Location
Car is not necessary
About Val d'Isere
Skiing in Val d'Isere:
Val d'Isere and the Espace Killy offer a huge network of ultra-efficient lifts. You rarely have to queue (peak school holidays an exception). From central Val d'Isere known as the Rond Point des Piste, the Solaise lifts take you to the Solaise, Laisenant and Fornet Sectors; or take the Bellevarde 'Olympic' Gondola towards the 'Ski Tranquille' and La Daille sectors and onwards to the massive and highly rated terrain of Tignes (usually on the same 'Espace Killy' lift pass - confirm when buying). From gondolas to poma's we have it all. There is something for every type of skier or snowboarder in Val.
Beginner and intermediate Skiers
Once you have found your feet on the slightly limited novice areas of Val d'Isere the options become endless. The greens and blues atop the Solaise or atop the Bellevarde mountains are a pleasure to ski. Runs home are not the nicest (you've been warned) so take one of the many scenic lifts back down the mountain (not La Verte to La Daille or Santons to the centre).
Advanced / Experts and Off-Piste Skiing
From the infamous Olympic / World Championship Downhill run of the La Face (best tackled about 11am daily) Val d'Isere and Tignes are probably the best resorts in the world for advanced skiers and the off-piste is vaste and so easy to get to. Our favourites are Arcelle (red) at lunchtime and the Curnai Off-Piste half day trip. Try to find the lost valley (Valley Perdu); a surprise!
After the Skiing:
Val d'Isere is famed almost as much for its apres ski as it is for its amazing terrain.
Apres Ski: A drink or two at the infamous Folie Douce kicks off any session. You'll feel the vibe and hear the music long before you arrive at the top of the La Daille gondola for this on snow daily party! Next head to somewhere like Cafe Face in town for more great drinks, the Blue Note for a quiet one or the Pacific to catch up on the latest Sky Sports! Fancy a cocktail then Victors, the Scandinavian local is great... For a romantic drink the bar in the Blizzard hotel is great.
Dining and Restaurants: One of our favourites is Le Lodge for awesome steaks. The dessert platter at the Taverne de Alsace is AMAZING. With kids you'll not go badly wrong at Chez Nano's for pizza or the Billabong Cafe. Le Bistrot Des Cimes is family run and great for French cuisine romantic dining. There are places best avoided which we can let you know about too! Good quality takeaways include our favourites, @ Table and 4 Seasons.
Nightlife: if you've still got energy then head to Dicks Tea Bar or the Moris Pub when a live band is playing!
Entertainment and Activities
For those with yet more energy, a 'wild' side, or for little ones and/ or non-skiers there are plenty of options.
Cross-country skiing / walking: Grab some gear and off you go. They are several walking / skiing circuits available.
Swimming and Oxygene leisure centre: Brand new state of the art facility. Pool, sauna, squash, climbing wall and gym!
Cinemas: 2 screens in the centre of town! Look out for regular and varying original ('VOST") English boxoffice films.
Town tour: A free tour of the town every Thursday in English provided by the tourist office
Extreme sports: From ice climbing to ice driving (4x4 Audi Quattros!). Paragliding to parachuting, and from ice skating to ice diving (SCUBA). NO-ONE gets bored in Val d'Isere. Try snowmobiling or husky dog sledging for a treat.
Pedestrians: Grab a bargain in the pedestrianized Monday Market then buy a foot pass to have lunch up the mountain!
Activities near Val d'Isere
| Local sports activities |
Within 15 minutes: Mountain biking, Swimming, Climbing, Sports centre, Skiing, Walking
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| Local leisure activities |
Within 15 minutes: Food shop, Cinema, Restaurant, Shopping
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| Great for |
Good night life, Ski Holidays |
