Fewer people on the slopes, more sunshine and an avalanche of benefits. This spring, a strange new pass is arriving in French resorts with a simple promise: ski smarter, enjoy more, spend less. What's it called? The Marsien Pass.
From March onwards, more than forty stations, from Alps at Pyrenees by way of Vosges and the Central Massif, France Montagnes and its partners have joined forces to launch a national campaign.
The idea is as pragmatic as it is ambitious: to make people want to go to the mountains again outside the school holidays, when the snow is still there, the days are getting longer and the atmosphere is suddenly much more breathable.
One package... and a whole host of privileges
In practical terms, the Marsien Pass cannot be purchased separately. It is automatically included with the purchase of a ski pass in participating resorts.
Once there, skiers have access to a range of benefits that vary from region to region: entry to the swimming pool or spa, cinema sessions, free drinks, discounts on equipment hire, discounted outdoor activities and even wellness or fun experiences.
Each station puts together its own «Marsian menu», based on its strengths. The result is that no two Passes are exactly alike.
«March and April are often the favourite months for regular visitors: more stable weather, milder temperatures, less frequented slopes and up to four more hours of daylight per day».» sums up a station manager involved in the operation. «With the Marsien Pass, we're turning this ideal time of year into a real holiday bargain.»
From Chamonix to the Vosges, from the Pyrenees to Sancy
À Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, The Pass includes access to the Richard Bozon sports centre with swimming pool, sauna and steam room, the ice rink (including skate hire), the mountain museum, high altitude sites such as the Aiguille du Midi and Montenvers, unlimited cross-country skiing throughout the valley and even a 4D cinema experience.
In the Pyrenees Peyragudes, With the Snooc ski pass, just two days are enough to trigger a cascade of benefits: Snooc descent supervised by the ESF, entry to Balnéa, free drink at altitude, -30 % on equipment hire, and even a free children's group lesson for every one purchased.
At Les Orres, The Marsien Pass entitles you to 30 % off the activities pass, 20 % off ski lessons and hire, 15 % off the spa, panoramic sauna and Nordic baths, and discounts on paragliding, zip-lining and snakegliss.
The atmosphere is different but the logic is the same at Lac Blanc Vosges, where Pass holders can take advantage of a 50 % discount on rail tobogganing, the bike park, several museums and family fun trails.
Spring, the new high season?
The same spirit applies at Le Mont-Dore, which combines winter sports and spa treatments, with preferential rates on ski passes, spa treatments, a zip line with bends... and free crêpes from a local partner.
Behind this operation is a conviction shared by all those involved in the mountains: March and April have become high-potential months. Fewer crowds, still decent snow at altitude, spring-like terraces and real freedom on the slopes.
The Marsien Pass is designed for families, couples and groups of friends who want to extend the season without the February crowds.
«We often talk about skiing, but at this time of year, the mountains are also about well-being, walking, gastronomy and unusual activities. The Pass lets you do all that without blowing your budget.» says an Alpine tourism professional.
The full list of participating stations and details of privileges are available at the official website for the operation.