4 Best places to stay in Val d’Isere

In a village boasting some very special hotels, Les Barmes de l’Ours is one of the most luxurious and exclusive.

Built in Alpine chalet style, it has an unbeatable ski-in ski-out location at the foot of Bellevarde and is a short walk from the village centre. The hotel has different styles on each floor, including an American loft look, stark Scandinavian, rustic Savoyard and contemporary.

The elegant, Michelin-starred La Table d’Ours restaurant sits alongside two less formal restaurants, specialising in rotisserie and Savoyard cuisine. There’s a lovely spa and indoor pool, too.

Although boasting every comfort, Le Samovar has the atmosphere of an old-fashioned ski hotel. Heavily timbered, inside and out, each room has its own individual character – as do the staff. The restaurant serves up traditional mountain specialties, while the fire-lit bar lounge has take-away options for a more relaxed supper.

Set in La Daille, a little outside Val d’Isère proper, the hotel is in a great location for those happy to be away from the busy hub of activity. It boasts a ski-in/ski-out location – it’s right by the slopes and directly opposite the Funival mountain railway up to Bellevarde.

In the heart of the village, Avenue Lodge is an interesting amalgamation of styles – a Savoyard exterior of timber and stone conceals a more contemporary interior with lots of stark granite and cowhide in both reception areas and rooms – the work of celebrated designer Jean-Philippe Nuel, noted for creating an airy feel. The undeniably hip atmosphere and the central location ensures Avenue Lodge is a place in which to be seen.

The restaurant menu offers indulgent, French fine-dining, while the underground spa, with its swimming pool, steam bath and sauna, is sublime after a day skiing.

Located at an altitude of 2,551m, in what was originally the upper station of the Solaise gondola, La Refuge claims its place as the highest hotel in France. Reached by skis or gondola, the hotel has chic and spacious family rooms – some overlook the village and valley, others have mountain views.

The views continue in the spa, where the swimming pool and hot tub face the mountains; if guests time their dip right, they’ll catch the spectacular sunset.

There’s a large children’s playroom with a cinema screen, and chef Sergio serves up homemade pizzas in the Italian restaurant. First tracks are guaranteed every morning.