Located east of Chambery and sandwiched between Massif de la Vanoise National Park and the Swiss border, Val D’Isere is a premier Alpine resort offering some of the best ski terrain in Europe and some fine off-piste. Part of the Espace Killy ski region, Val D’Isere also boasts an extensive lift system and great après-ski.

The charming village is located at an elevation of 1,850m above sea level and finds its 1,800 residents outnumbered 15-to-1 by guests in winter. Shopping and service facilities here are comprehensive and include a local radio station, doctors/physiotherapists, banks, sports and camera shops and beauty salons.

Val D’Isere has 28,000 beds available in hotels, pensions, self-catering apartments and private residences; nearby La Daille and Le Fornet provide alternative accommodation. Non-ski facilities and activities are limited and include ice-skating, tobogganing and indoor swimming; while the après-ski is vibrant with dozens of bars and discos to enjoy.

There are an impressive 140 pisted runs at Val D’Isere, almost 50 per cent of which are for intermediate skiers and snowboarders. The longest slope here is a commendable 5.5kms and all slopes are fed by an array of cable cars, gondolas, funiculars and chair and surface lifts, with an hourly capacity for 72,000 skiers. In addition, over 500 ski instructors through 15 schools are on hand.

For alternative skiing, head for the nearby resort of Tignes, which makes up the other half of Espace Killy; while Bonneval-sur-Arc, to the south, has more skiing and snowboarding options. Nearby attractions include the purpose-built developments at La Daille (1,785m) and Le Fornet (1,930m). Bourg-Saint-Maurice is the closest provincial city.

The ski season runs from late November to early May at Val D’Isere ski resort, with cheaper rates from mid-April and free passes for children under five years and seniors over 75. Summer skiing is possible on the Pissaillas Glacier. The most convenient way to get to Val D’Isere is by flying to Geneva and taking a bus.