Travel Article - Val D'Isere

If you're thinking of embarking on a skiing holiday Alps style, the popular resort of Val D'Isere has much to offer. Starting life as a small alpine farming community, Val D'Isere has transformed itself into a modern, successful and popular skiing resort renowned for its quality of slopes. Beginners can relax, safe in the knowledge that Val D'Isere is one of the best resorts in which to learn, with the usual ski instructors available and nursery slopes to suit. The more advanced ski runs are suitable for all levels of ability, from the calm green slopes to the expert blacks. A lift pass in peak season is around 250 Euros for a 7 day pass, with add-ons available at extra cost to venture over to Tignes and explore the whole of the Espace-Killy region.

For those who enjoy the down time as much as the slope time, there are plenty of things to find there. The old town gives an insight into what life was like before the skiers came, and is home to one of the few churches not to be destroyed during the French Revolution. The Grand Marnier bar is one of the most popular with Brits in Val D'Isere, with every drink served coming with a generous helping of the drink and crepes served with free access to the bottle, within reason. Many of the bars are open until 1.30 with Dick's Tea Bar open until 4am and La Graal until 5am, and with nothing like a sharp mountain breeze to perk you up the next morning as you hit the slopes feeling a little worse for wear many skiers take advantage of the late closing times. In terms of restaurants there is a lot to offer, ranging from traditional food to nouveau cuisine and whilst the prices are higher than other, less popular ski resorts due to the areas rather chic nature, they are still excellent value and always will be when compared to restaurant prices in the UK.

With a good, steady snowfall throughout peak season and a perfectly skiable one in early season, Val D'Isere is a great place for skiers of all ages and abilities and with the friendly locals on hand to help with your equipment hire or skiing needs, it is easy to see why so many Brits go back every year. Flights to the region are available throughout the year from cheapflights.com and buses and trains to the resorts from the airport are both accessible and good value.

You can book skiing holidays in Val D'Isere on the Alpine Elements website.