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
France
France
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
Arc 1950 – a jewel set in the heart of the mountains.
Arc 1950 Le Village, the most recent addition to the Haute-Tarentaise resorts, enchants its French and international visitors every season by offering access to the Paradiski slopes from a selection of colourful 5* ski-in-ski-out residences, together with a combination of high-end services, car-free streets, pretty shops, varied restaurants, and its exceptional entertainment programme. A true ‘art de vivre’ of winter sports.
UPDATE: Travelski Express cancels 21 January departure
Travelski Express, which this season reintroduced a ski train service to the French Alps, issued a recent statement concerning the travel situation to France which said: “With the continued restrictions on travel between the UK and France Travelski regrets to confirm the cancellation of the Travelski Express departure planned for the 21 January.
Thousands enjoy first ski and snowboard of the season in Val Thorens
Val Thorens is traditionally always one of the first French resorts to open for the season. After not being able to ski last winter because of the pandemic, CATHERINE COOPER joined thousands of people who could not wait to get back on piste at the opening weekend
New restaurant in Saint-Martin-de-Belleville
The pretty French resort of Saint-Martin-de-Belleville in the 3 Valleys is a foodie heaven and this season there is another new restaurant on the menu.
The Maya Altitude is located on the slopes at the top of the Tougnète ridge. From here diners can enjoy a spectacular panoramic view from the terrace at 2,400m.
Free ski lessons on offer in Chamonix this winter
From 7 January to 4 February and from 7 March to 1 April, 2022 the Chamonix-Mont-Blanc valley is offering its guests FREE group ski lessons
For all ages and all levels of expertise, guests will be able to benefit from free lessons in downhill skiing (both on and off-piste), cross-country skiing, ski touring and even kinder garden skiing.