Bourg Saint Maurice - Les Arcs - Its graphic façade, with touches of black and orange, contrasts with the traditional lines of Savoyard chalets. Just a stone's throw from the Bourg Saint Maurice TGV station, on the site of the former alpine chasseur barracks, the Base Camp Lodge boasts its very own identity. The first-born of the Base Camp group, inaugurated in 2019, the establishment embodies the impetus of a living, open, modern mountain.
Since September 2024, Alexia Castaldi has been Executive Director. A seasoned professional, she trained in Bourg from 2022 as a receptionist, then went on to the 2 Alps.
Coming back here," she says, "was a no-brainer. "This site has soul, potential and a solid team. Every day is an adventure.
A hybrid hotel designed for all types of guests
With its 106 rooms and almost 300 beds, Base Camp Lodge has it all. Standard rooms, duplexes, suites, but also dormitories or chic hostel-style capsules: everything is designed to adapt to the diversity of guests.
In winter, skiers from La Rosière, Tignes and Val d'Isère stop off here. In summer, cyclists, motorcyclists, hikers and other travellers pass through. Germans, Dutch, Australians, Americans... "The variety of profiles is what we do every day.
The atypical position of Bourg-Saint-Maurice, a town in its own right at the bottom of the valley, plays to its strengths. There's local life, shops, direct rail access and greater flexibility than in high-altitude resorts.
"Customers appreciate being able to ski or hike during the day and return to the comfort of the city in the evening.
A meeting place open all year round
The hotel's restaurant, which is open to outside guests, contributes to this dynamic. Breakfast from 7am, lunch, dinner... The cuisine is tasty, local and affordable.
Savoyard fondue, market suggestions, seasonal menu: an offer that appeals to tourists and locals alike.
But one of the real assets of Base Camp Lodge is its ability to accommodate groups. Seminars, weddings, corporate breaks, incentives...
The large volumes, flexible spaces and light-filled mezzanine make this an ideal venue for business events. "This is a real place to live. There's always something going on here.
A sustainable ambition, at the heart of the seasons
Open all year round, the establishment plays a central role in the economy of Bourg Saint Maurice. With up to 40 employees in the high season and around 15 all year round, it helps to maintain a sustainable business beyond the tourist peaks.
The occupancy rate is close to 100 % on winter weekends, remains high in summer, and starts to rise in the off-season thanks to business stays. "The aim is to smooth out the activity. To ensure that the mountains are no longer just seasonal.
The group has recently continued to expand with the opening of a second establishment in Les 2 Alpes, followed by Albertville in 2024. Other projects are under consideration, including one at La Féclaz in 2026. And what if the future lay in a high-altitude resort? The idea is gaining ground.
In the meantime, Bourg remains the historic heart of the concept. "Base Camp was born here in Savoie. It's the group's biggest hotel, and it's here that we're reinventing ourselves. With a bit of audacity, a community spirit and the desire to reinvent the 4-season mountain hotel business.
Find out more :
- Price: to be consulted directly on the school's website
- Open all year round
- Address: Arolles, Impasse des Peupliers, 73700 Bourg Saint Maurice
- Contact: 04 79 31 72 81