12.10
2018
News and events
Whether on the slopes or in the resorts, there are lots of new things to discover this winter! Not to be missed are a brand-new Club Med in Les Arcs; a hotel-refuge at an altitude of 2,500 metres in Val d’Isère; a new XXL music festival in l’Alpe d’Huez; and a new ski area in La Rosière.
And because it is not always at the biggest and boldest events that we have the best time, we have also noted for you some new ‘healthy’ places in the mountains.
Arc Panorama, the new Club Med in Les Arcs
In Arc 1600, in the second biggest ski area in France, Club Med Les Arcs Panorama will welcome its first guests on 16th December 2018. It will be open winter and summer alike and will offer a multitude of activities, either included in the ‘all-in’ formula, or individually selected à la carte.
Designed to integrate perfectly into the surrounding forest of pines and spruce, this premium resort (4 Tridents) also has an Exclusive Collection area (5 Tridents).
Designed particularly for families, it features interconnecting bedrooms and family bedrooms, as well as supervision of children from 4 months to 17 years of age. Children will also have access to a ski room reserved just for them and a snow garden play area at the foot of the resort. Families will particularly appreciate the Bread & Co. concept. In this restaurant, it’s the children who invite their parents to dine, and who play the part of chefs. Throughout the day, guests also have a choice of food outlets. You can enjoy local specialities or more international flavours in the main restaurant “La Pierre Blanche”, in the “1790 Gourmet Lounge”, or at the “L’Arolla” bar.
The resort will have 433 contemporary-style bedrooms with a 180° view over the whole valley and particularly over the Mont Blanc massif. The interior decoration, specially created by Didier Rey (Design Studio), takes its inspiration from traditional mountain designs. The result is an atmosphere that is modern and welcoming.
In the spa, guests will find a wide range of care treatments offered by the experienced therapists from the Spa Cinq Mondes. After your treatment you can unwind in the relaxation rooms, work out in the fitness suite, or simply enjoy the pleasures of the interior heated swimming pools, the hammam and the exterior jacuzzi.
The Solaise Refuge, a new beacon above Val d’Isère
In Val d’Isère, the former cable-car station of Solaise is due to become in December 2019 the highest hotel in France! The Refuge will overlook Val d’Isère from its splendid site on the Solaise promontory. It will offer a unique view over the village, over the Alpine massifs and when night falls, over the starlit sky.
Completely cut off from the world after the closure of the cable-car service, it will offer an experience that is unique in the French Alps; cosiness and comfort, surrounded by total silence. To watch the sun come up, to be the first on the ski slopes, to watch the sunset from the comfort of the spa… these are just a few of the pleasures that this new facility will reserve exclusively for its guests.
The hotel will have 34 bedrooms and 3 apartments. In the traditional refuge spirit there will also be a dormitory with 14 sleeping compartments made from reclaimed wood, with two communal bathrooms and separate personal lockers. Guests are invited to enjoy traditional cuisine which respects seasonal produce. Meals can be taken either inside, or on the outside terrace.
To brighten up the evenings, the Solaise Refuge will offer guests a Spa overlooking the valley, a sitting room with library and fireplace, a film projection room for evenings or bad-weather days, and a room that can accommodate seminars.
In 2018, the restaurant and the large 380m² apartment will be open for guests. The apartment has 8 bedrooms which can also be reserved separately, in ‘chambre d’hôte’ fashion. Each guest will have use of the panoramic living room and the large communal dining table and will enjoy dishes cooked by the Chef.
Tomorrowland comes to l’Alpe d’Huez
Tomorrowland, which originated in Belgium and is now one of the biggest music festivals in the world, is coming to l’Alpe d’Huez in a special winter version. The festival is renowned for enchanting decors, fascinating performances, various entertainments and attractions, and spectacular firework displays. From 13th to 15th March 2019, the very first winter version will take place in the heart of the French Alps. 30,000 music-lovers from all over the world are expected to attend. All musical genres will be represented, as they are in the summer version.
Tomorrowland Winter will extend right across the whole of the ski area on various stages, including a purpose-built main stage at the foot of the slopes. The best DJs in the world, great-tasting food and drink, performances in sometimes the most surprising places, all with the backdrop of the scenography, the magic and the amazing atmosphere that are the Tomorrowland trademark. Such are the ingredients of Tomorrowland Winter! With the theme “The Hymn of The Frozen Lotus”, Tomorrowland Winter guarantees a crazy programme, the latest amazing decors, and an incredible festival experience.
The Tomorrowland Winter pass will allow you to access the whole of the ski area, which for the duration of the festival will be accessible exclusively to pass-holders. Visitors will have the choice of a 4-day or 7-day pass, to include entry to the Tomorrowland Winter festival, accommodation, ski lift passes and access to the slopes.
La Rosière extends its ski area
This winter, the La Rosière - Espace San Bernardo ski area opens a new ski zone: Le Mont Valaisan. Located in the French part of the ski domain, to the right of the “Fort de la Redoute Ruinée”, a 15-million-euro investment will result in 5 new red slopes, accessed by two 6-person chairlifts: Moulins Express and Mont-Valaisan Express.
More technical skiing and new Freeride ski options will now be on the tip of your skis! The highest point of the whole ski area now swings to the French side, at an altitude of 2,800m and with views over the Mont Blanc and the Mont Pourri!
10 new addresses high in altitude and in healthy attitude
This winter, healthy is trendy. We eat well, we eat local, and we look after ourselves. And what could be better than the pure mountain air to bring fulfilment of body and spirit? If you need any help finding useful addresses, here are some suggestions of places that are healthy, right up-to-date, and which could invigorate all your senses!
Discover all our ‘healthy’ addresses in our specially-dedicated article
