We just got back from Val d'Isere on 30/12/06. We had a fantastic holiday there with sun and blue sky every day. We skiied the whole area, keeping high, as normal on a Christmas holiday, from Le Fornet - Val d'Isere - Tignes; it was excellent. Our thanks definitely go to all the piste workers and the continuous snow - cannon blowing which helped to achieve our successful holiday. We stayed in the Maeva refurbished apartments, down in La Daille - beautiful and all new equipment. We ate out 3 times at night, twice in La Daille in the Samovar and a beatiful restaurant, with an open fire on Xmas night and once in Val d'Isere at a fish restaurant - it had lobster in a fish tank at our side. The service at all 3 places were excellent. Our favourite lunchtime stop was at the Sandwicherie on the slopes in Val d'Isere - really good value for money and appetising. Hope you all have had a Happy New Year and keep on ski-ing.

Hotels – restaurants

Gastronomy

A Michelin star for the "Barmes de l’Ours"
Opened in December 2003, this establishment is without a doubt one of the finest hotels in the Alps. Gastronomy and luxury go hand in hand, and Alain Lamaison added that extra touch of culinary class. Master Chef of French cuisine with two Michelin stars to his credit, and proud holder of the “Best Chef in Corsica” title, during his second season in Val d’Isère he did it again, obtaining that coveted star for the “Table de l’Ours” gastronomic restaurant. The star that propelled Val d’Isère into the exclusive circle of resorts recognized by the famous red guide.
Contact : Hôtel Les Barmes de l’Ours: tel: +33 (0)4 79 41 37 00 or www.hotel-les-barmes.com
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L’Atelier d’Edmond
L’Atelier d’Edmond is a gourmet restaurant to be found in the Fornet village. Edmond was the grandfather of owner Jacques Leprivey. He was Val d’Isère’s first ski patroller but also Mr “DIY”, a genius in the domain of repairs, invention and creation. His workshop was full of tools, which are now dislayed in one of the theme dining areas - the “workshop”. A second area represents a mountain refuge and a third is organised around an immense fireplace. Meticulous service, an original menu, non smoking areas, a shuttle service for guests, a “knick knack” corner where local craftsmen display original creations… these are just a few of the characteristics which make this new restaurant worthy of recommendation.
Contact : L’Atelier d’Edmond: tel: +33 (0)4 79 00 00 82 or www.atelier-edmond.com
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Pier Paul Jack
An original catering and interior decoration concept to be found in the “Aigle des Neiges” hotel, in the village centre.
Pier is the hotel restaurant.
Paul is the smaller original “world cuisine” restaurant.
Jack is the bar to try tapas whilst enjoying live music.
The hip place to spend an evening.
Contact: Pier Paul Jack: tel: +33 (0)4 79 40 10 40

Renovations

"Tsantéleina" hotel
The Tsanteleina hotel has always belonged to the Mattis family. The establishment, situated on the main street, has gone from 18 rooms when it opened in 1948, to 60 rooms and 11 suites today. For the 2006/2007 season, the bar and restaurant have been completely renovated by interior decorator Michel Force. The dining room can now accommodate 200 guests at a time and the talented chef, Jérôme Labrousse, is still master of the kitchen. The bar has been fully rethought: a chalet atmosphere, stone and wood for authenticity and shades of colour for a touch of
state of the art. It is now called the "M" bar and welcomes outside guests with pleasure.
Contact: tel: +33 (0)4 79 06 12 13
Important dates in HISTORY
"le Signal" restaurant
To be found at the top of the Fornet cable car, this restaurant has undergone major renovation for the first time in 30 years. The architect Boucharlat was chosen to show off to its best advantage this odd shaped building. The surprise will doubtless be complete. What does remain unchanged is the warm welcome and the quality of the food.
Discover or rediscover the Signal when it reopens in December.
Contact: tel: +33 (0)4 79 06 03 38

Pierre et Vacances / Maeva
The well known interior decorator Alain Perrier has taken on the renovation of the Pierre & Vacances and Maeva residences built in 1985. 200 apartments will be refurbished. From now on, the Pierre & Vacances part will be known as the "Balcons de Bellevarde", having been transformed into a luxury residence with larger apartments. The building, which formerly housed 126 apartments, now houses 74.
Contact: tel: +33 (0)4 79 41 30 30 or www.pierreetvacances.com

Renovation work is also being carried out in the Christiania and Blizzard 4 star hotels, the l’Avancher and Saint Hubert 2 star hotels and the Sport Shop sportswear shop…
e range of SPORTING
and CULTURAL events
The Ski LIFTS

Ski “hands free” in the finest skiing area in the world.
The Val d’Isère ski lift company has adopted the “hands free” ski pass system. Operative as from the start of the 2006/2007 winter season, the system automatically detects and controls your ski pass at the start of a lift. No more struggles to extract your pass from your pocket : the terminals read the information in the chip and automatically open the gate.

RENOVATION
• On the Fornet sector, the Pyramides drag lift is replaced by a chairlift.
• On Solaise, the Cugnaï 2 seater chairlift has been replaced by a 4 seater.

2009 WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS – The news

"Our promise: to organize a celebration of skiing shared by all in a sensational alpine setting." (Jean-Claude Killy)

The initial project has been slightly altered so as to be totally in line with the environment protection and sustainable development measures undertaken by Val d’Isère. Work on the 6000sqm Sports Centre at the foot of the Bellevarde Face has started. The complex will first serve as the Organisation Centre during the World Championships, and will then be transformed into the Sports Centre the resort was lacking: 2 swimming pools, a spa, weights room, step and gym room, a gymnasium seating 400 spectators, a climbing wall….