24 September 2021
The story
Nadia opened her own consulting firm in Neuchâtel, while her husband Olivier, who is a fan of skiing and adrenaline sports, gave snowboarding lessons. Then their first daughter was born, after taking her first steps, it was here in Crans-Montana that she learned to ski. In fact, before having children, the couple came to Bluche on holiday three years in a row, "because our nieces and nephew were skiing here". Two boys completed the family: Louis 3 years later, and Aurélien, 6 years later.
As they’re mad about skiing and cycling, the Coubès family was looking for a place where it was easy to enjoy these two activities, and where the ‘water’ element was also present, as it’s very important to Emma and Nadia. The family had two other destinations in mind, Nendaz and Châtel, but it was the sunshine and water in Crans-Montana that finally made them come here every week.
As soon as the children were able to ski well, the Coubès family bought a chalet in Les Violettes at first. "An old wooden chalet", says Nadia, which they fell in love with on their first visit. Perfect for escaping the daily grind in Neuchâtel and allowing the children - and parents - to live out their passions without any limits.
In a word, the Coubès family's life was already here: their close friends and a sense of well-being have been here since the beginning of their many trips to Crans-Montana. None of them could see themselves staying in Neuchâtel at the weekend, that's for sure!
And then the boys' training sessions intensified: on Wednesdays as well as at the weekends. So it was no longer just one trip per week but two. "It was starting to be a bit much," explains Nadia.
Aurélien and Louis become very good freestyle skiers, spending more and more time on the slopes and in the park provided for action sport fans by the ski lift company. "What I love about Crans-Montana is that there’s lots of infrastructure not just for skiing but also for training and cycling, and there are always things to do, events for both tourists and locals," says Aurélien.
With its three parks (wake, bike and snow), Crans-Montana definitely looks after freestylers, whatever their level. In winter, freestyle fans will find one of the best snow parks in Switzerland in Crans-Montana, with one of only 10 permanent Olympic-sized half-pipes in the world, as well as loads of rails, boxes, jumps and more. An airbag and an "easy snowpark" section allow beginner skiers and snowboarders the chance to explore the joys of freestyle. It was a godsend for Aurélien and Louis when they settled permanently in Crans-Montana.
"It's great to live here because we can train pretty much year round", adds Aurélien. It's easy to see why when he explains his perfect day: "On Saturdays, we have breakfast and go skiing (I spend the morning at the snowpark) (the Colorado Chalet is at the foot of the Violettes gondola) and I often make myself sandwiches to eat on the slopes! In the afternoon, I do my homework and once it's done, I head down to Alaia Chalet by e-bike. There’s also a lot of bike infrastructure in the resort now, and we can enjoy it to the full: there’s the family loop at the Moubra, the Miriouges lake, then towards Lens and the Alaia Chalet.The dream would be to go down to Alaia Bay to finish the loop!”
By living his passion at 200%, Aurélien is doing everything he can to reach his goal ("to go higher and higher") and to make his dream come true: to take part in the AudiNines, one of the most creative and demanding events in the freestyle field (it took place in Crans-Montana this year).
The family had already considered the idea of a change of lifestyle, but it was when Olivier learned that he had multiple sclerosis that everything changed. Following this, the family reflected on things together, and made the decision to completely change their life.
But how do you cope with such a change?
"We had been looking at the chalet - a former hotel-restaurant - from our window for seven years thinking: how can this place be empty?” At the time, the family was in fact really looking for a place to live where they could settle year round. And when they had the opportunity to visit the chalet, the idea for a bed & breakfast was obvious.
"I refused to give up," says Nadia. Driven and idealistic, she built the project around the ideal lifestyle of each family member, and the new constraints linked to Olivier's illness. And the Colorado Riders Chalet was born naturally. Thus, the freedom offered by managing a B&B enables Olivier to accomplish his professional goals. In the morning, he prepares breakfast and looks after guests. As for Nadia, she continues to work between Crans-Montana and Neuchâtel, where she goes once a week on Mondays and Tuesdays.
The mountain air and the moderate temperature due to the climate at altitude also means Olivier feels well. He tells us that he will soon start swimming in the Moubra lake again to take advantage of the benefits he gets from the cool water.
Here, the whole family can find something to suit them: "Whether you want to ski, enjoy activities and events or relax and enjoy the peace and quiet, everything is possible for everyone".
"Choosing Crans-Montana also means choosing a destination that is close to everything ("in 3 hours we're in Milan!") and lively, explains Olivier, the father in this active family. The couple also highlight the quality of life here too: "here life is calmer, less stressful, and it’s this way of life that we want to share with our guests at the Colorado Riders Chalet".
Aurélien, the youngest of the three children, goes to school in Montana, Louis is finishing his apprenticeship in Neuchâtel, and Emma has just started studying in Geneva. And at the weekend, they’re all able to meet up in Crans-Montana. And Olivier is also in training, firstly by passing the licence course, and also in the day-to-day running of the Chalet. The next step will be to train in catering, and to be able to develop a complete "wellbeing" package.
Many people in the resort have memories of the Chalet over the years, and the family has the unfailing support of the municipality, which is delighted to see this old establishment reopened, with its soul preserved by the new managers: "We’ve tried to keep everything that made the charm of the establishment, whether that’s a photo frame, a piece of furniture, or an accessory that we upcycle", explains Nadia.
Focus on the Colorado Riders Chalet
The Coubès family, who like taking risks, decided to purchase this former hotel restaurant that has been closed for several years, at the very beginning of 2020, in the middle of COVID. Nadia and Olivier, true jack-of-all-trades, decided to renovate the place while preserving its soul. As a result, 8 rooms were created, accommodating up to 20 people in total.
With no wifi in the rooms, Olivier and Nadia want above all to place humans at the centre of the project, and allow their guests to experience reconnection with themselves and others. They also insist on the feeling of freedom, whether that’s in terms of times or meals, everyone is free to do their own thing and to make themselves "at home". For example, the Colorado Riders Chalet offers a bed and breakfast package with breakfast available as you want it "we want guests to feel free to eat it now, or take it with them on a ride or on the slopes. We know what it's like when you travel as a family.”
The couple also offers a half-board option, if required, in collaboration with local businesses: the Casy and the Farinet. "This meets the expectations of teams of riders who train all day and don’t necessarily have the time or energy to cook at lunchtime and/or in the evening", explains Olivier.
It is a wonderful transformation for this old hotel that everyone knew, and which has now been renovated and re-opened.
The Coubès family's secret spots
It’s impossible to name just one, especially as since the family has been living here all the time, they have been taking every opportunity to explore the region, even the remote parts.
"Up there, at an altitude of 3,000m, it feels like you’re master of the world. You’re overcome with a feeling of immensity looking out over this 360° panorama".
"For aperitifs in a cooler with friends at the end of the day.
"We even organised a marriage proposal there".
"It's unreal, so beautiful and untouched."
"In May, almost all the resorts in the Valais are closed, and athletes come here to take advantage of the infrastructure for them (the snowpark, with the pipe and the airbag) and it's a daily show to watch them jump, with the majestic butterfly as a backdrop. And if you're lucky, you may even see some kitesurfing enthusiasts there too. Incredible".
"Sometimes, right there, in front of the chalet, you can see deer, badgers, and birds. It's a sight you never tire of.”
As Olivier says, "The mountains are like being on holiday all the time.”
