15.11
2010 Lifestyle

Mountain resorts are not only centres for winter sports, limited to the slopes. They are also ideal places for a holiday under the open sky, where one can breathe, relax and take advantage of the pleasures of the table.

Mountain resorts are not only centres for winter sports, limited to the slopes. They are also ideal places for a holiday under the open sky, where one can breathe, relax and take advantage of the pleasures of the table.

A breath of fresh air and well being

Before they were famous for their ski slopes, many mountain resorts were developed for therapeutic purposes, from the mid-19th until the early 20th century. People came to restore their health, particularly through the use of thermal cures. It is fair to say that the mountains owe a lot to thermalism. Today, taking advantage of a mountain holiday as a chance to unwind remains a principal motivation for many tourists. Furthermore, for a growing number of resorts, health and well being have become assets that are just as important as the quality of the skiing. Spas are a major investment for the resorts, either in dedicated facilities or within certain hotels. What a pleasure, to indulge in a hydromassage bath, a shower equipped with massage jets, or a seaweed wrap, in order to relax and take away the aches and pains after a day of skiing ! Also take note of jacuzzis, saunas or steam rooms in certain aquatic centres and other wellness centres in the large resorts, which can generally be accessed free of change for guests holding a pass for 6 days or longer.

Luxury and pleasure

The development of spas and other wellness centres goes hand in hand with real estate programs and the construction of luxury hotels. Today, we are far from the Plan Neige (ski packages) of the 1960’s. At the time, accommodation in the resorts had to be, first and foremost, functional. It was conceived for the typical schedule of the day – ski, eat, sleep. Today, the resorts understand that comfort, authenticity and conviviality are also important criteria for the selection of accommodation in the mountains.

The Pleasures of the table

To satisfy their hedonistic clientele, resorts also promote the pleasures of the table. On the contrary to certain notions, the gastronomy of the mountains isn’t limited to the fondue/raclette/tartiflette trio, although these dishes are mainstays of a mountain holiday. In the resorts, one can find Michelin starred restaurants, often run by young, creative and talented chefs who know how to prepare highly refined dishes using local products. Certain resorts organise activities centred around local cuisine, allowing clients to discover a culinary heritage richer than they ever imagined. Fresh air, comfort, relaxation and good food are (also) keys to a successful mountain holiday….

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