European Stars and Stripes (Newspaper) - December 5, 1991, Darmstadt, Hesse                                A amps photos by Ken George a duster of buildings near the resort of Gnes is reflected in a sparkling Mountain Lake. Plenty of fast slopes and even faster nightlife at ski resorts like Meribel tines and Val d Sere which Dot the Southeast. But in the Northwest near Aix Les Bains you can set your own Pace on a quiet stroll around Lake Bourget. There Are bustling Urban centers like Chambry with big shopping centers As Well As Small picturesque villages like brides Les Bains with cozy mom and pop grocery stores. In the Winter Snow blankets the area filling the valleys dusting the tall straight evergreens and smoothing the contours of the rugged mountains a including Mont Blanc the highest Peak in the Alps. This is when the Region becomes saturated with skiers a and for Good reason. Experts consider the French Alps to have some of the Best skiing that Europe has to offer. The already Good reputation of such Well known resorts As three valleys Les trois valleys is being bolstered by the Winter olympics which Are being staged in this area feb. 8-23. The three valleys is considered the largest ski area in the world with 310 Miles of slopes and several Hundred ski lifts. And even in the summer skiing is available at glaciers when the Snow melts the Savoy transforms into a landscape bursting with Flower strewn Mountain pastures Green Pines sparkling lakes and Rushing Rivers. Snow capped mountains rim Green pastures. Patches of red roses Blanket the ground under Brilliant Blue skies. The summer Sun glints off Orange tiled roofs. It s not an exaggeration to say that the splash of color resembles an artist s palette. The grand Alpine Way Legrande traverse Des Alpes cuts across the Savoy offering More than 1,200 Miles of Well marked and Well maintained paths. There Are also stunning walks at the Van Oise National Park which along with its italian counterpart the Gran Paradisio just across the Border forms the largest nature Reserve in Western Europe. The highest Summit in the Park is the Grande Casse which rises to 12,000 feet and the Park s glaciers Are among the most Beautiful in the Alps. Mountain climbing and Rock climbing Are available for everyone from the beginner level on upward. There Are also plenty of easy walking trails As Well As More challenging hikes with expert guides. The Park has More than 50 Mountain huts and overnight spots. V in the Van Oise National Park you might also catch a glimpse of one of the More than 4,000 Chamois pronounced Sham be that can be found in the Park. The Chamois an Antelope Deer with two Long horns that Bend slightly backward is native to this Region. The Savoy Region has some 75 Winter and summer resorts. Many of them offer a variety of fitness gym and yoga classes taking advantage of the Mountain air which is both invigorating and relaxing. History buffs can discover Savoy s past through Many of the Region s castles museums churches old villages and chapels. The Savoy was once an Independent country that included land on both the French and italian sides of the Alps. There is abundant evidence of human settlement dating Back to prehistoric times and signs of roman influence is also extensive. The rulers of Savoy who controlled the strategic High Alpine passes frequently switched allegiance Between the French and the holy roman Empire which for hundreds of years up to the 19th Century included the territory now occupied by Germany the Benelux countries Austria Switzerland and parts of Italy. This strategy sometimes backfired the result was often hard wars affecting the Region s Economy As Well As inflicting suffering on its people. The people living on the French Side of the Alps eventually held a plebiscite and voted overwhelmingly in 1860 to become part of France. Savoy produces a varied and tasty cuisine. Cured meats wines fruit Honey and cheeses Are All considered first class a even by strict French standards. Check out the Rosette and Diot sausages the traditional fare of the farming communities in the Winter. There Are both dry and fruity White wines and pleasant Mellow reds. The Honey is of delicate scent drawn from Alpine Flowers and Forest Pines. The Region is also the location of one of Europe s oldest spas in brides Les Bains which was started in the mid continued on Page 8 at tines Val d Sere la Plagne Val Thorens. December 5, 1991 stripes Magazine