Atout France in the UK and Netherlands teamed up and for the first time held a joint launch for winter season on the 21st and 22nd of October 2020. The winter launch was hosted along side France Montagnes and its partners. During an online presentation and one-to-one meetings, more than 45 skiing, travel and lifestyle journalists were updated on the latested health & safety measures in place in the French mountains, along with new trends from the French ski industry, new activities and stories from the French mountains resorts.

Considering the current climate, France Montagnes have taken various steps and introduced health and safety measures throughout the mountains. The aim is to assure skiers and snowboarders that they will be able to enjoy the slopes in a safe way. Social distancing and wearing a mask will remain compulsory in all indoor spaces and when queuing or being on a lift or gondola. However skiing / snowbaoarding itself can be done without wearing a facemask. The French apres-ski will only be seated-service and will definitely have a different atmosphere than in past years, going for a more chilling experience in a relaxing atmosphere.

This year, the French mountains are the answer to the need for escaping, being in the great outdoors and freely enjoy fresh air whilst having a good time with friends and family. Nature-based activities are the new trend to live meaningful experiences. For the first time in France, Ice Floating is offered in Val Cenis. The practice is based on relaxing by stretching out on a frozen lake. In Les Menuires and St Martin de Belleville, a yoga derivated practice called sylvotherapy, can be tried in the forest, to harnesse the positive energy from trees. Most resorts through the Alps and Pyrenees offer outdoor yoga, snowshoeing yoga days and even kids yoga for a family activity.

Getting away from the crowd as never been so easy with snowshoeing such as in Gérardmer and its 3 new routes, or Sestriere woods in Montgenevre. Remote accommodations like the guest house Chalet 1864 in Le Grand Bornand or the luxurious Le Refuge de la Traye in Meribel are the answer for a far-from-the-crowd stay.

Domaine Skiable de France (DSF) announced its commitment for zero-carbon ski lifts and ski areas by 2037. 16 commitments have been taken to support the climate and energy, water and agriculture, biodiversity, landscapes and reducing wastes.

The French Ski School (ESF) is encouraging people to go off-piste skiing accompanied by a professional and to book family classes instead of group classes. Their new app will also facilitate bookings and communication between the ski instructor and customers.

-Health & Safety measures-
Infographic
Press Release

-More inspiration here-
France Montagnes winter 20/21 press kit
Resorts promotional video

-ENDS-

For further information please contact:
Tiphaine Rolland
tiphaine.rolland@atout-france.fr
Tel. 0044 (0)78 1304 5531 

About Atout France
Atout France - France Tourism Development Agency, is responsible for promoting the development of the tourism industry, the country's largest economic sector. Atout France's primary mission is to monitor and analyse the supply and demand in the tourist market. Atout France is also committed to promoting destinations and tourism partners in and from France. This is achieved through marketing campaigns, online promotion, PR and working closely with the travel trade sector. Atout France is represented in the UK and Ireland from its office in London.

About France Montagne
France Montagnes is the federating body of French mountain resorts, regional tourist boards, ski lift companies, French ski schools etc. France Montagnes' role is to promote travel and tourism year-round to the French Mountains.

France Montagne's partner presents
Le Grand Bornand, La Clusaz, St Gervais, Val d'Arly, Val d'Isere, Les Arcs, La Plagne, Courchevel, Les Menuires, Vaujany, Serre Chevalier, Isere Attractivité, Savoie Mont Blanc Tourism, French Ski School