Gorge yourself at a food festival in Val d'Isere

Half the fun of skiing is being able to pig out at the end of a hard day on the slopes. And here's the perfect opportuity to indulge yourself:a food festival in the pretty French Alpine resort of Val d'Isere.

From 21 to 24 March, when Pistes Gourmandes will take over the popular destination with a programme bursting with foodie and cultural events. Leading chefs and food writers will be on hand to share their expertise during fun demonstrations, cookery lessons for adults and children and food and wine tastings.

The 'Seed of Toque' event aims to catch kids at an early age and teach them about the fun and benefits of healthy eating. While the female-only cook-off – The Golden Spoon – will see professional and amateur chefs compete to prepare a meal for eight people in just three-and-a-half hours.

And there'll be lots more going on around the village, too. From photography exhibitions and street events, to ice sculpture and fruit and vegetable carving. Visitors who wish to participate in cookery lessons and wine-tasting events, should pre-register at valdisere.com.

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