News For Winter 2020 - 21 From Isere
Located in the heart of the beautiful French Alps, Isère is France’s third biggest mountain destination. Best known for the resorts of Alpe d'Huez and Les 2 Alpes, it has no fewer than 23 ski resorts in its four famous massifs - Belledonne, Chartreuse, Vercors and Oisans - which will not disappoint with incredible scenery and views, record amounts of snow, family-friendly facilities and accommodation.
Isère comprises bustling Les 2 Alpes, family friendly Vaujany, great value Chamrousse and Oz en Oisans, off the beaten track villages like Villard de Lans/Corrençon and Les 7 Laux, whose slopes are coveted by locals, plus international Alpe d'Huez. These seven resorts offer a wide variety of skiing and accommodation to suit all budgets.
As Isère’s ski resorts continue to reopen, skiers will be wondering if it’s safe to visit? The resorts are here to welcome skiers with open arms (figuratively only right now) and ensure their visit can be fun, fulfilling, and safe. To help navigate a trip to the beautiful region, Isere has put together resources and guidelines so that you can make the most of your time in Isere, whether exploring the mountains or heading out for lunch in a resort. The ski resorts are all preparing for a “new normal” to host guests, and because the rules during a pandemic simply don’t apply to whatever we consider “real” life, all types of accommodation and suppliers are preparing for the winter ahead. The resorts have functioned this summer and they are following government guidelines and have implemented safety measures – masks, sanitation stations, hand washing, social distancing etc. For more information please visit: www.isere-tourism.com
Here are a few snippets of what is new for this winter…
New Village base for skiing
Allemond is a small village in the Vallee de ‘Eau d’Olle on the road up to the three family friendly ski resorts of Oz-en-Oisans, Vaujany and Villard Reculas. This winter will be the first time that Allemond will be connected to the Alpe d’Huez Grand Domain Ski area with the completion of the new Eau d’Olle Express Allemond-Oz gondola. The new lift will provide quick and direct transport to Oz-en-Oisans resort from Allemond and the valley. Oz-en-Oisans, already a car-free resort with an environmental label, takes another step toward green mobility as part of its approach to sustainable growth for a modern station that respects its precious setting. Allemond looks set to grow and become a new destination only an hour from Grenoble Alpes-Isere airport with an affordable price tag. Planned opening: winter 2020-2021: Elevation: 658 m, Length: 2,905 m, Cabins: 10 people (Leitner), Rate of 1,100 people per hour with an objective of 2,000 people per hour, Journey time: 8 minutes.
Run by the Dutch family Alfrink, Auberge La Douce Montagne in Allemond offers 15 simple but comfortable rooms, which sleep one to four guests. www.ladoucemontagne.com
New 4* Hôtel Le V in Vaujany
This 4* property in the centre of the village opens on December 10, 2020. A cosy, elegant hotel, tastefully decorated in a chic contemporary Alpine theme, Le V de Vaujany is a modern and warm cocoon for lifestyle and gastronomy. 21 rooms from 20m2 to 40m2 and four suites from 54m2 to 70m2. Spacious and bright, the rooms and suites are all elegantly decorated with wood, warm colours and rustic furniture, given a contemporary touch by the talented local cabinetmakers. The bathrooms are decked with delicate earthenware. Arpin fabrics have been used for throws, cushions and armchairs, to instil the cosy atmosphere of the most beautiful mountain chalet (The Arpin spinning mill has been manufacturing noble and rare fabrics in the heart of the Alps since 1817, using traditional techniques and hundred-year-old machines which are listed as protected.) Some with a fireplace, most with a south-facing balcony with pretty village views, the rooms and suites are delightful both during the day and at night. Gastronomy devotees will savour the delicious meal in the hotel restaurant, Ida. After a day on the slopes, guests can relax in Ida's Bar lounge bar. Want a feel-good experience? Come and unwind in V's vast Pure Altitude Spa with a sensational swimming pool, hammam, sauna and two massage rooms for treatments with Pure Altitude natural products made with mountain plants. www.hotel-VdeVaujany.com or www.vaujany.com
New Bath Bar and Alpinotherapy® at the 4* Hotel Les Grandes Rousses in Alpe d’Huez
An Alpinotherapy cure helps fight fatigue and drive out toxins from your system. Strengthen your natural defenses and boost energy by multiplying the benefits of your mountain stay. Alpinotherapy® is a unique and new exclusive treatment ritual that builds on the intrinsic value of a mountain. High altitude promotes the multiplication of red blood cells for better cellular oxygenation
- Sudden changes in temperature activate blood circulation
- Minerals applied in crystal and color therapy promote healing
- Trace elements extracted from minerals are used in Gemology care products
- Alpine plants in all their forms provide natural benefits: dried, essential oil, herbal tea
Spa des Alpes offers 3 Alpinotherapy® rituals based on the benefits of copper, peridot salts, ruby, sapphire, mountain pine and a cocktail of mountain plants in combination with a semi-precious stone massage. Bath Bar - A fun variation of the Alpinothérapie® baths is the latest concept of Spa des Alpes. Immerse yourself in your favourite cocktails. Sparking or smooth, detoxifying or refreshing.Experience life with passion on your own or with loved ones. Experience a Champagne, Mulled Wine or Pina Colada bath bar to name a few.
