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Ski Resorts Diversify

featured in News & reviews Author Ellie Mahoney, Chamonix Editor Updated

With the ski season drawing to a close our favourite resorts are doing their utmost to diversify and lower prices to ensure that summer tourism really takes off in 2007.

Les Ménuires, Avoriaz and Les Arcs have launched multi-activity passes which cover entrance to a wealth of local facilities and events, typically: swimming pools; tennis courts; mountain biking trails; volleyball courts; kids' clubs; concerts and exhibitions. Some packages even include accommodation. And all this at affordable prices. In Les Menuires, for example, a four person studio apartment with a multi-activity card for the group will set you back as little as 160euros.

To date the Alps have attracted a particular clientele in the summer; families with young children accounting for a massive 80% of visitors. Today resorts are looking to expand their client base by widening their appeal to the younger and older generations. One resort increasingly catering for the youth is Avoriaz where teens can try out all the latest sports, including mountain boarding and long boarding and old favourites like skate boarding and bmx biking. In addition, a club aimed at 13-19 year olds will give the young adult members the chance to meet others their own age and the freedom to create their own programme of events.

The fresh air, peace and tranquillity found in the mountains also make them an ideal holiday destination for the older generation. However this section of the population is often deterred from visiting the Alps by their prevalent sporty image. These days local tourist boards are highlighting the gentler forms of exercise that can be taken in the mountains such as ‘la marche Nordique' or Nordic walking for which poles are used.

The mountains have a lot to offer in the summer months. So, come and see for yourself.