The Espace Killy area comprises the resorts of Val d’Isere, Tignes and La Daille. Val d’Isere is one of the prime destinations in Europe. Regarded as the capital of modern alpine skiing Val d’Isere is the better-known part of the Espace Killy.

Skiing in Val d’Isere has its roots firmly planted in the 1930’s when a drag lift was built on the slopes of the Solaise, this was followed by what was in those days known as an aerial tramway, which we now know as the cable car!

Val d’Isere was formerly a farming community and is named after former Olympic hero Jean-Claude Killy who grew up there. The European World Cup Downhill is held in Val d’Isere every December marking the start of the championship and thousands of fans flock to the resort every year to see the race.

 There are certainly plenty of pistes to choose from as The Espace Killy area has 300kms of maintained slopes cutting through vast snowfields that stretch onwards towards the horizon. Perfect for cruising along there are also many areas for powder skiers and there are even 2 terrain parks for those of you who wish to perfect your aerial jumps! As for the Bellevarde downhill which was designed for the 1992 Olympics; let’s just say that parts of this have a 915 metre drop and a 63 percent angle – something to most definitely talk about over a cocktail back at the hotel!

The most seasoned of skiers need a break during the day and this area of the Alps certainly have a number of tasty treats in store for you to try.

Most of us have eaten fondue – that sturdy pot of melted cheese which you dip chunks of crusty bread into and is possibly one of the best known Alpine dishes - but you must sample raclette - a half moon of cheese that’s melted and spooned over potatoes, meats, salad and pickles or tartiflette that delicious dish of potatoes layered with cheese, cream and bacon washed down with the local digestif, Genepi which is made from a plant found at high altitude – it is a strong liqueur with a flowery herbal flavour. Grolla is served in a wooden dish with pouring spouts to drink the hot coffee and alcohol before being passed on to everyone around the table – watch out though,its strong! Once you have sampled some of these regional specialities it’s just as well that you have those pistes to ski back down otherwise you’d never work up an appetite for dinner!

Val d’Isere is as renowned for its skiing as it is for its endless restaurants and busy bars.

If you are one of Val d’Isere’s frequent visitors you will no doubt have heard of the La Foret Bar, located just down from the Belvarde chair lift – it is the place for après ski. After a hard day’s skiing, nothing beats the soups, beers and live music awaiting you and the fun keeps going until 1am. If you have the energy you can then head onto the revamped Dicks Tea Bar nightclub which stays open till 6am!

There are countless other bars and clubs not to mention activities including snow-shoeing, husky sleighs and ice-climbing. Please contact us in the Peak Experience office for more information.