Christian Marie: Marketing Director for Alpe d'Huez Ski Resort

Meet the head of marketing responsible for putting Alpe d'Huez on the map

featured in Meet the locals Author Ellie Mahoney, Alpe d'Huez Editor Updated 17 August 2016

Alpe d'Huez as many of you know is a resort that's hugely popular in both summer and winter. In summer 1000's of mountain bikers and mountain walkers descend on the resort, not to mention the 1000's of cyclists who come to tackle the infamous 21 bends on the way up to resort. This summer is going to be huge in the cycling calendar, and huge for the resort, as the last but one stage of the Tour de France comes to town on the 25th July. And we haven't even mentioned all the skiing and snowboarding yet..!

However you've heard of Alpe d'Huez, through friends, social media, the internet, or from previous visits yourselves, spare a thought for the large team working tirelessly behind the scenes to keep people like you coming to the resort, and to encourage new visitors from all over the world to share the experiences that this amazing resort has to offer.

The man at the head of the marketing team is Christian Marie, and we've managed to grab a few minutes from his busy schedule to ask him a few questions..

Christian, tell us a little bit about your business, how it started out and where you're based...

I am the Marketing Director in charge of promoting the ski resort of Alpe d’Huez which is composed of 5 different villages. With my team of 14 people we organize promotions across the whole of Europe including Eastern Europe and the Baltic countries. We also go to Russia, Ukraine and Kazakhstan.

How long have you been in your current role / how long have you been with the company?

I have been working in Alpe d’Huez for 28 years in my current role and I have followed the many changes in tourism: firstly the expansion of Tour operators, then opening in the East, and then the internet revolution.

What makes this resort a special place to be for someone in your profession?

Spending all winter in the sun, opening your window and breathing in fresh air and of course clearing your mind at lunch time on the Sarenne piste, the longest run in the world (10 miles).

What are the best bits about your job?

My favourite parts of the job are finding new clients, trying to convince them of all the assets of the resort, conversing in their language.

And the worst bits?

Being in front of my computer at 8 am!

What is in store for the future with your business, any exciting projects in the pipelines that you can share with us?

Our future project is the connection with 2 Alpes, this lift connection peak to peak, will give us the opportunity to become the second most important ski resort in the world after the 3 valleys.

What are you personal and professional goals for the future?

Preparing our clients for this amazing rendez-vous in resort.

What's your favourite piste or off-piste area & top tip to go skiing?

My favourite piste is, without contest: Sarenne, starting from 3330m (Pic Blanc) this slope is the longest in the world. You can ski for an hour without any lifts around, just you and the mountains. It's an amazing experience which is always exhilarating.

Where would you send someone who was after that something 'something special' in resort, to stay, eat or drink?

Place to stay: The brand new “Golden Rock” apartment. And the Chamois d’Or 4 star hotel which is ski in ski out.

Your personal favourite place for lunch or dinner?

Lunch at “La Folie Douce” for those who like music and dance or Signal 2018 for a more peaceful meal, both of them are on the slopes. Dinner at Le Petit Creux, Bernadette cooks traditional French food with mountain herbs and lots of passion.

Where will we find the best coffee or hot chocolate?

At Framboise,the tea shop in front of the ice skating rink, you could also sample the Jannin pastries (main shop next door)

What has been your best ever day in this resort?

2 hours off piste in Grand Sablat (20 cm of powder) with return by helicopter!

Do you remember your first trip to this resort?

Yes, in 1986 the resort had plenty of snow and I discovered the resort from Pic Blanc to Auris with blue sky and it was a great discovery.

What's your favourite thing to do in resort when not skiing or snowboarding?

Climbing at the sports centre and then swimming in the outdoor swimming pool.

What do you do in the summer?

Mountain biking (Mégavalanche), hiking and bird watching.

Skiing or snowboarding? What's your preference & why?

Skiing, my new large skis are amazing!