tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-41242943328160716682024-03-18T03:01:14.665+00:00LesArcs.BlogMostly about the local skiing, but some cycling, architecture & politics as well. Twitter: @SimonMAtkinson &
@TweetLesArcs. Instagram: SimonAtkinsonsimonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11928897988496219954noreply@blogger.comBlogger266125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4124294332816071668.post-76050487641050248362023-03-04T16:26:00.000+00:002023-03-04T16:26:07.959+00:00WHAT'S NEW IN LES ARCS<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">A few NEW things in Les Arcs this season.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">1. <b>The Arpette</b> (pictured) is <b>under new management </b>(the operators of the Base Camp Lodge in Bourg Saint Maurice. They have gutted the interior, which has not pleased everyone, and it feels even more oriented towards apres-ski vibes than ever. The Wednesday evening savoyard evening continues, with pisteurs escorting you down the mountain at about 9pm.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">2. <b>Season ticket prices:</b> Anyone staying for a couple of weeks or more may as well buy a season ticket pass as they are MUCH cheaper than previously, at 629EUR. The background to this is a French court ruling which forbids offering reduced priced season tickets for locals, prompting an understandable outcry. A reasonable compromise appears to be in operation in Les Arcs, which gives the chance for seasonal workers etc to buy a 250 EUR pass for 2/7 days of the week. And the reduction in the price of the full season ticket pass is a happy outcome for the regular tourist.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">3. <b>Stage 1 of the Transarc redevelopment. </b>There's a swish new escalator taking you up to the foot of the lift, which now features a new building with ticket officer, toilets etc.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFPHvCiM0esPT445ZGors0y5ZjjKb7GmE51rHVcODEMlomf1cHKpb7zEn9Hy6Ly9CxL6T3B1QjJteXUgy78JXQ48GqQfnpd2JVPOsNEKW1GbplD3cdy8It1Favooqj3MTGO2LraYWZPlj6mMRPgYPHf9F9uKPuyP9VHfJRm1Lz92QR0NPmN9K2rAch_A/s1603/IMG_8216.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1603" data-original-width="1170" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFPHvCiM0esPT445ZGors0y5ZjjKb7GmE51rHVcODEMlomf1cHKpb7zEn9Hy6Ly9CxL6T3B1QjJteXUgy78JXQ48GqQfnpd2JVPOsNEKW1GbplD3cdy8It1Favooqj3MTGO2LraYWZPlj6mMRPgYPHf9F9uKPuyP9VHfJRm1Lz92QR0NPmN9K2rAch_A/w234-h320/IMG_8216.jpg" width="234" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Police visited the Arpette in February 2023 <br />and instructed the management <br />to turn the sound down</td></tr></tbody></table><br /> <p></p>simonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11928897988496219954noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4124294332816071668.post-61222305339486794332022-04-13T22:39:00.006+01:002022-04-13T22:45:39.093+01:00END OF SEASON UPDATE<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwBMVWdiOlZnOglCEOYogrZIeZ9taFM01JC_8MqIBY6FDG7YYTTMAhqHc9dTGkl5fK3_zwrrmuF-uMZU-_BSqLSiWjwW40yclHNCG7uxYbcZFNkFaojmwvKYPBmVIlE3gjhnpVvEHoOblpU8NS0rlyG37wGUYSeZ2IeEAPFU4UzWeVu4MkJq7BhcgF1Q/s3450/IMG_3270.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2885" data-original-width="3450" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwBMVWdiOlZnOglCEOYogrZIeZ9taFM01JC_8MqIBY6FDG7YYTTMAhqHc9dTGkl5fK3_zwrrmuF-uMZU-_BSqLSiWjwW40yclHNCG7uxYbcZFNkFaojmwvKYPBmVIlE3gjhnpVvEHoOblpU8NS0rlyG37wGUYSeZ2IeEAPFU4UzWeVu4MkJq7BhcgF1Q/s320/IMG_3270.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />After an up-and-down season both Covid and weather-wise, April sees fantastic conditions, with the resort staying open until 30th April.<p></p><p>NEW additions and developments since pre-pandemic days include:</p><p>1. A handy restaurant at the foot of the Derby lift - ideal for groups of skiers to meet up at specific times</p><p>2. The Blanche Muree has new owners - and a newly-extended terrace</p><p>3. The new LES ARCS sign overlooking the Tarentaise from the Carrelly lift</p><p>4. The picnic area at the top of the Comborciere, which is a triumph</p><p>5. The Malgovert piste has rightly been promoted from red to black</p>simonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11928897988496219954noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4124294332816071668.post-21032307339612705002020-12-13T12:35:00.001+00:002020-12-13T12:35:02.651+00:00NEW SKI SEASON: The Latest<p>This week sees the provisional go-ahead for ski resorts to start their lifts from <a href="https://planetski.eu/2020/12/11/french-court-confirms-closure-of-ski-lifts/">7 January</a>, although everything is dependent on the latest coronavirus assessments.</p><p>The best site for news about the resort is the R'Les Arcs <a href="https://www.facebook.com/LaMatinaleLesArcs/">Facebook Page</a>.</p><p>In the meantime, the Les Arcs Film Festival is going ahead online this year. Details are <a href="https://lesarcs-filmfest.com/en">here</a> and the programme includes a new film, "Slalom" which includes many scenes shot in Les Arcs. You can watch the trailer <a href="https://lesarcs-filmfest.com/en">here</a>. </p><p>In "normal times" of course the lifts would be running by now, alongside the Film Festival venues. Best wishes to all the resort workers and businesses who are having to adapt to the current circumstances. </p><p><br /></p>simonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11928897988496219954noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4124294332816071668.post-30827056541959101302020-05-25T21:54:00.000+01:002020-05-25T21:54:27.929+01:00SUMMER SEASON is ONLes Arcs will be open from 4th July - 29th August this summer.<br />
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On the agenda: regular events like the music festival and all the mountain activities (presented in the form of the rather complicated HERO card).<br />
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Plus - in a bid to boost the number of visitors and make up for at least some of the lost winter trade - the <i>funiculaire </i>will be free to all.<br />
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The summer website can be found <a href="https://en.lesarcs.com/live/blog.html">here</a>.simonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11928897988496219954noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4124294332816071668.post-63961094879992930602019-11-22T23:37:00.001+00:002019-11-22T23:37:37.589+00:00FOR THE MONEY AND THE FEWThis season sees the lift company "revolutionising its ski pass" set-up.<div>
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It involves the depressing prospect of "priority lanes" around the resort. Which takes us some way from the idea of skiing for the masses which powered the development of Les Arcs and its neighbours in the 1960s and 1970s.</div>
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There will also be an express route for skiers wanting to access the Aiguille Rouge cable car. In principle this may not be a such bad idea as it gets so packed, even out of high season, that some kind of rationing is probably needed. <br /><div>
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The general idea seems to be to persuade people to buy the full Paradiski pass rather than (as most skiers do) just getting a Les Arcs/Peisey Vallandry ticket. In recent years, those buying a 3 day pass have been given rights to have a day in La Plagne as part of the deal. That seems to have gone.</div>
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The executive option doesn't look worth the extra unless you are a keen swimmer or sledging fan.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvDRNdUCJKeupIV9wS2inSEVDRkL5VfI8teNVVFB2sXqaZqF_kIXpvIlOAsYzxc3Aw3Vi8BFqmISDZxpEb8NhNwY7bU7pCXJbWVByJnddWCSPoreINtxxepGIjqTD5N_AamJgkWBM2IJaw/s1600/Screen+Shot+2019-11-22+at+23.17.47.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="440" data-original-width="710" height="247" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvDRNdUCJKeupIV9wS2inSEVDRkL5VfI8teNVVFB2sXqaZqF_kIXpvIlOAsYzxc3Aw3Vi8BFqmISDZxpEb8NhNwY7bU7pCXJbWVByJnddWCSPoreINtxxepGIjqTD5N_AamJgkWBM2IJaw/s400/Screen+Shot+2019-11-22+at+23.17.47.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">For more details see the Les Arcs <a href="https://en.lesarcs.com/footer/press.html">press pack.</a></td></tr>
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simonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11928897988496219954noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4124294332816071668.post-45068651395037143632019-05-11T21:07:00.000+01:002019-05-11T21:09:12.639+01:00SEASON 2018-19: Les "Tops" et les "Flops"For the second year in a row, it's been an excellent season snow-wise in the Tarentaise, with great conditions right the way until closing day.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9aTj1ZnjA20_UBMR4xFscKpGz3e_009oOfmuec-VjtcRVQBxtNj9TjOkK7oPfJLzF32bCLGjyGOBqWrPTfiyhgwPmaT2-DAhSme2upPSas-AsKDsTH8E8RusN43DevVN1jrb9Z_s7BPup/s1600/f0143006-7e9f-490e-9f87-2b535e3115ef.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9aTj1ZnjA20_UBMR4xFscKpGz3e_009oOfmuec-VjtcRVQBxtNj9TjOkK7oPfJLzF32bCLGjyGOBqWrPTfiyhgwPmaT2-DAhSme2upPSas-AsKDsTH8E8RusN43DevVN1jrb9Z_s7BPup/s320/f0143006-7e9f-490e-9f87-2b535e3115ef.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Col de la Chal, 14 April 2019</td></tr>
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By way of a very quick round-up, here are the good and the not-so-good things to report back on.</div>
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<b>LES TOPS</b></div>
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1. The new <b>"Secret" piste,</b> launched in conjunction with the new Comborciere lift, opens up a new dimension. At the top of the now-reasonably-fast lift (it's second hand) there's also a fab new picnic area and a choice of pistes: <i>Secret</i> (dark red), <i>Comborciere</i> (black) and the un-groomed <i>Malgovert </i>(red with black sections, certainly when its icy). All in all, it's become a bit of a destination.</div>
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2. The new <b>pedestrian footbridge </b>(aka la passerelle panoramique) at the top of the Aiguille Rouge is a good new innovation, and the resort is now so much better for non-skiers, with a proper pietons lift pass, swimming pool at Arc 1800 etc etc.</div>
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3. On <b>social media</b>, the <a href="https://en-gb.facebook.com/PSdArcs/">Pisteurs Arcs</a> Facebook and Twitter (@PisteursArcs) give a great inside track of the dynamics of the resort, as does the ever-energetic <a href="https://www.facebook.com/LaMatinaleLesArcs/">R'Les Arcs</a> radio station. On Twitter, <a href="https://twitter.com/skivillaroger?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor">@SkiVillaroger</a> is often skiing in the other Tarentaise resorts like Sainte-Foy and is a good guide to the local conditions.</div>
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<b> LES FLOPS</b></div>
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1. Feels a bit harsh calling out the <b>Aiguille Rouge cable car</b>, given it gives access to such epic views and one of Europe's finest runs - not to mention the new opportunities for non-skiers to explore the site. But it now has pretty <b>awful queue</b>s most of the time, including out of high season. It almost feels like some kind of timed ticket system like you get at the doctors or deli queue might be necessary.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">35 minute queue beyond this point<br />
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2. The <b>Paradiski Priority Lane:</b> All the main lifts now have a priority lane reserved for those who have bought the Paradiski 6 day ski pass (retail price 305 Euros). This gives off a not-very-nice vibe and is contrary to the whole idea of Les Arcs and similar resorts which was to bring skiing to a wider audience. Anyway, it's not such an issue as hardly anyone buys the full Paradiski pass in any case. But low marks to Compagnie des Alpes nonetheless.</div>
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3. The <b>Club Med</b> at Arc 1600, which opened in December, is a monument to unthinking development. There is no reference to the traditions of Les Arcs' architecture, and no respect for its amazing setting. It just sits there in its Soviet-syle glory, manspreading across the lower reaches of what was Les Arcs' most beautiful away-from-it-all blue piste. Poor show to the local authorities who allowed this through.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkBnmSYISa47q9hDMUFyIY3rTsqAbUjUXA1HdUWJIOalWXcuvwsI6mvGVC7Z7q-RQ721JD7bEhI2Ic8Ixu5lFaZ16PPp87jDfz7Qqv5gvAtsdI1S1wVkoX7qyAKCQN6uLSZC-FPLWxUaqQ/s1600/IMG_1631.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkBnmSYISa47q9hDMUFyIY3rTsqAbUjUXA1HdUWJIOalWXcuvwsI6mvGVC7Z7q-RQ721JD7bEhI2Ic8Ixu5lFaZ16PPp87jDfz7Qqv5gvAtsdI1S1wVkoX7qyAKCQN6uLSZC-FPLWxUaqQ/s320/IMG_1631.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Last year Alpe d'Huuz. This year, Les Arcs. Coming soon: La Rosiere<br />
Club Med has big plans to attract skiers from new markets<br />
like Brazil and China and - to its credit - is committed to <br />
the summer season as well as the winter period</td></tr>
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<br />simonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11928897988496219954noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4124294332816071668.post-2568454540738704232018-12-28T15:17:00.002+00:002018-12-28T15:26:31.740+00:00SEASON 2018/19: 10 Things To Know<b>1. Les Arcs is celebrating its 50th anniversary</b><br />
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...and the coming year will see a whole range of innovations and animations. For newcomers, the key things to know are that it was founded by a local Robert Blanc, who had been working as a ski instructor in Courchevel and got together a group of architects, developers and other assorted pioneers to set up a new resort above Bourg-St-Maurice. The first base, launched in 1968 was Arc Pierre Blanche, now Arc 1600. People from established resorts like Val d'Isere thought they were crazy. For more on the history, including Charlotte Perriand's ground-breaking architecture, click <a href="http://simon-lesarcs.blogspot.com/2013/04/the-history-of-les-arcs-round-up.html">here</a>.<br />
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<b>2. There's a new clock at Arc 1800.</b> <i><b>But it's more than just a clock...</b></i><br />
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It's a "musical sculpture", designed to bring a new element of poetry and musicality to Les Arcs - and forms a cornerstone of the 50th anniversary celebrations. Conceived and constructed locally, there are 19 bells, to denote a "chromatic" octave-and-a-half. It's at the heart of the front de neige, just by the Vagere lift.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/2EjrE0uC2w0/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/2EjrE0uC2w0?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
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<b>3. Panorama Matters: "pedestrian footbridge" at 3,226m</b><br />
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Pedestrians are being actively invited to join their skiing friends and spent time at Les Arcs' highest point. This year's new innovation is <a href="https://www.ledauphine.com/montagne/2018/12/06/les-stations-font-valoir-leurs-points-de-vue">35m in length</a> and boasts an unparalleled view of Mont Pourri. On Christmas week the summit was open for visitors to take advantage of the site, even though the piste down remained closed.<br />
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<b>4. RIP to the Hotel du Golf Bar</b><br />
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The Hotel du Golf remains at the heart of Arc 1800. But it is no longer <i>the </i>heart of the resort, complete with live jazz featuring quirky musicians for 3-4 day stints. New operators <a href="https://www.belambra.com/club-arc-1800-hotel-du-golf/winter">Belambra Holiday Clubs</a> have a completely different format. Apparently it's working well and the hotel is often full. But it has lost its soul.<br />
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<b>5. Parking charges at the <i>Funiculaire</i> are Not A Thing</b><br />
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At 68EUR for a 4-day stay, a group of people can save a lot of money by driving up and either paying in resort or parking somewhere cunning like Plan Devin below Arc 1600. A poor show and does not tie well with the resort's assertion of its environmental credentials. Anyway, at least...<br />
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<b>6. ...there will be fancy New Carriages for summer 2019</b><br />
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On winter Saturdays, the funicular links Les Arcs with 3 European capitals: London, Brussels and Paris. From next summer, visitors will be able to enjoy the new <a href="https://www.ledauphine.com/savoie/2018/08/22/de-nouvelles-rames-pour-le-funiculaire-a-l-ete-2019">panoramic cabins</a> as they make the 8 minute journey to resort.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPvkJySlcRmkmNvjmO06-zvYzNvbqSi5WvQHRJcGzFNKTJ3P6W-NsKY4E_mELZ7yyRC5dr6NqOcSJ6c53ZT4kF0PjUkX1VaRDGUFe13-Z0cR5zYu3EPAM5bnL8GMOa4-lsOneQ3A-_iTD8/s1600/title-1534882518.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1122" data-original-width="1600" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPvkJySlcRmkmNvjmO06-zvYzNvbqSi5WvQHRJcGzFNKTJ3P6W-NsKY4E_mELZ7yyRC5dr6NqOcSJ6c53ZT4kF0PjUkX1VaRDGUFe13-Z0cR5zYu3EPAM5bnL8GMOa4-lsOneQ3A-_iTD8/s320/title-1534882518.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b>7. Brexit starts with...<i>The Great British Celebration</i></b><br />
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Now in its 3rd year, the resort's annual celebration of <a href="https://en.lesarcs.com/to-do-in-les-arcs/evenements-hiver/the-great-british.html">all things British</a> is scheduled to kick off on...you guessed it, March 30th. The brainchild of the local mayor, last season's event featured Olympic snowboarding star <a href="https://www.inthesnow.com/meet-queen-snowsports-jenny-jones-british-celebration-week-les-arcs/">Jenny Jones</a><br />
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<b>8. There's a new lift (and a new piste) in the Comborciere sector</b><br />
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The lift is second-hand and the red has distinctly black-ish shades, but these developments - coupled with a rather excellent new picnic area at the summit - certainly provide more reasons to spent time in this beautiful part of the slopes, with its "high mountain" feel. A shame to see the reggae music banished from the departure point though.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwI-jE7tncs0yZQT8fk1aZq9TlCF2J_fU24yQcj2LQNA80Zm9CO-un2Xu3COPmC6mLMskUXpujRRON0CdVxlpNItx-eRH9KyoEIeB_YRixv-Fy9RN4MGbQvBu4kVBCRtyx7nKiRBnRpYXI/s1600/IMG_0220.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwI-jE7tncs0yZQT8fk1aZq9TlCF2J_fU24yQcj2LQNA80Zm9CO-un2Xu3COPmC6mLMskUXpujRRON0CdVxlpNItx-eRH9KyoEIeB_YRixv-Fy9RN4MGbQvBu4kVBCRtyx7nKiRBnRpYXI/s320/IMG_0220.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<b>9. For a day-trip from Les Arcs, try La Rosiere</b><br />
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La Rosiere has always had a lot to offer, but on the French side the runs (according to some) lacked variety and interest. This year sees the the opening of two new chairlifts and five new pistes, with the summit rising to 2,800m. If you're keen, you can watch a full France 3 TV programme on the resort's offer and ambition <a href="https://france3-regions.francetvinfo.fr/auvergne-rhone-alpes/emissions/dimanche-en-politique-alpes">here</a>.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKeXKlHvLOc2ioXaaKFLIBlFqXvsJ5AUwd5VnpmAtGCFZfO9VcO-Z-XUkgPpWeTv8WwzMfMLFCCk36X7FCnZpwLwUG_cB03xVqlTlsB05IgesQuY0L52cFiiR4cqZkjepX8HvT0AhRn6vQ/s1600/AUGMENTED_EXPERIENCE_PEGASUS_WEB-750x682-1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="682" data-original-width="750" height="290" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKeXKlHvLOc2ioXaaKFLIBlFqXvsJ5AUwd5VnpmAtGCFZfO9VcO-Z-XUkgPpWeTv8WwzMfMLFCCk36X7FCnZpwLwUG_cB03xVqlTlsB05IgesQuY0L52cFiiR4cqZkjepX8HvT0AhRn6vQ/s320/AUGMENTED_EXPERIENCE_PEGASUS_WEB-750x682-1.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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If you haven't got a car, there's a bus from the Funiculaire (the Arc 1800 tourist office has details), which takes you to the <i>Les Ecudets</i> lift just above Seez. If you have got a car, park at Les Ecudets anyway as it saves a lot of driving.<br />
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<b>10. La Plagne has a new logo</b><br />
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Two years after Les Arcs launched its new <a href="http://simon-lesarcs.blogspot.com/2016/05/back-to-future-new-logo-for-les-arcs.html">visual identity</a>, La Plagne has introduced an update to its famous logo. They too have gone for an upper case font. If you look closely, the smile is not as "enigmatic" as it was:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7pRK3VsokGqGWTZ5nqwBySYEHSeEeMwDwO00Yn1OoHvrq5b1aoeOyOuOiQutf9WhJ6kEZsNPWnUWmrmyWhgJ8LgqwxBypIXZAAH8ehQbPVvgC2CLL2h04HPu6HGK29eBUgEPf0cZwAtck/s1600/thumbnail_826c01fe-5cc5-40d1-b0b6-bc772a65c24c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="452" data-original-width="569" height="254" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7pRK3VsokGqGWTZ5nqwBySYEHSeEeMwDwO00Yn1OoHvrq5b1aoeOyOuOiQutf9WhJ6kEZsNPWnUWmrmyWhgJ8LgqwxBypIXZAAH8ehQbPVvgC2CLL2h04HPu6HGK29eBUgEPf0cZwAtck/s320/thumbnail_826c01fe-5cc5-40d1-b0b6-bc772a65c24c.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Before</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnntreIqk0zM3uLiS5eEtrRyrK83X1bbWAtoj1utU_CSkZuWKeJHG0wQ-LuW1c6V7d8_C3DKFu-sMJB4U3R5QLvjDjJFPBojCjCWQzCUJ-5GG7JdrhK_StKi-4afH-40SsSzX7u-wZ0g12/s1600/thumbnail_33710459-6f2a-48b6-8972-7ae54f42bd61.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="333" data-original-width="544" height="195" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnntreIqk0zM3uLiS5eEtrRyrK83X1bbWAtoj1utU_CSkZuWKeJHG0wQ-LuW1c6V7d8_C3DKFu-sMJB4U3R5QLvjDjJFPBojCjCWQzCUJ-5GG7JdrhK_StKi-4afH-40SsSzX7u-wZ0g12/s320/thumbnail_33710459-6f2a-48b6-8972-7ae54f42bd61.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After</td></tr>
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simonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11928897988496219954noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4124294332816071668.post-39790079262916289722018-11-08T22:28:00.002+00:002018-11-08T22:28:53.755+00:00TOUR DE FRANCE 2019After ignoring the Tarentaise for what seemed like absolutely ages, the Tour de France returns this coming summer for the second year in a row. This time it will be right at the end of the race, and it could be Tarentaise tarmac that determines who wins.<br />
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Following on from Geraint Thomas' victory in <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1m4mEoMKjy4">La Rosiere</a>, the Tour will be visiting Tignes for a stage finish on 26th July, having first claimed the 2,700m Col de l''Iseran (from the Maurienne side). The tour last visited Tignes in 2007 when the stage was won by the soon-to-be-disgraced Michael Rasmussen - more <a href="http://simon-lesarcs.blogspot.com/2012/07/le-tour-tignes.html">here</a>.<br />
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And then the next day - the last one before Paris - the Tour will start at Albertville, pass through the pastoral delight that is the Beaufortain and then drop into Bourg St Maurice en route to the long drawn out final climb to the summit finish at Tignes. <br />
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In Bourg the best place to watch may be by the roundabout at foot of the Cormet de Roselend. <br />
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Full route details <a href="https://www.cyclingweekly.com/news/racing/tour-de-france/tour-de-france-route-192041">here</a>.<br />
<br />simonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11928897988496219954noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4124294332816071668.post-62930557181508628332018-09-13T21:48:00.000+01:002018-09-13T21:51:40.054+01:00LA ROSIERE ON THE MOVEAcross the valley, La Rosiere is getting ready for this year's big opening: the unveiling of the new extension to its ski area.<br />
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The runs on the French side just above the resort are already great fun, with brilliant views towards Tignes and down to Bourg Saint Maurice. But it's not that big an area. This is all about to change, with a €15m investment going into giving the resort 5 new red pistes, plus another off-piste zone. The top of the skiing rises to 2,800m and - usually for La Rosiere - some of it faces north.<br />
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To get to La Rosiere from Les Arcs, drive to the Les Ecudets lift just above Seez, rather than wear yourself out driving all the way. And you get a super long run home through the trees as a bonus. There's also a bus which picks up from the funicular at Bourg - ask in the Arc 1800 tourist office for a leaflet.<br />
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<br />simonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11928897988496219954noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4124294332816071668.post-3775719249662903422018-06-17T13:24:00.001+01:002018-06-17T13:25:27.653+01:00LES ARCS at 50This summer's big event is the visit of the <a href="https://www.letour.fr/en/overall-route">Tour de France</a> to La Rosiere and Bourg Saint Maurice.<br />
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Looking further ahead, here's the latest gossip on what's coming up, courtesy of the "3A" proprietors' association:</div>
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<b>1. Les Arcs at 50</b>. A year's celebrations are planned, including a new art installation by the swimming pool at Arc 1800, various "animations" during the school holidays and a special music festival next summer. Plus a new book coming out about Charlotte Perriand and the architecture of Les Arcs.</div>
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<b>2. Arc 1600</b> will see the renovation of La Coupole, improvement to mobile phone reception and of course the opening of the blot-on-the-landscape Club Med on (15th Dec). The end of free parking in the resort is on the horizon, it seems.</div>
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<b>3. The ancient Comborciere lift</b> is on its way out, although eyebrows are being raised as it is being replaced by a second-hand installation. There are also concerns about the impact on the environment in this beautiful and remote valley - both of the new lift and the red run which is being created to save intermediate skiers from the embarrassment of stumbling down the black run...</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivcCyO6LFcFojDF-AZY4CiKI0Nl3VuXsy1KoJMCkQ0nfCDPN4-i74R-4o-lgVw2gdf0tqoWMiahLQ9lVpCKoDvCW31601bXP8U2s0JSDGSgAcMp8Ilcesz8LvJkL1s2xcC8GimsB0lWxy2/s1600/81655d52-5f31-472d-accd-5f2ccb823632.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="361" data-original-width="640" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivcCyO6LFcFojDF-AZY4CiKI0Nl3VuXsy1KoJMCkQ0nfCDPN4-i74R-4o-lgVw2gdf0tqoWMiahLQ9lVpCKoDvCW31601bXP8U2s0JSDGSgAcMp8Ilcesz8LvJkL1s2xcC8GimsB0lWxy2/s320/81655d52-5f31-472d-accd-5f2ccb823632.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dismantling the Comborciere lift, June 2018<br />
<i>Photo:</i> @PisteursArcs</td></tr>
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simonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11928897988496219954noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4124294332816071668.post-45915277459119631192018-03-17T15:02:00.000+00:002018-03-17T15:03:04.651+00:00A DAY TRIP TO TIGNES: Dos and Don'tsThe <a href="https://en.tignes.net/what-to-see-do/skiing/ski-map">Espace Killy</a> ski area is well within striking range for a day trip from Les Arcs. It claims to be "le plus bel espace de ski du monde", and you certainly can't criticise the majestic mountain scenery which awaits - including buckets of off-piste.<br />
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Here are a few dos and don'ts for the keen day-tripper...</div>
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<b>Do:</b></div>
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<li>Park at Les Brevieres rather than struggle up to Tignes Le Lac - it's much nearer, the parking is free, and you get a nice long run home (blue or black) at the end of the day.</li>
<li>Book an <i>Espace Killy</i> pass, as it's likely you'll stray over the Val d'Isere border at some point during the day</li>
<li>Study the piste map. The links between Le Lac and Val Claret are not immediately clear, so you need to plan your route</li>
<li>Have a good old moan at the restaurant by the <i>Col du Palet</i> lift which makes you pay to go to the loo</li>
<li>Plan your lunch; the mountain restaurants on the Tignes side are few and far between. The self-service at the top of the <i>Chaudannes</i> lift is reasonable. Avoid the fast-developing Tignes 1800 at lunchtime: it lacks both soul and sunshine </li>
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Don't:</div>
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<ul>
<li>Take the <i>Marais</i> lift once you arrive at the gondola above Les Brevieres. It's very slow and broke down for half an hour during our day there. A visit to the Aiguille Percée is a must, but much better to take the lift from the other side</li>
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<li>Forget that the fast <i>Les Lanches</i> chairlift is an excellent alternative to the underground at Val Claret, which I'm not too keen on as it reminds me of my morning commute</li>
</ul>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tignes has far more slow lifts than<br />
Les Arcs: <i>Le Marais</i> is one of them<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">L'Aiguille Percée</td></tr>
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simonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11928897988496219954noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4124294332816071668.post-8963598491549156812018-02-03T16:55:00.004+00:002018-02-03T16:58:06.376+00:00EN ROUTE TO LES ARCS: MegeveGet the first flight to Geneva and you can be on the slopes at Megeve by mid morning. <i>La Princesse</i> gondola, right at the entrance to the town, is barely 60 minutes from the airport. Which makes it a great stop-off en route to Les Arcs. You can continue up the valley, passing other skiing opportunities at <a href="http://simon-lesarcs.blogspot.co.uk/2014/04/megeve.html">Megeve Rochebrune</a> and <a href="http://www.espacediamant.com/fr/domaine-ski-espace-diamant-2.html">L'Espace Diamante</a> (including <a href="http://simon-lesarcs.blogspot.co.uk/2011/06/crest-voland.html">Crest Voland</a>) and join the main road at Albertville.<br />
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There is free parking outside La Princesse, as well as a couple of ski shops. The lift takes you into the heart of the skiing. Although it does not feel Tignes-Like altitude-wise (the top station is 2,350m), there are certainly some areas that feel "haute montagne" alongside the lower areas of tree-lined runs.</div>
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It's a <a href="https://www.j2ski.com/ski_resorts/France/Megeve_Piste_Map.html">huge ski area</a> and so you can only scratch the surface with a 4 hour ski pass. We pottered around the L'Epaule area, getting mildly lost in the St Nicolas de Veroce sector, by-passing La Folie Douce and ending up at a very nice lunch spot by the <i>Les Communailles</i> lift. </div>
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Our only gripe is the piste signage which rather assumes you already have a good grasp of the resort's geography. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>La Princesse</i> gondola</td></tr>
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simonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11928897988496219954noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4124294332816071668.post-20618199548085007072017-12-28T16:10:00.001+00:002017-12-29T10:13:03.228+00:00WHAT'S NEW IN LES ARCSThe great news is that, as elsewhere in the French Alps, there is loads of snow. The resort is 99% open, which means it should cope well with the New Year crowds.<br />
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Here are six things to know about <i>What's New</i> in Les Arcs season:<br />
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<b><i>1. Ride in Style</i></b><br />
The Pré Saint Esprit lift is well and truly open, and it does indeed have heated seats. It opens up the lower part of the Arc 2000 Valley (for more on the project, click <a href="http://simon-lesarcs.blogspot.co.uk/2017/04/a-hive-of-activity-vallee-de-larc.html">here</a> and <a href="http://www.skiadventures.co.uk/link-blog.php">here</a>), replacing the old 1980 chairlift which left from a little lower down. Good skiers based in Arc 1600/1800 can now access the Arc 2000 valley by taking Clocheret and then the Muguet/Comborciere piste, which is much more fun than using the Arpette lift. Next season sees the upgrading of the Comborciere lift itself - one hopes the reggae music will be able to continue.<br />
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<b><i>2. Transport Hub</i></b><br />
Arc 1800 has a new "bus station" at Charvet. Actually it's rather more than that, with toilets, showers, baggage storage and a waiting area. <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj43eyn8VXSoCMEvXkclpyHQXiahIbFXVenycTbVRP6ipswq2VyvFD8-fgG2l8_bxBQRqWHnnqISJgCVwosMjaFmXuDdDTetNjpWA-TQ_hxsyG0Ss7QFlxrrKaGUq718HVyMR1KIIX1ncuC/s1600/IMG_1656.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj43eyn8VXSoCMEvXkclpyHQXiahIbFXVenycTbVRP6ipswq2VyvFD8-fgG2l8_bxBQRqWHnnqISJgCVwosMjaFmXuDdDTetNjpWA-TQ_hxsyG0Ss7QFlxrrKaGUq718HVyMR1KIIX1ncuC/s320/IMG_1656.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Click <a href="https://www.lesarcs.com/votre-trajet.html">here</a> for the resort's guide<br />
on how to get to Les Arcs</td></tr>
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<b><i>3. All Change at the Hotel du Golf</i></b><br />
It's now been taken over by a chain called the <a href="http://www.belambra.fr/club-arc-1800-hotel-du-golf/hiver">Belambra</a> group, who seem to have a slightly uniform "club de vacances" vibe. One hopes they will be able to keep the essence of the Hotel du Golf which, with its evening jazz bar, is very much a Les Arcs institution. On the positive side, they are opening in the summer season, which is really important for the resort.<br />
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<b><i>4. The Fast Lane</i></b><br />
The <i>Varet</i> lift now has a special lane reserved for those skiers who have shelled out 299 euros for the full Paradise 6-day pass...<br />
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<b><i>5. Get Away from It All</i></b><br />
Villaroger now has <a href="http://simon-lesarcs.blogspot.co.uk/2017/11/">artificial snow</a> which means there's no excuse for giving this quiet and beautiful part of the mountain a miss. It opens up completely different views, looking over towards Sainte-Foy and the <i>Haute Tarentaise</i>, and can mark a welcome break from the motorway pistes of Arc 2000. And you don't need to take the mega descent from the top of the <a href="http://simon-lesarcs.blogspot.co.uk/2012/03/great-descent-aiguille-rouge-to.html">Aiguille Rouge</a> to get there - Lanchettes lift from Arc 2000 provides a direct link. The Solliet restaurant half way down marks a fine pit stop. It's under new ownership this year, apparently.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWbm2rtYHMTX6UeGpw4r5_zvov3ZbzN35hbCT3MM2n1a6zIrk3mNiueEmIFnVLMfz0UBaiyG4FIYChmEcZhVAB5kqRG8Z7fTk8WynUKi6H12IB1HQISgHZpWR_vaTru-2AeT4W_xsX6sxX/s1600/IMG_1624.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWbm2rtYHMTX6UeGpw4r5_zvov3ZbzN35hbCT3MM2n1a6zIrk3mNiueEmIFnVLMfz0UBaiyG4FIYChmEcZhVAB5kqRG8Z7fTk8WynUKi6H12IB1HQISgHZpWR_vaTru-2AeT4W_xsX6sxX/s320/IMG_1624.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Aiguille Rouge, 3226m, 23 Dec 2017</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<b><i>6. Blot on the Landscape</i></b><br />
It will open summer and winter and it's creating lots of jobs. But I'm not keen on the style of the new Club Med development at all. It sits arrogantly at the foot of the Mont Blanc piste, marking an abrupt end to the resort's most beautiful blue piste. It would have been nice for the developers to have made at leas some reference to the architectural heritage of Les Arcs, but this does not seem to have been part of the brief. At least they've built the lower part of the buildings into the hill. It opens in <a href="https://www.lesarcsnet.com/news/club-med-expansion-in-les-arcs-1600-707413">December 2018</a>.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6gpOi0uHDGJUlzH-0Rjnjjxct0UYrulhzYdxAoDBrFuk4af_lZ1tlULNcqrqpA_XoKBO2NpEA0FBtcB5wS_LtVa_AFJAPLC9rFjLeJyHcSjGyI6Smc6VfaPn_pLep7UvvvFTRj7sIjutV/s1600/IMG_1631.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6gpOi0uHDGJUlzH-0Rjnjjxct0UYrulhzYdxAoDBrFuk4af_lZ1tlULNcqrqpA_XoKBO2NpEA0FBtcB5wS_LtVa_AFJAPLC9rFjLeJyHcSjGyI6Smc6VfaPn_pLep7UvvvFTRj7sIjutV/s320/IMG_1631.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">New <a href="http://www.ledauphine.com/savoie/2017/04/22/les-travaux-de-construction-du-club-med-commencent-demain">Club Med</a> will be open summer and winter,<br />
with a capacity of 1,050 beds</td></tr>
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simonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11928897988496219954noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4124294332816071668.post-47094238131125171622017-11-04T16:34:00.000+00:002017-11-04T16:39:34.794+00:00VILLAROGER ON THE MOVEThe skiing on the Villaroger opens up a third valley to Les Arcs' slopes. Immediately, the mountain is steeper, less crowded and more rustic. There are some interesting variations to explore on the <a href="http://simon-lesarcs.blogspot.co.uk/2012/03/great-descent-aiguille-rouge-to.html">long descent</a> to <i>La Ferme</i> restaurant and the foot of the lifts. Slow things down further and <i>Le Solliet</i> makes a worthy stop for a drink or lunch half way down. You're looking down on the Haute Tarentaise from here, with good views across to <a href="http://simon-lesarcs.blogspot.co.uk/2014/02/another-view-on-tarentaise-ste-foy.html">Ste-Foy</a>.<br />
<br />
But the lifts date from 1981 and snow conditions can be pretty variable, to say the least. <br />
<br />
However, all of this is about to change, as this <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/travel/2017/oct/14/villaroger-les-arcs-redevelop-green-ski-resort-france-french-alps?utm_term=Autofeed&CMP=twt_b-gdnnews#link_time=1507972994">Guardian article</a> explains. Snow cannons are in place for the new season, with more planned. New lifts are on the horizon as are an extra 750 beds as part of an expansion blueprint which claims to involve Villaroger keeping its credentials as a"green ski village".<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUCrsG6Pd9XuJjHHI2t2-7GoWT11oorcWNgJlG509sdoegouPjxur3LrSauYU9jFZv8tuC4Yqrg_ye3PNrPdHD0ICuOP0Fd6krIWsKB52PrnQPKTVIq433xHuda-dEA6_53j1DVw3UU97d/s1600/IMG_0780.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUCrsG6Pd9XuJjHHI2t2-7GoWT11oorcWNgJlG509sdoegouPjxur3LrSauYU9jFZv8tuC4Yqrg_ye3PNrPdHD0ICuOP0Fd6krIWsKB52PrnQPKTVIq433xHuda-dEA6_53j1DVw3UU97d/s320/IMG_0780.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />simonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11928897988496219954noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4124294332816071668.post-64241895000158602062017-09-22T23:06:00.001+01:002017-09-22T23:06:45.867+01:00BUILDING MATTERSVisitors to Arc 1600 may be a little surprised to see a ginormous new building as they ski to the resort from the ever-flattering Mont Blanc piste. Step forward the new Club Med development....<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7UE_AsgsdFQ78holyKTMDMuOg-AyHUBRIFW4ooAPZEhR75dHgnsQ8rza2eO98n3cpgHmbWWxccAUGXoCbOGHsCEsjvnfU9V1nsgYgWTipTJbQgZX09GOExsZvELtE_-bQUudC5i4tH1vj/s1600/21687564_1573975725957079_7170371127171189444_n-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="638" data-original-width="960" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7UE_AsgsdFQ78holyKTMDMuOg-AyHUBRIFW4ooAPZEhR75dHgnsQ8rza2eO98n3cpgHmbWWxccAUGXoCbOGHsCEsjvnfU9V1nsgYgWTipTJbQgZX09GOExsZvELtE_-bQUudC5i4tH1vj/s320/21687564_1573975725957079_7170371127171189444_n-1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Source: R'LesArcs <a href="https://www.facebook.com/LaMatinaleLesArcs/photos/pcb.1573975869290398/1573975725957079/?type=3&theater">Facebook</a> page</td></tr>
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<br />simonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11928897988496219954noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4124294332816071668.post-78872190972815063212017-07-20T21:56:00.000+01:002017-07-20T21:56:40.076+01:00THE GREAT ASCENT: Villaroger to Aiguille RougeSummer provides the opportunity to revisit the famous run from Aiguille Rouge down to <a href="http://simon-lesarcs.blogspot.co.uk/2012/03/great-descent-aiguille-rouge-to.html">Villaroger</a>.<br />
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This time, it's from the bottom up. A 2,000m ascent from the foot of the pistes right the way up to the Varet Glacier. For an armchair view of the experience, follow <a href="https://www.lesarcs.com/infos-live/zoom-sur/vertikal-k2.html">this link</a>.</div>
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simonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11928897988496219954noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4124294332816071668.post-21141144672986923202017-05-13T15:43:00.001+01:002017-07-20T21:45:50.702+01:00ELECTIONS ROUND-UPThe 2nd round of the French presidential elections saw Savoie vote for Macron over Le Pen by a <a href="https://www.rtl.fr/election-presidentielle/region-auvergne-et-rhone-alpes/departement-savoie-73">65% to 35%</a> margin. A result which almost exactly followed the national picture.<br />
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Locally, the valley tends to vote for the candidates of the right, but <i>not </i>of the far right.<br />
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<a href="http://www.francetvinfo.fr/elections/resultats/savoie_73/val-d-isere_73150">Val d'Isere</a> is the most notable example of this pattern - with 52% voting for Fillon in the 1st round - not far off the 58% recorded by Sarkozy in <a href="http://simon-lesarcs.blogspot.co.uk/2012/04/presidential-election-round-one.html">2012</a>. Yet just 12% supported Le Pen, and she trailed in 4th place - just behind Melenchon (12%) and Macron (11%). Come the second round, the village voted strongly for Macron, by 72% to 28%. <br />
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<a href="http://www.francetvinfo.fr/elections/resultats/savoie_73/tignes_73320">Tignes</a> followed a similar pathway, albeit without quite such thumping first-round victory for Fillon.<br />
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<b>Bourg-St-Maurice </b>is more of a mixed bag politically, with Fillon emerging out in front after the first round, but only just. Again, Marine Le Pen came in fourth:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge98pY2WtS1BStG3rD1WKKyJpoK7TiFhVc2-2dOyhvdhoLJpCBxNNvYc14VNoDu1V4RwaSAZ1elr_1czq8mPx9TifO72Y8fYRD1_5-KLqRO2ub0PgUdmc1nWWYJrvAckCZE8AXDeSr-fHN/s1600/Screen+Shot+2017-05-13+at+15.26.35.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge98pY2WtS1BStG3rD1WKKyJpoK7TiFhVc2-2dOyhvdhoLJpCBxNNvYc14VNoDu1V4RwaSAZ1elr_1czq8mPx9TifO72Y8fYRD1_5-KLqRO2ub0PgUdmc1nWWYJrvAckCZE8AXDeSr-fHN/s320/Screen+Shot+2017-05-13+at+15.26.35.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bourg-Saint-Maurice 1st round results</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKcp_kuey6ix5nEmF2ATQ_4yYGa8cbcjKWJ5ZJ4V8MFMZ3gBIMUl-1IFtWd2sveo992aJS08gmQKu8812fIUfYDytg89c5n354aUdxUDdyWQrJjSDA1P_FtNPQ8o-7UuE0hqEv6KPnfoCV/s1600/Screen+Shot+2017-05-13+at+15.27.29.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKcp_kuey6ix5nEmF2ATQ_4yYGa8cbcjKWJ5ZJ4V8MFMZ3gBIMUl-1IFtWd2sveo992aJS08gmQKu8812fIUfYDytg89c5n354aUdxUDdyWQrJjSDA1P_FtNPQ8o-7UuE0hqEv6KPnfoCV/s320/Screen+Shot+2017-05-13+at+15.27.29.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Click <a href="http://www.francetvinfo.fr/elections/resultats/savoie_73/bourg-saint-maurice_73700">here</a> to explore all the results</td></tr>
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Set against all this, the most politically interesting village in the valley is <a href="http://www.francetvinfo.fr/elections/resultats/savoie_73/landry_73210">Landry</a>, which put Melenchon first, with all the main candidates putting in a decent showing. <br />
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<a href="http://www.francetvinfo.fr/elections/resultats/savoie_73/seez_73700">Séez</a> is notable for having Le Pen narrowly ahead in round 1, albeit defeated by 62-38 in the run-off. The FN candidate did relatively well in <a href="http://www.francetvinfo.fr/elections/resultats/savoie_73/villaroger_73640">Villaroger</a> too.<br />
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Meanwhile, neighbouring <a href="http://www.francetvinfo.fr/elections/resultats/savoie_73/montvalezan_73700">Montvalezan</a> (below La Rosiere) saw one of the heaviest victories for Macron last Sunday, by 76% to 24%.<br />
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Next up: the parliamentary elections in June...<br />
<br />simonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11928897988496219954noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4124294332816071668.post-14377595190536231492017-04-30T21:50:00.005+01:002017-05-01T14:22:19.907+01:00A HIVE OF ACTIVITY: The Valleé de l'ArcFew visitors to Les Arcs these days spend much time in the Vallée de l'Arc below Arc 2000. Skiers venturing below the <i>Bois de l'Ours</i> are faced with a long ride back on on the <i>Pré St Esprit</i> lift or or the similarly slow <i>Comborciere</i> over to the 1600/1800 side. Most piste-bashers therefore avoid the area, which is a shame. The Comborciere ride may be slow, but the high mountain scenery is stunning.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqeHS19nTrYVfAZE5kFpPcN78ayg6dOALHypYazsCPkkKrgMWUI2evq9L8q7NW0E-ywg7ou8j4nzwKc0rPpVEzES-tjKxJ1zTc07WgqOzojr4G3sXodt0Q4sHy0bZVtMwhhIUnCnNBMcsx/s1600/thumbnail_FullSizeRender.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqeHS19nTrYVfAZE5kFpPcN78ayg6dOALHypYazsCPkkKrgMWUI2evq9L8q7NW0E-ywg7ou8j4nzwKc0rPpVEzES-tjKxJ1zTc07WgqOzojr4G3sXodt0Q4sHy0bZVtMwhhIUnCnNBMcsx/s320/thumbnail_FullSizeRender.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Click <a href="http://troisa.ning.com/profiles/blogs/le-projet-d-ads-pour-l-amenagement-de-la-vallee-de-l-arc">here</a> to see the presentation</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
All of this is about to change, courtesy of a €20m investment by lift company ADS. The background:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>It's a strategic site - linking Arc 2000 with both 1600 and Villaroger</li>
<li>It's a beautiful site - direct views of Mont Blanc</li>
<li>The two lifts are old (PSE dates from 1980, Comborciere from 1985) and slow (14 and 13 minutes respectively)</li>
<li>The current blue slope is tricky for beginners</li>
<li>There's no artificial snow</li>
</ul>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsG0qP5h1ehaeMQVNhjUfWbwSEaUURh5wDwKy2eqekvJDH4-Ui38HWxoabE5DwhfDiTByGRDYQKzY-vql0u1WphMkNQjsIvLthYv5mJcygs1TWm9xpfh6S_g31373RwwE57Tgjrx3iDPeq/s1600/thumbnail_FullSizeRender-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="233" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsG0qP5h1ehaeMQVNhjUfWbwSEaUURh5wDwKy2eqekvJDH4-Ui38HWxoabE5DwhfDiTByGRDYQKzY-vql0u1WphMkNQjsIvLthYv5mJcygs1TWm9xpfh6S_g31373RwwE57Tgjrx3iDPeq/s320/thumbnail_FullSizeRender-1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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All of this is about to change:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>The <b>Pré St Esprit</b> lift will be replaced in time for <b>December 2017</b> (planning permission is out at the moment). The new lift will be twice as fast and have twice the current capacity. The planners are sensibly moving the top station to be higher than at present - linking directly with Plagnettes. This will relieve the strain on the key Arcabulle lift.</li>
<li>There will be new investment in <b>snowmaking</b>, and a new building for clients with toilets and other facilities</li>
<li>The blue piste is going to be expanded by 40% - made wider and the slope modified to make it a piste <b>"accessible to all"</b>.</li>
<li>The <b>Comborciere lift will be replaced</b> the following year (i.e. in time for <b>December 2018</b>). Journey time will be reduced to 5m30, and the base station will be adjacent to the Pré St Esprit. There willl be a new project to create a new <b>red piste</b>. (Presumably this means a downgrading of the black Comborciere piste, but the presentation doesn't go into details).</li>
</ul>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX8BkOE6BvU7ArmuraiCMPZmdiL4GZNS378ieA4G-wBgQ-OdwQYcDHMcafIvQE6WIE8Ld3IsOYyBQYfvJi02-ZcNNyG_qPRRHT7mdABXEXkuxDGlj_MMq63BZdVCX_F1pMFbVum-wlfShh/s1600/thumbnail_FullSizeRender-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="233" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX8BkOE6BvU7ArmuraiCMPZmdiL4GZNS378ieA4G-wBgQ-OdwQYcDHMcafIvQE6WIE8Ld3IsOYyBQYfvJi02-ZcNNyG_qPRRHT7mdABXEXkuxDGlj_MMq63BZdVCX_F1pMFbVum-wlfShh/s320/thumbnail_FullSizeRender-3.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The piste provides bad whether links to Villaroger, as well as<br />
an alternative route over to Arc 1600.<br />
It also provides access to the <a href="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/ski/galleries/the-best-mountain-restaurants-in-france/belliou-la-fumee-les-arcs/">Belliou La Fumée</a> restaurant</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGntIKFFO_vLpjJzXqs2kpDq7J1lkn0XUij4VzPHACTLIjGRAENrFDx3Pxyfij9xQQhpJMdeCbR2Iw1n8Ng0-UIvETbH97sho1YJfYTEynmuK9vTf_VEs3Pw-k6JX2L94RMHZMq8r7Dfb7/s1600/thumbnail_FullSizeRender-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="229" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGntIKFFO_vLpjJzXqs2kpDq7J1lkn0XUij4VzPHACTLIjGRAENrFDx3Pxyfij9xQQhpJMdeCbR2Iw1n8Ng0-UIvETbH97sho1YJfYTEynmuK9vTf_VEs3Pw-k6JX2L94RMHZMq8r7Dfb7/s320/thumbnail_FullSizeRender-2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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simonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11928897988496219954noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4124294332816071668.post-16365320645907927822017-03-12T18:05:00.002+00:002017-03-12T18:11:02.659+00:00SPRINGTIME IN LES ARCS: 6 Things to Know1. After a difficult start to the season, there is now <a href="http://www.lesarcs.com/lenneigement.html">250cms of snow</a> at the top, so things are looking OK for the coming weeks. Last week saw serious avalanche risks, but it's now at 2/5.<br />
<div>
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<div>
2. The resort's marketing team has been doing some work to capture the travel headlines with its "<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/travel/2017/mar/06/les-arcs-france-skiing-brexit-campaign?CMP=Share_iOSApp_Other">British Week</a>" which runs from 25 March. It includes a "broom ball" tournament on the ice at Arc 2000, as well as a "Robin Hood" competition. Take a look at this important video which <a href="https://www.precisionski-rent.com/news/the-great-british-celebration-the-british-week-in-les-arcs">marks the event</a>.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMjxcp_Xa4q2xmLBCuBwi0VSr45o5b6pCht6FtNR6IJcELyMTIqjEcKJzCorDSO7_RJh2tjXx-7NLG0ONAt3F_C3y7mqulc1lY7AILA-scAFlJZjggIZMLiuKq0fFf37YA3mzwTUA1Teua/s1600/Unknown-1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="152" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMjxcp_Xa4q2xmLBCuBwi0VSr45o5b6pCht6FtNR6IJcELyMTIqjEcKJzCorDSO7_RJh2tjXx-7NLG0ONAt3F_C3y7mqulc1lY7AILA-scAFlJZjggIZMLiuKq0fFf37YA3mzwTUA1Teua/s320/Unknown-1.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
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3. Saturday 25th also sees the local EST running its <a href="http://www.golf-zone.com/blog/2017/02/27/j-denfer-aux-arcs-savoie-25-mars-organise-lesf/">Journée d'Enfer</a> around the ski area. Postponed from January due to lack of snow, it involves various events including a competition to find out who can clock up the most "ski vertical" metres.</div>
<div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2t6YTQ6GB3NJaxMbeQMZi33fwixKB6KioQV7KpJ53t5TnloEEN3zQKioHz1I9AFNJmJuyGEHt5J2a8Rz59dcDjYDg6O4gk8zZZOjf9HOlff4Gsia8KN8wTGAqi-9Bq3ZjzK-tr7buYFwX/s1600/Unknown.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2t6YTQ6GB3NJaxMbeQMZi33fwixKB6KioQV7KpJ53t5TnloEEN3zQKioHz1I9AFNJmJuyGEHt5J2a8Rz59dcDjYDg6O4gk8zZZOjf9HOlff4Gsia8KN8wTGAqi-9Bq3ZjzK-tr7buYFwX/s1600/Unknown.jpeg" /></a></div>
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<div>
4. The following week (Sunday 2 April) sees the arrival of <a href="http://www.lesarcs.com/infos-live/zoom-sur/course-du-coeur.html">La Course du Coeur</a>, a relay race from Paris to Les Arcs which is designed to raise awareness for organ donation.</div>
<div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOJmWV26stEopWbdPJNyc8H7u1f8zgifF06yiSAmi5TfF7FyB1eZxig6MeS5EvxZIKmdS91Dt2ovqjo5ImqKpBtsdAhnUQF0Ydj1UbmaUZ2uf7ntIp_KG4Z1x7KeG3RPrF_KdLnvTYmH0z/s1600/course_en_coeur.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOJmWV26stEopWbdPJNyc8H7u1f8zgifF06yiSAmi5TfF7FyB1eZxig6MeS5EvxZIKmdS91Dt2ovqjo5ImqKpBtsdAhnUQF0Ydj1UbmaUZ2uf7ntIp_KG4Z1x7KeG3RPrF_KdLnvTYmH0z/s320/course_en_coeur.jpg" width="215" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Website <a href="http://www.lacourseducoeur.com/">here</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
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<div>
5. Go back in time with this video <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=juvxS2nlbKo&feature=share&app=desktop">from 1919</a> showing life in the Haute Tarentaise - the area having only joined France as recently as 1860.</div>
<div>
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<div>
6. The season ends with various events as part of <a href="http://www.lesarcs.com/infos-live/zoom-sur/printemps-du-ski-aux-arcs.html">Les Printemps du Ski</a>, a series of events which take place in many resorts designed to boost late season skiing. This year sees the ski resort bosses in a slightly better mood now the French school holiday <a href="https://www.schoolholidayseurope.eu/france.html">calendar</a> have been adjusted to allow the prospect of holidays in at least the higher resorts.</div>
simonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11928897988496219954noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4124294332816071668.post-16583300519416529552017-01-22T17:38:00.003+00:002017-01-22T17:39:40.745+00:00A TRIP TO LA PLAGNEA 3 day or more Les Arcs lift pass now includes a day over in La Plagne.<br />
<br />
So, if you're staying for a few days, it's worth taking the trip over to visit our neighbours on the other side of the valley.<br />
<br />
Some thoughts, based on our trips this season:<br />
<br />
<ol>
<li>At some point, there will be <a href="http://simon-lesarcs.blogspot.co.uk/2015/09/onwards-upwards-new-lifts-for-les-arcs.html">big changes</a> to the Montchavin/Les Coches lifts. For the moment, though, it's quite fiddly and time-consuming getting over to the La Plagne bowl. If you're coming from 1600/1800, get yourself up to the top of the Arpette or Derby lift first - so you can get a nice long ski in before you arrive at the Vanoise Express.</li>
<li>Despite the new <i>Colosses </i>lift at Plagne Bellecote, the queues on and off piste remain a nightmare, and the whole sector is really no place to linger. Better to take the <i>Inversens</i> chair to the top of the Roche de Mio and avoid this part of the resort altogether.</li>
<li>The blue run from the Roche de Mio underneath the <i>Carella </i>lift is quite something - beautiful scenery and a flattering, rolling piste. I find the runs on the Champagny side much more rewarding than those above Plagne Centre.</li>
<li>Go home just after lunch and avoid the end of day crowds on the pistes. Perhaps including lunch at the cosy <i>Pierres Blanches</i> restaurant. Make sure you take the super-relaxing blue via the Plan Bois area above Les Coches, which also includes a number of enticing piste-side restaurants</li>
</ol>
<div>
<a href="http://simon-lesarcs.blogspot.co.uk/2013/03/la-plagne-internet-tour.html">Click here</a> for more on La Plagne: cycling, skiing, history...</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPs6C-PZmZQKjtPdZX3Zwb6kvGJo5d2oUnD7t5wJ76wMBKSb1_RdZbFKu_ma_J3BuTJXZxgvW7c0yqE0i8H3WQaB3GSCUX5u05N0QB2uXvtHF19VCAz6cpK45pNJSQ3r-5_tItRz4nT1c3/s1600/749002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPs6C-PZmZQKjtPdZX3Zwb6kvGJo5d2oUnD7t5wJ76wMBKSb1_RdZbFKu_ma_J3BuTJXZxgvW7c0yqE0i8H3WQaB3GSCUX5u05N0QB2uXvtHF19VCAz6cpK45pNJSQ3r-5_tItRz4nT1c3/s320/749002.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Les Pierres Blanches - above Montchavin/Les Coches<br />
Photo via <a href="http://www.la-plagne.com/restauration/1/81017-restaurant-les-pierres-blanches.html">www.la-plagne.com</a></td></tr>
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<br />simonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11928897988496219954noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4124294332816071668.post-64135281238726151292016-12-29T15:49:00.002+00:002016-12-29T15:49:18.714+00:00EARLY SEASON IN LES ARCS: Could be worse<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
It's now the 3rd disappointing start to the ski season in a row. This week sees:</div>
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<ul>
<li>Thousands of seasonal workers <a href="http://www.ledauphine.com/savoie/2016/12/27/toujours-pas-de-flocons-a-l-horizon-pour-les-saisonniers-prives-d-emploi">out of work</a></li>
<li>Chamonix-based skiers crossing the border to ski in <a href="http://www.ledauphine.com/montagne/2016/12/23/trois-noel-sans-neige-a-moyenne-altitude-serie-inedite">Courmayeur</a></li>
<li>Mountain-biking and summer <a href="https://twitter.com/i/web/status/814163117227868160">walking trails</a> back on the agenda</li>
</ul>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi63AHuBt95h-5df6ngZu3zZ_szjLtaoLJWjN9OiEj6Mu_v_RJUFsQfRVnWhGBdP11z8ukkK70SJQ7nVdwVmx6T5_lM1ncYZQyF9vHIx6KIZS57KyI7YV2zPS9XS0LbAzEqE3uLFvuyjBOm/s1600/le-col-de-la-colombiere-est-accessible-en-voiture-depuis-hier-14-heures-le-bar-brasserie-sur-l-aile-droite-du-batiment-au-sommet-du-col-a-meme-ouvert-pour-l-occasion-1482952513.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi63AHuBt95h-5df6ngZu3zZ_szjLtaoLJWjN9OiEj6Mu_v_RJUFsQfRVnWhGBdP11z8ukkK70SJQ7nVdwVmx6T5_lM1ncYZQyF9vHIx6KIZS57KyI7YV2zPS9XS0LbAzEqE3uLFvuyjBOm/s320/le-col-de-la-colombiere-est-accessible-en-voiture-depuis-hier-14-heures-le-bar-brasserie-sur-l-aile-droite-du-batiment-au-sommet-du-col-a-meme-ouvert-pour-l-occasion-1482952513.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cyclists can get their bikes out of the garage and<br />
have a go at the Col de la Colombiere. <a href="http://www.ledauphine.com/haute-savoie/2016/12/28/la-route-du-col-de-la-colombiere-ouverte-jusqu-aux-prochaines-neiges">Le Dauphiné</a> says the<br />
locals have seen nothing like it since the 1960s</td></tr>
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Against this backdrop, things are looking quite good in Les Arcs. Val d'Isere & Tignes are also skiing well, as are the <a href="http://simon-lesarcs.blogspot.co.uk/2015/10/a-guide-to-slopes-where-to-ski-and.html">Haute Maurienne</a> resorts.</div>
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The November snowfalls were basically big enough to enable the pisteurs to protect the pistes above 2000m, while snowmaking has meant that you can still ski down to all the resorts. </div>
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The upshot is that:</div>
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<ul>
<li>Conditions in Arc 2000 are pretty good, while some of the slopes on the Peisey/1800/1600 side (such as Reches and Renard) are in decent shape. No skiing below Bois de l'Ours, which is near-unprecedented</li>
<li>You can ski over at La Plagne, where again the pistes in the main bowl above Plagne Centre/Bellecote are mostly open and skiing well. All Les Arcs ski passes for 3 days or more now include a day in La Plagne so this excursion is well worth considering...</li>
<li>...provided you can confidently ski red runs. The slopes in La Plagne are busier and more crowded, with skiers of varying abilities jostling for position. And the run down to the Vanoise Express is icy and downright dangerous at the end of the day</li>
</ul>
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Snow is on the horizon for next week, but it's not clear yet whether it will provide much by way of respite.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgZSfL8CsxnRAQ1Y9v0cGfpYfOn-CpBjqFL2gmRrf57CbKvUdZX2VKrJe0pu8MfkTn0-wjQ39ZH3Za4wqJIyzfnSfPvlh7ha9VwJby_uSikk3Sq3rLrgw7SPvQtcnCo8KTSJYXFovT-9UR/s1600/thumbnail_FullSizeRender-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgZSfL8CsxnRAQ1Y9v0cGfpYfOn-CpBjqFL2gmRrf57CbKvUdZX2VKrJe0pu8MfkTn0-wjQ39ZH3Za4wqJIyzfnSfPvlh7ha9VwJby_uSikk3Sq3rLrgw7SPvQtcnCo8KTSJYXFovT-9UR/s1600/thumbnail_FullSizeRender-3.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Arc 1800/1600 snowpark is up and running, 26 Dec</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPNjfDHWMiAUBDkemdhX-ymodlKcjbeSJ8azjhlW6BuEUAN3H9IAyLsfk16OhekfOV_5qn5qyLa7-PUMdxCVlyy_tL-Y8L0KFIqAnVyC77js6qST5QinrEuIjgLMVwLjQZILQVgatSpMJC/s1600/thumbnail_IMG_4487.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPNjfDHWMiAUBDkemdhX-ymodlKcjbeSJ8azjhlW6BuEUAN3H9IAyLsfk16OhekfOV_5qn5qyLa7-PUMdxCVlyy_tL-Y8L0KFIqAnVyC77js6qST5QinrEuIjgLMVwLjQZILQVgatSpMJC/s320/thumbnail_IMG_4487.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Arc 1800 <i>front de neige, </i>24 Dec</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQiM8uEaxIJ7O2b2j4bCD6ksZVO3fa9DHDlNEPZD9Q5ZsSLCPNxQVoefI4uaJ3U_n2CjtRqelEagvcwqligzJHvjg0O3j_r19pKxfTnyIBZrbpOw4eD06fYwMDunTIZb_oEkzt6kFCEx2I/s1600/thumbnail_IMG_4492.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQiM8uEaxIJ7O2b2j4bCD6ksZVO3fa9DHDlNEPZD9Q5ZsSLCPNxQVoefI4uaJ3U_n2CjtRqelEagvcwqligzJHvjg0O3j_r19pKxfTnyIBZrbpOw4eD06fYwMDunTIZb_oEkzt6kFCEx2I/s320/thumbnail_IMG_4492.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mont Blanc from Aiguille Rouge, 24 Dec</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDw0BxScp8FYBISu0R0Fx0H30pvqQMR4F6JVB3jlNSxJgGWfCplMbUGyDew5tNBGFyAwijRs1y9NgfmF5LYqs6jWQFMQ-FJxOOs6NOVGsFnRCH-l0UAazAbEG9cKHWdOVTczgJdMTLxB_B/s1600/thumbnail_FullSizeRender.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="273" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDw0BxScp8FYBISu0R0Fx0H30pvqQMR4F6JVB3jlNSxJgGWfCplMbUGyDew5tNBGFyAwijRs1y9NgfmF5LYqs6jWQFMQ-FJxOOs6NOVGsFnRCH-l0UAazAbEG9cKHWdOVTczgJdMTLxB_B/s640/thumbnail_FullSizeRender.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Panic on the slopes of La Plagne, 27 Dec</td></tr>
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simonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11928897988496219954noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4124294332816071668.post-78817606595188695392016-12-22T22:38:00.002+00:002016-12-22T22:39:47.991+00:00BACK TO BASICS: La GraveA resort worth watching this season is <a href="http://www.la-grave.com/winter/index.php">La Grave</a>.<br />
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For years it has been known as an epic off-piste destination - the complete opposite of its neighbours Les 2 Alpes, Alpe d'Huez and the ski factories further north.</div>
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It's just received recognition from <i>National Geographic</i>, who have placed it among its <a href="https://www.facebook.com/signaldelagrave/">Top Seven</a> resorts. There are any number of YouTube videos where you can inspect the skiing from your armchair: here is <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wlNC4WBi4eM">an example</a> to give you a flavour.</div>
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But its future is now in question: the ancient gondola lift is now in need of renovation - and the contract to run the set-up is now up for grabs.</div>
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Many fear this will lead to a takeover by one of the big lift companies, such as <i>Compagnie des Alpes</i>, heralding the end of its cherished status as THE unspoilt place to go.</div>
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A campaign has been launched. Although their bid to be on the list of bidders invited to put in a tender has failed, their mission to protect La Grave continues. Follow <a href="https://www.facebook.com/signaldelagrave/">Signal La Grave</a> on Facebook and Twitter for more.</div>
simonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11928897988496219954noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4124294332816071668.post-16190311099615246672016-11-12T15:19:00.002+00:002016-11-28T22:14:58.314+00:00NEW SKI SEASON: 10 Things To KnowNot long now until the start of the new season at Les Arcs. By way of an update:<br />
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<b>1. The Snow </b></div>
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It's here. Take a look at the <a href="http://en.lesarcs.com/webcams.html">Arc 1800 webcam</a>. At this time of the year the first snow can come too soon, then melting away to leave the resorts scratching around for snow. But one can be cautiously optimistic this year, as La Plagne already has 75cms on top: follow <a href="http://www.perso-laplagne.fr/">Perso La Plagne</a> for all the latest news on goings-on on the other side of the valley.</div>
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<b>2. The Film Festival</b></div>
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It's the 8th year of the annual season-opener - this time things kick-off on 10 December: all the details on the <a href="http://www.perso-laplagne.fr/">website</a>. There are some good accommodation deals as well.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKvS9Fs4hHeWaV3EBAmXektfQ39CBA4Qxu5meC1SF7gTlndeXGwQpxQbm5RXaG7TMn7NNR8o8hKQyvVVwQwuI87YYYriZ3yVL7J2M9E8dpwF-wdcWtr-v4kc6G9o5nL32AqoIwvK8r0HJR/s1600/Unknown.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKvS9Fs4hHeWaV3EBAmXektfQ39CBA4Qxu5meC1SF7gTlndeXGwQpxQbm5RXaG7TMn7NNR8o8hKQyvVVwQwuI87YYYriZ3yVL7J2M9E8dpwF-wdcWtr-v4kc6G9o5nL32AqoIwvK8r0HJR/s1600/Unknown.jpeg" /></a></div>
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<b>3. The Pisteurs</b></div>
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The Facebook sensation of Les Arcs over the last year. Their tails are now officially wagging, and there have been various updates in recent weeks.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieK0RlzBwmEkMllEuVjEU8mRg-uH0We3FWq8b5m5CBBNt5de47LzU81-827ik_ULwxahvvFQn87ATZxn7B9wqoBq_JKkgm7PUEH-Lb_zdDrxtuLEHm_qU8Feh8NkjaSc7UdmTnoYJvl4jj/s1600/14976568_1444745842219402_8473495602315829662_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieK0RlzBwmEkMllEuVjEU8mRg-uH0We3FWq8b5m5CBBNt5de47LzU81-827ik_ULwxahvvFQn87ATZxn7B9wqoBq_JKkgm7PUEH-Lb_zdDrxtuLEHm_qU8Feh8NkjaSc7UdmTnoYJvl4jj/s320/14976568_1444745842219402_8473495602315829662_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Click <a href="https://www.facebook.com/PSdArcs/">here</a> for the <i>Pisteurs' </i>Facebook Page</td></tr>
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It's well worth getting up early and joining them for the <a href="http://simon-lesarcs.blogspot.co.uk/2013/02/behind-scenes-les-pisteurs-des-arcs.html">First Tracks</a> tour - which runs once a week in season. Being up there before everyone else is quite something. Plus you can pick up some useful facts: they have 7 dogs and 26 piste bullies working on the slopes.</div>
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<b>4. The Pistes</b></div>
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Ski map and timetables are <a href="http://www.lesarcs.com/plan-des-pistes.html">here</a>. It annoys me that you have to look at the Paradiski map all the time, even though you are likely to be only skiing one resort. So here's an <a href="http://fr.slideshare.net/LesArcs1800/plan-des-pistes-les-arcs">old map</a> as well. This season will see increased snowmaking in the Villaroger area; there may also be a new lift at Pre Saint Esprit below Arc 2000: more on future plans for <a href="http://simon-lesarcs.blogspot.co.uk/2016/05/what-next-for-les-arcs-ski-area.html">here</a>. </div>
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<b>5. LA Radio Station</b></div>
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Also worth following on Facebook. <a href="http://simon-lesarcs.blogspot.co.uk/2016/09/la-radio-station.html">R' Les Arcs</a> provide regular updates including some super photos. You can even listen to them at home, thanks to the internet. The DJ likes The Cure.</div>
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<b>6. Le Marketing</b></div>
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This will be the first season for the new Les Arcs' logo. It's much better than the new Peisey one, and has tried to keep close to the resort's heritage.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3GqM9lkgO-O1HfjlB00rk9tRHn2_9STWDhPUVveqkzwTFhpXL49byW31eJPe-3oI17iQSglMYXLdKhBN9Dq6lIkxyDoT7XUBG6SDjLAJuXOr-HWnO19PRtXtkMBu_DeOTDtCihHBfgNkg/s1600/14138227_10153725194301759_601402565813039569_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="176" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3GqM9lkgO-O1HfjlB00rk9tRHn2_9STWDhPUVveqkzwTFhpXL49byW31eJPe-3oI17iQSglMYXLdKhBN9Dq6lIkxyDoT7XUBG6SDjLAJuXOr-HWnO19PRtXtkMBu_DeOTDtCihHBfgNkg/s400/14138227_10153725194301759_601402565813039569_o.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It's said that <a href="http://simon-lesarcs.blogspot.co.uk/2016/05/back-to-future-new-logo-for-les-arcs.html">200k€</a> was spent on the rebranding</td></tr>
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<b>7. The Artist</b><br />
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Pete Caswell has painted scenes at many European resorts, but is a particular fan of Tignes and Val d'Isere. And his <a href="http://fineartamerica.com/profiles/pete-caswell.html?tab=artworkgalleries&artworkgalleryid=625438">online gallery</a> includes a range of pictures of Les Arcs - such as this one charting the Grand Renard from the top of the Transarc:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja3KzF0HjAaBb3Bza8nFgAmFW3cSjeNC7eFLRHHSeKBrBa_VpuaRbKDeBphOOIEydmx-X62UTBMwwLjeLKvFAvO9lBNQkcjd3ICsYV0eSzctNo83QhxQ4Ze3kTqPDYr4-8OI5lFoQrZ_Eb/s1600/grand-re-pete-caswell.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="254" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja3KzF0HjAaBb3Bza8nFgAmFW3cSjeNC7eFLRHHSeKBrBa_VpuaRbKDeBphOOIEydmx-X62UTBMwwLjeLKvFAvO9lBNQkcjd3ICsYV0eSzctNo83QhxQ4Ze3kTqPDYr4-8OI5lFoQrZ_Eb/s320/grand-re-pete-caswell.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b>8. The Snow Artist</b><br />
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Simon Beck takes art one step further by leaving his prints in the actual snow. Les Arcs is where he creates his masterpiece. And the area just to the left of the Varet piste is a particular haunt of his. More on his work, including his sand creations in Somerset, <a href="http://simon-lesarcs.blogspot.co.uk/2014/11/snow-and-sand-art-simon-beck.html">here</a>.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSDvLW2-U_O0uocn4NZP8zAHjQ8YYvHt99AqLgkz8txifY4Y7YUSUAZo_9zYmVDkrKotS6lwCMZo2VhB_iEjsOd3KfdPGkSOV4oqDkMYTqhAWy3Wo9pAkHZscHT3Qmb0agfFcarGtI3zWd/s1600/sb0.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="232" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSDvLW2-U_O0uocn4NZP8zAHjQ8YYvHt99AqLgkz8txifY4Y7YUSUAZo_9zYmVDkrKotS6lwCMZo2VhB_iEjsOd3KfdPGkSOV4oqDkMYTqhAWy3Wo9pAkHZscHT3Qmb0agfFcarGtI3zWd/s320/sb0.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"The Most Famous Snow Artist in the Word". More <a href="http://snowart.gallery/see.php">here</a>.</td></tr>
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<b>9. The Ski Racer</b><br />
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David Poisson is a member of the Peisey-Vallandry club. His <a href="https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/David_Poisson">career</a> has been marred by injury, but he has had some real success, including bronze medal at the 2013 World Championships in Schladming.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc0sydr9V3CodkFSwH8zaLw-Wu_UH-cG6SROvoFHwUjJOTGYTWn_IFIMpvJkwMhJl0ba9v2MmS5x24dfj4lA9c7tFgvsWyQ6sVsr5OA0hUSg3-Cmg2uryP9yhZTnugx_X8yXwp7CW-BsNy/s1600/02096%25C2%25A9anapolitano20131-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="260" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc0sydr9V3CodkFSwH8zaLw-Wu_UH-cG6SROvoFHwUjJOTGYTWn_IFIMpvJkwMhJl0ba9v2MmS5x24dfj4lA9c7tFgvsWyQ6sVsr5OA0hUSg3-Cmg2uryP9yhZTnugx_X8yXwp7CW-BsNy/s320/02096%25C2%25A9anapolitano20131-1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Click <a href="http://video.eurosport.fr/ski-alpin/wengen/2015-2016/video-la-descente-de-david-poisson-a-wengen-6e_vid401026/video.shtml">here</a> to watch David achieve 6th place <br />
at the Lauberhorn race in Wengen, Jan 2016</td></tr>
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<b>10. The Snow Park</b><br />
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Les Arcs' snow park, located on the slopes between 1600 and 1800, gets better and better. It's just been recognised as the 3rd best venue in France - see this report from <a href="http://www.lequipe.fr/Adrenaline/Snowboard/Actualites/Les-10-meilleurs-snowparks-francais/752377?xtref=http://m.facebook.com">L'Equipe</a>. They write:<br />
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<i>When it comes to snowboarding, Les Arcs tends to be more associated with the backcountry. </i></div>
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<i>But its snow park has been growing in influence over the last 2-3 years - driven on by local skiers who are full of good ideas. The John Doe session at the end of the season is </i><br />
<i>the high point of its annual calendar.</i></div>
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<i>Les plus: </i>Originality of its layout, enabling you to ride in various different ways<br />
<i>Les moins:</i> Queues at the T-bar during peak season<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX1nzh5aYGemUU25fBCIm5hl3uJ7871Zp6cVIWt7mNiha3qdee-9m7twzgqgAMFLhB-Ip7o5CBmZoKYNSC6fw5Ob-2HHPpXJk2echa982SNr6NNk5Jy4H1suGSYxBrNEOGHtAk7ppbmuRt/s1600/photo-le-dl-1479674909-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX1nzh5aYGemUU25fBCIm5hl3uJ7871Zp6cVIWt7mNiha3qdee-9m7twzgqgAMFLhB-Ip7o5CBmZoKYNSC6fw5Ob-2HHPpXJk2echa982SNr6NNk5Jy4H1suGSYxBrNEOGHtAk7ppbmuRt/s320/photo-le-dl-1479674909-1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Philippe Gillot in front of his machine<br />
Source: <a href="http://www.ledauphine.com/savoie/2016/11/20/sur-les-pistes-c-est-lui-le-boss">Le Dauphiné</a></td></tr>
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The snow park is kept in order by piste-bully driver Philippe Gillot, 36. A native of Bourg Saint Maurice, he has been working the pistes for 20 years. He was one of the few to show much interest in organising and shaping the park. He now follows in his father's footsteps by working the summer at top Chilean resort (and Les Arcs lookalike) <a href="http://www.vallenevado.com/en/">Valle Nevado</a>.</div>
simonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11928897988496219954noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4124294332816071668.post-40834821573760657092016-10-22T10:51:00.001+01:002016-10-22T23:34:46.743+01:00TICKET TO RIDEBy way of a post-script to this blog's important guide to pop videos <a href="http://simon-lesarcs.blogspot.co.uk/2012/02/thank-you-for-music-alpine-pop-videos.html">filmed on the slopes:</a>:<br />
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The Beatles' <a href="https://www.beatlesbible.com/songs/ticket-to-ride/">Ticket to Ride</a>, filmed on the Austrian slopes of <a href="http://www.obertauern.com/en.html">Obertauern</a>, sees the fab four on skis, I believe for the first time. Amateur instructors will approve of their can-do attitude, and developing technique. I am sure there is a Stem Christie turn in there somewhere.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpJjLM6Fbk51VTZq5g2Prru_jrkoYp6gEX0wx9IkOG56dLmsaR0K-gq0vYq8WulAC3PvVK9hN-IMrVpNqH_dI2PbwSrRSU2OY6eJafv4fnl-62sk2TpJvpZjHAmW9T5m0Lx1HQa0WKVYp-/s1600/Unknown-5.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpJjLM6Fbk51VTZq5g2Prru_jrkoYp6gEX0wx9IkOG56dLmsaR0K-gq0vYq8WulAC3PvVK9hN-IMrVpNqH_dI2PbwSrRSU2OY6eJafv4fnl-62sk2TpJvpZjHAmW9T5m0Lx1HQa0WKVYp-/s1600/Unknown-5.jpeg" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVRsMNA6_iRlKuR6AKzxHIhQOIsHJXEEzphIrcrLsceuiVldjkSZ_8naLeTh1vgSDO8J1aV7j4tct_c_o-pRezvcGOQ8lcC6F9kxoDgLBwdoecbXE5Uo8sh-5cH2p8psz5R4lCr71q-mGa/s1600/Unknown-1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVRsMNA6_iRlKuR6AKzxHIhQOIsHJXEEzphIrcrLsceuiVldjkSZ_8naLeTh1vgSDO8J1aV7j4tct_c_o-pRezvcGOQ8lcC6F9kxoDgLBwdoecbXE5Uo8sh-5cH2p8psz5R4lCr71q-mGa/s1600/Unknown-1.jpeg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Click <a href="https://vimeo.com/69813066">here</a> to see the video</td></tr>
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Forty years on, the place to re-live such an ambiance is of course <b>Les Arcs</b>. Here is <i>le pianist des neiges</i> at Arc 1800 a couple of years ago:<br />
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<br />simonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11928897988496219954noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4124294332816071668.post-77613240261692759152016-10-22T10:33:00.001+01:002017-07-11T21:33:19.824+01:00ARMCHAIR SKIING: Mountain BlogsWith the season not too far away, a handy guide to <a href="https://www.igoski.co.uk/blog/archive/best-ski-blog">ski blogs</a> has duly appear on the <a href="https://twitter.com/igoski?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor">IGoSki</a> site. It sees ski writers nominating their favourite blogs: a big thank you to our friends at <a href="http://www.skipedia.co.uk/">Skipedia</a> for nominating this site.<br />
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Out in front is the backcountry <a href="https://www.wildsnow.com/">WildSnow</a> blog (<a href="https://twitter.com/wildsnow?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor">@wildsnow</a>). Its focus is on North American slopes; for some wild skiing closer to home, you could do far worse than start in the Tarentaise and strike out from the wonderful base station that is <a href="http://simon-lesarcs.blogspot.co.uk/2013/05/ste-foy-tarentaise-part-3-on-piste.html">Sainte-Foy</a>!<br />
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simonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11928897988496219954noreply@blogger.com0