Help with Christmas and New Year and ski trips this winter

Help With Christmas and New Year and Ski Weekend Breaks

As we count down to the holidays, Allow Me Lifestyle Management Services would like to take this moment to wish everyone a very Happy Christmas and a very joyful and prosperous New Year.

Whether you are excited or stressed out about Christmas approaching – why not consider asking Allow Me Lifestyle Management Services to make your life easier for any last minute errands or planning? Help with your Christmas/New Years Eve party, planning ski trips and anything else – all at a very reasonable price and without the drama. More time for you to party and enjoy the season!?! What’s not to love… If we can help then please get in touch

If you are looking for a weekend break or to take a ski holiday Allow Me can help with all your 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.

One event that Allow Me organized last winter was the “mini-moon” for Chalie and Dave in Verbier. They got married in Gstaad in March and then invited 25 friends to Verbier for a week. They were so lucky with the snow and we had powder almost every day. Allow Me planned every detail of a fun filled week. We organized everything from night sledging, lunch time meals, ski guides, private parties, massages, 5 * chalet for everyone to stay in and so much more. It was a very successful week and the last day finished with everyone dressed up in animal suits and skiing the Verbier 4 Valleys.

Here is a lovely quote from Charlie and Dave about the work Allow Me did. “Thank you Chris for making our “mini-moon” one of the best weeks of our life. From when we first met to discuss our plans to the very last moment of our trip you made every wish happen. Allow Me made what could have been a chaotic experience with our 25 friends into a week of laughter, relaxation and huge amounts of fun. Thank you for helping us create amazing memories. Thanks again Chris”

Winter Events and The Start of The Ski Season in Laax

Winter is finally here! With the snow falling on the hills around Zurich and Zug we can all start to enjoy the mountains and the excitement for Christmas has started.

Christmas Parties and Events

With Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s parties just around the corner why not ask Allow Me to take away the stress of the event by letting us organize and run your event. We offer bespoke event planning to individuals and corporate clients for events of all sizes – from a small and elegant gathering to a large office party.

We can help you with every aspect of planning and organising your event, from idea generation to execution. If you have already planned your event but would like to enjoy it rather than worrying about it on the day, Allow Me can also provide on-site assistance, hosting, managing service providers and ensuring attention to detail.

Allow Me specialises in designing bespoke, sophisticated and memorable events from dinner parties to baby showers, anniversary/engagement parties, weddings, birthday parties, BBQs, wine tasting and corporate events. We love this time of year and have some great ideas for events that will round of 2016 for you and your friends and colleagues in style.

Don’t forget that we are also available for any Thanksgiving and 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.

For more details, please contact us.

Start your Ski Season in LAAX

Allow Me can help with all your weekend (or longer) ski break bookings during the winter season and with over twelve years of involvement in the winter sports industry we can make sure you have an unforgettable and stress free ski break.

Films-Laax-Falera – Located just a short (circa 90 minutes) drive from Zurich, LAAX is the marketing name for the linked ski circuit above the villages of Flims, Laax and Falera, which is regarded – glorified, even – as Europe’s leading freestyle resort. With 224 kilometres of slopes and five downhill runs with artificial snow, multiple snow parks and the world’s largest superpipe, Laax is unquestionably one of the best winter resorts in Europe. The original village of Laax is a short bus ride away from the lifts but Laax Murschetg, a more ski-friendly purpose built satellite, has recently been built around the base-station with the rocksresort at its heart. This resort has become a serious magnet for snowboarders, who congregate at the trendy Riders Palace hotel, but the accessibility to the lifts, and on-site food and shopping make it ideal for skiers and families too. With a number of cool eateries and an apres-ski scene that explodes at the weekend when young people pour in from Zurich, the rocksresort is the perfect mix of great skiing and après-ski for a weekend break.

With over a metre of fresh snow last weekend, LAAX will be opening the ski resort and some of the slopes around Crap Sogn Gion this weekend, starting on Saturday 12^th November.

ALLOW ME is very happy to be able to offer you PREMIUM access to the LAAX INSIDE APP free of charge, worth 69 CHF. The LAAX INSIDE APP gives access to background information, lift ticket webcams & queue alerts and free Wi-Fi in the ski resort. For more information, please email Robert Brommer for the free access code: Robert.brommer@laax.com

LAAX INSIDE APP:

The LAAX INSIDE app is your ideal companion for you winter adventure in Flims Laax Falera. Book tickets at the best available rate within seconds, reserve your parking spot next to the gondola, check the snow conditions on the top of the mountain, track your on-mountain activities and get rewarded for the days you spend in LAAX skiing, snowboarding, sledging or simply having a good time.

Discounted lift tickets from 49 CHF (instead of 77 CHF) available in the LAAX INSIDE APP and on the designated ticket website:

SAVE NOW, SKI LATER

Benefit from the early bird rates and book your lift tickets for the coming winter season now. The amount of lift tickets is limited and the prices can change at any time. Be the quick, it pays off!

For information on all the up and coming events happening at Laax this winter please click here.

Accommodation deals at Rocksresort

Short break with Family

Laax family deal 4 Nights offer is ideal for a spontaneous short break in the richly varied ski resort in LAAX. Enjoy spending time with your family in the spacious apartments at the rocksresort and take advantage of the lift tickets included in the offer to explore the ski resort with your nearest and dearest. Please click here for more details.

Short break with Friends

Enjoy four nights with your friends in a rocksresort apartment and discover the richly varied ski resort in LAAX.

Thanks to our 4 Nights for Friends offer, all this awaits you and your companions. Make the most of the rocksresort’s ideal location by the base station and enjoy perfect days on the slopes. Please click here for more details.

Summer In Switzerland

With the glorious April sun shining, our minds start to wander away from a cold and snowy winter into what we are hoping will be a repeat of last summer with long, hot and sunny days. Switzerland has so much to offer in the summer and here are a few suggestions on how to spend your free time. If you need help with anything from a weekend break, a holiday abroad, helping with errands or even booking a tee time then please get in touch with Allow Me as we would love to make sure that you have the most amazing summer.

MOUNTAIN BREAKS AT THE ROCKSRESORT, LAAX

If you are looking for a little trip to the mountains, then for me the obvious destination is Laax. The RocksResort is situated in the center of Laax, a 90 min drive from Zug or Zurich. The Rocksresort never fails to impress guests with its unique design based on materials from the local area. The comfortably furnished apartments for four, six or eight people are ideal for smaller groups and families. Further venues, shops and

The Rocksresort in Laax

restaurants to meet all your needs and requirements are available within walking distance in the resort. When booking an apartment for 3 nights or longer RocksResort offers you free mountain lift tickets for 4 persons, worth 168 CHF. Fun family actives that Laax also offer are: swimming lake Cauma and Cresta, Freestyle Academy Indoor Base, daily children’s programme at rocksresort free of charge from 5 nights onwards, various playgrounds incl. ping pong, badminton, football and slackline, hiking, biking and climbing in UNESCO World Heritage area, whitewater rafting and kayaking on the Rhine Gorge and many more. For more info, please click here.

BBQ AND SUMMER PARTIES

What could be better than having a few friends over for a BBQ in the sunshine, either at home or on one of the many grilling areas you can find alongside most of the lakes in Switzerland. If you are looking to have a summer party then why not ask Allow Me to help with all the preparation, invitations and even cooking or hosting so that you can relax and enjoy the party.

BIKING IN THE MOUNTAINS SURROUND ZURICH AND ZUG

Biking in the mountains around Zurich

Amazing biking routes in Hirzel

With both Zurich and Zug surrounded by amazing countryside, why not explore the beautiful countryside on your bike. There are lots of lovely restaurants to have a relaxing meal and with lots of quiet cycle paths and country roads, it’s a great day out for the whole family. For ideas on where to go then please get in touch as we know routes for all levels of cyclists, and can also recommend bike shops!

CORPORATE WINE TASTING/SUMMER PARTIES AND PRIVATE WINE TASTING AT HOME

Allow Me is working closely with Premium Trade Fine Wines & Spirits who cater for many top restaurants and companies and we are proud to recommend their wine event service.

Their section of great wines, together with a personalized service can help provide a unique entertainment opportunity for businesses that wish to give a different concept or an extra touch to an event. Team building programs, press conferences and receptions or celebrations; these can be at your office, one of their centrally located stores or any other venues you can think of.

They can also organize wine tasting and wine pairing for private parties and dinners. Claudio Martins is a wine director, consultant and connoisseur and his knowledge of wine will open up a new world of wine to your guests. For more details, please get in touch with Allow Me and we can help you plan your event.

TAKE A TRAIN UP TO UETLIBERG

A watch tower you can climb up and get amazing views

Departing from the main station, the SZU takes you all the way up Zurich’s backyard mountain, the Uetliberg. At the top you will be able to enjoy views that span way past Zurich. A planet-themed trail takes you over to the Felsenegg, from where you can take the cable car down to Adliswil (and return to Zurich on the train). You can also take one of the many hiking trails to the top but be warned, some sections can be quite steep and watch out for the mountain bikers…

OPEN AIR CINEMAS

The open air cinemas normally start in July and go on till the end of August. You will find screens put up by the lake and if you have not been, it’s definitely worth a visit. The best screen to visit is the Salt Openair which will take place at the specially built open air cinema at the Zurichhorn in Zurich from 16th July to 16th August. Be warned, spaces can fill up fast, so it’s best to make a booking as soon as the schedule is announced.

BOAT TRIPS ON LAKE ZURICH AND LAKE ZUG

Lake Zurich on Thursday evening

Both lake Zurich and lake Zug have amazing cruises where you can enjoy a leisurely boat ride and enjoy the countryside, stopping off at various points along the lake or just go on a lunch cruise and enjoy your trip in style. This is a great trip for visiting guests (especially those with mobility issues) or a nice family day out.

BADI TIME!

One of the best things about living in Switzerland in the summer has to be swimming in the “Badis” (the outdoor pools). Not only are there plenty of badis to choose from but they are all slightly different. Some offer snacks and drinks, live music and DJ’s, and others are a bit more family friendly. The facilities vary widely and they all have their own special character and charm – everyone has their own favorite! For a list of badis in Zurich click here and for Zug click here. It’s often best to buy a season pass and then you have unlimited access to check out them all!

Though out the summer Allow Me will keep you up to date with what is going in Zurich and Zug so that we can help you have the best summer. If Allow Me can help you in any way during the busy summer period, then please get in touch. Have a great week and thanks for reading.

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…….

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.