Val d'Isere: Home of skiing's wildest

Val d'Isere: The hidden home of skiing's 'madmen' - CNN.comvar cnnCurrTime=new Date(1355804046000),cnnCurrHour=23,cnnCurrMin=14,cnnCurrDay="Mon",cnnIsIntl=true,clickID=212106,cnn_cvpAdpre="edition.",cnnCVPAdSectionT1="edition.cnn.com_specialreports_alpineedge_t1",cnnCVPAdSectionInPage="edition.cnn.com_specialreports_alpineedge_inpage",cnnShareUrl="%2F2012%2F12%2F17%2Fsport%2Fskiing-val-disere-killy-oreiller%2Findex.html",cnnShareTitle="Val%20d'Isere%3A%20The%20hidden%20home%20of%20skiing's%20'madmen'%20",cnnShareDesc="",cnnFirstPub=new Date('Monday Dec 17 07:39:50 EST 2012'),cnnSectionName="iSport",cnnSubSectionName="",cnnPageType="Story",cnnBrandingValue="intl.alpine.edge";cnnPartnerValue="";cnnOmniBranding="Alpine Edge",cnnAuthor="Chris Murphy, CNN",disqus_category_id=207582,disqus_identifier="/2012/12/17/sport/skiing-val-disere-killy-oreiller/index.html",disqus_title="Val d\'Isere: The hidden home of skiing\'s \'madmen\' ",cnn_edtnswtchver="edition",cnnIsStoryPage=true,cnn_metadata = {};cnn_metadata = {section: ["iSport",""],friendly_name: "Val d\'Isere: The hidden home of skiing\'s \'madmen\' ",template_type: "content",template_type_content: "gallery",business: {cnn: {page: {author: "Chris Murphy, CNN",broadcast_franchise: "",video_embed_count: "0",publish_date: "2012/12/17",photo_gallery: "Val d'Isere's roll call of skiing champions"},video: {video_player: ""}}},user: {authenticated: "",segment: {age: "",zip: "",gender: ""}}};if (typeof(cnnOmniPartner) !== "undefined") {if (cnn_metadata.template_type_content === "") {cnn_metadata.template_type_content = "partner";}}var photo_gallery = "Val d'Isere's roll call of skiing champions";if(typeof CNN==='undefined'){var CNN=Class.create();}CNN.expandableMap=[''];function _loginOptions(){};var disqus_url=(typeof disqus_identifier!=='undefined') ? 'http://www.cnn.com/2012/12/17/sport/skiing-val-disere-killy-oreiller/index.html' : 'http://www.cnn.com'+location.pathname;cnnad_newTileIDGroup(['607x95_adlinks','336x280_adlinks']); EDITION:  INTERNATIONAL U.S. MÉXICO ARABIC TV:   CNNi CNN en Español Set edition preference Sign up Log in Home Video World U.S. Africa Asia Europe Latin America Middle East Business World Sport Entertainment Tech Travel iReport World Sport Home Analysis Football Golf Tennis Motorsport Horse Racing Sailing /* STORY PAGE SPECIFIC CSS */.cnn_stryspccvrgehdr { background:#fff url('http://i.cdn.turner.com/cnn/.e/img/3.0/mosaic/bg_speccov_hdr.gif') 0px 0px repeat-x; }.cnn_stryspcvh1 { position:relative; height:74px;background:transparent url('http://i.cdn.turner.com/cnn/.element/ssi/story/3.0/banner/intl.alpine.edge.inc/alpine.edge.jpg') 50% 0px no-repeat;overflow:hidden; }.cnn_stryspcvh2 { font:bold 10px/12px arial;color:#666;padding:0 0 2px 0; }.cnn_stryspcvh3 { font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-weight:bold; font-size:18px; line-height:21px; }.cnn_stryspcvh4 { position:absolute; z-index:1000; float:left;margin:30px 0 0 10px;display:inline; }.cnn_stryspcvh5 { float:right;margin:30px 10px 0 0;display:inline;text-align:right; }.cnn_stryspcvh20 { padding:0 0 2px 0; }.cnn_stryspccvrgebot { height:3px; background:#e6e6e6; }.cnn_stryspccvh6 { width:100%; height:74px; text-align:center; left:0; }.cnn_stryspccvh6 a { display:block; margin:0 auto; width:304px; height:74px; }Part of complete coverage onAlpine EdgePrintEmailMore sharingVal d'Isere: The hidden home of skiing's 'madmen' By Chris Murphy, CNNDecember 17, 2012 -- Updated 1849 GMT (0249 HKT)if (typeof cnnArticleGallery=="undefined"){var cnnArticleGallery={};if(typeof cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList=="undefined"){cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList=[];}}var expGalleryPT00=new ArticleExpandableGallery();expGalleryPT00.setImageCount(10);expGalleryPT00.setAdsRefreshCount(3);//cnn_adbptrackpgalimg("Trailblazer Oreiller", 1);.cnn_html_slideshow_metadata > .cnn_html_media_utility::before{color:red;content:'>>';font-size:9px;line-height:12px;padding-right:1px}.cnnstrylccimg640{margin:0 27px 14px 0}.captionText{filter:alpha(opacity=100);opacity:1}.cnn_html_slideshow_media_caption a,.cnn_html_slideshow_media_caption a:visited,.cnn_html_slideshow_media_caption a:link,.captionText a,.captionText a:visited,.captiontext a:link{color:#004276;outline:medium none}.cnnVerticalGalleryPhoto{margin:0 auto;padding-right:68px;width:270px}Henri Oreiller was the first Olympic champion to come from Val d'Isere in the French Alps. A maverick risk taker, he won three golds at the 1948 Winter Games. He used to fly over bumps in the slopes, balancing himself mid air.cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList[cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList.length]={"currentPicture":true,"x":0,"y":0,"pos":1,"title":"Trailblazer Oreiller"}Jean Claude Killy emerged as a world famous skier in the late 1960s. He honed his skills in Val d'Isere and went on to claim three gold medals at the 1968 Winter Olympics. Legend has it he once won a trial race on one leg, having broken the other half way down the slopes.cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList[cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList.length]={"currentPicture":false,"x":0,"y":0,"pos":2,"title":"Alpine legend"}Killy (left) won all three disciplines at the 1968 Winter Olympics (downhill, giant slalom, and slalom) but retired at the age of 24. Like Oreiller, Killy tried his hand at motor racing, competing in the Paris-Dakar rally.cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList[cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList.length]={"currentPicture":false,"x":0,"y":0,"pos":3,"title":"Golden boy"}Val d'Isere is a small village that became an internationally renowned ski resort. This picture, from 1896, shows its humble origins, as a handful of homes cluster round its 11th century church.cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList[cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList.length]={"currentPicture":false,"x":0,"y":0,"pos":4,"title":"Village people"}Skiing is synonymous with Val d'Isere -- it was principally enlisted to help the villagers get around. But as this snap from 1849 shows, it wasn't long before its snowy slopes were utilized for a ski school.cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList[cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList.length]={"currentPicture":false,"x":0,"y":0,"pos":5,"title":"Skiing heritage"}Val d'Isere was a treacherous place to get to in the winter months. The Iseran mountain pass, opened in 1937, encouraged more people to visit the village -- which was often was buried in snow eight months of the year -- as skiing became a popular leisure pursuit.cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList[cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList.length]={"currentPicture":false,"x":0,"y":0,"pos":6,"title":"One in, one out"}Val d'Isere hosted the alpine skiing at the 1992 Winter Olympics, and huge crowds flocked to the Alps.cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList[cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList.length]={"currentPicture":false,"x":0,"y":0,"pos":7,"title":"Olympic fever"}The 2011 "Criterium de la Premiere Neige" race had to be canceled due to a lack of snow on Val d'Isere's slopes. Hours after the decision was taken to call it off, the village was covered by a downfall but it was too late.cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList[cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList.length]={"currentPicture":false,"x":0,"y":0,"pos":8,"title":"Oh snow!"}Val d'Isere's altitude of 1,850 meters means it often enjoys snow most of the year round. It has hosted over 130 competitions, making it one of Europe's most popular resorts.cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList[cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList.length]={"currentPicture":false,"x":0,"y":0,"pos":9,"title":"Up in the Gods"}Val d'Isere remains one of the most prestigious meets on the skiing calendar, and is one every racer wants on their roll call of wins. All-conquering U.S. competitor, Lindsey Vonn, has enjoyed plenty of success there.cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList[cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList.length]={"currentPicture":false,"x":0,"y":0,"pos":10,"title":"Vonn-tastic"}HIDE CAPTIONTrailblazer OreillerAlpine legendGolden boyVillage peopleSkiing heritageOne in, one outOlympic feverOh snow!Up in the GodsVonn-tastic<<<12345678910>>>Event.observe(window,'load',function(){if(typeof(cnn_adbptrackpgalimg) == 'function' && typeof(cnnArticleGallery) != 'undefined'){cnn_adbptrackpgalimg(cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList[0].image,"Val d'Isere's roll call of skiing champions");}});STORY HIGHLIGHTSVal d'Isere in the French Alps plays host to Alpine Skiing's premier competitionsThe tiny mountain village has produced four Olympic champions, all of them charactersHenri Oreiller won first ever skiing golds at 1948 Winter Olympics and went on to race carsJean-Claude Killy also took three gold medals and went on to compete in Paris-Dakar Rally

(CNN) -- Buried deep in the French Alps, the tiny 11th-century mountain village of Val d'Isere has an unmistakable "je ne sais quoi" that has produced some of the most successful -- and wild-spirited -- skiers in racing history.

Henri Oreiller, the "madman of downhill," and Jean Claude-Killy -- his speed-driven successor -- both spent their formative years on its slopes.

From its humble beginnings as a ski resort in the 1930s, it has become one of the world's top alpine destinations, hosting more top competitions than any other European venue. Local farmers mix with the moneyed elite who stay in its five-star hotels.

"I don't think Val d'Isere would be the place it is today without Henri Oreiller and Jean Claude Killy," writer Yves Perret told CNN.

"To be the resort of champions is what makes you different from a lot of other places. One of the downhill tracks here is called the Oreiller Killy track. They both remain here. They will always be a part of Val d'Isere."

Read: Skiing glamor girl's battle to race the men

What is it? The Alpine Skiing World Cup is a series of elite men and women's races held between October and March. It was first contested in 1967.How does the competition work?There are four disciplines: slalom, giant slalom, Super G and downhill. A fifth, called the combined, involves both downhill and slalom. Quite simply, the fastest time wins.How are points awarded?Everyone who finishes in the top 30 earns points. The winner gets 100, second 80, third 60, right down to the person in 30th, who gets one solitary point.Who wins the overall competition?The skier who accumulates the most points over the course of the season is crowned champion.Oreiller was its resident snow showman in the 1940s -- a fearless adrenalin junkie who lived up to his nickname, and claimed skiing's first Olympic gold medals when the sport was introduced at the 1948 Winter Games.

He was famous for tearing recklessly over bumps in the slopes, balancing himself in mid-air. When the thrill of skiing wasn't enough, he moved on to motor racing -- and was killed behind the wheel of a Ferrari in 1962, aged just 36.

Born in Paris, Oreiller has a shrine in the village that he called home, next to his wife.

"Oreiller is the man who inspired a lot of kids in Val d'Isere to try to become ski champions in the post-war period," said Perret, author of a book about one of Val d'Isere's most famous events.

"He was a funny guy who loved to play accordion and loved speed. He had a risky way of skiing, he took all the risks, everyone who saw him said he was an amazing skier."

Read: The world's most luxurious ski resorts

Killy took his lead from Oreiller, and was part of a group of children who desperately tried to keep pace with Val d'Isere's "madman" while he trained on the slopes.

He went on to emulate Oreiller's golden hat-trick, at the Grenoble Winter Olympics in 1968, and his pursuit of speed and glory once saw him complete a trial race on one leg, legend has it, having broken the other one en route to the finish line.

"Killy was different. He was the guy that was always thinking of being the best and doing more training than anyone," Perret said. "He was, and he still is, always thinking of what can be done to improve things."

Having secured five major titles, Killy quit skiing aged 24. He also turned to motor racing, competing in the Paris to Dakar car rally, before he came out of retirement for one season only, winning the 1973 U.S. pro ski tour.

Now 69, he is still inextricably linked with Val d'Isere and was part of the committee that helped to organize the 2009 Alpine World Ski Championships.

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Switzerland.cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList[cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList.length] = {"currentPicture":false,"x":18,"y":2,"pos":24,"title":"Amazing sports moments of 2012"}Derek Jeter of the New York Yankees injures his leg playing against the Detroit Tigers during Game 1 of the American League Championship Series at Yankee Stadium on October 13.cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList[cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList.length] = {"currentPicture":false,"x":18,"y":2,"pos":25,"title":"Amazing sports moments of 2012"}Kei Nishikori of Japan serves during his quarterfinal match against Andy Murray of Great Britain on Day 10 of the 2012 Australian Open on January 25 in Melbourne, Australia.cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList[cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList.length] = {"currentPicture":false,"x":18,"y":2,"pos":26,"title":"Amazing sports moments of 2012"}A young fan runs in front of the peloton during stage two of the USA Pro Challenge on August 21 in Sapinero, Colorado.cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList[cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList.length] = {"currentPicture":false,"x":18,"y":2,"pos":27,"title":"Amazing sports moments of 2012"}Ryan Harwood of the Brisbane Lions and James Magner of the Melbourne Demons compete for a mark during an Australian Football League match on July 1 in Brisbane, Australia.cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList[cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList.length] = {"currentPicture":false,"x":18,"y":2,"pos":28,"title":"Amazing sports moments of 2012"}Julianna Naoupu of the Waikato Bay of Plenty Magic lies amongst the confetti after winning the Australian and New Zealand Netball League Championship match against the Melbourne Vixens on July 22 in Melbourne, Australia.cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList[cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList.length] = {"currentPicture":false,"x":18,"y":2,"pos":29,"title":"Amazing sports moments of 2012"}Alviro Petersen of South Africa fields the ball during day five of the third Test match between New Zealand and South Africa on March 27 in Wellington, New Zealand.cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList[cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList.length] = {"currentPicture":false,"x":18,"y":2,"pos":30,"title":"Amazing sports moments of 2012"}Dong Cheng, left, of China fights against Erika Cruz Hernandez, right, of Mexico in the Women's 60kg preliminary match during the AIBA women's world boxing championships on May 14 in Qinhuangdao, China.cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList[cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList.length] = {"currentPicture":false,"x":18,"y":2,"pos":31,"title":"Amazing sports moments of 2012"}Fans watch from the stands as Kurtley Beale of the Australian Wallabies looks to pass during the International Rugby Test match against Wales on June 23 in Sydney, Australia. cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList[cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList.length] = {"currentPicture":false,"x":18,"y":2,"pos":32,"title":"Amazing sports moments of 2012"}A surfer rides a wave at Bronte Beach on May 8 in Sydney, Australia. cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList[cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList.length] = {"currentPicture":false,"x":18,"y":2,"pos":33,"title":"Amazing sports moments of 2012"}Jonte Green of the Detroit Lions loses his helmet while being stiff-armed by Bobby Rainey of the Baltimore Ravens as Ricardo Silva tackles him on August 17 in Baltimore, Maryland.cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList[cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList.length] = {"currentPicture":false,"x":18,"y":2,"pos":34,"title":"Amazing sports moments of 2012"}Athletes compete in the women's marathon on Day 9 of the London 2012 Olympic Games on August 5.cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList[cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList.length] = {"currentPicture":false,"x":18,"y":2,"pos":35,"title":"Amazing sports moments of 2012"}Golfers dressed in outfits from the 1930s play on Monifeith Links course during the 8th World Hickory Open on October 8 in Monifeith, Scotland.cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList[cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList.length] = {"currentPicture":false,"x":18,"y":2,"pos":36,"title":"Amazing sports moments of 2012"}Second baseman Tsuyoshi Nishioka of the Minnesota Twins attempts to make a throw to first base during a game against the Cleveland Indians on August 6 in Cleveland, Ohio.cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList[cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList.length] = {"currentPicture":false,"x":18,"y":2,"pos":37,"title":"Amazing sports moments of 2012"}Riders race in the AAMI Victoria Derby during Victorian Derby Day at Flemington Racecourse on November 3 in Melbourne, Australia.cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList[cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList.length] = {"currentPicture":false,"x":18,"y":2,"pos":38,"title":"Amazing sports moments of 2012"}Papiss Cisse of Newcastle United celebrates after scoring the opening goal during the Barclays Premier League match against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on May 2 in London.cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList[cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList.length] = {"currentPicture":false,"x":18,"y":2,"pos":39,"title":"Amazing sports moments of 2012"}The No. 8 DP Starworks Motorsports Ford Riley driven by Enzo Potolicchio, Ryan Dalziel, Alex Popow, Lucas Luhr and Allan McNish runs off the track during the Rolex 24 endurance race at Daytona International Speedway on January 28.cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList[cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList.length] = {"currentPicture":false,"x":18,"y":2,"pos":40,"title":"Amazing sports moments of 2012"}Competitors help pull each other up a mud hill during the 2012 Tough Mudder on April 1 in Phillip Island, Australia.cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList[cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList.length] = {"currentPicture":false,"x":18,"y":2,"pos":41,"title":"Amazing sports moments of 2012"}Rafael Nadal of Spain celebrates winning a point in his quarterfinal match against Tomas Berdych of the Czech Republic on day nine of the 2012 Australian Open on January 24 in Melbourne, Australia. cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList[cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList.length] = {"currentPicture":false,"x":18,"y":2,"pos":42,"title":"Amazing sports moments of 2012"}Athletes rest at the finish line of the women's marathon on Day 9 of the London 2012 Olympics on August 5.cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList[cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList.length] = {"currentPicture":false,"x":18,"y":2,"pos":43,"title":"Amazing sports moments of 2012"}Justin Maneri of the Lehigh Mountain Hawks dives into the scorer's table after attempting to save the ball in the first half against the Duke Blue Devils during the second round of the 2012 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Greensboro Coliseum on March 16.cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList[cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList.length] = {"currentPicture":false,"x":18,"y":2,"pos":44,"title":"Amazing sports moments of 2012"}North Korea's Mi Gyong Choe, in red, competes against Poland's Monika Ewa Michalik in the women's freestyle 63-kg wrestling match on Day 12 of the London 2012 Olympics on August 8.cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList[cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList.length] = {"currentPicture":false,"x":18,"y":2,"pos":45,"title":"Amazing sports moments of 2012"}Eight cars wreck during the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series NextEra Energy Resources 250 at Daytona International Speedway on February 24, in Daytona Beach.cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList[cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList.length] = {"currentPicture":false,"x":18,"y":2,"pos":46,"title":"Amazing sports moments of 2012"}John Daly of the United States plays a shot from the trees during the first round of the UBS Hong Kong Open on November 15.cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList[cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList.length] = {"currentPicture":false,"x":18,"y":2,"pos":47,"title":"Amazing sports moments of 2012"}Kofi Kingston, bottom left, competes in the ring against The Miz during the WWE SmackDown World Tour on November 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The Mountaineers won 70-33.cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList[cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList.length] = {"currentPicture":false,"x":18,"y":2,"pos":56,"title":"Amazing sports moments of 2012"}South Korea's Woojin Hwang is thrown from his horse Oscar Shearwater during the London 2012 Olympic Games men's modern pentathlon riding show jumping event at Greenwich Park on August 11. cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList[cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList.length] = {"currentPicture":false,"x":18,"y":2,"pos":57,"title":"Amazing sports moments of 2012"}Allister Carter of England competes against Ronnie O'Sullivan of England during the final of the Betfred.com World Snooker Championship on May 6 at the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield, England. cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList[cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList.length] = {"currentPicture":false,"x":18,"y":2,"pos":58,"title":"Amazing sports moments of 2012"}The Vanuatu women's national cricket team celebrates during a match against Japan at Independence Park during the ICC East Asia Pacific Women's Championship on May 17 in Port Vila, Vanuatu. cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList[cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList.length] = {"currentPicture":false,"x":18,"y":2,"pos":59,"title":"Amazing sports moments of 2012"}Jason Richardson, left, and Carmelita Jeter celebrate after placing third in the women's 200-meter and men's 110-meter finals at the London 2012 Olympics on August 8.cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList[cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList.length] = {"currentPicture":false,"x":18,"y":2,"pos":60,"title":"Amazing sports moments of 2012"}French rugby player Sebastien Chabal, right, packs down against another player during a Balmain Club rugby training session at King George Park on February 23 in Sydney.cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList[cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList.length] = {"currentPicture":false,"x":18,"y":2,"pos":61,"title":"Amazing sports moments of 2012"}Great Britain's Micah Richards, top left, goes for the ball against South Korea's Jung Sung-ryong and Ji Dong-won in the men's football quarterfinal match on Day 8 of the London 2012 Olympic Games on August 4 in Cardiff, Wales.cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList[cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList.length] = {"currentPicture":false,"x":18,"y":2,"pos":62,"title":"Amazing sports moments of 2012"}Thailand's Kaokaew Pornchai returns a shot to Indonesia's team in the men's kick volleyball semifinal during Day 3 of the ISTAF Super Series on February 25 in Palembang, Indonesia.cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList[cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList.length] = {"currentPicture":false,"x":18,"y":2,"pos":63,"title":"Amazing sports moments of 2012"}Manuel Minginfel of the Federated States of Micronesia competes in the men's 62-kilogram weightlifting on Day 3 of the London 2012 Olympic Games on July 30.cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList[cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList.length] = {"currentPicture":false,"x":18,"y":2,"pos":64,"title":"Amazing sports moments of 2012"}C.J. Sapong of Sporting KC does a backflip after scoring during the Major League Soccer game against the Toronto FC on June 16 in Kansas City.cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList[cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList.length] = {"currentPicture":false,"x":18,"y":2,"pos":65,"title":"Amazing sports moments of 2012"}Nikki Johnson of the Western Conference is tackled during first game of the Lingerie Football League All-Star Tour on June 2 in Brisbane, Australia. cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList[cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList.length] = {"currentPicture":false,"x":18,"y":2,"pos":66,"title":"Amazing sports moments of 2012"}James Reveley falls from Wayward Frolic during the Gain Horse Feeds Novices' Steeple Chase on November 6 in Exeter, England.cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList[cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList.length] = {"currentPicture":false,"x":18,"y":2,"pos":67,"title":"Amazing sports moments of 2012"}Hampshire batsman Simon Katich is run out by Yorkshire keeper Jonny Bairstow during the final of the Friends Life T20 between Hampshire and Yorkshire at SWALEC Stadium on August 25 in Cardiff, Wales.cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList[cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList.length] = {"currentPicture":false,"x":18,"y":2,"pos":68,"title":"Amazing sports moments of 2012"}Riders take a jump in the men's BMX cycling semifinals on Day 14 of the London 2012 Olympic Games on August 10.cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList[cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList.length] = {"currentPicture":false,"x":18,"y":2,"pos":69,"title":"Amazing sports moments of 2012"}Andy Murray of Great Britain celebrates his 7-5, 7-5 win against Novak Djokovic of Serbia in the semifinal of men's singles tennis on Day 7 of the London 2012 Olympic Games on August 3 in London.cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList[cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList.length] = {"currentPicture":false,"x":18,"y":2,"pos":70,"title":"Amazing sports moments of 2012"}Dez Bryant of the Dallas Cowboys dives to makes a catch for a 30-yard touchdown as Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie of the Philadelphia Eagles defends on November 11 in Philadelphia. The Cowboys defeated the Eagles 38-23.cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList[cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList.length] = {"currentPicture":false,"x":18,"y":2,"pos":71,"title":"Amazing sports moments of 2012"}From left, Rafal Murawski and Marcin Wasilewski of Poland vie for the ball with Sergei Ignashevich of Russia during the Group A preliminary round match of the UEFA EURO 2012 between Poland and Russia in Warsaw, Poland, on June 12.cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList[cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList.length] = {"currentPicture":false,"x":18,"y":2,"pos":72,"title":"Amazing sports moments of 2012"}Competitors run under the Sydney Harbour Bridge during the Sydney Running Festival on September 16.cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList[cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList.length] = {"currentPicture":false,"x":18,"y":2,"pos":73,"title":"Amazing sports moments of 2012"}John Kuhn of the Green Bay Packers dives in for the touchdown over Aaron Ross of the New York Giants during their NFC divisional playoff game on January 15 at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin. cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList[cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList.length] = {"currentPicture":false,"x":18,"y":2,"pos":74,"title":"Amazing sports moments of 2012"}The United States women's soccer team celebrates a gold medal win against Japan on Day 13 of the London 2012 Olympic Games on August 9. cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList[cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList.length] = {"currentPicture":false,"x":18,"y":2,"pos":75,"title":"Amazing sports moments of 2012"}Amazing sports moments of 2012Amazing sports moments of 2012Amazing sports moments of 2012Amazing sports moments of 2012Amazing sports moments of 2012Amazing sports moments of 2012Amazing sports moments of 2012Amazing sports moments of 2012Amazing sports moments of 2012Amazing sports moments of 2012Amazing sports moments of 2012Amazing sports moments of 2012Amazing sports moments of 2012Amazing sports moments of 2012Amazing sports moments of 2012Amazing sports moments of 2012Amazing sports moments of 2012Amazing sports moments of 2012Amazing sports moments of 2012Amazing sports moments of 2012Amazing sports moments of 2012Amazing sports moments of 2012Amazing sports moments of 2012Amazing sports moments of 2012Amazing sports moments of 2012Amazing sports moments of 2012Amazing sports moments of 2012Amazing sports moments of 2012Amazing sports moments of 2012Amazing sports moments of 2012Amazing sports moments of 2012Amazing sports moments of 2012Amazing sports moments of 2012Amazing sports moments of 2012Amazing sports moments of 2012Amazing sports moments of 2012Amazing sports moments of 2012Amazing sports moments of 2012Amazing sports moments of 2012Amazing sports moments of 2012Amazing sports moments of 2012Amazing sports moments of 2012Amazing sports moments of 2012Amazing sports moments of 2012Amazing sports moments of 2012Amazing sports moments of 2012Amazing sports moments of 2012Amazing sports moments of 2012Amazing sports moments of 2012Amazing sports moments of 2012Amazing sports moments of 2012Amazing sports moments of 2012Amazing sports moments of 2012Amazing sports moments of 2012Amazing sports moments of 2012Amazing sports moments of 2012Amazing sports moments of 2012Amazing sports moments of 2012Amazing sports moments of 2012Amazing sports moments of 2012Amazing sports moments of 2012Amazing sports moments of 2012Amazing sports moments of 2012Amazing sports moments of 2012Amazing sports moments of 2012Amazing sports moments of 2012Amazing sports moments of 2012Amazing sports moments of 2012Amazing sports moments of 2012Amazing sports moments of 2012Amazing sports moments of 2012Amazing sports moments of 2012Amazing sports moments of 2012Amazing sports moments of 2012Amazing sports moments of 2012HIDE CAPTION<<<123456789101112131415161718192021222324252627282930313233343536373839404142434445464748495051525354555657585960616263646566676869707172737475>>>Photos: Amazing sports moments of 2012Event.observe(window, 'load', function() {//report the first gallery image to ADBPif(typeof(cnn_adbptrackpgalimg) == 'function' && typeof(cnnArticleGallery) != 'undefined') {cnn_adbptrackpgalimg(cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList[0].image, "Val d'Isere's roll call of skiing champions");}});Val d'Isere's village people weren't restricted to male stars -- the Goitschel sisters, Marielle and Christine, were also big names during the 1960s.

Both took home a gold medal at the 1964 Winter Olympics at Innsbruck, while Marielle won a further seven titles at various world championship events.

For a time, they were considered the best female skiers in the world and further enhanced the reputation of their village.

Allied to Val d'Isere's personalities is a world-famous race which takes advantage of the resort's altitude of 1,850 meters and plentiful early-season snow. It proved a masterstroke of timing.

Val d'Isere launched the "Criterium de la 1ere Neige" ("Races of the first snow") in December of 1955 -- a full month before the regular ski season began. This year's event, featuring men's and women's races from December 7-15, was the 57th installment. Heavy snow on Saturday meant the women's Super G race was canceled.

The 2013 World Cup season officially began in Austria in October before moving to North America, but the main European leg traditionally kicks off at Val d'Isere before climaxing in Switzerland in March.

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cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList[cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList.length] = {"currentPicture":false,"x":24,"y":1,"pos":4,"title":"In the footsteps of Scott"}An ultra distance race of 100 miles (160km) is tough enough but the Western States 100 has athletes battling high altitude in the Squaw Valley at 1900m and and over 5500m of climbing -- all in under 30 hours. cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList[cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList.length] = {"currentPicture":false,"x":24,"y":1,"pos":5,"title":"Hard core ultra distance "}The Norseman in Norway is surely among the toughest of all ironman events with the start seeing athletes jump into a freezing fjord to swim 3.8km. They cycle 180km through mountainous terrain and the 42km marathon run finishes on top of the 1880m Gaustatoppen mountain. cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList[cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList.length] = {"currentPicture":false,"x":24,"y":1,"pos":6,"title":"Triple test"}Competitors in Earth in the Jungle Marathon tackle 220km of inhospitable terrain in seven days, battling swamps, poisonous trees and intense heat in the Amazon. Athletes are self-supported to toughen the challenge.

cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList[cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList.length] = {"currentPicture":false,"x":24,"y":1,"pos":7,"title":"Amazonian feats"}Patagonia is a forbidding but spectacular setting for an endurance adventure race. The teams of four in the Patagonia Expendition Race must tackle 600km -- using foot, bike and kayak over multiple days in the territory straddling Argentina and Chile. cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList[cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList.length] = {"currentPicture":false,"x":24,"y":1,"pos":8,"title":"Patagonian adventure"}The concept is simple. Cycle 4828km across the United States, either in teams or alone. No less than 51,800m of climbing are involved as you cross 12 states from California to Maryland. The cut off time is just 12 days which means sleep deprivation and exhaustion are major issues, not to mention the changing weather conditions.

cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList[cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList.length] = {"currentPicture":false,"x":24,"y":1,"pos":9,"title":"Race Across America"}The Hawaii Ironman is the most famous event in triathlon but also among its toughest. Intense heat and crosswinds bring competitors to their knees as they tackle the 3.8km swim, 180km bike ride and marathon run on Kona Island. cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList[cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList.length] = {"currentPicture":false,"x":24,"y":1,"pos":10,"title":"Triathlon\'s blue riband event"}The Dead Sea ultra marathon is a 48.7km run with a difference as competitors go from a starting point over 900m above sea level in Amman to finish at the Dead Sea at 400m below sea level. Heat is a major inhibiting factor in this endurance test. cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList[cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList.length] = {"currentPicture":false,"x":24,"y":1,"pos":11,"title":"Dead Sea test"}The Swedish archipelago is the setting for the Otillo, which sees teams of two swim 10km and run 54km over the course of 14 hours. The cold water is continually entered and exited and many choose to swim in their shoes, even wearing a rucksack, and run in wetsuits.

cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList[cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList.length] = {"currentPicture":false,"x":24,"y":1,"pos":12,"title":"Chill factor"}The Cape Epic in South Africa is one of the most famous mountain bike races in the world with teams of two competing over 966km of terrain over six stages with massive climbs and daunting terrain.

cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList[cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList.length] = {"currentPicture":false,"x":24,"y":1,"pos":13,"title":"Mountain bike epic"}Alpine climbing is the order of the day in the La Haute Route which starts in Geneva and finishes in Nice. Competitors can expect to ride around 730km over seven stages, with up to 17,000m of ascent. Many of the classic cols of the Tour de France are tackled on the way.



cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList[cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList.length] = {"currentPicture":false,"x":24,"y":1,"pos":14,"title":"Height of endurance"}The start of the annual Comrades Marathon -- a famous ultra distance running race -- which sees over 12,000 runners tackle the 89.2km from Durban to Pietermaritzburg in South Africa. cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList[cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList.length] = {"currentPicture":false,"x":24,"y":1,"pos":15,"title":"Comrades on foot"}Himalayan experienceDesert challengeAlpine wondersIn the footsteps of ScottHard core ultra distance Triple testAmazonian featsPatagonian adventureRace Across AmericaTriathlon's blue riband eventDead Sea testChill factorMountain bike epicHeight of enduranceComrades on footHIDE CAPTION<<<123456789101112131415>>>World's toughest endurance challengesEvent.observe(window, 'load', function() {//report the first gallery image to ADBPif(typeof(cnn_adbptrackpgalimg) == 'function' && typeof(cnnArticleGallery) != 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"the colors and vibrancy of Istanbul provided us with a great backdrop," producers said.cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList[cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList.length] = {"currentPicture":true,"x":24,"y":2,"pos":1,"title":"Istanbul"}The Seven Mile Bridge in the Florida Keys pops up throughout 1989's "Licence to Kill."cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList[cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList.length] = {"currentPicture":false,"x":24,"y":2,"pos":2,"title":"Key West, Florida"}The Thunderball Grotto in the Exuma Cays of the Bahamas was a filming location for "Never Say Never Again" (1983) and for the Tom Hanks-Daryl Hannah film "Splash" (1984).cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList[cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList.length] = {"currentPicture":false,"x":24,"y":2,"pos":3,"title":"The Bahamas"}As Bond, Roger Moore chased Grace Jones up the Eiffel Tower in 1985's "A View to a Kill."cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList[cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList.length] = {"currentPicture":false,"x":24,"y":2,"pos":4,"title":"Paris"}Known for its stunning alpine views, the Piz Gloria restaurant at the top of Schilthorn in Switzerland is featured in "On Her Majesty's Secret Service" (1969). cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList[cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList.length] = {"currentPicture":false,"x":24,"y":2,"pos":5,"title":"Schilthorn, Switzerland"}The Bregenz Festival production of Tosca, with its startling open-eye backdrop, featured prominently in 2008's "Quantum of Solace."cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList[cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList.length] = {"currentPicture":false,"x":24,"y":2,"pos":6,"title":"Bregenz, Austria"}Auyuittuq National Park, home to Mount Asgard, was the site of Bond's BASE-jumping in "Never Say Never Again."cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList[cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList.length] = {"currentPicture":false,"x":24,"y":2,"pos":7,"title":"Nunavut, Canada"}IstanbulKey West, FloridaThe BahamasParisSchilthorn, SwitzerlandBregenz, AustriaNunavut, CanadaHIDE CAPTION<<<1234567>>>007 destination ideasEvent.observe(window, 'load', function() {//report the first gallery image to ADBPif(typeof(cnn_adbptrackpgalimg) == 'function' && typeof(cnnArticleGallery) != 'undefined') {cnn_adbptrackpgalimg(cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList[0].image, "Val d'Isere's roll call of skiing champions");}});"The great advantage of the Criterium is to be the first event in Europe," said Perret, who wrote a book marking its 50th anniversary.

"It is a different pressure for the athletes who come from North America. There are 20 or 30 races in the season but Val d'Isere, like Itteville or Wengen, are special.

"It is a little different than winning in other places. Like in tennis if you win Wimbledon or Roland Garros, it's much more important than winning in any other regular tournament. All the great skiers from the last 50 years have won in Val d'Isere."

The special aura that distinguishes Val d'Isere from its many competitors relates directly to its humble roots.

A single, perilous path was all that used to connect the village, tucked away near the border with Italy, to the nearest town 19 miles away where its inhabitants used to trek to sell their molded blue cheeses.

"The village plus the ski resort combines to create that special atmosphere," says Val d'Isere tourism official Jane Jacquemod, whose daughter Ingrid competed in the 2002 and 2006 Winter Olympics.

"We have families who have been here for generations; you get the farmer who has his stable of cows more or less in the middle of the village, rubbing noses with the five-star hotels."

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