While Austria has had eight ski areas open for over a month now, Switzerland half a dozen and even Italy four, Francophile skiers have only had one choice – Tignes, since the start of October (OK Les 2 Alpes did open for one week only at the end of last month).
All that changes the weekend after next when French resorts begin opening for 2011-12 en masse, starting with Europe's highest resort, Val Thorens on the 19th of November
The resort will stage one of the biggest season-starting weekends in the Alps which last year attracted 8,000 skiers, all of whom descended on the resort to test out the new snow and equipment.
Because its season starts early, on the 19th of November, and continues until the 8th of May, Val Thorens' ski area, 99% of which is located above an altitude of 2,000 metres, offers exceptional conditions and guaranteed snow cover, meaning, Val Thorens says, that every season the resort boasts the highest number of open runs in Europe.
This year, to satisfy even more visitors and prolong the joys of the opening weekend, Val Thorens is offering two consecutive events. First up will be the fourth edition of the Ski Force Winter Tour on the 19th and 20th of November, and secondly, the resort is set to welcome the Rock on Snowboard Tour for the very first time on the weekend of the 26th and 27th of November.
The Ski Force Winter Tour offers a double opportunity with participants having the chance to be the first to try out the snow and test the new equipment for 15 of the biggest ski brands while benefitting from the advice of professionals. Just by showing proof of identity, skiers can receive a test card free-of-charge which allows them to try out unlimited equipment throughout the weekend.
Since this event was established in 2008, the number of people in attendance has doubled every year and the number of weekend tests has grown by 60%. To extend the fun, skiers can also enjoy a stop-off during the day on the ice-driving circuit to watch renowned drivers train during the press presentation of the Andros Tournament Trophy.
Val Thorens then welcomes the first stage of the Rock on Snowboard Tour for the very first time. Along with 30 snowboarding brands including Burton, APO, Rossignol Snowboard, Oakley, Nitro, Go Pro will be there to try-before-you buy on Val Thorens' actual runs. Just by showing proof of identity, snowboarders will receive a free test card which lets them try out as much equipment as they like throughout the weekend.
Located near the brand village, situated at the Rond des Pistes, a range of entertainment will take place across the event including the chance to try out freestyle on an airbag, and enjoy a mobile snowpark made up of fun modules (guitar, piano, microphone...) Mulled wine and a great atmosphere at the heart of the test village from 4pm on Saturday!
Packages are available from 78€ per person for 2 nights' accommodation and a 2-day Val Thorens ski pass based on accommodation in a fully occupied studio apartment for 4 people (0033 (0)4 79 00 01 06; www.valthorens-reservation.com).
Opening period day lift passes are 28€ for adults and 21€ for children (6-12 yrs). A two-day ski pass (valid for the tow opening weekends) costs 50€.