If you are a fan of skiing and winter sports, you have probably heard of the Tarentaise Valley in the Savoy region of France. It’s world renowned ski resorts were featured in the 1992 Albertville Winter Olympics and continue to attract visitors from around the globe. The range of activities go way beyond snow sports, however, which is why many visitors stay for months at a time.
Unfortunately, because of its remote location, the closest airport to the valley, Chamb’ry international, is nearly three hours away. However, it’s a small price to pay for staying among the French Alps and it offers visitors a good excuse to experience the Eurostar rail, which goes from Paris straight to the town Bourg-Saint-Maurice at the valley center.
Although skiing is not everyone’s hobby, the range of slopes here are astonishing. Escape Killy and La Plagne provide an combined area of 400 km worth of skiing. This covers everything from gentle cross-country slopes to the most intense black diamond runs, which are usually saved for the world’s best.
Now, if you have never skied before, don’t worry. There are a range of lessons, including private or group, available to first-timers. The view itself is inspiring enough to make anyone want to fasten on a giro ski helmet and hit the snow.
Beyond the abundant skiing, there is still plenty to do after the sun dips past the mountain peaks. The towns of Albertville, Aime and Mo’tiers are all located in the valley and offer many restaurants, nightclubs and bars for those seeking an evening out. So, after an adventurous day, you can slip into your leather brown boots and trot into town for a drink. With other skiers having the same thing in mind, there will be plenty of chances to mingle.
After a few days, visitors will often need a day off. A suggestion for spending this day of rest is to put your feet up by the fire and lose yourself in a novel. This area has been an inspiration to many writers and lends itself quite well to reading. Nothing recharges the batteries like a relaxing day with one of your favorite suspense books.
It’s hard to imagine that anyone would not want to experience the Tarentaise Valley. It’s not just for athletes. If you are a socialite, a reader or just a lover of nature, this place will provide you will unforgettable memories. Perhaps it’s the fact that, at certain points, you are literally above the clouds, but the perfect word to describe it is ‘heavenly.’
