Useful
Practical information and useful tips to help you around the mountain.
French Ski Resorts & Ski Lift Opening
Following the French Government’s preliminary announcement in November that ski resorts may open from the 15th December. Meaning that all shops and activities can open, including skiing, however the ski lift opening dates are yet to be confirmed and very likely to be after the Christmas period. Germany and France have been talking about a unified EU approach to open ski lifts from the 20th January. However they have already agreed the opening of ski resorts, shops, and sports from the 15th December. Fully aware of the Irony of that, and the consequent tension created with other Alpine nations. The lift opening date is a subject of much debate and political pressure.
What We Know
We know that we can ski approximately from 15th December. What we don’t know YET is when the lifts will be open. We are expecting that announcement to happen around the 15th December also. Following the State Council hearing in France on the 11th December, the court appeal to open the ski lifts at Christmas has been rejected. However Jean Castex mentioned the possibility of opening the ski lifts from January 7th depending on sanitary conditions.
On The Mountain & Skiing From 15th December
So, here’s what we will be doing until the lifts open. We will be operating Ski Touring days, and 4×4 Ski Safaris every day.
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Tips For Driving To The Alps
As many more people are planning on driving to the alps this winter. We thought we’d share some of our top tips to make it smooth and easy.
There are some good perks to driving to the alps instead of flying. Believe it or not, it’s actually greener than flying. Even more conveniently, you can take as much luggage and equipment as you like. Consequently you’ll have your own private transport in resort, making it easier to get around. In the case for last minute ski trips, you can travel at your own agenda, whenever you wish. Making it especially convenient.
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Tips For Last Minute Ski Trips
We know things seem difficult right now, which makes planning ahead seem out of reach. Instead of telling people what they cannot do, we are going to keep you informed about what you CAN do! So, with planning ahead being challenging, there are plenty of people thinking of making last-minute ski trips this year. For that reason, we have decided to put together a list of inside tips to help anyone organise last-minute ski trips.
- Private Accommodation
- Last Minute Travel Tips (Whats going on, Drive, Fly?)
- Lessons & Guiding Instantly Confirmed
- Ski Passes Online
*As soon as we’re able, we will continue to publish travel guidelines to help people stay informed of what they CAN DO!
Accommodation Tips
As the statistics show many people are looking to take private accommodation. As opposed to hotels and shared tour operator chalets. Our resorts (Chamonix, Megeve, St Gervais, Les Contamines) are fortunate to have a very large volume of private accommodation options available.
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French Ski Resorts & COVID-19 Safety
Health & Safety Measures
Representing mountain tourism in France, France Montagnes, maintain up to date guidance to safely continue skiing this winter. We will support, promote, and publish that guidance to help keep you informed about what you CAN DO to ski this winter.
Current Guidance
Skiing is an outdoor activity, and along with its equipment (Helmet, gloves, skis, goggles, face warmer) it is perfectly in line with social distancing. In some public spaces, capacity may be reduced. Wearing a mask is compulsory for everyone aged 11 and over.
Resort Access By Public Transport
- Wearing a face mask is compulsory before boarding and while on the bus.
Ski Lifts
- Wearing a face mask is compulsory while queuing and on the ski lifts.
- Contact points are thoroughly cleaned on a daily basis.
- No restrictions on the number of people on the ski lifts.
- On some ski lifts, you may not have to wear a mask (check ski lift guidelines).
- No masks out on the slopes.
In Equipment Hire Shops
- Wearing a face mask is compulsory.
- All hired equipment is thoroughly cleaned.
- Hand sanitising gel is made available.
In Tourist Offices & Your Accommodation
- Wearing a face mask is compulsory in all communal and enclosed spaces.
- Hand sanitising gel is made available.
- All surfaces are thoroughly cleaned, with increased frequency.
Covid Update & Risk Free Booking Winter 2020/21
Freedom Snowsports would like to announce that we and our resorts will be OPEN and back on the mountain this Winter 2020/21.
For peace of mind, and security when booking sessions for the 2020/21 winter season. In addition to our normal cancellation policies, we have included the following Covid-19 cancellation policy. Giving you the ability to plan your winter in the mountains with us, and at the same time giving you the flexibility and security to deal with any Covid related issues.
Covid-19 Cancellation Policy
If your travel plans get changed due to Covid-19, we are here to help. You will not lose your money. You have the option to reschedule the activity, or cancel and receive a full refund where one of the follow conditions apply.
- If we (Freedom Snowsports) has to cancel the activity due to reasons related to Covid-19.
- New government regulations prohibit the activity or travel to the activity.*
- You cannot participate in your activity because you or your party have a Covid-19 infection.**
* You will require applicable proof via government website or government documentation. This does not include advisories, media speculation, journalism, or individual speculation.
** You will require a medical certificate as proof. The booking needs to be cancelled at least 24 hours before the start of the activity.
Health & Safety Measures
To protect your health and safety, all outdoor activities have to comply with local regulations regarding Covid-19. Representing mountain tourism in France, France Montagnes, will maintain up to date guidance and we will continue to align with, as well as publish that guidance.
Current Guidance
Skiing is an outdoor activity, and equipment (Helmet, gloves, ski, goggles, face warmer) is perfectly in line with social distancing. In some public spaces, capacity may be reduced. Wearing a mask is compulsory for everyone aged 11 and over.
Resort Access By Public Transport
- Wearing a face mask is compulsory before boarding and while on the bus.
Ski Lifts
- Wearing a face mask is compulsory while queuing and on the ski lifts.
- Contact points are thoroughly cleaned on a daily basis.
- No restrictions on the number of people on the ski lifts.
- On some ski lifts, you may not have to wear a mask (check ski lift guidelines).
- No masks out on the slopes.
In Equipment Hire Shops
- Wearing a face mask is compulsory.
- All hired equipment is thoroughly cleaned.
- Hand sanitising gel is made available.
In Tourist Offices & Your Accommodation
- Wearing a face mask is compulsory in all communal and enclosed spaces.
- Hand sanitising gel is made available.
- All surfaces are thoroughly cleaned, with increased frequency.
In Bars & Restaurants
- Table service only.
- Table distance a minimum of 1 metre apart, or fixed or removable panels to ensurephysical distancing.
- Guests must wear a face mask when walking around the premises.Hand sanitising gel is available.
- All surfaces are thoroughly cleaned, with increased frequency.
At Ski Schools
- Wearing a face mask is compulsory when gathering at the beginning and end of class, for everyone aged 11 and over.
- No restrictions on the number of people at ski classes.
In Public Indoor Spaces
- Wearing a face mask is compulsory for everyone aged 11 and over.
- Hand sanitising gel is available.
- All surfaces are thoroughly cleaned.
- All hired equipment is thoroughly cleaned
How To Get Prepared For Skiing Over The Summer
When the end of the ski season arrives, we are usually left wanting more. This is one of the things that keeps skiing so special. With a significant pause in the sport we love, it is not just ‘on-tap’ like so many things today. The summer is an opportunity to keep ourselves in shape and prepared for next winter. So that we can enjoy every moment of the winter to its fullest. So lets discuss how to prepare for skiing and the winter ahead while we have time off.
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The Rhône-Alpes Region
We’ve put together some information about the pretty spectacular area of France that Freedom Snowsports operate in. We of course let you know about St Gervais, Chamonix, Megeve, & Les Contamines across our website. But here is just a small flavour of the delights that the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes has to offer.
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Skiing Tips For Beginners & Novice Skiers
For those of you thinking about your first ski experience. We’ve put together a Guide for considering what you’ll need, and where to go. Courtesy of us all here at Freedom Snowsports.
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How To Wax Your Skis At Home
A good waxed ski base is a must for all skiers. It enables us to glide and steer the skis smoothly over the snow. But have you ever wondered if it’s something that can be done at home. Or is it one of those dark arts best left to the professionals? Let us show you how to wax your skis at home.
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A Guide To Ski Shapes, and How They Work
Now before we get going, this is not supposed to be a physics lesson. Just simple, useable information to make it easier to select a ski for an intended purpose. So you can enjoy getting more from your skiing.
Camber
On most piste skis a regular, positive camber covers the entire length of the sidecut. Along with the skis stiffness, this characteristic provides the most edge grip possible on hard packed piste. Mainly because the ski is under more tension and “bites” back down into the snow. Therefore most piste focused skis, Read More…
