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Val d’Isere |
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Height: 1850m (snow range 1550 – 3550m)
Airport: Chambery (approx 84 miles, 2 hours)
Lyon (approx 152 miles, 3 hours)
Grenoble (aprox 102 miles, 2 hours and 10 minutes)
Geneva (approx 113 miles, 2.5 hours)
Season: Year round (glacier open 6 July – 31 August)
Winter season: 29 November - 3 May
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Val d’Isere is another high altitude resort, linked with Tignes to form the Espace Killy. The resort enjoys a strong snow record and a long season, with year-round skiing available thanks to the nearby glaciers. The climate and high slopes make this a particular popular choice for an early or late season ski holiday.
Most of the slopes lie in a northerly direction, meaning the snow tends to last longer and the terrain here is highly regarded, but there are also 2 snow parks in the locality. For guaranteed snow head to the Fornet Glacier at an impressive altitude over 3500m.
There is a good selection of gentle nursery slopes, served by lifts which are free to beginners. Intermediates, meanwhile, are spoilt for choice with plenty of enjoyable blue and red runs as well as access to Tignes and La Grande Motte glacier. Val d’Isere remains a popular choice also with more advanced skiers with giant moguls, black runs and off-piste opportunities – although in many areas it is recommended that you take a local guide.
The resort itself is lively with a fantastic choice of restaurants and bars to enjoy a spot of après-ski which can last to the early hours of the morning. There are also plenty of off-piste activities to enjoy including a cinema, indoor swimming pool, ice rink, fitness centre, snow shoe trails, ice climbing and dog sledding. |
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Vail, USA |
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Height: 2926m (snow range 2926 – 3914m)
Airport: Denver (approximately 100 miles, 1 hour, 45 minutes)
Season: 21 November – 19 April
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Located high in the Rocky Mountains, Vail is known as one of the world’s best ski resorts. Vail boasts three distinct areas of the mountain (the Front-Side, Blue Sky Basin and the Back Bowls) each with their own features, including three terrain parks, seven bowls and 5,289 acres of freeride terrain.
Snow conditions here are generally reliable, due to the altitude as well as a number of north-facing slopes. On the south-facing Back Bowls, however, cover may not be as good.
Both advanced and intermediate skiers should head for the Blue Sky Basin for superb runs and fantastic powder snow. Beginners, meanwhile, can hone their skills at the ski school or take the lifts from the village up to a number of long and wide nursery runs.
Vail is modelled on a Bavarian village and the village is particularly picturesque with a warm, welcoming atmosphere. As well as a good selection of shops and restaurants there is an ice skating rink, tubing park, spa, dog sledding and horse riding. |
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Breckenridge, Colorado, USA |
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Height: 2500m (snow range 2500 – 3963m)
Airport: Denver (approximately 85 miles, 1.5 hours)
Season: 7 November – 19 April
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Like its neighbour Vail (see above), Breckenridge is one of America’s highest ski resorts, popular with British skiers due to the quality of its snow as well as its friendly and welcoming atmosphere. Visitors here expect lots of snow and they get it – the resort boasts a good snow record and the slopes are groomed daily to ensure the best ski conditions.
 With 4 peaks and terrain parks, there is something here to suit all abilities. Children are well catered for as the resort enjoys some of the best learning terrain in North America and there is an excellent local ski school. Skiers can progress to a wide variety of gently rolling, intermediate slopes and there is plenty of steeper terrain for more experienced skiers – all easily accessed by a network of high speed chairlifts, quads and gondolas. Breckenridge is also home to North America’s highest lift.
Due to its location, altitude sickness is fairly commonplace and sufferers are recommended to drink plenty of fluids, take light exercise during the day and avoid alcohol. |
This webpage is intended as a source of information only for our customers. Travel Jigsaw does not sell tickets for any events or attractions mentioned above. Travel Jigsaw takes no responsibility for any tickets or accommodation purchased from third parties, event organisers or travel companies. Travel Jigsaw has no liability for such sales or to the events/attractions to which they relate. Any complaints or claims should be addressed to the third party, event coordinator or travel company from whom the purchase was made. This webpage may provide links to third party websites as a source of useful information for our customers. Customers use these links at their own discretion and are advised to check the terms and conditions of these third party websites.
Please note that events and operational dates for attractions are subject to change and there may be charges for some events and attractions. Visitors are advised to check the accuracy of the information provided on this webpage for themselves before making any travel plans.
Distances and driving times outlined above are approximate and designed as a guide only. Customers should plan and check their own route carefully before travel. Please remember that conditions in winter may make driving times longer.
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