After almost six years at the head of the Saisies resort, Olivier Reydellet arrives at La Rosière with an open ambition: to make the station of Haute Tarentaise a destination as lively in summer as in winter. As soon as his suitcases were unpacked, he revealed to Little Mountaineer his initial guidance and the programme for a summer that promises to be a busy one.
Having been in post since early June, Olivier Reydellet openly admits that much remains to be built. But the roadmap is already clear: a revamp of events, a ramp-up in cycling and trail running, stronger cross-border ties with neighbouring Italy, and a rethink of communication.
all of which is supported by a new municipal team, elected in March, with which he says «Very much in line.» First meeting, just days before the bike park opens, scheduled for June 27th.
THE LITTLE MOUNTAINEER Could you trace your journey for us?
Olivier Reydellet I have around twenty years of experience behind me working in international groups, in commercial director positions, in the fields of training, recruitment, and consulting. I then assisted, as a consultant, economic players in the mountains: ski lift companies - STGM in Tignes, SEVABEL in Les Menuires and STVI in Val d'Isère - as well as several French ski schools.
" A little gem in the Haute Tarentaise, with a strong identity and a beautiful diversity of activities. "
In December 2019, I took over the management of the Saisies resort, which I led for six years. I implemented a strategy focused on diversification, improving the customer experience, and creating a new brand platform. This resulted in a significant increase in overnight stays and overall visitor numbers.
Why choose La Rosière?
For me, it's a little gem in the Haute Tarentaise, with a strong identity and a good variety of activities, both in summer and winter, even though many projects still need to be developed, particularly concerning summer tourist appeal.
What also weighed on my decision was meeting the new elected officials of Montvalezan, who took charge of the commune in March. They are true entrepreneurs. From our first discussions, we felt very aligned on the development and influence project we want to lead in the coming years.
What programme do you recommend for this summer?
The programme of activities and events is quite packed. There will be the Trail de La Rosière, and we are hosting the Crazy Loop for three days. We are also organising a Bike Week, a week entirely dedicated to cycling, as well as a week of well-being activities. The highlight will be the traditional Fête des Clarines at the beginning of August, which celebrates the local culture and heritage.
" The ski lifts are setting up a new grass-sliding activity. "
And on the new arrivals side?
The bike park opens on Saturday, June 27th, and the ski lifts are introducing a new grass descent activity.
What roadmap are you setting for yourselves for the coming years?
My ambition is to create a resort that is as attractive in the summer as it is in the winter. I also want to rebuild connections with all the socio-professionals and fully involve them in the development project.
What levers do you intend to use for this development?
We have a significant focus on international customers, which we intend to continue developing. And there is important work to be done on the customer journey: making our offerings much clearer and implementing loyalty initiatives.
«Putting nature, sport and the mountains at the heart of our events.»
The elected officials also wish to review the events. In what spirit?
They are awaiting a complete overhaul of all appointments, summer and winter, to create flagship events that are in tune with the resort's identity. We are going to genuinely revisit the entire programme, placing nature, sport and the mountains at the heart of our events.
Will cycling and trail running take pride of place?
Yes. We want to make the entire cycling offering – road cycling, mountain biking, downhill – as well as trail riding, much more readable. And, at the same time, enhance the resort's cultural heritage.
«Promote Espace San Bernardo as a genuine international asset.»
You insist on neighbouring Italy. Why?
It's a real undertaking: strengthening ties with Italy, developing cross-border partnerships, and envisioning Franco-Italian events. I want to promote the Espace San Bernardo as a genuine international asset, by highlighting cultural, gastronomic, and sporting exchanges with our neighbours.
And the station's communication?
We are going to rethink it, to make it more modern, more inspiring, more emotional and experiential. All of this is still under construction.