Food Glorious Food
For some, ski trips are more about the food than the snow and we are here for you. Val d'Isère has been upping the ante in recent years, with a growing selection of cuisines available on and off the mountain. This winter we are truly spoiled, especially with the new additions of the iconic Nobu Matsuhisa and Paris Society’s restaurant Le Piaf, known for its vibrant fine dining experience that turns into an après-ski soirée. However, for those who like to stay cosy in the evenings or value the privacy of dining in their own luxury chalet, we have it covered. Our chef team this winter has to be one of our strongest yet; all being overseen by the superb Manuel Dias, who joined us this winter as our Executive Chef as “we love to step away from tradition and explore new flavours, cultures and combinations’’.There are too many leading names of the food world to mention but we have drawn a fantastic team who have worked under chef greats including Heston Blumenthal, Angela Hartnett and Adrian Quetglas. Our chefs hail experiences from the impressive Icelandic and Majorcan food scenes, private cheffed for Sir Elton John and even cooked for Santa and his elves….
Head over to our food page to see more about their experience and get your taste buds ready for the attention they deserve.
Between your knife and fork, magic awaits…
Val d'Isère Welcomes Nobu & Le Piaf...
Shaking up the food scene in Val d’Isère, esteemed Hotel Airelles has two new iconic additions, bringing fresh flavours to you this winter. Never before has Val d'Isère seen such a variety of places to eat and drink, come day or night.Nobu, famous for his restaurants around the world, has landed at the new hot spot Matsuhisa, in the heart of the hotel itself. Bringing Japanese influenced cuisine to our slopes, with signature dishes such as yellowtail sashimi with jalapeño and mouth watering miso black cod. Enjoy the artistic nature of the dishes amongst the minimalist interiors, complemented by the smooth flavours from their extensive sake menu. All combined with some of the best snow conditions in the Alps, why travel to Japan when we have all the good stuff right on our doorstep? This winter, find your Ikigai.
Japanese cuisine not your thing? Hotel Airelles has you covered. Head over to one of our favourite corners of the resort to be met by sizzling steaks and roaring open fires, with breathtaking views of the Manchet Valley. Le Relais by day transforms to Le Piaf by night, a vibrant new addition to Val d’Isère; set to turn heads and be the words on everyone's lips. Already making its mark in Paris, Megève and Courchevel, join us at this chic restaurant to eat, sip and celebrate as the day turns to dusk…
Self Drive Self Care
Driving to Val d’Isère for winter skiing has become increasing popular over the last couple of years. Here are a few tips from our chalet chauffeur team to help you cruise-control your way through to your luxury mountain hideout. Grab your skis and we'll see you soon!Toll Booth Tag
It’s definitely worth signing up online so that you can just sail through the toll booths. After all, who carries cash these days?
Places To Stop
If you are driving to your luxury chalet in Val d’Isère from Northern England, you may want to stop for the night in a hotel once you have crossed the channel. Le Touquet-Paris-Plage, just a short hour's drive from Calais, is a lovely little fishing town on the coast. If you are driving from Southern England, it may suit you better to stop overnight once you are further into your journey. You will land in Dijon about six hours into your French miles. This little town is a delight, with some gorgeous boutique hotels and beautiful French cobbled streets. The perfect stop before your ski trip commences.
Snow Chains
If you are coming up to Val d’Isère in snowy conditions, do not forget your snow chains. These are best bought ahead of your journey - do not rely on getting them en route. Halfords sell them from £69.99. If you already have M/S tyres or a four-wheel drive, you should be okay without.
Don’t Miss The Sign
Look out for the blue circular sign with a picture of a tyre with snow chains on. When you see this, you know it is time to pop yours on. It is worth having a practice before you set off.
Mood Music
It’s a long drive to Val d’Isère and we know it can sometimes be tedious. Keep the good vibes going and bring the luxury chalet ambiance into your car. Enjoy the beautiful French countryside passing you by whilst listening to our ‘Après-Ski’ or ‘Ski Fresh Tracks’ Spotify playlists and dream of the good times to come; just a short journey away!
Bon Voyage! See you in the mountains soon….
Dishing it up
It’s no secret that Val d’Isère spoils us with restaurant choices. By day, an array of mountain restaurants keep both palates and dance moves entertained, as long lunches spill over into an infamous après ski scene. By night, Val d’Isère dishes up one of the hottest dining scenes in the Alps, whisking you from Japan to Peru, with a few beautiful stops along the way.This winter, dine at new heights as Val d’Isère’s Solaise gondola re-opens from 1900 on Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings, allowing refined revelries to continue at Gigi’s restaurant. Italian is always best served with a perfectly poured negroni and a side of live music.
Taking your palate further afield, Le K2 Chogori’s L’Altiplano 2.0 brings you the finest ceviche and Pisco Sours this side of Peru. We recommend settling in and dining out with their extensive tasting menu.
Last but by no means least, bringing it home with La Poya. From intimate and cosy tables to privatised nights, local ingredients are served and celebrated with an acclaimed twist.
As always, we will introduce you to all the right places and the most interesting faces.
New Kids on the Block
Looking for a little independence this winter? Be the first to stay in one of our two new luxury chalets in Val d'Isère, both available on a bed & breakfast basis. Enjoy the perks of staying in a serviced chalet but with the flexibility to write your own script. Each year, Val d’Isère ups the ante, leading the way with the hottest new places to eat, drink and be seen. This winter, why not enjoy some après ski for as long as the mood takes you, and relish in the villages latest new offerings by night. What’s more, both chalets have the addition of an outdoor hot tub, so you can equally take it really slow.Cala Slopeside! It’s sassy, elegant and on point. Set in one of the most prestigious developments in Val d’Isère and with an excellent ski in and ski out location, Cala Slopeside sleeps up to ten guests in five spacious ensuite bedrooms. With sweeping views over the Bellevarde mountain, you are just a two minute ski to the main ski school meeting point and short walk to the centre of Val d'Isère. This stunning apartment is set over two floors and boasts both a hot tub and a sauna, perfect for settling in and maxing out.
Chalet Loup is hidden, beautiful and cosy; a true hideout in the mountains. Set amongst the most charming part of Val d’Isère, Le Fornet, and at an altitude of 1,950m this chalet is the perfect base to explore Val d’Isère’s ski area, especially the powder stashes of the Grand Vallon. Chalet Loup has five bedrooms split over three floors, all of which are ensuite. There is a bunk room which is perfect for the mini mountain cubs and a beautiful outdoor hot tub, so you can ski back to the door and fall straight in.
This winter, do things your way.
WHEN EARTH TAKES CENTRE STAGE
Hip Hideouts first partnered with Patagonia back in 2013. The quality of their clothing is undeniably of the best quality and we aspire to their philosophy; build the best products, cause no unnecessary harm and use business to inspire and implement solutions to the environmental crisis. The news over the last week that they have dedicated 100% of their business over to tackling climate change made us all stop in our tracks; quite literally. When a village as beautiful as Val d’Isère is your home you want to do anything you can to preserve it. For this winter, a number of eco-initiatives have been unveiled in Val d’Isère, including piste bashers which will be powered by hydro-treated vegetable oil fuel. As a fuel this is 100% renewable and reduces CO2 emissions by 90%. There is also the introduction of two electric buses, with the aim to increase this to 15 by 2025.
As for Hip Hideouts, what are we doing in Val d’Isère to help the ongoing climate change issue? We will be welcoming two electric hybrid Land Rover Defenders to our existing fleet this winter season. We will continue to work with ethical and environmentally conscious brands such as Patagonia and we are committing to being 100% single use plastic free across all our chalets by winter 2024/25.
Let’s all do what we can to protect our precious planet.
A LUXURIOUS CAPABILITY
Undeniably luxurious and undeniably capable. There’s a reason why you see the Hip Hideouts’ chalet chauffeurs driving around Val d’Isère in Land Rovers. Instantly recognisable and demanding of everyone’s attention, our Land Rover fleet ensures you get from A to Ski in style.New for this winter, in an ever increasing bid for environmental consciousness, we will be welcoming two electric hybrid Land Rover Defenders to Val d’Isère. Whether you wish to ski fresh powder in Le Fornet with friends or ski with family from peak to piste finishing in La Daille, we’ll get you there. Then, after a day’s skiing, whether it is your chalet’s hot tub and swimming pool or Val d’Isère’s renowned après ski scene that calls, you can rely on a silver Land Rover waiting with yours and our names on it.
Powerful, elegant and distinctive, Land Rovers are the kings of Val d’Isère’s roads.
A SUNSHINE STATE OF MIND.....
Summer is on the horizon and that means one thing; time for us to share a little more with you about our newest and most exciting project yet, Clos Mireille. Perfectly positioned in the South of France on the Provence coast, our latest hideout has launched and we can offer you a glimpse into the magic that awaits. Our summer villa is set on the stunning 54 hectare Domaines Ott estate. Housing the beautifully restored Bastide you will be surrounded by leafy vineyards and have private access to the peaceful Pellegrin beach. It’s a piece of heaven and we can’t wait to welcome you…..Bookings are now live for next summer, with four exclusive preview weeks available this August. Spend your summer with us in Provence; your glass of Domaines Ott rosé is waiting at Clos Mireille.
JOIN THE MOVEMENT
We have some exciting news. Soon our Val d'Isère friends and neighbours Planks Clothing are launching a crowdfunding campaign, giving you the opportunity to invest in Planks and join them on their journey. As many of you that have stayed with us in Val know, they are a super progressive clothing brand founded right here in the village and their venture is picking up speed. They are looking for investment to level up their business and with recent set backs across the clothing market globally due to Covid we think it could be a great time to get involved. Below is a word from Jim, the founder who some of you may know. If you are interested either follow the link below or email us and we can give you a bit more information...'Since we began selling a few T-shirts and beanies in Val d'Isère, Planks has owed its existence to the support and dedication of the ski community. We've come a long way since then because of people like you, who see what we see, who love what we love, and who value all the greatness that skiing offers the mind, body, and soul.
There are now thousands of Planks customers worldwide. Together, we've been on a recycling mission, turning more than 1.5M waste plastic bottles into rider-driven outerwear. And, through our partnerships with Snowcamp, Protect Our Winters, and One Tree at a Time, we continue to create positive change through our community.
With the pent-up demand of millions of skiers returning to the mountains and a clear growth strategy, we are ready to take it to the next level. As part of our extended family, I'm stoked to invite you to join the movement and invest in Planks.
There is a limit to the amount that can be invested, and we don't want you to miss out. So, please pre-register today and you'll be given exclusive priority access to the crowdfunding page, ahead of the crowd. The last ten years have been amazing, but this is just the beginning.
Peace, love & powder turns,
JIM ADLINGTON - PLANKS FOUNDER'
For more info Email hugh@planksclothing.co.uk
New This Winter - The Wild Nest
Imagine waking up and being totally immersed in the mountain landscape. No one else around, nothing obstructing the view. Just you, the mountains and the hazy sunrise creeping up behind the peaks. Well, our friends at Evolution2 have taken escapism to new levels and this experience is now at your fingertips. We are giving you the first glance, so you can embrace the mountains like no one has before.Welcome to The Wild Nest.
As the sun sets and blue turns to black, if you are lucky enough to have a clear night, the stars will appear by their thousands. A cloudy night brings its own charm and often delivers a fresh blanket of snow around the nest. Equipped with everything you need for a unique stay, the nest offers you boutique glamping… mountain style! Expect a warming three course Savoyard dinner with a view of Vanoise National Park all to yourselves. Complete with superior selected wines, chosen for you by Michelin starred chef Jean Michel Bouvier, the man behind Le Panoramic. With an opaque front, you can wrap up in your duvet and let the wind outside sing you to sleep. The following morning, wake up to the sun rising over the French-Italian border and a hearty breakfast served to you by your mountain guide. The descent is easy, fresh first tracks as you are safely led back to resort.
If you're feeling extra adventurous, in addition to your stay, during the 400m altitude ascent from Tignes you will have the option to experience ‘ice floating’; a new relaxation experience brought to the Alps from Finland. Wearing a dry suit you will be free to float in the icy waters of the frozen lake, offering a new sensory experience giving you a wild sense of well-being.You will also have the opportunity to meet the polar adventurer Alba Michon and hear about his incredible 45-day expedition to the geographical North Pole.
Following a year of holding back, it is time to embark on new adventures. Perhaps you want to celebrate a special birthday or anniversary? Well, do something extraordinary, step out of your comfort zone; and into the high altitude Wild Nest.
Get in touch for prices and availability to give your elegant escape some mountain edge...
jessica.lord@hiphideouts.com
Image ©andyparant.com
PRIVATE IS BEST
Social distancing..until this year I don't think we really understood what this phrase meant, however now we are all too familiar with these dreaded two words. However, SD doesn't need to be restrictive to your ski holiday this winter, here's why.This winter is looking like it will finally get off the ground in January once the Christmas rush is over. Being one of the most international resorts in the Alps and famed for our après ski party scene, it was always likely we were going to be touched by the coronavirus. Fortunately, a young population and mainly healthy people has meant there has not been any serious problems in the resort. As we look forward to January and the opening of the lifts, things may look a little different for this winter anyway. Here's what you might see this winter.
Social distancing and mask wearing has been good practice over the last few months and Val d'Isère is certainly at the forefront when complying to regulations so you can expect this to be the norm both inside and on the main streets. The ski lifts will be operating normally but perhaps with less uphill capacity. Whilst we have lots of state of the art modern telecabines, we also have many chairlifts which provide ample security. Skiing is what we love and I don't think we will see a great difference to how people behave on the mountain and in the village to normal but we might find that the bars and restaurants are required to house fewer people. The ski bus may be a bit of a bottle neck for skiers with reduced numbers being allowed on board but we may also see a more frequent schedule.
What are the hacks for getting away this winter to Val d'Isère? If you like a gamble then this winter could be truly a unique opportunity to experience the mountain like never before, untouched powder, silent valleys and memorable descents. Reserving a chalet before the restrictions are fully lifted may see you getting a high spec luxury chalet with that indoor heated pool you had always dreamt of at a fraction of its usual rates. The key to avoiding disruption this winter is to reserve a holiday with as few moving parts as possible, private transport to the slopes, private chef in your chalet and private team who are exclusively yours looking after you during your stay. Private jet to resort might only be for the exclusive few but self driving to resort has never been easier, paperless checkins, no contact at borders and a warm underground parking garage waiting for you when you arrive. We will even have the cocktails ready for when you come upstairs!
The good olde days will return and we will be back singing and dancing at Cocorico's after a day on the mountain, but this winter we may need to focus on our skiing, our tans and our cocktails on our chalet terrace as the moon comes up...it could be worse.
Follow the link below to see what offers we have on this winter.
A Collection of Cocktails..
Whether you are staying in a chalet or hotel, it is always nice to know the best drinking spots to escape for a quick early evening apéro. Our concierge team live in Val d'Isère, and have worked hard to sample all of the best cocktails in town, for research purposes of course! It is always wise to book ahead, so leave it to our team to get you the best seats in the house. This winter it is time to treat yourself to make up for all those Friday nights spent on the sofa instead of sipping your Soho mule, so here is our Val d'Isère cocktail menu to get you in the mood...Classic Hendrix Gin and Tonic at Le Blizzard
Not just any gin and tonic; Le Blizzard's version will immerse you in cosy sophistication, served with lashings of refreshing cucumber and their staple creamy Italian green olives on the side. Sink into the incredibly comfy sofas, and embrace the wholesome contentment that comes with!
Zingy Americano at Le Yule
The aesthetic attention is evident at Le Yule. Think curled orange peel, bamboo straw, chunky ice-cubes clinking against your weighty crystal glass with a luminous shade of burnt orange gleaming through the cracks. This sweet and sour cocktail will ignite your senses and perk you up for an evening of food and festivities!
Smoked Margarita at La Baraque
A go-to spot for a vibrant atmosphere, with incredible live music every night! For a margarita with a twist, try their smoked one with the feisty addition of Maestro Dobel Humito Tequila. But be careful, they are very more-ish!
Punchy Espresso Martini at Les Barmes de l'Ors
Need a little pick me up pre or post dinner? Well Les Barmes de l'Ors will have a punchy espresso martini waiting for you. Served in an elegant martini glass, this classic cocktail is the epitome of a classy caffeine kick. It will be just what you need after indulging in the incredible Michelin star tasting menu on offer at the hotel's atmospheric restaurant.
Aperol Spritz at Coins Des Amis
Fancy soaking up some of the French atmosphere? "Chez Jules" offers a relaxed sociable setting, popular with locals! Wrap up warm to soak up the atmospheric old-town from their outdoor terrace. Their generous serving of Aperol certainly has a kick to it to keep you warm!
Something New at Le K2 Chogori
New this winter, a trip to Le K2 Chogori's cocktail bar, Le 1954 bar, is an absolute must, and we will be the first in line. In tribute to the first expedition to reach the summit of K2, the bar invites you to taste innovative per-dinner cocktails orchestrated by the brilliant bartenders. The artfully made fruity cocktails will be served in their Peruvian themed cocktail glasses, taking you on a journey from Alps to Andes with every sip!
Fleur Grise at your Hip Hideouts Chalet
A Hip Hideouts special, collaborated and refined by our team of talented hosts; and ready to be served in the comfort of your own private chalet. Whilst you relax in front of the roaring fire, let the refreshing and sophisticated mix of St. Germain elderflower liquor infused with icy earl-grey tea tickle your taste buds, ready for an evening of delicious cuisine prepared by your private chalet chef.. just perfect!
Thirsty, anyone?
Schools Out.....Or Is It?
Our concierge team are regularly asked which ski school is the best, and whilst we'd like to give a straight forward answer the reality is it's far from straightforward. Having now lived in Val d'Isère for eleven years, we've spent a lot of time getting to know the different ski tuition options and even know many of the different instructors personally. To make it easier for you, we've summarised our top picks however, our concierge team can take care of everything for you so that you can fully relax and enjoy the build up to your holiday.Best for Beginners:
Love it or hate it, ski school is the best option for those learning to ski. Be it for children or adults, skiing with your peers is the best way to learn and build confidence. New Generation Ski School are our top pick for Val d'Isère and their kids groups are some of the best in resort. Resort manager Jas Bruce works alongside a boutique team of instructors, many of whom have done multiple seasons in Val d'Isère, and they certainly make learning fun.
If you're looking for all day lessons then Oxygene Ski School may be the one for you. They have a great ski lift pass offer for complete beginners. With a slightly larger team, Oxygene offer morning or full day lessons, female only classes and even have a lunch club for the kiddies giving you the full day to explore the wondrous 300km ski area.
Best for Coaching:
The Development Centre, or TDC for short, are our top pick if you want smaller, coaching focused group lessons. Another boutique company, TDC offer coaching clinics which range from gaining confidence on green runs, aiding the transition to blue runs, or full on introduction to off piste for confident black run skiers. They normally run the groups for three sessions which works really well if you're after some tuition but not for the full week.
Best For Guiding and Off Piste:
Tetra Ski Guides have been with us from the start and we just adore what they do. If you're after a true mountain experience and looking for local instructors who have grown up in the area then these guys are the ones for you. Their strengths lie in guiding and off piste but they have their Tetra Pink brand who specialise in coaching for ladies and children. You'll get more than just ski tuition with Tetra though; they will show you the best restaurants, secure you the best tables and make excellent food and wine recommendations. Tetra are certainly our top choice if you are looking to enhance your skiing and see more of what Val d'Isère has to offer.
Like we said, it's not necessarily an easy straightforward answer but it's where our concierge team can add real value and make the best recommendations for you. Let us show you all the right places and introduce you to some interesting faces.
This too shall pass!
As France, the UK and many of our other European friends press pause, the mountains continue to do their beautiful thing and wait patiently for you to return. We've seen some fantastic early season snowfall and ski conditions on the Tignes Glacier have been superb. Winter 2020/21 is setting up to be another fantastic season of ski conditions here in Val d'Isère.During these times we recognise that it's hard to plan but it's also important to remember that this too shall pass! It won't be long before we can all be together again enjoying those thrilling first tracks of your holiday. We continue to remain flexible with our booking conditions and invite you to contemplate the joys of spring skiing, here in Val d'Isère.
Time for some TLC - our Spa top picks!
Val d'Isère has some beautiful spas to choose from. All with distinctive luxurious features, there is something for everyone. Perhaps you want to take a mid-week ski break to rest and rejuvenate. Or maybe you're a non-skier and simply want to take a day to yourself to relax. These spas will help you to do exactly that. Here are some of our favourites and why we love them!Something Unique | Le Blizzard
On a gorgeous bluebird spring day, Le Blizzard's outdoor pool is hard to beat. Its exquisite location over looking over the mountains of Val d'Isère makes the whole experience wonderfully surreal. Step inside for sauna, steam room, Jacuzzi and a selection of gorgeous treatments on offer using beautiful Clarins products. The gym is also appealing with its light and airy aesthetic, offering a variety of high-performance equipment as well as a fitness studio, with yoga and pilates classes on offer every morning for hotel guests. All a perfect combination for healing and nourishment, don't you agree?
Mountain Views | Le Yule Hotel & Spa
There is just something very special about being warm and cosy whilst staring out at those powerful mountains! Well, Le Yule's five-star spa will give you exactly that experience. With its luxurious indoor pool, hamman, Jacuzzi, sauna and zen lounge, the spa has huge glass windows beaming out onto the snowy landscape of Val d'Isère. Custom massages are on offer for a sensory escape, immersing you in beautiful fragrances from the Nuxe products. You will be left with a singular feeling of wellbeing.
For Everyone | Avenue Lodge
Cosy and decadent, the spa is set underground with all black interior, featuring a roaring glass fire place in the middle. With antler chandeliers, the contemporary yet alpine atmosphere is the perfect composition for a relaxing mountain spa experience. Featuring an indoor pool, Jacuzzi, two saunas, powerful large steam room, and gorgeous herbal fruit tea station to ignite all of your senses. Treatment rooms with a variety of apres-ski massage variations available, the wellness spa will heal your body and soul! At very reasonable prices this one is great for everyone.
New to Val d'Isère this winter...
We are proud to introduce a new and exciting hotel to our exclusive portfolio arriving to Val d'Isère this winter, Le K2 Chogori, bringing a fresh new offering to the resort through the innovative Tibetan design and embodiments of understated luxury and sophistication.As part of the impressive K2 Collections hotel group that are very well known across the Alps for their attention to detail and high standards of the finest levels of service, Le K2 Chogori is one not to be missed! The central location will give you instant access to the resorts actives and is just a short walk to ski school in the mornings. This boutique hotel features just three suites and twenty-one rooms, all of which can be doubled up if you want something bigger. With panoramic mountain views and a charming setting just across from the beautiful church of Saint Bernard, the central location is enriched in history; exclusive yet convenient.
Their unique Peruvian restaurant offers something refreshing and new to Val d'Isère transporting you from the Alps to Andes through your dining journey. Love a Cocktail? Relax and indulge in the cosy velvety Le 1954 cocktail bar that charms every new guest that discovers it. Artfully made tropical cocktails are their speciality. Their 'Goji spa' features a beautiful twelve metre infinity pool specifically designed for post exercise recovery via hydrotherapy. Propel yourself into a feeling of wellbeing with their Jacuzzi, hammam and tranquil relaxation areas. And if that's not enough, the hotel also offers its own chic ski boutique giving you premium access to high-tech equipment and a beautiful collection of top-of-the-range mountain clothing.
We have no doubt that Le K2 Chogori will be the place to stay in Val d'Isère this winter. If you want to be the first to stay we can make sure to secure you the best room and take the stress out of your planning. What's more, we'll meet you when you arrive, help you check in and have your lift passes waiting for you!
Executive Room | Two people | From 600 euros
Suite Comfort | Two people | From 995 euros
Apartment Exclusive | Four people | From 2140 euros
Don't miss out on this exciting new boutique hotel arriving to Val d'Isère!
The Best Table in the House!
It’s safe to say that eating out was one of the things missed most in Spring and it’s good to know that restaurant and cafe culture is back with full force in France. Favoured restaurants are open once again, welcoming customers back and throughout the glorious summer in France terraces were being enjoyed to the full.There are however some subtle differences though in the post lockdown hospitality sector. Instead of being met with a warm French ‘Faire La Bias,’ dinners will be welcomed by todays hottest outfit accessory; a cooly designed facemask. Outdoor seating is definitely being maximised and as a results those opting to eat inside have a more spacious and less compact feel to their experience. On the whole, the return to dining experience is overall a lot more hygienic and even more pleasurable after such a long absence.
Turning our attention to winter, a hotly debated, pre ski trip topic, is always where to visit for lunch in Val d’Isére. With so many excellent restaurants to choose from, tough choices always have to be made. Here’s a round up of some of the best mountain restaurants in Val d'Isére, all of whom are already excited to welcome back winter travellers.
*Table with a view*
Where: Le Refuge du Solaise
What: The Salad de Solaise is a beautiful, fresh, crunchy and light option for those in need of their vitamin fix after a week of rich food. For the hungry skier after something more decadent then their tender Tomahawk steak oozes flavour and is a delicious lunchtime treat.
Why our staff love it: “ The view of Val d’Isére is incredible and the design and decor is really cool. We always have excellent feedback from our guests who visit and they love the live music as well.†Sean
Insider Knowledge: Karen, the restaurant manager, makes sure that guests are always well looked after and the table at the back on the far left has some of the best views of Val d’Isére.
*Off the Beaten Track*
Where: L’Edelweiss
What: You’ll find Tartiflette in almost every restaurant but this isn’t any Tartiflette this is L’Edelweiss Tartiflette. It has a rich, creamy interior and tasty crunchy exterior making it the perfect Savoyard refuel after a long morning.
Why our staff love it: “It’s only accessible via a blue run which makes it a little quieter and more exclusive than some of the other restaurants on the mountain. It’s a great option throughout the season; cosy inside on snowy days and a beautiful terrace in Spring.†Caroline
Insider Knowledge: Tables are only available to book on the day at 9am. For guests staying in Le Fornet it is a beautiful spot to stop and have an aprés on the last run down.
*Best for Non-Skiers*
Where: L’Etincelle
What: With so much to choose from on their menu you will be thoroughly spoilt for choice. Their pizzas are possibly the best on the mountain; full of flavour with generous and tempting toppings. For those craving Frances signature beef tartar this is tender, tasty and not to be missed.
Why our staff love it: “It just has everything and is easy for non skiers to get to which makes it very popular. The terrace is beautiful in the sunshine and the views of La Face from inside are excellent so it’s a good place throughout the season. We all love their live music in Spring.†Richard
Insider Knowledge: If visiting over the Criterium weekend the table by the back window is a perfect spectator spot!
* The “did you go to….†place*
Where: Panoramic
What: Possibly one of the most iconic restaurants in the area, it’s hard to single out specific options from their menu as it is all mouth-watering. Their “Cuisine Au Feu de Bois†or “Woodfire Cooking†makes everything on it so flavoursome and tender and there is something for almost everyone here. Coupe de Grande Motte is delectable for those with a sweet tooth.
Why our staff love it: “The whole experience at Panoramic is luxurious, they even give you slippers when you arrive! Week after week we hear compliments about how good the service is and even their hot chocolate is super special. It’s a long way to get to but always well worth it.†Jess
Insider Knowledge: Every Thursday they have a gastronomic dinner and torch light decent which forms the longest one in Europe. Jess loved this experience and a highlight was showcasing the meat to you at your table before it was taken away to be cooked. At a very reasonable 70 euros per person it’s a fantastic experience.
One of the reasons winter sports lovers visit Val d’Isére time and time again is the excellent restaurant selection both on the mountain and in the village. It really is hard to choose the best and these are just a small selection of what is on offer. A luxury chalet stay with Hip Hideouts comes with full access to a complimentary concierge service so the hardest thing to do is just decide which ones to book. There are, after all, only six lunches……
Cover up or shut up!
2020 has brought us lots of surprises but one thing is for certain, this winter is going to be all about the ski mask. Balaclava, Neck tube or Face mask, whatever you call it we are all going to be wearing one on the mountain when the snow comes. If you haven’t got yours yet then you should check out our Val d’Isère buddies Planks Clothing. Ex-pro skier and Hip Hideouts friend Jim Adlington has come up with a quiver of face coverings that are going to protect you and your friends on the hill this season. Our favourites are the Jungle Palm Bandit Necktube and the Autumn Camo Heist Hinged Balaclava. Visit www.planksclothing.com or head on down to their store opposite the Tourist Office in the centre of the village.Life After Lockdown!
The clouds are lifting and the sun is starting to shine once again in Val d’Isere. It's been a difficult few months to navigate for everyone, but the support and loyalty we have received from our fantastic guests has been truly precious. Val d’Isere is officially open for summer and our staff are reaping the rewards of life after lockdown. Here is a little insight into resort life now.....So have things changes in Val d’Isere?  Other than the extra cleaning, precautions and some subtle differences, the ski resort is very much open and as active as ever. The Blizzard Hotel is now re-opening their doors for the summer season, a first in its history. This is Val d’Iseres oldest and most iconic hotel, with its prominent location in the centre of the high street and the heart of the village. With its spacious and tailored facilities, the outdoor swimming pool will also certainly provide another popular option for summer guests; just what’s needed for some, after a mornings skiing on the Piscillas Glacier in Le Fornet.Â
The snow quality on the glacier is as good as ever which is always a great indicator for the forthcoming winter fun. With the lifts open since the start of June, this is sure to be busier than usual this summer.
Many bars, restaurants and cafes reopened earlier than usual for dining inside and out, including Le Coin Des Amis; a local hot spot during the winter. If you’ve visited L’Atelier d’Edmond in the past then you will be pleased to know that they have reopened and their apéritifs look as spectacular as ever. Then of course there is the live music, always popular in Val d’Isere, great after a days skiing or hiking to unwind for the evening.Â
The question on everyone's lips though is what to expect this winter? Whilst it is hard to fully predict, the opening of Val d’Isere for the summer season has given us some insight into what post lockdown life in a ski resort could look like.
Here are some of the key things to expect:
* Luxury catered chalets and hotels look set to open as normal but with extra cleaning services.
* There could be an increased demand for catered chalets owing to the privacy they offer.Â
* It’s likely that restaurants will only take reserved bookings and run at a reduced capacity thus booking lunches and dinners will be even more important.Â
* Indoor clubs may also only operate at a reduced capacity or not at all. It is not yet know what will happen for outdoor venues.Â
* A reduction in the number of people on cable cars and gondolas which could mean longer wait times during peak periods.Â
* Greater demand for private transfers or accommodation with parking spaces as more visitors are likely to self drive.Â
Wherever you spend your summer this year it’s safe to say that we will all be enjoying the increased daily freedom and appreciate more than ever the joys that holidays bring. Spending quality time with family and friends has never been more valued.Â