Most accommodation is some few
hundred metres hike to the piste and the sprawling village gives various
access points - a resort shuttle bus continually beats it's way up and down
to ferry you around.
The slopes are
accurately graded - black is really black and green is really green -
unlike some of it's close neighbouring resorts, you get what you expect in
Val d'Isere. The runs down to the resort itself are quite tricky and
this is not an ideal resort for beginners. Pistes are generally well
groomed and maintained although being a very popular resort, can be busy
at times. Most pistes are high and it has a very good snow record
with a long season - towards the end of the season the runs to the village
are no better than any other resort but you do have the option of descent
by lift. There are several English ski schools active in the resort
- mostly accepting children from the age of 6 upwards.
The resort is renowned
for it's nightlife and is very lively. There are numerous bars,
clubs and restaurants including some quieter hotel bars, piano bars and
cocktail lounges. For the non-ski activities, there is also a choice
including a swimming pool, sports hall, saunas, hammam, hot-tubs and
massage facilities plus a natural skating rink and various other outside
activities.
