The unusual Subli’Cimes Festival has returned to La Plagne this week and will run until the Friday 15th April – so you need to be quick!
The free festival, which was inaugurated last winter takes place high above the resort between 1,970m and 2,700m across six peaks with six different experiences on offer.
This year the options include the chance to enjoy a manicure or makeover in the mountains at the world’s highest beauty salon located at the top of the Bécoin chairlift (2,350 m), dress up as a Burlesque dancer (frills, face masks, feathered fans and even La Plagne nipple tassels are provided), or sunbathe in the solarium. Men can sample a selection of shaving treatments, and children can have their face painted and try out some temporary tattoos.
You can also watch as the Grand Rochette gondola (2505m) is transformed into a Trans-Siberian train: the station staff will be wearing traditional Mongolian dress, the cabins will be decorated with props from the east, and guests might even find themselves sitting next to cashmere goat. At the top, encounter Bactrian camels and Tarpan horses, join in with old-style games, sample typical eastern dishes, and take part in a creative camel-wool workshop.
There’s also Yeti Land at the top of La Rossa chairlift (2,380 m) where you can watch out for the abominable snowman – at the top of Champagny-en-Vanoise – complete with snow sculptures of stupas and rainbow-coloured prayer flags. Enter the Yeti’s giant grotto if you dare… Inside, children can make their own yeti footprints and scary masks. Outside, balloon benders, bouncy castles and face painting await.
Adrenalin activities are offered at the top of Roche de Mio gondola (2,700 m) where you can experience a brief sensation of weightlessness on the bungee ejection, try free-falling from a bucket lift onto a huge-inflated mattress, and summon up the courage to try water-skiing. Those wanting to keep their feet on the ground can always dance to the booming beats created by a selection of skilled DJs.
At the top of the Arpette chairlift (2,385 m) you can slide out of your ski clothes and into a barrel sauna or bubbling Jacuzzi, alternatively, swing in the hammocks sipping herbal tea. And why not experience a Tai Chi session or seated Amma massage from the talented students of Montpellier school of Physiotherapy? (Complimentary changing rooms, showers and towels are available, swimsuits needed. Barrel sauna and Jacuzzis open daily from 10.30 am to 4 pm.)
Finally, exit the Fornelet chairlift (1,970 m) and enter into an enchanted realm: be entertained by the ‘sprites’ juggling fire sticks, and be amazed by ‘Merlin the wizard’ as he performs an incredible array of ‘spells’ that will delight young and old. Before leaving, jump onto the colourful carousel and enjoy spinning round, making the most of the panoramic vistas of the Alps.
