France
Ongoing snowfall in the French Alps is leading to a late surge in bookings for the rest of the season, according to UK tour operators.
After a spell of dry weather, there have been recent heavy snowfalls across many resorts in the western Alps, especially France, providing a good base for the next few weeks and going into Easter. The snow has followed by blue skies and spring-like temperatures, creating ideal conditions for many French resorts.
Val d’Isère in France is hosting some cultural events on the slopes this spring.
Running from the 6 – 9 March is ‘Classicaval’ which returns for the second time this season. The music ‘tells a story of passion in an exceptional mountain setting’.
‘La Trace des Grands’, Chamonix-Mont Blanc’s International Ski Mountaineering and Freeride Event, returns to the French resort for the second time on the 4-5 March 2023.
Conceived and organised by the Outdoor Legacy Association, this year’s event has three races to choose from following a route above the Argentière basin at the Grands Montets. The courses have been designed to cater for everyone from beginner to expert and allows public access at various strategic points, to create a festival atmosphere.
The British Schoolgirls Races (30 & 31 Jan 2023) returned to Flaine after a three-year absence for its 62nd event.
Two competitors battle it out during the British Schoolgirls Races.
The competition, organised by the Ladies Ski Club, attracted 143 girls from 26 schools who competed over two days in excellent conditions in front of a large crowd of spectators including teachers, parents, coaches and a guest appearance by former British Racer and Olympian Chemmy Alcott.
The Les Gets accommodation specialist Chalets1066 has added three new properties to its large portfolio in the French resort. All three are newly-built with two stand-alone chalets and one duplex apartment in a brand new building.
The Four Seasons Megève Collection is offering a once-in-a-lifetime experience, staying at one of the most impressive suites in the Alps.
The Idéal Suite, sitting on top of the slopes at 1850m, offers incredible views of Mont Blanc and is only accessible by a 15-minute cable car ride.
by Nick Dalton
Forget Mont Blanc, think Raymond Blanc. The famed chef has launched apres-ski nights at a dozen posh pubs in England – and you don’t even have to tire yourself out during the day to enjoy them.
Alf Alderson swaps his skis for a new ‘board’ of a different kind in Val Thorens which is celebrating its 50th anniversary this season
Le Board is shaped like a giant snowboard
It was one of those days in Val Thorens with low cloud and poor visibility making the skiing tricky at best, so what to do? Feel our way down the slopes in the murk, or try something different?
The French resort of Les Gets claims to be the first in Europe to ban smoking both on and off the slopes – except in five designated areas.
The ban came into force on 17 December and Benjamin Mugnier, who is in charge of the project, said: “We want to showcase our number one asset which is the clean air of the mountain. This is why thousands of people visit us every year.”
Travelski Express has added more packages to its programme and now includes the popular resorts of Val Thorens, Courchevel and La Rosiere.
Val Thorens
Skiers and snowboarders can choose between a range of accommodation in the three resorts with deals starting at £646 pp for a week in La Rosière – this price includes return direct Eurostar train travel, accommodation, local area lift pass and transfers to/from accommodation.
To celebrate the charity’s 20th Anniversary, Switch180 is putting on a special event to raise funds for its Snow Camp programme. The youth charity, which provides life changing services to young people claims the 3 Valley Rally will be its biggest, most exciting, and most ambitious alpine event yet.
Classic and electric mountain bike enthusiasts can explore the Chamonix Valley with more confidence this summer following the introduction of new signage and a dedicated bike map which can be picked up from all the tourist offices in the area
Mountain lovers can choose between eight weeks of action-packed activities when Arc 1950 opens for the summer on 2 July 2022.
Each week, guests booking at least five nights’ accommodation in the French Alpine resort can enjoy three free activities from a list of 12 ‘Wellness’, ‘Discovery’ and ‘Skills’ activities including fitness, zumba, aquabike, trail running, a half-day hike, an introductory mountain biking session for 8–12-year-olds, or an introduction to archery. Arc 1950 is also offering an introduction to Biathlon and Nature Orienteering activity sessions.
The tour operator Travelski Express will again be running its direct Eurostar train service from London to the French Alps this coming season.
Available as part of a Travelski Express package, the service will be running weekly with the first train due to depart on 17 December 2022 with the final return on the 15 April 2023. Packages are now on sale.
The Alpine resort of Les Arcs is already a popular spring and summer time destination for mountain bikers and families who like to stay active and this year there are even more attractions including a a high-altitude zip wire, a new children’s bushwhack walk and a slackline course with UCPA.
Les 2 Alpes claims it will be the first French resort to open its glacier for summer skiing this year. The slopes can be used from 28 May, the earliest the Isère ski area has ever opened its glacier.
Les 2 Alpes also claims it has Europe’s largest skiable glacier and SATA, the lift company, has been carrying out some work in the snowpark.
The traditional ski and snowboard season may be over but during the rest of the year, French ski areas still have plenty to offer those who love being in the mountains – and especially those who enjoy their food.
Many resorts extended their seasons this year to cater from the huge demand from skiers and snowboarders following the lifting of covid and travel restrictions.
PHOTO: Les 2 Alpes – Onevalefan/English Wikipedia
But for those who still need another ‘fix’ of skiing and snowboarding, there are still opportunities during the summer.
The sixth edition of Subli’Cimes will return to La Plagne from 13-18 April 2022 and is free for anyone who has a valid ski pass and health pass for those age 12+.
The wacky festival is held throughout all La Plagne’s five summits. At Plan Bois (1,600 m) guests will find a giant ball pool, a sweet bar, rubber rings and kites.
Competitors get underway in the timed race
The inaugural Trace de Grands ski touring event, held in Chamonix recently, attracted more than 400 competitors who participated in three different races in the French ski area depending on their abilities.