Marlene Giacometti, Director of the Tourist Offices of Saint-Martin-de-Belleville and MenuiresIn an interview with us, he looks back on the summer season and looks ahead to the coming winter season.
READ MORE: Saint-Martin-de-Belleville, the new Eldorado for well-being at altitude?
How would you sum up the summer of 2024?
The average occupancy rate fell by 1.3 %. We had a poor July, with -5 %, but an interesting August, with +2.3 %. We managed to increase from an already high base in August. This is becoming a recurring phenomenon: July is increasingly difficult to fill, while August is a great success.
"Over the last ten years, we have recorded an overall increase of 22 % in overnight stays in the summer".
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Over the last ten years, we have recorded an overall increase of 22 % in overnight stays in the summer, despite some erratic results. The summers of 2020 and 2021, in the midst of the pandemic, were particularly good, especially 2020, which was exceptional. However, we shouldn't compare ourselves too much with this period, as it was very favourable for the mountains, especially at high altitude.
What makes the resort such a success in summer?
For the past year, we've had one person working full-time on developing cycling. We are currently working on a master plan to develop this activity with the help of the valley's services and the town council's elected representatives. The plan covers mountain biking, downhill cycling, cycle tourism and enduro. Even if it doesn't seem spectacular, the maintenance of the trails is very high, and we've had very good feedback on the quality of our infrastructure.
We also organise a number of mountain bike events, with three major ones this year, as well as smaller-scale cyclo-sports events. The aim is to intensify this scheme in the coming years, with additional resources allocated by the town council to develop this activity.
What's the status of the "Via 3 Vallées" project?
The Via 3 Vallées project is a long-standing one, but it's taking time. All that's missing is a small section for the project to be finalised. Courchevel has already started, with a track running from Courchevel up to the Col de la Loze and down to Méribel-Mottaret by road. A link still needs to be created between Mottaret, the summit of Saint-Martin-de-Belleville and the Tête de Tougnète (around 7-8 km). Once completed, this section will be a major asset. The rest of the route already exists. This project would be a tarmac track, closed to cars, dedicated to cycling, and could potentially host events such as the Tour de France. If this missing piece is completed, it will be an exceptional product, unique in the Alps.
What's new for Saint-Martin-de-Belleville this winter?
A major new feature will be the opening in December of a wellness centre, "La Belle Vie", in the centre of the village. Reflecting the image of Saint-Martin, the centre will be on a human scale, focusing on well-being, with three pools (indoor, outdoor for the summer, and a mixed indoor-outdoor pool). This project will contribute to Saint-Martin's move upmarket, with a wide range of wellness treatments.
80 % of the centre's heating needs will be covered by biomass. This is in addition to the "Yogi Ski" event in April, a week of well-being in collaboration with Les Menuires, with relaxation therapists and naturopaths in residence. Saint-Martin-de-Belleville, with its calm and unspoilt atmosphere, is a haven of tranquillity, far from the hustle and bustle of the big resorts. The village has 3,000 beds, compared with 27,000 in Les Menuires, and offers a restful, rejuvenating setting.
And in Les Menuires?
The resort celebrated its 60th anniversary last year. For winter 2024-2025, a complete renovation of the centre's shopping arcade is planned. This gallery, which forms part of the heart of the resort, is a powerful symbol.
"Since COVID, the number of international customers has risen sharply, and we have to maintain our level of excellence to meet their expectations.
It will be completely renovated, from the tiling and window frames to the acoustics and signage, to modernise and revitalise this space, which houses shops and flats above. The renovation, co-financed by the private and public sectors, will revitalise this iconic location, making it a friendly and cool place to stroll around in complete relaxation.
How would you sum up the last few seasons?
In recent years, we've set records every season. Les Menuires and Saint-Martin are ahead of last year, and the same is true of other resorts such as Tignes, Val d'Isère and Les Arcs. The combined effect of COVID and global warming is favourable for us, particularly in the medium and short term. Les 3 Vallées, with the largest ski area in the world, attracts a demanding international clientele. Most of the slopes are above 1,800 m, which guarantees excellent snow cover. Since COVID, the number of international customers has risen sharply, and we need to maintain our level of excellence to meet their expectations.