Val d'Isere, France

ben from UNITED KINGDOM writes:

Had a week in Val over New Year, my first visit there after about 10 years of returning time and again to the 3 Valleys (3V). Like millions of other Brits, I guess. But having heard so much about EK being the best ski area in the world, I wanted to compare and contrast with 3V.

So how do the two areas compare? Purely a personal view of course, from an experienced intermediate who enjoys fast reds, a few mild blacks, and will dabble cautiously with a bit of off-piste. I would rate the pros and cons as follows:
1) Far better and easier off-piste opportunities in Espace K.
2) For long cruising blues and reds, 3 Valleys has many more satisfying long runs (few runs in EK to compare with Mont Vallon or Creux, for example).
3) 3V is much better for treeline ski-ing (important when visibility is poor).
4) Much better ski in/out convenience in many 3V resorts than in Val (Tignes is better I guess). One you are up on the mountain you really don't want to be going all the way down again to Val for a lunchstop, unlike say Courchevel or Val Thorens. And for beginners/early intermediates, most of the runs back home are a real pig!
5) EK is considerably higher on average than 3V and therefore generally more reliable snow (a factor with global warming...). It was a pleasure not to have to endure the slush and ice of Meribel this year!
6) EK just can't match the feeling you get in 3V of so many interesting and challenging journeys to take, via so many different routes from one valley to another. Not a fair comparison perhaps, as EK is half the size....
7) Not scientific, but my gut feeling was that most prices in mountain restaurants etc. are significantly cheaper in EK than 3V. Can't speak for the bars in town, never had the energy to drag myself down there.....

So on balance for me, 3V has it by a short head. But for any confirmed 3V addicts like me, do give EK a try - if only to remind yourself what you are missing!

Ben

2004-01-11