FRANCE SKI AND MOUNTAINS THE PLACE TO BE

Transcription

FRANCE SKI AND MOUNTAINS THE PLACE TO BE
FRANCE
SKI AND MOUNTAINS
THE PLACE TO BE
MANUAL FOR PROFESIONNALS
H
C
N
E
R
F
S
N
I
A
T
N
U
O
M
EIGHTS
HIT THE
H
FRENCH
www.france-montagnes.com
GB
Helsingfors
Oslo
Stockholm
Tallinn
Riga
kobenhavn
Vilnius
Minsk
Dublin
Amsterdam
London
Berlin
Warszawa
Brussel
Lëtzebuerg
Strasbourg
Paris
VOSGES
Clermont
Ferrand
Bordeaux
MASSIF
CENTRAL
Pau Toulouse
PYRÉNÉES
ALPES
Milano
Ljubljana
Torino
Nice
Bratislava
Chişinãu
Budapest
Zagreb
Sarajevo
Roma
Bucuresti
Belgrade
Marseille
Barcelona
Lisboa
Wien
München
JURA
Genève
Lyon
Kiev
Praha
Ckopje
Coфия
Tiranë
Ankara
Madrid
Αθήνα
Alger
2
Tunis
CONTENTS
MOUNTAINS IN FRANCE ...............................................................................................................................................................4
A - Overview...................................................................................................................................................................................................... 4
B - Key figures for mountain tourism in winter........................................................................................................ 4
C - How to get to the french resorts? ...................................................................................................................................... 5
GOOD REASONS TO CHOOSE
FRENCH SKI RESORTS........................................................................................................................................................................5
DUMMY GUIDE FOR HOLIDAYING IN THE MOUNTAINS.........................................................6
A - Life in a ski resort............................................................................................................................................................................ 6
1. The different types of villages and accommodation on offer. .......................................................................................... 6
2. Gastronomy in France: not only snails and cheese.................................................................................................................. 6
3. Shops for all needs. ........................................................................................................................................................................................7
4. A season running from the end of November to early May...............................................................................................7
5. The perfect outfit ...........................................................................................................................................................................................7
B - Essentials in the mountains............................................................................................................................................. 7
1. There is always something for everyone of all ages. ................................................................................................................7
2. The French way of life . .............................................................................................................................................................................. 8 3. An authentic and protected environment..................................................................................................................................... 9
C - “Family special” resorts......................................................................................................................................................... 9
1. “Family Plus” Label . ....................................................................................................................................................................................... 9
2. Ski schools: to get started or to hone your skills................................................................................................... 9
SKI......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................10
A - Essentials...................................................................................................................................................................................................10
B - Specifics of ski in France ..........................................................................................................................................................11
1. French linked ski areas, the largest ski areas in the world ..................................................................................................11
2. A highly efficient ski area..........................................................................................................................................................................11
3. Specially equipped zones......................................................................................................................................................................... 12
4. Snow guarantee............................................................................................................................................................................................ 12
5. Environmental concerns .......................................................................................................................................................................... 13
6. Ski-in/ski-out resorts, life at the heart of the ski area ......................................................................................................... 13
7. A great diversity of landscapes and ski areas . .......................................................................................................................... 13
HOW TO RECOMMEND A RESORT?
......................................................................................................................
14
3
READY TO GO?
GO!
Mountains in France
A-O
verview
The five French mountain ranges, namely
the Alps, the Pyrenées, the
Massif Central, the Jura and the
Vosges, represent 23% of the surface area
of France. They offer an incredible variety of
mountain scenery and many unforgettable
moods.
Remember:
The highest mountain
in Western Europe is in
France: Mont-Blanc
at 4810m
B-K
ey figures for mountain tourism in winter
(2014 data)
• 30% of the main ski resorts in the world are situated in France
• 325 resorts spread over 5 mountain ranges: the largest ski area in Europe • 55.3 million skier days, the highest in Europe
• An estimated 10 billion EUR turnover for tourism in mountains • 66 million nights in ski resorts in winter
• 2 million tourist beds in resorts
• 3,463 lifts: number one worldwide in terms of equipment • 300 million euros of year-on year investment in ski infrastructure by French ski areas
• 17,000 ESF instructors and 250 ski schools
4
C - How to get to the French resorts?
By rail
Train station
By air
Gateway to resorts
Bourg-Saint-Maurice
Funicular for Les Arcs
Shuttle to Tignes , Val d’Isère, La Rosière
Aime
Shuttle to La Plagne
Moûtiers
Shuttle to Valmorel, Brides-Les-Bains, Méribel,
Les Menuires, Val Thorens, Courchevel
St-Jean de Maurienne Shuttle to Valloire
Modane
Shuttle to Val Cenis Vanoise
Annecy
Shuttle to La Clusaz, Le Grand-Bornand
Cluses
Shuttle to Morzine, Châtel, Les Gets
Sallanches
Shuttle to Megève, Flaine
Grenoble
Shuttle to Alpe d’Huez, Les 2 Alpes
Gap (France) or Shuttle to Montgenèvre, Serre Chevalier Vallée,
Turin-Oulx (Italy)
Orcières Merlette 1850
Nice
Shuttle to Isola 2000
Connections to Chambéry, Grenoble,
Lyon, Geneva, Toulouse and Nice.
Then shuttle bus services to the main ski
resorts.
Find out more at:
www.france-montagnes.com
Good reasons to choose French
ski resorts
An excellent position in Europe
and worldwide!
• 14 major ski resorts in France,
30% of the world's major ski resorts
• A good reputation in Europe and worldwide
• Linked ski areas, a unique concept in the world
Reach new heights!
•T
he largest ski areas in the world
• High altitude resorts for guaranteed snow
• Imposing landscapes and panoramas
French excellence!
• Well designed ski areas and a modern
and efficient lift system
• 2 unique architectural styles: traditional villages
and purpose-built resorts
• Food and wine know-how (local products, traditional
and gourmet cuisine)
Wide variety of choice!
•V
aried landscapes depending on mountain range
and altitude
• Wide range of accommodation and services
• Many outdoor and indoor activities, and après-ski
Easy and affordable stays!
• A wide range of transport and easy access
to the resorts
•V
illages at the heart of the ski areas:
ski-in /ski-out resorts
• Ski areas suitable for all disciplines and all standards
Holiday for the family!
• Many resorts well organised to welcome families
(Family Plus label)
• Ski schools and ski areas for all standards and all ages
• Accommodation constantly updated to provide more
comfort and convenience
5
Dummy guide for holidaying
in the mountains
A - Life in a ski resort
1. The different types of villages and accommodation on offer
In France, the ski areas are often organised as to
enable a start on skis from the village and even
directly from your accommodation.
Holidaymakers can choose to stay in traditional
villages (ski areas developed near ancient
mountain villages) or in purpose-built resorts
(ski-in/ski-out resorts with on-site services,
equipped to facilitate people’s stay).
Accommodation of all types are offered in French
winter sports resorts, namely from 2 to 5 star hotels,
tourism residencies, apartments, traditional chalets, ...
Each resort will have a detailed map indicating
accommodation. It’s available on the Tourist Office
website (address in the “French Resorts guide ").
French resorts constantly keep their choice of
accommodation up to date, in order to meet the
highest standards of international clients: hotels,
large comfortable apartments or traditional chalets.
Each to his own style!
In 2009, a new standard of hotel classification was
introduced in France, with the aim to improve the
quality of facilities and services across all types of
accommodation.
SELF-CATERING HOLIDAY
APARTMENTS: A FRENCH SPECIALITY
TO BE AWARE OFF!
Those residences sold by CGH, Odalys or
Pierre&Vacances are very well situated in the resorts
and offered fully equipped apartments often
with direct access to leisure and activity centres
(swimming pool, gym...)
Many related services are offered such as booking
your ski school or your activities, a welcome service,
grocery delivery on the day of arrival, catering services,
cleaning...
From July 2012 all tourist accommodation (campsite,
holiday villages, tourism residences, leisure park and
residences, hotels) must meet the new standards.
2. Gastronomy in France: not only snails and cheese…
French resorts offer a wide range of restaurants
for all budgets. Holidaymakers can experience
local cuisine made from local produce,
international cuisine and enjoy real
gourmet French cuisine.
6
Some resorts offer services such as pre-prepared
meals, caterers and home cooks so you can enjoy a
meal without concern!
TOP TIPS
Service + (in hotels and/or tourism residency): pre‑order
your pack lunch to take on the slopes - Groceries delivered
to your accommodation on your day of arrival.
3. Shops for all needs
Ski resorts are real villages with all the shops and
services necessary: small supermarkets, markets
and local producers, but also other types of shops
including clothing and sports equipment, fashion
sportswear, souvenirs and gifts shops, jewellery,
perfumery, pharmacy...
In resorts, shops are open daily from 9:00 to 19:30,
even on Bank holidays (Christmas, Boxing Day,
New Year's Day and Easter weekend).
4. A season running from the end of November to early May The winter season usually begins on the second
Saturday in December and ends in late April. For
high altitude resorts such as Tignes, Val d'Isère, Val
Thorens, Les 2 Alpes and Alpe d'Huez, the season is
longer, running from late November to early May.
Throughout the season, the resorts offer a varied
programme of events.
End of November / December: Grand Opening
and entertainment events around the magic of
Christmas.
January: Special sporting and cultural events.
February: Entertainment and events to welcome
European school holidaymakers.
March: Many events and great snow cover!
April / May: Spring skiing! Longer days and
warmer temperatures.
5. The perfect outfit
A good excuse to go shopping! Ski clothing now
follows fashion trends, but it must be waterproof
and comfortable.
It is advisable to wear several layers that can be
removed or added depending on the temperature
variations or altitude changes during the day.
B - Essentials in the mountains
1. There is always something for everyone of all ages
Skiing activities
The in-resort stars are skiing and other "on-slope"
activities (See our "Ski Focus" p 10).
Sporting activities on or off the snow
For a pleasant change and new experiences,
the French mountains offer many off- the slopes
activities.
On the snow activities: hiking, snowshoeing or dog
sledding (for example in Méribel, Montgenèvre
or Valloire), skijoring (skiers pulled by horses),
tobogganing, body boarding, snow kiting, snow scoot,
mountain bike on snow in Les Menuires, unusual
evening in an igloo, a yurt or a tepee (for example
in Valmorel, Les Gets, Châtel, Les Arcs, Isola 2000,
Le Grand-Bornand, or Orcières Merlette 1850)
Outdoor activities: Ice-diving (scuba under frozen
lakes especially in Tignes and Val Cenis), bobsleigh
in La Plagne, horse riding, karting, ice driving
(especially in Val Thorens and Flaine), air activities
such as plane rides (in Courchevel and Megève)
micro light, parapente, etc…
Indoor activities: aqua leisure areas (especially in
Morzine, Val d’Isère, Serre Chevalier Valley, La Clusaz
and Brides-Les-Bains), sports centres, gyms and
bowling, etc.
ss
Don't mi
Some resorts offer discounts
or access to various activities
with the purchase of a ski pass.
7
Entertainment and cultural activities
The "front de neige" (base of the slopes), meeting
place for skiers and non-skiers, is located at the
heart of the resort and is the starting point of the
ski lifts. Access is on foot or on skis!
Many activities are offered on the snow-front:
torchlight descents, friendly moments around
a hot wine or hot chocolate, performances for
children, concerts, fireworks, etc…
A full programme of sporting, cultural, musical
or even gastronomic events is organised for
holidaymakers throughout the season.
(For more information, find an extract of the
programme of events p 15, and the full list for
each resort directly on their website).
FOR 2 HOURS, A FULL DAY OR A WEEK:
activities are flexible and everyone can choose to do what
they want at their own pace..
2. The French way of life Relaxation & Wellness
The fresh air and scenic
beauty of the French
mountains are the
perfect place to relax.
Holidaymakers can
renew their “health
capital” by enjoying
the benefits of the
mountain and new
facilities provided in
most resorts: spa and fitness centres with pool,
jacuzzi, sauna, steam room, treatments, massages,
etc…
Wellness through water is enhanced by specialised
facilities such as the Grand Spa des Alpes, a 2,100 m2
dedicated area in Brides-les-Bains, which has been a
spa town for 150 years. In Serre Chevalier Valley, Les
Grands Bains use the benefits of natural hot springs
in a 4,500 m2 facility.
Aqua leisure centres such as in Tignes, Val d’Isère,
Val Thorens, Courchevel, Montgenèvre, Peyragudes,
and many other resorts, are available to visitors
during the day or after skiing for relaxing moments
to share.
ALL THESE TYPES OF RESTAURANTS
ARE ALSO FOUND
ON THE SLOPES!
Restaurants and bars with different atmospheres
are at the top of the slopes, so skiers don’t have to
go back down to the resort for lunch. Non-skiers
can also access these restaurants by using the lifts.
Gastronomy
The French mountains are certainly not lacking
when it comes to gastronomy. They are totally in
line with France’s reputation both in diversity and
excellence.
Extensive choice available:
• Products and regional specialties that
holidaymakers will find at markets, in shops and
in mountain restaurants
• International cuisine, pizzeria, snack, etc…
• Gourmet food (more than 25 Michelinstarred establishments). Megève, Courchevel,
Val d'Isère, Val Thorens, Les Menuires, Méribel
and Les 2 Alpes are the ambassadors of a local
cuisine revisited by Michelin Star Chefs.
TO WATCH THE SNOW SPARKLE, NO NEED TO BE A CLIMBER!
Holidaymakers can enjoy exceptional panoramas from their balcony, jacuzzi or from a terrace.
Your clients will finally relax and enjoy life!
8
3. An authentic and protected environment
Holidaymakers can enjoy the authentic and
preserved mountains, discover traditional
mountain architecture and the charm of wooden
chalets.
The village resorts have retained a large local
population enabling strong relationships between
tourists and locals.
These small villages, which have sometimes
developed into large, internationally renowned
resorts, offer all types of shops and services. If
necessary, shuttle buses connect the ski slopes
with the less central accommodation.
Some of these charming villages which form part
of a large skiing area are Châtel, Morzine, Les Gets,
La Clusaz, Le Grand-Bornand, Megève, La Rosière,
Val d’Isère, Valloire, etc…
C. "Family Special" resorts
1. "Family Plus" Label
First and only national tourism label qualifying
the welcome and services specifically offered
to families. The “Family Plus” mountain resorts
offer a special welcome to families, ensuring the
quality of their stay.
The resorts will:
• Welcome families individually
• Provide entertainment suitable for all ages
• Offer "family rates"
• Offer a wide range of activities to enjoy together
or separately
•P
rovide medical services for minor injuries
•U
se qualified professionals for children care
• L isten to the needs of families.
Top choice for family holidays: choose from
one of the 44 "Family Plus Mountain" resorts,
including Châtel, Morzine, Les Gets, La Clusaz, Le
Grand-Bornand, Megève, Courchevel, Les Menuires,
Val Thorens, Courchevel, La Rosière, Val d'Isère,
Montgenèvre, Serre Chevalier Vallée.
Full list of resorts at: www.france-montagnes.com
2. Ski school: to get started or to hone your skills
The French Ski School (ESF) looks after beginners
as well as experienced skiers looking to improve.
The ESF can be found in every resort, offering quality
and professional service.
dedicated enclosed and safe kindergardens where
children will be taken care of by qualified instructors,
most of whom are bilingual and have received
special training to look after young children.
Ski lessons are offered by the hour or as part of a
week-long group lesson. At the end of the week,
children receive an honorary medal to reward their
progress. 7 levels are offered: the Bear, the Snowflake,
the first, second and third Star, the Bronze Star and
the Gold Star.
First time, just for fun? Children are looked after
from the age of 3 in the Piou-Piou Club. These are
Ski lessons are offered in tour operator packages
or directly on the ESF website: www.esf.net.
It is advisable to book lessons before departing on holiday.
9
Ski
A. Essentials
Ski or snowboard
You can pre-book your equipment before departure, rent it in the resort or bring your own with
you. Storage areas are usually provided in hotels and residences for all equipment. They are called
“ski locker rooms”
Your clients will find helmets to hire in ski rental shops.
Ski passes
These are the means of using the lifts as often as desired for a set length of time. In some
resorts, there is free access to some beginner areas.
Ski passes are either included as part of a package or are purchased locally by the hour, the day
or the week. Rates are on a sliding scale and offer better value than in other countries!
Insurance
Insurance is necessary in case of an accident on the slopes, to cover repatriation and first aid.
It can be bought as an extra with the lift pass.
M
ap of the ski area
Maps of the slopes allow skiers to plan their ideal route according to their standard. The level of
difficulty of a slope is indicated by colour: green, blue, red and black. Some areas are developed
for specific disciplines, ie beginners areas, snow park, etc… Types of lifts are also shown: chairlift,
gondola, funicular, etc...
Some resorts advise on routes following the sun, or have developed applications for smart
phones with ski map, GPS, weather, snow conditions, etc…
Map of the resort
This shows where to find the shops, recreational areas, accommodation, car parks, ski lift
departure points, ski schools and other services.
Ski schools
Courses are offered either as part of a tour operator’s
package or directly from the website www.esf.net.
It is possible to book lessons by the hour
or by the week before arriving in resort.
10
Lift companies offer ski passes
based on what the customer wants,
ie by the hour, half day, full day,
multiple days, weekly, biweekly,
etc…
B. Specifics of ski in France
1. French linked ski areas, the largest ski areas in the word
The 3 Valleys is the largest linked ski area in
the world.
Ski between Courchevel, Les Menuires, Méribel, Val
Thorens before reaching Brides-les-Bains on the
600 km of slopes in the 3 Valleys.
85% of the ski area is above 1800m and there are
25 peaks that can be reached by lifts, including
10 over 2500 m. It is also where you’ll find
Val Thorens, the highest resort in Europe at 2300m.
Ski in the footsteps of great champions in the
Espace Killy, linking Tignes and Val d'Isère.
The 300 km of slopes offer dedicated areas for all
levels and disciplines (quiet ski area, snow park,
beginner’s area, free ride park, kindergarden).
Enjoy the incredible panorama of the Alps
from the Grande Motte glacier at 3456 m.
Paradiski is the area that links La Plagne and Les
Arcs, with their resorts staggered between peaks
and valleys. The Paradiski area has a total of 425 km
of slopes and 2 glaciers equipped with lifts!
70% of the area is situated above 2000 m!
The Portes du Soleil brings together 12 French and
Swiss resorts such as Les Gets, Morzine and Châtel.
With a perfectly integrated lift system, a variety
of both open and forested slopes and centuries
old chalets, the Portes du Soleil is a true protected
environment.
WORLD-CLASS EVENTS TO
EXPERIENCE IN-RESORT:
• The ENDURO 3 VALLEYS, in the 3 Valleys is the
largest gathering of amateur skiers in the world.
• ROCK THE PISTES FESTIVAL, itinerant music
festival with various venues set in the Portes du
Soleil ski area.
Find the full event calendar at:
www.france-montagnes.com
2. A highly efficient ski area
The lift system
France is ranked first in the world in terms of lift
equipment.
Many investments are made to increase:
• Speed: less waiting and more enjoyment
• Security: development of detachable chair lifts
and loading mats
Ski area maintenance and safety
Ski patrols secure and maintain the snow cover on a
daily basis to provide holidaymakers with the best
conditions of comfort and safety.
• Snow grooming for a better quality of snow
• Good signposting for easy orientation
• On site ski patrol and rescue teams
• Comfort: equipped to deal with extreme cold
(plastic windshields on chairlifts, upgrading of lifts
to gondolas), systems suitable for kids, etc…
11
3. Specially equipped zones
A warm welcome to all disciplines
and all standards
To enable everyone to make the most of the
ski areas, specially designated zones have been
developed. In most French resorts, skiers will find:
• Slopes graded by level of difficulty
(green: easy, blue: medium, red: hard,
black: technical)
• Dedicated areas for beginners,
whether adults or children, offering fun trails.
• Facilities for alternative winter sports:
snow parks, boarder cross, big air. Fans of
snowboard and free-style can get together in areas
reserved especially for them
• “Front de neige” organised to welcome skiers and
non-skiers alike in a friendly atmosphere, both
during the day and for après-ski.
Solutions for people with disabilities
Ski resorts are also equipped to welcome disabled
guests.
Many meet the following dual criteria:
• Accessibility to the resort and accommodation.
• Ecole du Ski Français (ESF) which offers tuition for
disabled skiers.
There are many different sorts of equipment suitable
for the practice of ski or snowboard with a disability
(Uniski, Dual-ski, bi-ski, Dual Bar, Tandem skiing, etc...)
Note: there are ESF ski instructors who are qualified to
teach the physically disabled, visually impaired, hearing
impaired (sign language) or those with learning
disabilities.
Even the very severely handicapped can experience the
sensations of skiing by being taken down the slopes by
instructors in a sit ski.
RESORTS OFFERING SNOW SPORTS
FACILITIES FOR PEOPLE WITH A DISABILITY:
Any discipline, every standard, all styles: there are
themed areas to satisfy every skier’s expectations!
La Clusaz, Les Gets, Le Grand-Bornand, Megève,
Les Menuires, Méribel, Morzine, La Plagne, La Rosière,
Tignes, Val Cenis, Val Thorens.
Contact the ESF to book adaptive skiing sessions:
www.esf.net/
4. Snow guarantee
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.
In France, 60 resorts are located between 1500 and
2500 meters!
The high altitude resorts (Tignes, Val d'Isère,
Val Thorens, Les 2 Alpes and Alpe d'Huez) with
peaks above 3000 meters and snow-covered
12
glaciers offer the assurance of good quality natural
snow.
To provide a "snow guarantee" to skiers, resorts
have invested in technology to produce artificial
snow. They now boast a large snowmaking
production capacity and guaranteed access to the
ski area and snow sports delights.
5. Environmental concerns
Many resorts have achieved the ISO 9001 (Quality),
ISO 14001 (environment) and OHSAS 18001 (safety)
standards. These are heavy and demanding
standards to ensure quality control at all levels.
Among the measures introduced for environment
protection are:
•T
he supply of ski areas with renewable energy
• Use of environmentally friendly fuel and
biodegradable oils for the grooming machines
• The use of biodegradable products for marking
slopes and road clearing
• The use of solar panels
• Limitation of private vehicles and organisation of
free shuttle
• Public awareness programmes
6. Ski-in/ski-out resorts, life at the heart of the ski area In France, some resorts are purpose-built, that is
to say, they have been created from scratch at the
heart of the ski area. Accommodation, shops and all
services are accessible on skis! Village centres are
pedestrians and some resorts are totally car free.
Among these resorts are Flaine, La Plagne, Les Arcs,
Val Thorens, Tignes, Valmorel, les 2 Alpes, Alpe d’Huez,
Isola 2000...
ON FOOT OR ON SKIS
No need to take the car, everything is within a ski’s
reach. Put your skis on at your doorstep.
7. A great diversity of landscapes and ski areas
From North to South, the Alps offer perfectly
groomed slopes to skiers, as well as virgin snow
valleys in the middle of the trees.
The Lake Annecy Ski Resorts will satisfy all lovers
of alpine and nordic skiing.
L'Alpe d'Huez and Les 2 Alpes, situated in the
Isère department, have each got their own
characteristics. L'Alpe d'Huez is south facing
and boast the longest ski slope in the world: the
Sarenne at 16 km. The reputation of Les 2 Alpes
lies in the ability to access high peaks at an
altitude of 3600 meters.
With an XXL territory, Serre Chevalier Valley enjoys
a favourable climate and a unique terrain.
This is both a ski resort with a large ski area and
a traditional village, but also a wellness resort.
The other massifs (Pyrenées, Massif Central, Jura,
Vosges) have all got unique features to discover!
Resorts in the Pyrenées lie between France
and Spain, the Mediterranean and the Atlantic,
offering real contrasts along its length.
From well-preserved villages to the most modern
ski resorts, from the practice of all winter sports to
wellness through thermal water, there is enough
to delight all lovers of winter sports!
The Massif Central is the largest mountain
range, covering 1/5th of the surface area of France.
It is a set of plateaux topped by volcanoes like the
Puy and the Cantal range, and divided with deep
valleys. All mountain sports activities are available
in the ski resorts.
In the Vosges the "balloon" mountains emerge
above vast forests and lakes, and miles of snowy
marked trails offer exceptional cross-country
skiing. Family ski resorts are a perfect solution
for ski lovers at the heart of a mountain range
blending tradition, gastronomy and hospitality.
The Jura is made up of a wide range of
highlands, narrow geological folds and valleys,
expanses of shimmering snow and cross-country
trails that wind through the trees. Here the wintry
atmosphere is synonymous with softness and
serenity. Be amazed by the breathtaking scenery
where downhill skiing and winter sports take on a
new dimension.
13
How to recommend a resort?
In order to help you choose which resort is best for your clients, we have established eight criteria to
describe the resorts (Find these criteria in the " French Resorts guide").
Family Plus Mountain resort: ideal for family holiday.
Large Domain resort: allows you to access a linked ski area with the same ski pass. Ideal for skiers
and snowboarders who want to clock as many miles as possible during their holiday.
Traditional Village resort: an authentic village with no modern buildings, boasting unspoilt
natural areas and offering a full range of mountain activities (skiing, snowshoeing, dog-sledding,
walks…). Ideal for people who want to share the local culture
Club resort: they combine modern trends, facilities for all type of skiing and easy access to many
leisure and après-ski activities. Ideal for teenagers, groups of friends, trendy young adults.
Alternative snow sports resorts: offer specialist instructors and dedicated safe facilities, such as
snow parks and boarder cross, for the latest snow sport disciplines. For everyone, from beginners to
experts. Ideal for teenagers, snowboarders or freestylers.
Spa resort: to combine winter sport activities and wellness through hot spring facilities. Ideal for
women, non-skiers, people who don’t necessarily want to be on the slopes all day long.
Cross-country resort: they offer an exceptional cross-country ski area in terms of distance and
quality, with both traditional and skating loops. Specialist instructors are available. Ideal for crosscountry skiers and nature lovers.
Top Of The French Alps (TOTFA) resort: a group of the most emblematic French resorts,
offering services that meet the requirements of an international clientele. This includes: a variety of
non-skiing activities, an excellent reputation, a diverse food selection and accommodation range,
high quality ski areas, many international cultural and sports events, an easy way to book.
Find the TOTFA-classified resorts at: www.france-montagnes.com
14
ALL THE ADDICTIVE ASPECTS
OF A MOUNTAIN HOLIDAY
Well-being
Adrenaline
SKIING
Be with family
and friends
Progress
Take some
excercise
SNOWFLAKES
Chalet
vibes
APRÈS-SKI
Powder
Get out
and about
Glisse
Hot
Chocolate
FONDUE
Freedom
The great
outdoors
Tobogganing
Share
unforgettable
moments
Mountain
restaurants
Pleasure
MAKING
Family fun
First tracks
Mulled Wine Speed
MEMORIES
Tranquillity
Soak up
the sun
CARVE
SOME TURNS
Raclette
Rejuvenation
Holidays
DE-STRESS
Snow
Sensations
15
To further expand your knowledge of
the French mountains, go to
www. e-montagne.fr
the e-learning website that will make you
an "Expert of the Mountains in France"!
With this online tool, you can train at
your own pace, in a fun way and also win
free stays in ski resorts!
ORE
FIND OUT M
.com
www.france-montagnes
Edition 2015: @ France Montagnes - Bâtiment Annapurna - 24, voie St Exupéry - 73800 Francin.
Tel. +33 (0)4 79 65 06 75 - Fax +33 (0)4 79 72 31 78 - email: info@france-montagnes.com
Managing Editor: Jean-Marc Silva
Creation: Félix Création - www.felix-creation.fr
Photos: ©Agence photo Urope, © Porschelegend/fotolia, © Gudellaphoto/fotolia, ©Auremar/fotolia, © Vision
images/fotolia, © Peter Kirillov/fotolia, © Jeffrey Van Daele/fotolia, © Chase Jervis/fotolia, © Difught/fotolia,
© Dell/fotolia, © Gorilla/fotolia, © Steeve Roche/fotolia, © Philippe Devanne/fotolia, © Image Source IS2/fotolia,
© Stefan Korber/fotolia, © Ldens/fotolia, © Aurélien Antoine/fotolia, © Daniel Loretto/fotolia, © Kiboka/fotolia,
© Blende64/fotolia, © Silver Chopsticks/fotolia, © HLPhoto/fotolia, © A Rochau/fotolia, © Panthesja/fotolia,
© Milkovic/fotolia, © Jasminka Keres/fotolia, © Jan Mika/fotolia, © Brad Pict/fotolia, © Pascal Lebeau.
Reproduction of texts and illustrations published in this document is forbidden.
Printed in France.
flashcode
web