Accommodation in Val d’Isere

Val d’Isere offers a great selection of accommodation options, suitable for every budget; self-catering apartments offer a cost effective way to enjoy your trip, although food at the supermarket or eating out can be expensive. For the mid-range budgets the resort is home to more than 30 hotels, many of which are 4 and 5 star rating with a handful of lower spec options too.

But to do Val d’Isere properly luxury chalets are undoubtedly the way to go. This Alpine resort is the undisputed king of ski chalets with hundreds of luxury chalets replete with designer furnishings and mod cons such as LED televisions, first class en-suites, saunas and hot tubs. These chalets also offer breathtaking views and, due to the central locations boasted by many of them, easy access to the ski slopes, restaurants and nightlife.

Skiing in Val d’Isere

Val d’Isere features hundreds of ski trails in the snowfields surrounding the resort. Ninety nine ski lifts capable of moving 135,000 skiers to the top of the slopes each hour also ensure that skiers are able to quickly access the pistes, which cater to every skill level.

Nursery areas with gentle slopes can be found towards the centre of the resort. Here, new skiers can practise and learn the basics of skiing. While experienced skiers can skip past the nursery areas and head straight to the Solaise and Bellevarde areas where leisurely trails can be found with plenty of variation.

Seasoned skiers will want to head to the Olympique area in Bellavarde which features a number of challenging black pistes and fast downhill runs, including the hair-raising downhill runs that were created especially for the 1992 Winter Olympics.

Famous for its high quality snow and reliable snow fall levels Val d’Isere is busiest around Christmas and New Year with thousands of skiers flocking to the area to enjoy the fresh snow. January is a quieter time to visit and the snow quality is arguably better than in December. February sees the slopes fill up with families – French and English (particularly over English schools’ half term week) families. While March quietens down as a result of the declining snow quality, due to the warmer days. April is often the snowiest month of the year and the snow can even keep falling into the month of May although with warmer air temperatures and faster melting snow skiing tends to be somewhat off the cards by this point.

Food and drink in Val d’Isere

Val d’Isere features a number of eateries where a quality meal can be enjoyed. From cafes and delis offering tea, coffee and croissants throughout the resort to gourmet restaurants such as ‘La Table de l’Ours’, Val d’Isere’s only Michelin starred restaurant, serve fine gourmet delights. Mountain restaurants, such as the Bellevarde restaurant located at the top of the Bellevarde Mountain, serve food and wine to weary skiers looking for a relaxing recline over lunch. Featuring stunning views and warm fireplaces, these mountain restaurants are the ideal place to relax before indulging in some afternoon skiing.

Nightlife in Val d’Isere

Val d’Isere is famous for its vibrant nightlife offered among its array of bars, pubs and clubs, with such a large après ski community the partying beings from around 4pm everyday – even earlier on bad visibility days – and shows no signs of stopping until well into the early hours.

Probably most famous place for après ski is La Folie Douce, on the piste with a live DJ every day you won’t want to leave. Located towards the centre of Val d’Isere, Café Face, Le Saloon Bar and La Belle Etoile offer chic and comfortable surroundings to enjoy a drink and meet other skiers after a day on the slopes. Partygoers looking to dance the night away will want to head to Dick’s Tea Bar, Le Graal Nightclub and Doudoune Club. Featuring guest appearances from major DJs from around the world, these clubs offer loud music, huge dance floors and relatively affordable drinks.

It’s easy to see why Val d’Isere is known as the world’s best ski resort. With fantastic skiing, exquisite accommodation, world class restaurants and a vivacious nightlife, Val d’Isere is the ideal location for a holiday – and to enjoy some excellent skiing at the same time.

This post is from VIP SKI, the specislists in luxury ski holidays, providing chalets in Val d’Isere and many other Alpine resorts.

Photos courtesy of VIP SKI: https://www.vip-chalets.com/

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Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Paul Wordingham

Skara Brae

This is the best attraction for those wanting to explore a prehistoric village. Amazingly, the architecture of the village is in great condition despite the fact that Skara Brae is thousands of years in age. The village is located just a short walk from the Bay of Skaill and was hidden from view until the middle of the nineteenth century. It is part of the Orkney UNESCO designated World Heritage Site. Admission is £6.90 for adults but there are reductions in price for children as well as for students. Skara Brae is located on the Mainland and is just a thirty minute drive from the town of Kirkwall. Accommodations include hotels, guesthouses and some of the most affordable apartments in Scotland which are ideal for long term visitors or those looking for additional privacy and the comforts of home.

Scapa Flow

Few people associate the Orkney Islands with incredible diving, but there are a number of exciting things to explore underwater in Scapa Flow, the body of water off the coast of the islands. During World War II, many of the German military boats and submarines were sunk in this area. Today many of them are easily located and at depths that can be reached by a beginner scuba diver. For holiday ideas that are truly adventurous, contact one of the many scuba diving companies on the islands to book a tour. It is suggested that you dive with a local resident to ensure that you find the best sunken ships during your submersion.

Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by yellow book

Stromness Museum

If you only get a chance to visit one museum during your stay in the Orkney Islands, make it this museum. The Stromness Museum is located on the mainland and boasts a large amount of information regarding the history of the islands, some of the oldest historical landmarks like Skara Brae and a recap of the maritime history in the region. There are even exhibits about the natural wildlife in Orkney. In short, this is the perfect rainy day activity to enjoy alone or as a family. Admission is £1.90 per person. The museum is located in the Mainland town of Stromness which boasts some attractive architecture as well as a hostel, a budget hotel and several private apartments available for rental.

Tips from Locals

If you plan to visit the Orkney Islands, be sure to book your accommodations in advance. In busy summer days it is not unusual for some visitors to be without a place to stay and even without public transport on some of the more remote islands. For some of the best views in the region, walk along the coast of the Mainland Islands until you get to Ness Point, the location where some of the most incredible photos on the entire island are taken.

By using these helpful tips and visiting the top attractions, you will undoubtedly have an amazing holiday in the Scottish Orkney Islands.

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