Val d'Isère Information

Apres-ski

Val d'Isère is renowned for its après-ski scene, being one of the livelier resorts after dark in the French Alps.

For some early evening relaxation, try the cocktails at Le Bananas (tel: +33 479 060 423) at the foot of the slopes; or unwind with musical entertainment at the stylish Café Face (tel: +33 479 062 980; www.cafeface.com), now part of the infamous La Folie Douce franchise, which has live daily acts from 1700 to 0200.

Finish off the night with a turn on the dance floor at Le Graal (tel: +33 616 795 290; www.graalclub.com) or the famous (and raucous) Dick's Tea Bar (tel: +33 620 178 954; www.dicksteabar.com).

The Doudoune Club (tel: +33 4784 223 653; www.doudouneclub.com) located on the ski front at Rond Point des Pistes has also built a reputation in recent seasons, having been fully refurbished for the 2015/16 season. It is open from 2230 to 0500 with free entry before midnight.

Eating out

There's no shortage of restaurants in Val d'Isère, many of which dish up tasty regional cuisine.

La Raclette in Hôtel l'Avancher (tel: +33 479 060 200; www.avancher.com) is one of the best traditional options, having been serving customers its 'Valaisanne' raclette for more than 40 years. Additionally, La Gourmandine (tel: +33 479 411 111) serves tartiflette and raclette as well as gourmet quality burgers.

Val d'Isère has plenty of snack bars for those who just want to grab a quick bite. The Billabong Coffee Shop (tel: +33 479 060 954) is good for burgers, shakes and wraps. Or, if skied-out limbs are not in the mood for moving far, Flash Pizza (tel: +33 479 419 606), a highly-regarded pizzeria, does home delivery.

Resort Information

Beyond the slopes

Aside from downhill skiing, Val d'Isère has 21km (13 miles) of cross-country trails to enjoy, as well as an assortment of the usual ski resort activities of dog sledding, snowmobiling, ice climbing, snowshoeing and ice skating. Among the more unusual activities is the chance for visitors to have a go at biathlon, which involves cross-country skiing and shooting.

Indoors, there's an excellent new sports centre with a swimming pool complex. While a cinema can provide endless hours of entertainment after the slopes have closed.

For something a little different, sign up for a patisserie class at Maison Chevallot (tel: +33 479 061 609; www.chevallot.com) with resident pastry chef Patrick Chevallot, who can help to equip customers with the skills needed to replicate delicious French pastries at home.

Art-lovers also have a good choice of small galleries, including the Gallerie Jane Griffiths (tel: +33 479 078 933; www.galeriejanegriffiths.com), which showcases work from various artists.

Family fun

Nursery care is provided by Le Petit Poucet (tel: +33 479 061 397; www.garderielepetitpoucet.com), which caters for ages three and up (free pick-up is available from accommodation). Le Village des Enfants (tel: +33 479 400 981; www.valdisere-levillagedesenfants.com) accepts children aged from six months to 13 years for fun activities and ski lessons. For pushchairs, travel cots, high chairs and other bulky baby essentials, contact Hors Piste, which can rent the required items (tel: +33 479 060 660; www.valdisere.com).

Family fun options include airboarding (a form of bodyboarding on snow), snake glissing (tobogganing on joined-up sledges), curling or snow football. Alternatively, take the kids to watch the cows being milked every day at 1800 at Ferme de l'Adroit (tel: +33 608 991 320; www.fermedeladroit.com).

Retail therapy

Shopaholics will not be disappointed, with more than 70 shops in Val d'Isère. Among these are numerous ski and snowboard retailers and many well-known sports clothing outlets, including Quiksilver, Billabong, The North Face and Columbia. There's also the usual selection of newsagents, tobacconists and supermarkets.

Aside from these mountain essentials, there are various souvenir shops to peruse; or for that special gift head to one of three jewellers in the resort.

Splashing out

Get behind the wheel of a BMW at Val's ice driving circuit, La Daille (tel: +33 404 062 123; www.valdisere-ice-driving.com), which offers half-day or full-day tuition in the art of sliding a car masterfully around a track.

Hotels

Accommodation in Val d'Isère is all about chalets, with something to suit every need and budget. There are properties at every level of the market, including extremely luxurious options with their own saunas, hot tubs and even swimming pools. But there are also more than 30 hotels in Val d'Isère – most of which sit in the high-end category – as well as hundreds of apartments.

Luxury

Moderate

Cheap