Press Pack - Méribel - Alpine Skiing World Cup Finals 2015

PRESS PACK
Gian Franco Kasper
FIS President
Dear Alpine Frieds,
The 2014/15 Audi FIS Alpine World Cup season finals in Méribel are
sure to be the exclamation point on a great Alpine season. "
Interest in this year’s season finals is sure to be high with it being both
a new venue to host the Finals and a completely new venue for the
men. Méribel staged excellent races in 2013 for the ladies tour after
nearly a 10-year absence from hosting Alpine World Cup events. But
those races were so well organized that when the time came to name
the host of this year’s season finals, Méribel was an ideal fit. The
Season Finals are always a special event for the ski family. Not only is it an exciting sprint to the finish as athletes compete for the World Cup Overall Titles, it is
also a chance for the entire Alpine family to come together one last time before the off-season
arrives. Méribel will do an excellent job of not only providing pristine slopes for the races, but also
giving athletes, spectators and media the perfect backdrop to close the season. I would like to say
thank you to Méribel and to the French Ski Association for hosting this great event. I wish all the
participants the best of luck and hope that they can soar beyond expectations. For the first time in France,
Méribel will host the Alpine
Ski World Cup Finals! With
help from the French Ski
Federation, the whole
valley is getting involved to
create a successful event
Thierry Monin
in the heart of the 3
Mayor of Les Allues
Valleys. Welcome to the racers and other major figures
of these Finals, including the teams and
spectators coming to support the athletes in this
festive atmosphere. The skiing community will
come together at the Chaudanne finish line to
celebrate the season’s champions. After the
Mountain Bike World Cup Finals, welcome to
the much awaited round two! This is our chance to show what kind of event
we can produce by putting skiing first,
confirming that Méribel is an important player on
the international sporting scene. Thanks to all
involved, there is no doubt that this event will be
successful, I wish you all a fantastic World Cup
Finals here in Méribel.
Michel Vion
FFS President
Thanks to the International
Ski Federation and with the
support of the French Ski
Federation (FFS), Méribel will
host the Finals of the Alpine
Ski World Cup Finals. What
an incredible opportunity for
this fantastic Savoyard ski
resort, to build on its
reputation as an organiser of
major sporting events. This competition will see the top 25 men and
women compete in all alpine disciplines from
the 18-22nd March 2015, only one month after
the Alpine World Championships. To prepare
for this event, Méribel has improved its
competition slope and has tested its
organisational teams by hosting two Ladies’
World Cup events in 2013.
I am convinced that all the efforts of the resort’s
various services will be rewarded with a
successful event and praise from the public.
French skiers will be proud to fly the flag in this
superb Savoyard resort. See you in Méribel in
March 2015 to support our athletes !
MERIBEL, HEART OF 3 VALLEES
HISTORY
1936: Scotsman Peter Lindsay started his search for a new winter resort
1938: The first lift was built above the village of Les Allues 1950 : Creation of the Burgin-Saulire lift, linking Méribel to Courchevel 1946 – 2013 : Building of infrastructure. Méribel becomes one of the best
equipped resorts for winter tourism with a 40,000 bed capacity 2000 : Creation of the first high speed 8-seater lift in France.
Nestled in the heart of the Three Valleys, Méribel offers charm and elegance, a uniquely
preserved mountain village, with sun kissed wooden chalets dotted across the
mountainside. At the heart of the planet’s largest ski area, Méribel has created a world
where everyone can find exactly what he or she is looking for! With 2 snow parks, no less
than 10 fun zones and state of the art ski lifts, you can enjoy skiing to the fullest!
3 VALLEES : THE WORLD’S LARGEST SKI AREA
Les 3 Vallées, the largest ski area in the world, connects Méribel, Courchevel, La Tania,
Brides-les-Bains, Les Menuires, Saint Martin de Belleville, Val Thorens and Orelle. These
resorts are all connected via snowy summits, linked entirely by ski slopes and lifts. Les 3
Vallées consists of 600 km of marked, groomed and interconnected ski runs offering the
greatest total vertical drop in the world - over 62,000 metres! With 15 peaks above 2,500
metres and 6 glaciers, les 3 Vallées offers spectacular and varied panoramas.
MERIBEL, SPORTS IN ITS DNA
From its very beginning, the resort was deeply involved in the sports side of things:
it’s first ski-club dates back from the early 30’s; in 1947, Méribel was host to the first
national ski instructors’ school, since then established in Chamonix; several of its
citizens reached the top of international skiing as the great French ski champion
Emile Allais did. Along the years, the resort organized quite a few major
competitions: European and World Cups; hosted 52 of the XVI winter Olympics 126
events; and now, for the first time ever in France, the 2015 FIS Ski World Cup Finals. WINTER
1 French Alpine Ski Championships
1 Women’s World Cups (Downhill and Super Combined)
3 Alpine Skiing Europe Cups
3 Moguls World Cups
1 Telemark World Cup
5 Finals of the Ice Hockey League Cup
1 FFS Subaru Biathlon Challenge
SUMMER
1 World Cup Finals Downhill
1 World Trial Cup Finals
3 French Mountain Biking Cups
1 French Mountain Biking Championships
L’Occitane Méribel Golf Show (since 2010)
ALPINE SKIING WORLD CUP FINALS – 18th to 22th MARCH 2015
2015 will be an exceptional winter for Méribel and all
fans of Alpine Skiing. The resort, in the heart of the 3
Vallées, the largest ski area in the world, will host the
Finals of the Men’s and Women’s Alpine Skiing World
Cup in all disciplines (Downhill, Super G, Giant Slalom
and Slalom) from 18 to 22 March 2015. This is the
first time the finals are being held in France !
The season's top 25 athletes from each discipline
(Downhill, Super G, Giant and Slalom), will come head
to head on the 'Roc de Fer' slope; the objective being
to lift their category trophy, or even better, to receive
the title of best skier of the season. Come to Méribel
and experience the excitement of this final stage of
the World Cup.
INTERVIEW
Christophe MUGNIER
Managing Director – Executive Commitee
THE EVENT IN FIGURES
1st Finals held in France
70 00 spectators expected over the week
85 million television viewers
10 live TV networks
9 World Cups awarded in one week
25 top athletes, male and female, in every
event
400 volunteers
150 professionnals (Office, etc.)
How did the project that led to Méribel’s nomination start?
This project was born from the desire of Méribel’s town council
to restore dynamism to the Valley’s reputation by getting back
onto the Skiing World Cup circuit. In collaboration with the FFS
and its president Michel Vion, we seized the opening that
presented itself and turned this shared desire into a reality.
Has the piste undergone work to host such an event?
Yes, for 3 years the local authorities and all the Valley’s
services have followed a schedule of upgrades to the Roc de
Fer slope, the arena for these finals, including:
• Upgrading of the entire timing system which dated back to
the 1992 Olympics
• Expanding the artificial snow coverage up to the start of the
men’s downhill.
• Reshaping the slope in many places.
What is the investment required for the organization of such an event? What types of funding make
up the overall budget?
The budget for such an event is high: nearly €2,600,000. Revenues consist mostly of TV and
Marketing rights that come to the organizer. Private and institutional partnerships, mainly from the
Region and the Savoie Mont Blanc, supplement the budget agreed by the town council for staging
these Finals.
The Chaudanne site is known for its assets, can you tell us about them?
The Chaudanne site is an outstanding natural theatre. It’s the one place where the widest possible
audience can gather, situated as it is, at the heart of Méribel, by the main lifts and ski schools. The
Slalom, for example, is visible in its entirety: from the start of the men’s downhill you can see down to
the arrival area 800 metres below. The natural contours of the super G and giant slalom courses will
offer a suitable challenge to world’s best skiers at this Final on the Roc de Fer competition slope.
How many people will work at the event in March 2015?
300 volunteer + 150 professionals: ski instructors – ski patrollers - groomer drivers – local authority
Technical Services staff - doctors- Méribel Tourisme staff etc...
Méribel is also known for its team of experienced volunteers from the Albertville Olympics. Can you tell
us about them? How many volunteers will be at the event?
Our Volunteer Club grew in tandem with the organization of major events in the valley. Without them,
their motivation and their friendly smile, nothing would be possible. They will help out again in many
ways for the organization, our job now is to identify all the skills of our 300 volunteers and assign them
to the most suitable roles.
Alpine skiing events are divided into two major categories: speed and technical. Most of the athletes
specialise in just one, however some are able to excel in numerous disciplines. Each set of events is
split into two: Downhill and Super G for the speed events, and Giant Slalom and Slalom for the
technical events.
DOWNHILL (DH)
SPEED EVENT
Most popular of the Alpine Ski events, racers must master sweeping turns at speed on a medium steep
course, covering as much of the terrain’s natural flow as possible.
MEN DOWNHILL – Altitude : 2249m (+817m vertical drops) – Length – 3080m.
WOMEN DOWNHILL « PETIT COL » - Altitude : 2150m (+718m vertical drop) - Length – 2355m
SUPER G (SG)
SPEED EVENT
A mixture of speed and technique, Super G contains elements of both Downhill and Giant Slalom. This
discipline demands finesse and control at high speeds to conquer the slightly tighter turns.
SUPER G – Altitude: 1950m (+518m vertical drops) – Length – 1740m
GIANT SLALOM (GS)
TECHNICAL EVENT
This discipline requires quick movements, fast feet, and impeccable technique in order to negotiate the quick
but medium sized turns. Not one to sit back and hold on !
GIANT – Altitude : 1830m (+398m vertical drop) – Length – 1338m
SLALOM (SL)
TECHNICAL EVENT
High energy, crowd-pleasing discipline thanks to the speed of movement and the contact with the slalom
gates. This event demands fighting spirit, explosive energy and, of course, technique.
SLALOM - Altitude: 1650m (+218m vertical drop) – Length – 668m
FIVE DAYS OF SKI PARTY
For 5 days, the resort of Méribel will beat to the rhythm of the
racing events of all disciplines, but also will propose many
highlights outside the arena! To the great delight of the many
spectators supporting their champions! The World Cup finals
will be the base for this big festival: great outdoor shows,
public distribution of the race-bibs at the ice rink of the
Olympic Center, prize giving directly in the arrival area of the
event and the heart of the resort, animations within the
partner’s village, a multitude of exhibitors, concerts... From the
opening ceremony to the closing ceremony of the event, the
show will be non-stop!
Concerts :
Every afternoon in the « village partenaires », and the street of La Chaudanne :
§  Golden Groove : with Lounge Groove to Funk Disco and the best of soul music
§  Fuzz : A perfect alchemy between the Anglo-Saxon musical world the past 4 decades, and
today's sounds.
§  Bring on: An excellent tribute to the fabulous group '' The POLICE ‘
§  Groovy Freaks: An explosive cocktail of funk groove and soul, the perfect festive mixture.
The Official Opening Ceremony Finals will be held Tuesday, March 17 from 05:30pm. On the plateau
of Chaudanne the heart of the Village Partners, you will be welcomed by a musical show of the Folie
Douce Méribel warmed by hot wine offered by the resort! Apart from this special celebration, Folie
Douce and its cabaret open every day from 10.00am to 5.00pm at the intermediate station Saulire
Express located at 2500 meters !
« LA FOLIE DOUCE », OUTDOOR CLUBBING
Unique in concept, the Folie Douce, combines
a party atmosphere with a fresh, new decor.
The concept was launched in Val d’Isere, but
last winter, a new Folie Douce opened in
Méribel and immediately established itself as
the finest of its kind. Méribel’s Folie Douce has
two restaurants: «La Fruitière” restaurant with its
authentic dairy decor where you can enjoy a
cuisine created from fresh seasonal produce,
and the «Nuvoself» which has the appeal of a
chic and welcoming chalet.
A takeaway for snacks is perfect for smaller appetites or skiers in a hurry and gives energy to hardcore dancers! Outside, the large terrace turns into a high altitude, open air club where every afternoon
of the season, DJs, live musicians and dancers perform. The atmosphere is always electric... The VIP
area allows you to relax between dances in large sofas, before taking the slopes back down to the
resort.
ACCOMODATION & GASTRONOMY
Méribel, host the Alpine skiing World Cup Finals
2015 offers the athletes, the media and the
general public an accommodation capacity of
close to 38 000 beds. They are spread over the
various areas of Méribel : la Chaudanne, le
Belvedere, l’Altiport, le rond-Point, Mottaret,
Méribel-Village and Les Allues. The great majority
of the valley’s housing is “ski in, ski out”, or, at
least, located in the immediate vicinity of one or
more lifts.
The unity of the traditional mountain architecture
prescribed by the resort’s founders and always
respected and enforced by the community’s
elected authorities, is evident at first sight: it
constitutes Méribel’s originality and trademark. It is also matched by the quality of the valley’s accommodation: many of its apartments and chalets are
awarded the « Méribel Label » certification. Among the 25 hotels of the valley, eleven rate 3 stars, six 4
stars and a brand new one, less than two minutes’ walk from the downhill’s finish area and main lift
stations, the Kaïla, 5 stars.
SPECIAL PLACES
Meribel offers you an exceptional gourmet experience. Thanks to its many top level restaurants, Méribel
knows how to delight its visitors’ taste buds!
PRESTIGIOUS ADRESSES
LAURENT AZOULAY, FIRST MICHELIN STAR AT L’EKRIN
Laurent Azoulay, Executive Chef of L’Ekrin restaurant at Meribel’s 5
Star Le Kaila Hotel has been awarded the resorts’ first ever Michelin
Star in the prestigious Michelin Guide for 2015. Azoulay serves up
inventive, delicate and inspired cuisine with a light touch, often
creating contemporary twists on traditional classics that bring them
fully up to date, by playing with textures to enhance the dining
experience.
LE CEPE RESTAURANT
Originating from Brittany, he trained at Saumur Hotel School, and after a career in Relais & Châteaux Star
one- and two-star establishments, he moved to Méribel 22 years ago, where he has settled permanently.
In 2012, finally opened his own restaurant : Le Cèpe. His cuisine can be described as «Bistronomique»,
and is created only from fresh ingredients. Of course you’ll find ceps, freshly picked from the surrounding
forests and displayed in pretty baskets, and also fish presented whole, updated versions of the great
classics of French gastronomy (sweetbreads, kidneys, home- made terrines, carefully selected cuts of
beef etc.), all served in an elegant, contemporary alpine setting... a place to discover.
FOOD ALTITUDE LABEL
Since last season, Méribel’s Mountain restaurants have their own label ! Under
the banner "Food Altitude", several mountain restaurants of Méribel-Mottaret
committed to promote and highlight the "Home Made », offering guests, in
between two slopes, an authentic & quality cuisine in a friendly atmosphere in
the heart of the 3 Valleys, the largest ski area in the world.
SPECIAL PLACES…
LES PIERES PLATES – RESTAURANT LE 320° - Discover a mixture of tradition and innovation, our kitchen uses only local
products at at almost 3000 meters. A clever mix of flavors and good smells, where hospitality and smiles are waiting for you!
LE PLAN DES MAINS - With stunning views of Mont Vallon, the Plan des Mains Restaurant offers the cozy atmosphere of
the Alpine chalets, with its pine wood paneling and plush cushions. World cuisine, woks, Savoyard dishes revisited by Chef
Philippe Lescot (such as Pela gratin with chestnuts), still in the originality and sophistication, even in the presentation of
dishes. Note that the bread is homemade: poppy, with Tomme cheese, nuts ... according to the mood of the Chef!
TO KICK OFF SPRING !
ACTIVITIES & WELLBEING-ADRESSES TO DISCOVER BETWEEN TWO EVENTS
From 18 to 22 March 2015, indulge yourself in the magic of this event, in the heart of the resort of
Meribel and share the fervour of this last stage of the World Cup, which promises strong emotions and
conviviality! Between the different legs of the race, feel free to put on your skis and enjoy the 600 km of
slopes found in the 3 valleys and the many activities that Meribel proposes: snowshoeing, biathlon,
cross-country skiing, telemark, sledging, spas, etc... You'll be spoiled for choice!
TRY BIATHLON WITH THE FRENCH SKI SCHOOL (ESF) : Follow in the tracks of champions! Try the
sport of biathlon on the official Altiport site, which has hosted the French Championships and European
Cups. Like the pros, you’ll alternate between a 200m cross-country ski circuit and the 50m shooting
range, where you’ll shoot real 22 rifles, in the prone and standing position. For 11⁄2 hours you’ll discover
the level of physical effort and shooting concentration required for this complete sport. Price, 110€.
From 12.30 to 14.00. Meet at le Blanchot. Book at ESF offices.
MERIBEL FROM THE SKY ! Méribel Flying Club offers you the chance to fly over majestic peaks by
plane or helicopter. Eternal snowfields, white forests, frozen lakes... all these well-kept secrets are
revealed in a matter of minutes. The beauty of Méribel is best appreciated from the sky! Tourist flights
and longer tours on request.
FIRST TRACK, SKI AT DAYBREAK: "
Why not discover the ski area while everybody else is still asleep?! In Méribel, you can rise with the sun
and enjoy a tranquil period on the summits of the world’s largest ski area, with breakfast served on a
mountain top. The lucky few can then be first down the perfect groomed (or perhaps perfectly powdery)
slopes, in the company of the ski patrollers. An unforgettable, magical experience!
TRAPPER’S EVENING IN AN IGLOO: Enjoy a night adventure, walking through the forest on
snowshoes, torch in hand, like a trapper in search of his prey. At the end of your hunt, you’ll enter an
igloo and find a tasty Savoyard fondue waiting for you along with other regional specialities. Transport to
and from your accommodation included.
Raquett’Evasion > +33 (0)6 09 40 20 28 / www.raquettevasion.com
WELLBEING ADRESSES
Known for its discreet luxury and
care for your wellbeing, Méribel
has become the choice for those
wanting pampering; a resort where
you can relax in the high quality
spas of prestigious establishments.
Treat yourself to a blissful break
amongst the snowy summits. Your
only difficulty will be choosing
between these establishments!
WELLBEING AT THE FOOT OF THE ROC DE FER SLOPE – MY SPA BY PAYOT: Simply by
opening the doors of My Spa by Payot, (in the legendary Olympic Centre at the heart of the resort)
you’ll enter a haven of serenity and be refreshed by the sight of the snowy peaks. My Spa by
Payot has created the ultimate for your wellbeing in its five treatment rooms: a Duo, two relaxation
areas with herbal tea bars, two saunas and steam rooms, a large Jacuzzi and a nail bar. Design
your own Spa experience, according to your wishes, age and pace of life, by choosing from a
wide range of services. An experience to be enjoyed alone, as a couple or with friends."
Opening hours: Monday to Saturday from 14.00 to 20.00.
SPA DES NEIGES BY CLARINS: Luxury and relaxation are the hallmarks of this place where you
can enjoy an out-of-the- ordinary sensory experience. After a demanding day, the Clarins Spa
gives you an opportunity to recharge your batteries in a peaceful haven overlooking the 3 Vallées
peaks. Open to non- hotel guests, this spacious contemporary spa has 3 treatment rooms, 2 Spa
cabins, a sauna, steam room, fitness room offering views of the valley, indoor pool and a herbal
tea bar. Discover the sweet and savoury scrub with tonic plant extracts, or the 100% natural
relaxing exfoliation with white jasmine, lavender and essential oils that will leave your skin soft,
smooth and velvety. USEFUL INFORMATIONS
PARKING & ACCESS
FOR PRESS
Parking – La Chaudanne
Faced with limited number of parking spaces at the Chaudanne, we advise you to make maximum use
of other means of transport mentioned below. However, if you do not have another choice, please
check with Beatrice at the Media Center.
"
Olympe gondola (Between Brides-les-Bains and Méribel). The gondola of Olympus provides links between Brides-les-Bains and Meribel (with stops at Allues and
Raffort). Arrival at 50m Olympic Park and the finish area. Hourly from 8:30 to 5:30 (Monday to Friday)
and from 8am to 5:30pm on weekends. Price: Free."
"
Parking Allues
However, if you need to stay after 5:30pm or if you really want to take your car. Parking lots are available
in Les Allues. You will be able to park and take the cable car or the free shuttles that run between 7:30
am and midnight.
USEFUL INFORMATIONS
PRESS
ACCREDITATION
Online registration is closed. If you have not done your accreditation request online you have
to come directly to the Media Center, Room Pleiades, Olympic Park."
To recover your credentials, please come to the Media Center Help Desk, Room Les Pleiades,
Olympic Park.
« ON COURSE » AUTORIZATION If you wish to be accredited to go on course, you must make a request to Beatrice Bourcier in
the Media Center. She will bring together the applications and submit it to the race committee
every night. You must be present at the Media Center at 6:00pm to pick up your badge if your
accreditation is accepted.
PHOTOGRAPHER (DOSSARDS, BIBS)
The fact to get a credential didn’t allow you to go on the race course. A selection of
photographers who will be granted on-course access will be made by the Photo Chief
following FIS protocol. On Course Arm Bands will be distributed by the photo chief in the
Media center on Sunday Monday &Tuesday from 5pm to 7pm). Photographers must follow
any directives issued by the Photo Chief, which are designed for the safety of everyone on the
course. Failure to comply may result in the revocation of the event credential. For this event, no freelance photographers without assignment will be granted on-course
access. MULTIMEDIA RIGHTS
Infront Italy holds the world-wide multimedia rights to this event.
International Television and radio networks, production and
internet companies need to send the accreditation requests
directly to Infront Italy for approval. Please contact :"
TV & Media Rights"
Infront Italy S.r.l"
Via Deruta 20 20132 Milano, Italy"
Tél + 39. 02. 77 11 21"
Fax + 39. 02. 28 900 439 Roberta Lumina - roberta.lumina@infrontsports.com
Sarah Vaiani – sarah.vaiania@infrontsports.com
Doris Lintner – doris.lintner@infrontsports.com
USEFUL INFORMATIONS
LOGISTIC
DZ HELICOPTERE
100 M
SKI PASSES
For the press, we have a limited number of free ski passes. Priority will be given to the
photographers and journalists needing access to the slopes for their articles. They will be
given out daily, each evening for the next morning. Please come directly to the
accreditation table at the entrance to the Media Center.
For our partners, who would like to buy ski passes during the week we have negociated a
special rate. 36€/day Méribel’s Valley ou 43€ /jour for the 3 vallées pass.
ACCOMODATIONS :
Please get in touch with:
MERIBEL RESERVATION
Nicolas BRIOIS – Tél : +33(0) 79 00 59 30 nicolas@meribel.net
INFOS PRATIQUES
MEDIA CENTER
CAPITAINE MEETINGS
Between 05.00PM and 06.00PM, check with the Media Center.
MEDIA CENTER Tel : + 33 (0)4 79 00 05 99
Adress : Les Pléïades
Olympic Park « La Chaudanne »
73550 Méribel
OPENING HOURS
Monday 16/03 & Tuesday 17/03 : 08.00AM to 08.00PM
Wednesday 18/03, Thursday 19/03, Friday 20/03 &
Saturday 21/03 : 07.00AM to 10.00PM Sunday 22/03 : 07.00AM to 08.00PM
INTERNET - Code WIFI WIFI PRESS ROOM
SSID : PRESSE_2015
Mot de Passe : media2015meribel
WIFI ARRIVAL AREA
SSID : ORGANISATION_2015
Mot de Passe : organisation2015meribel
Useful Contacts :
Press Room (Les Pléïades) +33 (0)4 79 00 80 05
Race Office (Céphée) +33 (0)4 79 00 90 92
MERIBEL TOURISME
Nom RAIBERTI Elizabeth
Tel +33 (0)4 79 08 67 26 – Mobile +33 (0)6 42 27 37 27
Email presse@meribel.net
PRESS ROOM
Nom HUTTER Béatrice
Tel +49 151 116 69 772
Email be@becommunications.de AGENCE REVOLUTIONR
Nom DUFAUD Emmanuelle Tel +33 (0)1 47 10 08 38 - Mobile +33 (0)6 74 65 73 29 Email edufaud@revolutionr.com