Val d’Isère - Food & Drink
Hot melted cheese, cold cured meats and a pint of cold mountain lager please, monsieur.
The local ale is the ludicrously strong but eminently drinkable Miitzig; a stellar combination with a lunchtime Tartiflette, a heady mix of Beaufort and Reblochon cheese, potatoes and lardons (bacon). For a healthy meaty option try the Pierre Chaud, fresh meat grilled on a salted hot stone. And for a digestif? Try Marc de Savoie or Genepi, the fierce local spirits.
Top marks goes to the Fruitière. Translated as "dairy", the restaurant is kitted out with all kinds of milking memorabilia and the food is exceptional. If you're skiing by the glacier, follow the long run all the way down to Le Fornet and griddle your own meat over a charcoal box at the rustic Arolay.
Considering what a catered chalet destination Val d'Isère is, the restaurant scene is very healthy with over 70 places ranging from Michelin-starred hotel restaurants such as the innovative Barmes de l' Ours to pizza joints like friendly, family-run Chez Paulo. For traditional French try the Corniche.
Not afraid to import a good idea, the Folie Douce at the top of the La Daille gondola reinvented itself as an Austrian-style après-ski joint with pumping Alpenpop tunes and live music every afternoon. In town, the afternoon action happens at Bananas.
Regulars and locals haunt the bars of Jacques and the institution that is the Perdrix Blanche while the Pacific Bar and Café Face are lively spots late evening. For some bronco action check out the Saloon Bar and if you still have the energy and the budget, Dick's Tea Bar is the place to finish you, and your credit card, off.
