A demonstration was organised yesterday (Monday 30 November) in Les 2 Alpes in an effort to get the French government to change its decision to close ski resorts in France during the festive period because of the covid pandemic.
France
France
More ski chalet holidays suspended until next winter – and another UK tour operator ceases trading
Hotelplan, the umbrella company for Inghams, Ski Total, Esprit and Flexiski, has cut more ski and snowboard holidays this season by reducing the number of ski chalets and chalet hotels on offer. The group has also suspended trips to Finland until next winter due to the ongoing impact of COVID-19.
La Plagne continues to add to its eco-friendly policies in an effort to preserve the mountains for future generations
by Lulu Sheard
With climate change at the forefront of many people’s minds, resorts are reacting to calls for them to become more eco-friendly. The large La Plagne ski area in France, for example, is introducing more measures to protect its Alpine landscape and reduce its environmental impact.
Ben’s Bus freezes prices, adds Covid safety measures, better refund terms, plus more airport transfer routes for 2020/21
by Lulu Sheard
Ben’s Bus, the airport transfer service to resorts throughout the French alps, has now opened bookings for this season’s services to and from Geneva, Grenoble and Lyon Airports. The company will continue to run all their routes for the coming winter season, with added safety measures such as restricted numbers travelling on each bus and regular cleaning of the interiors.
Chamonix lifts up and running with new safety and hygiene measures in place – and there are free activities for visitors
by Lulu Sheard
Skiers and snowboarders have had some encouraging news from Chamonix for the coming season when the resort announced that several lifts in the French ski resort have opened again for the summer after being closed due to Covid.
Campaigners start petition to ‘Save the Ski Train’ after Eurostar announces it is stopping its rail travel to the Alps service
Eurostar will not run its iconic Ski Train this winter. A campaign, Save the Ski Train, has been launched in an attempt to persuade the cross channel railway service to reinstate this service.
Since 1997, the train has run twice weekly from London and Ashford to the Tarentaise region of the French Alps, dropping skiers at Moutiers, Aime la Plagne and Bourg St Maurice stations, a short hop by bus or taxi from 16 major ski resorts, including Méribel, Courchevel, La Plagne, Les Arcs, Tignes and Val d’Isère.
Ski with ‘the boss’ in Les Carroz – but watch out for naked fondu run
Les Carroz in the Grand Massif has come up with a unique package to help visiting skiers and snowboarders get the most from their trip. Petra Shepherd went to ski with the boss to find out what it’s all about.
A different flavour of France in the Pyrenees
Skier & Snowboarder editor Frank ‘Scoop’ Baldwin goes for a ski in the French Pyrenees – and ends up getting his feet wet
WATER WORKS: Relaxing in Ax les Thermes after a day on the slopes
Here’s a bit of après ski with a difference in the French Pyrenees. After a day’s skiing the 80km of slopes in Ax les Thermes, come down in the gondola which drops you off right opposite one of the main squares in the town, cross the road, order yourself a beer from one of the atmospheric bars, take your boots and socks off – and jump in the free bath.
Former neuroscientist uses her ski manager skills to set up successful operation in The Three Valleys
Have we found the brainiest chalet owner in the French Alps? Austria loving ROB REES overcame his lifelong aversion to French skiing to make a long overdue return to The Three Valleys after 27 years away with a stay with the marvelous Ski Talini
Experience a magical Christmas in Samoëns
The charming village of Samoëns in the Grand Massif area in the French Alps is a picture-perfect destination to spend time with the family over Christmas. The resort has a tranquil family-friendly feel, with a pretty village centre.
Mind your language!
Rob Freeman goes back to school in Morzine – and can only ski in his break
I was in a ski resort, having intensive lessons. But not skiing lessons.
This was French language school and I was experiencing the toughest few weeks I have in the mountains for many years. It’s not easy going back to school.
Rocking all over the Portes du Soleil – annual music festival celebrates its 10th anniversary this season
Mark Nicholls skis across the Swiss-French border for some ‘rock’ on the pistes
Against a backdrop of stunning mountains, rock is the order of the day.
The Dents du Midi – the seven defining peaks of the region – are jaggedly formidable against the skyline.
Tomorrowland comes to Alpe d’Huez – but there’s still plenty of peace and quiet in Isère
Do you want some old school ski lessons? Is a techno music festival your thing? Or do you just want some peace and quiet mixed in with a bit of culture. Then look no further than the Isère region says Petra Shepherd
It’s a family affair – the guests who liked the chalet company so much they booked for the next 35 years
A family who booked a ski trip to one of the first chalets to be run by British company Le Ski in Courchevel 35 years ago had such a good time that they have returned every ski season since then. Michael Cranmer went to find out what makes them keep coming back
Bramble Ski and Haute Montagne double up in Méribel with two additional chalets
by Tom White
LUXURY chalet operators Bramble Ski and Haute Montagne have doubled their property portfolio in the French resort of Méribel for the coming season with the inclusion of two more chalets. The starting price for seven nights is a cool €20,990.
Great meals delivered direct to your holiday accommodation in the French Alps
THEY say there is no such things as a free lunch writes Skier & Snowboarder magazine editor Frank ‘Scoop’ Baldwin – and this was the case when I was invited to sample the fantastic food on offer through Huski, the company that delivers delicious meals prepared in the French Alps direct to your ski accommodation.
New Club Med opens in Les Arcs
Club Med opened the doors to its impressive new resort in the French Alps, Les Arcs Panorama at the start of this season which has added another 433 rooms for guests during the winter and summer months. The opening celebrations were attended by Team GB Winter Olympic snowboarders Jenny Jones and Billy Morgan.
Action Outdoors launches biggest ever young persons ski holiday program with up to 34% savings on existing prices
ACTION Outdoors has launched two new programs for anyone between the ages of 18 and 25 – that heavily discounts the cost of a normal all-inclusive ski holiday package across 10 different resorts in the French Alps and a Youth Program – specially designed for 16 and 17 year olds that can enjoy an autonomous trip away from home under supervision.
New openings in Serre Chevalier
SERRE Chevalier, which lies in the largest ski area in the Southern French Alps, with 40 hectares of pistes set amidst larch forests, opens in December with three new attractions – writes Briony Key
Do you still have plenty of energy left after a day on the slopes? Then why not try a night ski run or a mad snow race in Les 2 Alpes
The list of ‘other’ activities you can enjoy in a ski resort, other than skiing and snowboarding, seems to grow longer every year. Last season Skier & Snowboarder editor Frank ‘Scoop’ Baldwin witnessed two of the more unusual ones in Les 2 Alpes