It’s historic! The ski lifts will remain closed in La Clusaz and throughout France until further notice. Admittedly, the announcement made by President Macron and confirmed by Prime Minister Mr. Castex, brought us down but was clearly not enough to kill our positive vibes! Especially when we are lucky, like Groupe PVG, to offer holidays in a resort that lives all year round and has so much more to offer than downhill skiing.
Come on, follow us, we have found many reasons for you to appreciate the mountain, landscapes, heritage, comfort and gastronomy, we have what it takes to make your winter enjoyable... And Christmas remains magical surrounded by fir trees and fresh snow. We even heard it said, but shhh, it is still a secret, that Father Christmas had changed his route with his reindeer to take advantage of the ski area free of any skier...
1. BREATHE THE AIR OF THE MOUNTAIN
For sporty persons, the mountain does not only have downhill skiing to offer you... Cross-country skiing to admire the landscape while warming the thighs or ski touring for the more advanced, you don't even need the lifts!
From 5th December, opening of the Nordic area of Confins and for ski touring, Beauregard and the Aiguille are open and secure. The
ESF La Clusaz will offer everything it is able to do according to government announcements: cross-country skiing, ski touring, snowshoeing, sledding and yooner. The services will be adapted with a smaller number of people per lesson and adjusted prices because #cethiverjeskie ;)
To improve your cardio and enjoy the fresh air, put on your snowshoes and explore the snowy forests. Weather permitting, this is an opportunity to try Nordic walking: a sport from the Scandinavian countries that consists of walking at an accelerated pace using specific poles. Preceded by warm-ups and followed by stretching, this practice will gently wake up your muscles.
The rental shops in La Clusaz open their doors to rent equipment. Jean-Baptiste Humblot, from
Sport Boutique spoke to us:
“At Sport Boutique, we have everything you need for the sale of equipment, textiles and rental. Cross-country skis, sledges and snowshoes are by reservation (the night before for the next day is enough!) And at the store, we respect the distance of security. Wearing a mask is obviously compulsory, there is a maximum number of people authorized in the shop and the presence of hydroalcoholic gel, of course. For the fittings, we have a foot scanner to measure the size, so contactless with the skiman is also possible! And finally, the equipment is disinfected after each use.” Regarding our little sweethearts, we have the winning combo: sledges run, snowman competition in the resort and treasure hunts in the village, all against a backdrop of Christmas carols. Arm them with warm hats and gloves and it's time to experience #lamontagnetoutnaturellement! This year, La Clusaz is dressing up in its finest clothes to take on the appearance of a Father Christmas village. Between the lights, the letterbox and Father Christmas's hut, they will not know where to turn... In order to take themselves for a real elf from the North, take them on a sled dog ride with Husky Spirit. And to end it all, fireworks on the evenings of the 24th and 31st and a float coming straight from the North Pole for New Year's Eve! Groupe PVG assures you that they will be over the moon.
2. A LOCAL CHRISTMAS SHOPPING
With the end of the year celebrations approaching, one does not hesitate to shop in the center of La Clusaz. The opportunity to stroll between the traditional chalets with decorated shutters and the illuminated streets while supporting local shopkeepers. In Yvette Perillat's boutique, you will find technical textiles and clothing with a sporty chic imprint. There, you will go to the best seller in France to slip a beautiful pair of Rossignol under the tree. Want a quality puffer jacket that will keep you warm? You have to go to the Mazuir Boutique. Finally, for the more gourmet, Patrick Agnellet chocolates will be perfect... The complete list of shops in Cluses can be found here. To go even further, discover the heritage with the "L’envers du Décor" workshops, which allow you to learn more about the trades of La Clusaz. Activities at the distillery, creating candles or even visiting the farm, enough to immerse yourself in the Cluse heritage!
3. TAKE CARE OF THE MINDS AND HANDS
Comfortably set in the heart of the mountain, you can take advantage of the surrounding of your beautiful chalet or beautiful residence. For lack of the hotel services of the Groupe PVG, we have the chance to meet friends and family in complete privacy in a real cocoon of well-being. To cultivate the spirit, why not sit by the fireplace, a blanket on your knees, a cup of tea in one hand and a book in the other?
We turn to the winner of the Goncourt Prize, L’Anomalie by Hervé Letellier for a strange and breathless reading on a Paris-New York flight or to a cuddlier novel to rest and let your imagination run wild. If you want to have fun together, then choose television for a Christmas or winter movie marathon. Moreover,
PVG Bingo brings together several activity ideas so go take a look...
In a playful mood? A game of cards will delight young and old! And this comes at the right time since Groupe PVG recently released its own
7 happy family, in the image of its establishments. Totem animal for each of them and emblematic places, it is thanks to the company
Mummy In the Mountains that this beautiful project was able to see the light of day… To occupy the hands of children and for several afternoons, it is possible to realize
Do It Yourself, small crafts around the theme of Christmas and winter: orange candle with cloves, fabric gift wrapping, or Christmas garlands made from scraps of paper, there is a choice! Lots of ideas and examples of realizations on the
Sostrene Grene site, an art of living boutique in Annecy. To make sure you don't miss anything, stop by
Au Pays des Miniz, a family concept store in Annecy that offers lots of creative kits. Finally, we take advantage of
the board games that we took care to slip into the PVG accommodations for lively evenings!
4. HEALTHY, MIND, HEALTHY BODY
For your mountain holidays to be completely good for you, you must also take time to take care of yourself! After physical effort, relaxation at the chalet and manual activities, we call on Cristal Spa beauty therapists from La Clusaz to pamper us... Available by reservation, body and face treatments allow you to take a relaxing break to recharge your batteries quiet. With
The Balinese Massage for the whole body or
The Ritual with Five Flowers for the face, you relax your muscles but also tension and stress, strongly present in this year 2020... The Groupe PVG guarantees it,
the Cristal Spa parenthesis is the perfect moment to afford to end the year rested, revitalized and in good shape!
5. EVERYONE IN THE KITCHEN!
We end our list on a gourmet note, because what better time than winter to enjoy food with loved ones?
This is the perfect time to try out the local specialties: cheeses and cold meats will allow you to prepare your best Savoyard dishes.
La Maison Boudet or
La Crèmerie des Aravis will know how to supply you with fresh regional products or you will be ready for fondues, raclettes and tartiflettes which make us all salivate… For healthier and balanced dishes with seasonal fruits and vegetables, we go to
La Clusaz market, open all year round outdoors with compulsory masks and barrier gestures respected.
As for last-minute cravings and lazy days (we all have them, there's no shame!), head to
Le Bistro where you can find our delicious meals
for take-away and succomb
on the oyster menu… So, do not hesitate to say hello :)