winter press file

HIVER / WINTER 2014-2015
WINTER PRESS FILE
1500m - 2600m
SAVOIE-FRANCE
WINTER 2014-2015
1500m - 2600m
SAVOIE-FRANCE
Summary
WINTER PRESS FILE 2014-2015
Page 3 Présentation and History
Page 4 Skiing Area
Page 5 Environment
Page 6 Childcare facilities and ski lessons
Page 7 Mountain and aerial activities
Page 8 Local Culture
Page 8 Relaxation
Page 9 Events and entertainment
Page 10 Accommodations’ good deals
Page 11 Location and access
Press contact
Séverine NORAZ-BAS
Office de Tourisme – L’Ours Blanc – 73450 VALMEINIER
Tél : +33 (0)4 79 59 59 78 – 06 70 40 67 70
[email protected]
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valmeinier winter 2014-2015
1 Presentation
HISTORY OF VALMEINIER
PRESENTATION
Nestled on the border between the Northern and
Southern Alps, not far from the Ecrins and Vanoise
national parks, Valmeinier is the Maurienne’s newest
resort. It includes a village resort at an altitude of
1,500 m, which has managed to retain its authentic character, and a high-altitude resort perched at
1,800 m, which is beautifully integrated into its surroundings and features understated architecture.
The resort is on a human scale and is bursting with
appeal thanks to its warm and simple hospitality
and its dramatic landscapes between the Aiguilles
d’Arves and the famous Mont Thabor, away from
the crowds and the hustle and bustle. This is a great
place to recharge one’s batteries. Valmeinier is popular not just because of its beautiful surroundings,
but also because of the multitude of holiday activities available to families.
HISTORY
Valmeinier is a contraction of the French “val-minier”
or “mining valley”, perhaps because of the presence
of silver-copper ore and lead, which was mined in
the 18th century using traditional methods. Another
reason could be the presence of veins of anthracite,
which was used mainly by families for domestic heating purposes.
Valmeinier is nestled in the Neuvache valley, whose
steep slopes required the soil to be retained by terraces, which are still visible in the winter: terraces
for the cultivation of cereal (primarily rye), but also
beans, turnips and, as of the 18th century, potatoes;
the valley features alluvial fans whose streams were
the birthplace of villages comprising stone and
wood houses, interlinked to leave more space for
farming, with pastures scattered between altitudes
of 1,300 and 1,800 m, and up to 2,500 m during the
summer grazing season. Thus, people led a tough
agro-pastoral lifestyle that changed little from the
12th century to the 20th century. Their existence
was governed by the seasons and regulated by religious practices, as illustrated by the crosses scattered around the area, the old chapels found in the
hamlets and the local church, which has been rebuilt
several times.
However, despite various epidemics (including the
plague in the 17th century), wars, the sacking of Valmeinier in 1793 during the French Revolution and
years of poor crops, the population continued to
increase, reaching its peak (850 inhabitants) in 1848.
But with industrialisation came decline. After following two simultaneous careers for a few years (in
the factories or mines in the winter, and in the fields
in the summer), the men became full-time factory
workers and left the mountains to live near their
place of work. Valmeinier gradually faded away. It
had just fifty or so permanent inhabitants in 1971 and
the last of its five schools closed down in 1972.
Then a new team came in to govern the district, and
it decided to develop tourism at Valmeinier 1500.
The Crêt du Quart facility became operational in the
winter of ‘73/’74. Equipment was then supplied by
the capital of the county (linking the two villages)
in 1984-85-86, together with two holiday centres, a
number of co-owned residential properties, trade
premises, a new school, a cable car to connect the
two sides of the valley and the Roy chairlift.
In 1986, the 3rd phase of Valmeinier’s tourist development project was launched, with the construction of the new road, the cable lifts and the first residential buildings at Valmeinier 1800 (Auberge Grand
Fourchon, Aquarius Club Med, Les Carrettes, etc.).
Valmeinier 1800 continued to grow and enhance its
residential capacity with Pierre & Vacances, Odalys
and Espace 2, among others, in surroundings blessed
with landscapes that ask only to be explored.
valmeinier.com
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2 Skiing
area
«GALIBIER-THABOR» 150 km of slopes
1500 M À 2600 M
reLIant Les statIons
vaLMeInIer & vaLLoIre
ouVert
DU 20/12/14
aU 17/04/15
Forest skiing, wide-open slopes, narrow valleys,
summer grazing pastures, peaks, North, East, West
and South faces… all kinds of mountain terrain can be
found in the Galibier-Thabor ski area, whose horizon
features the Aiguilles d’Arves and the nearby summits
of the Vanoise and Ecrins ranges.
Figures
150 km of slopes for all categories.
89 pistes: 9 black, 32 red, 28 blue,
20 green
An altitude difference of more than
1,170 metres
2 gondolas, 17 chairlifts,
11 drag lifts
More than 400 snow cannons
ensure high-quality skiing
Ski lift capacity: 44 000 skiers/hour
Numbers of skiers days: 539 858
NEWS
Extension of the automatic
network snow coverage
70% of the ski area is above
2 000 meters
Various facilities
3 non-permanent slalom courses
2 officially-approved international
race pistes
SKI MAP
Fun zones
A frequently updated Snow Park
and a Ski-Cross course
Several Easy Parks
(fun zones accessible to all)
A night-time skiing area
Thanks to the recent modernisation
work performed and to the remodelling of the slopes, the Galibier-Thabor ski area now offers a quality of
skiing that equals the standards of
the biggest resorts:
• guaranteed snow cover at the
beginning and end of the season
• shorter queues for the ski lifts
• a great variety of runs
• easy movement between the
different sectors
• areas dedicated to the different
types of skiing and snowboarding
• slopes maintained in the summer
and winter
• “hands-free” ski pass
• pistes up to an altitude of 2594
metres accessible to beginners
http://hiver.valmeinier.com/fr/il4-valmeinier,hiver_p33-plan-des-pistes.aspx
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valmeinier winter 2014-2015
3 The
environment
Valmeinier is deeply concerned about ecology, which is why all the resort’s
socio-economic players have joined forces to set up projects geared
towards environmental preservation.
In the town and
Tourist Office
In the ski area
Landscape improvement
Ever mindful of improving the landscape and the
local architecture, the district of Valmeinier is gradually burying its power lines. This means that views
are being cleared and the building facades freed of
visual pollution, which enhances the resort in general.
The snow is produced naturally using additive-free
water. Thanks to the low winter temperatures, the
water droplets sprayed into the air turn into snow
flakes. When the snow melts, the artificial snow returns to its liquid state and flows into streams and
other natural water reserves.
Waste sorting
The pistes are regrassed using the com-
The district of Valmeinier has installed a number of
underground bins that allow waste to be sorted.
Pocket ashtray
On the initiative of the Tourist office, the free
distribution(casting) in the Tourist office, in the liftpass offices and in the Ski School.
To improve the car park, a new parking of about sixty places for cars and bus (Barn Bernard) was fitted
out in 2 km of the station, it will be placed under
video surveillance and on Saturdays shuttles will circulate between this parking and the station 1800.
Artificial snow,
a 100% natural process!
post recovered from the waste treatment station in
Saint Michel de Maurienne and the biodegradable
hydraulic fluid used in the snow groomers.
Recycling of ski passes to protect the
environment!
A € 2 deposit is charged on all ski passes purchased.
This can be retrieved from the lift tills at the end of
the week in exchange for used passes. Customers
who hang on to their pass can top it up online and
avoid the queues next time they visit the resort.
Parking
To improve the car park, a new parking of about sixty
places for cars and bus (Grange Bernard) was fitted
out in 2 km of the station, it will be placed under
video surveillance and on Saturdays shuttles will
circulate between this parking and the resort 1800.
valmeinier.com
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4 Childcare
“La Galipette”
daycare centre
The centre is run by trained personnel and is open throughout
the season from 8.30 am to 5.30
pm Sunday to Friday, for children
aged 3 months to 9 years (meals
provided as an optional extra).
Several packages are available for
different age groups:
gaLIPette 1 :
Daycare centre
for ages 3 months to 3 years
This state-accredited centre features very modern and functional
premises, with play, rest and meal
5 Ski
facilities
areas. Children can take part in
indoor and outdoor activities.
Starting from €148 per week.
gaLIPette 2 :
Skiing lessons + Kids’ club
package for ages 3 to 9
Children ski under the supervision of qualified instructors for
a length of time that depends
on their age: 6 x 1 hr 30 mins
for 3 year olds and 6 x 2 hrs 15
mins for ages 4 and over. Prices
include ESF tests, meals, games
at the club and activities (ice
skating, sledging, etc.). Teatime
snacks, medals and ski passes are
included, and skiing equipment
(not included) is looked after.
Starting from €231 per week.
La gaLIPette 2 :
Kids’ club package
for ages 3 to 9
A non-skiing package for children
that includes a variety of outdoor
activities (ice skating, sledging,
games in the snow, treasure
hunts, etc.) and indoor activities
(drawing, reading, videos, etc.).
Starting from €128 per week.
Online bookings
www.valmeinier.com
or +33 (0)4 79 59 53 69
Lesson (French Ski School (ESF)
Throughout the season, 60 of the famous instructors in red take care
of toddlers (ages 3 and over) and older kids to introduce them to the joys
of winter sports. Lessons, activities, contests and tests are organised.
“Snow garden”
Group lessons
The ESF runs three snow gardens (2 at 1800 and 1
at 1500) covered with artificial snow, where children aged 3 and over can be taught individually or in
groups. To improve their experience and speed up
the learning process, 3 snow cords, 1 conveyor and 2
roundabouts are provided.
A variety of highly enjoyable packages for skiers and
snowboarders alike.
Online bookings www.esf-valmeinier.com
New
« Competition » course, mornings
(level: flèche to bronze)
« New sensations », afternoons
(level: class 3 or surf 3)
«Freestyle» Course
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valmeinier winter 2014-2015
Online bookings
www.esf-valmeinier.com
6 Mountain
activities
and aerial
Snowshoe walks
Dog sledding
Snowshoeing in the mountains is
an unmissable experience. Indeed,
snowshoes make it possible
to access certain unique sites
at a different pace and in total
harmony with nature, while still
requiring quite a bit of physical
effort. Qualified mountain guides
organise wonderful themed hikes
in the day and at night, telling old
stories along the way and sharing
their passion for the mountains.
Half-day and night-time walks:
€25
Learn to drive a sled and guide
a small team of Nordic dogs. For
adults and children aged 8 and
over, this is a dream come true.
Michael, the musher, accompanies
novices and shares his passion for
these extraordinary dogs. An adventure packed with thrills and an
unforgettable experience. Every
Monday and Tuesday, with tailored
programmes for groups.
Starting from €30.
Orienteering
courses
Three orienteering courses to
discover Valmeinier using a
compass.
Pedestrian lifts
Three ski lifts are accessible to
non-skiers, allowing them to enjoy a stunning view of the valley
from the summits and breathe in
the fresh air of the mountain tops.
Sledge runs
The Elan
speed safely down snow-covered
slopes supervised by a team of
professionals.
Microlight and
paragliding
flights
Introductory sessions above the
ski area and the nature reserve. A
truly unforgettable experience.
SNAKE GLISS
A snow snake of 10 sledges joined
together for pure adrenalin. From
€17 /adult. €12/child.
A sledge run for older kids.
Walks
Around fifteen kilometres of groomed trails. A map of these walks is
available from the Tourist Office.
sPeeD rIDIng
A new skiing discipline. A thrilling
combination of skiing and paragliding that allows participants to
valmeinier.com
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7 Local
culture
The Marvels of Savoie
Each week, discover the region’s delights with an
expert on Savoyard culture (agriculture, crafts,
baroque art, fortresses, farm visits, etc.). Paying
service.
Mont Thabor Farm
This farm near the hamlet of La Combaz is run by a
young couple. There, visitors can discover and taste
the produce they make from goat’s milk. The farm
also has yaks. Cheese for sale and free access to the
goat enclosure every day from 8 am to 8 pm.
www.la-ferme-du-mont-thabor.com
Church visits
Every week, the local Heritage Association’s
volunteers give free guided visits to this 18th
century church.
8 Relaxation
CInEMa
2 theatres: in Valmeinier 1800, featuring the latest
technology, a varied programme and screenings
every day.
Wellness
Saunas, Turkish baths and Jacuzzis can be found in
the residences.
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valmeinier winter 2014-2015
9 Entertainement
The resort proposes you highlights throughout the winter and every Sunday the
entertainments’ team invites you at welcome drink to discover the
weekly programm (concerts, shows, tastings, torchlight descents, initiation into
the new glides, meeting with Mascot...)
December
- Christmas with the snow!
Rendez-vous withSanta Claus,
children’s shows...
- International races of ski
by night
26th and 27th December
- New Year Snowparty,
fire works, snowball fight...
January
- «Grand Prix»
Ski races 10th
January
- Carnaval
- «Montée de la mine»
Ski climbing contest by night
- Torchlite’descent every week.
February
March - April
- Mardi gras
Face painting work shop, fancydress competition. Not forgetting «bugnes» small traditionnal
doughnuts!
- Ultrason Festival
- Galibor Sessions 15th february
Ski freestyle contest
- Big Air by night
- Derby de la mine
A national contest open for all
types of skiers and snowboarders in off-piste runs.
good to know
All the events on www.valmeinier.com
valmeinier.com
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Good Deals
Valmeinier can
accommodate about 11 000
people spread out over:
• 5 tourism residences (Pierre et Vacances, Odalys
Vacances, Espace 2 Vacances, Madame Vacances,
Privilege Hotels and Resorts)
• 1 reservation centre (Valmeinier Reservations)
• 1 club hotel (Les Carrettes)
• 1 auberge (Le Grand Fourchon)
• Groups centres (DMJ – Association Savoyarde des
classes de découverte)
• 2 Holiday villages (Renouveau Vacances, Ternélia
La Lauza)
• 2 Rural gîtes (Les Chalets de l’Arméra, La Tanière)
+ holiday homes and independent lettings
GOOD DEALS
SKI AREA
www.galibier-thabor.com
Familly ski-pass:
2 Familly ski-pass:
2 parents and thair children
6 days = €672 / 7 days = €739 / 8 days = €807
Reduction for simultaneous package of 4 skipasses
(2 parents and their children from 6 to 17 years old).
Maurienne Exchanges
With a «Galibier Thabor» 2 to 21 day valid skipass,
you can ski in another resort in
the Maurienne valley from €22.
Ski Maurienne Without Limits
With your 5 day nominative skipass, 5 days of skiing
in 5 different Maurienne resorts of your choice (1 day
in each resort): €115 (2013/14 prices).
Val-Thorens and the 3 Valleys
Only 30 minutes by car from Valmeinier, access the
Val-Thorens ski area via the Orelle cable car and take
advantage of the reduced prices on presentation
of your 2 to 21 day valid «Galibier Thabor» skipass.
From €21,50
GOOD DEALS
ACCOMODATIONS
CLUB HOTEL THE CARRETTES
04 79 59 25 45 – http://les-carrettes.com
Offre Week end :
1 night = 95€ / person 2 at nights = 180€ / person
3 at nights from Monday till Thursday = 199€ / person
3 at nights from Friday till Monday, or from Thursday
till Sunday = no 250€ / person
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valmeinier winter 2014-2015
RESIDENCE RENOUVEAU
www.renouveau-vacances.fr
First minute offer
Book before the 05/10/14aAnd benefit from a
50-discount by file in renting *
* Off weeks started : 20/12/14, 27/12/14, 07/02/15,
14/02/15, 21/02/15, 28/02/15.
EARLY BOOKING
ESPACE 2 VACANCES :
Discount of 20 % except school holidays – Booking
before 30/11/2014
Discount of - 5 % school holidays Christmas and in
February - Reservation before 30/11/2014
www.espace2vacances.fr
PRIVILEGE HOTELS & RESORTS
Discount of 20 % for any reservation before
30/09/2014. See conditions web site.
www.privilge-hr.com
VALMEINIER RESERVATION :
Discount of 10 % except periods from 20/12/2014 till
03/01/2015 and of 07 / 02 / 2015au in 07/03/2015
by reserving before 15/10/2014.
www.valmeinier-reservation.com
PACK «ALL INCLUSIVE» PROMOTIONAL
VALMEINIER RESERVATION :
Appt at 7 nights + fails 6 days from €182,80 / person
/ week. www.valmeinier-reservation.com
Guaranteed snow
PIERRE ET VACANCES: If you cancel your stay
before your departure, because of defect or of
excess of snow, you will be paid off.
On-line bookings
An online bookings service is available for
accommodation, skipasses, ski courses,nurseries on
www.valmeinier.com.
Location and access
GEOGRAPHICAL SITUATION
·
·
·
·
·
·
660 km from Paris,
200 km from Lyon,
180 km from Geneva,
130 km from Grenoble,
95 km from Chambéry,
140 km from Turin.
By train
· Nearest station:
St-Michel de Maurienne/Valloire
Direct TGV (high-speed train)
between Paris and St Michel-Valloire
(4 hrs 30 mins) every Saturday
and Sunday.
TGV between Paris and Chambéry
+ direct connection between Chambéry
and St Michel-Valloire, every day.
Direct night trains between Paris
and St Michel-Valloire.
Buses operate between the resort
and the train station.
By car
Take the A43 motorway or RN6 toll-free
road to St Michel de Maurienne.
Valmeinier 1500 is a further 12 km away
and Valmeinier 1800 a further 17 km.
gPs
Latitude 45°10’27’’
Longitude 6°29’33’’E
BY PLANE
From the airports of Chambéry, Grenoble St Geoirs
and Lyon St Exupéry, take a bus or train, or travel
by taxi or car via the A43 motorway. From Geneva
International Airport take a train, or travel by taxi or
car via the A41 motorway. From Turin International
Airport take the Fréjus Tunnel.
BY taXI
Noraz Noël 06 23 09 89 23
By BUs
Navettes Transdev’ Savoie 0820 205 330
Photos credit : Yam Photos / OT Valmeinier / Benjamin Viallet
Links between airports and the
Maurienne’s resorts
Over the last three years, the Maurienne Resorts
Committee has been developing a shuttle and taxi
service between the local airports (Lyon and Chambéry) and the Maurienne’s resorts.
Before they fly to our mountains, three transfer
times are offered to French and international clientele, so as to make their trip as easy as possible and
to get them to the resort in the most stress-free way
possible.
Airport transfers can be booked at the Tourist
Office, from €45 return per person.
HIVER / WINTER 2014-2015
1500m - 2600m
C : 23 M : 75 J : 78 N : 69
C : 02 M : 100 J : 85 N : 06
C : 01 M : 66 J : 56 N : 03
C : 86 M : 08 J : 00 N : 00
C : 56 M : 05 J : 00 N : 00
C : 00 M : 32 J : 100 N : 00
C : 27 M : 00 J : 100 N : 03
C : 00 M : 17 J : 50 N : 00
C : 15 M : 00 J : 59 N : 00
valmeinier.com
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