The mountain, beyond skiing

At a time when global warming and less snowy winters are forcing mountain resorts to reinvent themselves, there are now many activities for those who do not necessarily want to put on skis. The opportunity, throughout this dossier, to explore new trends in the sector, from sylvotherapy to workshops focused on the discovery of high-altitude plants, from hikes to the enhancement of a gastronomic heritage and a unique know-how.

Our 9 trails to enjoy the mountains without getting tired

From Tignes to Courchevel, via Switzerland and the Dolomites, the art of living in the mountains unfolds over the softness of a plaid, the crackling of a fireplace, good local products and an omnipresent nature. With the approach of the end of year celebrations, our slopes to enjoy the joys of altitude without too much effort.

When Megève revisits its alpine history

Since last winter, an impressive troop of restaurants has landed in Megève with the ambition of rekindling the flame of the festival. At the same time, the chalets of the skier of Henry Jacques Le Même, the little-known architect who shaped this Savoyard village, are celebrated as never before. Between the Megève “historic canal” which cherishes its past as much as its confidential addresses and the new festive restaurants, Megève once again finds itself in the spotlight…

Prepare well for your stay in the mountains

With nearly 300 ski resorts, France offers an offer that could be described as exhaustive for mountain lovers, from alpine skiing to cross-country skiing, from ski touring to biathlon, which combines skiing and shooting… So, how to choose? Choice of resort, period, mode of transport, equipment and services, physical fitness: a winter stay in the mountains must be prepared to avoid unpleasant surprises. Reminder of good practices.

Sylvotherapy, spa, hiking… it’s not just skiing in the mountains!

In winter, you can certainly go skiing, but many other things besides: hiking, yoga, meditation, spa, sylvotherapy, green and gourmet tourism… Holidaymakers are asking for it, global warming is pushing it, resorts are adapting . Reconnecting with nature, wanting to escape the endless queues that inevitably appear at the foot of resorts like a metaphor for urban effervescence, today’s vacationer seems to be asking for something else from the mountain world. Closer to its roots.

6 exceptional chalets to get away from it all

A warm wooden decor, a crackling open fire, comforting local cuisine… To rediscover the eternal soul of the mountains, nothing beats a chalet. From Savoie to the Pyrenees, from Val d’Aoste to Tyrol, six addresses sometimes confidential, sometimes more family-friendly, where luxury rhymes with authenticity. And who embody this very special art of getting away from it all, with their feet in the snow.

Elan’s foldable skis, the innovation that could revolutionize winter sports

The Slovenian company, nearly 80 years old, has just succeeded where all its prestigious competitors in the world of board sports had hitherto broken their teeth: designing a ski that folds in two that can be transported in its suitcase. An innovation that we tested for you, with the famous freerider Victor Lourdel.

Ski resorts: how architects are reinventing the mountain

The 20th century saw the flourishing of more than 350 ski resorts in France, from extravagant projects created ex nihilo to more or less successful copies of traditional housing. Today, architects are adapting to local specificities, between concern for the environment and consistency with the existing building. Here are some examples.