All The Gear: In Val d’Isere
Val d’Isere’s pretty village streets are a shopper’s paradise. Whether you’re ticking off your dream kit list, or searching chic boutiques for something special, Val d’Isere has it all. Time it so you experience the resort on a Thursday evening; the centre is closed to traffic and family entertainment spills out onto the streets with music, magic, spectacular light shows and ice sculptors.
Combine all this with regular refueling stops at the warm, welcoming boulangeries and bars, and a shop-front saunter is an activity for everyone. Here’s a selection of our must-stop shops…
Mountain Pro Shop
These guys are specialists in technical clothing, safety equipment, backcountry skiing, hiking and freeride gear. The shop is home to top brands like Hestra, Black Crows, Marmot, Ortovox, Rab, Rossignol, Saolman, Scott, Sweet Protection, Atomic and Dynastar. Plus the Val d’Isere Bureau des Guides have their base in-store so you can get expert advice, book guided off-piste trips, ski touring, heli-skiing, ice climbing, snowshoeing, AND buy all your kit in one fell swoop. Find them on Olympique Avenue, between La Cave and Bar XV.
valproshop@gmail.com
+33(0)4 79 06 02 91
Margherio
The fur boots that adorn the feet of the Val d’Isere fashion-conscious are not a new trend. They were first designed back in the 1960s by Firmin Margherio and made in a workshop under Val d’Isere’s shop of the same name, on Rue Principale. This is a family-run store steeped in foot fashion history and it’s still the place to go for all kinds of footwear, as well as clothing and accessories. Brands you’ll find here include Panama Jack, Paraboot, Serafini, IKKII, Palladium, Blackstone, Sharks and more.
marielle.margherio@gmail.com
+33 04 79 06 04 25
Patagonia
This season, Patagonia presents a comprehensive system of baselayer, outerwear and packs for those who go deep into the mountains under their own power. Each piece in their Backcountry Touring collection is designed specifically to address the needs of self-supported winter backcountry travel, balancing critical protection with breathability and total freedom of movement.
For your touring adventure, pair the new Refugitive Jacket with the KnifeRidge Pants for a light, versatile kit with streamlined performance and protection. They’re built with 3-layer GORE-TEX® fabric with GORE® C-KNIT™ backer technology for the optimal balance of stretch and lightweight, in an Alpine Regular fit that’s just right for climbing or skiing. We also recommend their Snowdrifter 30L backpack. Find their stores:
Patagonia Val d’Isere
Killy Sports, Val d’Isere
Planet 0 – 16, Val d’Isere
Tarentaise Tour, Sainte Foy
Twinner Proshop, Peisey Vallandry
Berenice
If you’re inspired by the outfits you see on the catwalk streets of Val d’Isere, take home a piece of French style with clothing and accessories from Berenice.
You’ll find mountain hats, chic jewellery, belts, scarves and bags alongside gorgeous jumpers and cardigans with their cool signature angel wing and animal designs, and zip motifs. Find them at Tourist Office Square.
+33(0)4 79 55 66 92
Snowberry
If you want to try the latest kit, test some specialist skis on a day of touring or get your gear fitted by experts, Snowberry in Val d’Isere is the ski hire shop for you. They’ve been voted Best Ski Shop In Europe, mainly for their knowledgable service and quality boot fitting. They stock over 120 models of brand new 2016 skis suitable for all levels and disciplines, all properly serviced after every outing. If you’re not happy with the first pair, change them as many times as you need to. Their store at Rond Point des Pistes is also the base for Evolution 2 Val d’Isere so you can book your ski lessons, tours, trips and other outdoor activities at the same time.
+33(0)4 79 41 10 61