Crest Voland introduction
General Information
Crest Voland is a ski resort located in the French Alps at an elevation of 1,250 meters or about 4,100 feet, and is also an authentic Savoyard village which celebrated the 150th anniversary of the annexation of Savoy to France in 2010. There are over 72 lifts; some of the chairlifts are modified so that people can take their mountain bikes on them in the summer. The Tour de France often passes through the area. The local tourist office keeps people informed about all the activities, competitions, and festivals. Crest Voland became a ski resort in the 1950s and has since been expanding having added a luge park and a snow park. It is also one of the ski resorts close to Mont Blanc and it owns 28 snow cannons.
Winter Activities
There is plenty of skiing and snow boarding for all levels of experience with 120 pistes spread over an area of 140 km. However, the most experienced skiers may want to take the highest lift up to connect with L’Espace Diamant which provides far more skiing for the experienced skier. Besides catering to downhill skiers, there are several trails for cross-country skiers and back country skiers and snowshoe-hiking. There is a ski school in Crest Voland for those who wish to take advantage of it and should be a first hand choice for beginners. In addition, there is ski-bobbing, which is similar to a bicycle with one runner instead of wheels, tobogganing, and paragliding. In December, Father Christmas does a torchlit descent. In addition, there are several ski competitions. There is a luge park for snowboarders and with the addition of new snow park, snowboarding is becoming popular at Crest Voland. Night Skiing is available at Crest Voland.
Summer Activities
During the summer, Nordic walking, hiking, and mountain biking are popular, as there are many cross-country trails that surge through the woods which encase the resort. There is a mini-golf course and an adventure park with zip lines and rope bridges for those interested in swinging through the trees. Because of the nearby Lake Annecy and many other rivers flowing in the region, there are optimum chances for swimming, river-rafting, and fishing. Rock climbing is also popular. Hot air balloon rides are available. There are many folk festivals and local markets for people to visit and to explore local traditions and culinary treats during summer. Tours are available for those who want to learn more about the history of the region.
Other Information
There is an eco-museum with interactive terminals to demonstrate village life and a collection of miniature mountain tools. The House of Fairy Tales is also in Crest Voland. There are a number of museums and exhibitions of farm life in Crest Voland and in nearby Albertville. There is also a national park and two regional parks nearby. During the 1992 Olympics in nearby Albertville, Crest Voland hosted a number of events. As far as accommodations go, there are many hotels in the region and for overnight stays.