Recent resort developments
New Snow Cannon Reservoir in 1650 and
a water processing plant near the Courchevel 1850 altiport.
A huge new snow cannon reservoir is being constructed
above Courchevel 1650, (between the arrival points of the Signal
and Roc Mugnier chairlifts at 2200m). There are now new Gazex
avalanche control machines and upgraded snow cannons. Water will
be piped up from the Rosiere lake at 1500m to the new Ariondaz
reservoir at 2500m, where it will be retained and and subsequently
piped to the Biolley lake at 2000m when required. The high altitude
will allow the water to cool naturally, allowing better quality
cultured snow to be produced, and by stocking such a large quantity
of water, snow can be created whenever weather conditions allow.
The reservoir will also increase the quantity of drinking water
available to the resort.
Statistics on the reservoir:
Volume of the reservoir at l’Ariondaz: 125,500 m3.
Water supply: 900,000 m3/year
Length of the pipes involved: 8,000m.
Total cost of the investment: €7m
Much demolition and rebuilding has taken place
in Courchevel 1850 over the summer. The petrol station, the Club
Alpin building, the Auberge Ensoleillée and shops at the
entrance to the resort have all been removed to make way for a
new Residence and new upmarket hotel, le Padisha.
Méribel
One of Méribel’s major lifts, the upper section of
the Tougnète gondola, has been replaced over the summer
months by a six seater high speed chairlift, to be called the
same name. The nearby, aging Tougnète draglift has also
been removed. A helicopter was required to bring many of the building
materials to the inaccessible site. The new chairlift will be
equipped with a pull down weather shield and a rolling loading
mat. Capacity will be almost doubled, giving a quicker trip to
les Menuires/St Martin and means the trip can be made without
taking off skis/boards.
Facts and figures:
Capacity: 3300 people per hour
Speed: 5.5m/s
Length: 1549m
Cost: 6 million Euros.
Ongoing Piste Work across the Three Valleys
Ski Area
Newly modeled areas of pistes all over the Three Valleys to improve
snow retention and to face away from direct sun light which will
also improve drainage, prevent erosion and to assist safety measures.
The bottom of the Creux has been widened and new safety barriers
installed on the Boulevard Gravelles returning from 1650 towards
1850. (pic right)
Re-shaping at the the top of Bouc Blanc and various new sign posts
erected.
Les Menuires and St Martin de Belleville.
A new high speed chairlift, Roc des 3 Marches II, will replace
the old slow Allamands chair. This 6 seater chair with pull-down
weather shield continues from the arrival point of the Roc des
3 Marches gondola, and will create a faster link between the Belleville
and Méribel valleys. Non-skiers will now be able to access
the 3 Valleys on foot from Les Menuires.
Val Thorens
The old and cramped Cairn and Caron gondolas have been equipped
with new cabins. These seat eight people with skis on the inside.
The carrying capacity has been doubled and the stations will offer
more services such as WCs, escalators, waiting rooms and exhibitions
etc. Transport for the disabled will be improved by the addition
of a lift, and one in ten of the new cabins are equipped to take
wheelchairs. A new blue run, lying under the gondola, will offer
an easy run to the lower part of the ski area. 20 million Euros
have been spent on the new lift, representing the largest single
investment in ski lifts in France in 2007.
A modern municipal technical centre
The municipal technical centre is located at the entrance to Courchevel
1850 and will play host to all the district’s technical
services as of the winter season 2007-2008. The bus parking platform
has been re-designed to cater for ten coaches.
Courchevel 1550 given a new look
The district authorities of Courchevel 1550 were keen to implement
different projects in order to modernise the village. These included
the creation of a mini-square at the heart of the resort, the
introduction of pedestrian walkways and the construction of bus
shelters. New premises will also be constructed to play host to
various district services, such as a children’s nursery.
NEW IN 2006/07
BAN ANNOUNCED ON SMOKING IN FRANCE
French Prime Minister Dominique de Villepin has announced details
of the forthcoming ban on smoking in public places throughout
France. Tobacco will be banned from all public spaces from 1st
February 2007 although bars, restaurants and nightclubs will be
allowed an extension until 1st January 2008. Smoking may be permitted
in special ‘fumoirs’, which are sealed areas from
where staff are prohibited. Fines of 75€ may be levied on
smokers and 150€ fines on establishments that ignore the
ban.
REVAMP FOR COURCHEVEL RADIO
Akthough the resorts radio station has been a good source of bi-lingual
ski information in but the music policy has until now been of
the standard French 70's music format. Following a re-invention
for the 2006/7 season, and in association with Radio Meribel,
now workers and guests you will hear a much more varied musical
selection, including a non-stop chill out each night from 8pm.
English language international news, skiing information and weather
reports will be broadcast each morning and evening during the
season. The new sound Radio Courchevel canbe found at 93.2 FM.
COURCHEVEL TOWN HALL BUYS 7% OF S3V LIFT
COMPANY
Courchevel’s town hall has purchased 7% of lift company
S3V for €6.9 million. The sell-off was decided by the Departmental
Council in order to finance a ‘Grand Plan Tourisme’
to develop smaller Savoyard resorts. Courchevel Mayor, Gilbert
Blanc-Tailleur, announced that local taxes will not rise as a
result of the purchase, saying “local taxes have not increased
since 1990, and once again there will be no impact on the commune’s
finances. To fund the purchase Courchevelis selling land for hotel
development.
Work continues on the Lac Bleu Poma drag lift
which looks like it could be replaced. There's landscaping going
on Lac Bleu and Loze Est pistes which head towards Biollay and
Courchevel 1850.
 As
a consequence of a fatal avalanche last season adjacent to the
lift new avalanche control machines have been installed aroundSuisses.
Building work in 1850 goes on with a range of
new hotels and the promise that the level's gendarmerie will be
finished and operational for this season.
Le Praz is currently without the cash point machine
which used to be situated at the bus stop in front of the Peuplier
hotel.
LA TANIA
New Free Bus Service - La Tania to Meribel Village
Service operates Mon-Fri until 13th April.
La Tania to Méribel Village at 10:00am, 2:00pm and 5:50pm
Méribel Village to La Tania at 10.30am, 2.20pm and 6.10pm
La Tania Administration and Commune have issued
notice that a dog handling security guard will patrol the resort
from 11.00hrs until 03.00hrs during the 06/07 winter season. This
move is designed to minimise late night noise down prevent break-ins
and ski locker thefts that becomea feature in recent years.
La Tania tourist office have issued at new A4
plan of the resort including chalets and places of interest. Download
a pdf copy here
A new cable was installed and the mechanics have
been serviced on the The Dou des Lanches four-man lift at La Tania.
There have been improvements on the green run
home from the gondola station into La Tania. Earth moving contractors
have been landscaping on the difficult double bend making it lesssteep
and with added width. New sections of piste have been added beneath
the gondola. This should allow beginners to ski back to resort
using green and straightforward blue.
New Indian Takeaway Delivery Service in La Tania
for season '06-07. Proprietor Sanjay will be delivering authentic
Indian dishes around the resort this Winter. More information
here
MERIBEL
Chatelet chair extensions and new six man chair
near the Plattieres Gondolas in Mottaret.
You can get the Combes chair out of Mottaret, ski to the new chair
and access Val Thorens by the Cote Brune lift.
Continuing piste and snow cannon upgrading throughout
the Meribel valley. There has been improvements to the relaxation
area Plan des Mains at the Mont Vallon gondola base station with
more shopping and eating facilities.
The Golf Course has fully reopened after 1.5m
euro facelift.
Courchevel and Mottaret lift company, S3V, is
on a mission to win more clients after recording two successive
years of declining numbers. Last year’s takings at the lift
office were down by 2.66% and guest numbers down by 2.62%. The
drop can be attributed to poor snow in December, unhelpful weather,
unfavourable school holiday dates, France’s economic situation
and competition from other destinations. To halt the downwards
slide S3V has invested nearly 16 million Euros on a hands-free
lift system, cultured snow making, piste improvements and new
lifts.
PROTECTING THE ENVIRONMENT
The Three Valleys operate 1,920 snow cannons,
183 ski lifts and 67 trail groomers which use hydro-electric power.
This fully renewable energy is provided by the Gaz Electricité
Company of Grenoble using power generated by small hydro-power
centres in the French Alps. The company vehicles also run on biodegradable
diesel.
For snowmaking the Three Valleys chose the Ariondaz Dam - a hilltop
location that had minimal impact on the environment and is located
in an area where no protected species live. The lake has a capacity
of 123,000 square metres of which about a quarter is available
all year round if required for fire fighting.
The installation of the new Chapalets Chair is another example
of good environmental practice. The lift pylons have been fixed
to existing rock avoiding the need for new concrete bases. The
cables are marked to prevent birds flying into them. They are
also creating a new meadow pasture to assist the preservation
of the endangered black grouse species.
Other new initiatives include the collection of rubbish from the
pistes. Organic toilets have also been installed at the base of
the ski lifts. All old lift installations are dismantled and recycled
once their working life is complete. A new three type waste recycling
system has also been introduced and visitors will be encouraged
to participate in this scheme.
The 3Valleys lift company are continuing work towards better collection,
retention and distribution of water. There have been improvements
to drainage and work on erosion prevention. The long awaited new
reservoir, which will service a range of new snow cannons, is
beginning to take shape.
A new website http://www.saveoursnow.com
aimed at highlighting climate change and the importance of sustainable
resort management has been launched by ski journalist Patrick
Thorne.
RECENT DEVELOPMENTS
NEW HANDS FREE LIFT PASS SYSTEM
This winter the Three Valleys ski area was equipped
with ‘hands-free’ lift pass technology. The system
checks the validity of your lift pass at each lift and opens gates
automatically.
The new lift pass has been named the ‘P&S’ which
stands for Prêt à Skier. It will be sturdier than
the old lift passes and look like a credit card with a built-in
chip. This P&S will cost 3€ extra and will offer advantages
over the old-style lift pass. It can also be recharged via the
internet.
-
Skiing is simpler with the hands-free ski pass
system
-
Easier to purchase: no photo required (except
for season passes, -5/+72yrs)
-
Smart card included in the ski pass price (no
deposit fee),
Another major advantage is that the new pass will
be insured against loss or theft. The 3V lift company will replace
your pass for the remainder of its duration (minus a one day waiver
and small admin fee) – NB:You will require to produce the
purchase receipt.
If you don’t want to spend an extra 3€ on the new ‘P&S’
lift pass, you can still opt to buy the traditional, throw-away
type lift pass. This old style pass is still available on all passes
for up to 6 days duration. It will still open the automatic gates
at the lifts, but won’t offer any of the other advantages
of the P&S.
The Etoiles drag lift has been shortened and is now accessible to
beginners.
The Practice "Novice Evolution Zone"
(ZEN) has been expanded onto the former Etoiles drag lift track.
Development of a beginner's run at the top of the Jardin Alpin gondola
connecting to the Practice and Ferme ZENs, as well as to Bellecôte.
SAFETY & SAFETY AWARENESS
 To
improve avalanche safety in the valley, S3V have installed an ‘Avalanche
Camp’ at the foot of Suisses chairlift. This will introduce
skiers to techniques of search and rescue in avalanche situations
and additionally increase awareness of off-piste skiing risk.
As part of Courchevel's on-going commitment to
maximise the safety of all its visitors, the Pralong sector, an
area which is heavily used by beginners, has been redesigned and
improved. Distinct areas have been designated to help separate the
traffic of good skiers and beginners returning to the resort.
The center of Courchevel is undergoing a change of "look":
stone, wood and slate being used to rejuvenate this important and
inescapable part of Courchevel.The work has been spread over two
years, and this year, the old post office was demolished. It is
replaced by the new tourist office, opened in May 2005.
Slalom Stadium
Arrival area building completion, Water and sewerage network completion,
Grass planting. Zone for ARB (avalanche rescue beacon) initiation
and searches
Creation and management of an initiation area for ARB use at the
bottom of the Suisses chairlift.
COURCHEVEL 1650
 •
6-person variable speed Chapelets chairlift
Replacement of the Signal and Bel Air drag lifts with the new variable
speed chairlift.
• Signposting
Improved signposting at the top of the ski area:
installation of relay poles, new directional signs, etc
 Indian
theme area
Installation of an area illustrating the theme of the "Indians"…
It's on the Indian run.
You can discover the Indians slope at Courchevel 1650 with an indian
tent and a real indian man called "Loup Gris" who will
provide entertainment every Monday and Thursday from 1.00pm to 5.00pm
Grangettes gondola. Replacement of the cars.
Renovation of the departure station with replacement of the metal
façades with wood and additional window surface area.
A lift between the road and the Grangettes gondola .Installation
of a 16-person lift to facilitate access from the road to the
ski pass office and the departure station.
Snowmaking equipment. Installation of 3 new snow cannons in the
arrival area.
COURCHEVEL 1300 (Le Praz)
Ski itinerary from Le Praz to Saint Bon
Outdoor ice skating area to open at Le Praz
Work on the exit from the bridge on the Jean Blanc trail.
Great news for Le Praz! New gondolas to 1850. The
lift company have finally replaced the ageing bubbles with more
spacious transport up the hill in the morning. They have also built
an artificial lake to purely service the snow cannons to the village.
On cold days at Courchevel 1300, the local firemen
are hosing the natural lake beneath the gondola lifts. Because of
recent low temperatures a layer of ice more than 20cm deep has already
been created on the surface of the lake. Ice not to store and sell
in summer as in the old days, but to form an outdoor rink open to
tourists and locals. A variety of new activities are being considered,
including ice carting.
La Tania
 Latest
on the new green piste down to La Tania sees some new tree chopping
where the Murettes run splits off from the Moretta Blanche.
They are widening the path that leads to the Murettes
red run to Le Praz, we guess they will then turn left to go back
to La Tania but it is not clear yet. There is a sign up to say that
they are clearing nearly 9,000M2 of forest.
Pics courtesy of Ferg
at Ski Deep
Meribel
NEW MOGUL COMPETITION PISTE
The absence of a good mogul run in the Méribel Valley will
be remedied this season by the creation of a mogul competition piste
on the "Mont de la Challe". The new area will be at the
side of the Bartavelle piste, and should enjoy excellent snow cover
because of the North-facing slope.
More snow makers have been installed on the Mottaret slopes. Snow
canons now cover the Bouvreuil piste, thus improving access to the
Mont Vallon gondola.
To improve avalanche safety in the valley, S3V lift company has
created an ‘Avalanche Camp’ at the bottom of the Plan
des Mains chairlift. This new area will introduce skiers to techniques
of search and rescue in avalanche situations.
Val Thorens / Les Menuires Valley
New pistes and lifts.
Modernisation of the ski area has continued over the summer. Lift
company SEVABEL have installed an 8 person gondola lift at the Roc
des 3 Marches. Starting from the Croisette in Les Menuires, this
new lift will replace the Combes chair lift and Mont de la Chambre
gondola.
More ‘cultured’ snowmaking facilities will be installed
before the start of season: snow canons will be added to the Grand
Lac piste and cultured snow productivity will increase on the Petits
Creux, Boyes and Menuires pistes.
Improvements have also been carried out to several
pistes over the summer, including Allamands, Becca, Grand Lac, Gros
Tougne, Boyes and the Becca snow cross, and a new green run is being
created parallel to the Roc des 3 Marches gondola.
In Val Thorens snow canons have been installed on numerous pistes
including Moraine, Grand Fond, Variante, La Mauriennaise, Béranger
and the Yannick Richard Stadium.
A new 6 seater chair has replaced the Grand Lac
and Choumes long drag lifts making an easier route between St Martin
de Belleville and Les Menuires. The new lift will be called Les
Granges and looks like it will have a cover like the Mont de la
Chambre lift. There's new snow cannons on the Allemandes piste and
a new snow park in the Combes Beca area.
The 3 Vallées 1 and 2 chairlifts, the main
route back from Val Thorens, have been replaced by a Funitel (seating
20 people per pod), which will dramatically ease the frequent congestion.
A new restaurant has been built at the bottom of the new Les Granges
chair lift.
The very old drag lift in St. Martin ( rumoured
to be the oldest in the Three Valleys) has been replaced by a new
poma drag.
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