Start of the 2016-17 season in Val d'Isere

For the past few years Val D’isere, as well as most European ski resorts, has endured slow starts to the season but after a week of sensational snowfall and another on the way, its looking like the curse of the early season drought could finally be broken.

A time that is usually spent precariously navigating the barely covered pistes avoiding rocks and patches of grass could be spent enjoying the vast range of skiing on and off piste that Val has to offer. The cold temperatures forecast mean the snow should stick around, so for holidaymakers that take early trips in December and are usually greeted with a disappointing lack of snow, things are looking far more promising. This will hopefully be a sign of good things to come for the season ahead.

Many are already taking advantage of this snowy blessing by getting the ski touring equipment out in search of fresh, untracked powder snow. Espace Killy boasts fantastic areas of off piste and backcountry and if you know what you’re doing, there are plenty of opportunities to find great lines. 

The town has been energised with hundreds of seasonnaires flocking in on their transfer buses eager to start their adventures in the already snow covered Alps. Even at this in the season, there is plenty to do. Popular seasonnaire hangouts like the Fall Line and Blue Note have already been open for weeks and are great places for enjoying a drink, lounging on a sofa and watching the rugby. Bars’ opening parties are upon us which is a great time for seasonnaires to go out and get to know each other as well as the buzzing nightlife that Val D’Isere has to offer. 

Popular bars such as Les Petit Danois and Saloon are opening early this week. They are generally packed with Seasonnaires and holiday makers alike enjoying an array of normally strong and colourful drinks, great bands and DJ’s and good vibes. If you’re feeling like a taste of home or looking for the perfect hangover cure before taking to the slopes then look no further for a hearty Full English breakfast at The Moris as well as a good selection of other food, including their monumental burgers. The Moris also offered busy nightlife and lively après ski. They are open and offer great drinks deals, especially “Toss the Boss” in which you can challenge a member of the bar staff for a chance to win a round of free drinks, score higher on a roll of a dice and win. Needless to say these nights can be extremely popular.

The ‘Famous’ Dicks Tea Bar nightclub opened this Thursday (26th) which was a hugely anticipated event among seasonnaires and is a hotspot partying place during the season. Cocorico après ski bar has had another terrace added to their already large outdoor partying arena, in an effort to meet the demand for hundreds of people desperate to enjoy a classic après ski atmosphere by the piste. Their opening party on the 7th December will definitely be one worth going to and with live entertainment daily, Cocorico is regarded as one of the best partying venues in Val in what will only be its third season.  Find more events and parties for the season ahead on our What's on Calendar. 

With the World Cup moved from Beaver Creak to Val d’Isere this December, some more fresh snow and sunshine, and all the bars and clubs in full swing, there is no doubt that there is something here for everyone. The season officially started on Saturday 26th November and due to the great atmosphere we have had over the preseason, we should be in for a stunning season!

Val has rapidly become the energetic, vibrant resort that everyone knows and loves and its looking like it won’t let us down this time round.