Les vacances à la neige, inventées au XXe siècle, ont inspiré les architectes et donné vie à un nouveau patrimoine. Revivez l'épopée des créateurs de stations.
Les « sports d’hiver »… une expression relativement récente pour des activités nées au XXe siècle. Car auparavant, personne n’aurait eu l’idée de monter si haut, dans le froid et la neige, pour le plaisir de la glisse !
Naissance des stations
Les stations naissent pour accueillir un sportif d’un genre inédit : celui qui, chaussé de planches de bois recourbées au bout, dévale les champs enneigés.
Pour accueillir les pionniers des sports d'hiver, les années 1920-1930 voient apparaître les remontées mécaniques et les hôtels ouverts tout l’hiver. Mais c’est au cours des Trente glorieuses que le ski se démocratise ; les stations se multiplient dans les Alpes, sous l’impulsion de l’Etat et de promoteurs privés.
La montagne se transforme en laboratoire d’aménagement du territoire. En altitude, les sites vierges se révèlent un terrain idéal pour des urbanistes novateurs, capables de transformer de paisibles alpages en « cités des neiges » futuristes.
Au pied des pistes, le patrimoine contemporain
À Courchevel, dès 1946, Laurent Chappis et son équipe énoncent les grands principes de la station skis aux pieds, et conçoivent des chalets d’avant-garde, faits pour se confondre avec les versants. Aux Arcs, Charlotte Perriand applique les principes de Le Corbusier à l’habitat de loisirs. Le Corbier, né en 1967 dans le cadre du Plan neige lancé par l’Etat, traduit l’enthousiasme de ces années-là en donnant à ses immeubles des noms comme Cosmos, Soyouz ou Baïkonour.
Toutes nos activités Archipels d'altitude
Cliquez sur un point sur la carte ou faites défiler le programme de votre prochaine balade !
Dates
Commune
Once upon a time in Les Saisies: guided tour
Through a variety of themes, discover the history of Les Saisies resort: from its agricultural past to the development of the resort, including stories of resistance and the Olympics, immerse yourself in a history as rich as it is human.
Once upon a time in Albanne: guided tour
Take a guided tour of the authentic village of Albanne, ending with a visit to its superb Baroque church.
Discovering the village of Arêches
You already know the trails, but what about the village? From the church to the 1st tug-of-war, from the wash house to the traditional houses, Pascaline will help you discover 1001 stories and anecdotes. The resort will hold no secrets for you!
Guided tour: art at its peak in Courchevel, an open-air cultural exhibition
Art at the summit: a unique open-air museum in the mountains, two artists in the spotlight with monumental works on the slopes and in the Courchevel valley, this is the cultural dimension offered this winter with Andrea Roggi and Bruno Catalano.
Torchlight guided night tour: once upon a time in St-Martin-de-Belleville
Discover the history of St-Martin and the Belleville valley in a unique mountain village. Awaken your senses and get into "nocturnal" mode with a torch-lit and lantern-lit tour. A simply amazing experience!
Guided tour: Once upon a time in Courchevel 1850; 80th anniversary special
Follow a captivating guided tour combining history and local heritage. Immerse yourself in Courchevel's cultural past during this unique open-air exploration accompanied by a guide from the Pays d'art et d'histoire with the Fondation Facim.
Guided tour: The Cernix hamlet
Discover the history of Le Cernix: this hamlet lies at the crossroads of the communes of Crest-Voland and Cohennoz, on which it depends. Traditions, legends, life in the old days and winter tourism are all part of the story.
Guided tour: art at its peak in Courchevel, an open-air cultural exhibition
Art at the summit: a unique open-air museum in the mountains, two artists in the spotlight with monumental works on the slopes and in the Courchevel valley, this is the cultural dimension offered this winter with Andrea Roggi and Bruno Catalano.
Guided tour: Once upon a time in Courchevel Le Praz, Olympic and sporting heritage
Once upon a time there was Courchevel Le Praz: a mountain village in Savoie, perched at an altitude of 1,300 metres, which became a winter sports resort in 1946 and an Olympic venue in 1992. Let a local guide tell you all about its rich history.
Montchavin under the stars: a lamp lit guided tour
At dusk, by the light of lanterns, come with family and friends to hear the story of a mountain village turned tourist resort.
Reservations required. Places are limited.
Guided tour: art at its peak in Courchevel, an open-air cultural exhibition
Art at the summit: a unique open-air museum in the mountains, two artists in the spotlight with monumental works on the slopes and in the Courchevel valley, this is the cultural dimension offered this winter with Andrea Roggi and Bruno Catalano.
Guided tour: art at its peak in Courchevel, an open-air cultural exhibition
Art at the summit: a unique open-air museum in the mountains, two artists in the spotlight with monumental works on the slopes and in the Courchevel valley, this is the cultural dimension offered this winter with Andrea Roggi and Bruno Catalano.
Montchavin celebrates St Agatha's Day: guided tour
In Montchavin's chapel, come and listen to the amazing story of Saint Agathe, the village's patron saint.
Guided tour: art at its peak in Courchevel, an open-air cultural exhibition
Art at the summit: a unique open-air museum in the mountains, two artists in the spotlight with monumental works on the slopes and in the Courchevel valley, this is the cultural dimension offered this winter with Andrea Roggi and Bruno Catalano.
Guided tour: Once upon a time La Rosière
Take advantage of the evening light to discover the history of a mountain village that has transformed into a ski resort. Our heritage guide will share with you the stories and anecdotes of La Rosière.
The epic of a resort: history of La Plagne-Guided tour
Discover the history of the development of La Plagne and the adventure of winter sports. Follow in the footsteps of La Plagne's pioneers and inventors.
"Once upon a time in Val d'Isère" guided tour
Relive the fabulous history of Val d'Isère as you explore the village and discover the Val Histoire museum: the story of a mountain village that became a world-class ski resort. What an adventure!
Guided-tour for kids - Les Saisies, a team effort !
Holidays in Les Saisies are great! But do you know who came up with the idea for this resort? What was there before? Who lives there now? Perrine invites you to investigate! Your efforts will be rewarded with a free snack at the end of the activity.
Visit the village of Saint-Sorlin-d'Arves : Guided visit
Guided tour: Architecture Aperitifs
Discover the key stages of the construction of Les Menuires and the bold and innovative architectural choices thanks to an outdoor tour and a projection of images. To finish, share a glass of friendship and enjoy a Savoyard aperitif.
Guided tour: art at its peak in Courchevel, an open-air cultural exhibition
Art at the summit: a unique open-air museum in the mountains, two artists in the spotlight with monumental works on the slopes and in the Courchevel valley, this is the cultural dimension offered this winter with Andrea Roggi and Bruno Catalano.
Guided tour: gourmet walk in Pralo
Follow the guide through the streets to discover Pralognan-la-Vanoise, the cradle of mountaineering in Savoie, and get to know local producers and mountain products. Tasting at the end of the tour.
Projection de film commentée : Les sports d'hiver en Savoie Mont Blanc, toute une aventure !
Guided tour: Once upon a time in Courchevel Le Praz, Olympic and sporting heritage
Once upon a time there was Courchevel Le Praz: a mountain village in Savoie, perched at an altitude of 1,300 metres, which became a winter sports resort in 1946 and an Olympic venue in 1992. Let a local guide tell you all about its rich history.
Atelier en famille: Je construis ma station de ski
Guided tour: art at its peak in Courchevel, an open-air cultural exhibition
Art at the summit: a unique open-air museum in the mountains, two artists in the spotlight with monumental works on the slopes and in the Courchevel valley, this is the cultural dimension offered this winter with Andrea Roggi and Bruno Catalano.
Family workshop: "Design and build your own ski resort".
Discover the world of ski resorts and take your turn imagining your ideal ski resort.
A workshop for the whole family.
Ages 7 and up.
Guided tour: art at its peak in Courchevel, an open-air cultural exhibition
Art at the summit: a unique open-air museum in the mountains, two artists in the spotlight with monumental works on the slopes and in the Courchevel valley, this is the cultural dimension offered this winter with Andrea Roggi and Bruno Catalano.
Guided tour: Once upon a time in Courchevel Le Praz, Olympic and sporting heritage
Once upon a time there was Courchevel Le Praz: a mountain village in Savoie, perched at an altitude of 1,300 metres, which became a winter sports resort in 1946 and an Olympic venue in 1992. Let a local guide tell you all about its rich history.
Visite guidée : Art et Histoire à Notre Dame de Bellecombe avec la Fondation Facim
Guided tour: art at its peak in Courchevel, an open-air cultural exhibition
Art at the summit: a unique open-air museum in the mountains, two artists in the spotlight with monumental works on the slopes and in the Courchevel valley, this is the cultural dimension offered this winter with Andrea Roggi and Bruno Catalano.
Guided tour: art at its peak in Courchevel, an open-air cultural exhibition
Art at the summit: a unique open-air museum in the mountains, two artists in the spotlight with monumental works on the slopes and in the Courchevel valley, this is the cultural dimension offered this winter with Andrea Roggi and Bruno Catalano.
Guided tour: Once upon a time in Courchevel Le Praz, Olympic and sporting heritage
Once upon a time there was Courchevel Le Praz: a mountain village in Savoie, perched at an altitude of 1,300 metres, which became a winter sports resort in 1946 and an Olympic venue in 1992. Let a local guide tell you all about its rich history.
Crest-Voland by night: Guided tour
At nightfall, come and discover the secrets of these Alpine villages. The history of the area is revealed to those who know how to listen. Accompanied by a Fondation Facim guide.
Guided tour: art at its peak in Courchevel, an open-air cultural exhibition
Art at the summit: a unique open-air museum in the mountains, two artists in the spotlight with monumental works on the slopes and in the Courchevel valley, this is the cultural dimension offered this winter with Andrea Roggi and Bruno Catalano.
Guided tour: art at its peak in Courchevel, an open-air cultural exhibition
Art at the summit: a unique open-air museum in the mountains, two artists in the spotlight with monumental works on the slopes and in the Courchevel valley, this is the cultural dimension offered this winter with Andrea Roggi and Bruno Catalano.
Guided tour: Once upon a time in Courchevel Le Praz, Olympic and sporting heritage
Once upon a time there was Courchevel Le Praz: a mountain village in Savoie, perched at an altitude of 1,300 metres, which became a winter sports resort in 1946 and an Olympic venue in 1992. Let a local guide tell you all about its rich history.
Guided tour: art at its peak in Courchevel, an open-air cultural exhibition
Art at the summit: a unique open-air museum in the mountains, two artists in the spotlight with monumental works on the slopes and in the Courchevel valley, this is the cultural dimension offered this winter with Andrea Roggi and Bruno Catalano.
Guided tour: art at its peak in Courchevel, an open-air cultural exhibition
Art at the summit: a unique open-air museum in the mountains, two artists in the spotlight with monumental works on the slopes and in the Courchevel valley, this is the cultural dimension offered this winter with Andrea Roggi and Bruno Catalano.
Guided tour: art at its peak in Courchevel, an open-air cultural exhibition
Art at the summit: a unique open-air museum in the mountains, two artists in the spotlight with monumental works on the slopes and in the Courchevel valley, this is the cultural dimension offered this winter with Andrea Roggi and Bruno Catalano.