Ken Smith - Val d'Isere - France Ken Smith is a Scot who has lived and worked in Val D’Isere for 15 years, so what he doesn’t know about the resort probably isn’t worth knowing!

Ken runs the superb Progression Ski School in Val D’Isere (www.progressionski.com) which Powderbeds highly recommends.

How long have you lived in the resort?
15 seasons. Went for one and never came back!

What is your favourite thing about the resort?
Everyone (except me of course) is on holiday so there is always a great atmosphere

Where’s your favourite place to eat on mountain?
The Edelweiss in Le Fornet particularly late season when it gets more sun or La Fruitiere for the atmosphere.

And where’s the best food in town?
La Vielle Maison in La Daille. A little out of the way but very cosy and French.

Where would you ski on a powder day?
Can’t tell you that! It’s my secret

What is your favourite run in the ski area?
The OK from the top of the Bellevarde sector down to La Daille. Long and with plenty of variety.

If you were to spend a full day treating yourself, what would you do?
Ski with friends- you just cant beat a powder day with a bunch of muckers followed by a few après ski beers
and on from there!

Any advice for families coming to the resort?
Book your ski lessons as soon as you book your holiday (even if it’s not with Progression Ski and Snowboard School). Every ski school gets booked out well in advance.

Where do you like to go for a few drinks after a hard day skiing?
The Folie Douce- probably the best après ski in the Alps!

Where would you take beginners if you had some to stay?
To the beginner slopes!!!!

What’s your favourite piece of resort related trivia?
The “Triffolet” restaurant means potato field.

Any parting words of wisdom?
We had to remove Ken's answer to this question, due to inappropriate comments about eating yellow snow.  And there was us thinking that all ski instructors were nice chaps....