03.03
2014 Lifestyle

In 2014, the French resorts may be hyper-connected, offer a myriad of activities or provide reputed restaurants, but torch-lit ski descents, fondue or a glass of mulled wine remain the classics of any stay in the mountains in France.

In 2014, the French resorts may be hyper-connected, offer a myriad of activities or provide reputed restaurants, but torch-lit ski descents, fondue or a glass of mulled wine remain the classics of any stay in the mountains in France.

Each season, the French resorts surpass themselves in diversifying their night-time events.Holidaymakers will, of course, appreciate them, but they still enjoy the traditional torch-lit descent just as much. Led by ESF ski instructors, it is still as up-to-date as ever, and always popular, whether the luminous effect is by flaming torches or more and more often with safer and more ecologically-friendly LED torches! The resorts program the event at least once a week during the school holidays.Sometimes, students in the ski schools are invited to join the red-clothed instructors.An unforgettable moment!

On 5 March 2014, spurred on by the success of this mountain tradition, Les Gets has decided to attempt to beat the world torch-lit descent record, held since 2006 by a Swiss resort. To meet this challenge, which will benefit a charity, some 3000 skiers will need to go down the Chavannes piste. Enthusiasts take note!

Like all torch-lit descents, it should end with a glass of mulled wine – hot chocolate for children – another symbol of winter in the mountains in France. In the resorts, there are numerous occasions to drink a few, as long as you are over 18. As well as being atasty pick-you-up after a day of exertions in the cold, mulled wine is also festive. At Les 2Alpes, at Christmas and New Year, as well as each Monday during the winter holidays, the Tourist office offers mulled wine to its guests in the Central square of the resort, after the torch-lit descent. “It is a very popular festive, convivial event, that holidaymakers don’t want to miss”, says Lucie Rolland, Resort Events Manager. “Every time, we bring more than 1500 people together, and prepare five 40 litre pots : Two with hot chocolate and three with mulled wine. ”People drink responsibly, but there is never any left!

Another classic in the French mountains is the fondue, which exists in as many versions as there are different mountain territories:fondue savoyarde with beaufort, fondue franc-comtoise with conté, fondue pyrénéenne with bethmale, fondue with Saint-Nectaire… Recipes come from rustic, calorific cooking traditions, but are perfect for hungry appetites after the efforts and fresh air. Good humour and conviviality are guaranteed around the table.

©G.Place/OT Les Gets

©Les 2Alpes

©Syndicat de Défense du Beaufort

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