Puy-Saint-Vincent

Picturesquely set on the edge of the Ecrins National Park, the Puy Saint Vincent ski resort combines the charm of a traditional mountain village with the advantages of a modern ski resort. The ski area is relatively small but very varied: 75 km of pistes served by 13 lifts. On the mountain pastures above the old Alpine village of Puy Saint Vincent, two modern ski stations have been built: Station 1400 and Station 1600. Intermediate and less experienced skiers will find the widest choice of pistes here. There are 18 easy pistes (between Station 1400 and Station 1600, and above Station 1600), and a particularly pleasant one is "Chemin", a long run that starts at 2,000 m and ends at Station 1600. The resort's ski area (especially its eastern part) offers intermediates many options, including two long, very attractive pistes, "Coqs" and "Bois des Coqs". In all, the resort has 11 red pistes. Advanced skiers can choose from 2 short but genuinely difficult black pistes. "Le Rocher Noir" in particular (900 m long, with a vertical drop of 312 m) is a real challenge. Some of the red pistes also demand strong technical skills. Freeride fans can also try their hand at the powder areas (always with a guide). The freeride terrain (mainly the Vallon de Narreyroux, Bois de Coqs, Col du Bal, Tournoux and Pousterle areas) also draws snowboarders to Puy Saint Vincent, who can use the snow park too (halfpipe, woops, quarterpipe, table, spine). Nearly 40 km of trails have been laid out for cross-country skiers. There are few easy trails; most are for more experienced skiers. Part of the cross-country area lies within the Ecrins National Park, which gives some trails outstanding scenery. The resort's offer away from skiing includes snowshoe walks, snowmobile and motor sledge rides, dog sledding, paragliding, toboggan runs and ice rinks. Entertainment on site comes not only from a disco, wine bars, restaurants and bars, but also from a cinema, a theatre and folk groups. New for winter 2006/2007: chip cards, preferential prices and other improvements. From the events calendar: * 24 December 2006, Christmas in Puy St Vincent: 7 seats in Father Christmas's helicopter to be won. * 20 to 21 January 2007, qualifying rounds of the French Boardercross Cup. * 14 to 16 January 2007, the 16th Festival of Laughter with Gérald DAHAN