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
CHAMONIX
Chamonix, is delighted to be able to share its slopes again with valued British customers.
CHAMONIX: Plenty of attractions for skiers and snowboarders this season in this historic French resort
Snow conditions in the area are excellent, all slopes are open, and the famous Valley Blanche glacier descent is in good condition. This winter Chamonix has pulled out all the stops to offer guests free ski lessons in January, early February and through March. There are also special lift pass and accommodation deals for online bookings!
The valley offers 155 km of first-rate skiing for all levels of ability. Add to this, two exceptional sightseeing spots – the Aiguille du Midi and the Mer de Glace, 44 km of cross-country ski trails , 40 km of winter hiking trails and you may begin to appreciate the diversity of this unique destination.
Chamonix town is steeped in history – its splendid architecture spans three centuries – and at the same time it is a buzzing Alpine town. From the charming railway station guests may hop on the free Mont-Blanc Express train to discover the outlying villages and hamlets, or take a trip to Italy or Switzerland, both within 30 minutes reach.
Contact info@chamonix.com to find out more or CLICK HERE for info
ARC 1950
Arc 1950 Le Village, the most recent of the Haute-Tarentaise resorts, is a jewel set in the heart of the mountains and is part of the huge Paradiski area.
ARC 1950: Enchanting. Photo: Andy Parant
Every season, the Village enchants its French and international visitors even more with its colourful 5* ski-in-ski-out residences, its car-free streets, pretty shops, and its exceptional entertainment programme. A true ‘art de vivre’ of winter sports.
In the Village, nothing is more than a few steps from your residence, on foot or on skis. Arrive by train to Bourg St Maurice, drive direct or fly to one of the nearby airports. Open until 1 May 2022.
For more details on Arc 1950 CLICK HERE
LES ARCS
Skiers and snowboarders visiting the Les Arcs area are being welcomed back by some stunning snow art produced by artist Simon Beck, including a giant Union Flag.
LES ARCS: Flying the flag
The resort boasts 425km of pistes and with 70% of the ski area over 2000m, it is a snow-sure choice at any time of the season.
New additions this season include the new 10-seater Vallandry gondola, which replaces the old Vallandry chairlift. There is also a Mountain Animal Museum, created in conjunction with the Vanoise National Park. Entry to the museum is free.
At the top of the brand new Vallandry gondola a new progression area which allows complete beginners to progress to their first turns and beyond with access to three progressive beginner’s areas.
For thrill seekers, the Les Arcs’ Zipline is another new attraction on which it is possible to reach speeds of 130 km/hr or relax on the new Carreley panoramic terrace with its magnificent views of Mont Blanc. At Carreley, skiers will find 2-person deckchairs, a picnic area, wifi access and recharging points.
For more info CLICK HERE
MERIBEL
To celebrate the fact that people from Britain can travel to France again, Méribel recently lit up its slopes with the projection of a giant heart in colours of the British flag, plus, the ‘heart of Méribel’ made by the torches of the ESF instructors.
MERIBEL: Heart shape welcome
Meribel has enjoyed a close relationship with British skiers and snowboarders since being created by a Scotsman, Peter Lindsay, in 1938 and they now account for 38% of the total clientele. The resort, which is open until 22 April 2022, is located in the heart of Les 3 Vallées, which claims to be the world’s largest ski area with 600km of slopes.
To ensure visitors’ safety, the resort is following the strict Covid rules imposed by the French government. Two extra Covid test centres have been put in place, one in Méribel centre and one in Mottaret.
There are plenty of events for visitors to enjoy this season. From 24 to 28 January, Méribel will host the 2022 FIS Men’s Speed Races, then from 14 to 20 March, the 2022 World Cup Finals (men’s and women’s technical events).
In mid-March, a spectacular ski and snowboard show called Jib Session will take place with DJs and a contest open to all. Later in March, a giant dance floor will be set in the centre of the resort for SoundClash, a ‘battle’ between French and English DJs!
If you prefer a more relaxing approach, from 26 March to 8 April. experience the Zen Altitude programme which includes outdoor such things as yoga sessions, Qi Gong, Jin Shin Jyutsu, Tai Chi, massages, snowshoeing, smoothie bar.
For more info CLICK HERE
PORTES DU SOLEIL
The popular Franco-Swiss Portes du Soleil region has welcomed the news that UK holidaymakers can travel to the area which includes 12 Alpine resorts (eight French and four Swiss): Abondance, Avoriaz 1800, Champéry, Châtel, La Chapelle d’Abondance, Les Gets, Montriond, Morgins, Morzine-Avoriaz, St Jean d’Aulps, Torgon and Val-d’Illiez – Les Crosets – Champoussin
Ski lifts in the region are set to be in operation until April. There is 600km of skiing and snowboarding and 209 lifts spread across the 12 resorts.
The Portes du Soleil can be easily accessed from Geneva Airport, which benefits from low cost, direct flight access from London, Aberdeen, Belfast, Birmingham, Bristol, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Leeds, Liverpool and Manchester. Return flights from London to Geneva during the current ski season cost from £27 pp with EasyJet.
MORZINE
MORZINE: Authentic charm and adrenaline
Morzine is a perfect example of a beautiful Alpine village at the heart of the Portes du Soleil area. The resort offers visitors an authentic mountain experience and 600 km of skiing.
With a rich history, heritage, traditional architecture, and boasting an enviable gastronomy scene, Morzine has the right combination for a great winter holiday.
For more info on Morzine CLICK HERE
VAL THORENS: Voted Best Ski resort in France. Photo: C.Ducruet
VAL THORENS
Val Thorens, the highest ski resort in Europe, has been voted ‘Best Ski Resort in France’ at the annual World Ski Awards. The 5-star hotel Le Pashmina, located in the resort, was also chosen ‘Best Ski Boutique Hotel in France’.
For the Skier & Snowboarder magazine’s report on the excellent early season skiing and snowboarding in Val Thorens, CLICK HERE
LES 2 ALPES
Les 2 Alpes has one of the longest ski seasons in France and this winter it will not close until 1 May 2022. Thanks to good snowfalls, skiers can enjoy the full ski area which covers 200km, with 70% of it above 2,000m.
“We are really looking forward to welcoming our British friends. It’s always such a pleasure to see how they love the mountains, enjoy skiing – and of course the apres-ski too!” says Eric Bouchet, director of the tourist office of Les 2 Alpes.
LES 2 ALPES: Long season. Photo: B Longo
For some businesses in Les 2 Alpes, the British clientele is the most important one. British ski instructor Jeremy Edwards founded European Ski School in Les 2 Alpes 20 years ago.
He said: “The ban on British clients travelling to France has caused another huge setback for us in terms of business. After nearly two years of inactivity, we are struggling to stay afloat as a ski & snowboard school in France. We were in desperate need of our British clients to return this winter, so we are delighted to know they will be back.”
From 2 to 4 April, the resort is hosting the Snowboard French Championships (Slopestyle and Big Air).
On 9 April, La Patrolette is a fun event when pisteurs invite the visitors to take part in different types of contests.
Les 2 Alpes will end the winter season with a week of fun and ride, the Snow 2 Bike week from 18 to 24 April.
The programme will include waterslide contests, mountain biking competitions, a full moon party and the Snow 2 Bike contest during the opening weekend.
The Snow 2 Bike descent takes place in teams of 2, with the duo skiing/boarding together from 3,400 metres back to the resort at 1,600 metres, before mountain biking down the legendary Venosc trail. The aim is to have fun with your partner and cross the finish line together.
For more info CLICK HERE
VAL D’ISERE: Plenty of new places to stay. Photo: Andy Parant
VAL D’ISERE
Val d’Isère is delighted to offer its returning British guests new accommodation options, including the luxury five-star K2 Chogori and Alaska Lodge chalet to the renovated Val d’Isère and Victoria Lodge hotels,
The K2 Chogori hotel showcases fine dining with its Altiplano 2.0 restaurant, and the 1954 Bar is open all day for snacks, afternoon tea or après-ski drinks. The hotel has a range of facilities, including the Goji Spa par Valmont for a private health and beauty experience, the professional ski room and Bernard Orcel sport-chic boutique.
At the stylish Airelles Val d’Isère guests can choose from 41 rooms, 11 suites and five apartments offering private butler service. There is a Guerlain Spa with a pool, gym and five treatment rooms.
Younger guests have their own dedicated spa grotto as well as a children’s kingdom with an enchanted forest.
Airelles has a brand-new restaurant Loulou à Airelles, which combines Italian flavours with an après-ski flair.
MOUNTAIN STYLE: Alaska Lodge
The brand-new Alaska Lodge houses six apartments in one single wood and stone building that combine the mountain style with modern comfort.
The new Vail Lodge apartment complex is the perfect accommodation for gatherings of friends and family. It offers guests ski in and out access from its 14 apartments which have been inspired by the tradition of Savoyard chalets.
REBUILT: The Victoria Lodge Hotel
The Quatrième Bar & Lounge, the main hub of the completely rebuilt 40-bedroomed Victoria Lodge hotel. It offers an extensive cocktail menu as well as a selection of local and regional beers and wines. The bar opens out onto the old village and the famous Face de Bellevarde Olympic slope.
The hotel also has its own spa, as well as games rooms, relaxation areas and workspaces.
Originally built in 1968, the Val d’Isère hotel has been fully renovated for this season. The 47 bedroomed hotel boasts exceptional panoramic south-facing views of the village and the slopes.
The family suites sleep two to six people in adjoining rooms and for larger families and groups, the hotel’s four apartments offer additional hotel services.
Guests seeking an oasis of tranquillity can take advantage of the wellness area, which offers massages and Les Cabanes d’Elsa body treatments, a spa with a sauna and steam room, a multi-activity room and a swimming pool.
LA PLAGNE
La Plagne in the Tarentaise, which is celebrating its 60th birthday this season has signed a contract with British Ski Cross athlete Ollie Davies, (pictured) who will be competing during the XXIV Olympic Winter Games in Beijing in February.
As part of the agreement, Ollie, aged 24, will be sporting La Plagne’s much loved, and recognised, red-woolly hat.
Ollie has strong ties to La Plagne – he started skiing in Montchavin-Les Coches when he was just two years old.
When Ollie turned eight, the family decided to move to Montchavin and Ollie became a member of the Montchavin-Les Coches Club des Sports, where his move in to ski cross began.
At 14, he started participating at the British Championships and was soon selected for the British Alpine Squad. He finished first in the U16 French Championship and saw a victory at The BRITS in 2017.
Following this, he made it to the podium for the Europa Cup and was crowned Junior World Champion in New Zealand during the 2018/19 ski season. More recently, he became the first British skier to compete in the Big Final at the Ski Cross World Championship in February 2021, where he came fourth.
For more info on La Plagne CLICK HERE
Categories: France, Holiday News & Special Offers