Author: Romain Boisaubert

Au-delà des compétitions sportives et des classiques descentes aux flambeaux, certaines stations rivalisent d’imagination pour proposer des rendez-vous totalement atypiques. Entre convivialité, féérie et ambiance déjantée, voici trois événements insolites à ne pas manquer cet hiver dans les montagnes françaises. Festi’ Soupes à Super-Besse : la convivialité dans un bol En décembre, la station du Sancy se met à table avec le Festi’ Soupes. Dans les rues de Besse, habitants, commerçants et restaurateurs se mobilisent pour offrir aux visiteurs une soirée aussi chaleureuse qu’originale. Au programme : dégustations gratuites de soupes concoctées maison, illuminations, animations nocturnes et balades en calèche.…

Construites à la hâte dans les années 1960-1970 lors des « plans Neige », nombre de stations françaises voient aujourd’hui leur modèle d’hébergement remis en question. Vieillissement du parc, nouvelles normes énergétiques, attentes accrues des vacanciers : le défi est immense. Depuis la loi Climat et Résilience (2021) et la loi Le Meur (2024), les passoires thermiques sont progressivement interdites à la location. En montagne, où une grande partie du parc date de plus d’un demi-siècle, cela menace directement des millions de nuitées chaque saison. Derrière la question énergétique se cache aussi une autre urgence : le logement des saisonniers.…

Partir à la montagne n’a jamais été synonyme de grand luxe obligatoire. Entre refuges revisités, auberges de jeunesse nouvelle génération et hostels conviviaux, les Alpes regorgent de bonnes adresses pour profiter des pistes sans se ruiner. Tour d’horizon des meilleurs plans où poser ses valises cet hiver. Pépé Gust’ à Pralognan-la-Vanoise : l’auberge des riders À deux pas des remontées mécaniques, Pépé Gust’ accueille skieurs, randonneurs et groupes d’amis dans une ambiance boisée et chaleureuse. L’adresse joue la carte de la simplicité et de la convivialité, avec des chambres à partir de 63 € la nuit. Côté assiette, tartiflettes, burgers…

Au cœur de l’Oisans, la station-village de Vaujany confirme qu’elle n’a rien à envier aux plus grandes avec un calendrier riche en événements sportifs, culturels et festifs. De novembre à avril, la montagne se vit ici sous toutes ses formes. Vaujany Hockey Cup – 6 au 8 novembre 2025 Le coup d’envoi de la saison est donné sur la glace ! Pendant trois jours, la patinoire accueille les équipes nationales U18 de France, d’Allemagne, de Suisse et de Slovaquie pour un tournoi international de haut niveau. L’occasion idéale pour découvrir les futurs talents du hockey européen dans une ambiance conviviale.…

Nichée dans le Grand Massif et signée par l’architecte Marcel Breuer, Flaine séduit autant par son domaine skiable que par son patrimoine architectural unique. Côté hébergements, la station offre une palette riche et variée, allant des hôtels design aux résidences familiales. Voici nos cinq adresses coups de cœur pour un séjour inoubliable cet hiver. Le plus « arty » : Totem Friendly Hotel*** Au cœur de Flaine Forum, le Totem est un véritable lieu de vie où se conjuguent design et convivialité. Entre fresques graphiques rendant hommage aux créateurs de la station et mobilier en châtaignier, l’établissement joue la carte…

La station de Valmeinier s’apprête à vivre une saison hivernale riche en nouveautés. Bien-être, loisirs, gastronomie et saveurs locales : tour d’horizon des lieux et expériences qui vont marquer l’hiver 2025-2026. Un espace bien-être hors du commun Dès le 13 décembre, l’hôtel Les Carrettes inaugure un espace bien-être de 400 m². Véritable refuge de détente après une journée sur les pistes, il proposera hammam, bassin de nage, douche sensorielle, fontaine de glace et mur de sel de l’Himalaya. Voir cette publication sur Instagram Une publication partagée par Hotel Club Les Carrettes (@lescarrettes) Les visiteurs pourront aussi profiter de soins sur…

At the dawn of a new winter season, La Plagne is preparing to write a new chapter in its history with the arrival of Thomas Saison as General Manager of its Tourist Office. At the helm of one of the world's busiest resorts, he inherits an immense territory and equally vast challenges: maintaining its international appeal, supporting the climate transition and continuing to invent the mountain experience of tomorrow. With just a few weeks to go before the slopes open, he shares with us his vision and priorities for the winter ahead. You have just taken over the management of the La...

La Plagne has confirmed its position as a must-see resort for culture, entertainment and skiing, with a rich and varied programme to punctuate the entire season. Here are the key events not to be missed. Culture à la carte - from 18 September 2025 The cultural season is already in full swing and will continue throughout the winter. Theatre, stand-up comedy, exhibitions and concerts will be staged throughout the region, from the valley to the villages and high altitude sites. It's a veritable artistic red thread that runs alongside holidaymakers and locals alike, well beyond the slopes. Xplore Alpes Festival - 25 to 31 October 2025 Every autumn, the...

From 21 to 28 March 2026, Les Gets is launching a brand new event designed for those who have never skied before: the 1st Ski Festival, or "Festival of First Tracks". The idea? To turn an introduction to skiing into a friendly, festive and reassuring experience. Unlike the big winter sports events, this festival is aimed exclusively at adults aged 18 and over who have never put skis on before. There's no competition, no pressure: the atmosphere is one of discovery and the pleasure of sharing your first turns. Each morning, participants will enjoy...

Between end-of-year traditions, sporting competitions, humour and new discoveries, the resort of Les Gets is set to be more festive than ever. Here are the major events not to be missed. Father Christmas lives in Les Gets - 20 to 26 December 2025 Every winter, the magic happens: Father Christmas and his elves take up residence in Les Gets. The programme includes a unique show in the enchanted forest, storytelling tours for young and old and, on New Year's Eve, a magical stroll through the village punctuated by a torchlight procession and fireworks. New Year's Eve - 31 December 2025...

While some people associate winter with the speed and adrenalin of skiing, others enjoy a gentler, more contemplative approach to the mountains. In Cordon, facing Mont Blanc, snowshoeing is a real invitation to discover, with its grandiose panoramas, sleeping forests and unusual experiences. From dawn onwards, the routes lead into the heart of a majestic setting. Guided by passionate guides, hikers make their way through the half-light to reach unique viewpoints. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Haute-Savoie Mont-Blanc (@hautesavoiemontblanc_) Breathtaking panoramas...

This winter, the Les Gets ski area is taking another step towards modernising its facilities. From December 2025, skiers will be able to enjoy the brand new 8-seater detachable chairlift at La Rosta, installed by Solegets. The old 4-seater chairlift will be replaced by a latest-generation 8-seater, equipped with ergonomic seats and a positioning mat to make boarding easier. With an operating speed of 6 metres per second, the ascent to the summit will take no more than three minutes. The stated aim is to ease traffic on the slopes and improve the experience of skiers, whether they are beginners...

True to its image of elegance and prestige, Megève is gearing up for a season packed with cultural, sporting and festive events. From December to March, the Savoyard resort will be staging a series of major events to mark the winter season. Illumination of the Christmas tree - 6 December 2025 A long-awaited tradition for over 15 years, the illumination of the majestic Christmas tree will once again take pride of place in the village square. See this post on Instagram A post shared by Aurélie | travel & fashion creator (@aureliestory) Designed in collaboration with Parisian jewellers Messika, the tree stands 20 metres tall and is adorned with...

Winter in Saint-Martin-de-Belleville is not just about skiing. Nestling in the heart of the 3 Valleys, the Savoyard village cultivates the art of offering its visitors a total immersion in nature, between timeless interludes, unusual adventures and well-being. A break at the Refuge du Trait d'Union Perched at an altitude of 1,725 metres, the Refuge du Trait d'Union can be reached on foot or snowshoes from the village. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Les 3 Vallées (@les3vallees_officiel) Away from the hustle and bustle of the slopes, it welcomes guests for a warm night's sleep by candlelight,...

Nestling in the heart of the Portes du Soleil, Châtel has always made families a priority. Far from being over-developed, the village that became a resort has managed to preserve its identity, its sense of welcome and a range of activities designed for all ages. Here, local traditions, gastronomy, heritage and leisure activities combine to offer parents and children alike an unforgettable stay. A rich and varied programme Each week, the resort offers almost 60 activities and events to suit all profiles. Families can alternate between sport, culture and entertainment: orienteering in the village,...

Just as summer hikers hit the trails as soon as the snow melts, ski touring enthusiasts wait until winter to don their skins. In Châtel, the sport now has a specially adapted framework thanks to the creation of five marked trails of different levels, allowing safe and progressive practice in the immediate vicinity of the ski area. Super-Châtel - Barbossine La Franco-Suisse (easy) Barbossine (fairly difficult) Le Morclan (fairly difficult) Pré-la-Joux - Plaine Dranse Happy Valley (easy) La Serpentine (fairly difficult)

Nestling at the foot of the Galibier, Valloire is not just about its ski slopes and snow-covered landscapes. This winter, the Savoyard resort is offering a range of original experiences that invite you to rediscover the mountains in a whole new way: unusual overnight stays, gourmet getaways and original sporting activities. 1. Sleep in a tiny house At the Sainte-Thècle campsite, eight wooden tiny houses welcome holidaymakers for a cosy change of scenery. Inspired by the American concept, these tiny houses (24 m², including 11 m² on the mezzanine) combine modernity and warmth, with a fully-equipped kitchen, shower room, large windows to the outside and a cocooning atmosphere. The...

In Morzine, the 2025-2026 winter season promises to be livelier and tastier than ever. With its revamped iconic venues, festive new addresses and showcased local produce, the Savoyard resort is reasserting its identity as an authentic and dynamic Alpine village. Le Nouveau Tremplin: rebirth of an institution Almost 90 years after its creation, Le Tremplin at the foot of Le Pleney is getting a makeover under the impetus of the Timpson family and the Flock Inns group. From December 2025, a vast two-storey restaurant will offer a menu inspired by local and seasonal produce, an enlarged terrace facing the slopes and a...

In Châtel, the season is built around a number of highlights that punctuate the resort from December to March, from end-of-year festivities to skiing competitions and cultural events. Here's the calendar, in chronological order, as announced by the Tourist Office. 20 December 2025-4 January 2026: "Christmas and New Year Festivities" For two weeks, the resort will be alive with lights, torchlight descents and family events. Father Christmas will be on hand to hand out sweets and treats. On 31 December, New Year's Eve is held in the open air, with DJs,...

Winter 2025-2026 marks an important milestone for Châtel, with the opening of the new Linga detachable 6-seater chairlift, replacing the old gondola built in 1986. A major upgrade. The Linga gondola lift, with its 10-seater gondolas, had a capacity of 2,230 people per hour. The new, more efficient chairlift will increase this figure to 3,000 people per hour. The result will be faster access to the resort and shorter waiting times, particularly during peak periods. Reduced impact on the landscape The new lift will reduce the number and size of...