now open to the public as an apres-ski activity.
0:23:00 > 0:23:03But we warn you, it's not for the faint-hearted.
0:23:03 > 0:23:05You can try three sensational rides here.
0:23:05 > 0:23:07One option is the speed luge.
0:23:07 > 0:23:13It's not cheap at 107 euro for a go, but it is a complete adrenaline rush.
0:23:13 > 0:23:14The speed luge is a solo device
0:23:14 > 0:23:17in which you are half-lying half-sitting.
0:23:17 > 0:23:19You can go up to 90 kilometres an hour.
0:23:19 > 0:23:22Another option is bob racing.
0:23:22 > 0:23:26This one costs even more at 115 euro. No cheap thrills here!
0:23:28 > 0:23:32It's actually the run that is closest to a competition run.
0:23:32 > 0:23:37You go with a professional driver and three passengers behind.
0:23:37 > 0:23:40You can go up to 120 kilometres an hour.
0:23:40 > 0:23:43But because we're a bit chicken,
0:23:43 > 0:23:46we're going to try the slowest of all three - the bob raft.
0:23:46 > 0:23:49This one's the most affordable at 41 euro,
0:23:49 > 0:23:53but even at that, it's fast. Very fast.
0:23:53 > 0:23:56It goes down up to 80 kilometres an hour.
0:23:56 > 0:23:59That can have four passengers in.
0:23:59 > 0:24:04- 80 kilometres an hour with no driver?- No driver.
0:24:04 > 0:24:06- Have you ever had any accidents?- No.
0:24:06 > 0:24:10- That's what we want to hear. - OK.- Fantastic.
0:24:13 > 0:24:16NERVOUS LAUGHTER
0:24:16 > 0:24:18I don't know what's going to happen with this.
0:24:18 > 0:24:23- We're going to go very fast.- Do I have to be in the front?- Yes, you do.
0:24:23 > 0:24:26LAUGHTER
0:25:09 > 0:25:12She said it was not for the faint-hearted.
0:25:12 > 0:25:14- That was no exaggeration. - It is fast.
0:25:14 > 0:25:18- I thought it was going to topple over at one stage.- Me too. A couple of times, actually.
0:25:18 > 0:25:21It may seem like an expensive thing to do when you're on holiday,
0:25:21 > 0:25:23but how many times in your life
0:25:23 > 0:25:26do you get a chance to do something like that?
0:25:26 > 0:25:28It's a great rush. Really, really worth doing.
0:25:28 > 0:25:30- Let's do it again! - I don't think I can.
0:25:34 > 0:25:37We've seen the area, so where should we stay?
0:25:37 > 0:25:39Pauline Flanagan from Dublin advised us
0:25:39 > 0:25:44that Belle Plagne is one of the prettiest villages and we agree.
0:25:44 > 0:25:46We checked into Hotel Carlina
0:25:46 > 0:25:49which is in easy reach of the slopes, shops and restaurants.
0:25:53 > 0:25:58One week for two people sharing costs £1,380 per person.
0:25:58 > 0:26:02This price is for half board and includes flights and transfers.
0:26:03 > 0:26:06I really like this hotel. The beds are very comfortable,
0:26:06 > 0:26:09the food is great but my favourite bit is out here, on the terrace.
0:26:09 > 0:26:10You get a great view of the mountains
0:26:10 > 0:26:13where you can sit and enjoy your favourite libation.
0:26:13 > 0:26:16If you get chilly, they even supply you a wee, cuddly blanket.
0:26:17 > 0:26:21And, of course, it wouldn't be the Alps without a chalet or two.
0:26:21 > 0:26:23And if you get the price right,
0:26:23 > 0:26:25it's a practical and popular option for families.
0:26:25 > 0:26:27Les Chalets Des Marmottes
0:26:27 > 0:26:30is based in another of the villages called Plagne 1800.
0:26:30 > 0:26:34For £680 per person based on two people sharing,
0:26:34 > 0:26:38you'll get breakfast, afternoon tea and cake and evening meals with wine.
0:26:38 > 0:26:43This price is for seven nights and also includes flights and transfers.
0:26:43 > 0:26:46You'd want to be pretty sociable if you were going with this option
0:26:46 > 0:26:49because you'll be sharing all of your meals with other families
0:26:49 > 0:26:50and other couples.
0:26:50 > 0:26:53That's not my idea of a holiday but it is good value for money.
0:26:54 > 0:26:56If you'd rather do your own thing,
0:26:56 > 0:26:58then self-catering is a cheaper option.
0:26:58 > 0:27:01We checked out the Edelweiss Apartments.
0:27:01 > 0:27:05These apartments cost £451 per person per week
0:27:05 > 0:27:06based on eight sharing.
0:27:06 > 0:27:09Again, this price includes flights and transfers.
0:27:10 > 0:27:12I think these apartments are pretty sweet.
0:27:12 > 0:27:16In terms of handiness, the slopes are right there. As is the town.
0:27:16 > 0:27:19It's great if you're a big group or a bit strapped for cash
0:27:19 > 0:27:22because you can just muck in and sort your own food here.
0:27:22 > 0:27:25We booked our holiday through Crystal Ski.
0:27:25 > 0:27:29For more information and details on all our holidays, visit:
0:27:34 > 0:27:36- What did you think of the trip? - You know what?
0:27:36 > 0:27:39I'm not going to be a professional snowboarder any time soon,
0:27:39 > 0:27:43but the bob rafting, definitely worth it, once-in-a-lifetime experience.
0:27:43 > 0:27:45The food all week, goes without saying, exquisite.
0:27:45 > 0:27:49But speaking of which, I hear you were quite a delight on the slopes.
0:27:49 > 0:27:53I know, I'm still a beginner but to be honest I was petrified to do it at the start
0:27:53 > 0:27:54and I really didn't think I would like it,
0:27:54 > 0:27:57but I'm a total convert now. This is definitely my next holiday.
0:27:57 > 0:27:59It's difficult to do on a budget, though.
0:27:59 > 0:28:01It is, but I think it's worth saving for
0:28:01 > 0:28:03and one me and the girls will do next year.
0:28:03 > 0:28:05Join us next time on Getaways.