dossier de presse alpes du sud GB_Mise en page 1

Transcription

dossier de presse alpes du sud GB_Mise en page 1
Press
Kit
Winter
2010/2011
Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur
“Bienvenue
dans les Alpes du Sud !”*
* Welcome to the Southern Alps!
Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur Tourism Board
Press office: [email protected]
www.52sunsations.com
Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur
Southern Alps - Winter 2010 / 2011
Contents
New features
3
Not-to-be-missed
5
Best ski resort deals
6
Portraits
7
2011, the year of Mexico in France
Live out a Mexican Adventure in Ubaye!
8
Sustainable development & quality labels
9
This season's top events
Culture, Sport, Family
11
Southern Alps key figures
14
How to get there
14
Please ask for our CD-ROM featuring many photos of the region. For any further details please contact the press office: [email protected]
Caution: the prices shown in this file are those mentioned on the websites of the various service providers when the file was written.
Your press officers for Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur:
Susanne Zürn-Seiller: [email protected]
+33(0)4 91 56 47 13
Rabiha Benaïssa: [email protected]
+33 (0)4 91 56 47 32
Melody Raynaud: [email protected]
+33(0)4 91 56 47 38
latest update 31/08/2010
Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur Tourism Board
Press office: [email protected]
www.52sunsations.com
2
Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur
Southern Alps - Winter 2010 / 2011
New features
New itineraries to explore, environmentally-friendly accommodation and more Internet services – our
resorts have upgraded this year to offer you even more comfort and leisure activities in the mountains!
> Recreation
> Everything for the kids
> Sport
Opening of France's longest
summer / winter sledging track
Montgenèvre
New “Montgenèvre, the Kid's
Resort” Initiative
Montgenèvre
“Aluan Ricciardi”
snowboard courses
Risoul
The Monty Express is a monorail sledging track
offering a 1400 m, heart-stopping descent!
In addition to its Family + label, the resort
has now launched a club for 6-14 year olds,
including a mascot, reduced-price membership,
dedicated venue and free entertainment.
Top level snowboarder Aluan Ricciardi
represented Risoul at the Vancouver Winter
Olympics. He now stages courses for children
and teenagers.
Two-seater, 780 m, double track sledge descent
including hairpin bends, jumps and turns...
A €1,600,000 investment for the resort!
New Entertainment Facilities
for the 3-12's
Risoul
Closed Area for beginners
Les Orres
> Nature and culture
A large indoor space and outdoor terrace
situated at the centre of the resort.
Neiges de culture©
Serre Chevalier Vallée
> Well-Being
New four seasons sledging track
Risoul
A new concept combining the pleasures of
skiing and culture, Neiges de culture© is located
on the ski domain of Serre-Chevalier. Along
the slopes and in the forests, in the valleys
and on the peaks, you will discover a host
of entertaining activities including historical
adventures, thematic ski slopes, nomad
architecture, photo exhibitions, audio itineraries
and other delightful snowy surprises. Skiers
can enjoy exploring, playing or simply
contemplating... and sprinkling their skiing
escapade with flakes of culture.
Creation of a closed area entirely dedicated
to new skiers!
> Stay in touch
A new label for the “Thalaneige”
Well-being Centre
Risoul
The “Thalaneige” spa is a member of “Spas
de France” - France's first independent spa
network committed to offering a warm
welcome and outstanding services!
The “Spas de France” quality charter means
guests benefit from 100 % professional
well-being and beauty treatments.
Piste basher ride at sunrise
Serre-Chevalier Vallée
New Guide Book
for cross-country skiers
Pays des Ecrins
This website provides updated snow
conditions, weather forecasts and safety
recommendations.
www.paysdesecrins.com
New Booking Centre
Pays des Ecrins
Part of the Tourist Office, this service is
designed to make it easier for you to book
your accommodation and activities.
+33 (0)4 92 23 03 11
www.reservations.paysdesecrins.com
A wonderful early-morning outing on the ski
domain, followed by breakfast at a high
altitude restaurant.
Les cols'porteurs
Serre-Chevalier Vallée
The ski lift staff offer visitors a behind-thescenes insight into the ski domain and
secrets of the mountain and valley (flora,
fauna and traditions). The visits are opened
to all Serre-Chevalier ski pass holders.
Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur Tourism Board
Press office: [email protected]
www.52sunsations.com
3
Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur
Southern Alps - Winter 2010 / 2011
New features (more)
I-Phone Application
This new GPS application allows you to
locate your position in real time in the
Risoul, Serre-Chevalier Vallée and
Montgenèvre domains. It also provides
information on weather conditions,
events and entertainment, available
accommodation, an interactive piste
map including pistes bashed the previous
night, local services and emergency
numbers.
> Live from the Resorts
The new
“Serre Chevalier Vallée” label
Inaugurated in Spring 2009, this new label is
designed to promote the resort's main assets:
• Wide-ranging services in a human-size
valley acclaimed for its history and traditions.
• A wide valley bordering Piedmont, Provence
and the Alps.
• A vast, modern, innovative and wellpreserved ski playground.
• Alpine slopes open to all levels.
> Accommodation
New Environmentally-Friendly
Apartment Hotel
Risoul
The "Antarès" features 76 four-star apartments
run by the company Sara Risoul. It forms
part of a series of buildings in Risoul bearing
the coveted THPE (Very High Energy
Performance) label – the only ones of their
kind in the French mountains!
Opening February 2011.
Hotel re-opening
Serre-Chevalier Vallée
The three-star La Balme Alphand hotel set
at the foot of the resort is run by the family
of skiing champion Luc Alphand (one of the
runs is named after him).
www.alphandlabalme.fr
“Le Chalet des Dolines”
Apartment Hotel
Montgenèvre
Kicking off its first season, this luxury apartment
hotel features 2 to 5-room duplex accommodation and is situated just a few metres
from the Italian border and pistes.
www.montgenevre.com
“Les Chalets d’Eden Prestige”
La Joue du Loup
These new and fully-equipped chalets feature
5 rooms with jacuzzi and sauna at the foot
of the slopes, able to accommodate up to
14 guests! They offer spectacular views over
the Dévoluy mountains and surrounding
summits. Developer: Seclym
“Résidence du Temple”
Briançon Cité Vauban
7 top-of-the-range apartments located in
Briançon town centre, boasting a refined
atmosphere plus hotel services.
Half board and breakfasts available.
Apartment sizes from 2-room
(4 guests) to 5-room (8 guests),
approximate prices: €552 to €1150
Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur Tourism Board
Press office: [email protected]
www.52sunsations.com
“L’Aigle Bleu” Four-Star
Apartment Hotel
Briançon - Serre-Chevalier Vallée
Situated at the foot of Briançon's ski slopes,
next to the Prorel ski lift.
Developed by Nemea
+33 (0)5 57 26 99 31
A high-standing apartment hotel designed
in simple and functional mountain style,
featuring a spa and parking facilities.
Opening at the start of the winter season.
> COMING UP
New Ski Domain Opening
in 2012/2013
Montgenèvre
Montgenèvre is definitely taking to the
heights! This ambitious project, to be
completed shortly, will make Montgenèvre the only resort in the Southern
Alps and one of Europe's only resorts
offering an altitude of 3,000 m.
Far more than a symbolic new ski lift,
Montgenèvre will be offering a whole
new ski domain, with no less than three
3,000-metre summits around Mont
Chaberton and the Franco-Italian border.
Combining very sporty runs plus a
unique blue piste descending from a
dizzy height of 3,000 metres, this
fantastic new site is the fruit of numerous
years of reflection to ensure it blends in
perfectly with the surrounding natural
environment. Attractions will include
stunning 360° panoramic views spanning
the Mont Ventoux, Mont-Blanc, Rhône
and Pô.
Opening winter 2012/2013.
4
Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur
Southern Alps - Winter 2010 / 2011
Not-to-be-missed
Our selection of tried and tested activities, entertainment and accommodation!
Ice diving
Orcières 1850
Night in an Igloo
Orcières-Merlette
Live out the fabulous sound of silence with
your partner or family at the Williwaw village.
Previous guests claim the experience is truly
unforgettable!
Prices from €69 per day
+33 (0)4 76 79 98 22
www.la-grave.com
“Oser Plonger” is an ice diving centre situated
at an altitude of 2,500 m at the edge of the
Ecrins National Park. Participants arrive on
skis, snowboard or on foot. After swapping
your skiing gear for diving gear (waterproof
diving suit and gloves) you will be transported
to the diving site at 3 km on a snow bike!
www.oserplonger.com
Speed ski run open to all
Vars
Luna Ball
Orcières 1850
> Thrills and Spills
“Glacier de la Meije” with monitor
La Grave La Meije
An entirely safe introduction to skiing on the
glaciers of La Meije, with professional monitors
and cable car access.
Test your talent on the new speed ski slope
in Vars. And although only a rare few skiers
will reach 170 km/h, the brave-hearted can
hope to clock up 100 km/h! All participants
receive a diploma showing their achievements.
The Grooming School
Serre Chevalier
Fancy driving a piste basher? You can live
out this unique experience at Serre Chevalier,
which offers you a chance to pilot one of
these impressive machines in a special area
on the slopes. Accompanied by a guide, the
20-minute run includes bumps, raised
bends and inclines so amateur drivers can
get a taste of how the basher works and the
secrets of efficient piste bashing!
Don't forget to show off to your friends
when you get back from your hols!
Available to over 16's.
Ski Joëring & Poney-Luge
Superdévoluy
New thrills this year include skijoëring (skiing
pulled by a horse) and pony sledging!
Les Sabots de Vénus
+33 (0)6 32 83 11 64
www.les-sabots-de-venus.com
Attached to a harness, the “luna ball” rockets
you down the slopes inside an inflatable ball!
Heliski
Montgenèvre
Although this discipline is unauthorized in
France, Montgenèvre take advantage of its
proximity to Italy and shared Milky Way
pistes to lead hardy skiers on an expedition
on the virgin slopes.
Transfer to the departure point in Italy from
Montgenèvre. One or two drops.
Prices and conditions available from
the French Ski School in Montgenèvre.
> Well-Being
“Les Grands Bains du Monetier”
Serre-Chevalier
“Les Grands Bains” is a 4500 m² well-being
centre guaranteed to get you back on top
of the world!
Amenities include water jets, a tide river,
quiet zones, an outdoor jacuzzi, indoor pool
fed with hot spring water, a massage itinerary,
whirlpool beds, a steam room, salt water
pool, a mineral grotto, musical grotto, water
spray, waterfall and... children's area!
You can also opt for face and body hydrotherapy treatments, a gourmet gommage,
body wrap and body sculpting... naturally!
Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur Tourism Board
Press office: [email protected]
www.52sunsations.com
Afternoon snack
at the “Maison du Miel”
Puy-Saint-Vincent
Bee-keepers Laurence and Jean-Paul
Chaud welcome you at their magnificent
mountain chalet-come-museum overlooking
the valley of Vallouise to introduce you to the
world of bees and their delicious produce,
simply brimming with natural goodness.
> Sport
Ski, you're on camera!
Risoul
A piste fitted with a camera in Risoul allows
you to view your progress and correct your
downfalls!
The Big Air Bag - a Gentle Landing
Risoul
Risoul features a special area fitted with a
giant air bag so amateurs can try out jumping
and snowboarding in all safety.
“Mountain & Safety”
Aiguilles
An innovative and totally unique project in
Aiguilles, targeting cross-country and
snowshoe fans:
• ARVA park: where you train on avalanche
victim search equipment. Open to groups
and individuals.
• Signposted cross-country skiing track,
interspersed with information panels on
snow-related risks, snow conditions and
first aid techniques.
5
Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur
Southern Alps - Winter 2010 / 2011
Best ski resort deals
Turnkey packages offering a new angle on the Southern Alps!
Iced cocktail in the Ecrins Mountains
Puy-St-Vincent
If you're new to skiing and fancy trying out
some winter fun, this 6 day/ 7 night package
features 3 activities accompanied by
professional monitors.
The pack includes: ½ day ice waterfall,
½ off-piste skiing, 1 day cross-country
skiing (all accompanied by mountain guide),
plus 3-day ski pass for Puy-Saint-Vincent or
Pelvoux-Vallouise, all necessary gear and
accommodation for 4 in a two or three-star
apartment hotel.
From €324 / person,
based on 4 participants (prices as
of 24/08/2010, may be modified)
Please contact
the Pays des Ecrins booking centre
+ 33 (0) 4 92 23 03 11
www.reservation.paysdesecrins.com
The discreet luxury
of a Mountain Chalet
Serre-Chevalier
Fun for all the family
at Domaine de l’Adoux
St-Jean-Montclar
A hostess and instructor/valet are at your
disposal throughout the stay to organise visits,
stoke up the fire, do your shopping and
generally ensure everything is just so.
A chauffeur-driven vehicle is available for
transfers, and a top French chef takes care
of breakfasts, afternoon snacks and dinners.
Far from the hustle and bustle of Megève,
Chamonix or Courchevel, Serre-Chevalier
offers all the advantages of a large ski resort
without crowds of star-spotters. Featuring
250 km of pistes, 3 character-filled adjacent
villages plus nearby Briançon, it is the Southern
Alps' top resort and ranked 7th out of all the
Alps resorts. Serre-Chevalier offers snow
fans a multitude of activities.
Offering top hotel-club services combined
with the cosy atmosphere of a family home,
this luxurious and friendly hotel-chalet, situated
immediately adjacent to the resort of
St-Jean-Montclar, is run by Odile and Alain.
Here, children are master of the domain! The
children's club is open during school holidays
and features a great activity and entertainment
programme for kids aged 4-12 years, plus
meals on request. Daily return transport to
the French Ski School is also provided.
The Domaine offers discount prices for
younger guests and the rooms are kitted out
specially.
www.domainedeladoux.fr
From January 2nd 2011 to April 24th,
2011. From €682 per person
www.hautes-alpes-reservation.com
Ski and Gastronomy
Jausiers
He dreams of Alpine Skiing, while she
dreams of Exoticism... Villa Morelia, set at
the heart of the little village of Jausiers, is
simply made for them!
This Mexican villa, built in the early 20th century
adjacent to the resort of Praloup and Le
Sauze, features luxurious rooms and suites,
treatments and massages using essential
oils, cookery classes and a gastronomic
restaurant run by Bruno Delamare, ex
Negresco, Ritz in Bahreïn and London, and
Regency in Tunisia, now firmly committed to
offering Villa Morelia guests an exceptional
culinary experience!
www.villamorelia.com
Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur Tourism Board
Press office: [email protected]
www.52sunsations.com
6
Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur
Southern Alps - Winter 2010 / 2011
Portraits
Share the point of views of three very different sources about the “Alpes du Sud”
> Interview
of Jo Stevenson
> Interview
of Lynne Rothwell
> Interview
of Olivier Lepourreau
originally from Nottingham,
now based in Barcelonnette.
Please introduce yourself
Repeater customer to the Southern
Alps with Ski Collection (4 times)
based in Bracknell, UK
Why do you come to the Southern
Alps? We find it easy to drive to the Southern
Director of French Connection,
tour operator based in the UK
www.skicollection.co.uk
What is your main reason to market
the Southern Alps?
Alps from Calais. There has always been
plenty of snow both at Christmas and early
April (school holidays). The pistes are well
looked after and easy for a family with two
children skiing once or twice a year. The
simple cabin style accommodation is perfect
for self catering and therefore keeps the
cost down. The people are all friendly even
if you don't speak much French. The staff at
the different accommodation and the staff we
have rents skis etc from are all really helpful.
As a specialist niche ski tour operator in
France we feel that the Southern Alps resorts,
rarely offered on the British market, are well
underrated and represent excellent value for
money - together with a new experience
than you would normally get from larger resorts
and at lower prices.
I currently live in Barcelonnette. I work as a
translator and I also teach English to adults
and young children.
I have lived in the Ubaye valley since 2004.
We decided that we wanted to move to
France because we were bored with our
jobs in England and wanted to do something
totally different. We chose “Alpes du Sud”
because a family member had accommodation that we could use for free in Praloup!
What attracted you to the Southern
Alps? The scenery, the weather, the tranquility, the outdoor activities, and the proximity to other interesting places such as the
coast and Italy. In the Ubaye - the locals
were very welcoming, especially when they
understood that we were going to be permanent residents, not just second-homeowners.
What do you miss the most
from England?
Family & friends and the pubs!
What activities are you practicing
during the winter?
Alpine skiing/snowboarding and to a lesser
extent snowshoeing.
Which are the activities you're practicing during your winter holidays?
How would you rate the quality of
the skiing there?
We come mainly for the skiing but enjoy the
ice skating. The quality of skiing is excellent
with help at most lifts. When we have taken
lessons the instructors speak very good English
and particularly know how to look after the
children well and encourage development
and style.
How do you usually travel to your
ski destination in the Southern
Alps?
We travel by car using either the ferry or tunnel
depending on which is the cheapest. Using
a package deal and flying would put the
price far too high for a family of four. Once
you have established what you need to do
and book, it is very easy to put a holiday
together and fun! You also see lots of French
countryside and meet local French people.
Why did you choose Ski Collection?
How would you recommend
getting there?
Though they are indeed further away from
the Channel ports, these mountain ranges
have easier access than you might think. For
those who prefer flying Marseille and Turin
are both excellent gateways to the Southern
Alps.
What makes skiing in
the “Alpes du Sud” attractive?
The ski domains here are developed at a
smaller scale than the world-known massive
terrains. What makes them attractive though
are their equally first class lift systems, good
snow reliability and snowmaking from top to
bottom of the main runs.
What about the accommodation?
The majority of our featured accommodation
in the Southern Alps offers a door-step
skiing facility. The self-catering apartments
ranges are mostly new or recently built or
renovated, and often with pleasant extras
such as pools, saunas and Jacuzzis. They
are well equipped and breathe quality
through space inside, with many having the
benefit of nice views from small balconies or
good size terraces.
Best Price.
Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur Tourism Board
Press office: [email protected]
www.52sunsations.com
7
Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur
Southern Alps - Winter 2010 / 2011
2011 - the year of Mexico in France:
Live out a Mexican Adventure in Ubaye!
> Barcelonnette
and its Mexican origins
Over 2,500 inhabitants from Ubaye valley
emigrated to Mexico between 1800 and
1950, and very close ties have been maintained
throughout the generations between the
emigrants and locals, reflected in today's
regular exchanges between the two countries.
> The story of the emigrants
Familiar with travel and trade for generations
thanks to a fabric and millinery industry dating
back to the late Middle Ages, the inhabitants
of Ubaye also excelled as teachers and
shepherds, leading their flocks as far as
Lyon and Flanders to seek new pastures.
The Arnaud brothers, born in Jausiers, were
the first locals to emigrate to America in
1808, travelling initially to Louisiana (then
under French rule), then to Mexico, which
was newly freed from Spanish reign. Following
their example, over 2,500 people left Ubaye
for Mexico over the following 150 years.
> The people
of Barcelonnette in Mexico
Initially involved mainly in import-export and
the textile industry, certain inhabitants went
on to run large retail outlets and the country's
largest textile factories, hence actively
contributing to the modernisation of Mexico.
Around 1910, the Barcelonnette community
flourished in the banking trade, import-export
and industry, and accounted for 27 % of foreign
investments (just behind the US and Great
Britain). After the Mexican revolution (19101924) and the new laws on emigration
(1930's), these French entrepreneurs set out
to conquer Mexico's new business opportunities, backed by an extremely active
community. The number of descendents
from Barcelonnette now located in Mexico
is estimated at between 20,000 and 50,000,
largely exceeding the Ubaye valley's 7,300strong community. Spread throughout the
territory, they are now entirely integrated in
modern Mexican society. Elected in 2006,
the Mayor of Mexico, Marcelo Ebrard,
actually originates from Ubaye!
Michelin star in 2006).
An adjacent new building built in similar style
offers 14 magnificent rooms decorated on
mountain and lounge schemes, crowned
with a “Cinq Mondes” spa.
> A Modern Reality in Ubaye
Barcelonnette and Jausiers are home to an
exceptional architecture of large bourgeois
homes and villas-come-chateaux (namely
the villas Anita, Puebla, Mireio, Durango and
Tapatia), plus monumental tombs and
evocative streets names such as Avenue
Porfirio Diaz. Barcelonnette was twinned
with the town of Valle de Bravo (Mexico) in 2004.
The town is home to a Mexican arts and
crafts shop (La Baïta), a Mexican restaurant
(Adelita), and Mexican dishes are served just
about everywhere. This winter, visitors can
enjoy the “Treasures of 19th-20th Mexican
Photography” exhibition staged at the
Musée de la Vallée.
Hôtel Azteca three-star hotel
Barcelonnette
> Sleep at a Mexican Villa
in Vallée de l’Ubaye !
La Villa Mexicaine
An absolute must: the cosy and sumptuous
villas built at the beginning of the last century
by numerous locals returning from their
Mexican adventure at the head of colossal
fortunes. Some of them now offer one or
several nights' accommodation...
Built during the Barcelonnette golden age,
this “Mexican” villa dated 1888 and featuring
marble fireplaces and precious woods allows
guests to relive the luxurious life of those
who made their fortune in Mexico...
La Grande Epervière three-star hotel
Barcelonnette
www.hotelgrandeeperviere.com
Character-filled hotel set in a Mexican villa.
All rooms are decorated on individual
schemes and evoke literary themes.
B&B and three-star gîte
Jausiers
www.lamexicaine.com
“Double rooms with shower and toilet from
47-60 euro including breakfast. Set slightly
out of town, a small but typical “Mexican
villa”, adorably decorated.”
Le Guide du Routard.
La Villa Morelia four-star hotel
(pending rating)
“Châteaux & Hôtels de France”
Le Château des Magnans
Jausiers
Jausiers
www.villa-morelia.com
www.olea-vacances.fr
This neo-Mexican folly built in the 1900's is
one of the Ubaye valley's most fabulous
addresses, featuring two magnificent
lounges leading onto a terrace facing the
mountains, sunny bedrooms decorated in
Directoire or Louis XVI style, grounds with
landscaped gardens, kitchen garden and
heated pool, and a reputed restaurant (the
valley's first establishment to receive a
This establishment offers 66 apartments
including 15 in the chateau, fully fitted out to
receive 2-6 guests. Amenities include an
indoor pool, solarium, spa, steam room,
sauna and closed garage.
The “Table de Louis” restaurant specializes
in contemporary cuisine and boasts a
faultless service.
Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur Tourism Board
Press office: [email protected]
www.52sunsations.com
Apartment hotel, apartment rental
8
Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur
Southern Alps - Winter 2010 / 2011
Sustainable development and eco labels
Illustrating today's trend towards more balanced and sustainable tourism, “eco-tourists” have
emerged in recent years and now form an increasingly large clientele. On a field level, local
initiatives targeting this tourist category are on the rise every year, underlining the Southern Alps'
commitment to environmental friendliness.
> Eco-tourists:
who are they?
> The Resorts take up
the challenge!
A survey led by the “Observatoire du Comité
Régional de Tourisme Provence-Alpes-Côte
d'Azur” on skiers in the Southern Alps
highlighted several new types of clientele
and identified a total of 6 categories*, including
eco-hikers.
These tourists come to the mountains
essentially to hike or enjoy cross-country
skiing. They are sporty and active, great nature
lovers and appreciative of the quality of the
environment. They also take advantage of the
mountains in summer. They often holiday
with family or friends. They stay for longer
than average: 8.6 days against 6.6 days.
They comprise 90 % of gîte (self-catering)
clientele. Most of them are from outside the
region (55 % come from a region other than
Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur or from outside
France).
Numerous local initiatives mark
the commitment of the Southern
Alps ski resorts to ecology.
Les Orres
* The 6 Southern Alps Tourist categories:
Single activity (28 %), “Traditionals” (25 %),
Young families (14 %), Seniors with family (12%),
Trendy surfers (15%), Eco-hikers (7%).
A lit and snow-free footpath has been created
to reduce the movement of motorized vehicles
between the two ends of the resort. In the
same spirit, a plan to shift the resort has been
elaborated to facilitate shuttle movements.
New forms of energy (or energy-saving
systems) have been incorporated in all new
facilities: the Club des Orres, skating rink
and tea room.
The pistes are systematically re-grassed to
reduce wasteland.
Carbon Report: the resort produces a carbon
report in the aim of reducing carbon emissions
and dependency on fossil energy.
Puy Saint-Vincent
The “Pays des Ecrins” is a privileged site,
spanning part of the Ecrins National Park.
The Puy St-Vincent resort has now been
awarded the ISO 14 environmental label.
Since 2008, all of its brochures are printed
on certified recycled paper.
The Pays des Ecrins events programme
follows the same logic, with initiatives such
as the Ice Climbing Ecrins (January 14th 16th, 2011) committed to an “Eco Attitude”
(use of bio-degradable materials, shuttle
transport to climbing sites, etc.).
Risoul
From the outset, Risoul has systematically
privileged quality of life rather than
over-consumption.
To further enhance the natural beauty of its
"front de neige" (snowfront) and charming
streets, Risoul is building a covered car park
at the centre of the resort to convert it into a
pedestrian zone. Recycling bins and toilets
have also been installed on the ski domain.
Picnic areas on the ski domain and at the
base of the pistes will also allow visitors to
take full advantage of the natural environment
without damaging it.
Montgenèvre
Montgenèvre has also signed the sustainable
mountain development charter and now
features ski lifts bearing the “QSE” (quality,
safety, environment) label, shuttle services
and car sharing for resort employees, and
public awareness campaigns (information
stand on the “front de neige”, waste collection
day at the end of the season).
Ubaye (Barcelonnette, Praloup,
Le Sauze, Jausiers)
You car has a right to a holiday too!
Throughout the season, skiers enjoy a regular
shuttle service running between the valley's
various towns and resorts, designed to
increase comfort and limit the use of personal
vehicles. The service departs from Barcelonnette
and runs up to 8 times a day.
www.ubaye.com menu “téléchargements”
“Feuille Verte”
The Vallée de l’Ubaye administrative area has launched a "Feuille Verte"
(green leaf) charter to promote environmentallyfriendly establishments and retailers.
Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur Tourism Board
Press office: [email protected]
www.52sunsations.com
9
Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur
Southern Alps - Winter 2010 / 2011
Sustainable development and eco labels (more)
CLOSE-UP
“High Environmental Quality”
Accommodation
Many resorts in the Southern Alps have
already opted for eco-tourism. First
instigated by the high-altitude refuges,
various other initiatives have now been
set up, such as “Gîte de la Julianne” in
Pays des Ecrins, ranked “high environmental quality”, which runs entirely on
solar panels, a photovoltaic array, an
electric turbine and wind turbine. The
gîte is insulated using sheep wool…
Risoul's new, four-star apartment hotel,
able to accommodate 2000 guests and
benefiting from the "high environmental
quality" label provides yet another
example of the resorts' commitment to
encouraging an environmentally friendly
approach.
Photovoltaic Project
at the “Chalets du Queyras”
Molines
The first initiative of its kind in the
Queyras nature reserve, this project will
comprise 6 chalets and a reception
chalet operating on photovoltaic energy
combined with mains supply.
The chalets will be fitted with reinforced
heat insulation coupled with computercontrolled energy management.
The reception chalet will feature a
plasma screen displaying solar energy
production, consumption, cumulated
carbon saving and the daily level of
sunshine.
> Overview
of the Mountain Labels
“Grands Domaines” Resorts
These large domains cater to both downhill
and cross-country skiers, while snowboarders
can enjoy freestyling, skwal and acrobatic
jumps in the specially-designed snowparks.
“Nature” Resorts
Of smaller size, these resorts are located in
areas which are ideal for skiing but also boast
an authentic environment and exceptional
scenery, guaranteeing a restful, “back-tonature” holiday.
“Villages” Resorts
These are genuine mountain villages which
have maintained their ancient architecture.
In addition to skiing, they offer visitors warm
and friendly après ski experiences. They are
ideal for learners and children wishing to
enjoy all the pleasures of the snow in a
delightful environment.
“Famille Plus” Resorts
Kitted out with family-oriented infrastructures,
the “Family Plus” resorts host madeto-measure activities adapted to various age
groups and accompanied by professional
monitors.
Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur Tourism Board
Press office: [email protected]
www.52sunsations.com
Kid Resorts
The national association of “Kid” resorts
specializes in welcoming families with children
aged 0-12 years and operate according to
6 strict criteria, including a special activity
programme for children and teenagers
framed by professional monitors, and an
entertainment programme including games,
contests and shows for children and teenagers
at least once a week during the winter
season. The remaining criteria are safety,
environment, welcome and amenities.
Ski France
This label is awarded by the “Association
Nationale des Maires des Stations de
Montagne” to around 100 resorts, according
to a strict quality charter:
1. Children welcomed from a minimum age
of 18 months
2. Adapted and functional family-oriented
amenities
3. Choice of adapted and tailored activities
4. Familiarization of visitors with the resort
and its mountain environment
5. Family-friendly policy
(prices, menus, gear, etc.)
6. Priority to safety
7. Attention to comments and suggestions
from holidaymakers in order to improve
visitor welcome on a continual basis.
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Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur
Southern Alps - Winter 2010 / 2011
This season's top events
This winter's sporting, fun and cultural events offer something for mountain and skiing fans of all ages!
> For Sports Lovers
Snow Trail des Ecrins
L’Argentière La Bessée, Pelvoux,
Puy Saint Vincent
Original, fun and accessible to all, the three
heats of the "Snow Trail des Ecrins" (10 km
run) offer participants the chance to discover
the trail in various unique atmospheres:
under starry skies, under the snow, in town,
between the larch trees or across fields of
powder snow…
December 19th, 2010: first heat of the
“Snow Trail des Ecrins” (open to children!)
in the form of a race in the streets of ArgentièreLa Bessée, with guest stars including the
town's traditional chalets and produce.
December 29th, 2010: second heat in
Pelvoux, between Christmas and the New Year.
February 23rd, 2011: third and final heat of
the Snow Trail in Puy-Saint-Vincent
Snowboardcross French
and European Cups
Puy Saint Vincent
Puy Saint Vincent has been a reference for
European snowboardcross fans for several
years now. This winter, over 400 participants
from 26 countries will be taking part in this
fun, 3-day event.
Event organiser Ecrins Snowboard will once
again be striving to offer participants a fabulous
sporting experience topped with a great
atmosphere, by featuring a host of young
talents alongside French champion Pierre
Vaultier (twice world champion).
Boardercross French Cup:
January 7th-8th, 2011
Boardercross European Cup:
January 9th, 2011
Ski Mountaineering World Cup
Pelvoux
Taking place for the first time in the “Pays
des Ecrins” area, this event will feature
2 high-level competitions in the international
diary, with competitors from 28 countries
taking part in the sprint and mountaineering
competitions held throughout the weekend.
Participants will be faced with a 2200 m
uphill grind to the resort.
This thrilling event - an absolute must for
champions and challenge-seekers alike - is
also a spectacular spectator sport.
January 8th and 9th, 2011.
Information:
www.teamecrinshautesalpes.com
Trail Blanc New Balance
Serre-Chevalier Vallée
Race on snow bringing together 1,000 participants every year!
January 9th, 2011
Snowkite Masters
Serre-Chevalier Vallée
The best French and international snowkiters
come here to train throughout the season,
and offer a breathtaking show for passers-by
from January 8th-16th. International contest.
January 8th-16th, 2011
Redbull Linecatcher
Competitive freeskiing - Vars
The freeski meeting that overturned traditions
in January 2009 has now come to Vars, with
the world's best freeskiers attempting to
tame the Eyssina's freeride corridors.
Associating two adrenaline-packed sports,
this show is not to be missed!
January 15th-22nd, 2011
Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur Tourism Board
Press office: [email protected]
www.52sunsations.com
Marathon de la Clarée
Cross-country race.
February, dates TBC.
Ultimate Test Tour et Derby
Serre-Chevalier Vallée
Two days of festivities and fresh discoveries
including the latest skiing, telemark, snowboard
and monoski innovations, plus a downhill
race on an unbashed piste!
March 17th – 20th, 2011
Loopa Leva - 3rd edition
Puy St Vincent
Organised for the 3rd winter running by the
Pays des Ecrins French Ski School, this
classic contest pays tribute to the ancestor
of downhill skiing - the Telemark turn.
Featuring (among others) a giant slalom and
cross-country run, the contest offers
participants a major sporting challenge.
Open to all.
March 27th, 2011
Challenge glisse des familles
Puy St Vincent
An entire weekend of family fun dedicated
to skiing, sledging and snowshoeing, featuring
a giant slalom, derby, boardercross and
many other surprises!
Satellite events include a banquet, open-air
concert, firework display and prizes for all
participants. A must for families.
April 2nd – 3rd, 2011
11
Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur
Southern Alps - Winter 2010 / 2011
This season's top events (more)
La Risoul dévale
Risoul
Risoul 1850 will be closing its winter season
with a nature raid, consisting of a 1,725 m
descent over 21 km to be tackled on skis, a
snowboard, MBK or raft!
Early April, dates TBC
Speed Ski World Championship
Vars
Located at the heart of the Hautes-Alpes
area, Vars has been associated with this
very special sport since the 1990's, with
major landmarks including Philippe Billy's
record-breaking 243 km/h descent in 1997
on the mythical Chabrières piste in the Forêt
Blanche domain.
Kitted out with futuristic gear, these athletes
will be reaching speeds close to those of an
Airbus A 320 during takeoff... a guaranteed
hair-raising experience for spectators, this
sport remains truly exceptional!
April 12th – 17th, 2011
> For Culture Lovers
Montgenèvre Snow Fever Part 1
Montgenèvre
DJ evening - December 3rd, 2010
Rock and Snowboard Tour 2010
Serre-Chevalier Vallée
A festive, early-season event headlining new
slide techniques and music!
Dates TBA
Festival International des Arts
Cinématographiques Italiens
(International Italian Film Festival)
Montgenèvre
Second edition of this Italian Film Festival.
January 23rd - 27th, 2011
Altitude Jazz Festival
Briançon
Great names from the world of Jazz!
January 28th - February 13th, 2011
Urban Jib Arena
Vars
A cultural event combining freeriding, music
and art and featuring a stunning urban park
installed on the “front de neige” of the Ecrins
piste, with modules taken from urban building
sites. Evening concerts by bands Monstroplantes and Scratch Bandit Crew are also
on the schedule!
April 2nd and 3rd, 2011
Montgenevre Snow Fever Part 2
Montgenèvre
DJ evening.
April 24th, 2011
Festival en Blanc
Les Orres
Offering a new events hall and attracting
many overseas visitors, Les Orres now
headlines a packed seasonal events
programme available at:
2011, Praloup celebrates
its 50th birthday!
After a year of in-depth studies, building
of the Praloup ski resort began in 1961
on a “solitary and inanimate plateau
where, as its name suggests, packs of
wolves used to roam”. The initial investment
in the domain amounted to 500 million
French Francs, with funds emanating
respectively from Mexico, Paris, Aix-enProvence & Marseille, North Africa and
the Southern Alps.
The site is characterised by its exceptional
sunshine and snowfall, which earned
Praloup its apt nicknames of “Pearl of the
Southern Alps” and “Megève of the
Southern Alps”. The vast ski domain
“Espace Lumière” linking La Foux d’Allos,
Le Val d’Allos and Praloup was inaugurated in January 1977.
In winter 2000, a survey on France's 100
largest ski resorts led by Figaro Magazine
awarded Praloup 15th place according
to 3 main criteria: ski domain quality, family
welcome and quality of life.
Praloup now features 180 km of pistes
and is a picturesque resort characterised
by larch trees, natural slate roofs and stone
buildings, successfully combining modernday comfort and mountain traditions.
www.festivalenblanc.com
All season
Festival de la chanson française
(French Song Festival)
Risoul
This French song festival lasts 6 evenings
and features national artists holidaying in Risoul
performing in the local bars and halls. Free
concerts - great atmosphere guaranteed!
January 15th – 21st, 2011
Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur Tourism Board
Press office: [email protected]
www.52sunsations.com
12
Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur
Southern Alps - Winter 2010 / 2011
This season's top events (more)
> For All the Family
Christmas and New Year
The Southern Alps stages a fabulous Christmas
and New Year programme in the heart of the
mountains, with such magical events as
Christmas markets, arrival of Father Christmas
on his sledge, and handing out of gifts! To
ring in the New Year, the pistes will be lit up
during the traditional torchlit descent and
firework display on December 31st, and
visitors will enjoy a range of son & lumière
shows, concerts and children's workshops
in a genuinely fairytale atmosphere!
2011 Ski Demonstration
Puy-Saint-Vincent
The "Pays des Ecrins" will be hosting two
days of skiing and partying this year to
celebrate the opening of the Puy Saint Vincent
resort, including equipment tests, freestyle
demonstrations, a DJ set and concerts at
the foot of the pistes!
Saturday 11th
and Sunday 12th December, 2010
National Snowshoe Day
Champsaur & Valgaudemar
A great opportunity to discover the mountain
environment, with a variety of day and evening
outings accompanied by professional guides.
Sunday January 10th, 2011
21st Ice Climbing Ecrins
L’Argentière la Bessée,
vallée du Fournel, Freissinières
Celebrating its 21st anniversary this year, Ice
is THE top ice climbing event of the year,
also featuring various satellite events and a
ski fair. The event includes “ice workshops”
where visitors can rub shoulders with the
world's top ice climbers during the friendly
dry tooling contest, and evening freestyle
skiing and snowboarding events!!!
January 14th - 16th, 2011
Snow Cocktail
Stations-villages du Queyras
Featuring downhill skiing, cross-country
skiing, snowshoeing and dog sledding, topped
with a festive atmosphere and numerous
satellite events, “Cocktail des Neiges” is a
great 2-day event for all the family, packed
with the joys of skiing and overflowing with
the friendly atmosphere of the Queyras resorts.
January 15th - 16th, 2011
La Croisière Blanche “Historic”
Orcières 1850
Classic car race with itineraries and
programmes adapted to each vehicle type.
Tuesday 25th
Friday 28th January, 2011
30th Queyras Cross-Country
Skiing Challenge
Queyras
This national long-distance race features
52 km - 21 km - 13km - 5 km heats and
crosses part of the beautiful Haute-Trace
des Escartons and several typical villages
and hamlet of Queyras. One of the winter's
top events, it is a real treat for both sports
and party fans.
January 30th, 2011
Week-end au féminin
(Ladies Weekend)
Praloup
The resort will be offering free ski passes to
the ladies for two days to celebrate its 50th
anniversary!
March 19th and 20th 2011
Open Rid’Air
Puy Saint Vincent
A packed and varied week-long freestyle
programme in a sumptuous setting for both
amateur and professional freestylers.
Held in an exceptional, specially-designed
zone, the RidAir Camp is accessible on skis
or snowboard and will be headlining professional skiers and snowboarders, plus a host
of day and evening demonstrations and
contests, workshops, a DJ set and artistic
creations. Those with energy to spare can
also enjoy live music evenings throughout
the week! The event closes with various public
competitions where you can win plenty of
prizes and – why not - pocket the €1,500
first prize!
Fantastic atmosphere guaranteed!
March 20th - 27th, 2011
La Valgaude traîneau
Valgaudemar
Skijoëring and dog sledding race in
Valgaudemar, including dog sledding for
visitors, exhibitions and various events staged
by the Ecrins National Park and mountain
guides.
Saturday 12th
and Sunday 13th February, 2011
Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur Tourism Board
Press office: [email protected]
www.52sunsations.com
13
Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur
Southern Alps - Winter 2010 / 2011
Southern Alps key figures
The Southern Alps, whose snow perimeter span 3 administrative areas (Alpes-de-Haute-Provence,
Alpes-Maritimes and Hautes-Alpes) is France's 2nd largest mountain chain, accounting for 13 %
of France's national snowy areas (the Northern Alps account for 76 %).
Among the Southern Alps' 1.8 million hectares
located in mountainous areas, 29,800 hectares
are occupied by ski domains. The Southern
Alps possesses 731 ski lifts with a maximum
capacity of 564,329 persons / hour.
Winter accommodation capacity is 350,000
beds, including over 150,000 commercial
beds, 13,000 hotel beds, 108,000 beds in
rented accommodation and over 195,000
beds in holiday homes.
Tourist consumption (sum of tourist expenditure) throughout the Southern Alps amounts
to 734 million euro.
The resorts employ 16,000 tourism staff,
and over 7,000 seasonal winter staff.
> The Southern Alps
in winter - 2 million tourists
Every winter (December-April), the
Southern Alps welcomes nearly 2 million
tourists, i.e. 12 million overnight stays
including 65 % during school holidays
and 35 % outside school holidays. The
Hautes-Alpes area accounts for 65% of
tourist frequentation in the Southern
Alps. The Alpes Maritimes accounts for
18 % and the Alpes de Haute Provence
accounts for 17 %.
Average expenditure per person / day is
60 €, i.e. an average budget per stay of
1,500 to 2,000 € for a family of four (all
included).
75 % of visitors have already stayed in the
Southern Alps.
60 % of visitors lodge in commercial accommodation (hotels, rentals, apartment hotels).
33 % lodge in holiday homes.
Average stay time is approximately one
week (6.9 nights).
Just 16 % of tourists opt for short stays (less
than 3 nights).
How to get there?
Marseille (railway station and airport)
2 ½ hrs (to South) to 3 ½ hrs (to North) accessible by road, train and shuttle
Aix-en-Provence
(TGV high-speed railway station)
2 hrs (to South) to 3 hrs (to North) accessible by road, train and shuttle
Grenoble (railway station and airport)
1 ½ hrs (to North-West) to 3 hrs (to South)
accessible by road, Col du Lautaret stretch
requires careful driving
Turin (railway station and airport)
1 hr (to North-East) and 2 ½ hrs (to South)
accessible by road and shuttle, Col de
Montgenèvre stretch requires careful driving
Gare d’Oulx
(TGV high-speed railway station)
30 minutes (to North-East) to 2 hrs (to South)
accessible by road and shuttle, Col de
Montgenèvre stretch requires careful driving
> By car or rail?
> Navettes Blanches
The Southern Alps has set up shuttle services
between the local railway stations and resorts.
Train services to the Southern Alps are available
from Marseille or Aix-en-Provence, stopping
off at Manosque, Gap, Veynes, Embrun,
Guillestre-Montdauphin, l’Argentière-la-Bessée, and Briançon*. Regional express trains
run throughout the year.
€35 return per person or €90 return for
4 people, running every Saturday from
Marseille Provence airport and Aix-en-Provence
railway station to 22 resorts in the Southern
Alps*.
N.B. A night train departing from Paris Gare
de Lyon every Friday evening also serves
these stations*.
* Check out train times and itineraries at :
www.voyages-sncf.com
Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur Tourism Board
Press office: [email protected]
www.52sunsations.com
*Praloup Sauze, Super Sauze, Jausiers, Ste Anne la
Condamine, St Paul, St Jean de Montclar, La Joue du
Loup Superdévoluy, Orcières 1850, Les Orres, Vars,
Risoul Ceillac, Arvieux, Saint Véran, Ristolas, Puy St
Vincent, Montgenèvre, Serre Chevalier, Villeneuve,
Monetier.
(2009/2010 prices; 2010/2011 prices are unknown
at the time of publication).
Bookings and telephone payments
available on:
0891 024 025 from France
+33 (0)491 466 467 from overseas
Online bookings and payments at:
www.navettesblanches.fr
14