Bellevarde, stage top-center
Photo courtesy Val d'Isère

The opening venue for the European downhill season, the Face Bellevarde is one of the world's trophy runs that, while not the most difficult, begs to be bagged. Extreme skier Dan Egan calls the couloir, not far from the 1994 Olympic downhill course, a "classic European chute—long, narrow, and steep." In other words, longer than 2,000 feet, not much wider than your garage door, and steeper than 45 degrees. Bellevarde is accessible either via the funicular, the "Funival" from La Daille, or the main cable car running from the town of Val d'Isère.

The resort is nestled in France's mideast flank, a stone's throw from Switzerland to the north and Italy further eastwards. This is a big resort with a big infrastructure to match—it can be intimidating if you're used to something a little more intimate. Located in the nape of a dead-end valley, Val can feel somewhat claustrophobic for the uninitiated. However, even though it's not the most user-friendly resort, let's not forget those demon steeps and that relentless partying.

Move on to The Ridge, Bridger Bowl