Isola 2000, France

Fraser from IRELAND writes:

What can you say about Isola 2000. The skiing is first class for a resort that you've never heard of and won't if you ski through a tour operator - it does look like a throw back to the 70's big concrete square buildings though there is certainly an effort to cover the concrete but its not pretty. Accommodation we had was ok and fine for what we wanted.
But the main thing was that the skiing is generally first class (that's my opinion) - runs are groomed and has everything you need as an intermediate skier - nice red runs, nice blues and a couple of black runs for when the adrenalin is really pumping and the bravery is at its best.
The skiing is also divided into 3 sections - there is a section directly above the ski station, accessed by cable car, another behind the main station accessed by slow 2 man chair or fast 6 man chair, then the final and best section is accessed by cable car at the bottom of the beginners area. This has the best skiing and you could spend the day out there as lunch is available.
Seemed to me if you go outside the main holiday season of Feb, then the slopes are empty aside of weekends, the downside is the nightlife if you are into that - as there is none ............
Access to the resort is easy - fly to Nice and drive, really nice drive through the mountains and it is spectacular if you dare look - we were lucky as no new snow had fallen for around 10 days but would say if the snow is falling then it would be a very interesting drive even with chains ........... practice your French as English is not widely spoken and go enjoy !!!!
Overall rating - great skiing, great value - limited eating and drinking ......... therefore loads of sleep and plenty of energy for skiing ...........

2008-02-01