Alpine ski resorts – the next big thing in business travel?

Businesses are always looking for new destinations for incentive travel experiences, conferences or team-building exercises. Over the past few years, France’s Alpine resorts have developed into real contenders in this segment of the market.

Catering to corporate clients at Les Arcs

One type of client not often associated with ski resorts is the businessman or woman. However, Alpine resorts such as Les arcs, in France, are actually very well placed to cater to this kind of customer. Les Arcs 1950, the newest village at Les Arcs ski resort, has anticipated this demand with the inclusion of dedicated function and meeting rooms in a number of residential apartment complexes. A large main function room (485m²) may be subdivided into 6 smaller rooms seating between 50 and 280 people, whilst other meeting rooms seat from 45 to 120 individuals. In the summertime, there’s also the option of putting up an outdoors marquee. Your guests will be put up in luxurious five star accommodation (hotels or apartments), with views of either the village, the ski slopes or Mont Blanc itself. Bed and breakfast, half-board and full-board options are all available, and of course, there are plenty of restaurants to choose from in the village itself, serving local dishes and more international cuisine.

A wide variety of activities tailored to business customers

There are lots of activities that are suitable for corporate clients, whether your event’s focus is on team-building, rewarding co-workers, networking with customers or something else. Naturally, winter sports form a big part of what Les Arcs 1950 has to offer. Your clients or colleagues will get the chance to enjoy snowshoeing, snow mobile rides, tobogganing, dog sledding and more. They’ll also be sure to love the ‘igloo village’, which boasts an igloo bar, an ice cave with ice carvings, a restaurant and space for dancing! After an intense seminar or a long day in the conference hall, who wouldn’t want to relax in a sauna or get a massage? Your guests will be able to do just that thanks to the Deep Nature Spa located at the heart of Les Arcs 1950. Open until 8pm, the spa extends over 1000m². One unique aspect of this facility are the panoramic views of Mont Blanc to be had from some of the treatment rooms.

What to do during your stay in Chamonix?

Whether you are staying in Chamonix for the weekend or for a whole week or two, there are many things to enjoy. Chamonix is a very well-known French ski resort but it offers many more activities besides skiing. Here’s a sample of what you can do there.

Discover famous spots

The Mont Blanc

Chamonix is located in the French Alps, at the foot of the famous Mont Blanc (reminder: it is the highest mountain in Europe). Thus, spending your holidays in Chamonix and seeing the Mont Blanc is quite incredible in itself. It is possible to hike on this moutain at a reasonable height or go to the top for those who can hike well, or hike on surrounding moutains, which guarantees an amazing view.

The famous Mont Blanc which you can see in Chamonix

Mont Blanc – Source: Wikipedia

The Aiguille du Midi

In chamonix you can also find another very famous moutain which is the Aiguille du Midi (3,842 meters high). Thanks to a cable car, you can go to the very top of this moutain and experience a unique sensation by “stepping into the void”! A room completely made of glass allows you to admire the Alps with the impression of floating in the air. If you are afraid of heights however, this might not be for you.

The Mer de Glace

If you like hiking, there is a beautiful path that leads to the Mer de Glace, which is a glacier situated in Chamonix. You can also go there by taking a small traditional train. Once up there (1,913 meters), you can admire the gacier and learn about its history and changes. You can even visit the glacier and go under the ice!

Experience new activities

If you want to try new sports or if you are a free-flight fan there are several activities that you can do in Chamonix.  For example, you can try para-gliding or hang-gliding to see Chamonix from the air and get a breathtaking view of the Alps. You can also fly over the valley with professionals. Para-gliding in the Alps If you’d rather stay on the ground, you can golf or go shopping in the numerous stores of the resort. You can also check the dates of famous festivals that take place in Chamonix and sports events like the World Rock-Climbing Cup or the UTMB for example. Finally, if you are staying in a MGM residence for instance, you can enjoy the fitness equipment or the spa to relax.