Take me to your leader

I have just been inside a spaceship, spoken to their leader and returned to tell the tale. The newly redesigned, refitted and resplendent Stawug shop in Monetier is as close to alien technology as you’re going to get in Serre Chevalier, it is truly amazing.

Second generation owner Xavier Duport, has done a great job, sleek lines, stainless steel stairs, silvery hanging lamp things, it just makes you feel cool, especially if you’re a little bit more sophisticated (ie older) as you know this stuff isn’t for the kids, all right.

It could easily be taken as an indication of which way the station is aiming to develop, ie stylish, up-market. “Bespoke” would be the word if applied to a rather lovely hotel.

This doesn’t come at a price, ski hire is of a level throughout the valley, but the skis for sale are top end. I had a look at ones with an electronic vibration dampening system, some Lacroix ones and various others that clearly have had a lot of thought go into them, as well as probably the most “fashion” practical stuff to be found here.

Set out over two floors you can get a coffee, watch a big projection of, yes you guessed it, skiing and chill out while you wait for others in your party to get kitted out.

There is a free consign (storage) and delivery service which involves your equipment chosen being driven to where and when you want it as well as being picked up.

Being of the lazy nature this is excellent and if the world revolves round you why not go with it?

Xavier, who incidentally is the inventor of the modern snowboard binding, told me, the style has come about from listening to the wants of visitors to the valley, there are loads of people you just don’t see in the village, they’re holed up in their Bond-style chalets drinking cocktails.

All in all, I’m impressed, but to balance the praise up have a look at the website: Stawug.com, oi -that’s all I’m saying about that.

Tags: duport, Serre Chevalier, price ski

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