“The mountain offers man everything that modern society forgets to give him.” (Boris Vian)
Altitude has never been so captivating, so alluring. As the last bastion of freedom, the mountain offers an escape far from the frenetic pace of daily life. Nature reveals itself there in all its strength, inviting humility and authenticity. This is also what makes it a perfect place for reunions, with family or friends. For some, it holds childhood memories in their beloved resort, like an anchor. Everyone comes seeking the unforgettable, those precious moments that can only be experienced at high altitudes.
The mountain is a muse, inspiring athletes and artists alike, such as the photographers we followed along the routes of peaks over 4,000 meters high in this issue. With talent, they capture suspended moments of rare intensity. More than just a holiday destination, the mountain is a multifaceted experience. Skiing and the joys of gliding remain essential, but other challenges and other ways to enjoy the altitude also exist. Each at their own pace, drawing from the palette of activities on offer according to their aspirations.
Like the high-mountain guides we met in this issue, adaptation is the key quality of mountain dwellers. To the climate, to visitors’ expectations, to current trends. From this positive momentum emerge new projects, new inspirations, and new ways of reinventing a dynamic ecosystem. Everyone is a player in this change. From the interactions between residents, vacationers, and professionals arise unexplored paths that gradually sketch out another version of the mountain. A mountain that is alive and well, faithful to its roots, and looking towards the future.
Roland Claude Durand-Terrasson
Director of the Editions
NEWS
THE SAULIRE CABLE CAR IS BACK!
This autumn, all eyes were on the summit of Saulire, home to the arrival station of the cable car bearing the same name. Two new XXL cabins have been reattached. This iconic lift had been out of service since 2001, when it suffered an accident during a control test.
Fully glazed, the cabins can transport 140 people and reach an impressive speed of 50 km/h, making the cable car the fastest lift in the world. Skiers will reach the summit at 2,701 meters in less than 4 minutes and 30 seconds, compared to 15 minutes previously.
They’ll need to hold on tight, as the accelerations and decelerations of the lift will require seat belts and the use of ski holders. Bags will even be available for motion sickness.
ART AT THE SUMMIT, A CREATIVE ESCAPE
PARA ALPINE SKIING IN THE SPOTLIGHT
WHEN STONE ENHANCES ALPINE HOMES
THE TOUR DE FRANCE RETURNS IN 2025!
Read more newsPortrait
Emily Harrop, the Snow Sprinter
Just a few years ago, Emily Harrop, 26, was still seen as the rising star of French ski mountaineering. Today, she is among the best ski mountaineers in the world. The athlete from Courchevel, who claimed her third overall World Cup victory in 2024, now has her sights set on the 2026 Olympics in Italy, where ski mountaineering will feature as an official event for the first time. An interview with the champion.
ReadGastronomy
A Hint of Spice
A long-time visitor to Courchevel, Jean-François Van Cleef traded his vascular surgeon’s coat for a gardener’s apron upon retiring, embarking on a spicy adventure: cultivating Sichuan pepper.
An audacious idea that quickly caught the attention of Michelin-starred chefs in the 3 Valleys.
Mountain
Guide: A Profession in Constant Evolution
Constant adaptation is key. To weather conditions, terrain, client skill levels… Being a high-mountain guide means navigating the unknown, crafting alternatives, and finding solutions. This profession, which has evolved so much since its inception, continues to reinvent itself to face new challenges.
ReadFocus
New Era for Alpine Collection
The year 2024 marks a turning point for Alpine Collection, a key player in luxury mountain tourism with 27 years of experience. Established in five Alpine resorts: Courchevel, Méribel, Val d’Isère, Tignes, and Les Gets, the brand is reinventing itself and adopting a new positioning in the worlds of real estate and hospitality.
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