The combined ski areas of Val d’Isere and Tignes are known as ‘The Espace Killy’ – this is after Jean Claude Killy, a ski racer from Val d’Isere who won three gold medals in the 1968 Olympic games.
The slopes of the Espace Killy are extremely extensive and very varied with runs to suit all standards.
It is considered one of the best resorts in the world for experts, largely because of the wonderful off-piste areas that are easily accessible from the lift system. However, there is a terrific amount of skiing and boarding for intermediates with all areas offering wide cruising runs.
Beginners are well served too, and the extensive nursery slopes are free.
| Val d’Isere – l’Espace Killy | Events 2011/2012 | ||||
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Val d’Isere and the Espace Killy has a very reliable snow record, and often has great skiing and boarding when many lower resorts are struggling. This is partly due to the fact that; many of the ski runs are above 2300m, many slopes are north facing and it has two glaciers with skiing all year round.
Over the last few years Val d’Isere has made many improvements to the resort and ski area. Lifts have been upgraded, slopes reclassified, grooming and preparation of the runs vastly improved.
An extensive snowpark has been created in the Bellvarde La Daille, it has great facilities for all freestyle skiing and boarding and is served by a chairlift, two drag lifts and a rope-tow.
The snowpark even has a ‘chill-out zone’, with music, a webcam, a computer to check out the days photos, a repair corner and BBQ facilities. Val d’Isere town itself has gradually had a facelift, many buildings are now faced in wood and stone and the central area is increasingly attractive, atmospheric and pedestrian friendly.
Beginners in Val d’Isere - although Val is widely known as an experts haven, the resort is keen to encourage beginners to its slopes. The main nursery slopes in the town are free to use and the Bellevarde mountain close to the Marmottes Express chairlift is a good, safe area to get to grips with skiing. This area has gentle runs and will allow beginners to enjoy the views and the good snow at the top of the mountain. The Marmottes chair and this area can be accessed by taking the Olympique bubble lift or the La Daille funicular both up and down the mountain.
‘Fun on the Snow’ – every Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday & Friday, from 5pm at the foot of the slopes, there are a variety of activities to try; snake gliss – linked sledges, air board – bodyboarding on snow, snow football, curling & ski racing. Just turn up and join in.
Street entertainment – every Thursday from 6.00pm to 7.30pm the town centre is transformed into a pedestrian zone and there is a variety of street entertainment – jugglers, mime artists, musicians, ice & snow sculpting what is on varies from week to week.
Guided Tour – every Thursday there is a guided tour of the resort (in English).
Market – every Monday throughout the day and into the early evening selling a great variety, from sweets to sweatshirts – Val d’Isere Market.
Henry’s avalanche talk – Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays at 6.00pm in Dick’s T Bar, Monday and Thursday introductory talk. Tuesday a more in depth session.
For further Val d’Isere skiing information & resort news see valdisere.com.
Also, why not visit Mad Dog ski resort guides.
For any more information, get in contact with your enquiries.
