|
|
 |
Val d'Isere for Skiing & Snowboarding
| Skiing & Boarding in Val d'Isere |
|
Val d'Isere is one giant natural fun park and there really is something for everyone here. To help you navigate your way around this vast area, we have produced an insiders guide on some of the best skiing and boarding to be had, and where to feed those hungry stomachs whilst your on the mountain. Also in this section is some information on cross-country skiing in the valley, skiing for the disabled, and features on how to improve your ski technique. And if you feel a bit 'all the gear but no idea', our articles on skis and snowboards will help you get a better understanding of the types of skis and snowboards available. |
| Insider's Guide To... |
|
With such a big ski area to explore, it's sometimes good to have a little bit of inside information… For your pleasure, we’ve compiled a list of our favourite runs throughout the Espace Killy and suggested some itineries for you to try. There are also sections on where to find the best off piste, where you're most likely to find the quietest pistes, and where to find the nicest mountain restaurants for lunch. Happy exploring! ... see "Where to go in the Espace Killy for..." for more
|
|
last updated 5-Dec-2007 |
| Snowparks in Val d'Isere |
Boarders and free-style skiers have access to the snowpark in the Bellevarde area where there are numerous different Hips and jumps, handrails and a boarder cross for all levels. A recreational area is also available with music, BBQ, facilities, chairs and tables. There is also a large snowpark in Val Claret, Tignes with a similar atmosphere and two large half-pipes.
|
|
last updated 3-Dec-2007 |
| Handiski (Skiing for the Disabled) in Val d'Isere |
Val d'Isere caters for disabled skiers. If you wish to have ski lessons, ESF and Oxygene have qualified instructors for disabled skiers at €300 a private session per day. They can discuss the specific needs of each skier and advise on or provide equipment accordingly. Ski-Lesson.comalso offer private lessons for disabled skiers with morning, afternoon or full day options available. They are based out of number of ski shops around town, namely; Eskiador (Portillo Building), Snowberry and Iseran Sports and offer price discounts for booking on-line.
In terms of accommodation, the best thing to do is check with your tour operator or chalet owner about the facilities they provide for disabled visitors. Places which do have disabled facilities include:
Maeva or Pierre & Vacances Residence - Located at the entrance to the resort, in the La Daille quarter, 200 m from shops and a restaurant and 2 km from the centre of Val d'Isere. All apartments of the residence are comfortable, well furnished and equipped with modern amenities.
Pierre & Vacances Residence – Located in the resort centre. This residence, with its facades of wood and local stone, is ideally positioned close to the supermarkets, restaurants and the slopes. It offers comfortable guestrooms that are well equipped with a kitchenette, refrigerator and microwave.
Auberge Saint Hubert - Located in the heart of the mountain resort of Val d Isere, the hotel is only a few yards from the pistes, ski-lifts and the picturesque old village. The Auberge Saint Hubert offers a lively bar, a salon de thé with free after ski tea and a restaurant with exquisite cuisine serving regional Savoy specialities. The 28 rooms are comfortable and spacious, and most have a balcony with a village or mountain view.
Maeva Le Rond Point des Pistes - Situated at the base of the ski lifts in the heart of the village. The residence provides comfortable and well-furnished apartments, equipped with necessary amenities.
|
|
last updated 11-Feb-2008 |
| Cross Country Skiing |
 | Cross-country skiing
(ski de fond) |
Get back to nature and explore tranquil cross-country trails at your own pace. Hire the comfortable boots and lightweight skis and poles from any hire shop, and book a group or private lesson to learn the basics. For those used to downhill skis, at first you feel precariously balanced and downhill sections are definitely more exciting on narrow skis with no edges. If you have never tried this before, take some lessons offered by most of the ski schools in the area. Once you have grasped the essentials, head off into the beautiful and tranquil cross-country trails situated in the Manchet Valley, La Daille, near Le Fornet and by the Ouillette lake. No lift pass is needed, and one can be as energetic or slow as one likes.
Val d’Isere has a total of 21km of tracks for cross-country skiing and most of the ski schools also offer instruction in this discipline. Cross country circuits are free to use and are shown on the piste map with their level gradings – green, blue, red or black.
- In La Daille – To the left of the main road just past La Daille is an easy, green,1.5km long trail
- In the Manchet Valley – There is a 1km track running from the Solaise cable car to the Clochetons restaurant (green) and then a further 3km to the Manchet old hamlet (blue) - this trail is sunny in the morning and early afternoon. There is also a 6.5km long red run – Le Manchet
- At the Ouillette lake – At the top of the Solaise cable car, walk to the Madeleine chairlift and there is a 2km blue trail around the ‘Ouillette lake’ on the right hand side
- In Le Fornet – From the Le Fornet cable car, there is a 5km blue trail out of Val d’Isere to the border of the Vanoise National Park
Cross-country equipment can be hired in Favre Sport, Killy Sport, Jean Sport, or Ogier in the resort centre and costs the same as alpine equipment hire - ~£60 per week for boots and skis. ESF offer cross-country ski lessons at €30 for one morning, €150 for 6.
Adrenaline factor: 2/10
Top tip: wear layers of clothing that can be removed as you warm up.
Valdinet verdict: perfect for anyone who enjoys peace and quiet, or who finds the downhill pistes too crowded or too steep. Ski School contact details |
|
last updated 12-Dec-2007 |
| Skiing Tips & Techniques |
|
We have teamed up with one of our top ski school instuctors to produce guides on ski technique. The articles featured here include learning how to carve and how to conquer moguls. To ensure you get the most out of your time on the piste, check out our Ski & Snowboard School Listings and perfect your skills! ... see "Tips and Techniques - Skiing" for more |
|
last updated 10-Dec-2007 |
| Snowboarding Tips & Techniques |
|
Improve your snowboarding style with our helpful techniques tips section, brought to you courtesy of Keith McIntosh at Alpinelines. It's often the smallest thing that makes all the difference to your riding! ... see "Tips and Techniques - Snowboarding" for more |
|
last updated 28-Apr-2008 |
| Equipment & Clothing Guide |
|
Have you literally got 'all the gear' but have no idea what to do with it?? Unless you want to look like Posh Spice on the slopes, knowing a bit about your skis/snowboards/transceivers etc will help you avoid being any old Wannabe... Having the right equipment for your chosen sport/activity will help ensure that you get the best possible introduction to your sport (if you are a beginner), or speed you along in your learning curve if you are looking to improve. The easier and quicker you learn, the more pleasurable your experience will be! In this section, you will find guides to help you select the most appropriate gear for your sport and your ability. ... see "All the Gear But No Idea...?" for more |
|
last updated 10-Dec-2007 |
|
