Ski manufacturer Rissognol have decided to invest 10M€ to modernise
their two productions sites in Sallanches and Artes, in Spain. In the last two
years, production at the Sallanches factory has increased from 70,000 pairs of
skis to 300,000 pairs. Production in Spain is an additional 450,000 pairs.
Source: Le Dauphiné Libéré
3 Vallées ski area Monday 9th April 2012
The 3 Vallées Enduro celebrates it’s 10th birthday this season! Previously the X-Wing Rally, this is one of the biggest events held across les 3 Vallées, and is open to everyone. Teams of 3 (boarders, skiers or telemarkers) compete in airbag, freeride, skiercross, speed skiing, slalom and derby in a friendly contest with prizes, food and drink.
More info on the Three Valleys site
While this mornings ensembles continue to show promise for precipitation in early December, the previously forecast drop in temperatures is now looking less likely.
With Val Thorens opening today, and Courchevel and Méribel only 9 days behind, it seems certain that the first turns will be on artificial snow. Let’s hope for a top-up of the real stuff on the opening weekend.
The opening of Val Thorens, which had previously been delayed by a week, has now been brought forward to tomorrow, 24th November. This “pre-opening” will see four lifts opening: the Péclet funitel, the Cascades chairlift, and the Campagnol and Castor & Pollux “moving carpets”. Three additional lifts will open at the weekend.
Source: Le Dauphiné Libéré
Val-d’Isère will open on Saturday 26th November. It is expected that the Pisaillas glacier will open, as well as the run down to Signal in the Vallon de l’Iseran.
Source: Le Dauphiné Libéré
Five ski instructors from Les Arcs have appeared at an industrial tribunal this morning
in Albertville accusing the ESF (Ecole de ski français) of age discrimination.
They are seeking to reverse a clause whereby instructors over 61 years old must
give up their position in favour of younger instructors during low season.
The tribunal’s decision is expected on 21st February.
Source: Le Dauphiné Libéré
We will be keeping a close eye on the weather and forecasts over the next few weeks in the lead-up to the opening of the resorts. Another crisp and clear day in the Savoie today, but the ensembles are still looking promising for some snow in early November.
This shows a likely sharp drop in temperatures from around 1st December, along with a reasonable chance of precipitation from 30th November. Powder for the Méribel opening weekend?
Having made you all excited, now take a look at our weather outlook from 20th November, and notice how much the wigglies have changed. A lot can happen in the next 10 days….
The Rossignol Demo Tour is coming to Méribel-Mottaret on 22nd December, with animations and Rossignol ski tests. Hopefully more information to follow, if we can find any!
Several of the mountains passes in the French Alps have closed today for the winter, including col du Petit-Saint-Bernard, col du Mont-Cenis, col de la Croix de Fer, col de la Madeleine, col de Roselend and col du Glandon. Could this mean that snow is expected soon? We’re still keeping our fingers crossed.
The Méribel Olympic Ice Hockey rink at La Chaudanne will once again host
this years’ final of the French League Cup on 28th December.
The final will be disputed between the winners of Amiens Vs Morzine, playing 29th November, and the winners of the second semi-final, Rouen Vs Briançon, being played on 6th December.
This event always has a fantastic atmosphere and a full capacity crowd, and shouldn’t be missed if you are in the area. Adult tickets are 20€, under 12s are 10€, details at
the Olympic Centre Info & booking +33 79 00 03 07