Jenny's Blog: My stay at L'Étable Hotel, Les Crosets - a hidden Alpine gem

I've recently come back from the most wonderful three-night escape to Switzerland, hosted by LJR Consultancy, and I've returned with a very special gem to share.

Getting there

My mini ski break began with a short flight to Geneva, followed by what might be one of the most relaxing transfers in Europe. Instead of a long road journey, we travelled by train with Swiss Federal Railways - and what a journey it is.

Gliding along the shores of Lake Geneva with the Alps rising behind charming lakeside towns, it's simply stunning. Comfortable, efficient and a beautiful way to ease yourself into a mountain escape.

From Aigle, a car arranged by the hotel took us up to the village of Les Crosets. Within minutes we were surrounded by snow-covered peaks and that peaceful, storybook Alpine charm I'd been looking forward to.

We arrived just in time for afternoon tea, followed by a relaxed evening preparing skis for the next day. And because no Swiss arrival is complete without cheese, dinner was a delicious traditional raclette. The perfect cosy start.

L'Étable Hotel

From the moment we walked in, the welcome felt genuinely warm and personal. It didn't feel like checking into a hotel - it felt like arriving at the home of good friends. The kind of place where you instantly exhale and settle in.

Tucked into the spectacular Portes du Soleil region, this boutique hotel is a real find. Cosy, stylish interiors with an authentic Alpine feel - exactly what you hope for from a Swiss mountain stay.

On the slopes

For winter lovers, the location really couldn't be better. True ski-in, ski-out access - step out of the ski room and you're straight onto the slopes. From here you have access to the vast Portes du Soleil ski area, one of the largest linked ski regions in the world, with miles of beautifully groomed runs, charming mountain restaurants and those jaw-dropping views at every turn.

And coming back to the warmth of the hotel at the end of the day, knowing exceptional food and carefully chosen wines are waiting, is a very welcome treat.

Not just for winter

While this trip was all about skiing, it's worth knowing that Les Crosets and the wider Portes du Soleil region are just as magical in summer.

Lush green mountain landscapes, crystal-clear Alpine lakes, hiking, mountain biking and all that fresh mountain air - it's a destination that truly works year-round.

The moment I still can't quite believe

And then there was the zipline...

The Fantasticable is a famous zipline that flies you across the mountains - and when I was first asked by the local tourist board whether I wanted to go on it, a week before the trip, my answer was an immediate and very firm no. I am not known for my love of anything remotely scary.

But I'd made a promise to myself to start saying yes to things that push me outside my comfort zone. So somehow, there I was - clipped in, heart in mouth and flying across the mountains.

A colleague filmed it. I'm not entirely sure how I feel about that.

What I can tell you is that I decided to put the video onto my social media channels and it took on a life of its own - 2.4 million views, thousands of comments, and my Instagram following growing significantly overnight.

My boys' reaction when they saw it was... not what I expected. Let's just say they were surprised their mum had gone viral.

I still can't quite believe I did it. But I'm so glad I did - because those are the moments that stay with you long after the trip ends. And really, that's what travel is all about.

You can watch the reel here - but don't say I didn't warn you...