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Val d'Isère resort information & après-ski
Après-ski
Val d'Isère is renowned for its après-ski scene, being one of the livelier resorts after dark in the French Alps.
For some early evening relaxation, try the cocktails at Le Bananas (tel: +33 479 060 423) at the foot of the slopes; or unwind with musical entertainment at the stylish Café Face (tel: +33 479 062 980; www.cafeface.com), now part of the infamous La Folie Douce franchise, which has live daily acts from 1700 to 0200.
Finish off the night with a turn on the dance floor at Le Graal (tel: +33 616 795 290; www.graalclub.com) or the famous (and raucous) Dick's Tea Bar (tel: +33 620 178 954; www.dicksteabar.com).
The Doudoune Club (tel: +33 4784 223 653; www.doudouneclub.com) located on the ski front at Rond Point des Pistes has also built a reputation in recent seasons, having been fully refurbished for the 2015/16 season. It is open from 2230 to 0500 with free entry before midnight.
There's no shortage of restaurants in Val d’Isère, many of which dish up tasty regional cuisine.
La Raclette in Hôtel l'Avancher (tel: +33 479 060 200; www.avancher.com) is one of the best traditional options, having been serving customers its ‘Valaisanne’ raclette for more than 40 years. Additionally, La Gourmandine (tel: +33 479 411 111) serves tartiflette and raclette as well as gourmet quality burgers.
Val d’Isère has plenty of snack bars for those who just want to grab a quick bite. The Billabong Coffee Shop (tel: +33 479 060 954) is good for burgers, shakes and wraps. Or, if skied-out limbs are not in the mood for moving far, Flash Pizza (tel: +33 479 419 606), a highly-regarded pizzeria, does home delivery.
Resort Information
Aside from downhill skiing, Val d'Isère has 21km (13 miles) of cross-country trails to enjoy, as well as an assortment of the usual ski resort activities of dog sledding, snowmobiling, ice climbing, snowshoeing and ice skating. Among the more unusual activities is the chance for visitors to have a go at biathlon, which involves cross-country skiing and shooting.
Indoors, there's an excellent new sports centre with a swimming pool complex. While a cinema can provide endless hours of entertainment after the slopes have closed.
For something a little different, sign up for a patisserie class at Maison Chevallot (tel: +33 479 061 609; www.chevallot.com) with resident pastry chef Patrick Chevallot, who can help to equip customers with the skills needed to replicate delicious French pastries at home.
Art-lovers also have a good choice of small galleries, including the Gallerie Jane Griffiths (tel: +33 479 078 933; www.galeriejanegriffiths.com), which showcases work from various artists.
Nursery care is provided by Le Petit Poucet (tel: +33 479 061 397; www.garderielepetitpoucet.com), which caters for ages three and up (free pick-up is available from accommodation). Le Village des Enfants (tel: +33 479 400 981; www.valdisere-levillagedesenfants.com) accepts children aged from six months to 13 years for fun activities and ski lessons. For pushchairs, travel cots, high chairs and other bulky baby essentials, contact Hors Piste, which can rent the required items (tel: +33 479 060 660; www.valdisere.com).
Family fun options include airboarding (a form of bodyboarding on snow), snake glissing (tobogganing on joined-up sledges), curling or snow football. Alternatively, take the kids to watch the cows being milked every day at 1800 at Ferme de l'Adroit (tel: +33 608 991 320; www.fermedeladroit.com).
Shopaholics will not be disappointed, with more than 70 shops in Val d'Isère. Among these are numerous ski and snowboard retailers and many well-known sports clothing outlets, including Quiksilver, Billabong, The North Face and Columbia. There's also the usual selection of newsagents, tobacconists and supermarkets.
Aside from these mountain essentials, there are various souvenir shops to peruse; or for that special gift head to one of three jewellers in the resort.
Get behind the wheel of a BMW at Val's ice driving circuit, La Daille (tel: +33 404 062 123; www.valdisere-ice-driving.com), which offers half-day or full-day tuition in the art of sliding a car masterfully around a track.
Hotels
Accommodation in Val d’Isère is all about chalets, with something to suit every need and budget. There are properties at every level of the market, including extremely luxurious options with their own saunas, hot tubs and even swimming pools. But there are also more than 30 hotels in Val d’Isère – most of which sit in the high-end category – as well as hundreds of apartments.
This 5-star hotel has a ‘wow factor’ with its innovative décor. Amenities at les Barmes de l'Ours include a spa with a pool and Jacuzzi, three restaurants and a comfortable lounge bar.
Chemin des Carat,
F 73155,
Val-d'Isère,
France
The private, catered, luxury Chalet Husky sleeps up to 14 guests in seven en-suite rooms. The accompanying facilities are astounding, with a large swimming pool (with infinity waterfall), a sauna, Jacuzzi and massage rooms as well as a ‘games room’ that features a climbing wall and an archery/rifle shooting range.
Petit Alaska,
F 73155,
Val-d'Isère,
France
This 4-star hotel in the village centre has been run by the same family since 1948. The hotel has an impressive spa, a cosy bar and a restaurant that serves a seafood buffet every Friday.
Olympique,
F 73155,
Val-d'Isère,
France
This recently renovated 3-star is located just across the road from the Funitel ski lifts in the La Daille area of the resort, a little outside the centre (shuttle bus or moderate walk away). Hotel La Toviere boasts friendly service, excellent food and pleasant rooms.
La Daille,
F 73155,
Val-d'Isère,
France
A pleasant chalet-style hotel close to the lifts, Hôtel Les Lauzes offers rooms with balconies and free Wi-Fi internet access.
Rue de l'Église,
F 73155,
Val-d'Isère,
France
One of the more affordable options in the village, the 2-star Residence Les Chalets de Solaise is located close to the bus stop for shuttle to and from the lifts. The hotel also boasts an outdoor heated swimming pool.
Quartier de l'Illaz,
F 73155,
Val-d'Isère,
France
Getting there and around
Nearest airports: Chambéry Airport (CMF); Geneva International Airport (GVA); Grenoble-Isère Airport (GNB); Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport (LTS).
Distances to resort: 145km (90 miles): 180km (112 miles); 210km (131 miles); 220km (137 miles).
Driving times: 2 hours; 3 hours; 3 hours; 3 hours.
Nearest railway station: Bourg-Saint-Maurice.
Distance to resort: 32km (20 miles).
Driving time: 40 minutes.
Most of Val d’Isère village is easy to explore on foot for those who are either staying in or visiting the centre. For those wishing to explore away from here, a free bus connects the outlying villages and different lift bases. In addition to the chairlift connection, there is a bus service between Val d’Isère and Tignes.
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