LA VARAPPE : IN THE HEART OF MORZINE
One of the last wooden chalets in Morzine, built in traditionnel style in 1950 by Jacques Baud (father)
Jacques Baud (father) : 1937, first fully qualified mountain guide in the Vallée d’Aulps, and a Morzine ski instructor which led him to found his very own ski school (in Morzine).
In 1958 he was the first to organise the torch lit descents down the slopes of the Nyon ski area on 31st December, New Years Eve, shortly after the construction of the Nyon cable car.
The concept of a Winter Sports resort had come a long way, and Jacques Baud was one of the early pioneers. Supported by Dr Vuarnet, father of the famous champion, he was one of the first to propose the extension of the existant ski area, the construction of Avoriaz, and consequently the creation of Les Portes du Soleil domain.
(extracts from the newspaper article by Emile Marullaz: 1st Jacques Baud Memorial)
The new generation continues to carry the torch. Anselme, the eldet son and brother of Jacques (son), is an instructor at ENSA ( trans. The french national centre of study for skiing and mountaineering) in Chamonix where he divides his time between moutaineering and extreme skiing, following in the footsteps of his father (although like all mountain folk he remains very humble regarding his exploits- we are all proud of him). We wish him all the best of luck in his conquest of the worlds highest peaks !! (you can discover more by coming and visiting us)
TODAY
Morzine, in spite the evolution, remains a traditionnal mountain village wedged between Switzerland and Italy in the French Alps, surruonded by forests, torrents, alpine prairies, and with spectacular views of the Mount Blanc mountain range. The village is situated in the heart of the fabulous Portes du Soleil ski area, one of the largest ski domains in the world with over 650 kms of ski slopes connecting 12 different French and Swiss resorts. Even at night the Pleney ski slope opens for nocturnal skiing ( it’s a dream come true!!)
The year 2000 has passed by, and with it La Varappe celebrated over 50 years of welcoming, in Winter as in Summer, mountain and winter sports enthusiasts into its cheerful, traditionally renovated, appartments. A sense of well being can be felt through the upkeeping and respect of age old traditions, echoed through the memories of former guests who have now become old friends. Mr. And Mrs. Jacques Baud (son) continue to welcome you into these warm appartments to experience a truly unforgettable holiday.
