The French Alps

2011 Tour De France Route: From Pinerolo Back To The French Alps

The 2011 Tour de France picks right up where it left off on Wednesday: in Pinerolo, Turin, Italy. The Alps. The brief excursion in Italy comes to an end on Thursday when the riders leave there and race for Galibier Serre-Chevalier.

Before the grinding portion of the race, the cyclists will first run into the sprint at Verzuolo 43 kilometers into the race. Stage 18 features three Category H climbs, the first at Agnel. It's a 23.7 kilometer climb at a 6.5 percent incline. Then the Col d'Izoard comes at 145.5 kilometers. It's the shortest of the three climbs at 14.1 kilometers.

Col du Galibier will become the point of highest elevation at the finish line in the history of the race. It's a 22.8 kilometer climb to the finish line, which is 2,645 meters above sea level.

Thomas Voeckler still wears the yellow jersey, but he lost precious seconds in his lead when he went off the course and into a yard on Stage 17. Will the Schleck Bros., Cadel Evans or someone else make a move on Voeckler on Thursday?

VERSUS begins its coverage at 5 a.m. MT for this alpine stage.

For in-depth coverage of the race, visit out cycling blog, Podium Cafe , and our SB Nation StoryStream .

Certain photos copyright © 2011 by Associated Press or Getty Images. Any commercial use or distribution without the express written consent of Associated Press and Getty Images is strictly prohibited.

Scoreboard data copyright © 2011 by STATS LLC. Any commercial use or distribution without the express written consent of STATS LLC is strictly prohibited.

French Alps Skiing Make for the Best Winter Holidays | MCDS School

Nothing beats skiing holidays , whether you enjoy the wind in your face as you glide down a black run or you prefer a triumphant mulled wine in the bar afterwards. All abilities and appetites are satisfied by the varied terrain in the French Alps and plentiful apres-ski spots.

There are a variety of slopes to explore in Courchevel and it also boasts some of the best restaurants and hotels in the Alps. Most of the ski season has guaranteed snow, so you’ll be able to enjoy one of the most stylish winter holidays around. The chic alpine style can be enjoyed by beginners as well, as there is a selection of nursery slopes available.

Val d’Isere is full of Alpine charm and is as popular for its apres-ski as it is its slope-time action. With high altitudes guaranteeing plenty of the white stuff and a varied selection of bars and restaurants stocked with spirits, this is a great place to enjoy with friends. There is a range of thrilling descents for confident skiers on the higher slopes, as well as ski schools for beginners.

One of the most popular skiing resorts for Brits is Meribel, which is in the centre of the Trois Vallees or Three Valleys. A selection of quaint, quality chalets can be found here, as well as some of the smartest apres-ski spots. With its regular live bands and happy hour at 4pm, the Rond Point is a must-visit.

With the impressive Mont Blanc standing at 4,810 metres at its centre, it’s no surprise that Chamonix is a winter sports paradise and it has even hosted the Winter Olympic Games. Miles of steep descents are offered in this haven for boarders and adventurous skiers alike and the impressive terrain covers an array of difficulty levels. Geneva is just an hour away too, so it’s perfect if you want to book an action-packed weekend in addition to your sun holidays .

The French Alps

The french alps

The French Alps, Savoie : Haute-Savoie

Walking the French Alps, GR5

The French Alps, Savoy, Dauphiny; the Mont Blanc group, Tarentaise, Maurienne, Chartreuse, Vercors, Oisans