Val d’Isere is a ski resort in the Savoie region in the French Alps, near the Italian border with good transport links in and out of Lyon, Geneva and Chambery. It has been the venue for numerous sports events such as the 1992 Winter Olympics, World Championships and World cup alpine events.
There is terrain for all skill levels and abilities including slopes for children and beginners. Youngsters can enjoy rides on a travelator, an enclosed magic carpet from the top of a gondola, in order to access a gentle high-altitude downhill slope, so even beginner skiers can enjoy the thrill and the scenic views.
The altitude, coupled with heavy snowfall and Europe’s largest snow-making capacity means a long ski season in Val d’Isère. The snow coverage tends to be one of the best in Europe. It is possible to be skiing on the Val d’Isere’s Glacier du Grand Pisaillas through June or even July due to its elevation of 3203m. However, due to the warmer temperatures and poor snow cover, the snow conditions did not allow the operation of the slopes and ski lifts for the opening of the 2022 summer skiing.
Val d’Isere’s most famous piste is La Face de Bellevarde. A black-rated piste that is renowned for its steepness and technical challenge and is just under 3km long. It has a vertical descent of 959m, an altitude of 2908m and a gradient of 5% to 71%.
The Espace Killy ski area, now also known as Tignes-Val d’Isère, offers 300km of ski terrain and links the iconic resorts of Val d’Isère and neighbouring Tignes.
This forms the Espace Killy ski area, named after the Olympic triple gold medal winner, Jean-Claude Killy, who grew up in Val d’Isère. In this region which is renowned for its extensive and challenging skiing, are 155 runs of varying degrees of difficulty covering a total distance of 300km and extending between altitudes of 1550m and 3450m.
Its vast span across the French Alps means that there is something for every skier, or non-skier alike, to enjoy on a winter getaway. Between the two ski resorts is a huge selection of boutique hotels, beautiful chalets and luxury five-star properties. For lovers of aprés-ski, there is a great party atmosphere and impressive nightlife, making it the perfect destination for groups.
Located in the middle of a valley at the foot of the mountains, Val d’Isère is an authentic mountain village full of authentic charm, with its chocolate-box chalets and high-end luxury hotels. In the centre are a fine Baroque church and a cluster of cosy chalets built in traditional style using stone, wood and slate. This gives the resort an authentic and welcoming atmosphere. A number of the chalets are ski-in and ski-out, but wherever you choose to stay there is a regular free bus service during the day and evening for getting to and from the slopes and about the resort.
There is plenty to do both on and off the pistes. Take a stroll through the village, do a bit of shopping in the high-end boutiques, enjoy a spa or visit the cinema. Meet up with friends and linger over a coffee or hot chocolate in one of the numerous enticing cafes and drink in the lively atmosphere.
Val d’Isere, being so close to the Italian and Swiss borders, is also known for its mix of restaurants, from sushi to Italian, first-class French specialities and the more traditional mountain foods with plenty of melted cheese dishes including fondue, raclette and tartiflette.
Val d’Isere is home to the world’s most famous skiing day club, La Folie Douce. The most famous mountain clubbing hotspot in the Alps. This iconic apres-ski venue is situated at the top of the Daille cable car, perched amongst the peaks at a height of 2400m. Known for its quality entertainment and wild parties it is a haven for the young and young at heart as boot-clad revellers dance the evening away to live music, DJs, dancers, performers and light displays.
Other Winter Activities in Val d’Isere
Other winter activities include walking trails, ice skating, husky dog sledding and cross-country skiing while ice skating rinks in Val d’Isere centre can keep the whole family entertained.
The Col de L’Iseran, the highest paved pass in the Alps, is a mountain pass that is part of the Routes des Grandes Alpes and is a popular cycle route in summer. The Col de L’Iseran was first used in the Tour de France bicycle race in 1938. Val d’Isere offers challenging mountain roads to cycle while enjoying the stunning scenery.
Mountain biking is popular in the summer months with lift access from Val d’Isere to Tignes with varying terrain and fantastic views to suit bikers of all levels. You are able to book a private guide to show you around the local trails.
The Vanoise National park is located in the heart o the Savoie region, bordering Val d’Isere. It stretches over 53000 hectares where you can find a stunning mountain landscape with lakes and vegetation. There are more than 100 bird species in the protected area. Birds of prey include bearded vultures, golden eagles and Eurasian eagle owls. Other birds to be found in the park include black woodpeckers, nutcrackers and black grouses.
Val d’Isere is a great place for rock climbers
Experienced climbers can tackle the mountainside rock and enjoy some fantastic views. Beginners are able to learn techniques and skills from well-trained mountain guides. If you prefer to climb indoors, the sports centre in Val d’Isere has seven routes graded from 5a to 6c on its 12m vertical indoor climbing wall.
Panoramic helicopter flights are available in Val d’Isere where you can relax and enjoy the stunning surroundings as you fly over the snow-capped mountains, alpine forests and glaciers.
There are a few local lakes and small rivers in Val d’Isere where you can enjoy fishing in the alpine scenery. Some of the famous are the L’Ouillette or the La Sassiere lakes for trout fishing.
Airport Transfer times to Val d’Isere
Chambery airport transfer time is 1 hour 55 minutes
Lyon airport transport time is 2 hours 36 minutes
Geneva airport transfer time is 2 hours 40 minutes
For more information visit: www.valdisere.com
