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Elevation of 2500 m
Espace Killy Area
Val d'Isère is a small authentic Savoie village, nestled in the hollow of one of the well-known Parc de la Vanoise valleys, enveloped in the magic of Winter from November till May. Since the 40s, its exceptional skiing area and its welcoming village have made Val d'Isère an internationally renowned resort promoted by its very first champions Henri Oreiller, the Goitschel sisters and the unique Jean Claude Killy, who was so noteworthy that the legendary domain that links Val d'Isère and Tignes is named after him : L'Espace Killy.
Since the 30s, Val d'Isère has been doted with numerous factors that make for incredible skiing, such as long-lasting snow cover, well exposed slopes, numerous and far-reaching snowfields. It is hardly surprising that today it has become one of the world skiing capitals and that its skiing area is one of the most beautiful in the whole world.
Today, as in times gone by, the Espace Killy, whose 155 pistes stretch out over 300 km without counting the incomparable off-piste area, is still so well respected that it has been the chosen spot for over half a century for the famous Première Neige rally, two traditional and unmissable weekends of World Cup skiing that are very much talked about every year in the whole of Europe and are a great kick-start to the snow season.
This year, from the 10th till to the 12th of December 2010, the men will hurtle down the legendary Face de Bellevarde and then from the 17th till the 19th of December 2010, it'll be the women's turn on the Rhone Alpes piste. A great chance for amateurs to admire some of the top champions of Alpine skiing. The Olympics in 1992, The Alpine Skiing World Championships in 2009, Première Neige Rally for 54 years - in Val d'Isère, top champions have been tearing down the Face de Bellevarde and the Solaise piste for years. You'll soon be following in the tracks !
For freestyle fans, there are 2 snowparks just for you and obviously the unsullied Vanoise domain is open for freeriding. The area is open to everybody and there is always the option of coming back down on a lift.
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Lessons & Ski Guiding Enthusiasts of skiing in untouched territory through lost valleys and down virgin slopes can try off-piste skiing the safe way and go with a guide.
Seeing as off-piste skiing requires experience, local knowledge and certain skills, with a guide, you will cut down the risks and be able to live out the uninhibited intoxication of powder skiing. Alone, with the family or in a private group, from wobbly skiers to seasoned specialists, you can easily slip into the beautiful 'Vallée Perdue', an off-piste slope accessible to everybody. Les Marmottes, la Combe du Cheval, le Haut du Bec d'Aigle... Yet more magical spots to enjoy in the company of an experienced guide. We work with numerous mountain guides who will equally accompany you if you fancy trying your hand at something slightly more unusual, such as heliskiing, to guarantee an incredible descent of the Bonneval or you could even be dropped of at some fabulous spots in Italy with panoramic views of Mont Blanc and the Aiguilles du Diable. It's literally magical !Not only do people come to Val d'Isère because it's the most beautiful skiing area in the world, they also come because the village has managed to conserve its authentic mountain village spirit living in harmony with nature and the passing of the seasons. Baroque churches, stone chalets, slate roofs... In Val d'Isère, respect for the local architectural heritage is paramount, taking into account the harmonious usage of stone and wood and the harnessing of a controlled development. Whether or not you plan on skiing, it's a great place to go and get that mountain feeling, be it at the meeting point of majestic massifs or during a sled dog ride or snowshoe/seal-skin trek to discover the wild fauna of the region. A pedestrian pass will allow you to admire the marvellous panoramas from the summits and specialised monitors will also accompany you for cross-country skiing and snowshoe trekking off the beaten path in the midst of breathtaking scenery. |
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Travelling with children ?
No problem
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Families coming with tiny tots are not mistaken in choosing Val d'Isère, heralded as the Famille Plus Montagne resort, a reliable judge that it's a good place for kids. A Village des Enfants guarantees some excellent mountain moments for kids of all ages, welcoming children from as little as 18 months and up to 13 years of age, cared for by certified coordinators, with new sledging slopes, free slopes reserved for beginners and various entertainments and organised activities. In order to learn to ski in complete security, 20 different ski schools offer private and group lessons imparted in a large variety of languages for skiing, snowboarding, telemark skiing, snowshoe trekking, and cross-country skiing... And for everyone, numerous events organised throughout the skiing season will light up your stay : torchlit descents, fireworks, snow polo... On demand, we'll take care of finding you an experienced nanny who can speak the language of your choice, to take care of your children of 3 months and older. |
