Ski-Areas > Northern Alps > Savoie (73) > Tarentaise > Val d'Isère
The ski resort of Val d'Isère is situated in the Tarentaise area of the Savoie department in the Northern Alps. It is part of the Espace Killy ski domain which includes neighbouring Tignes. The lift served skiing extends from 1850 metres to 3456 metres and there is extensive backcountry skiing beyond that. The ski area is large, very large, in total there are 300 km of lift served runs. Val d'Isère itself is located in a steep valley and split into a number of villages. It is these slopes with their challenging skiing that have attracted the hard core skiers since the resort opened for downhill skiing in the mid 1930s. Tree lines skiing is limited so bad weather can pose a problem. The Fornet sector and the Solaise offer some skiing when the weather closes in.
The resort attracts a young, international, for the great part anglo-saxon, population. If you intend to eat out a lot then it is best being in the town centre although there is an efficient and regular bus service. For cheap, self catering deals la Daille is a possibility and has some good restaurants. It also provides good access into the Tignes area via a high speed funicular railway.
Due to the altitude, around 1800 meters it is not ideal for cross country skiing but there are still 44 km trails including a pleasant loop in the Manchet valley. There is also a free ice skating rink in the town center (you can hire boots). The resort features a snowpark. To sum up it is an advanced to expert skier and snowboarder's resort. Other visitors may not get the best out of the facilities but if the weather is good just wandering around the front neige and the attractive town-centre can be a pleasant way to pass the time.
Val d'Isère on and off the piste
Steeped in history the Face de Bellevarde is a must do run. It links the rocher de Bellevarde at 2809m with the charming Savoyard village of Val dIsère at 1837 meters winding down the east face while giving the skier plunging views of the resort. It is 2905 meters long with a vertical drop of 972 meters. Although not the steepest run in the resort, the average slope is a mere 36% and maximum of 63%, it is technical. However it is unusually wide and open, giving even brave intermediates a chance to enjoy it. Half way down, it also offers a superb panorama of the Solaise ski area across the valley.
The slope is served by a high speed cable car built by Doppelmayr in 2002 and costing 15M. There are currently only three lifts of this type in operation worldwide.
The Face was the setting of the mens downhill ski events for the 1992 Albertville Winter Olympics. The downhill was won by Austrian Patrick Ortlieb. The run will be used for the skiing world championships scheduled for 2009.
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| Webcam view of La Folie Douce above La Daille (Bellevarde) in Val d'Isere from Valdinet.com |
Nearest Airports: Geneva Cointrin 180 Km (4h30 by bus), Lyon Saint Exupéry 220 Km (3h30 by bus), Chambéry 130 Km, Grenoble St Geoirs airport 210 km
Helicopter: SAF Hélicoptères (+33 4 79 41 93 49 / +33 4 79 08 00 91)
Road: Motorway A43 to Albertville, N90 Dual carriageway to Moutiers , D902 to Bourg St Maurice -> Val d'Isère
There is no on-street parking in Val d'Isère. It is reccommended that you arrange parking through the Tourist Board or with your accommodation. Indoor parking is suggested during the winter months.
Rail: Bourg St Maurice International TGV station: 40mn by taxi & 1h10mn by bus http://www.altibus.com/
You can include a short description of any accomodation along with a link.
Top Ski specialised in off piste, private guiding and telemark, founded in 1976 in Val d'Isere, is the original independant ski school in France.
The school was created to provide French and international clients with a ski school that prides itself on its extremely high standards unparalled in Val d'Isere at the time.
Independent Ski School in Val d'Isère. Didier speaks good English.
eMail: didier@ski-lesson.com
Web: ski-lesson.com
A collective of English speaking ski guides and off-piste instructors offering morning and day excursions in the area as well as longer ski tours father afield.
Web: http://www.alpineexperience.com
Martin Mckay runs off piste ski instruction, coaching and guiding for skiers in Val d'Isère, France. Martins skiing philosophy focuses on developing sound technique and confidence, promoting safety etiquette and having real fun. Control is very important, developing an understanding of the fundamental techniques is essential, check out skimckay.com >
Web: http://www.skimckay.com
Tel: + 44 (0) 7710 237 094 - 365 days a year (summer)
Henrys Avalanche Talk (HAT) is a team of professionals committed to sharing their passion and providing insight on riding off-piste safely. Henry and the HAT team help people who want to go off-piste and safely enjoy the freedom and fun of the whole mountain. HAT is a pioneer in off-piste adventure and awareness with a global reach via avalanche talks online blogs, print and a wide range of services: from multi-media avalanche awareness talks and on-snow training to free email information. Web: http://www.henrysavalanchetalk.com
email: info@valdisere.com
The http://www.Valdinet.com portal has information about holidaying in the resort.
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Category: Ski Areas
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