Val d’Isere

The ski area is divided between two separate ski areas, the Bellevarde and Tignes ski areas and then the Solaise and Le Fornet ski areas. The two are separated by Val d’Isere village itself. The majority of the skiing is found on the Bellevarde side, most easily accessed by the Olympique Gondola. The Solaise area tends to be quieter yet frequented by ski schools thanks to its choice of gentle blue runs. From the Solaise area, a quick trip on the affectionately titled “up and over” chair takes you to Le Fornet. This area is the mecca for those looking for fresh powder, a real treasure trove of untouched perfection. The two ski areas mentioned above are quite separate though and to get from one to the other does mean skiing back down to resort level and then taking another lift up to get to the next section. When looking at ski-in chalets, always ask which piste goes back to the chalet and check it’s suitable for the level of skiers in your group.

Beginners:

Whilst Val d’Isere is not a beginners haven, it is by no means an inappropriate destination for the less experienced skiers. The Village nursery slope in the resort centre is perfect for first time skiers and boarders. Once you have conquered the nursery slopes, a quick ride up the Olympique gondola takes you to a designated “Zone Tranquille”, perfect for honing those skills. Beginners should be cautious about skiing or boarding back the resort once you have finished for the day, even the green and blue runs back down can be challenging for beginners. If you have ventured further afield than the resort level nursery slopes, it might be worth taking a lift back down to resort and end the day on a high!

Intermediates:

Val d’Isere and Tignes suit the intermediate skier and boarder perfectly, thanks to a huge range of blue and red pistes. Highlights include the descent from the Grande Motte glacier in Tignes, all the way down to Tignes itself. An enormous run that will test even the stamina of even the fittest winter sports enthusiast.

Experts:

Where to begin?!

Perhaps the most famous piste is La Face. An intimidating descent into the main village centre, La Face is a two faced beast. In the morning (as long as you get there early enough) the piste is beautifully groomed,  steep and enormous fun for those that can handle it. As the day progresses, the moguls appear. At this point it becomes a trial of endurance and technique but a great way to end the ski day. On the other side of the ski area, a black piste called La Sache winds its way down to the village of Les Brevieres. Another energy sapping experts only piste. A great pre-lunch piste to work up the appetite before grabbing a bite in the village.

Val d’Isere is one of the first resorts that we recommend for skiers and boarders looking for après-ski and nightlife in great quantity and quality. It’s one of the very few French resorts that can rival the major Austrian resorts mainly thanks to its world famous on-mountain après-ski bar, the Folie Douce. Several other resorts now feature a “Folie” but none can hold a candle to the original. Come snow, rain or shine, the gang will be on the stage performing an eclectic mix of Euro-house hits whilst the crowd slake their thirst with a vast choice of beverages whilst dancing on the tables. The nightlife in the resort itself is just as famous as the on-hill après-ski bar, offering a wide range of choice. Whether it be the lively “spit and sawdust” offerings of the Saloon Bar, Petit Danois and the Moris or the swankier M Bar and the Barme de L’Ours, there really is something for every taste here. The best spot to watch the big match is the Pacific Bar in the town centre, it gets very lively in here during a big football match and always an excellent atmosphere.

For those that want to move on and visit a nightclub, Val d’Isere again doesn’t disappoint. The big one is Dicks Tea Bar and the Doudoune Club offers a classier night out.  For a more authentic French experience try Le Graal.

New Generation: http://www.skinewgen.com/ski-schools/val-disere/

The Development Centre: http://www.tdcski.com/val_disere/

Oxygene Ski School: http://oxygene-ski.com/en/val-disere/

Evolution 2: http://www.evolution2.com/valdisere/en/

ESF: http://www.esfvaldisere.com/