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.
France
France
Relax or work out at Val Thorens’ new €40m state-of-the-art sports, aquatic and convention centre
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?
Les Gets says ‘no more butts’… (unless you are in one of the designated smoking areas)
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.”
Ski and snowboard holidays by train – Travelski Express adds three new resorts to its list
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.
Teams challenged to compete for the 3 Valley Rally Cup as part of youth charity’s 20th anniversary celebrations
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.
New signs put cycling on the map in Chamonix Valley
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
Take a voyage of discovery through all the activities on offer in Arc 1950 this summer
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.
Travelski Express asks customers for feedback to enable it to offer an even better service this season
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.
Les Arcs extends its summer season and there’s even more attractions
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.
Early summer season start for skiers and snowboarders on Les 2 Alpes glacier
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.
Whether you want to relax or get active, the French mountains have something for everyone this summer
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.
Need more skiing and snowboarding? Head for the glaciers this summer
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.
Subli’Cimes festival returns to the slopes of La Plagne
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.
First ever Trace de Grands in Chamonix attracts more than 400 ski tourers
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.
Live the life of a ski patroller and have the whole ski area to yourselves
Have you wondered what goes on behind the scenes to ensure safety on the pistes?
Morzine, part of the massive Franco/Swiss Portes du Soleil ski area, is offering skiers and snowboarders the chance to join its ski patrollers in an early start on perfectly groomed pistes.
‘Girl power’ is nothing new when it comes to the mountains
Two Chamonix residents, Valentine Fabre and Hillary Gerardi, made history when they achieved the remarkable feat of skiing the famous Chamonix to Zermatt Haute Route in just 26 hours and 21 minutes. They join an impressive list of other female achievements in the mountains from yesteryear
Oxygene mourns the loss of Bertrand de Monvallier, one of its founders, who has passed away
Bertrand de Monvallier, one of the founders of Oxygene Ski & Snowboard School, passed away recently following a 10-month battle with illness.
A statement released by the company said: “The entire Oxygene family is devastated by his loss and for anyone that had ever met Bertrand, they will understand what it means to lose someone that was so inspirational and passionate about skiing, life and the business that he and his brothers have built over the past 30 years.”
Chamonix hosts new event for all lovers of ski touring and epic descents
La Trace des Grands, which unites lovers of ski mountaineering and epic off-piste descents is being hosted by Chamonix Mont-Blanc in France on 19 & 20 March 2022.
The event, which is being organised by the association Outdoor Legacy, is expected to attract some of the world’s best freeride skiers. And the weekend will also include ski touring for all abilities.
A rapid rise to the top
With travel restrictions to France easing for UK-based skiers and snowboarders, MARK NICHOLLS reports on what awaits you in Les Menuires this season
The view from La Masse is inspirational. I had travelled up from Les Menuires which nestles more than 1,000m in the valley below.
FRANCE: Open for business and ready to welcome back British skiers and snowboarders
The lifting of the restrictions on British skiers and snowboarders visiting France has seen new bookings to French ski resorts go through the roof. Many of the resorts have been quick to update the Skier & Snowboarder magazine with their latest news which you will find below. Make sure you check back to this website regularly as we will be adding more info as it comes in. Plus, go to our Holiday Offers page where you will find great bargains to French resorts being added all the time