Hotel Altitude, Val d'Isere
Knowing this hotel from several winter work trips to Val d'Isère I was keen to see how it worked during the summer, as this is one of the few hotels that is open, and find out more of what is on offer. My suspicions were confirmed that this hotel works beautifully both winter and summer! Ideal location for everyone although the lift is very small and would only really work if a wheelchair or mobility scooter user was able to stand in the lift either independently or using a frame or stick. I met a charming English family staying on their first summer venture to the resort and wow they were bowled over by the charm of the hotel, the hospitality and the proximity to all the amazing activities, most of which are free including all access to the 'ski' lifts, and it seems would definitely be coming back next summer!! The resort is, I gather from those I met, a paradise for mountain biking and with clear non-snow covered roads it is a gem of place to get around with wheelchair, mobility scooter, bike, walking, taking the free shuttle bus (some of which are accessible for kids buggies and wheelchairs) in fact almost all means of transport including roller skates!
The Hotel Altitude is perfect for families as it is extremely relaxed and privately owned by a young family Nicolas Eliakim-Livet. A charming and modern reception area which opens out into a comfortable lounge and bar area with direct access onto a small terrace (in summer this is a good size garden!) and geraniums and fruit trees grace the green grass. This is a fabulous hotel to stay in and very welcoming. Ideal location fantastic out-door swimming pool and terrace area. Ample parking outside hotel and easy access (although there are about two metres of gravel to walk over but the owner would be more than happy to put down a mat for those with unsteady balance). The food is totally devine and the evening menu changes on a daily basis. In the summer the choice of hotels is limited but each of those that is open offers something different and all are charming! I particularly like the location of the Altitude and its easy access to all the facilities. Whilst there I was able to visit the Col d'Iseran which has been a life-long dream - driving up was just incredible and the views are totally mind-blowing - even the inner pleasure of knowing that part of the way one is driving up the blue or red piste runs!! So much to do - fabulous entertainment laid on each day for visitors around the village and in the place outside the Tourist Office, delicious local food and wine, welcoming faces and warm hospitality - something truly for everyone whatever their needs and this is a gem of a summer location with prices that make you weep with joy at the sheer good value of the place. What more could anyone want and for families especially those on a budget it is a perfect holiday location!!
No queues to the beach, no hot tired kids fighting in the back of the car, no feeling of being ripped off by expensive ice-cream and fizzy drink sellers let alone the over-priced attractions to be found in so many typical summer locations - the mountains are really the place to head for so give it a go!!!
Useful Info:
For anyone who can stand in a lift either independently or with support but needs a wheelchair or mobility scooter to get around then this is an ideal place to stay and well worth it. For families it is perfect as all the free outdoor activities surrounding the centre of the village are directly within a few metres of the hotel. The lift is small and therefore not suitable for dependent wheelchair users – although if only needed for exterior and some interior use then it would be fine but a person would need to stand either with a frame, sticks or independently to reach either their room or the dining room which is located down stairs.
Rooms have almost all been updated but even the older style ones have a unique charm and warmth about them. It is a great hotel and one I can highly recommend! The hotel is delighted to welcome our beneficiaries and please, if you book direct, inform them that you have come from Ski 2 Freedom as we gain a donation on each booking.
Total dependency on wheelchair: not suitable
Non skiers: great location
Limited snow-sport enthusiasts: great location
Lift: very small not wheelchair friendly
Location; Direct access in the winter to the front of the snow just above the Olympique Gondola.
Ideal for ski school meeting points. Wonderful views from both sides of the hotel so it does not really matter which room you are given – mountains and snow all around. Those facing towards the main village allow you to have a panoramic view of the ski area and the buzz of what is going on so great if you are wanting to keep an eye on the nursery slopes or waiting for family or friends to appear down the Face! There is limited parking outside but one of the large indoor car parks is within a few metres. The Aqua Centre is an easy 2 or 3 minute walk away. The hotel offers bed and breakfast or half-board with an excellent daily three course dinner and often an added plate of local cheeses. No lunch is on offer but there are several easy reachable restaurants nearby.
www.hotelaltitude.com
Route de Balme 73150 Val d’Isère France 0033 479061255