I heard of a women's only ski holiday with a new company called Girl Powder Retreats. I was so interested as the chalet is based in Chamonix, one of my favourite places. Nestled in the heart of the French Alps, Chamonix stands as a beacon for those seeking both adventure and tranquility. This picturesque town, shadowed by the majestic Mont Blanc, offers a unique blend of exhilarating outdoor activities and serene landscapes. For women yearning to immerse themselves in this alpine paradise, a ski holiday with Girl Powder Retreats presents an unparalleled opportunity to experience the best of Chamonix.
Discovering Girl Powder Retreats
Girl Powder Retreats is a bespoke experience exclusively for women, set in the breathtaking backdrop of Chamonix. Whether you're carving through fresh powder in winter or exploring lush alpine trails in summer, Girl Powder Retreats are designed to rejuvenate the body and soul. Central to this experience is Chalet Mélèzes, a luxurious haven blending comfort with alpine charm. Laura Marriott-Clarke, founder and owner of Girl Powder Retreats has created an oasis of calm and luxury, whilst enabling women to connect and relax. This is no mean feat given how busy we all are and how far flung our homelands might be. You may think it difficult to ensure group cohesion but Laura does this deftly and imaginatively. Here guests, like me, often frazzled with the work and life demands, unwind in serene and luxurious modern surroundings, savour gourmet cuisine and rejuvenate in the aesthetically pleasing spa and enjoy amazing restorative treatments. The retreats are meticulously curated to foster a sense of community, bringing together like-minded women to share in the joy of mountain adventures and personal growth. Please do not be under the impression it is earnest and serious. We had huge amounts of fun and there was lots of laughter mixed with chatter and games.
Winter Retreats: Embrace the Snow
The retreats are a celebration of the snowy wonderland you find in Chamonix. A ski holiday with Girl Powder Retreats includes small group ski lessons for all skill levels, from novices to seasoned skiers and snowboarders. Instructors are carefully chosen by Laura Marriott-Clarke (founder of Girl Powder Retreats) for their skill in teaching, ability to communicate and explain nicely and look after those who feel less confident. If you want to ski the blacks, that is catered for too...I can vouch for that personally! Over lunch we all met to discuss our challenges and our achievements. All restaurants are pre-booked by Laura ensuring a wonderful table with the best views. Afternoon plans were made. Some went walking or returned to the chalet for a treatment and others stayed out on the slopes for more adventures.
Ski sessions are tailored to enhance skills while ensuring a fun and supportive environment. Beyond the slopes, the retreat offers a plethora of activities that enriched our stay. After an invigorating day on the mountains, we returned to Chalet Mélèzes to relax in the sauna, take a dip in the outdoor jacuzzi or indulge in a soothing massage. The chalet's ambiance is designed to provide a perfect blend of relaxation and luxury, ensuring we all felt pampered throughout your stay.
Summer Retreats: Explore the Green
When the snow melts, Chamonix transforms into a verdant playground for outdoor enthusiasts. Girl Powder's summer retreats capitalize on this transformation, offering activities like hiking and e-mountain biking through expansive pine and spruce forests. These excursions are not just about physical activity; they're an opportunity to connect with nature, breathe in the crisp mountain air, and marvel at the diverse flora and fauna. For those seeking relaxation, the chalet's spa facilities remain at your disposal, providing a sanctuary of calm amidst the alpine beauty.
Yoga and other Therapies
A ski holiday with Girl Powder Retreats offers you more than skiing as there's the opportunity to make new friends and try new things as yoga and other therapies are available in the chalet. Each day at the end of the afternoon, a yoga instructor arrives at the chalet to hold a session. I was nervous having never taken a yoga class before but I needn't have worried. The studio is calming and beautiful and the instructor holds classes to reflect the capability of the group. Gentle music played as we stretched out our tired muscles and grew taller under the instructor's guidance. More advanced in yoga? The classes will work for you too.
Massage and other therapies are available upon request.
The hot tub on the deck seemed very alluring after our day on the slopes and the yoga session, so several of us enjoyed the dusk falling whilst chatting and relaxing in the frosty air.
A Community of Empowerment
At the heart of a ski holiday with Girl Powder Retreats is the mission to empower and inspire women. The retreats are more than just a vacation; they're a journey of self-discovery and personal growth... in a fun way. By bringing together women from diverse backgrounds, the retreats foster a supportive community where participants can share experiences, build lasting friendships and leave feeling invigorated and inspired. As one participant, Gill from London, reflects: "I arrived on this Girl Powder Mountain Retreat with a head full of worries and left feeling invigorated and inspired having spent time in a beautiful location with like-minded women." I took my friend Becs with me and her skiing confidence grew daily during the relaxing and encouraging ski lessons.
Preparing for Your Retreat
Embarking on a mountain retreat requires thoughtful preparation, and Laura has put a huge amount of time and effort into creating a home away from home, albeit with a modern, stylish feel. From my perspective this totally paid off.
Another area to focus on whilst preparing for the retreat is to ensure you have the right clothing and ski wear to help you feel warm, cosy and stylish on the slopes. For high-quality ski wear tailored for women, my business Winternational offers an extensive collection that combines functionality with style. From insulated ski jackets to ergonomic ski trousers, our selection ensures you're well-equipped to face the alpine elements. Brands like Poivre Blanc, Goldbergh, and Sportalm Kitzbuhel are renowned for their commitment to quality and design, making them excellent choices for you to take with you on your ski holiday with Girl Powder Retreats. If you're going to stay with Girl Powder Retreats, ask them for their exclusive Winternational discount! For guests of Girl Powder Retreats only!
Why Chamonix?
Chamonix's allure extends beyond its natural beauty. The town is steeped in alpine history and culture, offering a rich tapestry of experiences. From charming cafes and boutiques to vibrant local markets, there's a unique blend of tradition and modernity. The culinary scene is great with a range of restaurants serving both local Savoyard specialties and international cuisine. Whether you're savouring a delicious raclette or indulging in a delicate pastry, the flavours of Chamonix are yours to enjoy. I had visited Chamonix a few times previously on family and girls ski trips but nothing prepared me for the delight of this chalet and this holiday.
Booking Your Experience
Embarking on a Girl Powder Retreat is a seamless process. Bookings are managed directly through Chalet Mélèzes, ensuring personalized attention to your needs. The retreats are designed to accommodate both solo travellers and groups, providing a welcoming environment for all. To secure your spot or to learn more about the upcoming retreat dates and packages, visit their official website. For insights into the experiences of past participants, testimonials and reviews are available.
In Conclusion
A ski holiday with Girl Powder Retreats in Chamonix is more than just a getaway; it's an opportunity to reconnect with yourself, forge new friendships and immerse yourself in the unparalleled beauty of the French Alps. Whether you're seeking the thrill of the slopes or the tranquility of alpine meadows, this experience promises to leave you refreshed, empowered, and yearning for your next mountain adventure. I plan to book onto another Girl Powder Retreat as soon as I can!
