Christmas in Val Gelon: A Human Tide on the Motorway Area

IN BRIEF

211,500 vehicles expected in Savoie between December 27 and 29.
Heavy traffic period on Savoie roads, with jams between 9 AM and 7 PM.
Client influx increased tenfold at the Val Gelon area over this weekend.
Strengthening of staffing with seasonal workers to manage increased demand.
19 people team present on December 28 to ensure service.
Importance of keeping a smile in front of waiting impatient customers.

The Christmas holidays bring a considerable influx of travelers on Savoie roads, and the Val Gelon rest area, located along the A43, is no exception. Between December 27 and 29, about 211,500 vehicles are expected in Savoie, resulting in unprecedented traffic in this rest area. On-site teams, from catering to services, are preparing to welcome a remarkable number of customers, turning the Val Gelon area into a vital hub for motorists wishing to take a break during their journey to the ski resorts.

An impressive influx of vehicles #

This busy weekend is marked by heavy traffic on the roads leading to the ski resorts. Fortunately, the rest areas are there to offer travelers a moment of respite. Indeed, according to estimates from the Savoie Department, this phenomenon translates into an influx of 142,000 vehicles in Tarentaise and 69,500 in Maurienne. The holiday season, with its white snow blankets and fairy-tale landscapes, attracts many ski enthusiasts, making the roads particularly crowded.

An exponential increase in clientele #

At the Val Gelon area, located in Châteauneuf in Savoie, the observation is clear: the number of customers over this weekend is ten times higher than that of a regular Saturday. Bernard Castano, manager of the area for a decade, emphasizes the scale of this influx. “Orders are much larger, and everything is prepared well in advance,” he explains. This requires meticulous logistics to ensure that nothing is missed, be it drinks, sandwiches, or other essential products for the travelers, all in search of a welcome break.

Staff reinforcement for optimal service #

To cope with this exceptional rush, a significant increase in staffing is put in place. Aurélie Fèvre, co-manager of the area, reveals that the teams are doubled with the addition of seasonal workers, often young people returning year after year for this busy period. A team member is even specifically assigned to cleaning, an uncommon task during other weekends. In the kitchen, preparations are staggering, with one thousand sandwiches to be prepared, where usually only about a hundred are made. The implementation of these operations aims to ensure smooth and fast service for hurried users.

A dynamic working atmosphere #

This particularly busy weekend requires great energy and a constant good mood from the staff. Caroline, who has been with the team for two years, emphasizes that the surrounding excitement is part of the experience: “You have to be lively and in shape,” she says with a smile. This collective atmosphere is palpable as the team, consisting of 19 people, keeps high spirits despite the hard work.

Welcoming travelers with a smile #

The key to success during such periods is ensuring that each customer feels well welcomed, even amid the frenzy. Aurélie ensures that the atmosphere remains relaxed, allowing tired motorists to recharge before continuing their journey. “We are here to lighten the mood and keep our good humor,” she emphasizes, while recognizing that traffic jams continue to await travelers once their break is over. It’s an intense but rewarding period, where the dynamism and commitment of the staff make all the difference in the customers’ experience.