Après-ski

There is a sub-species of skier who come to Val d’Isère more for the frenetic après-skiing than the energetic skiing. And a few heroes do without sleep to excel at both. But even people who don’t choose their ski resort for its nightlife find that there is lots to enjoy outside skiing time.

There is something for everyone: beer and live music at the Moris Pub; classical recitals in the church (see below for specific dates); dancing the night away at Dick’s Tea Bar, MBC or Doudoune; locals, live music and tapas at the Jack; pool and Scandies at the Petit Danois; rugby players at the XV; young Brits at the Pacific and Saloon; cocktails at Victor’s; champagne at the Blizzard; louche night bars, like Café Face; karaoke at the Forêt; tea rooms and piano bars, as well as dozens of friendly little bars in the hotels and restaurants.

But being horizontal doesn't necessarily mean dancing til you drop: and some people find that being pummelled on a massage table is more likely to help tired legs recover. Bonne Santé treat long-term or recently acquired sports injuries in their village centre clinic or in your chalet. Prices start at €50 for a 30 minute massage. The laid-back PhysioVal come to your chalet and will give a free 10 minute diagnosis. Physio treatments then cost €40-€100, and an hour's massage is €60. Pamper Off Piste is a mobile massage and beauty service operating throughout the Tarentaise, who also come to your chalet, with treatments costing €60 per hour. And now Progression ski school has a team of expert physios for physio treatments and massage in your chalet, from €60 for half an hour.

If this isn't action-packed enough, there are toboggan and bodyboard races, floodlit parallel slaloms and cross-country ski relays every Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday at 5.30pm held at the foot of the slopes, and entry is available to everyone.

Val d'Isère dreams up a new 'fête' each year, and 2011-12 has the following:

- Polo Masters Tour, 11-14 January 2012.

- Val d'Isère's first culinary festival with demonstrations, pastry-making for children, and some delicious samples on offer, 19-22 March 2012.

- Not one but two international classical music festivals, on 24-26 January and 12-15 March 2012.

- International film festival, 16-19 April 2012.

For a list of other things to do in Val d'Isère outside skiing, please visit the Non-skiers page.