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Val d’Isere has an enormous choice of accommodation, ranging from exclusive hotels to backpackers’ hostels, so you should be able to find something to suit your needs and budget. A good proportion of the accommodation is ski in, ski out but even those that aren’t are never too far away from the slopes.Nightlife
You definitely need to be in Val to take advantage of the nightlift, and Le Blizzard is simply a fantastic hotel. Located slap bang in the middle of town, it has all the usual amenities including an outdoor pool and hot tub.
Luxury
Le Chardon Mountain Lodges has some of the finest chalets in Val d'Isere and are all in a close proximity of each other in the top end of La Legattaz area of Val. Champagne and hampers provided during transfers.
Families
Mark Warner has a good selection of family-friendly accommodation.
Budget
Alpine answers has an easy-to-use website, and the 'Late Deals' section is particularly good. If you are flexible in your holiday plans this is an easy way to find a deal. All budgets catered for and prices include flights.
Location
Situated in the old part of town (next to the post office), La Galise has been around for years and is run by a local family. It is perfectly located for access to all the pubs, shops and the slopes.
Val d’Isere
Finding your way around Val d’Isere is easy. The village consists of one major road, Rue Principale, with a few side roads. Most of the activity in Val is focussed between the first two roundabouts where there are enough shops and bars to keep you busy from the time you take off your ski boots to the time your head hits the pillow. In terms of accommodation, Val has its share of less than attractive buildings but in the last few years the resort has initiated a refurbishment programme to create a more traditional ski town.
La Daille
Once just a farming commune (as you will see from the variety of traditional wooden chalets) it now has several huge and quite ugly apartment blocks and hotels scarring its skyline. However the great thing about the village is its proximity to slopes, and a slightly cheaper alternative.
Le Fornet
Tight planning restrictions have been in place for many years following a tragic avalanche, which nearly wiped out the whole village. This sad event has actually helped Le Fornet maintain its character and picture postcard appearance. Chalets in Le Fornet tend to be more upmarket and correspondingly more expensive. It also has some of the best tree skiing and off–piste in resort - make the most of it by hiring a guide so that you can discover the elusive secret gullies and long easy pitches.
Chalets
For many, the beauty of catered chalet holidays is the food - breakfast, afternoon tea and a three course evening meal with free wine - and someone to cook it and wash up afterwards. You have the freedom of your own space rather than the more formal environment of a hotel which can be great if you are with a group of friends and can take over the whole chalet.
Hotels
Hotels tend to be the more luxurious option, often with welcome facilities such as steam rooms, swimming pools and on-site bars (although check out the luxury chalet operators too). They are often the best option for short breaks but at peak times even they may demand a minimum stay of one week.
Self-catering
If you prefer to be your own boss then you should think about self-catered accommodation. You have to be fairly organised to shop and cook after a full day on the slopes and eating out every night can add up, although take-aways are an option, and you have the chance to check out some of the local restaurants too.
| Report date: | 30 Apr 2008 |
|---|---|
| Last snowed: | 21 Apr 2008 |
| Fresh snow: | 15cm |
| Lifts open: | 45 out of 46 |
Snow depth | |
| Lower slopes: | 72cm |
| Upper slopes: | 110cm |
Piste information | |
| On-piste: | Excellent |
| Off-piste: | Varied |
| Resort runs: | Packed |
