The largest thermal spa in France has reopened after being closed for renovations for the past 2 years. Rave reviews have been received after this 17 million euro investment. This wonderful thermal spa can be found in lovely Brides-les-Bains which is a commune in the Savoie department in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region in south-eastern France. In1992 it was an Olympic Village for the Winter Olympics, based in Albertville, France. Brides-les-Bains is well known as a wellness resort which promotes healthy eating, health workshops and its hot springs which run the whole year winter and summer.
If you are searching for a retreat that offers year round facilities where you can head off to for some much needed relaxation, this is the place you need to come to. The picturesque scenery is set amongst Les 3 Vallées, plus the Vanoise National Park nearby. During the summer months there are lots of activities that you can take part in, in the fresh alpine air. In the winter after a day on the slopes enjoy a relaxing massage or take a swim in the aquatic centre and once you have done that, sit on the wonderful terrace and take in the panoramic views of the peaks.
Ski resorts opening dates for 2018 – 2019 season
In just 8 weeks the ski season will begin and some resorts are opening early including Ruka in Finland. It’s looking at Friday 5th October to open its ski season.
At Kitzbühel in the Alps their ski season has already been announced it begins on Saturday 13th October at the Resterkogel / Pass Thurn area.
In order for both of these resorts to open early, they have used the snow farming method of storing snow from the previous season. It is stored under covers and then spread on the slopes during the autumn when the weather begins to cool. Hopefully this should allow an early opening.
It is expected that approximately 15 glacier areas in the Alps will open from early in September to the middle of October. Out of the 15 glacier resorts, 4 have already opened for the 2018 -2019 ski season, they include Hintertux and Molltal both in Austria and Saas Fee and Zermatt which are both located in Switzerland.
Over to the US now and some of the high altitude resorts in Colorado are expected to open for business in the middle of October, such as Arapahoe Basin which normally runs in excess of 200+ days during the ski season. No specific dates have been given yet but as soon as there is enough snow the resort will be open.
Both Breckenridge and Keystone resorts plan to be open on the 9th November and Copper Mountain hopes to be open for 16th November.
The London Ski Show
This superb event highlights the ski and snowboard festival from 25th – 28th October 2018. There will be expert destination advice, ski wear retailers; ski resorts from around the world will be represented along with themed food and bar areas. You can expect a snow slope with demonstrations by the British Ski and Snowboard Team, an ice rink, dog sledding, an indoor conveyor ski slope plus a climbing wall along with live music and entertainment.
The London Ski Show has been running since 1973 and is as popular today as ever. The show begins on Thursday 12 – 7pm, Friday 11-10pm and Saturday 10-8pm and Sunday 10-5pm. Early bird tickets are available online if you pay in advance or you can pay on the door.
For all you avid skiers, get ready!