The mountains of France are gearing up for an exhilarating winter season that promises endless adventure and unforgettable moments, following an exciting winter launch in London on 12 September. Held at sustainable restaurant FIELD in Fortnum & Mason on Piccadilly, the evening event welcomed 43 journalists and influencers to hear the latest news from the French ski industry, presented by France Montagnes alongside 19 partners.
Skiing and ski areas
Impressive additions are waiting to entice this season’s skiers. Get back to skiing or discover the first sensations of skiing in complete safety with Les Menuires’s green slope 100% dedicated to beginners. A must-see in Savoie Mont-Blanc, the trip up to Montenvers and the Mer de Glace glacier in Chamonix-Mont Blanc will see the addition of a new gondola lift, replacing the 530 steps down. The resort of Les 2 Alpes is continuing with its ski area redesign and development that began in 2020.
La Plagne, the only resort to develop and assemble its ski lifts internally, will be opening its new Glaciers gondola lift this winter. It will replace an old lift, meaning it can free the glacier’s permafrost area of ski lifts. Serre Chevalier in the Hautes Alpes continues its ski lift renovation project with the new Pontillas gondola lift replacing two old lifts. A beginners’ zone will be created close to the arrival station.
Val Cenis is introducing Europe’s first Weather Guarantee this winter. So, if there is more than three hours of precipitation, you will receive a refund of the cost of the day’s skiing – even if you have skied that day! From this winter, Les Arcs is offering a dynamic ski pass pricing policy, to boost off-peak sales in particular.
New activities for non-skiers
Take to fresh snow in a pair of snowshoes in La Clusaz or visit the hamlets and villages on an e-bike through the snow in Avoriaz – a unique way to admire the scenery from a different angle, with an adrenaline rush to boot! Something for everyone at any age and fitness level, even if you’re not an experienced cyclist. Try cani-snowshoeing in Vaujany: take a walk with a Siberian husky and share a moment of complicity, guiding it by voice and specific movements.
Experience a thrilling 1,968-metre zipline that whooshes past two pylons, providing that extra oomph and reaching peak speeds of up to 80kph at The Adrenaline Park in Chamrousse in Isère. Strapped securely into a seat harness, set off from the summit of the ski resort and keep your eyes open, as the view is out of this world!
With the family
Many Famille Plus-labelled mountain resorts have set up family-friendly initiatives. In Le Grand-Bornand, ESF raises awareness of the mountain environment and safety with ‘Dahu Freeride’ courses, while La Clusaz offers nature conservation activities. All ages can join a snow trapper circuit to learn about the fauna and flora in Val d’Allos.
Why not take the little ones to Vaujany’s Baby Sleigh France: a fun area dedicated to introducing children to driving dog sleds using a fun, educational approach? Or come and meet dog handler Hervé in Val d’Arly for a unique moment with his German shepherd Elbo and take part in Elbo’s training to locate avalanche victims.
New openings and renovated accommodation
Created in 2018, Les Etincelles opens Voulez-Vous hotels in four destinations: Tignes, Les Arcs, L’Alpe d’Huez and Val Thorens. Right at the foot of the slopes, The Voulez-Vous approach focuses on a sociable atmosphere, entertainment and elegance.
Set in Savoie Mont-Blanc’s Le Grand-Bornand resort, Gramusset mountain refuge has just undergone major renovations with the construction of a brand new 36-bed chalet that sits beside the historic refuge, built in 1928.
Designed by star architect and town planner Jean-Michel Wilmotte, with interior design by Olivier Frémont, 4 chalets divided into 21 apartments will round off the Grand Hôtel de Serre Chevalier’s offering for this winter. Also this season, the exclusive Alticimes residence in Brides-Les-Bains will feature seven new apartments, including a rooftop apartment with terrace and Jacuzzi.
Gastronomy, events and local life
The ‘Art at the Summit’ exhibition in Courchevel will be taking place for the 15th year: one of a kind in the mountains, this open-air museum invites visitors to discover monumental works dotted around the mountain peaks.
As part of the Pays d’Art et d’Histoire, Peisey-Vallandry reveals its history on a walk around the woods that protect the emblematic Church of the Holy Trinity. Encompassing narrow streets, a fruit orchard, old fields, a parish church, old trades and the earliest ski lifts, this is a culturally enriching trail thanks to 14 information panels placed along the route. Suitable for all ages.
Winter 2023-2024 in the mountains of France looks set to abound with variety and exciting experiences. Whether you’re a winter sports enthusiast or seeking relaxation in the heart of nature, prepare to enjoy unforgettable moments in a protected environment.
France Montagnes’ partners for the 2023/24 winter launch were:
Agence Savoie Mont Blanc, Avoriaz, Brides Les Bains, Courchevel, ESF, Hautes Alpes, Isère Attractivité, La Clusaz, La Plagne, Le Grand Bornand, Les 2 Alpes, Les Arcs, Les Etincelles, Les Menuires, Peisey-Vallandry, Serre Chevalier, Val d’Allos, Val d’Arly and Vaujany.
Browse the France Montagnes Winter 2023/24 press kit
Browse the Rail Ski 2023/24 press kit
Visit the France Montagnes website
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