Winter fast approching

With winter fast approaching why not ask Allow Me to plan your winter ski break? We can help with all your ski holiday bookings during the season and with over 14 years of being professionally involved in the winter sports industry we can make sure you have a holiday that you wont forget. We can also plan corporate ski weekends away in the mountains and make sure it suits everyones needs from heli skiing to luxury spa’s. For more information on how Allow Me can plan your unforgettable break then please get in contact.

Dan from our members ski trip last winter in Flims.

Allow Me had a great day at the expo-expat in Zurich yesterday. We have some amazing new partners which have really expanded the services that we can offer to our clients.

I hope everyone has a great week and please get in contact with Allow Me if you think we can help make your life easier. We are also doing a special September deal with 15% of membership or up to 5 hours of concierge service. Please use the code Allowme15% to qualify for the discount.

New Partnership with the Dorchester Hotel Collection

Allow Me Lifestyle Management Services is very proud to be working in partnership with the Dorchester Hotel Collection. The Dorchester Collection has Luxury 5 Star Hotels in London, Paris, Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, Milan, Rome, Ascot and Geneva.

Awarded three Michelin stars, Alain Ducasse at The Dorchester in London offers contemporary French cuisine in a modern and elegant environment along with a professional, bespoke and friendly service. Matched with the elegant and fun bar The Dorchester is not only a hotel but also a great place to spend a evening. Allow Me can organize and plan a bespoke event or a simple romantic break for you here so why not get in touch and see what we can offer you.

If you fancy a break in Paris, then they have 2 hotels their, Le Meurice and Hotel Plaza Athenee. Restaurant le Meurice Alain Ducasse is one of the world’s most beautiful dining rooms, offering sumptuous fine-dining and for that special occasion why not let Allow Me book you the The Chef’s Table in Alain Ducasse’s private dining room where a small group of guests can savour their meal and watch the magic happen in the kitchen.

Each one of the Dorchester Collection Hotels is situated in a stunning location and offers 5 * service. They also offer bespoke events for clients whether that be for a business meeting, a corporate dinner, birthday party or a wedding, Allow Me can help you organize your dream event at one of their 5* hotels in Europe or America.

For more information on how Allow Me Lifestyle Management Services can help you and make your life easier please contact us. We very much look forward to hearing from you soon.

First Annual Member’s Ski Day

Everyone else had skied off……

Allow Me had great pleasure organizing our very first Member’s ski day last Friday. With such great snow conditions and perfect blue skies it was a day everyone was looking forward to. I decided to go to Flims/Laax which is an ideal distance for a day trip from Zurich. The drive takes a little over and hour and a half and you get some breath-taking views along the way.

Dan finding putting in some nice turns in the powder

Dan putting in some nice turns in the powder

Upon arrival at Flims the slopes were nice and quiet and we set out to explore the mountain. Not only did we find run after run of fresh powder but the sun was shining and there were no queues. Flims/Laax is a huge ski area and there are so many hidden routes to explore. For the more serious freestyle skiers/snowboarders Laax boasts one of the best freestyle parks in Europe and you will be spoilt for choice. You have everything from the beginner park/pipe right up to the world’s biggest pipe and an amazing pro kicker/rail line. As we were powder hounds we left the parks alone and set out exploring the mountain.

Cassons was one area that we really wanted to ride as it’s famous for its long powder field and it’s very easy to access by cable car but due to dangerous avalanche conditions it was closed, however we found some great powder fields at La Siala then looping down to Grauberg. After a morning filled with thrills and spills we had lunch at possibly the best mountain restaurant I have ever been to, Ustria Startgels. They have an open fire kitchen for roasting meat, incredible homemade pasta and very knowledgeable and friendly staff. They are also open in the summer and I cannot recommend visiting enough. On weekends and busy days it’s always best to make a booking (which naturally, AllowMe can help you with!).

The all important lunch

A little tumble

The afternoon was spent exploring the runs – we headed over to Crap Sogn Gion and were blown away by how big the area was. So if you’re stuck for something to do during the week or weekend we suggest you head over to Flims/Laax. Allow Me can help with all your ski break bookings during the winter and indeed summer season holidays, and with over twelve years of being professionally involved in the winter sports industry we will make sure you have a fantastic weekend break.

The amazing view on the drive home

Valentine’s Day with Allow Me

As if you could fail to notice that it’s Valentine’s Day this weekend! While many of us want to show our loved one how much we care, it’s sometimes hard to find original and thoughtful ways to spoil that special someone while avoiding traditional clichés. Why not let Allow Me organise a unique Valentine’s day that you and your partner will never forget? Whether that be a weekend skiing in the mountains, a romantic boat trip on the lake, an unforgettable dinner at home or a night out in the city – Allow Me can organise a tailored day to suit all your needs.

Fancy a weekend away in the mountains?

Klosters last weekend in the sun….

With all the resorts boasting amazing snow conditions why not escape for a lovely day trip to nearby resorts such as Klosters/Davos, Andermatt or Lenzerheide? Allow Me can recommend romantic hotels, incredible restaurants, top rated ski guides and much more. With some great powder to be find almost everywhere it’s a weekend you don’t really want to miss out on (although with the snow pack being not as stable as it normally is we highly recommend that if you are skiing off piste you take a guide). In certain resorts we offer a bespoke picnic in the snow which would be an unforgettable way of spending Valentine’s Day. If the evenings are more your scene how about drinking champagne in a horse-drawn sledge being driven around the village or even en route to a tranquil restaurant with a burning log fire? Allow Me can make almost anything happen so please get in contact with us so that we can tailor your mountain break to your specific needs.

Valentine’s Day with Allowme in Zurich

Zurich is such a beautiful old city and has a wealth of hidden gems beyond the usual tourist traps. The old town is awash with romantic restaurants and amazing bars that sometimes you only find through personal recommendations. If you really want to treat your loved one why not head to the Dolder Grand where on Valentine’s Day they are offering a number of special deals including a Valentine’s Day brunch, wonderful meals in their Michelin starred restaurant or even a pampering day in their incredible spa. If you are more of a morning person you could go for a romantic brunch, check out Quai61, Café des Amis, Volkshaus or for a more healthy option, Hiltl. You could also indulge in the British tradition of afternoon tea at one of Switzerland’s most iconic, luxury hotels, the Baur au Lac. For more ideas on our favorite places to go in Zurich feel free to contact Allow Me.

A great view walking along the Albis ridge

As well as eating out, Zurich has many attractions. One of my favourite weekend activities is wandering through the old town, taking in the churches of Fraumünster (don’t miss the windows designed by Marc Chagall) and Grossmünster (the largest church in Zurich, where you can visit the crypt – maybe not so romantic – and climb up the tower), then checking out the Bahnhofstrasse for window shopping (and people watching). If it’s rainy you can take shelter in one of the many museums (Kunsthaus for art and Landesmuseum for history are the most famous), or even visit the zoo including its unique covered rainforest hall and elephant viewing area. In good weather, nothing beats a romantic boat trip on the lake to take in the breathtaking views of the snowcapped alps and maybe stop at one of the towns for lunch – top tip, nip into a supermarket on your way, and you can sneak a small bottle of champagne or prosecco and some paper cups to enjoy some bubbles on the upper deck. If you are looking for a more energetic way to spend your day in Zurich then why not take a walk up to Uetilberg and hike along the Albis ridge towards Adliswil, which takes between one and two hours. Forested trails weave between panoramic countryside, views of the lake of Zurich and the alps ahead and there are some lovely restaurants for a spot of lunch during your hike or even better, have a romantic picnic in the woods. At Adliswil, the Felsenegg cablecar will take you down, or there is a steep trail you can walk down. Five minutes beyond the cablecar station, there is a lovely restaurant with a terrace overlooking the view for some well-deserved coffee and homemade apple strudel after the walk.

In Zurich the possibilities are endless and with a little bit of imagination, you will be able to have an unforgettable valentines day.

And finally… Instead of buying flowers for your loved one, why not order some unique cupcakes with a personal message from Oh Sweetest Thing? I often find in love it’s the smallest personal gestures that provide the most happiness.

If you have any questions or you would like Allow Me to help you organise your Valentine’s Day please get in contact. I hope you all have a great Valentine’s Day, I will be making sure that I spoil my Fiancée rotten…….

Ski with Chemmy Alcottfrom with Allow Me

Ski with Chemmy Alcott – Britain’s No.1 Alpine Female Skier

SKI WITH CHEMMY ALCOTT –BRITAIN’S No.1 ALPINE FEMALE SKIER

Allow Me is excited to offer you a once in a lifetime skiing experience in Verbier, Switzerland, in partnership with ALS Private Ski Specialists (“ALS”).

ALS are running a one-off and exclusive weekend ski coaching on piste with Chemmy Alcott, Britain’s four time Olympian, and off piste with Bella Seel, British Freerider and founder of ALS. This adventure will include two action packed ski days skiing the entire mountain, in one of the most challenging and exhilarating resorts in the world, on all types of terrain, alongside the cream of Britain’s female skiers. An unparalleled opportunity to push yourself and pick up tips from the pro’s.

Date: Friday, 30th January – Sunday, 1st February 2015

Where: Verbier, Switzerland

Cost for 2 days skiing: £600 per person (excluding accommodation).

Accommodation option at W Verbier Hotel: From CHF 700 a night for a double room for 2 people including breakfast.

Many other accommodation options are available in this amazing resort.

For more information please contact Chris at Allow Me: chris@allowme.ch or by phone 0765005647.

Early Bird Skiing

With snow on the hills already it’s time to start thinking about visiting the mountains. We are very lucky in the Zurich area as we have so many world class ski resorts within a 2-hour drive and even better news, quite a few of them are already open during weekends. Be warned, it’s still very early in the season so most resorts only have a limited ski area open, but it’s still worth going for a weekend to start building your fitness in the legs and enjoy the fresh mountain air (not to mention the famous après-ski!).

So what’s open and where is the best place to go?

Last weekend I was lucky enough to have my first snowboard run of the season in Davos. The Parsenn ski lift was open and they had about seven runs open. The snow was very good on the piste but a bit rocky if you ventured into the powder (at the very least – not to be considered without a helmet). The slopes were not too crowded and being just under a 2-hour drive from Zurich, I would recommend making the trip over this weekend if you are looking for somewhere to go. There’s a huge variety of hotels in Klosters and Davos, from budget and family-friendly to super-luxury, and with many offering a reduction in prices for both accommodation and lift passes, it could be the perfect break before the festive season is upon us.

Apart from Davos, here is a little list of some of the bigger resorts open this weekend within a 2-hour drive of Zurich:

· Andermatt – From the 29^th of November you can ski daily at Gemsstock. With Andermatt only 1 ½ hours from Zurich, with a charming village and easy access to the runs, it’s an ideal a day trip.

· Engelberg – Only and 1 ½ hours from Zurich, Engelberg has been lucky with some great early season snow including a few powder days already. Their last snow was on the 17^th of November and they have 6 lifts open.

· Films-Laax-Falera – Just on the cusp of being within the 2-hour drive from Zurich. From the 29^th Laax will be open daily and for freestyle skiers and snowboarders, Laax has one of the best parks in Europe as well as a huge ski area with plenty of fun and challenging runs.

Allow Me can help with all your weekend ski break bookings during the season and with over twelve years of being professionally involved in the winter sports industry we can make sure you have a weekend that you wont forget.

Don’t forget that the Allow Me Concierge service is also available for any Christmas-related services prior to the holiday season. We can help with present or food shopping, gift wrapping, catering, picking up relatives from the airport, planning ski trips and pet/house sitting – at a very reasonable price, leaving you more time to relax and enjoy your time off.

Christmas in Zurich

Christmas in Zurich with Allowme concierge service

While it does feel a bit early to be writing about Christmas, we are now half-way through November, most of the ski resorts have opened and we can see snow on the mountains and I can definitely feel the Christmas spirit coming alive, so perhaps it’s time to divulge a few Zurich Christmas secrets.

Zurich is a beautiful city during the Christmas period with Christmas markets, Sunday sales and night shopping as well as less traditional events like light swimming and advent concerts so I though I would give you a little run down.

Allow Me concierge service can assist in your Christmas shopping whether it be for presents or food shopping for your Christmas entertaining so please get in contact to see what we can offer you. Along with helping with your shopping, catering private meals or drinks parties, we can also help organise your Christmas parties and corporate events.

Zurich Christmas Markets

Zurich Christmas Markets

Christmas market in the Niederdorf : The oldest Christmas market in Zurich is held every year in the “lower village” in old town. The market stalls are located next to central Niederdorfstrasse. The Zurich Christmas market during advent season is a must in this picture perfect location of cobbled streets, even if it’s just a stroll to see all the market stands and to taste the mulled wine.

Opening times: 28^thNovember – 23^rd December
Monday to Saturday: 11.00 to 20.00
Sunday: 11.00 to 18.00

Address: Niederdorfstrasse, 8001 Zurich

Christkindlimarkt in Central Station: This is one of the largest indoor Christmas markets in Europe. Over 150 stalls, mulled wine and a 15 meter high Christmas tree decorated in Swarovski crystals transform Zurich main station to a winter wonderland.

Opening times: 20^th November – 24^th December
Sunday to Wednesday: 11.00 to 21.00
Thursday to Saturday: 11.00 to 22.00

Address: Hauptbahnhof Zurich, 8001 Zurich

Christmas Carols and market: The market at Werdmuhleplatz is the youngest market in the city. On a beautifully decorated stage in the form of a Christmas tree daily evening concerts from choirs from the region make it feel like Christmas every day. Again this is a market not to be missed.

Opening times: 20^th November – 23^rd December
Monday to Friday: 16.00 to 21.00
Saturday and Sunday: 13.00 to 21.00

Address: Werdmuhleplatz, 8001 Zurich

Christmas Market Europe Allee: With around 40 decorated cabins, fondue hut, pyramid bar and Christmas tree sales this is a very good starting point for your advent evening. The market is located adjacent to the main station Zurich and along the avenue Europe and the Europe Allee passage.

Opening times: 24^th November – 24^th December
Monday to Friday: 11.00 to 19.00
Saturday: 11.00 to 18.00
Sunday: Open November 30^th, December 7^th and December 21^st – 11.00 to 18.00

Christmas Shopping

Christmas lights and Night Shopping: On the 20^th November the pre-Christmas shopping starts with the switching on of the Christmas lights at Bahnhofstrasse at 18.00 and then night shopping till 22.00. Night shopping should not be missed on the 20th as many shops have festive events either inside or outside which include free mulled wine, concerts and other festive events.

To find out what shops are open please click on this link: http://shopping-in-the-city.ch/weristdabei

Sunday sales in Advent: On 3 Sundays many shops in the centre of Zurich are open. The dates for these are:

Sunday, 30^th November – 11.00 to 18.00
Sunday 7^th December – 11.00 to 18.00
Sunday 21^st December – 11.00 to 18.00

To find out what shops are open please click on this link: http://shopping-in-the-city.ch/sunday/weristdabei

New Year Shopping: Even though the 2^nd of January is a holiday in Zurich many of the shops are open in the city. The shops will close at 20.00 on the 2^nd.

To find out what shops are open please click on this link: http://shopping-in-the-city.ch/newyear/weristdabei

Events

Unique events make Christmas magical in Zurich. There are Christmas events on almost every day from the 20^th November till the New Year.

Christmas Circus Conelli: 21^th November – 4^th January

Top acrobatics, poetry, comedy and musical delights make this a must visit event with the family, friends and loved ones.

http://www.circus-conelli.ch/

Christmas Procession: 30^th November at 17.00

The procession travels from Werdmuhleplatz to Buerkliplatz. The parade celebrates the arrival of “Santa Claus”. The parade is led by a bishop with many children dressed up as Santa’s helpers.

Zurich Silvesterlauf: 14^th December at 12.00

For those who like to keep fit (and stave off the effects of the mince pies) before the festive season really starts this is the perfect event. A traditional fun run though the old town of Zurich. Various distances ranging from 1.4 to 8.6 km are available. http://www.silvesterlauf.ch/

Floating Candles: 18^th December at 18.00

Floating candles are sent from Stadthausquai on a Christmas journey. At Weinplatz, Zurich tourism offers guests warm punch and something sweet between 17.00 and 19.00.

Christmas Nativity: 28^th November to 4^th January.
Sunday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday – 10.00 to 17.00

The national museum in Zurich presents a selection of nativity scenes. This is very popular with parents as its great entertainment for the kids. The event happens at the Swiss National Museum, Museum Street 2, 8001 Zurich.

Santa Claus swim: 7^th December – 14.00 to 15.00 at Zurich Schiffslande

This is the 2^nd largest winter swim in Switzerland and is limited to 350 entries so book early to get your place. hallo@limmatschwimmen.ch

Heaven on Earth: 19^th November – 31^st December
Sunday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday – 20.00 to 22.30

The show offers a unique spectacle in a beautiful atmosphere. You will experience a spectacle of music, acrobatics, sex appeal and humour. The show takes place on the open racetrack in Zurich Oerlikon. Thurgauerstrasse 2, 8050 Zurich.

The Ten Tenors Christmas Tour: 18^th December – 21^st December.
18^th, 19^th, 20^th – 19.30 to 21.30
21^st – 17.00 to 19.00

Christmas in the style of The Ten Tenors – an experience that one should not miss. The concert takes part at: Theater 11, Thurgauerstrasse 7, 8050 Zurich

I hope that gives you a good insight into the goings on in Zurich during the Christmas break, particularly if you have friends and family to entertain.

If Allow Me “concierge service in Zurich” can help you in any way during the busy festive Christmas period then please get in touch. Have a great week and thanks for reading.

November Launch

I am proud to say that Allow Me will be launching on the 17^th of November. More details about the launch event will be available soon.

Through our blog and social media pages we want to keep everyone updated on the goings on in Zurich and surrounding areas as well as snow reports in the winter.

We have also gained some great partners who pride themselves on the services they provide and also speak English and we are very excited about working with them to help our clients.

October snow in Klosters

October has been amazing in Zurich and we have been lucky with the weather. I was still swimming in the lake last weeks but then the snow came so I escaped to Klosters for a few days to see how the snow was falling and even through its early days I was very pleased with the results with about 70cm of fresh snow in the town.

Lovely view of Zurich and the lake from the hills

I have also been walking in the Wildnispark and found some lovely restaurants for lunch. The views you get along the ridge of Zurich and surrounding areas are breath taking and I even climbed the high tower and found the a ruined castle. Switzerland never fails to surprise me. These walks are ideal for a romantic strolls or a picnic with the family. Its only a short drive/bus/train ride from Zurich and it really is a gateway into the wilderness.

This week we have the wine boats in Zurich at Bürkliplatz. This is an event not to be missed. The 12 wine boats with a total of 180 stands allow visitors for the 61th time to taste the wines of Swiss viniculturists, wine dealers and importers and talk about the most important wine regions of the world. In addition, it is worthwhile visiting one of the many restaurants aboard. Entry to the boats is only 20 CHF and goes on from the 30^thOctober to the 13^th of November.

This is just a short post and I am very much looking forward to keeping you all updated with best places to eat, drink and enjoy your selves in this magical part of Switzerland. Please check back soon and have a great weekend. If you have any questions or would like to pass on some ideas then please get in touch. I hope you are all getting your skiing legs ready.

Chris