Food And Ski Destination In The French Alps: Airelles Val D’Isère

Val d’Isère has an 1850m (6,069 feet) elevation, putting it among the highest and top-rated ski resorts in Europe. It is world-renowned for its spectacular snow and ski slopes, colorful après-ski options and a buzzing night life. And thanks to an ever-expanding array of restaurants, Val d’Isère is becoming world-renowned for its world-class cuisine. To be sure, there are, and have been an abundance of excellent restaurants in Val d’Isère, from ones that specialize in raclette and fondue to others that offer Italian or French cuisine. But the addition of three new exceptional culinary experiences recently unveiled by Airelles Val d’Isère, one of the best five star hotels in the quaint ski village, is taking the cuisine of the iconic ski destination to an even higher level.

Chef Nobu’s Famous Matsuhisa Arrives at Val d’Isère

Matsuhisa has launched a new outpost at Airelles for the winter season, making it the first and only Matsuhisa in the French Alps. Open to hotel and external guests, diners at Matsuhisa Val d’Isère can sample world-renowned Chef Nobu’s unique Japanese cuisine with Peruvian influences.

The restaurant is set within an elegant Japanese style alpine wonderland featuring a dark palate including black wooden tables, velvet furnishings, a contemporary fireplace and a large sushi bar taking center stage. The menu at Matsuhisa Val d’Isère embodies the Matsuhisa philosophy and includes signature favorites such as yellowtail sashimi with jalapeño, black cod miso and white fish tiradito. Matsuhisa also offers an expansive selection of sakes and creative craft cocktails.

Steakhouse On The Slopes: Le Relais Val d’Isère

Airelles also recently unveiled its new high-altitude steakhouse Le Relais. With its sunny terrace in the heart of the Manchet valley, Le Relais serves authentic French brasserie cuisine such as its signature steak-frites, alongside a selection of grilled meats. Other dishes include a salad of spinach shoots flavored with truffle oil and parmesan shavings, traditional entrecote and pan-fried salmon. Le Relais also serves a selection of unmissable home-made desserts, such as tarte tatin and mousse au chocolat. Guests will be able to enjoy Le Relais’ spaciously designed terrace. The restaurant offers direct access to Les Santons and l’Epaule du Charvet pistes, making it an ideal place for a quick lunch during a busy ski day.

At night, Le Relais transforms into the lively Le Piaf, an exciting addition to Val d’Isère’s vibrant nightlife scene. Bedecked with red velvet benches, subdued lighting and candles all providing a decadent nightclub-style feel. As at its outposts in Paris, Courchevel and Megève, Le Piaf offers refined French cuisine accompanied by an impressive list of cocktails and wine. Le Piaf is open from 8pm to 2am. A shuttle runs throughout the evening between the restaurant and Airelles Val d’Isère.

Mediterranean Food And An Outdoor Dance Floor For Après Ski at LouLou

Airelles’ LouLou features a Mediterranean-inspired menu which takes influences straight from the Piedmont Valley and Lombardy. Signature favorites include truffle pizza and pistachio linguine, along with an impressive dessert buffet that features such dishes as home-made pain d’epice, lemon meringue tart, and chocolate cake.

The restaurant is known for its craft cocktails, including the restaurant’s signature ‘Loulou Winter’, a mix of Vodka Mamonte blood, Veuve Clicquot Rich rosé, and pine and blood orange liqueurs. LouLou also has a wide selection of wines from Savoie, Alsace and Bordeaux available by the glass or by the bottle.

An expansive 800 square meter outdoor area has become a popular après ski spot with a resident DJ who plays a selection of post-ski tunes as the terrace transforms into a dance floor.

The Key To Five Star Success: Constantly Evolve

Since opening in December 2019, Airelles, Val d’Isère has tripled its culinary offerings making the hotel a foodie destination in its own right.

“We’re continually innovating and developing our guest offering and are excited to be able to offer three new creative drinking and dining experiences this season with the addition of Matsuhisa, Le Relais and Piaf which complement our existing Loulou, La Grande Ourse and Le Bar Rouge,” says Etienne Petipez, General Manager of Airelles, Val d’Isère.

“It is thanks to our very talented chefs that we’re able to deliver such a rich offering of dishes and flavors to our guests, from the very best local Savoyard specialties to the finest contemporary Japanese cuisine at the only alpine outpost of the world famous Matsuhisa,” adds Petipez.

How To Get To Val d’Isère

Airelles Val d’Isère is a ski-in, ski-out hotel. Conveniently located at the foot of the slopes, the boutique hotel was designed by world-renowned architect and interior designer, Christophe Tollemer. It offers 41 exquisitely decorated rooms and suites in addition to five spectacular apartments located on its top floor. The hotel’s 1,200 square foot meter Guerlain spa, called Spa Airelles Val d’Isère features an indoor swimming pool, fitness center and five treatment rooms.

Rates at Airelles Val d’Isère start at €1,200 (approximately $1,308) for a Premier room with half-board. Visit the hotel’s website at www.airelles.com for more information.

Located near the Italian border on the edge of the Vanoise National Park, Val d’Isère can be reached by commercial air by flying into Geneva, Switzerland or Lyon, France. A private transfer by car to Val d’Isère takes two and a half to three hours from either commercial airport.