Here's an update on the 2011/12 French Ski Resorts: The Premiership league table. The sad and geeky question is: if your favourite resort were a top-tier football team, which would it be?
The big headache for me is Manchester City. Last time it was twinned with Tignes:
Man City = Tignes
Lots of investment; lifts now arguably superior to those of its neighbour across the mountain. Clearly on the up. Still lacks that je ne sais quoi.
In many ways this description still stands. But...it's just that Tignes, like the Man City of old, has character, even though it may look a bit shabby around the edges. It's where the real skiers go, rather than those show-offs over in Val d'Isere. Etc. But now that Man City can have whatever they want, whenever they want, the comparison feels slightly less appropriate. I'm going to give them the benefit of the doubt, but if it carries on like this, they will be twinned with Gstaad.....
Wolves (2 Alpes), Blackburn (Avoriaz) and Bolton (Valmorel) were all relegated. I think each of these resorts still deserve their place, so they have been replaced with Southampton, West Ham and Reading.
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| Kassam Stadium, Oxford. Set to join the Premier League in 2015/16, once all the necessary pieces are in place.... |
Man City = Tignes
Lots of investment; lifts now arguably superior to those of its neighbour across the mountain. Clearly on the up. Losing its character?
Man Utd = Val d’Isere
A classic resort; famous around the world, consistently performs at a high level. Popular with rich people from The South.
Arsenal = Meribel
Strong Anglo-French links, not as good as thinks it is but is still very good indeed. Will never go out of fashion.
Tottenham = Les Arcs
Has had its ups and downs over the years, but a steady transformation over last decade - with slow lifts/players now largely a thing of the past. By no means perfect, but can mix with big league.
Newcastle = Val Thorens
Big stadium, with great atmosphere and famous nightlife. Improving in recent years, and can give the others a run for their money 7 days out of 10. When the sun shines it’s great, but on a cold day...
Chelsea = Courchevel
Money talks; the domain of well-heeled Russians. Oddly characterless. Less affluent folk are scattered in distant suburbs away from the centre.
Everton = La Plagne
Was one of the "Big Five" in the 1980s, but no longer. Shrewd management has papered over the cracks (slow lifts, short runs). Had a good season last year.
Liverpool = Chamonix.
Fancies itself as the home of mountaineering. Which in a way it is. Has a tradition, character, real sense of place that everyone respects - fans all want to visit at least once...
Fulham = Megeve
Location and proximity to nice restaurants is just as important as the skiing.
West Brom = La Clusaz
Quietly goes about its business with little attention from abroad. Unlikely to rise any further.
Swansea = Isola 2000
Somewhat remote geographically from rest of the league. Was briefly in the top flight during the 1980s. Surprisingly good when you see it in action.
Norwich = Serre Chevalier
Bit of a yo-yo resort between Prem and Championship. Another remote location. But has strong support, good foundations and real character. And the food...
Sunderland = Alpe d'Huez
Great stadium, all the way to 3,300m; a World Cup venue. It’s south-facing, though and therefore can lose interest towards the end of the season.
Stoke City = Les Sybelles
Has no discernible centre; a modest kind of a place. Has made its mark on the Premiership without anyone really noticing how far they've come. Top lifts often shut due to wind.
Wigan Ath = Areches/Beaufort
Few people go there, but those who do enjoy the welcome (and the cheese pies).
Aston Villa = Flaine
Has lots of support; good all-rounder and the infrastructure to mix it with the big league. Could pack more of a punch if they ever get their act together.
QPR = Les Gets
Not the biggest but there's money there. Struggles to last a full season, but in 2011/12 stayed open (just about) well into the Spring.
Reading = Valmorel
Not a "natural" in terms of the Premiership, but steady investment in recent years and new Russian investments means they could well hold their own.
Southampton = Les 2 Alpes
The Beautiful South. Lots going for it, but lacks strength in depth (narrow ski area).
West Ham Utd = Avoriaz
Both really should be in the Premiership given their location, fan base, history etc. They both lack consistency, but let's see....
AND MORE IMPORTANTLY….
Oxford United = Chamrousse
On the Grenoble Road, big university town boasting great ski area. Was briefly in the top flight; Jean-Claude Killy once skied there. Has strong following from the locals - on one rainy day in 2010, their numbers reached 33,000....
Barnet = Ste Foy
Where the ski instructors (aka Arsenal and Spurs fans) go on their day off. Only a few lifts but packs in lots of action. Noteworthy gradients. Local authority resisting its bid to expand.
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