PHOTO: © Pyrène Duffau
With four mountain ranges and 21 mountain resorts, France’s third biggest mountain destination, Isère, is a winter playground for all abilities. With unrivalled diversity of resorts and a wide range of activities to suit all, Isère definitely has a resort for everyone, from pretty, traditional villages to world-renowned ski destinations.
The Vallée Blanche sector of Les 2 Alpes is receiving a major facelift this season, making it more accessible, efficient and environmentally friendly. For winter 2023, there are three new ski lifts, and a new green beginners’ slope at Pied-Moutet. This will make it the ultimate skiing playground for everyone at any skill. Nighttime ski descents will also make a comeback this season – skiers can hit the slopes after dark using the Super Venosc gondola, or the Vallée Blanche Telemix. At the bottom of the resort, ‘free-access’ training areas have been created: Coolidge, with magic carpet and a ski lift, and Champamé with a new ski lift. These will make it easier for new skiers to learn and improve their skills lower down in the resort.
New for this winter, and sitting at 1,950 metres long, Chamrousse have installed the world’s longest zipline with intermediate pylons! Starting at the summit of the Croix de Chamrousse at an altitude of 2,253 metres, the zipline runs parallel to the La Croix gondola, and finishes in the heart of the resort at 1,650 metres. 2km of thrills and breathtaking views… what more could you ask for?
The Alpe d’Huez French Ski School (ESF) has launched its ‘Ladies Camp’. A 100% women’s ski programme; this three half-day programme is led by experienced female instructors and has three different options to choose from: Progression Ski, Precision Ski and Premium (this one includes a mix of skiing, massages, yoga and wellness!).
Les 7 Laux have invested in their picnic spots this year; the resort have placed BBQ stations around the ski area, close to the Squirrels’ Route piste, with covered sofas shaped like acorns; the perfect spot for a lunchtime picnic on the slopes!
PHOTO: © J. Chavy
Vaujany’s ESF have a new programme this winter; weekly lessons for teenagers to help improve their freeride and freestyle skills. There’s a choice from five to 12 lessons with ESF – a great way to introduce teens to the sport and help discover a passion for freeride.
The quaint resort of Oz-en-Oisans has changed its name! Set amidst the fir trees, just above the village of Oz, the resort is now known as Oz 3300. This pays homage to its links to the Alpe d’Huez Grand Domaine and its top peak, Pic Blanc.
Back for its 20th year, the Grande Odyssee is a sled race that covers 900km, climbing more than 25,000m in elevation, making it one of the longest and most challenging races of its kind. It’s running from 13 to 25 January 2024. Every year, 65 mushers and over 600 sled-pulling dogs (a mixture of Malamute, Husky and Greenland Dog’s, are watched by over 50,000 spectators. An exciting event to attend, with its last stage (Stage 11) taking place in Isère’s Villard de Lans / Corrençon-en-Vercors.
Isère has all the elements to make a ski holiday memorable, from exhilarating afternoon fun on the zipwire to experiencing a piano concert in the heart of Chartreuse Massif. In the midst of the mountains, you’ll find a resort for everyone.
PHOTO: © Pyrèen Duffau
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