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Most of the UK's population will have heard
of Val d'Isere, even if they haven't got further than
the local dry ski slope.
Many skiers/boarders who've been, steadfastly
return every year. The popularity can be put down to the combination
of a huge and challenging ski area, some of the most reliable
snowfall in the Alps, an attractive centre and wild après-ski.
With the connected resort of Tignes, Val d'Isere
offers the best lift-served off-piste itineries in the world.
The more popular lines get tracked out quickly, but there is too
much to explore to get overly concerned. However be warned, avalanches
are all too common and it's always advised to take a local
guide with you when straying far off-piste
Back on the piste, intermediates and advanced abilities
will be happiest, with a plethora of truly challenging and attractive
runs. However despite generations of skiers/boarders learning
in Val d'Isere there are better choices.
Not to denigrate the many schools on offer, who
by most accounts are very good, but the easier slopes are not
conveniently placed and the difficulty of runs are understated,
particularly when it comes to the runs back down into the valley.
Val d'Isere centre is where nightlife revellers
play and where most people wish to stay. However there are other
options. Le Fornet, 2.5 km up the valley is a pretty hamlet with
traditional chalets and it's own efficient lift system. La
Daille, 1.5 km is the opposite direction from the centre down
the valley, is a visually less attractive option, but it's
perfectly located to take advantage of both Tignes and Val d'Isere's
slopes.
A bus system links the different bases very regularly
throughout the day right through to the late evening and early
hours on some routes. Val d'Isere is a large scale resort
and a fair chunk of the accommodation is away from the slopes
and/or the nightlife, so the efficient bus service is a huge bonus.
In terms of where to stay, the choice is wide and
vast, but you do generally pay a price for the kudos of Val d'Isere.
With that, and huge popularity with Brits who 'won't
go anywhere else', you may well experience snobbish elements,
but it's a small price to pay when you consider that very
few resorts can match Val d'Isere for the extent and challenge
of it's surrounding mountains.
Add to this, the fact that it's snow-sure,
attractive and very lively, it's not so surprising that so
many return religiously year after year.
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