The French ski resort of Les Arcs is trying to re-invent mountain tourism with an all new concept that seeks to bring together summer and mountain activities at the heart of their ski area – and they've spent over €40m on it.
The heart of the idea is that rather than have skiing for part of the day, then evening activities in another place, and different locations again in the summer, you build a giant one-stop complex above your resort that is open for at least 12 hours a day and is home to snow fun activities and learner slopes as well as indoor venues, restaurants and water parks so it appeals to skiers and non-skiers alike.
Called Mille 8, it has been put together over the past few seasons and will officially open on the evening of 16th February with a three hours sound and light show. This promises to be a spectacular with the latest technologies in 3D images projections (video mapping, ballet of laser light rays, pyrotechnics…) used.
After the show the DJs will set the dance floor alight in front of The Lodge, the newly opened venue in Mille 8.