Summer in the 3 Valleys is Well Under Way

Today the Belleville valley was buzzing with activity with the St Martin 1, Masse 1 and Roc 1 lifts all open. Over in Les Menuires there are a great variety of biking trails available and there were certainly lots of people out and about taking advantage.

At the base of Les Menuires whilst there are construction works taking place for a new ski pass office there are also lots of activities for children including trampolines, karting, elastic bungee and archery. On a Friday there is also a small market selling local produce and some items that I do not think they will have done a roaring trade with today such as sheepskin slippers and fleeces! Based just below the Croisette it is good for a stroll and a gander.

Whilst there are a good range of restaurants open for the summer if you fancy something a little different the Yourts based at Masse 1 are also open in the evening for a traditional Savoie supper.

Over in Meribel this week it has all been a bit Mary Poppins and ‘let’s go a fly a kite’. There was a kite festival taking place in Meribel-Mattaret including workshops, demonstrations and apparently an attempt for the worlds biggest kite on the top of the Tougnette lift. The storms earlier in the week certainly seemed to clear the air and make it much more bearable to attack the biking and hiking trails which are getting busier as the summer season progresses. Work is continuing by the hard working team so they are in tiptop condition. Do not forget that they are also on hand in the area if you have any problems so just give them a shout.  

There are lots of energetic people over in Courchevel this week with the Bouc Blanc ascent race that took place yesterday covering 7km with an ascent in altitude of 600m finishing for a well-earned beverage at the Bouc Blanc restaurant. Over the next few days there is also the hardcore Courchevel XTrail taking place on Sunday with distances up to 54km starting at 4am! There are also shorter options available of 33km or ‘just’ 9km. There is a chance to try and race yourself up the 460 steps of the Olympic ski jump in Le Praz in the ‘vertical race’ on Saturday with a much more pleasing start time of 5.15pm. Good luck to anyone taking part and I am sure spectators are more than welcome to cheer the competitors along.