the press pack winter 2016/2017 - Espace pro

WINTER 2016 - 2017
P R E S S PA C K
White Magic
w w w. s a vo i e - m o n t - b l a n c . c o m
White Magic
Savoie Mont Blanc… first destination in the world
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19 linked ski areas
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New accommodation: hotels, chalets, residences, re-
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Restaurants and après ski : new restaurants,
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Fun in the snow
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Agenda
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Skiing in the spring
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for winter sports
novation
Michelin starred restaurants, le goûter, après-ski venues
© CLOS DES SENS
© BF
CHEZ PEPE NICOLAS - © LES BELLEVILLE
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CHAMONIX - © M. DALMASSO
Savoie Mont Blanc
is the first destination in the world for
winter sports
SAVOIE MONT BLANC
IN NUMBERS
• 116 ski resorts
• 19 linked ski areas
• 33.2 millions of day lift passes
(winter 2014-2015)
• 39.9 millions overnight
stays (winter 2015-2016)
• A ski area covering 566 km² or
55% of French ski areas
• 74 Nordic skiing centres
• 9,597 ski instructors
(ESF)
• In winter, 47% of the clientele
is non-French
The area covers two thirds of the Alps and
includes 116 ski resorts. They are all easy
to access by plane (Chambéry, Grenoble,
Lyon and Geneva), train or car.
˃ New flights for winter 2016-17 :
Chambéry airport, located in the heart of
the French Alps, is connected to nine airports in the UK. There are four new routes
this winter: London Stansted (British Airways), Doncaster (Flybe), Manchester
(Flybe) and Norwich (Flybe).
The airport is being completely renovated
for this winter.
Chambéry : www.chambery-airport.com
• 203.8 million of investments in
ski areas
• 24 ski resorts have the
«Famille Plus Montagne» label
˃ Social media :
In 2016, Savoie Mont Blanc exceeded
500,000 fans on Facebook, 10,000 followers on Twitter and 30,000 on Instagram.
˃ A new pass, the Alpine Signature
The Alpine Signature pass gives access to
Europe’s largest ski areas: Les 3 Vallées,
Paradiski and Tignes-Val d’Isère. 1,325km
of slopes from €348 for a six-day pass.
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19 linked ski areas
Fully linked ski area
Linked with shuttles
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© SAVOIE MONT BLANC - LEBEAU
19 Linked areas
15 Linked areas (completely linked by lifts)
15
˃ Hirmentaz-Les Habères
˃ Espace Diamant
areas linked by lifts
50km, from 935 to 1610m
Resorts: Bellevaux-Hirmentaz, les Habères
6-day pass: €133.30
www.hirmentaz-bellevaux.com
192km, from 1000m to 2069m
Resorts: Crest Voland Cohennoz, Flumet-Saint
Nicolas la Chapelle, Hauteluce, Notre Dame de
Bellecombe, Praz sur Arly, Les Saisies
6-day pass: €207
www.espacediamant.com
+
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˃ Paradiski
425km, from 1200m to 3250m
Resorts: Les Arcs/Bourg Saint Maurice, Champagny-en-Vanoise, Montchavin-les-Coches,
Peisey-Vallandry, La Plagne, La PlagneMontalbert, Villaroger
6-day pass: €223.50
www.paradiski.com
˃ Espace San Bernardo
160 km of slopes from 1850m to 2650m
Resorts: La Rosière 1850, Séez, La Thuile (Italy)
6-day pass: €206
www.espacesanbernardo.com
areas linked by lifts and
shulttles
in Savoie Mont Blanc
˃ Evasion Mont Blanc
˃ Les Portes du Soleil
445km, from 1113m to 2350m
Resorts: Megève, Saint-Gervais-Saint-Nicolas,
Combloux, La Giettaz, Les Contamines/Hauteluce
6-day pass: €231
www.evasionmontblanc.com
600km, from 1000m to 2400m
Resorts: Abondance, Avoriaz, Châtel, La Chapelle d’Abondance, Les Gets, Montriond, Morzine-Avoriaz, Saint Jean d’Aulps. Switzerland:
Champéry, Morgins, Torgon, Val d’Illiez-Les
Crosets-Champoussin
6-day pass: from €214 to €255
www.portesdusoleil.com
˃ Galibier Thabor
150km, from 1430m to 2600m
Resorts: Valloire, Valmeinier
6-day pass: €197.50
www.galibier-thabor.com
˃ Praz de Lys – Sommand
50 km, from 1240m to 2000m
Resorts: Taninges-Praz de Lys, MieussySommand
6-day pass: €141
www.prazdelys-sommand.com
˃ Le Grand Domaine
165km, from 1450m to 2550m
Resorts: Valmorel, Saint-François-Longchamp,
Doucy-Combelouvière, Celliers
6-day pass: €222
www.legranddomaine.fr
˃ Roc d’Enfer
50km, from 950m to 1800m
Resorts: Saint Jean d’Aulps-Roc d’Enfer Bellevaux-Roc d’Enfer
6-day pass: €127.40
www.espacerocdenfer.com
˃ Le Grand Massif
265km, from 700m to 2500m
Resorts: Flaine, Samoëns, Les Carroz, Morillon,
Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval
6-day pass: €242.40
www.grand-massif.com
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19 linked areas
VALLOIRE - © BF
˃ Les 3 Vallées
˃ Les Sybelles
600km, from 1300m to 3230m
Resorts: Courchevel, La Tania, Méribel, Bridesles-Bains (accessed by gondola), Les Menuires,
Saint Martin de Belleville, Val Thorens, Orelle
(accessed by gondola)
6-day pass: €264.60
www.les3vallees.com
310km, from 1100m to 2620m
Resorts: Le Corbier, La Toussuire, Les BottièresJarrier, Saint-Jean-d’Arves, Saint-Sorlin-d’Arves,
Saint-Colomban-des-Villards
6-day pass: €220.30
www.sybelles.com
˃ Tignes - Val d’Isère
˃ Val Cenis Vanoise
300km, from 1550m to 3456m
Resorts: Tignes, Val d’Isère
6-day pass: €278
www.tignes.net and www.valdisere.com
125km, from 1400m to 2800m
Resorts: Val Cenis (Lanslevillard-Lanslebourg),
Termignon la Vanoise
6-day pass: €173
www.valcenisvanoise.fr
4 areas linked by lifts and shuttles
˃ Chamonix Mont Blanc Valley: MontBlanc Unlimited
˃ Lake Annecy Ski Resorts (Massif des
Aravis)
163km, from 1035m to 3300m
Resorts: Ski lifts of the Chamonix Valley including Aiguille du Midi, Montenvers as well as
Evasion Mont Blanc, Courmayeur and the Funivia Monte Bianco in Italy.
6-day pass: 299€
www.chamonix.com
220km, from 1000m to 2600m
Resorts: La Clusaz, Le Grand-Bornand,
Manigod, Saint-Jean-de-Sixt
6-day pass: price to be confirmed
www.lakeannecy-skiresorts.com
˃ Savoie Grand Revard
50km, from 1200 to 1550m
Resorts: La Féclaz, Le Revard, Saint-Françoisde-Sales
6-day pass: €94
www.savoiegrandrevard.com
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˃ Eski-Mo
300km, from 1400m to 3050m
Resorts: Aussois, La Norma, Val Cenis, Val
Frejus, Bonneval-sur-Arc
6-day pass: price to be confirmed
www.eski-mo.com
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HOTEL ROCKY POP - VALLEE DE CHAMONIX-MONT-BLANC - © ROCKY POP HOTEL
New accommodation
New hotels
˃ Chamonix: Three-star hotel RockyPop
is a new concept – a mixture of a hotel and
a hostel that offers cheap and cheerful accommodation in the Chamonix valley. Located in the village of Les Houches, the
RockyPop has 148 bedrooms that can
sleep from 1 to 12 people. The ground floor
has a fun and open space, with pop-art
décor, a boutique hairdressers and barbers,
a photo booth, movies and plenty of entertaining games. The first floor includes a ski
shop and a storage area.The RockyPop
has three food counters: gourmet burgers,
local specialties and pizzas. Groups of
friends can stay at the RockyPop from as
little as €10 per person per night, families
from €25 per person per night, and couples
from €60 per person per night.
K Collection
The luxury Hotel Kilimandjaro in Courchevel has been
transformed into Le K2 Altitude. The 32 rooms and
suites of this five-star hotel
have been decorated in a
Himalayan theme. Le K2 Altitude includes a chalet dedicated to wellbeing and pampering, with a spa, a
hairdressers and a barbers.
www.lek2altitude.com
˃ Courchevel: The Barrière Group will open
its first mountain hotel with Les Neiges in
Courchevel 1850. Located at the foot of the
Bellecôte slope, the five-star hotel will
be ultra-luxurious. It includes 42 rooms and
suites across seven floors – some of which
have a fireplace – and all rooms are
equipped with the latest technology. Guests
will be able to enjoy a 1,000m2 Diane Barrière spa, a cinema room, a 240m2 ski room,
three restaurants, including brasserie Fouquet’s, an indoor bar and a large terrace on
the slopes. Hotel Barrière Les Neiges is part
of the prestigious label The Leading Hotels
of the World.
http://hotel-les-neiges.bebarriere.com
˃ Val Thorens: The Mercure, one of the first
hotels built in Val Thorens, is becoming the
Fahrenheit Seven. Two families who have
been friends for many years and are passionate about skiing and hospitality – the Unger
family and the Vidoni family – have bought
the Mercure. They are keeping only the external walls of the building and are renovating and redesigning everything else. Fahrenheit Seven boasts 107 spacious bedrooms (of 27m2 minimum) with chic and
vintage décor, including artwork showing Val
Thorens’ history. The hotel also has living
and dining areas: an outdoor après-ski bar, a
Le Zinc eatery, a fireside dining area, a rotisserie restaurant, two rooftop-style terraces
and a wellbeing area. Fahrenheit Seven
opens on 25 November 2016. From €230
per double room with breakfast.
www.rockypop-chamonix.com
4****
˃ Les Arcs: Les Arcs’ first five-star hotel,
the Taj-I Mah, will open in December. Located at the top of Arc 2000, the new luxury
hotel will be full of light thanks to large bay
windows all around the complex. The Taj-I
Mah boasts 48 bedrooms and two restaurants, one of which is gastronomic and
serves a menu signed off by Michelinstarred chef Eric Samson. It will also include a 400m² spa with treatment rooms, an
indoor swimming pool, a Jacuzzi, a sauna,
a steam room and a relaxing area
with a salt wall. The hotel will also have a
fitness centre. From €104 per person per
night, half board.
A new four-star hotel, Deux
Domaines, will open in La
Rosière. Built in a Savoyard
style, the hotel has 71 rooms
and suites decorated in a
contemporary fashion. Deux
Domaines has a spa, a pool,
a bar and two restaurants.
Larosiere.net
www.hotel-tajimah.com
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Accommodation
New in la clusaz
Le Mendi Alde is a new fourstar residence in La Clusaz
run by the Odalys group.
Located at the top of the village, the residence is made
up of five chalets, which include a total of 195 apartments, a bar, a restaurant
and a Serge Blanco balneotherapy centre.
LA ROSIERE - CGH LES MARMOTTONS © STUDIO BERGOEND
New chalets
Odalys will also open the first
part of four-star residence Le
Front de Neige in La Plagne.
This first part includes 500
bedrooms, a spa with a
swimming pool, and a baby
club. More apartments and a
restaurant will open for winter 2017–18.
www.odalys-vacationrental.com
˃ Tignes: free skier Guerlain Chicherit has
opened a new luxury chalet, Le Chalet
Rock n’ Love, in Tignes-les-Brévières.
Nominated at the World Ski Awards 2016,
Le Chalet Rock n’ Love is a very special
place to stay, with a funky ’70s theme.
Adults will enjoy some grown-up toys such
as musical instruments, a mini pool table
and a jukebox, while children get to sleep
in classic cars converted into beds.
Chalet Rock n’ Love boasts five suites and
can sleep up to 15 people.
˃ The Village Montana group is opening a
new five-star residence in Val d’Isère called Chalet Skadi, which is named after the
Scandinavian goddess of skiing and mountains. Chalet Skadi has 36 apartments and
a beautiful spa. The spa, Les Bains du
Montana, boasts an indoor swimming pool,
a Jacuzzi, a sauna and a steam room, and
offers treatments and massages that use
the Cinq Mondes product range for body
and facial treatments, exfoliation and reflexology.
www.village-montana.com
˃ Val Thorens: La Datcha is Val Thorens’ first guest house, as well as the first
building in a ski resort to be built entirely
using ‘Passivhaus’*-approved, eco-friendly
construction techniques. The entire chalet
has been designed to reduce its environmental impact as much as possible
through managing its energy consumption
by using effective insulation, and saving
water. La Datcha includes five bedrooms
over five floors, a golf simulator, an F1
simulator, a cinema and a spa.
˃ La Rosière has a new four-star residence by CGH called Les Marmottons.
Located only 300m from the slopes and
the village, the new residence has 33
apartments.
www.cgh-residences.co.uk
www.ladatcha.com/valthorens
New residences
˃ The small family-friendly resort, Albiez,
in the Maurienne Valley is being transformed by the opening of a 16-appartment
residence, La Place du Village.
www.albiez.fr
˃ Five-star residence the Amara in Avoriaz has a new loft for 12 people, with a
private terrace, a sauna and a steam
room.
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REFUGE LES AIGLONS - CHAMONIX - © REFUGE LES AIGLONS
MONTANA - TIGNES- © STUDIO BERGOEND
Renovations
˃ Les Aiglons in Chamonix has been
transformed into Le Refuge des Aiglons.
The hotel’s 100 rooms and communal
spaces have been decorated in a mountain style, with cushions in the shape of
logs and bedside tables in the shape of
bears.
˃ Four-star hotel La Bouitte in SaintMartin-de-Belleville, famous for its threeMichelin-starred restaurant, has a new
60m2 suite. The Emilie and Anaïs bedrooms have been renovated and upgraded
www.la-bouitte.com
www.aiglons.com
˃ For its 20th anniversary, four-star hotel
Village Montana in Tignes had a makeover. Its 81 bedrooms have been renovated in a cosy mountain style.
˃ Chris and Sarah own several luxurious
chalets in Morzine. Chalet Twenty26 has
recently been renovated in a refined contemporary style. A new outdoor spa has
been added. The chalet has six en-suite
bedrooms, a large living room with beautiful views over the Pointe de Nyon and
Morzine ski area, a steam room, a sauna,
a Jacuzzi and a heated outdoor pool.
˃ Located in the heart of Courchevel Moriond, the Hotel du Golf has new owners
and has become Les Cimes Blanches. Its
42 bedrooms have been renovated.
www.theboutiquechalet.com/twenty26
CHALET TWENTY26 - MORZINE - © CHALET TWENTY26
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LES ARCS– RESTAURANT TAJ I MAH - © TAJ I MAH
Restaurants and après-ski
New restaurants
˃ Le Zinc is a wine bistro at the new hotel
Fahrenheit Seven in Val Thorens. Fullbodied, tannic, robust, light, dry, sweet,
sparkling... there’s so much choice when it
comes to quality wine, with over 150
choices on the menu! Served surrounded
by the bistro’s stylish vintage décor, wine
tasting is accompanied by cheeses, cured
meats and specialities to share.
There will be live music at Le Zinc three
times a week.
˃ The new Hôtel Barrière Les Neiges in
Courchevel offers three restaurants. Fouquet’s is a traditional Parisian brasserie
with a menu influenced by local products.
Le BFire is a South American restaurant
where Italian–French–Argentinian chef
Mauro Colagreco (who gained two Michelin
stars at the Mirazur in Menton) prepares a
gastronomic and modern asado. The
lounge and its terrace is the perfect place
to have gourmet snacks and enjoy live
entertainment in the evening.
http://fahrenheitseven.com
http://hotel-les-neiges.bebarriere.com
˃ Le Beurre Noisette is a new restaurant
owned and managed by Francine and Sébastien Vandenkoornhuyse, who used to
work at the renowned La Remise in Argentière. Located in the centre of Chamonix,
Le Beurre Noisette offers delicious and
creative cuisine, including gourmet platters
and wines from all around the world.
˃ The luxury Hotel Kilimandjaro, also in
Courchevel, has been transformed into Le
K2 Altitude and boasts several new restaurants. Le Montgomerie (after the British
topographer who named the K2) is a gastronomic restaurant managed by the chef
Gatien Demczyna. Les Terrasses du Kilimandjaro has become Le K2 Altitude’s
base camp, and a new Mediterranean restaurant, La Cima, has been created. The
Stanley’s Bar has become The 1865 Bar –
a nod to the year in which K2 was summited for the first time.
www.beurrenoisettechamonix.com
˃ Michelin-starred chef Eric Samson, who
previously worked at the Koh-I Nor in Val
Thorens, is the head chef at the two restaurants in Les Arcs’ new luxury hotel, Le
Taj-I Mah. Le Diamant Noir is a gourmet
restaurant offering a creative menu as well
as panoramic views over the resort. La
Rôtisserie offers family cooking, including
grilled dishes.
http://www.lek2altitude.com
© FOTOLIA
www.hotel-tajimah.com
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LE LA BOUITTE - ST.MARTIN BELLEVILLE © PF COUDERC
MORZINE - © OT MORZINE - SYLVAIN COCHARD
˃ The three-Michelin-starred restaurant at
La Bouitte, located in Saint-Martin-deBelleville, celebrates its 40th anniversary
on 12 December. On that special day, the
famous restaurant will organise cooking
workshops and wine tasting.
For this winter the restaurant rooms have
been enlarged and redecorated. A new
terrace and lounge area have been
created.
« Petit gastronome»
menu
˃ Chalet White Eden in Sainte-FoyTarentaise has a new restaurant, Eden’s
Kitchen. Located on the edge of the slopes
at the bottom of the chairlifts, it is great
place to stop for lunch. Enjoy refined food
on the sunny terrace with panoramic views
over Sainte-Foy.
˃ Courchevel: Hotel Courcheneige is
opening a Champagne and tapas bar on
its roof terrace, as well as a new restaurant
offering an Italian menu and grilled meat.
www.la-bouitte.com
Six restaurants in Morzine
offer a ‘petit gastronome’
menu. Children can have the
same gourmet menu as their
parents, but with smaller
portions at a smaller price!
www.courcheneige.com
LE GRAND CŒUR - MERIBEL - © LE GRAND COEUR
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Restaurants and
après-ski
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Savoie Mont Blanc, now has
34 restaurants with Michelinstarred chefs, and a total of
49 stars!
LES AIRELLES - COURCHEVEL - © G. VAN DAMME
Here is the list of all the Michelin-starred restaurants and
their chefs in Savoie Mont Blanc
˃ Le Refuge des Gourmets (Machilly)
Jean-Marie and Hubert Chanôve
˃ Le Clocher des Pères (Saint-Martinsur-la-Chambre)
Pierre Troccaz
˃ L’Esquisse (Annecy)
Stéphane Dattrino
˃ Million (Albertville)
José de Anacleto
˃ La Ciboulette (Annecy)
Georges Paccard
˃ Auberge Lamartine (Le Bourget-du-Lac)
Pierre Marin
˃ Atmosphères (Le Bourget-du-Lac)
Alain Perrillat-Mercerot
˃ Azimut (Courchevel)
François Moureaux
˃ Ô Flaveurs (Douvaine)
Jérôme Mamet
˃ La Ferme de l’Hospital (Saint-Julienen-Genevois/Bossey)
Jean-Jacques Noguier
˃ Auberge du Père Bise (Talloires)
Sophie Bise
˃ Le Farçon (La Tania)
Julien Machet
˃ La Table de l’Ours (Val d’Isère)
Alain Lamaison
˃ La Table de l’Alpaga (Megève)
Christophe Schuffenecker
˃ Le Sérac (Saint-Gervais-les-Bains)
Raphaël Le Mancq
˃ L’Ekrin (Méribel)
Laurent Azoulay
˃ L’Épicurien (Val Thorens)
Jérémy Gillon
˃ Baumanière 1850 (Courchevel)
Jean-André Charial
Three stars
˃ Flocons de Sel (Megève)
Emmanuel Renaut
˃ La Bouitte (Saint-Martin-de-Belleville)
René and Maxime Meilleur
Two stars
© JEAN SULPICE
˃ Le 1920 (Megève)
Julien Gatillon
˃ Le Clos des Sens (Annecy-le-Vieux)
Laurent Petit
˃ Yoann Conte (Annecy/Veyrier-du-Lac)
Yoann Conte
˃ Le Bateau Ivre (Le Bourget-du-Lac)
Jean-Pierre Jacob
˃ Albert 1er (Chamonix-Mont-Blanc)
Pierre Maillet
˃ Le Chabichou (Courchevel)
Michel Rochedy
˃ Pierre Gagnaire for Les Airelles
(Courchevel)
Pierre Gagnaire
˃ Cheval Blanc (Courchevel)
Yannick Alléno
˃ Auberge Les Morainières (Jongieux)
Mickaël Arnoult
˃ Jean Sulpice (Val Thorens)
Jean Sulpice
˃ L’Atelier d’Edmond (Val d’Isère)
Benoît Vidal
One star
˃ La Table du Kilimandjaro (Courchevel)
Nicolas Sale
˃ Le Kintessence (Courchevel)
Nicolas Sale
˃ Raphaël Vionnet (Thonon-les-Bains)
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CHEZ PEPE NICOLAS - © LES BELLEVILLE
GOUTER KOH-I NOR - VAL THORENS - © P. TOURNAIRE
Le goûter: a very French afternoon snack
Le goûter is a sweet afternoon snack that French children eat… and
skiers after a day on the slopes! Le goûter is becoming more and more sophisticated. Many luxury hotels with Michelin-starred restaurants offer buffets of cakes and other treats to their guests and non-guests.
˃ In Courchevel, try le Goûter des Airelles or the Chabi-goûter at the Chabichou.
˃ Many places prepare goûters like in
the old days.
Auberge du Croix in Le Grand-Bornand
has a mountain of homemade cakes.
In Val Cenis Termignon, L’Estanco
makes traditional waffles and crêpes
served with a homemade hazelnut spread.
Le Relais de l’Aiguille in La Clusaz offers Pain Perdu (eggy bread) with any
drinks purchased in the afternoon.
At Chez Pépé Nicolas in Les Menuires,
traditional homemade rissoles are on the
menu. A rissole is a small croquette enclosed in pastry, usually baked or deep fried.
There is a large choice of homemade fruit
tarts at Chez Denis on the Châtel ski
area.
˃ The Koh-I Nor in Val Thorens makes
delicious Crêpes Suzette – a traditional
French dessert consisting of crêpes with a
caramelized sugar and butter sauce,
orange zest, and Grand Marnier, prepared
in a flambé tableside performance.
CHEZ PEPE NICOLAS - © LES BELLEVILLE
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Restaurants and
après-ski
BAR MALTÉ - © LAURIANE SENTY
New après-ski venues
˃ In the Caron gallery in Val Thorens, a
new area called Driv’Inn has been fitted
out. It is dedicated to the joys of car racing
and features three exclusive high-tech
Ellip6 driving simulators – total immersion
guaranteed! To relax after a good race,
head to the elegant bar to chat about the
incredible cars while enjoying the local
wine.
˃ The restaurant Le Monal in Sainte-Foy
-Tarentaise is opening Le 1888, describing it as a ‘cave à manger’, which translates as a cellar in which to eat! Le 1888
is a great new place to enjoy good wine,
local charcuteries or grilled meat cooked
on an open fire. There is also a corner
shop for those who want to take some
wine and local products back home.
www.le-monal.com
˃ Crewzer Riding is another new après-ski
venue in Val Thorens and is the place to
be for riders.
Guests can enjoy beers from around the
world, appetiser platters and burgers, all
while watching live broadcasts of alternative sports competitions including snowboarding, skating and surfing.
˃ In La Plagne, French skier Julien Lizeroux is launching a new après-ski concept
with Bonnet that will be located on the
slopes. There will be street food, live music, games, and more to be announced!
COURCHEVEL - © BARRIERE LES NEIGES
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Fun in the snow!
˃ A skibob is a bicycle-type frame attached to skis instead of wheels. This activity is available all winter in the Espace
Diamant.
It costs €25 to hire a skibob for a half-day.
An introduction with an instructor costs €39
per hour.
Espace Diamant will also host the first
French stage of the Skibob World Cup
from 26–28 January 2017.
Free style with pros
˃ Sled Dogs are comfortable and light
snow boots with steel edges fixed to the
boots’ base. They were invented in Norway
and are now available in Les Gets.
Easy to control, Sled Dogs allow beginners
to have their first fun on snow, while experienced skiers can improve their technique
and fitness.
Free introductions to Sled Dogs will be
available in Les Gets this winter, and the
resort will be hosting a stage of the Sled
Dogs World Championships in January
2017.
In Morzine, the Easy2Ride Ski
and Snowboard Academy
has launched a free Ski
Academy with Xavier Bertoni,
winner of the X Games, as its
godfather. Beginners will be
able to try the Big Air and
take part in events organised
by top French riders such as
Kevin Rolland, Romain Grosjean and Jules Bonnaire.
www.morzineski.fr
Snowboard champion Johann Baisamy is retiring from
the competition world and is
opening a snowboarding
school in Avoriaz.
© FOTOLIA
SLED DOGS - LES GETS - © LES GETS
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Fun on the slopes
MARAUDAGE - LE GRAND MASSIF - © ASTERS LE GRAND MASSIF
Behind the scenes in
La Rosière!
During the first week of the
season, from 10–17 December, holidaymakers can buy
a VIP pass to discover the
behind-the-scenes areas of
a ski resort. You will learn
about snowmaking, snow
grooming, ski preparations,
and more.
Private slope
Hire a slope by night! In
Manigod, part of Lake Annecy Ski Resorts, visitors
can hire a slope for the
evening for €290.
Observe the local flora and fauna
˃ In Le Grand Massif, an environmental
observatory has been set up by the
Flaine ski resort to list the biodiversity over
its 1,400ha. Skiers can take part in sessions to observe and learn about the local
fauna. Sessions taking place at the top of
the Mélèze run every Sunday from 13.30–
16.00 and at the bottom of Le Desert Blanc
chairlift every Monday from 09.30–11.30.
˃ Pralognan-la-Vanoise also organises
sessions to discover the local flora and
fauna.
Other snow activities
˃ Liberty Ride is an area in Courchevel
dedicated to freeriding. At 1.3km long, and
with a vertical descent of 350m, the area is
not groomed but is secured. Courchevel
also organises l’Avalanch’Camp to teach
riders about the mountain environment and
off-piste skiing.
˃ Aussois in the Maurienne valley is offering a fun new activity – the horse board!
Participants sit on a rubber ring and are
pulled by a horse on a secure circuit.
˃ This winter, Châtel Aventure will open
four of its seven acrobatic circuits for the
first time.
˃ Valmeinier offers free warm-up sessions at 2,400m. Several sessions of four
to six minutes are organised throughout
the day, supervised by a fitness coach.
After the sessions, participants can enjoy a
hot drink with the ski patrollers. The aim of
this activity is to inform skiers and snowboarders that it is important to warm up in
order to be fit to avoid accidents.
˃ Also for the first time this winter, La
Plagne will open the Supertyro – a zip
wire linking Plagne Aime 2000 to Plagne
Centre. Zip down at a speed of 80–90km
per hour!
˃ Ski Cool in Val Thorens is bringing back
monoskiing. Hugely popular and fashionable in the ’80s, the sport is making a
comeback this winter!
Prices are available on request for group
and individual lessons.
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˃ Morzine-Avoriaz has the first slope in
France dedicated to yoga for skiers.
Skiers can practice 10 yoga postures
along the run, either on their own or with
the ESF. The ESF organises introductions
to ski yoga every Sunday afternoon.
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YETI RACE - LES MENUIRES © OT LES MENUIRES
Agenda…
New events
˃ Sosh big air
Annecy
30 September–1 October
A new freestyle skiing contest will take
place in the pretty town of Annecy during
the High Five Festival – an international ski
festival. Twenty pros will show their best
tricks from an XXL jump of 42m.
˃ Superslalom® Julien Lizeroux
La Plagne
1 april
Slalom champion Julien Lizeroux and
freestyler and backcountry skier Julien
Régnier are going to organise the world’s
longest slalom, with 320 gate poles over a
4km-long run. Four hundred participants
are expected to attend, including non-pros
and pros like Alexis Pinturault, JeanBaptiste Grange, Tessa Worley, Victor
Muffat-Jeandet, Ted Ligety, Felix Neureuther, Luc Alphand, Martin Fourcade, Kevin
Rolland, Ben Valentin, Enak Gavaggio,
Ophélie David and Jean-Frédéric Chapuis.
www.highfive-festival.com
˃ Halloween in Tignes
29–30 October
Book a scary ski weekend in Tignes! Apéritifs containing living insects, a pasta dinner party, a pool party with a DJ, horror
movies and many more horrible surprises
are on the programme!
Stay from €69 per person.
˃ Yéti Race
Tignes
8 May
After La Plagne on 10 December and Les
Menuires on 12 March, the Yéti Race is
coming to Tignes on 8 May. It is a trailrunning race combined with some other
sports. Teams of two people have to use
their orienteering skills, stamina and determination.
˃ La Grande Première
Val Thorens
26–27 October
This year, Europe’s highest ski resort is
putting on a show to mark the start of the
ski season, including a (real!) red carpet
on the freshly groomed snow, gear tests,
film premieres, DJs and unforgettable
après-ski parties!
Weekend tickets start from €108 per person, including a two-day lift pass, accommodation in a (full-occupancy) four-person
studio apartment and admission to ski
equipment tests.
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Agenda
MORZINE - YOGA A SKI - © JB BIEUVILLE
10th
Tenth Le Fabuleux Village
Évian-les-Bains
9 December–4 January
Since 2007, Évian has been
decorated with driftwood
sculptures around Christmas
time. Over three weeks, the
town is transformed and entertainment takes place, including storytelling, live music and plays.
CRITERIUM 1ère NEIGE - VAL D’ISERE - © SINDY THOMAS - AGENCE ZOOM
Anniversaries
˃ Fifteenth 3 Vallées Enduro
2 April
Teams of three skiers take part in fun
races across the 3 Vallées. This year, local
champions will participate, and there will
be many surprises.
throughout the winter, with a special display during their firework festival, a painting covering the Saulire cable car, and
many other surprises.
www.courchevel.com
˃ Saint-Gervais is 80
In 1936, the first cable car between SaintGervais and Le Bettex opened. Since then,
the resort has never stopped developing
and improving. Shows and entertainment
will take place all winter.
˃ Avoriaz is 50
Avoriaz is a purpose-built resort with
unique and avant-garde architecture. Entertainment will take place over the whole
winter.
www.avoriaz.com
www.saintgervais.com
˃ Val Cenis is 50
Val Cenis, in the Haute Maurienne Vanoise, is also turning 50! The resort will
celebrate all winter, with a special week
from 1–7 April.
˃ Notre-Dame-de-Bellecombe is 80
Located in the heart of the Espace Diamant ski area, this small village became a
ski resort 80 years ago thanks to its first lift
– the télétraineau – which was a kind of
sledge pulled by a cable. The télétraineau
will be the emblem of a winter of celebration, with parties, fireworks and a cooking
contest in January.
http://val-cenis.haute-mauriennevanoise.com
˃ Courchevel is 70
Courchevel was the first purpose-built resort and was a real pioneer in terms of
architecture and ski-area organisation.
Thanks to passionate locals, Courchevel
has become a world-class ski resort. Courchevel will celebrate its 70th anniversary
www.valdarly-montblanc.com
Savoie Mont Blanc sponsors many events:
˃ Ski Cross World Cup - Val Thorens - 09-10 December
˃ Criterium de la 1ère neige - Val d’Isère - 10-18 December
˃ Cross-country Skiing World Cup - La Clusaz - 17-18 December
˃ Alpine Skiing World Cup - Courchevel - 20 December
˃ La Grande Odyssée Savoie Mont Blanc - 07-18 january
> Handi Ski World Cup -Tignes - January
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˃ Télémark World Cup - Méribel - 21-22 January
˃ Audi FIS Ski Cross World Cup - Megève - 21-22 January
˃ Ice Climbing World Championships - Champagny-enVanoise - 04-11 February
˃ Half pipe - Tignes - 7 March
˃ FIS Télémark World Championships - Montchavin La
Plagne -14-19 mars
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Skiing in the spring
Many ski resorts in Savoie Mont Blanc open until late April, with
Tignes and Val Thorens staying open until early May.
Les Francofolies,
a famous music festival in La
Rochelle, had its first winter
festival in Tignes last year.
With performances from Caravan Palace, Louise Attaque
and many other French rock
and jazz bands, it was a real
success.
The ‘Francos’ are coming
back this year from 3–6 April,
with 15 acts and three
stages.
www.tignes.net
Spring is still a great time for skiing as the snow is good, the days are longer and
usually sunnier, and it is quite often cheaper than in winter! Moreover, many resorts
organise music events, food festivals, and special entertainment.
˃ Aussois in the Maurienne Valley also
organises a food festival from 1–7 April.
Goût et Terroir is an event in which visitors
can enjoy local wines, charcuteries and
cheeses, as well as organic beer from the
local microbrewery Oé.
˃ Rock the Pistes is a unique festival in
which concerts take place on the slopes all
over the Portes du Soleil. The seventh
Rock the Pistes event will take place from
19–25 March.
www.rockthepistes.com
www.aussois.com
˃ Flaine in the Grand Massif hosts two
music festivals: After Mix from 25–31
March for groove and electro fans, and
Pop Rock Live with 15 free concerts from
1–7 April.
Apotheose Days
www.flaine.com
in Val Thorens has become
an unmissable springtime
event for many skiing enthusiasts. Everyone gathers
together at 2,300m to share
an unforgettable time in a
fun, friendly atmosphere. On
the programme is a week of
skiing, celebration, entertainment, shows and introductions to new activities, from
23 April–1 May.
www.valthorens.com
˃ From 1–28 April, La Clusaz is offering
free lift passes and ski lessons to beginners, as well as 50% off ski hire.
˃ Chamonix Unlimited Festival is an
urban alpine event with musicians coming
from all over the world to play at exceptional sites such as Mer de Glace, Les
Grands Montets ski area and the Aiguille
du Midi. The event takes place from 6–9
April.
www.chamonix-unlimited.com
˃ La Plagne’s spring event, Les Subli’cimes, keeps innovating. This year,
skiers can get manicures or their beards
trimmed at high altitude! Across 12 days,
the resort organises free, fun and sometimes crazy entertainment on six summits
of the ski area.
Les Subli’cimes will take place from 5–18
April 2016.
www.laclusaz.com
˃ In Val Thorens, Club Med and ski manufacturer Rossignol are organising Les
Semaines de la Glisse to open in April.
Skiers can already test next season’s gear,
with Rossignol-sponsored champions such
as Enak Gavaggio and Tessa Worley.
www.valthorens.com
www.la-plagne.com
˃ Arêches-Beaufort organises a foodie
week (‘semaine gourmande’) with special
tasting menus in restaurants and on the
slopes, as well as cooking classes. Open
from 1–7 April.
˃ Singles looking for a ski soulmate should
head to Tignes this spring! Love in
Tignes sponsored by Meetic is on from 22
–26 April. Available activities are chairlift
speed dating, mountain-top dates, a party
with a DJ and sports contests.
www.areches-beaufort.com
www.tignes.net
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SAVOIE MONT BLANC TOURISME
Contacts
UK
Montagnes Representation
Nadine Carle-Edgar
nadine@montagnes.uk.com
07905 25 24 60
France
Savoie Mont Blanc Tourisme
Céline Guillermin
celine.guillermin;@smbtourisme.com
+33 (0)4 79 85 96 99—+33 (0)6 83 13 36 07
SavoieMontBlanc Intl
@SMBIntl
facebook.com/savoiemontblanc
Réalisation : SMBT/Brigitte FAVRE
www.savoie-mont-blanc.com
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