Family events
A selection of events in Savoie Mont Blanc
Winter 2008-2009 will be full of thrills in the resorts of Savoie and Haute-Savoie. In December, the natural décor of the villages are a perfect backdrop for the magic of Christmas. And from January to April, there are cultural events and competitions for juniors aplenty, always in a festive atmosphere.
A selection of sports events
FIS Nordic World Ski Championships (for junior and under 23 years old)
From 29 January to 6 February 2009 - Praz de Lys/Sommand
More than 450 competitors from 35 countries will compete on the plateau of Praz de Lys/Sommand. Long distance races, double pursuit, and relay will take place in Praz de Lys and nordic combined and ski jumping will take place in Chamonix
Les Houches Kids Contest
On 11 and 12 February 2009 - Les Houches
Third edition for this teen's ski meeting: a two 2 day competition for children from 7 to 14 years old: boardercross and skicross, big air and freeride. An event promoted by Arno Adam (world champion of freeride) and Xavier De Le Rue (3 times world championship and winner of the last world cup of boarder X).
Franck Piccard Titou's Cup
On 1st March 2009 - Les Saisies
An informal alpine ski race for children. The French Olympic Champion Franck Piccard - living in les Saisies, will sponsor this race and will encourage the young competitors.
9th Edition for the French Ski Championship for Families
Finale on 9th March 2009 - Le Corbier
9 qualifiying races in different resorts, before the finale. During the finale, the winning families of the qualification will compete each other (a father, a mother and a child aged from 8 to 16). Two races: parallel slalom and relay.
Val Thorens "Luge Cup"
On 8th April 2009 - Val Thorens
A unique sledging competition in Val Thorens. The race will take place on the longest sledge pist in France: 6km! Different categories (children adults, couple...). A giant "raclette" concludes the event on the "front de neige" (bottom of the pistes).
A selection of festivals
"Attelages des neiges" festival
3 and 4 January 2009 - Le Grand Bornand
A two days meeting with sled dogs (500 dogs) and horses. Ski joëring initiation...
Semaine de l'air (air week) and Défi Transalpin
From 10 to 16 janvier 2009 - Praz-sur-Arly
During a week, hot air balloons will compete each other to cross the alpin massifs. Also on 10 and 11 January, during the 19th Montgolfiades Internationales, take a trip over the Mont Blanc region in a hot air balloon!
Snow sculpture competition
From 20 to 23 January 2009 - Valloire
During 3 days and 3 nights, 17 teams of 3 sulptors from France and abroad realise gigantic snow sculptures at the heart of the village on the main road. and see their transparent and transient works. Prior to this competition is the ice sculpture competition from 15 to 18 January.
The "Fête des Lutins" festival
On 25 January 2009 - Passy
"The Little Imp's day! A day devoted to the kids with games and entertainment only for them: make up, clowns, snow games, brass bands, free snacks... On that special day: free ski pass and ski equiment for children under 10 years old.
Carnival in Savoie Mont Blanc
During the winter holidays in February, the ski resorts celebrates Carnival. A few examples:
In Avoriaz, from 9 February to 6 March 2009, the resort celebrates carnival during 4 weeks: Each week during this period, children don disguises at the face-painting workshop then join in the grand carnival parade down the illuminated streets. The parade is followed by a firework display, with mulled wine and hot chocolate on offer.
Other examples of Carnival in Savoie Mont Blanc: Carnival des neiges in les Gets, Carnival at the Grand Bornand, la Tania, or in La Clusaz.
International pyrotechnic arts festival
From 23 February to 6 March 2009 - Courchevel
The best firework display specialists, from all around the world, come to Courchevel for a bright and colourful competition.
The "Boule de Notes" festival
From 11 to 18 April 2009 - Les Menuires
This festival of children's music and songs will be hitting notes of happiness for a whole week. Shows, songs, poems, even on the pistes, sounds and live concerts!
Weeks with special theme
Plagn'Artique
From 19 to 25 January 2009 - La Grande Plagne
In the 10 resorts of La Plagne, free activities under the theme of "the North and South poles": snow sculptures, bobsleigh, snowshoeing, snowballs fights, igloos building, conferences about the glaciers, etc.
Les Z'hivernales "Famille Plus Montagne"
From 7 February to 6 March 2009 - Les Karellis
Families will be pleased to see that the resort has planned lots of entertainement for them during the winter holidays. Special programmes for children, teenagers, and parents.
Semaine de l'environnement et Défi de la Forêt
From 15 to 20 February 2009 - La Tania
A complete week to deal with environmental matters: various shows and entertainment programmes in collaboration with Mountain Riders. On 18 February, 5th Edition of the "Défi de la Forêt", an orienteering and photo race, which allows to discover the ski domain in a fun way.
Family week
From 22 to 27 February 2009 - Les Contamines-Montjoie
Programme : shows and entertainement around Mother Nature. On 26 February,the 6th Fête de la Neige (Snow Show).
Famille Plus week," mes vacances chez Mamie"
From 5 to 12 April 2009 - Aussois
A week of activities for the kids, reading of stories in the evening, visits of farms...
Les enfants sont rois - Kids are little kings!
From 11 to 17 April 2009 - Flaine
A week of entertainement and shows for the kids. During this special week, the ski pass is free for kids under 12 years old (for one adult ski pass purchased).
Week "enfant en fête"
From 18 to 24 April 2009 - La Rosière
Children will discover the mountain through various shows, concerts, typical Savoyard evening, visits of farms.
Information updated on October 2008
