+44 (0) 1635 37774SKIING LATEST
Creation of a new three
hour 'anytime' lift pass for the Courchevel 1650 or Vallée de
Courchevel ski areas - learn
more
What about fitness levels
needed for skiing? We have the info and training advice needed to get
you into the best shape for the piste, now with warm up routines on video - read
more
Are there consequences
for the alpine environment as a result of snowsport activity? Can we
yet see any effects of climate change upon the ecostructure? - read
more
Opening in safety overnight
here's how and why - read on
Three Valleys packed with
legendery slopes and hidden treats for you to discover. Here's a sample
to get you started -
read more
Breakdown of the cost of a ski pass
Stats - It all adds up
Number of piste bashers - snow grooming machines: 82
Cost of each snow grooming machine: 250,000 - 300,000 euros
Surface area of groomed snow: 2,000 hectares
Hourly running cost per machine: 150 euros
Number of hours machine in use each day: 14 hours in two shifts
Hours of machine use per season: 13,000 hours
Grooming costs per season: 1,850,000 euros
Staff
No fewer than 1500 people are required to keep the 3 Vallees ski lifts running smoothly! They include ski patrollers, piste bashers and cashiers.
Piste maintenance & safety
330 pistes have to be prepared and made safe every night. 600km in all, the same as the distance by road between Paris and the 3 Vallees.
Ski lift operation
180 ski lifts work a minimum of eight hours each day non-stop, which means permanent maintenance and optimal energy consumption, with renewable energy providing a significant proportion of the electricity used.
Manufacturing snow
It can’t be said often enough that man-made snow is only water – which is not taken from the water supply, but retained upstream then resorted with the thaw – and air mixed together in a snow machine. On the other hand, the costs of installing the snow machines does need to be paid, their energy supply ensured and they also have to be maintained.
Investment in new equipment
Once you realise that the price of a new ski lift is measured in millions of euros (between 5 and 20 million dependent on the type), it is easier to understand the sums involved. Every year ski lifts are replaced or renovated to keep them in perfect operational condition. Man made snow also requires substantial investment in construction and maintenance of the high altitude water retainers which supply the machines.