9 chalets for between 6 and 16 guests
The skiing
Val d’Isère links with neighbouring Tignes to create the incredible Espace Killy, named after local hero Jean Claude Killy. Monsieur Killy learnt to ski in Val d’Isère (he is reputed to have trimmed a few branches of the forest above Le Fornet to make the tree skiing easier!) and went on to win medals in nearly every category in the 1968 Winter Olympics. Known for consistently excellent snow conditions due to the high altitude, the area is something of a Mecca for advanced skiers with lots of steep runs, challenging bumps and vast amounts of outstanding off-piste. That’s not tosay mere mortals are neglected: free lifts are available for those making their initial forays into the sport and there are glorious intermediate runs with easy access in both Val d’Isère and Tignes. There's a huge variety of lunches on offer in the many mountain restaurants in the Espace Killy, ranging from simple self-service pasta to delicious, refined cuisine served in relaxed surroundings. The lift system has been gradually upgraded over the past few years and bottlenecks are now very rare even at peak times. In stormy weather the funicular railways still run in their tunnels too, so you’re not deprived of those precious turns!
The area
If nightlife is as important on your holiday as the skiing then look no further than Val d’Isère! Renowned for its many bars, restaurants and clubs, there’s live music, pool and table football, chic cocktails, designer dinners, fancy beers and dancing all night in this vibrant town. Just ask your chalet host for recommendations – they will know! The huge range of shops sell everything from designer labels and fur coats to all the latest freestyle kit those guys in the park have. Of course you’ll also find the usual postcards, saucisson and lethal liquor shops for presents. The village bakery has an eye-dazzling range of pastries and patisserie: dangerous territory for the famished skier! Getting from one end of Val d’Isère to another is simple too, with free, very regular buses running between La Daille at one end of the valley and Le Fornet at the other until late into the evening.
The chalets
We have 9 chalets in Val d’Isère, starting with the charming and very French ‘Du Berger’, which sleeps 16 and has useful triple rooms and good access to the slopes. Just before the Millennium, we were able to get our hands on some land (we did pay for it!) and built the six ‘Cacholet’ chalets, all designed with the same facilities: en suite bathrooms and balconies in all rooms, good-sized lounges, log fireplaces and plenty of storage and hot water. Two years ago we took them to the next level with a very large and popular outdoor hot tub and all six chalets also have free Wi-Fi access. Our staff in the stunning La Bouclia and Pierre de Compia have become used to hearing their guests’ delight on first stepping inside these beautiful, contemporary chalets. La Pierre de Compia was labelled one of the ‘World’s Coolest Chalets’ by ‘Harpers Bazaar’ magazine. And the only reason they didn’t include La Bouclia is because they didn’t go inside it! They’re both definitely up there amongst the swankiest in town.
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