FRANCK PICCARD. Just shake it! THE STORY OF : 30 YEARS ON! Press Pack

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1 Just shake it! Feature PAGE 18 GUARANTEED SNOW Press Pack Skiing PAGE 10 An Olympic resort SPECIAL EDITION WINTER 2017/18 CONTACTS Tourist Information in Les Saisies PR - Fabienne Roux + 33 (0) f.roux@lessaisies.com DUODECIM PR & MEDIA CONSULTANTS Amélie Penz & Alyse Zajackowski Lake Annecy, Paris, Saint-Jean-de-Luz +33 (0) / +33 (0) contact@duodecim.com THE STORY OF FRANCK PICCARD Our thanks to l Equipe Magazine, a source of inspiration for this press pack. Photo credits: ZOOM, Monica Dalmasso, Kässbohrer, Le Calgary, Patrick Somelet, Saga des Saisies - Edouard Meunier, Expérience Mushing, Laurent Peugeot, Fotolia - Graphic design: - Print: Photoplan : 30 YEARS ON! Meet the man himself PAGE 6

2 INTRODUCTION Rendez-vous on home ground FACTS AND FIGURES 192 km of ski slopes 151 runs Gentle or more sporty skiing 85 lifts 40% of the area covered by artificial snow-making facilities Les Saisies & THE ESPACE DIAMANT SKI AREA T his winter, Franck Piccard - Super-G Olympic champion in Calgary (Canada) in celebrates the 30 th anniversary of his historic victory. As passionate and as radiant as he was in his youth, today Franck Piccard pays tribute to les Saisies, a resort that he has watched develop and for which he boasts unconditional love. Regardless of the period in his life, for Franck everything stems from Les Saisies. He grew up here, like his parents and now his children. After travelling the most prestigious resorts on the planet during his career, he always returned to Les Saisies. An honest, sincere and truly faithful man, Frank shows a genuine love for his resort. «Les Saisies brings together everything I love; the mountains, a preserved environment, plenty of sunshine and a choice of slopes for every level and every generation. The list goes on... One can ski here without constraint or restraint. The panorama offers superb views of the Beaufortain, Chablais, Aravis, Mont Blanc and even the Vercors. Where could be better? And to those who still doubt the difficulty of the skiing, he answers «the slopes in Les Saisies were sufficiently steep and technical to train an Olympic champion!». His life is here, his roots, his routine, his family, his shop and his hotel! Today, Les Saisies is a far cry from the tiny resort of his 70s childhood with its 3 ski lifts and 25 chalets. Over the years Les Saisies has developed successfully combining tourism and environmental protection. The resort has managed to preserve its valleys and even enhance pastoral activities with the production of AOP Beaufort cheese. Its natural riches and solid foundations have contributed to the prevention of mass tourist development. From a structural point of view, the 1992 Olympic Games in Albertville helped to embellish the resort. Practically unheard of before the games, Les Saisies gained in notoriety, becoming the most internationally renowned small resort. After the limelight of the games, Les Saisies developed an excellent reputation as a land of cross-country skiing. Franck however dreamt of giving the resort another dimension, creating a year-round biathlon Stadium and a roller-ski track to definitively establish Les Saisies as a true sports resort. Such projects were later built around the development of the iconic Signal pool and leisure complex. Ambitious, yet aware, in the development of the resort, Franck Piccard was of unconditional support in the Espace Diamant project to link Les Saisies to 5 nearby resorts, expanding the skiing potential to almost 200 km of slopes. He now hopes to further extend towards the neighbouring resort of Les Contamines. «Links with nearby resorts, preventing extreme strain on the environment, are far more beneficial than outrageous development on all sides of our mountains. The ability to look forward whilst respecting traditional values and past history has been a guideline during my career and private life». «I VE SKIED RESORTS AROUND THE GLOBE BUT LES SAISIES REMAINS, IN MY OPINION, THE BEST RESORT IN THE WORLD!» OPENING DATES: The weekend of 9 th and 10 th December 2017, the weekend of 16 th and 17 th December 2017 and from 23 rd December 2017 to 27 th April DIRECTION President Bruno Clément Assistant Fabienne Roux EDITORIAL Editorial directors Alyse Zajackowski et Amélie Penz Content Sandra Padovani et Mélanie Pontet EDITION Artistic direction Panplume Print Photoplan ADMIN Advertising, subscriptions and complaints Laura Braize 3

3 CONTENTS OUR FAVOURITES INTRODUCTION O SKIING 16 ON TOP FORM OLYMPIC NORDIC FACILITIES 14 6 A SUCCESS STORY «In 2016, I became aware of the importance of my Olympic title» 18 FEATURE Guaranteed snow, a case for the experts 4 5

4 A SUCCESS STORY Franck Piccard «In 2016, I became aware of the importance of my Olympic title» 1988/2018: 30 years since Franck Piccard won an Olympic gold medal! To mark the occasion, our new winter press pack includes a special feature on this exceptional man and superb athlete. 7 6

5 INTERVIEW STORY Franck Piccard can be talkative when asked about his family, music or places to discover in the Beaufortain region. However, this exercise proves a little more difficult when asked to talk about himself, his career. And yet, the life of the Olympic champion is simply fascinating. Were you always aware of the value of your Olympic title? Not at all. I became aware of it in 2016 when I received a photo of the Nakiska drag lift that gave access to the last metres of the Descent in Calgary. From here I worked backwards: research on the internet, videos on Youtube etc. It was the first time in my life that I revisited these Olympic Games. This Olympic title was my dream but, once won, I immediately refocused on the Albertville Games. Almost 30 years later, I discovered the true value of my Olympic victory. Did the Albertville Olympic Games have more impact? Albertville was more memorable but I was more apprehensive. The pressure was unbearable for 4 years prior to the event. Calgary was more athletic, physical, technical. My silver medal in Albertville shadowed my Calgary title. After the Calgary Olympics, I didn t get time to savor what I had just achieved, my childhood dream. Instead, I moved straight on to my next challenge. Who put this dream into your head as a child? No one. Ever since I was a kid, I wanted to become Olympic champion, without knowing what it meant or what such a title entailed. My competitive spirit was inborn. I am the eldest child in a family of 7 children, 6 of whom enjoyed competitive skiing. Today, my children evolve in the same environment. I allow them to live the experience, my role being one of safeguard and support. However incredible it may sound, I am unable to watch them from the side of the slope, afraid of injury or disappointment. I feel responsible for their passion even though there are worse passions to have! «IF I HAD THE CHANCE TO DO IT AGAIN, I D GAIN THOSE 5 HUNDREDTHS OF A SECOND THAT I WAS MISSING IN ALBERTVILLE» Do you consider yourself as the leader of a long line of French champions? This is one of the stories I love. I arrived on the scene 20 years after Jean-Claude Killy. French downhill skiing was in a poor state when I became Olympic champion. After me, several French skiers were successful including Luc Alphand, Fred Covilli and Antoine Déneriaz. Maybe I was the first of a new generation of successful skiers to have unintentionally revived the French ski team? Are you a great supporter of the French team? I keep an eye on things from afar! To tell you the truth, I m more interested in the results of our cross-country skiers and biathletes. These days, I hardly ever attend downhill ski races, even in France. They are incompatible with my crosscountry ski programme! I do however admire today s skiers and dream of skiing like them! And if you had a second chance? I have absolutely no regrets but I would change a lot of things. I would follow things through. I would set my sights even higher and gain the 5 hundredths of a second I was missing at the Albertville Olympics. Victories to his name Super-G Olympic Champion in Calgary 1988 Olympic bronze medalist in Descent in Calgary 1988 Olympic silver medalist in Descent in Albertville (Val D ISERE) rd place in Super-G at the World Championships in Saakbach (Austria) victories on the World Cup circuit FLASHBACK... TO 1988! Old school race suits and prehistoric ski gear In Calgary, my kit included a white race suit and a fur hooded jacket. Our skis were 2,30 metres long, we had no back protection and out helmets were without foam! The Prost / Senna dual The pragmatic and cartesian character of Prost inspired me in the adjustment of my equipment whereas the instinct and the mastery of Senna inspired me in my racing technique. The re-election of President Mitterrand President Mitterand presented me with the Legion of Honor after my Olympic victory in Calgary. Ben Jonshon, victorious in the 100 metres at the Seoul Olympics, before being disqualified for doping After my winter Olympic title, I was invited to the summer Olympic Games. My wife and I slept in the stands to ensure that we didn t miss anything! In fact, one of my regrets after my silver medal in Albertville was not being invited to the Olympic Games in Barcelona! The launch of Sega s Mega Drive I was never a fan of gaming, unlike Luc Alphand and Jean Luc Cretier. Our coach once told them: «as long as you continue to spend your energy playing video games, you won t win». Low and behold, when they stopped playing, or played less, their results improved The creation of the CAC 40 No, Piccard Sports isn t on the CAC 40 French stock market index! The stock market isn t my cup of tea, I m a more hands-on man! Georges Bush elected president of the USA I remember his son better. For the books, my dad is a great fan of the United States. We children all have American names: Frank - like Sinatra, John - like Kennedy but also Ted, Jeff and Carl. 8 9

6 SKIING In the footsteps of an Olympic champion The ski area in Les Saisies is a source of inspiration for Franck Piccard and more than 110,000 holidaymakers every winter. Nestled at the foot of Mont- Blanc, between the Beaufortain and Aravis mountain ranges, the Espace Diamant ski area boasts exceptional snow conditions and skiing of every shape and form for every level of skier, between 1000 and 2000 metres altitude. A snow-covered paradise that combines the charm of 6 different ski-in, ski-out resorts. 10 SKI WITH FRANCK PICCARD Challenge the man himself! On 21 st February 1988, Franck Piccard became the Olympic Super-G champion. To mark the 30 th anniversary of this event, Les Saisies pays him tribute and offers holidaymakers a unique opportunity to meet the champion. On 21 s t February 2018, 30 years to the day, come and challenge Frank Piccard on a giant slalom run where he will perform the time of reference. Contact: Tourist Information in Les Saisies (0) Ski Weekend: 31 st March & 1 st April Have the man to yourself! The concept is simple, just take part in the prize draw on the resort s facebook page. On the programme for the lucky winners: half board accommodation for one night at at the Hotel Calgary, ski passes and equipment plus a day on the slopes with Franck Piccard! Contact: Tourist Information in Les Saisies (0) SOME OF FRANCK S FAVOURITES... The slope where he started: the Legette run, one of the first runs created in resort is located just behind his parents chalet. His favourite itinerary: the Chozal run down towards Hauteluce a long, steep run across natural terrain and amidst traditional farmhouses. His favourite emblematic character: Erwin Eckl, founder of resort, who arrived in Les Saisies in 1936 after escaping the Nazi regime in Austria. He built a hotel here when there was barely a road and became a permanent resident. BREAKING NEWS Slow Ski in Les Saisies To reassure novice skiers, les Saisies has developed new apprentice ski areas! The Aiglon run is now adapted and dedicated to slow skiing. 500 metres long, it is easily accessible via the Aiglon drag lift. A no stress facility to help you improve your turns! When the PRICE is RIGHT! Enjoy à la carte skiing in Les Saisies and pay what you ski: points card, 2 hour ski pass etc. CHRISTMAS PACKAGE Learn to ski in Les Saisies! This superb gift for novice skiers in search of snow-covered landscapes includes accommodation, a 6 day Les Saisies ski pass, equipment rental and ski lessons.*offer subject to specific conditions. Rates: from 449 / adult and 399/ child. Dates: from 23 rd to 30 th December 2017 Contact: Reservations +33 (0) SKI CONNECTED! Live information 24/7! Touchscreens and interactive maps provide visitors with live resort information 24/7. Click and find a place to eat, sleep and have fun! Plus, our postcard tabs enable holidaymakers to share photos on the social network. Contact: Tourist Information in les Saisies +33 (0) NEW Hot spot photo Capture the moment... Take a life-size selfie with friends or family at the top of the Bellasta chairlift. The photo is instantly uploaded onto your smartphone. Contact: Tourist Information in les Saisies +33 (0) NEW Elfik park A fairytale wind blows on the snow-park in Les Saisies, now known as the Elfik park - a playful universe, home to elves, creatures of the forest and Snoot the mascot! This 3 hectare area is specifically designed for families. On the programme: the snootcross - with its banked corners and tree trunk-shaped tunnels, giant mushrooms and playful sound modules. For younger children, the fun run through the forest has also been improved, now with wider passageways and new modules. Contact: Tourist Information in les Saisies +33 (0) NEW VIP entertainment This winter, Espace Diamant season ski pass holders can enjoy a VIP day of entertainment including food tastings, yoga sessions, ski tests and an introduction to telemark skiing under the watchful eye of Franck Piccard! Contact: Les Saisies ski lift company 11

7 OUR FAVOURITES EAT AND SLEEP chez Franck Piccard! SPECIAL OFFER - FREE ACCOMMODATION IN LES SAISIES! From 6 t h to 20 th January 2018, the resort provides free accommodation when you purchase 4 six day Espace Diamant ski passes and 4 adult aquapasses. Offer subject to specific conditions. Rates: from 995 Contact: Reservations + 33 (0) Enjoy great quality food and board in Les Saisies. Comfort, pleasure and luxury don t always rhyme with star ratings and high prices Keep it in the family! René, the father and retired ski instructor; Franck, the son and triple Olympic champion; Leila, bronze medalist at the World Championships in 1997, John, French Super-Combined champion, Ted, successful on the World Cup skicross circuit, Jeff, bronze medalist in the junior World Championships... Followed closely by Franck s 5 children; Hortense, Lucie, Sixtine, Elliot and Eléonore. LE CALGARY : FRANCK PICCARD S HOTEL! In 1988, Franck Piccard became Olympic Super-G champion in Calgary, a name he later gave to his hotel in Les Saisies. This 3* family run boutique hotel and restaurant is renowned for its gourmet cuisine and panoramic terrace. It also boasts a bar, lounge, indoor pool, sauna, hammam and Jacuzzi. An absolute must: The Franck Piccard Suite, on the top floor, with views of Mont Bisanne and the Beaufortain range. This 80 m 2 suite, decorated with a selection of the champion s trophies, offers 2 bedrooms, a lounge, dining area, dressing room, a large bathroom with bath and shower. Rates : ½ board from 105 to 131 per adult/day. From 72 to 89 for children. Supplement for the Franck Piccard Suite: 140/day. New 30s Package - Inclusive of ½ board accommodation in the Franck Piccard Suite at the 3* Hotel Calgary + a 6 day ski pass + ski equipment rental from Piccard Sports. Price from 2284 per couple. Contact : - Reservations +33 (0) STOP OVER AT FRANCK S! At Chalet Eléonore The Piccard family chalet has been transformed into a Guest House. Each bedroom is different and named after one of the Piccard children. An absolute must: breakfast with homemade jams, local farmhouse butter and mature beaufort cheese. An authentic and cozy mountain atmosphere. Open all year. Rooms for 2 to 4 people. Price: 78 to 130, bed & breakfast. UNIQUE Franck Piccard Package, from 17 th to 24 th February Inclusive of accommodation in Chalet Eléanore + a 1 hour VIP ski lesson with Franck s younger sister Leila Piccard, bronze medalist at the 1997 World Championships and the mistress of the house! Contact: +33 (0) MOUTH-WATERING IDEAS NEW La Ferme du Chozal**** Gourmet & Spa Simple luxury is the motto and reputation of the house. For the first time this winter guests can admire the snow-covered peaks from the heated outdoor pool. After a little relaxation, head to the restaurant for a gourmet encounter with the new Maître- Restaurateur, Jérémie Jobard. This globetrotting chef is a fan of local seasonal farmhouse produce, which he subtly combines to create gourmet, inventive and quite surprising dishes! Contact: (0) ON THE AGENDA Bon App & Ski, Sunday 28 th January 2018 Enjoy a Sunday on the slopes of Les Saisies with demonstrations and food tastings in the company of Laurent Peugeot, chef at the Table des Armaillis! NEW «La table des Armaillis» The Michelin star chef Laurent Peugeot, at the head of this new gourmet restaurant in Les Saisies, is constantly in search of new flavours to inspire his cuisine. At the Table des Armaillis, he has chosen to revisit dishes and wines from the alpine arc, adding a touch of modernity to local produce. Traditional dishes are reinterpreted with new colours and textures in the quest for a Michelin star. Official opening on 15 th December Information at: (0) NEW Gourmet picnic! Good quality food at all times... even in the picnic basket! This winter, La Table des Armaillis proposes a take-away lunch menu composed of a selection of dishes from the restaurant. NEW Delicatessen Choose from a range of exceptional local produce including cheese, delicatessen and some of the best regional wines and liqueurs

8 CLIMBING THE RANKS LABEL NORDIC FRANCE OLYMPIC NORDIC FACILITIES World-famous for having hosted the Nordic ski events (crosscountry skiing and biathlon) during the Albertville Olympics in 1992, the resort of Les Saisies continues to develop its facilities. The Nordic ski area is one of the largest and highest in Europe, situated between 1,600m and 1,700m altitude. Today it offers 120 kilometres of trails and 17 different itineraries through forests and across snowcovered landscapes. Certified Nordic France, the Nordic area in Les Saisies boasts an Olympic biathlon stadium, a Nordic Park, a fun circuit for kids and 11 snowshoe itineraries along 45 kilometres of signposted trails. 14 SPECIAL OLYMPIC OFFER This winter, to celebrate the participation of a local biathlete, Justine Braisaz, at the 2018 Olympic Games, Les Saisies organizes free introductory sessions to laser biathlon run by triple World Championship medalist, Xavier Blond and his team of professionals. Dates: every Sunday during the Christmas and February half-term holidays. Meeting point on the Nordic field. An absolute must: Come and enjoy a free introduction to biathlon with Justine Braisaz, resort Ambassador and Vice-World Biathlon Champion in the relay event. Date : 24 th December. Enroll at Tourist Information in Les Saisies: + 33 (0) Trail running and cross-country skiing in an Olympic Nordic area Enjoy a course that combines an introduction to snow trailing and cross-country skiing - 4 days of professional advice and preparation including technique, physical training and endurance. This course, accessible to novice sportsmen and women, is enhanced by moments of pure well-being including free access to the hotel spa and pool. A great way to improve your stamina whilst benefitting from a total change of scenery. Dates: March Price from: 680/ person. Limited numbers : 8 to 12 people. Contact: Caroline Freslon-Bette at caroline.freslon@5eme-element.fr «IN 1992, THANKS TO THE ALBERTVILLE OLYMPICS, LES SAISIES BECAME THE MOST INTERNATIONALLY RENOWNED SMALL RESORT» FREE & FUN Nordic skiing! Located at the entrance to the Nordic area, the beginner s zone boasts a 1 km green circuit and a fun Nordic park with moguls, banked corners and a rope lift. Plus: Your downhill ski pass gives you free access to the Nordic area! Les marmottons - a cross-country ski run, exclusively for kids Children age 5 to 10 can enjoy a fun introduction to cross-country skiing in the form of a treasure hunt. The aim of the game? To find the beacons and solve the clues along this 4 km trail. Plus: access to the Nordic ski area is free of charge for children under the age of 6. Contact: Tourist Information in Les Saisies: + 33 (0) Baby Mushing an activity with a lot of bite! Elsa Jougla, the only female musher in the region, runs introductory courses in the Baby Park for children age 3 to 7. Small size sleds, adapted for a child s use, are harnessed to a dog. Each sled is equipped with a large break, adjustable handlebars and non-slip footrests. Children rapidly find their balance and learn the basics - how to turn and stop, using the words Gee and Hoooo. This activity takes place along a safe and well adapted circuit. Participants are divided into 5 different levels, from novice to advanced. Price: 45 per child for a 2 hour session. Contact: Elsa Jougla // Expérience Mushing + 33 (0) elsa.jougla@wanadoo.fr INDENTITY CARD D.O.B. 17/09/1964 Place of birth: Albertville Height: 1.75m Weight: 69 kg Kids Fat Bike Children can enjoy a safe introduction to Fat Bike on the novice circuit at Signal. 20 and 24 mountain bikes are available for rental. The only condition: you measure at least 1 m 15 in height! Rental rates: 18 / 1 hour, 22 / 2 hours, 28 / 3 hours 30 / 1/2 day. Contact: (0) (0) «CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING AND MY PASSION FOR LONG DISTANCE RACES LED ME FROM LES SAISIES TO SIBERIA! SPORT IS THE BALANCE IN MY LIFE» NEW Evening toboggan run Ride to the summit of Mont Bisanne when the slopes close. Adrenaline seekers will enjoy this 2 km downhill toboggan run in the company of a member of the resort staff. Plus, the more contemplative will appreciate the Mont-Blanc turning pink as the sun goes down. Activity possible once a week in January and February. Sledges provided and helmets compulsory. Contact: Tourist Information in Les Saisies: +33 (0)

9 ON TOP FORM A CUTTING EDGE POOL & SPORTS COMPLEX Le Signal With its hypoxic chamber, its different sports facilities and vast natural surroundings, Les Saisies is considered to be a privileged training centre for high level athletes, including the French ski, boxing and canoe-kayak teams. The pool complex, with its unique architecture and glass frontage offering maximum sunlight and breathtaking 360 views of the surrounding mountains, is equipped with two counter-current swim lanes, a large fun pool with jets, a river, bubble benches and an area dedicated to small children. At night, the subdued and more intimate atmosphere encourages apres-ski relaxation whilst the sun sets on the mountains. Last but not least, enjoy a moment of relaxation at the wellness centre. Combine a sauna, steam bath and Jacuzzi with a choice of à la carte beauty treatments and modelling massages by Sothys and Estime & Sens, a new organic product range! The multi-sports hall, for individual and team sports, boasts badminton, volleyball, squash and basketball courts. The hall is also equipped with a climbing wall. Tournaments, fitness sessions, pilates, circuit training, aqua bike and aquagym sessions are proposed on a daily basis. Comprehensive exercise programmes are organized at the gym, to ensure optimal use of the equipment. For après ski entertainment, the 1650 boasts a 6 lane 10 pin bowling alley, lounge bar and restaurant open all day for breakfast, lunch, snacks and dinner. The leisure centre is also designed to host business conferences and large events such as weddings or professional shows. Sports facilities and pool complex Contact: Le Signal +33 (0) Entertainment and events Contact: Le (0) SPECIAL OFFER Ready, steady splash! For every booking via our Reservations Centre, the resort offers you breakfast on the terrace and an entry to the Signal pool complex on your arrival day. A great way to start your holiday! Offer valid for arrivals on Saturday before noon, between 23/12/17 and 21/04/18. Contact: Tourist Information in Les Saisies +33 (0) For every 6 day (or more) Espace Diamond ski pass bought online, receive a free entry to the Signal pool complex. Contact: The Ski Lift Company in Les Saisies A HYPOXIC CHAMBER UNIQUE IN FRANCE NEW Boost your red blood cells! Only two hypoxic chambers exist in France, one in Les Saisies and the other at the l INSEP centre in Prémanon. Previously reserved for high-level athletes to boost their performance and for mountaineers in preparation of a climb, the hypoxic chamber in Les Saisies now opens its doors to the general public. By artificially recreating high altitude conditions and reduced oxygen levels, the immersion in a hypoxic chamber pushes the body to react and adapt resulting in the stimulation of hematological, respiratory and metabolic functions. A great opportunity to improve your form! Rates: 25 per hypoxia session + access to the gym, 40 inclusive of access to the wellness area. Information and reservations at: (0) Health & Fitness Package This winter in Les Saisies, come and discover the benefits of a session in a hypoxic chamber. A personal interview with a coach enables you to aim for specific targets. A unique experience, stimulating for both body and mind! Price: from 149,50 per person inclusive of 3 sessions in a hypoxic chamber, access to the gym and the wellness area at the Signal leisure centre plus a 20 minute toning treatment. Dates: from 6 th January to 3 rd February and from 4 th March to 28 th April 2018 Information & reservations at: reservation@lessaisies.com or + 33 (0) Christmas Trail Race: the launch of the snow trailing season! The 8 th edition of this event is due to take place in Les Saisies on 17 th December On the programme: a choice of 2 different circuits, 10 or 25 km, along groomed trails and in the powder. Experience an atmosphere similar to that of the Great North, the Mont-Blanc in the backdrop. Difference in altitude on circuit 1 (10 km): +/- 530 metres Difference in altitude on circuit 2 (30 km): +/ metres 10 km (14 +) km (18 + ) 18 Enroll at Tourist Information in Les Saisies (0) Christmas Trail Special Offer ½ board accommodation in a 2* hotel on 16 th December. Price: 143 / 2 people 3* hotel accommodation also possible. Contact: Reservations (0) RECENT RESEARCH SHOWS THE BENEFITS OF HYPOXIA ON GENERAL WELL-BEING. CERTAIN PROCEDURES, ACCESSIBLE TO ALL, ARE PRESENTLY BEING EXAMINED AT THE UNIVERSITY OF SAVOIE

10 FEATURE A JOB FOR THE EXPERTS Guaranteed snow The art of snow-making in Les Saisies Snowfarming in Les Saisies, an innovative concept straight from the North! Les Saisies boasts 7000 m 3 of snow even before the arrival of winter. How come? Through a unique eco-friendly snow storage process, developed in Scandinavia. Snow harvested late in the season is covered with a mix of sawdust to insulate it from the elements, the air and the sun. This process made an impression in July 2016 when Les Saisies displayed a snow-covered slope for 4 days of skiing on the occasion of the Tour de France! The aim of the game? To ensure the opening of the Nordic area in November, with a 1.5 km snow-covered circuit. A test operation that may guarantee the activity early season in the future. Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow! According to the French Met office, since 1982 the average snowfall in the Beaufortain and Val d Arly regions is greater than on all the surrounding mountain ranges. The altitude, proximity to Mont-Blanc and a northwest orientation are conducive to good snow conditions, a godsend for Les Saisies, as only a dozen centimetres are necessary to start skiing on our well groomed pastures! Les Saisies boasts an excellent artificial snowmaking network - water and compressed air which, when in contact with the cold, turns into snow. A helping hand for Mother Nature! Contrary to popular opinion, this snow is natural, there are no additives! The network in Les Saisies boasts 250 modern snowmakers that cover 40% of the area. This winter, the network has been extended to the novice areas located in the centre of resort, such as the beginner s slope Le Boetet. The snow factory controls production with precision and responsiveness. 3 professional snowmakers manage the control centre and mix the flakes with mastery, producing some 300,000 m 3 of snow each winter. «ARTIFICIAL SNOW IS A COMBINATION OF WATER AND COMPRESSED AIR WHICH, WHEN IN CONTACT WITH THE COLD, TURNS INTO SNOW. THERE ARE NO ADDITIVES!» Les Saisies, winners of the Eco-friendly Snow Grooming Challenge 2016 During the Mountain Planet Show, Les Saisies was rewarded for its project to merge two computer interfaces, artificial snow production and snow-grooming. This project aims to optimize the production of artificial snow by making the right amount of snow. A GPS satellite guidance system informs drivers of the precise course to take. Information is based on the previous time of passage and present conditions. The aim is to groom only what is necessary.the result: time-saving, cost cuttting, high quality snow-grooming! Marianne Bal: The lady groomer, specialist in eco-friendly snow-grooming techniques. Impressed by these mysterious machines, Marianne Ball refused to be intimidated by men and followed her dream. She has been driving a snow-grooming machine for the past ten years now! She began her career on the downhill ski slopes before moving onto Nordic grooming, more tricky and precise, when being a woman can be considered an asset! 120 km of slopes to groom, a communion with nature for Marianne. Today, she does her job with even more conviction, now that the ski lift company has trained her in eco-grooming methods. Born to drive, Marianne also handles concrete mixers in the summer season! HOT OFF THE PRESS: 7000 M 3 OF SNOW IN LES SAISIES ALREADY! The ski kift company in Les Saisies celebrates 20 years! Les Saisies is one of the rare resorts in France to manage its own ski lifts. The ski lift company in Les Saisies was born 20 years ago to professionalize the ski area. With good management and strategic investments, this small company is auto-financed and directly benefits the development of the resort. A role model for other resorts! THE SKI-LIFT COMPANY IN LES SAISIES TAKES ECO-FRIENDLY ACTION! The ski lift management company in Les Saisies pilots an environmental observatory across the ski area in the aim to obtain deeper environmental knowledge and anticipate future development. The goal here is to minimize environmental impact and preserve the richness and fragility of the alpine surroundings. The results of surveys on fauna, flora, water, landscape, agricultural activities and summer activities enable strategic decisions to be made concerning future development. Other eco-friendly actions: The optimization of the snowmaking network aims to reduce air consumption and therefore electricity New less polluting diesel fuel is now used for snow-grooming machines The water used to wash snow-grooming machines and other company vehicles is also collected The re-turfing of the ski slopes in summer Electricity cables are being progressively buried The protection of wild birds such as Tetra Lyre (certain areas are forbidden to skiers) The marking of cables on some ski lifts to limit bird collision An environmental protection order (Natura 2000) concerning the peat bogs in the Nordic area Snow grooming machines are equipped with satellite guidance systems: 8% less time spent on piste = less fuel consumption Regular clean-up campaigns in collaboration with the neighbouring town of Ugine in an aim to make youngsters more aware Dry toilets and waste rubbish bins on the ski area