Travel Eye on Val-D'Isere (Alps, France)

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Overview:

Val is one of the real 'big boys', justifiably ranked up there with the best resorts in the world. Excellently linked with Tignes (together making up L'Espace Killy), there are 300km of varied pistes to cover. With this vast ski domain, every ability is catered for; top-draw skiers and boarders are particularly spoilt.

A resort that an established favourite with the British, who for a long time virtually made it their own; now enjoys a more balanced mix of middlemarket, international clientele, young adults, older families and regularly returning, mature couples and groups. Outstanding for experienced and confident intermediate skiers.

There are various self-catering options ranging from large, purpose-built apartment blocks and residences, largely outside the resort centre, to "tourism residences" (apartment blocks equipped with restaurant, bar and lounge). A wide range of hotels in all categories to suit most pockets; and numerous catered chalets.

You can follow the 1992 Olympic course, the 'Face', or explore off-piste (remember to take a guide). The Grande Motte glacier above Tignes means year-round skiing and the high altitude brings good, regular snow. Add in great après-ski, strong ski schools and pricey but good restaurants and it's not difficult to see why Val is so popular.

Because of this, the resort can get busy, even though the lift system is first-class and constantly being upgraded. The range of accommodation is vast, and lot's to do for the non-skiers. Overall a great resort and, most importantly, fantastic skiing.

Locality:

Val is situated in south-east France, in the Savoie region, very close to the Italian frontier. 57 mls south-east of Albertville. 5 mls south-east of Tignes. 129 mls south-east of Geneva (Switzerland) and its airport.

Entertainment/Facilities/Attractions/Things to do:

This resort has extensive and fairly sophisticated. Abundant ski-rental and sports retailers sell here, designer boutiques, jewellers, newsagents, antiques, bakeries and a choice of supermarkets.

Daytime activities include a downhill-skiing mecca with alternative winter activities, including snowboarding , snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, paraskiing, snowmobiling, winter walking on cleared paths, dog-sledding, ice-climbing, ice-driving and ice-skating; indoor pool; sports and cultural centre; scenic helicopter trips; microlight flights; library. In summer, hiking, mountain biking, mountaineering and rock climbing, horse riding, kayaking, canyoning and rafting, fishing and golf; fun park with rollerblading and skating.

The nightlife is lively and varied, with an abundance of bars, cafes and restaurants, there area numerous discos, a cinema.

There are plenty of good-quality cafes, bistros and restaurants serving all types of fare, from local specialities to gastronomic experiences in stylish surroundings. Pizzerias, Tex-Mex and a choice of ethnic cuisine.

There are 11 ski-schools and 21 independent instructor groups; the official French ski-school provides individual and group courses to suit all abilities and ages, and several private concerns specialise in snowboarding, off-piste guided tours and demanding heli-skiing on unmarked terrain; ski-kindergartens and children's lessons available.

In winter, limited to off-piste skiing and inter-resort guided tours. In summer, various hiking programmes and Vanoise National Park.