Contenu du sommaire

The Olympic phenomenon and winter sports : spin-offs from the 1924 Chamonix Winter Olympics. On the eve of the Albertville Olympics, the author takes an historical look at the consequences of Winter Olympic Games. France is the only country in the world, along with the United States, to have organised this event on three different occasions and has thus acquired a certain experience in this regard. Taking the necessary methodological precautions, the article attempts to assess the impact of the First Winter Olympics held in Chamonix in 1924. At that time, however, the term « winter sports » was still polysemant and alpine skiing had not yet appeared. Nevertheless, the propaganda which surrounded the event shows that the tourism, political, economic and cultural sectors already had considerable expectations. To what extent does the history of the First Winter Olympics help us to prepare for those of 1992 ?

Effects on Calgary region of hosting the XV Olympic Winter Games. The aim of this paper is to comment on effect of the XV Olympic Winter Games in 1988 on Calgary and its surroundings. First, it points out the operationnal aspects, focusing on the will for a commercial and corporate support and minimum governmental sponsorship so as to maximize revenues and minimize expenses. Then it focuses on the effects of the Winter Games. The impacts of this games can be seen in the operation and maintenance of first-class sport facilities, providing a support for athletic events, and numerous regional, national and international competitions. The Games increased the sport participation and sport- mindedness among Calgarians and vitality of the Arts because of the Olympic Arts Festival. They provided an impetus in the tourisme development in Canmore (Nordic events), and Kananaskis and Nakiska (Alpine events). The last section of the paper places the Calgary Olympic Winter Games in a general and theoretical perspective. It increased the positive image of Calgary enhanced Calgary's economic well-being and is perceived to have left a legacy of increased community pride and intensified social cohesion. Also, it points out some negative impacts : important questions concerning the desirability of continued openly. To conclude, the Olympic facilities broadened the range of attractions and made the city a more desirable place to visit. Memory of the Games are apt to fade fainly quickly, but its mystique will in all probability remain for a long time.

The pre-olympic market in Albertville employment area. The spectacular growth of winter tourism and the difficulties encountered by traditional activities has resulted in employment becoming increasingly oriented toward the tertiary sector. The large number of temporary and seasonal jobs has led to the development of job plurality among all the socio- professional categories. The construction programme related to preparations for the Winter Olympics has served to accentuate the turnover of staff, including qualified personnel, and the general precarity of employment. Training programmes set up for 1992 will not eliminate the major problems of staff management and the integra-tion of young people into the workforce.

The Winter Olympic Games, the impact of weather conditions. The author shows hereafter the impact of weather conditions in the organization of the Winter Olympic Games as well, with respect of setting up the Games as for event processes. Requested needs and final system to be run for the occasion are described. As regards of both local and regional economy, the author emphasizes how important is the action of METEO FRANCE. However it is not realy easy to quantify such repercussion.

The Rhône-Alps Region and the Winter Olympics : tourism, international competitivness and development The Rhone-Alps region has seized the opportunity presented by the Albertville Olympics to promote real regional development. From a financial point of view, its commitment has consisted in complementing investments for the Olympics with a view to providing the region with a comprehensive infrastructure : road networks in the Savoie department, the railway station at Satolas (TGV Sud and TGV Alpin rail services). Taking the example of tourism, one of the major activities of the Rhone- Alps region, efforts have been made to promote development in three main ways : first, by putting the accent on quality in order to become more competitive ; second, by seeking a better balance among local development projects through a broader distribution of tourist activities (accent on rural tourism) ; third, by diversifying supply through the creation of new products (promoting the region's heritage and environment as tourist attractions). For the Rhone-Alps region, the Olympic Games constitute a showcase that is both economic and technological (Valora association created in 1990), as well as sporting and cultural. The Albertville Winter Olympics have provided the region with an outstanding opportunity to streng then its position on the European and international map.

The Olympic Winter Games of Albertville and Savoie. The development stakes. The XVI Winter Olympic Games in Albertville, Savoie, are taking place at a very special time in the history of tourism development in the Northern Alps, as major winter resort projects are reaching completion. The spin-offs for the various authorities hosting the events will vary from one venue to the next. The positive effect of the Olympic Games is already visible in the extensive transport infrastructures, but what the proponents of alpine tourism development are really waiting for is the great spotlight soon to be focussed on Savoie, since the event is taking place at the very moment that the winter sports product is being marketed on a world scale.