DOCSLIB.ORG

The Essence of the Alps

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
The Essence of the Alps The essence of the Alps ENGLISH Nestled beneath several of the largest glaciers in the French Alps, Pralognan-la-Vanoise combines the vast mountain landscapes of Vanoise National Park with a warm, friendly, and authentic village atmosphere. For decades, the breathtaking high-mountain setting has regaled both the athletic and pensive, and all those looking to experience incredible moments in our well-preserved natural environment. 3 Pralognan-la-Vanoise continues to cultivate a truly unique spirit. Through its quaint traditional hamlets, chalets built from A destination for wood and stone, narrow village streets, and mountain those who truly love pastures, the village is proud to preserve such the mountains a rich architectural and cultural heritage. The spectacular mountain environment surrounding Pralognan-la-Vanoise offers all that you need to rejuvenate. In the heart of the village, the Le Cristal Spa and Wellness Center offers the perfect opportunity for you to relax and take care of yourself in a warm and secluded setting located at the foot of the area’s glacier-capped peaks. 4 5 Vanoise National Park, The iconic hike to Col de la Vanoise Pass via Les Vaches true heaven for Lake: a trail filled with history! the avid hiker Vanoise National Park covers two-thirds of Pralognan-la-Vanoise, offering a vast expanse of protected mountain wilderness for hikers to explore. A variety of trails ramble through pastures, forests, and past pristine alpine lakes and massive glaciers, for a leisurely family stroll or on a multi-day adventure. The legendary GR55 trail, which crosses right through the middle of Vanoise National Park, passes by the Péclet-Polset Hut on its way to Chavière Pass (2796m). The approach hikes to a dozen huts start in Pralognan: the perfect opportunity to enjoy the full-mountain experience by spending the night in a hut or by simply stopping for a bite to eat! 6 7 It is pretty common to cross paths with the local populations of marmots, chamois, and ibex on a hike or near the area’s mountain huts… for an always unforgettable encounter! Hidden behind a forest of giant spruce trees, where the cliff appears to split into two, the La Fraîche waterfall represents one of the area’s most spectacular sites to see, and one of the most accessible for people to scale a via ferrata. At the top, a series of zip lines takes thrill seekers on an incredible ride… A limitless playground in a well-preserved, all-natural mountain environment 8 9 On your way up or downhill, electric mountain bikes offer a great way to explore the mountains. The guides in Pralognan organize tours on a regular basis for families or groups of friends to enjoy this fun and exciting sport! 10 Just a stone’s throw from the center of Pralognan, the Le Cristal recreation center includes a pool, bowling alley, climbing wall, and Olympic ice rink for everyone to enjoy. A pioneering trail running destination, Pralognan organizes several events and races for this fast-growing sport. Every year, the Tour des Glaciers de la Vanoise and the Tour de la Grande Casse attract more than 2000 runners from around the world. Mellow outings, exciting adventures Take full advantage of Pralognan’s exceptional outdoor playground, whether exploring the village outskirts or on an outing among the surrounding high peaks. Treetop adventure courses, mountain biking, paragliding, zip lines, horseback riding, canyoning, whitewater sports, or fly fishing… so much fun to choose from! 12 13 Built for the 1992 Winter Olympic Games, the ice rink is one of the biggest in the region. All year long the world’s best national hockey teams and figure skaters train, play, and compete here. A lively, year-round village Far from the crowds, Pralognan-la-Vanoise and its 754 permanent inhabitants figured out how to preserve a simple and authentic life in the mountains. The many cultural, sporting, and festive events provide the ideal opportunity to meet Pralognan locals, enjoy their hospitality, and share in their traditions. 14 15 The Pralognan-la-Vanoise guide company is one of the oldest and biggest in France. More than thirty high-mountain guides and mountain leaders (hiking guides) work A celebrated together, sharing their passion for the mountains and maintaining an incredible know-how passed down destination from one generation to the next. The Fête du Barioz, a fun, friendly festival full of history, entertains the entire village all day long to the rhythm of yesteryear with an artisan market, leather and wood working, a parade in traditional garb, donkey-back rides, cauldron-cooked soups, and traditional folk groups. The village of Pralognan is very proud of its aerial tram. When it opened in 1953, the Pralognan aerial tram was considered the fastest in the world! 18 19 Mountain agriculture remains a staple in Pralognan, as the daily production of AOP certified “Beufort Chalet d’Alpage” A great cheese (with a reputation as one of the tastiest in the Alps) demonstrates. Among the other local specialties: genepy destination liqueur distilled using traditional methods. for kids Pralognan-la-Vanoise is proud to welcome kids with open arms, offering services, facilities, and activities just for them. Its amazing location makes our quaint little village is incredibly safe. Several establishments offer daycare services for infants and toddlers. All throughout the season, we organize entertainment and activities for kids and teens to enjoy. 20 21 Design and content: névé/spaaark and the Pralognan la Vanoise Tourist Office Photo credits: Nathalie Allilaire, David Boudin - Au fil des lumières, Bureau des Guides, Gilles Lansard, Shutterstock, Studio Sémaphore Printing: Printed by Gutenberg in Annecy using plant-based ink and PEFC-certified paper. The materials in this brochure are for information purposes only. The Tourist Office and its partners are not liable for any errors or omissions. Non-contractual document. Please do not litter. 22 Tourist Office 290 avenue de Chasseforêt - 73710 Pralognan-la-Vanoise - FRANCE Tél. +33 (0)4 79 08 79 08 - [email protected] www.pralognan.com.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Interactions Between Outdoor Recreation and Iconic Terrestrial Vertebrates in Two French Alpine National Parks
    Ecosystem Services 45 (2020) 101155 Contents lists available at ScienceDirect Ecosystem Services journal homepage: www.elsevier.com/locate/ecoser Interactions between outdoor recreation and iconic terrestrial vertebrates in T two French alpine national parks ⁎ Sandra Lavorela,1,2, , Pierre-Louis Reyb,2, Karl Grigulisa, Mégane Zawadaa, Coline Byczeka a Laboratoire d’Ecologie Alpine, CNRS – Université Grenoble Alpes – Université Savoie Mont-Blanc, 38000 Grenoble, France b Department of Ecology and Evolution, University of Lausanne, Switzerland ARTICLE INFO ABSTRACT Keywords: Protected areas manage synergies and trade-offs associated with core missions of nature protection while sup- Cultural ecosystem services porting education, recreation and tourism. In this paper we demonstrate how spatial modelling co-produced with Iconic biodiversity managers can support the assessment of interactions between two cultural services: outdoor recreation and iconic Physical and psychological experiences terrestrial vertebrates. In two French national parks (Ecrins and Vanoise) we showed clear seasonal differentiation Supporting identities in spatial patterns for potential iconic vertebrate diversity, recreation opportunities and their interactions. Our first Nature protection hypothesis that limited access and mobility of recreationists during winter would increase potential wildlife refugia Seasonality Ecosystem service maps was largely validated for Ecrins. Our second hypothesis that lower but spatially diffuse pressure from recreationists in Ecrins would increase potential interference as compared to more intense but directed activity in Vanoise was consistent with patterns in summer. For winter the spatial concentration of recreation around ski resorts of Vanoise was highly impactful. Across both parks concerns about the expansion of winter activities are legitimate, especially for climate-sensitive species. We also showed the critical role of refuge areas in high valleys (summer) and lower slopes away from tracks (winter), highlighting threats from off-track practices.
    [Show full text]
  • Haute Maurienne Vanoise
    Events 12-13 January HAUTE 32nd International cross-country skiing marathon in Bessans www.marathondebessans.com 19-23 January: MAURIENNE La Grande Odyssée Savoie Mont Blanc La Grande Odyssée, one of the world’s toughest dog sledding races, goes through the beautiful landscape of the Haute Maurienne Vanoise. Covering 375km and with 12,500m of VANOISE vertical ascent, the Haute Maurienne Vanoise‘s leg is an exceptional adventure for the Mushers and their dogs. The PRESS PACK WINTER 2012-13 wide wild area at Mont Cenis pass and the end of the valley covered by trees make an ideal terrain for this activity that came from Canada’s Far North. For further information, visit www.grandeodyssee.com 25-27 January Ice climbing festival 26 January – 1 February Accordion festival Contacts Erich DEBRUERES Head of Communication +33 (0)4 79 05 99 05 [email protected] www.haute-maurienne-vanoise.com Bramans - Sollières-Sardières - Termignon - Val Cenis - Bessans - Bonneval sur Arc Images courtesy of: P Huart, Images des Cîmes, MGM, C Molitor, D Givois N N N Looking for authentic mountain By train villages, a diverse ski area, TGV from Paris to Modane (four hours). Buses run from Modane to the villages of the Haute Maurienne (45 incredible off piste and minutes to Val Cenis). www.altibus.com alternative activities at an By road affordable price? Don’t look Motorway to Modane, then national road until Lanslebourg (RN6). any further, book a holiday in the Haute Maurienne Vanoise. Ski-Bus The six villages and ski areas of the Haute Maurienne Valley are Behind the busy Tarentaise valley, at the foot of the famous easily accessible via a free shuttle service.
    [Show full text]
  • Press Kit Winter 2019 - 2020 Peisey-Vallandry from 14/12/2019 to 25/04/2020 /////////////////////// Contents
    PRESS KIT WINTER 2019 - 2020 PEISEY-VALLANDRY FROM 14/12/2019 TO 25/04/2020 /////////////////////// CONTENTS /////////////////////// 03 / The charm of a typical Valley 09 / La grande Odyssée 04 / The Ski Area 10 / 2nd Croq Rando 05 / Handi Skiing 11 / A Rich and Varied Heritage 06 / Paradiski Yuge 12 / Agri-Tourism 07 / A fun offer 13 / The Gourmet Break 08 / A Remarkable Nordic Area 14 / Participative accommodation 15 / Holiday Offers ////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// 2 PEISEY-VALLANDRY The charm of a typical Valley The charm of a typical Savoyard village at the gates of the Vanoise National Park. A natural area to be explored, this is the mountains with all their pleasures and sport, but also their history, remains, heritage and living traditions. Located at an altitude of 1600 m on the west-facing slope of the les Arcs massif, at the edge of the forest and sheltered from the prevailing winds, Peisey-Vallandry offers an extensive view over the Tarentaise Valley, and the Beaufortain and Mont-Blanc massifs. This high-altitude resort comprises Most of the skiing here is in the The resort has been able to expand three villages: Landry, Peisey and forest. Halfway between Les Arcs harmoniously, favouring quality ac- Nancroix as well as two snow fronts and la Plagne, it is the ideal star- commodation in individual, luxury in the Vallandry and Plan-Peisey ting point for exploring the whole chalets, restored village houses, 2 sectors. It is both attractive for its of the Paradiski area (425 km of and 3 star hotels, 4-star résidences conviviality and surprising for the pistes).
    [Show full text]
  • Self-Guided LAKES and HIGH PASSES of VANOISE
    Self-guided LAKES AND HIGH PASSES OF VANOISE 6 days at the heart of France's first National Park First of its kind in France, Vanoise National Park was established in 1963. A vast territory where flora, fauna and rocky mineral world are all preserved. Between Maurienne and Tarentaise valleys, its borders meet Gran Paradiso massif in Italy, forming the largest nature reserve in Europe. At the centre of this mountain range lays the icecap of Domes de la Vanoise, extending over twenty kilometres. This journey, at the heart of the park, takes a path via high mountain passes which connects Aussois, Pralognan and Haute Maurienne. Trails at high altitude in a fragile mineral world, the vast mountain pastures of Vanoise and the dry-stone buildings punctuate this beautiful journey. 6 days Self-guided / without a guide Without baggage transport Accommodation : Classic (dormitory) Level : *** From : 475€ You will like ● The wild and protected area of the first National Park in France ● A route over high mountain passes along glacier of Dômes de la Vanoise ● A great variety of landscapes between Maurienne and Tarentaise ● Stages at Pralognan and Bonneval-sur-arc villages ● Accommodation in gites, refuges and small friendly hotels Altitude Montblanc - 62 Passage du Nant Devant - 74110 Montriond - +33(0)4 50 79 09 16 - [email protected] Capital 6000€ - IM 074100150 - APE 7912Z SIRET: 48156356700025 - TVA : FR67481563567 Assurance RC MMA SARL SAGA – Caution Groupama 200 000€ The route Day 1 Departure of the hike in the refuge of Orgère. REFUGE DE L'ORGÈRE - CHAVIÈRE PASS - REFUGE DE PÉCLET-POLSET From the Refuge of Orgère, ascent to the Chavière pass, entrance to the heart of the Vanoise National parc.
    [Show full text]
  • Lakes and High Passes of Vanoise
    LAKES AND HIGH PASSES OF VANOISE 6 days at the heart of France's first National Park The first of its kind in France, the Vanoise National Park was established in 1963. A vast territory where flora, fauna and a rocky mineral world are all preserved. Between the Maurienne and Tarentaise valleys, its borders meet the Gran Paradiso massif in Italy forming the largest nature reserve in Europe. At the centre of this mountain range lays the icecap of the Domes de la Vanoise, extending over twenty kilometres. This journey, at the heart of the park, takes a route via high mountain passes which connect Aussois, Pralognan and the Haute Maurienne. Trails at high altitude in a fragile mineral world, through vast mountain pastures of the Vanoise where dry-stone buildings punctuate this beautiful route. 6 days Guided / with a guide With baggage transport Accommodation : Classic (dormitory) Level : *** From : 720€ You will like ● The wild and protected area of the first National Park in France ● A route over high mountain passes along glacier of Dômes de la Vanoise ● A great variety of landscapes between Maurienne and Tarentaise ● Stages at Pralognan and Bonneval-sur-arc villages ● Accommodation in gîtes, refuges and small friendly hotels Altitude Montblanc - 62 Passage du Nant Devant - 74110 Montriond - +33(0)4 50 79 09 16 - [email protected] Capital 6000€ - IM 074100150 - APE 7912Z SIRET: 48156356700025 - TVA : FR67481563567 Assurance RC MMA SARL SAGA – Caution Groupama 200 000€ The route Day 1 Meeting point on Sunday at 2:15pm at Aussois tourist point (or in front of Modane train station at 2:00pm).
    [Show full text]
  • Preface National Parks in the Mountains and Territorial Construction of Participative Processes: Some Elements to Frame the Debate
    Journal of Alpine Research | Revue de géographie alpine 98-1 | 2010 Parcs nationaux de montagne et construction territoriale des processus participatifs Preface National parks in the mountains and territorial construction of participative processes: some elements to frame the debate Lionel Laslaz Electronic version URL: http://journals.openedition.org/rga/1144 DOI: 10.4000/rga.1144 ISSN: 1760-7426 Publisher: Association pour la diffusion de la recherche alpine, UGA Éditions/Université Grenoble Alpes Electronic reference Lionel Laslaz, « Preface », Revue de Géographie Alpine | Journal of Alpine Research [Online], 98-1 | 2010, Online since 21 April 2010, connection on 22 September 2020. URL : http://journals.openedition.org/ rga/1144 ; DOI : https://doi.org/10.4000/rga.1144 La Revue de Géographie Alpine est mise à disposition selon les termes de la licence Creative Commons Attribution - Pas d'Utilisation Commerciale - Pas de Modification 4.0 International. Preface National parks in the mountains and territorial construction of participative processes: some elements to frame the debate Lionel Laslaz Laboratoire EDYTEM (Environnements, DYnamiques et TErritoires de la Montagne) UMR 5204, CNRS/Université de Savoie-Pôle Montagne. [email protected] A special report in the context of an increasing number of publications on protected areas The report entitled " National Parks in the mountains, new territories for participation? " presents five different studies carried out specifically on this subject. Recent publications have shown to what extent protected areas in general have mobilized researchers over the past 10 years, proposing new ways to examine social and political relationships through the prism of environmental issues (for example, Aubertin & Rodary, ed., 2009; Depraz, 2008; Héritier, dir., 2008; Héritier & Laslaz, dir., 2008).
    [Show full text]
  • 24 August- 7 September 2011 Vanoise National Park, France
    “World Heritage Volunteers - "Patrimonito Voluntary Action 2011" WHV – Vanoise, FRANCE 24 August ‐ 7 September 2011 Vanoise National Park, France France’s Tentative List 2000 Mixed site The Vanoise National Park is located in the Tarentaise Valley in the French Alps. Created in 1963 after actions by environmentalists against a tourism project threatening local fauna and flora, it was the first French national park. It shares14 km of common border with the Gran Paradiso National Park in Italy and forms 1250 km² of protected area representing the largest one in Europe. © CCIVS/ CONCORDIA France’s Tentative List 2000 Mixed site Project objectives: Different activities are expected to ensure a better visibility of the Vanoise Park and to increase awareness‐raising about environmental and cultural heritage issues. Project activities: The volunteers will work on the renovation of the path ‘Route du Sel et du Beaufort’ by rebuilding a wall with dry stones and barriers to prevent erosion. They will also join and organize workshops and visits about history and wildlife focusing on their heritage dimension on the one hand, and a press conference to develop eco‐tourism in the park region on the other hand. Partners: Regional and local governmental institutions as well as the Vanoise Park authority will provide accommodation, logistics and financial support. Concordia Contact: Rita Albuquerque [email protected] Sources: for the description of the World Heritage site: UNESCO World Heritage List, http://whc.unesco.org/en/list For the description of the activities: www.whvolunteers.org and www.ccivs.org .
    [Show full text]
  • Personality and Vigilance Behaviour in Alpine Marmot (Marmota Marmota)
    UNIVERSITÉ DU QUÉBEC À MONTRÉAL PERSONALITY AND VIGILANCE BEHAVIOUR IN ALPINE MARMOT (MARMOTA MARMOTA) THESIS PRESENTED AS A PARTIAL REQUIREMENT FOR THE MASTER IN BlOLOGY SY CATERINA FERRARI MAY 2010 UNIVERSITÉ DU QUÉBEC À MONTRÉAL Service des bibliothèques Avertissement La diffusion de ce mémoire se fait dans le respect des droits de son auteur, qui a signé le formulaire Autorisation de reproduire et de diffuser un travail de recherche de cycles supérieurs (SDU-522 - Rév.01-2006). Cette autorisation stipule que "conformément à l'article 11 du Règlement no 8 des études de cycles supérieurs, [l'auteur] concède à l'Université du Québec à Montréal une licence non exclusive d'utilisation et de publication de la totalité ou d'une partie importante de [son] travail de recherche pour des fins pédagogiques et non commerciales. Plus précisément, [l'auteur] autorise l'Université du Québec à Montréal à reproduire, diffuser, prêter, distribuer ou vendre des copies de [son] travail de recherche à des fins non commerciales sur quelque support que ce soit, y compris l'Internet. Cette licence et cette autorisation n'entraînent pas une renonciation de [la] part [de l'auteur] à [ses] droits moraux ni à [ses] droits de propriété intellectuelle. Sauf entente contraire, [l'auteur] conserve la liberté de diffuser et de commercialiser ou non ce travail dont [il] possède un exemplaire.» UNIVERSITÉ DU QUÉBEC À MONTRÉAL PERSONNALITE ET COMPORTEMENT DE VIGILANCE CHEZ LA MARMOTTE ALPINE (MARMOTA MARMüTA) MEMOIRE PRÉSENTÉE COMME EXIGENCE PARTIELLE DE LA MAÎTRISE EN BIOLOGIE PAR CATERINA FERRARI MAI2010 AVANT-PROPOS l present this thesis in a form of a scientific paper.
    [Show full text]
  • Discover the Largest Linked Ski Areas in the World
    Discover the Largest Linked Ski Areas in the World Unique among ski destinations worldwide, France features linked ski resorts within four separate domains that allow visitors to ski from resort to resort without ever having to descend from the slopes. Perfect for skiers of all levels, from beginners to experts, visitors can explore and admire breathtaking alpine views and bask in luxury at the many four and five-star hotels. Attracting a cosmopolitan clientele keen on both vigorous exercise and pleasure, the area boasts high quality ski trails and lifts, superb snow parks and high altitude skiing for guaranteed snow. Les Trois Vallées is the largest ski domain in the world and is a must for skiers looking for huge vertical drops, gourmet food easily accessible from the ski runs and lively nightlife. Featuring more than 375 miles of ski trails among the ski stations Courchevel, Méribel, La Tania, Les Menuires, Val Thorens, Saint Martin de Belleville and Orelle, Les Trois Vallées offers a wide variety of scenery, state- of-the-art ski lifts and exacting security standards to ensure the safety of all visitors. Each of the different resorts also has its own architectural style and character, enabling guests to choose the place to stay that suits them best. Located only a few miles from Les Trois Vallées, the domain Paradiski brings together the ski stations of La Plagne, Les Arcs and Peisey Vallandry. At altitudes between 4,000 to 10,000 feet, this skiers’ paradise features more than 260 miles of ski trails interweaving through forest and peaks, where skiers can take on challenging off-trail descents.
    [Show full text]
  • Press Pack Summer 2020 Intro Free at Last !
    PRESS PACK SUMMER 2020 INTRO FREE AT LAST ! At the end of the lockdown period, you will no doubt crave fresh air and freedom. Imagine your future getaway, on the edge of a lake or summit of a mountain! Dream of vast expanses, unspoiled nature, fresh air and fun activities with your family or friends. Escape from recent constraints to enjoy new adventures. Relax and reconnect with nature and your inner-self. Everything that Tignes has to offer! THE PERFECT GETAWAY... 02 This summer is a fabulous opportunity choice for nature lovers and hikers alike, to discover wide open spaces as a family offering more than 400 km of signposted WIDE OPEN and Tignes is the perfect destination. paths and trails in magnificent Located at the gates of the famous landscapes. Vanoise National Park, the resort In this edition, discover the resort’s boasts an exceptional setting, between mountain refuge huts. Dotted around lakes and snow-capped peaks, just the Vanoise National Park, these below the Grande Motte glacier at 3,456 shelters, that provide refreshments in SPACES m altitude (accessible in 15 minutes the daytime, are also the perfect place via funicular and the highest cable car for an overnight stay beneath the stars. terrace in the world). A true open- Paradise on earth! air stadium, Tignes is a destination of 03 ON TRACK TO DISCOVER OUR MOUNTAIN JULIA, PASCAL AND THEIR FIVE HENS After practicing a variety of professions, "The simple opportunity to give our lives true REFUGE HUTS AND THEIR GUARDIAN ANGELS mountain lovers Julia and Pascal have meaning, reconnect with nature, enjoy a chosen to reconnect with nature and live healthier lifestyle and, above all, meet other from their passion.
    [Show full text]
  • TOUR of the VANOISE GLACIERS Self-Guided
    TOUR OF THE VANOISE GLACIERS self-guided At the heart of France's first National Park First of its kind in France, the Vanoise National Park was established in 1963. A vast territory where flora, fauna and rocky mineral world are all preserved. Between the Maurienne and Tarentaise valleys, its borders meet the Gran Paradiso massif and National Park in Italy, forming the largest nature reserve in Europe. The tour will bring you around the famous "Dômes de la Vanoise", a range of glaciers extending over twenty kilometres at the centre of the Park and passes at the foot of the Grande Casse, the highest summit in Savoie at 3855m. In 1860, a rich Englishman employed a courageous woodsman to cut more than 800 steps in the ice so the summit could be reached for the first time. Crossing typical landscapes of the Alps, this hike offers some more technical variations depending on your preference and on the actual conditions... 6 days Self-guided / without a guide With baggage transport Accommodation : Classic (dormitory) Level : *** From : 425€ You will like ● Wild and preserved territory of France's first National Park ● An original journey around "Dômes de la Vanoise" glaciers ● Passing through the typical village of Pralognan-la-Vanoise ● Discovering "Petit Mont Blanc" ● The great variety of landscapes between the Maurienne and Tarentaise valleys ● Accommodation in gîtes, refuges and a small friendly hotel Altitude Montblanc - 62 Passage du Nant Devant - 74110 Montriond - +33(0)4 50 79 09 16 - [email protected] Capital 6000€ - IM 074100150 - APE 7912Z SIRET: 48156356700025 - TVA : FR67481563567 Assurance RC MMA SARL SAGA – Caution Groupama 200 000€ The route Day 1 PLAN DU LAC REFUGE - AIGUILLES DE LANSERLIA Departure from Termignon and bus transfer to Plan du Lac refuge.
    [Show full text]
  • In ALBERTA in FRANCE
    life + leisure JANUARY/ FEBRUARY 2020 FEBRUARY 4 ways to win an AMAZON GIFT C ARD SEE PAGE 29 mountain high in FRANCE snowy immersion in ALBERTA You could be here, in the French Alps PUBLICATIONS MAIL AGREEMENT #41073506 inside: CONTINUING DENTAL EDUCATION CALENDAR WHERE WILL YOU MEET? NEW YORK CITY / TORONTO / PROVO / HALIFA X / DUBLIN >> travel the world High times In the French Alps of Val d’Isère STORY + PHOTOGRAPHY BY BARB SLIGL travel the world he road is quite sinuous,” says my driver, as we twist and turn through the Haute-Savoie region of France, up, up, up into the Alps. It’s snowing. Peaks loom above and valleys plunge below. It’s a three-hour car ride from Geneva airport to Val d’Isère in the French Alps, and when we pull up to a chalet on the edge of town, I emerge into a storybook setting. Flocked trees, soaring snowdrifts, downy slopes, piercing peaks. And the deep quiet and glow that comes from all that noise-absorbing and light-reflecting white powder. TMy base while in Val, as the town is nicknamed by vacationing Brits, is “ a pretty-as-a-picture classic ski chalet: stone walls, reclaimed wood beams, roaring fireplace, fur throws…fully serviced with a staff that includes a chef who’s worked in a Michelin-starred restaurant. It’s one of a handful of “Hip Hideouts” in the village, but from here, at the tip of one fork of the “Y” shape of Val, I can tumble out of bed and straight into the mountains or slide “downtown.” It’s ski in/ski out extraordinaire.
    [Show full text]