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Inspirations
09 March 2023
The winter holidays may have ended, but the ski season is far from over in the mountains. March and April are the perfect time to escape to the great outdoors and treat yourself to a bowl of fresh air, even if it is just for a short break! Here are our best (ski) tips for a weekend of skiing.
To avoid spending too much time in traffic, a short break requires a destination that is easily accessible. One that is close to a motorway exit, where comfort and quick access are guaranteed. Megève is one such resort, just 20 minutes away from the A40 exit. So is Morzine, half an hour away from the same motorway.
In Tarentaise, road access was made easier for the Albertville Winter Olympics and has now improved even further, bringing ski resorts closer to large urban areas such as Lyon and Grenoble. Resorts in Les 3 Vallées – Méribel, Courchevel, Saint Martin de Belleville – are a 2.5 hour drive from Lyon. A little further up the road, the funicular in Bourg Saint Maurice takes you Les Arcs in 7 minutes. A fast and easy way to reach high altitude resorts, while keeping your carbon footprint low.
The coming and going of holidaymakers on Saturdays results in “empty slopes” in most resorts, which is great news for those of us who enjoy skiing those vast areas in peace. To compensate and to attract skiers on this day, lots of resorts offer price discounts, from 20% to 50%, on ski passes for Saturdays, Sundays, and even on weekend passes.
To make sure you don’t miss out on these special prices, buy your ski pass from the resort’s online shop: L’Alpe d’Huez, Les Menuires/Saint Martin de Belleville, Val Thorens, Morzine/Les Gets. The rechargeable card, which can be used in many resorts, provides direct access to the ski lifts.
Another tip: go to passesmontagne.fr to discover a host of special deals, some of which are negotiated directly by the platform.
Fewer skiers on the slopes and more available ski instructors: the weekend is undeniably the best time for beginners to hone their skills. Free-flowing traffic at the ski lifts and decongested slopes make for stress-free learning. The (almost) empty slopes are yours!
In ski schools, ski instructors are also more available for private lessons. As a beginner, or when you are trying to improve, nothing comes close to a private lesson with an instructor who is 100% devoted to a single learner.
March and April are the perfect months for a weekend combining skiing with partying. The calendar is sure to spice up your weekend and bring some much needed heat to the winter, thanks to events that are not only sporty, but bags of fun, and bring together locals, old-timers, and newbies.
In March, snow and live music combine for the Rock the Pistes festival spread out all across the Portes du Soleil ski area. High-altitude stages, revellers on skis, big names from the electronic, rock, and pop scenes… A bold project that has clearly paid off, with the festival attracting over 20,000 festivalgoers every year. For a short break, choose the 1-day ski/concert pass (to see Martin Solveig on Sunday 12th of March in Morzine-Les-Gets, for instance).
On the 21st, 22nd, and 23rd of March, electronic music takes its spring residence at 2,300 metres for the Festival’Tho. Outdoor stages set up at the Chalets du Thorens and 360° Bar will welcome select DJ sets in a relaxed and (very) festive atmosphere.
In early April, put your skis back on for the 3 Vallées Enduro. This amateur event, spread out across the entire ski area, sees 1000 skiers face off in teams of 4 for 11 special races that will test their skills in every aspect of skiing: from biathlon to speed skiing, from ski-cross to ski-mountaineering.
©MATTHIEU VITRÉ
A short break is also an opportunity to escape to the mountain without the hefty price tag!
Cimaples has concocted a selection of short breaks in a number of alpine destinations just for you. And since we like our clients to be pampered, we are treating you to one complimentary admission per person to the resort’s wellness centre when you book a break between the 9th and 19th of March.
Megève: Fanny à la Montagne
Fanny à La Montagne is large family-friendly chalet offering panoramic views of the Mont-Blanc, just a stone’s throw away from the Princess gondola. Boasting enough room to sleep 11 people, it is the perfect property for a holiday with friends or family. Complimentary access to the Palais wellness area.
Price: from 5,357€ for 4 nights.
Courchevel Village: Alpamayor Illi
In the brand new Alpamayor residence, Illi is a duplex apartment with a modern alpine style that we just love. Boasting 4 double or twin rooms and 2 bathrooms, it can sleep 8 people.
Complimentary access to the Aquamotion wellness area.
Price: from 3,571€ for 4 nights.
Arc 1950: Refuge du Montagnard 464
High-altitude, sun-drenched, pedestrian, Les Arcs 1950 has all the assets to seduce. If the Paradiski ski area and its 425 km of slopes aren’t enough, then head to residence’s wellness area. Le Refuge du Montagnard can sleep 5 people in its traditional alpine setting.
Price: from 1,357€ for 4 nights.
Val Thorens : Niverolles 24
In the heart of Europe's highest resort, this spacious 110m² flat offers an incredible panorama of the iconic peaks of Val Thorens and all the comfort you need for your holiday.
It's not too late to enjoy some great skiing in the 3 Valleys area.
Access to the Board Centre Sportifs offered.
Price: form 3.314€ for 4 nights.
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115 sq.m
Essential (Self-catered)