Press Pack #Winter 2016/2017 Seize the opportunity Enjoy the great outdoors! Studio Pan’Plume / 06 22 34 81 48 # www.lessaisies.com # Création graphique # Création AN AMAZING STORY 3#An Amazing Story • 4/5#On Slope in Les Saisies • 6/7#Nordic Adventures • 8#Leg Power • 9#An Avalanche of Special Offers • 10/11#Les Saisies & Nature • 12/13#Le Signal, Pool complex & Leisure centre • 14/15#Charming Chalets • 16#Access & Contacts CONTENTS AN AMAZING STORY Originally the vision of a pioneer, Erwin Eckl, the From Erwin Eckl to the birth resort of Les Saisies continues to develop year after DATES TO REMEMBER : year. Over the past 3 years the resort has invested of Les Saisies: 1935 # more than 30 million euro in new public amenities. The story of Les Saisies dates back to 1935 when Erwin Eckl discovered the area by accident and Dynamic and sporty, with an Olympic reputation Erwin Eckl, an Austrian ski instructor, discovered decided to settle here. in the Nordic field and superb downhill ski slopes the area by happenstance. His visionary spirit 1936 # Erwin Eckl built the first hotel on the mountain pass linked to the Espace Diamant ski area, Les Saisies is and pioneer attitude enabled him to foresee the 1946 # Date of the first drag lift: a resort is born in the middle an all round winter sports resort. potential here. A year later he built the first hotel of the alpine pastures The resort’s ambassadors? in the middle of snow-covered fields, at the foot of 1963 # The Bisanne drag lift contributes to the success of the Renowned athletes, Franck Piccard, triple Olympic Mont Bisanne. Equipped with a kitchen, 5 bedrooms resort. The only ski lift open in the area (lack of snow medalist in alpine skiing and Raphaël Poirée, 8 times and a dormitory for up to 30 people, he installed elsewhere) World Biathlon Champion, are proud to personify water and electricity and transported supplies by 1988 # Frank Piccard became Super G Champion at the the values of Les Saisies. In their wake: Clara Direz - foot or by dog sled. A pioneer of winter sports, winter Olympics in Calgary winner of the Youth Olympics in 2012, the biathlete he took his clients ski touring to the summits of 1992 # Les Saisies hosted the Nordic skiing events at the Justine Braisaz – silver medalist at the 2015 World Bisanne, Char du Beurre and La Legette. Albertville winter Olympics Championships in Finland and Emilie Lecomte, In 1946, under his leadership, the first drag lift 2005 # 2005 Creation of the “Espace Diamant” ski area regional ambassadrice for the Beaufortain – one was installed on the mountain pass next to his 2013/14 # Les Saisies celebrates 50 years of France’s top trail runners who will represent the hotel. Extremely successful, it guaranteed the resort at this year’s annual Christmas trail race. development of his family-run business. In 1963, 2014/15 # Les Saisies invests more than 25 million euro in new Les Saisies, renowned for its vast snow fields and Les Saisies purchased Erwin Eckl’s drag lift (the amenities a relaxed way of life, has successfully preserved mythical Bisanne drag). This marked the birth of the 2016/17 # The next episode ... a traditional spirit and human dimension. A great ski resort and the start of development. place for a family holiday! Enjoy the great outdoors!#2/3 ON SLOPE IN LES SAISIES! Imagine a vast area nestled at the foot of Mont-Blanc, between the Beaufortain and Aravis. Located between 1000 and 2000 metres altitude, the ‘Espace Diamant’ boasts exceptional snow conditions for every style of skiing. A winter wonderland, it combines the charm of its 6 ski-in ski out village resorts and the drive and innovation of its ski areas. The last of the French ski domains to have been inter-linked, the ‘Espace Diamant’ covers Hauteluce - Les Saisies, Crest-Voland- Cohnnoz, Flumet, Notre Dame de Bellecombe and Praz sur Arly. L’ESPACE DIAMANT, FACTS & FIGURES • 192 kms of slopes • 151 slopes • Gentle skiing (31 green slopes and 59 blues), or more sporty skiing (47 red slopes and 11 blacks) • 85 ski lifts • 40 % of the ski area is equipped with artificial snow-making facilities SNOWBOUND According to the French Met office, since 1982, the average snowfall in the Beaufortain and Val d’Arly regions is greater than on all the surrounding mountain ranges. This winter the ski area opens in early December, on the weekends of 3rd/ 4th and 10th/ 11th (depending on snow conditions) before opening permanently from 17th December 2016 to 21st April 2017. NEW | 6 MAN CHAIR LIFT ON BISANNE: LES SAISIES TURNS NEW | STAY CONNECTED IN LES SAISIES! JOIN THE SKI PATROL Touchscreens and interactive maps are now in place infront At sunrise, join the ski patrol and discover what goes on THE PAGE! of the Tourist Offices in Les Saisies, Hauteluce and Bisanne behind the scenes in this exciting job. Before the opening 50 years after the commissioning of the first drag lift in 1500. Visitors can access live tourist information 24 hours a of the slopes, the ski patrollers carry out a safety run and resort, the famous Bisanne drag has been replaced by day. Click and find out where to eat, sleep or party? Users check the signpost system. A privileged few are invited to an ultramodern 6 man chair lift with a magic carpet on can also send a souvenir postcard to friends and followers! make fresh tracks with them. ON SLOPE IN LES SAISIES! departure and overnight seat storage facilities (clean and Several mornings a week the general public can also dry the next day). Passenger flow has been increased from Contact: Tourist Information in Les Saisies discover the job of a ski lift operator. + 33 (0)4 79 38 90 30 2400 to 3300 people per hour whilst the number of pylons Free of charge. Reservations compulsory. has been reduced from 21 to 16. NEW | RELAX AND UNWIND! Contact : Les Saisies Ski Lift Company - + 33 (0)4 79 38 98 89 Travelling, arriving, waiting and settling in can be a very NEW | SKI OFFER stressful ordeal! CLICK AND BENEFIT! Book your holiday via the resort’s Central Reservations Service and enjoy free entry to the Signal pool complex on This Christmas, holidaymakers in Les Saisies can ski 6 days your arrival day. A great way to relax and unwind after your for the price of 5 or 7 days for the price of 6. Simply book journey! your ski passes online! th th The ski lift company in Les Saisies also proposes a newly Offer valid from 17 to 24 December 2016 renovated reception area in Les Carrets: new ticket offices Rate: from €167 / person for 6 days to improve traffic flow and 35 ski lockers equipped with Contact: Les Saisies Ski Lift Company built-in boot dryers and an automatic opening system. Little www.skipass.lessaisies.com changes that make life much easier! Contact : Tourist Information in Les Saisies FANCY A NEW DRIVING EXPERIENCE BEHIND THE WHEEL NEW | SPECIAL OFFER + 33 (0)4.79.38.90.30 Enjoy free entry to the Signal pool complex when you OF A SNOW GROOMING MACHINE? purchase a 6 day (or more) Espace Diamant ski pass online. UP TO DATE INFORMATION - JUST IN TIME! This winter, come and ride or drive a snow grooming Contact : Les Saisies Ski Lift Company Before arrival on Saturdays, Central Reservations send machine in Les Saisies. A new way to approach driving in www.skipass.lessaisies.com customers an email to inform them of the conditions on the snow, up and down slopes of varying gradients, in the the road, the weather forecast, key pick up times and the hands of a qualified driver! contact information of their respective accommodation Price: €45 per 20 minute discovery ride, €120 per 45 minute hosts in case of delay. Further information is also available driving lesson. Driving possible from 16 years upwards. online at www.lessaisies.com, on our Facebook page and in For further information contact Intersport Les Saisies : our resort newsletter. + 33 (0)4 79 38 91 28 Contact : Tourist Information in Les Saisies + 33 (0)4.79.38.90.30 MARIANNE BAL: THE LADY GROOMER Marianne Bal refuses to be intimidated by men and has been driving a snow grooming machine for the past ten years now! She started on the downhill ski slopes before moving onto Nordic grooming, more tricky and precise (being a woman can be considered an asset)! 120 km of slopes to groom, a communion with nature for Marianne. Born to drive, she also handles concrete mixers in the summer season! Enjoy the great outdoors!#4/5 NORDIC ADVENTURES Bonus: ENJOY A UNIQUE EXPERIENCE AND LIVE THE LIFE OF A A downhill ski pass provides free access to the ROCKY MOUNTAIN TRAPPER Nordic ski area! Nordic area open from: Following the success of last winter, the Amerindian the first snow fall until 21st April 2017 trappers are back in Les Saisies. Tents, camp fires, hunting tools, charms, goods and furs…the reconstitution is The area has been awarded the ‘Nordic France’ amazing! Period costume, traditional meals, finger label which guarantees the quality and diversity of weaving, woodworking and the picture is complete! activities, good service and a solid commitment to the environment. This winter, 4000 holidaymakers are expected to share the experience. Visits include pancake tasting, cooked on the camp fire. A FUN INTRODUCTION TO CROSS-COUNTRY Visitors are welcome daily from 11:00 to 17:00 from 12th to 25th SKIING, EXCLUSIVELY FOR KIDS! February 2017 (dates to be confirmed).