Val d'Isere is a winter sports haven that has attracted skiers since the first ski lift was installed in 1936. Situated in the Savoie area of France, near the border with Italy, Val d'Isere attracts an enormous number of tourists making the population of this small alpine village swell to fifteen times its normal size in winter.
Located, at its lowest point, 6070 feet from sea level, Val d'Isere is in the perfect geographical situation to guarantee snow. The high altitude and snow-sure micro-climate were both factors that contributed to Parisian Jacques Mouflier deciding Val d'Isere would be the dream spot to create a resort in 1929. There are 218 snow canons that supplement the natural snow. Skiers can visit between early December and early May and can be confident of finding good skiing conditions.
The slopes of Val d'Isere combine with the neighbouring slopes of Tignes which are collectively known as Espace Killy. Espace Killy has been dubbed, "the world's finest winter playground" and offers 22 green runs, 69 blue runs, 34 red runs and 15 black runs on its 300km of marked Pistes. The area also boasts two snow parks and 44kms of cross-country skiing.
The slopes cater for skiers of all abilities. There is a childrens' ski piste with ski lift and although it is not an ideal resort for beginners the glacier at Tignes and the long runs down to La Daille make it a haven for intermediates that like to clock up distance. Advanced Skiers will find the steep moguls of the Face rewarding whilst experts may want to face the challenge of the 915 meter drop Bellevarde downhill.
Created for the 1992 Olympics some parts of this run pose a 63 percent angle of incline. Be warned that Val d'Isere came top of Complete Ski Insurances list of 'ski resorts with the most lower limb fractures for which Specialty Assistance Services has provided emergency medical assistance on with 24 lower limb fractures since 2000!
There are 2 funiculars, 4 cable cars, 4 gondolas, 46 chair lifts and 41 drag lifts that collectively provide the means to transport 135000 skiers per hour to the slopes. Lift passes will set you back 181 Euros.
Fondly referred to by many as 'Val de Sloane Square'; the resort is renowned for attracting a fashionable and wealthy clientele. With 72 Restaurants, 18 Bars, 16 Pubs and 2 Discos Val d'Isere is the place for lively apres Ski. Although it is not a renowned place for non-skiers it does have a variety of alternative to a day on the slopes. There is a cinema that regularly plays films in English, a weekly open air market and numerous art exhibitions. Alternative adrenaline fuelled activities available in the area include, Skidoo riding, Paragliding, Ice Climbing and Ice Skating.
There is a vast range of accommodation available in Val d'Isere. There are reputedly 27,695 beds available in Val d'Isere chalets and 38 additional hotels located nearby. Val d'Isere Chalets and hotels offer a variety of accommodation to cater for most budgets. Most chalets in the region benefit from traditional log fires and many chalets include a sauna, hammam or Jacuzzi making them a perfect place to relax after a hard day on the slopes.
Author Resource:-
Shaun Parker has been involved in Ski chalets in val d'isere for several years now. For more information visit Powder White
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