Val d'Isère High altitude resort |   |
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| Resort description |
Situated at the convergence of two deep valleys, the original old village of Val d'Isere dates back to the 13th century, remnants of which are still to be seen in the actual resort developed since the 1930's. Today, this pedestrian-friendly resort is made up of several hamlets all connected by an efficient free bus service, making the use of a car of no great value. The emphasis on wood and stone cladding chalet style, gave to Val d'Isere an elevated profile - if not luxurious - over the years. With no doubt, the combination of extended skiing, lively ambience and fashion boutiques all around, make Val d'Isere one of the most sought after resort in the world.
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Val d’Isere
The
dramatic road from Bourg-St-Maurice opens onto La
Daille which is the main
entry onto the Bellevarde
slopes.
You
then pass the quiet hamlet of Cret before arriving in the
centre of Val d’Isere.
Head
to the right through a tunnel towards Rond Point des Pistes you come
to the attractive hamlets of Joseray, Le Legattaz and Chatelard, the gateway to the
Manchet valley.
Driving
through Val d’Isere
you reach the hamlet of Le Laisinant which has lifts out
of the valley.
The
finally hamlet in Val d’Isere is Le Fornet which is a quite and
peaceful hamlet with a main lift to the Pissaillas Glacier
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Skiing in Val d’Isere
Val
d’Isere’s
slopes are divided into 3 sectors:
Bellevarde- The
home of the famous down hill course and easily
reached by the funicular from La Daille. From the top of the
Bellevarde slopes you can
take a selection of lift that will take you to the
slopes of Tignes.
Solaise
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This
area is accessible directly from the centre of Val
d’Isere. It has a
good selection of blue runs which are great to help
build confidence.
Col de
I’Iseran- This
area can be reached from the Solaise area or by a new chair
lift from Le Laisinant or
cable car from Le Fornet.
The runs at Col de I’Iseran are
predominantly easy and are good for early or hesitant
intermediates. You can access some great off piste
terrain from here.
For
beginners there are nursery areas in the resort
centre and in La Daille.
Val
d’Isere has some of
the best lift served off piste runs in the whole of
the Alpes and is a great
resort for intermediates or experts who want to try
off piste skiing.
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Snowboarding in Val d’Isere
There
is a terrain park above the La Daille gondola it has 2 half
pipes, 2 quarter pipes and a boarder cross course
with bumps, jumps, hips and rail slides.
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Cross Country Skiing in Val d’Isere
There
is a selection of trails in each of the 3
sectors.
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Ski Schools
The
ESF in Val d’Isere
has 300 instructors with many speaking
English.
They
can offer private or group lessons for adults or
children.
For
children aged 4-5 years there is the snow garden so
the children are taught to ski in a fun
environment.
For more
information about pre-booking Ski School in Val d’Isere please select
here
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Lift Passes
Lift
passes give access to Val d’Isere and the whole of
the Espace
Killy ski area and can be
purchased online from the Tourist Office website
click
here or from the lift pass office
in the resort. 2008/2009 6 day prices were
€208.50 per 14-64 year old and €167 per
5-13 & 65-74 year old. The passes are hands-free
and other durations are available, including half
days.
Pictures
provided by the Val d’Isere tourist
office
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| The Skiing |
| The two resorts of Tignes and Val d'Isere provide a large well-linked area with reliable snow record. Val d'Isere is known as one of the world's best resorts for experts. You can access Col de L'Iseran, which has some of the most beautiful off piste. Val d'Isere other 2 sectors have gentler runs ideal for beginners. Tignes also has a lot to offer, with the Grande Motte served by a modern funicular which takes experts as well as intermediates to the panoramic platform at 3030m, from where the extensive summer skiing terrain is accessible. The Espace Killy has something to offer to everyone. |
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| Après Ski |
| Val d'Isere has an impressive selection of outings. All tastes are catered for in over 70 restaurants, from traditional cuisine served at Chalet du Cret to fish and seafood served at the Perdrix Blanche. Happy hours and nightlife stretches from cosy to noisy amongst 17 bars and 3 night clubs. |
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| Amenities |
| Val d'Isere has a large selection of shops and services including, food stores, news agents, bakeries, beauty parlours, hairdressers, dentist, doctor, chemist and banks. Not to be missed are luxury boutiques where you can purchase the best of snow sports fashion and more. |
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| Activities |
Every Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday from 5pm children can discover the recreational zone at the foot of the slopes where they can try a selection of sports including: Airboard- where the rider has the impression of flying on the snow
Snake Gliss- where 2-20 people can go sledging, snow football or curling.
Other activities include: snow shoeing, riding on snow mobiles, going on a husky sleigh ride, driving on ice, ice climbing. Or enjoy the local swimming pool or ice rink. |
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| Getting there |
Driving distance: From Calais: 600 miles, approximately 9 hrs 30 mins.
Airport access: Chambery: 50 miles, approximately 2 hrs. Lyon: 137 miles, approximately 2 hrs 35 mins. Geneva: 140 miles, approximately 3 hrs. |
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| Ski Facts |
| Village height: |
1850m (6,070ft) |
Slope range: |
1500m (4,921ft) - 3455m (11,335ft) |
Ski area: |
Espace Killy |
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| Piste coverage |
300 |
| Ski lifts |
90 |
| Ski runs |
308 |
| Green |
44 |
| Blue |
122 |
| Red |
92 |
| Black |
50 |
| Snow cannons |
331 |
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| Beginners |
** |
| Intermediates |
*** |
| Experts |
**** |
| Boarders |
**** |
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| Local Ski Area |
Val d'Isere has 150km of slopes, 50 ski lifts, 22 green runs, 61 blue runs, 46 red runs and 25 black runs. |
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| Tourist Office |
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| Les Balcons de Bellevarde |
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| Les Chalets du Jardin Alpin |
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Click to Val d'Isère website
