Skiing Val d'Isere

Lyon, Val d'Isere, Les Arcs, La Plagne, Meribel (Trois Vallee) 

  With little time spent on the bus, there will be more days to sight see, ski, explore and enjoy the ambiance of France. Lyon will be the starting point of our Totally France adventure.  Lyon, the second largest city of France,  is acknowledged to be the world capital of gastronomy.  Lyon, with the largest Renaissance quarter in Europe after Venice, has 11 major museums and hidden traboules or narrow passage ways which allow you to go from one street to another by crossing through the corridors and courtyards of several buildings.  The most beautiful traboules will be discovered on the guided tour of the old city.   Arriving in the evening just in time to go to bed, you will have the next day and a half to discover Lyon

      After our introduction to France in Lyon we will motor to Val d'Isere for our first week of winter sports fun.   In Val d'Isere we will be staying at the La Galise Hotel, a small family-run hotel noted for its wonderful and graciously served meals. Danielle will welcome us for our third visit with her family.  When we have new snow will be a ski-in hotel.  Other wise one must walk 1/2 block, in front of the shop serving Grande Marnier crepes..  Val d'Isere is well known for its lift assisted off piste skiing with over 100 lifts.  During the 1992, the Men's and Women's Downhill races were held here.  Cross country skiers will find several long, well prepared, nearly level, cross country tracks.  These prepared tracts also have a winter walking path.     

     For those wanting a day off there are nearby villages which can be reached using the local bus.  One of these villages features the galleries of many unique artisans.

     On Saturday March 24th, the transfer day, we will explore the area of Les Arcs, which is actually 4 ski areas with connecting lifts.  Here, the world speed skiing record of over 120 mph, was set!  You will have a chance to look down and  actually ski the slope used to set the record! Those wanting a rest day will be able to explore Bourg St. Maurice. 

       The second week we will be in Meribel  in the center valley of the Trois Vallee, which also includes Courchevel and Val Thorens.  With over 200 lifts,  the skiable terrain of the Trois Vallee is larger than the combined areas of the 6 largest ski areas in America.  We will stay at the lovely L'Eterlou Hotel at the base of the lifts.  No walking to the lifts!  During the second week we will ski one day at La Plagne, the last of the Olympic alpine ski venues.    

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