Bear Lodge

We stayed in Bear Lodge the week it opened, liked it then and I still think it’s a great place to stay. Perhaps the only accommodation quibble being no hanging space in the rooms. Otherwise it works like a dream. Sadly this time though, the service levels fell short of what we’ve come to expect from VIP. The food varied from OK to genuinely terrible (the burger and a very overcooked chicken supreme) and took ages to come. There were odd things like slices of unpeeled kiwi at breakfast. Sometimes tea was well stocked, other days it ran out quickly and wasn’t replenished. Personally I would like a savoury option for the bread - marmite, peanut butter, cheese - something other than jam. The staff were mostly very sweet and friendly but young and inexperienced. They were constantly apologising, whether they needed to or not, and just not very on the ball. For example they’d come to the table to ask if we needed more wine but leave without taking clearly finished plates. The worst examples were in the bar. Pre-dinner there should be two people on but there was only one and whoever it was they were slow and spent ages with their back to the bar, or chatting to one customer, while others were waiting to be served, so it took a long time to get a drink even if the bar was quite quiet. The Bar Manager in particular was inattentive and actually quite rude on occasion, hurrying people out of the bar and making it clear he wanted you gone so he could go out drinking. A shame because these small things can leave a bad taste and if this was someone’s first experience of VIP they might not choose to come back. Having Graham Bell there was great and made for a very sociable week but I’d suggest doing his presentation and prize giving earlier, as dinner took quite a while, meaning these things took place too late for a lot of people.

Les Arcs 1950 is an idyllic alpine ski village and Bear Lodge is situated superbly next to the village and pistes. You can literally ski in and out, not only directly from the hotel but straight through the village! Transfers both from and to Geneva airport were well organised and efficient. Bear Lodge is perfectly presented, comfortable and has a wonderful spa to relax in after a full day of skiing/snowboarding. Food portions are generous, wine is plentiful and hot chocolate and cakes are delicious! The staff are exceptional; friendly, knowledgeable and a lot of fun and can effortlessly manage both large and small groups, families and single travelers. With particular thanks to Rosie, Jess, Hannah, Rhu, Will, Tilly and Lauren. You are all fabulous - enjoy the rest of your season.

Great hotel incredibly clean and the most ski in ski out location of any ski accommodation ever! Full disclosure, my son is working for you and the most brilliant thing of the holiday was the staff (his friends) were so professional and well trained we were able to have the highest service with everyone staying on the proper side of the line socially and working. We had a blast - in particular Rosie, Will, Tilly, Jed, Rhuairidh and Amy were all awesome - well done Team!

We’ve had an absolute blast. Short and sweet and perfect in every respect. Great snow, fantastic hotel and an awesome VIP team looking after us brilliantly. Thanks to all of you especially Calem for the ice tea!!

Huge thank you to Ellie and Annabelle. They made the holiday very special. Great hosting lovely personalities and lovely food prepared and presented beautifully. Thank you Mel, Huw

Hello, Overall, we really enjoyed our recent trip to Bear Lodge. We have previously travelled with Scott Dunn, Mark Warner and the Chalet Edit - this was our first experience with VIP Ski. The hotel was really comfortable. The views from our interconnecting room were breath taking. The pool, an utter delight to unwind in after a day of skiing. The ease of the morning routine, from breakfast to boot room to piste with multiple children in ski lessons was seamless in contrast to other locations. ESF were excellent value and the groups small enough that the children each had a positive ski experience despite the onslaught of snow, almost daily! The restaurant staff all so friendly, food good, and concierge attentive and able to answer all questions readily and gladly. We chose VIP, on the recommendation of friends, for their fantastic reputation for childcare. The ski lessons finished outside the hotel, so the seamless collection of the children, to lunch meant for a longer ski day for us, worry-free. Whilst logistically, this all worked, the childcare department wasn't at all what we had hoped for. 

Bear Lodge was a real treat, elegant, super clean and our room was so close to the slope we could practically touch it! The wellness suite was excellent – the generous pool and spacious sauna made a truly relaxing end to the days skiing. The staff were, without exception welcoming and hospitable, always smiling and nothing was every too much trouble and the ski guiding was a great way to get acquainted with such an extensive resort. There were plenty of options at breakfast and ample cafetieres to keep you going on the slopes. The bar was convivial and sociable for afternoon tea, the macaroons were my particular favourite. No one could ever leave dinner hungry, and the house wine selection was exceptional. All in all, a great place for our 30th wedding anniversary ski holiday, it felt like a very special holiday and we had a great week!

From the minute we arrived and the cases were whisked away and delivered to the rooms we just knew it as going to be a good week. All the staff without exception were friendly, kind and engaging. They could not do enough to help, nothing too much trouble. Meals were of excellent quality and plentiful. Wines to accompany meals were also very good. Restaurant staff , Coco and Úrsula were just brilliant especially with the little people we had with us. Babysitters were great too. Having the cinema and pool etc was just the icing on the cake. Quiz night good fun too. Make sure you get back for cake at tea time as it soon goes !

From the start the coach transfer was great with welcome snacks and water in the coach, the staff in resort taking our luggage to our rooms was a lovely touch. Bear lodge is lovely, there really is nothing but positive comments I can give. It is spotlessly clean and the decor and fixtures and fittings are lovely. The staff are attentive and courteous on duty. All in all we loved our holiday and the hotel, I would consider going there again. Ursula and Max out waiting staff were great. Emma on concierge was very helpful with sorting out some ski lessons and massages.

We spent Christmas at Bear Lodge and had an amazing week. Great hotel in every way - fabulous food, great facilities, can’t beat the ski in, ski out location and loved the convenience of the on-site ski rental. But what really made it special was the staff who couldn’t have been more helpful and were very much part of making our Christmas 2022 one to remember.

Bear lodge is in an excellent position for all standards of skiers - as you ski out of the boot room you have Marmottes and Bois de L'Ourss lifts within 100 metres. The bedrooms were bright and comfortable with the latest smart TVs where you can cast Netflix and prime video from your phone. The hotel has a spacious spa area with large pool, sauna, steam room and hot tub. The restaurant produced some great dinners and the staff were friendly and helpful. There is also a cinema room showing films twice daily. Special mention to Sam and Alex and the manager Murray and also Martha who cleaned our room. Only constructive criticism was a little more information would have been nice as we missed the fireworks in the village on Christmas Eve as didn't know about it but generally a really good holiday thanks all

My family and I have just returned from a week’s holiday in Bear Lodge. We had an amazing week, the food was superb, the ski in, ski out was so easy and I have to mention the very comfortable beds. A massive thanks has to go to all the incredible staff in the chalets and hotel who could not do enough for us. They all made our stay so easy and pleasurable and it was always done with a smile. You are all a credit to the company. I hope you all have a wonderful new year.

Great location and service! Simply fantastic and we will be back for sure!

Excellent hotel and facilities. The staff were amazing, friendly and helpful. The team lead by Murray delivered a fun Christmas week including a delicious Christmas dinner. The hotel is well located slope-side for easy ski slope access and close to the quaint village.

Excellent facilities, great instructors, impeccable service. Will recommend it highly. However the child care facilities and ski in ski out, really sealed the deal for us.

A memorable short break where we have been looked after as true VIPs! Charlotte, Ben, Jesse and their teams offered outstanding customer service throughout our stay. The Bear Lodge experience was perfect! The facilities are all so convenient, well kept and the attention to detail is spot on. The food was fabulous everyday and the special cake for our sons birthday was amazing. From the moment you arrive at 1950 the VIP staff go above and beyond. Congratulations should go to the management team here who have clearly worked very hard through a difficult season to produce an exceptional holiday experience that we will remember for a long time! Thank you.

The resort was a really amazing place. Our favourite slope was the border cross. The hotel had amazing food. My favourite food was green pesto spaghetti. I was pleased how easy it was to access the ski slopes and lifts directly from the hotel’s ski room door. Eddy, 9 years old

I had an amazing holiday. I went in February half term and throughly enjoyed my stay. It exceed my expectations. The staff where lovely especially Anna, Gussie and Leah. The food was delicious (recommend the pancakes in the morning). After my delicious 3 course meal I loved going to the bar and playing a game of snooker. The Lodge it self was amazing with a pool, sauna, steam room, cinema etc. everything you need. It is modern but also traditional with amazing rooms that I wish was my bedroom. The lodge is as close as you can get to the slope, when they say ski in and ski out they mean it quite literally. There is a lovely town just a few minutes walk away with bars and restaurants. I would definitely recommend Bear Lodge and had many experiences with VIP SkI and never had a bad experience. All the staff are lovely, food always sensational and chalets beautiful. Have nothing bad to say about it as it is amazing!

VIP back to what they do best ! Bear lodge is the best ski in ski out venue we have ever stayed. Having the ski rental onsite was also a definite plus. The food was amazing every day and plenty of choice with excellent wines. All the staff were very friendly, helpful and trying to give a chalet vibe to a hotel. Unfortunately our week was the second week of UK half term and there was a massive group of 29 with 19 children. This was not VIPs fault but it did affect the experience for many guests as at times the hotel felt like a school playground. However VIP did their best by for example ring fencing an area of the restaurant for the large party and having a ‘ quiet time ‘ in the wellness centre. Half term also meant the resort was busy but it is large and if you pick your times and posted you can avoid the worse queues Being new the bear lodge had a few teething problems: lifts breaking down, showers not draining, but I’m sure these will be rectified in future seasons. We will be back - but not at half term !!

The location is excellent, although noisy when the piste bashers work very late at night. The staff were excellent. Friendly, happy to engage in conversation and to offer help on any problems with the rooms etc. The shower in room 312 leaked badly, towels were provided to dam the flow, but were not the complete answer. The food was pretty average at the start of the week but improved by midweek. It wasn't the standard of food expected from VIP. The wine selection was excellent, much improved from past stays in VIP chalets. The separation between the dining room and bar was puzzling. Overall a good location, a good standard of accommodation, excellent staff and satisfactory food.

Thank you for taking the time to feed back on your recent stay Edward. I am sorry to hear of the maintenance issues that you suffered during your stay and that the catering did not meet your expectations. Rest assured that we are fixing the shower and have spoken to the chef. We appreciate your honest feedback and are working hard to ensure this is not repeated for future guests. Nici