Picnics on the Piste Sparks Controversy
Picnics on the Piste offers you an alternative to restaurant lunches and queuing, delivering locally sourced food and drink direct to the slopes. Whether it's hot soup, a baguette or fois gras with champagne delivered by a Butler in a penguin suit, there is something for everyone. The picnics are designed to be the ultimate in convenience and are fun for all the family; once you have finished simply dispose of the litter and carry on skiing. Genius! So what is all the fuss about?
The fledging company have had an extremely successful debut-season serving some 2000 picnics across the 3 Vallées and the Espace Killy, but the organisation fell victim to its own success in February when the local authorities in Val d'Isere banned it from doing business in the resort. The mayor's office argued that the business had not obtained authorisation from the commune, that the nature of the business would result in litter being left on the mountain and that alcohol should not be served in public places. But could it really be that the mountain restaurants were feeling the pinch? Last month a court in Grenoble ruled that the closure of the business was unlawful as it violated free trade and industry.
The ruling in the catering company's favour means that nothing should stand in the way of its plans for the future. The business is looking to expand into other resorts next season and has its sights firmly set on Les Arcs, La Plagne, Val Thorens, Chamonix and Verbier. So watch this space to find out if Picnics will be coming to a piste near you.
Le Dauphiné Libéré
