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FRENCH MOUNTAINS #WINTER2018/2019
WWW.FRANCE-MONTAGNES.COM
PRESS KIT 2018/2019FRENCH MOUNTAINS, HIT THE HEIGHTS!
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#WINTER2018/2019
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THE FRENCH MOUNTAINS IN FIGURES & FAMILLE PLUS
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A WINTER OF NEW EXPERIENCES
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MORE WAYS TO STAYON THE MOUNTAIN
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MOUNTAIN FOOD GETS A MAKEOVER
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SKI AREA IMPROVEMENTS
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CHRISTMAS IN THE MOUNTAINS IS MAGICAL
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SKIING INTOSPRING
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12 EPIC EVENTS
Coordination & printingEdition 2018-19:France [email protected]
Photos:Agence Urope / Agence Zoom / Thomas Hytte / Valetin Studio / Daria-I Nor / Cimalpes OT St Martin de Belleville / Wild Beets Kitchen / istock / M.Studio.fotolia.com / Kiboka.fotolia.com / Nacho-Grey-Outdoor / Sushi Fumi / OT Val d’Arly / KuzminSemen / klip.fr Grey Hytte / JB Bieuville / Vincent Piccerelle / B. Longo
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EDITORIAL
WELCOME TO THE FRENCH MOUNTAINS
What a year! A World Cup, a young President, a resurgent economy and – to top it all – record-breaking snowfall: the last 12 months have been good to France and its mountains. Now, as we approach the ski season, the sense of optimism is palpable.
So too is the spirit of renewal in our resorts. For several years now, new investment, new technology and new ideas have brought changes at every level of the holiday experience – and this winter is no different. Skiers can look forward to everything from a brand new lift-serviced mountain to sushi-style Savoyard cuisine, and everything in between. Faster lifts, chic chalets, hipster hostels and ground-breaking mountain-top hotels are all on the menu, along with an irresistible programme of special events. Get your timing right, and you could enjoy an international firework competition, a giant music festival, or a free ski test, featuring 5,000 products.
Of course, amidst all this innovation, many of the essentials remain unchanged. First and foremost is our miraculous geography. We have not one but five mountain ranges – the Alps, Pyrenees, Massif Central, Vosges and Jura. Each has its own special character, but they all share the same love of snow and winter sports, and they work tirelessly to improve their infrastructure.
In fact, we have more ski lifts than any other nation, and our ski areas come in an unrivalled range of sizes. France may be home to the biggest properly-integrated lift system in the world, but it also shelters many charming villages, where the pace of life hasn’t changed much for 50 years. Ski one of them midweek and it can feel like your own private ski resort. If you don’t want any lifts at all, there’s also a growing ski-touring infrastructure of routes and guides. So you can walk up your mountains as well as ski down.
There’s a similar sense of variety when it comes to accommodation. In France, skiing is a mass-participation sport. Alongside some of the world’s most luxurious ski chalets and hotels, there are hostels, B&Bs and self-catering apartments that make the mountains affordable for almost everyone. The same goes for food. You can sit down in a Michelin-starred restaurant for the kind of multi-course lunch that lasts all afternoon. Or you can stop off at an artisan bakery and have a sandwich made to order, complete with creamy Beaufort cheese and unsalted butter. Standards are high no matter how much you spend: and they’re constantly evolving to take account of the changing tastes and needs of our visitors.
So why not come and join us this winter? With state-of-the-art snow-making systems in many of resorts, the white stuff is all but guaranteed. Meanwhile, the highly-trained instructors of the École du Ski Français are standing by, whether you want to learn the beginner’s snowplough or the perfect powder turn. Families, friends, skiers, non-skiers: all are welcome.
A bientôt !
JEAN-MARC SILVA,DIRECTOR
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THE FRENCH MOUNTAINSIN FIGURES
FAMILLE PLUS44 French mountain resorts have the Famille Plus Label.Famille Plus is a label that was created to help identify the most family-friendly holiday destinations in France, and allow the whole family to make the very most of their holidays when there. It is awarded only to the villages and resorts of France which meet the needs of families with children from the age of 18 months and up. This pioneering initiative is endorsed by the French Ministry of Tourism.
To qualify for this label, mountain resorts must meet 110 criteria regarding:• Infrastructure and information• Resort entertainment• Activities• Environmental and mountain heritage• Accommodation and restaurant facilities• Amenities, transport and safety
For the mountain resorts, being awarded the Famille Plus label is evidence of their strong commitment to ensure the highest level of quality in terms of infrastructure and the holiday experience they offer for families and children.
The resorts’ commitments:In the Famille Plus mountain resorts you will receive a very warm welcome. Seven commitments that the resorts must adhere to in order to play host to both children and adults:
1 A tailor-made infrastructure for families2 Entertainment and activities to suit all ages3 A price to suit everyone: from the youngest to the oldest4 Activities for adults and children to enjoy, together or separately5 Professionals that are trained to take great care of children6 The highest level of care by professionals7 A commitment to take your suggestions on board
as they strive to improve their services.
To find out which resorts have been awarded the Famille Plus label, please see www.france-montagnes.com
23%Proportion of Francecovered by mountains
€81Average price per day per person of a ski holiday in France
€429Average ski holidaybudget, per person
€25.90Average daily priceof a lift pass in 2017
90%Percentage of holidaymakers recommending or rebooking a winter sports holiday
350Ski areas in France, of which 99 are members of the ANMSM*
44Number of ski resortsawarded the “Famille Plus” label
Survey by *ANMSM (Association Nationale des Maires des Stations de Montagne) / DSF (Domaines Skiables de France) / Atout France
Le Refuge de Solaise - Val d’Isère
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A WINTER OF NEW EXPERIENCES From sushi-style cuisine to a whole new mountain of skiing,French innovation comes in every shape and form.
A new mountain to skiIn La Rosière, two high-speed 6-seater chairlifts (and €15million of investment) are bringing lift-serviced skiing to Mont Valaisan for the first time this winter. Five new red pistes are planned, and the lifts will open up large areas of off-piste terrain too – significantly boosting La Rosière’s appeal to more confident skiers. It’s all part of a dramatic transformation of this once-sleepy resort, which is busy adding new hotels and apartments to its two base areas. Last season, the Hyatt Centric hotel was the most high-profile opening. This winter, it’s the Alparena & Spa.
The highest hotel in FranceThe round-topped peak of La Solaise towers over Val d’Isère, and this winter a new hotel opens at the top - at the dizzy altitude of 2551m. La Refuge du Solaise occupies the site of a former cable car station and mountain restaurant, and everyone is invited. Alongside upmarket bedrooms and three luxury apartments, there’s a traditional refuge dormitory with 14 beds, a 300-seater restaurant, and a 23-metre pool that’s open to the public.
Where sushi goes for a ski holidayMountain food is changing – and there’s no clearer sign than Sushi Fumi in La Clusaz. Here, alongside California rolls and tuna sashimi, you’ll find combinations of Beaufort cheese, nuts and blueberries, and foie gras with fig gingerbread. These light, innovative bites are available as a takeaway, too. Could this be the perfect skier’s picnic?
Why ski back to the resort, when you can fly? Val Thorens already has the world’s highest zipline. This winter it opens a new high-wire route that offers the ultimate home run for skiers: from the top of the Moutière chairlift to the Place Caron in the heart of the village. The descent is in three stages, with two ziplines running side-by-side so adrenaline addicts can share their buzz, whilst travelling at an average speed of 75km/h. From now on, “Race you back to the resort” will have a whole new meaning.
The last word in fondueThis winter, Vaujany is serving fondue in a ski lift. Following the renewal of the Télécabine de l’Enversin for the 2017-8 season, the rapidly-expanding resort is now offering fondue nights in some of the lift’s sleek new Porsche Design gondolas.
Not cold enough for you?Then head to GoCryo’s whole-body cryotherapy centre in Serre Chevalier. Designed to help your muscles recover from vigorous exercise, as well as treating the symptoms of neurological diseases and joint inflammation, the centre’s cold chamber has a temperature of -80 to -100C. Maximum exposure is just three minutes.
A Dance Party in Alpe d’HuezTomorrowland is coming to Alpe d’Huez. The giant, DJ-led festival - which draws 400,000 revellers to Belgium each summer – will be holding its first winter edition in the resort from March 13-15. Expect big-name acts, an exuberant and fantastical stage, and an events programme that spreads right across the ski area. It’s thought 30,000 dance fans will attend.
Arc 1600 RebornArc 1600 was the original village in the Les Arcs ski area, but it’s long been overshadowed by its more modern neighbours. This December, it’s back in the spotlight, thanks to the opening of a brand-new, all-inclusive Club Med resort. In preparation for the opening, snow-making facilities in the village have been improved and the old Comborcière chairlift replaced, to speed up the return journey from the Arc 1950 side of the ski area. As well as enjoying a glittering array of in-house facilities, all-day dining and childcare from 6 months to 17 years, guests will rediscover Arc 1600’s superb, intermediate-level pistes - before moving on to the rest of the vast Paradiski area.
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MORE WAYS TO STAY ON THE MOUNTAIN However you like your accommodation, you’ll find the perfect perch in France. Everything from youth hostels to five-star private chalets is on offer, and this year the choice is growing, with a host of eye-catching new openings.
Alpe d’Huez continues its march upmarket with the arrival of the Daria-I Nor, sister property of the Koh-I Nor in Val Thorens. The 45-room hotel has an 800m2 spa and gastronomic kitchen – overseen by Breton chef Eric Samson. It’s the resort’s second luxury hotel - joining the Chamois d’Or, which won its fifth star in January this year.
Want the flexibility of a self-catering residence, with the convenience of a hotel? The new Club-Residence MMV L’Altaviva in Tignes 1800 has both. This development of ski-in, ski-out apartments offers a range of pre-cooked meal plans for guests, as well as grocery deliveries and its own restaurant. There’s also a spa, indoor pool and kids’ clubs.
Pure White and Pure Black Crystal are bringing a new level of luxury to the pretty and authentic village of St Martin de Belleville. These two sumptuous, five-bedroom chalets are both available for hire this winter and feature breathtaking, double-height dining rooms, indoor pools and dramatic balcony views of the Belleville valley. With new lifts from Méribel speeding up links with the rest of the Three Valleys ski area, maybe they’re a sign of things to come.
Morzine’s portfolio of gorgeous ski lodges is growing this year, with the addition of the vast, 700m2 Chalet Sapphire. Built “with the mindset of a five-star hotel”, it has six bedrooms, a private spa (complete with indoor pool, hammam and ice chamber) as well as a fire-pit on the terrace – the perfect place for tall stories and vin chaud after a day on the slopes.
Dorms are making a comeback. After last winter’s launch of hipster hostel HO36 in Les Menuires, the trend continues with the completion of The People Hostel in Les 2 Alpes. 41 shared bedrooms come with 4, 6 or 8 beds, from just €19 per person a night. There are also 45 private rooms for those who like the friendly hostel vibe, but not the communal sleeping.
Meanwhile the rise of the five-star ski apartment continues apace. In Val Thorens, locals Maud and Jean-Paul Delettre have opened the Chalets Cocoon at the top of the village - 10 spacious apartments with Douglas fir interiors, private saunas and hot tubs. Also opening for the 2018-9 season are the five-star Chalets d’Elena in Les Houches: 50 apartments with an indoor pool and wellness area, just 200m from the Bellevue lift.
Finally, fans of thermal spas who also love to ski have another reason to visit St Gervais-les-Bains this winter – thanks to the construction of a chic new MGallery boutique hotel, by Sofitel. Part of the hotel will occupy La Maison Doux, a pretty 19th-century house in the middle of town that’s close to both the thermal baths and the lift into the Evasion Mont-Blanc ski area (shared with Megève).
Daria-I Nor - Alpe d’Huez
Do not miss:• Le Refuge de Solaise Val d’Isère (p.5)• Hôtel Alparena & spa La Rosière (p.5)• Club Med Les Arcs 1600 (p.5)
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Chalets Pure White & Pure Black - St Martin de Belleville
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There’s more to Alpine food than cheese. In Les Gets, the British-owned Wild Beets Kitchen is pioneering a lighter, more health-conscious cuisine, with salads and wraps aimed at vegans and vegetarians, and range of irresistible cakes (including a Gin & Tonic cupcake). Carnivores needn’t panic. There’s meat in the menu, too.
Skiers based in the spa town of Brides-les-Bains can also enjoy a lighter style of mountain food. Here, 13 restaurants are adapting famous Alpine dishes to create a Cuisine Equilibre et Gourmandise. At the Athéna Hotel, you can sit down to a hearty (but not heavy) tartiflette, in which the reblochon takes second place to the potatoes, while the restaurant Les Cerisiers serves a cassoulet revisité.
To satisfy the growing appetite for informal restaurants, Le 80 at the four-star Hotel La Chaudanne in Méribel has been redesigned. It sits alongside Michelin-starred L’Ekrin, but has been reborn as lounge/wine bar/restaurant, with an open kitchen, DJ sets and “Folie Douce” soirées several times a month.
Sharing plates are all the rage, too. L’Optraken opened in Le Grand Bornand in June and has quickly become a social hub thanks to its mix of tapas, craft beers and flavoured rum.
In Alpe d’Huez, l’Empreinte uses only the freshest ingredients to create a range of inexpensive and delicious dishes which are designed to be shared.
And at El 56 in Peisey-Vallandry skiers can tuck into an ever-changing mix of tapas and Savoie-flavoured specialities, including chorizo sautéed in white wine, and burgers with Beaufort cheese.
Meanwhile, fans of stellar gastronomic dining should look no further than La Maison des Bois in the village of Manigod, near Lake Annecy. Here, chef Marc Veyrat won a third Michelin star in January 2018 for his inimitable, mountain-flavoured molecular gastronomy.
This winter, cheap mountain food will be super-fresh in Risoul, thanks to Le Pain des Pistes, which serves home-made pizzas, sandwiches and pâtisserie, as well as its speciality, gingerbread pancakes.
For those who’d rather bring their own food to the slopes, the trend for slopeside picnic areas is growing – a real boon for families, and anyone skiing on a budget. This winter, they’re opening at the top of the Roc 1 chairlift in Les Menuires, and at the bottom of the Marmottes lift in Les Arcs.
Increasingly, skiers want to know where there food comes from. For cheese-lovers, there’s no more delicious way to find out than a visit to the Coopérative Fruitière in the Val d’Arly. Beaufort, Reblochon, Tomme de Savoie and Raclette are all made there, and as well as tastings, you can try your hand at making Tomme Blanche.
MOUNTAIN FOOD GETS A MAKEOVER Tastes are changing. Mountain cuisine is becoming more experimental, while a new generation of informal restaurants is taking its place alongside the gastronomic hot-spots.
Do not miss:• Sushi Fumi La Clusaz (p.5)• fondue in a ski lift Vaujany (p.5)
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SKI AREA IMPROVEMENTS More investment means better skiing. This winter sees new lifts reinvigorating key areas in a number of resorts, as well as several brand-new pistes.
Méribel is transforming the skiing on its under-used (but highly-rated) Roc de Fer sector. This winter, a state-of-the-art six-seater chairlift, complete with heated leather seats, will dramatically speed up access to the slopes from La Chaudanne. Meanwhile, a second six-seater will replace the old Cherferie drag lift. Next winter will see the addition of two new pistes, as well as better snow-making.
Great news for skiers in La Plagne who love the long, broad Inversens run, and the off-piste terrain on either side. Its old, slow chairlift has been replaced by a high-speed six-seater. The new lift is also a welcome development for the rest of the Paradiski area, as it’s a key section of the journey from Les Arcs to the Bellecôte sector at the top of La Plagne.
Want to dance? In Val d’Isère, access to the piste-side parties at La Folie Douce is speeding up, thanks to the new La Daille gondola. Twice as fast as the old lift, it will also carry three times as many revellers – as well as anyone who wants to reach the heart of the ski area more quickly.
Acrobats and adrenaline addicts, rejoice. Les 2 Alpes has made its “Freestyle Land” snowparks in the Toura sector more accessible, with a high-speed, eight-seater chairlift. Intermediates will be happy too, as there are several ego-boosting red and blue pistes to ski on the same slopes.
Other significant new lifts include the €10m, six-person Côte Chevalier chairlift in Serre Chevalier; a new gondola to improve the link between Courchevel Village and Courchevel 1850; the speeding up the Bruyère gondolas in Les Menuires; and new six-seater chairlifts in Châtel, Les Orres, and Le Corbier.
New pistes are a prominent feature of the 2018-9 season in France. Advanced skiers in Val Thorens will be delighted by the addition of a new black piste in the Boismint sector, while intermediates will enjoy new blues in Les Gets and Peyragudes. In Peyragudes, the new piste will have banked turns, whoops and other beginner-sized features to make the descent more fun for kids. You’ll find similar lumps and bumps on the new LCZ family run in La Clusaz.
Meanwhile, anyone who loves a ski safari should head to the top of the Maurienne Valley. Here, the Eski-mo alliance of six resorts has produced a six-day lift pass that offers access to them all. Ski in Val Cenis, for example, and you’ll also be able to spend a day in each of the following: Aussois, La Norma, Valfréjus, Bonneval and Bessans. That puts 350km of pistes and 200km of cross-country trails at your disposal.
Do not miss: • New chairlifts La Rosière (p.5)• New zipline Val Thorens (p.5)
Freestyle Land – Les 2 Alpes
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AND MUCH MORE...
. A DIFFERENT STYLE
OF APRÈS-SKI
Mountain resorts and ski entrepreneurs are rethinking all the elements of the ski holiday, and that applies to après ski, too. In Courchevel skiers will be able to climb into the tree canopy for a vin chaud - supervised by qualified instructors. The craft beer revolution keeps on rolling too, thanks to Le Solerey, a chalet that’s been turned into a brewpub in Les Houches. Meanwhile, in Tignes the party scene gets a significant upgrade this winter, when a branch of the Val d’Isère bar, Cocorico, opens at the bottom of the funicular in Val Claret. With live bands from 4pm, DJ sets from 6-8pm, and a 400m2 terrace, it’s bound to become the resort’s party hub.
. NEW WAYS TO GET
DOWN THE MOUNTAIN
You don’t have to be a skier or a snowboarder to feel the pull of gravity. In Les Arcs this winter you can try air-tubing in the Arc 1600 snow park – whizzing down the mountain in a buoy-shaped sled, catching air off a ramp and landing on a giant air bag. Or how about a
mad-cap descent in an old-fashioned bobsleigh in Val Cenis? Meanwhile, in resorts such as La Giettaz, fat-biking on snow (with super-wide tyres) is going from strength to strength. In Alpe d’Huez you can even hire fat e-bikes, with electric motors to make the pedalling easier. Several guided tours are on offer in the resort, including an evening ride with dinner.
. MORE WAYS TO WALK UPHILL, TOO
The French are even rethinking free-spirited ski touring. This winter, in the touring hub of Arêches-Beaufort, you’ll be able to go touring at night on pistes that are closed to the grooming machines – as well as joining a two-day touring and yoga camp. Meanwhile, Val Thorens is pioneering early-bird ski-touring trips that end with breakfast. Other resorts, such as Combloux, are adding more waymarked trails which connect with groomed pistes: so you don’t have to be an accomplished off-pister to ski back down after your climb.
. SECURING THE FUTURE OF SKIING
Despite last winter’s record-breaking snowfall, no-one’s taking any chances with the climate.Investment in new-snow-making
equipment continues apace, and Valloire and Valberg are amongst this winter’s leaders when it comes to installing new snow-making machines. Valloire has replaced 50 old machines, and added 73 brand new ones. Valberg is adding 73 new machines too – capable of producing large quantities of snow in less-than-optimal conditions. Resorts and hotels are looking at ways to reduce their carbon footprint too. The ski areas of Tignes-Val d’Isère and Serre Chevalier have both won Green Globe awards for their sustainable development and social responsibility programmes. Meanwhile, in Morzine, four-star hotel Le Dahu is offering its guests 20% off accommodation if they make the whole journey to the resort by electric car.
. AND FINALLY…FEWER DROPPED SMARTPHONES
Ever tried a chairlift selfie? It’s an easy way to lose your smartphone. Now, in St Martin de Belleville and Orcières Merlette you don’t have to. In both resorts, a key chairlift has been equipped with cameras, and once you’ve got off, you can select one of the photos they’ve taken and email it to yourself.
Do not miss:• Cryotherapy in
Serre Chevalier (p.5)
A ONE-STOP SHOPFOR SKIINGG
Now you can buy all the elements of your ski experience on a single website. In
collaboration with France Montagnes, the École du Ski Français is launching
www.mon-sejour-en-montagne.com
where you can book not just your ski lessons, but your accommodation, lift passes and
ski equipment too. It’s quick and easy - and there are no reservation charges.
Fat Bike – La Giettaz
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Here’s a taste of what’s to come. In La Clusaz “Les Pestacles de Père Noël” is a week-long festival of street performance by jugglers, magician, musicians and dancers. In Courchevel, Father Christmas arrives in resort in a new style every year, whether it’s by sleigh or accompanied by a team of giant caterpillars. In Le Corbier, he’ll be on the pistes on December 25 to distribute presents, while in Les Arcs two versions of Père Noël will be on hand to deliver presents to your accommodation: one in traditional dress for families, with his less conventional twin visiting groups of friends. Valberg is looking forward to a fairground carousel in
the village centre, torchlit descents and a chance to meet Father Christmas, while Val d’Isère parties with concerts, fireworks and snow sculptures. Meanwhile, St Gervais-les-Bains’ dazzling and artistic Festival of Light adds an extra dimension to the celebrations.
All French resorts are open for Christmas, and snow is guaranteed in the high-altitude ski areas. There are also some terrific value-added offers available at this time of year. In Les Orres, for example, families get one free week for a child (accommodation, lift pass and ski hire) for each adult’s holiday booked.
CHRISTMAS IN THE MOUNTAINS IS MAGICAL
The French mountains sparkle at Christmas. Every resort aims to create a magical, family-friendly atmosphere, and celebrates the season with a plethora of events and activities. Spectacular firework displays, torch-lit descents, and visits by Father Christmas are all part of the scene – as are twinkling lights, Christmas trees and seasonal food and drink.
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SKIING INTO SPRINGSkiing into Spring is an initiative now into its fifth year organized by France Montagnes in partnership with over 50 resorts and partners (accommodation providers, the ESF French Ski School and other mountain players) to promote the spring period in the mountains.
What makes spring the ideal season to ski?
Conditions are perfect for skiing. The snow is deep and plentiful the days are longer with generally warmer temperatures, there are fewer people on the slopes, and there are tons of amazing offers meaning that skiers can enjoy a wider choice of accommodation and excellent value for money. It’s also the perfect time to learn to ski or to broaden your ski horizons by trying cross-country skiing, ski-touring, freeride, freestyle etc , all of which are equally or even better-suited to the spring. Some resorts even offer “learn to ski for free” deals. Spring is the season to take your time and go at your own pace with an ESF instructor or a qualified Mountain Guide.
What kind of Skiing Into Spring offers are available?
There are all manner of opportunities to take advantage of in spring. The resorts are buzzing, with concerts, free entertainment and outdoor activities. Each resort organises a range of options to suit their clientele. Some offer free ski passes for kids, others lay on free lessons for adult beginners. Accommodation + ski pass packages can be found for as little at €150 for the week and there are even more offers for weekends and short breaks. In short, there is something for everyone.
When does Skiing Into Spring kick off?
Skiing Into Spring gets underway on the 20th of March in the French mountains. It is the time for mountain lovers to get some quality skiing and to combine it with a whole host of other activities, wellness, tanning on sunny terraces and festive spirit. To be enjoyed “sans moderation” with familyor friends!
Is Skiing Into Spring a good fit for families?
Family is at the very heart of what Skiing Into Spring about! The range of possibilities and offers really set the spring period apart from the winter holidays, to the extent that they can almost be considered two distinct seasons. The warmer weather and softer snow conditions are an ideal combination for kids to make their first turns, try snowshoeing, snow-biking, dog-sledding, paragliding or mix it up with indoor/outdoor swimming pools and leisure centres.
The 2019 British school holiday calendar is particularly favourable, with the Easter holidays beginning at the end of March, making for a huge choice of resorts that will be open and enjoying excellent snow conditions.
www.skiingintospring.com
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12 EPIC EVENTS
LA GRANDE PREMIÈREVal Thorens 24-25 November 2018
Europe’s highest ski resort kicks off the ski season in explosive style with a weekend of live music, games, activity zones, and a free gear test - attracting 60 of the biggest brands in skiing and boarding. Last year, there were 5,000 individual products to try, and 28,000 people took to the slopes.
LE CRITÉRIUM DE LA 1ÈRE NEIGEVal d’Isère 7-9 & 14-16 December 2018
The World Cup racing season in the Alps powers up with two weekends of racing, featuring the Men’s Giant Slalom and Slalom and the Women’s Super G and Downhill. Val d’Isère’s season always gets off to a strong start, and with world-class competition, fireworks and concerts thrown into the mix this is for many the unofficial start of winter.
LA GRANDE ODYSSÉESavoie Mont Blanc 12-23 January 2019
With a backdrop of soaring Alpine peaks, La Grande Odyssée is one of the most spectacular of all dog-sledding races. This winter’s event starts in Samoëns, and will see around 20 mushers and their dogs take nearly two weeks to reach Bonneval-sur-Arc - passing through Megève, La Plagne and Val Cenis en route.
HEALTHY & GOURMET SKI WEEKBrides-les-Bains 14-18 January 2019
Christmas is over, and it’s time to get into shape – courtesy of the spa town of Brides-les-Bains. This festival of exercise, reflection and healthy living combines yoga sessions, spa treatments in the thermal baths, and a range of snowsports offered in collaboration with the Ecole du Ski Français in Méribel. Guests can also take advantage of the light and innovative mountain cuisine offered in the town’s restaurants.
LES CHEFS AU SOMMET Auron 19-25 January 2019
The best chefs on the Côte d’Azur head to the mountains and take their place alongside the restaurateurs of Auron – producing gastronomic menus for just €45, and showcasing some of the region’s finest ingredients. This year’s programme has yet to be announced, but guests in 2018 included the French champion of desserts, pâtissier Christian Cottard.
BACCHUS À LA NEIGEVal d’Arly 21-25 January 2019
Thirsty? Then head to Crest-Voland in the Val d’Arly for the 15th annual festival of wine and snow. It runs alongside St Vincent’s Week in neighbouring Notre Dame de Bellecombe – a celebration of Savoyard gastronomy that includes an evening devoted to rissoles, the deep-fried local dessert filled with stewed apples, pears and/or raisins.
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OUTDOORMIX WINTER FESTIVALVars 22-27 January 2019
Why have one wintersports event when you can pack nine into a single week? For the second year, Vars is running its inspired festival of competition, with snowboarding, freeskiing, mountain-biking, slackline, parapenting, snowscooting and even snow-kayaking in the schedule. Evening concerts and parties add extra fizz.
FESTIVAL OF PYROTECHNIC ARTCourchevel 14 February-7 March 2019
After Darth Vader last year, the spirit of Jack Sparrow will be abroad in Courchevel this winter, during its 17th annual fireworks festival. The theme for 2019 is “Black Pearl”, and four international teams are due to compete. This year, the public is also invited to judge the event. Each display will be broadcast on Facebook, with the most popular winning Le Prix de Public.
SYBELLES OPTIMISTLe Corbier 18-20 February 2019
It’s a mountain race unlike any other. For the third consecutive year in Le Corbier, teams of three will be going head-to-head in two tiny Optimist sailing dinghies. You run uphill to your craft, jump in, and let gravity (rather than the wind) take control. Competition is intense – and no wonder, given that first prize is a refund of the cost of your stay in the resort.
CHÂTEL CLASSICChâtel 25-28 February 2019
Under the artistic direction of acclaimed pianist Elena Ro-zanova, Châtel’s short classical music festival is an intimate and informal affair. At its core are three days of concerts in the church of Saint Laurent, given by musicians of the highest calibre – guitarist Samuel Strouk, cellist François Salque and violinist Pierre Fouchenneret are amongst those who have performed in previous years.
PIERRA MENTAArêches-Beaufort 13-16 March 2019
10,000 metres up. 10,000 metres down. That’s the challenge facing the 600 ski-tourers competing in the 34th Pierra Monta. There are four days of racing, over 15 peaks, and the skiers take part in teams of two – urged on by thousands of spectators. If you want to know just how tough the world’s best ski tourers are, this is the place to find out.
ROCK THE PISTESPortes du Soleil 17-23 March 2019
The Portes du Soleil’s annual music-fest is free to anyone with a lift pass, and makes full use of its vast ski area, laying on a piste-side concert in a new venue each afternoon. DJ sets in key après-ski venues as well as gigs at village level add to the freewheeling, music-is-everywhere atmosphere. This year, Charlie Winston & Hyphen Hyphen have already been announced.
Do not miss:• Tomorrowland Alpe d’Huez (p.5)
La Grande Odyssée Savoie Mont Blanc
FRENCH MOUNTAINS HIT THE HEIGHTS!
FURTHER INFORMATION presse.france-montagnes.com/en
PRESS CONTACTS
Martine AchardInternational Promotion [email protected]
France MontagnesTel. +33(0)4 79 65 06 75
Frédérique ChenalInternational Promotion [email protected]
France MontagnesTel. +33(0)4 79 65 06 75
#WINTER2018/2019
FRANCE MONTAGNES is the confederation of major playersin French mountain tourism whose remit it is to promote the
mountains of France as a tourist destination.
WWW.FRANCE-MONTAGNES.COM
