MOUNTAINS
Transcription
MOUNTAINS
DK 4 1 0 2 / 3 201 H S FRENC IN A T N U MO E HEIGHTS! HIT TH Contents Editor’s letter................................................................................... 3 Good reasons to ski in France....................................................... 4 Winter trends for French ski resorts............................................ 5 French Ski Resorts Brides-les-Bains........................................................................... 6 La Clusaz...................................................................................... 8 Les 2 Alpes................................................................................. 10 Les Menuires............................................................................. 12 Méribel Valley............................................................................ 14 Morzine....................................................................................... 16 Val Cenis..................................................................................... 18 Val d’Isère................................................................................... 20 Val Thorens................................................................................ 22 Grenoble and Chambéry airports............24 Voyages Loyet...................25 ESF: Ecole du Ski Français........26 Editor’s letter The Alps, Pyrénées, Massif Central, Jura, Vosges… France is home to different mountainous regions where character villages rub shoulders with modern ski resorts. The mountains of France are traditionally associated with snowsports and offer outstanding high-tech ski areas that ensure its place as a leading international destination. But the 2013-14 winter season will be innovating with an increasingly varied range of non-skiing acitvities on offer, in warmly welcoming, unspoilt surroundings. This rich environment makes the mountains claim their place as an unmissable, cosmopolitan destination that still has plenty to offer visitors from both France and abroad. Ski for beginners or ski without limits in either an intimate resort or one of the biggest ski areas in the world, France’s ski offering has got something for everyone. The recent improvements made in some of our ski areas show a real desire to make the pistes accessible to everyone. New developments in ski areas are turning snowy slopes into exciting playgrounds for young and old alike. The different winter sports can be enjoyed with complete peace of mind, leaving families to make the most of every moment. Childcare and events facilities for younger visitors are even flourishing on the pistes, to ensure that the only thing that counts is the pure pleasure of snowsports. Offering our customers a host of different activities. The diversity and originality of the activities on offer for the 2013-2014 season include something to please everyone. Whether you’re looking for an adrenaline buzz, to explore your surroundings or enjoy time out for yourself, every side of mountain life is there to be experienced through the events and activities organised in the resorts. A host of great ideas, along with a packed calendar of international events also complete the programme, with the promise of lots of unique experiences in store! The mountains of France are the home of a generous gourmet cuisine. The variety of traditional dishes and host of different flavours on offer places gastronomy at the heart of our mountain heritage. The art of fine cuisine is spreading and growing even today, in the finest restaurants. There are now top chefs working in ski resorts who find pleasure in revisiting the mountain cuisine, stimulating their guests’ palates with inventive and delicious new recipes, to the delight of the gourmets holidaymakers. The holiday product offering in French ski resorts is varied, meeting the demands of even the most discerning customers. This winter, gastronomy professionals are not the only ones making holidaymakers feel wonderfully at home. All the mountain professionals work together, combining their strengths to give visitors the best possible welcome and endeavouring to continually re-think their accommodation and holiday offerings. This constant quest to adapt their offer to the expectations of foreign and French customers ensures they provide comfort, quality and originality, for an unforgettable holiday. And for total relaxation, the ski resorts boast a number of spas, water parks and fitness centers. www.france-montagnes.com Jean-Marc SILVA Director Martine ACHARD International Promotion P. 2-3 S N O AS E R CE N GOOI D A R F IN TO SK France offers skiing at its best The biggest skiing area in the world in the heart of magnificent sites and landscapes Boasting fast, modern lifts, the French ski area offers a unique concept: its world-famous linked ski areas, offering up to 600 kilometres of slopes under one ski pass. Special zones are set up for children and beginners: a guarantee of quality for stress-free ski in a magnificent setting. - 30% of the world’s major ski resorts are located in France. - With 55.3 million skier days in 2012, France was first in the world ranking. France is ranked first in the world in terms of lift equipment. Heavy investment has been made to increase speed, safety and comfort. Thanks to resorts situated at high altitude and the production of artificial snow, skiers are guaranteed to be able to ski in France throughout the season on good quality snow. Pay-as-you-go skiing Today, thanks to the Skipass, you only pay for the skiing you actually do. These swipe cards allow you to ski by the day, half-day, or even by the hour! And the pass cards can be rechargeable on line thus avoiding queuing at the ticket office. French mountains: choose diversity! The French mountains cover five ranges and offer a stunning variety of winter sport resorts: quaint villages, or modern resorts with more contemporary architecture. Whether located mid-mountain, or at high altitude, all have kept their character and atmosphere. Accommodation of all types is on offer. Upgrading and meeting customers’ new expectations is key for today’s tourism professionals, who guarantee more spacious, modern accommodation with better facilities and more services to make holidays a memorable experience. French charm and art de vivre! French resorts may well be proud of their highquality local cuisine, reflecting the French art de vivre. Mountain gastronomy is brought to perfection by chefs with the gift of presenting local products and French culinary secrets, in the ideal setting of one 3-star, seven 2-star, and eleven 1-star restaurants. Fun for the whole family Everything has been done to welcome the very youngest visitors and introduce them to the slopes. Throughout the season, Tourist Offices organise special programmes, events, and family packages. Recreational workshops, theme weeks, farm visits, and dogsled rides are just a few of the activities awaiting parents and children. 43 French resorts boast the “Family Plus” label. This label certifies the quality of the welcome provided for families, with special attention to their needs. Easily accessible holidays: from your home to the slopes, everything is taken care of! It’s simple to get to our ski resorts with regular air and rail services to and from major European cities. Shuttle services are available from airports and stations to the resorts. Once you’ve reached the resort, all shops and services are easily accessible - just put your skis on at your doorstep and hit the slopes. WINTER TRENDS for frenc h ski resorts A mountain of options to delight everyone, whether you want to work out or chill out. The mountains are great place to ski, but they offer so much more! A host of activities is available to try for those looking for a different snow experience. You can take to the air with speed riding, have a go on a snowscoot, whizz down a dizzying descent on the mountain twister or a quad bike, and more… These are just some of the many unusual and fun options springing up everywhere in the ski resorts of France. Sledging has inspired a multitude of new variants such as the snake gliss, the yooner and the airboard, for a thrill that will take you by surprise. And sledging is also something you can do at night, just like other evening activities on offer in the resorts, enabling you to enjoy the snowy slopes at any time of day. Jogging at night or night-time trail running on snow are a great way of keeping in shape even after a day’s skiing. And when it’s time to take it easy, the ski resorts of France are a great place to chill out and relax, on a terrace soaking up the last rays of sun, far from the hurly-burly of everyday life. To recharge your batteries completely, at your own pace, many of France’s mountain resorts offer spas, thermal baths and water parks. And when night falls, make the most of the buzzing night life of discotheques, bars, casinos, festivals and more… Ski resorts are a great place to party. This is your opportunity to join in events organised throughout the season. Connecting the mountains New technology is revolutionising tourism practices. France’s ski resorts are well aware of this, and a host of mobile apps is now available to make life easier for holidaymakers, keeping them informed in real time! These now provide all the information needed to enjoy a holiday, including weather information for the different mountain areas, localisation of ski passes validity, interactive mapping, location of firstaid posts and more… And in the video zones, visitors can immortalise their exploits and share them with friends and family on social media. Some ski areas even offer free WiFi hotspots to keep their customers connected. The art of mountain hospitality Whether in a luxury hotel, a chambre d’hôte in the middle of the nature or a cosy chalet, the mountain professionals are constantly re-thinking what they offer to give holidaymakers nothing but the very best. Reduced ski pass prices, special children’s pistes and childcare facilities, discovery workshops for all the family… The same applies to those resorts that demonstrate their ingenuity by offering holidays tailored ever more closely to their different customer groups, giving them wonderful holiday memories for a great price! Living the mountain life The mountains stand for tradition, and they are also a warmly welcoming place where the mountain way of life is expressed through traditional restaurant dishes given a new twist, or simply when enjoying an activity with all the family. The mountains of France are home to countless excellent restaurants where you can treat your taste buds and discover new aromas of fine food made with local produce. Our Michelin-starred chefs and gastronomic restaurants are ambassadors of France’s excellence in cuisine. Nestling in the snowy heart of our different mountain regions, they fit seamlessly alongside the traditional establishments, offering something for everyone. Some chefs even offer to reveal their secrets, sharing their recipes in cookery workshops. Keeping costs down The ski resorts of France offer plenty of options for flexible-duration money-saving breaks! Short stays, low season deals, cut-price holidays, family celebrations, tempting offers… They are not short of ideas, and there’s always a way to get away at any time! - Certain times of the year are less busy and better value, such as Christmas week and April, and they offer very good skiing conditions, more attractive prices and lots of events. - If you plan ahead you can save money by cashing in on an early booking deal, a great way of putting together your ideal holiday for less. - Holiday-sharing? Perhaps sharing will turn out to be the new trend for this winter. Car-sharing, ski-sharing, apartment-sharing… There are plenty of ways to combine saving money, caring for the environment and enjoying a great ski holiday! P. 4-5 Brides-les-Bains eys The 3 Vallue Great val Friendly Brides-les-Bains is part of the THE 3 VALLEYS ski area Savoie - contact: BEnedicte Fournier +33 (0)4 79 55 71 95 - Benedicte.fournier@brides-les-bains.com - www.brides-les-bains.com Well-being news for 2014 Brides-les-Bains: world champion in Ski and Spa Combined! Feeling a bit jaded and looking for an energy boost in the middle of winter? Le Grand Spa des Alpes is a 2,100m2 temple of Well-Being that offers thermal water treatments and massages of the world. Here you can let go, relax and recover, ensuring you enjoy your holiday even more and hitting the pistes again with mind and legs refreshed. Brides-les-Bains offers perfect facilities for après-ski relaxing and recharging your batteries, at Le Grand Spa des Alpes. After your day’s skiing, unwind, have a massage and let yourself be pampered by professionals. Opening Date: 20/12/2013 Closing Date: 18/04/2014 What’s new Chapka Party: Wednesday 8/01/2014 For a great night out come to Brides, a village that likes to party and is honouring its Russian clientele with a night of sociable fun and music. Music in Brides: Wednesday 19 to Friday 21/02/2014 3 days of rock, blues and jazz. The programme includes a mix of rock, blues and jazz over 3 days to get the holidaymakers in Brides-les-Bains dancing. A little music festival that might one day grow up to be a big one… Valentines’ week: New for 2014: Brides-les-Bains is putting love in the spotlight this year by offering couples a whole week of romantic activities and giving singles a chance to meet their Valentine in Brides-les-Bains. Affordable prices for everyone Because Brides-les-Bains is a real village that welcomes holidaymakers all year round and is not a victim of seasonal demand, it offers prices to match! In Brides you can find spacious accommodation 30 to 50% cheaper than in the high-altitude resorts. Total Ski From the village centre, a gondola lift whisks skiers up to the heart of the 3 Valleys, with 600 km of pistes! A legendary ski area offering unlimited pleasures for skiers of all abilities. Champion skier takes over hotel After competing in the World Cup for 13 years, last winter a ski jumper from Courchevel announced he was retiring from competition. Manu Chedal had his best season in 2010, coming 15th in the World Cup overall standings. His Olympic winning record is the best, with a 13th place on the big jump in Whistler at the 2010 Winter Olympics. Last winter he decided to change tack professionally and become a hotelier when he took over running the family hotel business: the Altis Val Vert 3*** A holiday to treat your taste buds The resort of Brides is offering an amazing deal in the heart of the 3 Valleys: Brideski Gourmet is a one-week package that includes half-board accommodation in a hotel and 3 lunches in Michelin-starred restaurants in the 3 Valleys: Le Chabichou, Le Farçon and L’Azimut. Plus a 6-day 3 Valleys ski pass. Perfect for skiers who are also foodies. Practical Information Photos: © Pascal Lebeau Ladies’ Week: 4 to 8/03/2014 Brides-les-Bains is offering not just a day but an entire week of free treats for women. From 4 to 8 March 2014, to celebrate International Women’s Day, the resort is out to pamper women. Facials, make-up, well-being workshops, themed evenings and more… Every day, beauty and well-being professionals will be holding free après-ski workshops. Chilling out, relaxation and plenty of laughs guaranteed. Number of km of pistes: 600 Km Number of ski lifts: 174 Price of adult 6-day pass: €277 P. 6-7 La Clusaz ore Sports gal osphere Party atm e Restorativ lus’ label ‘Famille P La Clusaz is part of the Lake Annecy Ski Resorts HAUTE-SAVOIE - contact: Aurélie Forge +33 (0)4 50 32 65 02 - presse@laclusaz.com - www.laclusaz.com Well-being Family offers In keeping with the traditional mountain style, Le Cristal spa is a 450m2 well-being centre with a recreational pool featuring a jacuzzi, swan necks, a countercurrent system and a hydrojet leg-massaging walkway. A must is the spa’s ‘Au Cœur du Cristal’ signature massage, designed to restore the body’s energy balance by stimulating certain reflex points associated with smoothing techniques, backed up by the beneficial effects of semi-precious stones. CHRISTMAS OFFER. From 21 to 28 December 2013, 8 days’ / 7 nights’ accommodation in a *** holiday residence, studio sleeping 4, from €234 per person (4 sharing). Christmas Gift: free 6-day child Aravis ski pass (aged under 8) with every adult Aravis ski pass purchased. ALPINE SKI TASTER OFFER Between 4 January and 1 February 2014, 8 days’ / 7 nights’ accommodation in a *** holiday residence, studio sleeping 4, from €124 per person. Satisfied or your money back: allinclusive package for €260 per person (compared with €370 in resort): 5-day alpine ski pass + 5 halfday ESF ski lessons + 5-day equipment hire. If you find you don’t like alpine skiing, we’ll refund the cost of the unused part of the week. Opening Date: 21/12/2013 Closing Date: 27/04/2014 Children’s freeride clinics: several service providers in La Clusaz offer off-piste discovery and introductory clinics for younger children. Fully qualified instructors seek out the places with the best conditions to enable their apprentice freeriders to get to grips with the discipline in complete safety. Also includes introductory sessions in avalanche transceiver training, instruction in mountain safety, technique and position on skis, assessing the terrain and snow, identifying hazards, etc. Unusual activities for everyone Skijöring is a sport that originated in Scandinavia which combines skiing and horse carriage driving. La Clusaz is the ideal ski resort for learning and improving in speed riding! The Yooner is an amazing new kind of sledge! It has a shock absorber to soak up the bumps and just one runner, enabling you to ‘carve turns’ just as in skiing. Free introductory sessions. What’s new Lifestyle Gastronomic: Our mountain cuisine is reaffirmed daily through reinventions of the great regional classics and the rediscovery of local produce. Both summer and winter, the chefs of La Clusaz vie with each other for creativity, serving up magnificent and delicious dishes. The ‘Coeur du Village Hôtel&Spa’ opened in December 2010 and obtained a fifth star in March 2011. Unmissable events La Clusaz Radikal Mountain: 29 January to 2 February 2014 For the fourth year running, La Clusaz is hosting the only 4-star French stage of the Freeride World Qualifiers. To mark this international occasion, the resort will also be organising three 2-star events and one event for juniors. This is THE freeride week of the season – not to be missed! The Alpen Roc*** has had a makeover. The hotel has been completely refurbished, from the swimming pool to the bedrooms including the restaurant, bar and reception, to provide more of what its customers want. You get a very warm welcome at the Alpen Roc. The exterior has been completely redone, smartening up the façades and completely replacing the balconies, with the emphasis on timber in keeping with the local tradition. Discovering Nordic Ski Park: a paradise for junior cross-country skiers! Opened last winter, this fun area for children only was a big hit and is being re-opened for the 2013-2014 season. La Clusaz has built an intermediate zone where children can have fun trying out cross-country skiing for the first time. Use of the area is free of charge, and kids can have no end of nordic fun on jumps, a long slope, fun slaloms, a tunnel, bumps, a banked turn, ski balls and ski hockey. Practical Information Festival des Pestacles du Père Noël: 24 to 31 December 2013 Over the years, this event has become the ultimate way for everyone to celebrate together the most eagerly awaited part of the year in La Clusaz! From 24 to 31 December 2013, children and adults get together to experience all the magic and enchantment of Christmas in the heart of the Alps. Number of km of pistes: 133 km Number of ski lifts: 56 Number of km of cross-country skiing: 90 km Number of snowparks: 1 Number of cruising/beginners’ zones, etc.: 5 % of pistes with automatic artificial snow cover: 22 % Price of child one-day pass: €27.20 Price of adult one-day pass: €34.80 Price of child 6-day pass: €134.00 Price of adult 6-day pass: €184.50 Special price (pass, etc.): 6-day Loyalty pass (nonconsecutive days!): €199 for adults Number of waymarked walking trails: 35 (95 km) P. 8-9 Photos: © David Machet , © Pascal Lebeau, © Cavazzana La Clusaz is a pleasant surprise for anyone who likes to party. A Mecca for après-ski, the resort is a popular place to hang out at the end of the day. Don’t miss it! Les 2 Alpes antee Snow guar resort Dynamic lus’ label ‘Famille P ISERE - contact: Héléna Hospital +33 (0)4 76 79 54 45 - helena.hospital@les2alpes.com - www.les2alpes.com Well-being Family news A new spa centre: the Cote Brune Spa: a warm atmosphere and a Moroccan feel with steam bath, jacuzzi, sauna and body and sensual treatments, etc. 100% organic. Well-being through shiatsu: this Oriental technique is becoming increasingly widespread in the West. It’s a form of needleless acupuncture that consists of stimulating certain points on the body by pressing down with the fingers or elbows. The ‘Bonhomme de Neige’ centre in the heart of the resort is home to 3 ‘Famille Plus’ facilities: a crèche, a nursery and a leisure centre. The crèche takes children from the age of 6 months, with supervision provided by professional early years staff. Children aged between 2 and 6 years go to the nursery. For older children, the leisure centre organises snowshoeing trips, swimming, skiing, organised games, etc. The ‘Babysnow’ is a fun new sliding device for tiny tots. Designed by a ski instructor/high mountain guide from Les 2 Alpes, it is a version of the snowscoot for children aged 1 to 4 which is ridden by one adult and one child together. The Kids’ Park situated at 2,100 metres is designed to be a great place for children to learn freestyle. Autumn holiday 26/10 to 3/11 2013, Opening Date: 30/11/2013 Closing Date: 26/04/2014 Unmissable events (may be subject to change) Highlights ENJOY THE GLACIER: 26 to 27 October Ski lessons in Les 2 Alpes start up again at the end of October… A unique opportunity to ski and join in a fantastic event: Enjoy the Glacier, featuring snowboarding competitions, giant barbecues, encounters with the pros, the top snowboard brands, equipment tests, premiers of films, live concerts, and more… CHRISTMAS WEEK: 22 to 27 December A week full of the magic of Christmas, with events, shows and more… LES 2 ALPES NIGHT SNOW TRAIL BY LAFUMA: 25 January The resort is innovating with this trail run of a different kind, since it involves running in the snow and at night!!! JUNIOR FOLIZ: 19 to 21 April Events, shows, discovery and art workshops, treasure hunts and storytelling for juniors aged 6 to 12! Ski-in/ski-out: One undeniable and convenient advantage is being able to ski directly from your accommodation and back down to the resort. New 2 Alpes Freestyle Land: This winter the snowpark has a permanent new name. 2 Alpes Freestyle Land is a new concept, with re-designed areas, themed zones and well thought-out surroundings where freestylers and beginners can get together. Everyone is free to ski their own way and have fun. Unusual activities for everyone Horse-drawn rides, the ice grotto, Segways, speed riding and more… Ski touring by night! The Bureau des Guides offers a guided ski touring trip every month throughout the winter. This discipline is becoming increasingly popular, and in Les 2 Alpes you can even do it at night. FREERIDE ATTITUDE: Raising awareness among skiers about going off-piste and the hazards encountered in the mountains. Every Tuesday: practical session on mountain awareness, behaviour, using an avalanche transceiver and an off-piste session supervised by a high mountain guide. (Free – from January to April 2014.) Unmissable Skiing in Les 2 Alpes Flexi-ski: These flexible stays of variable length (2 to 7 nights) are a great idea for those who decide to go at the last minute, want to avoid the traffic and enjoy a very special welcome. 3,600 metres, guaranteed snow: The maximum altitude of the resort of Les 2 Alpes is 3,600 metres, ensuring you can ski on natural snow every year, both winter and summer. Free skiing: there are 5 pistes on the snow front that are free for beginners and customers who want to get back into skiing gently without spending a fortune. Full Moon nights: A different way to spend the evening (17 Dec 2013, 16 January, 14 February, 17 March and 15 April 2014), skiing by moonlight from the high peaks of Les 2 Alpes down to the resort. The evening includes a mountain dinner at 3,200 m with music, for both skiers and non-skiers. Practical Information Number of km of pistes: 225 km Number of ski lifts: 53 Number of km of cross-country skiing: 20 km Number of snowparks: 1 Number of cruising/beginners’ zones, etc.: 60 % % of pistes with automatic artificial snow cover: 50 ha Price of child one-day pass: €36 Price of adult one-day pass: €45 Price of child 6-day pass: €180 Price of adult 6-day pass: €225 Special price (pass, etc.): family pass for families of 4 P. 10-11 Photos: © C.Ribier, © B.Longo, © Nicolas Nereau, © Spa Cote Brune Early season taster: From 26 October to 3 November 2013 the pistes will be open for earlybird skiers. Come and make those first tracks of the season and enjoy the new snow! Les Menuires s’ label u l P e l l i m ‘Fa ore Sports gal s Easy acces Les Menuires is part of THE 3 VALLEYS ski area SAVOIE - contact: Estelle Roy / Géraldine Cousin +33 (0)4 79 00 84 70 - presse@lesmenuires.com - www.lesmenuires.com Skiing in Les Menuires The 3 Valleys, the biggest ski area in the world. In the heart of the 3 Valleys, Les Menuires/Saint Martin de Belleville offer the biggest playground there is, with skiing for all abilities and all preferences, plus some prestigious mountains. Opening Date: 7/12/2013 Closing Date: 25/04/2014 THE new attraction for 2013/14: challenge Boukty on Speed Mountain, the longest toboggan run in the French Alps. An unusual rail-mounted toboggan run, designed from top to bottom to offer a totally different experience, big thrills and breathtaking memories! Sitting on an individual toboggan, children and adults race against the resort mascot Boukty, down a 1,200-metre-long run full of twists, descents and banked turns… all in stunning surroundings. Minimum age 3 years, sharing the toboggan with a parent. New: Mini KL. For those who want to beat their own speed record and pit themselves against their friends or family, Les Menuires has created a new amateur speed skiing course (Kilomètre Lancé). On this special speed run everyone, beginners and experienced skiers alike, can measure their top speed in complete safety! Activities Unmissable events Introduction to biathlon: Les Menuires École du Ski Français is offering an introduction to biathlon, a great way to try out the sport of Vincent Jay, the Olympic champion who was born in the resort. New: the Roc’n Bike Festival, 18 and 19 January 2014, in Les Menuires Calling all mountain biking fans to Les Menuires for the first Roc’n Bike Festival! This mountain biking on snow event will offer taster rides, equipment tests and also a Derby and other events for experienced bikers. Shows and music will also liven up the snow front. Sledging with the Roc’n Bob in Les Menuires: You’ll have the time of your life on this 4km sledging run with 22 bends and a vertical drop of 450 m! The run is divided into 4 zones: the Roc rapids, the endless canyon, the long run and the image cascade. Accessed via the Roc des 3 Marches gondola lift, this run takes sledgers down to the resort centre for some unforgettable memories and guaranteed thrills! Gastronomy in Les Menuires Les Menuires/Saint Martin de Belleville boast a large number of excellent eateries. Out on the piste or in the evening, many restaurants offer an impressive menu featuring sophisticated cuisine. Not to be missed: La Bouitte, 2 stars in the Michelin Guide, in Saint Martin de Belleville. Belleville: dine inside a Mongolian yurt: These two authentic Mongolian yurts can each accommodate 15 diners for an evening with a mountain flavour. Inside there’s a warm, convivial atmosphere, with Mongolian furniture, comfy seats and a nice warm wood-fired stove burning… Chez Pépé Nicolas mountain chalet: This Alpine farm is an extremely popular summer attraction that now offers a Savoyard menu during the winter. With cosy blankets to put over your knees so you can enjoy the sun on the terrace, authentic sophisticated cuisine, ‘Happy’, the Chez Pépé Nicolas mascot and more, everything here will ensure you enjoy a very special experience. Wine tasting evenings, for the pleasure of the palate! Once a month, La Bouitte organises a themed dinner based on one of the greatest wines on the planet. The evening features an outstanding guest wine grower or wine maker, who introduces diners to a selection of his most successful creations. The fine wines lined up for next season include the Yquem Sauternes, Didier Dagueneau’s Pouillys and Sancerres and Krug Champagnes. World-famous wine critics take part in these evenings, making them highly instructive and encouraging plenty of discussion with the guests. Well-being news Snowsports and relaxation holiday, available from 21/12/13 to 19/04/14, from €294/person: 7 nights’ accommodation in a 4-person apartment + 6-day Les Menuires/Saint Martin ski pass + unlimited admission to the aquaclub in the sports centre (swimming pool, sauna, steam bath, jacuzzi, etc.) Alpine Ski European Cup (giant slalom), 26 and 27 January 2014 20th Skiopen Coq d’Or, 1 to 5 April 2014 Family offers and activities Walibi Gliss in the La Masse sector, Les Menuires: junior skiers will love the timed slalom, boardercross course, and also the music zone which presents some original challenges! They can also step onto the winners’ podium for a totally original souvenir photo. Introduction to snowshoeing for 4 to 10-yearolds: Every Wednesday afternoon, snowshoe rambles are organised for children aged 4 to 10, accompanied by instructors from the Ecole du Ski Français. Along the way there is animal track spotting, igloo building, a camp fire, sliding fun and chasing games in the snow. ‘Boule de Notes’, the 7th Festival of Children’s Music and Song, 8 to 15 March 2014: Amazing musical gardens on the snow front, amusing travelling entertainers on the terraces, surprise shows on the pistes, a music-making workshop and live concerts on a stage ‘just like the grownups’: this is the event just for children that every parent has been waiting for. Practical Information Number of km of pistes: 160 km Number of ski lifts: 34 Number of km of cross-country skiing: 28 km Number of snowparks: 1 Number of cruising/beginners’ zones, etc.: 4 beginners’ zones + 2 fun zones % of pistes with automatic artificial snow cover: 50% Price of child one-day pass: €35.80 Price of adult one-day pass: €44.80 Price of child 6-day pass: €173.60 Price of adult 6-day pass: €217.00 Special price (pass, etc.): DUO pass: €207.00 for 6 days Number of waymarked walking trails: 58 km P. 12-13 Photos: © P. Royer, © C.Cousin. Speed downhill on a snow mountain bike on the Roc’n Bike piste in Les Menuires. This activity consists of two 4km descents supervised by a fully qualified mountain leader! Meet on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday mornings from 9am at the bottom of the Roc des 3 Marches gondola lift for an unforgettable adrenaline experience. Méribel Valley Heritage Trendy Charm s’ label u l P e l l i m ‘Fa Méribel Valley is part of THE 3 VALLEYS ski area SAVOIE - contact: Julien Clatot +33 (0)4 79 08 67 26 - +33 (0)6 42 27 37 27 - j.clatot@meribel.net - meribel.net Winter events in Méribel Valley A winter edition of Alpes Home! Alpes Home is the only trade fair in the Alps to feature the most original and off-beat trends in home decoration. To celebrate its 5th birthday in February 2014, a winter version of Alpes Home is now set to take place. ‘Cœurs de Culture’ in Méribel Valley Méribel promotes its lifestyle through a major cultural programme held throughout the season which features talented music and comedy performers. Méribel Tourisme: +33 (0)4 79 08 60 01 info@meribel.net - www.meribel.net Final of the French Ice Hockey League Cup: 2 January 2014 British Army Ski Championships: 2 to 7 February 2014 French Alpine Ski Championships: 17 to 24 March Great Britain Championships: 24 March to 6 April 2014 3 Valleys Enduro: 6 April 2014 The 3 Valleys Enduro is an event open to everyone that enables competitors to (re)discover the 3 Valleys ski area in a festive, friendly atmosphere through various events: freeride, skiercross, KL, slalom, derby, etc. Opening Date: 7/12/2013 Closing Date: 25/04/2014 A mountain of activities Our lifestyle picks Vertical Xperience - At the top of the Saulire Express gondola lift, the Tournier Couloir on the Méribel side offers a brand new experience for experts only, who can ski a slope with a gradient of 75%. Daredevil skiers can have a picture of themselves doing it sent to their smartphone and Facebook page. Le Plantin gastronomic restaurant: fine food and a warm welcome. In contemporary Savoyard surroundings, Master Restaurateur Robert Burdet cooks up some wonderful dishes. Rated two forks in the Michelin Guide, the welcome is equal to the quality of the cuisine. Le Plantin: +33 (0)4 79 04 12 11- www.leplantin.com Climbing: The climbing wall in the Parc Olympique at La Chaudanne is open free of charge from 10am to 8pm. Evening climbing sessions are organised by Méribel Bureau des Guides, with introductory sessions and advanced instruction for everyone from age 5 upwards! Parc Olympique: +33 (0)4 79 00 58 21 parc.olympique@meribel.net - www.meribel.net Méribel Bureau des Guides: +33 (0)4 79 00 30 38 www.guides-meribel.com Great deals for families Garde’n Spa: Relax, we’ll look after your little ones! In partnership with the Ecole du Ski Français nursery, Méribel will look after the kids while the parents are being pampered at the well-being centre in the Parc Olympique, between 5.30pm and 8pm. Garde’n Spa: +33 (0)4 79 00 42 30 parc.olympique@meribel.net - www.meribel.net What’s new for 2013/2014 Winter 2013-2014, Méribel Valley unveils its new strategy From this winter onwards, Méribel Valley has decided to give more substance to its official communication. Much more than a simple change in the way the resort communicates, this represents a fresh start and significant restructuring of its positioning and image, and a new formalisation of its offering and strategy designed to succeed in a winter sports market in a state of flux. To achieve this, the resort has opted to base its strategy on the 4 core advantages that make it one of the most prestigious snow holiday destinations in the world: its unique location, its neighbourhoods, its architecture and its offering. The Parc Olympique caters for teens & pre-teens too! This year the leisure centre is open to children on Wednesdays during the school holidays, from 2pm to 5pm (booking required). New ‘Pôle Prestige’ for Méribel Réservation The booking centre’s brand new ‘Pôle Prestige’ – the bespoke booking service provided by Méribel Réservation –is opening this winter. Méribel Réservation: +33 (0)4 79 00 50 00 infos@meribel-reservation.net www.meribel-reservation.net La Folie Douce, reaching new heights in clubbing Since it first opened, La Folie Douce, a unique concept worldwide, has attracted an increasingly broad fan base. Last winter a new venue opened in Méribel Valley. La Folie Douce: +33 (0)4 79 00 58 31 www.lafoliedouce.com - meribel Spa Nuxe, soothing sophistication Le Kaila, the resort’s first 5-star hotel, has teamed up with the Nuxe brand. Sauna, steam bath, multisensory showers, treatment cubicles, gym: it’s all there to help you forget the stress of everyday life. Hôtel Le Kaila*****: +33 (0)4 79 41 69 20 www.lekaila.com/fr/spa-nuxe Spa Valmont du Grand Cœur**** - top-of-therange treatments: This completely refurbished 230m2 health centre offers all the services of a sauna, a spa with two cubicles for facial and body treatments and one for sculpting massages, plus a spacious jacuzzi. In partnership with the prestigious Swiss brand Valmont. Hôtel Le Grand Cœur****: +33 (0)4 79 08 60 03 www.legrandcoeur.com The Anne Sémonin Experience - Bespoke beauty treatments at the Alpen Ruitor**** This spa introduces guests to the Anne Sémonin range of treatments based on a combination of essential oils with oligo-elements, plant extracts, marine extracts and biotech active ingredients. It also offers personalised treatment programmes. Hôtel Alpen Ruitor****: +33 (0)4 79 00 48 48 info@alpenruitor.com - www.alpenruitor.com Practical Information Number of km of pistes: 180 km Number of ski lifts: 41 Number of km of cross-country skiing: 33 km Number of snowparks: 2 Number of cruising/beginners’ zones, etc.: 10 % of pistes with automatic artificial snow cover: 50% Price of child one-day pass: €38.00 Price of adult one-day pass: €47.50 Price of child 6-day pass: €181.60 Price of adult 6-day pass: €227.00 Special price (pass, etc.): New 6-day Duo Pass: €220 for 2 skiers Waymarked walking trails: 25 km P. 14-15 Photos: © J.M Gouedard, © David André, © David André, © Tristan Shu Flying through the air: From the top of Saulire, the longest paragliding flight in the 3 Valleys offers you another world of intense thrills, with Mont Blanc in the background! Tandem Top Saulire: +33 (0)4 79 00 45 67 www.tandemtop.com Morzine Total ski Village Charm s’ label u l P e l l i m ‘Fa Morzine is part of the PORTES DU SOLEIL ski area HAUTE SAVOIE - CONTACT: Nadine Chevalier - +33 (0)4 50 74 71 99 +33 (0)6 08 34 04 54 - communication@morzine - avoriaz.com - www.morzine-avoriaz.com Morzine is innovating, investing and making its ski area easier to access by installing the very latest in ski lifts. This winter, make the most of the snow and ski! Innovation For winter 2013/2104, Morzine has installed new gondola lifts in the Pléney sector. Coming into service at the beginning of the season, these lifts will carry 3,000 skiers per hour, compared to 1,700 for the two old lifts combined. Opening dates: Morzine/Les Gets sector 21/12/2013 Morzine/Avoriaz sector 14/12/2013 Closing dates: Morzine/Les Gets sector 13/04/2014 Morzine/Avoriaz sector 27/04/2014 Unmissable events Rock The Piste Festival: 26 to 30 March 2014 Come to the Portes du Soleil for Europe’s most innovative live music event! Free concerts during the day out on the pistes. A unique and unusual event! Morzine Ecole du Ski Français will be celebrating its 75th birthday in February 2014, an opportunity for the resort’s ‘Pulls Rouges’ to get involved and hog the limelight during the festivities being held right in the middle of the school holidays. La Chamade: this family restaurant has managed to preserve the authenticity of its local cuisine while reinventing itself over the years. Winter 2014 will see the arrival of a new dining concept in Morzine: gastronomic Table d’Hôte meals. Hôtel La Bergerie****: 2 new parent suites featuring a blend of the local slate with traditional mountain building materials, with a kitchenette in the parent suites for serving family meals, a ‘table d’hôtes’ evening meal exclusively for children that gives parents the freedom to enjoy an intimate dinner for two in the village, plus a mid-afternoon treat of tasty homemade snacks for apres-ski. Well-being news The Hôtel Champs Fleuris, ideally located at the bottom of the pistes, was recently awarded 4 stars, and for next winter season is opening a 175m2 spa with balneotherapy pool, sauna, steam bath, 2 massage rooms and a refurbished gym. Guests can now enjoy a swim, sensory shower and the ice fountain and take advantage of the massages and many different treatments on offer. Hôtel le Dahu****: new décor in the bar area and a new snug with stove and fireplace for an intimate, cosy atmosphere. Note: the hotel also offers a childcare service 6 days a week, with special children’s activities and a children’s evening meal. The Parc des Dérêches Aqua Centre is where to go for relaxation and fun throughout the winter and to enjoy the new facilities: a 160m2 balneotherapy centre with a range of exercise classes, including Aqua Forme, Aqua Douce, Aqua biking and more… Original and varied activities There has been considerable growth in non-skiing activities to meet demand from holidaymakers. Examples of this include an evening sledge run accompanied by dinner in a tepee in the middle of the forest, and a snowshoeing ramble by torchlight with a Savoyard meal served in an igloo. Sunrise Guiding. The idea is to use the ski lifts the moment they open to make the most of the first few hours before the pistes get busy… This activity features breakfast on the piste. Open only to groups of 3 to 4 people of similar skiing ability (minimum age 14 years). Afghan walking: For those with little experience of mountain walking and even those who have trouble feeling comfortable in the mountains, or for experienced hikers keen to discover a different technique, Afghan walking is a very different experience. It involves a breathing technique inspired by Afghanistan’s nomadic tribes, based on adopting a new breathing rhythm. Ice diving: Amazing surroundings and stunning scenery in this unusual activity in the third largest lake in Haute Savoie after Lake Geneva and Lake Annecy. Sledging: In Morzine you go sledging at nightfall once the skiers have deserted the pistes. You are taken up to the top of the Pléney gondola lift and given a sledge and head torch. You then begin your crazy, dizzying run down the wooded pistes, with views of the village lights below. Your adventure ends in a tepee in the middle of the forest, where you sit down to a Savoyard meal. The new-generation Yooner or Paret is a new light, manoeuvrable and comfortable way to slide downhill in a seated position. Thrills guaranteed with every turn! What’s new for children With facilities and services tailored to a family clientele, Morzine is a ‘Famille Plus Montagne’ resort. In Morzine you’ll find a programme of free children’s and family events. This year, the resort is innovating once again with: - Le Chemin des Zouzous. This new piste in the Pléney sector opens the doors to the animal world for the youngest skiers. The 2-kilometre educational trail features life-size reproductions of wild animals. An original way to learn about the local fauna. - The Babysnow: Now children under 3 years old can experience the pleasures of snowsports, thanks to the Babysnow! This original device looks unlike any other. Some say it’s similar to a snow scooter and others think it must be related to the snowboard… It offers very young children the chance to experience snowsports for the first time, from the age of 1 (once the child can stand up). This activity is available in Morzine exclusively with the ESF. Practical Information Number of km of pistes: 650 km Number of ski lifts: 195 Number of km of cross-country skiing: 214 km Number of snowparks: 11 + 1 halfpipe + 5 boarder cross courses Number of cruising/beginners’ zones, etc.: 2 (Boarder Pingouins + Chemin des Zouzous) % of pistes with automatic artificial snow cover: 900 snowmakers Price of child one-day pass: €36.00 Price of adult one-day pass: €47.50 Price of child 6-day pass: €178.00 Price of adult 6-day pass: €237.50 P. 16-17 Photos: © OT Morzine Matthieu Vitré, © Les Portes du Soleil Matthieu Vitré, © OT Morzine Jarry Tripelon, © Valérie Bron Foodie news Val Cenis Vanoise stination Family de areas Varied ski ge resorts villa Authentic spoilt surroundings Un Val Cenis is part of the the Eski-Mo ski area SAVOIE - CONTACT: Nadia Tourt +33 (0)4 79 20 43 52 - media@hautemaurienne.com - www.haute-maurienne-vanoise.com Activities Dog sledding: Explore the vast, untamed landscapes of Col Mont Cenis through this activity from the Canadian Arctic. Snow bodyboarding: Try a new snowsports sensation, sliding right down on the ground on a snow bodyboard. In the different villages of Haute Maurienne Vanoise. Air Tubby: Sit inside a rubber ring, let yourself slide and stop with a gentle bump. Bungee Trampoline Island: Big thrills guaranteed for everyone. Come and see us this winter with your friends or family. Climb onto a trampoline, wait while your harness is attached, then take off! You can jump up to 9 metres in the air and try out the craziest tricks. Air Board Snowtubing: A fun snowsports activity in which you career down giant snow slides on an inflatable air board. Opening Date: 21/12/2013 Closing Date: 20/04/2014 Ice diving experience and cosmic sauna: In natural surroundings, come and experience the totally new thrill of entering a world of Arctic colours. Unmissable events in 2014 33rd International Cross-Country Ski Marathon: 11 and 12 January in Bessans The Bessans International Marathon is a nordic skiing event open to the public that attracts nearly 1,500 skiers from all over Europe. This celebration of nordic skiing is raced over distances ranging from 2.5 km (for children) to 42 km, using either the classic technique or freestyle. La Grande Odyssée Savoie Mont-Blanc: 10th anniversary: 18 to 23 January in Haute Maurienne Vanoise Since it was first held in January 2005, this race has had a reputation as the toughest international dog sled race in the world due to the challenging mountainous terrain it crosses (the long-distance race with the most vertical height difference in the world). 3rd edition of ‘C’est l’ Printemps à Val Cenis’: 22 to 25 March Concerts and shows from artistic director Laurent Gerra. With the participation of Gérard Lenorman, a tribute to Jacques Brel, and Paris Première. La Maison des Enfants, for children aged 3 months to 12 years: ‘Freedom +’ packages comprising ski lessons in the morning, ski pass, supervision, lunch, afternoon snack and afternoon activities in the nursery. Family holiday FROM: €37/person/day ALL-IN SKIING AT VAL CENIS 8 days/7 nights in a **self-catering apartment 4 people (2 adults + 2 children aged 5-11 years) + 6-day alpine ski pass for 4 people (2 adults/2 children) + Equipment hire for 4 people (2 adults/2 children) + 6 days of group ski lessons for 2 children (aged 5-11) – morning Bookings: +33 (0)4 79 05 99 10 reservation@hautemaurienne.com www.haute-maurienne-vanoise.com Accommodation Les Chalets de Flambeau - 4* MGM CGH holiday residence: 3 chalets at the foot of the pistes with a tasteful, warm décor. Unusual place to stay! Log cabins at Le Chenantier camp site: A luxury 30m2 Canadian-style log cabin: beds made from intertwined boughs with a buffalo hide on top. Chairs carved out of large sections of tree trunk, a little table built of logs, a chest of drawers and set of shelves in the same style, plus a wood-burning stove and a paraffin lamp. PRICES: half board from €75 Tel.: +33 (0)4 79 56 73 30 - +33 (0)6 86 85 76 98 florent.dejardin@orange.fr Lifestyle Chinese Tui Na energy treatment: Method of applying acupressure on the acupuncture points along the meridians. For recharging your batteries, eliminating stress, eliminating fatigue and more… Authenticity: a village where we love to share our pleasures, our culture and our affection for our homeland, with both traditional and brand new leisure activities. Large ski area: 125 km of pistes featuring forests and high peaks. Happiness is something for all the family: even the little ones and the less experienced can get up to the mountain tops. Shared tradition: an area with a rich heritage. The Upper Valleys of Savoie are officially recognised as a ‘Pays d’Art et d’Histoire’, and our history is brought alive through our museums of baroque art, archaeology and life in the mountains. A host of activities: dog sledding, snowshoeing, ice climbing, paragliding, the snake glisse, ice skating, museums, heritage tours and more... Set out to explore our 24 walking trails and escape along countless kilometres of tracks Valfontaine: Health & spa complex dedicated to well-being: weights room, steam bath, jacuzzi, à la carte well-being massages, relaxation areas, facials and body treatments. Practical Information Number of km of pistes: 125 km Number of ski lifts: 27 Number of km of cross-country skiing: 27 km Number of snowparks: 2 Number of cruising/beginners’ zones, etc.: 1 % of pistes with automatic artificial snow cover: 200 snowmakers Price of child one-day pass: €26.50 Price of adult one-day pass: €33.00 Price of child 6-day pass: €132.00 Price of adult 6-day pass: €165.00 Special price (pass, etc.): Weekend price (2 days), €53 for adults and €42 for children Number of waymarked walking trails: 2 P. 18-19 Photos: © Pierre Huart, © C. Molitor, © Agence Anrigo Photo Advantages O des Cîmes mountain spas: Sculpting massages, body and facial treatments, à la carte or in an allinclusive package enabling you to enjoy the unique sensory experience of the mountains to the full! Val d'Isère ore Sports gal Unspoilt tan Cosmopoli lus’ label P e l l i m a ‘F Val d’Isère is part of the Espace Killy ski area SAVOIE - contact: Sophie Martin +33 (0)4 79 06 06 60 - presse2@valdisere.com - www.valdisere.com Sporty and family-friendly Val d’Isère is innovating this year with an exciting programme of events! Major international sporting events Val d’Isère is part of the history of competitive alpine skiing: The Winter Olympics, Critérium de la Première Neige, Ski World Championships and more… For more than fifty years, the resort has seen champions competing every winter: - 5 8th Critérium de la Première Neige: Men’s (14 and 15 December 2013) and Women’s Alpine Ski World Cup (21 and 22 December 2013). Val d’Isère kicks off the winter with its alpine skiing champions: spectacle guaranteed over 2 weekends open to the public. An exceptional event. 14/12 Men’s Giant Slalom and 15/12 Men’s Slalom - 21/12 Women’s Downhill and 22/12 Women’s Giant Slalom. Opening Date: 30/11/2013 Closing Date: 4/05/2014 - Val d’Isère Polo Masters, 15 to 18 January 2014 The top polo players compete against each other in a snowy arena over four days. www.polo-master.com - 2nd Winter Golf, 25 to 30 March 2014 An excited atmosphere in the village with a street golf event after dark in the wild Manchet Valley. Forty teams of two players (pro-am) will compete on a 9-hole course prepared especially for the event. - Frost Gun: 12 to 14 February 2014 (qualifying rounds) & 26 to 28 February 2014 (finals) Europe’s most prestigious big air competition is back in Val d’Isère to set the Face de Bellevarde ablaze (dates to be confirmed). Relax! You’re in Val d’Isère! Ski in the tracks of champions… 21st CLASSICAVAL festival - Classical music festival from 21 to 23 January and 18 to 20 March 2014. 2nd Yoga Festival: 28 February to 2 March 2014 3 days of snowsports with some 35 yoga workshops, a concert on the Friday night, an OM yoga market of yoga-related products, an organic café, and more… unique experiences to enjoy to the full, attracting yogis and yoginis from all over the world. www.yogachezmoi.com/marketplace/retraites-etsejours/festival-de-yoga-val-disere Dynastar slaloms: Take part in the slalom and try to win a pair of Dynastar skis! Free cross-country skiing: Now you don’t need to buy a pass to go cross-country skiing: the Manchet, Laisinant and La Daille circuits are accessible free of charge. Speed riding: A little sail and skis are all you need to get down the mountain the speed riding way, both over the snow and up in the air! Contact: http://flyvip.free.fr/francais/speed.php New chef at La Table de l’Ours restaurant, Hôtel Les Barmes de l’Ours*****: this winter is set to be full of flavours and culinary discoveries. La Table des Neiges restaurant, Hôtel Le Tsanteleina: chef Jérôme Labrousse has made his début in the Michelin good food guide after being awarded 21/2 forks in the guide in recognition of the quality of his work. Top tip: ask for the half-board menu, which is also available to non-residents. Gastronomy reaches new heights… Take a cookery class with Michelin-starred chef Benoit Vidal at L’Atelier d’Edmond restaurant, one star in the Michelin Guide. After preparing the meal in a small, friendly group you sit down to eat it with the chef. Hotel and spa news in Val d’Isère: a charming experience The Hôtel Ormelune gets a 4th star: Shaking the mountains awake, rediscovering their fun and colourful side, experiencing them joyfully on the outside and prolonging their delights on the inside: this is the all-out kind of mountain holiday you get at the Hôtel ORMELUNE****. http://ormelune.com The Bellevue Hotel gets a total makeover and becomes «Les 5 Frères». Since 5 brothers grew up here, it was only natural that they should turn it into a family hotel set to open for the 2013 Christmas holidays. Refurbishment of the Chalet Lhotsé: one of the finest addresses in Val d’Isère. This chalet combines all the luxurious comfort and intimacy of a chalet with the services of the very best hotels. Dominique Montel, a fan of Val d’Isère, has beautified the décor even more by adding a glass elevator in the heart of the chalet. Hôtel Le Savoie*****, a prestigious family hotel. Having recently joined the Relais et Châteaux collection, this Val d’Isère institution offers a very high-end range of services, with a spa, ‘Le Grain de Sel’ gastronomic restaurant, the ‘Wine Not’ wine bar plus champagne bar, and particular attention given to looking after children. http://www.lesavoie.com/ The Centre Aquasportif: 5,000 m2 of pure pleasure in 5 areas (beach, sports, toning, wellbeing and lounge) in inspired surroundings combining wood and stone and water and light. Also offers well-being massages from €40. Things to try in Val d’Isère Ice climbing: come and have a go at climbing a frozen waterfall in magical surroundings! Thrills guaranteed! Contact: Yves Astier / y.astier@wanadoo.fr Snowmobiling on the Plateau de Tovière: Meet at the bottom of the Tommeuses chairlift to set off on a snowmobiling trip on the Plateau de Tovière. Learn to ride on this circuit, with Mont Blanc in the background. Contact: www.cameleon-organisations.com Enjoy Val d’Isère with all the family! ‘Famille Plus’ offer at a ‘Famille Plus’-certified resort: At Christmas and Easter, children go for free! Information and bookings: +33 (0)4 79 06 06 60 resa@valdisere.com. Fun in the snow: come and try out a new kind of sledging! Airboard, yooner, snake gliss... racing sessions run by the snow events organiser. From 5.30pm, on the Savonnette piste. Le Village des Enfants: Crèche for children aged 18 months to 3 years. Childcare for 3 to 13-yearolds. Open Sunday to Friday, 9am to 5.30pm. Lots of recreational and early learning games, both indoors and outdoors. Beginners’ skiing to advanced lessons: workshops tailored to each child’s age and preference. Tel. +33 (0)4 79 40 09 81 Practical Information Number of km of pistes: 300 km Number of ski lifts: 88 Number of km of cross-country skiing: 44 km Number of snowparks: 2 (Espace Killy) Number of cruising/beginners’ zones, etc.: 4 Price of child one-day pass: €40.50 Price of adult one-day pass: €50.50 Price of child 6-day pass: €202.00 Price of adult 6-day pass: €252.50 Special price (pass, etc.): New family pass offer: Are you a family of 4 (or more) with at least one adult aged over 14? Then everyone qualifies for the child price, which equates to a 20% reduction. Example: €202 for a 6-day ski pass for each person in the family package. Parents and children, including step-parent families and grandparents and grandchildren, with a choice of a 6-day or 7-day pass A la carte: ski where you want when you want. 15 to 30% reduction + loyalty days for just €1 + access to 6 major ski areas with the same pass.€43 for a 1-day Espace Killy pass. www.skialacarte.fr Number of waymarked walking trails: 5 P. 20-21 Photos: © andyparant, © Tristan Shu Lifestyle: a blend of tradition and modernity Val Thorens -range e h t f o p resort o ’ T g n i l b g n i ‘anti bl de Geek altitu move mountains s, we Val Thoren Val Thorens is part of THE 3 VALLEYS ski area SAVOIE - contact: Emilie Rouzaud +33 (0)4 79 00 08 08 - presse@valthorens.com - www.valthorens.com Follow the guide! Val Thorens is innovating to give holidaymakers an unrivalled welcome through a complete digital ecosystem: arriving guests are met in the village streets by Tourist Office hostesses with tablet computers, with a resort screen, iPhone app, and new for 2014, direct contact with the resort. A sort of virtual superfriend that keeps in touch by email and SMS to keep you up to date with the resort’s top tips as they happen and ensure visitors take full advantage of their Val T experience. e-store: the full range of Val Thorens clothing and accessories is now on sale online in partnership with the Freegun brand. www.valthorens.com Skicross in the spotlight from 12 to 30 December in Val Thorens Val Thorens becomes the skicross capital, with 15 days of competitions to kick off the season and an Olympics training camp for the French team. Val Thorens is hosting not only its second skicross World Cup event but also the French team, which includes several medal hopes, who have chosen Europe’s highest ski resort as their base camp for their Olympics training. Local boy Jean-Frédéric Chapuis, World Champion in the discipline, will be keen to defend his title on home ground. A great show but also a great experience, because between training sessions the piste will be open to the general public! 2nd Skicross World Cup: Sunday 15 December Opening Date: 23/11/2013 Closing Date: 11/05/2014 The Koh-I Nor***** Hotel and Residence This is now the jewel in Val Thorens’ crown. Europe’s highest luxury hotel offers a unique, lightfilled experience inside the resort’s white circus. 63 bedrooms and suites, 35 apartments, 2 restaurants, 2 swimming pools, a lounge bar and an 800m2 spa. Information and reservations: +33(0)4 79 31 00 00 www.hotel-kohinor.com/fr/official-site.php Prices: from €340 per night Hôtel Fitz Roy gets a complete makeover and a 5th star. Val Thorens’ legendary hotel, the Fitz Roy, has been completely refurbished for this winter… and along the way has picked up a 5th star. Information and reservations: +33 (0)4 79 00 04 78 www.hotelfitzroy.com This winter: child price for everyone! ‘Pass Famille’ ski pass: 2 adults + 2 children aged under 21 = €150.40 (1 day) and €710.40 (6 days). Terms and conditions at www.valthorens.com SETAM, tel. +33 (0)4 79 00 07 08 Snowsports: 2 free sledging runs for all ages and a 10-hectare beginners’ area with 4 magic carpets (free skiing area). www.valthorens.com Plus the longest sledging run in France, at 6 km long (5 to 88 years). Free for children aged 5 to 10 sharing a sledge with an adult. Day price, including sledge and helmet, €13 per descent (€19.50 for sledgers without a ski pass) SETAM: +33 (0)4 79 00 07 08 -www.valthorens.com Fun Park at the Sports Centre - 600 m2 of play facilities for little ones. Sports centre: +33 (0)4 79 00 00 76 www.sogevab.com Adrenaline experiences! Coming soon to Val Thorens: Europe’s longest zip wire, at 3,200 metres altitude! Le Toboggan: the longest sledging run in France (6 km/45 min): The course is great fun, with banked turns and different gradients along the way. An unforgettable experience to share, during the day or after dark. Prices: from €12.50 for a daytime descent and €19.50 for a night-time descent. SETAM: +33 (0)4 79 00 07 08 -www.valthorens. com Freestyle: Val Thorens’ snowpark features in the world’s top 10. Includes 4 ability zones (beginner to expert level) and a camera run where you can get a video of your jump. www.videopark.fr. www.snowparkvalthorens.com Mountain biking on snow: after the pistes have closed, this 45-minute mountain bike descent at nightfall is a totally new experience (approx. 6 km). And a well-deserved reward at the finish: mulled wine for all! Contact: Gérald Bigot +33 (0)6 16 48 58 15 www.valthorens.com Ice driving: beginners’ and have-a-go sessions driving a car round the Alain Prost circuit, which is home to the Trophée Andros competition. New: you can now go karting on the circuit! Ice Driving Academy: +33 (0)6 74 78 25 13 www.icedrivingacademy.com More unmissable events again this year! Saturday 23 November 2013: Start of the ski season! Sunday 24 November 2013 - Ski Force Winter Tour: The unmissable winter sports season launch event, with free equipment tests featuring the 18 biggest international ski brands. Mix Live & Show Mapping Video, outdoors from 8pm to 1am, Place Caron. Free evening event open to all. Snowboarders are in the spotlight the following weekend with the Rock On Snowboard Tour. Friday 6, Saturday 7 and Sunday 8 December 2013 Trophée Andros: Motor racing competitions on ice: great spectacle and a friendly atmosphere. Press preview on Friday 6 December in Val Thorens (media and public access to the team compounds, cars, drivers, behind the scenes, etc.) Sunday 15 December 2013: Skicross World Cup – 1st European leg. From 12 to 30 December 2013 the resort will become the World Skicross Capital with a 15-day line-up of competitions, shows and events in this extraordinary discipline! In the event’s highlight, on Sunday 15 December Val Thorens will be welcoming the world’s top skiers, in the running for the Winter Olympics, who will be pulling out all the stops to score points to win a place in Sochi. Local boy Jean-Frédéric Chapuis, World Champion in the discipline, will be keen to defend his title on his home ground, and above all will be hoping to bring back a gold medal from Sochi. A great show but also a great experience, because between training sessions the piste will be open to the general public! The resort is also hosting the French skicross team’s Olympic training camp. Friday 28 February 2014 - 6 Stations Tournament: rugby sevens tournament on snow featuring 6 ski resort teams made up of amateurs and former rugby internationals including Marc Lièvremont, Serge Betsen, Christophe Dominici, Christian Califano and more… 1 to 4 May 2014 - Apothéose Days, France’s ultimate end-of-season celebration: As it did for the start of the season, Val Thorens makes a splash with a new snowsports concept to round off the season: Apothéose Days! At the beginning of May, when most French ski resorts have closed, the resort is organising a unique international event alternating spring skiing in the mornings with afternoon après-ski events. A celebratory, sporting and friendly event that marks the changeover from winter to summer and offers a different skiing experience and the chance to make the most of the long spring days in Europe’s highest ski resort! Practical Information Number of km of pistes: 150 km Number of ski lifts: 32 Number of snowparks: 1 Number of cruising/beginners’ zones, etc.: 20% of the ski area - 1 free beginners’ zone with 4 covered magic carpets, 1 ski tow, 1 junior area, 1 beginners’ ski pass % of pistes with automatic artificial snow cover: 40% Price of child one-day pass: €37.60 Price of adult one-day pass: €47.00 Price of child 6-day pass: €177.60 Price of adult 6-day pass: €222.00 Special price (pass, etc.): NEW 6-day Duo Pass = €212/ person - 1-day and 6-day Family Pass (minimum 4 people, 2 adults + 2 children aged 6-20 = everybody pays the child price) - 6-day Gang Pass (3 or more people) = €207 Number of waymarked walking trails: 4 walking trails and 10 ski lifts open to pedestrians P. 22-23 Photos: © J.diazmondaca A resort with a great quality of life: well-being news Grenoble and Chambéry Airports SAVOIE - ISère - contact: JENNIFER WILSON - +33 (0)6 73 20 03 35 Photos: © Vigouroux jwilson@grenoble-airport.com - www.chambery-airport.com / www.grenoble-airport.com Norwegian, the leading Scandinavian low-cost airline, has launched its Winter 2013/14 schedule and will once again be offering Scandinavian skiers weekly flights to Grenoble, at the heart of the French Alps. Ideally located, Grenoble-Isère and ChambérySavoie Airports are the main gateways to the French Alps, offering the shortest transfers to major ski resorts such as Alpe d’Huez, Les 2 Alpes, Méribel, Val d’Isère, les Arcs…. Direct flights from Copenhagen, Oslo and Stockholm will operate every Saturday from January to March. Upon their arrival in Grenoble, passengers can take advantage of the bus transfers to ski resorts, which are timed to the flight arrivals, meaning they can spend even more time on the slopes! As leaders on the French ski charter market, more than 40 tour-operators choose to operate in Chambéry and Grenoble, whilst major low-cost airlines (Ryanair, Easyjet, Norwegian), as well as legacy carriers such as British Airways, have added the airports to their route networks. Voyages Loyet SAVOIE - contact: Marie Arbona +33 (0) 4 79 55 56 28 - marie.arbona@loyet.com - www.loyet.com transport company based in the heart of the French Alps close to ski resorts such as Tignes, Val d’Isère, Les Arcs and La Plagne. Our strong points: - Experience in transport since 1957 - Competent, efficient staff - A quick response service thanks to our considerable human resources (more than 150 drivers during the winter season), the size of our fleet (120 vehicles with 4 to 65 seats) and a booking service open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Our drivers Keen to preserve our family identity and our values such as dependability and respect for people and property, we recruit only the best candidates. All our drivers are experienced in driving on mountain roads and in snowy conditions. They regularly undergo training in economical and sustainable driving techniques and English language courses. Our coaches. Our fleet comprises 120 vehicles that cover more than 4,500,000 kilometres a year, with the average vehicle age being 5 years. The fleet is run by our fleet manager, who works with our mechanics and coachbuilders to apply a strict maintenance programme. Our business. We provide all types of transport from Geneva, Lyon, Chambéry and Grenoble airports and SNCF railway stations to all of France’s alpine ski resorts, in optimum comfort and safety conditions. Our fully bilingual French-English sales department is at your disposal to discuss your transport requirements. Contact commerciale@loyet.com or +33 (0)4 79 55 56 28. We also have a new website at www.loyet.com with an online booking system for all your transfers at www.simply-transfers@loyet.com P. 24-25 Photos: © Loyet VOYAGES LOYET is a private passenger ESF ESF: Ecole du Ski Français CONTACT: CLEMENT FLOTAT +33 (0)4 76 90 67 36 - clement.flotat@snmsf.com – www.esf.net ESF: one school, one philosophy For pleasure There are many different kinds of snowsports: alpine skiing, freestyle, skicross, snowboard cross, nordicross and more... The ESF ski schools work hard to keep abreast of the latest trends, which they teach from beginner to advanced level using tailored, friendly teaching methods. With a teaching method that focuses on the pleasure of learning, the Ecole du Ski Français helps its pupils to progress, enabling them to master the technique and experience the thrills of snowsports. Each pupil starts off slowly and confidently, progressing through technical assessment or performance tests, or sets off to discover new pistes and new playgrounds. Photos: ESF The instructor, an attentive professional The ski instructor plays an important role in teaching our pupils about the mountain environment. He or she passes on the rules of behaviour and safety that must be observed in the mountains and helps his or her pupils to become more familiar with the mountains, which are well worth being discovered. The ESF ski schools work to improve accident prevention and safety, because skiing well is also about knowing your abilities and limits. Seventy per cent of ESF pupils are aged under 14, and it is important that they are made aware of these issues at a young age so that they quickly acquire the right attitude, ensuring that they will ski safely and responsibly. Every year, two hundred and fifty French winter sports resorts attract over seven million holidaymakers. In every one of them, the ESF ski schools and their instructors are on hand to show them the way. The Ecole du Ski Français brings together 17,000 instructors who share strong, unifying values: knowledge of the mountain environment, respect for traditions, passing on professional expertise and being open to new practices. It is constantly adapting to the evolution of winter sports and provides instruction that keeps abreast of the snowsports trends. P. 26-27 flashcode France MONTAGNES Press Contact Frédérique CHENAL Alpespace - Bâtiment Annapurna 24 rue St Exupéry - 73800 FRANCIN - France Tel: +33 (0)4 79 65 06 75 / Fax: +33(0)4 79 72 31 78 E-Mail : f.chenal@france-montagnes.com France Montagnes France Montagnes is the only organisation in charge of promotion, marketing, and communication, in France and internationally, for the French mountains, as well as for designing and managing the internet site www.france-montagnes.com web Conception/réalisation : Félix Création - Page de couv : © Michel Cottin, Agence Zoom. Autres visuels : © © difught - Fotolia, © PHB.cz - Fotolia, © Jancsi Hadik, ©Thomas Hytte, © Gorilla - Fotolia.com, © CERVOS Stephane, © Gennadiy Poznyakov - Fotolia find out more .com www.france-montagnes