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Travel guide – val d'isere

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Overview

Val d'Isere is one of the true European ski meccas; it has some of the best, and highest, on and off-piste skiing in the world. The resort is linked with Tignes, and between them they have 186 miles (299km) of marked runs for every level of skier. Both resorts were developed, rather badly, in the 1970s, and large square hotels dominate the town however Val d'Isere remains popular with the English due to the great skiing and busy nightlife, which is centred on venues such as Dick's Tea Bar and the Moris Pub. There are also plenty of good French restaurants to choose from. The village is becoming increasingly busy in the summer when tourists flock there for walking or paragliding.

Shopping

Val d'Isere has plenty to offer shopaholics, particularly those with large wallets wanting to look their best on the slopes. Prices are much more affordable towards the end of the season as shops clear the shelves for next year's look. There are mini-supermarkets and some wonderful delicatessens if you are self-catering.

Restaurants

There are more than 50 restaurants in Val d'Isere, most serving up a first-rate but pricey menu. Le Grande Ourse and Hotel Savoyarde are among the best restaurants in Val d'Isere but fine restaurants can be found on most streets. As is often the case, the smaller more intimate restaurants generally offer the best fare and it's best to ask a local for up-to-date advice. The same goes for the mountain restaurants - those at the lift stations are not great by French standards, but some real gems are tucked away and often only found by chance.

Nightlife

Apres-ski in Val d'Isere seems to be dominated by English speakers and bars such as Dick's Tea Bar and the Moris Pub fill up with Brits and Aussie skiers straight off the slopes. Many stay until the early hours before staggering back to their quarters still in their ski boots. Skiers can head to the four-star Hotel Christiana's bar for a more sophisticated drink or Victors for the Scandinavians. Dick's T Bar gets going after midnight with loud music and plenty of alcohol. The French go to Club 21.

Activities

Val d'Isere offers a variety of options for non-skiers including an indoor swimming pool and an outdoor ice-skating rink. Tandem paragliding and paragliding lessons can be arranged via the tourist office.

Climate

The French Alps offer lots of sunshine, but cold weather from November to April when the ski season is in full swing. The resorts are generally high and the snow is excellent, although the weather is relatively mild in comparison to the North American resorts. During the summer months the cool, sunny weather attracts hikers and climbers, particularly from July to September when the weather has settled and the high snows have melted.

Health

French hospitals and health facilities are first class. British, and visitors from other EU countries, are entitled to heavily discounted medical treatment and medicines on presentation of a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). Otherwise doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health services. Medical insurance is advised. Pharmacies will provide some first aid, but charge for it. There have been increased reports of hantavirus (caused by rodents) in the Ardennes, Aisne and Jura regions. Rabies also occurs occasionally. In February 2006, France confirmed its first cases of bird flu; all affected birds have been culled and precautionary measures taken. The risk is low for travellers, but close contact with domestic, wild and caged birds should be avoided, and all poultry and egg dishes well cooked.

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Travel Guide by www.wordtravels.com
Disclaimer: By its very nature much of the information in our travel guides is subject to change at short notice and travellers are urged to verify information on which they're relying with the relevant authorities. Winter Sunshine Holidays & Globe Media cannot accept any responsibility for any loss or inconvenience to any person as a result of information contained above.