PRESS RELEASE HAUTE-SAVOIE FRANCE
WINTER 2018 / 2019
LA CLU SAZ MOUN TAIN EXPER IENCE
Discover the beauty of the French Alps from one of the most popular and well-known destinations in the Alps. La Clusaz has succeeded in developing a multi-faceted appeal by embracing modernity while staying close to its traditional roots. It has also developed a dynamic sporting programme while maintaining its atmosphere of calm and tranquillity. Discover the many sides to La Clusaz: • A historic alpine village. • Rich and abundant natural surroundings providing a diverse and exhilarating palette of activities. • The local inhabitants are dedicated to its preservation and proud to welcome visitors.
GOING TO LA CLUSAZ IS NOT ABOUT JUST GOING TO THE MOUNTAINS, IT IS ALL ABOUT EXPERIENCING THE EXCEPTIONAL.
KEY FIGURES
5 massifs 84 slopes (7 black, 29 red, 30 blues, 18 greens) 49 ski lifts 125Km of slopes 1 100m - 2 600m altitude 38,60€ the price per day of an adult ski pass Open from 22nd December to 28th April 2019.
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A UNIQUE HOLIDAY FOR AN AUTHENTIC EXPERIENCE IN THE MOUNTAINS: Dynamic experiences : The resort is the birth place of a multitude of champions, and skiing in all its disciplines, and sport in general, remains at the heart of the resort. La Clusaz has become the international hub for the developing winter sports such as Freestyle, Freeride and Freerando. Sharing experiences : The fun continues off the slopes in La Clusaz where the packed events programme is full of diverse activities for friends and family, from the all-important après and the nightlife, a music festival, art exhibitions and entertainment organised throughout the winter in the various bars, pubs and restaurants in the resort. Wellness experience : Time to press pause and step away from the stresses of modern-day life? Take time out for yourself in the fresh alpine air and indulge in a relaxing wellness package. Dining experiences : Excellent local produce and modern techniques mean that Alpine cuisine is continuously evolving. In La Clusaz, restaurant chefs compete to offer the most delicious, gourmet dishes or to give you a taste of the fine traditional recipes.
YOU’LL KEEP COMING BACK FOR THE ...
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Diverse ski area and state-of-the-art ski lifts
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Legendary natural ski park on Balme
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Lively “après-ski” that goes on long into the night
Warm welcome from the locals
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Top quality services
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Authentic alpine village
Shopping & local products
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Original and varied activities
Easy access
Local champions you can spot on the slopes. LA CLUSAZ
FULL MOON Saturday 19th January and Saturday 23th March 2019 (Cf. page 4)
RADIO MEUH CIRCUS FESTIVAL From 28th to 31st march 2019 (Cf. page 4)
SPECTACULAR
DÉFI FOLY Sunday 21st April 2019 A waterslide competition where the aim is to cross the Confins Lake on skis or other unexpected floating objects !
La Clusaz is just hours away from the big European capitals, with the International airports of Geneva and Lyon close by, and just a few turns in the road from Annecy.
GENÈVE
ANNECY A43
ORIGINAL
CRAZY
10 PARIS
LYON
LES SOMMETS DU DIGITAL From 4th to 6th February 2019 (Cf. page 9)
LCZ FREESTYLE SHOW Saturday 16th March 2019 (Cf. page 5 )
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From PARIS
« PESTACLES DE NOËL » FESTIVAL From 24th December 2018 to 2nd January 2019 (Cf. page 3)
MUSICAL
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From PARIS
FAMILY
CORPORATE TOURISM
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THE SUMMITS WITHIN EASY ACCESS
IMPORTANT DATES FOR YOUR DIARY
LA CLUSAZ
3 hours 40 mins from Paris to Annecy 40 mins from Annecy 50 mins from Geneva airport 2 hours from Lyon airport
PARIS
LA CLUSAZ From MARSEILLE
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FAMILY EXPER IENCES TO SHARE
EVENT « PESTACLES DU PÈRE NOËL » FROM 24th DECEMBER 2018 TO 2nd JANUARY 2019 La Clusaz has been organising the famous Christmas « Pestacles » for nearly 20 years, the biggest, family, street theatre festival organised in the Alps in winter. From 24th to 2nd January, people of all ages gather in the village for a magical and wonderful celebration of Christmas with a difference, totally unique in France and free for all. Children will marvel at street theatre in all its forms with artists from around Europe using the festive season to put on circus, and theatrical shows as well as building new and innovative carousels. During the week, magicians, puppeteers, story tellers, jugglers, singers, musicians, artists and dancers put on spectacular shows for all the family. The « Pestacles » are all about celebrating in a Christmas wonderland.
A DIFFERENT KIND OF MOUNTAIN La Clusaz is so much more than downhill skiing, there is a wealth of activities on offer to experience the mountains alone or with your family. Create fantastic memories with activities such as cross-country skiing, the ice rink, sledging, snow-shoe walking or dog sledding !
A BRAND-NEW BOWLING ALLEY IN LA CLUSAZ After a great day on the slopes, nothing better than a session at the bowling alley to continue the fun with friends or family. A maximum of seven players can participate on each lane in this new games arcade. The atmosphere is warm and full of laughter and you can also organise birthday celebrations.
A FUN WAY TO BEGIN FREESTYLING
Located in the Mini Loup sector, the “LCZ FAMILY RUN BY COLUMBIA” is the ideal place to learn the basics of Freestyle such as how to place yourself before a jump and how to land. Skiers and snowboarders can have fun as they safely try out the discipline. LCZ Family Run is also a giant picnic area open to all and the track that leads to the obligatory selfie in front of the « L A C L U S A Z » letters!
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A FES TIVAL OF WINTER FUN APRES AND NIGHTLIFE : THE BEAT GOES ON IN CLUSAZ Time to relax after a hard day on the slopes! Nightlife in La Clusaz has become an artform, from the on-mountain terraces to the night clubs, passing by the many bars in the resort, the famous « après » goes long into the night. The resort is a great place for outstanding evening entertainment.
EVENT « FULL MOON PARTY » SATURDAY 2nd FEBRUARY AND SATURDAY 23th MARCH 2019 In La Clusaz, experience an unforgettable evening under the stars. By the light of the moon, the slopes stay open and the party starts as skiers and snowboarders enjoy moonlit conditions and then stop off at the various bars and restaurants open along the slopes.
LA CLUSAZ CELEBRATES SPRING 5 GREAT REASONS TO SKI IN SPRING •1 Great for a bit of sun and some tanning on the terrace. •2 April is a good month for events : Radio Meuh Circus, The Last One, Défi Foly, Der des Ders amongst others. •3 There are less skiers on the slopes, a perfect time to learn to ski or snowboard. •4 You can take advantage of the « Spring skiing » offer with free ski lessons and ski pass and a 50% reduction on ski hire. •5 You can enjoy a variety of activities such as relaxing at the aqua park or at a spa..
INCONTOURNABLE
LE RADIO MEUH CIRCUS FESTIVAL ! FROM 28th TO 31th MARCH 2019 Bigger doesn’t mean better and this little gem of a festival proves it, with its avant-garde line-up and sharp organisation, the RadioMeuh Circus Festival, dreamed up by the web radio collective, a group of local music lovers, artists or just culture vultures, goes from strength to strength each year. This year, there will be 4 days of festivities, 3 nights of live music under the circus tent and over 10 fringe stages open to all on the ski slopes or in the centre of the village. There is something for all tastes as the valley fills with the sounds of electro, soul, afro beat, disco or rock music from 12pm until late, late into the night. A great soundtrack for the winter with the breath-taking backdrop of La Clusaz.
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THE BEST FOR OUTDOOR PURSUITS BEST FOR SPORTS LOVERS
So many champions come from La Clusaz, and you can follow in their tracks as you discover the mountains. Start with the Régine Cavagnoud slope on the Etale to get your muscles warmed up, then go down the Edgar Grospiron wall on the Aiguille followed by a few runs on the brand-new Family Run on the Crêt du Loup to get a taste of Freestyling. Then head over to the legendary Balme with its outstanding, natural landscape, where Backcountry skiing reigns supreme and where you may be lucky enough to spot some of the world-famous stars of the discipline. As you follow the mountains, follow the line of the sun and discover the vast diversity of the massifs in the resort.
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FREERANDO OR SKI TOURING, BACK TO THE ROOTS Ski touring is making a comeback. It is attracting a new breed of people looking to experience the wilderness in the mountains and for a more ecological approach. Knowledge and experience is required when heading off the beaten track, but novices can try risk free, ski touring, on the 2 marked tracks in La Clusaz. • The Beauregard track - The idyllic, forest track on Beauregard is 5km long with an only 600m vertical rise and is ideal for first ascents using ski skins. • The Etale track with its 700m of vertical rise and some at 30°, is more of a challenge. Some experience of conversions is required as it is a steep climb ! It is less isolated from the downhill skiers than the Beauregard track, but the arrival at the Belvédère is well worth the climb for an uninterrupted vista over the Mont Blanc.
NORDIC THRILLS
La Clusaz has one of the biggest cross-country skiing terrains in the Haute-Savoie. The 2 domains offer; 50km of tracks in the Confins and 36km of tracks on Beauregard with the added amazing view over the Aravis Range and the Mont Blanc. • Les Confins, an exceptional location. The Confins, nestled in the magnificent Aravis coombs above the Confins Lake, is well-known for its spectacular backdrop and its ease of access. It has 60km of slopes for all levels, including a new 10km slope, in an amazing setting. • Beauregard Plateau, a perfect spot. The stunning Nordic area on Beauregard combines beautiful landscapes with a breath-taking view over the Col des Aravis towards the Mont Blanc. The perfectly maintained 8 slopes stretch over 36 km.
EVENT
« LCZ FREESTYLE SHOW » La Clusaz is one of the birthplaces of Freestyle and Freeride skiing. Its champions, from Edgar Grospiron, to Candide Thovex and Loïc Collomb-Patton have continuously worked towards helping their discipline evolve in the world of ski. Skiers and snowboarders of yesterday, today and tomorrow have decided to unite in a common goal to share their passion and increase the notoriety of their sport. They call themselves LCZ, original Riders Factory. Starting last year, the resort organised the « LCZ Freestyle Show », bringing together the best French skiers from the Freestyle section in the La Clusaz Sports Club. Share in the excitement of their passion at this impressive, festive event.
THE MOUN TAIN OUT OF SLOPES If sliding down a mountain has never really been your thing... No problem, the mountain is now accessible to everyone and offers a range of activities whatever the weather.
BUSHCRAFT
THE WONDER OF SNOW SHOE Get off the beaten track and push HIKING yourself to the limits in La Clusaz by joining in one of the courses organised by the Académie des Techniques de Survie officially supported by Bear Grylls from Man vs Wild. Spend a unique moment out of your comfort zone, alone, or with friends and family and learn about orienteering, building a shelter, stress and cold management, edible plants and other tips and tricks. A whole new way to find out about life in the mountains.
THE HAMEAU DES ALPES A MUSEUM WITH A DIFFERENCE La Clusaz is a great place to find out about alpine heritage. There are regular visits and tours organized by heritage guides around the village and farms. The « Hameau des Alpes » on the Nom stream, close to the village centre is now open all year round. Here you can discover all about fascinating local history, with fun activities around the making of Reblochon Fermier, a museum where you can learn all about the evolution of skiing, a traditional village oven, lofts and a former saw mill.
Snow shoe walking gives privileged access to areas the skiers can’t get to, where you can enjoy silence and overwhelming natural beauty. The La Clusaz mountain guides will take you to these places where you can share in the wonder of their beauty. Experience a unique hike and choose a themed excursion for example, to follow the forest animal tracks, to hike along the ridges of the Aravis for outstanding panoramic views, or for a nocturnal hike including a delicious Savoyard meal.
PANORAMIC SWIMMING POOL The aqua park in La Clusaz is a great place to relax and chill out during the day or in the evening. From the warm water of the outdoor 25m Nordic pool, you can watch over the skiers on the slopes opposite. Perched on the mountainside overlooking the village you have an unrivalled view over the snowy peaks with access to the indoor and outdoor pool, waterfall, Jacuzzi also a sauna and steam bath and fitness suite.
FOCUS ON...
IN ANNECY MOUNTAINS La Clusaz has an ideal location at the heart of a rich and diverse region. The 5 neighbouring destinations (Annecy, Les Sources du Lac, Le Grand-Bornand, Thônes et Manigod) have come together in a common project to create « Annecy Mountains » to promote this exceptional area situated between lakes and mountains and to encourage visitors to enjoy local culture and activities. Don’t miss : • Annecy : Go on a shopping trip in town with a break at La Superbe • Le Grand-Bornand : A last descent down Mont Lachat in the light of the setting sun • Manigod : A tasty treat at the concept store/coffee-shop Lo Garâjo • Les Sources du Lac : Try some virtual reality on the Sambuy luge track • Thônes : Try mountaineering at the ice cascades in Montremont
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EACH TO THEIR OWN ! Over the centuries, the village of La Clusaz has developed a way of life of its own, through the hard work and innovation of the men and women who lived here. You’re sure to get a warm welcome in this ideal destination where you can discover this surprisingly, beautiful, secluded valley.
SHOP LOCAL • Pottery with style : Le Mazot Discover locally crafted, alpine pottery, decorated with delicate motifs in an original and refined style.
• The most famous cheese in the Aravis : le Reblochon Fermier Farmers in La Clusaz continue to produce fine cheese in the age-old tradition. Fiercely proud of their craft, they work every day of the year to produce delicious cheese. Taste the cheese direct from the local farms surrounded by some of the best views in the region. • Original idea : Les Claires Idées The small « Claires idées » shop located in a secret passage behind the tourist office has been filling the heart of the village with captivating scents for the last 10 years. The shop has a space dedicated to soaps, organic cosmetics and ecological incense and the other to scented candles hand-crafted by Jean-Marc Monbec with 35 different scents, all 100% organic and at affordable prices!
• Boost your interior : Cabane & Cie Style lovers will love browsing round this contemporary Aladdin’s cave full of chic and individual treasures. Bernard Thiery is available for personal and expert advice on creating an elegant and stunning look for your interiors.
THE FINEST BALANCE BETWEEN LOCAL SAVOIR-FAIRE AND GASTRONOMY The restaurants in La Clusaz, are committed to offering the finest in dining experiences using the best local ingredients. Discover delectable and mouth-watering traditional dishes, in cosy and inspired surroundings. Take a voyage of discovery and dine in such eclectic surroundings as a converted family saw mill with a stylish, contemporary feel or in one of the oldest chalets in the Confins. Some of the « must-go » restaurants: • La Ferme : the most traditional • Le Chalet du lac : the most secret • La Scierie : the most “in” • Les Rhodos : the cosiest
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RELAX ATION AND WELL NESS Take time out to relax to your body and calm your mind. What could be better after a day on your skis, or just because you deserve it, than a relaxing trip to one of our many spas. There is everything you need to really let go in La Clusaz, with a choice of alpine plant massages, double massages with a friend or your children, or a hydro pathway with massaging jets.
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EACH TO THEIR OWN •1 Deep Nature Spa : the cosiest •2 Spa Nuxe : the most experiential •3 Cristal Spa : the most personalized
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LET’S GO TO THE SHOPS ! SNÖ ÉTERNELLE While on her travels around the world competing at the highest level, in often extreme weather conditions, Raphaëlle Monod, former mogul World Champion and Olympic medal winner from La Clusaz, discovered many different treatment methods. In launching her 100% natural, brand of cosmetics, SNÖ éternelle, she wanted to share her experience of the mountains and her passion. Formulated by experts and high-level athletes, this little bag combines 3 products that are sure to be on everyone’s “wish list” this winter!
DEEP NATURE SPA Located in the Prestige Odalys Residence, the new spa in La Clusaz is one of the biggest in the Alps with 850m² dedicated to wellness and relaxation. It stands out with the aqua trail by Serge Blanco. The trail concept includes a 160m² pool with hydro massage jets, a counter-current pathway, swan neck fountains and a comfortable seating area with water jets and bubbles to help you relax and prepare the body for the treatments. It’s great for a quick recuperation after sporting effort.
Discover the specific SNÖ éternelle massage at the Cristal Spa. Ideal after a day on the slopes!
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EVENT
CON NEC TED
BRAND-NEW WEBSITE The La Clusaz web site has had face lift. Since September 2018, the resort has totally restructured its web platform to improve client experience. Since the opening of the site in September 2018, surfers can choose between two types of access. • A portal for visitors new to the resort, where after a few questions to identify the profile of the visitor, a personalised visit will be tailormade according to the specific needs of each visitor. • A portal for visitors who already know the resort and are looking for more specific information such as snow conditions, the daily events programme and access conditions.
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LA CLUSAZ, CAPITAL OF DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION FROM 4th TO 6th FEBRUARY 2019 Unique in France « Les Sommets du Digital » is 3 days of a combination of masterclasses, workshops, Ignite Talk conferences, brainstorming sessions on digital marketing and innovation management among others, with the added bonus of being in a ski resort! It’s an essential event in winter for those working in marketing, communication and the digital domains and is rounded off with exceptional evening events in the heart of the mountains.
A NEW CO-WORKING SPACE La Clusaz, as always, is in pace with the digital age! The brand new co-working space called «Le Pèle coworking» opened last winter in the heart of the village. Holiday makers, travelling workers and local business people can work alongside in this warm and friendly workspace. Included in the space is a printerscanner, print service, domiciliation of company service and secretarial services. And for all the hard workers, unlimited tea and coffee!
LA CLUSAZ INSTAGRAM GETS A FACELIFT Instagram has become an essential tool in our lives and sometimes helps us go further and discover places we would never have imagined going. La Clusaz has rethought its Instagram feed and based it more on inspiring themes to reveal great offers and suggestions and places to see and go in the resort. www.instagram.com/laclusazskiresort
WHAT’S NEWS SUSHI FUMI
WHEN THE ART OF JAPANESE CUISINE MEETS LOCAL PRODUCE
A delicious and surprising dining experience with original and innovative sushis. Both of the owners are French chefs and trained in the art of Japanese cuisine with the objective of creating a different type of menu and experimenting with flavours. You can of course find the more classic sushi, makis and california rolls, such as salmon, tuna or prawn, but you can also discover the unexpected. How about Beaufort, blueberry and walnut, or goat’s cheese and honey, crispy vegetables or even home-made foie gras and gingerbread with figs? Surprising, yet absolutely delicious!
NORDIC DOMAIN
THE NEW SLOPE, THE TOUR DU DANAY
LE ST-ALBAN**** A NEW, ELEGANT AND COSY ADDRESS
The Saint-Alban is the promise of an experience, unlike any other! Located in the centre of La Clusaz, discover the new 4-star St Alban hotel next winter. It was inspired by the cosiness and warm style of an English club with natural, raw materials such as wood, brass and leather. • 48 BEDROOMS with a warm and snug interior. • A CHIC BAR , the central element of the hotel, for meals and elegant evening cocktails. • A NUXE SPA with an indoor pool, sauna, Kneipp circuit, sensory shower, ice grotto and a relaxation room.
LE CHALET DE LA DOUCEUR***** COMPLETE WITH HIDDEN TREASURE
Two sumptuous apartments, each with their own wood sauna, are located deep in the surrounding nature of the Confins Valley with a breath-taking view over the Aravis range, but that’s not all… Under its roof, this former farm was guarding letters written between the sons and their parents living here during the First World War. During the renovation work in the summer of 2018, 2000 letters were found intact. To mark this incredible find, the PVG Group have named the 3 units within the chalet after the soldiers and some of the precious souvenirs will be exhibited here.
• A CORPORATE TOURISM AREA of 60 m². • A LIBRARY that conveys the real French art of living. • AN INTEGRATED SKI SHOP
This winter the Nordic domain in the Confins will be celebrating a brand-new, 10.5km cross-country skiing track that passes through St Jean de Sixt and Le Grand Bornand. The track forms a full circuit through the heart of the forest to really get away from it all and be at one with nature.
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Document printed with vegetable inks on ecocertified paper. Photos Credits : Clément Hudry • Altimax • Julie Mugniery • David Machet • Ludovic Di Orio • Marc-André Verpaelst • Françoise Cavazzana • Greg Dieu • Thierry Milherou • Christoffer Sjöström
WWW.LACLUSAZ.COM
PRESS CONTACT
PRESS OFFICER Tel. : +33 (0)4 50 32 65 02 Mobile : +33 (0)6 71 87 01 86 Email : presse@laclusaz.com
PAULINE PIERRE