Olympic Games in Turin: Rhône-Alpes keeps the flame alive

The descent event reigns supreme in the winter Olympic Games and all alpine descent lovers will meet up in Sestrières in Italy, on February 12^th, to see the men's alpine ski competition. This should not let us forget however, that in the meantime, Val d'Isère is getting ready to enter the fray for the 2009 skiing world cup.

This year the games are not French but they are alpine, surf events, for example, take place in Bardonecchia, a little town housing an Olympic village just at the entrance of the Fréjus tunnel.

The Olympic flame, which left Greece on November 27^th, will pay honour to the "Rhônealpine" Olympic sites on February 6^th and 7^th going over to Albertville from Montgenèvre, Briançon, Grenoble, Chambéry, Chamonix and will return to Italy through the "Vallée Blanche" route, then it will arrive in Turin on February 10^th.

In Albertville, when visiting the "Maison des Jeux Olympiques d'hiver", you can relive the emotions of the1992 Olympic Games. You can find there: Athletes' albums, preparations, the costumes of the superb opening ceremony created by Philippe Découfflé, who has gained widespread renown since. You will also discover how all the surrounding organizing resorts have enhanced their value as well.

Onto the Olympic Park, the Olympic Hall still opens the ice rink to high level athletes who come for training. The race track has been changed into an omnisport stadium where tennis and climbing can be practised. The hall, built for skating and short track events in 1992, is now used for shows, concerts and regional exhibitions.

There is so much to be gained for everyone through the organization of such important events. Rendez-vous anywhere in the Alps to enjoy the exceptional seasonal snow coverage, but keep Val d'Isère 2009 in your sights!