Val d'Isere

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Val d'lsere attracts Europe's biggest poseurs, to see and be seen on some of its superb terrain and to party the night away in its first-class bars and restaurants.

The resort is most recognisable by its charming "chalet" architecture. Along with nearby Tignes the area forms part of the "l'Espace Killy", the self-titled "Most Beautiful Ski Area in the World." Beauty aside, the combined space is one of the largest ski areas in the world.

Val d'lsere Pro's

• Among the best nights out in the Alps
• Everyone speaks English. Mainly because everyone is English
• Access to the huge Espace Killy area means you'll never exhaust the possibilities.

Val d'lsere Con's

• Too hectic for some
• Very English, so not suitable for those looking for a classic French resort
• Expensive

Compared to the cool subtlety of ultra-rich Courchevel (perhaps its closest rival), Val d'lsere can come across as somewhat nouveau riche. But the skiing is amazing, and the close proximity of Tignes allows you to venture out to quieter climes if it all gets a bit much. It's easy to see why so many Brits are attracted to the area, with its crazy nightlife and the wide variety of entertainment on offer. As long as your perfect holiday

Skiing in Val d'Isère

Beginners

Beginners need to head as high as possible (try some of the greens from the Borset Express) as many of the pistes back into town or further down the valley can get pretty steep. Val d'lsere probably isn't ideal for absolute beginners as the slopes can get very busy but quieter Le Fornet allows you to practise in peace.

Intermediate

Again, if crowds scare you, try to avoid Solaise or Rocher de Bellevarde and explore the edges of the piste map. For some challenging terrain that keeps you within your comfort zone, theTommeuses lift takes you over to Tignes where the mix of blues and reds will keep you busy.

Expert

Val gets busy, so you'll be fighting for the best off-piste. But the high altitude means there are a lot of freeriding possibilities, especially off the runs back down into the village. Germain Mattis, piste A and piste M are all quite tricky, but undoubtedly the best is Face on the Rocher de Bellavarde.

Powder

One of the best places to head for fresh snow is Tignes, but if you prefer to stay on this side of the valley you've still got a huge amount of off-piste at your disposal. Venture off St Jacques or Arcelle for some of the best powder in Europe.

The glacier de pissaillas (Pissaillas Glacier) offers summer skiing, as well as the usual winter fare. Summer skiing has not operated recently as the glacier has shrunk due to the effects of climate change. Snow cannons are placed on certain slopes to accommodate heavy skiing. The ski slopes themselves are equipped with a high-volume gondola, able to transport standing skiers, the funicular from La Daille via a tunnel to the top of Bellevarde, traditional chair lifts--some with windshields and many detachable, button/disc-pulls and tow-ropes. There are both groomed slopes and backcountry (off-piste) skiing. It should be noted that some runs, particularly down to the village are shown as easier than they are - a blue run at this may be closer to the difficulty level of a red. However, as in Tignes there are grand, easy motorway pistes as well to let rip on. It is first class off piste country for powder addicts and there are many good guides available.

Tignes possesses more of the same, with a funicular shuttling skiers up through one of the mountains to the Grande Motte glacier. The slopes in both areas cover all four of the French slope difficulty designations: from green (very easy) through blue and red to black (difficult). In the village, après-ski (nightlife) is lively, with a good selection of bars and clubs. A free shuttle bus runs between the villages in the valley every five minutes from 08.00 to 18.00 thereafter every 30 minutes, providing free transport throughout the town of Val d'Isère proper.

Summer in Val d'Isère

• Summer Glacier Skiing
• Walking / Trekking
• Skating
• Tennis
• Walking Trails
• Hiking with Donkeys
• Paragliding
• Via Ferrata
• Horse Riding
• Canyoning
• Mountain Biking
• Helicopter Tours
• Fishing
• Swimming
• Rafting
• Trail Bikes
• 4x4 Exhibition

Tourist Office

• Tourist Office: Val d'Isere Tourist Office
• Address: BP 228
• Country: France
• Zip code: 73155
• Tel: +33 4 79 06 06 60
• Email: info@valdisere.com
• Website: http://www.valdisere.com

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