VAL D'ISERE
THE RESORT
The idea of spending the winter in such a beautiful place as Val d’Isere appeals to many people, but only relatively few get to actually live the dream.
Val d’isere has long been the destination resort for many British holiday makers in search of the perfect winter break in a resort that is easily accessible and has everything you could wish for from an alpine resort. From wide open and often uncrowded long pistes, to the vast expanse of off-piste terrain this resort is definitely French premier league in terms of resorts offering pretty much everything.
The town is a buzzing resort with visitors from all over the world. The ski area is one of the largest in the world and is famous for the quality and reliability of its snow, with skiing right into the heart of the town from the beginning of December right through until the first week in May.
The area Val d’Isere area is named after Olympic skiing hero Jean-Claude Killy (Espace Killy) who grew up in the town.
With over 300 kilometers of ski able terrain & over 90 lifts which can carry up to 135,000 people per hour, your next run will never be far away or a long wait.
If you are looking to be challenged then the Bellevarde downhill course also known to locals as ‘Le Face’ is the run for you. The course was designed for the 1992 Olympic Games, at some points on the 915m drop from the top you have a 63 degree angle on the slope to contend with. Val d’Isere is also firmly entrenched on the FIS world cup ski racing circuit each year and when racers arrive the town takes on a carnival atmosphere and is always buzzing with excitement and anticipation at what jaw dropping action will be hitting the slopes.
Students on Gap Year Academy courses will get plenty of opportunity to experience all the terrain that is on offer in the Val d’isere and Tignes area and will also get the opportunity to experience other nearby resorts such as Les Arcs, La Plagne, Meribel Courchevel and Val Thorens which are just a short journey away from the resort.At night the town is very much alive and kicking with people who are out enjoying the fantastic restaurants, après bars and lots of pubs and clubs that are open until the early hours of the morning. With après ski bars such as ‘Saloon’, ‘Café Face’, ‘The Blue Note, and The Morris, you’ll also find live music in many of these bars. As the night progresses, you’ll find ‘Victors’, The Pacific Bar’, ‘Le Petit Danois’ and of course ‘Dicks T Bar’ all partying tastes will be catered for.
Be careful though not to party too late as the first lift is the best time to get out onto the hill and get some fresh tracks in the morning before any of the holiday makers hit the slopes
VAL D’ISERE KEYFACTS
Average snowfall – 3.5m
Village height – 1550m
Terrain – 300km
Lifts – 98
Terrain parks 1
Distance to and from the Airport – 2.5 hours drive from Geneva