-
N_skier
This was my third trip to Isola to ski, and the snow was excellent. The number of skiers increased as the French school holidays took effect, (second week in February this year), but this relatively small resort remained quite pleasant, with uncrowded runs and no lift lines. The ski station is isolated (no pun intended), but the village of Isola 2000 has (at least in the winter) a "superette" type market called Sherpa, with two locations, each a bit different, at least two bakery shops, lots of restaurants, ski equipment shops, self-service laundry, pharmacy, etc. (Do not confuse Isola 2000 with the older village of Isola which is down in the Tinée River Valley about 16 km away.) Hats off to Lignes d'Azur which maintains the very economical bus service (10 Euros rountd-trip, maximum) to this area. They do a great job. It is very easy to fly into the Nice Airport or arrive by train and just get on a bus (the 750) that takes you directly to Isola 2000. Look for the "bus 100% neige". Just remember to make a reservation on the Internet 2 or 3 days in advance.
-
Billywhizz1972
A good resort, with some unjustifiably damning reviews.Having reviewed Tripadvisor before we left, we had lowered our expectations. The resort itself is small but very practical. The infamous commercial centre isn't that bad with a good range of shops, restaurants, ATMs, chemist etc. Its actually in good working order and, being covered from end-to-end, quite practical. There were english speakers wherever we turned. Although not perfect, we managed to get our Coeliac daughter through a week of eating out for lunch and dinner without any dramas. The view from the very top is epic and on the other end of the piste map goes over the Italian Alps.We'd recommend: Restaurants - Le Marmoet (inside) and Le Cow Club (outside the commercial centre) plus Le Schuss (top of Pelvis Cabine). And there are a couple of friendly cafes on the VALLON and COMBE GROSSE pistes (watch out for the donkey!)We drove up from Nice in 90 minutes. When we picked up the hire car they said that they road was closed due to an avalanche but by the time we got to Isola Village (1 hour) they had re-opened it. We would definitely go again....
-
spogie
Mary blue slopes and safe surroundings makes Isola an ideal skiresort for children with children under say 12 years. However challinging red slopes and an exciting adventure area for snowborders adds spices for the older children.
-
434davidj
We have just returned from a weeks skiing in Isola with 4 adults and 3 teenagers. All of us are good intermediate skiers. So where do I begin with a review of Isola as there are several aspects to review.The skiing - this is a good resort for beginners and intermediate skiers with a Good network of runs connected by two cable cars, several chair lifts and lots of Poma lifts, which some People may not li,e but we found they created good links. If you are a more advanced skier then you will probably feel that there is a lack of skiing with only 3 black runs. There are two sides to the mountain so, if you are lucky with the weather then you can get sun all day. Most importantly we were there during UK half term and there were no queues which was excellent. The pistes are wel looked after and nicely groomedThe accomodation - we stayed at Pierre & Vacances which is in Less Hameaux which is just above the main village. It is easy to get to via a funicular railway but does involve carrying your skis down which takes about ten minutes. If you want ski in/ski out the. There are other options on the slopes which all looked ok.The Restaurants - there are good choices both in the slopes and in the village. Our favourite at lunch time was Belevedere which is a nice chalet right in the slopes with good food and a very good JKG chocolate as well as outdoor dining and, when the sunshines, deckchairs. There are logos choices for the evening but the one thng I would recommend is tk book ahead as the better restaurants get booked out.The Village - Isola is a purpose built ski resort so not greatly attractive and strikes me as being aimed at the family market so don't expect a huge amount of nightlife. However, it is easy to get around, there are two good supermarkets and several bars and restaurants so after a good days skiing we weren't short of things to do.Getting to Isola - this is the piece you need to plan. We flew to Nice which is easy, and during the ski seasons lot cheaper than. The likes of Geneva. From the airport you have three transport options - by bus. This is the cheapest option at €5 /head but you need to pick your options. There is the 100% Ski Bus but this needs to be booked ahead. Then there is the public bus which is the kne I opted for as timing worked. Unfortunately by the time it arrived at T1 the bus was full and there was no alternative offered, even though it was the last bus that day. I ended u Staying obernight at the airport and then traveled up on the 1st bus.The other options are by taxiat€300 or to rent a car which fiends did at about £300 for a week.In addition to the buses by other piece of advice would be to check the road is open.When we were there it was closed for 24 hours while the town removed the Avalanche.Overall we really,liked Isolsa and despite the is xx
-
jw6969
Despite what another reviewer says, this is a fabulous resort for beginners with lots of easy slopes! Isola 2000 doesn't always get glowing reviews, but we had a great time. We found plenty of good restaurants and places to chill out. One word of caution is that the access road can be shut. We got caught out when it was closed to all traffic for 24 hours and had to stay in nearby Auron for a night.
-
LondonFood2014
I haven't been anywhere wake to ski and Isola was my first and I was quite happy. As I never skied before I thought was great. The area for beginners was pretty good, nothing too dungerous and I had an amazing time. If like me, is your first time, I would advise to take a private lesson, is quite helpful and the instructor gives you few basic tricks which was very helpful for me. There is plenty of "piste" for not beginners (my friend is a great skier and he loved it). I'm so going back next year for a longer period with some friends, just can't wait!!!
-
pedrok992
I am a beginner, Isola 2000 was the second time I skied in my entire life.... But there was no track for beginners the easiest one was a blue track more than a mile long, and some steep fall. I was told that there was a easier track but it was not activated that day.Apart from that the place is beautiful with mountains surrounding for a genuine alpine experience.Also the burger they sell in the cantina is delicious and huge.
-
jude9999_10
Within easy reach of Nice by the ski bus. The snow was good in a January, although a bit hard. The runs are varied and well maintained. There are lots of blues, reds and just a couple of blacks. Quite a few long drag runs but also some decent chairs and gondolas. Very quiet slopes mid week in January.However, the resort is not very attractive. Most commerce is located in the pretty ugly commercial centre. There is no charm here. We could not find a restaurant that we really fancied. Those on the "front de la neige" were empty or closed at night. The others looked deserted. There are a few decent restaurants in the mountains, including La Vallette which is charming.Beginners facilities looked good, as did the ski school.
-
wendyvz
It is not a very big skiing area. So if you are experienced skier, a few days is perfect.You can walk indoors to all the shops and all the restaurants. This indoor 'hallway' looks really rundown. There are some ok restaurants, but don't expect any nice French cuisine. Most pizza, pasta, raclette and cheese fondue. When we were there it was really Sunny and apparently the sun shines a lot in Isola 2000.It is a nasty road by car to go to Isola 2000.
-
YanaV305
My first time going to Isola 2000. Nice personnel, great slopes for both begginers and professionals. It was my first time for skiing and we booked 1-hour instructor - who could be more talkative during the lesson. Anything else was ok.
