The
restaurant
The Grizzli's Story
A family adventure in La Norma
The Grizzli is above all a story of family, passion and conviviality. Nestling in the heart of La Norma resort, this iconic family restaurant has been an integral part of the mountain landscape for almost 40 years.
The restaurant has evolved with the seasons while remaining true to its original spirit: authentic cuisine, a dynamic team and a warm atmosphere where regulars return year after year.
Today, the restaurant continues to welcome skiers and hikers looking for a gourmet moment overlooking the mountains. The team, as passionate as ever, welcomes you summer and winter alike, with the same enthusiasm as on their first day.
An ambitious project
In 1984, the La Norma ski resort decided to add a high-altitude restaurant on the La Repose plateau. Of the four projects put forward, Lucien Bermond’s was chosen! Lulu, who was 32 at the time, had not a penny to his name but was carried away by his audacity. He even convinced the banker, who finally agreed to put her trust in him.
Two years later, in June 1986, Lucien began the foundations and on 14 July, French National Day, the first stones were laid. During the summer, he worked non-stop. When his wife Martine returned from a two-month holiday, she was expecting to find a simple chip shack, but she was astonished to discover a huge building, the plans for which Lucien had kept from her: The Grizzli had been born!
20 décembre 1986
The opening
The big day arrived: the restaurant was inaugurated on 20 December 1986 with the station’s actors. Lulu likes to tell the story that at midnight he was still polishing the bar!
The plateau de La Repose became a place where skiers and hikers could come together to share a good meal in the warm, family atmosphere so dear to Lucien and Martine.
In 2006, Julie and Agathe Bermond, the eldest and youngest of the three siblings family, took over the running of the restaurant, which they leased for two years. This little corner of paradise was so dear to them that in 2008 they finally bought the business and took over from their parents. For 18 years now, they have been carrying on the family legacy and bringing Grizzli to life with passion.
With their two different but complementary personalities, they still keep the spirit of The Grizzli alive today, with the same love of the trade and attention to detail and hospitality inherited from their parents.
Grizzli's Team
Above all, The Grizzli is a motivated team, always ready to welcome you with a smile! Whether you’re in a hurry to get back on the slopes or you’d rather enjoy a friendly moment, they’ll be there to meet your needs.
Julie and Agathe, the bosses
Julie, the eldest of the Bermond sisters, is the essential link in the restaurant chain. Unfortunately hidden away in the kitchen, she works hard behind the stove to prepare delicious dishes while managing the orders, the accounts, the administration… and her sister!
Her know-how comes from her mother Martine, who taught her everything from an early age. If you see her behind the pass, send her a little encouragement… it’ll put a smile on her face!
Agathe, more dreamy but just as committed, is the queen of the bar and reception. Her father, Lulu, taught her the art of welcoming guests with a smile, whatever the occasion!
Passionate about her restaurant, she wants every customer to feel at home and forget their worries for the time it takes to enjoy a good meal. Watching her loyal clientele of 19 years grow is her greatest gift!
This season’s permanent staff
Lucia – 21 years old, from the North of France, daughter of farmers and passionate about the mountains. This is her second season at The Grizzli, and she’s still bringing her catching good vibes! Last year, she took up the challenge of taking over after father Lulu, who held the dish for over fifteen years!
Aurélie, aka ‘Lili’ – 33 years old, from Savoie and a former ski instructor at La Norma. Warm and welcoming, she prepares your drinks with a gentle smile. She’s back for her second season at Le Grizzli!
Romain – 25 years old, a kitchen assistant, who is discovering the magic of the Grizzli for the first time. He’ll be learning to cook with an unbeatable view, and putting all his talent to good use for the big February rushes!
Salomé – 20 years old, a regular here after four summer seasons at the Grizzli! This year, she’s joining us for the winter, and will be on hand to serve you every weekend and during the school holidays. A real ray of sunshine!
Manon – 17, daughter of the boss. After her first experience in the kitchen this summer, she’ll be helping out her mum Julie at the weekends. When mother and daughter get together… look out, it’s going to be hot!
Renaud – 37 years old, a Ch’ti who’s become almost Savoyard! Considered the ‘brother’ of the Bermond girls, he is starting his 16ᵉ season at Le Grizzli. Head of the bar, he’s almost one of the walls! Always with a joke to tell, you’ll now find him in the summer too.
The extras team
In February, Le Grizzli needs a crack team to cope with the holiday rushes! This year, Philippe, Hélène, Julia and Lucas will be joining us to ensure that our service is top-notch!