2nd largest mountain resort operator in France
Founded in 1959 to support the tourism development of Alpe d’Huez, SATA (Tourism Development Company of Alpe d’Huez and the Grandes Rousses) became SATA Group in 2021. An operator from Isère of the legendary resorts of Alpe d’Huez, Les 2 Alpes, and La Grave, SATA Group is reinventing the mountain experience within a territory with many facets, evolving with the rhythm of the seasons.
Whether you’re looking for a premium, trendy, or sporty experience, SATA Group leverages these differences to offer a unique experience that reflects comprehensive mountain tourism expertise. As a mountain resort operator, manager of high-altitude restaurants, and tourism real estate operator: skills and people working to develop the Alpine region.
Key figures
World-renowned events
Marque label AEON
To reflect this strategic positioning and ambition, the group is unveiling its flagship brand: AEON.
History
The first "drag lifts" (button lifts)
In the 1930s, the first "drag lifts" were built in Alpe d’Huez by Jean Pomagalski.
In the 1930sAcquisition of existing ski lift
In 1958, a group of shopkeepers and private owners founded a joint-stock company by acquiring all the existing ski lifts, which were previously individually owned.
1958The Municipality of Huez acquires 15% of the share capital
In 1961, the Municipality of Huez acquired a 15% stake in the company.
1961SATA GROUP is a public limited company
Today, SATA GROUP is a semi-public limited company, with the majority of its share capital held by the Municipality of Huez. The remaining shares are divided between a few banking institutions and small shareholders.
TodaySATA GROUP Alpe d'Huez
SATA Group Alpe d’Huez has been certified for Quality (ISO 9001) since 2001 and for Occupational Health and Safety (ISO 45001) since 2010.
Having an integrated management system to best satisfy its customers while continuously improving.
Ensuring safety for both customers and staff.
Identifying sources of pollution in order to control them.
Environmental Changes
Development of a project review for every new development. Contractors’ work is subject to safety and environmental prevention plans, which notably require waste management, handling of chemical products, and measures to counter potential pollution (e.g., oil leaks from machinery, retention tanks for chemical spills, etc.).
Systematic environmental impact assessments for all new construction projects.
Reduction in the number of pylons for new ski lifts to allow better landscape integration.
Identification, management, and recycling of hazardous waste in accordance with current regulations.
Awareness and training of snow groomer drivers in “eco-driving”.
Creation of a steering committee made up of staff members who act as on-the-ground ambassadors for internal environmental actions.
Use of biodegradable oils and shuttle services for staff transportation.
SATA GROUP Alpe d'Huez
SATA GROUP Alpe d’Huez is the largest employer in the Bourg d’Oisans district and, at peak season, includes:
General coordination
It is handled by the management team of SATA GROUP Alpe d’Huez. During the ski season, the operations managers are responsible for coordinating between the slopes and the ski lifts.
Operation and maintenance of ski lifts
Ski lift operation:
Each of the 4 geographic sectors that make up the Alpe d’Huez Grand Domaine Ski is overseen by a Sector Manager, assisted by one or more mechanics and electricians. They are responsible for coordinating lift operations and handling emergency interventions.
Lift operations within the sectors are carried out by lift operators (for drag lifts, chairlifts, gondolas, and cable cars) and arrival station attendants.
A central technical office, based in Alpe d’Huez, manages coordination between the different sectors. It receives all messages from the ski lifts and other sources, and ensures they are communicated to the relevant personnel and decision-makers.
Lift pass control is mostly automated through the “hands-free” system, which is supported by welcome agents stationed at the main lifts to assist customers, and by a team of certified inspectors who carry out spot checks, provide customer information during lift incidents, and handle thorough checks on those found in violation of regulations on the ski area.
Ski lift maintenance:
Under the overall responsibility of the Technical Director, the sector managers and their teams take care of the maintenance of all ski lifts starting right after the end of the winter season. They are supported by a central electrical department, and some major operations are outsourced.
Several other departments also contribute to ski lift maintenance, including:
Workshops for the upkeep and servicing of detachable grips and lift poles.
The stockroom, which handles supply and inventory management.
Slope safety and maintenance
Safety and rescue roles
Each of the four geographic sectors is managed by a Sector Supervisor, who oversees a team of qualified ski patrollers (alpine or nordic).
Their missions are diverse and include welcoming and informing guests, marking and securing the slopes, and providing rescue services across the ski area.
Slope grooming roles
These roles are filled by snow grooming machine operators. Under the supervision of the Grooming Manager and team leaders, they carry out grooming tasks such as smoothing, milling, shaping, and snowmaking, using modern, high-performance snow groomers.
Since these tasks must be done outside of ski opening hours, their work schedule differs from other departments. Most of their shifts take place at night.
SATA is therefore a 24/7 operation, with a dedicated workshop that maintains the snow groomers and is ready to intervene at any time.
Snowmaking roles
A team of six agents is responsible for producing artificial snow during the winter season and maintaining the system throughout the year.
As with grooming operators, their working hours are unique and often take place at night.
The sales department manages the sale of products offered by SATA GROUP Alpe d’Huez, with operations spanning across all three resorts.
Across 7 sales points distributed throughout the mountain area, more than 31 agents work under the supervision of a team leader. The entire department is overseen by the Sales Director.
Responsible for the maintenance of buildings and outdoor areas, this department employs a wide range of skilled trades: carpenters, masons, painters, maintenance workers, and more.
The general services team also manages staff clothing and equipment.
A vehicle maintenance workshop supports the overall setup.
Administrative and accounting services: staff in these departments handle payroll, accounting management, secretarial work, promotion, and more.
IT department: this team consists of a manager and an assistant. They manage the numerous and complex IT systems, ensure maintenance and troubleshooting, and implement various software solutions.
Quality and safety department: the Quality and Safety functions are responsible for drafting, implementing, and monitoring work and organizational procedures to meet quality standards and ensure employee safety. They also oversee related improvement initiatives.
Gender equality index
In accordance with Decree No. 2019-15 of January 8, 2019, implementing provisions aimed at eliminating gender pay gaps within companies and addressing sexual harassment and sexist behavior in the workplace, SATA is required to publish its Gender Equality Index.
SATA Group’s gender equality index (out of 100): 87
