FRENCH MOUNTAINS #WINTER2018/2019

PRESS KIT 2018/2019 FRENCH MOUNTAINS, HIT THE HEIGHTS!

WWW.-MONTAGNES.COM #WINTER2018/2019

04 THE FRENCH MOUNTAINS IN FIGURES & FAMILLE PLUS 05 A WINTER OF NEW EXPERIENCES 06 MORE WAYS TO STAY ON THE MOUNTAIN 09 MOUNTAIN FOOD GETS A MAKEOVER 10 SKI AREA IMPROVEMENTS 12 CHRISTMAS IN THE MOUNTAINS IS MAGICAL 13 INTO SPRING 14 12 EPIC EVENTS

Coordination & printing Edition 2018-19: France Montagnes [email protected]

Photos: Agence Urope / Agence Zoom / Thomas Hytte / Valetin Studio / Daria-I Nor / Cimalpes OT St Martin de Belleville / Wild Beets Kitchen / istock / M.Studio.fotolia.com / Kiboka.fotolia.com / Nacho-Grey-Outdoor / Sushi Fumi / OT Val d’Arly / KuzminSemen / klip.fr Grey Hytte / JB Bieuville / Vincent Piccerelle / B. Longo

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EDITORIAL

WELCOME TO THE FRENCH MOUNTAINS

What a year! A World Cup, a young President, a resurgent economy and – to top it all – record-breaking snowfall: the last 12 months have been good to France and its mountains. Now, as we approach the ski season, the sense of optimism is palpable.

So too is the spirit of renewal in our There’s a similar sense of variety when resorts. For several years now, new it comes to accommodation. In France, investment, new technology and new skiing is a mass-participation sport. ideas have brought changes at every Alongside some of the world’s most level of the holiday experience – and luxurious ski chalets and hotels, there this winter is no different. Skiers can are hostels, B&Bs and self-catering look forward to everything from a brand apartments that make the mountains new lift-serviced mountain to sushi-style affordable for almost everyone. The Savoyard cuisine, and everything in same goes for food. You can sit down between. Faster lifts, chic chalets, hipster in a Michelin-starred restaurant for the hostels and ground-breaking mountain- kind of multi-course lunch that lasts top hotels are all on the menu, along all afternoon. Or you can stop off at an with an irresistible programme of special artisan bakery and have a sandwich made events. Get your timing right, and you to order, complete with creamy Beaufort could enjoy an international firework cheese and unsalted butter. Standards competition, a giant music festival, or a are high no matter how much you spend: free ski test, featuring 5,000 products. and they’re constantly evolving to take account of the changing tastes and needs Of course, amidst all this innovation, of our visitors. many of the essentials remain unchanged. First and foremost is our So why not come and join us this winter? miraculous geography. We have not one With state-of-the-art snow-making but five mountain ranges – the Alps, systems in many of resorts, the white Pyrenees, Massif Central, Vosges and Jura. stuff is all but guaranteed. Meanwhile, Each has its own special character, but the highly-trained instructors of the they all share the same love of snow and École du Ski Français are standing by, winter sports, and they work tirelessly to whether you want to learn the beginner’s improve their infrastructure. snowplough or the perfect powder turn. Families, friends, skiers, non-skiers: all In fact, we have more ski lifts than any are welcome. other nation, and our ski areas come in an unrivalled range of sizes. France may be A bientôt ! home to the biggest properly-integrated lift system in the world, but it also JEAN-MARC SILVA, DIRECTOR shelters many charming villages, where the pace of life hasn’t changed much for 50 years. Ski one of them midweek and it can feel like your own private . If you don’t want any lifts at all, there’s also a growing ski-touring infrastructure of routes and guides. So you can walk up your mountains as well as ski down.

3 #WINTER2018/2019 THE FRENCH FAMILLE PLUS 44 French mountain resorts have the Famille Plus Label. Famille Plus is a label that was created to help identify MOUNTAINS the most family-friendly holiday destinations in France, and allow the whole family to make the very most of their holidays when there. It is awarded only to the villages and IN FIGURES resorts of France which meet the needs of families with children from the age of 18 months and up. This pioneering 23% initiative is endorsed by the French Ministry of Tourism. Proportion of France covered by mountains €81 Average price per day per person of a ski holiday in France €429 Average ski holiday budget, per person

To qualify for this label, mountain resorts €25.90 must meet 110 criteria regarding: Average daily price • Infrastructure and information of a lift pass in 2017 • Resort entertainment • Activities • Environmental and mountain heritage • Accommodation and restaurant facilities 90% • Amenities, transport and safety Percentage of holidaymakers recommending For the mountain resorts, being awarded the Famille Plus label is evidence of their strong commitment to ensure the or rebooking a winter sports holiday highest level of quality in terms of infrastructure and the holiday experience they offer for families and children.

The resorts’ commitments: In the Famille Plus mountain resorts you will receive a very 350 warm welcome. Seven commitments that the resorts must Ski areas in France, of which adhere to in order to play host to both children and adults: 99 are members of the ANMSM* 1 A tailor-made infrastructure for families 2 Entertainment and activities to suit all ages 3 A price to suit everyone: from the youngest to the oldest 4 Activities for adults and children to enjoy, together or separately 44 5 Professionals that are trained to take great care of children Number of ski resorts 6 The highest level of care by professionals 7 A commitment to take your suggestions on board awarded the “Famille Plus” label as they strive to improve their services.

Survey by *ANMSM (Association Nationale des Maires des Stations de To find out which resorts have been Montagne) / DSF (Domaines Skiables de France) / Atout France awarded the Famille Plus label, please see www.france-montagnes.com

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A WINTER OF NEW EXPERIENCES From sushi-style cuisine to a whole new mountain of skiing, French innovation comes in every shape and form.

A new mountain to ski The last word in fondue In La Rosière, two high-speed 6-seater (and This winter, Vaujany is serving fondue in a . Following €15million of investment) are bringing lift-serviced skiing the renewal of the Télécabine de l’Enversin for the 2017- to Mont Valaisan for the first time this winter. Five new red 8 season, the rapidly-expanding resort is now offering are planned, and the lifts will open up large areas fondue nights in some of the lift’s sleek new Porsche Design of off- terrain too – significantly boosting La Rosière’s gondolas. appeal to more confident skiers. It’s all part of a dramatic transformation of this once-sleepy resort, which is busy adding new hotels and apartments to its two base areas. Last Not cold enough for you? season, the Hyatt Centric hotel was the most high-profile Then head to GoCryo’s whole-body cryotherapy centre in opening. This winter, it’s the Alparena & Spa. Serre Chevalier. Designed to help your muscles recover from vigorous exercise, as well as treating the symptoms of neurological diseases and joint inflammation, the centre’s The highest hotel in France cold chamber has a temperature of -80 to -100C. Maximum The round-topped peak of La Solaise towers over Val d’Isère, exposure is just three minutes. and this winter a new hotel opens at the top - at the dizzy altitude of 2551m. La Refuge du Solaise occupies the site of a former cable car station and mountain restaurant, and everyone is invited. Alongside upmarket bedrooms and three A Dance Party in Alpe d’Huez luxury apartments, there’s a traditional refuge dormitory Tomorrowland is coming to Alpe d’Huez. The giant, DJ-led with 14 beds, a 300-seater restaurant, and a 23-metre pool festival - which draws 400,000 revellers to Belgium each that’s open to the public. summer – will be holding its first winter edition in the resort from March 13-15. Expect big-name acts, an exuberant and fantastical stage, and an events programme that spreads Where sushi goes for a ski holiday right across the ski area. It’s thought 30,000 dance fans will Mountain food is changing – and there’s no clearer sign than attend. Sushi Fumi in La Clusaz. Here, alongside California rolls and tuna sashimi, you’ll find combinations of Beaufort cheese, nuts and blueberries, and foie gras with fig gingerbread. These light, innovative bites are available as a takeaway, too. Arc 1600 Reborn Could this be the perfect skier’s picnic? Arc 1600 was the original village in the ski area, but it’s long been overshadowed by its more modern neighbours. This December, it’s back in the spotlight, thanks Why ski back to the resort, when you can fly? to the opening of a brand-new, all-inclusive Club Med resort. already has the world’s highest zipline. This In preparation for the opening, snow-making facilities in winter it opens a new high-wire route that offers the ultimate the village have been improved and the old Comborcière home run for skiers: from the top of the Moutière chairlift replaced, to speed up the return journey from the to the Place Caron in the heart of the village. The descent Arc 1950 side of the ski area. As well as enjoying a glittering is in three stages, with two ziplines running side-by-side so array of in-house facilities, all-day dining and childcare adrenaline addicts can share their buzz, whilst travelling at from 6 months to 17 years, guests will rediscover Arc 1600’s an average speed of 75km/h. From now on, “Race you back to superb, intermediate-level pistes - before moving on to the the resort” will have a whole new meaning. rest of the vast area.

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MORE WAYS TO STAY ON THE MOUNTAIN However you like your accommodation, you’ll find the perfect perch in France. Everything from youth hostels to five-star private chalets is on offer, and this year the choice is growing, with a host of eye-catching new openings.

Daria-I Nor - Alpe d’Huez

Alpe d’Huez continues its march upmarket with the Dorms are making a comeback. After last winter’s launch of arrival of the Daria-I Nor, sister property of the Koh-I Nor hipster hostel HO36 in , the trend continues with the in Val Thorens. The 45-room hotel has an 800m2 spa and completion of The People Hostel in Les 2 Alpes. 41 shared bedrooms gastronomic kitchen – overseen by Breton chef Eric Samson. come with 4, 6 or 8 beds, from just €19 per person a night. There are It’s the resort’s second luxury hotel - joining the Chamois also 45 private rooms for those who like the friendly hostel vibe, but d’Or, which won its fifth star in January this year. not the communal sleeping.

Want the flexibility of a self-catering residence, with the Meanwhile the rise of the five-star ski apartment convenience of a hotel? The new Club-Residence MMV continues apace. In Val Thorens, locals Maud and Jean-Paul L’Altaviva in Tignes 1800 has both. This development of Delettre have opened the Chalets Cocoon at the top of the ski-in, ski-out apartments offers a range of pre-cooked meal village - 10 spacious apartments with Douglas fir interiors, plans for guests, as well as grocery deliveries and its own private saunas and hot tubs. Also opening for the 2018-9 restaurant. There’s also a spa, indoor pool and kids’ clubs. season are the five-star Chalets d’Elena in Les Houches: 50 apartments with an indoor pool and wellness area, just 200m from the Bellevue lift. Pure White and Pure Black Crystal are bringing a new level of luxury to the pretty and authentic village of St Martin de Belleville. These two sumptuous, five-bedroom Finally, fans of thermal spas who also love to ski have chalets are both available for hire this winter and feature another reason to visit St Gervais-les-Bains this winter – breathtaking, double-height dining rooms, indoor pools and thanks to the construction of a chic new MGallery boutique dramatic balcony views of the Belleville valley. With new lifts hotel, by Sofitel. Part of the hotel will occupy La Maison from Méribel speeding up links with the rest of the Three Doux, a pretty 19th-century house in the middle of town Valleys ski area, maybe they’re a sign of things to come. that’s close to both the thermal baths and the lift into the Evasion Mont-Blanc ski area (shared with Megève).

Morzine’s portfolio of gorgeous ski lodges is growing this year, with the addition of the vast, 700m2 Chalet Sapphire. Do not miss: Built “with the mindset of a five-star hotel”, it has six • Le Refuge de Solaise Val d’Isère (p.5) bedrooms, a private spa (complete with indoor pool, hammam • Hôtel Alparena & spa La Rosière (p.5) and ice chamber) as well as a fire-pit on the terrace – the perfect • Club Med Les Arcs 1600 (p.5) place for tall stories and vin chaud after a day on the slopes.

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Chalets Pure White & Pure Black - St Martin de Belleville

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MOUNTAIN FOOD GETS A MAKEOVER Tastes are changing. Mountain cuisine is becoming more experimental, while a new generation of informal restaurants is taking its place alongside the gastronomic hot-spots.

There’s more to Alpine food Sharing plates are all the rage, This winter, cheap mountain food than cheese. In Les Gets, the too. L’Optraken opened in Le Grand will be super-fresh in Risoul, thanks British-owned Wild Beets Kitchen Bornand in June and has quickly to Le Pain des Pistes, which serves is pioneering a lighter, more health- become a social hub thanks to home-made pizzas, sandwiches and conscious cuisine, with salads its mix of tapas, craft beers and pâtisserie, as well as its speciality, and wraps aimed at vegans and flavoured rum. gingerbread pancakes. vegetarians, and range of irresistible cakes (including a Gin & Tonic In Alpe d’Huez, l’Empreinte uses cupcake). Carnivores needn’t panic. only the freshest ingredients to For those who’d rather bring their There’s meat in the menu, too. create a range of inexpensive and own food to the slopes, the trend for delicious dishes which are designed slopeside picnic areas is growing – a to be shared. real boon for families, and anyone Skiers based in the spa town of skiing on a budget. This winter, Brides-les-Bains can also enjoy a And at El 56 in Peisey-Vallandry they’re opening at the top of the Roc lighter style of mountain food. Here, 13 skiers can tuck into an ever-changing 1 chairlift in Les Menuires, and at restaurants are adapting famous Alpine mix of tapas and -flavoured the bottom of the Marmottes lift in dishes to create a Cuisine Equilibre et specialities, including chorizo Les Arcs. Gourmandise. At the Athéna Hotel, you sautéed in white wine, and burgers can sit down to a hearty (but not heavy) with Beaufort cheese. tartiflette, in which the reblochon takes Increasingly, skiers want to second place to the potatoes, while know where there food comes from. the restaurant Les Cerisiers serves a Meanwhile, fans of stellar For cheese-lovers, there’s no more cassoulet revisité. gastronomic dining should look no delicious way to find out than a visit further than La Maison des Bois in to the Coopérative Fruitière in the the village of Manigod, near Lake Val d’Arly. Beaufort, Reblochon, To satisfy the growing appetite Annecy. Here, chef Marc Veyrat Tomme de Savoie and Raclette are all for informal restaurants, Le 80 at won a third Michelin star in January made there, and as well as tastings, the four-star Hotel La Chaudanne in 2018 for his inimitable, mountain- you can try your hand at making Méribel has been redesigned. It sits flavoured molecular gastronomy. Tomme Blanche. alongside Michelin-starred L’Ekrin, but has been reborn as lounge/wine bar/restaurant, with an open kitchen, Do not miss: DJ sets and “Folie Douce” soirées • Sushi Fumi La Clusaz (p.5) several times a month. • fondue in a ski lift Vaujany (p.5)

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SKI AREA IMPROVEMENTS More investment means better skiing. This winter sees new lifts reinvigorating key areas in a number of resorts, as well as several brand-new pistes.

Freestyle Land – Les 2 Alpes

Méribel is transforming the skiing on its under-used (but Other significant new lifts include the€ 10m, six-person highly-rated) Roc de Fer sector. This winter, a state-of-the- Côte Chevalier chairlift in Serre Chevalier; a new gondola art six-seater chairlift, complete with heated leather seats, to improve the link between Village and will dramatically speed up access to the slopes from La Courchevel 1850; the speeding up the Bruyère gondolas in Chaudanne. Meanwhile, a second six-seater will replace the Les Menuires; and new six-seater chairlifts in Châtel, Les old Cherferie drag lift. Next winter will see the addition of Orres, and Le Corbier. two new pistes, as well as better snow-making.

New pistes are a prominent feature of the 2018-9 season in France. Advanced skiers in Val Thorens will be delighted Great news for skiers in who love the long, by the addition of a new black piste in the Boismint sector, broad Inversens run, and the off-piste terrain on either side. while intermediates will enjoy new blues in Les Gets and Its old, slow chairlift has been replaced by a high-speed six- Peyragudes. In Peyragudes, the new piste will have banked seater. The new lift is also a welcome development for the turns, whoops and other beginner-sized features to make rest of the Paradiski area, as it’s a key section of the journey the descent more fun for kids. You’ll find similar lumps and from Les Arcs to the Bellecôte sector at the top of La Plagne. bumps on the new LCZ family run in La Clusaz.

Want to dance? In Val d’Isère, access to the piste-side Meanwhile, anyone who loves a ski safari should head to parties at La Folie Douce is speeding up, thanks to the new the top of the Maurienne Valley. Here, the Eski-mo alliance of La Daille gondola. Twice as fast as the old lift, it will also six resorts has produced a six-day lift pass that offers access to carry three times as many revellers – as well as anyone who them all. Ski in Val Cenis, for example, and you’ll also be able wants to reach the heart of the ski area more quickly. to spend a day in each of the following: , La Norma, Valfréjus, Bonneval and . That puts 350km of pistes and 200km of cross-country trails at your disposal.

Acrobats and adrenaline addicts, rejoice. Les 2 Alpes has made its “Freestyle Land” snowparks in the Toura sector Do not miss: more accessible, with a high-speed, eight-seater chairlift. • New chairlifts La Rosière (p.5) Intermediates will be happy too, as there are several ego- • New zipline Val Thorens (p.5) boosting red and blue pistes to ski on the same slopes.

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mad-cap descent in an old-fashioned equipment continues apace, and AND MUCH MORE... bobsleigh in Val Cenis? Meanwhile, and Valberg are amongst in resorts such as , fat- this winter’s leaders when it comes biking on snow (with super-wide to installing new snow-making . A DIFFERENT STYLE tyres) is going from strength to machines. Valloire has replaced 50 OF APRÈS-SKI strength. In Alpe d’Huez you can old machines, and added 73 brand even hire fat e-bikes, with electric new ones. Valberg is adding 73 new motors to make the pedalling easier. machines too – capable of producing Mountain resorts and ski Several guided tours are on offer in large quantities of snow in less-than- entrepreneurs are rethinking all the resort, including an evening ride optimal conditions. the elements of the ski holiday, with dinner. Resorts and hotels are looking at and that applies to après ski, too. ways to reduce their carbon footprint In Courchevel skiers will be able too. The ski areas of Tignes-Val to climb into the tree canopy for a . MORE WAYS TO d’Isère and Serre Chevalier have vin chaud - supervised by qualified WALK UPHILL, TOO both won Green Globe awards for instructors. The craft beer revolution their sustainable development and keeps on rolling too, thanks to Le The French are even rethinking free- social responsibility programmes. Solerey, a chalet that’s been turned spirited ski touring. This winter, in Meanwhile, in Morzine, four-star into a brewpub in Les Houches. the touring hub of Arêches-Beaufort, hotel Le Dahu is offering its guests Meanwhile, in Tignes the party you’ll be able to go touring at night 20% off accommodation if they make scene gets a significant upgrade this on pistes that are closed to the the whole journey to the resort by winter, when a branch of the Val grooming machines – as well as electric car. d’Isère bar, Cocorico, opens at the joining a two-day touring and yoga bottom of the funicular in Val Claret. camp. Meanwhile, Val Thorens is With live bands from 4pm, DJ sets pioneering early-bird ski-touring . AND FINALLY…FEWER from 6-8pm, and a 400m2 terrace, trips that end with breakfast. Other DROPPED SMARTPHONES it’s bound to become the resort’s resorts, such as Combloux, are Ever tried a chairlift selfie? It’s an party hub. adding more waymarked trails which easy way to lose your smartphone. connect with groomed pistes: so you Now, in St Martin de Belleville and . NEW WAYS TO GET don’t have to be an accomplished Orcières Merlette you don’t have to. off-pister to ski back down after your In both resorts, a key chairlift has DOWN THE MOUNTAIN climb. been equipped with cameras, and once you’ve got off, you can select You don’t have to be a skier or a one of the photos they’ve taken and snowboarder to feel the pull of . SECURING THE email it to yourself. gravity. In Les Arcs this winter you FUTURE OF SKIING can try air-tubing in the Arc 1600 snow park – whizzing down the Despite last winter’s record- Do not miss: mountain in a buoy-shaped sled, breaking snowfall, no-one’s taking • Cryotherapy in catching air off a ramp and landing any chances with the climate. Serre Chevalier (p.5) on a giant air bag. Or how about a Investment in new-snow-making

A ONE-STOP SHOP FOR SKIINGG Now you can buy all the elements of your ski experience on a single website. In collaboration with France Montagnes, the École du Ski Français is launching www.mon-sejour-en-montagne.com where you can book not just your ski lessons, but your accommodation, lift passes and ski equipment too. It’s quick and easy - and there are no reservation charges.

Fat Bike – La Giettaz

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CHRISTMAS IN THE MOUNTAINS IS MAGICAL

The French mountains sparkle at Christmas. Every resort aims to create a magical, family-friendly atmosphere, and celebrates the season with a plethora of events and activities. Spectacular firework displays, torch-lit descents, and visits by Father Christmas are all part of the scene – as are twinkling lights, Christmas trees and seasonal food and drink.

Here’s a taste of what’s to come. In La Clusaz “Les the village centre, torchlit descents and a chance to meet Pestacles de Père Noël” is a week-long festival of street Father Christmas, while Val d’Isère parties with concerts, performance by jugglers, magician, musicians and fireworks and snow sculptures. Meanwhile, St Gervais- dancers. In Courchevel, Father Christmas arrives in les-Bains’ dazzling and artistic Festival of Light adds an resort in a new style every year, whether it’s by sleigh extra dimension to the celebrations. or accompanied by a team of giant caterpillars. In Le Corbier, he’ll be on the pistes on December 25 to All French resorts are open for Christmas, and snow is distribute presents, while in Les Arcs two versions of guaranteed in the high-altitude ski areas. There are also Père Noël will be on hand to deliver presents to your some terrific value-added offers available at this time accommodation: one in traditional dress for families, of year. In Les Orres, for example, families get one free with his less conventional twin visiting groups of friends. week for a child (accommodation, lift pass and ski hire) Valberg is looking forward to a fairground carousel in for each adult’s holiday booked.

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SKIING INTO SPRING Skiing into Spring is an initiative now into its fifth year organized by France Montagnes in partnership with over 50 resorts and partners (accommodation providers, the ESF French Ski School and other mountain players) to promote the spring period in the mountains.

What makes spring the ideal season to ski? When does Skiing Into Spring kick off?

Conditions are perfect for skiing. The snow is deep and Skiing Into Spring gets underway on the 20th of March in plentiful the days are longer with generally warmer the French mountains. It is the time for mountain lovers to temperatures, there are fewer people on the slopes, and there get some quality skiing and to combine it with a whole host are tons of amazing offers meaning that skiers can enjoy a of other activities, wellness, tanning on sunny terraces and wider choice of accommodation and excellent value for money. festive spirit. To be enjoyed “sans moderation” with family It’s also the perfect time to learn to ski or to broaden your ski or friends! horizons by trying cross-country skiing, ski-touring, freeride, freestyle etc , all of which are equally or even better-suited to Is Skiing Into Spring a good fit for families? the spring. Some resorts even offer “learn to ski for free” deals. Spring is the season to take your time and go at your own pace Family is at the very heart of what Skiing Into Spring about! with an ESF instructor or a qualified Mountain Guide. The range of possibilities and offers really set the spring period apart from the winter holidays, to the extent that they What kind of Skiing Into Spring offers are available? can almost be considered two distinct seasons. The warmer weather and softer snow conditions are an ideal combination There are all manner of opportunities to take advantage of in for kids to make their first turns, try snowshoeing, snow- spring. The resorts are buzzing, with concerts, free entertainment biking, dog-sledding, paragliding or mix it up with indoor/ and outdoor activities. Each resort organises a range of options outdoor swimming pools and leisure centres. to suit their clientele. Some offer free ski passes for kids, others lay on free lessons for adult beginners. Accommodation + The 2019 British school holiday calendar is particularly ski pass packages can be found for as little at €150 for the favourable, with the Easter holidays beginning at the end of week and there are even more offers for weekends and short March, making for a huge choice of resorts that will be open breaks. In short, there is something for everyone. and enjoying excellent snow conditions.

www.skiingintospring.com

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12 EPIC EVENTS

LA GRANDE PREMIÈRE HEALTHY & GOURMET SKI WEEK Val Thorens 24-25 November 2018 Brides-les-Bains 14-18 January 2019

Europe’s highest ski resort kicks off the ski season in Christmas is over, and it’s time to get into shape – courtesy explosive style with a weekend of live music, games, of the spa town of Brides-les-Bains. This festival of exercise, activity zones, and a free gear test - attracting 60 of the reflection and healthy living combines yoga sessions, spa biggest brands in skiing and boarding. Last year, there were treatments in the thermal baths, and a range of snowsports 5,000 individual products to try, and 28,000 people took to offered in collaboration with the Ecole du Ski Français in the slopes. Méribel. Guests can also take advantage of the light and innovative mountain cuisine offered in the town’s restaurants. LE CRITÉRIUM DE LA 1ÈRE NEIGE LES CHEFS AU SOMMET Val d’Isère 7-9 & 14-16 December 2018 Auron 19-25 January 2019 The World Cup racing season in the Alps powers up with The best chefs on the Côte d’Azur head to the mountains two weekends of racing, featuring the Men’s Giant Slalom and take their place alongside the restaurateurs of Auron – and Slalom and the Women’s Super G and Downhill. Val producing gastronomic menus for just €45, and showcasing d’Isère’s season always gets off to a strong start, and with some of the region’s finest ingredients. This year’s programme world-class competition, fireworks and concerts thrown into has yet to be announced, but guests in 2018 included the the mix this is for many the unofficial start of winter. French champion of desserts, pâtissier Christian Cottard.

LA GRANDE ODYSSÉE BACCHUS À LA NEIGE Savoie Mont Blanc 12-23 January 2019 Val d’Arly 21-25 January 2019 With a backdrop of soaring Alpine peaks, La Grande Thirsty? Then head to Crest-Voland in the Val d’Arly for the Odyssée is one of the most spectacular of all dog-sledding 15th annual festival of wine and snow. It runs alongside St races. This winter’s event starts in Samoëns, and will see Vincent’s Week in neighbouring Notre Dame de Bellecombe – a around 20 mushers and their dogs take nearly two weeks celebration of Savoyard gastronomy that includes an evening to reach Bonneval-sur-Arc - passing through Megève, La devoted to rissoles, the deep-fried local dessert filled with Plagne and Val Cenis en route. stewed apples, pears and/or raisins.

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OUTDOORMIX WINTER FESTIVAL CHÂTEL CLASSIC Vars 22-27 January 2019 Châtel 25-28 February 2019

Why have one wintersports event when you can pack nine Under the artistic direction of acclaimed pianist Elena Ro- into a single week? For the second year, Vars is running its zanova, Châtel’s short classical music festival is an intimate inspired festival of competition, with , freeskiing, and informal affair. At its core are three days of concerts mountain-biking, slackline, parapenting, snowscooting and in the church of Saint Laurent, given by musicians of the even snow-kayaking in the schedule. Evening concerts and highest calibre – guitarist Samuel Strouk, cellist François parties add extra fizz. Salque and violinist Pierre Fouchenneret are amongst those who have performed in previous years. FESTIVAL OF PYROTECHNIC ART Courchevel 14 February-7 March 2019 After Darth Vader last year, the spirit of Jack Sparrow will PIERRA MENTA be abroad in Courchevel this winter, during its 17th annual Arêches-Beaufort 13-16 March 2019 fireworks festival. The theme for 2019 is “Black Pearl”, and four international teams are due to compete. This year, the public is 10,000 metres up. 10,000 metres down. That’s the challenge also invited to judge the event. Each display will be broadcast facing the 600 ski-tourers competing in the 34th Pierra on Facebook, with the most popular winning Le Prix de Public. Monta. There are four days of racing, over 15 peaks, and the skiers take part in teams of two – urged on by thousands of spectators. If you want to know just how tough the world’s SYBELLES OPTIMIST best ski tourers are, this is the place to find out. Le Corbier 18-20 February 2019 It’s a mountain race unlike any other. For the third consecutive year in Le Corbier, teams of three will be going head-to-head in ROCK THE PISTES two tiny Optimist sailing dinghies. You run uphill to your craft, Portes du Soleil 17-23 March 2019 jump in, and let gravity (rather than the wind) take control. Competition is intense – and no wonder, given that first prize is The Portes du Soleil’s annual music-fest is free to anyone a refund of the cost of your stay in the resort. with a lift pass, and makes full use of its vast ski area, laying on a piste-side concert in a new venue each afternoon. DJ sets in key après-ski venues as well as gigs at village level Do not miss: add to the freewheeling, music-is-everywhere atmosphere. • Tomorrowland Alpe d’Huez (p.5) This year, Charlie Winston & Hyphen Hyphen have already been announced.

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FRENCH MOUNTAINS HIT THE HEIGHTS! FURTHER INFORMATION presse.france-montagnes.com/en

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